Plates of capacitors and dielectric constant

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electric charge on the plates of capacitors when a dielectric material is introduced. Participants explore the relationship between charge, capacitance, and voltage in both isolated and connected capacitor scenarios, focusing on the implications of inserting a dielectric.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference the formula for charge on capacitor plates, Q=CV, and its adaptation to Q=C'V' when a dielectric is inserted.
  • One participant emphasizes that the charge Q remains constant if the capacitor is isolated, meaning no external charge can enter or leave the plates.
  • Another participant confirms the initial claim about charge conservation and the effect of dielectrics on capacitance and voltage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the principle that the charge remains constant in an isolated capacitor when a dielectric is introduced, although the implications of this in different scenarios are not fully resolved.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions about the capacitor being isolated are critical to the discussion, and the implications of being connected to a circuit are not fully explored.

gracy
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In my textbook it is written that
Electric charge on plates of capacitors (without dielectric ) is Q=CV
And when dielectric is inserted in the space between plates of capacitors .charge Q remains the same whereas values of C and V change.
i.e Q=C'V'
is it correct?
 
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gracy said:
In my textbook it is written that
Electric charge on plates of capacitors (without dielectric ) is Q=CV
And when dielectric is inserted in the space between plates of capacitors .charge Q remains the same whereas values of C and V change.
i.e Q=C'V'
is it correct?
Yes.
Do you know conservation of charges?
You might have studied in electrostatics?
 
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Yes, provided that the capacitor is isolated (i.e. not connected to a circuit) so no charge can enter or leave the plates.
 
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Raghav Gupta said:
Yes.
jtbell said:
Yes, provided that the capacitor is isolated (i.e. not connected to a circuit) so no charge can enter or leave the plates.
Thanks a lot for quick reply.
 
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