Potential difference of a capacitor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the potential difference required for a capacitor in a defibrillator, given its capacitance and the energy to be delivered. The subject area includes concepts from electricity and capacitor energy storage.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various formulas related to capacitor energy, including the relationships between charge, capacitance, and potential difference. Questions arise regarding the correct application of these formulas and the conversion of units.

Discussion Status

Multiple approaches have been attempted, with some participants acknowledging previous errors in their reasoning. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct method to calculate the potential difference, with participants seeking clarification and assistance.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the need to convert capacitance to SI units and the specific energy requirement of 100 J, which may influence the calculations. Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations and the expected answer.

kbyws37
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A defibrillator is used to restart a person's heart after it stops beating. Energy is delivered to the heart by discharging a capacitor through the body tissues near the heart. If the capacitance of the defibrillator is 8.00 µF and the energy delivered is to be 100 J, to what potential difference must the capacitor be charged?

I wasn't sure how to start this problem.
Would I need to use
U = qV
but where would the capacitance fit in?


thanks in advance
 
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EDIT: My original advice was misguided. Please see my next post.
 
Last edited:
I used the formula.
q = C\Delta V
q = (8)(100) = 800

Then I used the U = qV equation.
U = (800)(100J) = 80000

which is wrong. (It says the answer is 5.00 kV)
 
This is the correct way to do this problem. The previous method I gave you was incorrect, I'm sorry.
The energy stored in a capacitor is:

U_c=1/2C(\Delta V)^2

- If you want the energy delivered to be 100J, then the capacitor must store 100J!

Also, don't forget to convert the 8microfarads to SI.

Good Luck, and sorry about that!
 
Last edited:
It says that I am not getting the answer.
q = C\Delta V
q = (8.0 x 10^-6)(100J) = 8 x 10^-4

U = q\Delta V
100J = (8.0 x 10^-4) V
V = 125000
?

sorry that it's taking me awhile :)
 
I am trying this out and not getting the correct answer.
The answer should be 5.00 kV.
Can anyone help me please?
 
Did you see that I edited my posts with another way to do it? I'm sorry about before, I was wrong.
 

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