Sub-units micro-farad and pico-farad

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationship between voltage and energy stored in a capacitor, specifically when the potential difference is doubled. It also touches on the definitions of capacitance and its sub-units, micro-farad and pico-farad.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the equation relating voltage, charge, and capacitance, while questioning how changes in voltage affect stored energy. There is also an inquiry into the definitions of capacitance and its sub-units.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing equations and others clarifying misunderstandings about the relationship between voltage and energy. There is a recognition of the squared relationship in the energy equation, leading to further exploration of how energy changes with voltage.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the initial problem statement and the relevant equations, indicating a need for clearer definitions and understanding of concepts related to capacitance and energy storage.

natural
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1. Homework Statement [/b]
If the p.d across a capacitor is doubled, by what factor does the ehnergy stored change?

Define the farad, the unit of capacitance. Explain the commonly used sub-units micro-farad and pico-farad.
 
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What have you done so far? Show your work. What equation might be useful for question #1?
 
V = Q/C ? i don't really undersatnd the question
 
natural said:
V = Q/C ? i don't really undersatnd the question

That's not an equation for energy. You want U=(1/2)CV^2 where U is the stored energy, C is the capacitance, and V is the potential difference.

It's asking if the potential difference is doubled, how much does the energy stored in the capacitor change. So using that equation, if you double V, what happens to U?
 
ooh ok U doubles
 
natural said:
ooh ok U doubles

NO, look more closely. It's V squared, right?
 
increase by 4?
 
That's better.
 

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