The potential difference in a capacitor with dielectric

AI Thread Summary
Two identical capacitors in parallel are charged by a battery and then isolated. When one capacitor is filled with a dielectric material of relative permittivity E, the potential difference across its plates changes. The charge remains constant, and the new voltage is derived from the resultant capacitance, leading to the formula V' = 2V / (E + 1). The discussion clarifies that isolating the circuit means it remains closed, requiring consideration of both capacitors in calculations. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving capacitor-related problems in physics.
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Homework Statement



Two identical capacitors are connected in parallel, charged by a battery ov Voltage V, and then isolated from the battery. One of the capacitors is then filled with a material of relative permittivety E.

Homework Equations



What is the final potential difference across it's plates?

The Attempt at a Solution



Potential difference?

Q = Charge

2C in parallel

Q1 = C1V
Q2 = C2V

C1=C2=C

Q=Q1+Q2 = CV+CV=2CV (on each capacitor)

Q=2C0V -> C0 =( Q / (2V) )

The battery is removed, one capacitor is filled with dielectric with relative permittivety E.

C = EC0

Q = CfVf = CiVi

Vf = (Ci/Cf)*Vi = (CiVi)/Cf = (2C0V)/EC0 = 2V/E

The correct solution should look like: (2V)/(E+1)
 
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The sum of the charge on both capacitors stays the same as before: Q=2VCo, but the new resultant capacitance is (E+1)Co, so the new voltage is V'= Q/Cresultant= 2VCo/((E+1)Co)

ehild
 
ehild said:
The sum of the charge on both capacitors stays the same as before: Q=2VCo, but the new resultant capacitance is (E+1)Co, so the new voltage is V'= Q/Cresultant= 2VCo/((E+1)Co)

ehild

So what they mean by isolating the circuit from the battery is that it still remains a closed circuit, hence we have to take both capacitors into account when solving this?
 
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