Calculating Potential Difference in Suspended Capacitor

In summary, the problem involves a small charged object suspended between the plates of a capacitor with a given plate separation. The task is to find the potential difference between the plates when the object is at an angle. To solve this, we need to consider the relationship between voltage and electric field, as well as the equations for force on the charged mass due to the electric field and the force of gravity on the mass.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A small object of mass m carries charge q and is suspended by a thread between the vertical plates of a capacitor. The plate separation is d. If the thread makes an angle [tex]\theta[/tex] with the vertical, what is the potential difference between the plates.

Homework Equations



[tex]\Delta V=-Ed[/tex]
[tex]C\Delta V=q[/tex]
E = kq/r^2
C = e0*A/d

The Attempt at a Solution


I drew a free body diagram, but since the length of the thread isn't given, it doesn't appear to help.
I'm having a hard time finding a relationship between theta, m, d, and q. Any hints?
 
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  • #2
What is the relationship between the voltage on the plates and the electric field between them? What is the equation for the force on the charged mass due to the electric field? What is the force of gravity on the mass?
 
  • #3
Got it now, thanks
 

1. What is voltage?

Voltage is a measure of the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and is responsible for the movement of electric charges.

2. How is voltage related to capacitance?

Voltage and capacitance are inversely related. This means that as voltage increases, capacitance decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation C=Q/V, where C is capacitance, Q is charge, and V is voltage.

3. What is capacitance?

Capacitance is the ability of a circuit to store electric charge. It is measured in farads (F) and is determined by the physical characteristics of the circuit, such as the distance between conductors and the dielectric material between them.

4. How does capacitance affect the behavior of a circuit?

Capacitance can affect the behavior of a circuit in a few ways. It can cause a delay in the flow of current, as it takes time for the capacitor to charge and discharge. It can also act as a filter, allowing certain frequencies to pass through while blocking others.

5. How can capacitance be increased or decreased?

Capacitance can be increased by adding more surface area to the conductors or by decreasing the distance between them. It can be decreased by increasing the distance between conductors or by using a material with a lower dielectric constant.

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