What is the correct voltage current eq. for a variable capacitance capacitor?

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SUMMARY

The correct voltage-current relationship for a variable capacitance capacitor is defined by the equation I = dQ(t)/dt = V(t) * dC(t)/dt + C(t) * dV(t)/dt. This equation accounts for the time-varying capacitance, C(t), which is influenced by the distance between the capacitor plates, d(t). The standard equation i(t) = C * dv/dt applies only when capacitance is constant. Understanding this relationship is crucial for analyzing circuits involving variable capacitors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor fundamentals, including capacitance and charge.
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically differentiation.
  • Knowledge of electrical circuit analysis techniques.
  • Basic understanding of variable capacitance concepts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the equation Q(t) = C(t)V(t) for variable capacitors.
  • Learn about the implications of time-varying capacitance in circuit design.
  • Explore practical applications of variable capacitors in electronic circuits.
  • Investigate the effects of mechanical adjustments on capacitance and circuit behavior.
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Electrical engineers, circuit designers, and students studying advanced capacitor applications will benefit from this discussion, particularly those working with variable capacitance in experimental setups.

simplex
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What is the correct voltage - current equation for a variable capacitance capacitor?

If the capacitor has a fix value, C, then the following expression holds:

i(t)=C*dv/dt,

where i is the current that charges the capacitor and v the voltage across it.

If C=C(t) then i(t)=C(t)*dv/dt ?!.
Something tells me that this formula is wrong. I am not sure 100% but it looks wrong.


What I need is the correct relation between i(t) and v(t) when C=C(t).
Can I get some help from you?
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Description of the problem in detail:

I have a capacitor whose capacitance, C is a function of time, t. More precisely, the distance between its plates is varied in time, by a mechanical device, according to a known law d=d(t) where d(t) is a function of t only and does not depend of the voltage, current, etc.

As d=d(t) and C=eps*S/d, also C=C(t). So, I can say that I have a capacitor whose capacitance changes in time according to a known, given function, independent of the voltage, current and other electrical parameters and dependent only of the time, t.

This variable capacitor is part of a circuit and as long as I do not know the current - voltage equation of it, I can not go further to analyze the behavior of the circuit which I need for an experiment.
 
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simplex said:
If the capacitor has a fix value, C, then the following expression holds:

i(t)=C*dv/dt,

where i is the current that charges the capacitor and v the voltage across it.

If C=C(t) then i(t)=C(t)*dv/dt ?!.
Something tells me that this formula is wrong. I am not sure 100% but it looks wrong.


What I need is the correct relation between i(t) and v(t) when C=C(t).

The important equation here is:

Q(t) = C(t)V(t)

So,

[tex]I = \frac{dQ(t)}{dt} = V(t)\frac{dC(t)}{dt}+C(t)\frac{dV(t)}{dt}[/tex]
 

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