Where Does the Extra Energy in a Capacitor Come From?

In summary, a capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy by accumulating opposite charges on two conductors separated by an insulating material. It creates an electric field between its two conductors, storing energy in the form of potential difference or voltage. The energy stored in a capacitor is directly proportional to the applied voltage, and can be released when connected to a circuit. The capacitance, which measures a capacitor's ability to store charge, directly affects the amount of energy that can be stored.
  • #1
Ajay.makhecha
10
0
A capacitor is connected to a battery. If a person pulls the plate to increase the distance by 2d the decrease in energy between the plates is E. We observe energy gained by battery is 2E. From where does extra energy E come from.?
 
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  • #2
Ajay.makhecha said:
From where does extra energy E come from.?
Where do you think it came from. Can you think of any quantity that is equal to the change in energy?
 
  • #3
i think extra E came because of work done by external force
 
  • #4
Yes, exactly!
 

What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy by accumulating opposite charges on two conductors separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric.

How does a capacitor store energy?

A capacitor stores energy by creating an electric field between its two conductors. When a voltage is applied, one of the conductors accumulates positive charges, while the other accumulates negative charges. This creates a potential difference, or voltage, between the two conductors and stores energy in the electric field.

What is the relationship between voltage and energy in a capacitor?

The energy stored in a capacitor is directly proportional to the voltage applied. This means that doubling the voltage will double the energy stored, while halving the voltage will halve the energy stored.

Can a capacitor release energy?

Yes, a capacitor can release energy when it is connected to a circuit. When the circuit is closed, the stored charges in the capacitor will flow from one conductor to the other, releasing the stored energy as electrical current.

How does the capacitance affect the energy stored in a capacitor?

The capacitance, which is a measure of a capacitor's ability to store charge, directly affects the amount of energy that can be stored in a capacitor. Higher capacitance means a higher amount of charge can be stored, resulting in more energy being stored.

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