Surface charge density and more, for a parallel plate cap.

C/m^2In summary, an air-filled capacitor with parallel plates of 7.60 cm2 and separated by 1.60 mm has a potential difference of 25.0 V applied to it. The electric field between the plates is 15625N/C. The surface charge density is 1187.5 nC/m^2 and the capacitance is 47.5 pF. These calculations may seem unfamiliar because the material may not have been covered in depth.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


An air-filled capacitor consists of two parallel plates, each with an area of 7.60 cm2, separated by a distance of 1.60 mm.
1. If a 25.0 V potential difference is applied to these plates, calculate the electric field between the plates.
2. What is the surface charge density?
3. What is the capacitance?

Homework Equations


field=kq/(r^2)
V=kq/r
so q = Vr/k

The Attempt at a Solution


1. field=kVr/kr^2=V/r=25/.0016=15625N/C (correct)
2. q/A=Vr/kA=25(.0016)/(k*.00076)=5.84795nC/m^2 (wrong by orders of magnitude)
3. C=epsilon*A/d=1(.00076)/.0016=47500000pF (orders of magnitude wrong)

(we seem to have been given a large amount of questions based on material that we didn't really cover very much if at all)

I feel like I should have the right answer based on the results of using these techniques in some of my other problems but seem to be wandering in the dark
Any help would be greatly appreciated
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
εo is not equal to 1.
So check the C value.
Surface charge density = Q/A = C*V/A =(εo*A/d)*V/A
 

Related to Surface charge density and more, for a parallel plate cap.

What is surface charge density?

Surface charge density is a measure of the amount of electric charge per unit area on the surface of a material. It is expressed in units of coulombs per square meter (C/m²).

How is surface charge density calculated?

The surface charge density can be calculated by dividing the total charge on the surface by the surface area. It can also be calculated by taking the derivative of the electric potential with respect to the surface area.

What is a parallel plate capacitor?

A parallel plate capacitor is a simple electronic component that consists of two parallel plates separated by a small distance and connected to a power source. It is used to store electric charge and energy.

How does surface charge density affect a parallel plate capacitor?

The surface charge density on the plates of a parallel plate capacitor determines the strength of the electric field between the plates. A higher surface charge density results in a stronger electric field and therefore a higher capacitance.

What factors can affect the surface charge density of a parallel plate capacitor?

The surface charge density of a parallel plate capacitor can be affected by the distance between the plates, the dielectric material between the plates, and the amount of charge on the plates. It can also be affected by external factors such as temperature and humidity.

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