Question

The parallel plates in a capacitor, with a plate area of 7.90 cm2 and an air-filled separation of 2.70 mm, are charged by a 7.90 V battery. They are then disconnected from the battery and pulled apart (without discharge) to a separation of 8.80 mm. Neglecting fringing, find (a) the potential difference between the plates, (b) the initial stored energy, (c) the final stored energy, and (d) the work required to separate the plates.

Answer 1

Answer:

A) 26V

Explanation:

(a) the potential difference between the plates

Initial capacitance can be calculated using below expresion

C1= A ε0/ d1

Where d1= distance between = 2.70 mm= 2.70× 10^-3 m

ε0= permittivity of space= 8.85× 10^-12 Fm^-1

A= area of the plate = 7.90 cm2 = 7.90 ×10^-4 m^2

If we substitute the values we

C1= A ε0/ d1

=( 7.90 ×10^-4 × 8.85× 10^-12 )/2.70× 10^-3

C1=2.589 ×10^-12 F= 2.59 pF

Initial charge can be determined using below expresion

q1= C1 × V1

V1=2.589 ×10^-12 F

V1= voltage=7.90 V

If we substitute we have

q1= 2.589 ×10^-12 × 7.90

q1= 20.45×10^-12C

20.45 pC

Final capacitance can be calculated as

C2= A ε0/ d2

d2=8.80 mm= /8.80× 10^-3

7.90 ×10^-4 × 8.85× 10^-12 )/8.80× 10^-3

C1=0.794 ×10^-12 F= 0.794 pF

Final charge= initial charge

q2=q1 (since the battery is disconnected)

q2=q1= 20.45 pC

Final potential difference

V2= q/C2

= 20.45/0.794

= 26V