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When the potential difference between the plates of a capacitor is increased by \(3.25 \mathrm{V},\) the magnitude of the charge on each plate increases by \(13.5 \mu \mathrm{C}\). What is the capacitance of this capacitor?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The capacitance is approximately 4.15 µF.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Formula

Capacitance \(C\) is defined as the charge \(Q\) stored per unit potential difference \(V\). The formula is \(C = \frac{Q}{V}\). We need to find \(C\), given that \(\Delta Q = 13.5 \mu \text{C}\) and \(\Delta V = 3.25 \text{V}\).
02

Convert Units

Convert the microcoulombs into coulombs for consistency. So, \(13.5 \mu \text{C} = 13.5 \times 10^{-6} \text{C}\).
03

Apply the Formula

Use the formula for capacitance: \(C = \frac{\Delta Q}{\Delta V}\), where \(\Delta Q = 13.5 \times 10^{-6} \text{C}\) and \(\Delta V = 3.25 \text{V}\).
04

Calculate Capacitance

Substitute the values into the formula: \[ C = \frac{13.5 \times 10^{-6}}{3.25} \approx 4.15 \times 10^{-6} \text{F}. \]
05

Express in Microfarads

Since \(1 \text{F} = 10^6 \mu \text{F}\), convert to microfarads: \(4.15 \times 10^{-6} \text{F} = 4.15 \mu \text{F}\).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Potential Difference
In the study of capacitance, the potential difference is a crucial concept. It refers to the difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit. When it comes to a capacitor, these two points are typically the two plates.

As the potential difference between the plates increases, it creates a larger electric field, allowing more charge to be stored. It's like stretching a rubber band: the more you stretch it, the more energy it can store. Similarly, the greater the potential difference, the more charge a capacitor can hold.

Potential difference is measured in volts (V), and understanding how it influences other values, like charge and capacitance, is essential in solving related problems.
Charge in Capacitors
Charge ( \( Q \) ) in capacitors refers to the amount of electric charge stored on each plate of the capacitor. This is directly related to the potential difference across the plates and the capacitance of the capacitor itself.

The more charge a capacitor stores, the more electrical energy it holds, which can be used later in the circuit.

The relationship between charge and potential difference is given by the formula: \( C = \frac{Q}{V} \) , where \( C \) is the capacitance, \( Q \) is the charge, and \( V \) is the potential difference.

In the given problem, when the potential difference across the capacitor plates increases, the charge also increases by \( 13.5 \mu C \) , illustrating this direct relationship.
Unit Conversion Basics
Unit conversion is a fundamental skill in physics that ensures consistency and accuracy, particularly when using formulas. In this exercise, we're dealing with microcoulombs ( \( \mu C \) ) and coulombs (C), as well as converting between farads (F) and microfarads ( \( \mu F \) ).

A microcoulomb ( \( \mu C \) ) is \( 10^{-6} \) of a coulomb, which means you must multiply the micro value by \( 10^{-6} \) to convert it to coulombs. For example, \( 13.5 \mu C = 13.5 \times 10^{-6} C \).

Likewise, when calculating capacitance, you might start with a value in farads. But because capacitors often use much smaller values, converting farads to microfarads ( \( \mu F \) , where \( 1 F = 10^6 \mu F \) ) can be more practical and easier to understand.

These conversions are key to applying the capacitance formula correctly and understanding the relation between charge, potential difference, and capacitance.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Find the electric energy density between the plates of a \(225 \cdot \mu F\) parallel-plate capacitor. The potential difference between the plates is \(345 \mathrm{V}\), and the plate separation is \(0.223 \mathrm{mm}\).

A parallel-plate capacitor has plates with an area of \(405 \mathrm{cm}^{2}\) and an air-filled gap between the plates that is \(2.25 \mathrm{mm}\) thick. The capacitor is charged by a battery to \(575 \mathrm{V}\) and then is disconnected from the battery. (a) How much energy is stored in the capacitor? (b) The separation between the plates is now increased to \(4.50 \mathrm{mm}\). How much energy is stored in the capacitor now? (c) How much work is required to increase the separation of the plates from \(2.25 \mathrm{mm}\) to \(4.50 \mathrm{mm}\) ? Explain your reasoning.

Two point charges are placed on the \(x\) axis. The charge \(+2 q\) is at \(x=1.5 \mathrm{m},\) and the charge \(-q\) is at \(x=-1.5 \mathrm{m}\). (a) There is a point on the \(x\) axis between the two charges where the electric potential is zero. Where is this point? (b) The electric potential also vanishes at a point in one of the following regions: region \(1, x\) between \(1.5 \mathrm{m}\) and \(5.0 \mathrm{m} ;\) region \(2, x\) between \(-1.5 \mathrm{m}\) and \(-3.0 \mathrm{m} ;\) region \(3, x\) between \(-3.5 \mathrm{m}\) and \(-5.0 \mathrm{m} .\) Identify the appropriate region. (c) Find the value of \(x\) referred to in part (b).

Point charges \(+4.1 \mu C\) and \(-2.2 \mu C\) are placed on the \(x\) axis at \((11 \mathrm{m}, 0)\) and \((-11 \mathrm{m}, 0),\) respectively. (a) Sketch the electric potential on the \(x\) axis for this system. (b) Your sketch should show one point on the \(x\) axis between the two charges where the potential vanishes. Is this point closer to the \(+4.1-\mu \mathrm{C}\) charge or closer to the \(-2.2-\mu \mathrm{C}\) charge? Explain. (c) Find the point referred to in part (b).

To operate a given flash lamp requires a charge of \(32 \mu C .\) What capacitance is needed to store this much charge in a capacitor with a potential difference between its plates of \(9.0 \mathrm{V} ?\)

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