A parallel-plate capacitor consists of two square plates 18 Cm on a side, spaced 0.50 mm apart with only air between them. What is the maximum energy that can be stored by the capacitor?
To find the maximum energy stored by the capacitor, you need to use the capacitance formula and calculate the electric field energy.
The capacitance (C) of a parallel-plate capacitor is given by the formula:
C = (ε₀ * A) / d
where:
- C is the capacitance
- ε₀ is the permittivity of free space (ε₀ = 8.85 x 10^-12 F/m)
- A is the area of one plate (in square meters)
- d is the separation distance between the plates (in meters)
First, convert the given dimensions to meters:
- Side length of the square plate = 18 cm = 0.18 m
- Separation distance between the plates = 0.50 mm = 0.0005 m
Next, calculate the area of one plate:
A = (side length)^2 = (0.18 m)^2
Now, substitute the values into the capacitance formula:
C = (ε₀ * A) / d
Finally, once you have found the capacitance, you can calculate the maximum energy (E) stored by the capacitor using the energy formula:
E = (1/2) * C * V^2
where:
- E is the energy stored by the capacitor
- C is the capacitance
- V is the voltage applied to the capacitor
Since the problem does not provide the voltage, you cannot calculate the exact maximum energy stored by the capacitor without this information.
Figure capacitance. Use your formula.
Then figure the maximum voltage that can be on the plates in dry air (consider breakdown voltage of air, and spacing).
Then, Energy= 1/2 C V^2
Let me know if you have a problem on this.