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3.1.5.     Capacitance  <CJ chap 19..5-19.7  > 

3.1.5.1. Discussion

3.1.5.1.1.     Given any two neutral conductors that are separated, say A and B,  then carry a charge Q from A to B

3.1.5.1.1.1. A potential difference of V volts between A and B will result from this action.

3.1.5.1.1.2. If 2Q, 3Q etc is moved from A to B then 2V, 3V etc will be the resulting voltage difference.

3.1.5.1.1.3. This constant ratio of Q/V depends upon the geometry and is defined as the capacitance C =Q/V

3.1.5.1.2.     Capacitors were the earliest methods of storing charge, voltage, and electrical energy.

3.1.5.1.3.     The unit of capacitance is the Farad (F) = Coulomb/Volt (Q/V)

 

3.1.5.2. Mathematical

3.1.5.2.1.     C = Q / V   <Farad (F) =  Coulomb / Volt >

3.1.5.2.2.     Of a parallel plate capacitor   C = q/V  = sA / (Ed) = sA / ((s/e0)d)  or C = e0 A/d

3.1.5.2.3.     Combinations of capacitors:

3.1.5.2.3.1. In parallel   Ctotal = C1 + C2 + …. Cn

3.1.5.2.3.2. In series      1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + …. 1/Cn

3.1.5.2.4.     Energy stored in a capacitor  W = ½  Q V  = ½ C V2

3.1.5.2.5.     Dielectric material

3.1.5.2.5.1. If a dielectric material is placed in a capacitor then  V=V0 /k      

3.1.5.2.5.2. Where  k = dielectric constant  k = 1 for vacuum or air, 3.7 paper, 80 water…

3.1.5.2.5.3. It follows that C = k C0

 

3.1.5.3. Advanced 

3.1.5.3.1.     Capacitance values for simple geometries:

3.1.5.3.1.1. A charged sphere of radius R:   C = 4peo R

3.1.5.3.1.2. Parallel plates of area A and separation d :   C = eo A /d

3.1.5.3.1.3. Cylindrical capacitor of length l and inner & outer radii a & b :  C = l / [2 k ln (b/a)]

3.1.5.3.1.4. Spherical capacitor of inner and outer radii a & b:  C = ab /[k (b-a)]