Battery and potential difference

In summary, the potential difference between the plates of a parallel plate air gap capacitor increases as the plates are pulled apart. This is because the distance between the plates increases, resulting in an increase in resistance and the potential difference. The battery's role is to move electrons between the plates, but without it, the potential difference still increases due to the change in distance. This is in accordance with the formula for voltage, which is related to charge, distance, and area of the plates.
  • #1
thisisfudd
56
0
A battery fully charges a parallel plate air gap capacitor. The battery is removed and the plates are pulled apart. What happens to the potential difference between the plates as they are being separated?

So I guess resistance and I operate over a certain length. So the length is increasing, so that means resistance and length increase, so potential difference increases? Is this correct logic?
 
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  • #2
What resistance? caps should have infinate resistance between the plates. There is an equation relating charge to the distance between the plates isn't there?
 
  • #3
Well if the electric field stays the same and distance increases than electric potential would increase. A batterys job is simply to move electrons from one plate to another basically, so with no battery connected no electrons could be moved from each plate to make up for the change in distance and the potential would increase, correct?
 
  • #4
The Potential would increase, as work is required to move the plates apart.

Claude.
 
  • #5
When you think capacitance you involve capactiance concepts when trhe question asks about the potential difference between the two plates!

i believe you have a formula for the voltage across two plates in a parallel plate capacitor whjich is related to the charge, distance and area of the two plates. Since you only change one thing d (distance between the plates) V will change accordingly
 

FAQ: Battery and potential difference

What is a battery?

A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. It consists of one or more electrochemical cells that are connected together to provide a source of electrical power.

How does a battery work?

A battery works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy through a chemical reaction. The battery has two terminals - a positive terminal and a negative terminal. When a circuit is connected between these two terminals, the chemical reaction inside the battery produces a flow of electrons, creating an electric current.

What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and represents the amount of energy required to move one unit of charge from one point to another.

How is potential difference related to battery?

A battery provides a potential difference between its two terminals, which is necessary for the flow of electric current. The potential difference of a battery is determined by the chemical reactions happening inside it and the materials used to make its electrodes.

What factors affect the potential difference of a battery?

The potential difference of a battery is affected by factors such as the type of materials used in its electrodes, the concentration of electrolytes, and the temperature. The number of cells connected in a battery also affects its potential difference, as it increases with the addition of cells in series.

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