Calculating Capacitance for a Light-Bulb and Capacitor Circuit

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the capacitance needed to keep a light-bulb glowing for more than 10 seconds, given its resistance and maximum voltage. The conversation mentions using Ohm's Law and the equation I(t) = I_o e^{\frac{-t}{RC}} to find the current and charge, and ultimately solve for the capacitance.
  • #1
A90
4
0

Homework Statement


Imagine that you have a light-bulb that has a resistance of about 10 Ω
and that can tolerate a maximum voltage of 3 V. Imagine that you want to connect this to a charged capacitor large enough to keep the bulb glowing reasonably brightly for more than 10s. Roughly what should the capacitor's capacitance be?

Homework Equations


I=(dQ)/(dt)
R=([tex]\Delta\phi[/tex])/(I)
C=(Q)/([tex]\Delta\phi[/tex])

The Attempt at a Solution


It looks like I need to know something about the charge to solve this, or I need to cancel it out, but I can't seem to make any headway. How can I solve for the capacitance without Q? Am I missing something obvious?
 
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  • #2
You have Ohm's Law. You can use that to find the current (and therefore charge).
 
  • #3
Is that assuming dQ=Q and dt=10? I get:
I=(Δϕ)/R=dQ/dt
then, dQ=I*dt=(Δϕ*dt)/(R*Δϕ)=dt/R=1

The answer is supposed to be 1.4 F
 
  • #4
OK, for a discharging capacitor

[tex]I(t) = I_o e^{\frac{-t}{RC}} [/tex]

Do you recognize this equation?
 
  • #5
We have learned it with electric potential, rather than electric current, but I can see how one implies the other. With the data given I found I_0 (sorry, subscript keeps coming out as superscript- that is 'I naught') to be .3, but I'm not sure about I(t).
 

FAQ: Calculating Capacitance for a Light-Bulb and Capacitor Circuit

How does a light bulb work?

A light bulb works by using electrical energy to heat a thin filament inside the bulb. As the filament heats up, it emits light and produces the glow that we see.

What is capacitance?

Capacitance is the ability of a system to store electrical charge. It is measured in units called farads and is determined by the size, shape, and material of the system.

How does capacitance affect the performance of a light bulb?

Capacitance can affect the performance of a light bulb by impacting the flow of electrical current. If the capacitance is too high, it can cause the light bulb to flicker or dim. If it is too low, it can cause the bulb to burn out quickly.

What is the relationship between capacitance and voltage in a light bulb?

The relationship between capacitance and voltage in a light bulb is inverse. This means that as the voltage increases, the capacitance decreases, and vice versa. This is because as the voltage increases, the electrical charge is pushed through the circuit more quickly, reducing the amount of charge that can be stored in the capacitor.

Can a light bulb be used as a capacitor?

No, a light bulb cannot be used as a capacitor. While both a light bulb and a capacitor can store electrical energy, they do so in different ways. A light bulb stores energy as light and heat, while a capacitor stores energy in an electric field between two conductive plates.

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