- #1
Peter G.
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Hi,
So I am learning about parallel-plate capacitors.
The way my book puts it is that it is basically two parallel plates of opposite polarities, separated by a distance d. In order to establish that distance, work must be done and the energy is stored as electric potential energy.
From that description, I understand that the purpose of a capacitor is to store potential energy.
I then learn that a dielectric can increase the capacitance of a capacitor by decreasing the potential difference but, in the process, it diminishes the stored potential energy, according to the equation:
Energy = Q2/C
Why, then, is a dielectric used if it decreases the potential energy (what I thought as the function of the capacitor)? The purpose of a capacitor is to store more charge? There must be a connection I am not seeing.![Red Face :redface: :redface:](https://www.physicsforums.com/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/oldschool/redface.gif)
Can anyone elucidate me?
Thanks!
So I am learning about parallel-plate capacitors.
The way my book puts it is that it is basically two parallel plates of opposite polarities, separated by a distance d. In order to establish that distance, work must be done and the energy is stored as electric potential energy.
From that description, I understand that the purpose of a capacitor is to store potential energy.
I then learn that a dielectric can increase the capacitance of a capacitor by decreasing the potential difference but, in the process, it diminishes the stored potential energy, according to the equation:
Energy = Q2/C
Why, then, is a dielectric used if it decreases the potential energy (what I thought as the function of the capacitor)? The purpose of a capacitor is to store more charge? There must be a connection I am not seeing.
![Red Face :redface: :redface:](https://www.physicsforums.com/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/oldschool/redface.gif)
Can anyone elucidate me?
Thanks!