Finding pressure on a dielectric between a capacitor

The field now is ## \frac{\sigma}{2\epsilon_0}## on each plate. In summary, the pressure increment in the water between the plates due to a constant voltage applied to a parallel plate capacitor is half of the induced charge density multiplied by the surface charge density divided by the permittivity of the medium.
  • #1
Titan97
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Homework Statement


A parallel plate capacitor was lowered into water in a horizontal position, with water filling up the gap between the plates (gap d=1.0mm). Then, a constant voltage V=200volt is applied to the capacitor. Find the increment of pressure in the water between the gap.

Homework Equations


F=qE

The Attempt at a Solution


IMG_20151204_150222_024.JPG


Let the slab represent water between the capacitor plates. On the left surface, the field due to the left plate is ##\frac{\sigma}{2\epsilon_0}## along negative x-axis and that due to the right plate is also ##\frac{\sigma}{2\epsilon_0}## along the same direction. Total field on one surface is ##\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}##.
Same force acts in opposite direction on the surface on the right.
This tends to expand the dielectric.

Let induced charge density on water be ##\sigma'##

Therefore, $$F=qE=\sigma'A\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}$$
And $$P=\sigma'\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}$$
But answer given is $$P=\frac{1}{2}\sigma'\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}$$

Where does the 1/2 come from?
 
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  • #2
The contribution to the total electric field on the surface due to the plate dipped in water is reduced k times as a dielectric that is water is present in between.
 

FAQ: Finding pressure on a dielectric between a capacitor

1. What is a dielectric and how does it affect the pressure on a capacitor?

A dielectric is a material that can be placed between the plates of a capacitor to increase its capacitance. It affects the pressure on a capacitor by reducing the electric field between the plates, thus decreasing the force exerted on the plates and lowering the overall pressure.

2. How do you calculate the pressure on a dielectric between a capacitor?

The pressure on a dielectric between a capacitor can be calculated using the formula P = ε0(E^2/2), where P is the pressure, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and E is the electric field strength between the plates of the capacitor.

3. What factors can influence the pressure on a dielectric between a capacitor?

The pressure on a dielectric between a capacitor can be influenced by several factors such as the distance between the plates, the dielectric constant of the material, and the voltage applied to the capacitor. The shape and size of the capacitor, as well as the type of dielectric used, can also affect the pressure.

4. How does the pressure on a dielectric change with increasing voltage?

The pressure on a dielectric between a capacitor increases with increasing voltage. This is because as the voltage increases, the electric field strength between the plates also increases, resulting in a greater force being exerted on the plates and a higher pressure on the dielectric.

5. Why is it important to consider the pressure on a dielectric when designing a capacitor?

The pressure on a dielectric is an important factor to consider when designing a capacitor because it can affect the overall performance and lifespan of the capacitor. If the pressure becomes too high, it can lead to breakdown of the dielectric material and ultimately cause the capacitor to fail. Proper consideration of pressure can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the capacitor.

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