How to Calculate Voltage for a Capacitor Charged by a Constant Current?

In summary, voltage is a measure of electric potential energy per unit charge in an electric field, often described as the "pressure" or "force" driving electric current. It is directly proportional to electric potential and is typically measured in volts (V), with the formula V = -∫E•dr used to calculate it using an integral. Practical applications of finding voltage through an integral include circuit design and analysis as well as determining the electric potential of charged objects.
  • #1
kari7921
2
0
1.
The question asks, to what voltage would a 60-microfarad capacitor be charged by a 6mA current lasting 10 seconds?


2.
I used this formula, V=1/C ∫i dt
but I'm not sure how to solve the integral.
Thanks for any help
 
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  • #2
Your integral looks good. You just need to integrate the current with respect to time and multiply by 1/C.

Note the problem does not state that the initial voltage across the capacitor is zero.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
If I did this correctly, I got a very nice even number - VERY even.
 

FAQ: How to Calculate Voltage for a Capacitor Charged by a Constant Current?

What is the definition of voltage?

Voltage is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge in an electric field. It is often described as the "pressure" or "force" that drives electric current.

How is voltage related to electric potential?

Voltage is directly proportional to electric potential, with the constant of proportionality being the amount of charge. This means that an increase in voltage will result in an increase in electric potential, and vice versa.

What is the unit of measurement for voltage?

Voltage is typically measured in volts (V) in the SI system, named after the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. In some cases, it may also be measured in millivolts (mV) or kilovolts (kV).

How is voltage calculated using an integral?

Voltage can be calculated by taking the integral of the electric field strength over a specific distance. This integral is represented by the formula V = -∫E•dr, where E is the electric field and dr is the infinitesimal distance over which the integral is taken.

What are some practical applications of finding voltage using an integral?

One practical application is in the design and analysis of electric circuits. By finding the voltage at different points in a circuit using an integral, engineers can ensure that the circuit functions properly and safely. Another application is in determining the electric potential of a charged object, which can have implications in fields such as electrochemistry and materials science.

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