How to measure the charges stored in a capacitor when the plate space changes?

In summary, the subject lecturer needs help describing a method for measuring the amount of charges stored in a capacitor based on the spacing between the plates. There are various equations that can be used, but the speaker is unsure about dealing with different plate spacings. The speaker also mentions that charge is conserved and can be measured by the number of charged particles present. Finally, the speaker thanks the person who gave an explanation for why charge is not affected by voltage in a circuit.
  • #1
leo_ng
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1. Basically this was a question directed by my subject lecturer. He needs me to describe a method on how to measure the amount of charges stored versus the spacing between the plates of a capacitor.



2. There are many types of ways and equations to measure the amount of charges stored but I'am not sure how to do the same when dealing with different spacings between the plates of a capacitor.



3. Unfortunately, due to lack of research on this particular issue and lack of further knowledge, I haven't a clue on how to tackle the problem.
 
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  • #2
If you know the charge in a plate, and you move that plate away or toward the other plate, the charge does not change. This is because charge is conserved, because charge is a measure of the number of charged particles that are present in the object.

EDIT: If you don't know the charge to begin with but you are suppose to figure it out from other given things, then there are some simple equations you can use. start here:

[tex]C= Q/V[/tex]

[tex]E = \frac{1}{2} * C * V^2
[/tex]
 
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  • #3
Oh now I see it, all this while after some reading I was kinda wondering why wasn't the charge affected when voltage is supplied to the circuit. Thanks for the answer.
 

FAQ: How to measure the charges stored in a capacitor when the plate space changes?

How does the distance between the plates affect the charge stored in a capacitor?

The distance between the plates of a capacitor directly affects the capacitance, which is a measure of the amount of charge that can be stored. As the distance between the plates decreases, the capacitance increases and more charge can be stored. Conversely, as the distance increases, the capacitance decreases and less charge can be stored.

What is the equation for calculating the charge stored in a capacitor?

The equation for calculating the charge stored in a capacitor is Q = CV, where Q is the charge, C is the capacitance, and V is the voltage across the capacitor. This equation holds true regardless of the distance between the plates, as long as the voltage remains constant.

Can the charge stored in a capacitor be measured directly?

No, the charge stored in a capacitor cannot be measured directly. Instead, it must be calculated using the equation Q = CV or by measuring the voltage and capacitance and using the equation Q = CV.

How can the capacitance of a capacitor be changed to store more charge?

To store more charge in a capacitor, the capacitance must be increased. This can be done by either increasing the surface area of the plates or decreasing the distance between them. Both of these actions will increase the capacitance and allow for more charge to be stored.

Is there a limit to how much charge can be stored in a capacitor?

Yes, there is a limit to how much charge can be stored in a capacitor. This limit is determined by the dielectric strength of the material between the plates. Once this limit is reached, the capacitor will break down and discharge the excess charge. It is important to choose a capacitor with a dielectric that can withstand the desired charge without breaking down.

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