Physics maths calculus charge calculations

In summary, the charge (q) in coulombs can be calculated by integrating the current (i) in amperes (A) with respect to time. For a constant current of 5mA, the charge on a capacitor after 0.03 seconds would be 0.00015 coulombs. If the current is a function of time given by i=60t^2, the charge would be 0.000000162 coulombs after 0.03 seconds. The units of mA and A should be clarified in order to accurately convert the current to coulombs.
  • #1
electro 1982
3
0

Homework Statement


charge (q) in coulombs, can be calculated byt integrating the current (i) in amperes (A) with respect to time. determine the charge on a capacitor as a result of current flowing for 0.03 seconds if:
a. the current is a constant 5mA (0.005A)
b. the current is a function of time given by i=60t^2


Homework Equations


i believe q=(i)(t)


The Attempt at a Solution


if current (i) is integrated with respect to time = it^0+1/0+1 = q=i*t^1 = q=(i)(t)
a. i believe to be q=0.005*0.03=0.00015 coulombs

b. however i assume that i need to integrate i=60t^2
but the A/mA is confusing me i think

should it be 20t^3 or 0.02t^3?

and to find the charge do i just multipli the answer by t ? or is there any further calculation needed?

any help would be appreciated

i



 
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  • #2
I would integrate the function as it's given to you.

(1) [tex] \int_{0}^{0.03} 0.005 dt [/tex]

(2) [tex] \int_{0}^{0.03} 60t^2 dt [/tex]

For (1), it becomes clear by integration that it is indeed just I*t, the integration of a constant function multiplied by the elapsed time.

For (2), I think you're on the right track. I wouldn't amend 60 to be 0.06 since the whole functional expression (60t2) is your current. It would be useful if they let you know if that expression is A or mA, but since there is no information otherwise, I would assume it to be A. You can also compare your answers for the two questions if that makes it at all clearer.
 
  • #3
sorry i forgot to add that to the question part b. is to calculate current in mA
 
  • #4
electro 1982 said:
sorry i forgot to add that to the question part b. is to calculate current in mA

So that functional expression is in mA? In that case, I'd still do the integration like normal, just convert afterward. (you integrate in mA, so you have mA*s = mC...now convert to C)
 
  • #5
so i should work with 20t^3

(20*0.03^3)-(20*0^3)=0.00054-0=0.00054mA

=0.0000054A

q=0.0000054*0.03=0.000000162coulombs

thank you for your comments
 

FAQ: Physics maths calculus charge calculations

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The relationship between charge and electric fields is described by Coulomb's Law, which states that the force between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that the stronger the charges and the closer they are, the stronger the electric field will be.

How do you calculate the electric potential of a charged object?

The electric potential of a charged object can be calculated by dividing the work done to move a unit of positive charge from infinity to a point near the object by the magnitude of the charge. Mathematically, this can be expressed as V = W/Q, where V is the electric potential, W is the work done, and Q is the charge.

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