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A parallel-plate capacitor has a capacitance of C 0= 4.90 pF when there is air b

ID: 1876475 • Letter: A

Question

A parallel-plate capacitor has a capacitance of C0= 4.90 pF when there is air between the plates. The separation between the plates is 3.00 mm .

What is the maximum magnitude of charge that can be placed on each plate if the electric field in the region between the plates is not to exceed 3.00×104 V/m ?

A dielectric with a dielectric constant of 2.80 is inserted between the plates of the capacitor, completely filling the volume between the plates. Now what is the maximum magnitude of charge on each plate if the electric field between the plates is not to exceed 3.00×104 V/m ?

Explanation / Answer

1. Vmax = electric field x distance

Vmax= (3 x 10^4 V/m) (3 x 10^-3m) = 90 Volt

Q_max = C Vmax = 441 pC

2. now C = k C0 = 2.80 x 4.90pF = 13.72 pF


Q_max = 13.72 x 90 = 1234.8 pC