How charge density of plate is changed by permittivity

In summary, the conversation discusses the changes in charge density of a parallel-plate vacuum capacitor when filled with a dielectric material. The formula for calculating charge density, as well as the relevance of the dielectric permittivity constant and the dimensions of the capacitor, are mentioned. The possibility of using an arbitrary area for calculations is also considered.
  • #1
Aleksandre
11
0

Homework Statement


Distance between plates of a parallel-plate vacuum capacitor is d. The capacitor is attached to a battery that keeps it at a voltage V. The space between plates is now filled dielectric relative permittivity epsilon. How will charge density of the plates change?

Homework Equations


sigma = charge density
epsilon0 = The vacuum permittivity constant
E=sigma/2*epsilon0

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure how to approach the problem. Theoretically, I suppose that charge density would decrease, a vacuum does not let Electric field decrease which is inversely proportional to charge. But as soon as a dielectric is used, the electric field decreases so the charge density of plate decreases. Unfortunately, I do not know which would be relevant equations to use here so that I could use charge density, voltage, d and all relative quantities. Hope you can give me some directions.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
For a given sized capacitor with a known dielectric, you know how much charge is stored at a given voltage, because you can calculate the capacitance from the dimensions and the dielectric.

Edit: dielectric permittivity
 
  • #3
Merlin3189 said:
For a given sized capacitor with a known dielectric, you know how much charge is stored at a given voltage, because you can calculate the capacitance from the dimensions and the dielectric.

Edit: dielectric permittivity

Does not capacitance formula require an area of the plate? C=epsilon*Area/distance
 
  • #4
You could you just assume an arbitrary area. Say unit area?
 

Related to How charge density of plate is changed by permittivity

What is charge density?

Charge density refers to the amount of electric charge per unit area or volume of a material. It is typically measured in coulombs per square meter or coulombs per cubic meter.

How is charge density related to permittivity?

The permittivity of a material is a measure of its ability to store an electric field. The higher the permittivity, the more charge can be stored in a given area, resulting in a higher charge density.

How does the permittivity of a material affect the charge density of a plate?

The permittivity of a material directly affects the charge density of a plate. A material with a higher permittivity will allow for a higher charge density on a plate, while a material with a lower permittivity will result in a lower charge density on a plate.

How can the charge density of a plate be changed by permittivity?

The charge density of a plate can be changed by altering the permittivity of the material it is made of. This can be achieved by changing the composition or structure of the material, or by placing a different material with a different permittivity on the plate.

What are some real-world applications of understanding how charge density is changed by permittivity?

Understanding how charge density is affected by permittivity is crucial in the design and development of electronic devices, such as capacitors and transistors. It is also important in understanding the behavior of materials in electric fields, which has applications in various industries, including telecommunications, energy production, and medical technology.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
720
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
512
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
414
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
58
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
230
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
3K
Back
Top