Chapter 11.3

Question 1

Capacitor

Answer 1

Any arrangement of two conductors separated from each other by insulating material

Question 2

Capacitance definition and formula

Answer 2

The charge per unit voltage that can be stored on a capacitor

C = q/v

Question 3

Dielectric material

Answer 3

Insulators that are placed in between the two plates of a capacitor

Question 4

Formula for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor

Answer 4

C = εA/d

ε = 8.85 x 10^(-12)

Question 5

Charge polarization

Answer 5

A separation of charge in the dielectric caused by the electrons in the dielectric acting in the opposite direction to the field between the plates

Question 6

Total capacitance for capacitors in parallel

Answer 6

Cparallel = C1 + C2 + …

Question 7

Total capacitance for capacitors in series

Answer 7

1/Cseries = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + …

Question 8

Formulas for energy stored in a capacitor

Answer 8

E = 0.5CV^2
E = 0.5qV

Question 9

Time constant definition and formula

Answer 9

The time after which the initial charge decreases to about 37% of its initial value

τ = RC

Question 10

Formula for the current in a discharging capacitor

Answer 10

I = I0e^(-t/τ)

Question 11

Relationship between time constant and the half life of a capacitor

Answer 11

Time constant is the time needed for the charge to decrease to half its initial value divided by ln(2)