Back to Capacitors and Dielectrics — Problem 3 · Task Set 7

Exercises: Capacitors and Dielectrics

Work through each section in order. Show your work for all calculation problems. Use $\varepsilon_0 = 8.85 \times 10^{-12}\ \text{C}^2/(\text{N·m}^2)$ where needed.

Grade 11·21 problems·~30 min·OpenStax Physics (High School)·section·sec-18-5

Work through problems with immediate feedback

Fluency Practice

A capacitor with $C = 100\ \mu\text{F}$ stores $Q = 500\ \mu\text{C}$ of charge. A second capacitor with $C = 500\ \mu\text{F}$ stores the same charge $Q = 500\ \mu\text{C}$ . Which capacitor has the higher voltage across its plates?

The $100\ \mu\text{F}$ capacitor — it has a voltage of 5 V, five times higher than the $500\ \mu\text{F}$ capacitor.

The $500\ \mu\text{F}$ capacitor — larger capacitance means larger voltage for the same charge.

Both have the same voltage — they store the same charge.

Cannot be determined without knowing the plate area.