SHS

GENERAL PHYSICS 2
Quarter 3 - Module 5A
Solving Capacitance and Dielectrics
General Physics 2

Grade 11/12 Quarter 3 - Module 5A: Solving Capacitance and Dielectrics

First Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2020
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: FRANKLIN L. PADILLA, MT-II

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team

Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent

Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, PhD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

German E. Flora, PhD, CID Chief

Virgilio C. Boado, PhD, EPS in Charge of LRMS

Rominel S. Sobremonte, Ed.D., EPS in Charge of Science

Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II

Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II

 Target

A capacitor is a device used to store electric charge. Capacitors have

applications ranging from filtering static out of radio reception to energy storage in
heart defibrillators. Typically, commercial capacitors have two conducting parts close
to one another, but not touching.
In the previous module, you have determined the total charge, the charge on,
and the potential difference across each capacitor in the network given the capacitors
connected in series/parallel, you also have determined the potential energy stored
inside the capacitor given the geometry and the potential difference across the
capacitor and you also describe the effects of inserting dielectric materials on the
capacitance, charge, and electric field of a capacitor.
Now, after studying this Self-Learning Module in General Physics 2, you are
expected to:

1. Solve problems involving capacitors and dielectrics in contexts such as, but
not limited to, charged plates, batteries, and camera flash lamps
(STEM_GP12EMIIId-30)

Before going on, check how much you know about this topic. Answer
the pretest on the next page in a separate sheet of paper.
 Module
CAPACITANCE AND DIELECTRICS
5
Jumpstart

For you to understand the lesson well, do the following activities.

Have fun and good luck!

Activity 1: READ AND UNDERSTAND!

A capacitor is a device that can store electrical charge. All capacitors have
similar internal structures. They consist of two parallel metal plates separated by an
insulator called dielectrics.

Figure 1: Capacitor

Figure 1 illustrates that 1 type of capacitor called variable air capacitor. This
type of a capacitor can be used to tune a radio receiver. It consists of two set of plates,
fixed and movable, separated by air which serves as insulator or dielectric.

The quantity of charge in a capacitor is expressed in terms of capacitance C.

This depends only on the geometrical properties of a capacitor. For a parallel-plate
capacitor, the capacitance depends on the following:
a. Area of plates. As the area of the plates increases, capacitance also increases.
b. Distance between plates. As the distance between the plates decreases,
capacitance increases.
c. Nature of Insulator. Capacitance is large if the dielectric is solid and not air.
Guide question:

1. Differentiate Capacitance from a Capacitor.

Discover

Capacitance is defined by the equation

𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉
where:
C = capacitance expressed in farads (F)
q = charge in coulombs
V = potential difference or Voltage in volts

A more practical unit for capacitance is the microfarad (µF).

1 µF = 10-6F

Series and Parallel Capacitors

When capacitors are connected in series, the total capacitance is less than
any one of the series capacitors’ individual capacitances. If two or more capacitors
are connected in series, the overall effect is that of a single (equivalent) capacitor
having the sum total of the plate spacing of the individual capacitors. As we’ve just
seen, an increase in plate spacing, with all other factors unchanged, results in
decreased capacitance.
 Thus, the total capacitance is less than any one of the individual capacitors’
capacitances. The formula for calculating the series total capacitance is the same
form as for calculating parallel resistances:

When capacitors are connected in parallel, the total capacitance is the sum of
the individual capacitors’ capacitances. If two or more capacitors are connected in
parallel, the overall effect is that of a single equivalent capacitor having the sum total
of the plate areas of the individual capacitors. As we’ve just seen, an increase in plate
area, with all other factors unchanged, results in increased capacitance.

Thus, the total capacitance is more than any one of the individual capacitors’
capacitances. The formula for calculating the parallel total capacitance is the same
form as for calculating series resistances:

As you will notice, this is exactly the opposite of the phenomenon exhibited by
resistors. With resistors, series connections result in additive values while parallel
connections result in diminished values. With capacitors, it’s the reverse: parallel
connections result in additive values while series connections result in diminished
values.
 A capacitor may be charged or discharged by using suitable battery and
resistor. The two types are illustrated below.

The charging process The discharging process

Charging process. The current I is at its maximum value at the start and
decreases slowly to zero and approaches the charging potential difference PD when
the capacitor is fully charged, V=PD
Discharging process. The current I is also at its maximum value at the
beginning but is in the opposite direction to the charging current. Voltage moves
down to zero.

Parallel Plate Capacitor

The parallel plate capacitor shown in Figure 2

has two identical conducting plates, each having a
surface area A, separated by a distance d (with no
material between the plates). When a voltage V is
applied to the capacitor, it stores a charge Q, as shown
in figure 2. We can see how its capacitance depends on
A and d by considering the characteristics of the
Coulomb force. We know that like charges repel, unlike
charges attract, and the force between charges
decreases with distance. So it seems quite reasonable
that the bigger the plate’s are, the more charge they can
store—because the charges can spread out more. Thus
C should be greater for larger A. Similarly, the closer
the plates are together, the greater the attraction of the Figure 2. Parallel
opposite charges on them. So C should be greater for plate capacitor with
plates separated by a
smaller d.
distance d. Each plate
It can be shown that for a parallel plate capacitor has an area A.
there are only two factors (A and d) that affect its
capacitance C. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor in equation form is given
𝑪 = 𝛜𝐨 𝐝
𝐀
by
Where:
A - is the area of one plate in square meters,
D - is the distance between the plates in meters.
ε0 - is the permittivity of free space constant; its numerical value in SI units
is ε0 = 8.85 × 10−12 F/m. The units of F/m are equivalent to C2/N · m2. The
small numerical value of ε0 is related to the large size of the farad. A parallel
plate capacitor must have a large area to have a capacitance approaching a
farad.
(Note that the above equation is valid when the parallel plates are separated
by air or free space. When another material is placed between the plates, the
equation is modified).

Let’s apply the formula:

Example 1. CAPACITANCE AND CHARGE STORED IN A PARALLEL PLATE

CAPACITOR
1. What is the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with metal plates, each of
area 1.00 m2, separated by 1.00 mm? What charge is stored in this capacitor
if a voltage of 3.00 × 103 V is applied to it?

Strategy:
1. Finding the capacitance C is a straightforward application of the equation
𝐀
𝑪 = 𝛜𝐨
𝐝
2. Once C is found, the charge stored can be found using the equation Q = CV.

Solution for Part 1

1. Entering the given values into the equation for the capacitance of a parallel
plate capacitor yields
𝑪 = 𝛜𝐨 𝐝
𝐀

𝐹 1.00𝑚2
𝐶 = (8.85𝑥10-12 )( )
𝑚 0.001𝑚
𝑪 = 𝟖. 𝟖𝟓𝒙𝟏𝟎-9 F or 8.85nF

This small value for the capacitance indicates how difficult it is to make a
device with a large capacitance. Special techniques help, such as using very large
area thin foils placed close together.

Solution for Part 2

1. The charge stored in any capacitor is given by the equation Q = CV. Entering
the known values into this equation gives
Q=CV
= (8.85×10−9 F)(3.00×103 V)
=26.6μC
 This charge is only slightly greater than those found in typical static
electricity. Since air breaks down at about 3.00 × 106 V/m, more charge cannot be
stored on this capacitor by increasing the voltage.

Dielectric
The previous example highlights the difficulty of storing a large amount of
charge in capacitors.
If d is made smaller to produce a larger capacitance, then the maximum
voltage must be reduced proportionally to avoid breakdown (since
𝑉
𝐸=
𝑑
An important solution to this difficulty is to put an insulating material, called
a dielectric, between the plates of a capacitor and allow d to be as small as possible.
Not only does the smaller d make the capacitance greater, but many insulators
can withstand greater electric fields than air before breaking down.
There is another benefit to using a dielectric in a capacitor. Depending on the
material used, the capacitance is greater than that given by the equation
𝐀
𝑪 =𝛋𝛜0
𝐝
parallel plate capacitor with dielectric

Note also that the dielectric constant for air is very close to 1, so that air-filled
capacitors act much like those with vacuum between their plates except that the air
can become conductive if the electric field strength becomes too great. (Recall that E
= VdE = Vd for a parallel plate capacitor.) Also shown in Table 1 are maximum
electric field strengths in V/m, called dielectric strengths, for several materials.
These are the fields above which the material begins to break down and conduct. The
dielectric strength imposes a limit on the voltage that can be applied for a given plate
separation. For instance, in Example 1, the separation is 1.00 mm, and so the voltage
limit for air is
V=E⋅d
= (3×10 V/m)(1.00×10−3 m)
6

However, the limit for a 1.00 mm separation filled with Teflon is 60,000 V,
since the dielectric strength of Teflon is 60 × 106 V/m. So the same capacitor filled
with Teflon has a greater capacitance and can be subjected to a much greater voltage.
Using the capacitance, we calculated in the above example for the air-filled parallel
plate capacitor, we find that the Teflon-filled capacitor can store a maximum charge
of
Q = CV
= κCairV
= (2.1)(8.85 nF)(6.0×104 V)
= 1.1 mC

This is 42 times the charge of the same air-filled capacitor.

 Explore

Here are some enrichment activities for you to work on to master and
strengthen the basic concepts you have learned from this lesson.

Activity 1: PROBLEM SOLVING!

Directions: For the problem solving part of the lesson, use the Rubric as your guide
in answering. The rubric shall be used by the teacher in checking your answer. Use
a separate sheet of paper for your answers.Good luck!
1. Find the total capacitance for three capacitors connected in series, given their
individual capacitances are 1.000, 5.000, and 8.000 µF. (0.755µF)

2. Find the total capacitance of the combination of capacitors shown in Figure

number 3. Assume the capacitances are known to three decimal places (C1 =
1.000 µF, C2 = 3.000 µF, and C3 = 8.000 µF), and round your answer to three
decimal places. (8.833µF)

3. Find the total capacitance of the combination of capacitors in the figure below.

4. How much charge is on each plate of a 4.00-µF capacitor when it is connected

to a 12.0-V battery (? (b) If this same capacitor is connected to a 1.50-V
battery, what charge is stored?

5. A capacitor is constructed from two conductive metal plates 30cm x 50cm

which are spaced 6mm apart from each other, and uses dry air as its only
dielectric material. Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor. (0.221nF)
 Rubric for Problem Solving

Criteria &
5 4 3 2 1
Rating
Strategic Approach Valid approach Valid approach Invalid Little or no
Approach (S) chosen is with minor with multiple approach that understanding
clearly shown, errors that errors that demonstrates of how to
clearly written don’t disrupt impede little approach the
& all elements understanding. understanding. understanding problem.
are valid. of the problem.
Physics Appropriate Appropriate Appropriate At least one Little or no
Concepts (P) concepts that concepts that concepts concept understanding
are fully are mostly identified, but identified but of physics
understood understood but not employed unable to concepts.
(symmetries, employed with or understood. demonstrate
conserved errors. understanding.
quantities,
etc.), clearly
stated &
employed
correctly.

Mathematical Correct Correct Correct Can identify at Incorrect

Concepts (M) starting starting starting least one equations;
equations; All equations. All equations. The equation, but demonstrates
mathematical mathematical mathematical unable to little or no
steps are steps are steps are hard apply them. understanding
clearly shown clearly shown to follow and of
and they flow but minor errors begin to mathematical
easily toward errors yield impede concepts
the correct wrong answer. application. involved.
answer.
OR

Correct
starting
equations with
correct final
result but the
mathematical
steps are hard
to follow.

Answer (A) 100% correct Correct answer Incorrect Unable to No answer.

answer – analytically answer, but on reach a correct
analytically (IA), but not the right path. answer on this
(IA) numerically path.
numerically (If (IA).
any) &
conceptually
(IA).

Great job! You have understood the lesson.

Are you now ready to summarize?
 Deepen

At this point you are now ready for your last activity. Remember the things
that you learned in this lesson. Good luck!

What you need: Pen and Paper

What to do: Answer the last wave of activities on this part of module. This activity
shall be the basis of how you have learned in this lesson. Good luck!

1. What charge is stored in a 180 μF capacitor when 120 V is applied to

it?

2. What voltage must be applied to an 8.00 μF capacitor to store 0.160

mC of charge?

3. (a)What is the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor having plates

of area 1.50 m2 that are separated by 0.0200 mm of neoprene
rubber? (b) What charge does it hold when 9.00 V is applied to it

Gauge

TRUE OR FALSE. Check your knowledge of the lesson about the units and formula
of capacitance by determining whether the following statements are true or false.
Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it gives incorrect information.
Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. The insulating material sandwiched between two plates of a capacitor is
known as a dielectric.
2. Capacitance is directly proportional to the voltage and is expressed in units of
farads.
3. A capacitor with a higher relative permittivity would yield a greater
capacitance.
4. A parallel-plate capacitor that stores 3.0 coulombs of charge connected to a
1.2-volt battery can produce a capacitance of 0.4 farads.
5. The relative permittivity of a dielectric material such as air is equal to 1.
6. The unit of farad can also be expressed in volts per coulomb.
7. A 2.0-farad capacitor connected to a 12.0-volt battery can store a charge of
0.2 coulombs.
8. Capacitance is directly proportional to the area but inversely proportional to
the separation distance between plates.
9. More charges are stored in a capacitor of higher capacitance.
10. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor having an area of 1.00 meter
squared that is separated by 0.0004 meters of air is 2.21x10^{-8} farads.
ANSWER KEY
Pretest
Activity 1:
1. Answer may vary
Explore
1. 0.755µF
2. 8.833 µF
3. 0.293 µF
4. 48.0 µC; 6.00 µC
5. 0.221nF
Deepen
1. 21.6 mC
2. 20.0 kV
3. 4.4 µF; 4.0x10-5 C
Gauge
1. True
2. False, because the correct statement is, Capacitance is directly proportional
to the charge and is expressed in units of farads.
3. True
4. False, because the correct statement is, A parallel-plate capacitor that
stores 3.0 coulombs of charge connected to a 1.2-volt battery can produce
a capacitance of 2.5 farads.
5. True
6. False, because the correct statement is; The unit of farad can also be
expressed in coulombs per volt.
7. False, because the correct statement is, A 2.0-farad capacitor connected to
a 12.0-volt battery can store a charge of 24.0 coulombs.
8. True
9. True
10.True (Explanation: This can be verified by using the second formula for
capacitance and by plugging in the value for the area, the separation
distance, relative permittivity of air or k=1, and permittivity of free space.
References

Printed Materials

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum Senior High school – Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) specialized subject. General Physics 1.
List of Learning Competencies

General Physics 1. , March 2, 2015 Open Stax College. Vibal Interactive e-Book.
Philippine Edition

Science Learner’s Material, Grade 10. Department of Education. Republic of the

Philippines. K-12 Curriculum

Website

http://astro1.panet.utoledo.edu/~vkarpov/L05S.ch25.pdf

https://doubtnut.com/question-answer-physics/an-electronic-flash-lamp-has-

10-capacitors-each-10-muf-connected-in-parallel-the-lamp-is-operated-at-

17960627

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/physics/chapter/20-1-current/

https://www.physics-prep.com/index.php/practice-problems-capacitors-and-

dielectrics-2/43-physics-2-unit-1/1439-practice-problems-capacitors-and-

dielectrics-solutions

https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/direct-current/chpt-13/series-

and-parallel-capacitors/

https://opentextbc.ca/universityphysicsv2openstax/chapter/energy-stored-in-

a-capacitor/