Capacitance

Voltage across the two conductors, 𝑉𝑎𝑏 , ∝ charge on the

conductor, 𝑄
𝑉𝑎𝑏 ∝ 𝑄
The proportionality constant is defined as the capacitance:
𝑄
𝐶 ≡
𝑉𝑎𝑏
s.t.
𝑄 = 𝐶 𝑉𝑎𝑏
Energy Stored in Capacitors
Energy Stored in Capacitors
= Work done needed to build the charge
distribution from neutral
= – Work done by the E-field on the charges
(a) Find the charge 𝑄0 when the switch S is
open.
(b) Find the charge on each capacitors
when the switch is closed.
(c) Find the difference in energy stored in
the capacitors of the circuit before and
after S is closed.
Example: Parallel Plate Capacitor
Hints:
𝑄
𝑉 =
𝐶
1 2 𝑄2
𝑈 = 𝐶𝑉 =
2 2𝐶
Parallel: Same V
Series: Same Q