General Physics II For

Engineering (PHYS2108)

Spring 2023
Capacitance

Lecture 1
Capacitance

Chapter 26
26.1-26.4
Lecture 9
Chapter 26: Capacitance

26.1 The Uses of Capacitors

26.2 Capacitors

26.3 Calculating the Capacitance

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26.1 The Uses of Capacitors
26.1 The Uses of Capacitors
26.2 Capacitors

The capacitance C of a capacitor is defined

as the ratio of the maximum charge Q that
can be stored in a capacitor to the applied
voltage V across its plates. In other words,
capacitance is the largest amount of charge
per volt that can be stored on the device:
𝑄
𝐶=
𝑉

[𝐶] = C/V = F (Farad)

Note: V is not the electric potential but

a potential difference or voltage
V = V+ - V-
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 26.2 Capacitors

• Both capacitors shown here were initially uncharged before being connected to a battery. They
now have charges of +Q and −Q on their plates.
(a) A parallel-plate capacitor consists of two plates of opposite charge with area A separated by
distance d.
(b) A rolled capacitor has a dielectric material between its two conducting sheets (plates).
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 26.2 Capacitors

Charging Capacitor
When a circuit with a battery, an open switch, and an uncharged capacitor is
completed by closing the switch, conduction electrons shift, leaving the
capacitor plates with opposite charges.
26.3 Calculating the Capacitance

V = V+ - V- =

𝑄
𝐶=
𝑉

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 26.3 Calculating the Capacitance

parallel-plate capacitor

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PI Question 1

PHYS2108, SP23 11
PI Question 2

PHYS2108, SP23 12
26.3 Calculating the Capacitance
26.3 Calculating the Capacitance
PI Question 3

PHYS2108, SP23 15
 26.3 Calculating the Capacitance
cylindrical capacitor

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 26.3 Calculating the Capacitance

Cylindrical Capacitor