Chapter#26

Capacitance and Dielectric

26.1: Definition of Capacitance

26.2: Calculating Capacitance

26.1: Definition of Capacitance
Consider two conductors as shown in Figure 26.1. Such a
combination of two conductors is called a capacitor. The
conductors are called plates. If the conductors carry charges of
equal magnitude and opposite sign, a potential difference ΔV
exists between them.
•
 Capacitors and Dielectrics
Capacitors
• Conductors are commonly used as places to store charge –Q
+Q
• You can’t just “create” some positive charge somewhere, b a
you have to corresponding negative charge somewhere else V

Definition of a capacitor:

• Two conductors, one of which stores charge +Q, and the

other of which stores charge –Q.
Let’s consider a capacitor formed from a pair of parallel plates as shown
in Figure 26.2. Each plate is connected to one terminal of a battery, which
acts as a source of potential difference. Let’s focus on the plate connected
to the negative terminal of the battery. The electric field in the wire applies
a force on electrons in the wire immediately outside this plate; this force
causes the electrons to move onto the plate. The movement continues until
the plate, the wire, and the terminal are all at the same electric potential.
26.2: Calculating Capacitance:
1. Isolated Capacitor:
26.2: Calculating Capacitance:
2. Parallel Plate Capacitor:
26.2: Calculating Capacitance:
3. The Cylindrical Capacitor:
26.2: Calculating Capacitance:
4. The Spherical Capacitor:
Problems:
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