A parallel plate air filled capacitor having area is a type of capacitor that consists of two parallel plates separated by an air gap. It is a fundamental component in many electronic circuits and is used for storing electrical energy.
This article delves into the capacitance of a parallel plate air filled capacitor, exploring the formula, factors affecting it, and providing a practical example.
The capacitance of a parallel plate air filled capacitor is directly proportional to the area of the plates and inversely proportional to the distance between them. The permittivity of the medium between the plates also affects the capacitance. By understanding these factors, engineers can design capacitors with specific capacitance values for various applications.
Definition of a Parallel Plate Air Filled Capacitor
A parallel plate air filled capacitor is a type of capacitor that consists of two parallel plates separated by an air-filled gap. The plates are typically made of metal and are electrically isolated from each other. The air-filled gap between the plates acts as the dielectric material, which prevents the flow of current between the plates.
Parallel plate air filled capacitors are used in a wide variety of electronic applications, including power supplies, filters, and timing circuits. They are also used in high-voltage applications, such as in power transmission systems.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Plates | Two parallel metal plates |
| Air-filled gap | The space between the plates filled with air |
| Dielectric material | The air-filled gap acts as the dielectric material |
Capacitance of a Parallel Plate Air Filled Capacitor
The capacitance of a parallel plate air filled capacitor is determined by the following formula:
C = ε₀
A / d
where:
- C is the capacitance in farads (F)
- ε₀ is the permittivity of free space (8.85 x 10^-12 F/m)
- A is the area of the plates in square meters (m²)
- d is the distance between the plates in meters (m)
The capacitance of a parallel plate air filled capacitor is directly proportional to the area of the plates and inversely proportional to the distance between the plates.
Example:
Calculate the capacitance of a parallel plate air filled capacitor with plates that have an area of 1 m² and are separated by a distance of 1 mm.
C = ε₀ – A / d
C = (8.85 x 10^-12 F/m) – (1 m²) / (1 x 10^-3 m)
C = 8.85 x 10^-9 F
Energy Stored in a Parallel Plate Air Filled Capacitor: A Parallel Plate Air Filled Capacitor Having Area
The energy stored in a parallel plate air filled capacitor is given by the following formula:
E = 1/2
- C
- V²
where:
- E is the energy stored in joules (J)
- C is the capacitance in farads (F)
- V is the voltage across the capacitor in volts (V)
The energy stored in a parallel plate air filled capacitor is directly proportional to the capacitance of the capacitor and the square of the voltage across the capacitor.
Example:
Calculate the energy stored in a parallel plate air filled capacitor with a capacitance of 1 μF and a voltage of 10 V.
E = 1/2 – C – V²
E = 1/2 – (1 x 10^-6 F) – (10 V)²
E = 5 x 10^-5 J
Applications of Parallel Plate Air Filled Capacitors
Parallel plate air filled capacitors are used in a wide variety of electronic applications, including:
- Power supplies
- Filters
- Timing circuits
- High-voltage applications
Parallel plate air filled capacitors are also used in specific devices or systems, such as:
- Radios
- Televisions
- Computers
- Medical equipment
FAQ Compilation
What is the formula for calculating the capacitance of a parallel plate air filled capacitor?
C = ε₀ – A / d
Where:
C is the capacitance in farads (F)
ε₀ is the permittivity of free space (8.85 x 10^-12 F/m)
A is the area of the plates in square meters (m²)
d is the distance between the plates in meters (m)
