Physics 4: Mod 4 - Capacitance

Physics 4: Mod 4 - Capacitance

1. Capacitance

   • Definition
     • C=\(\frac{Q}{V}\)

2. Energy stored by a capacitor

   • Derivation
     • E=\(\frac{1}{2}\) QV
   • Graph of Q against V
     • Interpretation of area
   • Other forms of equation
     • E = \(\frac{1}{2}\) \(QV\) = \(\frac{1}{2}\) \(CV^2\) = \(\frac{1}{2}\) \(\frac{Q^2}{C}\)

3. Capacitor discharge

   • Graphs
     • Charging
     • Discharging
   • Time constant
     • \(RC\)
   • Calculation of time constants
     • From graphs
     • From data
   • Discharge calculations
     • \(Q\) = \(Q_0\)\(e^{\frac{-t}{RC}}\)
   • Use of data loggers to plot curves