A parallel-plate, air-filled capacitor is being charged as in Fig. 29.23. The circular plates have radius 4.00 cm, and at a particular instant the conduction current in the wires is 0.520 A. What is the rate at which the electric field between the plates is changing?

Verified step by step guidance

First, understand that the conduction current in the wires is related to the displacement current between the plates of the capacitor. The displacement current is responsible for the changing electric field between the plates.

Recall the relationship between the displacement current \( I_d \) and the rate of change of the electric field \( \frac{dE}{dt} \) in a parallel-plate capacitor: \( I_d = \varepsilon_0 A \frac{dE}{dt} \), where \( \varepsilon_0 \) is the permittivity of free space and \( A \) is the area of the plates.

Calculate the area \( A \) of the circular plates using the formula \( A = \pi r^2 \), where \( r \) is the radius of the plates. Given \( r = 4.00 \) cm, convert this to meters for consistency in units.

Since the conduction current \( I_c \) is equal to the displacement current \( I_d \) in this scenario, set \( I_c = I_d \) and use the formula \( I_d = \varepsilon_0 A \frac{dE}{dt} \) to solve for \( \frac{dE}{dt} \). Rearrange the formula to \( \frac{dE}{dt} = \frac{I_c}{\varepsilon_0 A} \).

Substitute the known values into the equation: \( I_c = 0.520 \) A, \( \varepsilon_0 = 8.85 \times 10^{-12} \) C²/(N·m²), and the calculated area \( A \). This will give you the rate at which the electric field is changing between the plates.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Capacitor Basics

A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy in an electric field, typically consisting of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material. The capacitance, which is the ability to store charge, depends on the area of the plates and the distance between them. Understanding how capacitors work is crucial for analyzing the electric field changes as they charge or discharge.

Conduction Current

Conduction current refers to the flow of electric charge through a conductor, such as a wire, due to the movement of electrons. In the context of a charging capacitor, the conduction current is the rate at which charge is being transferred to the capacitor plates, influencing the electric field between them. It is measured in amperes (A) and is essential for determining the rate of change of the electric field.

Changing Electric Field

The electric field between the plates of a capacitor changes as the capacitor charges or discharges. This change is related to the rate at which charge accumulates on the plates, which is directly linked to the conduction current. The rate of change of the electric field can be calculated using the relationship between current, charge, and electric field, providing insight into the dynamics of the capacitor's operation.

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Textbook Question

A long, straight solenoid with a cross-sectional area of 8.00 cm² is wound with 90 turns of wire per centimeter, and the windings carry a current of 0.350 A. A second winding of 12 turns encircles the solenoid at its center. The current in the solenoid is turned off such that the magnetic field of the solenoid becomes zero in 0.0400 s. What is the average induced emf in the second winding?

Textbook Question

A parallel-plate, air-filled capacitor is being charged as in Fig. 29.23. The circular plates have radius 4.00 cm, and at a particular instant the conduction current in the wires is 0.520 A. (a) What is the displacement current density j_D in the air space between the plates?

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Textbook Question

A parallel-plate, air-filled capacitor is being charged as in Fig. 29.23. The circular plates have radius 4.00 cm, and at a particular instant the conduction current in the wires is 0.520 A. (c) What is the induced magnetic field between the plates at a distance of 2.00 cm from the axis? (d) At 1.00 cm from the axis?

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Textbook Question

A long, thin solenoid has 900 turns per meter and radius 2.50 cm. The current in the solenoid is increasing at a uniform rate of 36.0 A/s. What is the magnitude of the induced electric field at a point near the center of the solenoid and (a) 0.500 cm from the axis of the solenoid; (b) 1.00 cm from the axis of the solenoid?

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