PHYSED 202

Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019

SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

Reynan A. Dulinayan Electromagnetic Theory

MAT – Physics 2 Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
nd

Laboratory Report 12:00pm – 3:00pm Sat UBD 318

Score: ______________

ACTIVITY No. 1
CAPACITORS IN SERIES AND IN PARALLEL

A capacitor is an element used to control the flow of charge in a circuit. The name
derives from their capacity to store charge, rather like a small battery. In a way, a
capacitor is a little like a battery. Although they work in completely different ways,
capacitors and batteries both store electrical energy.

I. OBJECTIVES
1. To relate the total voltage of a circuit to the individual voltages across capacitors
2. To determine the capacitance, stored charge, stored energy and electric field of a single
capacitor
3. To determine the capacitance, stored charge, stored energy and electric field of a single
capacitor with a dielectric
4. To determine the capacitance, stored charge, stored energy and electric field of a
combination of capacitors

II. PROCEDURES
1. Run the Capacitor Lab Simulation in the PhET.
2. Assemble a circuit with a 1.50 – V battery with a single parallel – plate capacitor of a
chosen surface area and separation distance.
3. Measure the capacitance, stored charge, stored energy and electric field of the
capacitor.
4. Compute for the capacitance, stored charge, stored energy and electric field of the
capacitor.
5. Fill – in the table below.

Table 1.1 Single Parallel – Plate Capacitor

CAPACITANCE STORED CHARGE STORED ENERGY ELECTRIC FIELD
(F) (C) (J) (V/m)
Computed Simulation Computed Simulation Computed Simulation Computed Simulation

6. Repeat steps 2 – 4 using a capacitor with a dielectric of your choice.

7. Fill in the table below

Table 1.2 Single Parallel – Plate Capacitor with a Dielectric

Dielectric: Dielectric Constant:
CAPACITANCE STORED CHARGE STORED ENERGY ELECTRIC FIELD
(F) (C) (J) (V/m)
Computed Simulation Computed Simulation Computed Simulation Compute Simulation
d

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 PHYSED 202
Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

8. Repeat steps 2 – 4 using two series capacitors in parallel with a third capacitor.
9. Fill – in the table below

Table 1.3 Series – Parallel Capacitors

Capacitor CAPACITANCE STORED CHARGE STORED ENERGY ELECTRIC FIELD
No. (F) (C) (J) (V/m)
Comp. Simulation Comp. Simulation Comp. Simulation Comp Simulation
.
1
2
3
Combinatio
n

10. Submit a copy/screenshot of your circuits showing the values.

III. OBSERVATIONS

For Table 1.1 here are the observed computed and simulated values for the single parallel – plate
capacitor with dimensions A = 400 mm2 and d = 6.6 mm

Table 1.1 Single Parallel – Plate Capacitor

CAPACITANCE STORED CHARGE STORED ENERGY ELECTRIC FIELD
(F) (C) (J) (V/m)
Computed Simulation Computed Simulation Computed Simulation Computed Simulation
-13
5.36x10 5.3x10-13 8.04x10 -13
8.01x10 -13
6.03x10 -13
6.0x10-13 227.27 229

The values of the computed and simulated were

almost identical with some little offset values. This should
what we expect. It shows the consistency of theoretical
calculation with the values of the observe experimental
observation. In actuality, I can control the amount of
maximum allowed voltage that will be supplied into the
circuit, yet knowing the possibility, I still choose to take
maximum voltage which is at 1.5 V. Furthermore, the
results of the computational process will be discussed in
the analysis part.

A single parallel – plate capacitor with dimensions A =

400mm2 and d = 6.6mm

Simulate values for the Capacitance, Plate Simulated value for the
Charge and Stored Energy Electric Field
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 PHYSED 202
Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

For Table 1.2 with Single – Parallel Plate Capacitor with Dielectric here are the computed and
simulated values with dimensions A = 400 mm2 and d = 6.6 mm, with a chosen customized
dielectric having a dielectric constant of K = 2.99.

Table 1.2 Single Parallel – Plate Capacitor with a Dielectric

Dielectric: CUSTOM Dielectric Constant: 2.99
CAPACITANCE STORED CHARGE STORED ENERGY ELECTRIC FIELD
(F) (C) (J) (V/m)
Computed Simulation Computed Simulation Computed Simulation Compute Simulation
d
1.59x10-12 1.595x10-12 2.40x10-12 2.39x10-12 1.81x10-12 1.794x10-12 76.59 684

In this set – up, I purposively choose to

conserved the dimensions coming from the non –
dielectric capacitor in a way, I could compare the
effect of the dielectric itself. The Capacitance,
Stored Charge and Stored Energy reflects stellar
values because the offset values were little to
consider, and I conclude that the theoretical and
experimental observations have no significant
difference. The problem lies within the values of the
computed and simulated Electric Field. It offers a
staggering error of 88.8% from the computed to the
simulated. Clearly, I was confused by this. Further
interpretation of this vague result with be discussed in
the analysis.
A Single Parallel Plate Capacitor with an embedded
dielectric in between the plates.

My chosen dielectric
value was 2.99. I could
actually pick a certain
material from it but I
want my values more
random so I decided for
a customized one. I am
curious if there is a real
world material with this
amount of dielectric

Above image shows the simulated values for

the Capacitance, Plate Charge and Stored Here represents my major
Energy for the single parallel plate problem in my set – up. The
capacitor system with dielectric K=2.99. detector of the electric field
Comparing the result of this with the had calculated the field
capacitor with no dielectric, all of these produce by the dielectric and
values were increased. The bar lines field produce by the plates
indicated that the capacitor remains to have alone. Seemingly, the detectors
large potential of storing Capacitance, Plate took the sum of this two
Charge and Energy. electric fields producing the
684 V/m value. It is a known
fact that dielectric decreases
the strength of electric field
within a capacitor. This is a
contradiction.
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 PHYSED 202
Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

Lastly, here are the observed simulated and computed values for the Table 1.3 having two series
capacitors in parallel with a third one.

Table 1.3 Series – Parallel Capacitors

 The dimensions of the capacitors were not stated no it is not possible to produce computed
values for individual capacitance.
 There is no charge detector present but the simulated value can be obtained from the
simulated value of the voltage.
 There is no stored energy detector present but the simulated value can be obtained from the
simulated value of the capacitance and voltage.
 The total and individual electric field cannot be computed unless the dimensions of the
capacitors is known

Capacitor CAPACITANCE (F) STORED CHARGE STORED ENERGY ELECTRIC FIELD

No. (C) (J) (V/m)
Comp. Simulation Comp. Simulation Comp. Simulatio Comp. Simulation
n
1 --- 3.00x10-13 1.13x10-13 1.125x10-13 2.11x10-14 2.11x10-14 --- 226
2 --- 1.00x10-13 1.13x10-13 1.125x10-13 6.33x10-13 6.33x10-13 --- 226
3 --- 2.00x10-13 3.00x10-13 3.00x10-13 2.25x10-13 2.25x10-13 --- 602
Combinatio 2.75x10-13 0.28x10-12 4.13x10-13 0.41x10-12 3.11x10-13 0.31x10-12 --- ---
n

A circuit of capacitors having two series capacitors The simulated values for the total capacitance,
in parallel with a third one stored charge and stored energy

Simulated value for the voltage difference and Simulated value for the voltage difference Simulated value for the voltage difference and
electric field across capacitor 1 and electric field across capacitor 2 electric field across2019;
capacitor 3
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 PHYSED 202
Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

Simulated value for the electric field with assumed plate area – distance separation ratio. Note that
it is essential to pick certain values for plate area and separation distance as the electric field cannot
be computed without a specific dimension of the capacitor.

With a plate area of 159.5mm2 and a separation distance 5.0mm,

these are a simulated values for a capacitor having equal
capacitance as the total capacitance, total plate charge and total
stored energy. For the computation of the individual electric field,
we will assume separation distance values for each capacitor.

IV. ANALYSIS

COMPUTED VALUES UNDER TABLE 1.1

a. Capacitance (Simulated Value = 5.3x10-13 F)
To calculate the capacitance, we use the assumed dimensions of the capacitor in which the plate
area is A = 400mm2 = 4x10-4m2 and the plate separation is d = 6.6mm = 0.0066m. We use the
equation for capacitance in terms of the dimension of the capacitor
A
C=ε 0
d

( )( )
2 −4 2
C 4 × 10 m
C= 8.85 ×10−12 ⋅ =5.36 ×10−13 Farads
Nm
2
0.0066 m

b. Stored Charge (Simulated Value = 8.01x10-13 Coulombs)

To calculate the charge on the capacitor, we use the equation Q = CV with the given voltage and
the computed capacitance above.

Q=CV =( 5.36 ×10 Farads ) ⋅ ( 1.5Volts )=8.04 × 10

−13 −13
Coulombs

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 PHYSED 202
Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

c. Stored Energy (Simulated Value = 6.0x10-13 Joules)

2
Q
To calculate the stored energy, we use the fact that U = , with the computed Q and C.
2C

2
Q
2
( 8.04 × 10 Coulombs )
−13
−13
U= = =6.03× 10 Joules
2 C 2(5.36 × 10−13 Farads)

d. Electric Field (Simulated Value = 229 V/m)

V
To calculate the electric field, we use the equation E= with the given voltage and given
d
separation distance of the plates

V 1.5 Volts V
E= = =227.26
d 0.0066 m m

COMPUTED VALUES UNDER TABLE 1.2

a. Capacitance (Simulated Value = 1.595x10-12 Farads)
This is a capacitor with a dielectric K = 1.99, so we use the equation C k =K ⋅ C 0. But because we
have utilized the same dimension as with Table 1.1, then simply put that C = 5.36x10-13 Farads
so,

C k =K ⋅ C 0=( 2.99 ) ( 5.36 ×10−13 Farads )=1.60× 10−12 Farads

b. Stored Charge (Simulated Value = 2.39x10-12 Coulombs)

Using the result of our calculation in (a) we use the equation Q=C k ⋅V , with the computed
capacitance and the given voltage.

Q=C k ⋅V =( 1.60 ×10 Farads ) ( 1.5 Volts ) =2.40× 10

−12 −12
Coulombs

c. Stored Energy (Simulated Value = 1.794x10-12 Joules)

Q2
To calculate the energy, we use the equation U = , with both computed charge and
2C
capacitance.

2
Q
2
( 2.40 ×10 Coulombs )
−12
U= = =1.80 ×10−12 Joules
2C 2 ( 1.60 ×10 Farads )
−12

d. Electric Field (Simulated Value = 684 V/m)

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 PHYSED 202
Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

E free
To determine the electric field, we use the fact that E= , where K is the dielectric constant,
K
while Efree is the electric field without the capacitor and E is the electric field within the plates
with the dielectric material. But Efree = 227.26 V/m from our computation in Table 1.1 (d), so

V
227.26
E free m V
E= = =76.00
K 2.99 m

COMPUTED VALUES UNDER TABLE 1.3

a. Computation for the total Capacitance of the Capacitors (Simulated Value = 2.8x10-13 F)
The chosen values for the capacitance were:

C1 = 3.00x10-13 Farads
C2 = 1.00x10-13 Farads
C3 = 2.00x10-13 Farads

In this section, we calculate the total capacitance of the capacitor circuit. Because C1 and C2 are in
series with one another, then C12 is given by.

1 1 1
= +
C12 C 1 C❑2
Solving for C12 we obtain:

C 2 ⋅ C 1 (1.00 ×10−13 F)(3.00 ×10−13 F)

C 12= = =7.5 ×10−14 Farads
C 2+ C 1 −13
(1.00 ×10 +3.00 ×10 )
−13

Now, C12 is in parallel with C3. Combining them produces the total capacitance so

−14 −13 −13

C T =C 12+C 3=7.5 ×10 Farads +2.00 ×10 Farads=2.75 ×10 Farads

b. Computation for the individual and total stored charge of the capacitors.
(Simulated Value = 4.1x10-13, Total Charge)
The simulated values of the charge were based on the simulated voltage and capacitance values.
The following are the observe values of the simulated charges.

Q1=C 1 V 1= ( 3.00× 10 F ) ⋅ ( 0.375 V )=1.125 ×10

−13 −13
C

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 PHYSED 202
Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

Q2=C 2 V 2 =( 1.00 ×10−13 F ) ( 1.125 V )=1.125 ×10−13 C

Q3=C 2 V 2=( 2.00 ×10−13 F ) ( 1.5 V )=3 ×10−13 C

Now in order to calculate the computed value of charges, we use the result of C12 from (a) and we
use the fact that charges on a capacitor in a series system are equal such that

Q12=Q 1=Q2

But because, Q = CV, then

Q12 =C 12 V 12

We already know C12. To determine V12, observe that C12 is in parallel with V3 whereas in a
parallel system, the voltages are equal so

V 12=V 3=1.5 V

Continuing then we have,

Q12=C 12 V 12=( 7.5 ×10−14 F ) ( 1.5 V )=1.125× 10−13 C

Therefore, it is true that,

−13
Q1=Q 2=1.125× 10 C

Next, we determine Q3. Since C3 is already known and V3 is obviously 1.5 V, then

Q3=C 3 V ❑3 =( 2.00 ×10 F ) ( 1.5 V )=3.00 ×10

−13 −13
C

Again, to calculate the total charge,

QT =CT ⋅V T =( 2.75× 10−13 ) (1.5 V ) =4.125 ×10−13 C

c. Computation for the stored energy

(Simulated value = 0.31x10-12 Joules, Total Stored Energy)
The simulated and computed energy values stored in each capacitor can be determined based
from the simulated values and computed values of the charge and capacitance. We use the
Q2
equation U =
2C

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Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

2 2
Q1 ( 1.125× 10−13 C ) −14
U 1= = =2.11 ×10 Joules
2 C1 2(3.00 ×10−13 F)
2
Q 22 ( 1.125× 10−13 C )
U 2= = =6.33 ×10−14 Joules
2 C2 2(1.00 ×10 F)
−13

2
Q23 ( 3.00× 10−13 C )
U 3= = =2.25 ×10−13 Joules
2 C3 2(2.00 ×10−13 F)

But it was already shown that in (b) that the values for the simulated charge and the computed
one is equal. Furthermore, the capacitance is already given, then we expect to calculate the same
values for the computed stored energy. Next, we determine the total stored energy from the
computed total charge and computed total capacitance.

2 2
QT ( 4.125 ×10−13 C ) −13
UT= = =3.11× 10 Joules
2C T 2(2.75 ×10−13 F)
V. CONCLUSION
I have learned a lot personally in this activity. Aside from strengthening my muscle
memory on the equations, I gained a lot of conceptual learning based from the conflict I have
faced in this challenge. Here, I outline the general concepts I have deduced from this
wonderful activity.
1. That theoretical calculation and simulated values have almost no significant
difference
- There is no need to subjugate the data results into t – test in order to verify our
claim. The superficial feature of the values itself was enough evidence. Yet, this
is at ‘almost’ event. The simulator isn’t as perfect as we expect it to be.
Anyways, as far as the Physics of the system is logical, systematic and consistent,
we expect for the agreement of empirical data to theoretical data. The unity of
theory and experiment is one of the wonders of science. It depicts how powerful
mathematics is in describing the mechanism of reality. Moreover, this also reflect
that the algorithm of the program was precisely working its own task, however,
we show later that there exists a slight problem.

2. That the voltage is the same for capacitors in parallel circuit and different for
capacitors in series circuit. That the total charge is the same for capacitors in
series circuit but different for capacitors in parallel circuit system.
- These are observed claims both in experiment and in theory and the basis for the
derivation of the general formula for capacitance whether they are in parallel or
series connection.

3. The existence of a dielectric with K > 0, increases the capacitance of the

capacitor

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Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

- The claim can be verified theoretically from the definition of dielectric itself
which shows
Ck
K=
Co
- If Co is said to be the capacitance of the original capacitor having no dielectric
then computing for Ck results as
C k =K ⋅C o
- where, Ck is the capacitance of the capacitor with the dielectric. It is proportional
to the dielectric having K > 0, therefore it is easy to show using some algebraic
property of inequality that
C k > Co
- which is our claim.

4. The existence of a dielectric with K > 0, increases the potential total stored
charge of the capacitor.
- Like as we did with our result in (2), we can verify the above claim using the fact
that
C k > Co
- then, we use the definition of capacitance as Q = CV, derive for C and substitute
we have
Qk Qo
>
Vk Vo
- Holding the potential difference as a constant as Vk = Vo then we arrive
Qk >Qo
- which is our claim, again.

5. The existence of a dielectric with K > 0, increases the total potential stored
energy of the capacitor.
- We use the result in (3) to verify this claim theoretically, we start with the
inequality,
Qk >Qo
- Utilizing the definition that U = ½ QV, holding V as constant we arrive at,
1 1
Qk V > Q o V
2 2
- Note that because V > 0 and ½ > 0, the inequality is conserved. We define, Uk =
½ QkV as the stored energy associated with the capacitor having a dielectric and
Uo = ½ QoV as the stored energy associated with the same capacitor having no
dielectric. Substituting it in our inequality then we have,
U k >U o
- which is our claim.

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 PHYSED 202
Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

6. The existence of a dielectric with K > 0, decreases the magnitude of the net
electric field between the capacitor.
- We prove the above claim again theoretically, other than what is shown from the
result of the Capacitor Lab, we use the definition
E free
Ek =
K
- where Ek is the net electric field between the plates of capacitor having the
dielectric material and Efree as the net electric field between the plates of the same
capacitor having no dielectric material. By manipulation, we arrive as
E free=Ek ⋅ K
- because K > 0, we arrive at the inequality showing that,
E free> E k
- which is our claim.

7. The curious case of the electric field detector of the Capacitor Lab
- Upon exploration of the Capacitor Lab, I discovered a contradiction upon
comparing the result of computed values and theoretical values provided by
instrument in the simulation. This contradiction was observed on the electric field
detector for a single parallel plate capacitor having some dielectric K. It was
shown from the result of (5) that
E free> E k
- However, the result of the computation and simulation with K = 2.99 were as
follows

Computed Ek 76.59 V/m

Simulated Ek 684 V/m
Efree 229 V/m
- If we follow the simulated value it shows that
Ek > E free
- which is clearly a contradiction. Furthermore, if we analyse numerically the
simulated value, it has the form
Ek =K ⋅ E free
- or somehow,
Ek
E free=
K
- This result is clearly the opposite of our derived claim in (5) based from the strict
definition of an electric field on a capacitor having a dielectric material with K >
0, that were based on real life experiments. It is evident on the theory that the
electric field must decrease because the poles created by the plates of the charges
induces an oppositely directed electric field on the insulative dielectric material
thus cancelling some of the electric field produce solely by the charges on the
plate.

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 PHYSED 202
Second Semester S.Y. 2018 – 2019
SAINT MARY’S UNVERSITY

- I speculate that the programming algorithm had made its error here. The
programmers might have been confused and had switched Efree and Ek
respectively. The capacitor lab is overall awesome, creative and unique but the
creators of the program must address problems such as this because it might
threaten to induce misconceptions to the learners using the simulation.

SOURCE: University of Colorado at Boulder (2011). PhET Interactive Simulations.

Laboratory Activity Prepared by:

Gloria Vicky T. Asuncion – Antonio

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