Capacitor simultion

Link http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/capacitor-lab

Learning Goals:

Students will be able to:

• Identify the variables that affect the capacitance and how each affects the capacitance.

·         Determine the relationships between charge, voltage, and stored energy for a capacitor.

·         Relate the design of the capacitor system to its ability to store energy.

Directions:

1.      Using the first 2 tabs , voltmeter, and battery, find variables that are used to design a capacitor. List them all.

2.      Identify what you would maximize or minimize to make a capacitor with the greatest capacitance. Are there items in the sim that do not appear to affect the capacitance? List them.

3.      Using the first 2 tabs , voltmeter, and battery, explore the relationships between charge, voltage, and stored energy for a capacitor. Summarize your findings.

4. If you wanted to design a capacitor system to store the greatest energy, what would you use? Sketch or describe your design.