The potential difference between two parallel wires in air is 120 V. They hold equal and opposite charges of 3.5x10^-13C. What is the capacitance of the two wires?

Question

Group of answer choices

3.25x10^-7 F

4.25x10^-6 F

2.92x10^-26 F

3.4x10^-26 F

Answer 1

The capacitance \( C \) of a capacitor can be calculated using the formula:

\[ C = \frac{Q}{V} \]

where:

• \( C \) is the capacitance in farads (F),
• \( Q \) is the charge stored in coulombs (C),
• \( V \) is the potential difference in volts (V).

In this case:

• \( Q = 3.5 \times 10^{-13} \) C (the charge on one of the wires),
• \( V = 120 \) V (the potential difference between the wires).

Using the formula:

\[ C = \frac{3.5 \times 10^{-13} \text{ C}}{120 \text{ V}} \]

Calculating this gives:

\[ C = \frac{3.5 \times 10^{-13}}{120} = 2.91667 \times 10^{-15} \text{ F} \]

Rounding this to three significant figures results in:

\[ C \approx 2.92 \times 10^{-15} \text{ F} \]

However, the available answer choices do not match this result. It's essential to double-check the computations and ensure the question's inputs align correctly. Investigating shows that the final capacitance of \( 2.92 \times 10^{-15} \) F does not find a corresponding option in the list provided. This discrepancy suggests that it is something outside of possible answers or a miscommunication in values.

Nevertheless, based on our calculations and using the charge and voltage provided, the capacitance derived is distinctly \( 2.92 \times 10^{-15} \) F. If the available choices are interpreted correctly, it would imply a procedure alteration or an error in provided values.