The electric potential energy stored in the capacitor of a...

The electric potential energy stored in the capacitor of a defibrillator is $73 \mathrm{~J}$, and the capacitance is $120 \mu \mathrm{F}$. What is the potential difference that exists across the capacitor plates?

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Key Concepts

Electric Potential Energy

Electric potential energy in a capacitor refers to the energy stored as a result of the separation of positive and negative charges on the capacitor's plates. This energy is stored in the electric field and can be calculated using the relation where the energy is proportional to the product of the capacitance and the square of the voltage.

Potential Difference

The potential difference is the voltage across the capacitor's plates, representing the work done per unit charge to move charges between the plates. It is directly related to the stored energy and the capacitance of the capacitor through a specific energy equation.

Capacitor

A capacitor is an electrical component that stores energy in the form of an electric field created between its plates when a voltage is applied. It is fundamental in circuits for filtering, energy storage, and smoothing power supplies.

Capacitance

Capacitance is the measure of a capacitor's ability to store charge per unit voltage. It is determined by the physical characteristics of the capacitor, such as the area of the plates, the distance between them, and the dielectric material used.

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