Final answer:
To store 1.60 J of energy in a 0.500 µF capacitor, it should be charged to approximately 2528 volts, using the formula that relates the energy stored in a capacitor to its capacitance and potential difference.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine what potential you should charge a 0.500 µF capacitor to store 1.60 J of energy, we can use the formula for the energy (E) stored in a capacitor:
E = ½ × C × V2
Where:
E is the energy in joules (J)
C is the capacitance in farads (F)
V is the potential difference in volts (V)
First, we rearrange the formula to solve for V:
V = √(2 × E / C)
Then we substitute the given values:
V = √(2 × 1.60 J / 0.500 µF)
V = √(3.20 J / 0.500 × 10-6 F)
V = √(6.4 × 106 J/F)
V ≈ 2528 V
The capacitor should be charged to approximately 2528 volts to store 1.60 J of energy.