What is a parallel plate capacitor? Obtain the formula for the capacitance of such a parallel plate capacitor and state the factors on which the value of capacitance depends.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) parallel plate capacitor consists of two large plane parallel conducting plates separated by a small distance $d$.
$A$ non-conducting medium (dielectric) is typically kept between the two plates.
Let the charges on plate $1$ and plate $2$ be $+Q$ and $-Q$ respectively,$A$ be the area of each plate,and $d$ be the separation between them.
Since $d$ is much smaller than the linear dimensions of the plates $(d^2 << A)$,we can use the result for the electric field $E = \frac{\sigma}{2\epsilon_0}$ produced by an infinite plane sheet of uniform surface charge density $\sigma = \frac{Q}{A}$.
In the region between the plates,the electric fields due to both plates point in the same direction (from positive to negative plate):
$E = E_1 + E_2 = \frac{\sigma}{2\epsilon_0} + \frac{\sigma}{2\epsilon_0} = \frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0} = \frac{Q}{A\epsilon_0}$.
The potential difference $V$ between the plates is given by $V = E \cdot d = \frac{Qd}{A\epsilon_0}$.
The capacitance $C$ is defined as $C = \frac{Q}{V} = \frac{Q}{(Qd / A\epsilon_0)} = \frac{\epsilon_0 A}{d}$.
The capacitance depends on:
$1$. The area of the plates $(A)$.
$2$. The distance between the plates $(d)$.
$3$. The permittivity of the medium between the plates ($\epsilon_0$ or $\epsilon = k\epsilon_0$).

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ parallel plate capacitor is charged and then disconnected from the charging battery. If the plates are now moved further apart by pulling them by means of insulating handles,then

Two circular plates each of radius 'r' are kept parallel to each other distance 'd' apart. The capacitance of the capacitor formed is '$C_1$'. If the radius of each of the plates is increased to $\sqrt{3}$ times the earlier radius and their distance of separation decreased to half the initial value, the capacitance now becomes '$C_2$'. The ratio $C_1 : C_2$ is

$A$ parallel plate capacitor is charged. Then the battery is removed. Now,if the plates are pulled apart,

$A$ parallel plate capacitor was made with two rectangular plates,each with a length of $l=3 \ cm$ and breadth of $b=1 \ cm$. The distance between the plates is $d=3 \ \mu m$. Out of the following,which are the ways to increase the capacitance by a factor of $10$?
$A. l=30 \ cm, b=1 \ cm, d=1 \ \mu m$
$B. l=3 \ cm, b=1 \ cm, d=30 \ \mu m$
$C. l=6 \ cm, b=5 \ cm, d=3 \ \mu m$
$D. l=1 \ cm, b=1 \ cm, d=10 \ \mu m$
$E. l=5 \ cm, b=2 \ cm, d=1 \ \mu m$
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

If the charge on parallel plates is $\pm Q$ and the area is $A$,write the formula for the electric field between the two plates.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo