Capacitance of a Parallel Plate Condenser

Capacitance is defined as the ability of a system to store electrical charge. The capacitance of a parallel plate condenser is given by the formula:

C = εA/d

where C is the capacitance, ε is the permittivity of the medium between the plates, A is the area of the plates, and d is the distance between the plates.

Dependence on Various Factors

Distance between the Plates

The capacitance of a parallel plate condenser is inversely proportional to the distance between the plates. This means that as the distance between the plates increases, the capacitance decreases and vice versa. The formula shows that the capacitance is directly proportional to the area of the plates and the permittivity of the medium between the plates.

Area of the Plates

The capacitance of a parallel plate condenser is directly proportional to the area of the plates. This means that as the area of the plates increases, the capacitance also increases and vice versa. The formula shows that the capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the plates and the permittivity of the medium between the plates.

Medium between the Plates

The capacitance of a parallel plate condenser is directly proportional to the permittivity of the medium between the plates. This means that as the permittivity of the medium increases, the capacitance also increases and vice versa. The formula shows that the capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the plates and the area of the plates.

Metal of the Plates

The capacitance of a parallel plate condenser does not depend on the metal of the plates. This is because the capacitance is only dependent on the area of the plates, the distance between the plates, and the permittivity of the medium between the plates. The metal of the plates does not affect any of these factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the capacitance of a parallel plate condenser is dependent on the area of the plates, the distance between the plates, and the permittivity of the medium between the plates. It does not depend on the metal of the plates.