Question

Which of the following will increase the capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor?

1) Increasing the area of the plates
2) Decreasing the distance between the plates
3) Using a dielectric material between the plates
4) All of the above

Answer 1

The capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor can be increased by increasing the area of the plates, decreasing the distance between the plates, and using a dielectric material between the plates. The correct answer to the student's question is option 4, 'All of the above'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is inquiring about factors that can increase the capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor. Three main factors can lead to an increase in capacitance:

Increasing the area of the plates — a larger area provides more space for charge storage, thereby directly increasing capacitance.

Decreasing the distance between the plates — a shorter distance enhances the electrical attraction between opposite charges on the plates, which increases capacitance.

Using a dielectric material between the plates — a dielectric increases the capacitor's ability to store charge without increasing the voltage, which in turn increases capacitance.

Therefore, option 4 ('All of the above') is correct. To answer the GRASP CHECK questions: a) is the correct answer, because doubling the distance will reduce the capacitance by a factor of four; 3) the statement is false, as capacitance is a measure of a capacitor's ability to hold charge, irrespective of the actual charge present; 4) the plates will acquire the same amount of charge only if they have the same potential difference across them, regardless of their areas.