Question

Use the characteristics of the Coulomb force to explain why capacitance should be proportional to the plate area of a capacitor. Similarly, explain why capacitance should be inversely proportional to the separation between plates.

a) Capacitance depends on area due to increased charge storage; inversely proportional due to reduced electric field.

b) Capacitance depends on separation due to increased charge storage; inversely proportional due to reduced electric field.

c) Capacitance is independent of area; inversely proportional due to increased charge storage.

d) Capacitance depends on area due to reduced charge storage; inversely proportional due to increased electric field.

Answer 1

The capacitance of a capacitor is directly proportional to the plate area and inversely proportional to the separation between the plates. A larger plate area allows for more charge to be stored on the plates, while a smaller separation between the plates results in a stronger electric field and a higher charge storage capacity. Therefore, the correct answer is a) Capacitance depends on area due to increased charge storage; inversely proportional due to reduced electric field.

Step-by-step explanation:

The capacitance of a capacitor is directly proportional to the plate area and inversely proportional to the separation between the plates.

Capacitance depends on area because a larger plate area allows for more charge to be stored on the plates. When the plates are closer together, the electric field between them is stronger, which leads to a greater charge storage capacity and therefore a higher capacitance.

Capacitors are used in various electronic circuits for filtering, energy storage, timing circuits, and power factor correction.

Different types of capacitors exist, each with specific characteristics suitable for different applications. Understanding capacitance is crucial in designing circuits and systems in electrical engineering and electronics.