Question

Consider a simple parallel-plate capacitor whose plates are given equal and opposite charges and are separated by a distance d. Suppose the plates are pulled apart until they are separated by a distance D > d. The electrostatic energy stored in the capacitor is:_________

a. Greater than
b. The same as
c. Smaller than

Answer 1

c. Smaller than.

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy stored in a capacitor is given as

E = 1/2CV²...................... Equation 1

Where E = Energy stored in a capacitor, C = capacitance of the capacitor, V = Voltage.

Also,

C = εA/d ......................Equation 2

Where ε = permitivity of the material, A = cross-sectional area of the plate, d = distance of separation of the plate.

substitute equation 2 into equation 1

E = 1/2εAV²/d ................. Equation 3

From equation 3 above,

The energy stored in a capacitor is inversely proportional to the distance of separation between the plates.

Hence when the plate is pulled apart by a distance D (D>d) The energy stored in the capacitor will be smaller.

The right option is c. Smaller than.