Without referring to the formula C = EoA/d. Explain why the capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor decreases on increasing the separation between the plates.
Dear Student,
A capacitor works on the principle that the capacitance of a conductor to carry charge increases when an earthed conductor is brought near it. If the charge on a conducting plate A is +q and when an earthed conducting plate B is brought near it a negative charge get induced on the side of conducting plate B, which is towards A and positive charge on the other side. Since the other side is earthed the positive charge will go to ground. So because of negative charge on B the potential of plate A gets reduced. As we know Capacitance = C = (q/V), so A can hold more charge now. Here the plate B should be in the electric field of plate A. If the distance between the two plates is increased, there will be very few charges get induced on the plate B. So the Capacitance of the capacitor will decrease.
Regards.
A capacitor works on the principle that the capacitance of a conductor to carry charge increases when an earthed conductor is brought near it. If the charge on a conducting plate A is +q and when an earthed conducting plate B is brought near it a negative charge get induced on the side of conducting plate B, which is towards A and positive charge on the other side. Since the other side is earthed the positive charge will go to ground. So because of negative charge on B the potential of plate A gets reduced. As we know Capacitance = C = (q/V), so A can hold more charge now. Here the plate B should be in the electric field of plate A. If the distance between the two plates is increased, there will be very few charges get induced on the plate B. So the Capacitance of the capacitor will decrease.
Regards.