Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store
seo-qna
SearchIcon
banner

Mention any two factors on which the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor depends.

Answer
VerifiedVerified
445.2k+ views
3 likes
like imagedislike image
Hint: Capacitor is a device used to store charges in an electric circuit. Capacitor has two plates separated by a distance having equal and opposite charges. Derive the expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor using the equation for potential difference and electric field between two plates. Then, using this obtained expression, find the factors on which it’s capacitance is dependent.

Complete answer:
Electric field between the plates of parallel plate capacitors given by,
E=σKϵ0 ...(1)
Potential difference between two plates is given by,
V=Ed
Substituting equation. (1) in above equation we get,
V=σdKϵ0 ...(2)
But, σ=QA
Substituting this value in the equation. (2) we get,
V=(Q/A)dKϵ0
V=QdKϵ0A ...(3)
Now, capacitance of a capacitor is given by,
C=QV ...(4)
Substituting equation. (4) in equation. (3) we get,
C=QQdKϵ0A
C=Kϵ0Ad
This is the expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.
From the above equation, it can be understood that the capacitance depends on the dielectric constant of the medium between the plates, area of each plate and distance between the plates.
Hence, capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor depends on the dielectric constant of the medium between the plates, area of each plate and distance between the plates.

Note:
Amount of charge a capacitor can store depends on two factors. First is the voltage and second is the physical characteristics of the capacitors. When a dielectric medium is placed between the two parallel plates of the capacitor, it’s capacity of storing the energy increases. It’s energy increases by a factor K which is called a dielectric constant. If you want to increase the capacitance of parallel plate capacitors then increase the area, decrease the separation between two plates and use a dielectric medium.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 11 Science PCM | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
CBSE (2025-26)
calendar iconAcademic year 2025-26
language iconENGLISH
book iconUnlimited access till final school exam
tick
School Full course for CBSE students
PhysicsPhysics
ChemistryChemistry
MathsMaths
₹41,848 per year
Select and buy