⚛️ Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · NEET & JEE

For a parallel-plate capacitor C = ε₀A/d, increasing the plate separation d causes the capacitance to:

Answer: decrease.

A decrease
B increase
C double
D stay the same

Correct answer: A. decrease

Explanation: Capacitance is inversely proportional to plate separation, so a larger d gives a smaller C.

Radial electric field lines and concentric red equipotential lines around a point charge (an electron), with field lines pointing inward

Field lines (radial) and equipotential lines (concentric circles) of a point charge. Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to the field lines. Image: Sjlegg, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Concept context

Electric potential, equipotential surfaces, potential energy of charge systems, conductors, dielectrics, capacitors, combinations, and energy storage.

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For a parallel-plate capacitor C = ε₀A/d, increasing the plate separation d causes the capacitance to:

Concept context

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