19.1.1—Capacitance, as applied to both isolated spherical conductors and to
- Syllabus
- 9702–2028–2029
- Objective
- 19.1.1
- Level
- A2
Capacitance C is the charge stored per volt: C=Q/V. It depends on geometry and dielectric, not on Q and V separately for a fixed capacitor.
For an isolated spherical conductor capacitance depends on radius; for parallel plates it depends on area, separation and dielectric.
A larger isolated sphere has greater capacitance because more charge can be stored for the same potential.
Capacitance is not the same as capacity in coulombs and is not automatically increased by raising voltage.