AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 10.3 Capacitors Questions

Describe parallel-plate capacitor properties and connect capacitance to plate area, separation, charge, potential difference, and field.

Exam points

calculate capacitance, stored charge, or potential difference using the capacitor relation
predict or measure how parallel-plate capacitance scales with area and separation
relate plate charge density, electric field, separation, and potential difference
calculate stored capacitor energy and predict its scaling with charge, voltage, or capacitance
distinguish constant-voltage and constant-charge changes when capacitor geometry is altered

Covered syllabus points

10.3.A—Describe the physical properties of a parallel-plate capacitor

[Maximum number: 2]

The plates of a certain variable capacitor have an adjustable area. An experiment is performed to study the potential difference across the capacitor as it discharges through a resistor. A circuit is to be constructed with the following available equipment: a single ideal battery of potential difference $\Delta V_{0}$ , a single voltmeter, a single resistor of resistance R, a single uncharged variable capacitor set to capacitance C, and one or more switches as needed.

Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism

The capacitor is adjusted so that the surface area of the plates is increased, and the experiment is repeated. Would the slope of the best-fit line in the second experiment be more steep, less steep, or unchanged compared to the slope of the best-fit line in part (c)? More steep Less steep Unchanged

Briefly justify your answer.

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Covered syllabus points

Question 1