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AP Physics C E and M 10.3: Capacitors

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

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism

10.3 Capacitors question 1

[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 ΔV0\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 10.3 Capacitors 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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