Question 1

In the diagram, what is the direction of the electric field between the plates of the capacitor?

Accepted Answer

From the positive plate to the negative plate

Question 2

If the voltage across the plates is $$V$$ and the charge stored is $$Q$$, what is the capacitance $$C of $$the capacitor?

Accepted Answer

$$C = \frac{Q}{V}$$

Question 3

What type of energy is stored in the capacitor shown in the diagram?

Accepted Answer

Potential energy

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the electric field $$E$$ between the plates if the voltage is $$V$$ and the plate separation is $$d$$?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \frac{V}{d}$$

Question 5

If the area of each plate is $$A$$ and the separation is $$d$$, what is the capacitance $$C$$ for a parallel plate capacitor in vacuum?

Accepted Answer

$$C = \frac{\$$epsilon_0$$ A}{d}$$

Question 6

What happens to the electric field outside the plates of a parallel plate capacitor?

Accepted Answer

It is zero or negligible

Question 7

If a dielectric with constant $$\kappa is $$inserted between the plates, what happens to the capacitance?

Accepted Answer

Capacitance increases by a factor of $$\kappa$$

Question 8

For a parallel plate capacitor, if the charge $$Q is $$kept constant and a dielectric is inserted, what happens to the voltage across the plates?

Accepted Answer

Voltage decreases by a factor of $$\kappa$$

Question 9

What is the formula for the energy stored in a capacitor in terms of charge $$Q$$ and voltage $$V$$?

Accepted Answer

$$U = \frac{1}{2} Q V$$

Question 10

If the plates of a capacitor are brought closer together, what happens to the capacitance?

Accepted Answer

Capacitance increases

Capacitance and Dielectrics – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions