PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Problem
Four separate parallel-plate capacitors (A, B, C, and D) are constructed using the same conducting material but with different physical characteristics as listed below.
• Capacitor A: plate area 2A0, separation d0, filled with air.
• Capacitor B: plate area A0, separation 21d0, filled with air.
• Capacitor C: plate area A0, separation d0, completely filled with a dielectric of constant κ=3.
• Capacitor D: plate area 21A0, separation 2d0, filled with air.
Each capacitor is charged to the same charge magnitude Q and then disconnected from its charging source.
(a) Rank the capacitors according to the magnitude of the electric field between their plates, from largest to smallest. If any are equal, state that explicitly.
(b) Rank the capacitors according to their potential difference, from largest to smallest. Again, note any ties.
(c) Rank the capacitors according to the energy stored, from largest to smallest, noting ties where appropriate.
(d) For one of your rankings above, provide a detailed justification that references the relevant physical quantities and their proportional relationships.