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JAMB UTME - Physics - 2024

Question 1 Report

The capacitance of a capacitor, C, is inversely proportional to
Answer Details

The capacitance of a capacitor is primarily determined by three key factors: the area of the plates, the distance between the plates, and the dielectric material used between the plates.

Capacitance (C) is calculated using the formula:


\(C = \frac{\varepsilon A}{d}\)


Where:


  • A is the area of one of the plates.
  • d is the distance between the two plates.
  • &varepsilon is the permittivity of the dielectric substance between the plates.

Let's analyze the relationship:


  • The area of the plates (A): The larger the area, the greater the capacitance. This means capacitance is directly proportional to the area.
  • The distance between the plates (d): The greater the distance, the lower the capacitance. Therefore, capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the plates.
  • The dielectric substance: Different materials have different permittivity values. The capacitance is directly proportional to the permittivity of the dielectric substance.
  • The direction of the plate has no effect on the capacitance.

In summary, the capacitance of a capacitor is inversely proportional to the distance between the plates. Hence, you increase capacitance by decreasing the distance between the plates.