capacitor C "has a charge Q". The actual charges on its plates are
Correct answer: A. Q,-Q
- A. Q,-Q
- B. Q,Q
- C. Q/2, -Q/2
- D. Q,0
Explanation
When a capacitor C has a charge Q, the actual charges on its plates are +Q and −Q. The positive charge ( +Q) accumulates on one plate, while an equal and opposite negative charge (−Q) accumulates on the other plate. This configuration of opposite charges on the capacitor plates creates an electric field between the plates, and it is this electric field that stores the energy in the capacitor.
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About Electrostatics
Electrostatics describes forces between charges through Coulomb's law, electric fields and field intensity, then uses electric potential to measure energy per unit charge. Capacitors store charge and electrical energy, with capacitance depending on geometry and dielectric material, not simply on the amount of charge present.
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