If the potential difference across the two plates of a parallel plate capacitor is doubled then its energy stored in it will be:
Correct answer: B. 4 times
- A. 2 times
- B. 4 times
- C. 10 times
- D. Remains same
Explanation
The energy stored in a capacitor is given by the formula U = 1/2 C V², where U is the energy, C is the capacitance, and V is the potential difference. When the potential difference is doubled, the energy stored becomes 1/2 C (2V)² = 4 × (1/2 C V²), which is four times the initial energy. Hence, Option B is correct. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not account for the quadratic relationship between potential difference and energy stored.
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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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