The capacity of a condensor in which dielectric of dielectric constant 5 has been used, is C. If the dielectric is replaced by another with dielectric constant 20, the capacity will become
Correct answer: C. 4C
- A. C/4
- B. C/2
- C. 4C
- D. 2C
Explanation
The capacitance of a capacitor is given by the formula C = ε₀ε_rA/d, where ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, ε_r is the relative permittivity (dielectric constant), A is the area of the plates, and d is the distance between them. When the dielectric constant changes from 5 to 20, the capacitance increases proportionally. Since 20/5 = 4, the new capacitance will be 4 times the original, hence 4C.Options C/4 and C/2 are incorrect because they suggest a decrease or insufficient increase in capacitance, which is contrary to the increase in the dielectric constant. Option 2C only accounts for a doubling, not the quadrupling calculated.
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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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