The space between the plates of a capacitor is filled by a electric constant K. The capacitance of the capacitor
Correct answer: A. Increases by a factor of K
- A. Increases by a factor of K
- B. Decreases by a factor of K
- C. Increases by a factor of K2
- D. Decreases by a factor of K2
Explanation
The capacitance of a capacitor is given by the formula C = ε₀KA/d, where ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, K is the dielectric constant, A is the area of the plates, and d is the distance between them. When the space between the plates is filled with a material of dielectric constant K, the capacitance increases by a factor of K. This is because the presence of a dielectric reduces the electric field, allowing the capacitor to store more charge for the same potential difference. Therefore, Option A is correct. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the relationship between capacitance and the dielectric constant.
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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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