5c10.20 Parallel plate capacitor

PURPOSE: To show that if the amount of charge is constant, then changing the distance between the plates of a capacitor will also change the capacitance and the voltage, Q=CV.

DESCRIPTION:  

Capacitor Plates Demonstration Procedure

1. Touch the charge wands from the Wimshurst machine to the capacitor plates.
2. Crank the handle of the Wimshurst machine COUNTERCLOCKWISE and produce a half scale reading of “2.5” on the Pasco electroscope.  Do not overcharge.
3. Disconnect the Wimshurst charge wands from the capacitor plates.
4. Turn the knob of the capacitor plates to change the distance between the plates.

EQUIPMENT: Demo caps, electrometer, and voltmeter are stored in the electricity and magnetism cabinets..

SETUP TIME: 1/2 hour.