ANS 2- Introduction:

A parallel plate capacitor is a fundamental electrical device that stores electrical energy by storing
opposite charges on its two plates. The capacitance of a capacitor depends on factors such as the
area of the plates, the separation between them, and the properties of the dielectric material
between the plates. In this experiment, we will measure the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
and verify the relationships between capacitance, plate area, plate separation, and dielectric
constant.

Objective:

The main objectives of this experiment are to measure the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
and to verify the theoretical relationships between capacitance, plate area, plate separation, and
dielectric constant. This knowledge is essential in electrical engineering for designing capacitors and
understanding their behavior in electrical circuits.

Theory:

1. Capacitance (C): Capacitance is a property of capacitors that quantifies their ability to store electric
charge. It is measured in farads (F) and is defined as the ratio of the charge (Q) stored on one plate to
the potential difference (V) between the plates: C = Q/V.

2. Parallel Plate Capacitor: A parallel plate capacitor consists of two parallel conducting plates
separated by a distance (d). The capacitance (C) of such a capacitor can be calculated using the
formula: C = (ε * A) / d, where ε is the permittivity of the dielectric material between the plates, A is
the area of one of the plates, and d is the separation between the plates.

Apparatus:

1. Parallel Plate Capacitor: This includes two parallel conducting plates with known dimensions (area
A and separation d).

2. Dielectric Material: A material with a known dielectric constant (ε).

3. Power Supply: To charge the capacitor.

4. Voltmeter: To measure the voltage across the capacitor plates.

5. Ammeter: To measure the current during the charging and discharging of the capacitor.

6. Switch: To control the charging and discharging process.

7. Connecting Wires: To establish electrical connections.

8. Digital Multimeter: For precise voltage and current measurements.

Setup:

1. Capacitor Configuration: Place the two parallel conducting plates facing each other with a small
separation distance (d).

2. Dielectric Material: Insert the dielectric material between the plates if required for the
experiment.

3. Connections: Connect one plate of the capacitor to the positive terminal of the power supply and
the other plate to the negative terminal of the power supply.

4. Instrumentation: Connect the voltmeter in parallel with the capacitor to measure the voltage
across the plates. Connect the ammeter in series with the capacitor for current measurements
during charging and discharging.

Procedure:

1. Measurement of Capacitance:

a. Start with the capacitor discharged, ensuring there is no charge stored.

b. Close the switch to connect the power supply to the capacitor. Charge the capacitor by applying
a constant voltage (V) across the plates.

c. Monitor the voltage using the voltmeter. Record the time (t) taken for the capacitor to charge to
its maximum voltage.

d. Calculate the charge (Q) stored on the capacitor using the formula Q = C * V.

e. Calculate the capacitance (C) using the formula C = Q/V.

2. Verification of Relationships:

a. Keep the plate separation (d) constant while varying the plate area (A) by using different sets of
plates or by changing the area of one of the plates (e.g., by overlapping plates partially).

b. Measure the capacitance for each different plate area.

c. Keep the plate area constant while varying the plate separation (d) by changing the distance
between the plates.

d. Measure the capacitance for each different plate separation.

e. For each set of measurements, calculate the dielectric constant (ε) using the formula ε = (C * d) /
A.
Data Analysis:

1. Calculate Capacitance (C): Calculate the capacitance (C) for each set of measurements using the
formula C = Q/V, where Q is the charge stored, and V is the voltage applied.

2. Calculate Dielectric Constant (ε): Calculate the dielectric constant (ε) for each set of measurements
using the formula ε = (C * d) / A.

3. Graphical Representation: Create graphs that show the relationship between capacitance (C) and
plate area (A), as well as between capacitance (C) and plate separation (d).