Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
SharePoint

5C10.u1 - Potential voltage rise in a parallel plate capacitor

The Web Part cannot find an InfoPath form in the specified location. Either the location does not have an InfoPath form associated with it or it is on a different site collection. Modify the Web Part Properties and select a list or library on the current site.

​5C10.u1 - Potential voltage rise in a parallel plate capacitor

Preview
SelectSelected
Title5C10.u1 - Potential voltage rise in a parallel plate capacitor
Objective

To demonstrate the Electric Field energy stored on a parallel plate capacitor. As the plates separate, the voltage increases until there is a discharge arc across two probes.​

StatusAvailable
Assembly Instructions

Instructions
Use leads to connect the parallel plate capacitor in parallel with the probe set-up. Use alligator clips attached to the tassles on the probes to connect. Connect one end of the system to a ground plate that is grounded to the wall. Make sure the probes are separated by about a centimeter or less and the parallel plate is separated by about 5mm. Use the piezo-charger to add positive charge to the positive end of the capacitor. Remember that the ground plate is grounding for you so there is no need to use yourself as a ground. Add positive charge until you hear or see the probes discharge and count how many times you added charge. After the discharge add charge again one fewer time than you did previously. At this point, separate the plate until the probes discharge. The discharge is best shown with a camera.​

Setup Time20
Operation Time
Preview Time5
Operation Instructions

Overview
The voltage is proportional to the separation of the plates. When a finite amount of charge is put on plates, and then the plates are separated, it increases the voltage of the system. As that voltage increases, it approaches the level needed for an arc across the probes in parralel with the capacitor. Since the limit for an arc is constrained by voltage, this shows that the voltage across the plate increased due to separation. ​

ExportableNo
Demo on DimeNo
PIRA 200Yes
Export Instructions (if different)
HazardsNone
Analysis/Information
Category5 Electricity and Magnetism
Subcategory5C - Capacitance
Keywordspotential, voltage, rise, parallel plate capacitor, probes
Construction Information
 
Equipment TitleUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
QuantityUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
capacitor - large parallel plate
1
grounding plate with grounding plug
1
piezo charger
1
probe set-up
1
banana cable
3
felt strips - grey
1
camera - b&w
1
banana plug multi adapters
1