What is the formula for capacitance of parallel plate capacitor?

Jasmine Grover logo

Jasmine Grover

Education Journalist | Study Abroad Lead

The formula for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is C = ε0A/d

C = \(\epsilon_0A \over d\)

  • where C is the capacitance in farads (F)
  • ε0 is the permittivity of free space (a constant equal to 8.85 x 10-12 F/m)
  • A is the area of overlap between the two plates in square meters (m2)
  • d is the distance between the plates in meters (m)

Solved Example

Suppose we have a parallel plate capacitor consisting of two metal plates with an area of 0.1 m2 each, and the distance between the plates is 0.001 m. We want to find the capacitance of this capacitor.

Solution: Using the formula for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, we have:

C = ε0A/d

  • where ε0 = 8.85 x 10-12 F/m,
  • A = 0.1 m2,
  • d = 0.001 m.

Substituting these values into the formula, we get:

C = (8.85 x 10-12 F/m) x 0.1 m2/0.001 m

Simplifying this expression, we get:

C = 8.85 x 10-10 F

Therefore, the capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor is 8.85 x 10-10 F.

Read More:

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

  • 1.
    Two small identical metallic balls having charges \( q \) and \( -2q \) are kept far at a separation \( r \). They are brought in contact and then separated at distance \( \frac{r}{2} \). Compared to the initial force \( F \), they will now:

      • attract with a force \( \frac{F}{2} \)
      • repel with a force \( \frac{F}{2} \)
      • repel with a force \( F \)
      • attract with a force \( F \)

    • 2.
      If Bohr’s quantization postulate (angular momentum \( = \frac{nh}{2\pi} \)) is a basic law of nature, it should be equally valid for the case of planetary motion also. Why, then, do we never speak of quantization of orbits of planets around the Sun? Explain.


        • 3.
          Assertion (A) : All atoms have a net magnetic moment. Reason (R) : A current loop does not always behave as a magnetic dipole.

            • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
            • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
            • Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
            • Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.

          • 4.
            Four independent waves are expressed as \[ (i)\; y_1=A_1\sin\omega t, \] \[ (ii)\; y_2=A_2\sin 2\omega t, \] \[ (iii)\; y_3=A_3\cos\omega t, \] \[ (iv)\; y_4=A_4\sin\left(\omega t+\frac{\pi}{3}\right) \] The interference between two of these waves is possible in

              • (i) and (iii) only
              • (iii) and (iv) only
              • (i), (iii) and (iv) only
              • All of them

            • 5.
              A light copper ring is freely suspended by a light string. A bar magnet is held horizontally with its length along the axis of the ring. The magnet is moved towards the ring with its N pole facing the loop. What will happen to the ring and its position? Explain.


                • 6.
                  The figure shows three point charges kept at the vertices of triangle ABC. The net electric field, due to this system of charges, at the midpoint M of base BC will be:

                    • \( \frac{q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 l^2} \) pointing along MA
                    • \( \frac{q}{\pi \epsilon_0 l^2} \) pointing along AM
                    • \( \frac{q}{2 \pi \epsilon_0 l^2} \) pointing along AM
                    • Zero
                  CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

                  Comments


                  No Comments To Show