Parallel Plate Capacitor

The Concept: Capacitance

A capacitor is a device that stores electrical potential energy in an electric field. The simplest form is two parallel conductive plates separated by a distance. When a voltage is applied, charge builds up on the plates—positive on one, negative on the other. Capacitance ($C$) is the measure of how much charge ($Q$) is stored for a given voltage ($V$).

How to Use the Lab

• The simulation shows a side-view of a capacitor connected to a battery.
• Adjust the Battery Voltage ($V$) to see more charge build up on the plates.
• Adjust the Plate Separation ($d$) and observe how it changes the capacitance.
• The analysis panel shows the calculated capacitance, stored charge, and energy.