A parallel-plate capacitor is charged and then remains connected to a constant DC power supply. The distance between the capacitor plates is then slowly increased while keeping the power supply connected.
Which row in the table correctly identifies what happens to the potential difference across the plates and the stored energy in the capacitor?
| Potential difference across plates | Stored energy in capacitor | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Stays the same | Increases |
| B | Decreases | Decreases |
| C | Stays the same | Decreases |
| D | Increases | Stays the same |
Potential difference stays the same; stored energy increases
Potential difference decreases; stored energy decreases
Potential difference stays the same; stored energy decreases
Potential difference increases; stored energy stays the same
63 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Physics Capacitance (A-level only), covering Capacitance (A-level only), Parallel plate capacitor (A-level only), Energy stored by a capacitor (A-level only), and Capacitor charge and discharge (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.