Question

The capacitance $C$ of a capacitor is

• A. independent of the charge and potential of the capacitor
• B. dependent on the charge and independent of potential
• C. independent of the geometrical configuration of the capacitor
• D. independent of the dielectric medium between the two conducting surfaces of the capacitor

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

By definition, Charge(Q) acquired by the plates of a capacitor is proportional to the potential difference $(V)$ applied to it.
$\begin{array}{l}\text{ i.e. }Q\propto V\\ \Rightarrow Q=CV,\end{array}$
Where $C$ is the constant of proportionality called capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitance $(C)$ of a capacitor depends on its geometrical configuration(i.e. size and shape) of the capacitor and on the dielectric medium inside it. e,g, Capacitance of a parallel plated capacitor, $C=\frac{K{ϵ}_{0}A}{d}$ Therefore, On changing Potential difference, the charge on the capacitor changes proportionately and vice versa. But capacitance does not change, as it is the constant of proportionality.