What happens to the charge and amount of energy stored?

1. Homework Statement
A charged parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery. The plates of the capacitor are pulled apart so that their separation doubles. What happens to the charge and the amount of energy stored by the capacitor?

2. Homework Equations
Q = cV
Ue = (1/2)(Q)^2 / c
$\Delta V = Qd/A\varepsilon_0$
$C = A\varepsilon_0 / d$
3. The Attempt at a Solution

If $Q = c\Delta V$

and plugging in for c

$Q = \Delta V A \varepsilon_0 / d$

Is our original Q, now if D is seperated by 2, we get

$(1/2)Q = \Delta V A \varepsilon_0 / 2d$, thus our Q has been halved.

Now if potential energy = (1/2c) (Q)^2

so doubling our distance halves our capacitance. 2d = (1/2) c

which in turn, increases our potential energy by a factor of 2.

But my book is telling me Ue is halved. Why is this??

Related Introductory Physics Homework Help News on Phys.org

I think I can alter the equation

Ue = (1/2c) (Q)^2

to

Ue = (1/2) c(V)^2

and then plugging in for C you get that the energy is halved.

But I just dont get how for one equation its halved, then for the other its doubled.

V can also be expressed by distance too, so the mindfuck adds on there.

Like for finding when D is doubled, finding charge,

Q = cV

well, C = Aepsilon /d , but V = Qd/ Aepsilon

So doubling the separation wouldn't do a thing here since the d's cancel out

I'm pretty confused guys. If anyone can point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it rn.

Is it maybe that I'm mistaken, and that $\Delta V$ actually doesnt change, since it depends on the batteries voltage no matter what even if the distance is being changed between the plates?

cnh1995

Homework Helper
Gold Member
Is it maybe that I'm mistaken, and that $\Delta V$ actually doesnt change, since it depends on the batteries voltage no matter what even if the distance is being changed between the plates?
That's correct. The voltage across the capacitor remains unchanged, but since the distance between the plates is doubled, the capacitance is halved.

"What happens to the charge and amount of energy stored?"

Physics Forums Values

We Value Quality
• Topics based on mainstream science
• Proper English grammar and spelling
We Value Civility
• Positive and compassionate attitudes
• Patience while debating
We Value Productivity
• Disciplined to remain on-topic
• Recognition of own weaknesses
• Solo and co-op problem solving