Parallel Plate Capacitor (5C10.20)

Description:

Two parallel circular metal plates which form a capacitor are supported so that the distance between them can be varied. The plates are connected to an electrostatic voltmeter and charged. As the separation varies, the changing voltage between the plates is reflected in the reading on the voltmeter.

Procedure or Operation Notes:

1) Use the red acrylic rod and wool and "scrape" a charge onto the stationary (red) plate. This plate of the capacitor is connected to the positive terminal of the electrostatic voltmeter.

2) Then pull the moving, negative terminal to increase the plate separation.