Capacitor 1
Purpose
Shows that inserting a dielectric between charged, isolated capacitor plates reduces the voltage (visible as decreased electroscope deflection) while charge remains constant. Reinforces \(Q = CV\) and demonstrates why dielectric materials increase capacitance.
Figure 1:
Setup with capacitor plates mounted atop the projection electroscope, separated by a 7 mm gap. Ring stand and rod hold the upper plate in position.
Figure 2:
Electroscope leaf deflection projected on the board after charging the upper plate. Charging rod and fur pad are visible on the bench.
Figure 3:
Inserting the plastic dielectric sheet between the plates. The leaf deflection decreases, showing reduced voltage at constant charge.
Demo Apparatus
- 1