Question

A parallel plate air capacitor is charged to a potential difference of V volts. After disconnecting the charging battery the distance between the plates of the capacitor is increased using an insulating handle. As a result the potential difference between the plates 

(a) increases 

(b) decreases 

(c) does not change 

(d) becomes zero

Answer 1

Correct option (a) increases 

Explanation:

Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor

Also capacitance = potential difference/charge .......(ii)

When battery is disconnected and the distance between the plates of the capacitor is increased then capacitance increases and charge remains constant.

Since capacitance = potential difference/charge

∴ Potential difference increases.