PhET Simulation: Capacitors, Plate Area & Separation

In this guided inquiry online lab your students will investigate the effect of changing the plate separation and plate area on (1) the capacitance of the capacitor, (2) the potential difference between the plates of the capacitor, (3) the charge stored on the plates of the capacitor and (4) the electric field strength between the plates of the capacitor. These relationships will be determined for the case when the capacitor remains connected to the voltage source and for the case when it is no longer connected to the voltage source.

This online lab is intended to be used with the Capacitor Lab: Basics (HTML5) Simulation from PhET Interactive Simulations. The link for the simulation can be found inside the resource.

PhET Interactive Simulations incorporate research based, student centered activities that are fun and easy to use. All of the PhET simulations are available from their website: hET Interactive Simulations. This PhET online simulation can be done in the classroom or during distance learning.

This product includes:
(1) The lab activity worksheets.
(2) An answer key for the worksheets.
(3) Notes presenting a full explanation of capacitors & capacitance.