Experiment 4

Measuring Capacitance

Michael Sather

Physics 216 lab

Jerry Long
4-2-2014

Objective
The objective of this lab was to investigate the factors governing capacitance for
a parallel plate capacitor.

Theory
A capacitance is two conductors separated by a potential difference, One of a +Q
and one of a -Q as the ratio C=Q/V. It represents the amount of charge requited for a
particular set of conductors to produce a potential difference. The theory is that it is a
constant dependent only on the geometry of the conductors, their separation distance,
and the nature of the material within the separation such as card bored or Lucite.

Procedure
The procedure will be in two parts one for the parallel plate separation and one
for the pegboard wrapped in aluminum foil.
For part one you will need to obtain the parallel plate Capacitor. Make sure the
meter is as close to zero as possible on the lowest scale. Then measure the
capacitance with the plates approximately 2 mm apart. Record the capacitance at this
separation distance. Record the plate separation distance using the vernier scale
attached to the capacitor. Next repeat the same steps 6 more times at different plate
separations distances. Then insert the Lucite sheet at one of your larger separations
distances and observe the change in capacitance. Recorded the new capacitance. now
move the plates as close together as possible. Recorded the capacitance and plate
separations distance. DO these same steps with he sheet of cardboard. Finally use a
micrometer to get the thickness of the cardboard and Lucite sheets record these
measurements and get the diameter of the plates.
For part two you must obtain the pegboard wrapped in aluminum foil. for the
dielectric you are going got use Lucite or cardboard. Then adjust the capacitance meter
to zero. Measure the capacitance of each of the capacitors present with the tow

different dielectrics. Record all data. Measure thickness of each dielectric and measure
the dimensions of each of the plates.

Analysis
Due to the nature of Capasitance the slope has a nagitve slope.

Conclusion
During this laboratory exercise there are some factors that cannot be controlled
and should be accounted for to eliminate some of the error would be to account for
friction from air and the friction from the pivot point on the pendulum. Also the meter
sticks used to take measurements are not 100% accrete and could throw off the
measurement. Most of the % error would have to be on part of human error as most
experiments human error is a major factor such as not reading the pendulum or meter
sick correctly. Also something as small as not firing the spring-loaded gun the same way
could impact the velocity.