Answer:
The new potential energy decreases by the factor of 2 to the old potential energy.
Explanation:
Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is given by the relation :
C = (ε₀A)/d
Here ε₀ is vacuum permittivity, A is area of the capacitor plate and d is the distance between them.
Potential energy of the capacitor, U =
Here V is the potential difference between the plates.
According to the problem, the distance between the plates get double but area remains same. So,
d₁ = 2d
Here d₁ is new distance between the plates.
Hence, new capacitance is :
C₁ = (ε₀A)/d₁ = (ε₀A)/2d = C/2
The capacitor have same potential difference that is V. Hence, the new potential energy is :
U₁ = =
U₁ = U/2