Question

The spacing between two closely spaced oppositely charged parallel plates is decreased. What happens to the electrostatic potential difference between the plates, assuming they form an isolated system: (a) it increases, (b) it decreases, (c) it stays the same, or (d) you can’t tell from the information given?

Answer 1

Electrostatic Potential Decreases

Explanation:

• If the spacing between two closely spaced oppositely charged parallel plates is decreased the electrostatic potential difference between the plates will decrease.

• An electrostatic potential that is also referred to as the electric field potential or potential drop is the amount of work required to replace a unit of charge from a reference point to a specific point inside the electric field without any change in acceleration.  

• Therefore, if the distance will decrease between oppositely charged plates there will be more affinity to attract which will reduce the amount of work done thus decreasing the electric potential

∴  The Correct option is (b)