The capacitance of a capacitor does not depend on

Options

A. the shape of the plates
B. the size of the plates
C. the charges on the plates
D. the separation between the plates

Answer

To determine what the capacitance of a capacitor does not depend on, we need to analyze the factors that influence capacitance. The formula for capacitance (C) is given by:

\[ C = \frac{K \cdot A}{D} \]

Where:
- \( C \) is the capacitance,
- \( K \) is the dielectric constant of the material between the plates,
- \( A \) is the area of one of the plates, and
- \( D \) is the separation between the plates.

Now, let's evaluate each option provided in the question:

1. **Option A: The shape of the plates** - The capacitance does depend on the shape of the plates because different shapes can affect the effective area (A) of the plates.

2. **Option B: The size of the plates** - The capacitance also depends on the size of the plates, as a larger plate area (A) increases capacitance.

3. **Option C: The charges on the plates** - The capacitance does not depend on the amount of charge stored on the plates. Capacitance is a property of the capacitor itself, determined by the physical characteristics (area, separation, and dielectric constant), not the charge.

4. **Option D: The separation between the plates** - The capacitance does depend on the separation (D) between the plates; increasing the distance decreases the capacitance.

Based on this analysis, we conclude that the capacitance of a capacitor does not depend on the charges on the plates. Therefore, the correct answer is:

**Option C: The charges on the plates.**