Question

As the distance between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor is decreased

(A) chances of electrical break down will increase if potential difference between the plates is kept constant

(B) chances of electrical break down will decrease if potential difference between the plates is kept constant

(C) chances of electrical break down will increase if charge on the plates is kept constant.

(D) chances of electrical break down will decrease if charge on the plates is kept constant.

Answer 1

Correct option (A) chances of electrical break down will increase if potential difference between the plates is kept constant.

Explanation: 

When charge on plate is constant electric field remains constant E = Q/2Aε₀

In case when potential difference is constant E =V/d

Electric field increases when 'd' decreases and hence chances of breakdown increases.