University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 24 - Capacitance and Dielectrics - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 808: Q24.1

Answer

See explanation.

Work Step by Step

As the distance d shrinks, the electric field strength ($E=\frac{V}{d}$) grows. If d is small enough that the electric field is too strong, it will ionize the air between the plates and cause dielectric breakdown. This sets a lower limit on the value of d.
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