Answer:
Uā = (ϵAV²)/6d
This means that the new energy of the capacitor is (1/3) of the initial energy before the increased separation.
Explanation:
The energy stored in a capacitor is given by (1/2) (CV²)
Energy in the capacitor initially
U = CV²/2
V = voltage across the plates of the capacitor
C = capacitance of the capacitor
But the capacitance of a capacitor depends on the geometry of the capacitor is given by
C = ϵA/d
ϵ = Absolute permissivity of the dielectric material
A = Cross sectional Area of the capacitor
d = separation between the capacitor
So,
U = CV²/2
Substituting for C
U = ϵAV²/2d
Now, for Uā, the new distance between plates, dā = 3d
Uā = ϵAV²/2dā
Uā = ϵAV²/(2(3d))
Uā = (ϵAV²)/6d
This means that the new energy of the capacitor is (1/3) of the initial energy before the increased separation.