In order to adjust capacitance, a variable capacitor modifies the surface area of its overlapping plates. A variable capacitor, sometimes referred to as a tuning capacitor, is a kind of capacitor in which the capacitance can be mechanically or electrically altered on a regular basis.
The greater the capacitance, the greater amount of charge it can store. This can be varied by changing the distance between the capacitor plates. So, when you are using a variable capacitor, you can change its capacitance either by physically changing its size or by using an external electrical circuit.
Among the different parameters that can be modified, the most commonly adjusted aspect in tunable capacitors is the distance (d) between the capacitor plates. By changing the distance, we can control the amount of charge the capacitor can store, thereby adjusting its capacitance. A: The total area of the plates.
Adjustable capacitance makes these capacitors essential for fine-tuning electronic circuits. In electronic applications like radios and oscillators, their ability to adjust capacitance by changing surface area, plate spacing, or dielectric material allows for precise control.
The procedure of adjusting the trimmer capacitor is effortless. First, disconnect the power supply from the circuit. Now, connect the capacitor to a variable resistor or variable voltage source. Switch on the power supply and adjust it till you get desired capacitance value.
One can limit the accuracy of a variable capacitor by understanding the physics of capacitors. A variable capacitor's error is typically proportional to the difference between its rated capacitance and physical size. Reducing the rated capacitance or making the object larger physically will lessen this.