How can you increase the capacitance of a capacitor?

The correct answer focuses on two key factors that influence capacitance: the surface area of the capacitor plates and the distance between them. Capacitance is directly proportional to the surface area of the plates; as the plate area increases, there is a greater capacity to store electric charge. Conversely, capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the plates; as the distance decreases, the ability to store charge increases. This relationship is mathematically expressed in the formula for capacitance, C = ε(A/d), where C is capacitance, ε is the permittivity of the dielectric material, A is the area of the plates, and d is the distance between them.

While other options might relate to capacitor performance or characteristics, they do not directly contribute to increasing capacitance in the way described. For instance, increasing temperature can affect a capacitor's characteristics, but it does not inherently increase its capacitance. Applying a higher voltage may lead to a greater electric field, but it does not change the capacitance value itself. Lastly, using a thicker dielectric material would actually increase the distance between the plates, which would decrease capacitance. Thus, the method of increasing surface area or decreasing the distance between plates is the most effective way to enhance capacit