Parallel metal plates are connected to an electroscope as shown. Using the plastic rod and felt place a charge on the electroscope. Slide the plates closer together and the charge registered on the electroscope diminishes (meaning charge has gone from the electroscope to the plates). Slide the plates farther apart and the charge registered on the electroscope increases (meaning charge has gone from the plates to the electroscope). The capacitance of the plates is, thus, inversely proportional to the distance separating them.