Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi

Electric Potential: - Work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinite to any point in electric
𝑊∞𝐴
field is define as potential of the point(V). It is a scalar quantity & its SI unit is volt. V = 𝑞0
𝑊∞𝐴 1 joul
Unit:−S. I. unit is volt : , V = = = 1 volt
𝑞0 1 coulomb
𝟏
C.G.S. unit : Stat volt (e.s.u.); 1 volt = 𝟑𝟎𝟎 Stat volt (or esu of potential)
If work done in moving a one coulomb positive charge from infinite to any point in the electric field is one
Joule then potential of the point is 1 volt. Dimension: [𝑉] = [𝑀𝐿2 𝑇−3𝐴−1]
If work done in moving a one stat coulomb positive charge from one point to another point in the electric field is
1 erg then potential difference of the points is 1 Stat volt.
Types of electric potential: According to the nature of charge, potential is of two types
(i) Positive potential: Due to positive charge. (ii) Negative potential: Due to negative charge.
Potential due to a Point Charge: -Consider a point charge +q at O. OB = r . We have to find field
1 𝑞
intensity at point B. At point A electric field intensity 𝐸 = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑥 2 − − − (1) Along OA
0
Work done in bringing a unit positive
charge from A to C is dW = F . dx
But F = − q0 E
𝑟 𝑟
𝑊∞𝐵 = ∫∞ 𝑑𝑊 = ∫∞ −𝑞0 𝐸𝑑𝑥
So potential at point B is,
𝑊 𝑟 −1 𝑞
𝑉 = 𝑞∞𝐵 = ∫∞ 4𝜋𝜀 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
0 0
𝑟 𝑟
𝑟𝑞 𝑞 𝑥 −2+1 𝑞 𝑥 −1 −𝑞 1 𝑟
𝑉= − 4𝜋𝜀 ∫∞ 𝑥 −2 𝑑𝑥 ⇒  𝑉 = 4𝜋𝜀 | −2+1 |  𝑉 = 4𝜋𝜀 | −1 |  𝑉 = 4𝜋𝜀 |𝑥|
0 0 ∞ 0 ∞ 0 ∞
𝑞 1 1 1 𝑞
𝑉= ( − ) ⇒𝑉=
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 ∞ 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
Potential Difference: -Work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to another point in
electric field is defined as potential difference (V). It is a scalar quantity & its SI unit is Volt.
𝑊 1 𝑗𝑜𝑢𝑙
V = VB−VA = 𝑞𝐴𝐵 = 1 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑏 = 1 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡
0
If work done in moving a one coulomb positive charge from one point to another point in the electric field is 1
Joule then potential difference of the points is called 1 Volt.
ELECTRON-VOLT:−It is the kinetic energy acquired by electron under a potential difference of 1 volt.
Obviously 1 eV=1.610-19 J.
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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi

Line Integral of Electric Field: -It is the

basic property of electrostatic field.
“The negative of the line integral of electric field
between any two points is equal to the potential
𝑟 → →
difference”.𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = − ∫𝑟 𝐵 𝐸 . 𝑑𝑙
𝐴
Proof: -Consider a point charge +q placed at origin O
of the coordinate system. A small test charge qo is
moving from A to B along a curved path.
At any point P where OP = r, electric field intensity is
E, so force on test charge qo is qo E directed radially
outward from +q.
To prevent acceleration of the test charge due to this force, an external force F =− q0 E has to be applied. PQ = dl
Then work done by the external force in displacing the test charge from P to Q.
𝑟 𝑟 → →
Total work done by external force in moving from A to B is 𝑊𝐴𝐵 = ∫𝑟 𝐵 𝑑𝑊 = −𝑞0 ∫𝑟 𝐵 𝐸 • 𝑑 𝑙
𝐴 𝐴
𝑟𝐵
𝑊𝐴𝐵 → →
𝑆𝑜 = − ∫ 𝐸 • 𝑑𝑙 − − − − − (1)
𝑞0 𝑟𝐴
𝑟 → →
(a) Potential Difference:−Potential difference between B and A, 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 == − ∫𝑟 𝐵 𝐸 • 𝑑𝑙 𝐴
1 𝑞 𝑃𝑁 𝑑𝑟
𝐵𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑, 𝐸 = 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝛥𝑃𝑁𝑄, 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 𝑃𝑄 𝑑𝑙
𝑟𝐵 𝑟 1 𝑞 𝑑𝑟
𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = − ∫𝑟 𝐸𝑑𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = − ∫𝑟 𝐵 × 𝑑𝑙 ×
𝐴 𝐴 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 𝑑𝑙
𝑟𝐵
𝑞 𝑟 𝑞 𝑟 −2+1
𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = − 4𝜋𝜀 ∫𝑟 𝐵 𝑟 −2 𝑑𝑟  𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = − | |
0 𝐴 4𝜋𝜀0 −2+1 𝑟𝐴
𝑞
𝑟
𝑟 −1 𝐵 𝑞 1 𝑟𝐵
𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = − 4𝜋𝜀 | −1 |  𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = + | |
0 𝑟𝐴 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 𝑟𝐴
𝑟𝐵 → → 𝑞 1 1
So potential difference between two point A & B, VA– VB = − ∫𝑟 𝐸 . 𝑑𝑙 = ( − )
𝐴 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟𝐵 𝑟𝐴
(b) Potential:− Electric potential of a point is equal to negative of the line integral of the electric field intensity
from infinite to the points. In this case 𝑟𝐴 =  , r 𝐵 = r .
𝑟→ → 𝑞 1 1 1 𝑞
V = − ∫∞ 𝐸 . 𝑑𝑙 ,𝑉 = ( − ) ⇒𝑉=
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 ∞ 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
Prove Electrostatic Force is Conservative Force: -Let +q is a charge at O then work done in moving a
test charge from A to B along Path L1 is
𝑟 → →
𝑊𝐴𝐵 𝑞 1 1
= − ∫𝑟 𝐵 𝐸 . 𝑑 𝑙 = 4𝜋𝜀 (𝑟 − 𝑟 ) - - -(1)
𝑞0 𝐴 0 𝐵 𝐴
Work done in moving the test charge from B to A along L2
𝑟 → →
𝑊𝐵𝐴 𝑞 1 1
path is = − ∫𝑟 𝐴 𝐸 . 𝑑 𝑙 =4𝜋𝜀 (𝑟 − 𝑟 )-- (2)
𝑞0 𝐵 0 𝐴 𝐵
Total work done in moving the test charge over close path
𝑊 𝑊 𝑊
AL1BL2A is, 𝑞𝐴𝐵𝐴 = 𝑞𝐴𝐵 + 𝑞𝐵𝐴
0 0 0
𝑊𝐴𝐵𝐴 𝑞 1 1 1 1
From eq1 & eq2 = 4𝜋𝜀 [(𝑟 − 𝑟 ) + (𝑟 − 𝑟 )] = 0
𝑞0 0 𝐴 𝐵 𝐵 𝐴

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
𝑊𝐴𝐵𝐴 → →
= − ∮𝐸 . 𝑑𝑙 = 0
𝑞0 𝑐
The line integral of electric field along the closed path in electrostatic field is zero.
Hence work done in moving a test charge along a closed path is zero
i.e. work done is independent of the path. So electrostatic force is conservative force.
Relation Between Electric Field and Potential:−
(1) In an electric field rate of change of potential with distance is known as potential gradient.
(2) Potential gradient is a vector quantity and it’s direction is opposite to that of electric field.
𝑑𝑉
(3) Potential gradient relates with electric field according to the following relation 𝐸 = − 𝑑𝑟 . This relation gives
another unit of electric field is volt/meter.
(4) In the above relation negative sign indicates that in the direction of electric field potential decreases.
𝑉
(5) Negative of the slope of the V-r graph denotes intensity of electric field i.e. 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = = −𝐸
𝑟
⃗
(6) In space around a charge distribution we can also write 𝐸 = 𝐸𝑥 𝑖̂ + 𝐸𝑦 𝑗̂ + 𝐸𝑧 𝑘 ̂
V 𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉
where Ex =− , 𝐸𝑦 = − 𝜕𝑦 and 𝐸𝑧 = − 𝜕𝑧
x
𝑑𝑉
(7) With the help of formula 𝐸 = − 𝑑𝑟 , potential difference between any two points in an electric field can be
𝑟 → → 𝑟
determined by knowing the boundary conditions 𝑑𝑉 = − ∫𝑟 2 𝐸 . 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫𝑟 2 𝐸. 𝑑𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
1 1

Potential Energy: - Work done in bringing a charge body from infinite to any point in electric field is
𝑊∞𝐵
defined as electrostatic potential energy of the point (U). 𝑉 = 𝑞0
𝑆𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦𝑜𝑓𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑈 =
𝑊∞𝐵 = 𝑞0 𝑉
1 𝑞.𝑞0 1 𝑞1 .𝑞2
𝑈= 𝑜𝑟 𝑈= .
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
Potential energy of a system of n charges: In a system of n charges electric potential energy is calculated for
1 𝑄1 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑄3
each pair and added algebraically. i.e. 𝑈= [ + +. . . . . . . . . ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12 𝑟23
Potential due to a group of charges: -Potential due to n charges at any point is V = V1 + V2 + V3 + - - - -
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑞3
𝑉= ( + + + − − − − − −)
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟1 𝑟2 𝑟3
Potential due to uniform distribution of charge: - dq is a small charge element, then potential at any point
1
∫ 𝑑𝑞 1 ∫𝑙 𝜆𝑑𝑙
𝑉= . 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒, 𝑉 =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
1 ∫𝑆 𝜎𝑑𝑠 1 ∫𝑉 𝜌𝑑𝑉
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒, 𝑉 = 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒, 𝑉 =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟

Potential at a point due to an electric dipole:

-Consider a dipole of charge –q & +q separated by a small
distance 2l having a dipole moment p = 2ql . We want to find
potential at point P which is at distance r from the centre of the
dipole O.Let AP = r2 & BP = r1 AD⊥OP & BC⊥PO
extended.
r1 = OP + CO In BCO CO = l cos 
So r1 = r + lcos  - - - - - -(1)
r2 = OP − CO In BDO CO = l cos 
So r2 = r −lcos  - - - - - -(2)
Net potential due to the dipole
1 𝑞 −𝑞
𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 = [ + ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 𝑟1
1 𝑞 𝑞 𝑞 𝑟+𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃−𝑟+𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑞 2𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
𝑉= [ − ]  𝑉= × (𝑟−𝑙 = ×
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟−𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑟+𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃)(𝑟+𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃) 4𝜋𝜀0 (𝑟 2 −𝑙2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃)
1 𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
𝑉= × Here , 𝑝 = 𝑞 × 2𝑙
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 −𝑙2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃

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Case-I If the point lies on the equatorial line i.e.  = 90 so cos 90 = 0 . Hence potential V = 0
1 𝑝
Case-II If the point lies on the axial line i.e.  = 0 so cos 0 = 1 . Hence potential 𝑉 = 4𝜋𝜀 (𝑟 2−𝑙2 )
0

Equipotential Surface: -the surface in electric field having same electric

potential at each point is called equipotential surface.
The locus of all those points which having same potential is defined as
equipotential surface.

v = v2 V1 V2 V3 V4 V5

– + + +
v = v1

Equipotential
V1 > V2 > V3 > V4 > V5 surface

Pair of two equal and opposite charges Pair of two equal and similar charges

Properties of equipotential surface:-(1) No work is done in moving a charge between any two points on
equipotential surface.𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑊𝐴𝐵 /𝑞0 But A and B are point on equipotential surface so 𝑉𝐵 = 𝑉𝐴
𝑊𝐴𝐵 = 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐴 ⇒ 𝑊𝐴𝐵 = 0
(2) A straight-line drawn normal to the equipotential surface will give direction of electric field at that point.
(3) Electric field intensity and electric lines of force are parallel to each other & perpendicular to equipotential
surface.
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑊𝐴𝐵 = 0, 𝑠𝑜, 𝐹 . 𝑑𝑟 = −𝑞0 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑟 = 0 𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, − 𝑞𝐸𝑑𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 0
𝐼𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛, 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝜃 = 90
(4) Equipotential surfaces are close together in the region where electric field is strong & are far apart in the
𝑑𝑉 1
weaker Field region. Since 𝐸 = , 𝑠𝑜 𝐸 ∝
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
∴ 𝐼𝑓 dV is constant, so if ′dr′ is small then E will be greater.
(5) If two equipotential surfaces intersect each other at a point, then there will be two normal at a point which
will give two direction of electric field intensity (two value of potential) at same point. But electric field intensity
is a vector quantity, which have only one direction. Hence two equipotential surfaces never intersect each other.
Conductors: -Those material which permit flow of electric charge through them are called conductor e.g. all
the metals, salt solution &acid solution. This material possesses large number of free electrons.
Insulators: -Those material which do not permits flow of electric charge through them are called insulator e.g.
wood, plastic, wax, glass etc. These material possess negligibly small number of free electron hence these
material are poor conductor of electricity.
Dielectrics: -Dielectrics are those insulators, which transmit electric effect through them when they are placed
in electric field e.g. water, glass, mica, PVC etc.
When the dielectrics are placed in electric field, charge is induced on the surfaces.
Behaviour of conductor in electric field: -
(1) Inside a conductor electric field is zero: -When a conductor is placed in electric field of intensity E 0 , free
electrons are attracted by the positive side of the field (towards AC ). Hence positive charge is induced on DB
side & negative charges on AC side. Due to this induced charge an internal electric field E i develops in the
conductor, which is opposite to main field E0. In metal equal but opposite charge is induces so E0 = Ei , hence net
electric field inside the metallic conductor is E = E0 – Ei = 0 . (Fig-1)

(2) Net charge inside a hollow conductor is zero. From Gauss theorem
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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
𝑞 𝑞
⃗
∮𝑆 𝐸 . 𝑑𝑆 = ∈ . 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝐸 = 0, 𝑠𝑜, =0 ⇒𝑞=0
0 ∈0
(3) Charge always lies on the outer surface of the conductor: -Consider a positively charged conductor.
We will draw an imaginary surface just inside the surface of the conductor, it is called Gaussian surface.
Since electric field inside a conductor is zero so net out ward electric flux through Gaussian surface is zero.
Hence from Gauss theorem the net charges in side a conductor is zero. This shows that all charge lies on the
outer surface of the conductor. (Fig-2)
Charge resides on the outer surface of a conductor because like charges repel and try to get as far away as
possible for on another and stay at the farthest distance from each other which is outer surface of the conductor.
This is way a solid and hollow conducting sphere of same outer radius will hold maximum equal charge and a
soap bubble expands on charging.
(4) When a conductor is placed in electric field then charge on the conductor is rearranged and finally the flow of
charge stops.
It is only possible when component of electric field, E cos  = 0 or cos  = 0 i.e.  =90.
Hence electric field on the outer side of the conductor is perpendicular to the surface at every point.
(5) Electric potential is constant within and at the surface of the conductors.
𝑑𝑉
𝐸=− , 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝐸 = 0,
𝑑𝑟
𝑑𝑉
𝑠𝑜, 𝑑𝑟 = 0, Hence 𝑉 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑡
(6) Electrostatic Shielding is the phenomenon of protecting a certain region of space from electric field.
Electric field intensity inside a conductor in an electric field is zero. This property is used to protect electric
instrument from external electric field by enclosing them in a hollow conductor. The hollow conductor is called
Faraday cage e.g. during lightning it is safer to be inside a car or bus than to be in open ground or under tree.
The metallic body of the vehicle will provide the electrostatic shielding.
7) Charge leaks from sharp points: In case of conducting body, no doubt charge resides on its outer surface, if
surface is uniform the charge distributes uniformly on the surface and for irregular surface the distribution of
charge, i.e., charge density is not uniform. It is maximum where the radius of curvature is minimum and vice
versa. i.e.,   1/R. This is why charge leaks from sharp points.
Capacitance of a conductor: -Electric capacitance is the measure of the ability of the conductor to
hold/store charge on it.
If charge on the conductor is zero, its potential is zero. As charge on the conductor increases gradually its
potential also increases. At any instant charge on the conductor Q is directly proportional to its potential.
Q  V . Q = CV
Where C = Q / V is a constant known as capacity or capacitance of the conductor.
Its value depends on (i) the size of the conductor and (ii) medium around the conductor.
If V = 1 Volt , then C = Q / V or Q = C
i.e. “The amount of charge given to a conductor so that its potential increases by 1 volt is equal to
capacity/capacitance of the conductor”.
Capacity of a body is independent of charge given to the body or its potential raised.
Capacity of a body depends on, (a) medium around conductor and (b) shape and size of conductor.
(a) One farad:− SI unit of capacity is farad.
If Q = +1 coulomb & V = 1 Volt then, C = Q / V = +1 coulomb /1 Volt
C = 1 coulomb/Volt = 1 Farad.
“If 1 coulomb of charge is given to a conductor so that its potential is increased by 1 volt then the capacity of the
conductor is 1 Farad”.
1 mili (mF) = 10−3 𝐹, 1 micro farad(F) = 10−6 F, 1 neno farad(𝑛𝐹) = 10−9 𝐹 1 pico farad (pF) = 10−12 F
(b) C.G.S. Unit of capacity is state Farad or e.s.u. of capacity. 1 Farad = 9  10 stat Farad.
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Capacity of a spherical Conductor: - Consider a spherical conductor of radius ‘r’ & charge q is given to
it so that its potential increases to V. Spherical conductor is an equipotential surface because all
+ + + +Q
the point on this surface are equidistant from its centre. +
+
+
1 𝑞 𝑞 𝑞 R +
𝑉= , but capacity of conductor 𝐶 = = 1 𝑞 ⇒ 𝐶 = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 +
+ +
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 𝑉 +
O +
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 + +
+ + +
Hence capacity of a spherical capacitor is equal to 4𝜋𝜀0 time its radius in SI units.
In c.g.s unit capacity of the spherical conductor is equal to its radius. C = R.
Hence a spherical conductor behaves like a spherical capacitor with second conductor at infinite distance.
Energy of a charged conductor (Capacitor):- Consider a capacitor of capacity C having charge q on it.
Then its potential V = q / C - - - - - (1)
If we want to increase the charge by dq then we have to do work dW against the force of repulsion
We know that potential V = dW / dq so dW = Vdq
Total work done in charging a conductor from Q = 0 𝑡𝑜 𝑄 = 𝑄
𝑄 𝑄 𝑞𝑑𝑞 1 𝑄
𝑊 = ∫0 𝑑𝑊 ⇒ 𝑊 = ∫0 𝐶 ⇒ 𝑊 = 𝐶 ∫0 𝑞𝑑𝑞
𝑄
1 𝑞1+1 1 𝑄 2 02 𝟏 𝐐𝟐
𝑊= | | = [ − ] ⇒ 𝐖=
𝐶 1+1 0 𝐶 2 2 𝟐 𝐂
The work done stored in the conductor as potential energy, U = W
1 𝑄2 1 𝐶 2𝑉 2
𝑈= 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑄 = 𝐶𝑉 𝑆𝑜 𝑈 =
2 𝐶 2 𝐶
U = ½ CV2 Also, U = ½ QV
Capacitor (Condenser): - Electrical condenser/capacitor is a device consists of two metal conductor
(circular or rectangular or spherical or cylindrical) separated by a dielectric (non-conducting medium) used to
store large amount of electric energy in small space.
Capacitors are produced in a wide variety of forms. Air, mica, ceramics, paper, oil, and vacuums are used as
dielectrics, depending on the purpose for which the device is to be used.
Principle of capacitor: -Since capacity of a capacitor C = Q / V
If we keep Q = Constant then, C  1/V
At constant charge, the capacity of a conductor can be increased by decreasing its potential.

It can be achieved by bringing an uncharged earthed conductor near the conductor.

Explanation:−Consider a conductor A, having +q charge & potential V. Another conductor B is electrically
neutral.
(a) If we try to bring a 1 C positive charge to the conductor A there is strong repulsion. So large amount of work
has to be done i.e. potential is large.
(b) If conductor B is brought close to A, due to electrostatic induction –ve (bound) charge is induce toward left
side and +ve (free) charge is induce on right side.
(c) If B is connected to the earth so the free positive charge passes to the earth, now it has only negative charge.
(d) Now if we bring +1 C charge from infinite to the conductor A then there will be repulsion due to A as well as
attraction due to B which decrease the net force of repulsion by a large amount. Hence the amount of work done
i.e. potential decreases by a large amount hence capacity increases by a large amount.
Therefore, we can store a large amount of charge in small space.
Parallel Plate Capacitor: -This type of capacitor consists of two metal plates (rectangular or circular) each
of surface area ‘a’ placed at distance ‘d’ apart, parallel to each other separated by a dielectric (air in this case).
(1) Consider a rectangular plate A connected to the source & plate B connected to the earth.
if +q charge is given to plate A then, due to electric induction −q and +q charge induced on plate B.

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
(2) Since surface charge density of each plate is  = q / a - - - -(i)
(3) E:−From Gauss’s theorem electric field at a point between the two plate, E =  /𝜀0 .- - -(ii)
𝑞
𝑆𝑜, 𝐸 = − − − − − (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
𝑎𝜀0
(𝟑)𝐕: −Potential difference between the plates is
𝑞𝑑
𝑉 = 𝐸𝑑 ⇒𝑉= − − − −(𝑖𝑣)
𝑎𝜀0
q
(𝟒)𝐂: −Capacity of the capacitor, C =
V
q aε0
C= Hence, C=
qd/aε0 d
If dielectric medium of dielectric constant K is introduced between the
plates then
𝑲𝒂𝜺𝟎
Capacity of the capacitor in the medium 𝑪𝒎 =
𝒅
Dependence of capacitance of Parallel palate capacitor: - (1) C  a
Capacitance is proportional to area of plates so capacity can be increased by increasing area of plates.
(2) C  1/d Since capacitance is inversely proportional to distance between the plates so capacity
can be increased by decreasing distance between the plates.
(3) C  K Since capacitance is proportional to dielectric constant of the medium between the plates. so
capacity can be increase by having dielectric medium of high dielectric constant.
𝜎2 𝐴 𝑄2 𝐶𝑉 2
Force on a plates of a parallel plate capacitor. |𝐹| = 𝑞𝐸 = 𝜎𝐴𝐸 = 2𝜀0
= 2𝜀 𝐴
= 2𝑑
0

0 2𝜋𝜀 𝑙
Capacitance of cylindrical capacitor 𝐶 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑏/𝑎) where b & a are radius of outer & inner cylinder respectively
𝑒
0 4𝜋𝜀 𝑎𝑏
Capacitance of spherical capacitor 𝐶 = 𝑏−𝑎 where b & a are radius of outer & inner sphere respectively.
Application of Capacitor: -[1] In power supply for smoothing the rectified current (D.C.)
[2] To eliminate sparking when a circuit containing inductor is broken i.e. ignition system of automobiles.
[3] To improve efficiency & power factor in a.c. circuits.
[4] To produce rotating magnetic field. [5] To tune radio & TV circuits.
[6] As a charge accumulator. [7] In electronics
Energy Density: -Energy stored per unit volume is called energy density.
1 𝑎𝜀0 2
𝐶𝑉 2 𝑉 1 𝑉 2
2 2𝑑
Energy density = Energy/Volume = = = 𝜀0 ( )
𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑑 2 𝑑
𝑉 1
But electric field, 𝐸 = 𝑑 Hence 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 2 𝜀0 𝐸 2
Dielectrics: - Dielectric, or electrical insulators are those substances, which do not allow electric current to
pass, but they allow electric effect to pass through them.
Dielectric Medium Vacuum Air Paper Porcelain Water Mica
Dielectric Strength (V/m)  0.8 14 4 80 160
When the nonpolar dielectric is placed in an electric field, the electrons and protons of its constituent atoms
reorient themselves, and molecules become polarised.
Polarisation: -The alignment of the dipole moment of the permanent or Condu
induced molecular dipoles in the direction of the applied field is called ctor
polarization. (Metal
As a result of this polarization, the dielectric is under stress, and it stores foil)
energy that becomes available when the electric field is removed Conductor Dielectric
(Metal foil) (Plastic sheet)
The effectiveness of dielectrics is measured by their relative ability to
store energy, compared to vacuum, and expressed in terms of a dielectric constant (K).
Dielectric Constant (K):- The ratio of capacity of a parallel plate capacitor with any medium between the plates
to the capacity of the same capacitor with air as a dielectric medium is define as dielectric constant.
Capacity of a capacitor with amedium 𝐶
𝐾(𝜀𝑟 ) = Capacity of a capacitor with air as a medium = 𝐶𝑚
𝑜
For vacuum K=1. The values of K for usable dielectrics vary from slightly more than 1 for air up to 100 or more
for certain ceramics containing titanium oxide.

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
Polarisation vector or Polarisation density is measure of the extent to which the molecules of the dielectric
→ →
𝑝 →
become polarise by an applied electric field. Polaristion vector, 𝑃 = 𝑉 = 𝑁𝑝
𝑊here p is induced dipole moment of an atom. N− number of atoms per unit volume.
Induced dipole moment developed per unit volume of the dielectric is defined as Polarisation vector.
Its SI unit is C/m2 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑝 = 𝛼𝜀0 𝐸 ⇒ 𝑃 = 𝑁𝛼𝜀0 𝐸
→ →
Electric susceptibility (): - 𝑃 = 𝜀0 𝜒 𝐸
While  is a proportionality constant.  describes the electric behaviour of the dielectric, it is a dimensionless
quantity.
Larger the value of  , greater will be the Polarisation of the dielectric in the electric field.
In vacuum  = 0, because there is no medium in vacuum.
Dielectric Strength: -The maximum value of the electric field intensity that can be applied to the dielectric
without breakdown is called dielectric strength. OR Ability of a dielectric to withstand electric fields without
losing insulating properties is known as its dielectric strength. Its S.I. unit is V/m and practical unit is kV/mm.
Dielectric Breakdown If a very high electric field is created in a dielectric, the outer electrons may get
detached from their parent atoms. The dielectric then behaves like a conductor. This phenomenon is
known as dielectric breakdown.
Non-Polar Dielectric Polar Dielectric
(1) If centre of gravity of positively charged nuclei (1) If centre of gravity of positively charged nuclei
coincides with centre of gravity of negatively charge does not coincide with centre of gravity of negatively
nuclei, then it is called non−polar molecule. charge nuclei, then it is called polar molecule.
(2) H2 , N2 O2 etc (2) N2O , HCl, H2O , NH3 etc.
(3) Due to their symmetric shape of the molecules, (3) Due to their asymmetric shape of the molecules,
they do not possess permanent dipole moment. they possess permanent dipole moment.
(4) In the absence of external electric field, a non-polar (4) In the absence of external electric field polar
molecule does not possess a permanent dipole molecule possess a permanent dipole moment and
moment. When it is placed in external electric field, molecules are randomly arranged so that the net dipole
nucleus (proton) moves along the direction of electric moment is zero. When it is placed in external electric
field while the electron move opposite to the electric field these atomic dipoles align themselves along the
field. Now the atom acquires a permanent dipole field 7 acquire net dipole moment.
moment.

Capacity of a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric slab introduced between the plates : -
(1) Consider a rectangular plate A connected to the source & plate B connected to
the earth. Due to electric induction +q & -q charge induce on plate A & B
respectively. Let air be the dielectric & area of each plate is ‘a’ and distance between
them is d.
So surface charge density of each plate is  = q / a - - -(i)
(2)E:− From Gauss’s theorem electric field at a point between the two plate
E0 =  /0 .- - -(ii)
𝑞
𝑆𝑜 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑖𝑟, 𝐸0 = − − − (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
𝑎𝜀0
(3) If dielectric medium of dielectric constant K is
introduced between the plates. Then under the application
of external field the positive charged nucleus & cloud of
negative electron of the atom slightly move toward
negative & positive plate respectively and atoms are
polarised.
(a)The internal + ve & − ve charge neutralizes each other.
A layer of positive charge toward plate B and a layer of
negative charge toward plate A remain un−neutralise.
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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
𝑞
(b) The un-neutralised charge constitutes an internal opposite induced electric field in the dielectric, 𝐸𝑖 =
𝐾𝑎𝜀0
So net electric field reduces to E = (𝐸0 − 𝐸𝑖 )
Since V = E  d, so V decreases. So, C = q/V, so C increases.
(c) V:−Potential difference between the plates V = Potential difference in air Vo+ Potential difference in medium
𝑉 = 𝐸𝑜 × 𝑑𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑐 𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑖𝑟 + 𝐸𝑖 × 𝑑𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑐 𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑚 = [𝐸𝑜 × (𝑑 − 𝑡)] + [𝐸𝑖 × 𝑡]
𝑞 𝑞
𝑉 = [𝑎𝜀 × (𝑑 − 𝑡)] + [𝐾𝑎𝜀 × 𝑡]
𝑜 𝑜
𝑞
(d) C:−𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝐶 = 𝑉 A K1 K2 K3

𝑞 𝑎𝜀𝑜
𝐶= 𝑞 𝑡 ⇒𝐶= 𝑡
[(𝑑−𝑡)+ ] [(𝑑−𝑡)+ ] t1 t2 t3
𝑎𝜀𝑜 𝐾 𝐾
d
Case−1:− If a number of dielectric slabs are inserted between the plate as shown
t
0 A
C' =
 t t t 
d − (t1 + t 2 + t 3 + ........) +  1 + 2 + 3 + ........ 

 K1 K 2 K3  A K=
 A
Case−2:− When a metallic slab is inserted between the plates, C' = 0
(d − t)

If metallic slab fills the complete space between the plates (i.e. t = d) or both plates are d

joined through a metallic wire then capacitance becomes infinite.

Combination: -If capacitors are connected in series or parallel then total energy is equal to sum of the energy of
the capacitors. U = U1+U2 +U3+U4 + - - -
1 𝑄2 1 𝑄2 1 𝑄2 1 1 1 1 1 𝑄2
In Series Combination: -𝑈 = 2 𝐶 + 2 𝐶 + 2 𝐶 + − − −= 2 𝑄2 (𝐶 + 𝐶 + 𝐶 − − − −) = 2
1 2 3 1 2 3 𝐶
In Parallel Combination: - U = ½ C1V2 + ½ C2V2 + ½ C3V2 + - - - - - -
1 1
𝑈 = 2 (𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3 + − − −−)𝑉 2 = 2 𝐶𝑉 2
Sharing of charge between two conductor (Capacitor) & loss of energy:-Consider two
conductor A & B of capacity C1 & C2 having charge Q1 & Q2 ,their potential are V1& V2 respectively.
So Q1 = C1 V1 - - - - - - - (1) Q2 = C2 V2 - - - - - -(2) q1 q2
Q1 Q2 C1 r1 r2 C2
C1 r1 r2 C2 V V
V1 V2 U1  U2 
U1 U2 Q1=C1V Q2=C2V
Q1= C1V1 Q2= C2V2
[a] Charge after redistribution: -Now the two conductors are connected by a conducting wire so charges flow
from higher potential to lower potential till their potential become same. Due to redistribution the common
potential is V and charges becomes q1 and q2 respectively.
So q1 = C1 V - - - - (3) & q2 = C2 V- - - --(4)
𝒒𝟏 𝑪𝟏 𝒓𝟏
(i) Dividing eq (3) by eq (4) q1/q2 =C1V/C2V = = Hence q1/q2 =C1/C2
𝒒𝟐 𝑪𝟐 𝒓𝟐
𝑞1 + q2 𝐶1 +𝐶2
Applying componendo dividendo, =
𝑞2 𝐶2
From law of conservation of charge, total charge is constant, 𝑞1 + q2 = 𝑄1 + Q 2 −−−−−−−−(5)
𝑄1 + Q2 𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝑄1 + Q2 𝑟2
𝑆𝑜 = ⇒ 𝑞2 = ( ) 𝐶2 = 𝑄 [ ] − − − −(6)
𝑞2 𝐶2 𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝑟1 +𝑟2
(ii) Dividing eq4 by eq3 q2 / q1 =C2V / C1V Hence q2/q1 =C2/C1
𝑞1 + q2 𝐶1 +𝐶2
Applying componendo dividendo, = . From equation (5)
𝑞1 𝐶1
𝑄1 + Q2 𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝑄1 + Q2 𝑟1
= ⇒ 𝑞1 = ( ) 𝐶1 = 𝑄 [ ]- - - - - - - (7)
𝑞1 𝐶1 𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝑟1 +𝑟2
[b] Common Potential of the conductor V = Total charge / Total Capacity
𝑄 + Q 𝐶 V + C2 𝑉2
𝑉 = ( 1𝐶 +𝐶 2 ) 𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑞1&2 ⇒ 𝑉=( 1 1 ) − − − (8)
1 2 𝐶1 +𝐶2
[c] Loss of energy: -Energy of conductors before joining are U1 = ½ C1 V1 2 - - - - - -(8)
U2 = ½ C2 V2 2 - - - - - -(9) Energy of conductors after joining is U = ½ C V2 - - - -(10)
Loss of energy U = (U1 + U2 ) − U = ( ½ C1 V1 2 +½ C2 V2 2 ) − ½ (C1 + C1)V2

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
2
1 1 1 𝐶 𝑉
1 1 + 𝐶 𝑉
2 2
𝛥𝑈 = 𝐶1 𝑉1 2 + 𝐶2 𝑉2 2 − (𝐶1 + 𝐶2 ) ( )
2 2 2 𝐶1 + 𝐶2
1 2 2 1 (𝐶1 𝑉1 + 𝐶2 𝑉2 )2 (𝐶1 + 𝐶2 )(𝐶1 𝑉1 2 + 𝐶2 𝑉2 2 ) − (𝐶1 𝑉1 + 𝐶2 𝑉2 )2
𝛥𝑈 = (𝐶1 𝑉1 + 𝐶2 𝑉2 ) − =
2 2 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 2(𝐶1 + 𝐶2 )
𝐶1 𝐶2 𝑉1 2 + 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝑉2 2 + 𝐶 2 1 𝑉1 2 + 𝐶 2 2 𝑉2 2 ) − (𝐶 2 1 𝑉 2 1 + 𝐶 2 2 𝑉 2 2 + 2𝐶1 𝐶2 𝑉1 𝑉2 )
= 𝛥𝑈
2(𝐶1 + 𝐶2 )
𝐶1 𝐶2 𝑉1 2 + 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝑉2 2 − 2𝐶1 𝐶2 𝑉1 𝑉2 𝐶1 𝐶2 (𝑉1 2 + 𝑉2 2 − 2𝑉1 𝑉2 )
= =
2(𝐶1 + 𝐶2 ) 2(𝐶1 + 𝐶2 )
𝐶1 𝐶2
𝛥𝑈 = (𝑉1 − 𝑉2 )2 Since (𝑉1 − 𝑉2 )2 is alaways positive.
2(𝐶1 +𝐶2 )
So there is always loss of energy in redistribution of charge.
According to the law of conservation of energy this loss is converted in to heat in connecting wire, light
(sparking) & to produce some sound.
Series combination of capacitor: -When first plate of first capacitor is connected to source &
second plate of the first capacitor is
connected to the first plate of the
second capacitor, second plate of the
second capacitor is connected to the
first plate of the third capacitor and so
on then this combination is known as
series combination.
Consider the capacity of three
capacitors are C1 , C2& C3 connected in series to a source between points A & B. Point B is connected to the
earth so +Q & –Q charges are induce on the plates of capacitors. Potential difference between the plate of
capacitors are V1 , V2& V3 respectively.
𝑄 𝑄 𝑄
𝑉1 = 𝐶 − − − −(1), 𝑉2 = 𝐶 − − − −(2), 𝑉3 = 𝐶 − − − −(3)
1 2 3
If C is equivalence capacity of series combination with charge +Q & -Q on its plates with potential difference
V=Q/C - - - - - (4)
Potential difference between A & B is V = V1 + V2 + V3 ,Putting values from eq1,2,3&4
𝑄 𝑄 𝑄 𝑄 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= + = 𝑄 ( + + ) ⇒ = ( + + + − − −)
𝐶 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝐶 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
Hence in series combination, reciprocal of equivalent capacity is equal to sum of reciprocal of the individual
capacity of the capacitors.
(a) In series combination Charge on each capacitor remains same, potential difference and energy distributes in
the reverse ratio of capacitance i.e., V  1 and U  1 .
C C
C1 C 2 Multiplication
(b) If two capacitors having capacitances C1 and C2 are connected in series then C eq = =
C1 + C 2 Addition
 C2   C1 
V1 =  .V

and V2 =  . V

.
 C1 + C 2   C1 + C 2 
(c) If n identical capacitors each having capacitances C are connected in series with supply voltage V then
Equivalent capacitance C eq = C and Potential difference across each capacitor V ' = V .
n n
(d) If n identical plates are arranged as shown below, they constitute (n – 1) capacitors in series. If each
0 A 0 A + – + – + – + –
capacitors having capacitance then Ceq = +
+ – + – + – + – –
d (n − 1)d + – + – + – + –
+ – + – + – + –
In this situation except two extreme plates each plate is common to adjacent capacitors.
Parallel combination of capacitor: -When first plate of all the capacitors are connected to source &
second plate of the capacitors are connected to the earth then this combination is known as parallel combination.
Consider the capacity of three capacitors are C1 , C2 & C3 connected in parallel to a source between point A & B.
Point B is connected to the earth.
Source supply +Q charge which will divide in three parts after reaching at point A.
Let charge reaching on capacitors are Q1, Q2 & Q3 respectively.
Potential difference between the plates of capacitors is V, which is same & constant.
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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
Q 1 = C 1 V - - - -(1), Q 2 = C2 V - - - -(2) Q 3 = C 3 V - - - -(3)
Equivalence capacity of series combination is C with charge +Q & -Q on its plates with potential difference V,
then Q = C V - - - - - (4)
Total charge Q = Q 1 + Q 2 + Q 3
Q = C 1 V + C2 V + C 3 V
C V = V( C 1 + C2 + C 3 )
Hence, C = C 1 + C2 + C 3 - - - -
Thus equivalent capacitance in parallel
combination is equal to sum of individual
capacity of the capacitors.
(a) Potential difference across each capacitor
remains same.
(b) In parallel combination charge and energy distributes in the ratio of capacitance i.e. Q  C and U  C
(c) If two capacitors having capacitance C1 and C2 respectively are connected in parallel then C eq = C1 + C 2
 C1   C2 
Q1 =  .Q

and Q2 =  .Q

 C1 + C 2   C1 + C 2 
2 4 6
(d) If n identical capacitors are connected in parallel 1 3 5 7
Q
Equivalent capacitance C eq = nC and Charge on each capacitor Q' =
n
If n identical plates are arranged such that even numbered of plates are connected together and odd numbered
plates are connected together, then (n – 1) capacitors will be formed and they will be in parallel grouping.
Equivalent capacitance C' = (n − 1) C
Combination of Charged Drops:−Let n identical drops each having Radius – r, Capacitance – c, Charge
– q, Potential – v and Energy – u. If these drops are combined to form a big drop of Radius – R, Capacitance – C,
Charge – Q, Potential – V & Energy – U then Q2
Q1
(1) Charge on big drop : 𝑄 = 𝑛𝑞 (2) Radius of big drop: 𝑅 = 𝑛 𝑟
1/3

(3) Capacitance of big drop: 𝐶 = 𝑛 𝑐 1/3 r2

𝑄 𝑛𝑞
(4) Potential of big drop: 𝑉 = 𝐶 = 𝑛1/3𝑐,𝑉 = 𝑛 𝑣 2/3
r1
1 1
(5) Energy of big drop: 𝑈 = 2 𝐶𝑉 2 = 2 (𝑛1/3 𝑐)(𝑛2/3 𝑣)2 ,𝑈 = 𝑛5/3 𝑢.
Potential Due to Concentric Spheres:−If two concentric conducting shells of radii r1 & r2 (r2>r1)
carrying uniformly distributed charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. Potential at the surface of each shell
1 𝑄 1 𝑄 1 𝑄 1 𝑄
𝑉1 = 4𝜋𝜀 . 𝑟1 + 4𝜋𝜀 . 𝑟2 and 𝑉2 = 4𝜋𝜀 . 𝑟1 + 4𝜋𝜀 . 𝑟2
0 1 0 2 0 2 0 2

Quantity Battery is Removed Battery Remains connected

A K
A K

d V

Capacity C' = KC C' = KC

Charge Q' = Q (Charge is conversed) Q' = KQ
Potential V' = V/K V' = V (Battery maintains the potential difference)
Intensity E' = E/K E' = E
Energy U' = U/K U' = U/K

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi

A1 K1
A/2
K1 A/2
+ K1 K2 K3 K4 – + K1 K2 – A2
+ K2 –

A/2 K2 A/2
A3 K3
t1 t2 t3 t4 d/2 d/2
C =
0 A  2K K   A 2K K
t1
+
t2 t t
+ 3 + 4
 C =  1 2  0 K eq = 1 2 C = 0 [K1A1 + K2 A2 + K3 A3 ] C =  K1 + K 2  0 A K = K1 + K 2
 K1 + K 2  d K1 + K 2 eq
K1 K2 K3 K4 d  2  d 2

When separation between the plates is changing

Quantity Battery is removed Battery remains connected
‘d’ is increased ‘d’ is decreased ‘d’ is increased ‘d’ is decreased
Capacity Decreases Increases Decreases Increases
Charge Remains conserved Remains conserved Decreases Increases
Potential Increases Decreases Maintain constant by battery Remains constant
Intensity Remains unchanged Remains unchanged Decreases Increases
Energy Increases Decreases Decreases Increases
Grouping of Capacitors.
Series grouping Parallel grouping
(1) Charge on each capacitor remains same and (1) Potential difference across +Q1 –Q1
equals to the main charge supplied by the battery each capacitor remains +
+
–
–
C1 C2 C3 –
+Q –Q +Q –Q +Q –Q same and equal to the +
+ –
+ – + – + – Q1
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
applied potential +Q2 –Q2
Q + – + – + – + –
difference + –
V = V1 + V2 + V3 V1 V2 V3 Q2 +
+
–
–
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3
+ – Q Q3 +Q3
–
–Q3
+
+ –
V –
(2) Equivalent capacitance (2) Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
+
+ –
1 1 1 1
= 𝐶 + 𝐶 + 𝐶 or 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = (𝐶1−1 + 𝐶2−1 + 𝐶3−1 )−1
𝐶𝑒𝑞 1 2 3 V
(3) In series combination potential difference and (3) In parallel combination charge and energy
energy distribution in the reverse ratio of distributes in the ratio of capacitance i.e. Q  C
1 1
capacitance i.e., 𝑉 ∝ and 𝑈 ∝ . and U  C
𝐶 𝐶
(4) If two capacitors having capacitances C1 and C2 (4) If two capacitors having capacitance C1 and C2
𝐶 𝐶
are connected in series then 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = 𝐶 𝟏+𝐶𝟐 = respectively are connected in parallel then 𝐶𝑒𝑞 =
𝟏 𝟐
𝑀𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶𝟏 + 𝐶𝟐
𝐴𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶1 𝐶2
𝐶 𝐶2 𝑄1 = (𝐶 ) . 𝑄 and 𝑄2 = (𝐶 ).𝑄
𝑉1 = ( 1 ) . 𝑉 and 𝑉2 = ( ).𝑉 1 +𝐶2 1 +𝐶2
𝐶 +𝐶 1 2 𝐶1 +𝐶2
(5) If n identical capacitors each having capacitances
C are connected in series with supply voltage V (5) If n identical capacitors are connected in parallel
𝐶 Equivalent capacitance 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = 𝑛𝐶 and Charge on
then Equivalent capacitance 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = 𝑛 and 𝑄
𝑉 each capacitor 𝑄′ = 𝑛
Potential difference across each capacitor 𝑉′ = 𝑛 .

Network Solving.:−To solve capacitive network for equivalent capacitance following guidelines should be followed.
Guideline 1. Identify the two points between which the equivalent capacitance is to be calculated.
Guideline 2. Connect (Imagine) a battery between these points.
Guideline 3. Solve the network from the point (reference point) which is farthest from the points between which
we have to calculate the equivalent capacitance. (The point is likely to be not a node)

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
(1) Simple circuits
Suppose equivalent capacitance is to be determined in the following networks between points A and B
(i) 36 C = 2 + 3 = 5 F
= 2 F 2F AB
6 F 3F 6F 3 + 6
3 F
 
A 3F B
A B
A
3F
B 3F

(ii) 3 + 3 = 6F
6
6F 6F 3F = 3 F C AB = 3 + 2 = 5 μF
2
  3F  6F
3 F 6F 6F
6F 6F 6F
3 F 6F
6
= 3 F
2 A B 2 F 2F B
A 2F B 2F A B A

9 F 9F 9F 9F

Series
9F 9F
A A 9
(iii) = 3 F
3
6F 6F 9F 6F 6F
 9F  By similar process CAB =
+
–

B B 3F
9F 9F 9F 9F 9F
9F

(2) Circuits with extra wire : If there is no capacitor in any branch of a network then every point of this branch will be at
same potential. Suppose equivalent capacitance is to be determine in following cases
A A C
(i)
C C C

C C C
B B A C
B
A B A A A B C
B B
+ – CAB = 3C
(ii) C1 = C2 = 2F, 𝑪𝟑 = 𝟓𝝁𝑭 A A B
C1 C1 C1 No p.d.
  across C3
C3 C3
A
C2
B A
C2
B A B so it is
C2
removed
A A B CAB = 4F
(3) Wheatstone bride based circuit : If in a network five capacitors are arranged as shown in following figure, the
network is called Wheatstone bridge.
𝐶 𝐶
If it is balanced then 𝐶1 = 𝐶3 hence C5 is removed and equivalent capacitance between A and B
2 4
D C1
(i) D (ii) C1 C2
(iii)
C1 C2 C5 C2
E
C5 C5 A B
C5 C3 D
A A B
B
C3 C4
C3 𝐶𝟏 𝐶𝟐 C4 𝐶𝟑 𝐶𝟒 C4
E 𝐶𝐴𝐵 = E +
𝐶𝟏 + 𝐶𝟐 𝐶𝟑 + 𝐶𝟒
(4) Infinite chain of Capacitors : In the following figure equivalent capacitance between A and B

A
C1 C1 C1 𝐶𝟐 𝐶
𝐶𝐴𝐵 = [√(𝟏 + 𝟒 𝐶𝟏 ) − 𝟏]
C2 C2  𝟐 𝟐
C2

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
The value of C0 in the circuit shown for which the net effective capacitance between A and B be
independent of the number of sections in the chain
A C1 C1 C1 C1 C

𝐶𝟐 𝐶
C2 C2 C2 C2 C0
𝐶𝟎 = [√(𝟏 + 𝟒 𝐶𝟏 ) − 𝟏]
𝟐 𝟐

B D

JEE/NEET
Electric Field and Potential Due to Various Charge Distribution
(1) Line charge: Electric field and potential due to a determined, at a point ‘x’ distance away from the centre
charged straight conducting wire of length l and charge of the ring.
density  +

Ey At point P
+

kQx kQ
+ E= , V=
l P Ey (x + R 2 )3 / 2
2
x 2 + R2
+ r 
+
kQ
+ At centre x = 0 so Ecentre = 0 and Vcentre =
k k R
Ex = (sin  + sin  ) and Ey = (cos  − cos  ) kQ kQ
r r At a point on the axis such that x >> R E= 2 , V =
x x
  r2 + l2 − l
V= log e   R Q Q
If x= , E max = and Vmax =
2 0  r2 + l2 + l 6 3 0 a 2 2 6 0
  2

(i) If point P lies at perpendicular bisector of wire i.e. Graph E

2k 
 = ; Ex = sin  and Ey = 0
r
x R O x
 R
(ii) If wire is infinitely long i.e. l →  so  =  = ; −
2
2 2
2k   −
(3) Some more results of line charge : If a thin plastic
Ex = and Ey = 0  Enet = and V= log e r + c
r 2 0 r rod having charge density  is bent in the following
2 0

(iii) If point P lies near one end of infinitely long wire i.e. shapes then electric field at P in different situations
shown in the following table
 = 0, and  =  Kirchhoff’s Law for Capacitor Circuits
2

| E x| =| E y| =
k +
According to Kirchhoff’s junction law  q = 0 and
+
r
+ Kirchhoff’s second law (Loop law) states that in a
 Enet = E x2 + Ey2 =
2 k + close loop of an electric circuit  V = 0 .
+
r P Ey When an arrangement of capacitors cannot be
simplified by the method of successive reduction, then
E= E x + Ey
2 2
Ey we need to apply the Kirchhoff’s laws to solve the
(2) Charged circular ring : circuit
Suppose we have a charged +
+
+
Sign convention while solving the problems.
+
+ E E
circular ring of radius R and +
R +
+
charge Q. On it’s axis electric +
+ P –E +E
+ 
field and potential is to be + + E
C C
+ +
+ + + – + –
Bagdi
+
+ + V 30
Enjoy Physics−9425353097−Page 16 of = – q/C V = + q/C Bagdi
 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
 = surface charge density) as shown in figure then
electric field and potential in different situation are
Bending of charged rod
+Q P +Q +Q
+ + + + + + + + +
+ + + P + +
r r
 + + + + + + + + + +
r P +
+
+
+ + + R + + R + + R +
r
+
r 
+
  + + + + + + +
+ + + + + +
+ r r
+
 E
+ + (A) Outside (B) At the surface (C) Inside
+
+
E + (i) Out side the sphere : If point P lies outside the
sphere (Q =  A =   4 R2)
E=
2k 
sin  2k  1 Q R 2 1 Q R 2
E= cos  E out = . = and Vout = . =
r
r 4 0 r 2 0r2 4 0 r 0r

+ +
(ii) At the surface of sphere : At surface r=R
+ + +
+ + + 1 Q  1 Q R
+
+ So, Es = . = and Vs = . =
+ 45° 90° 90° + 4 0 R 2  0 4 0 R  0
+ +
+ 45°
r
r (iii) Inside the sphere : Inside the conducting charge
E
E
sphere electric field is zero and potential remains
E=
2 k 2k  constant everywhere and equals to the potential at the
E=
r r surface. Ein = 0 and Vin = constant = Vs

+
Graph R R
+ +
+ O O
+ + + + + + +
+ +
+
+ +
E 1 VS 1
+ + + E out  Vout 
2
r +
r r
+ r Ein=0
E +
+
+
+ O O r =R r
+
+
r
+
+ + + + + +
(A) (B)
2 k (6) Uniformly charged non-conducting sphere :
E= E=0
r
Suppose charge Q is uniformly distributed in the
(4) Charged cylinder
volume+Qof a non-conducting
+Q
sphare of radius+Q
R as
P
(i) Non-conducting (ii) Conducting shown+ below
+ + + + + + + +
+ + P + + + + r +
uniformly charged charged cylinder + r
+ + + + + + +
r
P +
+ +
cylinder + + + R + + + + R
+ +
+ + + + + + + R+ + + +
+ + + + + +
+ + + + P + + P + + + + + +
+ + + + + + (A) Outside (B) At the surface (C) Inside
r r +
+ + + + + +
+ + + + + +
(i) +Outside the sphere : If point P lies outside the
sphere E out = 1 . Q2 and Vout = 1 . Q
(A) (B) 4 0 r 4 0 r
If point of observation (P) lies outside the cylinder then If the sphere has uniform volume charge density
for both type of cylindrical charge distribution Q
 − =
E out = , and Vout = log e r + c 4
R 3
2 0 r 2 0 3
If point of observation lies at surface i.e. r = R so for R 3 R 3
then E out = and Vout =
both cylinder E suface =  and Vsurface = − log e R + c 3 0 r 2 3 0 r
2 0 R 2 0
(ii) At the surface of sphere : At surface r = R
If point of observation lies inside the cylinder then for 1 Q R 1 Q R 2
Es = . = and Vs = . =
conducting cylinder Ein = 0 and for non-conducting 4 0 R 2
3 0 4 0 R 3 0
r (iii) Inside the sphere : At a distance r from the centre
Ein =
2 0 R 2 E
r
E Ein =
1
.
Qr
= Ein  r
Eout 
1 1 4 0 R 3 3 0
Eout 
Ein  r r r
1 Q [3 R 2 − r 2 ] (3 R 2 − r 2 )
Ein=0 and Vin = =
r O
4 0 2R 3 6 0
O r
r=R
3 1 Q 3
(A) For non-conducting cylinder (B) For conducting cylinder At centre r=0 so, Vcentre =  . = Vs
2 4 0 R 2
(5) Charged Conducting sphere (or shell of charge) :
i.e., Vcentre  Vsurface  Vout
If charge on a conducting sphere of radius R is Q (and
Bagdi Enjoy Physics−9425353097−Page 17 of 30 Bagdi
 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi

If x → 0, E ~– i.e. for points situated near the disc, it
2 0

behaves as an infinite sheet of charge.

Graph + + + + (11) Potential Due to Concentric Spheres
+ R+ + R+
+ +
O + O
+ + + +
+ (a) If two concentric conducting shells of radii r1 and
E r2(r2 > r1) carrying uniformly distributed charges Q1
1 VC 1
E out  Vout  and Q2 respectively. Potential at the surface of each
Ein  r r
2 r Q2
VS
1 Q1 1 Q Q1
shell , V1 = . + . 2
O r=R r O r=R r 4 0 r1 4 0 r2
(A) (B) r2
(7) Infinite thin plane sheet of charge : Consider a Q1 1 Q2
r1 V2 = . 1 + .
4 0 r2 4 0 r2
thin infinite non-conducting plane sheet having
uniform surface charge density is  . Electric field and (b) The figure shows three conducting concentric shell
potential near the sheet are as follows of radii a, b and c (a < b < c) having charges Qa, Qb
 and Qc respectively Qc
E= o
(E  r ) Qb
2 0 Potential at A; Qa
E
and V = −  r
E c
+C 1  Qa Qb Qc  a
A
2 0 VA = + + B
4 0  a c 
A b
b

Potential at B;
(8) Electric field due to two thin infinite plane
1  Q a Qb Q c 
parallel sheet of charge : Consider two large, VB = + +
4  0  b b c 
uniformly charged parallel. Plates A and B, having
surface charge densities are  A and  B respectively. 1  Qa Qb Qc 
Potential at C; VC = + +
Suppose net electric field at points P, Q and R is to be 4 0  c c c 
calculated. A B
(c) The figure shows two concentric spheres having
EA radii r1 and r2 respectively (r2 > r1). If charge on inner
EA EB EA
sphere is +Q and outer sphere is earthed then
R EB
Q
EB P (i) Potential at the +Q
Q
surface of outer sphere r2

1 1 Q 1 Q'
At P, EP = −(E A + EB ) = − ( A +  B ) V2 = . + . =0
r1
2 0 4 0 r2 4 0 r2
1
At Q, E Q = (E A − E B ) =
2 0
( A −  B )  Q' = − Q

At R, ER = ( E A + E B ) =
1
( A +  B )
(ii) Potential of the inner sphere
2 0
1 Q 1 (−Q) Q 1 1 
V1 = . + =  − 
Special case 4 0 r1 4 0 r2 4 0  r1 r2 
(i) If A = B =  then EP = ER = /0 and Eq = 0 (d) In the above case if outer sphere is given a
(ii) If A =  and B = –  then EP = ER = 0 and EQ = charge +Q and inner sphere is earthed then
/0 +
+ + +
+ + + (i) In this case potential at the surface of inner sphere
+ + +
+
(9) Hemispherical charged body + + + + + + is zero, so if Q' is the charge induced on inner sphere
O• +
+ + + +

R
At centre O, E =  ,
+Q
V= 1  Q' Q  r2
then V1 =  + =0
4 2 0 0 4 0  r1 r2 
r1
(10) Uniformly charged disc : At a distance x from i.e.,
r
Q' = − 1 Q
centre O on it’s axis r2

  x  (Charge on inner sphere is less than that of the
E= 1 −  R
2 0  x 2 + R 2  O
outer sphere.)
x
  2 (ii) Potential at the surface of outer sphere
V= x + R2 − x
2 0   1 Q' 1 Q
V2 = . + .
4 0 r2 4 0 r2
Bagdi Enjoy Physics−9425353097−Page 18 of 30 Bagdi
 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
1  r1  Q  r1  potential difference across the capacitor at any instant
V2 = − Q + Q = 1 − 
4 0 r2  r2  4  0 r2  r2   −t 
V = V0 1 − e RC 
 
(12) Electric potential energy  
(a) Uniformly charged sphere: Consider a uniformly (Here Q and V are the instantaneous values of charge
charged sphere of radius R having a total charge Q. The and potential difference while maximum charge on
electric potential energy of this sphere is equal to the
capacitor is Q0 = CV0 )
work done in bringing the charges from infinity to
2 (ii) Discharging: After the completion of charging, if
assemble the sphere. U = 3Q
20  0 R battery is removed capacitor starts discharging. In
(b) Uniformly charged thin spherical shell : It is given transient state charge on the capacitor at any instant
Q = Q 0 e − t / RC and potential difference cross the capacitor
2
by the following formula U = Q
8 0 R
at any instant V = V0 e − t / CR .
Charging and Discharging of Capacitor in Series
RC Circuit
As shown in the following figure (A) when switch S is
closed, capacitor start charging. In this transient state Q0 Q0
potential difference appears across capacitor as well as Q Q = Q0 e–t/RC
Q Q = Q0(1 – e–t/RC)
resistor. When capacitor gets fully charged the entire
potential difference appeared across the capacitor and O t O t

nothing is left for the resistor. [Shown in figure (B)] Charge on the capacitor increases Charge on the capacitor decreases
C R C R
(iii) Time constant
with time () : The quantity
during charging RC isdischarging
with time during called the
+ – + –
time constant as it has the dimension of time during
V V V0
i charging if t =  = RC , Q = Q0 (1 − e −1 ) = 0 .63 Q0 = 63% of Q0
1
S + – S + – ( = 0 . 37 ) or during discharging it is defined as the
V0 V0 e
(A) Transient state (B) Steady state time during which charge on a capacitor falls to 0.37
times (37%) of the initial charge on the capacitor.
(i) Charging: In transient state of charging charge on
 −t 
the capacitor at any instant Q = Q 0 1 − e RC  and
 
 

Potential & Potential difference 6. Two points (0, a) and (0, -a) have charges q and -q
1. If we move in a direction opposite to the electric respectively then electrical potential at origin will be-
lines of force : (a) zero (b) kq/a (c) kq/2a (d) kq/4a2
(a) electrical potential decreases. 7. The charges of same magnitude q are placed at
(b) electrical potential increases. four corners of a square of side a. The value of
(c) electrical potential remains uncharged potential at the centre of square will be -
(d) nothing can be said. (a) 4kq/a (b) 4 2kq / a (c) 4kq 2a (d) kq / a 2
2. The distance between two plates is 2 cm, when an
8. Three equal charges are placid at the three corners
electric potential of 10 volt is applied between the
of an isosceles triangle as shown in the figure. The
plates, then the value of electric field will be -
statement which is true for electric potential V and the
(a) 20 N/C (b) 500 N/C (c) 5 N/C (d) 250 N/C
field intensity E at the centre of the triangle -
3. In electrostatics the potential is equivalent to -
q
(a) temperature in heat (b) height of levels in liquids
(c) pressure in gases (d) all of the above
4. The potential due to a point charge at distance r is
(a) proportional to r. (b) inversely proportional to r. o
(c) proportional to r2. (d) inversely proportional to r2
5. An object is charged with positive charge. The q q
potential at that object will be -
(a) V =   =  ( b ) V =    
(a) positive only (b) negative only (c) zero always
(d) may be positive, negative or zero. (c) V    =  (d) V     

Bagdi Enjoy Physics−9425353097−Page 19 of 30 Bagdi

 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
9. The potential at 0.5 Å from a proton is - 20. At a certain distance from a point charge the
(a) 0.5 volt (b) 8m volt (c) 28.8 volt (d) 2 volt electric field is 500 V/m and the potential is 3000 V.
10. A wire of 5 m length carries a steady current. If it What is the distance ?
has an electric field of 0.2 V/m, the potential (a) 6 m (b) 12 m (c) 36 m (d) 144 m
difference across the wire in volt will be - 21. Figure represents a square carrying charges +q,
(a) 25 (b) 0.04 (c) 1.0 (d) none of the above +q, –q, –q at its four corners as shown. Then the
11. An infinite number of charges of equal magnitude potential will be zero at points
q, but alternate charge of opposite sign are placed P +q
+q
along the x-axis at x = 1, x = 2, x = 4, x =8,... and so
on. The electric potential at the point x = 0 due to all A C
B
these charges will be -
(a) kq/2 (b) kq/3 (c) 2kq/3 (d) 3kq/2 –q
–q
12. The electric potential inside a uniformly positively Q
charged non conducting solid sphere has value which (a) A, B, C, P and o Q (b) A, B and o C
(a) increase with increases in distance from the centre. (c) A, P, C and o Q (d) P, B and o Q
(b) decreases with increases in distance from centre. 22. Two equal positive charges are kept at points A
(c) is equal at all the points. (d) is zero at all points. and B. The electric potential at the points between A
13. Two metallic spheres which have equal charges, and B (excluding these points) is studied while
but their radii are different, are made to touch each moving from A to B. The potential
other & then separated apart. The potential the (a) continuously increases
spheres will be - (b) continuously decreases
(a) same as before (b) more for bigger (c) increases then decreases
(c) more for smaller (d) equal (d) decreases than increases
14. Two spheres of radii R and 2R are given source 23. A semi-circular ring of radius 0.5 m is uniformly
equally positive charged and then connected by a long charged with a total charge of 1.5 × 10–9 coul. The
conducting wire, then the positive charge will electric potential at the centre of this ring is :
(a) flow from smaller sphere to the bigger sphere. (a) 27 V (b) 13.5 V (c) 54 V (d) 45.5 V
(b) flow from bigger sphere to the smaller sphere 24. The kinetic energy which an electron acquires
(c) not flow. when accelerated (from rest) through a potential
(d) oscillate between the spheres. difference of 1 volt is called :
15. The potential difference between two isolated (a) 1 joule (b) 1 electron volt (c) 1 erg (d) 1 watt
spheres of radii r1 and r2 is zero. The ratio of their 25. The potential difference between points A and B
charges Q1/Q2 will be- in the given uniform electric field is
a
C B
(a) r1/r2 (b) r2/r1 (c) r12/r22 (d) r13/r23
16. The potential on the conducting spheres of radii r1 E
b
& r2 is same, the ratio of their charge densities will
be- A
E
(a) r1/r2 (b) r2/r1 2
(c) r1 /r2 2 2
(d) r2 /r1 2
17. 64 charged drops coalesce to from a bigger (a) Ea (b) E (a2 + b2 ) (c) Eb (d) (Eb / 2 )
charged drop. The potential of bigger drop will be 26. A particle of charge Q and mass m travels through
times that of smaller drop - a potential difference V from rest. The final
(a) 4 (b) 16 (c) 64 (d) 8 momentum of the particle is :
18. The electric potential outside a uniformly charged mV 2QV
sphere at a distance ‘r’ is (‘a’ the radius of the sphere) (a)
Q
(b) 2Q mV (c) 2m QV (d)
m
(a) directly proportional to a3 27. If a uniformly charged spherical shell of radius 10
(b) directly proportional to r. cm has a potential V at a point distant 5 cm from its
(c) inversely proportional to r. centre, then the potential at a point distant 15 cm from
(d) inversely proportional to a . 3 the centre will be :
19. A conducting shell of radius 10 cm is charged V 2V 3
(a) (b) (c) V (d) 3V
with 3.2 x 10–19 C. The electric potential at a 3 3 2
distance 4cm from its centre in volt be - 28. A hollow conducting sphere of radius R has a
(a) 9 x 10–9 (b) 288 (c) 2.88 x 10–8 (d) zero charge (+Q) on its surface. What it electric potential
within the sphere at a distance r=R/3 from its centre

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
1 Q 1 Q 36. A thin spherical conducting shell of radius R has a
1 Q
(a) zero (b) (c) (d)
40 r 40 R 40 r 2
charge q. Another charge Q is placed at the centre of
29. Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R with its the shell. The electrostatic potential at a point P at a
centre at the origin, carrying uniform positive surface distance R/2 from the centre of the shell is :
charge density. The variation of the magnitude of the 2Q 2Q 2q
(a) (b) −
electric field E(r) and the electric potential V(r) with 4  0 R 4  0R 4  0R
2Q q (q + Q) 2
the distance r from the centre, is best represented by (c) + (d)
40R 40R 40R R
which graph?
37. Two thin wire rings, each having a radius R are
E(r )
E(r ) V(r) placed at a distance d apart with their axes coinciding.
V(r)
The charges on the two rings are + q & –q. Potential
difference between the centers of the two rings is:
q 1 1 
(a) zero (b)  − 
40  R R2 + d2 

(a) 0
R r
(b) 0
R r qR q 1 1 
(c) (d)  − 
E(r ) 40 d 2
20  R R2 + d2 
E(r ) V(r)
V(r)
38. An electric charge 10–3µC is placed at the origin
(0,0) of X–Y co-ordinate system. Two points A and B
are situated at ( 2, 2 ) and (2,0) respectively. The
potential difference between the points A & B will be
(c) 0 R r
(d) 0 R r
(a) 9 volt (b) zero (c) 2 volt (d) 4.5 volt
30. Electric field at point 20 cm away from the centre 39. Charges are placed on the vertices of a square as
of dielectric sphere (non conducting solid sphere) is shown. Let E be the electric field and V the potential
100 V/m, radius of sphere is 10 cm, then value of at the centre. If the charges on A and B are
electric field at a distance 3 cm from the centre is : interchanged with those on D and C respectively, then
(a) 100 V/m (b) 125 V/m (c) 120 V/m (d) 0
31. If n drops of potential V merge, find new potential
on the big drop :
(a) n2/3 V (b) n1/3 V (c) nV (d) Vn/3
32. Two conducting spheres of radii R1 and R2 (a) E remains unchanged, V changes
respectively are charged and joined by a wire. The (b) Both E and V change
ratio of electric fields of spheres is (c) E and V remain unchanged
R 22 R12 R2 R1 (d) E changes, V remains unchanged
(a) (b) (c) (d)
R12 R 22 R1 R2 40. A hollow uniformly charged sphere has radius r. If
33. Charge on a sphere of radius R is q and on the potential difference between its surface and a point at
sphere of radius 2R is –2q. If these spheres are distance 3r from the centre is V, then the electric field
connected through a conducting wire then, amount of intensity at a distance 3r from the centre is
charge flown through wire will be : (a) V/6r (b) V/4r (c) V/3r (d) V/2r
q 2q 4q 41. A hollow sphere of radius 5 cm is uniformly
(a) − (b) (c) q (d)
3 3 3 charged such that the potential on its surface is 10
34. Two identical conducting spheres R and S have volts then potential at centre of sphere will be :
negative charges Q1 and Q2 respectively, but Q1 Q2 (a) Zero (b) 10 volt
. The spheres are brought to touch each other and then (c) Same as at a point 5 cm away from the surface
kept in their original positions, now the force between (d) Same as at a point 25 cm away from the centre
them is 42. The electric potential at a point in free space due
(a) greater than that before the spheres touched. to a charge Q coulomb is Q × 1011 V. The electric
(b) less than that before the spheres touched field at that point is
(c) same as that before the spheres (d) zero (a)   Q × 1022 V/m (b) 12  Q × 1020 V/m
35. 27 smaller drop combine to form a bigger drop if
(c) 4   Q × 1020 V/m (d) 12  Q × 1022 V/m
potential on smaller drop is v then potential on bigger
drop will be- Potential Energy & Work done
(a) 9V (b) 3V (c) 27V (d) 1/3V 1. A flat circular fixed disc has a charge +Q
uniformly distributed on the disc. A charge +q is

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
thrown with kinetic energy K, towards the disc along O

its axis. The charge q : (a) Must be defined as −  E. dl

P
(a) may hit the disc at the centre
(b) may return back along its path after touching disc (b) Is zero
(c) may return back along its path without touching (c) Can have a non – zero value
the disc (d) Both (a) and (b) are correct
(d) any of the above three situations is possible 7. A parallel plate condenser with a dielectric
depending on the magnitude of K constant K between the plates has a capacity C and is
2. A charge + q is placed at the origin O of x – y axes charged to a potential V volt. The dielectric slab is
slowly removed from, between the plates and then
as shown in the figure. The work done in taking a
reinserted. The net work done by the system in this
charge Q from A to B along the straight line AB is.
process is
1
(a) Zero (b) (K − 1)CV 2
2
CV (K − 1)
2
(c) (d) (K − 1)C V 2
K
qQ  a − b  qQ  b − a  8. Figure shows some equipotential lines distributed
(a)   (b)  
40  ab  40  ab  in space. A charged object is moved from point A to
point B.
qQ  b 1  qQ  b 1 
(c)  −  (d)  − 
40  a 2 b  40  b 2 b 
3. As per the diagram a point charge + q is placed at
the origin O. work done in taking another point
charge − Q from the point A [coordinates (0,a)] to
another point B [coordinates (a,0)] along the straight (a) The work done in figure (i) is the greatest.
(b) The work done in figure (ii) is the least.
(c) The work done is the same in figure (i), (ii) & (iii)
(d) The work done in figure (iii) is greater than figure
(ii) but equal to that in figure (i).
9. A system consists of two charges 4C & − 3C
line AB is.
with no external field placed at (-5 cm, 0,0) and (5
 qQ 1 
(a) Zero (b)   2a
2 
cm, 0, 0) respectively. The amount of work done
 40 a  required to separate two charges infinitely away from
 − qQ 1   qQ 1  a each other is
(c)   2a
2 
(d)  
2  (a) − 1.1 J (b) 2 J (c) 2.5 J (d) 3 J
 40 a   40 a  2 11. The electric potential at point A is 20 volts and B
4. Figure shows the field lines of a positive point is – 20 volts. The work done by an external force in
charge. The work done by the field in moving a small moving electron slowly from B to A is-
(a) – 6.4 × 10–18 J (b) + 6.4 × 10–18 J
(c) 4 × 10–20 J (d) – 4 × 10–20 J
12. A nucleus has a charge of + 50e. A proton is
located at a distance of 10-12 m. The potential at this
point in volt will be -
positive charge from Q to P is (a) 14.4 x 104 (b) 7.2 x 104
(a) Zero (b) Positive (c) 7.2 x 10–12 (d) 14.4 x 108
(c) Negative (d) Data insufficient 13. Under the influence of charge, a point charge q is
5. For equal charges q each are placed at four corners carried along different paths from a point A to point
of a square of side a each. Work done in carrying a B
charge − q from its centre to infinity is.
III
2q 2 2q q2 IV
(a) Zero (b) (c) (d) II
0 a 0 a 0 a I
6. The work done to move a unit charge along an A
equipotential surface from P to Q B, then work done will be -
(a) maximum for path four (b) maximum for path one
Bagdi Enjoy Physics−9425353097−Page 22 of 30 Bagdi
 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
(c) equal for all paths (d) minimum for path three. (a) positive (b) negative (c) zero
14. An electron moving in a electric potential field V1 (d) depends on the path connecting the initial and
enters a higher electric potential field V2, then change final positions.
23. If a positive charge is shifted from a low potential
in kinetic energy of the electron is proportional to -
region to a high potential region, then electric
(a) (V2 — V1)1/2 (b) V2 — V1 potential energy
(V2 − V1 ) (a) decreases (b) increases
(c) (V2 — V1)2 (d)
V2 (c) remains the same (d) may increase or decrease
15. In the electric field of charge Q, another charge is 24. An electron is accelerated by 1000 volt, potential
carried from A to B. A to C, A to D and A to E, then difference, its final velocity is :
(a) 3.8 × 107 m/s (b) 1.9 × 106 m/s
(c) 1.9 × 107 m/s (d) 5.7 × 107 m/s
25. As per this diagram a point charge +q is placed at
the origin O. Work done in taking another point
work done will be - charge –Q from the point A [co-ordinates (0,a)] to
(a) minimum along path AB. another point B [co-ordinates(a,0)] along the straight
(b) minimum along path AD.
(c) minimum along path AE.
(d) zero along all the paths.
16. The work done to take an electron from rest where
potential is – 60 volt to another point where potential
is – 20 volt is given by - path AB is :
(a) 40 eV (b) –40 eV (c) 60 eV (d)–60 eV  –qQ 1 
17. If a charge is shifted from a low potential region (a) zero (b)  2 
2a
 40 a 
to high potential region. the electrical potential
energy:  qQ 1  a  qQ 1 
(c)  2 
. (d)  2 
2a
(a) Increases (b) Decreases  40 a  2  40 a 
(c) Remains constant (d)May increase or decrease. 26. Charges +q and –q are placed at points A and B
18. A particle A has charge +q and particle B has respectively which are a distance 2 L apart, C is the
charge + 4q with each of them having the same mass midpoint between A and B. The work done in moving
m. When allowed to fall from rest through same a charge +Q along the semicircle CRD is :
electrical potential difference, the ratio of their speed
vA : vB will be :
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 1 : 2 (c) 4 : 1 (d) 1 : 4
19. In an electron gun, electrons are accelerated
through a potential difference of V volt. Taking
electronic charge and mass to be respectively e and m, qQ qQ qQ qQ
(a) (b) (c) (d) –
the maximum velocity attained by them is : 40L 20L 60L 60L
2eV 2eV 27. A charged particle 'q' is shot from infinity towards
(a) (b) (c) 2 m/eV (d) (V2 /2em) another charged particle 'Q', which is fixed, with a
m m
20. In a cathode ray tube, if V is the potential speed 'v'. It approaches 'Q' upto a closest distance r
difference between the cathode and anode, the speed and then returns. If q were given a speed of '2v', the
of the electrons, when they reach the anode is closest distance of approach would be :
proportional to : (Assume initial velocity = 0) q• • • • • • • • • • r •Q
v
(a) V (b) 1/V (c) V (d) V2 r r
(a) r (b) 2r (c) (d)
21. An electron of mass m and charge e is accelerated 2 4
from rest through a potential difference V in vacuum . 28. Two insulating plates are both uniformly charged
The final speed of the electron will be - in such a way that the potential difference between
(a) V e / m (b) eV / m (c) 2eV / m (d) 2eV/m them is V2 - V1 = 20 V. (i.e. plate 2 is at a higher
22. Positive and negative point charges of equal potential). The plates are separated by d = 0.1 m and
 a  −a  can be treated as infinitely large. An electron is
magnitude are kept at  0, 0,  and  0, 0,  ,
2   2  released from rest on the inner surface of plate 1.
respectively. The work done by the electric field when What is its speed when it hits plate 2? (e = 1.6 × 10-
another positive point charge is moved from (–a, 0, 0)
to (0, a, 0) is
Bagdi Enjoy Physics−9425353097−Page 23 of 30 Bagdi
 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
19 C, m = 9.11 × 10-31 kg) (d) They have physical existence
e
7. A charge produces an electric field of 1 N/C at a
point distant 0.1 m from it. The magnitude of charge is
(a)1.11 × 10−12 𝐶 (b) 9.11 × 10−12 𝐶
(c)7.11 × 10−6 𝐶 (d) None
8. A charged particle is suspended in equilibrium in a
uniform vertical electric field of intensity 20000 V/m.
(a) 1.87 × 106 m/s (b) 32 × 10-19 m/s If mass of the particle is 9.6 × 10−16 𝑘𝑔, the charge
on it and excess number of electrons on the particle
(c) 2.65 × 106 m/s (d) 7.02 × 1012 m/s
are respectively (𝑔 = 10𝑚/𝑠 2 )
29. A particle of mass 2 g and charge 1C is held at (a)4.8 × 10−19 𝐶, 3 (b) 5.8 × 10−19 𝐶, 4
rest on a frictionless horizontal surface at a distance of −19
(c)3.8 × 10 𝐶, 2 (d) 2.8 × 10−19 𝐶, 1
1 m from a fixed charge of 1 mC. If the particle is
9. The potential at a distance R/2 from the centre of a
released it will be repelled. The speed of the particle conducting sphere of radius R will be
when it is at distance of 10 m from the fixed charge is 𝑄 𝑄 𝑄
(a) 100 m/s (b) 90 m/s (c) 60 m/s (d)45 m/s (a) 0 (b)8𝜋𝜀 𝑅 (c) 4𝜋𝜀 𝑅 (d) 2𝜋𝜀 𝑅
0 0 0
30. On moving a charge of 20 coulombs by 2 cm, 2 J 10. Four charges +𝑄, −𝑄, +𝑄, −𝑄 are placed at the
of work is done, then the potential difference between corners of a square taken in order. At the centre of the
the points is : square
(a) 0.1 V (b) 8 V (c) 2 V (d) 0.5 V (a)𝐸 = 0, 𝑉 = 0 (b) 𝐸 = 0, 𝑉 ≠ 0
Electric field and Potential (c)𝐸 ≠ 0, 𝑉 = 0 (d) 𝐸 = 0, 𝑉 ≠ 0
1. Two parallel plates separated by a distance of 11. The radius of nucleus of silver (atomic number =
5𝑚𝑚 are kept at a potential difference of 50𝑉. A 47) is 3.4 × 10−14 𝑚. The electric potential (in volt on
particle of mass 10−15 𝑘𝑔 and charge 10−11 𝐶 enters the surface of nucleus is (𝑒 = 1.6 × 10−19 𝐶)
in it with a velocity 107 𝑚/𝑠. The acceleration of the (a)1.99 × 106 (b)2.9 × 106 (c)4.99 × 106 (d) 0.99 × 106
particle will be 12. Charges q, 2q, 3q and 4q are placed at the corners
(a)108 𝑚/𝑠 2 (b) 5 × 105 𝑚/𝑠 2 A, B, C and D of a square as shown in the following
5 2
(c) 10 𝑚/𝑠 (d) 2 × 103 𝑚/𝑠 2 figure. The direction of electric field
D
at the centre ofC
2. Three-point charges are placed at the corners of an the square is along 4q 3q
equilateral triangle. Assuming only electrostatic
forces are acting O
(a)The system can never be in equilibrium (a)AB (b) CB
q 2q
(b) The system will be in equilibrium if the charges (c)BD (d) AC A B
rotate about the centre of the triangle 13. Point charge 𝑞1 = 2𝜇𝐶 and 𝑞2 = −1𝜇𝐶 are kept
(c)The system will be in equilibrium if the charges at points 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 6 respectively. Electrical
have different magnitudes and different signs potential will be zero at points
(d) The system will be in equilibrium if the charges (a)𝑥 = 2 and 𝑥 = 9 (b) 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 5
have the same magnitudes but different signs (c)𝑥 = 4 and 𝑥 = 12 (d) 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 2
3. If an insulated non-conducting sphere of radius R 14. Equipotential surfaces associated with an electric
has charge density 𝜌. The electric field at a distance 𝑟 field which is increasing in magnitude along the x-
from the centre of sphere (𝑟 < 𝑅) will be direction are
𝜌𝑅 𝜌𝑟 𝜌𝑟 3𝜌𝑅 (a)Planes parallel to yz-plane
(a)3𝜀 (b) 𝜀 (c) 3𝜀 (d) 𝜀
0 0 0 0 (b) Planes parallel to xy-plane
4. Two plates are at potentials –10 V and +30 V. If the (c)Planes parallel to xz-plane (d) Coaxial
separation between the plates be 2 cm. The electric cylinders of increasing radii around the x-axis
field between them is 15. A bullet of mass 2 gm is having a charge of 2𝜇𝐶.
(a)2000 V/m (b) 1000 V/m (c) 500 V/m (d) 3000 V/m Through what potential difference must it be accelerated,
5. The electric potential inside a conducting sphere starting from rest, to acquire a speed of 10𝑚/𝑠
(a)Increases from centre to surface (a)5 kV (b) 50 kV (c) 5 V (d) 50 V
(b) Decreases from centre to surface 16. The points resembling equal potentials are
S
(c) Remains constant from centre to surface (a) P and Q
(d) Is zero at every point inside (b) S and Q P Q
6. The wrong statement about electric lines of force is (c) S and R
(a)These originate from positive charge and end on (d) P and R
R
negative charge 17. Figure shows three points A, B and C in a region of
(b) They do not intersect each other at a point →
uniform electric field 𝐸 . The line AB is perpendicular
(c)They have same form for a point charge & a sphere
and BC is parallel to the field lines. Then which of the
Bagdi Enjoy Physics−9425353097−Page 24 of 30 Bagdi
 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
following holds good. Where 𝑉𝐴 , 𝑉𝐵 & 𝑉𝐶 represent the 26. To charges 𝑞1 and 𝑞2 are placed 30𝑐𝑚 apart,
electric potential at points A, B and C respectively shown in the figure. A third charge 𝑞3 is moved along
(a)𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐵 = 𝑉𝐶 A
the arc of a circle of radius 40𝑐𝑚 from 𝐶 to D. The
(b) 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐵 > 𝑉𝐶 change in the potentialq energy of the system is +
𝑞3 3
(c)𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐵 < 𝑉𝐶 𝑘, where 𝑘 is C +
C 4𝜋𝜀0 P
(d) 𝑉𝐴 > 𝑉𝐵 = 𝑉𝐶 B +
(a)8𝑞2 + 
18. In a certain charge distribution, all points having
(b) 8𝑞1 40 cm +
zero potential can be joined by a circle S. Points S
(c)6𝑞2 +
inside S have positive potential and points outside S q2
(d) 6𝑞1 q1 D
+
B
have negative potential. A positive charge, which is
27. A charged ball B hangs 30 cm
A from a silkB thread S, which
free to move, is placed inside S
makes an angle 𝜃 with a large charged conducting sheet
(a) It will remain in equilibrium
𝑃, as shown in the figure. The surface charge density 𝜎
(b) It can move inside S, but it cannot cross S
of the sheet is proportional to [AIEEE 05]
(c) It must cross S at some time (d) It may
(a)𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 (b) 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 (c) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 (d) 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝜃
move, but will ultimately return to its starting point
28. Two point charges +8q and −2𝑞 are located at
19. Infinite charges of magnitude q each are lying at x
𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝐿 respectively. The location of a point
=1, 2, 4, 8... meter on X-axis. The value of intensity of
electric field at point x = 0 due to these charges will be on the x-axis at which the net electric field due to
these two point charges is zero is [AIEEE 2005]
(a)12  109q N/C (b) Zero 𝐿
(c) 6  109q N/C (d) 4  109q N/C (a)8 L (b) 4 L (c) 2 L (d) 4
20. A square of side ‘a’ has charge Q at its centre 29. Two thin wire rings each having a radius R are
and charge ‘q’ at one of the corners. The work placed at a distance d apart with their axes coinciding.
required to be done in moving the charge ‘q’ from the The charges on the two rings are +𝑞 and −𝑞. Potential
corner to the diagonally opposite corner is difference between the centres of the two rings is
𝑄𝑞 𝑄𝑞√2 𝑄𝑞 (a)Zero [AIEEE 2005] (b) 𝑄𝑅/4𝜋𝜀0 𝑑 2
(a)Zero (b) (c) (d) 𝑄 1 1 𝑄 1 1
4𝜋∈0𝑎 4𝜋∈0 𝑎 2𝜋∈0 𝑎 (c)4𝜋𝜀 [𝑅 − √𝑅2 2 ] (d) 2𝜋𝜀 [𝑅 − √𝑅2 2 ]
−6
21. A pendulum bob of mass 30.7 × 10 𝑘𝑔 and 0 +𝑑 0 +𝑑

carrying a charge 2 × 10−8 𝐶 is at rest in a horizontal 30. Three infinitely long charge sheets are placed as
uniform electric field of 20000 V/m. Tension in the shown in figure. The electric field at Z point P is
thread of the pendulum is (𝑔 = 9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 ) (a) 2 𝑘̂ [IIT-JEE (2005] 
o Z = 3a
(a) 3 × 10−4 𝑁 (b) 4 × 10−4 𝑁
(b) − 2 𝑘̂
P
(c)5 × 10−4 𝑁 (d) 6 × 10−4 𝑁 o −2 Z=a
22. An infinite line charge produce a field of 7.182 ×
108 N/C at a distance of 2 cm. The linear charge (c) 4 𝑘̂ (d) − 4 𝑘̂ x
o o
density is − Z = −a
−4 −4
31. Two infinitely long parallel conducting plates
(a) 7.27 × 10 𝐶/𝑚 (b) 7.98 × 10 𝐶/𝑚 having surface charge densities
−4
(c) 7.11 × 10 𝐶/𝑚 (d) 7.04 × 10−4 𝐶/𝑚 +𝜎and−𝜎respectively, are separated by a small
23. An electron experiences a force equal to its weight distance. The medium between the plates is vacuum.
when placed in an electric field. The intensity of the If 𝜀0 is the dielectric permittivity of vacuum, then the
field will be electric field (in volts / meter) in the region Q between Q
(a) 1.7 × 10−11 𝑁/𝐶 (b) 5.0 × 10−11 𝑁/𝐶 the plates
(c) 5.5 × 10−11 𝑁/𝐶 (d) 56 N/C 𝜎 𝜎 2𝜎
(a)0 (b) 2𝜀 (c)𝜀 (d) 𝜀
24. The dielectric strength of air at NTP is 3 × 𝑜 𝑜 𝑜
L

106 𝑉 ⥂/𝑚 then the maximum charge that can be 32. Four point +ve charges of same
given to a spherical conductor of radius 3 m is magnitude (Q) are placed at Z-axis
Q Q
(a)3 × 10−4 𝐶 (b) 3 × 10−3 𝐶 four corners of a rigid square frame as shown in
(c)3 × 10−2 𝐶 (d) 3 × 10−1 𝐶 figure. The plane of the frame is perpendicular to
25. As in diagram a point charge +𝑞 is placed at the 𝑍a̶ xis. If a –ve point charge is placed at a distance z
origin 𝑂. Work done in taking another point charge −𝑄 away from the above frame (z<<L) then[AIIMS05]
from the point 𝐴 [co-ordinates (0, 𝑎)] to another point B (a) – ve charge oscillates along 𝑍a̶ xis.
[co-ordinates (a, 0)] along the straight path
Y 𝐴𝐵 is (b) It moves away from the frame
(a)Zero A (c)It moves slowly towards the frame and stays in
−𝑞𝑄 1 the plane of the frame
(b) (4𝜋𝜀 𝑎2 ) √2𝑎
0 (d) It passes through the frame only once.
𝑞𝑄 1 𝑎 𝑞𝑄 1
(c)(4𝜋𝜀 𝑎2 ) (d) (4𝜋𝜀 𝑎2 ) √2𝑎 33. At a point 20 cm from the centre of a uniformly
0 √2 0
O B X charged dielectric sphere of radius 10 cm, the electric

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
field is 100 V/m. The electric field at 3 cm from the 7. If distance between parallel plates of a capacitor is
centre of the sphere will be halved & dielectric constant is doubled then the
(a)150 V/m (b) 125 V/m (c) 120 V/m (d) Zero capacitance
34. Charges 4Q, q and Q and placed along x-axis at (a) Decreases two times (b) Increases two times
positions 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 𝑙/2 and 𝑥 = 𝑙, respectively. Find (c) Increases four times (d) Remain the same
the value of q so that force on charge Q is zero 8. Putting a dielectric substance between two plates of
(a) Q (b) Q / 2 (c) – Q / 2 (d) – Q condenser, capacity, potential & potential energy
35. If an electron moves from rest from a point at respectively
which potential is 50 volt to another point at which (a) Increase, decrease, decrease
potential is 70 volt, then its kinetic energy in the final (b) Decrease, increase, increase
state will be (c) Increase, increase, increase
–10 –18
(a)3.2 × 10 J (b) 3.2 × 10 J (c) 1 N (d) 1 dyne (d) Decrease, decrease, decrease
36. In the following diagram the work done in 9. A thin metal plate P is inserted half way between
moving a point charge from point P to point A, B and the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of capacitance
C is respectively as WA, WB and WC , then C in such a way that it is parallel to the two plates.
(a) WA = WB = WC C A P The capacitance now becomes
(b) WA = WB = WC = 0 (a)C (b) C/2 (c) 4C (d) None of these
(c) WA > WB > WC B
10. If there are n capacitors in parallel connected to V
(d) WA < WB < WC volt source, then the energy stored is equal to
1 1
37. A hollow metallic sphere of radius R is given a (a)CV (b) 2 𝑛𝐶𝑉 2 (c) 𝐶𝑉 2 (d) 2𝑛 𝐶𝑉 2
charge Q. Then the potential at the centre is
1 𝑄 1 2𝑄 1 𝑄 11. If n drops, each of capacitance C, coalesce to form
(a)Zero (b) 4𝜋𝜀 . 𝑅 (c)4𝜋𝜀 . 𝑅 (d) 4𝜋𝜀 . 2𝑅 a single big drop, then the ratio of the energy stored in
0 0 0
Capacitor the big drop to that in each small drop will be
1. The mean electric energy density between the (a)n : 1 (b) n1/3 : 1 (c) n5/3 : 1 (d) n2 : 1
plates of a charged capacitor is (q= charge on the 12. A conducting sphere of radius 10cm is charged
capacitor and 𝐴 = area of the capacitor plate) 10𝜇𝐶. Another uncharged sphere of radius 20 cm is
𝑞2 𝑞 𝑞2 allowed to touch it for some time. After that if the
(a)2𝜀 𝐴2 (b) 2𝜀 𝐴2 (c) 2𝜀 𝐴 (d) None
0 0 0 sphere are separated, then surface density of charges,
2. A charge of 40𝜇𝐶 is given to a capacitor having on the spheres will be in the ratio of
capacitance 𝐶 = 10𝜇𝐹. The stored energy in ergs is (a)1 : 4 (b) 1 : 3 (c) 2 : 1 (d) 1 : 1
(a)80 × 10−6 (b) 800 (c) 80(d) 8000[CPMT 02] 13. 64 small drops of mercury, each of radius r and
3. Work done by an external agent in separating the charge q coalesce to form a big drop. The ratio of the
parallel plate capacitor is [AIEEE 2002] surface density of charge of each small drop with that
1 2 1 2
(a)𝐶𝑉 (b) 2 𝐶 𝑉 (c) 2 𝐶𝑉 (d) None of these of the big drop is
4. A parallel plate capacitor has an electric field of
(a)1 : 64 (b) 64 : 1 (c) 4 : 1 (d) 1 : 4
14. Capacitance (in F) of a spherical conductor with
105 𝑉/𝑚 between the plates. If charge on the
radius 1m is
capacitor plate is 1𝜇𝐶, the force on each capacitor
(a)1.1 × 10−10 (b)10−6 (c) 9 × 10−9 (d) 10−3
plate is
15. A condenser has a capacity 2𝜇𝐹 and is charged to
(a)0.5𝑁 (b) 0.05𝑁 (c) 0.005𝑁 (d) None of these
a voltage of 50 V. The energy stored is
5. A parallel plate capacitor has plate area A &
separation d. It is charged to a potential difference V0. (a)25  105 Joule (b) 25 Joule
Charging battery is disconnected & the plates are (c)25  10 erg (d)25  103 erg
pulled apart to three times the initial separation. The 16. The energy required to charge a capacitor of 5𝜇𝐹
work required to separate the plates is by connecting a d.c. source of 20 kV is
3𝜀 𝐴𝑉 2 𝜀 𝐴𝑉 2 𝜀 𝐴𝑉 2 𝜀 𝐴𝑉 2 (a)10 kJ (b) 5 kJ (c) 2 kJ (d) 1 kJ
(a) 0𝑑 0 (b) 02𝑑 0 (c) 03𝑑 0 (d) 0 𝑑 0 17. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is
6. The electric field between the plates of a parallel 12𝜇𝐹. If the distance between the plates is doubled
plate capacitor when connected to a certain battery is and area is halved, then new capacitance will be
𝐸0 . If the space between the plates of the capacitor is (a)8𝜇𝐹 (b) 6𝜇𝐹 (c) 4𝜇𝐹 (d) 3𝜇𝐹
filled by introducing a material of dielectric constant 18. A capacitor of capacitance 6𝜇𝐹 is charged upto
K without disturbing the battery connections, the field 100V . The energy stored in the capacitor is
between the plates shall be (a) 0.6 Joule (b) 0.06 Joule (c) 0.03 Joule (d) 0.3 Joule
𝐸0
(a)𝐾𝐸0 (b) 𝐸0 (c) 𝐾 (d) None of the above 19. A parallel plate air capacitor is charged and then
isolated. When a dielectric material is inserted
between the plates of the capacitor, then which of the
following does not change
Bagdi Enjoy Physics−9425353097−Page 26 of 30 Bagdi
 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
(a)Electric field between the plates 31. If a dielectric substance is introduced between the
(b)Potential difference across plates plates of a charged air-gap capacitor. The energy of
(c) Charge on the plates (d) Energy stored in the capacitor the capacitor will
20. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor becomes (a) Increase (b) Decrease (c) Remain unchanged
4/3 times its original value if a dielectric slab of (d) First decrease and then increase
thickness t = d/2 is inserted between the plates (d is 32. A 40 F capacitor in a defibrillator is charged to
the separation between the plates). The dielectric 3000 V. The energy stored in the capacitor is sent
constant of the slab is through the patient during a pulse of duration 2ms.
(a)8 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 2 The power delivered to the patient is
21. A 10 micro-farad capacitor is charged to 500 V (a)45 kW (b) 90 kW (c) 180 kW (d) 360 kW
and then its plates are joined together through a 33. A spherical drop of capacitance 1 F is broken
resistance of 10 ohm. The heat produced in the into eight drops of equal radius. Then, the capacitance
resistance is of each small drop is
(a)500 J (b) 250 J (c) 125 J (d) 1.25 J 1 1 1
(a)8 𝜇𝐹 (b) 8𝜇𝐹 (c) 2 𝜇𝐹 (d) 4 𝜇𝐹
22. The unit of electric permittivity is
(a) Volt/m2 (b) Joule/coulomb (c) Farad/m (d) Henry/m 34. An air filled parallel plate capacitor has capacity
23. The work done in placing a charge of 8 × 10−18 C. If distance between plates is doubled and it is
coulomb on a condenser of capacity 100 F is immersed in a liquid then capacity becomes twice.
(a)32 × 10−32 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑒 (b)16 × 10−32 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑒 Dielectric constant of the liquid is
−26
(c)3.1 × 10 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑒 −10
(d)4 × 10 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑒 (a)1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
24. 64 drops of mercury each charged to a potential of 35. On increasing the plate separation of a charged
10𝑉. They are combined to form one bigger drop. condenser, the energy
The potential of this drop will be (Assume all the (a) Increases (b) Decreases
drops to be spherical) (c) Remains unchanged (d) Becomes zero
(a)160 V (b) 80 V (c) 10 V (d) 640 V 36. Energy stored in a condenser is in the form of
25. A spherical drop of mercury having a potential of
(a) Kinetic energy (b) Potential energy
2.5 V is obtained as a result of merging 125 droplets. (c) Elastic energy (d) Magnetic energy
37. When a dielectric material is introduced between
The potential of constituent droplets would be
(a)1.0 V (b) 0.5 V (c) 0.2 V (d) 0.1 V the plates of a charges condenser, then electric field
between the plates
26. A parallel plate capacitor of capacity𝐶0 is charged
(a) Remain constant (b) Decreases
to a potential𝑉0 (i) Energy stored in the capacitor
(c) Increases (d) First increases then decreases
when the battery is disconnected & the separation is
38. When a lamp is connected in series with capacitor, then
doubled 𝐸1
(a) Lamp will not glow (b) Lamp will burst out
(ii) The energy stored in the capacitor when the
(c) Lamp will glow normally (d) None of these
charging battery is kept connected and the separation
39. If the potential of a capacitor having capacity of 6
between the capacitor plates is doubled is 𝐸2 . Then
F is increased from 10 V to 20 V, then increase in its
𝐸1 /𝐸2 value is
energy will be
(a)4 (b) 3/2 (c) 2 (d) 1/2
(a) 12 10–6 J (b) 9 10–4 J (c) 4 10–6 J (d) 4 10–9 J
27. A parallel plate capacitor carries a charge 𝑞. The
40. A 4 F condenser is charged to 400 V and then its
distance between the plates is doubled by application
plates are joined through a resistance. Heat produced
of a force. The work done by the force is
𝑞2 𝑞2 𝑞2 in the resistance is
(a)Zero (b) 𝐶 (c) 2𝐶 (d) 4𝐶 (a)0.16 J (b) 0.32 J (c) 0.64 J (d)1.28 J
28. As in figure shown, if a capacitor C is chargedC by 41. A parallel plate capacitor having a plate separation
connecting it with resistance R, then of 2 mm is charged by connecting it to a 300 V supply.
energy is given by the battery will be The energy density is
(a) ½ CV 2
(b) More than½ CV 2 (a) 0.01 J/m3 (b) 0.1 J/m3 (c) 1.0 J/m3 (d) 10 J/m3
42. The capacity of an air condenser is 2.0 F. If a
R
(c)Less than ½ CV2 (d) Zero
V
29. A capacitor is charged to 200 volt it has 0.1 medium is placed between its plates. The capacity becomes
coulomb charge. When it is discharged, energy will be 12 F. The dielectric constant of the medium will be
(a)1 J (b) 4 J (c) 10 J (d) 20 J (a)5 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 6
30. If eight identical drops are joined to form a bigger 43. If the distance between the plates of parallel plate
drop, the potential on bigger as compared to that on capacitor is halved and the dielectric constant of
smaller drop will be dielectric is doubled, then its capacity will
(a)Double (b) Four times (c) Eight times (d) One time (a)Increase by 16 times (b) Increase by 4 times
(c)Increase by 2 times (d) Remain the same

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
44. Two metallic spheres of radii 1𝑐𝑚 & 2𝑐𝑚 are 2𝜀0𝐴 3𝜀0 𝐴
(a) (b)
𝑑 𝑑
given charges 10−2 𝐶 and 5 × 10−2 𝐶 respectively. If 3𝜀0 𝐴 𝜀0 𝐴
they are connected by a conducting wire, the final (c) 2𝑑 (d) 𝑑
charge on the smaller sphere is 7. In adjoining figure, four capacitors are shown with
−2 −2 −2 their respective capacities & P.D. applied. The charge
(a)3 × 10 𝐶 (b) 1 × 10 𝐶 (c) 4 × 10 𝐶 (d)
2 × 10 𝐶 −2 and the P.D. across the 4𝜇𝐹 capacitor will be
45. The potentials of the two plates of capacitor are (a)600𝜇𝐶;  150 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
20F
+10V and –10 V. The charge on one of the plates is 40 (b) 300𝜇𝐶;  75 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
C. The capacitance of the capacitor is (c)800𝜇𝐶;  200 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 300 Volt
4F 4F
(a) 2 F (b) 4 F (c) 0.5 F (d) 0.25 F (d) 580𝜇𝐶;  145 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 12F
46. Potential to which a conductor is raised, depends on 8. In the connections shown
(a) The amount of charge in the adjoining figure, the
(b) Geometry & size of the conductor equivalent capacity between 𝐴 and 𝐵 will be
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Only on (a)
Grouping of Capacitors (a)10.8𝜇𝐹
6F 12F
1. Four plates of equal area 𝐴are separated by (b) 69𝜇𝐹
A B
equal distances 𝑑 and are arranged as shown in the (c)15𝜇𝐹 9F 24F
figure. The equivalent capacity is (d) 10𝜇𝐹
2𝜀0 𝐴 3𝜀0𝐴 9. The resultant capacitance
(a) (b) A B 18F
𝑑 𝑑 3F 3F 3F
3𝜀 𝐴 𝜀 𝐴 between 𝐴 and 𝐵 in the
(c) 𝑑0 (d) 0𝑑 following figure is equal to
A

2. Five capacitors of 10𝜇𝐹capacity each are (a) 1𝜇𝐹

2F 2F 3 F
connected to a d.c. potential of 100 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠 as shown in (b) 3𝜇𝐹
the adjoining figure. The equivalent capacitance (c) 2𝜇𝐹
between the points 𝐴and𝐵 will be equal to10F 10F
(d) 1.5𝜇𝑓𝐹
B
3F 3F 3F
(a)40𝜇𝐹 A
10F 10.
B In the following circuit C 1 F
(b)20𝜇𝐹 , the resultant capacitance A
(c)30𝜇𝐹 10 F 10 F between 𝐴 and 𝐵 is 1F. 8F
(d) 10𝜇𝐹 Then value of 𝐶 is 6F 4F
100 Volt
3. Four condensers each of capacity 4𝜇𝐹 are 32 11
(a)11 𝜇𝐹 (b) 32 𝜇𝐹 2F
connected as shown in figure. 𝑉𝑃 − 𝑉𝑄 = 15𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠. 23 32 2F 12F
The energy stored in the system is 4F (c)32 𝜇𝐹 (d) 23 𝜇𝐹 B

(a)2400 𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑠 4F 4F 11. The total capacity of the system of capacitors
2F
(b) 1800 𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑠 P Q shown in the adjoining A
(c)3600 𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑠 4F figure between the points
1F
(d) 5400 𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑠 𝐴 and 𝐵 is 1F 2 F
4. The capacities and connection of five capacitors (a) 1𝜇𝐹
are shown in the adjoining figure. The potential (b) 2𝜇𝐹 B
difference between the points 𝐴 and 𝐵 is 60 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠. (c) 3𝜇𝐹 2F

Then the equivalent capacity between 𝐴 and 𝐵 and the (d) 4𝜇𝐹 P
2C
charge on 5𝜇𝐹 capacitance will be respectively 12. The resultant capacitance 2C

(a)44𝜇𝐹;  300𝜇𝐶 5F 9F of given circuit is 2C

(b) 16𝜇𝐹;  150𝜇𝐶 A (a) 3𝐶 C
12F 10F 8F
(c)15𝜇𝐹;  200𝜇𝐶 (b) 2𝐶 C C
(d) 4𝜇𝐹;  50𝜇𝐶 (c) 𝐶 (d) C/3 Q

5. Three equal capacitors, each with capacitance 𝐶 are B 13. What is the effective capacitance between A and
connected as shown in figure. Then the equivalent B in the following figure
2F 2F
capacitance between 𝐴 and 𝐵 is (a)1𝜇𝐹
(a) 𝐶 (b) 2𝜇𝐹
(b) 3𝐶 A B (c)1.5𝜇𝐹 1F
C C C
𝐶
(c)3
3𝐶
(d) 2 (d) 2.5𝜇𝐹 A B
14. Equivalent capacitance between 4F
6. Four plates of the same area of cross-section are 4F
A and B is
joined as shown in the figure. The distance between
(a)8𝜇𝐹
each plate is𝑑. The equivalent capacity across A and B (b) 6𝜇𝐹 4F
will be
(c)26𝜇𝐹
A A B
4F 4F
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B 28 of 30 Bagdi
 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
(d) 10/3𝜇𝐹 and Q is:
15. The effective capacity between A and B in the (a) 3C (b) 2C
2F 3F
figure given is (c) C (d) C/3
43 A
(a) 24 𝜇𝐹
24 Q 1. Potential on C1 in
(b) 43 𝜇𝐹 4F 4F
the circuit shown is:
43 12
(c) 𝜇𝐹 (d) 𝜇𝐹 (a) zero (b) 5V (c) 10V (d) 15V
12 43 B Q 2. In the above question, the potential on C2 is:
16. In the circuit as shown 2F 3 F
4F (a) zero (b) 5V
in the figure the effective
A (c) 10V (d) 15V
capacitance between
A and B is Q 3. Three capacitors of value
(a) 3𝜇𝐹 4F 2F 2F 6, 3 and 9F are joined
(b) 2𝜇𝐹 4F according to the circuit and then
the combination is connected
(c) 4𝜇𝐹 (d) 8𝜇𝐹 B
17. Four equal capacitors, each of capacity C, are
with a battery of 10 volt. The potential difference
arranged as shown. The effective capacitance between across the third capacitor plates will be:
A and B is
C (a) 4V (b) 5V (c) 6V (d) 2V
5 C Q 4. Three capacitors of 4F,
(a) 8 𝐶
C B
6F and 8F respectively are
3 A
(b) 5 𝐶 connected in series with a battery of
5 13 V as shown in figure. The potential difference
(c) 3 𝐶 C
between the plates of 6F capacitor in volt will be:
(d) C (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 (d) 8
Q 1. (a) C Q 5. As shown in the circuit three
capacitors are connected with a
(b) infinity battery. The condition for this
(c) 0.62 C combination will be:
(d) 0.26 C (a) Q1 = Q2 + Q3 and V =V1+V2+V3
(b) Q1 = Q2 + Q3 and V = V1 + V2
Q 2. (a) zero (c) Q1 = Q2 + Q3 and V1 = V2 = V1 = V
(b) infinity (d) Q2 = Q3 and V2 = V1
(c) 0.62 C Q 6. In the given circuit, if the reading
(d) 1.62 C of meter is zero then:
Q 3. (a) 2F (a) C1/C2 = C4/C3
(b) 4F (b) C1/C2 = C3/C4
(c) 6F (c) C1/C3 = C4/C2 (d) C1C2 = 1/C3C4
(d) 16F Q 7.Potential difference between the
points B and E of the circuit is:
(𝐶 −𝐶 ) (𝐶 −𝐶 )
(a) 2 𝑉 1 (b) 4 𝑉 3
Q 4. If C = 1F:
𝐶2 𝐶3 −𝐶1 𝐶4 𝐶1 𝐶4 −𝐶2 𝐶3
(a) 2F (c) {𝐶 +𝐶 }𝑉 (d) 𝑉
1 2 +𝐶3 +𝐶4 (𝐶1 +𝐶2 )×(𝐶3 +𝐶4 )
(b) 2.25F Q8. A parallel plate capacitor of area A, plate
(c) 45.F separation d and capacitance C is filled with three
(d) 5F different dielectric materials having dielectric
constants k 1 , k 2 and k 3 as shown. If a single dielectric
Q5. In the adjoining figure, the capacity between
material is to be used to have the same capacitance C
points a and b is lF, then capacity C in F will be: in this capacitor, then its dielectric constant k is
32 11
(a) 11 (b) 32 given by A/2 A/2
23 32
(c) 32 (d) K1 K2 d/2
23
d
K3

Q6. The value of A

equivalent capacitance of A = Area of plates
the combination shown in
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
fig., between the points P (a) = + + (b) = +
k k 1 k 2 2k 3 k k 1 + k 2 2k 3

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
k k
(c) k = 1 2 + 2k 3 (d) k = k 1 + k 2 + 2k 3
k1 + k 2
Q9. In the figure a capacitor is filled with dielectrics.
The resultant capacitance is A/2 A/2

d/2 K1
K3 d
K2

2 0 A 1 1 1  0 A  1 1 1 
(a)  + +  (b)  + + 
d  1
k k 2 k 3  d  k1 k 2 k 3 
2 0 A
(c) k 1 + k 2 + k 3  (d) None of these
d

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