EBD_7751

430 PHYSICS

Electrostatic Potential
17 and Capacitance
ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL
Electric potential at a point in an electric field is defined as the r
amount of work done in bringing a unit positive test charge P
from infinity to that point along any arbitrary path. (Infinity is
taken as point of zero potential). It is denoted by V ; dq
R
work done in bringing unit positive
W test charge from infinity to some point dq dq
V= = i.e. V = ò dV = ò where dV =
q0 unit positive test charge 4pe o r 4pe o r
Its SI unit is JC–1 or volt. It is a scalar quantity. Potential due to a System of Charges
Also, electric potential at any point in an electric field is defined The electric potential due to a system of charges q 1, q2, ...qn is
r V = V1 + V2 + ... + Vn
as the negative line integral of the electric field vector E from a
point infinitely away from all charges to that point 1 æ q1 q2 q ö 1 qi
r uur uur
= .ç +
4pe è r1 r2
+ ... + n ÷ =
rn ø 4pe
å ri
i.e. V = - ò E .dr P +lC where ri is the point from charge qi and e is the permitivity of
¥
medium in which the charges are situated.
Potential due to a Point Charge Potential at any point P due to a point chage q at a distance
The electric potential due to a point charge q at separation r is (r1 + r2) where r1 is the thickness of medium of dielectric constant
given by x1 and r 2 is the thickness of the medium of dielectric constant k2
r1 r2
1 q
V= .
4pe r
q K1 P
(Please note that we have to write q with its sign in this formula) K2
4F potential difference between two points is the work done in
bringing unit positive charge from one point to another. q 1
V =k where k =
r1 K1 + r2 K2 4 p Î0
Q B A
Relation between electric field and potential
rB
The relation between electric field (E) and potential (V) is
rA
dV
E=-
B
-Q æ l l ö dr
VAB = VB – VA = - ò E.dr = . ç - ÷ J/C For 3-D we can write
4peo è rB rA ø
A
¶V ¶V ¶V
Ex = - , Ey = - and E z = -
Electric Potential due to Continuous Charge ¶x ¶y ¶z
Distribution So electric field is equal to negative potential gradient.
The potential due to a continuous charge distribution is the sum In this relation negative sign indicates that in the direction of
of potentials of all the infinitesimal charge elements in which the electric field, potential decreases. Consider two points A and B
distribution may be divided. situated in a uniform electric field at a distance d then,
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 431

If A is at infinity then at infinity since potential is zero

d we assume infinity as reference point,VA = 0
A B E B

The potential difference between A and B is Þ VB = - q E.dlò

¥
VAB = Ed
Potential energy of a system of two charges Q 1 and Q 2 is,
Conservative nature of electric field
Q1 Q2
The electric field is conservative in nature. In figure the work,
WAB has the same value whatever path is taken in moving the r
test charge. 1 Q1 Q2
U=
4p Î0 r 2
Terminal
point [Please note that in this formula we have to write charges with
Qo B
2 sign]
Vb
Potential energy of a system of three charges Q1, Q2 and Q3
Q1
Qo
1

A r3 r1
Starting
point
Q3 Q2
W r2
so, VAB = VB - VA = AB 1 é Q1 Q 2 Q 2 Q3 Q 3 Q1 ù
Q U= ê + + ú
has the same value for any path between A and B and V B and VA 4p Î0 ë r1 r2 r3 û
are unique for the points A and B. Keep in Memory
We cannot find the absolute value of potential 1. For an assembly of n charges [Total number of intersection
therefore conventionally, we take infinity as the point of zero n n (n - 1)
potential. If need arises, we can assume any point to be the point C2 = ] the potential energy is
2
of zero potential and find the potential of other points on this
basis. é ù
1ê q iq j ú
n

POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A SYSTEM OF CHARGES U = êk å

2 ê i , j rij ú
ú
Potential energy can be defined only for those forces, which are êë i ¹ j úû
conservative, such as gravitational and electrostatic forces. The 2. For a system of two charges.
potential energy of a charge between two points is defined as
If Usystem = –ve, then there is net force of attraction between
the amount of work done in bringing the charge from one point
the charges of the system.
to another.
If Usystem = +ve, then there is net force of repulsion between
B
Wext the charges of the system
i.e. VB - VA =
q ò
= - E.dr
A
Usystem = max for unstable equilibrium
Usystem = min for stable equilibrium

A dU
Also F = - =0
dx
1 3. The energy required to take away the charges of a dipole at
2
dl q2
infinite distance U = k
2l
4. The work done when a charge q is moved across a potential
Q difference of V volt is given by W = qV
B 5. When one electronic charge (1.6×10–19 coulomb i.e., charge
of electron) is moved across one volt the work done is
Calculation of external work done against the field and a point charge called one electron volt (eV). Thus
Q in moving a test charge q from A to B. For a conservative field the 1eV = (1 volt) × (1.6×10–19 coulomb) = 1.6×10–19 joule.
work done by any path is same. The sectional force is – qE.
 EBD_7751
432 PHYSICS

EQUIPOTENTIAL SURFACE (iv) A finite length of charge with linear charge density l
It is that surface where the potential at any point of the surface
has the same value. The electric lines of force and the x
+ + + + + + + æ x + Lö
equipotential surface are mutually perpendicular to each other. V = k l loge ç
No work is done in moving a charge from one point to other on an L P è x ÷ø
equipotential surface. Work is done in moving a charge from one
equipotential surface to another. (v) Due to a spherical shell of uniformly distributed charge
with surface charge density s

V1 Q ++ + +
V1 > V2 r1 + +
V2 V +
+
o +q +
+ +
r2 R
+ +
x=R x + +
+ + +
Spherical equipotential surface
for point charge
Q Q Q
Vin = k , Vsurface = k , Vout = k
R R x
V = V2
V = V1 (vi) Due to a solid sphere of uniformly distributed charge with
volume charge density r.

Q
V

R
Plane equipotential surface for uniform field
x=R x
· Equipotential surface do not cut each other.
· The density of the equipotential lines gives an idea of the 3Q kQ(3R2 - r 2 )
Vcentre = k , Vin =
strength of electric field at that point. Higher the density, 2R 2 R3
larger is the field strength.
Potential Due to Various Charge Distribution Q Q
Vsurface = k , Vout = k
(i) Electric potential due to isolated point charge R x
Potential due to Electric dipole
x ( + q) (a) Along axial line :
V =k
+q x
P x
(ii) A circular ring of radius R with uniformly distributed charge Q –q +q
2l P
Q
++ + +
+ p
+ + Vaxial = k
+ R + kQ x - l2
2
+ + V=
+ + x P R2 + x2 kp
+ + when x > > l Vaxial =
+
+ + ++ x2
(b) Along equatorial line :
· Potential V does not depend on the way of charge
distriubution on the ring (uniform / non-uniform). Veq = zero
(iii) A circular disc of radius R with uniformly distributed charge (c) At any point from the dipole :
with surface charge density s P
Q x
+ + p cos q q
+ R ++ s é 2 V =k
+ V= R + x2 - xù ( x 2 - l 2 cos 2 q) –q +q
+ +++ x P 2e 0 êë úû
++ p
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 433

Keep in Memory Solution : (d)

1. Electric field inside a charged conductor is zero As electric field represents the direction of motion of positive
charge, which is from higher potential to lower potential,
+ + +
+ + + + + therefore, from fig, we find VA = VB and VA > VC
+ + + +
E = 0 + +
+ in + + Ein = 0 Y
+ + +
+ + + + + + + E E
Spherical conductor Irregular shaped conductor
C
But in both the cases the potential at all the points of the
surface will remain the same. But charges will have same
X
distribution on spherical conductor and in case of r A B
irregularly shaped conductor the charge distribution will E
be non-uniform. At sharp points, charge density has Z
greatest value.
2. Electronic lines of force are always perpendicular to the Example 2
equipotential surfaces. A uniform electric field pointing in positive x-direction
3. The work done in moving a charge from a point to the exists in a region. Let A be the origin, B be the point on the
other on an equipotential surface is zero as the potential x-axis at x = + 1 cm and C be the point on the y-axis at
difference between the two points is zero. y = + 1 cm. Then the potential at the points A, B and C
4. The electric potential at a point due to a point charge satisfy
decreases (or increases) by K-times if the distance between (a) VA < VB (b) VA > VB
the charge and the point increases (or decreases) by (c) VA < VC (d) VA > VC
K-times. Solution : (b)
5. A ring with a charge distribution behaves as a point charge uur
for the points very far from its centre. As E is directed along +ve direction of X-axis, therefore,
6. The electric potential is constant inside a hollow charged VA > VB
sphere and it is also equal to its value on the surface but it C is vertically above A. Therefore, VA = VC.
varies inversely with the distance outside the sphere.
7. The electric potential at points inside a solid sphere has a V
non-zero value and decreases as we go from the centre
outwards. It behaves as a point charge for the points C
outside the sphere. E

8. The electric potential at a point due to a dipole varies

directly with the dipole moment.
X
A B
COMMON DEFAULT
Incorrect : Where electric field is zero, electric potential is
also zero. Example 3
Correct : It is not always correct, for example in a charged Calculate the maximum voltage upto which a sphere of
conducting shell, electric field inside the shell E = 0 but radius 2 cm can be charged in air under normal conditions,
potential is not zero. assuming that maximum electric intensity in air can be
3 × 106 volt/m. Also, find the charge required to be given
Incorrect : Where electric potential is zero, electric field is
to the sphere.
also zero.
Solution :
Correct : It is not always correct. In the case of equitorial We know that
plane of an electric dipole the electric potential is zero but
Electric Potential (V)
the electric field is non-zero. Electric intensity (E) =
Distance (r)
Example 1
A uniform electric field pointing in positive y-direction Þ V = Er …… (1)
Given, E = 3 × 106 volt/m, r = 2 cm = 2 × 10–2 m.
exists in a region. Let A be the origin, B be the point on the
Substituting the above values in eq. (1), we get
x-axis at x = 2 cm and C be the point on the y-axis at y = 2
V = (3 × 106 volt/m) × 2 × 10–2 m = 6 × 104 volt.
cm. Then the potential at the points A, B and C satisfy:
Þ V = 60 kV
(a) VA < VB (b) VA > VB
Also, we know that the electric intensity on the surface of
(c) VA < VC (d) VA > VC a charged sphere is given by
 EBD_7751
434 PHYSICS

1 Q The S.I. unit of capacitance is coulomb per volt or farad (F).

E= . ; Q = charge on the sphere Further more, the value of capacitance depends on size, shape,
4p Î0 r 2
relative positions of plate, and the medium between the plates.
Q The value of C does not depend on the charge of the plate or p.d.
Þ 3 ´ 10 6 = (9 ´ 10 9 ) ´ between the plates.
( 2 ´ 10 - 2 ) 2
ENERGY STORED IN A CAPACITOR
Þ Q = 1.33 ´ 10 -7 coulomb. If Q is charge, V is p.d, C is the capacitance of the capacitor then
ELECTROSTATICS OF CONDUCTORS 1 1 Q2
Conductor is a substance that can be used to carry or conduct the energy stored is U = CV 2 = QV =
2 2 2C
electric charges. Metals like silver. Copper, aluminium etc. are
good conductors of electricity. Sharing of Charges
Regarding electrostatics of conductors following points are worth When the two charged conductors of capacitances C1 and C2 at
noting. potentials V1 and V2 respectively, are connected by a conducting
(i) Inside a conductor, electric field is zero. wire, the charge flows from higher to lower potential, until the
(ii) The interior of a conductor can have no excess charge in potentials of the two conductors are equal.
static situation.
(iii) Electric field at the surface of a charged conductor is V1 V2
r s C1 C2
E= nˆ
Î0
where, s = surface charge density Q1' Q2'
The common potential after sharing of charges,
n̂ = unit vector normal to the surface in the outward
direction. Net charge Q + Q 2 C1V1 + C 2 V2
V= = 1 =
(iv) Electric field just outside a charged conductor is Net capacitance C1 + C 2 C1 + C 2
perpendicular to the surface of the conductor at every The charges after sharing on two conductors will be
point.
Q1 C1 Q1¢
(v) Electrostatic potential is constant throughout the volume Q1' = C1V and Q '2 = C 2 V i.e., = =
of the conductor and has the same value as on its surface. Q 2 C2 Q¢2
(vi) Surface density of charge is different at different points. There is a loss of energy during sharing, converted to heat given
CAPACITORS AND CAPACITANCE by
A capacitor or condenser is a device that stores electrical é1 2 1 2ù 1 2
energy. It generally consists of two conductors carrying equal DU = Uinitial - Ufinal = ê C1V1 + C 2 V2 ú - (C1 + C 2 )V
ë2 2 û 2
but opposite charges.
The ability of a capacitor to hold a charge is measured by a C1C2 (V1 - V2 )2
or, Du =
quantity called the capacitance. Let us consider two uncharged 2(C1 + C2 )
identical conductors X and Y and create a P.D. (Potential
Difference) V between them by connecting with battery B as PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR
shown in figure. It consists of two parallel metallic plates of any shape, each of
area A and at a distance d apart.
+Q –Q
Y
X The capacitance of the capacitor is given by C = e 0 A
A d
Effect of Dielectric on Capacitance
+qp
d When a dielectric slab is placed +
between the plates of a parallel plate – + –
+
B capacitor, the charge induced on its – E + –
+ 0
– + –
Fig- A capacitor consists of electrically insulated conductors carrying plates due to polarisation of dielectric +
– Ep + –
equal positive and negative charge + –
After connection with the battery, the two conductors X and Y æ 1ö
is q p = Qç1 - ÷ + + –
have equal but opposite charges. Such a combination of charged è K ø + – E = E 0 – E p+ –
–
conductors is a device called a capacitor. The P.D. between X where K = dielectric constant. + Q – qp –Q
and Y is found to be proportional to the charge Q on capacitor.
The capacitance C, of a capacitor is defined as the ratio of the When an electric field is applied across a dielectric, induced
magnitude of the charge on either conductor to the magnitude charges appear on the surface of dielectric which is shown in the
of P.D. between them. above figure. These induced charges produce their own field
which acts in the opposite direction of the applied field. Hence,
Q
Vµ Q Þ = constant = (Capacitance). total field is reduced, i.e., E 0 - E p = E , where E0 is the applied
V
Capacitance is always a positive quantity. field, Ep is the induced field and E is the resultant field.
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 435

E0 By introducing a slab of thickness t, the new capacitance

E is given by , where K is the dielectric constant. C´ becomes
K
If medium between the plates is having a dielectric of dielectric e0 A
C' = ... (2)
æ K eo A ö d'- t (1 - 1/K)
constant K then the capacitance is given C = ç ÷
è d ø The charge (Q = CV) remains the same in both the cases.
If the space between the plates is partly filled with dielectric Hence
then the capacitance of the capacitor will be given by, eo A e oA æ 1ö
t = or d = d'- t ç 1 - ÷
d d'- t (1 - 1/K) è Kø
P1 + – P2
+ – d ' = d + 2.4 ´ 10-3 m, t = 3 mm = 3 × 10–3 m.
+ K – Substituting these values, we have
+ – æ 1ö
A + – d = d + ( 2.4 ´ 10 -3 ) - 3 ´ 10 -3 ç1 - ÷
+ – è Kø
+ – æ 1ö
or ( 2.4 ´ 10 -3 ) = 3 ´ 10 -3 ç1 - ÷
è Kø
d Solving it, we get K = 5.
SPHERICAL CAPACITOR B
e0 A e0 A
C= = , It consists of two concentric
t æ 1ö ++
d -t + d - t ç1 - ÷ spherical conductors of radii R1 ++ ++
K è Kø R2 A

++ ++

++ ++
and R2 . The space between two

++

++
where t is the thickness of the dielectric with dielectric constant K.
conductors is filled by a dielectric R O
1

of dielectric constant K.
++ ++
Keep in Memory ++

1. The unit farad is quite a big unit for practical purposes. (a) When outer conductor is earthed,
Even the capacitance of a huge body like earth is 711 mF. Capacitance of spherical capacitor,
2. A capacitor is a device which stores charges and produces 4p Î0 R1R2
electricity whenever required. C= (without dielectric)
R2 - R1
3. If the two plates of a capacitor is connected with a
(4pe o K ) R1R2
conducting wire, sparking takes place which shows that C= (with dielectric)
electrical energy is converted into heat and light energy. ( R2 - R1 )
4. A capacitor allows A.C. but doesn’t allow D.C. to pass (b) When inner sphere is earthed,
through it. 4pe o K R1R2
C= + 4pe o R2
5. The capacitance of a capacitor increases with insertion of a R2 - R1
dielectric between its plates and decreases with increase in This is because the combination behaves as two capacitors
the separation between the plates. in parallel, one is a capacitor formed by two concentric
6. The capacitance of a capacitor increases K times if a medium spherical shells and the other is an isolated spherical shell
of dielectric constant K is inserted between its plates. of radius R2.
7. The energy of a capacitor for a particular separation between CYLINDRICAL CAPACITOR
the plates is the amount of work done in separating the two
It consists of two-coaxial cylindrical conductors of radii R1 and R2,
plates to that separation if they are made to touch to each
the outer surface of outer conductor being earthed. The space
other.
between the two is filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant K.
8. The loss of energy when the two charged conductors are
connected by a wire doesn’t depend on the length of the R1
wire.
Example 4
–+ +–
A parallel plate capacitor is maintained at a certain potential –+ +–
difference. When a 3 mm slab is introduced between the plates, –+ A +–
K B
l –+ +–
in order to maintain the same potential difference, the distance –+ +–
between the plates is increased by 2.4 mm. Find the dielectric –+ +–
–+ +–
constant of the slab. –+ +–
Solution : –+ +–
The capacity of a parallel plate capacitor in air is given by
e A
C= 0 ... (1) R2
d
 EBD_7751
436 PHYSICS

The capacitance of cylindrical condenser of length l t1 t2

2p Î0 l
C= (without dielectric)
æR ö
log e ç 2 ÷
è R1 ø + K1 K2
–
2p Îo K l
C=
æR ö
log e ç 2 ÷ (with dielectric)
è R1 ø
2. When a number of dielectric slabs of same thickness (d)
COMBINATION OF CAPACITORS and different areas of cross-section A1, A2, A3 ... having
Series Combination dielectric constants K1, K2, K3, .... respectively are placed
(i) In this combination, the positive plate of one capacitor is between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor then the
connected to the negative plate of the other. capacitance is given by
+
Q Q Q Electric slabs which fill

Area A1
Area A2
Area A3
the whole space of parallel
A B plate capacitor
C1 C2 C3
d –
V1 V2 V3
e o (K 1 A 1 + K 2 A 2 + K 3 A 3 + ....)
C=
V d
(ii) The charges of individual capacitor are equal. 3. When five capacitors are connected in wheatstone bridge
(iii) The potential difference is shared by the capacitors in the
inverse ratio of their capacities C1 C3
arrangement as shown, such that = , the bridge is
i.e. Q = C1V1 = C2 V2 = C3 V3 C2 C4
Hence V = V1 + V2 + V3 balanced and C5 becomes ineffective. No charge is stored
on C5. Therefore C1, C2 and C3, C4 are in series. The two
(iv) The equivalent capacitance (C) between A and B is
series combinations are in parallel between A and C. Hence
1 1 1 1 1 equivalent capacitance can be calculated.
= + + + ..... + B
C C1 C 2 C 3 Cn
Parallel Combination C1 C2
q1
(i) In this arrangement, +ve plates + – c1
of all the condensers are +– A C5 C
connected to one point and q2
negative plates of all the A c
+– 2 B
condensers are connected to Q + – C3 C4
the other point. q3
(ii) The Potential difference +– c D
across the individual capacitor +– 3
is same.
V RELATION BETWEEN THREE ELECTRIC VECTORS
(iii) The total charge shared by the individual capacitor is in
direct ratio of their capacities
ur ur r
D , P AND E
q q q
i.e. V = 1 = 2 = 3 If an electric field E is applied across a parallel plate capacitor
C1 C 2 C3 filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant K (or permittivity e),
Hence, Q = q1 + q2 + q3 then
(iv) The equivalent capacitance between A and B is Polarisation P = induced charge per unit area (opposite to free
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 + ........+ Cn q'
charge) =
Keep in Memory A
Electric displacement D = eE = eo E + P
1. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor having a
i.e. Polarisation P = (e – eo) E = (Keo – eo) E
number of slabs of thickness t1, t2, t3 .... and dielectric
constant K1, K2, K3 .... respectively between the plates is Electric susceptibility, c e = P / E
Relation between dielectric constant K and electric susceptibility
eo A ce is
C=
æ t1 t t ö
çç + 2 + 3 + .....÷÷ ce
K K K K = 1+
è 1 2 3 ø e0
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 437

Effect of filling dielectric With battery connected current in the circuit.

When there is no dielectric 4. As the charge on the capacitor increases, more energy is
stored in the capacitor.
Ae 0
Capacitance C 0 = 5. When the capacitor is fully charged, potential difference
d
across the capacitor is equal to the potential difference of
Potential difference between the plates V the source and the transient current tends to zero.
Charge on a plate Q = CV
If V0 = constant potential difference of the source
1 R = pure resistance in the circuit
Energy E 0 = C0V 2
2 C = capacity of the capacitor
V V Q0 = final charge on the capacitor, when fully charged
Electric field E 0 = q = charge on the capacitor at time ‘t’ from the starting of
d
the charging
When dielectric is inserted
V = potential difference across the capacitor at time ‘t’
KA e 0
C= = KC 0 Source V0 Key
d
Q = K C0 V = KQ0 V
·
( )

1
U= KC 0 V 2 = KE 0
2
V R C
E= = E0
d Q0 q
Then = =C
Effect of filling a dielectric in a capacitor after V0 V
disconnection of battery dq
and i = current in the circuit at time ‘t’ =
+Q –Q dt
+Q –Q
At time ‘t’ by Kirchhoff’s law
V dq q dq 1
V0 - R - =0 i.e. = dt
Capacitance C0 C = K C0 dt C CV0 - q CR
Integrating and putting in the initial condition q = 0 at t = 0,
Charge Q0 Q = Q0 we get

Q0 Q 0 V0 é 1 ù
– t
P.D V0 = V= = q = CV0 ê1 – e CR ú
C0 C K ê ú
ë û
1 2 2
1 V U0
Potential energy U0 = C0V0 U= KC 0 0 = Special cases :
2 2 K K
(i) At t = 0, q = 0.
(ii) When t increases, q increases.
CHARGING AND DISCHARGING A CAPACITOR
é -
1 ù
t
Charging a Capacitor (iii) As t ® ¥ , q ® Q = CV \ q = Q ê 1 - e CR ú
0 0 0
When an uncharged capacitor is connected across a source of ëê ûú
constant potential difference such as a cell, it takes a finite time (iv) At t = CR [‘CR’ has dimensions of time]
to get fully charged, although this time interval may be small.
é 1ù
This time-interval depends on the capacity of the capacitor and q = Q 0 ê1 - ú = 0.631Q 0
the resistance in the circuit. ë eû
This value of t = CR is called the ‘time constant’ of the (CR)
During the period of charging :
circuit.
1. The charge on the capacitor increases from ‘zero’ to the
final steady charge. Discharging of a Capacitor
2. The potential difference developed across the capacitor If after charging the capacitor, the source of constant potential
opposes the constant potential difference of the source. difference is disconnected and the charged capacitor is shorted
through a resistance ‘R’, then by Kirchhoff’s law, at time ‘t’ from
3. The charge on the capacitor ‘grows’ only as long as the
the instant of shorting,
potential difference of source is greater than the potential
difference across the capacitor. This transport of the charge q dq
+R =0
from the source to the capacitor constitutes a transient C dt
 EBD_7751
438 PHYSICS
Putting, In equilibrium, Pi + Pe = PO + PT
(i) the initial condition, q = Q0 at t = 0 and or, Pi – PO = PT – Pe
(ii) the final condition, q = 0 at t ® ¥ , or, Pexcess = PT – Pe
the solution to the above equation is
4T s 2
\ Pexcess = -
Q– 0 r 2e o
– 1 t Where T = surface tension of soap solution,
q = Q 0 e CR q s = surface charge density of bubble.
If Pi = PO then Pi – PO = PT – Pe = 0 or PT = Pe
2
t 4T s 2 1 æ q ö
= = ç ÷
Keep in Memory r 2e o 2e o çè 4 pr 2 ÷ø
Hence for maintaining the equilibrium of charged soap
1. If n small drops each having a charge q, capacity ‘C’ and
8e o T
potential V coalesc to form a big drop, then bubble, s =
(i) the charge on the big drop = nq r
(ii) capacity of big drop = n1/3 C q = 8p r 2e o rT
(iii) potential of big drop = n2/3 V 3. Force of attraction between the plates of a parallel plate
(iv) potential energy of big drop = n5/3 U
(v) surface density of charge on the big drop = n1/3 × q2
capacitor =
surface density of charge on one small drop. 2e o AK
2. Charged soap bubble : Four types of pressure act on a where, A = area of the plates of capacitor and
charged soap bubble. K = dielectric constant of the medium filled between the
(i) Pressure due to air outside the bubble PO, acting plates.
inwards. In terms of electric field, the force of attraction
(ii) Pressure due to surface tension of soap solution PT, 1
acting inwards. F = e 0 KE 2
2
(iii) Pressure due to air inside the bubble, P i, acting 4. Uses of capacitor :
outwards. = In LC oscillators = As filter circuits
s2 = Tuner circuit in radio etc.
(iv) Electric pressure due to charging, Pe = , acting 5. The total energy stored in an array of capacitors
2e o
(in series or in parallel) is the sum of the individual energies
outwards. stored in each capacitor.

COMBINATION OF CAPACITOR : EQUIVALENT CAPACITANCE

Ae 0 Ae
C1 = K1 0
+

C1 = K1 1 1 1
K1 K1 d/2 d/2 = +
(i) d º Ae 0 Ae 0 Ceq C1 C 2
K2 K2 C2 = K 2 C2 = K 2
d/2 d/2
– –
é d d ù
êë d = 2 + 2 and area of each plate = A úû

++
+ æA ö
K K1 Kç æ Aæç ÷Aöeeö÷0e æA ö
1 ç12 ÷ 0 0
K2ç ÷e 0
(ii) d K1 K2 K2
Cº1 C=C1 1== è è è2 ø2ø ø C 2 = è2 ø
; C eq= C +1 C 2
dd d d
– ––
+
+ K 2 (A / 2)e 0
C2 =
K2 K (A / 2)e 0 d/ 2 C 2 C3
(iii) d K1 º C1 = 1 Ceq = C1 +
K3 d K 3 (A / 2)e 0 C 2 C3
C3 =
d/ 2
– –
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 439
+ Ae 0
C1 = K1
+ d/2
K1 1 1 1
d K 2e 0 (A / 2) K 3e 0 (A / 2) = +
(iv) K2 K3 = º C2 = C3 = Ceq C1 C 2 + C 3
d/2 d/2
–
–
C
1 2
1
+ 2 A+ 3C 2 –B
(v) ºA º
–
3 B
C
3 4
4
Ceq = C + C + C = 3C
+– +– +– +– 1 C
2 1 2

– A + –
(vi) A Bº
= =º A
B B
C
3
4 4 3
+ + + +

Ceq = C + C = 2C
2 3
C
(+) A A + –
– – – –1 º B
A
+ + + + C C
+ + + +2
(vii) º 2 1 4 3
– – – –3
– – – – 1 1 3C
= C+ or, C eq =
+ + + + C eq 1 1 2
(–) B 4 +
B C C
SOME ME THODS OF FINDING EQUIVALENT Method 2 : Using Symmetry
CAPACITANCE C

Method 1 : Successive Reduction C

C
This method is applicable only when the capacitor can be clearly C
identified as in series or in parallel. X C E C Y
A B
2 mF 2 mF
A A C
C C
2 mmF 2 mF 2 mF 2 mF
2 mF 2 mF A
D
2 mF Þ The above circuit is symmetrical about XAEBY axis. This is
2 mF 2 mF 4 mF because the upper part of the circuit is mirror image of lower part.
B B Therefore VC = VE = VD. The circuit can be redrawn as
C C
Þ

C
2
C C
2 mF C
C C
A X Y = 2
2 mF 3 mF A B A B
A B Þ
A B Þ
C C C
26 13 mF 4
mF mF 2
19 3 3 D DC
B
2
 EBD_7751
440 PHYSICS

3C Principle : When a charged conductor is placed in contact with

2 the inside of a hollow conductor, all of the charge of first
= conductor is transferred to the hollow conductor. i.e., the charge
A B
Method 3 : Wheatstone bridge on hollow conductor or its potential can be increased by any
C limit by repeating that processes.
The basic fact of Van de Graaf generator is described in fig.
C1 (Charge is delivered continuously to a high voltage electrode on
C2
a moving belt of insulating material).

B
A C5 High voltage electrode

B
C4 +
C3

D Belt
C1 C 2
If C = C then the wheatstone bridge is balanced. In this case
3 4
there will be no charge accumulation in C5 when battery is
Insulator
attached across A and B. Therefore the equivalent circuit is the
A
capacitance C1 and C2 are in series. Similarly C3 and C4 is in
series. Therefore the equivalent capacitance occurs between A
and B is
1 1 1 Grounded grid
= +
C eq C 1 +C 2 C 3 + C 4
Schematic diagram of a Van de Graaf generator. Charge is transferred
The other forms of wheatstone bridge are : to hollow conductor at the top by means of a rotating belt. The charge is
C1 deposited on the belt at point A and is transferred to hollow conductor
C2 B at point B.
A C5 The high voltage electrode is a hollow conductor mounted on an
C3
insulating medium. The belt is charged at A by means of corona
C4
discharge between comb-like metallic needles and a grounded
or
grid. The needles are maintained at a positive potential of typically
104 eV. The positive charge on the moving belt is transferred to
C5 C1 the high voltage electrode by second comb of needles at B.
C2
Since the electric field inside the hollow conductor is negligible,
C4 the positive charge on the belt easily transfers to the high- voltage
electrode, regardless of its potential. We can increase the potential
B A
of the high voltage electrode until electrical discharge occur
C3 through the air . The “ breakdown” voltage of air is about 3 × 10 6 V/m.
Method 4 : If none of the above method works, then we can use Example 5
the method of Kirchhoff’s laws - junction law and loop law.
Obtain equivalent capacitance of the following network
SHARP POINT ACTION (CORONA DISCHARGE)
as shown in fig. For a 300 volt supply, determine the
When the electric field (s / e 0 ) on a point on the surface of a charge and voltage across each capacitor.
conductor exceeds the electric strength of air, then the air becomes
conducting and the surface of conductor loses charge. This action C1
occurs usually at the sharp points of a conductor as here s is
high, thus creating high electric field. This phenomenon is also C2 100 pF C3
called corona discharge.
VAN DE GRAAF GENERATOR 200 pF 200 pF +
300 V
C4
R.J. Van de Graff in 1931 designed an electrostatic generator –
capable of generating very high potential of the order of 5 × 106 V,
which was then made use of an accelerating charged particles so 100 pF
as to carry out nuclear reactions.
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 441

Solution :
As it is clear from fig, C2 and C3 are in series. total ch arg e q 20 p R 2 s 5 Rs
V= = = =
total capacity C 12 p e o R 3 eo
1 1 1 1 1
\ = + = + Now, charge on bigger sphere,
Cs C2 C3 200 200
5 Rs 40 p R 2 s
2 1 q2' = C2 V = 4 p e o (2 R ) ´ =
= = Þ Cs = 100pF 3e o 3
200 100
Now, Cs and C1 are in parallel. \ Surface density of charge
Cp = Cs + C1 = 100 + 100 = 200 pF.
q '2 40 p R 2 s 5
Again, Cp and C4 are in series. Their combined capacitance s '2 = = = s.
surface area 3 (4 p) (2 R ) 2 6
C is
1 1 1 1 1 3 Example 7
= + = + =
C C p C 4 200 100 200 Two insulated metal spheres of radii 10 cm and 15 cm
charged to a potential of 150 V and 100 V respectively,
200 are connected by means of a metallic wire. What is the
C= = 66.7 pF = 66.7 ´ 10 -12 F
3 charge on the first sphere?
As Cp and C4 are in series. Solution :
\ Vp + V4 = 300 volt. Here, r1 = 10 cm, r2 = 15cm
Charge on C4, V1 = 150 V, V2 = 100 V
200 Common potential
q 4 = CV = ´ 10 -12 ´ 300 = 2 ´ 10 -8 C.
3
Potential difference across C4: C1V1 + C 2 V2
V=
C1 + C 2
q4 2 ´10 -8
V4 = = = 200 volt. 4 p Î0 (r1 V1 + r2 V2 )
C 4 100 ´10 -12 =
4 p Î0 (r1 + r2 )
V p = 300 - V 4 = 300 - 200 = 100 volt . = 120 volt
Potential difference across C1 = V1 = Vp = 100 volt.
Charge on
C1, q1 = C1 V1 = 100 × 10–12 × 100 = 10–8 C q1 = C1V
Potential difference across C2 and C3 in series = 100 volt
V2 = V3 = 50 volt = 4 p Î0 r1 V
Charge on 10-1
C2 = q2 = C2V2 = 200 × 10–12 × 50 = 10–8 C = ´ 12C
9 ´ 109
Charge on
12
C3 = q3 = C3V3 = 200 × 10–12 × 50 = 10–8 C = ´ 3 ´ 109 esu = 4esu
9 ´ 109
Example 6
Two isolated metallic solid spheres of radii R and 2 R are Example 8
charged such that both of these have same charge density Consider a parallel plate capacitor of capacity 10 mF
s. The spheres are located far away from each other, and with air filled in the gap between the plates. Now one half
connected by a thin conducting wire. Find the new charge of the space between the plates is filled with a dielectric of
density on the bigger sphere. dielectric constant K = 4 as shown in fig.
Solution :
Charge on smaller sphere, q1 = 4pR2s
Charge on bigger sphere, q2 = 4p(2R)2s = 1pR2s K=4
\ Total charge, q = q1 + q2 = 20pR2s
Combined capacity of two spheres,
C = C1 + C2 = 4peoR + 4peo (2R) = 12peoR The capacity of the capacitor changes to
After contact, charge is exchanged and a common potential (a) 25 mF (b) 20 mF
V is reached. (c) 40 mF (d) 5 mF
 EBD_7751
442 PHYSICS

Solution : (a) As C1, C2 are in series,

The arrangement is equivalent to three capacitors in parallel
1 1 1 C + C1
e A / 4 10 \ = + = 2 ;
C1 = o = = 2.5 mF ; Cs C1 C 2 C1 C 2
d 4
C1 C 2 2 K1 C 0 2 K 0 C 0 2 K1 K 2 C 0
Ke o A / 2 10 \ Cs = = =
C2 = = 4´ = 20 mF ; C1 + C 2 2 C0 (K1 + K 2 ) K1 + K 2
d 2
e A / 4 10 Cs 2 K1 K 2
C3 = o = = 2.5 mF =
d 2 C 0 K1 + K 2
\ Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 = 2.5 + 20 + 2.5 = 25mF Example 10
A capacitor of capacity 1 mF is connected in closed series
Example 9 circuit with a resistance of 107 W, an open key and a cell
A parallel plate capacitor is filled with dielectric as shown of 2 V with negligible internal resistance.
in fig. Its capacitance has ratio with that and without of (i) When the key is switched on at a time t = 0, find :
dielectric as (a) the time constant for the circuit.
(b) the charge on the capacitor at steady state.
+
(c) time taken to deposit charge equalling half that
at steady state.
K2 (ii) If after fully charging the capacitor, the cell is shorted
d by zero resistance at time t = 0, find the charge on the
d
2
K1 capacitor at t = 50 s.
– Solution :
(i) (a) Time constant = RC = (107) (10–6) = 10 s.
(b) Q0 = charge on capacitor at steady state
æ K1 + K 2 ö = V0C = 2 × 10–6 = 2 mC
(a) (K1 + K2) (b) çç K – K ÷÷ 1
è 1 2 ø 1 - t
(c) q = Q0 = Q0 [1 - e CR ]
2
æ 2K 1 K 2 ö æ K1 +K 2 ö
(c) çç K + K ÷÷ (d) çç K K ÷÷ t
è 1 2 ø è 1 2 ø Þ e 10 = 2 or, t = 10 ´ 2.306 ´ log10 2 = 6.94 s.
Solution : (c) -
1
t
eo A (ii) q = Q0 e CR

Without dielectric, C 0 =
d 50
- æ 1ö
With dielectric as shown, = (2 ´ 10-6 )(e 10 ) = (2 ´ 10-6 ) ç 5 ÷
èe ø
K1e o A K 2e o A
C1 = = 2K1C 0 ; C2 = = 2K 2C 0 ; = 1.348 × 10–8 C (Q e = 2.718)
d/2 d/2
 CONCEPT MAP

At a point outside On axial line Equipotential surface

the spherical shell 1 p Imaginary surface joining
V= On equatorial line
1 q 4p e 0 r 2 V=0 the points of same potential
V= (r > R) in an electric field
4p Î0 r

Electrostatic potential
At a point on the surface Electric potential due to a point charge
Electric potential due to a dipole q
or inside the spherical shell due to a charged V= K
1 q conducting spherical r
V= (r £ R)
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

4p Î0 R shell Electrostatic potential

(V)0 = work done w ¥
charge (q0)
Electric potential due to a Electrostatic potential
charged non-conducting due to a system of charges
sphere V= V1 + V2 + V3 ... + Vn
ELECTROSTATIC n
AND CAPACITANCE
q
V = Kå i
i =1 ri
At a point on the surface At a point outside the
or inside the sphere non-conducting sphere
Capacitance of a Capacitance
1 q 1 q
V= (r £ R) V= (r > R) spherical capacitor (c) = Charge (Q) Combination of capacitors
4p Î0 R 4p Î0 r C = 4rpÎ0 Potential (V)

Energy stored in a capacitor Capacitance of a

parallel plate capacitor
1 Q2
u= CV 2 = C = KAe0 k = dielectric
2 2C Series grouping of capacitors Parallel grouping of
d constant
Equivalent capacitance capacitors Equivalent
capacitance
1 1 1 1
Energy loss when two = + +.... + Cp= C1+ C 2+ ... Cn
Capacitance when Cs C1 C2 Cn
isolated charged conductors metallic slab inserted
are connected to each other between the plates
1 C1C2 (V1 - V2 )2 æ e Aö
= C = ç 0 ÷ t = thickness
2 C1 + C2 è d tø of slab
443
 EBD_7751
444 PHYSICS

1. A parallel plate capacitor is charged to a certain voltage. 10. A positive point charge q is carried from a point B to a point
Now, if the dielectric material (with dielectric constant k) is A in the electric field of a point charge + Q at O. If the
removed then the permitivity of free space is e0, the work done in the process
is given by
(a) capacitance increases by a factor of k
(b) electric field reduces by a factor k qQ æ1 1 ö qQ æ1 1 ö
(a) ç + ÷ (b) ç - ÷
(c) voltage across the capacitor decreases by a factor k 4 p eo è a b ø 4 p eo è a b ø
(d) None of these qQ æ 1 1 ö qQ æ 1 1 ö
çç - ÷ çç + ÷÷
(c)
4 p eo 2 2÷ (d)
4 p eo è a 2
2. Two identical conducting balls having positive charges q1 èa b ø b2 ø
and q2 are separated by a distance r.If they are made to 11. Two concentric, thin metallic spheres of radii R1 and R2
touch each other and then separated to the same distance, (R1 > R2) bear charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. Then the
the force between them will be potential at distance r between R 1 and R 2 will be
(a) less than before (b) same as before
æ 1 ö
(c) more than before (d) zero çè k = 4pe ÷ø
0
3. A sphere of radius R has uniform volume charge density.
The electric potential at a points (r <R) is æ Q + Q2 ö æQ Q ö
(a) kç 1 ÷ø (b) kç 1 + 2 ÷
(a) due to the charge inside a sphere of radius r only è r è r R2 ø
(b) due to the entire charge of the sphere
æQ Q ö æQ Q ö
(c) due to the charge in the spherical sheel of inner and (c) kç 2 + 1÷ (d) kç 1 + 2 ÷
outer radii r and R, only è r R1 ø è R1 R 2 ø
(d) independent of r 12. Force between two plates of a capacitor is
4. Eight drops of mercury of equal radius and possessing equal
(a) Q
(b) Q2
charge combine to form a big drop. The capacitance of bigger
eoA 2 eo A
drop as compared to each small drop is
(a) 16 times (b) 8 times
Q2
(c) 4 times (d) 2 times (c) (d) None of these
eoA
5. The capacitance of a metallic sphere is 1mF , then it’s radius
13. An alpha particle is accelerated through a potential
is nearly
differenceof 106 volt. Its kinetic energy will be
(a) 1.11 m (b) 10 m (a) 1 MeV (b) 2 MeV (c) 4 MeV (d) 8 MeV
(c) 9 km (d) 1.11 cm 14. Two capacitors of capacitances C1 and C2 are connected in
6. Three charges 2 q, – q and – q are located at the vertices of parallel across a battery. If Q1 and Q2 respectively be the
an equilateral triangle. At the centre of the triangle
Q1
(a) the field is zero but potential is non-zero charges on the capacitors, then will be equal to
Q2
(b) the field is non-zero, but potential is zero
(c) both field and potential are zero
C2 C1 C12 C 22
(d) both field and potential are non-zero (a) (b) (c) (d)
7. Two conducting spheres of radii r 1 and r 2 are equally C1 C2 C 22 C12
charged. The ratio of their potentials is 15. A system of two parallel plates, each of area A, are separated
(a) r1 / r2 (b) r2 / r1 (c) r12 / r22 (d) r22 / r12 by distances d1 and d2. The space between them is filled
with dielectrics of permittivities e1 and e2. The permittivity
8. The electric potential due to a small electric dipole at a large
of free space is e0. The equivalent capacitance of the system
distance r from the centre of the dipole is proportional to
is
(a) r (b) 1/r (c) 1/r2 (d) 1/r3
9. An electron of mass m and charge e is accelerated from rest e1e2 A e1e 2 e0 A
through a potential difference V in vacuum. Its final speed (a) e2d1+e1d2 (b) e1d1+e 2d 2
will be
2e V eV e0 A e0 A
(a) (b) (c) e V/2m (d) e V/m (c) e1d1+e2d2 (d) e1d 2 +e2d1
m m
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 445

16. A large insulated sphere of radius r charged with Q units of 21. A parallel plate condenser with oil between the plates
electricity is placed in contact with a small insulated (dielectric constant of oil K = 2) has a capacitance C. If the
uncharged sphere of radius r´ and is then separated. The oil is removed, then capacitance of the capacitor becomes
charge on smaller sphere will now be
(a) Q (r' + r) (b) Q (r + r') C C
(a) 2C (b) 2 C (c) (d)
Q Qr' 2 2
(c) (d)
r '+ r r '+ r 22. An air capacitor C connected to a battery of e.m.f. V acquires
17. The capacitance of the capacitor of plate areas A1 and A2 a charge q and energy E. The capacitor is disconnected
(A1 < A2) at a distance d, as shown in figure is from the battery and a dielectric slab is placed between the
Î0 (A1 + A 2 ) plates. Which of the following statements is correct ?
(a) A2 (a) V and q decrease but C and E increase
2d A1
(b) V remains unchange, but q, E and C increase
Î0 A 2 (c) q remains unchanged, C increases, V and E decrease
(b)
d (d) q and C increase but V and E decrease.
Î0 A1A 2 23. Two parallel metal plates having charges + Q and – Q face
(c) each other at a certain distance between them. If the plates
d
are now dipped in kerosene oil tank, the electric field
Î0 A1 d between the plates will
(d)
d (a) remain same (b) become zero
18. When air is replaced by a dielectric medium of force (c) increases (d) decrease
constant K, the maximum force of attraction between two 24. A parallel plate condenser has a uniform electric field E(V/
charges, separated by a distance m) in the space between the plates. If the distance between
(a) decreases K-times (b) increases K-times the plates is d(m) and area of each plate is A(m2) the energy
1 (joules) stored in the condenser is
(c) remains unchanged (d) becomes times
K2 1
(a) E2Ad/ Î0 (b) Î0 E 2
19. A conductor carries a certain charge. When it is connected 2
to another uncharged conductor of finite capacity, then the
1
energy of the combined system is (c) Î0 EAd (d) Î E 2 Ad
(a) more than that of the first conductor 2 0
(b) less than that of the first conductor 25. Which of the following figure shows the correct
(c) equal to that of the first conductor equipotential surfaces of a system of two positive charges?
(d) uncertain
20. The magnitude of the electric field E in the annular region (a) (b)
of a charged cylindrical capacitor + + + +
(a) is same throughout
(b) is higher near the outer cylinder than near the inner
cylinder
(c) (d)
1
(c) varies as , where r is the distance from the axis + +
r + +

1
(d) varies as 2 , where r is the distance from the axis
r

1. The positive terminal of 12 V battery is connected to the (a) zero (b) 10 V (c) 4 V (d) 10/3 V
ground. Then the negative terminal will be at 3. Find the dipole moment of a system where the potential
(a) – 6 V (b) + 12 V (c) zero (d) – 12 V 2.0 × 10–5 V at a point P, 0.1m from the dipole is 3.0 × 104.
2. A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such that (Use q = 30°).
the potential on its surface is 10 V. The potential at a distance (a) 2.57 × 10–17 Cm (b) 1.285 × 10–15 Cm
of 2 cm from the centre of the sphere is (c) 1.285 × 10–17 Cm (d) 2.57 × 10–15 Cm
 EBD_7751
446 PHYSICS

4. A battery of e.m.f. V volt, resistors R1 and R2, a condenser 10. Two capacitors when connected in series have a
C and switches S1 and S2 are connected in a circuit shown. capacitance of 3 mF, and when connected in parallel have a
The condenser will get fully charged to V volt when capacitance of 16 mF. Their individual capacities are
(a) 1 mF, 2 mF (b) 6 mF, 2 mF
(c) 12 mF, 4 mF (d) 3 mF, 16 mF
R1 S1 S2 R2
11. The capacity of a parallel plate condenser is 10 mF, when
the distance between its plates is 8 cm. If the distance
between the plates is reduced to 4 cm, then the capacity of
V C this parallel plate condenser will be
(a) 5 mF (b) 10 mF (c) 20 mF (d) 40 mF
12. The capacitor, whose capacitance 6mF 6mF 3mF
is 6, 6 and 3mF respectively are
(a) S1 and S2 are both closed connected in series with 20 volt
(b) S1 and S2 are both open line. Find the charge on 3mF.
(c) S1 is open and S2 is closed (a) 30 mc
(b) 60 mF
(d) S1 is closed and S2 is open
(c) 15 mF 20mF
5. The electric potential at the surface of an atomic nucleus (d) 90 mF
(Z = 50) of radius of 9 × 10–15 m is 13. Four metallic plates each with a surface area of one side A,
(a) 80 V (b) 8 × 106 V (c) 9 V (d) 9 × 105 V are placed at a distance d from each other. The two outer
6. Three point charges +q , + 2q and – 4q where q = 0.1 mC, are plates are connected to one point A and the two other inner
placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 10 cm plates to another point B as shown in the figure. Then the
as shown in figure. The potential energy of the system is capacitance of the system is
– 4q
A B
10
cm

cm

e0A 2e 0 A 3e 0 A 4e 0 A
10

(a) (b) (c) (d)

d d d d
+q 10 cm +2q 14. Two spherical conductors A and B of radii a and b (b>a) are
placed concentrically in air. The two are connected by a
(a) 3 × 10–3 J (b) –3 × 10–3 J copper wire as shown in figure. Then the equivalent
(c) 9 × 10 J–3 (d) –9 × 10–3 J capacitance of the system is
7. The four capacitors, each of 25 m F are connected as shown ab
in fig. The dc voltmeter reads 200 V. The charge on each (a) 4pe 0
b-a b B
plate of capacitor is A
(b) 4pe 0 (a + b) a
V
(c) 4pe 0 b
– + – +
(d) 4pe 0a
– + – + 15. A ball of mass 1 g carrying a charge 10–8 C moves from a
point A at potential 600 V to a point B at zero potential. The
change in its K.E. is
(a) ± 2 ´ 10 -3 C (b) ± 5 ´ 10 -3 C (a) – 6 × 10–6 erg (b) – 6 × 10–6 J
(c) 6 × 10 J–6 (d) 6 × 10–6 erg
(c) ± 2 ´ 10 -2 C (d) ± 5 ´ 10 -2 C
16. Two capacitors C1 and C2 in a circuit are joined as shown in
8. An air capacitor of capacity C = 10 mF is connected to a figure. The potentials of points A and B are V1 and V2
constant voltage battery of 12 volt. Now the space between respectively; then the potential of point D will be
the plates is filled with a liquid of dielectric constant 5. The
A B
(additional) charge that flows now from battery to the
capacitor is V1 D V2
C1 C2
(a) 120 m C (b) 600 m C (c) 480 m C (d) 24 m C
9. A capacitor is charged to store an energy U. The charging (V1 + V2 ) C 2 V1 + C1V2
(a) (b)
battery is disconnected. An identical capacitor is now 2 C1 + C 2
connected to the first capacitor in parallel. The energy in
each of the capacitors is C1V1 + C 2 V2 C 2 V1 + C1V2
(c) (d)
(a) 3 U/2 (b) U (c) U/4 (d) U/2 C1 + C 2 C1 + C 2
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 447

17. A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates is 26. Capacitance (in F) of a spherical conductor with radius 1 m
charged to a potential difference of 500V and then insulated. is
A plastic plate is inserted between the plates filling the (a) 1.1 × 10–10 (b) 106
whole gap. The potential difference between the plates now (c) 9 × 10–9 (d) 10–3
becomes 75V. The dielectric constant of plastic is 27. Two metal pieces having a potential difference of 800 V are
(a) 10/3 (b) 5 (c) 20/3 (d) 10 0.02 m apart horizontally. A particle of mass 1.96 × 10–15 kg
18. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor have an area of is suspended in equilibrium between the plates. If e is the
90 cm2 each and are separated by 2.5 mm. The capacitor is elementary charge, then charge on the particle is
charged by a 400 volt supply. How much electrostatic (a) 8 (b) 6 (c) 0.1 (d) 3
energy is stored by the capacitor? 28. Identical charges – q each are placed at 8 corners of a cube
(a) 2.55 × 10–6 J (b) 1.55 × 10–6 J of each side b. Electrostatic potential energy of a charge
(c) 8.15 × 10–6 J (d) 5.5 × 10–6 J + q which is placed at the centre of cube will be
19. From a supply of identical capacitors rated 8 mF, 250V, the - 4 2 q2 - 8 2 q2
minimum number of capacitors required to form a composite (a) (b)
16 mF, 1000V is p eo b p eo b
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 16 (d) 32
- 4 q2 - 8 2 q2
20. Calculate the area of the plates of a one farad parallel plate (c) (d)
capacitor if separation between plates is 1 mm and plates 3 p eo b p eo b
are in vacuum 29. A charge +q is fixed at each of the points x = x0, x = 3x0,
(a) 18 × 108 m2 (b) 0.3 × 108 m2 x = 5x0, .... upto ¥ on X-axis and charge –q is fixed on each
(c) 1.3 × 10 m 8 2 (d) 1.13 × 108 m2 of the points x = 2x0, x = 4x0, x = 6x0, .... upto ¥ . Here x0 is
21. A one microfarad capacitor of a TV is subjected to 4000 V a positive constant. Take the potential at a point due to a
potential difference. The energy stored in capacitor is Q
(a) 8 J (b) 16 J charge Q at a distance r from it to be . Then the
4pe 0 r
(c) 4 × 10–3 J (d) 2 × 10–3 J potential at the origin due to above system of charges will be
22. Two capacitors, C1 = 2mF and C2 = 8 mF are connected in q
series across a 300 V source. Then (a) zero (b)
8pe 0 x 0 log e 2
(a) the charge on each capacitor is 4.8×10–4 C
(b) the potential difference across C1 is 60 V q log e 2
(c) infinity (d)
(c) the potential difference across C2 is 240 V 4pe 0 x 0
(d) the energy stroed in the system is 5.2 × 10–2 J 30. Two equally charged spheres of radii a and b are connected
23. Two capacitors C1 and C2 = 2C1 are Q C1 together. What will be the ratio of electric field intensity on
connected in a circuit with a switch between their surfaces?
them as shown in the figure. Initially the
switch is open and C1 holds charge Q. The R a a2 b b2
(a) (b) (c ) (d)
switch is closed. At steady state, the charge b b2 a a2
on each capacitor will be 31. In a hollow spherical shell, potential (V) changes with respect
Q 2Q
C2= 2C1 to distance (s) from centre as
(a) Q, 2Q (b) ,
3 3 (a) (b)
3Q 2Q 4Q
(c) ,3Q (d) , V V
2 3 3
24. Two capacitors of capacitance C are connected in series. If
one of them is filled with dielectric substance k, what is the S S
effective capacitance ?
(c) (d)
kC
(a) (b) C(k + 1)
(1 + k ) V V

2kC
(c) (d) None of these S S
1+ k 32. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is connected to
25. The potential at a point x (measured in m m) due to some a battery and is charged to a potential difference V. Another
charges situated on the x-axis is given by V(x) = 20/(x2 – 4) capacitor of capacitance 2C is similary charged to a potential
volt difference 2V. The charging battery is now disconnected
The electric field E at x = 4 m m is given by and the capacitors are connected in parallel to each other in
(a) (10/9) volt/ m m and in the +ve x direction such a way that the positive terminal of one is connected to
(b) (5/3) volt/ m m and in the –ve x direction the negative terminal of the other. The final energy of the
configuration is
(c) (5/3) volt/ m m and in the +ve x direction
3 25 9
(d) (10/9) volt/ m m and in the –ve x direction (a) zero (b) CV 2 (c) CV 2 (d) CV 2
2 6 2
 EBD_7751
448 PHYSICS

33. A solid conducting sphere having a charge Q is surrounding 40. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is Ca (Fig. a). A
by an uncharged concentric conducting hollow spherical dielectric of dielectric constant K is inserted as shown in
shell. Let the potential difference between the surface of fig (b) and (c). If Cb and Cc denote the capacitances in fig
the solid sphere and that of the outer surface of the hollow (b) and (c), then
shell be V. If the shell is now given a charge of – 3Q, the new d/2
potential difference between the same two surfaces is d
(a) V (b) 2 V (c) 4 V (d) – 2 V K
34. In the electric field of an point charge A Ca Cb
(a) (b)
q, a certain charge is carried from point
A to B, C, D and E. Then the work +
done is q d K (c)
(a) least along the path AB B E
(b) least along the path AD C D Cc
(c) zero along any one of the path AB, AC, AD andAE (a) both Cb, Cc > Ca (b) Cc > Ca while Cb > Ca
(d) least along AE (c) both Cb, Cc < Ca (d) Ca = Cb = Cc
35. A circuit is connected as shown in the figure with the switch 41. In the circuit shown, which of the following statements is
S open. When the switch is closed, the total amount of true if V1 (potential across C1) is 30 V and V2 (potential
charge that flows from Y to X is across C2) is 20 V?
3mF 6mF V1 = 30V V2 = 20V
X
S1 S3 S2

C1 = 2pF C 2 = 3pF
S

3W 6W
Y (a) With S1 closed, V1 = 15 V, V2 = 25 V
(b) With S3 closed, V1 = V2 = 25 V
9V (c) With S1 and S2 closed, V1 = V2 = 0
(a) 0 (b) 54 mC (c) 27mC (d) 81 mC (d) With S1 and S3 closed, V1 = 30 V, V2 = 20 V
36. If a slab of insulating material 4 × 10–5 m thick is introduced 42. A parallel plate capacitor is located horizontally such that
between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor, the distance one of the plates is submerged in a liquid while the other is
between the plates has to be increased by 3.5 × 10–5 m to above the liquid surface. When plates are charged the level
restore the capacity to original value. Then the dielectric of liquid
constant of the material of slab is (a) rises
(a) 8 (b) 6 (c) 12 (d) 10 (b) falls
37. Three capacitors each of capacity 4mF are to be connected
(c) remains unchanged
in such a way that the effective capacitance is 6 mF. This can
(d) may rise or fall depending Changed Liquid
be done by
(a) connecting two in parallel and one in series on the amount of charge
43. Two small conductors A and B are given charges q 1 and
(b) connecting all of them in series
q2 respectively. Now they are placed inside a hollow metallic
(c) connecting them in parallel conductor C carrying a charge Q. If all the three
(d) connecting two in series and one in parallel conductors A, B and C are connected by a conducting wire
38. If we increase ‘d’ of a parallel plate condenser to ‘2d’ and fill as shown, the charges on A, B and C will be respectively
wax to the whole empty space between its two plate, then
Q
capacitance increase from 1pF to 2pF. What is the dielectric
A
constant of wax?
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 4 (d) 8 q1 C
39. Two spherical conductors A and B of radii a and b (b > a)
are placed concentrically in air. B is given charge +Q and A q2 B
is earthed. The equivalent capacitance of the system is
ab q1 + q 2 q1 + q 2
+ + B (a) , ,Q
4pe 0
+
(a) +
+
2 2
b-a
+
+

b Q + q1 + q 3 Q + q1 + q 2 Q + q1 + q 2
+ + + +

A– (b) , ,
+ + + +

(b) 4pe 0 (a + b) – –
3 3 3
(c) 4pe 0 b – a O –
– – (c) q1 + q 2 + Q , q1 + q 2 + Q , 0
– 2 2
æ b2 ö
+

4pe 0 ç ÷ (d) 0, 0, Q + q1 + q2
+

(d)
+

ç b -a ÷ + +
+ +
+
è ø
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 449

44. Between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor dielectric 47. Two vertical metallic plates carrying equal and opposite
plate is introduced just to fill the space between the plates. charges are kept parallel to each other like a parallel plate
The capacitor is charged and later disconnected from the capacitor. A small spherical metallic ball is suspended by a
battery. The dielectric plate is slowly drawn out of the long insulated thread such that it hangs freely in the centre
capacitor parallel to plates. The plot of the potential of the two metallic plates. The ball, which is uncharged, is
difference V across the plates and the length of the dielectric taken slowly towards the positively charged plate and is
plate drawn out is made to touch that plate. Then the ball will
(a) stick to the positively charged plate
(a) V (b) V (b) come back to its original position and will remain there
(c) oscillate between the two plates touching each plate
in turn
(d) oscillate between the two plates without touch them
48. Two parallel plate capacitors of capacitances C and 2C are
connected in parallel and charged to a potential difference V.
x x
The battery is then disconnected and the region between the
plates of the capacitor C is completely filled with a material fo
(c) V (d) V dielectric constant K. The potential difference across the
capacitors now becomes
3V V 3
(a) (b) KV (c) (d)
K+2 K KV
49. A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery. The
x x quantities charge, voltage, electric field and energy
associated with this capacitor are given by Q0, V0, E0, and
45. Three capacitors C1, C2 and C3 are connected to a battery
U0 respectively. A dielectric slab is now introduced to fill
as shown. With symbols having their usual meanings, the
the space between the plates with the battery still in
correct conditions are
connection. The corresponding quantities now given by
V Q, V, E and U are related to the previous ones as
Q2 2 C 2
V1 (a) Q > Q0 (b) V > V0 (c) E > E0 (d) U < U0
Q1 C1 50. The effective capacitance of combination of combination of
Q3 C3
equal capacitors between points A and B shown in figure is

V3 C C
V
C C C

(a) Q1 = Q2 = Q3 and V1 = V2 = V C C
A B
(b) V1 = V2 = V3 = V
(c) Q1 = Q2 + Q3 and V = V1 = V2 C C C
(d) Q2 = Q3 and V2 = V3
46. Figure (i) shows two capacitors connected in series and
connected by a battery. The graph (ii) shows the variation C
of potential as one moves from left to right on the branch (a) C (b) 2C (c) 3C (d)
2
AB containing the capacitors. Then 51. A parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and plate separation
d is charged to potential difference V and then the battery
C1 C2 is disconnected. A slab of dielectric constant K is then
V
A B inserted between the plates of capacitor so as to fill the
space between the plates. If Q, E and W denote respectively,
the magnitude of charge on each plate electric field between
the plates (after the slab is inserted), and work done on the
E system, in question, in the process of inserting the slab,
(i) (ii) then which is wrong ?
e 0 AV e 0 KAV
(a) C1 = C2 (a) Q= (b) Q=
(b) C 1 < C2 d d
(c) C1 > C2 V e 0 AV 2 æ 1ö
(d) C1 and C2 cannot be compared (c) E= (d) W= çè1 - ÷ø
Kd 2d K
 EBD_7751
450 PHYSICS

52. In the circuit given below, the charge in mC, on the capacitor 59. In the given circuit with steady current, the potential drop
having 5 mF is across the capacitor must be
A V R B
3mF 2mF
e d
C
5mF V
f c
4mF
a + b 2V 2R
6V

(a) 4.5 (b) 9 (c) 7 (d) 15 2V V V

(a) (b) (c) (d) V
53. If a charge – 150 nC is given to a concentric spherical shell 3 3 2
and a charge +50 nC is placed at its centre then the charge 60. A uniformly charged thin spherical shell of radius R carries
on inner and outer surface of the shell is uniform surface charge density of s per unit area. It is made
(a) –50 nC, –100 nC (b) +50 nC, –200 nC of two hemispherical shells, held together by pressing them
(c) –50 nC, –200 nC (d) 50 nC, 100 nC with force F (see figure). F is proportional to
54. A battery is used to charge a parallel plate capacitor till the
potential difference between the plates becomes equal to
the electromotive force of the battery. The ratio of the F F
energy stored in the capacitor and the work done by the
battery will be
(a) 1/2 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 1/4
55. Four point charges q, q, q and – 3q are placed at the vertices 1 2 2 1 2
of a regular tetrahedron of side L. The work done by electric (a) s R (b) s R
e0 e0
force in taking all the charges to the centre of the tetrahedron
1 1 s2 1 s2
is (where k = )
4pe 0 (c) (d)
e0 R e0 R 2

6kq 2 -6kq 2 12kq2 61. A dielectric slab of thickness d is inserted in a parallel plate
(a) (b) (c) (d) zero capacitor whose negative plate is at x = 0 and positive plate
L L L
is at x = 3d. The slab is equidistant from the plates. the
56. Two identical particles each of mass m and having charges
– q and +q are revolving in a circle of radius r under the capacitor is given some charge. As one goes from 0 to 3d
influence of electric attraction. Kinetic energy of each (a) the magnitude of the electric field remains the same
(b) the direction of the electric field remains the same
æ 1 ö (c) the electric potential decreases continuously
particle is ç k =
è 4pe 0 ÷ø (d) the electric potential increases at first, then decreases
and again increases
(a) kq2/4r (b) kq2/2r (c) kq2/8r (d) kq2/r
62. In the given circuit if point C is connected to the earth and
57. Figure shows three circular arcs, each of radius R and total
charge as indicated. The net electric potential at the centre a potential of +2000V is given to the point A, the potential
of curvature is at B is
Q +Q
(a) 2pe R 10mF 10mF
0
5mF
Q 45° C
(b) A
4pe 0 R 30° B
–2Q
2Q
(c) 10mF
pe0 R R
Q +3Q (a) 1500V (b) 1000 V (c) 500 V (d) 400 V
(d) pe0 R 63. A 4 mF capacitor, a resistance of 2.5 MW is in series with
58. If the potential of a capacitor having capacity 6 mF is increased 12V battery. Find the time after which the potential difference
from 10 V to 20 V, then increase in its energy will be across the capacitor is 3 times the potential diference across
(a) 4 × 10–4 J (b) 4 × 10–4 J the resistor. [Given In (b) = 0.693]
(c) 9 × 10–4 J (d) 12 × 10–6 J (a) 13.86s (b) 6.93 s (c) 7s (d) 14 s
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 451

64. If a capacitor 900 µF is charged to 100 V and its total energy 70. A network of four capacitors of capacity equal to C1 = C,
is transferred to a capacitor of capacitance 100 µF then its C2 = 2C, C3 = 3C and C4 = 4C are conducted to a battery as
potential is shown in the figure. The ratio of the charges on C2 and C4 is
(a) 200 V (b) 30 V (c) 300 V (d) 400 V
65. What is the effective capacitance between points X and Y?
C1 = 6mF
(a) 24 mF
(b) 18 mF C3 = 6m F C5 = 20m F C2 = 6m F
X Y
(c) 12 mF A C B D
C4 = 6m F
(d) 6 mF
66. In a parallel plate capacitor, the distance between the plates
is d and potential difference across plates is V. Energy
stored per unit volume between the plates of capacitor is (a) 4/7 (b) 3/22 (c) 7/4 (d) 22/3
71. A series combination of n1 capacitors, each of value C1, is
Q2 1 V2
(a) (b) e0 charged by a source of potential difference 4 V. When
2V 2 2 d2 another parallel combination of n2 capacitors, each of value
1 V2 C2, is charged by a source of potential difference V, it has
1 V2
(c) (d) e0 the same (total) energy stored in it, as the first combination
2 e 0d 2 2 d has. The value of C2 , in terms of C1, is then
67. A capacitor C1 is charged to a potential difference V. The
2C1 n2 n2 16 C1
charging battery is then removed and the capacitor is (a) (b) 16 n C1 (c) 2 C1 (d)
connected to an uncharged capacitor C2. The potential n1 n2 1 n1 n1 n2
difference across the combination is 72. A condenser of capacity C is charged to a potential
VC1 æ C ö difference of V1. The plates of the condenser are then
(a) (b) Vçç1 + 2 ÷÷ connected to an ideal inductor of inductance L. The current
(C1 + C 2 ) è C1 ø
through the inductor when the potential difference across
æ C ö VC 2 the condenser reduces to V2 is
(c) Vçç1 + 1 ÷÷ (d)
è C2 ø (C1 + C 2 )
1/ 2 1/ 2
68. As per this diagram a point charge +q is placed at the origin æ C(V12 - V22 ) ö æ C (V1 - V2 ) 2 ö
(a) çè ÷ø (b) çè ÷ø
O. Work done in taking another point charge L L
– Q from the point A [coordinates (0, a)] to another point B
[coordinates (a, 0)] along the straight path AB is C(V12 - V22 ) C (V1 - V2 )
(a) zero (c) (d)
L L
æ - qQ 1 ö DIRECTIONS (for Qs. 73 to 75) : Each question contains
ç ÷
(b) ç 4 pe 2 ÷ 2 a y STATEMENT-1 and STATEMENT-2. Choose the correct answer
è 0 a ø
A (ONLY ONE option is correct ) from the following-
æ qQ 1 ö a (a) Statement -1 is false, Statement-2 is true
ç ÷
(c) ç 4 pe 2 ÷. 2 (b) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement -2 is a
è 0 a ø
correct explanation for Statement-1
æ qQ 1 ö O x (c) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement -2 is not
ç ÷ B
(d) ç . 2 a
2÷ a correct explanation for Statement-1
è 4 pe 0 a ø
(d) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is false
69. Two charges q1 and q2 are placed 30 cm apart, as shown in
73. Statement 1 : Each of the plates of a parallel-plate capacitor
the figure. A third charge q3 is moved along the arc of a
is given equal positive charge Q. The charges on the facing
circle of radius 40 cm from C to D. The change in the
surfaces will be same.
q3
potential energy of the system is k , , where k is Statement 2 : A negative charge (–Q) will be induced on
4p Î0
each of the facing surfaces.
q3 74. Statement 1 : Electric potential and electric potential energy
C
are different quantities.
Statement 2 : For a system of positive test charge and
40 cm point charge electric potential energy = electric potential.
q2
75. Statement I : Two equipotential surfaces cannot cut each
q1
other.
A 30 cm B D Statement II : Two equipotential surfaces are parallel to
(a) 8q1 (b) 6q1 (c) 8q2 (d) 6q2 each other.
 EBD_7751
452 PHYSICS

Exemplar Questions 4. The electrostatic potential on the surface of a charged

1. A capacitor of 4 µF is connected as shown in the circuit. conducting sphere is 100V. Two statements are made in this
The internal resistance of the battery is 0.5W. The amount regard S1 at any point inside the sphere, electric intensity
of charge on the capacitor plates will be is zero. S2 at any point inside the sphere, the electrostatic
potential is 100V. Which of the following is a correct
4 mF
10W statement?
(a) S1 is true but S2 is false
(b) Both S1 and S2 are false
(c) S1 is true, S2 is also true and S1 is the cause of S2
2.5 V (d) S1 is true, S2 is also true but the statements are
independant
5. Equipotentials at a great distance from a collection of
2W
charges whose total sum is not zero are approximately
(a) 0 µC (b) 4 µC (c) 16 µC (d) 8 µC (a) spheres (b) planes
2. A positively charged particle is released from rest in an uniform (c) paraboloids (d) ellipsoids
electric field. The electric potential energy of the charge 6. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two dielectric blocks in
(a) remains a constant because the electric field is uniform series. One of the blocks has thickness d1 and dielectric
(b) increases because the charge moves along the electric field constant K1 and the other has thickness d2 and dielectric
(c) decreases because the charge moves along the electric constant K2 as shown in figure. This arrangement can be
field thought as a dielectric slab of thickness d (= d1 + d2) and
(d) decreases because the charge moves opposite to the effective dielectric constant K. The K is
electric field
3. Figure shows some equipotential lines distributed in space. d1 K1
A charged object is moved from point A to point B.
(a) The work done in Fig. (i) is the greatest d2 K2
(b) The work done in Fig. (ii) is least
(c) The work done is the same in Fig. (i), Fig.(ii) and Fig. (iii) K1 d1 + K 2 d 2 K1d1 + K 2 d 2
(a) (b)
(d) The work done in Fig. (iii) is greater than Fig. (ii) but d1 + d 2 K1 + K 2
equal to that in
K1 K 2 ( d1 + d 2 ) 2K1K 2
(c) (d)
20V 40V
( K1d1 + K 2 d 2 ) K1 + K 2

NEET/AIPMT (2013-2017) Questions

A B A B 7. A, B and C are three points in a uniform electric field. The
electric potential is [2013]

10V 20V 30V 40V 50V 10V 30V 30V A

Fig. (i) Fig. (ii) B ®
E
C
30V
(a) maximum at B
(b) maximum at C
A B (c) same at all the three points A, B and C
(d) maximum at A
8. Two thin dielectric slabs of dielectric constants K1 and K2
10V 20V 40V 50V (K1 < K2) are inserted between plates of a parallel plate
Fig. (iii) capacitor, as shown in the figure. The variation of electric
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 453

field ‘E’ between the plates with distance ‘d’ as measured 12. If potential (in volts) in a region is expressed as V(x, y, z) =
from plate P is correctly shown by : [2014] 6 xy – y + 2yz, the electric field (in N/C) at point (1, 1, 0) is :
[2015 RS]
P + – Q
+ –
+ – (a) - (6iˆ + 5jˆ + 2k)
ˆ (b) - (2iˆ + 3jˆ + k)
ˆ
+ –
+ –
+
+
–
– (c) - (6iˆ + 9ˆj + k)
ˆ (d) -(3iˆ + 5jˆ + 3k)
ˆ
+ –
+ – 13. A parallel plate air capacitor has capacity 'C' distance of
K1 K2 separation between plates is 'd' and potential difference 'V'
is applied between the plates. Force of attraction between
(a) (b) the plates of the parallel plate air capacitor is : [2015 RS]
E C2 V 2 C2 V 2
E CV 2 CV 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2d d 2d 2 2d 2
0 14. 1 2
d 0
d

E V
E
2m F 8m F
(c) (d)
0
d 0 d A capacitor of 2mF is charged as shown in the diagram.
When the switch S is turned to position 2, the percentage
9. A conducting sphere of radius R is given a charge Q. The of its stored energy dissipated is : [2016]
electric potential and the electric field at the centre of the (a) 0% (b) 20%
sphere respectively are: [2014] (c) 75% (d) 80%
Q 15. A capacitor is charged by a battery. The battery is removed
(a) Zero and
4p e 0 R 2 and another identical uncharged capacitor is connected in
Q parallel. The total electrostatic energy of resulting system:
(b) and Zero (a) decreases by a factor of 2 [2017]
4p e 0 R
(b) remains the same
Q Q (c) increases by a factor of 2
(c) and (d) increases by a factor of 4
4p e 0 R 4p e 0 R 2 16. The diagrams below show regions of equipotentials. [2017]
(d) Both are zero 20V 40V 20V 40V
10. In a region, the potential is represented by
V(x, y, z) = 6x – 8xy – 8y + 6yz, where V is in volts and x, y, z
are in metres. The electric force experienced by a charge of 2 (a) A B (b) A B
coulomb situated at point (1, 1, 1) is : [2014]
(a) 6 5 N (b) 30 N 10 V 30V
10 V 30V
10V 30V 40V
(c) 24 N (d) 4 35 N
20V
11. A parallel plate air capacitor of capacitance C is connected
to a cell of emf V and then disconnected from it. A dielectric (c) A B (d) A B
slab of dielectric constant K, which can just fill the air gap
of the capacitor, is now inserted in it. Which of the following 10V
is incorrect ? [2015] 20V 40V 30V
(a) The energy stored in the capacitor decreases K times. A positive charge is moved from A to B in each diagram.
(a) In all the four cases the work done is the same
1 æ1 ö
(b) The chance in energy stored is CV 2 ç – 1÷ (b) Minimum work is required to move q in figure (a)
2 èK ø
(c) The charge on the capacitor is not conserved. (c) Maximum work is required to move q in figure (b)
(d) The potential difference between the plates decreases
K times. (d) Maximum work is required to move q in figure (c)
 EBD_7751
454 PHYSICS

Hints & Solutions

EXERCISE - 1 15. (a)
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (c)
6. (b) Potential at the centre of the triangle,
A e1 e2 A
åq 2q -q - q
V= = =0
4 p e0 r 4 p e0 r
Obviously, E ¹ 0
d1 d2
Q 1
7. (b) As V = i.e. V µ 1 1 1
4 p e0r r = +
Cs C1 C2
V1 r2
\ = 1 1
V2 r1 Þ =
Cs e1A e 2A
+
1 d1 d 2
8. (c) Due to small dipole, V µ 2 .
r 1 1 æ d1 d 2 ö Ae1e 2
9. (a) K.E. = Work done = eV Þ = ç + ÷ Þ Cs = e d + e d
Cs A è e1 e 2 ø 2 1 1 2

1 2 eV Q 0
m n2 = eV \ n= 16. (d) Common potential, V = +
2 m 4 pe 0 r 4 pe 0 r
10. (b) WBA = q (VA - VB ) Q+0
=
é1 1ù 4 pe 0 (r + r ')
é Q Q ù = qQ
=q ê - ú 4 p e0 êa - bú \ charge on smaller sphere of radius r' is
ë 4 p e0 a 4 p e 0 b û ë û
Q r¢
4 pe 0 r¢ ´ V =
r + r¢
Q2 Q1 Î0 A
11. (c) R1 17. (d) C=
R2 d
r A ® common area, Here A = A1
1 q1q 2
18. (a) In air Fair =
4pe 0 r 2
Q2 Q1
Vr = + 1 q1q 2
4pe 0 r 4pe 0 R1
In medium Fm =
4pe 0 Kr 2
1 æ Q 2 Q1 ö
Vr = ç + ÷ Fm 1 F
4pe0 è r R1 ø \ = Þ Fm = air (decreases K-times)
Fair K K
12. (b) The magnitude of electric field by any one plate is
19. (b) Energy will be lost during transfer of charge (heating
Q –Q effect).
s Q
or E l 1
2e o 2Ae o 20. (c) Eµ hence E µ
2pe 0 r r
Q2 21. (d) When oil is placed between space of plates
Now force magnitude is Q E i.e. F = 2 Ae 0
2Ae o C= ... (1)
d
13. (b) Charge on a particle, q = 2 e. é KAe 0 ù
K.E. = work done = q × V = 2e × 106 V = 2 MeV. êQ C = d , where K = 2ú
ë û
14. (b) In parallel, potential is same, say V
Ae 0
Q1 C1V C1 When oil is removed C' = ............. (2)
= = d
Q 2 C2V C2 on comparing both equation, weget C' = C/2
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 455

22. (c) When a battery across the plates of capacitor is

disconnected and dielectric slab is placed in between 9 ´ 109 ´ 10 ´ (0.1 ´10 -6 )2
Þ U=-
the plates, then æ 10 ö
(i) capacity C increases ç ÷
è 100 ø
(ii) charge q remains unchanged Þ U = – 9 × 10–3J
(iii) potential V decreases 7. (b) Charge on each plate of each capacitor
(iv) energy E decreases
s Q Q = ±CV = ±25 ´ 106 ´ 200 = ±5 ´ 10 -3 C
23. (d) Electric field E = = 8. (c) q1 = C1V = 10 ´12 = 120 m C
e Ae
e of kerosine oil is more than that of air.. q 2 = C 2 V = KC1 ´ V = 5 ´10 ´12 = 600 m C
As e increases, E decreases. Additional charge that flows
1 = q 2 - q1 = 600 - 120 = 480 m C.
24. (d) U = CV 2
2 9. (c) As battery is disconnected, total charge Q is shared
1 æ A Î0 ö 2 1 2
equally by two capacitors.
U= ç ÷ (Ed) = A Î0 E d
2è d ø 2 ( Q / 2) 2 1 Q 2 1
Energy of each capacitor = = = U.
25. (c) Equipotential surfaces are normal to the electric field 2C 4 2C 4
lines. The following figure shows the equipotential
surfaces along with electric field lines for a system of C1 C 2
10. (c) Cs = =3
two positive charges. C1 + C 2
C p = C1 + C 2 = 16 \ C1 C 2 = 48

C1 - C 2 = (C1 + C 2 ) 2 - 4 C1 C 2

= 16 2 - 4 ´ 48 = 64 = 8
C1 + C2 = 16 mF
C1 - C2 = 8 mF
EXERCISE - 2 Þ 2C1 = 24mF Þ C1 = 12mF
1. (d) When negative terminal is grounded, positive terminal 48
of battery is at +12 V. When positive terminal is \ C2 = = 4 mF
12
grounded, the negative terminal will be at –12 V. 11. (c) C = 10 mF ; d = 8 cm
2. (b) Potential at any point inside the sphere = potential at C' = ? ; d' = 4 cm
the surface of the sphere = 10V.
A Î0 1
Þ Ca
3. (a)
Vr 2
= qd =
( )
2.0 ´10-5 V ( 0.1m)
2

= 2.57 ´10 -17 Cm.

C=
d d
k cos q ì ü If d is halved then C will be doubled.
ïï Hence C' = 2C = 2 × 10 mF = 20 mF
9 m ïï æ 3 ö
í9.0 ´10 ý
ï æ C ö çè 2 ÷ø 1
=
1
+
1
+
1
çè ÷ø ï 12. (a) In series
C C1 C 2 C3
and charge on each
ïî V ïþ
Note that the units cancel to leave units appropriate capacitor is same.
for a dipole moment. 13. (b) It consists of two capacitors in parallel, therefore, the
4. (d) When S1 is closed and S2 is opened, the capacitor will 2 Î0 A
get charged to a potential difference of V volts. total capacitance is =
d
q (Ze)
5. (b) V= = + + + +
4 p e o r 4p Î0 r + + + +
– – – –
– – – –
(50 ´ 1.6 ´ 10-19 ) +A
9 ´ 109 = 8 ´ 10 6 V –
–
–
–
–
– –
– –B
9 ´ 10-15 + + + +
+ + + +
1 æ 2q 2 8q 2 4q 2 ö (The plates of B, having negative charge do not
6. (d) U= ç - - ÷ constitute a capacitor).
4pe0 çè a a a ÷ø
14. (c) All the charge given to inner sphere will pass on to
the outer one. So capacitance that of outer one is
1 æ 10q 2 ö
Þ U = 4pe çç - a ÷÷ 4p Î0 b .
0è ø 15. (c) As work is done by the field, K.E. of the body increases
by
 EBD_7751
456 PHYSICS

K.E. = W = q (VA - VB ) 4.8 ´ 10-4

V1 = = 240V
= 10 -8 (600 - 0) = 6 ´10 -6 J 2 ´ 10-6
16. (c) Consider the potential at D be ‘V’.
Potential drop across C1 is (V – V1 ) and C2 is 4.8 ´ 10 -4
V2 = = 60V
(V2 – V) 8 ´ 10-6
\ q 1 = C1(V - V1 ), q 2 = C2 (V2 - V)
Q2 Q2
As q1 = q2 [capacitors are in series] U= +
2C1 2C2
\ C1 (V - V1) = C2 (V2 - V)

v=
C1V1 + C2 V2
ÞU=
( 4.8 ´ 10 ) -4 2
æ 1 ö
C1 + C2 çè ÷
2 1.6 ´ 10 -6 ø
q Þ U = 3 × 2.4 × 10–2 J
17. (c) V0 =
C0 Þ U = 7.2 × 10–2 J
23. (b) In steady state, both the capacitors are at the same
q V C0 potential,
V= Þ =
C V0 C
Q1 Q 2 Q Q
i.e., = or 1 = 2 or Q2 = 2Q1
C0 500 20 C1 C2 C 2C
Þ = =
C 75 3 Also Q1 + Q2 = Q
20 Q 2Q
By definition, C = kC0 Þ k = \ Q1 = , Q2 =
3 3 3
18. (a) Here, A = 90 cm² = 90 × 10–4 m2;
d = 2.5 mm = 2.5 × 10–3 m; V = 400 volt 24. (a)
20
e 0 A 8.854 ´ 10-12 ´ 90 ´ 10-4 25. (a) Here, V(x) = 2 volt
C= = x -4
d 2.5 ´ 10 -3
–11
= 3.187 × 10 F dV d æ 20 ö
We know that E = - =- ç ÷
1 1 dx dx è x 2 - 4 ø
W = CV 2 = ´ 3.187 ´ 10-11 ´ ( 400 )
2
2 2
= 2.55 × 10–6 J 40x
or, E = +
19. (d) Let ‘n’ such capacitors are in series and such ‘m’ such (x - 4) 2
2
branch are in parallel.
At x = 4 mm ,
\ 250 × n = 1000 \ n = 4 … (i)
8 40 ´ 4 160 10
´ m = 16 E= + =+
= + volt / mm.
Also (42 - 4) 2 144 9
n
r
16 ´ n Positive sign indicates that E is in +ve x-direction.
m= =8 … (ii) 26. (a) Capacitance of spherical conductor = 4pe0a
8
\ No. of capacitor = 8 ´ 4 = 32 where a is radius of conductor.
1 1
e0 A Therefore, C = ´1 = ´10 -9
20. (d) For a parallel plate capacitor C= 9 ´ 10 9 9
d
Cd 1 ´ 10 -3 = 0.11´10 -9 F = 1.1 ´ 10-10 F
\ A= e = = 1.13 × 108 m2
0 8.85 ´ 10 -12 V
This corresponds to area of square of side 10.6 km 27. (d) In equilibrium, F = q E = ( n e) = mg
d
which shows that one farad is very large unit of
capacitance. mg d 1.96 ´ 10 -15 ´ 9.8 ´ 0.02
n= = =3
1 1 eV 1.6 ´ 10 -19 ´ 800
21. (a) E= CV 2 = ´ 1 ´ 10-6 ´ (4000) 2 = 8 J.
2 2
28. (c) Length of body diagnonal = 3b
2´8
22. (a) Cs = = 1.6mF \ Distance of centre of cube from each corner,
2+8
Since, Q = Cs V = 1.6 × 10–6 × 300 3
Q = 4.8 × 10–4 C r= b
2
Total P.E. of charge + q at the centre
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 457

8 q ( -q ) - 8q 2 - 4 q2 33. (a) V2
= = =
4 pe o r 4 pe o ( 3 b / 2) pe o 3 b Q r1 V1
29. (d) Potential at origin r2
= (V1 + V3 + V5 + .....) – (V2 + V4 + V6 + .....)
Situation 1 :
q é 1 1 1 ù
Þ ê - + .....¥ú Q Q é1 1 ù
4pe 0 ë x 0 2x 0 3x 0 û V1 - V2 = V = K - K = KQ ê - ú
r1 r2 ë r1 r2 û
q é 1 1 1 ù Situation 2 :
Þ ê1 - 2 + 3 - 4 .....¥ ú
4 pe 0 x 0 ë û
é KQ 3KQ ù é KQ 3KQ ù
V '1 - V '2 = V ' = ê - ú-ê - ú
q q
Þ log e (1 + 1) Þ log e 2 ë r1 r2 û ë r2 r2 û
4pe 0 x 0 4pe 0 x 0
é1 1 ù
= KQ ê - ú = V
ë r1 r2 û
a b
30. (c) 34. (c) Since, all A, B, C, D and E lie on an equipotential surface
so,
W= 0
Let charge on each sphere = q 35. (c) When steady state is reached, the current I coming
when they are connected together their potential will from the battery is given by
be equal . 3mF 6mF
Now let charge on a = q1 and on b = 2q - q1 X
+Q1 –Q1 +Q2 –Q2
1 q1 1 2q - q1
Þ Va = Vb or = S
4peo a 4pe o b 3W 6W
q1 a
Þ = Y
2q - q1 b
1. q1 9V
9 = I (3 + 9) Þ I = 1A
Ea 4peo a 2 æ q1 ö b 2 Þ potential difference across 3 W resistance = 3V
= =ç ÷ a b2 b
Eb 1 q 2 è 2q - q1 ø a 2 = . 2 = and potential difference across 6 W resistance
b a a
4peo b2 = 6V
Þ p.d. across 3 mF capacitor = 3V
= b:a and p.d. across 6mF capacitor = 6V
31. (b) In shell, q charge is uniformly distributed over its \ Charge on 3 mF capacitor, Q1 = 3 × 3 = 9 mC
surface, it behaves as a conductor. Charge on 6mF capacitor, Q2 = 6 × 6 = 36 mC
+
+ Þ Charge (–Q1) is shifted from the positive plate of
+ q 6mF capacitor. The remaining charge on the positive
R plate of 6 mF capacitor is shifted through the switch.
+ +
\ Charge passing through the switch
+ +
= 36 – 9 = 27 mC
+
q æ 1ö
V= potential at surface = and inside 36. (a) As x = t ç1 - ÷ , where x is the addition distance of
4pe 0 R è Kø
plate, to restore the capacity of original value.
q
V= æ 1ö
4pe 0 R \ 3.5 ´ 10 -5 = 4 ´ 10 -5 ç1 - ÷ .
è K ø
Because of this it behaves as an equipotential surface.
32. (b) Energy stored, Solving, we get, K = 8.
1 1 3 C1 ´ C 2 4´ 4
U= Caq V 2net = (3C)V 2 = CV 2 37. (d) For series C' = = = 2mF
2 2 2 C1 + C 2 4 + 4
+ C
– For parallel Ceq = C'+ C2 = 2 + 4 = 6mF
V

A B
2V
– +
2C
 EBD_7751
458 PHYSICS

Ke o A q qd
38. (b) C= V= =
d C b Î0 [l + x(K - 1)]
1´ Î0 A as x decreases, V increases.
1 ´ 10-12 = .......... (1)
d 45. (c) C2 and C3 are parallel so V2 = V3
K ´ Î0 A C1 and combination of C2 & C3 is in series.
2 ´ 10 -12 = .......... (2)
2d So, V = V2 + V1 or V = V3 + V1
(2) K and also Q1 = Q2 + Q3
Þ = 2 or K = 4
(1) 2 46. (c) Since, potential difference across C2 is greater than C1.
39. (d) The charge Q given to outer sphere distributes as é q ù
Q1 outside and Q2 inside which induces charge – Q2 Þ C1 > C2 êQ V = and q is same in series ú
on outside of inner sphere, + Q2 on inside of inner ë C û
sphere which is earthed. 47. (c) The ball on touching plate A will
The inside of outer and the inner sphere constitute a get positively charged. It will be A B
ab repelled by A and get attracted
spherical condenser having capacitance 4p Î0 + –
towards B. After touching B it +
b-a + +
+ + –

and the outside of the outer constitutes an isolated will get negatively charged. It + + +
–
will now be repelled by B and + –
sphere of capacitance 4p Î0 b . get attracted towards A. + –
\ the effective capacitance is Thus it will remain oscillating + –
ab and at the extreme position touch the plates.
4p Î0 + 4 p Î0 b
b-a 48. (a) Initial charge on first capacitor is CV = Q1.
é a ù éa + b - a ù Initial charge on second capacitor is 2CV = Q2.
= 4 p Î0 b ê + 1ú = 4 p Î0 bê ú
ë b - a û ë b-a û Final capacitance of first capacitor is KC
If V' is the common potential then
b2
C = 4 p Î0
b-a Q1 + Q 2 CV + 2CV 3V
V¢ = V¢ = =
Î A Î0 A 2 Î0 A (1 + K ) C1¢ + C 2 Þ KC + 2C 2+ K
40. (a) Ca = 0 and Cb = =
d d d d 49. (a) Since battery is still in connection, so,
+
2 2K V = V0
A A Þ Q0 = C0V0 and Q = kC0V0
Î0 Î0 K Î A
and C c = 2 + 2 = 0 (1 + K) Þ Q = kQ0
d d 2d
Since, k > 1
Î0 A Þ Q > Q0
or C b = 2(1 + K ) > C a
d
1
Î0 A 1 + K Also, U 0 = Q 0 V0 and
or C c = > Ca \ C b and C c > C a . 2
d 2
41. (d) When S1 and S3 is closed V1 = 30 V and potential 1
U= QV = kU0 {\ Q = kQ0 and V = V0 }
drop across C2 becomes 20 V. 2
42. (a) The molecules of liquid will convert into induced
Hence, U > U0
dipole, get oriented along the electric field produced
between the plates and rise due to force of attraction.
C C
43. (d) Charge given to a hollow conductor resides only on
the outer surface.
(l - x )b Î0 Kxb Î0 50. (b) A C C B
44. (b) C = C1 + KC2 = +
d d C C
b d
b Î0
= [l - x + Kx]
d C C
b Î0 The figure shows two independent balanced
C= [l + x(K - 1)] l
d wheatstone Brides connected in parallel each having
x K a capacitance C. So,
Cnet = CAB = 2C
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 459

51. (b) Ket C0 be the capacitance initially and C be the

1 2
Ce
e0A
capacitance finally. The C 0 = = 2 . (Q V = e)
d Ce 2

e 0 AV 1
=
Since, Q = C0 V Þ Q = 2
d
é (-3q) q (q) ´ (q) ù 2
V E V 55. (b) Ui = k ê ´ 3+ ´ 3ú = -6kq
Further, E 0 = and E = 0 Þ E = ë L L û L
d K Kd
Uf = 0
1 2 Work done by electric field = – Change in potential energy
Also, if Ui is the initial energy, then Ui = C 0 V
2
-6kq 2
After the introduction of slab if Uf be the final energy, = Ui – Uf =
then L
2 56. (c)
1 1 æ Vö
2
U f = CVslab = ( KC0 ) ç ÷ r
2 2 è Kø –q +q
O
1 C0 V 2
Þ Uf = Þ DU = U 2 - U1
2 K
mv2 kq 2 kq 2
1 æ1 ö = ; mv2 =
Þ DU = C V 2 ç - 1÷ r (2r) 2
4r
2 0 èK ø
Kinetic energy of each particle
Since, work done = Decrease in Potential Energy
Þ W = -DU 1 kq2
= mv2 =
2 8r
1 e 0 AV 2 æ 1ö
ÞW= çè1 - ÷ø 1 Q 1 æ -2Q ö
2 d K 57. (a) V = V1 + V2 + V3 = . + ç ÷
52. (b) Potential difference across the branch de is 6 V. Net 4p Î0 R 4p Î0 è R ø
capacitance of de branch is 2.1 µF 1 æ 3Q ö 1 æ 2Q ö
So, q = CV + çè ÷ø = ç ÷
4p Î0 R 4p Î0 è R ø
Þ q = 2.1 × 6 µC
Þ q = 12.6 µ C 58. (c) Capacitance of capacitor (C) = 6 mF = 6 × 10–6 F;
Potential across 3 µF capacitance is Initial potential (V1) = 10 V and final potential
(V2) = 20 V. The increase in energy (DU)
12.6
V= = 4.2 volt 1 1 -6 2 2
3 = C( V22 - V12 ) = ´ (6 ´ 10 ) ´ [( 20) - (10) ]
2 2
Potential across 2 and 5 combination in parallel is
6 – 4.2 = 1.8 V = (3 ´10 -6 ) ´ 300 = 9 ´10 - 4 J .
So, q' = (1.8) (5) = 9 µC 59. (b) As the capacitors offer infinite resistance to steady
53. (a) Whenever a charge (+50 nC) is kept inside a hollow current so, the equivalent circuit is
metallic spherical shell, it induces an equal and
V R
opposite charge on the inner surface and an equal A B
and same type of charges on the outer surface.
\ Inside, induced charge is – 50 nC and outside, +50 V VC
nC – 150 nC already present. 2R A B
54. (a) Required ratio
2V I
1
Energy stored in capacitor CV 2 Using ohm’s law, current in circuit is
= = 2 ,
Workdone by the battery Ce 2 V
2V – V = I (2R + R) Þ I =
where C = Capacitance of capacitor 3R
V = Potential difference, The voltage drop across
e = emf of battery V 4
VAB = 2V - ´ 2R = V
3R 3
 EBD_7751
460 PHYSICS

4 C1 = 6mF
VAB = V = V + VC 65. (d)
3
C3 C5 6mF
1 X A Y
Þ Voltage drop across C = V.. 6mF 20mF C2
3
C4
60. (a) The electrostatic pressure at a point on the surface of
6mF
s2 Equivalent circuit
a uniformly charged sphere =
2 Î0
6mF C2
s2 6mF
\ The force on a hemispherical shell = ´ pR 2 C1
m
6F
2 Î0
X C5 20mF
m
6F Y
61. (c) Even after introduction of dielectric slab, direction of
electric field will be perpendicular to the plates and C3 6mF
directed from positive plate to negative plate. 6mF C4

s
Further, magnitude of electric field in air =
e0 C C
1 2
As C = C
s 3 4
Magnitude of electric field in dielectric =
K e0 Hence no charge will flow through 20mF
Similarly electric lines always flows from higher to lower C1 C2 C'
potential, therefore, electric potential inceases
continuously as we move from x = 0 to x = 3d.
X Y ÞX Y
(–) (+)
C3 C4 C''
C1 and C2 are in series, also C3 and C4 are in series.
Hence C' = 3 mF, C'' = 3 mF
C' and C'' are in parallel hence net capacitance
x =0 x = d x=2d x =3d = C' + C'' = 3 + 3 = 6 mF
62. (c) The given circuit can be redrawn as follows 66. (c) Energy stored per unit volume
5mF 15mF 2
A C 1 1 æVö 1 V2 æ Vö
B = e0 E 2 = e0 ç ÷ = e0 çQ E = ÷
2 2 èdø 2 d2 è dø
67. (a) Charge Q = C1V
Total capacity of combination (parallel) C = C1+ C2
2000V
Q C1V
æ 15 ö P.D. = =
(VA – VB) = ç ÷ ´ 2000 Þ V A – VB = 1500V C C1 + C 2
è 5 + 15 ø
Þ 2000 – VB = 1500V Þ VB = 500V 68. (a) We know that potential energy of two charge system

–
t t
is given by U = 1 q1q 2
V 1
63. (a) VR = 0 = V0 e RC Þ =e 10 4 p Î0 r
4 4
According to question,
t
t 1 ( +q )( -Q) 1 Qq
Þ4 =e Þ log e 4 = Þ t = 10log 4 = 13.86 s
10
UA = 4 p Î =-
10 0 a 4 pe 0 a
(RC = 2.5 × 106 × 4 × 10–6 = 10)
1 ( +q )( -Q) 1 Qq
1 1 and UB = 4 p Î =-
64. (c) C1V12 = C 2 V22 0 a 4 pe 0 a
2 2
DU = UB–UA = 0
because total energy is transferred (given). When known that for conservative force,
1 1 W = –DU = 0
\ ´ 900 ´ 10 -6 ´ 1002 = ´ 100 ´ 10 -6 ´ V 2 69. (c) We know that potential energy of discrete system of
2 2
\ V2 = 90000 Þ V = 300 V.. charges is given by
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 461

72. (a) q = CV1 cos wt

1 æ q1q 2 q2 q3 q3q1 ö
U= + +
4p Î0 çè r12 r23 r31 ÷ø Þi =
dq
= –w Cv1 sin w t
dt
According to question, 2 1
Also, w = and V = V1 cos w t
1 æ q1q 2 q 2q3 q3q1 ö LC
Uinitial = + + At t = t1 , V = V2 and i = -wCV1 sin wt1
4p Î0 çè 0.3 0.5 0.4 ÷ø
V2
1 æ q1q 2 q 2q3 q3q1 ö \ cos w t1 = V (–ve sign gives direction)
Ufinal = + + 1
4p Î0 çè 0.3 0.1 0.4 ÷ø
1/ 2 1/ 2
æ V22 ö
C æ C (V12 - V22 ö
Hence, i = V1 ç 1 - = çè ÷ø
1 æ q 2 q 3 q 2 q3 ö L 2÷ L
Ufinal – Uinitial = - è V1 ø
4p Î0 çè 0.1 0.5 ÷ø
73. (d) The charge on each of two facing surfaces will be zero.
74. (d) Potential and potential energy are different quantities
1 q3 and cannot be equated.
= é10q q - 2q q ù = (8q 2 )
4p Î0 ë 2 3 2 3 û 4p Î0 75. (d) Two equipotential surfaces are not necessarily parallel
to each other.
70. (b) EXERCISE - 3
Exemplar Questions
1. (d) As capacitor offers infinite resistance in dc-circuit.
So, current flows through 2W resistance from left to
right, given by
V 2.5V 2.5
I= = = =1A
R+r 2 + 0.5 2.5
Equivalent capacitance for three capacitors So, the potential difference across 2W resistance
(C1, C2 & C3) in series is given by
V = IR = 1 × 2 = 2 volt.
1 1 1 1 C 2C 3 + C 3C1 + C1C 2 Since, capacitor is in parallel with 2W resistance, so it
= + + =
C eq. C1 C 2 C3 C1C 2C 3 also has 2V potential difference across it.
C1C 2 C 3 As current does not flow through capacitor branch so
Þ Ceq. =
C1C2 + C2 C 3 + C 3C1
no potential drop will be accross 10W resistance.
The charge on capacitor
C(2C)( 3C) 6 q = CV = (4 µF) × 2V = 8 µC
Þ Ceq. = = C
C(2C) + (2C)(3C) + (3C) C 11 2. (c) The direction of electric field is always perpendicular
Þ Charge on capacitors (C1, C2 & C3) in series to the direction of electric field and equipotential
6C surface maintained at high electrostatic potential to
= Ceq V = V other equipotential surface maintained at low
11
Charge on capacitor C4 = C4V = 4C V electrostatic potential.
The positively charged particle experiences the
6C
V electrostatic force in the direction of electric field i.e.,
Charge on C2 11 6 1 3
= = ´ = from high electrostatic potential to low electrostatic
Charge on C4 4CV 11 4 22 potential. Thus, the work done by the electric field on
the positive charge, so electrostatic potential energy
C1 of the positive charge decreases because speed of
71. (d) In series, Ceff =
n1 charged particle moves in the direction of field due to
\ Energy stored, r
force qE.
1 1 C1 2 C1 3. (c) The work done (in displacing a charge particle) by a
ES = Ceff VS2 = 16V 2 = 8V electric force is given by W12 = q(V2 – V1). Here initial
2 2 n1 n1
In parallel, Ceff = n2 C2 and final potentials are same in all three cases are
equal (20V) and same charge is moving from A to B, so
1 work done is (DVq) same in all three cases.
\ Energy stored, Ep = n C V2
2 2 2 4. (c) As we know that the relation between electric field
2
8V C1 1 intensity E and electric potential V is
16C1
\ = n2C2V 2 Þ C2 = dV
n1 2 n1n2 E =-
dr
 EBD_7751
462 PHYSICS

dV capacitor
Electric field intensity E = 0 then =0 K K (d + d )
dr K= 1 2 1 2
This imply that V = constant K1d 2 + K 2 d1
Thus, E = 0 inside the charged conducting sphere NEET/AIPMT (2013-2017) Questions
then the constant electrostatic potential 100V at every
where inside the sphere and it verifies the shielding 7. (a) Potential at B, VB is maximum
effect also. VB > VC > VA
5. (a) Here we have to findout the shape of equipotential As in the direction of electric field potential decreases.
surface, these surface are perpendicular to the field 1
lines, so there must be electric field which can not be 8. (c) Electric field, E µ
K
without charge.
As K1 < K2 so E1 > E2
So, the collection of charges, whose total sum is not
Hence graph (c) correctly dipicts the variation of
zero, with regard to great distance can be considered
as a point charge. The equipotentials due to point electric field E with distance d.
charge are spherical in shape as electric potential due 9. (b) Due to conducting sphere
to point charge q is given by At centre, electric field E = 0
q Q
V= Ke And electric potential V =
r 4p Î0 R
This suggest that electric potentials due to point charge r ¶V $ ¶V $ ¶V $
is same for all equidistant points. The locus of these 10. (d) E=- i- j- k
equidistant points which are at same potential, form ¶x ¶y ¶z
spherical surface.
= -[(6 - 8y)iˆ + (-8x - 8 + 6z)ˆj + (6y)k]
ˆ
The lines of field from point charge are radial. So the r
equipotential surface perpendicular to field lines from At (1, 1, 1), E = 2i$ + 10j$ - 6k$
a sphere. r
6. (c) The capacitance of parallel plate capacitor filled with Þ (E) = 22 + 102 + 62 = 140 = 2 35
r
dielectric of thickness d1 and dielectric constant K1 is \ F = qE = 2 ´ 2 35 = 4 35
KeA
C1 = 1 o Q
d1 11. (c) Capacitance of the capacitor, C =
Similarly, capacitance of parallel plate capacitor filled V
with dielectric of thickness d2 and dielectric constant After inserting the dielectric, new capacitance
K2 is C1 = K.C
K 2 eo A New potential difference
C2 =
d2 V
Since both capacitors are in series combination, then V1 =
K
the equivalent capacitance is
1 1 1 1 2 Q2
= + ui = cv = (Q Q = cv)
C C1 C 2 2 2C
K1e 0 A K 2 e 0 A
Q 2 Q 2 C2 V 2 æ ui ö
C1C2 d1 d2 uf = = = =ç ÷
or C= = Ke A K e A 2f 2kc 2KC è k ø
C1 + C2 1 0 + 2 0
d1 d2 1 2ì1 ü
Du = uf – ui = cv
í – 1ý
K1K 2 e 0 A 2 îk þ
C= ... (i)
K1d 2 + K 2d1 As the capacitor is isolated, so change will remain
So multiply the numerator and denominator of equation conserved p.d. between two plates of the capacitor
(i) with (d1 + d2) Q V
K1K 2 e 0 A (d + d ) L= =
C= ´ 1 2 KC K
( K1d 2 + K 2d1 ) ( d1 + d 2 ) 12. (a) Potential in a region
V = 6xy – y + 2yz
K1K 2 ( d1 + d 2 ) e0A
= ´ ... (ii) As we know the relation between electric potential
( K1d 2 + K 2d1 ) ( d1 + d 2 )
ur -dV
So, the equivalent capacitances is and electric field is E =
dx
Ke 0 A
C= ... (iii)
(d1 + d 2 ) ur æ ¶V ˆ ¶V ˆ ¶V ˆ ö
Comparing, (ii) and (iii), the dielectric constant of new E = ç ¶x i + ¶y j + ¶z k ÷
è ø
 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 463

ur 15. (a) When battery is replaced by another uncharged

E = éë (6yiˆ + (6x - 1 + 2z)ˆj + (2y)kˆ ùû capacitor
® C q
E (1,1,0) = -(6iˆ + 5jˆ + 2k)
ˆ
13. (a) Force of attraction between the plates,
F = qE
s q
= q´ =q
C
2 Î0 2A Î0
As uncharged capacitor is connected parallel
q2 c2 v2 cv2 So, C' = 2C
= = =
æÎ A ö 2cd 2d
2ç 0 ÷´ d q1 + q 2
è d ø and Vc =
C1 + C2
Î0 A
Here, c = , q = cv, A = area q+0 V
d Vc = Þ Vc =
14. (d) When S and 1 are connected C+C 2
The 2mF capacitor gets charged. The potential 1
difference across its plates will be V. Initial Energy of system, Ui = CV 2 … (i)
2
The potential energy stored in 2 mF capacitor
1 1 2
U i = CV 2 = ´ 2 ´ V 2 = V 2 1 æVö
2 2 Final energy of system, Uf = (2C) ç ÷
2 è2ø
When S and 2 are connected
The 8mF capacitor also gets charged. During this 1 æ1ö
= CV 2 ç ÷ …(ii)
charging process current flows in the wire and some 2 è2ø
amount of energy is dissipated as heat. The energy
loss is From equation (i) and (ii)
1 C1 C2 2 1
DU = 2 C + C (V1 - V2 ) Uf =
2
Ui
1 2
Here, C1 = 2mF, C2 8 mF, V1= V, V2 = 0 i.e., Total electrostatic energy of resulting system
decreases by a factor of 2
1 2´8 4
\ DU = ´ (V - 0) 2 = V 2 16. (a) As the regions are of equipotentials, so Work done
2 2+8 5 W = qDV
The percentage of the energy dissipated DV is same in all the cases hence work - done will also
4 2 be same in all the cases.
DU V
= ´ 100 = 5 ´ 100 = 80%
Ui V2