Electric Potential and Capacitance

Electrostatic Potential: 1 r 1 1 kq
= kq [r ] = kq [ r − ∞] ⇒ VA =
∞ r
Potential at a point in an electric field is
1 q
equal to the work done in bringing a unit = 4πε . r
0
positive charge from infinity to the point As potential is scalar so its negative or
under consideration while keeping the positive sign show the nature of charge.
charge in equilibrium. V is positive when q is positive and V is
Therefore potential is work done for unit negative when q is negative.
w
charge ⇒ v = Expression of potential due to a point charge
q
shows that at equal distance from a point
Unit of electric potential is volt.
charge value of V is same so we can say
1V = 1 volt = 1 NmC-1 = 1JC-1
potential due to a point charge is spherically
symmetric.
Potential Due to a Point Charge:
Variation of V and E with r for a point
Let a small positive test charge q0 is brought
charge
from ∞ to A with constant velocity.

⃗. Potential Due to System of Charges:

Let electric field at any point P = E
By superposition principle the potential V at
QP = an infinitesimally small path ⃗⃗⃗⃗
dr a point due to the total charge configuration
⃗ on
Therefore electric force due to the field E is the algebraic sum of the potential due to
q0 at P is = q0⃗E (towards Q to P) the individual charges.
Therefore force to be applied on q to move it V = V1 + V2+ …. Vn.
from P to Q without imparting any 1 q
Or V = ∑ni=1 Vi = ∑ni=1 i
4πε0 ri
acceleration to it = – q0⃗E (towards P to Q)
Where Vi is the potential at P produced by
Therefore corresponding work done,
charge qi, which is at a distance ri from P.
dW = – q0E ⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗ . dr The potential unlike field strength is a scalar
r ⃗⃗⃗⃗ )
⃗ .dr
∫∞(−q0 E w quantity, hence a simple algebraic addition
Potential at A, VA = [as v = ]
q0 q
r
given by equation above is possible.
VA = − ∫∞ ⃗E. ⃗⃗⃗⃗
dr [E ⃗⃗⃗⃗ ]
⃗ ||dr
(i.e., electric potential is equal to line Potential Due to Dipole:
integral of electric field) Let an electric dipole, consist of two equal
r kq kq
⇒ VA = − ∫∞ dr [Since E = ] and opposite charge separated by 2a. P is the
r2 r2
observation point if potential at P is VP then

PHYSICS MASTERS ACADEMY, SECTOR 23, ROHINI, DELHI. (Mob. 8810401402) Page 1
 (ii) Equipotential surfaces in a uniform field
are planes normal to field.
VP = Potential at P due to (+q) + Potential
at P due to (– q)
1 1 kq(r2−r1)
VP = kq (r − r ) ⇒ VP = …(1)
1 2 r1 r2
If r >>a, then OP || AP ⇒ ≈
In OAM, OM = r2 – r1 = 2a cos 
Since ≈  ⇒ r2 – r1 = 2a cos  ≃ 2a cos  (iii) Cylindrical equipotential surface due to
…(2) a long linear charged wire.
And due to small dipole there is small
difference in r1, r2 and r so r1≈r2 = r3 ⇒ r1r2
≈ r2 …(3)
Substituting eq (2) and (3) in to (1), we get
2kqacos θ
VP = r2
kp cosθ
VP = r2
If  = 90° then cos  = 0 i.e. potential at any
(iv) Equipotential surfaces between two
point on the normal bisector (Equatorial
point charges +q and – q is as follows:
axis) of the dipole is zero.
If  = 0, i.e. at a point on the axis (axial axis)
of the dipole, VP becomes maximum and is
kp
= ( r2 )

Equipotential Surfaces: (v) Equipotential surfaces between two point

The surface at which the value of potential charges +q and + q is as follows:
at every point is same is called equipotential
surface.

Some equipotential surfaces:

(i) For single point charge equipotential
surfaces are concentric spheres.

PHYSICS MASTERS ACADEMY, SECTOR 23, ROHINI, DELHI. (Mob. 8810401402) Page 2
Properties of Equipotential Surface The work equals the potential difference V A
The following points about equipotential – VB.
surface should be noted: ⃗ |l = V – (V + V) = – V
Thus |E
1. Electric field lines always intersect an ⃗ | = − δV
i.e. |E
equipotential perpendicularly. δl

2. Work has to be done to move a charge Since V is negative, V = –|V|, we can

from one equipotential surface to another. rewrite the above equation as
3. No two equipotential surfaces can ⃗ | = − δV = + |δV|
|E δl δl
intersect each other because if they do so, We thus arrive the two important
then at the point of intersection, there are conclusions concerning the relation between
two values of electric potential, which is not electric field and potential:
possible. (i) Electric field is in the direction in which
4. Work done to move a charge on an the potential decreases steepest.
equipotential surface will be zero. (ii) Its magnitude is given by the change in
5. Equipotential surfaces are crowded the magnitude of potential per unit
together in a region of strong field whereas displacement normal to the equipotential
they are relatively far apart where the field is surface at that point.
weak. If there are two equipotential surfaces
having a potential difference dV and lying at Electric Potential Energy:
a distance dr from each other, then Potential energy of a point charge at a point
E = – dV/dr or dr = –dV/E is defined as the amount of work done in
bringing the charge from an infinite distance
Relation between Field and Potential: to that point in any given electric field.
Consider two closely spaced equipotential i.e. Potential energy U = qV
surfaces A and B (figure) with potential S.I. unit of potential energy is joule (J).
values V and V + V , where V is the Electric potential energy of a point charge
change in V in the direction of the electric in an external electric field
⃗ .Let P be a point on the surface B. l
field E Potential energy U of a single charge q at a
is the perpendicular distance of the surface point P at distance r in an external electric
A from P. Imagine that unit positive charge field
is moved along this perpendicular from the U = q (potential at P) = qVP
surface B to surface A against the electric Work done in moving a charge q from a
⃗ |l.
field. The work done in this process is |E point of potential V1 to other point of
potential V2 will be equal to the change in
potential energy of the charge.
Thus U = q(V2 – V1)
Electric potential energy of a system of
two point charges
Here q1and q2 are to be placed at P1 and P2.
When q1 is brought from ∞ to P1, now work

PHYSICS MASTERS ACADEMY, SECTOR 23, ROHINI, DELHI. (Mob. 8810401402) Page 3
is needed to be done as no field is present The work done becomes the potential energy
there. U of the positive charges. Hence, potential
Let us find the expression for the electric energy of the two charges, i.e.
potential energy of two positive charges q1 1 q1 q2 1 q1 q2
U = 4πε = 4πε (as x = r12)
0 x 0 r12
and q2 placed at A and B so that distance AB
= x as shown in figure.
Potential energy of a system of two charge
in an external field
Let P1 and P2 are two points in an external
field and their potentials are V1 and V2
respectively.
Consider a point P which is at a distance r Potential energy of q1 in bringing it from ∞
to P1
from A. If ⃗E is the intensity of electric field
U1 = q1V1
at P due to charge q1 at A.
q Potential energy of q2 in bringing it from ∞
E = k e r21
to P2
If the charge q2 is at P, then force acting on U2 = q2V2 + q2 (potential of q1)
the charge q2 is kq1q2
⇒ U2 = q2 V2 +
⃗ = q2 E
F ⃗ r
Where r is the distance between q1 and q2.
We have to do no work to place the charge
Hence potential energy of system of two
q1 at A as there exists no electric field at that
charges
time but when we have to place the charge
kq1 q2
q2 at P, we have to do work as the electric U = U1 + U2 = q1V1 + q2 V2 + r
⃗ ) due to q1 opposes its motion.
field (E P.E. of a dipole in an external field
Let q2 move from P to P’ and d⃗ r be the Potential energy of electric dipole is the
linear displacement. amount of work done in rotating the dipole
Amount of work done in moving q2 from P through a small angle say , is
to P, i.e., dW = τ⃗. ⃗⃗⃗⃗
dθ = pE sinθ dθ
dW = ⃗F. d ⃗r Work done in rotating the dipole from q1 to
⃗r q2 is given by
= q2⃗E. d θ
∫ dw = ∫θ1 pE sinθ dθ or w = – pE [cos 2 –
2
Or W = q2Edrcos 180° = – q2E.dr
If W is the amount of work done in bringing cos 1]
q2 from a point at infinity to B, which is at a The work is equal to the potential enrgy of
distance x from A, then the system. Hence
x x q
W = −q2 ∫∞ Edr = −q2 ∫∞ k e r21 dr U = – pE [cos 2 – cos 1]
x
x r−1
= −k e q1 q2 ∫∞ r −2 dr = −k e q1 q2 | −1 | =
∞
1 𝑥
k e q1 q2 |𝑟|
∞
1 1 1 q1 q2
Or W = k e q1 q2 [ − ] = .
x ∞ 4πε0 x

PHYSICS MASTERS ACADEMY, SECTOR 23, ROHINI, DELHI. (Mob. 8810401402) Page 4
Electrostatics of Conductors: negative charge coincide with each other
(i) Electrostatic field inside a conductor is e.g. hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. (gases).
zero because dielectric constant of conductor
is infinity. Polarization Vector
(ii) At the surface of a charged conductor, A dielectric with polar molecules also
electrostatic field must be normal to the develops a net dipole moment in an external
surface at every point. field, but for a different reason. In the
(iii) Inside the conductor charge is zero. absence of any external field, the different
Charge reside only on the surface of permanent dipoles are oriented randomly
conductor. due to thermal agitation; so the total dipole
(iv) Electrostatic potential is constant moment is zero. When an external field is
throughout the volume of the conductor and applied, the individual dipole moments tend
has the same value as on its surface. to align with the field. When summed
(v) Electric field near the surface of a overall the molecules, there is then a net
charged conductor is given by dipole moment in the direction of the
σ
E = ε n̂ external field, i.e., the dielectric is polarised.
0
Thus in either case, whether polar or non-
Where  is the surface charge density and n̂
polar, a dielectric develops a net dipole
is unit vector normal to the surface.
moment in the presence of an external field.
(vi) The surface charge density () is high
The dipole moment per unit volume is called
where the radius of curvature of the surface
polarisation and is denoted by P. For linear
of the conductor is small (sharp points).
isotropic dielectrics,
(vii) Electrostatic shielding: It is the
⃗ = ε0 χe E
P ⃗
process in which any object or region is
where χe is a constant characteristic of the
protected from electric field. It is done
dielectric and is known as the electric
enclosing that object or region by
susceptibility of the dielectric medium.
conducting surface.

Capacitance (Introduction):
Dielectric and Polarization:
A capacitor is one of several kings of
Dielectrics are non conducting (Insulators)
devices used in the electric circuits of radios,
substances which transmit electric effect
computers and other such equipments.
without any actual conduction of electricity.
Capacitors provide temporary storage of
e.g., vacuum, paper (waxed or oiled), mica,
energy in circuits and can be made to release
glass, plastic foil, fused ceramic, air, etc.
it when required. The property of a capacitor
There are two type of dielectric medium.
that characterizes its ability to store energy
(i) Polar dielectric: In this dielectric centre
is called its capacitance.
of positive charge and centre of negative
When energy is stored in a capacitor, an
charge does not coincide with each other e.g.
electric field exists within the capacitor. The
water, HCl, etc.(liquids).
stored energy can be associated with the
(ii) Non polar dielectric: In this dielectric
electric field. Indeed, energy can be
centre of positive charge and centre of

PHYSICS MASTERS ACADEMY, SECTOR 23, ROHINI, DELHI. (Mob. 8810401402) Page 5
associated with the existence of any electric picofarad (1pF = 10-12F) are more
field. The study of capacitors and commonly used.
capacitance leads us to an important aspect Dimensional formula for capacitance:
of electric fields, the energy of an electric As C = Q/V, the dimensional formula for C
field. [AT]
is: [ML2 T−3A−1 ]=[M-1 L-2 T4 A2]
Capacitance:
If we go on pouring liquid into a vessel, the
Parallel Plate Capacitor:
level of the liquid goes on rising. Similarly
In this capacitor one or more pairs of plates
if we go on giving a charge to a conductor,
of conductors are separated by a dielectric
its potential keeps on rising. Thus:
medium.
Charge (Q) ∝ potential (V)
Principle: The principle of parallel plate
Or Q = CV … (1)
capacitor is based on the fact that potential
Here, C is a constant of proportionality and
of an insulated conductor is decreased when
is called the capacitance or capacity of the
an uncharged earthed conductor is kept close
conductor. We should use the word
to it. In this case charge of insulated
capacitance in place of capacity.
conductor remains same and more charges
From equation (1),C = Q/V …(2)
can be added to it. This is the way to
Capacitance of a conductor is thus defined
increase the capacitance of an insulated
as the ration the charge on it to its potential.
conductor.
The value of C depends upon:
Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor:
(i) The size and shape of the conductor.
Let  = surface charge density of plates =
(ii) The nature of the medium surrounding
Q/A
the conductor and
Q = Total charge on one face of either plate
(iii) The position of the neighbouring
A = area of one face of either plate
charges.
E = electric field between the plates
It does not however, depend upon the
material of the conductor. 0 = permittivity of vacuum
Capacitance of a conductor is thus d = separation between the plates
numerically equal to the amount of charge V = potential difference between the two
required to raise its potential through unity. plates
The SI unit of capacitance is called farad Now, V = Ed
σ σ
(F). Or V = (ε ) d as E = ε
0 0
From equation (2), Q d Q
1 coulomb (C)
Or V = (A ) (ε ) as σ = ε
0 0
Farad (F) = ε0AV
1 volt (V)
⇒Q=
Capacitance of a conductor is thus said to d

be one farad if its potential rises through As C = Q/V

ε0 A
one volt when a charge of one coulomb is Hence C = d
given to it.
The farad is rather large unit, submultiples
such as microfarad (1F = 10-6F) and

PHYSICS MASTERS ACADEMY, SECTOR 23, ROHINI, DELHI. (Mob. 8810401402) Page 6
 This analysis shows that on introducing
dielectric medium and conducting or
dielectric slab between plates of capacitors
increases.
Note: (1) A capacitor is charged by a battery
and then it is disconnected from the battery.
Now for every changes (connecting another
capacitor/ inserting slab, changing
configuration, etc) total charge of system
Thus capacitance of a parallel plate remains constant.
capacitor depends entirely on its geometrical (2) A capacitor is charged by a battery and
dimensions and the dielectric used. keeping battery connected, for every
Capacitance with Dielectric between changes (connecting another capacitor,
Plates: inserting slab, changing configuration, etc.)
If m is the permittivity of medium between potential difference across the capacitor
the plates of capacitor then remains constant.
εm ε0 εr A εm
Cm = ⇒ Cm = [Since εr = ]
d d ε0 Combinations of Capacitors:
Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor Generally there are two simple type of
when a dielectric slab is inserted combinations (i) Series combination (ii)
Let a dielectric slab of thickness t is inserted Parallel combination
inside the capacitor. Equivalent capacity in series: In series
⃗ 0 = outside field
E combination,
⃗Em = net field inside the dielectric slab (i) Charge stored on each capacitor is same.
t = thickness of dielectric slab (ii) Potential difference across each
r = relative permittivity of the dielectric
capacitor is inversely proportional to its
capacitance.

Now V = E0(d – t) + Emt Here Cs represent the equivalent capacitance

E0 E0 of given series combination. Using
= E 0 ( d − t) + ε t [since Em = ]
r εr conservation of energy,
1
= E0 [d − t (1 − ε )] V = V1 + V2 + V3
r
Q Q Q Q 1 1 1 1
V=ε
Q
[d − t (1 − )]
1 ⇒ C = C + C + C or =C +C +C
s 1 2 3 Cs 1 2 3
0 A ε r
ε0 A Q Equivalent capacity in parallel: In a
i.e. C = 1 [Since C = ]
d−t(1− )
εr
V parallel combination,

PHYSICS MASTERS ACADEMY, SECTOR 23, ROHINI, DELHI. (Mob. 8810401402) Page 7
 1
(i) Potential difference across each capacitor Total energy (U) CV2
u = = 2Ad =
is same. Volume of capacitor
1 ε0 A 1
(ii) Charge stored in each capacitor is ( ) (Ed)2 Ad
2 d
proportional to its capacitance. 1
u = 2 ε0 E 2

Here CP represent the equivalent capacitance

of given parallel combination. Using
conservation of charge, Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3
Or CPV = C1V + C2V + C3V
Or CP = C1 + C2 + C3

Energy Stored in a Capacitor:

Work done in charging a capacitor is stored
in form of potential energy of capacitor.
This energy is stored in the electric field
between the plates.
If small charge dQ is given to a capacitor of
potential V. The work done in this process is
given by dW = V dQ
Therefore U = ∫ dW = ∫ VdQ
Q 1 Q2
= ∫ C . dQ = 2 C
The energy (U) stored in the capacitor can
be written in any one of the following forms:
1 Q2 1 1
U=2 = 2 CV 2 = 2 QV (usign Q = CV)
C
Total energy stored in series or parallel
combination of capacitors is equal to the
sum of the energies stored in individual
capacitors.
Energy density (u)
Energy density is defined as the total energy
stored per unit volume of the capacitor

PHYSICS MASTERS ACADEMY, SECTOR 23, ROHINI, DELHI. (Mob. 8810401402) Page 8