Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi

2.1Line Integral of Electric Field: -It is the

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basic property of electrostatic field.

“The negative of the line integral of electric field
between any two points is equal to the potential
r
B
difference”. V    E . dl
GD

r
A
Proof:-Consider a point charge +q placed at origin O
of the coordinate system. A small test charge qo is
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moving from A to B along a curved path.

At any point P where OP = r, electric field intensity is E, so force on test charge qo is qo E directed radially
outward from +q.
To prevent acceleration of the test charge due to this force, an external force F = q0 E has to be applied. PQ = dl
Then work done by the external force in displacing the test charge from P to Q.
rB rB  
Total work done by external force in moving from A to B is W AB   dW   q0  E  d l
rA rA
rB rB
W AB W AB
So    E  dl      (1)    E dl cos
q0 rA q0 rA
1 q PN dr
But electric field E  But in  PNQ cos     dr  dl cos 
4 0 r2 PQ dl
r
W AB B 1 q
Hence total work done by external force in moving from A to B per unit ch arg e is    dr
r 4 0 r
2
q0
A

 
r rB
 r 
r
WAB q B 2

WAB q 21
q r 1 B
   r dr    
q0 40 r
A
q0 40   2 1 r A
40 1 r A

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WAB
q0

q
40
 
1
rB

q
r r A 40
1
1

r
 B

1  . Since potential between two point A & B V  WAB
r 
A
q0

rB
q  1 1 
So potential between two point A & BV =   E . dl = 
4 0  r r 
rA  B A

2.2 Potential Difference: -Work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to another point in
electric field is defined as potential difference (V).It is a scalar quantity & its SI unit is Volt.
W 1 Joul
V = VBVA = AB =  1 Volt
q0 1 Coulomb
If work done in moving a one coulomb positive charge from one point to another point in the electric field is 1
Joule then potential difference of the points is called 1 Volt.
ELECTRON-VOLT:It is working moving an electron under a potential difference of 1 volt. Obviously
1eV=1.610-19 J.
2. 3 Prove Electrostatic Force is Conservative Force: -Let +q is a charge at O then work done in
moving a test charge from A to B along Path L1 is
rB    1 1 
W AB
   E.d l 
q   - - -(1)
q0 4 0 r r 
rA  B A
Work done in moving the test charge from B to A along L2
WBA rA   q  1 1 
path is =   E.dl =  -- (2)
q0 4 0  r r 
 A B 
BA

rB
Total work done in moving the test charge over close path
W ABA W AB W
AL1BL2A is   BA From eq1 & eq2
q0 q0 q0
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 1 1   1 1   W ABA
 
W ABA q
     0    E . dl  0
q0 4 0  r r  r r  q0
 A B   B A  c
The line integral of electric field along the closed path in electrostatic field is zero.
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Hence work done in moving a test charge along a closed path is zero i.e. work done is independent of the path.
So electrostatic force is conservative force.
2.3 Potential: - Work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinite to any point in electric field is
WA
define as potential of the point(V). It is a scalar quantity & its SI unit is Volt. V =
q0
Electric potential of a point is equal to negative of the line integral of the electric field intensity from infinite to
the points. In this case r =  , r = r .
A B
r  q 1 1 1 q
V =   E . dl , V      V 
4 0  r  4 0 r

WA 1 Joul
Unit:S. I. unit is volt : , V = =  1 Volt
q0 1 Coulomb
1
C.G.S. unit : Stat volt (e.s.u.); 1 volt  Stat volt (or esu of potential)
300
If work done in moving a one coulomb positive charge from infinite to any point in the electric field is one
Joule then potential of the point is 1 Volt. Dimension : [V ]  [ ML2T 3 A 1 ]
If work done in moving a one stat coulomb positive charge from one point to another point in the electric field is
1 erg then potential difference of the points is 1 Stat Volt.
Types of electric potential : According to the nature of charge potential is of two types
(i) Positive potential : Due to positive charge. (ii) Negative potential : Due to negative charge.

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2.4 Potential due to a Point Charge: -Consider a point charge +q at O. OB = r . We have to find field
1 q
intensity at point B. At point A electric field intensity E     (1) Along OA
4 0 x 2
Work done in bringing a unit positive charge from A to C is dW = F . dx But F =  q0 E
r r
WB   dW    q 0 E dx So potential of po int B is
 
WB r 1 q
V    dx
 4 0 x
2
q0

 
r
 x 
r
q  1 
r
 21
x 1
rB
q 2
q q
V    x dx  V      V   
40 rA 40   2 1 
40 1  40  x  
q  1 1  1 q
V      V 
40  r  40 r
BA

2.5 Relation Between Electric Field and Potential:

(1) In an electric field rate of change of potential with distance is known as potential gradient.
(2) Potential gradient is a vector quantity and it‟s direction is opposite to that of electric field.
𝑑𝑉
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(3) Potential gradient relates with electric field according to the following relation 𝐸 = − 𝑑𝑟 . This relation gives
another unit of electric field is volt/meter.
(4) In the above relation negative sign indicates that in the direction of electric field potential decreases.
V
(5) Negative of the slope of the V-r graph denotes intensity of electric field i.e. tan    E
r
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
(6) In space around a charge distribution we can also write E  E xˆi  E y ˆj  E z kˆ
V V V
where Ex  , Ey   and Ez  
x y z
dV
(7) With the help of formula E , potential difference between any two points in an electric field can be
dr
r2 r2
determined by knowing the boundary conditions dV    E . dr    E. dr cos
r1 r1

Potential Energy: - Work done in bringing a charge body from infinite to any point in electric field is defined as
electrictrostatic potential energy of the point (U).
W
V  B So potential energy of the system U  WB  q0 V
q0
1 q . q0 1 q1 . q2
U  or U  .
4 0 r 4 0 r
Potential energy of a system of n charges: In a system of n charges electric potential energy is calculated for
each pair and added algebraically.
1  Q1 Q 2 Q2 Q3 
i.e. U    ......... 
4 0  r12 r23 
Potential due to a group of charges: -Potential due to n charges at any point is V = V1 + V2 + V3 + - - - -
1  q1 q2 q3 
V            
4 0  r1 r2 r3 

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Potential due to uniform distribution of charge: - dq is a small charge element, thenpotential at any point
1  dq 1 l
  dl
V  . For linear ch arg e V 
4 0 r 4 0 r
  ds 1
  dV 1
For surface ch arg e V  S
For volume ch arg e V  V
4 0 r 4 0 r
2.6 Potential at a point due to an electric dipole: -Consider a dipole of charge –q & +q separated by a
small distance 2l having a dipole moment p = 2ql . We want to find potential at point P which is at distance r
from the centre of the dipole O.Let AP = r2 & BP = r1
ADOP & BCPO extended.
r1 = OP + CO In BCO CO = l cos 
So r1 = r + lcos  - - - - - -(1)
r2 = OP  CO In BDO CO = l cos 
So r2 = r lcos  - - - - - -(2)
Net potential due to the dipole
q 1 q
V  V1  V2   [ ]
4 0 r2 r1
1 q q
V  [  ]
4 0 r  l cos  r  l cos 
q r  l cos   r  l cos 
V  
4 0 r  l cos  r  l cos  
q 2 l cos  1 p cos 
V  2 2  V   Where p  q  2l
4 0 (r  l cos 2  ) 4 0 r  l 2 cos 2 
2
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Case-I If the point lies on the equatorial line i.e.  = 90 so cos 90 = 0 . Hence potential V = 0
1 p
Case-II If the point lies on the axial line i.e.  = 0 so cos 0 = 1 . Hence potential V 
4 0 (r  l 2 )
2

2.7 Equipotential Surface:-the surface in electric field having same electric potential at each point is called
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equipotential surface.
The locus of all those point which having same potential is defined as
equipotential surface.
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v = v2 V1 V2 V3 V4 V5

v = v1
– + + +

Equipotential
V1 > V2 > V3 > V4 > V5 surface

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

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

(3)Charge always lies on the outer surface of the conductor: -Consider a positively charged conductor.
We will draw an imaginary surface just inside the surface of the conductor, it is called Gaussian surface.
Since electric field inside a conductor is zero so net out ward electric flux through Gaussian surface is zero.
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Hence from Gauss theorem the net charges in side a conductor is zero. This shows that all charge lies on the
outer surface of the conductor. (Fig-2)
Charge resides on the outer surface of a conductor because like charges repel and try to get as far away as
possible for on another and stay at the farthest distance from each other which is outer surface of the conductor.
This is way a solid and hollow conducting sphere of same outer radius will hold maximum equal charge and a
soap bubble expands on charging.
(4) When a conductor is placed in electric field then charge on the conductor is rearranged and finally the flow of
charge stops.
It is only possible when component of electric field E cos  = 0 or Cos  = 0i.e.  =90.
Hence electric field on the outer side of the conductor is perpendicular to the surface at every point.
(5) Electric potential is constant within and at the surface of the conductors.
dV dV
E  but inside the conductor E  0 so  0 hence V  Cons tan t
dr dr
(6) Electrostatic Shielding is the phenomenon of protecting a certain region of space from electric field.
Electric field intensity inside a conductor in an electric field is zero. This property is used to protect electric
instrument from external electric field by enclosing them in a hollow conductor. The hollow conductor is called
Faraday cage e.g. during lightning it is safer to be inside a car or bus than to be in open ground or under tree.
The metallic body of the vehicle will provide the electrostatic shielding.
7) Charge leaks from sharp points: In case of conducting body no doubt charge resides on its outer surface, if
surface is uniform the charge distributes uniformly on the surface and for irregular surface the distribution of
charge, i.e., charge density is not uniform. It is maximum where the radius of curvature is minimum and vice
versa. i.e., 1/R. This is why charge leaks from sharp points.
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2.9 Capacitance: -electric capacitance is the measure of the ability of the conductor to store charge on it.
If charge on the conductor is zero, its potential is zero. As charge on the conductor increases gradually its
potential also increases. At any instant charge on the conductor Q is directly proportional to its potential.
Q  V . Q = CV
Where C = Q / V is a constant known as capacity or capacitance of the conductor.
Its value depends on (i) the size of the conductor and (ii) medium around the conductor.
If V = 1 Volt , then C = Q / V or Q = C
i.e.“the amount of charge which is to be given to a conductor so that its potential increase by 1 volt is equal to
capacity of the conductor”.
One Farad: SI unit of capacity is Farad.
If Q = +1 Coulomb & V = 1 Volt then C = Q / V = +1 Coulomb /1 Volt
C = 1 Coulomb/Volt = 1 Farad.
“If 1 Coulomb of charge is given to a conductor so that its potential isincreased by 1 volt then the capacity of the
conductor is 1 Farad”.
1 micro Farad ( F ) = 106F , 1 Pico Farad = 1012 F
C.G.S. Unit of capacity is state Farad or e.s.u. of capacity. 1 Farad = 9  1011 stat Farad.

2.10 Principle of Capacitor (Condenser): - Capacitor, or electrical condenser is a device for storing a
large amount of electric charge in small space.
BA

A capacitor consists of two metal plates separated by a non-conducting medium called dielectric. When one plate is
charged with electricity from a direct-current or electrostatic source, the other plate will have induced on it a charge of
the opposite sign; that is, positive if the original charge is negative and negative if the original charge is positive.
Capacitors are produced in a wide variety of forms. Air, mica, ceramics, paper, oil, and vacuums are used as
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dielectrics, depending on the purpose for which the device is to be used.

Principle: -Since capacity of a capacitor C = Q / V i.e. C  1 / V
Hence capacity of a capacitor can be increased by decreasing its
potential., this is basic principle of capacitor. It can be achieved by
bringing an uncharged earthed conductor near the conductor.
I

Consider a conductor, A which has +q charge & potential

V.Another conductor B, is electrically neutral. If we try to bring a 1 C
positive charge to the conductor A there is strong repulsion. So large
amount of work has to be done i.e. potential is large.
If conductor B is brought close to A, due to electrostatic induction –
ve (bound) charge is induce toward left side.
While +ve (free) charge is induce on right side. If B is connected to
the earth so the free positive charge passes to the earth, now it has only negative charge. Now if we bring +1 C
charge from infinite to the conductor A then there will be repulsion due to A as well as attraction due to B which
decrease the repulsion by a large amount. Hence the amount of work done i.e. potential decreases by a large
amount hence we can store a large amount of charge in small space.
2.11 Parallel Plate Capacitor: -This type of capacitor consists of two plane conductor (rectangular or
circular) parallel to each other separated by a dielectric which is air in this case.
{1}Consider a rectangular plate A connected to the source & plate B connected to the earth. Due to electric
induction q charge is induce on plate B if +q charge is given to plate A. Let air is the dielectric & area of each
plate is „a‟ and distance between them is d.
So surface charge density of each plate is  = q / a - - - -(i)
{2}From Gauss‟s theorem electric field at a point between the two plate E =  /  0 .- - -(ii)
q q
But surface ch arg e density   so E       (iii)
a a 0

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qd
{3} So potential difference between the plates is V  E d  V      (iv)
a 0
q q a0
{4} Thus capacity of the capacitor C   C Hence C 
V qd / a 0 d
If dielectric medium of dielectric constant K is introduced between the plates then
K a 0
Capacity of the capacitor in the medium C 
m d
Dependence of capacitance of Parallel palate capacitor:- (1) C  a Since capacitance is proportional
to area of plates so capacity can be increased by increasing area of plates.
(2) C  1/d Since capacitance is inversely proportional to distance between the plates so capacity
can be increased by decreasing distance between the plates.
(3) C  K Since capacitance is proportional to dielectric constant of the medium between the plates. so
capacity can be increase by having dielectric medium of high dielectric constant.
2  0 l
Capacitance of cylindrical capacitor C  where b & a are radius of outer & inner cylinder respectively
loge (b / a )
4  0 a b
Capacitance of spherical capacitor C  where b & a are radius of outer & inner sphere respectively.
ba
Application of Capacitor: -[1] To eliminate sparking when a circuit containing inductor is broken i.e. ignition
system of automobiles. [2] In power supply for smoothing the rectified current (D.C.) [3] To improve efficiency
& power factor in a.c. circuits. [4] To produce rotating magnetic field. [5] To tune radio & TV circuits. [6] As a
charge accumulator. [7] In electronics
2.12 Capacity of a spherical Conductor: - Consider a spherical conductor of radius „r‟ & charge q is
given to it so that its potential increases to V. Spherical conductor is an equipotential surface because all the
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point on this surface are equidistant from its centre.

1 q q q
V  But capacity C    C  4 0 r
4 0 r V 1 q
4 0 r
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Hence capacity of a spherical capacitor is equal to 4 0 time its radius in SI units.
In c.g.s unit capacity of the spherical conductor is equal to its radius.
Hence a spherical conductor behaves like a spherical capacitor with second conductor at infinite distance.
2.13 Energy of a charged conductor (Capacitor):-Consider a capacitor of capacity C having charge q
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on it. Then its potential V = q / C - - - - - (1)

If we want to increase the charge by dq then we have to do work dW against the force of repulsion
We know that potential V = dW / dq so dW = Vdq
So totalwork done in ch arg ing the conductor from Q  0 to Q  Q is
Q Q Q
q dq 1
W   dW  W    W  q dq
0
C C 0
0
Q
1  q2  1  Q2 0
W     W    
C  2 0 C  2 2
This work done is stored in the conductor as potential energy U  W
1 Q2 1 C2 V 2
Thus energy of capacitor U  But Q  C V So U 
2 C 2 C
U = ½ CV2 Also U = ½ QV
Combination:-If capacitors are connected in series or parallel then total energy is equal to sum of the energy of
the capacitors. U = U1+U2 +U3+U4 + - - -
1 Q2 1 Q2 1 Q2 1 2  1 1 1  1 Q2
In Series Combination:- U      Q          
2 C1 2 C 2 2 C3 2  1
C C 2 C 3  2 C
2 2 2
In Parallel Combination:- U = ½ C1V + ½ C2V + ½ C3V + - - - - - -
1 1
U  ( C1  C 2  C 3     ) V 2  C V 2
2 2
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Energy Density:-Energy stored per unit volume is called energy density.
1 a 0 2
2
CV V 2
2d 1 V 
Energy density = Energy/Volume  2   0  
ad ad 2 d
V 1
But electric field E  Hence Energy density  0 E2
d 2
2.14 Sharing of charge between two conductor (Capacitor) & loss of energy:-Consider two
conductor A & B of capacity C1& C2 having charge Q1& Q2 ,their potential are V1& V2 respectively.
So Q1 = C1 V1 - - - - - - - (1) Q2 = C2 V2 - - - - - -(2)
[a]Charge after redistribution:-
Now the two conductors are
connected by a conducting wire so
charges flow from higher potential
to lower potential till their potential
become same. Due to redistribution
the common potential isV and charges becomes q1 and q2 respectively.
So q1= C1 V - - - - (3) & q2 = C2 V- - - --(4)
Dividing eq(3) by eq(4) q1/q2 =C1V/C2V Hence q1/q2 =C1/C2
q1  q 2 C1  C2
Applying compodendo properties  But from law of conservation of ch arg e,
q2 C2
total ch arg e of the system alwas remain cons tan t i.e. q1  q 2  Q1  Q 2
Q1  Q 2 C  C2  Q  Q2 
So  1  q 2   1  C2     (5)
q2 C2  C1  C2 
BA

Dividing eq4 by eq3 q2 / q1 =C2V / C1V Hence q2/q1 =C2/C1

q1  q 2 C  C2
Applying compodendo properties  1 But from law of conservation of ch arg e,
q1 C1
Total ch arg e of the system always remain cons tan t i.e. q1  q2  Q1  Q2 .
GD

Q1  Q2 C1  C 2  Q  Q2 
So   q1   1  C1 - - - - - - - (6)
q1 C1  1
C  C 2 
[b]Common Potential of the conductor V = Total charge / Total Capacity
I

 Q  Q2   C V  C 2 V2 
V   1  From eq1 & 2  V   1 1  - - - - -(7)
 1
C  C 2   C 1  C 2 
[c]Loss of energy: -Energy of conductors before joining are U1 = ½ C1 V1 2 - - - - - -(8)
U2 = ½ C2 V2 2 - - - - - -(9) Energy of conductors after joining is U = ½ C V2 - - - -(10)
Loss of energy U = (U1 + U2 )  U = ( ½ C1 V1 2 +½ C2 V2 2 )  ½ (C1 + C1)V2
2
 
1 1
U  C1 V1  C 2 V2 
2 2 1
C1  C 2  C1V1  C2V2  
2 2 2  C1  C 2 
1 1 C1V1  C 2V2 
2
(C1  C 2 )(C1 V12  C 2 V2 2 )  C1V1  C 2V2 2
U  (C1 V1  C 2 V2 ) 
2 2

2 2 C1  C 2 2 (C1  C 2 )


2 2 2

C1C 2V1  C1C 2V2  C 21 V1  C 2 2 V2 )  C 21V 21  C 2 2V 2 2  2 C1C 2V1V2
2

2 (C1  C 2 )
C C V  C1C 2V2  2 C1C 2V1V2 C C (V  V2  2V1V2 )
2 2 2 2

U  1 2 1  1 2 1
2 (C1  C 2 ) 2 (C1  C 2 )
C1C 2
U  V1  V2 2 Since V1  V2  is alaways positive
2

2 (C1  C 2 )
So there is always loss of energy in redistribution of charge.
According to the law of conservation of energy this loss is converted in to heat in connecting wire, light
(sparking) & to produce some sound.

Bagdi Potential & CapacityPage 8 of 14 Bagdi

 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
2.15. Series combination of capacitor:-When first plate of first capacitor is connected to source &
second plate of the first capacitor is
connected to the first plate of the
second capacitor, second plate of the
second capacitor is connected to the
first plate of the third capacitor and so
on then this combination is known as
series combination.
Consider the capacity of three
capacitors are C1 , C2& C3 connected in series to a source between points A & B. Point B is connected to the
earth so +Q & –Q charges are induce on the plates of capacitors. Potential difference between the plate of
capacitors are V1 , V2& V3 respectively.
Q Q Q
V1      (1), V2      ( 2) , V3      ( 3)
C1 C2 C3
If C is equivalence capacity of series combination with charge +Q & -Q on its plates with potential difference
V=Q/C - - - - - (4) Potential difference between A & B is V = V1 + V2 + V3
Putting values from eq1,2,3&4
Q Q Q Q  1 1 1  1  1 1 1 
   Q              
C C1 C 2 C3  C1 C 2 C3  C  C1 C2 C3 
Hence in series combination, reciprocal of equivalent capacity is equal to sum of reciprocal of the individual
capacity of the capacitors.
2.16. Parallel combination of capacitor:-When first plate of all the capacitors are connected to source &
second plate of the capacitors are connected
BA

to the earth then this combination is known as

parallel combination.Consider the capacity of
three capacitors are C1 , C2& C3 connected in
parallel to a source between point A &
B.PointB is connected to the earth. Source
GD

supply +Q charge which will divide in three

parts after reaching at point A. Let charge
reaching on capacitors are Q1 , Q2&Q3
respectively. Potential difference between the
I

plates of capacitors is V, which is same & constant.

Q 1 = C 1 V - - - -(1), Q 2 = C2 V - - - -(2) Q 3 = C 3 V - - - -(3)
Equivalence capacity of series combination is C with charge +Q & -Q on its plates with potential difference V,
then Q = C V - - - - - (4)
Total charge Q = Q 1 + Q 2 + Q 3 = C 1 V + C2 V + C 3 V C V = V( C 1 + C2 + C 3 )
Hence C = C 1 + C2 + C 3 - - - - thus equivalent capacitance in parallel combination is equal to sum
of individual capacity of the capacitors.
2.17 Dielectrics: - Dielectric, or electrical insulators are those substances, which do not allow electric current
to pass, but they allow electric effect to pass through them.
Dielectric Medium Vacuum Air Paper Porcelain Water Mica
Dielectric Strength (V/m)  0.8 14 4 80 160

When the dielectric is placed in an electric field, the electrons and protons of its constituent atoms reorient
themselves, and in some cases molecules become similarly polarized. As a result of this polarization, the
dielectric is under stress, and it stores energy that becomes available when the electric field is removed
The effectiveness of dielectrics is measured by their relative ability, compared to vacuum, to store energy, and is
expressed in terms of a dielectric constant, with the value for vacuum taken as unity. The values of this constant
for usable dielectrics vary from slightly more than 1 for air up to 100 or more for certain ceramics containing
titanium oxide. Dielectrics, particularly those with high dielectric constants, are used extensively in all branches
of electrical engineering, where they are employed to increase the efficiency of capacitors.
Polarisation: -The alignment of the dipole moment of the permanent or induced dipoles in the direction of the
applied field is called polarization.

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
Dielectric Constant (K):- The ratio of capacity of a parallel plate capacitor with any medium between the plates
to the capacity of the same capacitor with air as a dielectric medium is define as dielectric constant.
Capacity of a capacitor with a medium C
K ( r )   m
Capacity of a capacitor with air as a medium Co
Polarisationvector or Polarisation density is a vector quantity, which describes the extent to which the
molecules of the dielectric become polarise by an applied electric field.

 
p
Polaristio n vector P   Np Where p is induced dipole moment of an atom,
V
N number of atom per unit volume. Induced dipole moment developed per unit volume of the dielectric is
defined as Polarisation vector. Its SI unit is C/m2 But p    0 E  P  N  0 E
Electric susceptibility () : - P   0  E While  is a proportionality constant.  describes the electric
behaviour of the dielectric, it is a dimensionless quantity. Larger the value of  , greater will be the Polarisation
of the dielectric in the electric field. In vacuum  = 0 ,because there is no medium in vacuum.
Dielectric Strength:-The maximum value of the electric field intensity that can be applied to the dielectric
without breakdown is called dielectric strength.
Ability of a dielectric to withstand electric fields without losing insulating properties is known as its dielectric
strength
Non Polar Dielectric Polar Dielectric
(1)If centre of gravity of positively charged nuclei (1) If centre of gravity of positively charged nuclei
coincides with centre of gravity of negatively charge does not coincides with centre of gravity of negatively
nuclei, then it is called nonpolar molecule. charge nuclei, then it is called polar molecule.
(2) H2 , N2 O2 etc (2) N2O , HCl, H2O , NH3 etc.
(3) Due to their symmetric shape of the molecules, (3) Due to their asymmetric shape of the molecules,
BA

they do not posses permanent dipole moment. they posses permanent dipole moment.
(4) In the absence of external electric field a non-polar (4) In the absence of external electric field polar
molecule does not posses a permanent dipole moment. molecule posses a permanent dipole moment and
When it is placed in external electric field, nucleus molecules are randomly arranged so that the net dipole
(proton) moves along the direction of electric field moment is zero. When it is placed in external electric
GD

while the electron move opposite to the electric field. field these atomic dipole align them selves along the
Now the atom acquires a permanent dipole moment. field 7 acquire net dipole moment..
I

2.18 Capacity of a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric slab introduced between the
plates: - {1} Consider a rectangular plate A connected to the source & plate B connected to the earth.Due to
electric induction +q & -q charge induce on plate A & B
respectively. Let air be the dielectric & area of each
plate is „a‟ and distance between them is d.
So surface charge density of each plate is
 = q / a - - -(i)
{2} From Gauss‟s theorem electric field at a point
between the two plate E0 =  /0 .- - -(ii)
q
But surface ch arg e density  
a
q
so electric field in air E0     (iii )
a 0
a0
Capacity of the capacitor C     (iv )
d
{3} If dielectric medium of dielectric constant K is introduced between the plates then. Under the application of
external field the positive charged nucleus & cloud of negative electron of the atom slightly move toward
negative & positive plate respectively. Now atoms are polarised.

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The internal + ve and  ve charge neutralizes each other. A layer of positive charge toward plate B and a layer of
negative charge toward plate A remain unneutralise.
q
This un-neutralised charge constitute an internal electric field inside the dielectric Ei 
K a 0
Which is opposite to the main field. So net electric field reduces to E  ( E0  Ei ) , sin ce V  E  d so
potential differnece decreases , which increase its capacity ( C  q / V ).
(4) Potential difference between the plates V = Potential difference in air Vo+ Potential difference in medium
V  Eo  dis tan ce in air  Ei  dis tan ce in medium  [ Eo  ( d  t ) ]  [ Ei  t ]
q q q
V [  ( d  t )]  [ t ] So capacity of capacitor C 
a o K a o V
q a o
C   C 
q t t
[( d  t )  ] [( d  t )  ]
a o K K
2.19 Combination of Charged Drops:Letn identical drops each having Radius – r, Capacitance – c, Charge –
q, Potential – v and Energy – u. If these drops are combined to form a big drop of Radius – R, Capacitance – C, Charge – Q, Potential
– V& Energy – U then (1) Charge on big drop : Q  nq
(2) Radius of big drop : R  n1/3 r
(3) Capacitance of big drop : C  n1/3 c
Q nq
(4) Potential of big drop: V   , V  n 2 /3 v
C n1 / 3 c
1 1
(5) Energy of big drop: U  CV 2  (n1 / 3 c)(n 2 / 3v)2 , U  n5 /3u .
2 2
Potential Due to Concentric Spheres:If two concentric conducting shells of radii r1 and r2(r2>r1)
BA

carrying uniformly distributed charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. Potential at the surface of each shell
Q2
1 Q1 1 Q
V1  .  . 2 Q1
4 0 r1 4 0 r2
r2
1 Q1 1 Q2
GD

V2  .  .
4 0 r2 4 0 r2 r1

Quantity Battery is Removed Battery Remains connected

I

A K
A K

d V

Capacity C' = KC C' = KC

Charge Q' = Q (Charge is conversed) Q' = KQ
Potential V' = V/K V' = V (Since Battery maintains the potential
difference)
Intensity E' = E/K E' = E
Energy U' = U/K U' = U/K
Dielectric Breakdown and Dielectric Strength:If a very high electric field is created in a dielectric,
the outer electrons may get detached from their parent atoms. The dielectric then behaves like a
conductor. This phenomenon is known as dielectric breakdown.
The maximum value of electric field (or potential gradient) that a dielectric material can tolerate without it's
electric breakdown is called it's dielectric strength.Its S.I. unit is V/m and practical unit is kV/mm.

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

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

When separation between the plates is changing

Quantity Battery is removed Battery remains connected

‘d’ is increased ‘d’ is decreased ‘d’ is increased ‘d’ is decreased
BA

Capacity Decreases Increases Decreases Increases

Charge Remains conserved Remains conserved Decreases Increases
Potential Increases Decreases Maintain constant by battery Remains constant
GD

Intensity Remains unchanged Remains unchanged Decreases Increases

Energy Increases Decreases Decreases Increases
I

Grouping of Capacitors.
Series grouping Parallel grouping
(1) Charge on each capacitor remains same and (1) Potential difference across +Q1 –Q1
equals to the main charge supplied by the battery each capacitor remains +
+
–
–
C1 C2 C3 –
+Q –Q +Q –Q +Q –Q same and equal to the +
+ –
+ – + – + – Q1
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
applied potential +Q2 –Q2
+ –
Q + – + – + –
difference + –
V=V +V +V 1 2 3 V1 V2 V3 Q2 +
+
–
–

+ – Q Q3 +Q3
–
–Q3

V
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 +
+ –
–
(2) Equivalent capacitance +
+ –

1 1 1 1
   or Ceq  (C11  C 21  C 31 ) 1 V
Ceq C1 C2 C3
(3) In series combination potential difference and
(2) Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
energy distribution in the reverse ratio of
1 1
capacitance i.e., V  and U  . (3) In parallel combination charge and energy
C C
(4) If two capacitors having capacitances C1 and C2 distributes in the ratio of capacitance i.e. Q  C
are connected in series then and U  C
C1C2 Multiplication
Ceq   (4) If two capacitors having capacitance C1 and C2
C1  C2 Addition
respectively are connected in parallel then
C eq  C1  C 2

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 C1   C2   C1   C2 
V1    . V and V2    . V Q1    . Q and Q 2    . Q
 1  C2
C   C1  C 2   C1  C 2   C1  C 2 
(5) If n identical capacitors each having capacitances (5) If n identical capacitors are connected in parallel
C are connected in series with supply voltage V
Equivalent capacitance C eq  nC and Charge on
C
then Equivalent capacitance Ceq  and Q
n each capacitor Q' 
V n
Potential difference across each capacitor V '  .
n
Network Solving.
To solve capacitive network for equivalent capacitance following guidelines should be followed.
Guideline 1. Identify the two points between which the equivalent capacitance is to be calculated.
Guideline 2. Connect (Imagine) a battery between these points.
Guideline 3. Solve the network from the point (reference point) which is farthest from the points between which
we have to calculate the equivalent capacitance. (The point is likely to be not a node)
(1) Simple circuits
Suppose equivalent capacitance is to be determined in the following networks between points A and B
(i) 36 C  2  3  5 F
 2F 2F AB
36
6F 3F 6F
3F
 
A 3F B
A
A 3F
B 3F B
BA

(ii) 3 + 3 = 6F
6
6F 6F 3F  3 F CAB  3  2  5μF
2
  3F  6F
3F 6F 6F
6F 6F 6F
3F 6F
GD

6
 3 F
2 B 2F 2F
A 2F B A 2F A B A B

(iii) 9F 9F 9F 9F

Series
9F 9F
I

A A 9
 3 F
3
6F 6F 9F 6F 6F
 9F  By similar process CAB =
+
–

B B 3F
9F 9F 9F 9F 9F
9F

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

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 Bagdi Potential & Capacity Bagdi
C C
If it is balanced then 1  3 hence C5 is removed and equivalent capacitance between A and B
C2 C4 D C1
D
C1 C2
(i) C1
(ii) (iii)
C2 C5 C2
E
C5 C5 A B
C5 C3 D
A B A B
C3 C4
C3 C4
C4
E E C1C2 C3 C4
C AB  
C1  C2 C3  C4
(4) Infinite chain of Capacitors : In the following figure equivalent capacitance between A and B

A
C1 C1 C1
C2   C  
CAB   1  4 1   1
C2 C2 C2  2   C2  
 

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

C2 C2 C2 C2 C0 C2   C  
C0   1  4 1   1
2   C2  
 
BA

B D
GD
I

Bagdi Potential & CapacityPage 14 of 14 Bagdi