Capacitor and Capacitance

Introduction
In Study Session 1, we studied the branch of science that deals with the electrical phenomena
that arises from stationary electric charges. In this Study Session, our attention is on the device
that stores these electric charges. A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy
temporarily in an electric field. In a diagram, the symbol

represents a capacitor. Basically, a capacitor is an arrangement of any two conductors separated

by an insulator.

Learning Outcomes for Study Session 2

When you have studied this session, you should be able to:
2.1 Define and use correctly all of the key words printed in bold.
2.2 Explain capacitance.
2.3 Calculate equivalent capacitance.
2.4 Calculate the energy stored in a capacitor.

2.1 Capacitance
Capacitors consist of two charged metal plates separated by an insulator. The insulator is called
the dielectric. If a voltage V is applied across the metal plates of a capacitor as in Figure 2.1,
the two plates become charged. One of the plates will acquire a negative charge (-Q), and the
other will acquire an equal amount of positive charge (+Q).

Figure 2.1: Potential difference applied across a capacitor

It is found that the charge on each capacitor is proportional to the potential difference between
the conductors, i.e.
QαV
 Q  CV 2.1
where C, the constant of proportionality, is called the capacitance of the capacitor. The
capacitance of a capacitor is its ability to store charge. The unit of capacitance is coulomb per
volt and this unit is called a farad (F). Some capacitors have capacitance in the range of 1pF (1
picofarad = 10-12 F) to 103μF (1 microfarad = 10-6 F).
The value of capacitance C depends on the
i. size of the conductors
ii. shape of the conductors
iii. relative position of the two conductors and
iv. dielectric that separates them.

2.2 Types of Capacitors

2.2.1 Parallel Plate Capacitor
A parallel plate capacitor consists of two parallel metallic plates (a and b) of equal area A
separated by a distance d. When battery terminals of potential difference V are connected to
the plates, one plate acquires a negative (-Q) charge while the other acquires an equal amount
of positive (+Q) charge, Figure 2.2.
The electric field strength E between the plates, using Gauss’s law, is given by

 Q 
E  
A A 

where Φ is electric flux, σ is surface charge density, ε is permittivity of the medium between
the plates.
We have seen in Study Session 1 that E is numerically equal to the potential gradient V/d.

V Q
 
d oA
which implies

Q o A

V d
 A
C  o 2.2
d
 Figure 2.2: Parallel Plate capacitor

Equation 2.2 holds only for parallel plate capacitors and it shows that the capacitance depends
upon the geometry of the plates. It also shows that the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
may be increased by
i. increasing the area of the plates, and
ii. decreasing the distance d between the plates.

2.2.2 Cylindrical Capacitor

A cylindrical capacitor consists of an inner conductor that is a cylinder of radius Rb and coaxial
outer conductor with inner radius Ra (Figure 2.3a). The electric field lines of the cylindrical
capacitor are shown in Figure 2.3b. Both cylinders have length l. The length l is much greater
than their separation (i.e. l >> Ra - Rb), so we can neglect end effects. The capacitor is charged
when connected to a battery, with one cylinder having a charge +Q (say, the inner one) and the
other one a charge –Q.
The electric field outside a long wire has a magnitude,
 Q
E  , where R is the distance from the axis and λ is the charge per unit length,
2 o R 2 o lR
Q/l.

Figure 2.3: Cylindrical Capacitor

We use the result of Equation 1.13, and substitute the expression for E,
 𝑉 = 𝑉 − 𝑉 = − ∫ 𝐄⃗ ∙ 𝑑𝒍⃗ = − ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑙cos𝜃 = − ∫ 𝐸(−𝑑𝑅)cos180

𝑉=− πε
∫ =− πε
ln = πε
ln .

Note that we have written the line integral from the outer cylinder to the inner one (so V > 0)
along a radial line. 𝐄⃗ points outward in Figure 2.3b, but 𝑑𝒍⃗ points inward for our chosen
direction of integration; the angle between 𝐄⃗ and 𝑑𝒍⃗ is 180° and cos 180° = -1. dl = - dR because
dR increases outward.
The capacitance C of the cylindrical capacitor is given as
Q 2 o l
C   2.3
Vb  Va lnRa Rb 
Equation 2.3 shows that the capacitance depends on the geometric factors Ra, Rb and l. It also
shows that as Ra → Rb or as Rb/Ra → 1, ln(Rb/Ra) → 0 hence, C → ∞.

In-Text Questions
2.1 The dimensions of plates of a parallel plate capacitor are 8 cm by 8 cm, and they are
separated by a distance of 2 mm. Calculate the capacitance if air is between the plates.
Calculate also the capacitance if a glass of dielectric constant 5 fills the space between the
plates.
Solution
Area of plate, A  0.08  0.08m 2  6.4  10 3 m 2
Capacitance if air is between the plates,
o A 8.85  10 12  6.4  10 3
C  F  28.3 pF
d 2  10 3
Capacitance if glass is between the plates,
A K o A 5  8.85  10 12  6.4  10 3
C   F  141.6 pF
d d 2  10 3

2.3 Capacitors in Series and in Parallel

In electric circuit, capacitors can be connected together in various ways. The two common
ways are series and parallel connections. An electric circuit is a closed path of wires connecting
capacitors, resistors, inductors and/or other devices, in which charge can flow and which
includes a source of voltage.
In Series. Figure 2.4 shows three capacitors in series, connected end to end and to a battery of
voltage Vab. From the battery, a charge +Q flows to one plate of C1, and –Q flows to one plate
of C3. The net charge in the region A and B must still be zero since the region was originally
neutral. Consequently, the +Q on the left plate of C1 attracts a charge of –Q on the opposite
plate, and this will cause a +Q to be on the left plate of C2. The +Q on the left plate of C2
attracts a charge of –Q on the opposite plate. The same explanations apply to the other
capacitor.
The charge on each capacitor is the same and it is given by
Q  C eq V
where Ceq is the equivalent capacitance of the three capacitors. It is the capacitance of a single
capacitor that could replace the three capacitors in series without affecting the value of Q and
V.
If the potential differences on the capacitors are V1, V2 and V3, hence the total potential
difference applied across the capacitors, V is
V  V1  V2  V3 .
For each capacitor Q = C1V1, Q = C2V2, and Q = C3V3. Substitute for V, V1, V2, and V3 into the
last equation, we get
Q Q Q Q 1 1 1 
    Q   
Ceq C1 C2 C3  C1 C2 C3 
or
1 1 1 1
   2.4
C eq C1 C 2 C 3
Note that for capacitors connected in series, Ceq is smaller than the smallest capacitance.

Figure 2.4: Capacitors in series

In parallel. Figure 2.5 shows three capacitors in parallel.

Figure 2.5: Capacitors in parallel

The same voltage V = Vab exists across each of the capacitors in parallel. Each capacitor plate
acquires a charge given by Q1 = C1V, Q2 = C2V, and Q3 = C3V. The total charge Q from the
battery is equal to the sum of charges on each capacitor. That is,
 Q  Q1  Q2  Q3  C1V  C2V  C3V .
The single capacitor that will hold the same charge Q and voltage V will have capacitance Ceq,
given as
Q  C eq V .

Hence,
C eq V  C 1V  C 2V  C 3V
or
C eq  C 1  C 2  C 3 2.5

Note that for capacitors connected in parallel, Ceq is greater than the largest capacitance.

In-Text Questions
2.2 A 1F and a 2F capacitor are connected in series across a 1000volt supply line. Find
the charge on each capacitor and the voltage across each.
Solution
Total capacitance, Ceq is given as
1 1 1
 
C eq C1 C 2
1 1 1 2 1 3
   
C eq 1 2 2 2
2
 C eq  F
3
2
Q  CeqV   106  1000 C  6.67  104 C
3
Q 6.67  10 4
V1   V  667V
C1 1  10 6
Q 6.67  10 4
V2   V  333V
C2 2  10 6
Note that V1 + V2 = the total potential difference across the two capacitors in series.

2.4 Energy Stored in Capacitors

A charged capacitor stores electrical energy. The energy stored in a capacitor is equal to the
work done in charging the capacitor. The work done to increase the charge on an uncharged
capacitor to Q when a potential difference V is across the capacitor is
𝑊 = ∫ 𝑉𝑑𝑞 = ∫ 𝑞𝑑𝑞 = .

Hence the energy stored in a capacitor is given as

1 Q2
U 2.6
2 C
Using the expression Q = CV, Equation 2.6 may be expressed as
The energy density, defined as energy per unit volume, of the parallel plate capacitor is
U 1
u  oE2 2.7
Ad 2
In general, the energy density in any electric field is proportional to the square of the magnitude
of the electric field at a given point. The unit of energy density is Jm -3.

Worked Examples:
1.

2.
Summary of Study Session 2
Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 2
Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved
its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary
and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your
answers with the solutions to the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.
SAQ 2.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.1 and 2.2)
Which of the following are/or is true of the capacitance C of a parallel plate capacitor?
(i) C is proportional to the area of the plate,
(ii) C is proportional to the distance between the plates.
(iii) C is proportional to the permittivity of the medium between the plates
A. i & ii
B. i & iii
C. ii & iii
D. All of the above
SAQ 2.2 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.1 and 2.2)
A parallel plate air capacitor is made of 0.2 m square tin plates and 1 cm apart. It is connected
to a 50 V battery. What is the charge on each plate?
SAQ 2.3 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.1 and 2.2)
The plates of a parallel-plate capacitor are 2 mm apart and 5 m2 in area. The plates are in
vacuum. A potential difference of 2000volts is applied across the capacitor. Calculate the
magnitude of the electric field between the plates.
SAQ 2.4 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.1, 2.2 and 2.4)
A capacitor of capacitance C is fully charged by a 200 V battery. It is then discharged through
a small coil of resistance wire embedded in a thermally insulated block of specific heat capacity
2.5 x 102 Jkg-1K-1 and of mass 0.1 kg. If the temperature of the block rises by 0.4 K, what is the
value of C?
SAQ 2.5 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.1 and 2.2)
A parallel plate air capacitor is made using two plates 0.2 m2 spaced 1 cm apart. It is connected
to a 50 V battery. What is the charge on each plate?

Additional Questions:

• 12.1. A 1F and a 2F capacitor are connected in series across a 1000 volt supply
line. Find the charge on each capacitor and the voltage across each.
• 12.2. Two parallel plates have equal and opposite charges. When the space between
the plates is evacuated, the electric field is 1.2 x 105 V/m. However, the electric field
within the dielectric is 2 x 105 V/m. Calculate the induced charge density on the surface
of the dielectric.
• 12.3. A parallel plate air capacitor is made of 0.2 m square tin plates and 1 cm apart.
It is connected to a 50 V battery. What is the charge on each plate?
• 12.4. The plates of a parallel-plate capacitor are 2 mm apart and 5 m 2 in area. The
plates are in vacuum. A potential difference of 2000 volts is applied across the
capacitor. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field between the plates.
• 12.5. A capacitor of capacitance C is fully charged by a 200 V battery. It is then
discharged through a small coil of resistance wire embedded in a thermally insulated
block of specific heat capacity 2.5 x 102 Jkg-1K-1 and of mass 0.1 kg. If the temperature
of the block rises by 0.4 K, what is the value of C?
• 12.6. A parallel plate air capacitor is made using two plates 0.2 m2 spaced 1 cm apart.
It is connected to a 50 V battery. What is the charge on each plate?

References/Further Reading
 Adewale O. Adekola (2014). Physics for University Beginners Volume 2. Lagos:
LAJOM CONSULTING.
 Nelkon, M., & Parker, P. (1995). Advanced Level Physics. New Delhi, India: CBS
Publishers & Distributors.