Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Electric Potential Energy - 4 In a hydrogen atom, the electron and proton are
bound at a distance of about 0.53 Å. The potential energy
Level I of the system in eV is:
(Taking the zero of the potential energy at an infinite
1 What is the potential energy of two equal positive separation of the electron from the proton.)
point charges of 1 μC each held 1 m apart in air? 1. -23.1 eV
1. 9 × 10 J −3
2. 27.0 eV
2. 9 × 10 eV−3 3. -27.2 eV
3. 2 eV /m 4. 23.7 eV
4. zero
5 An elementary particle of mass m and charge +e is
2 Three charges Q, (+q) and (+q) are placed at the projected with velocity v at a much more massive particle
vertices of an equilateral triangle of side l as shown in the of charge Ze, where Z > 0. What is the closest possible
figure. If the net electrostatic energy of the system is zero, approach of the incident particle?
2

then Q is equal to: 1. Ze

2
2πε0 mv

2. Ze

4πε0 mv
2

3. Ze

2
8πε0 mv

4. Ze

8πε0 mv
2

6 Two charges q1 and q2 are placed 30 cm apart, as

shown in the figure. A third charge q3 is moved along the
arc of a circle of radius 40 cm from C to D. The change in
q3
the potential energy of the system is
4πε0
k, where k is:

q
1. (− 2
)

2. (–q)
3. (+q)
4. Zero

3 A charge q C is kept at 3 cm from a

–8
1 = 5 × 10

charge q = – 2 × 10 C . The potential energy of the

2
–8

system relative to the potential energy at infinite

separation is: 1. 8q2
1. 3 x 10 J −4

2. 8q1
2. –3 x 10 J −4

3. 9 x 10 J −6 3. 6q2
4. –9 x 10 J −6 4. 6q1
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

7 A charge of 10 e.s.u. is placed at a distance of 2 cm 9 Figure shows a ball having a charge q fixed at a point
from a charge of 40 e.s.u. and 4 cm from another charge of A . Two identical balls having charges +q and –q and mass
20 e.s.u. The potential energy of the charge 10 e.s.u. ‘m’ each are attached to the ends of a light rod of length
is: (in ergs) 2a. The rod is free to rotate about a fixed axis
1. 87.5 perpendicular to the plane of the paper and passing
2. 112.5 through the mid-point of the rod. The system is released
3. 150 from the situation as shown in the figure. The angular
4. 250 velocity of the rod when the rod becomes horizontal will
be:
Electric Potential Energy -
Level II
8 Four equal charges Q are placed at the four corners of
a square of each side ‘a’. Work done in removing a
charge – Q from its centre to infinity is:
1. 0
2
√2Q
2. 4πε0 a

2
√2Q
3. πε0 a
2
Q
4. 2πε0 a 1.
√2q

3
3π∈0 ma
q
2.
√3π∈ ma
3
0
q
3. 3
√6π∈ ma
0

√2q
4. 3
4π∈0 ma

10 Three charges -Q, q, and -2Q are placed along a line

as shown in the figure. The system of charges will have a
positive potential energy configuration when q is placed at
midpoint of line joining -Q and -2Q, if:

Q
1. q > 3
Q
2. q < 3

−Q
3. q > 3

−Q
4. q < 3
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Electric Potential - Level I 14 In a circuit, 5 C of charge is passed through a battery

in a given time. The plates of the battery are maintained at
11 If 50 joule of work must be done to move an electric a potential difference of 12 V. The work done by the
battery is:
charge of 2 C from a point where the potential is -10 volt
1. 120 J
to another point where the potential is V volt, then the
2. 60 J
value of V is:
3. 30 J
1. 5 V
4. 15 J
2. -15 V
3. +15 V
4. +10 V 15 Four point charges −Q, −q, 2q and 2Q are placed,
one at each corner of the square.The relation between Q
12 How much kinetic energy will be gained by an and q for which the potential at the centre of the square is
zero, is:
α − particle in going from a point at 70 V to another point
1. Q= -q
at 50 V?
1. 40 eV 2. Q= - 1

2. 40 keV 3. Q= q
3. 40 MeV 4. Q= 1

q
4. 0
16 A bullet of mass 2 g is having a charge of 2 µC.
13 Three charges, each +q, are placed at the corners of
Through what potential difference must it be accelerated,
an equilateral triangle ABC of sides BC, AC, and AB. D starting from rest, to acquire a speed of 10 m/s?
and E are the mid-points of BC and CA. The work done in 1. 50 kV
taking a charge Q from D to E is: 2. 5 V
3. 50 V
4. 5 kV

17 Ten electrons are equally spaced and fixed around a

circle of radius R. Relative to V = 0 at infinity, the
electrostatic potential V and the electric field E at the
centre C are:
→
1. V ≠ 0 and E ≠ 0
→
2. V ≠ 0 and E = 0
→
3. V = 0 and E = 0
→
3 qQ 4. V = 0 and E ≠ 0
1. 4π∈0 a

3 qQ
2. 8π∈0 a

qQ
3. 4π∈0 a

4. zero
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

18 Four electric charges +q, +q, -q and –q are placed at 21 In the figure the charge Q is at the centre of the circle.
the corners of a square of side 2L (see figure). The electric Work done by the conservative force is maximum when
potential at point A, mid-way between the two charges +q another charge is taken from point P to:
and +q is:

2q
1. 1

4πε0 L
(1 +
1
)
√5

2q
2. 1

4πε0 L
(1 −
1
)
√5

3. zero 1. K
4. 1 2q
(1 + √5)
2. L
4πε0 L
3. M
4. N
19 Eight equally charged tiny drops are combined to
form a big drop. If the potential on each drop is 10 V then 22 Two equal charges q of opposite sign separated by a
the potential of the big drop will be: distance 2a constitute an electric dipole of dipole moment
1. 40 V p. If P is a point at a distance r from the centre of the
2. 10 V dipole and the line joining the centre of the dipole to this
3. 30 V point makes an angle θ with the axis of the dipole, then the
4. 20 V potential at P is given by: (r >> 2a) (Where p = 2qa)
p cos θ
1. V =
20 The increasing order of the electrostatic potential 4πε0 r
2

2. V
p cos θ
energies for the given system of charges is given by: =
4πε0 r

p sin θ
3. V =
4πε0 r

p cos θ
4. V =
2πε0 r
2

23 A ball of mass 1 g and charge 10 moves from a

–7
C

1. a = d < b < c point A whose potential is 500 V to a point B whose

2. b = d < c < a potential is zero. If the speed of the ball at A is 0. 51 m/s,
3. b = c < a < d its speed at point B will be:
4. c < a < b < d 1. 0. 6 m/s
2. 6 m/s
3. 2 m/s
4. 4 m/s
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

24 The variation of electrostatic potential with radial 27 A thin spherical conducting shell of radius R has a
distance r from the centre of a positively charged metallic charge q. Another charge Q is placed at the centre of the
thin shell of radius R is given by the graph: shell. The electrostatic potential at a point p which is at a
distance from the centre of the shell is:
R

2
(q+Q)
1. 4πε0
2

R
1. 2. 2Q
2. 4πε0 R

2Q 2q
3. 4πε0 R
−
4πε0 R

4.
2Q q
+
4πε0 R 4πε0 R

3. 4. 28 A positive charge q and a negative charge -q are

placed at x= -a and x= +a respectively. The variation of V
along x-axis is represented by the graph:

25 A hollow conducting sphere is placed in an electric

1. 2.
field produced by a point charge placed at P as shown in
the figure. Let V , V , V be the potentials at points A,
A B C

B and C respectively. Then:

3. 4.

29 A conductor with a positive charge:

1. is always at +ve potential.
2. is always at zero potential.
1. V A < VB < VC 3. is always at negative potential.
2. V A > VB > VC 4. may be at +ve, zero or –ve potential.
3. V C > VB = VA

4. V A = VB = VC 30 When a proton at rest is accelerated by a potential

difference V, its speed is found to be v. The speed of an
Electric Potential - Level II α − particle when accelerated by the same potential

difference from rest will be:

26 Two metallic spheres of radii 1 cm and 3 cm are given 1. v
2. v

charges of -1×10 C and 5 × 10 C, respectively. If

−2 −2
√2

these are connected by a conducting wire, the final charge 3. v√2

on the bigger sphere is: 4. 2v
1. 2 × 10 C −2

2. 3 × 10 C −2

3. 4 × 10 C −2

4. 1 × 10 C −2
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

31 Three concentric spherical shells have radii a, b and c 35 The diagrams below show regions of equipotentials.
(a<b<c) and have surface charge densities σ, − σ and σ
respectively. If V , V and V denote the potential of
A B C

the three shells, and c=a+b, it can be concluded that:

1. V = V ≠ V
C A B

2. V = V ≠ V
C B A

3. V ≠ V ≠ V
C B A

4. V = V = V
C B A

32 A charge +q is fixed at each of the points

x = x0 , x = 3x0 , x = 5x0 ..... infinite, on the x-axis, and
a charge –q is fixed
at each of the points
x = 2x , x = 4x , x = 6x ,..... infinite. Here x
0 0 0 0 is a A positive charge is moved from A to B in each diagram.
positive constant. Take the electric potential at a point due Then:
. Then, the 1. the maximum work is required to move q in figure(iii).
Q
to a charge Q at a distance r from it to be 4πε0 r
2. in all four cases,the work done is the same.
potential at the origin due to the above system of charges
is: the minimum work is required to move q
3.
1. 0 in the figure(i).
2.
q
4. the maximum work is required to move q in figure(ii).
8πε0 x0 ln 2

3. ∞
q log 2 36 Angle between equipotential surface and electric lines
4. 4πε0 x0 of force is:
1. Zero
Equipotential Surfaces - Level 2. 180°
3. 90°
I 4. 45°

33 On rotating a point charge having a charge q around a 37 A cube of a metal is given a positive charge Q. For
charge Q in a circle of radius r, the work done will be: the above system, which of the following statements is
1. q × 2πr true?
2.
q×2πQ
1. Electric potential at the surface of the cube is zero.
3. Zero
r
2. Electric potential within the cube is zero.
Q
3. Electric field is normal to the surface of the cube.
4. 2ε0 r 4. Electric field varies within the cube.

34 The work done to move a charge along an 38 Consider a uniform electric field in the Z-direction.
equipotential from A to B: The potential is constant:
1. can not be defined as − ∫
B
E. dl.
a. in all space
B
A
b. for any x for a given z
2. must be defined as − ∫ E. dl. A c. for any y for a given z
3. is zero. d. on the x-y plane for a given z
4. can have a non-zero value. 1. (a, b, c)
2. (a, c, d)
3. (b, c, d)
4. (c, d)
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

39 Some equipotential surfaces are shown in figure. The 43 In a certain charge distribution, all points having zero
electric field at points A, B and C are respectively: potential can be joined by a circle S. Points inside S have
positive potential, and points outside S have a negative
potential. A positive charge, which is free to move, is
placed inside S. What is the correct statement about S:
1. It will remain in equilibrium
2. It can move inside S, but it cannot cross S
3. It must cross S at some time
1. 1 V/cm, 1
V/cm, 2 V/cm (all along +ve X-axis)
2
It may move, but will ultimately return to
2. 1 V/cm, 1
V/cm, 2 V/cm (all along -ve X-axis) 4.
2 its starting point
3.
1

2
V/cm, 1 V/cm, 2 V/cm (all along +ve X-axis)
4. 1

2
V/cm, 1 V/cm, 2 V/cm (all along -ve X-axis) Relation between Field &
40 The electric potential in a certain region of space is
Potential - Level I
given by V = –8x2 + 4x, where V is in volt and x is in 44 A, B and C are three points in a uniform electric field.
metre. In this region, the equipotential surface is: The electric potential is:
1. plane parallel to yz plane
2. plane parallel to x-axis
3. concentric circle centered at the origin
4. coaxial cylinder with axis parallel to y-axis

Equipotential Surfaces - Level

II 1. maximum at A
2. maximum at B
41 Equipotential surfaces: 3. maximum at C
are closer in regions of large electric fields compared 4. same at all the three points A,B and C
a.
to regions of lower electric fields.
45 The electric potential V at any point (x, y, z), all in
will be more crowded near the sharp edges
b. meters in space is given by V = 4x volt. The electric field
2

of a conductor.
at the point (1, 0, 2) in volt/meter, is:
will be more crowded near regions of large
c. 1. 8 along negative X-axis
charge densities.
2. 8 along positive X-axis
d. will always be equally spaced. 3. 16 along negative X-axis
Choose the correct statement(s): 4. 16 along positive X-axis
1. a, b and c
2. a, c and d 46 The electric potential at a point in free space due to a
3. b, c and d
4. c and d charge Q coulomb is Q x 1011 V. The electric field at that
point is:
42 Equipotential at a great distance from a collection of 1. 4πε Q × 10 V/m
22
0

charges whose total sum is not zero are approximately: 2. 12πε Q × 10 V/m
0
20

1. spheres 3. 4πε Q × 10 V/m

0
20

2. planes 4. 12πε Q × 10 V/m

0
22

3. paraboloids
4. ellipsoids
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

47 In a certain region of space with volume 0.2 m3, the 51 When a negative charge is released and moves in the
electric potential is found to be 5 V throughout. The electric field, it moves towards a position of:
magnitude of electric field in this region is: 1. lower electric potential and lower potential energy.
1. 0.5 N/C 2. lower electric potential and higher potential energy.
2. 1 N/C 3. higher electric potential and lower potential energy.
3. 5 N/C 4. higher electric potential and higher potential energy.
4. zero
52 The variation of potential with distance x from a fixed
48 The electric field intensity and the electric potential at point is shown in the figure. The electric field at x =13 m
a point are E and V respectively. Which of the following is is:
correct?
1. If E ≠ 0, V cannot be zero
2. If V ≠ 0, E cannot be zero
3. If V is constant and non-zero, E must be zero
4. If V=0, E must be zero

49 The figure shows some of the equipotential surfaces.

Magnitude and direction of the electric field is given by:

1. 7.5 volt/meter
2. –7.5 volt/meter
3. 5 volt/meter
1. 200 V/m, making an angle 120 with the x-axis
0
4. –5 volt/meter
2. 100 V/m, pointing towards the negative x-axis
3. 200 V/m, making an angle 60 with the x-axis
0

Relation between Field &

4. 100 V/m, making an angle 30 with the x-axis
0

Potential - Level II
50 In a region of constant potential:
a. the electric field is uniform 53 Work done to carry a negatively charged body in
b. the electric field is zero direction of the electric field:
(assuming no other force is acting on the body)
c. there can be no charge inside the region
1. is always negative.
the electric field shall necessarily change if a charge is 2. maybe negative.
d.
placed outside the region 3. is always positive.
Choose the correct statement(s): 4. maybe zero.
1. b and c
2. a and c
3. b and d
4. c and d
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

54 Consider two points 1 and 2 in a region outside a 58 An electric dipole of moment →

p is lying along a
charged sphere. Two points are not very far away from the →
uniform electric field E . The work done in rotating the
sphere. If E and V represent the electric field vector and
dipole by 90 ° is:
the electric potential, which of the following is not
possible? 1. √2pE
∣→ ∣ ∣→ ∣
2. 2E

1. ∣E ∣ = ∣E 2 ∣, V 1 = V 2
2

∣
1
∣ ∣ ∣ 3. 2pE
→ → 4. pE
2. E 1 ≠ E 2, V1 ≠ V2
→ →
3. E 1 ≠ E 2, V1 = V2 59 An electric dipole has the magnitude of its charges as
∣→ ∣ ∣→ ∣
4. ∣E 1 ∣ = ∣E 2 ∣, V 1 ≠ V 2
q and its dipole moment is p. It is placed in a uniform
∣ ∣ ∣ ∣ electric field E. If its dipole moment is along the direction
of the field, the force on it and its potential energy are
55 An electric field → E = 10x i exists in a certain region
ˆ respectively:
of space. Then the potential difference V = Vo– VA, where 1. q.E and p.E
Vo is the potential at the origin and VA is the potential at 2. zero and minimum
3. q.E and maximum
x = 2 m is: 4. 2q.E and minimum
1. 10 V
2. –20 V 60 A short electric dipole has a dipole moment of
3. +20 V
C-m. The electric potential due to the dipole at
−9

4. –10 V 16 × 10

a point at a distance of 0.6 m from the centre of the dipole

56 The potential field of an electric field E =(yˆi + xˆj) situated on a line making an angle of 60° with the dipole
axis is:
is: 1 9 2 2
( = 9 × 10 N-m /C )
1. V = −(x + y)+ constant 4πε0

2. V = constant 1. 200 V
3. V = −(x + y )+ constant
2 2 2. 400 V
4. V = -xy + constant 3. zero
4. 50 V
Energy of Dipole in an Energy of Dipole in an
External Field - Level I External Field - Level II
57 An electric dipole of moment p is placed in an electric An electric dipole with dipole moment
61
field of intensity E. The dipole acquires a position such
→
that the axis of the dipole makes an angle θ with the ˆ ˆ
p =(3 i + 4 j)×10
−30
C − m is placed in an electric
direction of the field. Assuming that the potential energy →
of the dipole to be zero when θ = 90°, the torque and the field E = 4000ˆi (N /C). An external agent turns the
potential energy of the dipole will respectively be: dipole slowly until its electric dipole moment becomes
1. pE sin θ, −pE cos θ ˆ ˆ
(−4 i + 3 j)×10
−30
C − m . The work done by the
2. pE sin θ, −2pE cos θ
3. pE sin θ, 2pE cos θ external agent is equal to:
4. pE cos θ, −pE sin θ 1. 4 × 10–28 J
2. –4 × 10–28 J
3. 2.8 × 10–26 J
4. –2.8 × 10–26 J
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Electrostatic Shielding - Level Electrostatic Shielding - Level

I II
62 Which of the following statements is correct 65 Two concentric conducting spherical shells carry
regarding electrostatics of conductors? charge Q each. The inner shell is earthed. The charge that
The interior of the conductor with no cavity can have flows into the earth is:
1.
no excess charge in the static situation.
Electrostatic potential is constant throughout the
2.
volume of the conductor.
Electrostatic potential has the same value inside as that
3.
on its surface.
4. All of these.

63 A conducting sphere of radius R is given a charge Q.

The electric potential and field at the centre of the sphere
respectively are:
1. zero and Q/4πεoR2
2. Q/4πεoR and zero 1. Q
3Q

3. Q/4πεoR and Q/4πεoR2 2. 2

−Q

4. Both are zero 3. 2

−3Q
4.
64 Two concentric metallic spherical shells A and B of 2

radii a and b respectively (b>a) are arranged such that

outer shell is earthed and inner shell is charged to Q. Capacitance - Level I
Charge on the outer surface of outer shell will be:
1. −
Qa 66 What is the area of the plates of a 2 F parallel plate
b
capacitor, given that the separation between the plates is
2. Q(1 −
a
)
b 0.5 cm?
3. -Q
1. 1100 km2
4. zero
2. 1130 km2
3. 1110 km2
4. 1105 km2

67 The electric potential difference between two parallel

plates is 2000 V. If the plates are separated by 2 mm, what
is the magnitude of the electrostatic force on a charge of
C located midway between the plates?
−6
4 × 10

1. 4 N
2. 6 N
3. 8 N
4. 1. 5 × 10 N −6
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

68 A parallel plate air capacitor is charged to potential Capacitance - Level II

difference V. After disconnecting the battery, the distance
between the plates of the capacitor is increased using an 71 A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery as
insulating handle. As a result the potential difference
shown in the figure. Consider two situations.
between the plates:
1. decreases.
2. increases.
3. becomes zero.
4. does not change.

69 A parallel plate air capacitor has a capacity of C, the

distance of separation between plates is d and potential
difference V is applied between the plates. The force of
attraction between the plates of the parallel plate air
capacitor is:
2 2

1. C

2d
V

2. CV
2
A. Key K is kept closed and plates of capacitors are
2d
2
moved apart using the insulating handle.
3. CV

d
B. Key K is opened and plates of capacitors are moved
2 2
apart using the insulating handle.
4.
C V

2d
2
Choose the correct option(s):
a. In A, Q remains the same but C changes.
70 In the given figure if V = 4 v olt, each plate of the b. In B, V remains the same but C changes.
capacitor has a surface area of 10 m and the plates are c. In A, V remains the same and hence Q changes.
−2 2

m apart, then the number of excess electrons

−3
0. 1 × 10
d. In B, Q remains the same and hence V changes.
on the negative plate is:
1. a and b
2. a and d
3. b and c
4. c and d

72 The electrostatic force between the metal plates of an

isolated parallel plate capacitor C having a charge Q and
area A is:
1. independent of the distance between the plates.
1. 5. 15 × 10 9

2. linearly proportional to the distance between the plates.

2. 2. 21 × 10 10

3. 3. 33 × 10 proportional to the square root of the distance

9
3.
between the plates.
4. 2. 21 × 10 9

inversely proportional to the distance

4.
between the plates.
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Combination of Capacitors - 75 Three capacitors each of capacity 4 µF are to be

connected in such a way that the effective capacitance is
Level I 6 µF. This can be done by:
1. connecting all of them in series.
73 The effective capacity of the network between 2. connecting them in parallel.
terminals A and B is: 3. connecting two in series and one in parallel.
4. connecting two in parallel and one in series.

76 Three capacitors of capacitances 3 μF, 9 μF and

18 μF are connected once in series and another time in
parallel. The ratio of equivalent capacitance in the two
Cs
cases ( Cp
) will be:
1. 1 : 15
1. 6 µF 2. 15 : 1
2. 20 µF 3. 1 : 1
3. 3 µF 4. 1 : 3
4. 10 µF
77 Two capacitors of capacitance 6 μF and 3 μF are
74 Three uncharged capacitors of capacities C 1, C2 and connected in series with battery of 30 V. The charge on
3 μF capacitor at steady state is:
C3 are connected to one another as shown in the figure.

1. 3 μC
2. 1. 5 μC
3. 60 μC
4. 900 μC

If points A, B, and D are at potential V 1, V2 and V , then

3

the potential at O will be:

V1 C1 +V2 C2 +V3 C3
1. C1 +C2 +C3

V1 +V2 +V3
2. C1 +C2 +C3

V1 ( V2 +V3 )
3. C1 ( C2 +C3 )

V1 V2 V3
4. C1 C2 C3
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

78 The equivalent capacitance across A and B in the 81 The equivalent capacitance between points a and b in
given figure is: the network shown below is:

1. C
3

2. C
3. C
2

3 1. 5C
4. C
5
2. 4C
3
3. 3C
79 Three capacitors each of capacitance C and of 4. 2C
breakdown voltage V are joined in series. The capacitance
82 A capacitor of capacity C1 charged up to V volt and
and breakdown voltage of the combination will be:
then connected to an uncharged capacitor C2. Then final
1. ,
C V

3 3
P.D. across each will be:
2. 3C , V
C2 V
3 1.
3. , 3V
C C1 +C2

C1 V
3
2.
4. 3C , 3V C1 +C2

C2
3. (1 + )
80 The equivalent capacitance of the following C1

C2

arrangement is: 4. (1 − )V C1

1. 18 μF
2. 9 μF
3. 6 μF
4. 12 μF
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

83 A network of four capacitors of capacity equal to 85 In the connections shown in the adjoining figure, the
C1 = C, C2 = 2C, C3 = 3C and C4 = 4C are connected equivalent capacity between A and B will be:
in a battery as shown in the figure. The ratio of the charges
on C2 and C4 is:

1. 10.8 μF
2. 69 μF
3. 15 μF
4. 10 μF
1. 22

3 86 Four capacitors each of capacity 3 μF are connected

2.
3

22 as shown in the adjoining figure. The ratio of equivalent

3. 7
capacitance between A and B and between A and C will
4
be:
4. 4

84 The equivalent capacitance between A and B is:

1. 2 μF
2. 3 μF
3. 5 μF 1. 4: 3
4. 0.5 μF 2. 3: 4
3. 2: 3
4. 3: 2
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

87 The equivalent capacitance between the points A and 89 Two capacitors of capacity 2 μF and 3 μF are
B in the given network is: charged to the same potential difference of 6 V. Now they
are connected with opposite polarity as shown. After
closing switches S and S , their final potential difference
1 2

becomes:

1. 25 μF
2. 16 μF
3. 21 μF
4. 12 μF
1. Zero
88 Five identical plates each of area A are joined as 2. 4
V
shown in the figure. The distance between the plates is d. 3. 3 V
3

The plates are connected to a potential difference of

V volts. The charge on plates 1 and 4 will be: 4. V
6

Combination of Capacitors -
Level II
90 In the circuit diagram shown all the capacitors are
in μF . The equivalent capacitance between points, A & B
is (in μF):

ε0 AV 2ε0 AV
1. d
,
d
ε0 AV 2ε0 AV
2. d
,
d
ε0 AV −2ε0 AV
3. d
,
d

4.
−ε0 AV
,
−2ε0 AV
1. 14/5
d d
2. 7.5
3. 3/7
4. None of these

91 How many capacitors each of 8 μF and 250 V are

required to form a composite capacitor of 16 μF and
1 kV?
1. 16
2. 8
3. 64
4. 32
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

92 Three capacitors A, B and C are connected in a circuit 95 A capacitor of 1 µF withstands a maximum voltage
as shown in Fig. What is the charge in μ C on the of 6 kilovolts while another capacitor of 2 µF withstands a
capacitor B: maximum voltage of 4 kilovolts. If the two capacitors are
connected in series, the system will withstand a maximum
voltage of:
1. 2 kV
2. 4 kV
3. 6 kV
4. 9 kV

96 In the circuit shown in the figure initially key K1 is

1. 1/3 closed and key K2 is open. Then K1 is opened and K2 is
2. 2/3 closed (order is important).
3. 1 [Take Q1 and Q2 as charges on C1 and C2 and V1 and
4. 4/3 V2 as voltage respectively.]

93 In the given circuit if point C is connected to the earth

and a potential of +2000 V is given to the point A, the
potential at B is:

Then,
a. charge on C gets redistributed such that V1 = V2
b. charge on C gets redistributed such that Q1 = Q2
charge on C gets redistributed such
c. that C V + C V = C E
1 1 2 2 1
1. 1500 V d. charge on C gets redistributed such that Q1+ Q2 = Q
2. 1000 V Choose the correct statement(s)
3. 500 V 1. a and c
4. 400 V 2. a and d
3. b and c
94 A circuit has section AB as shown in figure. The emf 4. c and d
of the cell is 10 V. The potential difference VAB= 5 V.
The charge on the capacitor C1 is: D
ielectrics in apacitors C -
Level I
97 A parallel plate condenser has a capacitance 50 μF in
air and 110 μF when immersed in an oil. The dielectric
constant ‘k’ of the oil is:
1. 10 μC 1. 0.45
2. 5 μC 2. 0.55
3. 15 μC 3. 1.10
4. Can't be determine 4. 2.20
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

98 Two parallel metal plates having charges +Q and –Q, 101 A parallel plate capacitor with cross-sectional area A
face each other at a certain distance between them. If the and separation d has air between the plates. An insulating
plates are now dipped in the kerosene oil tank, the electric slab of the same area but the thickness of d/2 is inserted
field between the plates will: between the plates as shown in the figure having a
1. increase. dielectric constant, K=4. The ratio of new capacitance to
2. decrease. its original capacitance will be:
3. remain the same.
4. become zero.

99 The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is C. If a

dielectric slab of thickness equal to one-fourth of the plate
separation and dielectric constant K is inserted between
the plates, then the new capacitance will be:
1. KC

2 ( K+1 )

2. 2KC

K+1
1. 2: 1
3. 5KC

4K+1 2. 8: 5
4. 4KC
3. 6: 5
3K+1
4. 4: 1
100 Two thin dielectric slabs of dielectric constants
102 A parallel plate capacitor is made of two dielectric
K1&K2 (K < K ) are inserted between plates of a
1 2
blocks in series. One of the blocks has thickness d1 and
parallel capacitor, as shown in the figure. The variation of
dielectric constant K1 and the other has thickness d2 and
electric field E between the plates with distance d as
measured from plate P is correctly shown by: dielectric constant K2, as shown in the figure. This
arrangement can be thought of as a dielectric slab of
thickness d = d1 + d2 and effective dielectric constant K.
K is:

1. 2.

K1 d +K2 d
1. 1 2

d +d1
1

3. 4. 2.
K1 d +K2 d
1 2

K +K2
1

K1 K ( d +d2 )

3.
2 1

K1 d +K2 d
2 1

2 K K
4. 1 2

K +K2
1
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

103 A parallel plate capacitor has capacitance C. If it is 106 A parallel plate condenser is filled with two
equally filled with parallel layers of materials of dielectric dielectrics as shown. Area of each plate is A metre2 and
constants K1 and K2, its capacity becomes C1. The ratio of the separation is t metre. The dielectric constants are k
1
C1 to C is: and k2 respectively. Its capacitance in farad will be:
1. K1 + K2
2.
K1 K2

K1 −K2

3.
K1 +K2

K1 K2

4.
2K1 K2

K1 +K2

104 The dielectric constant of pure water is 81. Its

permittivity will be: (in MKS units)
1. 1. 02 × 10 −13

2. 8. 86 × 10 −12

3. 7. 17 × 10 −10

4. 7. 8 × 10 −10

105 The insulation property of air breaks down at 1.

ε0 A
(k1 + k2 )
t
E = 3 × 10 V/m. The maximum charge that can be
6

ε0 A k1 +k2

given to a sphere of diameter 5 m is approximately: 2. t

.
2

1. 2 × 10 C −5

3.
2ε0 A
(k1 + k2 )
2. 2 × 10 C −4 t

4.
ε0 A k1 −k2

3. 2 × 10 C −3
t
.
2

4. 3 × 10 C −3

Dielectrics in Capacitors -
Level II
107 The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with air
as medium is 6 μF. With the introduction of a dielectric
medium, the capacitance becomes 30 μF. The permittivity
of the medium is: ( ε = 8. 85 × 10 o
C N m
−12 2 −1 −2 )

1. 1. 77 × 10 C N m
−12 2 −1 −2

2. 0. 44 × 10 C N m
−10 2 −1 −2

3. 5. 00 C N m 2 −1 −2

4. 0. 44 × 10 C N m
−13 2 −1 −2

108 If the dielectric constant and dielectric strength be

denoted by k and x respectively, then a material suitable
for use as a dielectric in a capacitor must have:
1. high k and high x.
2. high k and low x.
3. low k and low x.
4. low k and high x.
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

109 Two identical parallel plate capacitors are placed in 112 A parallel plate condenser has a uniform
series and connected to a constant voltage source of electric field E(V/m) in the space between the plates. If the
V0 volt. If one of the capacitors is completely immersed in distance between the plates is d(m) and area of each plate
a liquid with dielectric constant K, the potential difference is A(m ), the energy (joule) stored in the condenser is:
2

between the plates of the other capacitor will change to: 1. ε E 1

0
2

1.
K+ 1
V
K
0 2. ε EAd 0

2. K
V0 3. ε E Ad1

2
0
2

K+ 1

3.
K+ 1
V0
4. E 2
Ad /ε0
2K

4.
2K

K+ 1
V0
113 The energy and capacity of a charged parallel plate
capacitor are E and C respectively. If a dielectric slab of
110 An air capacitor of capacity C = 10 μF is E = 6 is inserted in it, then the energy and capacity
r

connected to a constant voltage battery of 12 V. Now the become:

space between the plates is filled with a liquid of dielectric (Assuming the charge on plates remains constant)
constant 5. The charge that flows now from battery to the 1. 6E, 6C
capacitor is: 2. E, C
1. 120 μC 3. , 6C E

2. 699 μC
6

4. E, 6C
3. 480 μC
4. 24 μC
114 Surface charge density on the positive plate of a
charged parallel plate capacitor is σ. Energy density in the
Energy stored in Capacitor - electric field of the capacitor is:
Level I
2

1. σ

ε0
2

2. σ

111 Two condensers, one of capacity C and the other of 2ε0

3. σ

capacity C/2 are connected to a V volt battery, as shown. ε0

4. 2σ 2
ε0

115 Five equal capacitors connected in series have a

resultant capacitance of 4 μF . The total energy stored in
these when these are connected in parallel and charged to
400 V is:
1. 1 J
2. 8 J
3. 16 J
4. 4 J

The energy stored in the capacitors when both the

condensers are fully charged, will be:
1. 2CV 2

2. CV1

4
2

3. 3

4
CV
2

4. 1

2
CV
2
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

116 A series combination of n1 capacitors, each of value 120 In the circuit shown in figure, energy stored in 6 μF
C1, is charged by a source of potential difference 4 V. capacitor will be:
When another parallel combination of n2 capacitors, each
of value C2, is charged by a source of potential difference
V, it has the same (total) energy stored in it as the first
combination has. The value of C2 in terms of C1 is:
1.
2C1

n1 n2

2. 16
n2

n1
C1
n2
3. 2 n1
C1
16C1
4. n1 n2

117 A capacitor is charged by a battery. The battery is

removed and another identical uncharged capacitor is 1. 48 × 10
−6
J

connected in parallel. The total electrostatic energy of the 2. 32 × 10

−6
J

resulting system: 3. 96 × 10
−6
J

1. increases by a factor of 4. 4. 24 × 10
−6
J

2. decreases by a factor of 2.
3. remains the same. 121 A capacitor of 2 μF is charged as shown in the
4. increases by a factor of 2. figure. When the switch S is turned to position 2, the
percentage of its stored energy dissipated is:
118 A parallel plate air capacitor of capacitance C is
connected to a cell of emf V and then disconnected from
it. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K, which can just
fill the air gap of the capacitor, is now inserted in it. Which
of the following is incorrect?
The potential difference between the plates decreases K
1.
times
2. The energy stored in the capacitor decreases K times
1

3. The change in energy stored is 1

2
CV
2(
k
−1)

4. The charge on the capacitor is not conserved

1. 20%
119 Two condensers of capacity 0.3 μF and 0.6 μF are 2. 75%
connected in series. The combination is connected across a 3. 80%
potential of 6 V. The ratio of energies stored by the 4. 0%
condensers will be:
1. 1

2. 2
3. 1

4. 4
 Chapter 2 - Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Energy stored in Capacitor -

Level II
122 A metallic sphere of capacitance C1 , charged to
electric potential V is connected by a metal wire to
1

another metallic sphere of capacitance C charged to 2

electric potential V . The amount of heat produced in

2

connecting the wire during the process is:

1.
C1 C2 2
(V + V ) 1 2
2 ( C1 +C2 )

2.
C1 C2 2
(V1 − V2 )
2(C1 +C2 )

3.
C1 C2 2
(V1 − V2 )
C1 +C2

4. zero

123 Maximum charge stored on a metal sphere of radius

15 cm may be 7. 5 μC. The potential energy of the sphere
in this case is:
1. 9.67 J
2. 0.25 J
3. 3.25 J
4. 1.69 J

124 A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is

connected to a battery and is charged to a potential
difference V. Another capacitor of capacitance 2C is
connected to another battery and is charged to potential
difference 2V. The charging batteries are now
disconnected and the capacitors are connected in parallel
to each other in such a way that the positive terminal of
one is connected to the negative terminal of the other. The
final energy of the configuration is?
1. Zero
2

2. 25CV

6
2

3.
3CV

2
2

4. 9CV

125 100 capacitors each having a capacity of 10 μF are

connected in parallel and are charged by a potential
difference of 100 kV. The energy stored in the capacitors
and the cost of charging them, if electrical energy costs
108 paise per kWh, will be?
1. 107 joule and 300 paise
2. 5 × 106 joule and 300 paise
3. 5 × 106 joule and 150 paise
4. 107 joule and 150 paise