SCQ

1. The shown circuit comprises of two identical capacitors of capacitance C Farad and resistor of
resistance R . The key K is initially open. At time t = 0 the charge on left capacitor is Q0
Coloumbs and the right capacitor is uncharged as shown. The key K is closed at time t = 0. Then
the magnitude of current in amperes through the resistor at any later time t (in sec.) is :
R
+Q0 (initially
-Q0 C C
uncharged)

K
t
Q0 RC Q 2t Q0 RC 2t
Q0 RC t
(A) e (B*) 0 e RC (C) e (D) e
RC RC 2RC 2RC
Sol. At any time t, the charge on right capacitor be q. Applying Kirchoff's law
Q0  q q Q  2q dq
i R  0  integrating and evaluating the constant we get
C C 2CR dt

i
R
Q0-q q
C C

2t
Q0 
Hence q = (1  e 2RC )
2
2t
dq Q0  2RC
or i  e
dt RC
2. Charge q versus t graph for a capacitor, initally uncharged is charged with a battery of emf 5V as
shown in figure. The resistance R of the circuit is

(A) 2M (B) 6M (C) 3M (D*) 1.5M

Sol. Time constant = t = 6 sec  RC = 6 ....... (i) Qmax = CE = 20 ....... (ii) C × 5 = 20c
6
 C = 4F Since RC = 6  = R = = 1.5 M
4  10 –6
3. Calculate the energy stored in the capacitor of capacitance 2 F. The voltmeter 'V' gives a
reading of 15 V and the ammeter A reads 15 mA Resistance of voltmeter is unknown and
ammeter is 999 .

(A) 5 J (B) 10  J (C) 0.5 J (D*) zero (E) 2 J

4. Two capacitors C1 = 1F and C2 = 3F are connected in parallel across a voltage supply. At an
instant when the applied voltage is increased positively, the two capacitor together draw a current
of 4A. Then instantaneous rate of increase of potential across them is
7
(1) 103 V/sec (2*) 106 V/sec (3) 109 v/sec (4) 10 V/sec (5) 10 V/sec
Sol. i1 = inst. current drawn by 1F i2 = inst. current drawn by 3F
As i = i1 + i2 = 4 = dQ/dt = (C1 + C2) dv/dt But i1 = C1 dv/dt and i2 = C2 dv/dt

iC1 4 1 i
 i1 =   1A & i2 = 3A Also dv/dt = = 106 V/sec
C1  C2 4 C1  C2

5. A fresh dry cell of 1.5 volt and two resistors of 10 K each are connected in series. An analog
voltmeter measures a voltage of 0.5 volt across each of the resistors. A 100  F capacitor is fully
charged using the same source. The same voltmeter is now used to measure the voltage across
it. The initial value of the current and the time in which the voltmeter reading falls to 0.5 volt are
respectively.
(a) 60 A,11 s (b) 120  A,15 s (c) 150  A,15 s (d*) 150  A,1.1 s

Sol. (d)
From the given conditions, resistance of analog voltmeter = 10 k
1.5 1500 –t/RC –t/10
Initial current = mA  A  150A Using, 0.5 = 1.5 e = 1.5 e t = 1.1 sec
10 10
6. The two capacitors shown in the circuit are initially uncharged and the cell is ideal. The switch 'S'
is closed at t = 0. Which of the following functions represents the current i(t), through the cell as a

function of time ? (Take I0 = )
R
i(t)

C 2C

R R R

(A) i(t) = i0 + i0 e  t /  ,  = RC (B*) i(t) = i0 + i0 e  t /  + i0 e  t / 2 ,  = RC

3RC
(C) i(t) = i0 + i0 e  t /  ,  = (D) i(t) = i0 + e  t /  ,  =3RC
2
7. An isolated parallel plate capacitor has circular plates of radius 4cm. If the gap is filled with a
partially conducting material having some dielectric constant and conductivity 5 × 10–14 –1 m–1.
When the capacitor is charged to a surface density of 15 C/cm2 the initial current between the
plates is 1A. If total joule heating produced is 7500 J, the separation of the capacitor plates is :
(1) 4 mm (2*) 5 mm (3) 3 mm (4) 6 mm
2 2
q0 q0 q0
Sol. i0 = u= = d = 5 mm.
K 0 2C K A
2 0
d
MCQ
8. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance 'C' has charges on its plates initially as shown in the
figure. Now at t = 0, the switch 'S' is closed. Select the correct alternative(s) for this circuit
diagram.
A B
S
t=0 -2c c


(A*) In steady state the charges on the outer surfaces of plates 'A' and 'B' will be same in
magnitude and sign.
(B) In steady state the charges on the outer surfaces of plates 'A' and 'B' will be same in
magnitude and opposite in sign.
(C*) In steady state the charges on the inner surfaces of the plates 'A' and 'B' will be same in
magnitude and opposite in sign.
52C
(D*) The work done by the cell by the time steady state is reached is .
2
Sol. Suppose charge flown through the battery is Q, then charge distribution will be as :
A B

Q-2c c-Q


Q  2 C  C  Q 2Q  3 C
The electric field in the region between A and B is = – =
2A 0 2A 0 2A 0

2Q  3 C 2Q  3 C 1
 P.D. between the plates, .d =  =
2A 0 2 C
5 C 52C
 2Q = 5 C Q=  w.d. by battery = Q =
2 2
9. In the shown circuit diagram all capacitors are initially uncharged and cells are ideal. If C1 = 1 F,
C2 = 2 F and potential of earth is taken zero. Choose the correct options.
– +
C
C1 10V C2
+ +
C1 – C2 5V
–
C1 8V C2
A B
Earthed
(A) Potential of point A is (4/3) volts (B*) Potential of point B is (–14/3) volts
(C*) Potential of point C is (10/3) volts (D) Potential of point A is (–4/3) volts
Sol.
– + 10/3
5
C1 10V C2
+ +
C1 – C2 5V
–
C1 8V C2
0
–8 –14/3
Earthed
( )
 5 5 10 10
5 – VC = VC = 5 – = – VB = 8
3 3 3 3
14 14 10 24
VB = – VA = VA = =–8
3 3 3 3

10. Switch S1 is closed for a long time while S2 remains open. Now at t = 0 S2 is closed while S1 is
opened. All the batteries are ideal and connecting wires are resistanceless.The capacitor 'C' is
initially uncharged.


(A*) At time t = 0, reading of ammeter is .
5R
(B) At time t = 0, reading of ammeter is zero
9
(C*) Heat developed till time t = 5RC n2 in resistance 3R is C 2
40
t

(D*) After time t > 0 charge on the capacitor follows the equation Ce 5RC

Sol. At t = 0– At t = 0


i= equation of charge of capacitor q = ce–t/
5R
c
q = ce–t/5RC at t = 5 RC n 2 q=
2
1 2 1 2 3 3 3 9
Change in energy of capacitor =
c – c = c2 Heat in 3R = c2 × = c2
2 8 8 8 5 40
11. Given C1 = 2F ; C2 = 4F ; C3 = 8F. C1, C2, C3 are initially uncharged. Initially all the keys are
open. Then

(A*) After closing k1 alone, the steady state charge in capacitor C1 is zero.
(B) After closing k1 alone, the steady state charge in capacitor C2 and C3 are 8C and 4C
respectively.
 (C*) After closing key k1 alone, the steady state current drawn from the cell is 2A.
(D) After closing keys k1 and k2 both, the steady state current drawn from the cell is 1A.
Sol. With k1 closed

ABCD is a wheatstone bridge in balanced state. So potential difference between E and F is zero.
Charge on C1 is zero.
Charge on C2 = 4 × 10–5 × 8 = 32C
12
Charge on C3 = 8 × 10–6 × 4 = 32C ; i = = 2A
6
When k2 is closed
Potential difference across C2 = 4V
so charge 4 × 10–6 × 4 = 16C
Potential difference across C3 = 8V
12
So charge 8 × 10–6 × 8 = 64C ; i = = 2A
6
12. The figure shows two thin large identical parallel conducting plates placed in air (dielectric
constant = 1) with a slab of dielectric constant k placed between them .The width of the small gap
between the conducting plates is d while the thickness of the dielectric slab is t. The conducting
plates are given equal and opposite charges due to which the strength of the electric field in air
region is E as shown. The area of plates perpendicular to the plane of figure is A and consider it
to be large. Neglect the edge effects. (The portion ABCD has the same dimensions perpendicular
to the plane of the figure as that of plate or dielectric medium). Mark the correct options :
A B

air
conducting k conducting
plate E plate

D C
(A) The net charge in the portion ABCD (volume) is zero.
0EA
(B*) The magnitude of net charge in the portion ABCD is .
k
0E2 At
(C*) The electrostatic energy stored in the dielectric medium is
2k
0E2 At
(D) The electrostatic energy stored in the dielectric medium is
2k2
Sol. Appyling Gauss theorem to volume containing cuboid indicated by ABCD
E 0 q EA 0
 A   enc or qenc = –
K A 0 K
2
1 E  E2 At
Electrostatic energy stored in dielectric medium = k 0   At = 0
2 K  2 K
13. In the figure shown the plates of a parallel plate capacitor have unequal charges. Its capacitance
is 'C'. P is a point outside the capacitor and close to the plate of charge –Q. The distance
between the plates is 'd'.

(A*) A point charge at point 'P' will experience electric force due to capacitor
3Q
(B*) The potential difference between the plates will be
2C
9Q2
(C*) The energy stored in the electric field in the region between the plates is
8C
Q2
(D) The force on one plate due to the other plate is
2 0 d2
2Q Q Q 2Q Q 3Q
Sol. E0 =  = Ein =   Ein =
20 A 2 0 A 20 A 2A  2A  2A 
3 Q 3Q
Ein =  Eind = =V
2 Cd 2C
(ii) F = EQ

 2Q  Q2
F =   × (– Q) = 
 2A   A 
Q2
F=
A 
2
1 1  3Q  9 Q2
(iii) Energy =  E2 Ad = 0   Ad = .
2 0 2  2C d 8 C
COMPREHENSION
In the shown circuit involving a resistor of resistance R , capacitor of capacitance C farad and
an ideal cell of emf E volts, the capacitor is initially uncharged and the key is in position 1. At t = 0
second the key is pushed to position 2 for t0 = RC seconds and then key is pushed back to
position 1 for t0 = RC seconds. This process is repeated again and again. Assume the time taken
to push key from position 1 to 2 and vice versa to be negligible.
R
C
2 E

1
K
14. The charge on capacitor at t = 2RC second is
 1 1 1   1 1 
(A) CE (B) CE  1   (C*) CE   2  (D) CE 1   2 
 e  e e   e e 
15. The current through the resistance at t = 1.5 RC seconds is
E 1 E 1 E 1 E 1
(A) 2 (1  ) (B) (1  ) (C) (1  ) (D*) (1  )
e R e eR e R e eR e
16. Then the variation of charge on capacitor with time is best represented by
q q q q

(A) t (B) t (C*) t (D) t

Sol. For t = 0 to to = RC seconds, the circuit is of charging type. The charging equation for this time is
t

q  CE (1  e RC )

1
Therefore the charge on capacitor at time t0 = RC is qo  CE(1  )
e
For t = RC to t = 2RC seconds, the circuit is of dicharging type. The charge and current equation
for this time are
t to tt
 qo  RCo
q  qoe RC ande i
RC
Hence charge at t = 2 RC and current at t = 1.5 RC are
q

t
2RC RC
 qo 1 1
q  qo e RC   CE(1  )
e e e
1.5RC RC
qo  RC qo E 1
and i  e   (1  ) respectively
RC eRC eR e
Since the capacitor gets more charged up from t = 2RC to t= 3RC than in the interval t=0 to t=RC,
the graph representing the charge variation is as shown in figure
COMPREHENSION
Consider the given R-C circuit with an ideal voltmeter, while charging (i.e., K1 closed) at t = 0,
3V0
initial voltmeter reading is V0/4. When voltmeter reading approaches to during charging
4
switch K1 is opened and K2 is closed. The switch K2 is closed till the reading of voltmeter again
V V 3V0
drops to 0 . This cycle is continuously repeated (i.e., charging from 0 to and then
4 4 4
3V0 V
discharging from to 0 ). Answer the following questions for this setup.
4 4
V
R

C
K2

K1
V0
17. Time period of the cycle is :
(A) RC n 3 (B) RC n 2 (C*) 2 RC n 3 (D) RC n 6
–t/
Sol. In process of charging v = v0 (1 – e ) In process of discharging
 V0  –t/ V 
 t =  n   V = V0 e t =  n  0 
 V0  V   V 
 For the considered situation Time taken during charging t1 = 
    
  V0   V0 
 n    n  
  V  3V0   V  V0  
  0 
4  
0
4  
V0 3V0   4 
(from to ) =  n 4  n     n 3
4 4   3 
  3V0  
3V0 V
Time taken during discharging t2 =  n  4    n 3 (from to 0 )
  V0  
4 4
  4  
Total time period = 2 n 3 = 2RC n 3

18. The graph of the current in the resistance R v/s charge of on the capacitor in one complete cycle
is (Assume the voltmeter to be ideal.)
+ –
V
R

K2

K1
V0

(A*) (B)

(C) (D)

Sol. While charging

 + –

+q –q R

q q V0
V0 V0  – iR  0  i   When q  CV0 i
3V0
C RC R 4 4R
3CV0 V0
q i
4 4R
+ –

+q –q R

While discharging

3CV0 3V0
q q q i –
– – iR  0  i – When 4 4R
C RC CV0 V0
q i –
4 4R

INTEGER TYPE
19. Find the potential difference between points A and B of the system shown in the figure, if the emf
C
is equal to  = 110V and the capacitance ratio 2 =  = 2.0.
C1


[ Ans: VAB = = 10V ]
1 3    2

Sol. The distribution of charges is shown in fig. In closed loop (1)

q (q – q1)
+ – – 0 ...(i)
C1 C2
q1 q1 q – q1  2C  C2 
In closed loop (2) – –  =0 or q=  1  q1
C1 C2 C2  C1 

q1 q q
From Eq. (i), – –  1 =0
C1 C2 C2
 q1  C1  C2  q1  2C  C2   C1  C2 
or  q   or    1  q1  
C2  C1C2  C2  C1   C1C2 
 C2C12 –q1 q  C12
 q1 =  A – B   1 =
C12  3C1C2  C22 C2 C2 C12  3C1C2  C22
   C2 
= = = 10V     2
C2 C22 1  3   2
 C1 
1 3 
C1 C12

20. Figure shows two capacitors of capacitance 2F and 4F and a cell of 90 V. The switch 'k' is
such that when it is in position 1, the circuit ABCD is closed and when it is in position 2, the circuit
BCEF is closed. The resistance of both the circuits is negligible so that the capacitor gets fully
charged instantly . Initially the switch is in position 1. Then it is turned in position 2. This makes
one cycle. It is then again turned in position 1 and then in position 2 .Now two cycles are
completed. Find the charge (in C) on the capacitor of capacitance 4 F after two cycles.
90 V
A D

C1= 
Position 1
k
B
C Position 2
C2=
F E

Ans : 200 C
Sol. Initially when key k is in position 1, charge on C1 is Q1 = 180 C
As the key is pushed to position 2, C1 and C2 are in parallel
 net charge on C1 & C2  180
 Charge on C2 is q2 = C2   =4× = 120 C
 C1  C 2  6
90 V
A D

C1= 
Position 1
k
B
C Position 2
C2=
F E

Again when key k is pushed position 1, charge on C1 is Q1 = 180 C

As the key is again pushed to position 2, charge on
 net charge on C1 & C2  180  120
 Charge on C2 is q2 = C2   =4× = 200 C
 C 1  C 2  6
21. Here shown a diagram which is part of a network in steady state. Here R = 1  , Potential
difference across capacitor C1 is VC1 = 2 volt and Potential difference across capacitor C2 is VC2
2
= 4 volt. If currents in the resistance R1 and R2 are 1 and 2 respectively then find .
1
Ans 2

R2 R1

Sol. R 2A
3A
2 2A 2A 3A
•
4A 1/3 
VC1
+ – 2R
2V
4V 2A 1A

2
By the diagram, we can C Current in R2 = 6A Current in R1 = 3A = 2A
1

22. The figure shows an RC circuit with a parallel plate capacitor. Before switching on the circuit,
plate A of the capacitor has a charge –Q0 while plate B has no net charge. Now, at t = 0, the
circuit is switched on. How much time (in second) will elapse before the net charge on plate A
2  10 6
becomes zero. (Given C = 1F, Q0 = 1mC,  = 1000 V and R  )
ln 3
–Q0

A B
R
S


Ans. 2
Sol. Let at any time t charge flown through the plate B to plate A is q and instantaneous current is I.
–Q0 +q –q –Q0+q –q

A B A B
I I

R  R 

 2q  Q0 
From loop theorem    IR    0
 2C 
dq  2q  2C  Q0 dq dt
R    Now for charge on plate A to be zero q = Q0.
dt 2C 2C  Q0  2q 2 RC
Q0
dq dt
t  2C  Q0 
 t  RC ln 
2C  Q0  2q 0 2 RC
Integrating  =
0  2C  Q0 
Putting the value of C, Q0,  and R We get t = 2 seconds.
MTM (MORE THAN ONE)
23. In each situation of column-I, a circuit involving two non-ideal cells of unequal emf E1 and E2 (E1 >
E2) and equal internal resistance r are given. A resistor of resistance R is connected in all four
situations and a capacitor of capacitance C is connected in last two situations as shown. Four
statements are given in column-II. Match the situation of column-I with statements in column-II.
Column-I Column-II

(A) (p) magnitude of potential difference

across
both cells can never be same.

(B) (q) cell of lower emf absorbs energy,

that is, it gets charged up as long
as current flows in circuit
(C) The capacitor is intitially uncharged. (r) potential difference across cell of
After the key K is closed lower emf may be zero.

(D) The capacitor is initially uncharged. (s) current in the circuit can never be zero
After the key K is closed. (even after steady state is reached).

Ans. (A) p,q,s (B) p,r,s (C) p,q (D) p,r

Sol. (Tough) (A) For p.d. across each cell to be same
E  E2  E1  E 2 
E1 – ir = E2 + ir or i = 1   
2r  2r  R 
Hence p.d. across both cells cannot be same. Cell of lower emf charges up.
For p.d. across cell of lower emf to be zero
E2 + ir = 0 which is not possible.
Current in the circuit cannot be zero  E1  E2 .
(B) For p.d. across each cell to be same
E1 – ir = E2 – ir which is not possible
No cell charges up.
For pd across cell of lower emf to be zero
E2 – ir = 0 and E1 – i (r + R) = 0
E1 E
or  2 which is possible.  E1 > E2 .
r R r
Current in the circuit cannot be zero.
E  E2
(C) Situation is same as in (A) except current decreases from 1 to zero.
2r  R
Hence the only option that shall changes is 'current shall finally be zero.'
E  E2
(D) Situation is same as in (B) except current decreases from 1 to zero.
2r  R
 Hence the only option that shall changes is 'current shall finally be zero.'
24. Match List with List and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists :
List     List 
E
(P) Three large conducting parallel plates each having (1) 1  1
E2
same area are connected to a battery. Now middle plate
shift towards third plate very slowly keeping
st rd
1 and 3 plate fixed. Initial and final situation
Shown in figure. If E1 is the energy stored between the
plates initially and E2 finally. Then
(1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3)

d d 3d d
—
— 2
2
Initial final

E1
(Q) Three large conducting parallel plates each having same (2) 1
E2
nd
area are connected to battery and space between 2
rd
and 3 plates is filled with dielectric. Now dielectric is
removed very slowly. If E1 is the energy stored between the
plates initially and E2 finally. Then
(1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3)

d d
d d

Initial final

F1
(R) Three large conducting parallel plates each having same (3) 1
F2
area and having charge –Q, 2Q and –Q respectively
rd
initially. Now first plate shift towards left and 3
nd
towards right keeping 2 fixed. If F1 is the force between
plate-1 and 3 initially and F2 is the force between them finally.
Then
(1) (2) (3) (1) d1>d (2) d1 >d (3)

d d
Initial final

F1
(S) Three large conducting parallel plates each having same (4) 1
F2
st nd
area, charge on 1 plates –Q, on 2 plate Q and third
is uncharged. Now switch is closed, If F1 is the force between
plate-1 and 3 initially and F2 is the force between them finally.
Then
(1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3)

d d d d
S
Initial final
Codes :
P Q R S
(A) 2 1 3 4
(B) 1 2 4 4
(C*) 2 1 4 3
(D) 1 2 4 3
– + + –
– + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + –

Sol. (A) Initial final

A0 1 2c 2 1
c= Uf =   2c2
d 2 3 2
1 1 4 2
Ui = c 2  c 2 = c
2 2 3
2
= c F13 =
c 2 2 2c 2  2
F13 = =
2A0 3A0
2c 2
Work by battery = .  c2
3 3
– + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + –

(B) Initial final

A0 1 2 1 2
C= Uf = c  c
d 2 2
kc 2 2 c 2 2
F13 = F13 =
2A0 2A0
W by battery is –ve
–Q Q Q –Q
–Q Q Q –Q – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + – – + + –
– + + –
(C) d d d1 d1
2 2 2
Q Q Q Q2
Ui   Uf =  C1 < C
2c 2c 2c1 2c1
Q2 Q2
F13 = F13 =
2A0 2A0

–Q Q –Q/2 Q/2 Q/2 –Q/2

– + – + + –
– + – + + –
– + – + + –
– + – + + –
– + – + + –
– + – + + –
– + – + + –
– + – + + –
– + – + + –

(D)
Q2 Q2 Q2 Q2
Ui = Uf =  
2c 8c 8c 4c
Q2 / 4
F13 = 0 F13 =
2A0