PSJ CLASSES FOR PHYSICS

KAYAMKULAM, HARIPPAD (9946557709)

PLUS TWO PHYSICS- POTENTIAL & CAPACITANCE ( THEORY NOTES)

Potential Potential due to point charge

It is the ratio of work to unit charge 𝑊
𝑾
We have potential V = 𝑞
V= 𝒒 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 ×𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
−1
V=
Unit volt or 𝐽𝐶 𝑞
Electrostatic Potential − Electrostatic potential V=E×r
1 𝑞
at any point in a region of electrostatic field is the V= ×r
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2
minimum work done in carrying a unit positive
charge from infinity to that point.
1 𝑞
Show that potential as negative integral of V=
electric field. 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
Consider a test charge q0 is kept at a distance ‘r’ Potential Due To an Electric Dipole
from unit positive charge q.

We have to bring the test charge q0 towards q.

That means some work is done.
𝑊
We have potential V =
𝑞0
Consider a dipole AB of length ‘2a’ and ‘C’ be a
Let dr be the small displacement, point at a distance ‘r’ from the centre of the
𝑑𝑤 𝐹 .𝑑𝑟 dipole. We have to find out the electric potential
dv = = = 𝐸. 𝑑𝑟 = E dr cos𝜃 at the point ‘C’
𝑞0 𝑞0
Here electric field and displacement are anti Potential due to +q charge is
1 𝑞
parallel . So angle 𝜃 = 1800 V1=
Then dv = - Edr 4𝜋𝜀0 𝐵𝐶
Potential due to –q charge is
= ∫ − 𝐄𝐝𝐫
So total potential V 1 −𝑞
V2 =
Electric Potential Due to a Point 4𝜋𝜀0 𝐴𝐶
Then total potential V = V1+V2
Charge 1 𝑞 1 −𝑞
We have potential V = ∫ − Edr V= +
4𝜋𝜀0 𝐵𝐶 4𝜋𝜀0 𝐴𝐶
Where E is the electric field due to point charge. 1 𝑞 𝑞
1 𝑞 V= [ − ]..................(1)
Ie, E = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝐵𝐶 𝐴𝐶
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 From the figure BC approximately equal to DC
1 𝑞
Then V = ∫ − 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟2 dr Ie DC = OC – OD
𝑞
0
1 DC = r – OD
V = − 4𝜋𝜀 ∫ 𝑟2 dr 𝑂𝐷
From the triangle DOB, cos𝜃 = 𝑎
0
𝑞
V = − 4𝜋𝜀 ∫ r−2 dr ∴ OD = a cos𝜃
0
𝑞 𝑟−1 Then DC = r - a cos𝜃
V= − [ ] Or BC = r - a cos𝜃
4𝜋𝜀0 −1
𝟏 𝒒 From the figure Ac approximately equal to EC
V = 𝟒𝝅𝜺 Ie EC = OC +OE
𝟎 𝒓 EC = r + a cos𝜃
OR
AC = r + a cos𝜃
Then eqn no 1 becomes
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 1 𝑞 𝑞 Using superposition principle, we obtain resultant
V= [ − ]
4𝜋𝜀0 r − a cos𝜃 r + a cos𝜃 potential at P due to total charge configuration as
𝑞 (r + a cos𝜃)−( r − a cos𝜃) the algebraic sum of the potentials due to
V= [
(r − a cos𝜃)(r + a cos𝜃)
]
4𝜋𝜀0 individual charges.
𝑞 𝑟+a cos𝜃−𝑟+ a cos𝜃 ∴ V = V1 + V3 + V3 + … + Vn
V= [ ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 −𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
r > > a so 𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 can be neglected
𝑞 2a cos𝜃
V= [ ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2
1 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
V=
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2

SPECIAL CASE
Potential due to dipole along the axis
Here the angle 𝜃 = 0 Equipotential Surfaces
1 𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠0 An equipotential surface is that surface at every
Then V = point of which, the electric potential is the same.
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2
1 𝑃 We know that,
V= VB − VA = WAB
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2
Potential due to dipole along the equator If points A and B lie on an equipotential surface,
Here the angle 𝜃 = 900 then
Then V = 0 VB − VA = 0
Work done to move unit charge along the ∴ WAB = VB − VA = 0
equator of dipole is always zero Note:
*No work is done in moving the test charge from
Potential Due To a System of Charges one point of equipotential surface to the
other.
*For any charge configuration, equipotential
surface through a point is normal to the
electric field at that point.

Examples of equipotential surfaces

Let there be a number of point charges q1, q2, q3,

…, qn at distances r1, r2, r3, …, rn respectively
from the point P, where electric potential is to be
calculated.Potential at P due to charge q1, 2
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 If the dipole is oriented, making an angle θ1 to θ2
with the electric filed, then the total work done is
given by

W = pE (cos θ1 − cos θ2)

Let us consider the dipole is kept initially
perpendicular to the dipole
Ie, θ1 = 90° and θ2 = θ
∴U = pE (cos 90° − cos θ)
U = − pE cos θ
U=−
SPECIAL CASES
1) Position of stable equilibrium When 𝜃 = 0
U = - PE cos0 = -PE
Thus the potential energy of a dipole is minimum,
when its dipole moment is parallel to the external
field. This is the position of stable equilibrium.
Potential Energy in an External Field 2. Position of zero energy. When 𝜃 = 90
Potential Energy of a Single Charge Thus the potential energy of a dipole is zero
Work done in bringing a charge q from infinity to when it is held perpendicular to external field. This
a point P, in an external field can be explained as follows. If we hold the dipole
Let, q1 be the charge kept at point P and q2 be the perpendicular to the electric field and bring it from
charge bringing from infinity. We have potential infinity in to the field, then the work done on the
𝑊 charge +q by the external agent is equal to the
V=
q2 work done on charge –q. The net work done on the
1 𝑞1 dipole will be zero and hence its potential energy
V=
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 is zero.
Or W = V q2
W = V q2 3.Position of unstable equilibrium.
1 𝑞1
W= × 𝑞2 When 𝜃 =180
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 U = - PE cos180 = +PE
Thus the potential energy of a dipole is
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 maximum when its dipole moment is antiparallel
PE = to the external field. This is the position of unstable
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
equilibrium.
Potential Energy of an Electric Dipole, When Dielectrics and polarization
Placed in a Uniform Electric Field * Define electric polarization
Suppose an electric dipole of dipole moment p is In presence of electric field non polar molecule is
placed along a direction, making an angle θwith converted in to polar molecule is known as
the direction of an external uniform electric field polarization
E. Then, the torque acting on the dipole is given
by

If the dipole is rotated through an infinitesimally

small angle dθ, against the torque acting on it,
3

then the small work done is given by

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 Dielectric in an external field
• In a dielectric, the external field induces
dipole moment by stretching or reorienting
molecules of the dielectric.
•Thus a net electric field is induced inside the
dielectric in the opposite direction.
• The induced field does not cancel the
Electric susceptibility(𝝌) external field.
Polarization directly proportional to electric field.
P ∝ 𝐸 Then P = 𝜒𝐸
Where 𝜒 is a constant known as electric
susceptibility
𝑷
𝝌=
𝑬
Non-polar dielectrics − The centre of positive Capacitors and capacitance
charge coincides with centre of negative charge It is the ability of a material to store charge.
in the molecule. A capacitor consists of two conductors – one of
Example: them is charged and the other usually connected
to earth. Actually, two conductors kept a distance
apart with a dielectric or air in between them
forms a capacitor. For a capacitor, C= q/V.
So a capacitor has a capacity of one farad if a
charge of one coulomb flows from one
Polar dielectrics − The centres of positive and
conductor to the other when the pd between the
negative charges do not coincide because of the
conductors is one volt.
asymmetric shape of the molecules.
The Parallel plate capacitor
A parallel plate capacitor consists of two large
plane parallel conducting plates separated by a
small distance.
Principle of a capacitor.
Imagine a plate A, which is +vely, charged. If charge
Conductor in an external field on plate is q and its potential is V, then C = q/V. Now
• In an external field the free charge carriers let another plate B be brought near A. Then –ve
in the conductor move and an electric field charge will be induced on that side of B which is
which is equal and opposite to the external near to A and +ve charge on the other side of B.
field is induced inside the conductor. If B is earthed, these +ve charges will flow to
• The two fields cancel each other and the earth. Consequently the
net electrostatic field in the conductor is potential at A decreases and
zero. its capacitance increases.This
is because, with the presence
of B, the amount of work done
in bringing a unit +ve charge
from infinity to A decreases as there will be a
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force of repulsion due to A and a force of (ii) They are used to reduce voltage fluctuations
attraction due to B. in power supplies and to increase the
“Thus if an earthed conductor is placed near a efficiency of power transmission.
charged conductor, the capacitance of the
(iii) Capacitors are used to generate
charged conductor is considerably increased.
This is the principle of a capacitor” electromagnetic oscillations and in tuning the
Expression for capacitance of a parallel plate radio circuits.
capacitor Combination of Capacitors
Let A be the area of each plate and d the Capacitors in series
separation between them. The two plates have
charges Q and −Q.
𝑄
We have capacitance C = .................(1)
𝑉
Plate 1 has surface charge density σ = Q/A, and
Q = 𝜎A
Capacitors are said to be connected in series
The relation between potential difference electric
when the potential difference applied across their
field and separation is V = Ed
combination is the sum of the resulting potential
Substitute the values of Q and V in equation no (1)
𝜎𝐴 differences across each capacitor.
C= , Where ‘E’ is the electric field between the The potential difference across the separate
𝐸𝑑
𝜎 capacitors are given by,
parallel sheets, and it is E =
𝜀0
σA 𝜺𝟎𝑨
Then C = σ C=
d 𝒅 However, the potential difference across the
ε0 series combination of capacitor is V volt.
∴ V = V1 + V2 + V3 (i)
Capacitance in dielectric medium Let Cs represent the equivalent capacitance. Then,
𝜀0𝐴
In the case of air capacitor C air = 𝑑

𝜀𝐴 Combining (i) and (ii), we obtain

Capacitance in medium C med =
𝑑
𝜀𝐴 𝐴𝜀0 𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑟 𝜀0𝐴
Ie C med = = =
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑

C med = 𝜀𝑟 × C air
So the capacitance increases in medium
Note : Effect of dielectric on capacitors. Note: The effective capacitance is always less
1. A dielectric medium increases the capacitance than that of least capacitance among them.
by𝜀𝑟 times. Capacitors in parallel
Capacitors are said to be connected in parallel
2.It avoids the electric discharge between the
when a potential difference that is applied across
plates. their combination results in the
3. The dielectric prevents the two plates coming same across each capacitor.
into contact and keeps the plates very close If Q is the total charge
together. on the parallel
Applications of capacitors. network, then
(i) They are used in the ignition system of
automobile engines to eliminate sparking.
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 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Let CP be the equivalent capacitance of the 1.Which of the following is not true ?
parallel combination. a) For a point charge, the electrostatic
Now, Q = CPV potential varies as 1/r
Q1 = C1V, Q2 = C2V, and Q3 = Q3V (ii) b) For a dipole, the potential depends on the
Combining (i) and (ii), we obtain position vector and dipole moment vector
CPV = C1V + C2V + C3V c) The electric dipole potential varies as 1/r at
large distance
d) For a point charge, the electrostatic field
Energy Stored in a Charged Capacitor varies as 1/r2
The energy of a charged capacitor is measured by 2. The work done in carrying a charge q once
the total work done in charging the capacitor to a round a circle of radius a with a charge Q at its
given potential. centre is
Let us assume that initially both the plates are a) qQ b) zero c) q
uncharged. Now, we have to repeatedly remove 4 0 a 4 0 a
small positive charges from one plate and transfer q
d)
them to the other plate. 4 0 a 2
Let 3.As electric dipole placed in a non-uniform
q → Total quantity of charge transferred electric field in such a way that angle between
V → Potential difference between the two plates p and E is not 0o or 180o, so it experiences
a)only a force but no torque
Then, b)only a torque but no net force
q = CV c)no torque and no net force
Now, when an additional small charge dq is d)both a torque and net force
transferred from the negative plate to the positive 4. A hollow metal sphere of radius 10cm is
plate, the small work done is given by, charged such that the potential on its surface
becomes 80V. The potential at the centre of
the sphere is
The total work done in transferring charge Q is a)80V b)800V c)8V d)zero
given by, 5. The electrostatic potential of a uniformly
charged thin spherical shell of charge Q and
radius R at a distance r from the centre is
Q Q
a) for points outside and for
40r 40R
points inside the shell
This work is stored as electrostatic potential Q
b) for both points inside and outside
energy U in the capacitor. 40R
the shell
Q
c)zero for points outside and for points
40R
inside the shell
d)zero for both points inside and outside the
shell
6. If a charged spherical conductor of radius
10cm has potential V at a point distant 5cm
from its centre, then the potential at a point
distant 15cm from the centre will be
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 1 2 3 14.As per this diagram a point charge +q is
a) V b) V c) V d) 3V
3 3 2 placed at the origin O. work done in taking
7. The kinetic energy of an electron, which is another point charge-Q from the point A [co-
accelerated in the potential difference of 100V, ordinates (0,a)] to another point B [co-
is ordinates (a,0)] along the straight path AB is
a) 1.6  10−17 J b) 1.6  10−14 J
c) 1.6  10−10 J d) 1.6  10−8 J
8.n identical mercury droplets charged to the
same potential V coalesce to form a single
bigger drop. The potential of new drop will be
V
a) b) nV c) nV 2 d) n2/3 V  −qQ 1 
n a)zero b)  2 
2a
9.The charge q is projected into a uniform electric  40 a 
field E, work done when it moves a distance y  qQ 1  a  qQ 1 
c)  2 
. d)  2 
2a
is
 40 a  2  40 a 
qy qE y
a) qEy b) c) d) 15.Two charges q1 and q2 are placed 30 cm apart,
E y qE as shown in the figure. A third charge q3 is
10.Two charged spheres of radii R1 and R2have moved along the arc of a circle of radius 40cm
equal surface charge density. The ratio of their from C to D. The charge in the potential
potential is q3
a) R 1 / R 2 b) R 2 / R 1 energy of the system is k, where k is
40
c) ( R 1 / R 2 ) d) ( R 2 / R 2 )
2 2

11.A small conducting sphere of radius r is lying

concentrically inside a bigger hollow
conducting sphere of radius R. THe bigger and
smaller spheres are charged with Q and
q(Q>q) and are insulated from each other. The
potential difference between the spheres will
be a)8q2 b)8q1 c)6q2 d)6q1
1 q q  1 q Q 16.If the equivalent capacitance between points P
a) − b) −
40  r R  40  R r  and Q of the combination of the capacitors
1 q Q 1 Q q show in figure below is 30 F, the capacitor C
c) − d) +
40  r R  40  R r  is
12.The potential of a large liquid drop when eight
liquid drops are combined is 20V. Then the
potential of each single drop was
a)10V b)7.5V c)5V d)2.5V
13.What is not true for equipotential surface for
uniform electric field? a) 60 F b) 30 F c) 10 F d) 5 F
a)equipotential surface is flat 17.In the given network, the value of C, so that an
b)two equipotential surfaces can cross each equivalent capacitance between points A and
other B is 3F, is
c)electric lines are perpendicular to
equipotential surface
d)work done is zero
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 power supply and connected to the terminals
of an uncharged 6F capacitor. What is the
final potential difference across each
capacitor?
a) 167 V b) 100 V c) 625 V d) 250 V
24.If each capacitor of 9 F is arranged as shown
in figure, then the equivalent capacitance
between the points A and B is

1 31
a) F b) F
2 5
c) 48 F d) 36 F
18.How many 1F capacitors must be connected
in parallel to store a charge of 1 C with a a) 15 F b) 18 F c) 9 F d) 45 F
potential of 110 V across the capacitors ? ASSERTION REASON TYPE QUESTIONS
a) 990 b) 900 c) 9090 d) 909
19.A capacitor is charged by a battery and the Directions: These questions consist of two
energy stored is U. the battery is now removed statements, each printed as Assertion and
and the separation distance between the plates Reason. While answering these questions, you
is doubled. He energy stored now is are required to choose any one of the
U following four responses.
a) b) U c) 2U d) 4U
2 (a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct
20.The potential energy of a charged parallel and the Reason is a correct explanation
plate capacitor is U0. If a slab of dielectric of the Assertion.
constant K is inserted between the plates, then (b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct
the new potential energy will be but Reason is not a correct explanation
U0 of the Assertion.
a) b) U0 K2 c) U 02 d) U 02
K K (c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is
21.In figure, for parallel of equal area A and incorrect.
spacing d are arrange, then effective (d) If both the Assertion and Reason are
capacitance between a and b is incorrect.
1. Assertion : A and B are two conducting
spheres of same radius. A being solid and B
hollow. Both are charged to the same
potential. Then, charge on A= charge on B.
Reason : Potentials on both are same
Ans:a
0A 2 0 A 2.Assertion A parallel plate capacitor is
a) b)
d d connected across battery through a key. A
3 A 4 A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is
c) 0 d) 0
d d introduced between the plates. The energy
22.A capacitor of capacitance 6F is charged which is stored becomes K times.
upto 100 V. The energy stored in the capacitor Reason The surface density of charge on the
is plate remains constant or unchanged.
a) 0. 6 J b) 0. 06 J c) 0. 03 J d) 0. 3 J Ans:c
23.A 10F capacitor is charged to a potential 3.Assertion : If the distance between parallel
difference of 1000 V. The terminals of the plates of a capacitor is halved and dielectric
charged capacitor are disconnected from the constant is three times, then the capacitance
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PSJ Harippad
 becomes 6 times. Ans: In moving a small positive charge from Q
Reason : Capacity of the capacitor does not to P, work has to be done by an external
depend upon the nature of the material. agency against the electric field. Therefore,
Ans:c
work done by the field is negative
4. Assertion : A parallel plate capacitor is
connected across battery through a key. A 2. For any charge configuration, equipotential
dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is surface through a point is a normal to the
introduced between the plates. The energy electric field. Justify.
which is stored becomes K times. Ans: The work done in moving a charge from
Reason : The surface density of charge on the one point to another on an equipotential
plate remains constant or unchanged. surface is zero. If electric field is not normal to
Ans:c
the equipotential surface, it would have non-
5.Assertion: The potential difference between
any two points in an electric field depends zero component along the surface. In that case
only on initial and final position. work would be done in moving a charge on an
Reason: Electric field is a conservative field equipotential surface.
so the work done per unit positive charge does 3. Two charges 2 C and − 2 C are placed at
not depend on path followed. points A and B, 6cm apart. Depict an
Ans:a
6. Assertion : Electric field inside a conductor is equipotential surface of the system.
zero. Ans: In the first part we need to find the
Reason: The potential at all the points inside a equipotential surface, which means that the
conductor is same. potential will be zero at that point due to both
Ans:b the charges. Let “x” be the point in between
7. Assertion : Work done in moving a charge both the charges where potential is zero
between any two points in an electric field is Therefore, by using formula
independent of the path followed by the
charge, between these points.
Reason: Electrostatic force is a non
conservative force.
Ans:c
8. Assertion : For a charged particle moving
from point P to point Q, the net work done by
an electrostatic field on the particle is
independent of the path connecting point P to
point Q. This means that the midpoint of the imaginary
Reason : The net work done by a conservative straight line passing through both the charges
force on an object moving along a closed loop will be the equipotential surface for both the
is zero. charges. The above illustration, can be
Ans:a diagrammatically shown as below

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1.The figure shows the field lines of a
positive charge. Is the work
done by the field is moving a
small positive charge from Q 4. Why electrostatic potential is constant
to P positive or negative? throughout the volume of the conductor and
has the same value as on its surface?
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PSJ Harippad
 Ans: Because the Electric field inside the 10.Name the physical quantity whose SI unit is
conductor is zero, therefore no work is done to J / C . Is it a scalar or a vector quantity?
move a charge against field and there is no Ans: J C–1 is the S.I. unit of electrostatic
potential difference between any two points. This
potential. It is a scalar quantity.
means Electrostatic potential is constant
throughout the volume. 11.What is the work done in moving a test charge
We have q through a distance of 1cm along the
equatorial axis of an electric dipole?
Ans: At every point on equatorial axis, the
where E is the electrostatic potential, V is the potential is zero, so work done W = qΔV =
potential difference between two points on a 0(zero).
conductor and r is the distance between the 12.Define the term potential energy for charge q
two points. Here V is a constant at a distance r in an external field.
5.Why there is no work done in moving a charge Ans: Potential energy of a charge q in an
from one point to another on an equipotential external electric field is defined as the work-
surface? done in bringing the charge q from infinity to
a distance r in an external electric field
6. A hollow metal sphere of radius 5cm is
produced by the other charge(s).
charged such that potential on its surface is 13.What is the electric potential due to an electric
10V . What is the potential at the centre of the dipole at an equatorial point?
sphere? Ans: zero
7. Can two equipotential surface intersect each 14.A 500 C charge is at the centre of a square of
other? Justify your answer.
side 10 cm . Find the work done in moving a
Ans: No two equipotential surfaces or places
charge of 10 C between two diagonally
can not intersect each other because then
opposite points on the square.
there would be two values of electric potential
ans: The points A and B are
at the intersection point, which is impossible.
equidistant from the centre
8. A point charge Q is placed at point O as
of square where charge q =
shown in the figure. Is the potential difference
500μC is located; therefore,
(VA − VB ) positive, negative or zero if Q is
points A and B are at the
i)positive ii)negative same potential i.e., VA =VB Work done in
moving charge q0 =10μC from A to B is W =
q0 (VB - VA ) = 0
Ans: The potential due to a point charge
15.Two point charges 3C and − 3C are
decreases with increase of distance. So, in
case (i) VA -VB is positive. For case (ii) VA - placed at points A and B, 5cm apart.
VB is negative. i)Draw the equipotential surfaces of the
9.Draw equipotential surface due to a single point system.
charge. ii)Why do equipotential surfaces get close to
each other near the point charge?
Ans: We know The relation between electric
field and potential due to charge is given by E
= dV/R Thus if dV is constant then R is
inversely proportional to E Thus all
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equipotential surfaces are closer at higher

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PSJ Harippad
 value of E. For Any charge E is higher near ii)Draw the equipotential surfaces due to an
charge thus equipotential surfaces are closely electric dipole.
located nearer to the charge. They tend to Ans: 1. The direction of electric field is always
spread out as we move away from charge. perpendicular to the equipotential surface
16.Draw three equipotential surfaces coming from a region of high potential to a
region of low potential.
corresponding to a field that uniformly
2. No two equipotential surfaces can intersect
increases in magnitude but remains constant each other because at the point of intersection
along Z –direction. How are these surfaces there would be two different values of
different from that of a constant electric field potential which is not possible.
along Z- direction?

19.Two point charges, q1 = 10  10 −8 C and

q2 = −2  10 −8 C are separated by a distance of
60 cm in air.
i)What a distance from the 1st charge q1 would
the electric potential be zero?
ii)Also, calculate the electrostatic potential
energy of the system.
Ans:
Difference: For constant electric field, the
equipotential surfaces are equidistant for
same potential difference between these
surfaces; while for increasing electric field,
the separation between these surfaces
decreases, in the direction of increasing field, i) Let, the required point where the electric
for the same potential difference between potential is 0 be at a distance'x' from the
them.
charge 1 and (0.6-x) distance from charge 2.
17.i)Can two equipotential surfaces intersect each
Therefore, V1+ V2=0
other? Give reasons.
They can't intersect each other because two
different equipotential surface have different
electric potential, so if they intersect then the
point point of intersection will have two
different potential at the same point which is
not possible.
18.i)Write two characteristics of equipotential Hence, Potential is zero at a point 0.5 m away
surfaces. from the first charge.
i) Electrostatic potential energy of the system,
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PSJ Harippad
 Ans: The dielectric constant of a substance is
defined as the ratio of the substance's
permittivity to the permittivity of free space. It
𝜀
can be written as 𝜀𝑟 = 𝜀 . No unit.
0
25.Define dielectric strength of a dielectric.
20.Derive an expression for the electric potential The dielectric strength of a material is a
at any point along the axial line of an electric measure of the electrical strength of an
dipole; insulator. It is defined as the maximum voltage
Ans: as in notes required to produce a dielectric breakdown
CAPACITANCE through the material and is expressed in terms
1 Mark Questions of Volts per unit thickness. The higher the
21.The given graph shows the variation of charge dielectric strength of a material the better an
q versus potential electrical insulator it makes.
difference V for two 26.A metal plate is introduced between the plates
capacitors C1 and C2 . of a charged parallel plate capacitor. What is
Both are capacitors its effect on the capacitance of the capacitor?
have same plate
separation but plate area of C2 is greater than
that C1 . Which line ( A or B) corresponds to
C1 and why?
Ans: For C1 Line B Since slop (q / V) of Line
B is lesser than that of Line A.
22.A capacitor has been charged by a DC source.
27.In the figure given below X,Y represent
What are the magnitude of conduction and
parallel plate capacitors having the same area
displacement current when it is fully charged?
of plates and the
Ans: During charging of a capacitor by a d.c.
same distance of
source,
separation
between them.
What is the
relation between the energies stored in the
capacitors?
23.Distinguish between a dielectric and a Ans: In series connection charge ‘Q’ remains
𝑄2
conductor. constant. We have energy E= 2𝐶
Ans:Dielectrics do not have free electrons, 𝑄2
while conductors have free electrons. When 𝐸1 2𝐶𝑥 𝐶𝑦 1
Then 𝐸 = 𝑄2
= =6
some charge is transferred to a conductor, it 2 𝐶𝑥
2𝐶𝑦
readily gets distributed over the entire surface 2 Marks Questions
of the conductor, but on insulators, the charge
28.A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is
stays at the same place.
24.Define the dielectric constant of a medium. charged to a potential V. It is then connected
What is its unit? to another uncharged capacitor having the
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same capacitance. Find out the ratio of the

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PSJ Harippad
 energy stored in the combined system to that the ratio of i) the net capacitance and ii) the
stored initially in the single capacitor. energies stored in the combination before and
after the introduction of the dielectric slab.
i)Net capacitance before filling the gap with
dielectric slab Cinitial = C1 + C2 = 2C2 + C2
=3C2

29.A parallel plate capacitor, each with plate area

A and separation d is charged to a potential
difference V. The battery used to charge it
remains connected. A dielectric slab of
thickness d and dielectric constant K is now
placed between the plates. What change if any
will take place in
i)charge on plates?
ii)electric field intensity between the plates?
iii) capacitance of the capacitor?
Justify your answer in each case.
Ans: (i) The charge Q =CV, V = same, C =
increases; there, charge on plates increases. 31.Find the charge on the capacitor as shown in
(ii) A electric field E = V/d, and V = the circuit.
constant, d = constant; therefore, electric field
strength remains the same.
(iii) The capacitance of capacitor increases
30.Two parallel plate capacitors of capacitances
C1 andC2 such that C1 = 2C 2 are connected
across a battery of V volt as shown in the
figure. Initially, the key (k) is kept closed to Ans: will discussed in class
fully charge the capacitors. The key is now 32.Net capacitance of three identical capacitors in
thrown open and a dielectric slab of dielectric series is 1pF. What will be their net
constant K is inserted in the two capacitors to capacitance if connected in parallel?
completely fill Find the ratio of energy stored in the two
the gap configurations if they are both connected to
between the the same source.
plates. Find
13

Ans: Net capacitance = 1 μF.

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PSJ Harippad
 If C1 = C2 = C3 = C Let C be the capacitance 10−3 𝑚2and the separation between the plate is
of each of three capacitors and Cs and CR be 3mm .
the capacitance of series and parallel i)Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.
combination respectively. ii)If this capacitor is connected to 100V
supply, what would be the change on each
plate?
iii)How would charge on the plates be affected
if a 3mm thick mica sheet of K = 6 is inserted
between the plates while the voltage supply
remains connected?

33.Figure shows two identical capacitors

C1 and C2 , each of 2 F capacitance,
connected to a battery of 5V . Initially, switch
S is closed. After sometimes, S is left open
and dielectric slabs of dielectric constant
K = 5 are inserted to fill completely the space 36.A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a
between the plates of the two capacitors. How battery. After sometime, the battery is
will the (i) charge and (ii) potential difference disconnected and a dielectric slab with its
between the plates of the capacitors be thickness equal to the plate separation is
affected after the slabs are inserted? inserted between the plates. How will
i) the capacitances of the capacitor,
ii) potential difference between the plates
and
iii) the energy stored in the capacitors be
affected? Justify your answer in each case.
Ans: will discussed in class Ans: (i) The capacitance of capacitor
3 Marks Questions increases to K times (since C = (Kε0A)/d ∝ K)
34.i)Derive the expression for the capacitance of (ii) The potential difference between the plates
a parallel plate capacitor having plate area A becomes 1/K times.
(iii) As E = V/d = and V is decreased;
and plate separation d.
therefore, electric field decreases to 1/K times.
Ans: as in notes Energy stored by the capacitor, U = Q2/2C. As
35.In a parallel plate capacitor with air between Q = constant, C is increased, and so energy
the plates, each plate has an area of 5 × stored by capacitor decreases to 1/K times
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PSJ Harippad
37.A capacitor of unknown capacitance is 39.A network of four capacitors each of 12 F
connected across a battery of V volt. The capacitance if
charge stored in it is 360 C . When potential connected to a 500V
across the capacitor is reduced by 120V , the supply as shown in
charge stored in it becomes 120 C .Calculate the figure.
i)the potential V and the unknown capacitance
C. Determine
ii)what will be the charge stored in the i)the equivalent capacitance of the network
capacitor if the voltage applied had increased and
by 120V ? ii)the charge on each capacitor.
Ans: Ans: will discussed in class

38.A capacitor of 200 pF is charged by a 300V

battery. The battery is then disconnected and
the charged capacitor is connected to another
uncharged capacitor of 100 pF . Calculate the
difference between the final energy stored in
the combined system and the initial energy
stored in the single capacitor.
Ans: will discussed in class
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PSJ Harippad