2.

1 Recapitulate:

2.1.1 Gauss’ Theorem

2.1.2 Parallel Plate Capacitor; Expression of capacitance in the case of single and multi dielectric
2.1.3 Series and Parallel Combination of Capacitors; Equivalent Capacitance

Problem:

Two parallel metal plates of 4cms square are placed 1.5cms apart in air. Find the percentage
change in capacitance if a large dielectric slab of permittivity 2 and thickness 0.5cm is inserted
half way between the plates.

2.2 Cylindrical Capacitor

dx

V
x
Q er

r
R

Fig. 2.1

Let, Q be the charge per unit length on the inner conductor. Thus, neglecting the depth, we can
consider the system as 2D.
Thus, on the inner circle, as per Gauss's theorem, total flux is also Q
Now, electric flux density at a radial distance of x in between the cylinders is

Total Flux Total Flux

D= =
Area Circumference , for 2D system.

Q
D=
2 πx 2.1

From the relationship between D and E, we get

D=ε 0 ε r E 2.2

Thus from 2.1 and 2.2 we get

 Q
∴ E=
2 πε 0 ε r x 2.3

Let, the outer cylinder with radius R is at a potential VR and the inner cylinder with radius r is at a
potential Vr

According to definition of potential difference,

R
V R −V r =−∫ Edx
r 2.4

If the inner cylinder is given a potential of V (i.e., Vr = V) and outer cylinder is earthed (i.e., VR =
0), then,
R
0−V =−∫ Edx
r 2.5

Or,
R R
Q dx Q
V =∫ Edx= ∫ = [ ln x ] rR= Q ln R ( )
r 2 πε 0 ε r r x 2 πε 0 ε r 2 πε 0 ε r r 2.6

Q V
∴ =
2 πε 0 ε r R
ln
r () 2.7

Capacitance of the system is given by

Q
C=
V 2.8

Q
Putting the value of V from 2.7, we get

2 πε 0 ε r
C=
ln ( Rr ) 2.9

Which is the standard expression of capacitance for a cylindrical capacitor

1
ε0≈ ×10−9 F /m
Now, 36 π
 2 πε r
C= ×10−9 F /m

So,
36 π ln ( Rr ) 2.10

εr
= ×10−9 F/m
18 ln ( Rr ) 2.11

Expression from (2.11) is utilized in calculating the capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor per
unit length.

Problem:

Find the capacitance of a concentric cylinder polyethylene electric cable of 25m with outer
conductor earthed. The inner conductor has a diameter of 5cm and the thickness of polyethylene
surrounding the conductor is 1cm. Given, r of polyethylene = 2.25.