Chapter

18.2
Capacitance & Capacitors

Capacitance:
(1) Capacitance of a conductor : Charge
given to a conductor increases it’s potential
i.e., 𝑄 ∝ 𝑉  𝑄 = 𝐶𝑉 Where C is a
proportionality constant, called capacity or
capacitance of conductor. Hence
capacitance is the ability of conductor to hold the charge.
𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑏
(2) It's S.I. unit is = 𝐹𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑 (𝐹) Smaller S.I. units are mF, F, nF and
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡
pF (1𝑚𝐹 = 10−3 𝐹,1𝜇𝐹 = 10−6 𝐹, 1𝑛𝐹 = 10−9 𝐹, 1𝑝𝐹 = 1𝜇𝜇𝐹 = 10−12 𝐹)
(3) It's C.G.S. unit is Stat Farad 1𝐹 = 9 × 1011 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝐹𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑.
(4) It's dimension: [𝐶] = [𝑀−1 𝐿−2 𝑇 4 𝐴2 ].
(5) Capacity of a body is independent of charge given to the body or it’s
potential raised and depends on shape and size only.
(6)1 Farad: If 1C charge is hold at potential difference 1
volt capacitance of capacitor is called 1 farad(1F).
Capacitor or Condenser:
A capacitor is a device that stores electric energy. or A
capacitor is a pair of two conductors of any shape, which
are close to each other and have equal and opposite
charge.
Fig. 18.2.1
PHYSINESIS BY: AKHILESH CHAUHAN 9536859123 Capacitance and Capacitors
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(1) A capacitor get’s charged when a battery is connected across the plates.
Once capacitor get’s fully charged, flow of charge carriers stops in the circuit
and in this condition potential difference across the plates of capacitor is
same as the potential difference across the terminals of battery. This is called
steady state i.e. I=0
(2) Net charge on a capacitor is always zero, but when we speak of the
charge Q on a capacitor, we are referring to the magnitude of the charge on
each plate.
Dielectric: Conductor
(Metal foil)
Dielectrics are insulating (non-conducting)
materials which transmits electric effect
without conducting.
Conductor Dielectric
(Metal foil) (Plastic sheet)

Dielectrics are of two types:

(1) Polar dielectrics : A polar molecule has permanent electric dipole
moment (𝑝⃗) in the absence of electric field also. But a – – +
+
polar dielectric has net dipole moment zero in the +
–
–
absence of electric field because polar molecules are + +
–
randomly oriented as shown in figure.
Fig. 18.2.2
In the presence of electric field polar molecules tends
to line up in the direction of electric field, and the
substance has finite dipole moment e.g. water, Alcohol, 𝐶𝑂2 , 𝑁𝐻3 , HCl etc.
are made of polar atoms/molecules.
(2) Non polar dielectric : In non-polar molecules, Each molecule has zero
dipole moment in its normal state.
When electric field is applied, molecules becomes induced electric dipole
e.g. 𝑁2 , 𝑂2 , Benzene, Methane etc. are made of non-polar atoms/molecules
In general, any non-conducting, material can be called as a dielectric but
broadly non conducting material having non polar molecules referred to as
dielectric.
Polarization of a dielectric slab: It is the +
process of inducing equal and opposite +
– + – + –

–
charges on the two faces of the dielectric on +
– +
Ei
– +

–
the application of electric field. + – + – +

+ –
– + – +
(i) Electric field between the plates in the + –
– + – +
presence of dielectric medium is 𝐸′ = 𝐸 − E
Fig. 18.2.3
𝐸𝑖 where E = Main field, E' = Induced field
due to dielectric material.
Note

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(ii) Dielectric constant of dielectric medium is defined as:
𝐸 Electric field between the plates with air
= =𝐾
𝐸′ Electric field between the plates with medium

(iii) K is also known as relative permittivity (𝜀𝑟 ) of the material or SIC

(Specific Inductive Capacitance)
Dielectric breakdown and dielectric strength: If a very high electric field
is created in a dielectric,. The dielectric then behaves like a conductor. This
phenomenon is known as dielectric breakdown.
The maximum value of electric field (or potential gradient) that a dielectric
material can tolerate without it’s electric breakdown is called it’s dielectric
strength.
𝑉 𝑘𝑉
S.I. unit of dielectric strength of a material is but practical unit is .
𝑚 𝑚𝑚
Capacity of an isolated spherical conductor : When charge
+ + + Q
Q is given to a spherical conductor of radius R, then + +
+ +
1 𝑄 𝑄 R
potential at the surface of sphere is 𝑉 =  = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅 ⇒ + +
+
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅 𝑉 +
O
+ +
𝑄 1
= 𝐶 = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅 = .𝑅 𝐶 ∝ 𝑅 C +
+ + +
+
𝑉 9×109
Fig. 18.2.4
R

If earth is assumed to be a conducting sphere having radius 𝑅 = 6400𝑘𝑚. It’s

theoretical capacitance 𝐶 = 711𝜇𝐹. But for all practical purpose capacitance
of earth is taken infinity and its potential 𝑉 = 0.
To hold 1F charge at 1 volt a sphere of radius(R=9˟109m) about 1500 times radius of earth
is required.
Parallel plate capacitor: It consists of two parallel metallic plates (may be
circular, rectangular, square) separated by a small distance. If A = Effective
overlapping area of each plate.
𝜎 𝑄
(i) Electric field between the plates : 𝐸 = = (for
𝜀0 𝐴𝜀0
opposite charge density plates)
E
𝜎𝑑
(ii) Potential difference between the plates : 𝑉 = 𝐸 × 𝑑 =
𝜀0
𝑄 𝜎𝐴 𝜎𝐴 𝜀𝟎 𝐴 𝐴
(iii) Capacitance : 𝐶 = = = 𝜎.𝑑 = . In C.G.S. : 𝐶 =
𝑉 𝑉 𝑑 𝟒𝜋𝑑
𝜀𝟎

(iv) If a dielectric medium of dielectric constant K is filled

Fig. 18.2.5
completely between the plates then capacitance increases
𝐾𝜀 𝐴
by K times i.e. 𝐶′ = 0  𝐶′ = 𝐾𝐶
𝑑

Note

1.2.3
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(v) The capacitance of parallel plate capacitor depends on A (C  A) and d
1
(𝐶 ∝ 𝑑). It does not depend on the charge on the plates or the potential
difference between the plates.
Grouping of Capacitor:
(1) Series grouping: C1 C2 C3

(i) Let C1, C2 and C3 capacitors are connected +Q –Q +Q –Q +Q –Q

+ – + – + –
in series. The potential across each capacitor + – + – + –
+ – + – + –
is V1, V2 and V3 respectively. Charge on each Q + – + – + –

capacitor remains same and equals to the V1 V2 V3

main charge supplied by the battery but

+ –
potential difference distributes i.e.
V
V = V1 + V2 + V3
Fig. 18.2.6
(ii) Equivalent capacitance
V = V1 + V2 + V3
𝑄 𝑄1 𝑄2 𝑄3
Put values of V1, V2 and V3 as (𝑉 = ,𝑉1 = ,𝑉2 = ,𝑉3 = )
𝐶𝑒𝑞 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
𝑄 𝑄 𝑄 𝑄 1 1 1 1
= + + ⇒ = + +
𝐶𝑒𝑞 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝐶𝑒𝑞 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
𝐶𝑒𝑞 = (𝐶1−1 + 𝐶2−1 + 𝐶3−1 )−1
(iii) In series combination potential difference and energy distributes in
1 1
the reverse ratio of capacitance i.e., 𝑉 ∝ and 𝑈 ∝ .
𝐶 𝐶
(iv) If two capacitors having capacitances C1 and C2 are connected in series
𝐶 𝐶 𝑀𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶 𝐶
then 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = 𝟏 𝟐 = , 𝑉1 = ( 2 ) × 𝑉 and 𝑉2 = ( 1 ) × 𝑉
𝐶𝟏 +𝐶𝟐 𝐴𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝐶1 +𝐶2
(v) If n identical capacitors each having capacitances C are connected in
𝐶
series with supply voltage V then Equivalent capacitance 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = and
𝑛
𝑉
Potential difference across each capacitor 𝑉′ = .
𝑛
(vi) If n identical plates are arranged as shown below, + – + – + – + –
+ –
they constitute (n – 1) capacitors in series. If each + – + – + – + –

𝜀 𝐴 + – + – + – + –
capacitors having capacitance 0 then + – + – + – + –
𝑑
𝜀0 𝐴 Fig. 18.2.7
𝐶𝑒𝑞 =
(𝑛−1)𝑑
In this situation except two extreme plates each plate
is common to adjacent capacitors.
(2) Parallel grouping

Note

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(i) Let C1, C2 and C3 capacitors are connected in series. Potential
difference across each capacitor remains same and +Q –Q 1 1
+ –
equal to the applied potential difference i.e. V but + –
+ –
+ –
Q
charge distributes. Let charges on each capacitor is Q1, +Q –Q
1
2 2
+ –
Q2 and Q3 i.e. Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + –
+ –
Q + – 2

(ii) As we know Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 Q Q +Q –Q 3 3 3
+ –
CeqV =C1V+C2V+C3V as (Q=CeqV, Q1= C1V, Q2= C2V, Q3= C3V) +
+
–
–
+ –

So Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
V
(iii) In parallel combination charge and energy Fig. 18.2.8
distributes in the ratio of capacitance i.e.
Q  C and U  C
(iv) If two capacitors having capacitance C1 and C2 respectively are
connected in parallel then 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2
𝐶1 𝐶2
𝑄1 = ( ) × 𝑄 and 𝑄2 = (𝐶 )×𝑄
𝐶1 +𝐶2 1 +𝐶2

(v) If n identical capacitors are connected in parallel

Equivalent capacitance 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = 𝑛𝐶 and Charge on
𝑄
each capacitor 𝑄′ = 2 4 6
𝑛
1 3 5 7
If n identical plates are arranged such that even
numbered of plates are connected together and odd
Fig. 18.2.9
numbered plates are connected together, then (n – 1)
capacitors will be formed and they will be in parallel grouping.
Equivalent capacitance 𝐶′ = (𝑛 − 1)𝐶, where C = capacitance of a capacitor
𝜀0 𝐴
=
𝑑
Spherical capacitor : It consists of two concentric conducting spheres of
radii a and b (a < b). Inner sphere is given charge +Q, while outer sphere
is earthed –Q
(i) Potential difference : Between the spheres is a
𝑄 𝑄 𝑄 1 1 𝑄 𝑏−𝑎 b
𝑉= − = ( − 𝑏) = 4𝜋𝜀 ( 𝑎𝑏 )
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎 0
+Q
𝑄 𝑄 𝑎𝑏
(ii) Capacitance : 𝐶 = = 𝑄 = 4𝜋𝜀0 . .
𝑉 𝑏−𝑎 Fig. 18.2.10
𝑎𝑏
4𝜋𝜀0 .
𝑏−𝑎
𝑎𝑏
In C.G.S. 𝐶 = . In the presence of dielectric medium (dielectric constant
𝑏−𝑎
𝑎𝑏
K) between the spheres 𝐶′ = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝐾
𝑏−𝑎

Note

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(iii) If outer sphere is given a charge +Q while inner sphere
is earthed. So induced charge on the inner sphere
a
𝑎
𝑄′ = − . 𝑄 , So potential difference between these two b
𝑏
capacitors is 𝑉 = 𝑉2 − 0(𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔)
𝑄 𝑟 𝑄 𝑎 𝑄 𝑏−𝑎 𝑄 𝑏−𝑎 Fig. 18.2.11
= [1 − 1] = [1 − ] = [ ]= [ ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏 𝑏 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏 𝑏 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏2
𝑄 𝑄 𝑏2
so capacitance of the system 𝐶 ′ = = 𝑄 𝑏−𝑎 = 4𝜋𝜀0 .
𝑉 [ ] 𝑏−𝑎
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏2

This arrangement is not a capacitor. But it’s capacitance is equivalent to

the sum of capacitance of spherical capacitor and spherical –Q
𝑏2 𝑎𝑏 b a Q
conductor i.e. 4𝜋𝜀0 . = 4𝜋𝜀0 + 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏
𝑏−𝑎 𝑏−𝑎
Cylindrical capacitor : It consists of two concentric
cylinders of radii a and b (a < b), inner cylinder is given l
charge +Q while outer cylinder is earthed. Common length
of the cylinders is l then, we know that
𝜆
𝐸= hence potential difference
2𝜋𝜀° 𝑟
Fig. 18.2.12
𝑏→ → 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏
𝜆 𝜆 𝑑𝑟
𝑉 = − ∫ 𝐸 . 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫ 𝐸. 𝑑𝑟. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 1 80 = ∫ 𝐸. 𝑑𝑟 = ∫ . 𝑑𝑟 = ∫
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 2𝜋𝜀° 𝑟 2𝜋𝜀° 𝑎 𝑟
𝜆 𝜆 𝜆 𝑏
𝑉 = 2𝜋𝜀 [𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑟]𝑏𝑎 = 2𝜋𝜀 [𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑏 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑎] ⇒ 𝑉 = 2𝜋𝜀 [𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑎]
° ° °
𝑄 𝜆𝑙 2𝜋𝜀° 𝑙 2𝜋𝜀° 𝑙 2𝜋𝜀0 𝑙
i.e. 𝐶 = = 𝜆 𝑏 = 𝑏 = 𝑏 ⇒𝐶= 𝑏
𝑉 [𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 ] [𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 ] [𝑙𝑛 ] 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 ( )
2𝜋𝜀° 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎

Capacity of Various Capacitor:

If a dielectric slab of thickness t is partially filled between the plates and
separation between plates is d. The external + –

electric field is E0. The overlapping area of + t –

plates is A. The net potential between plates is +

E
–
A
V=V1(in air)+V2(due to slab) + –

K
V=E0ˣ(d-t)+E×t=E0×(d-t)+E×t + –

+ –
=E0×(d-t)+(E0/K)×t
E0
𝑡 𝜎 𝑡 d
V= E0(𝑑 − 𝑡 + )= (𝑑 − 𝑡 + 𝐾).
𝐾 𝜀0
Fig. 18.2.13
𝑄 𝜎𝐴 𝜀0 𝐴
 𝐶′ = = 𝜎 𝑡 = 𝑡
𝑉 (𝑑−𝑡+𝐾) 𝑑−𝑡+
𝜀0 𝐾

Note

1.2.6
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(vii) If a number of dielectric slabs are inserted between the plate as shown
𝜀0 𝐴
𝐶′ = 𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
𝑑 − (𝑡1 + 𝑡2 + 𝑡3 +. . . . . . . . ) + ( 1 + 2 + 3 +. . . . . . . . ) A K1 K2 K3
𝐾1 𝐾2 𝐾3
(viii) When a metallic slab is inserted between the t1 t2 t3
d
plates(conductor): K is ∞ for metals. Hence
Fig.18.2.14
1 1 𝜀0 𝐴
= = 0 so 𝐶′ =
𝐾 ∞ (𝑑−𝑡)
t
If metallic slab fills the complete space between the
plates (i.e. t = d) or both plates are joined through a A K=
metallic wire then capacitance becomes infinite.
d
(ix) Force between the plates of a parallel plate
Fig. 18.2.15
capacitor. 55

𝜎 𝜎2𝐴 𝜎 2 𝐴2 𝑄2 (𝐶𝑉)2 𝐶𝑄2 𝐶𝑉 2

|𝐹| = 𝑄𝐸 = (𝜎𝐴) × ( )= = = = = 𝜀0 𝐴 =
2𝜀0 2𝜀0 2𝜀0 𝐴 2𝜀0 𝐴 2𝜀0 𝐴 2 2𝑑
𝐶
Work
Energy stored in a charged conductor : Electrostatic done(W)
potential energy of a conductor carrying charge Q, Q
capacitance C and potential V is given then electrical
work done in storing charge on plates is W=area under
1 1 𝑄2 V
Q-V curve 𝑈 = 𝑄𝑉 = 𝐶𝑉 2 =
2 2 2𝐶

Energy density between the plates of a parallel plate Fig. 18.2.16

capacitor.
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦
Energy density =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒

1
𝑄𝑉 1 𝑄 𝑉 1 1 1 𝜎
= 2 = × × = × 𝜎 × 𝐸 = × 𝜀0 𝐸 × 𝐸 = 𝜀0 𝐸 2 . 𝑎𝑠 (𝐸 = )
𝐴×𝑑 2 𝐴 𝑑 2 2 2 𝜀0
In charging capacitor by battery half the energy supplied is stored in the
capacitor and remaining half energy (1/2 QV) is lost in the form of
heat.
Energy stored in capacitors connected in series/parallel:
Series Parallel
We know that for series combination We know that for parallel
1 1
= + +
1 1 combination
𝐶𝑒𝑞 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
Note

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In series combination charge is same In parallel combination voltage is
i.e. ‘Q’. Hence multiply by 12 𝑄2 in both same i.e. ‘V’. Hence multiply by 12 𝑉 2
side in both side
1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
𝑉 2 Ceq = 2 𝑉 2 C1 + 2 𝑉 2 C2 + 2 𝑉 2 C3
1
𝑄 = 𝑄2 + 𝑄2 + 𝑄2 2
2 𝐶𝑒𝑞 2 𝐶1 2 𝐶2 2 𝐶3
1 1 1 1
1 𝑄2 1 𝑄2 1 𝑄2 1 𝑄2 Ceq𝑉 2 = 𝐶1 𝑉 2 + 𝐶2 𝑉 2 + 𝐶3 𝑉 2
= + + 2 2 2 2
2 𝐶𝑒𝑞 2 𝐶1 2 𝐶2 2 𝐶3 𝑈 = 𝑈1 + 𝑈2 + 𝑈3
𝑈 = 𝑈1 + 𝑈2 + 𝑈3

Redistribution of Charges and Loss of Energy:

When two charged conductors joined together through a conducting wire,
charge begins to flow from one conductor to another from higher potential
to lower potential.
This flow of charge stops when they attain the same potential.
Due to flow of charge, loss of energy also takes
Q1 Q2
place in the form of heat through the connecting C1 r1 r2 C2
wire. V1 V2
U1 U2
Suppose there are two spherical conductors of Q =C V 1 1 1 Q2= C2V2
radii𝑟1 and 𝑟2 , having charge 𝑄1 and 𝑄2 , potential 𝑉1 Fig. 18.2.17

and 𝑉2 , energies 𝑈1 and 𝑈2 and capacitance 𝐶1 and 𝐶2

Q 1 Q2
respectively. C r 1 1 r2 C2
V V
If these two spheres are connected through a U  1 U2
conducting wire, then alteration of charge, Q =C V 1 1 Q2=C2V

potential and energy takes place. Fig. 18.2.18

(1) New charge : According to the conservation of charge

𝑄1′ 𝐶1 𝑟1 𝑟2
𝑄1 + 𝑄2 = 𝑄1′ + 𝑄2′ = 𝑄 (say), also = =  𝑄2′ = 𝑄 [ ] and
𝑄2′ 𝐶2 𝑟2 𝑟1 +𝑟2
𝑟1
similarly 𝑄1′ = 𝑄 [ ]
𝑟1 +𝑟2
(2) Common potential : Common potential
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑄1 +𝑄2 𝑄1′ +𝑄2′ 𝐶1 𝑉1 +𝐶2 𝑉2
(𝑉) = = = =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝐶1 +𝐶2
(3)Energy loss in redistribution of charges: Let V1>V2 then change in
potential
𝐶 𝑉 +𝐶 𝑉 𝐶 𝑉 +𝐶 𝑉 −𝐶 𝑉 +𝐶 𝑉 𝐶 (𝑉1 −𝑉2 )
ΔV= V1-V= V-V2 = V1- 1𝐶1+𝐶2 2= 1 1 2𝐶 1+𝐶 1 1 2 = 2𝐶 +𝐶
1 2 1 2 1 2
𝐶1 (𝑉2 −𝑉1 )
Similarly, ΔV = 𝐶1 +𝐶2
Let W1 work done by C1 and W2 work done by C2 then,
1 1 𝐶2 (𝑉1 −𝑉2 ) 2 1 1 𝐶1 (𝑉2 −𝑉1 ) 2
𝑊1 = 2 𝐶1 𝛥𝑉 2 = 2 𝐶1 ( ) and 𝑊2 = 2 𝐶2 𝛥𝑉 2 = 2 𝐶2 ( ) (by putting values of
𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝐶1 +𝐶2
𝐶1 (𝑉2 −𝑉1 )
ΔV = )
𝐶1 +𝐶2
1 𝐶2 (𝑉1 −𝑉2 ) 2 1 𝐶1 (𝑉2 −𝑉1 ) 2
Net work done W=W1+W2= 2 𝐶1 ( ) + 2 𝐶2 ( )
𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝐶1 +𝐶2
Note

1.2.8
PHYSINESIS BY: AKHILESH CHAUHAN 9536859123 Capacitance and Capacitors
akhrit@gmail.com
1 𝐶1 𝐶22 (𝑉1 −𝑉2 )2 +𝐶12 𝐶2 (𝑉2 −𝑉1 )2 1 𝐶1 𝐶2 (𝑉1 −𝑉2 )2 (𝐶1 +𝐶2 ) 1 𝐶1 𝐶2 (𝑉1 −𝑉2 )2 1 𝐶 𝐶
= [
(𝐶1 +𝐶2 )2
]= [ (𝐶1 +𝐶2 )2
]= [ (𝐶1 +𝐶2 )2
] = ( 1 2 ) (𝑉1 − 𝑉2 )2
2 2 2 2 𝐶 +𝐶 1 2
1 𝐶1 𝐶2 1 𝐶1 𝐶2
Work done W=loss in = W1+W2=𝛥𝑈 = ( ) (𝑉1 − 𝑉2 )2 = ( ) (𝑉2 − 𝑉1 )2
2 𝐶 1 +𝐶2 2 𝐶 1 +𝐶2
1 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠
= 2( ) (𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠)2
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠
The loss of energy due to redistribution of charge is given by
1 𝐶1 𝐶2
𝛥𝑈 = 𝑈𝑖 − 𝑈𝑓 = (𝑉1 − 𝑉2 )2
2 (𝐶1 +𝐶2 )
Combination of Charged Drops:
Suppose we have n identical drops each having Radius = r, Capacitance = c,
Charge = q, Potential = v and Energy =u.
If these drops are combined to form a big drop of Radius =R, Capacitance =
C, Charge = Q, Potential = V and Energy = U then
(1) Charge on big drop : 𝑄 = 𝑛𝑞
(2) Radius of big drop : Volume of big drop = n  volume of a single drop i.e.,
4 4
𝜋𝑅3 = 𝑛 × 𝜋𝑟 3 ,  𝑅 = 𝑛1/3 𝑟
3 3
(3) Capacitance of big drop : 𝐶 = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅 = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑛1/3 𝑟 = 𝑛1/3 𝑐 as 𝑐 = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
𝑄 𝑛𝑞
(4) Potential of big drop : 𝑉 = = 1/3  𝑉 = 𝑛2/3 𝑣
𝐶 𝑛 𝑐
1 1
(5) Energy of big drop : 𝑈 = 𝐶𝑉 = (𝑛1/3 𝑐)(𝑛2/3 𝑣)2 2
𝑈 = 𝑛5/3 𝑢
2 2
(6) Energy difference : Total energy of big drop is greater than the total
energy all smaller drop. Hence energy difference
𝑈 1
U = U – nu = 𝑈 − 𝑛 × 5/3 = 𝑈 (1 − 2/3)
𝑛 𝑛
5
U = U – nu=𝑛 𝑢 = 𝑛𝑢 = 𝑢(𝑛 − 1)
5/3 3

Table 18.7 : Variation of different variable (Q, C, V, E and U) of

parallel plate capacitor
Quantity Battery is Removed Battery Remains connected
Capacity C = KC C = KC
Charge Q = Q Q = KQ
Potential V = V/K V = V
Intensity E = E/K E = E
Energy U = U/K U' = KU
Charging and Discharging of Capacitor in Series RC Circuit: As shown in
the following figure (A) when switch S is closed, capacitor start charging.
In this transient state potential difference appears across capacitor as well
as resistor. When capacitor gets fully charged
C R C R
+ – + –
the entire potential difference appeared
V V V 0

across the capacitor and nothing is left for the i

+ – + –
resistor. [Shown in figure (B)] S V S V 0 0

(A) Transient (B) Steady state

state Fig. 18.2.19

Note

1.2.9
PHYSINESIS BY: AKHILESH CHAUHAN 9536859123 Capacitance and Capacitors
akhrit@gmail.com
(i) Charging : In transient state of charging charge on the capacitor at any
−𝑡
instant 𝑄 = 𝑄0 (1 − 𝑒 𝑅𝐶 ) and potential
Q0 Q0

diff. across the capacitor at any instant Q = Q0(1 – e–t/RC)

Q Q = Q0 e–t/RC
Q
−𝑡
𝑉 = 𝑉0 (1 − 𝑒 𝑅𝐶 ) (Here Q and V are the
O t O t

instantaneous values of charge and Charge on the capacitor Charge on the capacitor
increases with time during decreases with time during
potential difference while maximum charging discharging
Fig. 18.2.20
charge on capacitor is 𝑄0 = 𝐶𝑉0 )
(ii) Discharging : After the completion of charging, if battery is removed
capacitor starts discharging. In transient state charge on the capacitor at
any instant 𝑄 = 𝑄0 𝑒 −𝑡/𝑅𝐶 and potential difference cross the capacitor at any
instant 𝑉 = 𝑉0 𝑒 −𝑡/𝐶𝑅 .
(iii) Time constant () : The quantity RC is called the time constant as it
has the dimension of time during charging if 𝑡 = 𝜏 = 𝑅𝐶, 𝑄 = 𝑄0 (1 − 𝑒 −1 ) =
1
0.63𝑄0 = 63% of Q0 ( = 0.37) or during discharging it is defined as the time
𝑒
during which charge on a capacitor falls to 0.37 times (37%) of the initial
charge on the capacitor. E E
Kirchhoff’s Law for Capacitor Circuits:
–E +E
According to Kirchhoff’s junction law ∑ 𝑞 = 0 and
Kirchhoff’s second law (Loop law) states that in a C C

close loop of an electric circuit ∑ 𝑉 = 0 + – + –

V = – q/C V = + q/C
Use following sign convention while solving the
Fig. 18.2.21
problems.
When an arrangement of capacitors cannot be simplified by the method
of successive reduction, then we need to apply the Kirchhoff’s laws to
solve the circuit.

Note

1.2.10
PHYSINESIS BY: AKHILESH CHAUHAN 9536859123 Capacitance and Capacitors
akhrit@gmail.com

 After earthing a positively charged conductor electrons flow from

+ –
earth to conductor and if a negatively +
+
+
–
–
+ e– – – e–
+ –
charged conductor is earthed then +
+
–
–
+ –

electrons flows from conductor to earth.

 When a charged spherical conductor placed inside a hollow
insulated conductor and connected through a fine conducting +Q

wire the charge will be completely transferred from the inner

conductor to the outer conductor.
 Lightening-rod arrestors are made up of conductors with one of their
ends earthed while the other sharp, and protects a building from
lightening either by neutralising or conducting the charge of the cloud to
the ground.
 With rise in temperature dielectric constant of liquid decreases.
 If X-rays are incident on a charged electroscope, due to ionisation of
air by X-rays the electroscope will get discharged and hence its leaves will
collapse. However, if the electroscope is evacuated. X-rays will cause
photoelectric effect with gold and so the leaves will further diverge if it
is positively charged (or uncharged) and will converge if it is negatively
charged.
 Two-point charges separated by a distance r in vacuum and a force F
acting between them. After filling a dielectric medium having dielectric
constant K completely between the charges, force between them
decreases. To maintain the force as before separation between them has
to be changed to 𝑟√𝐾. This distance known as effective air separation.
 No point charge produces electric field at it’s own position.
 The electric field on the surface of a conductor is directly proportional
to the surface charge density at that point i.e, 𝐸 ∝ 𝜎

Note

1.2.11
PHYSINESIS BY: AKHILESH CHAUHAN 9536859123 Capacitance and Capacitors
akhrit@gmail.com
 Two charged spheres having radii 𝑟1 and 𝑟2 , charge densities 𝜎1 and 𝜎2
𝐸1
respectively, then the ratio of electric field on their surfaces will be =
𝐸2
𝜎1 𝑟22 𝑄
= {𝜎 = }
𝜎2 𝑟12 4𝜋𝑟 2

 In air, if intensity of electric field exceeds the value 3 × 106 𝑁 ⥂/⥂ 𝐶, air
ionizes.
 A small ball is suspended in a uniform
→
electric field with the help of an insulated E

thread. If a high energy X–ray beam falls on F= QE

the ball, X-rays knock out electrons from the

X–
ball so the ball is positively charged and Ray
therefore the ball is deflected in the direction of electric field.
 Electric field is always directed from higher potential to lower
potential.
 A positive charge if left free in electric field always moves from higher
potential to lower potential while a negative charge moves from lower
potential to higher potential.
 An electric potential can exist at a point in a region where the electric
field is zero and it’s vice versa.
 It is a common misconception that the path traced by a positive test
charge is a field line but actually the path traced by a unit positive test
charge represents a field line only when it moves along a straight line.
 An electric field is completely characterized by two physical quantities
Potential and Intensity. Force characteristic of the field is intensity and
work characteristic of the field is potential.
 For a short dipole, electric field intensity at a point on the axial line is
double the electric field intensity at a point on the equatorial line of
electric dipole i.e. Eaxial = 2Eequatorial
1
 It is interesting to note that dipole field 𝐸 ∝ decreases much rapidly as
𝑟3
1
compared to the field of a point charge (𝐸 ∝ 2).
𝑟

 Franklin (i.e., e.s.u. of charge) is the smallest unit of charge while

faraday is largest (1 Faraday = 96500 C).

Note

1.2.12
PHYSINESIS BY: AKHILESH CHAUHAN 9536859123 Capacitance and Capacitors
akhrit@gmail.com
 The e.s.u. of charge is also called stat coulomb or Franklin (Fr) and is
emu of charge
related to e.m.u. of charge through the relation = 3 × 1010
esu of charge

 Recently it has been discovered that elementary particles such as

proton or neutron are composed of quarks having charge (±1/3)e and
(±2/3)e. However, as quarks do not exist in free state, the quanta of
charge is still e.
 Inducting body neither gains nor loses charge.
 Dielectric constant of an insulator can not be 
 For metals in electrostatics K =  and so 𝑄′ = −𝑄; i.e. in metals induced
charge is equal and opposite to inducing charge.
 A truck carrying explosives has a metal chain touching the ground, to
conduct away the charge produced by friction.
 Coulombs law is valid at a distance greater than 10−15 𝑚.
 Ratio of gravitational force and electrostatic force between (i) Two
electrons is 10–43/1. (ii) Two protons is 10–36/1
(iii) One proton and one electron 10–39/1.
 Decreasing order to fundamental forces 𝐹𝑁𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 > 𝐹𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 >
𝐹𝑊𝑒𝑎𝑘 > 𝐹𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙
 At the centre of the line joining two equal and opposite charge V = 0
but E  0.
 At the centre of the line joining two equal and similar charge 𝑉 ≠ 0, 𝐸 =
0.
 Electric field intensity and electric potential due to a point charge q, at
a distance t1 + t2 where t1 is thickness of medium of dielectric constant K1
and t2 is thickness of medium of dielectric constant K2 are :
𝟏 𝑄 𝟏 𝑄
𝐸= ;𝑉=
𝟒𝜋𝜀𝟎 (𝑡𝟏 √𝐾1 +𝑡𝟐 √𝐾𝟐 )𝟐 𝟒𝜋𝜀𝟎 (𝑡𝟏 √𝐾1 +𝑡𝟐 √𝐾𝟐 )

 If an electron (charge e and mass m) is moving on a circular path of

radius r about a positively charge infinitely long linear charge, (charge
density ) then the velocity of electron in dynamic equilibrium will be 𝑣 =
𝑒𝜆
√2𝜋𝜀 .
0𝑚

Note

1.2.13
PHYSINESIS BY: AKHILESH CHAUHAN 9536859123 Capacitance and Capacitors
akhrit@gmail.com

 A metal plate is charged uniformly with a surface charge density . An

electron of energy W is fired towards the charged metal plate from a
𝑊𝜀0
distance d, then for no collision of electron with plate 𝑑 =
𝑒𝜎

 It is a very common misconception that a capacitor stores charge but

actually a capacitor stores electric energy in the electrostatic field
between the plates.
 Two plates of unequal area can also form a capacitor, but effective
overlapping area is considered.

 Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor doesn't depends upon the

charge given, potential raised or nature of metals and thickness of plates.
 The distance between the plates is kept small to avoid fringing or edge
effect (non-uniformity of the field) at the boundaries of the
+ –
plates. + –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –

 Spherical conductor is equivalent to a spherical capacitor with it’s

outer sphere of infinite radius.
 A spherical capacitor behaves as a parallel plate capacitor if it’s
spherical surfaces have large radii and are close to each other.
 The intensity of electric field between the plates of a parallel plate
capacitor (E = /0) does not depend upon the distance between them.
 The plates of a parallel plate capacitor are being moved away with some
velocity. If the plate separation at any instant of time is ‘d’ then the rate
1
of change of capacitance with time is proportional to .
𝑑2

 Radial and non-uniform electric field exists between the spherical

surfaces of spherical capacitor.

Note

1.2.14
PHYSINESIS BY: AKHILESH CHAUHAN 9536859123 Capacitance and Capacitors
akhrit@gmail.com
 Two large conducting plates X and Y kept close to each other. The plate
X is given a charge 𝑄1 while plate Y Q X Q Y 1 X2
Y
is given a charge 𝑄2 (𝑄1 > 𝑄2 ), the b d 
distribution of charge on the four a c
faces a, b, c, d will be as shown in
the following figure.
 When dielectric is partially filled between the plates of a parallel plate
capacitor then it’s capacitance increases but potential difference
decreases. To maintain the capacitance and potential difference of
capacitor as before separation between the plates has to be increased say
𝑡
by 𝑑′. In such case 𝐾 =
𝑡−𝑑′

 In series combination equivalent capacitance is always lesser than that

of either of the individual capacitors. In parallel combination, equivalent
capacitance is always greater than the maximum capacitance of either
capacitor in network.
 If n identical capacitors are connected in parallel which are charged to a
potential V. If these are separated and connected in series then potential
difference of combination will be nV.
 Two capacitors of capacitances C1 and C2 are charged to potential of V1
and V2 respectively. After disconnecting from batteries they are again
connected to each other with reverse polarity i.e., positive plate of a
capacitor connected to negative plate of other. Then common potential is
given by
𝑄1 −𝑄2 𝐶1 𝑉1 −𝐶2 𝑉2
𝑉= = .
𝐶1 +𝐶2 𝐶1 +𝐶2

Note

1.2.15