ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL AND CAPACITANCE Ww 4, Electrostatic Potential Energy (U)(P¥Q 2020,2018,2014,2010) Electrostatic potential energy of a body at a point in an electric field can be defined as the work done by external force in moving a charge (slowly, without acceleration) from infinity to the given point, against the field. SI Unit is Joule. Derivation (P¥Q2020) Consider a source charge Qat origin and another charge q at infinity. An external force Fux actson q such that itis equal in magnitude but opposite in direction the Coulomb force between Q and q.So the work done by Faxtonq on ing it by a distance dxis- Og hae tacea9 Note: 1) We cannot calculate absolute potential energy of a body; we can only calculate the rence in potential energy of the body between two points. 2) Electrostatic force is a conservative force so work done and hence potential energy difference only depends on the initial and final positions of the object 4p ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL (V) (PYQ 2018, 2016, 2012, 2011) Electrostatic potential at a point in an electric field is defined as the work done by external force to bring a unit positive charge (slowly, without acceleration) trom infinity to the given point.(SI Unit-joule/coulomb or Volt) By definition, Ss &Note: We cannot calculate absolute potential at a point; we can only calculate the potential difference between two points. “To derive expression for potential, just substitute Q, for 1 in the derivation for U. PQues: Draw a graph showing variation of potential (V) and distance (r) ( PYG 2019 ) Vv ue . n ee | (1,0, 0)along the x-axis? (© How would your unswer change if the pat of the test change between the same Pints isnot along the X-axis bu along any other random pa? (PYO 2018) 4p POTENTIAL DUE TO AN ELECTRIC DIPOLE (PYQ 2019) (Removed for 2029-24) Consider a dipole of dipole moment p and length 2a. Let us calculate the potential at a point O at a distance r from the center of the dipole. % 4 1 1 Tene, |y-acosd FF acosd 4 [eeeeeee *)2) ‘Ae equatorial position 4 POTENTIAL DUE TO A SYSTEM OF CHARGES w Total potential at a point due to a system of charges is equal to the algebraic sum of potentials due to all the individual charges at that point. el °4 3 4, Note: In the previous chapter we saw that electric field inside 2 charged hollow sphere is 0. So potential inside the shell is constant and is equal to its value at the surface as no work is done on moving charge inside the shell important vas ©) 3) Ques: The potential at the surface of a spherical hollow metal shell with radius 6cm is 12V, What will be the potential at its center? (PYQ2011) Ans: Since the eleciric field inside a shell is 0, no work is done to move a charge inside the shell therefore potential at the center will be the same as the potential at its surface i.e. 12V 4 EQUIPOTENTIAL SURFACES (PYQ 2020, 2019, 2014, 2013, 2010) Equipotential surfaces are surfaces which have a Constant value of potential atall points. ~ — tm se = * 46 : flow. Kaksha*Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to the electric field. (PYQ.2014) Proof: To prove this, let us assume that electric field is not perpendicular to the equipotential surfaces. This implies that the electric field can be resolved into two components, one of which will be perpendicular to the equipetential surface and one will be parallel or along the surface. Now, consider @ charge at a point A on the surface. Since there is component of field along the surface, when we move the charge to a point B on the surface some work will be done. This means that potential at points A and 8 will not be the same whichis not possible as itis an equipotential surface so potential at all points on it must be the same. Therefore, by contradiction we can conclude that electric field is always perpendicular to the equipotential surface. pace f) Wes: Draw the equipotential surfaces due to a uniform electric field along z direction ( PYQ2024,19.48) Ans: 4 4 Relation between potential (V) and field (E) (Removed for 2023-24) V,-Va=dV rk de fi i, 1 P ‘Work done in moving q from B to A- Mle ote dW=qdV I ! W =qE -d? =-qEdr 1 : a qdV =-qEdr p= dr 1). Electric field is in the direction where potential decreases the steepest, 2) Magnitude of electric field is given by the change in magnitude of potential per unit displacement normal to the ‘equipotential surface at the point. ° F —_—f)Ques: The following diagram depicts some equipotential surfaces. Calculate the magnitude and direction of electric field. (Removed for 2023-24) ‘Ans: We know electric field is perpendicular to the equipotential Surfaces s0 let usa draw a perpendicular to these surfaces. p=5xsin30" Sem av __1 __ 4oovc" = 2-5x10 400 cos 60" +400» sin 60°) 200f +200» V3jNC" 4 Potential energy due to a system of charges (PYQ 2020, 2010) Consider a charge q1 which is brought from infinity to 2 point A. Since there is no electric field no work is done in this process. Now, another charge qi is brought from infinity to a point Bata distance r from qi. Since, the potential at B is = kau/t, work is done in bringing the charge q: to B which will be equal to Vaz. Therefore, the potential energy of the system will be Ques: Three point charges 11C, -IUC, 24C were initially infinite distance apart. Calculate the work done in assembling these charges at the vertices of an equilateral triengle of side 10cm (PY 2020) ‘Ans: To calculate the work done, we calculate the difference in the final and Initial potential energy of the system, ‘The initial P.€ of the system is zero as all charges were infinitely separated The final PE of system can be calculated as- FU ytUy = ae 1 2 Toner * (49: * 424+ 44) =-9X 10°F an Lye ———_ om Note: Work done by system (Ws,) = -Work done by ext. force (Wea) 4p Potential energy in an external field 1. Potential energy of a single charge If a charge. is brought from infinity to a given point in an external electric field E(r), its potential energy will be equal to q.V(r) where V(r) is the potential due to the external field at that point.For eg. if an electron is accelerated through a potential difference of Vit will gain energy equal to eV. This unit of energy is defined as electron volt (eV} and 1eV= 1.6 x 10 J 2. Potential energy of a system of two charges in an external field (PYQ 2018) > ‘To calculate the potential energy of @ system of two charges (qs, qa] In +’ EF q mk ‘An external field, first we calculate the work done in bringing charge ay ——— From infinity which will be qj. V(r). Then we calculate the work done in —— Bringing a2 from infinity, but this time the work done is not just against the external electric field but also against the field due to as. Work done on q2 due to extemal field = qz.V(ra) Work done on qsdue to q.= kquge/tas Therefore, total potential energy of the system = qi.Vin1) + q2.V(ea) + kquaa/rie 2 Ques: Two charges 7HC and -2u€ are placed at (-9ern,0,0) and (9cm,0,0} resp, in an external electric field E= A/r’ where A= 9x 10° Cm”. What is the potential energy of the system? Ans: U=qi. V(r) + @.V(ra) + kage First we need to calculate the expression for potential due to the field ~ 1, dts 4xme, 7 =70-20-0-7 493/ % Potential energy of dipole in external field ——— We know that when a dipole is kept in an external electric field, it _ Experiences a torque |t) = p XE which causes it to rotate. = Let the dipole be at an angle 6, with the field intially. An external cn Torque (rex) is applies to it which is equal and opposite to the torque % Due to E. tax rotates the dipole (very slowly and without ecceleration) e Such that it now makes an angle 6; with the field. Let us calculate the work done in the process- Let the dipole rotate in the plane of the paper by an infinitesimal amount d6, Let the work done in this process be dw dW =r-d0 Cae dW = pEsinodo W=pE f sinoao W =-pE(cos@,-cos@,)This work done by the ext torque is stored in the form of potential energy of the dipole. Let U = 0 when 6 =IT/2 U=-pEcos0 U=-p-E Note: We take P.E of dipole 0 at 9= [1/2 because the work done in bringing the two charges from infinity will be equal and opposite and will cancel out in this configuration. Important Pays © Ques: calculate P.E ofa dipole with charges q,-a PiQues: A dipole of length dem makes an angle of 60° And length L and in stable equilibrium with field E with the electric field and experiences a torque of (Pvq2020) 4V3 Nm. Calculate P.E of dipole ifit hasa charge Of #8nc (PYQ2014) ‘Ans: stable equilibrium means = 0 ql Ecos0" = -qlE Ans: p=8x10°x4x 10? =0-32nCm PEsin® be De to 4x son xio? xe x E=25x10"«N/c U=-PEvos8 ’ ye Cy J = 0:32 1025x101 for h pee U=-0.32 410" x2. 5104 ay Electrostatics of conductors Metallic conductors have mabile charge carriers in the form of free electrons. 1. Inside a conductor, electrostatic field is zero (PYQ2012) In electrostatic situation, when there is no current inside or on the surface of the conductor, the electric field is zero inside the conductor. This is because, in static situation the free charges inside the conductor are distributed in such a way that the net electrostatic field inside a conductor is zero everywhere. 2. At the surface of a charged conductor electrostatic field must be normal to the surface at every point If E was not normalto the surface, there would be a component of € parallel to the surface which would cause the charges on the surface to move. But since itis a static situation, that should not be the case. Therefore, electrostatic field should be normal to the surface of a conductor at all points. 3. Theinterior of a conductor can have no excess charge in the static situation When a conductor is charged, all the excess charge must reside at the surface in static situation. This follows from Gauss's law. Consider any arbitrary Gaussian surface inside @ conductor, since electric field is 0 inside the conductor, net flux through the surface is also 0. This implies that the net charge enclosed inside the surface is also zero. 4, Electrostatic potential is constant throughout the volume of the conductor and has the same value (as inside) on tthe surface This follows from results 1 and 2. Since E=0 everywhere inside the conductor and has no tangential component, no work is done in moving a charged particle inside or on the surface of the conductor hence there is no potential difference between any two points inside or on the surface of a conductor. 5. Electric field at the surface of a charged conductor op aWhere cis the surface charge density and # is a unit vector normal to the surface of the conductor inthe Outward direction. Proof: consider a short cylindrical Gaussian surface that is half inside and half outside the conductor. =f F-ds+f EA, (Pald wide corde 40) wa, 6. Electrostatic shielding Whatever be the charge and field configuration outside, any cavity in a conductor remains shielded from outside electric influence i.e. the field inside the covity is always zero. Use: to protect sensitive instruments from outside electrical influence. Note: when a conductor is kept in an external electric field, the charge carriers (free e's) move and are redistributed in sucha way that the electric field produced due to the induced charges opposes the external field such that the ‘two fields cancel each other out completely end net electrostatic field inside the conductor is zero. 4 Dielectrics and polarization Dielectrics are non-conducting substances. Dielectricin an external field When a dielectric is kept in an external electric field, the field causes re orientation of the molecules of the dielectric such that each molecule becomes a dipole and the net result of this is the appearance of charges on the surface of the dielectric which produces a field which opposes the external field. This is called polarization of a dielectric. Unlike a conductor, this induced field doesn’t cancel out the external field completely but con only reduce it. ‘The extent of polarization depends on two factors- i) The potential energy of the cipole in the external field trying to align the dipole along the field ji] ‘The thermal energy tending to disrupt the alignment Let E, be the external field and E, be the field due to polarization of the dielectric and let Ebe the net field inside the dielectric betta b+ p+tstt mi KakshaNote: — linear isotropic dielectrics- dielectrics for which the induced dipole moment is the cirection of the field and is Proportional to the field strength — polar molecules- the +ve and —ve centers coincide | non-polar molacules- the +ve and —ve centers don’t coincide 2.8, Os, He e.g. HCL, HO Polarization (P) it is avector | Polarization is defined as the induced dipole moment per unit volume. Its direction is given by the direction ofthe induced dipole moment. p=O,d p=o,Ad Ad p= ie, Polerization vector is numerically equal to the induced surface charge density 5p electrical displacement (0) Itis avector | Electrical displacement is directly related to free charge density ina dielectric medium (i.e. it replaces E which is directly related to the free charge density in free space) Since P is in the same direction as E, all three quantities D, P, Eare parallel, The ratio of magnitudes of D and E~ p=D-e.E eK B=(k-leE Bank 1.=(k-Neo Which s called electric suscepabiley§p Capacitors and Capacitance (PYQ 2020,2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011,2010) Capacitor: A system of two conductors seperated by an insulator which is used to store electrical energy/ charge. — Thetwo conductors have charges Q and-Q. Qis called the charge of the capacitor. — The total charge on capacitor = 0 — The electric field in the region between the conductors is proportional to the charge. — The pot. Difference (V) b/w the conductors is the work done in taking a unit +ve charge from one conductor to another Capacitance: The ratio Q/V for a capacitor is constant and is called the capacitance (c) of the capacitor. | SI unit: Farad (F} Note: Cs indepenident of both @. and V and only depends on the geometrical configuration (shape, size, separation) of the system of the conductors Principle of capacitors: When a charged conductor is kept near an uncharged conductor, its capacitance increases. pat a + + + + 3 te + + “ . + A a r 4 TF =F iGhevpoea Types of capacitors 1. Spherical capacitor (NCERT back exercise Q 2.29) (Removed for 2023-24) Isolated spherical capacitor- it consists of a single isolated hollow metal sphere. It stores energy in the region from its surface to infinity, Consider a hollow metal sphere with charge Qand radius R. The potential atits surface can be written as- ce xaxne,r C=4x eRANQueS: 2.29 A spherical capacitor consists of two concentric spherical conductors, feld in postin by suitable insulting supports (Fa 2.96), Show that the capacitance of a spherical capactior ts given by c-#88% Removed for 2023-24) where r, and r, are the radii of outer and Inner spheres. respectively. ‘Ans: Concentric spherical capacitor-it consists of two charged concentricspheres. Energy is stored inside the cavity b/w the spheres. (Removed for 2023-24) Consider two concentric spheres with radius 3 and b (b>a). Let charge cn a be +and on bbe ~Q. The potential difference between sphere a and b- AV=V AV HV -0=V, 2.32 A cylindrical capacitor has two co-axial eylinders of length 15 cm and radi 1.5 em and 1.4 em. The outer cylinder is earthed and the @ inner eylinder Is. given a chante of 8.5 wC., Determine the expacitance of the system and the potential of the inner cylinder. Neglect end cflects (Le., beniding of field lines at the ends). It consists of two concentric cylinders of radius a and b (b>a). Let charge density of the cylinder be. To calculate the potential difference b/w cyinder a and b, let us consider the field ata point P at a distance r from the axis of a. We know that, 5 dV =-E sd =-Bdroos! -A dr Cylindrical Capacitor av : fav a fae 2xme 4 7 v-v=—4 ior], DK ae 2x #84 Zn(ola) 2 xed . infra) Ars Kaksha3. Parallel plate capacitor (PYQ 2014) A parallel plate capacitor consists of two large plene parallel conducting plates separated by a small distance. Consider the following setup; two conducting plates of area A with charge Q and ~Q respectively and surface charge density o= Q/A are separated bya distance d. Surface charge density a d Surface 0 charge density ~ Let us calculate the Electric field in the three regions- We know, =4V | a Note: Fringing effect/ End effect of field- for plates of finite area, the field lines bend outwards at the edges. Ay i KaksheQues: A capacitor of anknown capacitance is connected across w battery of V Volts, The charge sored in ts 360 UC. When potential across the capacitors reduced by 120 V. the charge stored init becomes 120 uC. Calculate @ The potential V and she unknown capactance C Gi) What will he the charge stored in the copacito, if the volinge applied had (PYQ 2013) increased by 120? Ansil) C=QNV 2)Q=cv C= 360HC/V; C= 120 HC/ V-120 Equating both we get, V= 180V, C= 2H 4 Effect of dielectric on capacitance (PYQ 2020, 2016, 2010) A dielectric medium of dielectric constant K is inserted between the alates of a parallel plate capacitor Earlier the field b/w the plates was E,= o/e,.. But now since there is a dielectric between the plates, the electric field will be modified (as described in polarisation of dielectrics) Case 1: when space b/w the plates are completely filled with dielectric bee ody Hey Let the new field be E- E=E,-E,= cau whe a0 Vad VeEd=—, cn kale Oo 4 O-6,=—- C=KC, vaod egkCase 2: When space b/w the plates is partially filled with dielectric. Consider a case where a dielectric medium of dielectric constant K and thickness tis placed b/w the plates of a capacitor of plate separation d (d>t) Let us calculate the electric field at the 3 points- @ E,= €o é E,=< rs AV = Ep,Ar, + Ep.dr.+ Ep,Ar, = Ep(4r, + ar.) + EpsAr, Combination of Capacitors 1. Series combination yi EO & o , on Consider the two capacitors C.& C:, connected with each other and a battery of emf V (as shown in the figure), have charge Q each. Let the potential drop across C,& C: be Vs and Vs resp. Then we can say that the total potential drop across the combination is equal to the sum of the potential drops across C&C: i.e. — f\ oniWe can see the combination as a capacitor with an effective capacitance C, charge Qand potential drap V- Lana) 1 1 eR 2. Parallel combination Consider the two capacitors C1& C2, connected with each other and a battery of emf V (as shown in the figure). In this case, both capacitors will have the same potential difference. Let the charge on C:8 Cs be Qs & Qs resp. We can imagine the combination as a capacitor (C) with charge Q, whichis the sum of the charges Qi & Q.- v Q=0,+0. CV=CV+CN c=C,+C} Note: Both of these results are true for any arbitrary number (n) of capacitors. Dimportane eva F ‘Ton rpace btwn the plades of m pile plate empacior te completely 2kAe, {led in ts weayn, In th fre ean, Hen led with a abab of € constant K. In the second case, it ix filled with two slabs of qt d thickness and dielectric constants Ky and Ky respectively ax abown inthe fiqur. The capaeianoy of te eapuetor i same in the two eaves. OBL, 2k AE, hip betrnen K, Ky ad Ke d (YQ 2010) Case 2 In the second case, we can imagine the capacitor as a combination of two capacitors connected in series.4) Energy stored in capacitor (U) (PYQ 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2011, 2010) Consider an uncharged isolated hollow metal sphere. To calculate the energy stored when it will be fully charged to a charge Q, we need to find the work done in charging this sphere to ¢ total charge Q. To calculate the total work done, we will first calculate the work done in transferring an infinitesimal charge dq (from infinity) when the sphere has acquired a total charge q. (No Derivation, only formula) ‘Work done (dw = change in potential energy of charge dq = V. dq (where Vis potential of sphere with total charge q) aw go (GoreyR) 2C This work done is stored as PE ah we : v va 2C oy Also, w 1a Q=CV TxreRl 2], u=tev? 1 g “ Wig zeR 2 toy 4% Energy stored per unit volume/ energy density (u) ( PY.Q 20?1,2020,18) (No Derivation, only formula) consider a parallel plate capacitor with plate area A, distance b/w plates d and surface charge density 0. The energy stored init will be- Important pvas GP £26) A pane ple capacior i charged by a batery to» potential difference V 2a rT capacitor of the same capacitance, Calculate the rato of the energy sored in the \ ‘combination to the initial energy oa the single capacitor, (PYQ 2019) mi Kaksha2) Final energy. ‘Anis 1) Initial energy ‘Total charge will remain conserved, u=tev 2 Q=O+0, e-w cvec'sey" vv simiar PYQ P) Acomncitor of capacizncs C, is charged toa potential V, while annher capacitor of capacitance C; ia chirped 10 4 potential difference Vj. The capacitors ate now tisconncetst fom ther eapestive charging batcrcy and conneced in parallel ash eh. (0) Fh he wot enrgystoredin the wo captors before hey are comet. (b) Find he wal eneray stored inthe parle amination of the wo capacitors (©) plain the recon forthe diffrence of energy im parle cain in cerpurison to the tal sere hefty are connete ™ = (PYQ 2018) 4. P Ques: (P¥Q 2017) ‘Two ilontical parallel plate capacitors A and B are connected to» battery Of volts withthe switch S closed, The swite is now opetea and the free pace between the plates of the capacitors is fled with a dielectric of dislectrie constant K. Find the ratio of the total electrostatic energy stored inbuth eapacitere before and after the introduction ef the dicectre. Ans: 1) Inka energy For B, Q will remain constant (conservation of charge} =¢ 2) Acer dielectric is added C=C, 2ke For AV will remain cons. AS ic remained connected to the baery uy Ley? flpnt Kakshax y Wes: THO pune! pate capactons X and ¥ have she same ares oF pate and same HK Separation between them. X has air hetween the plates while Y contains dielectric inediumafe,=8 . (Cotewate capacities of each capacitor if equivalent capacianee of the a combina n4U (PYQ 2016) (i) Catlett the potent eierence between the plates of X and. . sv we he ie ii) AF Aro, t=1+ 1. Geries comb.) an ae 3C,=5uF,C,=20nF Similar PYQ g (Ques, The electric field inside « parallel plate capacitor is E. Find the amount of work done in moving a charge q over a closed rectangular loop abe da. CJ (PYQ 2014) (Hint=- electric field is conservative) £2 es: Not capacitance of three identical capacitors in series is 3 yi. What will be their net capacitance if connected in parallel ? Find the ratio of energy stored in the two configurations if they are both connected fo the same source. (PYQ 2011) Alon: KakshaQues: A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery. After sometime the battery is disconnected and a dielectric slab with its thickness equal to the plate separations inserted between the plates. How will (i) the capacitance of the capacitor, (ii) potential difference between the plates and (ii) the energy stored in the capacitor be affected ? Justify your answer in each case. (PYQ.2010) _ Ans: 0 G=KC 2) Charge will remain conserved , Q=cv SOLUTIONS FOR SIMILAR PYQS [IV PYO 2018 sein 2) PQ 2018 soln 1. Potential at (2,02) ‘ a let PE. Of capacitors be Uand U, cag) ea, Potemal a (4.9) Sine this point is the XY pane te wl be auldlizart from bos the charges hing.on she zis Therefore, VaV,+V, 1, Tot charg romain contre) wet 4g Dae: a (C4ejv-eyseN, eon v=0v b. Similar, both these points lie on the x axis and hence will be equdiseare from the ‘owo charges and potential ax both points will bezere. 50, av=0 Wagar w C. Whan the ews expacitars are connected in parilel eedswibition of charge takes place Since elecrostatc force isa conservative between thom and some energy is ost 35. force, work done by it depends only on the heat during ths process. intial and final postion of the charge and not ‘the path folowedQ 2014 soln Electrostatic field is conservative in nature ie. the work dane by it depends only on the initial and final position of che charge and noe the path followed Since the charge is moved in a closed loop abed ie. initial and final position are same. the net work done in the process is zero. [4.PYQ 2011 soln 1a. Lot capacitance of each be C ‘We know that nat capacitance in series ie- coe ‘Therefore, net capacitance in parallel- Ai oni Kaksha