Electric Potential and Capacitance

CHAPTER – 2
Very Short answer Questions
1. Name the physical quantity whose SI unit is Jc-1 . It is a scalar or a vector quantity?
2. Why is the electrostatic potential inside a charged conducting shell constant throughout the volume of
the conductor?
3. Sketch and explain the equipotential surface for a point charge (a) q > 0 (b) q < 0 .
4. Sketch and explain the equipotential surface due to two point charges + q1 and − q2 , for q1 = q2 and
q1 > q2 separated by a small distance.
5. Sketch and explain the equipotential surface due to two point charge + q1 and + q2 for q1 = q2 and
q1 > q2 separated by a small distance.
6. Figure shows the field lines on a positive charge. Is the work done by the field in moving a small
positive charge from Q to P positive or negative ? Give reason.
7. The field lines of a negative point charge are as shown in the figure. Does the kinetic energy of a small
negative charge increases or decrease in going from b to A ?
8. A point charge +Q is placed at point O as shown in the figure. Is the potential difference VA − VB
positive, negative of zero? +Q
O A B
9. A positive charge Q is placed at a point O as shown in figure. Is the potential at point A, greater ,
smaller or equal to potential, r1 VB , at point B, when Q is (i) positive, and (ii) negative charge ?
10. A point charge Q is placed at a point O as shown in figure. Is the potential at point A, i.e., VA , greater
or equal potential, VB , at point B, when Q is (i) positive, and (ii) negative charge?
O A B
r1 r2

11. Draw the equipotential surface corresponding to a uniform electric field in the z-direction.
12. A point charge Q is placed at point O as shown in the figure. The potential difference VA − VB is
positive. Is the charge Q negative or positive ?
+Q
O A B
13. Why do the equipotential surface due to a uniform electric field not intersect each other ?
14. For any charge configuration, equipotential surface through a point is normal to the electric field.
Justify .
15. Why is the potential inside a hollow spherical charged conductor constant and has the same value as
on its surface ?
16. Figure shows the field lines due to a negative point charge. Give the sign of the potential energy
difference of a small negative charge between the points A and B.

Ans: negative

A
B
2
17. The following graph shows the variation of charge Q with voltage V , for two capacitors K and L . In
which capacitor is more electrostatic energy stored?

Q L
K

18. The given graph shows the variation of charge q versus potential difference V for two capacitors C1
and C2 . Both the capacitors have same plate separation but plate area of C2 is greater than that C1 .
Which line ( A or B) corresponds to C1 and why ?

q A

19. An electron is accelerated through a potential difference V. Write the expression for its final speed, if
it was at rest.
20. Why are electric field lines perpendicular at a point on an equipotential surface of a conductor ?
21. If the electric potential equals to zero at a point, must the electric field be zero at that point ?
22. Where does the energy of a capacitor reside?
23. If the plates of a charged capacitor be suddenly connected to each other by a wire, what will happen?
Short Answer Questions(2-marks)
1. Draw 3 equipotential surface corresponding to a field that uniformly increases in magnitude but
direction remains constant along Z-direction. How are these surfaces different from that of a constant
electric field along Z-direction ?
2. Why does current in a steady state not flow in a capacitor connected across a battery? However
momentary current does flow during charging or discharging of the capacitor. Explain?
3. If a point charge + q is taken from A to C and then from C to B, points A and B lying on a circle
drawn with another charge + q at its centre, then along which path more work will be done ?
4. Deduce the expression for the potential energy of a system of two point charges q1 and q2 brought
from infinity to the points r1 and r2 respectively in the presence of external field E .
5. Find the position vector of a point at which electric potential is zero. Two point charges q1 and - q2
are placed to the points r1 and r2 respectively.
Long Answer Questions( 3-marks)
1. (a) Explain briefly, using a proper diagram, the difference in behaviour of a conductor and a dielectric
in the presence of external electric field.
(b) Define the term polarization of a dielectric and wire the expression for a linear isotropic dielectric
in terms of electric field.
1
2. Show that the force on each plate of a parallel plate capacitor has a magnitude equal to QE , where Q
2
is the charge on the capacitor, and E is the magnitude of electric field between the plates. Explain the
origin of the factor 1/2.
 3
3. Deduce the expression fro the potential energy of a system of two point charges q1 and q2 brought
from infinity to the points r1 and r2 respectively in the presence of external electric field E .
4. (a) Depict the equipotential surfaces for a system of two identical positive point charges placed at a
distance d apart.
(b) Deduce the expression for the potential energy of a system of two point charges q1 and q2 brought
from infinity to the points r1 and r2 respectively in the presence of external electric field E .
5. Calculate the electrostatic potential energy of a system of three point charges q1 , q2 and q3 located
respectively at r1 , r2 and r3 with respect to a common origin O.
6. Explain briefly the process of charging a parallel plate capacitor when it is connected across a dc
battery. A capacitor of capacitance C is charged to V volts by a battery. After some time the battery is
disconnected and the distance between the plated is doubled. Now a slab of dielectric constant, 1< K<
2, is introduced to fill the space between the plates, how will the following be affected:
(a) The electric field between the plates of the capacitor.
(b) The energy stored in the capacitor. Justify your answer by writing the necessary expressions.
Long Answer Questions( 5-marks)
1. (i) State electric potential. Write its SI unit.
(ii) Derive an expression for the electric potential at a distance r from a point charge q . What is the
nature of this potential ?
(iii) Plot the graphical variation of electric potential with distance r from the point charge.
(iv) Plot the graph showing the variation of electric potential (V ) versus r , where r is the distance
between the two charges of each pair of charges: ( 2 µ C , 2 µ C ) , ( 2 µ C , − 2 µ C ) .
2. (i) Define the term capacitance. Write its SI unit.
(ii) Derive the expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor having plate area A and plate
separation d .
(iii) Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor when a dielectric slab of
d
dielectric constant K and thickness t = but of mass area as that of the plates is inserted between the
2
capacitor plates. ( d = separation between the plates ).
3. Derive an expression for equivalent capacitance of three capacitors when connected (i) in series and
(ii) in parallel.
4. What is polarization of charge ? with the help of a diagram show why the electric field and potential
between the plates of capacitor reduces on introducing a dielectric slab. Define the dielectric constant
on the basis of these fields.
5. A dielectric slab of thickness t is introducing between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor, separated
by a distance d ( t < d ) . Derive an expression for the capacitance of the capacitor. What will be its
capacitance when t = d ?
6. Explain briefly the process of charging a parallel plate capacitor when it is connected across a dc
battery. A capacitor of capacitance C is charged to V volts by a battery. After some time the battery is
disconnected and the distance between the plates is doubled. Now a slab of dielectric constant,
1 < k < 2 , is introduced to fill the space between the plates. How will the following be affected:
(a) The electric field between the plates of the capacitor.
(b) The energy stored in the capacitor. Justify your answer by writing the necessary expressions.
7. Given two parallel conducting plates of area A and charge densities +σ and −σ . A dielectric slab of
constant k and a conducting slab of thickness d each are inserted between them as shown in figure.
(i) Find the potential difference between the plates.
4
(ii) Plot E versus graph, taking x = 0 at positive plate and x = 5d at negative plate.

+ −
+ −
+ −
−

Conductor
+ −
+ −
+ −
+ −
+ −
+ −
+ −
d d d d d
E0
Ans: (i) V = 3E0 d + d (ii) your self
K
8. 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 is then disconnected. 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 the plates
(ii) electric field intensity between the plates,
(iii) capacitance of the capacitor
Justify your answer in each case.
9. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery, which is then disconnected. A dielectric slab is then
inserted in the space between the plates. Explain what changes, if any, occur in the values of :
(i) capacitance
(ii) potential difference between the plates
(iii) electric field between the plates, and
(iv) the energy stored in the capacitor.
10. (i) Derive the expression for the energy stored in parallel plate capacitor. Hence. Obtain the expression
for the energy density of the electric field.
(ii) A fully charged parallel plate capacitor is connected across an uncharged identical capacitor. Show
that the energy stored in the combination is less than stored initially in the single capacitor.
11. A capacitor of capacitance C1 is charged to a potential V1 while another capacitor of capacitance C2 is
charges to a potential difference V2 . The capacitors are now disconnected from their respective
charging batteries and connected in parallel to each other.
(i) Find the total energy stored in the two capacitors before they are connected.
(ii) Find the total energy stored in the parallel combination of the two capacitors.
(iii) Explain the reason for the difference of energy in parallel combination in comparison to the total
energy before they are connected.
12. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery. A dielectric slab is then inserted to fill the space
between the plates. Explain the changes, if any, that occur in the values of (i) charge on the plates, (ii)
electric field between the plates, (iii) potential difference between the plates, (iv) capacitance and (v)
energy stored in the capacitor (vi) Energy density
13. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery. When the battery remains connected, a dielectric slab
is inserted in the space between the plates. Explain the changes, if any, that occur in the values of (i)
charge on the plates, (ii) electric field between the plates, (iii) potential difference between the plates,
(iv) capacitance and (v) energy stored in the capacitor (vi) Energy density.
14. Derive an expression for equivalent capacitance of three capacitors when connected (i) in series (ii) in
parallel.
 5
15. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a potential V by a battery. Without
disconnecting the battery, the distance between the plates is tripled and a dielectric medium of K is
introduced between the plates of the capacitor. Explain giving reasons, how will the following be
affected
(i) capacitance of the capacitor
(ii) charge on the capacitor and
(iii) energy density of the capacitor ?
16. (i) Define the term polarization, polarization density and susceptibility of a dielectric and write the
expression for a linear isotropic dielectric in terms of electric field.
(ii) Establish the relation between dielectric constant and electric susceptibility.
NUMERICAL
Potential Energy and Work done
1. A charge of 2C is displaced from point P (1,1, 2 ) to point N ( 2, 2, 2 ) in an electric field,
E = 2i + 4 j + 6 k .
(a) find the change in electric potential energy
(b) Find the potential energy at point N when reference point is N .
(c) work done by electric force
(d) work done by external force.
Ans: (a) –12 J (b) –12 J (c) +12 J (d) –12 J
2. A 500 µ C charge is at the centre of a square of side 10 cm. Find the work done in moving a charge of
10 µ C between two diagonally opposite points on the square.
Ans. zero
k
3. A charge of 1C is displaced by an electric force, F = , where k is constant from point P ( x = r1 ) to
r2
point N ( x = r2 ) .
(a) find the change in potential energy.
(b) find the work done by external force.
1 1 1 1
Ans: (a) k  −  (b) W = k  − 
 r2 r1   r1 r2 
4. Three identical charged particles each having charge ‘ q ’ is placed at the vertices of an equilateral
triangle having side ‘ a ’. Find the electrostatic potential energy of the system.
5. Find out the expression for the potential energy of a system of three charges q1 , q2 and q3 located, at
r1 , r2 and r3 with respect to the common origin O ,

1  q1q2 qq qq 
Ans. U =  + 2 3 + 1 3 
4π ∈0  r2 − r1 r3 − r2 r3 − r1 

6. A charge of 8 mC is located at the origin. Calculate the work done in taking a small charge of
−2 ×10 −9 C from a point P( 0,0,3cm) to a point Q(0.4cm,0) via a point R( 0, 6cm, 9cm). 56togwith
Ans: 1.2J
7. Four charges + q, − q, + q and − q are placed in order on the four consecutive corners of a square of
side a . Find the work done in interchanging the positions of any two neighboring charges of opposite
sign.
q2
Sol. Ans.
4πε 0 a
(4 − 2 2 )
6
8. Four identical charged particle each having charge ‘ q ’ is placed at the vertices of a square having side
‘ a ’. Find the electrostatic potential energy of the system.
2q 2  2 2 + 1 
Ans. U =  
4π ∈0 a  2 
9. Four charges are arranged at the corners of a square ABCD of side d , +q −q
as shown in fig. (a) Find the work required to put together this A B
arrangement. (b) A charge q0 is brought to the centre E of the square, q0
the four charges being held fixed at its corners. How much extra work is d
needed to do this? E

−q 2 D C
Ans. (a)
4π ∈0 d
( )
4 − 2 (b) zero −q +q

10. Three point charges of 1C, 2C and 3C are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side 1 m.
Calculate the work required to move these charges to the corners of a smaller equilateral triangle of
side 0.5 m.
Sol. Ans. 99 × 109 J 1C

0.5m
2C 3C

11. Three charges Q, + q and + q are placed at the vertices of a right-angled isosceles triangle as shown.
Find the value of Q for which net electrostatic energy of the configuration is zero.
Q

q q
2q
Ans. −
2+ 2
12. Three charges Q0 , –q and –q are placed at the vertices of an isosceles right angle triangle as in the
figure. If the net electrostatic potential energy is zero then find the value of Q0 .
−q

Q0 l −q
2q
Ans.
32
13. Three charges are placed at the vertex of an equilateral triangle as shown in figure. For what value of
Q, the electrostatic potential energy of the system is zero?
 7
+Q

+q +q
−q
Ans.
2
14. A charges particle q is shot towards another charged particle Q which is fixed, with a speed v . It
approaches Q upto a closest distance r and then returns. If q were given a speed 2v then find the
closest distance of approach.
r
Ans.
4
15. Three charges are arranged at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side a as shown in figure.
Calculate the work done to dissociate the system of three charges. Or work done to separate the
charges at infinite distance.76togwith
1 10q 2 q
Ans:
4πε0 a

-4q 2q

16. Three point charges, +Q , +2Q and −3Q are p[laced at the vertices of an equilateral triangle ABC of
side l . If these charges are displaced to the mid-points A1 , B1 and C1 respectively, find the amount of
the work done in shifting the charges to the new locations.80togwith A1
7 kQ 2 A (+Q)
Ans: −
l
A1 C1

B (+2Q) C (-3Q)
B1

17. Four charges + q , − q , + q and − q are to be arranged respectively at the four corners of a square
ABCD of side ' a ' .
(a) Find the work required to put together this arrangement
(b) A charge q0 is brought to the centre of the square, the for charges being held fixed. How much
extra work is needed to do this ? 78xidea
1 q2
Ans: (a)
4πε0 a
( )
2 − 4 (b) W = 0

Electric Potential
1. Two charges each of value + 10µC and − 10µC are placed at a distance 20 metre apart. Calculate the
potential at the middle point of the line joining the two charges.
Ans. zero
2. Two point charges −4µC and +16µC respectively are placed 60 cm apart in air at the points M and N.
At what point on the line the potential will be zero?
8
Ans. At a point 12 cm inside or at a point 20 cm outside from smaller charge on the line joining the two
charges
3. Four point spheres each having charge + 20µC are placed at the four corners of a square of side 10
cm. Calculate the potential at the centre of the square.
Ans. 72 2 × 105 volt
4. Four point charges −10µC, +15µC, −25µC and + 20µC are placed at the corners of a square of side 10
cm. Calculate the potential at the intersection of the diagonals.
Ans. Zero
5. Two charges of value 10µC and − 10µC are placed at the corners A and C of an equilateral triangle
ABC of side 20 cm. Calculate the work done if a charge of 5µC is moved from B to D where D is the
middle point of AC.
Ans. Zero

6. An electric field on 20 N/C exists along the X-axis in space. Calculate the potential difference VB − VA
where the points A and B are given by :
(a) A = ( 0, 0 ) ; B = ( 4m, 2m ) (b) A = ( 4m, 2m ) ; B = ( 6m, 5m )
(c) A = ( 0, 0 ) ; B = ( 6m, 5m )
Do you find any relation between the answers of parts (a), (b) and (c)?
Ans. (a) −80 V ; (b) −40 V (c) −120 V
7. An electric field E = ( i 20 + 30 j ) N/C exists in the space. If the potential at the origin is taken to be
zero, find the potential at ( 2m, 2m ) .
Ans. −100 V
8. In uniform electric field E = 10 N/C as shown in figure, find :
A
(a) VA − VB E
(b) VB − VC 2m 2m
B C
Ans. (a) −10 volt (b) 20 volt 2m

9. A uniform electric field of 100 V/m is directed at 30° with the positive x-axis as shown in figure. Find
the potential difference VBA if OA = 2 m and OB = 4 m.

y (cm)
(
Ans. −100 2 + 3 V ) (0,2) A

45° (3,0)
B x (cm)
 9
10. A test charge q0 is moved from A to C along the path ABC as shown in fig. Find potential
difference between points D and A . A C

b θ c

B D
Ans. VA − VD = Eb cos θ
11. An uniform electric field of magnitude 20 N/C exists in space as shown in figure. Find
(i) V1 − V2 (ii) V3 − V2 (iii) VB − VC (iv) VA − VC
V1 V2 V3
C
2cm
20 N/C
2cm
2cm
A B
10cm 20cm
Ans. (i) 200 V (ii) –400 V (iii) 400 V (iv) 600 V
12. An electric charge 10−3 µC is placed at the origin ( 0, 0 ) of X − Y co-ordinate system. Two points A
and B are situated at ( )
2, 2 and ( 2, 0 ) respectively. The find the potential difference between the
points A and B .
Ans. Zero

( ) ( 2) +( 2)
2 2
Sol. The distance of point A 2, 2 from the origin, OA =| r1 |= = 4 = 2 units.

The distance of point B ( 2, 0 ) from the origin, OB = | r2 |= ( 2) + ( 0)

2 2
= 2 units.
1 Q
Now, potential at A, VA = .
4πε 0 ( OA ) Y

1 Q A( 2, 2)
Potential at B, VB = .
4πε 0 ( OB ) r1
∴ Potential difference between the points A and B is given by,
1 Q 1 Q O X
VA − VB = . − . (0, 0) r2 B (2,0)
4πε 0 OA 4πε 0 OB
Q  1 1  Q 1 1
=  − =  − 
4πε 0  OA OB  4πε 0  2 2 
Q
= ×0 = 0
4πε 0
Capacitor
13. Calculate the potential difference between points A and B in the circuit shown in fig.
C1 C2
A

C3

V1 B V2
10

V2C2 − V1C1
Ans. VAB =
C1 + C2 + C3
14. Four identical capacitors are connected in series with a 12V battery as shown in figure. Find the
potential of points A and B .
12V
+ − B

−q
C
q
q −q q −q q −q
A
Ans: VB = −3C
15. In the circuit shown in fig determine charge on each capacitor
20V 2µ F
c
a
2µ F 4µ F
b

10V

Ans. qa = 35µ C ; qb = 10 µ C ; qC = 25µ C

16. Find the charge supplied by the battery in the arrange shown in fig.
5.0 µ F 6.0 µ F

10V

Ans. 110 µC
17. Four capacitors of equal capacitance are joined in series with a battery of 10 volts. The mid-point B
of these capacitors is earthed. Calculate the potential of A and C .

10v

B
A C
Ans. VA = +5V , VC = −5V
18. Consider the connections shown in fig. (a) Find the capacitance between the points A and B . (b) Find
the charges on the three capacitors. (c) Taking the potential at the point B to be zero, find the potential
at the point D .
Ans. (a) 6 µ F (b) 96 µ F (c) 16V 12 µ F 6µ F
D
A B
2µ F

24V
 11

19. The resultant capacitance of given circuit between points P and Q.

P
Ans. 3C 2C
2C 2C
C C C
Q
20. Find the charge appearing one each of the three capacitors shown in fig.
A 8µ F

B C
12 V 4µ F
4µ F

Ans. q A = 48µ C , qB = qC = 24 µ C
21. Find the equivalent capacitance between points P and Q ?
C
C C C C C C
P Q P Q
C
(a) (b)
C
C C C C C
P Q

C (c)
3C
Ans. (a) 3C (b) C (c)
7
22. (a) Find the equivalent capacitance between A and B in the combination given below. Each capacitor
is of 2µF capacitance.
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
A B

(b) If a DC source of 7V is connected across AB, how much charge is drawn from the source and what
is the energy stored in the network ? 48oswal
23. Calculate the potential difference and the energy stored in the capacitor C2 in the circuit shown in the
figure. Given potential at A is 90V, C1 = 20µF , C2 = 30µF and C3 = 15µF . 89xidea
C1 C2 C3
A

24. Find the capacitance of the combination shown in 2µF 2µF 2µF 2µF
figure between A and B. A

2µF 1µF 1µF 1µF

B
12

Ans. 1µ F

25. Find the equivalent capacitance of the 2µF 2µF 2µF 2µF
infinite ladder shown in figure between A
the points A and B.
1µF 1µF 1µF 1µF

B
Ans. 2 µ F
26. A finite ladder is constructed by
connecting several sections of 2µF, 4µF 4µF 4µF 4µF
capacitor combinations as shown in A
figure. It is terminated by a capacitor of
capacitance C. What value should be 2µF 2µF 2µF C
chosen for C , such that the equivalent
capacitance of the ladder between the B
points A and B becomes independent of the number of sections in between?
Ans. 4 µ F
27. Find equivalent capacitance between points A and B.

A 2C 2C 2C

C C C ∞
B
Ans. 2C
28. Find equivalent capacitance between points A and B.
B
A
C
A C C C C

C C B
C
(a) (b)
5C 4C
Ans. (b)
3 3
29. Calculate the equivalent capacity in the given figure between points M & N .
C
C
C C

C
C
C M
C N
 13
7C
Ans.
4
30. Calculate the effective capacitance between points M & N .
N
3µ F
3µ F
M
3µ F
3µ F

27
Ans. µF
12
31. Identical metal plates are located in air at equal distance d from one another as shown in figure. The
area of each plate is A. Find the capacitance of the system between points P and Q if

P P
Q
Q
(a) (b)

P
Q
P Q

(c) (d)
2 ε0 A 3 ε0 A 2ε A 3ε A
Ans. (a) (b) (c) 0 (d) 0
3 d 2 d d d
32. A charge of 20 µ C is placed on the positive plate of on isolated parallel-plate capacitor of capacitance
10 µ F . Calculate the potential difference developed between the plates.
Ans. 1V
33. When 1.0 × 1012 electrons one transferred from one conductor to another, a potential difference of 10V
appears between the conductor. Calculate the capacitance of the two-conductor system.
Ans. 1.6 × 10−8 F
34. A charge of 1µ C is given to one plate of a parallel-plate capacitor 0.1µ F and a charge of 2 µ C is
given to the other plate. Find the potential difference developed between the plates?
Ans. 5V
35. A parallel plate capacitor having plate area A and separation between the plate is d . If it is connected
to a battery of V volt.
(i) Find the charge on the capacitor.
(ii) If the plate separation is increased to 2d , find the extra charge entering in battery from the plate.
(iii) If the plate separation is decreased by d / 2 , find the extra charge given by the battery to the plate.
A ∈0 V A ∈0 V A ∈0 V
Ans. (a) (b) (c)
d 2d d
36. A parallel-plate capacitor of capacitance 5µ F is connected to a battery of emf 6V . The separation
between the plates is 2 mm . (a) Find the charge on the positive plate (b) Find the electric field between
the plates (c) A dielectric slab of thickness 1 mm and dielectric constant 5 is instead into the gap
14
occupying the lower half of it. Find the capacitance of the new combination. (d) How much charge has
flown through the battery after the slab is inserted.
Ans. (a) 30 µ C (b) 3 × 103 V / m (c) 8.3µ F (d) 20 µ C
37. A capacitor having a capacitance of 100µF is charged to a potential difference of 50 V.
(a) What is the magnitude of the charge on each plate?
(b) The charging battery is disconnected and a dielectric of dielectric constant 2.5 is inserted. Calculate
the new potential difference between the plates.
(c) What charge would have produced this potential difference in absence of the dielectric slab.
(d) Find the charge induced at a surface of the dielectric slab.
Ans. (a) 5 mC (b) 20 Volt (c) 2 mC (d) 3 mC
38. A 10 µ F parallel-plate capacitor with circular palates is connected to a 12.0V battery.
(a) What is the charge on each plate?
(b) How much charge would be on the plates if their separation were doubled while the capacitor
remained connected to the battery?
(c) How much charge would be on the plates if the capacitor were connected to the 12.V battery after
the radius of each plate was doubled without changing their separation?
Ans. (a) 120 µ C (b) 60 µ C (c) 480 µ C
t1 t2
39. An air filled capacitor of plate area A and separation d has a capacity C. Two
dielectric slabs are inserted between its plates in two different manners as
shown. Calculate the capacitance in each case.
A ∈0 k1 k2
Ans.
 t t 
( d − t1 − t2 ) +  1 + 2 
 K1 K 2  d
40. Find the capacitances of the capacitance shown in figure. The plate area is A
and the separation between the plates is d . Different dielectric slabs in a particular part of the figure
are of the same thickness and the entire gap between the plates is filled with the dielectric slabs.

k1 k1
k2 k1 k2
k2 k3

(a ) (b ) (c )

2k1k2 ∈0 A 3 ∈0 Ak1k2 k3 ∈ A
(a) ; (b) ; (c) 0 ( k1 + k2 )
d ( k1 + k2 ) d ( k1k2 + k2 k3 + k3 k1 ) 2d
41. Two identical parallel plate (air) capacitors C1 and C2 have
capacitance C each. The space between their plants is now
filled with dielectrics as shown. If the two capacitors still
have equal capacitance, obtain the relation between dielectric
constants K, K1 and K2. 90xidea

C1 C2
1
Ans: 2 ( K1 + k2 )
42. You are given an air filled K K1 K2 parallel plate capacitor C1. The space
between its plates is now filled with slabs of dielectric constants K1

d d
 15
and K2 as shown in C2. Find the capacitances of the capacitor C2. If area of the plates is A and distance
between the plates is d. 90xidea

 2K1 K 2 
Ans: C2 = C1  K + K 
 1 2 

43. A slab of material of dielectric constant K has the same area as that of the plates of a parallel plate
capacitor but the thickness d/2. Where d is the separation between the plates. Find out the expression
for its capacitance when the slab is inserted between the plates of the capacitor. 90xidea
2εAK
Ans:
d ( K + 1)
44. Two parallel plate capacitors of capacitances C1 and C2 such that C1 = 2C2 are connected across a
battery of V volt as shown in the figure. Initially, the key(k) is kept closed to fully chrge the capacitors.
The key is now thrown open and a dielectrics slab of dielectric constant K is inserted in the two
capacitors to completely fill gap between the plates. Find the ratio of (i) the net capacitance and (ii) the
energies stored in the introduction of the dielectric slab. 96allinone

C1 C2
V

1 K
Ans: (i) (ii)
K 1
45. Two identical parallel plate capacitors A and B are connected to a battery of E volts with the switch S
closed. The switch is now opened and the free space between the plates of the capacitors is filled with
a dielectric of dielectric constant K. Find the ratio of the total electrostatic energy stored in both
capacitors before and after the introduction of the dielectric. 47Oswal/75 togwith
S

E A B

2K
Ans:
( K 2 + 1)
46. A capacitor of unknown capacitance is connected across a battery of V volt. A charge of 360 µ C is
stored in it. When the potential across the capacitor is reduced by 120V, the charge stored in the
capacitor becomes 120 µ C. (a) Calculate V and the unknown capacitance. (b) What would have been
the charge on the capacitor if the voltage were increased by 120V? 47oswal
Ans: (a) 180V and 2µF (b) 600µC
47. (i) How many electron must be added to one plate and removed from other so as to store 25.0J of
energy in a 5.0nF parallel plate capacitor ?
(ii) How would you modify this capacitor so that it can store 50.0J of energy without changing the
charge on its plates ? 48oswal
16
Ans: (i) 3.125 ×1015 electrons (ii) Double the separation or, by inserting dielectrics of dielectric constant of a
value such that C will become half.
48. Two capacitors of capacitance 10 µF and 20µF are connected in series with a 6V battery. After the
capacitors are fully charged, a slab of dielectric constant K is inserted between the plates
(i) the electric field energy stored in the capacitors ?
(ii) the charges on the two capacitors ?
(iii) the potential difference between the plates of the capacitors ? justify your answer. 86xidea
KQ 2 KQ 2 Q Q
Ans: (i) and (ii) Q ' = KQ (iii) V1' = and V2' =
2C1 2C2 C1 C2
49. Two identical capacitors of 12 pF each are connected in series across a battery of 50V. How much
electrostatic energy is stored in the combination ? If these were connected in parallel across the same
battery how much energy will be stored in the combination now?
Also find the charge drawn from the battery in each case. 49oswal
50 100
Ans 2 × 10−10 C and V1 = V , V2 = V
3 3
50. Obtain the equivalent capacitance of the network in figure alongside. For a 300V supply, determine the
charge and voltage across each capacitor. 64xidea
C1

C2 100pF C3
A
200pF 200pF
C4 B

100pF

Ans: 66.7 pF , Charge on C1 is 10−8 C , Charge on C2 and C3 is 1× 10−8 C and on C4 is 2 × 10−8 C ,

V1 = 100V , V2 50V and V3 = 50V .
51. A 4µF capacitor is charged by a 200V. It is then disconnected from the supply and is connected to
another unchanged 2µF capacitor. How much electrostatic energy of the first capacitor is lost in the
form of heat and electromagnetic radiation? 65xidea
Ans: 2.67 ×10−2 J

52. Figure shows two identical capacitors, C1 and C2, each of 1 mF capacitance connected to a battery of
6V. Initially switch ‘S’ is closed. After sometimes ‘S’ is left open and dielectric slabs of dielectric
constant K = 3 are inserted to fill completely the space between the plates of the two capacitors. How
will the (i) charge and (ii) potential difference between the plates of the capacitors be affected after the
slabs are inserted? 75xidea
S

C1 C2
6V 1µF 1µF

Ans: (i) 6µF (ii) 2V

 17
53. A parallel plate capacitor in vacuum having plate separation d and plate area A . A slab of material of
dielectric constant K has the same areas as the plates of a parallel plates capacitor but has a thickness
3d
. Find the ratio of the capacitance with dielectric inside it to its capacitance without the
4
dielectric.51oswla
C' 4K
Ans: =
C ( K + 3)
54. Find the charge on the capacitor as show in the circuit. 75xidea

Ans: 4µC

55. (a) A parallel plate capacitor (C1) having charge Q is connected, to an identical uncharged capacitor C2
in series. What would be the charge accumulated on the capacitor C2 ?
(b) Three identical capacitor each of capacitance 3 µ F are connected, in turn in series and in parallel
combination to the common source of V volt. Find out the ratio of the energies stored in two
configurations. 76xidea
Q U
Ans: (a) (b) s = 1: 9
2 Up
56. A 12pF capacitor is connected to a 50V battery. How much electrostatic energy is stored in the
capacitor ? If another capacitor of 6pF is connected in series with the same battery connected across
the combination, find the charge stored and potential difference across each capacitor.87xidea
50 100
Ans: 2 × 10−10 C and V1 = V , V2 = V
3 3

57. In the following arrangement of capacitors, the energy stored in the 6µF capacitor is E. Find the value
of the following:

3µF
6µF

12µF
(i) Energy stored in 12µF capacitor.
(ii) Energy stored in 3µF capacitor.
18
(iii) Total energy drawn from the battery. 88xidea
Ans: (i) 2E (ii) 18E (iii) 21E
58. In a network, four capacitors C1 , C2 , C3 and C4 are connected as shown in the figure.

C2 = 6µF
12µF 4µF

C4 C3
C1 = 3µF
8V
(a) Calculate the net capacitance in the circuit.
(b) If the charge on the capacitor C1 is 6µC , (i) Calculate the charge on the capacitors C3 and C4 and
(ii) net energy stored in the capacitors C3 and C4 connected in series.88xidea
9
Ans: (a) µF (b) (i) 2V (ii) 54 × 10−6 Joule
4
59. Two capacitors of capacitance 10µF and 20µF are connected in series with a 6V battery. After the
capacitors are fully charged, a slab of dielectric constant K is inserted between the plates of the two
capacitors. How will the following be affected after the slab is introduced:
(a) the electric field energy stored in the capacitors ?
(b) the charges on the two capacitors?
(c) the potential difference between the plates of the capacitors? Justify your answer. 87xidea
KQ 2 KQ 2 Q Q
Ans: (a) U1' = and U 2' = (b) Q ' = KQ (c) V1' = and V2' =
2C1 2C2 C1 C2
60. Net capacitance of three identical capacitors in series is 1 µ F . What will be their net capacitance if
connected in parallel ? Find the ratio of energy stored in the two configuration if they are both
connected to the same source.76xidea
Us 1
Ans: 3µF and =
Up 9
61. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a potential V. It is then connected to another
uncharged capacitor having the same capacitance. Find out the ratio of the energy stored in the
combined system to that stored initially in the single capacitor. 85xidea
Ans: 1: 2
62. Two capacitors of unknown capacitance C1 and C2 are connected first in series and then in parallel
across a battery of 100V. If the energy stored in the two combinations is 0.45 J and 0.25 J respectively,
determine the value of C1 and C2. Also calculate the charge on each capacitor in parallel combination.
86xidea
Ass: 38.2 ×10−4 C and 11.8 × 10−4 C
63. Two identical capacitors of 12 pF each are connected in series across a 50V battery. Calculate the
electrostatic energy stored in the combination. If these were connected in parallel across the same
battery, find out the value of the energy stored in this combination. 79xidea
Ans: 7.5 ×10−9 J and 3 × 10−8 J

64. Two parallel plate capacitors X and Y have the same area of plates and same separation between them.
X has air between the plates while Y contains a dielectric medium ε r = 4
(i) Calculate the capacitance of each capacitor if equivalent capacitance of the combination is 4 µ F
 19
(ii) Calculate the potential difference between the plates of X and Y
(iii) Estimate the ratio of electrostatic energy stored in X and Y. 83xidea
X Y

_
+
15V
Ans: (i) C x = 5µF and C y = 20µF (ii) Vx = 12V and Vy = 3V
65. A 200µF parallel plate capacitor having plate separation of 5mm is charged by a 100V dc source. It
remains connected to the source. Using an insulated handle, the distance between the plates is doubled
and a dielectric slab of thickness 5mm and dielectric constant 10 is introduced between the plates.
Explain with reason, how the (i) capacitance, (ii) electric field between the plates, (iii) energy density
of the capacitor will change ? 84xidea
100
Ans: (i) 182µF (ii) 18182V/m (iii) yes, ( original energy)
121
66. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a potential V. It is then connected to another
uncharged capacitor having the same capacitance. Find out the ratio of the energy stored in the
combined system to that stored initially in the single capacitor. 85xidea
Uf
Ans: U = 1: 2
i

67. A charge Q is distributed over the surface concentric hollow spheres of radii r and R (R >>r), such that
their surface charge densities are equal. Derive the expression for the potential at the common centre.
91xidea
1 Q (r + R) 
V=  
Ans: 4πε0  r 2 + R 2 