Capacitance PDF

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CAPACITANCE
THEORY AND EXERCISE BOOKLET
CONTENTS
S.NO. TOPIC PAGE NO.
1. Introduction ................................................................ 3– 4
2. Capacitor ................................................................... 4 – 6
3. Energy stored in a charged capacitor .............................. 6 – 9
4. Distribution of Charges ................................................ 9 – 12
5. Capacitor circuits ....................................................... 12 – 14
6. Combination of Capacitors ......................................... 14 – 27
7. R.C circuit ................................................................. 27 – 30
8. Charging and Discharging of Capacitor .......................... 30 – 37
9. Force between Plates of Capacitor ............................... 37 – 38
10. Capacitors with di-electric ......................................... 38 – 47
11. Exercise - 1 ............................................................ 48 – 56
12. Exercise - 2 ............................................................ 57 – 61
13. Exercise - 3 ............................................................ 62 – 63
14. Exercise - 4 ............................................................ 64 – 65
15. Exercise - 5 ........................................................... 66 – 68
16. Answer key ............................................................ 69 – 70
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Page # 2 CAPACITANCE
SYLLABUS
Capacitance; Parallel plate capacitor with and without
dielectrics; Capacitors in series and parallel; Energy stored in
a capacitor.

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CAPACITANCE Page # 3
1. INTRODUCTION
A capacitor can store energy in the form of potential energy in an electric field. In this
chapter we'll discuss the capacity of conductors to hold charge and energy.
1.1 Capacitance of an isolated conductor

When a conductor is charged its potential increases. It is found that for an isolated conductor
(conductor should be of finite dimension, so that potential of infinity can be assumed to be
zero) potential of the conductor is proportional to charge given to it.
q
q = charge on conductor
V = potential of conductor Isolated conductor
qV
 q = CV
Where C is proportionally constant called capacitance of the conductor.
1.2 Definition of capacitance :

Capacitance of conductor is defined as charge required to increase the potential of conductor
by one unit.
1.3 Important point about the capacitance of an isolated conductor :

• It is a scalar quantity.
• Unit of capacitance is farad in SI unis and its dimensional formula is M–1L–2 I2 T4
• 1 Farad : 1 Farad is the capacitance of a conductor for which 1 coulomb charge
increases potential by 1 volt.
1Coulomb
1 Farad = 1 Volt
1 F = 10–6 F, 1nF = 10–9 F or 1 pF = 10–12 F

• Capacitance of an isolated conductor depends on following factors :
(a) Shape and size of the conductor :
On increasing the size, capacitance increase.
(b) On surrounding medium :
With increase in dielectric constant K, capacitance increases.
(c) Presence of other conductors:
When a neutral conductor is placed near a charged conductor capacitance of conductors
increases.
• Capacitance of a conductor does not depend on
(a) Charge on the conductor
(b) Potential of the conductor
(c) Potential energy of the conductor.
1.4 Capacitance of an isolated Spheical Conductor.

Ex.1 Find out the capacitance of an isolated spherical conductor of radius R.
Sol. Let there is charge Q on sphere.
KQ
 Potential V 
R
Hence by formula : Q = CV

CKQ
Q
R
C = 40R
(i) If the medium around the conductor is vacuum or air.:

Cvacuum = 40R
R = Radius of spherical conductor. (may be solid or hollow)
(ii) If the medium around the conductor is a dielectric of constant K from surface of
sphere to infinity then
Cmedium = 40KR
Cmedium
(iii) Cair / vaccum = K = dielectric constant.
2. CAPACITOR :
A capacitor or condenser consists of two coductors separated by an insulator or dielectric.
(i) When uncharged conductor is brought near to a charged conductor, the charge on
conductors remains same but its potential dcreases resulting in the increase of capacitance.
(ii) In capacitor two conductors have equal but opposite charges.
(iii) The conductors are called the plates of the capacitor. The name of the capacitor depends
on the shape of the capacitor.
(iv) Formulae related with capacitors:
(a) Q = CV
Q QA QB
 C  
V VA – VB VB – VA
Q = Charge of positive plate of capacitor.

V = Potential difference between positive and negative plates of capacitor
C = Capacitance of capacitor.
(v) The capacitor is represented as following :
(vi) Based on shape and arrangement of capacitor plates there are various types of capacitors:
(a) Parallel plate capacitor
(b) Spherical capacitor.
(c) Cylindrical capacitor
(v) Capacitance of a capacitor depends on
(a) Area of plates.
(b) Distance between the plates.
(c) Dielectric medium between the plates.
2.1 Parallel Plate Capacitor
Two metallic parallel plates of any shape but of same size and separated by small distance
constitute parallel plate capacitor. Suppose the area of each plate is A and the separation
between the two plates is d. Also assume that the space between the plates contains
vacuum.

We put a charge q on one plate and a charge –q on the other. This can be done either by
connecting one plate with the positive terminal and the other with negative plate of a
battery (as shown in figure a ) or by connecting one plate to the earth and by giving a charge
+q to the other plate only. This charge will induce a charge – q on the earthed plate. The
charges will appear on the facing surfaces. The charges density on each of these surfaces
has a magnitude  = q/A.
+q –q
+ –
+ – +q –q
+ – + –
+ – + –
+ – +
or –
+ – + –
+ –
+ –
(a) (b)
If the plates are large as compard to the separation between them, then the electric field
between the plates (at point B) is uniform and perpendicular to the plates except for a small
region near the edge. The magnitude of this uniform field E may be calculated by using the
fact that both positive and negative plates produce the electric field in the same direction
(from positive plate towards negative plate) of magnitude /20 and therefore, the net elec-
tric field between the plates will be,
  
E  
2 0 2 0  0
Outside the plates (at point A and C) the field due to positive sheet of charge and negative
sheet of charge are in opposite directions. Therefore, net field at these points is zero.
The potential difference between the plates is,
   qd
 V  E.d   d 

 0  A 0
 The capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor is,
q A 0 0 A
C  or C
V d d
2.2 Cylindrical Capacitor
Cylindrical capacitor consists of two co-axial cylinders of radii a and b and length l. If a
charge q is given to the inner cylinder, induced change –q will reach the inner surface of the
outer cylinder. By symmetry, the electric field in region between the cylinders is radially
outwards.
By Gauss’s theorem, the electric field at a distance r from the axis of the cylinder is
given by
1 q A
E
2 0 l r – + + –B
The potential difference between the cylinders is given by – + + –
a a
– + + –
  1 dr q  a – + + –
–
V   E dr  
 q   In  l – b
2 0 l r 2 0 l  b  + +
b b –
+ a + –
– –
– + + –
– + + – –
q 2 0 l
or, C  – –
V  a
 In 
 b

2.3 Spherical Capacitor

A spherical capacitor consists of two concentric spheres of radii a and b as shown. The inner
sphere is positively charged to potential V and outer sphere is at zero potential.
The inner surface of the outer sphere has an equal negative charge.
The potential difference between the spheres is
– –
Q Q –
V – +
40a 40b + +
–
Hence, capacitance + b +
+ +
–
–
C
Q 40ab + a +
V (b  a) – +
–
–
Ex.2 Find capacitance of the given system.

2Q Q
A=Area
d
Sol. Arranging charges
   Q
 E   
2 0 2 0  0 2A 0 3Q Q Q 3Q
Qd 2 2 2 2
Now, V = Ed =
2A 0
Q / 2 A 0
 C 
V d
3. ENERGY STORED IN A CHARGED CAPACITOR
Q –Q q –q
dq
initially Finally middle state
Work has to be done in charging a conductor against the force of repulsion by the already
existing charges on it. The work is stored as a potential energy in the electric field of the
conductor. Suppose a conductor of capacity C is charged to a potential V0 and let q0 be the
charge on the conductor at this instant. The potential of the conductor when (during charg-
ing) the charge on it was q (< q0) is,
q
V
C
Now, work done in bringing a small charge dq at this potential is,
q
dW  Vdq   dq
C
 total work done in charging it from 0 to q0 is,

q0 q0
q 1 q02
W  dW   dq 
C 2 C
0 0
This work is stored as the potential energy,
1 q02
 U
2 C
Further by using q0 = CV0 we can write this expression also as,
1 1
U CV02  q0 V0
2 2
In general if a conductor of capacity C is charged to a potential V by giving it a charge q,
1 1 q2 1
then U CV 2   qV
2 2 C 2
3.1 Energy Density of a Charged Capacitor

This energy is localized on the charges or the plates but is distributed in the field. Since in
case of a parallel plate capacitor, the electric field is only between the plates, i.e., in a
volume (A × d), the energy density
1
CV 2
U 2 1  A  V2
UE     0 
volume Ad 2  d  Ad
2
1 V 1  v 
or UE   0     0E 2  d  E
2 d 2  
3.2 Calculation of Capacitance

The method for the calculation of capacitance involves integration of the electric field be-
tween two conductors or the plates which are just equipotential surfaces to obtain the
potential difference Vab. Thus,
a
 
Vab  – E . dr

b
q q
C  a
Vab  
 – E . dr

b
3.3 Heat Generated :
(1) Work done by battery
W = QV
Q = charge flow in the battery
V = EMF of battery
(2) W = +Ve (When Battery discharging)
W = –Ve (When Battery charging)
(3)  Q = CV (C = equivalent capacitance)
so W = CV × V = CV2
1
Now energy on the capacitor  CV 2
2
 Energy dissipated in form of heat (due to resistance)
H = Work done by battery – {final energy of capacitor - initial energy of capacitor}

Ex.3 At any time S1 switch is opened and S2 is

closed then find out heat generated in circuit. S1
S2
initially finally
2V
CV –CV 2CV –2CV
Sol.
+ – + –
V
V 2V
Charge flow through battery = Qf – Qi
= 2CV – CV = CV
1 2 1 2 2  2 1 2
H = (CV × 2V) –  C(2 V )  CV   2CV  2CV  CV 
2 2   2 
1 0V
H CV 2
2
2F
Ex.4 (a) Find the final charge on each capacitor if they are + +
20V 5F 2 F 5V
connected as shown in the figure. – –
Sol. Initially
0c 0c
C1
+ 100C + 10C
C3 C2
– 100C – 10C
Finally let q charge flows clockwise then +q –q
Now applying KVL

+ (100  q) C + (10  q) C
 q (10  q) (100  q)
  0 – (10  q) C
C1 C2 C3 – (100  q) C
q 10  q 100  q
   0
2 2 5
5q + 50 + 5q – 200 + 2q = 0
75
12 q – 150 = 0  q  C
6
so finally
75 / 6 C
+ –
C1
+ + 135
525 C
C C3 C2 6
6 – –

(b) Find heat loss in the above circuit.

H = Energy [initially – finally] on capacitor
 1 2 2 2
1   1  525  1 1  75  1 1  135  1 
   5  (20 )2   2  (5)2             
6
    10 J
 2 2  

2  6  5 2  6  2 2 6  2 


4. DISTRIBUTION OF CHARGES ON CONNECTING TWO CHARGED CAPACITORS :

When two capacitors C1 and C2 are connected as shown in figure
+Q1 –Q1  Q1' – Q1'
A B A B
C1 C1
+Q2 –Q2  Q'2 – Q'2

C D C D
C2 C2
Initially Finally
Before connecting the ca pa citors
Para meter I st Capacitor II n d Capacitor

Capacitance C1 C2
Charge Q1 Q2
Potential V1 V2
After connecting the capacitors
Pa ra me te r I st Capacitor II nd Ca pa citor
Capacitance C1 C2
Charge '
Q 1' Q2
Potential V1 V2
(a) Common potential :

By charge conservation on plates A and C before and after connection.
Q1 + Q2 = C1V + C2V
Q1  Q 2 C1V1  C 2 V2 Total ch arg e
 V  =
C1  C 2 C1  C 2 Total capaci tan ce
C1
(b) Q1'  C1V  (Q1  Q 2 )
C1  C 2
C2
Q'2  C 2 V  (Q1  Q 2 )
C1  C 2
(c) Heat loss during redistribution :
1 C1C 2
H  Ui – Uf  ( V1 – V2 )2
2 C1  C 2
The loss of energy is in the form of Joule heating in the wire.

• When plates of similar charges are connected with each other (+with + and – with –)
then put all values (Q1, Q2, V1, V2) with positive sign.
• When plates of opposite polarity are connected with each other (+ with –) then take
charge and potential of one of the plate to be negative.
Derivation of above formulae :
C1V
A + – B
V1 V2 C1
+ – + – V 0
A B C D C2
C1 C2
+ – D
C C2V
Let potential of B and D is zero and common potential on capacitors is V, then at A and C it
will be V.
C1V + C2V = C1V1 + C2V2
C1V1  C 2 V2
V
C1  C 2
1 1 1
H C1V12  C 2 V22 – (C1  C 2 )V 2
2 2 2
1 1 1 (C1V1  C 2 V2 )2
= C1V12  C 2 V22 –
2 2 2 (C1  C 2 )
1  C12 V12  C1C 2 V12  C 2C1V22  C 22 V22 – C12 V12 – C 2 V22 – 2C1C 2 V1V2 
  
2  C1  C 2 
1 C1C 2
 ( V1 – V2 )2
2 C1  C 2 + –
A B
C1
1 C1C 2 V 0
2
H = 2 C  C ( V1 – V2 ) C2
1 2
D + –
when oppositely charged terminals are connected then C
 C1V + C2V = C1V1 – C2V2
C1V1 – C 2 V2
V
C1  C 2
1 C1C 2
H ( V1  V2 )2
2 C1  C 2
Ex.5 Find out the following if A is connected with C and B is connected with D.
(i) How much charge flows in the circuit.
(ii) How much heat is produced in the circuit.
2F 3F
+ – B + – D
A C
20V 10V

Sol. Let potential of B and D is zero and common A B

potential on capacitors is V, then at A and C it will be V. + –
Q1=2V
By charge conservation, V 0
3V + 2V = 40 + 30
+ –
5V = 70  V = 14 volt C D
Q2=3V
Charge flow = 40 – 28 = 12 C
Now final charges on each plate is shown in the figure.
A + – B
28C –28C
12C 12C
+ –
C 42C –42C D
1 1 1
(ii) Heat produced = × 2 × (20)2 + × 3 × (10)2 – × 5 × (14)2
2 2 2
= 400 + 150 – 490
= 550– 490 = 60 J
• When capacitor plates are joined then the charge remains conserved.
• We can also use direct formula of redistribution as given above.
Ex.6 Repeat above question if A is connected with D and B is connected with C.
Q1=2V
4C –4C
A B A B
V 0
36C 36C
+ – D C
D C 6C –6C
Q2=3V
Initial Final
Sol. Let potential of B and C is zero and common potential

on capacitors is V, then at A and D it will be V
2V + 3V = 10  V = 2 volt
Now charge on each plate is shown in the figure.
1
Heat produced = 400 + 150 – × 5×4
2
= 550 – 10 = 540 J
• Here heat produced is more. Think why ?
Ex.7 Three capacitors as shown of capacitance 1F, 2F and 2F are charged upto potential
difference 30 V, 10 V and 15V respectively. If terminal A is connected with D, C is
connected with E and F is connected with B. Then find out charge flow in the circuit
and find the final charges on capacitors.

30V 10V 15V

+ – + – + –
A B C D E F
1F 2F 2F
Sol. Let charge flow is q. 30–q q–30 –q–30 30+q
Now applying Kirchhoff's voltage low + – – +
A B F
( q – 20 ) (30  q) 30 – q 1F 2F E
– –  0 q
2 2 1
– 2q = – 25 2F
q = 12.5 C
D C
Final charges on plates –20+q 20–q
 17. 5C – 17 .5C
+ – – +
–42.5C  42.5C
12.5C
–7.5C 7.5C
– +
5. CAPACITOR CIRCUITS
Ex.8 Find charge on each capacitor.
4F
2F 2F
20V 10V 20V

5V 10V
20V +
Sol. Charge on C1 = C1V1 = 2 × (20 – 5)C + + – C3
10V
= 30 C – –
C1 C2 –10
Charge on C2 = C2V2 = 2 × (20 – (–10))C 20V
= 60 C 5V
Charge on C3 = C3V3 = 4 × (20 – 10)C O O O O
= 40 C
2F 2F
4F
Ex.9 Find charge on each capacitor.

10V 20V
Sol. Charge on C1 = (x – 10) C1 x x

Charge on C2 = (x – 0) C2
Charge on C3 = (x – 20) C3 C3
C1 C2
Now from charge conservation at node x 10V 20V
(x – 10)C1 + (x – 0)C2 + (x – 20)C3 = 0
 2x – 20 + 2x + 4x – 80 = 0
 x = 25/2
O O O
 25 
so Q C1    10  2C  5C
 2 

25 5 C – 30 C
Q C2   2C  25 C 25 C
2 – 5 C +30 C
–25 C
QC3  ( 25 / 2  40)  4 C  30 C
Ex.10 In the given circuit find out the charge on each capacitor. (Initially they are uncharged)
10V E 30V
1F 2 F F + – × – + D
+
2F 30V
10V G –25V
10V 30V 25V
25V
A B C
0
Sol. Let potential at A is 0, so at D it is 30 V, at F it is 10 V and at point G potential is –25V. Now
apply Kirchhoff's Ist law at point E. (total charge of all the plates connected to 'E' must be
same as before i.e. 0)
 (x – 10) + (x – 30) 2 + (x + 25) 2 = 0
10 + – 4 – + 30
5x = 20
6C –6 C –52 C 52 C
x=4
58C
Final charges : –58 C
–25
Q2F = (30 – 4) 2 = 52 C
5C
Q1F = (10 – 4) = 6 C
0 0 0
Q2F = (4 – (–25)) 2 = 58 C
2F
C1
2F 2F 2F
2F
Ex.11 4V 4V
2V
Find voltage across capacitor C1.

C3
x y
C4
C1 C2
2V C5
4V –4V
Sol.
O O O O
Now from charge conservation at node x and y

for x
(x – 4)C1 + (x – 2)C2 + (x – y)C3 = 0  2(x – 4) + 2(x – 2) + (x – y) 2 = 0
6x – 2y – 12 = 0 .....(1)
For y
(y – x)C3 + [y –(–4)]C4 + (y – 0)C5 = 0  (y – x)2 + (y + 4) 2 + y 2 = 0

= 6y – 2x + 8 = 0 .....(2)
eq. (1) & (2)
y = – 3/4 x = 7/4
7  3 5
So potential difference = x – y =      volt
4  4 3
6. COMBINATION OF CAPACITORS :
6.1 Series Combination :
(i) When initially uncharged capacitors are
Q Q Q
connected as shown, then the combination is + – + – + –
called series combination C1 C2 C3
V1 V2 V3
.
(ii) All capacitors will have same charge but

different potential difference across then.
(iii) We can say that +–
Q
V1 
C1
V1 = potential across C1
Q = charge on positive plate of C1
C1 = capacitance of capacitor similarly
Q Q
V2  , V3  .........
C2 C3
1 1 1
(iv) V1 : V2 : V3 = C : C : C
1 2 3
We can say that potential difference across capacitor is inversely proportional to its capacitance
in series combination.
1
V
C
Note : • In series combination the smallest capacitor gets maximum potential.
1 1 1
C1 C2 C3
V1  V V2  V V3  V
(v) 1 1 1 , 1 1 1 , 1 1 1
   ......    ......    ......
C1 C 2 C 3 C1 C 2 C 3 C1 C 2 C 3
Where V = V1 + V2 + V3
(vi) Equivalent Capacitance :
Equivalent capacitance of any combination is that capacitance which when connected
in place of the combination stores same charge and energy as that of the combination
In series :
1 1 1 1
   ........................
C eq C1 C 2 C 3
• In series combination equivalent is always less then smallest capacitor of combination.
(vii) Energy stored in the combination
Q2 Q2 Q2
Ucombination =  
2C1 2C 2 2C3

Q2
Ucombination = 2C
eq
Energy supplied by the battery in charging the combination

Q Q2
Ubattery = Q × V = Q . C = C
eq eq
Ucombination 1

Ubattery 2
• Half of the energy supplied by the battery is stored in form of electrostatic energy and half of
the energy is converted into heat through resistance.
Derivation of Formulae :
C1 C2 C3
Meaning of equivalent capacitor

C1 C2 C3 Ceq
B A B
A
V V
Q
C eq 
V
Now,
Initially, the capacitor has no charge. Applying kirchhoff's voltage law
–Q – Q – Q C1 C2 C3
  V 0 B
C1 C 2 C 3 A
+Q –Q +Q –Q +Q –Q
 1 1 1  Q Q Q
V  Q     –  –  –
C C C C1 C2 C3
 1 2 3
V 1 1 1
  
Q C1 C 2 C 3 Q
V
1 1 1 1
  
C eq C1 C 2 C 3
in general
n
1 1
C eq
 C
n 1 n
Ex.12 Three initially uncharged capacitors are connected in series as shown in circuit with a
battery of emf 30V. Find out following : 2F 3F 6F
(i) charge flow through the battery,
(ii) potential energy in 3 F capacitor.
(iii) Utotal in capacitors
(iv) heat produced in the circuit
30V

1 1 1 1 3  2 1
Sol.     1
C eq 2 3 6 6
Ceq = 1 F.
(i) Q = Ceq V = 30 C
(ii) charge on 3F capacitor = 30 C
Q 30  30
energy = = = 150 J
2C 23
30  30
(iii) Utotal = J = 450 J
2
(iv) Heat produced = (30 C) (30) – 450 J = 450 J
Ex.13 Two capacitors of capacitance 1 F and 2F are charged to potential difference 20 V
and 15 V as shown in figure. If now terminal B and C are connected together terminal
A with positive of battery and D with negative terminal of battery then find out final
charges on both the capacitor.
1F 2F
A + – B C + – D
20V 15V
20  q 30  q
 –  –
1 2
A B C D
20+q + – + –
–20+q 30+q –30+q
q
30V
Now applying kirchoff voltage law
–( 20  q) 30  q
–  30  0
1 2
– 40 – 2q – 30 – q = – 60
3q = – 10
10
Charge flow = – C.
3
50
Charge on capacitor of capacitance 1F = 20 + q =
3
80
Charge on capacitor of capacitance 2F = 30 + q =
3
6.2 Parallel Combination :
(i) When one plate of one capacitor is connected with one plate of the other capacitor, such
combination is called parallel combination.
(ii) All capacitors have same potential difference but different charges.
Q1
(iii) We can say that : + –
C1
Q1 = C1V Q2
+ –
C2
Q1 = Charge on capacitor C1 Q3
+ –
C1 = Capacitance of capacitor C1
C3

V = Potential across capacitor C1

(iv) Q1 : Q2 : Q3 : C1 : C2 : C3
The charge on the capacitor is proportional to its capacitane Q  C
C1
(v) Q1  Q
C1  C 2  C3
C2
Q2  Q
C1  C 2  C3
C3
Q3  Q
C1  C 2  C3
Where Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 ..............
• Maximum charge will flow thorugh the capacitor of largest value.

(vi) Equivalent capacitance of parallel combination
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
• Equivalent capacitance is always greater then the largest capacitor of combination.
(vii) Energy stored in the combination :
1 1
Vcombination  C1V 2  C 2 V 2  .............
2 2
1 1
 (C1  C 2  C 3 ........) V 2 = C eq V 2
2 2
Ubattery  QV  CV 2
Ucombination 1

Ubattery 2
• Half of the energy supplied by the battery is stored in the form of electrostatic energy and
half of the energy is converted into heat through resistance.
Formulae Derivation for parallel combination : C1
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3
Q1
= C1V + C2V + C3V V 0
= V(C1 + C2 + C3) Q Q2 C2
Q Q3 C
 C1  C 2  C 3 3
V
V
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 V 0
In general Q
n
C eq  C n
n 1
Ex.14 Three initially uncharged capacitors are connected to a battery of 10 V in parallel

combination. Find out the following ?
1F
(i) charge flow from the battery
(ii) total energy stored in the capacitors 2F
(iii) heat produced in the circuit
3F
(iv) potential energy in the 3F capacitor.
Sol. (i) Q = (30 + 20 + 10) C = 60 C
10V

1
(ii) Utotal = × 6 × 10 × 10 = 300 J
2
(iii) Heat produced = 60 × 10 – 300 = 300 J
1
(iv) U3F = × 3 × 10 × 10 = 150 J
2
6.3 Mixed Combination :

The combination which contains mixing of series combinations or other complex combinations
fall in mixed category.
There are two types of mixed combinations
(i) Simple (ii) Complex.
Ex.15 Two capacitors of capacitances C1 = 6F and C2 = 3F are connected in series across
a cell of emf 18 V. Calculate
(i) the equivalent capacitance,
(ii) the potential difference across each capacitor,
(iii) the charge on each capacitor.
1 1 1 C1 C2
Sol. (i)  
C C1 C 2 Q1 Q2
C1C 2 63
 C   2F V1 V2
C1  C 2 6  3
V
(ii)  C2   6 
V1   V  
   18  12 V
 C1  C 2  63
(iii) v2 = 18 – v1 = 6v
(iv) Q1 = Q2 = C1V1 = C2V2 = CV
C1
Ex.16 In the circuit shown the capacitors are C3

C1 = 15F ; C2 = 10F and C3 = 25F. Find
(i) the equivalent capacitance of the circuit, C2

(ii) the charge on each capacitor and
(iii) the potential difference across each capacitor.
10V
(C1  C 2 ) C3  25  25 
Sol. (i)   F  12.5 F
(C1  C 2 )  C3  25  25 
C1
Q
Q1
Q2
C3
C2
10V

(ii) Q = Total charge supplied by the cell = CV = (12.5 × 10) C = 125 C
 C1   15 
Charge on C1  Q1    Q     125  75 C
C
 1  C 2   15  10 
Charge on C 2  Q 2   C 2  Q   10   125  50 C
 
C C 
 1 2   15  10 
Charge on C3 = Q = 125 C
Q1 75
(iii) p.d. across C1  V1    5V
C1 15
p.d. across C2 = V2 = V1 = 5 V
Q 3 125
p.d. across C3  V3    5V
C3 25
Ex.17 In the given circuit find out charge across 6F and 1F capacitor.
1F
6F
2F
Sol.
30V
It can be simplified as
3F 6F
18
Ceq = = 2F
9
Charge flow through the cell = 30 × 2 C
Q = 60 C
30V
Now charge on 3F = Charge on 6F = 60 C
Potential difference across 3F
60
  20 V
3
 Charge on 1F = 20 C
6.4 Series-Parallel
8F 6F
2F
Ex.18 3F
4F
Find equivalent capacitance of the circuit

63 8F
8F  2F
63
 88 
  40   F
Sol. 2F (2+2+4)F  8F 88 
4F
Ex.18 Find charge in each capacitor:

Sol. In series charge will be same on all capacitors and in parallel charge will be propotional to
capacitane.
32C – 32C 8C –8C
32C
8C 8C
16C
–8C – 8C
–16C
Ex.19 Find out the Relation between C1, C2, C3 and C4 such that point A and B are equipoten-
tial. [Balanced wheat stone bridge]
A
C1 C2
C5
C3 C4
B A
C1 q1
C2
Sol. When A and B are equipotential then there will be q1
no charge on capacitor C5. So remove it. Now C1,
C2 are in series and C3, C4 are in series so they
will have same charges respectively. q1
q1 q C3
 2 q2 C4
 C1 C 3 ...(1)
B
q1 q
and  2 ...(2)
C2 C4
C2 C4
  C2C3 = C1C4
C1 C 3
6.5 Ladder Problems

C C
A
C C
Ex.20
B
Find equivalent capacitance between point A and B.

C
C C
A
C C
Sol.
B
D
Let Capacitance is Ceq then after line CD capacitance again will be equal to C eq , because
circuit is infinite. Then
C
A
Ce q C Ceq
B
(C eq  C)  C 5 –1
 C eq   C eq  C
C  C  C eq 2
Ex.21 Find equivalent capacitance between points A and B.
C 2C 4C
A 
C 2C 4C
B –
C 2C 4C
C
A
C 2C 4C
Sol.
B
D
Let equivalent capacitance x then capacitance after C,D point will be 2x because every
capacitance becomes 2 times as compared to A, B.
C
C
A
C 2x
x
So
B D
(2x  C)C C
 x  x=
( 2 x  C  C) 2
6.6 Symmetric Circuits :
C
C C
C C
C
A D B
Ex.22

Find equivalent Capacitance between A and B.

Sol. Because line CD is symmetric about A and B so we remove it then
C C
C C
A B  C e q  2C
C
C
C C
C C
A B
C
Ex.23 C
C
D
Find equivalent Capacitance between A and B.
Sol. Because line CD is symmetric about points A and B so we remove it.
C C
C C
A B
Now C
C
3C
So Ceq 
2
1 2 3 4 n
A
Ex.24 B
Find equivalent Capacitance between point A and B if Capacitance between any two
plates is C.
Sol. There are total (n – 1) capacitors which are in series.
1 1 1
so    ........(n – 1) times
C eq C C
1 (n – 1) C
  C eq 
C eq C n –1
Ex.25 Find out equivalent capacitance between A and B.
A
B

Sol. Put numbers on the plates The charges will be as shown in the figure.
V12 = V32 = V34
So all the capacitors are in parallel combination.
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
O
1
+ +
A 2 –
– –
+ 3 B
+
4 –
O
d
A B
d
0
1
+
d C1
–
A+ 0 2 –B
d
Sol. 0 3
–
d
+ C2
0 4
There are only two capacitors. Ceq = C1 + C2
0
1
–
A+ d +
2
d +
3 –
+
d
– –B
4
0
The modified circuit is
A C C
C B 2C
C C eq 
3
Other method :
1
–x
2 +x
A
+x
3 –x
+2x
4 –2x
B

Q 2 xA
C eq  
V V
xd 2xd 3 xd
V = V2 – V4 = (V2 – V3) + (V3 – V4)   
0 0 0
2 Ax 0 2 A 0 2C
 C eq   
3 xd 3d 3
Area A
–
d
+
–
d C
+ +
A +
d
–
+
d
– –
B
A 0
Sol. C C C
d A C
B
1 1 2 5 3C 3 A 0
    C eq   C C
C eq C 3C 3C 5 5d
D
Alternative method :
1 0
Q xy –x x
C  2 +x Ae 0
V VAB –x x
O
Q xy + 3 +x Ae 0
C  A +y y
V VAB
4 –y Ae 0
Potential of 1 and 4 is same + (x+y) xy
5 – (x+y) Ae 0 –
y 2x B
 y = 2x 0
A 0 A  0
 2y  x  ( x  2 x ) A 0 3 A  0
V   d
 C 
 A 0  (5 x )d 5d
Ex.29 Five similar condenser plates, each of

area A, are placed at equal distance d
apart and are connected to a source of
e.m.f. E as shown in the following 1 2 3 4 5
diagram. The charge on the plates 1 –
V
and 4 will be +
 0 A  2 0 A  0 AV 2 0 AV
(A) , (B) ,
d d d d
 0 AV 3 0 AV  0 AV 4 0 AV
(C) , (D) ,
d d d d
Sol. From equivalent circuit diagram Charge on first plate

1 2
 AV 3 2
Q = CV  Q 0
d
Charge on fourth plate 3 4
 AV
Q'  0
Q' = C(–V)
d 5 4
As plate 4 is repeated twice, hence charge on 4 will be Q'' = 2Q'
2 0 AV V
Q' '   + –
d
Hence the correct answer will be(B).
2F
S
1
2
Ex.30
10V 5V
When switch is shifted from 1 to 2 then find charge flown in circuit and heat gener-
ated.
Sol. Initially
q –q1
+ –
10V 5V
q
1 – 5  10  0  q1 = 10 F
C
Finally q2 –q2
 q2 = 10 × 2 C = 20 C
So charge Flown (Q) = (q2 – q1) = 10 C
Work done by battery = QV = 10 × 10 = 100 J
So Heat = [ W.DB – {final initial}energy of capacitor ]
 1 1 
 100 –   2  (0 )2 –  2  5 J
 2 2  10V
 100 – {100 – 25} J = 25 J
Ex.31 Find charge flown through battery and heat

2C C
generated in the circuit after shifting switch C
from S1 to S2.
Sol. Initially
S1 S2

V
O
V
For node x
(x – v) 2c + (x – v) c + (x + 0) c = 0
3v
 4x = 3v  x
4
3V/4 x'
– 2C
V C 2C C
– + 4 + 3VC
CV + – 4
4
( x  0) C  ( x  0) 2C  ( x  V ) C  0
V
O V O
V V
V
 x 
4
3CV – + 2VC + VC
So now charge on capacitor
4 + – 4 – 4
So charge flow from battery

 3CV CV  CV
Q  
 4 4  2
Q
So heat generated
  1  3 V  2 1 V
2
1
2
 V    1  V 
2
1 V
2
1
2
 3 V  
H  QV    C    ( 2C)    C       C    (2C)    C    
  2  4  2 4 2  4    2  4  2 4 2  4  

CV 2
H  QV 
2
Ex.32 Find the charge flown through the path 1, 2, 3 as shown in figure after closing switch S
and heat generated in the circuit.
20V 6F
2
S
10V 3F

+
+ 60C 120C
20V –
20V – 6F
2
+ 60C
10V 10V +
Sol. – 3F 30C
–
3
initial finally
So charge flow in path 1 = 120 – 60 = 60C

So charge flow in path 2 = 60 + (60 – 30) = 90C
So charge flow in path 3 = (60 – 30) = 30C
So work done by battery of 20 V = 60 × 20 J
= 1200J
Wwork done by battery of 10 V = – 30 × 10 J
= –300J
 1 (60)2 1 (60)2 
Initial energy of capacitors =   J
 2 6 2 3 
= 900 J
1 2 1 2
Final energy of capacitor =  6  ( 20 )   3  (10 )   J = 1350 J
 2 2 
So heat loss = (1200 – 300) – (1350 – 900) J = 450 J
7. CIRCUIT SOLUTION FOR R – C CIRCUIT AT T = 0 (INITIAL STATE) AND T =  (FINAL STATE)

Note :
• Charge on the capacitor does not change instantaneously or suddenly if there is a
resistance in the path (series) of the capacitor.
• When an uncharged capacitor is connected with battery then its charge is zero
initially hence potential difference across it is zero initially. At this time the capacitor
can be treated as a conducting wire
R R
C E
E
Before connection Just after connection at t = 0

• The current will become zero finally (that means in steady state) in the branch which
contains capacitor.
R E R E
i=0
+
C E
E –
0 0
Before connection After connection at t = 

Ex.33 Find out current in the circuit and charge on capacitor which is initially uncharged in
the following situations.
2
10V 3F
(a) Just after the switch is closed 2

(b) After a long time when switch was closed. +10 0
Sol. (a) For just after closing the switch :
Potential difference across capacitor = 0 10V
10
 QC = 0  i=  5A
2 0 0
2
+10 0
(b) After a long time i=0
At steady state current i = 0
10V +
and potential difference across capacitor = 10 V
–
 QC = 3 × 10 = 30 C
0 0
Ex.34 Find out current I1, I2, I3, charge on capacitor
R I1 I2
dQ
and of capacitor in the circuit when it is
dt R
initially uncharged in the following situations  R
(a) Just after the switch is closed I3 C
(b) After a long time when switch is closed.
Sol. (a) Initially the capacitor is uncharged so its behaviour is like a conductor
Let potential at A is zero so at B and C also zero and at F it is . Let potential at E is x so at
D also x. Apply Kirchoff's I st law at point E :
x– x–0 x–0
  0
R R R
3x 

R R

x Qc = 0
3
– / 3   2
 I1  =
R 3R
dQ  
I2   , I3 
dt 3R 3R
Alternatively
  2
i1   
R eq R 3R
R
2

i1 
i 2  i3  
2 3R
(b) at t =  (finally)
Capacitor is completely charged. So their will be no current through it.

I2 = 0, I1 = I3 = R
2R F E /2 D
/2
I2=0
  
R 
 R
VE – VB = VD – VC =   R
 2R  2
C dQ C
 QC  , = I2 = 0 A B
2 dt
I1 I2 I3 Q dQ/dt
Time t = 0 2   
0
3R 3R 3R 3R
  C
Finally t = 0 2
0
2R 2R
Ex.35 At t = 0 switch S1 is closed and remains closed for a long time and S2 remains open.
Now S1 is opened and S2 is closed. Find out
S1 R S2 R
 2
C
(i) The current through the capacitor immediately after that moment
(ii) Charge on the capacitor long after that moment.
(iii) Total charge flown through the cell of emf 2 after S2 is closed.
Sol. (i) Let Potential at point A is zero. The potential at point B and C will be  (because current
 S2
through the circuit is zero.) C i=0 B D
VB – VA = ( – 0)
 C
 Charge on capacitor = C ( – 0) = C  2
C
– C
Now S2 is closed and S1 is open.
0
(p.d. across capacitor and charge on it will not change suddenly) 0A
Potential at A is zeo so at D it is –2
 current through the capacitor
 – (–2 ) 3
  (B to D)
R R
(ii) after a long time, i = 0
VB – VA = VD – VA = – 2
 Q = C(–2 – 0) = – 2C


C i=0 –2 D
B
 +
2
–
0
0A
(iii) The charge on the lower plate (which is connected to the battery) changes from –C to
2C.
 this charge will come from the battery,
 charge flown from that cell is 2C downward.
C –2 –2
B D
 –2C
2
2C
0
0 0
8. CHARGING AND DISCHARGING OF A CAPACITOR

8.1 Charging of a condenser :
• In the following circuit. If key 1 is closed then the R
condenser gets charged. Finite time is taken in the
charging process. The quantity of charge at any instant C
2
of time t is given by
1
–( t / RC ) R
q  q0 [1 – e ] B
Where q0 = maximum final value of charge at t = . E
According to this equation the quantity of charge on the condenser increases exponentially
with increase of time.
• If t = RC =  then
 1
q = q0 [1 – e–(RC/RC)] = q0 1 – 
 e
or q = q0 (1 – 0.37) = 0.63 q0
= 63% of q0
• Time t = RC is known as Time Constant.
i.e. the time constant is that time during which the charge rises on the condenser plates to
63% of its maximum value.
• The potential difference across the condenser plates at any instant of time is given by
V  V0 [1 – e –( t / RC) ] volt
• The potential curve is also similar to that of charge. During charging process an electric
current flows in the circuit for a small interval of time which is known as the transient current.
The value of this current at any instant of time is given by
I  I0 [e –( t / RC) ] ampere

According to this equation the current falls in the circuit exponentially (Fig.)
• If t = RC =  = Time constant
I
I0 During
charging
0 t
During
discharging
I0
I
I0
I  I0 [e – (RC / RC )   0.37 I0 = 37% of I
e 0
i.e. time constant is that time during which current in the circuit falls to 37% of its maximum
value.
Derivation of formulae for charging of capacito :

It is given that initially capacitor is uncharged. Let at any time t
Applying Kirchoff voltage law
q C – q R
 – iR – 0  iR 
C C
t=0
C – q dq C – q  C
i  
CR dt CR
dq C – q CR
  .dq  dt q
dt CR C – q
q t C
dq dt t
 C – q =  RC
0
 – ln (C – q) + ln C =
RC
0
0.63 C
C t
ln 
C – q RC
t
O t=RC
– t / RC
C – q = C. e q  C(1 – e – t / RC )

RC = time constant of the RC series circuit.
After one time constant
i
 1
q  C 1 –  = C (1 – 0.37) = 0.63 C
 e  /R
Current at any time t
dq   1  0.37

i  C – e – t / RC  –  
dt  RC   R

t

 – t / RC
e O t=RC
R
Voltage across capacitor after one time constant V = 0.63 

Q = CV Vc
VC  (1 – e – t / RC ) 
Voltage across the resistor

VR = iR 0.63 
= e – t / RC
t
By energy conservation, O t=RC
Heat dissipated = work done by battery – U capacitor
1 1
 C(  ) – ( C 2 – 0) = C 2
2 2
Alternatively :
VR

0.37
t
O t=RC

Heat = H  i2Rdt

0
Vc
 2 –2 t 2 
 RC  – 2 t / RC
 R 2
e Rdt  e dt 
R
0 0
1
0.63  2

 2t 
–
2  e RC  t
  
R  – 2 / RC 
 0 In the figure time constant of (2) is more than (1)

2t
 2RC  – RC   2C
–  e  
2R   2
 0
Ex.36 In the figure shown below, find out the current as function of time and charge on
capacitor C1 and also plot the graph of charge on plate A and B of capacitor C2 as a
function of time.
C1=C
+ –
q/C
R
A –
 C2=C 2
B +
Sol. Let at any time charge on C1 = q
Now apply, K.V.L
q ( q – 2C)
–iR– – +=0
c C

2q +q –q
3   iR  3C = 2q + iRC + –
c q/C
i R
q t
dq dt
3C = 2q + iRC   3C – 2q   RC  A –2C  q
C2=C
0 0 B 2C – q
q
– n(3C – 2q) t  3C – 2q  – 2t
  n 
2 0 RC  3c  RC
3C
3C – 2q = 3Ce–2t/RC  q (1 – e – 2t / RC )
2
dq 3 – 2 t / RC
i  e 2C
dt R q
At plate A, B
3 C / 2
Charge qA = q – 2C = C (1 – e–2t/RC) – 2C
2
t
c 3c – 2t / RC
=– – e
2 2 –C / 2
c
qA = – (1  3e – 2t / RC ) A
2 –2C
c
qB = (1  3e – 2t / RC )
2
Ex.37 Without using the formula of equivalent find out the charge on capacitor and current
in all the branches as a function of time.
B + iR –  – iR
i R i
q D
+q/2
q/2 + q
 C C –
–q/2 –q/2 2C
q
E q
A q O
Sol. Applying KVL in ABDEA
q  q 2C – q
 – iR =  i – =
2C R 2CR 2CR
q
dq dt dq t

2C – q 2CR
  (2C – q)  2CR
0
2C – q
 e – t / 2RC  q  2C(1  e – t / 2RC )
2C
q  – t / 2RC
q1   C(1 – e – t / RC )  i1  e
2 2R
q  – t / RC
q2   C(1 – e – t / 2RC )  i2 = e
2 2R

Alternate solution
By equivalent
Time constant of circuit = 2C × R = 2RC
maximum charge on capacitor = 2C ×  = 2C
Hence equations of charge and current are as given below
q  2C(1 – e – t / 2RC ) B + iR –  – iR
i R D i
q
q1   C(1 – e – t / 2RC ) q i
2 q
 2C
 – t / 2RC –q
 i1  e
2R q E q
q A O
q2 = = C (1 – e–t/2RC) q
2
 – t / RC
 i2  e
2R
Ex.38 A capacitor is connected to a 12 V battery through a resistance of 10 . It is found

that the potential difference across the capacitor rises to 4.0 V in 1s. Find the
capacitance of the capacitor.
Sol. The charge on the capacitor during charging is given by Q  Q 0 (1 – e – t / RC )
Q Q0
Hence, the potential difference across the capacitor is V  (1 – e – t / RC )
C C
Here, at t = 1 s, the potential differences is 4V whereas the steady potential difference is
Q0
 12 V . So,
C
4V = 12V (1 – e–t/RC)
1 2
or, 1 – e – t / RC  or, e – t / RC 
3 3
t 3 t 1s
or,  n   0.405 or, RC = = = 2.469 s
RC 2 0.405 0.405
2.469 s
or, C = 0.25 F..
10 
Ex.39 Initially the capacitor is uncharged find the charge on capacitor as a function of time,
if switch is closed at t = 0.
R R
 R C
Sw
Sol. Applying KVL in loop ABCDA
 – iR – (i – i1) R = 0
 – 2iR + i1R = 0

R C i1 R
Applying KVL in loop ABCEFDA
B i E
q q +
 – iR – i1R – =0 q/C
C R
 –q –
i–i1
2 –  – i1R – 2i1R q A
 D F
2 C
C – 3i1RC = 2q
dq
C – 2q = 3 .RC
dt
q t
dq dt 1 C – 2q t
   3RC  – ln 
C – 2q 2 C 3RC
0 0
C
q (1 – e – 2t / 3RC )
2
Method for objective :
In a circuit when there is only one capacitor then
q  Q st (1 – e – t /  ) : Qst = steady state change on capacitor
  R eff C
Reffective is the resistance between the capacitor when battery is replaced by its internal
resistance.
8.2 Discharging of a condenser :

(i) In the given circuit if key 1 is opened and key 2 is closed then the condenser gets
discharged.
(ii) The quantity of charge on the condenser at any instant of time t is given by q =q0 e–(t/RC)
i.e. the charge falls exponentially.
R
C
2
1
R B
E
q0
(iii) If t = RC =  = time constant, then q = = 0.37 q0 = 37% of q0
e
i.e. the time constant is that time during which the charge on condenser plates falls to
37%
q
q0
q0
q  0.37q 0
e
t  RC   t
1
(iv) The dimensions of RC are those of time i.e. M°L°T1 and the dimensions of are those
RC
of frequency i.e., M°L°T–1

(v) The potential difference across the condenser plates at any instant of time t is given by
V  V0 e –( t / RC) volt
(vi) The transient current at any instant of time is given by I  –I0 e –( t / RC) ampere. i.e. the
current in the circuit decreases exponentially but its direction is opposite to that of
charging current.
Derivation of equation of discharging circuit :
+ V–
V q q
+ – i i
+Q C –Q +q/c –
R
i + iR –
Initially At any time t
q q
Applying K.V.L.  – iR  0  i=
C CR
q t
– dq dt q t
   CR  – ln 
q Q RC
Q 0
q  Q.e – t / RC
dq Q – t / RC
i–  e
dt RC
i q
 /R qmax

0.37 0.37 qmax
R
t t
O t=RC O t=RC
C1=C Sw
Ex.40 At t = 0 Sw is closed, if initially C1 is uncharged and C2
is charged to a potential difference 2 then find out
R
following

(Given C1 = C2 = C) A–
C2 2
(a) Charge on C1 and C2 as a function of time. B+
(b) Find out current in the circuit as a function of time.
(c) Also plot the graphs for the relations derived in part (a)
Sol. Let q charge flow in time 't' from the battery as shown. The charge on various plates of the
capacitor is as shown in the figure.
Now applying KVL
q q – 2C
– – iR – 0
C C

+q/C
i
q q
– –  2 – iR  0 q –q
C C +
q iR
2q –
3   iR 
– q – 2C
C q – 2C
2C – q + C
2q
3 – iR 
C
3 – iRC = 2q
dq
RC  3C – 2q
dt
q dq t dt
  
0 2C – 2q 0 RC
1  3C – 2q  t
– n 
2  3C  RC
 3C – 2q  2t
ln  –
 3 C  RC
3C – 2q = 3C e–2t/RC

3C (1 – e–2t/RC) = 2q
3
q C (1  e  2t / RC ) Ans.
2
dq 3  2 t / RC
i  e Ans. q'
dt R
2C
On the plate B
q' = 2C – q
C
3 3 2
 2C  C  Ce  2t / RC t
2 2
q
C 3
  C e 2 t / RC 3C
2 2 2
C
 1  3 e  2t / RC
 
2
t
9. FORCE BETWEEN THE PLATES OF A CAPACITOR

In a capacitor as plates carry equal and opposite charges, there is a force of attraction
between the plates. To calculate this force, we use the fact that the electric field is conser-
dU
vative and in a conservative field F   . In case of parallel plate capacitor:
dx
q2 1 q2 x 0 A
U  [as C  ]
2C 2  0 A x

d  q2   1 q2
So, F  x 
dx  2 0 A  2 0 A
The negative sign implies that the force is attractive.
10. CAPACITORS WITH DIELECTRIC :

(i) In absence of dielectric


0


E
0
(ii) When a dielectric fills the sapce between the plates then molecules having dipole moment
align themselves in the direction of electric field.
+ + + + + +
E(extenal)
+ + + + + +
no-effect + + + + + +
+ + + + + +
+ + + + + + molecules of
polar material
effective
s
–sb
s sb
e0 e0
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + –sb
–s
b = induced charge density (called bound charge because it is not due to free electrons).
* For polar molecules dipole moment  0
* For non-polar molecules dipole meomet = 0
(iii) Capacitance in the presence of dielectric
A A AK 0 AK 0
C   
V  d d d K
.d
K 0
Here capacitance is increased by a factor K.
AK 0
C
d
(iv) Polarisation of material :
When a nonpolar substance is placed in an electric field then dipole moment is induced in the
molecule. This induction of dipole moment is called polarisation of material. The induced
charge also produces electric field.


–b
E Eind
++++++++++++++++++ b
–
b = induced (bound) charge density.
 b
Ein  E  Eind  
0 0
It is seen the ratio of electric field between the plates in absence of dielectric and in
presence of dielectric is constant for a material of dielectric. This ratio is called 'Dielectric
constant' of that material. It is represented by r or k.
  1
Ein    b   1  
K 0  K
(v) If the medium is not filled between the plates completely then electric filed will be as
shown in figure. 
Case : (1)
The total electric field produced by bound induced charge K

on the dielectric outside the slab is zero because they
cancel each other. K 0
Case : (2) –


K1 t1
K1 0
d
 t2
K1
K 2 0
–
so potential difference between plates

  
v =  [d – t 1 – t 2 ]  k  t 1  k  t 2
0 1 0 2 0
so equivalent capacitance
Q
C=
v
A
C
  t1 t 2 
d – t 1 – t 2   
0  k1 k 2 
A 0
C
 1  1 
d – t 11 –  – t 2 1 – 
 k1   k 2 

10.1 Introduction of a Dielectric slab of dielectric constant K between the plates

(a) When the battery is disconnected
q0
K
C0, V0, E0, U0
Let q0, C0, V0, E0 and U0 represents the charge, capacity, potential difference, electric field
and energy associated with charged air capacitor respectively. With the introduction of a
dielectric slab of dielectric constant K between the plates and the battery disconnected.
(i) Charge remains constant, i.e., q = q0, as in an isolated system charge is conserved.
(ii) Capacity increases, i.e., C = KC0, as by the presence of a dielectric capacity becomes K
times.
V
(iii) Potential difference between the plates decreases, i.e., V   0

 , as
 K 
q q V
V  0  0 [ q = q and C = KC ]
C KC 0 K 0 0
E0
(iv) Field between the plates decreases, i.e., E  , as
K
V V0 E 0 V0
E   [as V  ]
d Kd K K
V0
and E0 
d
(v) Energy stored in the capacitor decreases i.e.
U 
U 0  , as
 K 
q2 q02 V
U   0 (as q = q0 and C = KC0]
2C 2KC 0 K
(b) When the battery remains connected (potential is held constant)

(i) Potential difference remains constant, i.e., V = V0, as battery is a source of constant
potential difference.
(ii) Capacity increases, i.e., C = KC0, as by presence of a dielectric capacity becomes K
times.
(iii) Charge on capacitor increases, i.e., q = Kq0, as
q = CV = (KC0)V = Kq0 [ q0 = C0V]
(iv) Electric field remains unchanged, i.e., E = E0, as
V V0 V
E   E 0 [as V = V0 and 0  E 0 ]
d d d
(v) Energy stored in the capacitor increases, i.e., U = KU0, as

1 1 1 1
U CV 2  (KC 0 ) ( V0 )2  KU0 [as C = KC0 and U0  C 0 V02 ]
2 2 2 2
Ex.41 A parallel plate air capacitor is made using two square plates each of side 0.2 m,
spaced 1 cm apart. It is connected to a 50V battery.
(a) What is the capacitance ?
(b) What is the charge on each plate ?
(c) What is the energy stored in the capacitor ?
(d) What is the electric field between the plates ?
(e) If the battery is disconnected and then the plates are pulled apart to a separation
of 2 cm, what are the answers to the above parts ?
 0 A (8.85  10 12 )  0.2  0.2

Sol. (a) C0    3.54  10 5 F
d 0.01
(b) Q0 = C0V0 = 3.54 × 10–5 × 50 = 1.77 × 10–3 C
1 1
(c) U0  C0 V02   (3.54  1011) (50)2  4.42  108 J
2 2
V0 50
(d) E0    5000 V / m
d 0.01
(e) If the battery is disconnected the charge on the capacitor plates remains constant
while the potential difference between the plates can change.
0 A C0
C   1.77  10 5 F
d 2
Q = Q0 = 1.77 × 10–3 C
Q Q0
V   2V0
C C0 / 2
1
U CV 2  C 0 V02  8.84  10 8 J
2
V 2V0
E   E 0  5000 V / m
d 2d0
Ex.42 In the last illustration, suppose that the battery is kept connected while the plates are
pulled apart. What are the answers to the parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) in that case ?
Sol. If the battery is kept connected, the potential difference across the capacitor plates always
remains equal to the emf of battery and hence is constant.
V = V0 = 50V
0 A 0 A C0
C    1.77  10 5 F
d' 2d 2
C 0 V0 Q 0
Q  CV    8.85  10  4 C
2 2
1 1 C  U
U CV 2   0  V02  0  2.21 10 8 J
2 2 2  2
V V E
E  0  0  2500 V / m
d 2d0 2

Ex.43 A parallel plate capacitor has plates of area 4 m2 separated by distance of 0.5 mm.
The capacitor is connected across a cell of emf 100 V.
(a) Find the capacitance, charge and energy stored in the capacitor.
(b) A dielectric slab of thickness 0.5 mm is inserted inside this capacitor after it has
been disconnected from the cell. Find the answers to part (a) if K = 3.
 0 A 8.85  10 12  4
Sol. (a) C0    7.08  10  2 F
d 0.5  10 3
Q0 = C0V0 = (7.08 × 10–2 × 100)C = 7.08 C
1
U0  C 0 V02  3.54  10  4 J
2
(b) As the cell has been disconnected
Q = Q0
K 0 A
C  KC 0  0.2124 F
d
Q Q V 100
V  0  0  V
C KC 0 K 3
Q02 Q 02 U
U   0 = 118 × 10–6 J
2C 2KC0 K
Ex.44 If a dielectric slab of thickness t and area A is inserted in between the plates of a
parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and distance between the plates d (d > t) then
find out capacitance of system. What do you predict about the dependence of
capacitance on location of slab ?
A 
Sol. d K t

Q A
C 
V V
t 1 t t
V   2 ( t1 + t2 = d – t)
 0 K 0 0

 [t1  t 2  t / k ]
0
  t  Q A 0 A
 V d  t  k   C  C  C
0   d  t  t /K
* Capacitance does not depend upon the position of dielectric (it can be shifted up or down &
still capacitance does not change).
* If the slab is of metal then
A 0
C
dt

Ex.45 Find out capacitance between A and B if two dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K1
and K2 of thickness d1 and d2 and each of area A are inserted between the plates of
parallel plate capacitor of plate area A as shown in figure.
A

K1 d1
K2 d2
–
B
A d1 d 2   d1 d2  A
Sol. C ; V  E1 d1  E 2 d2  K   K     k  k 
V 1 0 2 0 0  1 2  K 1 0 A
C1 
d1
A 0
 C 1 d1 d2 K 2 0 A
d1 d2    C2 
 C AK 1 0 AK 2  0 d2
K1 K 2
B
This formula suggests that the system between A and B can be
considered as series combination of two capacitors.
Ex.46 Find out capacitance between A and B if two dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K1
and K2 of area A1 and A2 and each of thickness d are inserted between the plates of
parallel plate capacitor of plate area A as shown in figure.
A
A1 1 2 A2 A
K1 K2 d C1 C2

Sol.
B B
A 1K 1 0 A 2K 2  0
C1  , C2  1 2
d d
–1b – 2 b
V  V 2
E1   1 ; E2  
d K 1 0 d K 2 0  1b  2b
 1  2
K V K  V
1  1 0 2  2 0 A
d d
Q1  Q 2 1A 1   2 A 2 K 1 0 A 1 K 2  0 A 2
C    C1 C2
V V d d
The combination is equivalent to :
 C = C1 + C2 B
Ex.47 Find out capacitance between A and B
if three dielectric slabs of dielectric
constant K1 of area A1 and thickness d1 A
K2 of area A2 and thickness d2 and K3 of A1 A2
area A2 and thickness d3 are inserted d1
K2
between the plates of parallel plate
K1
capacitor of plate area A as shown in d2
K3
figure. (Given distance between the
two plates d = d1 + d2)
B

Sol. It is equivalent to
C 2C 3 A
C  C1 
C 2  C3
C2
A 2K 2  0 A 2K 3  0 C1
.
A 1K 1 0 d1 d2 C3
C 
d1  d2 A 2K 2  0 A 2K 3  0

d1 d2 B
A1K1 0 A 22K 2K 3  02
 
d1  d2 A 2K 2  0 d2  A 2K 3  0 d1
A 1K 1 0 A 2K 2K 3  0
 
d1  d2 K 2 d 2  K 3 d1
Ex.48 A dielectric of constant K is slipped between the plates of parallel plate condenser in
half of the space as shown in the figure. If the capacity of air condenser is C, then new
capacitance between A and B will be
A
B
C C 2 [1 K] C
(A) (B) (C) [1  K ] (D)
2 2K C 2
A
Sol. This system is equivalent to two capacitors in parallel with area of each plate .
2
C' = C1 + C2
 0 A  0 AK 0 A C
   [1  K ]  [1  K ]
2d 2d 2d 2
Hence the correct answer will be (C)
k1
Ex.49
k2
Find the equivalent capacitance of the given figure.

1 y d –y
Sol.   0 dx
dc  0k 1bdx  0k 2b dx
1 d k  y(k 2 – k 1 )
 0 1
dc  0k 1k 2b dx k1
y
 0k1k 2b dx k2
dc 
d0k 1  y(k 2 – k 1 ) d0-y
All these capacitors (small) are parallel x
C eq a
 0k 1k 2b dx dx
so C eq   dC   d 0 k 1  y (k 2 – k 1 )
0 0
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d0 y
Now 
a x
a
 0k 1k 2b dx
C eq  d k d0
0 0 1 x(k 2 – k 1 )
a
a  0k 1k 2b  (k 2 – k 1 ) 
C eq  ln 
d 0 (k 2 – k 1 )  k 1 
• Breakdown voltage
The voltage across the capacitor at which the current starts flowing through capacitor is
called Breakdown voltage.
2f 4f
Breakdown voltage Breakdown voltage

= 20v = 30V
Ex.50 Find the break down voltage for the capacitors if they are connected in series
2f 4f
C1 C2
max. charge max. charge
= 20 × 2C = 40 C = 30 × 4 c = 120 C
Charge will be same on both the capacitors so 2F capacitor will reach at breakdown voltage
first, so maximum charge possible = 40 C
Q 1 Q1
So Breakdown voltage = VC1  VC2 = C  C
1 2
40 40
V= + volt
2 4
120
V volt = 30 volt
4
Leakage current :
C
A
k 

R
d
 0 kA
here C
d
d
Resistance (R) =
A
Theoritically after disconnection from battery charge should remain as it is but due to the
material's resistance discharging takes place. This discharging current is called leakage cur-
rent. So R should be high for a good capacitor so that leakage current is minimum.

imax
RC t
(viii) Force on a dielectric due to charged capacitor
+
– – – – – – – – – –
+ + + + + + + + + +
–
If dielectric is completely inside the capacitor then force is equal to zero.
+
– – – – – – – – – –
F
+ + + + + + + + + +
–
Case I Voltage source remains connected 

V = constant. b b
1 +
U CV 2
2
F d
 dU  v 2 dC
F 
 dx  2 dx
–
x
xb 0K  0 ( – x )b
where C = 
d d
 0b
 C [Kx   – x ]
d
dC  0b
 (K – 1)
dx d
 0b(K – 1)V 2
 F = constant (does not depends on x)
2d
Case II : When charge on capacitor is constant

xb 0 x  0 ( – x )b Q2
C  , U
d d 2C
2
 dU  Q dC dC  0b
F  . [where,  (K –  ) ]
 dx  2C 2 dx dx d
Q 2 dC
 . (here force 'F' depends on x)
2C 2 dx

Exercise - I (Objective Problems)

1. The capacitance (C) for an isolated conducting (d) Find out final charges on each conductor.
sphere of radius (a) is given by 4  0 a . If the
sphere is enclosed with an earthed concentric 80 150 80 160
(A) , C (B) , C
sphere. The ratio of the radii of the spheres being 3 3 3 3
n 80 60 80 90
then the capacitance of such a sphere
(n  1) (C)
3
,
3
C (D)
3
,
3
C
will be increased by a factor
n 4. A capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a
(n  1)
(A) n (B) (C) (D) a . n potential difference V from a cell and then dis-
(n  1) n
connected from it. A charge +Q is now given to
its positive plate. The potential difference across
2. Three long concentric conducting cylindrical the capacitor is now
shells have radii R, 2R and 2 2 R. Inner and Q
(A) V (B) V +
outer shells are connected to each other. The C
capacitance across middle and inner shells per Q Q
unit length is: (C) V + (D) V – , if V < CV
2C C
1
0 6  0
(A) 3 (B) 5. A conducting body 1 has some initial charge
ln2 ln2 Q, and its capacitance is C. There are two other
conducting bodies, 2 and 3, having capacitances:
 0 C2 = 2C and C3  . Bodies 2 and 3 are initially
(C) (D) None
2 ln2 uncharged. “Body 2 is touched with body 1. Then,
body 2 is removed from body 1 and touched with
3. When 30 C charge is given to an isolated body 3, and then removed. ”This process is
conductor of capacitance 5 F. Find out following repeated N times. Then, the charge on body 1 at
(i) Potential of the conductor the end must be
(A) 6V (B)7V (C)8V (D)9V (A) Q/3N (B) Q/3N-1
3
(ii) Energy stored in the elecric field of conductor (C) Q/N (D) None
(A) 90 J (B) 50 J
6. A capacitor of capacitance C is initially charged
(C) 60 J (D) 70 J
to a potential difference of V volt. Now it is
(iii) It this conductor is now connected to an-
connected to a battery of 2V with opposite
other isolated conductor by a conducting wire
polarity. The ratio of heat generated to the final
(at large distnace) of total charge 50 C and
energy stored in the capacitor will be
capacity 10 F then
(A) 1.75 (B) 2.25
(C) 2.5 (D) 1/2
(a) Find out common potential of both the con-
ductors. 7. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is
(A)17/3 (B)16/3 connected to a battery and is charged to a
(C)14/3 (D)none of these potential difference V. Another capacitor of
capacitance 2C is similarly charged to a potential
(b) Find out heat dissipated during the process difference 2V. The charging battery is now
of charge distribution. disconnected and the capacitors are connect in
(A) 5/3 J (B) 16/3 J parallel to each other in such a way that the
(C) 14/3 J (D) none of these positive terminal of one is connected to the
negative terminal of the other. The final energy
(c) Find out ratio of final charges on conductors. of the configuration is
(A)1:2 (B)2:1
3 25 9
(C)1:4 (D)1:3 (A) zero (B) CV2 (C) CV2 (D) CV2
2 6 2

8. A 2  F capacitor is charged to a potential = 10 12. Five capacitors are connected as shown in

the figure. Initially S is opened and all capaci-
V. Another 4  F capacitor is charged to a potential
tors are uncharged. When S is closed, steady
= 20V. The two capacitors are then connected in state is obtained. Then find out potential
a single loop, with the positive plate of one difference between the points M and N.
connected with negative plate of the other. What S
M
heat is evolved in the circuit?
(A) 300  J (B) 600  J 4F 2F 4F
31V
(C) 900  J (D) 450  J 7V
6F 1.2F
9. In the circuit shown in figure charge stored in
the capacitor of capacity 5  f is N
2f 2f 2f 5f 3f 4f (A) 14 (B) 12 (C) 10 (D) 15
13. Find the potential difference Va – Vb between
the points a and b shows in each parts of the
figure.
100 V 2V a 2V
6V 4F
(A) 60  C (B) 20  C
a 12V 2F b
(C) 30  C (D) zero
10. Plate A of a parallel air filled capacitor is con- 2F b 2F 24V 1F
(b)
nected to a spring having force constant k and (a)
plate B is fixed. If a charge +q is placed on plate 7
A and charge –q on plate B then find out exten- (A) zero, – V = –10.3 V
72
sion in spring in equilibrim. Assume area of plate
72
is ‘A’ (B) one, – V = –10.3 V
7
7
AB (C) one, – V = –10.3 V
+ – 72
+ –
72
(D) zero, – V = –10.3 V
7
Q Q 14. Each plate of a parallel plate air capacitor
(A) (B)
k 0 A 4k 0 A has an area S. What amount of work has to be
performed to slowly increase the distance be-
Q tween the plates from x1 to x2 If :
(C) (D) none of these
2k 0 A (i) the charge of the capacitor, which is equal to
q or
11. Three uncharged capacitors of capacitane
C1 = 1F, C2 = 2F and C3 = 3F are connected as q 2 ( x 2  x1 ) q2 ( x 2 – x 1 )
(A) (B)
shown in figure to one another and to points A, B 2 0 S 2 0 S
and D potential A = 10V, B = 25V and D = 20 V,
q2 ( x 2 – x 1 ) q2 ( x 1 – x 2 )
Determine the potential (0) at point O. (C) (D)
A 0 S 2 0 S
(ii) the voltage across the capacitor, which is
equal to V, is kept constant in the process.
C1
 1 1   1 1
0 SV 2  –  0 SV 2  – 
C2 O C3  x1 x 2   x 2 x1 
(A) (B)
2 4
D
B  1 1  1 1
0 SV 2  –  0 SV 2   
(A) 20 V (B) 30 V (C) x
 2 x 1 (D) x
 2 x 1
(C) 40 V (D) 10 V 2 2

15. If charge on left plane of the 5  F capacitor (A) 4/5 (B) 3/5
in the circuit segment shown in the figure is- (C) 3/8 (D) 1/2
20  C, the charge on the right plate of 3  F
capacitor is 20. In the circuit shown, a potential difference
of 60V is applied across AB. The potential
3F
difference between the point M and N is
5F 2F
2C
A M
4F
60V C C
(A) +8.57  C (B) -8.57  C
(C) + 11.42  C (D) -11.42  C
B N
2C
16. In the circuit shown, the energy stored in
(A) 10 V (B) 15 V
1  F capacitor is (C) 20 V (D) 30 V
3F 5F
21. Find the equivalent capacitance across A & B
23F 7F
1F
4 F A 13F 1F B
24V 12F
(A) 40  J (B) 64  J
(C) 32  J (D) none 10 F 1F
28 15
17. What is the equivalent capacitance of the (A) F (B) F
system of capacitors between A & B 3 2
(C) 15  F (D) none
A
C C 22. Find equivalent capacitance across AB (all

capacitances in  F)
C C C
10
17
B
A B
7
(A) C (B) 1.6 C 1
6 13 5
(C) C (D) None 1
6
18. From a supply of identical capacitors rated
8  F ,250 V, the minimum number of capacitors 20
(A) F (B) 9  F
required to form a composite 16  F,1000 V is: 3
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 48  F (D) None
(C) 16 (D) 32
23. V C2 C3
19. In the circuit shown in figure, the ratio of C1
charges on 5  F and 4  F capacitor is :
(i) Find the charges on the three capacitors
2F connected to a battery as shown in figure. Take
3 F C1 = 2.0 F, C2 = 4.0 F, C3 = 6.0 F and V = 10
5 F volt.
(A) 20 C, 40 C, 60 C
4 F (B) 40 C, 20 C, 60 C
(C) 60 C, 40 C, 20 C
(D) 40 C, 60 C, 20 C
6V

(ii) Find out work done by the battery during (A) +20  C (B) +40  C
the process of charging (C) +60  C (D) +80  C
(A) 1500 J (B) 1200 J
(C) 1600 J (D) 1300 J
27. Three plates A, B and C each of area 0.1 m2
(iii) Find out total energy stored in the capacitors.
are separated by 0.885mm from each other as
(A) 500 J (B) 300 J
shown in the figure. A 10 V battery is used to
(C) 600 J (D) 800 J
charge the system. The energy stored in the
system is
24. Three large plates are arranged as shown.
How much charge will flow through the key k if it A
is closed? B
Q 2Q C 10V
d 2d
(A) 1  J (B) 10-1  J
(C) 10-2  J (D) 10-3  J
5Q 4Q 28. Four metallic plates arearranged as shown in

(A) K (B) the figure. If the distance between each plate
6 3 then capacitance of the given system between
3Q points A and B is (Given d <<A)
(C) (D) none
2
d
25.Five conducting parallel plates having area A
d
and separation between them d, are placed as
A B
shown in the figure. Plate number 2 and 4 are d
connected wire and between point A and B, a ell
of emf E is connected. The charge flown through 0A 2 0 A
(A) (B)
the cell is E d d
3 0 A 4 0 A
A B (C) (D)
d d
1 2 3 4 5
29. Consider the situatino shown in the figure.
The switch S is open for a long time and then
closed.
C C
3  0 AE 2  0 AE
(A) (B) s
4 d 3 d
4  0 AE  0 AE 
(C) (D)
d 2d
(a) Find the charge flown through the battery
26. Five identical capacitor plates are arranged when the switch S is closed.
uch that they make capacitors each of 2  F. The (A) C/2 (B) C/4
(C) C (D) none of these
plates are connected to a source of emf 10 V.
The charge on plate C is
(b) Find the work done by the battery.
(A) C2 (B) C2/2
10V 2
(C) C /4 (D) none of these
A
(c) Find the change in energy stored in the
B
capacitors.
C (A) C2 (B) C2/2
2
D (C) C /4 (D) none of these
E

(d) Find the heat developed in the system. (i) In steady state, find the charge on the ca-
(A) C2 (B) C2/2 pacitor shown in figure.
(C) C2/4 (D) none of these (A) 4 C (B) 5 C
(C) 6 C (D) 7 C
30. Find the potential difference between the (ii) Find out values of i1, i2 and i3
points A and B and between the points B and C (A) 0, 1/15A, 1/15A (B) 1/15A, 0, 1/15A
figure in steady
(C) 0, 1/15A, 0 (D) 1/15A, 1/15A, 0
3F B 1F
34. A capacitor of capacitance 100 F is con-
1F nected across a battery of emf 6.0 V through a
3F
resistance of 20 k for 4.0s. The battery is then
1F replaced by a thick wire. What will be the charge
on the capacitor 4.0 s after the battery is
C diconnected ?
A 20 10
100V (A) 70 C (B) 80 C
(C) 60 C (D) none of these
(A) 75 V and 25 V (B) 35 V and 65 V
(C) 25 V and 75 V (D) 65 V and 35 V 35. The electric field between the plates of a
paallel-plate capacitance 2.0 F drops to one third
31. Find heat produced in the capacitors on of its initial value in 4.4 s when the plates are
closing the switch S connected by a thin wire. Find the resistance of
the wire.
4F 5F
(A) 3.0  (B) 2.0 
(C) 4.0  (D) 1.0 
20 V 2
R 2 36. A 5.0 F capacitor having a charge of 20 C
S is discharged through a wire of resistance of 5.0
. Find the heat dissipated in the wire between
4 25 to 50 s after the capactions are made.
(A) 0.0002 J (B).0005 J (A) 4.7 J (B) 3.7 J
(C) 0.00075 J (D) zero (C) 5.7 J (D) 2.7 J
32. In the circuit shown, the cell is ideal, with 37. A charged capacitor is allowed to discharge
emf=15 V. Each resistance is of 3  . The potential through a resistance 2  by closing the switch S
difference across the capacitor is at the instant t = 0. At time t = ln2  s, the
reading of the ammeter falls half of its initial value.
R  3 C  3F
The resistance of the ammeter equal to
R R 0.5 F
R R
+ –
S
+ – 15 V
A
(A) zero (B) 9 V 2
(C) 12 V (D) 15 V
(A) 0 (B) 2 
(C)  (D) 2 M 
i1 6F
38. A capacitor C =100  F is connected to three

i2
resistor each of resistance 1 k and a battery of
33. 10 20 emf 9V. The switch S has been closed for long
time so as to charge the capacitor. When switch
i3 S is opened, the capacitor. Discharges with time
2V
constant

C
42. In the R-C circuit shown in the figure the
1k  initial charge on the capacitor is
1k  S
S
1k  2F 10
9V
(A) 33 ms (B) 5 ms (A) 60  C (B) 120  C

(C) 3.3 ms (D) 50 ms
60
(C) 60 2  C (D) C
39.In the transient shown the time constant of 2
the circuit is :
R C
43. The distance between plates of a parallel
plate capacitor is 5d. Let the positively charged
V1 V2 plate is at x=0 and negatively charged plate is at
R
x=5d.Two slabs one of conductor and other of a
2R R dielectric of equal thickness d are inserted
between the plates as shown in figure. potential
5 5 versus distance graph will look like:
(A) RC (B) RC
3 2
Cond. Diele.
7 7
(C) RC (D) RC
4 3
40. In the circuit shown in figure C1 =2C2 . Switch

S is closed at time t=0. Let i1 and i2 be the
currents flowing through C1 and C2 at any time t,
then the ratio i1 / i2 x=0 x=d x=2d x=3d x=4d x=5d
R v v
C1 R
C2 (A) (B)
S
x x
V
(A) is constant
(B) increases with increase in time t v v
(C) decreases with increase in time t.
(D) first increases then decreases
(C) (D)
41. In the circuit shown, when the key k is pressed
at time t =0, which of the following statements x x
about current I in the resistor AB is true 44. A parallel plate capacitor has two layers of
dielectric as shown in figure. This capacitor is
K A B connected across a battery. The graph which
2V 1000 shows the variation of electric field (E) and
1000 distance (x) from left plate.
y
(A) I = 2mA at all t k=2 k=4
(B) I oscillates between 1 mA and 2mA
(C) I = I mA at all t x
(D) At t=0, I=2mA and with time it goes to 1 mA (d,0) (3d,0)

y y
48. Two parallel plate air capacitors each of ca-
pacitance C were connected in series to a bat-
tery with e.m.f . Then one of the capacitors
(A) (B) was filled up with uniform dielectric with relative
permittivity k. What amount of charge flows
(d,0) (3d,0) x (d,0) (3d,0) x
through the battery ?
y y 1 k 1 1 k –1
(A) q  CE (B) q  CE
2 k –1 2 k 1
1 k 1
(C) (D) (C) q  CE (D) none of these
2 k 1
(d,0) (3d,0) x (d,0) (3d,0) x
49. A parallel-plate capacitor of plate area A and
plate separation d is charged to a potential dif-
45. The parallel plates of a capacitor have an ference V and then the battery is disconnected.
area 0.2 m 2 and are 10–2 m apart. The original A slab of dielectric constant K is then inserted
potential difference between them is 3000 V, and between the plates of the capacitor so as to fill
it decreases to 1000 V when a sheet of dielectric the whole space between the plates. Find the
is inserted between the plates filling the full space. work done on the system in the process of in-
Compute : (0  9  10 –12 S.I. units) serting the slab.
 0 AV 2  1   0 AV 2  1 
(i) Permittivity  of the dielectric. (A)  – 1 (B)  – 1
(A) 25 × 10–12 C2 N–1 m–2 2d  K  d K 
2 2
(B) 37 × 10–12 C2 N–1 m–2  0 AV  1   0 AV  1 
(C)   1 (D)   1
(C) 27 × 10–12 C2 N–1 m–2 2d  K  d K 
(D) 28 × 10–12 C2 N–1 m–2
50. Two capacitor having capacitances 8  F and
46. A parallel plate isolated condenser consists
16  F have breaking voltages 20 V and 80 V..
of two metal plates of area A and separation ‘d’.
They are combined in series. The maximum charge
A slab of thickness ‘t’ and dielectric constant K is
they can store individually in the combination is
inserted between the plates with its faces paral-
lel to the plates and having the same surface (A) 160  C (B) 200  C
area as that of the plates. Find the capacitance (C) 1280  C (D) none of these
of the system. If K = 2, for what value of t/d will
the capacitance of the system be 3/2 times that 51. A capacitor of capacitance 1  F withstands
of the condenser with air filling the full space ? the maximum voltage 6 kV while a capacitor of
1 2 3 2  F withstands the maximum voltage 4 kV. What
(A) (B) (C) (D) 3
3 3 2 maximum voltage will the system of these two
capacitor withstands if they are connected in
series?
47. Hard rubber has a dielectric constant of 2.8
(A) 10 kV (B)12 kV
and a dielectric strength of 18 × 108 volts/meter.
(C) 8 kV (D) 9 kV
If it is used as the dielectric material filling the
full space in a parallel plate capacitor. What mini-
52. The diagram shows four capacitors with
mum area may the plates of the capacitor have
capacitances and break down voltages as
in order that the capacitance be 7.0 × 10–2 f
mentioned. What should be the maximum value
and that the capacitor be able to withstand a
of the external emf source such that no capacitor
potential difference of 4000 volts.
breaks down?[Hint: First of all find out the break
(A) 0.62 m–2 (B) 0.32 m–2
–2 down voltages of each branch. After that
(C) 0.42 m (D) 0.52 m–2
compare them.]

(A) 1 (B) 2
3C;1kV 2C;2kV (C) 3 (D) None
57. In the above question, if the initial

capacitance of the capacitor was 2  F, the amount
7C;1kV 3C;2kV
of heat produced when the dielectric is inserted.
(A) 3600  J (B) 2700  J

(C) 1800 J (D) none
(A) 2.5 KV (B) 10/3 KV
(C) 3 KV (D) 1 KV
58. Condenser A has a capacity of 15  F when
53. Three capacitors 2  F, 3  F and 5  F can it is filled with a medium of dielectric constant
withstand voltages to 3 V, 2V and 1V respectively. 15. Another condenser B has a capacity 1  F
Their series combination can withstand a maximum with air between the plates. Both are charged
voltage equal to separately by a battery of 100 V. After charging,
(A) 5 Volts (B) (31/6) Volts both are connected in parallel without the battery
(C) (26/5) Volts (D) None and the dielectric material being removed. The
common potential now is
54. Two identical capacitors 1 and 2 are connected (A) 400 V (B) 800 V
in series to a battery as shown in figure. Capacitor (C) 1200 V (D) 1600 V
2 contains a dielectric slab of dielectric constant
k as shown. Q1 and Q2 are the charges stored in 59. In the adjoining figure, capacitor (1) and (2)
the capacitors. Now the dielectric slab is removed have a capacitance ‘C’ each When the dielectric
and the corresponding charges are Q’1 and Q’2. of dielectric constant K is inserted between the
Then plates of one of the capacitor, the total charge
flowing through battery is
1 2
E
B C
E
C C C
Q '1 K  1 Q'2 K 1 A D
(A)
Q1
=
K
(B) Q =
2 2 1 2
Q'2 K 1 Q '1 K KCE

(C) Q = 2 K (D) = (A) from B to C
2 Q1 2 K 1
KCE
55. The area of the plates of a parallel plate (B) from C to B
K 1
capacitor is A and the gap between them is d.
The gap is filled with a non homogeneneous (K  1)CE
dielectric whose dielectric constant varies with (C) from B to C
2(K  1)
the distance ‘y’ from one plate as: K =  sec(  y/
2d), where  is a dimensionless constant. The (K  1)CE
(D) from C to B
capacitance of this capacitor is 2(K  1)
(A)  0  A/2d (B)  0  A/d 60. The distance between the plates of a charged
(C) 2  0  A/d (D) none parallel plate capacitor is 5 cm and electric field
inside the plates is 200 Vcm -1 . An uncharged
metal bar of width 2 cm is fully immersed into the
56. A capacitor stores 60  C Charge when capacitor. The length of the metal bar is same as
connected across a battery. When the gap that of plate of capacitor. The voltage across
between the plates is filled with a dielectric, a capacitor after the immersion of the bar is
charge of 120  C flows through the battery. The (A) zero (B) 400 V
dielectric constant of the material inserted is (C) 600 V (D) 100 V

61. The plates S and T of an uncharged parallel

plate capacitor are connected across a battery . 1
The battery is then disconnected and the 2
charged plates are now connected in a system
as shown in the figure. The system shown is in 3
equilibrium . All the strings are insulating and 4
massless. The magnitude of charge on one of the
capacitor plates is: [Area of plates=A] 5
(A) (B) 1
k S T 3
5
(C) 3/5 (D)
7
m
63. A parallel plate capacitor has an electric field
4mgA 0 of 105V/m between the plates. If the charge on
(A) 2mgA 0 (B) the capacitor plate is 1  C, then the force on
k
each capacitor plate is
2mgA 0 (A) 0.1Nt (B) 0.05 Nt
(C) mgA 0 (D) (C) 0.02 Nt (D) 0.01 Nt
k
62. Four identical plates 1, 2, 3 and 4 are placed
64. A capacitor is connected to a battery. The
parallel to each other at equal distance as shown
force of attraction between the plates when the
in the figure. Plates 1 and 4 are joined together
separation between them is halved
and the space between 2 and 3 is filled with a (A) remains the same
dielectric of dielectric constant k = 2. The (B) becomes eight times
capacitance of the system between 1 and 3 & 2 (C) becomes four times
and 4 are C1 and C2 respectively. (D) becomes two times
C1 Sol.
The ratio C is :
2

Exercise - II (Multiple Choice Problems)
1. The two plates X and Y of a parallel plate (A) net charge on connected plates is less than
capacitor of capacitance C are given a charge of the sum of initial individual charges.
amount Q each. X is now joined to the positive (B) net charge on connected plates equals the
terminal and Y to the negative terminal of a cell sum of initial charges.
of emf E = Q/C.
(C) the net potential difference across them is
(A) Charge of amount Q will flow from the negative different from the sum of the individual initial
terminal to the positive terminal of the cell inside potential differences.
it.
(D) the net energy stored in the two capacitors
(B) The total charge on the plate X will be 2Q is less than the sum of the initial individual
(C) The total charge on the plate Y will be zero energies.
(D) The cell will supply CE2 amount of energy
6. Two thin conducting shells of radii R and 3R
2. Two capacitors of capacitances 1F and 3F are shown in the figure. The outer shell carries a
are charged to the same voltages 5V. They are charge +Q and the inner shell is neutral. The inner
connected in parallel with oppositely charged shell is earthed with the help of a switch S.
plates connected together. Then
(A) Final common voltage will be 5V
(B) Final common voltage will be 2.5 V 3R
(C) Heat produced in the circuit will be zero R
(D) Heat produced in the circuit will be 37.5J S
3. Each plate of a parallel plate capacitor has a

charge q on it. The capacitor is now connected (A) With the switch S open, the potential of the
to a battery. Now, inner sphere is equal to that of the outer
(A) the facing surfaces of the capacitor have (B) When the switch S is closed, the potential of
equal and opposite charges the inner sphere becomes zero
(B) the two plates of the capacitor have equal (C) With the switch S closed, the charge attained
and opposite charges by the inner sphere is –q/3
(C) the battery supplies equal and opposite (D) By closing the switch the capacitance of the
charges to the two plates system increases
(D) the outer surfaces of the plates have equal
charges 7. Two capacitors of 2F and 3F are charged to
150 volt and 120 volt respectively. The plates of
4. When a parallel plates capacitor is connected capacitor are connected as shown in the figure.
to a source of constant potential difference, A discharged capacitor of capacity 1.5 F falls to
(A) all the charge drawn from the source is stored the free ends of the wire. Then
in the capacitor.
(B) all the energy drawn from the source is stored 15
. F
in the capacitor.
(C) the potential difference across the capacitor
grows very rapidly initially and this rate decreases –
+ 120V
to zero eventually. 150V – 2F 3F +
(D) the capacity of the capacitor increases with A
the increase of the charge in the capacitor
(A) charge on the 1.5 F capacitor is 180 C
5. When two identical capacitors are charged (B) charge on the 2 F capacitor is 120 C
individually to different potentials and connected (C) charge flows through A from right to left
parallel to each other, after disconnecting them (D) charge flows through A from left to right
from the source :

8. In the circuit shown initially C 1, C 2 are

uncharged. After closing the switch 12F
E
7F
12V 3.9 F
C 2  8 F 3F
C 1  4 F
6V (A) potential difference across the 3F capacitor
is 10 V
(A) The charge on C2 is greater that on C1 (B) charge on the 3F capacitor is 42C
(C) e.m.f. of the battery is 30V
(B) The charge on C1 and C2 are the same
(C) The potential drops across C1 and C2 are the (D) potential difference across the 12F capacitor
same is 10V
(D) The potential drops across C2 is greater than Question No.12 to 15 (4 questions)
that across C1 The figure shows a diagonal sym metric
arrangement of capacitors and a battery
9. A circuit shown in the figure consists of a
12. Identify the correct statements.
battery of emf 10V and two capacitance C1 and
C2 of capacitances 1.0F and 2.0F respectively. 4F 2F
The potential difference VA – VB is 5V B
2F
A B
 A C
C1 C2 2F D 4F
(A) charge on capacitor C1 is equal to charge on + –
capacitor C2
E=20V
(B) Voltage across capacitor C1 is 5V
(C) Voltage across capacitor C2 is 10 V (A) Both the 4F capacitors carry equal charges
in opposite sense
(D) Energy stored in capacitor C1 is two times
the energy stored in capacitor C2 (B) Both the 4F capacitors carry equal charges
in same sense
10. Two capacitors of equal capacitance (C1 =
(C) VB – VD > 0
C2) are shown in the figure. Initially, while the
(D) VD – VB > 0
switch S is open, one of the capacitors is
13. If the potential of C is zero, then
uncharged and the other carries charge Q0. The
(A) VA = + 20V
energy stored in the charged capacitor is U0.
(B) 4(VA – VB) + 2(VD – VB) = 2VB
Sometimes after the switch is colsed, the
capacitors C1 and C2 carry charges Q1 and Q2, (C) 2(VA – VD) + 2(VB – VD) = 4VD
respectively, the voltages across the capacitors (D) VA = VB + VD
are V1 and V2, and the energies stored in the 14. The potential of the point B and D are
capacitors are U1 and U2. Which of the following (A) VB = 8V (B) VB = 12V
statements is INCORRECT ? (C) VD = 8V (D) VD = 12V
15. The value of charge q1, q2 and q3 as shown in
S the figure are
q1 q2
C1 C2 + – B + –
+q
3
–
A + – + – C
1 q2 D q1
(A) Q 0  (Q1  Q 2 ) (B) Q1 = Q2
2
+ –
(C) V1 = V2 (D) U1 = U2
(E) U0 = U1 + U2 E=20V
(A) q1 = 32 C ; q2 = 24 C ; q3 = – 8 C
11. Four capacitors and a battery are connected
(B) q1 = 48 C ; q2 = 16 C ; q3 = + 8 C
as shown. The potential drop across the 7F
(C) q1 = 32 C ; q2 = 24 C ; q3 = + 8 C
capacitor is 6V. Then the
(D) q1 = 3 C ; q2 = 4 C ; q3 = + 2 C

16. A parallel-plate capacitor is connected to a 19. In the circuit shown in the figure, the switch
cell. Its positive plate A and its negative plate B S is initially open and the capacitor is initially
have charges +Q and –Q respectively. A third uncharged. I1, I2 and I3 represent the current in
plate C, identical to A and B, with charge +Q, is
the resistance 2, 4 and 8 respectively.
now introduced midway between A and B, parallel 4F
to them. Which of the following are correct ? 2 I1
(A) The charge on the inner face of B is now S
3Q 6V 8 2F 4
 I3 I2
2
(B) There is no change in the potential difference
between A and B (A) Just after the switch S is closed, I1 = 3A, I2 =
(C) The potential difference between A and C is 3A and I3 = 0
one-third of the potential difference between B (B) Just after the switch S is closed, I1 = 3A, I2 =
and C 0 and I3 = 0
(D) The charge on the inner face of A is now Q/2 (C) long time after the switch S is closed, I1 =
0.6A, I2 = 0 and I3 = 0
17. Two capacitors C1 = 4F and C2 = 2F are
charged to same potential V = 500 Volt, but with (D) long after the switch S is closed, I1 = I2 = I3 =
opposite polarity as shown in the figure. The 0.6A
switches S1 and S2 are closed.
20. The circuit shown in the figure consists of a
+ –
S1 C1 S2 battery of emf  = 10 V; a capacitor of capacitance
C = 1.0F and three resistor of values R1 = 2, R2
= 2 and R3 = 1. Initially the capacitor is
– + completely uncharged and the switch S is open.
C2 The switch S is closed at t = 0.
(A) The potential difference across the two R1

capacitors are same and is given by 500/3V S
(B) The potential difference across the two
capacitors are same and is given by 1000/3V
 R2 R3 C
(C) The ratio of final energy to initial energy of
the system is 1/9
(D) The ratio of final energy to initial energy of
(A) The current through resistor R3 at the moment
the system is 4/9
the switch closed is zero
(B) The current through resistor R3 a long time
18. In the circuit shown, each capacitor has a after the switch closed is 5A
capacitance C.The emf of the cell is E. If the (C) The ratio of current through R1 and R2 is always
switch S is closed constant
S (D) The maximum charge on the capacitor during
C
the operation is 5C
C
C
21. In the circuit shown in figure C1 = C2 =
+ – 2F. Then charge stored in
E
(A) positive charge will flow out of the positive 1 2 3
terminal of the cell
(B) positive charge will enter the positive terminal C1 C2
of the cell
(C) the amount of charge flowing through the 2 1 3
cell will be CE
(D) the amount of charge flowing through the
120V
cell will be 4/3 CE

(A) capacitor C1 is zero (A) Charge from the battery flows into the
capacitor after reconnection
(B) capacitor C2 is zero
(B) Charge from capacitor flows into the battery
(C) both capacitor is zero after reconnection
(D) capacitor C1 is 40C (C) The potential difference between the plates
increases when the plates are pulled apart
(D) After reconnection of battery potential
22. A capacitor of capacity C is charged to a difference between the plate will immediately
steady potential difference V and connected in becomes half of the initial potential difference.
series with an open key and a pure resistor ‘R’. At (Just after disconnecting the battery)
time t = 0, the key is closed. If I = current at
time t, a plot of log I against ‘t’ is as shown in (1) 26. A capacitor C is charged to a potential
in the graph. Later one of the parameters i.e. V, difference V and battery is disconnected. Now if
R or C is changed keeping the other two constant, the capacitor plates are brought close slowly by
and the graph (2) is recorded. Then some distance
(A) some + ve work is done by external agent
(B) energy of capacitor will decrease
(2) (C) energy of capacitor will increase
log I (D) none of the above
(1)
27. The separation between the plates of a
O t isolated charged parallel plate capacitor is
increased. Which of the following quantities will
(A) C is reduced (B) C is increased
change ?
(C) R is reduced (D) R is increased
(A) charge on the capacitor
Question No. 23 to 24 (2 question) (B) potential difference across the capacitor
The charge across the capacitor in two different (C) energy of the capacitor
RC circuits 1 and 2 are plotted as shown in figure. (D) energy density between the plates
q
28. A parallel plate capacitor is charged and then
qmax disconnected from the source of potential
1 difference. If the plates of the condenser are
2 then moved farther apart by the use of insulated
handle, which one of the following is true?
O t (A) the charge on the capacitor increases
23. Choose the correct statement (s) related to (B) the charge on the capacitor decreases
the two circuits (C) the capacitance of the capacitor increases
(A) Both the capacitors are charged to the same (D) the potential difference across the plate
charge increases
(B) The emf’s of cells in both the circuit are equal
29. A parallel plate capacitor A is filled with a
(C) The emf’s of the cells may be different dielectric whose dielectric constant varies with
(D) The emf E1 is more than E2 applied voltage as K = V. An identical capacitor B
of capacitance C 0 with air as dielectric is
24. Identify the correct statement(s) related to connected to voltage source V0 = 30 V and then
the R1, R2, C1 and C2 of the two RC circuits. connected to the first capacito r af ter
(A) R1 > R2 if E1 = E2 (B) C1 < C2 if E1 = E2 disconnecting the voltage source. The charge
R1 C 2 and voltage on capacitor.
(C) R1C1 > R2C2 (D) R  C (A) A are 25 C0 and 25 V
2 1
(B) A are 25 C0 and 5 V
25. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by (C) B are 5c0 and 5V
connecting it to a battery. The battery is (D) B are 5C0 and 25 V
disconnected and the plates of the capacitor are
pulled apart to make the separation between the 30. A parallel plate air-core capacitor is connected
plates twice. Again the capacitor is connected across a source of constant potential difference.
to the battery (with same polarity) then When a dielectric plate is introduced between
the two plates then :

(A) some charge from the capacitor will flow back 35. Following operations can be performed on a
into the source capacitor X – connect the capacitor to a battery
(B) some extra charge from the source will flow of emf E Y – disconnect the battery
back into the capacitor Z – reconnect the battery with polarity reversed
(C) the electric field intensity between the two W – insert a dielectric slab in the capacitor
plate does not change (A) In XYZ (perform X, then Y, then Z) the stored
(D) the electric field intensity between the two electric energy remains unchanged and no thermal
plates will decrease energy is developed
(B) The charge appearing on the capacitor is
31. A parallel plate capacitor has a parallel sheet greater after the action XWY than after the action
of copper inserted between and parallel to the XYW.
two plates, without touching the plates. The (C) The electric energy stored in the capacitor is
capacity of the capacitor after the introduction greater after the action WXY than after the action
of the copper sheet is : XYW.
(A) minimum when the copper sheet touches one (D) The electric field in the capacitor after the
of the plates action XW is the same as that after WX
(B) maximum when the copper sheet touches one
of the plates
36. A parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and
(C) invariant for all positions of the sheet between
plate seperation d is charged to potential
the plates difference V and then the battery is disconnected.
(D) greater than that before introducing the sheet
A slab of dielectric constant K is then inserted
32. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor with between the plates of the capacitor so as to fill
no dielectric are connected to a voltage source. the space between the plates. If Q, E and W
Now a dielectric of dielectric constant K is inserted denote respectively, the magnitude of charge on
to fill the whole sapce between the plates with each plate, the electric field between the plates
voltage source remaining connected to the (after the slab is inserted) and the work done on
capacitor. the system, in question, in the process of inserting
(A) the energy stored in the capacitor will become the slab, then
K-times  0 AV  0KAV
(A) Q  (B) Q 
(B) the electric field inside the capacitor will d d
decrease to K-times V  0 AV 2  1
(C) the force of attraction between the plates (C) E  (D) W   1  
Kd 2d  K
will increase to K2 - times
(D) the charge on the capacitor will increase to
K-times 37. A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a
battery. The quantities charge, voltage, electric
33. The capac field and energy associated with the capacitor
itance of a parallel plate capacitor is C when the are given by Q0, V0, E0 and U0 respectively. A
region between the plate has air. This region is dielectric slab is introduced between plates of
now filled with a dielectric slab of dielectric capacitor but battery is still in connection. The
constant k. The capacitor is connected to a cell corresponding quantities now given by Q, V, E
of emf E, and the slab is taken out and U related to previous ones are
(A) charge CE(k –1) flows through the cell (A) Q > Q0 (B) V > V0
(B) energy E2C(k – 1) is absorbed by the cell (C) E > E0 (D) U < U0
(C) the energy stored in the capacitor is reduced 38. If Q is the charge on the plates of a capacitor
by E2C(k – 1) of capacitance C, V the potential difference
1 2
(D) the external agent has to do E C(k  1) between the plates, A the area of each plate
2 and d the distance between the plates, the force
amount of work to take the slab out
34. A dielectric slab is inserted between the plates of attraction between the plates is
of an isolated charged capacitor. Which of the
1  Q2  1  CV 2 
following quantities will remain the same ? (A) 2   A  (B) 2  d 
(A) the electric field in the capacitor  0   
(B) the charge on the capacitor
(C) the potential difference between the plates 1  CV 2  1  Q2 
(C) 2  A  (D) 4  
2
(D) the stored energy in the capacitor  0    0d 

Exercise - III (Subjective Problems)
1. A solid conducting sphere of radius 10 cm is + –

enclosed by a thin metallic shell of radius 20 cm.
A charge q = 20 C is given to the inner sphere. b
Find the heat generated in the process, the inner a c c2
1
sphere is connected to the shell by a conducting
p
wire - q
c1 c2
2. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor are 6. Find the equivalent capacitance of the
given charges +4Q and –2Q. The capacitor is circuit between point A and B.
then connected across an uncharged capacitor
C 2C 4C 8C
of same capacitance as first one (= C). Find the
final potential difference between the plates of
C C C C
the first capacitor. A Infinite B
section
C 2C 4C 8C
3. Three capacitors of 2F, 3F and 5F are
independently charged with batteries of emf’s 5V,
20V and 10V respectively. After disconnecting 7. In the following circuit, the resultant
from the voltage sources. These capacitors are capacitance between A and B is 1F. Find the
connected as shown in figure with their positive value of C.
polarity plates are connected to A and negative
polarity is earthed. Now a battery of 20V and an C
uncharged capacitor of 4F capacitance are
connected to the junction A as shown with a
switch S. When switch is closed, find :
S
8. The figure shows a circuit consisting of four
A capacitors. Find the effective capacitance
20V
between X and Y.
(a) the potential of the junction A. X Y

(b) final charges on all four capacitors.
4. Find the charge on the capacitor C = 1F in

the circuit shown in the figure. 9. Five identical capacitor plates, each of area
10V A, are arranged such that adjacent plates are at
a distance ‘d’ apart, the plates are connected to
a source of emf V as shown in figure. The charge
on plate 1 is ____________ and that on plate 4
is ____________.
5. In the given network if potential difference 1 2 3 4 5 –

V
between p and q is 2V and C2 = 3C1. Then find +
the potential difference between a & b.

10. The two identical parallel plates are given 14. In the circuit shown in figure, find the amount
charges as shown in figure. If the plate area of of heat generated when switch s is closed.
either face of each plate is A and separation
between plates is d, then find the amount of S
heat liberate after closing the switch.
5V 10V
+3q +q
15. A 10F and 20F capacitor are connected to

a 10V cell in parallel for some time after which
the capacitors are disconnected from the cell and
S reconnected at t = 0 with each other, in series,
through wires of finite resistance. The +ve plate
11. Find heat produced in the circuit shown in of the first capacitor is connected to the –ve
figure on closing the switch S. plate of the second capacitor. Draw the graph
which best describes the charge on the +ve plate
of the 20F capacitor with increasing time.
16. Find the capacitance of the system shown in
S figure.
Plate area = A
d k=1 k=2
12. The capacitor each having capacitance C =
2F are connected with a battery of emf 30 V d k=3 k=4
as shown in figure. When the switch S is
closed. Find
17. The two parallel plates of a capacitor have
S equal and opposite charges Q. The dielectric has
a dielectric constant K and resistivity . Show
C that the “leakage” current carried by the dielec-
C C Q
tric is given by the relationship i  K  
0
30V
(A) the amount of charge flown through the

battery
(B) the heat generated in the circuit
(C) the energy supplied by the battery
(D) the amount of charge flown through the
switch S
13. In the circuit shown in the figure, initially SW

is open. When the switch is closed, the charge
passing through the switch _____________ in the
direction ____________ to __________.
60V
A SW B
60V

Exercise - IV (TOUGH SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS)
1. The gap between the plates of a plane 5. When the switch S in the figure is thrown to
capacitor is filled with an isotropic insulator whose the left, the plates of capacitors C1 acquire a
di-electric constant varies in the direction potential difference V. Initially the capacitors C2C3
perpendicular to the plates according to the law are uncharged. The switch is now thrown to the
   right. What are the final charges q1, q2 & q3 on
K  K 1 1  sin X  , where d is the separation,
 d  the corresponding capacitors.
between the plates & K1 is a constant. The area

of the plates is S. Determine the capacitance of
the capacitor. S
C2
V C1
2. Five identical conducting plates 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 C3
are fixed parallel to and equdistant from each
other (see figure). Plates 2 & 5 are connected by
a conductor while 1 & 3 are joined by another
conductor. The junction of 1 & 3 and the plate 4 6. An insolated conductor initially free from charge
are connected to a source of constant e.m.f. V0. is charged by repeated contacts with a plate
Find : which after each contact has a charge Q due to
some mechanism. If q is the charge on the
5
conductor after the first operation, prove that
4 –
3 the maximum charge which can be given to the
2
+ Qq
1 conductor in this way is .
Qq
(i) the effective capacity of the system between
the terminals of the source.
(ii) the charges on plates 3 & 5 Given d = distance 7. A parallel plate capacitor is filled by a di-electric
between any 2 successive plates & A = area of whose relative permittivity varies with the applied
either face of each plate. voltage according to the law = V, where  = 1
3. A potential difference of 300 V is applied per volt. The same (but containing no di-electric)
between the plates of a plane capacitor spaced capacitor charged to a voltage V = 156 volt is
1cm apart. A plane parallel glass plate with a connected in parallel to the first “non-linear”
thickness of 0.5 cm and a plane parallel paraffin uncharged capacitor. Determine the final voltage
plate with a thickness of 0.5 cm are placed in the Vf across the capacitors.
space between the capacitor plates find :
(i) Intensity of electric field in each layer.
8. A capacitor consists of two air spaced
(ii) The drop of potential in each layer.
concentric cylinders. The outer of radius b is fixed,
(iii) The surface charge density of the charge on
and the inner is of radius a. If breakdown of air
capacitor the plates. Given that : kglass = 6, kparaffin
occurs at field strengths greater than Eb, show
=2
that the inner cylinder should have
4. A parallel plate capacitor has plates with area (i) radius a = b/e if the potential of the capacitor
A & separation d. A battery charges the plates is to be maximum
to a potential difference of V0. The battery is
then disconnected & a di-electric slab of constant (ii) radius a  b / e if the energy per unit length
K & thickness d is introduced. Calculate the of the system is to be maximum.
positive work done by the system (capacitor +
slab) on the man who introduces the slab.

9. Find the charge flown through the switch from 13. Find the charge which flows from point A to
A to B when it is closed. B, when switch is closed.
3F A B
3F 10V 6F
5V 3F
5F 5F 5F 5F 5F
A B 5V 6F
6F 10V
20V
10. Figure shows three concentric conducting
spherical shells with inner and outer shells earthed 14. Two parallel plate capacitors of capacitance
and the middle shell is given a charge q. Find the C and 2C are connected in parallel then following
electrostatic energy of the system stored in the steps are performed.
region and II. (i) A battery of voltage V is connected across
3.5r the capacitors.
(ii) A dielectric slab of relative permittivity k is
q
I
2.5
r slowly inserted in capacitor C.

II
r
III (iii) Battery is disconnected.

(iv) Dielectric slab is slowly removed from
capacitor.
11. The capacitors shown in figure has been
Find the heat produced in (i) and work done by
charged to a potential difference of V volts, so
external agent in step (ii) & (iv).
that it carries a charge CV with both the switches
S1 and S2 remaining open. Switch S1 is closed at
t = 0. At t = R1C switch S1 is opened and S2 is
closed. Find the charge on the capacitor at t =
2R1C + R2C.
+ –
C
R1
S1
R2
E S2
12. In the figure shown initially switch is open for

a long time. Now the switch is closed at t = 0.
Find the charge on the rightmost capacitor as a
function of time given that it was initially
unchanged.
R S
V R C C

Exercise - V JEE-Problems
3
1. Two parallel plate capacitors A & B have the (A) zero (B) CV 2
same separation d = 8.85 × 10–4 m between the 2
25 9
plates. The plate areas of A & B are 0.04 m2 & (C) CV 2 (D) CV
2
6 2
0.02 m2 respectively. A slab of di-electric constant 4. Two capacitors A and B with capacities 3 F
(relative permittivity) K = 9 has dimensions such and 2 F are charged to a potential difference of
that it can exactly fill the space between the 100 V and 180 V respectively. The plates of the
plates of capacitor B. capacitors are connected as shown in figure with
A B A B one wire from each capacitor free. The upper
plate of a is positive and that of B is negative. an
uncharged 2F capacitor C with lead wires falls
10V
(i) the di-electric slab is placed inside A as shown on the free ends to complete the circuit. Calculate
in the figure (i) A is then charged to a potential
difference of 110 volt. Calculate the capacitance C 2F
of A and the energy stored in it.
+ –
3F 2F
(ii) the battery is disconnected & then the di- A 100V B180V
electric slab is removed from A. Find the work
done by the external agency in removing the slab
from A. (i) the final charges on the three capacitors
(iii) the same di-electric slab is now placed inside
B, filling it completely. The two capacitors A & B (ii) The amount of electrostatic energy stored in
are then connected as shown in figure (iii). the system before and after the completion of
Calculate the energy stored in the system. the circuit. [JEE’ 97 (cancelled)]
[JEE ‘93, 7]
2. Two square metallic plates of 1 m side are 5. An electron enters the region between the
kept 0.01 m apart, like a parallel plate capacitor, plates of a parallel plate capacitor at a point
in air in such a way that one of their edges is equidistant from either plate. The capacitor plates
perpendicular, to an oil surface in a tank filled are 2 × 10–2m apart & 10–1m long. A potential
with an insultating oil. The plates are connected difference of 300 volt is kept across the plates.
to a battery of e.m.f 500 volt. The plates are then Assuming that the initial velocity of the electron
lowered vertically into the oil at a speed of 0.001 is parallel to the capacitor plates, calculate the
m/s. Calculate the current drawn from the battery largest value of the velocity of the electron so
during the process. [JEE ‘94, 6] that it does not fly out of the capacitor at the
[di-electric constant of oil = 11, 0 = 8.85 × 10– other end. [JEE’97,5]
12
C2/N2m2]
6. For the circuit shown, which of the following
3. A parallel plate capacitor C is connected to a statements is true ? [JEE ‘99, 2]
V1=30V V2=20V
battery & is charged to a potential difference V. S1 S2 S
Anohter capacitor of capacitance 2C is similarly + – + – 3
charged to a potential difference 2V volt. The C1=2pF C2=3pF
charging battery is now disconnected & the
capacitors are connected in parallel to each other (A) with S1 closed V1 = 15 V, V2 = 20 V
in such a way that the positive terminal of one is (B) with S3 closed, V1 = V2 = 25 V
connected to the negative terminal of other. The (C) with S1 & S2 closed, V1 = V2 = 0
final energy of the configuration is : [JEE ‘95,1] (D) with S1 & S2 closed, V1 = 30 V, V2 = 20 V

7. Calculate the capacitance of a parallel plate 11. An uncharged capacitor of capacitance 4F,
condenser, with plate area A and distance a battery of emf 12 volt and a resistor of 2.5 M
between plates d, when filled with a medium whose are connected in series. The time after which vC
permittivity varies as : [REE 2000, 6] = 3vR is (take ln 2 = 0.693)
d (A) 6.93 sec. (B) 13.86 sec
 (x) = 0 +  x for 0 < x < & (x) =
2 (C) 20.52 sec. (D) none of these
d d [JEE’ 2005 (Scr)]
0 +  (d – x) for <x<
2 0
12. Given : R1 =- 1, R2 = 2, C1 = 2 F, C2 =
4F The time constants (in S) for the circuits I,
8. Two identical capacitors, have the same
II, III are respectively
capacitance C. One of them is charged to potential
V1 and the other to V2. The negative ends of the
C1 C2 C1
capacitors are connected together. When the
positive ends are also connected, the decrease C2
in energy of the combined system is - V R1 R2
[JEE 2002 (Scr), 3]
1 2 2 1 2 2 R1
(A) C V1 – V2
  (B) C V1  V2   V
4 4 R2
1 2 1 2
(C) C V1 – V2  (D) C V1  V2 
4 4
(I) (II)
9. In an RC circuit while charging, the graph of ln

R1 R2
I versus time is as shown by the dotted line in
the adjoining diagram where I is the current. When C1 C2
the value of the resistance is doubled, which of
the solid curves best represents the variation of V
ln I versus time? [JEE’ 2004 (Scr)] (III)

(A) 18, 8/9, 4 (B) 18, 4, 8/9
(C) 4, 8/9, 18 (D) 8/9, 18, 4
ln I S
[JEE 2006]
R
Q 13. A circuit is connected as shown in the figure

P with the switch S open. When the switch is closed,
t
the total amount of charge that flows from Y to
X is
(A) P (B) Q (C) R (D) S
3 F 6 F
10. In the given circuit, the switch S is closed at X
time t = 0. The charge Q on the capacitor at any
()
instant t is given by Q(t) = Q0(1 – e–t). Find the S

3 6
value of Q0 and  in terms of given parameters
Y
shown in the circuit. [JEE’ 2005 (Scr)]
9V
R1
(A) 0 (B) 54 C
s
R2 (C) 27 C (D) 81 C
C
+ [JEE 2007]
– v

14. A parallel plate capacitor C with plates of (A) 0% (B) 20%

unit area and separation d is filled with a liquid of
d (C) 75% (D) 80%
dielectric constant K = 2. The level of liquid is
3
initially. Suppose the liquid level decreases at a 17. In the given circuit a charge of +80 C is
constant speed V, the time constant as a func- given to the upper plate of the 4F capacitor.
tion of time t is Then in the steady state, the charge on the upper
plate of the 3 f capacitor is. [JEE 2012]
C
d d R
3
[JEE 2008]
6  0R (15 d  9 Vt ) 0R
(A) (B)
5d  3 Vt 2d2 – 3dVt – 9 V 2 t 2
6  0R (15d  9 Vt ) 0R
(C) (D)
5d  3 Vt 2d2  3dVt – 9 V 2 t 2
(A) +32C (B) +40C
15. At time t = 0, a battery of 10 V is connected (C) +48C (D) +80C
across point A and B in the given circuit. It the
capacitors have no charge initially, at what time
(in seconds) does the voltage across them be-
come 4 V ? [JEE 2010]
2M 2F
2M 2F
[Take : n 5 = 1.6, n 3 = 1.1]
16. A 2 F capacitor is charged as shown in fig-

ure. The percentage of its stored energy dissi-
pated after the switch S is turned to position 2 is
[JEE 2011]
1 2
s

Exercise-I
1. A 2. B 3. (i) A (ii) A (iii) (a) B (b) A (c) A (d) B
4. C 5. A 6. B 7. B 8. B 9. D 10. C
11. A 12. B 13. D 14. (i) B (ii) C 15. A 16. C
17. D 18. D 19. C 20. D 21. B 22. B
23. (i) A (ii) B (iii) C 24. A 25. B 26. B 27. B 28. B
29. (a) A, (b) B, (c) C, (d) C 30. C 31. D 32. C
33. (i) A, (ii) A 34. A 35. B 36. A 37. A 38. D
39. C 40. B 41. D 42. B 43. B 44. A 45. C
46. B 47. A 48. B 49. A 50. A 51. D 52. A
53. B 54. C 55. A 56. C 57. C 58. B 59. D
60. C 61. A 62. B 63. B 64. C
Exercise-II
1. A,B,C,D 2. B,D 3. A,C,D 4. A,C 5. B,C,D 6. A,B,C,D

7. A,B,C 8. B 9. A,D 10. E 11. B,C,D 12. B,C
13. A,B,C,D 14. B,C 15. C 16. A,B,C,D17. A,C 18. A,D
19. B 20. A,B,C,D 21. B,D 22. B 23. A,C 24. D
25. B,C 26. B 27. B,C 28. D 29. B,C 30. B,C
31. C,D 32. A,C,D 33. A,B,D 34. B 35. B,C,D 36. A,C,D
37. A 38. A,B
Exercise-III
100
1. 9J 2. 3Q/2C 3. (a) volts ; (b) 28.56 C, 42.84 C, 71.4 C, 22.88 C
7
32 8
4. 10 C 5. 30 V 6. C 7. F 8. F
23 3
A 0 V 2 A 0 V 1 q2 d
9. , – 10. 11. 0
d d 2 0 A
12. (a) 20 C, (b) 0.3 mJ, (c) 0.6 mJ. (d) 60 C 13. 60 c, A to B 14. 150 J
q(C)
200
25  0 A
15. 16. 17. Proof
24 d
O t

Exercise-IV
 SK 1 5  0 A  4  0 AVa  2  0 AVa 

1. C  2. (i)   ; (ii) Q3 =   , Q5 =  
2d 3 d  3 d  3 d 
3. (i) 1.5 × 104 V/m, 4.5 × 104 V/m, (ii) 75 V, 225 V, (iii) 8 × 10– 7 C/m2
1  1 C12 V(C 2  C 3 ) C1C 2 C 3 V

4. W = C0 V02  1 –  5. q1 = q2 = q3 C C  C C  C C
2 K C1C 2  C 2 C 3  C1C 3 1 2 2 3 3 1
3kq12 4q
7. 12 volt 9. 69 C 10. UI = where q1 = – ; UII = 2K( q  q1 ) 2 / 35 r
10 r 25
 1 CV CV  1 – t /RC  400
11. q = CE  1   + 2 12. q  1 – e  13. – C
e e 2  2  7
3 1 1
14. (i) CV 2 ; (ii) – CV 2 (K – 1) ; (K + 2) (K – 1) CV2 ;
2 2 6
Exercise-V
1. (i) 0.2 × 10–8 F, 1.2 × 10–5 J ; (ii) 4.84 × 10–5 J ; (iii) 1.1 × 10–5 J 2. 4.425 × 10–9 Ampere
3. B 4. QA = 90 C, QB = 150 C, QC = 210 C, Ui = 47.4 mJ, Uf = 18 mJ
4.8 A  2 0 d 
5.  10 8 m / s 6. D 7. 2 n  8. C 9. B
2 9.1  2 0 
CVR 2 R1  R 2
10. Q0 = R  R and a = CR R 11. B 12. D 13. C 14. A
1 2 1 2
15. 2 sec 16. D 17. C


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IIT-JEE|AIEEE

Nurturing potential through education

S.NO. TOPIC PAGE NO.

3. Energy stored in a charged capacitor .............................. 6 – 9

4. Distribution of Charges ................................................ 9 – 12

5. Capacitor circuits ....................................................... 12 – 14

6. Combination of Capacitors ......................................... 14 – 27

7. R.C circuit ................................................................. 27 – 30

8. Charging and Discharging of Capacitor .......................... 30 – 37

9. Force between Plates of Capacitor ............................... 37 – 38

10. Capacitors with di-electric ......................................... 38 – 47

11. Exercise - 1 ............................................................ 48 – 56

12. Exercise - 2 ............................................................ 57 – 61

13. Exercise - 3 ............................................................ 62 – 63

14. Exercise - 4 ............................................................ 64 – 65

15. Exercise - 5 ........................................................... 66 – 68

16. Answer key ............................................................ 69 – 70

394,50 - Rajeev Gandhi Nagar Kota, Ph. No. : 93141-87482, 0744-2209671

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1.1 Capacitance of an isolated conductor

1.2 Definition of capacitance :

1.3 Important point about the capacitance of an isolated conductor :

1 F = 10–6 F, 1nF = 10–9 F or 1 pF = 10–12 F

1.4 Capacitance of an isolated Spheical Conductor.

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(i) If the medium around the conductor is vacuum or air.:

Q = Charge of positive plate of capacitor.

394,50 - Rajeev Gandhi Nagar Kota, Ph. No. : 93141-87482, 0744-2209671

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 The capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor is,

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2.3 Spherical Capacitor

Ex.2 Find capacitance of the given system.

3. ENERGY STORED IN A CHARGED CAPACITOR

initially Finally middle state

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This work is stored as the potential energy,

3.1 Energy Density of a Charged Capacitor

3.2 Calculation of Capacitance

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Ex.3 At any time S1 switch is opened and S2 is

Finally let q charge flows clockwise then +q –q

Now applying KVL

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(b) Find heat loss in the above circuit.

4. DISTRIBUTION OF CHARGES ON CONNECTING TWO CHARGED CAPACITORS :

+Q2 –Q2  Q'2 – Q'2

Para meter I st Capacitor II n d Capacitor

After connecting the capacitors

(a) Common potential :

The loss of energy is in the form of Joule heating in the wire.

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Sol. Let potential of B and D is zero and common A B