Capacitor

Capacitor

1.
 Capacitor and its property

Capacitor is an arrangement to store electrical energy.

But to produce best result :- we used parallel plate capacitor

As more and more charge is given to conductor more potential difference will
produced
Q ∝ ∆V
Q = C∆V
Q
C= (C is the Capacity of Capacitor)
∆V
Now relation is Q = CV
Capacitor and its property

Exp. Calculation of Capacitance :-

(1) First given to +Q and -Q charge to the arrangement.
(2) Find electric field b/w the plates
(3) Find potential difference

2.
Sol.
σ
(1) Now electric field between the plates is E = = constant
∈0
(2) Now we calculated potential difference between the plates of capacitor ∆V =
Ed

σ
= d.
∈0
Q ∈0 A
(3) Now use C
= =
V d
In case of spherical Capacitor :
(1) First we calculate the electric field between the plates of capacitor. Electric
field at distance “r”
Q
E=K …..(1)
r2
This electric field is variable
(2) Now we calculate the potential difference.
dV = - E dr
a
KQ
∆V =− ∫ 2
dr
b r

a
 1
= KQ  
 r b

 −1 1 

= KQ  + 
 b a

b − a 
= KQ 
 ab 
Capacitor and its property

Q
(3) C =
∆V
Q ab 4π ∈0 ab
⇒ =
KQ [b − a] b−a

3.
 Sp. Case
(1) b >>> a
ab 4π ∈0 ab
C = 4π ∈0 =
b−a  a
b 1 − 
 b
a
→0
b
C = 4π ∈0 a
(2) a ≈ b but b > a (b slightly greater than a)
ab 4π ∈0 a2
C = 4π ∈0 =
b−a d

=
(=
4πa ) ∈
2
0 A ∈0
same result as parallel plate capacitor
d d
Cylindrical Capacitor :
Step I:- Electric field between the plates of capacitor at some distance r
λ
E= = variable
2π ∈0 r
b λ
Step II: ∆V =− ∫ Edr =−∫ dr
a 2πr ∈0

λ b
∴ = n  
2π ∈0 a
Q λ 2π ∈0 
=
C = =
∆V λ
n(b / a) n(b / a)
2π ∈0

Force Between The Plates Of Capacitor :-

Electric field between the plates of capacitor
σ
E=
∈0

Electric force on B due to

=
F qB × EA
Capacitor and its property

 σ 
= Q 
 2 ∈0 

Q2  Q
E= σ = 
2A ∈0  A

4.
Energy stored in a capacitor :
As we know that
dU
F= −
dr
dU = −F dr

Q2 a
U= −
2A ∈0 ∫0
dr

Q2d Q2 Q2

= = =
2A ∈0 2A ∈0 /d 2C
Sp. Case :
These are two long wire each of radii a, the separation between them is b
The electric field due to both wires at Pt. ‘P’.
E=
P E1 + E2

V= − ∫ Epdr

b −a  2kλ 2kλ 

= V ∫a 
 r
+  dr
b−r

 b−a a 
V=
2kλ  n − n 
 a b−a

b − a 
= 4kλn 
V 
 a 

Q
C=
V

π ∈0
C /L =
nb / a
Energy Stored in a Capacitor :
Q2 CV2 QV
=
E = = = Already discussed
Capacitor and its property

2C 2 2

5.
 Energy Density :
These are two capacitors charges given to +Q and -Q
Q2 σ2 A2d
=
U =
2C 2A ∈0

σ2 Ad ∈0
=
∈02 2

U ∈ E2
Energy Density
= = 0
Ad 2
(Energy stored /vol)
∈0 E2
U=
2
Capacitor and its property

6.
 Combination of Capcitor

Break Down Electric Strength Of Dry Air :-


E= 3 × 106 v / m

If we applied electric field more than this value, then the air becomes ionized, and
charge will flow.

Capacitors in series :-

In the series combination of capacitor all capacitors will stored some amount of
charge.
V = V1 + V2 + V3

Q Q Q Q
= + +
Cnet C1 C2 C3

1 1 1 1
= + + + ......
Cnet C1 C2 C3

Now these are two main point for series combination :-

(1) Each capacitor will get same amount of charge
(2) Potential difference across each capacitor is inversely proportional to its
capacitance.
Combination of Capcitor

7.
 Parallel Combination of Capacitor :-

In parallel combination, the potential difference across each capacitor is same, as

that of the external battery.
But charge will be divided which is proportional to their capacitance.

= Q1 C= 1V Q2 C2= V Q3 C3 V

Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3

Cnet V = C1V + C2 V + C3 V

Cnet = C1 + C2 + C3

Kirchhoff’s Law :-

(1) If we move from higher potential to lower potential used

Combination of Capcitor

[-V]

(2) If we move from lower to higher potential used [+V]

8.
Similarly in Capacitor :-
Now we will take an example :-
As both capacitors in series then both will have same amount of charge

Now we will use Kirchhoff’s loop rule :- Starting from point ‘A’ and moving in clock
wise direction in the loop.
q q
VA − +V− =VE
C 2C
2q q
VA − VE = + −V
2C 2C
3q
= −V
2C
Exp. We have 4 identical plates
Find capacitance in between two terminal.

Sol. If write the no; on the plates the outer plate (1) and (4) have only surface which
used in capacitance
Combination of Capcitor

9.
 Exp. Find potential at junction

Sol. Let’s assume J is at higher potential an composed to VA, VB and VC and Acc to
junction law the algebraic sum of charge at the junction is zero
Q1 + Q2 + Q3 =
0
C1 (VJ − VA ) + C2 (VJ − VB ) + C3 (VJ − VC ) =
0
VJ [C1 + C1 + C3 =
] C1 VA + C2 VB + C3 VC
C1VA + C2 VB + C3 VC
VJ =
C1 + C2 + C3

Using Kirchhoff’s loop rule

Combination of Capcitor

[Algebraic sum of the potential difference in a closed loop in equal to zero]

Suppose that we are moving clockwise and 2nd point is at higher potential.
−Q Q
− E1 − + E2 =
0
C2 C1

10.
  1 1 
E2 − E=
1 Q + 
 C1 C2 
 C + C2 
E2 − E1 =
Q 1 
 C1C2 
(E2 − E1 )C1C2
Q=
C1 + C2

Potential difference
Q (E2 − E1 )C1
V2 − V1 = =
C2 C1 + C2

Exp. C1 = 1µF, ∆V = 110 V

If the arrangement of two capacitor is connected with capacitor C, then what

amount of charge is flowing through the connected wire?
Sol.

Combination of Capcitor

11.
 as total charge always remains conserved:-
Before the key is closed total charge = [1 × 110] µC
After the key joined.
After switch is closed then
Qinitial = Qfinal
Qfinal = Ceq × V
6
110= ×V
5
V = 50
∴ Now Q1 = C1 V
= 1 × 50 µC
∴ The charge flowing through the connecting wire is 60µC.
Exp. If C1 = 1 µf
V = 300 V
C2 = 2µf [uncharged]

What is the total amount of energy loss as the key is closed

Sol. As we know the relation of energy loss is
C1C2
( V1 − V2 )
2
Eloss
=
2[C1 + C2 ]

1 × 10−6 × 2 × 10−6
= −6
(300)2
2 (3 × 10 )

10−6 × 3 × 104

3
Combination of Capcitor

= 3 × 10−2 J

12.
 Insertion of dielectric

Dielectric :-
Dielectric is the insulating medium and if this medium placed inside the external
electric field then this field polarized the molecules of the medium and due to this
an internal electric field will generate which is opposite to the applied electric field.

Before placing the dielectric medium in the given fig. at every point. electric field
σ
E0 =
∈0
After placing a dielectric Slab :-
Now fig. represent that due to induced electric field in opposite direction inside the
slab net electric field will reduced.

Dielectric Constant (K) :-

If is defined as the ratio of the applied electric field (E0) to the reduced value of
electric field.
E0
K=
E
Insertion of dielectric

E0
E= [E = reduced value of electric field]
K
Capacitance of capacitor when some dielectric medium insert inside it

13.
 Now we have to find out the capacitance of this arrangement. In the air gap electric
field is E0 and inside the slab it is E0/K. If we calculate the potential difference
between the two plates.
∆V = ∆Vair gap + ∆Vslab

E0 t
= E0 x + + E0 [d − t − x]
k
E0 t
= E0 (d − t) +
k

= E0 ( d − t + t / k )

σ 

= d − t + tk
∈0  

q q 
= d − t + tk
C A ∈0  

A ∈0
C =
d − t + t 
 k

If in between the plates of capacitor different dielectric medium of different

thickness are placed, in net capacitance
Insertion of dielectric

Ε0
C=
t 1 t2 + t2
d − t1 + −
k1 k2

14.
Or this system can be changed, like

This is the series combination of all capacitors.

The same concept we will used in spherical capacitor also

4π ∈0 ab bc
C1 = and C2 = 4π ∈0
b−a c −b
Insertion of dielectric

15.
 Similarly in Case of Cylindrical Capacitor:-

This system can be break into another new system.

Insertion of dielectric

16.
Now simply the whole arrangement break into the following way.

     

This arrangement can be break

Now we will calculate the capacitance of such arrangement
K2 = 2 K3 = 4 K1 = 8
A ∈0 K2 A ∈0 K3 A ∈0
C1 K=
1 C2 C3 =
2 d d d
C2 and C3 in series
C2C3
=
C2 + C3
A ∈0 A ∈0
K2 K3
= d d
A ∈0
(K2 + K3 )
d
K2K3 A ∈0
C23 =
d(K2 + K3 )
Now C23 and C1 in parallel
K1A ∈0
C1 =
2d
K2K3 A ∈0
C23 =
d(K2 + K3 )
Insertion of dielectric

Cnet= C1 + C23

A ∈0  K1 K2K3 

=  + 
d  2 K2 + K 3 

17.
 Insertion of dielectric with
battery and without battery

* Dielectric with battery / without battery :-

Case – I              Case – II

Now we will discuss the Potential, Charge, Energy, Electric field and Capacitance
of the system before inserting the dielectric medium and inserting the medium.

Now we discuss case Ist :

In that case before inserting the medium charge = Q, Potential difference electric
Q2
field intensity E and V Energy stored in capacitor U =
2C
Insertion of dielectric with battery and without battery

Now after inserting the slab of dielectric constant ‘K’

Capacitance :- C’ = KC
Charge :- As there is no source of energy
∴ charge will remains same Q` = Q
Potential :- As charge is constant Q = C V
Q
∴ V = [ Before slab]
KC
V Q
V`= ← V`= [after Slab)
K C
E
Electric Field :- As electric field E & V so electric field also E`=
K

18.
 Q2
Energy Stored :- U = [before slab placed]
2C

Q2 U
=U` =
2KC K
These are all the cases when capacitor is without batteries but a dielectric slab is
placed inside it.
⇒ Now we discuss the 2nd case :
Now before inserting the slab
(1) capacitance is C
(2) Potential difference V
(3) Electric field E
(4) Charge Q = CV
C
(5) Energy Stored U = V2
2

Now after inserting the slab :-

(1) Capacitance :- C’ = KC
(2) Electric Potential :- remains same (batteries remains connected).
(3) Electric field :- As E ∝ V (∴ Electric field also remains same)

Charge :- Q` = C`V`
= KCV that means charge will be increases by ‘K’ times.

C` 2 KC 2

Insertion of dielectric with battery and without battery

Energy=
:- U = V` V
2 2
That means energy also increases by ‘K’ times.
Problem :-
Find net capacitance of this system?
Find potential of junction j.

19.
Insertion of dielectric with battery and without battery

20.
   Find potential of junction j.

Let’s assume J is at higher potential an composed to VA, VB and VC and Acc to

junction law the algebraic sum of charge at the junction is zero
Q1 + Q2 + Q3 =
0
C1 (VJ − VA ) + C2 (VJ − VB ) + C3 (VJ − VC ) =
0

VJ [C1 + C1 + C3 =
] C1 VA + C2 VB + C3 VC
C1VA + C2 VB + C3 VC
VJ =
C1 + C2 + C3
Using Kirchhoff’s loop rule

Insertion of dielectric with battery and without battery

[Algebraic sum of the potential difference in a closed loop in equal to zero]
Suppose that we are moving clockwise and 2nd point is at higher potential.
−Q Q
− E1 − + E2 =
0
C2 C1

 1 1 
E2 − E=
1 Q + 
 C1 C2 
 C + C2 
E2 − E1 =
Q 1 
 C1C2 
(E2 − E1 )C1C2
Q=
C1C2

Potential difference
Q (E2 − E1 )C1
V2 − V1 = =
C2 C1 + C2

21.
 Exp. C1 = 1µf, ∆V = 110 V

If the arrangement of two capacitor is connected with capacitor C1, then what
amount of charge is flowing through the connected wire?
Sol.
Insertion of dielectric with battery and without battery

as total charge always remains conserved:-

Before the key is closed total charge = [1 × 110] µC
After the key joined.
QT0 T
V=
CT0 T
110 110
= = × 5= 50 V
6 11
+1
5
∴ Now Q1 = C1 V
= 1 × 50 µC
∴ The charge flowing through the connecting wire is 60µC.

Exp. If C1 = 1 µf

22.
 V = 300 V
C2 = 2µf [uncharged]

What is the total amount of energy loss as the key is closed

Sol. As we know the relation of energy loss is
C1C2
( V1 − V2 )
2
Eloss
=
2[C1 + C2 ]

1 × 10−6 × 2 × 10−6
= 3002
2 (3 × 10−6 )

10−6 × 3 × 104

3
= 3 × 10−2 J

Insertion of dielectric with battery and without battery

23.
 Capacitance when some
dielectric medium introduced
and its application
Induced Charge in Capacitor with Dielectric

+Q –Q

Now this parallel plate capacitor is completely filled by dielectric slab of constant
‘k’

+Q –Q′ +Q′
–Q
– +
– +
– k +
Capacitance when some dielectric medium introduced and its application

– +
– +

E0
Now inside the dielectric slab at any point the electric field intensity is . The
k
E0
Electric field is due to (+Q, – Q) charge as well as (+Q’, –Q’)
k
Enet = E0 – Ei
E0
= E0 − Ei
k
E0
= E0 − Ei
k

 1
=
Ei E0  1 − 
 k 
σi σ  1
= 1 − 
∈0 ∈0  k

 1
=
qi q  1 − 
 k 

24.
That is the expression of induced charge on the surface of dielectric slab.
E0
Now the net charge which produce the fieled ,
k
q
QNe+ = q − q +
k

Work Done by External Agent:

When Some Dielectric is Insert inside it

a
a
x
F F
d

Capacitance when some dielectric medium introduced and its application

Suppose at any instant of time ‘t’ some part of this dielectric is insert in between
the plates of capacitor.
If we calculate capacitance at that instant

a–x

k(ax) ∈0 a(a − x) ∈0

= c +
d d
Now if we calculate the energy stored at that instant
1 1 a ∈ V2
=
u CV=
2
[kx + a − x] 0
2 2 d
F → force required by external agent to insert dielectric slab without acceleration

25.
 As we know
du
F−
dx

d  cV2 
= −  
dx  2 

v 2 a ∈0
F
= [k − 1]
2 d
That is the amount of force required as this force is constant then the W.D by
external agent is
A∈ v 2 cv 2
W=Fa = 0 (k − 1) = (k − 1)
d 2 2
Capacitance when some dielectric medium introduced and its application

26.
 Problem based on the
capacitor

Problem:

k2
d
k1

There is a square plates of capacitor and the dimension is [a × a] and the separation
between the plates is ‘d’. Find the capacitance of such arrangement?

k2
d
y k1

dx x
a

d
tan θ =
a
y
=
x
d y
= …(1)
a x
adx ∈0 k1
dC1 =
y
Problem based on the capacitor

adx ∈0 k2
dC2 =
d− y
As the combination of dc1 and dc2 in series.
Then there net series combination
dc1 dc2
dc =
dc1 + dc2

27.
 k1adx ∈0 k2adx ∈0
×
y d− y
=
k k 
adx ∈0  1 + 2 
 y d − y
k1k2a 0dx k1k2a ∈0 dx
= = …(i)
k2 y + k1 (d − y) k1d + (k2 − k1 )y
a
As x = y
d
a
dx = dy  
 d
Replace dx to dy …(ii)
k1k2a2 ∈0 dy
dc =
d[k1d + (k2 − k1 )y]
d
k1k2a2 ∈0
c= ∫0 d[k1d + (k2 − k1 )y]
k1k2a2 ∈0 k d + [k2 − k1 ]d
= ln 1
(k2 − k1 )d k1d

Exp. There is a charged capacitance C, potential difference is V. If this capacitor is

connect with a battery of potential difference 2v with opposite polarities. Find out
the loss of energy.
Sol.

v
+ –

c
Problem based on the capacitor

C 2
Initial energy stored in capacitor E1 = V . Now this arrangement is connected
2
with battery of potential difference 2V, with opposite polarity.

28.
 –CV +CV +2CV –2CV

2V 2V k
[Before key is closed] [After key is closed]

These figures shows that the charge given by battery = 3CV

The work done by battery to provide this charge
= [3cv] [2v]
= 6cv2
Now
+2cv –2cv

2v

(2cv)2
In the above figure the energy stored
= is = 2cv 2
2c
∴ The Energy Loss
= Initial energy + W.D by battery – final energy stored in capacitor
cv 2
= + 6cv 2 − 2cv 2
2
9 2
= cv
2
Earthing of a Conductor
If any conducting device is connect to the earth and earth will make it electric
potential is equal to zero.

–
Problem based on the capacitor
+
– +
– +
R
–
+q +
x
– +
– +
–
k
+
– +

29.
 Let there is a sphere of radius R and before the key k is connected the electric
potential of sphere
VNet = V+q + Vinduced charge
kq
= + 0 [electric potential due to induced charge will be zero].
x

Now this sphere is connected with earth, then suppose earth given a charge q′ to
the sphere so that its potential should be quals to zero.
Now we have to calculate that charge
kq kq′
+ =0
x R
q′ q
= −
R x
R
q′ = −q
x
If the outside charge will moves either towards or away the sphere, then a current
will set up
dq′ qR
= + 2 v
dt x
Exp. A capacitor of capacitance C0 is charged to a potential V0 and then isolated.
A small capacitor C is then charged from Co, discharged and then charged again,
if the process is being repeated ‘n’ times, the potential of the large capacitor has
now fallen to V. calculate C.
Sol. If an uncharged capacitor (C) is connected with charged capacitor [C0], the
common potential

C0 V0
V1 =
C + C0
Now this potential V1 is gain by capacitor C and C0, but ‘C’ is again discharged and
again connected with C0, then new common potential
Problem based on the capacitor

C0 V1 C20 V0
=V2 =
C + C0 (C + C0 )2
If the same process is repeated ‘n” times
n
 C0 
Vn= V=   V0
 C + C0 
 V0 1/n 

= C   − 1 C0
 V  

30.
Exp. Two isolated spherical conductors have radii 6 cm and 12 cm respectively,
they have charges of 12 µc and -3µc. Find the chargers after they are connected by
a conducting wire. Also find the common potential after redistribution?
Sol.

After connecting through the conducting wire charge will be flowing from higher
potential to lower potential, till both are not attaining a common potential

Net charge = (12 – 3) µc = 9µc

As both spheres gain common potential then charge on each sphere is proportional
to their radius
R1
q1 = qTotal
R1 + R2

6
= × 9µc = 3µc
Problem based on the capacitor

18
12
q2 = × 9µc = 6µc
18
The common potential
Total Charg e
Vc =
Total Capaci tance

31.
 9 × 10−6
=
4π ∈0 [R1 + R2 ]
= 4.5 × 105V

Exp. A parallel plate square capacitor has the space between the plates filled with
a medium whose dielectric constant increases uniformly with distance ‘x’ from
one of its plate as K = K1 + αx. If d is the distance between the plates and K1 and K2
are dielectrics constants of the medium at the two square plates, find the capacity
of the capacitor.
Sol.

A ∈0 (K1 + αx)
The capacitance of the elementary capacitor is dC =
dx
As K= K1 + αx

When x = d K = K2
Problem based on the capacitor

K2 − K 1

α
d
A ∈0 (K1 + αx)
As dC =
dx
1 1 1 d dx
=
C ∫ dC
=
A ∈0 ∫
0 K 1 + αx

32.
 A ∈0 (K2 − K1 )
∴ C=
d  n(K2 K1 )
[You will be try If K = K1 + αx and dielectric constant increases linearly from one
edge to other edge]

Exp. For what value of C0 in the circuit shown below will the net effective
Capacitance between A and B be independent of the number of sections in the
chain.

Sol. Suppose there are ‘n’ sections between A and B and the network is terminated
by C0 with equivalent capacitance X

Now if we add one more section to the network between D and C, the equivalent
capacitance of the network X will be independent of number of section if the
capacitance between D and C still remains C0 is
C1 (C2 + C0 )
Problem based on the capacitor

C0 =
C1 + C2 + C0

C02 + C2 C0 – C1 C2 = 0
On Simplification
−1
C2  C 

= C0  1 + 4 1  
2  C2  

33.
 Exp. Three large conducting plates are placed a distance ‘d’ apart in air. The space
between the first two plates is completely filled with a dielectric slab of dielectric
constant K = 2 as shown in figure. The plates are given charges Q1 = 7Q, Q2 = 3Q and
Q3 = 2Q respectively. The outer two plates are now connected with a conducting
wire. Find the charges on all the six surfaces?

Sol.

As at point ‘p’ inside the metallic plate electric field intensity should be zero
We will get
q1 = Q3 + Q2 + Q1 – q1
Q1 + Q2 + Q3
q1 =
2
Problem based on the capacitor

Since the outer plates are connected hence, their potential will be same
Q2 + q q
d+ d=
0
A ∈0 KA ∈0

q
Q2 + q + =
0
K
−KQ2 −2
=q = Q2
K+1 3

34.
 Final configuration is

Exp. A capacitor has square plates each of side ‘a’ making an angle θ with each
other as shown in figure. Show that for small θ, the capacitance is given by
a2 ∈0  θa 
=C 1 − 
d  2d 

Sol.

Problem based on the capacitor

If we take a small element of width dx at a distance of x from the left end, then its
capacitance will be

35.
 adx ∈0
dC =
d+ y
y = x tan θ
a ∈ dx
∴ dC = 0
d + x tan θ
As is θ small
tanθ ≈ θ
a ∈0 dx
dC =
d+ xθ
−1
a ∈0 dx a ∈0  xθ 

= = 1 + 
 xθ d  d
d1 + 
 d 
a
a ∈0  xθ 

= C
d ∫  1 −
0
d
 dx

a
a ∈0  x2 θ 

=  x − 
d  2d  0

a2 ∈0  aθ 

= 1 − 2d 
d
Problem based on the capacitor

36.