Date-8/02/2021.

ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL

&

CAPACITANCE

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Electric potential energy difference:-

Electric potential energy difference between two points may be defined as the work done by
an external force in moving (without accelerating) charge ‘q’ from one point to another against electric
field of any arbitrary charge configuration.

Thus, work done by external forces in moving a charge q from R to P is,

P   P  
WRP   Fext .d r   F e .d r  U P  U R .
R R

Thus, potential energy difference, ∆ U = UP – UR =WRP.

(Note here that this displacement is in an opposite sense to the electric force and hence work done by
electric field is negative i.e., –WRP .)

Electric potential energy of a charge at a point :-

Potential energy of charge ‘q’ at a point (in the presence of field due to any charge configuration) is the
work done by the external force (equal and opposite to the electric force) in bringing the charge q from
infinity to that point slowly against the field.

Wr  U r  U   U (r ).

r   r  
Wr   Fext .d r    F e .d r
 

Electrostatic potential:-

The electrostatic potential (V) at any point in a region with electrostatic field is the work done in
bringing a unit positive charge (without acceleration) from infinity to that point against the field.

U
V .
q

Work done by external force in bringing a unit positive charge from point R to P,

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 1

 (U P  U R )
WRP  VP  VR  .
q

Potential due to a point charge:

Consider a point charge +Q at the origin.

KQ
The force on a unit charge at a distance r’ is, F  .
r '2

The work done to displace it by a small distance d r’

without acceleration against electric force,

  KQ
dw  F .d r '  Fdr ' cos 1800   Fdr '   dr '
r '2

The total work done in bringing it from ∞ to ‘r’,

  1
r
 1 1  KQ
w r
KQ
 dw   
0 
r 2
dr   KQ   KQ   
 r  r  r
 V (r ).

Variation of electric field and potential w.r.t distance :

KQ KQ
We know E  and V 
r2 r

Fig shows how the electrostatic potential

(V ∝ 1/r ) and The electrostatic field (E ∝ 1/r2)

varies with r.

Hence at r =1, E =V

Potential due to a system of charges:-

Consider a system of charges q1 , q2 … qn with position vectors r1 , r2 ,…, rn relative to some

origin . The potential V at P due to the charges,

i.e. V  V1  V2    Vn

Where,
Kq1 Kq2 Kqn
V1  and V2     Vn  .
r1 r2 rn

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 2

 Assignment:
1. Two point charges 2µC and -1 µC are kept 20 cm apart .find a point on the line joining
them where the net potential will be zero?
Answer: 20 cm from -1 µC right side and 13.3 cm from 2 µC in between two charges.
2. Due to a point charge Q at a point the electric field and potential are 20N/C and 40 V
respectively find the distance of the point and magnitude of charge.
Answer: 2m and 8.8nC.

Relation between electric field and potential:

Suppose, the electric field at a point r due to a charge distribution is E and the electric potential
at the same point is V. Suppose, a point charge ‘q’ is displaced slightly from the point r to r + dr.

 
The force on the charge is, F  q E.

And the work done by the electric field during the

   
displacement is, dw  F .d r  q E .d r .

 
The change in potential energy is, dU  dw  q E .d r .

dU  
The change in potential is, dV   dV   E .d r        (i)
q

Intigratin g the above equation,

V2 r2   r2  

 dV    E.d r  V2  V1    E..d r      (ii )

V1 r1
r1

Here V1 and V2 are the potentials at r1 and r2 respectively.

dV
 From equation (i) E i.e. electric field is –ve gradient of electric potential.
dr
The –ve sign indicates that along the direction of electric field potential decreases.
dV dV dV
 Similarly, Ex   , Ey   , and E z  
dx dy dz

      
And E  E x i  E y j E z k

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 3

 Potential due to an electric dipole :

Consider a point ‘P’ at a distance ‘r’ from the

midpoint of the dipole of dipole length ‘2a’ as
shown.

The electric potential at ‘p’ due to +q and –q are

Kq Kq
V q  , V q  
r2 r1

r1  r2  2a cos and r1r2  r 2

1 1  r  r  2Kaq cos KP cos

V  V q  Vq  Kq     Kq 1 2   
 r2 r1   r1r2  r2 r2

Case-1 (on the axial line Ɵ=00):-

KP cos KP cos 0 0 KP
V Axial    2 .
r2 r2 r

Case-2 (on the equatorial bisector Ɵ=900):-

KP cos KP cos 90 0
V Axial   0
r2 r2

 The potential due to a dipole depends not just on r but also on the angle between the
position vector r and the dipole moment vector p. (It is, however, axially symmetric about
p. That is, if you rotate the position vector r about p, keeping θ fixed, the points
corresponding to P on the cone so generated will have the same potential as at P.)
 The electric dipole potential falls off, at large distance, as 1/r 2, (not as 1/r, characteristic
of the potential due to a single charge).
The electric potential on the axial line of a charged ring :
Consider a uniformly charged ring of radius ‘R’ and charge ‘q’.
The electric potential at a distance x from its center on its axial
Kq
line is: V .
x  R2
2

Kq
At the center of the ring the potential is Vc  .
R

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 4

 Electric potential due to charged hollow sphere or conducting sphere:
Consider a charged hollow sphere of radius ‘R’ and having charge ‘q’.
Kq
(i) Out side the sphere,(r >R) Vout  .
r
Kq
(ii) On the surface of sphere, (r=R) Vs  .
R
Kq
(iii) Inside the surface, (r <R) Vin  .
R
Proof of (i)
 
We know, dV   E .d r   Edr [  1800 and dr  ve]
Vo r
Kq
 dV  
V 
r2
dr

 Vo   Kq 1r  
Kq
[V  0]
r
.
r
 Electric potential due to a uniformly charged non conducting solid sphere :
Consider a uniformly charged non conducting sphere of
radius ‘R’ and having charge ‘q’.
Kq
(i) Out side the sphere,(r >R) Vout  .
r
Kq
(ii) On the surface of sphere, (r=R) Vs  .
R
Kq
(iii) Inside the surface, (r <R) Vin  3
(3R 2  r 2 ).
2R
3Kq
 At the center of the sphere,(r=0) Vc  .
2R
 
Proof of case -3: We know, dV   E .d r   Edr.
VIn r
Kq
 dV   R
VS R
3
rdr

r
Kq  r 2 
 Vin  Vs   3    Vin 
R  2 R
Kq
R
Kq
  3 r 2  R2
2R
 
 Vin 
Kq Kq 2
 3 r  R2 
R 2R R
 
Kq Kqr 2 Kq Kq
 
2R3 2R 2R3
3R 2  r 2 .  

Question: Three conducting spherical shells have charges q, − 2q and 3q as

shown in figure. Find electric potential at point P as shown in
figure.
 1 1
Answer: V  Kq   
R r

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 5

Equipotential surfaces:-

An equipotential surface is a surface with a constant value of potential at all points on the
surface. For a single charge q, the potential is given by,

Kq
V .
r

 This shows that V is a constant if r is constant. Thus, equipotential surfaces of a single

point charge are concentric spherical surfaces centered at the charge.

Properties of equipotential surface:-

1. The work done in displacing from one point to other on equipotential surface is zero.
Proof: the work done to displace a test charge ‘q’ from A to B on equipotential surface,
WAB=q (VB-VA).
Since A and B are on equipotential surface hence VB=VA, so VB-VA=0 and WAB=q x0 =0
2. The electric field at every point is normal to the equipotential surface passing through that
point. This is true in general: for any charge configuration.
Proof: if the field were not normal to the equipotential surface, it would have a non-zero
component along the surface. So to move a test charge against this component, a work would
have to be done. But there is no potential difference between two points on an equipotential
surface and consequently no work to be done. Hence the electric field must be normal to the
equipotential surface.
3. Equipotential surfaces are closer where electric field is stronger.
Proof: We know,
dV
E .
dr

For constant value of (dV),

1
E .
dr
Thus the spacing between the equipotential surfaces will be smaller in the regions, where the
electric field is stronger.
4. Two equipotential surfaces never intersect each other.
If two equipotential surfaces will intersect then at the point of intersection two electric
potential will be obtained, which is not possible. Hence two equipotential surfaces never
intersect each other.

Shape of equipotential surface :

(i) A +ve or –ve point charge:

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 6

 (ii) Two equal and opposite charges separated by a small
distance:

(iii) Two equal and +ve charges separated by a small

distance:

(iv) A uniform electric field:

Potential energy of a system of charges:-

1. Potential energy of a system consisting two point charges;
 The work done in bringing the 1 st charge from ∞ to its
position against the electric field, W1  0 .
 The work done in bringing the 2nd charge from ∞ to its
position against the electric field,
Kq q
W2  1 2 .
r12
Total work done,
Kq1q 2
W  W1  W2  U  .
r12
2. Potential energy of a system consisting three point charges :
 The work done in bringing the 1 st charge from ∞ to its
position against the electric field, W1  0 .
 The work done in bringing the 2nd charge from ∞ to its
position against the electric field,
Kq q
W2  1 2 .
r12
 The work done in bringing the 3 rd charge from ∞ to its

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 7

 position against the electric field.
Kq1q3 Kq2 q3
W3   .
r13 r23
 Total work done is:
Kq1q 2 Kq1q3 Kq2 q3
W  W1  W2  W3  U   
r12 r13 r23
3. Potential energy of a system consisting four point charges:
Total work done,
Kq1q 2 Kq1q3 Kq1q 4 Kq2 q3 Kq2 q 4 Kq3 q 4
W  W1  W2  W3  W4  U      
r12 r13 r14 r23 r24 r34
Question: four point charges +q, -q, +q and –q are placed at four corner of a square of side‘d’
Kq 2
find the potential energy of the system. Answer: ( 2  4) .
d

Potential energy in an external field:-

4. Potential energy of a single charge: The work done in bringing a charge q from infinity to the
point P in the external field is qV. This work is stored in the form of potential energy of q.
If the point P has position vector r relative to some origin,
We can write: Potential energy of q at r in an external field = q V(r).
Where V(r) is the external potential at the point r.
 Thus, if an electron with charge q = e = 1.6×10 –19 C is accelerated by a potential
difference of ,
∆V = 1 volt, it would gain energy of q ∆V = 1.6 × 10–19J.
This unit of energy is defined as 1 electron volt or 1eV.
i.e., 1 eV=1.6 × 10–19J.
 The units based on eV are most commonly used in atomic, nuclear and particle physics,
(1 keV = 103 eV = 1.6 × 10–16J, 1 MeV = 106 eV = 1.6 × 10–13J, 1 GeV = 109 eV = 1.6 × 10–10J
and
5. Potential energy of a system of two charges in an external field :-
 The work done in bringing the 1st charge from ∞ to its position against the electric
field,
W1  q1 (V1 ) .
 The work done in bringing the 2nd charge from ∞ to its position against the electric
field,
Kq q
W2  q2 (V2 )  1 2 .
r12
Total work done,
Kq1q 2
W  W1  W2  U  q1V1  q 2V2 
r12

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 8

 Potential energy of a dipole in an external field :
Consider a dipole with charges q1 = +q and q2 = –q placed in a uniform electric field E,
as shown in Fig.
In a uniform electric field, the dipole experiences no net
force; but experiences a torque τ given by,
  PE sin         (i)
This will tend to rotate it (unless p is parallel or anti-
parallel to E).
The amount of work done by the external torque in
rotting it from angle θ0 to angle θ1 without angular
acceleration will be stored by potential energy.
1 1
W   ext d   PE sin d  PE cos 10


0 0

 W  PE (cos  0  cos1 )  U        (ii )

This work is stored as the potential energy of the system.

Potential energy U (θ) = PE (cosƟ0 –cosƟ1).

Case-1: when Ɵ0= π/2, and Ɵ1= Ɵ, then

 
U(θ)= PE(cosƟ0 –cosƟ1)= U(θ)= PE(cos π/2 –cosƟ)= -PE cos Ɵ=  P. E

Case-2 when Ɵ0= π/2, and Ɵ1= 00, then

U(θ)= PE(cosƟ0 –cosƟ1)= U(θ)= PE(cos π/2 –cos 00)= -PE . [Minimum]

This is stable equilibrium condition.

Case-3 when Ɵ0= π/2, and Ɵ1= 1800, then

U(θ)= PE(cosƟ0 –cosƟ1)= U(θ)= PE(cos π/2 –cos 1800)= +PE .[Maximum]

This is unstable equilibrium condition.

Question: Calculate the work done to rotate a dipole in a uniform electric field from its stable
to unstable position. Answer: W=2PE.

Electrostatics of conductors:-

1. Inside a conductor, electrostatic field is zero :-

 Consider a conductor, neutral or charged. There may also be an external electrostatic field.
In the static situation, when there is no current inside or on the surface of the conductor,
the electric field is zero everywhere inside the conductor.
 A conductor has free electrons. As long as electric field is not zero, the free charge carriers
would experience force and drift. In the static situation, the free charges have so

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 9

 distributed themselves that the electric field is zero everywhere inside. Electrostatic field is
zero inside a conductor.
2. At the surface of a charged conductor, electrostatic field must be normal to the surface at
every point
 If E were not normal to the surface, it would have some non-zero component along the
surface, which will immediately cause the flow of charges, producing surface current. But
no such current exist under static condition.
 Thus electrostatic field at the surface of a charged conductor must be normal to the
surface at every point.
3. The interior of a conductor can have no excess charge in the static situation:
  q
 According to Gauss’s law ,  E   E.d S  .
0
 As E=0, inside a conductor, hence qin=0.
I.e. The interior of a conductor can have no excess charge in the static situation, it resides
on outer surface only.
4. Electrostatic potential is constant throughout the volume of the conductor and has the same
value (as inside) on its surface.
dV
We know, E   .
dr
Inside a conductor
dV
E  0  V  cons tan t.
dr
5. Electric field at the surface of a charged conductor
E=σ/ϵ0.

  q
 According to Gauss’s law ,  E   E.d S  .
0
q q 
 EA  E  .
0 A 0  0
  
Or E n.
0
6. Electrostatic shielding.
The phenomenon of making a region free from external
electric field is called electrostatic shielding.
 it is based on the fact that electric field vanishes inside the cavity of a hollow
conductor.
 During lightning it is safest to sit inside a car, rather than near a tree.

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 10

Assignment:

1. Two conducting spheres of radii r1 and r2 are at the same potential. The ratio of their charge
density is:
(a) ( r12 / r22 ) (b) ( r22 / r12 ) (c) ( r1 / r2 ) (d) ( r2 / r1 ).

2. A proton has a mass of 1.67x10 -27 kg and charge 1.6x10 -19 coulomb. If the proton is to be
accelerated through a potential difference of one million volts, then the KE is:
(a) 1.6x10-15 J (b) 1.6x10-13 J (c) 1.6x10-25 J (d) 3.2x10-13 J.

3. Work done in carrying a charge Q once round a circle of radius r with a charge Q at the center is:
(a) 1/4π  0 Q/r (b) QQ'/4π  0 r (c) zero (d) QQ'/2r.

4. The electric potential difference between two parallel plates is 2000 volts. If the plates are separated
by 2 mm, what is the magnitude of electrostatic force (in Newton) on charge of 4x10 -6 C located
midway between the plates?
(a) 4 N (b) 6 N (c) 8 N (d) 1.5x10-6 N.

5. Two spheres of radii R 1 and R2 respectively are charged and joined by a wire. The ratio of electric field
of the spheres is:
R 22 R12 R R
(a) 2 (b) 2 (c) 2 (d) 1 .
R1 R2 R1 R2

6. Identical charges (-q) are placed at each corner of a cube of side b; then the electrostatic potential
energy of charge (+q) placed at the centre of the cube will be:
(a) -4 2 q2/π  0 (b) 8 2 q2/ π  0 b (c) -4q2/ 3 π  0 b (d) 8 2 q2/4 π  0 b.

7. Electric potential at any point is: V=-5x+3y+ 15 z; then the magnitude of electric field is:
(a) 3 2 (b) 4 2 (c) 5 2 (d) 7

8. A thin spherical conducting shell of radius R has charge q. Another charge Q is placed at the centre of
the shell. The electrostatic potential at a point P at a distance R/2 from the centre of the shell is:
(a) 2Q / 4 π  0 R (b) (q+Q)2 / 4 π  0 R

(c) 2Q / 4 π  0 R - 2q/4 π  0 R (d) 2Q / 4 π  0 R + 2q/4 π  0 R

9. Two thin wire rings each having a radius R are placed at a distance d apart with their axes coinciding.
The charges on the two rings are +Q and -Q. The potential difference between the centres of the two
rings is:
(a) Zero (b) Q/4 π  0 [1/R-1/ R 2  d 2 ]

(c) QR / 4 π  0 d2 (d) Q/ 2π  0 [1/R-1/ R 2  d 2 ]

10. A proton is about 1840 times heavier than an electron. When it is accelerated by a potential
difference of 1 kV, its kinetic energy will be:
(a) 1840 keV (b) 1/1840 keV (c) 1 keV (d) 920 keV

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 11

 Answer:1.d 2.b 3.c 4.a 5.c 6.c 7.d 8.d 9.d 10.c 11.b

*******************************************

: CAPACITANCE:
Concept of capacitance:-

Capacitance of a conductor is a measure of ability of the conductor to store charge on it. When a
conductor is charged then its potential rises.

The increase in potential is directly proportional to the charge given to the conductor.

Q  V,  Q = CV.

The constant C is known as the capacity of the conductor.

 Capacitance is a scalar quantity with dimension,

Q Q 2 [ A2T 2 ]
C   2 2
 [ M 1 L2T 4 A2 ]
V W [ ML T ]
 Unit: - farad, coulomb/volt.
 Theoretically infinite amount of charge can be given to a conductor. But practically the
electric field becomes so large that it causes ionisation of medium surrounding it. The
charge on conductor leaks reducing its potential.

The capacitance of a spherical conductor:-

When a charge Q is given to an isolated spherical conductor then its potential rises,

Q
V
40 R
Q
C   40 R.
V

If conductor is placed in a medium then,

Cm  4R  40 r R .

Capacitance depends upon:

 Size and Shape of Conductor.

 Surrounding medium.
 Presence of other conductors nearby.

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 12

 Condenser/capacitor:-

Capacitor is a charge storing device which consists a pair of conductor separated by a dielectric
medium.

 Depending on the shape of the capacitor capacitors are parallel plate capacitor, cylindrical
capacitors or spherical capacitors etc.
 Again depending upon the dielectric placed in between the plates of capacitors the name of
capacitors are parallel plate air capacitor, parallel plate mica capacitor etc.
 The symbol of capacitors is,

Principle of a Condenser:-

 It is based on the fact that capacitance can be increased by reducing

potential keeping the charge constant. Consider a conducting plate M which
Q
is given a charge ‘Q’ such that its potential rises to V then, C  .
V

 Let us place another identical conducting plate N parallel to it such that

charge is induced on plate N (as shown in figure). If V – is the potential at M
due to induced negative charge on N and V+ is the potential at M due to

Q Q
induced positive charge on N, then, C ' 
V '
V  V  V
 Since V' < V (as the induced negative charge lies closer to the plate M in
comparison to induced positive charge).

 C' > C

Further, if N is earthed from the outer side (see figure) then V" = V+ V–.

(The entire positive charge flows to the earth)

Q Q
C"    C "  C.
V " V  V

 If an identical earthed conductor is placed in the vicinity of a charged conductor then the
capacitance of the charged conductor increases appreciable. This is the principle of a parallel plate
capacitor.

Energy stored in a charged capacitor:-

Let C is capacitance of a conductor. On being connected to a battery. It charges to a potential ‘V’

from zero potential. If q is charge on the conductor at that time then q = CV.
Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 13
 Let battery supplies small amount of charge dq to the conductor at constant potential V. Then
small amount of work done by the battery against the force exerted by existing charge is,
Q
1 q2 
Q
q q Q2
dw  Vdq  dq  W   dq     W  .
C 0
C C  2 0 2C

Where Q is the final charge acquired by the conductor. This work done is stored as potential
Q 2 1 (CV ) 2 1 1Q 1
energy, so U   CV 2   V 2  QV .
2C 2 C 2 2 V  2

Q2 1 1
 U  CV 2  QV .
2C 2 2

Note:-
 As the potential of the Earth is assumed to be zero, capacity of earth or a conductor
q q
connected to earth will be infinite, C    
V 0
6.4 10 6
 Actual capacity of the Earth: C  40 R   711F .
9 10 9
 Work done by battery Wb = (charge given by battery) × (emf) = QV ,
1
But Energy stored in conductor is QV . , so 50% energy supplied by the battery is lost in
2
form of heat.
Redistribution of charges and loss of energy :-
When two charged conductors are connected by a conducting wire then charge flows from a
conductor at higher potential to that at lower potential. This flow of charge stops when the
potential of two conductors became equal. Let the amounts of charges after the conductors are
connected are Q1 ' and Q2 ' respectively and potential is V then

Common potential:-

According to law of Conservation of charge,

QBefore connection  Q After connection  C1V1  C 2V2  C1V  C 2V

C1V1  C 2V2
 Common potential after connection, V
C1  C 2
Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 14
  Charges after connection:
 Q  Q2   C1 
Q1'  C1V  C1  1    Q.
 C1  C2   C1  C2 
 Q  Q2   C2 
Q2'  C2V  C2  1    Q. [ Q is the total ch arg e of the system.]
 C1  C2   C1  C2 

 Ratio of the charges after redistribution:

Q1' C1V R1
  ( In case of spherical conductor)
Q2' C2V R2
 Loss of energy in redistribution: When charge flows through the conducting wire then energy
is lost mainly on account of Joule effect, electrical energy is converted into heat energy, so
change in energy of this system,
1 1  1 1 
U  U f  U i   C1V 2  C2V 2    C1V12  C2V22 
2 2  2 2 
1 CC 
 U    1 2 V1  V2 
2

2  C1  C2 
Here negative sign indicates that energy of the system decreases in the process.

Capacitance of aParallel plate air capacitor:-

The Capacitor consists of two metallic plates M and N each of area A at separation d. Plate M is
positively charged and plate N is earthed.

 q
The electric field between two plates, E 
 0 A 0

qd
The p.d between two plates, V  Ed 
A 0

q q  A
Capaci tan ce of thecapacitor , C    0 .
V qd / A 0 d

Force between the plates:

The two plates of capacitor attract each other because they are oppositely charged.

The electric field due to  ve plate at the position of  ve plate,

 q .
E 
2 0 2 A 0

q2
The force on  ve ch arg e ch arg e plate is , F  qE   .
2 A 0

The –ve sign indicates the force is attractive.

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 15

 Force per unit area or energy density or electrostatic pressure
F q2 1 q2 1  1 
 u    0 ( 2 2 )   0 ( ) 2   0 E 2 . [ E  ]
A 2A 0 2
2
A 0 2 0 2 0

Here E is the electric field between two plates of the capacitor.

OR

Energy per unit volume is called energy density,

1
CV 2
U 2  0 A( Ed ) 2 1
u      0E 2.
Volume Ad 2d  Ad 2

Combination of capacitor:
 Capacitor in series:

In this arrangement of capacitors the charge has no

alternative path(s) to flow.

(i) The charges on each capacitor are equal,

I.e. Q = C1 V1 = C2 V2 = C3 V3.
(ii) The total potential difference across AB is shared by the capacitors in the inverse ratio of
the capacitances, V = V1 + V2 + V3.
If CS is the net capacitance of the series combination, then
Q Q Q Q 1 1 1 1
       .
C S C1 C 2 C3 C S C1 C 2 C3
1 1 1 1
Hence,    .
C S C1 C 2 C3
 Capacitors in parallel:
In such arrangement of capacitors the charge has an alternative path(s) to flow.

(i) The potential difference across each capacitor is same and equal the
total potential applied.
I.e. V = V1 = V2 = V3.
Q Q Q
V  1  2  3 .
C1 C 2 C3
(ii) The total charge Q is shared by each capacitor in the direct ratio of
the capacitances.
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3.
If CP is the net capacitance for the parallel combination of capacitors:
CP V = C1 V + C2 V + C3 V  CP = C1 + C2 + C3.
Note:-
 For a given voltage to store maximum energy capacitors should be connected in parallel.

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 16

  If n identical capacitors each having breakdown voltage V are joined in
(i) Series then the break down voltage of the combination is equal to nV.
(ii) Parallel then the breakdown voltage of the combination is equal to V.
 Two capacitors are connected in series with a battery. Now battery is
removed and loose wires connected together then final charge on
each capacitor is zero.
 If ‘n’ identical capacitors are connected then:
C
C series  , C parallel  nC .
n
 In DC capacitor's offers infinite resistance in steady state, so there will be no current flows
through capacitor branch.

Dielectrics:-
The dielectrics are special types of insulators which don’t conduct electricity but
transmits electricity.
 All dielectric are insulators but all insulators are not dielectric .
Dielectrics are non conductors upto certain value of field depending on its nature. If the
field exceeds this limiting value called dielectric strength they lose their insulating property
and begin to conduct.
 Dielectric strength is defined as the maximum value of electric field that a dielectric can
tolerate without breakdown.
Example: The dielectric strength of air is 3 x10 6 V/m.
Polar dielectrics :-
 In absence of external field the centres of positive and negative charge do not coincide-due to
asymmetric shape of molecules.
 Each molecule has permanent dipole moment.
 The dipole are randomly oriented so average dipole moment per unit volume of polar
dielectric in absence of external field is nearly zero.
 In presence of external field dipoles tends to align in direction of field.
Ex. Water, Alcohol, CO 2, HCl, NH3.
Non polar dielectrics;
 In absence of external field the centre of positive and negative charge coincides in these
atoms or molecules because they are symmetric.
 The dipole moment is zero in normal state.
 In presence of external field they acquire induced dipole moment.
Ex. Nitrogen, Oxygen, Benzene, Methane

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 17

 Polarisation: The alignment of dipole moments of permanent or induced dipoles of
a dielectric in the direction of applied electric field is called polarisation.

 When a polar or non-polar dielectric placed in an external

electric field then the molecular dielectrics align opposite
to the external electric field. Hence the net electric field
E
inside the dielectric decreases, E  0 , where ‘k’ is thee
k
dielectric constant of the dielectric.
(Where E0 is external electric field)
 Electric susceptibility (χE): is an electrical property of a
medium which shows how easily it can be electrified.
 The relation between dielectric constant and electric
susceptibility is, k=1+ χE.

Capacitor is partially filled with dielectric:-

When the dielectric is filed partially between plates, the thickness of dielectric
slab is t. (t < d).

If no slab is introduced between the plates of the capacitor, then a field E 0 given by, E0=σ/ϵ0. Exists in
a space‘d’.

On inserting the slab of thickness t, a field, E=E0/k. Exists inside the slab
of thickness t and a field E0 exists in remaining space (d – t).

If V is total potential then, V = E0 (d – t) + E t.

E  t   t Q  t
 V  E0 (d  t )  0 t  E0  d  t     d  t    d  t  
k  k  0  k  A 0  k
E
[ As E  0 , where k is dielectric cons tan t ].
k

Q Q Q 0 A 0 A
We know C    
V  t  t
d t 
t
E0  d  t   Q d  t  
 k  k k

 If the dielectric is fully present between the spaces. i.e. t = d.

0 A k A
Cm   0 .
d d
d d 
k

 If capacitor is partially filled by a conducting slab of thickness (t<d).

Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 18

 0 A 0 A
For conductors k  , C   .
t d t
d t 


Question: -Explain how the, (i) charge (ii) capacitance(iii) electric field between the plates (iv)
potential difference between the plates(v) and energy stored,
Changes when a dielectric slab of dielectric constant ‘k’ will be inserted between two
plates of a parallel plate air capacitor.
Answer: let ,(i) charge ‘q0’(ii)capacitance ‘C0’(iii) electric field between the plates ‘E0’ (iv) potential
difference between the plates ‘V0’(v) and energy of parallel plate air capacitor ‘U0’.
 Case -1 (dielectric slab inserted when the battery is in connection):
(i) Potential difference between the plates remain constant, i.e V1=V0.

(ii) Charge increases by k times, Q1=C1V1=k C 0V0=KQ0.

(iii) Capacitance increases by ‘k’ times, C=kC0.
V V
(iv) Electric field between the plates remain constant, E1  1  0  E0 .
d d
1 1
(v) Energy stored increases by ‘k’ times , U 1  C1V12  kC0V02  kU 0 .
2 2
 Case -1 (dielectric slab inserted after disconnecting the battery ):
(i) Charge remain constant, Q2=Q0.
(ii) Capacitance increases by ‘k’ times, C=kC0.
(iii) Potential difference between the plates decreases by ‘k’ times,
Q Q V
i.e. V2  2  0  0 .
C 2 kC0 k

V2 V0 E0
(iv) Electric field between the plates decreases by ‘k’ times, E 2    .
d kd k
1 1 V2 U
(v) Energy stored decreases by ‘k’ times , U 2  C2V22  kC0 02  0 .
2 2 k k

Assignment:-
1. Two identical parallel plate air capacitors A and B are
connected to a battery of p.d. V as shown with switch S
Closed. Now the switch is opened and the free space
between the plates filled by a dielectric of dielectric
constant k. find the ratio of total energy stored in both
the capacitors before and after the dielectric is
2k
introduced. Answer: 2
k 1
2. A parallel-plate capacitor has capacitance of 1.0 F. If the plates are 1.0 mm apart, what is the area of the
plates? Answer: 1.1 x108m2.
Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 19
 3. Find the charges on different capacitors?
Answer:-30µC,20 µC and 10 µC.

4. Find the equivalent capacitance between A and B.

Hints:

5. Find the equivalent capacitance between A and B.

Answer: 5C/3.
6. Convince yourself that parts (a), (b) and (c) of figure are identical. Find the capacitance between the points A
and B of the assembly.

Answer: 2.25µF.
7. Find the equivalent capacitance of the infinite ladder shown in figure between the points A and B.

Answer: 2 µF.
Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 20
 8. It is required to construct a 10 µF capacitor which can be connected across a 200 V battery. Capacitors of
capacitance 10 µF are available but they can withstand only 50 V. Design a combination which can yield the
desired result. Answer: (1 x4) x4=16
9. Take the potential of the point B in figure to be zero.
(a) Find the potentials at the points C and D.
(b) If a capacitor is connected between C and D, what charge will appear on this capacitor?
Answer (a) 50/3 µV at each point (b) zero

10. A capacitor of capacitance 200 µF charged by a battery of upto P.D 100V than connected with an identical
uncharged capacitor. Calculate the energy lost during the process.
Answer: 0.5J

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Umakanta Sir’s class note Page 21