KEY CONCEPT

1. Conductor and its capacitance

1.3 Capacitance of an Spherical conductor
When a conductor is charged its potential Let R = radius of the spherical conductor.
increases. The potential difference of a conductor
is proportional to charge given to it.
 R
If q = charge on the conductor
V = potential of the conductor
It is found that q  V 1.3.1 If the medium around the conductor is
vacuum or air,
 q = CV
Cvacuum = 40 R
where C is the proportionality constant. The
1.3.2 If the medium around the conductor is
constant C is called its capacitance.
in a dielectric of constant K.
1.1 Capacitance of a conductor : Cmedium = 4 KR
1.3.3 The electric potential energy of sphere
Capacitance of a conductor is the charge
is given by
required to increase its potential by unity.
q2 q2
1.1.1 It is a scalar quantity. Its unit is Farad in U= =
2C 8 0 R
SI unit.
2. Capacitor
1.1.2 One Farad is large quantity. Generally
smaller units like 1 F = 10–6 F, 2.1 When an uncharged conductor is brought near
1 nF = 10–9 F or 1 pF = 10–12 F is used. a charged conductor, the charge on the
conductors remains same but its potential
1 Coulomb
1 Farad = decreases resulting in the increase in the
1 Volt
capacitance.
1.2 Self energy or potential energy of conductor : 2.2 When two equal and oppositely charged
Work done in charging a conductor against its conductors are placed side by side, the system
own electric field is called electrical potential is called capacitor.
energy.
2.3 The conductors are called the plates of the
1.2.1 Electric potential energy capacitor.
1 q2 1 1
U= = CV2 = qV 2.4 Formula for the capacitor.
2 C 2 2
1.2.2 This energy is stored in the electric 2.4.1 Q = CV
field of the conductor. Electrical energy 2.4.2 Energy stored in the capacitor
density (energy per unit volume), is
1 1 Q2 1
1 = CV2 = = QV
u =  E2 2 2 C 2
2
2.4.3 At any point the energy density is
Where
1
q = charge on the conductor  E2.
2 0
V = potential of the conductor
C = capacity of the conductor
E = electric field at a point.
 2.4.4 The capacitor is denoted by + – . K A 0 K 1 A 1  K 2 A 2  ...
C=
K A d
Showing the (+) ve and (–) ve charge
on the corresponding plates.
3. Combination of Capacitors
2.5 Parallel plate capacitor and its capacitance
3.1 Series combination
When conductors of capacitor are two parallel
planes separated by some distance, the when capacitors are connected one after the
capacitor is parallel plate capacitor. Assume another as shown, the combination is called
A = plate area
series combination.
d = distance between the plates
C C C
2.5.1 When only air is between the plates
+Q –Q +Q –Q +Q –Q

E
A
 A
Cair = 0
d 3.1.1 If capacitors are initially uncharged,
d after the connection charge on each

2.5.2 When the space between the plates is capacitor is exactly same.
filled with a dielectric of dielectric
3.1.2 As the capacitances are different, the
constant K.
 KA C potential across each capacitor is
Cmed = 0 (Where K = med )
d C air different.
2.5.3 when the space between the plates is Q Q
filled with parallel plates of different V1 = , V2 = , .....
C1 C2
dielectrics as shown
A 0
C= 3.1.3 Equivalent capacitance of any
t1 t 2 t 3
   .... combination is that capacitance which
k1 k 2 k 3
t1 t2 t3 t4 when connected in place of the
combination, stores same charge and
same energy as that of the combination.

C1 C2 C3
k1 k2 k3 k4
where t1 + t2 + t3 + ....= d The equivalent capacitance C is

2.5.4 When only one dielectric sheet of 1 1 1 1

= + + + ......
dielectric constant K of thickness t (< d) C C1 C 2 C 3
is between the plates
0 A 3.2 Parallel combination
C=
t If one plate of each capacitor is connected
dt
K together and the other plate of each capacitor
is connected together, such combination is
2.5.5 When a conducting sheet of thickness t
called parallel combination.
(< d) is placed between the plate
 A
C= 0
dt
2.5.6 If the space between plates is filled with
perpendicular plates
 Q1 C1
B
+ – C1
Q2 C2 C3 C1 C3
+ – A C B
or A C
Q3 C3 C
C2 C4
+ – C2 C4
D
V

3.2.1 The potential across each capacitor is

same. 4. Problems based on parallel plates
3.2.2 As the capacitance of each capacitor is 4.1 When n parallel plates are placed equally
different, charge on each capacitor is spaced and alternate plates are joined, it
different. forms n–1 capacitors in parallel combination.
3.2.3 The charge on the capacitor is A
proportional to the capacitance. B
Q1 : Q2 : Q3 = C1 : C2 : C3 Let A = Area of the plate
or QC d = separation between plates
Equivalent capacitance between A and B is
3.2.4 Equivalent capacitance of parallel
C = (4 – 1) C0
combination between A and B.
= 3C0
C1
0 A
A B Where C0 = (Capacitance between two
C2 d
plate)
C3
4.2 When alternate plates are not connected, do
C = C1 + C2 + C3 + .....
the following steps.
3.4 Wheatstone Bridge 4.2.1 Number the each plates
If a capacitive circuit as shown below
C C 4.2.2 The plates having equal potential
satisfies 1 = 3 should be connected together.
C2 C4
B 4.2.3 Two neighbouring plates not at same
C1 potential be replaced by a capacitor.
C3

A C5 C 5. Kirchoff’s Laws
5.1 First Law : According to this law the charge
C2 C4
coming to a junction is equal to charge
D flowing away from it. It is based on
conservation of charge.
Q1 Q3

3.4.1 This is called balanced Wheatstone

bridge. Q2 Q4
3.4.2 In this case VB = VD Q1 + Q2 + Q3 = Q4
3.4.3 Charge on capacitor C5 is zero 5.2 Second Law : It is based on conservation of
energy. In a closed loop of electric circuit the
3.4.4 The equivalent circuit in this case is algebraic sum of the potential drop across
each element is zero.
5.3 Sign convention :
 A E VA – VB = E Q+ –Q Q2
Battery – + B F=
2 0 A
C Q
Capacitor A +Q B VA – VB = F F (This force is
–Q C independent of K)
Resistor A i R B VA – VB = iR d

6. Work done by Battery and Heat loss 9. Force on a dielectric inside a capacitor
When any change (eg. switching, inserting When a dielectric slab is inserted between the
dielectric or displacing plates etc) is made in charged parallel plates, the slab experiences a
circuit, then redistribution of charge occurs and force as shown in figure.
demands extra charge which may be supplied by
the battery, here battery does some work upon
circuit & flow of charge causes heat loss. These V
d
are given by F
Work done by Battery K
Wb = emf × charge flown A Q E
B b
= E Q + – x
(Battery does –ve work and charge is supplied 
into the batteries)
Force on the dielectric slab is given by
& Heat loss H = Wf – U
(Where U = change in potential energy stored) 1 0 (k  1)b 2
F= V
2 d
7. Different types of Capacitors (where V = potential difference between the
7.1 Spherical Capacitor slabs at that instant.)

a Important Points
b 1. Energy of charged conductor resides outside the
conductor in its electric field whereas in capacitor
If outer sphere is earthed. If the space or condenser it is stored between the plates of
between the two spheres is air or vacuum.
condenser in its electric field.
4 0 ab
Cair=
ba 2. Self energy of a non-conducting uniformly
(If the space between the shells is filled with 3Q 2
dielectrics of dielectric constant K, 0 should charged sphere is .
20  R
be replaced by 0K)
7.2 Cylindrical Capacitor 3. Capacitance of capacitor depends only upon size,
shape and medium between the plates (i.e.
independent of charge, voltage and types of
2 0  conductor like whether it is copper, silver, gold etc.)
a C=
 b 4. Equivalent capacitance of series combination is
b n
a numerically lesser than the least one of all
capacitances.
5. If few capacitors have initial charge in circuit, one
8. Force between two plates of a charged should not use series & parallel approach. Here
parallel plate capacitor Kirchoff's Laws should only be used.
Q = charge on the plates 6. If some changes are made in circuit (like
A = surface area switching, insertion of dielectric, change in
d = separation between plates capacitance), Analyse the circuit before and after
K = dielectric constant between the plates
the change.
7. Electric force per unit Area (Electrostatic
pressure) at a point on the surface is numerically
same as energy density at that point.
 SOLVED EXAMPLES
Ex.1 If you have several 2.0 F capacitors, each
capable of withstanding 200 V without (C)
breakdown, how would you assemble a
combination which has an equivalent
capacitance of (D)
(a) 0.4 F and
Sol. (A)
(b) 1.2 F, each withstanding 1000 V ? Capacitances are -
Sol. (a) Connect five such capacitors in series, the (A) 10/11 µF (B) 8/13 µF
combination will have capacitance 0.4 (C) 6/13 µF (D) 4/11 µF
F, the voltage across each being 200 V,
the total voltage that the combination can Ex.4 The dielectric K1 and K2 are filled between
withstand will be 1000V. the plates of a capacitor as shown in fig. The
(b) make three rows, each of 5 such capacity of the system is –
capacitors in series and connect the rows P
in parallel.
Ex.2 N identical capacitors are connected in K1
parallel and then a p.d. of V is applied to
them. What is the p.d. when these capacitors K2
are reconnected in series, their charges being
left undisturbed ?
Sol. The p.d is increased N times. The equivalent Q
capacitance is NC when in parallel and total 2 0 A ( K 1 K 2 )  A K  K2 
(A) (B) 0  1 
charge on the capacitors is Q = V × (NC). K 1  K 2  d d  2 
The equivalent capacitance when in series is
 A K1K 2  A
C/N. The charge on the equivalent capacitor (C) 0 (D) 0 (K1+ K2)
is Q/N. Hence the p.d. across the series K1  K 2  d d
Q / N Q VNC Sol. (A) Two capacitances may be considered in
combination is = = = VN. series.
C/ N C C
K  A K  A
C1 = 1 0 and C2 = 2 0
Ex.3 Seven capacitors each of capacitance 2 F are d/2 d/2
to be connected in a configuration to obtain C1 C 2 2K 1 K 2 0 A
an effective capacitance of (10/11)F. Which  C= =
C1  C 2 d(K 1  K 2 )
of the combination(s) shown in fig. will
achieve the desired result ? Ex.5 A potential difference of 300 V is applied to
two capacitors of 2.0 F and 8.0 F
connected in series.
(a) What are the charge and potential
(A) difference for each capacitor?
(b) The charged capacitors are reconnected
with their positive plates together and
their negative plates together, no external
voltage being applied. What are the
charge and potential difference for each ?
(B) (c) The charged capacitors in (a) are
reconnected with the plates of opposite
sign together. What are the charge and the
potential difference for each ?
Sol. (a) The equivalent capacitance
 8 2 0 A
= = 1.6 F C= where t = thickness of slab
8 2 dt  t/K
Charge taken by equivalent capacitor 0.05C 0 25C 0
= = ...(2)
= 300 × 1.6 = 480 C 0.01 21
Since in series connections charge on 0.04 
5
individual capacitors is the same as that of the Now C0 V0 = CV
equivalent capacitor, charge on each capacitor 25C 0
is 480 C. Since p.d. is divided among the C0 × 1500 = ×V
21
capacitors in the inverse ratio of capacitance, 1500  21
300 V is divided into ten equal parts, eight or V = = 1260 volt
25
parts being across the 2 F capacitor and two
Let x be the thickness of the metal plate. Now
across the 8F capacitor. the effective distance in air between the plates
300 is (5 – x) cm. Here it should be remembered
  p.d. across 2 F = × 8 = 240 V
10 that the metal sheet splits the single capacitor
300 into two in series.
p.d. across 8 F = × 2 = 60 V 0 A
10  Cf = farad
(b) 2 F and 8 F in parallel sum upto 10 F. Let (5  x ) / 100
V be the common potential. Then by Again CV = C0 V0 = Cf Vf
conserving charge before and after

C
 Vf = V0 0 = 1500 × 0 ×
 A 5  x 
480 + 480 = 10 × V Cf 0.05 0 A  100
or V = 96 V According to the problem Vf = 1260 volt
The total charge is divided among the  1500 × × = 1260
capacitors in the ratio of their capacitance. (5 – x) = 4.2 or x = 0.8 cm.
960
  charge on 2 F = × 2 = 192 C Ex.7 Five capacitors of 10 F capacity each, are
10 connected to a D.C. potential of 100V as
960 shown in the fig. The equivalent capacity
Charge on 8 F = × 8 = 768 C
10 between the points A and B will be -
(c) Now the difference of the charges will be C
shared by the capacitors.
  480 – 480 = V × 10 or V = 0 A B
Charge on 8 F = 0 and charge on 2 F = 0
Ex.6 The distance between the parallel plates of a
charged condenser is d = 5cm and the
D
intensity of the field E = 300 V cm–1. A slab 100 V
of dielectric constant K = 5 and 1 cm wide is (A) 40 F (B) 20 F
inserted parallel to the plates. Determine the (C) 30 F (D) 10 F
potential difference between the plates, before Sol. (D)
and after the slab is inserted. If the slab is C
replaced by a metal plates so that the final
potential difference remains same as that in A B
case of slab unchanged, what be the thickness
of the plate?
Sol. Potential difference without introducing the D
slab is given by 100 V
V0 = E × d = 300 × 5 = 1500 volt Since the circuit is balanced wheatstone
The capacitance C0 is given by bridge there is no charge on the capacitor
 A  A connected between C & D. The equivalent
C0 = 0 = 0 farad circuit is.
d 0.05
 ceq = 10 µF
 0 A = 0.05 C0 ...(1)
when the slab is inserted, the capacitance C is Ex.8 A cylindrical capacitor has radii a and b.
given by Show that half the stored electrical potential
 energy lies within a cylinder whose radius is C = C1 + C2
r = ab .
  C=
 –

K 0  R 2 K 0 R 2  0 R 2 
+
Q2 2d 2d 2d
Sol. Stored energy = = (Q2 nb/a) /40
2C 0 R 2
( C = 20/n b/a) or C = [K + (1– K) ] ...(4)
Stored energy within radius 2d
r = (Q2nr/a)/40 Initial energy


1
 (Q2 n r/a)/40 = (Q2 n b/a) / 40
1
Ui = C 0 V 2 =
K 0  R 2 2
V
  ...(5)
2 2 4d
  2n r/a = n b/a Final energy
 r2 /a2 = b/ a  r = ab 1  R2
Uf = . 0 [K + (1– K) ] V2 ...(6)
Ex.9 A capacitor consists of two stationary plates 2 2d
shaped as a semi- circle of radius R and a 0 R 2
movable plate made of dielectric with   U = Ui – Uf = (K – 1) V2 ...(7)
permittivity K and capable of rotating about 4d
an axis O between the stationary plates. The If M be the moment of force, then
thickness of movable plate is equal to d which  R2
is practically the separation between the M= 0 (K –1) V2
stationary plates. A potential difference V is 4d
applied to the capacitor. Find the magnitude of 0 R 2
the moment of forces relative to the axis O or M= (K – 1)V2
acting on the movable plate in the position 4d
shown in fig.
Ex.10 Find the value of the capacitance C if the
R equivalent capacitance between the points A
Dielectric Air and B is to be 1 F as shown in the figure.
  A
C 1F

6 F 4 F
8 F

12 F
Dielectric slab
Sol. Let C0 be the initial capacitance of the
condenser. Then 2 F 2 F

C0 =

K 0  R 2  ...(1)
B

2d (A)
In the rotated condition, let C1 be the new 1 F 8 F
A C D
capacity of inner condenser. Then
 R 2 R 2   C
K 0   
 2 2  8/3 F C
C1 = ...(2)
d
where outside plate area = R2 /2, because the
1
circumference is R and area is × R × (R)
2
i.e., R2 /2
If C2 be the capacity of outside condenser, B
then (B)
 R 2 Sol. Using ‘S’ for series and “+” for parallel, the
C2 = 0 ...(3) lower left part of the given circuit is
2d
In rotated position, the arrangement is equivalent to C1 see fig. (B), such that.
equivalent to two capacitors [of capacity C1 and 8x 4 8
C2] connected in parallel. Hence C1 = 8 S [2+2] = [8 S 4] = = F
8 4 3
 Similarly upper right part of the given circuit E 2 C 2  E 1C 2  E 1C 3  E 3 C 3
q1 + q2 = ...(3)
is equivalent to C2 such that. C3 C 2
 1
6 x 12 C1 C1
C2 = [6 S 12] + 4 = +4
(6  12)
Now V1 – V0 = V1 = –
q1  q 2  ( V0 = 0)
= 4 + 4 = 8F C1
with these simplifications the given circuit E1 C 2  C 3   E 2 C 2  E 3 C 3
reduces to the equivalent circuit as shown in   V1 =
C1  C 2  C 3
fig.(B) In this circuit equivalent capacitance
E 2 C1  C 3   E1C1  E 3 C 3
between point D and B Similarly, V2 =
C1  C 2  C 3
8
CDB = [1 S 8] + E C  C 2   E 1C1  E 2 C 2
3 and V3 = 3 1
C1  C 2  C 3
1 8 8 8 8 32
= + = + = F
(1  8) 3 9 3 9
Now, as according to given problem (32/9) in
series with C gives 1 F.
1 9 1 32
i.e., = + , C= F
1 32 C 23
Ex.11 Determine the potential at point 1 of the
circuit shown in fig. , assuming the potential
at the point O to be equal to zero. Using the
symmetry of the formula obtained, write the
expressions for the potentials at points 2
and 3.
E 1 C1
K L

E2 2 C2
P O

E 3 C
N M
Sol. Charge distribution is shown in fig. Consider
the loop NMLKN. Applying  V = 0, we
have
E1 1 C
K L
– +
(q +q )
E2 2 C
P + – O
q
E3 3 C
N + – M
q1
q1  q  q2 
– E3 + +  1  + E1 = 0 ...(1)
C3  C1 
Similarly for loop OLKPO, we get
 q1  q 2  q
  + E1 – E2 + 2 = 0 ...(2)
 C1  C2
Solving these equations, we get
 EXERCISE # 1
C
Capacitance its capacity becomes C. Then value of
based on C0
Q.1 Two insulated conducting charged spheres will be-
placed far away of radii R1 and R2 having
5 r 4 r
charges Q1 and Q2 respectively are connected (A) (B)
4 r  1 3 r  1
to each other, then there is –
(A) No change in the energy of the system 3 r 2 r
(C) (D)
(B) An increase in the energy of the system 2 r  1 r 1
(C) Always a decrease in the energy of the
system Q.6 Two metal plates form a parallel plate
(D) A decrease in energy of the system condenser. The distance between the plates is
unless Q1R2 = Q2 R1 d. A metal plate of thickness d/2 and of the
same area is inserted completely between the
Q.2 The distance between the plates of a circular
parallel plate condenser of diameter 40 mm, plates. The ratio of capacitances in the two
in order to make its capacity equal to that of a cases (later to initial) is -
metallic sphere of radius 1m, will be – (A) 2 : 1 (B) 1 : 2
(A) 0.1 mm (B) 10 mm (C) 1 : 1 (D) 1 : 4
(C) 0.01 mm (D) 1 mm
Q.7 A parallel plate capacitor is completely filled
Q.3 Two metal spheres of capacitances C1 and C2 by an insulating material 3 mm thick and of
carry some charges. They are put in contact relative permittivity 4. The distance between
and then separated. The final charges Q1 and the plates is increased to allow the insertion
Q2 on them will satisfy - of a second sheet 5 mm thick and of relative
Q1 C1 Q1 C1 permittivity r also. If the capacitance of the
(A)  (B) 
Q2 C2 Q2 C2 capacitor so formed is one-half of the original
Q1 C1 Q1 C 2 capacitance, then the value of r -
(C)  (D) 
Q2 C2 Q 2 C1 20 16
(A) (B)
3 3
based on
Parallel plate capacitor
10
(C) (D) None of these
Q.4 For making a parallel plate capacitor , two 3
plates of copper, a sheet of mica Equivalent capacitance (series &
(thickness = 0.1 mm, K = 5.4), a sheet of based on parallel combination
glass (thickness = 0.2 mm, K = 7) and a slab
of paraffin (thickness = 1.0 cm, K = 2) are Q.8 What is the equivalent capacitance of the
available. To obtain the largest capacitance, system of capacitors between A & B
which sheet should you place between the A
copper plates ?
C C
(A) Mica (B) Glass
C C C
(C) Paraffin (D) None of these
Q.5 The capacity of a parallel plate condenser is
B
C0. If a dielectric of relative permittivity r
(A) 7/6 C (B) 1.6 C
and thickness equal to one fourth the plate
(C) C (D) None of these
separation is placed between the plates, then
Q.9 If charge on left plate of the 5 F capacitor in Q.14 The equivalent capacity between the terminals
the circuit segment shown in the figure is –20 X and Y in the figure shown will be –
C, the charge on the right plate of 3 F X
capacitor is– 200pF
3F 200pF 100pF
100pF 100pF
5F C 2F 100pF
C Y
(A) 100 pF (B) 200 pF
4F (C) 300 pF (D) 400 pF
(A) + 8.57 C (B) – 8.57 C
Q.15 What is the capacitance of the capacitor of
(C) + 11.42 C (D) – 11.42 C square plates of area A, Shown in figure –
Q.10 Find the equivalent capacitance across A & B P
23F 7F
K3 d
C 13F 1F
A B
12F K1 d

10F 1F Q
28 15 0 A K 1 K 2
(A) F (B) F (A)
3 2 4d K 1  K 2
(C) 15 F (D) None of these  A K1 (K1  K 2 )
(B) 0
Q.11 Three plates A, B and C each of area 0.1 m2 d 3K 1  K 2
are separated by 0.885 mm from each other as  A K 1 ( K 1  3K 2 )
shown in the figure. A 10 V battery is used to (C) 0
4d K1  K 2
charge the system. The energy stored in the
0 A
system is – (D)
4d(K 1  3K 2 )
A
B Questions Redistribution of charge and Kirchoff
C 10V based on law

(A) 1 J (B) 10–1 J (C) 10–2 J (D)10–3 J Q.16 In the adjoining figure, capacitor (1) and (2)
have a capacitance 'C' each. When the
Q.12 In the circuit shown in figure, the ratio of dielectric of dielectric constant K is inserted
charges on 5 F and 4 F capacitor is – between the plates of one of the capacitor, the
2F total charge flowing through battery is –
3F E
B C
C
5F C C
A D
4F 1 2
KCE
6V (A) from B to C
K 1
(A) 4/5 (B) 3/5 (C) 3/8 (D) 1/2 KCE
(B) from C to B
Q.13 For circuit, the equivalent capacitance K 1
between P and Q is – ( K  1)CE
(C) from B to C
2(K  1)
P Q
C C C C C C ( K  1)CE
(D) from C to B
(A) 6C (B) 4C (C) 3C/2 (D) 3C/4 2(K  1)
Q.17 The distance between the plates of a charged Q.20 Two identical capacitors 1 and 2 are
parallel plate capacitor is 5 cm and electric connected in series to a battery as shown in
–1
field inside the plates is 200 Vcm . An figure. Capacitor 2 contains a dielectric slab
uncharged metal bar of width 2 cm is fully of dielectric constant k as shown. Q1 and Q2
immersed into the capacitor. The length of the are the charges stored in the capacitors. Now
metal bar is same as that of plate of capacitor. the dielectric slab is removed and the
The voltage across capacitor after the corresponding charges are Q1 and Q2.
immersion of the bar is -
Then –
(A) zero (B) 400 V
(C) 600 V (D) 100 V
1 2
Q.18 Five capacitors are connected as shown in
figure below. Initially S is opened and all
capacitors are uncharged. When S is closed, E
steady state is obtained. The p.d. between the Q1 k  1 Q 2 k  1
(A) = (B) =
points M and N will be ................... Q1 k Q2 2
S M Q 2 k  1 Q1 k
(C) = (D) =
4µF 2µF 4µF Q2 2k Q1 2
7V 31V
6µF 1.2µF Q.21 Condenser A has a capacity of 15 F when it
N is filled with a medium of dielectric constant
(A) 6 V (B) 8V 15. Another condenser B has a capacity 1 F
(C) 12V (D) 4V with air between the plates. Both are charged

Q.19 Four equal capacitors , each with a capacitance separately by a battery of 100 V. After

(C) lare connected to a battery of E.M.F 10 charging, both are connected in parallel
volts as shown in the adjoining figure. The mid without the battery and the dielectric material
point of the capacitor system is connected to being removed. The common potential now
earth. Then the potentials of B and D are is-
respectively – (A) 400 V (B) 800 V
A C (C) 1200 V (D) 1600 V

based on Various parameters of capacitor

Q.22 A capacitor is connected to a battery. The

B D
force of attraction between the plates when
Earth
the separation between them is halved -
(A) + 10 volts, zero volts (A) remains the same
(B) + 5 volts, – 5 volts (B) becomes eight times
(C) – 5 volts, + 5volts (C) becomes four times
(D) zero volts, 10 volts (D) becomes two times
Q.23 A parallel plate capacitor has two layers of of a dielectric of equal thickness d are
dielectric as shown in figure. This capacitor is inserted between the plates as shown in
connected across a battery. The graph which figure. Potential versus distance graph will
shows the variation of electric field (E) and look like –
distance (x) from left plate – Cond. Diele.
y
k=2 k=4

x
(d,0) (3d,0)
y y x=0 x=d x=2d x=3d x=4d x=5d
V
(A) (B)
x x
(d,0) (3d,0) (d,0) (3d,0)
y
(A)
y

(C) (D) x
x x d 2d 3d 4d 5d
(d,0) (3d,0) (d,0) (3d,0) V
Q.24 On placing a dielectric plate between the
plates of a isolated charged condenser its –
Potential Energy Electric (B)
Capacity Charge
ifference stored field
(A) Decreases Remains Decreases Increases Increases
unchanged
(B) Increases Remains Increases Increases Decreases x
unchanged
d 2d 3d 4d 5d
(C) Increases Remains Decreases Decreases Decreases V
unchanged
(D) Decreases Remains Decreases Increases Remains
unchanged unchanged
(C)
Q.25 In the adjoining diagram identical capacitors
C1 and C2 are connected to battery. Air is
filled between the plates of C1 and a dielectric x
d 3d 4d 5d
is filled between the plates C2, then –
V

+ C2 C1
K 0
– q2 q1
(D)
(A) q1 < q2 (B) q1 > q2
(C) q1 + q2 (D) None of these
x
d 2d 3d 4d 5d
Q.26 The distance between plates of a parallel plate
capacitor is 5d. Let the positively charged
plate is at x = 0 and negatively charged plate is at
x = 5d. Two slabs one of conductor and other
 EXERCISE # 2
A
Only single correct answer type A1
Part-A
questions
r1
Q.1 A positive charge q is given to each plate of a
r2
parallel plate air capacitor having area of each
plate A and separation between them, d -
(A) Since both the plates are identically
charged, therefore, capacitance becomes 4 0 k r1 .r2
(A) (B) 4 (r1 + r2)
r2  r1
equal to zero
(B) Energy stored in the space between the (C) 4 r2 (D) 4 r1

q2A Q.4 A thin metal plate P is inserted between the

capacitor plates is equal to
0A plates of a parallel plate capacitor of capacity
(C) No charge appears on inner surface of the C in such a way that its edges touch the two
plates plates figure The capacity now becomes-
(D) Potential difference between the plates is
2qd
equal to
0A
P
Q.2 Two identical capacitors are joined in
parallel, charged to a potential V, separated
and then connected in series, i.e., the positive
(A) C/2 (B) 2C (C) Zero (D) 
plate of one is connected to the negative of
the other- Q.5 A parallel plate capacitor has a dielectric slab
in it. The slab just fills the space inside the
capacitor. The capacitor is charged by a
+ – + – battery and then battery is disconnected. Now
the slab is started to pull out slowly at t = 0. If
V
Free plates at time t, capacitance of the capacitor is C,
(A) The charge on the plates connected then which of the following graphs is
together are destroyed correct ?
(B) The charge on free plates are enhanced C C
(C) The energy stored in the system increases (A) (B)
(D) The P.D. between the free plates is 2V
O t O t
Q.3 Two spherical conductors A1 and A2 of radii
C C
r1 and r2 are placed concentrically in air. The
(C) (D)
two are connected by a copper wire as shown
in fig. Then the equivalent capacitance of the O t O t
system is-
Q.6 A spherical conductor A of radius r is placed Q.10 A capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a
concentrically inside a conducting shell B of potential difference V0. The charging battery
radius R (R > r). A charge Q is given to A, is disconnected and the capacitor is connected
and then A is joined to B by a metal wire. The to an uncharged capacitor of unknown
charge flowing from A to B will be - capacitance Cx. The P.D. across the
 R   r  combination is V. The value of Cx should be-
(A) Q   (B) Q  
Rr Rr C(V0  V ) C(V  V0 )
(A) (B)
(C) Q (D) zero V V
Q.7 If the current, charging a capacitor, is kept CV CV0
(C) (D)
V0 V
constant then the potential difference V
across the capacitor varies with time t as – Q.11 A capacitor of capacitance C0 is charged to a
V potential V0 and then isolated. A small
V
uncharged capacitor C is then charged from
(A) (B) C0, discharged and charged again; the process
being repeated n times. Due to this, potential
O O of the larger capacitor is decreased to V. Value
V of C is -
V
(A) C0 [V0/V]1/n (B) C0 [(V0/V)1/n – 1]
(C) (C) C0 [(V0/V) – 1]n (D) C0 [(V/V0)n + 1]
(D)
Q.12 The equivalent capacitance between point A
O O
and B is –
Q.8 Two metallic spheres of radii a and b are C
separated by a distance d as shown in figure. A
the capacity of the system is (assuming d is
C C
very large in comparison to a and b) -
C C C
a
d b B
(A) C/4 (B) C/2
(A) 4 0/(1/a + 1/b – 2/d) (C) C (D) 2C
(B) 2 0/(1/a – 1/b + 1/d)
Q.13 The diagram shows four capacitors with
(C) 4 0/(1/a + 1/b – 1/d) capacitances and break down voltages as
(D) 4 0(a + b) mentioned. What should be the maximum
value of the external emf source such that no
Q.9 A capacitor of capacitance 160 µF is charged capacitor breaks down ?
to a potential difference of 200V and then
connected across a discharge tube which 3C;1kV 2C;2kV
conducts until the potential difference across
it has failed to 100 V. The energy dissipated 7C;1kV 3C;2kV
in the tube is -
(A) 6.4 J (B) 4.8 J
(A) 2.5 kV (B) 10/3 kV
(C) 3.2 J (D) 2.4 J
(C) 3 kV (D) 1 kV
Q.14 A dielectric slab is inserted between the Q.17 How much positive charge should be given to
plates of an isolated charged capacitor. The the earth so that to have same potential that of
force on the plates will - a positively charged sphere of 1 C and
(A) Increase (B) Decrease radius
(C) Remain unchanged (D) Become zero 1 cm. Radius of earth = 6400 km -
Q.15 Two metal plates of isolated capacitor having (A) 600 Coulomb (B) 640 Coulomb
charges Q, – Q face each other at some (C) 340 Coulomb (D) 240 Coulomb
separation and are dipped into an oil tank. If
Q.18 Five identical plates each of area A are joined
the oil is pumped out, the electric field
as shown in the figure the distance between
between the plates will -
the plates is d. The plates are connected to a
(A) increase (B) decrease
potential difference of V volts. The charges
(C) remain the same (D) become zero
on plates 1 and 4 will be –
Q.16 A condenser of 2µF capacity is charged
steadily from 0 to 5 coulomb, which of the
following graphs correctly represents the
variation of potential difference across its –
V
1 2 3 4 5 +
plates with respect to charge on the
condenser–
V (volts) × 10
 0 AV 2 0 AV  0 AV 2 0 AV
(A) , (B) ,
d d d d
(A)  0 AV 2 0 AV  0 AV 2 0 AV
5
(C) , (D) ,
d d d d
5 Q (coul)
Q.19 A dielectric slab of area A and thickness d is
V (volts) × 10 inserted between the plates of a capacitor of
area 2A and distance between plates d with a
10
constant speed v as shown in the fig. The
(B)
5 capacitor is connected to a battery of emf E.
The current in the circuit varies with time as
5 Q (coul)
V (volts) × 10
v E

(C)
2.5 I
I
5 Q (coul)
V (volts) × 106 (A) (B)
t
t
I
2.5 I
(D)

(C) t (D)
5 Q (coul)
t
Q.20 A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is S V = 30 V V = 20 V
S
connected to a battery and is charged to a
C = 2pFS C = 3pF
potential difference V. Another capacitor of
capacitance 2C is similarly charged to a
potential difference 2V. The charging battery
is now disconnected and the capacitor are (A) with S1 closed, V1 = 15 V, V2 = 20 V
connected in parallel to each other in such a
(B) with S3 closed, V1 = V2 = 25 V
way that the positive terminal of one is
(C) with S1 and S2 closed, V1 = V2 = 0
connected to the negative terminal of the
(D) with S1 and S3 closed, V1 = 30V, V2 = 20 V
other. The final energy of the configuration
is- [IIT-JEE 1995] Q.24 The plates S and T of an uncharged parallel
3 plate capacitor are connected across a battery.
(A) zero (B) CV 2
2 The battery is then disconnected and the
25 9 charged plates are now connected in a system
(C) CV 2 (D) CV 2
6 2 as shown in the figure. The system shown is
in equilibrium. All the strings are insulating
Q.21 A parallel plate condenser is charged by a
and massless. The magnitude of charge on one
battery. The battery is removed and a thick
of the capacitor plates is : [Area of plates = A]–
glass slab is placed between the plates. Now-
[REE-98] k S T
(A) the capacity of the condenser is increased
(B) the electrical energy stored in the
m
condenser is decreased
(C) the potential across the plates is
4mgA 0
decreased (A) 2mgA 0 (B)
k
(D) the electric field between the plates is
2mgA 0
decreased (C) mgA 0 (D)
k
Q.22 Two identical metal plates are given positive
Q.25 A parallel plate capacitor has plates of
charges Q1 and Q2 (< Q1) respectively. If
unequal area. The larger plate is connected to
they are now brought close together to form a the positive terminal of the battery and the
parallel plate capacitor with capacitance C, smaller plate to its negative terminal. Let Q+
the potential difference between them is – and Q– be the charges appearing on the
[IIT-JEE 99]
positive and negative plates respectively -
Q  Q2 Q  Q2
(A) 1 (B) 1 (A) Q+ > Q –
2C C
(B) Q+ = Q –
Q  Q2 Q  Q2
(C) 1 (D) 1 (C) Q+ < Q –
C 2C
(D) The information is not sufficient to
Q.23 For the circuit shown, which of the following
decide the relation between Q+ and Q –
statement is true ? [IIT -JEE 99]
Q.26 Figures shows two capacitors C1 and C2
connected with 10 V battery and terminal A
and B are earthed. The graph shows the
variation of potential as one moves from left
to right. Then the ratio of C1/C2 is –
10V C C
A B
Q.28 The metal plate on the left in the fig. carries a
charge +q. The metal plate on the right has a
charge of –2q. What charge will flow from
plate to earth through S when it is closed if
the central plate is initially neutral ?
q –2q

Potential

10V d d
4V
r
S
(A) 5/2 (B) 2/3
(C) 2/5 (D) 4/3
(A) zero (B) – q
Q.27 A parallel plate capacitor without any (C) + q (D) + 2q
dielectric has capacitance C0. A dielectric slab
One or More than one correct answer
is made up to two dielectric slabs of dielectric Part-B type Questions
constants K and 2K and is of same
Q.29 A large conducting sheet M is given a
dimensions as that of capacitor plates and
uniform charge density. Two uncharged small
both the parts are of equal dimensions metal rods A and B are placed near the sheet
arranged serially as shown. If this dielectric as shown in figure-
slab is introduced (dielectric K enters first) in M
between the plates at constant speed, then A B
variation of capacitance with time will be best
represented by-

A A A
V K 2K (A) M attracts A (B) M attracts B
(C) A attracts B (D) B attracts A
L L L
Q.30 Each plate of a parallel plate capacitor has a
charge q on it. The capacitor is now
C C connected to a battery. Now -
(A) The facing surfaces of the capacitor have
(A) C0 (B) C0
equal and opposite charges
t t (B) The two plates of the capacitor have
equal and opposite charges
C C (C) The battery supplies equal and opposite
charges to the two plates
(C) C0 (D) C0
(D) The outer surfaces of the plates have
t t equal charges
Q.31 Following operations can be performed on a (C) Current in the circuit will increase as time
neutral capacitor - passes
X –connect the capacitor to a battery of emf . (D) Current in the circuit will be constant
Y –disconnect the battery Q.34 In the circuit diagram shown below :
Z – reconnect the battery with reversed 3µf 1µf
polarity. B
W–insert a dielectric slab in the capacitor
3µf 1µf
(A) In XYZ (perform X, then Y, then, Z) the
stored electric energy remains unchanged
and no thermal energy is dissipiated 1µf
(B) The charge appearing on the capacitor is
greater after the action XWY than after A C
50v
the action XYW
(A) The effective capacity between A and C
(C) The electric energy stored in the
3
capacitor is greater after the action WXY is µf
than after the action XYW 2
(D) The electric field in the capacitor after the (B) The effective capacity between A and C
action XW is the same as that after WX 5
is µf
2
Q.32 A, B & C are three large, parallel conducting (C) The potential difference between A and B
plates horizontally. A & C are rigidly fixed 75
and earthed. B is given some charge. Under in steady state is volt
2
electrostatics and gravitation forces B may be (D) The potential difference between B and C
75
in steady state is volt
A 2
Q.35 Two plates of a parallel plate capacitors carry
charges q and –q and are separated by a
B distance x from each other. The capacitor is
connected to a constant voltage source V0.
C The distance between the plates is changed to
x + dx. Then in steady state : (U is the initial
electrostatic energy of capacitor when
(A) in equilibrium if it closer to A than to C separation between plates was x)
(B) in equilibrium midway between A and C V
(C) in equilibrium if it is closer to C than to A
(D) B can never be in stable equilibrium
+q –q
Q.33 Equal charge Q is imparted to two identical
capacitors in parallel. Separation of the plates x
in each capacitor is d0. Suddenly, the first (A) Change in electrostatic energy stored in
plate of the first capacitor and the second  Udx
the capacitor is
plate of the second capacitor starts moving to x
the left with speed v, then – (B) Change in electrostatic energy stored in
(A) Charge on the two capacitor as a function  Ux
the capacitor is
Q(d 0  vt ) Q(d 0  vt ) dx
of time are , (C) Attraction force between the plates is
d0 d0
1/2 qE
(B) Charge on the two capacitors as a function
(D) Attraction force between the plates is qE
Qd 0 Qd 0 (where E is electric field between the
of time are ,
(d 0  vt ) (d 0  vt ) plates)
Q.36 A 4 F capacitor is given 20 C charge and is (A) charge flow through the circuit during the
connected with an uncharged capacitor of  AV
process is 0
capacitance 2 F as shown in figure. When 2d
switch S is closed – (B) charge flow through the circuit during the
process is zero
4F 2F
+– (C) energy released by the battery in this
20C ++ ––
+–
+–  0 AV 2
+–
C process is
+– 2d
S (D) energy absorbed by the battery in this
10V
 0 AV 2
40 process is
(A) charged flown through the battery is C 2d
3
20 Part-C Assertion-Reason Type Questions
(B) charge flown through the battery is C
3
The following questions 39 to 41 consists of
200 two statements each, printed as Assertion
(C) work done by the battery is J
3 and Reason. While answering these
100 questions you are to choose any one of the
(D) work done by the battery is J
3 following four responses.
(A) If both Assertion and Reason are true
Q.37 Three capacitors each having capacitance
and the Reason is correct explanation
C = 2F are connected with a battery of emf
of the Assertion.
30V as shown in the figure. When the switch (B) If both Assertion and Reason are true
S is closed, then – but Reason is not explanation of the
S Assertion.
(C) If Assertion is true but the Reason is
C false.
C (D) If Assertion is false but Reason is true
C
Q.39 Assertion : Dielectric breakdown may occurs
under the influence of an intense light beam.
30V
Reason : Electromagnetic radiations exert
(A) the amount of charge flown through the
pressure.
battery is 20 C
Q.40 Assertion : Capacity of a parallel plate
(B) the heat generated in the circuit is 0.6 mJ
condenser increases on introducing a
(C) the energy supplied by the battery is 0.6
conducting or insulating slab between the
mJ
plates.
(D) the amount of charge flown through the
Reason : In both the cases, electric field
switch S is 60 C intensity between the plates reduces.
Q.38 A parallel plate capacitor having plate area A Q.41 Assertion : When charges are shared between
and separation between plates 'd' is connected any two bodies, no charge is really lost, but
to a battery of emf 'V'. The plates are pulled some loss of energy does occur.
apart to increase the separation to '2d'. Reason : Some energy disappears in the form
Choose the correct option(s) - of heat, sparking etc.
Part-D Column Matching Column I Column II
(A) Capacitor (P) Potential difference
Q.42 Two identical capacitor are connected to a 5C in fig across no other
battery as shown in figure. A capacitor in the given
P  figure is more than the
potential difference
A
E across this capacitor
B
(B) Capacitor (Q) Potential difference
R  1.5 C in across no other
(A) If a dielectric slabs is (P) Charge on both fig B capacitor in the given
inserted between the capacitors will fig. is less than the
potential difference
plates of either capacitor increases
across this capacitor
(B) If a conducting slab is (Q) Charge on both (C) Capacitor (R) No other capacitor in
inserted between the plates capacitors will 8C in fig C the given figure stores
of either capacitor remain constant an amount of charge
(C) If the battery is (R) Work is done by smaller than the stored
in this capacitor
disconnected and circuit the battery
(D) Capacitor (S) Charge in this
is made open then a dielectric 2C in fig C capacitor is more than
slab is inserted between the the charge in any other
plates of any one capacitor capacitor in the given
(D) If a third identical capacitor (S) Potential fig.

is inserted in the circuit difference

between anyone capacitors between point
and battery P & R decreases

Q.43 Referring to fig. match column-I with column II

5C 3C C 4C 3C

2C 1.5C
V
V

(A) (B)

6C 22C
C 2C 18C

4C 8C

(C)
 EXERCISE # 3
Part-A Subjective type questions Q.4
Q.1 Figure shows two capacitors in series, the
rigid centre section of metal of length b being
movable vertically. Show that the equivalent
capacitance of the series combination is
independent of the position of the centre
section and is given by
 A Q.5
C = 0
a b
b a
Q.2 Three dielectric slabs A, B, C of thicknesses
5 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm and dielectric constants 2,
3 and 5 respectively fill the space between the
plates of a parallel plate capacitor. The distance
between the plates being 10 mm. If a potential
difference of 351 V is applied to the plates. Find
the electric field intensity in each of the
Q.6
dielectric.
Q.3 The parallel plates of a capacitor have an area
0.2 m2 and are 10–2 m apart. The original
potential difference between them is 3000 V,
and it decreases to 1000 V when a sheet of
dielectric is inserted between the plates.
Compute:
(a) original capacitance C0
(b) the charge Q on each plate
(c) capacitance C after insertion of the dielectric
(d) dielectric constant K
(e) permittivity  of the dielectric
(f) the original field E0 between the plates and
(g) the electric field E after insertion of the
dielectric. (0 = 9 × 10–12 S.I. unit)
CAREER POINT, CP Tower, IPIA, Road No.1, Kota (Raj.), Ph: 0744-3040000
A circuit has a section AB shown in fig. The
emf of the source equals E = 10 V the
capacitances are equal to C1 = 1.0 F, C2 = 2F
and the potential difference A – B = 5.0 V.
Find the voltage across each capacitor.
A B
C 10V C
An infinite number of identical capacitors,
each of capacitance 1F are connected as
infinite number of rows having capacitors 1,
4, 16, 64, 256, ............ respectively as
indicated in the fig. If these rows are
connected in parallel, evaluate the equivalent
capacitance between points A and B.
C
C C C C
C 16 C
64
C C
A B
Two parallel plate capacitors with different
distances between the plates are connected in
parallel to a voltage source. A point positive
charge is moved from point ‘1’ i.e. exactly in
the middle between the plates of a capacitor
C1 to a point '2' that lies at a distance from the
negative plate of C2 equal to half the distance
between the plates of C1. Is any work done in
the process ? Explain clearly.
–
C 1 2 C2
+
CAPACITANCE 79
Q.7 An insulated conductor initially free from C SW 1
charge is charged by repeated contacts with a
2
plate which after each contact is replenished
with a charge Q from an electrophorus. If q is
the charge on the conductor after the first E1 E2
operation, prove that the maximum charge
Q.11 Four capacitances C1, C2, C3 and C4 are
which can be given to the conductor in this
way is Qq/ (Q–q) connected to a battery of constant e.m.f. 12
volt as shown in the figure. Find the charge
Q.8 What charges will flow after the shorting of
on each capacitor when
the switch Sw in the circuit illustrated in Fig.
through section 1 and 2 in the directions (a) the switch S1 is closed and
indicated by the arrows ?
(b) the switch S2 is also closed.
S C1
Given C1 = 1 µF, C2 = 2 µF, C3 = 3 µF and

C4 = 4 µF. Calculate the total charge drawn

E C E from the battery in each case.

C1 C
1 2
A B
Q.9 In the circuit shown in fig. the emf of each S2

battery is equal to E = 60 V and the capacitor C2 C4

capacitance are equal to C1 = 2.0µF and
C2 = 3.0 µF. Find the charges which will S
Battery
flow after the shorting of the switch Sw
through sections 1, 2 and 3 in the directions Q.12 Find the potential difference between points
indicated by the arrows. A and B of the system shown in Fig. if the
emf is equal to E = 110 V and the capacitance
1
E C1 C2
S ratio =  = 2.0
C1
3
E C2 C1 C1
2 A

Q.10 What amount of heat will be generated in the E C2 C2

circuit shown in the figure when the switch S
B
is shifted from position 1 to 2 ?
Q.13 Figure shows two parallel plate capacitors
with fixed plates and connected to two
batteries. The separation between the plates is
the same for the two capacitors. The plates
are rectangular in shape with width b and
lengths l1 and l2. The left half of the dielectric
slab has a dielectric constant K1 and the right
half K2. Neglecting any friction, find the ratio
of the emf of the left battery to that of the
right battery for which the dielectric slab may
remain in equilibrium.
l l2
K1 K2
Q.14 Consider the situation shown in figure. The
plates of the capacitor have plate area A and
are clamped in the laboratory. The dielectric
slab is released from rest with a length a
inside the capacitor. Neglecting any effect of
friction or gravity, show that the slab will
execute periodic motion and find its time
period.
Q.16


 K
d
a q on plate B, by how much does the spring
Q.15 In the circuit shown in Fig. capacitor A has
capacitance C1 = 2F when filled with a
dielectric slab (K = 2). Capacitors B and C are
air capacitors and have capacitances C2 = 3
F and C3 = 6 F, respectively. A is charged
by closing switch S1 alone.
(i) Calculate energy supplied by battery
during process of charging. Switch S1 is
now opened and S2 is closed.
(ii) Calculate charge on B and energy stored
in the system when electrical equilibrium
is attained.
Now switch S2 is also opened, slab of A
is removed. Another dielectric slab of K
= 2, which can just fill the space in B, is
inserted into it and then switch S2 alone is
closed.
(iii) Calculate by how many times electric
field in B is increased. Calculate also,
loss of energy during redistribution of
charge.
S S
B
+ A
– 180 V
C
Plate A of a parallel-plate air filled capacitor
is connected to a spring having force constant
k and plate B is fixed. They rest on a
frictionless table top as shown in Fig. If a
charge +q is placed on plate A and a charge –
expand ?
A B
+q –q
Q.17 A parallel-plate capacitor has plates with area
A and separation d. A battery charges the
3.5r
plates to a potential difference V0. The
battery is then disconnected, and a dielectric
slab of dielectric constant K and of thickness q
d is introduced. Calculate the stored energy 2.5r r I II
before and after the slab is introduced and III
account for any difference. Let us assume that
a person wishes to insert the slab without
acceleration, then what nature of work will he
do on it, negative or positive ? Will (capacitor Q.23 Find the equivalent capacitance of the circuit
+ slab) system do positive work on him ?
between point A and B.
Q.18 Two large conducting plates are placed
parallel to each other with a separation of C 2C 4C 8C
2.00 cm between them. An electron starting
from rest near one of the plates reaches the C C C C
A B
other plate in 2.00 microsecond. Find the
surface charge density on the inner surfaces. C 2C 4C 8C
Q.19 The distance between the plates of a parallel
plate air capacitor connected to a voltage Part-B Passages Based Objective Questions
source of e.m.f. 180 V is 5 mm and the area
of the plates is 175 cm2. Determine the work Passage I (Question 24 to 26)
done in moving the plate apart to 12 mm if
In a isolated parallel plate capacitor of
(a) the capacitor is disconnected from the capacitance C, the plate A carries a positive
voltage source.
charge and the plate B carries a negative
(b) the capacitor is connected to the voltage
charge. The potential difference between the
source all the time.
plates is V0. If the plate A is given an
Q.20 A spherical balloon of radius R charged
uniformly on its surface with surface density additional charge +Q. Then
. Find work done against electric forces in A B
expanding it upto radius 2R. + –
Q.21 The two identical parallel plates are given outer + – outer
charges as shown in figure. If the plate area of surface + – surface
either face of each plate is A and separation + –
between plates is d, then find the amount of + –
heat liberate after closing the switch. + –
+3q +q + –
q = + CV0 q = – CV

Q.24 After giving of additional charge +Q,

the potential difference between the plates A
S &B-
Q.22 Figure shows three concentric conducting Q Q
spherical shells with inner and outer shells (A)  V0 (B)  V0
C 4C
earthed and the middle shell is given a charge
q. Find the electrostatic energy of the system Q
(C)  V0 (D) None of these
stored in the region I and II. 2C
Q.25 Find the charge on outer surface of plate A Q.28 Total charge on plate 2 is -
and plate B in the above question (Q.No.24). 10 0 A 5 0 A
(A) (B)
When additional charge +Q is given to plate A- d 3 d

Qq q 4 0A
(A) (B) Q  (C) (D) None of these
2 2 3 d

Q Q.29 Ratio of charge on plate 2 to plate 5 is

(C) (D) Q + q
2
| Q2 : Q5 | is -
Q.26 If additional charge +Q is given to plate B
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 3 : 1
instead of plate A, then -
(C) 1 : 1 (D) None of these
(A) Plate A will be at lower potential if
Q < 2CV0

(B) Plate A will be at higher potential if

Q > 2CV0

(C) Plate A will be at lower potential if

Q > 2CV0

(D) None of these

Passage II (Question 27 to 29)

The V verses x plot for six identical metal

plates of cross-sectioned area A is shown.
The plates are placed with separation d

1 2 3 4 5 6

10V
V 5V
0 d 2d 3d 4d 5d  x

Q.27 Equivalent capacitance between 2 &

5is-

2 0 A 0A
(A) (B)
d d

3 0 A 4 0 A
(C) (D)
d d
 ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE # 1
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Ans. D A B A B A A B A B B C D B C D C C B C B C A C A B

EXERCISE # 2
PART-A
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Ans. C D C D D C C A D A B D A B A D B C B B ALL D D A B B B B

PART-B
Ques. 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
Ans. A,B,C,D A,C,D B,C,D A,D A,D B,D A,C B,C A,C,D A,D

PART-C
39. (B) 40. (A) 41. (A)
PART-D
42. A  P, R ; B  R ; C  Q, S ; D  P, R 43. A  Q, R ; B  P, R ; C  Q, R ; D  R

EXERCISE # 3
PART-A
2. [45K V/m, 30K V/m, 18K V/m]
3. (a) 180 pF (b) 54 × 10–8C (c) 540 pF (d) 3 (e) 27 × 10–12 C2 N–1 m–2 (f) 3 × 105 V/m (g) 105 V/m]
4. [V1 = q/C1 = 10/3 V, V2 = q/C2 = 5/3 V, where q = (A – B +) C1C2/(C1+ C2)
5. [4/3 F] 6. [Yes] 8. C2E, – E C1C2/(C1 +C2)
9. q1 = E C1 (C1 – C2)/(C1 + C2) = –24 C, q2 = E C2 (C1 – C2)/(C1 + C2) = – 36C, q3 = E (C2 – C1) = + 60C.
10. [Q = 1/2 C E 22 ] 11. Q1 = Q3 = 9 µC, Q2 = Q4 = 16 µC (ii) Q1 = 8.4 µC, Q2 = 16.8 µC, Q3 = 10.8 µC, Q4 = 14.4 µC

E K2 1  ( – a )md 
12. A – B = = 10 V 13. 14. 8 
2
  3  1 K1  1 2
  0 A (K – 1) 

15. [(i) q0V = 0.0648 J, (ii) q = 180×10–6coulomb, 0.0162 J, (iii) 1.5, 5.4×10–3J] 16. [(q2/2k0A)]
1 C V2 1  1 
17.  C 0 V02 , 0 0 , C 0 V02 1 – , negative, yes 18. [ 0.505 × 10–12 C/m2] 19. [0.7 J, –0.29 J]
 2 2K 2  K 

πσ 2 R 3 1 q 2d 3kq12 4q
20. – 21. 22.UI = where q1 = – ; Un = 2k (q + q1)2/35r 23. C
ε0 2 0 A 10r 25

PART-B
Q.No. 24 25 26 27 28 29
Ans. C C C B A C