Capacitor and Dielectrics Explained

Physics SP025 Topic 2
CHAPTER 2.0:
Capacitor and dielectrics
(F2F:3 Hours) 1
Overview:
Capacitor and dielectrics
Charging
Capacitance Capacitors Dielectric
and discharging
of capacitor
In series In parallel
2.1 Capacitance and capacitors in 2.2 Charging and 2.3 Capacitors

series and parallel discharging of the with
capacitors dielectrics
2
Learning Outcome:
2.1 Capacitance and capacitors in series and parallel
(1 hour)
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
a) Define and use capacitance.
Q
C=
V
b) Determine the effective capacitance of capacitors in series;
1 1 1 1
= + +⋯+ and in parallel; 𝐶𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + ⋯ + 𝐶𝑛
𝐶𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶𝑛
c) Apply energy stored in a capacitor
2
1 1 1 Q
U = CV = QV =
2
2 2 2 C 3
2.1 Capacitance and capacitors in series and parallel

2.1.1 Capacitor
 is a device that is capable of storing electric charges or electric potential
energy.
 It is consist of two conducting plates separated by a small air gap or a thin
insulator (called a dielectric such as mica, ceramics, paper or even oil).
 The conducting plates could be in the shape of
⚫ cylindrical
⚫ spherical
⚫ parallel plate
 The electrical symbol for a capacitor is
OR +
4
2.1.2 Uses of capacitor
 Capacitors are commonly used in many electronic circuits.

 Some examples are :
⚫ Photoflash unit – capacitor stores large amount of energy which can be
released in a flash when triggered.
⚫ Giant lasers – large amount of energy stored in capacitors could power
large lasers.
⚫ On-off switches – low energy capacitors can be used as switches in computer
motherboards.
⚫ Smoothen direct current (d.c.) voltages – are obtained from the rectification of
alternating current (a.c.) voltages.
⚫ Computer keyboard and etc…
5
2.1.3 Capacitance, C
 The capacitance of a capacitor is defined as the ratio of the charge on either plate to
the potential difference between them.
Mathematically,
Q
C=
V
where Q : magnitude of the charge on each plate
V : potential difference across the two plates
 It is a scalar quantity and the unit of capacitance is farad (F) OR coulombs per volt
(C V−1).
 1 farad is defined as the charge of 1 coulomb stored on each of the conducting
plates as a result of a potential difference of 1 volt between the two plates.
1 coulomb
i.e. 1 farad =
1 volt
 Capacitance is always a positive quantity.
6
 By rearranging the equation from the definition of capacitance, thus Q = CV
where the capacitance of a capacitor, C is constant then
Q V
(The charges stored, Q is directly proportional to the potential
difference, V across the conducting plates).
 Note:
⚫ Unit conversions for capacitance are
1 μF = 10 −6 F
1 pF = 10 −12 F
= 10 −6 F
= 1F
⚫ The greater capacitance of a capacitor, the more charge is required.
7
2.1.4 Capacitors in series

 Figure 2.2 shows three capacitors are connected in series to a battery of
voltage, V.
+Q1
C1,V1 −QI
V +Q2 V +Q
C2,V2 equivalent to Ceff,V
−Q2 −Q
+Q3
C3,V3 −Q3
Figure 2.2
8
 When the circuit is complete, electrons are transferred onto the plates such
that the magnitude of the charge Q on each plate is the same.
 The total charge (Q) on the effective capacitor is
Q = Q1 = Q2 = Q3
 The potential difference across each capacitor C1,C2 and C3 are V1,V2 and
V3 respectively. Hence
Q1 Q
V1 = =
C1 C1
Q2 Q
V2 = =
C2 C2
Q3 Q
V3 = =
C3 C3 9
 The total potential difference V is given by
V = V1 + V2 + V3
Q Q Q
V= + +
C1 C2 C3
V 1 1 1 V 1
= + + and =
Q C1 C2 C3 Q Ceff
 Therefore the effective (equivalent) capacitance Ceff for n capacitors in
series is given by
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + ... + capacitors
Ceff C1 C2 C3 Cn in series
10
2.1.5 Capacitors in parallel
 Figure 2.3 shows three capacitors are connected in parallel to a battery of
voltage, V.
V +Q1 +Q2 +Q3 V +Q

−QI −Q2 − Q3
equivalent Ceff,V
−Q
to
C1,V1 C2,V2 C3,V3
Figure 2.3
 The potential difference across each capacitor is the same as the supply
voltage (V).
Thus the total potential difference (V) on the effective capacitor is
V = V1 = V2 = V3
11
 The charges stored by each capacitor C1,C2 and C3 are Q1,Q2 and Q3
respectively. Hence
Q1 = C1V1 = C1V ; Q2 = C 2V2 = C 2V ; Q3 = C3V3 = C3V
 The total charge Q on the effective capacitor is given by
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3
Q = C1V + C 2V + C3V
Q Q
= C1 + C2 + C3 and = Ceff
V V
 Therefore the effective (equivalent) capacitance Ceff for n capacitors in
parallel is given by
Ceff = C1 + C 2 + C3 + ... + C n capacitors

in parallel
12
Example 2.3 :
Determine the effective capacitance of the configuration shown in Figure 2.4.
Figure 2.4
All the capacitors are identical and each has a capacitance of 2 F.
13
Solution : C = C = C = C = C = C = C7 = 2 F
1 2 3 4 5 6
 Label all the capacitors in the circuit.
C1 C5
C2 C4 C7
C3 C6
 To calculate the effective capacitance, it is easier to solve it from

the end of the circuit (left) to the terminal (right).
 Capacitors C1, C2 and C3 are connected in series, then
1 1 1 1
C5 = + +
C x C1 C2 C3
Cx C4 C7 1 1 1 1
= + +
C6 Cx 2 2 2
2
C x = μF 14
3
Solution : C
1 = C 2 = C3 = C 4 = C5 = C6 = C7 = 2 F
 Capacitors Cx and C4 are connected in parallel, then
C5 C y = C x + C4
2
Cy Cy = + 2
C7 3
C6 8
C y = μF
3
 Capacitors Cy, C5 and C6 are connected in series, then
1 1 1 1
= + +
C z C y C5 C 6
Cz C7 1 1 1 1
= 8 + +
C z (3 ) 2 2
8
Cz = μF
11
15
Solution : C = C 2 = C3 = C 4 = C5 = C6 = C7 = 2 F
1
 Capacitors Cz and C7 are connected in parallel, then the
effective capacitance Ceff is given by
C eff = C z + C 7
8
C eff Ceff = + 2
11
30
Ceff = μF
11
OR 2.73 μF
16
Example 2.4 :
C1
A
C2
D
C3
B
Figure 2.5
In Figure 2.5, C1= 100 F, C2 = 200 F and C3 = 300 F. The applied
potential difference between points A and B is VAB = 8.0 V. Calculate
a. the charge on each capacitor.
b. the potential difference across each capacitor.
c. the potential difference between points A and D.
17
Solution : C
1 = 100 F; C 2 = 200 F; C3 = 300 F;VAB = 8.0 V
C12
C1
A A
C2
D D
C3 C3
B B
a. Capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in parallel then C12 is
C12 = C1 + C 2 C12 = 100 μF + 200 μF
C12 = 300 μF
Thus the effective capacitance Ceff in the circuit is given by
1 1 1 1 1 1
= + = +
Ceff C12 C3 Ceff 300 300
Ceff = 150 μF 18
Solution : C1 = 100 F; C 2 = 200 F; C3 = 300 F;VAB = 8.0 V
a. The total charge Q stored in the effective capacitance Ceff is
Q = Ceff VAB Q = (150 μ )8.0
Q = 1200 μC
Since the capacitors C12 and C3 are connected in series then the
charge stored in each capacitor is the same as the total charge.
Q3 = Q12 = Q = 1200 μC
The potential difference across the capacitor C3 is
Q3 1200 
V3 = V3 =
C3 300 
V3 = 4.0 V
thus the potential difference across the capacitor C12 is given by
V12 = VAB − V3
V12 = 8.0 − 4.0
V12 = 4.0 V
19
Solution : C1 = 100 F; C 2 = 200 F; C3 = 300 F;VAB = 8.0 V
a. Since the capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in parallel then
the potential difference across each capacitor is the same as V12.
V1 = V2 = V12 = 4.0 V
Therefore Q1 = C1V1 = (100  )4.0
Q1 = 400 C
and Q2 = Q12 − Q1
Q2 = 1200 − 400
Q2 = 800 C
b. The potential difference across each capacitor is given by
V1 = V2 = V3 = 4.0 V
c. The potential difference between points A and D is given by
VAD = V12 = 4.0 V
20
2.1.6 Energy stored in a charged capacitor, U
 When a switch in Figure 2.6 is closed, charges begin to accumulate on the
plates.
dQ
− +
− +
− +
V
Figure 2.6
 A small amount of work (dW ) is done in bringing a small amount of charge
(dQ) from the battery to the capacitor. This is given by
Q
dW = VdQ and V =
Q C
dW = dQ 21
C
 The total work W required to increase the accumulated charge from zero to
Q is given by
W Q
Q
0
dW = 
0 C
dQ
1 Q2
U =W =
2 C
OR
1 1
U = CV 2
U=
OR QV
2 2
Note:
No charges will accumulate on each plate if the capacitor is

not charged.
22
20 V
Example 2.5 :
C1
Figure 2.7
C2 C3
Figure 2.7 shows a combination of three capacitors where C1= 100 F, C2 =
22 F and C3 = 47 F. A 20 V supply is connected to the combination.
Determine
a. the effective capacitance in the circuit,
b. the charge stored in the capacitor C1,
c. the potential difference across the capacitor C2,
d. the energy stored in the capacitor C3,
e. the area of the each plate in capacitor C1 if the distance
between two plates is 0.02 m and the region between plates is
vacuum.
23
(Permittivity of free space, 0 = 8.85  10−12 C2 N−1 m−2)
Solution : C
1 = 100 μF; C2 = 22 μF; C3 = 47 μF;V = 20 V
V V
C1 C1
C2 C3 C23
a. Capacitors C2 and C3 are connected in series then C23 is

1 1 1 1 1 1
= + = +
C23 C2 C3 C23 22 47
C23 = 15.0 μF
Therefore the effective capacitance, Ceff is given by
Ceff = C1 + C23 Ceff = 100 + 15.0
Ceff = 115 μF 24
Solution : C1 = 100 μF; C2 = 22 μF; C3 = 47 μF;V = 20 V
b. Since the capacitors C1 and C23 are connected in parallel, thus
V1 = V23 = V = 20 V
Hence the charge stored in the capacitor C1 is
Q1 = C1V1 Q1 = (100 μ )20
Q1 = 2000 μC
c. The total charge stored in the circuit is given by
Q = Ceff V Q = (115 μ )20
Q = 2300 μC
Thus the charge stored in the capacitor C23 is
Q = Q1 + Q23 2300 μ = 2000 μ + Q23
Q23 = 300 μC
The capacitors C2 and C3 are connected in series, thus
Q2 = Q3 = Q23 = 300 μC
25
Solution : C1 = 100 μF; C2 = 22 μF; C3 = 47 μF;V = 20 V
c. Therefore the potential difference across the capacitor C2 is
Q2 300 μ
V2 = V2 =
C2 22 μ
V2 = 13.6 V
d. The energy stored in the capacitor C3 is given by
U3 =
1 Q3
2
U3 =
(
1 300 10 −6 2
)
2 C3 2 47 10 −6
U 3 = 9.58  10 −4 J
e. By applying the capacitance’s equation for parallel-plate
(8.85  10 )A
capacitor, thus
0 A −12
C1 = 100 10 −6 =
d 0.02  10 −6
A = 0.226 m 2
26
Example 2.6 :
Consider the circuit shown in Figure 2.8, where C1= 50 F, C2 = 25 F and V
= 25.0 V.
S1 S2
C1 C2
V
Figure 2.8
Capacitor C1 is first charged by closing a switch S1. Switch S1 is then opened,
and then the charged capacitor is connected to the uncharged capacitor C2
by closing a switch S2. Calculate the initial charge acquired by C1 and the
final charge on each capacitor.
27
Solution : C1 = 50 μF; C 2 = 25 μF;V = 25.0 V
Switch S1 is closed:
When the capacitor C1 is fully charged, the charge has been placed on its plate
is given by
Q1 = C1V Q1 = (50  )25.0
Q1 = 1250 μC
Switch S2 is closed and S1 is opened:
The capacitors C1 and C2 (uncharged) are connected in parallel and the
equivalent capacitance is
Ceq = C1 + C 2 Ceq = 50 + 25
Ceq = 75 μF
By using the principle of conservation of charge, the total charge Q on the
circuit is given by
Q = Q1 + Q2 Q = 1250 + 0
Q = 1250 μC
28
Solution : C1 = 50 μF; C 2 = 25 μF;V = 25.0 V
The potential difference across each capacitor is the same (parallel
connection) and given by
Q 1250 
V '= V '=
Ceq 75 
V '= 16 .7 V
Therefore the final charge accumulates on the
capacitor C1 : Q1 ' = C1V '
Q1 ' = (50  )16.7
Q1 ' = 835 C
capacitor C2 : Q2 ' = Q − Q1 ' OR Q2 ' = C 2V '
Q2 ' = 1250 − 835
Q2 ' = 415 μC
29
Exercise 2.2 :
Given 0 = 8.85  10−12 C2 N−1 m−2
1. Four capacitors are connected as shown in Figure 2.9.
Figure 2.9
Calculate
a. the equivalent capacitance between points a and b,
b. the charge on each capacitor if Vab=15.0 V.
(Physics for scientists and engineers,6th edition,Serway&Jewett, Q21, p.823)
ANS. : 5.96 F; 89.5 C on 20 F, 63.2 C on 6 F, 26.3 C on 15 F and
on 3 F 30
2. Determine the equivalent capacitance between points a and b for the group
of capacitors connected as shown in Figure 2.10.
Figure 2.10
Take C1 = 5.00 F, C2 = 10.0 F and C3 = 2.00 F.
(Physics for scientists and engineers,6th edition,Serway&Jewett, Q27, p.824)
ANS. : 6.04 F
31
3. An electronic flash unit for a camera contains a capacitor of capacitance
850 F. When the unit is fully charged and ready for operation, the
potential difference across the plates is 330 V.
a. What is the magnitude of the charge on each plate of the fully charged
capacitor?
b. Calculate the energy stored in the “charged-up” flash unit.
(Physics,3rd edition, J.S.Walker, Q59, p.692)
ANS. : 0.28 C; 46 J
4. A parallel-plate capacitor has plates with an area of 405 cm2 and an air-
filled gap between the plates that is 2.25 mm thick. The capacitor is
charged by a battery to 575 V and then is disconnected from the battery.
a. How much energy is stored in the capacitor?
b. The separation between the plates is now increased to 4.50 mm. How
much energy is stored in the capacitor now?
c. How much work is required to increase the separation of the plates
from 2.25 mm to 4.50 mm?
(Physics,3rd edition, J.S.Walker, Q60, p.692)
ANS. : 2.63  10−5 J; 5.27  10−5 J; −2.63  10−5 J
32
Learning Outcome:
2.2 Charging and discharging of capacitors (1 hour)
a) State physical meaning of time constant
and use time constant,
τ = RC
b) Sketch and explain the characteristics of Q−t and I−t graph for
charging and discharging of a capacitor.
c) Use
t
−
Q = Q0 e RC for discharging and
 −
t

Q = Q0 1 − e RC  for charging.
 
 
33
Learning Outcome:
2.2 Charging and discharging of capacitors (1 hour)
d) Determine the time constant of an RC circuit
e) Determine the capacitance of a capacitor using an RC circuit
34
2.2 Charging and discharging of capacitors
2.2.1 Charging a capacitor through a resistor

 Figure 2.11 shows a simple circuit for charging a capacitor.
e−
R
A++ + ++ +
V0 B −−− −−−
C
switch, S e−
Figure 2.11
 When switch S is closed, current I0 immediately begins to flow through
the circuit.
35
 Electrons will flow out from the negative terminal of the battery and
accumulate on the plate B of the capacitor.
 Then electrons will flow into the positive terminal of the battery through the
resistor R , leaving a positive charges on the plate A.
 As charges accumulate on the capacitor, the potential difference across it
increases and the current is reduced until eventually the maximum
voltage across the capacitor equals the voltage supplied by the battery,
V0.
 At this time, no further current flows (I = 0) through the resistor R and
the charge Q on the capacitor thus increases gradually and reaches a
maximum value Q0.
 The charging process can be shown through the graphs in Figures 2.12a,
2.12b and 2.12c.
36
V Q I
V0 Q0
I0
0.63V0 0.63Q0
0.37 I 0
0 τ = RC time , t 0 τ = RC 0 τ = RC time , t
time , t
Figure 2.12a : the potential Figure 2.12b : the charge on Figure 2.12c : the current through
difference across capacitor the capacitor increases with the resistor decreases
increases with time. time. exponentially with time.
37
 The formula in the charging process of the capacitor are
Charge on charging capacitor :
 −
t

Q = Q0 1 − e RC  (2.4)
 
 
Potential difference (voltage) across charging capacitor :
Q Q 
0 
−
t
 Q0
V= = 1− e RC  and = V0
C C  

C
 −
t

V = V0 1 − e RC  (2.5)
 
 
38
Current in resistor :
t
−
I = I 0e RC (2.6)
V0
and I 0 =
R
where Q0 : maximum charge
V0 : maximum voltage = supply vol tage
I 0 : maximum current
R : resistance of the resistor
C : capacitance of the capacitor
39
2.2.2 Discharging a capacitor through a resistor
 Figure 2.13 shows a simple circuit for discharging a charged capacitor.
e−
R
A++ + + + +
V0
B−−− −−−C
switch, S e−
Figure 2.13
 When switch S is closed, electrons from plate B begin to flow through the
resistor R and neutralizes positive charges at plate A.
40
 Initially, the potential difference (voltage) across the capacitor is maximum,
V0 and then a maximum current I0 flows through the resistor R.
 When part of the positive charges on plate A is neutralized by the
electrons, the voltage across the capacitor is reduced.
 The process continues until the current through the resistor is zero.
 At this moment, all the charges at plate A is fully neutralized and the
voltage across the capacitor becomes zero.
 The discharging process can be shown through the graphs in Figures 2.14a,
2.14b and 2.14c. V
V0 Figure 2.14a : the potential difference

across capacitor decreases
exponentially with time.
0.37V0
0 τ = RC time , t 41
Q I
0
τ = RC time , t
Q0
0.37 I 0
0.37Q0
I0
0 τ = RC time , t
Figure 2.14b : the charge on Figure 2.14c : the current
the capacitor decreases through the resistor decreases
exponentially with time. exponentially with time.
42
 The formula in the discharging process of the capacitor are
Charge on discharging capacitor :
t
−
Q = Q0 e RC (2.7)
Potential difference (voltage) across discharging capacitor :

t
−
V = V0 e RC (2.8)
Current in resistor :
Note: t
−
For calculation, the I = − I 0e RC (2.9)
negative sign can be
Q0
ignored. and I 0 =
RC
The negative sign indicates that as the capacitor discharges,
the current direction is opposite to its direction when the 43
capacitor was being charged.
2.2.3 Time constant, 
 The quantity RC that appears in the exponent for all equations in the
charging and discharging process is called time constant  or relaxation
time of the circuit and mathematically
 = RC
 It is a scalar quantity.
 Its unit is second (s).
 It is a measure of how quickly the capacitor charges or discharges.
Charging process
 From the eqs. 2.4 and 2.5, the charge Q on the capacitor and the voltage V
across it, increase from zero at t = 0 to maximum values Q0 and V0 after a
very long time.
44
⚫ The time constant is defined as the time required for the capacitor to
reach (1−e−1)=0.63 or 63% of its maximum charge (or maximum
voltage).
 From the eq. 2.6, the current drops exponentially in time constant .
⚫ The time constant is defined as the time required for the current
drops to 1/e = 0.37 or 37% of its initial value(I0).
Discharging process
 From the eqs. 2.7, 2.8 and 2.9, the charge Q, the voltage V and the current I
is seen to decrease exponentially in time constant .
⚫ The time constant is defined as the time required for the charge on
the capacitor (or voltage across it or current in the resistor)
decreases to 1/e = 0.37 or 37% of its initial value.
45
Example 2.7 :
In the RC circuit shown in Figure 2.15, the battery has fully charged the
capacitor.
a
S R
V0 b
C
Figure 2.15
At time t = 0 s, a switch S is thrown from position a to b. The battery voltage V0
is 12.0 V and the capacitance C = 3.00 F. The current I is observed to
decrease to 0.45 of its initial value in 60 s. Determine
a. the value of R.
b. the time constant, 
c. the value of Q, the charge on the capacitor at t = 0.
d. the value of Q at t = 100 s
46
−6 −6
Solution : V0 = 12 .0 V; C = 3. 00  10 F; I = 0. 45 I 0 ; t = 60  10 s
a. By applying the equation of current for discharging process,
t
−
I = I 0e RC
6010−6
−
0.45 I 0 = I 0 e ( R 3.0010−6 )
Then by taking natural logs on both sides, thus the value of R is
6010−6
−
ln 0.45 = ln e ( R 3.0010−6 )
−6
60  10
ln 0.45 = −
(
R 3.00  10 −6
)
R = 25 
47
Solution : V0 = 12.0 V; C = 3.00  10 −6 F; I = 0.45 I 0 ; t = 60  10 −6 s
b. The time constant is given by
τ = RC τ = (25 )3.00  10 −6
τ = 7.5  10 −5 s
c. By using the equation of charge for discharging process and the
time, t = 0 hence t
−
Q = Q0 e RC and Q0 = CV 0
t
−
Q = CV0 e RC
( )
Q = 3.00  10 −6 12.0
Q = 3.6  10 −5 C
d. By using the equation of charge for discharging process and the
time, t = 100  10−6 s hence
10010−6
( )
t
− −
Q = CV0 Q = 3.00  10 −6 (12.0 )
−5
e RC e 7 . 510
Q = 9.49  10 −6 C 48
Learning Outcome:
2.3 Capacitors with dielectrics (1 hour)
a) Define and use dielectric constant.
C
r =
C0
b) Describe the effect of dielectric on a parallel plate capacitor.
c) Apply capacitance of air-filled parallel plate capacitor
0 A
C0 =
d
d) Determine capacitance with dielectric,
C =  r C0
49
2.3 Capacitor with dielectrics
2.3.1 Dielectric constant, r OR 
 is defined as a ratio between the capacitance of a given
capacitor with space between plates filled with
dielectric, C and the capacitance of the same capacitor
with plates in a vacuum, C0.
Mathematically,
C
εr = (2.10)
C0
 No unit for dielectric constant.
50
2.3.2 Effect of dielectric on a parallel plate capacitor.

 When a dielectric (such as rubber, glass or waxed paper) is inserted
between the plates of a capacitor, the capacitance increases by a factor
r or  which is called the dielectric constant (relative permittivity) of
the material.
 The advantages of inserting the dielectric between the plates of the
capacitor are
⚫ increase in capacitance
⚫ increase in maximum operating voltage.
⚫ possible mechanical support between the plates, which allows the
plates to be close together without touching, thereby decreasing d
and increasing C.
51
2.3.3 Capacitance of air-filled parallel plate capacitor
 Consider a two parallel metallic plates capacitor of equal area A are
separated by a distance d and the space between plates is vacuum or air
as shown in Figure 2.15.
positive
terminal
A
+Q
V
 d
−Q
E
negative
terminal
Figure 2.15
 When the capacitor is charged, its plates have charges of equal
magnitudes but opposite signs: + Q and −Q then the potential
difference V across the plates is produced. 52
Parallel-plate capacitor 0 A
separated by a vacuum C0 = (2.11)
d
and
Parallel-plate capacitor εA
separated by a dielectric C= (2.12)
material d
where ε0 : permittivi ty of free space
( 0 = 8.85  10 −12 C 2 N −1 m −2 )
ε : permittivi ty of dielectric material
d : distance between th e two plates
A : area of each plate
 From equations (2.11) and (2.12), The capacitance, C of a
parallel-plate capacitor is proportional to the area, A of its
plates and inversely proportional to the plate separation, d.
53
o The equation (2.12) can be written as
ε
ε r = OR ε = ε r ε0 (2.13)
ε0
where ε : permittivi ty of dielectric material
 From the definition of the capacitance,
Q Q
C= and C0 = where Q is constant
V V0
hence the equation (2.12) can be written as
V0
εr = (2.14)
V
where
V : potential difference across capacitor with dielectric
V0 : potential difference across capacitor in vacuum 54
 From the relationship between E and V for uniform electric field,
V = Ed and V0 = E0 d
thus the equation (2.14) can be written as
V0 E0 d
εr = =
V Ed
E0
εr = (2.15)
E
where
E0 : electric field strength of the capacitor in vacuum
E : electric field strength of the capacitor with dielectric
 The dielectric constant depends on the insulating material used.
 Table 2.1 shows the value of dielectric constant and the dielectric strength
for several materials.
55
Dielectric Strength
Material Dielectric constant, r (106 V m−1)
Air 1.00059 3
Mylar 3.2 7
Paper 3.7 16
Silicone oil 2.5 15
Water 80 -
Teflon 2.1 60
Table 2.1
 The dielectric strength is defined as the electric field strength at which
dielectric breakdown occurs and the material becomes a conductor.
Note:
C ε V0 E0
εr = = = =
C0 ε 0 V E 56
Example 2.8 :
A vacuum parallel-plate capacitor has plates of area A = 150 cm2 and
separation d = 2 mm. The capacitor is charged to a potential difference V0 =
2000 V. Then the battery is disconnected and a dielectric sheet of the same
area A is placed between the plates as shown in Figure 2.16.
dielectric
Figure 2.16
d
In the presence of the dielectric, the potential difference across the
plates is reduced to 500 V. Determine
a. the initial capacitance of the capacitor,
b. the charge on each plate before the dielectric is inserted,
c. the capacitance after the dielectric is in place, 57
Example 2.8 :
d. the relative permittivity,
e. the permittivity of dielectric material,
f. the initial electric field,
g. the electric field after the dielectric is inserted.
(Given permittivity of free space, 0 = 8.85  10−12 C2 N−1 m−2)
Solution : A = 150  10 −4 m 2 ; d = 2  10 −3 m;V0 = 2000 V;
V = 500 V
a. The initial capacitance of the capacitor is given by
C0 =
ε0 A
C0 =
(8.85  10 )150  10
−12 −4
d 2  10 −3
C0 = 6.63  10 −11 F
b. The charge on each plate is
Q0 = C 0V0 ( )
Q0 = 6.63  10 −11 (2000 )
Q0 = 1.33  10 −7 C 58
Solution : A = 150  10 −4 m 2 ; d = 2  10 −3 m;V0 = 2000 V;
V = 500 V
c. In the presence of the dielectric, the charge on each plate is
the same as before the dielectric was inserted. Therefore the
new capacitance is
Q0 = CV 1.33  10 −7 = C (500 )
C = 2.66  10 −10 F
d. From the definition of the dielectric constant, thus
C 2.66  10 −10
εr = εr =
C0 6.63  10 −11
ε r = 4.01
e. the permittivity of dielectric material is given by
ε = ε r ε0
(
ε = (4.01) 8.85  10 −12 )
ε = 3.55  10 −11 C 2 N −1 m − 2
59
Solution : A = 150  10 −4 m 2 ; d = 2  10 −3 m;V0 = 2000 V;
V = 500 V
f. By applying the relationship between E and V for uniform electric
field, the magnitude of the initial electric field is
V0
E0 =
d
2000
E0 =
2  10 −3
E0 = 1.00  10 6 V m −1
g. The electric field after the dielectric inserted is given by
E0 V
εr = OR E =
E d
1.00  10 6
4.01 =
E
E = 2.49  10 5 V m −1 60
Example 2.9 :
A parallel-plate capacitor has the space between the plates filled with two slabs
of dielectric constants 1 and 2 as shown in Figure 2.17.
1 d/2
2 d/2
Figure 2.17
Each slab has thickness d/2, where d is the plate separation. Show that the
capacitance of the capacitor is
2 0 A   1 2 
C=  
d  1 +  2 
61
Solution :
Since both dielectric materials are arranged in series, thus the
parallel-plate capacitor in Figure 2.17 can be considered as two
parallel-plate capacitors in series.
Therefore the total capacitance is
1 1 1
1 = +
d/2 C C1 C2
1 1 1
2 d/2 = +
C   1 0 A    2 0 A 
   
 d 2   d 2 
1 d d
= +
C 2 1 0 A 2 2 0 A
62
Solution :
1 d 1 1
=  + 
C 2 0 A   1  2 
1 d   2 + 1 
=  
C 2 0 A   1 2 
2 0 A   1 2 
C=  
d  1 +  2 
63
2.3.4 Dielectric effect on a parallel-plate capacitor
 Consider a parallel-plate capacitor as shown in Figure 2.18a.
+Q d −Q

E0
Figure 2.18a 64
 Initially the plates are separated by a vacuum
and connected to a battery, giving the charge
on the plates +Q and –Q.
 The battery is now removed and the charge on + Q −Q
the plates remains constant.
 The electric field between the plates is uniform
and has a magnitude of E0. Meanwhile the
separation between plates is d. 
 When a dielectric is placed in the electric field E
between the plates , the molecules of the
dielectric tend to become oriented with their
positive ends pointing toward the negatively
charged plate and their negative ends pointing
toward the positively charged plated as shown in
Figure 2.18b. 
E0
Figure 2.18b 65
 The result is a buildup of positive charge on one surface of
the dielectric and of negative charge on the other as shown
in Figure 2.18c. +Q −Q

E
Figure 2.18c 66
 From Figure 2.18c, the number of field lines within the dielectric is
reduced thus the applied electric field E0 is partially canceled.
 Because the new electric field strength (E < E0) is less then the
potential difference, V across the plates is less as well.
V = Ed
 Since V is smaller while Q remains the same the capacitance,
Q
C=
V
is increased by the dielectric.
67
Exercise 2.3 :
Given 0 = 8.85  10−12 C2 N−1 m−2
1. What are the maximum and minimum equivalent capacitances that can be
obtained by combinations of three capacitors of 1.5 F, 2.0 F and 3.0 F?
(College Physics,6th edition, Wilson, Buffa & Lou, Q97, p.566)
ANS. : 6.5 F; 0.67 F
2. The dielectric of a parallel-plate capacitor is to be constructed from teflon
that completely fills the volume between the plates. The area of each plate
is 0.50 m2.
a. What is the thickness of the teflon if the capacitance is to be 0.10 F?
b. Calculate the charge on the capacitor if it is connected to a 12 V
battery.
(Dielectric constant for teflon is 2.1)
ANS. : 92.9 m; 1.2 C
68
3. Explain clearly why the electric field between two parallel plates of a
capacitor decreases when a dielectric is inserted if the capacitor is not
connected to a power supply, but remains the same when it is connected
to a power supply.
(College Physics,6th edition, Wilson, Buffa & Lou, Q79, p.566)
4. An air-filled parallel-plate capacitor has rectangular plates with dimensions
of 6.0 cm  8.0 cm. It is connected to a 12 V battery. While the battery
remains connected, a sheet of 1.5 mm thick paper is inserted and
completely fills the space between the plates.
a. Explain briefly what is happen to the charge on the plates of the
capacitor while the dielectric was being inserted.
b. Determine the change in the charge storage of the capacitor because
of the dielectric insertion.
(Dielectric constant for paper is 3.7)
ANS. : 0.92 nC
69
70

Capacitor and Dielectrics Explained

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Capacitor and Dielectrics Explained

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Physics SP025 Topic 2

Capacitor and dielectrics

2.1 Capacitance and capacitors in 2.2 Charging and 2.3 Capacitors

2.1 Capacitance and capacitors in series and parallel

 The electrical symbol for a capacitor is

2.1.2 Uses of capacitor

 Capacitors are commonly used in many electronic circuits.

2.1.4 Capacitors in series

V +Q1 +Q2 +Q3 V +Q

Ceff = C1 + C 2 + C3 + ... + C n capacitors

 To calculate the effective capacitance, it is easier to solve it from

No charges will accumulate on each plate if the capacitor is

a. Capacitors C2 and C3 are connected in series then C23 is

2.2 Charging and discharging of capacitors

2.2.1 Charging a capacitor through a resistor

V0 Figure 2.14a : the potential difference

Potential difference (voltage) across discharging capacitor :

2.3.2 Effect of dielectric on a parallel plate capacitor.

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