BELLARY INDEPENDENT P.U.

COLLEGE PHYSICS

ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL & CAPACITANCE

CHAPTER - 2
SYLLABUS:
Electric potential, potential difference, electric potential due to a point charge, a dipole and system of
charges; equipotential surfaces, electrical potential energy of a system of two point charges and of
electric dipole in an electrostatic field. Conductors and insulators, free charges and bound charges
inside a conductor. Dielectrics and electric polarisation, capacitors and capacitance, combination of
capacitors in series and in parallel, capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with and without dielectric
medium between the plates, energy stored in a capacitor. Van de Graaff generator.[08 M]
1. Define electric potential
A. The amount of work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to that point against
the direction of field is called electric potential at that point.
(or)
The potential energy possessed by a unit positive charge at any point in an electric field gives
the electric potential at that point
𝑊
V=
𝑞
* The S.I unit is J/C or volt.
* It is a scalar quantity.
* Dimensional formula: [ M1L2T-3A-1]
2. Define volt.
A. Potential at a point is said to be 1 volt if 1 joule of work is done in moving 1coulomb of charge
from one point to another against the field.
3. Derive an expression for electric potential at a point due to a point charge
A. Consider a point P in the electric field which is at a distance r from a point charge(+q). The
electric intensity at point A due to charge q is E. Let the unit positive charge be displaced from
A to B of distance dx. The work done in bringing unit positive charge from A to B is given by
dW = -F X dx +q A
P B
= -E X dx O
E
−1 𝑞 r 𝒅𝒙
= 𝑑𝑥
4𝜋𝜀 0 𝑥2 x
The total amount of work done in bringing unit positive charge from ∞ to P is obtained by
integrating dW with the limits x = ∞ and x =r
𝑟
W= ∞
𝑑𝑤
𝒓 −𝟏 𝒒
= ∞ 𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒙𝟐
𝒅𝒙
−𝒒 𝒓 𝟏
= 𝟒𝝅𝜺 ∞ 𝒙𝟐
𝒅𝒙
𝟎

−𝟏 −𝟏 𝒓
= 𝒒
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒙 ∞
−𝟏 −𝟏 𝟏
= 𝒒 +
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓 ∞
𝟏 𝒒
W =
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓

According to definition of electric potential.

𝑊
𝑉= [ ∵ 𝑞 = 1]
𝑞

V=W
𝟏 𝒒
 V = 𝟒𝝅𝜺 𝒓
(in air medium)
𝟎

𝟏 𝒒
V = 𝟒𝝅𝜺 𝒓
( in any medium)

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Note:
 Electric potential due to positive charge is positive and vice versa.
 The net electric potential at a point due to number of charges is the algebraic sum of the
potentials due to individual charges.
4. Derive an expression for electric potential at any point due to an electric dipole.
A. Consider any point P at a distance ‘r’ from the centre (O) of the electric dipole AB. Let OP makes
an angle "𝜃" with the vector dipole vector moment and r1 , r2 be the distance of point P from –q
𝑃
charge and +q charge respectively.

1 (−𝑞)
Potential at P due to –q charge 𝑉1 = 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟1

1 (𝑞)
⟹ 𝑉1 = − 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟1

1 (𝑞)
Potential at P due to +q charge 𝑉2 = 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟2

∴Potential at P due to the dipole V = V1 + V2 ( By Principle of superposition)

1 (𝑞) 1 (𝑞)
V=− 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟1
+ 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟2

𝑞 1 1
V = 4𝜋𝜖 𝑟2
− 𝑟1
0

Draw a perpendicular from A which meets the line OP at a C when produced backward. Also
Draw BD perpendicular on OP.
Then r1 = AP = CP = OP + OC = r + lcos𝜃 (∵ from ∆AOC, OC = lcos𝜃)
r2 = BP = DP = OP – OD = r – lcos𝜃 (∵ from ∆BOD, OD = lcos𝜃)

Substituting the values of r1 and r2 in the above equation then we get.

𝑞 1 1
V = 4𝜋𝜖 (𝑟−𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 )
− (𝑟+𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 )
0

𝑞 𝑟+𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 −(𝑟−𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 )
V = 4𝜋𝜖 (𝑟 2 −𝑙 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃)
0

𝑞 2𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
V = 4𝜋𝜖 (𝑟 2 −𝑙 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃)
0

𝑞2𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
V = 4𝜋𝜖 2 −𝑙 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃)
0 (𝑟

𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
V = 4𝜋𝜖 2 −𝑙 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃) Since P = q x 2l
0 (𝑟
𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
If r >> l then the above equation becomes V = 4𝜋𝜖 𝑟 2
0
p∙r
Since pcos 𝜃 =p ∙ r where r is unit vector directed along OP V = 4𝜋𝜖 2 for r >> l
0𝑟
Special cases:
𝑃 1
If Point P lies on the axial line of the dipole i.e. 𝜃 = 00 then V = 4𝜋𝜖 2 or V ∝ 𝑟 2
0𝑟
If Point P lies on the equatorial line of the dipole i.e 𝜃 = 900 then V = 0.
i.e., Potential due to a dipole is zero at all points on the equatorial line of the dipole.

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5. What is the electric potential of the earth?

A. The potential of earth is zero.
6. Define Potential difference.
A. It is the amount of work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to another
against the field.
7. How does the electric potential at a point due to an electric dipole vary with distance
measured from its centre? Compare the same for a point charge.
A. For an electric dipole (at large distances), we have
1
𝑉 ∝
𝑟2
The electric potential varies inversely with the square of the distance.
For a point charge,
1
𝑉∝
𝑟
The electric potential varies inversely with the distance.
8. Electric potential due to a group or system of point charges (principle of superposition of
potentials)
A. Consider ‘n’ discrete positive charge q1, q2, q3, …….qn at distances r1, r2,
r3, ……..rn respectively from the point P.
1 𝑞1
Potential at P due to charge q1, 𝑉1 = 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟1
1 𝑞2
𝑉2 = 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟2
……………..
1 𝑞𝑛
𝑉𝑛 =
4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟𝑛

Applying principle of superposition of potentials i.e. for a group of charges, the net
potential at any point P in their field is given by the algebraic sum of their individual potentials
at that every point we get total potential at P due to n charges is
V = V1 + V2 + V3 + …………Vn
1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2 1 𝑞3 1 𝑞𝑛 1 𝑛 𝑞𝑖
i.e. 𝑉 = 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟1
+ 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟2
+ 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟3
+ …………+ 4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟𝑛
= 4𝜋𝜖 𝑖=1 𝑟
0 𝑖

9. What is an equi-potential surface?

A. An equi- potential surface is one on which the potential is same at all the points.
Ex:- Surface of a charged spherical conductor.
10. What is an equi-potential line?
A. Any line drawn on an equi-potential surface is called equi-potential line.
11. Write the properties of equi-potential surface.
 Two equipotential surfaces can never intersect.
 Electric field is always normal to the equipotential surface at every point.
 Space between equipotential surfaces enables us to identify regions of strong and weak
fields.
 No work is done in moving a charge over an equipotential surface.

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12. Derive the relation between electric intensity and electric potential.
A. Consider a unit positive charge placed at P which is at a distance x from charge q. The electric
intensity at P is equal to force experienced by a unit positive charge at P.
𝟏 𝒒𝑿𝟏
𝐹=
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝒙𝟐 +q +q0
F
𝟏 𝒒 Q P E
𝐸= 𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝒙𝟐
O 𝑑𝑥
x

Let ‘dx ’ be a small displacement against the field. The work done in displacing unit positive
charge from P and Q is given by
dW = -F x dx
dW = -E x dx
According to definition of electric potential dW = dV
dV = -E x dx
𝑑𝑉
− 𝐸 = 𝑑𝑥 -
𝑑𝑉
∴𝐸= −
𝑑𝑥

The electric intensity at a point is the negative potential gradient at that point.
Note: The negative sign shows that the direction of electric field 𝐸 is in the direction of
decreasing potential.
13. What is meant by potential energy of a system of charges? Derive an expression for the
electric potential energy of a system of two charges in the absence of external field.
A. Electric potential energy:- The amount of work done in a bringing a system of charges
from infinity to their respective position is known as Electric potential energy.
Electric potential energy of a system of two charges:-
Consider a system two point charges q1and q2 at infinite distance from A and B. work
done to bring the charge q1 from infinity to A is zero, Since the there is no electric field initially
at A. Whereas the work done to bring the charge q2 from infinity to B is W = V q2 ------- (1)
𝟏 𝒒𝟏 +q1 +q2
But electric potential at B due to q1 is V = A
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟏 𝟐 B

Substituting V value in equation (1) r12

𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐
W=
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟏 𝟐
𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐
This work is stored in the form of electric potential energy (U)= 𝟒𝝅𝜺
𝟎 𝒓𝟏𝟐

14. Expression for potential energy of charge in an external field:

A. Let an external field E have different values of electric potential at different points. Consider a
point P distant r from the origin in this field having electric potential as V(r)
Then, work done in bringing charge q from infinity to point P is given by qV(r)
This work is available as potential energy of charge q

Thus potential energy of charge q at position vector ( r ) in external field is equal to qV (r)

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15. Expression for potential energy of a system of two charges in an external field.
A. Let q1 and q2 be two charges placed at point P and Q having position vectors r1 and r2
respectively in an external field 𝐸 . In bringing q1 from infinity to point P, work done = q1V(𝑟1 )
Where, V(𝑟1 ) is the potential at P due to external electric field.
In bringing q2 from infinity to point Q, work done = q2V(𝑟2 )
Where , q2V(𝑟2 ) is the potential at Q due to external electric field.
If 𝑟12 is the distance between point P and Q then
𝑞 𝑞2
work done on q2 against the field due to q1 = 4 𝜋 1𝜖
0 𝑟 12

Then using superposition principle

𝑞 𝑞2
The Potential energy of the system of two charges = q1V(𝑟1 ) + q2V(𝑟2 ) + 4 𝜋 1𝜖
0 𝑟 12

16. Derive the expression for electric potential energy of an electric dipole in an
electric field.

Electric potential energy of an electric dipole in an electrostatic field is the work done in
rotating the dipole from zero energy position to the desired position in the field.
When an electric dipole of dipole moment 𝑃 is held at an angle 𝜃 with the electric field a
torque 𝜏 acts on it such that 𝜏 = 𝑃 𝑥 𝐸
This torque tends to rotate the dipole (unless 𝑃 is parallel or antiparallel to 𝐸 ). Suppose an
external torque 𝜏𝑒𝑥𝑡 is applied to neutralize 𝜏 and rotate the dipole in the plane of paper without
angular acceleration.
Let dw be the small amount of work done in turning the dipole through an angle 𝑑𝜃
dw = 𝜏𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑑𝜃
dw = PE sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
If w is the work done in turning the dipole from 900 to 𝜃 then
𝜃
W= 900
𝑑𝑤
𝜃
= 900 𝑃𝐸𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑑𝜃
𝜃
= PE 900 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑑𝜃
W = PE −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝜃900
= -PE [cos𝜃- cos900]
= -PEcos𝜃
This work done is stored as P.E is U
U = -PEcos𝜃
U = - 𝑃 ∙ 𝐸 Vector form.
17. What is electrostatic shielding? Mention its one application.
A. Electric field inside a charged conductor is always zero and it remains shielded from
out side electric influence. This is known as electrostatic shielding.
Application: This property is used to protect Sensitive electrical instruments from outside
electrical influence.

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18. What are dielectrics?

A. The non – conducting materials in which induced charges are produced on their faces on the
application of electric fields are called dielectrics.
Ex:- Glass, paper, mica, plastic, wood etc.
 Dielectrics are divided into two types. They are (i) polar dielectrics (ii) Non-polar
dielectrics
19. What are polar molecules? Give an example.
A. The molecules whose positive and negative charge centers do not coincide and which possess a
net dipole moment are called polar molecules.
Ex:- HCl, H2O, CO etc
 Polar dielectrics are made of polar molecules.
 When a polar molecule is placed in an electric field, the resultant torque acting on it
tends to align it in the direction of electric field.
20. What are non-polar molecules? Give an example.
A. The molecules in which positive and negative charge centers coincides and whose net dipole
moment is zero, are called non- polar molecules.
Ex:- H2, O2, N2 etc
 Non-polar dielectrics are made of non-polar molecules.
 When a non-polar molecule is placed in an electric field, the negative and positive
charges get displaced in opposite directions. Due to this an induced dipole moment is
created in the non- polar molecules.
21. What is meant by dielectric polarization?
A. The process of inducing a dipole moment in a dielectric material is called dielectric polarization.
 When dielectric material is placed in an electric field, due to polarization an electric field
is produced inside the dielectric. This field is opposite to the external field. As a result,
the net electric intensity and potential decreases. This is the reason for decrease in force
between two charges when placed in a dielectric medium.
 The polarization 𝑃 of a dielectric is directly proportional to electric intensity 𝐸
 𝑷 ∝ 𝑬 𝒐𝒓 𝑷 = 𝝌 𝑬
The proportionality constant 𝜒 is known as electric susceptibility of the material.
22. Define dielectric strength.
A. The maximum value of electric field that a dielectric material can withstand without dielectric
breakdown is known as dielectric strength.
 It depends on temperature and presence of impurities.
 S.I unit : V/m ; practical unit : KV/mm
 Dimensional formula of dielectric strength is MLT-3A-1
23. What happens when Dielectrics are placed in an electric field?
A. Both polar and non-polar dielectrics develop a net dipole moment along the external field when
placed in it.

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CAPACITORS
1. Define Capacity and mention its SI unit.
A. The capacity of a conductor is the ratio of charge given to the conductor to the raise of its
potential.
Explanation:-
The charge ‘q’ given to a conductor is directly proportional to its potential ‘v’
 𝑞  𝑉 (or)
q = CV. Where C is a constant called electric capacity of the conductor.
𝑞
Hence, C =
𝑉

 The S.I unit of capacitance is farad(F).

 Dimensional formula: [ M-1L-2T4A2]
NOTE:- Capacitance does not depend on charge or potential alone.
2. Define farad.
A. The capacity of a conductor is said to be 1farad when a charge of 1 coulomb raises its potential
by 1 volt.
𝟏 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒃
1 farad =
𝟏 𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕

 farad is very big unit. Hence for all practical purposes the following units are used.
 1 milli farad ( 1mF) = 10-3F
 1 micro farad (1𝜇F) = 10-6 F
 1 pico farad (1pF) = 1𝜇𝜇F= 10-12F.
3. Derive an expression for capacitance of a spherical conductor
A. Let us consider a spherical conductor of radius r. Let a charge q is given to the spherical
conductor so that its potential raises to V.
1 𝑞
V= ( ) r
4𝜋𝜖 𝜊 𝑟
O
𝐶𝑕𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝒒
As Capacitance (C) = = 𝟏 𝒒
𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝒓

∴C = 4𝜋𝜖 0r
𝑟
Note: 𝐶= 9𝑋10 9
𝑓𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑 [ 𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑒]
4. What is the value of capacitance of the earth?
A. The value of capacitance of the earth is C ≈ 711𝜇𝐹 A B A B
5. Explain the Principle of parallel plate capacitor. + + − + + + −
A. Capacitor is a device to store large amount of charge
at low potential and its principle is to increase the + + − + + + −
capacity of a conductor by bringing an earthed
conductor nearer to the first conductor. + + − + + + −
Consider a metallic conductor ‘A’ on an insulating + + − + + + −
stand. Let q be the charge on the surface of ‘A’ and V
be its potential. The capacity of the conductor A is
given by
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𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉

When an insulated metal plate B is brought nearer to the plate A, negative and positive
charges are induced on the inner and outer surface respectively. Due to the
negative charge on B, the potential of A is lowered, but on account of positive charge on B, the
potential of A is increased. Being negative charge of B is nearer to A, there will be net decrease
in potential of A. To get back to the original potential the plate A draws the charge from the
source, thus there will be an increase in the capacity of A.
When the plate B is connected to the earth the positive charge of the plate flows to the
earth and the capacity of the plate A further increases due to further decrease in its potential.
Therefore the capacity of a conductor can be increased by placing an earthed conductor nearer
to it. This type of combination of plates is known as capacitor.
6. with a labeled diagram, write an expression for the capacitance of a spherical capacitor and
explain the terms.
b
𝑎𝑏
A. The capacitance of a spherical capacitor is given by C = 4𝜋𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 𝑏−𝑎
O
a
Where 𝜀𝑜 = permittivity of free space, 𝜀𝑟 = Dielectric constant
a, b are radii of inner and outer spherical conductors respectively
7. Mention the factors on which capacitance of a spherical capacitor depend.
A. The capacitance of a spherical capacitor depends on
i) radii of inner and outer spherical conductors,
ii) dielectric constant of the medium between spherical conductors ,
iii) separation between the spherical conductors.
8. With a labeled diagram, write an expression for the capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor and
explain the terms.
A. The capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor is given
𝟐𝝅𝜺𝒐 𝜺𝒓 𝒍
𝐶= 𝒃
𝟐.𝟑𝟎𝟑 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝟏𝟎
𝒂

Where 𝜀𝑜 = permittivity of free space, 𝜀𝑟 = Dielectric constant

a, b are radii of inner and outer cylinders respectively
l = length of the cylinders
9. Mention the factors on which capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor depend.
A. The capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor depends on
i) radii of inner and outer cylinders,
ii) dielectric constant of the medium between the cylinders ,
iii) length of the cylindrical conductors.

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10. Derive an expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.

A. Consider two parallel plates M and N of a capacitor separated by a distance d. The area of each
plate is A. The plate M is given a charge q and N is connected to the earth.
𝑞
Surface charge density 𝜎 = 𝐴

Intensity of the electric field E between the two plates M and N is given by Gauss theorem
𝜎 𝑞 𝑞
𝐸= 𝜖0
= 𝐴𝜖 0
∵ 𝜎= 𝐴
M
𝑉
But 𝐸 = 𝑑
𝑉 𝑞
∴𝑑 = 𝐴𝜖 0
𝜖 0 𝐴𝑉
𝑞= 𝑑
N
𝑞
Capacity of the capacitor , 𝐶 = 𝑉
𝜖 0 𝐴𝑉 𝜖 0𝐴𝑉
𝐶= 𝑑𝑉
(∵ 𝑞 = 𝑑
)
𝜖 0𝐴
∴𝐶= 𝑑

NOTE:
The capacity of a capacitor is proportional to the area of plates ( 𝐶 𝛼 𝐴 ) and
1
inversely proportional to the distance between the plates.( 𝐶 𝛼 𝑑
)
11. Define dielectric constant.
A. Dielectric constant of a material is defined as the ratio of the capacity of the capacitor with the
dielectric between the plates to the capacity of the same capacitor with air or vacuum in
between the plates
𝐶|
Dielectric constant, 𝐾 = 𝐶

Where C1 is the capacity of the capacitor with the dielectric medium between the plates and C
the capacity of the same capacitor with air (or) vacuum between the plates.
12. What is meant by effective capacitance of combination of capacitors?
A. The effective or equivalent capacitance of number of capacitors is the capacity equal to the
resultant capacity of combination of capacitors.
13. Derive an expression for effective capacitance of the two capacitors connected in series
A. If a number of capacitors are connected in such a way so that the
charge on the plates of each of them is same, then the capacitors
are said to be connected in series.
Let two capacitors of capacitances C1, and C2 are
connected in series as shown in the figure. The charge on the plates of the capacitors is same but
the P.D is different for different capacitors. Let V1, V2 be the P.D across the capacitors
respectively and V be the P.D across the combinations, then
𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2
But
𝑞 𝑞
𝑉1 = 𝐶1
; 𝑉2 = 𝐶2
;
𝑞 𝑞
∴𝑉= 𝐶1
+ 𝐶2

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𝑞
If CS is the equivalent capacity of the combination then 𝑉 = 𝐶𝑆
;
𝑞 𝑞 𝑞
∴ = +
𝐶𝑆 𝐶1 𝐶2
1 1 1
= +
𝐶𝑆 𝐶1 𝐶2

The reciprocal of the effective capacity of a number of capacitors in series is equal to the sum of
reciprocals of their individual capacities.
NOTE:
 If N capacitors of equal capacitance C are connected in series then effective capacitance
𝐶
𝐶𝑆 = 𝑁

 When capacitors are connected in series, the effective capacity is always smaller than the
smallest capacity in the combination.
14. Derive an expression for effective capacitance of the two capacitors connected in parallel
A. If a number of capacitors are connected in between the same two points so that the P.D across
each of them is same, then they are said to be connected in parallel.
Let two capacitors of capacities C1 and C2 be connected in parallel as shown in the figure. The
P.D across each capacitor is same and it is equal to V. Let q1 and q2 be the charges on the plates
of the capacitors respectively.
q = q1 +q2
But q1 = C1V ; q2 = C2V ;
∴ q = C1V + C2V
If the equivalent capacity of the combination of capacitors in parallel is Cp, then
𝑞
𝐶𝑃 = ⟹ 𝑞 = 𝐶𝑃 𝑉
𝑉

∴ CpV = C1V + C2V

(or) Cp = C1 + C2
NOTE:
 If N capacitors of equal capacitance C are connected in Parallel then effective
capacitance Cp = CN
 When capacitors are connected in parallel effective capacity is always greater
than the greatest capacity in the combination.
15. Mention the uses of Capacitors
 Capacitors are used to store large amount of charges at low potentials.
 Capacitors are used in tuning circuits in radio, T.V etc.
 These are used to produce strong electric field in small space.
 Capacitors are used to increase the efficiency of A.C. transformer.
 Capacitors are used to allow A.C. through the circuit and to stop D.C.
 Capacitors are used in automobile ignition systems

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 BELLARY INDEPENDENT P.U. COLLEGE PHYSICS

16. Derive an expression for energy stored in a capacitor.

A. Let q be the charge on the plates of a capacitor and V be the P.D between the plates. The work
done dw in giving additional charge dq to the capacitor is given by C
+ -
dw = Vdq
𝑞
But capacity, C = 𝑉
𝑞
(OR) V =
𝐶

The total work done in giving the whole charge Q to the capacitor is given by V
𝑄 𝑄
𝑊= 0
𝑑𝑤 = 𝑜
𝑉𝑑𝑞
𝑄𝑞 𝑞
= 𝑜 𝐶
𝑑𝑞 ( ∵ 𝑉 = 𝐶 )
𝑄2
= 2𝐶

This work done in charging a capacitor is stored in the form of potential energy in between the
plates
𝑄2 1 1
 Potential energy 𝑈 = 2𝐶 = 2
𝐶𝑉 2 = 2 𝑄𝑉

17. Describe the construction and working of a Vande Graaff generator.

A) Van de Graff generator is an electrostatic high voltage generator which can supply a few million
volt. It was designed by Robert J Van de Graff.
Purpose:- It is basically an arrangement for producing a very high potential difference of the
order of several million volt say 20 million volt (i.e 20MV)
Uses :-
(i) It is used to accelerate charged particles like deuteron and protons
(ii) Accelerated particle beams are used to break atoms for various experiments in physics.
(iii)In medicine, beams of positively charged particles are used to treat cancer.
(iv) the beam of the positively charged accelerated particles are used to trigger the nuclear
reaction.
Principle: Let a small charged conducting shell of radius r be located
inside a large charged conducting shell of radius R. If they are
connected together with a conductor, then charge q from the
small shell will move to the outer surface of the bigger shell
irrespective of its own charge Q
𝑞 1 1
Here, potential difference = 𝑉(𝑟) − 𝑉(𝑅) = 4 𝜋 𝜖0
(𝑟 − 𝑅
)

In this way, the potential of the outer shell increases considerably.

Thus, large amount of charge can be collected on the outer shell.
The principle of van de Graff generator is that large amount of charge can be placed on the outer
surface of the spherical shell to increase its potential to very high value.

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 BELLARY INDEPENDENT P.U. COLLEGE PHYSICS

Construction and working: It consists of a large conducting

spherical shell (S) of few metre radius supported on an insulated
stand of height of many metre. A belt made of insulated fabric
runs over two pulleys P1 and P2. Pulley P1 and the belt are run by
an electric motor. A spray comb C1(made of metallic needles) is
connected to high voltage rectifier. (H.V.R) which is earthed. A
collecting comb C2 (made of metallic needles) facing the belt is
connected to the spherical shell S.
Let spray comb C1 be charged to a high positive potential
which sprays positive charge to the belt which in turn becomes
positively charged. Since belt is moving up, so it carries this
positive charge upward.
Opposite charge appears on the teeth of collecting comb
C2 by induction from the belt. As a result of this positive charge appears on the outer surface of
shell S. As the belt moves continuously. So the charge on the shell S increases continuously.
Hence the potential of the shell (S) rises to a very high value.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Effect of dielectric on capacitor
a. Battery Connected:-
 When a capacitor is connected to a battery. The P.D between the plates is equal to the P.D
between the terminals of the battery ‘V’. If a dielectric slab is introduced without disconnecting
battery.
𝐾𝜖 𝐴
 ( C | = 0 = 𝐾𝐶)
𝑑
Capacity increases by K times.
 P.D remains same
 Charge increases by K times.
𝑞| 𝑞
 C| = 𝑉
;C=𝑉

C| 𝑞|
𝐶 = K = 𝑞
;  q| = Kq
 If the dielectric slab is introduced without disconnected battery potential difference remains the
same but capacity increases K times.

 Energy increases by K times.

1
 Initial potential energy E = 2 𝐶𝑉 2
1
 Final potential energy E | = 2 𝐾𝐶𝑉 2 = EK
b. Battery disconnected:
If the battery is disconnected from the capacitor and dielectric slab is introduced.
 Charge remains same
 capacity increases by K times
𝜀𝑞 𝑞

C | = 𝑑 = K𝜖 o𝑑 = 𝐾𝐶
 Potential difference becomes 1/K times the initial value.
𝑞 𝑞 𝑉
 V | = 𝐶 1 = 𝐾𝐶 = 𝐾
 The energy decreases by 1/K times when dielectric slab is introduced between the plates with
the battery being disconnected from the plates.
𝑞2
 Initial energy E = ½ 𝐶
𝑞2 𝐸
 Final energy E | = ½ 𝐾𝐶
=𝐾

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