NCERT Solutions for Class 12

Physics
Chapter 2 – Electrostatic Potential -Capacitance

1. Two charges 5  108 C and 3  108 C are located 16 cm apart. At what

point(s) on the line joining the two charges is the electric potential zero? Take
the potential at infinity to be zero.
Ans: It is provided that,
First charge, q1  5  108 C
Second charge, q 2  3  108 C
Distance between the two given charges, d  16cm  0.16m
Case 1. When point P is inside the system of two charges.
Consider a point named P on the line connecting the two charges.

r is the distance of point P from q1 .

Potential at point P will be,
q q2
V 1 
4o r 4o (d  r)
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
But V  0 so,
q q2
0 1 
4o r 4o (d  r)
q q2
 1 
4o r 4o (d  r)
q q2
 1 
r (d  r)
5  108 3  108
 
r (0.16  r )
0.16 8
 
r 5

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We get,
r  0.1m  10cm
Therefore, the potential is zero at 10 cm distance from the positive charge.
Case 2. When point P is outside the system of two charges.

Potential at point P will be,

q q2
V 1 
4os 4o (s  d)
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
But V  0 so,
q q2
0 1 
4os 4o (s  d)
q q2
 1 
4os 4o (s  d)
q q2
 1 
s (s  d)
8
5  10 3  108
 
s (s  0.16)
0.16 2
 
s 5
We get,
s  0.4m  40cm
Therefore, the potential is zero at 40 cm distance from the positive charge.

2. A regular hexagon of side 10 cm has a charge 5C at each of its vertices.

Calculate the potential at the centre of the hexagon.
Ans: The given figure represents six equal charges, q  5  106 C , at hexagon’s
vertices.

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Sides of the hexagon, AB  BC  CD  DE  EF  FA  10cm
The distance of O from each vertex, d  10cm
Electric potential at point O,
6q
V
4 o d
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
1
Value of  9  109 NC2 m 2
4o
6  9  109  5  106
V
0.1
 V  2.7  10 V 6

Clearly, the potential at the hexagon’s centre is 2.7  106 V .

3. Two charges 2C and 2C are placed at points A and B, 6 cm apart.
a) Identify an equipotential surface of the system.
Ans: The given figure represents two charges.

An equipotential surface is defined as that plane on which electric potential is equal

at every point. One such plane is normal to line AB. The plane is placed at the mid-
point of line AB because the magnitude of charges is equal.

b) What is the direction of the electric field at every point on this surface?
Ans: The electric field's direction is perpendicular to the plane in the line AB
direction at every location on this surface.

4. A spherical conductor of radius 12 cm has a charge of 1.6  107 C

distributed uniformly on its surface. What is the electric field,
a) inside the sphere?

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Ans: It is provided that,
Spherical conductor’s radius, r  12cm  0.12m
The charge is evenly distributed across the conductor. The electric field within a
spherical conductor is zero because the total net charge within a conductor is zero.

b) just outside the sphere?

Ans: Just outside the conductor, Electric field E is given by
q
E
4o r 2
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
1
Value of  9  109 NC2 m 2
4o
1.6  107  9  109
E
(0.12)2
 E  105 NC1
Clearly, the electric field just outside the sphere is 105 NC1 .

c) at a point 18 cm from the centre of the sphere?

Ans: Let electric field at a given point which is 18 cm from the sphere centre = E1
Distance of the given point from the centre, d  18 cm  0.18m
The formula for electric field is given by,
q
E1 
4od 2
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
1
Value of  9  109 NC2 m 2
4o
1.6  107  9  109
E
(0.18)2
 E  4.4  104 NC1
Therefore, the electric field at a given point 18 cm from the sphere centre is
4.4  104 NC1 .

5. A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of
8pF . What will be the capacitance if the distance between the plates is reduced
by half, and the space between them is filled with a substance of dielectric
constant 6 ?
Ans: It is provided that,

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Capacitance between the capacitor’s parallel plates, C  8pF
Originally, the distance separating the parallel plates was d, and the air was filled
in it.
Dielectric constant of air, k  1
The formula for Capacitance is given by:
k A
C o
d
Here, k  1, so,
A
C o
d
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
A is the area of each plate.
If the distance separating the plates is decreased to half and the substance has a
dielectric constant of 6 filled in between the plates.
Then,
d
k '  6,d ' 
2
Hence, capacitor’s capacitance becomes,
k ' o A
C' 
d'
6 A
 C'  o
d
2
 C'  12C
 C'  12  8  96pF
Therefore, the capacitance when substance of dielectric constant 6 is filled between
the plates is 96 pF .

6. Three capacitors each of capacitance 9 pF are connected in series.

a) What is the total capacitance of the combination?
Ans: It is provided that,
Capacitance of each three capacitors, C  9pF
The formula for equivalent capacitance ( C') of the capacitors’ series combination
is given by
1 1 1 1
  
C' C C C
1 1 1 1
   
C' 9 9 9

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 1 3
 
C' 9
 C'  3pF
Clearly, total capacitance of the combination of the capacitors is 3pF .

b) What is the potential difference across each capacitor if the combination is

connected to a 120 V supply?
Ans: Provided that,
Supply voltage, V  120 V
Potential difference (V ') across each capacitor will be one-third of the supply
voltage.
V'  120  40V
3
Clearly, the potential difference across each capacitor is 40 V .

7. Three capacitors of capacitance 2pF, 3 pF and 4pF are connected in

parallel.
a) What is the total capacitance of the combination?
Ans: Provided that,
Capacitances of the given capacitors are,
C1  2pF ; C2  3pF ; C3  4pF
The formula for equivalent capacitance ( C') of the capacitors’ parallel combination
is given by
C'  C1  C2  C3
 C'  2  3  4  9pF
Therefore, total capacitance of the combination is 9pF.

b) Determine the charge on each capacitor if the combination is connected to

a 100 V supply.
Ans: We have,
Supply voltage, V  100 V
Charge on a capacitor with capacitance C and potential difference V is given by,
q  CV ……(i)
For C  2pF ,
Charge  VC  100  2  200pF
For C  3pF ,
Charge  VC  100  3  300pF
For C  4pF ,

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Charge  VC  100  4  400pF

8. In a parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates, each plate has an
area of 6  103 m 2 and the distance between the plates is 3 mm . Calculate the
capacitance of the capacitor. If this capacitor is connected to a 100 V supply,
what is the charge on each plate of the capacitor?
Ans: It is provided that,
Area of parallel plate capacitor’s each plate, A  6  103 m2
Distance separating the plates, d  3mm  3  103 m
Supply voltage, V  100 V
The formula for parallel plate capacitor’s Capacitance is given by,
A
C o
d
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
o  8.854  1012 C2 N 1m 2
8.854  1012  6  103
C
3  103
 C  17.71 1012 F
 C  17.71pF
The formula for Potential V is related with charge q and capacitance C is given by,
q
V
C
 q  CV  100  17.71 1012
 q  1.771  109 C
Clearly, capacitor’s capacitance is 17.71 pF and charge on each plate is
1.771 109 C .

9. Explain what would happen if in the capacitor given in Exercise 8, a 3 mm

thick mica sheet (of dielectric constant  6 ) were inserted between the plates,
a) while the voltage supply remained connected.
Ans: It is provided that,
Mica sheet’s Dielectric constant, k = 6
Initial capacitance, C  17.71 1012 F
New capacitance, C'  kC  6  17.71  1012  106pF
Supply voltage, V  100V
New charge, q '  C'V '  106  100pC  1.06  108 C
Potential across the plates will remain 100 V .

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b) after the supply was disconnected.
Ans: It is provided that,
Mica sheet’s Dielectric constant, k = 6
Initial capacitance, C  17.71 1012 F
New capacitance, C'  kC  6  17.71  1012  106pF
If supply voltage is disconnected, then there will be no influence on the charge
amount on the plates.
The formula for potential across the plates is given by,
q
V' 
C'
1.771  109
V'   16.7V
106  1012
The potential across the plates when the supply was removed is 16.7V .

10. A 12pF capacitor is connected to a 50 V battery. How much electrostatic

energy is stored in the capacitor?
Ans: It is provided that,
Capacitance of the capacitor, C  12  1012 F
Potential difference, V  50 V
The formula for stored electrostatic energy in the capacitor is given by,
1
E  CV 2
2
1
 E   12  1012  502
2
 E  1.5  108 J
Therefore, the stored electrostatic energy in the capacitor is 1.5 108 J .

11. A 600 pF capacitor is charged by a 200 V supply. It is then disconnected

from the supply and is connected to another uncharged 600 pF capacitor.
How much electrostatic energy is lost in the process?
Ans: It is provided that,
Capacitance of the capacitor, C  600 pF
Potential difference, V  200 V
The formula for stored electrostatic energy in the capacitor is given by,
1
E  CV 2
2
1
 E   600  1012  2002
2

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 E  1.2  105 J
If supply is removed from the capacitor and another capacitor of capacitance
C  600 pF is joined to it, then equivalent capacitance (C') of the series
combination is given by
1 1 1
 
C' C C
1 1 1
  
C' 600 600
1 2
 
C' 600
 C'  300pF
New electrostatic energy will be,
1
E '  C'V 2
2
1
 E '   300  1012  2002
2
 E'  0.6  105 J
Loss in electrostatic energy  E  E'
 E  E'  1.2  105  0.6  105  0.6  105 J
 E  E'  6  106 J
Clearly, the lost electrostatic energy in the process is 6  106 J .

12. A charge of 8 mC is located at the origin. Calculate the work done in

taking a small charge of 2  109 C from a point P  0,0,3 cm  to a point
Q  0,4 cm,0  , via a point R(0,6 cm,9 cm) .
Ans: Charge located at the origin, q  8 mC  8  103 C
A small charge is moved from a point P to point R to point Q, q1  2  109 C
The figure given below represents all points.

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 q
Potential at point P, V1 
4od1
Where d1  3cm  0.03m
q
Potential at point Q, V2 
4od 2
Where d2  4cm  0.04m
Work done by the electrostatic force does not depend on the path.
W  q1  V2  V1 
 q q 
 W  q1   
 4od 2 4od1 
qq 1 1
W 1   
4o  d 2 d1 
1
Value of  9  109 NC2 m 2
4o
 1 1 
 W  9  109  8  103  (2  109 )  
 0.04 0.03 
 W  1.27J
Clearly, work done during the process is 1.27J .

13. A cube of side b has a charge q at each of its vertices. Determine the
potential and electric field due to this charge array at the centre of the cube.
Ans: Length of each cube’s side  l
Charge at each of cube’s vertices  q
This figure shows cube of side b.

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d is the length of the diagonal of face of the cube.
d  b2  b2  2b 2
d  2b
l is the length of diagonal of the cube.
l  3b
r is the distance between the cube’s centre and one of the eight vertices of the cube.
3b
r
2
The electric potential (V) at the cube’s centre is due to the presence of eight charges
present at the vertices of the cube is given by,
8q
V
4o r
8q
V
 3b 
4o  
 2 
4q
V
3o b
4q
Clearly, the potential at the cube’s centre is .
3o b
The electric field at the cube's centre is due to the eight charges, which get cancelled
because the charges are divided symmetrically concerning the cube's centre.
Therefore, the electric field is zero at the centre.

14. Two tiny spheres carrying charges 1.5C and 2.5C are located 30 cm
apart. Find the potential and electric field:
a) at the mid-point of the line joining the two charges, and
Ans: Two charges placed at points A and B are represented in the given figure.
O is the mid-point of the line connecting the two charges.

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Magnitude of charge located at A, q1  1.5C
Magnitude of charge located at B, q 2  2.5C
Distance between the two charges, d  30cm  0.3m
Let V1 and E1 are the electric potential and electric field respectively at O point.
V1 is the sum of potential due to charge at A and potential due to charge at B.
q1 q2 1
V1     q1  q 2 
d d d
4o   4o   4o  
2 2 2
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
o  8.854  1012 C2 N 1m 2
1
Value of  9  109 NC2 m 2
4o
9  109  106
 V1  1.5  2.5   2.4  105 V
 0.3 
 
 2 
And, E1 is the electric field due to q 2  electric field due to q1
q2 q1 1
2  2
E1  2
 2
 q  q1 
d d d
4o   4o   4o  
2 2 2
6
9  10  10
9
 E1  2  2.50  1.5  4  105 Vm 1
 0.3 
 
 2 
Therefore, the potential at mid-point is 2.4  105 V and the electric field at mid-
point is 4  105 Vm1 . The field is pointed from the greater charge to the smaller
charge.

b) at a point 10 cm from this midpoint in a plane normal to the line and

passing through the mid-point.
Ans: Consider a point Z such that OZ  10 cm  0.1 m , as shown in figure,

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V2 and E 2 are the electric potential and electric field respectively at Z point.
BZ  AZ  0.12  0.152  0.18m
V2 is the sum of potential due to charge at A and potential due to charge at B.
q1 q2
V2   
4o  AZ  4o  BZ 
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
o  8.854  1012 C2 N 1m 2
1
Value of  9  109 NC2 m 2
4o
9  109  106
 V2  1.5  2.5  2  105 V
0.18
Electric field due to q1 at Z,
q1
EA 
4o  AZ 
2

9  109  1.5  106

 EA  2
 0.416  106 Vm 1 along AZ
(0.18)
Electric field due to q 2 at Z,
q2
EB 
4 o  BZ 
2

9  109  2.5  106

 EB  2
 0.69  106 Vm 1 along BZ.
(0.18)
The resultant field intensity at Z,
E  E 2A  E B2  2E A E B cos 2
From figure,
0.10
cos    0.5556
0.18
   cos 1 (0.5556)  56.25
 2  112.5
 cos2  0.38

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Now,
E  0.416 10    0.69 10 
6 2 6 2
 2  0.416  106  0.416  106  (0.38)
E  6.6  105 Vm1
Therefore, the potential at a point 10 cm (perpendicular to the mid-point) is
2  105 V and electric field is 6.6  105 Vm1 .

15. A spherical conducting shell of inner radius r1 and outer radius r2 has a
charge Q.
a) A charge q is placed at the centre of the shell. What is the surface charge
density on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell?
Ans: Provided that,
Charge located at the centre of shell is  q . Hence, a charge of magnitude q will
be induced to the inner surface of the shell. Therefore, net charge on the shell’s
inner surface is q .
Surface charge density at the shell’s inner surface is given by the relation,
q
1 
4r12
A charge of  q is induced on the outer surface of the shell. A charge of magnitude
Q is placed on the outer surface of the shell. Therefore, total charge on the outer
surface of the shell is Q  q . Surface charge density at the shell’s outer surface is,
q
2 
4r22

b) Is the electric field inside a cavity (with no charge) zero, even if the shell is
not spherical, but has any irregular shape? Explain.
Ans: Yes, the electric field intensity is zero inside a cavity, even if the shell is not
spherical and has any random shape. Take a closed circle such that a part of it is
inside the hole along a field line while the rest is within the conductor. The network
performed by the field in taking a test charge over a closed circuit is zero because
the field is zero inside the conductor. Hence, the electric field is zero, whatever the
frame is.

16.
a) Show that the normal component of electrostatic field has a discontinuity


from one side of a charged surface to another given by E2  E1 nˆ 
o


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Where n̂ is a unit vector normal to the surface at a point and  is the surface
charge density at that point (The direction of n̂ is from side 1 to side 2). Hence
n̂
show that just outside a conductor, the electric field is .
o
Ans: Electric field on charged body’s one side is E1 and electric field on the same
body’s other side is E 2 .
If infinite plane body has a uniform thickness, then electric field due to one surface
is given by,

E1   nˆ ……(1)
2o
Where, n̂ is the unit vector normal to the surface at a point
 is the surface charge density at that point
Electric field due to the other surface of the charged body,

E2   nˆ ……(2)
2 o
Electric field at any point due to the two surfaces
  
 
E 2  E1 
2o
nˆ 
2o
nˆ  nˆ
o

 
 E 2  E1 nˆ  nˆ
o
Inside a closed conductor, E1  0

E 2  E1   nˆ
2o

Clearly, the electric field just outside the conductor is n̂ .
o

b) Show that the tangential component of electrostatic field is continuous from

one side of a charged surface to another.
Ans: When a charged particle is transferred from one location to the other on a
closed-loop, the work performed by the electrostatic field is zero. Hence, the
tangential segment of the electrostatic field is continuous from charged surface's
one side.

17. A long charged cylinder of linear charged density  is surrounded by a

hollow co-axial conducting cylinder. What is the electric field in the space
between the two cylinders?
Ans: Provided that,

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There is a long-charged cylinder of length L and radius r and having charge density
is  .
Another cylinder of equal length encloses the previous cylinder. The radius of this
cylinder is R.
Let E be the electric field generated in the space between the two cylinders.
According to Gauss’s theorem, electric flux is given by,
  E(2d)L
d is the distance of a point from the cylinder’s common axis.
Let q be the cylinder’s total charge.
q
So,   E(2d)L 
o
Where, q is the Charge on the outer cylinder’s inner sphere.
 o is the Permittivity of free space
L
 E(2d)L 
o

E
2do

Clearly, the electric field in the space between the two cylinders is .
2do

18. In a hydrogen atom, the electron and proton are bound at a distance of
o
about d  0.53 A :
a) Estimate the potential energy of the system in eV, taking the zero of the
potential energy at infinite separation of the electron from proton.
Ans: Provided that,
o
The distance separating electron-proton of a hydrogen atom, d  0.53A
Charge on an electron, q1  1.6  1019 C
Charge on a proton, q 2  1.6  1019 C
The value of potential is zero at infinity.
Potential energy of the system is,
qq
U0 1 2
4od
9  109  1.6  1019 
2

 U 0
0.53  1010
 U  43.7  1019 J
 V  27.2eV

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 16

Clearly, the potential energy of the system is 27.2eV .

b) What is the minimum work required to free the electron, given that its
kinetic energy in the orbit is half the magnitude of potential energy obtained
in (a)?
Ans: It is mentioned in the question that,
Kinetic energy is half of the potential energy by magnitude.
Kinetic energy  13.6eV
Total energy  13.6  27.2   13.6eV
Therefore, the minimum work needed to free the electron is 13.6 eV.

c) What are the answers to (a) and (b) above if the zero of potential energy is
o
taken at 1.06 A separation?
o
Ans: When potential energy is taken as zero, d1  1.06A
Potential energy of the system is,
qq
U  1 2  27.2
4od1
9  109  1.6  1019 
2

U  27.2
1.06  1010
 U  21.7.3  1019  27.2
 U  13.6eV
Clearly, the potential energy of the system is 13.6eV .

19. If one of the two electrons of a H2 molecule is removed, we get a hydrogen

molecular ion H 2  . In the ground state of an H 2  , the two protons are
o o
separated by roughly 1.5 A , and the electron is roughly 1A from each proton.
Determine the potential energy of the system. Specify your choice of the zero
of potential energy.
Ans: The figure shows two protons and one electron.

Charge on proton 1, q1  1.6  1019 C

Charge on proton 2, q 2  1.6  1019 C
Charge on electron, q 3  1.6  1019 C

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 17

Distance between protons 1 and 2, d1  1.5  1010 m
Distance between proton 1 and electron, d 2  1  1010 m
Distance between proton 2 and electron, d 3  1  1010 m
There is zero potential energy at infinity.
The formula for potential energy of the system is given by:
qq qq qq
U 1 2  2 3  1 3
4od1 4od 3 4od 2
9  109  1.6  109  
2
1 
U 10  1   1
10  1.5 
 U  30.72J
 U  19.2eV
Clearly, the potential energy of the system is 19.2eV .

20. Two charged conducting spheres of radii a and b are connected to each
other by a wire. What is the ratio of electric fields at the surfaces of the two
spheres? Use the result obtained to explain why charge density on the sharp
and pointed ends of a conductor is higher than on its flatter portions.
Ans: Let a be the radius of a sphere A, QA be the charge on the sphere A, and CA
be the capacitance of the sphere A.
Let b be the radius of sphere B, QB be the charge on the sphere B, and CB be the
capacitance of the sphere B.
The two spheres are joined with a wire, their potential will be equal.
Let E A and E B are the electric field of sphere A and sphere B respectively.
Now,
EA QA 4o b 2
 
E B 4oa 2 QB
E A QA b2
   ……(1)
E B a 2 QB
Q C V C a
And, A  A , A 
Q B CBV C B b
Q a
 A  ……(2)
QB b
Now from (1) and (2),
E A a b2 b
   
EB a 2 b a

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 18

 b
Hence, at surface, the ratio of the electric fields be .
a
A pointed and sharp end can be arranged as a sphere of a minimum radius, and a
flat portion act as a sphere of a much greater radius. Therefore, the charge density
on pointed and sharp ends of a conductor is much higher than on its flatter portions.

21. Two charges q and  q are located at points (0,0, a) and (0,0,a) ,
respectively.
a) What is the electrostatic potential at the points  0,0,z  and  x,y,0  ?
Ans: Charge q is placed at (0,0, a) and charge  q is placed at (0,0,a) . Hence,
they make a dipole. Point  0,0,z  is on the dipole axis and point  x, y,0  is
perpendicular to the axis of the dipole. So, electrostatic potential at point  x, y,0 
is zero.
Electrostatic potential at point  0,0,z  is given by,
1  q q 
V 
4o  z  a z  a 
2qa
V
4o  z 2  a 2 
p
V
4o  z 2  a 2 
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
p is the dipole moment of two charges system.

b) Obtain the dependence of potential on the distance r of a point from the

origin when r  1 .
a
Ans: Distance r is much larger than half of the distance separating the two charges.
Hence, the potential (V) at a distance r is inversely proportional to distance’s
square.
1
V 2
r

c) How much work is done in moving a small test charge from the point
 5, 0, 0  to (7,0,0) along the x-axis? Does the answer change if the path
the test charge between the same points is not along the x-axis?
Ans: The answer does not change if the path of the test is not along x-axis. A test
charge is moved from point  5,0,0  to point (7,0,0) along the x-axis.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 19

Electrostatic potential (V1 ) at point  5,0,0  is given by
1  q q 
V1    
4o  (5  0)2  (a) 2 (5  0) 2  (a) 2 
1  q q 
 V1    0
4o  25  a 2 2 
25  a 
Electrostatic potential (V2 ) at point  7,0,0  is given by
1  q q 
V2    
4o  (7) 2  (a) 2 (7) 2  (a) 2 
1  q q 
 V2    0
4o  49  a 2 2 
49  a 
Hence, zero work is done in taking a small test charge from point  5,0,0  to point
 7,0,0 along the x-axis because work performed by the electrostatic field in
moving a test charge between the two locations is path independent connecting the
two points.

22. Figure shows a charge array known as an electric quadrupole. For a point
on the axis of the quadrupole, obtain the dependence of potential on r for
r  1 and contrast your results with that due to an electric dipole, and an
a
electric monopole (i.e., a single charge).

Ans: Four charges of equal magnitude are located at points X, Y, Y, and Z

respectively, as shown in the below figure,

A point P is r distance far away from point Y.

The system of charges makes an electric quadrupole. It can be taken that the electric
quadrupole has three charges that is, charge  q located at point X, charge 2q
located at point Y and charge  q located at point Z.
Now,
XY  YZ  a
YP  r

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 20

PX =r+a
PZ =r-a
The Electrostatic potential created by the three charges system at point P is given
by,
1  q 2q q 
V  
4o  XP YP ZP 

1  q 2q q 
V  

4o  r  a r r  a 
q  2a 2 
V  
4o  r  r 2  a 2  
 
 
 
q  2a 2 
V
4o r 3   a 2  
 1  2  
 r  
Since, r  1
a
 a <<1
r
2
a
We can take 2 as negligible.
r
2
q2a
V
4o r 3
1
It can be said that V  3 .
r
1 1
We know for dipole’s potential, V  2 and for a monopole, V  .
r r

23. An electrical technician requires a capacitance of 2F in a circuit across a

potential difference of 1 kV. A large number of 1F capacitors are available
to him each of which can withstand a potential difference of not more than
400 V . Suggest a possible arrangement that requires the minimum number of
capacitors.
Ans: It is provided that,
Total required capacitance, C  2F
Potential difference, V  1kV  1000V
Capacitance of each capacitor, C1  1F

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 21

Each capacitor can withstand a potential difference, V1  400V
Suppose a number of capacitors are joined in series and these series circuits are
joined in parallel to each other. The potential difference in each row must be
1000 V and potential difference across each capacitor must be 400 V. Clearly, the
capacitors’ numbers in each row is given by,
1000
 2.5
400
Hence, there are three capacitors across each row. Capacitance of each row,
1
 3F
111
There are n rows and each row is having three capacitors, which are joined in
parallel. Clearly, circuit’s equivalent capacitance is given by,
1 1 1 1 n
   ......n terms=
3 3 3 3 3
However, circuit’s capacitance is given as 2F.
n
 2
3
n 6
Clearly, there are 6 rows and each row having three capacitors. A minimum of
6  3  18 capacitors are needed for the given arrangement.

24. What is the area of the plates of a 2 F parallel plate capacitor, given that
the separation between the plates is 0.5 cm ?
Ans: It is provided that,
Capacitance of a parallel capacitor, C  2 F
Distance separating the two plates, d  0.5 cm  0.5  102 m
The formula for parallel plate capacitor’s capacitance is given by,
A
C o
d
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
o  8.854  1012 C2 N 1m 2
We get,
Cd
A
o
2  0.5  102
A 12
 1130Km 2
8.854  10

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 22

25. Obtain the equivalent capacitance of the network in Figure. For a 300 V
supply, determine the charge and voltage across each capacitor.

Ans: It is provided that,

Capacitance of capacitor C1 is 100 pF.
Capacitance of capacitor C2 is 200 pF.
Capacitance of capacitor C3 is 200 pF.
Capacitance of capacitor C4 is 100 pF.
Supply potential, V  300 V
Capacitors C2 and C3 are connected in series, therefore, their equivalent
capacitance be C' .
1 1 1
 
C' 200 200
1 2
 
C' 200
 C'  100pF
Capacitors C1 and C' are in parallel, therefore their equivalent capacitance be C''.
C''  C1  C'
 C''  100  100  200pF
C'' and C4 are connected in series, therefore, their equivalent capacitance be C .
1 1 1
 
C' 200 100
1 3
 
C' 200
200
 C'  pF
3
200
Clearly, the equivalent capacitance of the circuit is pF .
3
Potential difference across C''  V''

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 23

Potential difference across C4  V4
 V4  V''  V  300V
Charge on C4 is given by,
Q4  VC
200
 Q4  300   1012
3
8
 Q4  2  10 C
Q
 V4  4
C4
2  108
 V4   200V
100  1012
Voltage across C1 is given by,
V1  V  V4
 V1  200  100  100V
Hence, potential difference, V1 , across C1 is 100 V .
Charge on C1 is given by,
Q1  VC1 1

 Q1  100  100  1012

 Q1  108 C
C2 and C3 having same capacitances have a 100 V potential difference together.
Since C2 and C3 are in series, the potential difference across C2 and C3 is given
by,
V2  V3  50V
Charge on C2 is given by,
Q2  V2C2
 Q2  50  200  1012
 Q 2  108 C
Charge on C3 is given by,
Q3  V3C3
 Q3  50  200  1012
 Q3  108 C
200
Clearly, the equivalent capacitance of the given circuit is pF and,
3
Q1  108 C , Q2  108 C , Q3  108 C , Q 4  2  108 C ,

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 24

V1  100V , V2  50V , V3  50V , V4  200V .

26. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor have an area of 90cm 2 each and are
separated by 2.5 mm . The capacitor is charged by connecting it to a 400 V
supply.
a) How much electrostatic energy is stored by the capacitor?
Ans: It is provided that,
Area of the parallel capacitor’s plates, A  90cm2  90  104 m2
Distance separating the plates, d  2.5mm  2.5  103 m
Potential difference across the pates, V  400V
The formula for capacitance will be,
A
C o
d
Electrostatic energy stored in capacitor is given by,
1
E1  CV 2
2
1 A
 E1  o V 2
2 d
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
o  8.854  1012 C2 N 1m 2
1 8.854  1012  90  104
 E1  3
4002
2 2.5  10
 E1  2.55  10 J
6

The stored electrostatic energy inside the capacitor is, 2.55  106 J .

b) View this energy as stored in the electrostatic field between the plates, and
obtain the energy per unit volume u. Hence arrive at a relation between u
and the magnitude of electric field E between the plates.
Ans: Volume of the given capacitor, V'  A  d
 V'  90  104  2.5  103  2.25  105 m3
Energy density in the capacitor is given by,
E
u 1
V'
2.55  106
u 5
 0.113Jm 3
2.25  10
E
Also, u  1
V'

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 25

 1 o A 2
V 2
2 d 1 V
u  o  
Ad 2 d
V
Where,  E , E is electric field.
d
1
 u  o E 2
2
Hence, derived.

27. A 4F capacitor is charged by a 200 V supply. It is then disconnected

from the supply, and is connected to another uncharged 2F capacitor. How
much electrostatic energy of the first capacitor is lost in the form of heat and
electromagnetic radiation?
Ans: It is provided that,
A charged capacitor has capacitance, C1  4F  4  106 F
Supply voltage, V1  200V
Electrostatic energy stored in C1 capacitor is given by,
1
E1  C1V12
2
1
 E1   4  106  2002
2
 E1  8  102 J
An uncharged capacitor’s capacitance, C2  2F  2  106 F
When C2 is joined to the circuit, the potential attained by it is V2 .
According to the conservation of charge,
V2  C1  C2   V1C1
 V2  4  2   106  200  4  106
400
 V2  V
3
The formula for electrostatic energy for the two capacitors combination is given
by,
1
E 2  V2 2  C1  C2 
2
2
1  400 
  4  2   10
6
 E2  
2 3 
 E 2  5.33  102 J

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 26

The amount of lost electrostatic energy by capacitor is,
 E1  E2  0.08  0.0533  0.0267J
Therefore, the lost electrostatic energy is 0.0267J .

28. Show that the force on each plate of a parallel plate capacitor has a
1
magnitude equal to QE where Q is the charge on the capacitor, and E is the
2
magnitude of electric field between the plates. Explain the origin of the factor
1
.
2
Ans: Let F be the applied force to separate the parallel plates of a capacitor by a
distance of x . Hence, work done by the force  Fx
As a result, the capacitor’s potential energy rises by an amount given as uAx
Where, u is the energy density,
A is the area of each plate,
d is the Distance separating the plates,
V is the difference in potential across the plates.
The work done will be equal to the rise in the potential energy i.e.,
Fx  uAx
1
 F  uA  o E 2A
2
The formula for electric intensity is given by,
V
E
d
1 V
 F  o E   A
2 d
Hence, capacitance will be,
A
C o
d
1
 F  CVE
2
The formula for charge in the capacitor is,
Q  CV
1
 F  QE
2
The actual origin of the force formula's half factor is that just outside the conductor,
the field is E, and it is zero inside it. Henceforth, it is the average amount of the
field that contributes to the force.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 27

29. A spherical capacitor consists of two concentric spherical conductors, held
in position by suitable insulating supports (Figure).

Show that the capacitance of a spherical capacitor is given by

4 or1r2
C
r1  r2
Where r1 and r2 are the radii of outer inner spheres, respectively.
Ans: It is provided that,
Outer shell’s radius  r1
Inner shell’s radius  r2
The outer shell’s inner surface has charge Q .
The inner shell’s outer surface has induced charge Q .
The difference in potential between the two shells is given by,
Q Q
V 
4o r2 4o r1
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
Q 1 1
V   
4o  r2 r1 
Q  r1  r2 
V
4o r1r2
The formula for capacitance is given by,
Q
C
V
4o r1r2
C
r1  r2
This proved.

30. A spherical capacitor has an inner sphere of radius 12 cm and an outer

sphere of radius 13 cm . The outer sphere is earthed and the inner sphere is

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 28

given a charge of 2.5μC . The space between the concentric spheres is filled
with a liquid of dielectric constant 32 .
a) Determine the capacitance of the capacitor.
Ans: It is provided that,
Outer cylinder’s radius, r1  13cm  0.13m
Radius of inner cylinder, r2  12cm  0.12m
Charge on the inner cylinder, q  2.5C  2.5  106 C
The formula for capacitor’s capacitance is given by,
4o r r1r2
C
r1  r2
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
o  8.854  1012 C2 N 1m 2
1
Value of  9  109 NC2 m 2
4o
32  0.12  0.13
C
9  109 (0.13  0.12)
 C  5.5  109 F
Hence, the capacitor’s capacitance is approximately 5.5  109 F .

b) What is the potential of the inner sphere?

Ans: The inner sphere’s potential is given by,
q
V
C
2.5  106
V 9
 4.5  102 V
5.5  10
Hence, the inner sphere’s potential is 4.5  102 V .

c) Compare the capacitance of this capacitor with that of an isolated sphere

of radius 12 cm . Explain why the latter is much smaller.
Ans: Isolated sphere’s radius, r  12  102 m
The formula for sphere’s capacitance is given by,
C'  4or
 C'  4 8.854  1012  12  102
 C'  1.33  1011 F
The isolated sphere's capacitance is less in contrast to the concentric spheres
because the concentric spheres' outer sphere is earthed. Hence, the difference in
potential is minor, and the capacitance is higher than the isolated sphere.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 29

31. Answer carefully:
a) Two large conducting spheres carrying charges Q1 and Q 2 are brought
close to each other. Is the magnitude of electrostatic force between them
QQ
exactly given by 1 22 , where r is the distance between their centres?
4 or
Ans: The expression does not precisely give the force between two conducting
QQ
spheres, 1 22 Because there is an irregular charge distribution on the spheres,
4o r
hereafter, Coulomb’s law is not valid.

1 1
b) If Coulomb’s law involved dependence (instead of ), would Gauss’s
r3 r2
law be still true?
Ans: Gauss’s law would not be valid if Coulomb’s law included dependency on
1 1
instead of .
r3 r2

c) A small test charge is released at rest at a point in an electrostatic field

configuration. Will it travel along the field line passing through that point?
Ans: Yes, suppose a small test charge is discharged at rest at an electrostatic field
configuration location. In that case, it will move along the field lines crossing
through the point, mainly if the field lines are straight because the field lines
provide the acceleration's direction and not of velocity.

d) What is the work done by the field of a nucleus in a complete circular orbit
of the electron? What if the orbit is elliptical?
Ans: Whenever the electron transits in a circular orbit, the work performed by the
force of the nucleus is zero, making an orbit either circular or elliptical; the work
done by the field of a nucleus is zero.

e) We know that electric field is discontinuous across the surface of a charged

conductor. Is electric potential also discontinuous there?
Ans: No, the electric field is not continuous across the covering of a charged
conductor. However, an electric potential is continuous.

f) What meaning would you give to the capacitance of a single conductor?

Ans: A single conductor's capacitance is considered a parallel plate capacitor with
one of the two plates at infinity.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 30

g) Guess a possible reason why water has a much greater dielectric constant
  80  than say, mica   6  .
Ans: Water has an irregular space as contrasted to mica. Since it has a persistent
dipole moment, it has a higher dielectric constant than mica.

32. A cylindrical capacitor has two co-axial cylinders of length 15 cm and

radii 1.5 cm and 1.4 cm . The outer cylinder is earthed and the inner cylinder
is given a charge of 3.5C . Determine the capacitance of the system and the
potential of the inner cylinder. Neglect end effects (i.e., bending of field lines
at the ends).
Ans: It is provided that,
Co-axial cylinder’s length, l  15cm  0.15m
Outer cylinder’s radius, r1  1.5cm  0.015m
Radius of inner cylinder, r2  1.4cm  0.014m
Charge on the inner cylinder, q  3.5C  3.5  106 C
The formula for co-axial cylinder’s capacitance of radii r1 and r2 is given by,
2o l
C
r 
log e  1 
 r2 
Where,  o is the Permittivity of free space
o  8.854  1012 C2 N 1m 2
2  8.854  1012  0.15
C
 0.015 
2.303log10  
 0.014 
 C  1.2  1010 F
The difference in potential of the inner cylinder is given by,
q
V
C
3.5  106
V 10
 2.92  104 V
1.2  10
The difference in potential will be 2.92  104 V .

33. A parallel plate capacitor is to be designed with a voltage rating 1 kV ,

using a material of dielectric constant 3 and dielectric strength about
107 Vm1 . (Dielectric strength is the maximum electric filed a material can
tolerate without breakdown, i.e., without starting to conduct electricity
through partial ionization.) For safety, we should like the field never to exceed,

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 31

say 10% of the dielectric strength. What minimum area of the plates is
required to have a capacitance of 50 pF ?
Ans: It is provided that,
Parallel plate capacitor’s potential, V  1kV  1000V
Material’s dielectric constant, r  3
Dielectric strength  107 Vm1
For safety, the electric field intensity never exceeds 10% of the dielectric strength.
Electric field intensity, E  0.1 107  106 Vm1
Parallel plate capacitor’s capacitance, C  50 pF  50  1012 F
The formula for distance separating the plates is given by,
V
d
E
1000
 d  6  10 3 m
10
The formula for capacitance is given by,
A
C o r
d
A is the area of each plate,
 o is the Permittivity of free space
o  8.854  1012 C2 N 1m 2
Cd
A
 o r
50  1012  103
A 12
 19cm 2
8.85  10  3
Clearly, the area of each plate is about 19cm2 .

34. Describe schematically the equipotential surface corresponding to

a) a constant electric field in the z-direction,
Ans: Equipotential surfaces are the equidistant planes parallel to the x-y plane for
the constant electric field in the z-direction.

b) a field that uniformly increases in magnitude but remains in a constant

(say, z) direction,
Ans: Equipotential surfaces are the parallel planes to the x-y plane, except that the
field increases when the planes get closer.

c) a single positive charge at the origin, and

Ans: Equipotential surfaces are the concentric spheres centered at the origin.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 32

d) a uniform grid consisting of long equally spaced parallel charged wires in
a plane.
Ans: A periodically changing shape near the provided grid is the equipotential
surface. This shape slowly reaches the shape of planes that are parallel to the grid
at a greater distance.

35. In a Van de Graaff type generator a spherical metal shell is to be a

15  106 V electrode. The dielectric strength of the gas surrounding the
electrode is 5  107 Vm1 . What is the minimum radius of the spherical shell
required? (You will learn from this exercise why one cannot build an
electrostatic generator using a very small shell which requires a small charge
to acquire a high potential).
Ans: It is provided that,
Potential difference, V  15  106 V
surroundings gas’s dielectric strength  5  107 Vm1
Electric field intensity is equal to the dielectric strength, E  5  107 Vm1
The formula for spherical shell’s minimum radius required for the purpose is given
by,
V
r
E
15  106
r  0.3m  30cm
5  107
Clearly, the required minimum radius of the spherical shell is 30cm .

36. A small sphere of radius r1 and charge q1 is enclosed by a spherical shell

of radius r2 and charge q2 . Show that if q1 is positive, charge will necessarily
flow from the sphere to the shell (when the two are connected by a wire) no
matter what the charge q2 on the shell is.
Ans: According to Gauss's law, the electric field between a sphere and a shell is
concluded by the charge q1 on a small sphere. Hence, the potential difference
between the sphere and the shell does not depend on the charge q 2 . For positive
charge q1 , the potential difference V is always positive.

37. Answer the following:

a) The top of the atmosphere is at about 400 kV with respect to the surface of
the earth, corresponding to an electric field that decreases with altitude.
Near the surface of the earth, the field is about 100Vm 1 . Why then do we
not get an electric shock as we step out of our house into the open? (Assume
the house to be a steel cage so there is no field inside!)

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 33

Ans: When we step out of our house, we do not get an electric shock because the
primary equipotential surfaces of open-air change, putting our body and the ground
at the same potential.

b) A man fixes outside his house one evening a two-metre-high insulating slab
carrying on its top a large aluminium sheet of area 1m 2 . Will he get an
electric shock if he touches the metal sheet in the morning?
Ans: Yes, the man gets an electric shock if he touches the metal slab the following
day. The constant discharging current in the atmosphere charges up the aluminium
sheet. As an outcome, its voltage increases gradually. The increment in the voltage
depends on the capacitance produced by the aluminium slab and the ground.

c) The discharging current in the atmosphere due to the small conductivity of

air is known to be 1800 A on an average over the globe. Why then does the
atmosphere not discharge itself completely in due course and become
electrically neutral? In other words, what keeps the atmosphere charged?
Ans: The existence of thunderstorms and lightning energizes the atmosphere
continuously. Therefore, indeed with a discharging current of 1800 A , the
atmosphere is not discharged entirely. The two reversing currents are in
equilibrium, and the atmosphere persists in neutral.

d) What are the forms of energy into which the electrical energy of the
atmosphere is dissipated during a lightning?
Ans: Light energy, sound energy, and heat energy are wasted in the atmosphere
during lightning and thunderstorms.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 34