Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed

Halliday & Resnic

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

8th EdCH25Capacitors and Capacitance

9th EdCH25Capacitance

1
1
<>(a) U i = CV 2 = (13.5 1012 F )(12.5V ) 2 = 1.055 109 J = 1055 pJ 1100 pJ
2
2
U i 1055 pJ
q2
=
=
= 162 pJ 160 pJ
(b) U f =
6.5
2 C
W = U i U f = (1055 162) pJ = 893 pJ

8th EdHomework of Chapter 25

1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 20, 27, 31, 33, 35, 37, 41, 43, 45, 49, 51, 53, 55
8th EdSample Problem 25-3
Capacitor 1, with C1 = 3.55 F , is charged to a potential difference V0 = 6.3V , using a 6.30 V
battery. The battery is then removed, and the capacitor is connected as in Fig. 25- 11 to an
uncharged capacitor 2, with C2 = 8.95 F .When switch S is closed, charge flows between the
capacitors. Find the charge on each capacitor when equilibrium is reached.

8th EdProblem 25-19th EdProblem 25-1

The two metal objects in Fig. 25-25 have net charges of +70 pC and 70 pC , which result in a
20V potential difference between them. (a) What is the capacitance of the system? (b) If the
charges are changed to +200 pC and 200 pC , what does the capacitance become? (c) What does
the potential difference become?
25-25 +70 pC 70 pC 20V
a
b +200 pC 200 pC c

25-11
<> q0 = C1V0 = (3.55 F )(6.3V ) = 22.365 C

25-25
q
70 pC
<>(a) The capacitance of the system is C =
=
= 35
. pF.
V
20 V

V1 = V2
q1 q2
=
C1 C2
q1 + q2 = q0
q1 q0 q1
=
C1
C2
Cq
(3.55)(22.365)
q1 = 1 0 =
= 6.35 C
3.55 + 8.95
C1 + C2
q2 = q0 q1 = 22.365 6.35 = 16 C

(b) The capacitance is independent of q; it is still 3.5 pF.

q 200 pC
(c) The potential difference becomes V = =
= 57 V.
C 35
. pF
8th EdProblem 25-59th EdProblem 25-3

8th EdSample Problem 25-6

A parallel-plate capacitor whose capacitance C is 13.5pF is charged by battery to a potential
difference V = 12.5V between its plates. The charging battery is now disconnected, and a
porcelain slab ( = 6.50 ) is slipped between the plates. (a) What is the potential energy of the
capacitor before the slab is inserted? (b) What is the potential energy of the capacitor-slab device
after the slab is inserted?

A parallel-plate capacitor has circular plates of 8.20 cm radius and 1.30 mm separation. (a)
Calculate the capacitance. (b) What charge will appear on the plates if a potential difference of 120
V is applied?
8.2cm 1.3mm
ab 120V

<>(a) The capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor is given by C =

0 A
d

, where A is the area of

each plate and d is the plate separation. Since the plates are circular, the plate area is
2 27

3 27 !

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

0 R 2
d

(8.85 10

12

F m ) ( 8.2 102 m )

1.3 103 m

C2 = 5 F , and C3 = 4 F .

A = R 2 , where R is the radius of a plate. Thus,

C=

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

= 1.44 1010 F = 144pF.

25-29 C1 = 10 F C2 = 5 F C3 = 4 F

(b) The charge on the positive plate is given by q = CV , where V is the potential difference
across the plates. Thus, q = (1.44 1010 F )(120V ) = 1.73 108 C = 17.3nC
8th EdProblem 25-79th EdProblem 25-5
What is the capacitance of a drop that results when two mercury spheres, each of radius R = 2mm ,
merge?

R = 2mm

25-29

<>Assuming conservation of volume, we find the radius of the combined spheres, then use
C = 4 0 R to find the capacitance. When the drops combine, the volume is doubled. It is
then V = 2(

4 3
) R . The new radius R' is given by
3

4
4
3
( R ) = 2 R 3
3
3

Ceq =

R = 21/ 3 R

of V = 4200V is established when the switch is closed. How many coulombs of charge then pass

With R = 2mm , we obtain C = 5.04 ( 8.85 1012 F m )( 2.00 103 m ) = 2.80 1013 F .

b a = R C = 4 0

a
1

a
b

( C1 + C2 ) C3 = (10.0 F + 5.00 F)( 4.00 F) = 60 F = 3.16 F

19
C1 + C2 + C3
10.0 F + 5.00 F + 4.00 F

8th EdProblem 25-119th EdProblem 25-9

Each of the uncharged capacitors in Fig. 25-30 has a capacitance of 25 F . A potential difference

The new capacitance is C = 4p 0 R = 4p 0 21 3 R = 5.04p 0 R.

<> C = 4 0

<> C1+ 2 = C1 + C2
1
1
1
1
1
=
+
=
+
Ceq C1+ 2 C3 C1 + C2 C3

through meter A?
25-30M 25 F V = 4200V

ab
ba

4 0 R

4
4
3
( R ) = 2 R3 R = 21/ 3 R
3
3

C = 4p 0 R = 4p 0 21 3 R = 5.04p 0 R.

25-30

= 5.04 ( 8.85 1012 F m )( 2.00 103 m ) = 2.80 1013 F

<> Ceq = 3C

8th EdProblem 25-99th EdProblem 25-11

In Fig. 25-29, find the equivalent capacitance of the combination. Assume that C1 = 10 F ,
4 27

gb

q = CeqV = 3CV = 3 25.0 F 4200 V = 0.315 C.

5 27 !

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

8th EdProblem 25-139th EdProblem 25-17

In Fig. 25-29, a potential difference of V = 100V is applied across a capacitor arrangement with
capacitances C1 = 10 F , C2 = 5 F , and C3 = 4 F . If capacitor 3 undergoes electrical

8th EdProblem 25-159th EdProblem 25-13

breakdown so that it becomes equivalent to conducting wire, what is the increase in (a) the charge

disconnected. The capacitor is then connected in parallel with a second (initially uncharged)

on capacitor 1 and (b) the potential difference across capacitor 1?

capacitor. If the potential difference across the first capacitor drops to 35 V, what is the capacitance

A 100 pF capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 50 V, and the charging battery is

of this second capacitor?

25-29 C1 = 10 F C2 = 5 F C3 = 4 F V = 100V 3
a 1 b 1

1 100pF 50V

35
<> q = C1V0
q1 = C1V
q2 = q q1 = C1 (V0 V )
C2 =

q2 V0 V
50 V 35 V
C1 =
=
(100 pF ) = 43pF.
V
V
35 V

8th EdProblem 25-209th EdProblem 25-22

In Fig. 25-36, V = 10V , C1 = 10 F , and C2 = C3 = 20 F . Switch S is first thrown to the left side

25-29
C1 + C2 ) C3 (10.0 F + 5.00 F )( 4.00 F ) 60
(
=
F = 3.16 F
=
<> Ceq =
19
C1 + C2 + C3
10.0 F + 5.00 F + 4.00 F
(a) and (b) The original potential difference V1 across C1 is
C V
( 3.16 F )(100.0 V ) = 21.1V.
V1 = eq
=
C1 + C2
10.0 F + 5.00 F
Thus V1 = 100V 21.1V = 78.9V and

until capacitor 1 reaches equilibrium. Then the switch is thrown to the right. When equilibrium is
again reached, how much charge is on capacitor 1?

25-36 V = 10V , C1 = 10 F , and C2 = C3 = 20 F S 1

S 1

q1 = C1V1 = (10 F )(78.9V ) = 7.89 10 C

4

( C1 + C2 ) C3 = (10.0 F + 5.00 F )( 4.00 F )

60
=
F = 3.16 F
19
C1 + C2 + C3
10.0 F + 5.00 F + 4.00 F
C V
( 3.16 F )(100.0 V ) = 21.1V.
V1 = eq
=
C1 + C2
10.0 F + 5.00 F

<> Ceq =

25-36

q1 = (10 F )(21.1V ) = 2.11 104 C

<>We do not employ energy conservation since, in reaching equilibrium, some energy is

3 V1 = 100V

dissipated either as heat or radio waves. Charge is conserved; therefore, if

Q = C1Vbat = 100 C , and q1 , q2 and q3 are the charges on C1 , C2 and C3 after the

q1 = (10 F )(100V ) = 10 10 C
4

switch is thrown to the right and equilibrium is reached, then Q = q1 + q2 + q3 .

(b) V1 = 100V 21.1V = 78.9V

Since the parallel pair C2 and C3 are identical, it is clear that q2 = q3 . They are in

(a) q1 = (10 2.11) 104 C = 7.89 104 C

parallel with C1 so that V1 = V3 , or

6 27

q1 q3
=
C1 C3
7 27 !

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

which leads to q1 =
which yields q3 =

q3
.
2

Therefore, Q = (

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

q3
5q
) + q3 + q3 = 3
2
2

q1 = q3 =

q
2Q 2(100 C)
=
= 40 C and consequently q1 = 3 = 20 C
5
5
2

8th EdProblem 25-279th EdProblem 25-27

Figure 25-43 shows a 12.0 V battery and four uncharged capacitors of capacitances C1 = 1 F ,
C2 = 2 F , C3 = 3 F , and C4 = 4 F . If only switch S1 is closed, what is the charge on (a)
capacitor 1, (b) capacitor 2, (c) capacitor 3, and (d) capacitor 4? If both switches are closed, what is

C1C3V (1.00 F ) ( 3.00 F ) (12.0V )

=
= 9.00 C.
C1 + C3
1.00 F+3.00 F

(b) Capacitors 2 and 4 are also in series:

C C V ( 2.00 F ) ( 4.00 F ) (12.0V )
q2 = q4 = 2 4 =
= 16.0 C.
C2 + C4
2.00 F + 4.00 F
(c) q3 = q1 = 9.00 C.
(d) q4 = q2 = 16.0 C.
(e)~(h) VC1 = VC 2 , VC 3 = VC 4
VC1 + VC 3 = 12V

the charge on (e) capacitor 1, (f) capacitor 2, (g) capacitor 3, and (h) capacitor 4?

qC1+ C 2 = qC 3+C 4 (C1 + C2 )VC1 = (C3 + C4 )VC 3

25-43 12 4 C1 = 1 F C2 = 2 F C3 = 3 F

VC1 +

C4 = 4 F S1 a 1b 2c 3d

q1 = C1VC1

4 S1 S2 e 1f 2g
3h 4

C3 + C4
C1 + C2
VC1 = 12V VC1 =
(12V )
C3 + C4
C1 + C2 + C3 + C4

(e) With switch 2 also closed, the potential difference V1 across C1 must equal the potential
difference across C2 and is
( 3.00 F + 4.00 F)(12.0V )
C3 + C4
= 8.40V.
V1 =
V=
C1 + C2 + C3 + C4
1.00 F + 2.00 F + 3.00 F + 4.00 F
Thus, q1 = C1V1 = (1 F )(8.4V ) = 8.4 C
(f) Similarly, q2 = C2V1 = (2 F )(8.4V ) = 16.8 C
(g) q3 = C3 (V V1 ) = (3 F )(12V 8.4V ) = 10.8 C
(h) q4 = C4 (V V1 ) = (4 F )(12V 8.4V ) = 14.4 C
8th EdProblem 25-319th EdProblem 25-29
What capacitance is required to store an energy of 10kW h at a potential difference of 1000 V?

25-43
<>
(a)~(d) VC1 + VC 3 = VC 2 + VC 4 = 12V

10kW h 1000

q1 = q3 ; q2 = q4

1
1
q1 q3 q2 q4
+
=
+
= 12V q1 ( + ) = 12V
C1 C3
C1 C3 C2 C4
q1 =

<>The energy stored by a capacitor is given by U = 21 CV 2 , where V is the potential difference

across its plates. We convert the given value of the energy to Joules. Since 1 J = 1 W s, we

C1C3
(12V )
C1 + C3

multiply by (103

CC
q2 = 2 4 (12V )
C2 + C4

W
s
)(3600 )
kW
h

to obtain 10kW h = 3.6 107 J . Thus,

(a) In this situation, capacitors 1 and 3 are in series, which means their charges are
necessarily the same:
8 27

C=

c
b

7
2U 2 3.6 10 J
=
= 72 F.
2
V2
1000 V

9 27 !

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

Assume that a stationary electron is a point of charge. What is the energy density u of its electric
field at radial distances (a) r = 1mm , (b) r = 1 m , (c) r = 1nm , and (d) r = 1 pm ? (e) What is u in
the limit as r 0 ?

a r = 1mm
b r = 1 m
c r = 1nm
d r = 1 pm ue r 0 u

Vf =

df

0 A

q=

0 AV f
df

and

d f 0 A
d
V = f V.
0 A di i di i

With d i = 3.00 103 m , Vi = 6.00 V and d f = 8.00 103 m ,

we have V f =

df
di

Vi =

8 103
(6) = 16V
3 103

(b) The initial energy stored in the capacitor is

<>The energy per unit volume is

FG
H

apart, their separation is d f and the potential difference is Vf. Then q =

8th EdProblem 25-339th EdProblem 25-1

1
1
e
u = 0E 2 = 0
2
2
4 0 r 2

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

IJ
K

AV 2 (8.85 1012 C2 /N m 2 )(8.50 104 m 2 )(6.00 V)2

1
= 4.511011 J.
U i = CVi 2 = 0 i =
2
2d i
2(3.00 103 m)

e2
=
.
32 2 0r 4

(c) The final energy stored is

(a) At r = 1.00 103 m , with e = 1.60 1019 C and 0 = 8.85 1012 C2 /N m 2 , we have
u = 9.16 1018 J/m3 .
(b) Similarly, at r = 1.00 106 m , u = 9.16 106 J/m3 .
(c) At r = 1.00 109 m , u = 9.16 106 J/m3 .

Uf =

With

(d) At r = 1.00 1012 m , u = 9.16 1018 J/m3 .

(e) From the expression above u r 4 . Thus, for r 0 , the energy density u .

1 0 A 2 1 0 A d f d f 0 AVi 2 d f
Vf =
Vi =
= Ui .
2 df
2 d f di
di d i di

df
di

d
8
8
= , we have U f = f U i = (4.511011 J ) = 1.20 1010 J.
3
3
di

(d) The work done to pull the plates apart is the difference in the energy:
W = U f U i = 7.52 1011 J.

8th EdProblem 25-359th EdProblem 25-35

The parallel plates in a capacitor, with a plate area of 8.5cm 2 and an air-filled separation of 3.00
mm, are charged by a 6.00 V battery. They are then disconnected from the battery and pulled apart

8th EdProblem 25-379th EdProblem 25-37

In Fig. 25-45, C1 = 10 F , C2 = 20 F , and C3 = 25 F . If no capacitor can withstand a potential

(without discharge) to a separation of 8.00 mm. Neglecting fringing, find (a) the potential difference

difference of more than 100 V without failure, what are (a) the magnitude of the maximum potential

between the plates, (b) the initial stored energy, (c) the final stored energy, and (d) the work required

difference that can exist between points A and B and (b) the maximum energy that can be stored in

to separate the plates.

the three-capacitor arrangement?

8.5cm 2 3mm 6
8mm

a
bcd

25-45 C1 = 10 F C2 = 20 F C3 = 25 F
100 a AB b 3

<>(a) Let q be the charge on the positive plate. Since the capacitance of a parallel-plate
A
AV
capacitor is given by 0 , the charge is q = CV = 0 i . After the plates are pulled
di
di

25-45
: 27

21 27 !

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

<>(a)
10 F 100V

10 F 100V
= 50V
20 F
20 F
25 F

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

capacitance before the dielectric is inserted. The energy stored is given by

U = 21 CV 2 = 21 C0V 2 , so

10 F 100V
= 40V
25 F

2U
2(7.4 106 J)
=
= 4.7.
C0V 2 (7.4 1012 F)(652V) 2

According to Table 25-1, you should use Pyrex.

Therefore, the voltage across the arrangement is 190 V.

(b) Using Eq. 25-21 or Eq. 25-22, we sum the energies on the capacitors and obtain

8th EdProblem 25-439th EdProblem 25-41

A coaxial cable used in a transmission line has an inner radius of 0.10 mm and an outer radius of
0.60 mm. Calculate the capacitance per meter for the cable. Assume that the space between the
conductors is filled with polystyrene.

1
1
U total = CV 2 = (10 1002 + 20 502 + 25 402 ) 106 = 0.095 J .
2
2
8th EdProblem 25-419th EdProblem 25-39
Given a 7.4 pF air-filled capacitor, you are asked to convert it to a capacitor that can store up to
7.4 J with a maximum potential difference of 652 V. Which dielectric in Table 25-1 should you

0.10mm 0.60mm

use to fill the gap in the capacitor if you do not allow for a margin of error?
<>The capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor is given by
7.4 pF 652
7.4 J 25-1

C = C0 =

2 0 L
,
ln(b / a )

where C0 is the capacitance without the dielectric, is the dielectric constant, L is the

length, a is the inner radius, and b is the outer radius. The capacitance per unit length of
the cable is
2 0
C
2(2.6)(8.851012 F/m)
=
=
= 8.11011 F/m = 81 pF/m.
L ln(b / a ) ln[(0.60 mm)/(0.10 mm)]
8th EdProblem 25-459th EdProblem 25-47
A certain substance has a dielectric constant of 2.8 and a dielectric strength of 18 MV/m. If it is
used as the dielectric material in a parallel-plate capacitor, what minimum area should the plates of
the capacitor have to obtain a capacitance of 7 102 F and to ensure that the capacitor will be
able to withstand a potential difference of 4.0 kV?
2.8 18 MV/m
7 102 F 4

<>The capacitance is given by C = C0 =

Table 25-1
<>The capacitance with the dielectric in place is given by C = C0 , where C0 is the
22 27

0 A
d

, where C0 is the capacitance without the

dielectric, is the dielectric constant, A is the plate area, and d is the plate separation.
23 27 !

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

V
, where V is the potential difference
d
AE
CV
V
and C = 0
. Thus, A =
between the plates. Thus, d =
.
0 E
E
V
The electric field between the plates is given by E =

For the area to be a minimum, the electric field must be the greatest it can be without
breakdown occurring. That is, A =

(7.0 10 8 F)(4.0 103 V)

= 0.63 m2 .
2.8(8.85 10 12 F / m)(18 106 V / m)

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

This expression is exactly the same as that for Ceq of two capacitors in series, one with
dielectric constant 1 and the other with dielectric constant 2 . Each has plate area A and
plate separation

A
d
. Also we note that if 1 = 2 , the expression reduces to C = 1 0 , the
2
d

correct result for a parallel-plate capacitor with plate area A, plate separation d, and
dielectric constant 1 .
With A = 7.89 104 m 2 , d = 4.62 103 m , 1 = 11.0 and 2 = 12.0 , the capacitance is

8th EdProblem 25-499th EdProblem 25-49

Figure 25-49 shows a parallel-plate capacitor with a plate area A = 7.89cm 2 and plate separation
d = 4.62mm .The top half of the gap is filled with material of dielectric constant 1 = 11 ; the
bottom half is filled with material of dielectric constant 2 = 12 . What is the capacitance?

C=

2(8.85 1012 C2 /N m 2 )(7.89 104 m 2 ) (11.0)(12.0)

= 1.731011 F.
4.62 103 m
11.0 + 12.0

8th EdProblem 25-519th EdProblem 25-51

25-49 A = 7.89cm 2 d = 4.62mm

1 = 11

A parallel-plate capacitor has a capacitance of 100 pF, a plate area of 100cm 2 , and a mica dielectric
( = 5.4 ) completely filling the space between the plates. At 50 V potential difference, calculate (a)

2 = 12

the electric field magnitude E in the mica, (b) the magnitude of the free charge on the plates, and (c)
the magnitude of the induced surface charge on the mica.

100 pF 100cm 2 = 5.4

50 a Eb
c

<>(a) The electric field in the region between the plates is given by E =

25-49
<>We assume there is charge q on one plate and charge q on the other. The electric field in the
q
lower half of the region between the plates is E1 =
,
1 0 A

where A is the plate area. The electric field in the upper half is E2 =

2 0 A

Let d/2 be the thickness of each dielectric. Since the field is uniform in each region, the
potential difference between the plates is
V=

LM
N

OP
Q

V
, where V is the
d

potential difference between the plates and d is the plate separation. The capacitance is
given by C =
d=

0 A
C
E=

0 A
d

, where A is the plate area and is the dielectric constant, so

and

gc

50 V 100 1012 F
VC
= 10
. 104 V m .
=
0 A 5.4 8.85 1012 F m 100 104 m2

hc

(b) The free charge on the plates is q f = CV = (100 1012 F )(50V ) = 5 109 C .

1
1
E1d E2 d
qd
qd 1 + 2
+
=
+
=
,
2
2
2 0 A 1 2
2 0 A 1 2

(c) The electric field is produced by both the free and induced charge. Since the field of a
q
large uniform layer of charge is
, the field between the plates is
2 0 A

q 2 A 1 2
So C = = 0
.
V
d 1 + 2
24 27

25 27 !

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

E=

qf
2 0 A

qf
2 0 A

Fundamentals of Physics, 8th Ed

Principle of Physics, 9th Ed
Halliday & Resnic

the plates to a potential difference of 120 V and is then disconnected. A dielectric slab of thickness

qi
q
i ,
2 0 A 2 0 A

4.0 mm and dielectric constant 4.8 is then placed symmetrically between the plates. (a) What is the

where the first term is due to the positive free charge on one plate, the second is due to

capacitance before the slab is inserted? (b) What is the capacitance with the slab in place? What is

the negative free charge on the other plate, the third is due to the positive induced charge

the free charge q (c) before and (d) after the slab is inserted? What is the magnitude of the electric

on one dielectric surface, and the fourth is due to the negative induced charge on the

field (e) in the space between the plates and dielectric and (f) in the dielectric itself? (g) With the

other dielectric surface. Note that the field due to the induced charge is opposite the field

slab in place, what is the potential difference across the plates? (h) How much external work is

due to the free charge, so they tend to cancel. The induced charge is therefore

involved in inserting the slab?

qi = q f 0 AE = 5.0 10 C ( 8.85 10
9

12

F m )(100 10 m
4

)(1.0 10

V m)

= 4.110 C = 4.1nC.

0.12m 2 1.2cm 120

4mm 4.8a
bcd

8th EdProblem 25-539th EdProblem 25-55

q ef

The space between two concentric conducting spherical shells of radii b = 1.7cm and a = 1.2cm

gh

is filled with a substance of dielectric constant = 23.5 . A potential difference V = 73V is

applied across the inner and outer shells. Determine (a) the capacitance of the device, (b) the free
charge q on the inner shell, and (c) the charge q induced along the surface of the inner shell.

b = 1.7cm a = 1.2cm = 23.5

V = 73V ab q c
q

<>(a) Initially, the capacitance is C0 =

(8.85 10

12

C2 /N m 2 ) (0.12 m 2 )

1.2 102 m

= 89 pF.

(b) Working through Sample Problem 25-7 algebraically, we find:

C=

<>(a) According to Eq. 25-17 the capacitance of an air-filled spherical capacitor is given by

0 A

0 A

( d b) + b

(8.85 10

12

C2 /N m 2 ) (0.12m 2 )(4.8)

(4.8)(1.2 0.40)(102 m) + (4.0 103 m)

= 1.2 102 pF.

(c) Before the insertion, q = C0V = (89 pF )(120V ) = 11nC .

ab
C0 = 4p 0
.
ba

(d) Since the battery is disconnected, q will remain the same after the insertion of the slab,
with q = 11nC .

When the dielectric is inserted between the plates the capacitance is greater by a factor

(e) E =

of the dielectric constant . Consequently, the new capacitance is

23.5
(0.0120 m)(0.0170 m)
ab
C = 4 0

= 0.107 nF.
=
9
2
2
b a 8.99 10 N m C 0.0170 m 0.0120 m
(b) The charge on the positive plate is q = CV = (0.107 nF)(73.0 V) = 7.79 nC.
(c) Let the charge on the inner conductor be q. Immediately adjacent to it is the induced
charge q'. Since the electric field is less by a factor 1/ than the field when no dielectric

(f) E =

q
11109 C
=
= 10kV / m
12 2
0 A (8.85 10 C / N m 2 )(0.12m 2 )
E

10kV / m
= 2.1kV / m
4.8

(g) The potential difference across the plates is

V = E (d b) + E b = (10kV / m)(0.012m 0.004m) + (2.1kV / m)(0.4 103 m) = 88V
(h) The work done is

is present, then q + q' = q/. Thus,

q =

1
ab
23.5 1.00
q = 4 ( 1) 0
V =
(7.79 nC) = 7.45 nC.

ba
23.5

Wext = U =

q 2 1 1 (11109 C) 2
1
1
7

= 1.7 10 J.
12
12
2 C C0
2
89 10 F 120 10 F

8th EdProblem 25-559th EdProblem 25-53

A parallel-plate capacitor has plates of area 0.12m 2 and a separation of 1.2 cm. A battery charges
26 27

27 27 !