CHAPTER 2 r 1 q

=
. dx
40 x 2
ELECTRICAL POTENTIAL &
CAPACITANCE q r 1
=
40 x2
dx
1. Define electric potential at a
q 1
r
point.
4 0
=
x
Ans: Electric potential at a point r

q 1
is defined as the work done to
4 0
=
x
bring a unit positive charge from q 1 1

40 r
=
infinity to that point.
1 q
W = .
4 0 r
V
q q 1
ie, electric potential, V = 4 . r
2. Derive an expression for electric 0

potential at a point due to a point Note: Potential is a scalar quantity.SI

charge. unit of electric potential is J/C or volt
Ans: (V)

3. Is electric potential a vector or a

scalar?

Ans: Scalar

By definition electric potential at 4. Draw the graph showing the

variation of V and E with distance
a point P is the work done to bring a
r.
+1C charge from infinity to the point
P. 1 1
Ans: E and V 2
Let the +1C charge is at A; The work r r
done to move it from A to B 1
Since E 2 it decreases suddenly
dW= E.(-dx) [ Since displacement is r ,
against force] with distance.
= -Edx ..(1)
1 q
But E = . 2 .(2)
40 x
Substituting (2) in (1)
1 q
dW = 4 . x 2 dx
0

The total work done to bring the

+1C charge from to P
r
W=
dw

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 1
5[P]. Two charges 5 x 10-8C and - 1 q 1 q
= 4 . r 4 . r
3x10-8C are located 16cm apart. At 0 1 0 2

what point(s) on the line joining the
two charges is the electric potential
zero.
6[P]. A regular hexagon of side
10cm has a charge 5C at each of its
vertices. Calculate the potential at the
centre of the hexagon.
9. Derive the relation between
electric field and potential.
Ans: We know that the potential
difference between A and B is the
work done, to move +1C charge from
A to B.

7[P]. A cube of side a has a charge dV = dw = -Edr

q at each of its vertices. Determine
i.e, dV = - Edr
the potential and electric field at the
dV
centre of the cube? E =
dr
8. Define electric potential
difference. ie, electric field is the negative
gradient of electrostatic potential.
Ans: Potential difference
between two points is defined as 10. Derive an expression for the
the work done to bring a unit +ve potential due to an electric dipole.
Ans: Consider an electric dipole
charge from one point to having a dipole moment p q 2ap
another. .We have to find the electric potential
at a point P, distant r from the mid
point of the dipole.

Potential at A,
1 q
V1 = .
4 0 r1

Potential at B,
1 q
V2 = .
4 0 r2
Electric potential at P due to the +q
Potential difference between A and charge
B = V 1 V2 1 q
V+ =
4 0 r1

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Electric potential at P due to the q 11. Define one Electron Volt (eV).
charge Give its relation with joule.
1 q Ans: Electron volt is a smaller unit of
V_ =
4 0 r2 energy.
Total electric potential at P, 1eV is defined as the energy acquired
1 q 1 q by an electron, when it is accelerated
V= - --------- (1) through a p.d. of 1V .
40 r1 4 0 r2
W = qV => 1eV = 1.6 10-19 1J
From figure, r1 =r OC
= 1.6 10-19J
= r a cos
From figure, r2 =r +OD 1eV = 1.6 10-19 Joule
= r + a cos
Substituting in equation (1) 12. Define potential energy of a
q 1 1 system of charges.
V=
40 r a cos r a cos Ans: Potential energy of a system

=
q r a cos (r a cos ) of charges is the work done to

40 r 2 a 2 cos 2
bring the charges from infinity to
q 2a cos
= 2 2 2
40 r a cos their present positions.
If r2>> a2, a2 can be neglected.
q 2a cos 13. Derive expressions for potential
V=
4 o
r2
energy of (i) a single charge (ii) a two
1 P cos charge system in an external electric
V
40 r 2 field.
Special cases Ans:
Potential at a point on the axial Potential energy of a single charge

line
Put = 00
1 P cos 0
V=
40 r 2
1 p 1 1 p
=
40 r 2 40 r 2

Potential at a point on the Let V(r) the potential at a point due to

an external e.f. E .
equatorial line
The potential energy of q at that point,
Put = 900
PE = W = qV(r)
1 P cos 90
V=
40 r2
1 p0
= 0
40 r 2
Note: The equatorial plane of the
dipole is an equipotential surface
having a potential zero.

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 3
PE of a system of two charges in P.E. of a system of three charges
an external e.f.

Total potential energy of this system

=
PE of the system of charges is the total 1 q1 q 2 1 q 2 q3 1 q1 q 3

work done to assemble the charges 40 r12 40 r23 40 r13
from infinity. 1 q1 q 2 q 2 q3 q1 q3
Work done to bring q1 = q1V(r1) PE =
40 r12 r23 r13
Work done to bring q2 =q2V(r2)+
1 q1q 2
15. Derive an expression for the
4 0 r12
work done in rotating a dipole in an
PE of the system=q1V(r) + q2V (r2) + external electric field.
1 q1q 2 Ans:
40 r12 Consider a dipole placed in a uniform
electric field at an angle with the
14. Derive expressions for potential electric field.
energy of a (i) two charges system (ii)
three charge system, in the absence
of external electric field.
Ans:
P.E. of a system of two charges
Work done in rotating the dipole
through an angle d
dW = d
But = PE Sin
Work done to bring q1= 0 dw = PE sin .d
The work done to bring q2 to the point The work done for rotating the
B from infinity in presence of q1 is dipole from an angle to an angle
= Potential at B due to q1 charge q2 2

= 1 q1
q2
W=
1
d
4 0 r 2

W= 1 q1q 2 = PE sin d
1
4 0 r
2

PE sin d PE cos
2
1 q1q 2 =
P.E. = 1
40 r 1

= - PE cos 2

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= -PE [cos 2 cos 1] Case I
= PE [cos 1 cos 2] When = 00 (Stable equilibrium)
If the dipole is rotated by an angle U = -PE cos0 = -PE
from stable equilibrium position, 1 = U = -PE (minimum)
0 and 2 = Case II
W = PE [1- cos] When = 900
U = -PE cos900 = -PE 0
Special cases: U=0
Case III
Case I :- when = 00 When = 1800
Work done w = PE [1 cos0] = -PE -1
= PE [1 1] U = PE
= PE 0 = 0 [Maximum potential energy]
Therefore, unstable equilibrium.
Case II:- When = 900
Work done W = PE [1 cos90] CAPACITORS
= PE [1 0]
W = PE 17. What is the use capacitor?
Define capacitance.
Case III:- When = 1800 Ans: It is a device used to store
Work done W = PE[1-cos1800] electric charge.
= PE [1 (-1)] Capacitance or capacity (C)
= PE [2] It is the ability to capacitance to store
W = 2PE electric charge
This is the maximum work done and Q
Capacitance C =
also the maximum potential energy. V
Q charge
16. Derive an expression for the V potential
potential energy of an electric dipole
in an electric field. 18. What is the SI unit capacitance?
Ans: Let PE be the initial potential Ans: SI unit of capacitance is C/V or
energy of the dipole when it is in stable farad (F)
equilibrium (for convenience).
The total potential energy, when the 19. Define one farad
dipole is rotated by an angle 0. Ans: Capacitance of a capacitor is
U = U0 + W
= -PE + PE(1-cos) said to be one farad if one
= -PE + PE PE cos coulomb of charge raises its
= -PE cos
potential by one volt.
= - P.E
U = -PE cos

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 5
20. Explain the principle of a
parallel plate capacitor.
Ans:

= d
0
Q
We know, capacitance C =
V
A A
= A 0 0
d d d

0

Consider a positively charged

plate P1. If another plate P2 with no
This is the expression for capacitance
charge, is brought near to P1 (and
of a capacitor with air as the medium
placed without touching), then on the
between the plates.
inside of the plate negative charges are
induced and on the outside positive
22. What happens if a dielectric
charges are induced. If the second plate
material is introduced between the
is earthed all the positive charges, will
plates of the capacitor?
flow to earth. Now due to the presence
Ans:
of negative charges on the plate P2, the
potential (V) of P1 decreases.
Q
Therefore, by equation C =
V
When potential decreases capacitance
increases. This is the principle of
capacitor.
If a dielectric material is
21. Derive an expression for the
introduced between the plates of the
capacitance of a parallel plate
capacitor, the capacitance becomes
capacitor.
k.0 A
Ans: Cdielectric = k- dielectric
d
Consider a parallel plate air capacitor const.
having plate area A and charge When the dielectric is introduced
density . in the region between the plates, the
Charge on a plate, Q = A capacitance increases k times
V = Ed

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 6
Cdielectric =k.Cair k = r
23[P]. A parallel plate capacitor with
air between the plates has a
capacitance of 8pF (1pF=10-12F).
What will be the capacitance if the
distance between the plates is
reduced by half, and the space
between them is filled with a
(ii) Dielectric medium avoids
sparking between the plates.
26. What are the different uses of a
capacitor?
Ans: (i) To store charge
(ii) To generate electromagnetic
radiation
(iii) To tune radio circuits
(iv)To reduce voltage fluctuation
in power supply

substance of dielectric constant 6?

27. Derive expressions for effective
24. Give the expression for capacitance when capacitors are
capacitance of a parallel plate connected in (i) series and (ii)
capacitor partially filled with a parallel.
dielectric slab. Ans:
(i) Series: Consider 3
capacitors of capacitances
C1, C2, C3 connected in series
with a voltage V.
In a series circuit the charge stored in
each of the capacitors is the same but
the voltages across them are different.
Ans:
When a dielectric of relative
permittivity r of thicknesstis
introduced partially between the plates
of the capacitor.
0 A
Then capacity, C = t
(d t)
r
Applied voltage,
t = thickness of dielectric slab V = V1 + V2 + V3 . (1)
d = distance between the plates of q
capacitor We have C =
V
q
25. What are the advantages of V=
C
introducing dielectric slab between
q
the plates of a capacitor. But V =
Cs
Ans:
(i) The capacitance increases Cs effective capacitance (in series)
q q q
times V1 = , V2 = V3 =
C1 C2 C3
Eqn. (1) gives

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q q q q Where Cp is the effective

Cs C1 C2 C3 capacitance when the three capacitors
q 1 1 1
are connected in parallel.
q q1 = C1V q2 = C2V q3 = C3V
CS C1 C2 C3
(1) CpV = C1V + C2V + C3V
CpV = V(C1+ C2 + C3)

If there are n capacitors connected in

If there are n capacitors
parallel
connected in series
Cp = C1 + C2 + C3 + . + Cn
1 1 1 1 1
...........
CS C1 C2 C3 Cn
In the case of two capacitors 28[P]. Three capacitors each of
C C1
1

1

1
2 capacitance, 9pF are connected in
CS C1 C2 C1C2
1 C C2 series.
1
CS C1C2
a) What is the capacitance of the
combination?

b) What is the potential difference

(ii)In Parallel across each capacitor if the
combination is connected to a 120V
supply?

29[P]. Three capacitors of

capacitances 2pF, 3pF and 4pF are
connected in parallel.

Consider 3 capacitors C1, C2, C3 a) What is the capacitance of the

connected in parallel with a voltage combination?
V.
b) Determine the charge on each
In a parallel circuit, the voltage is
the same but the charges stored in the capacitor if the combination is
capacitors are different.
connected to a 100V supply.
Here the total charge
q = q1 + q2 + q3 . (1) 30[P]. Find the effective capacitance

But C = q
q = CV of the capacitors given in the
V
q = Cp V network.

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 8
 35. Derive an expression for the

31[P]. You are given two capacitors of

2F and 3F. What are the maximum
and minimum values of capacitance energy stored in a capacitor.
Ans: Consider a capacitor of a
that can be obtained by combining
capacitance C; it has given a voltage
them? V. Let at any instant the charge in the
capacitor be q. Now the work done to
32[P]. Calculate effective capacity of increase the charge by an amount dq
the capacitor combination given is given by
W
below. dw = Vdq V=
q
q
But V = W = Vq
C
q
dw= .dq
C
the total work done to increase the
charge from O to Q is given by
33[P]. Calculate the effective capacity Q

between A and B.
W= dW0
Q
q
= C dq
0
Q
1
C 0
= q.dq

Q
1 q2
=
C 2 0

1 Q 2 02
=
C 2 2
34[P]. Obtain the equivalent
1 Q2
0
capacitance of the network in figure =
C 2
below. For a 300V supply, determine 1 Q2
=
C 2
the charge and voltage across each
Q2
capacitor. W=
2C
But Q = CV

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 9
W=
(CV) 2 38[P]. A 12pF capacitor is connected
2C
C2 V 2
to a 50V battery. How much
=
2C electrostatic energy is stored in the
2
CV
=
2
capacitor?
W = CV2, This work done is stored
as the energy of the capacitor. 39[P]. In an experiment with a
U = CV2 capacitor, the charge which
was stored is measured for different
values of p.d. The results are
tabulated as follows:

Charge
stored/C 7.5 30 60 75 90
pd/ V 1 4 8 10 12
36. Derive an expression for energy a) Plot a graph with charge on y-axis
density of a parallel plate capacitor. and p.d on x-axis
Ans: We have the expression for
energy of a capacitor as, U = CV2 b) Using the graph, calculate the
1 0 A 1 0 AE d
2 2
1

2 d
(Ed) 2
2 d

2
0 AE 2 d capacitance of the capacitor.
Energy
Energy Density(u) c) Determine the energy stored in
Volume
1 the capacitor.
0 AE 2 d
2 40. Derive an expression for the lost
Ad
energy due to sharing of Capacitors.
1
0 E 2 Ans: Let two capacitors C1 and C2
2
having charged to potentials V1 and V2,
1
u 0 E 2 connected in parallel. Let V be the
2 common potential.
37. If you connect the plates of a Now we have (C1 + C2) V = C1V1 +
parallel plate capacitor by a copper C2V2
wire, what happens to the capacitor? C1V1 C2 V2
Common potential V =
C1 C2
Justify your answer.
Ans: Sparking is produced. A part of C1+C2 = total capacitance
the energy in the capacitor is wasted in Energy after sharing,
the form of heat, sound and U= CV2
2
electromagnetic radiations. 1 C V C V
= (C1 C2 ) 1 1 2 2
2 C1 C2

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 10
 C1V1 C2 V2
2
1 1 q
= (C1 C2 ) V=
4 0 R
C1 C2
2
2
Potential inside the shell (r < R)
1 C1V1 C2 V2
2

= V= 1 q
, constant
2 C1 C2
4 0 R
Total energy before sharing
U1+U2 = C1V12+ C2V22
Van de Graaff Generator
Loss of energy = (U1 + U2) U
1 C1V1 C2 V2
2

= C1V12 + C2V22 - 44. What is the use of a Van De

2 C1 C2
On simplification we get Graaff Generator? Give its
principle. Explain its construction
1 C1C2
Loss of energy U = 2 C C (V1 V2 )
2
and working
1 2 Ans:
Use:- It is a device used to create very
high electrostatic potential of the order
41[P]. A 600pF capacitor is charged
of a few million volts.
by a 200V supply. It is then This high voltage is used to supply the
disconnected from the supply and high energy needed for particle
accelerators.
then connected to another uncharged
Principle
600pF capacitor. How much Van de Graaff generator works on the
electrostatic energy is lost in the following two principles.
process? 1. Discharging action of sharp

points:- electric discharge takes

42[P]. A 4F capacitor is charged by
place in air or gases readily at
200V supply. It is then disconnected
pointed conductors.
from the supply, and is connected to
2. If a charged conductor is
another uncharged 2F capacitor.
How much electrostatic energy of the brought into internal contact

first capacitor is lost in the form of with a hollow conductor, all the

heat and electromagnetic radiation? charges are transferred to the

surface of the hollow conductor

43. Write the expressions for the
potential due to a shell. irrespective of the potential of
Ans: Potential outside the shell (r > R) the hollow conductor.
1 q
V=
4 0 r Explanation
Potential on the surface of the shell Consider a large spherical shell of
(r = R) radius R and charge Q. Let us suppose
we introduce a small sphere of radius

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 11
r carrying a charge q into the large
one, and place it at the centre.

Now the potential at the surface

of the large sphere
1 Q q
V(R) =
40 R R
Potential at the surface of the smaller
1 Q q the belt moves up the charges reach the
sphere V(r) =
40 R r upper pulley. A similar discharge takes
1 q q place at the collector comb and finally
V(r) V(R) =
40 r R
charges are transferred to the
q 1 1 conducting shell, raising its potential to
= , which is always
40 r R
a few million volts.
positive (Assume that q is +ve). Thus
the smaller sphere is always at a higher ELCTRIC AND DIELECTRIC
potential. So charges are transferred POLARIZATIONS
from it to the larger sphere.
Construction 45. Distinguish between polar and
It consists of a large conducting shell non-polar molecules.
supported on an insulator column of Ans: In certain molecules, the centre
several meters height. There is an of gravity of positive charges and
insulating belt wound around two centre of gravity of negative charges
pulleys, moving continuously by a do not coincide. These molecules are
driven motor.The spray comb is called polar molecules.
connected to a high tension (10kV) Eg: HCl, H2O, NH3, etc.
battery. The collector comb is
connected to the shell.
Working
The high electric field applied to the
spray comb ionizes the air near to it.
The positive charges produced in air
are repelled and get deposited on the
moving belt, by a corona discharge. As

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 12
 But in some other molecules the
centre of gravity of positive charges
and centre of gravity of negative
charges coincide. These molecules are
called non-polar molecules.
Eg: O2, N2, H2, CO2, etc.
46. What are dielectrics?
Dielectrics are non-conducting
substances or insulators. But they
allow electric field to pass through
them.
47. What is the difference in the
behavior of a conductor and
dielectric in an external electric
field?
Ans:
When a conductor is placed in an
external electric field ( E 0 ) the free
charge carries (electrons) are
redistributed in such a way that an
equal and opposite electric field
( E in ) is set up inside the conductor. So
net electrostatic field is zero
inside the conductor. E0 Ein 0
than the external electric field. Thus
the dielectric only reduces the
external field. Here E 0 + E in 0
48. What is the value of dielectric
constant for a metal?
Ans: Infinity
49. Explain the polarization in non-
polar molecules.
Ans: In the absence of external e.f.,
non-polar molecules have no
permanent dipole moment. In an
external e.f., the positive and negative
centres of the non-polar molecule are
displaced in the opposite directions.
Thus the molecule develops an
induced dipole moment. Then the
dielectric is said to be polarized. The
induced dipole moments of different
molecules add up giving a net dipole
moment of the dielectric in the
presence of external electric field.

50. Explain the polarization in polar

molecules.
Ans:

But when a dielectric is placed in

an external electric field ( E 0 ), the
molecular dipoles are arranged in such
a way that an opposite electric field
( E in ) is set up inside the dielectric.
But this electric field is always less

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 13
 In a polar dielectric, each ELECTROSTATICS OF
molecule has permanent dipole CONDUCTORS

moment but in the absence of external 53. Explain the main points of
e.f., the dipoles are arranged randomly electrostatics of conductors.
due to thermal agitation; so the total
dipole moment is zero. Ans: The following are the important
When an external e.f. is applied, the results regarding the electrostatics of
individual dipoles tend to align with conductors:
the field. Then a net dipole moment is
1. Inside a conductor,
developed.
51. Define Polarization and electric electrostatic field is zero.
susceptibility. Inside a conductor (neutral or
Whether polar or non-polar, a charged) the electrostatic field is zero.
dielectric develops a net dipole This is true even in the presence of an
moment in the presence of an external external field.
electric field. Reason: In the static situation, the free
The dipole moment per unit volume of charge carriers are so distributed
the dielectric is called polarization ( P ). themselves that the e.f is zero
For linear isotropic dielectrics, everywhere inside.
2. At the surface of a charged
P e E
conductor, electric field must
e is called electric susceptibility of the
be normal to the surface at
dielectric medium.
every point.
52. How does external electric field Reason: If E were not normal to the
is reduced in a polarized dielectric? surface, it would have some non-zero
Ans: Consider two parallel plates component along the surface. Free
having charge densities + and - and charges on the surface of the conductor
would then experience force and move.
a dielectric slab placed between them.
Due to polarization of the dielectric in 3. The interior of a conductor can
the external field (E0), the charge have no excess charge in static
densities of plates P1 and P2 are situation.
reduced to P and -P. We Reason: A neutral conductor has equal
amounts of positive and negative
know that, electric field E =
0 charges. When the conductor is
between two sheets of opposite charge charged the excess charge can reside
densities (+and). But because of only on the surface in the static
the polarization of dielectric slab, situation.
charge densities are reduced so electric
P 4. Electrostatic potential is
field is reduced to E = .
0 constant through the volume of
the conductor and has the same
value (as inside) on its surface.

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 14
Reason: Since E = 0 inside the
conductor and has no work is done in
moving a small test charge within the
conductor and on its surface. That is
there is no potential difference
between any two points inside or on Properties of equipotential
the surface of the conductor. surfaces:-
5. Electric field at the surface of

a charged conductor E = n 1. The work done to move a
0

is the surface charge density and n charge from one point to

is a unit vector normal to the surface in another on an equipotential
the outward direction.
surface is zero.
If is ve, electric field is normal to
the surface inward. 2. Two equipotential surfaces will
6. Electrostatic shielding. never intersect.
Electric field is zero inside the cavity
3. Electric lines of force pass
of a conductor of any shape.
normal to an equipotential
equipotential surface
surface.

54. What is an equipotential surface? More Examples

Give examples. Write some properties The figure below shows the
of it. equipotential surfaces due to
(i) a dipole
Ans: It is a surface having same
potential at all points.

Example 1: Concentric spheres with a

point charge at the centre are
equipotential surfaces.

(ii) two positive charges

Example 2: In a uniform e.f parallel

planes perpendicular to the electric
lines of force are equipotential
surfaces.

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 15
55[P]. Two charges 2Cand -2C
are placed at points A and B, 6cm
apart.

a) Identify the equipotential surface

of the system.

b) What is the direction of the

electric field at every point on this
surface?

SAJU K JOHN, M.Sc. Physics, NET, PhD Research Scholar at NIT Calicut 16