Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

1) Two charges 5x10-8 C and -3 x 10-8 C are located 16 cm apart. At what

point on the line joining the two charges is the electric potential zero? Take
the potential at infinity to be zero.
Solution:

According to the problem:

q1 = 5 x 10-8 C, (first charge)

= -3 x 10-8 C (second charge)

Let r1 = x meter, (x = distance of null point from 1st charge)

r2 = (0.16 –x) meter (Distance of point from 2nd charge)

According to the question the potential at the point on the line joining two charges
is zero.

V1 + V2 = 0 (where, V1 = potential due to first charge, V2 = potential due to second

charge)

According to the formula:

( )
+ = 0 (where ε0 = permittivity of free space)

[ - ]=0
 - =0

= =
.

×
=
×

x = 0.1 m = 10 cm

Let r2 = 0.16 +x

Then, according to the question,

[ - ]=0

=
.

=
.

5(0.16+x) = 3x

2x = 0.8

x = 0.4m = 40 cm

Hence, the required null points are located at 10 cm and 40 cm from the first charge
q1.
2) A regular hexagon of side 10 cm has a charge 5µC at each of its vertices.
Calculate the potential at the centre of the hexagon.
Solution:

According to the question:

Length of a side of hexagon, r = 10 cm = 0.1m

Charge, q= 5µC = 5 x 10-6 C

Number of sides in hexagon, n =6

Here geometrically, each vertex is at a distance of 10 cm which is the length of the

side from the centre of the hexagon.

For one charge:

V1 = x (where ε0 = permittivity of free space)

×
=
.

× × ×
= (where = 9 x 109)
.

= 45 x 104 volts

V = 6V1

V = 6 x 45 x 104 volt

V = 270 x 104

V= 2.7 x 106 volt

Hence, the potential at the centre of the hexagon is 2.7 x 106 volts.
3) Two charges 2µC and -2 µC are placed at points A and B 6 cm apart.
(a) Identify an equipotential surface of the system.
(b) What is the direction of the electric field at every point on this surface?
Solution:

(a)

Clearly the system represents an electric dipole of length 0.06 m and charge = 2µC
(2 x 10-6 C)

Hence, electric dipole moment = 0.12 x 10-6 coulomb x meter

⍬
Potential at a point due to the dipole is, V =

Where,

P = dipole moment

⍬ = angle made by the line joining the point to the midpoint of the dipole with the
positive direction of electric length

ε0 = permittivity of free space

For a dipole on axial line the potential is zero at only one point (i.e. midpoint)

Equatorial plane as a mirror.

(2) For a point on an equatorial plane

⍬ = 900, cos 900 = 0

The equatorial plane is an equipotential surface of the system with zero potential.

(b) Direction of the electric field at the point on the equipotential surfaces is normal
to the surface.

4) A spherical conductor of radius 12 cm has a charge of 1.6 x 10-7 C

distributed uniformly on its surface. What is the electric field?
(a) Inside the sphere
(b) Just outside the sphere
(c) At a point 18 cm from the centre of the sphere?
Solution:

Given that:

Radius of the spherical conductor, R = 12 cm = 0.12 meter

Charge, q = 1.6 x 10-7 C

(a) For a point inside the spherical conductor,

Electric field E = 0

(b) For a point just on the surface of the spherical conductor

E= (where ε0 = permittivity of free space and = 9 x 109)

!

× × . × "
= ( . )

× #
=

=105 N/C

(c) For points outside the conductor:

E= (where ε0 = permittivity of free space and = 9 x 109 NC2m-1)

. × "
= 9 x 109 x ( . $)

= 4.4 x 104 NC-1

5) A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of 8
pF (1pF = 10-12 F). 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?
Solution:

Given that

Capacitance in air, C0 = 8pF = 8 x 10-12 F

Distance between the plates, d2 = d1/2

Dielectric constant, K = 6

Capacitance in dielectric medium, Cm =?

% &
Cm = -------------------(1)
'

&
C0 = -------------------(2)
'

From equation (1) and (2)

()
= 2k
(

Cm = 2kC0

Cm = 2 x 6 x 8 x 10-12
Cm = 96 pF

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

(a) What is the total capacitance of the combination?
(b) What is the potential difference across capacitor if the combination is
connected to a 120 V supply?
Solution:

(a) According to the question:

Capacitance, C = 9pF = 9 x 10-12 F

Number of capacitors, n=3

Cs = c/n where n = no. of identical capacitors, cs = equivalent capacitance

×
Cs = = 3 x 10-12 = 3 pF

(b) Since in series charge is the same for all capacitors, and the given capacitors are
identical, the potential drop across all the capacitors will be the same.

Let,

V1 = V2 = V3 = V

V1 +V2 +V3 = V

3V = 120 volt

V = 40 volt

Hence, the potential difference across each capacitor is 40 volts.

7) Three capacitors of capacitances 2 pF, 3 pF and 4Pf are connected in
parallel.
(a) What is the total capacitance of the combination?
(b) Determine the charge on each capacitor if the combination is connected to
a 100 V supply.
Solution:

(a) According to the question:

C1 = 2pF, C2 = 3pF, C3 = 4 pF, V = 100 volt.

When three capacitors are connected in parallel their equivalent capacitance is

given by:

Cp = C1+C2 +C3

Cp = (2+3+4) pF = 9 pF

(b) In parallel connection, the potential difference is the same across each capacitor.

Therefore,

For capacitor of capacitance 2 pF, charge q1 can be given as:

q1 = c1 V

q1 = 2 x 100 = 200 pC

q1 = 200 x 10-12 C

For capacitor of capacitance 3pF, charge q2 can be given as:

q2 = c2 V

q2 = 3 x 100 = 300 pC

q2 = 300 x 10-12 C
For capacitor of capacitance 4 pF, charge q3 can be given as:

q 3 = c3 V

q3 = 4 x 100 = 400 pC

q3 = 400 x 10-12 C

8) In a parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates, each plate has an
area of 6 x 10-3 m2 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?
Solution:

According to the question:

Area of the plate, A = 6 x 10-3 m2

Distance between plate, d= 3 mm = 3 x 10-3 m

Permittivity of free space, ε0 = 8.8 x 10-12 C2 N-1 m-2

Volt, V = 100 V
&
C= where, C = capacitance of capacitor
'

$.$ × × × +
= +
×

= 17.7 pF

q = CV = 17.7 x 10-12 x 100

= 17.7 x 10-10 C

Hence, capacitance of the capacitor is 17.7 pF and the charge on each plate is 17.7 x
10-10 C.
9) Explain what would happen if in the capacitor given in Exercise 2.8, a 3
mm thick mica sheet (of dielectric constant = 6) were inserted between the
plates,
(a) While the voltage supply remained connected.
(b) After the supply was disconnected.
Solution:

Capacitance in air, C0 = 17.7 pF

Capacitance in dielectric medium, C = kC0

C = 6 x 17.7 x 10-12 F

C = 1.06 x 10-10 F

(a) When the supply is connected across the capacitor, its potential does not change;
it is equal to the potential of the source. Charge on each plate, q = CV0

q = 1.06 x 10-10 x 100

q = 1.06 x 10-8 C

Charge on capacitor becomes six times the value before the dielectric is introduced.

(b) When the supply is disconnected, the charge remains constant.

q = constant

q = cVk

Vk = q/c = q/kc0 = V0/k

Vk = V0/k = 100/6 = 16.7 volts

The potential difference between the plates becomes one sixth of the previous
value.

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

energy is stored in the capacitor?
Solution:

Since, capacitance of capacitor, C = 12 Pf, = 12 x 10-12 F

Voltage, V = 50 volt,

Electrostatic energy, U =?

We know that electrostatic energy is given by the relation:

U = ½ CV2

Where C = capacity of the conductor

V= potential developed at the conductor

U = ½ x (12 x 10-12) x 502

U = 1.5 x 10-8 joule.

Hence, electrostatic energy stored in the capacitor is 1.5 x 10-8 joule.

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?
Solution:

According to the question:

Capacitance of first capacitor, C1 = 600 pF = 600 x 10-12 F

Capacitance of second capacitor, C2 = 600 pF = 600 x 10-12 F

First across the first capacitor, v1 = 200 volts

Voltage across the second capacitor, v2 = 0

Loss of energy=?

Loss of energy, ∆U = Uf – Ui

= (v1 – v2)2

× × × ( )
=
( × × )

= 6 x 10-6 joule

∆U = 6 x 10-6 joule

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

taking a small charge of -2 x 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)
Solution:

Point R (0, 6, 9) cm does not affect the result

because electrostatic force is a conservation
force. Work done depends upon initial and
final position only.

If ,---. = position vector for point P = 3/0

r1 = 3 cm = 0.03 m

---.
, = position vector for point Q = 4 1̂
r2 = 4 cm = 0.04 m

Since, v=

Where,

q = charge

r = distance of point from the charge

ε0 = permittivity of free space and 1/4πε0 = 9 x 109)

For point P
× ×$× +
Vp = = 24 x 108 volt
.

For point Q
× ×$× +
VQ = = 18 x 108 volt
.

Potential difference = VQ – Vp = (18 x 108) – (24 x 108)

= - 6 x 108 volt

Since work done = charge moved x potential difference

W = qV

W = (-2 x 10-9) x (-6 x 108)

W = 1.2 J

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.
Solution:

Given that:

Side of the cube = b

Geometrically it can be proved that:

Distance of the centre of the cube from

√
Each vertex = b

Potential at the centre due to the charge at one vertex

V1 = √+
= ( )
4 √ 4

Potential at the centre due to the charge at eight vertices:

V= 8 V1

V=8x ( )
√ 4

V=
4 √

Due to symmetry of charge about the centre of the cube the electric field at the
centre is zero.

Electric field at centre = 0 zero

Hence, the potential and electric field due to the charge array at the centre of the
cube is

And zero respectively.

4√
14) Two tiny spheres carrying 1.5 µC and 2.5 µC are located 30 cm apart.
Find the potential and electric field:
At the midpoint of the line joining the two charges
Solution:

Potential is given by relation, v = q/d

( )

Where,

q is the charge, d is the distance of point from the charge

ε0 = permittivity of free space and = 9 x 109 N C2m-1)

( )

Hence, potential at point ‘O’ due to charge at A (1.5 µC = 1.5 x 10-6 C)

× × . ×
VA =
.

VA = 9 x 104 volt

Potential at point ‘O’ due to charge at B (2.5 µC = 2.5 x 10-6 C)

× × . ×
VB = = 15 X 104 volt
.

The electric field at the point ‘O’ due to charge at A

× × . ×
(1) 5& = along 67
( . )

The electric field at the point ‘O’ due to the charge is

× × . ×
58 =
( . )
Along 97

(a) Total potential at ‘O’, V = VA +VB

V = 9 x 104 +15 x 104

V = 2.4 x 105 volt

5& and 5: are to linear and │5: │ > │5& │

So, net electric field at the point ‘O’ is 5 = 5: - 5&

× × . × × × . ×
Electric field intensity at 0 = -
. .

E = 10 x 105 -6 x 105

5 = 4 X 105 NC -1 along 96

Hence, the potential at the midpoint is 2.4 x 105 V and the electric field at the
midpoint is 4 x 105 NC-1. The field is directed from the larger charge to the smaller
charge.

15) Two tiny spheres carrying charges 1.5 µC and 2.5 µC are located 30 cm
apart. Find the potential and electric field:
At a point 10 cm from this midpoint in a plane normal to the line and passing
through the midpoint.
Solution:

AP = BP = ;(15) + (10) = 18 cm (approx)

× × . × × × . ×
Total potential at P = +
. $ . $

= 7.5 x 104 +12.5 x 104

= 2.0 x 105 volts

Intensity of electric field at a point P:

Electric field intensity at P due to charge at A,

× × . ×
E1 = @
= 4.16 x 105 NC-1 along 6A
×

Electric field intensity at P due to charge at B,

× × . ×
E2 = @
= 6.94 x 105 NC-1 along 9A
×

Net electric field at point P-

E = ;5 + 5 + 25 5 C7D⍬

From figure,

Tan ⍬/2 = 15/10 = 1.5

⍬/2 = 56.310

⍬ = 112.620

Clearly,

⍬ = 2 x ⍬/2 = 2 tan-1 (15) (tan-1 x =0)

= 2 x 560 18’ = 1120 36’ (frpm table)

Cos 112036’ = -0.3846 (from table)

Hence, net electric field at P =E

E = ;(4.16 × 10 ) + (6.94 × 10 ) + 2(4.16 × 10 )(6.94 × 10 )cos⍬ (112 )

E= = 10
;(4.16 × 10 ) + (6.46 × 10 ) + 2(4.16 × 10 )(6.94 × 10 )cos (112.62 )

E = 6.58 x 105 NC-1

On solving, E = 0.66 x 106 NC -1

For direction of E:
. × #× KL⍬
Tanα = #
. × . ×( . $ )

. × .
Tanα =
. . ×( . $ )

Tanα = 6.406/1.491

=4.3

α = 76.890

Hence, the electric field at P is 6.58 x 105 and makes an angle 76.890 with AP.

16) 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?
(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.
Solution:

(a) Take a Gaussian surface of radius r > r1 but r<r2

Since the Gaussian surface is inside the conductor, the electric field everywhere is
zero.

M 5N6 = 0 (e =0)
q’ +q =0

ε0

q = -q

Where, q’ is charge on the surface of inner shell

The conducting shell has no net charge yet its inner shell has –q surface charge
because the net charge on the shell is zero and no charge can be internal to the
conductor, there must be +q charge on the outer surface of the conductor other than
+Q.

So, surface charge density of inner surface = -q/4π,

O
And surface charge density of outer surface =
P

(b) According to the Gauss theorem the net charge on the inner surface enclosing
the cavity must be zero. We cannot say that the electric field inside the cavity of an
arbitrary shape must be zero because the cavity may have positive and negative
charges with the total charge zero. To dispose of this possibility take a closed loop,
a part of which is inside the cavity along a field line and the rest gives a net work
done by field in carrying a test charge over a closed loop. As it is impossible for an
electrostatic field hence there are no field lines inside the cavity and there is no
charge on the inner surface of the conductor irrespective of its shape.

17) (a) Show that the normal component of electrostatic field has a
discontinuity from one side of a charged surface to another given by:
 S
----.
5 -5 ----..QR =

Where QR is a unit vector normal to the surface at a point and σ is the surface
charge density at that point. (The direction of QR is from side 1 to side 2)
Hence show that just outside a conductor, the electric field is
(b) Show that the tangential component of the electrostatic field is continuous
from on side of a charged surface to another. (Hint: for (a), use Gauss’s law.
For (b), use the fact that the work done by an electrostatic field on a closed
loop is zero.)
Solution:

(a) According to the question:

σ = surface density of charge

ε0 = absolute permittivity of the medium = 8.85 x 10-12 C2N-1m-1

QR = a unit vector normal to the surface at a point.

For elementary area dA,

Charge on plane sheet = q = σdA

From gauss theorem:

TUV
---.
5 .QRd A =

T
---.
5 .QR =

T
E=

(b) Since the work done by an electrostatic field on a closed loop is zero, the
electric field tangential to the plane is continuous throughout.
18) A long charged cylinder of linear charged density λ is surrounded by a
hollow co-axial conducting cylinder. What is the electric field in space
between the two cylinders?
Solution:

Consider a cylinder having charge per unit length = λ

Electric flux = φ = E x A
T
But, according to Gauss theorem, φ=

T WX
E x 2πrl = =

W
E=

W
Hence, the electric field in the space between the two cylinders is

19) In a hydrogen atom, the electron and proton are bound at a distance of
about 0.53 A:
(a) Estimate the potential energy of the system in e V, taking the zero of the
potential energy at inifinite separation of the electron from proton.
(b) What is the minimum work required to free the electron, given that its
kinetic energy in the orbit is half the magnitude of the potential energy
obtained in (a)?
(c) What are the answers to (a) and (b) above if the zero of the potential
energy is taken at 1.06 A separation?
Solution:

(a) According to the question:

Charge on proton, q1 = +1.6 x 10-19 coulomb

Charge on electron, q2 = -1.6 x 10-19 coulomb

Distance between electron and proton, r = 0.53 A = 0.53 x 10-10 m

U = 9 x 109 x

× ×( . × )×( . × )
U=
. ×

U = − = -27.17 e V

(b) K.E of electron is half of potential energy

KE = PE/2

= 27.17/2 = 13.585 e V

Since, kinetic energy is always positive

Total energy of electron = PE +KE

= - 27.17 + 13.5

= - 13.585 e V

Work done to free the electron

= 0 – (-13.585) = 13.585 e V

(c) PE at 1.06 x 10-10 m separation can be calculated as follow

U’ =

× ×( . × )×( . × )
=
. ×
U’= -21.74 x 10-19 joule
Z.Z ×
U’ = = -13.585 eV
. ×

Potential energy of the system when a proton and electron are at 0.53 A

U’ = -27.17 – (-13.585)

= - 13.585 e V

So, if PE at 1.06 A is considered zero, then at 0.53 A

PE = KE =+13.85 e V

20) If one of the two electrons of a H2 molecule is removed, we get a

hydrogen molecular ion H2+. In the ground state of H2+, the two protons are
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.
Solution:

We know that the potential energy for each pair of the charge is given by the
relation:

P. E =

Where,

PE = potential energy

q1 and q2 = pair of charge

r = distance between the pair of

 1
ε0 = permittivity of free space and = 9 x 109
4[\
NC2 m-1)

Let the charges be ‘e’ and placed as shown in the

diagram:

Substituting the value for each pair of charge:

]×] ]×] ]×]
Total PE = 9 x109 [ - - ]
. ×

( × )( . × ) 1
= [ -1 – 1]
1.5
= -19.2 e V and potential energy at infinity is zero.

Hence, the potential energy of the system is -19.2 eV.

21) 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.
Solution:

When both the charged conducting spheres of Radius a and b are connected by a
wire then both acquire the same potential.

E = V/R

V = ER [V = potential, E = electric field, R = distance]

Then, V = E1 a -----------(1) and V =E2b --------------(2)

From (1) and (2)

E1 a = E2b
^
= b/a ----------(3)
^

The ratio of electric fields is the inverse of the ratio of the radius of the two spheres.
Electric charge density for the pointed surface will be more because a flat surface
can be equated to a spherical surface of a large radius and a pointed portion to a
spherical surface of a small radius.

23) Two charges –q and +q are located at points (0, 0, -a) and (0, 0, a),
respectively.
(b) Obtain the dependence of potential on the distance r of a point from the
origin when r/a>>1.
(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 of the test
charge between the same points is not along the x-axis?
Solution:

(b) Let ‘P’ be a point which is at a distance ‘r’ from the midpoint of the electric
dipole of electric length ‘2a’

Let AP = r1

BP = r2 and angle POB = ⍬

Potential due to (-q) charge = V- =

A

Potential due to (+q) charge = V+

=A

Total potential at p = V+ + V-
V=A -A ----------------(1)

_
Now, cos⍬ =
X

Similarly, 1/r1 = 1/r2 (1-acos⍬/r)

Putting the value of 1/r1 and 1/r2 in equation (1) and on solving:
( × X) ⍬
V=

` ⍬
V= , where, P = dipole moment

V is directly proportional to 1/r2

,
Thus, when >>1, then potential at the point in inversely proportional to the square
a
of the distance of the point from the centre of the dipole.

(c) Zero, because (5, 0, 0) and (-7, 0, 0) are the points on the equatorial plane of the
charges placed at (0, 0, a) and (0, 0, -a) which is an equipotential surface.

Explanation: the answer will not change if the path is changed because work done
does not depend upon the actual path. It simply depends upon the initial and final
positions.
24) Figure 2.34 shows a charge
array known as an electric
quadruple. For a point on the axis of
the quadruple, obtain the
dependence of potential on r for r/a>>1, and contrast your result with that due
to an electric dipole, and an electric monopole (i.e., a single charge)
Solution:

The figure represents a quadruple.

Potential due to (+q) charge at A, VA = k

_

Potential due to (-2q) charge at B. VB = k

Potential due to (+q) charge at C, Vc= k

_

Total potential at p = Vp = kq [ - + ]
_ _

( _) ( _ ) ( _)
Vp = kq [ (
]
_)( _)

_ × _
Vp = kq +
= +

V directly proportional to 1/r3

The dependence of V due to quadruple is proportional to 1/r3

(1) V for quadruple, V is directly proportional to 1/r3

(2) V for electric dipole, V is directly proportional to 1/r3

(3) V for monopole, V is directly proportional to 1/r

25) An electrical technician requires a capacitance of 2µF in a circuit across a
potential difference of 1 kV. A large number of 1µF 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.
Solution:

Let N = total no. of capacitors

Since each capacitor can with stand a potential difference of 400 volt. At least three
must be used in series to share 1 kilovolt (1 kV) potential difference

3 in series will have capacitance = 1/3 µF

To have 2µF combination we must connect six such series combination in parallel.
Total capacitors required = 3 in series x 6 in parallel = 18

Hence, 18 capacitors are required having 6 parallel connections and three of them in
series in each parallel connection.

26) 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? (You will realize from your
answer why ordinary capacitors are in the range of µF or less. However,
electrolytic capacitors do have a much larger capacitance (0.1 F) because of
very minute separation between the conductors)
Solution:
&
C= , where A = area of each plate
'

d = distance between two plate

×'
A=
 × . ×
= = 1.13 x 109 m2
$.$ ×

Hence, the area of the plates is too large. To avoid this situation, the capacitance is
taken in the range of µF.

27) Obtain the equivalent capacitance of the

network in Fig.2.35. For a 300 V supply,
determine the charge and voltage across each
capacitor:
Solution:

The equivalent circuit can be shown as follows:

Where,

c 1 = 100 pF, C2 = 200 p F, C3 = 200 p F and C4 = 100 p F

In series combination of capacitors, charge flowing through each capacitor is

constant.
Hence, V is directly proportional to 1/C

The P. d across C4 is V4 = 200 V

The P. d across C1 and the combination of C2, C3 is 100.

As C2, C3 are identical in series.

P. d across them V2 = V3 = 50

28) The plates of a parallel plate capacitor have an area of 90 cm2 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?
(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.
Solution:

(a) According to the question: Area, A =90 cm2 = 90 x 10-4 m2

Distance between plates, d= 2.5 mm = 2.5 x 10-3 m

Voltage, V = 400 volt

 &
Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor C=
'

$.$ × × × @
C= +
. ×

Z . ×
C= +
. ×

C= 31.86 pF

=
× . ×

= x 10-10 F
.

= 3.187 x 10-11 F

Work done = ½ CV2

= ½ x 3.187 x 10-11 x 400 x 400

W = 2.55 x 10-6 J

b
Energy per unit volume, u =
&'

. ×
u= @× +
× . ×

.
u= = 0.113 J/m3
×

(b) W = ½ CV2, where C = capacitance and V = potential

&
W= ½ x ( ) x (ε x d)2
'

U = ½ x ε0 A E2 d = energy stored

U = ½ ε0 E2 (A xd)

Energy stored per unit volume = ½ ε0 E2

29) A 4µF capacitor is charged by a 200 V supply. It is then disconnected
from the supply, and is connected to another uncharged 2 µF capacitor. How
much electrostatic energy of the first capacitor is lost in the form of heat and
electromagnetic radiation?
Solution:

Energy stored in 4µF capacitor will be

Energy stored in the system before the 4 µF and 2µF is connected together, U1 = ½
C1V12

U1 = ½ x 4 x 10-6 x 200 x 200 = 8 x 10-2 J

When it is connected to an uncharged capacitor

Total charge = q1 +q2

Total charge = C1V1+C2V2

= 4x 10-6 x 200 +0

= 8 x 10-4 C

Total capacitance, C= C1+C2= 6 µF

Common potential, V = q/c

$× @
= = 400/3
×

Energy stored in the system after the 4 µF and 2 µF is connected together, U2 = ½

CV2

U2 = ½ x 6 x 10-6 x (400/3)2

U2 = 5.33 x 10-2 J
Loss in energy of the system, ∆U = U1 – U2

∆U = 8 x 10-2 – 5.33 x 10-2

∆U = 2.67 x 10-2 J

30) Show that the force on each plate of a parallel plate capacitor has a
magnitude equal to (1/2) QE, where Q is the charge on the capacitor, and E is
the magnitude of electric field between the plates. Explain the origin of the
factor ½
Solution:

Let the distance between the plates be increased by ∆x

Then, work done by the external agency = F ∆x consequently the increase in

potential energy is given by = U (a ∆x)

Where, U = potential energy per unit volume

But, U = ½ ε0 E2 and F = Ua

On solving we set:

F = ½ QE

Since inside the conductor field is zero where outside the conductor field is E.

Hence, E/2 is the average value of electric field i.e. E/2 decides the force.

31) A spherical capacitor consists of two

concentric spherical conductors, held in position
by suitable insulating supports.
Show that the capacitance of this spherical capacitor is given by, C =

Where r1 and r2 are the radii of outer and inner spheres respectively.
Solution:

Given that

r 1 = radius of inner sphere

r 2 = radius of outer sphere

Potential of sphere A:

VA = q/r1

Potential at the surface of B:

VB = (-q/r2)

Potential difference between A and B

V= [1/r2 - 1/r1]

C = q/v =
/ [ ]
e e

C=

32) 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
given a charge of 2.5 µC. the space between the concentric spheres is filled
with a liquid of dielectric constant 32.
(a) Determine the capacitance of the capacitor
(b) What is the potential of the inner sphere?
(c) Compare the capacitance of this capacitor with that of an isolated sphere of
radius 12 cm. explains why the latter is much smaller.
Solution:
e _S
(a) C =
4 _

Where εr = dielectric constant of the medium

a and b = radius of the sphere

From the question,

Radius of the inner sphere, a = 12 x 10-2 m

Radius of the outer sphere, b = 13 x 10-2 m

Permitting of the medium, εr = 32

× × × ×
C= x
× × ×

C = 5.547 x 109 F

(b) V = q/c
. ×
= = 450.7 volts
. Z×

(c) C’ = 4πε0r

x 12 x 10-2
×

= 1.33 x 10-11 F
. Z×
Now, c/c’ = = 416
. ×

Clearly C’ is small because there is no nearby earthed conducting plate.

33) Answer carefully:
(a) Two large conducting spheres carrying charges Q1 and Q2 are brought
close to each other. Is the magnitude of electrostatic force between them
O O
exactly given by, , where r is the distance between their centres?

(b) If coulomb’s law involved 1/r3 dependence (instead of 1/r2), would

Gauss’s law be still true?
Solution:

(a) No, Coulomb’s law is valid only for point charges. The distribution of charge on
the conducting spheres remain on their surfaces only, so it cannot be uniform

(b) Both Gauss’ law and Coulomb’s law are independent laws. If coulomb’s law
involves 1/r3 dependence, then Gauss law in the existing state would not be true.

34) Answer carefully:

(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?
(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?
Solution:

(c) It will travel along the field line passing through that point. It is true only when a
field line is a straight line.

(d) Whatever may be the shape of the closed circuit, it is zero.

(35)(e) We know that electric field is discontinuous across the surface of a
charged conductor. Is electric potential also discontinuous there?
(f) What meaning would you give to the capacitance of a single conductor?
(g) Guess a possible reason why water has a much greater dielectric constant
(=80) than say, mica (=6)
Solution:

(e) No, electric potential is continuous.

(f) It means that a single conductor is a capacitor whose other plate can be
considered to be at infinity.

(g) A water molecule has a permanent dipole moment so its dielectric constant is
high. Mica does not have polar molecules. Hence, the dipole moment of water
molecule is greater than that of mica.

36) 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 µC. 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)
Solution:

According to the problem,

Length of capacitor, L= 15 cm

Inner radius of the cylindrical, a = 1.4 cm and outer radius of the cylindrical
capacitor, b= 1.5 cm
g
Then, C = i
. X h
j
 × . ×($.$ × )×( × )
C= .#×
. X h ( )
.@×

C = 1.21 x 10-10 F

Potential of inner cylinder

V = q/c
. ×
V= = 2.89 x 104 volts
. ×

37) 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 field 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, say 10
percent of the dielectric strength. What minimum area of the plates is required
to have a capacitance of 50 pF?
Solution:

According to the question:

E = 10 % of 107 V/m

E = 10/100 x 107 = 0.1 x 107 Vm-1

E = V/r

Where, E = electric field

V = potential

r = distance between the plates

r = v/E
= "
= 10-3 m
. ×

e&
C= [formula]
'

×'
A=
e

× ( × ) ×( +)
= =
e ($.$ × )×

A = 19 cm2

38) Describe schematically the equipotential surfaces corresponding to:

(a) A constant electric field in the z direction
(b) A field that uniformly increases in magnitude but remains in a constant
(say, z) direction
(c) A single positive charge at the origin, and
(d) A uniform grid consisting of long equally spaced charged wires in a plane.
Solution:

(a) A plane parallel to xy plane.

(b) The field that uniformly increases in magnitude but remains in a constant
direction is the plane parallel to the xy plane, but the planes having different fixed
potential will become closer with the increase in field intensity.

(c) Concentric spheres with the origin as the centre.

(d) A time dependent changing shape nearer to the grid which slowly becomes
planar and parallel to the grid at far off distances from the grid.
39) In a Van de Graff type generator a spherical metal shell is to be a 15 x 106
V electrode. The dielectric strength of the gas surrounding the electrode is 5 x
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.)
Solution:

Minimum radius of the shell of a Van de Graff generator is given by

d = V/E, where V = A(q/r) and E= A(q/r2)

V and E = potential and electric field respectively

× #
d= "
= 3 x 10-2 m
×

40) 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:
Solution:

Since charge resides on the outer surface of a

conductor, the charge on the inner sphere will flow
towards the shell through the conducting wire.
According to Gauss’ theorem no electric field exists
inside a Gaussian surface and the charge enclosed by a
closed surface only contributes towards the field.

If q1 is positive, p. d is also positive

Potential at the surface B = VB

= [q2/r2 + q1/r2]

And potential at the surface of sphere A

= VA = [q1/r1 + q2/r2]

VA – VB = + - -

VA – VB = -

= 4[\ [ - ] = +ve

Hence q1 flows towards q2 when both are connected by a wire.

Alternative method

When the inner sphere is connected to the outer sheet, they become one metallic
body electrically. Hence, the entire charge of this body will reside on its surface

(On the outer surface of the outer shell) whatever q1 and q2 are.