IIT- PHY - CP

CAPACITOR
SYLLABUS
Capacitance, Parallel Plate capacitor with and without dielectric,
capacitors in series and parallel, Energy stored in a capacitor.

POSITION VECTOR :
Capacitor is a device for storing electric charge and energy. It consists of a pair of conductors
carrying equal and opposite charges (generally). Magnitude of this charge is known as the charge on the
capacitor. Potential difference (V) between the two conductors is proportional to the charge on the
capacitor (Q).
Q α V; Q = CV
Here the proportionality constant C is known as the capacitance of the capacitor. Capacitance
depends on the size and shape of the plates and the material between them. The SI unit of capacitance is
farad (F).

PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITORS :

A parallel plate capacitor consists of two equal flat parallel metal plates facing each other and
separated by a dielectric of electric permittivity ∈.The plates may be square, rectangular or circular in
shape.
For calculating the capacity of a capacitor, we first calculate electric field at a point between the
 dV 
plates and then using relation E = −  compute the potential difference between the plates. Finally
 dr 
dividing the magnitude of charge (given to one plate) by the potential difference between the plates, we
get the capacity.
In case of parallel plate capacitor as shown in figure. The field at P
d
σ ( −σ ) σ −σ
E= −
2ε 2ε
=
ε
+σ + −
+ −
or, −
dV σ
= [ as E = −
dV
]
+ ε −
dx ε dx + −
0 d
σ σ
V +
•P
−
or, ∫
− dV = ∫ ε dx i.e., V =
ε
d + − V =0
V 0 + −
q σA εA
+ −
So, C= = = x=0 x=d
V (σd / ε ) d
ε KA
or C= 0 [as ε =ε K]0
d

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SPHERICAL CAPACITOR :
We can derive the capacity of a spherical capacitor in a similar way
− −
− b +q −
q 1 1
V=  − ; a +
4πε 0  a b  − +
E −
q 4πε 0 4πε 0 ab − + +
C= = =
b−a −
V 1 1
− − +
−
a b
If the radius of the outer sphere tends to infinity, b→ ∞ , the capacitance
reduces to
C = 4 πε 0 a which is the capacitance of the isolated sphere.

CYLINDRICAL CAPACITOR :
λ
E= a≤ r ≤ b
2πε 0 r Q
a b
a λ b
V = Va − Vb = - Edr
b ∫ or V =
2πε 0
ln
a
q λ 2πε 0  l
∴ C= = =
V V b
n
a
ILLUSTRATION : 01
A parallel plate capacitor has plates of area 200cm2 and separation between the plates 1.00mm.
What potential difference will be developed if a charge of 1.00nC (i.e., 1.00 x 10-9C) is given to it. Now if
separation between the plates is increased to 2.00mm, what will be the new potential difference?
ε A
SOLUTION : The capacitance of the capacitor is C = 0
d
-4 2
F 200 x 10 m
= 8. 85 x 10-12 x
m 1 x 10 -3 m
= 0.177 x 10-9F
= 0.177nF.
The potential difference between the plates is
Q 1nC
V= = = 5.65 volts.
C 0.177 nF
If the separation is increased from 1.00mm to 2.00mm the capacitance is decreases by a factor of
2. If the charge remains the same, the potential difference will increase by a factor of 2. Thus, the new
potential difference will be 5.65volts x 2 = 11.3 volts.

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COMBINATION OF CAPACITORS

SERIES COMBINATION :
+Q −Q +Q −Q +Q −Q
Capacitors connected as shown in the
figure are said to be connected in series. In series C1 C2 C3
combination the charges on individual condensers
are equal and the total p.d. across the combination V1 V2 V3
is to shared by the capacitors.
Q= C 1 V1 = C 2 V2 = C 3 V3 and V = V1 + V2 + V3
∴ Effective capacitance of the combination C can be found from the relation.
1 1 1 1
= + +
C C1 C 2 C 3

PARALLEL COMBINATION :
In this combination p.d. across each of capacitors is same but the charge supplied at points A and
B is shared by capacitors.

Q1+
Q1 Q2 Q3
V = = = and total - Q1
C1 C2 C3
−
charge +
A Q2 - Q2 B
Q = Q1 + Q 2 + Q 3
−
+
C = C1 + C 2 + C 3 Q3 - Q3
−
ILLUSTRATION : 02
Find the equivalent capacitance between A B
points A and B of the circuit shown, each
capacitance = C

SOLUTION : Equivalent circuit is

C
Each branch equivalent capacitance is .
2
There are four branches in parallel A B
C C C C
∴ C eq = + + + = 2C
2 2 2 2

ILLUSTRATION : 03
The figure shown is a system of parallel conductors. Each plate is of equal area A and equally
separated by d. Find the equivalent capacitance of the system between a and b

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SOLUTION : By joining the points of same potential, the a

2
arrangement of conductors may be reduced as shown in figure. If
1 2
the capacitance between two successive plates is given by
4 3
ε A
C = 0 then, the equivalent capacitance of the system is given by 3
d b
3C 3 ε 0 A
C eq = =
2 2 d

DIELECTRICS :
When a dielectric is introduced between conductors of a capacitor, its capacitance increases. A
dielectric is characterized by a constant 'K' called dielectric constant.

DIELECTRIC CONSTANT :
When a dielectric is placed in an external electric field, polarization occurs and it develops an
electric field in opposition to the external one. As a result total field inside it decreases. If E is the total
field inside the dielectric when it is placed in an external field E 0 , then its dielectric constant 'K' is given
E0
as K = ( k > 1)
E
If a dielectric completely occupies the space between the conductors of a capacitor its capacitance
increases 'K' times. Hence in presence of a dielectric with dielectric constant ' K ', the capacitance of a
Kε 0 A
parallel plate capacitor =
d

ENERGY STORED IN A CAPACITOR :

The energy stored in a capacitor is equal to the work done to charge it. Let q be the
instantaneous charge on either plate of the capacitor and the potential difference between the plate is
q
V= . The work done to transfer an infinitesimal charge dq from the negative plate to the positive plate
C
q
is dW = Vdq =   dq
C
[The charge moves through the wires, not across the gap between the plates]
Q
q Q2 QV 1
∴ W = total work done to transfer charge Q = ∫ C
dq =
2C
=
2
= C V2
2
0
This work done is stored as electrostatic energy ie., U =
1
1
2
1 ε A
C V 2 =  0  E 2d 2 =
2 d 
1
2
( )
ε 0 E 2 (Ad) 2 a
3 b
∴ Energy density (u) = energy per unit 4

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1
Volume = ε0 E2
2
1
If dielectric is introduced then U = K ε0 E2
2
This energy is stored in a capacitor in the electric field between its plates.

FORCE ON A DIELECTRIC IN A CAPACITOR :

Let us consider a small displacement dx of the dielectric as shown in figure, keeping the net
force on it always zero.
∴ Welectrostatic + WF = 0
[Where WF denotes the work done in displacement dx]
∴ WF = - Welec. = ∆U F
Q2  1  Q2 x
⇒ - F dx = d = − dc
2 C 2C 2 dx
2
Q dc 1 2 dc
⇒ F= = V
2 dx 2 dx
2C
[Considering capacitor has battery connected to it, i.e., V = Q/C ]

ILLUSTRATION : 04
Two capacitors of capacitances 20pf and 50pf are connected in series with a 6-volt battery, find
(A) The potential difference across each capacitor
(B) The energy stored in each capacitor
SOLUTION :
C1C 2 50 x 20 100
(A) Equivalent capacitance C= = = pF
C1 + C 2 50 + 20 7
100 600 20pF
∴ Charge on C1 = charge on C 2 = x6= pC 50pF
7 7

∴ Potential difference across C1 (= 50pC ) =

600
= 1.71 V
7 x 50
6V
and across C 2 = (20pC ) =
600
= 4.28 V
7 x 20

Energy in C1 = E1 = x 50x (1.71)2 = 73.5 pJ

1
(B)
2

Energy in C 2 = E 2 = x 20 x (4.28)2 = 184 pJ

1
2

ILLUSTRATION : 05
A 5µF capacitor is charged to 12 volt. The positive plate of this capacitor is now connected to the
negative terminal of a 12 V battery and vice versa. Calculate the heat developed in the connecting wires.

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SOLUTION :
When capacitor is connected with battery the charge appears on one plate be Q = CV and - Q on
the other plate. If the capacitor is now disconnected and connected to the same battery again with
opposite polarity then - Q appear on first plate and + Q on second plate.
∴ Total charge flown from battery is 2Q ∴W= charge x potential = 2QV
∴ Q = CV

∴ W = 2C V 2

⇒ W = 2x5x 10 −6 x (12 )2
= 1.44 mJ

ILLUSTRATION : 06
A capacitor stores 50µC charge when connected across a battery. When the gap between the
plates is filled with a dielectric, a charge of 100µC flows through the battery. Find the dielectric constant
of the material inserted.

SOLUTION :
Initial charge = 50µC = Q1
Amount of charge flows = 100µC
∴ With dielectric total charge = (50+100) =150µC
Q 50µC
Initial capacity C = =
V V
Q' 150µC
Final capacity C ' = =
V V
C' 150 / V
K = = =3
C 50 / V

ILLUSTRATION : 07
In the above circuit, find the potential difference across
AB.

SOLUTION :
Let us mark the capacitors as 1, 2, 3 and 4 for
identification. As is clear, 3 and 4 are in series, and they are in parallel with 2. The 2,3, 4 combination is in
series with 1.
C 3 .C 4
C 34 = = 4µf , C 2,3,4 = 8 + 4 = 12µf
C3 + C 4
8 × 12
C eq = = 4.8µf , q = C eq V = 4.8 × 10 = 48µC
8 + 12

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q  48µc 
The 'q' on 1 is 48µC, thus V1 = = 6V V1 = = 6V.
c  8µF 
⇒ VPQ = 10 − 6 = 4 V
By symmetry of 3 and 4, we say, VAB = 2V.

ILLUSTRATION : 08 q
What is VA − VB in the arrangement shown? What is the
q'
condition such that VA − VB = 0

SOLUTION :
Let charge be as shown
(Capacitors in series have the same charge)
Take loop containing C1 , C 2 and E
q q  CC 
+ − E = 0 ⇒ q = E 1 2 
C1 C 2  C1 + C 2 
From loop containing C 3 , C 4 and E
Similarly,
q' q'
+ −E =0
C3 C 4
 C C 
⇒ q' = E  3 4 
 C3 + C 4 
q q'
Now, VA − VB = −
C2 C4
 C1 C3 
= E. − 
 C1 + C 2 C 3 + C 4 
 C1 .C 4 − C 3 .C 2 
VA − VB = E. 
 (C1 + C 2 )(
. C3 + C 4 )
For VA − VB = 0
C1 C 3
⇒ C1C 4 = C 2 C 3 = 0 or =
C2 C4

ILLUSTRATION : 09 S
A 8µF capacitor C 1 is charged to V0 = 120volt. The charging
battery is then removed and the capacitor is connected in parallel to an
uncharged 4µF capacitor C 2 . V0 C1 C2
(A) What is the potential difference V across the combination?
(B) What is the stored energy before and after the switch S is thrown ?

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SOLUTION :
(A) Let q 0 be the charge on C1 initially Then q 0 = C1V0 when C1 is connected to C 2 in
parallel, the charge q 0 is distributed between C1 and C 2 . Let q1 and q 2 be the charges on C1 and C 2
respectively. Now let V be the potential difference across each condenser.
Now q 0 = q1 + q 2 or C1V0 = C1V + C 2 V

8µF
∴V =
C1
V0 = (120V )
C1 + C 2 8µF + 4µF
= 80volt.
(B) Initial energy stored
1 1
U0 = C1V02 = (8 x 10-6) (120)2
2 2
= 5 .76 x 10-2joule
Final energy stored
1 1
U= C1V 2 + C 2V 2
2 2
1 1
= (8 x 10-6) (80)2 + (4 x 10-6) (80)2
2 2
= 3.84 x 10-2joule.
Final energy is less than the initial energy. The loss of energy
appears as heat in connecting wires.
ILLUSTRATION : 10
From the given figure find the value of the capacitance C
if the equivalent capacitance between points A and B is to be 1µF.
All the capacitances are in µF.
C1
A
SOLUTION : C
C2 8 1 4 4
The capacitors C 3 and C 4 are in parallel, therefore their C9 C7
C8 4
resultant capacity C 8 is 4. The capacitors C 5 and C 6 are in series,
therefore, their resultant capacity C 9 is 4. These are shown in
(A) B
figure (A)
Now the capacitor C 2 and C 8 are in series. Their resultant
8
capacity C10 is . Capacitors C 7 and C 9 are in parallel. Their
3
resultant capacity C 11 is 8. These are shown in figure. (B)
C 1 and C 11 are in series. The equivalent capacitance is 8/9. The
parallel combination of 8/3 and 8/9 gives a resultant capacitance
32/9 as shown in figure. (C)

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1 1 9 1 23
∴ = + or =
1 C 32 C 32
32
∴C = µF
23

ILLUSTRATION : 11
Five identical conducting plates 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are fixed
parallel to and equidistant from each other as shown in figure. Plates 2
and 5 are connected by a conductor while 1 and 3 are joined by
another conductor. The junction of 1 and 3 and the plate 4 are
connected to a source of constant e.m.f. V0 . Find
(i) The effective capacity of the system between the terminals of the
source
(ii) The charge on plates 3 and 5
Given d = distance between any two successive plates and
A = area of either face of each plate.

SOLUTION :
(i) The equivalent circuit is shown in figure (B). The system consists of four capacitors i.e.,
 A
C12 ,C 32 C 34 and C 54 . The capacity of each capacitor is  Kε 0  = C 0 The effective capacity across the
 d
source can be calculated as follow:
The capacitors C 12 and C 32 are in parallel and hence their capacity is C 0 + C 0 = 2C 0 . The capacitor
C0 x 2 C0
C 54 is in series with effective capacitor of capacity 2C 0 . Hence the resultant capacity will be
C 0 + 2C 0
Further C 34 is again in parallel. Hence the effective capacity
C 0 x 2C 0 5 5 A
= C0 + = C 0 = Kε 0
C 0 + 2C 0 3 3 d
(ii) Charge on the plate 5 = charge on the upper half of parallel combination

2  2 Kε 0 AV0
∴ Q 5 = V0  C 0  =
3  3 d
Charge on plate 3 on the surface facing 4
Kε 0 AV0
V0 C 0 =
d
Charge on plate 3 on the surface facing 2
= [Potential difference across (3 - 2)] C0

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C0 AV0
= V0 C 0 = Kε 0
C 0 + 2C 0 3d
Kε 0 AV0 AV0 Kε 0 AV0  1 4 A
∴ Q3 = + Kε 0 = 1 + 3  = 3 Kε 0 d V0
d 3d d  

ILLUSTRATION : 12
(A) Find the effective capacitance between points X and Y in the
given figure. Assume that C 2 = 10 µF and other capacitors are 4µF
each.
(B) Find the capacitance of a system of identical capacitors between
points A and B shown in figure.
SOLUTION :
(A) The circuit is redrawn in figure as the two arms are balanced, no
current flows through C 2 , C 3 and C 4 are in series, hence their equivalent
capacitance = 2µF Similarly the equivalent capacitance of C1 and C 5 = 2µF.
Corresponding to points X and Y these two are in a parallel combination.
Hence the effective capacitance between X and Y is 2 + 2 = 4µF.
(B) The arrangement of capacitors shown in figure is equivalent to the
arrangement shown in figure. The arrangement is connected in parallel.
Hence equivalent capacitance C is given by C = C 1 + C 2 + C 3

WORKED OUT OBJECTIVE PROBLEMS :

EXAMPLE : 01
A parallel plate capacitor is connected across a 2V battery and charged. The battery is then
disconnected and glass slab is introduced between the plates. Which of the following pairs of quantities
decrease?
(A) Charge and potential difference (B) potential difference and energy stored
(C) energy stored and capacitance (D) capacitance and charge
Ans: (B)

SOLUTION :
The introduction of a dielectric slab increases the capacitance. The charge remains unchanged.
Potential difference and energy stored decreases.

EXAMPLE : 02
Three capacitors of capacitances 3µF, 9µF and 18µF are connected once in series and then in
parallel. The ratio of equivalent capacitances in the two cases(C S /C P ) will be

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(A) 1 : 15 (B) 15 : 1 (C) 1 : 1 (D) 1 : 3

Ans: (A)

SOLUTION :
C P = 3 + 9 + 18 = 30µF
1 1 1 1 1
= + + =
C S 3 9 18 2
∴ CS = 2µF
CS 2µF 1
Now = =
C P 30µF 15

EXAMPLE : 03
A number of capacitors each of capacitance 1µF and each one of which get punctured if a
potential difference just exceeding 500volt is applied, are provided. Then an arrangement suitable for
giving a capacitor of capacitance 2µF across which 3000 volt may be applied requires at least
(A) 18 component capacitors (B) 36 component capacitors
(C) 72 component capacitors (D) 144 component capacitors
Ans: (C)
SOLUTION :
3000
Number of capacitors required in series = =6
500
1
The capacitance of series combination. = µF
6
To obtain a capacitor of 2µF, we should use 12 such combinations.
∴Total number of capacitors required = 12 x 6 = 72

EXAMPLE : 04
A capacitor of capacitance 1µF withstands a maximum voltage of 6kV, while another capacitor
of capacitance 2µF, the maximum voltage 4kV. If they are connected in series, the combination can
withstand a maximum of
(A) 6kV (B) 4kV (C) 10kV (D) 9kV
Ans: (D)

SOLUTION :
2 x1 2 2
When the two condensers are connected in series. C= = µF and Q = E
2 +1 3 3
The potential of condenser C1 is given by
Q 2 Q E
V1 = = E < 6kV ⇒ E < 9kv v2 = = < E < 12KV
C1 3 c2 3
To avoid break down E ≤ 9KV

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EXAMPLE : 05
 10 
Seven capacitors each of capacitance 2µF are to be connected to obtain a capacitance of   µF.
 11 
Which of the following combination is possible.
(A) 5 in parallel 2 in series (B) 4 in parallel 3 in series
(C) 3 in parallel 4 in series (D) 2 in parallel 5 in series
Ans: (A)
SOLUTION :
5 capacitors in parallel gives 5 x 2 µF = 10µF capacity. Further, two capacitors in series gives a
capacity 1µF. When the two combinations are connected in series, they give a resultant capacitance
 10 x 1   10 
  =   µF.
 10 + 1   11 

EXAMPLE : 06
Condenser A has a capacity of 15µF when it is filled with a medium of dielectric constant 15.
Another condenser B has a capacity 1µF with air between the plates. Both are charged separately by a
battery of 100V. After charging, both are connected in parallel without battery and the dielectric material
being removed. The common potential now is
(A) 400V (B) 800V (C) 1200V (D) 1600V
Ans: (B)

SOLUTION :
Charge on capacitor A is given by q1 = C1 x V
= (15 x 10-6) (100) = 15 x 10-4C
Charge on capacitor B is given by q 2 = C 2 x V
= (1 x 10-6) (100) = 10-4C
Capacity of condensers A after removing dielectric

C   10 -6 
C' =  1  = 15 x = 1 µF
 K   15 
Now when both condenser are connected in parallel their capacity will be
1µF + 1µF = 2µF
q
Common potential V =
C

=
(15 x 10-4 )+ (1 x 10-4 ) = 800V .
2 x 10 -6

EXAMPLE : 07
Two capacitors 2µF and 4µF are connected in parallel. A third capacitor of 6 µF capacity is
connected in series. The combination is then connected across a 12V battery. The voltage across 2µF
capacity is

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(A)2V (B) 6V (C) 8V (D) 1V

Ans: (B)

SOLUTION :
Resultant capacitance of condensers of capacity 2µF and 4µF when connected in parallel.
C' = 2 + 4 = 6 µF
This is connected in series with a capacitor of capacity 6µF in series. The resultant capacity C is given by
1 1 1 1
= + = or C = 3 µF
C 6 6 3
Charge on combination q = (3 x 10-6) x (12) = 36 x 10-6C
Let the charge on 2µF capacitor be q1 , then
q1 q − q1 q
= or q1 = ∴ q1 = 12 x 10-6C
2 4 3
q1 12 x 10 -6
Now potential across 2µF condenser = = = 6V
2 x 10 -6 2 x 10 -6

EXAMPLE : 08
The capacitance of the system of parallel plate capacitor shown in the figure is A1
2ε 0 A 1 A 2 2ε 0 A 1 A 2
(A) (B)
(A1 + A 2 )d (A 2 − A1 )d d
ε A ε A
(C) 0 1 (D) 0 2 A2
d d
Ans : (C)

SOLUTION : +σ A1
Since the electric field between the parallel charge plates is uniform
and independent of the distance, neglecting the fringe effect, the effective
d ε0 E
area of the plate of area A 2 is A 1 . Thus the capacitance between the plates is
ε A A2
C= 0 1 ∴ (C) −σ
d

EXAMPLE : 9
The charge flowing across the circuit on closing the key K is
equal to
C
(A) CV (B) V
2
(C)2CV (D) Zero

SOLUTION :
When the key K is kept open the charge drawn from

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the source is Q = C 'V

C
Where C' is the equivalent capacitance given by C' =
2
C
Therefore Q =  V
2
Whey the key K is closed, the capacitor 2 gets short circuited and the charge in the circuit
Q1 = CV
C
∴ Charge flowing is ∆Q = Q1 − Q = V
2
∴ (B)

EXAMPLE : 10
The figure shows a spherical capacitor with inner sphere earthed. The
capacitance of the system is

4πε 0 ab 4πε 0 b 2 a b
(A) (B)
b−a b−a
(C) 4 πε 0 (b + a ) (D) None of these

SOLUTION :
Let V be potential of the outer sphere. Thus we can consider two capacitors, one between the outer
sphere and inner sphere and the other between outer sphere and infinity.
Thus,
ab •
C1 = 4πε 0
b−a
b
C 2 = 4πε 0 b a

ab C1 C2
C = 4πε 0 + 4πε 0 b
b−a
4πε 0 b 2
⇒ C=
b−a
∴ (B)

EXAMPLE : 11
A capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a potential difference V from a cell and then
disconnected from it. A charge +Q is now given to its positive plate. The potential difference across the
capacitor is now
Q Q Q
(A) V (B) V + (C) V + (D) V − , if V < CV
C 2C C

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SOLUTION :
In the figure given below, left X and Y be positive
and negative plates. After charging from the cell,
the inner faces of X and Y have charges ± CV , as
shown in (A). The outer surfaces have no charge.
When charge Q is given to X, let the inner faces of
X and Y have charges ±q Then, by the principle of
charge conservation, the outer faces have charges (Q + CV − q ) for X and (q − CV ) for Y, as shown in
(B). Now, the outer faces must have equal charges.
∴ Q + CV − q = q − CV
or 2q = 2CV + Q

Q
or q = CV +
2
q Q
Potential difference =V+
C 2C
∴ (C)

EXAMPLE : 12
In an isolated parallel - plate capacitor of capacitance C, the
Q1 Q3
four surfaces have charges Q1 , Q2 , Q3 and Q4 as shown. The potential
difference between the plates is
Q1 + Q 2 + Q 3 + Q 4 Q 2 + Q3
(A) (B) Q2 Q4
2C 2C
Q 2 − Q3 Q1 + Q 4
(C) (D)
2C 2C
SOLUTION :
Plane conducting surfaces facing each other must have equal and opposite charge densities.
Here, as the plate areas are equal, Q 2 = - Q 3
The charge on a capacitor means the charge on the inner surface of the positive plate-(in this case
Q2)
Potential difference between the plates
= charge on the capacitor ÷ capacitance.
Q 2 2Q 2 Q 2 − (− Q 2 ) Q 2 − Q 3
∴ Potential difference = = = =
C 2C 2C 2C
∴ (C)

***

15
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 SINGLE ANSWER OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS :

LEVEL - 1 :
1. A capacitor of capacitance C is charged to potential difference V 0 from a cell and then
disconnected from it. A charge +Q is now given to its positive plate. The potential difference
across the capacitor is now
A) V 0 B) V 0 + (Q/C) C) V 0 + (Q/2C) D) V 0 - (Q/C)
2. A dielectric of dielectric constant 3 fills up three fourths of the space between the plates of a
parallel plate capacitor. The percentage of energy stored in the dielectric is
A) 25% B) 50% C) 75% D) 100%
3. A parallel plate capacitor having capacitance C 0 is connected to a battery of emf E. It is then
disconnected from the battery and a dielectric slab of dielectric constant k completely filling the
air gap of the capacitor is inserted in it. If ∆U indicates the change in energy, then
1 1
A) ∆U = 0 B) ∆U = ∈ 0 E2 (k - 1) C) ∆U = ∈ 0 E2 1 − 1  D)∆U 1 ∈ 0 E2  1 −1
2 2  k 2 k 
4. The work done in increasing the voltage across the plates of the capacitor from 5V to 10V is W.
The work done in increasing the voltage from 10V to 15V will be
A) W B) 4/3 W C) 5/3 W D) 2W
5. A parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and plate separation d is charged to potential difference
V and then the battery is disconnected. A slab of dielectric constant K is then inserted between
the plates of the capacitor so as to fill the space between the plates. If Q, E and W denote
respectively, the magnitude of charge on each plate, the electric field between the plates (after
the slab is inserted), and work done on the system, in questions, in the process of inserting the
slab, then
∈0 AV ∈0 KAV
D) W ∈0 AV  1 − 1 
V 2
A) Q = B) Q = C) E = =
d d Kd 2d  K 
6. When the capacitance in an oscillator circuit of frequency f is increased nine times, the frequency
of the oscillator is reduced to:
A) f/9 B) f/6 C) f/4 D) f/3
7. 64 small drops of water having the same charge & same radius are combined to form one big
drop. The ratio of capacitance of big drop to small drop is:
A) 4 : 1 B) 1 : 4 C) 2 : 1 D) 1 : 2
8. A parallel plate condenser is connected to a battery. The plates are pulled apart with a uniform
speed. If x is the separation between the plates, then the time rate of charge of the electrostatic
energy of the condenser is proportional to
A) x2 B) x C) 1/x D) 1/x2
9. A spherical condenser has inner and outer spheres of radii a and b respectively. The space
between the two is filled with air. The difference between the capacities of two condensers
formed when outer sphere is earthed and when inner sphere is earthed will be
A) zero B) 4π ∈ 0 a C) 4π ∈ 0 b D) 4π ∈ 0 a [b/(b - a)]
10. The sphere shown in the figure are connected by a conductor. The capacitance of
the system is:

ab 2
A) 4 π ε 0 B) 4 π ε 0 a C) 4 π ε 0 b D) 4πε 0 a
b−a b−a
11. A dielectric slab of thickness d is inserted in a parallel plate capacitor whose negative plate is at X
= 0 and positive plate is at X = 3d. The slab is equidistant from the plates. The capacitor is given
some charge. As X goes from 0 to 3d.
A) the electric potential increases at first, then decreases and again increases
B) the electric potential increases continuously
C) the direction of the electric field remains the same
D) the magnitude of the electric field remains the same
12. Two similar conducting balls are placed near each other in air. The
radius of each ball is r and the separation between the centers is d (d >>
r). The capacitance of two balls system when they are connected by a
wire is:
A) 8πε 0 r B) 4πε 0 r C) 4πε 0 r log e (r/d) D) 4π log e ε 0
(r/d)
13. A hollow sphere of radius 2R is charged to V volt and another smaller sphere of radius R is
charged to V/2 volt. Then the smaller sphere is placed inside the bigger sphere without changing
the net charge on each sphere. The potential difference between the two spheres would be
A) 3V/2 B) V/4 C) V/2 D) V
14. A capacitor is charged by using a battery which is then disconnected. A dielectric slab is then
slipped between the plates which results in:
A) reduction of charges on the plates and increase of potential difference across the plates
B) increase in the potential difference across the plates, reduction in stored energy, but no change
in the charge on the plates
C) decrease in the potential difference across the plates, reduction in stored energy, but no
change in the charge on the plates
D) none of the above
15. Force acting on a charged particle kept between the plates of a charged condenser is F. If one of
the plates of the condenser is removed, force acting on the same particle will become:
A) zero B) F/2 C) F D) 2F
16. A parallel plate air capacitor is connected to a battery. The quantities charge, voltage, electric
field and energy associated with this capacitor are given by Q 0 , V 0 , E 0 and U 0 respectively. A
dielectric slab is now introduced to fill the space between the plates with battery still in
connection. The corresponding quantities now given by Q, V, E and U are related in the
previous ones as:
A) Q > Q 0 B) V > V 0 C) E > E 0 D) U > U 0
17. Figure shows two capacitors connected in series
and7joined to a battery. The graph shows the
 variation in potential as one moves from left to right on the branch containing the capacitors:
A) C 1 > C 2 B) C 1 = C 2
C) C 1 < C 2
D) the information is not sufficient to decide the relation between C 1 and C 2

LEVEL - II :
1. Identical charged 103 oil drops each of radius 0.9nm are combined to form a single drop. The
electrical capacity of the drop is
1) 0.1 PF 2) 1 PF 3) 10 PF 4) 100 PF
2. A parallel plate condenser is charged end isolated. The distance between the plate is increased
by 2mm and a dielectric slab of thickness 3 mm is introduced between the plates. If the potential
difference between the plates remains same, the dielectric constant of the dielectric slab is
1) 2 2) 3 3) 4 4) 5
3. Two identical parallel plate condensers are connected in series. A cell of e.m.f of 20V is
connected between their ends. A dielectric slab of constant 4 is placed between the plates of one
of the condensers. The potential difference across condenser with dielectric slab is
1) 4V 2) 10V 3) 16V 4) 18V
4. Four identical parallel metal plates each of area A are placed with separation ‘d’ between
adjacent plates as shown. The capacitance between the plates P and Q is
3 ∈0 A 2 ∈0 A
1) 2)
d 3d
2 ∈0 A ∈ A
3) 4) 0
d 2d
5. Two spherical conductors of radii 3cm and 6cm are in contact. A charge 10-9 is given to them.
The potential of the smaller sphere is
1) 67V 2) 33V 3) 50V 4) 100V
6. A parallel plate condenser is charged and isolated. The energy stored by the condenser is E. The
separation of the plate is doubled and then the space is completely filled with a dielectric of
constant 5. The energy stored by the condenser now is
1) E 2) 0.8E 3) 0.4E 4) 2.5E
7. Two condensers charged to potentials 50V and 80V are connected in parallel, the common
potential is 60V. The capacities of the condensers are in the ratio of
1) 2 : 1 2) 1 : 2 3) 3 : 4 4) 4 : 3
8. The capacitor of 4µF charged to 50V is connected to another capacitor of 2µF charged to 100V.
The total energy of the combination is
4 3 8
1) x10−2 J 2) x10−2 J 3) 3 x10−2 J 4) x10−2 J
3 2 3
9. The radii of two charged metal spheres are 5cm and 10cm both having same charge 75µc. If they
are connected by a wire, the quantity of charge transferred through the wire is
1) 75µc 2) 50µc 3) 25µc 4) 15µc
10. Two identical capacitors have equivalent capacity of 2µF when they are connected in series. If
they are connected in parallel and charged to a potential of 200V, the energy stored in the system
is
 1) 18 x 10-4 J 2) 18 x 10-4 J 3) 0.16 J 4) 0.36
11. The capacity of a parallel plate condenser is C. When half the space between the plates is filled
with a slab of dielectric constant K as shown in the figure. If the slab is removed from the
condenser, then the capacity of the condenser
becomes
2KC ( K + 1) C
1) 2)
K +1 2K
( K + 1) C KC
3) 4)
2K 2K + 1
12. Two parallel plate capacitors C and 2C are connected in parallel and charged to P.D ‘V’. The
battery is then disconnected and the region between the plates of the capacitor ‘C’ is completely
filled with a material of dielectric constant ‘3’. The P.D. across the capacitors now becomes
1) V 2) 3V 3) 3V/5 4) 4V/5
13. A condenser of capacity 10µF is connected between the terminals of a battery of potential
difference 100V and is charged. The amount of work done by the battery to charge the
condenser is
1) 0.05 J 2) 0.025 J 3) 0.1 J 4) 0.0125 J
14. Two condensers of capacities C 1 = 5 µF – 100V and C 2 = 10µF – 100V are connected in series. The
maximum potential difference that may be applied between them without damaging the
condensers is
1) 200 V 2) 175 V 3) 150 V 4) 300 V
15. ‘n’ identical charged spheres combine together to form a large sphere. The ratio of the potential
of small sphere to potential of large sphere is 1 : 9. The ratio of the energy stored in small sphere
to the energy stored in the large sphere is
1) 1 : 3 2) 1 : 27 3) 1 : 81 4) 1 : 243
16. The capacity of parallel plate condenser with air between the plates is 10µF. If the space between
the plates is completely filled with two dielectric slabs each of thickness is equal to half of the
separation between the plates, whose dielectric constants are 3 and 2. What will be the
percentage change in capacity of the condenser?
1) 133.3 % 2) 140 % 3) 166.6 % 4) 280 %
17. The work done in charging a capacitor from 5V to 10V is W. The work done in charging the
capacitor from 10V to 15V is
1) 4 W/3 2) 5 W/3 3) 2 W/5 4) 5 W/2
18. The voltages across C 1 and C 2 are in the ratio 2 : 3. When C 2 is
completely filled with paraffin, the voltage ratio became 3 : 2. The
dielectric constant of paraffin is
1) 2.25 2) 13/6
3) 27/8 4) 6
19. A parallel plate capacitor of capacity 5µF and plate separation 6cm is
connected to a 1V battery and is charged. A dielectric of dielectric constant 4 and thickness 4cm
is introduced into the capacitor. The additional charge that flows into the capacitor from the
battery is
 1) 2µC 2) 3µC 3) 5µC 4) 10µC
20. A metal sphere ‘A’ of radius a is charged to a potential ‘V’. What will be its potential if it is
enclosed by a spherical conducting shell ‘B’ of radius b and the two are connected by a
conducting wire?
1) V 2) (a/b) V 3) (b/a) V 4) zero
21. The capacity of a parallel plate capacitor is 5µF. When a glass plate of same area as the plates
but thickness half of the distance between the plates is placed between the plates of the capacitor,
its potential difference reduces to 2/5 of the original value. The dielectric constant of the glass is
1) 1.5 2) 2.5 3) 5 4) 2s
Qd
=
V0 E=
0d
A ∈0 2 V t 1 1 1 3
Hint: ⇒ = =−1  1 −  ; 1 −  =
Qd  t 1  5 V0 d k 2 k 5
=
V 1 − d 1 − k  
A ∈0   
22. Two spheres A and B of radii 4cm and 6cm are given charges of 80µC and 40µC. If they are
connected by a wire, the amount of charge flowing from one to other is
1) 20µC from A to B 2) 16µC from A to B
3) 24µC from B to A 4) 32µC from A to B
( C2 − C1 ) ( C1V1 + C2 V2 ) ( C2 − C1 )( Q1 + Q2 )
Hint: ∆Q = (C 1 – C 2 )V = =
C1 + C2 C1 + C2
( r2 − r1 )( Q1 + Q2 ) 2 x 120
i.e. ∆Q = = = 24µC from B to A
r1 + r2 10
23. Three capacitor of capacitance 10µF, 15µF, 20µF are in series with a cell. The charge drawn from
the cell is 60µC. If they are connected in parallel with the same cell, then the charge drawn from
the cell is
1) 385 µC 2) 485 µC 3) 585 µC 4) 685 µC
qp Cp E Cp 45
Hint: = = ⇒ qp = 6 x x13 = 585µC
qs Cs E Cs 60
24. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor are horizontal and parallel. A thin conducting sheet P is
initially placed parallel to both the plates and nearer to the lower plate. From t = 0 onwards, the
sheet P is moved at constant speed vertically upwards so that it is always parallel to the
capacitor plates. At t = 20 milli seconds, it is nearer to the upper plates. Then during the time
interval from t = 0 to t = 20 milli seconds, the capacity of the capacitor will
1) increase gradually 2) decrease gradually
3) remains constant 4) first increases and then decreases
Hint: Since the thickness of conducting plate is constant through out, capacity remains constant
25. A capacitor is charged to 200V. A dielectric slab of thickness 4mm is inserted. The distance
between the plates is increased by 3.2mm to maintain the same potential difference. Find the
dielectric constant of the slab
1) 3 2) 4 3) 5 4) 6
 IIT- PHY - CP

Qd1 Q   1  1 d 2 − d1
Hint: V 1 = V 2 ; = d 2 − t 1 − k   ⇒ k =1 −
A ∈0 A ∈0    t
26. A capacitor is charged with a dielectric to V volts. If the dielectric of constant K is removed then
___ is true
a) capacity decreases by k times
b) electric field intensity decreased by k times
c) potential increases by k times
d) charge increases by k times
1) a, b, c 2) a, b, c, d 3) a, c 4) b, d
27. The capacitance of a capacitor becomes 7/6 times its original value if a dielectric slab of thickness
t = 2/3d is introduced in between the plates ‘d’ is the distance between the plates. The dielectric
constant of dielectric field is
1) 14/11 2) 11/14 3) 7/11 4) 11/7
C0 t 1  C0 6
Hint: C= ⇒1 −  1 − = =
t 1 d k C 7
1−  1− 
d k
28. Between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of capacity C, two parallel plates of the same
material and area same as the plate of the original capacitor are placed. If the thickness of these
plates is equal to I/5th of the distance between the plates of the original capacitor, then the
capacity of the new capacitor is
1) 5/3 C 2) 3/5 C 3) 3C/10 4) 10C/3
3 2 C d 5 5
Hint: d 1 = d, d 2 = d, t = d & 2 = 1 = ⇒ C2 = C
5 5 C1 d 2 3 3
29. A parallel plate capacitor of capacity Co is charge to a potential V 0 .
A) The energy stored in the capacitor when the battery is disconnected and the plate separation
is double is E 1
B) The energy stored in the capacitor when the charging battery is kept connected and the
separation between the capacitor plates is doubled is E 2 , the E 1 /E 2 value is
1) 4 2) 3/2 3) 2 4) ½
30. A capacitor of capacity of 10µF is charged to 40V and a second capacitor of capacity 15µF is
charged to 30V. If they are connected in a parallel the amount of charge that flows from the
smaller capacitor to higher capacitor in µC is
1) 30 2) 60 3) 200 4) 250
C1 V1 + C2 V2
Hint: V = & ∆Q = (V 1 – V)C 1 = 60µC
C1 + C2
31. A parallel plate capacitor of capacity 100µF is charged by a battery of 50 volts. The battery
remains connected and if the plates of the capacitor are separated so that the distance between
them becomes half the original distance, the additional energy given by the battery to the
capacitor in joules is
1) 125 x 10-3 2) 12.5 x 10-3 3) 1.25 x 10-3 4) 0.125 x 10-3
Hint: ∆V = ½(C 2 – C 1 )V2 & C 2 = 2C

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 IIT- PHY - CP

32. A parallel plate capacitor of capacity 5µF and plate separation 6cm is connected to a I volt battery
and is charged. A dielectric of dielectric constant 4 and thickness 4cm introduced into the
capacitor. The additional charge that flows into the capacitor from the battery is
1) 2µC 2) 3µC 3) 5µC 4) 10µC
C0 V
Hint: Q1 = C0 V = 5µC; Q 2 = C 2 V = = 10µC; ∆Q = Q 2 – Q 1
t 1
1 − 1 − 
d k
33. A 20F capacitor is charged to 5V end isolated. It is then connected in parallel with an uncharged
30F capacitor. The decrease in the energy of the system will be
1) 25 J 2) 100 J 3) 125 J 4) 150 J
C1 V1 1 C2
=
Hint: V =
& U1 C1 V12 ⇒
= ∆U U1
C1 + C2 2 C1 + C2
34. A dielectric of thickness 5cm and dielectric constant 10 is introduced in between the plates of a
parallel plate capacitor having plate area 500 sq cm and separation between plates 10cm. The
capacitance of the capacitor is (∈ 0 =8.8 x 10-12 SI units)
1) 8 PF 2) 6PF 3) 4PF 4) 20PF
A ∈0
Hint: C =
 1
d − t 1 − 
 k
35. A 4µF capacitor is charged by 200V battery. It is then disconnected from the supply and is
connected to another uncharged capacitor of 2µF capacity. The loss of energy during this
process is _____
1) 0 2) 5.33 x 10-2 3) 4 x 10-2 4) 2.67 x 10-2
1 C1C2 C1 V1
Hint: ∆U = ( V1 − V2 )2 ; V2 =
2 C1 + C2 C1 + C2
36. Energy E is stored in a parallel plate capacitor C 1 . An identical uncharged capacitor C 2 is
connected to it kept in contact with it fro a while and then disconnected. The energy stored in C 2
is ___
1) E/2 2) E/3 3) E/4 4) 0
1
Hint: U 1 = C1 V 2 , Potential on second capacitor in contact with the first one V 2 = V/2; U 2 =
2
2
1 V E
C  =
2 2 4
37. If the capacity of a spherical conductor is 1PF, then its diameter is
1) 9 x 10-15m 2) 9 x 10-3m 3) 9 x 10-5m 4) 18 x 10-7m
38. A 700PF capacitor is charged by a 50V battery. The electrostatic energy stored by it is
1) 17 x 10-5 J 2) 13.6 x 10-9 J 3) 9.5 x 10-9 J 4) 8.75 x 10-7 J
39. Two equal capacitors are first connected in parallel and then in series. The ratio of the total
capacities in the two cases will be
1) 2 : 1 2) 1 : 2 3) 4 : 1 4) 1 : 4
40. Two condensers of capacity 2C and C are joined in parallel and charged up to potential V. The

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 IIT- PHY - CP

battery is removed and the condensor of capacity ‘C’ is filled completely with a medium of
dielectric constant K. The potential difference across the capacitors will now be
3V 3V V V
1) 2) 3) 4)
K K+2 K+2 K
41. Two condensers C 1 and C 2 in a circuit are joined as
shown in figure. The potential at A is V 1 and that of B is
V 2 . The potential of point D will be
C1 V1 + C2 V2 C1 V2 + C2 V1 V1 + V2 C1 V2 − C 2 V1
1) 2) 3) 4)
C1 + C2 C1 + C2 2 C1 + C2
42. A number of capacitors are connected as shown in
figure. The equivalent capacity is given by
1) nC 2) n(n + 1)C
n ( n + 1) C
3) 2n(n + 1)C 4)
2
43. Three capacitors of capacitances 3µF, 10µF and 15µF are connected in series to a voltage source of
100V. The charge on 15µF is
1) 50µC 2) 100µC 3) 200µC 4) 280µC
44. In a parallel plate capacitor of capacitance ‘C’, a metal sheet is inserted between the plates
parallel to them. If the thickness of the sheet is half of the separation between the plates, the
capacitance will be
1) C/2 2) 3C/4 3) 4C 4) 2C
45. A 10 micro farad capacitor is charged to 500 V and then its plates are joined together through a
resistance of 10 ohm. The heat produced in the resistance is
1) 500 J 2) 250 J 3) 125 J 4) 1.25 J
46. A capacitor is charged to 200 volt. It has a charge of 0.1C. When it is discharged, energy
liberated will be
1) 1 J 2) 10 J 3) 14 J 4) 20 J
47. Half of the separation between two parallel plates of a capacitor is filled with a dielectric
medium. The capacitance of the capacitor becomes 5/3 times its original value with full space
dielectric. The dielectric constant of the medium K is
1) K = 2 2) K = 3 3) K = 4 4) K = 5
48. A 10µF capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 50 V and is connected to another
uncharged capacitor in parallel. Now the common potential difference becomes 20 V. The
capacitance of second capacitor is
1) 10 µF 2) 20 µF 3) 30 µF 4) 15 µF
49. Capacity of a spherical capacitor having two spheres of radii a and b (a > b) separated by a
medium of dielectric constant K is given by
Kab 4π∈0 Kab
1) in SI system 2) in CGS system
a−b a−b
4π∈0 Kab K (a − b)
3) in SI system 4) in CGS system
(a − b) ab

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50. A capacitor of capacity ‘C’ has charge Q. The stored energy is W. If the charge is increased to
2Q, the stored energy will be
1) 2W 2) W/2 3) 4W 4) W/4

51. A D.C. potential of 100 volt is connected to the combination as

shown in figure. The equivalent capacity between A and B will be
equal to
1) 40 µF 2) 20 µF
3) 30 µF 4) 10 µF
52. The capacitance of four plates, each of area A arranged as shown in
figure as
2 ∈0 A 3 ∈0 A
1) 2)
d d
4 ∈0 A 5 ∈0 A
3) 4)
d d
53. Identify the wrong statement of the following
a) the resultant capacity ‘C’ is less than the capacitance of smallest capacitor in series
combination
b) the resultant capacity ‘C’ is greater than greatest capacitance in parallel combination
c) In series combination, charge on capacitor plates is inversely proportional to capacitance of
capacitor
1) a is wrong 2) c is wrong 3) b is wrong 4) all are wrong
54. A parallel plate capacitor of area A, plate separation d with the electric
capacity C 0 is filled with three different dielectric materials with
constants K 1 , K 2 and K 3 as in the figure. If these three are replaced by a
single dielectric, its dielectric constant K is ___
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1) = + + =
2) +
K K1 K 2 2K 3 K K1 + K 2 2K 3
1 K1 + K 2 K1 K 3 K 2 K3
=
3) + 2K 3 =
4) K +
K K1 + K 2 K1 + K 3 K 2 + K 3
55. Four metallic plates, each with a surface area of one side A, are
placed at a distance d apart. The outer plates are connected to
terminal X and the inner plates to terminal Y. The capacitance
of system between X and Y is
1) ε 0 A/d 2) 2ε 0 A/d 3) 3ε 0 A/εd 4) 4ε 0 A/d
56. Four metallic plates, each with a surface area of one side A are
placed at a distance d apart, these plats are connected as shown
in figure. The capacitance of the system between X and Y is
1) ε 0 A/d 2) 2ε 0 A/d
3) 3ε 0 A/d 4) 4ε 0 A/d
57. An infinite ladder is made as shown in figure using capacitors C 1 =
1 µF and C 2 = 2µF. The equivalent capacitance of the ladder, in µF

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 IIT- PHY - CP

is
1) 1 2) 2
3) 0.75 4) 0.5
58. In the circuit segment shown V A - V B = 19V. The p.d. across 3 µF capacitor is
1) 7V 2) 8V
A B
3) 23V 4) 4V
59. A parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric constant K = 3 filling the space between the plates is
charged to a potential difference V. The battery is then disconnected and the dielectric slab is
withdrawn and replaced by another dielectric slab having K = 2. The ratio of energy stored in
the capacitor before and after replacing the dielectric slab by new one is
1) 3 : 2 2) 9 : 4 3) 4 : 9 4) 2 : 3
60. Two parallel capacitors of capacitance C and 2C are connected in parallel and charged to a
potential difference V. The battery is then disconnected and the capacitor C is completely filled
with a material of dielectric constant k. The potential difference across the capacitors is now
1) 2V/k 2) 3V/k 3) 3V/(k+2) 4) 2V/(k+3)
61. Initially the capacitors C 1 and C 2 shown in figure have equal capacitances.
If a dielectric plate (k = 2) is introduced in capacitor C 2 , then potential
difference across its plates and charge
1) both will decrease 2) both will increase
3) p.d. will increase but charge will decrease
4) p.d. will decrease but charge will increase
62. Five identical capacitor plates, each of area A, are arranged such that adjacent
plates are at a distance d apart. The plates are connected to a source of emf V
as shown in figure. The charge on plate 1 is q and that on 4 is q', where
1) q' = q 2) q' = 2q
3) q' = -2q 4) q' = 3q
63. For the circuit shown in figure which of the
following statements is true
1) With S 1 closed, V 1 = 15V, V 2 = 20V
2) With S 3 closed, V 1 = V 2 = 25V
3) With S 1 and S 2 closed, V 1 = V 2 = 0
4) With S 1 and S 3 closed, V 1 = 30V, V 2 = 20V
64. Two identical capacitors, having the same capacitance C. One of them is charged to a potential
V 1 and the other to V 2 . The negative ends of the capacitor are connected together. When the
positive ends are also connected, the decrease in energy of the combined system is
1 1 1 1
1) C (V12 − V2 2 ) 2) C (V13 + V2 2 ) 3) C (V1 − V2 ) 2 4) C (V1 + V2 ) 2
4 4 4 4
65. Each edge of a cube (figure) made of wire contains a capacitor of capacitance C. Find the
effective capacitance of this bank of capacitors between opposite corners A
and G.
1) 5C/6 2) 4C/3
3) 3C/4 4) 6C/5
66. Consider the situation shown in figure. The capacitor A has charge q on it

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 IIT- PHY - CP

whereas B is uncharged. The charge appearing on the capacitor B a long time after switch is
closed is
1) zero 2) q/2 3) q 4) 2q
67. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is connected to a battery and is charged to a
potential difference V. Another capacitor of capacitance 2C is similarly charged to
potential differences 2V. The charging battery is now disconnected and the capacitors
are connected in parallel to each other in such a way that the negative terminal of one
is connected to the negative terminal of the other. The final energy of the
configuration is
1) zero 2) (3/2) CV 2 3) (25/6) CV
2
4) (9/2) CV
2

68. You are given thirty two capacitors each having capacity 4 µF. How do you connect all of them to prepare
a composite capacitor having capacitance 8 µF?
1) 4 Condensers in series 8 such groups in parallel
2) 2 Condensers in series and 16 such groups in parallel
3) 8 Condensers in series and 4 such groups in parallel 4) All of them in series.
69. Find out the effective capacitance between points P and Q. It will be
equal to
1) 9 µF 2) 4.5 µF
3) 1 µF 4) 6 µF
70. An uncharged parallel plate capacitor having a dielectric of constant K is connected to a similar air filled
capacitor charged to a potential V. The two share the charge and the common potential is V'. The dielectric
constant K is
V′ − V V′ − V V′ − V V − V′
1) 2) 3) 4)
V′ + V V′ V V′
71. Two condensers each having capacitance C and breakdown voltage V are joined in series. The capacitance
and the breakdown voltage of the combination will be
1) 2C and 2V 2) C/2 and V/2 3) 2C and V/2 4) C/2 and 2V
72. Two identical metal plates are given positive charges Q 1 and Q 2 (< Q 1 ) respectively. If they are now
brought close together to form a parallel plate capacitor with capacitance C, the potential difference
between them is
(Q 1 + Q 2 ) (Q 1 + Q 2 ) (Q 1 − Q 2 ) (Q 1 − Q 2 )
1) 2) 3) 4)
2C C C 2C
73. Three very large plates are given charges as shown in the figure. If the cross
sectional area of each plate is the same, the final charge distribution on plate C is:
1) +5 Q on the inner surface, +5 Q on the outer surface
2) +6 Q on the inner surface, +4 Q on the outer surface
3) +7 Q on the inner surface, +3 Q on the outer surface
4) +8 Q on the inner surface, +2 Q on the outer surface
74. Two identical sheets of metallic foil are separated by d and capacitance of the system is C and is charged to
a potential difference E. Keeping the charge constant, the separation is increased by l. Then the new
capacitance and potential difference will be:
ε0 A ε0 A ε0 A  l  ε0 A  l 
1) ,E 2) ,E 3) , 1 +  E 4) , 1 +  E
d (d + l ) (d + l )  d  d  d
75. n conducting plates are placed face to face as shown in figure.

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d
 IIT- PHY - CP

A A A A
Distance between any two plates is d. Area of the plates is A, , , ...... ( n − 1) . The
2 4 8 2
equivalent capacitance of the system is
ε0A ε0A ε0A ε0A
1) 2) 3) 4)
2n d (2 n − 1)d (2 n − 2)d (2 n − 1)d
76. The adjoining figure shows two identical parallel plate
capacitors connected to a battery with switch S close(4). The
switch is now opened and the plates are filled with a
dielectric of dielectric constant 3. The ratio of the total
electrostatic energy stored in both the capacitors before and
after the introduction of the dielectric is
1) 2 : 5 2) 3 : 5 3) 5 : 2
4) 5 : 3
77. A parallel plate capacitor has two layers of dielectric as k1 = 2 k 2 = 6
shown in figure.
This capacitor is connected across a battery, then the ratio of
potential
difference across the dielectric layers
1) 4/3 2) 1/2
3) 1/3 4) 3/2
78. Five conducting plates are placed parallel to each other.
Separation between them is d and area of each plate is A. Plate
number 1, 2 and 3 are connected with each other and at the same
time through a cell of emf E. The charge on plate number 1 is
1) Eε 0 A/d 2) Eε 0 A/2d 3) 2 Eε 0 A/d 4) zero
79. A capacitor of capacity C 1 , is charged by connecting it across a battery of emf V 0 . The battery is then
removed and the capacitor is connected in parallel with an uncharged capacitor of capacity C 2 . The
potential difference across this combination is:
C2 C1 C1 + C 2 C1 + C 2
1) V0 2) V0 3) V0 4) V0
C1 + C 2 C1 + C 2 C2 C1
80. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is 16µF. When a glass slab is placed
between the plates, the potential difference reduces to 1/8th of the original value. What is
dielectric constant of glass ?
1) 4 2) 8 3) 16 4) 32
81. The equivalent capacity across M and N in the given figure is:
1) 5C/3 2) 2/3C 3) C 4) 3/2C
82. Three plates of common surface area A are connected as shown. The
effective capacitance between points P and Q will be:
ε0A 3ε 0 A
1) 2)
d d
3 ε0A 2ε 0 A
3) 4)
2 d d

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83. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K = 5 is covered from all sides with a metallic foil. This system is
introduced into the space of a parallel plate capacitor of capacitance 10 µF. The slab fills almost the entire
space between the plates, but does not touch the plates. The capacitance will become nearly:
1) ∞ 2) zero 3) 2 pF 4) 50 Pf
84. A capacitor of capacitance 1 µF can withstand the maximum voltage 6 kV while a capacitor of capacitance
2.0 µF can withstand the maximum voltage 4 kV. If the two capacitors are connected in series, then the two
capacitors combined can take up a maximum voltage of:
1) 2.4 kV 2) 5 kV 3) 9 kV 4) 10 kV
85. A spherical conductor of radius 2m is charged to a potential of 120 V. It is now placed inside another
hollow spherical conductor of radius 6 m. Calculate the potential of bigger sphere if the smaller sphere is
made to touch the bigger sphere:
1) 20 V 2) 60 V 3) 80 V 4) 40 V

86. A parallel plate capacitor has two layers of dielectrics as shown in figure. Then the ratio of potential
difference across the dielectric layers when connected to the battery is:
K1 K1a
1) 2)
K2 K 2b
K 2b K 2a
3) 4)
K1a K 1b

LEVEL - III :
1. A parallel plate capacitor C is connected to a battery and it is charged to a potential difference of
V. Another capacitor of capacitance 2C is similarly charged to a potential difference of 2V. The
charging battery is now disconnected and the capacitors are connected in parallel to each other
in such a way that the positive terminal of one is connected to positive of the other. The final
energy of the configuration is
A) zero B) 3/2 CV2 C) 25/6 CV2 D) 9/2 CV2
2. The amount of heat liberated when a capacitor of C farads charged to a potential difference of V
volts is discharged through a resistor of R ohms is H joules. The same capacitor is now charged to
a potential difference of 2V and discharged through a resistor of 2 R ohms, then heat liberated is
A) 4H B) 2H C) H D) H/2
3. A capacitor of capacity C 1 is charged to a potential V 0 . The electrostatic energy stored in it is U 0 .
It is connected to another uncharged capacitor of capacitance C 2 in parallel. The energy
dissipated in the process is
2
C2 C1  C − C2  C1C 2
A) U0 B) U0 C)  1  U 0 D) U0
C1 + C 2 C1 + C 2 C +C 2(C1 + C 2 )
 1 2 
4. In the circuit shown in figure, if the key is turned so that
instead of 1, 2 terminals 1, 3 are connected, then the heat

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liberated in resistor R is

1 1
A) C(ε1 ~ ε 2 ) 2 B) C(ε1 + ε 2 ) 2
2 2
1 1 1 1
C) Cε12 − Cε 2 2 D) Cε12 + Cε 2 2
2 2 2 2
5. Three capacitors C 1 , C 2 , C 3 are connected as shown
in figure to one another and to points P 1 , P 2 , P 3 at
potentials V 1 , V 2 and V 3 . If the total charge on the
capacitors is zero, the potential of the point O is

C1V1 + C 2 V2 + C 3 V3
A) B) V 1 + V 2 + V 3
C1 + C 2 + C 3

C2 C C
C) 0 D) V1 + V2 3 + V3 1
C3 C1 C2

6. A parallel plate capacitor having capacitance C has two plates of

same area A and thickness t. Figure shows the charges available
on the four surfaces of the plates. The potential difference V
between the two plates is given by

1  q 2 − q3   q − q3  1  q2 − q4   q − q4 
A)   B)  2  C)   D)  2 
2 C   C  2 C   C 
7. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor are separated by d cm. A plate of thickness t cm with
dielectric constant k 1 is inserted and the remaining space is filled with a plate of dielectric
constant k 2 . If Q is the charge on the capacitor and area of plates is A cm2 each, then potential
difference between the plates is

Q  t d−t 4πQ  t d − t  4πQ  k 1 k 2   

A)  +  B)  +  C)  +  D) Q  k 1 + d − t 
ε 0 A  k 1 k 2  A  k 1 k 2  A  t d − t  
ε0A  t 
k2 

8. Find the capacitance of a system of three parallel plates each of area A separated by distances d 1
and d 2 . The space between them is filled with dielectrics of relative dielectric constants ε 1 and ε 2 .
The dielectric constant of free space is ε 0

ε1 ε 2 ε 0 A ε1 ε 2 ε 0 A
A) B)
ε1 d 2 + ε 2 d1 ε1 d1 + ε 2 d 2

ε1 ε 2 A A
C) D)
ε 0 (ε1 + ε 2 ) d1 d 2 ε1 ε 2 ε 0 ( ε1 d 1 + ε 2 d 2 )

9. Two identical capacitors, have the same capacitance C, One of them is charged to potential V 1
and the other to V 2 . The negative ends of the capacitors are connected together. When the
positive ends are also connected, the decrease in energy of the combined system is

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 IIT- PHY - CP

A)
1
4
(
C V12 − V22 ) B)
1
4
(
C V12 + V22 ) C)
1
4
C (V1 − V2 )2 D)
1
4
C (V1 + V2 )2

10. One plate of a capacitor is connected to a spring as shown in the figure. Area
of both the plates is A. In steady state, separation between the plates is 0.8 d
(spring was unstretched and the distance between the plates was d when the
capacitor was uncharged). The force constant of the spring is approximately.

6 ∈0 E 2 4 ∈0 AE 2 4 ∈0 AE 3 2 ∈0 AE
A) B) C) D)
Ad 3
d 3
2d 3
d2
11. A slab of copper of thickness b is inserted in between the plates of
parallel plate capacitor as shown in figure. The separation of the plates
is d. If b = d/2, then the ratio of capacities of the capacitor after and
before inserting the slab will be:

A) 2:1 B) 2 : 1 C) 1 : 1 D) 1 : 2
12. Consider a parallel plate capacitor of capacity 10 µF with air filled in the
gap between the plates. Now one-half of the space between the plates is
filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant 4, as shown in the figure. The
k=4
capacity of the capacitor changes to:

A) 25 µF B) 20 µF
C) 40 µF D) 5 µF
13. Consider the arrangement of three plates X, Y and Z each of area A and separation d. The energy
stored when the plates are fully charged is:

ε 0 AV 2 ε 0 AV 2
A) B)
2d d

2ε 0 AV 2 3ε 0 AV 2
C) D)
d 2d

MULTIPLE ANSWER OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS :

1. In the arrangement shown in Fig, the charge on capacitor C 2 is 1 µC and on capacitorC 3 is 2 µC.
If the capacitance of capacitor C 2 is 1 µF, then
A) p.d across C 1 is 2 V B) Charge on C 1 is 3 µC
C) Energy stored in system is 4.5 µJ D) Energy supplied by battery is
4.5 µJ
2. In the arrangement shown in Fig, all capacitors have equal capacities equal to
1 µF. If the emf of the battery is 2 V

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 IIT- PHY - CP

A) The charge on capacitor C 1 is 1 µC

B) The potential difference across C 2 is 1 V
C) The energy stored in C 3 is 2 µJ D) Energy supplied by battery is 4 µJ
3. In a parallel plate capacitor, the area of each plate is A and the plate separation is d. The
capacitor carries a charge q and the force of attraction between the two plates is F. Then
A) F ∝ q2 B) F ∝ d C) F ∝ 1/A D) F ∝ 1/d
4. A dielectric slab of thickness d is inserted in a parallel plate capacitor whose negative plate is at
x = 0 and positive plate is at x = 3d. The slab is equidistant from the plates. The capacitor if given
some charge. As x goes from o to 3d
A) the magnitude of electric field remains the same
B) the direction of electric field remains the same
C) the electric potential increases continuously
D) the electric potential increases at first, then decreases and again increases
5. In the circuit shown, some potential difference is applied
between A and B. If C is joined to D,
A) no charge will flow between C and D
B) some charge will flow between C and D
C) the equivalent capacitance between C and D will not
change
D) the equivalent capacitance between C and D will change
6. The two plates X and Y of a parallel-plate capacitor of capacitance C are given a charge of amount
Q each. X is now joined to the positive terminal and Y to the negative terminal of a cell of emf ε =
Q/C
A) Charge of amount Q will flow from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the cell
through the capacitor
B) The total charge on the plate X will be 2Q
C) The total charge on the plate Y will be zero
D) The cell will supply Cε2 amount of energy
7. A parallel-plate capacitor is charged from a cell and then disconnected from the cell. The
separation between the plates is now doubled
A) The potential difference between the plates will become double
B) The field between the plates will not change
C) The energy of the capacitor doubles
D) Some work will have to be done by an external agent on the plates
8. In the circuit shown, each capacitor has a capacitance C. The
emf of the cell is ε. If the switch S is closed
A) some charge will flow out of the positive terminal of the cell

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 IIT- PHY - CP

B) some charge will enter the positive terminal of the cell

C) the amount of charge flowing through the cell will be Cε
D) the amount of charge flowing through the cell will be 4/3 Cε

9. A parallel-plate air capacitor of capacitance C 0 is connected to a cell of emf ε and then

disconnected from it. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K, which can just fill the air gap of
the capacitor, is now inserted in it
A) The potential difference between the plates decreases K times
B) The energy stored in the capacitor decreases K times

C) The change in energy is

1
C 0 ε2 (K - 1) D) The change in energy is
1
C0ε2  1
1 − 
2 2  K 

10. When a charged capacitor is connected with an uncharged capacitor, then flows
A) the change always flows from the changed to the unchanged capacitor
B) a steady state is obtained after which no further charge flow occurs
C) the total potential energy stored in the capacitors remains conserved
D) the charge conservation always holds true

MATCHING TYPE QUESTIONS :

A parallel-plate air capacitor of capacitance C0 is connected to a cell of emf ε and then
disconnected from it. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K, which can just fill the air gap of
the capacitor, is now inserted in it
A) The potential difference between the plates decreases K times
B) The energy stored in the capacitor decreases K times
1
C) The change in energy is C0ε2 (K - 1)
2
1.
List – I List – II
a) energy stored in capacitor by external source a) remain same
b) field inside the dielectric when is placed in b) half of energy supplied by battery
between plates of capacitor battery still connected
c) charge on capacitor by placing dielectric and 1Q
c)
battery connection is removed 2 C
d) force between two parallel plates when d) decreases
separation is increased
2.
List – I List – II
a) Energy stored in capacitor e) 4π∈0R

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b) Capacity of spherical capacitor q2

f)
2 ∈0 AK
c) Force between plates of capacitor 1
g) ∈0E2
2
d) Energy density of electric field h) q2/2C

PREVIOUS YEAR IIT QUESTIONS :

1. A dielectric slab of thickness d is inserted in a parallel plate capacitor whose negative plate is at
x = 0 and positive plate is at x = 3d . The slab is equidistant from the plates. The capacitor is
given some charge. As one goes from 0 to 3d [IIT-JEE 1998]
(a) The magnitude of the electric field remains the same
(b) The direction of the electric field remains the same
(c) The electric potential increases continuously
(d) The electric potential increases at first, then decreases and again increases
2. A parallel plate capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 50 V. It is discharged through a resistance.
After 1 second, the potential difference between plates becomes 40 V. Then [Roorkee 1999]
(a) Fraction of stored energy after 1 second is 16/25
(b) Potential difference between the plates after 2 seconds will be 32 V
(c) Potential difference between the plates after 2 seconds will be 20 V
(d) Fraction of stored energy after 1 second is 4/5
3. Five identical plates each of area A are joined as shown in the figure. The distance between the
plates is d. The plates are connected to a potential difference of
V volts . The charge on plates 1 and 4 will be [IIT 1984]
–
1 2 3 4 5 V
ε 0 AV 2ε 0 AV ε 0 AV 2ε 0 AV
(a) . (b) . +
d d d d

ε 0 AV −2ε 0 AV −ε 0 AV −2ε 0 AV
(c) . (d) .
d d d d
3µF 1µF
B
4. In the figure below, what is the potential difference between the point
3µF 1µF
A and B and between B and C respectively in steady state [IIT 1979]
1µF
(a) VAB = VBC = 100 V (b) VAB = 75 V, VBC = 25 V 10Ω
20Ω 100V
(c) VAB = 25 V, VBC = 75 V (d) VAB = VBC = 50 V A C

5. Figure given below shows two identical parallel plate capacitors

connected to a battery with switch S closed. The switch is now
opened and the free space between the plate of capacitors is V A B

filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant 3. What will be the

ratio of total electrostatic energy stored in both capacitors before
and after the introduction of the dielectric [IIT 1983]

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 IIT- PHY - CP

(a) 3 : 1 (b) 5 : 1
(c) 3 : 5 (d) 5 : 3
6. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is connected to a battery and is charged to a potential
difference V. Another capacitor of capacitance 2C is connected to another battery and is charged
to potential difference 2V. The charging batteries are now disconnected and the capacitors are
connected in parallel to each other in such a way that the positive terminal of one is connected to
the negative terminal of the other. The final energy of the configuration is [IIT 1995]

25 CV 2 3CV 2 9CV 2
(a) Zero (b) (c) (d)
6 2 2

7. In an isolated parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C, the four surface Q1 Q3

have charges Q1 , Q2 , Q3 and Q4 as shown. The potential difference
between the plates is [IIT-JEE 1999] Q2 Q4

Q1 + Q 2 + Q 3 + Q 4 Q + Q3
(a) (b) 2
2C 2C
Q 2 − Q3 Q1 + Q4
(c) (d)
2C 2C
8. For the circuit shown, which of the following statements is true [IIT-JEE 1999]
(a) With S1 closed, V1 = 15 V, V2 = 20 V V1=30V V2=20V
S1 + – S3 + – S2
(b) With S3 closed V1 = V2 = 25 V
C1=2pF C2=3pF
(c) With S1 and S2 closed V1 = V2 = 0

(d) With S1 and S3 closed, V1 = 30 V, V2 = 20 V q

+
9. Consider the situation shown in the figure. The capacitor A has a +
–
–
charge q on it whereas B is uncharged. The charge appearing on + – s
the capacitor B a long time after the switch is closed is + –
+ –
[IIT-JEE (Screening) 2001] A B

(a) Zero (b) q / 2 (c) q (d) 2q

10. Point charge q moves from point P to point S along the path

PQRS (figure shown) in a uniform electric field E pointing E
P
co-parallel to the positive direction of the X − axis. The
coordinates of the points P, Q, R and S are X
S Q
(a, b, 0), (2a, 0, 0), (a, − b, 0) and (0, 0, 0) respectively. The work done
by the field in the above process is given by the expression [IIT R
1989]
(a) qEa (b) −qEa

(c) qEa 2 (d) qE [(2a) 2 + b 2 ]

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 IIT- PHY - CP

ASSERTION & REASON :

Read the assertion and reason carefully to mark the correct option out of the options given below
:
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If assertion is false but reason is true.
1. Assertion : If three capacitors of capacitance C1 < C2 < C3 are connected in parallel then their
equivalent capacitance Cp > Cs
1 1 1 1
Reason : = + +
Cp C1 C2 C3

2. Assertion : If the distance between parallel plates of a capacitor is halved and dielectric constant
is made three times, then the capacitor becomes 6 times.
Reason : Capacity of the capacitor does not depend upon the nature of the material.
3. Assertion : Dielectric breakdown occurs under the influence of an intense light beam.
Reason : Electromagnetic radiations exert pressure.
4. Assertion : The capacity of a given conductor remains same even if charge is varied on it.
Reason : Capacitance depends upon nearly medium as well as size and shape of conductor.
5. Assertion : The whole charge of a conductor cannot be transferred to another isolated conductor.
Reason : The total transfer of charge from one to another is not possible.
6. Assertion : Conductors having equal positive charge and volume, must also have same
potential.
Reason : Potential depends only on charge and volume of conductor.
7. Assertion : The lightening conductor at the top of high building has sharp pointed ends.
Reason : The surface density of charge at sharp points is very high resulting in setting up of electric
wind.
8. Assertion : Circuit containing capacitors should be handled cautiously even when there is no
current.
Reason : The capacitors are very delicate and so quickly break down.
9. Assertion : The tyres of aircraft's are slightly conducting.
Reason : If a conductor is connected to ground, the extra charge induced on conductor will flow to ground.
10. Assertion : A bird perches on a high power line and nothing happens to the bird.
Reason : The level of bird is very high from the ground.
11. Assertion : Two capacitors are connected in series to a battery. If the dielectric medium is

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 IIT- PHY - CP

inserted between the plates of one of the capacitors, the energy stored in the system will increase
Reason : On inserting the dielectric medium, the capacity of the capacitor increases

*****
K E Y S
SINGLE ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

LEVEL – I
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
C B D C C D A D C C BC A B C B A C

LEVEL – II
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
2 2 1 2 4 3 1 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 2 2 1 3 2
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 2 1 3 3 1 4 3 2 4 3 4
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
3 4 3 4 4 2 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 4 2 3 2 2 4 3
61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
4 3 4 3 4 1 2 1 1 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 4 4 2 2
81 82 83 84 85 86
1 4 1 3 1 4

LEVEL – III
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
B A A B A A B A C B B B B

MULTIPLE ANSWER OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ABC ABD AC BC AC ABCD ABCD AD ABD ABD

MATCH THE COLUMN :

01. a-bc, b-a, c-a, d-a 02. a – h, b – e, c – f, d – g

PRIVIOUS YEAR IIT QUESTIONS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
BC AB C C C C C D A B

ASSERTION & REASON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
C B B A D D A C B C C

36
Head Office : Balaji Towers : Z-21, Opp. Vishal Mega Mart, Zone-I, M.P. Nagar, Bhopal – 462 011. Ph. 4285066, 4274749, 4275672.
IIT- PHY - CP

***

37
Head Office : Balaji Towers : Z-21, Opp. Vishal Mega Mart, Zone-I, M.P. Nagar, Bhopal – 462 011. Ph. 4285066, 4274749, 4275672.