Solution

WORK SHEET - POTENTIAL AND CAPACITANCE

Class 12 - Physics

1.
(c) joule/coulomb
Explanation: By using,
Q
V= C

2. (a) 7.2 × 104 V

q 9
1 9× 10 ×50e
Explanation: V =
4πε0
.
r
=
−12
10

= 7.2 × 104 V
9 −19

AR
9× 10 ×50×1.6× 10
=
−12
10

3.
(b) remains constant.

S
Explanation: As the electric field inside a conductor is zero.

NW

IC
So, the potential at any point is constant.
4.
(c) −(6^i + 5^j + 2k
^
)

YS
Explanation: E⃗ = − ∂V

∂x
^
i −
∂V

∂y
^
j −
∂V

∂z
^
k
TA
⃗ ^ ^ ^
E = −(6y) i − (6x − 1y + 2z) j − (2y)k

At the point (1, 1, 0),

⃗ ^ ^ ^ ^ PH ^ ^ −1
E = −6 i − 5 j − 2k = −(6 i + 5 j + 2k)NC

5.
(b) 160 MW
T

qV 6
W 4×4×10
Explanation: P =
t
=
t
=
0.1
W
AN

= 160 MW
S-

6. (a)
SE
SH

Explanation: K.E. gained by the electron 1

2
2
mv = eV
AS

2
∴ v ∝ V
NI

7.
(b) 400 V
C1 V1 + C2 V2
Explanation: V =
CL

C1 + C2

20μF×500 V+10μF×200 V
=
20μF+10μF

12000
= V = 400 V
30

8.
(d) A potential difference appears between the two cylinders when inner cylinder is charged.
Explanation: When the charge is given to inner cylinder, then an electric field is produced between cylinders which is given
λ
by E = 2π ε0 r
and due to this a potential difference is developed between two cylinders.

9.
(b) 1.76 × 1011 C/kg
Explanation: K.E. gained by an electron when accelerated through a potential difference of V volts is eV =
1

2
2
mv

6 2
2 (8.4× 10 )
e v
∴ = =
m 2V 2×200

1.76 × 1011 C/kg-1

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10. (a) always zero
Explanation: Since that circular path behaves as equipotential surface, so work done is always zero.
11. (a) 80 V
Explanation: A hollow metal sphere is a conductor in which charge always reside on the surface. Thus electric field inside the
sphere will be zero and potential at the center is the same as that on its surface, hence potential will be constant and equal to as
that on the surface i.e. V = 80 Volt
12.
(b) Zero
Explanation: Zero
13.
(d) depend on the radii of the sphere
Explanation: As potential on the surface of conducting sphere is given by

AR
q
V= thus if q is same for both the sphere
4π ∈0 R

Vα 1

R
.

S
14.

NW
(c) Q = -q

IC
Explanation:
Potential at the centre O is
−Q −q 2q 2Q

YS
V = k[ + + + ] = 0
a/√2 a/√2 a/√2 a/√2

⇒ Q - q + 2q + 2Q = 0
TA
PH
T
AN
S-

⇒ Q+q=0
⇒ Q = -q
SE

15.
SH

(b) zero
Explanation: Potential at any point due to a point charge is given by
1 q
V =
AS

4π∈0 r
NI

The potential due to both the charges will be equal but of opposite sign.
Potential due to -10 C will be negative (let -V).
Potential due to +10C will be positive (let +V).
Thus net potential at mid point will be,
CL

Vnet = -V + V = zero

16.
(c) spheres
Explanation: Here we have to find out the shape of the equipotential surface. These surfaces are perpendicular to the field
lines. So there must be an electric field which cannot be without charge. So the algebraic sum of all charges must not be zero.
Equipotential surface at a great distance means that the space of charge is negligible as compared to distance. So the collection
of charges is considered as a point charge. The electric potential due to point charge is given by V=1/4π ∈ 0r. It means that
potential due to a point charge is same for all equidistant points, which are at the same potential form spherical shape. The lines
of the field from point charges are radial. So the equipotential surface (perpendicular to the field lines) form a sphere.
17.
(c) zero

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 Explanation: For an equipotential surface ΔV = 0
W = qΔV = q × 0 = 0
18.
(d) The work done is the same in Fig. (i), Fig. (ii) and Fig. (iii).
Explanation: Work done in electrostatic is given by:- W = q×(change in potential)As the potential difference between A and
B in all three figures are equal (20 V) so work done (ΔV q) by any charge in moving from A to B surface will be equal.
19. (a) spheres
Explanation: For equipotential surface, these surfaces are perpendicular to the field lines. So, there must be electric field,
which cannot be without charge.
So, the algebraic sum of all charges must not be zero. Equipotential surface at a great distance means that space of charge is
negligible as compared to distance. So, the collection of charges is considered as a point charge.
Electric potential due to point charge is,

AR
q
V = ke
r

which explains that electric potentials due to point charge is same for all equidistant points. The locus of these equidistant
points, which are at same potential, forms spherical surface.

S
20.

NW

IC
(d) No
Explanation: Intersection of two equipotential surfaces at a point will give two directions of electric field intensity at that
point, which is not possible.

YS
21.
(b) zero
TA
Explanation: As on an equipotential surface, the potential is constant. Thus the potential difference between two points in
zero. So, PH
( Vb − Va )
W= q
will be equal to zero as Vb - Va = 0

22.
T

(c) 9 × 10-3 J
AN

q1 q2
Explanation: potential energy = k
S-

r
−6 −6

= 9 × 10
9 1× 10 ×1× 10

1
= 9 × 10
−3
J oule ​
SE

23.
SH

(c)
AS

Explanation: P.E. of a dipole is maximum when p ⃗ is antiparallel to E⃗ .

NI

U = -pE cos 180 = +pE = maximum +ve value.

∘

24.
(b) decreases because the charge moves along the electric field.
CL

Explanation: An equipotential surface is always perpendicular to the direction of the electric field. Positive charge experiences
the force in the direction of the electric field. When a positive charge is released from rest in the uniform electric field, its
velocity increases in the direction of the electric field. So K.E. increases, and the P.E. decreases due to the law of conservation
of energy.
So P.E. of the positively charged particle decreases because the speed of charged particle moves in the direction of the field due
to force qE¯

When a particle is released it moves (in the uniform field). It moves along the electric field from higher potential to the lower
potential. Hence, energy decreases.
25.
(b) increases
Explanation: The work done against the force of repulsion in moving the two charges closer increases the potential energy of
the system.

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26. (a) pE sin θ, −pE cos θ
Explanation: τ = pE sin θ
U = -pEcosθ
27.
(c) relative permittivity
Explanation: As we know that,
k=ε = = Relative permittivity
r
ε0
ε

28.
(b) infinite
Explanation: The permittivity of metals is very high compared to the permittivity of free space. So dielectric constant for
metal is infinite.
29.

AR
(b) 1

2
μF

Explanation: 4

3
πR
3
= 8 ×
4

3
πr
3
⇒ R = 2r

S
For a large drop, C = 4πε R = 4πε 0 0 × 2r

For each small drop,C = 4πε r

NW
0

IC
′
C 1
∴ =
C 2

or C ′
=
1

2
C =
1

2
× 1μF =
1

2
μF

30. (a) Decreasing the battery potential

YS
Explanation: An electroscope is a device which measures the potential difference. If it is connected in parallel to the capacitor,
TA
the potential across it will be equal to the potential across the capacitor, which is equal to the potential across the battery. On
decreasing the battery potential, the potential difference across the electroscope reduces and hence the reading reduces.
31.
(b) capacitance
PH
Explanation: Q = CV
T

When V = 1
AN

Thus, Q = C
S-

32. (a) 90 kW
1 2 1 −6 2
CV ×(40× 10 )×(3000)
W
Explanation: P =
t
=
2

t
=
2

−3
W
2×10
SE

= 9 × 104 W = 90 kW
SH

33.
(b) 0.32 J
Explanation: Heat produced = Energy stored in capacitor
AS
NI

1 −6 2
= × 4 × 10 × (400)
2

=
1

2
CV2J = 0.32 J
34.
CL

(c) d

2
ε0 A
Explanation: C 0 =
d

With a dielectric slab of κ = 5,

ε0 A
C =
t
d−t+
5
t
d−t+
C0 5
∴ =
C d
4t
d−

or 100

166
=
d
5

4t
166 × = 66d
5
66d×5 d
t = ≈
166×4 2

35. (a) d = 10-5 m, A = 10-2 m2

Explanation: The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor of area A, and separation between the plates is d with a dielectric of

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 ε0 KA
dielectric constant K is given by C = d
.
−6
A C 1.77×10
The ratio d
=
ε0 K
=
−12
= 10
3
.
8.85× 10 ×200
V
The minimum plate separation d’ for which the capacitor will not breakdown is found using E = ′
d

where E is the breakdown strength and V is the maximum potential the capacitor can withstand .Thus,
V 20
d
′
=
E
=
6
= 6.67 × 10
−6
m .
3×10

The plate separation has to be greater than 6.67 × 10 −6

m

10-5 m, 10-2 m2,

−2

Thus, if d = A= it will satisfies the condition, A

d
=
10

−5
= 10
3

10

36.
(d) charge on each is different but non-zero
Explanation: Charge on each capacitor becomes zero when two capacitors of equal capacitances are charged and then
connected to opposite terminals. But capacitances of the two capacitors are given to be different.

AR
37. (a) decreases
Explanation: Due to the polarization of the dielectric, an electric field is induced in the opposite direction of the applied field.
The net field between the capacitor plates decreases.

S
38.

NW

IC
t
(c) d+t
ε0 A
Explanation: Without dielectric,C 0 =
d
ε0 A C0 ε0 A
With dielectric, C = 1

YS
= =
t 2 2 d
d−t+
k

t
TA
∴ 2d = d − t +
x

or d + t = t

κ
or κ = t

d+t

2
39. (a) 1

4
C(V1 − V2 )
PH
Explanation: The initial energy of the two capacitors U i =
1

2
CV
1
2
+
1

2
CV
2
2

The charges on the capacitors are Q = C V ; Q = C V

T

1 1 2 2

When they are joined, they attain a common potential V.

total charge
AN

V =
S-

total capacitance

Q1 + Q2 C V1 +C V2 V1 + V2
= = =
C+C 2C 2

Final energy U f =
1

2
CV
2
+
1

2
CV
2
= CV
2

Loss of energy,
SE
SH

1 2 2 2
Ui − Uf = C (V + V ) − CV
2 1 2

2
1 V1 + V2
2 2
= C (V + V ) − C( )
2 1 2 2

1 2
= C (V1 − V2 )
AS

4
NI

40.
(b) 12, 4
Explanation: CP = C1 + C2 = 16 μF
CL

C1 C2
Cs = = 3μF
C1 + C2

or C1C2 = 3(C1 + C2) = 3 × 16 = 48 μF

C1(16 - C1) = 48
On solving, C1 = 12 μ F, C2 = 4 μF

41.
(b) 32
Explanation: Each capacitor of capacitance 8μF can withstand a maximum potential of 250 V.
When equal capacitors are connected in series, the potential difference across them is equal.
If there are 'm' capacitors in series such that the potential across each is 250 V, then,
1000
= 250; m = 4
m

The equivalent capacitance of 4 capacitors connected in series is C S =

C

m
=
8

4
= 2μF

To achieve a capacitance of 16, 'n' such rows of capacitors need to be connected in parallel.

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 Ceq = nCS = 16μF
16 16
n= = = 8
C 2
S

To make a condenser of 16 μF , 8 rows of capacitors with each row containing 4 capacitors are to be connected.
The total number of capacitors = n × m = 4 × 8 = 32
42.
(d) inverse ratio of capacitors
Explanation: When capacitors are connected in series, they have equal charge but the potential difference across them is given
Q Q
by V 1 =
C1
; V2 =
C2
... and so on.
Therefore, V ∝
C
1

43.
(c) 6 μF
Explanation: If C is the capacitance of three capacitors C1, C2 and C3,

AR
1 1 1 1 1
then, C
=
C1
+
C2
+
C3
=
2

According to the given question ,

S
If C3 is removed, the equivalent capacitance becomes C’.

NW

IC
1 1 1 1
= + =
′ C1 C2 3
C

Therefore, 1

C3
=
C
1
−
1

′
=
1

2
−
1

3
=
1

6
C

The capacitance of the capacitor which is removed C 3 = 6μF

YS
TA
44.
(d) remains unchanged
Explanation: remains unchanged PH
45.
(d) Potential difference
T

Explanation: As the battery remains connected with the capacitor, the potential difference remains constant.
AN

46.
S-

(d) ±5 × 10 C −3

Explanation: In parallel combination, potential across each capacitor will be same thus charge
Hence, charge on each capacitor is given by :-Q =± CV
SE

−6
Q = ±25 × 10 × 200
SH

−3
Q = ±5 × 10 C

47.
(c) 2
AS

MΩ
ln(2)
NI

2
q

Explanation: U = 2C
0

At t = 1 s, energy reduces to half, so

q0
q =
CL

√2
t

Now q = q 0e
−
r

q0
−1
∴ = q0 e
√2
1
– 1 –
⇒ e t = √2 ⇒ = ln(√2)
τ
2
⇒ τ =
ln(2)

2
⇒ RC =
ln(2)

2 2 2
R= = Ω = MΩ
Cln(2) −6 ln(2)
10 ln(2)

48.
(d) 125 × 10 −3

1 1 2
Explanation: Initial energy of the capacitor U i =
2
CV
2
=
2
−6
× 100 × 10 × (50) = 0.125J

When the plates are kept at half the original distance, the new capacitance
C1 = 2C

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 Final energy, U f =
1

2
C1 V
2
=
1

2
(2C ) V
2
= CV2
Increase in energy = additional energy given by the battery =
2 1 2
Uf − Ui = C V − CV
2
1 2 1 −6 2
= CV = × 100 × 10 × (50) = 0.125J
2 2

−3
= 125 × 10 J

49.
(c) 0.2%
Explanation: The initial energy stored in the capacitor at potential difference V is E = 1

2
CV
2

2
When the p.d is increased by ΔV , the energy stored is E + ΔE = 1

2
C (V + ΔV )

Solving,
1 2
C (V +ΔV )
E+ΔE 2
=
E 1 2
CV

AR
2

2
ΔE V +ΔV
1 + =( )
E V

2 2
ΔV ΔV ΔV

S
= (1 + ) = 1 + 2 + ( )
V V V

2 2

NW
ΔV 0.1
∵ ( ) = ( ) = 0.000001 ≈ 0

IC
V 100

ΔE ΔV
1 + = 1 + 2
E V
ΔE ΔV
= 2 = 2 × 0.1% = 0.2%
E V

YS
50. (a) ML-1T-2
Explanation: [ 1 2
= energy density
TA
ε0 E ]
2
2 −2
ML T −1 −2
= = [ ML T ]
3
L
PH
51. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
When an object is moved against the electric field it gains some amount of energy which is defined as the electric potential energy.
For any charge, the electric potential is obtained by dividing the potential energy by the quantity of charge and the surface which
T

is the locus of all points which are at the same potential is known as the equipotential surface.
AN
S-
SE
SH
AS

(i) (b) spheres

NI

Explanation: spheres
(ii) (b) Zero
Explanation: Zero
CL

(iii) (b) scalar

Explanation: scalar
(iv) (a) sphere
Explanation: sphere
(v) (d) cylindrically symmetric
Explanation: cylindrically symmetric
52. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
This energy possessed by a system of charges by virtue of their positions. When two like charges lie infinite distance apart, their
potential energy is zero because no work has to be done in moving one charge at infinite distance from the other.
In carrying a charge q from point A to point B, work done W = q(VA - VB). This work may appear as change in KE/PE of the
q1 q2
charge. The potential energy of two charges q1 and q2 at a distance r in air is 4π ε0 r
. It is measured in joule. It may be positive,
negative or zero depending on the signs of q1 and q2.

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 2
(i) (c)
−ke

Explanation: W = (P.E.)final - (P.E.)inital

2 2 2
ke ke −ke
= 2
−
1
=
2

(ii)
2
√2q
(b) π ε0 a

Explanation: Potential at the centre of the square due to four equal charges q at four corners
4q √2q
V= =
π ε0 a
4π ε0 (a√2)/2

2
√2q
W0→∞ = − W∞→0 = -(-q) V = π ε0 a

(iii) (d) -9 × 103 V

Explanation: Here, q = 2 μC = 2 × 10-6 C, rA = 2m, rB = 1m
q
VA - VB = 1 1

AR
∴ [ − ]
4πε0 rA rB

= 2 × 10-6 × 9 × 109 [ 1

2
−
1

1
] V = -9 × 103 V

(iv) (a) 1.35 × 10-7 J

S
Explanation: Required work done = Change in potential energy of the system

NW

IC
q q q q
W = Uf - Ui = k 1

rf
2
− k
1

ri
2
= kq1 q2[ 1

rf
−
1

ri
]

∴ W = (9 × 109)(3 × 10-9 × 1 × 10-9) × [ 1

−2
−
1

−2
]
4×10 5×10

YS
= 27 × 10-7 × (0.05) = 1.35 × 10-7 J
TA
(v) (a) Vq
Explanation: Vq
53. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
PH
The simplest and the most widely used capacitor is the parallel plate capacitor. It consists of two large plane parallel conducting
plates, separated by a small distance. In the outer regions above the upper plate and below the lower plate, the electric fields due
T

to the two charged plates cancel out. The net field is zero.
σ
In the inner region between the two capacitor plates, the electric fields due to the two charged plates add up. The net field is .
AN

ε0
S-
SE
SH
AS
NI

For a uniform electric field, the potential difference between the plates = Electric field x distance between the plates. The
capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor is, the charge required to be supplied to either of the conductors of the capacitor so as to
increase the potential difference between then by unit amount.
CL

(i) (c) constant, increases, decreases

Explanation: As the capacitor is isolated after charging, charge Q on it remains constant. Plate separation d
ε0 A Q
increases, capacitance decreases as C = d
and hence, potential increases as V = C
.

(ii) (d) area of the plate is increases

Kε0 A
Explanation: In a parallel plate capacitor, the capacity of capacitor C = d
i.e., C ∝ A
The capacity of capacitor increases if area of the plate increases.
(iii) (d) ε0
σ

σ σ σ
Explanation: The magnitude of the electric field between the plates is E = 2ε0
− (−
2ε0
) =
ε0

(iv) (b) 4 mm
2 2

= 4 × 10-3 m = 4 mm
ε0 A ε0 π D 2 (0.08)
Explanation: As, d
= 4πε0 R or 4d
= 4πε0 R or d = D

16R
=
16×0.10

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 (v) (d) 12.5 V
q1 − q2
Explanation: Here, V = 2C
−8 −8
2.0× 10 +1.0× 10
= −9
= 12.5 V
2×1.2×10

54. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:

When the Voltage and Current are in phase with each other in an AC circuit, the energy from the source is fully converted into
another form to drive the load and in this case power factor is in unity. When the power factor drops, the system becomes less
efficient.
In inductive loads, current lags the voltage leading to lagging power factor. Power factor correction is the method to reduce the
lagging power factor in inductive loads by fixing a high value capacitor across the phase and neutral close to the load. These
capacitors have leading power factor so that it will neutralise the lagging power factor of the load.
Power capacitors are huge metal film electrolytic type capacitors.
Capacitors should be sufficiently rated to the load capacity. It should be connected to the lines, only when the loads are running

AR
and drawing current.
(i) (c) The method to reduce the lagging power factor in inductive loads
Explanation: Power factor correction is the method to reduce the lagging power factor in inductive loads by fixing a

S
high value capacitor across the phase and neutral close to the load.

NW

IC
(ii) (a) 1.0
Explanation: When the voltage and current are in phase with each other in an AC circuit, the energy from the source
is fully converted into another form to drive the load and in this case, power factor is unity. When the power factor

YS
drops, the system becomes less efficient.
TA
(iii) (d) non-polarised metal film electrolytic type.
Explanation: Power capacitors are huge non polarised metal film electrolytic type capacitors.
(iv)
PH
(a) leading power factor.
Explanation: Power factor corrector capacitors have leading power factor so that they neutralize the lagging power
factor of the inductive load.
T

(v) (c) across the phase and neutral near the inductive load.
AN

Explanation: Power capacitors are connected across the phase and neutral near the inductive load such as motor.
S-
SE
SH
AS
NI
CL

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