CHAPTER-2

Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

1 MARK QUESTIONS
Q1. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two dielectric blocks in
series. One of the blocks has thickness d1 and dielectric constant
K1 and the other has thickness d2 and dielectric constant K2 as
shown in figure. This arrangement can be thought as a dielectric
slab of thickness d (= d1 + d2) and effective dielectric constant K.
Then K is
𝑘1 𝑑1+𝑘2 𝑑2 𝑘,,+𝑘2 𝑑2
(a) (b)
𝑑1+𝑑2 𝑘1+𝑘2
𝑘2𝑘1+(𝑑1+𝑑2) 2𝑘1𝑘2
(c) (d)
(𝑘1𝑎,+𝑘2𝑑2) 𝑘+ 𝑘 2
Q2. CASE BASED STUDY QUESTION
An arrangement of two conductors separated
by an insulating medium can be used to store
electric charge and electric energy. Such a
system is called a capacitor. The more charge
a capacitor can store, the greater is its
capacitance. Usually, a capacitor consists of
two conductors having equal and opposite
charge +Q and -Q. Hence, there is a potential difference V between them. By the capacitance
of a capacitor, we mean the ratio of the charge Q to the potential difference V. By the charge
on a capacitor we mean only the charge Q on the positive plate. Total charge of the capacitor
is zero. The capacitance of a capacitor is a constant and depends on geometric factors, such as
the shapes, sizes and relative positions of the two conductors, and the nature of the medium
between them. The unit of capacitance is farad (F), but the more convenient units are µF and
pF. A commonly used capacitor consists of two long strips or metal foils, separated by two
long strips of dielectrics, rolled up into a small cylinder. Common dielectric materials are
plastics (such as polyestors and polycarbonates) and aluminium oxide. Capacitors are widely
used in radio, television, computer, and other electric circuits.

1.A parallel plate capacitor C has a charge Q . The actual charge on its plates are
(a) Q,Q (b) Q/2, Q/2 (c) Q ,-Q (d) Q/2, -Q/2
 2.A parallel plate capacitor is charged. If the plates are pulled apart .
(a) the capacitance increases (b) the potential difference increases
(c ) the total charge increases (d) the charge & potential difference
remains the same
3. Three capacitors of 2 , 3 & 6 µF are connected in series to a 10 V source. The charge on the
3 µF capacitor is
(a) 5µC (b) 10µC (c) 12µC (d) 15µC
4. If n capacitors each of capacitance C are connected in series, then the equivalent capacitance
of the combination is
(a) NC (b) n2C (c) C/n (d) C/n2

1 MARKS QUESTIONS
Q3. A capacitor has some dielectric between its plates and the capacitor is connected to a
DC source. The battery is now disconnected and then the dielectric is removed. State whether
the capacitance, electric field, charge stored and the voltage will increase, decrease or remain
constant.
Q4.What is the capacitance of arrangement of 4 plates of area A
at distance d in air in fig.
Q5. A parallel plate capacitor has square plates of side 5 cm and separated by a distance of 1 mm.
(a) Calculate the capacitance of this capacitor. (b) If a 10 V battery is connected to the capacitor,
what is the charge stored in any one of the plates? (The value of εo = 8.85 x 10-12 Nm2 C-2)
2 MARKS QUESTIONS
Q6. A 200 F parallel plate capacitor having plate separation of 5 mm is charged by a 100 V dc
source. It remains connected to the source. Using an insulated handle, the distance between the
plates is doubled and a dielectric slab of thickness 5 mm and dielectric constant 10 is introduced
between the plates. Explain with reason, how the (i) capacitance, (ii) electric field between the
plates, (iii) energy density of the capacitor will change ?
Q7.Two identical parallel plate capacitors A and B are
connected to a battery of V volts with the switch S closed. The
switch is now opened and the free space between the plates of
the capacitors is filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant K.
Find the ratio of the total electrostatic energy stored in both capacitors before and after
the introduction of the dielectric.

5 MARKS QUESTIONS
Q8. A capacitor of unknown capacitance is connected across a battery of V volt. A
charge of 120 μC is stored in it. When the potential across the capacitor is reduced by 40
V, the charge stored in the capacitor becomes 40 μC. Calculate V and the unknown
capacitance. What would have been the charge in the capacitor if the voltage were
increased by 40 V?
Q9. A capacitor of unknown capacitance is connected across a battery of V volt. A
charge of 240 pC is stored in it. When the potential across the capacitor is reduced by 80
V, the charge stored in the capacitor becomes 80 pC. Calculate V and the unknown
capacitance. What would have been the charge in the capacitor if the voltage were
increased by 80 V?
Q10. Find equivalent capacitance between
A and B in the combination given below.
Each capacitor is of 2 µF capacitance.