Capacitance



1. Two capacitor having capacitance 8 F and 16F have breaking voltage 20V & 80 V. They are combined in
series. The maximum charge they can store individually in the combination is-
(A) 160 C (B) 200 C (C) 1280 C (D) None of these
Ans. (A)
Sol. Q1 = 8  × 20  160 C
Q2 = 16  × 80  1280 C
So both capacitor are series so charge is equal.
Maximum charge is 160 C

2. A capacitor of capacitance 1 F withstands the maximum voltage 6 kV while a capacitor of 2F withstands the
maximum voltage 4 kV. What maximum voltage will the system of these two capacitor withstands if they are
connected in series ?
(A) 10 kV (B) 12 kV (C) 8 kV (D) 9 kV
Ans. (D)
Sol. Q1 = 6KC
Q2 = 8 KC
1 1 3
 1 
Ceq 2 2
2
C eq  F
3
So maximum charge is 6 KC so with stand
2
6K    V1
3
V1  9KV

3. Consider the situation shown in the figure. The capacitor A has a charge q on it whereas B is uncharged. The
charge appearing on the capacitor B a long time after the switch is closed is
q
+–
+–
+– S
+–
A B
(A) zero (B) q/2 (C) q (D) 2q
Ans. (A)
Sol. When S is closed, there will be no shifting of negative charge from plate A to B as the charge –q is held by the
charge +q. Neither there will be any shifting of charge from B to A.

4. The equivalent capacitance across AB (all capacitance in F) is

20
(A) F (B) 9F (C) 48F (D) None of these
3
Ans. (B)

E 1
JEE-Physics

C
17
10 30 10
Sol. 13
5 B ~
~
A 1 A B
6 6 2

D 1

So this is balanced wheatstone bridge

30 10

A B
6 2

1 1 1 1 3
  
Ceq(1) 30 10 30
30
Ceq = ....(1)
4
1 1 1 1 3
  
Ceq(2) 6 2 6
6
Ceq = ....(2)
4
So CNet = C1 + C2
6 30 36

(eq) = 
4 4 4
CNet(eq) = 9 F

5. To form a composite 16F, 1000V capacitor from a supply of identical capacitors marked 8F, 250V, we
require a minimum number of capacitors
(A) 40 (B) 32 (C) 8 (D) 2
Ans. (B)

Sol. ×8

8 8 8 8

1000 V
Total capacitors = 4 × 8 = 32

6. The distance between plates of a parallel plate capacitor is 'd'. Another thick metal plate of thickness
d/2 and area same as that of plates is so placed between the plates, that it does not touch the plates. The
capacity of the resultant capacitor :
(A) remain same (B) becomes double (C) becomes half (D) becomes one fourth
Ans. (B)
 A
Sol. C  0
d
0 A
CNew 
dtt/k
k =  for metal plate
d
t
2

2 E
 Capacitance

0 A 2 A
CNew   0
d d
d
2
CNew = 2C

7. Three parallel metallic plates, each of area A are kept as shown in the figure and charges Q 1, Q2 and Q3 are
given to them. Edge effects are negligible. Calculate the charges on the two outermost surfaces 'a' and 'f'.

a bc d e f

Q1  Q 2  Q 3 Q1  Q 2  Q 3 Q1  Q 2  Q 3 Q1  Q 2  Q 3
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 3 3 2
Ans. (A)
Q1  Q 2  Q 3
Sol. Charge on outermost surface is half of total charge, i.e.,
2

8. In the arrangement of the capacitors shown in the figure, each C1 capacitor has capacitance of 3µF and each
C2 capacitor has capacitance of 2µF then equivalent capacitance of the network between the points a and b is:
C1 C1 C1
c
a

C2 C2 C1

b
d
C1 C1 C1
3
(A) 1 F (B) 2 F (C) 4 F (D) F
2
Ans. (A)

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
a a
Sol. (i) 2 2 3 2 2 1  2 3  2 1
b b
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3

 3 = 1 µF

3
9. 10 identical capacitors are connected as shown. The capacitance of each capacitor is 30 F. The equivalent
capacitance between A and B is (12 × n) F. Find n.

A B
(A) 0 (B) 5 (C) 10 (D) 20
Ans. (B)
Sol. The equivalent circuit is
CAB = 60 F

E 3
JEE-Physics

10. Two capacitors of equal capacitance (C1=C2) are shown in the figure. Initially, while the switch S is open, one
of the capacitors is uncharged and the other carries charge Q 0. The energy stored in the charged capacitor is
U0. Sometimes after the switch is closed, the capacitors C1 and C2 carry charges Q1 and Q2, respectively; the
voltage across the capacitors are V1 and V2; and the energies stored in the capacitors are U1 and U2. Which of
the following statements is incorrect ?

1
(A) Q0 = (Q1 + Q2) (B) Q1=Q2 (C) V1=V2 (D) U0 = U1 +U2
2
Ans. (D)
Sol. Both capacitor are in parallel so v1 = v2 and both have capacitance equal.
So Q 1 = C1 V 1 ; Q 2 = C 2 V 2
Q1 = Q 2
Initially Q0 = C1V = CV
Finally Q1 = C1V and Q2 = C2V [C1 = C2]
1
Q0  (Q1  Q 2 )
2
1
U 0  CV 2 ....(1)
2
1
U1  CV 2 ....(2)
2
1
U 2  CV 2
2
1 
U0  U1  U 2  CV 2  CV 2 
2 

11. In the figure a capacitor of capacitance 2F is connected to a cell of emf 20 volt. The plates of the capacitor are
drawn apart slowly to double the distance between them, The work done by the external agent on the plates is :
2F

20 volt
(A) –200J (B) 200J (C) 400J (D) –400J
Ans. (B)
Sol. If distance between them double, then capacitance will half
1 2 400
U    (20)2   200  J
2 2 2
12. In the given circuit if point C is connected to the earth and a potential of +2000 V is given to point A, the
potential at B is :
10F 10F

5F
10F C
A B

(A) 1500 V (B) 1000 V (C) 500 V (D) 400 V

Ans. (C)

4 E
 Capacitance

Sol. Two 10 F are in series so Ceq is
1 1 1
 
Ceq 10F 10F
Ceq = 5F
and 5F and 10F are in parallel again
Ceq = 5F + 10F  15F
15F is series with 5F
1 1 1
 
Ceq 15 F 5F
15F
C eq 
4
Q = Ceq × V
15 F
 2000  15 × 500 C
4
15  1500 
VA – VB =  1500 V
5
VA = 2000 V
2000 – VB = 1500 V
VB = 500 V

13. An infinite number of identical capacitors each of capacitance 1F are connected as in adjoining figure. Then
the equivalent capacitance between A and B is

8capacitor
16 capacitor
A B

(A) 1F (B) 2F (C) 1/2 F (D) 
Ans. (B)
C C C
Sol. Ceq = C     
2 4 8
C C C
        are in G.P.
2 4 8
a C
S  C
1 r  1
2 1  
 2
Ceq  C  C  1F  1F  2F

14. An uncharged capacitor having capacitance C is connected across a battery of emf V. Now the capacitor is
disconnected and then reconnected across the same battery but with reversed polarity. Then which of the
statement is incorrect
(A) After reconnecting, heat energy produced in the circuit will be equal to two–third of the total energy
supplied by battery.
(B) After reconnecting, no energy is supplied by battery.
(C) After reconnecting, whole of the energy supplied by the battery is converted into heat.
2
(D) After reconnecting, thermal energy produced in the circuit will be equal to 2CV .
Ans. (B)
E 5
JEE-Physics

1
Sol. After reconnecting energy is supplied by the battery i.e. CV 2 so incorrect is (B).
2

15. In the circuit shown in figure potential difference between A and B is :

E = 190V

C 3C

A
B
C 3C
(A) 30 V (B) 60 V (C) 10 V (D) 90 V
Ans. (C)
 3C   15   15 
C  3C    C   C
4 4
   4  C
Sol. Ceg = 
3C  19   19 
C  3C  4   4 
4    
Charge supplied by battory
15C
190   150 C
19
Charge on capacitor (3C) between terminal A and B
3C
4 150C
(150C) =  30 C
 3C  5
 3C  4 
 
30C
VAB = = 10 volt.
3C

16. The effective capacitance of the system in adjoining figure will be-

0 A 0 A
(A) C = (B) C =
 d1 d 2 d 3 d 4  4d
    
 K1 K 2 K 3 K 4 
4d K 1K 2 K 4 K 3
(C) C = (D) C =
0 A 4d
Ans. (A)
0 A 0 A
Sol. C1   K1 C2   K2
d1 d2
0 A 0 A
C3   K3 C4   K4
d3 d4 C1 C2 C3 C4
All capacitance are in series
1 1 1 1 1
   
Ceq C1 C 2 C 3 C 4

6 E
 Capacitance

1 d1 d2 d3 d4
   
Ceq 0 AK1 0 AK 2 0 AK 3 0 AK 4
0 A
Ceq 
d1 d 2 d 3 d 4
  
K1 K 2 K 3 K 4

17. Four identical capacitors are connected in series with a battery of emf 10V. The point X is earthed. Than the
potential of point A is
10V
+ -

C C C X C
A B

(A) 10 V (B) 7.5 V (C) –7.5 V (D) 0 V

Ans. (B)

Sol.

Y Z

So all capacitor are in series. So charge will equation

C(A – Y) = C(Y – Z) = C(Z – 0) = C(10 – A)
 Z = Y/2 ....(1)
A–Y=Y–Z
A – 2Z = 2Z – 2
A = 3Z ....(2)
Eqn. (1) and (2)
A Y

3 2
A – Y = 10 – A
2A
2A   10
3
4A
 10
3
30
A  7.5
4

C
18. Two condenser, one of capacity C and other of capacity are connected to a V volt battery as shown in fig.
2
Work done by battery fully charging both the condenser is

V C C/2

1 3 1
(A) CV 2 (B) CV 2 (C) CV 2 (D) 2CV2
4 2 2
Ans. (B)

E 7
JEE-Physics

q
Sol.
C C/2
V q1 q2

C
q1 = CV q2 = V
2
3
q  q1  q 2 
CV
2
1 13  3
u  qV   CV  V  CV 2
2 2 2  4

19. A capacitor of capacitance C is initially charged to a potential difference of V volt. Now it is connected to a battery
of 2V with opposite polarity. The ratio of heat generated to the final energy stored in the capacitor will be
(A) 1.75 (B) 2.25 (C) 2.5 (D) 1/2
Ans. (B)
C
+ –
1
Sol. U1  CV 2
2

V
– +
1
U2  C(2V)2  2CV 2
2

2V
C
+ –

U3 = 2CV2

2V
1
Total head = CV 2  4CV 2
2
Energy stored = 2CV2
9CV 2 9
Ratio = 2
  2.25
4CV 4

20. The capacitance (C) for an isolated conducting sphere of radius (a) is given by 40a. This sphere is enclosed
n
within an earthed concentric sphere. The ratio of the radii of the spheres being then the capacitance of
(n  1)
such a sphere will be increased by a factor-
n (n  1)
(A) n (B) (C) (D) a.n
(n  1) n
Ans. (A)
Sol. Let radius of earthed sphere is ‘b’
Gaussian surface

Gaussian surface of radius 'r'

Q
E (r  a)
4 0 r 2

8 E
 Capacitance

b 
P.d. is Vb  Va    E  dr
a
Since Vb = 0 we have
b
Q
Va    dr
a
4 0 r
Q  1 1  Q(b  a)
   
4 0  a b  4 0 ab
Q 4 0 ab
Therefore capacitance C = 
Va ba
b n
Given:  ....(1)
a n 1
C = 40a
From eqn. (1)
na
b
n 1
 b 
C  4 0 a 
 b  a 
 na 
C  4 0 a 
 na 
 n  1  a 
 n 1 
C  4 0 a  n

21. A parallel plate capacitor of capacity C is connected to a battery of emf V. The force between the plates is F 0.
Now a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is inserted between the plates. The new force between the plates
becomes F. The relation between F and F0 is
F0
(A) F  K 2F0 (B) F = KF0 (C) F  (D) F  F0
K2
Ans. (A)
Sol. Case - I Case - II

Q = CV Q' = C K V
C Q2
F0  =QK Q2 K 2
2C F  F0 K
V V 2C

22. Three identical capacitors of capacitance ‘C’ connected in series and then the first and the last conductors of
the combination are connected to earth. A charge Q is communicated to the second conductor of first
capacitor. What will be the potential of this conductor?

C C C

2Q 3Q Q 3Q
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3C 2C 3C C
Ans. (A)

E 9
JEE-Physics

Sol.
C P C C

Charge ‘Q’ is given at point P. Now circuit can be rearange and shown in the figure.
3C
Now equivalent capacitance of the combination is Equivalent =
2

P V

and Q coulomb charge is given at P, then potential is given by

Q 2Q
V V
Equivalent 3C

23. The arrangement shows three plates x, y and z each of the area A and separation d. The energy stored by each
capacitor when the plates are fully charged is

x
d
V
y
d
z

0 AV 2 2 0 AV 2 0 AV 2 0 AV 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2d d d 2d
Ans. (D)
C
Sol.

O V

C
Ceq = 2C
1
U  (2C)V 2
2
 A 
U   0  V2
 d 

24. A capacitor of value 4 F charged at 50V is connected with another capacitor of value 2F charged at 100V,
in such a way that plates of similar charges are connected together. Before joining and after joining the total
energy in multiples 10–2 J will be :
(A) 1.5 and 1.33 (B) 1.33 and 1.5 (C) 3.0 and 2.67 (D) 2.67 and 3.0
Ans. (A)
1 1
Sol. Ui   4  (50)2  (2)(100)2  1.5
2 2
1 (Q1  Q2 )2 1 (400)2
Uf    1.3
2 C1  C 2 2 6

10 E
 Capacitance

25. A number of capacitors, each of capacitance 1 F and each one of which gets punctured if a potential difference
just exceeding 500 volt is applied are provided. Then an arrangement suitable for giving a capacitor of
capacitance 3 F across which 2000 volt may be applied requires at least :
(A) 4 component capacitors (B) 12 component capacitors
(C) 48 component capacitors (D) 16 component capacitors
Ans. (C)
500V 500V 500V 500V
Sol.
VNet = 2000 volt
1
Ceq = F
4
1
We new 3 F, so  12  3 F
4
So total capacitor is 12 × 4  48

E 11
JEE-Physics


SECTION - 1 : MULTIPLE CORRECT CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. There are two parallel plate of surface area A & separation d. Then
Q1 Q2
(Q1  Q 2 )d
(A) Potential difference between the plates is
20 A A B
(Q1  Q2 )
(B) Potential difference between the plates is d
0 A
(C) If A is earthed, the charge (Q1 + Q2) will flow to earth
(D) If B is earthed, the charge (Q2 – Q1) will flow to earth
Ans. (A,C)

Sol. V = |E · d| = d
0 A
 Q  Q2   Q  Q2 
 1   V   1 d
 2A   2A0 
If B is earthed VB = 0

2. A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a cell. Its positive plate A and its negative plate B have charges +Q
and –Q respectively. A third plate C, identical to A and B, with charge +Q, is now introduced midway
between A and B, parallel to them. Which of the following are correct :
3Q
(A) Charge on the inner face of B is now 
2
(B) There is no change in the potential difference between A and B
(C) Potential difference between A and C is one–third of the potential difference between B and C
Q
(D) Charge on the inner face of A is now
2
Ans. (A,B,C,D)
a 0
Sol. C initial 
2x
After inserting plate C

Q 3Q

2 2
Q 3Q
Q   Q
 2 2 
2 2

A x C x B
a 0 a 0

C eq  x x
2a0
x
a 0
C eq 
2x
Hence, Battery will not given any extra charge became capacitance is same before and after inserting plate C.

12 E
 Capacitance

3. Four capacitors and a battery are connected as shown. The potential drop across the 7F capacitor is 6V.
Then the
12F

E 7 F

3.9 F
3 F

(A) potential difference across the 3F capacitor is 10V

(B) charge on the 3F capacitor is 42C
(C) e.m.f. of the battery is 30V
(D) potential difference across the 12F capacitor is 10V.
Ans. (B,C,D)

Sol. 12
73 12
3.9 C' 
7 3
 2.1  6

Total potential drop across 3.9F = 20V

Charge on 7F
Capacitor = 7 × 6 = 42 C
42
Hence, Potential drop across 3F is   14V
3
Charge given by battery = 6 × 20 = 120 F
120
Hence potential drop across 12F =  10V
12
 E = 10 + 20 = 30V

4. Three uncharged parallel plate capacitors are connected in the given figure. Now charge Q is given to point A
with the help of some external source then choose correct statements :
Q

A B
C1=C C2=C C3=C

(A) charge on capacitor C1 is 2Q/3 (B) charge on capacitor C2 is Q/3

(C) charge on capacitor C3 is Q/3 (D) potential at point A is 2Q/3C.
Ans. (A,B,C,D)
Sol. Q1 + Q2 = Q
Q1 2Q 2 Q
and 
C C
Q1 = 2Q2
2Q Q1 Q2 Q2
Q1 =
3
Q
Q2 =
3
2Q
and potential at point A is
3C

E 13
JEE-Physics

5. Two thin conducting shells of radii R and 3R are shown in the figure. The outer shell carries a charge +Q and
the inner shell is neutral. The inner shell is earthed with the help of a switch S.

(A) With the switch S open, the potential of the inner sphere is equal to that of the outer
(B) When the switch S is closed, the potential of the inner sphere becomes zero
(C) With the switch S closed, the charge attained by the inner sphere is –Q/3
(D) By closing the switch the capacitance of the system increases
Ans. (A,B,C,D)

Sol.

Where switch S is open outer sphere will before as shell. Hence potential of inner sphere in equal to outer
surface.
Capacitance of before closing S
C = 40 3R 1 2 3
After closing switch
C1C2
C AB 
C1  C2
4 0 3R
 4 0 3R
C AB  2 12 3
3
 4 0  3R
2 C1 C2
2 4 0 3R A B
C AB   4 0 R
3 2
4 0 3R  R
C1 
2R
4 0  3R
C1 
2
C2 = 40 × 3R
Hence between inner and outer surface capacitance decreases.

6. X and Y are large, parallel conducting plates close to each other. Each face has an area A. X is given a charge
Q. Y is without any charge. Point A, B and C are as shown in the figure
Q
(A) The field at B is
20 A
Q
(B) The field at B is
0 A
(C) The field at A, B and C are of the same magnitude
(D) The field at A and C are of the same magnitude but in opposite directions
Ans. (A,C,D)

14 E
 Capacitance

Q
  2 
A B C
Q EA EB EC
Sol. EB   
0 A0 2A0
Q
EA 
2A0
Q Q Q Q
Q 2 2

2
EC  2
2A0

7. A parallel plate capacitor is charged from a cell and then isolated from it. The separation between the plates is
now increased
(A) The force of attraction between the plates will decrease
(B) The field in the region between the plates will not change
(C) The energy stored in the capacitor will increase
(D) The potential difference between the plates will decrease
Ans. (BC)
A0
Sol.  C 
d
If we increases d then capacitance decreases
and
Q2
energy y  ; Capacitance decreases
2C
Hence energy increases
Q
Field between plates 
a0
Hence it will remain same

8. In the circuit shown, each capacitor has a capacitance C. The emf of the cell is E. If the switch S is closed

(A) Positive charge will flow out of the positive terminal of the cell
(B) Positive charge will enter the positive terminal of the cell
1
(C) The amount of the charge flowing through the cell will be CE
3
4
(D) The amount of charge flowing through the cell is   CE
3
Ans. (A,D)
Sol. Before closing switch After closing switch
2
Capacitance C 2C
3
2
Charge by battery CE 2CE
3
2 4
Hence, Q = 2CE  CE  CE
3 3

E 15
JEE-Physics

9. A parallel plate capacitor is charged and then the battery is disconnected. When the plates of the capacitor are
brought closer, then
(A) Energy stored in the capacitor decreases
(B) The potential difference between the plates decreases
(C) The capacitance increases
(D) The electric field between the plates decreases
Ans. (A,B,C)
Sol. Charge remains constant because battery in removed. Capacitance increases hence energy decreases.
Q2
 U
2C

10. 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
(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
Ans. (BC)
Sol. The direction of electric field remains same. [However the magnitude is different in the slab]
Electric potential increases continuously.

SECTION - 2 : COMPREHENSION BASED QUESTIONS

(SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTION)
Comprehension-1
Figure shows a parallel plate capacitor with plate area A and plate separation d. A potential difference is being
applied between the plates. The battery is then disconnected and a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is
placed in between the plates of the capacitor as shown.

Now answer the following questions based on above information.

11. The electric field in the gaps between the plates and the dielectric slab will is :-
 AV V KV V
(A) 0 (B) (C) (D)
d d d d 1
Ans. (B)

12. The electric field in the dielectric slab is

V KV V KV
(A) (B) (C) (D)
Kd d d t
Ans. (A)
Sol. (11 to 12)
d

16 E
 Capacitance

 Q
11. E0   .......(1)
0 0 A
Charge on the conductor plate will remain same [where C and V is before the slab inserted in capacitor]
Q = CV
 AV
Q 0 .......(2)
d
But the value of Q in equation (1)
V
E0 
d
E0 V
12. E 
K Kd

Comprehension-2
In the arrangement of the capacitors shown in the figure, each C1 capacitor has capacitance of 3µF and each
C2 capacitor has capacitance of 2µF then :
C1 C1 C1
c
a

C2 C2 C1

b
d
C1 C1 C1

13. Equivalent capacitance of the network between the points a and b is :

3
(A) 1 µF (B) 2 µF (C) 4 µF (D) F
2
Ans. (A)

14. If Vab = 900 V, the charge on each capacitor nearest to the point 'a' and 'b' is :
(A) 300 µC (B) 600 µC (C) 450 µC (D) 900 µC
Ans. (D)

15. If Vab = 900 V, then potential difference across point c and d is :

(A) 60 V (B) 100 V (C) 120 V (D) 200 V
Ans. (B)
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
a a
Sol. 2 2 3  2 2 1  2 3  2 1
b b
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3

 3 = 1 µF

3
Vab = 900 V
charge = Ceq V = 900 µC
900 V 600 V 500 V
a 466.67 V
c

2 2 3
d
b
0 300 V 400 V 433.33 V
Pot difference between c and d = 500 – 400 = 100 V

E 17
JEE-Physics

Comprehension-3
Charges q1, q2 and q3 are placed on capacitors of capacitances C1, C2 & C3, respectively, arranged in series as
shown. Switch S is then closed.
C1 C2 C3
+ – + – + –
q1 q2 q3

S 

Given q1 = 30 C, q2 = 20 C, q3 = 10 C; C1 = 10 F, C2 = 20 F, C3 = 30 F and = 12 volts.

16. The final charge on capacitor C1 is-

690 790 500 550
(A) q1  C (B) q1  C (C) q1  C (D) q1  C
11 11 11 11
Ans. (B)

17. The final charge on capacitor C2 is-

550 650 680 780
(A) q 2  C (B) q 2  C (C) q 2  C (D) q 2  C
11 11 11 11
Ans. (C)

18. The final charge on capacitor C3 is

980 570 470 450
(A) q 3  C (B) q 3  C (C) q 3  C (D) q 3  C
11 11 11 11
Ans. (B)
Sol. (16 to 18)
(30+x) –30–x 10+x –10–x
20+x –20–x

12
Applying kirchoff voltage low
30  x 20  x 10  x
    12  0
10 20 30
460
–260 – 11x + 720 = 0  x 
11
460 790
16. Charge on q1  30   C
11 11
460 680
17. q 2  20   C
11 11
460 570
18. q 3  10   C
11 11

18 E
 Capacitance


SECTION - 1 : NUMERICAL ANSWER BASED QUESTIONS

A0 K 1
1. The capacitance between A and B is if two dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K1 and K2 of thickness
n d1
d1 and d2 and each of area A are inserted between the plates of parallel plate capacitor of plate area A as
shown in figure. (K2 = 2K1; d2 = 4d1). Find value of n.

Ans. (3)
A 0 K 1
Sol. C1 =
d1
A A

+
C1
(1) K1 d1

(2) K2 d2
C2
–

B B

A 0 K 2
C2 =
d2

C1C 2 A 0 A 0 A 0 K 1
Ceq =    ; n3
C1  C 2 d1 d 2 d1 4d1 3d1
 
K1 K 2 K 1 2K 1

2. The equivalent capacitance of the circuit between point A and B is nC. Find n.
C 2C 4C 8C

A C C C C
Infinite
B
section

C 2C 4C 8C
Ans. (1)
1 1 1 1 1  1 2
Sol.   1     ....   
Carm C  2 4 8   1 C
C 1  
 2
2C
 Ceffective = 2Carm = C
2

E 19
JEE-Physics

3. Find heat produced in the circuit shown in figure on closing the switch S.
2 F
+20 C -20 C
S
+50 C -50 C

5 F
Ans. (0)
20
Sol. V2 initial =  10V
2
50
V5 initial =  10V
5
There is no potential difference.
Hence no charge flows.
Heat produce is zero.

4. The equivalent capacitance between point A and B is:

Ans. (4)

Sol.  CAB = 4µf

5. In the circuit shown in the figure, initially SW is open. When the switch is closed, the charge passing through
the switch is (12 × n) C in the direction A to B. Find the value of n.

60V F
A B
60V
SW F

Ans. (5)
Sol. 2 3
144 C +
C eff   1.2F
60V  2 F 23
A B
144 C + 3 F
60V   Q2 = Q3 = +144C

60V 120 C +
 2 F
A B
60V 180 C +
 3 F

Qtotal on the middle plates

= + 180+ (–120) = + 60 C = 12 × 5 C; n=5
This charge flows from A to B.

20 E
 Capacitance

6. A parallel plate condenser is charged to a certain potential and then disconnected. The separation of the plates
is now increased by 2.4 mm and a plate of thickness 3 mm is inserted into it keeping its potential constant.
Find the dielectric constant of the medium
Ans. (5)
Sol. Let initial seperation be ‘d’
Q Q 3mm
+ – + –

A B A B

d
(initially) d+2.4
(finally)

Potential difference Vi = Vf

Q Q

Ci C f
Ci = Cf ....(1)

A 0
Ci 
d
C1C2
Cf =
C1  C2
C1 = Capacitance of free space of capacitor
C2 = Capacitance of dielectric region

A0 A0 K
C1  , C2  ....(2)
d  0.6 3
Solving eq. (1) & (2)
K=5

7. A parallel plate capacitor is to be designed with a voltage rating 1 kV using a material of dielectric constant 10
and dielectric strength 106 Vm–1. The minimum area of the plates is 10–n m2 required to have a capacitance of
88.5 pF. Find the value of n.
Ans. (3)
V
Sol.  E = 
d
V 103
 d=   103 m
E 106
 A
Now C = 0 r 
d
Cd 88.5  10 12  10 3
 A =   10 3 m 2
0 r 8.85  10 12  10

E 21
JEE-Physics

8. Consider the situation shown. The switch S is open for a long time and then closed. Then :
A B

C C

S
E

Column–I Column–II
CE 2
(A) Charge flown through battery when S is closed (p)
2
CE
(B) Work done by battery (q)
2
CE 2
(C) Charge on capacitor A when switch S is closed (r)
4
(D) Heat developed in the system (s) CE

Ans. A-q; B-p; C-s; D-r

Q Q
C C EC
Sol. Aq Qini 
2
E
A

E
EC EC
Change our B will be zero and change on A will be Q f = EC  
2 2
So Net charge flow after connecting = Qf – Q1 = EC
1
B p; Work done by battery = Charge flow × E  CE 2
2
C s; Explain above
D r
1 CE 2
Heat developed in system  (work done by battery) 
2 4

9. In the circuit shown in figure. C1=C, C2=2C, C3=3C, C4=4C.

Column I Column II
(A) Maximum potential difference (p) across C1
(B) Minimum potential difference (q) across C2
(C) Maximum potential energy (r) across C3
(D) Minimum potential energy (s) across C4
Ans. A-p; B-r,s; C-p; D-r

22 E
 Capacitance

Sol. Let Q charge flows from the battery
3Q
3C;
7
C 2C
4C
Q Q
4Q
Q 7

(A) Maximum potential different

Q Q Q Q
C1  ; C 2  ; C3  ; C4 
C 2C 7C 7C
So at C1 (option  p)
3Q
Q
(B) At C3 and C4: Vmin. = 7  at C3 & C4
3C 7C
1 Q2
(C) Maximum potential energy at U1  (at C1)
2 C
2
 3Q 
1  7  3  Q2 
(D) Minimum potential energy : U3     
2 3C 2  49C 

E 23
JEE-Physics


SECTION - 1 : SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. Two capacitors C1 and C2 are charged to 120V and 200V respectively. It is found that by connecting them
together the potential on each one can be made zero. Then : [AIEEE 2013]
(1) 5C1 = 3C2 (2) 3C1 = 5C2 (3) 3C1 + 5C2 = 0 (4) 9C1 = 4C2
Ans. (2)
C v  C2 V2
Sol. Common voltage = 1 1
C1  C2
(positive plate of one capacitor is connected with negative plate of second capacitor)
 120 C1 = 200 C2  3C1 = 5C2

2. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two circular plates separated by a distance of 5mm and with a dielectric of
dielectric constant 2.2 between them. When the electric field in the dielectric is 3×10 4 V/m, the charge density
of the positive plate will be closed to [JEE(Main) 2014]
(1) 6×10–7 C/m2 (2) 3×10–7 C/m2 (3) 3×104 C/m2 (4) 6×104 C/m2
Ans. (1)
  –
Sol. E
K0

  2.2  8.85  1012  3  104

C
= 58.41  10 8  6  10 7
m2

3. In the given circuit, charge Q2 on the 2F capacitor changes as C is varied from 1F to 3F. Q2 as a function
of 'C' is given properly by : (figures are drawn schematically and are not to scale) [JEE(Main) 2015]

1 F
C
2 F

E
Charge Charge Charge Charge

Q2 Q2 Q2 Q2
(1) (2) (3) (4)

C C C C
1 F 3 F 1 F 3 F 1 F 3 F 1 F 3 F

Ans. (2)
3C
Sol. C eq 
3C
3CE
Q net 
3C
2 2CE
Q2  Qnet 
3 3C
2 1 E E
Q2 C 1F
 
4 2

24 E
 Capacitance

2 3 E
Q2 C  3F
 E
6
dQnet (3  C)(3E)  3E 6E  3CE
 
dC (3  C)2 (3  C)2
dQ net
as C ; 
dC
4. A combination of capacitors is set up as shown in the figure. The magnitude of the electric field, due to a point
charge Q (having a charge equal to the sum of the charges on the 4F and 9F capacitors), at a point distant
30 m from it, would equal– [JEE(Main) 2016]
3F
4F
9F

2F

+ –
8V
(1) 240 N/C (2) 360 N/C (3) 420 N/C (4) 480 N/C
Ans. (3)
6C 3F
+–
24C +–
+– +–
Sol. A +– B
+– 18C
+–
4F +–
+–
9F
+–
+–
16C + – 2F
2F
+ –
8V
12  4
Ceq from A to B =  3F and charge distribution shown in circuit.
12  4
K [24C  18C]
E=
(30)2
9  109  42  106
= = 420 N/C
9  10 2
5. Figure shows a network of capacitors where the numbers indicates capacitances in micro Farad. The value of
capacitance C if the equivalent capacitance between point A and B is to be 1 F is :
C 1
[JEE(Main) 2016, Online]
A
8 6 4

2 2 12

B
33 34 31 32
(1) F (2) F (3) F (4) F
23 23 23 23
Ans. (4)

E 25
JEE-Physics

32 C 1 1
C
Sol. 9 1 A
32 4 4
C 8
9 8
8
4 3
32C 32
C
9 9
B
23C 32

9 9 32
C 9
A C
32
C F
23

6. A capacitance of 2 F required in an electrical circuit across a potential difference of 1.0 kV. A large number of
1 F capacitors are available which can withstand a potential difference of not more than 300 V.
The minimum number of capacitors required to achieve this is : [JEE(Main) 2017]
(1) 16 (2) 24 (3) 32 (4) 2
Ans. (3)
Sol.

8 times 8 times 8 times 8 times

8 F 8 F 8 F 8 F

2 F

7. In the circuit shown, find C if the effective capacitance of the whole circuit is to be 0.5 F. All values in the
circuit are in F. [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]

7 7 6
(1) F (2) F (3) F (4) 4F
10 11 5
Ans (2)
A C 2

2 A C 1
2 1
Sol.  4
2 2 2
3
B B
7
C 3

A B

26 E
 Capacitance

From equs.
7C
3 1
7 2
C
3
 14 C = 7 + 3 C
7
 C=
11
8. In the figure shown below, the charge on the left plate of the 10 F capacitor is –30 C ? The charge on the
right plate of the 6 F capacitor is : [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]
6F

10F 2F
4F
(1) –18 C (2) –12C (3) +12 C (4) +18 C
Ans. (4)
6F
30C – +
Sol.
– + – + – +
10F 2F
4F
6µF & 4µF are in parallel & total charge on this combination is 30 µC
6
 Charge on 6µF capacitor =  30 = 18 µC
64
Since charge is asked on right plate therefore is +18µC
Correct answer is (4)
9. Seven capacitors, each of capacitance 2 F, are to be connected in a configuration to obtain an effective
 6 
capacitance of   F . Which of the combinations, shown in figures below, will achieve the desired value?
 13 
[JEE(Main) 2019, Online]

(1) (2)

(3) (4)

Ans. (4)
6
Sol. C eq  F
13
Therefore three capacitors most be in parallel to get 6 in

1 1 1 1 1 1
    
Ceq 3C C C C C
3C 6
Ceq   F
13 13
E 27
JEE-Physics

10. A parallel plate capacitor has 1µF capacitance. One of its two plates is given +2µC charge and the other plate,
+4µC charge. The potential difference developed across the capacitor is:- [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]
(1) 5V (2) 2V (3) 3V (4) 1V
Ans. (4)
Sol. –1 +1
+3 +3

6
 q  1  10
V   1V
 C  1  106

11. The parallel combination of two air filled parallel plate capacitors of capacitance C and nC is connected to a
battery of voltage, V. When the capacitors are fully charged, the battery is removed and after that a dielectric
material of dielectric constant K is placed between the two plates of the first capacitor. The new potential
difference of the combined system is : [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]
V (n  1)V nV
(1) (2) V (3) (4)
Kn (K  n) Kn
Ans. (3)
Sol. KCV' =+ nCV' = CV + nCV
 1 n 
V'   v
K n

12. Figure shows charge (q) versus voltage (V) graph for series and parallel combination of two given capacitors.
The capacitances are : [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]
q(C)
A

500 B

80
10V V(Volt)
(1) 50 F and 30 F (2) 20 F and 30 F (3) 60 F and 40 F (4) 40 F and 10 F
Ans. (4)
Sol. 50 = (C1 + C2) × 10
C1C 2
80 =  10
C1  C 2
C1 + C2 = 50
C1C2 = 400
(C1 – C2)2 = (C1 + C2)2 – 4C1C2
= 2500 – 1600 = 900
C1 – C2 = 30
C1 + C2 = 50
2C1 = 80
C1 = 40
C2 = 10

28 E
 Capacitance

13. In the given circuit, the charge on 4 F capacitor will be : [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]
1 F
4 F
5 F

3 F

10 V
(1) 5.4 C (2) 24 C (3) 13.4 C (4) 9.6 C
Ans. (2)
4 F 6 F
Sol.
10V
 46 
q4      10
46
= 24 C

14. In the circuit shown, charge on the 5 F capacitor is : [JEE (Main) 2020 - Online]
2F F

F

O
6V 6V
(1) 5.45 C (2) 16.36 C (3) 10.90 C (4) 18.00 C
Ans. (2)
2F F
Sol. x
6 6
q1 q2

q3 5F Let potential of

point O v0 = 0

6
O 6
6V 6V
Now, using junction analysis
We can say, q1 + q2 + q3 = 0
2(x – 6) + 4(x – 6) + 5(x) = 0
36 36(5) 180
x q3  
11 11 11
q3 = 16.36 C

15. A parallel plate capacitor has plate of length 'l', width 'w' and separation of plates is 'd'. It is connected to a
battery of emf V. A dielectric slab of the same thickness 'd' and of dielectric constant k = 4 is being inserted
between the plates of the capacitor. At what length of the slab inside plates, will be energy stored in the
capacitor be two times the initial energy stored? [JEE (Main) 2020 - Online]
(1) l / 4 (2) l / 2 (3) l / 3 (4) 2l / 3
Ans. (3)

E 29
JEE-Physics

–x A2
Sol.
Area = A

d x K A1
Before inserting After inserting
slab dielectric slab
 A
Ci  0 Cf = C1 + C2
d
0 w K 0 A 1  0 A 2
Ci  Cf = 
d d d
K0 wx 0 w(  x)
Cf = 
d d
K0 wx 0 w(  x) 2 0 w
Cf = 2Ci   
x d d
4x +  – x = 2

 x
3

16. In the circuit shown in the figure, the total charge in 750 C and the voltage across capacitor C2 is 20 V. Then
the charge on capacitor C2 is : [JEE (Main) 2020 - Online]
C2
C1=15  F

C3 = 8  F

+ –
V
(1) 590 C (2) 450 C (3) 650 C (4) 160 C
Ans. (1)
Sol. q2
C2(20 V)
15  F
q3
C1
750 µC 8 F
C3 (20 V)

+ –
V
q3 = 20 × 8 = 160 C
 q2 = 750–160 = 590 C

17. If qf is the free charge on the capacitor plates and qb is the bound charge on the dielectric slab of dielectric
constant k placed between the capacitor plates, then bound charge q b can be expressed as :
[JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
 1   1  1   1
(1) q b  q f  1   (2) q b  q f  1   (3) q b  q f  1   (4) q b  q f  1  
 k  k  k  k
Ans. (2)
30 E
 Capacitance

Sol. qf
qf qb E0 qb

E=E0/k = + E0/k

When a dielectric is inserted in a capacitor

Due to free charge E  E 0 only
E0
After dielectric E ' 
k
 1
qB  q f  1  
 k

18. A parallel plate capacitor with plate area ‘A’ and distance of separation ‘d’ is filled with a dielectric. What is the
capacity of the capacitor when permittivity of the dielectric varies as :
 d d 
(x)  0  kx, for  0  x   (x)  0  k(d  x), for   x  d 
 2   2 
[JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
2/kA
 kd  kA kA  20 
(1)  0  (2) (3) 0 (4) ln  
 2   2  kd  2  20  kd 
2ln  0 
 20 
Ans. (2)
Sol.

x
dx

Taking an element of width dx at a distance

x (x < d/2) from left plate
(  kx)A
dc = 0
dx
Capacitance of half of the capacitor
d/ 2 d/ 2
1 1 1 dx
C
  
dc A  0  kx
0 0

1 1  0  kd / 2 
 ln
C kA  0 

Capacitance of second half will be same
C kA
Ceq  
2    kd 
2
2ln  0 
 20 

E 31
JEE-Physics

19. In the reported figure, a capacitor is formed by placing a compound dielectric between the plates of parallel
plate capacitor. The expression for the capacity of the said capacitor will be : (Given area of plate = A)
[JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]

C1 C2 C3

K 3K 5K
d 2d 3d
15 K0 A 15 K0 A 25 K 0 A 9 K 0 A
(1) (2) (3) (4)
34 d 6 d 6 d 6 d
Ans. (1)
1 d 2d 3d
Sol.   
Ceff K 0 A 3K 0 A 5K 0 A
15K 0 A
Ceff =
34 d

20. Which of the following correctly represents the variation of electric potential (V) of a charged spherical
conductor of radius (R) with radial distance (r) from the centre? [JEE(Main) 2023, Online]

(1) (2)

(3) (4)

Ans. (3)
Sol. Conceptual

21. A capacitor of capacitance 150.0 µF is connected to an alternating source of emf given by E = 36 sin(120 t)
V. The maximum value of current in the circuit is approximately equal to : [JEE(Main) 2023, Online]
1
(1) 2A (2) A (3) 2A (4) 2 2A
2
Ans. (1)
E E
Sol. I0  0  0  E 0 c
xc 1
c

 I0  36  120 150  106

 I0  2.03 = 2A

32 E
 Capacitance

SECTION-2 : NUMERICAL ANSWER BASED QUESTIONS
22. A 5 F capacitor is charged fully by a 220 V supply. It is then disconnected from the supply and is connected
X
in series to another uncharged 2.5 F capacitor. If the energy change during the charge redistribution is J
100
then value of X to the nearest integer is________. [JEE (Main) 2020 - Online]
Ans. (36)
1
Sol. ui   5  10 6 (220)2
2
Final common potential
220  5  0  2.5 2
v  220 
5  2.5 3
2
1  2
uf  (5  2.5)  106  220  
2  3
u = uf – ui
u = –403.33 × 10–4
X
 403.33  10 4 
100
X = –4.03
or magnitude or value of X is approximate 4

23. In a parallel plate capacitor set up, the plate area of capacitor is 2 m 2 and the plates are separated by 1m. If the
space between the plates are filled with a dielectric material of thickness 0.5 m and area 2m 2 (see fig.) the
capacitance of the set-up will be ______ 0. (Dielectric constant of the material = 3.2)
(Round off to the Nearest Integer) [JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
d

d/2
Ans. (3)
0 A 2 A
Sol. C =  0
d d d
 d
2K 2 K
2  20 4  3.2
  0
1 4.2
1
3.2
= 3.04 0

E 33
JEE-Physics

24. A parallel plate capacitor is made up of stair like structure with a plate area A of each stair and that is
x 0 A
connected with a wire of length b, as shown in the figure. The capacitance of the arrangement is . The
15 b
value of x is _______ . [JEE(Main) 2022 - Online]

Ans. (23)
Sol. Parallel combination
1 1 1  23 0 A
c eq  0 A    
 5b 3b b  15 b

25. A parallel plate capacitor with width 4 cm, length 8 cm and separation between the plates of 4mm is connected
to a battery of 20 V. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant 5 having length 1cm, width 4 cm and thickness 4
mm is inserted between the plates of parallel plate capacitor. The electrostatic energy of this system will
be………0 J. (Where 0 is the permittivity of free space) [JEE(Main) 2022 - Online]
Ans. (240)

Sol.

  (7  4) 50 (1  4)  2
Ceff   0    10
 4 / 10 4 / 10 
Ceff  1.20
1
Energy = C eff V 2
2
1
 (1.2)0 (20)(20)  2400
2

26. A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plate has a capacitance of 15pF. The separation between the
plate becomes twice and the space between them is filled with a medium of dielectric constant 3.5. Then the
x
capacitance becomes pF . The value of x is __________. [JEE(Main) 2023, Online]
4
Ans. (105)

34 E
 Capacitance

0 A
Sol. C0   15pF
d
K 0 A 3.5 105
C   15pF  pF
2d 2 4

27. A capacitor has capacitance 5µF when it’s parallel plates are separated by air medium of thickness d. A slab of
material of dielectric constant 1.5 having area equal to that of plates but thickness d/2 is inserted between the
plates. Capacitance of the capacitor in the presence of slab will be _____µF. [JEE(Main) 2023, Online]
Ans. (6)
A
0 A
Sol.  5F
d

d
0 A
Cnew =
d d K=1.5
 2  2
  
1.5 1 d d
2 2
0 A 6 0 A
= 
d d 5d
 3  2
 
6
=  5F = 6F
5
28. A parallel plate capacitor with plate area A and plate separation d is filled with a dielectric material of dielectric
constant K = 4. The thickness of the dielectric material is x, where x < d.

1 2d
Let C1 and C2 be the capacitance of the system for x  d and x  , respectively. If C1 = 2F the value of
3 3
C2 is ______ F. [JEE(Main) 2023, Online]
Ans. (3)
d
Sol. For x =
3
0 A 0 A  A  12 
C1    0  
 d / 3 2d  d 2d d  9 
 k  3  12  3
 
4 0 A
C1   2F
3 d
2d
for = x 
3
0 A  A 6
C2   0  2   2  3F
 2d / 3 d  d 4
 k  3
 

E 35
JEE-Physics


SECTION-1 : SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. A parallel plate capacitor having a separation between the plates d, plate area A and material with dielectric
constant K has capacitance C0. Now one-third of the material is replaced by another material with dielectric
1
constant 2K, so that effectively there are two capacitors one with area A , dielectric constant 2K and another
3
2
with area A and dielectric constant K. If the capacitance of this new capacitor is C then C is:
3 C0
[JEE(Main) 2013, Online]
4 2 1
(1) (2) (3) 1 (4)
3 3 3
Ans. (1)
kA 0
Sol. C0 
d
(2K)0 (A / 3) (K)(0 )  2A 
C= 
d d  3 
4K 0 A C 4
C=  
3 d C0 3

2. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two plates of length l, width  and separated by
distance d. A dielectric slab (dielectric constant K) that fits exactly between the plates is
U
held near the edge of the plates. It is pulled into the capacitor by a force F   where
x
U is the enerey of the capacitor when dielectric is inside the capacitor up to distance x
(See figure). If the charge on the capacitor is Q then the force on the dielectric when it is
near the edge is [JEE(Main) 2014, Online] x

Q 2d Q 2 l
(1) K (2) (K  1)
2l 2 0 2dl 2 0
Q 2d Q 2
(3) (K  1) (4) K
2l 2 0 2dl 2 0
d
Ans. (3)
Sol. C = C1 + C2
K(x)0 (1  x)( 0 )
 
d d
0 0
C (Kx   x)  (  (K  1)x)
d d
1 Q2 dQ 2
U 
2 C 20 (  (K  1)x)
dU dQ 2 (K  1)

dx 20 (  (K  1)x)2
dU dQ 2 (K  1)
F 
dx 20 (  (K  1)x)2
At x=0
dQ 2 (K  1)
F 2
20

36 E
 Capacitance

3. In figure is shown a system of four capacitors connected across a 10V battery. Charge that will flow from switch
S when it is closed is : [JEE(Main) 2015, Online]
2µF 3µF
a

b
3µF 2µF

10V
(1) zero (2) 5 C from a to b (3) 20 C from a to b (4) 5 C from b to a
Ans. (4)
Sol. Before switch is closed
6
2 F 3 F F
Q1=12 C 5

6
3 F 2 F F
5

Q2=12 C
10V

10V

+12 C –12 C

2 F 3 F

+12 C –12 C
10V 0V

+12 C +12 C

3 F 2 F

–12 C –12 C
After switch closed
2
Q1  25   10 F
5
V 15 F
2 F 3 F
Q1
10V 0V
5 F
25 F 15 F=Q2
3 F 2 F (5F from b to a)
V 10 F

Q
10V
5 5
C eq  F; Q   10  25F
2 2

E 37
JEE-Physics

4. The energy stored in the electric field produced by a metal sphere is 4.5 J. If the sphere contains 4 C charge,
 1 
its radius will be :  Take   9  109 N  m 2 / C 2  [JEE(Main) 2017, Online]
 4  0 
(1) 32 mm (2) 20 mm (3) 16 mm (4) 28 mm
Ans. (3)
Q2
Sol. Energy of sphere =
2C
16  10 12
4.5 
2C
16  10 12
C
9
C  4 0  R
16  10 12
 4 0  R 
9
16  10 12 1
R 
9 4 0
16
9  109   10 12 = 16 × 10–3 = 16 mm
9

5. A combination of parallel plate capacitors is maintained at a certain potential difference.

C1 C C2 C3
A D E B

When a 3 mm thick slab is introduced between all the plates, in order to maintain the same potential
difference, the distance between the plates is increased by 2.4 mm. Find the dielectric constant of the slab.
[JEE(Main) 2017, Online]
(1) 5 (2) 3 (3) 4 (4) 6
Ans. (1)
C
A A 0
Sol. C=
d

d
t
A A0
K C' 
t
d ' t 
K
d'
Same potential maintained
C = C'
A0 A0

d t
d' t 
K
t
d  d' t 
K
t
d' d    t
K

38 E
 Capacitance

 1
d '  d  t 1  
 k
24mm  1
 3mm  1  
10  K
4 1
 1
5 K
1 4 1
 1 
K 5 5
K=5

6. In the figure shown, after the switch 'S' is turned from position 'A' to position 'B', the energy dissipated in the
circuit in terms of capacitance 'C' and total charge 'Q' is: [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]
A B

C 3C

3 Q2 3 Q2 1 Q2 5 Q2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
8 C 4 C 8 C 8 C
Ans. (1)
1
Sol. Vi  CE 2
2
 CE 2
1 CE 2
Vf  
2  4c 2 4
1 3 3
E  CE 2   CE 2
2 4 8

7. A parallel plate capacitor is of area 6 cm 2 and a separation 3 mm. The gap is filled with three dielectric
materials of equal thickness (see figure) with dielectric constants K 1, = 10, K2 = 12 and K3 = 14. The dielectric
constant of a material which when fully inserted in above capacitor, gives same capacitance would be:
[JEE(Main) 2019, Online]

K1 K2 K3 3 mm

(1) 12 (2) 4 (3) 36 (4) 14

Ans. (1)
Sol. Let dielectric constant of material used be K.
10 0 A / 3 12 0 A / 3 14 0 A / 3 K 0 A
   
d d d d
 K = 12

8. A parallel plate capacitor having capacitance 12 pF is charged by a battery to a potential difference of 10 V

between its plates. The charging battery is now disconnected and a porcelain slab of dielectric constant 6.5 is
slipped between the plates the work done by the capacitor on the slab is : [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]
(1) 692 pJ (2) 60 pJ (3) 508 pJ (4) 560 pJ
Ans. (3)
Sol. Initial energy of capacitor
1 v2
Ui 
2 c
1 120  120
   600 J
2 12

E 39
JEE-Physics

Since battery is disconnected so charge remain same.
Final energy of capacitor
1 v2
Uf 
2 c
1 120  120
   92
2 12  6.5
W + Uf = U i
W = 508 J

9. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two square plates of side 'a', separated by a distance d (d<<a). The lower
triangular portion is filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant K, as shown in the figure. Capacitance of this
capacitor is : [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]

1 k 0 a 2 k 0 a 2 k 0 a 2 k 0 a 2
(1) (2) lnK (3) ln K (4)
2 d d d  K  1 2d  K  1
Ans. (3)
Sol.

d
y

x dx
d
y d

x a
d
y x
a
d
dy   dx 
a
1 y d  y
 
dc KE  adx 0 adx
1 1 y 
   d  y
dc 0 adx  k 
0 adx
 dc   y
dy
k
d
a dy
d 0
c 0 a 
1 
d  y   1
 k 
d
0 a 2   1  
  n  d  y   1 
1    k  0
 k  1 d
 

40 E
 Capacitance

 1 
2  d  d   1 
k 0 a k 
 n
1  k  d  d 
 
 
k 0 a 2  1  k 0 a 2 nk
 n 
1  k  d  k   k  1 d

10. Two identical parallel plate capacitors, of capacitance C each, have plates of area A, separated by a distance d.
The space between the plates of the two capacitors, is filled with three dielectrics, of equal thickness and
dielectric constants K1, K2 and K3. The first capacitor is filled as shown in fig. I, and the second one is filled as
shown in fig. II.
If these two modified capacitors are charged by the same potential V, the ratio of the energy stored in the two,
would be (E1 refers to capacitor (I) and E2 to capacitor (II)) : [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]

K1
K2 K1 K2 K3

K3

(I) (II)
E1 9K1K 2K 3 E1 K1K 2K 3
(1)  (2) 
E 2 (K1  K 2  K 3 ) (K 2K 3  K 3K1  K1K 2 ) E 2 (K1  K 2  K 3 ) (K 2K 3  K 3K1  K1K 2 )

E1 (K1  K 2  K 3 ) (K 2K 3  K 3K1  K1K 2 ) E1 (K1  K 2  K 3 ) (K 2K 3  K 3K1  K1K 2 )

(3)  (4) 
E2 K1K 2K 3 E2 9K1K 2K 3

Ans. (1)
d d d
1 3 3 3
Sol.   
C1 k1 0 A K 2 0 A K 3 0 A
3K1K 2K 3 0 A
C1 
d(K1K 2  K 2K 3  K 3 K1 )
A A A
K 1 0 K 2 0 K 3 0
C2  3  3  3
d d d
(K  K 2  K 3 ) 0 A
C2  1
3d
1
 E  CV 2
2
1
E1 C1 V 2
  2
E2 1
C V2
2 2

E 41
JEE-Physics

11. A capacitor is made of two square plates each of side 'a' making a very small angle  between them, as shown
in figure. The capacitance will be close to : [JEE(Main) 2020, Online]
V1


d
a V2
2 2
0 a  3a  0 a  a  0 a 2  a  0 a 2  a 
(1) 1   (2) 1   (3) 1   (4) 1  
d  2d  d  4d  d  d  d  2d 
Ans. (4)
Sol. Assume small element dx at a distance x from left end
V1
 x

d d

x
V2 dx
Capacitance for small element dx is
 a dx
dC = 0
d  x
a
0 a dx
C=  d  x
0
a
 0 a  1  a   x2 
= ln    ln 1  x   x  
  d  0  2 

0 a 2  a 
= 1  
d  2d 

12. Match List I with List II.

List-I List-II
(a) Capacitance, C (i) M1L1T–3A–1
(b) Permittivity of free space, 0 (ii) M–1L–3T4A2
(c) Permeability of free space, 0 (iii) M–1L–2T4A2
(d) Electric field, E (iv) M1L1T–2A–2
Choose the correct answer from the options given below
[JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
(1) (a)  (iii), (b)  (ii), (c)  (iv), (d)  (i) (2) (a)  (iii), (b)  (iv), (c)  (ii), (d)  (i)
(3) (a)  (iv), (b)  (ii), (c)  (iii), (d)  (i) (4) (a)  (iv), (b)  (iii), (c)  (ii), (d)  (i)
Ans. (1)
Sol. q = CV
2
 q  (A  T)
[C] =   
 V  ML2 T –2

= M–1L–2 T4A2

 F  MLT –2
[E] =   
q  AT

42 E
 Capacitance

= MLT–3 A–1

q1 q 2
F=
4  o r 2
[ = M–1L–3T4A2
1
Speed of light c =
µ o o
1
µo =
o c 2
1
[µo] =
–1 –3 4
[M L T A 2 ][LT –1 ]2
= [M1L1T–2A–2]

13. A slab of dielectric constant K has the same cross-sectional area as the plates of a parallel plate capacitor and
3
thickness d , where d is the separation of the plates. The capacitance of the capacitor when the slab is
4
inserted between the plates will be :
(Given Co = capacitance of capacitor with air as medium between plates.) [JEE(Main) 2022 - Online]
4KC 0 3KC 0 3K K
(1) (2) (3) (4)
3K 3K 4KC 0 4K
Ans. (1)
+Q –Q
Sol. E E

x 3d/4 y
3d
xy d
4
d
xy
4
A 0
 C0
d
E 3d
V  Ex    Ey
k 4
3Ed
  E x  y
4k
 3d d 
V  E   
 4k 4 
  3d  dk  Qd  3  k 
V  
0  4k  A 0  4k 
 

Q A 0  4k  4kC0
C 
V d  3  k  k  3

E 43
JEE-Physics

2
14. A parallel plate capacitor has plate area 40cm and plates separation 2 mm. The space between the plates is
filled with a dielectric medium of a thickness 1 mm and dielectric constant 5. The capacitance of the system is :
[JEE(Main) 2023, Online]
3 10
(1) 24 0 F (2) 0 F (3) 0 F (4) 100 F
10 3
Ans. (3)
Sol.

air

A
t
d
This can be seen as two capacitors in series combination so
1 1 1
 
Ceq C1 C 2
1 1
 
K 0 A 0 A
t dt
t dt
 
K 0 A 0 A
1  10 3 1  10 3
 4

50 40  10 0 40  10 4
1 1 1
 
Ceq 20 0 4 0
20  4 0 10 0
Ceq   F
24 3

SECTION - 2 : NUMERICAL ANSWER BASED QUESTIONS

15. The displacement current of 4.425 A is developed in the space between the plates of parallel plate capacitor
when voltage is changing at a rate of 106 Vs–1. The area of each plate of the capacitor is 40 cm 2. The distance
between each plate of the capacitor is x × 10–3m. The value of x is,
(Permittivity of free space, E0 = 8.85 × 10–12 C2 N–1 m–2) [JEE(Main) 2022, Online]
Ans. (8)
Sol. Displacement Current = Conduction Current
dq
=
dt
 A dV
Id  0
d dt
8.85  1012  4  103  106
d
4.425  106
= 8 mm
X=8

44 E
 Capacitance

16. A composite parallel plate capacitor is made up of two different dielectric materials with different thickness
(t1 and t2) as shown in figure. The two different dielectric material are separated by a conducting foil F. The
voltage of the conducting foil is ____V. [JEE(Main) 2022, Online]

Ans. (60)

Sol.

Capacitance of each capacitor

A3 0
C1   6A 0
1
2
C 2  A4 0  4  0
Equivalent capacitance
C1C2 24
Ceq   A 0
C1  C 2 10
qnet  Ceq  V   240 A 0
240 A 0
V2   60V
4A 0
 V2  Potential drop across C2 
Vfoil  60V

17. A capacitor of capacitance 900 µF is charged by a 100 V battery. The capacitor is disconnected from the
battery and connected to another uncharged identical capacitor such that one plate of uncharged capacitor
connected to positive plate and another plate of uncharged capacitor connected to negative plate of the
charged capacitor. The loss of energy in this process is measured as x × 10 -2 J. The value of x is _____.
[JEE(Main) 2023, Online]
Ans. (225)

Sol.

C = 900 F
Q = CV = 900 × 10–6 × 100 = 9 × 10–2 = 90 MC
Now

E 45
JEE-Physics


Common potential will be developed across both capacitors by kVL

Total charge on left plates of capacitors should be conserved.
 90 mc + 0 = 2cv0
cv0 = 45 mc

Heat dissipated  U i  U f [Change in energy stored in the capacitors]

1 (90 mc)2 1 (45 mc)2  Q2 

  2 U  
2 900 F 2 900 F  2c 
1
 6
 8100  4050   106
2  900  10
 2.25 Joule
OR
1 C1C2
Heat   V1  V2 2
2 C1  C2
1 C2
 (100  0)2
2 2C
1 900  106 9
  104  Joule  2.25 Joule
2 2 4

46 E
 Capacitance

18. As shown in the figure, two parallel plate capacitors having equal plate area of 200 cm2 are joined in such a
way that a b. The equivalent capacitance of the combination is x 0 F. The value of x is______.
[JEE(Main) 2023, Online]

c=1 mm d=5mm

Ans. (5)
0 A
Sol. c
d  c 
0  200  10 4

4  10 3
x  5

19. In the given figure the total charge stored in the combination of capacitors is 100 C. The value of ‘x’
is____________ . [JEE(Main) 2023, Online]
C1 = 2F

C2 = x F

C3 = 3F

V = 10V
Ans. (5)
Sol. Charge on C1 is Q1 = 2 × 10 = 20C (i)
Charge on C2 is Q2 = x × 10 = 10xC (ii)
Charge on C3 is Q3 = 3 × 10 = 30C (iii)
Total charge 20 + 10x + 30 = 100
x=5

E 47
JEE-Physics


1. Two large vertical and parallel metal plates having a separation of 1 cm are connected to a DC voltage source
of potential difference X. A proton is released at rest midway between the two plates. It is found to move at 45°
to the vertical JUST after release. Then X is nearly [IIT-JEE - 2012]
(A) 1 × 10–5 V (B) 1× 10–7 V (C) 1 × 10–9 V (D) 1 × 10–10 V
Ans. (C)
Sol. The two forces acting on the proton just after the release are shown in the figure. In this situation

qE
+


v
mg

qE = mg [ = 45°]
V
 q    mg
d
mgd 1.67  10 27  10  10 2
 V   10 9 V
q 1.6  1019

2. Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R with centre at the origin, carrying uniform positive surface charge
density. The variation of the magnitude of the electric field E(r) and the electric potential V(r) with the distance
r from the centre, is best represented by which graph? [IIT-JEE - 2012]
 
|E(r)| V(r) |E(r)| V(r)

(A) (B)

O R r O R r

 
|E(r)| V(r) |E(r)| V(r)

(C) (D)

O R r O R r

Ans. (D)
Sol. For a thin uniformly positive charged spherical shell
(i) Inside the shell at any point
1 q
E = O and V   constt.
4 0 R
where q = charge on sphere
R = Radius of sphere
(ii) Outside the shell at any point at any distance r from the centre
1 1
E  2 and V 
r r

48 E
 Capacitance

3. In the circuit shown in the figure, there are two parallel plate capacitors each of capacitance C. The switch S 1 is
pressed first to fully charge the capacitor C1 and then released. The Switch S2 is then pressed to charged the
capacitor C2 After some time, S2 is released and then S3 is pressed. After some time, [JEE(Adv.) 2013]
S1 S2 S3

C1 C2
2V0 V0

(A) the charge on the upper plate of C1 is 2CV0.

(B) the charge on the upper plate of C1 is CV0.
(C) the charge on the upper plate of C2 is 0.
(D) the charge on the upper plate of C2 is –CV0.
Ans. (B, D)
Sol. S1 is pressed

S2 is pressed

S3 is pressed

E 49
JEE-Physics

4. A parallel plate capacitor has a dielectric slab of dielectric donstant K between its plates that covers 1/3 of the
area of its plates, as shown in the figure. The total capacitance of the capacitor is C while that of the portion
with dielectric in between is C1. When the capacitor is charged, the plate area covered by the dielectric gets
charge Q1 and the rest of the area gets charge Q2. the electric field in the dielectric is E1 and that in the other
portion is E2. choose the correct option/options, ignoring edge effect. [JEE(Adv.) 2014]

Q1 E1

E2
Q2

E1 E1 1 Q1 3 C 2K
(A) 1 (B)  (C)  (D) 
E2 E2 K Q2 K C1 K
Ans. (AD)
k 0 A / 3 k  0 A 2 0 A
Sol. C1   , C2 
d 3d 3d
0 A
C  C1  C 2  (K  2)
3d
E1
(A) 1 E1  E 2
E2
as E1  v / d
E2 = v/d
Q1 3Q1
E1 = 
0 AK / 3 k0 A
Q1 3Q 2
E2 = 
2 20 A
 A
3 0
E1 = E2
3Q1 3Q2 Q Q Q k
   1  2  1 
K0 A 20 A k 2 Q2 2

5. A parallel plate capacitor having plates of area S and plate separation d, has capacitance C1 in air. When two
dielectrics of different relative permittivities (1 = 2 and 2 = 4) are introduced between the two plates
C2
as shown in the figure, the capacitance becomes C2. The ratio is [JEE(Adv.) 2015]
C1

(A) 6/5 (B) 5/3 (C) 7/5 (D) 7/3

Ans. (D)

50 E
 Capacitance

d/2
Sol.

C1 C2
S/2
 1=2  2=4

C3 S/2
 1=2

2 0 s / 2 4 0 s / 2
C1  C2 
d/2 d/2

2 0 s / 2  0 s
C3  
d d

20 s 4 0 s
C  C2 
C eq  1  C3  d d  0 s
C1  C 2 6 0 s d
d
4 0 s 0 s
 
3 d d
7 0 s 7   s
 Ceq   C1  C1  0 
3 d 3  d 

6. Three identical capacitors C1, C2 and C3 have a capacitance of 1.0 F each and they are uncharged initially.
They are connected in a circuit as shown in the figure and C1 is then filled completely with a dielectric material
of relative permittivity r. The cell electromotive force (emf) V0 = 8V. First the switch S1 is closed while the
switch S2 is kept open. When the capacitor C3 is fully charged, S1 is opened and S2 is closed simultaneously.
When all the capacitors reach equilibrium, the charge on C 3 is found to be 5C. The value of r = _______.
[JEE (Adv.), 2018]

V0 S2
C1 C3
S1 C2

Ans. (1.50)
Sol. Initially

+
8V 1 F=C3
–

Charge on C3 = 1 × 8 = 8C

E 51
JEE-Physics

Finally

Q1=3 C
C1= r C + Q3=5 C (Given)
– C3=1 C
Q2=3 C
C2=1 C

V
Vacross C 3   5V
C
Charge flow in circuit is 8F – 5F = 3F
 Charges on C1 & C2 is 3F
Applying Kirchoff's law
5 3 3
  0
1 r 1
3
2
r
3
r   1.5
2

7. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C has spacing d between two plates having area A. The region
d
between the plates is filled with N dielectric layers, parallel to its plates, each with thickness   . The
N
th  m  3
dielectric constant of the m layer is K m  K  1   . For a very large N (> 10 ), the capacitance C is
 N
 K 0 A 
  . The value of  will be _____. [0 is the permittivity of free space] [JEE(Adv.) 2019]
 d n2 
Ans. (1.00)

Sol.

Km

x
dx
d
d m x
  dx  & 
N N d
 m  x
K m  K 1    K m  K 1  
 N  d
K m A 0
C' 
dx
d d d
1 dx 1 dx 1 d   x 
      n  1  
C eq 0 K m A 0 KA 0 0  x Ceq KA 0   d 0
1  d 
 
1 d
   n2  n 1 
Ceq KA 0 
KA 0
 Ceq   = 1
d n2

52 E
 Capacitance

8. A medium having dielectric constant K > 1 fills the space between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor. The
plates have large area, and the distance between them is d. The capacitor is connected to a battery of voltage
d
V, as shown in figure (a). Now, both the plates are moved by a distance form their original positions, as
2
shown in figure (b).

In the process of going from the configuration depicted in figure (a) to that in figure (b), which of the following
statement(s) is(are) correct ? [JEE (Adv.) 2022]
(A) The electric field inside the dielectric material is reduced by a factor of 2K.
1
(B) The capacitance is decreased by a factor of .
K 1
(C) The voltage between the capacitor plates is increased by a factor of (K + 1).
(D) The work done in the process DOES NOT depend on the presence of the dielectric material.
Ans. (B)
A 0 K
Sol. C 
d

E 0
AK

q d q q d
 d V
A0 2 A0 K A0 2
q  1
d 1    V
A0  K 
q A0 K
C'  
V d[K  1]
q V

A0 K [K  1]d
 A KV A0 KV 
w battery   0  V
 d(K  1) d 
A0 KV  1 
 V
d  K  1 

E 53
JEE-Physics

9. In the following circuit C1 = 12 F, C2 = C3 = 4 F and C4 = C5 = 2 F. The charge stored in C3 is _____
C. [JEE (Adv.) 2022]

Ans. (8.00)
Sol. Potential difference across C3 = 2V

Hence charge on C3 = 4 × 2 = 8C

10. A container has a base of 50 cm × 5 cm and height 50 cm, as shown in the figure. It has two parallel
electrically conducting walls each of area 50 cm × 50 cm. The remaining walls of the container are thin and
non-conducting. The container is being filled with a liquid of dielectric constant 3 at a uniform rate of
250 cm3 s–1. What is the value of the capacitance of the container after 10 seconds?
[Given: Permittivity of free space 0 = 9 × 10–12 C2 N–1 m–2, the effects of the non-conducting walls on the
capacitance are negligible] [JEE (Adv.) 2023]

50 cm

50 cm

5 cm
(A) 27 pF (B) 63 pF (C) 81 pF (D) 135 pF
Ans. (B)
Sol. In t = 10 sec volume of liquid is
V = 2500 cc
2500
h  10cm
50  5
A  k
Cd  d 0
d
50  10 2  10  10 2  0  3
  3 0
5  10 2
A a 0 50  10 2  40  10 2 0
Ca    4 0
d 5  10 2
C = Ca + Cd = 70

= 7 × 9 × 10–12 = 63 pF

54 E