KVS ZIET BHUBANESWAR

CBTI XII PHY CH_2_ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL AND CAPACITANCE

Q. NO QUESTION
MCQ s 1 MARK EACH
1. The charge q on a capacitor varies with potential difference as shown in the figure. The area under the
curve represents-
(a) electric field between the plates
(b) electric flux between the plates
(c) energy density
(d) energy stored by the capacitor

2. The figure shows some concentric equipotential surfaces. The correct choice related to the electric field
and its direction is-
1
(a) E ∝ r and radially inward
1
(b) E ∝ r2 and radially outward
1
(c) E ∝ r and radially outward
1
(d) E ∝ r2 and radially inward

3. Two identical metallic plates A and B are kept parallel to each other in air, separated by 1 cm distance
as shown in the figure. The work done in moving a charge of 20 nC from X to Y is-
(a) 1000 J
(b) 20 J
(c) 200 J
(d) Zero

4. Two charges +q and +q are placed at two vertices of an equilateral triangle of sides 𝑙. Aditya brings an
unknown charge Q and placed it at the third vertex, but he has done no work in this process. The charge
Q is-
q
(a) − 2
(b) −q
(c) +q
(d) Zero
5. 1 1
Shruti found that the electric field and potential of a point charge varies with distance as and
r2 r
1 1
respectively. But for electric dipole these quantities varies with distance as r3 and r2 respectively. Then
electric field and potential for an electric quadrapole varies with distance as-
1 1
(a) E ∝ r4 and V ∝ r3
1 1
(b) E ∝ r5 and V ∝ r4
1 1
(c) E ∝ r4 and V ∝ r3
1 1
(d) E ∝ r5 and V ∝ r3

6. A hollow conducting sphere is placed in an electric field produced by a point charge placed at P as
shown in the figure. VA , VB and VC are the potentials at points A, B and C respectively. Now looking
at this scenario, four friends Ajay, Bijay, Durjay and Srinjay concluded as below,
 Ajay- VA < VB < VC
Bijay- VA > VB > VC
Durjay- VC > VB = VA
Srijay- VA = VB = VC
The correct conclusion made by-
(a) Ajay
(b) Bijay
(c) Durjay
(d) Srinjay
7. Two points are at a distance a and b (a < b) from a long straight conducting wire having linear charge
density λ. Now Suranjan wants to find the value of potential difference between two points. After
getting value Suranjan found that the potential difference between two points is directly proportional
to-
b
(a) a
b2
(b) a2
b
(c) (a)1⁄2
b
(d) ln(a)

8. Samir founds that a conductor has a potential V ≠ 0 and there are no charges anywhere else outside.
Then he concludes-
(1) There must be charges on the surface or inside itself.
(2) There can’t be any charge in the body of the conductor.
(3) There must be charges only on the surface.
(4) There must be charges inside the surface.
The correct conclusions are-
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) all
9. The decreasing order of the electrostatic potential energies for the given system of charges will be-

(a) c > b > a > d

(b) d > a > c = b
(c) a > c > d = b
(d) c > b > a = d
10. To find the equivalent capacitance between X and Y of the given circuit, Ritu, Puja, Abhiraj and Aayan
3C 6C
gave the answers 6C, 4C, 4 and 11 respectively.
 The correct answer is given by-
(a) Ritu
(b) Puja
(c) Abhiraj
(d) Aayan
11. An electron moves from point i to point f, in the direction of a uniform electric field. During this
displacement:

a) The work done by the field is positive and the potential energy of the electron-field system
increases.
b) The work done by the field is negative and the potential energy of the electron-field system
increases.
c) The work done by the field is positive and the potential energy of the electron-field system
decreases.
d) The work done by the field is negative and the potential energy of the electron-field system
decreases.
12. The diagram shows four pairs of large parallel conducting plates. The value of the electric potential is
given for each plate. Rank the pairs according to the magnitude of the electric field between the
plates, least to greatest

) 1, 2, 3, 4 b) 4, 3, 2, 1 c) 2, 3, 1, 4 d) 2, 4, 1, 3
13. Two conducting spheres, one having twice the diameter of the other, are separated by a distance large
compared to their diameters. The smaller sphere (1) has charge q and the larger sphere (2) is
uncharged. If the spheres are then connected by a long thin wire:
a) 1 and 2 have the same potential
b) 2 has twice the potential of 1
c) 2 has half the potential of 1
d) 1 and 2 have the same charge
14. The capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor with plate area A and plate separation d is given by:
a) ɛ0d/A b) ɛ0d/2A c) ɛ0A/d d) ɛ0A/2d
15. If both the plate area and the plate separation of a parallel-plate capacitor are doubled, the
capacitance is:
a) doubled b) halved c) unchanged d) tripled
16. An electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference V. Its final speed is proportional
to:
a) V b) V/2 c) √V d) 1/V
17. Capacitors A and B are identical. Capacitor A is charged so it stores 4 J of energy and capacitor B is
uncharged. The capacitors are then connected in parallel. The total stored energy in the capacitors is
now:
a) 16 J b) 8 J c) 4 J d) 2 J
18. Assertion(A): No work is done in moving a test charge from one point to another over an
equipotential surface.
Reason(R): Electric field is always normal to the equipotential surface at every point.
a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is correct explanation of Assertion.
b) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
c) If Assertion is true but Reason is false.
d) If both Assertion and Reason are false.
19. Assertion (A): Capacity of a conductor is independent on the amount of charge on it.
Reason (R): Capacitance depends on the dielectric constant of surrounding medium, shape and size
of the conductor.
a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is correct explanation of Assertion.
b) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
c) If Assertion is true but Reason is false.
d) If both Assertion and Reason are false.
20. Explain the situation where electric potential is zero but electric field intensity is not zero.
21. Can electric potential at a point be zero while electric field intensity at that point is not zero?
22. Two parallel surfaces are at the same potential distance between these surfaces is r. A charge q is
taken from one surface to the other. What is the work done in this case?
23. The electric potential is constant in a region. What can you say about electric field there?
24. Will there be any effect on a potential at a point due to a point charge if the medium around this point
is changed?
25. Draw a graph showing how charge q on a capacitor of capacitance C varies with potential difference
V across it?
26. Can we give any amount of charge to a capacitor?
27. On inserting a dielectric between the plates of an air capacitor, its capacitance is found to be
increased by 5 times. What is the relative permittivity of the dielectric?
28. The Distance between the plates of parallel plate air capacitor is d. If a metal plate of thickness d/2 is
placed between the plates. What will be the new capacitance?
29. What should be the capacitance of a capacitor capable of storing 1 joule of energy when used with a
100V DC supply?
30.
In the given charge distribution, a test charge q0 is
moved from R to P along various paths as shown in the
figure. The work done in moving the test charge is:

a. Minimum along the straight path

b. Maximum along the straight path.
c. Maximum along the longest path
d. Same along all paths

31. The dotted line (A) and the solid line (B) represent the variation of
two physical quantities with distance from a point charge.
Identify the correct option:
a. A represent Electric field and B represent electric potential
b. B represent Electric field and A represent electric potential
c. A represent potential energy and B represent electric
potential
d. A represent electrostatic force and B represent electric field

32. In which of the following cases will the potential be same at every point on a thin metallic plate
(almost zero thickness)
i. The plate is positively charged
ii. The plate is negatively charged
iii. The plate is placed close to a charged body
iv. The plate is uncharged

a. i and ii
b. iii and iv
 c. only iv
d. i, ii, iii and iv

33. An uniform electric field exists in the negative-Y direction. Which of the following statement(s)
is/are correct:
i. The potential decreases as one moves along positive Y axis
ii. The potential remains constant as one moves along negative Y axis
iii. The potential remains constant as one moves along negative Z axis
iv. The potential remains constant as one moves along positive X axis

a. i, ii, iii and iv

b. i and ii
c. iii and iv
d. i, iii and iv

34. An electric dipole of dipole moment p is placed in a uniform electric field of strength E in a direction
perpendicular to the field. The work done in rotating the dipole by an angle 90 0 without acceleration
in a plane perpendicular to the field is:
a. pE
b. –pE
c. Zero
d. -2pE

35. A small metallic ball having charge q is placed inside an insulated box. The insulated box is then placed
inside a metallic box. The net charge enclosed inside the metallic box is:
a. Zero
b. q
c. –q
d. 2q

36. You are travelling in a car on a highway when suddenly lightning and heavy rain starts. The car has a
hard metallic roof and metal body. You should:
a. Leave your car and go under a big tree
b. Park your car safely at a side and sit inside your car without touching the metallic parts
c. Move out of your car and sit on the ground
d. Keep driving at slow speed

37. When an earthed conductor is placed near a positively charged conductor:

i. The potential of the conductor increases
ii. The potential of the conductor decreases
iii. The capacitance of the system increases
iv. The capacitance of the system decreases

a. i and iii
b. i and iv
c. ii and iii
d. ii and iv
 38.Assertion (A): The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor increases when the space between the
plates is filled with dielectric.
Reason (R): The electric field between the plates of a charged capacitor increases when dielectric is
filled between the plates
39. Assertion (A): Potential energy of a charged parallel plate capacitor increases on increasing the
distance between its plates
Reason (R): potential difference between the plates increases due the increase of distance between
the plates
VSA 2 MARKS EACH
1. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor having plate separation d and area of the plates A is C when it
is filled with air. Biju learned that capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor can be increased by using
dielectric material in between the plates. So he inserts a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K of
thickness d/3 between the plates. What will be the value of new capacitance?

2. Two charges of same nature and magnitude +q are kept fixed at points X inside a uniform electric field.
Now to shift the charges, Rahul used a path X → Y → Z (shown as ‘R’ in the diagram) and Amol used
a different path of direct X → Z (shown as ‘A’ in the diagram). Find the ratio of their work done to move
the charge from X to Y.

3. The graph shows the variation of charge q with potential difference V for two capacitors C1 and C2 .
For two capacitors the ratio of separation
between two plates is 5 ∶ 2 and the ratio
of area of the plates is 2 ∶ 1. Which of
the lines in the graph represent C1 and
C2 ?

4. The graph shows the variation of voltage ‘V’ across the plates of two capacitors A and B versus
increase of charge ‘Q’ stored on them. Which of the two capacitors has higher capacitance? Give
reason for your answer.

5. (i) Can two equi-potential surfaces intersect each other? Give reasons.
(ii) Two charges −q and +q are located at points A (0, 0, −a) and B (0, 0, +a) respectively. How much
work is done in moving a test charge from point P (7, 0, 0) to Q (−3, 0, 0)?
6. Derive the expression for the electric potential at any point along the axial line of an electric dipole?
7. In the given figure, the potential difference between points A and B is 240V. If mid-point M of AB is
earthed, what are the potential of point A and B?
A B
M
8. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery. The battery is disconnected and a dielectric slab is
inserted between the plates. What will be the effect on its
(i) Capacitance
(ii) Charge
(iii) Potential difference
(iv) Electric field
9. Electric field intensity in a given region is zero. Can we conclude that electric potential must be zero?
10.
Draw the equipotential surfaces due to:

a. an electric dipole
b. two equal positive charges separated by some distance

11. The figure shows a metallic solid sphere having a charge 3 µC. What will be the work done in moving
a charge of 2 nC from its surface to its centre without acceleration?
Justify your answer.

12. Two capacitors (C1and C2) of 6 µF each are connected in

series. This combination is connected in parallel with another
8 µF capacitor (C3) and a cell of e.m.f. 2 volt as shown in
figure. Determine the magnitude of charge stored in either
plates of capacitor C1 and C3.

SA 3 MARKS EACH
1. (a) Four identical metallic balls were placed diametrically opposite on the circumference of an
imaginary circle of radius 10m. The first three balls were charged with 30mC, 40mC and -70mC
charge. Evaluate the value of charge given to the fourth ball so that the net potential at the center of
the circle becomes zero .
(b) A hollow conducting sphere is placed in an electric field produced by a point charge kept at point
P, r distance away from the center of the said sphere. Evaluate the relation between the potentials at
points A, B and C on the surface of the sphere as shown in the figure.

2. Dhruv took three capacitances namely C1 , C2 & C3 having capacitances 3μF , 4 μF and 2 μF and placed
C1 in series with the parallel combination of C2 & C3 . He applied a potential difference VAB of +1200V
across C1 and grounded the end point C of the parallel combination .
(a) Draw the required circuit diagram.
(b) Evaluate the charge on each capacitor
(c) Find the potential at B
3. (a) Rini cut out two circular plates of radius 10 cm each, from a thin metallic sheet, and kept them
parallel to each other at a distance of 1mm. She applied a source of emf of 10V across the plates.
What type of capacitor is this ? State one application of this capacitor.
(b) If radius of each plates is increased by a factor of √3 and the spacing between the plates is
decreased to half of its initial value , calculate the ratio of capacitances in the two cases.
(c) Suggest any one possible method by which the capacitance in the second case be increased n
times.
4. (a) Depict the equipotential surfaces for a system of two identical positive point charges placed a
distance ‘d’ apart.
(b) Deduce the expression for the potential energy of a system of two-point charges q1 and q2 brought
from infinity to the points r1 and r2 respectively in the presence of external electric field E.

5. Find the total energy stored in the capacitors in the given network.

6. A parallel plate capacitor, each with plate area A and separation d, is charged to a potential difference
V. The battery used to charge it is then disconnected. A dielectric slab of thickness d and dielectric
constant K is now placed between the plates. What change, if any, will take place in
(i) charge on the plates
(ii) electric field intensity between the plates
(iii) capacitance of the capacitor
Justify your answer in each case.
7. The figure shows the electric field lines due to a point negative charge P and Q are two points in the
electric field.
(i) What is the sign of 𝑉𝑄 - 𝑉𝑃 ?
(ii) What is the potential energy difference of a small negative charge placed between points
P and Q?
(iii) What is the sign of work done by external agent in moving small negative charge from Q
to P?

Q
P

8. The equivalent capacitance of the combination between A and B in the given figure is 4uf.

A B
20uF C

(A) Calculate capacitance of the capacitor C.

(B) Calculate charge on each capacitor if a 12V battery is connected across terminals A and B.
(C) What will be the potential drop across each capacitor?
9. Two point charges 10 ˟10−8 µC and -2 ˟10−8 µC are separated by distance of 60 cm in air. Find at
what distance from the 1st charge, would the electric potential will be zero.
10. Four charges 1 µC, 2 µC, -1 µC and -2 µC are placed at four corners of a square of 1 m in order. Find
the work required to put together this arrangement.

11. A 5 µF parallel plate capacitor is connected to a 3 V battery. While connected to the battery, the
space between the plates of the capacitor is filled with a substance of dielectric constant 4.
Determine the ratio of
a. Electric field between the plates
b. Capacitance
c. Magnitude of charge(on either plate) of the capacitor
before and after filling the substance.
12. A solid metallic cube is given charge q. Will the charge be:
a. Distributed uniformly throughout the volume of the cube? (yes/no)
b. Distributed uniformly
throughout the outer surface
of the cube? (yes/no)
Justify your answer to each of the
above questoins a and b.
CASE BASED QUESTIONS 4 MARKS
1. Case study based question
The best charge storing devices are capacitors. We have parallel plate capacitors , spherical
capacitors , cylindrical capacitors etc. These form basic components of electronics and are host of
various applications. The most common use is for energy storage. Additional uses are power
conditioning ,signal coupling or decoupling, electronic noise filtering and remote sensing.
(i) Capacitor is a device used to
(a)Dissipate energy (b)Store magnetic energy
( c ) Store electrical energy (d) Vary resistance
(ii)Three capacitors are joined in series . Then
(a)They will have equal potential (b) they will have equal energy
(c ) They will have the same charge (d) None of the above
(iii) Which of the following is blocked by a capacitor
(a) Direct current (b) Alternating current
( c ) Both AC and DC ( d) Neither AC nor DC
(iv) Two copper spheres, A & B, of equal radii, one hollow and other solid are charged to same
potential. Which one will carry more charge
(a) A (b) B
( c ) Both will carry same charge (d) None of the above
2. When an insulator is placed in an external field, the dipoles become aligned. Induced surface charges
on the insulator establish a polarization field Ēi in its interior. The net field Ē in the insulator is the
vector sum of Ē, and Ēi as shown in the figure.
 On the application of external electric field, the effect of aligning the electric dipoles in the insulator
is calledpolarisation and the field Ē; is known as the polarisation field.The dipole moment per unit
volume of the dielectric is known as polarisation (P).
For linear isotropic dielectrics, P =χE, where χ = electrical susceptibility of the dielectric medium.
i) Which among the following is an example of polar molecule?
(a) O₂ (b) H (c) N2 (d) HCI
(ii) Which of the following is a dielectric?
(a) Copper (b) Glass (c) Antimony (Sb) (d) None of these
(iii) For a polar molecule, which of the following statements is true ?
(a) The centre of gravity of electrons and protons coincide.
(b) The centre of gravity of electrons and protons do not coincide.
(c) The charge distribution is always symmetrical.
(d) The dipole moment is always zero.
(iv) When air is replaced by a dielectric medium of constant K, the maximum force of
attraction between two charges separated by a distance
(a) increases K times
(b) remains unchanged
(c) decreases K times
(d) increases 2K times.

3. Dielectric with polar molecules also develops a net dipole moment in an external field, but for a
different reason. In the absence of any external field, the different permanent dipoles are oriented
randomly due to thermal agitation; so, the total dipole moment is zero. When an external field is
applied, the individual dipole moments tend to align with the field. When summed overall the
molecules, there is then a net dipole moment in the direction of the external field, i.e., the dielectric is
polarised. The extent of polarisation depends on the relative strength of two factors: the dipole
potential energy in the external field tending to align the dipoles mutually opposite with the field and
thermal energy tending to disrupt the alignment. There may be, in addition, the ‘induced dipole
moment’ effect as for non-polar molecules, but generally the alignment effect is more important for
polar molecules. Thus, in either case, whether polar or non-polar, a dielectric develops a net dipole
moment in the presence of an external field. The dipole moment per unit volume is called
polarization.
 I. The best definition of polarisation is
a) Orientation of dipoles in random direction
b) Electric dipole moment per unit volume
c) Orientation of dipole moments
d) Change in polarity of every dipole
II. Calculate the polarisation vector of the material which has 100 dipoles per unit volume in a
volume of 2 units.
a) 200 b) 50 c) 0.02 d) 100
III. The total polarisation of a material is the
a) Product of all types of polarisations.
b) Sum of all types of polarisations.
c) Orientation directions of the dipoles.
d) Total dipole moments in the material.
IV. Identify which type of polarisation depends on temperature.
a) Electronic b) Ionic
c) Orientational d) Interfacial
4. A dielectric slab is a substance that does not allow the flow of charges through it but permits them to
exert electrostatic forces on one another.
When a dielectric slab is placed between the plates, the field Eo polarises the dielectric. This induces
charge -Qp on the upper surface and + Qp on the lower surface of the dielectric. These induced
charges set up a field Ep inside the dielectric in the opposite direction of E0 as shown.
 I. In a parallel plate capacitor, the capacitance increases from 4μF to 80μF on introducing a
dielectric medium between the plates. What is the dielectric constant of the medium?
a) 10 b)20 c) 50 d)100
II. A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of 8 pF. The
separation between the plates is now reduced by half and the space between them is filled
with a medium of dielectric constant 5. Calculate the value of capacitance of the capacitor in
the second case.
a) 8 pF b) 10pF c) 80 pF d) 100 pF
III. A dielectric introduced between the plates of a parallel plate condenser
a) decreases the electric field between the plates.
b) increases the capacity of the condenser.
c) increases the charge stored in the condenser.
d) decreases the capacity of the condenser.
IV. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance 1 pF has separation between the plates is d. When
the distance of separation becomes 2d and wax of dielectric constant x is inserted in it the
capacitance becomes 2 pF. What is the value of x?
a) 2 b) 4 c) 6 d) 8
5. Answer the following questions:
(i) The figure shows the variation of charge q versus potential difference V for two
capacitors 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 . The two capacitors have the same plate separation but the plate area
of 𝐶2 is double thaqt of 𝐶1 . Which of the lines in figure correspond to 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 and why?
q
A

B
V

(ii) Should the two capacitors 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 be connected in series or in parallel to a battery of V
volts to store greater total charge and energy?

6. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery. After some time the battery is disconnected and a
dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is inserted between the plates. How would
(i) the capacitance,
(ii) the electric field between the plates and
(iii) the energy stored in the capacitor, be affected? Justify your answer.
7. Case based question: CAPACITORS
Cell/batteries can store energy and widely used as a source of electrical energy. In a cell/battery
energy is stored in the form of chemical energy which converts to electrical energy through chemical
reactions which takes some time. On the other hand, capacitors store a small amount of electrical
energy. Since the energy is stored in the form of electrostatic potential energy, it can be quickly
delivered to the circuit to which it is connected.
a. Capacitor is a device used to store electric charge. (Yes/No)
b. You need a constant supply of electrical energy over a longer period of time. Do you need a
cell or a capacitor? Justify your answer.
c. You need a quick supply of a small amount of electrical energy. Do you need a cell or a
capacitor for the purpose? Justify your answer.
 8.

A positively charged ball is brought near an uncharged ball hanging with a thread. It is found that
the uncharged ball is attracted towards the charged ball (figure 1). When the uncharged ball is kept
inside a metallic cage (Figure 2), it is not attracted towards the charged ball.
a. Which phenomenon is responsible for the observation in Figure 1?
i. Equipotential surface
ii. Electrostatic shielding
iii. Charging by conduction
iv. Charging by induction
b. Which phenomenon is responsible for the observation in Figure 2?
i. Equipotential surface
ii. Electrostatic shielding
iii. Charging by conduction
iv. Charging by induction
c. Explain the observations in each case

LA ( 5MARKS)
1 (a) Why electric lines of force are always normal to the equipotential surface at every point?
(b) Sketch the equipotential surface along with electric lines of force for-
i. Two positive charges of same magnitude
ii. A uniform electric field
(c) An electric dipole of dipole moment 1.4 × 10−8 Cm is placed inside a uniform electric field of
105 𝑉𝑚−1 in stable equilibrium position. Amit wants to rotate the dipole and he shifted it to the
unstable equilibrium position. Calculate the amount of work is done by Amit.

2 Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor when a dielectric slab of
dielectric constant K and thickness t = d/2 but of same area as that of the plates is inserted between
the capacitor plates. (d = separation between the plates).
3 Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate air capacitor. What is the effect on
capacitance if a dielectric medium is filled between the plates of the capacitor?
4. a. What is the principle of a parallel plate capacitor?
b. Derive the expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.
A 2 µF capacitor is connected to a 3 V battery. The battery is then removed. Determine the energy
loss when the charged capacitor is connected to a similar uncharged capacitor

ANSWERS FOR MCQs

1. (d) energy stored by the capacitor

1
2. (b) E ∝ and radially outward
r2
3. (d) Zero
q
4. (a) − 2
1 1
5. (b) E ∝ r5 and V ∝ r4
6. (d) Srinjay
7. b
(d) ln(a)
8. (c) 1 and 2
9. (a) c > b > a > d

10. (c) Abhiraj

11. b) The work done by the field is negative and the potential energy of the electron-field system
increases
12. d) 2, 4, 1, 3
13. a) 1 and 2 have the same potential
14. c) ɛ0A/d
15. c) unchanged
16. c) √V
17. d) 2 J
18. b) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
19. a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is correct explanation of Assertion.
20. At a point mid way between two equal and opposite changes, electric potential is zero while electric
field intensity is not zero.
21. Yes, the electric potential at the perpendicular bisector of an electric dipole is zero while electric field
intensity is not zero.
22. Work done = (charge)(potential difference)
Since the potential difference between the two surfaces is zero, work done is zero.
23. 𝑑𝑣
E = - 𝑑𝑟
Since electric potential V is constant, electric field E is zero.
24. Yes, the potential at a point due to a point charge is given by
1 𝑞
V = 4𝜋𝜀𝑘 𝑟
It is clear that potential at a point is inversely proportional to the relative permittivity (k) of the
medium. In other words, greater the value of k, smaller will be the potential at the considered point.
25. Q ∝ V.
So the graph between q and v is a straight line passing through the origin.

26. No, the maximum charge that can be given to a capacitor is determined by the dielectric strength of
the medium between the plates of the capacitor.
27. Relative permittivity K= 𝐶𝑚 / 𝐶𝐴𝐼𝑅 = 5𝐶𝐴𝐼𝑅 /𝐶𝐴𝐼𝑅 = 5
28. 𝐴𝜀
The capacitance of a parallel plate air capacitor is 𝐶𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑑
Since electric field inside a metal is zero, the effective distance between the plate becomes d/2.
Therefore, the capacitance of the capacitor is doubled.
29. 1
Energy stored, U = 2 𝐶𝑉 2
Here U = 1 J, V = 100V, C= ?
𝑈 (2)(1)
Therefore, C = 2𝐶 2 = 1002 = 2 × 10−4
30. d
31. b
 32. d
33. c
34. c
35. a
36. b
37. c
38. c
39. a
ANSWERS FOR VSA ( 2 MARKS)
1
𝑉0
With air, electric field between two plates 𝐸0 = , where 𝑉0 is the p.d with air.
𝑑
𝐸
With dielectric medium, electric field between two plates 𝐸 = 𝐾0
So with dielectric medium, p.d between the plates is,
2d d 2d E0 d 2 1 2K + 1
V = E0 . + E. = E0 . + . = E0 d( + ) = V0 ( )
3 3 3 K 3 3 3K 3K
q q0 2K
New capacitance, C′ = V0 = 2K+1 = (2K+1)C
V0 ( )
3K

2 Work done is path independent. Ratio 1 ∶ 1

𝜖0 𝐴1 𝜖 𝐴
3 𝐶1 = and 𝐶2 = 0𝑑 2
𝑑1 2
𝐶 𝐴 𝑑 2 2 4
Thus, 1 = 1 . 2 = × = ⇒ 𝐶1 < 𝐶2
𝐶2 𝐴2 𝑑1 1 5 5
Since, slope of q vs V graph gives capacitance, so line A represents capacitor C2 and line B represents capacitor
C1 .
4

However,
∴CA > CB
∴ Capacitor A has a higher capacitance.

5 (i) Two equipotential surfaces cannot intersect each other because when they will intersect, the
electric field will have two directions, which is impossible.
(ii) Charge P moves on the perpendicular bisector of the line joining +q and −q. Hence, this
perpendicular bisector is equidistant from both the charges. Thus, the potential will be same
everywhere on this line. Therefore, work done will be zero.
6 The following figure shows an electric dipole of length 2a.

Let P be an axial point at distance r from the centre of the dipole. Electric potential at point P is given
as:
 7 When mid-point of AB is earthed, the potential difference between AB is still 240V. The earthed
point has zero potential while point A has a potential of 120V and B has a potential of -120V.
8 (i) Capacitance will increase.
(ii) Charge will remain same.
(iii) Potential difference will decrease.
(iv) Electric field will decrease.
9 𝑑𝑉 𝑑𝑉
Not necessarily. E = - 𝑑𝑟 or 0= - 𝑑𝑟
Since dr cannot be zero, dv = 0.
This means that electric potential is constant. The constant value can be zero or non zero.
10 a. .
b

11 Work done = 0
Because the whole body of a metallic object is equipotential surface, so the potential difference
between the surface and centre is zero. Work done = charge x potential difference = 2 nC x 0 = 0
12 Equivalent capacitance of C1 and C2 in series = 3µF
Charge stored in C1 = C V = 3 µF x 2 V = 6 µC
Charge stored in C3 = C V = 8 µF x 2 V = 16 µC
ANSWERS FOR SA ( 3 MARKS)
1. (a) Value of fourth charge will be zero
(b) VA = VB = VC
2. (a) Correct diagram
(b) Q1 = 2.4 x 10-3 C , Q2 = 1.6 x 10-3 C & Q3= 0.8 x 10-3 C
(c) VB = 400V
3. (a) Parallel plate capacitor , can be used in oscillatory LC circuit
(b) 1:6
(c) By inserting a dielectric of dielectric constant n between the plates of a capacitor.
4. a)
 (b) The work done in bringing charge q1 from infinity to is q1V( ).
Work done on q2 against external field = q2 V( )

Work done on q2 against the field due to q1

Where, r12 is the distance between q1 and q2.
By the superposition principle for fields,

Work done in bringing q2 to is .

Thus,
Potential energy of system = The total work done in assembling the configuration

5.
2μF and 2μF capacitors are in series. Their equivalent capacitance
The 1μF and 1μF capacitors are in parallel. Their equivalent capacitance = 1 + 1 = 2μF
This 2μF capacitor is in series with the 2μF capacitor connected between the points B and C. Their

equivalent capacitance
Finally, we have 1μF capacitance in parallel with 1μF capacitance. Their equivalent capacitance,
C = 1 + 1 = 2 μF = 2 × 10−6F
V=6V

∴ Energy,
= 3.6 × 10−5 J

6. (i) The charge q on the capacitor plates remains constant because the battery is disconnected from the
capacitor.
(ii) The electric field intensity between the capacitor plates decreases due to the introduction of a
dielectric. Introduction of dielectric field creates an intrinsic electric field directed opposite to the
original electric field. This is why the electric field intensity decreases.
(iii) The capacitance of the capacitor increases due to the introduction of a dielectric.
Electric field decreases, therefore, the capacitor can get more charge to bring back the electric field to
its original value. This increases the capacity of holding the charge and hence the capacitance
increases

7. (i) Since 𝑉𝑄 > 𝑉𝑃 . 𝑉𝑄 − 𝑉𝑃 is positive.

(ii) If a small negative charge is placed at P, it will move towards Q. Since a charge moves
from higher potential energy to lower potential energy, 𝑈𝑃 > 𝑈𝑄 . Therefore, 𝑈𝑃 − 𝑈𝑄 is
positive.
(iii) Since the external agent will have to do work against the force of repulsion in moving a
small negative charge from Q to P, the work done will be positive.
8. Since 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = 4uF.
(A) Since 20uF and C are in series, we have
1 1 1
= +𝐶
4 20
 1 1 1 5−1
= 4 - 20 =
𝐶 20

20
C= = 5uF
4

(B) Charge drawn from 12V battery,

Q = 𝐶𝑒𝑞 . V = (4) (12) = 48 uC

(C) Potential drop across

𝑄 48 𝑢𝐹
20 uF = 𝑉20 = 𝐶 = 20 𝑢𝐹 = 2.4 V

Potential drop across

48 𝑢𝐶
5 uF = 𝑉5 = 20 𝑢𝐹 = 9.6 V
9. A B
O

xr-x
𝑉𝑂𝐴= 𝑉𝑂𝐴
𝑘𝑞1 𝑘𝑞2
+ =0
𝑥 𝑟−𝑥
10−7 2 (10)−8
– 𝑟−𝑥 = 0
𝑥
10(r-x) = 2x
10r = 12x
X = (10/12)r
X = 0.5 m = 50 cm
10. Work done is equal to the potential energy of the system, find potential energy of each pair of
charge using the formula (k q1 q2 )/r and add to fine the work done = - 34.45 x 10-3 J
11. Let E1, q1 and C1 are the electric field, charge and capacitance before filling the dielectric and E2,
q2 and C2 after filling the dielectric.
a. Since the battery will maintain constant potential difference, so E=V/d remains constant. So
E1:E2 = 1 : 1
b. C1 = ϵ0 A/d, C2= K ϵ0 A/d = 4 ϵ0 A/d, C1 : C2 = 1 : 4
c. q1 = C1. V1
q2 = C2 V2 = 4 C1. V1 (since p.d. is same)
q1 : q2 = 1 : 4
12. a. No. Since the electric field inside a conductor is zero, no net charge can be enclosed inside a
conductor. So, the entire charge appears on the surface.
b. No. Since the radius of curvature of the edges, corners and faces are different, the charge
density will be different at these places in order to have the potential constant throughout
the surface.

ANSWERS FOR CBQ ( 4 MARKS)

1. (i) C (ii) c (iii) a (iv) c

2. (i) D (ii) d (iii) b (iv) a

3. I. b) Electric dipole moment per unit volume.

II. a) 200
III. b) Sum of all types of polarisations.
IV. c) Orientational
4. I. b) 20
II. c) 80 pF
III. b) increases the capacity of the condenser.
IV. b) 4
5. 𝐴𝜀
(i) C = 𝑑 . Since plate area (A) of 𝐶2 is double that of 𝐶1 . 𝐶2 >𝐶1 . Now slope of the lines
(=q/v) represents the capacitance of the capacitors. Since slope of the line A is greater
than that of line B, line A corresponds to 𝐶2 and line B corresponds to 𝐶1 .
1
(ii) Total charge, q = CV; Total energy stored = 2 C𝑉 2 . For a given V, total charge as well as
total stored energy is greater for that combination which has larger value of resultant
capacitance. Clearly, the choice is parallel combination of capacitors.
6. Let C be the capacitance and V be the potential difference.
The charge on the capacitor plates will then be Q = CV.
The electric field between the plates, E = Vd and the energy stored,

As the dielectric (K) is introduced after disconnecting the battery

We have the new values of charge, Q’ = Q Capacitance C’ = KC
Potential V’ = QKC=VK
(i) New capacitance is K times its original.

7. a. No, net charge on a capacitor is zero

b. A cell, because the cell stores energy in the form of chemical energy which can be converted
to electrical energy over a longer period of time.
c. A capacitor, since the energy stored in a capacitor is in the form of electrostatic potential
energy, it can be instantly supplied whenever required

8. a. iv. Charging by induction

b. ii. Electrostatic shielding
c. In figure 1, negative charge is induced at the nearer end of the uncharged ball and positive
charge is induced at the farther end. Since the negative charge is close to the positively
charged ball, it is attracted due to greater force of attraction.
In figure 2, when the uncharged ball is kept inside a metallic cage, the electric field inside
the cage becomes zero due to electrostatic shielding. So no charge is induced in the
uncharged ball. So it is not attracted towards the charged ball.

KEY 5 MARKS
1 (a) Let us consider, the electric field line at point A on an equipotential surface such that it makes an
angle θ with the surface.
 Now, the work done to move a charge q from point A to point B is,
W=F ⃗ . r = qE cos θ × AB
But, for equipotential surface,
W=0
⇒ qE cos θ × AB = 0
⇒ cos θ = 0
𝜋
∴θ=
2
Thus, electric lines of force are always normal to the equipotential surface at every point.

(b) i. Equipotential surface for two positive charges of same magnitude-

ii. Equipotential surface for a uniform electric field-

(c) For stable equilibrium, angle between 𝑃⃗ and 𝐸⃗ is θs = 0° whereas for unstable equilibrium, angle
between 𝑃⃗ and 𝐸⃗ is θus = 180°.
Thus, work done to rotate W = PE(cos θs − cos θus ) = 1.4 × 10−8 × 105 × 2 = 2.8 × 10−3 J

Consider a parallel plate capacitor, area of each plate being A, the separation between the plates
being d. Let a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K and thickness t < d be placed between the plates.
The thickness of air between the plates is (d – t). If charges on plates are +Q and – Q, then surface
charge density σ = Q/A
The electric field between the plates in air, E1 = σ/ ɛ0 = Q/ ɛ0A
The electric field between the plates in slab, E2 = σ/ Kɛ0 = Q/ Kɛ0A
The potential difference between the plates
VAB = work done in carrying unit positive charge from one plate to another
=ΣEx (as field between the plates is not constant).
= E1 (d – t) + E2 t = Q/ ɛ0A (d – t) + Q/ Kɛ0A (t)
= Q/ ɛ0A [ d – t + t/K]
 So, Capacitance of capacitor, C= Q/ VAB
= ɛ0A/ [ d – t + t/K]
Here, t= d/2, so C = ɛ0A / (d/2) (1+1/K)
3 Consider a parallel plate capacitor having air in the space between the plates.
Let A = area of each plate +q -q
d=distance between the plates + -
V= P.D. across the plate + E -
q = charge on each plate + -
𝑞
σ =surface charge density on either plate = 𝐴 + -
+ -
+ ----d----- -
+ -

The electric field between the plates is uniform and its magnitude is given by
𝜎 𝑞
E = 𝜀 = 𝐴𝜀
0 0
𝑞
Also, V=Ed = d
𝐴𝜀0
𝑞 𝐴𝜀0
Or, =
𝑉 𝑑
𝑞
But ,𝑉 is the capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor.
𝐴𝜀
Hence, C = 𝑑0
If the space between the plates of the capacitor is filled with a medium having
Absolute permittivity 𝜀 (=𝜀0 𝐾 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐾 𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 of the medium)
Then capacitance of the capacitor is given by ,
𝜀𝐴 𝜀 𝐾𝐴
𝐶𝑚 = 𝑑 = 0𝑑
Hence, capacitance of capacitor becomes K times that of air capacitor.
a. The capacitance of a conductor increases considerably when an earthened conductor is
placed near it.
b. E=σ/ɛ0 = q//ɛ0A , V = E d, C = q / V =ɛ0 A / d
c. Charge stored q = C V = 6 µ C
Energy stored U1= ½ C V2 = 9 µJ
When connected to another similar capacitor, charge is equally distributed
Charge on each capacitor = 3 µC
Energy on each capacitor = q2 / 2 C = 9 x 10-12 / 2 x 2 x 10-6 = 9/4 µJ
Total energy on the two capacitors = 9/4 x 2 = 4.5 µJ
Energy loss = 9 µJ – 4.5 µJ = 4.5 µJ