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02 Capacitor

Concept of Capacity, Capacitors and Capacitance

Definition: A capacitor or condenser consists of two conductors
separated by an insulator or dielectric. Having opposite charges on
which sufficient quantity of charge may be accommodated.
It is a device which is used to store energy in form of Electric field
by storing charge.
Conductors are used to form capacitors.
Theoretically, infinite amount of charge can be given to any conductor
Practically, only a certain amount of charge can be given because of dielectric strength of air
Dielectric strength: The maximum value of electric field which can be tolerated by a medium without
breakdown
Dielectric strength of air, E = 3 × 106 N/C
Corona discharge: leakage of charge from sharp edges of conductor.
Electrical Capacitance
It shows the capacity of a conductor to store electric energy in the form of electric field. If charge(Q) is
given to an isolated conducting body and it's potential increases by V, then
Q∝V, Q=CV
Q
C=  constant [electrical capacitance of a conductor]
V
Capacitance of conductor depends upon shape, size, presence of medium and nearness of other conductor.
Electrical capacitance is a Scalar quantity.
Note: Capacitance of a conductor does not depend upon charge (Q) and potential difference (V).
Graph between Q and V
Q
SI
Coulomb/volt or Farad (F)
Unit
CGS
Stat Farad
V
V
1C 3  109 stat − C
1F = = = 9  1011 stat − F
1V 1
stat − volt
300
1F = 9 × 1011 state – F
Dimensional formula of capacitance  M−1L−2T4 A2 

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Capacitor
When 2 conductors which carry equal and opposite charges are separated by some distance having some
medium between them, then this arrangement is known as capacitor.
Capacitor is electrically neutral.
Electric field
+Q –Q
Q
C C
O O
N N
Q
D D C=
U U V
C C Q → Charge transferred
T T
Or
O O
R R Charge on (+)ve plate
(–)ve V → Potential difference b/w plates
(+)ve
Plate
Plate
medium
V
Principle of Capacitor
When uncharged conductor is placed nearer to the charged conductor and uncharged conductor is
connected to earth, then capacitance of charged conductor is increased.

Vo V ′ = Vo − V− + V+ V ′′ = Vo − V−
+Q +Q –Q +Q +Q –Q +Q
+ + – + + – +
+ + – + + – +
+ + – + + – +
+ + – + + – +
+ + – + + – +
+ + – + + – +
+ + – + + – +
+ + – + + – +
+ + – + + – +
′′
V′ < V V ≪V
Q Q
C= Q C′′ =
V C′ = V′′
V′
C ′′ >> C
C′ > C
(i) (ii) (iii)

Types of Capacitors
Based on shape and arrangement of capacitor plates there are various types of capacitors.
(a) Parallel plate capacitor (b) Spherical capacitor
(c) Cylindrical capacitor
Circuit Symbol of Capacitor
The capacitor is represented as following:

C Variable capacitance
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Capacitor
Capacity of an Isolated Conductor and Spherical Capacitor +
+ +
Spherical Capacitance + +
Capacitance of an Isolated Spherical Conductor
+ O +
Let there is charge Q on sphere of radius R.
KQ + +
∵ Potential V = R
+ +
R + +
CKQ
Hence by formula: Q = CV  Q =  C = 40R
R
Capacitance of an isolated spherical conductor → C = 40R
(a) If the medium around the conductor is vacuum or air.
CVacuum = 40R (R = Radius of spherical conductor. (may be solid or hollow.))
If the medium around the conductor is a dielectric of constant K from surface of sphere to infinity
then Cmedium = 40KR
Cmedium
(b) = K = dielectric constant.
Cair/vaccum
Illustration 1:
Find out the capacitance of the earth? (Radius of the earth = 6400 km)
Solution:
6400  103
C = 40R = = 711 F.
9  109
Capacitance of spherical capacitor
– – – –
– + ++ –
– ++ –
+
– + a + –
– + + –
– + + + b+ –
– –
– – – –

(a) Outer sphere is earthed

When a charge Q is given to inner sphere it is uniformly distributed on its surface A charge –Q is
induced on inner surface of outer sphere. The charge +Q induced on outer surface of outer sphere
flows to earth as it is grounded.
E = 0 for r < a and E = 0 for r > b
This arrangement is known as spherical capacitor.
Q −Q Q  b−a 
Potential of inner sphere V1 = + 
40a 40a 40  ab 
As outer surface is earthed so potential
 KQ KQ   KQ KQ  KQ KQ
V2 = 0  V1 − V2 =  − − − = −
 a b   b b  a b
Q Q ab 40 ab 40 ab
C= = = = =
V1 − V2 KQ − KQ K ( b − a ) b−a b−a
a b
If b >> a then C = 40a (Like isolated spherical capacitor)
40r ab
If dielectric mediums are filled as shown then: C =
b−a
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Illustration 2:
The stratosphere acts as a conducting layer for the earth. If the stratosphere extends beyond 50 km from
the surface of earth, then calculate the capacitance of the spherical capacitor formed between stratosphere
and earth's surface. Take radius of earth as 6400 km.
Solution:
 ab 
The capacitance of a spherical capacitor is C = 40  
 b−a 
b = radius of the top of stratosphere layer = 6400 km + 50 km = 6450 km = 6.45 × 106 m
a = radius of earth = 6400 km = 6.4 × 106 m


1 6.45  106  6.4  106
C=  = 0.092F
9  109 6.45  106 − 6.4  106
(b) Inner sphere is earthed
Here the system is equivalent to a spherical capacitor of inner and outer radii a and b respectively
and a spherical conductor of radius b in parallel. This is because charge Q given to outer sphere
distributes in such a way that for the outer sphere
a
charge on the inner side is Q and
b
a (b − a)
charge on the outer side is Q – Q = Q
b b
So total capacity of the system.
ab
C = 4  0 + 4  0 b
b−a
40b2
C=
b−a

Cylindrical Capacitor
There are two co-axial conducting cylindrical surfaces where  >> a and >> b, where a and b are radius
of cylinders. When a charge Q is given to inner cylinder it is uniformly distributed on its surface. A charge
–Q is induced on inner surface of outer cylinder. The charge +Q induced on outer surface of outer cylinder
flows to earth as it is grounded
 Q/
Electrical field between cylinders E = =
20r 20r
Potential difference between plates
+ +
b Q Q b – a –
V= dr = n  – + + –
a 2 r 20 a
0 – +Q + –
Capacitance per unit length –Q + b + –
 40 20 – + + –
 – + + –
C= = = =
v b b b
2K n 2n n
a a a
20
Capacitance per unit length = F/m
b
n
a
20
Capacitance, C =
n(b / a)
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Capacitor
Illustration 3:
A cylindrical capacitor has two co-axial cylinders of length 15 cm and radii 1.5 cm and 1.4 cm. The outer
cylinder is earthed and the inner cylinder is given a charge of 3.5 µC. Determine the capacitance of the
system and the potential of the inner cylinder.

Solution:
 = 15 cm = 15 × 10–2 m; a = 1.4cm = 1.4 × 10–2 m; b =1.5 cm = 1.5 × 10–2m; q = 3.5 µC = 3.5 × 10–6C
20 2  8.854  10−12  15  10−2
Capacitance C = = −2
= 1.21  10−10 F
b 1.5  10
2.303 log10   2.303 log10
a 1.4  10−2
Since the outer cylinder is earthed, the potential of the inner cylinder will be equal to the potential
difference between them. Potential of inner cylinder, is
q 3.5  10−6
V= = −10
= 2.89  104 V
C 1.2  10

Work done by external agent to charge a conductor

Work done by external agent to bring small charged element dq from infinity to surface of conductor.
dw = V dq
q + + +
+
 dw =  V.dq V =
C +
+
R + q, V
Work done by external agent to charge the conductor from q1 to q2 is + +
+ +
q2 q2 q2 + +
q 1q 2  1q 2  + + +
W=  C
.dq  W = 
C  2
  W = 
C 2

q1 q1 q1
As q1 = CV1, q2 = CV2
work done by external agent to increase the potential of conductor from V1 to V2
1
(
W = C V22 − V12
2
)
Illustration 4:
The work done against electric forces in increasing the potential difference of a condenser from 20 V to 40
V is W. The work done in increasing its potential difference from 40 V to 50 V will be
Solution:
1 1 1
W1 = Uf – Ui = CVf2 – CV12 = C (402 – 202) = 600 C = W ...(i)
2 2 2
1 900
W2 = C (502 – 402 ) = C ...(ii)
2 2
From equation (i) and (ii)
900 W 3
W2 =  = W
2 600 4
Illustration 5:
Energy stored in 2000 mF condenser charge to a potential difference of 10V is?
Solution:
1 1
W.D. = Energy stored = CV 2 {C = 2000 mF = 2F} =  2  102 = 100J
2 2
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Illustration 6:
The energy stored in a sphere of 10cm radius when the sphere is charged to a potential difference of 300V is
Solution:
C = 40 r
0.1
For r = 10 cm; C =
9  10−9
1 2
The energy stored in a capacitor is given as : E = CV
2
1 2 1 10−10
E = CV =   3002 = 5  10−7 J
2 2 9
Energy stored in a capacitor
Potential energy of a charged conductor
Potential energy of conductor will be stored in the form of electric field.
Potential energy of a conductor which is charged by V potential is given by
1 1 Q2
P.E. = Wext. U = CV 2 = QV =
2 2 2C
kQ2 1 Q2
Potential energy of conducting sphere is given by U = =
2R 2 40R
Illustration 7:
1
A capacitor of capacitance F is connected to a battery of 300 volt and charged. Then the energy stored
3
in capacitor is :
Solution:
1
U = CV 2 = 1.5 × 10−2 J
2
Potential Energy Stored in Capacitor
At any instant  W.D. in moving dq charge
+q –q dw = dq.V
dq – q  q
+ dw = dq. P.D = V = 
+ – C  C
+ –  Net W.D. in moving Q charge
+ – Q
q
+ – (W.D.)ext =  dq
+ – 0
C
+ –
Q2
q Let assume Capacitance = C (W.D.)ext =
V= 2C
C As we know that W.D.ext = U
 Q2   1 2  QV 
U =  U = 2 CV  U = 2 
 2C     
Illustration 8:
If the charge in a capacitor is 4C and the energy stored in it is 4J, calculate voltage across its plates.
Solution:
Q2 4 4 Q 4
U=  4=  C = 2F  V= = = 2V
2C 2 C C 2
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Capacitor
Illustration 9:
The plate separation in a parallel plate condenser is d and plate area is A. If it is charged to V volt & battery
is disconnected then the work done in increasing the plate separation to 2d will be :
Solution:
As battery is disconnected, charge remains constant in the work process.
Q2 Q 2 Q 2  1 1 
Work done = final potential energy – initial potential energy = − =  − 
2C' 2Co 2  C' Co 
A 0 V
Where, Q = CV =
d
A 0
C=
d
A 0
C' =
2d
0 V 2 A
Now, work done =
2d

BEGINNER’S BOX-1
1. A capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a potential V. The flux of the electric field through a
closed surface enclosing the capacitor is .........................
2. A capacitor of capacitance C has a charge Q. The net charge on a capacitor is always ......It
stores...... energy.
3. A capacitor of capacity C has charge Q and stored energy is W. If the charge is increased to 2Q
then what will be the stored energy?
4. Eight drops of mercury of equal radii and possessing equal charges combine to form a big drop.
Then the capacitance of the bigger drop compared to each individual drop is ...........
5. The capacitance of a spherical condenser whose inner sphere is grounded is 1F. If the spacing
between the two spheres is 1 mm then what is the radius of the outer sphere?
6. When 2 × 1016 electrons are transferred from one conductor to another, a potential difference
of 10 V appears between the conductors. Calculate the capacitance of the two conductors
system.
V B
7. The graph shows the variation of voltage V across the plates of two
capacitors A & B with charge Q. Which of the two capacitors has larger A
capacitance?
8. For flash pictures, a photographer uses a 30 µF capacitor and a charger that Q
supplies 3 × 103 volt. Calculate the charge and the energy spent for each flash.
9. Two capacitors C1 and C2 have equal amount of energy stored in them. What is the ratio of
potential differences across their plates?

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Parallel Plate Capacitor
It consists of two large plane parallel conducting plates separated by a small distance.
+Q E0 –Q
Plate area (A)

E=0 E=0

Connecting
terminals
Plate area (A)

d
Plate separation d
Plate separation
Parallel Plate Capacitor

Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor

Surface charge density  = Q / A
   Q
Electric field intensity between plates, E0 = + = =
20 20 0 0 A
Qd
Potential difference between the plates, V = E0  d =
0 A
Q Q  A
Capacitance of parallel plate capacitor, C0 = = = 0
V  Qd  d
 
 0 A 
Illustration 10:
One plate of parallel plate capacitor is smaller than other, then charge on smaller plate will be
(A) Less than other (B) More than other
(C) Equal to other (D) Will depend upon the medium between them
Solution:
Equal to other, because the charges are produced due to induction and moreover the net charge of the
capacitor should be zero.
Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor with dielectric
Plate area (A)
Dielectric

Connecting
terminals

Electric field intensity in vacuum  E0

Electric field intensity in medium  Em
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Capacitor
  Q E
Em = = =  Em = 0
  0  r 0  r A r
Qd
Potential difference between the plates V = Em  d =
0  r A
Capacitance of a capacitor in presence of medium
Q   A ( Q ) 0  r A
Cm = = 0 r = = rC0
V Qd d

Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor (PPC) depends on

(i) Overlapping area  C  A
1
(ii) Distance between plates  C A A
d
(iii) Medium between plates  C  r
* Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor does not
d
depend on thickness and nature of metal of plates.
Specific Inductive Capacitance
Cm
It is the ratio of capacitance in medium to the capacitance in air. K =
Cair
Fringing of Electric Field
For the plates of finite area the electric field between the two plates will not be uniform and the field lines
bend out ward at the edges. This is called "fringing of electric field"

Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor when dielectric is partially filled

Q
Surface charge density,  =
V
 Q
Electric field in air or Vacuum, E0 = =
0 0 A
 Q
Electric field in dielectric medium, Em = =
 0  r A
Potential difference between the plates of capacitor
Q Q Q  t 
V = E0(d − t) + Em t = (d − t) + t = (d − t) + 
0 A 0  r A 0 A  r 
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Q
Capacitance, C =
V
Q 0 A
 C= =
Q  t  t
(d − t) +
(d − t) +  r
0 A  r 
In case of multiple slabs,
0 A
C=
t1 t
( d − (t 1 + t 2 + ....)) + + 2 + ....
r ' r ''
Illustration 11:
A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of 8pF. What will be the capacitance
if the distance between the plates is reduced by half and the space between them is filled with a substance
of dielectric constant 8?
Solution:
A0
For air, C0 = = 8  10−12 F
d
Now d’ = d/2 and K = 8
A 2A0
C' = 0  K =  K =2 × 8 × 10−12 × 8 = 128 × 10−12 𝐹
d' d
Illustration 12:
A slab of material of dielectric constant r has the same area as the plates of a parallel plate capacitor but
has a thickness (2d/3), where d is the separation of the plates. How is the capacitance changed when the
slab is inserted between the plates?
Solution:
d E 2d d  2
V = E +  = 1 + 
3 r 3 30  r 
Q Q 3A 0
Capacitance of parallel plate capacitor C = = =
v Qd  2  2
1 +  d1 + 
3A 0  r   r 
Illustration 13:
If the distance between the plates of a capacitor of capacitance C1 is halved and the area of plates is doubled
then what will be the capacitance?
Solution:
0 A C1 A1 d2 A1  1   d1  1
C=  = =      =  C2 = 4C1
d C2 A2 d1 2A1  d1   2  4
Illustration 14:
A capacitor has two circular plates whose radii are 8 cm each and distance between them is 1mm. When
mica slab (dielectric constant = 6) is placed between the plates, calculate the capacitance and the energy
stored when it is given a potential of 150 volts.
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Capacitor
Solution:

( )
2
−2
2
Area of each plate r =  8  10 = 0.0201m2 and d = 1mm = 1  10−3 m

0  r A 8.85  10−12  6  0.0201

Capacity of capacitor C = = = 1.068 × 10–9 F
d 1  10−3
Potential difference V = 150 volt
1 1
Energy stored U = CV 2 =  (1.068  10−9 )  (150)2 = 1.2 × 10–5 J
2 2
Force between plates of PPC
Force between two plates means force on a plate  –
F = Electric Field due to plate (1) × charge of plate (2) + –
   + –
Q Q2 2A
Here, F =  Q   = F= = + –
 2 0  A 2A0 20
+ –
(CV)2 A + –
Again F =  C = 0  A0 = Cd + –
2A 0 d
(1) (2)
C2V 2 CV 2 CV 2
F= =  F=
2 Cd 2d 2d
Pressure on each plate of a capacitor
2A F 2
As F= or P= =
2 0 A 2 0
This is known as electrostatic pressure.
* Electrostatic pressure always act perpendicular to surface and outwards.
Sharing of charges
When two charged conductors are connected by a conducting wire then charge flows from a conductor at
higher potential to that at lower potential. This flow of charge stops when the potential of both conductors
become equal.
Let the amounts of charges after the conductors are connected be Q1' and Q2' respectively and their
common potential be V then
+ + + +
+ + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + +
V1 V2 V V
+ + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + +
C1 Q1 C2 Q2 C1 C2

(Before connection) (After connection)

Common potential
According to the law of conservation of charge Q before connection = Q after connection
C1V1 + C2V2 = C1V + C2V
C V + C2V2
Common potential after connection V= 1 1
C1 + C2
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Charges after connection
 Q + Q   C1 
Q1' = C1V = C1  1 2  =  Q (Q = Total charge on the system)
 C1 + C2   C1 + C2 
 Q + Q   C2 
Q'2 = C2V = C2  1 2  =  Q
 C1 + C2   C1 + C2 
Q1' C R
Ratio of the charges after redistribution = 1 = 1 (in case of spherical conductors)
Q'2 C2 R 2
Energy stored in capacitor
Q2 CV 2 QV
Energy = = =
2C 2 2
Energy density : In PPC, potential energy stored in the form of electric field i.e. in the space between two
plates and volume of this space is (A × d).
1 2
CV
Energy 2
Energy density = =
volume Ad
A 0
Here, C = , V = Ed
d
1 A 0 (Ed)2
Energy density =
2 d Ad
1  1 2
 Energy density = 0E2 As, E = So, Energy density =
2 0 2 0
Charging of PPC by battery
When a capacitor is charged by a battery then battery charges it till than its potential difference becomes
equal to EMF of battery.
Whenever any capacitor (Initially charged or uncharged) connected to battery then its final voltage is
always equal to emf of battery.
1 + –
Final potential energy of capacitor = CV 2
2
C R
Work done by battery
W = Charge supplied by battery  EMF
W = qV
V
W = CV2
* Energy supplied by battery = CV2
From conservation of energy
Wby battery = U + Heat loss

Change in P.E.
1  1
CV 2 =  CV 2 − 0  + heat loss  Heat loss = CV 2
2  2

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Capacitor
Note :
(1) When uncharged capacitor is connected to battery then 50% of energy supply by battery is stored
in capacitor and remaining 50% will be lost.
(2) Energy loss does not depends on resistance of circuit.
1
Note: When initially capacitor is charged then heat loss is not equal to CV 2 , find heat loss by use of
2
following concept
Wby battery =  U + Heat loss
Illustration 15:
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. Find Heat loss.
Solution:
CV –CV –CV CV
Total charge flow Qf – Qi = (CV – (–CV)) = 2CV + – – +
W.D. by battery = (2CV)(V) = 2CV2
Heat loss = W.D. by battery – Energy stored in capacitor
1 3
= 2CV2 – CV2 = CV2
2 2
+ – – +
For Parallel Plate Capacitor V V
* If like plate are connected or nothing is given + –
Q1 +Q2 C1 V1 +C2V2
Vcm = =
C1 +C2 C1 +C2
+ –
* If unlike plate are connected
+ –
Q1 -Q2 C1V1 -C2V2
Vcm = =
C1 +C2 C1 +C2
– +
Heat loss
When two capacitors or two metallic spheres are connected without battery then to find heat loss use
following formula. + –
1 C1C2
Heat = ( V1 – V2 )2
2 (C1 +C2 )
+ –
* If unlike plates are connected together then
+ –
1 C1C2
Heat = ( V1 + V2 )2
2 (C1 +C2 )
– +
Illustration 16:
A capacitor having a capacitance of 200 F is charged to a potential difference of 20V. The charging battery
is disconnected and the capacitor is connected to another battery of emf 10V with the positive plate of the
capacitor joined with the positive terminal of the battery.
(a) Find the charges on the capacitor before and after the reconnection in steady state.
(b) Find the net charge flown through the 10 V battery
(c) Is work done by the battery or is it done on the battery? Find its magnitude.
(d) Find the decrease in electrostatic field energy.
(e) Find the heat developed during the flow of charge after reconnection.
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Solution:
(a) Charge on capacitor before connection

Q1 = CV1 = 4000 µC

Charge on capacitor after connection

Q2 = CV2 = 200 × 10 = 2000 µC

(b) Charge flown through the 10V battery = 4000 – 2000 = 2000 µC
(c) Work is done on the battery
W = qflow ( V ) = 2000  10−6  10
= 2  10−2 J
(d) The decrease in electrostatic field energy.
1 1 1 1
= Ui – Uf = CV12 – CV22 = × 200 × 10−6 × (20)2 – × 200 × 10−6 × (10)2 = 30 mJ
2 2 2 2
(e) W = U + H  – 20 mJ = – 30 mJ + H  [H = 10 mJ]

BEGINNER’S BOX-2
1. The plate separation in a parallel plate capacitor is d and plate area is A. If it is charged to V volts
then calculate the work done in increasing the plate separation to 2d.
2. 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'.
Q + Q 2 + Q3 Q + Q 2 + Q3
(A) 1 (B) 1 a b c d e f
2 3
Q − Q 2 + Q3 Q − Q 2 + Q3
(C) 1 (D) 1
3 2
3. A capacitor has a capacitance of 50 pF, which increases to 175 pF with a dielectric material
between its plates. What is the dielectric constant of the material?
4. A parallel plate capacitor has rectangular plates with dimensions 6.0 cm × 8.0 cm. If the plates
are separated by a sheet of teflon (K = 2.1) 1.5 mm thick, how much energy is stored in the
capacitor when it is connected to a 12 V battery?
5. The distance between the 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 them. The capacity of the resulting capacitor :–
(A) remains the same(B) becomes double (C) becomes half (D) becomes one fourth
6. The capacity and the energy stored in a parallel plate condenser with air between its plates are
respectively C0 and W0. If the air between the plates is replaced by glass (dielectric
constant = 5) find the capacitance of the condenser and the energy stored in it.
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. What minimum area of the plates is
required to have a capacitance of 88.5 pF?

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8. A capacitor of capacitance 10 F is connected to battery of emf 20 V. Without disconnecting the
source a dielectric (K = 4) is introduced to fill the space between the two plates of the capacitor.
Calculate the –
(a) charge before the dielectric was introduced. (b) charge after the dielectric is introduced.
9. An air capacitor of capacity C = 10 F is connected to a constant voltage battery of 10 V. Now
the space between the plates is filled with a liquid of dielectric constant 5. Calculate additional
charge which flows from the battery to the capacitor.
10. If the distance between the plates of a capacitor is d and potential difference is V then what is
the energy density between the plates?
11. 64 droplets of mercury each of radius r and carrying charge q, coalesce to form a big drop.
Compare the surface density of charge of each drop with that of the big drop.

Combination of Capacitors - Series and Parallel

Meaning of Equivalent Capacitor:
(a) Replacing the given capacitor network between two terminals by a single capacitor so that this
single capacitor produces the same electrical effect when connected between the same two
terminals instead of the original capacitors network.
(b) Capacitance of this single capacitor which can be used to replace the original capacitor network is
termed as equivalent capacitance of the given network.
C
Ceqeq
A
A B
B A
A B
B


V
V
V
Q
Ceq =
V
(c) Here same electrical effect refers to the charge flown through the battery or charge transferred
between the terminals plates of capacitors connected to battery. It could also be understood in
form of energy stored being same in two cases i.e. when original capacitor network is connected
and the one when original network is replaced by equivalent capacitance.

There Are Two Standard Combinations:

(1) Series Combination
(2) Parallel Combination
(1) Series Combination
When initially uncharged capacitors are connected as shown so that charges do not have any
alternative path(s) to flow then the combination is called series combination.
C1 C2 C3

A B

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Derivation:
To find equivalent capacitance of this combination lets connect a battery across its terminals.
Ceq

A B

≡
V

Q
Ceq =
V

Lets assume that initially, the capacitors were uncharged and after connecting to battery, Q charge flows
through the battery as shown in above figure.
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law
Q  Q  Q  1 1 1 1 n
V 1 1 1 1 1
−   −   −   + V = 0. ; = + +  = + + or in general =
 C1   C2   C3  Q C1 C2 C3 Ceq C1 C2 C3 Ceq n=1 Cn
Salient features of series combination
(a) All capacitors will have same charge but can have different
potential difference across them.
(b) We can say that potential difference across capacitor is inversely
1
proportional to its capacitance in series combination 
C
Q Q Q
V1 = , V2 = , V3 = ......
C1 C2 C3
1 1 1
V1 : V2 : V3 = : :
C1 C2 C3
(c)
In series combination the smallest capacitor gets maximum potential.
1 1 1
C1 C2 C3
V1 = V, V2 = V, V3 = V
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
+ + + .......... + + + .......... + + + ..........
(d) C1 C2 C3 C1 C2 C3 C1 C2 C3
Where V = V1 + V2 + V3
1 1 1 1
(e) In series : = + + + ..........
Ceq C1 C2 C3
In series combination equivalent capacitance is always less than the smallest capacitor of
combination.

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Q2 Q2 Q2 Q2
(f) Energy stored in the combination Ucombination = + + =
2C1 2C2 2C3 2Ceq

Q Q2
Energy supplied by the battery in charging the combination Ubattery = Q × V = Q. =
Ceq Ceq
Ucombination 1
=
Ubattery 2
Half of the energy supplied by the battery is stored in form of electrostatic energy and half of the
energy is converted into heat through resistance. (if capacitors are initially uncharged)
Illustration 17:
Three initially uncharged capacitors are connected in series as shown in circuit
with a battery of emf 30 V. Find out following:
(i) charge flow through the battery,
(ii) potential energy in 3F capacitor.
(iii) Utotal in capacitors
(iv) heat produced in the circuit
Solution:
1 1 1 1 3+2+1
= + + = =1
Ceq 2 3 6 6
Ceq = 1F.
(i) Q = Ceq V = 30 C.
Q2 30  30
(ii) Charge on 3F capacitor = 30 C ; Energy = = = 150J
2C 2 3
30  30
(iii) Utotal = J = 450 J
2
(iv) Heat produced = (30 C) (30) – 450 J = 450 J.

Parallel Combination
When one plate of each capacitors (more than one) is connected together and the other plate of each
capacitor is connected together, such combination is called parallel combination.
Derivation C1
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3
Q = C1V + C2V + C3V = V(C1 + C2 + C3) Q1 C2
V
Q 0
= C1 + C2 + C3 Q Q2
V C3
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 Q3
In general Ceq = ∑nn=1 Cn V 0
Q
Salient Features of Parallel Combination
(a) All capacitors have same potential difference but can have different charges.
(b) We can say that:
Q1 = C1V
Q1 = Charge on capacitor C1
C1 = Capacitance of capacitor C1
V = Potential across capacitor C1
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• Q1 : Q2 : Q3 = C1 : C2 : C3
The charge on the capacitor is proportional to its capacitance
QC
C1 C2 C3
Q1 = Q  Q2 = Q  Q3 = Q
C1 + C2 + C3 C1 + C2 + C3 C1 + C2 + C3
Where total charge = Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 ......
Maximum charge will flow through the capacitor of largest value.
• Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
Equivalent capacitance is always greater than the largest capacitor of combination.
• Energy stored in the combination :
1 1 1 1
Ucombination= C1 V 2 + C2 V 2 + . . . . = (C1 + C2 + C3 . . . . . )V 2 = CeqV2
2 2 2 2
Ubattery = QV = CeqV 2

Ucombination 1
=
Ubattery 2
Half of the energy supplied by the battery is stored in form of electrostatic energy and half of the energy is
converted into heat through resistance. (If all capacitors are initially uncharged)
Illustration 18:
Three initially uncharged capacitors are connected in a parallel combination to a battery of 10 V. Find out
following 
(i) charge flow from the battery
(ii) total energy stored in the capacitors 2
(iii) heat produced in the circuit
(iv) potential energy in the 3F capacitor. 
Solution:
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 F
(i) Q = (CeqV) = 6 × 10 = 60 C
1 V
(ii) Utotal =× 6 × 10 × 10 = 300 J
2
(iii) heat produced = 60 × 10 – 300 = 300 J
1
(iv) U3F = × 3 × 10 × 10 = 150 J
2
Mixed Combination:
The combination which contains mixing of series parallel combinations or other complex combinations fall
in mixed category. There are two types of mixed combinations
(i) Simple (ii) Complex.
Illustration 19:
In the given circuit find out charge on 6F and 1F capacitor.
1µF

2µF 6µF

30V
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Solution:
18 
3µF 
6µF
It can be simplified as Ceq = = 2F
9
charge flow through the battery = 30 × 2C
Q = 60C
Now charge on 3F = Charge on 6F= 60C
Potential difference across 3F = 60/ 3= 20V 30VV
 Charge on 1F = 20 C.
Illustration 20:
An infinite number of capacitors of capacitance C, 4C, 16C...  are connected in series then what will be
their resultant capacitance?
Solution:
Let the equivalent capacitance of the combination = Ceq
1 1 1 1  1 1 1
= + + + ....... = 1 + + + .......  (this is G.P. series)
Ceq C 4C 16C  4 16 C
a 1
 S = ; first term a = 1, common ratio r =
1−r 4
1 1 1 3
 =   Ceq = Ce
Ceq 1 − 1 C 4
4
Problems based on Combination of Capacitors
Combination of Parallel Plates:
Combinations of parallel plates can be grouped and equivalent capacitance can be found easily by
redrawing the circuit by connecting plates to common terminals. This has been illustrated by following
example.
a
Four parallel plates each of area A and plate separation d. These four A
c b
plates are forming three parallel plate capacitors, one between plates A B
d e
and B, one between plates B and C and another between plates C and D. C
g f
 A D
Capacitance of each of these capacitors is given as C = 0 . h
d
If plates A and C are connected as terminal X and plates B and D are connected as terminal Y. Then
calculation of equivalent capacitance across terminal X and Y can be done by following method.
x
y

Let us assume that we have connected a battery between terminal X and Y. This battery supplies equal and
opposite charges to terminal X and Y. For the detailed analysis let us say 1 and 2 are charge density on
faces b and e. Similarly 3 and 4 are charge density on faces f and a.
4
1
+ –1
–2
X 2 –
3
–3 Y
–4

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Now equal opposite charges will be there on opposite faces as shown in figure (as per Gauss Law). Also
electric field at any point inside conductor must be zero therefore 4 must be zero.
b c

C1
e d
X Y
C2
f g

C3

Vbc = Ved = Vfg

So all the capacitors are in parallel combination.
3A 0
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 =
d
Let us try to find out equivalent capacitance between A and B. (take each plate Area = A) in following case
by using the same above concept.
d
A B
d
d

Assuming a battery between terminals A and B the positive and negative charges on the plates will be as
shown in the figure fellow.
a
b –
+ c
e d
A B
f + g
–
h

Here charges on plates d and e is zero because there potential must be same so no electric field should be
there in between these faces, so charge on faces d and e must be zero.
c b
A B
C1

f g

C2
2A 0
These are only two capacitors Ceq = C1 + C2 =
d
Illustration 21:
Find out equivalent capacitance between A and B. (take each plate Area = A)
dd
A
A
dd
dd B
B

Solution:
00
11 ––
22 dd ++
A+
A+
++
dd ––
33 ++
dd –– –
44 00
B
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The modified circuit is C
C C
A
A
2C 2A 0
Ceq = = C
C B
B
3 3d C
C
Other method:
Let charge density as shown
Q 2 A 1
1
Ceq = = –x
–x
V V
2
2 +x
+x
xd 2xd 3xd A
A
V = V2 – V4 = (V2 – V3) + (V3 – V4) = + = +x
+x
0 0 0 3
3 –x
–x
+2x

2Ax 0 2A 0 2C +2x
Ceq = = = 4
4 –2x
3xd 3d 3 –2x
B
Illustration 22:
Find out equivalent capacitance between A and B.
Area A
Area A
–
dd
+
–
dd C
C
+
+ +
A +
dd
–
+
d –– ––
B

Solution:
A 0
Let C= C C
d C
A B
Equivalent circuit :
C C
1 1 2 5
= + = D
Ceq C 3C 3C
3C 3A 0
Ceq = =
5 5d
Illustration 23:
What is the effective capacitance between the points X and Y?

B
X D Y

B
Solution:
This is a balanced Wheatstone bridge, so BD can be removed. F F
6F and 6F are in series so equivalent capacitance = 3F X F
F
then 3F and 3F are in parallel so equivalent capacitance between X
and Y is 6F . F D F
equivalent circuit
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Illustration 24:
What is the equivalent capacitance of the combination?

C
C
C

Solution:
The capacitor shown as a vertical element is shorted, so it can be removed.
C

C
Illustration 25:
An infinite number of identical capacitors each of capacitance 1F are connected as in the adjoining figure.
Then the equivalent capacitance between A and B is:
Solution:
C = 1F
C C C C  1 1 1 
Ceq. = C + + + + + ........  C 1 + + + + ..... 
2 4 8 16  2 4 8  8 capacitors
It is Geometric progression sum of infinite terms 16 capacitors
a 1
S = Here a = first term = 1, r = common ratio =


A B B
1−r 2
 1 
=C = 2C = 2F
 1
1 −  
  2  
Illustration 26:
Two capacitances C1 and C2 in a circuit are joined as shown in figure. The potential of point A is V1 and that
of B is V2. The potential of point D will be: A D B
Solution:
Q = same  Q = C1VAD = C1(V1 –VD) and Q = C2VDB = C2 (VD – V2) V1 C1 C2 V2
C1(V1 – VD) = C2(VD – V2) ; C1V1 + C2V2 = (C1 + C2)VD
C V + C2 V2
VD = 1 1
C1 + C2

Dielectrics
• The insulators in which microscopic local displacement of charges takes place in presence of
electric field are known as dielectrics.
• Dielectrics are non-conductors upto certain value of field depending on its nature. If the field
exceeds this limiting value called dielectric strength they lose their insulating property and begin
to conduct.
• Dielectric strength is defined as the maximum value of electric field that a dielectric can tolerate
without breakdown. Unit is volt/metre. Dimensions M1 L1 T–3 A–1.
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Polar dielectrics

( )

• In absence of external field the centres of positive and negative charge do not coincide-due to
asymmetric shape of molecules.
• Each molecule has permanent dipole moment.
• The dipole are randomly oriented so average dipole moment per unit volume of polar dielectric in
absence of external field is nearly zero.
In presence of external field dipoles tends to align in direction of field.
Example: Water, Alcohol CO2, EC, NH3
HCl molecule H2O molecule

O––
H+
H+ H+

Cl –

Note: Dipole moment of polar molecules depends on temperature.

Non-polar dielectrics

• In absence of external field the centre of positive and negative charge coincides in these atoms or
molecules because they are symmetric.
• The dipole moment is zero in normal state.
• In presence of external field they acquire induced dipole moment.
Example: Nitrogen, Oxygen, Benzene, Methane

O– – C++++ O– – O– – C++++ O– – C++++

O– – O– –

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Note: Induced electric dipole moment of non-polar molecules is independent of temperature.

Polarisation: The alignment of dipole moments of permanent or induced dipoles in the direction applied
electric field is called polarisation.
• Polarisation vector 𝐏 ⃗
This is a vector quantity which describes the extent to which molecules of dielectric become
polarized by an electric field or oriented in direction of field.
⃗ = the dipole moment per unit volume of dielectric = np
P ⃗
where n is number of atoms per unit volume of dielectric and P is dipole moment of an atom or
molecule.
qib  qi 
P = np = = = i = induced surface charge density.
Ad  A 
Capacitors with Dielectric

(i) In absence of dielectric E =
0
(ii) When a dielectric fills the space between the plates then molecules having dipole moment align
themselves in the direction of electric field.
b = i induced (bound) charge density (called bound charge because it is not due to free electrons).
The induced charge also produce electric field.
Let E0, V0, C0 be electric field, potential difference and capacitance in absence of dielectric and E, V,
C are electric field, potential difference and capacitance respectively in presence of dielectric.

+Q0 E0 –Q
0

+ –
+ – + –
+ –
+ – –
+
+ –
+ – –
+
+ –
+ –
– +
+ –
+ –
– +
+ –
Ed
Electric field
inside dielectric
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V0  Q
Electric field in absence of dielectric E0 = = =
d 0 0 A
 − b Q − Q b V
Electric field in presence of dielectric E = E0 − Ei = = =
0 0 d
Q
Capacitance in absence of dielectric C0 =
V0
Q − Qb
Capacitance in presence of dielectric C =
V
E0 V0 C Q  
The dielectric constant or relative permittivity K or r = = = = = =
E V C0 Q − Q b  − b 0

Q  1   1
Form K =  Qb = Q  1 −  and K =  b =   1 − 
Q − Qb  K  − b  K
(iii) Capacitance in the presence of dielectric
A A AK 0 AK 0
C= = = =
V  d d
.d
K 0
Here capacitance is increased by a factor K.
AK 0
C= = C0K
d
Relation between polarisation and surface charge density of induced charge
Equivalent dipole moment of dielectric slab = qi × d
Electric polarization

( P ) = qiV d
A B
(V  volume of dielectric slab) εr 1 εr 2

qi  d q
P=  P = i = i P = i
Ad A d1 d2
It is clear that polarisation is equal to induced surface charge density.
Electric susceptibility  e ( )
Polarisation (P) of dielectrics is directly proportional to the electric field (E), i.e.,
PE
P = 0eE
Where, e  electric susceptibility (constant) For vacuum, e = 0
Dielectric strength
The maximum value of the electric field intensity that can be applied to the dielectric without its electric
breakdown.
Vbreak
Ebreak =
d
For air, Ebreak = 3 × 106 V/m

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Effects of Dielectrics in Capacitor
Distance and Area Division by Dielectric
(1) Distance Division
(a) Distance is divided and area remains same C1 C2
(b) Capacitors are in series
(c) Individual capacitances are
0r1 A 0r2 A
C1 = C2 = A
εr 1 εr 2
B
d1 d2
These two are in series
1 1 1 1 d1 d2
= +  = +
C C1 C2 C 0r1 A 0r2 A
d1 d2
1 1  d1r2 + d2r1   r r  d
 =    C = 0 A  1 2

C 0 A  r1 r2   d1r2 + d2r1 
d 0 A  2r1 r2 
Special case: If d1 = d2 =  C =  
2 d  r1 + r2 
(2) Area Division
(a) Area is divided and distance remains same.
(b) Capacitors are in parallel.
(c) Individual capacitances are
0r1 A1 0r2 A2 C1 εr 1
C1 = C2 =
d d
These two are in parallel so, A1
A B
C = C1 + C2
0r1 A1 0 r2 A2
C= + εr 2
d d C2
A
Special case : If A1 = A2 = A2
2
 A  r + r2  d
Then, C = 0  1 
d  2 
Illustration 27:
Find out capacitance between A and B if three dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K1 of area A and
thickness d1, K2 of area A and thickness d2 and K3 of area A and thickness d3 are inserted between the plates
of series plate capacitor of plate area A as shown in figure. (Given distance between the two plates d).
d1 d3

𝐾1 𝐾2 𝐾3

d2
Solution:
1 1 1 1  0 AK1  AK  AK  A B
= + +  C1 = ; C 2 = 0 2 ;C 3 = 0 3  C1 C2 C3
C AB C1 C2 C3  d1 d2 d3 
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Illustration 28:
Find out capacitance between A and B if three dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K1 of area A1 and thickness
d, K2 of area A2 and thickness d1 and K3 of area A2 and thickness d2 are inserted between the plates of parallel
plate capacitor of plate area A as shown in figure. (Given distance between the two plates d).
A

K3 K3

K1 K2

Solution:
A A A A
K1 0 K2 0 K3 0 K3 0 A
C1 = 2 C2 = 2 C3 = 2 C4 = 2
d d d d
C3 C4
2 2 2 2
C1  C3 C2  C4 C1 C2
Ceq = +
C1 + C3 C2 + C4
B

Illustration 29:
A
Find out capacitance between A and B if three dielectric slabs of dielectric
constant K1 of area A1 and thickness d, K2 of area A2 and thickness d1 and A1 A2

K3 of area A2 and thickness d2 are inserted between the plates of parallel d1

plate capacitor of plate area A as shown in figure. (Given distance between
K1
the two plates d = d1+d2).
K3
d2
Solution:
C2C3
It is equivalent to C = C1 +
C2 + C3 B

A2K 2 0 A2K3 0 A
.
A K  d1 d2
C= 1 1 0 +
d1 + d2 A K 
2 2 0 A K  C2
+ 2 3 0 C1
d1 d2
C3
A1K1 0 A22K2K3 02 AK  AKK 
= + = 1 1 0+ 2 2 3 0 B
d1 + d2 A2K2 0 d2 + A2K3 0 d1 d1 + d2 K2d2 + k3d1

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Illustration 30: A
Find out capacitance between A and B if two dielectric slabs of dielectric
constant K1 and K2 of thickness 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.

Solution:
A d1 d2  d d  B
C= ; V = E1d1 + E2d2 = + =  1+ 2
V K1 0 K2 0 0  k1 k2  A

A 0 1 d1 d2 K 10 A
C=  = + C1 =
d1 d2 C AK1 0 AK 2 0 d1
+
K1 K 2 K 20 A
 C2 =
d2
This formula suggests that the system between A and B can be considered as series
combination of two capacitors. B

BEGINNER’S BOX-3
1. Find the equivalent capacitance of the combination of capacitors between the points A and B as
shown in figure. Also calculate the total charge that flows in the circuit when a 100 V battery is
connected between the points A and B
40µF 60µF
A
C1 C2
60µF

C3

10µF 10µF C4 60µF

C6 C5
B
2. Three capacitors each of capacitance 9 pF are connected in series.
(a) What is the total capacitance of the combination?
(b) What is the potential difference across each capacitor if the combination is connected to
a 120 V supply?
3. Two capacitors of capacity C1 and C2 are connected as shown in figure.
2 F + 3F
+ – C2
C1 – 400V
200V

Now the switch is closed. Calculate the charge on each capacitor.

4. Two dielectric slabs of dielectric constants K1 and K2 have been inserted in K1 d/2
between the plates of a capacitor as shown below. What will be the d
K2 d/2
capacitance of the capacitor inserted?
(Plate area = A)
5. Five identical plates each of area A are joined as shown in the
figure. The distance between successive plates is d. The plates +
are connected to potential difference of V volt. Find the charges 1 2 3 4 5 V
–
of plates 1 and 4.

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6. Four plates of the same area A are joined as shown in the figure. The
distance between successive plates is d. Find the equivalent capacity P Q
across PQ will be.

7. Two identical capacitors each of capacity C are charged upto same potential V. Now their
oppositely charged plates are connected together then calculate the –
(a) energy of each capacitor before connection.
(b) potential of each capacitor after connection.
(c) charge of each capacitor after connection.
(d) energy stored in each capacitor after connection.
(e) energy loss in the form of heat.

RC Circuits
An electric circuit consisting of resistor(s) and capacitor(s) only is known as RC circuit.
Charging of a capacitor/condenser:
(i) In the following circuit, if key is closed then the condenser gets charged. Finite time is taken in the
charging process. R
The quantity of charge at any instant of time t is given by q = q0[1 – e–(t/RC)]
E C
Where q0 = maximum/final value of charge = value of charge at t = 
According to the above equation, the quantity of charge on the condenser
increases exponentially with increase in time.
(ii) If t = RC =  then
 1
q = q0 [1 – e–(RC/RC)] = q0 1 − 
 e
 q = q0 (1 – 0.37) = 0.63 q0 = 63% of q0
(iii) Time t = RC is known as time constant.
i.e. the time constant is that time during which the charge rises on the condenser plate to 63% of
its maximum value.
(iv) The potential difference across the condenser plate at any instant of time is given by
VC = V0[1 – e–(t/RC)]
Where V0 = maximum/final value of potential difference across the condenser plate = value of
potential difference across the condenser plate at t = 
(v) The potential curve is also similar to that of charge. During charging process an electric current
flows in the circuit for a small interval of time which is known as the transient current. The value
of this current at any instant of time is given by
 = 0[e–(t/RC)]
Where I0 = maximum/initial value of current in the circuit = value of current in the circuit at t = 
(vi) If t = RC =  = Time constant
Ι0
 = 0e(–RC/RC) = = 0.37 0
e
= 37% of 0
i.e. time constant is that time during which current in the circuit falls to 37% of its maximum value.
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Derivation of formulae for charging of capacitor
It is given that initially capacitor is uncharged. Let at any time charge on capacitor is q.
R i R
+q
E C E C
–q

At t = 0 At any time t
Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law at time t
q
E – iR – C = 0
EC−q EC−q
iR =  i=
C RC q
dq EC−q  dq 
=  i= q0
dt RC  dt 
RC 0.37q0
dq = dt
EC−q
q dq t dt O t=RC t
O EC − q = O RC
t
– ln (EC – q) + ln EC =
RC
EC t i
ln =
EC−q RC
C – q = Ce–t/RC
q = EC ( – e–t/RC )
O t = RC t
q = EC ( –e –t/ 
) here  = RC is known as time constant.
After one time constant i.e. at t =  VC
 1
q = C  1 −  E
 e
= C (1 – 0.37) = 0.63 C 0.37E
Current at any time t
O t=RC t
dq 1
i= = EC [−e−t/RC (− )]
dt RC
E − t /RC VR
i= e
R E
Potential difference across condenser plates at any time t
q 0.37E
VC = = E (1 − e− t /RC )
C O t = RC t
Potential difference across resistor at any time t
VR = iR = Ee− t/RC
Heat dissipated
From energy conservation,
Heat dissipated = work done by battery – Ucapacitor
1 1
= CE(E) – ( CE2 – 0) = CE2
2 2
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Alternatively:
∞
Heat dissipated, H = ∫0 i2 Rdt
2t ∞ ∞
−
∞ E2 − 2t E2 ∞ −2t/RC E2 e RC E2 RC − 2t 1
= ∫0 R2 e RC R dt = ∫ e
R 0
dt = [
R −2/RC
] = – 2R
[e RC ] = 2 E2 C
0 0
Note:
VC

E
1

0.37E 2

O t
In the figure time constant of (2) is more than (1).
Illustration 31:
Find out current in the circuit and charge on capacitor which is initially uncharged in the following
situations. 2
(a) Just after the switch is closed.
(b) A long time after the switch was closed. 10V 3F
Solution:
(a) Here t = 0 [Just after the switch of closed]
E E 10
i = e− t /RC = = = 5A
R R 2
q = C(1 – e–t/RC) = 0
(b) Here t =  (A long time after the switch was closed)
E − t /RC
i=
e =0
R
q = C(1 – e–t/RC) = EC = 10 × 3 = 30 C
Discharging of a condenser
(i) In the circuit shown below, if key is closed then the condenser gets discharged by the time.

R C (Initial charge on capacitor = q0)

(ii) The quantity of charge on the condenser at any instant of time t is given by q = q0 e–(t/RC)
Where q0 = maximum/initial value of charge = value of charge at t = 
According to the above equation, the quantity of charge on the condenser decreases exponentially
with increase in time.
q0
(iii) If t = RC =  = time constant, then q = = 0.37q0 = 37% of q0
e
i.e., the time constant is that time during which the charge on condenser plates in discharge process,
falls to 37% of initial charge.
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1
(iv) The dimensions of RC are those of time i.e. M0L0T1 and the dimensions of are those of frequency
RC
i.e. M0L0T–1.
(v) The potential difference across the condenser plates at any instant of time t is given by V = V0e–(t/RC)
Where V0 = maximum/initial value of potential difference across the condenser plate = value of
potential difference across the condenser plate at t = 
(vi) The transient current at any instant of time is given by I = I0e–(t/RC)
Where I0 = maximum/initial value of current in the circuit = value of current in the circuit at t = 

Derivation of equation of discharging circuit

i

+q0 +q
R C R C
–q0 –q

At time t = 0 At any time t

Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law at any time t
𝑞 q
+ − 𝑖𝑅 = 0
𝐶 q0
q
 i=
RC 0.37q0
dq q dq
 − = ( current is decreasing  i = − ) O t=RC t
dt RC dt
q −dq t dt
 q0 q
=
O RC
i

𝑞 t
 –ln = +
𝑞0 RC

 q = q0e− t/RC O t = RC t

dq q
Current at any time, i = − i = 0 e− t/RC
dt RC VC

q q0 − t/RC
Potential difference across the condenser at any time, VC = = e
C C

q0 − t/RC O
Potential difference across the resistor at any time, VR = iR = e t = RC t
C
VR

O t = RC t

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Illustration 32:
A capacitor of capacitance 1F is connected in a closed series circuit with a resistance of 107 ohms, an open
key and a cell of 2 V with negligible internal resistance:
(i) When the key is switched on at time t = 0, find;
(a) The time constant for the circuit.
(b) The charge on the capacitor at steady state.
(ii) If after completely charging the capacitor, the cell is shorted by zero resistance at time t = 0, find
the charge on the capacitor at t = 50 s. (Given: e–5 = 6.73 × 10–3, ln2 = 0.693)
Solution:
(i) (a) Time constant  = RC = 107 × 1 × 10–6 = 10 sec. (b) q0 = CV = 1 × 10–6 × 2 = 2 C
(ii) q = q0e–t/RC = 2 × 10–6 e–50/10 = 2 × 10–6 e–5 = 1.348 × 10–8 C.

BEGINNER’S BOX-4
1. Figure shows, the graph of the current in a discharging circuit of a i(A)
capacitor through a resistor of resistance 10  : 10
(i) Find the initial potential difference across the capacitor. 5
(ii) Find the capacitance of the capacitor. 1 t(s)
(iii) Find the total heat produced in the circuit.
(iv) Find the time constant of the circuit.
2. The diagram shows two capacitors with capacitance and breakdown voltages as mentioned.
What should be the maximum value of the external emf source such that no capacitor undergoes
breaks down?
3C;1kV 2C;2kV


(A) 2.5 kV (B) 10/3 kV (C) 3 kV (D) 1 kV
3. The distance between plates of a parallel plate capacitor is 5d. The positively charged plate is at
x = 0 and negatively charged plates is at x = 5d. Two slabs – one of conductor and the other of a
dielectric, both of same thickness d are inserted between the plates as shown in figure. Potential
(V) versus distance x graph will be
+q –q
C D
O I
N E
D L
U E
C C
T T
O R
R I
C

O d 2d 3d 4d 5d
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V V

(A) (B)

x x
O d 2d 3d 4d 5d O d 2d 3d 4d 5d
V
V

(C) (D)

x
x O d 2d 3d 4d 5d
O d 2d 3d 4d 5d
4. A 400 µF condenser is charged at the steady rate of 100 µC per second. Calculate the time
required to establish a potential difference of 100 volts between its plates.
5. For the circuit shown in figure, find

E R1 R2
C
(a) the initial currents through each resistor after the switch is closed.
(b) steady state currents through each resistor after the switch is closed.
(c) final energy stored in the capacitor after the switch is closed.
(d) time constant of the circuit when switch is opened.
(e) time constant of the circuit when switch is closed.
6. A condenser of capacitance 2 F has been charged to 200 V. It is now discharged through a
resistance; the heat produced in the wire is ........

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BEGINNER’S BOX ANSWERS KEY

BEGINNER'S BOX-1
1 Q2
1. Zero 2. Zero, 3. 4W 4. 2 times
2 C
5. 3m 6. 3.2 × 10–4 F 7. CA > CB 8. 0.09 C, 135 J

C2
9.
C1

BEGINNER'S BOX-2
0 AV 2
1. 2. A 3. 3.5 4. 4.3 × 10–9 J
2d
5. B 6. 5C0, W0/5 7. 10–3 m2 8. 200 µC; 800 µC

1 V2
9. 400 C 10. 0 11. Big = 4Small
2 d2

BEGINNER'S BOX-3
1. 20 F ; 2 × 10–3 C 2. (a) 3 pF; (b) 40 V

20 A  K1K2 
3. 640 µC ; 960 µC 4.  
d  K1 + K 2 

−0 AV 20 AV 30 A

5. , 6.
d d d
1 2
7. (a) CV (b) Zero; (c) Zero & Zero; (d) Zero & Zero; (e) CV2
2
BEGINNER'S BOX-4
1 500 1
1. (i) 100 volts ; (ii) F; (iii) joules; (iv) seconds
10 n2 n2 n2
2. (A) 3. (B) 4. 400 s
E E E 1
5. (a) i1 = and i2 = ; (b) i1 = , i2 = 0; (c) U = CE2 ; (d) C(R1+R2) ; (e)  = R2C
R1 R2 R1 2

6. 0.04 J

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