15

P-254 Physics

Electrostatic Potential
and Capacitance

Numerical
Q.1 The electric field in an electromagnetic wave is given by E = (50 NC−1)
sinω (t − x/c)
The energy contained in a cylinder of volume V is 5.5 × 10−12 J. The value of V is
_____________ cm3. (given ∈∈0 = 8.8 ×× 10−12C2N−1m−2)
31st Aug Morning Shift 2021

Q.2 Consider an electrical circuit containing a two way switch 'S'. Initially S is open
and then T1 is connected to T2. As the current in R = 6Ω attains a maximum value of
steady state level, T1 is disconnected from T2 and immediately connected to T3.
Potential drop across r = 3Ω resistor immediately after T1 is connected to T3 is
__________ V. (Round off to the Nearest Integer)

27th July Morning Shift 2021

Q.3 A particle of mass 1 mg and charge q is lying at the mid-point of two stationary
particles kept at a distance '2 m' when each is carrying same charge 'q'. If the free
charged particle is displaced from its equilibrium position through distance 'x' (x < <
1 m). The particle executes SHM. Its angular frequency of oscillation will be
____________ × 105 rad/s if q2 = 10 C2.
25th July Morning Shift 2021

Q.4 A body having specific charge 8 μC/g is resting on a frictionless plane at a

distance 10 cm from the wall (as shown in the figure). It starts moving towards the
wall when a uniform electric field of 100 V/m is applied horizontally towards the
wall. If the collision of the body with the wall is perfectly elastic, then the time
period of the motion will be _______________ s.

20th July Morning Shift 2021

Q.5 An infinite number of point charges, each carrying 1 μC charge, are placed along
the y-axis at y = 1 m, 2 m, 4 m, 8 m ...............
The total force on a 1C point charge, placed at the origin, is x × 103 N.

18th Mar Evening Shift 2021

Q.6 27 similar drops of mercury are maintained at 10V each. All these spherical
drops combine into a single big drop. The potential energy of the bigger drop is
__________ times that of a smaller drop.
26th Feb Evening Shift 2021

Q.7 Two small spheres each of mass 10 mg are suspended from a point by threads
0.5 m long. They are equally charged and repel each other to a distance of 0.20 m.
 𝑎
The charge on each of the sphere is
21

25th Feb Evening Shift 2021

Q.8 In the given circuit of potentiometer, the potential difference E across AB (10 m
length) is larger than E1 and E2 as well. For key K1 (closed), the jockey is adjusted to
touch the wire at point J1 so that there is no deflection in the galvanometer. Now the
first battery (E1) is replaced by second battery (E2) for working by making K1 open
and K2 closed. The galvanometer gives then null deflection at J2. The value of

where a = _________.

Numerical Answer Key

1. Ans. (500)
2. Ans. (3)
3. Ans. (6)
4. Ans. (1)
5. Ans. (12)
6. Ans. (243)
7. Ans. (20)
8. Ans. (1)
 Numerical Explanation

Ans 1.

= .0005 × 106 (c.m)3

= 500 (c.m)3
Ans 2. What T1 and T2 are connected, then the steady state current in the

inductor
When T1 and T3 are connected then current through inductor remains same. So
potential difference across 3Ω
V = Ir = 1 ×× 3 = 3 Volt
Ans 3.
Net force on free charged particle

So, angular frequency

Ans 4. Given,

s = 10 cm = 0.1 m ⇒ E = 100 V/m

As per question, when electric field is switched on, the body strikes to the wall and
then returns back.
For one oscillation,

Therefore, if the collision of the body is perfectly elastic, the time period of motion
will be 1s.
Ans 5.
Ans 6.

R = 3r
Potential energy of smaller drop :

Potential energy of bigger drop

Ans 7.

after comparison from the given equation a = 20

Ans 8. Length of AB = 10 m
For battery E1, balancing length is l1
l1 = 380 cm [from end A]
For battery E2, balancing length is l2
l2 = 760 cm [from end A]

MCQ (Single Correct Answer)

Q.1 Two particles A and B having charges 20μμC and −−5μμC respectively are held
fixed with a separation of 5 cm. At what position a third charged particle should be
placed so that it does not experience a net electric force?

31st Aug Morning Shift 2021

Q.2 For full scale deflection of total 50 divisions, 50 mV voltage is required in

galvanometer. The resistance of galvanometer if its current sensitivity is 2 div/mA
will be :
27th Aug Evening Shift 2021

Q.3 The Colour coding on a carbon resistor is shown in the given figure. The
resistance value of the given resistor is:

27th Aug Evening Shift 2021

Q.4 If you are provided a set of resistances 2Ω, 4Ω, 6Ω and 8Ω. Connect these
46
resistances so as to obtain an equivalent resistance of Ω
3
26th Aug Evening Shift 2021

Q.5 A solid metal sphere of radius R having charge q is enclosed inside the
concentric spherical shell of inner radius a and outer radius b as shown in the figure.

The approximate variation electric field as a function of distance r from centre O

is given by
26th Aug Morning Shift 2021

Q.6 The resistance of a conductor at 15∘C is 16Ω and at 100∘C is 20Ω. What will be
the temperature coefficient of resistance of the conductor?
27th July Evening Shift 2021

Q.7 What will be the magnitude of electric field at point O as shown in the figure?
Each side of the figure is l and perpendicular to each other?

27th July Evening Shift 2021

Q.8 Two identical tennis balls each having mass 'm' and charge 'q' are suspended
from a fixed point by threads of length 'l'. What is the equilibrium separation when
each thread makes a small angle 'θ' with the vertical?
27th July Morning Shift 2021

Q.9 In the given potentiometer circuit arrangement, the balancing length AC is

measured to be 250 cm. When the galvanometer connection is shifted from point (1)
to point (2) in the given diagram, the balancing length becomes 400 cm. The ratio of

the emf of two cells is :

25th July Evening Shift 2021

Q.10 An electric dipole is placed on x-axis in proximity to a line charge of linear

charge density 3.0 ×× 10−6 C/m. Line charge is placed on z-axis and positive and
negative charge of dipole is at a distance of 10 mm and 12 mm from the origin
respectively. If total force of 4N is exerted on the dipole, find out the amount of
positive or negative charge of the dipole.
22th July Evening Shift 2021

Q.11 A Copper (Cu) rod of length 25 cm and cross-sectional area 3 mm2 is joined
with a similar Aluminium (Al) rod as shown in figure. Find the resistance of the
combination between the ends A and B.
(Take Resistivity of Copper = 1.7 × 10−8 Ωm and Resistivity of Aluminium =
2.6 × 10−−8 Ωm)

22th July Evening Shift 2021

Q.12 A certain charge Q is divided into two parts q and (Q − q). How should the
charges Q and q be divided so that q and (Q − q) placed at a certain distance apart
experience maximum electrostatic repulsion?

20th July Morning Shift 2021

Q.13 A current of 5 A is passing through a non-linear magnesium wire of cross-
section 0.04 m2. At every point the direction of current density is at an angle of
60∘ with the unit vector of area of cross-section. The magnitude of electric field at
every point of the conductor is:
(Resistivity of magnesium ρ = 44 × 10−8 Ωm)

20th July Morning Shift 2021

Q.14 An oil drop of radius 2 mm with a density 3g cm−3 is held stationary under a
constant electric field 3.55 × 105 V m−1 in the Millikan's oil drop experiment. What is
the number of excess electrons that the oil drop will possess? (consider g = 9.81
m/s2)

18th Mar Morning Shift 2021

Q.15 A current of 10A exists in a wire of cross-sectional area of 5 mm2 with a drift
velocity of 2 × 10−3 ms−1. The number of free electrons in each cubic meter of the
wire is ___________.
17th Mar Morning Shift 2021

Q.16 Find out the surface charge density at the intersection of point x = 3 m plane
and x-axis, in the region of uniform line charge of 8 nC/m lying along the z-axis in
free space.

16th Mar Evening Shift 2021

Q.17 A conducting wire of length 'l', area of cross-section A and electric

resistivity ρρ is connected between the terminals of a battery. A potential difference
V is developed between its ends, causing an electric current.
If the length of the wire of the same material is doubled and the area of cross-section
is halved, the resultant current would be:
16th Mar Morning Shift 2021

Q.18 Two electrons each are fixed at a distance '2d'. A third charge proton placed at
the midpoint is displaced slightly by a distance x (x << d) perpendicular to the line
joining the two fixed charges. Proton will execute simple harmonic motion having
angular frequency: (m = mass of charged particle)

24th Feb Evening Shift 2021

Q.19 A cube of side 'a' has point charges +Q located at each of its vertices except at
the origin where the charge is −Q. The electric field at the centre of cube is :
24th Feb Morning Shift 2021

MCQ Answer Key

1. Ans. (b) 10. Ans. (d) 19. Ans. (d)

2. Ans. (d) 11. Ans. (c)
3. Ans. (d) 12. Ans. (a)
4. Ans. (d) 13. Ans. (a)
5. Ans. (a) 14. Ans. (b)
6. Ans. (c) 15. Ans. (a)
7. Ans. (b) 16. Ans. (a)
8. Ans. (b) 17. Ans. (c)
9. Ans. (a) 18. Ans. (b)
 MCQ Explanation

Ans 1. Null point is possible only right side of −5 μC

x = 5 cm
Ans 2.

Ans 3.

Ans 4.

Ans 5. Considering outer spherical shell is non-conducting.

Electric field inside a metal sphere is zero.
r<R⇒E=0
Option (b)

r < R, E = 0
R≤r<a

a≤ r < b,
E=0
r ≥ b,

Ans 6.
Assuming T0 = 0∘C, as a general convention.

Ans 7.

Ans 8.
Ans 9.

Ans 10.
Ans 11.

Ans 12. Let's say the charge q and (Q − q) are at r distance from each other. This can
be shown as

According to Coulomb's law, force between both the parts can be given as

Ans 13. Given, current, I = 5A

Area of cross-section of wire, A = 0.04 m2
where, J = current density.

⇒ J = 250 Am−2
The relation between electric field, current density and resistivity can be given as,
E=ρ.J

Ans 14.
Ans 15.

Ans 16.

Ans 17. We know that

Now, new length : l′ =2l
new area of cross section : A′= A/2

Ans 18. The arrangement of charges is shown below

As we know that,
Coulomb's force between two charges. i.e., q1 and q2,

Since, in order to have SHM +q should move downwards and force responsible for
this will be only
Using Eqs. (ii) and (iii), we get

Ans 19. We can replace − Q charge at origin by + Q and − 2Q. Now, due to + Q charge
at every corner of cube, electric field at centre of cube is zero. So, net electric field at
centre is only due to − 2Q charge at origin. Vector form of electric field strength,
 16
4. A charge Q is distributed over two concentric conducting
Electrostatic Potential and thin spherical shells radii r and R (R > r). If the surface
TOPIC 1 charge densities on the two shells are equal, the electric
Equipotential Surfaces potential at the common centre is : [Sep. 02, 2020 (II)]
1. Ten charges are placed on the circumference of a circle of
radius R with constant angular separation between r
successive charges. Alternate charges 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 have R
charge (+q) each, while 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 have charge (–q)
each. The potential V and the electric field E at the centre 1 (R + r ) 1 (2 R + r )
(a) Q (b) Q
of the circle are respectively : 4pe 0 2( R 2 + r 2 ) 4 pe0 ( R 2 + r 2 )
(Take V = 0 at infinity) [Sep. 05, 2020 (II)] 1 ( R + 2 r )Q 1 (R + r )
(c) (d) Q
10q 4pe 0 2( R + r )
2 2 4pe0 ( R 2 + r 2 )
(a) V = ;E=0
4pe 0 R ur
5. A point dipole = p – po $x kept at the origin. The potential
10 q
(b) V = 0; E = and electric field due to this dipole on the y-axis at a
4pe 0 R 2 distance d are, respectively : (Take V = 0 at infinity)
(c) V = 0; E = 0
[12 April 2019 I]
10 q 10 q ur ur ur
(d) V = ;E= p p -p
4 pe0 R 4 pe 0 R 2 (a) , (b) 0,
4pe 0 d 2 4pe 0 d 3 4pe 0 d 3
2 ur ur
2. Two isolated conducting spheres S1 and S2 of radius R p p -p
3 (c) 0, (d) ,
3
1 4pe 0 d 4pe 0 d 4pe 0 d 3
2
and R have 12 mC and –3 mC charges, respectively, and
3 6. A uniformly charged ring of radius 3a and total charge q
are at a large distance from each other. They are now is placed in xy-plane centred at origin. A point charge q is
connected by a conducting wire. A long time after this is moving towards the ring along the z-axis and has speed v
done the charges on S1 and S2 are respectively : at z = 4a. The minimum value of v such that it crosses the
origin is : [10 April 2019 I]
[Sep. 03, 2020 (I)] 1/2 1/2
(a) 4.5 mC on both (b) +4.5 mC and –4.5 mC 2 æ 4 q2 ö 2 æ 1 q2 ö ur
(a) ç ÷ (b) ç ÷
(c) 3 mC and 6 mC (d) 6 mC and 3 mC m è 15 4pe0a ø m è 5 4pe0a ø
3. Concentric metallic hollow spheres of radii R and 4R hold 1/2 1/2
charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. Given that surface charge 2 æ 2 q2 ö 2 æ 1 q2 ö
(c) ç ÷ (d) ç ÷
densities of the concentric spheres are equal, the potential m è 15 4pe0a ø m è 15 4pe0a ø
difference V(R) – V(4R) is : [Sep. 03, 2020 (II)] 7. A solid conducting sphere, having a charge Q, is
surrounded by an uncharged conducting hollow spherical
3Q1 3Q2 shell. Let the potential difference between the surface of
(a) (b)
16pe 0 R 4pe0 R the solid sphere and that of the outer surface of the hollow
shell be V. If the shell is now given a charge of – 4 Q, the
Q2 3Q1 new potential difference between the same two surfaces
(c) (d) is : [8 April 2019 I]
4pe0 R 4pe0 R
(a) – 2V (b) 2 V (c) 4 V (d) V
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-255

r
8. The electric field in a region is given by E = ( Ax + B ) iˆ , s é a2 - b2 ù s é a 2 - b2 ù
where E is in NC–1 and x is in metres. The values of (a) Î ê a +c ú (b) Î ê b +cú
0 êë ûú 0 êë ûú
constants are A = 20 SI unit and B = 10 SI unit. If the
potential at x = 1 is V1 and that at x = –5 is V2, then
s é b2 - c2 ù s é b 2 - c2 ù
V1 – V2 is : [8 Jan. 2019 II] (c) Î ê b +a ú (d) Î ê c +a ú
(a) 320 V (b) – 48V (c) 180 V (d) – 520 V 0 ëê ûú 0 ëê ûú
9. The given graph shows variation (with distance r from centre ) 14. There is a uniform electrostatic field in a region. The
of : [11 Jan. 2019 I] potential at various points on a small sphere centred at P,
in the region, is found to vary between in the limits 589.0 V
to 589.8 V. What is the potential at a point on the sphere
rO
whose radius vector makes an angle of 60° with the direction
of the field ? [Online April 8, 2017]
(a) 589.5 V (b) 589.2 V (c) 589.4 V (d) 589.6 V
r 15. Within a spherical charge distribution of charge density
rO
r(r), N equipotential surfaces of potential V0, V0 + DV, V0
(a) Electric field of a uniformly charged sphere
+ 2DV, .........V0 + NDV (DV > 0), are drawn and have
(b) Potential of a uniformly charged spherical shell increasing radii r0, r1, r2,......... rN, respectively. If the
(c) Potential of a uniformly charged sphere difference in the radii of the surfaces is constant for all
(d) Electric field of a uniformly charged spherical shell values of V0 and DV then : [Online April 10, 2016]
10. A charge Q is distributed over three concentric spherical 1
shells of radii a, b, c (a < b < c) such that their surface (a) r(r) = constant (b) r(r) µ 2
charge densities are equal to one another. r
The total potential at a point at distance r from their 1
(c) r(r) µ (d) r(r) µ r
common centre, where r < a, would be: r
[10 Jan. 2019 I] 16. The potential (in volts) of a charge distribution is given by
Q ab + bc + ca Q (a 2 + b 2 + c 2 ) V(z) = 30 – 5z2 for |z| £ 1m
(a) 12pÎ (b) V(z) = 35 – 10 |z| for |z| ³ 1 m.
0 abc 4pÎ0 (a 3 + b 3 + c3 ) V(z) does not depend on x and y. If this potential is
Q Q (a + b + c) generated by a constant charge per unit volume r0 (in
(c) 4pÎ (a + b + c) (d) 4pÎ (a 2 + b 2 + c2 ) units of e0) which is spread over a certain region, then
0 0
11. Two electric dipoles, A, B with respective dipole choose the correct statement. [Online April 9, 2016]
r r (a) r0 = 20 e0 in the entire region
moments d A = – 4 qa iˆ and d B = – 2 qa iˆ are placed on
(b) r0 = 10 e0 for |z| £ 1 m and p0 = 0 elsewhere
the x-axis with a separation R, as shown in the figure (c) r0 = 20 e0 for |z| £ 1 m and p0 = 0 elsewhere
(d) r0 = 40 e0 in the entire region
17. A uniformly charged solid sphere of radius R has potential
V0 (measured with respect to ¥) on its surface. For this
The distance from A at which both of them produce the sphere the equipotential surfaces with potentials
same potential is: [10 Jan. 2019 I] 3V0 5V0 3V0 V0
R , , and have radius R1, R2, R3 and R4
2R 2 4 4 4
(a) 2 + 1 (b) respectively. Then [2015]
2 +1
(a) R1 = 0 and R2 < (R4 – R3)
R 2R (b) 2R = R4
(c) 2 -1
(d)
2 -1 (c) R1 = 0 and R2 > (R4 – R3)
12. Consider two charged metallic spheres S1 and S2 of radii (d) R1 ¹ 0 and (R2 – R1) > (R4 – R3)
r
R1 and R2, respectively. The electric fields E1 (on S1) and 18. An electric field E = (25i$ + 30j)NC
$ -1 exists in a region of
E2 (on S2) on their surfaces are such that E1/E2 = R1/R2.
Then the ratio V1(on S1)/V2(on S2) of the electrostatic space. If the potential at the origin is taken to be zero
potentials on each sphere is: [8 Jan. 2019 II] then the potential at x = 2 m, y = 2 m is :
(a) R1/R 2 (b) (R1/R2)2 [Online April 11, 2015]
(a) –110 J (b) –140 J (c) –120 J (d) –130 J
3 r
æR ö 19. Assume that an electric field E = 30x 2 ˆi exists in space.
(c) (R2/R1) (d) ç 1 ÷
è R2 ø Then the potential difference VA - VO , where VO is the
13. Three concentric metal shells A, B and C of respective potential at the origin and VA the potential at x = 2 m is:
radii a, b and c (a < b < c) have surface charge densities (a) 120 J/C (b) –120 J/C [2014]
+s, –s and +s respectively. The potential of shell B is: (c) –80 J/C (d) 80 J/C
[2018]
P-256 Physics

20. Consider a finite insulated, uncharged conductor placed 26. An electric charge 10–3 m C is placed at the origin (0, 0) of
near a finite positively charged conductor. The uncharged X – Y co-ordinate system. Two points A and B are situated
body must have a potential : [Online April 23, 2013] at ( 2, 2) and (2, 0) respectively. The potential
(a) less than the charged conductor and more than at
difference between the points A and B will be [2007]
infinity.
(a) 4.5 volts (b) 9 volts
(b) more than the charged conductor and less than at
(c) Zero (d) 2 volt
infinity.
27. Charges are placed on the vertices of a square as shown.
(c) more than the charged conductor and more than at r
infinity. Let E be the electric field and V the potential at the
(d) less than the charged conductor and less than at centre. If the charges on A and B are interchanged with
infinity. those on D and C respectively, then [2007]
21. Two small equal point charges of magnitude q are q q
suspended from a common point on the ceiling by
A B
insulating mass less strings of equal lengths. They come
to equilibrium with each string making angle q from the
vertical. If the mass of each charge is m, then the
electrostatic potential at the centre of line joining them will
D C
æ 1 ö -q -q
be ç = k÷. [Online April 22, 2013]
è 4p Î0 ø ur
(a) E
ur changes, V remains unchanged
(a) 2 k mg tan q (b) k mg tan q (b) E remains
ur unchanged, V changes
(c) both E and V change
(c) 4 k mg / tan q (d) k mg / tan q ur
(d) E and V remain unchanged
22. A point charge of magnitude + 1 mC is fixed at (0, 0, 0). An 28. The potential at a point x (measured in m m) due to some
isolated uncharged spherical conductor, is fixed with its charges situated on the x-axis is given by V(x) = 20/(x2 – 4)
center at (4, 0, 0). The potential and the induced electric volt. The electric field E at x = 4 m m is given by [2007]
field at the centre of the sphere is :[Online April 22, 2013] (a) (10/9) volt/ m m and in the +ve x direction
(a) 1.8 × 105 V and – 5.625 × 106 V/m
(b) (5/3) volt/ m m and in the –ve x direction
(b) 0 V and 0 V/m
(c) (5/3) volt/ m m and in the +ve x direction
(c) 2.25 × 105 V and – 5.625 × 106 V/m
(d) 2.25 × 105 V and 0 V/m (d) (10/9) volt/ m m and in the –ve x direction
23. A charge of total amount Q is distributed over two 29. Two thin wire rings each having a radius R are placed at a
concentric hollow spheres of radii r and R (R > r) such that distance d apart with their axes coinciding. The charges
the surface charge densities on the two spheres are equal. on the two rings are +q and -q. The potential difference
The electric potential at the common centre is between the centres of the two rings is [2005]
[Online May 19, 2012] é1 ù
q 1 qR
ê - ú (b)
1 ( R - r) Q 1 ( R + r) Q (a)
2 p Î0 êë R R 2 + d 2 úû 4p Î0 d 2
( )
(a) (b)
4pe 0 R2 + r 2
(
4pe 0 2 R 2 + r 2
) q é1 1 ù
(c) ê - ú (d) zero
1 ( R + r) Q 1 ( R - r) Q 4 p Î0 ê R
ë R + d2
2 úû
(c) 4pe
(
0 R2 + r 2 ) (d)
(
4pe 0 2 R 2 + r 2
) 30. A thin spherical conducting shell of radius R has a charge
q. Another charge Q is placed at the centre of the shell.
24. The electric potential V(x) in a region around the origin is
given by V(x) = 4x2 volts. The electric charge enclosed in R
The electrostatic potential at a point P , a distance
a cube of 1 m side with its centre at the origin is (in coulomb) 2
[Online May 7, 2012] from the centre of the shell is [2003]
(a) 8e0 (b) – 4e0 (c) 0 (d) – 8e0
2Q 2Q 2q
25. The electrostatic potential inside a charged spherical ball is (a) 4pe R (b) 4pe R - 4pe R
given by f = ar2 + b where r is the distance from the centre o o o
and a, b are constants. Then the charge density inside the
2Q q (q + Q)2
ball is: [2011] (c) 4pe R + 4pe R (d) 4pe R
(a) –6ae0r (b) –24pae0 o o o
(c) –6ae0 (d) –24pae0r
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-257

33. Hydrogen ion and singly ionized helium atom are

Electric Potential Energy and accelerated, from rest, through the same potential
TOPIC 2 Work Done in Carrying a difference. The ratio of final speeds of hydrogen and
Charge helium ions is close to : [Sep. 03, 2020 (II)]
31. A solid sphere of radius R carries a charge Q + q distributed (a) 1 : 2 (b) 10 : 7
uniformaly over its volume. A very small point like piece of (c) 2 : 1 (d) 5 : 7
it of mass m gets detached from the bottom of the sphere 34. In free space, a particle A of charge 1 mC is held fixed at a
and falls down vertically under gravity. This piece carries point P. Another particle B of the same charge and mass 4
charge q. If it acquires a speed v when it has fallen through mg is kept at a distance of 1 mm from P. If B is released,
a vertical height y (see figure), then : (assume the remaining then its velocity at a distance of 9 mm from P is :
portion to be spherical). é 1 ù
[Sep. 05, 2020 (I)] êTake = 9 ´ 109 Nm 2C -2 ú [10 April 2019 II]
ë 4pe 0 û
(a) 1.0m/s (b) 3.0×104 m/s
3
(c) 2.0×10 m/s (d) 1.5×102 m/s
Q R
35. A system of three charges are placed as shown in the
figure:

q
y
v
If D >> d, the potential energy of the system is best given
é qQ ù by [9 April 2019 I]
(a) v 2 = y ê + g ú
2
êë 4pe 0 R ym úû 1 é - q 2 - qQd ù 1 é - q 2 2qQd ù
(a) ê 2 ú (b) ê + ú
é qQ ù 4p Î0 ë d 2 D û 4p Î0 ë d D2 û
(b) v 2 = y ê + gú
ë 4pe 0 R( R + y )m û 1 é q 2 qQd ù 1 é q 2 qQd ù
é ù (c) ê+ + 2 ú (d) ê- - 2 ú
Qq R 4p Î0 ë d D û 4p Î0 ë d D û
(c) v 2 = 2 y ê 3
+ gú
êë 4pe0 ( R + y ) m úû 36. A positive point charge is released from rest at a distance
é qQ ù r0 from a positive line charge with uniform density. The
2
(d) v = 2 y ê + gú speed (v) of the point charge, as a function of
ë 4 pe 0 R ( R + y ) m û instantaneous distance r from line charge, is proportional
32. A two point charges 4q and –q are fixed on the x-axis at to : [8 April 2019 II]
d d
x=- and x = , respectively. If a third point charge ge
2 2
‘q’ is taken from the origin to x = d along the semicircle as
shown in the figure, the energy of the charge will :
[Sep. 04, 2020 (I)]

ærö
4q –q +r /r ln ç ÷
(a) v µ e 0 (b) v µ
è r0 ø
3q 2 ærö ærö
(a) increase by (c) v µ ln ç ÷ (d) v µ ç ÷
4pe0 d è 0ø
r è r0 ø
2q 2 37. There is a uniform spherically symmetric surface charge
(b) increase by
3pe0 d density at a distance Ro from the origin. The charge
distribution is initially at rest and starts expanding because
q2 of mutual repulsion. The figure that represents best the
(c) decrease by
4pe0 d speed V (R(t)) of the distribution as a function of its
4q 2 instantaneous radius R(t) is: [12 Jan. 2019 I]
(d) decrease by
3pe0 d
P-258 Physics

V(R(t))
V(R(t)) 41. An insulating solid sphere of radius R has a uniformly
positive charge density r. As a result of this uniform charge
distribution there is a finite value of electric potential at
the centre of the sphere, at the surface of the sphere and
also at a point outside the sphere. The electric potential
(a) (b) at infinite is zero. [2012]
R (t)
Statement -1 When a charge q is taken from the centre
Ro Ro R (t) to the surface of the sphere its potential energy changes
V(R(t))
V(R(t)) qr
by .
3e0
Vo
Statement -2 The electric field at a distance r (r <R) from
rr
the centre of the sphere is .
(c) (d) 3e0
(a) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true; Statement 2 is
Ro R (t) Ro R (t) not the correct explanation of statement 1.
38. Three charges Q, + q and + q are placed at the vertices of (b) Statement 1 is true Statement 2 is false.
a right-angle isosceles triangle as shown below. The net (c) Statement 1 is false Statement 2 is true.
electrostatic energy of the configuration is zero, if the value (d) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, Statement 2 is
of Q is : [11 Jan. 2019 I] the correct explanation of Statement 1
Q 42. Two positive charges of magnitude ‘q’ are placed, at the
ends of a side (side 1) of a square of side ‘2a’. Two negative
charges of the same magnitude are kept at the other corners.
Starting from rest, if a charge Q moves from the middle of
side 1 to the centre of square, its kinetic energy at the
centre of square is [2011 RS]
+q +q 1 2qQ æ 1 ö
(a) zero (b) 1+
- 2q 4pe 0 a çè ÷
5ø
(a) + q (b)
2 +1 1 2qQ æ 2 ö 1 2qQ æ 1 ö
(c) 1- (d) 1-
-q 4pe 0 a çè ÷
5ø 4pe 0 a çè ÷
5ø
(c) (d) –2q
1+ 2 43. Two points P and Q are maintained at the potentials of 10
39. Four equal point charges Q each are placed in the xy V and – 4 V, respectively. The work done in moving 100
plane at (0, 2), (4, 2), (4, – 2) and (0, – 2). The work electrons from P to Q is: [2009]
required to put a fifth charge Q at the origin of the (a) 9.60 × 10–17J (b) –2.24 × 10–16 J
coordinate system will be: [10 Jan. 2019 II] (c) 2.24 × 10–16 J (d) –9.60× 10–17 J
44. Two insulating plates are both uniformly charged in such
Q2 æ 1 ö Q2 æ 1 ö a way that the potential difference between them is V2 –
(a)
4 pe 0 ç1 + ÷ (b)
4 pe 0 ç1 + ÷
è 3ø è 5ø V1 = 20 V. (i.e., plate 2 is at a higher potential). The plates
are separated by d = 0.1 m and can be treated as infinitely
Q2 Q2 large. An electron is released from rest on the inner surface
(c) (d)
2 2 pe0 4pe 0 of plate 1. What is its speed when it hits plate 2? (e = 1.6 ×
10–19 C, me = 9.11 × 10–31 kg) [2006]
40. Statement 1 : No work is required to be done to move a
test charge between any two points on an equipotential
surface. Y
Statement 2 : Electric lines of force at the equipotential
surfaces are mutually perpendicular to each other. 0.1 m
[Online April 25, 2013]
(a) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, Statement 2 is X
the correct explanation of Statement 1.
(b) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, Statement 2 is
not the correct explanation of Statement 1. 1 2
(c) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is false. (a) 2.65 × 106 m/s (b) 7.02 × 1012 m/s
(d) Statement 1 is false, Statement 2 is true. (c) 1.87 × 106 m/s (d) 32 × 10–19 m/s
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-259

45. A charged particle ‘q’ is shot towards another charged (a) 450 mC (b) 590 mC
particle ‘Q’ which is fixed, with a speed ‘v’. It approaches (c) 160 mC (d) 650 mC
‘Q’ upto a closest distance r and then returns. If q were
51. A 5 mF capacitor is charged fully by a 220 V supply. It is
given a speed of ‘2v’ the closest distances of approach
would be [2004] then disconnected from the supply and is connected in
(a) r/2 (b) 2 r (c) r (d) r/4 series to another uncharged 2.5 mF capacitor. If the energy
46. On moving a charge of 20 coulomb by 2 cm, 2 J of work X
is done, then the potential difference between the points change during the charge redistribution is J then value
100
is [2002]
(a) 0.1 V (b) 8 V (c) 2 V (d) 0.5 V of X to the nearest integer is ________.
[NA Sep. 02, 2020 (I)]
Capacitors, Grouping of 52. A 10 mF capacitor is fully charged to a potential difference
TOPIC 3 Capacitors and Energy Stored of 50 V. After removing the source voltage it is connected
in a Capacitor to an uncharged capacitor in parallel. Now the potential
47. Two capacitors of capacitances C and 2C are charged to difference across them becomes 20 V. The capacitance of
potential differences V and 2V, respectively. These are then the second capacitor is : [Sep. 02, 2020 (II)]
connected in parallel in such a manner that the positive (a) 15 mF (b) 30 mF
terminal of one is connected to the negative terminal of the (c) 20 mF (d) 10 mF
other. The final energy of this configuration is : 53. Effective capacitance of parallel combination of two
[Sep. 05, 2020 (I)] capacitors C1 and C2 is 10 mF. When these capacitors are
25 2 3 2 individually connected to a voltage source of 1 V, the
(a) CV (b) CV energy stored in the capacitor C2 is 4 times that of C1. If
6 2
9 2 these capacitors are connected in series, their effective
(c) zero (d) CV capacitance will be: [8 Jan. 2020 I]
2
48. In the circuit shown, charge on the 5 mF capacitor is : (a) 4.2 mF (b) 3.2 mF (c) 1.6 mF (d) 8.4 mF
54. A capacitor is made of two square plates each of side ‘a’
[Sep. 05, 2020 (II)]
making a very small angle a between them, as shown in
2 mF 4 mF
figure. The capacitance will be close to: [8 Jan. 2020 II]
V1
a
5 mF
d

O a V2
6V 6V
(a) 18.00 mC (b) 10.90 mC
Î0 a 2 æ aa ö Î0 a 2 æ aa ö
(c) 16.36 mC (d) 5.45 mC (a) çè1 - ÷ø (b) çè1 - ÷ø
d 2d d 4d
49. A capacitor C is fully charged with voltage V0 . After
disconnecting the voltage source, it is connected in parallel Î0 a 2 æ aa ö Î0 a 2 æ 3aa ö
(c) çè1 + ÷ø (d) ç1 - ÷
C d d d è 2d ø
with another uncharged capacitor of capacitance . The 55. A parallel plate capacitor has plates of area A separated
2
energy loss in the process after the charge is distributed by distance ‘d’ between them. It is filled with a dielectric
between the two capacitors is : [Sep. 04, 2020 (II)] which has a dielectric constant that varies as k(x) = K(1 +
1 1 ax) where ‘x’ is the distance measured from one of the
(a) CV02 (b) CV02 plates. If (ad) << l, the total capacitance of the system is
2 3
best given by the expression: [7 Jan. 2020 I]
1 1
(c) CV02 (d) CV02 AK Î0 æ ad ö
4 6 (a) ç1 + ÷
50. In the circuit shown in the figure, the total charge is 750 mC d è 2 ø
A Î0 K æ æ ad ö ö
2
and the voltage across capacitor C2 is 20 V. Then the
(b) ç1 + ç ÷ ÷
charge on capacitor C2 is : [Sep. 03, 2020 (I)] d ç è 2 ø ÷
è ø
C2
C1 = 15 mF æ 2 2ö
A Î0 K ç a d ÷
(c) 1+
d ç 2 ÷
C3 = 8 m F è ø
AK Î0
(d) (1 + ad )
+ – d
V
P-260 Physics

56. A 60 pF capacitor is fully charged by a 20 V supply. It is 60. Figure shows charge (q) versus voltage (V) graph for
then disconnected from the supply and is connected series and parallel combination of two given capacitors.
to another uncharged 60 pF capacitor in parallel. The The capacitances are : [10 April 2019 I]
electrostatic energy that is lost in this process by the
time the charge is redistributed between them is (in nJ)
[NA 7 Jan. 2020 II]
57. 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: [9 April 2020 II] (a) 40 mF and 10 mF (b) 60 mF and 40 mF
nV (c) 50 mF and 30 mF (d) 20 mF and 30 mF
(a) (b) V
K+n 61. A capacitor with capacitance 5mF is charged to 5 mC. If
the plates are pulled apart to reduce the capacitance to 2
V (n + 1) V
(c) (d) ¼F, how much work is done? [9 April 2019 I]
K+n (K + n)
(a) 6.25 × 10–6 J (b) 3.75 × 10–6 J
58. Two identical parallel plate capacitors, of capacitance C
(c) 2.16 × 10–6 J (d) 2.55 × 10–6 J
each, have plates of area A, separated by a distance d.
The space between the plates of the two capacitors, is 62. Voltage rating of a parallel plate capacitor is 500 V. Its
filled with three dielectrics, of equal thickness and dielectric dielectric can withstand a maximum electric field of 106 V/
constants K1, K2 and K3. The first capacitors is filled as m. The plate area is 10–4 m2. What is the dielectric constant
shown in Fig. I, and the second one is filled as shown in if the capacitance is 15 pF ? [8 April 2019 I]
Fig. II. –12 2
(given “0 = 8.86 × 10 C /Nm ) 2

If these two modified capacitors are charged by the same (a) 3.8 (b) 8.5 (c) 4.5 (d) 6.2
potential V, the ratio of the energy stored in the two, would 63. A parallel plate capacitor has 1mF capacitance. One of its
be (E1 refers to capacitors (I) and E2 to capacitors (II) : two plates is given + 2mC charge and the other plate,
[12 April 2019 I] +4mC charge. The potential difference developed across
the capacitor is : [8 April 2019 II]
(a) 3 V (b) 1 V (c) 5 V (d) 2 V
64. 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:
E1 K1 K 2 K 3
(a) E = ( K + K + K )( K K + K K + K K [12 Jan. 2019 I]
2 1 2 3 2 3 3 1 1 2 A B

E1 ( K1 + K 2 + K3 )( K 2 K3 + K3 K1 + K1 K 2
(b) E = K1 K 2 K 3
S
2

e
E1 9 K1 K 2 K3
(c) E = ( K + K + K )( K K + K K + K K )
C 3C
2 1 2 3 2 3 3 1 1 2

E1 ( K1 + K 2 + K3 )(K 2 K 3 + K 3 K1 + K1 K 2
(d) E = 9 K1 K 2 K3
2
1 Q2 3 Q2 5 Q2 3 Q2
59. In the given circuit, the charge on 4 mF capacitor will be : (a) (b) (c) (d)
8 C 8 C 8 C 4 C
[12 April 2019 II] 65. A parallel plate capacitor with plates of area 1 m2 each, are
at a separation of 0.1 m. If the electric field between the
plates is 100 N/C, the magnitude of charge on each plate is :
C2
(Take Î0 = 8.85 × 10–12 ) [12 Jan. 2019 II]
N – M2
(a) 7.85 × 10–10 C (b) 6.85 × 10–10 C
(a) 5.4 mC (b) 9.6 mC (c) 13.4 mC (d) 24 mC (c) 8.85 × 10–10 C (d) 9.85 × 10–10 C
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-261

66. In the circuit shown, find C if the effective capacitance of 69. A parallel plate capacitor having capacitance 12 pF is
the whole circuit is to be 0.5 µF. All values in the circuit are charged by a battery to a potential difference of 10 V
in µF. [12 Jan. 2019 II] between its plates. The charging battery is now
C 2
A disconnected and a porcelain slab of dielectric constant
2 2 1 6.5 is slipped between the plates. The work done by the
capacitor on the slab is: [10 Jan. 2019 II]
(a) 692 pJ (b) 508 pJ
2
(c) 560 pJ (d) 600 pJ
70. A parallel plate capacitor is of area 6 cm2 and a
2 2 separation 3 mm. The gap is filled with three dielectric
materials of equal thickness (see figure) with dielectric
constants K1 = 10, K2 = 12 and K3 = 1(4) The dielectric
B constant of a material which when fully inserted in
7 6 7 above capacitor, gives same capacitance would be:
(a) µF (b)
µF (c) 4 µF (d) µF [10 Jan. 2019 I]
11 5 10
67. In the figure shown below, the charge on the left plate of
the 10 mF capacitor is –30mC. The charge on the right plate
of the 6mF capacitor is : [11 Jan. 2019 I]
(a) 4 (b) 14 (c) 12 (d) 36
6 mF 71. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two square plates of
10 m F 2 mF
side ‘a’, separated by a distance d (d<<a). The lower
4 mF triangular portion is filled with a dielectric of dielectric
(a) –12 m C (b) +12 m C constant K, as shown in the figure. Capacitance of this
(c) –18 m C (d) +18 m C capacitor is: [9 Jan. 2019 I]
68. Seven capacitors, each of capacitance 2 µF, are to be
connected in a configuration to obtain an effective
d
æ 6ö K
capacitance of ç ÷ µF. Which of the combinations,
è 13 ø
shown in figures below, will achieve the desired value? a
[11 Jan. 2019 II] K Î0 a 2 K Î0 a 2
(a) (b) In K
2d (K + 1) d (K – 1)
K Î0 a 2 1 K Î0 a 2
(a) (c) In K (d)
d 2 d
72. A parallel plate capacitor with square plates is filled with
four dielectrics of dielectric constants K1, K2, K3, K4
arranged as shown in the figure. The effective dielectric
constant K will be: [9 Jan. 2019 II]
(b)
K1 K2 L/2

K3 K4 L/2

d/2 d/2

(c) ( K1 + K3 ) ( K 2 + K 4 )
(a) K =
K1 + K 2 + K 3 + K 4

( K1 + K 2 ) ( K3 + K 4 )
(b) K =
(d) 2(K1 + K 2 + K 3 + K 4 )
P-262 Physics

( K1 + K 2 ) ( K 3 + K 4 ) 78. A capacitance of 2m F is required in an electrical circuit

(c) K = across a potential difference of 1.0 kV. A large number of
K1 + K 2 + K 3 + K 4
1m F capacitors are available which can withstand a
( K1 + K 4 ) ( K 2 + K3 ) potential difference of not more than 300 V. The minimum
(d) K = number of capacitors required to achieve this is [2017]
2(K1 + K 2 + K 3 + K 4 )
(a) 24 (b) 32 (c) 2 (d) 16
73. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance 90 pF is connected 79. A combination of parallel plate capacitors is maintained at
to a battery of emf 20V. If a dielectric material of dielectric a certain potential difference.
5
constant k = is inserted between the plates, the
3
magnitude of the induced charge will be: [2018] C1 C2 C3
C
(a) 1.2 n C (b) 0.3 n C (c) 2.4 n C (d) 0.9 n C
74. In the following circuit, the switch S is closed at t = 0. The A D E B
charge on the capacitor C1 as a function of time will be
æ CC ö
given by ç Ceq = 1 2 ÷ . [Online April 16, 2018] When a 3 mm thick slab is introduced between all the
è C1 + C2 ø
plates, in order to maintain the same potential difference,
(a) CeqE[1 – exp(–t/RCeq)] C1 C2 the distance between the plates is increased by 2.4 mm.
Find the dielectric constant of the slab.
(b) C1E[1 – exp(–tR/C1)]
S [Online April 9, 2017]
(c) C2E[1 – exp(–t/RC2)] (a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6
E R
(d) CeqE exp(–t/RCeq) 80. The energy stored in the electric field produced by a metal
75. The equivalent capacitance between A and B in the circuit sphere is 4.5 J. If the sphere contains 4 mC charge, its
given below is:
radius will be : [Take : 1 = 9 ´ 109 N - m 2 / C 2 ]
6 µF 2 µF 4 pe0
A [Online April 8, 2017]
5 µF 5 µF 4 µF (a) 20mm (b) 32mm (c) 28mm (d) 16mm
81. A combination of capacitors is set up as shown in the
2 µF
figure. The magnitude of the electric field, due to a point
B charge Q (having a charge equal to the sum of the charges
[Online April 15, 2018] on the 4 mF and 9 mF capacitors), at a point distance 30 m
from it, would equal : [2016]
(a) 4.9 µF (b) 3.6 µF (c) 5.4 µF (d) 2.4 µF
3m F
76. A parallel plate capacitor with area 200cm2 and separation
4m F
between the plates 1.5cm, is connected across a battery of
9m F
emf V. If the force of attraction between the plates is 25 × 10–
6N, the value of V is approximately: [Online April 15, 2018]
2m F
æ -12 C
2 ö
+ –
ç e 0 = 8.85 ´ 10 ÷
è N.m 2 ø
8V
(a) 150V (b) 100V (c) 250V (d) 300V (a) 420 N/C (b) 480 N/C
(c) 240 N/C (d) 360 N/C
77. A capacitor C1 is charged up to a voltage V = 60V by
82. Figure shows a network of capacitors where the numbers
connecting it to battery B through switch (1), Now C1 is
indicates capacitances in micro Farad. The value of
disconnected from battery and connected to a circuit
capacitance C if the equivalent capacitance between point
consisting of two uncharged capacitors C2 = 3.0mF and C3 =
A and B is to be 1 mF is : [Online April 10, 2016]
6.0mF through a switch (2) as shown in the figure. The sum
C 1
of final charges on C2 and C3 is: [Online April 15, 2018]
A
(2)
(1) 8 6 4
B C2
60 V C1 C3
2 2 12
(a) 36mC (b) 20mC (c) 54mC (d) 40mC
B
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-263

87. The gap between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of

32 31 33 34
(a) mF (b) mF (c) mF (d) mF area A and distance between plates d, is filled with a
23 23 23 23
83. Three capacitors each of 4 mF are to be connected in such dielectric whose permittivity varies linearly from Î1 at one
a way that the effective capacitance is 6mF. This can be plate to Î2 at the other. The capacitance of capacitor is:
done by connecting them : [Online April 9, 2016] [Online April 19, 2014]
(a) all in series
(a) Î0 (Î1 + Î2 ) A / d
(b) all in parallel
(c) two in parallel and one in series (b) Î0 ( Î2 + Î1 ) A / 2d
(d) two in series and one in parallel (c) Î0 A / éëd ln ( Î2 / Î1 ) ùû
84. In the given circuit, charge Q2 on the 2µF capacitor (d) Î0 ( Î2 - Î1 ) A / ëé d ln ( Î2 / Î1 ) ûù
changes as C is varied from 1µF to 3µF. Q2 as a function of 88. The space between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor
'C' is given properly by: (figures are drawn schematically is filled with a ‘dielectric’ whose ‘dielectric constant’ varies
and are not to scale) [2015] with distance as per the relation:
K(x) = Ko + lx (l = a constant)
1µF The capacitance C, of the capacitor, would be related to its
C vacuum capacitance Co for the relation :
2µF
[Online April 12, 2014]
ld l
(a) C = Co (b) C = C
E ln (1 + K o ld ) d.ln (1 + K o ld ) o
Charge Charge
ld l
(c) C = C (d) C = Co
Q2 Q2 ln (1 + ld / K o ) o d.ln (1 + Ko / ld )
(a) (b) 89. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two plates of length l,
1µF 3µF
C
1µF 3µF
C width w and separated by distance d. A dielectric slab
(dielectric constant K) that fits exactly between the plates
Charge Charge is held near the edge of the plates. It is pulled into the
Q2 ¶U
Q2
capacitor by a force F = - where U is the energy of
(c) (d) ¶x
C C
the capacitor when dielectric is inside the capacitor up to
1µF 3µF 1µF 3µF distance x (See figure). If the charge on the capacitor is Q
85. In figure a system of four capacitors connected across then the force on the dielectric when it is near the edge is:
a 10 V battery is shown. Charge that will flow from [Online April 11, 2014]
switch S when it is closed is : [Online April 11, 2015]
2mF a 3mF
x
l
S

d
3mF b 2mF
Q d2 Q2 w
(a) K (b) ( K - 1)
2wl 2 e o 2dl 2 e0
10 V
Q 2d Q2w
(a) 5 µC from b to a (b) 20 µC from a to b (c) ( K - 1) (d) K
(c) zero (d) 5 µC from a to b 2wl 2 e o 2dl 2 e o
86. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two circular plates 90. Three capacitors, each of 3 mF, are provided. These cannot
separated by a distance 5 mm and with a dielectric of be combined to provide the resultant capacitance of:
dialectric constant 2.2 between them. When the electric [Online April 9, 2014]
field in the dielectric is 3 ´ 104 V m the charge density of (a) 1 mF (b) 2 mF (c) 4.5 mF (d) 6 mF
91. A parallel plate capacitor having a separation between the
the positive plate will be close to: [2014]
plates d, plate area A and material with dielectric constant
(a) 6 ´ 10-7 C m 2 (b) 3 ´10-7 C m2 K has capacitance C0. Now one-third of the material is
(c) 3 ´ 104 C m 2 (d) 6 ´104 C m 2 replaced by another material with dielectric constant 2K,
so that effectively there are two capacitors one with area
P-264 Physics

97. A series combination of n1 capacitors, each of capacity

1 2
A, dielectric constant 2K and another with area A C1 is charged by source of potential difference 4 V. When
3 3 another parallel combination of n2 capacitors each of
and dielectric constant K. If the capacitance of this new capacity C2 is charged by a source of potential difference
C V, it has the same total energy stored in it as the first
capacitor is C then is [Online April 25, 2013] combination has. The value of C2 in terms of C1 is then
C0
[Online May 12, 2012]
4 2 1 n2
(a) 1 (c) (b) (d) 2 C1
3 3 3 (a) 16 n C1 (b) n n
1 1 2
92. To establish an instantaneous current of 2 A through a 1
mF capacitor ; the potential difference across the capacitor n2 16 C1
(c) 2 n C1 (d) n n
plates should be changed at the rate of : 1 1 2
[Online April 22, 2013] 98. Two circuits (a) and (b) have charged capacitors of
(a) 2 × 104 V/s (b) 4 × 106 V/s capacitance C, 2C and 3C with open switches. Charges on
(c) 2 × 106 V/s (d) 4 × 104 V/s each of the capacitor are as shown in the figures. On closing
ur
93. A uniform electric field E exists between the plates of a the switches [Online May 7, 2012]
charged condenser. A charged particle enters the space S S
ur
between the plates and perpendicular to E . The path of
the particle between the plates is a : Q
2Q 2Q Q
[Online April 9, 2013] 2C
3C C 2C
(a) straight line (b) hyperbola
(c) parabola (d) circle
94. The figure shows an experimental plot discharging of a L R L R
capacitor in an RC circuit. The time constant t of this circuit Circuit (a) Circuit (b)
lies between : [2012]
(a) No charge flows in (a) but charge flows from R to L in (b)
(b) Charges flow from L to R in both (a) and (b)
Potential difference

25

(c) Charges flow from R to L in (a) and from L to R in (b)

V in volts

20
(d) No charge flows in (a) but charge flows from L to R in (b)
15
99. Let C be the capacitance of a capacitor discharging through
10 a resistor R. Suppose t1 is the time taken for the energy
5
stored in the capacitor to reduce to half its initial value and
t2 is the time taken for the charge to reduce to one-fourth
0 200 250 300
50 100 150 its initial value. Then the ratio t1/ t2 will be [2010]
Time in seconds
(a) 150 sec and 200 sec (b) 0 sec and 50 sec 1 1
(c) 50 sec and 100 sec (d) 100 sec and 150 sec (a) 1 (b) (c) (d) 2
2 4
95. The capacitor of an oscillatory circuit is enclosed in a
100. A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has
container. When the container is evacuated, the resonance
capacitance of 9 pF. The separation between its plates is
frequency of the circuit is 10 kHz. When the container is
‘d’. The space between the plates is now filled with two
filled with a gas, the resonance frequency changes by 50
dielectrics. One of the dielectrics has dielectric constant
Hz. The dielectric constant of the gas is
[Online May 26, 2012] d
k1 = 3 and thickness while the other one has dielectric
(a) 1.001 (b) 2.001 (c) 1.01 (d) 3.01 3
96. Statement 1: It is not possible to make a sphere of 2d
capacity 1 farad using a conducting material. constant k2 = 6 and thickness . Capacitance of the
3
Statement 2: It is possible for earth as its radius is capacitor is now [2008]
6.4 × 106 m. [Online May 26, 2012] (a) 1.8 pF (b) 45 pF (c) 40.5 pF (d) 20.25 pF
(a) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, Statement 2 is 101. A parallel plate condenser with a dielectric of dielectric
the correct explanation of Statement 1.
constant K between the plates has a capacity C and is
(b) Statement 1 is false, Statement 2 is true. charged to a potential V volt. The dielectric slab is slowly
(c) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, Statement 2 is removed from between the plates and then reinserted. The
not the correct explanation of Statement 1. net work done by the system in this process is [2007]
(d) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is false.
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-265

1 104. A sheet of aluminium foil of negligible thickness is

(a) zero (b) ( K - 1) CV 2 introduced between the plates of a capacitor. The
2
capacitance of the capacitor [2003]
2
(c) CV ( K - 1) (d) ( K - 1) CV 2 (a) decreases (b) remains unchanged
K (c) becomes infinite (d) increases
102. A parallel plate capacitor is made by stacking n equally
spaced plates connected alternatively. If the capacitance 105. The work done in placing a charge of 8 ´ 10 -18 coulomb
between any two adjacent plates is ‘C’ then the resultant on a condenser of capacity 100 micro-farad is [2003]
capacitance is [2005] (a) 16 ´ 10 -32 joule (b) 3.1´10 -26 joule
(a) (n + 1) C (b) (n – 1) C
(c) nC (d) C (c) 4 ´10-10 joule (d) 32 ´ 10-32 joule
103. A fully charged capacitor has a capacitance ‘C’. It 106. If there are n capacitors in parallel connected to V volt
is discharged through a small coil of resistance wire source, then the energy stored is equal to [2002]
embedded in a thermally insulated block of specific heat
1 1
capacity ‘s’ and mass ‘m’. If the temperature of the block is (a) CV (b) nCV2 (c) CV2 (d) CV2
2 2n
raised by ‘DT’, the potential difference ‘V’ across the
capacitance is [2005] 107. Capacitance (in F) of a spherical conductor with radius 1 m
is [2002]
mC DT 2mC DT
(a) (b)
s s (a) 1.1´ 10 -10 (b) 10 -6

2ms DT ms DT (c) 9 ´ 10 -9 (d) 10 -3

(c) (d)
C C
P-266 Physics

4. (d) Let s be the surface charge density of the shells.

KQnet
1. (c) Potential at the centre, VC = s
R
QQnet = 0 s
\ VC = 0
Let E be electric field produced by each charge at the centre, C
R r
then resultant electric field will be EC = 0, since equal electric
field vectors are acting at equal angle so their resultant is
equal to zero.
2E
Charge on the inner shell, Q1 = s 4pr 2
Charge on the outer shell, Q2 = s 4pR 2
2E 72° 72° 2E \ Total charge, Q = s 4p (r 2 + R 2 )
72° 72° Q
Þs=
72° 4p ( r + R 2 )
2

Potential at the common centre,

2E 2E
KQ1 KQ2 æ 1 ö
2. (d) Total charge Q1 + Q2 = Q '1 + Q '2 VC = + ç where K = ÷
r R è 4pe0 ø
= 12mC - 3mC = 9mC
Two isolated conducting sphres S1 and S2 are now K s 4pr 2 K s4pR 2
= +
connected by a conducting wire. r R
KQ '1 KQ '2 = K s4p ( r + R )
\ V1 = V2 = = = 12 – 3 = 9 µC
2 R KQ4p(r + R)
R =
3 3 4p(r 2 + R 2 )
Q '1 = 2Q '2 Þ 2Q '2 + Q '2 = 9mC 1 ( r + R )Q
=
\ Q '1 = 6 mC and Q '2 = 3 mC 4pe 0 (r 2 + R 2 )
3. (a) We have given two metallic hollow spheres of radii R 5. (b) The electric potential at the bisector is zero and
and 4R having charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. electric field is antiparallel to the dipole moment.
Potential on the surface of inner sphere (at A) æ ®ö
1 ® ç-P ÷
kQ1 kQ2 \ V = 0 and E = ç d3 ÷
VA = + 4pe0 ç ÷
R 4R è ø
Potential on the surface of outer sphere (at B) 6. (c) Potential at any point of the charged ring
kQ1 kQ2 æ 1 ö Kq
VB = + ç Here, k = ÷ Vp =
4R 4R è 4pe0 ø R 2 + Z2

Q1 Q2

R A
B
4R

Potential difference,
R = 3a
3 kQ 3 Q
DV = VA - VB = × 1 = × 1 Z = 4a
4 R 16p Î0 R
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-267

l = R 2 + Z2 = 5a
The minimum velocity (v0) should just sufficient to reach
a
the point charge at the center, therefore b r
1 10. (d) c P
mv 20 = q [VC - VP ]
2
é Kq Kq ù
= qê -
ë 3a 5a úû kQa kQ b kQ c
Potential at point P, V = + +
4Kq 2 4 1 q2 a b c
v02 = = Since surface charge densities are equal to one another
15ma 15 4pe 0 ma
i.e., sa = sb = sc
1
2 æ 2q 2 ö2
\ Qa : Qb : Qc :: a 2 : b 2 : c 2
Þ v0 = ç ÷
m è 15 ´ 4pe 0 a ø
é a2 ù
7. (d) When charge Q is on inner solid conducting sphere \ Qa = ê 2 2 2 ú Q
ëê a + b + c úû
+Q é b2 ù
Qb = ê 2 2 2 ú Q
–Q êë a + b + c úû
+Q
E é c2 ù
Qc = ê 2 2 2 ú Q
êë a + b + c úû
Electric field between spherical surface
Q é ( a + b + c) ù
r KQ r r \ V= ê ú
E = 2 Soò E.dr = V given 4p Î0 ë a 2 + b2 + c2 û
r 11. (d) Let at a distance ‘x’ from point B, both the dipoles
Now when a charge – 4Q is given to hollow shell
produce same potential
R
+Q
–Q 4qa 2qa
–3Q
4qa 2qa
\ = 2
(R + x) x ( )
Electric field between surface remain unchanged. R
Þ 2x = R + x Þ x =
r KQ 2 –1
E= 2 Therefore distance from A at which both of them produce
r the same potential
as, field inside the hollow spherical shell = 0
R 2R
\ Potential difference between them remain unchanged = +R =
r r 2 –1 2 –1
i.e. ò E.dr = V 12. (b) Electric field at a point outside the sphere is given by
1Q Q
uur E= But r = 4
8. (c) Given, E = ( Ax + B ) iˆ 4p Î0 r 2
pR 3
3
or E = 20x + 10
rR 3
Using V = ò Edx , we have \E =
3 Î0 r 2
1 At surface r = R
V2 – V1 = ò ( 20x + 10) dx = – 180 V rR 3
-5 \E =
3 Î0
or V1 – V2 = 180 V
Let r1 and r2 are the charge densities of two sphere.
9. (b) Electric potential is constant inside a charged spherical rR r R
shell. E1 = 1 and E2 = 2 2
3e 0 3e 0
P-268 Physics

E1 r1 R1 R - dv
Q = = 1 16. (b) S1 = = 10 | z |
E2 r2 R2 R2 dr
This gives r1 = r2 = r - dv
Potential at a point outside the sphere S2 = = 10 (constant : E)
dr
æ ö \ The source is an infinity large non conducting thick
3 ç ÷
1 Q = rR çQ r = Q ÷ plate of thickness 2 m.
V= 3e0 r ç 4 3÷
4pe 0 r ç pR ÷ r×A µ Z
è 3 ø \10Z ×10A =
At surface, r = R e0
rR 2 rR12 rR 2 r 0 = 10e0 for | z | £ 1m .
V= so, V1 = and V2 = 2
3e 0 3e 0 3e 0
Kq
2 17. (a) We know, V0 = = V surface
V1 æ R1 ö R
\ =
V2 çè R2 ÷ø Now, Vi =
Kq
(3R 2 – r 2 ) [For r < R]
2R 3
KQ
13. (b) Potential outside the shell, Voutside = At the centre of sphare r = 0. Here
r
where r is distance of point from the centre of shell 3
V = V0
KQ 2
Potential inside the shell, Vinside =
R 5 Kq Kq
where ‘R” is radius of the shell Now, = (3R 2 – r 2 )
4 R 2R 3
s
C
–s R
B Þ R2 =
s 2
a A
3 Kq Kq
= 3
b c 4 R R
1 Kq Kq
Kq A Kq B KqC =
VB = + + 4 R R4
rb rb rc
R4 = 4R
1 é s 4pa 2 s4 pb 2 s 4pc2 ù
VB = ê - + ú Also, R1 = 0 and R2 < (R4 – R3)
4p Î0 ëê b b c ûú
dv
s é a 2 - b2 ù 18. (a) As we know, E = –
VB = ê + cú dx
Î0 êë b úû Potential at the point x = 2m, y = 2m is given by :
14. (c) Potential gradient is given by,
DV = E.d V 2, 2

0.8 = Ed (max) ò dV = – ò (25dx + 30dy )

DV = Ed cos q = 0.8 × cos 60 = 0.4 0 0
Hence, maximum potential at a point on the sphere on solving we get,
= 589.4 V V = – 110 volt.
19. (c) Potential difference between any two points in an
- dv
15. (c) As we know electric field, E = electric field is given by,
dr r uur
E = constant \ dv and dr same dV = –E × dx
Kf
E= 2 =c VA 2
r ò dV = - ò 30 x 2 dx
VO 0
Þ f µ r2 v0 v0 + v v0 + 2D v

r r r
\ f = ò r4 pr 2 dr V A - VO = -[10 x 3 ]20 = -80 J/ C
0 20. (a) The potential of uncharged body is less than that of
1 the charged conductor and more than at infinity.
Þrµ
r
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-269

21. (c) O By Gauss's theorem

1 q
q Tcosq E= ....(ii)
4 pe 0 r 2
q
q C Tsinq q From (i) and (ii),
x Fe Q = –8 pe0ar3
Þdq = – 24pe0ar2 dr
mg
dq
In equilibrium, Fe = T sin q Charge density, r = = – 6e0a
4pr 2dr
mg = T cos q Y
Fe q2
tan q = = 26. (c) A(Ö2,Ö2)
mg 4p Î0 x 2 ´ mg ®
rA
q2
\ x= O X
4p Î0 tan q mg (0,0) ®
rB B (2,0)
Electric potential at the centre of the line
kq kq
The distance of point A ( )
2, 2 from the origin,
V= + = 4 kmg / tan q
x/2 x/2
rA = ( 2)2 + ( 2 ) 2 = 4 = 2 units.
22. (c) q = 1µC = 1 × 10–6C
r = 4 cm = 4 ×10–2 m The distance of point B(2, 0) from the origin,

kq 9 ´ 109 ´10 -6
rB = (2) 2 + (0) 2 = 2 units.
Potential V = = = 2.25 × 105 V.
r 4 ´ 10-2 Now, potential at A, due to charge q = 10 –3 mC
1 Q
kq VA = ×
Induced electric field E = – 4 p Î0 ( rA )
r2
1 Q
9 ´109 ´1´10-6 Potential at B, due to charge Q = 10–3 QC VB = ×
= = –5.625 × 106 V/m 4 p Î0 ( rB )
16 ´10-4 \ Potential difference between the points A and B is given
23. (c) Let q1 and q2 be charge on two spheres of radius by
'r' and 'R' respectively
1 10 –3 1 10 –3
As, q1 + q2 = Q VA – VB = × - ×
4p Î0 rA 4p Î0 rB
and s1 = s2 [Surface charge density are equal]
10–3 æ 1 1 ö 10 –3 æ 1 1 ö
q1 q2 = ç - ÷= -
\ = 4p Î0 è rA rB ø 4 p Î0 çè 2 2 ÷ø
r pr 2 4pR 2
Qr 2 QR 2 Q
= ´ 0 = 0.
So, q1 = and q2 = 4p Î0
R2 + r 2 R2 + r 2
27. (a) As shown in the figure, the resultant electric fields
1 é q1 q 2 ù
Now, potential, V = ê + ú before and after interchanging the charges will have the
4 pe 0 ë r R û
same magnitude, but opposite directions.
1 é Qr QR ù As potential is a scalar quantity, So the potential will be
+ same in both cases.
4pe 0 êë R 2 + r 2 R 2 + r 2 úû
=
q q
Q( R + r ) 1 A B
= 2 2 4pe0
R +r
24. (c) Charges reside only on the outer surface of a
conductor with cavity.
25. (c) Electric field
®
df E
E=- = – 2ar ....(i) C
dr D
-q -q
P-270 Physics
-q -q Electric potential due to charge q inside the shell is
A ® B 1 q
E V2 =
4pe o R
\ The net electric potential at point P is
1 2Q 1 q
V = V1 + V2 = +
4pe o R 4pe o R
D C
31. (d) By using energy conservation,
q q
DKE + (DPE )Electro + ( DPE )gravitational = 0
20
28. (a) Given, potential V(x) = 2 volt
x -4
dV d æ 20 ö Q R
Electric field E = - =- ç
dx dx è x 2 - 4 ÷ø
40 x
ÞE= + q
( x - 4) 2
2
y
At x = 4 mm , v
40 ´ 4 160 10
E=+ =+
= + volt / mm.
(42 - 4) 2 144 9 1 æ Qq Qq ö
r mV 2 + ç k -k + (- mgy ) = 0
Positive sign indicates that E is in +ve x-direction. 2 è R+ y R ø÷
29. (a) q q 1 æ1 1 ö
Þ mV 2 = mgy + kQq ç -
2 è R R + y ø÷
2kQq y
Þ V 2 = 2 gy +
R
m R( R + y)
R
1 2 é qQ ù
or, V 2 = 2 y ê + gú
d ë 4 pe 0 R ( R + y ) m û
Potential at the center of ring of charge +q = potential due
32. (d) Change in potential energy, Du = q(V f - Vi )
to iteself + potential due to other ring of charge –q.
éq ù Potential of – q is same as initial and final point of the path.
1 q
Þ V1 = ê - ú Y
4pe 0
êë R R 2 + d 2 úû
Potential at the centre of ring of charge –q = potential due q
to itself + potential due to other ring of charge +q.
1 é- q q ù 4q –q X
O
Þ V2 = ê + ú d/2
4pe 0 êë R R2 + d 2 úû d/2 d
DV = V1 – V2
1 éq q ù æ k 4q k 4q ö 4q 2
ê + -
q
-
q
ú Du = q ç - ÷ =-
= è 3d / 2 d / 2 ø 3pe 0 d
4 pe 0 ëê R R R2 + d 2 R 2 + d 2 ûú
–ve sign shows the energy of the charge is decreasing.
1 éq q ù
= ê - ú 33. (c) According to work energy theorem, gain in kinetic
2pe 0êë R R 2 + d 2 úû energy is equal to work done in displacement of charge.
30. (c) Electric potential due to charge Q at point P is 1 2
\ mv = q DV
2
R/2 Here, DV = potential difference between two positions of
Q P charge q.
R q For same q and DV.

1 Q 1 2Q 1
V1 = = vµ
4pe o R / 2 4pe o R m
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-271

Mass of hydrogen ion mH = 1 38. (b) Net electrostatic energy for the system
Mass of helium ion mHe = 4
é q 2 Qq Qq ù
U = Kê + + =0
vH 4 a a a 2ú
\ = = 2 :1. êë úû
vHe 1
Q
é 1 ù
34. (c) Using conservation of energy Þ q = -Q ê1 + ú
2
1 ë û a a 2
U i = U F + mv 2
2 -q 2
ÞQ=
kq1q2 kq1q2 1 2 2+1 a
= + mv +q +q
r1 r2 2
(O,2 ) Q Q(4, + 2)
1 é1 1 ù
Þ mv 2 = kq1q2 ê - ú
2 ë r1 r2 û 39. (b)
2kq1q2 é1 1 ù
v2 = ê - ú Q(4, – 2)
m ë r1 r2 û (O, – 2 ) Q

2 ´ 9 ´ 109 ´ 10-12 é 1 ù Potential at origin

= -6 -3 ê
1 - ú = 4 ´ 10+6
4 ´ 10 ´ 10 ë 9û KQ KQ KQ KQ
v = 2 × 10 m/s
3 v= 2 + 2 + +
20 20
é ù æ 1 ö
1 ê q(- q) qQ ( - q )Q ú and potential at ¥ = 0 =KQ ç 1+ ÷
U= ê + + ú è 5ø
35. (d) 4 p Î0 ê d æ dö æ dö ú
êë çè D + ÷ø çè D - ÷ø ú \ Work required to put a fifth charge Q at origin W =
2 2 û
Q2 æ 1 ö
1 é q 2
qQd ù 2 VQ = 4 ç 1+ ÷
= ê- - 2 ú , Ignoring d pe0 è 5ø
4p Î0 êë d D úû 4 40. (c) The work done in moving a charge along an
36. (b) Using, [K + U]i = [K + U]f equipotential surface is always zero.
or 0 + Vq = mv2 + v’q The direction of electric field is perpendicular to the
or mv2 = (V – V’)q equipotential surface or lines.
r r
41. (c) The potential energy at the centre of the sphere
l lq æ ln 3 ö
- q ò Edr = q ò dr = ç ÷ 3 KQ q
= 2p Î0 r 2p Î0 è r0 ø Uc =
r0 r0 2 R
The potential energy at the surface of the sphere
r
Þ vµ lnr Us =
K qQ
0 R
37. (c) Total energy of charge distribution is constant at any Now change in the energy
instant t.
DU = U c -U s
Uf + Kf = Ui + Ki
K Qq é 3 ù KQq
1 KQ2 KQ2 = -1 =
i.e., mV 2 + = 0+ R êë 2 úû 2R
2 2R 2R 0
4 3
Where Q = r.V = r. pR
1 KQ 2 KQ2 3
\ mV 2 = -
2 2R 0 2R 2K pR 3 rq
DU =
3 R
3
2 KQ 2 æ 1 1ö 2 1 pR rq
\ V= ç - ÷ DU = ´
m 2 è R0 R ø 3 4 p Î0 R
R 2 rq
2
KQ æ 1 1ö 1 1 DU =
\ V= ç - ÷=C - 6 Î0
m è R0 R ø R0 R Using Gauss’s law
Also the slope of V – R curve will go on decreasing.
P-272 Physics

4 1 kqQ r
r uur qen b ´ pR 3 Þ m(2v )2 = Þ r'=
ò E × dA = E0 = E30 2
46. (a) By using
r' 4

b ´ 4 pR 3 W = q(VB – VA)
Þ ò EdA(cos q) = 3E0 2J
\ VB – VA = = 0.1J/C = 0.1V
4 3 1 20C
Þ E(4pR2) = b ´ 3 pR ´ E
0 47. (b) When capacitors C and 2C capacitance are charged
br to V and 2V respectively.
Þ E= (r < R)
3E0
+
C– +
2C–
42. (d) Initial potential of the charge,
2 kq 2 kq V 2V
VA = -
a a 5 Q1 = CV Q2 = 2C ´ 2V = 4CV
1 2q æ 1 ö When connected in parallel
Þ VA = ç 1– ÷ Q1 = CV
4 pE a è 5ø
kq
+ –
(Here potential due to each q = and potential due
a
- kq
to each – q = )
a 5
– +
2a Q2 = 4CV
q q
A By conservation of charge
4CV - CV = (C + 2C )Vcommon
2a 3CV
B Vcommon = =V
3C
Therefore final energy of this configuration,
æ1 1 ö 3
–q –q U f = ç CV 2 + ´ 2CV 2 ÷ = CV 2
è2 2 ø 2
Final potential of the charge
VB = 0 48. (a) +q1 – V0 – +q24 m F
(Q Point B is equidistant from all the four charges)
2 mF
\ Using work energy theorem, + Q
(WAB)electric = Q(VA – VB) – 5 mF

2qQ é 1 ù
= 1-
4pE0 a êë ú
5û 6V 0V
6V

æ 1 ö 2Qq é 1 ù Let q1 and q2 be the charge on the capacitors of 2mF and

= ç 4 pe ÷ a ê1 -
5 úû
4mF. Then charge on capacitor of 5mF
è 0ø ë
Q = q1 + q2
43. (c) Work done, WPQ = q(VQ – VP)
= (–100 × 1.6 × 10–19)(– 4 – 10) Þ 5V0 = 2(6 - V0 ) + 4(6 - V0 )
= +2.24 × 10–16J Þ 5V0 = 12 - 2V0 + 24 - 4V0
44. (a) Gain in kinetic energy = work done by potential 36
difference Þ 11V0 = 36 Þ V0 = V
11
1 2 2eV 180
eV = mv Þ v = Þ Q = 5V0 = mC
2 m 11
49. (d) When two capacitors with capacitance C1 and C2 at
2 ´ 1.6 ´ 10-19 ´ 20
= = 2.65 × 106 m/s potential V1 and V2 connected to each other by wire, charge
9.1 ´ 10 -31 begins to flow from higher to lower potential till they
1 2 kQq acquire common potential. Here, some loss of energy takes
45. (d) mv = place which is given by.
2 r
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-273

C1C2 If C2 be the capacitance of uncharged capacitor, then

Heat loss, H = (V1 - V2 )2 common potential is
2(C1 + C2 )
In the equation, put V2 = 0, V1 = V0 C1V1 + C2V2
V=
C C1 + C2
C1 = C, C2 =
2
10 ´ 50 + 0
Þ 20 = Þ C = 15 mF
C 20 + C
C´
2 (V - 0) 2 = C V 2 53. (c) In parallel combination, Ceq = C1 + C2 = 10 mF
Loss of heat =
æ Cö 0 6
0
When connected across 1 V battery, then
2çC + ÷
è 2ø c1
1 2
H = CV0 æ1 2ö
6 CV
U1 çè 2 1 ÷ø 1 C 1 c2
50. (b) According to question, = = Þ 1 =
U2 æ 1 2ö 4 C2 4
Q = 750mC = q2 + q3 çè C2V ÷ø
2
C2 q2 1v
C1 = 15 mF \ C2 = 8 mF and C1 = 2 mF
Q Now C1 and C2 are connected in series combination,
C3 = 8 mF
750m C q3 CC 2 ´ 8 16
\ Cequivalent = 1 2 = = = 1.6mF
C1 + C2 2 + 8 10
V1 V2 = 20V
54. (a)
dx
Capacitors C2 and C3 are in parallel hence, xtan a
a
Voltage across C2 = voltage across C3 = 20 V x
Change on capacitor C3, d
q3 = C3 ´ V3 = 8 ´ 20 = 160mC x= 0 a
\ q2 = 750mC - 160mC = 590mC Consider an infinitesimal strip of capacitor of thickness
dx at a distance x as shown.
51. (4)
Capacitance of parallel plate capacitor of area A is given
Given, C1 = 5 mF and V1 = 220 Volt
e0 A
When capacitor C1 fully charged it is disconnected from by C =
the supply and connected to uncharged capacitor C2. t
[Here t = seperation between plates]
C2 = 2.5 mF, V2 = 0 So, capacitance of thickness dx will be
Energy change during the charge redistribution,
e 0 adx
1 C1C2 \ dC =
DU = U i - U f = (V1 - V2 ) 2 d + x tan a
2 C1 + C2 Total capacitance of system can be obtained by
1 5 ´ 2.5 integrating with limits x = 0 to x = a
= ´ (220 - 0)2 mJ x=a
2 (5 + 2.5) dx
\ Ceq = ò dC = ae 0 ò
5 x tan a + d
= ´ 22 ´ 22 ´ 100 ´ 10 -6 J x=0
2´3
[By Binomial expansion]
5 ´ 11 ´ 22 55 ´ 22
= ´ 10 -4 J = ´ 10 -4 J a a
3 3 ae æ x tan a ö ae æ x 2 tan a ö
Þ Ceq = 0 ò ç1 – ÷ dx = 0 ç x – ÷
=
1210
´ 10-4 J =
1210
´ 10-3 J ; 4 ´ 10 -2 J d è d ø d è 2d ø
0 0
3 3
x a 2 e 0 æ a tan a ö e0 a 2 æ aa ö
According to questions, = 4 ´ 10 -2 Þ Ceq = = ç1 – ÷= çè1 – ÷ø
100 d è 2d ø d 2d
\x = 4
52. (a) Given, 55. (a) Given, K (x) = K(1 + ax)
Capacitance of capacitor, C1 = 10 mF K e0 A
Potential difference before removing the source voltage, Capacitance of element, Cel =
dx
V1 = 50 V
P-274 Physics

e0 K (1 + ax) A E1 9k1k2 k3
Þ Cel = = E = ( k + k + k )(k k + k k + k k )
dx 2 1 2 3 1 2 2 3 3 1

d 59. (d) V1 + V2 = 10
æ1ö 1 æ dx ö
\ òdç ÷ = = òç ÷ 4µF 6µF
C
è ø C e KA(1 + a x )
el 0è 0 ø
1 1
Þ = [ln(1 + ax )]d0
C e 0 KAa
10V
1 1 and 4V1 = 6V2
Þ = ln(1 + ad )[a d << 1]
C e 0 KAa On solving above equations, we get
V1 = 6 V
1 é a2d 2 ù
= êad - ú Charge on 4 mf,
e0 KAa ëê 2 úû
q = CV1 = 4 × 6 = 24 mC.
1 é ad ù 60. (a) Equivalent capacitance in series combination (C’) is
= 1- given by
e 0 KA êë 2 úû x dx
1 1 1 C1C2
e 0 KA e KA æ ad ö = + Þ C' =
\C = ÞC= 0 ç 1+ ÷ C ' C1 C2 C1 + C2
æ ad ö d è 2 ø
d ç1 - ÷ For parallel combination equivalent capacitance
è 2 ø
C” = C1 + C2
56. (6) In the first condition, electrostatic energy is For parallel combination
1 1 q = 10(C1 + C2)
Ui = CV02 = ´ 60 ´ 10 –12 ´ 400 = 12 ´ 10 –9 J
2 2 q1 = 500 µC
1 500 = 10(C1 + C2)
In the second condition U F = C 'V ' 2 C1 + C2 = 50µF ....(i)
2
For Series Combination–
2
1 æV ö æ V0 ö
Uf = 2C . ç 0 ÷ çèQ C ' = 2C , V ' = 2 ÷ø q 2 = 10
C1C 2
2 è 2ø
( C1 + C2 )
1 C1C 2
= ´ 60 ´ 10 -12 ´ (20) 2 = 6 × 10–9 J 80 = 10 From equation ....(ii)
4 50
Energy lost = Ui – Uf = 12×10–9J –6 × 10–9J = 6 nJ C1C2 = 400 ....(iii)
CV + (nC )V From equation (i) and (ii)
57. (d) V ¢= C1 = 10µF C2 = 40µF
kC + nC
qæ 1 1 ö
(n + 1)V 61. (b) w = w f - vi = 2 çç C - C ÷÷
k+ n è f i ø

1 d /3 d /3 d /3 (5 ´ 10)2 æ 1 1 ö 6
= çè - ÷ø ´ 10
58. (c) C = k e A + k e A + k e A 2 2 5
1 1 0 2 0 3 0
= 3.75 × 10–6J
3k1k2 k3 e 0 A
or C1 = d (k k + k k + k k ) 62. (b) Capacitance of a capacitor with a dielectric of dielectric
1 2 2 3 3 1 constant k is given by
C2
k Î0 A
k1e 0 ( A / 3) k 2 e 0 ( A / 3) k3 e 0 ( A / 3) C=
= + + d
d d d V k Î0 AE
(k1 + k2 + k3 )e 0 A Q E= \ C=
= d V
3d k ´ 8.86 ´ 10 -12
´ 10-4 ´ 106
15 ´ 10-12 =
1 500
C1V 2
U1 2 k = 8.5
=
U2 1
C V2
2 2
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-275

Q 68. (b) As required equivalent capacitance should be

63. (b) V = Q1 Q2
C 6
Ceq = mF
13
æ Q - Q2 ö
=ç 1 Therefore three capacitors must be in parallel and 4 must
è 2C ÷ø
be in series with it.
æ 4 - 2ö Q1 – Q2 (Q1 – Q2 1 é 1 ù é1 1 1 1ù
–
(
=ç ÷ =1V = + + + +
è 2 ´1ø 2 2 Ceq êë 3C úû êë C C C C úû
64. (b) Energy stored in the system initially 3C 6
1 Ceq = = mF [ as C = 2 m F]
Ui = CE 2 13 13
2 So, desired combination will be as below:
1 Q 2 (CE)2 1 CE 2
Uf = = =
2 Ceq 2 ´ 4C 2 4
[As Q = CE, and Ceq = 4C]
1 3 3 3 Q2
DU = CE 2 ´ = CE 2 =
2 4 8 8 C
69. (b) W = – Du
s Q
65. (c) E = e = Ae ( ce ) 2 - ( ce ) 2
0 0 = ( -1)
\Q = e0. E. A = 8.85 × 10–12 × 100 × 1 2kc 2c
= 8.85 × 10–10C
C 1 e2 c k - 1
66. (a) A =
2 k
= 508 J

4 70. (c) Let dielectric constant of material used be K.

3 k1 Î0 A1 k 2 Î0 A 2 k 3 Î0 A 3 k Î0 A
+ + =
7 B d d d d
C 3 10 Î0 A/3 12 Î0 A/3 14 Î0 A/3 K Î0 A
or + + =
A B d d d d
For series combination Î0 A æ 10 12 14 ö K Î0 A
ç + + ÷=
1 1 1 d è 3 3 3ø d
Ceq
= C +C
1 2 \ K = 12
7C 71. (b)
1
Þ 73 = d
+C 2 y k
3
xa dx
Þ 14 C = 7 + 3 C
a
7
ÞC= mF y d d
11 From figure, = Þy= x
x a a
6mF
d 1 y (d - y)
30mC dy = (dx) Þ = +
67. (d) - + a dc Ke 0 adx e0 adx
- + - + - +
10mF 2mF 1 y æy ö
= çè + d - y÷ø
4mF dc e 0 abx k
As given in the figure, 6µF and 4µF are in parallel. Now e 0 adx
using charge conservation
ò dc = ò y
+d-y
k
6
Charge on 6µF capacitor = ´ 30 = 18µC a
d
dy
6+4
dò
c = e 0 a.
Since charge is asked on right plate therefore is +18µC or, æ1 ö
0 d + y ç - 1÷
èk ø
P-276 Physics

d 74. (a) During charging charge on the capacitor increases

e0a 2 é æ æ 1 ööù with time. Charge on the capacitor C1 as a function of time,
= êl n ç d + y çè - 1÷ø ÷ ú
æ1 ö ë è k ø û0 Q = Q0(1 – e–t/RC) Ceq
çè - 1÷ø d
k
- t RCeq ù
Q = Ceq E éë1 - e û
æ æ1 öö
k Î0 a 2 ç d + d ç k - 1÷ ÷ (Q Q0 = Ceq E)
= lnç è ø÷ R
E
(1 - k ) d ç d ÷ Both capacitor will have charge as they are connected in
ç ÷
è ø series

k Î0 a 2 2
æ 1 ö k Î0 a lnk 75. (d) The simplified circuit of the circuit given in question
= lnç ÷ = as follows:
(1 - k ) d è k ø ( k - 1) d 6m F 2m F
C D E 4m F
k1 k2 A B
k1 k2 L/2 C1 C2
72. (Bonus) Þ k3 k4 5m F 2m F
k3 k4 L/2
C3 C4
C12 5m F
The equivalent capacitance between C & D capacitors of
Þ 2mF, 5mF and 5 mF are in parallel.
Ceq \ CCD= 2 + 5 + 5 = 12 mF (Q In parallel grouping
C34 Ceq = C1 + C2 +.... + Cn)
Similarly equivalent capacitance between E & B CEB
L é L ù
k1 Î0 ´ L k 2 êÎ0 ´ L ú = 4 + 2 = 6mF
. ë û
2 2 Now equivalent capacitance between A & B
C1C2 d/2 d/2
C12 = = 1 1 1 1 5
C1 + C2 é L ù = + + =
êÎ0 2 ´ L ú Ceq 6 12 6 12
(k1 + k 2 ) ê ú
ë d/2 û 12
Þ C eq = = 2.4 mF (Q In series grouping,
5
k1k 2 Î0 L2
C12 = 1 1 1 1
k1 + k 2 d = + + .......... + )
in the same way we get, C eq C1 C 2 Cn
76. (c) Given area of Parallel plate capacitor, A = 200 cm2
k3k 4 Î0 L2
C34 = Separation between the plates, d = 1.5 cm
k3 + k 4 d Force of attraction between the plates, F = 25 × 10–6N
é kk k k ùÎ L2 F = QE
\ C eq = C12 + C34 = ê 1 2 + 3 4 ú 0 .. (i)
ë k1 + k 2 k3 + k 4 û d Q2 s Q
F= (E due to parallel plate = = )
2 A Î0 2 Î0 A2 Î0
k Î0 L2
Now if keq = K, Ceq = ... (ii)
d d = 1.5 cm
Î0 A(V )
on comparing equation (i) to equation (ii), we get But Q = CV =
d
k1k 2 (k3 + k 4 ) + k3 k 4 (k1 + k 2 )
k eq = (Î0 AV )2
(k1 + k 2 )(k 3 + k 4 ) \ F= + –
This does not match with any of the options so this must d 2 ´ 2 A Î0
V
be a bonus.
2 2 2
73. (a) Charge on Capacitor, Qi = CV (Î0 A) ´ V (Î0 A) ´ V
= 2
=
After inserting dielectric of dielectric constant d ´ 2 ´ ( A Î0 ) d2 ´ 2
= K Qf = (kC) V
(8.85 ´ 10-12 ) ´ (200 ´ 10 -4 ) ´ V 2
Induced charges on dielectric or, 25 ´ 10-6 =
Qind = Qf – Qi = KCV – CV 2.25 ´ 10-4 ´ 2

æ5 ö
( K - 1)CV = ç - 1 ÷ × 90 pF × 2V = 1.2nc 25 ´ 10-6 ´ 2.25 ´ 10-4 ´ 2
Þ V= » 250 V
è3 ø 8.85 ´ 10-12 ´ 200 ´ 10-4
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-277

77. (a) The sum of final charges on C2 and C3 is 36 µC.

é æ 12 ö ù
78. (b) To get a capacitance of 2 m F arrangement of Charge on C1 is q1 = ê ç ÷ø ´ 8 ú ´ 4 = 24mC
ë è 4 + 12 û
capacitors of capacitance 1 mF as shown in figure 8
capacitors of 1mF in parallel with four such branches in
4
series i.e., 32 such capacitors are required. The voltage across CP is VP = ×8 = 2V
4 + 12
\ Voltage across 9mF is also 2V
\ Charge on 9mF capacitor = 9 × 2 = 18mC
\ Total charge on 4 mF and 9mF = 42mC

m m m m KQ 42 ´ 10-6
\E = = 9 × 109 × = 420 NC–1
r2 30 ´ 30
82. (a) Capacitors 2mF and 2mF are parallel, their equivalent
= 4 mF
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + \ Ceq = 2 mF 6mF and 12 mF are in series, their equivalent = 4 mF
Ceq 8 8 8 8
3
79. (c) Before introducing a slab capacitance of plates Now 4mF (2 and 2 mF) and 8mF in series = mF
e A 8
C1 = 0 And 4mF (12 & 6 mF) and 4mF in parallel = 4 + 4 = 8mF
3
If a slab of dielectric constant K is introduced between 1 8
plates then 8mF in series with 1mF = + 1 Þ mF
8 9
Ke 0A e A
C= then C1' = 0 8 8 32
d 2.4 Now Ceq = + =
' 9 3 9
C1 and C1 are in series hence, C1'
e A e A 32
e0A k 0 . 0 Ceq of circuit =
3 2.4 9
=
3 e0 A e 0 A 1 1 9 32
k + With C – = + =1Þ C =
3 2.4
3 k = 2.4 k + 3 Slab C eq C 32 23
0.6 k = 3 83. (d) To get effective capacitance of 6 mF two capacitors of
Hence, the dielectric constant of slap is given by, 4 mF each connected in sereies and one of 4 mF capacitor
30 in parallel with them.
k= =5
6 4mF 4mF
Q2
80. (d) Energy of sphere =
2C
16 ´ 10 -12
4.5 =
2C 4mF
16 ´ 10-12 Two capacitances in series
C= = 4pe 0R
9 1 1 1 1 1 1
(capacity of spherical conductor) \ = + = + =
C C1 C2 4 4 2
16 ´ 10-12 1 1 9 1 capacitor in parallel
R= ´ Q 4pe = 9 ´ 10 \ C eq = C3 + C = 4 + 2 = 6 mF
9 4pe 0 0

16 Q1 1mF
= 9 ´ 109 ´ ´ 10-12 = 16 mm 84. (d)
9 Q
3µF
C1 = 4µF 12µF = CP
81. (a) 4µF C
9µF Q2 2mF
Þ
2µF
8V 8V
2 2
From figure, Q2 = Q = Q
2 +1 3
P-278 Physics

æ C ´3 ö s æ ld ö
Q= Eç ÷ = l ln ç1 + K ÷
è C + 3ø è 0ø
2 æ 3CE ö 2CE Now it is given that capacitance of vacuum = C0.
\ Q2 = ç ÷=
3è C + 3ø C +3 Q
Thus, C =
Therefore graph d correctly dipicts. V
s.s
Charge = (Let surface area of plates = s)
v
s.s
=
s æ ld ö
ln ç1 + ÷
l è K0 ø
d 1
= sl. (Q in vacuum e0 =1)
d æ ld ö
C ln ç1 + ÷
1mF 3mF è K0 ø
85. (a) when switch is closed ld æ sö
c= . C0 çè here, C0 = ÷ø
–10 C 15 C æ ld ö d
ln ç 1 + ÷
è K0 ø
89. (c)
90. (d) Possible combination of capacitors
(i) Three capacitors in series combination
5V 5V

3µF 3µF 3µF

–15 C +10 C
When switch is open 1 1 1 1
= + +
Ceq 3 3 3
–12 C +12 C
1
\ = 1mF
Ceq
6V 4V
(ii) Three capacitors in parallel combination

4V 6V 3µF

–12 C +12 C 3µF

Charge of 5mc flows from b to a
3µF
86. (a) Electric field in presence of dielectric between the two Ceq = 3 + 3 + 3 = 9 µF
plates of a parallel plate capaciator is given by, (iii) Two capacitors in parallel and one is in series
s 3µF
E=
Ke 0
Then, charge density
s = Ke0E 3µF
= 2.2 × 8.85 × 10–12 × 3 × 104 3µF
» 6 × 10–7 C/m2 Ceq = 2µF
87. (d) (iv) Two capacitors in series and one is in parallel
88. (c) The value of dielectric constant is given as,
K = K 0 + lx
d d
s
And, V = ò Edr Þ V = ò dx
K
0 0 Ceq = 4.5 µF
d
1 s k Î0 A
= s ò ( K + l x ) dx = éëln ( K 0 + ld ) - ln K 0 ùû 91. (b) C0 =
d
0 0 l
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance P-279

k Î0 2 2k Î0 A 4 k Î0 A 95. (c) The dielectric constant of the gas is 1.01

C= + = 96. (d) Capacitance of sphere is given by :
3d 3d 3 d
4 k Î0 A C = 4 p Î0 r
C 4 If, C = 1F then radius of sphere needed:
\ = 3 d =
C0 k Î0 A 3 C 1
d r= =
4p Î0 4p´ 8.85 ´10 -12
Q It
92. (c) As, C = = 1012
V V or, r = = 9 × 109 m
V I 2 4p´ 8.85
Þ = =
t C 1 ´ 10 -6 9 × 109 m is very large, it is not possible to obtain such
= 2 × 106 V/s a large sphere. Infact earth has radius 6.4 × 106 m only
93. (c) When charged particle enters perpendicularly in an and capacitance of earth is 711mF.
electric field, it describes a parabolic path
2 97. (d) Equivalent capacitance of n2 number of capacitors
1 æ QE öæ x ö each of capacitance C2 in parallel = n2C2
y= ç ÷ç ÷
2 è m øè 4 ø Equivalent capacitance of n 1 number of capacitors each
This is the equation of parabola. of capacitances C1 in series.
C
y Capacitance of each is C1 = 1
E n1
According to question, total energy stored in both the
combinations are same
P(x, y)
u x 1 æ C1 ö 1
i.e., ç ÷ ( 4V ) 2 = ( n2 C2 ) V 2
2 è n1 ø 2
94. (d) The discharging of a capacitor is given as
16C1
q = q 0 exp [ - t / RC ] \ C2 =
RC = time constant = t n1 n2
98. (c) Charge (or current) always flows from higher potential
q = q 0 e-t/ t to lower potential.
If e is the capacitance of the capacitor
Charge
q = CV and q = CV0 Potential=
Capacitance
Thus, CV = CV0 e t / t
q2
V = V0 e -t / t…(i) 99. (c) Initial energy of capacitor, E1 = 1
2C
From the graph (given in the problem Final energy of capacitor,
when t = 0.5, V = 25 i.e., æ q1 ö
2
V0 = 25 volt. 1 q12
and when t = 200, V = 5 volt E2 = E1 = =ç 2÷
2 4C ç ÷
Thus equation (i) becomes è 2C ø
1
5 = 25e -200/ t
\ t1 = time for the charge to reduce to of its initial
2
Þ 1 / 5 = e -200/ t value
Taking loge on both sides 1
and t2 = time for the charge to reduce to of its initial
1 4
loge = -200 / t Þ – 200 = log e 5 value
5 t æ q2 ö t
200 We have, q2 = q1e-t / CR Þ ln ç q ÷ = -
t= è 1ø CR
log e 5 -
æ 1 ö t1
200 200 \ ln ç ÷= ...(1)
or t = = è 2 ø CR
æ 10 ö log e 10 - log e 2
log e ç ÷ æ 1 ö -t2
è 2ø and ln ç ÷ = ...(2)
è 4 ø CR
200 200
æ 1 ö ln æç ö÷
t= = = 124.300 1
2.302 - 0.693 1.609 ln ç ÷
t1 1 è 2ø 1
= è ø =
By (1) and (2) , 2 =
Which lies between 100 s and 150 s 2 æ 1 ö 4
ln æç ö÷
t2 1 2ln ç ÷
è4ø è2ø
P-280 Physics

103. (c) Applying conservation of energy,

Electric potential energy of capacitor = heat absorbed
1 2m. s. Dt
100. (c) CV 2 = m. s Dt ; V =
2 C
104. (b) The capacitance without aluminium foil is
The capacitance with air between the plates e A
C= 0
d
e0 A Here, d is distance between the plates of a capacitor
C= = 9pF
d A = Area of plates of capacitor
On introducing two dielectric between the plates, the given When an aluminium foil of thickness t is introduced
capacitance is equal to two capacitances connected in between the plates.
series where
e A
k Î A 3Î A Capacitance, C¢ = 0
C1 = 1 0 = 0 d –t
d /3 d /3 If thickness of foil is negligible 50 d – t ~ d. Hence, C = C¢.
3 ´ 3Î0 A 9 Î0 A 105. (d) The work done is stored in the form of potential energy
= = which is given by
d d
and 1 Q2
U=
kÎ A 3k2Î0 A 2 C
C2 = 2 0 =
2d / 3 2d
\ U = 1´
(
8 ´ 10 )
-18 2
= 32 × 10–32 J
3 ´6 Î0 A 9 Î0 A
= = 2 100 ´ 10 -6
2d d
106. (b) In parallel, equivalent capacitance of n capacitor of
The equivalent capacitance Ceq is capacitance C
1 1 1 C¢ = nC
= + Energy stored in this capacitor
Ceq C1 C2
1 1 2
d d 2d E= C V
= + = 2
9 Î0 A 9 Î0 A 9 Î0 A 1 2 1 2
Þ E = (nC )V = nCV
2 2
9 Î0 A 9
\ Ceq = = ´ 9 pF = 40.5 pF C
2 d 2 C
101. (a) The potential energy of a charged capacitor is given n times
C
2
Q
by U = . V
2C V
When a dielectric slab is introduced between the plates Alternatively
Each capacitor has a potential difference of V between the
Q2 plates.
the energy is given by , where K is the dielectric So, energy stored in each capacitor
2KC
constant. 1
= CV 2 .
Again, when the dielectric slab is removed slowly its 2
energy increases to initial potential energy. Thus, work \ Energy stored in n capacitor
done is zero. é1 2ù
102. (b) As n plates are joined alternately positive plate of all = ê CV ú ´ n
(n – 1) capacitor are connected to one point and negative ë2 û
plate of all (n – 1) capacitors are connected to other point. 107. (a) Capacitance of spherical conductor = 4pE0R
It means (n – 1) capacitors joined in parallel. Here, R is radius of conductor
\ Resultant capacitance = (n – 1)C 1
\ C = 4p Î0 R = ´ 1 = 1.1 ´ 10-10 F
9 ´109