CHAPTER – 2 THEORY QUESTIONS - Electric Potential And Capacitance

(1) Define electric potential. Derive an expression for the electric potential at a distance r from a point charge q. Show
graphically the variation of potential and electric field with r for a point charge q. (CBSE 1993, 99)

(2) Derive an expression for the potential at a point along the (i) axial line of a short dipole and (ii) equatorial line of an electric
diople. (CBSE 2000, 08, 01, 02)

(3) Show graphically the variation of potential due to charged shell with distance r from its centre.

(4) Obtain an expression for relation between electric field and potential.

(5) What is meant by equipotential surface. State and prove the properties of equipotential surfaces. Draw equipotential
surfaces of a (i) positive charge (ii) negative charge (iii) two equal and opposite charge (iv) two equal positive charge (v)
uniform electric field (CBSE 2000, 1999, 2001)

(6) Define electric potential energy, Derive an expression for potential energy in an (i) external field (ii) absence of external
field.

(7) Derive an expression for the potential energy of a dipole in a uniform electric field . Discuss the condition of stable and
unstable equilibrium. (CBSE 1996, 2002, 2008)

(8) State and prove the electrostatic properties shown by conductors placed in electrostatic fields.

(9) Define electrical capacitance of a conductor. On factors does it depends? Define the unit of capacitance for a
conductor.

(10) Sketch a graph to show how the charge Q acquired by a capacitor C varies with increase in potential difference between
its plates. (CBSE 2003) ( Ans Q α V, C = Q/V , Graph is straight line)

(11) What is a capacitor? Explain the principle of a capacitor. Obtain a relation for the capacitance of parallel plate
capacitor. (CBSE 1994, 2005, 2003, 1992)

(12) Define capacitance of a capacitor. Derive an expression for the capacitance of parallel plate capacitor (CBSE 1992)

(13) Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric medium of dielectric constant K
between its plates. Obtain also the expression for the energy stored in the above case. (CBSE 2001,1999.1997, 2004, 2002)

(14) Explain the effect of introducing a (i) dielectric slab and (ii) conducting slab between the plates of a parallel plate
capacitor on its capacitance? (CBSE 1997)

(15) Explain why the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor increases, when a dielectric slab is introduced between the
plates. Define relative permittivity of a dielectric? (CBSE 1990)
 (16) A conducting slab of thickness t is introduced without touching between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor,
separated by a distance d (t< d) and separated by a distance d (t < d/2). Derive an expression for the capacitance of the
capacitor in each case? (CBSE 2001 , 2010)

(17) (a) Define capacitance?

(18) Derive an expression for the equivalent capacitance of the series combination of capacitors .Three capacitors of
capacitances C1, C2 and C3 are connected in Parallel. Derive an expression for the equivalent capacitance of the
combinations? (CBSE 1994, 2002, 2003)

(19) (a) Derive an expression for (i) the energy stored in a capacitor (ii) the energy density of an electric field (iii) Loss in
energy.
(b) Define capacitance of a capacitor Prove that energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor is ½ CV2.
(CBSE 2001, 1996, 2012, 2008, 2013, 06, 05, 03, 02 )

(20) Prove that energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor can be expressed by the expression Q2/2 C. (CBSE 2001)
Derive an expression for the energy stored in parallel plate capacitor with air as the medium between its plates.
(CBSE 2000, 1998)

(17) Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric medium of dielectric constant K
between its plates. Obtain also the expression for the energy stored in the above case. (CBSE 2001S)

(18) How does the total energy stored by the capacitor change, when the medium of air is replaced by a medium of dielectric
constant K? Explain. (CBSE 1998)

(19) Derive the expression for the energy stored in a charged capacitor. Show that there is always a loss of energy on
connecting the two charged capacitors having capacitances C1, C2 and potential V1 and V2. (CBSE 1998S)

(20)Define dielectric and polarization. Distinguish between polar and non-polar dielectrics. Explain why polarization reduces
the electric field inside the dielectric. Hence define dielectric constant and dielectric strength of a dielectric.

(21) Explain the effect of dielectric on (i) charge on the plates (ii) electric field between the plates (iii) potential difference
between the plates (iv) capacitance and (v) energy stored in the capacitor when a dielectric is inserted between the
parallel plates capacitor charged by a battery which is then disconnected parallel plates capacitor charged by a battery and
the battery is kept connected (CBSE 2008)

(22) A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a potential difference V and then the battery is disconnected. Now
a dielectric slab of the dimensions equal to the spacing between the plates is inserted between the plates. What are the
changes, if any, in the capacitance, charge, potential difference, electric field and the energy stored? (CBSE 2007)

(23) Derive an expression for the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor. Assuming that the capacitor is disconnected from
the battery, explain how the (i)capacitance (ii)potential difference across the plates and (ii) energy stored in the parallel
capacitor change, when a medium of dielectric constant K is introduced between the plates. (CBSE 2001. 2000)

(24) Derive an expression for the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor. A parallel plate capacitor with air as dielectric is
charged by a D.C. source to a potential V. Without disconnecting the capacitor from the source, air is replaced by another
 dielectric medium of dielectric constant 10. State with reasons, how does (i) electric field between the plates and (ii) energy
stored in the capacitor change.(CBSE 2002)

(25) Sketch a graph to show how the charge Q acquired by a capacitor C varies with increase in potential difference between
its plates. (CBSE 2003) ( Ans Q α V, C = Q/V , Graph is straight line )