XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

2. ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL AND CAPACITANCE

SYLLABUS: Electric potential, potential difference, electric potential due to a point charge, a dipole and
system of charges; equipotential surfaces, electrical potential energy of a system of two-point charges and
of electric dipole in an electrostatic field.
Conductors and insulators, free charges and bound charges inside a conductor. Dielectrics and electric
polarization, capacitors and capacitance, combination of capacitors in series and in parallel, capacitance of a
parallel plate capacitor with and without dielectric medium between the plates, energy stored in a capacitor
(no derivation, formulae only).
GIST

• Electric potential difference. The electric potential difference between two points in an electric
field is defined as the amount of work done per unit positive test charge in moving the test charge
from one point to the other against the electrostatic force due to the field.
Unit. Its SI unit is volt (V)
1 volt (V) = 1 joule /coulomb
Electric potential. The electric potential at a point in an electric field is defined as the amount of work
done per unit positive test charge in moving the test charge from infinity to that point against the
electrostatic force due to the field.
Mathematically - If W is work done in moving a small positive test charge from infinity to point A in the
electrostatic field of charge q, then potential at point A,
V= 𝑊𝐴𝐵/𝑞

• Electric potential due to group of charges. The electric potential at a point due to a group of
charges is equal to the algebraic sum of the electric potentials due to individual charges at that point.
It is because of the reason that electric potential is a scalar quantity.
• Potential gradient. The rate of change of potential with distance at a point is called potential
gradient at that point.
The electric field at a point is equal to the negative of potential gradient at that point.
Mathematically E= - 𝑑𝑉/𝑑𝑟
Unit. Its unit in SI is volt /metre (V/m).
• Equipotential surface. The surface inan electric field having same potential at all points is called
equipotential surface. Two equipotential surfaces can never intersect each other.
• Electrostatic potential energy of a system of charges. The electric potential energy of a system of
point charges is the work needed to bring the charges from an infinite separation to their final
positions. Its SIunit is joule (J) or electron volt (eV). 1 eV =1.6 x 10-19J
• Potential energy of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field.
If the electric dipole is rotated from initial orientation making angle Ɵ1, with the electric field to the final
orientation making angle Ɵ2 , with the field, then
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

U = pE (cos Ɵ2 — cos Ɵ1)

• Behaviour of a charged conductor
Charges reside only at the surface of the charged conductor.
The electric potential is constant at the surface and inside the conductor.
. The electric field is zero inside the conductor and just outside it, the electric field is normal to the surface.
• Capacitor :It is an arrangement for storing a very large amount of charge.
• Electrical capacitance. The ability of a conductor to store charge is called its electrical
capacitance.
Mathematically C = Q/ V Its SI unit is farad (F).
1 farad (F) = 1 coulomb /volt (C/ V)
• Capacitance of a spherical conductor. C = 4𝜋∈𝑂 r ,r is radius (in metre) of the spherical
conductor.
• Principle. The capacitance of a conductor gets increased greatly, when an earth connected
conductor is placed near it.
• Parallel plate capacitor
It consists of two flat, parallel metal plates separated by a small distance. The space between the plates may
have vacuum or some other insulating material such as mica, glass or paper.
• Energy stored in a capacitor.
Work done in charging a capacitor gets stored in the capacitor in the form of its electrostatic potential
energy.
• Dielectric constant. The ratio of the strength of the applied electric field to the strength of reduced
value of electric field on inserting the dielectric slab between the plates of a capacitor is called the
dielectric constant of the slab.
• Dielectric strength. The maximum value of electric field (or potential gradient) that can be applied
to the dielectric without its electric breakdown is called dielectric strength of the dielectric. Its unit
is V/m (same as that of electric field).
• Effect of dielectric slab on the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.
When a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is introduced between the plates, then ,
𝐾𝜖0 𝐴
𝐶′ = 𝐶 ′ = 𝐾𝐶0 .
𝑑
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

MIND MAP

Electric Potential
Electric potential at a point in an electric field is equal to the work done in bringing a unit positive charge
(against electric field) from infinity to that point along any path.

𝑊 𝑞
𝑉 = 𝑞 = 4𝜋∈
0 0𝑟

Unit- Volt (JC-1).Scalar quantity.

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DUE TO A SINGLE POINT CHARGE
Consider a point charge +q placed at point O in free space/air as shown in Fig. It is desired to find electric
potential at P due to charge +q. Let r be the distance of point P from O i.e,.OP = r.
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

At point A at a distance x from charge +q, electric field intensity is

Small amount of work done/C in moving positive test charge from A to B (where AB = dx) is
dW= – E dx
The negative sign is taken because dx is measured along the negative direction of x.
Total amount of work done/C in bringing a small positive test charge from infinity to r is

𝑞
Therefore, 𝑉 = 4𝜋∈
0𝑟

ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY AND POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE,

EQUIPOTENTIAL SURFACE
Any surface over which the potential is constant is called an equipotential surface.
Few equipotential surfaces
Equipotential surface due to a uniform field

Equipotential surface due to point charge

Equipotential surface due to equal charges

Equipotential surface due to a dipole
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

Properties of equipotential surfaces.

(i) Work done in moving a charge over an equipotential surface is zero.
The work done in moving a test charge +q0 from A to B is given by;
WAB= (VB– VA) q0
Since VB– VA= 0, WAB= 0
Hence, no work is done in taking a charge from one point to another over an equipotential surface.
(ii) The electric field is always perpendicular to an equipotential surface. we have,

𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = −𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑟
But
𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = 0
Therefore,
−𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑟 = 0
It implies that, E perpendicular to r.
(iii) Two equipotential surfaces can never intersect. If two equipotential surfaces could intersect,
then at the point of intersection there would be two values of electric potential which is not
possible.
(iv) The spacing between equipotential surfaces enables us to identify regions of strong
and weak fields.
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY
The electric potential energy of a system of point charges is the work needed to bring the charges from an
infinite separation to their final positions.
POTENTIAL DUE TO AN ELECTRIC DIPOLE
Consider an electric dipole (±𝑞, 2𝑎) having dipole moment |𝑝| = 2𝑞𝑎, from –q to +q. Let P be a point
at(r,θ)from the centreO of the dipole (i.e.,
OP = r). It is desired to find the Electric
Potential at P due to the dipole as shown
in fig.
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

POTENTIAL ENERGY OF TWO-CHARGE SYSTEM

(i) First assume that the two charges +q1 and +q2 are infinite apart at rest. If we bring charge +q1 from
infinity to its original position A, no work is done because no electrostatic force acts on it due to any other
charge.
(ii) When we bring charge +q2 from infinity (where V = 0) to its original position B, work will have to be
done due to the repulsive force of +q1. This work done is equal to potential difference between B and
∞multiplied by charge +q2, i.e.

By definition, this is the electric potential energy (U) of the two-charge system.

Potential energy of a system of two charges in an external field

Important electrostatic properties of a conductor

1. Inside a conductor, electrostatic field is zero.
2. At the surface of a charged conductor, electrostatic field must be normal to the surface at every
point because surface of the conductor is an equipotential surface.
3. The interior of a conductor can have no excess charge in the static situation because E=0 and
therefore ∑Q=0(from Gauss theorem)
4. Electrostatic potential is constant throughout the
volume of the conductor and has the same value (as
inside) on its surface because work done is zero from
surface to inside as at surface E is perpendicular and
inside E=0.
5. Electric field at the surface of a charged conductor
𝜎
𝐸=𝜖
0

ELECTROSTATIC SHIELDING: The phenomenon of protecting a certain region of space from external
electric field is called electrostatic shielding.
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

Since, Electric field inside a conductor is zero therefore if we want to protect delicate instruments from
external electric field, we enclose them in hollow conductors.
Dielectric Strength:The maximum electric field that a dielectric medium can withstand without its
electrical break-down.
e.g. for air it is about 3 × 106 Vm–1.
Capacitor
It consists of two metallic conductors electrically insulated from each other as well as their surroundings.
It is used to store electrical energy in the form of electric field lines. The total charge of the capacitor is
zero.
Principle of Capacitor:The charge storing capacity of a conductor can be increased considerably by
bringing an uncharged earthed conductor near it.
Capacitance(C):The ratio of charge of capacitor to the potential difference across its ends.
𝑄
𝐶=
𝑉
SI unit of capacitance is 1 farad (=1 coulomb volt-1) or 1 F = 1 C V–1.
It does not depend on charge and potential. It depends only on the dimension of the capacitor.
Graph between Q and V is a straight line.
PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR :It consists of two flat, parallel metal plates separated by a small
distance as shown in Fig. The space between the plates may have vacuum or some other insulating material
such as mica, glass or paper.
CAPACITANCE OF PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR
Consider a parallel plate capacitor having air/vacuum in the
space between the plates.
Let A = area of each plate, d = distance between the plates
V = p.d. across the plates, q = charge on each plate
𝜎 = surface charge density on either plate = q/A
The electric field between the plates is uniform and its magnitude is given by
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

CAPACITANCE OF PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR WITH A DIELECTRIC SLAB

Consider a parallel plate capacitor having dielectric in the space between the plates.
Let A = area of each plate
d = distance between the plates
V = p.d. across the plates
q = charge on each plate
𝜎 = surface charge density on either plate = q/A
In the absence of dielectric, field between the plates
𝜎 𝑞
𝐸0 = =
𝜖0 𝐴𝜖0
The electric field due to the charged plates induces a net dipole moment in the
dielectric. This effect, called polarization ,gives rise to a field in the opposite
direction.
The net electric field inside the dielectric is thus reduced and given by
𝐸0 𝑞
𝐸′ = =
𝐾 𝐾𝐴𝜖0
𝑞
Also, 𝑉 ′ = 𝐸 ′ 𝑑 = 𝐾𝐴𝜖
0

𝑞 𝐾𝜖0 𝐴
=
𝑉′ 𝑑
𝐾𝜖0 𝐴
But q/v’ is the capacitance,therefore, 𝐶′ = ⇒𝐶 ′ = 𝐾𝐶0
𝑑

RELATIVE PERMITTIVITY or DIELECTRIC CONSTANT

Effect of introducing a dielectric of constant K between the plates of parallel plate capacitor

Physical Quantity When the capacitor connected When the capacitor disconnected
Capacitance K times K times
Charge K times Constant
Potential Difference constant 1
times
𝐾

Electric Field 1 1
times times
𝐾 𝐾

Potential Energy K times 1

times
𝐾
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

Energy stored in a Capacitor

During charging a capacitor, transfer of electrons take place from one plate of the capacitor to the other .
This work done by the battery in moving the electron is stored in the form of electric potential energy in the
𝑄2 1 1
electric field between the plates. 𝑈 = = 2 𝐶𝑉 2 = 2 𝑄𝑉
2𝐶

ENERGY DENSITY
Consider a charged parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and plate separation
das shown in Fig.

When two capacitors are connected then

𝐶1 𝑉1+ 𝐶2 𝑉2
(i) Common Potential, 𝑉𝐶 = 𝐶1 +𝐶2

(ii) New charge on each capacitor, 𝑞1 = 𝐶1 𝑉𝐶 , 𝑞2 = 𝐶2 𝑉𝐶

1 𝐶 𝐶
(iii) Energy loss, ∆𝐸 = 2 𝐶 1+𝐶2 (𝑉1 − 𝑉2 )2
1 2

(iv) This energy is lost in the form of heat and electromagnetic radiation.
(v) For uncharged capacitor take V=0

COMPETENCY BASED QUESTIONS

1 Consider a uniform electric field in the z-direction. The potential is a constant
(a) for any x for a given z (b) for any y for a given z
(c) on the x-y plane for a given z (d) all of these
ANS d
2 In a parallel plate capacitor, the capacity increases if
(a) area of the plate is decreased. (b) distance between the plates increases.
(c) area of the plate is increased. (d) dielectric constant decreases
ANS c
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

3 When two identical charges approaches each other then electric potential energy of the system
(a) Increases (b) decreases ( c) may increase or decrease (d) remains constant
ANS a
4 Two charges + 3 µC and – 3 µC are placed at points A(0,0,4cm) and B( 0,0,-4cm.)
respectively. Work done to move a charge of 2 µC from point P (0,1cm,0) to point Q (
2cm,0,0) will be
(a) 2 mJ (b) Zero (c) 1 mJ (d) 4 mJ
ANS b
5 Three capacitors each of capacitance 3 µF are first connected in series and then in parallel.
Ratio of effective capacitance in series Cs and in parallel CP is
(a) 9 ( b) 1/9 (c) 2/9 (d) 9/2
ANS b
6 Two capacitors 3 µF and 6 µF are connected in series and connected to 100 V d.c. source.
What is the ratio of energies stored in them
(a) 1:2 ( b) 1:3 (c) 2:1 (d) 3:1
ANS c
7 SI unit of line integral of electric field is
(a) J (b) N /C (c) N c -1 m2 (d) J / C

ANS d
8 Two parallel plate air capacitors A and B have plate separation in ratio 1:3 and plate area in
ratio 2:3. Ratio of their capacitances
(a) 1:2 ( b) 1:3 (c) 2:1 (d) 3:1
ANS c
9 To protect a given region from the effect of electric fields and charges
(a) it should be enclosed in a non magnetic material (b) it should be enclosed in a metallic
conductor
(c) it should be enclosed in a magnetic material (d) it should be enclosed in an
insulating material
ANS b
10 Four capacitor each of capacitance 16μF areare given. Equivalent capacitance will be 4μF when
(a) all are connected in parallel (b) three are connected in parallel and one in series with
them
(c) all are connected in series (d) three are connected in series and one in parallel with
them
ANS c
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

ONE MARK QUESTIONS

1 A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such that the potential on its surface is 10 V.
What is the potential at the centre of the sphere?
ANS The electric field inside the shell is zero. This implies that potential is constant inside the shell
(as no work is done in moving a charge inside the shell) and, therefore, equals its value at the
surface, which is 10 V.
2 What is the work done in moving a test charge q through a distance of 1 cm along the equatorial
axis of an electric dipole?
ANS Zero
3 Why is electrostatic potential constant throughout the volume of the conductor and has the
same value (as inside) on its surface?
ANS

4 A point charge Q is placed at point O as shown. Is the potential difference ( VA-VB) positive,
negative or zero if Q is positive

ANS If q is positive charge, VA – VB = negative

5 What will happen to the Capacitance when a dielectric slab is placed between the plates of the
capacitor?
ANS Increases
2 MARKS QUESTIONS
1 Find the equivalence capacitance between X and Y.

ANS 9 µ F
2 The given graph shows variation of charge ‘q’ versus potential difference ‘V’ for two
capacitors C1 and C2. Both the capacitors have same plate seperation but plate area of C2 is
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

greater than that of C1. Which line (A or B) corresponds to C1 and why?

ANS Line B corresponds to C1

Reason: Since slope (qv) of ‘B’ is less than that of ‘A’
3 . Draw 3 equipotential surfaces corresponding to a field that uniformly increases in magnitude
but remains constant along Z-direction. How are these surfaces different from that of a constant
electric field along Z-direction?
ANS d2 < d1 for increasing field
and d2 = d1 for uniform field.

4 . i) Can two equipotential surfaces intersect each other? Give reasons.

(ii) Two charges -q and + q are located at points A (0, 0, – a) and B (0, 0, +a) respectively. How
much work is done in moving a test charge from point P (7, 0, 0) to Q (-3,0,0)?
ANS i) No, if they intersect, there will be two different directions of electric field at that point which
is not correct. If they intersect, then at the same point of intersection, there will be two values of
potential. This is not possible and hence two equipotential surfaces cannot intersect.
(ii) Since both the points P and Q are on the equatorial line of the dipole and V = 0 at every
point on it, work done will be zero. Also the force on any charge is perpendicular to the
equatorial line, so work done is zero
5 A charge ‘q’ is moved from a point A above a dipole of dipole movement ‘p’ to a point B
below the dipole in equitorial plane without acceleration. Find the work done in the process.

ANS No work is done

[W = q VAB = q × 0 = 0, since potential remains constant]
3 MARKS QUESTIONS
1 Figure shows two identical capacitors C1 and C2, each of 2 µF capacitance, connected to a
battery of 5 V. Initially switch ‘S’ is left open and dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K = 5
are inserted to fill completely the space between the plates of the two capacitors. How will the
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

charge and

(ii) potential difference between the plates of the capacitors be affected after the slabs are
inserted?
ANS (i) When switch S is open and dielectric is introduced, charge on each capacitor will be q1 =
C1 V, q2 = C2V
q1 = 5CV
= 5 × 2 × 5 = 50 µC, q2 = 50 µC
Charge on each capacitor will become 5 times
(ii) P.d. across C1 is still 5V and across C2,
q = (5C) V

2 ..A network of four capacitors, each of capacitance 30 pF, is connected across a battery of 60 V
as shown in the figure.Find the net capacitance and the energy stored in each capacitor.
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

ANS Answer:

3 Net capacitance of three identical capacitors in series is 1 pF. What will be their net capacitance
if connected in parallel?
Find the ratio of energy stored in the two configurations if they are both connected to the same
source.
ANS

4 Two point charges q1 and q2 are located at r1→ and r2→ respectively in an external electric
field E→ .Obtain the expression for the total work done in assembling this configuration
ANS Work done in bringing the charge q1 from infinity to position r1
W1 = q1V(r1)
Work done in bringing charge q2 to the position r2

Hence, total work done in assembling the two charges

XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

w = W1 + W2

5 An electric dipole of length 4 cm, when placed with its axis making an angle of 60° with a
uniform electric field, experiences a torque of 4√3 Nm. Calculate the potential energy of the
dipole, if it has charge ± 8 nC
ANS 1st method Given : 2a = 4 cm = 4 × 10-2 m, θ = 60°
τ = 4 × √3 Nm, q = ±8 nC = ±8 x 10-9 CP.E. = |p| |E| cos θ, τ = |p| |E| sin θ

5 Marks Questions
1 (a) Define the SI unit of capacitance.
(b) Obtain the expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.
(c) Derive the expression for the affective capacitance of a series combination of n capacitors.
ANS (a) When a charge of one coulomb produces a potential difference of one volt between the
plates of capacitor, the capacitance is one farad.

(b)
Capacity of a parallel plate capacitor. A parallel plate capacitor consists of two large
plane parallel conducting plates separated by a small distance. We first take the
intervening medium between the plates to be vaccum. Let A be the area of each plate
and d the separation between them. The two plates have charges Q and – Q. Since d is
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

much smaller than the linear dimension of the plates (d2 << A), we can use the result on
electric field by an infinite plane sheet of uniform surface charge density. Plate 1 has
surface charge density σ = Q/A and Plate 2 has a surface charge density -σ, the electric
field in different region

In the inner region between the plates 1

and 2, the electric fields due to the two charged plates add up, giving

The capacitance C of the parallel plate capacitor is then

(c) In series combination, charge on each capacitor is same.

XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

2 A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery. After sometime the battery is disconnected
and a dielectric slab with its thickness equal to the plate separation is inserted between the
plates. How will
(i) the capacitance of the capacitor,
(ii) electric field between the plates and
(iii) the energy stored in the capacitor be affected? Justify your answer in each case.
ANS Let C be the capacitance and V be the potential difference.
The charge on the capacitor plates will then be Q = CV.
The electric field between the plates, E = Vd and the energy stored,

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

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

3 a) Write two properties of equipotential surfaces. Depict equipotential surfaces due to an

isolated point charge. Why do the equipotential surfaces get closer as the distance between the
equipotential surface and the source charge decreases?
(b) An electric dipole of dipole moment p , is placed in a uniform electric field E ,. Deduce
the expression for the torque ‘x acting on it.
ANS (a) Properties of equipotential surfaces:
(i) No work is done in moving a test charge over an equipotential surface.
(ii) No two equipotential surfaces can inter-sect each other.
(iii) Equipotential surface due to an isolated point charge is spherical.
(iv) The electric field at every point is normal to the equipotential surface passing
through that point. (any two)

For the same charge in the value, V, i.e., when dV = constant,

we have dr ∝1E
Hence, equipotential surface gets closer as the distance between the equipotential
surface and the source charge decreases.
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

Equipotential surface due to an isolated charge

(b) Consider a dipole with charges +q and -q placed in a uniform electric field E→ such that
AB = 2a as shown in the figure

Since the dipole experiences no net force in a uniform electric field but experiences a torque (τ)
is given by

It tends to rotate the dipole in clockwise direction. To rotate the dipole anti-clock wise has to be
done on the dipole.

SELECT RESPONSE QUESTIONS ( MCQ)

1 Which of the following options is correct? In a region of constant potential
(a) the electric field is uniform. (b) The electric field is zero.
(c) There can be charge inside the region. (d) The electric field shall necessarily change if a
charge is placed outside the region.
ANS b
2 The potential at a point due to an electric dipole will be maximum and minimum when the
angles between the axis of the dipole and the line joining the point to the dipole are respectively
(a) 900 and1800 (b)00 and 900 (c)900 and00 (d)00 and 180o
ANS d
3 A parallel plate capacitor with dielectric slab (K= 2) in between the plates has a capacitance
‘C’. Without the slab capacitance of the capacitor is
(a) C/ √2 (b)2C (c)C/2 (d) √2C
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

ANS c
4 Dielectric constant for metal is
(a)Zero (b) Infinite (c) 1 (d)Greater than 1
ANS b
5 Two charged spheres of radii R1 and R2 are connected by a thin wire. No current will flow, if
they have
(a) The same charge on each (b) the same charge densities
(c) The same potential energy (d) The same potential
ANS d
6 The kinetic energy will be gained by an alpha particle in going from a point at 20𝑉 to another
point at 10𝑉
(a) 20𝑒𝑉 (b) 20𝑘𝑒𝑉 (c) 20𝑀𝑒𝑉 (d) 20𝐽
ANS a
7 The electric potential V is given as a function of distance x (metre) by 𝑉 = (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 9)𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡.
Value of electric field at x = 1 is
6𝑉
(a) 4 𝑉/𝑚 (b) (c) 2𝑉/𝑚 (d) 0
𝑚

ANS a
8 The capacity of a parallel plate condenser is C.Its capacitance when the separation between the
plates is halved and dielectric slab of dielectric constant K=5 in inserted between the plates,
will be

ANS a
9 19 A 2𝜇𝐹capacitor is charged to 100𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡 and then its plates are connected by a conducting wire
resistance 2ohm. The heat produced is
(a) 1𝐽 (b) 0.1 𝐽 (c) 0.01 𝐽 (d) 0.001 𝐽
ANS c

CASE-STUDY BASED QUESTION

CAPACITOR
A capacitor is a device used to store electrical energy. In it two identical surfaces are placed in front of each
other, one of these plates is given charge and opposite nature of charge induces on the inner side of the
other plate, outer side of which is grounded. This induced charge helps in reducing the potential of that
plate which has been given charge, thus its capacity to hold charge increases. Capacity can also be
increased by inserting dielectric slab in between the plates.
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

Q 1- If a capacitor is connected to a battery and a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is introduced in

between the plates and the distance between the plates is Doubled then its capacitance will
(a) Increases K times (b) Decreases K times (c) Increases K/2 Times (d) Decreases K/2 times
Q 2 - If a capacitor is connected to a battery and later on a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is
introduced in between the plates. On account of introducing the dielectric slab
( a) Electric field in between the plates will increase (b ) Electric field in between the plates will decrease
( c) Electric charge on the plates will increase ( d ) Electric charge on the plates will decrease
Q 3 - If a capacitor is connected to a battery and later on a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is
introduced in between the plates. On account of introducing the dielectric slab
(a ) Energy stored in between the plates will decrease K times
( b ) Energy stored in between the plates will increase K times
( c) Energy stored in between the plates will decrease K/2 times
( d ) No effect on the Energy stored
Q 4 - A technician has only two capacitors by using them either alone or in grouping he can obtain
capacities 2, 3, 6 and 9 μf. The capacitors he has are
( a) 3 and 9 micro Farad ( b) 3 and 6 micro Farad (c ) 2 and 9 micro Farad (d ) 2 and 3 micro Farad
Answer: ( b) 3 and 6 micro Farad
OR
If a capacitor is charged by a battery and then disconnected after that the distance between its plates is
doubled then
(a ) Energy stored between the plates will be doubled
(b ) Charge on the plates will be doubled
( c) Electric field between the plates will be doubled
( d) No change in any of the above quantities

CASE STUDY QUESTION-02

POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A SYSTEM OF CHARGES:-
For two charge system – Let the two charges are q1and q2and distance between them is r12
U= Kq1q2/r12
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

For three charge system – Let the third charge q3 is now in the electric field region of the charges q1
and q2 , distance of q3 is r13 and r23 from the charges q1 and q2 respectively.
U123= K(q1q2/r12 +q1q3/r13 + q2q3/r23)
The potential energy (for a system of charges) is characteristic of the present state of configuration.
U= q1 V r1 + q2 V r2 + q3Vr3
Now answer the following questions.
Q1 – Work done in bringing two charges each of magnitude 10 C, which are initially at a distance of 1 m to
a distance of 50 cm, will be
( a ) 9x1011 Joules ( b ) 9x1010 Joules ( c ) 9x109 Joules ( d ) None of the above
Q 2 – If one charge from the above question is removed from the system, then the Energy of the remaining
system will be
(a ) 9x1012Joules ( b ) 27x1011Joules ( c ) ) 27x1012Joules ( d ) None of the above
Q 3– If one more charge from the above question is removed from the system, then the Energy of the
remaining system will be
(a ) 9x1011Joules ( b ) 27x1011Joule ( c ) ) 27x1012Joules ( d ) Zero
Hint:-as there will be only one charge which will not be in the Electric field region of any other charge.
OR
If three charges each of magnitude 10 C are at the vertices of an Equilateral triangle of side 10 cm, then the
Energy of this system is
(a ) 9x1011Joules ( b ) 27x1011Joules ( c ) 27x1012 Joules ( d ) None of the above
Q 4– If two charges each of 10 C are at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side 20 cm then the work
done to bring the third charge also of 10 C at the third corner will be
(a ) 9x1012Joules ( b ) 9 x1011Joules ( c ) ) 18 x1012Joules ( d ) Zero
CASE STUDY QUESTION-03
CAPACITOR
A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is a passive electronic component.
The most common use for capacitors is energy storage, power conditioning, electronic noise filtering,
remote sensing and signal coupling/decoupling. The capacitor was originally known as a condenser Most
capacitors contain at least two electrical conductors often in the form of metallic plates or surfaces
separated by a dielectric medium. Materials commonly used as dielectrics include glass, ceramic, plastic
film, paper, mica, air, and oxide layers. Here by using dielectric medium we can change capacitance of
given condenser
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

1. In which of the following forms is the energy stored in a capacitor?

(a) Charge (b) Potential (c) Capacitance (d) Electric field
2. When a metal slab is introduced between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor, its capacitance becomes
(a) Zero (b) Infinite (c) Less than one (d) None of these
3.Capacitors also known as in our daily life.
(a) Diode (b) Resistance (c) Condenser (d) Inductive coil
4.Dielectric medium used in capacitor-
(a) To increase capacitance (b) To decrease capacitance (c) To increase resistance (d) To decrease
resistance
OR
The effective capacitance of a capacitor is reduced when capacitors are connected in
(a) Series (b) Parallel (c) Series-parallel combination (d) None of the above
ANSWERS
CASE BASE Q.1 CASE BASE Q.2 CASE BASE Q.3
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

ASSERTION-REASON TYPE QUESTIONS

Two statements are given-one labelled Assertion (A) and the other labelled Reason (R). Select the
correct answer to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true and R is NOT the correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false and R is also false.
1 Assertion(A): The potential inside a hollow spherical charged conductor is zero.
Reason(R): Inside the hollow spherical conductor electric field is constant
Answer d
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

2 Assertion (A) -The work done by an electrostatic field in moving a charge from one
point to another depends only on the initial and the final points.
Reason (R)- Electrostatic force is a conservative fore.
Answer a
3 Assertion (A)- For a uniform electric field E along the x -axis, the equipotential surfaces
are planes parallel to the y-z plane.
Reason (R)- Electric field lines are always perpendicular to equipotential surfaces.
Answer a
4 Assertion (A)- A polar molecule is one in which the centres of positive and negative
charges are separated.
Reason (R)- A polar molecules have a permanent electric dipole moment.
Answer b
5 Assertion (A)- When capacitors are connected in series net capacitance decreases.
Reason (R)- In series combination, charges on the two plates are the same on each
capacitor
Answer b
6 Assertion (A)- When a charged capacitor is filled completely with a metallic slab, its
capacitance decreases.
Reason (R) -The dielectric constant for metal is zero.
Answer d
7 Assertion(A): No work is done in moving a point charge 𝑄 around a circular arc of radius
′𝑟′ at the Centre of which another point charge ′𝑞′ is located.
Reason(R): No work is done in moving a test charge from one point to another over an
equipotential surface
Answer c
8 Assertion(A): No work is done in moving a test charge from one point to another over an
equipotential surface.
Reason(R): Electric field is always normal to the equipotential surface at every point
Answer b
9 Assertion(A)-Electric potential inside a hollow conductor is constant.
Reason(R)– Electric field inside a hollow conductor is constant.
Answer c
10 Assertion(A)–Work done to move a charge on an equipotential surface is always zero.
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

Reason(R)– Electric field is zero at each point on an equipotential surface.

Answer c

SELF TEST

1 1. In a parallel plate capacitor, the capacity increases if 1M

(a) area of the plate is decreased. (b) distance between the plates
increases.(1)
(c) area of the plate is increased. (d) dielectric constant decreases
2 2. A charge Q is given to a metallic conductor. Which is true? 1M
(a) Electric field inside it is same as on the surface. (b) Electric potential
inside is zero.
(c) Electric potential on the surface is zero (d) Electric potential inside it is
constant.
3 Two statements are given-one labelled Assertion (A) and the other 1M
labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these questions
from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true and R is NOT the correct explanation of A
c) A is true but R is false
d) A is false and R is also false
1.Assertion(A): No work is done in moving a test charge from one point to
another over an equipotential surface.
Reason(R): Electric field is always normal to the equipotential surface at
every point
4 Find equivalent capacitance between A and B in the combination given 2M
below. Each capacitor is of 2 µF capacitance

5 a) Write two properties of equipotential surfaces. Depict equipotential 3M

surfaces due to an isolated point charge. Why do the equipotential surfaces
get closer as the distance between the equipotential surface and the source
charge decreases?
XII/Physics-Support Material/Bengaluru Region/2024-25

6 . A technician has only two capacitors by using them either alone or in 2M

grouping he can obtain capacities 2, 3, 6 and 9 μf. The capacitors he has are
( a) 3 and 9 micro Farad ( b) 3 and 6 micro Farad (c ) 2 and 9 micro Farad (d)
2 and 3 micro Farad
7 Draw 3 equipotential surfaces corresponding to a field that uniformly 2M
increases in magnitude but remains constant along Z-direction. How are
these surfaces different from that of a constant electric field along Z-
direction?
8 . A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery. After sometime the 3M
battery is disconnected and a dielectric slab with its thickness equal to the
plate separation is inserted between the plates. How will
(i) the capacitance of the capacitor,
(ii) electric field between the plates and
(iii) the energy stored in the capacitor be affected? Justify your answer in
each case

*********************************