2

Electrostatic Potential
and Capacitance
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q. 1 A capacitor of 4 µF is connected as shown in the circuit. The internal
resistance of the battery is 0.5Ω. The amount of charge on the capacitor
plates will be
4 µF 10 Ω

2.5 V

2Ω
(a) 0 (b) 4 µ C (c) 16µC (d) 8 µC
K Thinking Process
In this problem, the three parallel branches of circuit can be considered in parallel ,
combination with one-another. Therefore, potential difference across each branch is same.
The capacitor offers infinite resistance in DC circuit, therefore no current flows through
capacitor and 10Ω resistance, leaving zero potential difference across 10Ω resistance.
Thus, potential difference across lower and middle branch of circuit is equal to the
potential difference across capacitor of upper branch of circuit.
Ans. (d) Current flows through 2Ω resistance from left to right, is given by
V 2.5V
I= = = 1A
R + r 2 + 0.5
The potential difference across 2Ω resistance V = I R = 1 × 2 = 2 V
Since, capacitor is in parallel with 2Ω resistance, so it also has 2V potential difference
across it.
The charge on capacitor
q = CV = (2 µ F ) × 2 V = 8µC
Note The potential difference across 2Ω resistance solely occurs across capacitor as no
potential drop occurs across 10Ω resistance.
Q. 2 A positively charged particle is released from rest in an uniform electric
field. The electric potential energy of the charge
(a) remains a constant because the electric field is uniform
(b) increases because the charge moves along the electric field
(c) decreases because the charge moves along the electric field
(d) decreases because the charge moves opposite to the electric field
K Thinking Process
In this problem, the relationship between E and V is actualised .
Ans. (c) The direction of electric field is always perpendicular to one equipotential surface
maintained at high electrostatic potential to other equipotential surface maintained at
low electrostatic potential.
The positively charged particle experiences electrostatic force along the direction of
electric field i.e., from high electrostatic potential to low electrostatic potential. Thus, the
work is done by the electric field on the positive charge, hence electrostatic potential
energy of the positive charge decreases.

Q. 3 Figure shows some equipotential lines distributed in space. A charged

object is moved from point A to point B.
(a) The work done in Fig. (i) is the greatest
(b) The work done in Fig. (ii) is least
(c) The work done is the same in Fig. (i), Fig.(ii) and Fig. (iii)
(d) The work done in Fig. (iii) is greater than Fig. (ii) but equal to that in
20V 40V 30V

A B A B A B

10V 20V 30V 40V 50V 10V 30V 50V 10V 20V 40V 50V
Fig. (i) Fig. (ii) Fig. (iii)

Ans. (c) The work done by a electrostatic force is given by W12 = q (V2 − V1 ). Here initial and final
potentials are same in all three cases and same charge is moved, so work done is
same in all three cases.

Q. 4 The electrostatic potential on the surface of a charged conducting sphere

is 100V. Two statements are made in this regard
S 1 at any point inside the sphere, electric intensity is zero.
S2 at any point inside the sphere, the electrostatic potential is 100V.
Which of the following is a correct statement?
(a) S 1 is true but S 2 is false
(b) Both S 1 and S 2 are false
(c) S 1 is true, S 2 is also true and S 1 is the cause of S 2
(d) S 1 is true, S 2 is also true but the statements are independant
Ans. (c) In this problem, the electric field intensity E and electric potential V are related as
dV
E=−
dr
dV
Electric field intensity E = 0 suggest that =0
dr
This imply that V = constant.
Thus, E = 0 inside the charged conducting sphere causes , the same electrostatic
potential 100V at any point inside the sphere.
Note V equals zero does not necessary imply that E = 0 e.g., the electric potential at any
point on the perpendicular bisector due to electric dipole is zero but E not.
E = 0 does not necessary imply that V = 0 e.g., the electric field intensity at any point
inside the charged spherical shell is zero but there may exist non-zero electric
potential.

Q. 5 Equipotentials at a great distance from a collection of charges whose total

sum is not zero are approximately
(a) spheres (b) planes
(c) paraboloids (d) ellipsoids
Ans. (a) In this problem, the collection of charges, whose total sum is not zero, with regard to
great distance can be considered as a point charge. The equipotentials due to point
charge are spherical in shape as electric potential due to point charge q is given by
q
V = ke
r
This suggest that electric potentials due to point charge is same for all equidistant
points. The locus of these equidistant points, which are at same potential, form
spherical surface.

Q. 6 A parallel plate capacitor is made of two dielectric blocks in series. One of

the blocks has thickness d 1 and dielectric constant K 1 and the other has
thickness d 2 and dielectric constant K 2 as shown in figure. This
arrangement can be thought as a dielectric slab of thickness
d (= d 1 + d 2 ) and effective dielectric constant K. The K is`
d1 K1

d2 K2

K 1 d1 + K 2 d2 K 1 d1 + K 2 d2
(a) (b)
d1 + d2 K1 + K2
K K (d + d2 ) 2K 1 K 2
(c) 1 2 1 (d)
(K 1 d1 + K 2 d2 ) K1 + K2

K Thinking Process
In this problem, the system can be considered as the series combination of two
capacitors which are of thicknesses d1 and filled with dielectric medium of dielectric
constant K 1 and thicknesses d2 and filled with dielectric medium of dielectric constant K 2.
Ans. (c) The capacitance of parallel plate capacitor filled with dielectric block has thickness d1
and dielectric constant K 2 is given by
K ε A
C1 = 1 0
d1
Similarly, capacitance of parallel plate capacitor filled with dielectric block has
thickness d 2 and dielectric constant K 2 is given by
K ε A
C2 = 2 0
d2
Since, the two capacitors are in series combination, the equivalent capacitance is
given by
1 1 1
= +
C C1 C 2
or
K1ε0 A K 2 ε0 A
C1C 2 d1 d2 K1K 2 ε0 A
C= = = ...(i)
C1 + C 2 K1ε0 A K 2 ε0 A K1d 2 + K 2d1
+
d1 d2
But the equivalent capacitances is given by
Kε0 A
C=
d1 + d 2
On comparing, we have
K K (d + d 2 )
K= 1 2 1
K1d 2 + K 2d1
Note For the equivalent capacitance of the combination, thickness is equal to the
separation between two plates i . e. , d1 + d2 and dielectric constant K.

Multiple Choice Questions (More Than One Options)

Q. 7 Consider a uniform electric field in the z$ -direction. The potential is a
constant
(a) in all space (b) for any x for a given z
(c) for any y for a given z (d) on the x-y plane for a given z
Ans. (b, c, d)
E
V – δV
P
B
V
δl

Equipotentials
 Here, the figure electric field is always remain in the direction in which the potential
decreases steepest. Its magnitude is given by the change in the magnitude of potential per
unit displacement normal to the equipotential surface at the point.
The electric field in z-direction suggest that equipotential surfaces are in x - y plane.
Therefore the potential is a constant for any x for a given z, for any y for a given z and on the
x - y plane for a given z.
Note The shape of equipotential surfaces depends on the nature and type of distribution
of charge e.g., point charge leads to produce spherical surfaces whereas line charge
distribution produces cylindrical equipotential surfaces.

Q. 8 Equipotential surfaces
(a) are closer in regions of large electric fields compared to regions of lower electric
fields
(b) will be more crowded near sharp edges of a conductor
(c) will be more crowded near regions of large charge densities
(d) will always be equally spaced
K Thinking Process
In this problem, we need a relation between the electric field intensity E and electric
potential V given by
dV
E=−
dr
Ans.(a,b,c)
The electric field intensity E is inversely proportional to the separation between equipotential
surfaces. So, equipotential surfaces are closer in regions of large electric fields.
Since, the electric field intensities is large near sharp edges of charged conductor and near
regions of large charge densities. Therefore, equipotential surfaces are closer at such places.

Q. 9 The work done to move a charge along an equipotential from A to B

B
(a) cannot be defined as − ∫ E.dl
A
B
(b) must be defined as − ∫ E.dl
A

(c) is zero
(d) can have a non-zero value
Ans. (c) Work done in displacing a charge particle is given by W12 = q (V2 − V1 ) and the line
2
integral of electrical field from point 1 to 2 gives potential difference V2 − V1 = − ∫ E.dI
1
For equipotential surface, V2 − V1 = 0 and W = 0.

Note If displaced charged particle is + 1 C, then and only then option (b) is correct. But the
NCERT exemplar book has given (b) as correct options which probably not so under
given conditions.

Q. 10 In a region of constant potential

(a) the electric field is uniform
(b) the electric field is zero
(c) there can be no charge inside the region
(d) the electric field shall necessarily change if a charge is placed outside the region
Ans. (b, c)
The electric field intensity E and electric potential V are related as E = 0 and for V = constant,
dV
=0
dr
This imply that electric field intensity E = 0.

Q. 11 In the circuit shown in figure initially key K 1 is closed and key K 2 is

open. Then K 1 is opened and K 2 is closed (order is important).
[Take Q 1′ and Q2′ as charges on C 1 and C 2 and V1 and V2 as voltage
respectively.]
K1 K2

C1 C2

Then,
(a) charge on C 1 gets redistributed such that V1 = V2
(b) charge on C 1 gets redistributed such that Q1′ = Q2′
(c) charge on C 1 gets redistributed such that C 1V1 + C 2V2 = C 1E
(d) charge on C 1 gets redistributed such that Q1′ + Q2′ = Q

K Thinking Process
When key K 1 is closed and key K 2 is open, the capacitor C 1 is charged by cell and when
K is opened and K 2 is closed, the charge stored by capacitor C 1 gets redistributed
between C 1 and C2.
Ans. (a, d)
The charge stored by capacitor C1 gets redistributed between C1 and C 2 till their potentials
become same i.e., V2 = V1. By law of conservation of charge, the charge stored in capacitor
C1 when key K1 is closed and key K 2 is open is equal to sum of charges on capacitors C1
and C 2 when K1 is opened and K 2 is closed i.e.,
Q' 1 + Q' 2 = Q

Q. 12 If a conductor has a potential V ≠ 0 and there are no charges anywhere

else outside, then
(a) there must be charges on the surface or inside itself
(b) there cannot be any charge in the body of the conductor
(c) there must be charges only on the surface
(d) there must be charges inside the surface
Ans. (a, b)
The charge resides on the outer surface of a closed charged conductor.
Q. 13 A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery as shown in figure.
Consider two situations.
K

A. Key K is kept closed and plates of capacitors are moved apart using
insulating handle.
B. Key K is opened and plates of capacitors are moved apart using
insulating handle.
Choose the correct option(s).
(a) In A Q remains same but C changes
(b) In B V remains same but C changes
(c) In A V remains same and hence Q changes
(d) In B Q remains same and hence V changes
K Thinking Process
The cell is responsible for maintaining potential difference equal to its emf across
connected capacitor in every circumstance. However, charge stored by disconnected
charged capacitor remains conserved.
Ans. (c , d)
Case A When key K is kept closed and plates of capacitors are moved apart using insulating
handle, the separation between two plates increases which in turn decreases its
Kε A
capacitance  C = 0  and hence, the charge stored decreases as Q = CV ( potential
 d 
continue to be the same as capacitor is still connected with cell).
Case B When key K is opened and plates of capacitors are moved apart using insulating
handle, charge stored by disconnected charged capacitor remains conserved and with the
decreases of capacitance, potential difference V increases as V = Q / C.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q. 14 Consider two conducting spheres of radii R 1 and R2 with R 1 > R2 . If the
two are at the same potential, the larger sphere has more charge than
the smaller sphere. State whether the charge density of the smaller
sphere is more or less than that of the larger one.
K Thinking Process
The electric potentials on spheres due to their charge need to be written in terms of their
charge densities.
Ans. Since, the two spheres are at the same potential, therefore
kq1 kq 2 kq1R1 kq 2 R 2
= ⇒ =
R1 R2 4 πR12 4 πR 22
 σ1 R 2
or σ1R1 = σ 2 R 2 ⇒ =
σ2 R1
R 2 > R1
This imply that σ1 > σ 2 .
The charge density of the smaller sphere is more than that of the larger one.

Q. 15 Do free electrons travel to region of higher potential or lower potential?

Ans. The free electrons experiences electrostatic force in a direction opposite to the direction of
electric field being is of negative charge. The electric field always directed from higher
potential to lower travel.
Therefore, electrostatic force and hence direction of travel of electrons is from lower
potential to region of higher potential .

Q. 16 Can there be a potential difference between two adjacent conductors

carrying the same charge?
K Thinking Process
The capacity of conductor depend on its geometry i.e., length and breadth . For given
charge potential V ∝1/ C, so two adjacent conductors carrying the same charge of
different dimensions may have different potentials.
Ans. Yes, if the sizes are different.

Q.17 Can the potential function have a maximum or minimum in free space?
Ans. No, The absence of atmosphere around conductor prevents the phenomenon of electric
discharge or potential leakage and hence, potential function do not have a maximum or
minimum in free space.

Q. 18 A test charge q is made to move in the electric field of a point charge Q

along two different closed paths [figure first path has sections along
and perpendicular to lines of electric field. Second path is a rectangular
loop of the same area as the first loop. How does the work done compare
in the two cases?

O θ

a
b

Ans. As electric field is conservative, work done will be zero in both the cases.
Note Conservative forces (like electrostatic force or gravitational force) are those forces,
work done by which depends only on initial position and final position of object viz
charge, but not on the path through which it goes from initial position to final
position.
Short Answer Type Questions
Q. 19Prove that a closed equipotential surface with no charge within itself
must enclose an equipotential volume.
K Thinking Process
In this problem, we need to know that the electric field intensity E and electric potential V
dV
are related as E = − and the field lines are always perpendicular to one equipotential
dr
surface maintained at high electrostatic potential to other equipotential surface
maintained at low electrostatic potential.
Ans. Let’s assume contradicting statement that the potential is not same inside the closed
equipotential surface. Let the potential just inside the surface is different to that of the
surface causing in a potential gradient   . Consequently electric field comes into
dV
 dr 
dV
existence, which is given by as E = − .
dr
Consequently field lines pointing inwards or outwards from the surface. These lines cannot
be again on the surface, as the surface is equipotential. It is possible only when the other
end of the field lines are originated from the charges inside.
This contradict the original assumption. Hence, the entire volume inside must be
equipotential.

Q. 20 A capacitor has some dielectric between its plates and the capacitor is
connected to a DC source. The battery is now disconnected and then the
dielectric is removed . State whether the capacitance, the energy stored
in it, electric field, charge stored and the voltage will increase, decrease
or remain constant.
K Thinking Process
Here, the charge stored by the capacitor remains conserved after its disconnection from
battery.
Ans. The capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor, filled with dielectric medium of dielectric
constant K is given by
Kε0 A
C= , where signs are as usual.
d
The capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor decreases with the removal of dielectric
medium as for air or vacuum K = 1.
After disconnection from battery charge stored will remain the same due to conservation of
charge.
q2
The energy stored in an isolated charge capacitor = ; as q is constant, energy stored ∝
2C
1/C and C decreases with the removal of dielectric medium, therefore energy stored
increases. Since q is constant and V = q / C and C decreases which in turn increases V and
therefore E increases as E = V / d .
Note One of the very important questions with the competitive point of view.
Q. 21 Prove that, if an insulated, uncharged conductor is placed near a
charged conductor and no other conductors are present, the uncharged
body must intermediate in potential between that of the charged body
and that of infinity.
K Thinking Process
dV
The electric field E = – suggest that electric potential decreases along the direction of
dr
electric field.
Ans. Let us take any path from the charged conductor to the uncharged conductor along the
direction of electric field. Therefore, the electric potential decrease along this path.
Now, another path from the uncharged conductor to infinity will again continually lower the
potential further. This ensures that the uncharged body must be intermediate in potential
between that of the charged body and that of infinity.

Q. 22 Calculate potential energy of a point charge − q placed along the axis

due to a charge + Q uniformly distributed along a ring of radius R. Sketch
PE, as a function of axial distance z from the centre of the ring. Looking
at graph, can you see what would happen if −q is displaced slightly from
the centre of the ring (along the axis)?
K Thinking Process
The work done or PE stored in a system of charges can be obtained
U = W = q × potential difference
Ans. Let us take point P to be at a distance x from the centre of the ring, as shown in figure. The
charge element dq is at a distance x from point P. Therefore, V can be written as
dq dq
V = ke ∫ = ke ∫
r z + a2
2

1
where, k = , since each element dq is at the same distance from point P, so we have
4 πε0
net potential
ke ke Q
2 ∫
V= dq =
z + a
2
z + a2
2

dq

a √z2 + n2

z
–q
P

Considering – q charge at P, the potential energy is given by

U = W = q × potential difference
k Q (− q )
U= e
z2 + a2
 1 − Qq
or U=
4 πε0 z2 + a2
1 − Qq
=
4 πε0 a 2
1 +  
z
 a
U

This is the required expression.

The variation of potential energy with z is shown in the figure. The charge − q displaced
would perform oscillations.
Nothing can be concluded just by looking at the graph.

Q. 23 Calculate potential on the axis of a ring due to charge Q uniformly

distributed along the ring of radius R.
Ans. Let us take point P to be at a distance x from the centre of the ring,as shown in figure. The
charge element dq is at a distance x from point P. Therefore, V can be written as

dq dq
V = ke ∫ = ke ∫
r x + a2
2

1
where, ke = , since each element dq is at the same distance from point P, so we have
4 πε0
net potential

ke ke Q
V=
x + a
2 2 ∫ dq = x 2 + a2
dq

a √x2 + a2

x
P

1 Q
The net electric potential V=
4 πε0 x + a2
2
Long Answer Type Questions
Q. 24 Find the equation of the equipotentials for an infinite cylinder of radius
r 0 carrying charge of linear density λ.
K Thinking Process
The electric field due to line charge need to be obtained in order to find the potential at
distance r from the line charge. As line integral of electric field gives potential difference
between two points.
r
V(r) − V(r0) = − ∫ E.dI
0 r

Ans. Let the field lines must be radically outward. Draw a cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius r
and length l. Then, applying Gauss’ theorem
t
r

1
∫ E.dS = ε0 λ l
1 λ
or Er 2 π rl = λ l ⇒ Er =
ε0 2 πε0 r
r
λ r
Hence, if r0 is the radius, V(r ) − V(r0 ) = − ∫ E.dl = ln 0
r0
2 πε0 r
r λ λ r 1 λ r
Since, ∫r0 2 πε0 r dr = 2 πε0 ∫r 0 r
dr = ln
2 πε0 r0
For a given V,
r 2 πε0
ln =− [V(r ) − V(r0 )]
r0 λ
⇒ r = r0e − 2 πε 0 Vr 0 / λ e + 2 πε0 V(r ) / λ
−2 πε 0 [ V( r ) − V( r ) ]/ λ
r = r0e 0

The equipotential surfaces are cylinders of radius.

Q. 25 Two point charges of magnitude + q and − q are placed at (− d / 2, 0, 0)

and (d / 2, 2, 0), respectively. Find the equation of the equipotential
surface where the potential is zero.
K Thinking Process
The net electric potential at any point due to system of point charges is equal to the
algebraic sum of electric potential due to each individual charges.
Ans. Let the required plane lies at a distance x from the origin as shown in figure.
P

h
2q –q
–d/2 O x d/2
 The potential at the point P due to charges is given by
1 q 1 q
−
4 πε0 [(x + d / 2 )2 + h2 ]1/ 2 4 πε0 [(x − d / 2 )2 + h2 ]1/ 2
If net electric potential is zero, then
1 1
=
[(x + d / 2 )2 + h2 ]1/ 2 [(x − d / 2 ) + h2 ]1/ 2
Or (x − d / 2 )2 + h2 = (x + d / 2 )2 + h2
⇒ x 2 − dx + d 2 / 4 = x 2 + dx + d 2 / 4
Or 2dx = 0 ⇒ x = 0
The equation of the required plane is x = 0 i.e., y - z plane.

Q. 26A parallel plate capacitor is filled by a dielectric whose relative

permittivity varies with the applied voltage (U ) as ε = αU where
a = 2V −1 . A similar capacitor with no dielectric is charged to U 0 = 78 V.
It is then connected to the uncharged capacitor with the dielectric. Find
the final voltage on the capacitors.
K Thinking Process
In this problem, the dielectric of variable permittivity is used which gives new insight in
the ordinary problem.
Ans. Assuming the required final voltage be U. If C is the capacitance of the capacitor without
the dielectric, then the charge on the capacitor is given by Q1 = CU
Since, the capacitor with the dielectric has a capacitance εC. Hence, the charge on the
capacitor is given by
Q2 = εCU = (α U ) CU = α CU
The initial charge on the capacitor is given by
Q0 = CU 0
From the conservation of charges, Q0 = Q1 + Q2
Or CU 0 = CU + α CU 2
⇒ α U 2 + U − U0 = 0
− 1± 1 + 4αU 0
∴ U=
2α
On solving for U 0 = 78 V and a = 2 / V, we get
U = 6V

Q. 27 A capacitor is made of two circular plates of radius R each, separated by

a distance d << R. The capacitor is connected to a constant voltage. A
thin conducting disc of radius r << R and thickness t << r is placed at a
centre of the bottom plate. Find the minimum voltage required to lift
the disc if the mass of the disc is m.
K Thinking Process
The disc will be lifted when weight is balanced by electrostatic force.
Ans. Assuming initially the disc is in touch with the bottom plate, so the entire plate is a
equipotential.
 The electric field on the disc, when potential difference V is applied across it, given by
V
E=
d
Let charge q' is transferred to the disc during the process,
Therefore by Gauss’ theorem,
V
∴ q ' = −ε0 πr 2
d
q ε
Since, Gauss theorem states that φ= or q = 0
ε0 φ
ε0 V
= εEA = A
d
The force acting on the disc is
V V2
− × q ′ = ε0 2 π r 2
d d
If the disc is to be lifted, then
V2 mgd 2
ε0 πr 2 = mg ⇒ V =
d 2
πε0 r 2
This is the required expression.

Q. 28 (a) In a quark model of elementary particles, a neutron is made of one up

quarks [charge (2/3) e] and two down quarks [charges − (1 / 3) e].
Assume that they have a triangle configuration with side length of the
order of 10 −15 m. Calculate electrostatic potential energy of neutron
and compare it with its mass 939 MeV.
(b) Repeat above exercise for a proton which is made of two up and one
down quark.
Ans. This system is made up of three charges. The potential energy of the system is equal to the
algebraic sum of PE of each pair. So,
1  qd qd
− u d − u d 
q q q q
U= 
4 πε0  r r r 
9 × 109
= . × 10−19 )2 [{(1 / 3)2 − (2 / 3) (1 / 3) − (2 / 3) (1 / 3)}]
(16
10−15
= 2 . 304 × 0−13  −  = − 7.68 × 10− 14 J
1 4
 9 9
. × 10−4 (mnc 2 )
= 4. 8 × 105 eV = 0.48 meV = 511

Q. 29 Two metal spheres, one of radius R and the other of radius 2R, both have
same surface charge density σ. They are brought in contact and
separated. What will be new surface charge densities on them?
Ans. The charges on two metal spheres, before coming in contact, are given by
Q = σ.4 πR 2
Q2 = σ.4 π(2 R 2 )
= 4 (σ.4 πR 2 ) = 4Q1
Let the charges on two metal spheres , after coming in contact becomes Q1′ and Q2′ .
 Now applying law of conservation of charges is given by
Q1′ + Q2′ = Q1 + Q2 = 5 Q1
= 5 (σ.4 πR 2 )
After coming in contact, they acquire equal potentials. Therefore, we have
1 Q1′ 1 Q2′
=
4 πε0 R 4 πε0 R
On solving, we get
5 10
∴ Q1′ = (σ.4 πR 2 ) and Q2′ = (σ.4 πR 2 )
3 3
∴ σ1 = 5 / 3σ and
5
∴ σ2 = σ
6

Q. 30 In the circuit shown in figure, initially K 1 is closed and K 2 is open. What

are the charges on each capacitors?
Then K 1 was opened and K 2 was closed (order is important), what will be
the charge on each capacitor now? [C = 1µF ]
C1 = 6C K1 K2

E = 9V C2 = 3C
C3 = 3C

Ans. In the circuit, when initially K1 is closed and K 2 is open, the capacitors C1 and C 2 acquires
potential difference V1 and V2 respectively. So, we have
V1 + V2 = E
and V1 + V2 = 9V
Also, in series combination , V ∝ 1/ C
V1 : V2 = 1 / 6: 1 / 3
On solving
⇒ V1 = 3V and V2 = 6V
∴ Q1 = C1V1 = 6C × 3 = 18 µC
Q2 = 9 µC and Q3 = 0
Then, K1 was opened and K 2 was closed, the parallel combination of C 2 and C 3 is in series
with C1.
Q2 = Q2′ + Q3
and considering common potential of parallel combination as V, then we have
C 2 V + C 3 V = Q2
Q2
⇒ V= = (3 / 2 )V
C2 + C3
On solving, Q2′ = (9 / 2 ) µC
and Q3 = (9 / 2 ) µC
Q. 31 Calculate potential on the axis of a disc of radius R due to a charge Q
uniformly distributed on its surface.
Ans. Let the point P lies at a distance x from the centre of the disk and take the plane of the disk
to be perpendicular to the x-axis. Let the disc is divided into a number of charged rings as
shown in figure.

a √r2 + x2
r
x P

dA = 2πn/r
dr
The electric potential of each ring, of radius r and width dr, have charge dq is given by
σ dA = σ2 πrdr
and potential is given by
(Refer the solution of Q. 23)
ke dq k σ2 πr dr
dV = = e
r + x
2 2
r 2 + x2
1
where ke = the total electric potential at P, is given by
4 πε0
a 2 r dr a
V = πke σ ∫ = πke σ ∫ (r 2 + x2 )−1/ 2 2 r dr
0 0
r + x
2 2

V = 2 πke σ [(x2 + a2 )1/ 2 − x]

1
So, we have by substring ke =
4 πε0
1 2Q
V= [ x 2 + a2 − x]
4 πε0 a2
Note You may take a = R in this problem.

Q. 32 Two charges q 1 and q2 are placed at (0, 0, d ) and (0, 0, − d ) respectively.

Find locus of points where the potential is zero.
K Thinking Process
Here, 3-dimensional imagination is required to actualise the problem. Also, the net
electric potential at any point due to system of point charges is equal to the algebraic
sum of electric potential due to each individual charges.
Ans. Let any arbitrary point on the required plane is (x, y, z) .The two charges lies on z-axis at a
separation of 2d.
The potential at the point P due to two charges is given by
q1 q2
+ =0
x 2 + y2 + ( z − d )2 x 2 + y2 + ( z + d )2
q1 − q2
∴ =
x 2 + y2 + ( z − d )2 x 2 + y2 + ( z + d )2
 On squaring and simplifying, we get
 (q / q )2 + 1
x 2 + y2 + z2 +  1 2 2  (2 zd ) + d − 0
2
(q
 1 2/ q ) − 1 
This is the equation of a sphere with centre at
  2 2 
 0, 0, − 2d  q1 + q 2  
 
 q1 − q 2  
2 2

Note The centre and radius of sphere (x − a)2 + (y − b)2 + (z − c)2 = r2 is (a , b, c) and r
respectively.

Q. 33 Two charges −q each are separated by distance 2d. A third charge + q is

kept at mid-point O. Find potential energy of + q as a function of small
distance x from O due to −q charges. Sketch PE Vs/x and convince
yourself that the charge at O is in an unstable equilibrium.
Ans. Let third charge + q is slightly displaced from mean position towards first charge. So, the
total potential energy of the system is given by
1  −q 2 −q 2 
U=  + 
4 πε0 (d − x ) (d + x )
− q2 2d
U=
4 πε0 (d 2 − x 2 )
dU − q 2 .2d 2x
= .
dx 4 πε0 (d 2 − x 2 )2
The system will be in equilibrium, if
dU
F=− =0
dx
On solving, x = 0. So for, +q charge to be in stable/unstable equilibrium, finding second
derivative of PE.
d 2U  −2dq 2   2 8x 2 
=    2 − 2 2 3
 4 πε0   (d − x ) (d − x ) 
2 2 2
dx
 −2dq 
2
1
=   2 [2 (d 2 − x 2 )2 − 8x 2 ]
 4 πε0  (d − x )
2 3

At x=0
d 2U  −2dq 2   1 
=    (2d 2 ), which is < 0
dx 2  4 πε0   d 6 
This shows that system will be unstable equilibrium.
dy
Note For function y = f(x), on solving = 0 gives critical points i.e., points of local
dx
maxima or local minima. If for any critical point, this imply that y acquires
maximum value at x = x1 , x = x1,
d2y d2y
2
> 0 this imply that y acquires minimum value at x = x1 and for 2 < 0
dx dx