A capacitor can store energy in the form of potential energy in an electric field. In this chapter we'll
discuss the capacity of conductors to hold charge and energy.

      
When a conductor is charged its potential increases. It is found that for an isolated conductor (conductor
should be of finite dimension, so that potential of infinity can be assumed to be zero) potential of the
conductor is proportional to charge given to it.
q
q = charge on conductor
V = potential of conductor Isolated conductor
qV
 q = CV
Where C is proportionality constant called capacitance of the conductor.
2.1 Definition of capacitance :
Capacitance of conductor is defined as charge required to increase the potential of conductor
by one unit.
2.2 Important points about the capacitance of an isolated conductor :
(i) It is a scalar quantity.
(ii) Unit of capacitance is farad in SI units and its dimensional formula is M L 2 T 4
(iii) 1 Farad : 1 Farad is the capacitance of a conductor for which 1 coulomb charge increases
potential by 1 volt.

1 Coulomb
1 Farad = 1 Volt
1 F = 10 F, 1nF = 10 F or 1 pF = 10 F
(iv) Capacitance of an isolated conductor depends on following factors :
(a) Shape and size of the conductor :
On increasing the size, capacitance increases.
(b) On surrounding medium :
With increase in dielectric constant K, capacitance increases.
(c) Presence of other conductors :
When a neutral conductor is placed near a charged conductor capacitance of conductors
increases.
(v) Capacitance of a conductor do not depend on
(a) Charge on the conductor
(b) Potential of the conductor
(c) Potential energy of the conductor.


           
Work done in charging the conductor to the charge on it against its own electric field or total energy
stored in electric field of conductor is called self energy or self potential energy of conductor.
3.1 Electric potential energy (Self Energy) :
Work done in charging the conductor
q
q q2
W=  c dq =
0 2c

Capacitance - 1
 q2 1 qV
W=U= = CV2 = .
2c 2 2
q = Charge on the conductor
V = Potential of the conductor
C = Capacitance of the conductor.
3.2 Self energy is stored in the electric field of the conductor with energy density (Energy per unit
volume)

dU 1 1
=  E2 [The energy density in a medium is  0  r E2 ]
dV 2 0 2
where E is the electric field at that point.
3.3 In case of charged conductor energy stored is only out side the conductor but in case of
charged insulating material it is outside as well as inside the insulator.


       
Example 1. Find out the capacitance of an isolated spherical conductor of radius R.
Solution : Let there is charge Q on sphere.
KQ
 Potential V =
R
Hence by formula : Q = CV
CKQ
Q=
R
C = 40R
Capacitance of an isolated spherical conductor
C = 40R
(i) If the medium around the conductor is vacuum or air.
CVacuum = 4 0R
R = Radius of spherical conductor. (may be solid or hollow.)
(ii) If the medium around the conductor is a dielectric of constant K from surface of sphere
to infinity.
Cmedium = 4 0KR

Cmedium
(iii) C air / vaccum = K = dielectric constant.
Question 1. Find out the capacitance of the earth ? (Radius of the earth = 6400 km)
6400 10 3
Answer : C = 40R = = 711 F
9 10 9


          
   
Initially Finally

Q1 Q2 Q'1 Q'2


C1 C2 C1 C2

(i) Whenever there is potential difference, there will be movement of charge.

(ii) If released, charge always have tendency to move from high potential energy to low potential
energy .
(iii) If released, positive charge moves from high potential to low potential [if only electric force
act on charge].

Capacitance - 2
 (iv) If released, negative charge moves from low potential to high potential [if only electric force
act on charge].
(v) The movement of charge will continue till there is potential difference between the conductors
(finally potential difference = 0).
(vi) Formulae related with redistribution of charges :

Before connecting the conductors

st nd
Parameter I Conductor II Conductor

Capacitance C1 C2

Charge Q1 Q2

Potential V1 V2

After connecting the conductors

Parameter I s t Conductor II n d Conductor

Capacitance C1 C2

Charge Q1' Q '2

Potential V V

Q1' Q' Q1' C1

V =
2 

C1 C 2 Q '2 C2

But, Q1' + Q'2 = Q1 + Q2

Q1  Q 2 C1V1  C 2 V2
 V = C C = C1  C 2
1 2

C1 C2
 Q 1' = (Q1 + Q2) & Q2' = C  C (Q1 +Q2)
C1  C 2 1 2

Heat loss during redistribution :

1 C1C 2
H = (V1 2)2
2 C1  C 2
The loss of energy is in the form of Joule heating in the wire.
Note : Always put Q1, Q2, V1 and V2 with sign.

Example 2. A and B are two isolated conductors (that means they are
placed at a large distance from each other). When they are
joined by a conducting wire:
(i) Find out final charges on A and B ?
(ii) Find out heat produced during the process of flow of charges.
(iii) Find out common potential after joining the conductors by conducting wires?

Capacitance - 3
 3
Solution : (i) Q A' = (6 + 3) = 3C
36

6
Q B' = (6 + 3) = 6C
36

2
1 3F.6F  1
(ii) H = . . 2  
2 ( 3F  6F )  2 

2
1 3 9
= . (2F) .   = J
2 2 4

3C  6C
(iii) VC = = 1volt.
3F  6F

Question 2. When two isolated conductors A and B are connected by a conducting wire positive charge will
flow from.

(A) A to B (B) B to A (C) will not flow (D) can not say.
Answer : B.

Question 3. A conductor of capacitance 10F connected to other conductor of capacitance 40 F having

equal charges 100 C initially. Find out final voltage and heat loss during the process?
Answer : (i) V = 4V (ii) H = 225 J.

Capacitance - 4