C H A P T E R

2
Electrostatic Potential
and Capacitance
A Quick Recapitulation of the Chapter
1. Electrostatic Potential The electrostatic potential at 5. Electrostatic potential at any point P due to a system
any point in an electric field is given by of n point charges q1, q 2, …, qn whose position vectors
Work done (W ) are r1 , r2 ,K , rn respectively, is given by
V = n
Charge (q)
V =
1
Σ qi
Its SI unit is volt (V) and 1 V = 1 J/C. 4 πε 0 i = 1 |r − r |
i

2. Electrostatic Potential Difference The electrostatic where, r is the position vector of point P w.r.t. the origin.
potential difference between two points in an electric
6. Electrostatic potential due to a thin charged spherical
field is given by
shell carrying charge q and radius R respectively, at
W B
VB − V A = AB = − ∫ E ⋅ d l any point P lying
q0 A
1 q
(i) inside the shell isV = ⋅
where, WAB is work done in taking charge q 0 from A 4πε 0 R
to B against the electrostatic force. 1 q
(ii) on the surface of shell isV = ⋅
3. Electrostatic potential due to a point charge q at any 4πε 0 R
point P lying at a distance r from it is given by 1 q
1 q (iii) outside the shell isV = ⋅ for r > R
V = ⋅ 4πε 0 r
4πε 0 r
where, r is the distance of point P from the centre of
4. Electrostatic potential due to an electric dipole at any the shell.
point P whose position vector is r w.r.t. mid-point of
dipole is given by 7. A surface which have same electrostatic potential at
P every point on it, is known as equipotential surface.
r
8. Relationship between Electric Field and Potential
Gradient
q dV
–q p +q E =−
O dr
2a
where, negative sign indicates that the direction
1 p cos θ 1 p ⋅ r$ of electric field is from higher potential to
V = ⋅ or V = ⋅ 2
4 πε 0 r2 4 πε 0 |r | lower potential, i.e., in the direction of decreasing
where, θ is the angle between r and p. potential.
 9. The work done against electrostatic force gets stored as 19. Potential difference between the plates
potential energy. This is called electrostatic potential qd
V = Ed =
energy. Aε 0
i.e., ∆U = UB – U A = WAB where, d is the distance between the conductor
10. Electrostatic potential energy of a system of two point plates.
charges is given by
20. Capacity of the capacitor in air or vacuum is given
1 qq
U= ⋅ 1 2 by
4 π ε0 r q ε A
C= = 0
where, q1 and q 2 are value of charges and r is V d
separation between the point charges.
21. If the medium between the plates of a capacitor is
Putting the values of charge with their signs. filled with a dielectric, then new capacitance is
11. Potential Energy in an External Field given by
(i) Potential energy of a single charge in external field C = KC 0
Potential energy of a single charge q at a point with
where, C 0 = Capacitance with air
position vector r, in an external field is qV (r ),
where V (r ) is the potential at the point due to external K = dielectric constant of the dielectric.
electric field E . 22. When a dielectric fully occupies the intervening
(ii) Potential energy of a system of two charges in an region between the plates of a capacitor, the
external field dielectric is polarised by the field, the effect is
q1q 2 equivalent to two charged sheets having surface
U = q1V (r1) + q 2V (r2 ) +
4 πε 0 r12 charge densities + σ p and − σp. The electric field
where, q1 and q 2 = two point charges at position in the dielectric is then
vectors r1 and r2, respectively σ − σp
E = .
V (r1) = potential at r1 due to the external field ε0
V (r2 ) = potential at r2 due to the external field
23. For capacitors in series combination, the
12. Potential energy of a dipole in a uniform electric field equivalent capacitance Cs is given by
E = − p⋅E 1 1 1 1
= + + +K
13. The process which involves the making of a region free Cs C1 C 2 C 3
from any electric field is known as electrostatic shielding.
In the parallel combination, the equivalent
14. When a polar or non-polar dielectric develops a net capacitance C p is given by
dipole moment in the presence of an external electric
C p = C1 + C 2 + C 3 + K
field, the dipole moment per unit volume is called
polarisation and is denoted by p. where, C1, C 2, C 3 are individual capacitances.
15. For linear isotropic dielectrics 24. The energy U stored in a capacitor of capacitance
p = χe E C, with charge q and voltage V is
where, χe is a constant characteristic of the dielectric 1 1 q2
U = qV = CV 2 =
and is known as the electric susceptibility of the 2 2 2C
dielectric medium. 25. The electrostatic energy density (energy per unit
16. A combination of two conductors placed close to each volume) in a region with electric field E is
other is called capacitor. 1
Charge q U = ε 0E 2
Capacity of conductor C = = 2
Potential V
26. A van de Graft generator consists of a large
In SI system, the unit of capacity is farad. spherical conducting shell (a few metre in
17. Surface charge density of the plate of a capacitor, diameter).
q
σ= Through a moving belt and suitable brushes,
A
charge is continuously transferred to the shell and
18. Intensity of the electric field between the plates of a potential difference of the order of million volts (6
capacitor or 8 million volts) is built up which can be used to
σ q
E = = accelerate charged particles.
ε 0 Aε 0
 Objective Questions Based on NCERT Text

Topic 1
Electrostatic Potential
1. Work done by an external force in bringing a unit 6. Work done by external forces in moving a charge q
positive charge from infinity to a point is from R to P as shown in figure is
(a) equal to the electrostatic potential (V ) at that point
R
(b) equal to the negative of work done by electrostatic
forces q
(c) Both (a) and (b) Q P
(d) Neither (a) nor (b) P P
(a) − ∫R FE ⋅ dr (b) ∫R FE ⋅ dr
2. If δW is the work done in bringing a infinitesimal P P FE
small test charge δq from infinity to a point P, then (c) ∫R 2FE ⋅ dr (d) ∫R 2
⋅ dr
potential at point P is
δW δW 7. If a point charge ( + q ) is taken along two different
(a) (b) − paths say AMB (path 1) and ACB (path 2) such that
δq δq
A, M and B lie on the circle and + q (another charge)
(c) δW ⋅ δq (d) None of these
is placed at the centre, then which the given statements
3. To find the value of potential at a point, the external holds true for work done along the two paths.
force at every point of the path is to be equal and A(+q)
opposite to the
(a) work done
(b) electrostatic force on the test charge at that point C
M
+q
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
B
4. For Q < 0, V < 0, work done (by the external force) per
(a) W AMB > W ACB (b) W ACB > W AMB
unit positive test charge in bringing it from infinity to (c) W ACB = W AMB (d) None of these
the point is negative. This is equivalent to
(a) work done by electrostatic force in bringing the unit 8. A uniform electric field E exists between two charged
positive charge from infinity to the point P is positive plates. What would be the work done in moving a
(b) work done by the electrostatic force in bringing the charge q along the closed path ABCDA?
unit positive charge from infinity to the point P is
negative +
+ A B
(c) Both (a) and (b)
+
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
+
5. The electrostatic potential of a uniformly charged thin + D C
spherical shell of charge Q and radius R at a distance r +
from the centre is
(a)
Q
for points outside and
Q
for points inside
(a) ∫ E ⋅ dl (b) − ∫ E ⋅ dl
4 πε 0 r 4 πε 0 R (c) Zero (d) None of these
the shell
Q 9. If 100 J of work has to be done in moving an electric
(b) for both points inside and outside the shell charge 4 C from a place where potential is −10 V to
4 πε 0 r
another place where potential is V volt, find the value
Q of V.
(c) zero for points outside and for points inside the shell
4 πε 0 r (a) 5 V (b) 10 V
(d) zero for both points inside and outside the shell (c) 25 V (d) 15 V
10. The potential difference between a cloud and the 15. With reference to above question (14), the work done
Earth is 10 7 V. Calculate the amount of energy in bringing a charge of 2 × 10 −9 C from infinity to the
dissipated when the charge of 100 C is transferred point P is
from the cloud to the ground due to lightning bolt. (a) 4 × 10−4 J (b) 6 × 10−4 J
9
(a) zero (b) 10 J (c) 8 × 10−5 J (d) 8 × 105 J
(c) 60 J (d) 107 J
16. A hollow metal sphere of radius 10 cm is charged
11. In the given figure, total work done (W ) by the such that the potential on its surface becomes 80 V.
external force from r ′ = ∞ to r ′ = r is The potential at the centre of the sphere is
P′
(a) 80 V (b) 800 V (c) 8 V (d) zero
r′ ∞
17. A charge 2Q is placed at each corner of a cube of side
r ∆r′ +1 C
P
O a. The potential at the centre of the cube is
Q
8Q 4Q 8Q 2Q
(a) −
Q
(b)
Q (a) (b) (c) (d)
4 πε 0 r 4 πε 0 r πε 0 a 4 πε 0 a 3 πε 0 a πε 0 a

2Q 2Q 18. The potential of a large liquid drop when eight liquid

(c) (d) −
4 πε 0 r 4 πε 0 r drops are combined is 20 V . Then, the potential of
each single drop was
12. In the given figure, work done against this force from (a) 10 V (b) 7.5 V (c) 5 V (d) 2.5 V
r ′ to r ′ – ∆r ′ is
19. As per this diagram, a point charge + q is placed at the
P′
r′ ∞ origin O. Work done in taking another point charge − Q
r P
∆r′ +1 C from the point A [coordinates (0, a )] to another point B
O
Q [coordinate (a,0)] along the straight path AB is
Q 2Q Y
(a) 2
∆ r′ (b) 2
∆ r′
4 πε 0 r′ 4 πε 0 r′
2Q Q A
(c) − ∆ r′ (d) − ∆ r′
4 πε 0 r′ 2 4 πε 0 r′ 2

13. 5
4.5
O X
4 B
3.5  − qQ 
E 3 (a) zero (b)   2a
or 2.5 I  4 πε 0 a 2 
V 2
1.5 II  qQ  a  qQ 1 
(c)  ⋅ (d)   2a
1  4 πε 0 a 2  2  4 πε 0 a 2 
0.5
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 20. With reference to the figure given below, the electric
potential of a dipole is given by
The above figure shows the variation of potential V
P
or electric field with r for a point charge Q. Which of +q
r1
the given curves represent E versus r or V versus r? r
a
(a) I→ E versus r, II→ V versus r p
θ
(b) I→ V versus r, II→ V versus r r2
2a
(c) Both represent E versus r a
(d) None of the above
14. Calculate the potential at a point P due to a charge of –q

4 × 10 −7
C located 9 cm away 2 p⋅ r$ p⋅ r$
(a) (b)
4 πε 0 r2 8πε 0 r2
(a) 8 × 10−5 V (b) 8 × 104 V
1 p⋅ r$ 1 p⋅ r$
(c) 4 × 104 V (d) 4 × 10−4 V (c) (d)
4 πε 0 r2 4 πε 0 r
21. Two charges 3 × 10 −8 C and − 2 × 10 −8 C located 26. In the above question, the field strength at a point
15 cm apart. At what point on the line joining the two a,where the distance between the surfaces is 4 cm, is
charges is the electric potential zero? (a) 50 Vm −1 (b) 5 Vm −1 (c) 15 Vm −1 (d) 55 Vm −1
(a) 9 cm (b) 45 cm 27. Figure shows equipotential surfaces.
(c) 18 cm (d) Both (a) and (b)
R –30 V
–25 V
22. A solid conducting sphere having a charge Q is –20 V
surrounded by an uncharged concentric hollow –15 V
–10 V
spherical shell. Let the potential difference between
the surface of the solid sphere and that of the outer
surface of hollow shell be V . What will be the new
potential difference between the same two surfaces if P
the shell is given a charge − 3Q?
What is the direction of electric field E at P and R?
(a) V (b) − 3 V (c) 2 V (d) 4 V
(a) At P, E is to the left. At R , E is upward
23. In the figure given alongside, P
(b) At P , E is to the right. At R , E is downward
O is the centre of line joining (c) At P , E is to downward. At R , E is to the left
AB. Two charges of opposite a (d) At P , E is to upward. At R , E is to the right
nature and same magnitude
are placed at A and B 28. Equipotentials surface between two equal and oppose
respectively.
A
q O –q
B charges passing through the middle point is
(a) a plane (b) curved surface
The potential at point P is 2a
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
2kq
(a) (b) zero
a 2 29. The electric potential at a certain distance from a point
kq charge is 600 V and the electric field is 200 NC −1 . The
(c) (d) cannot be determined
a 2 distance of the point charge (in metres) is
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 1 (d) 0
24. For a uniform electric field E, along the X-axis, the
equipotential surfaces 30. In a Millikan drop experiment, a drop of diameter
(a) planes perpendicular to the X-axis 10 − 4 cm with a density of 900 kgm −3 is observed.
(b) planes parallel to the YZ-plane The capacitor plates are 2 cm apart. A potential of
(c) Both (a) and (b) 72 V applied across the plates keeps the drop in
(d) Neither (a) nor (b) balance. How many electronic charges are there on
25. Three equipotential surfaces are shown in figure. the drop?
Which of the following is correct one for the (a) 1 (b) 8 (c) 4 (d) 2
corresponding field lines? 31. Work done in moving a test charge over an
10 V 8V 6V equipotential surface?
(a) No (b) Yes (c) Constant (d) Zero
32. What is the work done in A B
a 4 cm moving a 2µC point charges (2 µC)
b
from corner A to corner B of a
10 V 8V 6V 8V 6V 10 V square ABCD in figure when a 10 µC
10µC charge exists at the centre
(a) E (b) E of the square?
(a) Zero (b) 5 D C
a a
d b
b (c) 2 (d) 20
d
10 V 8V 6V
33. If a charged spherical conductor of radius 10 cm has
potential V at a point distant 5 cm from its centre,
(d) None of these
then the potential at a point distant 15 cm from the
E
(c) centre will be
a 1 2 3
d b (a) V (b) V (c) V (d) V
3 3 2
Topic 2
Electrostatic Potential Energy
34. R 38. In the figure, proton moves a E

Unit charge (1 C) distance d in a uniform electric

Q P
field E as shown in the figure.
Does the electric field do a P
Potential energy difference between points R and P is positive or negative work on the d
equal to proton? Does the electric potential energy of the
(a) ∆U = − WRP (b) ∆U = WRP proton increase or decrease?
(c) ∆U = 2WRP (d) ∆U = 4 WRP (a) Negative, increase (b) Positive, decrease
35. Consider the following figure as shown below. (c) Negative, decrease (d) Positive, increase
R
39. Work done in moving a charge from one point to
q other inside a uniformly charged conducting sphere is
Q P (a) always zero (b) non-zero
(c) may be zero (d) None of these
Work done by external force in bringing a unit
positive charge from point R to P is 40. Four charges are arranged at the corners of a square
ABCD of side d, as shown in the figure. The work
U − U R  U − U P  required to put together this arrangement is
(a) −  P  (b) −  R 
 q   q  +q –q
A B
U − U P  U − U R 
(c)  R  (d)  P 
 2q   q 
q0 d
E
36. The total potential energy of a system of three charges
q1 , q 2 and q 3 located at r1 , r2 and r3 respectively is D C
that –q +q
q3 q2
r23 − q2 − q3
(a) (4 − 2 ) (b) (4 − 2 )
4 πε 0 d 4 πε 0 d
− q4 q2
r13 r12 (c) (4 − 2 ) (d) (4 − 2 )
4 πε 0 d 4 πε 0 d

41. An electric dipole of length 1cm is placed with the

q1
axis making an angle of 30° to an electric field of
1  q1 q2 q1 q3 q2 q3  strength 10 4 N/C. If it experiences a torque of
(a)  + + 
4 πε 0  r12 r13 r23  10 2 Nm, the potential energy of the dipole is
1  q1 q2 q1 q3 q2 q3  (a) 0.245 J (b) 2.45 J (c) 24.5 J (d) 245.0 J
(b)  − + 
4 πε 0  r12 r13 r23 
42. Two charges of equal magnitude q are placed in air at
1  q1 q2 q1 q3 q2 q3  a distance 2a apart and third charge − 2q is placed at
(c)  + − 
4 πε 0  r12 r13 r23  mid-point. The potential energy of the system is
1  q1 q2 q1 q3 q2 q3  (ε 0 = permittivity of free space)
(d)  − − 
4 πε 0  r12 r13 r23  q2 3q 2 5q 2 7q 2
(a) − (b) − (c) − (d) −
+Q 8πε 0 a 8πε 0 a 8πε 0 a 8πε 0 a
37. Three charges are placed at the
vertex of an equilateral triangle 43. Three charges − q, + Q and –q +Q –q
of side l as shown in figure. For − q are placed in a straight x x
what value of Q, the line as shown.
electrostatic potential energy of +q +q
If the total potential energy of the system is zero, then
the system is zero? the ratio q / Q is
(a) − q (b) q/ 2 (c) − 2q (d) − q/ 2 (a) 2 (b) 5.5 (c) 4 (d) 1.5
 q3
44. Two charges q1 and q 2 C 50. A molecule of a substance has a permanent electric
are placed 30 cm apart, dipole moment of magnitude 10 −29 Cm. A mole of this
as shown in the figure. substance is polarised (at low temperature) by
A third charge q 3 is
40 cm applying a strong electrostatic field of magnitude
moved along the arc of 10 6 Vm −1 . The direction of the field is suddenly
a circle of radius 40 cm
q2 changed by an angle of 60°. Estimate the heat released
A D
from C to D. The q1 30 cm B by the substance in aligning its dipoles along the new
change in the potential direction of the field.
q3 (a) − 3 J (b) 3 J (c) − 6 J (d) 6 J
energy of the system is k , where k is
4πε 0 51. An electric dipole, made up of positive and negative
(a) 8q2 (b) 8q1 (c) 6q2 (d) 6q1 charges each of 3.5 µC and placed at a distance 4.2 cm
apart is placed in an electric field of 5.87 × 10 5 NC −1 .
45. Three point charges + q1 , − 2q and − 2q are placed at What will be the maximum torque which the field can
the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. The exert on the dipole? Also, obtain the work that must be
work done by some external force to increase their done to turn the dipole from 0° to180°.
separation to 2a will be (a) 85.26 × 10−3 Nm−1 , 1.70 × 10−1 J
1 2q 2 1 q2 1 δq
(a) (b) (c) (d) zero (b) 75.26 × 10−3 Nm−1 , 1.70 × 10−1 J
4 πε 0 a 4 πε 0 2a 4 πε 0 a 2
(c) 85.26 × 10−3 Nm−1 , 3.70 × 10−3 J
46. Suppose an external torque τ ext is applied on dipole (d) 55.26 × 10−3 Nm−1 , 1.70 × 10−3 J
and rotates it in the plane of paper from angle θ 0 to an
52. What happens when a conductor is placed in an
angle θ 1 at an infinitesimal angular speed and without
external electric field?
angular acceleration. The amount of work done by the
(a) The free charge carriers move and charge distribution
external torque will be given by in the conductor adjusts itself in such a way that the
electric field due to induced charge opposes the external
E field within the conductor
(b) In the static situation, the two fields cancel each other
and the electrostatic field in the conductor is zero
– a cos θ θ q (c) Both (a) and (b)
X (d) Neither (a) nor (b)
–q p a cos θ
2a 53. Which of the following is/are the example of
non-polar molecules?
(a) Oxygen (b) Hydrogen
(a) pE (cos θ1 − cos θ 0 ) (b) − 2 pE (cos θ1 − cos θ 0 )
(c) Nitrogen (d) All (a), (b) and (c)
(c) pE (cos θ 0 − cos θ1 ) (d) − 2 pE (cos θ 0 − cos θ1 )
54. The examples of polar molecules are
47. Determine the electrostatic potential energy of a
(a) HCl (b) H2 O
system consisting of two charges 7µC and − 2µC (and
(c) NH3 (d) All (a), (b) and (c)
with no external field) placed at ( − 9 cm, 0, 0) and
(9 cm, 0, 0), respectively 55. The total dipole moment of dielectric with polar
(a) 0.7 J (b) − 0.7 J molecules in absence of an external electric field is
(c) 70 J (d) − 70 J (a) zero (b) negative
48. According to Q.no. 47, how much work is required to (c) infinite (d) None of these
separate the two charges infinitely away from each 56. The extent of polarisation depends on
other? (a) the dipole potential energy in the external field tending
(a) 7 J (b) − 7 J (c) 0.7 J (d) 70 J to align the dipoles with the field
49. Suppose that the same system of charges is now (b) thermal energy tending to disrupt the alignment
placed in an external electric field (c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
E = A (1/ r 2 ); A = 9 × 10 5 cm −2 . What would the
57. For linear isotropic dielectric, the polarisation is
electrostatic energy of the configuration be?
(a) p = χ e E (b) p = − χ e E
(a) 49 J (b) 49.3 J
χ
(c) − 49.3 J (d) 45 J (c) p = 2χ e E (d) p = e
E
58. When a dielectric is placed in an electric field, the 60. The dielectric constant of helium at 0° C and
electric field inside a dielectric 1 atmospheric pressure is 1.00074. Find the dipole
(a) increases (b) decreases moment induced in each helium atom when the gas is
(c) constant (d) zero in an electric field of intensity 10 Vm −1 .
59. When P is normal to the surface, the polarisation is (a) 2.4 × 1040 C - m
numerically equal to the (b) 2.4 × 10−39 C-m
(a) surface density of the induced charge
(c) 2.6 × 10−39 C-m
(b) dipole moment
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) 1.5 × 1040 C-m
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)

Topic 3
Capacitance and Van de Graaff Generator
61. The symbols of a capacitor with fixed capacitance 66. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor are not exactly
and with variable capacitance is parallel. The surface charge density
, + (a) is lower at the closer end
(a) , (b) , (c) + – , + – (d) – (b) will not uniform
(c) each plate will have the same potential at every point
62. The maximum electric field that a dielectric medium
(d) Both (b) and (c)
of a capacitor can withstand without break down
(of its insulating property) is called its 67. The graph shows the variation of voltage V across the
(a) polarisation (b) capacitance plates of two capacitors A and B versus increase of
(c) dielectric strength (d) None of these charge Q stored in them. Which of the capacitors has
higher capacitance?
63. A parallel-plate capacitor has circular plates of radius
V
8 cm and plate separation 1 mm. What will be the
charge on the plates if a potential difference of 100 V B
VB
is applied?
(a) 1.78 × 10–8 C (b) 1.78 × 10−5 C VA
A
4 −9
(c) 4.3 × 10 C (d) 2 × 10 C
Q
64. Let A be the area of each Surface charge Q
plate and d the separation density, σ I Area A (a) Capacitor A (b) Capacitor B
between them. The two 1
++++++++ (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
plates have charges Q and
− Q. Since, d is much
E d 68. A parallel plate air capacitor has a capacitance18 µF. If
– – – – – – – –
smaller than the linear 2 the distance between the plates is tripled and a dielectric
dimension of the plates Surface charge II medium is introduced, the capacitance becomes 72 µF.
density, σ The dielectric constant of the medium is
( d 2 << A ), plate 1 has
(a) 4 (b) 9 (c) 12 (d) 2
surface charge density σ = Q / A and plate 2 has a
surface charge density − σ. The electric field in outer 69. If dielectric constant and dielectric strength be denoted
region I (region above the plate 1) by K and X respectively, then a material suitable for use
σ σ 2σ as a dielectric in a capacitor must have
(a) (b) − (c) zero (d)
2ε 0 2ε 0 4 ε0 (a) high K and high X (b) high K and low X
(c) low K and high X (d) low K and low X
65. What is the value of capacitance if the very thin
metallic plate is introduced between two parallel 70. Taking earth to be a metallic spheres. Its capacity will
plates of area A and separated at distance d? approximately be
2ε 0 A 4 ε0 A ε A (a) 6.4 × 106 F (b) 700 F
(a) ε 0 A / d (b) (c) (d) 0
d d 2d (c) 711µF (d) 700 pF
71. The plates in a parallel plates capacitor are separated 77. A capacitor of 2µF is charged as shown in the figure.
by a distance d with air as the medium between the When the switch S is turned to position 2, the
plates. In order to increase the capacity by 66% a percentage of its stored energy dissipated is
3d [NEET 2016]
dielectric slab of thickness is introduced between 1 2
5
the plates. What is the dielectric constant of the S
dielectric slab?
(a) 1.5 (b) 1.66 V 2 µF
8 µF
(c) 3 (d) 5
72. In a parallel plate capacitor the separation between
the plates is 3 mm with air between them. Now, a (a) 20% (b) 75% (c) 80% (d) 0%
dielectric of dielectric constant 2 is introduced 78. A 900 pF capacitor is charged by 100 V battery in the
between the plates due to which the capacity figure. How much electrostatic energy is stored by the
increases. In order to bring its capacity of the original capacitor?
value the separation between the plates must be made +Q –Q
(a) 1.5 mm (b) 2.5 mm
(c) 4 mm (d) 6 mm
73. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with air a C
medium is 3µF with the introduction of dielectric 100 V
medium between the plates, the capacitance becomes + –
15 µF. The permittivity of the medium is (a) 45 × 10−6 J (b) 4.5 × 106 J
2 −1 −2
(a) 5C N m (c) 4.5 × 10−6 J (d) 0.45 × 105 J
(b) 15 C2 N−1 m−2 79. Three capacitors each of capacity 4 µF are to the
(c) 0.44 × 10−10 C2 N−1 m−2 connected in such a way that the effective capacitance
(d) 8.845 × 10−11 C2 N−1 m−2 is 6 µF. This can be done by
(a) connecting two in series and one in parallel
74. A capacitor connected to a 10 V battery collects a charge
(b) connecting two in parallel and one in series
of 40 µC with air as dielectric and100 µC with a given
(c) connecting all of them in series
oil as dielectric. The dielectric constant of the oil is (d) connecting all of them in parallel
(a) 1.5 (b) 2.0
(c) 2.5 (d) 3.0 80. A gang capacitor is formed by interlocking nine
plates with each other. The distance between the
75. Two capacitors C1 and C 2 are charged to 120 V and 200 consecutive plates is 0.885 cm and the overlapping
V respectively. It is found that by connecting them area of the plate is 5 cm 2 . The capacity of the unit is
together the potential on each one can be made zero. (a) 1.06 pF (b) 4 pF
Then, [JEE Main 2013] (c) 6.36 pF (d) 12.72 pF
(a) 5C1 = 3C 2 (b) 3 C1 = 5C 2
(c) 3C1 + 5C 2 = 0 (d) 9 C1 = 4C 2 81. A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a 5V battery
and charged. The battery is then disconnected and a
76. A slab of material of dielectric constant K has the glass slab is introduced between the plates. Then, the
same area as the plates of a parallel plate capacitor quantities that decrease are
but has a thickness (3/ 4) d, where d is the separation (a) charge and potential difference
of the plates. How is the capacitance changed when (b) charge and capacitance
the slab is inserted between the plates? (c) capacitance and potential difference
4K (d) energy stored and potential difference
(a) C0
K +3
82. When a series combination of two uncharged
K +3
(b) C0 capacitors is connected to a 12 V battery, 173 µJ of
4K energy is drawn from the battery. If one of the
K −3 capacitors has a capacitance of 4µF, the capacitance
(c) C0
4K
of the other capacitor (in µF) is
4K
(d) C0 (a) 8 (b) 4 (c) 2 (d) 6
K −3
83. A parallel plate capacitor has the space between its 87. In the circuit shown in the figure, the potential
d difference across the 4.5 µF capacitor is
plates filled by the two slabs of thickness each and 3 µF
2
dielectric constants K1 and K 2 , d is the plate 4.5 µF
separation of the capacitor. The capacity of the
capacitor is
6 µF
2ε 0 d  K 1 + K 2 
(a)   12 V
A  K1K 2 
2ε 0 A  K1K 2  8
(b)   (a) V (b) 4 V (c) 6 V (d) 8 V
d  K1 + K 2  3
2ε 0 A
(c) ( K1 + K 2 ) 88. A series combination of n1 capacitors, each of value
A
C1 ,is charged by a source of potential difference 4V.
2ε 0 A  K 1 + K 2  When another parallel combination of n2 capacitors,
(d)  
d  K1K 2  each of value C 2 , is charged by a source of potential
difference V , it has the same (total) energy stored in it,
84. Across each of two capacitors of capacitance 1µF, a as the first combination has. The value of C 2 in terms
potential difference of 10 V is applied. Then, positive of C1 is
plate of one is connected to the negative plate of the 2C 1 n1 n2 16 C 1
(a) (b) 16 (c) 2 C1 (d)
other and negative plate of one is connected to the n1 n2 n2 n1 n1 n2
positive plate of the other. After contact
(a) charge on each is zero 89. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two circular
(b) charge on each is same but non-zero plates separated by a distance of 5 mm and with a
(c) charge on each is different but non-zero dielectric of dielectric constant 2.2 between them.
(d) None of the above When the electric field in the dielectric is
3 × 10 4 V/m, the charge density of the positive plate
85. A network of four 10µF capacitors is connected to a
will be closed to [JEE Main 2014]
500 V supply as shown in figure. Determine the
(a) 6 × 10−7 Cm −2 (b) 3 × 10−7 Cm −2
equivalent capacitance of the network.
−2
+Q –Q (c) 3 × 10 Cm 4
(d) 6 × 104 Cm −2

B C 90. A combination of capacitors is setup as shown in the

C2
figure. The magnitude of the electric field due to a
–Q +Q point charge Q (having a charge equal to the sum of
+Q
C1 C3 –Q the charges on the 4 µF and 9µF capacitors), at a point
C4 distance 30 m from it, would equal to [JEE Main 2016]
A D 3 µF
4 µF
+Q –Q 9 µF
500 V
(a) 12 µF (b) 13.3 µF
2 µF
(c) 11.5 µF (d) 14 µF
86. A number of condensers, each of the capacitance + –
1µF and each one of which gets punctured, if a
potential difference just exceeding 500 V is applied 8V
are provided. (a) 240 N/C (b) 360 N/C
In arrangement suitable for giving capacitance of (c) 420 N/C (d) 480 N/C
2 µF across which 3000 V may be applied requires at
91. A parallel plate air capacitor of capacitance C 0 is
least
(a) 6 component capacitors connected to a cell of emf V and then disconnected
(b) 12 component capacitors from it. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K, which
(c) 72 component capacitors can just fill the air gap of the capacitor, is now inserted
(d) 2 component capacitors in it.
 Which of the following is incorrect? 95. A small sphere of radius r1 having charge q1 is
(a) The potential difference between the plates decreases K
enclosed by a spherical shell of radius r2 having
times
charge q 2 . Which charge will necessarily flow from
(b) The energy stored in the capacitor decreases K times
1 the sphere to the shell, when connected
(c) The change in energy C 0V 2 ( K − 1) (a) q1 (b) q2
2
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) May be q2
1 1 
(d) The change in energy C 0V 2  − 1 96. Van de Graaff generator is used to
2  K 
(a) store electrical energy
92. A capacitor is charged by a battery and the energy (b) build up high voltages of few million volts
stored is U . The battery is now removed and the (c) decelerate charged particle like electrons
separation distance between the plates is doubled. The (d) Both (a) and (b) are correct
energy stored now is
(a) U / 2 (b) U (c) 2U (d) 4U
93. The potential energy of a charged parallel plate is U 0 . 97. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true about
the principle of Van de Graaff generator?
If a slab of dielectric constant K is inserted between
(a) The action of sharp points
the plates, then the new potential energy will be
U0 U0 (b) The charge given to a hollow conductor is transferred to
(a) (b) U 0 K 2 (c) (d) U 02 K outer surface and is distributed uniformly over it
K K2
(c) It is used for accelerating uncharged particle
94. A parallel plate capacitor has a uniform electric field (d) Both (a) and (b) are true
(Vm −1 ) in the space between the plates. If the
98. In a Van de Graaff type generator, a spherical metal
distance between the plates is d( m) and area of each
shell is to be at a 1.5 × 10 6 V. The dielectric strength
plate is A( m 2 ) the energy ( joule) stored in the
of the gas surrounding the electrode is 5 × 10 7 Vm −1 .
capacitor, is
1 1 What is minimum radius of the spherical shell
(a) ε0 E 2 (b) ε 0 EAd (c) ε 0 E 2 Ad (d) E 2 Ad / ε 0 required?
2 2
(a) 0.3 cm (b) 0.03 cm (c) 30 cm (d) 3 m

Special Format Questions

I. Assertion and Reason Reason For Q < 0, the force on unit positive charge
■ Directions (Q. Nos. 99-108) In the following is attractive, so that the electrostatic force and the
questions, a statement of assertion is followed by a displacement (from infinity to P) are in the same
corresponding statement of reason. Of the following direction.
statements, choose the correct one. 100. Assertion A and B are two conducting spheres of
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is same radius. A being solid and B hollow. Both are
the correct explanation of Assertion.
charged to the same potential. Then, charge on A =
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is
not the correct explanation of Assertion.
charge on B.
(c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect. Reason Potential on both are same.
(d) Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct.
101. Assertion There is no potential difference between
99. Assertion Work done by the electrostatic force in any two points on the equipotential surface.
bringing the unit positive charge from infinity to the Reason No work is required to move a test charge on
point P is positive. the equipotential surface from one point to other.
P′
∞ 102. Assertion The expression of potential energy
r′
1 q1 q 2
r ∆r +1 C U = , is unaltered whatever way the
O P 4πε 0 r12
Q(< 0)
charges are brought to the specified locations.
 Reason Path-independence of work for 109. Statement I For a charged particle moving from point P
electrostatic force. to point Q, the net work done by an electrostatic field on
103. Assertion In the absence of an external electric the particle is independent of the path connecting point P
field, the dipole moment per unit volume of a to point Q.
polar dielectric is zero. Statement II The net work done by a
conservative force on an object moving along a closed
Reason The dipoles of a polar dielectric are
loop is zero.
randomly oriented.
104. Assertion Polar molecules have permanent 110. Statement I A capacitor can be given only a limited
dipole moment. quantity of charge.
Reason In polar molecules, the centre of positive Statement II Charge stored by a capacitor depends upon
and negative charges coincides even when there the shape and size of the plates of capacitor and the
is no external field. surrounding medium.
105. Assertion Charge on all the condensers 111. Statement I Capacity of a parallel plate capacitor
connected in series is the same. increases when distance between the plates is decreased.
Reason Capacitance of capacitor is directly Statement II Capacitance of a capacitor is directly
proportional to charge on it. proportional to distance between them.
106. Assertion An electron moves from a region of 112. Statement I The capacity of a conductor, under given
lower potential to a region of higher potential. circumstance, remains constant irrespective of the charge
present on it.
Reason An electron has a negative charge.
Statement II Capacity depends on size and shape of
107. Assertion A parallel plate capacitor is connected
conductor and also on the medium.
across a battery through a key. A dielectric slab of
dielectric constant K is introduced between the 113. Statement I A charged capacitor is disconnected from a
plates. The energy which is stored becomes K battery. Now if its plates are separated further, the
times. potential energy will fall.
Reason The surface density of charge on the Statement II Energy stored in a capacitor is equal to the
plate remains constant or unchanged. work done in charging it.
108. Assertion If three capacitors of capacitances
C1 < C 2 < C 3 are connected in parallel, and in
Statement Based Questions Type II
series then their equivalent capacitances. 114. I. In a metal, the outer (valence) electrons part away from
C p > Cs their atoms and are free to move.
II. The valence electrons are within the metal but not free to
1 1 1 1
Reason = + + leave the metal.
C p C1 C 2 C 3 III. The free electrons form a kind of gas; they collide with each
other and with the ions and move randomly in different
II. Statement Based Questions Type I directions.
(a) I and II are correct, III may be correct
■ Directions (Q. Nos. 109-113) In the following (b) I and III are correct, II may be correct
questions, a statement I is followed by a (c) I, II and III are incorrect
corresponding statement II. Of the following (d) I, II and III are correct
statements, choose the correct one.
115. I. In metals, the positive ions made up of the nuclei and the
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
and Statement II is the correct explanation of bound electrons remain held in their fixed positions.
Statement I. II. In electrolytic conductors, the charge carriers are both
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but positive and negative ions.
Statement II is not the correct explanation of (a) I is correct, II may be correct
Statement I. (b) II is correct, I is incorrect
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. (c) I and II are incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct. (d) I and II are correct
116. I. The molecules of a substance may be polar or non-polar. Column I Column II
II. In a non-polar molecule, the centres of positive and A. Electric field between the plates E0 1. ε0 A / d
negative charge coincide. B. Potential difference V0 2. σ / ε0
III. The non-polar molecule has no permanent C. The capacitance C 0 3. E0 d
(or intrinsic) dipole moment. A B C A B C
(a) I, II are correct, III may be correct (a) 1 2 3 (b) 2 3 1
(b) I and III are correct, II may be correct (c) 3 2 1 (d) 3 1 2
(c) II and III are correct, I is incorrect 121. Match the following columns and choose the correct
(d) I, II and III are correct options from code given below. Consider a dielectric
117. I. In an external electric field, the positive and negative inserted between the plates fully occupying the
charges of a non-polar molecule are displaced in intervening region. The surface charge densities on
opposite directions. the charged plates are ± σ.
II. In non-polar molecules displacement stops when the Column I Column II
external force on the constituent charges of the 1. Qd / Aε0 K
A. Electric field E
molecule is balanced by the restoring force.
B. Potential difference across the plates V 2. (σ − σ p ) / ε0
III. The non-polar molecule develops an induced dipole
C. The capacitance C, with dielectric 3. C / C 0
moment.
between the plates
(a) I, II are III are correct
D. Dielectric constant of the substance (K) 4. ε0 KA / d
(b) I, II and III are incorrect
(c) I and II are correct, III is incorrect A B C D A B C D
(d) I and III are correct, II is incorrect (a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 2 1 4 3
(c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 4 2 3 1
118. I. Electrostatic force is conservative.
122. A capacitor C1 of capacitance C is charged to a
II. Van de Graaff generator is a machine that can build potential difference V0 . The terminals of the charged
up high voltages of the order of a few million volts. capacitor are then connected to an uncharged
III. In Van de Graaff generator, electric fields are used to capacitor C 2 of capacitance C /2.
accelerate charged particle to high energies.
Column I Column II
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
A. Final energy of capacitor C 1 1. − (1/ 6) CV02
(a) I and II are correct, III may be correct
(b) I and III are correct, II may be correct B. Final energy of capacitor C 2 2. (1/ 6) CV02
(c) I, II and III are correct C. Final energy of the system 3. (1/ 3) CV02
(d) II and III are correct, I may be correct D. Change in energy on joining 4. (2 / 9) CV02
the capacitors
III. Matching Type 5. (1/ 9) CV02
119. Match the following columns. A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 5 (b) 4 5 3 1
Column I Column II
(c) 5 4 3 1 (d) 1 2 3 4
A. 1 keV 1. 1.6 × 10−7 J
B. 1 MeV 2. 1.6 × 10−10 J 123. Match the entries of
30 V C1 2 µF
C. 1 GeV 3. 1.6 × 10−16 J
Column I with the entries
of Column II and choose
D. 1 TeV 4. 1.6 × 10−13 J S
the correct option from the 60 V C2 3 µF
A B C D codes given below.
(a) 4 2 3 1
(b) 3 4 2 1 Column I Column II
(c) 2 3 4 1 A. 108 µC 1. Charge on both the capacitors ( S open)
(d) 1 4 3 2 B. 180 µC 2. Charge on both the capacitors (S closed)
120. Match the following columns and choose the correct C. 60 µC 3. Charge on C 1 (S closed)
options from codes given below. Consider the large D. 240 µC 4. Charge on C 2 (S closed)
plates, each of area A, separated by a distance d. The
charge on the plates is ± Q, corresponding to the A B C D A B C D
charge density ± σ (with σ = Q / A ). (a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 1 4 3 2 (d) 1 3 2 4
124. Match the entries of Column I with entries of Column II. 127. If the test charge is moved back to R from P, then
Column I Column II
total work done by electric field is
(a) 3 J (b) zero
A. 1. E inside the (c) Cannot be determined (d) None of these
Hollow conductor is
q neutral zero. ■ Directions (Q. Nos. 128-131) Answer the following
conductor
questions are based on the given figure followed by a
paragraph. Choose the correct option from those given
B. 2. | E | inside the below.
Hollow conductor is
q neutral constant but not Potential difference ( ∆V ) between two points A and B
conductor zero. separated by a distance x, in a uniform electric field E
is given by ∆V = − Ex, where x is measured parallel to
C. 3. | E | inside the the field lines. If a charge q 0 moves from A to B the
Hollow conductor is change in potential energy ( ∆U ) is given as ∆U = q 0 ∆V .
neutral varying.
q1 q2 conductor
A proton is released from rest in uniform electric field
of magnitude 8.0 × 104 Vm −1 directed along the positive
X-axis. The proton undergoes a displacement of 0.50 m
D. 4. Potential inside
Hollow the conductor is in the direction of E.
neutral same as that of Mass of a proton = 1.66 × 10− 27 kg
q1 q2 conductor conductor. and charge on a proton = 1.6 × 10− 19 C
E
5. Potential inside
the conductor is
varying.

A B C D
(a) 1, 4 3, 5 3, 5 3, 5
A B
(b) 4, 1 3, 4 2, 3 4, 2 0.5 m

(c) 1, 4 3, 5 2, 3 3, 4 With the help of the passage given above, choose the
(d) 3, 5 2, 3 4, 1 1, 4 most appropriate alternative for each of the following
questions.
IV. Passage Based Questions 128. As the proton moves from A to B, then
■ Directions (Q. Nos. 125-127) Answer the following (a) the potential energy of proton decreases
questions are based on the given figure followed by a (b) the potential energy of proton increases
paragraph. Choose the correct option from those given (c) the proton loses kinetic energy
below. (d) total energy of the proton increases
A test charge + q is taken from point R to point P 129. The change in electric potential of the proton between
against repulsive electrostatic force by the application the points A and B is
of an extended force Fext as shown figure. (a) 4.0 × 104 V (b) − 4.0 × 104 V
Fext
R (c) 6.4 × 10− 19 V (d) − 6.4 × 10− 19 V

+q 130. The change in electric potential energy of the proton

(+Q) P for displacement from A to B is
(a) − 6.4 × 10− 19 J
125. If the change in potential energy of charge q from R (b) 6.4 × 10− 19 J
to P is 3 J, then work done by electric field is (c) − 6.4 × 10− 15 J
(a) 3 J (b) zero (d) 6.4 × 10− 15 J
(c) − 3 J (d) Cannot be determined
131. The velocity ( v B ) of the proton after it has moved
126. If potential energy at P is 5 J and the change in
0.50 m starting from rest is
potential is 2 J, then the potential energy at R is
(a) 1.6 × 108 ms −1 (b) 2.77 × 106 ms −1
(a) − 3 J (b) + 3 J
(c) zero (d) Cannot be determined (c) 2.77 × 104 ms −1 (d) 1.6 × 106 ms −1
■ Directions (Q. Nos. 132-136) Answer of the V. More than One Option Correct
following questions are based on the given figure
followed by a paragraph. Choose those correct option 137. The two plates of a parallel plate capacitors charges
from these given below. Q1 and Q2 are given. The capacity of the capacitor is
C. When the switch is closed, mark the correct
The electric field due to a plane sheet of charge having
q statement(s). Assuming both Q1 , Q2 to be positive.
charge q and area A is given by E = . Further,
2 ε0 A Q1 Q2

with usual notation, in case of a parallel-plate capacitor,

q qd ε A
E= ,V = and C = 0
ε0 A ε0 A d
q1 q2
A B

a b c d

(a) The charge flown through switch is zero.

(b) The charge flown through switch is Q1 + Q2
d
Q1
(c) Potential difference across the capacitor plates is .
Let us now consider that the charges given to the two C
plates A and B of a parallel-plate capacitor are (d) The charge of the capacitor is Q1 .
different, i. e., q1 and q 2 as shown in figure.
138. A parallel plate capacitor is charged and the charging
With the help of the paragraph given above, choose
the most appropriate alternative for each of the battery is then disconnected.
following questions. If the plates of the capacitor are moved further apart
by means of insulating handles, then which of the
132. The charges on the surfaces a and b of the plate A are following is correct?
q1 + q 2 q1 − q 2 q1 − q 2 q 2 − q1 (a) The charge on the capacitor increases
(a) , (b) ,
2 2 2 2 (b) The voltage across the plates increases
q 1+ q 2 q 1 + q 2 q1 + q 2 q 2 − q1 (c) The capacitance increases
(c) , (d) , (d) The electrostatic energy stored in the capacitor increases
2 2 2 2
133. The charges on the surfaces c and d of the plate B, are 139. A 900 pF capacitor is charged by 100 V battery.
q1 − q 2 q 2 − q1 q 2 − q1 q1 + q 2 (a) The charge on the capacitor is 9 × 10−8 C
(a) , (b) , (b) The energy stored by the capacitor is 4.5 × 10−6 J
2 2 2 2
q1 + q 2 q1 + q 2 q1 + q 2 q 2 − q1 (c) If capacitor is disconnected from the battery and
(c) , (d) , connected to another 900 pF capacitor, then energy
2 2 2 2
stored by the system is 2.25 × 10−6 J
134. The electric field between the two plates A and B, is
(d) None of the above
q1 + q 2 q1 − q 2 q 2 − q1 q1 + q 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A ε0 A 140. If a charged conductor is enclosed by a hollow
charged conducting shell (assumed concentric and
135. The potential difference between the two plates A and spherical in shape), and they are connected by a
B, is conducting wire, then which of the following
(q1 + q 2 ) d (q 2 − q1 ) d
(a) (b) statement (s) would be correct?
2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A (a) Potential difference between two conductors becomes
(q1 − q 2 ) d (q1 + q 2 ) d zero.
(c) (d)
2ε 0 A ε0 A (b) If charge on inner conductor is q and on outer
conductor is 2q, then finally charge on outer conductor
136. The capacitance of the capacitor is given by will be 3q.
ε0 A ε0 A (c) The charge on the inner conductor is not totally
(a) (b)
2d d transferred to the outer conductor.
2 ε0 A 2 ( q 1 + q 2 ) ε0 A (d) If charge on the inner conductor is q and charge on the
(c) (d) outer conductor is zero, then finally charge on each
d (q1 − q 2 ) d conductor will be q/2.
 NCERT & NCERT Exemplar Questions
NCERT 148. A cube of side b has a charge q at each of its vertices.
−8 −8 Determine the potential due to this charge array at the
141. Two charges 5 × 10 C and –3 × 10 C are located
16 cm apart. At what point(s) from +ve charge on the centre of the cube.
line joining the two charges is the electric potential 4 3q 3q 4q
(a) (b) (c) (d) zero
zero? Take the potential at infinity to be zero. πε 0 b πε 0 b 3πε 0 b
(a) 6 cm, 30 cm (b) 8 cm, 40 cm
(c) 10 cm, 40 cm (d) 30 cm, 40 cm 149. Two tiny spheres carrying charges 1.5 µC and 2.5 µC
142. A regular hexagon of side 10 cm has a charge 5 µC at are located 30 cm apart. Find the potential at a point
each of its vertices. Calculate the potential at the 10 cm from this mid-point in a plane normal to the
centre of the hexagon. line and passing through the mid-point.
(a) 105 V (b) 2 × 105 V
(a) 3.7 × 10− 6 V
(c) 2 × 108 V (d) zero
(b) 2.7 × 10− 6 V
150. In a hydrogen atom, the electron and proton are
(c) 2.7 × 10− 4 V
bound at a distance of about 0.53 Å.
(d) 3.7 × 10− 4 V
What is the potential energy of the system in eV,
143. A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates taking the zero of the potential energy at infinite
has a capacitance of 8 pF (1 pF = 10 − 12 F). What will separation of the electron from proton?
be the capacitance, if the distance between the plates (a) + 2716
. eV (b) − 27.16 eV
is reduced by half and the space between them is (c) 13.58 eV (d) − 13.58 eV
filled with a substance of dielectric constant 6?
(a) 24 pF (b) 96 pF (c) 8 pF (d) 12 pF NCERT Exemplar
144. Three capacitors each of capacitance 9 pF are 151. A positively charged particle is released from rest in
connected in series. What is the potential difference an uniform electric field. The electric potential energy
across each capacitor, if the combination is connected of the charge
to a 120 V supply? (a) remains a constant because the electric field is uniform
(a) 40 V (b) 60 V (c) 80 V (d) 50 V (b) increases because the charge moves along the electric
field
145. In a parallel plate capacitor with air between the (c) decreases because the charge moves along the electric field
plates, each plate has an area of 6 × 10 − 3 m 2 and the (d) decreases because the charge moves opposite to the
distance between the plates is 3 mm. If this capacitor electric field
is connected to a 100 V supply, what is the charge on
152. Figure shows some equipotential lines distributed in
each plate of the capacitor?
space. A charged object is moved from point A to
(a) 1.77 × 10− 9 C (b) 2.77 × 10− 9 C point B.
(c) 1 × 10− 8 C (d) 4.7 × 10− 6 C (a) The work done in Fig. (i) is the greatest
(b) The work done in Fig. (ii) is least
146. A 600 pF capacitor is charged by a 200 V supply.
(c) The work done is the same in Fig. (i), Fig.(ii) and Fig. (iii)
Then, it is disconnected from the supply and is
(d) The work done in Fig. (iii) is greater than Fig. (ii) but
connected to another uncharged 600 pF capacitor. equal to that in
How much electrostatic energy is lost in the process? 20 V 40 V 30 V
(a) 12 × 10− 6 J (b) 8 × 10− 6 J
(c) 6 × 10− 6 J (d) 4 × 10− 6 J
A B A B A B
147. A charge of 8 mC is located at the origin. Calculate the
work done in taking a small charge of – 2 × 10 − 9 C
from a point P(0, 0, 3) (in cm) to a point Q (0, 4, 0)
(in cm), via a point R (0, 6, 9) (in cm). 10 V 20 V 30 V 40 V 50 V 10 V 30 V 50 V 10 V 20 V 40 V 50 V
(a) 2.4 J (b) 1.2 J (c) 2 J (d) 3.6 J Fig. (i) Fig. (ii) Fig. (iii)
153. The electrostatic potential on the surface of a charged K1 K2
conducting sphere is 100 V. Two statements are made
in this regard S 1 : at any point inside the sphere,
electric intensity is zero. C1 C2
S 2 : at any point inside the sphere, the electrostatic
potential is 100 V. E
Which of the following is a correct statement?
Then,
(a) S 1 is true but S 2 is false
(a) charge on C1 gets redistributed such thatV1 = V2
(b) Both S 1 and S 2 are false
(b) charge on C1 gets redistributed such that Q1′ = Q2′
(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 (c) charge on C1 gets redistributed such that
independant C1V1 + C 2V2 = C1 E
(d) charge on C1 gets redistributed such that Q1′ + Q2′ = Q
154. Equipotentials at a great distance from a collection of
charges whose total sum is not zero are approximately 157. A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery as
(a) spheres shown in figure. Consider two situations.
(b) planes K
(c) paraboloids
(d) ellipsoids
155. Equipotential surfaces C
(a) are closer in regions of large electric fields compared to E
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 I. Key K is kept closed and plates of capacitors are moved
densities apart using insulating handle.
(d) will always be equally spaced II. Key K is opened and plates of capacitors are moved
156. In the circuit shown in figure initially key K1 is apart using insulating handle.
Choose the correct option(s).
closed and key K 2 is open. Then, K1 is opened and
(a) In I Q remains same but C changes
K 2 is closed (order is important).
(b) In II V remains same but C changes
[Take Q1′ and Q2′ as charges on C1 and C 2 and V1 and
(c) In I V remains same and hence Q changes
V2 as voltages respectively.] (d) In II Q remains same and hence V changes

Answers
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (c)
16. (a) 17. (c) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (c) 21. (d) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24 (c) 25. (c) 26. (a) 27. (a) 28. (a) 29. (a) 30. (b)
31. (d) 32. (a) 33. (b) 34. (b) 35. (d) 36. (a) 37. (d) 38. (a) 39. (a) 40. (a) 41. (c) 42. (d) 43. (c) 44. (a) 45. (d)
46. (c) 47. (b) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (b) 51. (a) 52. (c) 53. (d) 54. (d) 55. (a) 56. (c) 57. (a) 58. (b) 59. (a) 60. (b)
61. (a) 62. (c) 63. (a) 64. (c) 65. (a) 66. (d) 67. (a) 68. (c) 69. (a) 70. (c) 71. (c) 72. (d) 73. (c) 74. (c) 75. (b)
76. (a) 77. (c) 78. (c) 79. (a) 80. (b) 81. (d) 82. (d) 83. (b) 84. (c) 85. (b) 86. (c) 87. (d) 88. (d) 89. (a) 90. (c)
91. (d) 92. (c) 93. (a) 94. (c) 95. (a) 96. (b) 97. (d) 98. (c) 99. (a) 100. (a) 101. (a) 102. (a) 103. (a) 104. (c) 105. (c)
106. (a) 107. (c) 108. (c) 109. (a) 110. (a) 111. (c) 112. (a) 113. (d) 114. (d) 115. (d) 116. (d) 117. (a) 118. (c) 119. (b) 120. (b)
121. (b) 122. (b) 123. (c) 124. (c) 125. (c) 126. (b) 127. (b) 128. (a) 129. (b) 130. (c) 131. (b) 132. (a) 133. (b) 134. (b) 135. (c)
136. (b) 137. (b,c, 138. (b,d) 139. (a,b, 140. (a,b) 141. (c) 142. (b) 143. (b) 144. (a) 145. (a) 146. (c) 147. (b) 148. (c) 149. (b) 150. (b)
d) c)
 Hints and Explanations
1. (a) Considering potential to be zero at infinity. Work done by q1 q2
F21 = r$ …(i)
an external force in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity 4 πε 0r2
to a point without acceleration
= − Work done by electrostatic forces 2 F21
+q2
= Electrostatic potential (V ) at that point
2. (a) The electrostatic potential (V ) at any point in a region with 1
electrostatic field is the work done in bringing a unit positive +q1 r
charge (without acceleration) from infinity to that point.
Here, F21 is the electrostatic force on 2 due to 1 which along the
3. (b) The external force at every point of the path is to be equal vector r. Also, r is the unit vector along r and r = | r |.
and opposite to the electrostatic force on the test charge at that
point. From Eq. (i), in this case q1 = + Q and q2 = + 1 C
Q ×1
4. (a) Work done by the electrostatic force in bringing the unit ⇒ F= r$ ′ …(ii)
4 πε 0 (r′ )2
positive charge from infinity to the point P is positive.
Total work done (W) by the external force is obtained by
5. (a) If charge on a conducting sphere of radius R is Q, then
integrating Eq. (ii) from r′ = ∞ to r′ = r
potential outside the sphere. r
1 Q r Q Q Q
Vout = ⋅ W =−∫ dr′ = =
4 πε 0 r ∞ 4 πε 0r′ 2 4 πε 0 r′ ∞
4 πε 0r
1 Q 12. (d) Consider a point charge Q at the origin in the figure.
At the surface of sphere, Vs = ⋅ = Vinside
4 πε 0 R ∞
P′
6. (a) Thus, work done by external forces in moving a charge q
∆r′ +1C
from R to P is r′
P P P
W RP = ∫ Fext ⋅ dr = − ∫ FE ⋅ d r r
R R
O
7. (c) Electrostatic force is a conservative force depending only on Q
the initial and the final points and is independent of the path
taken to go from one point to the other. At some intermediate point P ′ on the path, the electrostatic
force on a unit positive charge is
So, W ACB = W AMB
Q ×1
r$ ′ …(i)
8. (c) Electric field is a conservative field, no work is done in 4 πε 0r′ 2
moving the charge q along the closed path ABCDA in a uniform
electric field (as ∫ E ⋅ d I ) = 0. where, r$ ′ is the unit vector along OP′. Work done against this
force from r$ ′ to r$ ′ – ∆r$ ′ is
9. (d) Here, W AB = 100 J, q0 = 4 C ∆W = −
Q
∆r′
VA = − 10 V, VB = V 4 πε 0r′ 2
W 13. (a) 1 2
Since, VB − VA = AB , by external force
q0 S
100 J
V − (− 10V ) = = 25 V
4C V 2 µF
8 µF
or V = 25 V − 10 V = 15 V
10. (b) Here, q = 100 C
Potential difference between the cloud and the Earth, KQ 1 KQ 1
E= ⇒ E∝ 2 ⇒ V = ⇒ V ∝
V = 107 V r2 r r r
Energy dissipated, W = qV = 100 C × 107 V = 109 J So, for 0 < r < 1, the curve E will be above V and for r > 1, the
curve E will be below V at r = 1, E = V
11. (b) P′
1 Q 4 × 10− 7
r′ 14. (c) V = ⋅ = 9 × 109 Nm − 2 C− 2 × C
4 πε 0 r 0.09 m
P
O r = 4 × 104 V
+Q
15. (c) Work done = q (VB − VA ), since VA = 0 (point at infinity)
Electrostatic force between any two positive charges q1 and q2
separated by a distance r is given by ⇒ W = qVB = qV or W = 2 × 10− 9 C × 4 × 104 V = 8 × 10− 5 J
16. (a) The potential at the centre of the sphere is 80 V because it
remains same at each point under the metallic hollow sphere as If x lies on the extended line OA, the required condition is
on surface. 3 2
− =0
 Q x x − 15
R P  4 πε r ; r > R Which gives x = 45 cm
V (r) =  0
r Q
 ; r≤R Thus, electric potential is zero at 9 cm and 45 cm away from
 4 πε 0R the positive on the side of the negative charge.
Q 1 1
17. (c) Let V1 be the potential at the centre of the cube due to one charge 22. (a) Initially, Vsphere − Vshell =  −  =V
4 πε 0  r1 r2 
1 2Q a 3
V1 = and x = Sphere Shell
4 πε 0 x 2
Potential due to all eight corners of the cube r1
 1 2 Qx2  32 Q 8Q Q
⇒ V = 8 V1 = 8  = =
 4 πε 0 3a  4 πε 0 3 × a a 3πε 0 r2
18. (c) Volume of eight drops = Volume of a big drop
4 3 4
∴  π r  × 8 = π R ⇒ 2r = R
3
…(i) 1  3Q
3  3 V0 = − 
4 πε 0  r2 
According to charge conservation,
8q = Q …(ii) 1  Q
So that now, ′
Vsphere =   + V0
Potential of one small drop (V ′ ) =
q 4 πε 0  r1 
4 πε 0r
1  Q
Q and ′ =
Vshell   + V0
Similarly, potential of big drop (V ) = 4 πε 0  r2 
4 πε 0R
V′ q R Q  1 1
Now, = × Hence, ′
Vsphere − Vshell
′ =  −  =V
V Q r 4 πε 0  r1 r2 
V′ q 2r i. e., if any charge is given to an external shell, the potential
⇒ = × [from Eqs. (i) and (ii)]
20 8q r difference between sphere and shell will not change.
∴ V′ = 5V 23. (b) P
1 q
19. (a) Potential at A, VA =
4 πε 0 a a√2 a
Y
A B
A +q a –q
 Kq   − Kq
a VP = VA + VB =   +  = zero
 a 2  a 2 
O a X 24. (c) For a uniform electric field E say, along the X -axis, the
B
1 q equipotential surfaces are planes normal to the X-axis, i. e.,
Potential at B , VB = ⋅ planes parallel to the YZ-plane.
4 πε 0 a
Thus, work done in causing a test charge − Q from A to B. 25. (c) The field lines are perpendicular to the equipotential
surfaces.
W = (VA − VB ) × (− Q ) = 0
10 V 8V 6V
1 p⋅ r
20. (c) The electric potential of a dipole is given by ⋅ .
4 πε 0 r2
E
21. (d) O x P A
a
3×10–8 C –2×10–8 C d b
15 cm
26. (a) In the vicinity, Va − Vb ≈ Ed
1  3 × 10− 8 2 × 10− 8 
 − − 2
=0 V − Vb 8V − 6V
4 πε 0  x × 10−2
(15 − x ) × 10  ⇒ E≈ a = = 50 Vm −1
d 4 × 10− 2 m
3 2
where, x in cm, i.e., − =0 27. (a) Electric field lines are perpendicular to the equipotential
x 15 − x
surfaces and point in the direction of decreasing potential. At P,
Which gives x = 9 cm
electric field E is to the left. At R, E is upward.
28. (a) Equipotential surface between two equal and opposite infinity to r1, no work is required. Next we bring q2 from
charges passing through L middle point will be a plane. On this infinity to r2. As before, work done in this step is
surface potential will be zero on all points on the surface. 1 q1 q2
q2V1 (r2 ) = …(i)
V 4 πε 0 r12
29. (b) As electric field, E =
r The charges q1 and q2 produce a potential, which at any point P
V 600 V is given by
The distance of point charge, r = = =3m
E 200 NC−1 1  q1 q 
V1. 2 =  + 2  …(ii)
30. (b) + + + + + 
4 πε 0  q1p q2p 
FE
d Work done next in bringing q3 from infinity to the point r3 is
mg
q3 V12 times at r3
1  q1 q3 q2 q2 
Q V = Ed ⇒ E = (V / d ) FE q3V12 (r3 ) =  +  …(iii)
4 πε 0  r13 r23 
In equilibrium, FE = mg
⇒ qE = mg ⇒ (ne)E = V × ρg The total work done in assembling the charges at the given
4 locations is obtained by [Eqs. (i) and (iii)]
(ne)E = πr3 × ρ × g mg
3 1  q1 q2 q1 q3 q2 q3 
U =  + +  …(iv)
4 3  4 3  4 πε 0  r12 r13 r23 
 πr ρg  πr ρg
3  3  q3 r23 q2
⇒ n= =
E × (e) (V / d ) × e
3
4  10−6 
× (3.14) ×   × 900 × 10 r13 r12
3  2 
= = 8.17 = 8
3600 × 1.6 × 10−19
31. (d) Potential difference between any two points on an q1
equipotential surface is zero, i.e., ∆V = 0 KQq Kq2 KqQ
37. (d) Potential energy of the system, U = + + =0
Work done in moving the test charge (q0 ) l l l
i.e., W = q0 ∆V = 0 Kq
⇒ × [(Q + q + Q )] = 0 ⇒ Q = − q/2
32. (a) For (VA − VB ) = 0 l
[Potential at A and B due to 10 µC charge are equal] 38. (a) Since, the proton is moving against the direction of electric
Thus, work done W AB = q (VB − VA ) = 0 field, so work is done on the proton against electric field. It
implies that electric field does negative work on the proton.
33. (b) Potential inside the sphere will be same as that on its surface. Again, proton is moving in electric field from low potential
Given, R = 10 cm region to high potential region hence, its potential energy
For inside the sphere, increases.

V1 (r) =
KQ KQ
= =V (for r ≤ R ) …(i) 39. (a) Since, E = 0 inside the conductor and has no tangential
R 10 component on the surface, no work is done in moving a small
For outside the sphere, test charge within the conductor and on its surface.
KQ KQ Kq2 Kq2 q2
V2 (r) = = (for r > R ) …(ii) 40. (a) W = U = − ×4 + ×2= − (4 − 2 )
r 15 d 2d 4 πε 0 d
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get 41. (c) As, τ = pE sin θ
V1 (r) 15 3 2 2V
= = or V2 (r) = V1 (r) = ⇒ 10 2 = p × 104 sin θ
V2 (r) 10 2 3 3
As, p = 2 2 × 10−3
34. (b) The potential energy difference, ∆U = U P − U R = W RP
A is U = pE cos θ
35. (d) Work done by external force in bringing a unit positive U = 2 2 × 10−3 × 104 cos 30°
charge from point R to P
∴ Potential energy, U = 24.5 J
U − U R 
= VP − VR =  P  42. (d) Potential energy of the system,
 q 
q –2q q
where, VP and VR are the electrostatic potentials at P and R,
respectively. a a
36. (a) The potential energy of a system of three charges q1 , q2 and 1  q1q2 q1q3 q2q3 
U =  + + 
q3 located at r1 , r2 , and r3 respectively. To bring q1 first from 4 πε 0  r12 r13 r23 
 1  q(−2q) q(−2q) qq 
= + + 48. (c) Work done is change in potential energy in bringing the
4 πε 0  a a 2a  charge from infinity to the present configuration.
1  −2q2 2q2 q2  W =U2 −U1 = 0 −U
=  − +  = 0 − (− 0.7) = 0.7 J
4 πε 0  a a 2a 
49. (b) The mutual interaction of energy of the two charges remains
1  −4 q2 q2  −7q2
=  + = unchanged. In addition, there is the energy of interaction of the
4 πε 0  a 2a  8πε 0 a two charges with the external electric field.
43. (c) Potential energy of the system, In the presence of external electric field, we first find the
potentials at 1 and 2, respectively using
KqQ KQq Kq2
− − + =0
x x 2x
− 4 KqQ + Kq2
⇒ =0
2x (q2 =7 µC) (q1 =–2 µC)
q (–9, 0, 0) O (9, 0, 0)
⇒ Kq2 = 4 KQq ⇒ =4
Q r12
dV
44. (a) When charge q3 is at C, then potential energy of the system is E=−
1  q1 q3 q2 q3  q1q2  dr
UC =  + +  r1 A V1 A
4 πε 0  0.4 0.5  0.3  ⇒ ∫∞ dr = − ∫ dV ⇒ = V1
r 2 0 r1
Similarly, when charge q3 is at D, then
or V1 = A / r1 and V2 = A / r2
 q1 q3 q2 q3  q1 q2 
1
UD =  + +  Total electrostatic energy of system,
 0.4
4 πε 0 0.1  0.3  kq q
= q1V1 + q2V2 + 1 2
Here, change in potential energy r12
q3 1  q2 q3 q2 q3  −9 −12
k=  −   −2 µC  7 µC − 9 × 10 × 7 × 2 × 10
4 πε 0 4 πε 0  0.1 0.5  =A  + A  +
 0.09   0.09  0.18
⇒ k = q2 (10 − 2) = 8 q2 A (5 µC)
= − 0.7 J = 50 J − 0.7 J = 49.3 J
45. (d) Work done in increasing the separation from a to 2a is 0.09
W =U f −Ui 50. (b) Here, the dipole moment of each molecule = 10− 29 C-m
+q +q 1 mole of the substance contains 6 × 1023 molecules. Therefore
total dipole moment of all molecules,
p = 6 × 1023 × 10− 29 C-m = 6 × 10− 6 C-m
a a ⇒ 2a 2a
Initial potential energy,
U = − pE cos θ = − 6 × 10− 6 × 106 cos 60° = − 3 J
–2q a –2q –2q 2a –2q Final potential energy (when θ = 0°),
[finally p and E are aligned in the same direction]
1  q (− 2q) q (− 2q) (− 2q) (− 2q) 
Here, U i = + + U f = − 6 × 10− 6 × 106 cos 0° = − 6 J
4 πε 0  a a a 
Change in potential energy = − 6J − (− 3J) = –3 J
1
= [ − 2q2 − 2q2 + 4 q2 ] = 0 So, there is a loss in potential energy. This must be the energy
4 πε 0
released by the substances in the form of heat in aligning its
Similarly, U f is also zero. dipole. When field is changed in direction the energy of dipole
Hence, W =0 in initial position is enhanced from – 6J to – 3J.
46. (c) The amount of work done by the external torque will be 51. (a) When a dipole is placed in an electric field E, force exerted
given by τ = pE sin θ, where p = dipole moment and θ is the angle which
θ1 θ1 makes dipole with the field.
W =∫ τ ext (θ ) dθ = ∫ pE sin θdθ = pE (cos θ 0 − cos θ 1 )
θ0 θ0 τ max = pE sin 90° , i. e., τ max = pE
⇒ τ max = q × 2l × E = (3.5 × 10− 6 ) × 4.2
47. (b) The electrostatic potential energy due to system of two
Kq q × 10− 2 × 5.8 × 105
charges is given as U = 1 2 −3 −1
r12 = 85.26 × 10 Nm
1 q1 q2 7 × (− 2) × 10− 12 Work done in rotating the dipole from an angle θ 0 to θ,
U = = 9 × 109 × = − 0.7 J θ
4 πε 0 r 0.18 W =∫ pE sin θ dθ = pE [cos θ 0 − cos θ ]
θ0
 W = pE (cos θ ° − cos 180° ) 61. (a) The symbol of a capacitor with fixed capacitance and with
where, θ 0 = 0° and θ = 180° variable capacitance is − | |− and − | |−. For fixed capacitance, the
⇒ W = 2 pE capacitance value (C ) remains same but for variable capacitance
= 2 × q × 2l × E C can be changed as per our requirement within the given range.
= 2 × (3.5 × 10−6 ) × (4.2 × 10−2 ) × 5.8 × 105 62. (c) The maximum electric field that a dielectric medium can
−1 withstand without break down (of its insulating property) is
= 176
. × 10 J
called its dielectric strength; for air it is about 3 × 106 Vm −1. For
52. (c) The free charge carriers move and charge distribution in the a separation between conductors of the order of 1 cm or so, this
conductor adjusts itself in such a way that the electric field due field corresponds to a potential difference of 3 × 104 V between
to induced charges opposes the external field within the
conductor. This happens until in the static situation, the two the conductors. Thus, for a capacitor to store a large amount of
fields cancel each other and the net electrostatic field in the charge without leaking, its capacitance should be high enough
conductor is zero. so that the potential difference and hence the electric field do
not exceed the break down limits. Put differently, there is a
53. (d) Oxygen and hydrogen and nitrogen are the examples of limit to the amount of charge can be stored on a given capacitor
non-polar molecules. without significant leaking.
54. (d) HCl and H2O and NH3 are the examples of polar molecules. ε A 8.85 × 10−12 × 3.14 × 0.08 × 0.08
63. (a) C = 0 =
55. (a) In the absence of any external field, the different permanent d 1 × 10−3
dipoles are oriented randomly due to thermal agitation; so the 8.85 × 10−12 × 3.14 × .08 × .08 × 100 V
q = CV =
total dipole moment is zero. When an external field is applied, 1 × 10−3
the individual dipole moment tends to align with the field.
= 1.78 × 10−8 C
56. (c) The extent of polarisation depends on the relative strength of
64. (c) Surface charge
two mutually opposite factors : the dipole potential energy in density, σ I Area A
the external field tending to align the dipoles with the field and
1
thermal energy tending to disrupt the alignment. There may be, ++++++++
in addition, the ‘induced dipole moment’ effect as for non-polar
molecules, but generally the alignment effect is more important E d
for polar molecules. – – – – – – – –
57. (a) For linear isotropic dielectric p = χ eE (Direction of p and E 2
are same). Surface charge II
density, – σ
where, χ e is a constant characteristic of the dielectric and is known
as the electric susceptibility of the dielectric medium and it is The electric field in outer region I (region above the plate 1) is
possible to relate χ e to the molecular properties of the substance. σ σ
E= − =0
58. (b) An electric field (Ei ) is induced inside the dielectric in a 2ε 0 2ε 0
direction opposite to the external field (E0 ) due to polarisation. Outer region II (region below the plate 2),
On account of this, the net electric field (E ) inside the slab is σ σ
E= − =0
less than the external field as E = E0− Ei . 2ε 0 2ε 0
59. (a) When P is normal to the surface, the polarisation is 65. (a) When a metallic slab is inserted between the plates,
numerically equal to the surface density of the induced charge. ε A
capacitance (C ) = 0 . Here, t = 0 as plate is very thin.
60. (b) As P = ε 0χ eE and ε r = 1 + χ e ⇒ P = ε 0 (ε r − 1) E d −t
If n is the number of helium atoms/m 3 and P is the dipole ε A
∴ C = 0
moment per atom, then d
P = np 66. (d) Being a conductor, each plate have the same potential at
P ε (ε − 1) E each point. So, potential gradient will be highest at closest end.
or p = = 0r r …(i) As E ∝ σ , so surface charge density σ is higher at the closer
n n
end.
Since, at NTP, 1 atom (6.02 × 1023 atoms) of a gas occupies a
volume of 22.4 litre (i. e., 22.4 × 10−3 m 3 ). 67. (a) From the given graphs, find the voltages, VA and VB , on
capacitors A and B corresponding to charge Q on each of the
6.02 × 1023
n= = 2.69 × 1025 / m 3 …(ii) capacitors. Clearly,
22.4 × 10−3 m 3 Q Q VB Q /C B C A
VA = and VB = or = =
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get CA CB VA Q /C A C B
(8.85 × 10−12 C2 / Nm 2 (1.000074 − 1) (100 V / m) Since, VB > VA , C A > C B i. e., the capacitor A has the higher
p=
2.69 × 1025 / m 3 capacitance.
−39
= 2.4 × 10 C-m
 ε0A For potential to be made zero after connection, the charge of
68. (c) C0 = = 18 …(i)
d both capacitors are equal.
Kε A ∴ q1 = q2
C = 0 = 72 …(ii)
3d C 1V1 = C 2V2
On dividing Eq. (ii) by Eq. (i), we get or 120 C 1 = 200C 2 ⇒ 3C 1 = 5C 2
K 72
= =4 76. (a) Let E0 = V0 / d be the electric field between the plates when
3 18 there is no dielectric and the potential difference is V0. If the
∴ Dielectric constant, K = 12 dielectric is now inserted, the electric field in the dielectric will
be E = E0 / K . The potential difference will be
69. (a) The material suitable for use as dielectric must have high
1  E 3 
dielectric strength X and large dielectric constant K. V = E0  d + 0  d
4  K 4 
6.4 × 106
70. (c) Capacity, C = 4 πε 0R = = 711 µF 1 3  K +3
9 × 109 = E0 d  +  = V0 ⋅
 4 4K  4K
ε A
71. (c) The capacity in air, C = 0
d The potential difference decreases by the factor
The capacity when dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is (K + 3)
while the free charge Q0 on the plates remains
introduced between the plates. 4K
ε0A unchanged. The capacitance thus increases.
C′ =
(d – t + t / k ) Q
C = 0=
4 K Q0
=
4K
C0
C (d – t + t / k ) V K + 3 V0 K + 3
∴ =
C′ d 77. (c) Stored energy in the capacitor can be given as
166 1
Given, C′ = C = CV 2
100 2
100 1 (d – t + t / k ) 3d
⇒ = = ; Putting t = When the switch S is connected to point 2, energy dissipated on
166 K d 5 connected across 8 µF will be
⇒ K =3 1 C C 
=  1 2 V 2
72. (d) Given, initial separation d = 3 mm 2  C 1 + C 2
Let new separation between the plates is d′. 1  2 × 8 2 1 16
=  V = × ×V2
C ′ d′ 2  10  2 10
∴ = Cd
k  1 16 2 
Given, C′ = C  × V × 100
Therefore ,% loss of energy =  2 20  = 80%
⇒ d′ = kd  1 × 2×V2 
⇒ d′ = (2)(3) = 6 mm  2 
ε0A
73. (c) Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with air is C = . 78. (c) The charge on the capacitor is
d
q = CV = 900 × 10−12 F × 100 V = 9 × 10−8 C
Capacitance of a same parallel plate capacitor with the
Kε A The energy stored by the capacitor is
introducing of a dielectric medium C ′ = 0
d = (1/ 2) CV 2 = (1/ 2) qV
where, K is the dielectric constant of a medium. = 1/ 2 × 9 × 10−8 C × 100 V = 4.5 × 10−6 J
C′ 15
∴ =K = =5 79. (a) The network of three capacitors is shown below.
C 3
4 µF 4 µF
ε
and K =
ε0 C1 C2
A
or ε = Kε 0 = 5 × 8.854 × 10−12 4 µF
B

= 0.4427 × 10−10 C2 N−1 m −2

C3
74. (c) q = CV , As V is constant, therefore q ∝ C .
Here, C 1 and C 2 are in series and the combination of two is
100
Here, C becomes = 2.5 times in parallel with C 3.
40 C C
∴ K = 2.5 C net = 1 2 + C 3
C1 + C2
75. (b) Two capacitors are given as below
 4 × 4
C1 C2 =  + 4 = 2 + 4 = 6 µF
+ – – +  4 + 4
120 V 200 V
 (ii) The corresponding network is shown in figure. 1  4C 
4 µF ⇒   (12)2 = 173
24 + C
4 µF 4C 2 × 173
C1 ⇒ = = 2.4
4 µF 4+C 144

A C3 B Hence, C = 6 µF
K ε A 2K 1ε 0 A 2K 2ε 0 A
83. (b) C 1 = 1 0 = and C 2 =
d /2 d d
Here, C 1 and C 2 are in parallel and this combination is in 1 1 1 d d d  K 1 + K 2
series with C 3. ∴ = + = + =  
C s C 1 C 2 2K 1ε 0 A 2K 2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A  K 1 K 2 
(C + C 2 ) × C 3 (4 + 4 ) × 4 32 8
So, C net = 1 = = = µF 2ε 0 A  K 1K 2 
(C 1 + C 2 ) + C 3 (4 + 4 ) + 4 12 3 ⇒ Capacity, C s =  
d  K 1 + K 2
(iii) The corresponding network is shown in figure.
4 µF 4 µF 4 µF 84. (a) Each capacitor will have equal + –
charges. When they are joined as
C1 C2 C3 described, they will be in parallel
A B combination. The positive charge will
cancel out negative charge of each other. – +
So, net charge in each capacitor will be
All of three are in series. zero.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 85. (b) In the given network, C 1 , C 2 and C 3 are connected in series.
So, = + + = + + =
C net C 1 C 2 C 3 4 4 4 4 The effective capacitance C ′ of these capacitors is given by
4 1 1 1 1
∴ C = µF = + +
3 C′ C1 C2 C3
(iv) The corresponding network is shown. For C 1 = C 2 = C 3 = 10 µF, C ′ = (10/ 3)µF
4 µF The network has C ′ and C 4 connected in parallel.
Thus, the equivalent capacitance C of the network is
C1
 10 
C = C ′ + C 4 =  + 10 = 13.3 µF
4 µF  3 
A B
3000
C2 86. (c) Minimum number of conductors in each row =6
500
4 µF If C s is capacity of 6 conductors in a row, then
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
C3 = + + + + + =6
Cs 1 1 1 1 1 1
C net = C 1 + C 2 + C 3 = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 µF
1
80. (b) According to the question, the given arrangement of nine ⇒ Cs = µF
6
plates is equivalent to the parallel combination of 8 capacitors.
Let there be m such rows in parallel.
The capacity of each capacitor,
Total capacity = m × C s
ε A 8.854 × 10−12 × 5 × 10−4
C = 0 = = 0.5 pF 1
d 0.885 × 10−2 2=m×
6
Hence, the capacity of 8 capacitors = 8C = 8 × 0.5 = 4 pF
∴ m = 12
81. (d) The quantities energy stored and potential difference Total number of capacitors = 6 × 12 = 72
1 q2 q
decreases, because U = and V = decreases. On 87. (d) The total capacity of capacitor
2 KC KC
9 × 4.5
inserting a dielectric, the capacitance increase (KC 0 ), where C = = 3µF
C 0 is the capacitance when no glass slab is present and K is 13.5
dielectric constant, As ‘C’ increase, U and V both decreases Charge, q = CV = 3 × 12 = 36 µC
as they are inversely related to C. q is constant here. 36
Potential difference across 4.5 µF, V = = 8V
 4C  4.5
82. (d) As, C S =   µ F (C is capacitance of other capacitor)
4 + C 88. (d) Case I When the capacitors are joined in series,
1 1 C1
and C sV 2 = 173 µJ U series = (4 V )2
2 2 n1
 Case II When the capacitors are joined in parallel, 93. (a) The new potential energy will be U 0 / K .
1
U parallel = (n2C 2 )V 2 Q02
2 Q U0 = …(i)
2C 0
Given, U series = U parallel
Q02
1 C1 1 On insertion of dielectric, U new = …(ii)
or (4 V )2 = (n2 C 2 ) V 2 2KC 0
2 n1 2
16 C 1 From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get U new = U 0 / K
⇒ C2 = [Q Q0 = constant (considered)]
n1 n2
94. (c) The energy stored in the capacitor,
89. (a) When free space between parallel plates of capacitor,
1 1  Aε   Aε 0 
σ U = CV 2 =  0  (Ed )2 Q C = and V = Ed
E= 2 2 d   d 
ε0
1
When dielectric is introduced between parallel plates of = ε 0 E 2 Ad
σ 2
capacitor, E′ =
Kε 0 95. (a) When connected VA = VB , hence q1 will flow to outer
Electric field inside dielectric surface of B B
σ
= 3 × 104 A
Kε 0
where, K = dielectric constant of medium = 2.2 r1
q1 q2
ε 0 = permittivity of free space = 8.85 × 10−12 r2
⇒ σ = 2.2 × 8.85 × 10−12 × 3 × 104
= 6.6 × 8.85 × 10−8 = 5.841 × 10−7 = 6 × 10−7 C/m 2 VB = Potential due to its own charge q2 + potential due to
90. (c) Resultant circuit charge q1 on A
3 µF 1  q2 q1 
=  + 
4 πε 0  r2 r2 
9 µF Potential on the inner sphere A due to its own charge,
4 µF 4 µF 12 µF 3 µF
1 q1
i. e., V1 =
4 πε 0 r1
As, charge on 3 µF = 3 µF × 8 V = 24 µC
∴Charge on 4 µF = Charge on 12 µF = 24 µC As the potential at every point inside charged sphere is the same
Charge on 3 µF = 3 µF × 2 V = 6 µC as that on its surface, the potential on the inner sphere ( A ) due
to charge q2 on sphere B, i. e.,
Charge on 9 µF = 9 µF × 2 V = 18 µC
1 q2
Charge on 4 µF + charge on 9 µF = (24 + 18) µC = 42 µC V2 =
4 πε 0 r2
∴ Electric field at a point distant 30 m
Total potential on the inner sphere A, i. e.,
9 × 109 × 42 × 10−6
= 1  q1 q2 
30 × 30 VA =  + 
= 420N/C 4 πε 0  r1 r2 
1
91. (d) Initial energy, U i = C 0V 2 q1  1 1 
2 Thus, (VA − VB ) =  − 
4 πε 0  r1 r2 
1
Final energy, U f = (KC 0 ) (V / K )2 1 1  1 1
2 As r1 < r2 , > or  −  is positive, further, since q1 is
1 1 2
r1 r2  r1 r2 
or Uf =  C 0V 
K 2  positive, VA > VB
1 Thus, when the two spheres are connected by a wire, charge q1
Change in energy = U f − U i = C 0V 2 (1/ K − 1) on A will flow entirely to B, irrespective of the charge q2
2
already present on B.
92. (c) Energy stored, U = 1/ 2 qV
96. (b) Van de Graaff generator is a machine that can build up high
As the distance d is increased between the two plates. voltage of the order of a few million volts. The resulting large
Now, stored energy, electric fields are used to accelerate charged particle, (electron,
1 1 1 q2d proton ions) to high energies needed for experiments to probe
U ′ = qV ′ = q [ q/C ] = ⇒ U′ ∝ d the small scale structure of matter.
2 2 2 ε0A
Hence, U ′ = 2U 97. (d) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
 98. (c) Maximum permissible field strength, E = (1/10) of the 108. (c) Assertion is true as capacitance in parallel is greater than
dielectric strength of the gas capacitance is series. Reason is false as C p = C 1 + C 2 + C 3.
= (1 / 10) (5 × 107 Vm −1 ) = 5 × 106 Vm −1 109. (a) Work done = Potential difference (VB − VA ) × q (the charge)
Potential on the surface of the sphere = 1.5 × 10 V 6 where VA and VB depend only on the initial and final positions and
not on path in figure. Electrostatic force is a conservative force.
In case of charged spherical cell (having a charged) electric field
Since work done in moving charge along a closed loop is zero it is
(E ) and electric potential (V ) at a point on its surface is given by
a conservative force. So, statement I is also correct.
E = K q/ r2 and V = K q/ r
If the loop is completed, no net work is done as the initial and
E = V /r or r = V /E the final potentials are the same.
When E is maximum, r is minimum and as such minimum value
of r is given by
1.5 × 106 V
r= = 0.3 m = 30 cm VA VB
5 × 106 V / m
99. (a) Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct
explanation of Assertion. For used path : W = 2∆V = 0 (Q ∆V = 0)
100. (a) A and B are two conducting spheres of same radius. A being 110. (a) The maximum amount of charge we can give to a capacitor
solid and B hollow. Both are charged to the same potential. depends upon on the geometrical factors as well as environmental
Then, charge on A = Charge on B. Because potentials on both factors.
are same. 111. (c) Capacitance is inversely proportional to distance between
101. (a) The proof of this statement is simple. There is no potential the plates.
difference between any two points on the surface and no work 112. (a) Capacitance of a capacitor does not depend upon charge but
is required to move a test charge on the surface because work it depends upon geometrical factors.
done = potential difference × charge.
113. (d) Battery is disconnected from the capacitor,
1 q1 q2
102. (a) The potential energy U = is unaltered whatever So, Q = constant
4 πε 0 r12
Q 2 Q 2d
way the charges are brought to the specified locations, because Energy = = ⇒ Energy ∝ d
of path independence of work for electrostatic force. 2C 2ε 0 A
103. (a) There are polar and non-polar dielectric materials. The 114. (d) In a metal, the outer (valence) electrons part away from their
molecules of a polar dielectric have a permanent dipole moment. atoms and are free to move. These electrons are free within the
However, due to random orientations net dipole moment is zero. metal but not free to leave the metal. The free electrons form a
If there is no external electric field, there is no polarisation. kind of ‘gas’. They collide with each other and with the ions
and move randomly in different directions.
104. (c) The molecules of a substance may be polar or non-polar. In
a non-polar molecule, the centre of positive and negative 115. (d) In metals, the positive ions made up of the nuclei and the
charges coincides. On the other hand, a polar molecule is one is bound electrons remain held in their fixed positions. In
which the centres of positive and negative charges are electrolytic conductors, the charge carriers are both positive and
separated, even when there is no external field. Such molecules negative ions.
have a permanent dipole moment. 116. (d) The molecules of a substance may be polar or non-polar. In
105. (c) Let two capacitors be connected in series. If + q charge is a non-polar molecule, the centres of positive and negative
installed on left plate of the first capacitor, then − q charge is charges coincide. The molecule then has no permanent (or
induced on right plate of this capacitor. This charge comes from intrinsic) dipole moment. Examples of non-polar molecules are
electron drawn from the left plate of second capacitor. Thus, oxygen (O2 ) and hydrogen (H2 ) molecules which, because of
there will be equal charge + q on the left plate of second their symmetry, have no dipole moment.
capacitor and − q charge induced on the right plate of second 117. (a) In an external electric field, the positive and negative
capacitor. Thus, each capacitor has same charge (q) when charges of a non-polar molecule are displaced in opposite
connected in series. Capacitance is quantity dependent on directions. The displacement stops when the external force on the
construction of capacitor and independent of charge. constituent charges of the molecule is balanced by the restoring
106. (a) Electric field is set up from higher potential to lower force (due to internal fields in the molecule). The non-polar
potential. An electron is negatively charged and moves opposite molecule thus develops an induced dipole moment. The
to the direction of electric field, i. e., from lower potential to dielectric is said to be polarised by the external field.
higher potential. 118. (c) Statements I, II and III are correct.
q′ C ′V ′ (KC )V Kq
107. (c) The reason is false as σ′ = = = = = Kσ 119. (b) 1 keV = 103 eV = 1.6 × 10− 16 J, 1 MeV = 106 eV
A A A A
= 1.6 × 10− 13 J, 1 GeV = 109 eV = 1.6 × 10− 10 J
(as C ′ = KC , V ′ = V and CV = q)
and 1 TeV = 1012 eV = 1.6 × 10− 7 J
 2
120. (b) Two large plates, each of area A, separated by a distance d. 2 
 Q
The charge on the plates ± Q, corresponding to the charge Q12  3  2  Q 2  2  C 2V02 
U1 = = =   =  
density ± σ (with σ = Q / A). When there is vacuum between 2C 1 2C 9C  9 C 
the plates, 2
σ = CV02 (as Q = CV0) (A → 4)
E0 = 9
ε0 2
1 
and the potential difference V0 is V0 = E0 d  Q
Q 2
3  1  Q 2 1
Q A (B → 5) U 2 = 2 = =   = CV02
The capacitance C 0 in this case is C 0 = = ε0 2C 2 2(C / 2) 9  C  9
V0 d
1
(C → 3)U final = U 1 + U 2 = CV02
121. (b) Consider a dielectric is inserted between the plates fully 3
occupying the intervening region. The dielectric is polarised by Q 2 (CV0 )2 1
the field, the effect is equivalent to two charged sheets (at the (D → 1) U initial = = = CV02
2C 2C 2
surfaces of the dielectric normal to the field) with surface
1
charge densities σ p and −σ p . The electric field in the dielectric Change in energy, ∆U = − CV0 2

then corresponds to the case when the net surface charge 6

density on the plates is ± (σ − σ p ). i.e., 123. (c) A → 1; B → 4; C → 3; D → 2
σ − σp (i) When S is open, then
E= …(i) C1C2 (2µF) (3µF) 6
ε0 C eq = = = µF
C 1 + C 2 (2µF + 3µF) 5
so that the potential difference across the plates is
σ − σp Charge (q) on both the capacitors will be the same (as
V = Ed = d …(ii) these are in series), i. e.,
ε0
6 
For linear dielectric, we except σ p to be proportional to E0 , i. e., q = C eq V =  µF (30 + 60) V = 108 µC
5 
to σ. Thus, (σ − σ p ) is proportional to σ and we can write
σ (ii) When S is closed, charge on C 1, i. e.,
σ − σp = …(iii) q1 = C 1V1 = (2µ F) (30 VC ) = 60 µC
K
Charge on C 2 , i. e., q2 = C 2 V2 = (3 µF)(60 V) =180 µC
where, K is a constant characteristic of the dielectric. Clearly,
K > 1, then we have Charge on C 1 and C 2 = 60 µC + 180 µC = 240 µC
σd Qd 124. (c) (A) → 1, 4 (B) → 3, 5 (C) → 3, 5 (D) → 3, 5.
V = = …(iv)
ε 0 K Aε 0 K (A) Due to q, charge will be induced on the conductor such that
The capacitance C with dielectric between the plates is net field due to q and induced charge becomes zero at any
Q ε 0 KA point inside the conductor.
C = = …(v) Since, E = 0 everywhere inside the conductor, so potential
V d
is constant inside and same as that of surface of conductor.
The product ε 0K is called the permittivity of the medium and is
(B) Due to q, field and potential both will vary inside.
denoted by ε.
(C) Due to q2, field and potential both will vary inside. Because
ε = ε0 K …(vi) inside charge system has nothing to do with outside system.
For vacuum K = 1and ε = ε 0; ε 0 is called the permittivity of the (D) Same as that of (c).
vacuum. The dimensionless ratio
125. (c) Work done by external force,
ε
K = …(vii) W RP = U P − U R = 3 J
ε0
∴ Work done by electric field = −W RP = −3 J
is called the dielectric constant of the substance. As remarked
(direction of force and displacement opposite)
before, from Eq. (iii), it is clear that K is greater than 1.
A ε KA 126. (b) According to the question,
From equations, (C 0 = ε 0 ) and C = 0 ,
d d UP −UR = 2 ⇒ 5 −UR = 2
C ∴ UR = 3 J
K = …(viii)
C0 127. (b) Electrostatic force is a conservative force. So, work done by
122. (b) A → 4; B → 5; C → 3; D → 1 an electrostatic field in moving a charge from one point to
another depends only on initial and final points and is
Q1 Q2 C  (C / 2) Q
As, = , Q2 =  2  Q1 = Q1 = 1 independent of path. Here, initial and final points are same, so
C1 C2  C 1 C 2 work done will be zero.
Q1 3
Further, as Q = Q1 + Q2 = Q1 + = Q1 128. (a) Potential energy of the proton decreases as it moves in the
2 2 direction of the electric field. In the direction of electric field
2 1
Q1 = Q and Q2 = Q potential decreases, hence, ∆U = q(V f − Vi ) = − ve
3 3 i.e., potential energy decreases.
129. (b) ∆V = − E∆x = − (8.0 × 104 V / m) (0.50 m) = − 4 × 104 V B will go to earth. – Q1 charge will not go to earth. It will be
bounded to + Q, charge of plate A (see fig.)
130. (c) ∆U = q0∆V = (1.6 × 10−19 C) (− 4.0 × 104 V) = − 6.4 × 10−15 J 0V
−15
131. (b) As, ∆K = − ∆U = 6.4 × 10 J + Q1
(from conservation of energy)
1 2∆K – Q1
∆K = mvB2 or vB = Charge is zero
2 m A B
−15
2(6.4 × 10 J)
= = 2.77 × 106 ms−1
(1.66 × 10−27 kg) Q1 + Q2
So, it is clear that charge goes from 2nd plate to earth.
2
132. (a) At the point p, the electric field due to charge qa is towards Q
Charge of capacitor is Q1 and hence its potential is 1 .
right whereas it will be towards left due to charges qb , qc and qd . C
Since, the resultant electric field at a point inside a conductor is 138. (b, d) Battery is disconnected, hence charge remains conserved.
zero, The plates are pulled apart, so capacity will decrease so there is
q1 q2 increase of voltage. Now, capacity decreases, hence energy will
A B  Q 2
increase as charge is constant.  E = 
a b c d  2c 
Thus, (b) and (d) are correct.
139. (a, b, c)
qa qb qc qd (i) The charge on the capacitor is
P Q
q = CV = 900 × 10−12 F × 100 V = 9 × 10−8 C
d
(ii) The energy stored by the capacitor is
qa q q v 1 1
− b − c − d =0 = CV 2 = QV
2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A 2 2
or qa = qb + qc + qd = (1 / 2) × 9 × 10−8 C × 100 V = 4.5 × 10−6 J
= (q1 − qa ) + (q2 − qd ) + qd = q1 − qa + q2 (iii) In the steady situation, the two capacitors have their
q + q2 positive plates at the same potential and their negative
where, qa = 1 plates at the same potential. Let the common potential
2
q + q2 q1 − q2 difference be V ′. The charge on each capacitor is then
and qb = q1 − qa = q1 − 1 = q′ = CV ′. By charge conservation q ′ = Q /2. This implies
2 2 V ′ = V /2. The total energy of the system is
1 1
133. (b) Since, the electric field at Q is zero. = 2 × Q′ V ′ = QV = 2.25 × 10−6 J
qa q q q 2 2
+ b + c − d =0
2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A 2ε 0 A 140. (a, b) This question is based on the working principal of a
q + q2 van de Graaff generator.
where, qd = 1 and qc = q2 − qd
2 141. (c) 16 cm B
q − q1 A D
∴ qc = 2 q1 (16 – x) C x q2
2
The potential at point C due to charge q1,
134. (b) The charges on the inner surfaces (qb , qc ) which are equal
1 q 9 × 109 × 5 × 10− 8
and opposite are responsible for creating the electric field VA = ⋅ 1 = …(i)
4 πε 0 AC (16 − x ) × 10− 2
between the plates of the capacitor.
σ (q1 − q2 ) The potential at point C due to charge q2,
Thus, E= =
ε0 2ε 0 A 1 q − 9 × 109 × 3 × 10− 8
VB = ⋅ 2 = …(ii)
(q1 − q2 ) 4 πε 0 BC x × 10− 2
135. (c) V = Ed = ×d
2ε 0 A 9 × 109 × 5 × 10− 8  − 9 × 109 × 3 × 10− 8 
⇒ +  =0
 q1 − q2  (16 − x ) × 10− 2  x × 10− 2 
 
qb  2  ε A 5 3
136. (b) Capacitance, C = = = 0 ⇒ − = 0 ⇒ x = 6 cm
V (q1 − q2 ) d d 16 − x x
2ε 0 A ∴ Distance from q1 = 16 − 6 = 10 cm
137. (b, c, d) When we earth plate B, whole of its charge will go to k × 5 × 10− 8 k × 3 × 10− 8
Similarly at point D = ⇒ x1 = 24 cm
earth. Now charge of plate A will induce charge – Q, and + Q1 16 + x1 x1
on inner side and outer side of plate B. Again Q1 charge of plate Distance from q1 = 16 + 24 = 40 cm
142. (b) E D 147. (b) Charge at origin O is qO = 8 mC = 8 × 10− 3 C
q q
Charge qP at point P = − 2 × 10 − 9 C
O Z R (0, 6, 9)
F C
q q qQ
P
q q (0, 0, 3)
A 10 cm B
i.e., OA = OB = OC = OD = OE = OF = 10 cm qQ
Potential at point O = Sum of potential at centre O due to O
qO Q
Y
individual point charges (0, 4, 0)
 1 q
∴ VO = VA + VB + VC + VD + VE + VF Q V = ⋅ 
 4 πε 0 r 
X
VO = VA × 6 = 2.7 ×10−6 V
Distance OP = rP = 3 cm = 0.03 m
ε A Distance OQ = rQ = 4 cm = 0.04 m
143. (b) C 0 = 0 = 8 pF
d Work done in bringing the charge qP from P to Q
Kε 0 A 6ε 0 A × 2
C = = = 96 pF = qP × Potential difference between P and Q
d′ d
W PQ = qP (VQ − VP )
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
144. (a) = + + = + +  1 q 1 q 
Cs C1 C2 C3 9 9 9 = − 2 × 10− 9  ⋅ O − ⋅ O
1 3  4 πε 0 OQ 4 πε 0 OP 
= ⇒ C s = 3 pF
Cs 9  9 × 109 × 8 × 10− 3 9 × 109 × 8 × 10− 3 
C1 C2 C3 W pq = − 2 × 10− 9  − 
 0.04 0.03 
= 1.2 J
q 148. (c) Length of the main diagonal of the cube

= b2 + b2 + b2 = 3b
120 V
q q
Charge, q = C sV = 3 × 120 = 360 pC
q 360 q
Potential difference across C 1, (V1) = = = 40 V q
C1 9
O
= V2 = V3 q
− 12
q
ε 0 A 8.854 × 10 × 6 × 10− 3
145. (a) C = =
d 3 × 10− 3 q q
− 11
C = 177
. × 10 F
Distance of centre O from each of the vertices is r,
When the capacitor is connected to a 100 V supply, charge on
. × 10−11 × 100
each plate of the capacitor q = CV = 177 r=
b 3
2
. × 10− 9 C
q = 177
1 q
146. (c) Given, capacitance of capacitor C 1 = 600 pF = 600 × 10− 12 F Potential at point O due to one charge is V = ⋅
4 πε 0 r
and supply voltage V1 = 200 V
Potential at point O due to all charges placed at the vertices of
C 2 = 600 pF = 600 × 10− 12 F and V2 = 0 the cube,
C 1C 2 (V1 − V2 )2 8 ×1× q
Loss in energy (E ) = V ′ = 8V =
2 (C 1 + C 2 ) 4 πε 0 ⋅ r
600 × 10− 12 × 600 × 10− 12 (200 − 0)2 8q × 2 4q
⇒ E= = =
2 (600 + 600) × 10− 12 4 πε 0 ⋅ b 3 3πε 0b

= 6 × 10− 6 J 149. (b) The distance from point P to point A is equal to the distance
−6
from point P to point B.
Thus, the 6 × 10 J amount of electrostatic energy is lost in the
(BC = AC = 15 cm = 0.15 cm, PC = 10 cm = 0.1 m)
sharing of charges.
 α potential to low electrostatic potential. Thus, the work is done
by the electric field on the positive charge, hence electrostatic
P
potential energy of the positive charge decreases.
θ θ
152. (c) The work done by a electrostatic force is given by
10 cm W 12 = q (V2 − V1 ). Here initial and final potentials are same in
q1 q2 all three cases and same charge is moved, so work done is same
A C B in all three cases.
15 cm 15 cm
154. (b) In this problem, the collection of charges, whose total sum
∴ PA = PB = (0.10) + (0.15) = 0.18 m
2 2
is not zero, with regard to great distance can be considered as a
Potential at point P point charge.
VP = Potential at point P due to charge q1 Hence, equipotentials will be planes.
+ Potential at point P due to charge q2 155. (a,b,c) The electric field intensity E is inversely proportional to
1 q1 1 q the separation between equipotential surfaces. So, equipotential
VP = ⋅ + ⋅ 2
4 πε 0 PA 4 πε 0 PB surfaces are closer in regions of large electric fields.
 1.5 × 10− 6 2.5 × 10− 6  Since, the electric field intensity is large near sharp edges of
= 9 × 109  +  charged conductor and near regions of large charge densities.
 0.18 0.18 
Therefore, equipotential surfaces are closer at such places.
9 × 109
= × 10− 6 × 4 = 2 × 105 V 156. (a,d) When K 2 is on the charge stored by capacitor C 1 gets
0.18 redistributed between C 1 and C 2 till their potentials become
1 qeqp same, i.e., V2 = V1. By law of conservation of charge, the charge
150. (b) U = ⋅
4 πε 0 r stored in capacitor C 1 when key K 1 is closed and key K 2 is
r = 0.53 Å opened is equal to sum of charges on capacitors C 1 and C 2 when
K 1 is opened and K 2 is closed.
e p
i.e., Q '1 + Q '2 = Q
9 × 109 × 1.6 × 10− 19 × (−1.6) × 10− 19 ε0A
U = 157. (c, d) C = , changes as separation changes, hence
0.53 × 10− 10 d
= 43.47 × 10− 19 J (Q 1 eV = 1.6 × 10− 19 J) q = CV , changes
43.47 × 10− 19 Source is disconnected charge remains same.
= = − 27.16 eV Q
1.6 × 10− 19 ⇒ V =
C
151. (c) E always acts along decreasing potential. ε A
The positively charged particle experiences electrostatic force changes as C = 0 changes
d
along the direction of electric field, i.e., from high electrostatic