2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

CHAPTER 2
ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL
12 Hours 11 Marks

1. Electrostatic potential
1.1 Electrostatic potential at a point in an electric field [1 Mark]
Electric potential at a point in an electric field is the work done in bringing a unit positive
charge from infinity to that point against the direction of electric field.

It’s given by,

W ork done
Electrostatic potential = charge

W
V =
q

• SI Unit is J
C or V olt (v).

• It is a Scalar quantity.

Define volt. [1 mark]

The electric potential at a point is said to be one volt, if one joule of work is done in bringing
one coulomb of charge from infinity to that point.

Potential difference [1 mark]

Potential difference between two points in an electric field is the amount of work done in mov-
ing a unit positive charge from one point to the other against the direction of electric field.

2. Potential due to a point charge:

2.1 Expression for electric potential at a point due to a point charge.
[5 Mark] [Mar - 2018, Sep - 2021]

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 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Let, Q → point charge (source charge) at O.

P → be the point at a distance r from O at which electric potential V is to be calculated.
dx → small distance between A and B
dW → small amount of work done in bringing a unit positive charge from ∞ to point P
against the direction of the electric field.

Z r
dW
V =
∞ q0
Z r ⃗
F⃗ · dx
V =
q0
Z∞r
F dx cos θ
V =
∞ q0
F
But, E = and θ = 180◦
q
Z0 r
V = Edx cos 180◦
∞
Here, cos 180◦ = −1
Z r
1 Q
V =− 2
dx
∞ 4πϵ 0x
Z r
Q 1
V =− dx
4πϵ0 ∞ x2
 r
Q 1
V =− −
4πϵ0 x ∞
 r
Q 1
V =
4πϵ0 x ∞
 
Q 1 1
V = −
4πϵ0 r ∞
1 Q
V =
4πϵ0 r
This is the expression for electric potential at a point due to a point charge.

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Note:
For a medium of dielectric constant k or ϵr , potential at a point due
to a point charge (source charge)

1 Q
V =
4πϵ0 k r

1 Q
V =
4πϵ r
W here, ϵ permittivity of the medium
ϵ0 is absolute permittivity of free space
k is dielectric constant of the medium

Superposition principle
Potential at a point due to number of charges is the algebraic sum of potentials due to each
charge taken one at a time.

3. Potential due to an Electric dipole

Consider an electric dipole consists of two charges + q and - q separated by a

small distance 2a
Let, O → center of dipole.
P → any point at a distance ⃗r from O.
r1 → distance between + q and P.
r2 → distance between - q and P.

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The potential V+q at P due to the charge +q is

1 q
V+q =
4πε0 r1
The potential V−q at P due to the charge −q is
1 q
V−q = −
4πε0 r2
The potential due to the dipole is the sum of potentials due to the charges + q and - q

V = V+q + V−q
1 q 1 q
V = −
4πε0 r1 4πε0r2
q 1 1
V = − 99K (1)
4πε0 r1 r2

From △ OAP,

r12 = r2 + a2 − 2ar cos θ

a2 2ar cos θ
 
2 2
r1 = r 1 + 2 −
r r
2
if r >> a, then ar2 term is neglected
 
2ar cos θ
∴ r12 = r2 1 −
r
 1
2ar cos θ 2
r1 = r 1 −
r
 − 1
1 1 2ar cos θ 2
= 1−
r1 r r

using Binomial theorem retaining terms upto the first order in a/r, we get
 
1 1 a cos θ
= 1+ 99K (2)
r1 r r
Similarly, From △ OBP,
 
1 1 a cos θ
= 1− 99K (3)
r2 r r

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substituting eq (2) and eq (3) in eq (1), we get

    
q 1 a cos θ 1 a cos θ
V = 1+ − 1−
4πε0 r r r r
 
q a cos θ a cos θ
V = 1+ −1+
4πε0 r r r
 
q 2a cos θ
V =
4πε0 r r
 
1 q × 2a cos θ
V =
4πε0 r2
1 p cos θ
V = (∵ p = q × 2a)
4πε0 r2
1 p cos θ
V =
4πε0 r2
This is the expression for potential at any point due to an Electric dipole.

Note:
1. Factors on which Potential V depends on,

– angle θ between p⃗ and ⃗r. (V ∝ θ)

– dipole moment strength of the dipole moment. (V ∝ p)
1


– inversely proportional to the square of the distance. V ∝ r2

2. Electrostatic potential due to a dipole at a point on the Equatorial line is Zero. (VEq = 0)

3. Electrostatic potential due to a dipole at a point on the Axial line is symmetric.

1 p
Vaxial = ±
4πε0 r2

4. Potential due to a system of charges

4.1 Expression for potential at a point due to the system of charges

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Consider a system of charges q1 , q2 , q3 , ............., qn with position vectors r1P , r2P , r3P , ............., rnP
as shown below.

Let, P be the reference point

The potential V1 at P due to the charge q1 is

1 q1
V1 =
4πε0 r1P
Where, r1P = distance between q1 and P

The potential V2 at P due to the charge q2 is

1 q2
V2 =
4πε0 r2P
Where, r2P = distance between q2 and P

The potential V3 at P due to the charge q3 is

1 q3
V3 =
4πε0 r3P
Where, r3P = distance between q3 and P
..
.

The potential Vn at P due to the charge qnP is

1 qn
Vn =
4πε0 rnP
Where, rnP = distance between qn and P

By the superposition principle, the net potential V at P due to the total charge configuration

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 2: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

is the algebraic sum of the potentials due to the individual charges,

V = V1 + V 2 + . . . + Vn
     
1 q1 1 q2 1 qn
V = + + ... +
4πε0 r1P 4πε0 r2P 4πε0 rnP
 
1 q1 q2 qn
V = + + ... +
4πε0 r1P r2P rnP
n
1 X qi
V = ; i = 1, 2, 3, . . . n
4πε0 i=1 riP

Note:
1. Expression for electrostatic potential due to uniformly charged spherical shell at a point

1 q
A. Outside the Shell (r > R) : V =
4πε0 r
1 q
B. Surface of the Shell (r = R) : V =
4πε0 R
C. Inside the shell is equal to potential at the surface.

5. Equipotential surfaces
5.1 What is an equipotential surface? [Mar - 2018, 1 Mark]
A surface having the same potential at all its points is called an equipotential surface.

5.2 Properties of equipotential surfaces [2 Mark]

1. Potential is same at all the points in an equipotential surface.

2. Electric field is always normal to the equipotential surface.

3. Two equipotential surfaces never intersect each other.

4. Work done is Zero in moving a charge in an equipotential surface.

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5.3 Draw equipotential surfaces around

1. Point charge

2. A dipole

3. Two identical positive charges

4. A uniform electric field

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6. Relation between Electric field and potential

6.1 Derive the relation between electric field and electric potential
due to a point charge. [July 2014, July 2015, Mar 2017, Mar 2020 -
3 Marks]

Let, A and B be the equipotential surfaces.

V → is the potential of equipotential surface A.
V + dV → is the potential of equipotential surface B.
dl → perpendicular distance between A and B.
E → Electric field acting along A to B.

Imagine that a unit positive charge q = +1C moved along the perpendicular from the surface
B to surface A against the electric field.

The work done in this process is,

W = F × dl
F
But, E = since, q = +1C then E = F
q
∴ W = E × dl 99K (1)

by definition of potential difference,

W
∆V =
q
since, q = +1C
W = ∆V
W = V − (V + dV )
W = −dV 99K (2)

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from eq (1) and eq (2),

E × dl = −dV
dV
E =−
dl
This is the relation between Electric field and potential.

Note:
1. E = − dV
dl is also called as Potential Gradient.
Electric field is in decreasing direction of Electric potential.
|dV |
2. |E| = dl
Magnitude of Electric field is change in magnitude of potential per unit displacement
normal to the equipotential surface at the point.
3. SI Unit is V /m

7. Potential Energy of a system of charges (In the absence

of external electric field)
7.1 Potential energy of a system of two point charges in the absence
of electric field

Consider two charges q1 and q2 located at A and B separated by a distance r12 .

Let, W1 and W2 be the work done in bringing q1 and q2 from ∞ to A and B respectively,

Since electric field is absent initially, no work is to be done in bringing q1 from ∞ to A,

W1 = 0

The potential at B due to q1 is,

1 q1
V1 =
4πε0 r12

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but to bring q2 from ∞ to B work has to be done due to the presence of electric field,

W 2 = V1 × q 2
1 q1
W2 = × q2
4πε0 r12
1 q1 q2
W2 =
4πε0 r12
Total Work done,

W = W1 + W2
1 q1 q2
W =
4πε0 r12
But, Workdone is stored as Potential Energy of system (i.e) W = U
1 q1 q2
U=
4πε0 r12

Electric potential energy of a system of three charges in the absence

of electric field
Similarly potential energy of a system of 3 charges,
 
1 q1 q2 q1 q3 q2 q3
U= + +
4πε0 r12 r13 r23

8. Potential Energy of a system of charges (In the pres-

ence of external electric field)
8.1 Potential energy of a system of single charge in the presence of
electric field

Let, E → External electric field.

V → External electrostatic potential.

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q → point charge at ∞.

The workdone in bringing a charge q from infinity to point P is,

Work done = potential × charge

W =Vq

But, Workdone is stored as Potential Energy of system (i.e) W = U

U =Vq

8.2 Potential energy of a system of two charges in the presence of

electric field

Let, E → External electric field.

V1 → potential at A.
V2 → potential at B.

Work done to bring charge q1 from ∞ to A is,

W1 = V1 q1

Work done to bring charge q2 from ∞ to B is,

W 2 = V2 q 2

The potential V2 at B due to q1 is,

1 q1
V2 =
4πε0 r12
but to bring q2 work has to be done not only against the external field E but also against the
field due to q1

W 3 = V2 q 2
1 q1 q2
W3 =
4πε0 r12

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Total Work done,

W = W1 + W2 + W3
1 q1 q2
W = V1 q 1 + V2 q 2 +
4πε0 r12
But, Workdone is stored as Potential Energy of system (i.e) W = U

1 q1 q2
U = V1 q 1 + V2 q 2 +
4πε0 r12

8.3 Potential energy of a dipole in an external electric field

⃗ with the dipole moment p⃗ making an

Consider an electric dipole in a uniform electric field E
angle θ⃗ with the electric field.

Torque acting on a dipole is given by,

⃗
⃗τ = p⃗ × E
τ = pE sin θ

Where: p → Electric dipole moment.

E → Electric field.
⃗
θ → angle between p⃗ and E

The small work done by rotating the dipole through an angle dθ is given by,

dW = τ dθ
dW = pE sin θ dθ

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Total work done by rotating the dipole from θ0 to θ1 is given by,

Z θ1
W = dW
θ0
Z θ1
W = pE sin θ dθ
θ0
Z θ1
W = pE sin θ dθ
θ0
W = pE[− cos θ]θθ10
W = pE [− cos θ1 − (− cos θ0 )]
W = pE [− cos θ1 + cos θ0 ]
W = pE [cos θ0 − cot θ1 ]
π
take, θ0 =and θ1 = θ
2
h π i
W = pE cos − cos θ
2
W = −pE cos θ

But, Work done is stored as Potential Energy of system (i.e) W = U

U = −pE cos θ

Note:
1. Potential energy of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field is maximum when angle
⃗ is 180◦ .
between p⃗ and E

2. Potential energy of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field is minimum when angle
⃗ is 0◦ .
between p⃗ and E

9 Electrostatics of conductors
9.1 Properties of conductors placed in an external electric field in
the static situation (no current). [2 mark]
1. Inside the conductor electric field is zero.

2. Electric field is normal to every point on its surface.

3. There are no excess charges in the interior of the conductor.

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4. Electric potential is constant throughout the volume of the conductor and has the same
value as inside on its surface.

9.2 Electrostatic shielding

The phenomenon of making a region free from electric field is called electrostatic shielding.

Uses:

1. To protect sensitive instruments from outside electrical influence.

2. In design of TV cables.

10. Dielectrics and Polarisation

10.1 Polar molecules
Molecules in which the centres of positive and negative charge distributions do not coincide.
Eg: H2 O, HCl, CO

10.2 Non Polar molecules

Molecules in which the centres of positive and negative charge distributions coincide.
Eg: H2 , O2 , CO2

10.3 Differences between Polar and Non-Polar molecules. [2 mark]

Sl. Polar molecules Non-Polar molecules

1. Centres of positive and negative Centres of positive and negative

charge distributions do not coincide. charge distributions coincide.

2. They have permanent They do not have

dipole moment permanent dipole moment

10.4 Dielectric
It is a material which does not conduct electricity (insulator).

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10.5 Dielectric polarisation of a polar dielectric.[3 mark]

A single polar molecule of a polar dielectric has a permanent dipole moment. But, in the
absence of electric field, the polar molecules in the dielectric are randomly oriented and net
dipole moment is zero. When an external electric field is applied, the individual molecules
experience a torque and align themselves in the direction of applied electric field. This gives a
net dipole moment in the direction of the applied field.

10.6 Dielectric polarisation of a non-polar dielectric. [3 mark]

A single non-polar molecule of a non-polar dielectric has a zero dipole moment. So, in the
absence of electric field, the net dipole moment of the dielectric is zero. But in the presence of
external electric field the centres of positive and negative charge distributions in the molecules
are separated by a small distance. Thus the field induces dipole moment to the molecules and
they get aligned in the direction of the field. As a result the dielectric acquires a net dipole
moment.

10.7 Polarization / Polarization of a dielectric / Linear Electric Po-

larization (P⃗ )
Polarization is defined as the electric dipole moment per unit volume.

It’s given by,

dipole moment
Polarization =
unit volume

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p⃗
P⃗ =
V

• SI Unit is C/m2 .

• Is a Vector quantity.

Note:
1. Polarization P⃗ is directly proportional to the applied Electric field E

P ∝E

P = χe E

Where, χe = εo (k − 1) is the Electric susceptibility.

2. χe represents how easily the material can be polarized.

3. χe is large means materials can be polarized easily (depends on material).

10.8 Dielectric Strength

The maximum electric field applied that a dielectric medium can withstand without the break-
down of insulating property is called Dielectric Strength.

The maximum electric field that a dielectric medium can withstand without break-down
(of its insulating property) is called its dielectric strength.
SI Unit is V /m.

Note:
For Air, the dielectric strength is 3 × 106 V /m

11. Capacitors and Capacitance

11.1 Capacitor [1 mark] [July 2014]
It is a device used to store electric charge. Or

It is a system of two conductors each charged to same magnitude but opposite kind.

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11.2 Capacitance of a conductor. [1 mark]

The ratio of charge of a conductor to its potential.

Explanation:
The ratio of charge to the potential difference across a capacitor is called capacitance of the
capacitor. or

If Q is the charge of a conductor and V is its potential, then the capacitance of the conductor
C is given by,

Q∝V
Q = CV
Q
C=
V
SI Unit is Farad (F)

11.3 Define farad. [1 mark]

Capacitance of a capacitor is said to be one farad if it is charged to one coulomb when a
potential difference of one volt is applied across it.

Note:
1. Factors on which Capacitance of a capacitor depends on ,

– geometrical configuration (i.e. Shape, size, separation).

– nature of insulator (dielectric).

2. Circuit symbol of a capacitor with fixed capacitance is represented as

3. Circuit symbol of a capacitor with variable capacitance is represented as

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12. The Parallel Plate Capacitor:

12.1 Derive the expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate
capacitor separated by free space (air/vacuum). Or
Derive the expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
without a dielectric medium between the plates. [3 or 5 mark] [March
2015]

Consider a parallel plate capacitor consisting of two identical parallel plates separated by
air.
Let, A → Area of each plate.
d → distance of separation between two plates.
Q1 and Q2 → be the charge of plates 1 and 2.
+σ and −σ → surface charge densities of plates 1 and 2.

Region I:
The net electric field is,

EI = E1 − E2
σ σ
EI = −
2ε0 2ε0
EI = 0

Region II:
The net electric field is,

EII = E1 − E2
σ σ
EII = −
2ε0 2ε0
EII = 0

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Region III:
The net electric field is,

EIII = E1 + E2
σ σ
EIII = +
2ε0 2ε0
σ
EIII =
ε0
Q
but, σ =
A
Q
E= 99K (1)
Aε0
Let, V be the potential difference between the plates,
V dV
E= 99K (2) ∵ |E| =
d dl
From Eq(1) and Eq(2),
Q V
=
Aε0 d

Q Aε0
=
V d
Q
but, Capacitance of capacitor C = V

ε0 A
C=
d
This is the expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.

Note:
Factors on which parallel plate capacitor depends on ,

– Area of each plate.

– distance of separation between two plates.
– dielectric medium ε0 .

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12.2 Expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate

capacitor with a dielectric medium between the plates

Case I:
Consider a Parallel plate Capacitor of capacitance C and the space between the plate is Vac-
uum/air.
Let, A → Area of each plate.
d → distance of separation between two plates.
V0 → Potential difference between the plates.
E0 → Electric field between the plates.
+Q and −Q → be the charge of each plates.
+σ and −σ → surface charge densities of each plates.
σ
Electric field between the plates E0 =
ε0
Case II:

When a dielectric medium is filled between the plates of a capacitor, then dipoles are induced
in dielectrics.
Let, EP → Electric field due to polarization.
σP
EP =
ε0

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+σP and −σP → surface charge densities due to polarization of dielectric.

The net electric field inside the dielectric is

E = E0 − EP
σ σP
E= −
ε0 ε0
σ − σP
E=
ε0
The potential difference between the plates is,

V = Ed
σ − σP
V = × d 99K (1)
ε0

Here, σ − σP ∝ σ
σ
σ − σP =
K
Where: K = dielectric constant and K > 1

Eq(1) becomes,
σ
V = ×d
Kε0
Q
but σ =
A
Qd
V =
Aε0 K
The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with dielectric medium between the plates is,
Q
C=
V
Q
C= Qd
A ε0 K
Q ε0 K A
C=
Qd

ε0 KA
C=
d
This is the expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor when dielectric medium
is present.

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Notes
1. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor when dielectric medium is present is given
by,

ε0 KA
C=
d
Where, ε = ε0 K is the permittivity of the dielectric medium

ε
∴K= is the dielectric constant or relative permittivity
ε0

2. For Vacuum: dielectric constant K = 1.

For any dielectric medium: dielectric constant K > 1.

What is the effect of introducing a dielectric between the plates of a

parallel plate capacitor? [1 mark]
Capacitance of the capacitor increases.

13. Combination of Capacitors

There are 2 types of combination of capacitors

1. Series combination.

2. Parallel combination.

Series combination
A set of capacitors is said to be series if they are connected end to end such that charge on
each capacitor remains same.

Parallel combination
A set of capacitors is said to be parallel When both the capacitor’s terminals are combined
with each terminal of other capacitors, having the same voltage across their plates.

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13.1 Expression for the effective capacitance of two capacitors in

series. [3 mark]

Consider two capacitor of capacitance C1 and C2 connected in series as shown in diagram.

Let +Q and –Q be the charge on two plates of a capacitors.
Q
V1 be the potential difference across C1 is, V1 = C1

Q
V2 be the potential difference across C2 is, V2 = C2

Potential difference across the combination is,

V = V1 + V 2
Q Q
V = +
C1 C2 
1 1
V =Q + 99K (1)
C1 C2

If the combination is replaced by an equivalent capacitor of capacitance Cs which acquires the

same charge Q on applying the same potential difference V .

Therefore for the equivalent capacitor,

Q
V = 99K (2)
Cs

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From Eq(1) and Eq(2),

 
Q 1 1
=Q +
Cs C1 C2

1 1 1
= +
Cs C1 C2
This is the expression for equivalent capacitance of two capacitors in series combination.

Note
For n - capacitors,
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + ...... +
Cs C1 C2 C3 Cn

13.2 Expression for effective capacitance of two capacitors in parallel.

[3 mark]

Consider two capacitor of capacitance C1 and C2 connected in parallel as shown in diagram.

Potential difference across each capacitor is same in parallel.

Q1 be the charge on capacitor C1 is, Q1 = V C1

Q2 be the charge on capacitor C2 is, Q2 = V C2

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Charge across the combination is,

Q = Q1 + Q2
Q = V C1 + V C2
Q = V (C1 + C2 ) 99K (1)

Now if the combination is replaced by an equivalent capacitor of capacitance CP which

acquires the charge Q on applying the same potential difference V .

Therefore for the equivalent capacitor,

Q = CP V 99K (2)

From Eq(1) and Eq(2),

CP V = V (C1 + C2 )

CP = C1 + C2

This is the expression for equivalent capacitance of two capacitors in parallel combination.

Note
For n - capacitors,

CP = C1 + C2 + C3 + . . . . . . + Cn

14. Energy stored in a capacitor

Q2
U=
2C

15. Energy density

The energy stored per unit volume is called Energy density.
Energy
Energy density =
Volume
SI Unit is Joule/meter3 or J/m3
′
Expression for Energy density is U = 12 ε0 E2

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