176 CAPACITANCE

EXERCISE–1: Basic Objective Questions

Introduction to capacitance U=
1
CV 2 = 0.5  50  10 −6  (10 )
2
Sol.
1. The capacitance (C) of a conductor or condenser is 2
defined as U = 2.5  10−3 J
(a) ratio of charge to its potential 5. If the potential of a capacitor having capacitance 6F
(b) ratio of potential to the charge is increased from 10 V to 20 V, then increase in its
(c) Work done per unit charge on it energy will be
–4 –4
(d) work done to circulate unit positive charge through (a) 4 × 10 J (b) 2 × 10 J
complete circuit –4 –6
(c) 9 × 10 J (d) 12 × 10 J
Ans. (a)
Ans. (c)
Sol. The capacitance of a conductor or a condenser is
C ( V2 2 − V12 )
1
defined as the ratio of charge to its potential. Sol. U =
Mathematically, this is given by C = Q/V where, Q is 2
the charge and V is the potential. = 0.5  6 10−6 202 −102  = 9 10−4 J
2. A capacitor is connected to a battery of 20 V, so that a
6. The capacitance of a condenser is 4  10-6 farad and its
charge of 100 C is obtained at the plates. The
potential is 100 volts. The energy released on
capacitance of the capacitor is
discharging it fully will be
(a) 6 F (b) 5 F (a) 0.02 Joule (b) 0.04 Joule
(c) 9.5 F (d) 10 F (c) 0.025 Joule (d) 0.05 Joule
Ans. (b) Ans. (a)
q 100 10 −6 1 1
Sol. U= CV 2 =  4  10 − 6  (100 )2 = 0 .02 J
Sol. C= = = 5F 2 2
v 20
7. A capacitor of capacitance C has charge Q and stored
3. When another conductor is brought near a charged
energy is W. If the charge is increased to 2Q, the stored
conductor, its capacity increases. This is because
energy will be
(a) Combined volume increases
(a) 2W (b) W/2
(b) Combined surface area increases (c) 4W (d) W/4
(c) Surface density of charge decreases Ans. (c)
(d) Potential decreases Q2
Sol. W=  W ' = 4W
Ans. (d) 2C
Sol. Potential decreases because another conductor has a 8. In a spherical condenser radius of the outer sphere is
negative charge. It attracts the positive charge from the R. The different in the radii of outer and inner sphere
first conductor and this leads to the reduction in in x . Its capacity is proportional to
potential. So, more charge can be given to the first xR x(R − x)
conductor. Now, if we earth the outer side of the (a) (b)
(R − x) r
second conductor, then the positive charge on this side
will go to Earth. Due to this, the first conductor will be R(R − x) R
(c) (d)
able to hold an even more positive charge. This is the x x
principle of a capacitor. Ans. (c)
4. A condenser of capacity 50 F is charged to 10 V, the ab R(R − x)
Sol. C ; a = R – x, b = R so, C 
energy stored is b−a x
(a) 5 × 10-3 J (b) 2.5 × 10-3 J 9. The energy of a charged capacitor resides in
(c) 3.75 × 10-3 J (d) 1.25 × 10-3 J (a) The positive charges
(b) Both the positive and negative charges
Ans. (b)
CAPACITANCE 177

(c) The field between the plates Reason. Capacitance depends upon surrounding
(d) Around the edge of the capacitor plates medium as well as size and shape of the conductor.
Ans. (c) (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the
Sol. Energy of a charged capacitor resides in electric field. Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the
10. 64 small drops of water having same charge and same
Reason is not the correct explanation of the
radius are combined to form one big drop. The ratio of
Assertion.
capacitance of big drop to small drop is
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(a) 2 : 1 (b) 1 : 2 (d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
(c) 4 : 1 (d) 1 : 4
Ans. (a)
Ans. (c) Sol. Capacitance is basically a geometrical quantity. It
Sol. Let the radius of each small drop be r and the radius of depends only on geometrical dimensions and medium
big drop be R. When 64 small drops of water are or material. It is independent of charge and potential.
combined to form one big drop, then the volume 12. Assertion. The capacity of cylindrical capacitor is
remains constant.
independent of its length.
So, the volume of 64 small drops = the volume of big Reason. The capacity of cylindrical capacitor depends
drop only on ratio of outer to inner radius.
4 4
i.e. 64  r 3 = R 3 (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the
3 3 Reason is the correct explanation of the
 64r 3 = R 3 Assertion.
 4r = R (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the
Reason is not the correct explanation of the
 R = 4r ... ( i ) Assertion.
Now, the capacitance of a spherical conductor is (c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
C = 40 a
Ans. (d)
(a is the radius of the conductor) Now, the capacitance
Sol. Cylindrical capacitor consists of two concentric
of small drop,
cylinders of radii a and b (a < b), inner cylinder is given
C1 = 40 r ... ( ii ) charge + Q while outer cylinder is earthed. Common
length of the cylinders is l then
and the capacitance of big drop,
2 0 l
C2 = 40 R C= .
b
log e  
On putting the value of R from Eq. (i), we get a
C2 = 40 ( 4r )
 C2 = 160 r ... ( iii )
Parallel Plate Capacitors
On dividing Eq. (iii) by Eq. (ii), we get
C2 160 r
= 13. The capacity of a parallel plate condenser is 10F ,
C1 40 r
when the distance between its plates is 8 cm. If the
C 4
 2 = distance between the plates is reduced to 4 cm, then
C1 1 the capacity of this parallel plate condenser will be
 C2 : C1 = 4 :1
(a) 5F (b) 10 F
(c) 20 F (d) 40 F
Ans. (c)
11. Assertion. The capacity of a given conductor remains
Sol.
same even if charge is varied on it.
178 CAPACITANCE

0 A 1 separation distance between the plates is doubled. The

C= C
d d energy stored now is
d (a) U/2 (b) U
C ' = C  = 2C = 20F
d' (c) 2U (d) 4U
14. If the separation between the plates of a capacitor is 5 Ans. (c)
mm, then the area of the plate of a 3 F parallel plate
1
capacitor is Sol. Energy stored, U = qV
2
9 2 9 2
(a) 4.259 × 10 m (b) 1.964 × 10 m
As the distance d is increased between the two plates.
9 2 9 2
(c) 12.81 × 10 m (d) 1.694 × 10 m Now, stored energy,
Ans. (d) 1
U ' = qV '
A Cd 2
Sol. C= 0 A=
d 0 1  q  1 q2d
= q  =
2  C  2 20 A
3  5 10−3
A= = 1.69 109 m2
8.85 10−12  U'  d, as the separation distance d is doubled the
15. The potentials of the two plates of capacitors are +10 energy stored also becomes 2 times, i.e. U' = 2U
V and –10 V. The charge on one of the plates is 40 C. 18. The energy required to charge a parallel plate
The capacitance of the capacitor is condenser of plate separation d and plate area of cross-
(a) 2 F (b) 4 F section A such that the uniform electric field between
the plates is E, is
(c) 0.5 F (d) 0.25 F
1
Ans. (a) 0 E 2 0 E 2
(a) 2 (b)
Sol. Q = CV Ad Ad

V = 10 − ( −10 ) = 20V (c) 0 E2 Ad (d)

1
 0 E 2 Ad
2
40
C= = 2F Ans. (c)
20
Sol.
16. A 500 μF capacitor is charged at the steady rate of
Energy given by the cell,
100Cs −1 . How long will it take to raise the potential
E = CV 2
difference between the plates of the capacitor to 10 V?
A0
(a) 5 s (b) 10 s Here, C = , V = Ed
d
(c) 50 s (d) 100 s
 A 
 E =  0  ( Ed ) = A0 E 2 d
2
Ans. (c)  d 
Sol. Charge,Q = CV = 500F 10V 19. Work done by an external agent in separating the
parallel plate capacitor is
= 500  10−6  10
1 2
= 5  10−3 C (a) CV (b) CV
2
Now, Q = rt
1 2
 t =Q/r (c) CV (d) None of these
−3
2
5  10
t= Ans. (c)
100  10−6
1 Sol. Work done is equal to the energy stored in the
=  1000s = 50s
20 1
capacitor i.e. CV 2
17. A capacitor is charged by a battery and the energy 2
stored is U. The battery is now removed and the
CAPACITANCE 179

20. Two protons A and B are placed in space between (c) F/2 (d) 2F
plates of a parallel plate capacitor charged upto V volts Ans. (c)
(See fig.) Forces on protons are FA and FB, then
Sol. E in the region between the plates = /0
Force acting on test charge F = q0E
If one plate is removed (E’) = /20
New force.
F’ = q0E’
(a) FA > FB q0 q E F
(b) FA < FB  F' =  F' = 0  F' =
20 2 2
(c) FA = FB
24. A parallel plate capacitor of plate area A has a charge
(d) Nothing can be said
Q. The force on each plate of the capacitor is
Ans. (c)
2Q 2 Q2
Sol. FA = FB; because an uniform electric field (a) (b)
0 A 0 A
produced between the plates.
Q2
(c) (d) zero
21. The force between the plates of a parallel plate 2 0 A
capacitor of capacitance C and distance of separation
Ans. (c)
of the plates d with a potential difference V between
the plates, is Sol.
Force on one plate due to another is,
CV2 C2 V 2
(a) (b)
2d 2d2 
F = QE = Q 
C2 V 2 V2d 2 0
(c) (d)
d2 C  Q  Q2
Q =
Ans. (a)  2A 0  2A 0
Sol. 25. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor are not exactly
Q2 C2 V 2 d parallel. The surface charge density
F= =  [ Q = CV]
20 A 20 A d (a) is lower at the closer end
CV 2
A (b) will not be uniform
F= [ C= 0 ]
2d d (c) each plate will have the same potential at every
22. A parallel plate capacitor has an electric field of point
105V/m between the plates. If the charge on the (d) Both (b) and (c)
capacitor plate is 1C, the force on each capacitor plate
Ans. (d)
is
Sol. Being a conductor, each plate have the same potential
(a) 0 . 5 N (b) 0 .05 N
at each point. As E   , and electric field being the
(c) 0 .005 N (d) None of these
 dV 
Ans. (b) gradient of potential  E =  highest, where the
 dr 
CV 2 Q  E 10−6 105 plates are closest to each other. So, surface charge
Sol. F= = = = 0.05N
2d 2 2 density is highest at closest end and lowest at far end.
Hence, it is not uniform.

23. A force acting on a test charge between the plates of a 26. Assertion. A charged capacitor is disconnected from a
parallel plate capacitor is F. If one of the plates is battery. Now if its plates are separated farther, the
removed, then the force on the same test charge will be potential energy will fall.

(a) F (b) F/4 Reason. Energy stored in a capacitor is equal to the

work done in separating plates.
180 CAPACITANCE

(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason 29. The potential gradient at which dielectric of the
is the correct explanation of the Assertion. condenser just gets punctured is called
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason (a) dielectric constant (b) dielectric strength
is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. (c) dielectric number (d) dielectric resistance
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. Ans. (b)
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false. Sol. The maximum value of electric field that a dielectric
Ans. (d) material can withstand without its electric breakdown
Sol. Battery is disconnected from the capacitor. is called dielectric Strength. The dielectric strength is
the potential gradient at which dielectric of the
So, Q = constant
condenser or capacitor just gets punctured.
Q2 Q2d
Energy = = The potential gradient = dV/dL in direction of the
2C 2 0 A
electric field E .
 Energy  d 30. Capacity of parallel plate condenser is 5F. When
27. A parallel plate air capacitor is charged to a potential glass plate is placed between its two plates, P.D.
difference of V volts. After disconnecting the reduces to 1/8 of original value. Dielectric constant of
charging battery, the distance between the plates of glass is
the capacitor is increased using an insulating handle. (a) 2 (b) 6
As a result, the potential difference between the plates (c) 7 (d) 8
(a) does not change (b) becomes zero Ans. (d)
(c) increases (d) decreases V
Sol. V' = (given)
Ans. (c) 8
Sol. q q
Capacitance, C" = =  8  C" = 8C
Q = CV V' V
A 1 We know that
C= 0 C
d d C’ = kC
As capacitance decreases the potential difference Therefore,
between the plates V increases.
k=8
31. A capacitor is charged by using a battery which is then
Dielectric in Capacitors disconnected. A dielectric slab is then slipped between
the plates, which results in
(a) Reduction of charge on the plates and increase of
28. A parallel plate capacitor is made up of two plates,
potential difference across the plates
each of surface area 40 cm2, separated by a distance of
(b) Increase in the potential difference across the plate,
0.4 cm. If a material of dielectric constant 10 is
reduction in stored energy, but no change in the
introduced between the plates, then the capacity of the
charge on the plates
capacitor is
(c) Decrease in the potential difference across the
(a) 8.85 pF (b) 88.5 pF plates, reduction in the stored energy, but no
(c) 885 pF (d) 585 pF change in the charge on the plates
Ans. (b) (d) None of the above
k0 A Ans. (c)
Sol. C = Sol. Battery in disconnected so Q will be constant as C  K
d
So with introduction of dielectric slab capacitance will
10  8.854 10−12  40 10−4
C= increase using Q = CV, V will decrease and using
0.4 10−2
Q2
U= , energy will decrease.
 C = 88.54  10 -12
 C = 88.5 pF 2C
CAPACITANCE 181

32. A capacitor when filled with a dielectric K = 3 has 100 microcoulomb with oil as dielectric. The dielectric
charge Q0 , voltage V0 and field E0 . If the dielectric is constant of the oil is
replaced with another one having K = 9 the new (a) 4 (b) 0.4
values of charge, voltage and field will be respectively (c) 2.5 (d) 1.0
(a) 3 Q0 , 3 V0 , 3 E0 (b) Q0 , 3 V0 , 3 E0 Ans. (c)
V V E Sol. C (with air in between) = q/V = 4F
(c) Q0 , 0 , 3 E0 (d) Q0 , 0 , 0
3 3 3
100 10−6
Ans. (d) C (with oil in between) = = 10F
10
Sol. When there is no battery, charge remains same while
potential difference and electric field decreases C (with oilin between) 10 5
= =
V0  3 V0 E  3 E0 C (with air in between) 4 2
i.e. Q' = Q0 , V ' = = and E' = 0 =
9 3 9 3 A
k 0
33. The space between two plates of a condenser is filled C (with oilin between) d = 5  k = 2.5
=
with two dielectric media of thickness t1 and t2 and C (with air in between) 0 A 2
dielectric constant k1 and k2 respectively. The capacity d
of the condenser is given by 35. The capacity of a parallel plate condenser increases
four times if the air between the plate is replaced by
glass. The permittivity of glass will be
(a) 3.54 × 10-11 C2/Nm2 (b) 3.54 × 10-12 C2/Nm2
(c) 2.54 ×10-11 C2/Nm2 (d) 2.22 ×10-12 C2/Nm2
Ans. (a)
Sol. C’ = 4C  k = 4
 t +t  g = k0 = 4  8.854 10−12
(a) C = 0 A  1 2 
 k1 + k 2   g = 35.4 10−12 = 3.54 10−11 C2 / Nm2
0 A(k1 + k 2 )
(b) C = 36. A parallel plate air capacitor has a capacitance C.
k1 t1 + k 2 t 2 When it is filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant
0 A(k1k 2 ) 5, the percentage increase in the capacitance will be
(c) C =
k1 t 2 + k 2 t 1 (a) 400% (b) 66.6%
0 A(k1 + k 2 ) (c) 33.3% (d) 200%
(d) C =
k1 t 2 + k 2 t1 Ans. (a)
Ans. (c)
0 A A
k1  k2 0
CC t1 t2 Sol.
Sol. Ceq = 1 2 =
C1 + C2 A A 0 A
k1 0 + k 2 0 C=
t1 t2 d
k 0 A
k k  C' = = kC = 5C
0 A  1  2  d
Ceq =  t1 t 2  =  0 A(k1k 2 )  5C − C 
k1 k 2 k1 t 2 + k 2 t 1 %C =    100 = 400%
+  C 
t1 t 2
37. A parallel plate capacitor has plate separation of d and
34. A capacitor connected to a 10 V battery collects a
2
charge of 40 microcoulomb with air as dielectric and capacitance of 25F. If a metallic foil of thickness d
7
is introduced between the plates with same cross-
182 CAPACITANCE

sectional area as of plate, the new capacitance would capacity increases. In order to bring its capacity of the
become original value, the separation between the plates must
(a) 15 F (b) 35 F be made

(c) 87.5 F (d) 7.25 F (a) 1.5mm (b) 2.5 mm

Ans. (b) (c) 3.5mm (d) 4.5mm

Sol. Ans. (c)

Sol.
t = 2d/7
Dielectric constant,
0 A
C=
t
(d − t) +
k
0 A 0 A
=
3 1
d −1+
2
 d = 3.5 mm
40. The distance between the plates of a parallel plate
d condenser is 8mm and P.D. 120 volts. If a 6mm thick
slab of dielectric constant 6 is introduced between its
0 A
C' = plates, then
 1 (a) The charge on the condenser will be doubled
d-t 1- 
 k (b) The charge on the condenser will be reduced to half
For metal foil, k = 
(c) The P.D. across the condenser will be 320 volts
A A 7 0 A
 C' = 0 = 0 = (d) The P.D. across the condenser will be 45 volts
d-t 5 5 d
d
7 Ans. (d)
7 Sol. If nothing is said, it is considered that battery is
C' = ×25 μF = 35 μF
5 disconnected. Hence charge remain the same
38. What is the value of capacitance, if the thin metallic   t
Also Vair =  d and Vmedium = (d − t + )
plate is introduced between two parallel plates of area 0 0 k
A and separated at distance d? t 6
(d − t + ) (8 − 6 + )
V k  Vm =
0 A 20 A  m = 6  Vm = 45V
(a) (b) Va d 120 8
d d
40 A 0 A 41. A capacitor having capacitance 1F with air, is filled
(c) (d) with two dielectrics as shown. How many times
d 2d
capacitance will increase?
Ans. (a)
Sol. When a metallic slab is inserted between the plates,
capacitance,
0 A
C=
d−t
Here, t = 0 as plate is very thin.
0 A
 C=
d
39. In a parallel plate capacitor, the separation between
the plates is 3 mm with air between them. Now, 1 mm (a) 12 (b) 6
thick layer of a material of dielectric constant 2 is (c) 8/3 (d) 3
introduced between the plates due to which the Ans. (b)
CAPACITANCE 183

Sol.
Q  t1 t2 
A (a)  + 
C= 0 A 0  k1 k2 
d
A A  0Q  t1
t2 
K1  0   K 2  0  
 +
2 2
(b)  + 
C ' = C1 + C 2 = A  k1 k2 
d d
A A Q  k1 k2 
8 0   4 0   (c)  + 
C' =  2+  2  = 6 0 A = 6C A 0  t1 t2 
d d d
Q
42. A parallel plate capacitor with air in between the plates (d) 0 (k1t1 + k2t2 )
A
has capacitance of 9F. The separation between the
Ans. (a)
plates is d. The space between the plates is now filled
with two dielectrics. One of the dielectric has dielectric Sol. Potential difference across the condenser
constant k1 = 3 with thickness d/3 and other one has  
V = V1 + V2 = E1 t1 + E2 t 2 = t1 + t2
dielectric constant k2 = 6 and thickness 2d/3. The new K1 0 K 2 0
capacitance will be   t1 t2  Q  t1 t2 
 V=   
 K + K  = A  K + K 

(a)1.8F (b) 20.25F 0  1 2  0  1 2 

(c) 40.5F (d) 45F 44. Assertion. When the space between the metallic plates
Ans. (c) is completely filled with conducting slab the
capacitance of parallel plate capacitor becomes
Sol.
infinite.
Reason. If electric field inside a conductor is zero, then
this results potential difference between the two plates
become zero.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason
is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

C1C2 (b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason
Ceq = is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
C1 + C2
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
 A 3  3 0 A 9 0 A
C1 = k1 A = = (d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
d d d
  Ans. (a)
3
Sol. Since capacity is given by charge per unit potential
A 6  3 0 A 9 0 A
C2 = k 2 0 = = difference. Now potential difference between the
 d 2d d plates of conductor is zero so capacity becomes
 2 
 3  infinite.
 A
2
Combination of Capacitors.
81 0 
Ceq = 
d  81
=  9 = 40.5C
  A  18
18  0  45. Three conductors of capacities 3F, 4F and 5F
 d 
respectively are connected in parallel. What is the total
43. Between the plates of a parallel plate condenser, a plate capacity?
of thickness t1 and dielectric constant k1 is placed. In
(a) 12F (b) 6F
the rest of the space, there is another plate of thickness
(c) 3F (d) 3F
t 2 and dielectric constant k 2 . If the capacitance has
Ans. (a)
charge Q, the potential difference across the condenser
will be Sol. Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 = 12F
184 CAPACITANCE

46. If two capacitors of capacity 2  10 −6 F and 6  10 −6 F 1 1 1 1 1

= + = +
are put in series, the effective capacitance of the C' C1 C2 3 6
system in F is  C' = 2 F
(a) 2/3 (b) 3/2 Similarly, C3 and C4 are in series,
(c) 8 (d) 2
1 1 1 1 1
Ans. (b) = + = +
C '' C3 C4 2 2
C1C2 26 3  C" = 1F
Sol. Ceq = =  10−6 = F
C1 + C2 8 2
Now, C’ and C” are in parallel
47. Three capacitors of capacitances 3 F, 9 F and 18 F
So, Ceq = C'+ C" = 2 + 1 = 3 F
are connected once in series and another time in
parallel. The ratio of equivalent capacitance in the two 49. Four capacitors of each of capacity 3 F are connected
  as shown in the adjoining figure. The ratio of
C
cases  s  will be equivalent capacitance between A and B and
 Cp 
  between A and C will be
(a) 1 : 15 (b) 15 : 1
(c) 1 : 1 (d) 1 : 3
Ans. (a)
1 1 1 1 1
Sol. = + + = ;
Cseries 3 9 18 2F

Cparallel = 3 + 9 + 18 = 20F (a) 4 : 3 (b) 3 : 4

Cseries 1 (c) 2 : 3 (d) 3 : 2
 =
C parallel 15 Ans. (a)
3
48. The equivalent capacitance between points A and B in Sol. C AB = 3 + = 4 F C AC =
3 3
+ = 3 F
the given figure is 3 2 2

 C AB : C AC = 4 :3
50. In the connections shown in the given figure below, the
equivalent capacity between A and B will be

36
(a) (b) 2 F
13 F
(c) 1F (d) 3 F
Ans. (d) (a) 13/6 (b) 6/13
Sol. (c) 6 (d) 13
C1 and C2 are in series, Ans. (b)
Sol.
CAPACITANCE 185

(a) C/2 (b) 3C/2

(c) 1/3C (d) 2C
Ans. (d)
Sol.

Here, C2 ,C4 and C5 are in parallel combination.

So, C2 + C4 + C5 = 2 + 2 + 2
= 6 = C2eq

Now, C1 , C2eq and C3 are in series.

Here the 3rd capacitor is short-circuited so, the 3rd
1 1 1 1
So, = + + capacitor is ineffective in the circuit.
C C1 C 2eq C3
Ceq = C1 + C2 = 2C
1 53. To obtain 3 F capacity from three capacitors of 2 F
= 1+ +1
6 each, they will be arranged
6 + 1 + 6 13
= = (a) All the three in series
6 6
(b) All the three in parallel
6
 C= (c) Two capacitors in series and the third in parallel
13 with the combination of first two
51. Two capacitors of value C each are connected in (d) Two capacitors in parallel and the third in series
parallel, when this combination is connected in series with the combination of first two
with an identical combination, the effective
Ans. (c)
capacitance becomes
22
(a) C (b) 4C Sol. C= + 2 = 3 F
2+2
(c) 2C (d) C/2
Ans. (a)
Sol.

1 1 1 54. A parallel plate capacitor is made by stacking n

= +  Cs = C
Cs 2C 2C equally spaced plates connected alternatively. If the
capacitance between any two adjacent plates is C, then
52. The equivalent capacitance of the combination of
the resultant capacitance is
three capacitors, each of capacitance C between points
A and B is shown in the given figure is (a) (n – 1) C (b) (n + 1) C
(c) C (d) nC
Ans. (a)
Sol For parallel connection of capacitors.
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 .. n plates connected alternately
give rise to (n – 1) capacitors connected in parallel.
Resultant capacitance is (n -1)C
186 CAPACITANCE

55. Four capacitors of equal capacitance have an We get

equivalent capacitance C1 when connected in series C = 2.5  6 = 15 = 15F
and an equivalent capacitance C2 when connected in
57. Four capacitors are connected in a circuit as shown in
C
parallel. The ratio 1 is the figure. The effective capacitance in F between
C2
points A and B will be
1 1
(a) (b)
4 16
1 1
(c) (d)
8 12
Ans. (b)
28
Sol. For series combination of capacitance is given by (a) (b) 4
9
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + (c) 5 (d) 18
C1 C C C C
Ans. (c)
1 4
= Sol. The circuit can be rearranged as
C1 C
C
 C1 =
4
Now, parallel combination of capacitances is given by
C2 = C + C + C + C = 4C
C1 C 1 1
Now, =  =
C2 4 4C 16 4  12
Net capacitance between AB = + 2 = 5 F
4 + 12
56. n identical capacitors each of capacitance C when
connected in parallel give the effective capacitance 90 58. Five capacitors, each of capacitance value C are
connected as shown in the figure. The ratio of
F and when connected in series give 2.5 F. Then, the
capacitance between P and R, and the capacitance
values of n and C respectively, are
between P and Q, is
(a) 6 and 15 F (b) 5 and 18 F
(c) 15 and 6 F (d) 18 and 5 F
Ans. (a)
Sol. Case I When capacitors are connected in parallel,
C1 + C 2 + C3 + ..... + C n = 90F
 nC = 90 F ...(i)
Case II When capacitors are connected in series,
1 1 1 1
= + + ..... + (a) 3 : 1 (b) 5 : 2
Cn C1 C2 Cn
(c) 2 : 3 (d) 1 : 1
C
 = 2.5  C = 2.5n …(ii) Ans. (c)
n
Sol.
Putting the value of C in Eq. (i), we get
2.5n 2 = 90
90 900
 n2 = = = 36
2.5 25
 n=6
Now, putting the value of n in Eq. (ii),
CAPACITANCE 187

1 1 1
= +
C14 C1 C 4
C14 = 2 = C35
C AB = 2 + 2 = 4F
60. From the supply of identical capacitors rated 8mF,
250V; the minimum number of capacitors required to
P P form a composite 16mF, 1000V capacitor is
(a) 2 (b) 4
(c) 16 (d) 32
Ans. (d)
Q Q
Sol. 1000V = n 250 V
C C 5C n =4 (Number of capacitors in row)
C PR = + =
2 3 6 so Ceq in a row = 2mF
C 5C
C PQ = C + = therefore, no. of such rows required so that Ceq =16mF
4 4
are 8. So total no. of capacitance required = 32.
5C
C PR 2 61. If each capacitor of 9F is arranged as shown in
= 6 =
C PQ 5C 3 figure below, then the equivalent capacitance between
4 the points A and B is
59. In the given figure the capacitors C1, C3, C4 and C5
have a capacitance of 4F each. If the capacitor C2
has a capacitance of 10F , then effective capacitance
between A and B is

(a) 15 F (b) 18 F

(c) 9 F (d) 4.5 F

Ans. (a)
Sol. The arrangement can be redrawn as
(a) 8F (b) 6F

(c) 4F (d) 2F

Ans. (c)
Sol.

 C13 = C1 + C3
= 9 + 9 = 18 F
C  C13
C 2 −13 = 2
C 2 + C13
9  18
= = 6F
9 + 18
 C = C 2 −13 + C 4
C 4 C5
=  whetstone bridge application is = 6 + 9 = 15F
C1 C2
applicable for this.
188 CAPACITANCE

62. Four condensers are joined as shown in the adjoining 5 3 53

 CAB = +
figure. The capacity of each is 8 F . The equivalent 5+3 5+3
capacity between the points A and B will be 15
 CAB = 2
8
30
= = 3.75 F
8
64. Four capacitors are connected in a circuit as shown in
(a) 32F (b) 2F the following figure. Calculate the effective
capacitance between the points A and B.
(c) 8F (d) 16F
Ans. (a)
Sol. Given circuit can be drawn as

4 24
(a) F (b) F
3 5
(c) 9F (d) 5F
Equivalent capacitance = 4  8 = 32F Ans. (a)
Sol. Effective capacitance of C2 and C3,
63. In the figure, the equivalent capacitance between A 1 1 1
and B is = +
C 2 2
 C = 1F
Now, C1 and C are in parallel, the therefore effective
capacitance,
C' = 1 + 1 = 2F
Now, C’ and C4 are in series, therefore effective
capacitance between points A and B,
(a) 3.75 F (b) 5.25 F
1 1 1 3
= + =
(c) 6.5 F (d) 10.5 F C" 2 4 4
4
Ans. (a)  C" = F
3
Sol.
65. Assertion. If three capacitors of capacitance
The circuit can be simplified as shown in the figure
below. C1  C2  C3 are connected in parallel, then their
equivalent capacitance Cparallel  Cseries .

1 1 1 1
Reason. = + +
C parallel C1 C 2 C3

(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason
is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason
It is a balanced Wheatstone bridge. is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
CAPACITANCE 189

(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. 68. Three capacitors 2.0, 3.0 and 6.0 micro farad are
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false. connected in series to a 10 V source. The charge on the
3.0 micro farad capacitor in microcoulomb is
Ans. (c)
(a) 5 (b) 10
Sol. In series grouping, equivalent capacitance is
(c) 12 (d) 15
1 1 1 1
= + + Ans. (b)
Cs C1 C2 C3
Sol. C1 = 2F, C2 = 3F, C3 = 6F
In parallel grouping, Cp = C1 + C2 + C3 . Therefore,
1 1 1 1
we can see that Cp is more than Cs = + +  Ceq = 1F
Ceq 2 3 6
66. Assertion. Two condensers of same capacity are
Q = CeqV = 1  10 = 10 C
connected first in parallel and then in series. The ratio
of resultant capacities in the two cases will be 4 : 1. As charge in series connection is same on all
capacitors, so charge on 3 microfarad capacitor is 10
Reason. In parallel, capacity increases and in series
microcoulomb.
capacity decreases.
69. Two capacitances of capacity C1 and C 2 are connected
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason
in series and potential difference V is applied across
is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
it. Then the potential difference across C1 will be
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason
C2 C1 + C 2
is not the correct explanation of the Assertion. (a) V (b) V
C1 C1
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
C2 C1
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false. (c) V (d) V
C1 + C 2 C1 + C 2
Ans. (b)
Ans. (c)
Sol. For parallel combination, Cp = C1 + C2 = C + C = 2C
C1C 2
Sol. Charge flowing = V . So potential difference
1 1 1 2 C C1 + C 2
For series combination, = + = Cs =
Cs C C C 2 C1C 2 V 1 C2V
across C1 =  =
Therefore, ratio of resultant capacities in the two cases C1 + C 2 C1 C1 + C 2
is 70. Three capacitors are connected to D.C. source of
Cp 2C 100 volts shown in the adjoining figure. If the charge
= = 4.
Cs C/2 accumulated on plates of C1 , C 2 and C3 are
Assertion is true. The reason is also true but not a q a , qb , q c , q d .q e and q f respectively, then
correct explanation of the assertion.

Circuit Laws

67. Three capacitors of 8F, 8 F, and 4 F are connected

in parallel across a source of P.D. 120 volt. The total 100
(a) qb + qd + q f = C
charge on effective capacitor will be 9
(a) 24 ×10-5C (b) 2.4 × 10-5C (b) qb + qd + q f = 0
(c) 24 ×10-4C (d) 12 × 10-5C (c) q a + q c + qe = 50 C
Ans. (c) (d) qb = qd = q f
Sol. Ceq = 8 + 8 + 4 = 20 F ; Qtotal = Ceq. V Ans. (d)
 Qtotal = 20  10  120 = 24  10 C
-6 -4 Sol.
190 CAPACITANCE

1 1 1 1 12 73. Two capacitors of capacitances 3f and 6f are

= + +  Ceq =
Ceq C1 C2 C3 13 connected in series across a P.D. of 400V. The P.D.
12 1200 across each condenser is respectively
Q = Ceq V = 100 = C
13 13 (a) 800 V, 400 V (b) 600 V, 500 V
In series combination, charge is same on each capacitor. 3 3 3 3
71. In an adjoining figure are shown three capacitors C1 , (c) 700 V, 400 V (d) none of these
C 2 and C 3 joined to a battery. The correct condition 3 3

will be (Symbols have their usual meanings) Ans. (a)

Sol. Ceff = 2F (series combination)
V = 400 V
Q = Ceff V = 800  10-6 = 8  10-4 C
Since both the capacitors are connected in series, both
of them will have the same charge stored. Therefore,
potential differences.
Q 800  10 −6 800
V1 = = = V
(a) Q1 = Q2 = Q3 and V1 = V2 = V3 = V C1 3  10 −6 3

(b) Q1 = Q 2 + Q3 and V = V1 + V2 + V3 Q 800  10 −6 400

V2 = = = V
(c) Q1 = Q 2 + Q3 and V = V1 + V2 C2 3  10−6 3

(d) Q2 = Q3 and V2 = V3 74. Two condensers, one of capacity C and the other of
Ans. (c) capacity C/2, are connected to a V volt battery, as
shown.
Sol. Q1 = Q 2 + Q3 because in series combination charge is
same on both the condenser and V = V1 + V2 because
in parallel combination V2 = V3 .
Hence V = V1 + V2
72. Two capacitors of capacities C1 and C2 are connected
in parallel. If a charge Q is given to the assembly, it The total energy stored done in the condensers is
gets shared. The ratio of the charge on capacitor C1 to
2 1
the charge on capacitor C2 is given by (a) 2CV (b) CV 2
4
C1 C2
(a) (b) 3 1
C2 C1 (c) CV 2 (d) CV 2
4 2
C12 C 22 Ans. (c)
(c) (d)
C 22 C12 Sol.
Ans. (a) C 3C
Ceq = C +=
Sol. 2 2
1 1 3C 3
W = U = CV 2 =  V 2 = CV 2
2 2 2 4
75. The charge on capacitors in the following figure is

Ceff = C1 + C2 ; V1 = V2 = V
q1 C1V C1
= =
q 2 C2 V C2
CAPACITANCE 191

(a) 32 C (b) 8C 4 16 10−3

3 m= =8
8 10−3
(c) zero (d) 
Total number of capacitors = n  m = 4  8 = 32
Ans. (b)
78. In a given circuit a charge of 80C is given to the upper
Sol. The capacitors are in series, so they will have same
plate of the 4F capacitor. Then in steady state, the
charge. Applying Kirchhoff’s loop law,
charge on upper plate of the 3F capacitor is
Q Q
−6+ + +2−4 = 0
2 2
 Q = 8C
76. Three plates A, B, C each of area 50 cm 2 have
separation 3mm between A and B and 3mm
between B and C The energy stored when the plates
are fully charged is

(a) + 32 C (b) + 40 C
(c) + 48 C (d) + 80 C
Ans. (c)
(a) 1.6 10−9 J (b) 2.110−9 J
Sol.
(c) 5 10−9 J (d) 7  10 −9 J
Ans. (b)
Sol. There are two capacitors parallel to each other.
2 0 A
 Total capacitance =
d

Energy stored = 1  2 0 A  V 2
2 d 
−12 −4
8 . 86  10  50  10  12 2
= = 2 . 1  10 − 9 J
3  10 − 3

77. From the supply of identical capacitors rated 8mF, If the total charge on the plate is qA = 80C, this charge
250V; the minimum number of capacitors required to will get distributed among other plates.
form a composite 16mF, 1000V capacitor is So;
(a) 2 (b) 4  q B + q C = 80
(c) 16 (d) 32  q B = 80 − q C
Ans. (d) Now, we can observe that both the capacitors B and
Sol. 1000V = n 250 V C are arranged in a parallel combination, so potential
n =4 (Number of capacitors in row) difference across them will be same.
mC  VB = VC
Ceq = = 16  10−3
n q B qC
 =
mC = 4  16  10 -3 C B CC
Here, C = 8  10-3 F 80 − q C q C
 =
2 3
 q C = 48C
Therefore, number of rows
192 CAPACITANCE

79. The total energy stored in the condenser system shown

in the figure will be

1 1 1 1
= + +
Ceq C1 C 2 C3
1 1 1 1
= + +
(a) 2J (b) 4 J Ceq C 2C 3C
6C
(c) 8J (d) 16J Ceq =
11
Ans. (c) 6C
QC1 = QC2 = QC3 = V
Sol. 11
6F and 3F capacitors are in series QC4 = 4CV
6C
1 1 1 Q C2 V
 = + = 11 =
3
C1 6 3 Q C4 4CV 22
 C1 = 2F
81. The charge deposited on 4 F capacitor in the circuit
C1 is parallel to 2F capacitor is
 Ceq = 2 + 2 = 4F

1 1
Total energy, U = CV 2 =  4  ( 2 )
2

2 2
= 8 J
80. A network of four capacitors of capacity equal to C1 =
C, C2 = 2C, C3 = 3C and C4 = 4C are conducted to a −6 −6
(a) 6  10 C (b) 12 10 C
battery as shown in the figure. The ratio of the charges
−6 −6
on C2 and C4 is (c) 24  10 C (d) 36  10 C
Ans. (c)
Sol.
Label the figure

(a) 4/7 (b) 3/22

Here, capacitors B and C are in parallel. So, their total
(c) 7/4 (d) 22/3
capacitance is given by, 4 + 2 = 6 F
Ans. (b)
Now, total capacity of 6 F and capacitors A are in
Sol.
series with respect to battery
CAPACITANCE 193

1 1 1 2 1 (d) 580 C; 145 volts

 = + = =
CT 6 6 6 3 Ans. (d)
CT = 3 F 1 1 1 1 120
Sol. Total capacitance = + +  C= F
C 20 8 12 31
Now, total charge
120
= CT V = 312 = 36 C Total charge Q = CV =  300 = 1161 C
31
This is the charge on A and also on combination of B 1161
Charge, through 4 F condenser = = 580 C
and C. 2
Thus, voltage on combination of capacitors B and C, 580
and potential difference across it = = 145 V
Q 36 4
= = 6V
6 6 84. In the given circuit, find the energy stored in the
Now, charge on capacitor B is given by capacitor connected between points A and B (given
CB  V = 4  6 C = 1F )
= 24C = 24  10−6 C
82. Two condensers C1 and C 2 in a circuit are joined as
shown in figure. The potential of point A is V1 and
that of B is V2 . The potential of point D will be

(b) C 2 V1 + C1 V2
1
(a) (V1 + V2 )
2 C1 + C 2

(c) C1 V1 + C 2 V2 (d) C 2 V1 − C1 V2 (a) 50 J (b) 60 J

C1 + C 2 C1 + C 2
(c) 70 J (d) 100 J
Ans. (c)
Sol. Charge on C1 = charge on C 2 Ans. (a)
Sol. Potential drop is zero along an ideal conductor because
 C1 (VA − VD ) = C 2 (VD − VB )
it has zero resistance.
 C1 (V1 − VD ) = C 2 (VD − V2 )  VD = C1 V1 + C 2 V2 Potential at point A = 10 V
C1 + C 2
Potential at point B = 0 V
83. In the adjoining figure, four capacitors are shown with  Potential difference across
their respective capacities and the P.D. applied. The AB = 10 V
charge and the P.D. across the 4 F capacitor will be

(a) 600 C; 150 volts

(b) 300 C; 75 volts
(c) 800 C ; 200 volts
Energy stored
194 CAPACITANCE

1 (c) 9 (d) 15
= CV 2
2 Ans. (c)
1
=  10−6  (10 ) = 50 J Sol.
2

2
85. Figure shows two capacitors connected in series and
connected by a battery. The graph shows the variation
of potential as one moves from left to right on the
branch AB containing the capacitors. Then,

1 1 1 1 1 10
= + = + =
(a) C1 = C2
C'eff C1 C2 + C3 3 2 + 5 21
Ceff = C'eff + 4 = 2.1 + 4 = 6.1 F
(b) C1 < C2
(c) C1 > C2 Ceff = 6.1 F
(d) C1 and C2 cannot be compared QB = Ceff  V = 6.1  6
Ans. (c)  QB = 36.6C
Sol. Capacitors are connected in series; Q remains same Q’ = 4  10-6  6 = 24 C
1
C Q” = 2.1  6 = 12.6 C
V
Potential difference across 2F and 5F combination.
According to the graph,
Q" 12.6
V2 > V 1 V2 = = = 1.8 V
C(2,5) 7
Hence, C1 > C2
Charge on 5F (Q3) = C3V2 = 5  1.8 = 9C
V
87. The four capacitors, each of 25F are connected as
shown in figure. The dc voltmeter reads 200 V. The
charge on each plate of capacitor is

distance
86. In the given circuit below, the charge in C on the
capacitor having capacity of 5F

–3 –3
(a) + 2 × 10 C (b) + 5 × 10 C
–2 –2
(c) + 2 × 10 C (d) + 5 × 10 C
Ans. (b)
Sol. Since all are connected in parallel therefore potential
difference across each capacitor is same i.e. 200V
Q = CV = 25 10−6  200 = 5 10−3 C
88. A number of condensers, each of the capacitance 1F
and each one of which gets punctured, if a potential
(a) 4.5 (b) 7 difference just exceeding 500 V is applied, are
CAPACITANCE 195

provided. An arrangement suitable for giving q1 + q 2 C1V1 + C2 V2

= =
capacitance of 2F across which 3000 V may be C1 + C2 C1 + C2
applied requires atleast
Given, C1 = 20 10−6 F
(a) 6 component capacitors  V1 = 500 V
(b) 12 component capacitors
 C2 = 10  10−6 F
(c) 72 component capacitors  V2 = 200 V
(d) 2 component capacitors
20  10−6  500 + 10  10−6  200
V =
Ans. (c) 30  10−6
Sol. = 400 V
Minimum number of condensers in each row 90. A capacitor is charged to store an energy U. The
3000 charging battery is disconnected. An identical
= =6
500 capacitor is now connected to the first capacitor in
If CS is capacity of 6 condensers in a row, parallel. The energy in each of the capacitors is
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (a) U/2 (b) 3U/2
= + + + + + =6
CS 1 1 1 1 1 1 (c) U (d) U/4
1 Ans. (d)
 CS = F
6
Q2
Let there be m such rows in parallel. Sol. U=
2C
Total capacity = m  CS
Since capacitance of capacitor are equal therefore
2 = m 1 / 6 equal charge distributed on each capacitance i.e. Q/2
 m = 12 on each capacitor. Therefore energy stored in each
2
Total number of capacitors Q
  U
= 6 12 = 72 2 =
capacitor is equal to U' =
Miscellaneous Problems in Capacitors 2C 4
91. A condenser having capacity 2F is charged to 200 V
potential. Its plates are joined to a resistance wire. The
89. A capacitor of 20μFcharged upto 500 V is connected heat produced in joules is
in parallel with another capacitor of 10μF, which is
(a) 4 × 104 J (b) 4 × 1010 J
charged upto 200 V. The common potential is
(c) 4 × 10-2 J (d) 2 × 102 J
(a) 250 V (b) 300 V
Ans. (c)
(c) 400 V (d) 600 V
1
Ans. (c) Sol. Heat produced = CV 2
2
Sol.
1
Common potential,   2  10 −6  40000 = 4  10 −2 J
2
Net charge 92. Three capacitors each of capacitance C and of
V=
Net capacitance breakdown voltage V are joined in series. The
capacitance and breakdown voltage of the combination
will be

(a) C , V (b) 3C, V

3 3 3

(c) C , 3V (d) 3C,3V

3
Ans. (c)
196 CAPACITANCE

Sol. 94. Parallel plate capacitor is constructed using three

Given, capacitance of each capacitor = C and different dielectric materials as shown in the figure.
breakdown voltage = V The parallel plates, across which a potential difference
is applied of area A m2 and separated by a distance d
Here, each capacitance can have a maximum charge of
metre. The capacitance across A and B is
CV.

Now, capacitance of series combination is given by 0 A  K1 K 2 K3 

(a)  + 
1 1 1 1 3 d  2 K 2 + K3 
= + + =
Ceq C C C C
0 A  K1 ( K 2 + K 3 ) 
C (b)  + 
 Ceq = d  2 K 2 K3 
3
0 A  2 K 2 K3 
Now, breakdown voltage is given by V’ (c)  + 
d  K1 K 2 + K 3 
Then, CV = C V '
3 0 A  2 K 2 + K 3 
(d)  + 
3CV d  K1 K1K 3 
 V' = = 3V
C Ans. (a)
93. The potential energy of a charged parallel plate Sol.
capacitor connected to a battery is U0. If a slab of
dielectric constant K is inserted between the plates, Here, C2 = K 2 0 A 2 ,
d/2
then the new potential energy will be
U0
(a) (b) U0 K
K K 2 0 A / 2 K 2 0 A
C2 = =
U0 d/2 d
(c) (d) U 02 K 30 A
K2 C3 =
Ans. (b)
d

Sol. According to , 1 d d
Now, = +
C2 −3 K 2 0 A K 3 0 A
1
U0 = CV 2
2 dK 3 + dK 2 d ( K 2 + K 3 )
A = =
where, C = 0 K 2 K 3 0 A K 2 K 3 0 A
d K 2 K 3 0 A
1 0 A 2 C2 − 3 =
 U0 = V d ( K 2 + K3 )
2 d
Now, new potential energy, Again, C1 = K10 A / 2 = K10 A
1 d 2d
U = Cn V 2
2 Now combining C1 and C2-3,
1 K0 A 2 K10 A K 2 K 3 0 A
U= V C1 + C2 −3 = +
2 d 2d d ( K 2 + K3 )
 K0 A 
 new capacitance, Cn = d  =
0 A  K1
+
K 2 K3 
   
d  2 K 2 + K3 
U = U0 K
CAPACITANCE 197

95. A system of three parallel plates each of area A are When the capacitor is charged using battery and
separated by distances d1 and d 2 . The space between isolated, the charge stored will remain the same.
them is filled with dielectric of permittivities 1 and 2. Therefore,
The permittivity of free space is 0. The equivalent U1 C2 k 2 2 U 3
= = =  2 =
capacitance of system is U 2 C1 k1 3 U1 2
0  2 A 0 A 97. Two capacitors marked 10 F, 400 volt and 4F,
(a) (b)
1d1 +  2 d 2 1d1 +  2 d 2 100volt are connected in series. What is the maximum
safe potential that can be applied when these capacitors
12 0 A 12 A
(c) (d) are joined in series?
1d1 +  2 d 2  2 d1 + 1d 2
(a) 400 volt (b) 100 volt
Ans. (d)
(c) 200 volt (d) 140 volt
Sol.
Ans. (d)
Sol.

Q1 = 4000C; Q2 = 400 C

1A A
C1 = ;C2 = 2 Clearly, the maximum charge which can be provided
d1 d2
to both the capacitors is
 1A    2 A 
(50×10-6 ) ×0.01=1.4N . Using this
2
   σ2
C1C 2  d1   d 2  F= .A =
Ceq = = 20 2×8.854×10-12
C1 + C 2 1A  2 A
+ maximum charge,
d1 d2
Q 400 400  14
12 A 2 V= = = = 140V
Ceq  40  40
d1d 2 12 A  
Ceq = =  14 

 1 2
d +  2 1 
d 1 2 +  2 d1
d
A   40 
 d1d 2   Ceq = F (series combination) 
 14 
96. A parallel plate capacitor with a slab of dielectric
constant 3 filling the whole space between the plates is 98. A parallel plate air capacitor of capacitance C0 is
charged to certain potential and isolated. Then the slab connected to a cell of emf V and then disconnected
is drawn out and another slab of equal thickness but from it. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K,
dielectric constant 2 is introduced between the plates. which can just fill the air gap of the capacitor, is now
The ratio of the energy stored in the capacitor later to inserted in it. Which of the following is incorrect?
that stored initially is (a) The potential difference between the plates
(a) 2 : 3 (b) 3 : 2 decreases K times

(c) 4 : 9 (d) 9 : 4 (b) The energy stored in the capacitor decreases K

times
Ans. (b)
1
1 Q2 (c) The change in energy C 0 V 2 ( K − 1)
Sol. Energy stored, U = 2
2 C
198 CAPACITANCE

1 1  Q will become K times. Therefore, surface charge

(d) The change in energy C0 V 2  − 1  Kq
2 K  density becomes  ' = = K 0 .
A
Ans. (c)
100. Assertion. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C
Sol. is charged to a potential difference V. The battery is
1 disconnected and then dielectric slab of dielectric
Initial energy, U i = C0 V 2
2 constant K is inserted between it. Its potential energy
When dielectric slab is introduced between plates, then decreases.
C' = KC0 Reason. Energy stored is given by q2/2C.
q q V (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason
and V ' = = = is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
C' KC0 K
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason
Thus, potential difference decreases K times.
is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
2

( KC0 )  
1 V (c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
Final energy, Uf =
2 K (d) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
1 1 
or Uf =  C0 V 2  Ans. (a)
K2 
Sol. Energy stored is given by q2/2C. Since battery is
Thus, the energy stored in the capacitor decreases K disconnected so charge remains constant. Since
times. Change in energy = Uf − Ui capacity with slab is K times that of air capacitance, so
due to slab, capacity increases K times; where K is
1 1 
= C0 V 2  − 1  dielectric constant of the slab. So its potential energy
2 K  decreases 1/K times.
Note that this change of energy is negative, i.e. there is (a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
a decrease of energy. is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Hence, option (c) is incorrect. (b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
99. Assertion. A parallel plate capacitor is connected is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
across battery through a key. A dielectric slab of (c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
constant K is introduced between the plates. The (d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
energy which is stored becomes K times.
Ans. (c)
Reason. The surface density of charge on the plate
Sol. If a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is filled in
remains constant or unchanged.
between the plates of a condenser while charging it, the
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason potential difference between the plates does not change
is the correct explanation of the Assertion. but the capacity becomes K times, therefore
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason
V' = V,C' = KC.
is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false. Energy stored in the capacitor,

C 'V '2 = ( KC ) ( V 2 )
1 1
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are false. U' =
2 2
Ans. (c)
1 
Sol. =  CV 2  K = KU
2 
In the given case, V = V0 (constant)
Thus, energy stored becomes K times. Surface charge
Energy stored in the capacitor =
1
CV 2 When a density = K 
2
dielectric slab of constant K is introduced between the
plates, the capacitance changes from C to KC, so
energy stored will become K times. Now, Q = CV, so
CAPACITANCE 199