Capacitor Mmm 5.01. CONDUCTORS, INSULATORS AND DIELECTRICS The carriers of current in metals are free electrons. The free electron ‘model for the metal can explain some of the observed properties of the ‘metals in a qualitative manner. The elements, in which the valence shell is filled less than half, are found to be good conductors. For example, in metals such as copper, aluminium, silver, ete, the valence shell contains three or less electrons. Sinee an atom has a tendency to have a filled valence shell the valence electrons in the atoms of a metal leave the atoms and are free to move through the ‘metal lattice randomly in different directions. The positive ions remain fixed in their positions, while the free electrons roam inside the metal in a manner the atoms of a gas do inside a container. They constantly collide among themselves and with the positive ions. They have practically no affinity to their parent atoms. The average velocity of free electrons in a metal is zero, But when an external electric field is applied across the two ends of a metal, the free electrons experience force and drift against the direction of the applied field. There is a net flow of electrons through the metal. It is found that as the strength ofthe applied electric field is increased, more ancl more fee electrons cross through a Section of the metal. As such, the metals are termed as conductor for electricity The materials which do not have free electrons in them are unable to conduct electricity and are termed as insulators. An insulator may behave in the following two ways : 1. It may not conduct electricity through it and as such it is called insulator. ‘The dicletries do not conduct electricity. 2, It may not conduct electricity through it but on applying electric Qn applying electric field, induced char. field, induced charges are produced on its faces, Such an insulator is called es of opposite kinds develop on theit dielectric. The valence electrons in atoms of a dielectric are tightly bound to opposite farce. their nuclei and ordinarily cannot detach themselves. mm 5.02, BEHAVIOUR OF A CONDUCTOR IN ELECTROSTATIC FIELD Consider that a conductors placed inside an electrostatic field set up by applying some potential difference across two parallel plates as shown in Fig. 5.01. The conductors contain free electrons. As the field is applied, the free electrons in the conductor drift towards the positive plate, till equilibrium (static condition) is reached. Due to redistribution of free electrons, the face of the conductor towards the positive plate becomes negative, while that towards the negative plate becomes positive. The result i that the charges appearing on the surface of conductor set up an electric field inside the conductor ina direction opposite to that of the applied field. In the static condition, the free electrons in the conductor distribute themselves in sucha manner that the field set up due to the charges appearing “onthe faces of the conductor just cancels the applied field, Hence, net electric field inside the conductor is zero. In case the electric field had been non- zero inside the conductor, the free electrons will experierce force and will not remain static. It would lead to flow of current in the interior of the conductor. The fact that net electric field inside the conductor is zero implies that there can be no net charge anywhere in the interior of the conductor. 152 conpucTOR te teeee teesCAPACITOR 153 ‘The following results summarise the behaviour ofa conductor, when itis placed in an electric field: Ais ud 1 Inside the conductor, the electric field is zero. When a conductor is placed in eleeti 2. Al the surface ofthe conductor, the electric field is perpendicular to its surface. fil the field inside the conductors zero. The clectrcfield at the surface of the conductor cannot have tangential ‘component. Had it been so, the free charges on the surface would experience force and move i.e. will not remain static. It would lead to the flow of surface current, Therefore, the electric field lines must enter or leave the conductor at right angles to its surface. Thus, when the conductor is placed in the electric field, the electric field will be of the form as shown in Fig, 5.02. 3. When a conductor is charged, the acquired charge resides only on the surface of the conductor. ‘An uncharged conductor has equal amounts of positive and negative charges. When a conductor is charged, the charge so acquired is not distributed uniformly in the interior of the conductor. Tais excess charge resides only on the surface of the conductor. It can be proved by using Gauss’ theorem as explained below Consider a gaussian surface just inside the surface of the conductor. Since there is no electric field inside the conductor, the electric flux through the gaussian surface should be zero. According, to Gauss's theorem, the MASS /seZJ15 charge inside the gaussian surface must be zero. Hence, there is no charge. When a conductor is charged, charge in the interior of the conductor cer Gn aleve 4. The entire body of the conductor (including its surface) is at constant potential ‘As discussed above, electric field inside a conductor is’ always Zero. Therefore, no work is done in moving a test charge betiveen two points within the conductor. Also, as the electric field cannot have tangential component, no works done in moving test charge between two points on the surface of the conductor. This is possible, when the potential inside the conductor is constant ancl has the same value on its surface. 5. The electric field at the surface ofa charged conductor E= CONDUCTOR vs ew 5 Fig. 502 | where ois surface charge density ofthe conductor. ‘Consider a conductor having surface charge density o: On a conducting, surface, the charge spreads on its outer surface and there is no charge inside it ‘The electric field at any point on the surface of the charged conductor is in a direction perpendicular to the surface, The electric field can not have a component parallel to the surface of the conductor, Let us calculate electric field at the point P near the surface of the conductor as shown in Fig. 5.03, To doso, construct a small cylinder of area of cross-section dS with plane faces through the point P, such that its one face is outside the conductor and the other face is inside it. The cylinder will enclose an area dS of the charged conductor and this cylinder is the ‘gaussian surface for the charged conductor. ‘As the point Ps very elose to the charged conductor, electric field at the point P will be the same as that on the surface of the cylinder. Further, as the electric field inside the conductor is zero, the electric flux crosses through the gaussian surface only through its face at the point P and is given by p= EAS (501) If ois surface charge density of the charged conductor, then the gaussian surface encloses a small amount of charge dq= adS. According to Gauss’ theorem, we have a -4 or = 2 8 (502) &154 MODERN'S abe OF PHYSICS (CLASS Xin, From the equations (5.01) and (5.02), we have Ease 28 & ee (5.03) or Heres (5:03) If 1 is unit vector normal to the surface of the conductor in outward dlirestion, then in vector notation, go2n (5.04) fo Note. In case, the charged conductor lies in a medium of dielectric constant K, the electric field due to the conductor given by the equation (5.03) modifies to o B- (™ilm 5.03. POLAR AND NON-POLAR DIELECTRICS We know that in an atom, the negative charge in the form of electron cloud is distributed around the nucleus having equal positive charge, As such, in an atom or molecule of a dielectric, the centres of gravity of the positive and negative charges may or may not coincide and likewise the atoms or molecules ofthe dielectric are termed as non-polar or polar. Non-polar dielectric. A dielectric, inthe atoms or molecule of whic the centres of gravity of positive and negative charges coincide, is called a non-polar dietetic, ‘Thus, in atoms or molecules of a non-polar dielectric, the positive and negative charges have a symmetrical charge distribution about their centres as shownin Fig. 5.04. Due to zero separation between the positive and negative charges, the clecrie dipole moment of such atoms oF molevules i cro. Polar cilectric. A dielectric in the atoms or molecules of hich, the centres of gravity of positive and negative charges do not coincide, is called a polar dielectric. Therefore, in the atoms and molecules of a polar dielectric, the positive and negative charges possess an asymmetrical charge distribution about their centres as shown in Fig. 5.05, Due to finite separation between the positive and negative charges, such atoms or molecules possess a finite electric dipole moment. The molecules, such as NH,, HCI, H,O, CO,, ete are examples of polar molecules. Water molecule has a permanent dipole moment of the order of 6 x 105 Cm. In fact, molecules have normally an asymmetric distribution of charge. For example, in an ionic molecule, the electrons are transferred from one atom tosome other atom in the molecule. The resulting molecules therefore, made of positive and negative ions in different location and must possess electric dipole moment, (lm 5.04. NON-POLAR ATOM PLACED IN ELECTRIC FIELD (POLARISATION) When a non-polar atom is subjected to an electric field, the positive nucleus gets pulled along the direction of electric field, while electrons set pulled in the opposite direction as shown in Fig, 5.06. Due to this, the restoring force is set up so as to bring the electron cloud back to its original state want. the nucleus, The stretching of atom continues, tl the restoring force becomes just equal and opposite to the force exerted by the applied electric field on the charges. ‘The stretching of dielectric atoms due to displacement of charges in the atoms under the action of the applied electric field is called polarisation. Asaresultof stretching of the atom, centre of gravity of positive nucleus does not coincide with that of negative electrons. Due 10 this, the atom acquires a dipole moment. Fig. 504 Fig. 505CAPACITOR 155 MMMM 5.05. POLARISATION OF A DIELECTRIC SLAB Consider a parallel plate capacitor having vacuum between the plates. Suppose that the capacitor is charged with a battery so that electric field of strength B, is set up between the plates as shown in Fig, 5.07. Ifvand—o are surface charge densities of the two plates of the capacitor, then the electric field between two plates is given by E, Suppose that a diclectric slab of non-polar atomsis introduced between the two plates of the capacitor as shown in Fig, 5.08, As soon as the dielectric slab is introduced, each molecule of the dielectric gets polarised i.e. centres of gravity of positive and negative charges get displaced from each other. On the left face, a net negative charge ~9; and on the right face, a positive charge + q) appears. There is no net charge in the interio: of the dielectric ‘marked by thedotted boundary. The charges—qjand +)on the twosurfaces Of the dielectric slab are called induced charges. The induced charges set up an electric field Ey inside the diclectric. It is called electric field due to polarisation. The direction of electric field due to polarisation is from positive to the negative induced charges developed on the two faces ofthe dielectric slab i, along a direction opposite to the direction of applied electric field Ty, Therefore, the resultant electric field in the dielectric is given by E=E,-E, (5.05) In other words, on placing a dielectric slab inside an electric field, the strength ofthe electric field gets reduced and likewise E is called the reduced value of the electric field. Dielectric constant. The ratio ofthe strength ofthe applied electric fil to the strength of the reduced vulue ofthe electric field on placing the dieletric between the plats ofthe capacitor is called the dielectric constant ofthe dielectric-medium It is also known as relative permittivity or specific inductive capacity and is denoted by K (or €,). Therefore, dielectric constant of a dielectric ‘medium is given by K Eo E Obviously, the value of K is always greater than 1. Polarisation density. The induced dipole moment developed per unt volume ina dielectric sab on placing it inside theelectric field scaled polarisation density. Tis denoted by P. If p is induced dipole moment aéquited by an atom of the dielectric and Nis the number of atoms per unit volume, then polarisation density is given by (5.06) P-Np (5.07) Let Abe area of each plateof thecapacitor and d, the separationbetween, the two plates. ‘Then, the volume of the dielectric slab = A d Since induced charges—;and + q, are developed on the two faces of the dielectric, the slab possesses total dipole moment equal to 4,4. Therefore, from definition of polarisation density, va ‘Ad A & Since 4 = g,, polarisation surface charge density, we have P=o, (5.08) Therefore, on placing dielectric betureen the two plates of a capacitor, the reduced value of electric field may be expressed as 507 DIELECTRIC SLAB156 MODERN'S abe OF PHYSICS (CLASS Xi) or = (5.09) ® Electric susceptibility. The polarisation density of a dielectric slab is directly proportional to the reduced value of the electric field and may be expressed a5, P=ZeE 10) ‘The constant of proportionality zis called electric susceptibility ofthe dielectric slab. Itis a dimensionless constant. Setting the value of P in the equation (5.09), we have or 611) or (5.12) Using the equation (5.06), we have K=144 (6:3) mm 5.06. DIELECTRIC STRENGTH Consider a dielectric slab placed between the parallel plates of a capacitor. As the potential difference across the plates of the capacitor is increased, the strength of applied electric field increases and the molecules of the dielectric undergo more and more stretching. If potential difference is increased gradually, a stage will come, when the electrons break up from the molecules of the dielectric. As a result of this electric break down, the dielectric becomes conducting. The dielectric strength of a dielectric is defined as thé maxim value of electri feld (or potential gradient) that can be applied tothe dielectric without its electric break down The unit of dielectric strength is same as that of electric field i.e. ‘V mr, However, the practical unit of dielectric strength is KV mm The table given below gives the value of dielectric constants and. strengths of some common materials : jal | Dielectric constantor | Dielectric strength Material | relative permitivity KV mar) Vacuum T- 00000 = Air 1- 00054 0-8 Water 78, = Paper 3.5 u Mica 5.4 160 Porcelain 66 4 mmM§5.07. ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE Electrical capacitance ofa conductor is related to its ability to store the electric charge. ‘When a condiictor is given some electric charge, itis raised to some potential. As more and more charge is given, its potential increases accordingly. Ifchargeq is given to the conductor so that ts potential increases by an amount V, then itis found that q2V or g=CV, (6.14) where the constant of proportionality C is called the capacitance of the conductor. Its value depends upon the shape and dimensionsof the conductor. Itmay be pointed out that the capacitance of a conductor does not depend ‘upon the material of the conductor but depends upon the nature of the medium (its relative permittivity or dielectric constant) in which the conductor is located a a panGT a oT eee SeCAPACITOR 187 From the equation (5.14), we have c v ‘Thus, capacitance of a conductor may be defined as the rato of the electric charge on itt its electric potential due to that charge. Further if V=, then C=q Therefore, the capacitance ofa conductor és numerically equal tothe electric charge required to raise it electric potential through one unit nS, the unit of capacitance is farad. coulomb (C) Varad = ort) A conductor is sid to havea capacitance of one farad, if 1 coulomb of charge ‘mises its electric potential through 1 volt In practice, the following smaller units of capacitance are also used : 1 microfarad (iF) = 10° farad 1 micromicro farad uiF) = 10° farad 1 jn is also known as 1 picofarad (pF). Problem 5.01. Asstiming the earth tae a spherical conductor of radius 6400 km, calculate its ‘To Formula | capacitance. Given, ; 49109 N mec, Tey ([Link].C.E, 1998 § ; [Link]. 1998 §) 6400 km = 6-4 x 10° m ; x10 Nm C2 coulomb volt4C V-}) Sol. Here, 1 ia In SI, the capacitance of a spherical conductor, Ca4areyr = 64 x 1082741 x 104 F x10 = 711 WF (™ll— 5.08. CAPACITANCE OF A SPHERICAL CONDUCTOR Consider an isolated spherical conductor of radius r having charge q. Suppose that the conductor is situated in vacuum or air as shown in Fig. 5,09. The charge on the spherical conductor may be assumed to be present atits centre O. Then, potential atany point on the surface ofthe conductor is given by v= 2% Freq where €, = 8854 x 10°12 C2 N-1'mis absolute permittivity ofthe free space. ‘Therefore, capacitance of the isolated spherical conductor situated in ‘vacuum (or air) is given by. 14 If Treg’ or Ae yt (5.15) Hence, the capacitance of an isolated spherical conductor is 42 €, times, its radius. Itmay be pointed out that in the above expression for capacitance, rris in metre and C is in farad. mmm 5.09. PRINCIPLE OF A CAPACITOR A capacitor isa device for storing a large quantity of electric charge. A conductor can storea small amount of charge and hence it possesses 1 small capacitance. To store a large amount of charge, two (or more) conductors are arranged to form a capacitor. Thus, a capacitor posseses a large capacitance to store charge and that too in a small space. Fig, 509 SS g From the equation (5.15), show that 4. The units of absolute permittivity are farad metre (F m™). 2. One farad is a huge capacit158 MODERN'S abe OF PHYSICS (CLASS Xi) Principle. To understand the principle of a capacitor, consider an insulated metal plate A. Suppose that it is given positive charge, til its potential becomes maximum. The metal plate will not hold any more charge [Link] is given to the metal plate A, it wil leak to the surroundings. Now, place another metallic plate Bnear plate A. Due to induction, negative charge will be induced on the nearer face of plate B and positive charge on its farther face as shown in Fig. 5.10 (a). The potential of plate A gets lowered due to induced negative charge on plate B and a bit raised due to. the induced positive charge. Since thre metal plates have finite thickness, induced negative charge is nearer to the plate A than the induced positive charge on plate B is. Therefore, on the whole, the potential of plate A gets lowered, though by a very small amount. In order to make the potential of the metal plate A again the same, an additional small amount of charge has to be given to plate A. It indicates that the capacitance of a conductor increases bya small amount, when another uncharged conductor is placed near it. Now, connect the metal plate B to the earth as shown in Fig. 5.10 (). ‘The induced positive charge on plate B will immediately flow to the earth asitis repelled by positive charge on plate A. However, theinduced negative charge on plate B will stay on it. It does not flow to earth as its attracted by the positive charge on plate A. Thus, the metal plate B will have only negative charge on it after being connected to earth. Due to the induced negative charge on plate B, the potential of A will get lowered by alarge amount. In order to raise the metal plate A again to the same potential a large amount of charge has to be given to it. Thus, it follows that the capacitance of a conductor gets increased greatly, when an earth connected conductor is placed [Link] the principle of a capacitor and such an arrangement Of two metal plates is called a capacitor. ‘An arrangement of too metallic conductors, so that when one eondtctor is connected tothe earth; the other conductor has te ability to store a large amount of charge um i, is alle w capacitor. ‘The two metallic conductors are called coatings of the capacitor. Ifthe coatings are plane, spherical or cylindrical ; the capacitor is accordingly called a parallel plate capacitor, spherical capacitor or cylindrical capacitor. The insulating medium between the two plates is called dielectric. If the insulating medium between the two platesis air, itis called air capacitor. If dielectric has dielectric constant K, then capacitance of the capacitor becomes K times its capacitance as air capacitor.* mmm§5.10. PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR, Itismost commonly used capacitor-It consists of two conducting plates, placed parallel to each other asshown in Fig. 5.11. The separation d between the plates is very small as compared to the area of the plates. Due to small separation between the plates; the fringing of electric field at the boundaries is negligible. Ifcharge + is given to plate A, then charge -q is induced on the left face of plate B and charge + q on its right face. When plate B is earthed, the change + q on its right face flows to earth. Due to charge +9 on plate A and = gon plate B, electric field is set up between the two plates. ‘The electric field between the two plates is related to the potential gradient as (in magnitude) Between the two parallel plates, the electric field is uniform and perpendicular to the plates. Therefore, if Vis potential difference between the two plates, then ‘For proof, refer to section S10 A 2 + oop ape -fe Fig, 5:10 (2) » 8 EARTH Fig. 5:10 (0) DEC Asingle conductor also possesses capacity to store charge. It may be treated as a parallel plate capacitor, whose one plate is atinfnity. AREA A ee) Hoveever near the edgesor the plates the electric isnot uniform. But the we fs become small ifthe area of plates ‘ savory lange as compared are used 1 square of the separation betwen the plates. To avoid edge effect, the capacitors with guard rigsCAPACITOR 159 aviv (ror union aa 42 -) or V=Ed (5.16) If o is surface charge density of the plates, then the electric field between the two plates is given by E & where gis absolute permittivity ofthe tree space. (Itis assumed that medium between the plates is vacuuum or ain, In the equation (5.16), substituting for E, we have vata & IFA is the area of each plate, then 4 A vyedt eA If Cis the capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor, then. 4 co qd/ea oA y 7 (5.17) Itgives the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, when its plates are held in air or vacuum. Effect of dielectric. Suppose that the space between the two plates of thecapacitoris ied with a dielectric mecium of dieleetrieconstant K. Lhen, the electric field between the two plates is given by einai: (- oe 4 eK KA A If V is potential difference between the two iplates of the capacitor separated by a distance d, then or c V=Ed (5.18) In the equation (5.18), substituting for Ejwve have ad % KA IF Cis the capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor, then Sree; __ Vi, gd/egKA or c= ks (6.19) a It gives the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, when the space between its plates is filled with a dielectric medium of dielectric constant K. Note. 1. In electrical circuit, a capacitor of fixed capacitance is I At represented by the symbol as shown in Fig. 5.12 (a). In case fits capacitance is variable, it is represented by the symbol shown in Fig. 5.12 (). Fig.512(@) Fig, 5:12(6) Problem 5.02. What is the area ofthe plates of a2 F parallel plate capacitor, given that the separation between the plates is 05cm ? (HPSSE. 2010 $;[Link].E. 1990 8) Sol. Here, C= 2 F d= 05m = 05x 102m We know, &, = 8854 x 10-12 C2 NA mr?160 MODERN'S abe OF PHYSICS (CLASS Xi) SoA d Ca _2x05x1077 & | 8854x10"= = 113 x10? m? Problem 5.03. In a parallel plate capacitor, the capacitance increases from 4 uF to 80 pF on troducing a dielectric medium between the plates, What is the dielectric constant of the medium ? (CBSE. 1996) Sol. Here, capacitance without dielectric, C= 4 uF and capacitance with dielectric, C’ = 80 uF IF K is dielectric constant of the dielectric medium, then Now, C or caee C4” mmm5.11. CAPACITANCE OF A PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR, WHEN A DIELECTRIC SLAB PARTIALLY FILLS THE SPACE BETWEEN PLATES Consider a parallel plate capacitor having each plate of area A and separated by a distance d. When there is vacuuum between the two plates, the capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor is given by eA Cont (520) ‘Suppose that when the capacitor is connected toa battery, électrc field of strength Ep is produced between the two plates of the capacitor. Further, DIELECTRIC SLAB suppose that when dielectric lab of thickness (# 1, it follows that capacitance of a capacitor increases on introducing a dielectric slab between its plates. (™m5.12. CAPACITANCE OF A PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR, WHEN A CONDUCTING SLAB PARTIALLY FILLS THE SPACE BETWEEN PLATES Consider a parallel plate capacitor having each plate of area A and separated by a distance d as shown in Fig. 5-14. The capacitance of the capacitor is given by C= (523) Suppose that when the capacitor is connected toa battery , electric field of strength Ey is produced between the to plates of the capacitor. Further, suppose that a conducting slab of thickness! (<1) is introduced between the two plates of the capacitor, The electric field inside the conducting slab is zero. Thus, out ofthe total separation d between the to plates, the electric field exists only over the distance (f-), Asa result the Potential difference between the plates wil be reduced to V=E(d-!) a hen | mate bs ~<] Therefore, capacitance a's parallel plate capacitor on tnt the conducting slab s given by or (524) Using the equation (5.23), we have G — ae coe (5.25) ‘Thus,on introduction ofa conducting slab, the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor increases. If the conducting, slah wholly fills the space hetween the two plates, then f= d. In that case, G aid 0 ie. the capacitance of the capacitor will become infinite. In other words, ‘what so ever amount of charge is delivered to the plate A ofthe capacitor, it will accept it. The reason is that when the conducting slab wholly fills the space between the two plates, plate A also gets connected to the earth. As such, when charge is delivered to the plate A, it simply flows to the earth through the earth connected plate B. To the observer, it appears as if the capacitance of the capacitor has become infinite MmE5.13, SPHERICAL CAPACITOR ‘A spherical capacitor consists of two concentric spherical shells, such that one shell is earthed and the other is used to store charge on it. The two spherical shells have a very small spacing between them, which is filled with some dielectric medium, such as wax, paper, etc. Assuch, a spherical capacitor possesses a very large electrical capacitance, c ‘CONDUCTING SLAB A 8 ee 1 a T ‘When a conducting slab wholly fills the space between the two plates of acapacitor, ite. Explain,162 MODERN'S abe OF PHYSICS (CLASS Xi) Expression for capacitance of a spherical capacitor. Fig. 5.15 shows a spherical capacitor consisting of two spherical shes And B. Leta and bbe their respective radii, The outer spherical shell B is connected to earth. When charge + q is given to inner spherical shell A, it induces charge-q on the inner surface ofthe shell Band +4 on its outer surface. As the shell Bi earthed, the charge + q on its outer surface flows to earth. If V is potential difference between the spherical shells A anc B, then capacitance of the spherical capacitor is given by 4 aNd Let us now find the potential ference V between the two spherical shells. In case of parallel plate capacitor, the electric field between the two Fig. 515 plates is uniform and the potential difference between the two plates is simply equal to E d. Here, in the space between the two spherical shells, the tlectric field is not uniform It varies with distance and is given by (in magnitude) The potential difference V between the two spherical shells A and B canbe found by integrating both sides between the proper limits. Therefore, vee ® A To find the value of ¥, let us find electric field E at any point, say P between the two spherical shells. Let r be the distance of point P from the centre O of the spherical shells. Consider the spherical surface of radius r (Ghown dotted) through point P as the gaussian surface as shown in Fig, 5.16, The gaussian surface encloses the spherical shell Aanc hence the charge enclosed by the gaussian surface is 9. According, fo Gauss's theorem, the total electric flux through the gaussian surface, ont (6.27) % Asthe magnitude of electric field at every point on the gaussian surface is same, we have © = E x surface area of gaussian surface or @=Exdae (5.28) From the equations (5.27) and (6:28), we have Exar? on . m4 etre eld between the two coatings of a Pare? 4 spherical capacitor is not uniform, In the equation (6.26), substituting for E, we have tre] bal “Tre, ab ‘Therefore, capacitance of the spherical capacitor is given by anes Co Tae, ab ‘The smaller the difference between the radii of the two coatings of a spherical (5.29) capacitor, greater is its capacitance. or