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Capacitance

Capacitor
Definition
A capacitor or condenser consists of two conductors separated by an insulator or dielectric. Having opposite
charges on which sufficient quantity of charge may be accommodated.

It is a device which is used to store energy in form of Electric field by storing charge.
Conductors are used to form capacitors.

It is the maximum amount of charge that a capacitor can have

Theoretically, infinite amount of charge can be given to any conductor
Practically, only a certain amount of charge can be given because of dielectric strength of air

Dielectric strength
The maximum value of electric field which can be tolerated by a medium without breakdown
Dielectric strength of air E = 3 × 106 N/C

Corona discharge:
There is more possibility of leakage of charge from sharp corners.

Electrical Capacitance
It shows the capacity of a conductor to store electric energy in the form of electric field. If charge(Q) is given to
an isolated conducting body and it's potential increases by V, then
Q∝𝑉
Q=𝐶 𝑉
Q
C=  constant [electrical capacitance of a conductor]
V
Capacitance of conductor depends upon shape, size, presence of medium and nearness of other conductor.

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Capacitance

Note:
Capacitance of a conductor does not depend upon charge (Q) and potential difference (V).

Graph between Q and V:

Electrical capacitance is a Scalar quantity.

1C 3  109 stat − C
1F = = = 9  1011 stat − F
1V 1
stat − volt
300
1F = 9 × 1011 state – F
Dimensional formula of capacitance  M−1L−2T4 A2 

Capacitor
When 2 conductors which carry equal and opposite charges are separated by some distance having some
medium between them, then this arrangement is known as capacitor.
Capacitor is electrically neutral.

Q
C=
V
Q → Charge transferred
Or
Charge on (+)ve plate
V → Potential difference b/w plates

Principle of Capacitor
When uncharged conductor is placed nearer to the charged conductor and uncharged conductor is connected
to earth, then capacitance of charged conductor is increased.

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Capacitance

Types of Capacitors
Based on shape and arrangement of capacitor plates there are various types of capacitors.
(a) Parallel plate capacitor
(b) Spherical capacitor
(c) Cylindrical capacitor

Circuit Symbol of Capacitor

The capacitor is represented as following:

Spherical Capacitance
Capacitance of an Isolated Spherical Conductor
Let there is charge Q on sphere of radius R.

+ + +
+ +
+ O +
+ +
R
+ +
+ +

𝐾𝑄
∵ Potential V =
𝑅
𝐶𝐾𝑄
Hence by formula: Q = CV  Q =  C = 40R
𝑅
Capacitance of an isolated spherical conductor → C = 40R
(a) If the medium around the conductor is vacuum or air.

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Capacitance

CVacuum = 40R (R = Radius of spherical conductor. (may be solid or hollow.))

If the medium around the conductor is a dielectric of constant K from surface of sphere to infinity then
Cmedium = 40KR
𝐶𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑚
(b) = K = dielectric constant.
𝐶𝑎𝑖𝑟/𝑣𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑚

Illustration 1:
Find out the capacitance of the earth? (Radius of the earth = 6400 km)
Solution :
6400×103
C = 40R = = 711 F.
9×109

Capacitance of spherical capacitor

– – – –
– + ++ –
– ++ –
+
– + a + –
– + + –
– + + + b+ –
– –
– – – –

(a) Outer sphere is earthed

When a charge Q is given to inner sphere it is uniformly distributed on its surface A charge –Q is induced on inner
surface of outer sphere. The charge +Q induced on outer surface of outer sphere flows to earth as it is grounded.

E = 0 for r < a

and E = 0 for r > b

This arrangement is known as spherical capacitor.

𝑄 −𝑄 𝑄 𝑏−𝑎
Potential of inner sphere V1 =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎
+
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏

4𝜋𝜀0
( 𝑎𝑏 )

As outer surface is earthed so potential

V2 = 0

𝐾𝑄 𝐾𝑄 𝐾𝑄 𝐾𝑄 𝐾𝑄 𝐾𝑄
V 1 – V 2 =[ – ]–[ – ]= –
𝑎 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏

𝑄 𝑄 𝑎𝑏 4𝜋∈0 𝑎𝑏
C= = 𝐾𝑄 𝐾𝑄 = =
𝑉1 −𝑉2 − 𝐾(𝑏−𝑎) 𝑏−𝑎
𝑎 𝑏

4𝜋∈0 𝑎𝑏
C=
𝑏−𝑎

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Capacitance

r3

r
2

r
1
a

If b >> a then C = 40a (Like isolated spherical capacitor)

4𝜋∈0 ∈𝑟 𝑎𝑏
If dielectric mediums are filled as shown then: C =
𝑏−𝑎

Illustration 2:
The stratosphere acts as a conducting layer for the earth. If the stratosphere extends beyond 50 km from the surface of earth,
then calculate the capacitance of the spherical capacitor formed between stratosphere and earth's surface. Take radius of
earth as 6400 km.

Solution:
𝑎𝑏
The capacitance of a spherical capacitor is C = 40 ( )
𝑏−𝑎

b = radius of the top of stratosphere layer = 6400 km + 50 km = 6450 km = 6.45 × 10 6 m

a = radius of earth = 6400 km = 6.4 × 106 m

1 6.45×106 ×6.4×106
 𝐶 = 9
× = 0.092 F
9×10 6.45×106 – 6.4×106

(b) Inner sphere is earthed

Here the system is equivalent to a spherical capacitor of inner and outer radii a and b respectively and a spherical
conductor of radius b in parallel. This is because charge Q given to outer sphere distributes in such a way that for
the outer sphere

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Capacitance

𝑎
charge on the inner side is Q and
𝑏
𝑎 (𝑏−𝑎)
charge on the outer side is Q– Q= Q
𝑏 𝑏

So total capacity of the system.

𝑎𝑏
C = 4  0 + 4  0 b
𝑏−𝑎

4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏 2
𝐶=
𝑏−𝑎

Cylindrical Capacitor

There are two co-axial conducting cylindrical surfaces where >> a and >> b, where a and b are radius of
cylinders.

When a charge Q is given to inner cylinder it is uniformly distributed on its surface. A charge –Q is induced on inner
surface of outer cylinder. The charge +Q induced on outer surface of outer cylinder flows to earth as it is grounded

λ Q/ℓ
Electrical field between cylinders E = =
2πε0 r 2πε0 r
Potential difference between plates
b
Q Q b
V=∫ dr = ℓn ( )
a 2πε0 rℓ 2πε0 ℓ a
Capacitance per unit length
λ λ 4π∈0 2π∈0
C= = b= b = b
V 2Kλℓn 2ℓn ℓn
a a a
2π∈0
Capacitance per unit length = b F/m
ℓn
a

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Capacitance

Illustration 1:
A cylindrical capacitor has two co-axial cylinders of length 15 cm and radii 1.5 cm and 1.4 cm. The outer cylinder is earthed
and the inner cylinder is given a charge of 3.5 µC. Determine the capacitance of the system and the potential of the inner
cylinder.

Solution:
 = 15 cm = 15 × 10–2 m;

 a = 1.4cm = 1.4 × 10–2 m;

b =1.5 cm = 1.5 × 10–2m;

q = 3.5 µC = 3.5 × 10–6C

2πε0 ℓ 2π×8.854×10– 12 ×15×10– 2

Capacitance C = b = 1.5×10– 2
2.303 log10 ( ) 2.303 log10
a 1.4×10– 2

= 1.21 × 10–10 F

Since the outer cylinder is earthed, the potential of the inner cylinder will be equal to the potential difference between them.
Potential of inner cylinder, is

q 3.5×10– 6
V= = = 2.89 × 104 V
C 1.2×10– 10

Work done by external agent to charge a conductor:

Work done by external agent to bring small charged element dq from infinity to surface of conductor.

dw = V dq

q
 dw = V.dq V=
C

Work done by external agent to charge the conductor from q1 to q2 is

q q2 q2
2
q 1  q2  1  q2 
W =  .dq  W =    W =  
q1
C C  2 q C  2 q
1 1

As q1 = CV2, q2 = CV2

work done by external agent to increase the potential of conductor from V 1 to V2

1
(
W = C V22 − V12
2
)

Illustration 1:

The work done against electric forces in increasing the potential difference of a condenser from 20 V to 40 V is W. The work
done in increasing its potential difference from 40 V to 50 V will be

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Capacitance

Solution:
1 1 1
W1 = Uf – Ui = CVf2 – CV12 = C (402 – 202) = 600 C = W …..(i)
2 2 2
1 900
W2 = C (502 – 402) = C …..(ii)
2 2
From equation (i) and (ii)
900 W 3
W2 = . = W
2 600 4

Illustration 2:

Energy stored in 2000 mF condenser charge to a potential difference of 10V is?

Solution:
1 2
W.D. = Energy stored = CV {C = 2000 mF = 2F}
2

1
=  2  102 = 100J
2
Illustration 3:

The energy stored in a sphere of 10cm radius when the sphere is charged to a potential difference of 300V is
Solution:
40 R r
The capacitance of spherical capacitor is given as: C =
R −r
If R →  C = 40 r

0.1
For r = 10 cm; C =
9  10−9

1 2
The energy stored in a capacitor is given as : E = CV
2

1 1 10−10
E = CV2 =   3002 J
2 2 9

E = 5 10−7 J

Potential energy of a charged conductor

Potential energy of conductor will be stored in the form of electric field.
Potential energy of a conductor which is charged by V potential is given by
P.E. = Wext.
1 1 Q2
U = CV 2 = QV =
2 2 2C
Potential energy of conducting sphere is given by
kQ2 1 Q2
U= U=
2R 2 40R

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Capacitance

Illustration 1:
1
A capacitor of capacitance F is connected to a battery of 300 volt and charged. Then the energy stored in capacitor is:
3
Solution:
1
𝑈 = 𝐶𝑉 2 = 1.5 × 10−2 𝐽
2

Potential Energy Stored in Capacitor

At any instant  W.D. in moving dq charge
dw = dq.V
q  q
dw = dq. P.D = V = 
C  C
 Net W.D. in moving Q charge
Q
q
(W.D.)ext =  dq
0
C

Q2
Let assume Capacitance = C (W.D.)ext = As we know that W.D.ext = U
2C
 Q2   1 2  QV 
U =  U = 2 CV  U = 2 
 2C     
Illustration 2:
If the charge in a capacitor is 4C and the energy stored in it is 4J, calculate voltage across its plates.
Solution:
Q2
U=
2C
4 4
4=  C = 2F
2 C
Q 4
 V= = = 2V
C 2
Illustration 3:

The plate separation in a parallel plate condenser is d and plate area is A. If it is charged to V volt & battery is disconnected
then the work done in increasing the plate separation to 2d will be:
Solution:
As battery is disconnected, charge remains constant in the work process.
Work done = final potential energy – initial potential energy
𝑄2 𝑄2
= − 0
2𝐶′ 2𝐶
𝑄2 1 1
= { − }
2 𝐶′ 𝐶0
𝐴𝜀0 𝑉
Where, Q = CV =
𝑑
𝐴𝜀0
C=
𝑑
𝐴𝜀0
C´ =
2𝑑

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Capacitance

𝜀0 𝑉 2 𝐴
Now, work done =
2𝑑

Parallel Plate Capacitor

It consists of two large plane parallel conducting plates separated by a small distance.

Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor

Surface charge density  = Q / A

Electric field intensity between plates

 
E0 = +
20 20

 Q
E0 =  E0 =
0 0 A

Potential difference between the plates

V = E0  d

Qd
V=
0 A

Capacitance of parallel plate capacitor

Q Q
C0 =  C0 =
V  Qd 
 
 0 A 
0 A
 C0 =
d
Illustration 1:
One plate of parallel plate capacitor is smaller than other, then charge on smaller plate will be
(A) Less than other
(B) More than other

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Capacitance

(C) Equal to other

(D) Will depend upon the medium between them
Solution:
Equal to other, because the charges are produced due to induction and moreover the net charge of the capacitor should
be zero.

Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor with dielectric

Electric field intensity in vacuum  E0

Electric field intensity in medium  Em
  Q
Em = = =
 0 r 0 r A
E0
 Em =
r
Potential difference between the plates
Qd
V = Em  d =
0r A
Capacitance of a capacitor in presence of medium

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Capacitance

Q
Cm =
V
0  r A ( Q )
Cm =
Qd
0  r A
 Cm =  Cm = rC0
d

Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor (PPC) depends on

(i) Overlapping area  C  A

1
(ii) Distance between plates  C 
d
(iii) Medium between plates  C   r

* Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor does not depend on thickness and nature of metal of plates.

Specific Inductive Capacitance

It is the ratio of capacitance in medium to the capacitance in air.
Cm
K=
Cair

Fringing of Electric Field

For the plates of finite area the electric field between the two plates will not be uniform and the field lines bend out
ward at the edges. This is called "fringing of electric field"

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Capacitance

Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor when dielectric is partially filled

Surface charge density
Q
=
V
Electric field in air or Vacuum,
 Q
E0 = =
0 0 A
Electric field in dielectric medium,
 Q
Em = =
 0  r A
Potential difference between the plates of capacitor
V = E0 (d − t) + Em t
Q Q
V= (d − t) + t
0 A 0r A
Q  t 
V= (d − t) + 
0 A  r 

Q
Capacitance, C =
V
Q
 C=
Q  t
(d − t) + 
0 A  r 
0 A
 C=
t
(d − t) +
r

In case of multiple slabs,

0 A
C=
t1 t
(d − t 1 − t 2 ) + + 2
r ' r ''

Illustration 2:
A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of 8pF. What will be the capacitance if the
distance between the plates is reduced by half and the space between them is filled with a substance of dielectric
constant 8?
Solution:
A0
For air, C0 = = 8  10−12 F
d
Now d’ = d/2 and K = 8
A0 2A0
C' = K = K
d' d
C’ =2 × 8 × 10−12 × 8 = 128 × 10−12 𝐹

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Capacitance

Illustration 3:
A slab of material of dielectric constant  r has the same area as the plates of a parallel plate capacitor but has a thickness
(2d/3), where d is the separation of the plates. How is the capacitance changed when the slab is inserted between the
plates?
Solution:
d E 2d
V = E + 
3 r 3
d  2
 V= 1 + 
30  r 
Capacitance of parallel plate capacitor
Q Q 3A 0
C= =  C=
v Qd  2  2
1 +  d1 + 
3A 0  r   r 

Illustration 4:
If the distance between the plates of a capacitor of capacitance C 1 is halved and the area of plates is doubled then what
will be the capacitance?
Solution:
0 A C A d A  1  d  1
C=  1 = 1 2 = 1     1  =  C2 = 4C1
d C2 A2 d1 2A1  d1   2  4

Illustration 5:
A capacitor has two circular plates whose radii are 8 cm each and distance between them is 1mm. When mica slab
(dielectric constant = 6) is placed between the plates, calculate the capacitance and the energy stored when it is given
a potential of 150 volts.
Solution:

( )
2
Area of each plate r2 =  8  10−2 = 0.0201m2 and d = 1mm = 1  10−3 m

0r A 8.85 10−12  6  0.0201

Capacity of capacitor C = = = 1.068 × 10–9 F
d 1  10−3
Potential difference V = 150 volt
1 1
Energy stored U = CV 2 =  (1.068  10−9 )  (150)2 = 1.2 × 10–5 J
2 2

Force between plates of PPC

 –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
(1) (2)
Force between two plates means force on a plate
F = Electric Field due to plate (1) × charge of plate (2)

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Capacitance

  
Here, F =  Q
 2 0 

Q Q2 2 A
= F= =
A 2A0 20

(CV)2
Again F=
2A 0

A0
C=  A0 = Cd
d

C2 V 2 CV 2 CV 2
F= =  F=
2 Cd 2d 2d

Pressure on each plate of a capacitor:

2 A F 2
As F = or P= =
2 0 A 2 0

This is known as electrostatic pressure.

* Electrostatic pressure always act perpendicular to surface and outwards.

Sharing of charges
When two charged conductors are connected by a conducting wire then charge flows from a conductor at higher
potential to that at lower potential. This flow of charge stops when the potential of both conductors become equal.
Let the amounts of charges after the conductors are connected be Q 1' and Q2' respectively and their common
potential be V then

Common potential
According to the law of conservation of charge Q before connection = Q after connection
C1V1 + C2V2 = C1V + C2V

C1 V1 + C2V2
Common potential after connection V=
C1 + C2

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Capacitance

Charges after connection

 Q + Q2   C1 
Q' = C1V = C1  1 = Q (Q = Total charge on the system)
 C1 + C2   C1 + C2 
1

 Q + Q2   C2 
Q' = C2V = C2  1 = Q
 C1 + C2   C1 + C2 
2

Q1 ' C1 R 1
Ratio of the charges after redistribution = = (in case of spherical conductors)
Q2 ' C2 R 2

Energy stored in capacitor

Q2 CV 2 QV
Energy = = =
2C 2 2

Energy density
In PPC, potential energy stored in the form of electric field i.e. in the space between two plates and volume of this
space is (A × d).
1 2
CV
Energy 2
Energy density = =
volume Ad
A 0
Here, C= , V = Ed
d

1 A 0 (Ed)2
Energy density =
2 d Ad

1
 Energy density = 0E2
2

 1 2
As, E = So, Energy density =
0 2 0

Charging of PPC by battery

when a capacitor is charged by a battery then battery charges it till than its potential difference becomes equal to EMF
of battery.

Whenever any capacitor (Initially charged or uncharged) connected to battery then its final voltage is always equal to
emf of battery.
1 2
Final potential energy of capacitor = CV
2

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Capacitance

Work done by battery

W = Charge supplied by battery  EMF
W = qV
W = CV2
* Energy supplied by battery = CV2
From conservation of energy
Wby battery = U + Heat loss

Change in P.E.

1 
CV 2 =  CV 2 − 0  + heat loss
 2 

1
 Heat loss = CV 2
2

Note :
(1) When uncharged capacitor is connected to battery then 50% of energy supply by battery is stored in capacitor and
remaining 50% will be lost.
(2) Energy loss does not depends on resistance of circuit.
1 2
When initially capacitor is charged then heat loss is not equal to CV , find heat loss by use of following concept
2
Wby battery =  U + Heat loss

Illustration 1:
An uncharged capacitor having capacitance C is connected across a battery of emf V. Now the capacitor is disconnected
and then reconnected across the same battery but with reversed polarity. Find Heat loss.

Solution:

Total charge flow Qf – Qi = (CV – (–CV)) = 2CV

W.D. by battery = (2CV)(V) = 2CV2
1 3
Heat loss = W.D. by battery – Energy stored in capacitor = 2CV2 – CV2 = CV2
2 2
For Parallel Plate Capacitor
* If like plate are connected or nothing is given

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Capacitance

Q1 + Q 2 C1 V1 + C2 V2
Vcm = =
C1 + C2 C1 + C2

* If unlike plate are connected

Q1 - Q 2 C1 V1 - C2 V2
Vcm = =
C1 + C2 C1 + C2

Heat loss
When two capacitors or two metallic spheres are connected without battery then to find heat loss use following
formula.

1 C1C2
( V1 - V2 )
2
Heat =
2 (C1 + C2 )

* If unlike plates are connected together then

1 C1C2
( V1 + V2 )
2
Heat =
2 (C1 + C2 )

Illustration 2:
A capacitor having a capacitance of 200 F is charged to a potential difference of 20V. The charging battery is disconnected
and the capacitor is connected to another battery of emf 10V with the positive plate of the capacitor joined with the positive
terminal of the battery.
(a) Find the charges on the capacitor before and after the reconnection in steady state.
(b) Find the net charge flown through the 10 V battery

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Capacitance

(c) Is work done by the battery or is it done on the battery? Find its magnitude.
(d) Find the decrease in electrostatic field energy.
(e) Find the heat developed during the flow of charge after reconnection.
Solution:

(a) Charge on capacitor before connection

Q1 = CV1 = 4000 µC
Charge on capacitor after connection

Q2 = CV2 = 200 × 10 = 2000 µC

(b) Charge flown through the 10V battery = 4000 – 2000 = 2000 µC

(c) Work is done on the battery

W = qflow ( V ) = 2000  10−6  10

= 2 10−2 J

(d) The decrease in electrostatic field energy.

1 1 1 1
= Ui – Uf = CV12 – CV22 = × 200 × (20)2 – × 200 (10)2
2 2 2 2
= 30 mJ

(e) W = U + H
– 20 mJ = – 30 mJ + H
[H = 10 mJ]

Meaning of Equivalent Capacitor:

(a) Replacing the given capacitor network between two terminals by a single capacitor so that this single capacitor
produces the same electrical effect when connected between the same two terminals instead of the original
capacitors network.

(b) Capacitance of this single capacitor which can be used to replace the original capacitor network is termed as
equivalent capacitance of the given network.

Ceq
A B
A B

V V

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Capacitance

Q
Ceq =
V

(c) Here same electrical effect refers to the charge flown through the battery or charge transferred between the
terminals plates of capacitors connected to battery. It could also be understood in form of energy stored being
same in two cases i.e. when original capacitor network is connected and the one when original network is
replaced by equivalent capacitance.

There Are Two Standard Combinations:

(1) Series Combination
(2) Parallel Combination

(1) Series Combination

When initially uncharged capacitors are connected as shown so that charges do not have any alternative path(s) to
flow then the combination is called series combination.

C1 C2 C3

A B

Derivation:
To find equivalent capacitance of this combination lets connect a battery across its terminals.

Ceq

A B

Q
Ceq =
V

Lets assume that initially, the capacitors were uncharged and after connecting to battery, Q charge flows through
the battery as shown in above figure.
Applying Kirchhoff's voltage law

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Capacitance

Q Q Q V 1 1 1
− ( ) − ( ) − ( ) + V = 0. ; = + +
C1 C2 C3 Q C1 C2 C3
1 1 1 1 1 n
1
 = + + or in general =
Ceq C1 C2 C3 Ceq C
n=1 n

Salient features of series combination

(a) All capacitors will have same charge but can have different potential difference across them.
(b) We can say that potential difference across capacitor is inversely proportional to its capacitance in series
1
combination 
C
Q Q Q
V1 = ,V = ,V = …
C1 2 C2 3 C3
1 1 1
(c) V1 : V2 : V3 = : :
C1 C2 C3
In series combination the smallest capacitor gets maximum potential.

1 1
C1 C2
(d) V1 = 1 V V2 = 1 1 1 V
+ 1 + 1 +......
C1 C2 C3 + + +......
C1 C 2 C 3

1
C3
V3 = V
1 1 1
+ + +. . . . . .
C1 C2 C3

Where V = V1 + V2 + V3

1 1 1 1
(e) In series : = + + + . . . . . ..
Ceq C1 C2 C3

In series combination equivalent capacitance is always less than the smallest capacitor of combination.

Q2 Q2 Q2
(f) Energy stored in the combination Ucombination = + +
2C1 2C2 2C3

Q2
Ucombination=
2Ceq

Q Q2
Energy supplied by the battery in charging the combination Ubattery = Q × V = Q . =
Ceq Ceq

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Capacitance

Ucombination 1
=
Ubattery 2

Half of the energy supplied by the battery is stored in form of electrostatic energy and half of the energy is converted
into heat through resistance. (if capacitors are initially uncharged)

Illustration 1:
Three initially uncharged capacitors are connected in series as shown in circuit with a battery of emf 30 V. Find out following:

(i) charge flow through the battery,

(ii) potential energy in 3F capacitor.

(iii) Utotal in capacitors

(iv) heat produced in the circuit

Solution:
1 1 1 1 3+2+1
= + + = =1
Ceq 2 3 6 6

Ceq = 1F.

(i) Q = Ceq V = 30 C.

(ii) Charge on 3F capacitor = 30 C

Q2 30×30
Energy = = = 150J
2C 2×3
30×30
(iii) Utotal = J = 450 J
2

(iv) Heat produced = (30 C) (30) – 450 J = 450 J.

Parallel Combination:
When one plate of each capacitors (more than one) is connected together and the other plate of each capacitor is
connected together, such combination is called parallel combination.
Derivation
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3
Q = C1V + C2V + C3V = V(C1 + C2 + C3)
Q
= C1 + C2 + C3
V
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
n

In general Ceq = ∑ Cn
n=1

Salient Features of Parallel Combination

(a) All capacitors have same potential difference but can have different charges.

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Capacitance

(b) We can say that:

Q1 = C1V
Q1 = Charge on capacitor C1
C1 = Capacitance of capacitor C1
V = Potential across capacitor C1
• Q1 : Q2 : Q3 = C1 : C2 : C3
The charge on the capacitor is proportional to its capacitance

QC

C1 C2
Q1 = Q  Q2 = Q
C1 +C2 +C3 C1 +C2 +C3

C3
Q3 = Q
C1 +C2 +C3

Where total charge = Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 ......

Maximum charge will flow through the capacitor of largest value.

• Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
Equivalent capacitance is always greater than the largest capacitor of combination.

• Energy stored in the combination :

1 1 1 1
Ucombination= C1V2 + C2V2 + .... = (C1 + C2 + C3 .....) V2 = CeqV2
2 2 2 2
Ubattery = QV = CeqV2
Ucombination 1
=
Ubattery 2

Half of the energy supplied by the battery is stored in form of electrostatic energy and half of the energy is converted
into heat through resistance. (If all capacitors are initially uncharged)

Illustration 2:

Three initially uncharged capacitors are connected in a parallel combination to a battery
of 10 V. Find out following 2
(i) charge flow from the battery
3
(ii) total energy stored in the capacitors

(iii) heat produced in the circuit

(iv) potential energy in the 3F capacitor.

Solution:
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 F
(i) Q = (CeqV) = 6 × 10 = 60 C

1
(ii) Utotal = × 6 × 10 × 10 = 300 J
2

(iii) heat produced = 60 × 10 – 300 = 300 J

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Capacitance

1
(iv) U3F = × 3 × 10 × 10 = 150 J
2

Mixed Combination:
The combination which contains mixing of series parallel combinations or other complex combinations fall in mixed
category. There are two types of mixed combinations

(i) Simple

(ii) Complex.

Illustration 3:

In the given circuit find out charge on 6F and 1F capacitor.

Solution:
18 3 
It can be simplified as Ceq = = 2F
9

charge flow through the battery = 30 × 2C

Q = 60C

Now charge on 3F = Charge on 6F= 60C

3
Potential difference across 3F = 60/ 3= 20V

 Charge on 1F = 20 C.

Illustration 4:

An infinite number of capacitors of capacitance C, 4C, 16C...  are connected in series then what will be their resultant
capacitance?

Solution:

Let the equivalent capacitance of the combination = Ceq

1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + +. . . ∞ = [1 + + +. . . ∞] (this is G.P. series)
Ceq C 4C 16C 4 16 C

a
 S∞ =
1−r
1
first term a = 1, common ratio r =
4
1 1 1 3
 = 1×  Ceq = C
Ceq 1− C 4
4

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Capacitance

Combination of Parallel Plates:

Combinations of parallel plates can be grouped and equivalent capacitance can be found easily by redrawing the circuit by
connecting plates to common terminals. This has been illustrated by following example.
Four parallel plates each of area A and plate separation d. These four plates are forming three parallel plate capacitors, one
between plates A and B, one between plates B and C and another between plates C and D. Capacitance of each of these
∈0 A
capacitors is given as C = .
d
a
A
c b
B
d e
C
g f
D
h
If plates A and C are connected as terminal X and plates B and D are connected as terminal Y. Then calculation of equivalent
capacitance across terminal X and Y can be done by following method.
x
y

Let us assume that we have connected a battery between terminal X and Y. This battery supplies equal and opposite
charges to terminal X and Y. For the detailed analysis let us say 1 and 2 are charge density on faces b and e. Similarly
3 and 4 are charge density on faces f and a.

4
1
+ –1
–2
X 2 –
3
–3 Y
–4
Now equal opposite charges will be there on opposite faces as shown in figure (as per Gauss Law). Also electric field at any
point inside conductor must be zero therefore 4 must be zero.
b c

C1
e d
X Y
C2
f g

C3

Vbc = Ved = Vfg

So all the capacitors are in parallel combination.
3A∈0
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 =
d
Let us try to find out equivalent capacitance between A and B. (take each plate Area = A) in following case by using the same
above concept.

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Capacitance

d
A B
d
d

Assuming a battery between terminals A and B the positive and negative charges on the plates will be as shown in the figure
fellow.

a
b –
+ c
e d
A B
f + g
–
h

Here charges on plates d and e is zero because there potential must be same so no electric field should be there in between
these faces, so charge on faces d and e must be zero.

c b
A B
C1

f g

C2

2A∈0
These are only two capacitors Ceq = C1 + C2 =
d
Illustration 1:
Find out equivalent capacitance between A and B. (take each plate Area = A)

d
A
d

d B

Solution:
0
1
–
d
A+ 2 +
+
d
–
3
+
d – –
4 B
0

The modified circuit is

C C
A

C B
C

2C 2A∈0
Ceq = =
3 3d

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Capacitance

Other method:
Let charge density as shown
1
–x
2 +x
A
+x

3 –x
+2x
4 –2x
B

Q 2xA
Ceq = =
V V
xd 2xd 3xd
V = V2 – V4 = (V2 – V3) + (V3 – V4) = + =
∈0 ∈0 ∈0
2Ax ∈0 2A ∈0 2C
 Ceq = = = .
3xd 3d 3

Illustration 2:
Find out equivalent capacitance between A and B.
Area A
–
d
+
–
d C
+ +
A +
d
–
+
d –
–
B

Solution:

A∈0
Let C=
d
Equivalent circuit :
1 1 2 5
= + =
Ceq C 3C 3C
3C 3A ∈0
Ceq = =
5 5d
Illustration 3:
What is the effective capacitance between the points X and Y?

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Capacitance

Solution:

This is a balanced Wheatstone bridge, so BD can be removed.

6F and 6F are in series so equivalent capacitance = 3F

then 3F and 3F are in parallel so equivalent capacitance between X and Y is 6F .

Illustration 4:
What is the equivalent capacitance of the combination?

Solution:

The capacitor shown as a vertical element is shorted, so it can be removed.

Illustration 5:
An infinite number of identical capacitors each of capacitance 1F are connected as in the adjoining figure. Then the
equivalent capacitance between A and B is:

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Capacitance

Solution:

C = 1F

C C C C
Ceq. = C + + + + + ........
2 4 8 16

 1 1 1 
C 1 + + + + ..... 
 2 4 8 

It is Geometric progression sum of infinite terms

a 1
S = Here a = first term = 1, r = common ratio =
1−r 2

 1 
= C
 1
1 −  
  2  

= 2C = 2F

Illustration 6:
Two capacitances C1 and C2 in a circuit are joined as shown in figure. The potential of point A is V 1 and that of B is V2. The
potential of point D will be:

Solution:

Q = same  Q = C1VAD=C1(V1 –VD)

and Q = C2VDB = C2 (VD – V2)

C1(V1 – VD) = C2(VD – V2)

C1V1 + C2V2 = (C1 + C2)VD

C1V1 + C2V2
VD =
C1 + C2

Effect of Dielectric
• The insulators in which microscopic local displacement of charges takes place in presence of electric field are
known as dielectrics.

• Dielectrics are non-conductors upto certain value of field depending on its nature. If the field exceeds this
limiting value called dielectric strength they lose their insulating property and begin to conduct.

• Dielectric strength is defined as the maximum value of electric field that a dielectric can tolerate without
breakdown. Unit is volt/metre. Dimensions M1 L1 T–3 A–1.

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Capacitance

Polar dielectrics

( )

• In absence of external field the centres of positive and negative charge do not coincide-due to asymmetric shape
of molecules.

• Each molecule has permanent dipole moment.

• The dipole are randomly oriented so average dipole moment per unit volume of polar dielectric in absence of
external field is nearly zero.

In presence of external field dipoles tends to align in direction of field.

Example: Water, Alcohol CO2, EC, NH3

HCl molecule H2O molecule

O––
H+
H+ H+

Cl –

Note: Dipole moment of polar molecules depends on temperature.

Non-polar dielectrics

• In absence of external field the centre of positive and negative charge coincides in these atoms or molecules because
they are symmetric.
• The dipole moment is zero in normal state.
• In presence of external field they acquire induced dipole moment.
Example: Nitrogen, Oxygen, Benzene, Methane

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Capacitance

O– – C++++ O– – O– – C++++ O– – C++++

O– – O– –

Note: Induced electric dipole moment of non-polar molecules is independent of temperature.

Polarisation:
The alignment of dipole moments of permanent or induced dipoles in the direction applied electric field is called
polarisation.

• Polarisation vector 𝐏
⃗
This is a vector quantity which describes the extent to which molecules of dielectric become polarized by an electric
field or oriented in direction of field.
⃗P = the dipole moment per unit volume of dielectric = np
⃗
where n is number of atoms per unit volume of dielectric and P is dipole moment of an atom or molecule.
qi d qi
⃗P= np
⃗ = = ( ) = i = induced surface charge density.
Ad A

Capacitors with Dielectric:

σ
(i) In absence of dielectric E =
∈0
(ii) When a dielectric fills the space between the plates then molecules having dipole moment align themselves in the
direction of electric field.
b = i induced (bound) charge density (called bound charge because it is not due to free electrons).
The induced charge also produce electric field.
Let E0 , V0 , C0 be electric field, potential difference and capacitance in absence of dielectric and E, V, C are electric
field, potential difference and capacitance respectively in presence of dielectric .

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Capacitance

+Q0 E0 –Q
0

+ –
+ – + –
+ –
+ – –
+
+ –
+ – –
+
+ –
+ –
– +
+ –
+ –
– +
+ –
Ed
Electric field
inside dielectric

V0 σ Q
Electric field in absence of dielectric E0 = = =
d ε0 ε0 A
σ−σb Q−Qb V
Electric field in presence of dielectric E = E0 − E i = = =
ε0 ε0 d
Q
Capacitance in absence of dielectric C0 =
V0
Q−Qb
Capacitance in presence of dielectric C=
V
E0 V0 C Q σ ε
The dielectric constant or relative permittivity K or r = = = = = =
E V C0 Q−Qb σ−σb ε0
Q 1 σ 1
Form K = ⇒ Qb = Q (1 − ) and K = ⇒ σb = σ (1 − )
Q−Qb K σ−σ b K
(iii) Capacitance in the presence of dielectric
σA σA AK ∈0 AK ∈0
C = = σ = =
V .d d d
K ∈0
Here capacitance is increased by a factor K.

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Capacitance

AK∈0
C= = C0 K
d

Relation between polarisation and surface charge density of induced charge

Equivalent dipole moment of dielectric slab = qi × d
Electric polarization
qi  d
(P) = V
(V  volume of dielectric slab)

qi  d q
P=  P = i = i P = i
Ad A

It is clear that polarisation is equal to induced surface charge density.

Electric susceptibility (  e )

Polarisation (P) of dielectrics is directly proportional to the electric field (E), i.e.,

PE
P = 0  e E

 e  electric susceptibility (constant)

For vacuum, e = 0

Dielectric strength
The maximum value of the electric field intensity that can be applied to the dielectric without its electric
breakdown.
Vbreak
Ebreak =
d

For air, 𝐸𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘= 3 × 106 V/m

Distance and Area Division by Dielectric

(1) Distance Division

(a) Distance is divided and area remains same

(b) Capacitors are in series

(c) Individual capacitances are

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Capacitance

0 r1 A 0 r2 A
C1 = C2 =
d1 d2

These two are in series

1 1 1 1 d1 d2
= +  = +
C C1 C2 C 0  r A 0  r A 1 2

1 1  d1r + d2r 
 =   2 1

C 0 A  r r  1 2

 r r 
 C = 0 A  
1 2

 d1r + d2r 
2 1

d
Special case: If d1 = d2 =
2

0 A  2r r 
C =  1
 2

d  r + r 
1 2

(2) Area Division

(a) Area is divided and distance remains same.

(b) Capacitors are in parallel.

(c) Individual capacitances are

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Capacitance

0r1 A1 0r2 A2
C1 = C2 =
d d

These two are in parallel so,

C = C 1 + C2

0r1 A1 0r2 A2
C= +
d d

A
Special case : If A1 = A2 =
2

0 A   r +  r 
Then, C= 
1 2

d  2 

Illustration 1:

Find out capacitance between A and B if three dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K1 of area A and thickness d1, K2 of area
A and thickness d2 and K3 of area A and thickness d3 are inserted between the plates of series plate capacitor of plate area A
as shown in figure. (Given distance between the two plates d).

Solution:

1 1 1 1  0 AK1  AK2  AK3 

= + +  C1 = ; C2 = 0 ;C 3 = 0 
CAB C1 C2 C3  d 1 d2 d3 

Illustration 2:
Find out capacitance between A and B if three dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K1 of area A1 and thickness d, K2 of area
A2 and thickness d1 and K3 of area A2 and thickness d2 are inserted between the plates of parallel plate capacitor of plate area
A as shown in figure. (Given distance between the two plates d).

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Capacitance

Solution:

A A A
K 1 0 K 2 0 K 3 0
C1 = 2 C2 = 2 C3 = 2
d d d
2 2 2

C3 CC
It is equivalent to C = + 1 2
2 C1 + C2

Illustration 3:
Find out capacitance between A and B if three dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K 1 of area A1 and thickness d, K2 of area
A2 and thickness d1 and K3 of area A2 and thickness d2 are inserted between the plates of parallel plate capacitor of plate area
A as shown in figure. (Given distance between the two plates d = d1+d2).

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Capacitance

Solution:

C2 C3
It is equivalent to C = C1 +
C2 +C3
A 2 K 2 ∈0 A 2 K 3 ∈0
A1 K 1 ∈0 .
d1 d2
C = +
d1 + d2 A2 K 2 ∈0 + A2 K 3 ∈0
d1 d2
A1 K 1 ∈0 A22 K 2 K 3 20
= +
d1 + d2 A2 K 2 ∈0 d2 + A2 K 3 ∈0 d1
A1 K 1 ∈0 A 2 K 2 K 3 ∈0
= +
d1 + d2 K 2 d2 + K 3 d1

Illustration 4:
Find out capacitance between A and B if two dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K 1 and K2 of thickness d1 and d2 and each
of area A are inserted between the plates of parallel plate capacitor of plate area A as shown in figure.

Solution:

σA σd1 σd2 σ d1 d2
C= ; V = E1 d1 + E2 d2 = + = ( + )
V K1 ∈0 K2 ∈0 ∈0 k1 k2

A∈0 1 d1 d2
 C=d d  = +
1 2 C AK1 ∈0 AK2 ∈0
+
K1 K2

This formula suggests that the system between A and B can be considered as series combination of two capacitors.

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