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Chapter 2
Electric potential & Capacitance

Electric potential (V):

Electric potential is the work done by an external agent in moving a unit

+ve charge from infinity to the point against the electric field.
If ‘W’ is the work done in moving a charge ‘q’ from infinity to the point,
electric potential is given by,
𝑤
𝑣=
𝑞
Unit is J/C or J𝐶 −1 another unit of electric potential is volt (V)

Dimension of Electric potential

𝑤
𝑣=
𝑞
𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −2
𝑣=
𝐼𝑇
𝑣 = 𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −3 𝐼−1
or
𝑣 = 𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −3 𝐴−1
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Potential difference

Potential difference between two point is the work done in moving a unit
+ve charge from one point to another
Potential difference between two-point A&B is
𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴

Relation between electric intensity (E) and potential (V)

Considered two-point A &B at a very small distance dx apart. Let the

electric intensity is taken as ‘E’. Let the potential of A &B is V+dv and V
respectively. The work done in moving a unit charge from B to A is ‘dv’
Work= Force × Displacement 𝐹
𝐸=
dv = F×dx 𝑞

dv = -E ×dx q =1C, E=F

Negative sign shows that work done is opposite to the electric field
−𝑑𝑉
𝐸=
𝑑𝑥
Thus, the electric intensity is the negative gradient of potential
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Show that the line integral of electric field along any closed path is
zero

Consider a closed path ‘ABCDA’ in an electric field. The line integral of

electric field along closed path ‘ABCDA’ is

𝐵 𝐴
∮ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = ∫ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 + ∫ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙
𝐴 𝐵
Along ACBDA along ACB along BDA

𝑦 𝑥
∫ 𝑎 . 𝑏⃗ = − ∫ 𝑎 . 𝑏⃗
𝑥 𝑦

𝐵 𝐵
∮ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = ∫ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 − ∫ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙
𝐴 𝐴
Along ACBDA along ACB along BDA

⃗⃗⃗ = 0
∮ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑙

Along ACBDA
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Work done in moving a charge in an electric field

In an electric field consider the potential as ‘v’

𝑤
𝑣=
𝑞
Vq =W
If 𝑒 − of charge ‘e’ moving in an electric field
Ve =W
1
𝑉𝑒 = 𝑚𝑣 2
2

Electron volt (eV)

It is the kinetic energy acquired by an electron when accelerated through
a potential difference of one volt.
1eV= 1.6× 10−19 𝐽
Conversion of 1Mev to joule:

1MeV= 1.6× 10−19 × 106 𝐽

1MeV= 1.6× 10−13 𝐽

Conversion of 1Nev to joule:

1neV= 1.6× 10−19 × 10−9 𝐽

1neV= 1.6× 10−28
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Electric potential due to a point charge

Let a point charge +q situated in free space electric potential due to a point
charge is given by
1 𝑞
𝑉= ×
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟

Electric potential due to a number of charges

If charges 𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , 𝑞3 …. are at distance of 𝑟1 , 𝑟2 , 𝑟3 …. from a point

potential is given by
1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2 1 𝑞3
𝑉= × + × + × +⋯
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟1 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟3

𝑛
1 𝑞𝑖
𝑉= ∑
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟𝑖
𝑖=1

Electric potential due to a uniformly charged spherical shell

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Considered a spherical shell of radius ‘R’. it is charged uniformly and the

total charge of the shell is ‘q’. Let ‘p’ be any point at a distance ‘r’ from
the Centre of the shell

Case 1: potential at the point outside the shell (r > R)

1 𝑞
𝑉 = 4𝜋𝜀 × 𝑟 [1]
0

Case 2: potential at the point surface of the shell (r = R)

1 𝑞
𝑉= × [2]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅
Case 3: potential at the point inside the shell (r < R)
1 𝑞
𝑉= × [3]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅

Thus, it is clear that from equation [2] and [3] electric potential is same at
the surface of the shell and inside the shell

Equipotential surface
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An equipotential surface is one which electric potential is same

everywhere on the surface. No work is to be done in moving a charge from
one point to the other
Properties

▪ Electric line of force is perpendicular to the equipotential surface

▪ No work is to be done in moving a charge from one point to another
▪ Equipotential surface cannot intersect each other

Electron density / electron concentration

There are about 1028 free electrons per 𝑚3 the number of electrons in unit
volume is called electron density or electron concentration
Thermal speed
The free electron has an average speed which depends on temperature.
The average speed of electron is called thermal speed. it is very high and
is in the order of 106 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐

Capacitor
Capacitor is a device used to store electric charge. The ability to store
electric charge is known as capacitance
If a charge ‘q’ of a conductor is directly proportional to the potential ‘V’
𝑞∝𝑉

𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉
𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉
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Where ‘C’ is known as capacitance of a conductor

Capacitance is defined as the ratio of charge to the potential
imparted. Unit of capacitance is farad (F) or C/V

Since farad is very large unit milli farad (mF) micro farad 𝜇𝐹and
Pico farad (pF) commonly used
1𝑚𝐹 = 1 × 10−3 𝐹

1𝜇𝐹 = 1 × 10−6 𝐹

1𝑝𝐹 = 1 × 10−12 𝐹

Farad
Farad is a capacitance of a conductor if a charge of 1 coulomb rises it
potential by one volt.

Capacitance of an isolated spherical conductor

Let a charge q is given to a spherical conductor placed in a medium of
dielectric constant k. The potential of the isolated spherical conductor is
given by
1 𝑞
𝑉= ×
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
If there is a dielectric medium there is a dielectric constant k
1 𝑞
𝑉= ×
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑘 𝑟
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𝑞
𝑉=
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑘𝑟
But,
Capacitance,
𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉

𝑞
= 𝑞
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑘𝑟

𝐶 = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑘𝑟
In free space, k = 1
𝐶 = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟

Condenser (capacitor)
Condenser is an arrangement of conductors to increase the capacitance of
the conductor
Principal of a condenser
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𝑃1 and 𝑃2 are two metal plates. 𝑃1 is positively charged and 𝑃2 is

negatively charged. a charge ‘q’ is given to the metal plates. 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 is
earthed the plates are separated by a distance ‘d’ in between the plates
there is a dielectric medium, i.e. air
Considered a conductor of charged ‘q’ and potential ‘v’ capacitance is
givenby

𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉
If no of capacitors are considered, capacitance is given by
′
𝑞
𝐶 =
𝑉
The presence of earthed conductors 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 increases the capacitance
of 𝑃1 .

Expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor

𝑃1 and 𝑃2 are two metal plates. 𝑃1 is positively charged and 𝑃2 is

negatively charged. a charge ‘q’ is given to the metal plates. 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 is
earthed the plates are separated by a distance ‘d’ in between the plates
there is a dielectric medium, i.e. air
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Considered a conductor of charged ‘q’ and A is the area of the plate 𝜎 is

the charge density
charge ‘q’ is given by
𝑞 = 𝜎𝐴 [1]
Applying gauss theorem
𝜎
𝐸= [2]
𝜀0
In a uniform electric field
𝑉
𝐸=
𝑑
𝑉 = 𝐸𝑑 [3]
Sub [2] in [3]
𝜎𝑑
𝑉= [4]
𝜀0
But,capacitance

𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉
𝜀0 𝐴
𝐶=
𝑑

If there is a dielectric medium there is a dielectric constant k, then the

equation becomes,
𝜀0 𝑘𝐴
𝐶=
𝑑
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Grouping of capacitors
Capacitors are combined in two ways
➢ Capacitors in parallel
➢ Capacitors in series

1. Capacitors in series

Let the capacitors 𝐶1, 𝐶2, 𝐶3, 𝐶4,…… be connected in series to a potential
difference ‘V’ volt. Q is the charge given to the capacitors
Let 𝑉1, 𝑉2, 𝑉3, 𝑉4,…… be the respective potential difference across the
capacitors
𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 +𝑉3 +……
Now
𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉
𝑞
𝑉=
𝐶
There for
𝑞
𝑉1 =
𝐶1
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𝑞
𝑉2 =
𝐶2
𝑞
𝑉3 =
𝐶3
𝑞 𝑞 𝑞 𝑞
= + + +..
𝐶 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3

𝑞 1 1 1
= 𝑞[ + + + ⋯]
𝐶 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3

1 1 1 1
= + + +⋯
𝐶 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3

Thus, the reciprocal of effective capacitance connected in series is equal

to the sum of the reciprocal of individual capacitances.

Capacitors connected in parallel

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Let the capacitors 𝐶1, 𝐶2, 𝐶3, 𝐶4,…… be connected in parallel to a source of
potential difference ‘V’ volt.
Let 𝑞1, 𝑞2, 𝑞3, 𝑞4,…… be the charge acquired by the capacitors
𝑞 = 𝑞1 + 𝑞2 +𝑞3 +……
But
𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉

𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉

There for
𝑞1 = 𝐶1 𝑉

𝑞2 = 𝐶2 𝑉

𝑞3 = 𝐶3 𝑉

𝐶𝑉 = 𝐶1 𝑉 + 𝐶2 𝑉 + 𝐶3 𝑉 + ⋯

𝐶𝑉 = 𝑉[𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3 + ⋯ ]

𝐶 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3 + ⋯

Thus, the effective capacitance connected in Parallel is equal to the sum

of individual capacitances.

Energy stored in a capacitor (v)

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𝑊
𝑉=
𝑞
Work done by a capacitor is given by
𝑊 = 𝑉𝑞

If an additional charge ‘dq’ is given to the capacitor, Work changes to dw.

𝑑𝑤 = 𝑉𝑑𝑞
But,
𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉
𝑞
𝑉=
𝐶
𝑞
𝑑𝑤 = 𝑑𝑞
𝐶

Integrating on both sides

𝑞
𝑞
∫ 𝑑𝑤 = ∫ 𝑑𝑞
0 𝐶

1 𝑞
𝑤 = ∫ 𝑞𝑑𝑞
𝐶 0
𝑞
1 𝑞2
𝑤= [ ]
𝐶 2 0

𝑞
1 𝑞 2 02
𝑤= [ − ]
𝐶 2 2 0
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𝑞2
𝑤=
𝐶×2

𝑞2
𝑈=
2𝐶

But, q = CV

𝐶2𝑉2
𝑈=
2𝐶
1 2
𝑈= 𝐶𝑉
2

Energy density in a capacitor(u)

Energy stored per unit volume is known as energy density
𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦
𝑢=
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is given by
1 2
𝑈= 𝐶𝑉
2

1 𝜀0 𝐴 2
𝑈= 𝑉 [1]
2 𝑑

Volume, V = Area × 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒

V=A×𝑑
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1 𝜀0 𝐴 2
𝑉
𝑢= 2 𝑑
A ×𝑑
1 𝑉2
𝑈 = 𝜀0 2
2 𝑑
𝑉
𝐸=
𝑑

𝑉2
𝐸= 2
𝑑
1
𝑈= 𝜀0 𝐸 2
2

Van de Graff generator

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In 1930 van de Graff developed an electrostatic generator is called van de

Graff generators
Aim
▪ It is used to produce a potential difference between 6-10 million
volts
▪ It is used to accelerate charged particle
E.g. Proton, deuteron electron etc.

Principle
▪ Action of points
▪ When a charged conductor is brought near a hollow conductor all of
the charge is transferred to a hollow conductor and it get charged
irrespective of potential

Apparatus
It consists of a large metal sphere of high insulating support 𝑝1, and 𝑝2,
are two pullies. 𝑝2, at the center of the metal sphere and 𝑝1, is vertically
below 𝑝2, there is an endless belt ‘b’ which can run by an electric motor
‘M’ 𝐵1, and 𝐵2, are two metal brushes 𝐵1, is called spraying brush and
𝐵2, is called collecting brush ‘HT’ is the high tension battery

Working
The positive terminal of the high-tension battery is connected to the brush
[Link] positive charges are sprayed by the brush b. Another brush b2
collect positive charges and by induction it becomes negatively charged.
Positively charges are uniformity distributed over the surface of the
sphere as the belt is revolving continuously the potential of the sphere
goes on rising and a high voltage 6-10 million volts are developed.
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Uses
1. It is used to produce a potential difference between 6-10
million volts
2. It is used to accelerate charged particle
E.g. Proton, deuteron electron etc.

Limitations
It does not accelerate uncharged particle
E.g. Neutrons

Application Questions

1. Potential of conductor changes on charging

a. How are the charge and potential related?
b. What is the ratio called?

a.
𝑞∝𝑉
𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉
𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉
Where c is known as capacitor of conductor

2. A capacitor of capacitance ‘c’ connected to a voltage source of

potential difference ‘v’ the capacitor charges
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a. What happened the voltage across the capacitance as

voltage increased?
b. What is the net work done when capacitor is fully charged?

a. Voltage increases
1
b. 𝑤 = 𝐶𝑉 2
2

3. Would electron move from higher potential to lower potential

and vice versa
Since the charge move from higher potential to lower potential the
electron being negatively charged move from lower potential to higher
potential

4. Write the expression for capacitance of a series combination of

n capacitors

1 1 1 1 1
= + + + ⋯+
𝐶 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝐶𝑛

5. Defined the unit of electric potential

The unit of electric potential is volt (v)

6. What is the basic use of a capacitor

The basic use of a capacitor is to store charge and energy
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The Electric potential at a point in an electric field is said to be one [Link]

one joule of work is done bringing one coulomb of charge from infinity
to the point against the electric field.

7. What is the basic use of a capacitor?

The basic use of a capacitor is to store charge and energy

8. What is the net charge on a charged capacitor?

Zero, because the two plate of a charged capacitor carry equal and
opposite charges hence the net charge is zero

9. What is the dimension of capacitance?

𝑞
𝐶=
𝑉
But,
𝑤
𝑉=
𝑞
𝑞2
𝐶=
𝑤
𝐼2 𝑇 2
=
𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −2
= 𝑀−1 𝐿−2 𝑇 4 𝐼2
or
= 𝑀−1 𝐿−2 𝑇 4 𝐴2
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10. A parallel plate capacitor of area 2𝒎𝟐 with a medium of

dielectric constant 7 is charged to a potential of 100 v. Its plate
separation is 0.01 mm. calculate the capacitance?

𝜀0 𝑘𝐴
𝐶=
𝑑

𝜀0 = 8.85 × 10−12
𝑘=7
A = 2𝑚2
d = 0.01mm
= 0.01× 10−3 𝑚
8.85 × 10−12 × 7 × 2
𝐶=
0.01 × 10−3

= 12390 × 10−9

= 1.2390 × 10−5 F

11. What is the area of the plate of 2F parallel plate capacitor

given the separation between the plate is 0.5mm

𝜀0 𝐴
𝐶=
𝑑
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𝑐𝑑
𝐴=
𝜀0

𝜀0 = 8.85 × 10−12
d = 0.5cm
= 0.5× 10−2 𝑚
C = 2F

2 × 0.5 × 10−2
𝐴=
8.85 × 10−12

= 0.112 × 1010 𝑚2

12. Four capacitors of 4 𝝁F connected in

a. series
b. parallel
Calculate the net capacitance of each case

a.

1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
𝐶 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝐶4

𝐶1 = 𝐶2 = 𝐶3 = 𝐶4 = 4𝜇𝐹
1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
𝐶 4 4 4 4
1 1
=4×
𝐶 4
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C = 1𝜇𝐹
b.
𝑐 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3 + 𝐶4
=4×4
= 16𝜇𝐹

13. What happened to the plate of charged capacitors are

suddenly connected by a conducting wire

The capacitors plate will get discharged immediately. Energy stored ij the
capacitor changes into heat energy