Electrostatics

12.

ELECTROSTATICS

Marks:

Introduction: In electrostatics we study the effects

due to static electric charges.
..................................................................................
Electric field: The space around an electric charge
in which another charge experiences force is called
as electric field. It consists of electric lines of force.
..................................................................................
Que: What is electric line of force?
What are its properties?
Ans: Electric line of force:
It is an imaginary line along which free positive
charge will tend to move in an electric field.
Properties of lines of force:
1. They start from positive charge and end on
negative charge.
2. They are normal to the surface from which they
start or end.
3. They do not pass through conductor but they
can passes through insulator.
(Thus electric field inside a conductor is zero).
4. The direction of electric field at any point is
given by the tangent drawn to the line at that
point.
5. They never intersect with each other.
(Thus at a given point electric field has only
one direction)
6. They contract longitudinally (lengthwise).
(This explains the attraction between unlike
charges.)
7. They exert lateral pressure on each other.
(This explains the repulsion between like
charges.)
8. The magnitude of electric field intensity at a
point is proportional to the number of lines of
force passing normally through unit area at that
point.
-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Explain the concepts of
i) Tubes of force and
ii) Tubes of induction
Ans: Tube of force: (Faradays tubes of force)
1. The group of electric lines of force in air is
called as tube of force.
2. Tube of force posses same properties as that of
lines of force.
3. Number of tubes of force originating from
charge +q is
= =
Where = permittivity of the medium.
4. Thus number of tubes of force depends on
nature of the surrounding medium.

Relation with Intensity:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Let +q be the charge placed at point O in a

medium of permittivity .
Number of tubes of force originating from
charge q is N = q /
Draw an imaginary sphere of radius r and
centre O. Its area is A = 4 r2.
All the tubes of force are directed outward
normally through the surface of sphere.
Therefore number of tubes of force passing
normally per unit area of the sphere is
N
N o .of tu b es o f forc e
q
1
q

E
A
a rea o f sph ere
4 r2
4 r2

6.

Thus electric intensity at any point in an

electric field is equal to the number of tubes of
force passing normally through a unit area
drawn around that point.
..................................................................................
Tubes of Induction: (Maxwells tubes)
1. The lines of force in a dielectric medium other
than vacuum are called as lines of induction.
2. A group of lines of induction in a dielectric
medium is called as tubes of induction.
3. Thus number of tubes of induction originating
from charge +q is: N = q.
4. Thus number of tubes of induction is
independent of nature of the surrounding
medium.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Relation with intensity:

Let +q be the charge placed at point O in a
medium of permittivity .
The number of tubes of induction originating
from charge +q is N = q.
Draw an imaginary sphere of radius r and
center O. Its area is A = 4 r2.
All these tubes of induction are directed
outward normally through surface of sphere.
Therefore number of tubes of induction
passing normally per unit area is given by
N No. of tubes of force

A
area of sphere
N
q
1 q

E
2
A 4 r
4 r2

Where E = electric intensity at a point distant r

from charge +q.
--------------------------------------------------------------

ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

Electrostatics

Que: Explain the term electric flux, flux density.

Show that electric intensity at a point is equal to
the flux density at that point.
Ans: Electric Flux:
The number of tubes of force passing normally
through given surface in an electric field is called
as electric flux.
It is denoted by .
SI Unit: Nm2/C or volt metre. ( Nm/C = volt )
..................................................................................
Flux Density:
The number of tubes of force passing normally
through a unit area in an electric field is called as
flux density.
OR
Electric flux per unit area is called as flux density.
Flux density = Magnitude of electric intensity.
Flux density E

d
ds

Where: d is the flux passing through area dS.

..................................................................................
Derivation:

1.
2.
3.

Let +q be the charge placed at point O in a

medium of permittivity .
Draw an imaginary sphere of radius r and
center O.
The number of tubes of force originating from

1.

2.

3.
4.

Consider a charge +q placed at point O in a

medium of permittivity and enclosed by
irregular surface.
Consider small area dS at point P on the
surface.
Let be angle between area vector dS and
electric intensity E at point P.
Component of intensity along dS = E Cos
Flux per unit area over dS = E Cos
Total electric flux through area dS = E cos dS
Therefore total electric flux over whole
surface is given by
E cos dS

E dS

..................................................................................
Note: Electric flux is positive when tubes of force
points outward and negative when tubes of force
points inward. The net flux is zero if flux leaving
the entering the surface is same.
-------------------------------------------------------------Que: What is normal electric induction and
total normal electric induction?
Ans: Normal Electric Induction (N.E.I.):
The number of tubes of induction passing
normally through unit area in an electric field
is called as normal electric induction.
Total Normal Electric Induction (T.N.E.I.):
The total number of tubes of induction passing
normally through a given surface is called as
total normal electric induction.
..................................................................................
Derivation:

charge + q is N q

4.
5.

These tubes are directed outward normally

though the surface of sphere.
Flux density at any point on the sphere is
given by
N o .of tubes of fo rce
area o f sph ere
q
1
q
F lu x d ensity

E
4 r2
4 r2

1.

F lu x d ensity

2.

Flux density = Electric intensity.

..................................................................................
Expression for total Flux:

3.
4.

Consider a charge +q placed at point O in a

medium of permittivity and enclosed by
irregular surface.
Consider small area dS at point P on the
surface.
Let be the angle between area vector ds and
electric intensity E at point P.
Component of intensity along dS = E Cos
Normal electric induction over ds = E cos
T.N.E.I. over area ds = E cos ds
T.N.E.I. over whole surface = E cos ds
T .N .E.I . E dS

Where = k 0
k = dielectric constant of the medium.
-------------------------------------------------------------ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

Electrostatics

Que: State and prove Gausss theorem in an

electrostatics.
Ans: Gauss theorem:
Statement: The total normal electric induction
over a closed surface is equal to the algebraic sum
of the electric charges enclosed by that surface.
Proof:

Surface charge density ():

Charge per unit surface area of the conductor is
called as surface charge density.
Surface charge density

charge
q

area
A

S.I. unit: C /m2

-------------------------------------------------------------Application of Gausss theorem:
Que: Derive an expression for electric intensity at a
point outside the charged conducting sphere
by using Gauss Theorem.

1.

2.

3.
4.
5.
6.

Consider a charge +q placed at point O

inside a closed surface, in a medium of
permittivity .
Consider small area dS of surface at point P at a
distance r from O.

Let be the angle between electric intensity E

and area vector dS at point P.
Component of electric intensity along area
vector dS is E cos .
The normal electric induction over area ds
N.E.I. = E cos
Total normal electric induction over area ds
T.N.E.I = E cos ds
Total normal electric induction over whole
surface is given by

Ans: Expression:
1.

2.

3.

4.

T .N .E.I . E cos ds

7.

But the electric intensity E at point P is given

5.

by E 1 q2
4 r
8.

6.

Therefore

E 4 r 2 q
1
q
E
2
4 r

1
q
cos ds
4 r2
q cos ds
T .N .E.I .
4 r2
T .N .E.I .

T .N .E.I .

This is required expression.

q
d
4

Where : k 0 permittivity of medium .

cos ds
d
r2
d solid angle subtended by area ds at point ' O '

Where

d 4 total solid angle.

k dielectric consant of medium

..................................................................................

Charge
q

Surface area 4 R 2

q
T .N .E .I .
4 q
4

9.

Consider a uniformly charged conducting

sphere with R= radius, O = center,
+q =charge, = permittivity of medium.
Draw a gaussian spherical surface B of radius
r and center O, so that point P lies on its
surface.
The lines of induction are normal to A.
Thus by symmetry, the electric intensity E is
same at every point on B.
It is directed outward normally.
N.E.I. over B = E
T.N.E.I. = E area of gaussian surface
T.N.E.I. = E 4 r2
.......... (1)
According to Gausss theorem
T.N.E.I. = Charge inside the gaussian surface
T.N.E.I. = q
........... (2)
Equating equations (1) and (2).

If there are number of charges inside the

closed surface then
T.N.E.I. = q1 + q2 + q3 + ...... = q
This proves Gausss theorem.
-------------------------------------------------------------Gaussian Surface: The surface which encloses a
given charge is called as gaussian surface.

1 4 R2

4
r2

q 4 R 2
E

R2
r2

..................................................................................
If point P lies just outside the surface then r = R
E

If point P lies inside the sphere (i.e. r < R): then

gaussian surface lies inside the sphere and it does not
enclose any charge ( ie. q = 0). E = 0.
Therefore is no field inside a closed charged conductor.

-------------------------------------------------------------ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

Electrostatics

Que: Derive an expression for electric intensity

at a point outside the charged conducting
cylinder, by using gauss theorem.
Ans: Expression:

Ans: Expression:

1.

2.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Consider a uniformly charged conducting

cylinder A, with +q = charge per unit length
R = radius, = permittivity of medium.
Draw a gaussian cylindrical surface B
coaxial to A of radius r and length l so that
point P lies on its surface.
The lines of induction are normal to the curved
surface of A. Thus by symmetry the electric
intensity E is same at every point on curved
surface of B. It is directed outward normally.
The component of E along the length is zero.
Therefore N.E.I. through circular end faces of
gaussian surface is zero.
N.E.I. over curved surface of B = E
T.N.E.I. = E area of gaussian curved
surface.
T.N.E.I. = E 2 r l ......... (1)
According to Gausss theorem,
T.N.E.I. = Charge inside the gaussian surface
T.N.E.I. = q l
.......... (2)
Equating equations (1) and (2)
E 2 rl q
1 q
E

2 r

Charge Q

length
l
k 0 permittivity of medium.

Where : q

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Consider a closed charged conductor with

= surface charge density,
= permittivity of surrounding medium.
Let P, Q be the two points just outside and
inside the small area dS on the surface.
Draw a gaussian cylindrical surface of area of
cross section dS so that points P and Q lies on
its two end faces and also on its axis.
The lines of induction are normal to surface dS.
Thus electric intensity E at point P is normal to
end face AB.
Therefore the component of E perpendicular to
the length of gaussian cylinder is zero.
Thus corresponding flux is zero.
Electric intensity at Q is zero. Because there is
no electric field inside the conductor.
Thus flux passes through face AB only.
Therefore total normal electric induction over
the Gaussian surface is

T.N.E.I. = E ds
...........(1)
8. According to Gausss theorem,
T.N.E.I. = Charge inside the gaussian surface
T.N.E.I. = charge on ds = ds
..........(2)

9. Equating equations (1) and (2),

E dS dS

Where: k = dielectric constant of the medium.

-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Derive an expression for electric intensity
at a point just outside the uniformly
charged infinite conducting plane sheet.
Ans: Expression:

k dielectric consant of medium

..
Surface charge density :
Q

Q 2 Rl
2 Rl
Q
q 2 R
l
R
E
r

-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Derive an expression for electric intensity

at a point just outside a closed charged
conductor of any shape.
ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

Electrostatics

1. Consider a thin uniformly charged infinite

plane sheet. Electric field is normal to the
plane of sheet and directed outward. Its
magnitude is same at same distance on either
side of the sheet.
= surface charge density,
= permittivity of surrounding medium.
2. Let P, Q be the two points just outside and
inside the small area dS on the surface.
3. Draw a gaussian cylindrical surface of area of
cross section dS so that points P and Q lies on
its two end faces and also on its axis. Also
points p and Q are equidistant from dS.
4. The lines of induction are normal to surface dS.
Thus electric intensity E is perpendicular to the
ends of cylinder.
5. Therefore the component of E perpendicular to
the length of gaussian cylinder is zero.
Thus corresponding flux is zero.
6. Therefore total normal electric induction over
the Gaussian surface is
T.N.E.I. = E 2ds

3.

But according to Gauss theorem, intensity at

point P is given by
E1 E2

4.

5.

Inside the conductor there is no electric field.

Therefore at point Q,
- E1 + E2 = 0
E1 = E2
Therefore equation (2) becomes

E2
2
E2 E2

6.

8.

From equation (2)

E

F 1 2 E2

ds 2

8. Equating equations (1) and (2),

F 1
E2
ds 2

2
2 k

Where: k = dielectric constant of the medium.

-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Derive an expression for mechanical force
per unit area of uniformly charged
conductor.
Express it in terms of electric intensity.
Ans: Mechanical force per unit area:

12

dS
2
2

F 1 2

ds 2

...........(1)

Mechanical force per unit area is given by

7. According to Gausss theorem,

T.N.E.I. = Charge inside the gaussian surface
T.N.E.I. = charge on ds = ds
..........(2)
E 2dS dS

2 E2

The force of repulsion on area dS:

F = Charge on dS Intensity at P due to
charge on remaining surface.
F dS E 2 dS

7.

..........(2)

This is an expression for mechanical force per unit

area of uniformly charged conductor.
Where : k 0 permittivity of medium.
k dielectric consant of medium

..................................................................................
Expression for energy stored per unit volume in
an electric field:
1. The charge conductor is surrounded by
electric field. The mechanical force acting on
charged conductor is given by
F

2.

1 2
ds
2

If area dS is moved through distance dx

against this force, then work done is given by
dw F dx
dw

1.

2.

Consider a uniformly charge conductor.

Let = surface charged density.
P and Q: Two points just outside and inside the
small area dS.
Let E1 = Electric intensity at P due to charge
on small area dS.
E2 = Electric intensity at P due to charge on
remaining surface.
Therefore total intensity at point p is
E E1 E2

..........(1)

3.

1 2
ds dx
2

But ds dx = dv = volume covered by ds.

This work done is stored as electrical energy
in volume dV.
Therefore energy stored per unit volume is
given by
du 1 2

dv 2

This is an expression for energy density in an

electric field.

ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

Electrostatics

4.

But,

Polarisation of dielectric in external electric field:

Behaviour of dielectric slab in external electric field:

du 1 2 E 2

dv 2
du 1

E2
dv 2
Where : k 0 permittivity of medium .
k dielectric consant of medium

-------------------------------------------------------------Dielectrics:
1. Dielectrics are the nonconducting substances
which contains no free charges.
2. Types of dielectrics:
Solid dielectrics:
e.g.Ceramics, glasses, plastics, rubber, mica,
asbestose etc.
Liquid dielectrics:
e.g. Mineral oil, silicone gel, magnesia etc.
3. Types of dielectric molecules:
a. Polar molecule:
It is a molecule in which centre of net positive
charge and centre of net negative charge of
revolving electrons do not cinside.
It has permanent electric dipole moment.
e.g. HCl, H2O, N2O, NH3, NO2 etc
b. Non polar molecule:
It is a molecule in which centre of net positive
charge and centre of net negative charge of
revolving electrons coinsides with each other .
It has no permanent electric dipole moment.
e.g. H2 , O2 , CO2 , polyethelene, polystyrene.
4. Effect of external electric field:
a. Effect of electric field on non polar molecules:

1. In external electric field, positive and

negative charges in non polar molecule
displaced in opposite directions.
2. Thus molecule acquires a induceddipole
moment.
3. All the induced dipoles are tends to alligned
in the direction of field. Thus substance
acquires net induced dipole moment.
b. Effect of electric field on polar molecules:

1. In the absence of electric field all the tiny

dipoles are randomly oriented due to
thermal agitation. Thus net dipole moment
is zero.
2. In an external electric field all the dipoles
gets aligned in the direction of electric
field. Thus substance acquires net induced
dipole moment. (Thermal agitation prevents
the complete alignment of dipoles.)
3. Also it increases the dipole moment of
polar molecules.
--------------------------------------------------------------

1. Dielectric slab kept in an external eletric field

acquires net dipolement and dielectric is said to
be polarised.
2. Positive and negative charges are devoloped on
end faces of the dielectric slab. They are known
as polarisation charges. Even then dielectric
slab as a whole remains electrically neutral.
3. Within dielectric field due to polarisation is
opposite to the applied field. Thus net electric
field within the dielectric is less than the
applied field.
..
Electric polarisation:
1. Polarisation is defined as net dipolement per
unit volume.
It is given by: P = e E
Where: e = electric susceptibility of dielectric.
2. Polarisation may also be defined as amount of
induced surface charge per unit area of
dielectric surface. i.e. surface density of
polarisation charges.
Therefore: P = q / A = p
It is vector quantity directed from negative
induced charge to positive induced charge.
3. It is also defined as net induced dipolemment
per unit volume.
P

Ql nql nq

V
Al
A

Where: Q l = net dipolement.

4. Its dimensions are: [ P ] = [ M0 L-2 T1 I1]
Its SI unit: C/m2
-------------------------------------------------------------Electric susceptibility:
1. For linear isotropic dielectric medium,
polarisation is proportional to intensity of
applied electric field.
2. It is given by: P = e E
Where: e = electric susceptibility of dielectric.
3. Its dimensions are: [ e ] = [ M-1 L-3 T4 I2]
4. SI unit: C/Vm = C2/Nm2
-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Define capacity of the conductor.
State its SI unit.
State the factors on which it depends.
Ans: Capacity of conductor:
With increase in charge Q, potential V of the
conductor increases.
Q V

Q C V

Q
V

Where: C = constant = capacity of conductor.

Definition of Capacity:

ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

Electrostatics

Capacity: The capacity of conductor is

defined as quantity of charge required to raise
its potential by one unit.
It is the ability of conductors to hold the
charge.
SI unit: farad (F)
1 Farad = 1 coulomb
1 volt

Definition of farad: The capacity of

conductor is said to be 1 farad if 1 coulomb
charge raises its potential by 1 volt.
Factors deciding the capacity:
The capacity of conductor depends upon:
1. Shape and size of conductor.
2. Nature of medium surrounding it.
3. The presence of other conductor in the
neighborhood of it.
-------------------------------------------------------------Que: What is capacitor or condenser?
Explain its principle.
Ans: Concept of condenser:

1. Consider an insulated charge conductor A

having charge + Q and potential V.
Its capacity is given by

C'

2.

Spherical Condenser: It consists of two

conducting concentric spheres separated by
dielectric medium.
Charge is given to inner sphere & outer
sphere is always earthed.
3. Cylindrical condenser: It consists of two coaxial conducting cylinders separated from
each other by dielectric medium.
Charge is given to inner cylinder and outer
cylinder is earthed.
B) Depending upon dielectric used:
1. Mica condensers
2. Ceramic condensers
3. Paper condensers
4. Synthetic film condenser
5. Air condensers
6. Electrolytic condensers.
-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Derive an expression for capacity of
parallel plate condenser.
Ans: Expression for capacity of parallel plate
condenser:

1.

2. If another conductor B is placed near it, it

includes charge - Q on its near surface and
charge +Q on its outer surface.
3. When B is earthed, the outer free positive
charge goes to earth and only negative charge
remains on it. It reduces the potential of A
considerably by V1 volts.
4. Therefore capacity increases considerably and
is given by

2.

3.

Q
V V '

5. Definition: Capacitor or condenser:The combination of two conductors placed near

each other, separated by some insulating
material, increase the capacity of conductor.
This arrangement is called as capacitor.
-------------------------------------------------------------Types of condensers:
A) Depending up on geometry of condenser:
1. Parallel plate condenser: It consists of two
parallel plates separated by a dielectric
material. Charge is given to one plate and
other plate is earthed.

Let P1, P2 two parallel conducting plates.

A Area of each plate.
d Distance between two plates.
k Dielectric constant of the medium
between two plates.
Charge per unit area of plate.
Let +Q be the charge given to plate P1. It
induces charge-Q on the inner side of plate
P2 and charge +Q on its outer side.
Outer positive charge passes to earth.
The intensity E is uniform between the plates
except at boundaries.
According to Gausss theorem, electric
intensity between two plates is given by

A
But E V
d
E

4.
5.

..... (1)

since
A

Where: V= potential difference between plates

Therefore equation (1) becomes
Q A

V
d
A k 0 A
C

d
d

V
Q

d A

This is an expression for capacity of parallel

plate condenser.
--------------------------------------------------------------

ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

Electrostatics

k 0A
A
, C air 0
C medium k C air
d
d
Where : k dielectric constant of medium .
C medium

..................................................................................
When plates are separated by dielectrics of
thickness d1, d2 and d3 having dielectric
constants k1, k2 and k3.
C

k 0 A 0 A

d
d
k

0 A
d1 d 2 d 3

k1 k 2
k3

This is the required expression for capacity.

-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Derive an expression for energy stored in
a charged condenser or conductor.
Ans: Energy stored in a charged condenser:
1. With increase in charge, potential of the
conductor increases. But to deposit any
amount of charge some work has to be done
against acquired potential.
q
2. Potential of conductor is given by V
C
Where: q = charge on conductor
C = capacity of conductor.
3. To deposit small charge dq, the work done
against acquired potential is given by
dW = V dq
4. Total work done in adding charge +Q is
Q

dW

dq

5.

2. When gap between the plates is completely

filled with dielectric of dielectric constant k, its
new capacity is given by: C d k 0 A
d

From these equations: Cd k C0

3. When dielectric is introduced in the plates
charge on the conducting plates does not
change but opposite charges are induced on the
surface of dielectric slab.
4. Let , i be the surface charge density on the
plates and surface of dielectrics.
Therefore net surface charge density on each
side of the capacitor is
net = - i
5. Electric field between the plates of capacitor
without dielectric is:
E0

6. Electric field between the plates of capacitor

with dielectric is:
E

net i

0
0

.....(1)

7. But we know that:

E0

k
k 0

.....(2)

8. Equating equations (1) and (2):

k 0
0

i
k

1
i 1
k

9. Charge on the plates of the capacitor without

dielectric is given by:

dq

1 q2
1 Q2

C 2 0
2 C

Q0 C0 V0 C0 E0 d

.....(3)

When dielectric is introduced Q0 remains same

and is given by:

This work done is stored as energy in

condenser or conductor.
1 Q2 1
1
U
Q V CV 2
2 C
2
2

Q

A

0 A0

Its capacity is given by: C 0 0 A

q
1
dq
C
C

Q
( Since C )
V

These are the expressions for energy stored in

condenser.
-------------------------------------------------------------Effect of dielectric on capacity:

Q0 Cd Vd C d Ed d

.....(4)

10. Equating equations (3) and (4):

C0 E0 d Cd Ed d

C d C0

E0
Ed

Cd k C0

Thus when dielectric is filled between the

plates, capacity increases by factor k = E0 / E0.
-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Derive an expression for equivalent
capacity of condensers connected in series.
Ans: Condensers connected in series:

1. Consider a parallel plate capacitor with area of

each plate A and separation between them d is
with air.
ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

Electrostatics

1. Condensers of capacities C1, C2 and C3 are

connected in series as shown in figure.
2. Let +Q be the charge supplied by the battery to
the first plate of C1, it induces charge -Q on its
second plate and +Q on first plate of C2 and so
on. Thus magnitude of charge on each plate of
condenser is of same.
3. Let V be the potential applied to the
combination and V1, V2, and V3 be the
potentials across C1, C2 and C3 respectively.
V V1 V2 V3

Que: Show that energy stored by parallel

combination is n2 times the energy stored by
series combination of n identical capacitors.
Ans: Prove that : U p n 2 U s

1.

2.

4. But V1 Q , V2 Q , V3 Q and V Q ,
C1

C2

C3

Q Q Q Q

Cs C1 C2 C3

1 1 1 1

Cs C1 C2 C3

1 1 1 1
1

........
Cs C1 C2 C3
Cn

-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Derive an expression for equivalent

capacity of condensers connected in parallel.
Ans: Net capacity of parallel combination:

.....(1)

Now consider same n identical capacitor

connected in series.

4.

Us

5.

Cs

C
n

The energy stored by this combination is

1
1C 2
Cs V 2
V
2
2 n

..... (2)

Dividing equation (1) by (2)

Up

6. If n condensers are connected in series then

1
1
Cp V 2 n C V 2
2
2

Resultant capacity is

CS

Where: Cs = resultant capacity of series

combination.
5. Using these in equation (1)

Let n identical condensers each of capacity C

connected in parallel.
Resultant capacity: Cp = n C
The energy stored by this combination
Up

3.

..... 1

Us

n2

U p n 2 U s

This proves that energy stored by parallel

combination is n2 times the energy stored by
series combination.
Therefore the parallel combination stores more
energy than series combination.
-------------------------------------------------------------Que: Distinguish between series and parallel
combinations of condensers.
Condensers in Series
Condensers in Parallel
1. Potential difference
Potential difference
is different, across
is same across
each condenser.
each condenser.
2. Charge is same on
each condenser.

1.
2.

3.

4.

Let the condensers of capacities C1, C2, C3 are

connected in parallel as shown in figure.
Let V be the potential applied to this
combination and is same for all the
capacitors.
Let Q be the charge supplied by the battery and
Q1, Q2 and Q3 be the charges on C1, C2 and C3
respectively then,
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3
.......... (1)

But, Q1= C1V, Q2 = C2V, Q3 = C3V

And Q = Cp V
Where: Cp = resultant capacity.
5. Using these in equation (1) ,
CpV = C1 V + C2V + C3V
Cp = C1 + C2 + C3
6. In general if n condensers are connected in
parallel then
Cp = C1 + C2 + C3 + ........ +C n
--------------------------------------------------------------

Charge is different
on different on
each condensers.
3. This combination
This combination
stores less energy.
stores more energy.
4. Resultant capacity
Resultant capacity
decreases.
increases.
5. It can stand high
It cannot stand very
voltages.
high voltages.
-------------------------------------------------------------Van-De Graff generator:
Van-de Graff generator is an electrostatic device
which is capable of producing very high potential
difference of the order of 107 volts.
Principle: It is based on following principles:
1. Electric discharge takes place in air or gases at
pointed conductors.
2. Electric charge resides on the surface of
charged conductor.
(i.e. when charge is given to inner surface of hollow
conductor, it is transferred to its outer surface and
spreads uniformly.)

ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

Electrostatics

10

Uses of Van-de Graff generator:

1. It is used to produced high potential of the
order of few million volts.
2. It is used to accelerate charge particles like
protons, deuterons, -particles etc. ( to
carry out nuclear reactions.)
3. These beams are used to study nuclear
structure.
4. These beams are used to treat cancer.
-------------------------------------------------------------IMPORTANT FORMULAE
1. S u rfa ce ch a rg e d en sity :

Construction:
1. It consists of a large spherical metal shell S
mounted on two insulating supports.
2. An insulating belt runs at high speed over
pulleys P1 and P2. Lower pulley is connected to
electric motor.
3. Two metal combs C1 and C2 are mounted with
pointed ends (spikes) facing the belt.
4. The emitter comb C1 is hold near the lower end
of belt. It is at high positive potential (about 104
volts. It is used to spray positive charge on
conveyer belt.)
5. The collector comb C2 is placed near the upper
end of the belt. Its pointed ends are touching
the belt and other end is in contact with inner
surface of metal sphere S.
Working:
1. Due to high electric potential near spikes of
comb C1, ions are produced and air becomes
conducting. The positive ions are sprayed on
the belt, which carries them to top.
2. These positive charges are collected by comb
C2 and transferred to metallic sphere. This
charge immediately moves to outer surface of
sphere.
3. In this way, the charge on shell can be
increased to a high potential up to 20 MV
depending on radius of sphere.
4. When shell is charged to sufficient potential,
charge starts leakaging due to ionization of
surrounding air. Limiting value of charge is
reached when rate of leakage becomes equal to
rates of deposition of charge.
5. Upper limit of charge depends up on radius of
sphere. ( A sphere of 1 m can be charged to a
potential of 3 MV)
Radius of sphere can be increased to raise the
potential of sphere.
6. To charge sphere to high negative potential,
comb C1 should be at high negative potential
with respect to ground.
..................................................................................

C h a rg e
Su rfa ce a rea

q
q

k o
3 . N o . o f tu b es o f in d u ctio n : N q
2 . N o . o f tu b es o f fo rce : N

4 . T o ta l flu x : = E S E S co s
5 . In ten sity o u tsid e th e ch a rg ed co n d u ctin g sp h e re :

R2
r2
6 . In ten sity o u tsid e th e ch a rg ed co n d u ctin g cy lin d er :
1
q

R
E

2 k 0 r
k 0 r
Q
W h ere : q
lin ea r ch a rge d en sity
L
E

1
q

4 r 2

7 . In ten sity ju st ou tsid e th e ch a rg ed co n d u cto r : E

k 0

7 . In ten sity ju st ou tsid e th e u nifo rm ly ch a r g ed in fin ite p lan e sh eet : E

8 . M ech a n ica l fo rce p er u n it a rea :

f
1 2
1

k 0 E2
ds 2 k 0 2

9 . E n ergy d en sity o r en erg y sto red p er u n it v o lu m e :

U
1 2
1

k 0 E2
V
2 k 0 2
Q
V
11 . C a p a city o f co n d u ctin g sp h ere : C 4 k 0 R
10 . C a p a city o f co n d u cto r : C

k 0 A
d
1
1
1 Q2
13 . E n ergy sto red b y ch a rged con d en ser : U C V 2 Q V
2
2
2 C
1
1
1
1
1
14 . C o n d en sers in series :

.....
C
C1 C 2 C 3
Cn
12 . C a p a city o f p a rallel p late ca p a cito r : C

15 . C o n d en sers in p a ra llel : C C 1 C 2 C 3 ..... C n

Few words for you

We cannot wait for fortune to smile on us and bless
us.
We must act and compel the fortune to smile on us.
Few ever fail by trying, few ever win who wait.
Do it now !
If you have hard work to do, Do it now.
If you have a song to sing, Sing it now.
If you have some kind words to say, Say them
now.
If you have a smile to show, Show it now.
Today the skies are clear and blue,
Tomorrow clouds may come in view,
Yesterday is not for you.
So my friends
Do it now! Do it now! Do it now!
--------------------------------------------------------------

ANARSE PHYSICS ACADEMY

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