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NEET 2024 Revision Notes for Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

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NEET 2024 Revision Notes for Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance - Free PDF Download

Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance is a fundamental chapter of the Class 12 Physics syllabus for NEET. This chapter introduces the concept of static electricity and electrostatic potential and relevant principles. Students will learn to define an electric charge and how it is passed from one conductor to another. They will also learn how electric potential is maintained in a capacitor. To make these advanced concepts easier to comprehend, refer to the Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Class 12 notes.


These notes are designed by the subject matter experts to offer a simpler explanation of all the concepts in this chapter. Scientific principles related to static electricity, conductance, and capacitance will become clearer. Students will be able to clarify doubts on their own and prepare this chapter in a better way by using these notes.

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Access NEET 2024 Revision Notes Physics Electrostatic Potential

Electrostatic potential:

Electrostatic potential at a point can be physically interpreted as the work done by the field in displacing a unit positive charge from some reference point to the given point. Mathematically it is given by,

V=Wq0

Potential at a point is analytically defined as a scalar function of position whose negative gradient at a point gives electric intensity

E=gradV=V=Vxi^Vyj^Vzk^

Potential at earth is assumed to be zero as it is a large conductor and its potential is approximately constant with respect to the given charge to it.


Potential Difference:

Potential difference is defined as the amount of work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to another point. Mathematically,

Vab=abE.dr

Its value does not depend on frame of reference; hence it is an absolute quantity.

As the electric field is conservative, work done and hence potential difference between two points is path independent and depends only on the position of points.

W1=W2=W3

Electric Potential Due to a Point Charge: Electric potential at a point distance r from a point charge q is V=q4πε0r


Electric Potential due to System of Charges: The electric potential at a point due to a system of charges is equal to the algebraic sum of the electric potentials due to individual charges at that point.

V=14πε0(q1r1+q2r2+q3r3+......qnrn)=14πε0i=1nqiri


Electric Potential at any Point due to an Electric Dipole:

The electric potential at point P due to an electric dipole is V=14πε0pcosθr2

Special cases : 

  • Where the point P lies on the axial line of the dipole i.e, θ=00.

V=p4πε0r2

  • When the point P lies on the equatorial line of the dipole, i.e.,  θ=900

V = 0.


Electric Potential due to Uniformly Charged Thin Spherical Shell:

Electric potential due to a uniformly charged spherical shell of uniform surface charge density σ and radius R at a point distant r from the centre of the shell is given as follows:

At a point outside the shell i.e.,  r >> R

V=14πε0qr

At a point on the surface of the shell i.e.,   r = R

V=14πε0qR

At a point inside the shell i.e.,  r << R

V=14πε0qR

Here, q=4πR2σ


Electric potential on a spherical shell on radius R


Electric Potential on a Spherical Shell on Radius R


Variation of electric field and potential of the spherical shell


Variation of Electric Field and Potential of the Spherical Shell


Electric Potential due to a Uniformly Charged non Conducting Solid Sphere:

Electric potential due to a uniformly charged non-conducting solid sphere of uniform volume charge density ρ and radius R at a point distant r from the centre of sphere is given as follows:

At a point outside the sphere i.e.,   r > R

Vout=14πε0qr

At a point on the surface of the sphere i.e.,   r = R

Vs=14πε0qR

At a point inside the sphere i.e.,     r < R

Vc=14πε0q(3R2r2)2R3

Here q=43πR2ρ


Variation of potential and radius for a non-conducting sphere
 


Variation of Potential and Radius for a Non-conducting Sphere


Equipotential Surfaces:

An equipotential surface is a surface with a constant value of potential at all points on the surface.

Electric field lines are always perpendicular in an equipotential surface.

Work done in moving an electric charge from one point to another on an equipotential surface is zero.

Two equipotential surfaces can never intersect one another.


Relationship between E and V

E=V

Where V=(i^x+j^y+k^z)

-ve Sign shows that the direction of E is the direction of decreasing potential.


Electric Potential Energy:

Electric potential energy of a system of charges is the total amount of work done in bringing the various charges to their respective positions from infinitely large mutual separations.

The SI unit of electrical potential energy is joule.

Electric potential energy of a system of two charges is U=14πε0q1q2r12

Where r12 is the distance between q1 and q2.

Electric potential energy of a system of n point charges 

U=14πε0all pairsqjqkrjk

Note in this summation, we should include only one term for each pair of charges.


Conductors and Insulators

Those substances which can easily allow electricity to pass through them are called conductors. 


They have a large number of free-charge carriers that are free to move inside the material. Metals, human and animal bodies on earth are conductors. 


Those substances which do not allow electricity to pass through them are called insulators also called dielectrics.


Basic Electrostatics Properties of a Conductor:

Inside a conductor, the electric field is zero. 

At the surface of a charged conductor, the electric field must be normal to the surface at every point.

The interior of a conductor can have no excess charge in a static situation.

Electric potential is constant throughout the volume of the conductor and has the same value (as inside) on its surface.

Electric field at the surface of a charged conductor

E=σε0n^

Where σ the surface is charge density and n^ is a unit vector normal to the surface in the outward direction.


Electrostatic Shielding: It is the phenomenon of protecting a certain region of space from the external electric field.


Dielectrics and Polarisation:

Dielectrics: Dielectrics are non-conducting substances. In contrast to conductors, they have no (or negligible number of) charge carriers.


Polar Molecule: A polar molecule is one in which the centres of positive and negative charges are separated (even when there is no external field). A polar molecule has a permanent dipole moment. Example: Water (H2O) and HCL.


The relationship between dielectrics and polarisation is given by P=εoχeE where P is polarisation, εo is permittivity in free space, χe is called susceptibility of the dielectric medium which is equal to εr1 where εr is called dielectric constant and E is the electric field of the medium.


Non-polar Molecule: A nonpolar molecule is one in which the centres of positive and negative charges coincide. A nonpolar molecule has no permanent dipole moment. Example: Oxygen (O2 ) and Hydrogen (H2).


Polarisation: The dipole moment per unit volume is called polarisation and is denoted by P.

For, linear isotropic dielectrics P=χE  where χp  is a constant characteristic of the dielectric and is called the electric susceptibility of the dielectric medium.


Capacitance:

Capacitance (C) of a capacitor is the ratio of charge (Q) given and the potential (V) to which it is raised.

C=QV 

The SI unit of capacitance is the farad (F).

1 millifarad(mF) = 103 farad

1 microfarad(Μf) = 106 farad

1 picofarad(pF) = 1012 farad

Capacitance is a scalar quantity. The dimensional formula of capacitance is [M1L2T4A2] .


The Capacitance of Spherical Conductor:

Capacitance of a spherical conductor of radius R is C=4πε0R. Taking earth to be a conducting sphere of radius 6400 km, its capacitance will be:

C=4πε0R=6.4×1069×109=711μF 


Capacitor:

A condenser or a capacitor is a device that stores electric charge. It consists of two conductors separated by an insulator or dielectric medium. The two conductors carry equal and opposite charges ±Q .


In an electrical circuit, a capacitor of fixed capacitance is represented but the symbol as shown in the figure:



Simple Capacitor


Simple Capacitor



Variable Capacitor


Variable Capacitor



Types of Capacitors:

Depending on their geometry, capacitors are classified as:

  • Parallel plate capacitor

  • Cylindrical capacitor

  • Spherical capacitor

Parallel Plate Capacitor: It consists of two similar flat conducting plates, arranged parallel to one another, separated by a distance. Its capacitance is given by

C=ε0Ad (When air is between the plates)

C=Kε0Ad (When dielectric is between the plates)

Where A is the area of each plate and d is separation between the two plates.

When a dielectric slab of thickness t and dielectric constant K is introduced between the plates, then the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is given by

C=ε0Adt(11K) 

When a metallic conductor of thickness t is introduced between the plates, then capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is given by: 

C=εoAdt 


Cylindrical capacitor: It consists of two coaxial cylinders of same length.

Capacitance of an air filled cylindrical capacitor is

C=2πε0Lln(ba) 

Where a, b are the inner and outer radii and L is the length.


Spherical Capacitor: It consists of two concentric spherical shells.

Capacitance of an air filled spherical capacitor is

C=4πε0abba 

Where a, b are the inner and outer radii.


Grouping of Capacitors:

Capacitors in Series: For n capacitors connected in series, the equivalent capacitance Cs  is given by:

1Cs=1C1+1C2+.....+1Cn 

Capacitors in parallel: For n capacitors connected in parallel, the equivalent capacitance Cp  is given by

Cp=C1+C2+.....+Cn

When capacitors are connected in series, the charge through each capacitor is the same.

When capacitors are connected in parallel, the potential difference across each capacitor is the same.


Series and Parallel Circuit


Series and Parallel Circuit


Energy Stored In a Capacitor:

Work done in charging a capacitor gets stored in the capacitor in the form of its electric potential energy and it is given by U=12CV2=12QV=12Q2C 

Energy Density:

The energy stored per unit volume in the electric field between the plates is called energy density (u).It is given by: 

u=12ε0E2

Sharing of Charges:

When two capacitors charged to different potentials are connected by a conducting wire, charge flows from the one at higher potential to the other at lower potential till their potentials become equal. The equal potential is called common potential. It is given by

V=Total chargeTotal capacity=Q1+Q2C1+C2=C1V1+C2V2C1+C2 

In sharing charges there is absolutely no loss of charge some energy is however, lost in the process in the form of heat etc which is given by U1U2=C1C2(V1V2)22(C1+C2)


Sharing of charges in a capacitor


Sharing of charges in a capacitor


Effect of Dielectric:

When a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is introduced between the plates of a charged parallel plate capacitor and the charging battery remains connected, then:

Potential difference between the plates remains constant  i.e.,  V=V0

Capacitance increases  i.e., C=KC0

Charge on a capacitor increases  i.e.,  Q=KQ0

Electric field between the plates remains unchanged  i.e.,  E=E0

Energy stored in a capacitor increases  i.e., U=KU0

When a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is introduced between the plates of a charged parallel plate capacitor and the charging battery is disconnected, then

Charge remains unchanged  i.e.,   Q=Q0

Capacitance increases   i.e.,  C=KC0

Potential difference between the plates decreases  i.e.,  V=V0K

Electric field between the plates decreases  i.e.,  E=E0K

Energy stored in the capacitor decreases  i.e.,  U=U0K

Where Q0,C0,V0,E0 and U0 represents the charge, capacitance, potential difference, electric field and energy stored in the capacitor of a charged air filled parallel plate capacitor.


Van De Graaff Generator:

A Vande Graaff generator consists of a large spherical conducting shell (a few metres in diameter).By means of a moving belt and suitable brushes, charge is continuously transferred to the shell and potential difference of the order of several million volts is built up which can be used for accelerating charged particles.


Parts of Van De Graff Generator


Parts of Van De Graff Generator


Points to Remember:

Electrostatic potential at a point can be physically interpreted as the work done by the field in displacing a unit positive charge from some reference point to the given point.

Potential difference is defined as the amount of work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to another point.


Potential can be expressed and defined for a dipole, point charge and a system of charges, for uniformly spherical conducting and non-conducting shells.


An equipotential surface is a surface with a constant value of potential at all points on the surface. Work done in moving an electric charge from one point to another on an equipotential surface is zero.


Relationship between E and V E=V


Electric potential energy of a system of charges is the total amount of work done in bringing the various charges to their respective positions from infinitely large mutual separations.


Those substances which can easily allow electricity to pass through them are called conductors. They have a large number of free-charge carriers that are free to move inside the material. Metals, human and animal bodies on earth are conductors. 


Those substances which do not allow electricity to pass through them are called insulators also called dielectrics.


  • Electrostatic shielding: It is the phenomenon of protecting a certain region of space from the external electric field.

  • Dielectrics: Dielectrics are non-conducting substances. In contrast to conductors, they have no (or negligible number of) charge carriers.

  • Polar molecule: A polar molecule is one in which the centres of positive and negative charges are separated (even when there is no external field). A polar molecule has a permanent dipole moment. Example: Water (H2O) and HCL.

  • Non-polar molecule: A nonpolar molecule is one in which the centres of positive and negative charges coincide. A nonpolar molecule has no permanent dipole moment. Example: Oxygen (O2 ) and Hydrogen (H2).

  • Polarisation: The dipole moment per unit volume is called polarisation and is denoted by P.

Capacitance (C) of a capacitor is the ratio of charge (Q) given and the potential (V) to which it is raised.


A condenser or a capacitor is a device that stores electric charge. It consists of two conductors separated by an insulator or dielectric medium.


Types of capacitor are parallel, cylindrical, spherical capacitors.


Capacitors can be grouped either in series or in parallel in the circuit.


Work done in charging a capacitor gets stored in the capacitor in the form of its electric potential energy and it is given by U=12CV2=12QV=12Q2C 


The energy stored per unit volume in the electric field between the plates is called energy density (u).


Sharing of charges and effect of dielectric on capacitance

A Vande Graaff generator consists of a large spherical conducting shell (a few metres in diameter).By means of a moving belt and suitable brushes, charge is continuously transferred to the shell and potential difference of the order of several million volts is built up which can be used for accelerating charged particles.


Important Formulae:

V=Wq0

E=gradV=V=Vxi^Vyj^Vzk^

Vab=abE.dr

V=q4πε0r (for a point charge)

V=14πε0(q1r1+q2r2+q3r3+......qnrn)=14πε0i=1nqiri (for a system of charges)

V=14πε0pcosθr2

Electric potential due to uniformly charged thin spherical shell:

V=14πε0qr (Outside the shell)

V=14πε0qR (At the surface)

V=14πε0qR (Inside the shell)

Here, q=4πR2σ

Electric potential due to a uniformly charged non conducting solid sphere:

V=14πε0qr (Outside)

V=14πε0qR (At the surface)

V=14πε0q(3R2r2)2R3 (Inside)

Here q=43πR2ρ

Relationship between E and V

E=\gradVv

Where $\grad V = \left( {\hat i\dfrac{\partial }{{\partial x}} + \hat j\dfrac{\partial }{{\partial y}} + \hat k\dfrac{\partial }{{\partial z}}} \right)$

U=14πε0q1q2r12

U=14πε0all pairsqjqkrjk

C=ε0Ad (When air is between the plates)

C=Kε0Ad (When dielectric is between the plates)

C=2πε0Lln(ba) (for cylindrical capacitors)

C=4πε0abba (for spherical capacitors)

Capacitors in series: For n capacitors connected in series, the equivalent capacitance Cs  is given by:

1Cs=1C1+1C2+.....+1Cn 

Capacitors in parallel: For n capacitors connected in parallel, the equivalent capacitance Cp  is given by

Cp=C1+C2+.....+Cn

Energy stored in a capacitor: U=12CV2=12QV=12Q2C 

Energy density: u=12ε0E2

Sharing of charges: V=Total chargeTotal capacity=Q1+Q2C1+C2=C1V1+C2V2C1+C2 


Questions:

1) Two Capacitors are charged by a battery. The battery is removed and another identical uncharged capacitor is connected in parallel. The total electrostatic energy of resulting system is:

a) Decreases by a factor of 2

b) Remains the same

c) Increases by a factor of 2

d) Increases by a factor of 4

Answer: option a)

Solution:

When a capacitor is charged by a battery of potential v, the energy stored in the capacitor is U=12CV2 .

When a battery is removed another identical uncharged capacitor is connected in parallel then common potential would be:

V1=CVC+C=V2 

Then the energy stored in the capacitor,

Uf=12(2C)(V2)=14CV2 

From eqns. (i) and (ii)

Uf=Ui2  .

Thus the energy is reduced by the factor of 2 and option (a) is correct.


2) The electric potential V at any point x, y, z (all in metres) is given by V=4x2 V. Then which of the following statements is true about its potential?

a) Potential at y and z is 0.

b) Potential at point (1, 0, 2) has magnitude of 8

c) Potential at point (1, 0, 2) is 8i^ Vm1 

d) All of them are true

Answer: Option a), b) and c) 

Solution:

Given: V=4x2 

Ex=δVδx=δ(4x2)δx=8x 

Here as V is depending only on x its potential on y and z is always 0.

At x=1m, potential is:

V=8x=8i^ Vm1 

Its magnitude would be V=(8)2=8 

Thus, options a), b) and c) are true.       


Importance of Class 12 Physics NEET Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

The chapter on Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance will define what an electric charge is along with the difference between positive and negative charges. Students will learn how to compare mass and charge and their properties to understand the core concepts of this chapter.


The chapter will also introduce new concepts related to point charge, dimensional formula, unit formula, and different methods of charging. Students will also find out what an electroscope is and its implications in the modern world.


The laws related to electricity will be explained using various mathematical tools and scientific derivations. Students will understand how these laws define something universal and can use them to solve fundamental problems in the NEET exam.


They will learn what an electric field is and how its intensity can be defined using various laws and fundamental principles. This chapter is very important as it builds a strong foundation of the concepts of electricity, electric charge, electric potential and capacitance. Comprehending these new concepts becomes a lot easier when you use Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance NEET notes.


Benefits of Vedantu’s Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance NEET Notes

These notes have been compiled by the experts by focusing on the objectives of scientific principles related to static electricity, electrostatic potential, and capacitance. You will find these simpler explanations of this chapter very useful to study and complete preparing this chapter.


The concepts related to electric charge, field intensity of electricity, electric field lines, and the motion of charged particles will be simplified for better comprehension. You will become skilled at using the scientific derivation and formulae of this chapter to solve conceptual NEET questions easily.


Use these notes to revise this chapter within a short span of time and prepare a stronghold on the concepts. Learn how the experts have explained them simply to grab the principles and their objectives faster.


Revise using these notes and save your precious time. Recall the laws, definitions, meaning, scientific derivations, etc. in no time by referring to these Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance NEET notes and become better at answering fundamental questions.


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FAQs on NEET 2024 Revision Notes for Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

1. What do you mean by electric potential energy?

The potential across an electric field that drives the charge from one point to the other point is called electric potential energy. It is measured in electron volt (eV).

2. What are electric field lines?

According to the Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance notes, an electric field line is an imaginary curve or line representing the electric field vector and its tangent at a particular point.

3. Who introduced the concept of electric field lines?

Michael Faraday was the one to theorise and introduce the concept of electric field lines. He used imaginary lines proven with experiments to represent an electric field.

4. What is electrostatic potential?

The work done to bring a charge from one point to another in an electric field is called electrostatic potential.