SF017

SF027 1
UNIT 4:Capacitors and Dielectric UNIT 4:Capacitors and Dielectric
SF027 2
4.1 Capacitor
A capacitor is a device that is capable of storing electric charges a device that is capable of storing electric charges
or electric potential energy or electric potential energy.
It is consist of two conducting plates separated by a small air gap or a
thin insulator (called a dielectric dielectric such as mica, ceramics, paper or
even oil).
The conducting plates could be in the shape of
Cylindrical
Spherical
Parallel plate
The electrical symbol for a capacitor is
4.1.1 Uses of Capacitors
Capacitors are commonly used in many electronic circuits.
Some examples are :
Photoflash unit capacitor stores large amount of energy
which can be released in a flash when
triggered.
or
+
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Giant lasers large amount of energy stored in capacitors
could power large lasers.
On-off switches low energy capacitors can be used as
switches in computer motherboards.
Smoothen d.c. voltages smoothened d.c. voltages are obtained
from the rectification of a.c. voltages.
4.1.2 Types of Capacitors
There are three commercial capacitor designs.
It is tubular capacitor, high-voltage capacitor and electrolytic capacitor.
A tubular tubular capacitor whose layers of metallic foil and dielectric are
rolled into a cylinder (figure 4.1a).
High High- -voltage voltage capacitor consists of a number of interwoven metallic
plates immersed in silicone oil (figure 4.1b).
An electrolytic electrolytic capacitor consists of a metallic foil in contact with an
electrolyte (figure 4.1c).
Metal foil
Paper Fig. 4.1a Fig. 4.1a
Fig. 4.1b Fig. 4.1b
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The capacitance of a capacitor, C
Definition is defined as the ratio of the charge on either plate to the the ratio of the charge on either plate to the
potential difference between them potential difference between them.
Mathematically,
Fig. 4.1c Fig. 4.1c
4.2 Capacitance, C
V
Q
C =
where
plates the of one on charge : Q
plates two the across difference potential : V
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The unit of capacitance is the farad (F).
1 farad 1 farad is defined as the charge of 1 coulomb stored on each of the charge of 1 coulomb stored on each of
the conducting plates as a result of a potential difference of 1 the conducting plates as a result of a potential difference of 1
volt between the two plates. volt between the two plates.
i.e.
By rearranging the equation from the definition of capacitance, we get
where the capacitance of a capacitor, C is constant then
Note :
The farad is a very large unit. Therefore in many applications the
most convenient units of capacitance are microfarad microfarad and the
picofarad picofarad where the unit conversion can be shown below :
F 10 F 1
6

=
F 10 pF 1
12

=
volt
coulomb
farad
1
1
1 =
(The charges stored, (The charges stored, Q Q is directly proportional to the potential is directly proportional to the potential
difference, difference, V V across the conducting plate.) across the conducting plate.)
CV Q =
V Q
F 10
6
=
F 1 =
SF027 6
d
Q
Q +
V
A Area,
positive positive
terminal terminal
negative negative
terminal terminal Fig. 4.3a Fig. 4.3a
Consider two parallel metallic plate capacitor of equal area A are
separated by a distance d and the space between plates is vacuum or
air as shown in figure 4.3a.
One plate carries a charge +Qand the other carries a charge Qthen
the potential difference between this two parallel plates is V.
Because d is small compared to the dimensions of each plate so that
the electric field strength E is uniform between them.
The magnitude of the electric field strength is given by
4.3 Parallel-plate Capacitors
E
r
0

E =
A
Q
= and
0
A
Q
E = (1) (1)
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Since Q=CV then equation (1) can be written as
Because the field between the plates is uniform, the potential difference
between the plates is
Substituting this relation into eq. (2), thus the capacitance of a parallel-
plate capacitor is
0
A
CEd
E =
Ed V =
or
0
A
CV
E =
(2) (2)
d
A
C
0

=
where space free of ty permittivi :
0

plate the of Area : A

Parallel Parallel- -plate capacitor plate capacitor
separated by a vacuum separated by a vacuum
d
A
C

=
Parallel Parallel- -plate capacitor plate capacitor
separated by a dielectric separated by a dielectric
material material
plates two e between th distance : d
) . (
2 1 2 12
0
m N C 10 x 85 8

=
The capacitance of a The capacitance of a
parallel parallel- -plate capacitor is plate capacitor is
proportional to the area proportional to the area
of its plates and of its plates and
inversely proportional to inversely proportional to
the plate separation the plate separation
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Example 1 :
The plates of a parallel-plate capacitor are 8.0 mm apart and each has
an area of 4.0 cm
2
. The plates are in vacuum. If the potential difference
across the plates is 2.0 kV, determine
a. the capacitance of the capacitor.
b. the amount of charge on each plate.
c. the electric field strength was produced.
d. the surface charge density on each plate.
(Given permittivity of free space,
0
= 8.85 x 10
-12
C
2
N
-1
m
-2
)
Solution: d=8.0x10
-3
m, A=4.0x10
-4
m
2
, V=2.0x10
3
V
a. By applying the equation of capacitance for parallel-plate capacitor,
b. From the definition of the capacitance, the amount of charge stored
in the capacitor is given by
d
A
C
0

=
pF 44 0 F 10 x 42 4 C
13
. @ .

=
V
Q
C =
C 10 x 84 8 Q
10
= .
) . )( . (
3 13
10 x 0 2 10 x 42 4 Q

=
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c. From the relation between uniform E and V , thus
d. By using the equation of surface charge density, then
Example 2 :
A circular parallel-plate capacitor with radius of 10 cm is connected to a
15 V battery. After the capacitor is fully charged, the battery is
disconnected without loss of any of the charge on the plates. If the
separation distance between plates is 35 mm and the medium between
plates is air.
a. Find the amount of charge on each plate.
If their separation is increases to 50 mm after the battery is
disconnected, determine
b. the amount of charge on each plate.
c. the potential difference between plates.
d. the capacitance of the capacitor.
(Given permittivity of free space,
0
= 8.85 x 10
-12
C
2
N
-1
m
-2
)
A
Q
=
1 1 5
m V C N 10 x 50 2 E

= @ .
2 6
m C 10 x 21 2

= .
0
E =
0

E =
d
V
E =
or
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Solution: r=10x10
-2
m, V=15 V, d=35x10
-3
m
a. From the definition of the capacitance, the amount of charge is
The separation, d=50 mm.
b. The amount of charge on each plate is not changed because the
electric field between the plates is uniform then
c. From the relation between uniform E and V , thus
CV Q =
C 10 x 19 1 Q
10
.

=
V 4 21 V . =
V
d
A
Q
0
|
.
|

\
|

=
d
A
C
0
=
2 2 2
m 10 x 14 3 r A

= = .
and
C 10 x 19 1 Q
10
.

=
d
V
E = Ed V = and
A
Q
E
0
=
d
A
Q
V
0
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
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SF027 11
d. The capacitance of the capacitor is given by
Example 3 : (exercise)
a. A parallel-plate, air-filled capacitor has circular plates separated by
1.80 mm. The charge per unit area on each plate has magnitude
5.60 pC m
-2
. Find the potential difference between the plates of the
capacitor. (Young & Freedman,pg.934.no.24.4) Ans. :1.14 mV
b. An electric field of 2.80x10
5
V m
-1
is desired between two parallel
plates each of area 21.0 cm
2
and separated by 0.250 cm of air. Find
the charge on each plate. (Giancoli,pg.628.no. 14) Ans. :5.20x10
-9
C
(Given permittivity of free space,
0
= 8.85 x 10
-12
C
2
N
-1
m
-2
)
Example 4 : (exercise)
A 10.0 F parallel-plate capacitor with circular plates is connected to a
12.0 V battery. Calculate
a. the charge on each plate.
b. the charge on each plate if their separation were twice while the
capacitor remained connected to the battery.
c. the charge on each plate if the capacitor were connected to the
12.0 V battery after the radius of each plate was twice without
changing their separation (Young & Freedman,pg.934.no.24.5)
Ans. :120 C, 60 C, 480 C
V
Q
C =
F 10 x 56 5 C
12
.

=
d
A
C
0
= or
SF027 12
Consider a spherical capacitor consists of two thin concentric spherical
conducting shells, of radius r
a
and r
b
are separated by a vacuum as
shown in figure 4.4a.
The inner shell carries a uniformly distributed charge +Q on its surface
and the outer shell an equal but opposite charge Q.
To find the magnitude of the electric field between two spherical shells,
a spherical gaussian surface is drawn (figure 4.4a).
The magnitude of the electric field magnitude of the electric field is constant constant and normal normal to the
surface surface at each point everywhere on the gaussian surface.
By using the Gausss law,
r
b
r
a
r
Q +
Q
Fig. 4.4a Fig. 4.4a
4.4 Spherical Capacitors
Q q
enc
= and
E
r
Gaussian Gaussian
surface surface
0
enc
E
q
EdA

= =

2
r 4 dA =

where
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then the magnitude of the electric field between two spherical shells
is
To obtain the potential difference, V
ab
between the two conducting
shell, we apply the relation between E and V below,

= =
0
2

Q
) r 4 E( dA E
Edr dV =
2
0
r 4
Q
E

=
dr
dV
E =

=
a
b
a
b
r
r
V
V
Edr dV

=
a
b
r
r
2
0
b a
dr
r
1
4
Q
V V

ab b a
V V V =
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
b a 0
ab
r
1
r
1
4
Q
V

and
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
b a
a b
0
ab
r r
r r
4
Q
V

SF027 14
From the definition of the capacitance,
then the capacitance of a spherical capacitor is given by
ab
V
Q
C =
|
|
.
|

\
|

=
a b
b a
0
r r
r r
4 C
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
b a
a b
0
r r
r r
4
Q
Q
C

where space free of ty permittivi :

0

shell inner the of radius :

a
r
shell outer the of radius :
b
r
spherical capacitor spherical capacitor
separated by a vacuum separated by a vacuum
or
|
|
.
|

\
|

=
a b
b a
r r
r r
4 C
spherical capacitor spherical capacitor
separated by a dielectric separated by a dielectric
material. material.
material dielectric of ty permittivi :
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SF027 15
Example 5 :
A spherical capacitor is formed from two concentric, spherical,
conducting shells separated by vacuum. The inner sphere has radius
15.0 cm and the capacitance is 116 pF.
a. Find the radius of the outer sphere.
b. If the potential difference between the two spheres is 220 V,
calculate the magnitude of charge on each sphere.
(Young & Freedman,pg.935.no.24.12)
(Given permittivity of free space,
0
= 8.85 x 10
-12
C
2
N
-1
m
-2
)
Solution: r
a
=15.0x10
-2
m, C=116x10
-12
F
a. By using the equation of capacitance for spherical capacitor,
then the radius of the outer shell is given by
|
|
.
|

\
|

=
a b
b a
0
r r
r r
4 C
m 18 0 r
b
. =
a 0
a
b
r 4 C
Cr
r

=
SF027 16
b. Given V=220 V
From the definition of the capacitance, thus the charge on each
sphere is
Example 6 :
A 20.0 F spherical capacitor is composed of two concentric metal
spheres, one having a radius twice as large as the other. The region
between the spheres is a vacuum. Determine the volume of this region.
(Serway & Jewett,pg.823,no.12)
(Given permittivity of free space,
0
= 8.85 x 10
-12
C
2
N
-1
m
-2
)
Solution: r
a
=r, r
b
=2r
a
=2r, C=20.0x10
-6
F
CV Q =
C 10 x 55 2 Q
8
.

=
(

=
r r 2
r 2 r
4 C
0
) )( (
By applying the equation of capacitance
for spherical capacitor,
|
|
.
|

\
|

=
a b
b a
0
r r
r r
4 C
m 10 x 00 9 r
4
. =
Q
a
r
b
r
Q +
vacuum vacuum
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SF027 17
The volume of the vacuum region, V is given by
4.5.1 Capacitors connected in series
Figure 4.5a shows 3 capacitors connected in series to a battery of
voltage, V.
| |
3
a
3
b
r r
3
4
V =
3
. m 10 x 13 2 V
16
=
3
r
3
28
V =
V = V =
Volume of the Volume of the
outer sphere, outer sphere, V V
b b
- -
Volume of the Volume of the
inner sphere, inner sphere, V V
a a
4.5 Combinations of Capacitors
V
+Q +Q
1 1
- -Q Q
1 1
+Q +Q
2 2
- -Q Q
2 2
+Q +Q
3 3
- -Q Q
3 3
C C
1 1
,V ,V
1 1
C C
2 2
,V ,V
2 2
C C
3 3
,V ,V
3 3
Fig. 4.5a Fig. 4.5a
V
+Q +Q - -Q Q
C C
eq eq
,V ,V
equivalent to equivalent to
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When the circuit is complete, electrons are transferred onto the plates
such that the magnitude of the charge Q on each plate is the same.
Thus the total charge (Q) on the equivalent capacitor is
The potential difference across each capacitor C
1
,C
2
and C
3
are
V
1
,V
2
and V
3
respectively. Hence
Since the total potential difference V is given by
Therefore the equivalent (effective) capacitance C
eq
for n capacitors
connected in series is given by
3 2 1
Q Q Q Q = = =
;
1 1
1
1
C
Q
C
Q
V = =
and
n 3 2 1 eq
C
1
C
1
C
1
C
1
C
1
+ + + + = ...
3 2 1
V V V V + + =
;
2 2
2
2
C
Q
C
Q
V = =
3 3
3
3
C
Q
C
Q
V = =
3 2 1
C
Q
C
Q
C
Q
V + + =
3 2 1
C
1
C
1
C
1
Q
V
+ + =
eq
C
1
Q
V
=
capacitors connected capacitors connected
in series in series
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SF027 19
4.5.2 Capacitors connected in parallel
Figure 4.5b shows 3 capacitors connected in parallel to a battery of
voltage, V.
The potential difference across each capacitor is the same as the
supply voltage (V).
Thus the total potential difference (V) on the equivalent capacitor is
The charges stored by each capacitor C
1
,C
2
and C
3
are Q
1
,Q
2
and
Q
3
respectively. Hence
; V C V C Q
1 1 1 1
= =
3 2 1
V V V V = = =
equivalent to equivalent to
V
+Q +Q
1 1
- -Q Q
1 1
+Q +Q
2 2
- -Q Q
2 2
+Q +Q
3 3
- -Q Q
3 3
C C
1 1
,V ,V
1 1
C C
2 2
,V ,V
2 2
C C
3 3
,V ,V
3 3
Fig. 4.5b Fig. 4.5b
V
+Q +Q - -Q Q
C C
eq eq
,V ,V
; V C V C Q
2 2 2 2
= = V C V C Q
3 3 3 3
= =
SF027 20
Since the total charge Qon the equivalent capacitor is given by
Therefore the equivalent (effective) capacitance C
eq
for n capacitors
connected in parallel is given by
Example 7 :
Determine the equivalent capacitance of the configuration shown in
figure below. All the capacitors are identical and each has capacitance
of 1 F.
and
n 3 2 1 eq
C C C C C + + + + = ...
3 2 1
Q Q Q Q + + =
V C V C V C Q
3 2 1
+ + =
3 2 1
C C C
V
Q
+ + =
eq
C
V
Q
=
capacitors connected capacitors connected
in parallel in parallel
1 F
1 F
1 F
1 F
1 F
1 F
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SF027 21
Solution:
Label all the capacitors in the circuit.
To find the equivalent capacitance for circuit above, it is easier to
solve it from the end of the circuit (left) to the terminal (right) shown
by an arrow in figure above.
Capacitors C
1
, C
2
and C
3
connected in series, then
3 2 1 x
C
1
C
1
C
1
C
1
+ + =
F
3
1
C
x
=
C C
2 2
C C
5 5
C C
1 1
C C
3 3
C C
4 4
C C
6 6
C C
5 5
C C
x x
C C
4 4
C C
6 6
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Capacitors C
x
, C
4
and C
5
connected in series, then
Capacitors C
y
and C
6
connected in parallel, then the
equivalent capacitance C
eq
is given by
5 4 x y
C
1
C
1
C
1
C
1
+ + =
F
5
1
C
y
=
C C
y y
C C
6 6
6 y eq
C C C + =
F 1 F
5
1
C
eq
+
|
.
|

\
|
=
F
5
6
C
eq
=
C C
eq eq
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Example 8 :
In the circuit shown in figure above, C
1
= 2.00 F, C
2
= 4.00 F and
C
3
= 9.00 F. The applied potential difference between points a and b
is V
ab
= 61.5 V. Calculate
a. the charge on each capacitor.
b. the potential difference across each capacitor.
c. the potential difference between points a and d.
similar to (Young & Freedman,pg.936.no.24.14)
Solution:
C C
2 2
a a
C C
1 1
C C
3 3
b b
d d
C C
2 2
,V ,V
2 2
a a
C C
1 1
,V ,V
1 1
C C
3 3
,V ,V
3 3
b b
d d
a a
C C
x x
, ,V V
x x
C C
3 3
,V ,V
3 3
b b
d d
SF027 24
a. From the figure, Capacitors C
1
and C
2
connected in parallel then
the equivalent capacitance C
x
is given by
The equivalent capacitance, C
eq
in the circuit is given by
The total charge Q stored in the equivalent capacitance C
eq
is
Since the capacitors C
x
and C
3
connected in series then the charge
stored in each capacitor is the same as the total charge.
The potential difference across the capacitor C
3
is
F 4 F 2 C C C
2 1 x
+ = + =
F 6 C
x
=
3 x eq
C
1
C
1
C
1
+ =
( )( ) 5 61 10 x 6 3 V C Q
6
ab eq
. .

= =
F 6 3 C
eq
. =
C 221 Q Q Q
x 3
= = =
C 10 x 21 2 Q
4
221 @ C .

=
( )
( ) 9
221
C
Q
V
3
3
3


= =
V 6 24 V
3
. =
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SF027 25
then the potential difference across the equivalent capacitance C
x
is
given by
Since the capacitors C
1
and C
2
connected in parallel then the
potential difference across each capacitor is the same as V
x
.
Therefore
b. The potential difference across the capacitors C
1
and C
2
is
and the potential difference, V
3
is given by
c. The potential difference between points a and d is given by
3 ab x
V V V =
V 9 36 V
x
. =
V 9 36 V V V
x 2 1
. = = =
( )( ) C 8 73 9 36 2 V C Q
1 1 1
. . = = =
C 147 Q
2
=
1 x 2
Q Q Q =
2 2 2
V C Q =
V 6 24 V
3
. =
or
V 9 36 V V
2 1
. = =
V 9 36 V V
x ad
. = =
SF027 26
Example 9 : (exercise)
Four capacitors are connected as shown in figure below.
Example 10 : (exercise)
Find the equivalent capacitance between points a and b for the group
of capacitors connected as shown in figure below.
Calculate
a. the equivalent capacitance between
points a and b.
b. the charge on each capacitor if
V
ab
=15.0 V. (Serway & Jewett,pg.823,no.21)
Ans. : 5.96 F, 89.5 C on 20 F, 63.2 C
on 6 F, 26.3 C on 15 F and on 3 F
Take C
1
= 5.00 F, C
2
= 10.0 F and
C
3
= 2.00 F. (Serway & Jewett,pg.824,no.27)
Ans. : 6.04 F
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SF027 27
When the switch is closed in figure 4.6a, charges begin accumulate on
the plates.
The total work W required to increase the accumulated charge from
zero to Q is given by
Note : No charges will accumulate on each plate if the capacitor is not
charged.
4.6 Energy stored in a Charged capacitor, U
and
Fig. 4.6a Fig. 4.6a
dQ
V
+
+
+

A small amount of work (dW) is

done in bringing a small amount of
charge (dQ) from the battery to the
capacitor. This is given by
VdQ dW =
C
Q
V =
dQ
C
Q
dW =
C
Q
2
1
W U
2
= =

=
Q
0
dQ
C
Q
dW
also
QV
2
1
U =
2
CV
2
1
U = and
SF027 28
Example 11 :
Two capacitors, C
1
= 3.00 F and C
2
= 6.00 F are connected in series
and charged with a 4.00 V battery as shown in figure below.
Calculate
a. the total capacitance for the circuit above.
b. the charge on each capacitor.
c. the potential difference across each capacitor.
d. the energy stored in each capacitor.
e. the area of the each plate in capacitor C
1
if the distance between two
plates is 0.01 mm and the region between plates is vacuum.
(Given permittivity of free space,
0
= 8.85 x 10
-12
F m
-1
)
Solution: V=4.00 V
a. Since capacitors C
1
and C
2
connected in series, thus the total
capacitance, C is given by
1
C
V 00 4 .
2
C
F 00 6
1
F 00 3
1
C
1
C
1
C
1
2 1
. .
+ = + =
F 00 2 C . =
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SF027 29
b. Since capacitors C
1
and C
2
connected in series, thus the charge on
capacitors C
1
and C
2
is equal to the total charge Q in the circuit.
Therefore
c. The potential difference across:
Capacitor C
1
,
Capacitor C
2
,
d. The energy stored in:
Capacitor C
1
,
Capacitor C
2
,
( )( ) 00 4 00 2 CV Q . . = =
C 00 8 Q . =
2 1
Q Q Q = =
J 10 x 07 1 U
5
1
.

=
V 67 2 V
1
. =
1
1
1
C
Q
V =
V 33 1 V
2
. =
1 2
V V V =
or
2
2
2
C
Q
V =
( )( )
2
6 2
1 1 1
67 2 10 x 00 3
2
1
V C
2
1
U . .

= =
J 10 x 31 5 U
6
2
.

=
2
2 2 2
V C
2
1
U =
SF027 30
e. Given C
1
=3.00 x 10
-6
F, d = 0.01 x 10
-3
m and
0
= 8.85 x 10
-12
F m
-1
By applying the formula of capacitance for parallel plate capacitor,
thus the area of the each plate in capacitor C
1
is given by
Example 12 :
Consider the circuit shown in figure below, where C
1
= 6.00 F, C
2
=
3.00 F and V = 20.0 V.
Solution:
After the switch S
1
is closed. The capacitor C
1
is fully charged and
the charge has been placed on it is given by
2
m 39 3 A . =
d
A
C
0
1

=
Capacitor C
1
is first charged by the
closing of switch S
1
. Switch S
1
is
then opened, and the charged
capacitor is connected to the
uncharged capacitor by the closing
of S
2
. Calculate the initial charge
acquired by C
1
and the final charge
on each capacitor.
(Serway & Jewett,pg.824,no.23)
C 120 Q
1
=
( )( ) 0 20 00 6 V C Q
1 1
. . = =
SF017
SF027 31
After the switch S
2
is closed and S
1
is opened. The capacitors C
1
and C
2
(uncharged) are connected in parallel and the equivalent
capacitance is
By using the principle of conservation of charge, the total charge Q on
the circuit is given by
The potential difference V across each capacitor is the same (parallel)
and given by
Therefore the final charge accumulates on
capacitor C
1
:
capacitor C
2
:
F 00 9 C C C
2 1 eq
. = + =
C 8 79 Q
1
.
'
=
C 120 0 120 Q Q Q
2 1
= + = + =
V 3 13 V . ' =
eq
C
Q
V = '
' '
1 2
Q Q Q =
( )( ) 3 13 00 6 V C Q
1 1
. . '
'
= =
or
C 2 40 Q
2
.
'
=
'
'
V C Q
2 2
=
SF027 32
4.7.1 Charging a capacitor through a resistor
Figure 4.7a shows a simple circuit for charging a capacitor.
As charge accumulates on the capacitor, the potential difference across
it increases and the current is reduced until eventually the maximum
voltage across the capacitor equals the voltage supplied by the battery,
V
0
.
At this time, no further current flows (I = 0) through the resistor R and
the charge Q on the capacitor thus increases gradually and reaches a
maximum value Q
0
.
4.7 Charging and Discharging of a Capacitor
Fig. 4.7a Fig. 4.7a
0
V
R
+ + +

S , switch
C
A
B
+ + +

e
When the switch S is closed,
current I
0
immediately begins to
flow through the circuit.
Electrons will flow out from the
negative terminal of the battery,
through the resistor R and
accumulate on the plate B of
the capacitor.
Then electrons will flow into the
positive terminal of the battery,
leaving a positive charge on the
plate A.
SF017
SF027 33
0
0
I
t , time
I
0
I 37 0.
RC =
The charging process can be shown through the graphs in figure 4.7b,
4.7c and 4.7d.
Fig. 4.7b : the potential Fig. 4.7b : the potential
difference across capacitor difference across capacitor
increases with time. increases with time.
0
0
V
t , time
V
0
V 63 0.
RC =
Fig. 4.7c : the charge on the Fig. 4.7c : the charge on the
capacitor increases with capacitor increases with
time. time.
0
0
Q
t , time
Q
0
Q 63 0.
RC =
Fig. 4.7d : the current through the Fig. 4.7d : the current through the
resistor decreases exponentially resistor decreases exponentially
with time. with time.
SF027 34
The equations involved in the charging process :
|
|
.
|

\
|
=

RC
t
0
e 1 Q Q
|
|
.
|

\
|
=

RC
t
0
e 1 V V
Charge on charging Charge on charging
capacitor : capacitor :
Potential difference (voltage) Potential difference (voltage)
across charging capacitor : across charging capacitor :
0
0
V
C
Q
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
= =

RC
t
0
e 1
C
Q
C
Q
V
and
Current in resistor : Current in resistor :
RC
t
0
e I I

=
where charge maximum :
0
Q
current maximum :
0
I
resistor the of resistance : R
tage supply vol voltage maximum : =
0
V
capacitor the of e capacitanc : C
R
V
I
0
0
= and
(4.7 (4.7- -1) 1)
(4.7 (4.7- -2) 2)
(4.7 (4.7- -3) 3)
SF017
SF027 35
4.7.2 Discharging a capacitor through a resistor
Figure 4.7e shows a simple circuit for discharging a capacitor.
Initially, the potential difference (voltage) across the capacitor is
maximum, V
0
and then a maximum current I
0
flows through the resistor R.
When part of the positive charges on plate A is neutralized by the
electrons, the voltage across the capacitor is reduced.
The process continues until the current through the resistor is zero.
At this moment, all the charges at plate A is fully neutralized and the
voltage across the capacitor becomes zero.
The discharging process can be shown through the graphs in figure 4.7f,
4.7g and 4.7h.
When a capacitor is already
charged to a voltage V
0
and it is
allowed to discharge through
the resistor R as shown in figure
4.7e.
When the switch S is closed,
electrons from plate B begin to
flow through the resistor R and
neutralizes positive charges at
plate A.
Fig. 4.7e Fig. 4.7e
0
V
R
+ + +

S , switch
C
A
B
+ + +

e
SF027 36
0
0
I
t , time
I
0
I 37 0.
RC =
Fig. 4.7f : the potential Fig. 4.7f : the potential
difference across capacitor difference across capacitor
decreases exponentially decreases exponentially
with time. with time.
Fig. 4.7g : the charge on the Fig. 4.7g : the charge on the
capacitor decreases capacitor decreases
exponentially with time. exponentially with time.
Fig. 4.7h : the current through Fig. 4.7h : the current through
the resistor decreases the resistor decreases
exponentially with time. exponentially with time.
0
0
V
t , time
V
0
V 37 0.
RC =
0
0
Q
t , time
Q
0
Q 37 0.
RC =
SF017
SF027 37
The equations involved in the discharging process :
Note : For calculation of current in discharging process current in discharging process, ignore the ignore the
negative sign in the formula negative sign in the formula.
RC
t
0
e Q Q

=
RC
t
0
e V V

=
Charge on discharging Charge on discharging
capacitor : capacitor :
Potential difference (voltage) Potential difference (voltage)
across discharging capacitor : across discharging capacitor :
Current in resistor : Current in resistor :
RC
t
0
e I I

=
The negative sign indicates that as the capacitor
discharges, the current direction opposite its
direction when the capacitor was being charged.
RC
Q
I
0
0
= and
(4.7 (4.7- -4) 4)
(4.7 (4.7- -5) 5)
(4.7 (4.7- -6) 6)
SF027 38
4.7.3 Time constant,
The quantity RC RC that appears in the exponent for all equation is called
time constant time constant or relaxation time relaxation time of the circuit or mathematically
Its dimension is the dimension of time dimension of time, then the unit is second (s). second (s).
It is a measure of how quickly the capacitor charges or discharges.
Charging process
From eqs. 4.7-1 and 4.7-2, the charge Q on the capacitor and the
voltage V across it, increase from zero at t = 0 to maximum values
Q
0
and V
0
after a very long time. The time constant is defined as defined as
the time required for the capacitor to reach (1 the time required for the capacitor to reach (1- -e e
- -1 1
)=0.63 or 63% )=0.63 or 63%
of its maximum charge/voltage. of its maximum charge/voltage.
From eq. 4.7-3, the current drops exponentially in time constant
equal to . The time constant is defined as the time required for defined as the time required for
the current to drop to 1/e = 0.37 or 37% of its initial value( the current to drop to 1/e = 0.37 or 37% of its initial value(I I
0 0
). ).
Discharging process
From eqs. 4.7-4, 4.7-5 and 4.7-6, the charge Q, the voltage V and
the current I is seen to decrease exponentially in time with the same
time constant .The time constant is defined as defined as the time required the time required
for the charge on the capacitor/voltage across it/current in t for the charge on the capacitor/voltage across it/current in the he
resistor decrease to resistor decrease to 1/e = 0.37 or 37% of its initial value. 1/e = 0.37 or 37% of its initial value.
RC =
either one either one
SF017
SF027 39
Example 13 :
In the RC circuit shown in figure below, the battery has fully charged
the capacitor.
Then at t = 0 s the switch S is thrown from position a to b. The battery
voltage is 20.0 V and the capacitance C = 1.02 F. The current I is
observed to decrease to 0.50 of its initial value in 40 s. Determine
a. the value of R.
b. the time constant,
b. the value of Q, the charge on the capacitor at t = 0.
c. the value of Q at t = 60 s
Solution: V
0
=20.0 V, C=1.02x10
-6
F, I=0.50I
0
, t =40x10
-6
s
a. By applying the equation of current for discharging process (ignore
the negative sign) :
then taking natural logs on both sides, thus the value of R is
C
R
0
V
S
b
a
RC
t
0
e I I

=
( )
6
6
10 x 02 1 R
10 x 40
0 0
e I I 50 0

=
.
.
57 R =
SF027 40
b. The time constant is given by
c. By using the equation of charge for discharging process and the
time, t = 0 hence
d. By using the equation of charge for discharging process and the
time, t = 60x10
-6
s hence
RC =
RC
t
0
e Q Q

=
s 10 x 8 5
5
= .
0 0
CV Q =
0
Q Q = and
0
CV Q =
( )
5
6
10 x 8 5
10 x 60
5
e 10 x 04 2 Q

=
.
.
C 10 x 04 2 Q
5
= .
RC
t
0
e Q Q

=
C 10 x 3 7 Q
6
= .
SF017
SF027 41
Definition is defined as the non the non- -conducting (insulating) material conducting (insulating) material
placed between the plates of a capacitor. placed between the plates of a capacitor.
When a dielectric (such as rubber, glass or waxed paper) is inserted
between the plates of a capacitor, the capacitance increases.
This capacitance increases by a factor or
r
which is called the
dielectric constant (relative permittivity) dielectric constant (relative permittivity) of the material.
The advantages of inserting the dielectric between the plates of the
capacitor are
Increase in capacitance
Increase in maximum operating voltage.
Possible mechanical support between the plates, which allows the
plates to be close together without touching, thereby decreasing d
and increasing C.
4.8.1 Dielectric constant, (
r
)
Definition is defined as the ratio between the capacitance of given the ratio between the capacitance of given
capacitor with space between plates filled with capacitor with space between plates filled with
dielectric, dielectric, C C with the capacitance of same capacitor with the capacitance of same capacitor
with plates in a vacuum, with plates in a vacuum, C C
0 0
. .
Mathematically,
4.8 Dielectric
0
C
C
= (4.8 (4.8- -1) 1)
SF027 42
It is dimensionless constant (no unit).
For parallel-plates capacitor:
then the equation 4.8-1 can be written as
From the definition of the capacitance,
hence the equation 4.8-1 can be written as
0
0

= = or
d
A
C =
d
A
C
0
0

=
and
|
.
|

\
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
d
A
d
A

0
V
Q
C =
(4.8 (4.8- -2) 2)
where material dielectric of ty permittivi :
0
0
V
Q
C = and Q is constant Q is constant
V
V

0
=
where
in vacuum capacitor across difference potential :
0
V
dielectric with capacitor across difference potential : V
(4.8 (4.8- -3) 3)
SF017
SF027 43
From the relationship between E and V for uniform electric field,
thus the equation 4.8-3 can be written as
The dielectric constant depends on the insulating material used. Table
below shows the value of dielectric constant and the dielectric strength
fro several materials.
Ed V =
d E V
0 0
=
and
where
in vacuum capacitor the of strength field electric :
0
E
E
E

0
= (4.8 (4.8- -4) 4)
Ed
d E

0
=
dielectric with capacitor the of strength field electric : E
60 2.1 Teflon
- 80 Water
15 2.5 Silicone oil
16 3.7 Paper
7 3.2 Mylar
3 1.00059 Air
Dielectric Strength
(10
6
V m
-1
)
Dielectric constant,
Material
SF027 44
The dielectric strength is defined as the electric field strength at the electric field strength at
which dielectric breakdown occurs and the material becomes a which dielectric breakdown occurs and the material becomes a
conductor. conductor.
Since V=Ed for a uniform electric field, the dielectric strength
determines the maximum potential difference that can be applied
across a capacitor per meter of plate spacing.
Summary :
Example 14 :
A parallel-plate capacitor has plates of area A = 2x10
-10
m
2
and
separation d = 1 cm. The capacitor is charged to a potential difference
V
0
= 3000 V. Then the battery is disconnected and a dielectric sheet of
the same area A is placed between the plates as shown in figure below.
dielectric dielectric
d
In the presence of the dielectric, the potential
difference across the plates is reduced to 1000 V.
Determine
a. the initial capacitance of the air-filled capacitor.
b. the charge on each plate before the dielectric is
inserted.
c. the capacitance after the dielectric is in place.
E
E
V
V
C
C

0 0
0 0
= = = =

SF017
SF027 45
d. the relative permittivity.
e. the permittivity of dielectric sheet.
f. the initial electric field.
g. the electric field after the dielectric is inserted.
(Given permittivity of free space,
0
= 8.85 x 10
-12
F m
-1
)
Solution: d=1x10
-2
m, A=2x10
-10
m
2
, V
0
=3000 V , V=1000 V
a. Before the dielectric is in place, the capacitance is given by
b. The charge on each plate is
c. In the presence of the dielectric, the charge on each plate is the
same as before the dielectric was inserted. Therefore the
capacitance is
d
A
C
0
0

=
0 0 0
V C Q =
F 10 x 77 1 C
19
0
.

=
V
Q
C
0
=
C 10 x 31 5 Q
16
0
.

=
F 10 x 31 5 C
19
.

=
SF027 46
d. From the definition of dielectric constant, thus relative permittivity is
e. The permittivity of dielectric sheet is
f. By applying the relationship between E and V for uniform electric
field, the magnitude of the initial electric field is
g. The magnitude of the final electric field is
0
C
C
=
0
=
3 =
d
V
E
0
0
=
2 1 2 1 - 11
m N C m F 10 x 66 2

= @ .
1 - 1 - 5
0
@V m C N 10 x 3 E =
E
E

0
=
1 - 5
C N 10 x 1 E =
( )
3
10 x 3
E
5
=
SF017
SF027 47
4.8.2 Dielectric effect on the parallel-plate capacitor
(a) Polar dielectrics
The molecules of some dielectrics like water have permanent electric
dipole moments where the concentration of positive and negative
charges are separated.
When no electric fields is present the polar molecules are oriented
randomly as shown in figure 4.8a . The electric dipoles tend to line up
when the external electric field is applied to them as in figure 4.8b.
The alignment of the electric dipoles produces an electric field that is
directed opposite the applied field and smaller in magnitude.
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
Fig. 4.8b Fig. 4.8b
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
Fig. 4.8a Fig. 4.8a
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
SF027 48
(b) Non-polar dielectrics
Non-polar molecules such as glass or paraffin oil have their positive and
negative charge centres at the same point in the absence of an external
electric field as shown in figure 4.8c.
When the non-polar molecules are placed in an external electric field,
these centres become separated slightly and the molecules acquire
induced dipole moments. These induced dipole moments tend to align
with the electric field and the dielectric is polarized as shown in figure
4.8d.
Fig. 4.8c Fig. 4.8c
+

Fig. 4.8d Fig. 4.8d

+ +
+
+ +
+
+ +
+
+ +
+
+ +
+
+ +
+
SF017
SF027 49
(c) Dielectric in a parallel-plate capacitor
Consider a capacitor whose plates are separated by a dielectric
material (either polar or non-polar). This capacitor has a charge +Q on
one plate and Q on the other, so that the electric field E
0
is produced
between the plates. Because of the electric field, all the dielectric
molecules tend to become oriented as shown in figure 4.8e.
The net effect in either case polar or non-polar is as if there were a net
negative charge on the outer edge of the dielectric facing the positive
plates and a net positive charge on the opposite side as shown in figure
4.8f.
Q +
0
E
r
Fig. 4.8e Fig. 4.8e
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_
+
_

+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Q
SF027 50
The electric field lines do not pass through the dielectric but instead end
on charges induced on the surface of the dielectric as shown in figure
4.8f. Therefore the electric field within the dielectric is less than in air.
0
E
r
Fig. 4.8f Fig. 4.8f

+
+
+
+
+
+
+

+
+
+
Fig. 4.8g Fig. 4.8g

+
+
+
+
+
+
+

+
+
+
0
E
r
ind
E
r
SF017
SF027 51
According to figure 4.8g, the electric field within the dielectric E is given
by
since
ind 0
E E E
r r r
+ =
ind 0
E E E =

E
E
0
=

E
E E
0
ind 0
=
then
or
|
.
|

\
|
=

1
1 E E
0 ind
where
plates on the charges the to due field electric :
0
E
on the charge induced the to due field electric :
ind
E
dielectric the of surfaces