26

Capacitance and Dielectrics

CHAPTER OUTLINE
26.1
26.2
26.3
26.4
26.5
26.6
26.7

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Definition of Capacitance
Calculating Capacitance
Combinations of Capacitors
Energy Stored in a Charged
Capacitor
Capacitors with Dielectrics
Electric Dipole in an Electric Field
An Atomic Description of
Dielectrics

*Q26.1 (a) False. (b) True. In Q = CV, the capacitance is the

proportionality constant relating the variables Q and V.
Q26.2

Seventeen combinations:
C1 , C2 , C3
Individual
C1 + C2 + C3 , C1 + C2 , C1 + C3 , C2 + C3
Parallel
1

Series-Parallel

1
1
1
1
1
1
C + C + C3 , C + C + C2 , C + C + C1
1
3
2
3
1
2
1

1
1
1
1
1
1
C + C + C , C + C + C , C + C + C
2
3
1
1
2
3
1
3
2
1

Series

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
C + C + C , C + C , C + C , C + C
2
3
1
3
1
2
3
1
2

*Q26.3 Volume is proportional to radius cubed. Increasing the radius by a factor of 31/3 will triple the
volume. Capacitance is proportional to radius, so it increases by a factor of 31/3 . Answer (d).
*Q26.4 Let C2 = NC1 be the capacitance of the large capacitor and C1 that of the small one.
The equivalent capacitance is
Ceq = Ceq =

1
1
N
=
=
C1
1 / C1 + 1 / NC1 ( N + 1) / NC1 N + 1

This is slightly less than C1, answer (d).

*Q26.5 We nd the capacitance, voltage, charge, and energy for each capacitor.
V = 4 V
Q = CV = 80 C U = (1/2)QV = 160 J
(a) C = 20 F
(b) C = 30 F
V = Q/C = 3 V
Q = 90 C
U = 135 J
(c) C = Q/V = 40 F V = 2 V
Q = 80 C
U = 80 J
(d) C = 10 F
V = (2U/C)1/2 = 5 V Q = 50 C
U = 125 J
(e) C = 2U/V 2 = 5 F V = 10 V
Q = 50 C
U = 250 J
(f) C = Q2/2U = 20 F V = 6 V
Q = 120 C
U = 360 J
Then (i) the ranking by capacitance is c > b > a = f > d > e.
(ii) The ranking by voltage V is e > f > d > a > b > c.
(iii) The ranking by charge Q is f > b > a = c > d = e.
(iv) The ranking by energy U is f > e > a > b > d > c.

75

76

Q26.6

Chapter 26

A capacitor stores energy in the electric eld between the plates. This is most easily seen when
using a dissectible capacitor. If the capacitor is charged, carefully pull it apart into its component pieces. One will nd that very little residual charge remains on each plate. When reassembled, the capacitor is suddenly rechargedby inductiondue to the electric eld set up and
stored in the dielectric. This proves to be an instructive classroom demonstration, especially
when you ask a student to reconstruct the capacitor without supplying him/her with any rubber
gloves or other insulating material. (Of course, this is after they sign a liability waiver.)

*Q26.7 (i) According to Q = CV, the answer is (b).

(ii) From U = (1/2)CV 2, the answer is (a).
*Q26.8 The charge stays constant as C is cut in half, so U = Q2/2C doubles: answer (b).
*Q26.9 (i) Answer (b).

(ii) Answer (c).

(iii) Answer (c).

(iv) Answer (a).

(v) Answer (a).

*Q26.10 (i) Answer (b).

(ii) Answer (b).

(iii) Answer (b).

(iv) Answer (c).

(v) Answer (b).

Q26.11

The work you do to pull the plates apart becomes additional electric potential energy stored in
the capacitor. The charge is constant and the capacitance decreases but the potential difference
1
increases to drive up the potential energy Q V . The electric eld between the plates is
2
constant in strength but lls more volume as you pull the plates apart.

Q26.12 The work done, W = Q V , is the work done by an external agent, like a battery, to move a charge
through a potential difference, V. To determine the energy in a charged capacitor, we must add
the work done to move bits of charge from one plate to the other. Initially, there is no potential
difference between the plates of an uncharged capacitor. As more charge is transferred from one
plate to the other, the potential difference increases as shown in the textbook graph
of V versus Q, meaning that more work is needed to transfer each additional bit of charge.
1
The total work is the area under the curve on this graph, and thus W = Q V .
2
*Q26.13 Let C = the capacitance of an individual capacitor, and Cs represent the equivalent capacitance
of the group in series. While being charged in parallel, each capacitor receives charge
Q = C Vcharge = ( 5.00 10 4 F ) (800 V ) = 0.400 C
While being discharged in series,

Vdischarge =

0.400 C
Q
Q
=
=
= 8.00 kV
Cs C 10 5.00 10 5 F

(or 10 times the original voltage). Answer (b).

Q26.14 The potential difference must decrease. Since there is no external power supply, the charge on
the capacitor, Q, will remain constantthat is, assuming that the resistance of the meter is
sufciently large. Adding a dielectric increases the capacitance, which must therefore decrease
the potential difference between the plates.
*Q26.15 (i) Answer (a).
(iii) Answer (c).

(ii) Because V is constant, Q = CV increases, answer (a).

(iv) Answer (c).
(v) U = (1/2)CV 2 increases, answer (a).

Q26.16 Put a material with higher dielectric strength between the plates, or evacuate the space between
the plates. At very high voltages, you may want to cool off the plates or choose to make them of a
different chemically stable material, because atoms in the plates themselves can ionize, showing
thermionic emission under high electric elds.

Capacitance and Dielectrics

77

Q26.17 The primary choice would be the dielectric. You would want to choose a dielectric that has a large
dielectric constant and dielectric strength, such as strontium titanate, where 233 (Table 26.1).
A convenient choice could be thick plastic or Mylar. Secondly, geometry would be a factor. To maximize capacitance, one would want the individual plates as close as possible, since the capacitance is
proportional to the inverse of the plate separationhence the need for a dielectric with a high dielectric
strength. Also, one would want to build, instead of a single parallel plate capacitor, several capacitors
in parallel. This could be achieved through stacking the plates of the capacitor. For example, you can
alternately lay down sheets of a conducting material, such as aluminum foil, sandwiched between your
sheets of insulating dielectric. Making sure that none of the conducting sheets are in contact with their
next neighbors, connect every other plate together. Figure Q26.17 illustrates this idea.

Dielectric

Conductor
FIG. Q26.17

This technique is often used when home-brewing signal capacitors for radio applications, as
they can withstand huge potential differences without ashover (without either discharge between
plates around the dielectric or dielectric breakdown). One variation on this technique is to sandwich
together exible materials such as aluminum roof ashing and thick plastic, so the whole product
can be rolled up into a capacitor burrito and placed in an insulating tube, such as a PVC pipe, and
then lled with motor oil (again to prevent ashover).

SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
Section 26.1
P26.1

P26.2

)
F ) (1.50 V) = 6.00 10

(a)

Q = C V = ( 4.00 10 6 F (12.0 V) = 4.80 10 5 C = 48.0 C

(b)

Q = C V = ( 4.00 10 6

(a)

C=

(b)

V =

Section 26.2
P26.3

Definition of Capacitance

C = 6.00 C

Q 10.0 10 6 C
=
= 1.00 10 6 F = 1.00 F
V
10.0 V
Q 100 10 6 C
=
= 100 V
C 1.00 10 6 F

Calculating Capacitance

kq
E = e2 :
r

( 4.90 10 N C) ( 0.210 m )
q=
( 8.99 10 N m C )
4

= 0.240 C

q 0.240 10 6
=
= 1.33 C m 2
A 4 ( 0.120 )2

(a)

(b)

C = 4 0 r = 4 ( 8.85 10 12 ( 0.120 ) = 13.3 pF

78

Chapter 26
3
12
2
0 A (1.00 ) ( 8.85 10 C ) (1.00 10 m )
C=
=
= 11.1 nF
d
N m 2 ( 800 m )
2

P26.4

The potential between ground and cloud is

V = Ed = ( 3.00 10 6 N C ( 800 m ) = 2.40 10 9 V

Q = C ( V ) = (11.1 10
P26.5

P26.6

20.0 V
= 11.1 kV m
1.80 10 3 m

(a)

V = Ed so

(b)

E=

(c)

A ( 8.85 10
C= 0 =
d

(d)

V =

so
0

E=

C V ( 2.40 10 9 V = 26.6 C

toward the negative plate

= (1.11 10 4 N C ) ( 8.85 10 12 C2 N m 2 ) = 98.3 nC m 2

Q
so
C

12

C2 N m 2 ( 7.60 cm 2 (1.00 m 100 cm )

1.80 10 3 m

= 3.74 pF

Q = ( 20.0 V) ( 3.74 10 12 F = 74.7 pC

With = , the plates are out of mesh and the overlap area is zero.

R2
. By proportion,
2
( ) R 2
.
the effective area of a single sheet of charge is
2
With = 0, the overlap area is that of a semi-circle,

When there are two plates in each comb, the number of adjoining
sheets of positive and negative charge is 3, as shown in the sketch. When
there are N plates on each comb, the number of parallel capacitors
is 2 N 1 and the total capacitance is
C = ( 2 N 1)

P26.7

P26.8

0 Aeffective ( 2 N 1) 0 ( ) R 2 2
( 2 N 1) 0 ( ) R 2
=
.
=
distance
d 2
d
( V )
Q
= = 0
A
d

Q=

0 A
( V )
d

d=

( 8.85 1012 C2 N m 2 (150 V) = 4.42 m

0 ( V )
=

( 30.0 109 C cm 2 (1.00 10 4 cm 2 m 2

F
F

= 0:

T cos mg = 0

= 0:

T sin Eq = 0
Eq
mg

Dividing,

tan =

so

E=

and

V = Ed =

mg
tan
q
mgd tan
q

FIG. P26.6

Capacitance and Dielectrics

P26.9

50.0
=
= 2.68 nF
9
2 ke ln ( b / a ) 2 ( 8.99 10 ln ( 7.27 / 2.58 )

(a)

C=

(b)

Method 1:

b
V = 2 ke ln
a
q 8.10 10 6 C
=
= 1.62 10 7 C m


50.0 m
7.27
= 3.02 kV
V = 2 ( 8.99 10 9 (1.62 10 7 ln
2.58

Method 2:

V =

Q 8.10 10 6
=
= 3.02 kV
C 2.68 10 9

*P26.10 The original kinetic energy of the particle is

2
1
1
K = m v 2 = ( 2 10 16 kg ) ( 2 10 6 m s ) = 4.00 10 4 J
2
2
Q 1 000 C
The potential difference across the capacitor is V = =
= 100 V.
C
10 F
For the particle to reach the negative plate, the particle-capacitor system would need energy
U = qV = ( 3 10 6 C ) ( 100 V ) = 3.00 10 4 J
Since its original kinetic energy is greater than this, the particle will reach the negative plate .
As the particle moves, the system keeps constant total energy
4.00 10 4 J + (3 10 6 C) (+100 V) =

( K + U )at + plate = ( K + U )at plate:

2 (1.00 10 4 J )

vf =

P26.11

= 1.00 10 6 m s

(a)

C=

( 0.070 0 ) ( 0.140 )
ab
=
= 15.6 pF
ke ( b a ) ( 8.99 10 9 ( 0.140 0.070 0 )

(b)

C=

Q
V

Section 26.3
P26.12

2 10 16 kg

(a)

1
(2 1016 ) v2f + 0
2

V =

Q 4.00 10 6 C
=
= 256 kV
C 15.6 10 12 F

Combinations of Capacitors
Capacitors in parallel add. Thus, the equivalent capacitor has a value of
Ceq = C1 + C2 = 5.00 F + 12.0 F = 17.0 F

(b)

The potential difference across each branch is the same and equal to the voltage of the battery.
V = 9.00 V

(c)

Q5 = C V = ( 5.00 F ) ( 9.00 V) = 45.0 C

and Q12 = C V = (12.0 F ) ( 9.00 V) = 108 C

79

80

P26.13

Chapter 26

(a)

(c)

In series capacitors add as

1
1
1
1
1
=
+
=
+
Ceq C1 C2 5.00 F 12.0 F

and

Ceq = 3.53 F

The charge on the equivalent capacitor is

Qeq = Ceq V = ( 3.53 F ) ( 9.00 V ) = 31.8 C

Each of the series capacitors has this same charge on it.

(b)

P26.14

So

Q1 = Q2 = 31.8 C

The potential difference across each is

V1 =

Q1 31.8 C
=
= 6.35 V
C1 5.00 F

and

V2 =

Q2 31.8 C
=
= 2.65 V
C2 12.0 F

(a)

Capacitors 2 and 3 are in parallel and present equivalent capacitance 6C. This is in
1
1
1
series with capacitor 1, so the battery sees capacitance
+
= 2C .
3C 6C

(b)

If they were initially uncharged, C1 stores the same charge as C2 and C3 together.
With greater capacitance, C3 stores more charge than C2 . Then Q1 > Q3 > Q2 .

(c)

(d)

The ( C2 || C3 ) equivalent capacitor stores the same charge as C1. Since it has greater
Q
capacitance, V = implies that it has smaller potential difference across it than C1.
C
In parallel with each other, C2 and C3 have equal voltages: V1 > V2 = V3 .
If C3 is increased, the overall equivalent capacitance increases. More charge moves
through the battery and Q increases. As V1 increases, V2 must decrease so Q2 decreases.
Then Q3 must increase even more: Q3 and Q1 increase; Q2 decreases .

P26.15

C p = C1 + C2

1
1
1
=
+
Cs C1 C2

Substitute C2 = C p C1

C p C1 + C1
1
1
1
=
+
=
Cs C1 C p C1 C1 C p C1

Simplifying,

C12 C1C p + C p Cs = 0

C1 =

C p C p2 4 C p Cs
2

1
1 2
Cp
C p C p Cs
2
4

We choose arbitrarily the + sign. (This choice can be arbitrary, since with the case of the minus
sign, we would get the same two answers with their names interchanged.)
C1 =

1
1 2
1
1
Cp +
C p C p Cs = ( 9.00 pF ) +
( 9.00 pF )2 ( 9.00 pF ) ( 2.00 pF ) = 6.00 pF
2
4
2
4

C2 = C p C1 =

1
1 2
1
C p C p Cs = ( 9.00 pF ) 1.50 pF = 3.00 pF
Cp
2
4
2

Capacitance and Dielectrics

P26.16

81

C p = C1 + C2
and

1
1
1
=
+ .
Cs C1 C2

Substitute

C2 = C p C1 :

C p C1 + C1
1
1
1
=
+
=
Cs C1 C p C1 C1 C p C1

Simplifying,

C12 C1C p + C p Cs = 0

and

C1 =

C p C p2 4 C p Cs
2

1
1 2
Cp +
C p C p Cs
2
4

where the positive sign was arbitrarily chosen (choosing the negative sign gives the same values
for the capacitances, with the names reversed).
Then, from

C2 = C p C1
C2 =

P26.17

(a)

1
1 2
Cp
C p C p Cs
2
4

1
1
1
=
+
Cs 15.0 3.00
Cs = 2.50 F
C p = 2.50 + 6.00 = 8.50 F

1
1
Ceq =
+
8.50 F 20.0 F

(b)

= 5.96 F

Q = C V = ( 5.96 F ) (15.0 V) = 89.5 C on 20.0 F

Q 89.5 C
=
= 4.47 V
C 20.0 F
15.0 4.47 = 10.53 V
V =

Q = C V = ( 6.00 F ) (10.53 V) = 63.2 C on 6.00 F

89.5 63.2 = 26.3 C on 15.0 F and 3.00 F
P26.18

(a)

In series , to reduce the effective capacitance:

1
1
1
=
+
32.0 F 34.8 F Cs
1
Cs =
= 398 F
2.51 10 3 F

(b)

In parallel , to increase the total capacitance:

29.8 F + C p = 32.0 F
C p = 2.20 F

FIG. P26.17

82

P26.19

Chapter 26

C=

Q
so
V

and

6.00 10 6 =

Q
20.0

Q = 120 C
Q1 = 120 C Q2

and
or

120 Q2 Q2
=
C1
C2

Q
:
C
120 Q2
Q
= 2
6.00
3.00
V =

FIG. P26.19

( 3.00 ) (120 Q2 ) = ( 6.00 ) Q2

Q2 =

360
= 40.0 C
9.00

Q1 = 120 C 40.0 C = 80.0 C

P26.20

For C1 connected by itself, C1 V = 30.8 C where V is the battery voltage: V =

For C1 and C2 in series:

1
1 C + 1 C V = 23.1 C
1
2
substituting, 30.8 C = 23.1 C + 23.1 C
C1
C1
C2

C1 = 0.333C2

For C1 and C3 in series:

1
1 C + 1 C V = 25.2 C
1
3
30.8 C 25.2 C 25.2 C
=
+
C1
C1
C3

C1 = 0.222C3

For all three:

1
C1 V
30.8 C
Q=
V =
=
= 19.8 C

1 + C1 C2 + C1 C3 1 + 0.333 + 0.222
1 C1 + 1 C2 + 1 C3
This is the charge on each one of the three.
P26.21

nC =

nC =

100
1
1 + 1 +
C+
C
C 



n capacitors

100C
n

so

100
nC

n 2 = 100

and

n = 10

30.8 C
.
C1

Capacitance and Dielectrics

P26.22

According to the suggestion, the combination

of capacitors shown is equivalent to

Then

1
1
1
1
=
+
+
C C0 C + C0 C0
C + C0 + C0 + C + C0
=
C0 (C + C0 )
C0 C + C02 = 2C 2 + 3C0 C
2C 2 + 2C0 C C02 = 0
C=

2C0 4 C02 + 4 ( 2C02

FIG. P26.22

4
Only the positive root is physical.
C=

P26.23

C0
2

1
1
Cs =
+
5.00 10.0

3 1
1

= 3.33 F

C p1 = 2 ( 3.33) + 2.00 = 8.66 F

C p 2 = 2 (10.0 ) = 20.0 F
1
1
Ceq =
+
8.66 20.0

= 6.04 F
FIG. P26.23

P26.24

Qeq = Ceq ( V ) = ( 6.04 10 6 F ( 60.0 V) = 3.62 10 4 C

Q p1 = Qeq ,

so

Vp1 =

Qeq
C p1

3.62 10 4 C
= 41.8 V
8.66 10 6 F

Q3 = C3 Vp1 = ( 2.00 10 6 F ( 41.8 V) = 83.6 C

P26.25

1
1
Cs =
+
5.00 7.00

= 2.92 F

C p = 2.92 + 4.00 + 6.00 = 12.9 F

FIG. P26.25

83

84

Chapter 26

Section 26.4
P26.26

U=

Energy Stored in a Charged Capacitor

1
C V 2
2

V =

P26.27

P26.28

2 ( 300 J )
= 4.47 10 3 V
30 10 6 C V

2U
=
C

(a)

U=

1
1
2
2
C ( V ) = ( 3.00 F ) (12.0 V) = 216 J
2
2

(b)

U=

1
1
2
2
C ( V ) = ( 3.00 F ) ( 6.00 V) = 54.0 J
2
2

U=

1
2
C ( V )
2

The circuit diagram is shown at the right.

(a)

C p = C1 + C2 = 25.0 F + 5.00 F = 30.0 F

U=

(b)

1
2
30.0 10 6 (100 ) = 0.150 J
(
2

1
1
Cs = +
C1 C2

1
1
=
+
25.0 F 5.00 F

= 4.17 F
FIG. P26.28

1
2
U = C ( V )
2
V =

P26.29

2 ( 0.150 )
= 268 V
4.17 10 6

W = U = Fdx
so

P26.30

2U
=
C

F=

dU d Q 2 d Q 2 x
Q2
= =
=
dx dx 2C dx 2 0 A 2 0 A

With switch closed, distance d = 0.500 d and capacitance C =

0 A 2 0 A
=
= 2C .
d
d

(a)

Q = C ( V ) = 2C ( V ) = 2 ( 2.00 10 6 F (100 V) = 400 C

(b)

The force stretching out one spring is

Q2
4C 2 ( V )
2C 2 ( V )
2C ( V )
=
=
=
20 A
20 A
d
(0 A d ) d
2

F=

d
One spring stretches by distance x = , so
4
2
2
8 ( 2.00 10 6 F ) (100 V )
F 2C ( V ) 4 8C ( V )
=
=
=
= 2.50 kN m
d
x
d
d2
(8.00 10 3 m )2
2

k=

Capacitance and Dielectrics

P26.31

Q = C V = (150 10 12 F (10 10 3 V = 1.50 10 6 C

(b)

U=

1
2
C ( V )
2

V =

P26.32

(a)

2U
=
C

2 ( 250 10 6 J
150 10 12 F

)=

1
1
2
2
2
C ( V ) + C ( V ) = C ( V )
2
2

(a)

U=

(b)

The altered capacitor has capacitance C =

C ( V ) + C ( V ) = C ( V ) +

C
( V )
2

C
. The total charge is the same as before:
2
V =

( V )
1 4 V
1 1 4 V
= 4C
+
C
C

2 3
22 3
3
2

P26.33

1.83 10 3 V

4 V
3

(c)

U =

(d)

The extra energy comes from work put into the system by the agent pulling the capacitor
plates apart.

U=

1
R
kQ
kQ
2
C ( V ) where C = 4 0 R =
and V = e 0 = e
2
ke
R
R

U=

1 R keQ
keQ 2
=

2 ke R
2R
2

1 q12 1 q22 1
1 (Q q1 )
q12
.
+
=
+
2 C1 2 C2 2 4 0 R1 2 4 0 R 2
2

P26.34

(a)

The total energy is U = U1 + U 2 =

For a minimum we set

dU
= 0:
dq1

1 2 q1
1 2(Q q1 )
+
(1) = 0
2 4 0 R1 2 4 0 R2
R2 q1 = R1Q R1q1
Then q2 = Q q1 =

(b)

q1 =

R1Q
R1 + R2

R2Q
= q2 .
R1 + R2

V1 =

ke q1
ke R1Q
kQ
=
= e
R1
R1 ( R1 + R2 ) R1 + R2

V2 =

ke q2
ke R2Q
kQ
=
= e
R2
R2 ( R1 + R2 ) R1 + R2

and V1 V2 = 0

85

86

P26.35

Chapter 26

then

Eint = m ( 4 186 J kg C ) (100C 30.0C ) + m ( 2.26 10 6 J kg = 2.50 10 7 J

giving

m = 9.79 kg

Section 26.5
P26.36

1
1
TET = Q V = ( 50.0 C ) (1.00 10 8 V = 2.50 10 9 J
2
2
and 1% of this (or Eint = 2.50 10 7 J) is absorbed by the tree. If m is the amount of water boiled
away,
The energy transferred is

Capacitors with Dielectrics

Qmax = C Vmax ,
but

Vmax = Emax d

Also,

C=

0 A
d
0 A
Qmax =
( Emax d ) = 0 AEmax
d

Thus,
(a)

With air between the plates, = 1.00

Emax = 3.00 10 6 V m

and

Therefore,
Qmax = 0 AEmax = (8.85 10 12 F m ) ( 5.00 10 4 m 2 ) ( 3.00 10 6 V m ) = 13.3 nC
(b)

With polystyrene between the plates, = 2.56 and Emax = 24.0 10 6 V m .

Qmax = 0 AEmax = 2.56 ( 8.85 10 12 F m ) ( 5.00 10 4 m 2 ) ( 24.0 10 6 V m ) = 272 nC

P26.37

P26.38

12
4
2
0 A 2.10 ( 8.85 10 F m ) (1.75 10 m )
= 8.13 10 11 F = 81.3 pF
=
d
4.00 10 5 m

(a)

C=

(b)

Vmax = Emax d = ( 60.0 10 6 V m ( 4.00 10 5 m = 2.40 kV

Consider two sheets of aluminum foil, each 40 cm by 100 cm, with one sheet of plastic between
2.54 cm
them. Suppose the plastic has 3, Emax ~ 10 7 V m , and thickness 1 mil =
. Then,
1 000
12
2
2
2
0 A 3 ( 8.85 10 C N m )( 0.4 m )
~
C=
~ 10 6 F
2.54 10 5 m
d
Vmax = Emax d ~ (10 7 V m ) ( 2.54 10 5 m ) ~ 10 2 V

P26.39

C=
or

0 A
d
9

95.0 10 =

= 1.04 m

3.70 ( 8.85 10 12 ( 0.070 0 )

0.025 0 10 3

Capacitance and Dielectrics

P26.40

C=

Originally,
(a)

The charge is the same before and after immersion, with value Q =
Q=

(b)

0 A
Q
=
d
( V )i

Finally,
Q
0 A
Cf =
=
d
( V ) f

( 8.85 10

Cf =

12

0 A ( V )i
.
d

C2 N m 2 ( 25.0 10 4 m 2 ( 250 V)

(1.50 102 m

80.0 ( 8.85 10 12 C2 N m 2 ( 25.0 10 4 m 2

( V ) f

(1.50 10

)=

= 369 pC

118 pF

A ( V )i d ( V )i 250 V
Qd
= 0
=
=
= 3.12 V
0 A
0 Ad

80.00

Originally,

A ( V )i
1
2
U i = C ( V )i = 0
2
2d

Finally,

0 A ( V )i 0 A ( V )i
1
2
U f = C f ( V ) f =
=
2
2d 2
2d

So,

U = U f U i =

(c)

0 A ( V )i ( 1)
2d
2

U =

P26.41

(8.85 10

12

C2 N m 2 ) ( 25.0 10 4 m 2 ) ( 250 V ) ( 79.0 )

2

2 (1.50 10 2 m ) (80.0 )

= 45.5 nJ

The given combination of capacitors is equivalent to the circuit

diagram shown to the right.
Put charge Q on point A. Then,
Q = ( 40.0 F ) VAB = (10.0 F ) VBC = ( 40.0 F ) VCD

FIG. P26.41

So, VBC = 4 VAB = 4 VCD, and the center capacitor will break down rst, at VBC = 15.0 V.
When this occurs,
1
VAB = VCD = ( VBC ) = 3.75 V
4
and VAD = VAB + VBC + VCD = 3.75 V + 15.0 V + 3.75 V = 22.5 V .

87

88

Chapter 26

Section 26.6
P26.42

(a)

Electric Dipole in an Electric Field

The displacement from negative to positive charge is

2a = 1.20 i + 1.10 j mm 1.40 i 1.30 j mm = 2.60 i + 2.40 j 10 3 m

The electric dipole moment is


p = 2aq = ( 3.50 10 9 C ) 2.60 i + 2.40 j 10 3 m =

(b)

12

Cm

  
= p E = 9.10 i + 8.40 j 10 12 C m 7.80 i 4.90 j 10 3 N C

= +44.6 k 65.5 k 10 9 N m = 2.09 10 8 N mk

(c)

( 9.10 i + 8.40 j) 10

 
U = p E = 9.10 i + 8.40 j 10 12 C m 7.80 i 4.90 j 10 3 N C

U = ( 71.0 + 41.2 ) 10 9 J = 112 nJ

(d)


2
2
p = ( 9.10 ) + (8.40 ) 10 12 C m = 12.4 10 12 C m

2
2
E = ( 7.80 ) + ( 4.90 ) 10 3 N C = 9.21 10 3 N C
 
U min = 114 nJ
U max = p E = 114 nJ,
U max U min = 228 nJ

P26.43

(a)

Let x represent the coordinate of the negative

charge. Then x + 2 a cos is the coordinate of the
positive charge. The force on the negative charge

is F = qE ( x ) i. The force on the positive charge is

dE
F+ = + qE ( x + 2a cos ) i qE ( x ) i + q
( 2a cos ) i .
dx

F+

p
F-

E
FIG. P26.43(a)

  
dE
dE
The force on the dipole is altogether F = F + F+ = q
( 2a cos ) i = p cos i .
dx
dx
(b)

The balloon creates eld along the x-axis of

Thus,

dE (2 ) ke q
=
.
dx
x3

At x = 16.0 cm,

ke q
i.
x2

9
6
dE (2 ) ( 8.99 10 ) ( 2.00 10 )
=
= 8.78 MN C m
3
dx
(0.160)


F = ( 6.30 10 9 C m ) (8.78 10 6 N C m ) cos 0i = 55.3i mN

Capacitance and Dielectrics

Section 26.7
P26.44

(a)

An Atomic Description of Dielectrics

Consider a gaussian surface in the form of a cylindrical pillbox with ends of area A << A
parallel to the sheet. The side wall of the cylinder passes no ux of electric eld since this
surface is everywhere parallel to the eld. Gausss law becomes
EA + EA =

(b)

Q
Q
A, so E =
directed away from the positive sheet.
A
2 A

Q
away from the positive and
2 A
toward the negative sheet. Together, they create a eld of
In the space between the sheets, each creates eld

Q
A

E=
(c)

Assume that the eld is in the positive x-direction. Then, the potential of the positive plate
relative to the negative plate is
+ plate
 
Qd
Q
E
s
i i dx = +
d

A
A
plate
plate
+ plate

V =
(d)
P26.45

89

Capacitance is dened by: C =

Q
Q
A 0 A
.
=
=
=
d
d
V Qd A

Emax occurs at the inner conductors surface.

2 ke
from an equation derived about this situation in Chapter 24.
a
b
V = 2 ke ln from Example 26.1.
a
V
Emax =
a ln ( b a )
Emax =

3.00
b
= 19.0 kV
Vmax = Emax a ln = (18.0 10 6 V m ) ( 0.800 10 3 m ) ln
0.800
a

Additional Problems
P26.46

Imagine the center plate is split along its midplane and pulled apart.
We have two capacitors in parallel, supporting the same V and
A
carrying total charge Q. The upper has capacitance C1 = 0
and the
d
A
lower C2 = 0 . Charge ows from ground onto each of the outside
2d
plates so that Q1 + Q2 = Q
V1 = V2 = V
Q1 Q2 Q1d Q2 2d
=
=
=
C1 C2 0 A 0 A

Then
(a)

(b)

Q
Q
. On the lower plate the charge is .
3
3

Q1 =

2Q
2Q
. On the upper plate the charge is
.
3
3
2Qd
Q1
=
3 0 A
C1

2d

FIG. P26.46

Q1 = 2Q2

Q2 =

V =

2Q2 + Q2 = Q

90

P26.47

Chapter 26

(a)

Each face of P2 carries charge, so the three-plate system is equivalent to

P2
P3

P2

P1

Each capacitor by itself has capacitance

C=

12
2
4
2
0 A 1( 8.85 10 C ) 7.5 10 m
=
= 5.58 pF
d
N m 2 1.19 10 3 m

Then equivalent capacitance = 5.58 + 5.58 = 11.2 pF .

(b)

Q = C V + C V = 11.2 10 12 F (12 V ) = 134 pC

(c)

Now P3 has charge on two surfaces and in effect three capacitors are in parallel:
C = 3 ( 5.58 pF ) = 16.7 pF

(d)
P26.48

Only one face of P4 carries charge: Q = C V = 5.58 10 12 F (12 V ) = 66.9 pC

From the Example about a cylindrical capacitor,

Vb Va = 2 ke ln

b
a

Vb 345 kV = 2 (8.99 10 9 Nm 2 C2 ) (1.40 10 6 C m ) ln

12 m
0.024 m

= 2 (8.99 ) (1.4 10 3 J C ) ln 500 = 1.564 3 10 5 V

Vb = 3.45 10 5 V 1.56 10 5 V = 1.89 10 5 V
P26.49

(a)

We use the equation U = Q2/2C to nd the potential energy of the capacitor. As we will
see, the potential difference V changes as the dielectric is withdrawn. The initial and
1 Q2
1 Q2
nal energies are U i = and U f = .
2 Ci
2 Cf
1 Q2
But the initial capacitance (with the dielectric) is Ci = C f . Therefore, U f = .
2 Ci
Since the work done by the external force in removing the dielectric equals the change in
1 Q2 1 Q2 1 Q2
potential energy, we have W = U f U i = = ( 1) .
2 Ci 2 Ci 2 Ci
To express this relation in terms of potential difference Vi , we substitute Q = Ci ( Vi ) , and
1
1
2
2
evaluate: W = Ci ( Vi ) ( 1) = ( 2.00 10 9 F ) (100 V) ( 5.00 1.00 ) = 4.00 10 5 J .
2
2
The positive result conrms that the nal energy of the capacitor is greater than the initial
energy. The extra energy comes from the work done on the system by the external force
that pulled out the dielectric.

(b)

The nal potential difference across the capacitor is V f =

Q
.
Cf

Ci
and Q = Ci ( Vi ) gives V f = Vi = 5.00 (100 V ) = 500 V .

Even though the capacitor is isolated and its charge remains constant, the potential
difference across the plates does increase in this case.
Substituting C f =

Capacitance and Dielectrics

*P26.50 (a)
50 m F

20 m F

30 m F

C1

FIG. P26.50a

(b )

1
= 20 F
1 / 30 + 1 / (20 + C1 )

gives

1
1
1
1
1
+
=
so
=
20 + C1 60
30 20 + C1 20

and C1 = 40.0 F
6V

(c)

50 m F

30 m F

60 m F

FIG. P26.50c

For the 50 F, V = 6.00 V

and Q = CV = 300 C .

For the 30 F and 60 F, the equivalent capacitance is 20 F and Q = CV =

20 F 6 V = 120 C .
For 30 F, V = Q/C = 120 C/30 F = 4.00 V .
For 20 F and 40 F, V = 120 C/60 F = 2.00 V .
For 20 F, Q = CV = 20 F 2 V = 40.0 C .
For 40 F, Q = CV = 40 F 2 V = 80.0 C .
P26.51

= 3.00 , Emax = 2.00 108 V m =

For

Vmax
d

C=

0 A
= 0.250 10 6 F
d

A=

( 0.250 10 6 ) ( 4 000 ) = 0.188 m 2

C Vmax
Cd
=
=
0 0 Emax 3.00 (8.85 10 12 ) ( 2.00 108 )

91

92

Chapter 26

*P26.52 (a)

The partially lled capacitor constitutes two capacitors in series, with separate capacitances
1 0 A
6.5 0 A
and
d (1 f )
fd

and equivalent capacitance

6.5 0 A
A
1
6.5
=
= 0
= 25.0 F (1 0.846 f )1
d (1 f )
fd

+
6
.
5
d
6
.
5
df
fd
d
6
.
5

5
.
5
f
+
0 A
6.5 0 A
(b)

For f = 0, the capacitor is empty so we can expect capacitance 25.0 F , and the
expression in part (a) agrees with this.

(c)

For f = 1 we expect 6.5(25.0 F) = 162 F. The expression in (a) becomes

25.0 F(1 0.846)1 = 162 F, in agreement .

(d)

The charge on the lower plate creates an electric eld in the liquid given by
E=

Q
300 C
=
A 0 A 6.5 0

The charge on the upper plate creates an electric eld in the vacuum according to
E=

300 C
Q
=
A 0
A 0

The change in strength of the eld at the upper surface of the liquid is described by
300 C Qinduced 300 C
+
=
A 6.5 0
A 0
A 0
which gives Qinduced = 254 C, independent of f . The induced charge
will be opposite in sign to the charge on the top capacitor plate and
the same in sign as the charge on the lower plate .
P26.53

(a)

(b)

Put charge Q on the sphere of radius a and Q on the other sphere. Relative to V = 0 at
innity,
the potential at the surface of a is

Va =

keQ keQ

a
d

and the potential of b is

Vb =

keQ keQ
.
+
b
d

The difference in potential is

Va Vb =

and

C=

As d ,
C=

keQ keQ keQ keQ

+

a
b
d
d

4 0
Q
=
Va Vb
(1 a ) + (1 b ) ( 2 d )

1
1
becomes negligible compared to . Then,
a
d

1
1
1
4 0
and
=
+
C
4 0 a 4 0 b
1 a +1 b

as for two spheres in series.

Capacitance and Dielectrics

P26.54

93

The initial charge on the larger capacitor is

Q = C V = 10 F (15 V ) = 150 C
An additional charge q is pushed through the 50-V battery, giving the smaller capacitor charge q
and the larger charge 150 C + q .
50 V =

Then

q
150 C + q
+
5 F
10 F

500 C = 2q + 150 C + q
q = 117 C

P26.55

So across the 5- F capacitor

V =

q 117 C
=
= 23.3 V
C
5 F

Across the 10- F capacitor

V =

150 C + 117 C
= 26.7 V
10 F

3
1.00 gal
1.00 m = 5.24 10 7 J kg
Btu gal ) (1 054 J Btu )

3
3
3.786 10 m 670 kg

Gasoline:

(126 000

Battery:

(12.0 J C)(100

C s)( 3 600 s)

16.0 kg
Capacitor:

1
2

( 0.100 F ) (12.0 V )2
0.100 kg

= 2.70 10 5 J kg

= 72.0 J kg

Gasoline has 194 times the specific energy content of the battery and 727 000 times thhat of the
capacitor.
*P26.56 (a)

The portion of the device containing the dielectric has plate area
x and
capacitance C1 =

0
x
. The unlled part has area
(
x ) and
d

capacitance C2 =

0
(
x )
. The total capacitance is C1 + C2 = 0
2 +
x ( 1) .
d
d
1 Q2
Q2d
.
=
2
2 C
2 0 (
+
x ( 1))

(b)

The stored energy is U =

(c)


dU
Q 2 d
( 1)

F =
i=
2 i . When x = 0, the original value of the force
dx
20 (
2 +
x ( 1))
is

Q 2 d ( 1)
i. As the dielectric slides in, the charges on the plates redistribute themselves.
20
3

The force decreases to its nal value

Q 2 d ( 1)
i.
2 0
3 2

continued on next page

94

Chapter 26

(d)

 2Q 2 d ( 1)
,F=
i.
2
2
0
3 ( + 1)
For the constant charge on the capacitor and the initial voltage we have the relationship
At x =

Q = C0 V =

0
2 V
d

 2 0
( V )2 ( 1)
i
Then the force is F =
2
d ( + 1)
 2 (8.85 10 12 C2 ) 0.05 m ( 2 000 Nm )2 ( 4.5 1)
i = 205 N i
F=
2
Nm 2 ( 0.002 m ) C2 ( 4.5 + 1)
*P26.57 The portion of the capacitor nearly lled by metal has

0 (
x )

d
Q2
0
2C

capacitance
and stored energy
The unlled portion has

0
(
x )
d

capacitance

Q=

The charge on this portion is

(a)

(
x ) Q0

The stored energy is

Q 2 (
x ) d
Q 2 (
x ) Q0

U=
=
= 0
2C 2 0
(
x ) d
2 0
3
2

(b)

F =

F=

2
dU
d Q (
x ) d
Q2d
= 0
= + 0 3
3
2 0

dx
dx 2 0

Q02 d
to the right (into the capacitor)
2 0
3

(c)

Stress =

(d)

u=

F
Q02
=
2 0
4

d
2

Q02
1
1
1 Q
. The answers to parts (c) and (d) are
0 E 2 = 0 = 0 0 2 =
20
4
2
2 0
2 0

precisely the same.

*P26.58 One capacitor cannot be used by itselfit would burn out. She can
use two capacitors in parallel, connected in series to another two
capacitors in parallel. One capacitor will be left over. The equivalent
capacitance is

1
= 100 F . When 90 V is
1

F
+
200
(
) ( 200 F )1

FIG. P26.58

connected across the combination, only 45 V appears across each individual capacitor.

Capacitance and Dielectrics

P26.59

95

Call the unknown capacitance Cu

Q = Cu ( Vi ) = ( Cu + C ) V f

C V f

Cu =

( Vi ) ( Vf )

(100.0 F ) (30.0 V ) =
(100 V 30.0 V )

4.29 F

*P26.60 Consider a strip of width dx and length W at position x from the front left corner. The
W dx
capacitance of the lower portion of this strip is 1 0
. The capacitance of the upper portion
t x/L
2 0 W dx
is
. The series combination of the two elements has capacitance
t (1 x / L )

WL dx
1
= 1 2 0
tx
t ( L x)

2 tx + 1tL 1tx
+
1 0 WL dx 2 0 WL dx
The whole capacitance is a combination of elements in parallel:
C=

L WL ( ) tdx
1 2 0 WL dx
1
1 2
0
2
1
=

0
( 2 1 ) tx + 1tL ( 2 1 ) t
( 2 1 ) tx + 1tL

L
1 2 0 WL
WL ( 2 1 ) tL + 1tL
ln
ln ( 2 1 ) tx + 1tL 0 = 1 2 0

0 + 1tL
( 2 1 ) t
( 2 1 ) t

1 WL
1 2 0 WL
1 2 0 WL 2
=
ln
ln 2 = 1 2 0
ln 1
=
( 2 1 ) t 1 (1) ( 2 1 ) t 1 ( 1 2 ) t 2
(b)

The capacitor physically has the same capacitance if it is turned upside down, so the answer
should be the same with 1 and 2 interchanged. We have proved that it has this property in
the solution to part (a).

(c)

Let 1 = 2 (1 + x). Then C =

2 (1 + x ) 2 0 WL
ln [1 + x ].
2 xt

As x approaches zero we have C =

P26.61

(a)

C0 =

(1 + 0) 0 WL
0 WL
as was to be shown.
x=
xt
t

0 A Q0
=
d
V0

When the dielectric is inserted at constant voltage,

Q
C = C0 =
V0
U0 =

C0 ( V0 )
2

C ( V0 ) C0 ( V02 )
=
U=
2
2
U
=
U0
2

and

(b)

The extra energy comes from (part of the) electrical work done by the battery in separating
the extra charge.
Q0 = C0 V0
and

Q = C V0 = C0 V0

so the charge increases according to

Q
= .
Q0

96

P26.62

Chapter 26

Assume a potential difference across a and b, and notice that the potential difference across the
8.00 F capacitor must be zero by symmetry. Then the equivalent capacitance can be determined from the following circuit:

FIG. P26.62

Cab = 3.00 F
P26.63

Initially (capacitors charged in parallel),

q1 = C1 ( V ) = ( 6.00 F ) ( 250 V ) = 1 500 C
q2 = C2 ( V ) = ( 2.00 F ) ( 250 V ) = 500 C
After reconnection (positive plate to negative plate),
qtotal
= q1 q2 = 1 000 C

and

V =

qtotal

1 000 C
=
= 125 V
Ctotal 8.00 F

Therefore,
q1 = C1 ( V ) = ( 6.00 F ) (125 V ) = 750 C
q2 = C2 ( V ) = ( 2.00 F ) (125 V ) = 250 C
*P26.64 Let charge per length be on one wire and be on the other. The electric eld due to the charge
on the positive wire is perpendicular to the wire, radial, and of magnitude
E+ =

2 0 r

The potential difference between the surfaces of the wires due to the presence of this charge is
+ wire

V1 =

 
E dr =

wire

2 0

dr
D r

ln
=

r
r
2

0
Dr

The presence of the linear charge density on the negative wire makes an identical contribution
to the potential difference between the wires. Therefore, the total potential difference is
V = 2 ( V1 ) =

D r
ln
0 r

With D much larger than r we have nearly V =

D
ln

0
r

and the capacitance of this system of two wires, each of length
, is

C=

0





Q
=
=
=
V V ( 0 ) ln [ D r ] ln [ D r ]

The capacitance per unit length is

0
C
=

ln [ D / r ]

Capacitance and Dielectrics

P26.65

97

By symmetry, the potential difference across 3C is zero, so the circuit reduces to

FIG. P26.65

1
1
Ceq =
+
2C 4C

8
4
= C=
C
6
3

P26.66 The condition that we are testing is that the capacitance increases by less than 10%, or,
C
< 1.10
C
Substituting the expressions for C and C from Example 26.1, we have


ln ( b / a )
C 2 ke ln ( b / 1.10 a )
=
< 1.10
=


ln ( b / 1.10 a )
C
2 ke ln ( b / a )
This becomes
b
b
b
b
1
ln < 1.10 ln
= 1.10 ln + 1.10 ln
= 1.10 ln 1.10 ln (1.10 )
a
1.10 a
a
1.10
a
We can rewrite this as,
b
0.10 ln < 1.10 ln (1.10 )
a
b
11.0
ln > 11.0 ln (1.10 ) = ln (1.10 )
a
where we have reversed the direction of the inequality because we multiplied the whole expression by 1 to remove the negative signs. Comparing the arguments of the logarithms on both
sides of the inequality, we see that
b
11.0
> (1.10 ) = 2.85
a
Thus, if b > 2.85a, the increase in capacitance is less than 10% and it is more effective to increase
.

98

Chapter 26

ANSWERS TO EVEN PROBLEMS

P26.2

(a) 1.00 F

P26.4

11.1 nF;

P26.6

( 2 N 1) 0 ( ) R 2

(b) 100 V
26.6 C

P26.8

mgd tan
q

P26.10

Yes; its total energy is sufcient to make the trip; 1.00 106 m/s.

P26.12

(a) 17.0 F

P26.14

(a) 2C

P26.16

Cp
2

(c) 45.0 C and 108 C

(b) 9.00 V

(b) Q1 > Q3 > Q2 (c) V1 > V2 = V3

C p2

C p Cs and

Cp
2

C p2

(d) Q1 and Q3 increase, Q2 decreases

C p Cs

P26.18

(a) 398 F in series

P26.20

19.8 C

P26.22

P26.24

83.6 C

P26.26

4.47 kV

P26.28

(a) See the solution. Stored energy = 0.150 J

difference = 268 V

P26.30

(a) 400 C

P26.32

(a) C(V)2 (b) 4V/3 (c) 4C(V)2/3 (d) Positive work is done by the agent pulling the
plates apart.
R2Q
R1Q
(a) q1 =
and q2 =
(b) See the solution.
R1 + R2
R1 + R2

P26.34

(b) 2.20 F in parallel

) C2

3 1

(b) See the solution. Potential

(b) 2.50 kN m

P26.36

(a) 13.3 nC

(b) 272 nC

P26.38

~10 6 F and ~10 2 V for two 40 cm by 100 cm sheets of aluminum foil sandwiching a thin sheet
of plastic.

P26.40

(a) 369 pC

P26.42

(a) 9.10 i + 8.40 j pC m

P26.44

See the solution.

P26.46

(a) 2Q/3 on upper plate, Q/3 on lower plate

P26.48

189 kV

(b) 118 pF, 3.12 V (c) 45.5 nJ

(b) 20.9 nN mk

(c) 112 nJ

(b) 2Qd/30A

(d) 228 nJ

Capacitance and Dielectrics

P26.50

(a) See the solution. (b) 40.0 F (c) 6.00 V across 50 F with charge 300 F; 4.00 V across
30 F with charge 120 F; 2.00 V across 20 F with charge 40 F; 2.00 V across 40 F with
charge 80 F

P26.52

(a) 25.0 F (1 0.846 f )1 (b) 25.0 F; the general expression agrees. (c) 162 F; the
general expression agrees. (d) It has the same sign as the lower capacitor plate and its
magnitude is 254 C, independent of f.

P26.54

23.3 V; 26.7 V

P26.56

0
2 +
x ( 1)
d
(d) 205 N right
(a)

(b)

Q2d
20
2 +
x ( 1)

(c)

Q 2 d
( 1)
20
2 +
x ( 1)

99

to the right

P26.58

One capacitor cannot be used by itselfit would burn out. She can use two capacitors in parallel,
connected in series to another two capacitors in parallel. One capacitor will be left over. Each of
the four capacitors will be exposed to a maximum voltage of 45 V.

P26.60

(a)

P26.62

3.00 F

P26.64

See the solution.

P26.66

See the solution.

1 2 0 WL 1
ln
( 1 2 ) t 2

(b) The capacitance is the same if k 1 and k 2 are interchanged, as it should be.