Name : Lecturer : Kenny Ling Wun Ping

Subject : Cambridge A Level PHYSICS (A2) Class : PHY1/PHY2/PHY4

Lesson No. : 008
Chapter : [19] Capacitance Date:
Topic : 19.1 Ca pa citance, Formulae, & Energy, Discharging Day/Time:

Capacitance

Capacitor

The symbol for capacitor is

A capacitor is a device for storing electrical energy.

It consists of an arrangement of conductors separated by an insulator (dielectric).

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 When a capacitor is charged, one side of the conductor will be positively charged while the
other side will be negatively charged (as shown in the diagram).

The capacitor stores an equal amount of positive & negative charges on the two plates.

The charges remain on the plates even after the voltage source is disconnected.

For the circuit shown at the side, when the capacitor is fully
charged, current will no longer flow in the circuit since the
potential difference of the capacitor will be the same as the cell.

Usage of Capacitor

Storage of charge (not strictly true) / energy.

Blocking of direct current.

Smoothing of fluctuating direct current (will learn more in A.C. chapter).

Devices that require a large current over a short duration (e.g. camera’s flash).

Capacitance

It is the property of a conductor that describes its ability to store electric charge.

It is the ratio of charge on a body and its potential. (use this definition in exam)

C=

Its unit is farad, F.

One farad is the capacitance of a capacitor that is charged with one coulomb and has a
potential difference of one volt between its plates.

The Case of Spherical Capacitor

For a solid metal sphere that is insulated from its surroundings with a charge of Q and a
radius r, we can calculate its capacitance.

C=
since V =
C=

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 The potential difference in this case is with reference to the earth.

To use this formula in exam, it must be derived first.

Formulae

You need to know how to derive.

Capacitors in Parallel

The KEY: same potential difference

Segregation of current

Q = Q1 + Q2

= +

C = C 1 + C2

Capacitors in series

The KEY: same amount of charge

Segregation of potential

V = V1 + V2

= +

= +

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 Energy

When charges in a capacitor are separated, work is

done (e.g. from the chemical energy of a cell) in
separating them. The energy is now stored as
electric potential energy.

If we plot a graph of V versus Q, the area under the

graph represents the energy stored in the capacitor.

From the graph, we can see that the area is QV.

So, W = QV or W = CV2.

W represents the amount of energy that can be stored in a capacitor. As the capacitor
discharges, the energy will drop. So V will also drop.

1. How much charge is stored by a 200μF capacitor charged up to 15V?

0.003C

2. What is the capacitance of a capacitor that stores 0.001C of charge when charged up to
500V?

2 μF

3. There are two capacitors 2μF and 4μF, initially uncharged and are connected with a 12V
battery. Calculate the equivalent capacitance if they are connected in

(i) parallel,

6μF

(ii) series.

4/3μF

4. A battery of e.m.f. 12V is connected to a 100μF capacitor. Calculate the energy stored in the
capacitor when it is fully charged.

7.2 × 10-3 J

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5. [JUN05/4/8a] Define capacitance. [1]

Q/V, with symbols explained [do not allow in terms of units] B1

6. [JUN02/4/5b,c] (b) An isolated metal sphere of radius r carries a charge +Q. The charge may
be assumed to be concentrated at the centre of the sphere. [3]

(i) State, in terms of r and Q, the electric potential V at the surface of the sphere.
Identify any other symbols you use.

(ii) Write down the relationship between capacitance C, charge Q and potential V.

(iii) Hence show that the capacitance C of the sphere is given by C = 4πε0 r.

(c) The sphere in (b) has a radius of 15 cm and carries a charge of 2.0 × 10 –6 C. Calculate

(i) the capacitance of the sphere, [2]

(ii) the energy stored on the sphere. [2]

7. [JUN09/4/5] A solid metal sphere, of radius r, is insulated from its surroundings. The sphere
has charge +Q. This charge is on the surface of the sphere but it may be considered to be a
point charge at its centre, as illustrated in Fig. 5.1.

Fig. 5.1

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 (a) (i) Define capacitance. [1]

ratio of charge (on body) and its potential B1

(do not allow reference to plates of a capacitor)

(ii) Show that the capacitance C of the sphere is given by the expression C = 4πε0r. [1]

(potential at surface of sphere =) V = Q / 4πε 0r M1

C = Q / V = 4πε0r A0

(b) The sphere has radius 36 cm. Determine, for this sphere,

(i) the capacitance, [1]

C = 4 × π × 8.85 × 10–12 × 0.36

= 4.0 × 10–11 F (allow 1 s.f.) A1

(ii) the charge required to raise the potential of the sphere from zero to 7.0 × 10 5 V. [1]

Q = CV
= 4.0 × 10–11 × 7.0 × 105
= 2.8 × 10–5 C A1

(c) Suggest why your calculations in (b) for the metal sphere would not apply to a plastic
sphere. [3]

plastic is an insulator / not a conductor / has no free electrons B1

charges do not move (on an insulator) B1
either so no single value for the potential
or charge cannot be considered to be at centre B1

(d) A spark suddenly connects the metal sphere in (b) to the Earth, causing the potential
of the sphere to be reduced from 7.0 × 105 V to 2.5 × 105 V. Calculate the energy
dissipated in the spark. [3]

either energy = ½CV2 or energy = ½QV and C = Q/V C1

energy = ½ × 4 × 10–11 × {(7.0 × 105)2 – (2.5 × 105)2 )} C1
= 8.6 J A1

8. [NOV09/42/4] (a) Define capacitance. [1]

charge / potential (ratio must be clear) B1

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 (b) An isolated metal sphere of radius R has a charge +Q on it. The charge may be
considered to act as a point charge at the centre of the sphere. Show that the
capacitance C of the sphere is given by the expression C = 4πε0 R where ε0 is the
permittivity of free space. [1]

potential (at surface of sphere) = Q / 4π ε0R M1

C = Q / V = 4π ε0 R A0

(c) In order to investigate electrical discharges (lightning) in a laboratory, an isolated

metal sphere of radius 63 cm is charged to a potential of 1.2 × 106 V. At this
potential, there is an electrical discharge in which the sphere loses 75% of its energy.
Calculate

(i) the capacitance of the sphere, stating the unit in which it is measured, [3]

C = 4π × 8.85 × 10-12 × 0.63 C1

= 7.0 × 10-11 A1
farad / F B1

(ii) the potential of the sphere after the discharge has taken place. [3]

energy = ½CV2 C1
0.25 × ½C × (1.2 × 106)2 = ½CV2 C1
V = 6.0 × 105 V A1
(use of 0.75 rather than 0.25, allow max 2 marks)

9. [JUN05/4/8bi] (b) (i) One use of a capacitor is for the storage of electrical energy. Briefly
explain how a capacitor stores energy. [2]

on a capacitor, there is charge separation/there are + and - charges M1

either to separate charges, work must be done
or energy released when charges ‘come together’ A1

(ii) Calculate the change in the energy stored in a capacitor of capacitance 1200 μF when
the potential difference across the capacitor changes from 50 V to 15 V. [3]

either energy = ½CV2 or energy = ½QV and C = Q/V C1

change = ½ × 1200 × 10-6 (502 - 152 ) C1
change = 1.4 J (1.37) A1
[allow 2 marks for ½C(ΔV) 2 , giving energy = 0.74 J)

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10. [JUN08/4/5] A capacitor C is charged using a supply of e.m.f. 8.0 V. It is then discharged
through a resistor R. The circuit is shown in Fig. 5.1.

Fig. 5.1 Fig. 5.2

The variation with time t of the potential difference V across the resistor R during the
discharge of the capacitor is shown in Fig. 5.2.

(a) During the first 1.0 s of the discharge of the capacitor, 0.13 J of energy is transferred
to the resistor R. Show that the capacitance of the capacitor C is 4500 μF. [3]

at t = 1.0 s, V = 2.5 V C1
energy = ½CV 2 C1
0.13 = ½ × C × (8.02 – 2.52 ) M1
C = 4500 μF A0

(b) Some capacitors, each of capacitance 4500 μF with a maximum working voltage of 6
V, are available. Draw an arrangement of these capacitors that could provide a total
capacitance of 4500 μF for use in the circuit of Fig. 5.1. [2]

use of two capacitors in series in all branches of combination M1

connected into correct parallel arrangement A1

11. [NOV07/4/5] (a) State one function of capacitors in simple circuits. [1]

e.g. separate charges, store energy, smoothing circuit. etc. B1

(allow ‘stores charge’)

(b) A capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 15 V and then connected in series

with a switch, a resistor of resistance 12 kΩ and a sensitive ammeter, as shown in Fig.
5.1.

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 The switch is closed and the variation with
time t of the current I in the circuit is shown
in Fig. 5.2.

Fig. 5.1

Fig. 5.2

(i) State the relation between the current in a circuit and the charge that passes a point
in the circuit. [1]

charge = current × time B1

(ii) The area below the graph line of Fig. 5.2 represents charge. Use Fig. 5.2 to determine
the initial charge stored in the capacitor. [4]

area is 21.2 cm2 (allow ±0.5 cm2 ) C2

(allow 1 mark if outside ±0.5 cm2 but within ±1.0 cm2 )
1.0 cm2 represents (0.125 × 10-3 × 1.25 =) 156 μC C1
charge = 3300 μC A1

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 (iii) Initially, the potential difference across the capacitor was 15 V. Calculate the
capacitance of the capacitor. [2]

capacitance = Q/V C1
= (3300 × 10-6 ) / 15
= 220 μF A1

(c) The capacitor in (b) discharges one half of its initial energy. Calculate the new
potential difference across the capacitor. [3]

either energy = ½CV2 or energy = ½QV and C = Q/V C1

½ × C × 152 = 2 × ½ × C × V2 C1
V = 10.6 V A1

12. [STPM 08/1/27] Which arrangement of four identical capacitors produces the biggest
capacitance between points X and Y? D

13. [NOV02/4/5] Some capacitors are marked ‘48 μF, safe working voltage 25 V’. Show how a
number of these capacitors may be connected to provide a capacitor of capacitance

(a) 48 μF, safe working voltage 50V, [2]

(b) 72 μF, safe working voltage 25V. [2]

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14. [NOV10/41/4] (a) Define capacitance. [1]

charge / potential (difference) (ratio must be clear) B1

(b) An isolated metal sphere has a radius r. When charged to a potential V, the charge
on the sphere is q. The charge may be considered to act as a point charge at the
centre of the sphere.

(i) State an expression, in terms of r and q, for the potential V of the sphere. [1]

V = Q / 4πε0r B1

(ii) This isolated sphere has capacitance. Use your answers in (a) and (b)(i) to show that
the capacitance of the sphere is proportional to its radius. [1]

C = Q / V = 4πε0r and 4πε0 is constant M1

so C α r A0

(c) The sphere in (b) has a capacitance of 6.8 pF and is charged to a potential of 220 V.
Calculate

(i) the radius of the sphere, [3]

r = C / 4πε0 C1
r = (6.8 × 10–12) / (4π × 8.85 × 10–12) C1
= 6.1 × 10–2m A1

(ii) the charge, in coulomb, on the sphere. [1]

Q = CV = 6.8 × 10–12 × 220

= 1.5 × 10–9 C A1

(d) A second uncharged metal sphere is brought up to the sphere in (c) so that they
touch. The combined capacitance of the two spheres is 18 pF. Calculate

(i) the potential of the two spheres, [1]

V = Q/C = (1.5 × 10–9) / (18 × 10–12)

= 83 V A1

(ii) the change in the total energy stored on the spheres when they touch. [3]

either energy = CV 2 C1
ΔE = × 6.8 × 10–12 × 2202 – × 18 × 10–12 × 832 C1
= 1.65 × 10–7 – 6.2 × 10–8
= 1.03 × 10–7J A1

15. [NOV10/43/4] (a) (i) State what is meant by electric potential at a point. [2]

work done moving unit positive charge M1

from infinity to the point A1

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 (ii) Define capacitance. [1]

charge / potential (difference) (ratio must be clear) B1

(b) The variation of the potential V of an isolated metal sphere with charge Q on its
surface is shown in Fig. 4.1.

An isolated metal sphere has capacitance. Use Fig. 4.1 to determine

(i) the capacitance of the sphere, [2]

capacitance = (2.7 × 10–6) / (150 × 103) C1

(allow any appropriate values)
capacitance = 1.8 × 10–11 (allow 1.8 ±0.05) A1

(ii) the electric potential energy stored on the sphere when charged to a potential of
150 kV. [2]

either energy = CV 2 or energy = QV and Q = CV C1

–11 3 2
energy = × 1.8 × 10 × (150 × 10 ) or × 2.7 × 10 × 150 × 103
–6

= 0.20 J A1

(c) A spark reduces the potential of the sphere from 150 kV to 75 kV. Calculate the
energy lost from the sphere. [2]
either since energy α V 2, capacitor has ( )2 of its energy left
or full formula treatment C1
energy lost = 0.15 J A1

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16. [JUN10/42/5] (a) State two functions of capacitors in electrical circuits. [2]

e.g. ‘storage of charge’ / storage of energy

blocking of direct current
producing of electrical oscillations
smoothing
(any two, 1 mark each) B2

(b) Three capacitors, each marked ‘30

μF, 6 V max’, are arranged as shown
in Fig. 5.1. Determine, for the
arrangement shown in Fig. 5.1,

(i) the total capacitance, [2]

capacitance of parallel combination = 60 μF C1

total capacitance = 20 μF A1

(ii) the maximum potential difference that can safely be applied between points A and
B. [2]

p.d. across parallel combination = ½ × p.d. across single capacitor C1

maximum is 9V A1

(c) A capacitor of capacitance 4700 μF is charged to a potential difference of 18 V. It is

then partially discharged through a resistor. The potential difference is reduced to 12
V. Calculate the energy dissipated in the resistor during the discharge. [3]

either energy = ½CV 2 or energy = ½QV and Q = CV C1

energy = ½ × 4700 × 10–6 × (182 – 122) C1
= 0.42 J A1

17. [JUN11/42/3] A capacitor consists of

two metal plates separated by an
insulator, as shown in Fig. 3.1. The
potential difference between the
plates is V. The variation with V of
the magnitude of the charge Q on
one plate is shown in Fig. 3.2.

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 (a) Explain why the capacitor stores energy but not charge. [3]

charges on plates are equal and opposite M1

so no resultant charge A1
energy stored because there is charge separation B1

(b) Use Fig. 3.2 to determine

(i) the capacitance of the capacitor, [2]

capacitance = Q / V C1
= (18 × 10–3) / 10
= 1800 μF A1

(ii) the loss in energy stored in the capacitor when the potenti al difference V is reduced
from 10.0 V to 7.5 V. [2]

use of area under graph or energy = CV2 C1

–3 –6 2 2
energy = 2.5 × 15.7 × 10 or energy = × 1800 × 10 × (10 – 7.5 )
= 39 mJ A1

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 (c) Three capacitors X, Y and Z, each of
capacitance 10 μF, are connected as
shown in Fig. 3.3. Initially, the
capacitors are uncharged. A
potential difference of 12 V is
applied between points A and B.
Determine the magnitude of the
charge on one plate of capacitor X.
[3]

combined capacitance of Y & Z = 20 μF or total capacitance = 6.67 μF C1

p.d. across capacitor X = 8 V or p.d. across combination = 12 V C1
charge = 10 × 10–6 × 8 or 6.67 × 10–6 × 12
= 80 μC A1

Capacitor Discharging (R-C Circuits)

For a capacitor that is discharging, it is an exponentially decreasing function for charge-time,

current-time, and voltage-time functions.

RC (symbol is τ) is known as time constant. If RC is small, capacitor discharges quickly. It

means the curve is steeper. Unit of RC is second.

o If R is small (V 0 is unchanged), initial current is large. So current curve is steeper (because

for the same amount of charge, area under curve is constant).

o If C is small, area under current curve is smaller. If initial current is the same (because V 0
and R have not changed), then curve must be steeper.

Remember, area under current-time graph is charge.

When t = RC, charge, current, and voltage will be 36.8% or ( ) of their initial value.

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 Graphs

Derivation of X = X0

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1. A capacitor is being discharged, with Q0 = 5.0 × 10-6 C. We have RC = 10s. What are

(a) the value of t at which q = 0.50 mC,

2.3 τ

(b) the value of I at this time.

5.0 × 10-8 A

2. State the effect on the charge-time and current-time graphs if

(a) capacitance is increased but resistance is constant,

If R=cons, I0 is cons (because V0 is cons). Q=CV. So Q0 is higher. For I-t graph, area under
graph is larger (area is charge) and slope is less steep. For Q-t graph, Q0 is larger, slope is
steeper (slope is current).
It is easier for you to think about current graph before charge graph.

(b) resistance is increased but capacitance is constant.

If C=cons, Q0 is cons (because Q=CV). I0 is lower (I=V/R). For I-t graph, I0 is lower, area is the
same (area is charge), and slope is less steep. For Q-t graph, Q0 is cons, slope is less steep
(slope is current).
It is easier for you to think about current graph before charge graph.

3. Define time constant.

It is the product of resistance and capacitance. It is equal to the time it takes for current to
fall to of initial current.

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4. In the circuit shown in Fig. E26.47 each capacitor initially
has a charge of magnitude 3.50 nC on its plates. After the
switch S is closed, what will be the current in the circuit at
the instant that the capacitors have lost 80.0% of their
initial stored energy?

5. A 12.0 μF capacitor is charged to a potential of 50.0 V and then discharged through a 175 Ω
resistor. How long does it take the capacitor to lose (a) half of its charge and (b) half of its
stored energy?

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