One or more options correct
A parallel-plate capacitor with plate area and separation has capacitance and stays connected to a battery of emf . A dielectric slab of constant , thickness and area is then slowly pushed in until it lies flat against one plate, filling half the gap. Which of the following is/are correct?
- A. The final capacitance is .
- B. The electric field in the air gap becomes .
- C. The external agent that inserts the slab does of work.
- D. The electric field inside the dielectric becomes .
Show answer and solution
Answer: A, B
The slab and the air layer act as two capacitors in series, so the final capacitance is ; (A) is true. The charge is , so the field in the air gap is , and (B) is true. The field in the dielectric is , making (D) false; as a check, . Energy balance: the battery supplies , the stored energy rises by , so the external agent's work is . The slab is pulled in, so the agent does negative work and (C) is false.
Saved on this device. Sign in or create a free account to keep it on every device.