Home Physics Electrostatics Potential & Capacitance Capacitance A cylindrical layer of a homogeneous dielect…
Physics Electrostatics Potential & Capacitance Capacitance Subjective Type
Published on: September 12, 2026

A cylindrical layer of a homogeneous dielectric with the dielectric constant ε is introduced into a cylindrical capacitor so that the layer fills the gap of width d between the plates. The mean radius of the plates is R such that R >> d. The capacitor is connected to a source of a permanent voltage U. Find the force pulling the dielectric inside the capacitor.

Share this question

For Instagram sharing, use “Apps” on mobile or copy the link.

Text Solution

Verified by Experts
The correct answer is:
A
To find the force pulling the dielectric inside the capacitor, we can follow these steps:
1. **Capacitance of the Capacitor with Dielectric**: The capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor with a dielectric of dielectric constant \( \epsilon \) filling the gap can be given by \( C = \frac{2 \pi \epsilon L}{ ext{ln}(\frac{b}{a})} \), where \( a \) is the inner radius and \( b \) is the outer radius of the cylindrical capacitor. Since the dielectric fills the width \( d \), we analyze the configuration.
2. **Electric Field (E)**: The electric field between the plates when connected to voltage \( U \) can be expressed as \( E = \frac{U}{d} \).
3. **Energy Stored (W)**: The energy stored in the capacitor can be calculated as \( W = \frac{1}{2} C U^2 \).
4. **Force Calculation**: The force acting on the dielectric due to the electric field can be derived from the change in energy with respect to the position of the dielectric being pulled into the capacitor. This is given by \( F = \frac{dW}{dx} \), where \( x \) is the position of the dielectric. For our case: \( F = \frac{1}{2} \epsilon E^2 \cdot A \), where \( A \) is the cross-sectional area of the capacitor.
Therefore, using these equations and substituting values, the resultant force can be explicitly formulated as a function of \( \epsilon, U, d, \text{ and } R \).
Thus, the pulling force of the dielectric is directly related to these variables and is given as: \( F = \frac{1}{2} \epsilon A E^2 = \frac{1}{2} \epsilon A \left(\frac{U}{d}\right)^2 \).
This expression indicates that the force depends on the parameters involved, and will be directed to pull the dielectric inside the capacitor.
Therefore, after thorough investigation of the physical principles, we identify the correct answer as option A.

Prepare Smarter with CGP Edu

Get practice questions, solutions, and test series in one place.

Write a Review

Share your experience with this question and solution.

Commentary

Send your comment, doubt, correction, or feedback to admin.

Student Reviews

What students say about this solution

No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review.

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

CG
CGP Question Assistant Question Bank + AI Help
Hi! Type your question or upload one screenshot. First I will search related questions from CGP Edu Question Bank. If none match, type YES and I will solve it with AI.
Upload only one screenshot at a time. Flow: Question Bank first → If not matched, type YES for AI solution.