A parallel plate air capacitor of capacitance C is connected to a cell of emf V and then disconnected from it. A dielectric slab of dielectric constant K, which can just fill the air gap of the capacitor, is now inserted in it. Which of the following is incorrect?
- The change in energy stored is 12CV2 ( 1K-1 )
- The charge on the capacitor is not conserved.
- The potential difference between the plates decreases K times.
- The energy stored in the capacitor decreases K times.
Answer
(2) The charge on the capacitor is not conserved.
Solution
After disconnection the capacitor is isolated, so the charge Q = CV stays constant. Hence statement (2) is incorrect.
With the slab: C' = KC
V' = QKC = VK (decreases K times) — (3) is correct.
U' = Q22KC = UK (decreases K times) — (4) is correct.
U = U' - U = 12CV2 ( 1K - 1 ) — (1) is correct.
Answer: (2)