Question
A parallel plate capacitor is filled by a dielectric whose relative permittivity varies with the applied voltage (U) as $\in=\alpha\text{U}$ where $\alpha=2\text{V}^{-1}$. A similar capacitor with no dielectric is charged to U0 = 78V. It is then connected to the uncharged capacitor with the dielectric. Find the final voltage on the capacitors.

Answer

Both capacitors will be connected in parallel, hence the potential difference across both capacitors should be same. Assuming the required final voltage. be U. If C is the capacitance of the capacitor without the dielectric, then the charge on the capacitor is given by Q1 = CU.

As the capacitor with the dielectric has a capacitance $\in\text{C}$. Hence, the charge on the capacitor is given by

$\text{Q}_2=\in\text{CU}=(\alpha\text{U})\text{CU}=\alpha\text{CU}$

The initial charge on the capacitor is given by

$\text{Q}_0=\text{CU}_0$

From the conservation of charges,

$\text{Q}_0=\text{Q}_1+\text{Q}_2\Rightarrow\ \text{CU}_0=\text{CU}+\alpha\text{CU}^2$

$\Rightarrow\ \alpha\text{U}_2+\text{U}-\text{U}_0=0$

$\therefore \text{U} = \frac{-1\pm\sqrt{1+4\alpha\text{U}_0}}{2\alpha}$

On solving for U0 = 78V and $\alpha=2\text{V}^{-1}$

$\text{U}=\frac{-1\pm\sqrt{1+4\times2\times78}}{2\times2}=\frac{-1\pm\sqrt{1+624}}{4}$

$=\frac{-1\pm\sqrt{625}}{4}=\frac{-1\pm25}{4}=-\frac{26}{4}\text{V and }6\text{V}$

Hence final voltage,. U = 6V.

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