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QPage 163: Q4: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Capacitors Page 163: Q4 Solution: The plates of a parallel-plate capacitor are given equal…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often incorrectly assume a potential difference exists because both plates are charged, failing to recognize that equal charges on identical plates result in zero net electric field between them. Remember that for parallel plates with equal charges, all charge resides on the outer surfaces, making the inner surface charge zero and the potential difference zero.

The plates of a parallel-plate capacitor are given equal positive charges. What will be the potential difference between the plates? What will be the charges on the facing surfaces and on the outer surfaces?

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (a) Potential difference = 0 (b) Charges on inner faces = 0 (c) Charges on outer faces = +Q each. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** When both plates are given equal positive charge +Q, the charges redistribute. The electric field inside each conductor is zero. By applying Gauss's law, the charge on the inner facing surfaces is zero, and the entire charge +Q resides on the outer surfaces. Since both plates are at the same potential, the potential difference is zero .

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