Start Learning Free

Before You Begin

Question #42137

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

A parallel plate capacitor of initial capacitance C0C_0 is connected to a constant voltage source VV. The space between the plates is completely filled with a non-polar liquid dielectric of initial dielectric constant K0K_0 at temperature T0T_0. The liquid has a volume expansion coefficient γ\gamma. The capacitor plates are held rigidly at a constant separation, and a small reservoir allows the liquid to expand out so the volume between the plates remains constant. Assuming the electric susceptibility of the liquid is directly proportional to its density, what is the magnitude of the change in the electrostatic energy stored in the capacitor when the temperature is increased by a small amount ΔT\Delta T? (Assume γΔT≪1\gamma \Delta T \ll 1)

Options

  • A.

    12C0V2(K0−1)γΔTK0\frac{1}{2} C_0 V^2 \frac{(K_0 - 1)\gamma \Delta T}{K_0}

  • B.

    12C0V2(K0−1)γΔT\frac{1}{2} C_0 V^2 (K_0 - 1)\gamma \Delta T

  • C.

    12C0V2K0γΔTK0−1\frac{1}{2} C_0 V^2 \frac{K_0 \gamma \Delta T}{K_0 - 1}

  • D.

    12C0V2γΔT\frac{1}{2} C_0 V^2 \gamma \Delta T

Check Your Answer

Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Intuition_Breaker

Train your brain to resist "obvious" answers that are designed to deceive your intuition.

Concepts Behind This Question

Variation of Density with Temperature|Dielectric Constant (K) Shift|Electrostatics

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the understanding of the relationship between dielectric constant, density, and temperature.

A common trap is assuming the dielectric constant KK itself is proportional to density, leading to ΔK=−K0γΔT\Delta K = -K_0 \gamma \Delta T (Option D).

The correct physical principle for non-polar dielectrics is that the electric susceptibility (K−1)(K-1), which relates to the number of polarizable molecules per unit volume, is proportional to density.

Furthermore, students must correctly link the fractional change in KK to the fractional change in capacitance and subsequently to the energy stored under a constant voltage constraint.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectPhysics
ChapterThermal Properties of Matter - Class 11 Part 2
ConceptVariation of Density with Temperature
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree