CBSE Class 12 Physics – Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Chapter Overview

This chapter covers the concept of electrostatic potential—the work done per unit charge in bringing a test charge from infinity to a point in an electric field—and potential difference. You’ll study potentials due to point charges, dipoles, and systems of charges, understand equipotential surfaces, potential energy, conductors, dielectrics, and finally dive into capacitors, capacitance, combinations, and energy stored.

Important Keywords

• Electrostatic Potential (V): Work per unit positive charge brought from infinity. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Potential Difference: Work done going from one point to another per unit charge. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Equipotential Surface: Surface where potential is constant; no work done moving along it. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Capacitance (C): Charge stored per unit potential—C = q/V. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Dielectric: Insulating material increasing capacitor’s capacitance.
• Energy Stored: U = ½ C V².