Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsElectromagnetic Waves
A compass needle is positioned within the gap of a parallel plate capacitor. This capacitor is wired to a battery via a resistance. The compass needle
Options
- Adeflects for a very short duration and then returns to its original position
- Bdeflects and gradually returns to its original position over a time that is large compared to the time constan
- Cdeflects and stays deflected for as long as the battery is connected
- Dshows no deflection
Correct answer
A. deflects for a very short duration and then returns to its original position
Step-by-step solution
When the capacitor is connected to a battery through a resistance, it starts charging. During the charging process, a varying electric field is produced between the plates of the capacitor, which gives rise to a displacement current. According to the Ampere-Maxwell law, this displacement current produces a magnetic field in the gap between the plates. The magnetic field exerts a torque on the compass needle, causing it to deflect. The charging current (and hence the displacement current) decays exponentially as I =