Electrostatics Narayana

P H Y S I C S
S T U D Y M A T E R I A L

ELECTROSTATICS
AIEEE

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C O N T E N T S
ELECTROSTATICS
Theory
Solved Examples
Exercises
Level – I
Level – II
Level – III
Questions asked in various Exams
Answers
Physics : Electrostatics NARAYANA
INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
ELECTROSTATICS
AIEEE Syllabus
Electric charge – its unit and conservation, Coulomb’s law, dielectric constant, electric field,
lines of force, field due to dipole and its behaviour in a uniform electric field, electric flux,
Gauss’s theorem and its applications. Electric potential, potential due to a point charge.
Conductors and insulators, distribution of charge on conductors.
CONTENTS
" Electric charge
" Coulomb’s law
" Electrostatics field
" Electrostatics lines of
INTRODUCTION
force; Properties
When a glass rod is rubbed with silk, this acquires
" Electric field due to a point
power to attract light bodies such as small pieces of
charge paper. The bodies which acquire this power are said
" Superposition of Electric to be charged. If these charges do not move they are
field called static charges and the branch of physics which
" Electric field intensity on deals with static charges is called electrostatics.
the axis of a uniformly
charged ring.
" Electric flux
" Gauss’s Law.
" Application of Gauss’s
law
" Electric potential and
potential energy
" Equipotential surface
1
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NARAYANA
Physics : Electrostatics
ELECTRIC CHARGE
Charge is a scalar quantity which is categorised into two types.
a) Positive charge (anciently called Vitreous)
b) Negative charge (anciently called Resinous)
A body having no charge, is said to be neutral in nature i.e. on a neutral body the sum of positive charges is
equal to the sum of negative charges.
The positive charge means deficiency of electrons, whereas the negative charge on a body implies excess of
electrons.
The S.I. unit of charge is coulomb (C).
I. UNITS OF CHARGE
a) S.I. unit of charge is coulomb (C). One coulomb of charge is that charge which when placed at
rest in vacuum at a distance of one metre from an equal and similar stationary charge repels it
and is repelled by it with a force of 9 × 10 9 N .
b) CGS unit of charge is stat coulomb
1
1 coulomb = 3 × 10 9 esu of charge = emu of charge.
10
1
i.e. 1 coulomb = 3 × 10 9 stat coulomb = abcoulomb
10
c) Practical units of charge are amp × hr = 3600 coulomb and faraday ( = 96500 C )
d) Smallest unit of charge is stat coulomb and largest is faraday.
II. METHODS OF CHARGING

a) By Friction : In friction when two bodies are rubbed together electrons are transferred from one
body to other. As a result one body becomes positively charged while the other negatively charged.
Examples : When glass rod is rubbed with silk, the rod becomes positively charged
while the silk negatively charged.
Clouds also become charged by friction
b) By Induction : If a charged body of same sign is brought near a neutral body charged body will
attract charge of opposite sign and repel charge of same sign present in neutral body. The nature
as induced charge is always opposite to that of inducing charge. Charging of body by Induction is
shown as :
+ + +
+++ +++ +++
+ + + +
− ++ − ++ − ++
+ − + ++ − + ++ − + ++
+ − − −
+ − − −
+ − − −
+ − − −
+ − − −
Charged body brought near Uncharged body connected Uncharged body disconnected
uncharged body to earth from earth
2
c) By Conduction : If a charged body is in direct contact with an uncharged body, charge flows from
former to latter till both are at same potential. This flow of charges is due to mutual repulsions
between same kind of charges on charged body.
Charging body
is removed
III. PROPERTIES OF ELECTRIC CHARGE

a) Like point charges repel each other and unlike charges attract each other.
b) Charge Conservation
The algebraic sum of all the charges in an isolated system is a constant. In crude language we
can say that charge can neither be created nor be destroyed, however it can simply be
transferred from one body to the other.
c) Relativistic Invariance
Charge on a body is relativistically invariant. i.e. charge on the body at rest equals the charge
on the body at relativistic speeds. However charge density is not relativistically invariant.
Mathematically
(q )at rest = (q )in motion
or (q )at rest = (q )at relativistic speeds
d) Charge Quantisation
Charge on a body q must always exist as an integral multiple of some fundamental unit of
charge (called electronic charge) e , where e = 1.6 × 10 −19 C .
Mathematically, q = ±ne , n = 1, 2, 3, .....
From here we conclude that a neutral body can have +1 C of charge when it falls deficient of
6.25 × 1018 electrons.
e) A charged body can attract light uncharged body. (Due to charging by induction)
f) Charges are always added algebraically.
For example, if a neutral body is first given a charge of +5 C and subsequently a charge of
−7 C , then it will finally have a charge of +5 C − 7 C = −2 C .
EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTRIC CHARGE

Example - 1 Calculate protonic charge in 100 cc. of water.
Solution : 1 cc = 1 gm for water as density = 1000 kg/m3
Now no of atoms in 18 gm (atm weight) = 6.023 × 1023 and each molecule of H2O contains
10 proton (8 of oxygen + 2 of H2) so No. of proton in 100 gm water
 6.023 × 10 23 
= × 100  × 10 = 3.3 × 10 25
 18 
 
Hence protonic charge = 3.3 × 1025 × 1.6 × 10–19 = 5.4 × 106 C
3
NARAYANA
Example - 2 A copper sphere of mass 2.0 g contains about 2 x 1022 atoms. Atomic weight of copper is
64 and atomic number 29.
(i) How many electorns must be removed form the sphere to give it a charge of +2µC?
(ii) Determine the fraction of electrons removed.
(iii) Is there any change in mass of sphere when it is given positive charge?
Q 2 x 10 −6
Solution : (i) Number of electrons to be removed n = e = −19
= 1.25 x 1013
1.6 x 10
(ii) Total number of electrons in the sphere = 29 x 2 x 1022 = 5.8 x 10 23
1.25 × 1013
Fraction of electrons removed = = 2.16 × 10 −11
5.8 × 10 23
Thus 2.16 x 10-9% of electrons are to be removed to give the sphere a charge of
2µC.
(iii) Yes mass decreases, when body is given a positive charge. Decrease of mass
∆m = 9 x 10 −31 x 1.25 x 1013 = 1.125 x 10 −17 kg .
COULOMB’S LAW
The magnitude of the force (F) of attraction or repulsion between two point charges q1 and q2 placed in
vacuum at separation r is
a) directly proportional to the product of the magnitude of the two charges.
F ∝ q1q2 ...(i)
b) inversely proportional to the square of the distance of separation between them.
1
F∝ ...(ii)
r2
COULOMB’S LAW IN VECTOR FORM

Consider two point charges q1 and q2 separated by a distance r. If q1q2 > 0 i.e. if both q1 and q2 are +ve
or both q1 and q2 are negative then the charges repel each other otherwire they attract each other.
!
If F12 is the force exerted on charge q1 by charge q2 .
1 q1q2 1 q1q2 !
F12 = rˆ21 = . . r21
4 πε0 r 2 4πε 0 r 3
!
If F21 is the force exerted on q2 due to q1
! 1 q1q2 1 q1q2 !
then F21 = rˆ12 = . . r12
4πε0 r 2 4πε 0 r 3
Both rˆ21 and rˆ12 have same magnitude i.e. unity and are oppositely directed
! 1 q1q2 !
F21 = ( − ˆ
r ) = −F
4πε0 r 2
21 12
! !
F21 = −F12
So the forces exerted by charges on each other are equal in magnitude opposite in direction
r̂12
→ →
F12 F21
q1 q2
r̂21
4
PROBLEM SOLVING TRICKS
1. While calculating the force between the two charges from Coulomb’s Law, never take
into account, the sign of the two charges. The sign just indicates the nature of the force.
"! "! !
2. F 12 is the force on charge 1 due to 2. F 21 is the force on charge 2 due to 1. Fij is the
force on charge i due to j.
3. When we are to calculate the force on charge 1 due to charge 2, then we assume charge
2 to be fixed and vice versa, unless and otherwise stated.
"!
F 12 = m1a1
"!
F 21 = m2a2
i.e. m1a1 = m2a2 (by Newton’s Third Law)
where m1 and m2 are the masses of charges q1 and q2 respectively.
4. If we are to calculate the force on charge q0 , due to assembly of charges q1 , q2 , …. qn ,
then we have
"! "! "! "! "!
F 0 = F 01 + F 02 + F 03 + ..... + F 0 n
"!
where F 01 is calculated as if only q0 and q1 are present and all others are absent and so on
for other combinations. This principle is called the Principle of Superposition.
Note : When two identical bodies having charges q1 and q2 respectively are brought in
q1 + q2
contact and separated, then the charge on each body is .
2
EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTROSTATICS FORCE

Example - 3 Atomic number of copper is 29, its atomic weight is 63.5 gm/mole. If two pieces of
copper having weight 10 gm are taken and on one of the pieces 1 electron per 1000
atom is transferred to the other piece and there after this these pieces are placed 10
cm apart, then what will be the coulomb force between them.
Solution : In 1 mole copper (63.5 gm) there are 6 × 1023 atoms (N A = Avogadro number = 6 × 1023
atoms)
6 × 10 23 × 10
Number of atoms = = 9.45 × 1022
63.5
For every 1000 atoms, 1 electron is transferred therefore total number of transferred electron
is
9.45 × 10 22
= = 9.45 × 1019
1000
Therefore charge on one piece is 9.45 × 10 19 e and on the other will be (9.45 × 1019e)
Force when they are kept 10 cm apart
1 q1q2
F=
4π ∈0 r 2
1 (9.45 × 1019 )2 e 2 9 × 10 9 × (9.45 × 1019 )2 × (1.6 × 10 −19 )2

= = = 2 × 1014 N
4π ∈0 (10 × 10 − 2 )2 (10 × 10 − 2 )2
5
NARAYANA
Example - 4 On an insulated rod having length L, Q charge is evenly distributed and a point charge
q is placed at a distance d from one of its ends as shown. What will be the total electric
force on q.
Solution : Considering a small element dx of the rod at a distance x from q, force on q due to
this small element
x
p
A B
qdQ
dF = q
4π ∈0 x 2 dx
d #
Q
where dQ is charge in small element dx and dQ =   dx
L
d+ L
qQdx dx
∫
1 qQ
∴ F = dF = =
4π ∈0 Lx 2
4π ∈0 L d
x2
d+ L
1 qQ  − 1
=
4π ∈0 L  x  d
1 qQ  1 1 
= −
4π ∈0 L  d d + L 

qQ
=
4π ∈0 d(d + L )
Example - 5 Three equal charges (Q, each) are placed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle of
side a. What is the resultant force on any one charge due to the other two?
Solution : The charges are shown in fig. The resultant force F
30º
F2 F1
F = F12 + F22 + 2F1F2 cos 60 º
Q 60º
with F1 = F2 = kQ2/a2
a a
3kQ2
F=
a2
From symmetry the direction is as shown along y-axis. Q a Q
Example - 6 Five point charges, each of value +q are palced on five vertices of a regular hexagon
of side L m. What is the magnitude of the force on a point charge of value -q coloumb
placed at the centre of the hexagon?
E D
q q
Solution : If there had been a sixth charge +q at the remaining vertex
of hexagon, force due to all the six charges on -q at O q o q C
will be zero (as the forces due to individual charges will F -q
!
balance each other), i.e., FR = 0. q
A B
! ! ! !
Now If f is the force due to sixth charge and F due to remaining five charges, F + f = 0
! !
i.e. F = − f or,
2
1 qxq 1 q
F=f = =
4πε 0 L2 4πε 0  L 
6
+ +
Example - 7 Two charged spheres of radius ‘R’ are kept at
a distance ‘d’ (d > 2R). One has a charge +q +
and the other -q. The force between them will be- +
R + R
2 2
1 q 1 q +
[1] [2] > +
4πε 0 d2 4πε 0 d2
1 q2 d
[3] < [4] None of these
4πε 0 d 2
Solution : [2] Redistribution of charge will take place due to mutual attraction and hence effective
distance will be less than d.
!
ELECTROSTATIC FIELD (E )
The region of space around a source charge (q ) in which it can exert a force on a test charge (q0 ) .
Mathematically, electric field is the force experienced per unit test charge q0 placed in the electrostatic
influence of source charge q .
"!
"! F
E=
q0
Electric field strength is a vector quantity directed away from a positive charge and towards the negative
charge. SI unit of electric field is newton/coulomb (NC−1 ) or volt metre ( Vm−1 ) .
The dimensional formula for E is MLT −3 A −1 .
"! 1 qq0
Since F = rˆ
4πε0 r 2
"!
"! F q
⇒ E = q = 4 πε r 2 rˆ
0 0
is the electric field due to a source point charge q at a distance r from it.
ELECTROSTATIC LINES OF FORCE : PROPERTIES

A line of force is an imaginary path straight or curved such that the tangent to it at any point gives the direction
of electrostatic field at that point. A field line is an imaginary line along which a unit positive charge would move
when set free. The lines of force are drawn such that the number of lines per unit area of cross-section, (area
"!
held normally to the field lines) is proportional to magnitude of E .
I. PROPERTIES OF FIELD LINES
a) Field lines always come out of positive charge
and enter the negative charge.
b) Field lines never cross each other. +2q + - –q
c) Field lines never form closed loops.
d) Field lines are always directed from higher
potential to lower potential.
e) Field lines never exist inside a conductor.
f) If N1 is the number of field lines coming out of a
The electric field lines for a point charge +2q
charge q1 and N2 is the number of field lines and a second point charge –q. Note that two
lines leave the charge +2q for every one that
entering q2 , q N terminates on –q.
then
1
= 1
q2 N2
7
NARAYANA
g) If N1 is the number of field lines coming out of a charge q1 and N2 is the number of field lines
coming out of charge q2 ,
q1 N1
then =
q2 N2
This relation also exists if field lines are entering both the charges
h) Tangent to field line at a point gives the direction of field at that point.
i) Field lines exhibit longitudinal (length wise) contraction, thus indicating that unlike charges
attract each other. (See Figure 1)
j) Field lines exhibit lateral (sideways) expansion, thus indicating that like charges repel each
other. (See Figure 2)
+ -
Figure 1 : The electric field lines for two equal

and opposite point charges an electric dipole.
Note that the number of lines that leave the equal positive point charge.
positive charge equals the number that
terminate at the negative charge.
k) Field lines always enter or leave a conducting surface at right angles.

l) Since electric field inside a conductor in electrostatics is zero, electric field lines do not exist
inside the conductor.
EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTRIC LINES OF FORCE

Example - 8 A Solid metallic sphere is placed in a uniform electric field. Which of the lines A, B,
C and D shows the correct path and why ?
E
Solution : Path (A) is wrong as lines of force do not start or end normally
on the surface of a conductor. Path (B) and (C) are wrong as A
lines of force should not exist inside a conductor. Also lines B
of froce are not normal to the surface of conductor. Path (D) C
represents the correct situation as here line of force does not
exist inside the conductor and starts and ends normally on D
its surface.
+Q -Q +Q -Q
Example - 9 A metallic slab is introduced between the two plates of a
charged parallel plate capacitor. Sketch the electric lines of + +
force between the plates. +E 0
+E 0
Solution : Keeping in mind the following properties :

1. Lines of force start from positive charge and end on negative + E =0 +
charge. +
2. Lines of force start and end normally on the surface of a +
conductor. +
3. Lines of force do not exist inside a conductor (as field inside a
Metal
conductor is zero)
The field lines between the plates are as shown in the figure.
8
ELECTRIC FIELD DUE TO A POINT CHARGE

→ 1 q → 1 q→
E= r̂ ⇒ E= r
4 πε 0 r 2 4 πε 0 r 3 Y Y
E
P
→ r P
If the position vector of the charge is r0 , then +
r – r0
r0
→ → E
r
electric field at position r is E = 1 q( r − r0 )
→ → q+ 0
X X
4πε 0 → → 3 (A) (B)
| r − r0 |
SUPERPOSITION OF ELECTRIC FIELDS

The resultant electric field at any point is equal to the vector sum of electric fields at that point due
to various charges.
→ → → →
E = E1 + E 2 + E 3 + ......
The magnitude of the resultant of two electric fields is given by
E = E12 + E 22 + 2E1E 2 cos θ

E
E2 θ
E 2 sin θ α
The direction is given by tan α =
E1 + E 2 cos θ E1
ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY ON THE AXIS OF A UNIFORMLY CHARGED RING

dq +
+
+ + r 2+
+ + a2
a
θ
+
+ P
E
+
+ r
dE θ
+ +
+ +
+ +
+
Let dE be the electric field at a point P on the axis, due to charge dq, while total charge on the ring is q.
1 dq
Then dE =
4π ∈0 r + a 2
2
As only axial components of electric field due to all elements remain, while perpendicular components are
cancelled.
Therefore ‘E’ at Point P = $∫ dE cos θ
1 qr as dq = q 
 ∫
1 dq r 1 r =
= ∫ 4π∈0 r 2 + a 2 r 2 + a 2 4π∈0 r 2 + a 2 3/2 ∫
. = dq
4π ∈0 r 2 + a 2 ( ) 
( )
3/ 2
9
NARAYANA
SPECIAL CASES
(i) At r = 0 (i.e. at centre of the ring) E = 0
1 q
(ii) At r >>a (i.e. at for off points on the axis) E= . It shows that the ring behaves like a point
4π ∈0 r 2
charge for far off points.
The magnitude of E increases from zero as we move on the axis starting from centre of the ring. It attains
a maximum value at some point on the axis and thereafter again decreases. At the point, whose E is
dE
maximum, =0
dr
d  1 qr 
⇒  2 3/ 2 
=0
dr  4π∈0 (r + a ) 
2 + +
+ +
3
⇒ (r + a )
2 2 3/ 2
− r. (r 2 + a 2 )1/ 2 . 2r = 0 +
2 +
a +
⇒ r = +
+ r=
a
2 2
+
+
+
EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTRIC FIELD
Example - 10 Charges with magnitude q are placed at 4 corners of a regular pentagon. These charges
are at distance ‘a’ from the centre of the pentagon. Find electric field intensity at the
centre of the pentagon.
Solution : Charges are placed at corners A, B, C and D of the pentagon. If charge q is placed
→
at the fifth corner also then by symmetry the intensity E at centre O is zero.
! !
Let E1 be the resultant electric field due to charge at A, B C and D and let E2 be the
elecric field due to the fifth charge.
! ! qA B q
Now, E1 + E2 = 0
! ! a
∴ E 1 = −E 2
E O q C
∴ Electric field due to charges at A, B, C and D.
! q
q """!
E2 = along EO D
4πε0 q2
A +q
Example - 11 Three charges +q, +q, +2q are arranged as shown in
figure. What is the field at point P (center of side AC)
P
Solution : The sum of fields at P due to charges at A and C add up a
to zero (because of equal magnitude and opposite
direction) . Thus the net field at P is that due to +2q
charge. Its direction is along the line BP and its magnitude +2q +q
B a C
is
1 2q
E=
4 πε 0 (BP)2
10
BP = BC 2 − PC 2 = a2 − a2 / 2 = a / 2
q
Thus E =
πε0 a2
Example - 12 An infinite plane of positive charge has a surface charge density σ. A metal ball B of
mass m and charge q is attached to a thread and tied to a point A on the sheet PQ.
Find the angle θ which AB makes with the plane PQ.
Solution : Due to positive charge the ball will experience electrical force Fe = qE horizontally away
from the sheet while the weight of the ball will act vertically downwards and hence if
T is the tension in the string, for equilibrium of ball :
Along horizontal, Tsinθ = qE
And along vertical, Tcosθ = mg
qE
So, tan θ =
mg
and T = [(mg)2 + (qE)2]1/2 P
A+
The field E produced by the sheet of charge PQ
σ
having charge density σ is E = θ
2ε 0 +
T
+
qσ
So, tan θ = θ +
2ε 0mg
+
qE q B
 qσ  +
i.e., θ = tan −1   +
 2ε 0mg 
+
mg Q
ELECTRIC FLUX
The mathematical quantity related to number of lines passing through a surface is called the electric flux φ .
The electric flux through a surface which is perpendicular to a uniform electric field E is defined as the product
of electric field E and surface area A : φ = EA
Since the electric field is proportional to density of lines of force, the electric flux is proportional to number of
lines of force passing through the surface area : φ α N .
If the surface area is not perpendicular to the electric field, then the electric flux is given by n̂
! A
φ = E . n̂ A = E cos θ A = E n A θ
where n̂ is a unit vector perpendicular to the surface and En is the component E
of electric field perpendicular to the surface (normal component).
The electric flux over a curved surface over which electric field may vary in direction and magnitude can be
computed by dividing the surface into large number of very small area elements. Let n̂i be the unit vector
perpendicular to such an area element and ∆A i be its area. The flux of the electric field through such an area
! !
element is ∆φ i = E i . n i ∆A i
11
NARAYANA
The total flux through the surface area is found by adding flux through each area element. In the limit ,when
number of area elements approaches infinity and area of each element approaches zero, the sum becomes an
integral.
! !
φ = lim
n→∞
∑ Ei . nˆi ∆ Ai = ∫ E . nˆ dA
.
i
Quite often we are interested in finding out the flux through a closed surface. The unit vector n̂ in such a case
is defined to be directed outward from each point. Note that when an electric line comes out of the closed
! !
surface, then E . nˆ is positive and if it enters the surface E . nˆ is negative.
The net flux through a closed surface is written as

!
φnet = $∫ E . nˆ dA = $∫ E n dA. .
Please note that φnet is proportional to the net lines of force going out of the surface, ie, number of lines going
out of the surface minus the number of lines going into the surface.
GAUSS LAW
I. STATEMENT
! "! "! q
φnet = $∫ E .nˆ dA = $∫ E ⋅ dA = enclosed
surface S
εo
where qenclosed is the total charge enclosed inside the surface. This important result is called Gauss’s Law
and can be stated as follows:
For a system of charges, the net flux through any closed surface ‘S’ is equal to 1 / ε o times the net
charge inside the surface.
Example If a dipole is enclosed by a closed surface S, then total flux due to this charge
distribution is zero.
"! "! 1
∫S E ⋅ d A = ε0 (q + ( −q )) = 0
φ=$
APPLICATION OF GAUSS’S LAW
ELECTRIC FIELD DUE SOME CHARGE DISTRIBUTION DERIVED BY USING GAUSS

LAW.
(i) Electric field due to line charge (infinite length) E
λ
The electric field at a distance r from a line charge (density λ) is
E
r
λ 2λ
E= r
2πε 0 r = k. r (a) Fig.1 (b)
The direction is outward perpendicular to the line charge. The E ∝ (1/r) dependence is shown
in fig. 1(b)
12
(ii) Electric field due to cylinder

If the line charge is a cylinder of radius R, then E
+ + R
(a) Electric field outside
1
E∝
λ r r
E=
2πε 0 r ( r > R) 0
E ∝r
r
(b) Electric field on the surface (a) Fig . 1 Fig . 2 (b)
λ
E=
2πε 0R
(c) Electric field inside (at a distance r from the axis)
λr
E= (if r ≤ R )
2πε 0R 2
The direction of the field is outwards (normal to the axis). The dependence of the field on r is
shown in figure.2 (b). Inside the charged cylinder,
E ∝ r
1
outside E ∝
r
(iii) ELECTRIC FIELD DUE TO A PLANE SHEET (INFINITE DIMENSIONS)

(a) Single sheet of charge
For the surface charge density σ (coulomb/metre2) the field + + E
σ + +
at a distance r from the sheet is E = directed towards +
2ε 0 +
outward normal (from a positively charged sheet) + +
+ +
The electric field does not depend on distance.
+ +
(b) Charged metal plate
Inside charged metal plate
σ σ
E = 0
+ + E
Outside charged metal plate + +
σ E
E= + E=0 +
ε0 + +
The field is normally outwards for positively charged plate + +
and inwards for negatively charged plates. + +
(iv) Electric field due to a charged spherical shell
The charge Q resides on the surface of the spherical shell (radius R) .
B
+ + E
+ +
R
+ E
O + r A
C +
+ +
Q
σ
13
NARAYANA
(a) Field at outside point A
→ 1 Q
E= r̂
4πε 0 r 2
1 Q
E=
4πε0 r2
(b) Field at surface point B
→ 1 Q
E= r̂
4πε0 R2 E
1 Q kQ
E=
E= R2
4πε0 R2 1
E
r2
(c) Field at inside point C E=0
O R r
E=0
The variation of field with distance r from the centre O of the shell in shown in fig. The field at
the surface is maximum. And outside the shell field varies as E ∝ 1/r2 .
(v) ELECTRIC FIELD DUE TO CHARGED CONDUCTING SPHERE

The entire charge Q resides on the surface of a charged conductor. E
+ B+
Any charge given to the interior, flows to the surface in less than + R +
a nanosecond. + +A
0 r
+ + E
So a charged conducting sphere behaves like spherical shell. Thus, C
+ +
+ +
1 Q
(a) Field outside E =
4πε 0 r2
1 Q
(b) Field on surface E =
4 πε0 R2
(c) Field inside E=0
Special note : The surface charge density in the above case is σ = Q/4πR 2. In terms
of σ the fields are
σ  R2 
E=  
outside ε0  r2 
 
σ
on surface E=
ε0
inside E = 0
14
(vi) ELECTRIC FIELD DUE TO A CHARGED SPHERE (NON CONDUCTING)

In case of a charged non conducting (plastic etc.) sphere, charges E
do not flow. As a result, charges exist inside the sphere as well + + B
as on the surface. Assuming uniform charge distribution, the electric + + +
+ RR +
field, outside (point A), +
+ A
on the surface (point B) and inside (point C) are as follows. + + +o + r + E
+ C +
+ C+
E
+
+ +
(a) Field outside
1 Q
E= directed radially outwards (for positive Q)
4 πε 0 r 2
(b) Field on surface
1 Q
E= E
4πε0 R2
kQ
(c) Field inside E=
R2
1 Q
E= r E
1
4 πε0 R3 r2
directed radially outwards for positive Q. O R r
The variation of the electric field with distance r from the centre of the charged nonconducting
sphere is as shown in fig. The field outside varies inversely as square of the distance. The field
at the surface is maximum. The field inside is directly proportional to the distance.
4
Special note : The volume charge density in above case, is ρ = Q /( πR ) . In terms of ρ, the
3
3
field are
ρ  R3 
E=  
outside 3ε 0  r2 
 
ρ
on surface E= R
3ε 0
ρ
inside E= r
3ε 0
EXAMPLE BASED ON ELECTRIC FLUX

Example - 13 If a point charge Q is located at the centre of a cube then find (i) flux through the total
surface, of the cube (ii) flux through one surface.
Solution : (i) According to Gauss’s law for closed surface φ = Q/ε0 , (ii) Since cube is a symmetrical
figure thus by symmetry the flux through each surface is φ‘ = Q/6∈0
Example - 14 A point charge +q is located L/2 above the centre of a
square having side L. Find the flux through this square.
15
NARAYANA
Solution : The charge q can be supposed to be situated at the centre q

of a cube having side L with outward flux φ. In this case
L/2
the square is one of its face having flux φ/6
q L
∴ flux through the square = 6ε
O
0
Example - 15 What is the value of electric flux in SI unit in Y-Z plane of area 2m2, if intensity of
→
electric field is E = (5 î + 2 ĵ) N/C.
→ →
Solution : φ = E . dA
= (5 î + 2 ĵ ).2 î
= 10 V-m
Example - 16 2µC charge is in some Gaussion surface, given outward flux φ, what additional charge
is needed if we want that 6φ flux enters into the Gaussian surface.
Solution : According to question
(2 + Q)µC
= −6 φ
∈0
(2 + Q)  2 
= −6  
or ∈0 ∈ 
 0 
Q = –14µC
Example - 17 A cylinder of length L and radius b has its axis coincident with the x axis. The electric
→
field in this region E = 200 î . Find the flux through (a) the left end of cylinder (b) the
right end of cylinder (c) the cylinder curved surface, (d) the closed surface area of the
cylinder.
Solution : from fig. then
→ →
(a) φa = E . A = EA cos θ Sc dA
E
dA
= 200 × πb 2 × cos π dA
E
Sa Sb
= –200 πb2
(b) φ b = EA cos 0º
= 200 πb2
(c) φ c = EA cos 90º
= 0
(d) φ = φa + φb + φc
= – 200 πb2 + 200 πb2 + 0
16 = 0
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL AND POTENTIAL ENERGY
→
LINE INTEGRAL OF E
The line integral of electric fields is defined as the integral A E
θ
d#
B → →
B
∫A
E . d#
The value of line integral depends only on the position of points A and B, and is independent of the
path between A and B
B → → A → →
∫A
E . d# = − ∫
B
E . d#
→ →
Line integral for a closed path is zero $∫ E .d# = 0
(such electric fields are called conservative fields).

Note : There exists one more type of electric field, called induced electric field. It is non-conservative
→ →
for which $∫ E .d# = 0
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
Electric potential and potential energy are defined only for conservative fields.
Definition in terms of work done :
Potential at any point A is equal to the amount of work done (by external agent against electric field)
in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to that point.
W∞A
VA =
q
Unit of potential (V) = J/C or volt

Potential at a point is said to be one volt if the amount of work done in bringing one coulomb of positive
charge from infinity to that point is one joule.
Since work and charge, both are scalars, the electric potential is a scalar quantity.
ML2 T −2
The dimensions of electric potential are =
TA
or [V] = ML2T–3A–1
17
NARAYANA
POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE
Potential difference between two points f (final) and i (initial) is defined to be equal to the amount of
work done (by external agent) in moving a unit positive charge from point i (initial) to f (final)
Wif
Vf − Vi =
q
If work done in carrying a unit positive charge from point 1 to point 2 is one joule then the potential
difference V2 – V1 is said to be one volt.
Potential difference may be positive or negative.
The work done against electrical forces in transporting a charge q from point i (potential V i) to point
f (potential V f) is W = qV where V = V f – Vi.
RELATION BETWEEN E AND ELECTRIC POTENTIAL V

→ →
∆V = V f – V i = – E . ∆ #
In one dimensions
dV
E=− ......(1)
dr
V=− ∫ E dr ......(2)
[If electric potential is known, electric field can be determined from eq. (1) and if E is known, V can
be determined from (2)]
→
In general E = −∇V
q A B
Electric field at any point is equal to negative of potential gradient at +
that point. VA > VB
The electric field always points from higher potential to lower potential (see (a)
fig.) -q A B
-
A positive charge always moves from higher potential to lower potential.
VA < VB
A negative charge always moves from lower potential to higher potential. (b)
Note : In an extended region of space where electric field is zero, electrical potential
is constant.
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DUE TO POINT CHARGES
1 q
One point charge V=
4πε 0 r
18
Many point charges

Potential is a scalar quantity and adds like scalars. Thus potential at point P (see fig.) due to
charges q1, q 2, –q3 is equal to (algebraic) sum of potentials due to individual charges.
V = V 1 + V 2 + V 3 + ..... r1
P
q +
1
r
 q1 q2 − q3 
2
1
V=  + + + .....  r
r
3
4πε 0  1 r2 r3  q +
2
- -q
POTENTIAL DUE TO A CHARGED SPHERICAL SHELL
3
The charge resides on the shell surface. The potential at P1, outside point, is
1 q
V= .
4πε 0 r
The potential at P2, surface point is

B
1 q + + P2
V= . + +
4πε 0 R RR
+ + P1
+ + r
The potential at P3, (inside point) is P3
+ C +
V = Vsurface
+ +
Q
1 q
V=
4πε 0 R
It is constant inside the shell (same at all points inside the shell)
POTENTIAL DUE TO A CHARGED CONDUCTING SPHERE

Outside the sphere
1 Q
V=
4 πε 0 r
1 Q
At the surface of sphere V=
4 πε 0 R
1 Q
Inside the sphere V = V surface = 4πε R
0
The potential at the points inside a conducting sphere is constant. (The electric field inside is zero)
POTENTIAL DUE TO A CHARGED NON-CONDUCTING SPHERE

For a non-conducting sphere carrying uniform charge distribution, the electrical potential is given
as :
19
NARAYANA
1 Q
Outside (e.g. point P1) V=
4 πε 0 r
At the surface (e.g. point P 2)

B
1 Q + P2
V= + P1 E
4 πε 0 R + + +
+ RR + r 3 kQ
Inside the sphere (e.g. point P3) + + 2R
+ + +o + +
+ +
1 Q(3R 2 − r 2 ) + P3 C
V=
+
+
4πε0 2R 3 + +
Q O R r
3 kQ
The potential at the centre of the sphere is V centre = . This is 1.5 times the potential at the surface
2 R
of the sphere Vsurface = kQ/R
POTENTIAL DUE TO A RING AT A POINT LYING ON ITS AXIS

Consider a ring of charge Q , radius a , linear charge density λ . Let an element dq
of length d # be taken on the ring. Then, r
dq a
dV =
4 πε0 r x p
Q
λ d#
dV =
⇒ 4πε0 a 2 + x 2
2 πa
λ
⇒ V=
4πε0 a 2 + x 2
∫ d#
0
λ (2πa )
V=
⇒ 4πε0 a 2 + x 2
Q
V=
⇒ 4 πε0 a 2 + x 2
EQUIPOTENTIAL SURFACE
A surface on which the potential is constant is called an equipotential surface. (A curve on which the
potential is constant is called equipotential curve)
E E + V1
+
q + + V=0
+ Q ++ E
+ V2
-
V1
V1 V2
V1 V2 V3
V2 V3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
20
Note : The electric field lines are perpendicular to equipotential surface (every where)
Since E = 0 inside a conductor, the entire conductor is at a constant potential.
For a point charge q and spherical charge distributions, the equipotential surfaces are spherical
fig.a & b dotted lines)
For a uniform field equipotential surface is plane (see fig. c dotted lines)
For a dipole, V = 0 surface is the equatorial plane. Other equipotential surfaces are curved.
Thus, in general equipotential surface can be of any shape.
When a charge is moved on an equipotential surfaces, work done is zero
ELECTRIC STRENGTH (DIELECTRIC STRENGTH)

The electric strength of air is about 3 × 106 V/m or 3000 V/mm. This means that if the electric field
exceeds this value sparking will occur in air. This sets a limit on maximum charge that can be given
to a conducting sphere in air.
The electric strength sets a limit on the maximum charge that can be placed on a conductor.
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

The electric potential energy of a system of fixed point charges is equal to the work that must be done
by an external agent to assemble the system, bringing each charge in from an infinite distance.
U is a scalar quantity.
Dimension of [U] = ML2T–2
Unit of [U] = joule
q1 r q2
For two charges (a)
q1 q2
r12
kq q
U= 1 2 r1
r r2
(b)
U = q2 V1
kq1q2
U=
r12
For three charges

U = U12 + U23 + U13 r12
q1 q2
kq 1q 2 kq 2 q 3 kq 1q 3
= + + r13 r23
r12 r23 r13
q3
For n-charge
kqi q j
U= ∑
all pairs rij
(number of pairs = n C2 )
21
NARAYANA
ELECTRON VOLT
It is equal to the amount of energy gained by an electron when accelerated through a potential difference
of one volt. It is unit of energy.
1 eV = 1.6 × 10–19 joule
When a charged particle moves under the influence of an electric field, then,
Kinetic energy gained = Potential energy lost
ENERGY DENSITY
In electric field, energy stored per unit volume is called energy density. It is equal to
1
u= ε 0E 2
2
EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTRIC POTENTI AL

Example - 18 A uniform electric field of magnitude E0 and directed along positive x-axis exist in a
certain region of space. If at x = 0, then potential V is zero, then what is the potential
at x = +x 0 ?
Solution : For a uniform field ∆V = –E∆r. In this case ∆V = V – 0, ∆r = x0 – 0, and E = E0.
Thus V – 0 = – E (x0 – 0)
or V = –Ex0
Note : The negative sign. As one moves along the direction of electric field, the
potential falls
Example - 19 Electric field intensity is given by the relation E = 100/x 2 where x is in meters. Find
potential difference between the points x = 10 m and x = 20 m.
x2 20
V=− ∫ Edx = − ∫ 100 x − 2 dx = 100 [ x −1 ]10
20
Solution :
x1 10
1 1
= 100  −  = 5 volt.
 10 20 
Example - 20 In the above question if alternate charges are positive and negative then find potential
x = 0.
1 1 1 1   1  2
Solution : V = kq  − + − .... = kq   = kq
1 2 4 8   1 + 1/ 2  3
Example - 21 A metallic charged sphere of radius r. V is the potential difference between point A on
the surface and point P distant 4r from the centre of the sphere. Then the electric field
at a point which is at a distance 4r from the centre of the sphere will be -
22
Solution : V = V A – VP
kq kq 3kq
= − = r A P
r 4r 4r
4r
Therefore for point P
kq V
E= 2
=
( 4r ) 12 r
Example - 22 A ring of radius R has a charge +q. A charge q0 is freed from the distance 3 R on its
axis, when it reaches to the centre of the ring, what is it’s kinetic energy ?
1 q
Solution : V=
4π ∈0 R2 + r 2
kq
At r = 3 R , V1 =
2R
kq
At r = 0, V2 =
R
KE = (V 2 – V1) q0
kqq 0
=
2R
Example - 23 A solid spherical conductor carries a charge Q. It is surrounded by a concentric uncharged
spherical shell. The potential difference between the surface of solid sphere and the
shell is V. If a charge of –3Q is given to the shell. Then the new potential difference
between the above two points will be -
Solution : Initial potential difference before charge is given to the shell
Q  1 1
VA − VB = a − b  = V
4π ∈0  
(ii) Final potential difference after the charge –3Q is
supplied to the shell d
A
1  Q 3Q 
VA ' =  −  a
4 π ∈0 a b 
b
VB ' =
1  Q 3Q 
 − 
4π ∈0  b b 
∴ VA '− VB ' = Q  1 1
4π ∈0 a − b  = V
 
Example - 24 In the following diagram the variation of potential with distance r is represented. What
is the intensity of electric field in V/m at r = 3m ?
23
NARAYANA
Solution : Because at r = 3m potential V = 5 volt = const. 4
V volts
3
2
dV
∴ E=− = 0 V/m 1
dr 01 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
r meter
Example - 25 In the above example the value of E in V/m at r = 6m will be.
Solution : At r 2 = 7m, V2 = – 2 volt
at r 1 = 5m, V1 = 4 volt
( V2 − V1 ) [ 2 − 4] 2
E=− = – = = 1 V/m
(r2 − r1 ) [7 − 5 ] 2
Example - 26 Electric potential for a point (x, y, z) is given by V = 4x2 volt. Electric field at point
(1, 0, 2) is -
dV
Solution : E = – = –8x = −8 × 1 = −8 V/m
dx
∴ Magnitude of E = 8 V/m and direction is along.
Example - 27 Fig. shows lines of constant potential in a region in 10V

20V
30V
which an electric field is present. The value of potentials 40V
A
50V B
are written. At which the points A, B and C is the
magnitude of the electric field greatest?
C
Solution : In an electric field, electric intensity E and potential
V are related as
→ dV → dV
E=− n, i.e., E=−
dr dr
For a given line, V = constant and the potential difference between any two consecutive
lines dV = V1 – V 2 = 10 V = const.. So E will be maximum where the distance dr between
the lines is minimum, i.e., at B (where the lines are the closest)
Example - 28 A charge Q is distributed over two concentric hollow spheres of radii r and R (> r) such
that the surface densities are equal. Find the potential at the common centre.
Solution : If q1 and q 2 are the charges on spheres of radii r and R respectively,
then q1 + q2 = Q
q1 q2 q1 r2 q2
According to given problem σ1 = σ2 or = or = 2
4πr 2 4πR 2 q2 R q1
R
o
r
24
Qr 2 QR 2
So q1 = and q2 =
(r 2 + R 2 ) (r 2 + R 2 )
Now as potential inside a conducting sphere is equal to its surface, so potential at the
common centre
1  q1 q2 
V = V 1 + V 2 = 4πε r + R
0  
1  Qr QR  1 Q(R + r )
= 4πε  2 + 2 2  =
0  (R + r 2
) (R + r )  4 πε 0 (R 2 + r 2 )
EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

Example - 29 Three charges, –q, Q, q are placed at equal distances on a straight line. If the total
potential energy of the system of the three charges is zero, then Q : q = .....
Solution : Let d be the equal distance. The total potential energy of the system is,
U = U12 + U23 + U31
1  q1q2 q2 q3 q3 q1 
U= + +
4π ∈0  d d 2d 
1  qQ Qq q2  1 q q
= − − +  or, U = − Q − Q + 
4π ∈0  d d 2d  4π ∈0 d  2
Since U = 0
q Q
–2Q + = 0 or, –4Q + q = 0 or, 4Q = q or, = 1 : 4
2 q
Example - 30 Three charges are arranged as shown in fig. Find the potential energy of the system.
Solution : The potential energy of the system is U = U12 + U23 + U31
1  q1( −q2 ) ( −q) × q3 q3 q1  +q2 = –4 × 10 C

–7
= + +
4π ∈0  a a a 
a = 10 cm a = 10 cm
1  4 × 10 −14 8 × 10 −14 2 × 10 −14 
=  − + 
4π ∈0  0.1 0.1 0.1 
–7
q1 = + 10 C +q3 = + 10 C
–7
d3
1 10 −14 
=  ( −4 − 8 + 2)
4π ∈0  0.1 
or U = 9 × 109 × 10–13 (–10)

= –9 × 10 9 × 10–12 ⇒ –9 × 10–3 joules
25
NARAYANA
Example - 31 An electron (charge, –e) is placed at each of the eight corners of a cube of side a and α-
particle (charge, +2e) at the centre of the cube. Compute the P.E of the system.
Solution : Fig., shows an electron placed at each to the eight corners of the cube and α particle
at the centre. The total energy of the system is the sum of energies of each pair of
charges. There are 12 pairs like A and B (separation a), 12 paris like A and C (separation,
2a ), 4 pairs like A and G (separation 3a ) and 8 paris like A and 0

–e –e
B
3 C
(separation a).
2 A D
–e –e
+2e
Hence o G
F –e
–e
 
1  ( −e) ( −e) ( − e ) ( −e ) ( −e) ( −e) 8( −e ) (2e)  E
U= 12 + 12 +4 +  –e –e H
4 π ∈0  a 2a 3a 3
a 
 2 
e2  12 4 32 
= (9 × 10 9) 12 + + − 
a  2 3 3
e2  e2 
 
= (9 × 10 9) (4.32) = 3.9 × 1010  a  J.
a  
Example - 32 The value of q1 and q2 are 2 × 10–8 coulomb and 0.4 × 10–8 coulomb respectively as
shown in fig. A third charge q3 = 0.2 × 10 –8 coulomb is moved from point C to point
D along the arc of a circle. The change in the potential energy of charge will be -
Solution : Potential energy of q3 at point C
D
q q q q 
UC = k  1 3 + 3 2  .....(1) 0.2m
 0. 8 1  q2
0.6m
Potential energy of q3 at point D
C
q3 0.8 m q1
q q q q 
UD = k  1 3 + 2 3  .....(2)
 0.8 0.2 
 1 1
∴ UD – UC = kq2q3  − 
 0.2 1
= 9 × 10 9 × 0.4 × 10 –8 × 0.2 × 10 –8 × 4
= 2.88 × 10–7 joule
Note : Note Charge potential energy charge will ne same even if we had taken
any other path as electric field is conservative.)
ELECTRIC DIPOLE
d
An arrangement of two equal and opposite charges separated by a small +
distance is called an electric dipole. q p -q
26
→
The dipole moment p is a vector quantity whose magnitude is equal to the product of magnitude of
one charge and the distance between the two charges. It is directed from negative charge to positive
charge.
Unit of dipole moment (p) = coulomb × metre = C.m
Dimensions of p = M0L1T1A1
ELECTRIC FIELD AT AN AXIAL POINT
→ d PE
→
-q o + +q
k 2 pr
E=
[r 2 − (d / 2)2 ] 2
→
The direction is along the axis, parallel to p . The magnitude is
1 2pr
E=
4 πε 0 [r 2 − (d / 2)2 ] 2
For r >> d,
1 2p
E=
4πε 0 r 3
ELECTRIC FIELD AT AN EQUATORIAL POINT

The electric field at an equatorial point P is q
+
→
→ kp
E=− 3/2 d p
p
 2  d 2  r
r +   
  2  
E

-q
The field is directed opposite to →

p and the magnitude is
1 p
E=
4 πε 0 (r 2 + (d / 2)2 )3 / 2
For r >> d
1 p
E=
4πε 0 r 3
27
NARAYANA
ELECTRIC FIELD AT (R, θ) POINT

For r >> d, the radial component Er and angular component Eθ of electric field due to a dipole, are
2p cos θ Z
Er = k Er
r3
p sin θ P α E
Eθ = k 3 Eθ
r r
θ
p +
The resultant field is 0
X
E= E r2 + E 2θ
kp
= 1 + 3 cos 2 θ
r3
The angle α in figure is such that
Eθ 1
tan α = = tan θ
Er 2
FORCE AND TORQUE ON A DIPOLE PLACED IN AN ELECTRIC FIELD

(a) A positive charge +q experiences a force parallel to the electric
→ →
field F = q E
F+ = qE
(b) A negative charge –q experiences a force in a direction opposite +
θ
→ →
to that of the electric field F = −q E F = -qE
→ → →
(c) The total force on a dipole placed in an uniform electric field is zero F = q E + ( −q E ) = 0
→ → →
(d) The torque on a dipole placed in uniform electric field is τ = p × E ⇒ τ = pE sin θ
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DUE TO A DIPOLE

The potential at an axial point (P 1) is
P1
P3
1 p
V=
4πε 0 r 2 − (d / 2)2
θ
If d << r then q+
d 0 P2
1 p
V= -q -
4πε 0 r2
where p = qd is the dipole moment

The potential at an equatorial point (P2)
V=0
28
The potential at any arbitrary point (P3, located at r, θ coordinates) is (for r >> d)
1 pcos θ
V= .
4πε 0 r2
Potential at a point which is equidistant from +q and –q charge is zero. Thus potential at all points
lying on the equatorial plane is zero for a dipole.
POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A DIPOLE

The work done in rotating a dipole placed in a uniform electric field E, from initial angle θ 1 to final angle
θ2
θ2 is W =
∫
θ1
τdθ
= pE (cos θ 1 – cosθ2)
where U2, U1 are the potential energy of the dipole in the two orientations.
Potential energy
U2 – U 1 = – pE cos θ2 – (–pE cos θ1)
= –pE (cos θ2 – cos θ1)
The zero of the potential is taken at θ = 90º . Thus, potential energy of the dipole is
→ →
U = − p.E
= –pE cos θ
Umin = –pE, Umax = + pE
Work done in rotating a dipole from θ = 0 (aligned parallel to E), to θ = 180º (aligned antiparallel to
E) is W = 2pE
EXAMPLES BASED ON DIPOLE SYSTEM
Example - 33 The work required to turn an electric dipole end for end in a uniform electric field when
→ →
the initial angle between p and E is θ 0 is -
Solution : W = pE (cosθ 1 – cosθ2), in this case θ1 = θ0 and θ2 = π + θ0. Thus

W = pE {cosθ 0 – cos (π + θ0)}
= 2pE cos θ0
Example - 34 Calculate the electric intensity due to a dipole of length 10 cm and having a charge
of 500 µC at a point on the axis distance 20 cm from one of the charges in air .
Solution : The electric intensity on the axial line of the dipole
1 2pd
E=
4π ∈0 (d − # 2 )2
2
2l = 10 cm ∴ # = 5 × 10 –2 m
29
NARAYANA
d = 20 + 5 = 25 cm = 25 × 10–2 m
p = 2q# = 2 × 500 × 10 –6 × 5 × 10 –2 ⇒ 5 × 10–3 × 10–2 = 5 × 10–5 C-m
9 × 10 9 × 2 × 5 × 10 −5 × 25 × 10 −2
∴ E= ⇒ 6.25 × 107 N.C.
10 −8 [25 2 − 5 2 ] 2
Example - 35 Calculate the electric intensity due to an electric dipole of length 10 cm having charges
of 100 µC at a point 20 cm from each charge.
1 p
Solution : The electric intensity on the equatorial line of an electric dipole is E =
4π ∈0 (d + # 2 )3 / 2
2
p = 2# q C-m
= 10 × 10–2 × 100 × 10–6
= 10 –5 C-m
d 2 + #2 = (20 × 10–2)2 = 4 × 10–2
9 × 10 9 × 10 −5
∴ E=
( 4 × 10 −2 )3 / 2
9 × 10 9 × 10 −5 9
= −3
= × 10 7 = 1.125 × 107 N/C
10 ×8 8
→
Example - 36 Find out the torque on dipole in N-m given : Electric dipole moment P = 10 −7 (5 î + ĵ − 2k̂ )
→
coulomb metre and electric field E = 107 ( î + ĵ + k̂ ) Vm–1 is -
î ĵ k̂
→ → → 5 1 −2
Solution : τ = P ×E =
1 1 1
= î (1 + 2) + ĵ( −2 − 5 ) + k̂(5 − 1) = 3 î − 7 ĵ + 4k̂
→
| τ |= 8.6 N-m
CHARGED LIQUID DROP

If n small drops each of radius r coalesce to form a big drop of radius R, then
4 4π 3
(i) πR 3 = n r
3 3
∴ R = rn1/3
(ii) If each small drop has a charge q, then the charge on the big drop
q' = nq
30
(iii) If V is the potential of the small drop, then the potential of the big drop will be
Kq' Knq
V' = = 1/ 3 = Vn2 / 3
r′ rn
(iv) If E is the electric field intensity at the surface of the small drop, then the electric field intensity
at the surface of the big drop will be
Kq' Knq Kqn1/ 3

E' = 2
= 2
= 2
= n1 / 3 E
R R r
EXAMPLE BASED ON CHARGED LIQUID DROP

Example - 37 1000 equal drops of radius 1cm, and charge 1 × 10–6 C are fused to form one
bigger drop. The ratio of potential of bigger drop to one smaller drop, and the
electric field intensity on the surface of bigger drop will be respectively -
Solution : Let the potential of one smaller drop be B then potential of bigger drop, is
V’ = n 2/3 V
V'
⇒ = n 2 / 3 = (1000)2/3 = 100
V
∴ V’ : V = 100 : 1
Also let the electric field on the surface of smaller drop be E then electric field on
bigger drop is
9 × 10 9 × 1× 10 −6
E’ = n1/3 E = n 1/3 kq = (1000) 1/3 = 9 × 108 V/m
r2 (1× 10 2 )2
FORCE ON A CHARGED SURFACE

(i) If we consider an element of the charged surface, then the charge on the element experiences
a repulsive force due to the charge on the remaining part. As a result, a resultant force acts on
it perpendicular to the surface in the outward direction.
(ii) The charged surface behaves as a stretched membrane.
(iii) If σ is the surface charge density, then the electric field intensity at external points close to the
σ
surface is ∈ and at internal points close to the surface the field is zero. Thus the average intensity
0
at the surface.
σ
E=
2 ∈0
31
NARAYANA
(iv) The repulsive force acting on a unit area of the surface will be.
σ2
F = Eσ = N/m2
2 ∈0
(v) The repulsive force acts in the outwards direction. The force acting on a unit area of the surface
is electrical pressure.
σ2
∴ Pelec =
2 ∈0
= 2πKσ2 N/m2
EQUILIBRIUM OF A CHARGED SOAP BUBBLE

P
(i) In equilibrium the air pressure inside a soap bubble is greater
than the atmospheric pressure. This excess pressure is produced P + Pex
due to surface tension of the soap solution. If r is the radius
of the bubble and T is its surface tension, then for the uncharged
bubble in equilibrium
Force due to excess pressure = force produced due to surface tension
p ex × πr 2 = T(2 × 2πr)
4T
∴ p ex =
r
(ii) If a bubble is charged, then electrical pressure due to charge acts in outwards direction on the
bubble.
σ2
p elec =
2 ∈0
where σ is the surface charge density.
(iii) In equilibrium, the force produced due to surface tension is equal to the sum of forces due to
excess air pressure inside the bubble and the electrical pressure due to charge, i.e.
(pex + p elec)πr2 = T(2 × 2πr)
4T
or pex + p elec=
r
σ2 4T
or p ex + =
2 ∈0 r
(iv) For charged bubble,
4T σ2
p ex = −
r 2 ∈0
(v) If the air pressure inside the bubble is equal to the atmospheric pressure outside, i.e., p ex = 0
then
σ2 4T
=
2 ∈0 r
8 ∈0 T 2T
or σ= =
r πKr
32
(vi) If charge given to the soap bubble is q, then
q
σ=
4πr 2
∴ The charge on the bubble
q = 4πr 2 σ
8 ∈0 T
= 4πr = 8 π 2 ∈0 Tr 3
2
= 32 πTr 3 / K
r
(vii) The intensity of electric field at the surface of the bubble
E = 32πTK / r = 8T / ∈0 r
(viii) The electric potential at the surface of bubble
V = 32 πrTK = 8Tr / ∈0
(ix) On charging a bubble the air pressure inside it decreases because the radius of the bubble
increased due to charging.
(x) A soap bubble always expands on giving any kind of charge (positive or negative)
MOTION OF A CHARGED PARTICLE IN ELECTRIC FIELD

→ →
(i) A charged particle at rest or moving experiences a force F = q E in the presence of electric field.
The acceleration, velocity and displacement are given by V
Vy
→ θ Vx
→ qE
a=
m Y
q θ 0
→ → → u
v = u + at E
→ → 1 →2 L
Screen
s = ut + at
2 Fig. (A) D
(ii) For a charged particle with initial velocity perpendicular to the electric field
Note that Fx = 0, ax = 0, Vx = u at all times
qE qE
Fy = qE, ay = , Vy = t
m m
The displacement components are x = ut
1 qE 2
y= t
2 m
1 qE 2
Eliminating t, y = x which is the equation of a parabola.
2 mu2
33
NARAYANA
(iii) The path of a charged particle entering a region of electric field with initial velocity perpendicular
to the field follows a parabolic trajectory.
L
The time spent in electric field is t = (see fig. A) The y component of velocity when it emerges
u
qEL
out of the field region is Vy =
mu
2
 qEL 
The resultant velocity V= V x2 + V y2 = u2 +  
 mu 
The angle at which the particle emerges
Vy qEL
tan θ = =
Vx mu 2
The height Y at which the particle hits the screen (see fig. A)
Y = D tanθ
qELD
Y=
mu 2
qELD
Y= (where K is initial kinetic energy)
2K
EXAMPLES BASED ON MOTION OF A CHARGED PARTICLE IN ELECTRIC FIELD

Example - 38 A positively charged oil droplet remains stationary
in the electric field between two horizontal plates
separated by a distance of 1cm. If the charge
on the drop is 9.6 × 10 –10 esu and the mass of + + + + + – – – – –
droplet is 10–11 g, what is the potential difference Fe= qE
between two plates ? Now if the polarity of the + +
plates is reversed what is the instantaneous qE mg F0= mg
acceleration of the droplet? [g = 9.8 m/s ] 2 – – – – – + + + + +
Solution : As the droplet is at rest, its weight W = mg will be balanced by electric force F = qE
mgd (10 −14 )(9.8)(1× 10 −2 )

i.e., qE = mg or V = V= = 3062.5 volt
q (9.6 × 10 −10 / 3 × 10 9 )
Now if the polarity of the plates is reversed, both electrical and gravitational force will act
downward
so, F = mg + qE = 2mg [as mg = qE]
F 2mg
And hence instantaneous acceleration of drop : a = = = 2g = 19.6 m/s 2
m m
34
ELECTROSTATIC BEHAVIOUR OF CONDUCTORS

Materials which allow flow of current through them are called conductors. They contain free electrons which
are donated by the atoms to the material as a whole and are able to move around freely inside the material.
These electrons come from the outermost orbit of atoms as they are very loosely bound to the atom.
The electrostatic behaviour of an insulated charged conductor or a conductor placed in an electric field can be
summarized as follows.
a) The electric field in the interior of the conductor is zero everywhere.
b) The electric field immediately outside the surface of the conductor is perpendicular to the surface.
c) Any excess charge given to a conductor remains on the outer surface.
d) All points on and within the surface of the conductor are at the same potential.
It follows that there is no difference between the electrostatic behaviour of a solid conductor and a
hollow conductor of the same shape and size.
ELECTROSTATIC SHIELDING
If there is a cavity of any shape inside a conductor, the field there will be strictly zero. This property is called
electrostatic shielding because any thing placed inside the cavity will be completely shielded from external
fields.
Examples : In a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning, it is safer to be inside a car, rather than near a tree
or on the open ground.
CONDUCTOR HAVING SHARP POINTS (ACTION OF POINTS)

Another interesting result is that the charge density and the electric field tend to be relatively high on sharp
points and low on plane regions of a conducting surface. This can be attributed to the fact that charge density
is proportional to radius of curvature.
Glow discharges from sharp points during thunderstorms are due to this reason. The lightning rod, which has
sharp points, is thus able to neutralize charged clouds and prevent lightning strokes.
INSULATORS (DIELECTRICS)
Materials which do not allow current to flow through them are called insulators or dielectrics. While the
electrons in such materials remain bound within their individual molecules, thus preserving the overall neutrality
of each molecule, they are affected by external electric fields because the positive and negative charges tend
to shift in opposite directions.
Dielectric substances are of two types
1. Non-polar dielectrics : In such dielectrics the centre of mass of all the positive charges (protons) in a
molecule coincides with the centre of mass of all the negative charges (electrons). Therefore, they are
not only electrically neutral but also possess zero dipole moments.
In the presence of an external field, the two centres of charge get slightly separated and each molecule
becomes a dipole, having a small dipole moment. This is because the protons experience a force in the
direction of the applied field while the electrons experience a force in the opposite direction. Thus in the
presence of a field the dielectric gets polarized.
2. Polar Dielectrics : In polar dielectrics the centre of mass of the protons in a molecule do not coincide
with the centre of mass of the electrons. This is due to the asymmetric shape of the molecule. Thus
each molecule behaves as a dipole having a permanent dipole moment.
35
NARAYANA
In the presence of an external applied field, these dipoles tend to align themselves along the field and
their dipole moments may also increase.
a) Dielectric Constant : Suppose a dielectric slab is placed in a uniform electric field E0 . The
electric field will polarize the slab, i.e., the positive charges of the molecules will be shifted slightly
towards the right and the negative charges towards the left. The right surface of the slab gets
positivelycharged and the left surface negatively charged. This sets up a field Ep in the opposite
direction which is less than E0 . The net field inside the slab becomes E = E0 − Ep . The ratio
E0
K=
E
is called the dielectric constant of the material.
E0
− + − + Ep
− + − + E0 E
− + EP − +
− + − +
b) Dielectric Strength : The dielectric strength of a dielectric is the maximum value of the electric
field that can be applied to the dielectric without its electric breakdown, i.e., without liberating
electrons from its atoms (or molecules).
ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY
The atmosphere surrounds the earth like a blanket. The atmosphere is a system with lots of variations.
Therefore only its average properties may be described. The radius of earth is about 6400 km and the
1
atmosphere extends to about 300 km above the surface of earth which is about th radius of earth.
20
When we go up, the temperature and density vary. At about 300 km, its density falls to 10−10 times its
ground level value.
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF ATMOSPHERE

a) At low altitudes the atmosphere is a poor conductor. The conductivity is only due to presence of ions,
small nuclei of dirt, water vapour carrying static charge etc. The conductivity in low atmosphere varies
a lot. It even varies from day to day.
b) At the top of stratosphere (i.e. about 50 km) the atmosphere is fairly conducting. The conductivity
increases from earth’s surface towards the top of stratosphere.
c) At ground level there is a vertical electric field of about 100 Vm–1 all over the earth. The field weakens at
higher altitudes and becomes negligible a 50 km.
d) The potential drop from 50 km to earth’s surface is nearly 400 kV. Most of the potential drop occurs at
low altitudes.
e) The surface density of earth is −10 −9 Cm −2 the total charge being −0.5 × 10 6 C .
f) The number of protons entering the earth’s surface per sec is 2 × 107 per m2 . This is equivalent to
positive charge of +1800 C .
36
g) To maintain the constancy of negative charge of earth and potential difference between earth and
stratosphere, there are about 4 × 10 4 thunder storms per day world-wise. This means a storm starts off
somewhere in every two second. The duration of each storm is about 1 hour.
h) Within each thunder cloud (or storm) positive charge is carried upward to a height of about
6 km while negative charges collect at about 2 km to 3 km above ground, the bottom of the cloud.
i) The total amount of negative charge may be –20 C to –30 C. At the end of storm, the negative charge
bursts along narrow path from cloud to earth to maintain earth at negative potential.
j) In the last stages of a storm, there are about 200 flashes or bolts, each lasting about 2 × 10−3 sec. The
peak current in each bolt is about −10 4 A in the downward direction. The calculation shows that each
bolt deposits −20 C of charge on earth. After each bolt the thunder cloud gets charged again and gets
ready for next bolt.
NAME ALTITUDE DENSITY TEMPERATURE

RANGE IN KM BEHAVIOUR BEHAVIOUR
−1
Trophosphere 0 to 12 km falls 1 to 10 Falls uniformly
from 290 K to 200 K
Stratosphere 12 to 50 km falls from 10−3 to rises uniformly

from 200 K to 280 K
Mesosphere 50 to 80 km falls from 10−3 ot 10−5 falls uniformly

from 280 K to 180 K
−5
Ionosphere 80 to 300 km falls from 10 to 10−10 to rises uniformly
from 180 K to 700 K
POINTS TO REMEMBER
! Fundamental forces of nature :
(i) Gravitation, (ii) Electromagnetic, (iii) Nuclear, (iv) Weak

! Relative strength 1 : 1036 : 1039 : 1034
! Charge is quantised, the quantum of charge is e = 1.6 × 10–19 C.

! The charge on the electron or proton denoted by e is the smallest charge that exists in nature. All other
charges are integral multiple of this charge. (q = ne)
! When two bodies are rubbed against each other there is generally a transfer of electrons from one body
to the other. A body which loses electrons is positively charged and the other negatively charged. If the
body is an insulator, electric charge remains confined to the rubbed portion but in case of conductor it
spreads out on the surface of the conductor.
! Electric field inside a charged conductor is zero. However there is electric field on the surface of conduc-
tor which is normal to the surface. In case of irregularly shaped conductor, the electric field E and
σ
surface charge density σ vary from point to point ( E = ). At sharp points surface charge density and
ε0
electric field have greater value. However potential at each point of the same conductor have equal value.
37
NARAYANA
! Electric field lines which are tangent to electric field, originate from positive charges and end on a
negative charges. They are perpendicular to the surface of conductor (or any equipotential surface) but
do not pass through conductor.
! Work done in a moving a point charge q from point A to point B independent of the path taken and is
equal to q(VB − VA ) .
! A free stationary positive (negative) charge moves from higher (lower) to a lower (higher) potential.
! The value of dielectric constant ‘k’ is infinite for metals and one for vacuum.
! Work done in rotating a dipole is given by W = U f − Ui = pE (cos θi − cos θf )
! An electric dipole always tries to align itself with the electric field because its potential energy in this
configuration is minimum.
! For a charge moving in an electric field, gain (less) in kinetic energy is always equal to loss (gain) in
potential energy.
1 2
 mv f − mvi  = −q (Vf − Vi )
2 1
Hence,
2 2 
! Electric field intensity due to a monopole (point charge) varies inversely as a square of the distance
whereas in case of dipole it varies inversely as the cube of the distance.
! Potential of an isolated conductor is inversely proportional the dielectric constant of the medium.
! Potential energy of system having two point charges :

1 q1q 2
U=
4πε 0 r
38
SOLVED EXAMPLES
−7
Example - 1 A polythene piece is rubbed with wool. It developes a (-) ve charge of 3 . 2 × 10 C.
(i) Calculate the no. of electrons transfered?
(ii) What is the charge on wool after rubbing?
(iii) Calculate transfer of mass from wool to polythene
e = −1.6 × 10 −19 C me = 9.1 × 10 −31 kg .
Solution : Here, q = −3.2 × 10 −7
q − 3.2 ×10−7
(i) n= = = 2 ×1012
e − 1.6 ×10−19
−7
(ii) Charge on wool after rubbing = +3.2 ×10 C
(iii) Transfer of mass from wool to polythene = n × me
= 2 × 1012 × 9.1 × 10 −31 = 18.2 × 10 −19 kg
Example - 2 Two small charged spheres repel each other with a force 2 × 10−3 N . The charge on one
−4
sphere is twice that on the other. When taken 10 cm further apart, the force is 5 × 10 N.
What are the charges and what was their original distance ?
Solution Let q and 2q be the charges and x the distance between them.
−3 1 2q 2
Then 2 × 10 = .
4πε ° x 2
1 2q 2
5 × 10 − 4 = .
Again
4πε ° (x + 0.1)2
20 (x + 0.1)2 x + 0.1
∴ = 2
or 2 = or 2 x = x + 0.1
5 x x
or x = 0.1m
Substituting the value of x so obtained
−3 2q 2  1 
2 × 10 = 9 ×10 9 ∵ = 9 × 109 
0.12  4πε° 
10 −14 10 −7
or q2 = or q = = 33.33 × 10 −9 C
9 3
39
NARAYANA
and 2q = 66.66 × 10 −9 C
So, the charges on the spheres are 33.33 × 10 −9 C and 66.66 × 10 −9 C
Examples - 3 Two free charges, each +Q, are placed at a distance r form each other. A third charge q is
placed on the line joining the above two charges such that all the charges are in equilib-
rium. What is the magnitude, sign and position of the charge q ?
Solution Let the two free charges be placed at points A and B and the third charge q be placed at a
point C on AB such that AC = x and BC = r − x .
Consider the equilibrium of the charge Q at A. The forces acting on it due to the charges at
B and C must be equal and opposite. This is possible only if the charge q is negative, and
FAC = FAB
1 Qq 1 Q2
or =
4π ∈° x 2 4π ∈° r 2
x2
or q= Q .............................(1)
r2
Now considering the equilibrium of charge q at C, we have
FCA = FCB
1 Qq 1 Qq
=
or 4π ∈° x 2 4π ∈° (r − x )2
or x=r−x
or x=r 2
Substituting in Eq. (1)
q =Q/4
With proper sign: q = −Q / 4
Example - 4 Three charges, each of value Q, are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle. A
fourth charge q is placed at the centroid of the triangle.
a) If q = −Q ,will the corner charges move towards the centroid or away from it?
b) What should be the relation between Q the q so that the charges remain
stationary ?
C
Solution: Let a be the length of each side of the triangle. Q
Distance OA =
2
(a sin 60°)
3
O
2 3
= .a. >
3 2 Q A 60°
F B
= a/ 3 F1
F
40
a) The forces on the charge at A due to those at B and C have magnitude.
1 Q2
F=
4π ∈° a 2
The resultant of these forces is
F1 = 2 F cos 30°
1 Q2 3
= 2. .
4π ∈° a 2 2
3 Q2
= along OA
4π ∈° a 2
The force on the charge Q at A due to charge q = −Q at O is
1 3Q 2
F2 = along AO
4 π ∈° a 2
Since F2 > F1 , the charge at A will move towards O. By symmetry, the charges at B
and C will also move towards O.
(b) For equilibrium of the charges
F1 = F2
Q2 3Qq
or 3 2
=
a a2
or q =Q/ 3
with proper sign q = − Q 3
Example - 5 Four charges + q , + q ,− q and − q are placed respectively at the corners A,B,C and D of a
square of side a , arranged in the given order. Calculate the electric potential and intensity at
O, the centre of the square. If E and F are the midpoints of sides BC and CD respectively,
what will be the work done in carrying a charge e from O to E and from O to F.
Solution Potential at O
q  1 1 1 1 
V° =  + − − 
4π ∈°  OA OB OC OD 
= 0 (as OA = OB = OC = OD ) +q
A +q
Intensity at O : B
Let E A, E B, EC and E D be the intensities at O due to the
charges at A,B,C, and D respectively, Their directions are O E
a E1=EB +ED E2=EA +EC
as shown. We have
1 q 1 2q
E A = E B = EC = E D = =
4π ∈o (a / 2 ) 2 4π ∈o a 2 D -q F -q
1 4q
∴ E1 = E B + E D =
4π ∈o a 2
41
NARAYANA
1 4q
and E2 = E A + EC =
4π ∈ o a 2
1 4 2q
∴ E = E12 + E 22 =
4π ∈o a 2
Work done in carrying charge e from O to E
Potential at E,
q  1 1 1 1 
VE =  AE + BE − DE − CE 
4π ∈o  
But AE = DE and BE = CE
∴ VE = 0
W (0 → E) = e[VE − V0 ] = 0
Work done in carrying charge e from 0 to F
q  1 1 1 1 
Potential at F, VF =  + − − 
4π ∈o  AF BF DF CF 
2q  1 1 
=  − 
4π ∈o  AF DF 
2q  1 q 
=  − 
4π ∈ o  a 5 / 2 a / 2 
1 4q  1 
=  − 1
4π ∈ o a  5 
1 4eq  1 
W (O → F ) = e(VF − Vo ) =  − 1
4π ∈o a  5 
Example - 6 A charge of 60nC(nanocoulomb) is placed at the corner A of a square ABCD of side 10cm.
Another charge of -40nC is located at the centre of the square. Find the work done in
carrying a charge of +5nC from the corner C to the cornerr B of square.
Solution Work done per unit charge is always equal to potential difference. Hence we will calculate
the potential at C, and the potential at B and take the potential difference between them.
This will give the work done per unit charge C
D
From geometry of the figure
OA = OB = OC = OD = 5 2 cm − 5 2 × 10 −2 m O
Potential at C − 40nC
+ 60 × 10 −9 − 40 × 10 −9
= +
4πε o10 2 × 10 − 2 4πε o 5 2 × 10 − 2 A B
+ 60 nC
9 × 109 × 60 × 109 9 × 109 × 40 × 109  1 9

= − ∵ = 9 × 10 
 4πε 
10 2 × 10 −5 5 2 × 10 −2  o 
= 2700 2 − 3600 2 = −900 2 = −1272 .6V
60 × 10 −9 − 40 × 10 −9
Potential at B = +
4πε o × 10 × 10 −2 4πε o × 5 2 × 10 − 2
= 5400 − 3600 2 = 5400 − 5090.4 = 309.6V

42
Potential difference between B and C = VB − VC

∴ Work done on unit charge from C to B = 1582.2J
−9
∴ Work done in taking 5nC from C to B = 1582.2 × 5 × 10 = 7.91× 10−6 J
Example - 7 Three point charges, each of 0.1C, are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of
side 1m. If this system is supplied energy at the rate of 1kW, how much time will be required
to move one of the charges on to the midpoint of the line joining the other two ?
Solution Initially the three charges are placed at the three corners A,B,C of the triangle. Initial poten-
tial energy
1  q2 q2 q2 
Ui =  + +  A
4π ∈o  l l l 
3q 2
=
4π ∈o l
l l
Suppose the charge at A is moved to the midpoint M of
BC. The final potential energy of the system
1  q2 q2 q2 
Uf =  + +  B M
4π ∈o  l / 2 l / 2 l  C
l
5q 2
=
4π ∈o l
Increase in energy
q2
∆U = U f − U i = (5 − 3)
4π ∈o l
1 2q 2
= .
4π ∈o l
9 × 109 × 2 × (0.1)2
=
1
= 18× 10 J
7
Energy supplied per second = 1000 J
18 × 10 7
Time taken = = 50 hrs .
1000
Example - 8 Three point charges 1C, 2C and 3C are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side
1m. Calculate the work required to move these charges to the corners of a smaller equilat-
eral triangle of side 0.5m, as shown in the figure.
1C
Solution Work required = (P.E of the charges on the inner
triangle) – (P.E of the charges on the outer triangle)
1m
1 1 × 2 1 × 3 2 × 3 1 × 2 1 × 3 2 × 3 
= + + − − −
4π ∈o  0.5 0.5 1 
0.5 m
0.5 1 1
= 9 × 10 9 [4 + 6 + 12 − 2 − 3 − 6]
2C 3C
= 9.9 × 1010 J
43
NARAYANA
Example - 9 A particle having a charge of 1.6 × 10−19 C enters between the plates of a parallel plate
capacitor. The initial velocity of the particle is parallel to the plates. A potential difference
of 300V is applied to the capacitor plates. If the length of the capacitor plates is 10cm and
they are separated by 2cm, calculate the greatest initial velocity for which the particle will
not be able to come out of the plates. The mass of the particle is 12 × 10 −24 kg .
Solution Here, V=300V, d=2cm
V 300
+ + +
⇒E= = = 15000 V
d 2 × 10 − 2 M
2cm
2 1cm = y
1  qE  x 
Now, y=   
2  m  u 
1 qEx 2 x =10cm
⇒ u2 =
2 my
x = 10cm = 0.1m
y = 1cm = 0.01m
1.6 × 10 −19 × 15000 × (0.1)2
⇒ u2 =
2 × 12 × 10 − 24 × (0.01)
∴ u = 10 4 m / s
Example - 10 Two similar small balls having mass m and charge q are suspended by silk strings having
length " , according to the figure. If in the figure θ is an acute angle then for equilibrium
what will the distance between the centre of the two balls.
Solution : The force & acting on the system are as follows.
T is tension in string, F is coulomb force and mg is weight.
For equilibrium,
T cos θ = mg and T sin θ = F O
F 1 q2
∴ tan θ = mg = " θ θ "
4 π ∈0 x 2 mg
If θ is small
x
∴ tanθ ~ – sin θ ≈ 2" T T
x 1 q2 F x F
∴ 2" =
4π ∈0 x 2 mg
1/ 3 mg mg
 q2 " 
x= 
 2π ∈0 mg 
Example - 11 Two similar negative charges –q are situated at point (0, a) & (0, –a) along Y-axis. A
positive charge Q is left from point (2a, 0). Analyse the motion of Q.
Solution : Due to symmetry the y components of forces acting on Q due to charges –q at A and
B will balance each other and the x components will add up along direction O.
If at any instant Q is at a distance x from O A
-q
F = F1 cos θ + F2 cos θ = 2F 1 cosθ [∵ F1 = F 2] F1
a
1  − qQ   x  θ C
=2  2 2   2 2 1/ 2 
x
4 π ∈0  (a + x )   (a + x )  O 2a θ Q
1 2qQx a
F=− i.e. F ∝ – x F2
4π ∈0 (a + x )
2 2 3 / 2
+q B
44
∵ F ∝ –x, the motion is oscillatory having amplitude 2a but it will not be S.H.M.
If x << a
1 2qQ
F=− x = −kx
4π ∈0 a 3
and the motion is S.H.M. with time period T, where
m 4π ∈0 ma 3
T = 2π = 2π
k 2Qq
Example - 12 Consider four equal charges (q, each) placed on the corners of a square with side a.
Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant force on the charge on lower
right corner.
Solution : The forces on the charge on lower right corner due to charges 1, 2, 3 are F1 = kq2/a2, F2
= kq2/a2, F3 = kq2/2a2
The resultant of F 1 and F2 is 3 a 2
q q
F12 = F12 + F22 + 2F1F2 cos 90º

a a
2
a
= 2kq / a
2 2
q
q F1
This is in the direction parallel to F3. Therefore the total 1 a F3
force on the said charge is F = F12 + F3 F
F2
1 kq 2
F= (1 + 2 2 ) The direction of F is 45º below the horizontal line
2 a2
Example-13 Three identical spheres each having a charge q and radius R, are kept in such a way
that each touches the other two. Find the magnitude of the electric force on any sphere
due to other two.
Solution : For external points a charged sphere behaves as if the whole of its charge was concentrated
at its centre.
Force on A due to B is
q C
1 qxq 1 q 2 → R R
= along BA
0 (2R )
FAB = 4πε 2 4 πε 0 4R 2
R R
FAB q 60
o
q
Force on A due to C. A R R B
60o
1 qxq 1 q2 →
= along CA
0 (2R )
FAC = 4πε 2 4 πε 0 4R 2 FAC
Now, angle between BA and CA is 600 and FAB = FAC =F.
FA = F 2 + F 2 + 2FF cos 60 = 3F =
1 ( 3 ) q  2
4πε 0 4  R 
45
NARAYANA
Example - 14 Along x-axis at positions x = 1, x = 2, x = 4 and x = 8 charges q is placed. What

will be electric field at x = 0 due to these charges. What will be the value of electric
field if the charges are alternately positive and negative.
...............|.....................|...............|.....................|.............∞
x = 1 x = 2 x = 4 x = 8
Solution : By superposition theory
q 1 1 1 1 
E=  + 2 + 2 + 2 + .....
4π ∈0 12
2 4 8 
q 1 1 1 1 
= 1 + 4 + 16 + 64 + .....
4π ∈0  
1
Terms in the braket are G.P. with first term a = 1 and common ratio r = .Its sum
4
a
S=
1− r
q  1   1 4
∴ E = 4π ∈ 1 − 1/ 4  =  4π ∈  3 q
0    0
If the charges are alternately positive and negative
q  1 1 1 
E= 1 − 4 + 16 − 64 + ....
4π ∈0  
where a = 1, r = –1/4
q  1 
E=  
4π ∈0 1 − ( −1/ 4) 
 q  4q
=  4π ∈  5
 0
Example - 15 Fig. shows field lines of an electric field, the line spacing
perpendicular to the page is same every where. If the B
magnitude of the field at A is 40 N/C, then what is the A
magnitude of the field at B ?
Solution : From the diagram we notice that density of lines at B is approximately half of that at A. Since
the density of field lines is proportional to the strength of field, we expect B = 20 N/C.
Example - 16 A point charge q is placed at a corner of a cube with side L. Find flux through entire
surface and flux through each face.
46
Solution : A corner of a cube can be supposed to be the centre

of a big cube made up of 8 such cubes, therefore flux
through it is q/8∈ 0. The direction of E is parallel to the
three faces that pass through this face, thus flux through
these is zero. A q
Flux through each of the other three faces
1  q  q
=  =
8∈  24 ∈
3  0  0
Example - 17 According to the figure, a hemi-spherical object is located

in an electric field. Find the outward flux through its curved
E
surface. E
180º
Solution : Total outward flux φ = φ CS + φ n n E
E
where φCS = flux through curved surface and
φn = flux through circular base

∵ No charge is associated with this surface
∴ φ CS = −φn
∵ curved surface perpendicular electric field
φn = E × πR 2 cos180º
= –E πR 2
∴ φCS = −φn = EπR 2

Example - 18 Infinite charges of magnitude q are placed at coordinates x = 1m, 2m, 8m respectively
along the x-axis. Find the value of potential at x = 0 due to these charges.
Solution : Resultant potential at x = 0
y
1 1 1 1   1 
V = kq  + + + + .... = kq   q q q q x
1 2 4 8  1 − 1/ 2  (0,0) (1,0) (2,0) (4,0) (8,0)
a
= 2kq [∴ Sum of above G.P., S. = ]
1− r
Example - 19 Two circular loops of radius 0.05 m and 0.09 m respectively q2
q1 r2
are put such that their axes coincide and their centres r1
are 0.12 m apart. Charge of 10 –6 coulomb is spread R1 R2

O1 x
uniformly on each loop. Find the potential difference O2
between the centre of loops.

Solution : The potential at the centre of a ring will be due to charge on both the rings and as
every element of a ring is at a constant distance from the centre,
  10 −4 
1  q1 q2  10 −4
So, V1 = 4πε  R + 9  +  = 2.40 × 10 5 V
R 2
+ x  = 9 × 10  5 9 2 + 12 2 
0
 1
2 
47
NARAYANA
 
1  q2 q1  1 1 
Similarly, 2 4 πε  R +
= 198
V
 or V2 = 9 × 105  +  = × 10 5
0
 2 R12 + x 2   9 13  117
= 1.69 × 105 V
So, V1 – V2 = (2.40 – 1.69) × 105 = 71 kV
Example - 20 An oil drop ‘B’ has charge 1.6 × 10–19 C and mass 1.6 × 10–14 kg. If the drop is in equilibrium
position, then what will be potential diff. between the plates. [The distance between the
plates is 100mm]
Solution : For equilibrium, electric force = weight of drop
+ + + + + + + + +A
V
⇒ qE = mg or q = = mg B
d 10cm
– – – – – – – – –
mgd 1.6 × 10 −14 × 9.8 × 10 × 10 −3
⇒ V= = = 104 volt
q 1.6 × 10 −19
48
EXERCISES
LEVEL - I
1 An electric field can deflect :
(1) X-rays (2) Neutrons
(3) α-particles (4) γ-rays
2 Relative permittivity of mica is :
(1) one (2) less than one
(3) more then one (4) infinite
3 Two identical metallic sphere are charged with 10 and -20 units of charge. If both the spheres are
first brought into contact with each other and then are placed to their previous positions, then the ratio
of the force in the two situations will be :-
(1) -8 : 1 (2) 1 : 8
(3) -2 : 1 (4) 1 : 2
4 Two equal and like charges when placed 5 cm apart experience a repulsive force of 0.144 newton.
The magnitude of the charge in microcoloumb will be :
(1) 0.2 (2) 2
(3) 20 (4) 12
5 For an electrostatic system which of the statement is always true :
[i] electric lines are parallel to metallic surface.
[ii] electric field inside a metallic surface is zero.
[iii] electric lines of force are perpendicular to equi-potential surface.
(1) (i) and (ii) only (2) (ii) and (iii) only
(3) (i) and (iii) only (4) (i), (ii) and (iii)
6 A negative charge is placed at some point on the line joining the two +Q charges at rest. The direction
of motion of negative charge will depend upon the :
(1) position of negative charge alone
(2) magnitude of negative charge alone
(3) both on the magnitude and position of negative charge
(4) magnitude of positive charge.
7 If Q = 2 coloumb and force on it is F = 100 newton, then the value of field intensity will be :
(1) 100 N/C (2) 50 N/C
(3) 200 N/C (4) 10 N/C
8 A force of 3000 N is acting on a charge of 3 coloumb moving in a uniform electric field. The potential
difference between two point at a distance of 1 cm in this field is :
(1) 10V (2) 90V
(3) 1000V (4) 9000V
9 If we move in a direction opposite to the electric lines of force :
(1) electrical potential decreases. (2) electrical potential increases.
(3) electrical potential remains uncharged (4) nothing can be said.
10 Two infinite linear charges are placed parallel at 0.1 m apart. If each has charge density of 5m C/
m, then the force per unit length of one of linear charges in N/m is :
(1) 2.5 (2) 3.25
(3) 4.5 (4) 7.5
11 The electric field intensity due to a uniformly charged sphere is zero :
(1) at the centre (2) at infinity
49
NARAYANA
(3) at the centre and at infinite distance (4) on the surface

12 Two spheres of radii 2 cm and 4 cm are charged equally, then the ratio of charge density on the surfaces
of the spheres will be -
(1) 1 : 2 (2) 4 : 1
(3) 8 : 1 (4) 1 : 4
13 Total charge on a sphere of radii 10 cm is 1 µC. The maximum electric field due to the sphere in
N/C will be -
(1) 9 x 10–5 (2) 9 x 103
5
(3) 9 x 10 (4) 9 x 1015
14 A charged water drop of radius 0.1 µm is under equilibrium in some electric field. The charge on the
drop is equivalent to electronic charge. The intensity of electric field is (g = 10 m/s2)-
(1) 1.61 NC–1 (2) 26.2 NC–1
–1
(3) 262 NC (4) 1610 NC–1
15 Two large sized charged plates have a charge density of +σ and -σ. The resultant force on the proton
located midway between them will be -
(1) σe / ∈0 (2) σe / 2 ∈0
(3) 2 σe / ∈0 (4) zero
16 The distance between two plates is 2 cm, when an electric potential of 10 volt is applied to both the
plates, then the value of electric field will be -
(1) 20 N/C (2) 500 N/C
(3) 5 N/C (4) 250 N/C
17 The charge density of an insulating infinite surface is (e/π) C/m2 then the field intensity at a nearby
point in volt/meter will be -
(1) 2.88 x 10–12 (2) 2.88 x 10–10
–9
(3) 2.88 x 10 (4) 2.88 x 10–19
18 Two objects A and B are charged with equal charge The potential of A relative to B will be -
(1) more (2) equal
(3) less (4) indefinite
19 The potential due to a point charge at distance r is -
(1) proportional to r. (2) inversely proportional to r.
(3) proportional to r2. (4) inversely proportional to r2
20 The dimensions of potential difference are -
(1) ML2T–2Q–1 (2) MLT–2Q–1
–2 –2
(3) MT Q (4) ML2T–1Q–1
21 An object is charged with positive charge. The potential at that object will be -
(1) positive only (2) negative only
(3) zero always (4) may be positive, negative or zero.
22 In H atom, an electron is rotating around the proton in an orbit of radius r. Work done by an electron
in moving once around the proton along the orbit will be -
(1) ke/r (2) ke2/r2
(3) 2πre (4) zero
23 The potential at 0.5 Å from a proton is -
(1) 0.5 volt (2) 8µ volt
(3) 28.8 volt (4) 2 volt
24 Two metallic spheres which have equal charges, but their radii are different, are made to touch each
other and then separated apart. The potential the spheres will be -
(1) same as before (2) more for bigger
(3) more for smaller (4) equal
25 A conducting shell of radius 10 cm is charged with 3.2 x 10–1 C. The electric potential at a distance
4cm from its centre in volt be -
(1) 9 x 10–9 (2) 288
(3) 2.88 x 10–8 (4) zero
50
Level - II
1 Two charges of +1 µC & + 5 µC are placed 4 cm apart, the ratio of the force exerted by both charges
on each other will be -
(1) 1 : 1 (2) 1 : 5
(3) 5 : 1 (4) 25 : 1
2 If an electron is placed in a uniform electric field, then the electron will :
(1) experience no force.
(2) moving with constant velocity in the direction of the field.
(3) move with constant velocity in the direction opposite to the field.
(4) accelerate in direction opposite to field.
3 A body has 80 microcoulomb of charge. Number of additional electrons on it will be :
(1) 8 x 10–5 (2) 80 x 1015
(3) 5 x 1014 (4) 1.28 x 10–17
4 Two identical metallic balls carry charges of + 20 µC and −10 µC . They are put in contact and again
separated to the same distance as before. What will be the ratio of initial to final force between them
? Ignore the nature of force.
(1) 2 : 1 (2) 4 : 1
(3) 8 : 1 (4) 16 : 1
5 Three charges q1 = 1 × 10 , q2 = 2 × 10 , q 3 = –3 × 10–6 C have
–6 –6
been placed, as shown in figure, in four surfaces S1, S2, S3 and S 4 s3

electrical flux emitted from the surface S2 in N–m 2/C will be - q1
q3
q2
(1) 36π × 103 (2) –36π × 103 s1 s2
9
(3) 36p × 10 (4) –36p × 109 s4
6 The intensity of an electric field at some point distant r from the axis of infinite long pipe having charges
per unit length as q wil be :
(1) proportional to r2 (2) proportional to r3
(3) inversely proportional to r. (4) inversely proportional to r2.
7 Which of the following represents the correct graph for electric field intensity and the distance r from
the centre of a hollow charged metal sphere or solid metallic conductor of radius R :
E E
(1) (2)
r r
E E
(3) (4)
r r
8 The electric field near the conducting surface of a uniform charge density σ will be -
(1) σ / ∈0 and parallel to surface. (2) 2σ / ∈0 and parallel to surface.
(3) σ / ∈0 and perpendicular to surface. (4) 2σ / ∈0 and perpendicular to surface.
51
NARAYANA
9 Two parallel charged plates have a charge density +σ and -σ. The resultant force on the proton located
outside the plates at some distance will be -
(1) 2 σe / ∈0 (2) σe / ∈0
(3) σe / 2 ∈0 (4) zero
10 In electrostatics the potential is equivalent to -
(1) temperature in heat (2) height of levels in liquids
(3) pressure in gases (4) all of the above
11 Two parallel plates have charges + Q and - Q, with potential difference V between them. If the distance
between the plates is increased then the potential difference will -
(1) decrease (2) increase
(3) be same as before. (4) depend upon the metal of plates
12 An uncharged conductor A is brought close to another charged conductor B, then the charge on B
(1) will increase but potential will be constant. (2) will be constant but potential will increase
(3) will be constant but potential decreases. (4) and the potential both are constant.
13 Two points (0, a) and (0, -a) have charges q and -q respectively then the electrical potential at origin
will be-
(1) zero (2) kq/a
(3) kq/2a (4) kq/4a2
14 The charges of same magnitude q are placed at four corners of a square of side a. The value of potential
at the centre of square will be -
(1) 4kq/a (2) 4 2kq / a
(3) 4kq 2a (4) kq / a 2 q
15 Three equal charges are placid at the three corners of an isosceles triangle
as shown in the figure. The statement which is true fro electric potential V
o
and the field intensity E at the centre of the triangle -
(1) V = 0, E = 0 (2) V = 0, E ≠ 0 q q
(3) V ≠ 0, E = 0 (4) V ≠ 0, E ≠ 0
16 A wire of 5 m length carries a steady current. If it has an electric field of 0.2 V/m, the potential difference
across the wire in volt will be -
(1) 25 (2) 0.04
(3) 1.0 (4) none of the above
17 A nucleus has a charge of + 50e. A proton is located at a distance of 10-12 m. The potential at this
point in volt will be -
(1) 14.4 x 104 (2) 7.2 x 104
(3) 7.2 x 10–12 (4) 14.4 x 108 D
+Q +Q
18 For the arrangement of charges shown in the figure, potential is zero at - B
A C
(1) A, B and C (2) D, B and E
-Q -Q
(3) B only (4) A, B, C, D, and E E
19 A spherical charged conductor has σ as the surface density of charge. The electric field on its surface
is E. If the radius of the sphere is doubled keeping the surface density of charge unchanged, what
will be the electric field on the surface of the new sphere ?
(a) E/4 (b) E/2
(c) E (d) 2E
52
20 The electric potential inside a uniformly charged sphere has the value which -
(1) increase with distance from the centre. (2) decreases with distance from the centre.
(3) is equal at all the points. (4) is zero at all the points.
21 Two spheres of radii R and 2R are charged and then connected by a conducting wire, then the charge
will
(1) flow from smaller sphere to the bigger sphere. (2) flow from bigger sphere to the smaller
sphere (3) not flow.
(4) oscillate between the spheres.
22 The potential difference between two spheres of radii r1 and r2 is zero. The ratio of their charges Q1/
Q2 will be-
(1) r1/r2 (2) r2/r1
2 2
(3) r1 /r2 (4) r13/r23
23 The potential on the conducting spheres of radii r1 and r2 is same, the ratio of their charge densities
will be-
(1) r1/r2 (2) r2/r1
(3) r12/r22 (4) r22/r12
24 64 charged drops coalesce to from a bigger charged drop. The potential of bigger drop will be times
that of smaller drop -
(1) 4 (2) 16
(3) 64 (4) 8
25 The electric potential outside a uniformly charged sphere at a distance ‘r’ is (‘a’ being the radius of
the sphere)-
(1) directly proportional to a3 (2) directily proportional to r.
(3) inversely proportional to r. (4) inversely proportional to a3.
53
NARAYANA
Level - III
1. In the following figure an isolated charged conductor is +A
++ B
shown. The correct statement will be - + + + ++ + C+
+ + +
(1) EA > EB > EC > ED (2) EA < EB < EC < ED
E=0
(3) EA = EB = EC = ED (4) EB = EC and EA > ED + +D +
2. If the above question, the potential has correct relations as given -
(1) VA > VB > VC > VD (2) VA > VB ≥ VC > VD
(3) VD = VC = VB = VA (4) VC < VB > VA > VD
3. In the above question, the surface charge densities have the correct relation is -
(1) σA > σB > σC > σD (2) σA = σB = σC = σD
(3) σD > σC > σB > σA (4) σC < σB > σA > σD
4. Van-dee Graph generator is used in -
(1) nuclear power establishments
(2) in accelerating charged particles to very high potential
(3) lighting and heating
(4) lighting only
5. Two identical pith-balls of mass m and having charge q are suspended from a point by weight-less strings
of length ‘"’. If both the strings make an angle of ‘θ’ with the vertical, then the distance between the balls
will be (tanking θ to be small) -
(1) (q2 "/2π ∈0 mg)1/ 3 (2) ( q2 "/4π ∈0 mg)1/ 3
(3) ( q" 2 /4π ∈0 mg)1/ 3 (4) ( q" 2 /2π ∈0 mg)1/ 3
6. For the isolated charged conductor shown in fig. the potential at points A, B, C + + + + +
+A +
and D are VA, VB, VC and VD respectively. Then - B C + D
+ +
(1) VA = VB > VC > VD (2) VD > VC > VB = VA +
+
(3) VD > VC > VB > VA (4) VD = VC = VB = VA
7. A non conducting sheet S is given a uniform charge density s. Two uncharged
thin and small metal rods X and Y are placed near the sheet as shown.
S
Then, the correct statement is - +
+ + X Y
+
(1) S attracts both X and Y + +
+
+ + +
(2) X attracts both S and Y + +
(3) Y attracts both S and X
(4) all of the above
8. The variation of potential with distance R from fixed point is shown in fig. 5
4
The electric field at R = 5m is -
Potential in V
3
(1) 2.5 V/m (2) –2.5 V/m 2
(3) 2/5 V/m (4) –2/5 V/m

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Distance R in M
9. A charged spherical conductor of radius R carries a charge A point test charge q0 is placed at a
distance x from the surface of the conductor . The force experienced by the test charge will be proportional
to
1
(a) ( R + x ) 2 (b)
( R + x)
2
1
(c) ( R − x ) 2 (d)
( R − x)
2
54
10. Two charges 9e and 3e are placed at a distance r. The distance of the point where the electric field
intensity will be zero is -
(1) r /(1 + 3 ) from 3e charge (2) r /(1 + 3 ) from 9e charge
(3) r /(1 − 3 ) from 3e charge (4) r /(1 + 1/ 3 ) from 3e charge

11. The electric field in a region surrounding the origin is uniform and along the B
x-axis. A small circle is drawn with the centre at the origin cutting the axes at
points A, B, C, D having coordinates (a, 0); (0, a); (–a, 0); (0, –a) respectively as E
C A
shown in fig. Then the potential is minimum at -
(1) A (2) B
D
(3) C (4) D
12. If an electron has an initial velocity in a direction different from that of an electric field the path of the
electron is-
(1) a straight line (2) a circle
(3) an ellipse (4) a parabola
13. Consider equal and oppositely charged oppositely charge large parallel +σ –σ
plates, with charge density ±σ . A small charge q0 is moved along the D C
rectangular path ABCDA where side AB = x and side BC = y. Then correct
statement(s) is (are) -
(1) work done by electric field along path AB is positive and equal to q0 σx / ε 0 .
(2) work done by electric field along path BC is zero A B
(3) work done by electric field along the path ABCDA is zero
(4) all of the above
14. Charge on an originally uncharged conductor is separated by holding a
positively charged rod very closely nearby, as in Fig. Assume that the
induced negative charge on the conductor is equal to the positive charge q
on the rod then, flux through surface S1 is -
(1) zero (2) q0 / ε 0
(3) −q0 / ε 0 (4) none of the above

15. Some equipotential surfaces are shown in the figure. The magnitude and
direction of the electric field is-
20V 30V 40V
(1) 100 V/m making angle 1200 with the x-axis
0 θ θ θ
(2) 100 V/m making angle 600 with the x-axis 10 20 30 (cm)
(3) 200 V/m making angle 1200 with the x-axis θ = 30º
(4) none of the above
16. The metal plate on the left in fig. carries a surface charge of σ –2σ
+s per unit area. The metal plate on the right has a surface charge of -2s + –
+ –
per unit area. It is assumed that the plates are large and the central plate is –
+
connected to zero. Then the charge densities on the left and right surface –
+
of the central plate are, respectively -
+ –
(1) - σ, + σ (2) - 2σ, + 2σ + –
(3) - σ, + 2σ (4) none of the above
55
NARAYANA
17 Point charge q moves from point P to point S along the path PQRS (as
shown in Fig.) in a uniform electric field E pointing co-parallel to the Y
positive direction of X-axis. The coordinates of the points P, Q, R, and
S are (a, b, 0), (2a, 0, 0), (a, -b. 0) and (0, 0, 0) respectively. The work
P E
done by the field in the above process is given by the expression-
S Q
(1) qEa (2) –qEa
R
(3) qEa 2 (4) qE (2a )2 + b 2
18 An electron is projected as in fig. with kinetic energy K, at an angle q = 450

between two charged plates. The magnitude of the electric field so that the – – – – – –
electron just fails to strike the upper plate, should be greater than -
K d
(1) K/qd (2) 2K/qd 45º E
(3) K/2qd (4) infinite + + + + + +
19 Two plastic rods of equal lengths (L = πR) one of charge q and other of charge -q, form a circle of radius
R in an xy plane. The charge is distributed uniformly on both rods. Then the electric field at the centre of
circle is-
(1) zero (2) q / 4πε0R 2
(3) q / 2π 2 ε 0R 2 (4) q / π2 ε 0R 2
20 Two identical thin rings, each of radius R metre are coaxially placed at distance R metre apart. If Q1 and
Q2 coulomb are respectively the charges uniformly spread on the two rings, the work done in moving a
charge q from the centre of one ring to that of the other is-
(1) zero ( )
(2) q(Q1 − Q 2 ) 2 − 1 / 2 (4πε 0R )
(3) q 2 (Q1 − Q 2 ) / 4πε 0R (4) q(Q1 + Q ) ( 2 + 1)/

2 2 4πε 0R
21 A and B are concentric conducting spherical shells. A is given a positive charge while B is earthed. Then-
(1) A and B both will have the same charge densities B
+
+ +A
(2) the potential inside A and outside B will zero
+ +
(3) the electric field between A and B is none zero ++
(4) the electric field inside A and outside B is non zero.

22 A semicircular ring of radius R is given a uniform charge Then the electric field and electric potential at
its centre will be -
Q Q Q Q Q
, , + + + + ++
(1) 4π ∈0 R (2) 4π ∈0 R +
4π ∈0 R 2
2 ∈0 π R 2 2
+ +
+ R +
Q Q O
(3) , (4) zero, zero
4 π ∈0 R 2π ∈0 R
23 Mark the wrong statement -
(1) Equipotential surface never cross and other
(2) For a uniformly charged nonconducting sphere, the electric potential at the centre of the sphere is
1.5 times that at the surface
(3) If potential in a certain region in non zero constant, then the electric field in that region will also be non
zero constant
(4) Inside a spherical charged shell, the electric field is zero but the electric potential is the same as that
at the surface.
56
24 A charge +q is fixed at each of the points x = x 0 , x = 3x 0 , x = 5x0 ... ad inf. of the x-axis and a charge -
q is fixed at each of the points x= 2x0, x=4x0 , x=6x0..... an inf. Here x0 is a positive constant. Take the
electric potential at a point due to a charge Q at a distance r from it be Q/4 π ∈0 r. Then, the potential at
te origin due to the above system of charge is
q
(1) 0 (2) 8πε x log2
0 0
glog2
(3) ∞ (4) 4πε x
0 0
25 In the follwoing fig. where the change q must be kept so that the potential energy of the system will be
minimum?
9 cm
q
2q 8q
x (9-x)
(1) 3 cm (2) 2 cm
(3) 4 cm (4) none of these
57
NARAYANA
PROBLEMS ASKED IN VARIOUS EXAMS

1 Two identical conductors of copper and aluminum are placed in an identical electric field. The magnitude
of induced charge in the aluminum will be - [AIIMS 1999]
(1) zero (2) greater than in copper
(3) less than in copper (4) equal to that in copper
2 The study of the effects associated with electric charge at rest is known as -
[AIIMS 1999]
(1) electrostatics (2) magnetostatic
(3) electromagnetism (4) none of these
3 Two electric charges 12µC and –6µC are placed 20 cm apart in air. There will be a point P at which
electric potential is zero on the line joining these two charges and outside, excluding the region between
them. The distance of P from –6µC charge is - [EAMCET ENGG. 2000]
(1) 0.10 m (2) 0.15m
(3) 0.20m (4) 0.25m
→ → →
4 The displacement r of a charge Q in an electric field E = e1î + e 2 ĵ + e 3k̂ is r = a î + b ĵ . The work done
is - [EAMCET ENGG. 2000]
(1) Q(ae1 + be2) (2) Q (ae1 )2 + (be 2 )2
(3) Q( e1 + e 2 ) a 2 + b 2 (4) ( e12 + e 22 ) (a + b)

5 An electron of mass m and charge e is accelerated from rest through a potential difference V in
vacuum . The final speed of the electron will be - [MP PMT 2000]
(1) V e / m (2) eV / m
(3) 2eV / m (4) 2eV/m
6 An insulated charge conducting sphere of radius 5 cms has potential of 10 V at the surface. What is the
potential at centre - [AIIMS 2000]
(1) 10 V (2) zero
(3) same as that at 5 cms from the surface (4) same as that at 25 cms from the surface
7 Let Ea be the electric field due to a dipole in its axial plane distant 1 and let Eq be the field in the equatorial
plane distant ". The relation between Ea and Eq is - [AIIMS 2000]
(1) Ea = Eq (2) Ea = 2Eq
(3) Eq = 2Ea (4) Ea = 3Eq
8 A point positive charge of ‘Q’ unit is moved round another positive charge of Q unit on a circular path. If the
radius of the circle is r, the work done on the charge Q’ in making one complete revolution is -
[HARAYANA PMT 2000, BHU MED. 2000]
Q QQ'
(1) 4πε r (2) 4πε r
0 0
Q'
(3) 4πε r (4) zero
0
9 Three point charges Q1 , Q2 and Q3 in that order are placed equally spaced along k straight line. Q2 and
Q3 are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign. If the net force on Q3 is zero, the value of Q1 is -
[UPSEAT 2000]
(1) Q1 = |Q3| (2) Q1 = 2 |Q3|
(3) Q1 = 2 |Q3| (4) Q1 = 4 |Q3|
58
10 As shown in the figure, charge +q and –q are placed at the A

vertices B and C of an isosceles triangle. The potential at
the vertex A is - [MP PET 2000] a
B b b C
1 2q
+q -q
(1) 4πε (2) zero
0 a2 + b 2
1 q 1 ( −q)
(3) 4πε (4) 4πε 0
0 a +b2 2
a2 + b 2
11 Three charges Q, +q and +q are placed at the vertices of a right-angled isosceles triangle as shown. The
net electrostatic energy of the configuration is zero if Q is equal to - [IIT SCREENING 2000]
−q −2q Q
(1) (2) 2a
1+ 2 2+ 2 a
(3) –2q (4) +q
12 Two point charges (+Q) and (–2Q) are fixed on the X-axis at positions a and 2a +q +q
a
from origin respectively. At what positions on the axis, the resultant electric
field is zero - [MP PET 2001]
(1) only x = 2a (2) only x = – 2 a
3a
(3) both x = ± 2a (4) x =
only
2
13 Three positive charges of equal value q are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The resulting
lines of force should be sketched as in - [IIT SCREENING 2001]
(1) (2)
(3) (4)
14 A uniform electric field pointing in positive x-direction exists in a region. Let A be the origin, B be the point
on the x-axis at x = +1 cm and C be the point on the y-axis at y = +1 cm. Then the potentials at the
points A, B and C satisfy - [IIT SCREENING 2001]
(1) VA < VB (2) VA > VB
(3) VA < VC (4) VA > VC
15 Charge density on upper half is λ and in lower half charge density is – + A
λ. Direction of electric field at O is +
[UPSEAT 2001] + O
C B
(1) along OA (2) along OB
(3) along OC (4) along OD –
––––
–
16 The work done in placing four charges at the corners of a square as D
shown in the figure, will be -
[RPET 2002] +q -q
1 2
Kq2 Kq 2
(1) ( 4 − 2 ) (2) ( 4 + 2 )
a a
Kq2 Kq2
(3) ( 4 − 2 ) 2 (4) ( 4 + 2 ) 3 4
a a2 -q +q
59
NARAYANA
17 Two spherical conductors B and C having equal radii and carrying equal charges on them repel each
other with a force F when kept apart at some distance. A third spherical conductor having same radius as
that of B but uncharged is brought in contact with B, then brought in contact with C and finally removed
away from both. The new force of repulsion between B and C is - [AIEEE 2004]
(1) 3F/8 (2) 3F/4
(3) F/8 (4) F/4
18 A charged particle ‘q’ is shot towards another charged particle ‘Q’, which is fixed, with a speed ‘v’. It
approaches ‘Q’ upto a closest distance r and then returns. If q were given a speed of ‘2v’, the closest
distances of approach would be - [AIEEE 2004]
q Q
(1) r/4 (2) 2 r v r
(3) r/2 (4) r
19 Four charged equal to –Q are placed at the four corners of a square and a charge q is at its centre. If the
system is in equilibrium the value of q is - [AIEEE 2004]
Q Q
(1) (1 + 2 2 ) (2) (1 + 2 2 )
2 4
Q Q
(3) − (1 + 2 2 ) (4) − (1 + 2 2 )
2 4
20 An electric-dipole is placed at an angle of 30º to a non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience
(1) a torque only [AIEEE 2006]
(2) a translational force only in the direction of the field
(3) a translational force only in a direction normal to the direction of the field
(4) a torque as well as a translational force
21 Two insulating plates are both uniformly charged in such a way that the potential difference between
them is V2 – V1 = 20 V. (i.e. plate 2 is at a higher potential). The plates are separated by d = 0.1 m and
can be treated as infinitely large. An electron is released from rest on the inner surface of plate 1. What
is its speed when it hits plate 2 ? (e = 1.6 × 10-19C, me = 9.11 × 10-31 kg)
[AIEEE 2006]
Y
0.1m
X
1 2
−19
(1) 32 ×10 m / s (2) 2.65 ×106 m / s
(3) 7.02 × 1012 m / s (4) 1.87 × 106 m / s
22 Two spherical conductors A and B of radii 1 mm and 2 mm are separated by a distance of 5 cm and are
uniformly charged. If the spheres are connected by a conducting wire then in equilibrium condition, the
ratio of the magnitude of the electric fields at the surfaces of spheres A and B is
[AIEEE 2006]
(1) 1 : 4 (2) 4 : 1
(3) 1 : 2 (4) 2 : 1
23 An electric charge 10–3 µC is placed at the origin (0,0) of X-Y co-ordinate system. Two points A and B
are situated at ( )
2, 2 and ( 2,0) respectively. The potential difference between the points and A and
B will be
[AIEEE 2007]
(1) 9 V (2) zero
(3) 2 V (4) 4.5 V
60
$
24 Charge are placed on the vertices of a square as shown in Fig. Let E is along (2). Potential at centre
remains same
[AIEEE 2007]
$ $
(1) E remains unchanged, V changes (2) Both E and V change
$ $
(3) E and V remain unchanged (4) E changes, V remain changed
25 The potential at a poit x (measured in µm ) due to some chargfes situated on the x-axis is given by
( )
V ( x ) = 20 / x 2 − 4 volts. The electric field E at x = 4 µm is given by
[AIEEE 2007]
5 5
(1) volt/ µm and in the -ve x direction (2) volt/ µm and in the +ve x direction
3 3
10 10
(3) volt/ µm and in the -ve x direction (4) volt/ µm and in the +ve x direction
9 9
61
NARAYANA
ANSWERS
EXERCISE
LEVEL - I
1. (3) 2. (3) 3. (1) 4. (1) 5. (2)
6. (1) 7. (3) 8. (1) 9. (2) 10. (3)
11. (3) 12. (2) 13. (3) 14. (3) 15. (1)
16. (2) 17. (3) 18. (4) 19. (2) 20. (1)
21. (4) 22. (4) 23. (3) 24. (4) 25. (3)
LEVEL - II
1. (1) 2. (4) 3. (3) 4. (3) 5. (2)
6. (3) 7. (4) 8. (3) 9. (4) 10. (4)
11. (2) 12. (3) 13. (1) 14. (2) 15. (3)
16. (3) 17. (2) 18. (1) 19. (3) 20. (2)
21. (1) 22. (1) 23. (2) 24. (2) 25. (3)
LEVEL - III
1. (1) 2. (3) 3. (1) 4. (2) 5. (1)
6. (4) 7. (4) 8. (1) 9. (2) 10. (1)
11. (1) 12. (4) 13. (4) 14. (2) 15. (3)
16. (3) 17. (2) 18. (3) 19. (4) 20. (2)
21. (3) 22. (2) 23. (3) 24. (4) 25. (1)
PROBLEMS ASKED IN VARIOUS EXAMS

1. (4) 2. (1) 3. (3) 4. (1) 5. (3)
6. (1) 7. (2) 8. (4) 9. (4) 10. (2)
11. (2) 12. (2) 13. (3) 14. (2) 15. (4)
16. (1) 17. (1) 18. (3) 19. (4) 20. (4)
21. (2) 22. (2) 23. (2) 24. (4) 25. (4)
62

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THE NARAYANA TEAM

Questions asked in various Exams

II. METHODS OF CHARGING

III. PROPERTIES OF ELECTRIC CHARGE

EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTRIC CHARGE

COULOMB’S LAW IN VECTOR FORM

PROBLEM SOLVING TRICKS

EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTROSTATICS FORCE

1 (9.45 × 1019 )2 e 2 9 × 10 9 × (9.45 × 1019 )2 × (1.6 × 10 −19 )2

ELECTROSTATIC LINES OF FORCE : PROPERTIES

Figure 1 : The electric field lines for two equal

k) Field lines always enter or leave a conducting surface at right angles.

EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTRIC LINES OF FORCE

Solution : Keeping in mind the following properties :

ELECTRIC FIELD DUE TO A POINT CHARGE

SUPERPOSITION OF ELECTRIC FIELDS

The magnitude of the resultant of two electric fields is given by

E = E12 + E 22 + 2E1E 2 cos θ

ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY ON THE AXIS OF A UNIFORMLY CHARGED RING

Therefore ‘E’ at Point P = $∫ dE cos θ

Along horizontal, Tsinθ = qE

And along vertical, Tcosθ = mg

The net flux through a closed surface is written as

APPLICATION OF GAUSS’S LAW

ELECTRIC FIELD DUE SOME CHARGE DISTRIBUTION DERIVED BY USING GAUSS

(ii) Electric field due to cylinder

(b) Electric field on the surface (a) Fig . 1 Fig . 2 (b)

(c) Electric field inside (at a distance r from the axis)

(iii) ELECTRIC FIELD DUE TO A PLANE SHEET (INFINITE DIMENSIONS)

(a) Field at outside point A

(b) Field at surface point B

(v) ELECTRIC FIELD DUE TO CHARGED CONDUCTING SPHERE

(c) Field inside E=0

(vi) ELECTRIC FIELD DUE TO A CHARGED SPHERE (NON CONDUCTING)

(b) Field on surface

directed radially outwards for positive Q. O R r

EXAMPLE BASED ON ELECTRIC FLUX

Solution : The charge q can be supposed to be situated at the centre q

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL AND POTENTIAL ENERGY

Line integral for a closed path is zero $∫ E .d# = 0

(such electric fields are called conservative fields).

for which $∫ E .d# = 0

Unit of potential (V) = J/C or volt

Potential difference may be positive or negative.

RELATION BETWEEN E AND ELECTRIC POTENTIAL V

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DUE TO POINT CHARGES

Many point charges

The potential at P2, surface point is

POTENTIAL DUE TO A CHARGED CONDUCTING SPHERE

POTENTIAL DUE TO A CHARGED NON-CONDUCTING SPHERE

At the surface (e.g. point P 2)

POTENTIAL DUE TO A RING AT A POINT LYING ON ITS AXIS

ELECTRIC STRENGTH (DIELECTRIC STRENGTH)

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

For three charges

EXAMPLES BASED ON ELECTRIC POTENTI AL