Electrical charges and fields

CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
Question 1.
Which orientation of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field would correspond to
stable equilibrium ? (All India 2008)
Answer:
When dipole moment vector is parallel to electric field vector
P→∥E→
Question 2.
If the radius of the Gaussian surface enclosing a charge is halved, how does the electric
flux through the Gaussian surface change ?
Answer:
Electic flux ϕE is given by
ϕE=∮E→⋅ds⃗ =Qε0
…. where [Q is total charge inside the closed surface
∴ On changing the radius of sphere, the electric flux through the Gaussian surface
remains same.
Question 3.
Define the term electric dipole moment of a dipole. State its S.I. unit
Answer:
τ = OE sin θ
If E = 1 unit, θ = 90°, then τ = P
Dipole moment may be defined as the torque acting on an electric dipole, placed
perpendicular to a uniform electric dipole, placed perpendicular to a uniform electric
field of unit strength.
or Strength of electric dipole is called dipole moment.
|P→|=q|2a|
∴ SI unit is Cm.
Question 4.
In which orientation, a dipole placed in a uniform electric field is in

 stable,
 unstable equilibrium ? (Delhi 2010)

Answer:

 For stable equilibrium, a dipole is placed parallel to the electric field.

 For unstable equilibrium, a dipole is placed antiparallel to the electric field.

Question 5.
Figure shows three point charges, +2q, -q and + 3q. Two charges +2q and -q are
enclosed within a surface ‘S’. What is the electric flux due to this configuration through
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
the surface ‘S’ (Delhi 2010)

Answer:
 Electric flux =∮SE→⋅dS−→

Question 6.
Name the physical quantity whose S.I. unit is JC-1. Is it a scalar or a vector quantity? (All
India 2010)
Answer:

 Physical quantity whose S.I. unit is JC-1 is Electric potential.

 It is a Scalar quantity.

Question 7.
Define electric dipole moment. Write its S.I. unit. (All India 2011)
Answer:
Electric dipole moment of an electric dipole is defined as the product of the magnitude
of either charge and dipole length.

S.I. unit of dipole (p⃗

 ) is coulomb metre (Cm).
Question 8.
Why should electrostatic field be zero inside a conductor? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Electrostatic field inside a conductor should be zero because of the absence of charge.
As in a static condition, charge remains only on the surface.

Question 9.
Why must electrostatic field be normal to the surface at every point of a charged
conductor? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
So that tangent on charged conductor gives the direction of the electric field at that
point.

Question 10.
A charge ‘q’ is placed at the centre of a cube of side l. What is the electric flux passing
through each face of the cube? (All India 2012)
Answer:
Electric flux through each phase of the cube

Question 11.
A charge ‘q’ is placed at the centre of a cube of side l. What is the electric flux passing
through two opposite faces of the cube? (All India)
Answer:
ϕE=q3ε0
Question 12.
Depict the direction of the magnetic field lines due to a circular current carrying loop.
(Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Direction of the magnetic field lines is given by right hand thumb rule.

Question 13.
What is the direction of the electric field at the surface of a charged conductor having
charge density σ < 0? (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The direction of electric field is normal and inward to the surface.

Question 14.
Why do the electric field lines not form closed loops? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Electric field lines do not form closed loops because the direction of an electric field is
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from positive to negative charge. So one can regard a line of force starting from a
positive charge and ending on a negative charge. This indicates that electric field lines
do not form closed loops.

Question 15.
Is the electric field due to a charge configuration with total charge zero, necessarily
zero? Justify. (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
No, it is not necessarily zero. If the electric field due to a charge configuration with total
charge is zero because the electric field due to an electric dipole is non-zero.

Question 16.
Two charges of magnitudes – 2Q and + Q are located at points (a, 0) and (4a,0)
respectively. What is the electric flux due to these charges through a sphere of radius
‘3a’ with its centre at the origin? (All India 2013)
Answer:

Question 17.
Two charges of magnitudes -3Q and + 2Q are located at points (a, 0) and (4a, 0)
respectively. What is the electric flux due to these charges through a sphere of radius
‘5a’ with its centre at the origin?
Answer:

Question 18.
Write the expression for the work done on an electric dipole of dipole moment p in
turning it from its position of stable equilibrium to a position of unstable equilibrium in a
uniform electric
field E. (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
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Torque, acting on the dipole is, τ = pE sin θ

Question 19.
Why do the electrostatic field lines not form closed loops? (All India 2014)
Answer:
Electric field lines do not form closed loops because the direction of an electric field is
from positive to negative charge. So one can regard a line of force starting from a
positive charge and ending on a negative charge. This indicates that electric field . lines
do not form closed loops.

Question 20.
Why do the electric field lines never cross each other? (All India)
Answer:
The electric lines of force give the direction of the electric field. In case, two lines of
force intersect, there will be two directions of the electric field at the point of
intersection, which is not possible.

Question 21.

distance ‘d’ apart as shown in the figure. The electric field intensity is zero at a point ’P’
on the line joining them as shown. Write two conclusions that you can draw from this.
(Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:

 Two point charges ‘ q1‘ and ‘ q2 should be of opposite nature.

 Magnitude of charge ql must be greater than that of charge q2.

Question 22. What is the electric flux through a cube of side 1 cm which encloses an
electric dipole? (Delhi 2015)
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Answer:
Zero because the net charge of an electric dipole (+ q and – q) is zero.

Question 23.
Why are electric field lines perpendicular at a point on an equipotential surface of a
conductor? (Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
If the electric field lines were not normal to the equipotential surface, it would have a
non-zero component along the surface. To move a unit test charge against the direction
of the component of the field, work would have to be done which means this surface
cannot be equipotential surface.
Hence, electric field lines are perpendicular at a point on an equipotential surface of a
conductor.

Question 24.

Is the potential difference VA – VB positive, negative or zero? (Delhi 2016)

Answer:
The potential difference is positive.

Question 25.
How does the electric flux due to a point charge enclosed by a spherical Gaussian
surface get affected when its radius is increased? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
The electric flux due to a point charge enclosed by a spherical gaussian surface
remains ‘unaffected’ when its radius is increased.

Question 26.
Show on a plot the nature of variation of the

 Electric field (E) and

 potential (V), of a (small) electric dipole with the distance (r) of the field
point from the centre of the dipole. (Comptt. Outside Delhi 2016)
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Answer:

Question 27.
Does the charge given to a metallic sphere depend on whether it is hollow or solid? Give
reason for your answer. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
No, it does not, because the charge resides only on the surface of the conductor.

Question 28.
Draw a plot showing variation of electric field with distance from the centre of a solid
conducting sphere of radius R, having a charge of +Q on its surface. (Comptt. Delhi
2017)
Answer:
Plot between E and r

Question 29.
A point charge +Q is placed in the vicinity of a conducting surface. Draw the electric
field lines between the surface and the charge.
(Comptt. Outside Delhi 2017)
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
Answer:

Question 30.
Derive an expression for the torque experienced by an electric dipole kept in a uniform
electric field. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Consider an electric dipole consisting of charges + q and – q and of length 2a placed in
a uniform electric field E→ making an angle θ with it. It has a dipole moment of
magnitude,

Hence the net translating force on a dipole in a uniform electric field is zero. But the two
equal and opposite forces act at different points of the dipole. They form a couple
which exerts a torque.
Torque = Either force × Perpendicular distance between the two forces
x = qE × 2a sin θ
X = pE sin θ [ ∵ p = q × 2a; p is dipole moment]
As the direction of torque τ⃗   is perpendicular to p⃗  and E⃗ , so we can write τ⃗ =p⃗ ×E→
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Question 31.
Define electric flux. Write its S.I. unit.
A charge q is enclosed by a spherical surface of radius R. If the radius is reduced to half,
how would the electric flux through the surface change? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Electric flux over an area in an electric field is the total number of lines of force passing
through the area. It is represented by ϕ . It is a scalar quantity. Its S.I unit is Nm2 C-1 or
Vm.

Electric flux ϕ by qenclosed

Hence the electric flux through the surface of sphere remains same.

Question 32.
A spherical conducting shell of inner radius rx and outer radius r2 has a charge ‘Q’. A
charge ‘q’ is placed at the centre of the shell.
(a) What is the surface charge density on the
(i) inner surface,
(ii) outer surface of the shell?
(b) Write the expression for the electric field at a point x > r 2 from the centre of the shell.
(All India 2010)
Answer:
(a) Surface charge density on the :

(b) Electric field at a point x > r2 from the centre of the shell will be E = 14πε0(q+Qx2)

Question 33.
Show that the electric field at the surface of a charged conductor is given
by E→=σε0n^, where σ is the surface charge density and h is a unit vector normal to
the surface in the outward direction. (All India 2010)
Answer:
Electric field at a point on the surface of charged conductor, E = 14πε0QR2
For simplicity we consider charged conductor as a sphere of radius ‘R’. If ‘σ’ is in surface
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
charge density, then

…where [ n^ is a unit vector normal to the surface in the outward direction]
Question 34.
A thin straight infinitely long conducting wire having charge density X is enclosed by a
cylindrical surface of radius r and length l, its axis coinciding with the length of the wire.
Find the expression for the electric flux through the surface of the cylinder. (All India
2011)
Answer:
Since the field is everywhere radial, flux through the two ends of the cylindrical Gaussian
surface is zero. At the cylindrical part of the surface, E is normal to the surface at every
point, and its magnitude is constant, since it depends only on r. The surface area of the
curved part is 2πrl, where l is the length of the cylinder.

Flux through the Gaussian surface = Flux through the curved cylindrical part of the
surface is zero. At the cylindrical part of the surface, E is normal to the surface at every
point, and its magnitude is constant, since at every point, and its magnitude is constant,
since it depends only on r. The surface area of the cylinder.

Flux through the Gaussian surface = Flux through the curved cylindrical part of the
surface
= E × 2πrl

(a) Electric field due to an infinitely long thin straight wire is radial.
(b) The Gaussian surface for a long thin wire of uniform linear charge density
The surface includes charge equal to λl.
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Gauss’s law then gives

Question 35.
Plot a graph showing the variation of coulomb force (F) versus (1r2), where r is the

distance between the two charges of each pair of charges : (1µC, 2µC) and (2µC, –
3µC). Interpret the graphs obtained. (All India 2010)
Answer:

Here positive slope depicts that force is repulsive in nature and negative slope depicts
that the force is attractive in nature.
Question 36.
A hollow cylindrical box of length 1m and area of cross-section 25 cm2 is placed in a
three dimensional coordinate system as shown in the figure. The electric field in the
region is given by E→=50xi^ where E is in NC-1 and x is in metres. Find

 Net flux through the cylinder.

 Charge enclosed by the cylinder. (Delhi 2013)
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

Answer:

Question 37.

Given a uniform electric field  , find the flux of this field through a
square of 10 cm on a side whose plane is parallel to the y-z plane. What would be the
flux through the same square if the plane makes a 30° angle with the x-axis? (Delhi
2014)
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
Answer:
Given : E→=5×103i^N/C
A = 10 × 10 × 10-4m2,
Flux (ϕ) = EA cos θ
(i) For first case, θ = 0, cos 0 = 1
∴ Flux = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4)
(ii) Angle of square plane with x-axis = 30°
Hence the 0 will be 90° – 30° = 60°
EA cos θ = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4) × cos 60
= 50 × 12
= 25 Nm2C-1
Question 38.
Given a uniform electric field E→ = 2 × 103 i^ N/ C, find the flux of this field through a
square of side 20 cm, whose plane is parallel to the y-z plane. What would be the flux
through the same square, if the plane makes an angle of 30° with the x-axis? (Delhi
2014)
Answer:
Given : E→=5×103i^N/C
A = 10 × 10 × 10-4m2,
Flux (ϕ) = EA cos θ
(i) For first case, θ = 0, cos 0 = 1
∴ Flux = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4)
(ii) Angle of square plane with x-axis = 30°
Hence the 0 will be 90° – 30° = 60°
EA cos θ = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4) × cos 60
= 50 × 12
= 25 Nm2C-1
Hint : (i) 80 Nm2C-1
(ii) 40 Nm2C3
Question 39.
Given a uniform electric field E→=4×103i^ N/C. Find the flux of this field through a
square of 5 cm on a side whose plane is parallel to the Y-Z plane. What would be the
flux through the same square if the plane makes a 30° angle with the x-axis? (Delhi
2014)
Answer:
Given : E→=5×103i^N/C
A = 10 × 10 × 10-4m2,
Flux (ϕ) = EA cos θ
(i) For first case, θ = 0, cos 0 = 1
∴ Flux = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4)
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(ii) Angle of square plane with x-axis = 30°
Hence the 0 will be 90° – 30° = 60°
EA cos θ = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4) × cos 60
= 50 × 12
= 25 Nm2C-1
Hint:
(i) 10 Nm2C-1
(ii) 5 Nm2C-1
Question 40.
A small metal sphere carrying charge +Q is located at the centre of a spherical cavity in
a large uncharged metallic spherical shell. Write the charges on the inner and outer
surfaces of the shell. Write the expression for the electric field at the point P 1 (Comptt.
Delhi)

Answer:

1. Charge on inner surface : – Q

2. Charge on outer surface : + Q
3. Electric field at point P1 (E) = 14πε0Qr21

Question 41.
An electric dipole is placed in a uniform electric field E→ with its dipole
moment p⃗   parallel to the field. Find
(i) the work done in turning the dipole till its dipole moment points in the direction
opposite to E→ .
(ii) the orientation of the dipole for which the torque acting on it becomes maximum.
(Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
(ii) τ = p⃗
 ×E→ = pE sin θ
For θ = π2, sin θ = 1 and τ is maxximum
Question 42.
A sphere S1 of radius r1 encloses a net charge Q. If there is another concentric sphere
S2 of radius r2 (r2 > r,) enclosing charge 2Q, find the ratio of the electric flux through
S1 and S2. How will the electric flux through sphere S1 change if a medium of dielectric
constant K is introduced in the space inside S2 in place of air? (Comptt. All India 2014)

Answer:

Therefore, there will be no change in the flux through S1 on introducing dielectric
medium inside the sphere S2.

Question 43.
Define the term ‘electric flux’. Write its S.I. units. What is the flux due to electric
field E→=3×103i^ N/C through a square of side 10 cm, when it is held normal to if?
(Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
Electric flux over an area in an electric field is the total number of lines of force passing
through the area. It is represented by ϕ . It is a scalar quantity. Its S.I unit is Nm2 C-1 or
Vm.

Electric flux ϕ by qenclosed

Hence the electric flux through the surface of sphere remains same.
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

Electric Charges and Fields Class 12 Important Questions Short Answer

Type
Question 44.
A thin conducting spherical shell of radius R has charge Q spread uniformly over its
surface. Using Gauss’s law, derive an expression for an electric field at a point outside
the shell.
Draw a graph of electric field E(r) with distance r from the centre of the shell for 0 ≤ r ≤
∞
Answer:
Electric field at a point outside the shell :
(a) (i) To find out electric field at a point outside a spherical charged shell we imagine a
symmetrical Gaussian surface in such a way that the point lies on it.
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

Graph of electric field E(r) :

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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
Question 45.
State Gauss’ law in electrostatics. Using this law derive an expression for the electric
field due to a uniformly changed infinite plane sheet.
Answer:
Gauss’ Law states that “the total flux through a closed surface is 1ε0 times the net
charge enclosed by

Let σ be the surface charge density (charge per unit area) of the given sheet and let P be
a point at distance r from the sheet where we have to find E→

Choosing point P’, symmetrical with P on the other side of the sheet, let us draw a
Gaussian cylindrical surface cutting through the sheet as shown in the diagram. As at
the cylindrical part of the Gaussian surface, E→ and dS→ are at a right angle, the only
surfaces having E→ and dS→ parallel are the plane ends

…[As E is outgoing from both plane ends, the flux is positive.

This is the total flux through the Gaussian surface.

This value is independent of r. Hence, the electric field intensity is same for all points
near the charged sheet. This is called uniform electric field intensity.
Question 46.
State ‘Gauss law’ in electrostatics. Use this law to derive an expression for the electric
field due to an infinitely long straight wire of linear charge density λ cm-1
Answer:
Gauss’s law in electrostatics : It states that “the total electric flux over the surface S in
vaccum is 1ε0 times the total charge (q).”
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Electric field due to an infinitely long straight wire : Consider an infinitely long straight
line charge having linear charge density X to determine its electric field at distance r.
Consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius r and length l coaxial with the charge.
By symmetry, the electric field E has same magnitude at each point of the curved
surface S1 and is directed radially outward.
Total flux through the cylindrical surface,

Question 47.
A positive point charge (+ q) is kept in the vicinity of an uncharged conducting plate.
Sketch electric field lines originating from the point on to the surface of the plate.
Derive the expression for the electric field at the surface of a charged conductor. (All
India) Answer: Representation of electric field, (due to a positive charge)
Answer:
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
Representation of electric field. (due to a positive charge)

Question 48.
Use Gauss’s law to derive the expression for the electric field between two uniformly
charged large parallel sheets with surface charge densities a and -a respectively. (All
India)
Answer:

Gauss’ Law states that “the total flux through a closed surface is 1ε0 times the net
charge enclosed by

Let σ be the surface charge density (charge per unit area) of the given sheet and let P be
a point at distance r from the sheet where we have to find E→

Choosing point P’, symmetrical with P on the other side of the sheet, let us draw a
Gaussian cylindrical surface cutting through the sheet as shown in the diagram. As at
the cylindrical part of the Gaussian surface, E→ and dS→ are at a right angle, the only
surfaces having E→ and dS→ parallel are the plane ends

…[As E is outgoing from both plane ends, the flux is positive.

This is the total flux through the Gaussian surface.
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

This value is independent of r. Hence, the electric field intensity is same for all points
near the charged sheet. This is called uniform electric field intensity.

Question 49.
State Gauss’s law.
A thin straight infinitely long conducting wire of linear charge density ‘X’ is enclosed by a
cy¬lindrical surface of radius V and length ‘l’—its axis coinciding with the length of the
wire. Obtain the expression for the electric field, indi¬cating its direction, at a point on
the surface of the cylinder. (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Gauss’s law. Gauss law states that “Total flux (electric flux) over the closed surfaces in
vacuum is He0 times the total charge (Q) contained inside S.”
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Since the field is everywhere radial, flux through the two ends of the cylindrical Gaussian
surface is zero. At the cylindrical part of the surface, E is normal to the surface at every
point, and its magnitude is constant, since it depends only on r. The surface area of the
curved part is 2πrl, where l is the length of the cylinder.

Flux through the Gaussian surface = Flux through the curved cylindrical part of the
surface is zero. At the cylindrical part of the surface, E is normal to the surface at every
point, and its magnitude is constant, since at every point, and its magnitude is constant,
since it depends only on r. The surface area of the cylinder.

Flux through the Gaussian surface = Flux through the curved cylindrical part of the
surface
= E × 2πrl

(a) Electric field due to an infinitely long thin straight wire is radial.
(b) The Gaussian surface for a long thin wire of uniform linear charge density
The surface includes charge equal to λl.
Gauss’s law then gives

Question 50.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its S.I. units.
(b) Consider a uniform electric field
E→ = 3 × 103 i^ N/C. Calculate the flux of this field through a square surface of area 10
cm2 when
(i) its plane is parallel to the y-z plane, and
(ii) the normal to its plane makes a 60° angle with the x-axis. (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
(a)
Electric flux over an area in an electric field is the total number of lines of force passing
through the area. It is represented by ϕ . It is a scalar quantity. Its S.I unit is Nm2 C-1 or
Vm.

Electric flux ϕ by qenclosed

Hence the electric flux through the surface of sphere remains same.

Question 51.
Two charged spherical conductors of radii R1 and R2 when connected by a conducting
wire acquire charges q1 and q2 respectively. Find the ratio of their surface charge
densities in terms of their radii. (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Two charged spherical conductors of radii R1 and R2 when connected by a conducting
wire acquire charges q1 and q2 respectively. Thus these two conductors have a common
potential V.
Two charged spherical conductors of radii R1 and R2 when connected by a conduction
wire acquire charges q1 and q2 respectively. Thus these two conductors have a
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common potential V

Question 52.
Two point charges + q and -2q are placed at the vertices ‘B’ and ‘C’ of an equilateral
triangle ABC of side as given in the figure. Obtain the expression for (i) the magnitude
and (ii) the direction of the resultant electric field at the vertex A due to these two
charges.

(Comptt All India)

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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
Answer:

Question 53.
Two point charges + 3q and – 4q are placed at the vertices ‘B’ and ‘C’ of an equilateral
triangle ABC of side ‘a’ as given in the figure. Obtain the expression for

(i) the magnitude and

(ii) the direction of the resultant electric field at the vertex A due to these two charges.
(Comptt. All India 2014)
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
Ans:

Question 54.
An electric dipole of dipole moment p→ is placed in a uniform electric field E→?.
Obtain the expression for the torque τ→experienced by the dipole. Identify two pairs of
perpendicular vectors in the expression. (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(i)
(a) Torque on electric dipole. Consider an electric dipole consisting of two equal and
opposite point charges separated by a small distance 2a having dipole moment
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So net force on the dipole is zero

Since   is uniform, hence the dipole does not undergo any translatory motion.
These forces being equal, unlike and parallel, from a couple, which rotates the dipole in
clock-wise direction
∴ Magnitude of torque = Force × arm of couple

[The direction of τ⃗

  is given by right hand screw rule and is normal to p⃗   ] and E⃗ 
Special cases
(i) when θ = 0 then τ = PE sin θ = 0
∴ Torque is zero and the dipole is in stable equilibrium
(ii) When θ = 90 then τ = PE sin 90 = PE
∴ The Torque is maximum
(b) Ratio of flux
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∴ Electric flux through the sphere S1 decreases with the introduction of dielectric inside
it.
(ii) Two pairs of perpendicular vectors are,
(a) τ→ is perpendicular to p→
(b) τ→is perpendicular to E→
Question 55.
(a) Two spherical conductors of radii Ra and R2 (R2 > R1) are charged. If they are
connected by a conducting wire, find out the ratio of the surface charge densities on
them.
(b) A steady current flows in a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross-section. Which
of these quantities is constant along the conductor : current, current density, electric
field, drift speed? (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(a) When two charged spherical conductors of Radii R1 and R2 respectively (R2 > R1) are
connected by a conducting wire, we know that the common potential (V) is given by,
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Question 56.
A charge is distributed uniformly over a ring of radius ‘a’. Obtain an expression for the
electric intensity E at a point on the axis of the ring. Hence show that for points at large
distances from the ring, it behaves like a point charge. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Electric Intensity on the axis of a ring:

This is the Electric Field due to a point charge at distance x.

Question 57.
Two thin concentric and coplanar spherical shells, of radii a and b (b > a) carry charges,
q and Q, respectively. Find the magnitude of the electric field, at a point distant x, from
their common centre for
(i) 0 < x < a
(ii) a ≤ x < b
(iii) b ≤ x < ∞ (Comptt. Delhi 2016) Answer: Magnitude of Electric field : Two thin
concentric and coplanar spherical shells of radii ‘a’ and ‘b’ (b > a) carry charges ‘q’ and
‘Q’ respectively.
(i) For 0 < x < a
Point lies inside both the spherical shells.
Hence, E(x) = 0
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(ii) For a ≤ x < b

Point is outside the spherical shell of radius ‘a’ but inside the spherical shell of radius
‘b’.
∴ E(x) = 14πε0⋅qx2
(iii) For b ≤
x<∞
Point is outside of both the spherical shells. Total effective charge at the centre equals
(Q + q).
E(x) = 14πε0⋅(q+Q)x2
Question 58.
A charge +Q, is uniformly distributed within a sphere of radius R. Find the electric field,
due to this charge distribution, at a point distant r from the centre of the sphere where :
(i) 0 < r < R and
(ii) r > R (Comptt. Outside Delhi )
Answer:
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We have

Question 59.
(i) Derive the expression for electric field at a point on the equatorial line of an electric
dipole.
(ii) Depict the orientation of the dipole in
(a) stable,
(b) unstable equilibrium in a uniform electric field. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(i)

Electric dipole moment: It is the product of the magnitude of either charge and distance
between them.
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

It is a vector quantity whose direction is from negative to positive charge.

Electric field intensity at P due to +q charge is

Electric field intensity at P due to -q charge is,

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(ii) (a) For stable equilibrium, the angle between p and E is 0°,

(b) For unstable equilibrium, the angle between p and E is 180°,

Question 60.
(i) Obtain the expression for the torque τ⃗   experienced by an electric dipole of dipole
moment p⃗   in a uniform electric E→?
(ii) What will happen if the field were not uniform? (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(i)
(a) Torque on electric dipole. Consider an electric dipole consisting of two equal and
opposite point charges separated by a small distance 2a having dipole moment
 Electrical charges and fields
CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

So net force on the dipole is zero

Since   is uniform, hence the dipole does not undergo any translatory motion.
These forces being equal, unlike and parallel, from a couple, which rotates the dipole in
clock-wise direction
∴ Magnitude of torque = Force × arm of couple

[The direction of τ⃗

  is given by right hand screw rule and is normal to p⃗   ] and E⃗ 
Special cases
(i) when θ = 0 then τ = PE sin θ = 0
∴ Torque is zero and the dipole is in stable equilibrium
(ii) When θ = 90 then τ = PE sin 90 = PE
∴ The Torque is maximum
(b) Ratio of flux
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

∴ Electric flux through the sphere S1 decreases with the introduction of dielectric inside
it.
(ii) If the electric field is non uniform, the dipole experiences a translatory force as well
as a torque.

Question 61.
State Gauss’s law in electrostatics. Derive an expression for the electric field due to an
infinitely long straight uniformly charged wire. (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Gauss Theorem : The surface integral of electric field over a closed surface is equal
to 1ϵ0 times the charge enclosed by the surface.
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
Electric Charges and Fields Class 12 Important Questions Long Answer Type
Question 62.
(a) Using Gauss’ law, derive an expression for the electric field intensity at any point
outside a uniformly charged thin spherical shell of radius R and charge density a C/m2.
Draw the field lines when the charge density of the sphere is
(i) positive,
(ii) negative.
(b) A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 2.5 m in diameter has a surface charge
density of 100 µC/m2. Calculate the
(i) charge on the sphere
(ii) total electric flux passing through the sphere (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
(a) (i) To find out electric field at a point outside a spherical charged shell we imagine a
symmetrical Gaussian surface in such a way that the point lies on it.
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Question 63.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its SI units.
(b) The electric field components due to a charge inside the cube of side 0.1 m are as
shown :
Ex = ax, where α = 500 N/C-m

Calculate
(i) the flux through the cube, and
(ii) the charge inside the cube. (All India 2008)
Answer:
(a) Electric flux through a surface represents the total number of electric lines of force
crossing the surface.
∴ S.I. unit is Nm2 C-1.
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
(b) (i) Flux through R.H.S. of the cube is

Question 64.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its S.I. units.
(b) Using Gauss’s law, prove that the electric field at a point due to a uniformly charged
infinite plane sheet is independent of the distance from it.
(c) How is the field directed if
(i) the sheet is positively charged,
(ii) negatively charged? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
(a) Electric flux: The electric flux through a given area held inside an electric field is the
measure of the total number of electric lines of force passing normally through that
area.

(b) Consider a thin, infinite plane sheet of charge with uniform surface charge density 0.
We wish to calculate its electric field at a point P at distance r from it.

By symmetry, electric field E points outwards normal to the sheet. Also, it must have
 Electrical charges and fields
CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
same magnitude and opposite direction at two points P anel F equidistant from the
sheet and on opposite sides. We choose cylindrical Gaussian surface of
cross¬sectional area A and length 2r with its axis perpendicular to the sheet.

As the lines of force are parallel to the curved surface of the cylinder, the flux through
the curved surface is zero. The flux through the plane-end faces of the cylinder is :

(i) For positively charged sheet ➝ away from the sheet

(ii)For negatively charged sheet ➝towards the sheet

Question 65.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its S.I. unit.
(b) A small metal sphere carrying charge +Q is located at the centre of a spherical cavity
inside a large uncharged metallic spherical shell as shown in the figure the expressions
for the electric field at points P1 and P2.
(c) Draw the pattern of electric field lines in this arrangement. (Comptt. All India 2012)

Answer:
(a) Electric flux: The electric flux through a given area held inside an electric field is the
measure of the total number of electric lines of force passing normally through that
 Electrical charges and fields
CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
area.

(b) Consider a thin, infinite plane sheet of charge with uniform surface charge density 0.
We wish to calculate its electric field at a point P at distance r from it.

By symmetry, electric field E points outwards normal to the sheet. Also, it must have
same magnitude and opposite direction at two points P anel F equidistant from the
sheet and on opposite sides. We choose cylindrical Gaussian surface of cross-sectional
area A and length 2r with its axis perpendicular to the sheet.

As the lines of force are parallel to the curved surface of the cylinder, the flux through
the curved surface is zero. The flux through the plane-end faces of the cylinder is :

(i) For positively charged sheet ➝ away from the sheet

(ii)For negatively charged sheet ➝towards the sheet

(b) Calculation of electric field at point Pt:

Net charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface is +Q
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

As electric field of positive charge is radially outwards, it is parallel to the area vector on
the surface chosen.

As point P2 lies inside the metal, therefore electric field at point P2 is zero.

Question 66.
Define electric dipole moment. Is it a scalar or a vector? Derive the expression for the
electric field of a dipole at a point on the equatorial
plane of the dipole. (All India 2013)
Answer:
Electric dipole moment: It is the product of the magnitude of either charge and distance
between them.
 Electrical charges and fields
CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

It is a vector quantity whose direction is from negative to positive charge.

Electric field intensity at P due to +q charge is

Electric field intensity at P due to -q charge is,

 Electrical charges and fields
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Question 67.
Using Gauss’ law deduce the expression for the electric field due to a uniformly charged
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spherical conducting shell of radius R at a point
(i) outside and
(ii) inside the shell.
Plot a graph showing variation of electric field as a function of r > R and r < R (r being
the distance from the centre of the shell) (All India)
Answer:
(i) Field Outside Shell :
Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R with centre O. Let charge +q be distributed
uniformly over the surface of shell. To calculate electric field intensity at P where OP = r,
imagine a sphere S, with centre at O and radius r. The surface of sphere is Gaussian
surface over at every point. Electric field is same and directed radially outwards.

Applying Gauss’ theorem

r→ is distance of point P from centre where E is calculated]

(ii) Inside Shell: As we know charge is located on its surface,

(iii) at r < R E→ is zero and r  = R, E is maximum at r > R, E is decreasing at E ∝ 1r2

Question 68.
Using Gauss’s law, derive the expression for the electric field at a point
(i) outside and
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
(ii) inside a uniformly charged thin spherical shell. Draw a graph showing electric field E
as a function of distance from the centre. (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Electric field due to a uniformly charged spherical shell:
Suppose a thin spherical shell of radius R and centre O
Let the charge + q be distributed over the surface of sphere
Electric field intensity E→ is same at every point on the surface of sphere directed
directly outwards
Let a point P be outside the shell with radius vector

Question  .
(a) Deduce the expression for the torque acting on a dipole of dipole moment p→ in the
presence of a uniform electric field E.
(b) Consider two hollow concentric spheres, S1 and S2, enclosing charges 2Q and 4Q
respectively as shown in the figure.
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

(i) Find out the ratio of the electric flux through them.
(ii) How will the electric flux through the sphere S1 change if a medium of dielectric
constant ‘εr‘ is introduced in the space inside S1, in place of air? Deduce the necessary
expression. (All India 2014)
Answer:
(a) Torque on electric dipole. Consider an electric dipole consisting of two equal and
opposite point charges separated by a small distance 2a having dipole moment

So net force on the dipole is zero

Since   is uniform, hence the dipole does not undergo any translatory motion.
These forces being equal, unlike and parallel, from a couple, which rotates the dipole in
clock-wise direction
∴ Magnitude of torque = Force × arm of couple
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

[The direction of τ⃗

  is given by right hand screw rule and is normal to p⃗   ] and E⃗ 
Special cases
(i) when θ = 0 then τ = PE sin θ = 0
∴ Torque is zero and the dipole is in stable equilibrium
(ii) When θ = 90 then τ = PE sin 90 = PE
∴ The Torque is maximum
(b) Ratio of flux

∴ Electric flux through the sphere S1 decreases with the introduction of dielectric inside
it.
Question 70.
(a) An electric dipole of dipole moment p→ consists of point charges + q and – q
separated by a distance 2a apart. Deduce the expression for the electric field E→ due
to the dipole at a distance x from the centre of the dipole on its axial line in terms of the
dipole moment p→?. Hence show that in the limit x >> a, E→ —>2p→ (4πε0x3).

(Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(a) Expression for magnetic field due to dipole on its axial lane:
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(b)Only the faces perpendicular to the direction of x-axis, contribute to the Electric flux.
 Electrical charges and fields
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The remaining faces of the cube given zero

Question 71.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its S.I. unit. “Gauss’s law in electrostatics is true for any
closed surface, no matter what its shape or size is”. Justify this statement with the help
of a suitable example.
(b) Use Gauss’s law to prove that the electric field inside a uniformly charged spherical
shell is zero. (All India)
(a) Electric flux. The electric lines of force passing through that area, when held
normally to the lines of force.
Answer:
Electric flux. The electric lines of force passing through that area, when held normally to
the lines of force.

S.I. units: Vm, Nm2C-1

Gauss’s Law states that the electric flux through a closed surface is given by

The law implies that the total electric flux through a closed surface depends on the
quantity of total charge enclosed by the surface, and does not depend on its shape and
size.

For example, net charge enclosed by the electric dipole (q, -q) is zero, hence the total
elec¬tric flux enclosed by a surface containing electric dipole is zero.
 Electrical charges and fields
CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
(b) Electrical field inside a uniformly charged spherical shell. Let us consider a point ‘P’
inside the shell. The Gaussian surface is a sphere through P centred at O.

The flux through the Gaussian surface is E × 4πr2.

However, in this case, the Gaussian surface encloses no charge. Gauss’s law then gives
E × 4πr2 = 0
or E = 0
(r < R)
that is, the field due to a uniformly charged thin shell is zero at all points inside the shell.

Question 72.
(a) Derive the expression for the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor. Hence
obtain the expression for the energy density of the electric field.
(b) A fully charged parallel plate capacitor is connected across an uncharged identical
capacitor. Show that the energy stored in the combination is less than that stored
initially in the single capacitor. (All India 2015)
Answer:
(a) (i) Energy of a parallel plate capacitor. Consider a capacitor of capacitance C. Initial
charge on plates is zero. Initial potential difference between the capacitor plates is zero.
Let a charge Q be given to it in small steps. When charge is given to capacitor, the
potential difference between its plates increases. Let at any instant when charge on
capacitor be q, the potential difference between its plates be,

Now work done in giving an additional infinitesimal charge dq to capacitor

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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

The total work done in giving charge from 0 to Q will be equal to the sum of all such
infinitesimal works, which may be obtained by integration. Therefore total work

If V is the final potential difference between capacitor plates, then Q = CV

This work is stored as electrostatic potential energy of capacitor i.e., Electriostatic

potential energy,

(ii) Expression for Energy Density.

Consider a parallel plate capacitor consisting of plates, each of area A, separated by a
distance d. If space between the plates is filled with a medium of dielectric constant K,
then
Capacitence of Capacitor,

If σ is the surface charge density of plates, then electric field strength between the
plates.
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

This is the expression for electrostatic energy density in medium of dielectric constan
K. In air of free space  (K = 1), therefore energy density,

(b) The energy of the capacitor when fully charged is

When this charged capacitor is connected to an identical capacitor C, then the charge
will be distributed equally, q2 on each of the capacitors, then

Hence, the total energy stored is half of that stored initially in one capacitor which
 Electrical charges and fields
CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
means the energy stored in combination is less than that stored initially in the single
capacitor.
Question 73.
(i) Use Gauss’s law to find the electric field due to a uniformly charged infinite plane
sheet. What is the direction of field for positive and negative charge densities?
(ii) Find the ratio of the potential differences that must be applied across the parallel
and series combination of two capacitors Cj and C2 with their capacitances in the ratio
1 : 2 so that the energy stored in the two cases becomes the same. (All India 2016)
Answer:
(i)
(a) Electric flux: The electric flux through a given area held inside an electric field is the
measure of the total number of electric lines of force passing normally through that
area.

(b) Consider a thin, infinite plane sheet of charge with uniform surface charge density 0.
We wish to calculate its electric field at a point P at distance r from it.

By symmetry, electric field E points outwards normal to the sheet. Also, it must have
same magnitude and opposite direction at two points P anel F equidistant from the
sheet and on opposite sides. We choose cylindrical Gaussian surface of
cross¬sectional area A and length 2r with its axis perpendicular to the sheet.

As the lines of force are parallel to the curved surface of the cylinder, the flux through
the curved surface is zero. The flux through the plane-end faces of the cylinder is :
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

(i) For positively charged sheet ➝ away from the sheet

(ii)For negatively charged sheet ➝towards the sheet

(b) and
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Question 74.
(a) Derive an expression for the electric field E due to a dipole of length ‘2a’ at a point
distant r from the centre of the dipole on the axial line. (b) Draw a graph of E versus r for
r >> a.
(c) If this dipole were kept in a uniform external electric field diagrammatically represent
the position of the dipole in stable and unstable equilibrium and write the expressions
for the torque acting on the dipole in both the cases. (Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(a) Expression for magnetic field due to dipole on its axial lane:

(b)Only the faces perpendicular to the direction of x-axis, contribute to the Electric flux.
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The remaining faces of the cube given zero

(b) Graph between E Vs r

(i) Diagrammatic representation

(ii) Torque acting on these cases
(i) In stable equilibrium, torque is zero (θ = 0)
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CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
(ii) In unstable equilibrium also, torque is zero (θ = 180°)

Question 75.
(a) Use Gauss’s theorem to find the electronic field due to a uniformly charged infinitely
large plane thin sheet with surface charge density a.
(b) An infinitely large thin plane sheet has a uniform surface charge density +a. Obtain
the expression for the amount of work done in bringing a point charge q from infinity to
a point, distant r, in front of the charged plane sheet. (Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(a) Electric flux: The electric flux through a given area held inside an electric field is the
measure of the total number of electric lines of force passing normally through that
area.

(b) Consider a thin, infinite plane sheet of charge with uniform surface charge density 0.
We wish to calculate its electric field at a point P at distance r from it.

By symmetry, electric field E points outwards normal to the sheet. Also, it must have
same magnitude and opposite direction at two points P anel F equidistant from the
sheet and on opposite sides. We choose cylindrical Gaussian surface of
cross¬sectional area A and length 2r with its axis perpendicular to the sheet.

As the lines of force are parallel to the curved surface of the cylinder, the flux through
the curved surface is zero. The flux through the plane-end faces of the cylinder is :
 Electrical charges and fields
CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS

(i) For positively charged sheet ➝ away from the sheet

(ii)For negatively charged sheet ➝towards the sheet

Question 76.
(a) State Gauss’ law. Using this law, obtain the expression for the electric field due to an
infinitely long straight conductor of linear charge density X.
(b) A wire AB of length L has linear charge density λ = kx, where x is measured from the
end A of the wire. This wire is enclosed by a Gaussian hollow surface. Find the
expression for the electric flux through this surface.
(Comptt. Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(a)
Gauss’s law in electrostatics : It states that “the total electric flux over the surface S in
vaccum is 1ε0 times the total charge (q).”
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Electric field due to an infinitely long straight wire : Consider an infinitely long straight
line charge having linear charge density X to determine its electric field at distance r.
Consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius r and length l coaxial with the charge.
By symmetry, the electric field E has same magnitude at each point of the curved
surface Sj and is directed radially outward.
Total flux through the cylindrical surface,

(b) Given : Length of wire = L, Charge density (λ) = kx, ϕ = ?

We know

Question 77.
Two point charges 4 (J.C and +1 pC are separated by a distance of 2 m in air. Find the
point on the line-joining charges at which the net electric field of the system is zero.
(Comptt. Outside Delhi 2017)
 Electrical charges and fields
CHAPTER -1 PHYSICS
Answer:
q1 = 4 µC, q2 = 1 µC, r = 2 m
At this point, the net electric field of the system is zero.