Solution

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

Class 12 - Physics
Section A
1.
(c) zero
Explanation: For an equipotential surface ΔV = 0
W = qΔV = q × 0 = 0
2. (a) planes parallel to YZ-plane
Explanation: Planes perpendicular to X-direction i.e., planes parallel to YZ-plane will be the equipotential surfaces.
3.
(d) 90°
Explanation: An electric line of force is perpendicular to the equipotential surface at every point.
4.

ST
(c) spheres
Explanation: Here we have to find out the shape of the equipotential surface. These surfaces are perpendicular to the field
lines. So there must be an electric field which cannot be without charge. So the algebraic sum of all charges must not be zero.
Equipotential surface at a great distance means that the space of charge is negligible as compared to distance. So the collection

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of charges is considered as a point charge. The electric potential due to point charge is given by V=1/4π ∈ 0r. It means that
potential due to a point charge is same for all equidistant points, which are at the same potential form spherical shape. The lines
of the field from point charges are radial. So the equipotential surface (perpendicular to the field lines) form a sphere.
5. (a) They are concentric spheres for uniform electric fields.
HE
Explanation: Key Idea: There is no potential gradient along any direction parallel to the surface. Any surface over which the
electric potential is the same everywhere is called an equipotential surface. The electric field and hence, lines of force
everywhere are at right angles to the equipotential surface. This is so because there is no potential gradient along any direction
parallel to the surface and, so no electric field parallel to the surface. This means the electric field and hence, lines of force are
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always at right angles to the equipotential surface. Hence, they are not concentric spheres for a uniform electric field. They are
concentric spheres for an isolated point charge.
Section B
6. i. Potential at the surface,
q −7 9
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1 4× 10 ×9× 10
V = ⋅ =
4πε0 r 0.1

= 36000 V = 36 kV
ii. Potential inside a hollow conductor is the same as on its surface.
iii. When r = 0.6 m,
9 −7

V =
9× 10 ×4× 10

0.6
= 6000 V = 6 kV
7. i. The potential at x = 0 due to the given set of charges is
1 q q q q
V = [ + + + + …
4πε0 1 2 4 8

q 1 1 1 q 1 q b
= [1 + + + + …] = ⋅ = [∵ Sum of an infinite G ⋅ P. = ]
4πε0 2 4 8 4πε0 1 2πε0 1−r
1−
2

ii. When the consecutive charges have opposite signs, the potential at x = 0 is
1 q q q q
V = [ − + − + …]
4πε0 1 2 4 8

q 1 1 1
= [1 − + − + …
4πε0 2 4 8

q 1 q
= ⋅ =
4πε0 1 6πε0
1−(− )
2

8. Electron volt, a unit of energy commonly used in atomic and nuclear physics, equal to the energy gained by an electron (a
charged particle carrying unit electronic charge) when the electrical potential at the electron increases by one volt. The electron
volt equals 1.602 × 10−12 erg, or 1.602 × 10−19 joule.

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 Q
9. VA − VB =
4πε0
[
1

OA
−
OB
1
]

1 1
VA − VB > 0 and [ − ] > 0
OA OB

VC − VA VC − VA
10. i. E = − dV

dx
= −
2−6
=
4

or VC - VA = 4E
⇒ VC > VA
ii. The direction of the electric field is in the direction of decreasing potential, so VC > VA.

11. A = 25.0 cm2 =25 × 10-4 m2,

d = 2.0 mm = 2 × 10-3 m, V = 12 V
= 1.1 × 10-11 F
ε0 A −12 −4
8.85× 10 ×25× 10
C = =
d −3
2×10

i. q = CV = 1.1 × 10-11× 12 = 1.32 × 1010 C

ii. Here d = 2.0 - 1.0 = 1.0 mm = 1 × 10-3 m
−12 −4
′ 8.85× 10 ×25× 10 −11
∴ C = = 2.2 × 10 F
−3
1×10

q' = C'V = 2.2 × 10-11 × 12 = 2.64 × 10-10 C

Extra charge given by the battery to the positive plate is

ST
q' - q = (2.64 - 1.32 ) × 10-10 = 1.32 × 10-10 C
12. i. q = 24 μC = 24 × 10-6 C, R = 0.2 m
Potential at the surface of the sphere is
V =
1

4πε0

V = 1.08 × 106 V
⋅
R
q
=
9
9× 10 ×24× 10

0.2
−6

BE
ii. As potential at any point inside the sphere
= Potential on the surface
HE
∴ The potential at a distance of 0.1 cm from the centre

= 1.08 × 106 V
13. Here C = 50 pF = 50 × 10-12 F, V = 104 V
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i. R = 1

4πε0
C = 9 × 109 m F-1 × 50 × 10-12 F

= 45 × 10-2m = 45 cm
ii. q = CV = 50 × 10-12 × 104 = 5 × 10-7C = 0.5 μC
14. Given, q = 3.5μC = 3.5 × 10 −6
C
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a = 1.4 cm = 1.4 × 10 m −2

b = 1.5 cm = 1.5 × 10 m −2

l = 15 cm = 15 × 10 m −2

2π ε0 l
Now, C =
2.303log10 (b/a)
−12 −2
2×π×8.854× 10 ×15× 10
=
1.5×10−2
2.303log10
1.4×10−2

−10
C = 1.21 × 10 F

The potential of inner cylinder will be equal to the potential difference between inner and outer cylinder as outer cylinder is
earthed.
Hence, potential of inner cylinder
= 2.29 × 104 Volt
q −6
3.5×10
V = =
C −10
1.21×10

15. Potential difference is the difference in the amount of energy that charge carriers have between two points in a circuit. A potential
difference of one volt is equal to one Joule of energy being used by one Coulomb of charge when it flows between two points in a
circuit.
16. Here x = - 1 m, y = 2 m, z = 3 m
As V = 10x2 + 5y2 - 3 z
(10x2 + 5y2 - 3z2)
∂V ∂
∴ Ex = − = −
∂x ∂x

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 = - 20x = - 20 × (-1) = 20 Vm-1
Ey =
∂V

∂y
= −
∂

dy
(10x2 + 5y2 - 3z2) = -10y

=-10 × 2 = -20 Vm-1

(10x2 + 5y2 - 3z2) = 6z
∂V ∂
Ez = − = −
∂z dz

= 6 × 3 = 18 Vm-1
17. a. Properties
(i) The magnitude of electric field intensity is numerically equal to potential gradient.
(ii) Negative sign signifies the electric field intensity is in the direction of decreasing electric potential gradient.

b. Derivation of expression of potential energy

Work done in bringing the charge q1 to a point against external electric field
⃗
W1 = q1 V r 1

Work done in bringing the charge q2 against the external electric field and electric field produced due to charge q1
→ 1 q1 q2
W2 = q2 V ( r2 ) + ⋅
4πε1 r11

Therefore, Total work done = Electrostatic potential energy:

ST
→ → 1
g q
1 2
U = q1 V ( r1 ) + q2 V ( r2 ) + ⋅
4πε0 r12

BE
HE
LT
AL

kq
18. Potential of each small liquid droplet V = r

Volume of big drop = volume of N small drops

4 3 4 3
πR = N ⋅ πR
3 3

R = N1/3r
Charge on big drop Q = Nq
KQ
Potential on the surface of big drop V' = R
Nq
V' = K 1 r
N /3

= N2/3 V
kq
=N 1/3

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19. a. Potential at point P
Vp = V-q + V+q

1 −q 1 q
= +
4πε0 (r+a) 4πε0 (r−a)

q 1 1
= [ − ]
4πε0 (r−a) (r+a)

q r+a−r+a
= [ ]
4πε0 (r−a)(r+a)

q 2a q×2a
= × =
4πε0 2 2 2 2
(r − a ) 4π ε0 (r − a )

p
=
1

4πε0
×
2 2
(where p is the dipole moment)
(r − a )

b. Let P be a point on the Equatorial line of an electric dipole due to charges -q and +q with separation 2a
The distance of point P from centre of dipole = r
−− −−−−
2 2
AP = BP = √r + a

1 q q
Electrostatic potential at P , V P =
4πϵ0
(
BP
−
AP
)

1 q q

ST
⇒ VP = [ − ]= 0
4πϵ0 √r2 + a2 √r2 + a2

That is electrostatic potential at each equatorial point of an electric dipole is zero.

20. A1B1 = B1C1 = A1C1 = AB

2
=
2
l

Initial P.E. of the system is

Ui =

= −
4πϵ0

4πε0
1
[

⋅
7Q
Q×2Q

1
2
l
+
2Q×(−3Q)

l
+
Q×(−3Q)

l
] BE
Final P.E. of the system is
HE
Q×2Q 2Q×(−3Q) Q×(−3Q)
1
Uf = [ + + ]
4πε0 1/2 1/2 1/2

2
1 14Q
= ⋅
4πε0 l

Work done = Uf - Ui
LT

2 2 2
1 14Q 1 7Q 1 7Q
= − ⋅ + = − ⋅
4πε0 1 4πε0 l 4πε0 l

21. a. VA > VB
b. VA < VB

Detailed Answer:
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Let rA is the distance of point A from point charge Q

and rB is the distance of point B from point charge Q.

Potential at point A :
1 Q
V (rA ) = ⋅
4πε0 r
A

Potential at point B :
1 Q
V (rB ) = ⋅
4πε0 rB

Since rA< rB, so when :

charge Q is positive; VA>VB so that vA-vB .>0
charge Q is negative; VA<VB

22. Here qA = 5 × 10-8 C; qB = -3 × 10-8 C ; r = 16 cm = 0.16 m

Let O be the point, where the electric potential is zero due to the two charges as shown in figure given below.

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 Suppose that the distance AO = x. Then
BO = r - x = 0.16 - x
Electric potential at point O due to qA,
1 qA
VA =
4πε0 AO
−8
9 5×10 450
= 9 × 10 × =
x x

Electric potential at point O due to qB,

q
1 B
VB =
4πε0 BO
−8
(−3× 10 )
9
= 9 × 10 ×
0⋅16−x
270
= −
0.16−x

Since the electric potential at point O is zero, we have

VA + VB = 0

450 270
or x
+ (−
0⋅16−x
) = 0

or 450

x
=
270

0⋅16−x

or x = 0·1 m = 10 cm (from charge of 5 × 10-8 C)

23. Diagonal of the square
−−− −− −−−−−− −

ST
– –
2 2
= √(√2) + (√2) = 2 m

Distance of each charge from the centre of the square is

r = Half diagonal = 1 m
∴ Potential at the centre of the square is

V =

V = 9 × 10
4πε0
1
[
q
1

9
[
+
q

100×10
2

1
+

−6
q3

−
+
q

r
4

50×10

1
]

−6

+
20×10

1
−6

−
60×10

1
−6

]
BE
= 9 × 109 × 10-6 × 10 = 9 × 104 V.
HE
24. Total work done to assemble the charges at certain points is known as potential energy of system of charges.
Work-done to bring a charge q1 in the electric field at a distance r1 is given by ,
W1 = q 1 V( r )
1
...(i)
Work-done to bring a charge q2 in the electric field at a distance r2 is given by ,
LT

W2 = q 2 V( r )
2
...(ii)
1 q1 q2
Work-done on q2 to move it against the force of charge q1 = 4πε0 r12
....(iii)
Hence, total work done in assembling the two charges, is given by ,
q1 q2
W=q V +q V + 1
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1 ( r1 ) 2 ( r2 )
4πε0 r12

25. Given, two point charges q1 and q2 are brought from infinity to points P1 and P2 in the presence of an external field.
→
Let E be the external field.
The potential energy of the system is equal to the total amount of work done in assembling the configuration.
Therefore,
→ →
Work done on q1 against the external field E = q1 V ( r1 )

→ →
Work done on q2 against the external electric field E = q2 V ( r2 )

and Work done on q2 against the field due to q1 = Work done on q1 against the field due to q2 which is given by,
1 q1 q2 q1 q2
⋅ =
4πε0 r12 4πε0 r12

Where, r12 is the distance between q1 and q2.

Using the superposition principle for fields, we add up the work done on q2 against the two fields.
Therefore, work done in carrying q2 to r2 is
→ q1 q2
q V ( r2 ) +
2 4πε0 r12

Hence, Potential energy of the system is given by,

→ → q1 q2
q1 V ( r1 ) + q2 V ( r2 ) +
4πε0 r12

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 −−−−−−−−−− −
26. r
1
2
= O1 P = √r + (2a + b)
2

−−−−−−−−−− −
2 2
r2 = O2 P = √r + (a + 2b)

Potential at point P due to Q1 and Q2 is

1 Q1 Q2
V = [ + ]
4πε0 r1 r2

P.E. associated with charge q at point P

q
⎡ Q Q ⎤
1 2
U = qV = +
4πε0 1/2 1/2
⎣ 2
[ r +(2a+b) ]
2 2
[ r +(a+2b) ]
2 ⎦

27. Whatever be the charge and field configuration outside, any cavity in a conductor remains shielded from outside electric
influence. The field inside a conductor is zero. This is known as electrostatic shielding.
Sensitive instruments are shielded from outside electrical influences by enclosing them in a hollow conductor.
During lightning it is safest to sit inside a car, rather than near a tree. The metallic body of a car becomes an electrostatic
shielding from lightening.
Potential inside the cavity is not zero. Potential is constant.
28. Let the radius of each drop be r. The capacitance C of each drop is kr, where k is a constant.
Also q = CV, V = 900 volt
∴ Charge on each drop = q = (kr × 900) C

ST
∴ Total charge on all the eight drops = Q = 8q = 8×kr×900

= 7200 kr
Let R be the radius of the large drop. Then by equating their volumes we get,
4π 3 4π 3
R = 8 × r

∴
3

R = (8)1/3 r = 2r
3

∴ Capacitance C of the large drop = kR = 2kr

Potential of the large drop =

Q

′
=
7200kr

2kr
volt
BE
C

= 3600 V
HE
29. Let us consider a ring of radius R having charge +Q distributed uniformly. Also a point P at distance z on its axis passing through
centre O and perpendicular to plane of ring.
LT

Again consider an element of ring at S of length dl having charge dq and SP is equal to r. Then potential energy due to element to
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r. Then potential energy due to element dl at P,

−kdq
dV = r
where k = 1

4πε0

Charge on 2charge on 2π R length of ring = Q

Q
Charge on dl length of ring = 2πR
dl

So potential due to element dl at P,

k.Q.dl
dV = 2πR

Integrating over a ring the potential at P, VP

v 2πR kQdl −−−−− −
∫
0
dVp = ∫
0 2πRr
where r = √R 2
+ z
2

kQ2πR Q
VP = =
2 2 2 2
2πR√R + z 4πε0 √R + z

30. Let r, q and v be the radius, charge and potential of the small drop. The total charge on bigger drop is sum of all charge on small
drops.
i. ∴ Q = Nq (where Q is charge on bigger drop)
ii. The volume of N small drops N = πr 4

3
3

Volume of the bigger drop 4

3
πR
3

1
4 4
Hence, N 3
πr
3
=
3
πR
3
⇒ R= N 3 r

Q
Potential on bigger drop, V =
1

4πε0
×
R

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 2

1 Nq 1 N 3 ⋅q
= =
4πε0 1 4πε0 r

N 3 r
2 2
1 q 1 q
= ⋅ N 3 = N 3 v [∴ v = ]
4πε0 r 4πε0 r

iii. Capacitance = 4πε 0R

1

= 4πε0 N 3 r
1

= N 3 (4πε0 r)
1

= N 3 C [where C is capacitance of the small drop]

31. Let us consider r is the radius of the small droplet, R is the radius of the new droplet. In normal form, charge is given by, q = 4
π ∈ 0rV. Total (initial) charge on all the droplets

= N × (4πε0 krV )
4 4
Also N ×
3
πr
3
=
3
πR
3

∴ R = N1/3r.
If V' is the potential of the large drop, we have
′
4πε0 kR × V = N × 4πε0 kr × V

′ Nr 2/3
∴ V = ⋅ V = N V
R

ST
32. Electric field is always directed from higher to lower potential and perpendicular to the equipotential surfaces.
The figure is shown as below :

BE
HE

We know that the electric field direction remains always normal at any point on an equipotential plane surface. Now, here in case
of constant electric field along Z-direction, the perpendicular distance between equipotential surfaces remains same, whereas for
field of increasing magnitude, equipotential surfaces get closer as we go away from the origin.(As we know that, more closer the
LT

electric field lines, more will be the electric field intensity)

In both cases, surfaces will be planes parallel to XY-plane.
33. Let us consider that inside the enclosed equipotential surface, potential is not same. Let the potential just inside the equipotential
surface is different to that on the equipotential surface, causing in a potential gradient = E . So electric field will exist inside
dV

dr
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surface which is equal to E = dV

dr
.
The field lines pointing inward or outward from the surface are perpendicular to equipotential surfaces or the field lines cannot be
on the equipotential surface.
The field lines can be on the equipotential surface if field lines can originate from the charge inside, which contradicts the original
assumption. Hence, the entire volume inside equipotential surface has no charge.
34. As shown in Fig. consider two consecutive equipotential surfaces. The electric field is normal to the equipotential surfaces and
always directed from higher potential to lower potential.

The normal distance between two consecutive equipotential surfaces is dr = AB = 10 cm × cos 60° = 5 cm [ AB

10 cm
∘
= cos 60 ]

Also dV = 10 - 20 = -10 V
dV −10 V −1
∴ E = − = − = 200Vm
dr −2
5× 10 m

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 Angle made by E⃗ with positive X-axis is
θ = 180 - 60° = 120°

1 q1 q2
35. i. U = 4πε0 r

−6 −6
10× 10 ×(−10)× 10
= 9 × 10
9
×
−2
= -45 J
2.0×10

ii.

36. Two parallel plates having charge densities +σ and -σ kept in the X-Z plane are shown in Fig. Also, a plane equipotential surface
is shown. The field E⃗ acts in the -Y direction. The upward
electric force on charge -q balances its weight mg. For the stationary particle,
mg
qE = mg or E =
q

ST
BE
HE

37. In triangle POQ1 ,we get

LT

−−−−−−−−−− −
r1= O1P = √r 2
+ (2a + b)
2

In triangle POQ2,we get

−−−−−−−−−− −
r2 = O2P = √r 2
+ (a + 2b)
2
AL

1 Q1 Q2
∴ V = [ + ]
4πε0 r1 r2

∴ P.E of charge, q, at P = qV
q
⎡ Q Q ⎤
1 2
= +
4πε0 1/2 1/2
⎣ 2
[ r +(2a+b) ]
2 2
[ r +(a+2b) ]
2 ⎦

38. Here, q1 = 0.2 × 106C, q2 = 0.01 × 10-6C

Initial separation (rf) = 10 cm = 0.10 m
Final separation (ri) = 5 cm = 0.05 m
Work done = Change in potential energy
= Final P.E. - Initial P.E.
1 q1 q2 1 q1 q2 q1 q2 1 1
= ⋅ − = [ − ]
4πε0 rf 4πε0 r1 4πε0 rf ri

= 0.2 × 10-6 × 0.01 × 10-6 × 9 × 10 [ 1

0.05
−
1

0.10
]

= 1.8 × 10 -4 J

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39.

We know work done in moving a charge from one point to another is given by the relation,
W = QΔV
where W is the work done in the process, Q is the charge, ΔV is the potential difference or change in potential in going from one
point to another.
We know electric dipole moment of a dipole is given by,
p = q.d
where, q is magnitude of either of charge and d is separation between them
Now plane passing through the midpoint joining the two charges is called an equatorial plane, the equatorial plane is an
equipotential surface, i.e. potential is same everywhere or it is constant when the charge moves from A to B, there is no change in
potential as both points lie on the same equatorial plane so potential difference or change in potential is
ΔV = 0 V
Now the magnitude of charge is

ST
Q=qC
So the work done is
W=q×0=0J
i.e. work done in the process is 0 J
40. Given qA =6× 10-6 C = qB

qC = -6× 10-6C
BE
r = 10 cm = 0.1 m
HE
W = WAB + WBC + WAC (in general form W= q1q2/4π ∈ 0r)
W =
1

4π ε0 r
[qAqB + qBqC + qCqA]

W = 9 × 10
9
×
0.1
1
[36-36-36] × 10-12
W = 9 × 109 × (-36) × 10-11
LT

W = -3.24 J
Section C
o

41. The distance between electron-proton of a hydrogen atom, d = 0.53 A =0.53 × 10-10m.
Charge on an electron, q1 = -1.6 × 10-19 C
AL

Charge on a proton, q2 = + 1.6 × 10-19 C

a. P.E. of the electron-proton system will be

q q
1 1 2
U = ,
4πε0 r

−19 −19
(−1.6× 10 )×1.6× 10
9
= 9 × 10 × J
−10
0.53×10
−19
9×1.6×1.6×10
= −
−19
eV ≃ −27.2eV .
0.53×1.6×10

b. Kinetic energy is half of the magnitude of potential energy.

Kinetic energy = × (27.2) = 13.6 eV 1

Total energy= 13.6 - 27.2 = -13.6 eV

Therefore, the minimum work required to free the electron is=0-(-13.6)= 13.6 eV.
o

c. When zero of potential energy is taken, d1 = 1.06 A =1.06×10-10m.

∴ Potential energy of the system = Potential energy at d1 - potential energy at d
q q
P.E= 1

4πϵ0 d1
2
− 27.2eV

2
9 −19
9× 10 × (1.6× 10 )

= −10
− 27.2eV
1.06×10

= 21.73 × 10-19 J - 27.2 eV

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 = 13.58 eV - 27.2 eV
P.E= -13.6 eV
42. Electric potential due to a point charge: Consider a positive point charge q placed at the origin O. We wish to calculate its
electric potential at a point P at distance r from it, as shown in the figure. By definition, the electric potential at point P will be
equal to the amount of work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to the point P.

Suppose a test charge q0 is placed at point A at distance x from O. By Coulomb's law, the electrostatic force acting on charge
q0 is
qq
1 0
F = ⋅
4πε0 2
x

The force F acts away from the charge q. The small work done in moving the test charge q0 from A to B through small-
displacement dx⃗ against the electrostatic force is
⃗ ∘
dW = F ⋅ dx⃗ = F dx cos 180 = −F dx

The total work done in moving the charge q0 from infinity to the point P will be

ST
r r 1 qq0
W = ∫ dW = − ∫ F dx = − ∫ ⋅ dx
∞ ∞ 4πε0 2
x
qq0 r qq0 1 r
−2
= − ∫ x dx = − [− ]
4πε0 ∞ 4πε0 x

qq0 1 1 1 qq0
= [ − ] = ,
4πε0 r ∞ 4πε0 r

V =
W

q
0
or V =
4πε0
1
⋅
q

r BE
Hence the work done in moving a unit test charge from infinity to the point P, or the electric potential at point P is

43. i. In Fig. (i), the electric fields E⃗ and E⃗ get added and also E⃗ and E⃗ get added. Hence there is a net field at the centre O.
A C B D

In Fig. (ii), the fields E and E are equal and opposite and also E and E⃗ are equal and opposite. Hence the net field at
⃗
A
⃗
C
⃗
B D

the centre is zero.

HE

ii. In both figures (i) and (ii), the potentials due to positive charges are +ve and those due to negative charges are equally
negative. Hence the net potential at the centre is zero.
LT
AL

44. Four charges of the same magnitude are placed at points X, Y, and Z respectively, as shown in the following figure.

A point is located at P, which is r distance away from point Y. at which potential is to be find
The system of charges forms an electric quadrupole.
It can be considered that the system of electric quadrupole has three charges.
Charge +q placed at point X
Charge -2q placed at point Y
Charge +q placed at point Z
XY = YZ = a
YP = r
PX = r + a
PZ = r - a
Electrostatic potential caused by the system of three charges at point P is given by,
q 2q q
V= 1

4πϵ0
[
XP
−
YP
+
ZP
]

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Love towards physics
 q 2q q
= 4πϵ0
1
[
r+a
−
r
+
r−a
]

q r(r−a)−2(r+a)(r−a)+r(r+a)
= 4πϵ0
[
r(r+a)(r−a)
]

2 2 2 2 2
q r −ra−2r +2a + r +ra q 2a
= 4πϵ0
[
2 2
] = 4πϵ0
[
2 2
]
r(r − a ) r(r − a )

2
2qa
= 2
3 a
4π ∈0 r (1− )
r2

Since r

a
>> 1
∴
a

r
<< 1
2
a
is taken as negligible, then the result reduced into
r2
2
2qa
∴ V= 3
4πϵ0 r

It can be inferred that potential, V ∝

1

r3

However, it is known that for a dipole, V ∝

1

2
r

and, for a monopole, V ∝

1

45. Consider a Gaussian cylindrical dotted surface, S at a distance r from the centre of the cylinder of radius r0 of infinite length.
The electric field lines are radial and perpendicular to the surface.

ST
Let electric field intensity on Gaussian surface at P is E, and total charge q on cylinder will be q = λl
So, by Gauss's law,
∮
S
E. ds =

Er(2π rl) =
λl
λl

ε0
⇒ [Er cos θ]
2πr

0
=
λl

ε0
BE
ε0

λ
Er =
HE
2πrε0

−dV
We know that electric field Er at distance r from centre of cylinder E r =
dr

So potential difference at distance r0 and r from the centre of cylinder is given by:
−dV
dV = -Er.dr [∵ E = dr
]
LT

V(r) - V(r0) = − ∫ Er dr

r −λ r −λ
==∫ r0 2π ερ r
λ
⋅ dr =
2πε0
∫
r0
dr

r
=
2πε0
[log
ε
r]
r

−λ −λ r
= 2πε0
[logε r − logε r0 ] =
2πε0
[logε r]
r0

r −2πε0
= log = [V (r) − V (r0 )]
AL

e r0 λ
−2π ε0
[V (r)−V ( r0 )]
= r

r0
= e λ

−2π ε
0
[V (r)−v( r0 )]
r = r0 e λ

So equipotential surfaces are the coaxial curved surface of cylinders with a given cylinder of radius r related as above.
46. Electric field of a point charge,
1 Q −1
E = , = 24NC
4πε0 2
r

Electric potential of a point charge,

1 Q −1
V = ⋅ = 12JC
4πε0 r

The distance AB is given by

V 12
r = = = 0.5 m
E 24

The magnitude of the charge,

1 −9
Q = 4πε0 V r = × 12 × 0.5 = 0.667 × 10 C
9
9×10

47. i. Charges on the three shells are

2 2 2
qA = 4πa σ, qB = −4πb σ, qC = 4πc σ

The potential at every point inside a spherical shell is constant and is equal to that on its surface.
Potential of shell A. Any point on the surface of shell A lies inside the shells B and C.
q q q
1 A B C
∴ VA = [ + + ]
4πε0 a b c

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 2 2 2
1 4π a σ 4π b σ 4π c σ
= [ − + ]
4πε0 a b c

or V A =
σ

ε0
(a − b + c)

Potential of shell B. Any point on shell B lies outside the shell A and inside the shell C.
q q qC
1 A B
∴ VB = [ + + ]
4πε0 b b c

2 2 2
1 4π a σ 4π b σ 4π c σ
= [ − + ]
4πε0 b b c

or V B =
σ

ε0
[
a

b
− b + c]

Potential of shell C. Any point on shell C lies outside the shells A and B.
1 qA qB qC
∴ VC = [ + + ]
4πε0 c c c

2 2 2
1 4π a σ 4π b σ 4π c σ
= [ − + ]
4πε0 c c c

2 2

or V C =
σ

ε0
[
a

c
−
b

c
+ c]

ii. If the shells A and C are at the same potential then VA = VC

2 2
σ σ a b
∴ (a − b + c) = ( − + c)
ε0 ε0 c c

(a−b)(a+b)
or a − b = c

or a + b = c

ST
48. Any surface that has the same electric potential at every point on it and no work is done to move a point charge from one point to
another on it is called an equipotential surface.
a. Equipotential surfaces in case of single point charge are concentric spheres keeping the charge at the centre.

BE
HE

b. Equipotential surfaces are the parallel planes lying in the YZ-plane along the Z axis, when the electric field is in Z-direction.
LT

The equipotential surfaces due to a single point charge is represented by concentric spherical shells of increasing radius, so
they are not equidistant, the separation dr between equipotential surface will go on increasing with a decrease in the electric
AL

field.
c. No, the electric field does not exist tangentially to an equipotential surface because no work is done in moving a charge from
one point to other on an equipotential surface. This indicates that the line integral of the electric field along the equipotential
→
surface is zero. i.e. ∫ E⃗. dl = 0 . Hence, the equipotential surface is always perpendicular to the electric field lines at each and
every point on the surface.
49. The surfaces where the potential has a constant value are called equipotential surfaces.
a. When an electric field acting in z-direction is constant, the potential in a direction perpendicular to z-axis remains constant.
Therefore, equipotential surface is represented by the planes parallel to x-y plane.
b. The answer is same as (a) since the potential in a direction perpendicular to the direction of field remains constant irrespective
of the magnitude of the field.
c. The equipotential surfaces are concentric sphere centered at the origin for a single positive charge at the origin. By a constant
potential increases with increase in distance from the origin the separation between the equipotentials differing.
d. Near the grid, the equipotential surfaces are of periodically varying shape which gradually reach the shape of planes parallel to
the grid at per distance.
1 q
50. Potential of the charged sphere is V =
4πε0
⋅
r

5 9 9
∴ 9 × 10 = 9 × 10 ×
0.02
0.02
or q = 4
= 2 × 10
−6
= 2μC
10

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Love towards physics
 Potential at A due to charge q is
q 9 −6

VA = 1

4πε0 r
=
9× 10 ×2× 10

0.25
V

Potential at C due to charge q is

9 −6

VC = 9× 10 ×2× 10

0.60
V

Potential difference between A and C is

VA - VC = 1.8 × 10 −3
[
1

0.25
−
0.60
1
]V

=
1.8×7

300
V = 0.042 V
Work done in moving a charge of +1C from C to A
W = q(VA - VC ) = 1 × 0.042 = 0.042 J.
51. Initial P.E. of the system is
1 q1 q2 q2 q3 q3 q1
Ui = [ + + ]
4πε0 r12 r23 r13

9 1×2 2×3 3×1

= 9 × 10 [ + + ]
1 1 1

=9 × 109 × 11 = 9.9 × 1010 J

Final P.E. of the system is
1 q1 q2 q2 q3 q3 q1
Uf = [ + + ]

ST
4πε0 ′ ′ ′
r r r
12 23 13

9 1×2 2×3 3×1

= 9 × 10 [ + + ]
0.5 0.5 0.5

= 9 × 109 × 22 = 19.8 × 1010 J

Work done:
= Uf - Ui = (19.8 - 9.9) × 1010 = 9.9 × 1010J BE
Section D
52. a. Consider the figure shown below:
HE
LT

i. Electric field due to the plate of the positive charge of charge density +σ at point P, is given by
E​1 = σ/2ε 0

Magnitude of electric field due to the other plate of negative charge density −σ,is given by
AL

E​2 = −σ/2ε 0

In , the inner region between the plates 1 and 2 , electric field due to the two charged plates add up, is given by
σ σ σ
Enet = E1 + E2 = + =
2ε0 2ε0 ε0

Outside the plate, electric field will be equal to zero because of the opposite directions of the electric fields E​1 and E​2​
there.
ii. Potential difference between the plates of the capacitor is given by
V = Ed = σd/ε (∵ E = σ/ε ) 0 0

iii. Capacitance of the capacitor is given by

(∵ Q = CV)
Q σA ε0 A
C = = ε0 =
V σd d

b. Consider the figure shown below:

Potential at the surface of the sphere of radius R,

kq
2
= [∵ q = σ × 4πR ]
R

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Love towards physics
 2
kσ4πR
= = σk4πR = 4kσπR
R

Potential at the surface of the second sphere of radius twice the previous one i.e. 2R,
kq
2 2
= [∵ q = σ × 4π(2R) = 16σπR ]
2R
2
k16σπR
= = 8kσπR
2R

We know that charge always flows from the higher potential surface to lower potential surface. Since the potential of the
bigger sphere is more, so charge will flow from sphere of radius 2R to the sphere of radius R after connecting both the spheres
by a conducting wire
53. i. Let the charge q1 travels r1 distance.
The work done in bringing the charge q1 in the field is:-
W1 = F1 × r1
= q1E × r1
the work done in bringing the second charge
W2 = F2 × r2
= q2E × r2
and the work is also done to overcome the force of the charge on one-another.
q1 q2
W3 = 1

ST
⋅
4π∈0 2
r
q1 q2
So, total work = q1Er1 + q2Er2 + 1

4π∈0
⋅
2
r

ii. a. Given that, V = 10x + 5

We know
E= -

dv

dx
=
dv

dx

v = 10x + 5
d

dx
(10x + 5)
BE
= 10 dx
d
x+ 0
HE
= 10
electric field is given by E = -10 N/C
b. Since electric field is constant in negative x-direction
as the flux enter in the cube will be same as flux come out through the cube so flux
LT

ϕ = ϕ
in hence,
out

Net flux from the cube = 0, so total electric flux is given by:
ϕnet =0
54. i. Consider the figure shown below. The forces acting on charge q at A due to charges -4q at B and 2q at C are F1 along AB and
AL

F2 along CA respectively.

2 2
(4q)(q) (4q ) q
|F ⃗ | =
1
1

4πε0 2
= 1

4πε0 2
= 1

πε0 2
l l l
2
(2q)(q) q
|F ⃗ | =
2
1

4πε0 2
= 1

2πε0 2
l l

Thus, F1 = 2F2

Now angle between F ⃗ and F ⃗ is 120o. Thus magnitude of the resultant force F is given by,
1 2

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Love towards physics
 −−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
F = √F 1
1
2
+ F2 + 2F1 F2 cos 120
∘

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
2
F = √(2F 2) + F
2
2
+ 4F
2
2
cos 120
∘

−−−−−−−−−−−−
F = √4F 2
2
+ F2 − 2F2
2 2

−−−
F = √3F 2
2

2
√3 q
F= 2πε0 2
l

ii. The amount of work done to separate the charges to infinity will be equal to potential energy of the system of charges.
U= [q × (-4q) + (q × 2q) + (-4q × 2q)]
1

4π ε0 l

[-4q2 + 2q2 - 8q2]

1
U= 4π ε0 l

U= 1

4π ε0 l
[-10q2]

U=- 1

4π ε0 l
[10q2]

55. Let OA = OB = OC = OD = r
Then the potential at the centre O is
1 q q q q
VO = [ + − − ] = 0
4πε0 r r r r

Again, the potential at point E is

ST
q q q q
VE =
1

4πε0
[
AE
+
BE
−
CE
−
DE
] = 0 [∴ AE = DE, BE = CE]
−−−−−−−−
2 √5a
Now, AF 2
= BF = √a + (
a

2
) =
2

VF =

=
The potential at point F is

2q

4πε0
1

4πε0

[
AF
1
[
AF

−
q

CF
+

1
BF

]
q
−
CF
q
−

[∵ AF = BF, CF = DF]
q

DF
]
BE
2q 2 2 q 1
= [ − ] = ( − 1)
4πε0 a π ε0 a
HE
√5a √5

Work done in moving the charge V from O to E is W = e[VE - VO] = e × 0 = 0

Work done in moving the charge 'e' from O to F is
q 1
W = e [VF − VO ] = e [ ( − 1) − 0]
π ε0 a √5
LT

qe 1
= ( − 1)
π ε0 a
√5
AL

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