ELECTROSTATICS

1. INTRODUCTION
The branch of physics which deals with electric effect of static charge is called electrostatics.

2. ELECTRIC CHARGE
Charge of a material body or particle is the property (acquired or natural) due to which it produces and
experiences electrical and magnetic effects. Some of naturally charged particles are electron, proton, -
particle etc.
Charge is a derived physical quantity. Charge is measured in coulomb in S.. unit. In practice we use
mC (10–3C), C (10–6C), nC(10–9C) etc.
C.G.S. unit of charge = electrostatic unit = esu.
1 coulomb = 3 × 109 esu of charge
Dimensional formula of charge = [MºLºT11]

2.1 Electric Charges

a. It was observed that if two glass rods rubbed with wool or silk cloth are brought close to each other,
they repel each other.
b. The two strands of wool or two pieces of silk cloth, with which the rods were rubbed, also repel each
other. However, the glass rod and wool attracted each other. Similarly, two plastic rods rubbed with
cat’s fur repelled each other but attracted the fur.

c. It was concluded, after many careful studies by different scientists, that there were only two kinds of an
entity which is called the electric charge.
d. We say that the bodies like glass or plastic rods, silk, fur and pith balls are electrified. They acquire an
electric charge on rubbing.
e. The experiments on pith balls suggested that there are two kinds of electrification and we find that (i)
like charges repel and (ii) unlike charges attract each other
f. The charges were named as positive and negative by the American scientist Benjamin Franklin.
By convention,
g. The charge on glass rod or cat’s fur is called positive and that on plastic rod or silk is termed negative. If
an object possesses an electric charge, it is said to be electrified or charged. When it has no charge it is
said to be neutral

2.2 Properties of Charge

(i) Charge is a scalar quantity : It adds algebraically and represents excess, or deficiency of
electrons.
(ii) Charge is of two types : (i) Positive charge and (ii) Negative charge Charging a body
implies transfer of charge (electrons) from one body to another. Positively charged body means
loss of electrons, i.e., deficiency of electrons. Negatively charged body means excess of
 electrons. This also shows that mass of a negatively charged body > mass of a positively
charged identical body.
(iii) Charge is conserved : In an isolated system, total charge (sum of positive and negative)
remains constant whatever change takes place in that system.
(iv) Charge is quantized : Charge on any body always exists in integral multiples of a
fundamental unit of electric charge. This unit is equal to the magnitude of charge on electron
(1e = 1.6 × 10–19 coulomb). So charge on anybody Q = ± ne, where n is an integer and e is the
charge of the electron. Millikan's oil drop experiment proved the quantization of charge or
atomicity of charge
1 2
Note : Recently, the existence of particles of charge ±e and ±e has been postulated. These particles are
3 3
called quarks but still this is not considered as the quantum of charge because these are unstable
(They have very short span of life).
(v) Like point charges repel each other while unlike point charges attract each other.
(vi) Charge is always associated with mass, i.e., charge can not exist without mass though mass
can exist without charge. The particle such as photon or neutrino which have no (rest) mass
can never have a charge.
(vii) Charge is relativistically invariant: This means that charge is independent of frame of
reference, i.e., charge on a body does not change whatever be its speed. This property is worth
mentioning as in contrast to charge, the mass of a body depends on its speed and increases
with increase in speed.
(viii) A charge at rest produces only electric field around itself; a charge having uniform motion
produces electric as well as magnetic field around itself while a charge having accelerated
motion emits electromagnetic radiation.
2.3 Charging of a body
A body can be charged by means of (a) friction, (b) conduction, (c) induction, (d) thermionic ionization
or thermionic emission (e) photoelectric effect and (f) field emission.
(a) Charging by Friction :
When a neutral body is rubbed against other neutral body then some electrons are transferred from one
body to other. The body which can hold electrons tightly, draws some electrons and the body which can
not hold electrons tightly, looses some electrons. The body which draws electrons becomes negatively
charged and the body which looses electrons becomes positively charged.

For example : Suppose a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth. As the silk can hold electrons more tightly
and a glass rod can hold electrons less tightly (due to their chemical properties), some electrons will
leave the glass rod and gets transferred to the silk. So in the glass rod their will be deficiency of
electrons, therefore it will become positively charged. And in the silk there will be some extra electrons,
so it will become negatively charged

(b) Charging by conduction (flow): There are three types of material in nature
(i) Conductor : Conductors are the material in which the outer most electrons are very loosely
bounded, so they are free to move (flow). So in a conductors, there are large number of free
electrons.
Ex. Metals like Cu, Ag, Fe, Al.............
(ii) Insulator or Dielectric or Nonconductor : Non-conductors are the materials in which
outer most electrons are very tightly bounded, so they cannot move (flow). Hence in a non-
conductor there is no free electrons. Ex. plastic, rubber, wood etc.
(iii) Semi conductor : Semiconductor are the materials which have free electrons but very less
in number.
 Now lets see how the charging is done by conduction. In this method we take a charged conductor 'A'
and an uncharged conductor 'B'. When both are connected some charge will flow from the charged
body to the uncharged body. If both the conductors are identical & kept at large distance, if connected
to each other, then charge will be divided equally in both the conductors otherwise they will flow till their
electric potential becomes same. Its detailed study will be done in last section of this chapter.

(c) Charging by Induction : To understand this, lets have introduction to induction.

We have studied that there are lot of free electrons in the conductors. When a charge particle +Q is
brought near a neutral conductor. Due to attraction of +Q charge, many electrons (–ve charges) come
closer and accumulate on the closer surface. On the other hand a positive charge (deficiency of
electrons) appears on the other surface. The flow of charge continues till there is resultant force on free
electrons of the conductor becomes zero. This phenomena is called induction, and charges produced
are called induced charges.
A body can be charged by induction in the following two ways :
Method  
Step 1. Take an isolated neutral conductor..

Step 2. Bring a charged rod near to it. Due to the charged rod, charges will induce on the conductor.

Step 3. Connect another neutral conductor with it. Due to attraction of the rod, some free electrons will
move from the right conductor to the left conductor and due to deficiency of electrons positive charges
will appear on right conductor and on the left conductor there will be excess of electrons due to transfer
from right conductor..
 Step 4. Now disconnect the connecting wire and remove the rod.

The first conductor will be negatively charged and the second conductor will be positively
charged.

Method 
Step 1. Take an isolated neutral conductor..

Step 2. Bring a charged rod near to it. Due to the charged rod, charges will induce on the conductor.

Step 3. Connect the conductor to the earth (this process is called grounding or earthling). Due to
attraction of the rod, some free electrons will move from earth to the conductor, so in the conductor
there will be excess of electrons due to transfer from the earth, so net charge on conductor will be
negative.

Step 4. Now disconnect the connecting wire. Conductor becomes negatively charge.

(d) Thermionic emission : When the metal is heated at a high temperature then some electrons of
metals are ejected and the metal becomes positively charged.

(e) Photoelectric effect : When light of sufficiently high frequency is incident on metal surface
then some electrons gains energy from light and come out of the metal surface and remaining
metal becomes positively charged.
 (f) Field emission : When electric field of large magnitude is applied near the metal surface
then some electrons come out from the metal surface and hence the metal gets positively
charged.

2.4 Gold Leaf Electroscope (GLE)

a. A simple apparatus to detect charge on a body is the gold-leaf electroscope
b. It consists of a vertical metal rod housed in a box, with two thin gold leaves attached to its bottom end.
When a charged object touches the metal knob at the top of the rod, charge flows on to the leaves and
they diverge.

Example 1. If a charged body is placed near a neutral conductor, will it attract the conductor or repel it?
Solution :

If a charged body (+ve) is placed leftside near a neutral conductor, (–ve) charge will induce at
left surface and (+ve) charge will induce at right surface. Due to positively charged body –ve
induced charge will feel attraction and the +ve induced charge will feel repulsion. But as the –
ve induced charge is nearer, so the attractive force will be greater than the repulsive force. So
the net force on the conductor due to positively charged body will be attractive. Similarly we can
prove for negatively charged body also.
From the above example we can conclude that. "A charged body can attract a neutral body."
If there is attraction between two bodies then one of them may be neutral. But if there is
repulsion between two bodies, both must be charged (similarly charged).
So "repulsion is the sure test of electrification".

Example 2. A positively charged body 'A' attracts a body 'B' then charge on body 'B' may be:
(1) positive (2) negative (3) zero (4) can't say
Ans. (2, 3)
Example 3. Five styrofoam balls A, B, C, D and E are used in an experiment. Several experiments are
performed on the balls and the following observations are made :
(i) Ball A repels C and attracts B.
(ii) Ball D attracts B and has no effect on E.
(iii) A negatively charged rod attracts both A and E.
 For your information, an electrically neutral Styrofoam ball is very sensitive to charge
induction, and gets attracted considerably, if placed nearby a charged body. What are the
charges, if any, on each ball ?
A B C D E
(1) + – + 0 +
(2) + – + + 0
(3) + – + 0 0
(4) – + – 0 0
Ans. 3
Solution: From (i), As A repels C, so both A and C must be charged similarly. Either both are +ve or both
are
–ve. As A also attract B, so charge on B should be opposite of A or B may be uncharged
conductor.
From (ii) As D has no effect on E, so both D and E should be uncharged, and as B attracts
uncharged D, so B must be charged and D must be on uncharged conductor.
From (iii) a –ve charged rod attract the charged ball A, so A must be +ve, and from exp.
(i) C must also be +ve and B must be –ve.
Example 4. Charge conservation is always valid. Is it also true for mass?
Solution: No, mass conservation is not always. In some nuclear reactions, some mass is lost and it is
converted into energy.
Example 5. What are the differences between charging by induction and charging by conduction ?
Solution: Major differences between two methods of charging are as follows :
(i) In induction, two bodies are close to each other but do not touch each other while in
conduction they touch each other. (or they are connected by a metallic wire)
(ii) In induction, total charge of a body remains unchanged while in conduction it changes.
(iii) In induction, induced charge is always opposite in nature to that of source charge while in
conduction charge on two bodies finally is of same nature.
Example 6. If a glass rod is rubbed with silk it acquires a positive charge because :
(1) protons are added to it (2) protons are removed from it
(3) electrons are added to it (4) electrons are removed from it.
Ans. 4
Example 7. How can you charge a metal sphere positively without touching it?
Solution : Figure (a) shows an uncharged metallic sphere on an insulating stand.
Bring a negatively charged rod close to the metallic sphere, as shown in Fig. (b). As the rod is
brought close to the sphere, the free electrons in the sphere move away due to repulsion and
start piling up at the farther end. The near end becomes positively charged due to deficit of
electrons. This process of charge distribution stops when the net force on the free electrons
inside the metal is zero.
Connect the sphere to the ground by a conducting wire. The electrons will flow to the ground
while the positive charges at the near end will remain held there due to the attractive force of
the negative charges on the rod, as shown in Fig. (c).
Disconnect the sphere from the ground. The positive charge continues to be held at the near
end Fig.(d) Remove the electrified rod. The positive charge will spread uniformly over the
sphere as shown in Fig. (e).

Example 8. If 109 electrons move out of a body to another body every second, how much time is required to
get a total charge of 1 C on the other body ?
Solution In one second 109 electrons move out of the body. Therefore the charge given out in one
second is 1.6 × 10–19 × 109 C = 1.6 × 10–10 C.
The time required to accumulate a charge of 1 C can then be estimated to be
1C 6.25  109
= 6.25 × 10 9
s = years = 198 years.
1.6  10 −10 C / s 365  24  3600
Thus to collect a charge of one coulomb, from a body from which 10 9 electrons move out every
second, we will need approximately 200 years. One coulomb is, therefore, a very large unit for
many practical purposes.
Example 9. How much positive and negative charge is there in a cup of water?
Solution : Let us assume that the mass of one cup of water is 250 g.
The molecular mass of water is 18g.
One mole(= 6.02 × 1023 molecules) of water is 18 g. Therefore the number of molecules in one
250  109
cup of water is  6.02  1023
18
Each molecule of water contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, i.e., 10 electrons
and 10 protons. Hence the total positive and total negative charge has the same magnitude. It
250  109
is equal to  6.02  1023 × 10 × 1.6 × 10–19 C = 1.34 × 107 C.
18
Example 10. Which is bigger, a coulomb or charge on an electron? How many electronic charges form one
coulomb of charge ?
Solutions : A coulomb of charge is bigger than the charge on an electron.
Magnitude of charge on one electron, e = 1.6 ×10–19 coulomb
q 1
Number of electronic charge in one coulomb, n = = = 0.625×1019
e 1.6  10 −19
Example 11. Assume that each atom in a copper wire contributes one free electron. Estimate the number of
free electrons in a copper wire having a mass of 6.4 g (take the atomic weight of copper to be
64g/mol).
Solutions : Number of atoms in 64 g of copper = 6.023 × 1023
6.023  1023
Number of atoms in 6.4 g of copper =  6.4 = 6.023 × 1022
64
As each atom contributes one free electron, therefore, number of free electrons in copper
wire = 6.023 × 1022.

1. A body can be negatively charged by

(1) Giving excess of electrons to it (2) Removing some electrons from it
(3) Giving some protons from it (4) Removing some neturons from it
2. The minimum charge on an object is
(1) 1 coulomb (2) 1 stat coulomb (3) 1.6×10-19 coulomb (4) 3.2×10-19 coulomb
Ans. 1. (1) 2. (3)

3. COULOMB’S LAW (INVERSE SQUARE LAW)

On the basis of experiments Coulomb established the following law known as Coulomb's law.
The magnitude of electrostatic force between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of
charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
1 qq Kq1q2
i.e. F  q1q2 and F 2  F  12 2  F=
r r r2
Important points regarding Coulomb's law :
(i) It is applicable only for point charges.
1
(ii) The constant of proportionality K in SI units in vacuum is expressed as and in any other
40
1
medium expressed as . If charges are dipped in a medium then electrostatic force on one
4
1 q1q2
charge is . 0 and  are called permittivity of vacuum and absolute permittivity of
40 r r 2
the medium respectively. The ratio /0 = r is called relative permittivity of the medium, which is
a dimensionless quantity.
 (iii) The value of relative permittivity r is constant for medium and can have values between 1 to .
For vacuum, by definition it is equal to 1. For air it is nearly equal to 1 and may be taken to be
equal to 1 for calculations. For metals the value of r is  and for water is 81. The material in
which more charge can induce r will be higher.
1
(iv) The value of = 9 × 109 Nm2 C–2  0 = 8.855 × 10–12 C2/Nm2.
40
Dimensional formula of  is M–1 L–3 T4 A2
(v) The force acting on one point charge due to the other point charge is always along the line
joining these two charges. It is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction on two charges,
irrespective of the medium, in which they lie.
(vi) The force is conservative in nature i.e., work done by electrostatic force in moving a point
charge along a close loop of any shape is zero.
(vii) Since the force is a central force, in the absence of any other external force, angular
momentum of one particle w.r.t. the other particle (in two particle system) is conserved,
(viii) Coulomb low in vector form
Let us consider q1 and q2 are placed at positions r1 = x1ˆi + y1ˆj + z1kˆ and r2 = x 2 ˆi + y 2 ˆj + z2kˆ
respectively. If we want to calculate coulomb force on q2 due to q1 then q1 will be considered as
a source charge and q2 will be considered as test charge.

kq1q2
F= r where r = position vector of test charge – position vector source charge.
| r |3
( r = position vector of test charge w.r.t. source charge)
(i) When we will use this formula in vector form then we have to put value of charges with their
sign.
(ii) If the force F12 on charge q1 due to charge q2, and F21 is force on charge q2 due to charge q1
1 q1 q2
then F12 = rˆ12 = –F21
40 r21
2

Example 12. Find out the electrostatics force between two point charges placed in air (each of +1 C) if they
are separated by 1m .
kq1q2 9  109  1 1
Solution : Fe = = = 9×109 N
r2 12
 From the above result we can say that 1 C charge is too large to realize. In nature, charge is usually of
the order of C
Example 13. Two particles having charges q1 and q2 when kept at a certain distance, exert a force F on each
other. If the distance between the two particles is reduced to half and the charge on each
particle is doubled then what will be the force between the particles :
Ans. 16 F
kq1q2
Solution :  F=
r2
r
If q’1 = 2q1, q’2 = 2q2 r’ = ,
2
kq'1 q'2 k(2q1 )(2q2 ) 16kq1q2
then F’ = 2
= 2
F’ = F’ = 16F
r' r r2
2
 
Example 14. A particle of mass m carrying charge q1 is revolving around a fixed charge –q2 in a circular path
of radius r. Calculate the period of revolution and its speed also.
1 q1q2 42mr (40 )r 2 (42mr) 0mr
Solution : 2
= mr2 = 2
' T2 = or T = 4r
40 r T q q
1 2 q1q2
q1q2 mv 2 q1q2
and also we can say that =  V=
40r 2 r 40mr

Example 15. A point charge qA = + 100 µc is placed at point A (1, 0, 2) m and an another point charge
qB = +200µc is placed at point B (4, 4, 2) m. Find :
(i) Magnitude of Electrostatic interaction force acting between them
(ii) Find FA (force on A due to B) and FB (force on B due to A) in vector form
Solution :

(i)
kqA qB (9  109 )(100  10−6 )(200  10 −6 )
Value of F : F = = = 7.2 N
r2 (4 − 1)2 + (4 − 0)2 + (2 − 2)2
kqA qB (9  109 )(100  10−6 )(200  10−6 ) 
(ii) Force on B FB = r = (4 − 1) ˆi + (4 − 0) ˆj + (2 − 2)kˆ 
| r |3  
(4 − 1)2 + (4 − 0)2 + (2 − 2)2
3 4 
= 7.2  ˆi + ˆj  N
 5 5 
 3 4 
Similarly FA = 7.2  − ˆi − ˆj  N
 5 5 
Action( FA ) and Reaction ( FB ) are equal but in opposite direction.

Example 16. A charged metallic sphere A is suspended by a nylon thread. Another charged metallic sphere
B held by an insulating handle is brought close to A such that the distance between their
centres is 10 cm, as shown in Fig. (a). The resulting repulsion of A is noted (for example, by
shining a beam of light and measuring the deflection of its shadow on a screen). Spheres A and
B are touched by uncharged spheres C and D respectively, as shown in Fig. (b). C and D are
then removed and B is brought closer to A to a distance of 5.0 cm between their centres, as
shown in Fig. (c). What is the expected repulsion of A on the basis of Coulomb’s law? Spheres
A and C and spheres B and D have identical sizes. Ignore the sizes of A and B in comparison
to the separation between their centres.
Solution : Let the original charge on sphere A be q and that on B be q'. At a distance r between their
centres, the magnitude of the electrostatic force on each is given by
1 qq'
F=
40 r 2
neglecting the sizes of spheres A and B in comparison to r. When an identical but uncharged
sphere C touches A, the charges redistribute on A and C and, by symmetry, each sphere
carries a charge q/2. Similarly, after D touches B, the redistributed charge on each is q'/2.
Now, if the separation between A and B is halved, the magnitude of the electrostatic force on
each is
1 (q / 2)(q'/ 2) 1 (qq')
F' = = =F
40 (r / 2)2 40 r 2
Thus the electrostatic force on A, due to B, remains unaltered.

3. A total charge Q is broken in two parts Q1 and Q2 and they are placed at a distance R from each other.
the maximum force of repulsion between them will occur, when
Q Q Q 2Q
(1) Q2 = , Q1 = Q- (2) Q2 = , Q = Q -
R R 4 3
Q 3Q Q Q
(3) Q2 = , Q1 = (4) Q1 = , Q2 =
4 4 2 2
4. +2C and +6C two charge are repelling each other with a force of 12N. if each charge is given –2C of
charge,the the value of the force will be
(1) 4N(Attractive) (2) 4N (Repulsive) (3) 8N (Repulsive) (4) Zero
Ans. : 3. (4) 4. (4)

4. PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION
The electrostatic force is a two body interaction i.e. electrical force
 between two point charges is independent of presence or absence of other charges and so the principle
of superposition is valid i.e. force on charged particle due to number of point charges is the resultant of
forces due to individual point charges.
Consider that n point charges q1, q2, q3, .... qn are distributed in space in a discrete manner. The
charges are interacting with each other. Let us find the total force on the charge, say q 1 due to all other
remaingin charge. If the charge q2, q3, .... qn exert forces F12 ,F13 ,....F1n on the charge q1, then according
to principle of super-position, the total force on charge q1 is given by
F1 = F12 + F13 + ......F1n

Example 17. Two point charge of charge value Q and q are placed at a distance of x and x/2 respectively
from a third charge of charge value 4q, all charges being in the same straight line. Calculate the
magnitude and nature of charge Q, such that the net force experienced by the charge q is zero.
Solution : Suppose that the charge 4q is located at point A. The charges Q and q are placed at the points
B and C, such that AB = x and AC = x/2. Also, all the charges lie on the same straight line. We
assume that the charges of 4q and q are of same nature, a say positive.
Then, force on the charge q due to 4q,
1 4q . q
FA = . (along AB)
40 (x / 2)2

The net force experienced by charge q will be zero only if the charge Q exerts force on the
charge q equal and opposite to that exerted by the charge 4q. Thus, the charge Q should exert
force FB on charge q equal to FA (in magnitude) and along CA. For this, charge Q has to be
positive (i.e. of the nature same as that of 4q or q).
Now, force on the charge q due to charge Q,
1 Q.q
FB = .
40 (BC)2
or
1 Q.q
FB = . (along CA)
40 (x / 2)2
For net force on the charge q to be zero, FB = FA
1 Q.q 1 4q.q
. = . = Q = 4q
40 (x / 2)2 40 (x / 2)2

Example 18. Consider three point charges each having charge q at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of
side . What is the force on a charge Q (with the same sign as q) placed at the centroid of the
triangle, as shown in figure.
Solution : In the given equilateral triangle ABC of sides of length l, if we draw a perpendicular AD to the
side BC, AD = AC cos 30º = ( 3 / 2) l and the distance AO of the centroid O from A is
(2/3) AD = (1/ 3 ) l. By symmetry AO = BO = CO.
Thus,
 Qq
Force F1 on Q due to charge q at A = along AO
40 2
 Qq
Force F2 on Q due to charge q at B = along BO
40 2
 Qq
Force F3 on Q due to charge q at C = along CO
40 2
 Qq
The resultant of forces F2 and F3 is along OA, by the parallelogram law. Therefore,
40 2
 Qq
the total force on Q = (r – r ) = 0, where r̂ is the unit vector along OA.
40 2
It is clear also by symmetry that the three forces will sum to zero. Suppose that the resultant
force was non-zero but in some direction. Consider what would happen if the system was
rotated through 60º about O.

Example 19. Consider the charges q, q, and –q placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side .
Calculate force on each charge?
Solution :

The forces acting on charge q at A due to charges q at B and –q at C are FAB along BA and
FAC along AC respectively as shown in Fig.
The force of attraction or repulsion for each pair of charges has the same magnitude

q2
F=
40 2
 as shown in figure FA + FB + FC = 0 .
It is interesting to see that the sum of the forces on three charges is zero.

Example 20. Two pith-balls each of mass weighing 10–4 kg are suspended from the same point by means of
silk threads 0.5 m long. On charging the pith-balls equally, they are found to repel each other to
a distance of 0.6 m. Calculate the charge on each ball. (g = 10m/s 2)
Solution : Consider two pith balls A and B each having charge q and mass 10–13 kg. When the pith balls
are suspended from point S by two threads each 0.5 m long, they repel each other to the
distance AB = 0.2 m as shown in Fig.

Each of the two pith-balls is in equilibrium under the action of the following three forces :

(i) The electrostatic repulsive force F.

(ii) The weight mg acting vertically downwards.
(iii) The tension T in the string directed towards point S. The three forces mg, F and T can be
represented by the therefore, according to triangle law of forces,
F mg T
= = ..............(i)
OA SO AS
1 q2 q2
Here, F= . = 9  10 9
 N
40 (AB)2 (0.6)2
mg = 10–4 × 10 = 10–3 N
From the equation (i), we have
OA q2 0.3
F = mg × or 9  109  2
= 10 –3  or q= 3 × 10–6 C
SO (0.6) (0.5) – (0.3)2
2

Example 21 Three equal point charges of charge +q are moving along a circle of radius R and a point
charge –2q is also placed at the centre of circle as (shown in figure), if charges are revolving
with constant and same speed then calculate speed
Solution :

mv 2 K(q)(2q) 2(Kq2 ) mv 2 kq2  1 

F2 – 2F1 cos 30 =  2
– 2
cos 30 =  v = 2 − 
R R ( 3R) R Rm  3
Example 22 Two equally charged identical small metallic spheres A and B repel each other with a force
2 × 10–5N when placed in air (neglect gravitation attraction). Another identical uncharged
sphere C is touched to B and then placed at the mid point of line joining A and B. What is the
net electrostatic force on C?
Solution : Let initially the charge on each sphere be q and separation between their centres be r; then
according to given problem.
1 q q
F= = 2 × 10–5 N
40 r 2

When sphere C touches B, the charge of B, q will distribute equally on B and C as sphere are
identical conductors, i.e., now charges on spheres;
qB = qC = (q/2)
So sphere C will experience a force

1 q(q / 2)
FCA = = 2F along AB due to charge on A
40 (r / 2)2
1 (q / 2)(q / 2)
and, FCB = = F along BA due to charge on B
40 (r / 2)2
So the net force FC on C due to charges on A and B,
FC = FCA – FCB = 2F – F = 2 × 10–5 N along AB .
Example 23 Five point charges, each of value q are placed on five vertices of a regular hexagon of side L.
What is the magnitude of the force on a point charge of value – q coulomb placed at the centre
of the hexagon?
Solution : Method : I
 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 would be zero (as the forces due to individual charges will balance each
other), i.e.,
FR = 0
Now if f is the force due to sixth charge and F due to remaining five charges.
1 q q 1 q2
F + f =0 i.e. F = – f or, |F| = |f| = =
40 L2 40 L2

1 q2
FNet = FCO = along CO
4  L2
Method : II

In the diagram we can see that force due to

charge A and D are opposite to each other
FDO + FAO = 0 ....(i)
Similarly FBO + FEO = 0 ....(ii) So FAO + FBO + FCO + FDO + FEO = FNet
2
1 q
Using (i) and (ii) FNet = FCO = along CO.
4  L2

Note : (1) The total charge of A rod cannot be considered to be placed at the centre of the rod as
we do in mechanics for mass in many problems.
KQq
Note : (2) If a >> then F= behaviour of the rod is just like a point charge.
a2

5. ELECTROSTATIC EQUILIBRIUM
The point where the resultant force on a charged particle becomes zero is called equilibrium position.
5.1 Stable Equilibrium : A charge is initially in equilibrium position and is displaced by a small
distance. If the charge tries to return back to the same equilibrium position then this equilibrium is called
position of stable equilibrium.
5.2 Unstable Equilibrium : If charge is displaced by a small distance from its equilibrium position and
the charge has no tendency to return to the same equilibrium position. Instead it goes away from the
equilibrium position.
5.3 Neutral Equilibrium : If charge is displaced by a small distance and it is still in equilibrium condition
then it is called neutral equilibrium.

Example 24 Two equal positive point charges 'Q' are fixed at points B(a, 0) and A(–a, 0). Another test
charge q0 is also placed at O(0, 0). Show that the equilibrium at 'O' is
(i) stable for displacement along X-axis.
 (ii) unstable for displacement along Y-axis.

KQq0
Solution : (i) Initially FAO + FBO = 0  | FAO | = | FBO | =
a2

When charge is slightly shifted towards + x axis by a small distance x, then.

| FAO | < | FBO |

Therefore the particle will move towards origin (its original position) hence the equilibrium is stable.
(ii) When charge is shifted along y axis

After resolving components net force will be along y axis so the particle will not return to its
original position so it is unstable equilibrium. Finally the charge will move to infinity.
Example 25. Two point charges of charge q1 and q2 (both of same sign) and each of mass m are placed
such that gravitation attraction between them balances the electrostatic repulsion. Are they in
stable equilibrium? If not then what is the nature of equilibrium?
Solution : In given example :
K q1 q2 Gm2
2
=
r r2
We can see that irrespective of distance between them charges will remain in equilibrium. If
now distance is increased or decreased then there is no effect in their equilibrium. Therefore it
is a neutral equilibrium.
Example 26. A particle of mass m and charge q is located midway between two fixed charged particles each
having a charge q and a distance 2 apart. Prove that the motion of the particle will be SHM if it
is displaced slightly along the line connecting them and released. Also find its time period.
Solution : Let the charge q at the mid-point the displaced slightly to the left.
The force on the displaced charge q due to charge q at A,
1 q2
F1 =
40 ( + x)2

The force on the displaced charge q due to charge at B,

1 q2
F2 =
40 ( − x)2
Net restoring force on the displaced charge q.
1 q2 1 q2
F = F2 – F1 or F = –
40 ( − x)2 40 ( + x)2
 q2  1 1  q2 4 x
or F=  −  =
40  ( − x)2 ( + x)2  40 ( 2
− x 2 )2
q2 x q2 x
Since  >> x,  F = or F =
0 4
0 3

We see that F  x and it is opposite to the direction of displacement. Therefore, the motion is
m q2 m 0 3
SHM. T = 2 , here k = = 2
k  0 3
q2
Example 27. Two identical charged spheres are suspended by strings of equal length. Each string makes an
angle  with the vertical. When suspended in a liquid of density  = 0.8 gm/cc, the angle
remains the same. What is the dielectric constant of the liquid? (Density of the material of
sphere is  = 1.6 gm/cc.)
Solution : Initially as the forces acting on each ball are tension T,
weight mg and electric force F, for its equilibrium along vertical,
T cos  = mg ...(1)
and along horizontal
T sin  = F ...(2)

Dividing Eqn. (2) by (1), we have

F
tan  = ... (3)
mg
When the balls are suspended in a liquid of density  and dielectric constant K, the electric
force will become (1/K) times, i.e., F' = (F/K) while weight
mg' = mg – FB = mg – Vg [as FB = Vg, where  is density of material of sphere]
   m
i.e., mg' = mg 1 −  as V =  So for equilibrium of ball,
    
F' F
tan ' = = ... (4)
mg' Kmg[1 − ( / )]
According to given information ' = ; so from equations (4) and (3), we have
 1.6
K= = =2 Ans.
( −  ) (1.6 − 0.8)

6. ELECTRIC FIELD
Electric field is the region around charged particle or charged body in which if another charge is placed,
it experiences electrostatic force.
6.1 Electric field intensity E : Electric field intensity at a point is equal to the electrostatic force
experienced by a unit positive point charge both in magnitude and direction.
If a test charge q0 is placed at a point in an electric field and experiences a force F due to some
charges (called source charges), the electric field intensity at that point due to source charges is given
F
by E= ;
q0
If the E is to be determined practically then the test charge q 0 should be small otherwise it will affect
the charge distribution on the source which is producing the electric field and hence modify the quantity
which is measured.

Example 28. A positively charged ball hangs from a long silk thread. We wish to measure E at a point P in
the same horizontal plane as that of the hanging charge. To do so, we put a positive test
 charge q0 at the point and measure F/q0. Will F/q0 be less than, equal to, or greater than E at
the point in question?

Solution : When we try to measure the electric field at point P then after placing the test charge at P it
repels the source charge (suspended charge) and the measured value of electric field
F
Emeasured = will be less than the actual value Eact that we wanted to measure.
q0

6.2 Properties of electric field intensity E :

(i) It is a vector quantity. Its direction is the same as the force experienced by positive charge.
(ii) Direction of electric field due to positive charge is always away from it while due to negative
charge always towards it.
(iii) Its S.. unit is Newton/Coulomb.
(iv) Its dimensional formula is [MLT–3A–1]
(v) Electric force on a charge q placed in a region of electric field at a point where the electric field
intensity is E is given by F = qE .
Electric force on point charge is in the same direction of electric field on positive charge and in
opposite direction on a negative charge.
(vi) It obeys the superposition principle, that is, the field intensity at a point due to a system of
charges is vector sum of the field intensities due to individual point charges.
E = E1 + E2 + E3 + .....
(vii) It is produced by source charges. The electric field will be a fixed value at a point unless we
change the distribution of source charges.
6.3 Electric field due to a point charge :
Consider that a point charge +q is placed at the origin O of the co-ordinate frame. Let P be the point,
where electric field due to the point charge +q is to be determined. Let OP = r be the position vector of
the point P.

To find electric field at point P, place a vanishingly small positive test charge q 0 at point P. According to
Coulomb’s law, force on the test charge q0 due to charge q is given by :
1 qq0
F= . rˆ
40 r 2
where r̂ is unit vector along OP. If E is the electric field at point P, then
F  1 1 qq  1 q 1 q
E= = . . 20 rˆ  or E= . 2 rˆ = . 3r
q0  q0 40 r  40 r 40 r
The magnitude of the electric field at point P is given by

1 q
E= .
40 r 2
Example 29. Electrostatic force experienced by –3C charge placed at point 'P' due to a system 'S' of fixed
point charges as shown in figure is F = (21iˆ + 9ˆj) µN.

(i) Find out electric field intensity at point P due to S.

(ii) If now 2C charge is placed and –3 C is removed at point P then force experienced by it
will be.
Solution : (i) F = qE  (21iˆ + 9 ˆj)µN = -3µC (E)
µN
 E = – 7 î – 3 ĵ
C
(ii) Since the source charges are not disturbed the electric field intensity at 'P' will remain
same.
F 2C = +2( E ) = 2(–7 î – 3 ĵ ) = –14 î – 6 ĵ µN

Example 30. Calculate the electric field intensity which would be just sufficient to balance the weight of a

particle of charge –10 c and mass 10 mg. (take g = 10 ms2)

Solution : As force on a charge q in an electric field E is

Fq = qE

So according to given problem

Fe

q E
A

| Fq | = | W | i.e., |q|E = mg

mg
i.e., E= = 10 N/C., in downward direction.
|q|

5. The maguitude of elective field intensity E is such that an electron placed in it would experience an

electrical force equal to its weight is given by

mg e e2
(1) mge (2) (3) (4) g
e mg m2

6. The distance between the two charges 25C and 36C is 11cm At what point on the line joining the

two, the intensity will be zero

(1) At a distance of 5cm from 25C (2) At a distance of 5 cm from 36C

(3) At a distance of 10cm from 25C (4) At a distance of 11cm from 36C
7. A charge produce an electric field of 1 N\C at a point distant 0.1 m from it. The megnitude of charge is

(1) 1.11×10-12C (2) 9.11×10–12C (3) 7.11×10-6C (4) None of these

Ans. 5. (2) 6. (1) 7. (1)

List of formula for Electric Field Intensity due to various types of charge distribution :
Electric field due to point charge
kq kq kq
E= 2  E = 2 rˆ  E= r
r r r3

r = position vector of test point with respect to source charge

r = r test po int – r source ch arg e

Example 31. Find out electric field intensity at point A (0, 1m, 2m) due to a point charge –20C situated at
point B( 2 m, 0, 1m).
KQ KQ
Solution : E= 3
r = r̂  r = P.V. of A – P.V. of B (P.V. = Position vector)
|r| | r |2
= (– 2 î + ĵ + k̂ ) |r | = = 2
−6
9  10  ( −20  10 )
9
E= (– 2 î + ĵ + k̂ ) = – 22.5 × 103 (– 2 î + ĵ + k̂ ) N/C.
8
Example 32. Two point charges 2c and – 2c are placed at point A and B as shown in figure. Find out
electric field intensity at points C and D. [All the distances are measured in meter].

Solution : Electric field at point C

(EA, EB are magnitudes only and arrows represent directions)

Electric field due to positive charge is away from it while due

to negative charge it is towards the charge. It is clear that EB > EA .
 ENet = (EB – EA) towards negative X-axis
K(2c) K(2c)
= − towards negative X-axis = 8000 (– î ) N/C
( 2)2 (3 2)2
Electric field at point D :
 Since magnitude of charges are same and also AD = BD
So EA = EB
Vertical components of E A and EB cancel each other while horizontal components are in the
same direction.
2.K(2c)
So, Enet = 2EA cos = cos450
22
K  10−6 9000
= = î N/C.
2 2

Example 33. Six equal point charges are placed at the corners of a regular hexagon of side ‘a’. Calculate
electric field intensity at the centre of hexagon?

Ans Zero

Similarly electric field due to a uniformly charged ring at the centre of ring :

Note : (i) Net charge on a conductor remains only on the outer surface of a conductor. This property
will be discussed in the article of the conductor. (article no.17)
(ii) On the surface of isolated spherical conductor charge is uniformly distributed.

6.4 Electric field due to a uniformly charged ring and arc.

Example 34. Find out electric field intensity at the centre of uniformly charged semicircular ring of radius R
and linear charge density .
Solution :  = linear charge density.

The arc is the collection of large no. of point charges. Consider a part of ring as an element of
length Rd which subtends an angle d at centre of ring and it lies between  and  + d
dE = dEx î + dEy ĵ Ex =  dE x = 0 (due to symmetry)
 
K 2K
Ey =  dE y =  dE sin 
0
=
R  sin .d
0
=
R

Example 35. Find out electric field intensity at the centre of uniformly charged quarter ring of radius R and
linear charge density .
K
Solution : Refer to the previous quation dE = dEx î + dEy ĵ on solving Enet = = (iˆ + ˆj) ,
R

Electric field due to ring on its axis :

KQx
Enet =
[R + x 2 ]3/2
2

dE R 2KQ
E will be max when = 0, that is at x= and Emax =
dx 2 3 3 R2
KQ
Case (i) : if x>>R, E = Hence the ring will act like a point charge
x2
KQ x
Case (ii) : if x<<R, E =
R3

Example 36. Positive charge Q is distributed uniformly over a circular ring of radius R. A point particle having
a mass m and a negative charge –q, is placed on its axis at a distance x from the centre. Find
the force on the particle. Assuming x << R, find the time period of oscillation of the particle if it
is released from there. (Neglect gravity)
Solution : When the negative charge is shifted at a distance x from the centre of the ring along its axis
then force acting on the point charge due to the ring:

 KQx 
FE = qE (towards centre) = q  2 2 3/2 
 (R + x ) 
if R >>x then
R2 + x2 ~ R2
1 Qqx
FE = (Towards centre)
40 R 3
Since restoring force FE  x, therefore motion of charge the particle will be S.H.M.
Time period of SHM.
 1/2
m m  163 0mR3 
T = 2 = 2 =  
k  Qq   Qq 
 
3 
 4  0 R 

6.5 Electric field due to uniformly charged wire

(i) Line charge of finite length : Derivation of expression for intensity of electric field at a point due to
line charge of finite size of uniform linear charge density . The perpendicular distance of the point from
the line charge is r and lines joining ends of line charge distribution make angle 1 and 2 with the
perpendicular line.

 r 1
2 P

Kλ
Ex = [sin1+ sin2] ...........(1)
r
Kλ
Ey = [cos2 - cos1]
r
Net electric field at the point
Enet = E2x + E2y
(ii) We can derive a result for infinitely long line charge
In above eq. (1) & (2) if we put 1 = 2 = 90º we can get required result.
2K
Enet = Ex =
r


r E

1
E E
r

 r

(iii) For Semi- infinite wire

K K
1 = 90º and 2 = 0º so Ex = , Ey =
r r
 

Ex
r
Ey

Example 37. A point charge q is placed at a distance r from a very long charge thread of uniform linear
charge density . Find out total electric force experienced by the line charge due to the point
charge. (Neglect gravity).
Solution : Force on charge q due to the thread,
 2K 
F=   .q
 r 

By Newton's  law, every action has equal and

2K
opposite reaction so force on the thread = .q
r
(away from point charge)

6.6 Electric field due to uniformly charged infinite sheet


Enet = toward normal direction
2o
Note: (1) The direction of electric field is always perpendicular to the sheet.
(2) The magnitude of electric field is independent of distance from sheet.

Example 38. An infinitely large plate of surface charge density + is lying in horizontal xy plane. A particle
having charge –qo and mass m is projected from the plate with velocity u making an angle 
with sheet. Find :

(i) the time taken by the particle to return on the plate..

(ii) maximum height achieved by the particle.
(iii) At what distance will it strike the plate (Neglect gravitational force on the particle)

Solution :

  
Electric force acting on the particle Fe = qoE : Fe = (qo)   downward
 2o 
F q 
So acceleration of the particle : a = e = o = uniform
m 2om
 this acceleration will act like ‘g’ (acceleration due to gravity)
So the particle will perform projectile motion.
2usin  2usin  u2 sin2  2u2 sin2  u2 sin 2 u2 sin 2
(i) T = = (ii) H = = (iii) R = =
g  qo   2g 2  qo   g  qo  
     
 2om   2om   2om 
Example 39. A block having mass m and charge –q is resting on a frictionless plane at a distance L from
fixed large non-conducting infinite sheet of uniform charge density  as shown in Figure.
Discuss the motion of the block assuming that collision of the block with the sheet is perfectly
elastic. Is it SHM?
Solution : The situation is shown in Figure. Electric force produced by sheet will accelerate the block
towards the sheet producing an acceleration. Acceleration will be uniform because electric field
E due to the sheet is uniform.
F qE
a= = , where E = /20
m m

As initially the block is at rest and acceleration is constant, from second equation of motion,
time taken by the block to reach the wall
1 2 2L 2mL 4mL0
L= at i.e., t= = =
2 a aE a
As collision with the wall is perfectly elastic, the block will rebound with same speed and as now
its motion is opposite to the acceleration, it will come to rest after travelling same distance L in
same time t. After stopping it will be again accelerated towards the wall and so the block will
execute oscillatory motion with 'span' L and time period.
2mL 4mL0
T = 2t = 2 =2
aE a
However, as the restoring force F = qE is constant and not proportional to displacement x, the
motion is not simple harmonic.
Example 40. If an isolated infinite sheet contains charge Q 1 on its one surface and charge Q2 on its other
surface then prove that electric field intensity at a point in front of sheet will be
Q
, where Q = Q1 + Q2
2AO
Solution : Electric field at point P :
→
E = EQ1 + EQ2

Q1 Q2 Q + Q2 Q
= n̂ + n̂ = 1 n̂ = n̂
2A0 2A0 2A0 2A0
[This shows that the resultant field due to a sheet depends only on the total charge of the sheet
and not on the distribution of charge on individual surfaces].
Example 41. Three large conducting parallel sheets are placed at a finite distance from each other as shown
in figure. Find out electric field intensity at point A, B, C & D.
Q –2Q 3Q

A B C D y

x
Solution : for point A
Q –2Q 3Q

E–2Q
EQ E3Q A

Q ˆ 3Q ˆ 2Q ˆ Q ˆ
Enet = EQ + E3Q + E –2Q = – i− i+ i=– i
2A0 2A0 2A0 A0
for point B
Q –2Q 3Q

E–2Q
E3Q B EQ

3Q ˆ 2Q ˆ Q ˆ
Enet = E3Q + E –2Q + EQ = – i+ i+ i =0
2A0 2A0 2A0
for point C
Q –2Q 3Q

E3Q EQ
E–2Q C

Q ˆ 3Q ˆ 2Q ˆ 2Q ˆ
Enet = EQ + E3Q + E –2Q = + i– i– i=– i
2A0 2A0 2A0 A0
for point D
Q –2Q 3Q

EQ E3Q
E–2Q D

Q ˆ 3Q ˆ 2Q ˆ Q ˆ
Enet = EQ + E3Q + E –2Q = + i+ i– i= i
2A0 2A0 2A0 A0

6.7 Electric field due to uniformly charged spherical shell

KQ
E= rR  For the out side points & point on the surface the uniformly
r2
charged spherical shell behaves as a point charge placed at
the centre
E=0 r<R

Electric field due to spherical shell out side it is always along the radial direction.

Example 42. Figure shows a uniformly charged sphere of radius R and total charge Q. A point charge q is
situated outside the sphere at a distance r from centre of sphere. Find out the following :
(i) Force acting on the point charge q due to the sphere.
 (ii) Force acting on the sphere due to the point charge.
Solution : (i) Electric field at the position of point charge
KQ KqQ KqQ
E = 2 rˆ so, F = 2 rˆ |F| = 2
r r r
(ii) Since we know that every action has equal and opposite reaction so
KqQ
Fsphere = – 2 rˆ
r
KqQ
| Fsphere |= 2
r
Example 43. Figure shows a uniformly charged thin sphere of total charge Q and radius R. A point charge q
is also situated at the centre of the sphere.
Find out the following :

(i) Force on charge q (ii) Electric field intensity at A. (iii) Electric field intensity at B.
Solution : (i) Electric field at the centre of the uniformly charged hollow sphere = 0
So force on charge q = 0
(ii) Electric field at A
Kq
E A = ESphere + Eq = 0 + 2 ; r = CA
r
E due to sphere = 0 , because point lies inside the charged hollow sphere.
(iii) Electric field EB at point B = ESphere + Eq
KQ Kq K(Q + q)
= 2
.rˆ + 2
.rˆ = .rˆ ; r = CB
r r r2
Note : Here we can also assume that the total charge of sphere is concentrated at the centre, for calculation of
electric field at B.

Example 44. Two concentric uniformly charged spherical shells of radius R1 and R2 (R2 > R1) have total
charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. Derive an expression of electric field as a function of r for
following positions.

(i) r < R1 (ii) R1  r < R2 (iii) r  R2

Solution : (i) for r < R1 ,
therefore point lies inside both the spheres
Enet = EInner + Eouter =0+0
(ii) for R1  r < R 2 ,
therefore point lies outside inner sphere but inside outer sphere:
Enet = Einner + Eouter
KQ KQ
= 21 + 0 = 2 1 r̂
r r
(iii) for r  R2
point lies outside inner as well as outer sphere therefore.
ENet = Einner + Eouter
KQ KQ K(Q1 + Q2 )
= 2 1 r̂ + 2 2 r̂ = r̂
r r r2
Example 45. A spherical shell having charge +Q (uniformly distributed) and a point charge + q 0 are placed as
shown. Find the force between shell and the point charge(r>>R).

(i) Force on the point charge + q0 due to the shell

 KQ  KQq0
= q0 E shell = (q0)  2  r̂ = r̂ where r̂ is unit vector along OP.
 r  r2
From action - reaction principle, force on the shell due to the point charge will
KQq0 ˆ
also be Fshell = ( −r)
r2

Conclusion - To find the force on a hollow sphere due to outside charges , we can replace the sphere
by a point charge kept at centre.

Example 46. Find force acting between two shells of radius R 1 and R2 which have uniformly distributed
charges Q1 and Q2 respectively and distance between their centre is r.
+ Q1, R1 + Q2, R2

Solution : The shells can be replaced by point charges kept at centre so force between them
KQ1Q2
F=
r2

6.8 Electric field due to uniformly charged solid sphere

Derive an expression for electric field due to solid sphere of radius R and total charge Q which
is uniformly distributed in the volume,
at a point which is at a distance r from centre for given two cases.

dq

(i) r  R (ii) r  R
Assume an elementry concentric shell of charge dq. Due to this shell
the electric field at the point (r > R) will be
 Kdq
dE = [from above result of hollow sphere]
r2
KQ
Enet =  dE =r2
For r < R, there will be no electric field due to shell of radius greater than r, so electric field at the point
will be present only due to shells having radius less than r.
KQ'
E´net = 2
r
Q 4 Qr 3
here Q' =  r 3 =
4
R3
3 R3
3

KQ´ KQr
E´net = 2
= away from the centre.
r R3
Note : The electric field inside and outside the sphere is always in radial direction.

7. ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
In electrostatic field the electric potential (due to some source charges) at a point P is defined as the
work done by external agent in taking a point unit positive charge from a reference point (generally
taken at infinity) to that point P without changing its kinetic energy..
7.1 Mathematical representation :
If (W  → P)ext is the work required in moving a point charge q from infinity to a point P, the electric
potential of the point P is
Wp )ext  − Welc )→p
Vp =  =
q  K =0 q

Note : (i) (W → P)ext can also be called as the work done by external agent against the electric force on a
unit positive charge due to the source charge.
(ii) Write both W and q with proper sign.

7.2 Properties :
(i) Potential is a scalar quantity, its value may be positive, negative or zero.
joule
(ii) S.. Unit of potential is volt = and its dimensional formula is [M1L2T–3–1].
coulmb
(iii) Electric potential at a point is also equal to the negative of the work done by the electric field in
taking the point charge from reference point (i.e. infinity) to that point.
(iv) Electric potential due to a positive charge is always positive and due to negative charge it is
always negative except at infinite. (taking V = 0).
(v) Potential decreases in the direction of electric field.
(vi) V = V1 + V2 + V3 + .......

7.3 Use of potential :

If we know the potential at some point (in terms of numerical value or in terms of formula) then we can
find out the work done by electric force when charge moves from point 'P' to  by the formula
Wel )p  = qVp

Example 47. A charge 2C is taken from infinity to a point in an electric field, without changing its velocity. If
work done against electrostatic forces is –40J then find the potential at that point.
W −40J
Solution : V = ext = = –20 V
q 2C
Example 48. When charge 10 C is shifted from infinity to a point in an electric field, it is found that work
done by electrostatic forces is –10 J. If the charge is doubled and taken again from infinity to
 the same point without accelerating it, then find the amount of work done by electric field and
against electric field.
Solution : Wext) p = –wel) p = wel)p  = 10 J
because KE = 0
Wext )p 10J
Vp = = = 1V
q 10C
So if now the charge is doubled and taken from infinity then
w ext ) p
1=  Wext) P = 20 J  Wel )  P = –20 J
20C
Example 49. A charge 3C is released at rest from a point P where electric potential is 20 V then its kinetic
energy when it reaches to infinite is :
Solution : Wel = K = Kf – 0
Wel)P →  = qVP = 60 J
so, Kf = 60 J

Electric Potential due to various charge distributions are given in table.

7.4 Potential due to a point charge :
The electrostatic potential at a point in an electric field due to the point charge may be defined
as the amount of work done per unit positive test charge in moving it from infinity to that point
(without acceleration) against the electrostatic force due to the electric field of point charge.
It is a scalar quantity.
Consider a point charge +q placed at point O. Suppose that V A is electric potential at point A, whose
distance from the source charge +q is rA
If WA is work done in moving a vanishingly small positive test charge q0 from infinity to point A, then
W
VA = A
q0
 Derivation : (i) Consider a positive point charge Q at the origin. We wish to determine the potential at
any point A with position vector r from the origin.
(ii) Work done in bringing a unit positive test charge from infinity to the point A. For Q > 0. The work
done against the repulsive force on the test charge is positive.
(iii) Since work done is independent of the path, we choose a convenient path - along the radial
direction from infinity to the point A.
(iv) At some intermediate point A’ on the path, the electrostatic force on a unit positive charge is
Q
FE = rˆ where r̂ is the unit vector along OP’. Work done by electric field on test charge for small
40r 2
displacement ( dr ) as shown in figure .

Fext = −FE
dw = Fext . dr  ( −FE ) . (dr )

dw = FE (–dr) ( Here r is decreasing so we will take dr negative)

rA rA
Q
w A = − 

dw = −  4 r
 0
2
dr

Q
= VA – V = (V = 0) (reference point is taken at infinity)
40rA
Q
= VA =
40rA
In case, the distance of point A is from the charge +Q is denoted by r
Q
V=
40r

Electric potential due to a system of charges

Let us now find electrostatic potential at a point P due to a group of point charges q 1, q2, q3 ... qn lying at
distances r1, r2, r3.... rn from point P (fig.). The electrostatic potential at point P due to these charges is
found by calculating electrostatic potential P due to each individual charge, considering the other
charges to be absent and then adding up these electrostatic potentials algebraically.
The electrostatic potential at point P due to charge q1, when other charges are considered absent,
1 q1
V1 = .
40 r1
Similarly, electrostatic potentials at point P due to the individual charges q 2, q3,.....qn (when other
charges are absent) are given by
1 q2 1 q3 1 qn
V2 = . ; V3 = . ; ........; Vn = .
40 r2 40 r3 40 rn
Hence, electrostatic potential at point P due to the group of n point charges,
V = V1 + V2 + V3 + ..... + Vn
1 q1 1 q2 1 q3 1 qn
= . + . + . +..... + .
40 r1 40 r2 40 r3 40 rn
1  q1 q2 q3 q 
n

r
1 qi
=  + + + ...... + n   V=
40  r1 r2 r3 rn  40 i=1 i

Example 50. Four point charges are placed at the corners of a square of side  calculate potential at the
centre of square.
Solution : V = 0 at 'C'.

Example 51. Two point charges 2C and – 4C are situated at points (–2m, 0m) and (2 m, 0 m) respectively.
Find out potential at point C. (4 m, 0 m) and. D (0 m, 5 m).

Solution : Potential at point C

K(2C) K( −4C) 9  109  2  10−6 9  109  4  10 −6
VC = Vq1 + Vq2 = + = – = –15000 V.
6 2 6 2
K(2C) K( −4C) K(2C) K( −4C)
Similarly, VD = Vq1 + Vq2 = + = + = – 6000 V.
( 5 )2 + 22 ( 5 )2 + 22 3 3

Finding potential due to continuous charges

If formula of E is tought, then we take If formula of E is easy then we use

r =r
a small element and integrate V=–
r →
 E·dr

V=  dv (i.e. for sphere, plate infinite wire etc.)

7.5 Potential due to a ring :

(i) Potential at the centre of uniformly charged ring :
Potential due to the small element dq
Kdq
dV =
R

K dq K Kq
Net potential V=  R
 V=
R  dq = R
(ii) For non-uniformly charged ring potential at the center is
 Kqtotal
V=
R
(iii) Potential due to half ring at center is :
Kq
V=
R

(iv) Potential at the axis of a ring:

KQ
V=
R2 + x 2

Example 52. Figure shows two rings having charges Q and – 5 Q. Find Potential difference between
A and B (VA - VB).

Solution : VA =
KQ
+
(
K − 5 Q ) VB =
(
K − 5 Q ) +
K ( Q)
R
( 2R )2 + (R )2 2R
( R )2 + ( R )2
From above we can easily find VA – VB.
Example 53. A point charge q0 is placed at the centre of uniformly charged ring of total charge Q and radius
R. If the point charge is slightly displaced with negligible force along axis of the ring then find
out its speed when it reaches to a large distance.
Solution : Only electric force is acting on q0
1 KQ
 Wel = K = mv2 – 0  Now Wel)c→ = q0 Vc = q0 .
2 R
Kq0 Q 1 2Kq0Q
 = mv2  v=
R 2 mR

7.6 Potential due to uniformly charged disc :

V=
σ
2ε0 ( )
R 2 + x 2 − x , where  is the charged density and x is the distance of the point on the axis

from the center of the disc, R is the radius of disc.

7.7 Potential Due To Uniformly Charged Spherical shell :
Derivation of expression for potential due to uniformly charged hollow sphere of radius R and
total charge Q, at a point which is at a distance r from centre for the following situation
(i) r > R (ii) r < R
 r =r
As the formula of E is easy , we use V =–

r →
E·dr

(i) At outside point (r > R):

r =r
K Q KQ KQ
Vout = –

r →
 2  dr
 r 
 Vout =
r
=
( Dis tance from centre )
For outside point, the hollow sphere act like a point charge.
(ii) Potential at the centre of the sphere (r=0) :
As all the charges Are at a distance R from the centre ,

KQ KQ
So Vcentre = =
R (Radius of the sphare )
(iii) Potential at inside point ( r<R ) :
Suppose we want to find potential at point P, inside the sphere.
+Q, R

P
r
O

Potential difference between Point P and O :

P


VP - VO = – Ein ·dr Where Ein = 0
O
So VP - VO = 0
KQ
 VP = VO =
R
KQ KQ
 VIN = =
R ( Radius of the sphere )

7.8 Potential Due To Uniformly Charged Solid Sphere :

(i) for r  R (outside)
KQ
V=
r
(ii) for r  R (inside)
dx

KQ Q
V= (3R2 – r2)  Here  =
2R3 4 3
R
3
Example 54. Two concentric spherical shells of radius R 1 and R2 (R2 > R1) are having uniformly distributed
charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. Find out potential
(i) at point A
(ii) at surface of smaller shell (i.e. at point B)
(iii) at surface of larger shell (i.e. at point C)

(iv) at r  R1 (v) at R1  r  R2 (vi) at r  R2

Solution : Using the results of hollow sphere as given in the table 7.4.
KQ1 KQ2 KQ1 KQ2
(i) VA = + (ii) VB = +
R1 R2 R1 R2
KQ1 KQ2 KQ1 KQ2
(iii) VC = + (iv) for r  R1 V= +
R2 R2 R1 R2
KQ1 KQ2
(v) for R1  r  R2 V= +
r R2
KQ1 KQ2
(vi) for r  R2 V= +
r r
Example 55. Two hollow concentric nonconducting spheres of radius a and b (a > b) contains charges
Qa and Qb respectively. Prove that potential difference between two spheres is independent of
charge on outer sphere. If outer sphere is given an extra charge, is there any change in
potential difference?
KQb KQa
Solution : Vinner sphere = +
b a
KQb KQa
Vouter sphere = +
a a

KQb KQb
Vinner sphere – Vouter sphere = –
b a
 1 1
V = KQb  − 
b a 
Which is independent of charge on outer sphere.
If outer sphere in given any extra charge then there will be no change in potential difference.

8. POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE
The potential difference between two points A and B is work done by external agent against electric
field in taking a unit positive charge from A to B without acceleration (or keeping Kinetic Energy
constant or Ki = Kf))
(a) Mathematical representation :
If (WA → B)ext = work done by external agent against electric field in taking the unit charge from A
to B
B

(WA →B )ext  −(WA →B )electric U − UA


− Fe .dr B
VB – VA =
q

K =0
=
q
= B
q
= A
q 
= − E.dr
A

Note : Take W and q both with sign

(b) Properties :
(i) The difference of potential between two points is called potential difference. It is also called
voltage.
(ii) Potential difference is a scalar quantity. Its S.I. unit is also volt.
(iii) If VA and VB be the potential of two points A and B, then work done by an external agent in
taking the charge q from A to B is
(Wext)AB= q (VB – VA) or (Wel) AB = q (VA – VB) .
(iv) Potential difference between two points is independent of reference point.
8.1 Potential difference in a uniform electric field :
VB – VA = – E  AB
 VB – VA = – |E| |AB| cos 
= – |E| d
= – Ed

d = effective distance between A and B along electric field.

V
or we can also say that E =
d
Special Cases :
Case 1. Line AB is parallel to electric field.
  VA – VB = Ed

Case 2. Line AB is perpendicular to electric field.

 VA – VB = 0  VA = VD

Note : In the direction of electric field potential always decreases.

Example 56. 1C charge is shifted from A to B and it is found that work done by an external force is 40J in
doing so against electrostatic forces then, find potential difference V A – VB
Solution : (WAB)ext = q(VB – VA)  40 J = 1C (VB – VA)  VA – VB = – 40
Example 57. A uniform electric field is present in the positive x-direction. f the intensity of the field is 5N/C
then find the potential difference (VB –VA) between two points A (0m, 2 m) and B (5 m ,3 m)
→
Solution : VB – VA = – E.AB = – (5 î ) . (5 î + ĵ ) = –25V.
V
The electric field intensity in uniform electric field, E =
d
Where V = potential difference between two points.
d = effective distance between the two points.
(projection of the displacement along the direction of electric field.)
Example 58. Find out following

(i) VA – VB (ii) VB – VC
(iii) VC – VA (iv) VD – VC
(v) VA – VD (vi) Arrange the order of potential for points A, B, C and D.
Solution : (i) VAB = Ed = 20 × 2 × 10–2 = 0.4
so, VA – VB = 0.4 V
because In the direction of electric field potential always decreases.
(ii) VBC = Ed = 20 × 2 × 10–2 = 0.4 so, VB – VC = 0.4 V
(iii) VCA = Ed = 20 × 4 × 10–2 = 0.8 so, VC – VA = – 0.8 V
because In the direction of electric field potential always decreases.
(iv) VDC = Ed = 20 × 0 = 0 so, VD – VC = 0
because the effective distance between D and C is zero.
(v) VAD = Ed = 20 × 4 × 10–2 = 0.8 so, VA – VD = 0.8 V
because In the direction of electric field potential always decreases.
(vi) The order of potential
VA > VB > VC = VD.

8.2 Potential difference due to infinitely long wire :

Derivation of expression for potential difference between two points, which have perpendicular distance
rA and rB from infinitely long line charge of uniform linear charge density .
 From definition of potential difference
rB rB
2K

VAB = VB – VA = − E  dr = −
rA

rA
r
r̂  dr

r 
VAB = –2K n  B 
 rA 
8.3 Potential difference due to infinitely long thin sheet:
Derivation of expression for potential difference between two points, having separation d in the direction
perpendicularly to a very large uniformly charged thin sheet of uniform surface charge density .

Let the points A and B have perpendicular distance rA and rB respectively then from definition of
potential difference.
rB rB
  d

VAB = VB – VA = − E  dr = −
rA
 2
rA 0
r̂  dr  VAB = –
2o
(rB – rA) =–
2o

9. EQUIPOTENTIAL SURFACE :
9.1 Definition : If potential of a surface (imaginary or physically existing) is same throughout then such
surface is known as a equipotential surface.

9.2 Properties of Equipotential Surfaces :

The following properties are associated with the equipotential surfaces :
(i) No work done in moving a test charge over an equipotential surface.
Let A and B be two points on an equipotential surface (Fig. ). If a positive test charge q 0 is moved from
point A to B, then work done in moving the test charge is related to electrostatic potential difference
between the two points as
WAB
VB – VA =
q0
Since the two points A and B are on the same equipotential surface ,
VB – VA = 0
WAB
 =0 or WAB = 0
q0
 Hence , no work is done in moving a test charge between two points on an equipotential surface.

(ii) The electric field is always at right angles to the equipotential surface
Since work done in moving a test charge between two pints on an equipotential surface is zero, the
displacement of the test charge and the force applied on it must be perpendicular to each other. Since
displacement is along the equipotential surface, and force on test charge is q 0 E , then the electric field
( E ) must be at right angles to the equipotential surface.

(iii) The equipotential surfaces help to distinguish regions to strong field from those of weak field.
We know that
dV dV
E= − or dr = −
dr E
For same change in value of dV i.e. dV = constant, we have
1
dr 
E
i.e. the spacing between the equipotential surfaces will be denser in the regions, where the electric field
is stronger and vice-versa. Therefore, the equipotential surfaces are closer together, where the electric
field is stronger and farther apart, where the field is weaker.
(iv) The equipotential surfaces tell the direction of the electric field.
dV
Again E = −
dr
The negative sign tells that electric field is directed in the direction of electric potential with distance.
Therefore, direction of electric field is from the equipotential surfaces which are close to each other to
those which are more and more away from each other, provided such surfaces having been drawn for
same change in value of dV.
(v) No two equipotential surfaces can intersect each other .
In case, two equipotential surfaces intersect each other, then at their point of intersection, there will be
two values of electric potential. As it is not possible, the two equipotential surfaces can not intersect
each other.

9.3 Examples of equipotential surfaces :

(i) For a uniform electric field : In a uniform electric field, the strength and direction of the field is same at
every point inside it.
In a uniform electric field, equipotential surfaces differing by same amount of potential difference will be
equidistant from each other.
(ii) For an isolated point charge : The electric field due to an isolated point charge is radial in nature and
varies inversely as the square of the distance from the charge. The potential at all the points equidistant
from the charge is same. All such points lie on the surface of a spherical shell, such that the charge lies
at its centre. Therefore, for a point charge, equipotential surfaces will be a series of concentric spherical
shells.

(iii) For a system of two point charges : the dotted lines represent electric lines of force. The thick circles
around the charges represent equipotential surfaces due to individual charges.

(iv) Line charge :

Equipotential surfaces have curved surfaces as that of
coaxial cylinders of different radii.

Example 59. Some equipotential surfaces are shown in figure. What can you say about the magnitude and
the direction of the electric field ?
Solution : Here we can say that the electric will be perpendicular to equipotential surfaces.
V
Also |E| =
d
where V = potential difference between two equipotential surfaces.
d = perpendicular distance between two equipotential surfaces.
10
So |E| = = 200 V/m
(10 sin30º )  10−2
Now there are two perpendicular directions either direction 1 or direction 2 as shown in figure,
but since we know that in the direction of electric field electric potential decreases so the
correct direction is direction 2.
Hence E = 200 V/m, making an angle 120° with the x-axis
Example 60. Figure shows some equipotential surface produce by some charges. At which point the value
of electric field is greatest?
(50 V)
(40 V)
(30 V)
(20 V)

C
A

Solution : E is larger where equipotential surfaces are closer. ELOF are ⊥ to equipotential surfaces. In the
figure we can see that for point B they are closer so E at point B is maximum

8. Angle between equipotenital surface and lines of force is

(1) Zero (2) 1800 (3) 900 (4) 450
9. A charge of 5C expriences a force of 5000N when it is kept in unifrom electric filed. What is the
potential difference between two points separated by a distance of 1cm
(1) 10V (2) 250 V (3) 1000 V (4) 2500 V
Ans. 8. (3) 9. (1)

11. ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

11.1 Electrostatic potential energy of a point charge due to many charges :
The electrostatic potential energy of a point charge at a point in electric field is the work done in taking
the charge from reference point (generally at infinity) to that point without acceleration (or keeping KE
const. or Ki = Kf)).
Its Mathematical formula is

U = WP)ext]acc = 0 = qV = – WP)el
Here q is the charge whose potential energy is being calculated and V is the potential at its position due
to the source charges.
Note : Always put q and V with sign.
11.2 Properties :
(i) Electric potential energy is a scalar quantity but may be positive, negative or zero.
(ii) Its unit is same as unit of work or energy that is joule (in S.. system).
 Some times energy is also given in electron-volts.
1eV = 1.6 × 10–19 J
(iii) Electric potential energy depends on reference point. (Generally Potential Energy at r=  is
taken zero)

Example 61 The four identical charges q each are placed at the corners of a square of side a. Find the
potential energy of one of the charges due to the remaining charges.

Solution : The electric potential of point A due to the charges placed at B, C and D is
1 q 1 q 1 q 1  1  q
V= + + = 2 + 
40 a 40 2a 40 a 40  2 a
1  1  q2
 Potential energy of the charge at A is = qV = 2 +  .
40  2 a
Example 62 A particle of mass 40 mg and carrying a charge 5 × 10–9 C is moving directly towards a fixed
positive point charge of magnitude 10–8 C. When it is at a distance of 10 cm from the fixed point
charge it has speed of 50 cm/s. At what distance from the fixed point charge will the particle
come momentarily to rest? Is the acceleration constant during the motion?
Solution : If the particle comes to rest momentarily at a distance r form the fixed charge, then from
conservation of energy' we have
1 1 Qq 1 Qq
mu2 + =
2 40 a 40 r
Substituting the given data, we get
1 1 1 1 
× 40 × 10–6 × × = 9 × 109 × 5 × 10–8 ×10–9  − 10 
2 2 2 r 
1 5  10−6 100 1 190 9
or, –10 = −
=  =  r= m
r 9  5  10 8 9 r 9 190
or, i.e., r = 4.7 × 10–2 m
1 Qq F 1
As here, F= so acc. =  2
40 r 2 m r
i.e., acceleration is not constant during the motion.
Example 63 A proton moves from a large distance with a speed u m/s directly towards a free proton
originally at rest. Find the distance of closet approach for the two protons in terms of mass of
proton m and its charge e.

Solution : As here the particle at rest is free to move, when one particle approaches the other, due to
electrostatic repulsion other will also start moving and so the velocity of first particle will
decrease while of other will increase and at closest approach both will move with same velocity.
So if v is the common velocity of each particle at closest approach, then by 'conservation of
momentum' of the two protons system.
1
mu = mv + mv i.e., v= u
2
And by conservation of energy'
2
1 1 1 1 e
mu2 = mv2 + mv2 +
2 2 2 40 r
2
1 u 1 e2 u 1 e2
mu2 – m   = [as v = ]  mu2 =  r =
2  
2 4 0 r 2 4 4 0r
e2
m0u2
12. ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A SYSTEM OF CHARGES
(This concept is usefull when more than one charges move.)
It is the work done by an external agent against the internal electric field required to make a system of
charges in a particular configuration from infinite separation without accelerating it.
12.1 Types of system of charge
(i) Point charge system
(ii) Continuous charge system.
12.2 Derivation for a system of point charges:
(i) Keep all the charges at infinity. Now bring the charges one by one to its corresponding
position and find work required. PE of the system is algebric sum of all the works.
Let W1 = work done in bringing first charge
W2 = work done in bringing second charge against force due to 1st charge.
W3 = work done in bringing third charge against force due to 1st and 2nd charge.
n(n − 1) n
PE = W1 + W2 + W3 + ...... . (This will contain = C2 terms)
2
(ii) Method of calculation (to be used in problems)
U = sum of the interaction energies of the charges.
= (U12 + U13 + ........ + U1n) + (U23 + U24 + ........ + U2n) + (U34 + U35 + ........ + U3n)
(iii) Method of calculation useful for symmetrical point charge systems.
Find PE of each charge due to rest of the charges.
If U1 = PE of first charge due to all other charges.
= (U12 + U13 + ........ + U1n)
U2 = PE of second charge due to all other charges.
= (U21 + U23 + ........ + U2n) then U = PE of the system
U + U2 + ....Un
= 1
2

Example 64 Find out potential energy of the two point charge system having q1 and q2 charges separated by
distance r.
Solution : Let both the charges be placed at a very large separation initially.
Let W1 = work done in bringing charge q1 in absence of q2 = q(Vf – Vi) = 0
W2 = work done in bringing charge q2 in presence of q1 = q(Vf – Vi) = q1(Kq2/r – 0)
PE = W1 + W2 = 0 + Kq1q2 / r = Kq1q2 / r
Example 65 Figure shows an arrangement of three point charges. The total potential energy of this
q
arrangement is zero. Calculate the ratio .
Q
-Q
+q +q
r
2r
1  −qQ ( +q)( +q) Q( −q) 
Solution : Usys = + + =0
40  r 2r r 
q q q 4
–Q + –Q=0 or 2Q = or = .
2 2 Q 1
Example 66 Two point charges each of mass m and charge q are released when they are at a distance r
from each other. What is the speed of each charge particle when they are at a distance 2r?
Solution : According to momentum conservation both the charge particles will move with same speed
now applying energy conservation.
V V

2r
 Kq2 1 Kq2 Kq2
0+0+ = 2 mv2 +  v=
r 2 2r 2rm
Example 67 Two charged particles each having equal charges 2 × 10–5 C are brought from infinity to within
a separation of 10 cm. Calculate the increase in potential energy during the process and the
work required for this purpose.
Solution : U = Uf – Ui = Uf – 0 = Uf
We have to simply calculate the electrostatic potential energy of the given system of charges
1 q1q2 9  109  2  10−5  2  10−5  100
U = Uf = = J = 36 J
40 r 10
work required = 36 J.
Example 68 Three equal charges q are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side a.
A q

B
q qC
a
(i) Find out potential energy of charge system.
(ii) Calculate work required to decrease the side of triangle to a/2.
(iii) If the charges are released from the shown position and each of them has same mass
m then find the speed of each particle when they lie on triangle of side 2a.
Solution : (i) Method I (Derivation)
Assume all the charges are at infinity initially.
A

B C
work done in putting charge q at corner A
W1 = q (vf – vi) = q (0 – 0)
Since potential at A is zero in absence of charges, work done in putting q at corner B in
presence of charge at A :
 Kq  Kq2
W2 =  − 0 =
 a  a
Similarly work done in putting charge q at corner C in presence of charge at A and B.
 Kq Kq  
W3 = q(vf – vi) = q  +  − 0
 a a  
Kq2 2Kq2 3Kq2
So net potential energy PE = W1 + W2 + W3 =0+ + =
a a a
Method II (using direct formula)
Kq2 Kq2 Kq2 3Kq2
U = U12 + U13 + U23 = + + =
a a a a
(ii) Work required to decrease the sides
3Kq2 3Kq2 3Kq2
W = Uf – U i = – =
a/2 a a
(iii) Work done by electrostatic forces = change is kinetic energy of particles.
3Kq2 3Kq2 1 Kq2
Ui – Uf = Kf – Ki  – = 3( mv2) – 0  v=
a 2a 2 am
Example 69 Four identical point charges q are placed at four corners of a square of side a. Find out
potential energy of the charge system
q q
4 3

1q 2
q

Solution : Method 1 (using direct formula) :

U = U12 + U13 + U14 + U23 + U24 + U34
 Kq2 Kq2 Kq2 Kq2 Kq2 Kq2  4Kq2 2Kq2  2Kq2  1 
= + + + + + =  +  = 2 + 
a a 2 a a a 2 a  a a 2  a  2
1
Method 2 [using U = (U1 + U2 + ......)] :
2
U1 = total P.E. of charge at corner 1 due to all other charges
U2 = total P.E. of charge at corner 2 due to all other charges
U3 = total P.E. of charge at corner 3 due to all other charges
U4 = total P.E. of charge at corner 4 due to all other charges
Since due to symmetry U1 = U2 = U3 = U4
U1 + U2 + U3 + U4  Kq2 Kq2 Kq2  2Kq2  1 
UNet = = 2U1 = 2  + + = 2 + 
2  a a 2a  a  2
Example 70 Six equal point charges q are placed at six corners of a hexagon of side a. Find out potential
energy of charge system

U1 + U2 + U3 + U4 + U5 + U6
Solution : UNet =
2
3Kq2  2 1
Due to symmetry U1 = U2 = U3 = U4 = U5 = U6 so Unet = 3U1 = 2 + + 
a  3 2 

10. Two equal charges q are placed at a distance of 2a and a third charge –2q is placed at the midpoint,
The potential energy of the system is
q2 6q2 7q2 9q2
(1) (2) (3) – (4)
80 a 80 a 80 a 80 a
11. A particle of mass ‘m’ and charge ‘q’ is accelerated throught a potenital difference of V uoit, its engery
will be
q q
(1) qV (2) mqV (3)   V (4)
m mV
12. When one electron is taken towards the other electron, then the electric potenital energy of the system
(1) Decreases (2) Increase
(3) Remains unchanged (4) Becomes zero
Ans. 10. (3) 11. (1) 12. (2)

12.3 Electric potential energy for continues charge system :

This energy is also known as self energy.
(i) P.E. (Self Energy) of a uniformly Charged spherical shell :-
KQ 2
Uself =
2R
(ii) Self energy of uniformly charged solid sphere :
3 KQ2
for a solid sphere P.E. is Uself =
5 R

Example 71 A spherical shell of radius R with uniform charge q is expanded to a radius 2R. Find the work
performed by the electric forces and external agent against electric forces in this process.
q2 q2 q2
Solution : Wext = Uf – Ui = – =–
160R 80R 160R
q2 q2 q2
Wext = Ui – Uf = – =
80R 160R 160R
Example 72 Two nonconducting hollow uniformly charged spheres of radii R 1 and R2 with charge Q1 and Q2
respectively are placed at a distance r. Find out total energy of the system.

Q12 Q22 Q1Q2

Solution : Utotal = Uself + UInteraction = + +
80R1 80R2 40r
Example 73
Two concentric spherical shells of radius R 1 and R2 (R2 > R1) are having uniformly distributed charges
Q1 and Q2 respectively. Find out total energy of the system.

R2

R1
Q1 Q2

Q12 Q22 Q1Q2

Solution : Utotal = Uself 1 + Uself 2 + UInteraction = + +
80R1 80R2 40R2

12.4 Energy density :

Def: Energy density is defined as energy stored in unit volume in any electric field. Its mathematical
formula is given as following
1
Energy density = E2 where E = electric field intensity at that point
2
 = 0r electric permittivity of medium
Example 74 Find out energy stored in an imaginary cubical volume of side a in front of a infinitely large
nonconducting sheet of uniform charge density .
Solution : Energy stored
1 1
U= 
2
0E2 dV where dV is small volume = 0E2 dV
2

1 2  2 a3
   E is constant = 0 2 . a3. =
2 4 0 8 0

13. RELATION BETWEEN ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY AND ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

13.1 For uniform electric field :

(i) Potential difference between two points A and B

→
VB – VA = – E . AB
13.2 Non uniform electric field
V V V
(i) Ex = – , Ey = – , Ez = –  E = Ex î + Ey ĵ + Ez k̂
x y z
       ˆ  ˆ  
= –  ˆi V + ˆj V + kˆ V  = –  ˆi +j + k  V = – V = –grad V
 x y z   x y z 
V
Where = derivative of V with respect to x (keeping y and z constant)
x
V
= derivative of V with respect to y (keeping z and x constant)
y
V
= derivative of V with respect to z (keeping x and y constant)
z
13.3 If electric potential and electric field depends only on one coordinate, say r :
 V
(i) E =– r̂
r
where r̂ is a unit vector along increasing r.
rB
→
(ii)  dV = –  E  dr  VB – VA = –
 E. dr
rA

dr is along the increasing direction of r.

r
→
(iii) The potential of a point V=–  E. dr


Example 75 A uniform electric field is along x – axis. The potential difference VA– VB = 10 V between two
points A (2m, 3m) and B (4m, 8m). Find the electric field intensity.
V 10
Solution : E= = = 5 V / m. It is along + ve x-axis.
d 2
Example 76 V = x2 + y , Find E .
V V V
Solution : = 2x, =1 and =0
x y z
 V ˆ V ˆ V 
E = –  ˆi +j +k  = –(2x î + ĵ ) Electric field is nonuniform.
 x y z 

Example 77 For given E = 2xiˆ + 3yjˆ find the potential at (x, y) if V at origin is 5 volts.
v x y
Solution : 
5

dV = − E  dr = – 
0
E x dx –  E dy
0
y

2x 2 3y 2 2x 2 3y 2
V–5=– −  V=– − + 5.
2 2 2 2

14. ELECTRIC DIPOLE

14.1 Electric Dipole
If two point charges equal in magnitude q and opposite in sign separated by a distance a such that the
distance of field point r>>a, the system is called a dipole. The electric dipole moment is defined as a
vector quantity having magnitude p = (q × a) and direction from negative charge to positive charge.
Note: [In chemistry, the direction of dipole moment is assumed to be from positive to negative charge.] The
C.G.S unit of electric dipole moment is debye which is defined as the dipole moment of two equal and
opposite point charges each having charge 10–10 frankline and separation of 1 Å, i.e.,
1 debye (D) = 10–10 × 10–8 = 10–18 Fr × cm
C
1 D = 10–18 × × 10–2 m = 3.3 × 10–30 C × m.
3  109
S.I. Unit is coulomb × metre = C . m

Example 78 A system has two charges qA = 2.5 × 10–7 C and qB = – 2.5 × 10–7 C located at points A :
(0, 0, – 0.15 m) and B ; (0, 0, + 0.15 m) respectively. What is the net charge and electric dipole
moment of the system ?
Solution : Net charge = 2.5 × 10–7 – 2.5 × 10–7 = 0
Electric dipole moment,
P = (Magnitude of charge) × (Separation between charges)
= 2.5 × 10–7 [0.15 + 0.15] C m = 7.5 × 10–8 C m
The direction of dipole moment is from B to A.

14.2 Electric Field Intensity Due to Dipole :

(i) At the axial point :-
 Kq Kq Kq(2ra)
E= − along the Pˆ = P̂
 a  2

2
 r − 2   r + a  a2 
   2  r2 − 
 4 
 
If r >> a then
Kq2ra 2KP
E = P̂ = 3 ,
r 4 r
→
As the direction of electric field at axial position is along the dipole moment ( P )
→
→ 2K P
E axial =
r3
(ii) Electric field at perpendicular Bisector (Equitorial Position)

Enet = 2 E cos  (along – P̂ )

 
 
  a
 Kq  2 ˆ =2 Kqa ˆ
Enet = 2  2 
( −P) 3/2
( −P)
 2    a 
2
 
a 2
  r 2 +  a    r +  
2
 r2 +   
 2   2   2  

  
If r >> a then
KP ˆ
Enet = 3 ( −P)
r
→ →
As the direction of E at equitorial position is opposite of P so we can write in vector form:
→
→ KP
E eqt =–
r3

(iii) Electric field at general point (r, ) :

 KP tan 
Enet = 1 + 3cos2  ; tan  =
r3 2

Example 79 The electric field due to a short dipole at a distance r, on the axial line, from its mid point is the
same as that of electric field at a distance r', on the equatorial line, from its mid-point.
r
Determine the ratio .
r´
1 2p 1 p 2 1 r3 r
Solution : = or = or =2 or = 21/3
40 r 3 40 r '3 r 3
r´ 3 3
r´ r´
Example 80 Two charges, each of 5 C but opposite in sign, are placed 4 cm apart. Calculate the electric
field intensity of a point that is at a distance 4 cm from the mid point on the axial line of the
dipole.
Solution : We can not use formula of short dipole here because distance of the point is comparable to the
distance between the two point charges.
q = 5 × 10–6 C, a = 4 ×10–2 m, r = 4 × 10–2 m

K(5C) K(5C) 144

Eres = E+ + E– = – = NC–1 = 108 N C–1
( 2cm )
2
( 6 cm )
2
144  10 −8

Example 81 Two charges ± 10 C are placed 5 × 10–3 m apart. Determine the electric field at a point Q
which is 0.15 m away from O, on the equatorial line.
Solution : In the given problem, r >> a

1 p 1 q(a)
 E= =
40 r 3 40 r 3
10  10−6  5  10−3
or E = 9 × 109 NC–1
0.15  0.15  0.15
= 1.33 ×105 NC–1

14.3 Electric Potential due to a small dipole :

(i) Potential at axial position :
Kq K( −q)
V= +
 a  a
r − 2  r + 2 
   
 Kqa
V=
 a 
2
 r2 −   
  2  

If r >> a than
Kqa
V = 2 where qa = p
r
KP
Vaxial = 2
r

(ii) Potential at equitorial position :

Kq K( −q)
V= + =0
2 2
a a
r + 
2
r + 
2
2 2
Veqt = 0

(iii) Potential at general point (r,) :

→ →
K P. r 
 
V=
r3

Example 82 (i) Find potential at point A and B due to the small charge - system fixed near origin.(distance
between the charges is negligible).
(ii) Find work done to bring a test charge q0 from point A to point B, slowly. All parameters are
in S.I. units.
Solution : (i) Dipole moment of the system is
P = (qa) î + (qa) ĵ
Potential at point A due to the dipole
K[(qa) ˆi + (qa) ˆj]·(4iˆ + 3ˆj) k(qa)
VA = K
(P· r )
B
= 3
= (7)
r 5 125

 VB=  ( )
K (qa) ˆi + (qa) ˆj  · 3 ˆi – 4 ˆj
=
K (qa)
3 125
(5)
 K(qa)  K(qa)(7)   K qq0 a
(ii) WA → B = UB – UA = q0 (VB – VA) =  – –   WA → B = (8)
 125  125   125

14.4 Dipole in uniform electric field

(i) Dipole is placed along electric field :

In this case Fnet = 0, net = 0 so it is an equilibrium state. And it is a stable equilibrium position.
→
(ii) If the dipole is placed at  angle from E : -

In this case Fnet = 0 but

Net torque  = (qEsin) (a)
Here qa = P   = PE sin in vector form  = P E

Example 83 A dipole is formed by two point charge –q and +q, each of mass m, and both the point charges
are connected by a rod of length  and mass m1. This dipole is placed in uniform electric field
E . If the dipole is disturbed by a small angle  from stable equilibrium position, prove that its
motion will be almost SHM. Also find its time period.
Solution : If the dipole is disturbed by  angle,
 net = –PE sin (here – ve sign indicates that direction of torque is opposite of ). If  is very
small, sin = 
net = –(PE)
net  (–) so motion will be almost SHM.

T = 2
K

(iii) Potential energy of a dipole placed in uniform electric field :

B B
→
UB – UA = – F . →dr  Here U B
– U A
= –  .d 
A A
In the case of dipole, at  = 90° , P.E. is assumed to be zero.
=
U – U90° = – 
=90
( −PE sin )(d)

(As the direction of torque is opposite of )

U – 0 = – PE cos 
 = 90° is chosen as reference, so that the lower limit comes out to be zero.
U

 = 90°


=0  = 180°

U = – P  E
From the potential energy curve, we can conclude :
(i) at  = 0, there is minimum of P.E. so it is a stable equilibrium position.
(ii) at  = 180° , there is maxima of P.E. so it is a position of unstable equilibrium.

Example 84 Two point masses of mass m and equal and opposite charge of magnitude q are attached on
the corners of a non-conducting uniform rod of mass m and the system is released from rest
in uniform electric field E as shown in figure from  = 53°

(i) Find its angular acceleration of the rod just after releasing
(ii) What will be its angular velocity of the rod when it passes through stable equilibrium.
(iii) Find work required to rotate the system it by 180°.
Solution : (i) tnet = PE sin53° = I 
 4
(q )E  
5 =
48qE
= 2 2
m 2
    35 m
+ m  + m 
12  
2 2
(ii) from energy conservation :
Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf
1
0 + (– PE cos 53°) = 2 + (–PE cos 0°)
2
2 2
m 2     48qE
where I = +m   +m    =
12 2 2 35 m
(iii) Wext = Uf – Ui
Wext = (–PE cos(180° + 53°)) – (–PEcos 53°)
4 4 8
Wext = (q)E   + (q)E    Wext =   qE
5 5 5

13. The electric potenital at a point on the axis of an electric dipole depends on the distance r of the point
from the dipole as
1 1 1
(1)  (2)  2 (3) r (4)  3
r r r
14. An electric dipole when placed in a uniform electric field E will have minimum potenital energy if the
positive direction of dipole moment makes the following angle with E
(1)  (2) /2 (3) Zero (4) 3/2
15. An electric dipole of moment P is placed in the position of stable equilibrium in uniform electric field of
intensity E. It is rotated through an angle  from the initial position. the potenital energy of electric dipole
in the final position is :
(1) PE cos  (2) PE sin  (3) PE (1-cos ) (4) – PE cos 
Ans. 13. (2) 14. (3) 15. (4)

15. ELECTRIC LINES OF FORCE (ELOF)

The line of force in an electric field is an imaginary line, the tangent to which at any point on it
represents the direction of electric field at the given point.

15.1 Properties :
(i) Line of force originates out from a positive charge and terminates on a negative charge. If there
is only one positive charge then lines start from positive charge and terminate at . If there is
only one negative charge then lines start from  and terminates at negative charge.
 →
(ii) Two lines of force never intersect each other because there cannot be two directions of E at a
single Point

impossilble

(iii) Electric lines of force produced by static charges do not form close loop.
If lines of force make a closed loop, than work done to move a +q charge along the loop will be
non-zero. So it will not be conservative field. So these type of lines of force are not possible in
electrostatics.

(iv) The Number of lines per unit area (line density) represents
the magnitude of electric field.
If lines are dense,  E will be more
If Lines are rare,  E will be less
and if E = O, no line of force will be found there

(v) Number of lines originating (terminating) is proportional

to the charge.

Example 85 If number of electric lines of force from charge q are 10 then find out number of electric lines of
force from 2q charge.
Solution : No. of ELOF  charge
10  q  20  2q
So number of ELOF will be 20.


(vi) Electric lines of force end or start perpendicularly on the surface of a conductor.
(vii) Electric lines of force never enter into conductors.

Example 86 Some electric lines of force are shown in figure, for point A and B
A

(1) EA > EB (2) EB > EA (3) VA > VB (4) VB > BA

Solution : lines are more dense at B so EA > EB In the direction of Electric field, potential decreases
so VA > VB
Example 87 If a charge is released in electric field, will it follow lines of force?
Solution : Case I :
If lines of force are parallel (in uniform electric field) :-
 In this type of field, if a charge is released, force on it will be q oE and its direction will be along
→
E . So the charge will move in a straight line, along the lines of force.
Case II : -
If lines of force are curved (in non-uniform electric field) :-

The charge will not follow lines of force

Example 88 A charge + Q is fixed at a distance of d in front of an infinite metal plate. Draw the lines of force
indicating the directions clearly.
Solution : There will be induced charge on two surfaces of conducting plate, so ELOF will start from +Q
charge and terminate at conductor and then will again start from other surface of conductor.

15.2 SOLID ANGLE :

Solid angle is a measure of a cone. Consider the intersection of the given cone with a sphere of radius
R. The solid angle  of the cone is defined to be equal to S/R2, where S is the area on thesphere
cut out by the cone.

16. ELECTRIC FLUX

Consider some surface in an electric field E . Let us select a small area element dS on this surface.
The electric flux of the field over the
area element is given by dE = E.dS

dS E

Direction of dS is normal to the surface. It is along n̂

or dE = EdS cos  or dE = (E cos ) dS or dE = En dS
where En is the component of electric field in the direction of dS .
The electric flux over the whole area is given by E =  E.dS =  E dS
S S
n

If the electric field is uniform over that area then E = E  S

Special Cases :
→
Case I : If the electric field in normal to the surface, then angle of electric field E with normal will be
zero
So  = ES cos 0
  = ES
S

→
Case II : If electric field is parallel of the surface (glazing), then angle made by E with normal = 90º
So  = ES cos 90º = 0

E
16.1 Physical Meaning :
The electric flux through a surface inside an electric field represents the total number of electric lines of
force crossing the surface. It is a property of electric field

16.2 Unit
(i) The SI unit of electric flux is Nm2 C–1 (gauss) or J m C–1.
(ii) Electric flux is a scalar quantity. (It can be positive, negative or zero)

Example 89. If the electric field is given by ( 6iˆ + 3ˆj + 4kˆ )N/C, calculate the electric flux through a surface of
area 20 m2 lying in YZ plane.
Solution : Here, E = 6iˆ + 3ˆj + 4kˆ
The are vector representing the surface of area 20 units in YZ-plane is given by
S = 20iˆ
Therefore, electric flux through the surface,
 = F.S = (6iˆ + 3ˆj + 4k).20i
ˆ ˆ = 120 N-m2/C

Example 90. A rectangular surface of sides 10 cm and 15 cm is placed inside a uniform electric filed of
25 Vm–1, such that normal to the surface makes an angle of 60º with the direction of electric
field. Find the flux of the electric field through the rectangular surface.
Solution : The flux through the rectangular surface given by
 = E. S = E S cos 
Here, E = 25 V m–1;
S = 10 × 15 = 150 cm2 = 150 × 10–4 m2
and  = 60º
3 3
  = 25 × 150 × 10–4 cos 60º = Nm2 C–1
16
3 4
Example 91 The electric field in a region is given by E = E0 i + E0 j with E0 = 2.0 × 103 N/C. Find the flux
5 5
of this field through a rectangular surface of area 0.2m 2 parallel to the Y–Z plane.

Solution :
3 4 
(
E = E  S =  E0 i + E0 j  . 0.2iˆ = 240
5 5 
) N − m2
C
Example 92 A point charge Q is placed at the corner of a square of side a, then find the flux through the
square.
Solution : The electric field due to Q at any point of the square will be along the plane of square and the
electric field line are perpendicular to square ; so  = 0.
In other words we can say that no line is crossing the square so flux = 0.
Case-III : Curved surface in uniform electric field
Suppose a circular surface of radius R is placed in a uniform electric field as shown.

R
Flux passing through the surface  = E (R2)

(ii) Now suppose, a hemispherical surface is placed in the electric field flux through hemispherical
surface
ds

E
E

R
 =  Eds cos   = E  ds cos 
where  ds cos  is projection of the spherical surface Area on base.

 ds cos = R2
so  = E(R2) = same Ans. as in previous case
so we can conclude that
If the number of electric field lines passing through two surfaces are same, then flux passing
through these surfaces will also be same, irrespective of the shape of surface

1 = 2 = 3 = E(R2)
Case IV:
Flux through a closed surface :
Suppose there is a spherical surface and a charge 'q' is placed at centre. flux through the spherical
surface

→ → →
=  E . ds =  E ds as E is along ds (normal)

1 Q
=
4 R2  ds where  ds = 4R2
  1 Q 
=   4R
 4R2 R2 
(
2
)  =
Q

Now if the charge Q is enclosed by any other closed surface, still same lines of force will pass through
the surface.
Q
So here also flux will be  = , that's what Gauss Theorem is.


Q Q
= =
 

16. Figure shows the electric lines of force emerging from a charged body. If the electric field at A and B
are EA and EB respectively and if the displacement between A and B is r then

EB EB
(1) EA > EB (2) EA < EB (3) EA = (4) EA =
r r2
17. The figure shows some of the elective field lines corresponding to an elective filed. The figure suggests

(1) EA > EB > EC (2) EA = EB = EC (3) EA = EC > EB (4) EA = EC < EB

Ans. 16. (1) 17. (3)

17. GAUSS'S LAW IN ELECTROSTATICS OR GAUSS'S THEOREM

This law was stated by a mathematician Karl F Gauss. This law gives the relation between the electric
field at a point on a closed surface and the net charge enclosed by that surface. This surface is called
Gaussian surface. It is a closed hypothetical surface. Its validity is shown by experiments. It is used to
determine the electric field due to some symmetric charge distributions.
17.1 Statement and Details :
Gauss's law is stated as given below.
The surface integral of the electric field intensity over any closed hypothetical surface (called Gaussian
1
surface) in free space is equal to times the total charge enclosed within the surface. Here, 0 is the
0
permittivity of free space.
n
If S is the Gaussian surface and q
i =1
i is the total charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface, then

according to Gauss's law,

n

q
1
E =  E  dS =
0 i =1
i .

The circle on the sign of integration indicates that the integration is to be carried out over the closed
surface.

Note : (i) Flux through gaussian surface is independent of its shape.

(ii) Flux through gaussian surface depends only on total charge present inside gaussian surface.
(iii) Flux through gaussian surface is independent of position of charges inside gaussian surface.
(iv) Electric field intensity at the gaussian surface is due to all the charges present inside as well as
outside the gaussian surface.
(v) In a close surface incoming flux is taken negative while outgoing flux is taken positive, because
n̂ is taken positive in outward direction.
(vi) In a gaussian surface  = 0 does not imply E = 0 at every point of the surface but E = 0 at every
point implies  = 0.

Example 93 Find out flux through the given gaussian surface.

Qin 2C − 3C + 4C 3  10−6

Solution : = = = Nm2/C
0 0 0

Example 94 If a point charge q is placed at the centre of a cube then find out flux through any one surface of
cube.
q
Solution : Flux through 6 surfaces = . Since all the surfaces are symmetrical
0
1 q
so, flux through one surfaces =
6 0
17.2 Flux through open surfaces using Gauss’s Theorem :

Example 95 A point charge +q is placed at the centre of curvature of a hemisphere. Find flux through the
hemispherical surface.

q
Solution : Lets put an upper half hemisphere. Now flux passing through the entire sphere =
0

As the charge q is symmetrical to the upper half and lower half hemispheres, so half-half flux
will emit from both the surfaces.

Example 96 A charge Q is placed at a distance a/2 above the centre of a horizontal, square surface of edge
a as shown in figure. Find the flux of the electric field through the square surface.
•
a a/2

a
Solution : We can consider imaginary faces of cube such that the charge lies at the centre of the cube.
Due to symmetry we can say that flux through the given area (which is one face of cube)
Q
=
60

Example 97 Find flux through the hemispherical surface

q
Solution : (i) Flux through the hemispherical surface due to +q = (we have seen in previous
20
examples)
(ii) Flux through the hemispherical surface due to +q 0 charge = 0, because due to +q0 charge
field lines entering the surface = field lines coming out of the surface.

17.3 Finding qin from flux :

Example 98 Flux (in S.I.units) coming out and entering a closed surface is shown in the figure . Find charge
enclosed by the closed surface.
30

10 20

15
Solution : Net flux through the closed surface = + 20 + 30 + 10 -15 = 45 N.m2/c from Gauss`s theorem
q q
net = in  45 = in  qin = (45)
0 0

17.4 Finding electric field from Gauss`s Theorem :

From gauss`s theorem, we can say
→ → q

E.ds = net = in
0

17.4.1 Finding E due to a spherical shell :-

Electric field outside the Sphere :
Since, electric field due to a shell will be radially outwards. So lets choose a spherical Gaussian surface
Applying. Gauss`s theorem for this spherical Gauss`s surface,

q,R
+ +
+
+ +
+ +
+ r
+ +
+ +
+

→ → qin q
 E ds =  net
=

=


→ → →

 | E || ds | cos0 (because the E is normal to the surface)




E ds (because value of E is constant at the surface)


E (4r2) ( ds total area of the spherical surface = 4 r2)
qin q
 E (4r2) =  Eout =
0 4r 2
Electric field inside a spherical shell :
Lets choose a spherical gaussian surface inside the shell. Applying Gauss`s theorem for this surface
 q,R
+ +
+ r
+ +
+ +
+ r
+ +
+ +
+

→ → qin
 E ds =  net
=
0
=0


→ →

 | E || ds | cos0

E  ds

E (4r2)  E (4r2) = 0  Ein = 0
17.4.2 Electric field due to solid sphere (having uniformly distributed charge Q and radius R) :
Electric field outside the sphere :
Direction of electric field is radially outwards, so we will choose
a spherical gaussian surface Applying Gauss`s theorem

Q,R

+ + +
+
+ +
+ + +
+
+

→ → qin Q
 E ds = net =

=


→ →

 | E || ds | cos0

E ds

E (4r2)
Q Q
 E (4r2) =  Eout =
 4r 2

Electric field inside a solid sphere :

 + + Q,R +
+ ++ + r +
+ + + +
+ +
+ + + + ++
+ + + + ++
+ ++
++ + +
+ + +
++ + +
+ + +
++ + +
+ +
+ + + + + +
+ + +

For this choose a spherical gaussian surface inside the solid sphere Applying gauss`s theorem for this
surface
q 4
 r 3
4 3
→ → R3
qin

3 qr 3
E ds = net = = =
   R 3


 E ds

qr 3
E (4r2)  E(4r2) =
 R 3
q r kQ
E=  Ein = r
4R 3
R3

17.4.3Electric field due to infinite line charge (having uniformly distributed charged of
charge density  ) :
Electric field due to infinite wire is radial so we will choose cylindrical Gaussian surface as shown is
figure.
q 
= in =
 

→ →
3 =  E.ds =  E ds = E  ds = E (2r)

E (2r) =

 2k
E= =
2r r

17.4.4 Electric field due to infinity long charged tube (having uniform surface charge density
 and radius R)):

+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +

(i) E out side the tube :- lets choose a cylindrical gaussian surface
q 2R
net = in =
 
2R
Eout × 2r =

R
E=
r 0
(ii) E inside the tube :
lets choose a cylindrical gaussian surface in side the tube.
q
net = in = 0 So Ein = 0

 17.4.5 E due to infinitely long solid cylinder of radius R (having uniformly distributed charge in
volume (charge density )) :
(i) E at outside point :-

Lets choose a cylindrical gaussian surface. Applying gauss`s theorem

q   R2 R2
E × 2r = in =  Eout =
  2r 0

(ii) E at inside point :

lets choose a cylindrical gaussian surface inside the solid cylinder. Applying gauss`s theorem

rr

qin   r 2 r
E × 2r = =  Ein =
  20

18. A cylinder of radius R and length L is placed in a uniform electric field E parallel to the cylinder axis.The
total flux for the surface of the cylinder is given by
(1) 2R2E (2) R2/E (3) (R2 – R)E (4) zero

19. Electric field at a point varies as r0 for

(1) An electric dipole (2) A point charge
(3) A plane infinite sheet of charge (4) A line charge of infinite length
20. An electric charge q is placed at the centre of a cube of side . The electric fiux on one of its faces will
be
q q q q
(1) (2) (3) (4)
60 0 a 2
40 a 2 0

21. Total electric fiux coming out of a unit positive charge put in air is
(1) 0 (2) 0 −1 (3) (40)–1 (4) 4
22. According to Gauss Theorem electric field of an infinitely long staight wire is proportional to
1 1 1
(1) r (2) 2 (3) 3 (4)
r r r
23. The S.I unit of electric flux is
(1) Weber (2) Newton per coulomb (3) Volt ×meter (4) Joule per coulomb
Ans. 18. (4) 19. (3) 20. (1) 21. (2) 22. (4) 23. (3)

18. CONDUCTOR
18.1 Conductor and it's properties [For electrostatic condition]
(i) Conductors are materials which contains large number of free electrons which can move freely
inside the conductor.
(ii) n electrostatics conductors are always equipotential surfaces.
(iii) Charge always resides on outer surface of conductor.
(iv) f there is a cavity inside the conductor having no charge then charge will always reside only
on outer surface of conductor.
(v) Electric field is always perpendicular to conducting surface.
(vi) Electric lines of force never enter into conductors.
(vii) Electric field intensity near the conducting surface is given by formula

E = n̂
0

A  
EA = nˆ ; EB = B nˆ and EC = C nˆ
0 0 0
(viii) When a conductor is grounded its potential becomes zero.

(ix) When an isolated conductor is grounded then its charge becomes zero.
(x) When two conductors are connected there will be charge flow till their potential becomes equal
2
(xi) Electric pressure : Electric pressure at the surface of a conductor is givey by formula P =
20
where  is the local surface charge density.

18.2 Finding field due to a conductor

Suppose we have a conductor, and at any 'A', local surface charge density =  We have to find electric
field just outside the conductor surface.

For this lets consider a small cylindrical gaussian surface, which is partly inside and partly outside the
conductor surface, as shown in figure. It has a small cross section area ds and negligeable height.
 Applying gauss's theorem for this surface

ds 
So, Eds = E=
0 0


Electric field just outside the surface of conductor E = direction will be normal to the surface
0


in vector form E = nˆ (here n̂ = unit vector normal to the conductor surface)
0

18.3 Electrostatic pressure at the surface of the conductor

2
Electrostatic pressure at the surface of the conductor P =
2o

where  = local surface charge density.

Electrostatic shielding
Consider a conductor with a cavity of any shape and size, with no charges inside the cavity. The
electric field inside the cavity is zero, whatever be the charge on the conductor and the external fields in
which it might be placed.
Any cavity in a conductor remains shielded from outside electric influence: the field inside the cavity is
always zero (If cavity having no charge). This is known as electrostatic shielding.

This effect can be made use of in protecting sensitive instruments from outside electrical influence.

18.4 Electric field due to a conducting and nonconducting uniformaly charge infinite sheets
Example 99 Prove that if an isolated (isolated means no charges are near the sheet) large conducting
sheet is given a charge then the charge distributes equally on its two surfaces.
Solution :

Let there is x charge on left side of sheet and Q–x charge on right side of sheet. Since point P
lies inside the conductor so
EP = O
x Q−x 2x Q Q Q
– =0  = x= Q–x=
2AO 2AO 2AO 2AO 2 2
So charge in equally distributed on both sides
Example 100 If an isolated infinite sheet contains charge Q 1 on its one surface and charge Q2 on its other
Q
surface then prove that electric field intensity at a point in front of sheet will be , where
2AO
Q = Q1 + Q2
Solution : Electric field at point P :
→
E = EQ1 + EQ2

Q1 Q2 Q + Q2 Q
= n̂ + n̂ = 1 n̂ = n̂
2A0 2A0 2A0 2A0
[This shows that the resultant field due to a sheet depends only on the total charge of the sheet
and not on the distribution of charge on individual surfaces].
Example 101 Two large parallel conducting sheets (placed at finite distance ) are given charges Q and 2Q
respectively. Find out charges appearing on all the surfaces.
Solution : Let there is x amount of charge on left side of first plate, so on its right side charge will be Q–x,
similarly for second plate there is y charge on left side and 2Q – y charge is on right side of
second plate

Ep = 0 ( By property of conductor)
x 
Q − x y 2Q − y 
 –  + +  =0
2Ao 
 2A  o 2A  o 2A  o 

we can also say that charge on left side of P = charge on right side of P
3Q −Q
x = Q – x + y + 2Q – y x= ,Q–x=
2 2
Similarly for point Q:
x + Q – x + y = 2Q – y  y = Q/2 , 2Q – y = 3Q/2
So final charge distribution of plates is : -

Example 102 An isolated conducting sheet of area A and carrying a charge Q is placed in a uniform
electric field E, such that electric field is perpendicular to sheet and covers all the sheet. Find
out charges appearing on its two surfaces.

Solution : Let there is x charge on left side of plate and Q – x charge on right side of plate
EP = 0
 x Q−x
+E=
2A0 2A0
x Q Q Q
 = –E  x = – EA0 and Q – x = + EA0
A0 2A0 2 2
Q Q
So charge on one side is – EA0 and other side + EA0
2 2
Note : Solve this question for Q = 0 without using the above answer and match that answers with the
answers that you will get by putting Q = 0 in the above answer.

18.5 Some other important results for a closed conductor.

(i) f a charge q is kept in the cavity then –q will be induced on the inner surface and +q will be
induced on the outer surface of the conductor (it can be proved using gauss theorem)

(ii) If a charge q is kept inside the cavity of a conductor and conductor is given a charge Q then –q
charge will be induced on inner surface and total charge on the outer surface will be q + Q. (it
can be proved using gauss theorem)

(iii) Resultant field, due to q (which is inside the cavity) and induced charge on S1, at any point
outside S1 (like B,C) is zero. Resultant field due to q + Q on S2 and any other charge outside
S2 , at any point inside of surface S2 (like A, B) is zero

(iv) Resultant field in a charge free cavity in a closed conductor is zero. There can be charges
outside the conductor and on the surface also. Then also this result is true. No charge will be
induced on the inner most surface of the conductor.
 (v) Charge distribution for different types of cavities in conductors

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

(E) (F)

S2

C
· ·q
S1

(G) (H)

charges is not at the geometrical centre

Using the result that Eres in the conducting material should be zero and using result (iii) We can show
that
Case A B C D E F G H
S1 Uniform Nonuniform Nonuniform Nonuniform Uniform Nonuniform Nonuniform Nonuniform
S2 Uniform Uniform Uniform Uniform Nonuniform Nonuniform Nonuniform NonUniform
Note : In all cases charge on inner surface S1 = –q and on outer surface S2 = q. The distribution of charge on
‘S1’ will not change even if some charges are kept outside the conductor (i.e. outside the surface S2).
But the charge distribution on ‘S2’ may change if some charges(s) is/are kept outside the conductor.
(vi) Sharing of charges :
Two conducting hollow spherical shells of radii R 1 and R2 having charges Q1 and Q2 respectively
and seperated by large distance, are joined by a conducting wire Let final charges on spheres
are q1 and q2 respectively.
Potential on both spherical shell become equal after joining, therefore
Kq1 Kq2 q1 R1
=  = ......(i)
R1 R2 q2 R2
and, q1 + q2 = Q1 + Q2 ......(ii)
(Q1 + Q2 )R1 (Q1 + Q2 )R2
from (i) and (ii) q1 = q2 =
R1 + R2 R1 + R2
q1 R 1 4R12 R1
ratio of charges = 1  =
q2 R2 2 4R22 R2
1 R2
ratio of surface charge densities =
2 R1
q1 R1
Ratio of final charges =
q2 R2
1 R
Ratio of final surface charge densities. = 2
2 R1
Example 103 The two conducting spherical shells are joined by a conducting wire and cut after some time
when charge stops flowing.Find out the charge on each sphere after that.

Solution : After cutting the wire, the potential of both the shells is equal
Kx K( −2Q − x) k ( x − 2Q )
Thus, potential of inner shell Vin = + = and potential of outer shell
R 2R 2R
Kx K( −2Q − x) −KQ
Vout = + =
2R 2R R

– KR K ( x – 2Q )
As Vout = Vin  =  –2Q = x – 2Q  x=0
R 2R
So charge on inner spherical shell = 0 and outer spherical shell = – 2Q.
Example 104 Two conducting hollow spherical shells of radii R and 2R carry charges – Q and 3Q
respectively. How much charge will flow into the earth if inner shell is grounded ?

Solution : When inner shell is grounded to the Earth then the potential of inner shell will become zero
because potential of the Earth is taken to be zero.
Kx K3Q −3Q
+ =0  x= , the charge that has increased
R 2R 2

−3Q −Q Q
= – (–Q) = hence charge flows into the Earth =
2 2 2
Example 105 An isolated conducting sphere of charge Q and radius R is connected to a similar uncharged
sphere (kept at a large distance) by using a high resistance wire. After a long time what is the
amount of heat loss ?
Solution : When two conducting spheres of equal radius are connected charge is equally distributed on
them (Result VI). So we can say that heat loss of system
H = Ui – Uf
 Q2   Q2 / 4 Q2 / 4  Q2
= − 0 –  +  =
 8 R   8 R 8 R  160R
 0   0 0 

24. A metallic soild sphere is placed in a unifrom elective field. The lines of force follow the path (s) shown
in figure as
 (1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4
25. Inside a hollow charged spherical conductor, the potenital
(1) Is constant
(2) Varies directly as the distance from the centre
(3) Varies inversely as the distance from the centre
(4) Varies inversely as the spuare of the distance from the centre
26. If q is the charge per unit area on the surface of a conductor,then the electric field intensity at a point on
the surface is
 q  q 
(1)   normal to surface (2)   normal to surface
 0   20 
 q  q 
(3)   tangenital to surface (4)   tangenital to surface
 0   20 
27. A hollow conducting sphere of radius R has a charge (+Q) on its surface.What is the electric potential
R
within the sphere at a distance r = From its centre
3
1 Q 1 Q 1 Q
(1) Zero (2) (3) (4)
40 r 40 R 40 r 2
Ans. 24. (4) 25. (1) 26. (1) 27. (3)

10. VAN DE GRAFF GENERATOR

This is a machine that can build up high voltages of the order of a few million volts. The
resulting large electric fields are used to accelerate charged particles (electrons, protons,
ions) to high energies needed for experiments to probe the small scale structure of matter.
(i) Designed by R.J. Van de Graaff in 1931.
(ii) It is an electrostatic generator capable of generating very high potential of the order of
5 × 106 V.
(iii) This high potential is used in accelerating the charged particles.
Principle : It is based on the following two electrostatic phenomena :
(1). The electric discharge takes place in air or gases readily at pointed conductors.
(2) (i) If a hollow conductor is in contact with an other conductor, which lies inside the hollow
conductor. Then as charge is supplied to inner conductor. The charge immediately shifts to
outer surface of the hollow conductor.
Consider a large spherical conducting shell A having radius R and charge +Q, potential inside
the shell is constant and it is equal to that at its surface.
Therefore, potential inside the charged conducting shell A,
1 Q
V1 = .
40 R
Suppose that a small conducting sphere B having radius r and charge +q is placed at the
centre of the shell A.
Then, potential due to the sphere B at the surface of shell A,
1 q
V2 = .
40 R
and potential due to the sphere B at its surface,
1 q
V3 = .
40 r
Thus, total potential at the surface of shell A due to the charges Q and q,
1 Q 1 q 1 Q q
VA = V1 + V2 = . + or VA = +
40  R R 
.
40 R 40 R
and the total potential at the surface of sphere B due to the charges Q and q,
1 Q 1 q 1 Q q
VB = V1 + V3 = . + or VB = +
40  R r 
.
40 R 40 r
It follows that VB > VA. Hence, potential difference between the sphere and the shell,
 1 Q q 1 Q q 1 1 1 
V = VB – VA =  +  –  +   V= .q  − 
40  R r  40  R R  40  r R 
It follows that potential difference between the sphere and the shell is independent of the
charge Q on the shell. Therefore, if the sphere is connected to the shell by a wire, the charge
supplied to the sphere will immediately flow to the shell.
It is because, the potential of the sphere is higher than that of the shell and the charge always
flows from higher to lower potential.
It forms the basic principle of Van de Graaff generator.

Construction :

Working :
(i) An endless belt of an insulating material is made to run on two pulleys P 1 and P2 with the help
of an electric motor.
(ii) The metal comb C1, called spray comb is held potential with the help of E.H.T. source ( 104
V), it produces ions in its vicinity. The positive ions get sprayed on the belt due to the repulsive
action of comb C1.
(iii) These positive ions are carried upward by the moving belt. A comb C 2, called collecting comb
is positioned near the upper end of the belt, such that the pointed ends touch the belt and the
other end is in contact with the inner surface of the metallic sphere S. The comb C 2 collects the
positive ions and transfers them to the metallic sphere.
(iv) The charge transferred by the comb C2 immediately moves on to the outer surface of the hollow
sphere. As the belt goes on moving, the accumulation of positive charge on the sphere also
keeps on taking place continuously and its potential rises considerably.
(v) With the increase of charge on the sphere, its leakage due to ionisation of surrounding air also
becomes faster.
(vi) The maximum potential to which the sphere can be raised is reached, when the rate of loss of
charge due to leakage becomes equal to the rate at which the charge is transferred to the
sphere.
(vii) To prevent the leakage of charge from the sphere, the generator is completely enclosed inside
an earth-connected steel tank, which is filled with air under pressure.
(viii) If the charged particles, such as protons, deutrons, etc. are now generated in the discharge
tube D with lower end earthed and upper end inside the hollow sphere, they get accelerated in
downward direction along the length of the tube. At the other end, they come to hit the target
with large kinetic energy.
 (ix) Van de Graaff generator of this type was installed at the Carnegie institute in Washington in
1937. One such generator was installed at Indian Institute of Technology, kanpur in 1970 and it
accelerates particles to 2 MeV energy.

Problem 1. Two charges of Q each are placed at two opposite corners of a square. A charge q is placed at
each of the other two corners.
(a) f the resultant force on Q is zero, how are Q and q related ?
(b) Could q be chosen to make the resultant force on each charge zero ?
Solution : (a) Let at a square ABCD charges are placed as shown

Now forces on charge Q (at point A) due to other charge are FQQ , FQq and FQq respectively
shown in figure.
Fnet on Q = FQ.Q + FQq + FQq (at point A)

But Fnet = 0 So, Fx = 0

Fx = – FQQ cos45° – FQq

KQ2 1 KQq Q
 2
. + 2
=0  q=– Ans.
( 2a) 2 a 2 2
(b) For resultant force on each charge to be zero :
Q
From previous data, force on charge Q is zero when q = – if for this value of charge q,
2 2
force on q is zero then and only then the value of q exists for which the resultant force on each
charge is zero.
Force on q :-
Forces on charge q (at point D) due to other three charges are FqQ , Fqq and FqQ respectively
shown in figure.

Net force on charge q :-

Fnet = Fqq + FqQ + FqQ But Fnet = 0
So, Fx = 0
Kq2 1 KQq
Fx = – . –  q=– 2 2 Q
( 2a) 2
2 (a)2
Q
But from previous condition, q = –
2 2
So, no value of q makes the resultant force on each charge zero.
Problem 2. Figure shows a uniformly charged thin non-conducting sphere of total charge Q and radius R. If
point charge q is situated at point ‘A’ which is at a distance r < R from the centre of the sphere
then find out following

(i) Force acting on charge q.

(ii) Electric field at centre of sphere.
(iii) Electric field at point B.
Solution : (i) Electric field inside a hollow sphere = 0
 Force on charge q.
F = qE = q × 0 = 0
(ii) Net electric field at centre of sphere
Enet = E1 + E 2
E1 = field due to sphere = 0

Kq
E2 = field due to this charge =
r2
Kq
Enet =
r2

KQ
(iii) Electric field at B due to charge on sphere , E1 = r̂1
r12
Kq KQ Kq
and due to charge q at A , E 2 = r̂2 So, Enet = E1 + E 2 = r̂1 + r̂2
r22 r12 r22
where r1 = CB and r2 = AB
Problem 3. Figure shows two concentric sphere of radius R 1 and R2 (R2 > R1) which contains uniformly
distributed charges Q and –Q respectively. Find out electric field intensities at the following
positions :

(i) r < R1 (ii) R1  r < R2 (iii) r  R2

Solution : Net electric field = E1 + E2

E1 = field due to sphere of radius R1

E2 = field due of sphere of radius R2
(i) E1 = 0, E2 = 0
Enet = 0
KQ Kq
(ii) E1 = 2
, E2 = 0  E= rˆ
r r2
→ Kq → Kq → → →
(iii) E1 = r̂ E 2 = (– r̂ )  E net = E1 + E 2 = 0
r2 r2
Problem 4. Three identical spheres each having a charge q (uniformly distributed) 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 : Given three identical spheres each having a charge q and radius R are kept as shown :-

For any external point ; sphere behaves like a point charge. So it becomes a triangle having
point charges on its corner.
kq2
| Fqq | =
4R2

kq2 60 kq2 3 3 kq2

So net force (F) = 2. . cos = 2. = . Ans.
4R2 2 4R2 2 4 R2
Problem 5. A uniform electric field of 10 N/C exists in the vertically downward direction. Find the increase
in the electric potential as one goes up through a height of 50cm.
dv
Solution : E=–  dv = – E . dr
dr
→
for E = constant  v = – E . r
v = – 10 (– ĵ ). (50 × 10–2) ĵ = 5 volts.
Problem 6. An electric field of 20 N/C exists along the x-axis in space. Calculate the potential difference
VB – VA where the point A and B are given by –
(a) A = (0,0) ; B = (4m , 2m)
(b) A = (4m,2m) ; B = (6m , 5m)
 (c) A = (0,0) ; B = (6m , 5m)
→
Solution : Electric field in x - axis mean E = 20 î

(a) VAB = E.d = 20 î . 4 î = 80 V  VB – VA = – 80V

(b) VBC = E.d = 20 î . 2 î = 40 volt  VC – VB = – 40V
(c) VAC = E.d = 20 î . 6 î = 120 volt  VC – VA = – 120 V

Problem 7. A point charge of charge –q and mass m is released with negligible speed from a distance
3 R on the axis of fixed uniformly charged ring of charge Q and radius R. Find out its
velocity when it reaches at the centre of the ring.

Solution :

As potential due to uniform charged ring at its axis (at x distance)

kQ
V= ;
R2 + x 2
So potential at point A due to ring
kQ kQ
V1 = =
R2 + 3R2 2R
So potential energy of charge –q at point A
−kQq
P.E.1 =
2R
kQ
and potential at point B V2 =
R
So potential energy of charge –q at point B
−kQq
P.E.2 =
R
Now by energy conservation
P.E.1 + K.E.1 = P.E2 + K.E2
−kQq −kQq 1 kQq
+0= + mv2  v2 =
2R R 2 mR
kQq
So velocity of charge – q at point B v= Ans.
mR
Problem 8. Four small point charges each of equal magnitude q are placed at four corners of a regular
tetrahedron of side a. Find out potential energy of charge system
 q

–q –q

q
Solution : Potential energy of system :
U = U12 + U13 + U14 + U23 + U24 + U34
−kq2 kq2 −kq2 −kq2 kq2 −kq2
U= + + + + +
a a a a a a

−2kq2
Total potential energy of this charge system U =
a
Problem 9. If V = x2y + y2z then find E at (x, y, z)
v
Solution : Given V = x2y + y2z and E = –
r
→  V ˆ V ˆ V ˆ 
E =–  i+ j+ k
 x y z 
→
E = – [2xy î + (x2+2yz) ĵ + y2 k̂ ]

Problem 10. If E = 2r2 then find V(r)

Solution : Given E = 2r2
→.

  E .dr = –  2r
2
we know that dv = – dr

−2r 3
V(r) = +c Ans.
3

Problem 11. A charge Q is uniformly distributed over a rod of length . Consider a hypothetical cube of edge
 with the centre of the cube at one end of the rod. Find the minimum possible flux of the
electric field through the entire surface of the cube.
Solution : According to Gauss law : flux depend upon charge inside the closed hypothetical surface so for
minimum possible flux through the entire surface of the cube = charge inside should be
minimum.
Q
Linear charge density of rod = and minimum length of rod inside the cube =
2

Q Q
So charge inside the cube = . =
2 2
q Q
so flux through the entire surface of the cube = =
o 2 0
Problem 12. A charge Q is placed at a corner of a cube. Find the flux of the electric field through the six
surfaces of the cube.

Solution :
qin
By Gauss law,  =
0
q
Here, since Q is kept at the corner so only charge is inside the cube. (since complete charge
8
Q
can be enclosed by 8 such cubes)  qin =
8
qin Q
So,  = = Ans.
0 80

Problem 13. An isolated conducting sphere of charge Q and radius R is grounded by using a high resistance
wire. What is the amount of heat loss ?

Solution :
When sphere is grounded it's potential become zero which means all charge goes to earth (due
to sphere is conducting and isolated) so all energy in sphere is converted into heat so, total
kQ 2
heat loss =
2R

Problem 14. Two uncharged and parallel conducting sheets each of area A are placed in a uniform electric
field E at a finite distance from each other. Such that electric field is perpendicular to sheets
and covers all the sheets. Find out charges appearing on its two surfaces.

Solution : Plates are conducting so net electric field inside these plates should be zero. So, electric field
due to induced charges (on the surface of the plate) balance the outside electric field.
 Here Ei = induced electrid field
for both plates Ei + E = 0  Ei = – E ................. (1)
Let charge induced on surfaces are +Q and – Q then
Q
| Ei | =
A0
by equation (1)
Q
=E  Q = AE0 Ans.
A0

Problem 15. A positive charge q is placed in front of a conducting solid cube at a distance d from its centre.
Find the electric field at the centre of the cube due to the charges appearing on its surface.
Solution :

Here Ei = electric field due to induced charges

and Eq = electric field due to charge q
We know that net electric field in a conducting cavity is equal to zero.
Means E = 0 at the centre of the cube
Ei + E q = 0
Ei = – Ei
kq
Ei = – PO Ans.
d2
 ONLY ONE OPTION CORRECT TYPE
SECTION (A) : PROPERTIES OF CHARGE AND COULOMB'S LAW
1. Relative permittivity of mica is :
(1) one (2) less than one (3) more then one (4) infinite
2. 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

3. 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

4. Two charges of +1 C & + 5 C 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
5. 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.

6. 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
7. Coulomb’s law for the force between electric charges most closely resembles with :
(1) Law of conservation of energy (2) Newton’s law of gravitation
(3) Newton’s 2nd law of motion (4) The law of conservation of charge

8. A charge Q1 exerts force on a second charge Q2. If a 3rd charge Q3 is brought near, the force of Q1
exerted on Q2.
(1) Will increase
(2) Will decrease
(3) Will remain unchanged
(4) Will increase if Q3 is of the same sign as Q1 and will decrease if Q3 is of opposite sign

9. A charge particle q1 is at position (2, - 1, 3). The electrostatic force on another charged particle q 2 at (0,
0, 0) is :
q q q1 q2
(1) 1 2 (2 ˆi − ˆj + 3k)ˆ (2) (2 ˆi − ˆj + 3k)
ˆ
56  0 56 14  0
q1 q2 ˆ q1 q2
(3) ( j − 2 ˆi − 3k)
ˆ (4) ( ˆj − 2 ˆi − 3k)
ˆ
56  0 56 14  0

10. Three charge +4q, Q and q are placed in a straight line of length  at points distance x = 0, x = /2 and
x =  respectively. What should be the value of Q in order to make the net force on q to be zero?
(1) –q (2) –2q (3) –q/2 (4) 4q

11. Two point charges placed at a distance r in air exert a force F on each other. The value of distance R at
which they experience force 4F when placed in a medium of dielectric constant K = 16 is :
(1) r (2) r/4 (3) r/8 (4) 2r

12. Two point charges of same magnitude and opposite sign are fixed at points A and B. A third small point
charge is to be balanced at point P by the electrostatic force due to these two charges. The point P:

(1) lies on the perpendicular bisector of line AB (2) is at the mid point of line AB
 (3) lies to the left of A (4) none of these.

13. A total charge of 20 C is divided into two parts and placed at some distance apart. If the charges
experience maximum coulombian repulsion, the charges should be :
40 20
(1) 5C, 15 C (2) 10 C, 10 C (3) 12 C, 8 C (4) C, C
3 3
14. Two small spherical balls each carrying a charge Q = 10 C (10 micro-coulomb) are suspended by two
insulating threads of equal lengths 1 each, from a point fixed in the ceiling. If is found that is equilibrium
threads are separated by an angle 60º between them, as shown in the fig. What is the tension in the
1
threads (Given = 9 × 109 Nm/C2) -
(40 )

60º

Q Q
(1) 18 N (2) 1.8 N (3) 0.18 N (4) none of the above

15. The separation between the two charges +q and – q becomes double. The value of force will be :
(1) two fold (2) half (3) four fold (4) one fourth

16. The dielectric constant K of an insulator can be :

(1) 5 (2) 0.5 (3) –1 (4) zero

17. Two spherical conductors B and C having equal radii and carrying equal charges in 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 withC and finally
removed away from both. The new force of repulsion between B and C is
F 3F F 3F
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4 4 8 8
18. Three charges –q1, + q2 and –q3 are placed as shown in the figure. The x-component of the force on –q1
is proportional to :

q2 q3 q2 q3 q2 q3 q2 q3
(1) 2
− 2
cos  (2) 2
+ 2
sin  (3) 2
+ 2
cos  (4) 2
− sin 
b a b a b a b a2

19. Two spherical conductors B and C having equal radii and carrying equal charges 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 :
F 3F F 3F
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4 4 8 8

20. Under the influence of the Coulomb field of charge +Q, a charge –q is moving around it in an elliptical
orbit. Find out the correct statement(s).
(1) The angular momentum of the charge –q is constant
(2) The linear momentum of the charge –q is constant
(3) The angular velocity of the charge – q is constant
(4) The linear speed of the charge –q is constant

21. When charge is given to a soap bubble, it shows :

(1) an increase in size `
(2) sometimes an increase and sometimes a decrease in size
(3) no change in size
 (4) none of these

SECTION (B) : ELECTRIC FIELD

1. 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.

2. 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

3. Two infinite linear charges are placed parallel at 0.1 m apart. If each has charge density of 5 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

4. The electric field intensity due to a uniformly charged sphere is zero :

(1) at the centre (2) at infinity
(3) at the centre and at infinite distance (4) on the surface

5. 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

6. Total charge on a sphere of radii 10 cm is 1 C. The maximum electric field due to the sphere in N/C
will be -
(1) 9 x 10–5 (2) 9 x 103 (3) 9 x 105 (4) 9 x 1015

7. A charged water drop of radius 0.1 m 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/s 2)-
(1) 1.61 NC–1 (2) 26.2 NC–1 (3) 262 NC–1 (4) 1610 NC–1

8. Two large sized charged plates have a charge density of + and -. The resultant force on the proton
located midway between them will be -
(1) e/ 0 (2) e / 2 0 (3) 2e/ 0 (4) zero

9. Two parallel charged plates have a charge density + and -. The resultant force on the proton located
outside the plates at some distance will be -
(1) 2e/ 0 (2) e/ 0 (3) e / 2 0 (4) zero

10. The charge density of an insulating infinite surface is (e/) 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 (3) 2.88 x 10–9 (4) 2.88 x 10–19
11. There is a uniform electric field in x-direction. If the work done by external agent in moving a charge of
0.2 C through a distance of 2 metre slowly along the line making an angle of 60º with x-direction is 4
joule, then the magnitude of E is :
(1) 3 N / C (2) 4 N/C (3) 5 N/C (4) 20 N/C
12. A simple pendulum has a length , mass of bob m. The bob is given a charge q coulomb. The
pendulum is suspended in a uniform horizontal electric field of strength E as shown in figure, then
calculate the time period of oscillation when the bob is slightly displace from its mean position is :
E

q1m
    
   
(1) 2 (2) 2   (3) 2   (4) 2
g  g + qE   g − qE   qE 
2

 m   m  g2 +  
 m 

13. Charge 2Q and –Q are placed as shown in figure. The point at which electric field intensity is zero will
be:

(1) Somewhere between –Q and 2Q

(2) Somewhere on the left of –Q
(3) Somewhere on the right of 2Q
(4) Somewhere on the right bisector of line joining –Q and 2Q
14. The maximum electric field intensity on the axis of a uniformly charged ring of charge q and radius R
will be :
1 q 1 2q 1 2q 1 3q
(1) 2
(2) 2
(3) 2
(4)
40 3 3R 40 3R 40 3 3R 40 2 3R2

15. A charged particle of charge q and mass m is released from rest in an uniform electric field E.
Neglecting the effect of gravity, the kinetic energy of the charged particle after time ‘t’ seconds is
Eqm E2 q2 t 2 2E2 t 2 Eq2m
(1) (2) (3) (4)
t 2m mq 2t 2
16. The electric field above a uniformly charged nonconducting sheet is E. If the nonconducting sheet is
now replaced by a conducting sheet, with the charge same as before, the new electric field at the same
point is :
E
(1) 2E (2) E (3) (4) None of these
2

17. The linear charge density on upper half of a segment of ring is  and at lower half, it is – . The
direction of electric field at centre O of ring is :

(1) along OA (2) along OB (3) along OC (4) along OD

18. The given figure gives electric lines of force due to two charges q 1 and q2. What are the signs of the two
charges?

(1) Both are negative (2) Both are positive

(3) q1 is positive but q2 is negative (4) q1 is negative but q2 is positive

19. A positively charged pendulum is oscillating in a uniform electric field as shown in Figure. Its time period
of SHM as compared to that when it was uncharged. (mg > qE)
 (1) Will increase (2) Will decrease
(3) Will not change (4) Will first increase then decrease

20. A +q1 charge is at centre of an imaginary spherical Gaussion surface ‘S’, and – q1 charge is placed
nearby this +q1 charge inside ‘S’. A charge +q2 is located outside this Gaussian surface. Then electric
field on Gaussian surface will be
(1) due to – q1 & q2 (2) uniform (3) due to all charges (4) zero

21. Three large parallel plates have uniform surface charge densities as shown in the figure. Find out
electric field intensity at point P.

4 ˆ 4 2 ˆ 2
(1) – k (2) k̂ (3) – k (4) k̂
0 0 0 0

22. The wrong statement about electric lines of force is -

(1) These originate from positive charge and end on negative charge
(2) they do no intersect each other at a point
(3) they have the same form for a point charge and a sphere(outside the sphere)
(4) they have physical existences

23. The insulation property of air breaks down at intensity as 3 × 10 6 V/m. The maximum charge that can
be given to a sphere of diameter 5 m is :
(1) 2 × 10–2 C (2) 2 × 10–3 C (3) 2 × 10–4 C (4) 0

24. Choose correct statement regarding electric lines of force :

(1) emerges from (–e) charge and meet from (+e) charge
(2) where the electric lines of force are close electic field in that region is strong
(3) just as it is shown for a point system in the same way it represent for a solid sphere
(4) has a physical nature

25. The electric field required to keep a water drop of mass m and charge e just to remain suspended is :
mg em
(1) mg (2) emg (3) (4)
e g
26. Two parallel large thin metal sheets have equal surface charge densities ( = 26.4 × 10–12 C/m2) of
opposite signs. The electric field between these sheets is
(1) 1.5 N/C (2) 1.5 × 10–10 N/C (3) 3 N/C (4) 3 × 10–10 N/C

27. A charged ball B hangs from a silk thread S, which makes an angle  with a large charged conducting
sheet P, as shown in the figure. The surface charge density  of the sheet is proportional to

(1) cot  (2) cos  (3) tan  (4) sin 

28. The electric potential at a point in free space due to a charge Q coulomb is Q × 1011 V. The electric field
at that point is
 (1) 4 0 Q × 1022 V/m (2) 12 0 Q × 1020 V/m (3) 4 0 Q × 1020 V/m (4) 12 0 Q × 1022 V/m

29. A thin conducting ring of radius R is given a charge +Q. The electric field at the centre O of the ring due
to the charge on the part AKB of the ring is E. The electric field at the centre due to the charge on the
part ACDB of the ring is

(1) 3E along KO (2) E along OK (3) E along KO (4) 3 E along OK

30. A charged ball B hangs from a silk thread S, which makes an angle  with a large charged conducting
sheet P, as shown in the figure. The surface charge density  of the sheet is proportional to:
+
+
+
+ 
P +
+
+ S
+
+
+
(1) sin  (2) tan (3) cos (4) cot 

31. Two point charges + 8 q and – 2q are located at x = 0 and x = L respectively. The location of a point on
the x axis at which the net electric field due to these two point charges is zero is:
(1) 8L (2) 4L (3) 2L (4) L/4

32. Two spherical conductors A and B of radii 1 mm and 2mm 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 sphere A and B is :
(1) 2 : 1 (2) 1 : 4 (3) 4 : 1 (4) 1 : 2

33. A thin spherical shell of radius R has charge Q spread uniformly over its surface. Which of the following
graphs most closely represents the electric field E (r) produced by the shell in the range 0 < r < ,
where r is the distance from the centre of the shell?

(1) (2)
 (3) (4)

34. The figure shows the electric lines of force emerging from a charged body. If the electric fields at A and
B are EA and EB respectively and if the distance between A and B is r, then

EB EB
(1) EA < EB (2) EA > EB (3) E A = (4) E A =
r r2
35. Two point charges a & b, whose magnitudes are same are positioned at a certain distance from each
other with a at origin. Graph is drawn between electric field strength at points between a & b and
distance x from a. E is taken positive if it is along the line joining from a to b. From the graph, it can be
decided that

(1) a is positive, b is negative (2) a and b both are positive

(3) a and b both are negative (4) a is negative, b is positive
36. A wooden block performs SHM on a frictionless surface with frequency, 0. The block carries a charge
+Q on its surface. If now a uniform electric field E is switched-on as shown, then the SHM of the block
will be

(1) of the same frequency and with shifted mean position.

(2) of the same frequency and with the same mean position.
(3) of changed frequency and with shifted mean position.
(4) of changed frequency and with the same mean position.
37. A charged oil drop is suspended in uniform field of 3 × 104 V/m so that it neither falls nor rises. The
charge on the drop will be (Take the mass of the drop = 9.9 × 10–15 kg and g = 10 m/s2 )
(1) 3.3 × 10–18 C (2) 3.2 × 10–18 C (3) 1.6 × 10–18 C (4) 4.8 × 10–18 C

38. 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 :
 (1) (2) (3) (4)

SECTION (C) : ELECTRIC POTENTIAL AND POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE

1. 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.

2. 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

3. Two objects A and B are charged with equal charge Q. The potential of A relative to B will be -
(1) more (2) equal (3) less (4) indefinite

4. 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

5. 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

6. The dimensions of potential difference are -

(1) ML2T–2Q–1 (2) MLT–2Q–1 (3) MT–2Q–2 (4) ML2T–1Q–1
7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. Three equal charges are placid at the three corners of an isosceles triangle as shown in the figure. The
statement which is true for electric potential V and the field intensity E at the centre of the triangle -
q

q q
(1) V = 0, E = 0 (2) V = 0, E  0 (3) V  0, E = 0 (4) V  0, E  0

11. The potential at 0.5 Å from a proton is -

(1) 0.5 volt (2) 8 volt (3) 28.8 volt (4) 2 volt

12. 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
13. An infinite number of charges of equal magnitude q, but alternate charge of opposite sign are placed
along the x-axis at x = 1, x = 2, x = 4, x =8,... and so on. The electric potential at the point x = 0 due to
all these charges will be -
(1) kq/2 (2) kq/3 (3) 2kq/3 (4) 3kq/2

14. The electric potential inside a uniformly positively charged non conducting solid sphere has the value
which -
(1) increase with increases in distance from the centre.
(2) decreases with increases in distance from the centre.
(3) is equal at all the points.
(4) is zero at all the points.

15. 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

16. Two spheres of radii R and 2R are given source equally positive charged and then connected by a long
conducting wire, then the positive 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.

17. The potential difference between two isolated spheres of radii r 1 and r2 is zero. The ratio of their charges
Q1/Q2 will be-
(1) r1/r2 (2) r2/r1 (3) r12/r22 (4) r13/r23

18. The potential on the conducting spheres of radii r 1 and r2 is same, the ratio of their charge densities will
be-
(1) r1/r2 (2) r2/r1 (3) r12/r22 (4) r22/r12

19. 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

20. 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.

21. A conducting shell of radius 10 cm is charged with 3.2 x 10–19 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

22. At a certain distance from a point charge the electric field is 500 V/m and the potential is 3000 V. What
is the distance ?
(1) 6 m (2) 12 m (3) 36 m (4) 144 m

23. Figure represents a square carrying charges +q, +q, –q, –q at its four corners as shown. Then the
potential will be zero at points
P +q
+q

A C
B

–q –q
Q
(1) A, B, C, P and Q (2) A, B and C (3) A, P, C and Q (4) P, B and Q
24. Two equal positive charges are kept at points A and B. The electric potential at the points between A
and B (excluding these points) is studied while moving from A to B. The potential
(1) continuously increases (2) continuosly decreases
(3) increases then decreases (4) decreases than increases
25. A semicircular ring of radius 0.5 m is uniformly charged with a total charge of 1.5 × 10 –9 coul. The
electric potential at the centre of this ring is :
(1) 27 V (2) 13.5 V (3) 54 V (4) 45.5 V
26. The kinetic energy which an electron acquires when accelerated (from rest) through a potential
difference of 1 volt is called :
(1) 1 joule (2) 1 electron volt (3) 1 erg (4) 1 watt

27. The potential difference between points A and B in the given uniform electric field is :
a
C B

E
b

A
E

(1) Ea (2) E (a2 + b2 ) (3) Eb (4) (Eb / 2 )

28. A particle of charge Q and mass m travels through a potential difference V from rest. The final
momentum of the particle is :
mV 2QV
(1) (2) 2Q mV (3) 2m QV (4)
Q m

29. If a uniformly charged spherical shell of radius 10 cm has a potential V at a point distant 5 cm from its
centre, then the potential at a point distant 15 cm from the centre will be :
V 2V 3
(1) (2) (3) V (4) 3V
3 3 2
30. A hollow conducting sphere of radius R has a charge (+Q) on its surface. What it the electric potential
R
within the sphere at a distance r = from its centre -
3
1 Q 1 Q 1 Q
(1) zero (2) (3) (4)
40 r 40 R 40 r 2
31. Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R with its centre at the origin, carrying uniform positive surface
charge density. The variation of the magnitude of the electric field E(r) and the electric potential V(r)
with the distance r from the centre, is best represented by which graph?
E(r ) E(r )
V(r) V(r)

0 r 0 r
(1) R (2) R
E(r ) E(r )
V(r) V(r)

0 r 0 r
(3) R (4) R

32. Electric field at point 20 cm away from the centre of dielectric sphere is 100 V/m, radius of sphere is 10
cm, then value of electric field at a distance 3 cm from the centre is :
 (1) 100 V/m (2) 125 V/m (3) 120 V/m (4) 0

33. If n drops of potential V merge, find new potential on the big drop :
(1) n2/3 V (2) n1/3 V (3) nV (4) Vn/3
34. Two conducting spheres of radii R1 and R2 respectively are charged and joined by a wire. The ratio of
electric fields of spheres is
R2 R2 R R
(1) 22 (2) 12 (3) 2 (4) 1
R1 R2 R1 R2

35. Charge on a sphere of radius R is q and on the sphere of radius 2R is –2q. If these spheres are
connected through a conducting wire then, amount of charge flown through wire will be :
q 2q 4q
(1) − (2) (3) q (4)
3 3 3
36. Two identical conducting spheres R and S have negative charges Q 1 and Q2 respectively, but Q1 Q2.
The spheres are brought to touch each other and then kept in their original positions, now the force
between them is
(1) greater than that before the spheres touched (2) less than that before the spheres touched
(3) same as that before the spheres (4) zero
37. 27 smaller drop combine to form a bigger drop if potential on smaller drop is v then potential on bigger
drop will be-
(1) 9V (2) 3V (3) 27V (4) 1/3V
38. A thin spherical conducting shell of radius R has a charge q. Another charge Q is placed at the centre
of the shell. The electrostatic potential at a point P at a distance R/2 from the centre of the shell is :
2Q 2Q 2q 2Q q (q + Q) 2
(1) (2) − (3) + (4)
40R 40R 40R 40R 40R 40R R
39. A charged oil drop is suspended in uniform field of 3 × 104 V/m so that it neither falls nor rises. The
charge on the drop will be : (take the mass of the charge = 9.9 × 10–15 kg, g = 10m/sec2)
–18
(1) 3.3 × 10 C (2) 3.2 × 10–18 C (3) 1.6 × 10–18 C (4) 4.8 × 10–18 C

40. Two thin wire rings, each having a radius R are placed at a distance d apart with their axes coinciding.
The charges on the two rings are + q and –q. The potential difference between the centers of the two
rings is:
q 1 1  qR q 1 1 
(1) zero (2)  −  (3) (4)  − 
40  R R2 + d2  40 d2 20  R R2 + d2 
41. An electric charge 10–3µC 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 A and B
will be
(1) 9 volt (2) zero (3) 2 volt (4) 4.5 volt
42. Charges are placed on the vertices of a square as shown. Let E be the electric field and V the potential
at the centre. If the charges on A and B are interchanged with those on D and C respectively, then

(1) E remains unchanged, V changes (2) Both E and V change

(3) E and V remain unchanged (4) E changes, V remains unchanged
43. A hollow uniformly charged sphere has radius r. If the potential difference between its surface and a
point at distance 3r from the centre is V, then the electric field intensity at a distance 3r from the centre
is:
(1) V/6r (2) V/4r (3) V/3r (4) V/2r

44. A hollow sphere of radius 5 cm is uniformly charged such that the potential on its surface is 10 volts
then potential at centre of sphere will be :
(1) Zero (2) 10 volt
(3) Same as at a point 5 cm away from the surface (4) Same as at a point 25 cm away from the centre

SECTION (D) : ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A PARTICLE

1. 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
2. Under the influence of charge, a point charge q is carried along different paths from a point A to point B,
then work done will be -
B
III
IV
II
I
A
(1) maximum for path four. (2) maximum for path one.
(3) equal for all paths (4) minimum for path three.
3. An electron moving in a electric potential field V1 enters a higher electric potential field V2, then the
change in kinetic energy of the electron is proportional to -
(V − V1 )
(1) (V2 — V1)1/2 (2) V2 — V1 (3) (V2 — V1)2 (4) 2
V2
4. In the electric field of charge Q, another charge is carried from A to B. A to C, A to D and A to E, then
work done will be -

(1) minimum along path AB. (2) minimum along path AD.
(3) minimum along path AE. (4) zero along all the paths.

5. The work done to take an electron from rest where potential is – 60 volt to another point where potential
is – 20 volt is given by -
(1) 40 eV (2) –40 eV (3) 60 eV (4) –60 eV

6. If a charge is shifted from a low potential region to high potential region. the electrical potential energy:
(1) Increases (2) Decreases
(3) Remains constant (4) May increase or decrease.

7. A particle A has charge +q and particle B has charge + 4q with each of them having the same mass m.
When allowed to fall from rest through same electrical potential difference, the ratio of their speed v A :
vB will be :
(1) 2 : 1 (2) 1 : 2 (3) 4 : 1 (4) 1 : 4

8. In an electron gun, electrons are accelerated through a potential difference of V volt. Taking electronic
charge and mass to be respectively e and m, the maximum velocity attained by them is :
2eV 2eV
(1) (2) (3) 2 m/eV (4) (V2 /2em)
m m

9. In a cathode ray tube, if V is the potential difference between the cathode and anode, the speed of the
electrons, when they reach the anode is proportional to : (Assume initial velocity = 0)
(1) V (2) 1/V (3) V (4) V2

10. 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 -
(1) V e / m (2) eV / m (3) 2eV / m (4) 2eV/m

 a  −a 
11. Positive and negative point charges of equal magnitude are kept at  0, 0,  and  0, 0, ,
 2   2 
respectively. The work done by the electric field when another positive point charge is moved from (–a,
0, 0) to (0, a, 0) is
(1) positive (2) negative
(3) zero
 (4) depends on the path connecting the initial and final positions.

12. If a positive charge is shifted from a low potential region to a high potential region, then electric
potential energy
(1) decreases (2) increases (3) remains the same (4) may increase or decrease

13. An electron is accelerated by 1000 volt, potential difference, its final velocity is :
(1) 3.8 × 107 m/s (2) 1.9 × 106 m/s (3) 1.9 × 107 m/s (4) 5.7 × 107 m/s

14. As per this diagram a point charge +q is placed at the origin O. Work done in taking another point
charge –Q from the point A [co-ordiantes (o,a)] to another point B [co-ordinates(a,o)] along the straigth
path AB is :

 –qQ 1   qQ 1  a  qQ 1 
(1) zero (2)   2a (3)  . (4)  2 
2a
 40 a   40 a   40 a 
2 2
2
15. Two charges q1 and q2 are placed 30 cm apart, as shown in the figure. A third charge q 3 is moved along
the arc of a circle of radius 40 cm from C to D. The change in the potential energy of the system is
q3
k, where k is :
40

(1) 8q2 (2) 8q1 (3) 6q2 (4) 6q1

16. Charges +q and –q are placed at points A and B respectively which are a distance 2 L apart, C is the
midpoint between A and B. The work done in moving a charge +Q along the semicircle CRD is :

qQ qQ qQ qQ
(1) (2) (3) (4) –
40L 20L 60L 60L

17. 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
distance of approach would be :
q• • • • • • • • • • r •Q
v
r r
(1) r (2) 2r (3) (4)
2 4
18. 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 × 10-19 C, me = 9.11 × 10-31 kg)
 (1) 1.87 × 106 m/s (2) 32 × 10-19 m/s (3) 2.65 × 106 m/s (4) 7.02 × 1012 m/s
19. A particle of mass 2 g and charge 1C is held at rest on a frictionless horizontal surface at a distance of
1 m from a fixed charge of 1 mC. If the particle is released it will be repelled. The speed of the particle
when it is at distance of 10 m from the fixed charge is:
(1) 100 m/s (2) 90 m/s (3) 60 m/s (4) 45 m/s

20. On moving a charge of 20 coulombs by 2 cm, 2 J of work is done, then the potential difference between
the points is :
(1) 0.1 V (2) 8 V (3) 2 V (4) 0.5 V

21. For an infinite line of charge having charge density  lying along x-axis, the work required in moving
charge q from C to A along arc CA is :

q q q q 1
(1) loge 2 (2) loge 2 (3) loge 2 (4) loge
0 40 40 20 2

22. A flat circular fixed disc has a charge +Q uniformly distributed on the disc. A charge +q is thrown with
kinetic energy K, towards the disc along its axis. The charge q :
(1) may hit the disc at the centre
(2) may return back along its path after touching the disc
(3) may return back along its path without touching the disc
(4) any of the above three situations is possible depending on the magnitude of K

SECTION (E) : POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A SYSTEM OF POINT CHARGE

1. 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) 2re (4) zero

2. You are given an arrangement of three point charges q, 2q and xq separated by equal finite distances
so that electric potential energy of the system is zero. Then the value of x is :
2 1 2 3
(1) − (2) − (3) (4)
3 3 3 2

3. You are given an arrangement of three point charges q, 2q and xq separated by equal finite distances
so that electric potential energy of the system is zero. Then the value of x is :
2 1 2 3
(1) − (2) − (3) (4)
3 3 3 2

4. If a charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining two equal charges Q each such that the system is
in equilibrium, then the value of q is :
(1) Q / 2 (2) –Q/2 (3) Q / 4 (4) –Q/4

SECTION (F) : SELF ENERGY AND ENERGY DENSITY

1. A sphere of radius 1 cm has potential of 8000 V. The energy density near the surface of sphere will be:
(1) 64 × 105 J/m3 (2) 8 × 103 J/m3 (3) 32 J/m3 (4) 2.83 J/m3
2. If ' n ' identical water drops assumed spherical each charged to a potential energy U coalesce to a
single drop, the potential energy of the single drop is(Assume that drops are uniformly charged):
(1) n1/3 U (2) n2/3 U (3) n4/3 U (4) n5/3 U
3. Four charges equal to –Q each 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:
Q Q Q Q
(1) − (1 + 2 2 ) (2) (1 + 2 2 ) (3) − (1 + 2 2 ) (4) (1 + 2 2 )
4 4 2 2

SECTION (G) : QUESTIONS BASED ON RELATION BETWEEN E AND V :

1. A family of equipotential surfaces are shown. The direction of the electric field at point A is along -

(1) AB (2) AC (3) AD (4) AF

2. Some equipotential surfaces are shown in the figure. The magnitude and direction of the electric field
is-
20V 30V 40V

0   
10 20 30 (cm)
 = 30º
(1) 100 V/m making angle 1200 with the x-axis (2) 100 V/m making angle 600 with the x-axis
(3) 200 V/m making angle 1200 with the x-axis (4) none of the above

3. The variation of potential with distance r from a fixed point is shown in Figure. The electric field at r = 5
cm, is :

(1) (2.5) V/cm (2) (–2.5) V/cm (3) (–2/5) cm (4) (2/5) V/cm

4. The electric field and the electric potential at a point are E and V respectively
(1) If E = 0, V must be zero (2) If V = 0, E must be zero
(3) If E  0, V cannot be zero (4) None of these

5. The electric field in a region is directed outward and is proportional to the distance r from the origin.
Taking the electric potential at the origin to be zero, the electric potential at a distance r :
(1) is uniform in the region (2) is proportional to r
(3) is proportional to r2 (4) increases as one goes away from the origin.
6. V = axy, then electric field at a point will be proportional to :
(1) r (2) r–1 (3) r–2 (4) r2

7. A point charge is located at O. There is a point P at a distance r from it. The electric field at point P is
500 V/m and a potential of 3000 V. Then the value of r is
(1) 6 m (2) 12 m (3) 24 m (4) 36 m

8. Figure shows three points A,B and C in a region of uniform electric field E . The line AB is perpendicular
and BC is parallel to the field lines. Then which of the following holds good ?
 (1) VA = VB = VC (2) VA = VB > VC (3) VA = VB < VC (4) VA > VB = VC
where VA > VB and VC represent the electric potential at points A,B and C respectively.

9. The variation of potential with distance r from a fixed point is shown in figure. The electric field at r = 3
cm is :

(1) zero (2) –2.5 V/cm (3) +2.5 V/cm (4) +5 V/cm

10. Electric potential at any point is V = –5x + 3y + 15z , then the magnitude of the electric field is -
(1) 3 2 (2) 4 2 (3) 5 2 (4) 7

11. The potential at a point x (measured in µm) due to some charges situated on the x-axis is given by
V(x) = 20/(x2 – 4) volts. The electric field E at x = 4 m is given by :
(1) 5/3 volt/µm and in the –ve x direction (2) 5/3 volt/µm and in the +ve x direction
(3) 10/9 volt/µm and in the –ve x direction (4) 10/9 volt/µm and in the +ve x direction

12. The electric potential V as a function of distance x (in metre) is given by

V = (5x2 + 10x – 9) volt.
The value of electric field at x = 1 m would be :
(1) – 20 volt/m (2) 6 volt/m (3) 11 volt/m (4) –23 volt/m

13. A uniform electric field having a magnitude E0 and direction along positive X-axis exists. If the electric
potential V is zero at x = 0, then its value at x = +x will be :
(1) Vx = xE0 (2) Vx = –xE0 (3) Vx = x2E0 (4) Vx = –x2 E0

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 & C satisfy :
(1) VA < VB (2) VA > VB (3) VA < VC (4) VA > VC

15. A 5 coulomb charge experiences a constant force of 2000 N when moved between two points
separated by a distance of 2 cm in a uniform electric field. The potential difference between these two
points is:
(1) 8 V (2) 200 V (3) 800 V (4) 20,000 V

16. An equipotential surface and an electric line of force :

(1) never intersect each other (2) intersect at 45º
(3) intersect at 60º (4) intersect at 90º

SECTION (H) : DIPOLE

1. If an electric dipole is kept in a non-uniform electric field, then it will experience -
(1) only torque (2) no torque
 (3) a resultant force and a torque (4) only a force

2. The force on a charge situated on the axis of a dipole is F. If the charge is shifted to double the
distance, the acting force will be -
(1) 4F (2) F/2 (3) F/4 (4) F/8
→
3. A dipole of dipole moment p, is placed in an electric field E and is in stable equilibrium. The torque
required to rotate the dipole from this position by angle  will be -
(1) pE cos  (2) pE sin  (3) pE tan  (4) –pE cos

4. The electric potential at a point due to an electric dipole will be -

→ → → →
k(p . r ) k(p . r ) k (p x r ) k (p x r )
(1) (2) (3) (4)
r 3
r 2 r r2

5. The ratio of electric fields due to an electric dipole on the axis and on the equatorial line at equal
distance will be -
(1) 4 : 1 (2) 1 : 2 (3) 2 : 1 (4) 1 : 1

6. An electric dipole is made up of two equal and opposite charges of 2 x 10–6 coulomb at a distance of 3
cm. This is kept in an electric field of 2 x 105 N/C, then the maximum torque acting on the dipole -
(1) 12 x 10–1 Nm (2) 12 x 10–3 Nm (3) 24 x 10–3 Nm (4) 24 x 10–1 Nm

7. The distance between two singly ionised atoms is 1Å. If the charge on both ions is equal and opposite
then the dipole moment in coulomb-metre is -
(1) 1.6 × 10–29 (2) 0.16 × 10–29 (3) 16 × 10–29 (4) 1.6 × 10–29/ 40

8. The electric potential in volt at a distance of 0.01 m on the equatorial line of an electric dipole of dipole
moment p is -
(1) p / 4 0 x10 −4 (2) zero (3) 4 0 p x 10−4 (4) 4 0 /p x 10−4

9. The electric potential in volt due to an electric dipole of dipole moment 2 x 10 –8 C-m at a distance of 3m
on a line making an angle of 600 with the axis of the dipole is -
(1) 0 (2) 10 (3) 20 (4) 40

10. A dipole of electric dipole moment P is placed in a uniform electric field of strength E. If  is the angle
between positive directions of P and E, then the potential energy of the electric dipole is largest when 
is :
(1) zero (2) /2 (3)  (4) /4

11. Potential due to an electric dipole at some point is maximum or minimum, when axis of dipole and line
joining point & dipole are at angles respectively :
(1) 90° and 180° (2) 0° and 90° (3) 90° and 0° (4) 0° and 180°

12. Electric field on the axis of electric dipole, at a distance of r from its centre is E. If dipole is rotated
through 90°; then electric field intensity at the same point will be :
E E
(1) E (2) (3) (4) 2E
4 2

13. An electric dipole is placed along North-South direction in a sphere filled with water. Which statement is
true.
(1) Electric flux is coming towards sphere.
(2) Electric flux is out going out of the sphere
(3) As much electric flux is going out of the sphere, as much is coming toward the sphere.
(4) Water do not allow electric flux to come inside the sphere

14. At the equator of electric dipole, angle between electric dipole moment and electric field is :
(1) 0° (2) 90° (3) 180° (4) None of these

15. The potential of dipole at its axial position is proportional to distance r as :

(1) r–2 (2) r–1 (3) r (4) r0
16. An electric dipole has the magnitude of its charge as q and its dipole moment is p. It is placed in a
uniform electric field E. If its dipole moment is along the direction of the field, the force on it and its
potential energy are respectively :
(1) 2qE and minimum (2) qe and pE (3) zero and minimum (4) qE and maximum

17. An electric dipole of moment p is lying along a unifrom electric field E . The work done in rotating the
dipole by 90° is :
pE
(1) 2 pE (2) (3) 2pE (4) pE
2

18. Three point charges +q, –2q and + q are placed at points (x = 0, y = a, z = 0), (x = 0, y = 0, z = 0) and
(x = a, y = 0, z = 0), respectively. The magnitude and direction of the electric dipole moment vector of
this charge assembly are :
(1) 2 qa along + y direction
(2) 2 qa along the line joining points (x = 0, y = 0, z = 0) and (x = a, y = a, z = 0)
(3) qa along the line joining points (x = 0, y = 0, z = 0) and (x = a, y = a, z = 0)
(4) 2 qa along + x direction

19. An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30o to a non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience
(1) A torque as well as a translational force.
(2) A torque only.
(3) A translational force only in the direction of the field.
(4) A translational force only in a direction normal to the direction of the field.

20. Due to an electric dipole shown in fig., the electric field intensity is parallel to dipole axis :

(1) at P only (2) at Q only (3) both at P and at Q (4) neither at P nor at Q

21. An electric dipole consists of two opposite charges each of magnitude 1.0 C, separated by a distance
of 2.0 cm. The dipole is placed in an external electric field of 1.0 × 10 5 N/C. The maximum torque on the
dipole is :
(1) 0.2 × 10–3 N-m (2) 1.0 × 10–3 N-m (3) 2.0 × 10–3 N-m (4) 4.0 × 10–3 N-m
22. Two opposite and equal charges of magnitude 4 × 10 –8 coulomb each when placed 2 × 10–2 cm apart
form a dipole. If this dipole is placed in an external electric field of 4 × 10 8 N/C, the value of maximum
torque and the work required in rotating it through 180º from its initial orientation which is along electric
field will be : (Assume rotation of dipole about an axis passing through centre of the dipole):
(1) 64 × 10–4 N-m and 44 × 10–4 J (2) 32 × 10–4 N-m and 32 × 10–4 J
–4 –4
(3) 64 × 10 N-m and 32 × 10 J (4) 32 × 10–4 N-m and 64 × 10–4 J
23. At a point on the axis (but not inside the dipole and not at infinity) of an electric dipole
(1) The electric field is zero
(2) The electric potential is zero
(3) Neither the electric field nor the electric potential is zero
(4) The electric field is directed perpendicular to the axis of the dipole

SECTION () : FLUX CALCULATION AND GAUSS'S LAW

1. For an electrostatic system which of the statement is always true :
(a) electric lines are parallel to metallic surface.
(b) electric field inside a metallic surface is zero.
(c) electric lines of force are perpendicular to equi-potential surface.
(1) (a) and (b) only (2) (b) and (c) only (3) (a) and (c) only (4) (a), (b) and (c)

2. Total flux coming out of some closed surface is :

(1) q/0 (2) 0/q (3) q0 (4) q / 0
3. Three charges q1 = 1 × 10–6 , q2 = 2 × 10–6 , q3 = –3 × 10–6 C have been placed, as shown in figure, in
four surfaces S1, S2, S3 and S4 electrical flux emitted from the surface S2 in N–m2/C will be -

s3
q3
q1
q2
s1 s2
s4
(1) 36 × 103 (2) –36 × 103 (3) 36 × 109 (4) –36 × 109

4. 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.

5. Eight charges, 1C,. -7C, -4C, 10C, 2C, -5C, -3C and 6C are situated at the eight corners of a
cube of side 20 cm. A spherical surface of radius 80 cm encloses this cube. The centre of the sphere
coincides with the centre of the cube. Then the total outgoing flux from the spherical surface (in unit of
volt meter) is-
(1) 36 x 103 (2) 684 x 103 (3) zero (4) none of the above

6. A closed cylinder of radius R and length L is placed in a uniform electric field E, parallel to the axis of
the cylinder. Then the electric flux through the cylinder must be -
(1) 2R2E (2) (2R2 + 2RL)E (3) 2RLE (4) zero

7. A charge q is placed at the centre of the cubical vessel (with one face open) as shown in figure. The
flux of the electric field through the surface of the vessel is

q
(1) zero (2) q/0 (3) (4) 5q/60
40
8. Electric charge is uniformly distributed along a long straight wire of radius 1 mm. The charge per cm
length of the wire is Q coulomb. Another cylindrical surface of radius 50 cm and length 1m
symmetrically encloses the wire as shown in fig. The total electric flux passing through the cylindrical
surface is -

1m

50cm

Q 100Q 10Q 100Q

(1) (2) (3) (4)
0 0 ( 0 ) ( 0 )

9. If the geometric axis of cylinder is parallel to the electric field, the flux through the cylinder will be -
(1) 2r × B (2) r2 × B (3) 2r2 × B (4) 0

10. A cubical box contains charge +Q at its centre. The total electric flux emerging from the box is :
Q Q Q
(1) (2) (3) (4) 0 Q
0 60 40
11. If a square coil is making an angle 60° with electric field E according to figure, the electric flux passing
through the square coil is (the side of square is 4 cm) :

(1) 853 E (2) 8E (3) 16 E (4) none of these

12. Four equal charges q are placed at centre of a conducting hollow sphere. If they are displaced 1.5 cm
from centre, the change in flux will be (Radius of sphere> 1.5 cm) :
(1) doubled (2) tripled (3) constant (4) none of these

13. If the electric flux entering and leaving an enclosed surface respectively is 1 and 2, the electric charge
inside the surface will be
(1) (2 – 1) 0 (2) (1 + 2)/0 (3) (2 – 1)/ 0 (4) (1 + 2) 0

14. A square surface of side L m is in the plane of the paper. A uniform electric field E (V/m), also in the
plane of the paper, is limited only to the lower half of the square suface, (see figure). The electric flux in
SI units associated with the surface is :

(1) EL2/ (20) (2) EL2/ 2 (3) zero (4) EL2

15. If the electric flux entering and leaving an enclosed surface respectively is 1 and 2, the electric charge
inside the surface will be :
(1) (2 – 1)0 (2) (1 + 2)/0 (3) (2 – 1)/0 (4) (1 + 2) 0
16. An electric dipole is placed at the centre of a sphere. Mark the correct options.
(1) The electric field is zero at every point of the sphere.
(2) The flux of the electric field through the sphere is non-zero.
(3) The electric field is zero on a circle on the sphere.
(4) The electic field is not zero anywhere on the sphere.
17. A charge Q is placed at a distance of 4R above the centre of a disc of radius R. The magnitude of flux
through the disc is . Now a hemispherical shell of radius R is placed over the disc such that it forms a
closed surface. The flux through the curved surface (taking direction of area vector along outward
normal as positive), is -

(1) zero (2)  (3) –  (4) 2

18. A charge q is placed at the corner of a cube of side a. The electric flux through the cube is :
q q q q
(1) (2) (3) (4)
0 30 60 80

19. A charge qC is placed at the centre of a cube of a side 0.1 m, then the electric flux diverging from
each face of the cube is :
q  10 –6 q  10 –4 q  10 –6 q  10 –4
(1) (2) (3) (4)
240 0 6 0 120
→ →
20. Gauss law is given by 0  E.ds = q , if net charge enclosed by Guassian surface is zero then -

(1) E on surface must be zero (2) Incoming and outgoing electric lines are equal
(3) There is a net incoming electric flux (4) none
SECTION (J) : CONDUCTOR, IT'S PROPERTIES & ELECTRIC PRESSURE

1. The electric field near the conducting surface of a uniform charge density  will be -
(1) / 0 and parallel to surface. (2) 2/ 0 and parallel to surface.
(3) / 0 and perpendicular to surface. (4) 2/ 0 and perpendicular to surface.

2. An uncharged conductor A is brought close to another positive 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) the potential and charge on both are constant.

3. The fig. shows lines of constant potential in a region in which an electric field is present. The value of
the potential are written in brackets of the points A, B and C, the magnitude of the electric field is
greatest at the point -

(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) A & C

4. The electric charge in uniform motion produces -

(1) an electric field only (2) a magnetic field only
(3) both electric and magnetic fields (4) neither electric nor magnetic fields
5. 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

6. A neutral metallic object is placed near a finite metal plate carrying a positive charge. The electric force
on the object will be :
(1) towards the plate (2) away from the plate (3) parallel to the plate (4) zero
7. Figure shows a thick metallic sphere. If it is given a charge +Q, then electric field will be present in the
region

(1) r < R1 only (2) r > R1 and R1 < r < R2 (3) r  R2 only (4) r  R2 only
8. An uncharged sphere of metal is placed in a uniform electric field produced by two large conducting
parallel plates having equal and opposite charges, then lines of force look like
+ + + + +

(1) (2) (3) (4)

– – – – –
9. You are travelling in a car during a thunder storm, in order to protect yourself from lightening would you
prefer to :
(1) Remain in the car (2) Take shelter under a tree
(3) Get out and be flat on the ground (4) Touch the nearest electrical pole
10. The amount of work done in Joules in carrying a charge +q along the closed path PQRSP between the
oppositely charged metal plates is (where E is electric field between the plates)

(1) zero (2) q (3) qE (PQ + QR + SR + SP) (4) q\0

11. Figure shows a closed surface which intersects a conducting sphere. If a positive charge is placed at
the point P, the flux of the electric field through the closed surface

(1) will remain zero (2) will become positive

(3) will become neagative (4) will become undefined

12. A charge ' q ' is placed at the centre of a conducting spherical shell of radius R, which is given a charge
Q. An external charge Q is also present at distance R (R > R) from ' q '. Then the resultant field will be
best represented for region r < R by:
[ where r is the distance of the point from q ]

(1) (2)

(3) (4)

13. In the above question, if Q' is removed then which option is correct :

(1) (2)
 (3) (4)

14. The net charge given to an isolated conducting solid sphere:

(1) must be distributed uniformly on the surface
(2) may be distributed uniformly on the surface
(3) must be distributed uniformly in the volume
(4) may be distributed uniformly in the volume.

15. The net charge given to a solid insulating sphere:

(1) must be distributed uniformly in its volume
(2) may be distributed uniformly in its volume
(3) must be distributed uniformly on its surface
(4) the distribution will depend upon whether other charges are present or not.

16. A charge Q is kept at the centre of a conducting sphere of inner radius R 1 and outer radius R2. A point
charge q is kept at a distance r (> R2) from the centre. If q experiences an electrostatic force 10 N then
assuming that no other charges are present, electrostatic force experienced by Q will be:
(1) – 10 N (2) 0 (3) 20 N (4) none of these

17. A solid conducting sphere having a charge Q is surrounded by an uncharged concentric conducting
hollow spherical shell. Let the potential difference between the surface of the solid sphere and that of
the outer surface of the hollow shell be V. If the shell is now given a charge –3Q, the new potential
difference between the same two surfaces is :
(1) V (2) 2V (3) 4V (4) –2V
18. A point charge ' q ' is placed at a point inside a hollow conducting sphere. Which of the following electric
force pattern is correct?

(1) (2)

(3) (4)

19. Consider a neutral conducting sphere. A positive point charge is placed outside the sphere. The net
charge on the sphere is then,
(1) negative and distributed uniformly over the surface of the sphere
(2) negative and appears only at the point on the sphere closest to the point charge
(3) negative and distributed non-uniformly over the entire surface of the sphere
(4) zero
20. Three concentric metallic spherical shells of radii R, 2R, 3R, are given charges Q 1, Q2, Q3, respectively.
It is found that the surface charge densities on the outer surfaces of the shells are equal. Then, the ratio
of the charges given to the shells, Q 1 : Q2 : Q3, is
(1) 1 : 2 : 3 (2) 1 : 3 : 5 (3) 1 : 4 : 9 (4) 1 : 8 : 18
21. A positive point charge q is brought near a neutral metal sphere.
(1) The sphere becomes negatively charged.
(2) The sphere becomes positively charged.
(3) The interior remains neutral and the surface gets non-uniform charge distribution.
(4) The interior becomes positively charged and the surface becomes negatively charged.
22. Two small conductors A and B are given charges q1 and q2 respectively. Now they are placed inside a
hollow metallic conductor (C) carrying a charge Q. If all the three conductors A, B and C are connected
by conducting wires as shown, the charges on A, B and C will be respectively:

q1 + q2 q1 + q2 Q + q1 + q3 Q + q1 + q2 Q + q1 + q2
(1) , ,Q (2) , ,
2 2 3 3 3
q1 + q2 + Q q1 + q2 + Q
(3) , ,0 (4) 0, 0, Q + q1 + q2
2 2
23. A charge Q is kept at the centre of a conducting sphere of inner radius R 1 and outer radius R2. A point
charge q is kept at a distance r (> R2) from the centre. If q experiences an electrostatic force 10 N then
assuming that no other charges are present, electrostatic force experienced by Q will be:
(1) – 10 N (2) 0 (3) 20 N (4) none of these
24. Some charge is being given to a conductor then its potential is :
(1) Maximum at surface (2) Maximum at centre
(3) Same throughout the conductor (4) Maximum somewhere between surface and centre
25. A solid metallic sphere has a charge +3Q. Concentric with this sphere is a conducting spherical shell
having charge –Q. The radius of the sphere is a and that of the spherical shell is b(>a). What is the
electric field at a distance r(a < r < b) from the centre?
1 Q 1 3Q 1 3Q 1 Q
(1) (2) (3) 2
(4)
40 r 40 r 40 r 40 r 2

26. Two charged spheres having radii a and b are joined with a wire then the ratio of electric field Ea/Eb on
their surface is -
(1) a/b (2) b/a (3) a2/b2 (4) b2/a2
27. A long hollow conducting cylinder is kept coaxially inside another long, hollow conducting cylinder of
larger radius. Both the cylinders are initially electrically neutral.
(1) A potential difference appears between the two cylinders when a charge density is given to
the inner cylinder.
(2) A potential difference appears between the two cylinders when a charge density is given to
the outer cylinder.
(3) No potential difference appears between the two cylinders when a uniform line charge is
kept along the axis of the cylinders.
(4) No potential difference appears between the two cylinders when same charge density is
given to both the cylinders.

1. A dipole having dipole moment p is placed in front of a solid uncharged conducting sphere as shown in
the diagram. The net potential at point A lying on the surface of the sphere is :

kpcos  k pcos2  2kpcos2 

(1) (2) (3) zero (4)
r2 r2 r2
2. Two equal charges are separated by a distance d. A third charge placed on a perpendicular bisector at
x distance will experience maximum coulomb force when -
(1) x = d / 2 (2) x = d/2 (3) x = d/2 2 (4) x = d/ 2 3
3. The work done in placing four charges at the corners of a square as shown in the figure, will be –
 +q -q
1 2

3 4
-q +q
Kq2 Kq2 Kq2 Kq2
(1) (4 − 2) (2) (4 + 2) (3) (4 − 2) 2 (4) (4 + 2 ) 2
a a a a
4. Six charges q,q,q, – q, –q and –q are to be arranged on the vertices of a regular hexagon PQRSTU
such that the electric field at centre is double the field produced when only charge ‘q’ is placed at vertex
R. The sequence of the charges from P to U is

(1) q, –q, q, q, –q, –q (2) q, q, q, –q, –q, –q (3) –q, q, q, –q, –q, q (4) –q, q, q, q, –q, –q

5. Which of the following groups do not have same dimensions

(1) Young’s modulus, pressure, stress
(2) work, heat, energy
(3) electromotive force, potential difference, voltage
(4) electric dipole, electric flux, electric field

6. A spherical portion has been removed from a solid sphere having a charge distributed uniformly in its
volume as shown in the figure. The electric field inside the emptied space is

(1) zero every where (2) is not zero but uniform

(3) nonuniform (4) is zero at centre only
7. STATEMENT -1 : For practical purposes, the earth is used as a reference at zero potential in electrical
circuits.
and
STATEMENT -2 : The electrical potential of a sphere of radius R with charge Q uniformly distributed on
Q
the surface is given by .
4 0 R
(1) STATEMENT -1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT -2 is a correct explanation
for STATEMENT -1
(2) STATEMENT -1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT -2 is NOT a correct
explanation for
STATEMENT -1
(3) STATEMENT -1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is False
(4) STATEMENT -1 is False, STATEMENT -2 is True.
8. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
(1) If the electric field due to a point charge varies as r –2.5 instead of r –2, then the Gauss law will still be
valid.
(2) The Gauss law can be used to calculate the field distribution around an electric dipole.
(3) If the electric field between two point charges is zero somewhere, then the sign of the two charges is
the same.
(4) The work done by the external force in moving a unit positive charge from point A at potential V A to
point B at potential VB is (VB — VA).

9. Let E1 = x î + y ĵ ,
and E2 = xy2 î + x2y ĵ , then :
(1) E1 represents constant electric field (2) E2 represents constant electric field
 (3) both represents constant electric field (4) none of these
10. When a glass rod is rubbed with silk, the amount of positive charge acquired by glass rod in magnitude
is :
(1) less than the charge on silk (2) greater than the charge on slik
(3) equal to the charge on silk (4) none of these
11. A cube has point charges of magnitude - q at all its vertices. Electric field at the centre of the cube is :
1 6q 1 8q 1 –8q
(1) (2) (3) zero (4)
40 3a 2 40 a 2 40 a2
12. Three point charges +q, – 2q and +q placed at points (x = 0, y = a, z = 0), (x = 0, y = 0, z = 0) and (x =
a, y = 0, z = 0), respectively. The magnitude and direction of the electric dipole moment vector of this
charge assembly are
(1) 2 qa along +y direction
(2) 2 qa along the line joining points (x = 0, y = 0, z = 0) and (x = a, y = a, z = 0)
(3) qa along the line joining points (x = 0, y = 0, z = 0) and (x = a, y = a, z = 0)
(4) 2 qa along +x direction
13. An electric dipole is placed along the x-axis at the origin O.A point P is at a distance of 20 cm from this
origin such that OP makes an angle /3 with the x-axis. If the electric field at P makes an angle  with
the x-axis, the value of  would be
   3 2  3
+ tan–1   (4) tan–1 
 2 
(1) (2) (3)
3 3  2  3
   
14. A Charged wire is bent in the from of a semi-circular arc of radius a. If charge per unit length is 
coulomb/metre, the electric field at the centre O is :
  
(1) (2) (3) (4) zero
2a2 0 4 2  0 a 20 a
 1
15. The dimensions of   0 E2 (0: permittivity of free space; E: electric field) are:
2
−1
(1) M L T (2) M L2 T − 2 (3) M L T −2 (4) M L−1 T − 2

16. Two non–conducting spheres of radii R1 and R2 and carrying uniform volume charge densities + and –
, respectively, are placed such that they partially overlap, as shown in the figure. At all points in the
overlapping region :

(1) the electrostatic field is zero (2) the electrostatic potential is constant
(3) the electrostatic field is constant (4) the electrostatic field has same magnitude only
17. Charges Q, 2Q and 4Q are uniformly distributed in three dielectric solid spheres 1, 2 and 3 of radii R/2,
R and 2R respectively, as shown in figure. If magnitudes of the electric fields at point P at a distance R
from the centre of spheres 1, 2 and 3 are E1 E2 and E3 respectively, then

(1) E1 > E2 > E3 (2) E3 > E1 > E2 (3) E2 > E1 > E3 (4) E3 > E2 > E1
18. Four charge Q1,Q2,Q3, and Q4,of same magnitude are fixed along the x axis at x = –2a –a, +a and +2a,
respectively. A positive charge q is placed on the positive y axis at a distance b > 0. Four options of the
signs of these charges are given in List-I . The direction of the forces on the charge q is given in List- II
Match List-1 with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List-I List-II
P. Q1,Q2,Q3, Q4, all positive 1. +x
Q. Q1,Q2 positive Q3,Q4 negative 2. –x
R. Q1,Q4 positive Q2, Q3 negative 3. +y
S. Q1,Q3 positive Q2, Q4 negative 4. –y
Code :
(1) P-3, Q-1, R-4,S-2 (2) P-4, Q-2, R-3, S-1
(3) P-3, Q-1, R-2,S-4 (4) P-4, Q-2, R-1, S-3

PART - I : NEET / AIPMT QUESTION (PREVIOUS YEARS)

1. The electric potential at a point (x, y, z) is given by [2009 AIPMT]
V = – x2 y – xz3 + 4
The electric field E at that point is
(1) E = î (2xy+ z3) + ĵ x2 + k̂ 3xz2 (2) E = î 2xy + ĵ (x2 + y2 ) + k̂ (3xz – y2)
(3) E = î z3 + ĵ xyz + k̂ z2 (4) E = î (2xy – z3) + ĵ xy2 + k̂ 3z2x

3R
2. The electric field at a distance from the centre of a charged conducting spherical shell of radius R
2
R
is E. The electric field at a distance from the centre of the sphere is [AIPMT - 2010]
2
E E
(1) zero (2) E (3) (4)
2 3

3. A charge Q is enclosed by a Gaussian spherical surface of radius R. If the radius is doubled, then the
outward electric flux will : [AIPMT- 2011, 4/200]
(1) increase four times (2) be reduced to half (3) remain the same (4) be doubled

4. Four electric charges +q, +q, –q and –q are placed at the corners of a square of side 2L (see figure).
The electric potential at point A, midway between the two charges +q and +q, is : [AIPMT- 2011, 4/200]

1 2q 1 2q  1  1 2q  1 
(1) (1 + 5 ) (2) 1 +  (3) 1 −  (4) Zero
4 0 L 4 0 L  5 4 0 L  5
5. The electric potential V at any point (x, y, z), all in meters in space is given by V = 4x 2 volt. The electric
field at the point (1, 0, 2) in volt/meter is : [AIPMT Mains 2011]
(1) 8 along positive X-axis (2) 16 along negative X-axis
(3) 16 along positive X-axis (4) 8 along negative X-axis

6. Three charges, each +q, are placed at the corners of an isosceles triangle ABC of sides BC and AC,
2a. D and E are the mid points of BC and CA. The work done in taking a charge Q from D to E is:
[AIPMT Mains 2011]

eqQ qQ 3qQ
(1) (2) (3) zero (4)
8 0 a 4 0 a 4 0 a

7. An electric dipole of moment ´p´ is placed in an electric field of intensity ´E´. The dipole acquires a
position such that the axis of the dipole makes an angle  with the direction of the field. Assuming that
the potential energy of the dipole to be zero when  = 90º, the torque and the potential energy of the
dipole will respectively be : [AIPMT_Pre_2012]
(1) p E sin , – p E cos  (2) p E sin , – 2 p E cos 
(3) p E sin , 2 p Ecos  (4) p E cos , – p Ecos 

8. Four point charges –Q, –q, 2q and 2Q are placed, one at each corner of the square. The relation
between Q and q for which the potential at the centre of the square is zero is : [AIPMT_Pre_2012]
1 1
(1) Q = –q (2) Q = − (3) Q = q (4) Q =
q q

9. What is the flux through a cube of side 'a' if a point charge of q is at one of its corner :
[AIPMT_Pre_2012]
2q q q q
(1) (2) (3) (4) 6a2
0 80 0 20

10. Two metallic spheres of radii 1 cm and 3 cm are given charges of –1×10–2 C and 5×10–2 C, respectively.
If these are connected by a conducting wire, the final charge on the bigger sphere is :
[AIPMT 2012 (Mains)]
(1) 2×10–2 C (2) 3×10–2 C (3) 4×10–2 C (4) 1×10–2 C

11. A, B and C are three points in a uniform electric field. The electric potential is : [NEET_2013]

(1) maximum at B (2) maximum at C

(3) same at all the three points A, B and C (4) maximum at A
12. Two pith balls carrying equal charges are suspended from a common point by strings of equal length,
the equilibrium separation between them is r. Now the strings are rigidly clamped at half the height. The
equilibrium separation between the balls now become : [NEET_2013]

y
y/2
r r
2
 r   2r   2r   r 
(1)  3  (2)   (3)   (4)  
 2  3 3  2

13. A conducting sphere of radius R is given a charge Q. The electric potential and the electric field at the
centre of the sphere respectively are: [NEET_2014]
Q Q Q Q
(1) Zero & (2) & Zero (3) & (4) Both are zero.
40 R2 40 R 40 R 40 R2

14. In a region the potential is represented by V(x, y, z) = 6x – 8xy –8y + 6yz, where V is in volts and x, y, z,
are in meters. The electric force experienced by a charge of 2 coulomb situated at point (1, 1,1) is :
[NEET_ 2014]
(1) 6 5 N (2) 30N (3) 24N (4) 4 35 N

15. The electric field in a certain region is acting radially outward and is given by E = Ar. A charge
contained in a sphere of radius 'a' centred at the origin of the field, will given by :
[NEET _2015]
(1) A 0 a2 (2) 4 0 Aa3 (3) 0 Aa3 (4) 4 0 Aa3

16. If potential (in volts) in a region is expressed as V(x, y, z) = 6 xy – y + 2yz, the electric field (in N/C) at
point (1, 1, 0) is : [NEET_2015]
ˆ ˆ ˆ
(1) –(6i + 5 j + 2k) ˆ ˆ ˆ
(2) –(2i + 3 j + k) ˆ ˆ ˆ
(3) –(6i + 9 j + k) (4) –(3iˆ + 5ˆj + 3k)
ˆ

17. Two identical charged spheres suspended from a common point by two mass less strings of lengths ,

are initially at a distance d(d << ) a part because of their mutual repulsion. The charges begin to leak
from both the spheres at a constant rate. As a result, the spheres approach each other with a velocity v.
Then v varies as a function of the distance x between the spheres, as : [NEET_2016]
(1) v  x–1 (2) v  x1/2 (3) v  x (4) v  x–1/2

18. When an -particle of mass 'm' moving with velocity ' v ' bombards on a heavy nucleus of charge 'Ze' its
distance of closet approach from the nucleus depends on m as : [NEET_2016]
1 1 1
(1) m (2) (3) (4)
m m m2
19. An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30º with an electric field intensity 2 ×10 5 N/C. It experiences a
torque equal to 4 N m. The charge on the dipole, if the dipole length is 2cm, is [NEET_2016]
(1) 7 C (2) 8 mC (3) 2 mC (4) 5 mC
20. Suppose the charge of a proton and an electron differ slightly. One of them is – e, the other is (e + e).
If the net of electrostatic force and gravitational force between two hydrogen atoms placed at a distance
d (much greater than atomic size) apart is zero, then e is of the order of [Given mass of hydrogen
mh = 1.67 × 10–27 kg] [NEET_2017]
(1) 10–20 C (2) 10–23 C (3) 10–37 C (4) 10–47 C

21. The diagrams below show regions of equipotentials. [NEET_2017]

20 V 40 V 10 V 30 V 40 V
20 V 40 V 20 V

A B A B
B B
A A

10V
10 V 30 V 10 V 30 V 20 V 40 V 30 V
(a) (b) (c) (d)
A positive charge is moved from A to B in each diagram
(1) Maximum work is required to move q in figure (c).
(2) In all the four cases the work done is the same.
(3) Minimum work is required to move q in figure (a)
(4) Maximum work is required to move q in figure (b).

22. An electron falls from rest through a vertical distance h in a uniform and vertically upward directed
electric field E. The direction of electric field is now reversed, keeping its magnitude the same. A proton
is allowed to fall from rest in it through the same vertical distance h. The time of fall of the electron, in
comparison to the time of falls of the proton is : [NEET 2018]
(1) smaller (2) equal (3) 10 times greater (4) 5 times greater

23. A toy car with charge q moves on a frictionless horizontal plane surface under the influence of a uniform
electric field E . Due to the force q E , its velocity increases from 0 to 6 m/s in one second duration. At
that instant the direction of the field is reversed. The car continues to move for two more seconds under
the influence of this field. The average velocity and the average speed of the toy car between 0 to 3
seconds are respectively [NEET 2018]

24. Two point charges A and B, having charges +Q and –Q respectively, are placed at certain distance
apart and force acting between them is F. If 25% charge of A is transferred to B, then force between the
charges becomes: [NEET_ 2019-I]
4F 9F 16 F
(1) (2) F (3) (4)
3 16 9

25. Two parallel infinite line charges with linear charge densities + C/m and – C/m are placed at a
distance of 2R in free space. What is the electric field mid-way between the two line charges ?
[NEET_2019-I]
 2 
(1) N/ C (2) zero (3) N/ C (4) N/ C
20R 0R 0R
26. Two metal spheres, one of radius R and the other of radius 2R respectively have the same surface
charge density . They are brought in contact and separated. What will be the new surface charge
densities on them? [NEET_2019-II]
5 5 5 5
(1) 1 =, 2 =  (2) 1 =, 2 = 
6 6 2 6
5 5 5 5
(3) 1 = ,  2 =  (4) 1 = ,  2 = 
2 3 3 6

27. A sphere encloses an electric dipole with charges ±3 × 10 –6 C. What is the total electric flux across the
sphere? [NEET_2019-II]
(1) – 3 × 10–6 (2) Zero (3) 3 × 10–6 Nm2/C (4) 6 × 10–6 Nm2/C

PART - II : JEE (MAIN) / AIEEE PROBLEMS (PREVIOUS YEARS)

1. Two points P and Q are maintained at the potentials of 10 V and –4 V respectively. The work done in
moving 100 electrons from P to Q is : [AIEEE-2009, 4/144]
(1) 9.60 × 10–17 J (2) –2.24 × 10–16 J (3) 2.24 × 10–16 J (4) –9.60 × 10–17 J

2. A charge Q is placed at each of the opposite corners of a square. A charge q is placed at each of the
other two corners. If the net electrical force on Q is zero, then Q/q equals: [AIEEE-2009, 4/144]
1
(1) –1 (2) 1 (3) − (4) –2 2
2

3. Statement 1 : For a charged particle moving from point P to point Q, the net work done by an
electrostatic field on the particle is independent of the path connecting point P to point Q.
[AIEEE-2009, 6/144]
Statement 2 : The net work done by a conservative force on an object moving along a closed loop is
zero.
(1) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement-2 is the correct explanation of Statement-1.
(2) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement-2 is not the correct explanation of Statement-1.
(3) Statement-1 is false, Statement-2 is true.
(4) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is false.

4. A thin semi-circular ring of radius r has a positive charge q distributed uniformly over it. The net field E
at the centre O is : [AIEEE-2010, 4/144]

q q ˆj q ˆj q
(1) ĵ (2) – (3) – (4) ĵ
4  0 r
2 2
4  0 r
2 2
2  0 r
2 2
2 0r 2
2

5. Two identical charged spheres are suspended by strings of equal lengths. The strings make an angle of
30º with each other. When suspended in a liquid of density 0.8 g cm–3, the angle remains the same. If
density of the material of the sphere is 1.6 g cm –3, the dielectric constant of the liquid is
[AIEEE-2010, 8/144]
(1) 4 (2) 3 (3) 2 (4) 1

6. The electrostatic potential inside a charged spherical ball is given by  = ar2 + b where r is the distance
from the centre; a,b are constants. Then the charge density inside the ball is :
[AIEEE - 2011, 4/120, –1]
(1) –24 a0r (2) –6 a0r (3) –24 a0 (4) –6 a0
7. Two identical charged spheres suspended from a common point by two massless strings of length  are
initially a distance d(d < < ) apart becuase of their mutual repulsion. The charge begins to leak from
both the spheres at a constant rate. As a result the charges approach each other with a velocity .
Then as a function of distance x between them : [AIEEE - 2011, 4/120, –1]
(1)   x–1/2 (2)   x–1 (3)   x1/2 (4)   x
8. Two positive charges of magnitude ‘q’ are placed at the ends of a side (side 1) of a square of side ‘2a’.
Two negative charges of the same magnitude are kept at the other corners. Starting from rest, if a
charge Q moves from the middle of side 1 to the centre of square, its kinetic energy at the centre of
square is : [AIEEE 2011, 11 May; 4/120, –1]
1 2qQ  1 
(1) zero (2) 1 + 
40 a  5
1 2qQ  2  1 2qQ  1 
(3)  1–  (4)  1– 
40 a  5 40 a  5

9. In a uniformly charged sphere of total charge Q and radius R, the electric field E is plotted as function of
distance from the centre. The graph which would correspond to the above will be :
[AIEEE 2012, ; 4/120, –1]

(1) (2) (3) (4)

10. This questions has statement-1 and statement-2. Of the four choices given after the statements,
choose the one that best describe the two statements. [AIEEE 2012, ; 4/120, –1]
An insulating solid sphere of radius R has a unioformly positive charge density . As a result of this
uniform charge distribution there is a finite value of electric potential at the centre of the sphere, at the
surface of the sphere and also at a point out side the sphere. The electric potential at infinite is zero.
Statement-1 : When a charge ‘q’ is take from the centre of the surface of the sphere its potential
q
energy changes by .
3 0
r
Statement-2 : The electric field at a distance r (r < R) from the centre of the sphere is
3 0
(1) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement-2 is not the correct explanation of statement-1.
(2) Statement 1 is true Statement 2 is false.
(3) Statement 1 is false Statement 2 is true.
(4) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1.

11. Two charges, each equal to q, are kept at x = – a and x = a on the x-axis. A particle of mass m and
q
charge q0 = is placed at the origin. If charge q0 is given a small displacement (y <<a) along the y-
2
axis, the net force acting on the particle is proportional to : [JEE-Mains 2013, 4/120]
1 1
(1) y (2) –y (3) (4) −
y y

12. A charge Q is uniformly distributed over a long rod AB of length L as shown in the figure. The electric
potential at the point O lying at distance L from the end A is : [JEE-Mains 2013, 4/120]
O A B
L L
Q 3Q Q Qln2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
8 0 L 4 0 L 4 0 Lln2 4 0 L
2ˆ
13. Assume that an electric field E = 30x i exists in space. Then the potential difference V – V , where
A O
VO is the potential at the origin and VA the potential at x = 2 m is : [JEE-Mains 2014,
4/120]
(1) 120 V (2) –120 V (3) – 80 V (4) 80 V

14. A long cylindrical shell carries positive surface charge  in the upper half and negative surface charge –
 in the lower half. The electric field lines around the cylinder will look like figure given in :
(figures are schematic and not drawn to scale) [JEE(Main)-2015; 4/120, –1]
 (1) (2)

(3) (4)

15. A uniformly charged solid sphere of radius R has potential V0 (measured with respect to ) on its
3V0 5V0 3V0 V
surface. For this sphere the equipotential surfaces with potentials , , and 0 have radius
2 4 4 4
R1, R2, R3 and R4 respectively. Then [JEE(Main)-2015; 4/120, –1]
(1) R1 = 0 and R2 > (R4 – R3) (2) R1  0 and (R2 – R1) > (R4 – R3)
(3) R1 = 0 and R2 < (R4 – R3) (4) 2R < R4

16. The region between two concentric spheres of radii 'a' and 'b', respectively (see figure), has volume
A
charge density  = , where A is a constant and r is the distance from the centre. At the centre of the
r
spheres is a point charge Q. The value of A such that the electric field in the region between the
spheres will be constant, is : [JEE Main 2016]

a
Q
b

Q 2Q 2Q Q
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2(b − a )
2 2
(a − b )
2 2
a 2
2a2

17. An electric dipole has a fixed dipole moment p , which makes angle  with respect to x-axis. When

subjected to an electric field E1 = E ˆi , it experiences a torque T1 = kˆ . When subjected to another

electric field E2 = 3E1ˆj it experiences a torque T2 = −T1 . The angle  is : [JEE Main 2017]
(1) 90° (2) 30° (3) 45° (4) 60°

18. Three concentric metal shells A, B and C of respective radii a,b and c (a < b < c) have surface charge
densities +, – and + respectively. The potential of shell B is : [JEE-Main-2018]
  b2 − c 2    b2 − c 2    a 2 − b2    a 2 − b2 
(1) + a (2) + a (3) + c (4) + c
0  b  0  c  0  a  0  b 

19. Three charges +Q, q, +Q are placed respectively, at distance, 0, d/2 and d from the origin, on the x-
axis. If the net force experienced by +Q, placed at x = 0, is zero, then value of q is : [JEE Main 2019]
(1) +Q/2 (2) +Q/4 (3) –Q/2 (4) –Q/4

20. For a uniformly charged ring of radius R, the electric field on its axis has the largest magnitude at a
distance h from its centre. Then value of h is : [JEE Main 2019]
 R R
(1) (2) R (3) (4) R 2
2 5

21. ( )
Two point charges q1 10C and q2 (− 25 C) are placed on the x-axis at x = 1 m and x = 4 m
respectively. The electric field (in V/m) at a point y = 3 m on y-axis is, [JEE Main 2019]
 1 
take = = 9  10 9 Nm2C −2 
 4 g  0 
( )
(1) − 81 î + 81 ĵ  10 2 ( )
(2) 81 î − 81 ĵ  10 2 ( )
(3) − 63 î + 27 ĵ  10 2 ( )
(4) 63 î − 27 ĵ  10 2

A
22. Charge is distributed within a sphere of radius R with a volume charge density (r ) = e −2r / a , where A
r2
and a are constant. If Q is the total charge of this charge distribution, the radius R is :
[JEE Main 2019]
   
   
1 a 1 a  Q   Q 
(1) a log  (2) log  (3) log1 −  (4) a log1 − 
 1− Q  2  1− Q  2  2aA   2aA 
   
 2aA   2aA 

23. A charge Q is distributed over three concentric spherical shells of radii a, b, c (a < b < c) such that their
surface charge densities are equal to one another. The total potential at a point at distance r from their
common centre, where r < a, would be [JEE Main- 2019]
Q ab + bc + ca Q Q(a + b + c) Q(a2 + b2 + c 2 )
(1) (2) (3) (4)
12 0 abc 4 0 (a + b + c) 4 0 (a2 + b2 + c 2 ) 4 0 (a3 + b3 + c 3 )

24. Two electric dipoles, A, B with respective dipole moments dA = −4qaiˆ and dB = −2qaiˆ are placed on
the x–axis with a separation R, as shown in the figure. [JEE Main 2019]

The distance from A at which both of them produce the same potential is :
R 2R 2R R
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 −1 2 +1 2 −1 2 +1

25. Four equal point chargs Q each are placed in the xy-plane at (0, 2), (4, 2), (4, –2) and (0, –2). The work
required to put a fifth charge Q at the origin of the coordinate system will be [JEE Main 2019]
Q2  1  Q2  1  Q 2
Q 2
(1) 1 +  (2) 1 +  (3) (4)
4 0  3
 4 0  5
 4 0 2 2 0

26. Charge –q and +q located at A and B, respectively, constitute an electric dipole. Distance AB = 2a, O is
the mid-point of the dipole and OP is perpendicular to AB. A charge Q is placed at P where OP = y and
y >> 2a. The charge Q experiences an electrostatic force F. If Q is now moved along the equatorial line
y y 
to P' such that OP' =   , the force on Q will be close to :   2a  [JEE Main 2019]
 
3  3 
P

Q P'
O
A B
–q +q
(1) 3F (2) 27F (3) 9F (4) F/3

27. The given graph shown variation (with distance r from centre) of : [JEE Main 2019]
 r0

r0 r
(1) Electric field of a uniformly charged sphere
(2) Potential of a uniformly charged spherical shell
(3) Potential of a uniformly charged sphere
(4) Electric field of a uniformly charged spherical shell

28. Three charges Q, +q and +q and placed at the vertices of a right-angle isosceles triangle as shown
below. The net electrostatic energy of the configuration is zero, if the value of Q is :[JEE Main 2019]
Q

+q +q

− 2q −q
(1) + q (2) (3) –2q (4)
2 +1 1+ 2
 
29. A particle of mass m and charge q is in an electric and magnetic field given by E = 2 î + 3 ĵ ; B = 4 ĵ + 6k̂ .
The charged particle is shifted from the origin to the point P(x = 1; y = 1) along a straight path. The
magnitude of the total work done is : [JEE Main 2019]
(1) 5q (2) (2.5)q (3) (0.35) q (4) (0.15)q

30. An electric field of 1000 V/m is applied to an electric dipole at angle of 45°. The value of electric dipole
moment is 10–29 C.m. What is the potential energy of the electric dipole ? [JEE Main 2019]
(1) –9 × 10–20 J (2) –7 × 10–27 J (3) –10 × 10–29 J (4) –20 × 10–18 J

31. Determine the electric dipole moment of the system of three charges, placed on the vertices of an
equilateral triangle, as shown in the figure : [JEE Main 2019]
y
-2q

 

+q  +q
x
ˆi + ˆj ˆj − ˆi
(1) − 3 q ˆj (2) (q ) (3) 2q ĵ (4) 3q
2 2

32. There is a uniform spherically symmetric surface charge density at a distance R 0 from the origin. The
charge distribution is initially at rest and starts expanding because of mutual repulsion. The figure that
represents best the speed V(R(t)) of the distribution as a function of its instantaneous radius R(t) is:
[JEE Main 2019]
 V(R(t)) V(R(t))

(1) (2)

R0 R (t) R0 R (t)

V(R(t)) V(R(t))
V0

(3) (4)

R0 R (t) R0 R (t)

EXERCISE - 1
SECTION (A) :
1. (3) 2. (1) 3. (1) 4. (1) 5. (1) 6. (3) 7. (2)
8. (3) 9. (4) 10. (1) 11. (3) 12. (4) 13. (2) 14. (2)
15. (4) 16. (1) 17. (4) 18. (2) 19. (4) 20. (1) 21. (1)
SECTION (B) :
1. (4) 2. (2) 3. (3) 4. (3) 5. (2) 6. (3) 7. (3)
8. (1) 9. (4) 10. (3) 11. (4) 12. (4) 13. (2) 14. (3)
15. (2) 16. (2) 17. (3) 18. (1) 19. (1) 20. (3) 21. (3)
22. (4) 23. (2) 24. (2) 25. (3) 26. (3) 27. (3) 28. (1)
29. (2) 30. (2) 31. (3) 32. (1) 33. (4) 34. (2) 35. (1)
36. (1) 37. (1) 38. (2)
SECTION (C) :
1. (2) 2. (2) 3. (4) 4. (4) 5. (2) 6. (1) 7. (4)
8. (1) 9. (2) 10. (3) 11. (3) 12. (3) 13. (3) 14. (2)
15. (4) 16. (1) 17. (1) 18. (2) 19. (2) 20. (3) 21. (3)
22. (1) 23. (2) 24. (4) 25. (1) 26. (2) 27. (3) 28. (3)
29. (2) 30. (3) 31. (4) 32. (4) 33. (1) 34. (3) 35. (4)
36. (1) 37. (1) 38. (3) 39. (1) 40. (4) 41. (2) 42. (4)
43. (1) 44. (2)
SECTION (D) :
1. (2) 2. (3) 3. (2) 4. (4) 5. (2) 6. (4) 7. (2)
8. (2) 9. (3) 10. (3) 11. (3) 12. (2) 13. (3) 14. (1)
15. (1) 16. (4) 17. (4) 18. (3) 19. (2) 20. (1) 21. (1)
22. (4)
SECTION (E) :
1. (4) 2. (1) 3. (1) 4. (4)
SECTION (F) :
1. (4) 2. (4) 3. (2)
SECTION (G) :
1. (4) 2. (3) 3. (1) 4. (4) 5. (3) 6. (1) 7. (1)
8. (2) 9. (1) 10. (4) 11. (4) 12. (1) 13. (2) 14. (2)
15. (1) 16. (4)
SECTION (H) :
1. (3) 2. (4) 3. (2) 4. (1) 5. (3) 6. (2) 7. (1)
8. (2) 9. (2) 10. (3) 11. (4) 12. (3) 13. (3) 14. (3)
15. (1) 16. (3) 17. (4) 18. (2) 19. (1) 20. (3) 21. (3)
22. (4) 23. (3)
SECTION () :
1. (2) 2. (1) 3. (2) 4. (3) 5. (3) 6. (4) 7. (4)
8. (2) 9. (4) 10. (1) 11. (2) 12. (4) 13. (1) 14. (3)
15. (1) 16. (4) 17. (3) 18. (4) 19. (3) 20. (2)
SECTION (J) :
1. (3) 2. (3) 3. (2) 4. (3) 5. (4) 6. (1) 7. (3)
8. (3) 9. (1) 10. (1) 11. (2) 12. (1) 13. (1) 14. (1)
15. (2) 16. (2) 17. (1) 18. (1) 19. (4) 20. (2) 21. (3)
22. (4) 23. (2) 24. (3) 25. (3) 26. (2) 27. (1)
EXERCISE - 2
1. (2) 2. (3) 3. (1) 4. (1) 5. (4) 6. (2) 7. (2)
8. (3) 9. (4) 10. (3) 11. (3) 12. (2) 13. (2) 14. (3)
15. (4) 16. (3) 17. (3) 18. (1)
EXERCISE - 3
PART-I
1. (1) 2. (1) 3. (3) 4. (3) 5. (4) 6. (3) 7. (1)
8. (1) 9. (2) 10. (2) 11. (1) 12. (1) 13. (2) 14. (4)
15. (2) 16. (1) 17. (4) 18. (2) 19. (3) 20. (3) 21. (2)
22. (1) 23. (4) 24. (3) 25. (4) 26. (4) 27. (2)
PART – II
1. (3) 2. (4) 3. (1) 4. (3) 5. (3) 6. (4) 7. (1)
8. (4) 9. (3) 10. (3) 11. (1) 12. (4) 13. (3) 14. (1)
15. (3,4) 16. (4) 17. (4) 18. (4) 19. (4) 20. (1) 21. (4)
22. (2) 23. (3) 24. (3) 25. (2) 26. (2) 27. (2) 28. (2)
29. (1) 30. (2) 31. (1) 32. (4)
 Self Practice Paper (SPP)

1. A sphere of radius 1 cm has potential of 8000 V. The energy density near the surface of sphere will be:
(1) 64 × 105 J/m3 (2) 8 × 103 J/m3 (3) 32 J/m3 (4) 2.83 J/m3

2. In the above question, the electric force acting on a point charge of 2 C placed at the origin will be :
(1) 2 N (2) 500 N (3) –5 N (4) –500 N
3. Figure shows two large cylindrical shells having uniform linear charge densities +  and – . Radius of
inner cylinder is ‘a’ and that of outer cylinder is ‘b’. A charged particle of mass m, charge q revolves in a
circle of radius r. Then, its speed ‘v’ is : (Neglect gravity and assume the radii of both the cylinders to be
very small in comparison to their length.)

q 2 q q q
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 0 m  0 m  0 m 40m

4. A charge q is uniformly distributed over a large plastic plate. The electric field at a point P close to the
centre and just above the surface of the plate is 50 V/m. If the plastic plate is replaced by a copper plate
of the same geometrical dimensions and carrying the same uniform charge q, the electric field at the
point P will become:
(1) zero (2) 25 V/m (3) 50 V/m (4) 100 V/m
5. A point charge q is brought from infinity (slowly so that heat developed in the shell is negligible) and is
placed at the centre of a conducting neutral spherical shell of inner radius a and outer radius b, then
work done by external agent is:

k q2 k q2 k q2 k q2 k q2
(1) 0 (2) (3) – (4) –
2b 2b 2a 2a 2b
6. The magnitude of electric force on 2  c charge placed at the centre O of two equilateral triangles each
of side 10 cm, as shown in figure is P. If charge A, B, C, D, E & F are 2  c, 2  c, 2  c, -2 c, - 2  c, - 2 
c respectively, then P is:
F
E A
O
D B
C
(1) 21.6 N (2) 64.8 N (3) 0 (4) 43.2 N

7. A tiny spherical oil drop carrying a net charge q is balanced in still air with a vertical uniform electric field
81
of strength  105 Vm–1. When the field is switched off, the drop is observed to fall with terminal
7
velocity 2 × 10–3 m s–1. Given g = 9.8 m s–2, viscosity of the air = 1.8 × 10–5 Ns m–2 and the density of
oil = 900 kg m–3, the magnitude of q is :
(1) 1.6 × 10–19 C (2) 3.2 × 10–19 C (3) 4.8 × 10–19 C (4) 8.0 × 10–19 C
8. Identical charges (–q) are placed at each corners of a cube of side b, then the electrostatic potential
energy of charge (+q) placed at the centre of the cube will be :
4 2q2 8 2q2 4q2 8 2q2
(1) – (2) (3) – (4)
0 0b 3 0b 40b

9. 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 :

−q − 2q
(1) (2) (3) -2 q (4) + q
1+ 2 2+ 2

10. Six point charges are kept at the vertices of a regular hexagon of side L and centre O, as shown in the
1 q
figure. Given that K = , which of the following statement (s) is incorrect?
40 L2

(1) The elecric field at O is 6K along OD

(2) The potential at O is zero
(3) The potential at all points on the line PR is same
(4) The potential at all points on the line ST is same.

11. Two non-conducting solid spheres of radii R and 2R, having uniform volume charge densities 1 and 2
respectively, touch each other. The net electric field at a distance 2R from the centre of the smaller

sphere, along the line joining the centres of the spheres, is zero. The ratio 1 can be ;
2
32
(1) –4 (2) 2 (3) (4) 4
25

12. Let E1(r), E2(r) and E3(r) be the respective electric fields at a distance r from a point charge Q, an
infinitely long wire with constant linear charge density , and an infinite plane with uniform surface
charge density . if E1(r0) = E2(r0) = E3(r0) at a given distance r0, then

(1) Q = 4r02 (2) r0 = (3) E1(r0/2) = 2E2(r0/2) (4) E2(r0/2) = 4E3(r0/2)
2

SPP Answers
1. (4) 2. (4) 3. (1) 4. (3) 5. (3) 6. (4) 7. (4)

8. (3) 9. (2) 10. (4) 11. (4) 12. (3)

SPP Solutions
V 8000
1. E = Field near sphere = = = 8 × 105 V/m .
R 1 10 –2
1 40 2 8  8  1010 80
 Energy density = 0E2 = E = = = 2.83 J/m3.
2 8 8  9  109 9
 dV
2. At origin, E = – = – 2.5 V/cm = – 250 V/m
dr
 F = force on 2C = q E = 2 × (– 250) N = – 500 N.

3.

Using Gauss's law for Gaussian surface shown in figure.

→ → 
q 
 E.dA = in ; E. 2r =
0 0
 E=
20r
For circular motion.
mV 2 q q
qE = =  V=
r 20r 20m
plastic plate
Q Copper (metallic) plate
q/2
q/2
q
EP = = 50 V/m
P P

4.
q/2 q/2 q
EP = + = = 50V / m
2A0 2A0 2A0

5. →
Work done by external agent :
 Kq2 Kq2 K( +q)( −q) K( −q)( +q) K( +q)( +q)  Kq2 Kq2
Wext = UF – Ui  Wext =  + + + +  −0 = −
 2a 2b (a) b b  2b 2a
 

6.

10
The given figure shows force diagram for charge at O due to all other charges with r = cm
3
 Fnet = 2F + 4F cos 60º = 4F
4k(2c)(2c) 4  9  109  2  2  10 –12
= = = 36 × 4 × 300 × 10–3 N = 43.2 N. (Towards E)
 10 
2
 1 
   300 
 3100   

7. In equilibrium, mg = qE
In absence of electric field,
mg = 6rv
  qE = 6qrv
4 qE
m = Rr3d. =
3 g
3
4  qE  qE
   d =
3  6v  g
After substituting value we get,
q = 8 × 10–19 C Ans.

8. Electrostatic potential energy of charge +q placed at the centre of cube is

1 q(–q) 1 –q2 –4q2
U=8× × =8× =
40 half − diagonaldistace 40 3 3 0b
b
2
9. Net electrostatic energy of the configuration will be
 q.q Q.q Q.q  1
U=K  + +  Here K =
 a 2a a  4 0
U = 0 gives
−2q
Q=
2+ 2

10.
E0 = 6 K (along OD)
V0 = 0
Potential on line PR is zero

11.

At point P
If resultant electric field is zero
then
KQ1 KQ2
2
= R
4R 8R3
1
=4
2

At point Q
If resultant electric field is zero
then
KQ1 KQ2
2
+ =0
4R 25R2
 1 32
=– ( must be negative)
2 25 1

Q  
12. = =
4 0 r02 2 0 r0 2 0

Q = 2r02 A incorrect


r0 = B incorrect


 r  4E1 ( r0 )
E1  0  =
2 1

r 
E2  0  = 2E2(r0)  C correct
2

r 
E3  0  = E3(r0) = E2 (r0) D incorrect
2