Electrostatics

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SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. The equation of an equipotential line in an electric field is y=2x, then the electric field strength vector at (1, 2)
may be :
(A) 4iˆ  3jˆ (B) 4iˆ  8jˆ (C) 8iˆ  4ˆj (D) 8iˆ  4ˆj
Ans. (D)
Sol. Equipotential line in electric field y = 2x
sope of line  m1= 2
Electric field vector is perpendicular to equipotential line (let it's slope is m2)
 m1 × m2 = –1
1
m2  
2
Option D satisfies the slope.

2. The diagram shows a small bead of mass m carrying charge q. The bead can freely move on the smooth fixed
ring placed on a smooth horizontal plane. In the same plane a charge + Q has also been fixed as shown. The
potential at the point A due to +Q is V. The velocity with which the bead should projected from the point A so
that it can complete a circle should be greater than :
g

+Q
B A
a 4a

6qV qV 3qV
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
m m m
Ans. (A)
Sol. Change in potential at B is 3V. (If bead reach at B it will complete the circle).
1
mv 2  (3V)q
2
6Vq
V
m

3. An infinite, uniformly charged sheet with surface charge density  cuts through a spherical Gaussian surface of
radius R at a distance x from its center, as shown in the figure. The electric flux through the Gaussian surface
is :


R
x

(A)
R 2 
(B)

2 R 2  x 2   (C)
2
R  x  
(D)
 
 R2  x2 
0 0 0 0
Ans. (D)
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R 2 
Sol. 1 
0
R 2 R x
1 
0
 2
Net  (R  x 2 )
0

4. The maximum electric field at a point on the axis of a uniformly charged ring is E0. At how many points on the
axis will the magnitude of electric field be E0/2
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
Ans. (D)

Sol. E0 E

1 2 3 4
E0/2

So there are 4 points (1, 2, 3, 4)

5. Plates A and B constitutes an isolated, charge parallel plate capacitor. The inner surfaces ( I and IV) of A and B
have charges + Q and –Q respectively. A third plate C with charge + Q is now introduced midway between A
and B. Which of the following statements is not correct?
+Q

(A) The surfaces I and II will have equal and opposite charges
(B) The surfaces III and IV will have equal and opposite charges
(C) The charge on surface III will be greater than Q
(D) The potential difference between A and C will be equal to the potential difference between C and B
Ans. (D)

Sol. 3Q Q
Q Q 
2 2
2 2
Q 3Q

2 2

Potential difference between A and C is not equal to C and B.

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6. A particle of charge –q & mass m moves in a circle of radius r around an infinitely long line charge of linear
1
charge density +. Then time period will be : (k = )
4 0

m 4 2 m 3 1 2k q 1 m
(A) T  2r (B) T 2  r (C) T  (D) T 
2k q 2k q 2r m 2r 2k q
Ans. (A)
Sol. Field due to infinitely long line charge at r

E
20 r
 Force experienced by –q
q
= qE 
20 r
+

–q
r

q
Now,  mr2
20 r
2
q  2 
 mr  
20 r  T 

mr4  2  20 r mr 2 2 2
T2  T
q k q
m
T  2r
2kq

7. The charge per unit length of the four quadrant of the ring is 2 – ,  and– respectively. The electric field
at the centre is :

  2
(A) î (B) ĵ (C) î (D) None
20 R 20 R 4  0 R
Ans. (A)
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Sol. Net electric field is along the negative x-axis.

–2 +2
1

2
 –

    ˆ    2 K 
E Net  E 1  E 2  i | E | | E |  
20 R  R 

8. An electron is projected as in figure with kinetic energy K, at an angle  = 45° between two charged plates.
The magnitude of the electric field so that the electron just fails to strike the upper plate, should be greater
than:

K E d

+ 45° + + + + +
K 2K K
(A) (B) (C) (D) Infinite
ed ed 2ed
Ans. (C)
u 2 sin 2 
Sol. Electron will follow projectile motion for projectile H max 
2g
2
 1 
u2  
 2  qE 
 d  a
2  acceleration m 
u2 m k k
d d or E 
2  2  qE 2eE 2ed

9.  
A point charge 50 C is located in the XY plane at the point of position vector r0  2iˆ  3jˆ meter. What is


the electric field at the point of position vector r  8iˆ  5jˆ meter: 
(A) 1200 V/m (B) 0.04 V/m (C) 900 V/m (D) 4500 V/m
Ans. (D)

Sol. r 0  (2iˆ  3j)m
ˆ

r  (8iˆ  5ˆj)m
 
the distance from point charge 50 C  r  r 0  (6iˆ  8ˆj)

Magnitude of displacement  (6)2  (8)2  10 m

 Electric field
kQ 9  109  50  106
  4500 v / m,
r2 100

10. In a certain region of space, the potential is given by V=k (2x2 – y2 + z2). The electric field at the point
(1, 1, 1) has magnitude :
(A) k 6 (B) 2k 6 (C) 2k 3 (D) 4k 3
Ans. (B)

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v k(2x 2  y 2  z 2 )
Sol. Ex    4kx
x x
at x = 1  –4k
v (2x 2  y 2  z 2 )
Ey   k  2ky
y y
at y = 1  2k
v
Ez    K(2x 2  y 2  z 2 )
z
= –2kz
at z = 1  –2k
 magnitude of field
 (4k)2  (2k)2  (2k)2  2k 6

11. In the figure a hemispherical bowl of radius R is shown. Electric field of intensity E is present perpendicular to
the circular cross section of the hemisphere. The electric flux through the hemisphere is

(A) 0 (B) E (R2) (C) E (2R2) (D) E (3R2)

Ans. (B)
 
Sol.   E  A  ER 2

12. Two identical particles of mass m carry a charge Q each. Initially one is at rest on a smooth horizontal plane
and the other is projected along the plane directly towards first particle from a large distance with speed v. The
closest distance of approach be :
1 Q2 1 4Q 2 1 2Q 2 1 3Q 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 0 mv 4  0 mv 2 4  0 mv 2 4  0 mv 2
Ans. (B)
Q Q
m
V m
Sol. rest
at closest approach both will move with same velocity
by conservation of momentum  mv = mu + mu
Q, m Q, m
u r u

v
or u
2
1 1 1 kQ 2
By conservation of energy  mv 2  mu 2  mu 2 
2 2 2 r
mv 2 kQ 2
or 
4 r
1 4Q 2
r  Option B
4  0 mv 2

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13. The electric field inside a sphere which carries a charge density proportional to the distance from the centre
 =  r ( is a constant) is:
 r3  r2  r2
(A) (B) (C) (D) none of these
4 0 4 0 3 0
Ans. (B)
charge
Sol. E  ds  
0
r
r4 r 2
E  4 r 2    dr dr
0
0
r
4 r
4  r r 2
E  4 r 2     E
0  4  0 4 0

14. If the electric potential of the inner shell is 10 volt & that of the outer shell is 5 volt, then the potential at the
centre will be: (the shells are uniformly charged)

(A) 10 volt (B) 5 volt (C) 15 volt (D) 0

Ans. (A)

Sol. a

Electric field inside inner shell is zero therefore potential remains constant.

15. Two point charges + q and –q are held fixed at (–d, 0) and (d, 0) respectively of a x–y co–ordinate system.
Then which of the following statement is incorrect :
(A) The electric field E at all points on the x–axis has the same direction
(B) No work has to be done in bringing a test charge from  to the origin
(C) Electric field at all point on y–axis is parallel to x–axis
(D) The dipole moment is 2 qd along the –ve x–axis
Ans. (A)
Sol. The electric field E at all the points on the x-axis will not be same direction.

+q –q
–d,0 d,0

16. Which one of the following pattern of electric line of force can't possible :

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Ans. (C)
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Sol. Electric lines of force never form a close loop because it is conservative force.
So this pattern is not possible.

17. Due to a charge inside a cube the electric field is Ex = 600 x1/2, Ey = 0, Ez = 0. The charge inside the cube is
(approximately):
Y
0.1m

O X

0.1 m
Z

(A) 600 C (B) 60 C (C) 7 pC (D) 6 pC

Ans. (C)
Sol. Let side is „a‟

 

1 = –E1a2 = –600(a)1/2 a2 = –600 a5/2

2 = E1a2 = –600(2a)1/2 a2 = 2  600a5/2
Net  600( 2  1)a5/2
Using the guass theorm we get
qin   0  600( 2  1)a5/2  0
 7 pC

18. Electric flux through a surface of area 100 m2 lying in the xy plane is (in V–m) if E  ˆi  2jˆ  3kˆ :
(A) 100 (B) 141.4 (C) 173.2 (D) 200
Ans. (C)

Sol. E  ˆi  2jˆ  3kˆ

A  100 kˆ
 
  E  A  3  100  173.2

19. Two small electric dipoles each of dipole moment piˆ are situated at (0, 0, 0) and (r, 0, 0). The electric
r 3r 
potential at a point  , , 0  is :
2 2 
 
p p p
(A) (B) 0 (C) (D)
4  0 r 2 2 0 r 2 8  0 r 2
Ans. (B)

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Sol. r 3 
 , r,0 
2 2 

(0,0,0) (r,0,0)
kp cos 
V1 
r2
kp cos 
V2 
r2
Vnet = V1 – V2 = 0

20. A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such that the potential on its surface is 10V. The potential at
the distance 3 cm from the centre of the sphere is :
(A) zero (B) 10 V
(C) same as at a point 5 cm away from the surface (D) same as at a point 25 cm away from the surface
Ans. (B)
Sol. Inside electric field is zero.
So, potential is constant
i.e. 10 V

21. A metallic solid sphere is placed in a uniform electric field. The lines of force follow the path(s) shown in figure as
1 1
2 2
3 3

4 4
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
Ans. (D)
Sol. The electric lines of force cannot enters the metallic sphere. The origination and termination of the electric lines
of force from the metallic surface is normal.

22. A conducting sphere of radius R and a concentric thick spherical shell of inner radius 2R and outer radius 3R is
shown in figure. A charge +10Q is given to the shell and inner sphere is earthed. Then charge on inner sphere is

(A) –4Q (B) –10Q (C) zero (D) none

Ans. (A)
Sol. 10 +q1
3R
–q1 2R
q1 R

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Vc = 0

Kq1 Kq1 K(10Q  q1 )

Vc   
R 2R 3R
5q1 10Q
  q1  4Q
6 3

23. Figure shows three spherical and equipotential surfaces 1, 2 and 3 round a point charge q. The potential
difference V1 – V2 = V2 – V3. If t1 and t2 be the distance betwen them. Then

(A) t1 = t2 (B) t1 > t2 (C) t1 < t2 (D) t1 < t2

Ans. (C)
1 1 r r 
Sol. V1  V2  kq     kq  2 1 
 r1 r2   r1 r2 
(V  V2 )r1r2
i.e., (r2  r1 )  1
kq
(r2 – r1) = t
 t  r1 r2
So, if potential difference is constant then t2 > t1

24. The figure shows a nonconducting ring which has positive and negative charge non uniformly distributed on it
such that the total charge is zero. Which of the following statements is true?
+
++
++++++++

O
axis
+++
++

(A) The potential at all the points on the axis will be zero.
(B) The electric field at all the points on the axis will be zero.
(C) The direction of electric field at all points on the axis will be along the axis.
(D) If the ring is placed inside a uniform external electric field then net torque and force acting on the ring
would be zero.
Ans. (A)
Sol. Potential at all the points on the axis will be zero.

25. Three charges Q, +q and +q are placed at the vertices of a right angle triangle Q
(isoscles triangle) as shown. The net electrostatic energy of the configuration is zero, if
Q is equal to :
q 2q
(A) (B)
1 2 2 2
(C) –2q (D) +q +q +q
Ans. (B) a

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Sol. (B) Net electrostatic energy of the configuration will be :
 q.q Q.q Q.q  1
U= K    ; Here K = 4  
 a 2a a  0
U = 0 gives
2q
Q=
2 2

26. In the figure shown, A is a fixed charged. B (of mass m) is given a velocity V perpendicular to line AB. At this
moment the radius of curvature of the resultant path of B is

4  0 r 2 mv 2
(A) 0 (B)  (infinity) (C) (D) r
q2
Ans. (C)
Sol. Let radius of curvature = R
V

r R
A
+q B Felectrostatic
2
Kq  q mv
then 
r2 R
mv 2 r 2
R  Option C
Kq 2

27. A non-conducting sphere of radius R is filled with uniform volume charge density –. The center of this sphere
is displaced from the origin by d . The electric field E at any point P having position vector, r inside the
sphere is

   
(A) d (B) (r  d) (C) (d  r) (D) (d  r)
3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0
Ans. (C)
Sol. For internal point of solid sphere
 KQ
E = r
R3
   
E =  r  (ˆr)
 3 0 
  
E = (PC)
3 0
   
E = (d  r )
3 0

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28. Four charges are arranged at the corners of a square ABCD as shown in the figure. The force on the charge
kept at the centre O will be :

(A) perpendicular to side AB (B) along the diagonal BD

(C) along the diagonal AC (D) zero
Ans. (B)
Sol. force due to charges at A and C will cancel out
resultant force will only be due to +2q and –2q
force will be along BD
Option B

29. An electron travelling in an uniform electric field passes from a region of potential V1 to a region of higher
potential V2. Then
(A) No change takes place in velocity component parallel to interface of two regions.
(B) Direction of its motion remains unchanged but speed increases.
(C) Direction of its motion may change but speed must be decreased.
(D) Decrease in kinetic energy is proportional to V2  V1 .
Ans. (A)
Sol. V1 Vy V2

e Vx Vy = constant
eE Vx 
E
V2 > V 1

30.. Two equal negative charges –q are fixed at point (0, –a) and (0, a) on y–axis. A positive charge Q is released
from rest at the point (2a, 0) on the x–axis. The charge Q will :
(A) execute simple harmonic motion about the origin
(B) move to the origin and remain at rest
(C) move to infinity
(D) execute oscillatory but not simple harmonic motion
Ans. (D)
0,a –q

Sol. Q
Fnet (2a, 0)

0,–a –q
SHM is only applicable for small amplitude therefore Q will execute oscillatory motion but not SHM.
Option D

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SECTION - 1 : MULTIPLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. A bead of mass m, charge q is at rest w.r.t. to rod PS which is accelerated towards right with acceleration of
a0 m/s2. A uniform electric field E0 is present towards the right. (Neglect friction) “N” denotes normal reaction
between bead and the rod.
P m,q

a0 m/s2
E0

S
Which of the following equation is / are correct :
(A) m a0 cos  = qE0 cos  + mg sin  (B) N + qE0 sin  = mg cos  + ma0 sin 
(C) N – qE0 sin  = mg cos  + ma0 sin  (D) N + ma0 sin  = mg cos  + qE0 sin 
Ans. (A,B)
Sol. Make components of all forces along & perpendicular to the plane
N
ma

qE0
mg

qE sin  ma sin 
N
ma
qE0
ma
  
mg cos  mg sin 
mg
qE cos  ma cos 
Now balance forces perpendicular to plane
(N + qE sin ) – Mg cos  = m a sin 
(N + qE sin ) = (Mg cos  + m a sin )
Now balance forces along the plane
(mg sin ) + (qE0) cos  = ma cos 

2. A thin metallic spherical shell contains a charge Q over it. A point charge +q is placed inside the shell at point
T separated from the centre by distance „a‟. Another point charge q1 is placed outside the shell at a distance b
from the centre as shown in the adjacent figure.
Q

+q a c b
T q1
R

Now, select the correct statement(s) from the following.

(A) Electric field at the centre due to charge over outer surface of the shell is zero.
q1
(B) Electric field at the centre due to charge over outer surface of the shell is .
4  0 b 2
q q Q q 1
(C) Electric potential at the centre due to all charges in space is a  R  R  b .
4  0
 
1  q Q q1 
(D) Electric potential at the centre due to all charges in space is   .
4  0  a R b 
Ans. (B,D)
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Sol. Total charge on outer ring = (Q + q)
Kq  Kq   K(Q  q)  Kq1 +q
Vc     
a  R   R  b
Kq Kq KQ Kq Kq1
     q
a R R R b q –q
q Q q  C
 K   1 R
a R b  Q
1  q Q q1 
  
4   a R b 
Charge outside the body is q1 & distance b
Kq1 q
E 
b2 4 b2

3. Two point charges Q and –Q/4 are separated by a distance x. Then :

(A) potential is zero at a point on the axis which is at a distance x/3 on the right side of the charge –Q/4
(B) potential is zero at a point on the axis which is at a distance x/5 on the left side of the charge –Q/4
(C) electric field is zero at a point on the axis which is at a distance x on the right side of the charge–Q/4
(D) there exist two points on the axis where electric field is zero
Ans. (A,B,C)
x
Sol.
Q –Q/4
Let us calculate the potential at a point which is x/3 distance towards right of –Q/4
x x/3
Q –Q/4 A
KQ KQ / 4
VA  
(x  x / 3) x/3
KQ KQ 3KQ 3KQ
    0
4x / 3 4x / 3 4x 4x
Now calculate the potential as a point which is x/5 distance left from –Q/4.
x
Q B –Q/4
x/5
KQ K(Q / 4)
VB = 
(x  x / 5) x/5
KQ KQ 5KQ 5KQ
    0
4x / 5 4x / 5 4x 4x
Now calculate electric field at point a from –Q/4
x x
Q –Q/4 C
 KQ   KQ / 4 
EC   2
towards right    2
towards right 
 (x  x)   (x) 
 KQ KQ 
  2  2  towards right = 0
 4x 4x 

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Let make a point D on axis where Electric field is zero.
a x–a
Q D –Q/4
x
If we get quadratic equation then there is two possible values for D.
KQ KQ / 4
E D  2 towards right  towards right
a (x  a)2
 KQ KQ 
 2   towards right
a 4(x  a)2 
Let ED = 0
KQ KQ

a2 4(x  a)2
 a2 = 4(x – a)2
a = ± 2(x – a)
By taking positve sign a = 2x – 2a  a = 2x/3
By taking negative sign a = 2x
a = 2x is not an axis so there can be only one point.

4. Three points charges are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side L as shown in the figure:
2q

L L

+q L +q
(A) The potential at the centroid of the triangle is zero.
(B) The electric field at the centroid of the triangle is zero.
(C) The dipole moment of the system is 2qL
(D) The dipole moment of the system is 3qL
Ans. (A,D)
Sol. (A) Let the distance of centroid to all vertices is x then
–2q

120° O 120°
120°
x x

q q
K(2q) K(q) Kq
V0    0
x x x
(B) Now electric field at point O
Net electric field be vertically upwards and non-zero.
2q
E3
E3 E1 = E 2 E2 E1

60° 60°
E1 E2

q q

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
(C) There is 2 dipoles.
–q –q

P1 P2

q q
=60°
P1 = +qL
P2 = qL

Pnet = P12  P22  2P1P2 cos 

 (qL)2  (qL)2  2(qL)2 cos 60

 (qL)2  (qL)2  (qL)2  3 qL

5. Charges Q1 and Q2 lies inside and outside respectively of a closed surface S. Let E be the field at any point on
S and  be the flux of E over S.
(A) If Q1 changes, both E and  will change.
(B) If Q2 changes, E will change but  will not change.
(C) If Q1=0 and Q2 0 then E  0 but  = 0
(D) If Q1 0 and Q2=0 then E=0 but 0
Ans. (A,B,C)

Sol.  depends on the charge enclosed whereas E depends upon both charges.
Q2

Q1
S

(A) If Q1 changes; E &  changes.

(B) If Q2 changes; E changes &  will not change
(C) If Q1 = 0, Q2  0;  = 0 since it depends upon Q1 & E  0 since it depends upon both Q1 & Q2
(D) Q1  0, Q2  0; =0&E0

6. An electric dipole is placed at the centre of a sphere. Mark the correct answer :
(A) The flux of the electric field passing through the sphere is zero
(B) The electric field is zero at every point of the sphere
(C) The electric potential is zero everywhere on the sphere
(D) The electric potential is zero on a circle on the surface
Ans. (A,D)
Sol.

+q –q

(A)  depends upon net charge in Gaussian surface.

  = 0 since qnet = 0
(B) E  0
Electric potential will be zero on center & surface only.

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7. At distance of 5 cm and 10 cm outwards from the surface of a uniformly charged solid sphere, the potentials
are 100 V and 75 V respectively. Then :
(A) potential at its surface is 150 V
–10
(B) the charge on the sphere is (5/3) x 10 C
(C) the electric field on the surface is 1500 V/m
(D) the electric potential at its centre is 225 V
Ans. (A,C,D)
KQ
Sol. We know that V 
r +
KQ KQ + + +
(100V) (75V)
VA    100V + + + +
(R  r) (5  R) R C A B
+ + +
10 cm
KQ KQ + + + +
VB    75 V
R  r (10  R) +

KQ = 500 + 100 R ....(1)

KQ = 750 + 75 R ....(2)
From (1) & (2)
R = 10 cm = (1/10) meters
Now KQ = 100 × 15 × 10–2 = 15 volt × cm.
Q = 15 / K
KQ K  (15 / K)
VC    150 Volts
R 0.1
15 15 5
Q   
K a  10 9
a  10 9 C
15
K
KQ K  1500 V / m
EC  
R2 (0.1)2
15
K
3 KQ 3 K  225 volts
V0   
2 R 2 0.1

8. X and Y are large, parallel conducting plates closed to each other. Each face has an area A. X is given a charge
Q. Y is without any charge. Points A, B and C are as shown in figure :
X Y

A B C

Q
(A) The field at B is
20 A
Q
(B) The field at B is
0 A
(C) The fields at A, B and C are of the same magnitude
(D) The field at A and C are of the same magnitude, but in opposite directions
Ans. (A,C,D)

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
x
Sol. (A)

A B C
–Q/2 Q/2
Q/2 Q/2

At point B field will be due to plate X only since net charge on y is zero.
 Q Q
E  
2 0 2A 0 2 0 A
 Q
(C) Field at A, B, C will have same magnitude i.e.  and direction at B & C will be in right
2 0 2 0 A
whereas at A it will be in left.
Q
(D) Magnitude at A, C will be but on C direction will be rightward whereas for A it will be leftward.
2 A

9. A hollow, insulating spherical shell has a surface charge distribution placed upon it, such that the upper
hemisphere has a uniform surface charge density +, while the lower hemisphere has a uniform surface
charge density –, as shown in the figure. Their interface lies in x-y plane. Which of the following statement (s)
is / are correct

(A) The field at all points of x-y plane within the sphere points in the – ve z-direction
(B) All points of the x-y plane within the sphere are equipotential.
(C) The field at all points on z-axis outside the sphere point along positive z-direction
(D) The field at points on z axis which are on either side of origin outside the sphere is in opposite directions.
Ans. (A,B,C)
Sol. Due to symmetric charge distribution, the electric field intensity at any point on the x-y plane will be along z-
axis. It means field lines are perpendicular to the x-y plane. It further explains x-y plane is equipotential plane
as electric field lines are always perpendicular to equipotential surface.
z

dq

dE– y
–dq
dE+ E

10. A dielectric cylinder of radius a is infinitely long. Its volume charge density  varies directly as the distance from
the cylinder. If  is zero at the axis and is s on the surface, the electric intensity due to it is :
s a 3 s r 2
(A) at a point distant „r‟ outside it (B) at a point distant „r‟ inside it
3 0 r 30 a
s a s
(C) at a point on its surface (D) at a point on its surface
30 3 0 a 2
Ans. (ABC)
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
s r a
Sol. 
a
for r>a
  q enc
 s E  ds  0
h
a
1 x
 
0 0
2 x dx h s
a

2h s a 2
 E · 2rh =
30
s a 2
 E
3r 0
for r=a
s a
E(r  a) 
30
for r<a
  r
1 2 x dx h s x
 E ds  0 0 a
1 2 h  s r 3
 E  2rh 
0 a 3
s r 2
 E
3a 0

SECTION - 2 : COMPREHENSION BASED QUESTIONS

(SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTION)
Comprehension-1 for Q.no. (11 & 12)
There are two non-conducting spheres having uniform volume charge densities  and – . Both spheres have
equal radius R. The spheres are now laid down such that they overlaps as shown in the figure.

11. The electric field E in the overlap region is

 
(A) non uniform (B) zero (C) d (D) r
30 30
Ans. (C)
12. The potential difference V between the centers of the two spheres for d = R is
 2  2 2 2
(A) d (B) d (C) zero (D) d
30 0 0
Ans. (A)
Sol.(11 & 12)
 KQ 
E 1 = 3 C1 P
R
 KQ 
E 2 = 3 PC2
R

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   KQ    
E = E1  E 2  C P  PC 2 
3  1
R  
 KQ  K 4 
 
E =  (C C )  3  R 3 (C1C 2 )
3  1 2
R  R 3
 1 
E = (C1C 2 )
3 0
V = Ed

Comprehension-2 for Q.no. (13 to 15)

When two concentric shells are connected by a thin conducting wire, whole of the charge of inner shell
transfers to the outer shell and potential difference between them becomes zero. Surface charge densities of two
thin concentric spherical shells are  and – respectively. Their radii are R and 2R. Now they are connected by a
thin wire.
–
+

R
2R

13. Potential on either of the shells will be :

3R 2R R
(A)  (B)  (C)  (D) zero
20 20 20
Ans. (A)
Sol. Q1 = 4R2 –4Q1

Q2 = –4(2R)2 Q1

Q2 = –4Q1
R 2R
Potential 
K  3Q1 


3K 4 R 2   3R
2R 2R 20

14. Suppose electric field at a distance r (> 2R) was E1 before connecting the two shells and E2 after connecting
E2
the two shells, then is :
E1
(A) zero (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) ½
Ans. (B)
Sol. If we connect the shell charge of inner shell transfers to outer shell.
–3Q1

E1 = E2 in both case charge can be concentrated at center.

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
3R
15. Suppose electric field at a distance r  was E1 before connecting the two shells and E2 after connecting the
2
E2
two shells, then is :
E1
(A) zero (B) 1 (C) 9/8 (C) 8/9
Ans. (A)
After connecting two shells E2 become zero.

Comprehension-3 for Q.no. (16 to 18)

There is a cubical cavity inside a conducting sphere of radius R. A positive point charge Q is placed at the
centre of the cube and another positive charge q is placed at a distance l (>R) from the centre of the sphere.
The sphere is earthed

16. Charge induced on the inner surface of cavity is

(A) –Q, uniformly distributed (B) –Q, non-uniformly distributed
(C) –(Q+q) non-uniformly distributed (D) none
Ans. (B)
Sol. Charge induced on inner surface of cavity will be –Q and non-uniformly distributed as there is no symmetry.
Since electric field in the conducting sphere has to be zero, –Q charge is induced.

17. Net charge on the outer surface of conducting sphere is

(A) +Q (B) Q – qR/l (C) –qR/l (D) none
Ans. (C)
Sol. Let charge on surface be qs
Since potential at centre of sphere is zero, we can write
qs R
 0
4 0 R 4 0
qR
 qs  

18. Potential at a point inside the cavity is

(A) zero (B) positive (C) negative (D) can not be determined.
Ans. (B)
Sol. Since potential anywhere on conductor is zero, but a charge +Q exists in the cavity because of which there will
be a non-zero electric field inside the cavity, potential inside the cavity will be positive.
– Cavity
– –
– – Electric field liver

– –
–
Potential at the surface of cavity is zero. As we move from surface towards centre, potential increase because
potential increases as we move opposite to the direction of electric field.

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SECTION - 1 : NUMERICAL ANSWER BASED QUESTIONS

1. Figure shows three circular arcs, each of radius R and total charge as indicated. The net electric potential at the
Q
centre of curvature is . Find n.
n0 R
+Q

45°
30°
–2Q •

R
+3Q

Ans. (2)
Sol. Entire charge is equidistant from centre.
3Q  Q  2Q Q
 Vcenter = 
4  0 R 2 0 R

2. Two equal point charges Q   2C are placed at each of the two opposite corners of a square and equal
1
point charges q at each of the other two corners. The value of q must be equal to C so that the resultant
n
force on Q is zero. Find n.
Ans. (2)
Sol. (FQ)total = FQq  FQq  FqQ Q q

0 = 2Fq cos 45° + FQ

1 KQq KQ 2 Q
0 = 2  2
 2
q Fq
2 a 2a
Q  2 1 FQ
q    C Fq
2 2 2 2 2

3. A thin circular wire of radius r has a charge Q. If a point charge q is placed at the centre of the ring, then find
qQ
the increase in tension in the wire is . Find n.
n 0 r 2
2

Ans. (8)
Sol. We consider an element subtending angle d at the centre

d
Tcos d
Tcos
2
2

T T

Tsin
d Tsin d
2 2

d d
2 2

F = electrostatic force on element

 KQ 
 Rd 
KdQ.q  2R  q  KQq d
 2
 2
R R 2R 2
d d KQqd Qq
2T sin 2T   2
T 
2 2 2R 8  0 r 2
2

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4. A dipole is placed at origin of coordinate system as shown in figure, the electric field at point P(0, y) is
KP
2y n
 
ˆi  2jˆ . Find n.
y

P (0,y)

X
O 450
P
Ans. (3)
K  P cos 45  ˆ
Sol. Ex  i
y3
2K  P sin 45  ˆ
Ey  j
y3
KP  ˆ ˆ
EP    i  2j 
2y 3

5. A point charge Q is located on the axis of a disc of radius R at a distance a from the plane of the disc. If one
R
fourth (1/4th) of the flux from the charge passes through the disc, then the relation between a & R is a  .
n
Find n.
R

Q
Ans. (3)
q 1  cos 
Sol. Flux = 
4 0 2
where  is the semi–vertex angle
1 a R
 cos =  ;a
2 a2  R2 3

P
6. Two point dipoles pkˆ and k̂ are located at (0, 0, 0) and (1m, 0, 2m) respectively. The resultant electric field
2
7
due to the two dipoles at the point (1m, 0, 0) is kpk . Find n.
n
Ans. (8)
KP
Sol. Electric field due to dipole P   3  ˆk
1
P
2K 
P 2 k̂
Electric field due to dipole  3
2 2
7 ˆ
Resultant electric field =  KPk
8

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7. Eight point charge of charge q each are placed on the eight corners of a cube of side a. A solid neutral metallic
sphere of radius a/3 is placed with its centre at the centre of the cube. As a result, charge are induced on the
16 Kq
sphere, which form certain patterns on its surface. The potential of the sphere is . Find the value of x.
x a
Ans. (3)
Sol. Potential of the sphere will be uniform every where & will be equal to potential at its centre
K q 16K  q
Vc  8 
a 3 a 3
 2 
 
 Potential due to induced charge on sphere will be zero at the centr.

8. A positve point charge q is fixed at origin. A dipole with a dipole moment p is placed along the x–axis far
away from the origin with p pointing along positive x–axis. When dipole reaches a distance d from the origin,
pq ˆi . Find m.
the force experienced by the charge q at this moment is F 
2 0 d m
Ans. (3)
Sol. E.F at origin due to dipole
 1 2P ˆ
E i
4 0 d 3
Thus, force on charge Q is given
   1 2PQ ˆ
F  QE  F  i
4 0 d 3

9. 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. The minimum possible flux of the electric field through the entire
Q
surface of the cube is . Find m.
m 0
Ans. (2)

L/2 L/2
Sol. ++++

Q
Minimum flux through cube =
2 0

SECTION - 2 : MATRIX - MATCH QUESTIONS

10. In the figure shown P is a point on the surface of an imaginary sphere.
q2

q1 P

Column–I Column–II
(A) Electric field at point P (p) due to q1 only
(B) Electric flux through a small area at P (q) due to q2 only
(C) Electric flux through whole sphere (r) due to both q1 and q2
Ans. A-r; B-r; C-p

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
Sol. (A) Electric field at point P is due to both changes q1 and q2.
(B) Electric flux through a small area at P is due to both charges
(C) Flux through whole sphere is due to charge q1 because it is enclosed by sphere but charge q2 is out side
the sphere so net flux passes through sphere is zero
q2

q2  0

q1  0

11. A spherical metallic conductor has a spherical cavity. A positive charge is placed inside the cavity at its centre.
Another positive charge is placed outside it. The conductor is initially electrically neutral.
Column I (Cause) Column II (Effect)
(A) If outside charge is shifted to other position (p) Distribution of charge on inner surface
of cavity changes
(B) If inside charge is shifted to other position (q) Distribution of charge on outer surface of
within cavity conductor changes
(C) If magnitude of charge inside cavity is (r) Electric potential at the centre of conductor
increased changes due to charges present
on outer surface of conductor
(D) If conductor is earthed (s) Force on the charge placed inside cavity changes
Ans. A-q; B-p,s; C-p,q,r; D-q,r
Sol.
(A) If outside charge is shifted to other Uniform
position then distribution of charge will distribution
change due to induction butinner
negative charge is bounded by attraction nonuniform +q +Q
fore of positive charge in cavity. distribution

(B) p, s Nonuniform
If inside charge is shifted then induced Charge
charge distribution inside cavity becomes
nonuniform and net force on charge q

inside cavity also charges.

(C) p, q, r
q, p  by incresed charge induce charge outside and inside the space will also increased,
r due to increased charge.
(D) q, r
charge on outer surface will become zero.

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
12. In each situation of column–I, some charge distributions are given with all details explained. The electrostatic
potential energy and its nature is given in column–II.
Column-I Column-II
(A) A thin shell of radius a and having –Q (p) 1 Q2
in magnitude
a charge –Q uniformly istributed 8  0 a
over its surface as shown
a

(B) 5a –Q (q) 3 Q2
A thin shell of radius and in magnitude
2 20  0 a
having a charge –Q uniformly
distributed over its surface and a –Q
point charge –Q placed at its centre 5a
as shown 2
(C) A solid sphere of radius a and (r) 2 Q2
–Q in magnitude
having a charge –Q uniformly 5 0 a
distributed throughout its volume as
shown
a

(D) A solid sphere of radius a and –Q (s) Positive in sign

having a charge –Q uniformly
distributed throughout its volume. –Q
The solid sphere is surrounded by a
a 2a
concentric thin uniformly charged
spherical shell of radius 2a and
carrying charge –Q as shown

Ans. A-p,s; B-q,s; C-q,s; D-s

Sol. (A) p, s
KQ 2
Self energy of shell is self energy is always positive.
2a
(B) q, s
Self energy of shell + Intrection energy of point charge and shell.
3KQ 2
(C) Self energy of solid sphare is 
5R
(D) s
self energy is alway positive

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

SECTION-1 : SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. A uniformly charged solid sphere of radius R has potential V0 (measured with respect to ) on its surface. For
3V0 5V0 3V0 V
this sphere the equipotential surfaces with potentials , , and 0 have radius R1, R2, R3, and R4
2 4 4 4
respectively. Then [JEE(Main) 2015]
(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
Ans. (3, 4)
KQ
Sol.  V0
R
3
V0  r = R1 = 0
2
5V0 KQ
 3
(3R 2  r 2 )
4 2R
5V0 V0  r2 
 3  2 
4 2  R 
5 r2
  3 2
2 R
r2 5 1
 3 
R2 2 2
R
r
2
R
R2 
2
3V0 KQ
Then, 
4 r
3 kQ KQ

4 R r
4R
 R3 
3
4R
r R4 = 4R
3
4R 8R
R4 – R3 = 4R  
3 3
2. There is a uniform spherically symmetric surface charge density at a distance R0 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, Online]
V(R(t)) V(R(t)) V(R(t))
V(R(t))
V0

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

R0 R(t) R0 R(t) R0 R(t) R0 R(t)

Ans. (1)

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
Sol. At any instant 't'
Total energy of charge distribution is constant
1 KQ 2 KQ 2
i.e. mV 2  0
2 2R 2R 0

1 KQ 2 KQ 2
 mV 2  
2 2R 0 2R

2 KQ 2  1 1
 V .  
m 2  R0 R 

KQ 2  1 1 1 1
 V=    C 
m  R0 R  R0 R

Also the slope of v-s curve will go on decreasing

 Graph is correctly shown by option(1)

3. Four point charges –q, +q, +q and –q are placed on y-axis at y = –2d, y = –d, y = +d and
y = +2d, respectively. The magnitude of the electric field E at a point on the x-axis at x = D, with D >> d,
will behave as :- [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2019]
1 1 1 1
(1) E  (2) E  3 (3) E  2 (4) E  4
D D D D
Ans. (4)
–q

+q

Sol.
E
+q

–q
2kq D 2kq D
E 2 2 3/ 2

(D  d ) (D  4d 2 )3/ 2
2

 3/ 2 3/ 2 
2kqD  d2   4d 2  
E  1     1  
D3  D 2  
 D 2  
 

d2
9kq
D4
1
E
D4

4. The electric field in a region is given by E   Ax  B ˆi , where E is in NC–1 and x is in metres. The values of
constants are A = 20 SI unit and B = 10 SI unit. If the potential at x = 1 is V1 and that at x = –5 is V2, then
V1 – V2 is :- [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2019]
(1) –48 V (2) –520 V (3) 180 V (4) 320 V
Ans. (3)

E 27
JEE-Physics

 
Sol. Vf  Vi   E  dr
1
 
V1  V2    (20x  10)iˆ  dx ˆi = 180 V
5

5. An electric dipole is formed by two equal and opposite charges q with separation d. The charges have same
mass m. It is kept in a uniform electric field E. If it is slightly rotated from its equilibrium orientation, then its
angular frequency  is :- [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2019]
qE qE 2qE qE
(1) (2) 2 (3) (4)
2md md md md
Ans. (3)
Sol. +q
qE


qE
–q
d
  qE sin   2
2
 = qEdsin
 = (qEd) (for small )
2
md
2
I 4
T  2  2
k qEd
2 qEd
  2 
T md 2
2
2
2qEd 2qE
 2

md md

6. A simple pendulum of length L is placed between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor +
+
having electric field E, as shown in figure. Its bob has mass m and charge q. The time + L
+
+
period of the pendulum is given by: [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2019] + m
+ q
L L +
+
(1) 2 (2) 2 +
2  qE  +
 qE  g  m  +
g2     
m E

L L
(3) 2 (4) 2
 qE  q 2E 2
g  m  g2 
  m2
Ans. (1)
2
 qE 
Sol. geff = g2   
m
L
T= 2
g eff

L
T  2
2
 qE 
g2   
m

28 E
 Electrostatics

7. A system of three charges are placed as shown in the figure :
D
+q d –q Q

If D >> d, the potential energy of the system is best given by : [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2019]
1  q 2 qQd  1  q 2 qQd 
(1)  – 2
(2)   2 
4 0  d 2D  4 0  d D 

1  q 2 2qQd  1  q 2 qQd 
(3) –   (4) – – 2 
4 0  d D2  4 0  d D 
Ans. (4)
D
Sol.
+q –q
d

Kq 2 KQq KQq
U  
d d d
D D
2 2
2
Kq KQqd
 U 
d d2
D2 
4
 D >> d
Kq 2 KQqd
 U 
d D2

8. Consider two charged metallic spheres S1 and S2 of radii R1 and R2, respectively. The electric fields E1 (on S1)
and E2 (on S2) on their surfaces are such that E1/E2 = R1/R2. Then the ratio V1 (on S1) / V2 (on S2) of the
electrostatic potentials on each sphere is : [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2020]
3
R 
(1) (R2/R1) (2)  1  (3) R1/R2 (4) (R1/R2)2
 R2 
Ans. (4)
KQ1 KQ 2
Sol. E1 = E2 =
R12 R 22
Given,
E1 R1

E2 R2
KQ1
R12 R Q1 R13
 1  
KQ 2 R 2 Q 2 R 32
R 22

V1 KQ1 / R1 R12
 
V2 KQ2 / R 2 R 22

E 29
JEE-Physics

R
9. Consider a sphere of radius R which carries a uniform charge density . If a sphere of radius is carved out
2
EA
of it, as shown, the ratio of magnitude of electric field E A and E B , respectively, at points A and B due
EB
to the remaining portion is : [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2020]

R
2
A
R

B
18 21 17 18
(1) (2) (3) (4)
54 34 54 34
Ans. (4)
Sol. Fill the empty space with + and – charge density.
3
4 R
k.   
3  2 4 R
|E A | 0  2
 k   
R 3  2
 2
 
3
4 4 R
k . R 3 k .   
3 3  2
|E B | 2
 2
R  3R 
 2 
 
4 4 R 4  17R 
 k R  k   k.  
3 3 18 3  18 
EA 9 18
 
E B 17 34

10. Two infinite planes each with uniform surface charge density +  are kept in such a way that the angle
between them is 30°. The electric field in the region shown between them is given by:
[JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2020]
+
y

30°
+ x
 3 ˆ  3 ˆ
(1)

0
 1 

 ˆ
2 
x
y 
2 
(2)

20
 1 

 ˆ
2 
x
y   (3)
2 
 

20 
1 3 ˆx̂ 
y 
2
 (4)
 

20 
 
1 3 ˆ
x̂ 
y 
2
Ans. (2)

Sol. Electric field due to each sheet is uniform and equal to E 
20

60°
E 30°
Now net electric field between plates

30 E
 Electrostatics

Enet  E cos 60  x
ˆ    E  E sin60 y
ˆ
  x̂  3 
     1   ˆy 
20  2  2  

11. A solid sphere of radius R carries a charge (Q + q) distributed uniformly over its volume. A
very small point like piece of it of mass m gets detached from the bottom of the sphere and
falls down vertically under gravity. This piece carries charge q. If it acquires a speed v when
it has fallen through a vertical height y (see figure), then: (assume the remaining portion to
be spherical). [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2020]
 qQ   qQ 
(1) v 2  2y   g (2) v 2  y  2
 g y
 4  0 R(R  y)m   4  0 R ym 
 qQR   qQ 
(3) v 2  2y  3
 g (4) v 2  y   g
 4  0 (R  y) m   4  0 R(R  y)m 
Ans. (1)
kQq
Sol.  mgy
R
kQq 1
  mv 2
Ry 2
2kQqy
v 2  2gy 
mR(R  y)

12. A charge 'q' is placed at one corner of a cube as shown in figure. The flux of Z
electrostatic field E through the shaded area is : [JEE (Main) 2021 - ONLINE]
q q
(1) (2)
40 240
q q
(3) (4) q Y
480 80
X
Ans. (2)
Sol.
x
q H
flux through cube = E
8 0
G
flux through surfaces ABEH, ADGH, ABCD will be zero F
1 q  B
 (EFGH) = (DCFG) = (EBCF) =   A Y
3  8 0  q
x D C
q
=
24 0

13. Two identical tennis balls each having mass 'm' and charge 'q' are suspended from a fixed point by threads of
length 'l'. What is the equilibrium separation when each thread makes a small angle '' with the vertical?
[JEE (Main) 2021 - ONLINE]
1 1
 q2l  2  q2l  3
(1) x =   (2) x =  
 2 0 mg   2 0 mg 
1 1
 q2l2 3  q2l2 3
(3) x =  2 
(4) x =  2 2 
 20 m g   20 m g 
Ans. (2)
E 31
JEE-Physics


 T
  

Sol.
q m m q
x mg

Tcos = mg
kq 2
Tsin=
x2
kq 2
tan  
x 2 mg
x
as tan  sin 
2L
x Kq 2
 2
2L x mg
1/3
 q2L 
x 
 20 mg 

14. A cube of side 'a' has point charges +Q located at each of its vertices except at the origin where the charge is
–Q. The electric field at the centre of cube is : [JEE (Main) 2021 - ONLINE]
x
+Q +Q
+Q +Q

+Q z
+Q –Q
a +Q
y
Q 2Q
(1) 2
 xˆ  ˆy  ˆz  (2)  xˆ  ˆy  ˆz 
3 3 0 a 3 3 0 a 2
2Q Q
(3) 2
 xˆ  ˆy  ˆz  (4)  xˆ  ˆy  ˆz 
3 3 0 a 3 3 0 a 2
Ans. (2)
Sol. We can replace –Q charge at origin by +Q and –2Q. Now due to +Q charge at every corner of cube. Electric
field at center of cube is zero so now net electric field at center is only due to –2Q charge at origin.
a
1(2Q)  xˆ  ˆy  ˆz 
kqr 2
E 3  3
r a 
4 0  3
2 
ˆ ˆ
2Q(x  y  z)ˆ
E
3 3a 2 0

32 E
 Electrostatics

15. Two ideal electric dipoles A and B, having their dipole moment p1 and p2 respectively are placed on a plane
with their centres at O as shown in the figure. At point C on the axis of dipole A, the resultant electric field is
p 3
making an angle of 37° with the axis. The ratio of the dipole moment of A and B, 1 is : (take sin 37° = )
p2 5
[JEE (Main) 2021 - ONLINE]
– B

A– O + C
+
3 3 2 4
(1) (2) (3) (4)
8 2 3 3
Ans. (3)
kP2/r3 E
Sol. 37°
2kP1/r3
P1 C
P2

kP2
3 3 P 3
tan 37   r  2 
4 2kP1 2P1 4
r3
P2 3

P1 2
P1 2

P2 3

16. A vertical electric field of magnitude 4.9 × 105 N/C just prevents a water droplet of a mass 0.1 g from falling.
The value of charge on the droplet will be : (Given g = 9.8 m/s2) [JEE(Main) 2022, Online]
-9 -9 -9
(1) 1.6 × 10 C (2) 2.0 × 10 C (3) 3.2 × 10 C (4) 0.5 × 10-9 C
Ans. (2)
Sol. Mg = qE
(0.1  103 )(9.8)  4.9  105 q
2  10 4
q
105
q  2  10 9 C

17. A particle experiences a variable force F  (4xiˆ  3y 2ˆj) in a horizontal x-y plane. Assume distance in meters
and force is newton. If the particle moves from point (1, 2) to point (2, 3) in the x-y plane, the Kinetic Energy
changes by [JEE(Main) 2022, Online]
(1) 50.0 J (2) 12.5 J (3) 25.0 J (4) 0 J
Ans. (3)
Sol. F  4xiˆ  3y 2ˆj
WD = KE
W   F.(dxiˆ  dyj)
ˆ

E 33
JEE-Physics

2 3
  4xdx   3y 2dx
1 2

 (2x 2 )12  (y 3 )32

 (8  2)  (27  8)
 6  19  25J

18. If two charges q1 and q2 are separated with distance „d‟ and placed in a medium of dielectric constant K. What
will be the equivalent distance between charges in air for the same electrostatic force?
[JEE(Main) 2023, Online]
(1) d k (2) k d (3) 1.5d k (4) 2d k
Ans. (1)
1 q1q 2
Sol. F  (in medium)
(4 0 ) kd 2
1 q1q 2
FAir 
4 0 d '2
F = FAir
q1q 2 q1q 2
2

4 0 kd 4 0 d 2
d  d k

19. The electric potential at the centre of two concentric half rings of radii R1 and R2, having same linear charge
density  is [JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
+ ++++++
+ ++ ++
+
+ + + + + + +
+ + +
+ + + +
+ R2 + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ +
+ + +
+ + R1 + +
+ + + +
O
2   
(1) (2) (3) (4)
0 2 0 4 0 0
Ans. (2)
Sol. Potential at centre
   R 2     R1  
V  =
4 0 R 2 4 0 R1 20

20. ˆ N/C. The electric flux through a surface area 30iˆ m2 lying in YZ-
An electric field is given by (6iˆ  5jˆ  3k)
plane (in SI unit) is :
[JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]
(1) 90 (2) 150 (3) 180 (4) 60
Ans. (3)
Sol. E  6iˆ  5jˆ  3kˆ
A  30iˆ
  E.A
  (6iˆ  5jˆ  3k).(30i)
ˆ ˆ
  6  30  180

34 E
 Electrostatics

21. Two charges q and 3q are separated by a distance „r‟ in air. At a distance x from charge q, the resultant electric
field is zero. The value of x is :
[JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]
(1  3) r r
(1) (2) (3) (4) r (1  3)
r 3(1  3) (1  3)
Ans. (3)
x r–x
Sol.
q p 3q

E  net P 0
kq k  3q

x 2
(r  x)2
(r – x)2 = 3x2
r  x  3x
r
x
3 1

22. Force between two point charges q1 and q 2 placed in vacuum at „r‟ cm apart is F. Force between them when
placed in a medium having dielectric K = 5 at „r/5‟ cm apart will be:
[JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]
(1) F/25 (2) 5F (3) F/5 (4) 25F
Ans. (2)
1 q1q 2
Sol. In air F 
4  0 r2
1 q1q 2 25 q1q 2
In medium F'    5F
4  K 0   r '  2
4  5 0   r 2

SECTION-2 : NUMERICAL ANSWER BASED QUESTIONS

23. An electron revolves around an infinite cylindrical wire having uniform linear charge density 2 ×
10–8 Cm–1 in circular path under the influence of attractive electrostatic field as shown in the
figure. The velocity of electron with which it is revolving is_______× 106 ms–1. Given mass of
electron = 9 × 10–31 kg.
[JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
Ans. (8)

mV 2 2K mV 2
Sol. eE   e 
r r r +

e  2k +
V F = eE
m +
F e
19 9 8
1.6  10  2  9  10  2  10 +

9  10 31
+
= 8 × 106 m/s +

E 35
JEE-Physics

24. An electron is moving under the influence of the electric field of a uniformly charged infinite plane sheet S
having surface charge density +. The electron at t = 0 is at a distance of 1 m from S and has a speed of
 m 0  C
1 m/s. The maximum value of  if the electron strikes S at t = l s is    m 2 the value of  is
 e 
[JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]
Ans. (8)
e
Sol. u  1 m / s; a  
2 0 m
t 1 s
S = –1 m
1 2
Using S  ut  at
2
1 e
 1
2
1  1  1  
2 2 0 m
 m
  8 0
e
  8

2iˆ  6jˆ  8kˆ  2iˆ  ˆj  kˆ 

25. An electric field, E  passes through the surface of 4 m2 area having unit vector n̂   
6  6 
. The electric flux for that surface is _________ V m.
[JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]
Ans. (12)
Sol.   EA
 2iˆ  6jˆ  8kˆ   2iˆ  ˆj  kˆ 
   4 
 6   6 
4
  (4  6  8)  12 Vm
6

36 E
 Electrostatics


SECTION-1 : SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. A wire, of length L( = 20 cm), is bent into a semi-circular arc. If the two equal halves, of the arc, were each to
be uniformly charged with charges ±Q, [|Q| =103  Coulomb where is the permittivity (in SI units) of free
space] the net electric field at the centre O of the semi-circular arc would be :- [JEE(Main) 2015 Online]
+
Y

+
O X O
(1) (50×103 N/C) ĵ (2) (50×103 N/C) î (3) (25×103 N/C) î (4) (25×103 N/C) ĵ
Ans. (3)
Sol. E 2  dE sin 
(K)(dq) (K)(R cos  d)
 2
cos   dq=( )(Rd )
R R2
2K
  sin 0 / 2 d
R
2
2K 1 
   O
R 4 0  R 
2 dE
E2 
4 0 R
2(103 )(0 )()(100)

4 0 20
100  2
  2.5  10 3
20  4

2. The potential (in volts) of a charge distribution is given by

V(z) = 30–5z2 for |z|  1m
V(z) = 35–10|z| for |z| 1m.
V(z) does not depend on x and y. If this potential is generated by a constant charge per unit volume 0 (in units
of 0) which is spread over a certain region, then choose the correct statement.
[JEE(Main) 2016, Online]
(1) 20 0 in the entire region
(2) 10 0 for |z| 1m and elsewhere
(3) 40 0 in the entire region
(4) 20 0 for |z|  1m and elsewhere
Ans. (2)
Sol. V(z) = 30 – 5z2 |z|  1
V(z) = 35 – 10|z| |z|  1
V(z) = 30 – 5z2, E(z) = –10z –1z1 z
V(z) = 30 – 10z, E(z) = –10 z1 A
V(z) = 30 + 10z, E(z) = 10 z  –1 E
|z| < 1 : Lets take a cubical guassious surface z
q
EA = in y x
0 z
E E

E 37
JEE-Physics

(0 )(A)(2z)
(10z)(2A) 
0
0  100
z

y x

2
(100 )(A)(2) ( )(A)(dz)
|z| > 1 : (10)(A)  (10)(A)   0
0 1
0
0 A(z)
20A  20A 
0
0  0

3. The region between two concentric spheres of radii 'b' respectively (see figure), has volume charge density
A
  , where A is a constant and r is the distance from the centre. At the centre of the spheres is a pint charge
r
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 Q 2Q 2Q
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2a 2
 2
2 b  a 2
 
 a b 2 2
 a 2
Ans. (1)
r
A
Q 4 r 2 dr
a
r
Sol. E.4r2 =
0
 r2  a2 
Q  A4   
 2 
E=
4  0 r 2

Q  2Aa 2 A
= 2

4 0 r 20
 E = constant if Q = 2Aa2

4. Four equal point charges 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, Online]
Q2 Q2  1  Q2  1  Q2
(1) (2) 1   (3) 1   (4)
2 20 4 0  5 4 0  3 40

38 E
 Electrostatics

Ans. (2)
(0,2) Q Q(4, +2)

(0,–2) Q Q(4, –2)

KQ KQ KQ KQ
Potential at origin =   
2 2 20 20
(Potential at = 0)
 1 
 KQ  1  
 5
Q2  1 
 Work required to put a fifth charge Q at origin is equal to 1  
4 0  5

5. Let a total charge 2Q be distributed in a sphere of radius R, with the charge density given by (r) = kr, where r
is the distance from the centre. Two charges A and B, of –Q each, are placed on diametrically opposite points,
at equal distance, a, from the centre. If A and B do not experience any force, then :
[JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2019]
3R
(1) a  ¼ (2) a  R / 3 (3) a = 8–1/4R (4) a = 2–1/4 R
2
Ans. (3)
+
Sol. + + +
–Q 2a –Q
+ + +

R
2 R4
2Q =    4 r dr  4 k  4
0

2Q  kR 4 ....(1)
r
K    Kr  4 r 2dr
K q  r2   2Q 
E1N   0
 K1  4 k     K1  4  r 2
r2 r2 4 R 
 
Qr 2
 ....(2)
2 0 R 4
For equilibrium
Q2 Q 2a 2

4 0 (2a)2 20 R 4
 a = 8–1/4 R

E 39
JEE-Physics

6. A uniformly charged ring of radius 3a and total charge q is placed in xy-plane centred at origin. A point charge
q is moving towards the ring along the z-axis and has speed u at z = 4a. The minimum value of u such that it
crosses the origin is : [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2019]
1/ 2 1/ 2 1/ 2 1/ 2
2  1 q2  2  2 q2  2  4 q2  2  1 q2 
(1)   (2)   (3)   (4)  
m  15 4 0 a  m  15 4 0 a  m  15 4 0 a  m  5 4 0 a 
Ans. (2)
+
q ++ ++
+ +
+ +
Sol. + + v
+ + G
4a z
+ 3a +
+ +
+ +
+ ++
+
kq 2 kq 2 1
  mv 2
3a 5a 2
1 kq 2  1 1  kq 2 2
mv 2   
2 a  3 5  a 15
4 kq 2
v
15 am

7. Shown in the figure is a shell made of a conductor. It has inner radius a and outer
radius b, and carries charge Q. At its centre is a dipole p as shown. In this case :
[JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2019] p
(1) Electric field outside the shell is the same as that of a point charge at the centre of the
shell.
(2) Surface charge density on the inner surface of the shell is zero everywhere.
(Q / 2)
(3) Surface charge density on the inner surface is uniform and equal to .
4 a 2
(4) Surface charge density on the outer surface depends on p
Ans. (1)
Sol. Electrostatic shielding by conductor

8. Ten charges are placed on the circumference of a circle of radius R with constant angular separation between
successive charges. Alternate charges 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 have charge (+q) each, while 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 have charge (–q)
each. The potential V and the electric field E at the centre of the circle are respectively:
(Take V = 0 at infinity) [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2020]
10q 10q 10q
(1) V  ;E (2) V  0, E 
4  0 R 4  0 R 2 4  0 R 2
10q
(3) V = 0, E = 0 (4) V  ;E  0
4  0 R
Ans. (3)
 kq 
Sol. Potential of centre = V =   
 R 
K(q)
VC =
R

40 E
 Electrostatics

+q
–q –q
2E
+q
+q
2E 2E
–q –q
2E 2E
+q +q
–q
K(0)
VC = 0
R
Electric field at centre E B   E
Let E be electric field produced by each charge at the centre, then resultant electric field will be
2E

2E 72° 72° 2E
72° 72°
72°

2E 2E
EC = 0, Since equal electric field vectors are acting at equal angle so their resultant is equal to zero.

9. A charge Q is distributed over two concentric conducting thin spherical shells radii r and R (R > r). If the
surface charge densities on the two shells are equal, the electric potential at the common centre is :
[JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2020]

1 (R  2r)Q 1 (R  r) 1 (R  r) 1 (2R  r)
(1) (2) Q (3) Q (4) Q
4 0 2(R 2  r 2 ) 4 0 2(R 2  r 2 ) 4 0 (R 2  r 2 ) 4 0 (R 2  r 2 )
Ans. (3)
Sol. Let the charges on inner and outer spheres are Q1 and Q2.

R Q2
O
r Q1



Since charge density '' is same for both spheres, so
Q1 Q2 Q1 r2
    2
4 r 2 4 R 2 Q2 R

E 41
JEE-Physics

Q2r 2
Q1  Q 2  Q   Q2  Q
R2
QR 2
 Q2 
(r 2  R 2 )

r2 QR 2 Qr 2
Q1  . 
R 2 R2  r2  (R  r 2 )
2

kQ1 kQ 2
Potential at centre 'O' = 
r R
 Qr 2 QR 2  kQ(r  R) 1 (R  r)
 k 2    2 2  Q
 r(R  r 2 ) R(R 2  r 2 )  (R  r ) 4  0 (R 2  r 2 )

10. What will be the magnitude of electric field at point O as shown in figure? Each side of the figure is l and
perpendicular to each other? [JEE (Main) 2021 - ONLINE]
A(–q) C l D
(2q) (+q)
l l
(+)q O G(2q)
B
l l
l l
(2q) l (q) (–q)
E F H

(1)
1 q
40 l 2
(2)
1 q
4 0 (2l 2 )

2 2 1  (3)
q
4 0 (2l) 2
(4)
1 2q
40 2l 2
 2
Ans. (2)
A(–q) C l D
Sol. (2)q (+q)
l l E3
(+)q O G(2q)
B
E
l 1 l
E2 l l
(2q) l (q) (–q)
E F H
kq
E1  2
 E2

kq kq
E3  2
 2
( 2) 2

E
2kq
2

kq
2 2

kq
2 2 2 2 1 

42 E
 Electrostatics

11. A solid metal sphere of radius R having charge q is enclosed inside the concentric spherical shell of inner radius
a and outer radius b as shown in figure. The approximate variation electric field E as a function of distance r
from centre O is given by [JEE (Main) 2021 - ONLINE]

b OR
a

(1) (2)

R a b r R a b r

(3) (4)

R a b r R a b r
Ans. (1)
Sol. Considering outer spherical shell is non-conducting
E

r=R r
Electric field inside a metal sphere is zero.
r<RE=0
kQ
rRE 2
r
Option (2)
Considering outer spherical shell is conducting
+Q
r < R, E = 0
kQ
Rra E –Q
r2
+Q
a  r  b, E=0
kQ
rb E 2
r b R
E
a

r
r=R r=a r=b
Option (1)

E 43
JEE-Physics

12. Two identical metallic spheres A and B when placed at certain distance in air repel each other with a force of
F. Another identical uncharged sphere C is first placed in contact with A and then in contact with B and finally
placed at midpoint between spheres A and B. The force experienced by sphere C will be :
[JEE(Main) 2022, ONLINE]
(1) 3F/2 (2) 3F/4 (3) F (4) 2F
Ans. (2)
Sol. Let qA = qB = q
r Kq 2
A B F 2
r
q
When C is placed in contact with A, charge on A & C will be =
2
q
q
Now C is placed in contact with B, charge on B & C will be = 2  3q
2 4
Now,
3q
4
q F1 F2 3q
A C B
2 4
r r
2 2
 3q q
 K 4  K 2  3q
F '  F2  F1   2
.
r 4
4
3Kq 2 3F
 2
 (B)
4r 4

13. If a charge q is placed at the centre of a closed hemispherical non-conducting surface, the total flux passing
through the flat surface would be : [JEE(Main) 2022, ONLINE]

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

Ans. (2)
Sol.

q
Total flux through complete spherical surface is .
0
q
So the flux through curved surface will be . The flux through flat surface will be zero.
20
Remark : Electric flux through flat surface is zero but no option is given, option is available for electric flux
passing through curved surface.

44 E
 Electrostatics

14. As shown in the figure, a point charge Q is placed at the centre of conducting spherical shell of inner radius a
and outer radius b. The electric field due to charge Q in three different regions I, II and III is given by :
(I : r < a, II : a < r < b, III : r > b) [JEE(Main) 2023, Online]

(1) EI = 0, EII = 0, EIII  0 (2) EI  0, EII = 0, EIII  0

(3) EI  0, EII = 0, EIII = 0 (4) EI = 0, EII = 0, EIII = 0
Ans. (2)
Sol. Electric field inside material of conductor is zero.

15. Two isolated metallic solid spheres of radii R and 2R are charged such that both have same charge density .
The spheres are then connected by a thin conducting wire. If the new charge density of the bigger sphere is .
'
The ratio is : [JEE(Main) 2023, Online]

9 4 5 5
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4 3 3 6
Ans. (4)

Sol.

Q'2
Q'1
2R
R

Q1' Q'2

4 0 R 4 0 (2R)

 Q'2  2Q1'
Q1'  Q'2  Q1  Q2
Q'2
  Q'2  20R 2
2
3 '
Q 2  20 R 2 
2
Q'2 2 20R 2 
  
4  (2R)2 3 16 R 2
' 5
 
 6
E 45
JEE-Physics

16. A dipole comprises of two charged particles of identical magnitude q and opposite in nature. The mass „m‟ of
the positive charged particle is half of the mass of the negative charged particle. The two charges are separated
by a distance „l‟. If the dipole is placed in a uniform electric field „ E ‟; such a way that dipole axis makes a very
small angle with the electric field, „ E ‟. The angular frequency of the oscillations of the dipole when released is
given by: [JEE(Main) 2023, Online]
8qE 4qE 4qE 8qE
(1) (2) (3) (4)
3ml ml 3ml ml
Ans. (3)
Sol. Note: Dipole will rotate about COM but no option is matching with this calculation.
If we assume dipole to oscillate about midpoint
–q +q

/2 /2
  PE . 

 l2 l2 
  m  2m    qlE.
 4 4 

3ml 2 4qE
   qlE.     
4 3ml

4qE

3ml
Correct Ans. is (3)

17. Two charges of 5Q and –2Q are situated at the points (3a, 0) and (–5a, 0) respectively. The electric flux
through a sphere of radius '4a' having center at origin is :
[JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]
2Q 5Q 7Q 3Q
(1) (2) (3) (4)
0 0 0 0
Ans. (2)

4a
–2Q 5Q
Sol. x
(–5a,0 ) (0,0) (3a,0)

5Q charge is inside the spherical region

5Q
flux through sphere =
0

46 E
 Electrostatics

18. C1 and C2 are two hollow concentric cubes enclosing charges 2Q and 3Q respectively as shown in figure. The
ratio of electric flux passing through C1 and C2 is :
[JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]

3Q 2Q

(1) 2 : 5 (2) 5 : 2 (3) 2 : 3 (4) 3 : 2

Ans. (1)
2Q
Sol. smaller cube 
0
5Q
 bigger cube 
0
smaller cube 2

bigger cube 5

19. An infinitely long positively charged straight thread has a linear charge density  Cm–1. An electron revolves
along a circular path having axis along the length of the wire. The graph that correctly represents the variation
of the kinetic energy of electron as a function of radius of circular path from the wire is :
[JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]

KE KE

(1) (2)

O r O r
KE
KE

(3) (4)

O r
O r
Ans. (2)
+
+
+
+
+
r
Sol. + –e
+
+
+
+

2k
Electric field E at a distance r due to infinite long wire is E 
r
Force of electron  F = eE
 2k 
F  e 
 r 

E 47
JEE-Physics

2ke
F
r
This force will provide required centripetal force
mv 2 2ke
F 
r r
2ke
v
m

SECTION-2 : NUMERICAL ANSWER BASED QUESTIONS

20. An electric field E  4xiˆ  (y 2  1)jˆN / C passes through the box shown in figure. The flux of the electric field
through surfaces ABCD and BCGF are marked as I and II respectively. The difference between
(I – ) is (in Nm2/C) ___________. [JEE (Main) ONLINE - 2020]
z
(0, 0, 2) B (3, 0, 2)
A

D C
(0, 2, 2) (3, 2, 2)

E F
x
(0, 0, 0) (3, 0, 0)

H G
(0, 2, 0) (3, 2, 0)
y
Ans. (48.00)
Sol. The flux passes through ABCD (x – y) plane is zero, because electric field parallel to surface.
Flux of the electric field through surface BCGF (y - z)

At BCGF (electric field)  E  12iˆ  y 2  1 ˆj 
(x = 3m)
Flux II = 12 × 4 = 48 Nm2/C
So I – II = 0 – 48 = – 48 Nm2/C 
  Correct answer –48

21. 27 identical drops are charged at 22V each. They combine to form a bigger drop. The potential of the bigger
drop will be ____ V. [JEE(Main) 2022, ONLINE]
Ans. (198)
Sol. q nq
1
4 3 4 3
n r    r '   r '  n3r
3 3
kq n
V  1/3  n 2/3  27 2/3  v '  9V  9  22  198
r n

48 E
 Electrostatics

22. As shown in figure, a cuboid lies in a region with electric field E  2x 2 i  4y j  6kˆ N/C. The magnitude of
charge within the cuboid is n 0 C . The value of n is _______ (if dimension of cuboid is 1 × 2 × 3 m3)
[JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]

Ans. (12)
Sol. E  2x 2 i  4y j  6kˆ

net  8  3  2  6  12
q
12 
0
|q| = 120

23. An electric dipole of dipole moment is 6.0  106 Cm placed in a uniform electric field of 1.5  103 NC1 in
such a way that dipole moment is along electric field. The work done in rotating dipole by 180º in this field will
be _____Mj. [JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]

Ans. (18)
Sol. The work done in rotating the electric dipole = DU
= U f  Ui
  pE cos 180      pE cos  0  
= pE + pE = 2pE
 2  6  10 6  1.5  103  18mJ

24. An infinite plane sheet of charge having uniform surface charge density +s C/m2 is placed on x-y plane.
Another infinitely long line charge having uniform linear charge density +e C/m is placed at z = 4m plane
and parallel to y-axis. If the magnitude values |s| = 2 |e| then at point (0, 0, 2), the ratio of magnitudes of
electric field values due to sheet charge to that of line charge is  n :1 . The value of n is________.
[JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]
Ans. (16)

E 49
JEE-Physics

Sol.

+s
e
x
(0, 0, 2)
z=4
z

ES  20 r
 
E 2 0 
 r


 2  2 4
 
 1
 n = 16

25. Two charges of –4 C and +4 C are placed at the points A(1, 0, 4)m and B(2, –1, 5) m located in an electric
field E  0.20 ˆi V / cm . The magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole is 8  10 Nm , Where  =
5

_____. [JEE (Main) 2024 – Online]

Ans. (2.00)
(1, 0, 4) (2, –1, 5)
Sol.
A B
– 4C 4C
  p E
pq
V V
E  0.2  20
cm m
ˆ 
ˆ ˆ
p  4 i  j  k 
 
 4iˆ  4ˆj  4kˆ C  m

   
  4iˆ  4ˆj  4kˆ  20iˆ  10 6 Nm

 
 8kˆ  8jˆ  10 5  8 2  10 5
2

50 E
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

1. Consider a uniform spherical charge distribution of radius R1 centred at the origin O. In this distribution, a
spherical cavity of radius R2, centred at P with distance OP = a = R1 – R2 (see figure) is made. If the electric
 
field inside the cavity at position r is E( r ) , then the correct statement(s) is(are) [JEE(Adv.) 2015]

R2
P
a
R1
O

 
(A) E is uniform, its magnitude is independent of R2 but its direction depends on r
 
(B) E is uniform, its magnitude depends on R2 and its direction depends on r
 
(C) E is uniform, its magnitude is independent of a but its direction depends on r
 
(D) E is uniform and both its magnitude and direction depend on r
Ans. (D)

a
Sol. Electric field inside cavity is
3 0
It is uniform and constant at every point in cavity.

2. The figures below depict two situations in which two infinitely long static line charges of constant positive line
charge density  are kept parallel to each other. In their resulting electric field, point charges q and –q are kept
in equilibrium between them. The point charges are confined to move in the x direction only. If they are given
a small displacement about their equilibrium positions, then the correct statement(s) is(are)
[IIT-JEE(Adv.) 2015]

   

x x
+q –q

(A) Both charges execute simple harmonic motion.

(B) Both charges will continue moving in the direction of their displacement
(C) Charge +q executes simple harmonic motion while charge –q continues moving in the direction of its
displacement.
(D) Charge –q executes simple harmonic motion while charge +q continues moving in the direction of its
displacement.
Ans. (C)

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JEE-Physics

 

Sol.

x
+q

d d

Net field at displaced position,

 
E 
20 (d  x) 20 (d  x)
  (d  x)  (d  x) 
=
20  d2  x2


  2x 
= for x << d
20  d 2  x 2 
  
= E   x
  d 2 
 0 
at displaced positiion the net force is
 q
F= .x
0 d 2
This satisfies the condition of SHM for –q ; at the displaced position the net force will be towards right only
hence it will move in direction of displacement.

3. An inifinitely long uniform line charge distribution of charge per unit length  lies parallel to the y-axis in the y-
3
z plane at z   (see figure). If the magnitude of the flux of the electric field through the rectangular surface
2
L
ABCD lying in the x-y plane with its centre at the origin is (0 = permittivity of free space), then the value
n0
of n is [IIT-JEE(Adv.) 2015]
z

L 3
D C a
2
a

O y

A B

Ans. (6)

52 E
 Electrostatics

Sol.
a

3a L
2

Top view

a/2

3a / 2
a/2

a/2
tan  
3a / 2


6
L  L
  2 
20 6 60
n=6
4. A point charge +Q is placed just outside an imaginary hemispherical surface of radius R as shown in the
figure. Which of the following statement is/are correct? [JEE(Adv.) 2017]
+Q

(A) The circumference of the flat surface is an equipotential

Q  1 
(B) The electric flux passing through the curved surface of the hemisphere is  1  
20  2
Q
(C) total flux through the curved and the flat surfaces is
0
(D) The component of the electric field normal to the flat surface is constant over the surface
Ans. (A, B)
Sol. Distance of circumference is same from charge so (A)
Q
Flux entering in sphere is
20
Q  1 
Flux coming out from flat surface is = 1  
20  2
Q Q  1  Q 1
Flux coming out from curved surface   1  
20 20  2  20 2
Now flux through the curved surface
Q Q 1 Q  1 
    1   (B)
20 20 2 20  2

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JEE-Physics

5. The electric field E is measured at a point P(0, 0, d) generated due to various charge distributions and the
dependence of E on d is found to be different for different charge distributions. List-I contains different
relations between E and d. List-II describes different electric charge distributions, along with their locations.
Match the functions in List-I with the related charge distributions in List-II. [JEE(Adv.) 2018]
LIST–I LIST–II
P. E is independent of d 1. A point charge Q at the origin
1
Q. E  2. A small dipole with point charges Q at (0, 0, l) and –Q
d
at (0, 0, –l). Take 2l << d
1
R. E  2 3. An infinite line charge coincident with the x-axis, with uniform
d
linear charge density 
1
S. E  3 4. Two infinite wires carrying uniform linear charge density
d
parallel to the x-axis. The one along (y = 0, z = l) has a
charge density + and the one along (y = 0, z = –l) has a
charge density –. Take 2l << d.
5. Infinite plane charge coincident with the xy-plane with
uniform surface charge density

(A) P  5; Q  3, 4; R  1; S2
(B) P  5; Q  3; R  1,4; S2
(C) P  5; Q  3; R  1,2; S4
(D) P  4; Q  2,3; R  1; S5
Ans. (B)
(0, 0)
Sol. (1) Q KQ 1
E 2
 2
r r
Q
z

(2)
x

–Q
2K
E
r

(3) – 

1
E
r
z


(4)

y x

–

54 E
 Electrostatics

y

(5) E = constant
0

6. An infinitely long thin non-conducting wire is parallel to the z-axis and carries a uniform line charge density .
It pierces a thin non-conducting spherical shell of radius R in such a way that the arc PQ subtends an angle
120° at the centre O of the spherical shell, as shown in the figure. The permittivity of free space is 0. Which of
the following statements is (are) true ? [JEE(Adv.) 2018]

 Z

P
R

120°
O

3R
(A) The electric flux through the shell is
0
(B) The z-component of the electric field is zero at all the points on the surface of the shell
2R
(C) The electric flux through the shell is
0
(D) The electric field is normal to the surface of the shell at all points
Ans. (AB)
Sol.

60°
O

q in  ()(2R sin 60)

 ()(R 3)

q in 3R
 
0 0

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JEE-Physics

p0 ˆ ˆ
7. An electric dipole with dipole moment (i  j) is held fixed at the origin O in the presence of an uniform
2
electric field of magnitude E0. If the potential is constant on a circle of radius R centered at the origin as shown
in figure, then the correct statement(s) is/are:
(0 is permittivity of free space, R >> dipole size) [JEE (Adv.) 2019 - ONLINE]
y

B A
45º 45º
O x
R

1/3
 p0 
(A) R   
 4 0 E 0 
(B) The magnitude of total electric field on any two points of the circle will be same
(C) Total electric field at point A is E  2E (iˆ  ˆj)
A 0

(D) Total electric field at point B is E B  0

Ans. (A,D)
P0 ˆ ˆ
Sol. (A) P 
2

ij 
E.F. at B along tangent should be zero since circle is equipotential.

K |P | E0 E0 2KP
So, E0 = 3
& EB = 0
R B R3
KP
P0  P0  R3
So, R3 =  
E0  4  0 E 0 

1/3
 P0 
So R =  
 4  0 E 0 

So, (A) is correct

(B) Because E0 is uniform & due to dipole E.F. is different at different points, so magnitude of total E.F. will
also be different at different points.
So, (B) is incorrect
KP P0 ˆ ˆ
(C) E A 
2KP
R3

KP
R3
3
R3 2
ij
So, (C) is wrong
(D) EB = 0
So, (D) is correct

56 E
 Electrostatics

8. A uniform electric field, E = – 400 ˆ NC–1 is applied in a region. A charged particle of mass m carrying
3y
positive charge q is projected in this region with an initial speed of 2 10 × 106 ms–1. This particle is aimed to
hit a target T, which is 5 m away from its entry point into the field as shown schematically in the figure. Take
q
= 1010 Ckg–1. Then:- [JEE (Adv.) 2020 - ONLINE]
m

(A) the particle will hit T if projected at an angle 45º from the horizontal
(B) the particle will hit T if projected either at an angle 30º or 60º from the horizontal
5 5
(C) time taken by the particle to hit T could be µs as well as µs
6 2
5
(D) time taken by the particle to hit T is µs
3
Ans. (B,C)

Sol. ay = – 400 3 × 1010 [qEy = may]

40  1012 sin 2
R=5=
400 3  1010

 u 2 sin 2 
R  range   
 ay 

3
sin 2 =
2
2 = 60°, 120   = 30°, 60°
Time of flight
1
2  2 10  106 
2  5
T1  10
µs (for  = 30°)
400 3  10 6

Time of flight

3
2  2 10  106 
2  5
T2  10
µs
400 3  10 2

(for  = 60°)
Answer is (B,C)

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
9. One end of a spring of negligible unstretched length and spring constant k is fixed at the origin (0,0). A point
particle of mass m carrying a positive charge q is attached at its other end. The entire system is kept on a
smooth horizontal surface. When a point dipole p pointing towards the charge q is fixed at the origin, the
spring gets stretched to a length  and attains a new equilibrium position (see figure below). If the point mass is

now displaced slightly by  <<  from its equilibrium position and released, it is found to oscillate at
1 k
frequency . The value of  is. [JEE (Adv.) 2020 - ONLINE]
 m

Ans. (3.14)
Sol.   x

At  : Fe = FSP
2kpq
k = 3

Fe
FSP

q(2kp)
Fnet = Fsp – Fe = k( + x) –
(  x)3
q(2kp)
= k(x + ) – 3
(1  x / )3
 2kp  3x 
= kx + k – q  1
3  
  
 2kp  2kpq 3x
= kx + k – q  3   3 ·
 
 3x 
FN = kx + k    4kx
 

58 E
 Electrostatics

m m
Keq = 4k T = 2 
4k k
1 k
f=
 m
So  =  = 3.14
Answer is (3.14)

 r
10. A circular disc of radius R carries surface charge density (r) = 0  1   , where 0 is a constant and r is the
 R 
distance from the center of the disc. Electric flux through a large spherical surface that encloses the charged
R
disc completely is 0. Electric flux through another spherical surface of radius and concentric with the disc is
4

. Then the ratio 0 is_________. [JEE (Adv.) 2020 - ONLINE]

Ans. (6.40)

Sol.

R
 r
 0  1  R  2r dr
0 
 dq  0
0 0
R/4
 r
 0  1   2r dr

 dq  0  R 
0 0
R
 r2 
0 2   r   dr
  R 
0
 0  R /4
  r2 
0 2   r   dr
 R 
0 

R2 R2

 22 3  32  6.40
R R2 5

32 3  64
Answer is (6.40)

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JEE-Physics

11. Two large circular discs separated by a distance of 0.01 m are connected to a battery via a switch as shown in
the figure. Charged oil drops of density 900 kg m–3 are released through a tiny hole at the center of the top
disc. Once some oil drops achieve terminal velocity, the switch is closed to apply a voltage of 200 V across the
discs. As a result, an oil drop of radius 8 × 10–7 m stops moving vertically and floats between the discs. The
number of electrons present in this oil drop is ________. (neglect the buoyancy force, take acceleration due to
gravity = 10 ms–2 and charge on an electron (e) = 1.6 × 10–19 C) [JEE (Adv.) 2020 - ONLINE]

Switch

0.01m
200 V

Ans. (6)
V 200
Sol. E   2  10 4 V / m
d 0.01
When terminal velocity is achieved
qE = mg
4
 
3
 n  1.6  10 19  2  10 4  8  10 7  900  10
3
n6

12. A point charge q of mass m is suspended vertically by a string of length . A point dipole of dipole moment p
is now brought towards q from infinity so that the charge moves away. The final equilibrium position of the
system including the direction of the dipole, the angles and distances is shown in the figure below. If the work
done in bringing the dipole to this position is N × (mgh), where g is the acceleration due to gravity, then the
F
value of N is _________ . (Note that for three coplanar forces keeping a point mass in equilibrium, is the
sin 
same for all forces, where F is any one of the forces and  is the angle between the other two forces)
[JEE (Adv.) 2020 - ONLINE]




q

sin 2
2
h

P
Ans. 2

60 E
 Electrostatics


Sol.

Ui = 0
kqP
Uf  2
 mgh … (i)
 
 2 sin 2 
 
Now, from OAB
 + 90 –  + 90 –  = 180
 = 2

From ABC : h  2 sin   sin 
 2
 
h  2 sin   sin  
 2  2

 h  2 sin 2  
 2
Now charge is in equilibrium at point B.
So, using sine rule
mg qE
 
   sin 180  2
sin 90  
 2
mg qE
 
 sin 2
cos
2
mg qE mg qE
   
 sin    
cos cos 2sin cos
2 2 2 2

 qE  mg2sin  
 2
q2kp 
 3
 mg2 sin  
   2
 2 sin 2 
 
kpq   
 2
 mg sin     2 sin 
  2
   2
 2 sin 2 
 

kpq
 2
 mgh  substituting this in equation (i)
 
 2 sin 2 
 

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JEE-Physics

kpq
U f  mgh  2
 
 2 sin 2 
 
Uf = 2mgh
W = U = Nmgh  N = 2

13. Two identical non-conducting solid spheres of same mass and charge are suspended in air from a common
point by two non-conducting, massless strings of same length. At equilibrium, the angle between the strings is
. The spheres are now immersed in a dielectric liquid of density 800 kg m–3 and dielectric constant 21. If the
angle between the strings remains the same after the immersion, then [JEE (Adv.) 2020 - ONLINE]
(A) electric force between the spheres remains unchanged
(B) electric force between the spheres reduces
(C) mass density of the spheres is 840 kg m–3
(D) the tension in the strings holding the spheres remains unchanged
Ans. (A,C)
Sol. The net electric force on any sphere is lesser but by Coulomb law the force due to one sphere to another
remain the same.

/2
/2 T
F

mg
In equilibrium

T cos  mg
2

and T sin  F
2
After immersed is dielectric liquid.
As given no change in angle .

So T cos  mg  Vg
2
when  = 800 Kg/m3
 F
and T sin 
2 er
mg mg  Vg
 
F F
er
1 
 1
er d
d = density of sphere
1 800
 1
21 d
d = 840

62 E
 Electrostatics

Question Stem for Question Nos. 14 and 15
Question Stem
Two point charges –Q and Q / 3 are placed in the xy-plane at the origin (0, 0) and a point (2, 0),
respectively, as shown in the figure. This results in an equipotential circle of radius R and potential V = 0 in the
xy-plane with its center at (b, 0). All lengths are measured in meters. [JEE (Main) 2021 - ONLINE]

14. The value of R is _________ meter.

Ans. (1.73)

15. The value of b is _________ meter.

Ans. (3)
y
Sol.

(2,0) R
x
–Q 
Q
b–2 (b,0)
(0,0) b–R 3

V=0

–KQ KQ
 0
b–R 3(R – b  2)
1 1
–  0
b–R 3(R – b  2)
 3(R – b  2)  b – R
 3R – 3b  2 3  b – R
 b( 3  1) – R(1  3)  2 3
2 3
 b–R 
1 3
–KQ KQ
 0
bR 3(b  R – 2)
 b  R  3(b  R – 2)
 b( 3–)  R( 3–)  2 3
2 3
 bR 
3 –1
2 3
 b–R 
3 1
R = 1.73
b=3

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
16. Six charges are placed around a regular hexagon of side length a as shown in the figure. Five of them have
charge q, and the remaining one has charge x. The perpendicular from each charge to the nearest hexagon
side passes through the center O of the hexagon and is bisected by the side. Which of the following
statement(s) is(are) correct in SI units? [JEE(Adv.) 2022, ONLINE]

(A) When x = q, the magnitude of the electric field at O is zero.

q
(B) When x = –q , the magnitude of the electric field at O is .
6  0 a 2
7q
(C) When x = 2q, the potential at O is .
4 30 a
3q
(D) When x = –3q, the potential at O is  .
4 30 a
Ans. (ABC)
Sol. (A) as per symmetry

Kq 2 q q
(A) E0  2 2
  2 
( 3a) 4 0 3a 6 0 a 2
7q
V
4 0 ( 3a)

64 E
 Electrostatics

17. In the figure, the inner (shaded) region A represents a sphere of radius rA = 1, within which the electrostatic
charge density varies with the radial distance r from the center as A = kr, where k is positive. In the spherical
k
shell B of outer radius rB, the electrostatic charge density varies as B = . Assume that dimensions are taken
r
care of. All physical quantities are in their SI units. [JEE(Adv.) 2022, ONLINE]

Which of the following statement(s) is(are) correct?

3
(A) If rB = , then the electric field is zero everywhere outside B.
2
3 k
(B) If rB = , then the electric potential just outside B is
2 0
(C) If rB = 2, then the total charge of the configuration is 15 k.
5 13k
(D) If rB = , then the magnitude of the electric field just outside B is
2 0
Ans. (B)
rA rB
2k
Sol. QTotal   kr4 r 2dr   4 r 2dr
0 rA
r
1 rB
kr 4 r2
 4  8k
4 2
0 1
2
 k  4 k[r – 1]
QTotal  4kr 2 – 3k  k[4r 2 – 3]

For E in region B to be zero Q Total  0

3
R
2
 4S 
 Pa 2   5/ 2
3 r2   T2 
Now if rB   
2 4S  T1 
Pa1 
r1

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
1 k(6) k
 VSurface  
4 0 3 0
2
If rB  2 Q total  k[13]
5   25  
If rB  Q Total  k  4   – 3   22k
2   4  
1 22k
E Surface 
4 0 (5 / 2)2

18. A disk of radius R with uniform positive charge density  is placed on the xy plane with its centre at the origin.

The Coulomb potential along the z-axis is Vz  ( R 2  z 2 – z) . A particle of positive charge q is placed
20
initially at rest at a point on z axis with z = z0 and z0 > 0. In addition to the Coulomb force, the particle
2c0
experiences a vertical force F  –ckˆ with c > 0. Let   . Which of the following statement(s) is(are)
q
correct ? [JEE(Adv.) 2022, ONLINE]
1 25
(A) For   and z0  R , the particle reaches the origin
4 7
1 3
(B) For   and z0  R , the particle reaches the origin
4 7
1 R
(C) For   and z0  , the particle returns back to z = z0
4 3
(D) For   1 and z0 > 0, the particle always reaches the origin
Ans. (AC)
Sol. For q to reach origin

q

20 
R 2  z02 – z0  cz0 – 
q
20
R0

 q
c
 2c0
  
R 2  z 20 – z0 – R  z 0   0

1
   
R 2  z 02 – z0 – R  z 0   0


If
1

44  
R 2  z 02 – z 0 – R  z 0  0

4 R 2  z02 – 3z0 – 4R  0

4 R 2  z02  3z0  4R

16R2  16z02  9z02  16R2  24Rz0

7z02  24Rz0

24
z0  or 3.4 R
7

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 Electrostatics

19. A charge q is surrounded by a closed surface consisting of an inverted cone of height h and base radius R, and
nq
a hemisphere of radius R as shown in the figure. The electric flux through the conical surface is (in SI
6 0
units). The value of n is __________ . [JEE(Adv.) 2022, ONLINE]

Ans. (3)
Sol.

q
Total flux =
0
q nq
flux through conical surface = 
20 0
n=3

20. An electric dipole is formed by two charges +q and –q located in xy-plane at (0, 2) mm and (0, –2) mm,
respectively, as shown in the figure. The electric potential at point P(100, 100) mm due to the dipole is V0. The
charges +q and –q are then moved to the points (–1, 2) mm and (1, –2) mm, respectively. What is the value
of electric potential at P due to the new dipole ? [JEE(Adv.) 2023]
y
P (100,100) mm

+q (0, 2 mm)
(–1,2) mm

O x

–q (1,–2) mm
(0,–2) mm
(A) V0 /4 (B) V0 /2 (C) (D) 3V0 /4

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JEE-Physics

Ans. (B)
(100,100)
Sol.
q

4mm

–q
P1 = q(4)
P1  P1ˆj
r  100(iˆ  ˆj)mm
KP1.r K(100P1 )
v0  3

r (100 2)3
+q


4


2 –q
tan  = 2
P2  P2  cos ˆi  sin ˆj 

r  100(iˆ  ˆj)mm
P2 = q
KP2 .r
v
r3
K(100P2 )  ( cos   sin )
v
(100 2)3
v 0 P2
 ( cos   sin )
P1
q
v  v0 [ cos   sin ]
q(4)
v0 v
 [2  4]  0
4 2

21. Two beads, each with charge q and mass m, are on a horizontal, frictionless, non-conducting, circular hoop of
radius R. One of the beads is glued to the hoop at some point, while the other one performs small oscillations
about its equilibrium position along the hoop. The square of the angular frequency of the small oscillations is
given by [0 is the permittivity of free space]
[JEE (Adv.) - 2024]
(A) q2 / (40R3m) (B) q2 / (320R3m)
(C) q2 / (80R3m) (D) q2 / (160R3m)
Ans. (B)

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 Electrostatics


/2

C
Sol. /2

N

qE


Restoring force = qE sin  
2

  qE sin   R  I
2
Kq 1 q
E 
 
2
40 
 2R cos 2  4R 2 cos2  
  2
1 qR 
 sin   q  mR 2 
4 0  2
4R 2 cos2  
2
For  very small,
q 2

32  0 R 3 m
q2
 2

320 mR 3
Hence option (B)

22. A small electric dipole p0 , having a moment of inertia I about its center, is kept at a distance r from the center
of a spherical shell of radius R. The surface charge density  is uniformly distributed on the spherical shell. The
dipole is initially oriented at a small angle as shown in the figure. While staying at a distance r, the dipole is
free to rotate about its center.
If released from rest, then which of the following statement(s) is(are) correct?
[JEE (Adv.) - 2024]



[0 is the permittivity of free space.]

(A) The dipole will undergo small oscillations at any finite value of r.
(B) The dipole will undergo small oscillations at any finite value of r > R.

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JEE-Physics

2 p0
(C) The dipole will undergo small oscillations with an angular frequency of at r = 2R.
0 I
 p0
(D) The dipole will undergo small oscillations with an angular frequency of at r = 10R.
100 0 I
Ans. (B,D)
Sol. The electric field inside sphere is zero. So dipole will oscillate when r > R.
R 2
For r > R E =
0 r 2
PE P R 2
=  0 2
I I0 r
when r = 2R
P0 

4I0
when r = 10 R
P0 

100I0

23. A charge is kept at the central point P of a cylindrical region. The two edges subtend a half-angle  at P, as
shown in the figure. When  = 30º, then the electric flux through the curved surface of the cylinder is . If  =
60º, then the electric flux through the curved surface becomes / n , where the value of n is______.
[JEE (Adv.) - 2024]



P



Ans. (3)

 

Sol.

Solid angle made by plane surfaces  = 2 × 2(1 – cos )

  = 4 – 4cos 

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 Electrostatics

So solid angle made by curved surface = 4 – 
= 4 – (4 – 4 cos ) = 4 cos 
4 cos30 Q Q
30° =  =  cos30
4 0 0
4  cos 60 Q Q
60   cos 60
4 0 0
30 cos30
  3
60 cos60

 3
60

60  n=3
3

24. An infinitely long thin wire, having a uniform charge density per unit length of 5 nC/m, is passing through a
spherical shell of radius 1 m, as shown in the figure. A 10 nC charge is distributed uniformly over the spherical
shell. If the configuration of the charges remains static, the magnitude of the potential difference between points
P and R, in Volt, is ______.
1
[Given: In SI units = 9 × 109, ln 2 = 0.7. Ignore the area pierced by the wire.]
4 0
[JEE (Adv.) - 2024]



1m
P R
0.5 m
2m

–
Ans. (171)

2
0.5
Sol. P R

x dx

due to wire
dV =  E.dx
vR 2
2k
 dV   
vP 0.5
x
dx

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JEE-Physics

2
v R  v P  2k n
0.5
= –2 × 9 × 109 × 3 × 10–9 × 2 × 0.7 = – 126V
due to sphere
kQ kQ kQ 9  10 9  10  10 9
vR – vP =  =  
2 1 2 2
= –45V
vR – vP = –126 – 45 = – 171V
vP – vR = 171 V

*****

72 E