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Electric Charges And Field

Physics (The American University in Cairo)

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ELECTRIC CHARGES
AND FIELD

CHAPTER – 1

ELECTRIC CHARGES AND FIELD

Electrostatics deals with the study of forces, fields and Negative charges or Electrons have a charge of -1.6 × 10-19
potentials arising from static charges Coulomb. A Negative charge has its field lines coming from
Electric Charge- infinity.
It is the basic physical property of matter and due to this property, The above example where hair strands start to attract to the ruler
a force is experienced when kept in the field of electricity. Electric is due to electric charges. Similarly, rubbing a balloon on hair
charges are of two types, attracts hair to the balloon, in case two balloons are
1. Positive Charge simultaneously rubbed, the balloons will start to repel each other,
Lesser number of electrons than a number of protons but they will attract the hair strands.
The rate of change of electric charge is known as Electric current,
I = q/t

Did You know

Electric charge, which can be positive or
negative, occurs in discrete natural units and is
neither created nor destroyed.
Positive charges or protons have a charge of +1.6 × 10-19
Coulomb. A positive charge has its field lines emerging from Conductors and Insulators
within and going up to infinity Conductors- Conductors are the materials or substances
2. Negative Charge which allow electricity to flow through them. They conduct
More number of electrons than number of protons electricity because they allow electrons to flow easily inside
them from atom to atom. Also, conductors allow the
transmission of heat or light from one source to another.
Metals, humans, earth, and animals are all conductors. This is
the reason we get electric shocks! Moreover, the human body
is a good conductor. So it provides a resistance-free path for
the current to flow from wire to body. Conductors have free
electrons on its surface which allow current to pass through

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easily. This is the reason why conductors are able to conduct Quantization of Charge
electricity. According to the quantization of electric charge, Electric charges
Material such as silver is the best conductor of electricity. But are defined as the Integral multiple of the charge present on them,
it is costly and so, we don’t use silver in industries and hence, in any system, The charges will be,
transmission of electricity. Conductors are quite useful in q = ne
many ways. They find use in many real-life applications. For Where, n = Integer numbers e = value of the charge (1.6× 10-19 C)
example, Mercury is a common material in thermometer to Coulomb’s law-
check the temperature of the body. Aluminum finds its use in Coulomb’s law is a mathematical formula that describes the
making foils to store food. It is also used in the production of force between two-point charges. When the size of charged
fry pans to store heat quickly. bodies is substantially smaller than the separation between
them, then the size is not considered or can be ignored. The
Insulators- Insulators are the materials or substances which charged bodies can be considered as point charges. Coulomb
resist or don’t allow the current to flow through them. In general, studied the force between two-point charges and found that
they are solid in nature. Also, insulators are finding use in a variety it is inversely proportional to the square of the distance
of systems. As they do not allow the flow of heat. The property between them, directly proportional to the product of their
which makes insulators different from conductors is its resistivity. magnitudes, and acting in a line that connects them.
Wood, cloth, glass, mica, and quartz are some good examples of Expression for Coulomb’s Law The amount of the force (F)
insulators. Also, insulators are protectors. They give protection between two-point charges q1 and q2 separated by a distance
against heat, sound and of course passage of electricity. r in a vacuum is given by
Furthermore, insulators don’t have any free electrons. It is the 1 |𝑞1 𝑞2 |
main reason why they don’t conduct electricity. 𝐹=
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2
Glass is the best insulator as it has the highest resistivity. Plastic is Where F is the force between two-point charges, q1 and q2 are
a good insulator and it finds its use in making a number of things. the point charge, r is the distance between the point charge
As insulators resist the flow of electron, they find worldwide and k is proportionality constant. For subsequent simplicity,
applications. Thermal insulators, disallow heat to move from one the constant k in the above expression is commonly written
place to another. Hence, we use them in making thermoplastic as
bottles. They are also used in fireproofing ceilings and walls. 1
𝑘=
Sound insulators help in controlling noise level, as they are good 4𝜋𝜀0
in absorbance of sound. Thus, we use them in buildings and Here, 𝜀0 is called the permittivity of free space. The value of ε0
conference halls to make them noise-free. in SI units i𝑠 𝜀0 = 8.854 × 10–12 C2 N–1m –2
Charging by induction-
The charging by induction definition states that it is a process of
charging conducting bodies without touching them or by bringing
the two conducting bodies near to each other. This method of
charging is the one in which with the help of a charged object, a
neutral object is charged but without touching the objects. The
charged particle is brought closer to a neutral or an uncharged
conductor which is grounded on a material that is neutrally
charged. If a charge flows between two objects, the uncharged
conductive material will develop a charge whose polarity will be
opposite to that of the charged object.
Basic Properties of Electric Charge
In order to look at the properties of electric charge, consider the Coulomb’s law is better written in vector notation because
electric charges to be really small, known as the Point charge. force is a vector quantity. Charges q1 and q2 have location
Point charges are smaller than the distance between them. vectors r1 and r2, respectively. F12 denotes force on q1 owing
Additivity of Electric Charges to q2 and F21 denotes force on q2 owing to q1. For convenience,
Electric charges when they are considered as point charges are the two-point charges q1 and q2 have been numbered 1 and 2,
scalar in nature. With that, it is important to note that charges can respectively, and the vector leading from 1 to 2 has been
be point charges, but they are still positive and negative charges. designated by r21.
The additive property of electric charges says that if there are n ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑟21 = ⃗⃗⃗
𝑟2 − ⃗⃗⃗
𝑟1
number of charges present inside, the total charge present will be Similarly, the vector leading from 2 to 1 is denoted by r12,
the algebraic sum of the individual charges. 𝑟12 = ⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑟1 − ⃗⃗⃗
𝑟2
Q = q1+ q2+ q3+…. qn r21 and r12 are the magnitudes of the vectors ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑟21 and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑟12 ,
Conservation of Charges respectively and magnitude r12 is equal to r21. A unit vector
The Conservation of charges says that the charges are neither along the vector specifies the vector’s direction. The unit
created not destroyed. They can be transferred from one body to vectors are used to denote the direction from 1 to 2 (or 2 to
another, but they cannot be created or destroyed. In an Isolated 1) The unit vectors define as,
𝑟 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗12
𝑟
system, the charges are always conserved. ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
21 𝑟12

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Coulomb’s force law between two-point charges q1 and q2 Similarly, F13 denotes the force exerted on q1 as a result of q3,
located at vector r1 and r2 is then expressed as which again is the Coulomb force on q1 due to q3 even though
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹21 = 2 𝑟̂21
other charge q2 is present. Thus, the total force F1 on q1 due
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟21
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 to the two charges q2 and q3 can be expressed as,
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹21 = 𝑟21
3
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟21 ⃗⃗⃗1 = 𝐹
𝐹 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
12 + 𝐹13
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 1 𝑞1 𝑞3
Forces Between Multiple Charges ⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = 2 𝑟̂12 + 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟 2 𝑟̂13
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12 0 13
𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑞3
⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = [ 2 𝑟̂12 + 2 𝑟̂13 ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12 𝑟13

Consider a system in a vacuum with n motionless that is The above force calculation can be applied to a system with
stationary charges q1, q2, and q3. It has been proven more than three charges. The principle of superposition
experimentally that the vector sum of all the forces on a states that in a system of charges q1, q2…….qn, the force on q1
charge due to a number of other charges, taken one at a time, owing to q2 is the same as Coulomb’s law, i.e., it is unaffected
is the vector sum of all the forces on that charge owing to the by the presence of other charges q3, q4,…, qn. The vector sum
other charges. Due to the presence of other charges, the of the forces F12, F13, F1n on the charge q1 owing to all other
separate forces remain unaffected. This is known as the charges gives the overall force F1 can be written as
superposition principle. The force on one charge, say q1, due ⃗⃗⃗1 = 𝐹
𝐹 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
12 + 𝐹13 + ⋯ + 𝐹1𝑛
to two other charges, q2 and q3, may be determined by ⃗⃗⃗ 𝑞1 𝑞 𝑞 𝑞𝑛
𝐹1 = [ 22 𝑟̂12 + 23 𝑟̂13 + ⋯+ 2 𝑟̂1𝑛 ]
conducting a vector addition of the forces due to each of these 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12 𝑟13 𝑟1𝑛
𝑞1 𝑞
charges. As a result, if F12 denotes the force exerted on q1 as a ⃗⃗⃗
𝐹1 = ∑𝑛𝑖=2 2𝑖 𝑟̂1𝑖
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
1𝑖
result of q2 The vector sum is calculated by using the parallelogram law
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹12 = 2 𝑟̂12 of vector addition. Coulomb’s law and the superposition
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12
principle are the foundations of electrostatics.

Q. Two equal point charges (10-3C) are placed 1cm apart in medium of dielectric
constant K=5.
(a) find the interaction force between the point charges
(b) Net force on any of the charge
Sol. (a) Interaction force between point charges is,
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
𝐹=
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟2
2
(10−3 )
F = 9 × 109 (10−2)2 F =9 × 107 𝑁
interaction force between point charges is 𝟗 × 𝟏𝟎𝟕 𝑵
(b) Net force on any of the charges-
2
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 9×109 (10−3 )
𝐹′ = =
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑘 𝑟2 5 (10−2 )2
F’ =18 × 106 𝑁
Net force on any of the charges is 𝟏𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝑵

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Q. 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
4𝐹 9𝐹 16𝐹
(a) (b) 𝐹 (c) (d)
3 16 9
𝟗𝑭
Sol. Ans. (c)
𝟏𝟔
In case I:

1 𝑄2
𝐹=− ...(i)
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2
𝑄 𝑄
In Case II: 𝑄𝐴 = 𝑄 − , 𝑄𝐵 = −𝑄 +
4 4
𝑄 𝑄
1 (𝑄− 4 )(−𝑄+ 4 )
∴ 𝐹′ =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2
3 −3
1 (4𝑄)( 4 𝑄) 1 9 𝑄2
= =− ...(ii)
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 4𝜋𝜀0 16 𝑟 2
9
From equations (i) and (ii), 𝐹 ′ = 𝐹
16

Electric Field quantity and its value are attributed to change in the position
of source charges.
Physical significance of electric field
Electric Field under Static Condition:

Assume there are point charges (sizes <<< r) P and Q placed Static means 'at rest'. The charged bodies, under the static
r distance apart in a vacuum. Both charges create an electric condition, experience an electric field surrounding them. The
field around them which ultimately is responsible for the electric field is defined at every point and changes from point
force applied by the two on each other. The Electric Field to point
around Q at position r is Electric Field under Electromagnetic Non-static
kQ
E(r) = 2 𝑟̂ Condition:
r
Where r is a unit vector of the distance r with respect to the This is the condition where the accelerated motion of the
origin. This value E(r) amounts to an electric field of each charge gives rise to electromagnetic waves and this
charge based on its position vector r. When another charge q propagates with a speed c passing on a force on another
is brought at a certain distance r to the charge Q, a force is charge. Time-dependent magnetic and electric fields are
exerted by Q equal to: connected with the transport of energy.
kQq Electric field lines
FQ = 2 𝑟̂
r
The notion of the electrical field was first presented by the
Now, there is an equal and opposite force exerted on Q by q
19th-century physicist Michael Faraday. It was Faraday's
which is equal to:
kqQ understanding that the pattern of lines describing the electric
Fq = 2 𝑟̂ Hence, if q is a unit charge, the force applied is equal field is an invisible reality.
r
to field value.
Electric Field due to a System of Charges
If there is a system of charges q1, q2, … qn in space with
position vectors r1, r2, … rn and the net effect of the Electric
Charges are required to be calculated on a unit test charge q
with position vector r placed inside the system, then it is
attributed to a superimposition of Electric field values for all
charges by Coulomb’s Law: ss
E = E1 + E 2 + … + En Since the electric field varies as the inverse of the square of
= kq1/r12 + kq2/r22 + … + kqn/rn2 the distance that points from the charge the vector gets
shorter as you go away from the origin and they always point
where En(rn) is the Electric Field value of charge n in the radially outwards. Connecting up these vectors to form a line
system with respect to position vector rn. Here, E is a vector

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is a nice way to represent the electric field. An electric Field lines around a system of a positive and -ve charge
field line is an imaginary line drawn in such a way that its clearly show the mutual attraction between them as shown
direction at any point is the same as the direction of the field below in the figure.
at that point. Field-line in general is a curve drawn in such a
way that the tangent to it at each point in the direction of the
net field at that point.
An electric field line is an imaginary line or curve drawn over
an empty space region such that its tangent at each position,
points in the direction of the electric field vector at this
position.
The relative spacing between lines provides an indication of Properties Of Electric Field Lines
the electric field strength at that point. So, the magnitude of Some important general properties of field lines are
the field is indicated by the density of the lines. This means 1. Field lines start from a positive charge and end on a
that electric field strength due to the charged body is more in negative charge.
the region where the density of field lines is high. In the 2. They are directed away from the positive electric charge
region where the density of these lines is low, the electric field and towards the negative electric charge. So, at any point
has lower strength. Magnitude is strong near the center tangent to field lines give the direction of the electric field
where the electric field lines are close together, and it at that point.
becomes weak as it move farther outwards, where they are 3. These lines leave or enter the charged surface normally.
relatively apart or they have less density. A field line or 4. Field lines never cross each other because if they do so
electric line of force can be considered as the path along then at the point of intersection there will be two
which a small positive test charge would move if we let it directions of the electric field.
move freely along the path. 5. Electric field lines do not pass through a conductor; this
Field Lines due to some charge configurations shows that the electric field inside a conductor is always
For a positive charge zero.
Electric flux
It is defined as the total number of lines of force passing
normally through a curved surface placed in the field.
It is given by the dot product of and normal infinitesimal
→
area 𝑑𝑠 integrated over a closed surface-
→ →
d = E . ds
Field lines of a single +ve charge point radially outwards → →
For a negative charge
For a negative charge, they are radially inwards as shown
f=  E .ds =  Eds cos
where q = angle between electric field and normal to
below in the figure the area

ds


 E

if q = 0, f = Eds (maximum)
For Two Or More Charges
(b) if q = 900, = zero
Field lines around the system of two +ive charges give a
Unit:
different picture and describe the mutual repulsion between
them (a) Newton - metre2 / coulomb
(b) Volt - meter
Dimension: [M L3 T–3 A–1]
Flux due to a positive change goes out of the surface
while that due to negative change comes into the
surface.
Flux entering is taken as positive while flux leaving is y
taken as negative
Value of electric flux is independent of the shape and
size of the surface.

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Electric dipole Then, the electric field E+q due to the charge +q can be
expressed as
𝑞 1
𝐸+𝑞 = 2 2
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 +𝑎
A pair of objects with equal and opposing charges separated Similarly, then the electric field E-q due to the charge –q can
by a large distance is referred to as an electric dipole. The first be expressed as,
charge is assumed to be negative (-q), while the second 𝐸−𝑞 =
𝑞 1
2 2
charge remains positive (q). Electric dipoles in space are 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 +𝑎
always directed from negative charge ‘-q’ to positive charge It is observed that the electric fields E–q due to the charge –q
‘q’ by default. The dipole’s center is the point where ‘q’ and ‘- and E+q due to the charge +q and are equal. The E+q and E–q
q’ meet. directions are displayed in the above-given figure. The
The field of an electric dipole components normal to the dipole axis clearly cancel out.
Coulomb’s law and the superposition principle may be used Along the dipole axis, the components add up. The entire
to calculate the electric field of a pair of charges (–q and q) at electric field is in the opposite direction of 𝑃̂ .
any point in space. The above expression can be added as,
𝐸 = −(𝐸+𝑞 + 𝐸−𝑞 )𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑃̂
By applying the parallelogram law of vectors, the electric field 2𝑞 𝑎
at any general point P is determined by summing the electric 𝐸=− 3𝑃
̂
4𝜋𝜀0
(𝑟 2 +𝑎2 )2
fields E–q due to the charge –q and E+q due to the charge q.
For points on the axis At large distances (r >> a), the above expression can be
written as,
2𝑞 𝑎
𝐸=− ̂
3𝑃
4𝜋𝜀0
(𝑟 2 )2
2𝑞 𝑎
𝐸=− 𝑃̂
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 3
Suppose the point P be at distance r from the center of the At great distances, it is evident in both cases that the dipole
dipole on the side of the charge q. Then electric field E–q due field does not involve q and a separately; it is dependent on
to the charge –q can be expressed as, the product qa. This hints at the meaning of the dipole
𝑞 moment. The dipole moment of an electric dipole is a vector
𝐸 −𝑞 = − 2𝑃
̂
4𝜋𝜀0 (𝑟+𝑎)
quantity and it is symbol is p is defined by
where 𝑃̂ is the unit vector along the dipole axis that is from – 𝑝 = 𝑞 × 2𝑎𝑃̂
q to q. Similarly, Then electric field E+q due to the charge +q Dipole In A Uniform External Field
can be expressed as A uniform electric field has constant magnitude and fixed
𝑞
𝐸 +𝑞 = 2𝑃
̂ direction. Such a field is produced between the plates of a
4𝜋𝜀0 (𝑟−𝑎)
Now, the total field at P can be calculated by adding the charged parallel plate [Link] two charges in a dipole
electric fields E–q due to the charge –q and E+q due to the are separated by some distance, the forces acting at different
charge +q and can be expressed as points result in a torque on the dipole. The torque tries to
𝐸 = 𝐸 +𝑞 + 𝐸 −𝑞 align the dipole with an electric field. Once aligned, the torque
𝑞 𝑞 becomes 0.
𝐸= (𝑟−𝑎)2
𝑃̂ +(− (𝑟+𝑎)2
𝑃̂ )
4𝜋𝜀0 4𝜋𝜀0
𝑞 𝑞
𝐸=− (𝑟−𝑎) 2
𝑃̂ − 𝑃̂
4𝜋𝜀0 4𝜋𝜀0 (𝑟+𝑎)2
𝑞 1 1
𝐸= [ − (𝑟+𝑎)2] 𝑃̂
4𝜋𝜀0 (𝑟−𝑎)2
𝑞 4𝑎𝑟
𝐸= [ ] 𝑃̂
4𝜋𝜀0 (𝑟 2 −𝑎2 )2
For r >> a, the above expression can be written as,
𝑞 4𝑎𝑟 𝑞 4𝑎𝑟
𝐸= [(𝑟 2)2 ] 𝑃̂ 𝐸= [ 4 ] 𝑃̂
4𝜋𝜀0 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 Magnitude of torque
𝑞 4𝑎𝑟
𝐸= [ ̂
3 ]𝑃
𝜏=qE x 2a sin𝜃
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
𝜏 = 2qaE sin𝜃
For points on the equatorial plane- 𝜏 = pEsin𝜃.
The vector form of torque is the cross product of dipole
moment and electric field.
Gauss law
This law states that electric flux fE through any closed surface
is equal to 1/e0 times the net charge 'q' enclosed by the
surface i.e
→ →
 E .ds =  0
q
fE =

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Independent of distances between charges inside the

surface and their distribution.
Independent of shape, size and nature of surface.
q Gauss law is valid only for the vector fields which obey
inverse square law
Gauss's and coulomb's law are comparable.

Note Note
The closed surface can be hypothetical and then it is
called a Gaussian surface. (i) A charge q is placed at the centre of a cube, then
𝑞
If the closed surface enclosed a number of charges (a) Total flux through cube =
𝜀0
q1, q2 ........... qn etc. then (b) Flux through each surface =
𝑞
6𝜀0
(ii) A charge q is placed at the center of a face of a
f= = = 𝑞
cube, then total flux through the cube =
2𝜀0
A second cube can be assumed adjacent to the first
cube, total flux through both cubes
𝑞 𝑞
= , So flux through each cube =
𝜀0 2𝜀0

q1 q2

q3 q4 (iii) Now, q is placed at a corner then the flux will

𝑞
be
8𝜀0

Flux is -

Q. What is the flux through a cube of side 𝑎 if a point charge of 𝑞 is at one of its corners?
2𝑞 𝑞 𝑞 𝑞
(a) (b) (c) (d) 6𝑎2
𝜀0 8𝜀0 𝜀0 2𝜀0

Sol. Ans. (b)

Eight identical cubes are required so that the given charge 𝑞 appears at the centre of the bigger cube.
Thus, the electric flux passing through the given cube is
1 𝑞 𝑞
ϕ= ( )=
8 𝜀0 8𝜀0

Q. A charge 𝑄 is enclosed by a Gaussian spherical surface of radius 𝑅. If the radius is doubled, then
determine the outward electric flux.

Sol. According to Gauss’s law

𝑄enclosed
ϕ𝐸 =
𝜀0
If the radius of the Gaussian surface is doubled, the outward electric flux will remain the same. This
is because electric flux depends only on the charge enclosed by the surface.

Application of Gauss’s law In all the three types of spheres, charge resides only on
Electric field due to a charged conducting sphere/ Hollow
the outer surface of the sphere in order to remain in
conducting or insulating sphere.
minimum potential energy state.

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Electric field due to solid insulating sphere

A charge given to a solid insulating sphere is distributed
equally throughout its volume
r Electric Field
O p
R q Q R p
r
O
Case: 1 OP = r ³ R
→ 1 𝑞 1 𝜎𝑅 2
𝐸= 𝑟̂ = 𝑟̂
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 𝜀0 𝑟 2
Case: 1 r > R (point is outside the sphere)
(s = surface charge density) →
→ 𝜎 1 Q
Case: 2 r = R 𝐸= 𝑟̂ E = r̂
𝜀0 40 r 2
→
Case: 3 r < R 𝐸=0 Case: 2 r = R (point is at the surface)
i.e. At point interior to a conducting or a hollow → 1 Q
sphere, electric field intensity is zero. E= r̂ = Emax = Esurface
40 R 2
For points outside the sphere, it behaves like all the
charge is present at the centre. Case: 3 r < R (point is inside the sphere)
Intensity of electric field is maximum at the surface → 1 Q
E = r r̂
40 R 3
Electric field at the surface is always perpendicular to
the surface. r
=
For points, near the surface of the conductor, E = 3 0
perpendicular to the surface Ein µ r
Graphically, at r = 0, E = 0
E Graphically

1
E 1
r2 E
E= 0 r2
r Er
E r
r<R r=R r>R
Electric potential
Case: 1 r < R
1 𝑄 𝜎𝑅
Vin = =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅 𝜀0 r<R r=R r>R r
Case: 2 r = R Again, for points outside the sphere, it behaves as all the
1 𝑄 𝜎𝑅
Vsurface = = charge is present at the centre
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅 𝜀0
Case: 3 r > R For points outside, it obeys inverse square law
1 𝑄 𝜎𝑅 2 Electric Potential
Vout = =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 𝑟 Case: 1 r > R
For points interior to a conducting or a hollow sphere, 1 𝑄
potential is same everywhere and equal to the Vout =
potential at the surface. 40 𝑟

Case: 2 r = R
kQ 1 𝑄
V= Vsurface =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅
R Case: 3 r < R
1 𝑄(3𝑅 2 −𝑟 2 )
kQ Vin =
40 2𝑅 3
V V=
r Vcentre =
3 1 𝑄
2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅
Vcentre = 3/2 Vsurface
r<R r=R r>R Graphically

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Intensity at points near the sheet

→ 
3 E= r̂
V0
Parabola 0
2
where
V0 s = surface charge density
+ +
hyparabola + + 
V + +
+ +
O r<R r=R r>R + +
E
Electric field due to infinitely long charge + +
+ +
A long wire is given a line charge density l. + +
If wire is positively charged, direction of E will be away + +
from the wire while for a negatively charged wire, →
→ E is independent of distance of the point from the
direction of E will be towards the wire. sheet and also of the area of sheet i.e. There is an
E at point p equipotential region near the sheet.
→ Direction of electric field is perpendicular to the sheet.
𝜆 𝜆
E = 2𝜋𝜀 𝑟 𝑟̂ or E =
2𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 Potential difference between two points A (r1) and B
0

+ (r2) (r1 < r2) near the sheet is

+ 
+ A B DV = VA – VB = (r2 − r1 )
E 0
+ r
1 Electric field due to two infinite parallel plates of charge
+
r Both plates have same type of charge
+ 2
  
+ EO = E 1 + E2 = + =
O
r 2 0 2 0  0
Potential difference between points A (r1) & B(r2) = VA  
E P = E1 + E2 = − =0
 r 
2 0 2 0
– VB = ln  2    
20  r1  E R = E1 + E2 = + =
If two charged wires (l1) & (l2) are kept parallel to each 2 0 2 0  0
+  + 
other at a distance 'd', then the force on unit length of + +
any of the wire is: E1 E2 + E 2 E1 + R
𝜆1 𝜆2
O + P + E 2 E1
2𝜋𝜀0 𝑑 + +
Electric field at a point due to an infinite sheet of charge + +
If 𝜎 = surface charge density. Intensity at points near to the + +
→  1 2
sheet = E = r̂ Two plates have opposite type of charge
2 0
 
EO = E1 + E 2 = − =0
 2 0 2 0
E   
r EP = E1 + E 2 = + =
2 0 2 0  0
 O r
E  
ER = E1 + E 2 = − =0
2 0 2 0
Direction of electric field is perpendicular to the sheet of +  – 
charge. + –
Intensity of electric field does not depend upon the distance E 2 E1 E E R
+ 2 1 –
of points from the sheet for the points in front of sheet i.e. + –
There is an equipotential region near the charged sheet. O P E 2 E1
+ –
Potential difference between two points A & B at distances r1 + –
& r2 respectively is + –
𝜎
VA – VB = (𝑟2 − 𝑟1 ) 1 2
2𝜀0
Electric field due to infinite charged metal sheet

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Note Intensity will be maximum at a distance

R
from the
In this case, we will have a uniform electric field 2
between the two plates directed from positive to center and
negative charged plate. Electric field intensity is 2 1 Q
Emax = . . 2
zero elsewhere. 3√3 4𝜋𝜀0
R
Electric field due to charged ring: Q charge is Electric potential at a distance x from centre,
distributed over a ring of radius R. 1 Q
V=
Intensity of electric field at a distance x from the centre 40 (x 2 + R 2 )
of ring along its axis -
1 Qx Uniformly charged semi - circular arc
E=
40 (R + x 2 )3 / 2
2 Q
R
d
r
R  dE cos  axis of E
O x P  the loop 𝜆
Ecentre =
dE 2𝜋𝜀0 𝑅
𝑄
Intensity will be zero at the centre of the ring. where l = linear charge density =
𝜋𝑅
1 𝑄
Vcentre =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅

Q. Two parallel infinite line charges with linear charge densities +𝜆 C/m and −𝜆 C/m are placed at a distance of
2𝑅 in free space. What is the electric field mid-way between the two-line charges?
𝜆
Sol. Electric field due to an infinite line charge, 𝐸 =
2𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
Net electric field at mid-point 𝑂,
𝐸⃗0 = 𝐸⃗1 + 𝐸⃗2
𝜆 𝜆
As, 𝐸1 = 𝐸2 = ∴ 𝐸0 = 2𝐸1 = N C −1
2𝜋𝜀0 𝑅 𝜋𝜀0 𝑅

Q. A hollow insulated conduction sphere is given a positive charge of 10 μC. What will be the electric
field at the centre of the sphere if its radius is 2 metres?

Sol.
Field inside a conducting sphere = 0.

Electric dipole Electric field due to a dipole

A system consisting of two equal and opposite charges There are two components of electric field at any point
separated by a small distance is termed an electric →

dipole. (a) Er in the direction of r

→
d (b) Eq in the direction perpendicular to r
– +
p 1 2P cos
–q +q Er = .
40 r3
Na+Cl -, H+ Cl - etc.
1  P sin  
Eq = . 
Dipole moment: The product of the magnitude of 40  r 3 
charges and distance between them is called the dipole
E Er
moment.
(a) This is a vector quantity which is directed from E 
negative to positive charge. p
(b) Unit: Coulomb - metre (C-m)
r
(c) Dimension: [M0 L1 T1A1]
→ → 
(d) Dipole moment p = q d –q O q

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Resultant Note
P
E= E 2r + E 2 = 1 + 3 cos2  (i) This is not essential that at a point, where E =
40 r 3 0, V will also be zero there e.g., inside a
→ → uniformly charged sphere, E = 0 but V ¹ 0
Angle between the resultant E and E r , a is given by a (ii) Also, if V = 0, it is not essential for E to be zero
E  1  e.g., in equatorial position of dipole
= tan–1    = tan–1  tan 
2  V = 0, but E ¹ 0
 Er 
If 𝜃 = 0, i.e point is on the axis - Electric dipole in an electric field - uniform electric field
Eaxis =
1 2P
. When an electric dipole is placed in a uniform electric dipole,
40 r 3 a torque acts on it
q = 0, i. e. along the axis. which subjects the dipole to rotatory motion. This t is
If q = 90º, i.e., point is on the line bisecting the dipole given by t = PE sinq or
→ →
perpendicularly →
 = P E
1 P
Eequator = . Potential energy of the dipole
40 r 3 → →
So, Eaxis = 2Eequator (for same r) U = – PE cos q = – P . E
1 2 Pr Cases:
. 2 2 2 → →
40 (r −  ) (a) If q = 0º, i.e., P || E , t = 0 and U = – PE, dipole is in the
Eaxis =
minimum potential energy state and no torque acting on
1 P
Eequator = . 2 2 3/ 2 it and hence it is in the stable equilibrium state.
40 (r +  ) → →
where P = q. (2l) (b) For q = 180º, i.e., P and E are in opposite direction, then
Q t = 0 but U = PE which is maximum potential energy state.
Although it is in equilibrium but it is not a stable state and
a slight perturbation can disturb it.
→ →
r (c) q = 900, i.e., P ⊥ E , then
t = PE (maximum) and U = 0

–q 90° +q p Note
 O  r (a) There is no net force acting on the dipole in a
1 𝑞(2ℓ) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 uniform electric field.
V= .
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 (b) If dipole is placed in a non-uniform electric field,
→ → it performs rotatory as well as translator
1 P cos 1 P. r
= . 2 = . motion because now a net force also acts on the
40 r 40 r 2 dipole along with the torque. (Important)
→
1 𝑃 .𝑟̂
= .
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟3
→ →
where q is the angle between P and r . Work done in rotating on electric dipole in an electric
V can also be written as field
1 → 1 1 r̂ (i) Work done in rotating the dipole from q1 to q2 in a
V= − P .    because    = − 2 uniform electric field
40 r r r
W = PE (cosq1 – cosq2)
P
If q = 0, Vaxis = Force on the surface of a charged
40 . r 2 If surface charge density on a surface is s, then electric field
𝜎
If q = 90º, Vequator = 0 intensity at a point near this surface is .
𝜀0
Here we see that V = 0 but E ¹ 0 for points at equator When a conductor is charged then it's entire surface
Again, if r >> 2l is not true and d = 2l, experiences an outward force perpendicular to the surface.
1 P The force per unit area of the charged surface is called as the
Vaxis = . 2 2 electrical pressure,
40 (r −  )
𝜎2
Vequator = 0 Pelectrical. = N/m2.
2𝜀0
The direction of this force is perpendicular to the surface.

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Energy associated with the electric field 4 3 4 3

(i) The energy stored per unit volume around a point in an n. pr = pR or R = n1/3 r (c) Potential of each small
3 3
electric field E is given by
1 q
1 drops = V = .
U = e0 E2 This is also called energy density 40 r
2
(d) Potential of large drop = V'
(ii) If in place of vacuum some medium is present then U =
1 Q
1 V' = = V' = n2/3 V
e e E 2. 40 R
2 0 r
Drop of a charged liquid - 1 q
(e) Electric field at surface of small drop E= .
If n identical drops each having a charge q and radius r 40 r 2
coalesce to form a single large drop of radius R and charge Q, (f) Electric field at surface of large drop = E'
then 1 Q
(a) Charge will be conserved i.e., nq = Q E' = . 2
40 R
(b) Volume will be conserved i.e.
E' = n1/3 z

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Like Charges and Unlike Charges: An Electric Field Line:

Like charges repel and unlike charges attract each other. It is a curve drawn in such a way that the tangent at each point
• Conductors and Insulators: on the curve gives the direction of electric field at that point.
Conductors allow movement of electric charge through Important Properties of Field Lines:
them, insulators do not. These are:
• Quantization of Electric Charge: It means that total (i) Field lines are continuous curves without any breaks.
charge (q) of a body is always an integral multiple of a (ii) Two field lines cannot cross each other.
basic quantum of (iii) Electrostatic field lines start at positive charges and end
charge (e) at negative charges – they
q = ne cannot form closed loops.
where n = 0, ±1, ±2, ±3, …. • Electric Field at a Point due to Charge q:
• Additivity of Electric Charges: F
Total charge of a system is the algebraic sum of all E=
individual charges in the system. q
• Electric Field due to an Electric Dipole in its
• Conservation of Electric Charges:
Equatorial Plane at a Distance r from the Centre:
The total charge of an isolated system remains uncharged −𝑝 1
with time. 𝐸⃗ = 3
4𝜋𝜀0
(𝑎2 +𝑟 2 )2
−𝑝
• Superposition Principle: ≅ , 𝑓𝑜𝑟r>>a
4𝜋𝜀0
It is the properties of forces with which two charges
• Electric Field due to an Electric Dipole on the Axis at
attract or repel each other are not affected by the
a Distance r from the Centre:
presence of a third (or more) additional charge(s). 2𝑝𝑟
𝐸=
4𝜋𝜀0 (𝑟 2 −𝑎2 )2
• The Electric Field E at a Point due to a Charge
2𝑝
Configuration: It is the force on a small positive test ≅ , 𝑓𝑜𝑟r>>a
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 3
charges q placed at the point divided by a magnitude
• A Dipole Placed in Uniform Electric Field E
experiences:
Torque  ,
𝜏 = 𝑝𝑥𝐸⃗
• The Electric Flux:
𝜙 = ∫ 𝑑𝜙 = ∫ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑠is a ‘dot’ product, hence it is scalar.
𝜋
 is positive for all values of 𝜃 < 2
|𝑞|
𝜋
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2  is negative for all values of 𝜃 > 2
It is radially outwards from q, if q is positive and radially • Gauss’s Law:
inwards if q is negative. The flux of electric field through any closed surface S is
E at a point varies inversely as the square of its distance 1/ε0 times the total charge enclosed by S.
from Q, the plot of E versus r will look like the figure 𝜙 = ∫ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑠 =
𝑞

given below. 𝜀0

Coulomb’s Law: • Electric field outside the charged shell is as though the
The mutual electrostatic force between two point charges q 1 total charge is concentrated at the centre. The same
and q2 is proportional to the product q1q2 and inversely result is true for a solid sphere of uniform volume charge
proportional to the square of the distance r21 separating density.
them. • The electric field is zero at all points inside a charged
shell.
k (q1q 2)
F21 ( force on q 2 due to q1 = rˆ21 • Electric field E, due to an infinitely long straight wire
r212 of uniform linear charge density λ:
Where r̂21 is a unit vector in the direction from q1 to q2 and 𝐸=
𝜆
. 𝑛̂
2𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
1 where r is the perpendicular distance of the point from
k= is the proportionality constant.
4 0 the wire and is the radial unit vector in the plane normal
to the wire passing through the point.

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where r is the distance of the point from the centre of the

• Electric field E, due to an infinite thin plane sheet of
shell and R the radius of the shell, q is the total charge of
uniform surface charge density σ:
𝜎 the shell & q = 4πR2σ.
𝐸= . 𝑛̂
2𝜀0 • Electric field E along the outward normal to the surface
Where 𝑛̂ is a unit vector normal to the plane, outward on is zero and σ is the surface charge density. Charges in a
either side. conductor can reside only at its surface. Potential is
• Electric field E, due to thin spherical shell of uniform constant within and on the surface of a conductor. In a
surface charge density σ: cavity within a conductor (with no charges), the electric
𝑞
𝐸= 2 . 𝑟̂ (𝑟 ≥ 𝑅)
field is zero.
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
E = 0(𝑟 < 𝑅)

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PRACTICE EXERCISE
Q9. The bob of a pendulum carries an electric charge of
MCQ 39.2 × 10–10 coulomb in a horizontal electric field of
20 × 103 V/m and it is at rest. The angle made by the
Q1. An electron falls a distance of 4 cm in a uniform electric pendulum with the vertical will be, if the mass of
field of magnitude 5 × 104 N/C. The time taken by pendulum is 8 × 10–6 kg and g = 9.8 m/s2 -
electron in falling will be- (a) 27º (b) 45º
(a) 2.99 × 10–7 s (b) 2.99 × 10–8 s (c) 87º (d) 127º
(c) 2.99 × 10–9 s (d) 2.99 × 10–10 s Q10. A square of side 'a' has equal charge 'q' at its corners.
Q2. If the sizes of charged bodies are very small compared The magnitude of force at B will be-
to the distances between them, we treat them as Dq qC
____________.
(a) Zero charges (b) Point charges a
(c) Single charge (d) No charges
Q3. A small sphere carrying a charge ‘q’ is hanging in q q
A B
between two parallel plates by a string of length L. 1 𝑘𝑞 2
(a) 2 (1 + 2 2 )
Time period of pendulum is 𝑇0 . When parallel Plates 2 𝑎
𝑇 1 𝑘2𝑞2
are charged, the time period changes to T. the ratio (b)
𝑇0 2 𝑎2
4𝑘𝑞 2
is equal (c) 2
𝑎
𝑞𝐸 1/2 3/2
𝑔+ 𝑔 (d) none of these
(a) ( 𝑚
) (b) ( 𝑞𝐸 )
𝑔 𝑔+
𝑚 Q11. ————— gives the information on field strength,
1/2 5/2
𝑔 𝑔 direction, and nature of the charge.
(c) ( 𝑞𝐸 ) (d) ( 𝑞𝐸 ) (a) Electric current
𝑔+ 𝑔+
𝑚 𝑚
(b) Electric flux
Q4. The force per unit charge is known as ____________. (c) Electric field
(a) Electric current (d) Electric potential
(b) Electric potential
(c) Electric field Q12. An electron falls a distance of 4 cm in a uniform electric
(d) Electric space field of magnitude 5 × 104 N/C. The time taken by
Q5. An electric dipole, consisting of two opposite charges of electron in falling will be-
2 × 10−6 C each separated by a distance 3 cm is placed (a) 2.99 × 10–7 s (b) 2.99 × 10–8 s
in and electric field of 2 × 10−6 𝐶 each separated by a (c) 2.99 × 10–9 s (d) 2.99 × 10–10 s
distance 3 cm is placed in an electric field of Q13. What happens when a glass rod is rubbed with silk?
2 × 105 𝑁/𝐶. Torque acting on the dipole is (a) gains protons from silk
(a) 12 × 10−1 𝑁 − 𝑚 (b) gains electrons from silk
(b) 12 × 10−2 𝑁 − 𝑚 (c) gives electrons to silk
(c) 12 × 10−3 𝑁 − 𝑚 (d) gives protons to silk
(d) 12 × 10−4 𝑁 − 𝑚
Q14. In the adjacent figure a unit positive charge moves
Q6. What is the dielectric constant of a metal? along the path ABC in an electric field E. The potential
(a) -1 (b) 0 difference between A & C will be
(c) 1 (d) Infinite C B
Q7. There is an electric field E in X-direction. If the work 45º
done on moving a charge of 0.2 C through a distance of
2 m along a line making an angle 600 with x-axis is 4 J, r
then what is the value of E?
(a) 3 N/C (b) 4 N/C
(c) 5 N/C (d) 20 N/C 45º

Q8. The property which differentiates two kinds of A
E
charges is called ____________. (a) 0
(a) Equality of charge (b) Er
(b) Polarity of charge (c) Er/2
(c) Fraction of charge (d) Er/4
(d) None of the option
)

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Q15. Sphere of radius 4 cm is suspended inside a hollow (d) Only irregular open surfaces.
spherical conductor of radius 6 cm concentrically. The Q25. When air is replaced by a medium of dielectric
small sphere is charged upto 3 e.s.u and the outer constant K, the force of attraction between two charges
surface is connected to earth. The potential difference separated by a distance r
between the spheres will be- (a) decreases K times
(a) 36 e.s.u. (b) 54 e.s.u. (b) remains unchanged
(c) 30 e.s.u. (d) 0.25 e.s.u. (c) increases K times
Q16. An electron is placed in an electric field of intensity (d) increases K–2
104 Newton per Coulomb. The electric force working
on the electron is ASSERTION AND REASONING
(a) 0.625x1013 Newton (b) 0.625x10-15 Newton
Directions: These questions consist of two statements, each
(c) 1.6x1015 Newton (d) 1.6x10-15 Newton
printed as Assertion and Reason. While answering these
Q17. Which of the following is false about Electrostatic field questions, you are required to choose any one of the following
lines? four responses.
(a) Field lines start from positive charges and end at (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of
negative charges. A
(b) If there is a single positive charge, field lines will (b) Both A and R are trug and but R is not a correct
end at infinity. explanation of A
(c) Two field lines can never cross each other (c) A is true but R is false
(d) Electrostatic field lines form closed loops. (d) A is false, but R is true
Q18 The magnitude of electric force experienced by a Q1. Assertion The charge on anybody can be increased or
charged particle in an electric field depends on decreased in terms of e
(a) charge of the particle Reason - Quantization of charge means that the charge
(b) the velocity of the particle of a body is integral multiple of e
(c) the direction of the electric field
Q2. Assertion - When we rub a glass rod with Silk, the rod
(d) mass of the particle
gets negatively charged and the Silk gets positively
Q19. A hollow metal ball-carrying an electric charge charged
produces no electric field at points: Reason - On rubbing, electrons from Silk cloth move to
(a) Outside the sphere (b) On its surface the glass rod
(c) Inside the sphere (d) Only at the center
Q3. Assertion - Consider two identical charges placed
S20. The electrostatic force acting per unit positive test distance 2d apart, along the x-axis. The equilibrium of
charge at a location is a measure of the intensity of: a positive test charge placed at the point O midway
(a) Electric potential (b) Electric field between them is stable for displacements along the x-
(c) Coulomb force (d) Gravity axis
Q21. A charge 𝑞 is placed at the centre of the line joining two Reason- Force on test charge is zero
equal charges 𝑄. The system of the three charges will Q4. Assertion - Coulomb's force is the dominating force in
be in equilibrium if 𝑞 is equal to the universe
(a) −𝑄/4 (b) 𝑄/4 Reason - Coulomb's force is weaker then the
𝑄
(c) − (d) 𝑄/2 gravitational
2
Q22. A body can be negatively charged by Q5. Assertion - On going away from a point charge or a
(a) giving excess of electrons to it small electric dipole, electric field decreases at the
(b) removing some electron from it same rate in both the cases
(c) giving some protons to it Reason - Electric field is inversely proportional to cube
(d) removing some neutrons from it. of distance from the charge of an electric dipole
Q23. Which of the following is not a property of field lines?
(a) Field lines are continuous curves without any VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
breaks
(b) Two field lines cannot cross each other Q1. What is the electric flux through a cube of side 1 cm
(c) Field lines start at positive charges and end at which encloses an electric dipole?
negative charges Q2. Why do the electrostatic field lines not form closed
(d) They form closed loops loops?
Q24. Gauss's law is valid for Q3. Two identical conducting balls A and B have charges –Q
(a) Any closed surface and +3Q respectively. They are brought in contact with
(b) Only regular closed surfaces each other and then separated by a distance d apart.
(c) Any open surface Find the nature of the Coulomb force between them.

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Q4. Two metallic spheres A and B kept on insulating stands Any electrical shock cage receives, pass harmlessly
are in contact with each other. A positively charged rod around the outside of the cage.
P is brought near the sphere A as shown in the figure. (i) Which of the following material can be made Faraday
The two spheres are separated from each other, and cage
the rod P is removed. What will be the nature of (a) Plastic
charges on spheres A and B? (b) Glass
Q5. The dimensions of an atom are of the order of an (c) Copper
Angstrom. Thus there must be large electric fields (d) Wood
between the protons and electrons. Why, then is the (ii) Example of real-world Faraday cage is
electrostatic field inside a conductor zero? (a) Cars (b) Plastic box
(c) Lightning rod (d) Metal rod
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (iii) What is the electrical force inside a Faraday cage when
it is struck by lightning
Q1. (a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve. (a) The same as the lightning
That is, a field line cannot have sudden breaks. (b) Half that of the lightning
Why is it so? (c) Zero
(b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other (d) A quarter of the lightning
at any point. (iv) An isolated point charge + q is placed inside a Faraday
cage. Its surface must have charge equal to
Q2. (a) Define electric flux. Write its SI unit. (a) Zero (b) +q
(b) A spherical rubber balloon carries a charge that is (c) -q (d) +20
uniformly distributed over its surface. As the
balloon is blown up and increases in size, how does Q2. A system of closely spaced electric charge forms a
the total electric flux come out of the surface continuous charge distribution. To find the field of a
change? Give reason. continuous charge distribution, we divide the charge
into infinitesimal charge elements. Each infinitesimal
Q3. Figure shows two large metal plates P1 and P2, tightly charge element is then considered as a point charge
held against each other and placed between two equal and electric field dE is determined due to this charge at
and unlike point charges perpendicular to the line given point. The net field at the given point is the
joining them. summation of fields of all the elements i.e., E = ∫ 𝑑𝐸
(i) How many electrons must be added to an isolated
spherical conductor of radius 20 cm to produce an
electric 1000 N/C just outside the surface?
(a) 2.77 x 1020 (b) 2.77 x 1010
(c) 1.77 x 1010 (d) 5.4 x 1010
(ii) A circular annulus of inner radius r and outer radius R
has a uniform charge density 'a'. What will be the total
charge on the annulus?
(a) a (R2-r²) (b) πa (R²-r²)
(i) What will happen to the plates when they are (c) a (R-r) (d) πаR2
released? (iii) What is the dimension of linear charge density?
(ii) Draw the pattern of the electric field lines for the (a) [ATL-¹] (b) [AT ¹L]
system. (c) [ATL] (d) [A-¹T-¹L]
Q4. Represent graphically the variation of electric field with Q3. Microwave oven works on the principle of torque
distance, for a uniformly charged plane sheet. acting on an electric dipole. The food we consume has
Q5. (a) Define electric flux. Write its SI unit. (b) “Gauss’s law water molecules which are permanent electric dipoles.
in electrostatics is true for any closed surface, no Oven produces microwaves that are oscillating
matter what its shape or size is.” Justify this statement electromagnetic field and produce torque on each
with the help of a suitable example. water molecules. Due to this torque on ech water
molecule, molecules rotate very fast and produce
CASE STUDY QUESTIONS thermal energy. Thus, heat generated is used to heat
the food.
Q1. A Faraday cage or Faraday Shield is an enclosure made (i) An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 300 to a
of a conducting material. The fields within & conductor uniform electric field. The dipole will experience a
cancel out with any external fields, so the electric field torque as well as & translational force.
within the enclosure is zero. (a) a torque as well as & translational force.
These Faraday cage act as a big hollow conductor; you (b) a torque only
can put things in it to shield them from electric fields.

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(c) a translational force only in the direction of the Q1. Two isolated metal spheres A and B have radii R and
field 4. a translational force only in a direction 2R respectively, and same charge q. Find which of the
normal to two spheres have greater energy density just outside
(d) direction of the field the surface of the spheres.
(ii) An electric dipole is placed in a nonuniform electric Q2. Two small balls having equal charges Q, are suspended
field, what acts on it? from a hook with two insulating threads each of length
(a) only torque (b) only force L. This arrangement is carried in the space, where
(c) both 1 and 2 (d) none of these there is no gravitation. Then find the tension in each
(iii) An electric dipole of moment p in placed in a uniform string.
electric field E. The maximum torque experienced by Q3. Two particles A and B having masses equal and
the dipole is charges q and 4q. If these are accelerated from rest
(a) pE (b) p/E through same potential difference, then what will be
(c) E/p (d) p.E the ratio in their speeds?
(iv) Let Ea be the electric field due to a dipole in its axial Q4. A point charge of 2.0 𝜇C is at the centre of a cubic
plane distant I and let Eq be the field in the equatorial Gaussian surface 9.0 cm on edge. What is the net
plane distant 1. The relation between Ea and Eq is electric flux through the surface?
(a) Ea = Eq (b) Ea = 2Eq Q5. A point charge causes an electric flux of – 1.0 × 103 Nm2
(c) Eq = 2Ea (d) Ea = 3Eq C–1 to pass through a spherical surface of 10.0 cm
Q4. Coulomb’s law states that the electrostatic force of radius centred on the charge.
attraction or repulsion acting between two stationary (a) If the radius of the Gaussian surface were doubled,
point charges is given by- how much flux would pass through the surface?
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
𝐹= (b) What is the value of the point charge?
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟 2
Q6. A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 2.4 m
diameter has a surface charge density of 80.0 𝜇C /m2
(a) Find the charge on the sphere.
(b) What is the total electric flux leaving the surface of
where F denotes the force between two charges q1 and the sphere?
q2 separated by a distance r in free space, 𝜀0 is a Q7. How many electrons must be removed from an
constant known as permittivity of free space. Free electrically neutral metal plate to give it a positive
space is vacuum and may be taken to be air practically. charge of 1 × 10–7 coulomb?
If free space is replaced by a medium, then 𝜀0 is
Q8. The surface charge density of a thin charged disc of
replaced by (𝜀0 k) or (𝜀0 𝜀𝑟 ) where k is known as
radius R is 𝜎. The value of the electric field at the centre
dielectric constant or relative permittivity. 𝜎
𝑞 𝑞 of the disc is . With respect to the field at the centre,
(i) In coulomb’s law, , 𝐹 = 𝑘 1 2 2 then on which of the 2 ∈0
𝑟
following factors does the proportionality constant k then determine the reduced electric field along the axis
depends? at a distance R from the centre of the disc.
(a) Electrostatic force acting between the two charges Q9. A surface has the area vector 𝐴 = (2𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂)𝑚2 . What
(b) Nature of the medium between the two charges will be the flux of an electric field through it if the field
(c) Magnitude of the two charges 𝑉
is 𝐸⃗ = 4𝑖̂ .
𝑚
(d) Distance between the two charges
Q10. Two equally charged, identical metal spheres A and B
(ii) Dimensional formula for the permittivity constant e0of
repel each other with a force ‘F’. The spheres are kept
free space is
fixed with a distance ‘r’ between them. A third identical,
(a) [M L–3 T4 A2 ] (b) [M–1 L3 T2 A2 ]
but uncharged sphere C is brought in contact with A
(c) [M–1 L–3 T4 A2 ] (d) [M L–3 T4 A–2]
and then placed at the midpoint of the line joining A
(iii) The force of repulsion between two charges of 1 C each,
and B. Determine the magnitude of the net electric
kept 1 m apart in vacuum is
1 force on C.
(a) 9N (b) 9 × 109 N
9×10
1
Q11. A cup contains 250 g of water. Determine the number
(c) 9 × 107 N (d) N of negative charges present in the cup of water.
9×1012
Q12. The electric potential V is given as a function of
NUMERICAL TYPE QUESTIONS distance x (meter) by V = (5x2–10x–9) volts. Then find
the value of the electric field at x = 1 m.

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HOMEWORK EXERCISE
Q8. The force experienced by a unit positive test charge
MCQ placed at a point is called
Q1. Three charges 𝑄, +𝑞 and +𝑞 are placed at the vertices (a) The magnetic field at that point
of right-angled isosceles triangle as shown in the (b) The gravitational field at that point
figure. The net electrostatic energy of the configuration (c) The electrical field at that point
is zero if Q is equal to (d) The nuclear field at that point
Q9. The SI unit of the electric field is:
(a) Cm-2
(b) Am-1
(c) Vm-1
(a)
−𝑞
(b)
−2𝑞 (d) Cm-1
1+√2 2+√2
Q10. The force experienced by a charged particle of -6 C in
(c) −2𝑞 (d) +𝑞
Q2. Three charges of equal value ‘𝑞’ are placed at the the external electric field is 60 N towards the north.
vertices of an equilateral triangle. What is the net The electric field intensity will be:
potential energy, if the side of equilateral ∆ is? (a) 10 N/C towards the north
1 𝑞2 1 2𝑞 2
(a) (b) (b) 10 N/C towards the south
4𝜋 ∈0 𝑙 4𝜋 ∈0 𝑙
1 3𝑞 2 1 4𝑞 2 (c) 6 N/C towards the north
(c) (d)
4𝜋 ∈0 𝑙 4𝜋 ∈0 𝑙 (d) 6 N/C towards south
Q3. 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 VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
𝑞2 6𝑞 2
(a) (b)
8𝜋∈0 𝑎 8𝜋∈0 𝑎
7𝑞 2 9𝑞 2
(c) − (d) Q1. Draw the pattern of electric field lines, when a point
8𝜋∈0 𝑎 8𝜋∈0 𝑎
Q4. The intensity of the electric field at any point on the charge –Q is kept near an uncharged conducting plate.
surface of a charged conductor is Q2. Why do the electrostatic field lines not form closed
(a) zero loops?
(b) perpendicular to surface Q3. The dimensions of an atom are of the order of an
(c) tangential to surface Angstrom. Thus, there must be large electric fields
(d) infinite between the protons and electrons. Why, then is the
Q5. In an electric field E directed downwards a proton of
electrostatic field inside a conductor zero?
charge e will experience a _________.
(a) the upward force of magnitude eE Q4. What is the electric flux through a cube of side 1 cm
(b) the downward force of magnitude e/E which encloses an electric dipole?
(c) the upward force of magnitude e/E Q5. Why do the electric field lines never cross each other?
(d) the downward force of magnitude eE
Q6. A hollow metal ball-carrying an electric charge
produces no electric field at points: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
(a) Outside the sphere
(b) On its surface
(c) Inside the sphere Q1. A spherical conducting shell of inner radius r1 and
(d) Only at the center outer radius r2 has a charge ‘Q’. A charge ‘q’ is placed
Q7. If the potential at every point on a conductor is the at the centre of the shell.
same, then (a) What is the surface charge density on the
(a) Electric field lines of force may begin or end on the (i) inner surface,
same conductor (ii) outer surface of the shell?
(b) No electric field lines of force may begin or end on
(b) Write the expression for the electric field at a
the same conductor
(c) The electric field intensity inside the conductor is point x>r2 from the centre of the shell.
non-zero Q2. Why are electric field lines perpendicular at a point on
(d) None of the above an equipotential surface of a conductor?

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LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS NUMERICAL TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1. (a) Define electric flux. Write its SI unit.
(b) Using Gauss’s law, prove that the electric field at a Q1. Two identical particles each having a charge of 10 𝜇C
point due to a uniformly charged infinite plane are tied with two strings of equal length 1m at a
sheet is independent of the distance from it. common point. If both the strings make an angle of 30°
(c) How is the field directed if with vertical, then determine the mass of each particle.
(i) the sheet is positively charged, Q2. Two identical charges are placed at the two corners of
(ii) negatively charged? an equilateral triangle. The potential energy of the
system is U. what will be work done in bringing an
identical charge from infinity to the third vertex.
CASE STUDY QUESTIONS
Q3. A sphere of radius 5 cm has electric field 5 × 106 V/m
on its surface. What will be the force acting on a charge
Q1. In 1909, Robert Millikan was the first to find the charge of 5 × 10–8C placed at distance of 20cm from the center
of an electron in his now-famous oil-drop experiment. of sphere.
In that experiment, tiny oil drops were sprayed into a Q4. Two-point charges placed at a certain distance r in air
uniform electric field between a horizontal pair of exert a force F on each other. Then the distance R at
oppositely charged plates. The drops were observed which these charges will exert the same force in a
with a magnifying eyepiece, and the electric field was medium of dielectric constant K.
adjusted so that the upward force on some negatively Q5. Two small balls each having the charge + Q are
charged oil drops was just sufficient to balance the suspended by insulating threads of length L from a
downward force of gravity. That is, when suspended, hook. This arrangement is taken in space where there
upward force qE just equaled Mg. Millikan accurately is no gravitational effect, then find the angle between
measured the charges on many oil drops and found the the two suspensions and the tension in each thread.
values to be whole number multiples of 1.6 x 10-19 C Q6. A total charge Q is broken in two parts Q1 and Q 2 and
the charge of the electron. For this, he won the Nobel they are placed at a distance R from each other. Then
prize. when the maximum force of repulsion between them
(i) If a drop of mass 1.08 x 10-14 kg remains will occur.
stationary in an electric field of 1.68 x 105 N C-1, Q7. How much kinetic energy will be gained by an α-
then the charge of this drop is particle in going from a point at 70V to another point at
(a) 6.40 x 10-19 C (b) 3.2 x 10-19 C 50V?
(c) 1.6 X 10-19 C (d) 4.8 x 10-19 C Q8. In a hydrogen atom, the electron revolves around the
(ii) Extra electrons on this particular oil drop (given nucleus in an orbit of radius 0.53 × 10−10 m. Then the
the presently known charge of the electron) are electrical potential produced by the nucleus at the
(a) 4 (b) 3 position of the electron is
(c) 5 (d) 8 Q9. In the rectangle shown below, the two corners have
(iii) A negatively charged oil drop is prevented from charges 𝑞1 = −5 μC and 𝑞2 = +2.0 μC. Determine the
falling under gravity by applying a vertical electric work done by external agent in moving a charge 𝑞 =
field 100 V [Link] the mass of the drop is 1.6 X 10- +3.0 μC slowly from B to A. (Take 1/4𝜋ε0 = 1010 Nm2 /
3 g, the number of electrons carried by the drop is C2)
(g= 10 m s-2)
(a) 1018 (b) 1015
(c) 1012 (d) 109
(iv) The important conclusion given by Millikan’s
experiment about the charge is
(a) charge is never quantized
(b) charge has no definite value Q10. The distance between H + and Cl− ions in HCl molecule
(c) charge is quantized is 1.28 Å. What will be the potential due to this dipole
(d) charge on oil drop always increases. at a distance of 12 Å on the axis of dipole.

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PRACTICE EXERCISE SOLUTIONS

S9. (b) 45°
MCQ

E
S1. (c)2.99 × 10–9 s
Tcos 
1 2 1 eE 2 2 ym T 
y= at = t ,t=
2 2 m e.E T sin qE
[Putting y = 4 × 10–2 m, m = 9.1 × 10–31 kg, mg
e = 1.6 × 10–19C, E = 5 × 104 N/C] T sin q = qE
2𝑦𝑚 T cos q = mg
t =√ = 3 × 10–9 s qE 39.2×10−10×20×103
𝑒.𝐸
tan q = =
mg 8×10−6 ×9.8
S2. (b) Point charges
If the sizes of the charged bodies are very small tan q = 1
compared to the distances between them, we q = 45°
consider them as point charges. 1 𝑘𝑞 2
S10. (a) (1 + 2 2 )
1/2 2 𝑎2
𝑔 D
S3. (c) (
𝑔+
𝑞𝐸 ) q q C
𝑚
𝐿
𝑇0 = 2𝜋 √ a
𝑔
When the plates are charged, the net acceleration q q B
is, g’= g + a A F1
qE 𝑞𝐸
F3
g' = g + ………….. (𝑎 =
𝑚
) F2
m Force on the charge placed at B, due to charges at
𝐿 kq2
∴ 𝑇 = 2𝜋√ A, C, & D are F1 = ,
qE a2
𝑔+
𝑚
1/2 kq2 kq2 kq2
𝑇 𝑔 F2 = & F 3 = = respectively.
∴ =( ) a2 ( a 2 ) 2 2a
2
𝑇0 qE
𝑔+
𝑚 [Note BD = 2 a]
S4. (c) Electric field Resultant of F1 & F2,
The force per unit charge is known as the electric
field. kq2
F12 = F12 + F22 + 2F1F2 cos90º = 2
S5. (c) 12  10-3 N-m a2
Charge (q) = 2  10-6 C, F12 || F3
Distance (d) = 3cm = 3  10-2 m and
Electric field (E) = 2  105 N/C. QF=
2
F12 + F32 + 2F12.F3 cos0 = F12 + F3
Torque (τ) = q.d. E=(2  10-6)  (3  10-2)  (2  105) 2 kq2 kq2
= 12  10-3 N-m. = + 2
a2 2a
S6. (d) Infinite
The dielectric constant of metals is infinite. The 1 kq2
= (1 + 2 2 )
dielectric constant of metal is infinite, as the net 2 a2
electric field inside the metal is zero.
S11. (c) Electric field
S7. (d) 20 N/C Electric field describes the information on field
Charge(q) = 0.2 C; Distance (d) = 2 m; Angle θ=60° strength, direction, and also the nature of the
and Work done (W) = 4J. Work done in moving the charge.
charge (W)
= F.d cos θ = qEd cos θ S12. (c) 2.99 × 10–9 s
𝑊 4 4 1 2 1 eE 2
or, 𝐸 = = = = 20N/C. 2 ym
qd 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 0.2×2×𝑐𝑜𝑠 60° 0.4×0.5 y= at = t Þt=
2 2 m e.E
S8. (b) Polarity of charge property which differentiates
two kinds of charges is called polarity of charge. [Putting y = 4 × 10–2 m, m = 9.1 × 10–31 kg,

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e = 1.6 × 10–19C, E = 5 × 104 N/C] on the magnitude of the charge on the particle, as
shown by the above equation.
2 ym
t= = 3 × 10–9 s S19. (c) Inside the sphere
e.E The electric field within the hollow sphere is zero.
S13. (a) gains protons from silk. They cancel each other out since E is a vector
Excess electrons can be transferred from glass to quantity. There is no electric field in the middle.
silk when a glass rod is rubbed with silk. Hence, the The external field is canceled by the inside field.
charge on glass rod becomes positive, and the The electrical charge is always spread evenly
charge on silk becomes negative. throughout the uniformly formed wire.
S14. (b) Er S20. (b) Electric field
VC
rC The force experienced by a unit charge deposited

VA

dV = – E  dr
rA
at any point is specified as the electric field
intensity (E). The intensity of an electric field at a
   particular point is given by:
VC – VA = – E ( rC – rA ) E=F/q
 
= E  rCA As a result, the force acting per unit positive test
charge at a given place is a measure of the electric
= ErCA cos q
field's intensity.
= Er cos 0°
S21. (a) The situation is as shown in the figure.
= Er
S15. (d) 0.25 e.s.u.

Let two equal charges 𝑄 each placed at points 𝐴

kq kq
V = Vsmall – Vlarge = − and 𝐵 at a distance 𝑟 apart. 𝐶 is the centre of 𝐴𝐵
r R where charge 𝑞 is placed.
1 1 For equilibrium, net force on charge 𝑄 = 0
= kq  −  ...... (1) 1 𝑄𝑄 1 𝑄𝑞
r R  ∴ 2 + 2 = 0
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 (𝑟/2)
q = 3 e.s.u., r = 4 cm, R = 6 cm and 1 𝑄2 1 4𝑄𝑞 𝑄
=− or 𝑄 = −4𝑞 or 𝑞 = −
In C.G.S. k = 1 dyne cm2/stat. coulomb2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 4

1 1 S22. (a) giving excess of electrons to it excess of electron

From (1) V = 3  −  = 0.25 e.s.u. gives the negative charge on body.
4 6
S23. (a) Field line are always normal to conducting surface
S16. (d) 1.6x10-15 Newton and they do not from closed loop. Field may have
E = 104 Newton per Coulomb and q = 1.6x10-19 C break, the do not exist inside the conductor.
F=qE
S24. (a) any closed surface Gauss's law states that flow
F = (1.6x10-19)x104
through any closed surface is a measure of the total
F = 1.6x10-15 Newton
charge inside. Gauss law is valid for closed
S17. (d) Electrostatic field lines form closed loops surfaces. it is valid only for the symmetric body
The space around an electric charge in which other charge distribution such as spherical, cylindrical,
charged particles can feel the electrostatic force is plane symmetry. It is also a valid other medium
referred to as the electric field by that electric such as dielectric medium.
charge. Electric field lines are imaginary lines that 1𝑞1 𝑞2 𝐹
are used to illustrate the electric field. S25. (a) decreases by K times 𝐹 ′ = =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 𝐾
The direction of the electric field at a location on If F is the force in air, then F’ is less than F since
the electric field line is given by the tangent line. K>1.
Field lines begin with a positive charge and end
with a negative charge. They begin and stop at
right angles to the charge's surface. There are no ASSERTION AND REASONING
loops in electric field lines. Where the number of
field lines is greatest, the size of the electric field is S1. (a) Protons and electrons are the only basic charges in
greatest. the universe. All the observable charges have to be
integral multiple of e. Thus, if a body contains n
S18. (a) Charge of the particle electrons and m protons. The total number of
In an electric field, the magnitude of the electric charge in the body is m.e + n(-e) = (m-n)e. Since n
force experienced by a charged particle is given by, and m are integers, their difference is also an
F=Eq° integer. Thus, the charge on a body is always an
The magnitude of the electric force experienced by
a charged particle in an electric field is dependent

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integral multiple of e and can be increased or no excess charge on the inner surface of an isolated
decreased in terms of e. conductor. So, the electrostatic field inside a
S2. (b) Force on any charge due to a number of other conductor will becomes zero.
charges is the vector sum of all the forces on that
charge due to the other charges, taken one at a
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
time the individual force is unaffected due to the
S1.
presence of other charges. This is known as the
principle of superposition of charges.
S3. (d) Whenever we rub a glass rod with silk cloth,
electrons from the glass rod and transferred to the
silk cloth. Thus, the rod gets positively charged and
the cloth gets negatively charged.
S4. (d) Gravitational force is the dominating force in the (a) An electrostatic field line is the path of movement
nature and not coulomb's force. Gravitational force of a positive test charge (q0 → 0) A moving charge
is the weakest force. Also, coulomb's force is very experiences a continuous force in an electrostatic
strong force than gravitational force. field, so an electrostatic field line is always a
S5. (d) The rate of decrease of electric field is different in continuous curve.
the two cases in case of point charge is it decreases (b) If two electric lines of force can never cross each
as 1/r2 but in the case of electric dipole, it other because if they cross, there will be two
decreases more rapidly as 1/r³. directions of electric field at the point of
intersection (say A); which is totally impossible.
S2. (a) The total number of electric field lines crossing a
VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS surface normally is known as the electric flux. The
SI unit of electric flux is Nm2 C–1 or Vm.
S1. Net electric flux is zero, Because of the (b) Total electric flux through the surface= q / 𝜀0 . As
independent to the shape and size and also charge remains unchanged when size of balloon
because of the charge of the electric dipole is zero. increases, electric flux through the surface
S2. Electric field lines start from positive charge and remains unchanged.
terminate at negative charge. If there is a single S1. (i) Charges induced on outer surfaces of P1 and P2 are
positive charge, the field lines start from the – Q and + Q respectively. When plates are released,
charge and terminate at infinity. So, the electric they will tend to move away from one another;
field lines do not form closed loops plate P1 moving towards +Q and P2 towards –Q
𝑄 due to attraction.
S3. Final charge on balls A and B = 3𝑄 − = 𝑄 (ii) The field pattern is shown in fig.
2
The nature of the coulomb force between them is
repulsive.
S4. Let us consider sphere A will be negatively
charged. And the Sphere B will be positively
charged. If positively charged rod P is brought near
metallic sphere A due to induction negative charge
starts building up at the left surface of A and
positive charge on the right surface of B.
S4. Ans. Electric field due to a uniformly charged plane
sheet.
𝐸 = 𝜎/2𝜀0
which is independent of distance. So, it represents
a straight line parallel to distance axis.
S5. (a) Total number of electric field lines crossing a
surface normally is called electric flux. Its SI unit is
Let us consider one more condition, the two Nm2 C–1 or Vm
spheres are separated from each other, the two (b) According to Gauss theorem, the electric flux
spheres are found to be oppositely charged. If rod through a closed surface depends on the net
P is removed, the charges on spheres rearrange charge enclosed by the surface and does not upon
themselves and get uniformly distributed over the shape or size of the surface. For any closed
them. arbitrary shape of the surface enclosing a charge
the outward flux is the same as that due to a
S5. The electric fields bind the atoms to neutral entity.
spherical Gaussian surface enclosing the same
Fields are caused by excess charges. There can be
charge.

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The reason behind this is, it happens due to the fact S5. (a) The electric flux through a surface is depends only
that (i) electric field is radial and (ii) the electric on the charge enclosed by the surface. If the radius
1
field E ∝ 2 of the spherical surface is doubled, the charge
𝑅
Thus, the electric field at each point inside a enclosed remains the same, so the electric flux
charged thin spherical shell is zero. passing through the surface will remain
unchanged.
CASE STUDY QUESTIONS (b) If q is the point charge, then by Gauss theorem, the
𝑞
electric flux 𝜑𝐸 =
𝜀0
S1. (i). (c), (ii). (a), (iii). (c), (iv). (c) ∴ q = 𝜑𝜀0
S2. (a) (i). (b), (ii) . (b), (iii). 𝜑𝐸 = 8.85 × 10−12 × (−1.0 × 103 )
S3. (i). a, (ii) (C), (iii) (a), (iv). (b) 𝜑𝐸 = −8.85 × 10−9 𝐶
Diameter 2.4
S4. (i). (b), (ii). (c), (iii).(b) S6. (a) Radius of sphere, r = = 𝑚 = 1.2 𝑚
2 2
Surface charge density, 𝜎=80.0𝜇𝐶𝑚−2 = 80.0 ×
NUMERICAL TYPE QUESTIONS 10−6 𝐶/𝑚2
Charge on sphere Q = 𝜎 × 4𝜋𝑟 2
S1. Energy density, = 80.0 × 10−6 × 4 × 3.14 × (1.2)2
1 =1.447 × 10−3 𝐶
𝑈 = 𝜀0 𝐸 2 (c) Total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere
2
But we know that, 𝑞 1.45×10−3
𝜎 𝑄 𝜑𝐸 = =
𝐸= = 𝜀0 8.85×10−12
𝜀0 𝐴𝜀0 8 2 −1
= 1.63 × 10 𝑁𝑚 𝐶
Therefore, Q7. A piece of metal has a charge +1 × 10-7C the body
1 𝜀0 𝑄2
𝑈= lost electrons and hence achieved a positive
2 𝐴2 𝜀02
𝑄2 1 charge.
⇒𝑈= ⇒𝑈 ∝ ⇒ 𝑈𝐴 > 𝑈𝐵 Now the charge of each electron is -1.6 × 10-19C
2𝐴2 𝜀0 𝐴2
Now, the Number of electrons removed-
S2. Where there is no gravitational force, then in this 1×10−7
case only electrostatic force of repulsion is acting Number of electrons =
1.6×10−19
which will take the two balls as far as possible. The  number of electrons= 0.625 ×1019-7
angle between the two strings will be 180∘ . The  number of electrons= 0.625 ×1012
tension in the string will be equal to the  number of electrons = 6.25 ×1011
electrostatic force of repulsion, i.e.,
T S8. Electric field intensity at the centre of the disc.
F T F 𝜎
𝐸= (given)
2∈0
L L Electric field along the axis at any distance x from
(Electrostatic force acting between two charged the centre of the disc.
𝜎 𝑥
balls) E’ = (1 − )
𝑘𝑄2 𝑘𝑄2 2∈0 √𝑥 2 +𝑅 2
F= = From question, x = R (radius of disc)
(2𝐿)2 4𝐿2
𝑘𝑄2 1 𝜎 𝑅
T=F= where, k= ∴ E’ = (1 − )
4𝐿2 4𝜋𝜀0 2∈0 √𝑅 2 +𝑅 2
𝜎 √2𝑅−𝑅
S3. Since the kinetic energy imparted to a system = ( )
2∈0 √2 𝑅
because of accelerated voltage V. 4
KE = qV = 𝐸
14
1 2 ∴ % Reduction in the value of electric field
4
Kinetic energy= mv (𝐸−14 𝐸)×100 1000
2 = = % ≃ 70.7%
𝐸 14
From above two equation we can write,
S9. 𝜙 = 𝐸⃗ . 𝐴 = 4𝑖̂. (2𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂) = 8V-m
KA qV 1/2mVA2
= = S10. Initial force between the two spheres carrying
K B 4qV 1/2mVB2
charge (say q) is
VA2 1 1 𝑞2
= = 𝐹=
1
(r is the distance between them)
VB2 4 2 4𝜋∈0 𝑟 2

S4. 𝑞 = 20𝜇𝐶 = 2.0 × 10−6 𝐶 Further when an uncharged sphere is kept in touch
Here, net electrical flux through the cubical surface with the sphere of charge q, the net charge on both
𝑞+0 𝑞
is, become = . Force on the 3rd charge, when
2 2
𝑞 2.0×10−6 placed in center of the 1st two
𝜑𝐸 = = = 2.26 × 105 𝑁𝑚2 𝐶 −1
𝜀0 8.85×10−12

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Each molecule of water contains two hydrogen

atoms and one oxygen atom,
i.e., 10 electrons and 10 protons.
Total negative charge present in one cup of water
250
= × 6.02 × 1023 × 10 × 1.6 × 1019 𝐶
𝑞 𝑞 2 18
1 𝑞(2) 1 (2 ) Total negative charge present in one cup of water
𝐹3 = 2 −
4𝜋∈0 (𝑟) 4𝜋∈0 (𝑟)2 = 1.34 × 107
2 2
1 𝑞2
= [2 − 1] = 𝐹 S12. E =−𝑑𝑣/𝑑𝑥
4𝜋∈0 𝑟 2
V = (5x2–10x–9) v
S11. Mass of water, = 250g 𝑑𝑉/𝑑𝑥 = 10 x -10
The Molecular mass of water = 18g 𝐸=−(10𝑥−10)
Number of molecules in 18g of water = 6.02× 102 𝑓𝑜𝑟 x=1 the value of E= -(10-10) = 0 V/m
Number of molecules in one cup of water =
250
× 6.02 × 1023
18

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HOMEWORK EXERCISE SOLUTIONS

Volt/meter, or V m-1, is the unit of potential by
MCQ distance.
S1. (b) Net electrostatic energy S10. (b) 10 N/C towards the south
𝑘𝑄𝑞 𝑘𝑞 2 𝑘𝑄𝑞 Given qo = -6C, and F = 60 N towards north
𝑈= + + =0 We know that the electric field intensity is given as,
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎√2
𝑘𝑞 𝑄 2𝑞
⇒ (𝑄 + 𝑞 + )=0⇒𝑄=− E=F/qo
𝑎 √2 2+√2
E=60/6
𝑘𝑞 𝑞
S2. (c) ⇒ (𝑄 + 𝑞 + 𝑄) = 0 ⇒ 𝑄 = − net potential ⇒ E = 10 N/C
𝑙 2
energy The electric field exerts a pull on the negative
1 𝑞2 charge in the opposite direction. As a result, the
𝑈𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 3 × .
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑙 electric field is directed southward.
1 (𝑞)(−2𝑞) 1 (−2𝑞)(𝑞) 1 (𝑞)(𝑞)
S3. (c) 𝑈𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 = + +
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎 4𝜋𝜀0 2𝑎 VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
7𝑞 2
𝑈𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 = −
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎
S1.
S4. (b) perpendicular to surface Because there are no
parallel components of field lines on the surface of
a charged conductor, the electric field at any
location on the surface is perpendicular to the
surface. Because all of the charges are collected on
the conductor's surface, this is the case.
S5. (d) Downward force of magnitude eE Given that the
proton charge q = e and the electric field E are both As –Q charge is kept near an uncharged conducting
equal (downward) plate, positive charge is induced on the plate due
As a result, force F = qE. to electrostatic induction. The field lines will be
F = eE perpendicular to the metal surface.
Because force is always in the direction of the S2. Electric field lines start from positive charge and
electric field, it will be downward. terminate at negative charge. If there is a single
S6. (c) Inside the sphere positive charge, the field lines start from the
The electric field within the hollow sphere is zero. charge and terminate at infinity. So, the electric
They cancel each other out since E is a vector field lines do not form closed loops.
quantity. There is no electric field in the middle. S3. The electric fields bind the atoms to neutral entity.
The external field is canceled by the inside field. Fields are caused by excess charges. There can be
The electrical charge is always spread evenly no excess charge on the inner surface of an isolated
throughout the uniformly formed wire. conductor. So, the electrostatic field inside a
S7. (b) No electric field lines of force may begin or end on conductor is zero.
the same conductor S4. Zero because the net charge of an electric dipole (+
An equipotential line is a line that connects q and – q) is zero.
locations with the same potential. Electric field
S5. The electric lines of force give the direction of the
lines are perpendicular to equipotential lines. The
electric field. In case, two lines of force intersect,
direction of the electric field at each location on the
there will be two directions of the electric field at
electric field line is represented by the tangent to
the point of intersection, which is not possible.
that point.
S8. (c) The electrical field at that point A charged SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
particle's environment in which it exerts an
electrostatic force on another item. The force of
electrostatic attraction or repulsion is applied to a
test charge when it enters the electric field of any
charged particle.
S9. (c) Vm-1 The electric field is defined as the force
produced by charge or potential multiplied by S1.
distance. The volt is the SI unit of electric potential,
whereas the meter is the SI unit of distance.

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(a) Charge Q resides on outer surface of spherical ∮ ⃗ = ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑆1 cos 0∘ + ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑆2 cos 0∘ +
⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝑺
𝐄
𝑆 𝑆
1 𝑆
2
conducting shell. Due to charge q placed at centre,
∫𝑆 𝐸𝑑𝑆3 cos 900
charge induced on inner surface is –q and on outer 3

surface it is +q. So, total charge on inner surface –q = 𝐸∫ 𝑑𝑆1 + 𝐸∫ 𝑑𝑆2 = 𝐸𝑎 + 𝐸𝑎 = 2𝐸𝑎
and on outer surface it is Q + q. ∴ Total electric flux = 2Ea
(i) Surface charge density on inner surface As σ is charge per unit area of sheet and a is the
=− 2
𝑞 intersecting area, the charge enclosed by Gaussian
4𝜋𝑟1 surface = σa
(ii) Surface charge density on outer surface According to Gauss’s theorem,
𝑄+𝑞
= 2 Total electric flux=1/𝜀0 × (total charge enclosed by
4𝜋𝑟2
For external points, whole charge acts at centre, so the surface)
1
electric field at distance x>r2, 2𝐸𝑎 = (𝜎𝑎)
𝜀0
1 𝑞 𝜎
𝐸(𝑥) = − 2 𝐸=
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑥 2𝜀0
S2. If the electric field lines were not normal to the Thus, electric field strength due to an infinite flat
equipotential surface, it would have a non-zero sheet of charge is independent of the distance of
component along the surface. To move a unit test the point.
charge against the direction of the component of (c) (i) If σ is positive, 𝐸⃗ points normally
the field, work would have to be done which means outwards/away from the sheet.
this surface cannot be equipotential surface. (ii) If σ is negative, 𝐸⃗ points normally
Hence, electric field lines are perpendicular at a inwards/towards the sheet.
point on an equipotential surface of a conductor.
CASE STUDY QUESTIONS
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
S1. (i) (a) 6.40 x 10-19 C
S1. (a) Electric flux: It is defined as the total number of (ii) (a) 4
electric field lines passing through an area normal (iii) (c) 1012
to its surface. Also, (iv) (c) charge is quantized
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝜑 = ∮ 𝐸⃗ .𝑑𝑆
NUMERICAL TYPE QUESTIONS
The SI unit is Nm2 /C or volt-metre.
(b) Let electric charge be uniformly distributed over
S1.
the surface of a thin, non-conducting infinite sheet.
Let the surface charge density (i.e., charge per unit
surface area) be σ.

free body diagram of particles is shown clearly.

at equilibrium,
We need to calculate the electric field strength at upward force = downward force
any point distant r from the sheet of charge. To Tcos30° = mg ........(1)
calculate the electric field strength near the sheet, backward force = forward force
we now consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface Tsin30° = Fe = kq²/r² ......(2)
bounded by two plane faces A and B lying on the where r = 2lsin30° , where l = length of string.
opposite sides and parallel to the charged sheet from equation (1) and (2),
and the cylindrical surface perpendicular to the tan30° = kq²/r²mg
sheet (fig). By symmetry the electric field strength or, 1/√3 = kq²/(2lsin30°)²mg
at every point on the flat surface is the same and its or, m = √3kq²/4l²sin²30g
direction is normal outwards at the points on the here, k = 9 × 109 Nm²/C² , q = 10-5 , l = 1m and g =
two plane surfaces and parallel to the curved 10m/s²
surface. Total electric flux or so, m = √3 × 9 × 109 × (10-5)²/{4 × 1 × (1/2)² × 10}
⃗ =∫ 𝐄 ⃗1+∫ 𝐄 ⃗2+∫ 𝐄 ⃗3 = 9√3 × 10-1/{10}
∮ 𝑆𝐄 ⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝑺 ⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝑺 ⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝑺 ⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝑺
𝑆1 𝑆
2 𝑆
3 = 9√3/100
= 15.588/100

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= 0.15588 kg≈ 0.15 kg Taking square-root on both the side:

S2. The initial energy of the system 1
√2=√
1
r R2 k
1 1
=
r R √k
Taking reciprocal on both the side
r = R √K
r / √K = R
r
𝑅=
√k
1 q2 Hence the distance at which both charges will
Ui = =U r
4πε0 a exert the same force is 𝑅 =
The final energy of the system √k
1 q2 q2 q2 S5. Charge= +Q
Uf = [ + + ] = 3U
4πε0 a a a Length =L
Thus, work done, W = Uf − Ui = 3U − U = 2U g=0
kq this means there will be no force downwards.
S3. At surface, Es =  kq = EsR2 So, the charges will go up to maximum reach due
R2 to electrostatic force.
kq
At distance r =20 cm from the center E=
r2
So, force on charge Q = 5 × 10–8 C The angle between them will be θ = 180°
QEs R 2 Now, tension will be force between two charges.
F = QE = 1 𝑄2
r2 T=F = . (2𝐿)2
4π ∈0
Putting Q = 5 × 10–8 C, Es = 5 × 106 V/m,
S6. 𝑄1 + 𝑄2 = 𝑄 ...(i)
R = 0.05 m, r = 0.20 cm 𝑄1 𝑄2
and 𝐹 = 𝑘 2 ...(ii)
F = 1.5 × 10–2 N 𝑟
From (i) and (ii)
S4. the two-point charges = q₁ and q₂ distance 𝑘𝑄 (𝑄−𝑄 )
between them = r 𝐹= 1 2 1
𝑟
Force exerted on each other = F Differentiating w.r.t Q 1 and equating to 0 for
the dielectric constant of the medium = K maximum force, we get
the distance at which both charges will exert the For 𝐹 to be maximum
𝑑𝐹 𝑄
same force, R. = 0 ⇒ 𝑄1 = 𝑄2 =
𝑑𝑄1 2
To calculate D, the formula used:
q q
F = 1 22 S7. 𝐾𝐸 = 𝑞(𝑉1 − 𝑉2 ) = 2 × (70 − 50)Ω = 40 𝑒𝑉
4𝜋𝜖0 r
𝑄 (+1.6×10−19 )
𝜖0 is the vaccum permittivity S8. 𝑉=𝑘× = 9 × 109 × = 27.2𝑉
𝑟 0.53×10−10
Applying the above formula, when the distance
S9. Work done 𝑊 = 𝑞 −6 (𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵 ); where 𝑞 = 3 ×
between the charges is r:
q q 10−6 coulomb were
F1 = 1 22⇒ 1 (−5×10−6 ) 2×10−6 1
4𝜋𝜖0 r
𝑉𝐴 = 1010 [ + ]= × 106 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡
When the dielectric constant of the medium is K 15×10−2 5×10−2 15
−6 5×10−6
10 (2×10 )
and the distance between the two charges is R, and 𝑉𝐵 = 10 [ − ]
15×10−2 5×10−2
then the force exerted is: 13 6
q q =− × 10 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡
F2 = 1 2 2 ⇒2 15
1 13
k 4𝜋𝜖0 R
∴ 𝑊 = 3 × 10−6 [ × 106 − ( × 106 )] = 2.8 J
But, F₁ = F₂ = F 15 15
q q 𝑝
Put, F1 = 1 22 S10. 𝑉 = 9 × 109 .
4𝜋𝜖0 r 𝑟2
q1 q2 q1 q2 (1.6×10−19 )×1.28×10−10
∴ = = 9 × 109 × = 0.13𝑉
4𝜋𝜖0 r2 k(4𝜋𝜖0 R2 ) (12×10−10 )2
1 1
⇒ =
r2 R2 k

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