PHYSICS: XI (New Edition) 2024 Page Number: 1

PHYSICS: XI
Chapter: 8

ELECTRIC FIELDS

Farhan Yousuf Khan

32/B, Mehmoodabad-6, Karachi; Phone: 021-35891008-09

PHYSICS: XI (New Edition) 2024 Page Number: 2

Chapter: 8

ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROSTATICS
“The branch of physics, which deals with the study of the behavior of at rest
charges, is called electrostatics.

ELECTROSTATIC FORCE:
Definition:
“Two at rest charged objects can attract or repel each other with a force known as
electrostatic force”.

Explanation:
In the early days, the early Greek philosophers has studied the physics of electrostatic by performing an
activity.
When amber is rubbed with silk or wool and brought near dust particles, the dust particles will jump to stick
with the amber. This attraction between dust particles and amber is known as an electrostatic force.
PROPERTIES OF ELECTROSTATIC FORCE:
If two charged particles are brought near each other, they exert an electrostatic
force on each other. The direction of the force vectors depends on the signs of the
charges.
1. If the particles have the same sign of charge, they repel each other. That
means that the force vector on each is directly away from the other
particle. Beside this,
2. If the particles have opposite signs of charge, they attract each other and
the force vector on each is directly towards the other particle.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELECTROSTATIC FORCE AND GRAVITATIONAL FORCE:
The electrostatic force between two charges is analogy to the gravitational force. Two charged objects can
(i) attract or (ii) repel each other with a force known as electrostatic force. Whereas the gravitational force
is always attractive in nature.
Furthermore, the electrostatic forces are short range forces as compared to the gravitational forces, but the
electrostatic forces are strong forces than the gravitational forces.
The object having same nature of charges repel each other and having opposite nature attract each other
with an electrostatic force.

COULOMB'S LAW:
Introduction:
Charles-Augustin de Coulomb performed an experiment of torsion balance in 1785 to measure the
magnitudes of the electric force between charged objects.
Statement:
“The electrostatic force of attraction or repulsion between two “point charges” is
directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to
the square of the distance between them.”
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Mathematical Form of the Law:

Consider two charge particles having charges “q1” and “q2” are placed in air
or vacuum with the distance between their centres is “r”.
Let “F” be the force of repulsion between these charged particles, then
according to Coulomb’s law.
The electrostatic force F is directly proportional to the product of magnitudes of
the charges q1 and q2.

𝐹⃗ ∝ q1. q2
And inversely proportional to the square of the distance r between the charges. This
result is known as the inverse square law.
1
𝐹⃗ ∝ 𝑟2
On combining above two statements, we get
𝑞 𝑞
𝐹⃗  1 2 2
𝑟
𝑞 𝑞
Or 𝐹⃗ = 𝑘 𝑟1 2 2 𝑟̂ ………………… (1)
1
Where k is known as the Coulomb's constant and 𝑘 = 4𝜋𝜀
0
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
𝐹⃗ = 4𝜋𝜀 2 𝑟̂
0 𝑟

Value of Coulomb’s Constant “k”:

The value of ‘k’ depends upon the nature of the medium between two charges and the system of units in
which “F”, “q” and “r” are measured.
If the medium between two points charges is free space (Vacuum), then.
1
𝑘 = 4𝜋∈
𝑜

Where ‘o’ is a constant of the medium, known as permittivity of free space, its value is 8.85 x 10-17 C2/N-m2.
Thus, Coulomb’s force for free space is:
1 𝑞1 .𝑞2
𝐹⃗ = 4𝜋∈𝑜
x 𝑟2
……………. (2)

Vector form of Coulomb's law:

The electric force F12 exerted by a charge q1 on other charge q2 is written as:
1 𝑞 𝑞
𝐹⃗ 12 = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟1 2 2 𝑟̂ 12
Where 𝑟̂ 12 is a unit vector directed from q1 toward q2.
Because the electric force obeys Newton's third law, as equal and opposite direction; that is, 𝐹⃗ 12 = - 𝐹⃗ 21
EFFECT OF MEDIUM ON COULOMB’S FORCE:
Since the Coulomb’s force between two charges in free space is
1 𝑞1 .𝑞2
𝐹⃗ = 4𝜋𝜀𝑜
x 𝑟2
𝑟̂
But the magnitude of Coulomb’s force between two same charges, when a material medium is taken in
between both charges is as follows.
1 𝑞1 .𝑞2
𝐹⃗ ’ = x 𝑟̂
4𝜋𝜀 𝑟2
The medium placed in between the charges is known as dielectric.
The electrostatic force between two charged particles is less in dielectric than in free space by a certain
factor, which is constant for dielectric. This constant is known as relative permittivity and is denoted by ‘𝜀𝑟 ’.
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Relative permittivity:
“The ratio between permittivity of dielectric and permittivity of air or free space
is called relative permittivity of dielectric”. i.e.
𝜀
𝜀𝑟 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜀 = 𝜀𝑜 . 𝜀𝑟
𝜀𝑜
Hence, Coulomb’s Law cab be written as
1 𝑞1 .𝑞2
𝐹⃗ ’ = 4𝜋𝜀𝑟 .𝜀𝑜
x 𝑟2
r̂

COULOMB'S FORCE IN DIFFERENT MEDIUM:

The permittivity of air at standard pressure is only about 1.005 times that of 𝜀0 . Therefore, it can be assumed
in many cases that the values of 𝜀0 are equal for both vacuum and air.
The permittivity of water is about eighty times that of a vacuum. Thus, the force between charges situated
in water is eighty times less than if they were situated the same distance apart in a vacuum.
In general, the equation (1) can rewrite as
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
𝐹⃗ = 𝑟̂
4𝜋𝜀 𝑟 2
Where 𝜀 = 𝜀𝑟 𝜀0 is the permittivity of the medium and 𝜀𝑟 is the relative permittivity.
WORKED EXAMPLE: 8.1
The electron and proton of a hydrogen atom (figure A) are separated by approximately 5.3 x 10 -11 m. Find
the magnitudes of (a) the electric force and (b) e the gravitational force between the two particles. (c) What
is your conclusion about these forces.
WORKED EXAMPLE: 8.2
Two positive charges of equal magnitude are placed in vacuum at distance of 50cm and repel each other
with the electric force of 0.1N. (a) Find the value of the charge. (b) Calculate the force between these two
charges if they are placed in an insulating liquid whose permittivity is five times that of a vacuum.
WORKED EXAMPLE: 8.3
Three charges q1 = +2 𝜇𝐶, q2 = +3 𝜇𝐶 and q3 = + 4 𝜇𝐶 are placed in air at the vertices of an equilateral triangle
of sides 10 cm. Calculate the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the charge q3?
SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
1. Calculate the separation between two electrons (in vacuum) for which the electric force between
them is equal to the gravitation force on one of them at the earth surface.
2. If a dielectric medium of dielectric constant 𝜀𝑟 is filled in between the charges which are placed at
distance r, then show that force between the charges decreases as compare the force when these
charge place in air at same distance.

ELECTRIC FIELD:
The concept of a field was developed by Michael Faraday (1791-1867) in the context of electric forces.
Definition:
“The space or region around a charged body, in which it attracts or repulses other
stationary electric charges, is called electric field.”

ELECTRIC FIELD LINES:

Michael Faraday also introduced the idea of the electric field lines.
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The components of electric field are the electric lines of force, which are around the
charged particle.
The electric field lines around charged objects are very helpful in understanding the field strength and
direction of electric field. The characteristics of electric lines of force
are as below:
Characteristics of Electric Field Line:
1. These electric lines are imaginary, but these lines can be
visualized by the motion of the test charge.
2. These field lines are radial and cannot intersect each other.
3. These field lines originate from a positive charge and terminate on a negative charge.
4. The electric field is strong where these lines are close together.

STRENGTH OF ELECTRIC FIELD: ELECTRIC INTENSITY

→
The strength of the electric field is known as electric field intensity and is represented by 𝐸
Definition:
The electrostatic force per unit charge experienced by a charged particle in the
electric field is called electric field intensity. OR
The electrostatic force experienced by a unit positive charge placed at a point in the
electric field is called electric intensity of the field.
Electric intensity is a vector quantity.
Explanation:
An electric field is said to exist in the region of space around a charged object.
The charged object which produces the electric field is known as the source charge.
To observe the strength of the electric field of the source charge, another charged object is required which
is known as the test charge.
This test charge experiences the electric force due to the field produced by the source charge.
The electric field 𝐸⃗⃗ at a point in around the source charge is defined as:
“The electric force F acting on a positive test charge placed at that point divided
by the test charge qo”.
𝐹⃗
𝐸⃗⃗ = ……………….. (1)
𝑞0
→
The direction of the intensity “𝐸 ” is same as the direction of force “𝐹⃗ ”.
Unit:
The SI unit of electric field is volts per meter (V/m) or, equivalently, newtons per coulomb (N/C).

ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY DUE TO A CHARGED PARTICLE:

To find the electric field due to a charged particle, consider a point charge “q” as a source charge. This charge
creates an electric field at all points in space surrounding it. A test charge “qo” is placed at a distance “r” from
the source charge.
The test charge experiences electric force from which we can determine the direction of the electric field.
According to Coulomb's law, the force exerted by “q” on the test charge “qo” is.
1 𝑞𝑞0
𝐹⃗ = 4𝜋𝜀 2 𝑟̂
0 𝑟
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Where 𝑟̂ is a unit vector directed from “q” toward “qo” and the direction of force 𝐹⃗
is directly away from the source charge “q”.
To calculate the electric field at a distance “r” from the point charges, we first
calculate the electric field vector using equation.
𝐹⃗ 1 𝑞
𝐸⃗⃗ = = 𝑟̂
𝑞0 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2
The magnitude of electric filed at any given distance r can expressed as:
1 𝑞
𝐸 = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟2
0

This equation shows that the intensity of the electric field decreases with distance
from the source charge(s).
1
𝐸⃗⃗ ∝
𝑟2
The field intensity is inversely proportional to the square distance from the charge.

ELECTRIC INTENSITY ON MULTIPLE CHARGES:

If there are “n” number of charged particles q1, q2, q3 … qn, then the net electric force of these charges at a
point due to source charge “qo” can be determined as.
According to superposition principle
𝐹⃗ = 𝐹⃗1 + 𝐹⃗2 + 𝐹⃗3 + ⋯ 𝐹⃗𝑛
From the equation 𝐹⃗ = 𝐸⃗⃗ 𝑞0 (1), the net electric field of these charged particle.
𝐸⃗⃗ 𝑞0 = 𝐹⃗1 + 𝐹⃗2 + 𝐹⃗3 + ⋯ 𝐹⃗𝑛
Dividing both sides by 𝑞0 , we get
𝐹 ⃗ 𝐹 𝐹 ⃗ 𝐹 ⃗ ⃗
𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝑞1 + 𝑞2 + 𝑞3 + ⋯ 𝑞𝑛
0 0 0 0

𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝐸⃗⃗1 + 𝐸⃗⃗2 + 𝐸⃗⃗3 + ⋯ 𝐸⃗⃗𝑛

Therefore, the electric fields of these charges experienced by the test charge q0 is vector sum of electric field
of individual charge.
WORKED EXAMPLE: 8.4
Find the intensity of electric field at a point such that a proton placed at it would experience a force
equal to its weight.
WORKED EXAMPLE: 8.5
(a) Calculate the magnitude of electric field strength, if a test charge q0 = +3.5 µC
experience a force of 70 mN (filed lines of electric filed shown in figure A).
(b) if this test charge is replaced by an electron, then calculate force on an electron
and state the direction of force.
SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTION:
A certain gas is filled in a tube and when the electric field reaches a certain maximum value across the tube
then the gas becomes conducting. Explain why the gas becomes conducting.
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ELECTRIC DIPOLE:
Definition:
“The product of the charge magnitude (q) and the distance (d) between two equal
charges is called electric dipole.”

𝑃⃗⃗ = q x d
Explanation:
An electric dipole is a simple system in electromagnetism consisting of two opposite
electric charges of equal magnitude, separated by a small distance “d”.
The charges create an electric field that has a distinct pattern, with field lines oriented along the axis of the
dipole.
The strength and direction of the dipole are represented by its dipole moment. The dipole moment 𝑃⃗⃗ is a
vector quantity that represents the strength and direction of the electric dipole.

ELECTRIC FIELD AT POINT DUE TO TWO CHARGES:

Consider a pair of equal and opposite point charges separated by a small distance (d) form an electric dipole.
To calculate the electric field of the dipole at point “C” which is at a distance "y" from the center of dipole.
Consider two charges "-q" and "+q" place at a small distance "d" from each other as shown in figure.
The charge "-q" sets up field “EA” and the charge "+q"
produces the field “EB”.
Resolving the field vectors into the components. From
figure, the vertical components "EA Sin" and "EB Sin"
cancel each other. Therefore, the net electric is due to the
vector sum of the horizontal components.
𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝐸A cos 𝜃 + 𝐸B cos 𝜃
The magnitude of both electric fields is the same.
Therefore, we have
1 𝑞
𝐸A = 𝐸𝐵 = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟 2
0
1 𝑞 1 𝑞
𝐸⃗⃗ = 2
cos 𝜃 + cos 𝜃
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2
1 𝑞
E=2 ( ) cos 𝜃 …………………. (1)
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2
From figure, In triangle ADC,
𝑑/2 𝑑
cos 𝜃 = 𝑟
= 2𝑟
Putting the value of cos in equation (1), we get.
1 𝑞 𝑑
E = 2(4𝜋𝜀 )
𝑟 2 2𝑟
0
1 𝑞𝑑
E = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟3
………………………………… (2)
0

From figure, In triangle ADC,

𝑑
𝑟 = √𝑦 2 + ( )2
2

By putting in equation (2), we have

1 𝑃
E = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑑 …………………………. (3)
0 {𝑦 2 +( )2 }3/2
2
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Where the product of the "q" and "d' is known as the electric dipole moment "P" of the dipole.
By taking common Y2 from equation (3), we can write it is as.
1 𝑃
E = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑑 2 3/2
0 𝑦 3 {1+( ) }
2𝑦

As d << y, therefore approximate electric field intensity of the dipole can be calculated
𝑑 2
by neglecting the term(2𝑦) . Hence
1 𝑃
E = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑦 3
0

WORKED EXAMPLE: 8.6

Calculate the electric field intensity at point P of two positive charges of same
magnitude which are separated by small distance "d' as given in figure.

ELECTRIC FLUX:
Definition:
⃗⃗ is called the electric flux”.
⃗⃗ and vector area 𝑨
“The dot product of the electric field 𝑬

Explanation:
To understand the electric field lines quantitatively, we consider electric field that is uniform in both
magnitude and direction.
The field lines penetrate a rectangular surface of area A, whose plane makes an angle  with the electric field
E as shown in figure.
→ →
If “𝐸 ” is the electric intensity at an element of area “𝐴”, then electric
flux e through this surface is:
→ →
𝜑𝑒 = 𝐸 . 𝐴
→
When the vector area “𝐴” is making a certain angle  with the electric
→
intensity “ E ”, then: 𝜑𝑒 = 𝐸𝐴𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
Here “ACos” is the effective area.
Unit:
The SI unit of electric flux is Nm2 /C.
TYPES OF ELECTRIC FLUX:
Since the electric flux is a scalar quantity and physically, it is the flow of lines of force through area A.
Therefore, we have three conditions.
(i) Maximum Flux or Positive Flux:
If the electric field line penetrates through a surface in such a way that vector area
A is parallel to the field, then the maximum field lines will penetrate through the
surface. From the above equation.
Φ𝑒 = 𝐸𝐴 cos 00 = EA
(ii) Minimum Flux or Zero Flux:
If the electric field line penetrates through a surface in such way that vector area
A is perpendicular to the field, then no field lines will penetrate through the
surface.
Φ𝑒 = 𝐸𝐴 cos 900 = 0
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(iii) Negative Flux:

If the electric field line penetrates through a surface in such a way that vector area A is antiparallel to the
field, then the electric flux will be negative.
Φ𝑒 = 𝐸𝐴 cos 1800 = - EA

GAUSS'S LAW: ELECTRIC FLUX THROUGH A SURFACE ENCLOSING A CHARGE

The definition of electric flux is valid for a small element of area over which the
field is approximately constant.
To calculate the electric flux through a surface enclosing a charge. This surface
is divided into a N number of small elements of area ∆𝐴1 , ∆𝐴2 , ∆𝐴3 , … ∆𝐴𝑁 as
shown in figure.
According to definition, the values of electric flux through these small area
elements are. ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗1 , 𝐸⃗⃗ . ∆𝐴
𝐸⃗⃗ . ∆𝐴 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗2 , 𝐸⃗⃗ . ∆𝐴
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗3 , … … … … . , 𝐸⃗⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆𝐴𝑁 .
Therefore, the net electric flux through the closed surface is given as:
Φ𝑒 = 𝐸⃗⃗ . ∆𝐴 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗1 + 𝐸⃗⃗ . ∆𝐴
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗2 + 𝐸⃗⃗ . ∆𝐴
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗3 + ⋯ + 𝐸⃗⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆𝐴𝑁
Φ𝑒 = ∑𝑖=𝑁 ⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑖=1 𝐸 . ∆𝐴𝑁 ………………………… (1)
The electric flux through a sphere can be calculated by considering a sphere of radius "r" enclosing the charge
"q".
If we divide the whole sphere into small area element, then the field lines are penetrating parallel to the
vector area for each area element.
The area of the sphere is.
𝑖=𝑁

∑ ∆𝐴𝑁 = 4𝜋𝑟 2
𝑖=1
And electric field at the surface of sphere is.
1 𝑞
E = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟2
0
From equation (1), the net electric flux through this sphere is given as.
𝑞
Φ𝑒 = 𝜀
0
1
This equation tells us that the net electric flux through a closed surface is equal to 𝜀 time the total charge
0
enclosed in that surface which is known as Gauss's Law.
SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
1. Sketch the electric field lines for two equal and opposite point charges placed near each other.
2. Calculate the flux of a uniform electric field strength E = 6𝑖̂N / C through surface of vector area A=
(3𝑖̂ +5𝑗̂) m2.
3. A plane surface is rotated in a uniform electric field. When is the flux of the electric field through the
surface maximum? Explain with diagram.

POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE:

POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE:
Definition:
“The work done by the test charge to move it from lower potential to the higher
potential is called potential difference”.
𝑊 𝑈
V = 𝑞 = 𝑞 …………... (1)
0 0
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Explanation:
When a test charge "qo" is placed in an electric field "E' created by the source charge then this test charge
experiences some force (qo.E).
This work is done by some external agent to displace the test charge through a distance "r" from one point
to another point against the electric field. This work is stored in form of electric potential energy (U), i.e.,
W = U = Fr = q0Er
This situation is analogous to that of lifting an object with mass in a gravitational field, the work done by
the external agent is mgh.
WORKED EXAMPLE: 8.7
An alpha particle (+2e) in a nuclear accelerator moves from one terminal at the potential of 6. 5 x 10 6 V to
another terminal at zero potential. What is the corresponding change in the potential energy of the system?

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL OF POINT CHARGE:

Definition:
“Work done or change in potential energy per unit charge in moving a unit positive
charge from one point to the other point, against the direction of electric intensity,
is called electric potential”.

Explanation:
The electric potential can be calculated by considering a point
charge “q” as a source charge. This charge creates an electric
field at all points in space surrounding it. A test charge “qo” is
placed at a distance “r” from the point charge as shown in
figure.
According to the definition of Potential difference.
𝑊 𝑈
V = 𝑞 = 𝑞 ………….. (1)
0 0

Putting the value of work done (W = q0Er) in equation (1), we get

V = Er ……………………. (2)
But we know that Electric field intensity is.
1 𝑞
E = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟2
……………. (3)
0

Substituting the value of electric field of point charge from equation (3) in equation (2), we get.
1 𝑞
V = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟 2 .r
0
1 𝑞
Therefore V= 4𝜋𝜀0 r
Figure shows that the potentials at two different places in the field of the charge "q". This Potential difference
can be written as:
q 1 1
V2 – V1 = ( − )
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2 𝑟1
Where V1 and V2 are Electric Potential at a distance r1 and r2 respectively.
ABSOLUTE POTENTIAL:
“The absolute Potential is the work done on a unit charge to bring it from infinity
to a certain Point in the electric field”.
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CALCULATING ELECTRIC FIELD FROM ELECTRIC POTENTIAL:

Suppose that a positive test charge “qo” moves through a displacement from one-point A to another point B
against the electric field as shown in figure.
The work done in moving the test charge "qo" through a displacement ∆𝑟 against the field is.
∆𝑊 = - F∆𝑟
= - qoE∆𝑟
From the definition of electric potential, we have
∆𝑊
∆𝑉 = 𝑞0
−𝑞0 E∆𝑟
=
𝑞0
∆𝑉
Hence, E = - ∆𝑟
∆𝑉
Where represent the maximum rate of change of potential with respect to the distance known as
∆𝑟
potential gradient.
Thus, the above equation shows that the electric field intensity can be calculated from the negative potential
gradient.
WORKED EXAMPLE: 8.9
An electron is placed in an xy plane where the electric potential depends on x and y as shown in figure. The
scale of the vertical axis is set by one square box equal to 500V. Find the electric field (both cases) acting on
the electron between two points as shown in the graph?

SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
1. Discuss how potential differences and electric field strength are related.
2. If a proton is released from rest in an electric field, will it move in the direction of increasing or
decreasing potential? Explain why.

SUMMARY
• The electrostatic force is an attractive or repulsive force between the charged particles. The electric
force between stationary charged body is conventionally known as the electrostatic force. It is also
referred to as Coulomb's force.
• Coulomb's Law describes the electrostatic force (electric force) between two charged Particles.
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
F = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟2
0

Where 𝜀0 = 8.854 x 10-12 C2 / Nm2 is permittivity of free space.

1
The ratio 4𝜋𝜀 is often replaced with Coulomb's constant k = 8.988 x 109 N m2 / C2.
0

• The electric field 𝐸⃗⃗ at some point in space is defined as the electric force 𝐹⃗ that acts on a small positive
test charge placed at that point divided by the magnitude q0 of the test Change.
𝐹⃗
𝐸⃗⃗ =
𝑞0
• The magnitude of electric field set up by a point charge q at a distance r from the charge is.
PHYSICS: XI (New Edition) 2024 Page Number: 12
1 |𝑞|
E = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑟2
0

• An electric dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges +q and -q separated by some distance d. Its
dipole moment vector p has magnitude qd and is in the direction of the dipole axis from -q to +q.
The magnitude of the electric field set up by the dipole at a distant point perpendicular to the dipole
1 𝑃
axis is E = 4𝜋𝜀 𝑦3
0

• The electric flux Φ𝑒 of the electric filed 𝐸⃗⃗ through vector area 𝐴⃗ is given by.
Φ𝑒 = 𝐸⃗⃗ . 𝐴⃗
1
• The electric flux through a closed surface is equal to𝜀 . Time the total charge enclosed in that surface.
0

• The electric potential is defined as the work done on a charge to move it from lower potential to the
higher potential and given as.
𝑊 𝑈
V=𝑞 =𝑞
0 0

• The electric potential due to a point charge at any distance r from the charge is.
1 𝑞
V=
4𝜋𝜀0 r
• The electric potential associated with a group of point charges is obtained by summing the potential
due to the individual charges.
• The electric field intensity can be calculated from the negative gradient of potential as given below:
∆𝑉
E=−
∆𝑟
• One electron volt is equivalent to the energy an electron acquires when accelerated across an electric
potential difference of one volt. Mathematically, it is represented as:
1 eV = 1.602 x 10-19 joules

ERERCISE
SECTION (A): MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQS)
1. 1. A 2𝜇𝐶 point charge is located a distance "d" away from 6µC point charge, what is the ratio of F12/F21?
(a) 1/3 (b) 3 (c) 1 (d) 12
2. The minimum charge on an object cannot be less than:
(a) 1.6 x 10-19 C (b) 3.2 x 10-19 C (c) 9.1 x 109 (d) No definite value exist
3. Two charges are placed at a certain distance. If the magnitude of each charge is doubled the force will
become
(a) 1/4th of its original value (b) 4times of its original value
(c) 1/8th of its original value (d) 8 times of its original value
4. Which of the following can be deflected while moving in the electric field?
(a)neutron (b) photon (c) electron (d) (a) and (b)
5. The flux through a flat surface of are "A" in a uniform electric field "E" is maximum when the surface
area is:
(a) Parallel to E (b) perpendicular to E (c) placed 45° to E (d) placed 60° to E
6. The product of charge "q" and small separation "d" between two charges of same magnitude and
opposite in nature is known as:
(a) Electric dipole (b) Moment arm (c) Electric dipole moment (d) Flux of electric field
7. 12 J of work is to be done against an existence electric field to take a charge of 0.01 C from one-point
A to another point B. The potential difference between B and A is.
PHYSICS: XI (New Edition) 2024 Page Number: 13

(a) 120 V (b) 1200 V (c) 1.2 V (d) 12 V

8. The force between two charges placed in air is F. if air is replaced by a medium of relative permittivity
∈𝑟 then force is reduced to:
(a)F𝜖𝑟 (b) F /𝜖𝑟 (c) 𝜖𝑟 /F (d) 𝜖𝜖𝑟
9. The negative gradient of the potential is:
(a) Potential energy (b) voltage (c) Electric field intensity (d) electric flux
10. The electric flux through a plane area will be half of its maximum value when the area is held at angle
of with electric field.
(a) 30° (b) 60° (c) 45° (d) 90°

SECTION (B): STRUCTURED QUESTION

CRQs:
1. Why do most objects tend to contain nearly equal numbers of positive and negative charges?
2. When measuring an electric field, could we use a negative rather than a positive test charge?
3. During fair weather, the electric field due to the net charge on Earth points downward. Is Earth charged
positively or negatively?
4. How the electric flux through a closed surface is independent of the size or shape of the surface
enclosed the charge.
5. What is electric dipole and electric dipole moment?
6. A charged particle is seen to be moving in an electric field along a straight line. How does it affect the
path of motion of the particle?
7. An electron has a speed of 106 mis. Find its energy in electron volts. (Ans. 2.84 eV)
ERQs:
1. Define electric charge. Discuss the fundamental properties of electric charge, including the principles
of conservation of charge and quantization of charge.
2. State and explain Coulombs law. Apply it to calculate the electric field due to an isolated point charge.
3. Define electric flux and explain its significance in the study of electromagnetism. How does it relate to
electric fields and charged particles?
4. What is electric potential? Driven expression for potential due to an isolated point charge.
5. Define an electric dipole. Derive formula for the electric field due to an electric dipole at a point "P"
placed on its axial line.
NUMERICALS:
1. (a) Calculate the value of two equal charges if they repel one another with a force of 0.1 N when
situated 50 cm apart in a vacuum.
(b) What would be the size of the charges if they were situated in an insulating liquid whose
Permittivity was ten times that of a vacuum. (Ans. 1.7 µC, 5.3 µC)
2. How far apart must two protons be if the magnitude of the electrostatic force acting on either one due
to the other is equal to the magnitude of the gravitational force on a proton at Earth's surface? (Mass
of proton = 1.67 x 10-27 kg, charge of proton = 1.6 x 10-19 C (Ans. 0.119 m)
3. An electron of charge 1.6 x 10 C is situated in a uniform electric field of intensity 1200-volt cm-1. Find
-19

the force on it, its acceleration, and the time it takes to travel 2 cm from rest.
(electronic mass, m, = 9.1 x 10-31 kg). (Ans. 1.92 x 10-14 N, 2.12 x 1016 ms-2, 1.37 x 10-9 s).
4. An alpha particle (the nucleus of a helium atom) has a mass of 6.64 x 10-27 kg and a charge of 2e. What
are the (a) magnitude and (b) direction of the electric field that will balance the gravitational force on
the particle? (Ans. 2.03 x 10-7 N/C, the electric field is directed upwards)
PHYSICS: XI (New Edition) 2024 Page Number: 14

5. A proton and an electron form two comers of an equilateral triangle of side length 2.0 x 10 -6 m. What
is the magnitude of the net electric field these two particles produce at the third comer?
(Ans. 3.6 x 102 N/C)
6. Figure shows two charged particles on an x axis: -q = -3.20 X10-19 C at x = -3.00 m and q = 3.20 x10-19 C
at x = 3.00 m. What are the (a) magnitude and (b) direction (relative to the positive direction of the x
axis) of the net electric field produced at point P at y = 4.00 m?
(Ans. 1.38 x 10-10 N/C, The net electric field points in the-x direction)

7. A proton and an electron form two comers of an equilateral triangle of side length 5 µm. What is the
magnitude of the net electric field these two particles produce at the third comer?
8. The square surface shown in the figure measures 3.2 mm on each
side. It is immersed in a uniform electric field with magnitude E =
1800 N/C and with field lines at an angle of 0 = 35° with a normal to
the surface, as shown. Take that normal to be directed "outward," as
though the surface were one face of a box. Calculate the electric flux
through the surface. (Ans. -1.5 x 10-2 N.m2 /C)
9. An electron is liberated from the lower of two large parallel metal
plates separated by a distance h = 2 cm. The upper plate has a potential of 2400 volts relative to the
lower. How long does the electron take to reach it? (Ans. 1.2 x 105 vm-1)
10. Two large parallel metal plates are 1.5 cm apart and have charges of equal magnitudes but opposite
signs on their facing surfaces. Take the potential of the negative plate to be zero. If the potential
halfway between the plates is then 5.0 V, what is the electric field in the region between the plates?
(Ans. 6. 7 x 102 V /m)