C.B.S.E Study Material 2 (Unit-1)

CURRENT ELECTRICITY
1. A wire of resistivity is stretched to double of its length. What will be its new
resistivity?
Ans. The resistivity remains the same as it does not depend upon the length of the wire.
2. A student obtains resistances 3, 4, 12 and 16 ohm using only two metallic
resistors either separately or joined together. What is the value of resistance of each of the
resistors?
Ans. 4 and 12 ohm.
3. If the length of a wire conductor is doubled by stretching it, keeping the potential
difference across it constant, by what factor does the drift speed of the electrons, change.
Ans. The drift velocity is given by the expression v
d
= .
mL
eV
Now if the length is doubled the drift
velocity becomes half.
4. How does the electrical conductivity of an electrolyte change with decrease in
temperature?
Ans. The electrical conductivity decreases with decrease in temperature.
5. A carbon resistor is marked in red, yellow and orange bands. What is the
approximate resistance of the resistor?
Ans. 24 10
3
ohm t 20%
6. What is the effect of temperature on the relaxation time of electrons in a metal?
Ans. The relaxation time of electrons decreases with the rise in temperature of the metal.
7. How does the resistance of an ohmic conductor depend on the applied voltage?
Ans. It is independent of the applied voltage.
8. The figure shows the V I graph for a parallel and series
combination of two resistors A and B. Which line represents the parallel
combination?
Ans. For the same potential the current is less in series combination than parallel combination.
Therefore from the graph it is apparent that for the same potential current is less in A.
Therefore B is the parallel combination.
9. What is the effect of heating a conductor on the drift velocity of free electrons?
Ans. Heating decreases the relaxation time, therefore the drift velocity of electrons will decrease.
10. If potential difference V applied across a conductor is increased to 2V. How will
the drift velocity of the electrons change?
Ans. The drift velocity is given by the expression.
vd =
m
Ee
Therefore, if potential is doubled drift velocity is also doubled.
11. A carbon resistor is marked in coloured bands of red, black, orange and silver.
What is the resistance and tolerance value of the resistor?
Ans. 20 10
3
t 10%
12. Which physical quantity does the voltage versus current graph for a metallic
conductor depict? Give its SI unit.
Ans. It represents resistance. It is measured in ohm.
C.B.S.E Study Material
13. What are superconductors?
Ans. These are the substances which lose their electrical resistance below a certain temperature
called critical temperature.
14. The given graph shows the variation of resistance
of mercury in the temperature range 0 < T < 4 K. Name the
phenomenon shows by the graph.
Ans. Superconductivity.
15. Two electric bulbs A and B are marked 220 V, 60 W and 220 V, 100 W
respectively. Which one of the two has greater resistance?
Ans. The resistance of a bulb is given by the expression
P
V
2
. For the same voltage the bulb having
a smaller power has more resistance. Therefore the 60 W, 220 V bulb has a greater resistance.
16. The applied potential difference across a given resistor is altered so that the heat
produced per second increases by a factor of 16. By what factor the applied potential difference
changes.
Ans. The heat produced across a resistor is given by H = t.
R
V
2
It is directly proportional to the
square of potential. Therefore is the heat becomes 16 times the voltage must have been
increased 4 times.
17. Two bulbs are marked 60 W, 220 V and 100 W, 220 V. These are connected in
parallel to 220 V mains. Which one out of the two will glow brighter?
Ans. In parallel combination, the bulb having more power glows more. Therefore the bulb marked
100 W, 220 V glows brighter.
18. A heater is joined in parallel with a 60 W bulb is connected to the mains. If the
60 W bulb is replaced by a 100 W bulb, will the rate of heat produced by the heater be more,
less or remain the same?
Ans. The rate of heat produced in the heater will be same as the two are connected in parallel.
19. What is the larger voltage you can safely put across a resistor marked 98 ohm
0.5 W?
Ans. Using the expression
V = 7V 0.5 98 PR
20. Two conductors, one having resistance R and another 2R are connected in turn
across a dc source. If the rate of heat produced in the two conductors is Q
1
and Q
2
respectively,
what is the value of q
1
/q
2
?
Ans. We know that Q = t,
R
V
2
therefore
2
R
2R
R
R
Q
Q
1
2
2
1

21. State the condition in which terminal voltage across a secondary cell is equal to
its emf.
Ans. When the cell is in an open circuit i.e., when no current is being drawn from the cell.
22. Under what condition can we draw maximum current from a secondary cell?
Ans. When external resistance present in the circuit is zero.
23. Define drift velocity of electrons.
Ans. The mean velocity acquired by electrons in a conductor when an external electric field is
applied on it.
2
24. Define conductance. What is its unit?
Ans. Reciprocal of resistance is called conductance. Thus, conductance is C =
R
1
. SI unit of
conductance is siemen (S).
25. Two wires A and B are of same metal, have the same area of cross-section and
have their lengths in the ratio 2 : 1.What will be the ratio of currents flowing through them
respectively, when the same potential difference is applied across length of each of them?
Ans.
2
1
l
l
R
R
I
I
A
B
A
B
B
A

26. V I graph for a given metallic wire at two temperatures are
shown, which of these is for a higher temperature?
Ans. At higher temperature resistance of metallic wire is more or its
conductance is low. Hence, graph (2) is at a higher temperature i.e., T
2
>
T
1
.
27. Two wires of equal lengths, one of copper and the other of manganin have the
same resistance. Which wire is thicker?
Ans. In accordance with the formula R = L/A, manganin wire will be thicker because its
resistivity is more.
28. Two wires of equal cross-sectional area, one of copper and the other of
manganin have the same resistance. Which one will be longer?
Ans. The copper wire will be longer because resistivity of copper is less than that of manganin.
29. Of metal and alloys, which have greater value of temperature coefficient of
resistance?
Ans. Pure metals have a greater value of temperature coefficient of resistance than their alloys.
30. Of copper and nichrome, which one has possibly larger value of temperature
coefficient of resistance.
Ans. Copper
31. How does the heat produced in a resistor depend on its resistance when (i) a
constant current is passed through it, (ii) a constant potential difference is applied across its
ends?
Ans. (i) For I = constant,
heat produced H R
(ii) For constant potential difference V.
heat produced H
R
1

32. What happens to the power dissipation if the value of electric current passing
through a conductor of constant resistance is doubled?
Ans. In accordance with formula P = I
2
R, the power dissipation becomes 4 times if the current
passing through given resistance is doubled.
33. Sketch a graph showing variation of resistivity of carbon
with temperature.
Ans. Carbon is a non-conductor, therefore its resistivity decreases with
increase in temperature as shown in the figure below.
34. State kirchoffs laws for electrical circuits. Derive the balance condition for a
Wheatstone bridge using these laws.
Ans. Kirchoffs first rule: The algebraic sum of currents into any junction is zero. That is
3
I = 0
Kirchoffs second rule: The algebraic sum of the potential differences in any loop, including
those with emfs and those of resistive elements, must equal zero.
Consider the diagram as shown below.
Let I be the total current in the circuit, then by Kirchoffs junction rule the following current
distribution can be made. Let current I
1
flow through arm AB, such that current I I
1
flow through
the arm AD. At junction B the current I
1
gets divided, I
g
flows through the galvanometer and
current I
1
I
g
flows through the arm BC. At junction D currents I I
1
and I
g
add up such that
current I I
1
+ I
g
flows through the arm DC. At junction C the currents from arms BC and DC
combine such that the current in the circuit is again I. Now applying Kirchoffs loop rule to the
closed loop ABDA we have
I
1
P I
g
G + (I I
1
) R = 0 .(1)
Again applying Kirchoffs loop rule to closed loop BCDB we have
(I
1
I
g
)Q + (I I
1
+ I
g
) X + I
g
G = 0 .(2)
The value of P, Q, R and X are so adjusted that the
galvanometer gives zero deflection. This means that both B and D
will be at the same potential and hence no current will flow through
the galvanometer. i.e., I
g
= 0. In this situation the Wheatstone bridge
is said to be balanced. Putting I
g
= 0 in equations 1 and 2 we have
I
1
P + (I I
1
) R = 0 .(3)
and I
1
Q + (I I
1
) X = 0 .(4)
Rewriting the above two equations we have
I
1
P = (I I
1
) R .(5)
and I
1
Q = (I I
1
) X .(6)
dividing the above equations we have
X
R
Q
P
.(7)
The above expression gives the condition for the balance of a Wheatstone bridge.
35. How will you use a meter bridge to measure an unknown resistance? Draw the
necessary circuit diagram. Explain the principle of the experiment. Give the formula used.
Ans. The experiment is based on Wheatstone bridge principle.
The circuit diagram is as shown below.
The connections are made as shown in figure. A resistance R is introduced from the resistance
box and the key K is closed. The jockey is moved on
the wire to the point where there is no deflection in
the galvanometer. In such a case points B and D are
at the same potential. The point B is called the null
point.
Let in this position AB = L cm and BC = (100 L)
cm. Therefore resistance of AB i.e. P L and
resistance of BC i.e. Q (100 L) hence
L 100
L
Q
P
.(1)
In the balanced state by the Wheatstone bridge Principle we have
X
R
Q
P
.(2)
Substituting equation (1) in equation (2) we have
L 100
L
X
R
.(3)
Rewriting equation (3) we have
4
X =
,
_

L
L 100
R
36. With the help of a circuit diagram explain how the internal resistance of a cell
can be determined by using a potentiometer. Write the formula used.
Ans. The circuit shown below is used to measure the internal resistance of a cell.
The formula used is r =
,
_

2
2 1
L
L L
R
First, the key K
1
is inserted and key K
2
is not inserted.
In this state no current is drawn from the cell. The jockey is
moved on the wire to find the balance point. Let the
balancing length be L
1
. This length balances the emf E of the
cell. Therefore the potentiometer principle we have
E L
1
.(1)
Now key K
2
is also closed. A suitable resistance R is
introduced in the circuit with the help of the resistance box (R.B). In this state current is drawn
from the cell. The jockey is moved on the wire to find the balance point. Let the balancing length
be L
2
. This length balances the terminal potential difference (V) of the cell. Therefore by
potentiometer principle we have
V L
2
.(2)
From equations 1 and 2 we have,
2
1
L
L
V
E
.(3)
The internal resistance of the cell is given by the expression
R 1
V
E
r
,
_

.(4)
Substituting equation 3 in 4 we have
R
L
L L
r or R 1
L
L
r
2
2 1
2
1
,
_
,
_

This gives the value of the internal resistances of the cell
37. A potential difference V is applied across a conductor of length L and diameter
D. How are the resistance R and electric field E of the conductor affected, when in turn (i) v is
halved (ii) L is halved and (iii) D is doubled. Justify your answer in each case.
Ans. The table below gives the variation
V is halved L is halved D is doubled
A
L
R
No change R is halved R becomes on-fourth
L
V
E
E is halved E is doubled No change
38. Define resistivity of a substance. Give its unit. How does it vary with
temperature in (i) good conductor (ii) ionic conductors and (iii) semiconductors?
Ans. It is defined as the resistance of a conductor of unit length and unit cross sectional area. In SI
it is measured in ohm-m
(i) It increases with increase in temperature for conductors.
(ii) It decreases with increase in temperature for ionic conductors.
(iii) It decreases with increase in temperature for semiconductors.
39. Explain the principle on which the working of a potentiometer is based. Why is
the use of a potentiometer preferred over that of a voltmeter for the measurement of emf of a
cell?
5
Ans. It is based on the principle that if a wire of uniform area of cross section carries a constant
current the potential drop across any portion of the wire is directly proportional to the length
of that portion of the wire.
Consider a wire of uniform area of cross section A. Let I be the current through the wire.
Then by Ohms law
V = IR .(1)
R =
A
L
.(2)
Substituting equation (2) in (1) we have
V = L
A
I
.(3)
Since I, A and are constant therefore we have V L
A potentiometer is preferred over a voltmeter, because it is based on the null method i.e., it
does not draw any current while measuring the potential.
40. The following circuit shows the use of
potentiometer to measure the internal resistance of a cell (i)
when the key K is open, how does the balance point change, if
the current from the driver cell decreases. (ii) When the key K
is closed, how does the balance point change if R is increased,
keeping the current from the driver cell constant.
Ans. (i) When the key K is open, a decrease in the current from the driver cell decreases the
potential drop across the potentiometer wire. Therefore to balance the same emf again more
length of the wire will be required. Thus the balance point will shift towards point B.
(ii) When key K is closed and R is increased, it increases the terminal potential difference of
the cell. Thus to balance the new terminal potential difference more length of the wire will be
required. Thus the balance point will shift towards point B.
41. A wire of 10 ohm resistance is stretched to thrice its original length. What will
be its (i) new resistivity and (ii) new resistance?
Ans. (i) There is no change in the resistivity
(ii) The new resistance will become n
2
times the old resistance. Therefore new resistance
becomes R = (3)
2
10 = 90 ohm.
42. With the help of a circuit diagram, explain how the emfs of two primary cells
can be compared using a potentiometer. State the formula used. How can the sensitivity of a
potentiometer be increased?
Ans. The circuit diagram for comparing the emfs of
two cells is given below.
First, the key K
1
is inserted. This brings the cell of
emf E
1
in the circuit. The jockey is moved on the
wire to obtain a balance point i.e. a point on the
wire where the galvanometer gives zero
deflection. Let the balancing length be L
1
.
Therefore by the potentiometer principle we have
E
1
L
1
.(1)
Now, the key k
2
is inserted. This brings the cell of emf E
2
in the circuit. The jockey is again
moved on the wire to obtain the balance point. Let the balancing length be L
2
. Then by
E
2
L
2
.(2)
6
dividing equation (1) by (2) we have
2
1
2
1
L
L
E
E
.(3)
Knowing the values of L
1
and L
2

the emfs can be compared.
Sensitivity can be increased by increasing the length of the potentiometer wire or decreasing
the current through the wire.
43. Define the term resistivity of a conductor. Give its SI unit. Show that the
resistance R of conductor is given by ,
A ne
mL
2
where the symbols have their usual meaning.
Ans. It is defined as the resistance of the material of the material of the conductor of unit length and
unit area of cross section. It is measured in ohm metre.
Let v
d
be the drift velocity of the electrons, then its relation with electric field is
v
d
=
m
eE
.(1)
Let V be the potential difference applied across the two ends of a conductor of length L and
area of cross-section A, Then
E = m
L
V
.(2)
substituting equation (1) in (2) we have
v
d
=
mL
eV
.(3)
Also I = neAv
d
.(4)
substituting equation (3) in equation (4) we have
I = neA
V
mL
A ne
mL
eV
2
1
]
1
1
]
1
.(5)
Comparing with Ohms law i.e.
I =
R
V
.(6)
We have
1
]
1
A ne
mL
R
2
.(7)
44. Are the paths of electrons straight lines between successive collisions (with
positive ions of the metals) in the (i) absence of electric field (ii) presence of electric field?
Establish a relation between drift velocity v
d
of an electron in a conductor of cross-section A
carrying current I and concentration n of free electrons per unit volume of conductor. Hence
obtain the relation between current density and drift velocity.
Ans. (i) In the absence of electric field the path of electrons is a straight line.
(ii) In the presence of an electric field the path of the electrons is parabolic.
Suppose there are n electrons per unit volume. Here n is called the number density of
electrons. Assume that all electrons move with the same drift velocity v
d
. In a time interval dt,
each electron moves a distance v
d
dt. Now the volume of the cylinder covered by the electrons
in time dt is
V = A v
d
dt .(1)
and the number of electrons in this volume are
N = nV = nA v
d
dt .(2)
If e is the charge on the electron, then chare flowing through the conductor in small time dt is
dQ = e(nA v
d
dt0 .(3)
hence the current through the conductor is
7
I =
dt
dQ
= nAev
d
Since n, e and A are constant, therefore current flowing in a conductor is directly proportional
to the drift velocity.
The current per unit cross sectional area is called current density (J). Therefore J =
A
I
= nev
d

45. Briefly explain how the drift velocity of electrons in a metallic conductor varies
when (i) the temperature of the conductor is increased, and (ii) applied potential difference is
decreased, keeping temperature constant.
Ans. The drift velocity is given by the expression v
d
= .
mL
eV
(i) With an increase in the temperature of the conductor, the average relaxation time
decreases. Since drift velocity is directly proportional to the average relaxation time,
therefore it decreases with increase in temperature.
(ii) Drift velocity is directly proportional to the potential difference, therefore an increase in
the value of potential difference increase the value of drift velocity.
46. The variation of potential difference with length in case
of two potentiometers A and B is shown in figure. Which of the two is
preferred to find the emf of a cell? Give reason for your answer?
Ans. A potentiometer having a small value of potential gradient is more
accurate thant the potentiometer having a large value of potential gradient
(V/L). As seen from the graph potentiometer B has a smaller value of V/L
i.e., potential gradient, therefore it will be preferred gradient, therefore it
will be preferred over potentiometer A.
47. Explain how the resistivity of a conductor depends upon (i) number density n
of free electrons, and (ii) relaxation time .
Ans. The resistivity of a conductor is given by the relation =
.
ne
m
2
(i) It depends inversely on the number density of the electrons. An increase in number density
leads to a decrease in the resistivity.
(ii) It depends inversely on the average relaxation time of the electrons. An increase in average
relaxation time leads to a decrease in the resistivity.
48. Explain with the help of a graph the variation of
conductivity with temperature for a metallic conductor.
Ans. The conductivity of a metallic conductor depends inversely on its
absolute temperature. Therefore the graph of the above situation is shown
below
49. State Joules law of heating by electric current. Name the
materials used for making (i) standard resistors (ii) heater element.
Ans. Joule found that when current is passed through a conductor the heat produced across it is
(i) Directly proportional to the square of current through the conductor i.e.
H I
2
..(1)
(ii) Directly proportional to the resistance of the conductor i.e.
H R ..(2)
(iii) Directly proportional to the time for which the current is passed i.e.
H t ..(3)
Combining the above three equations we have
H I
2
Rt
8
(a) For making standard resistors manganin, is used.
(b) For heater element nichrome is used.
50. Name the two factors on which the resistivity of a given material depends. A
carbon resistor has a value of 62 k with a tolerance of 5%. Give the colour code of the
resistor.
Ans. Resistivity depends upon (i) The number density of electrons and (ii) The average relaxation
time.
The colour code of the cabon resistor is blue, red, orange and gold.
51. Draw a circuit diagram for a metre bridge to determine the unknown resistance
of a resistor. Obtain the balance condition for a metre bridge. Why are the connections between
the resistors of a metre bridge made of thick copper strips? Find the shift in the balance point of
a metre bridge, when the two resistors in its two gaps, are interchanged. Take the values of the
two resistors as R and S.
Ans. A metre bridge is a practical form of Wheatstone bridge and the circuit diagram is shown
in figure below.
Connections between resistors are made of thick copper strips so that the resistances of the
resistors remain unchanged.
Let initially with resistance R in left gap and S in right gap, null point is obtained at a length L
then
L 100
L
S
R
.(i)
If R and S are interchanged then null point will be obtained at L such that
L' 100
L'
R
S
.(ii)
A comparison of (i) and (ii) shows that L = 100 L. Therefore shift in position of balance
point.
L L = (100 L) L = (100 2L)cm
52. A potentiometer wire has a length L and
resistance R
0
. It is connected to a battery and a resistance
combination as shown. obtain an expression for the potential
drop per unit length of the potentiometer wire. What is the
maximum emf of a test cell for which one can get a
balance point on this potentiometer wire? What
precautions should one take, while connecting this test cell
in the circuit?
Ans. Here total resistance of potentiometer circuit
R = R
0
+
S R
RS
+
Therefore current in the circuit
I =
S R
RS
R
E
0
+
+
9
Therefore, total potential difference across the ends of potentiometer wire AB
V = I R
0
= I =
S R
RS
R
ER
0
0
+
+
Therefore, potential drop per unit length of the potentiometer wire
k =
,
_
+
+
S R
RS
R L
ER
L
V
0
0
Maximum emf of a test cell, for which one can get a balance point on this potentiometer wire,
should be less than V.
Precaution: Positive terminal of the test cell must be connected to end A of the potentiometer
i.e., +ve terminals of battery and test cell must be connected at the same end.
53. A carbon resistor has the following colour
bands drawn on it. Find it value. Define the term resistivity
of a material. Give its SI unit.
Ans. 64 10
1
t 5%
Resistivity is defined as the resistance of a conductor per unit length per unit area of cross
section. It is measured in ohm-m.
54. How does the resistivity of (i) conductor and (ii) semiconductor vary with
temperature? Give reason for each case.
Ans. The resistivity of conductor is given by the expression =
.
ne
m
2
The resistivity of
conductors increases with the increase in the temperature. This is because increase in
temperature increases the amplitude of vibration of lattice ions, which in turn increases the
number of collisions. This decreases the average relaxation time. Since resistance of a
conductor is inversely proportional to the average relaxation time, therefore the resistance
increases.
(ii) Semiconductors: In case of semiconductors, resistance decreases with the increases in the
temperature. An increase in temperature breaks a large number of covalent bonds. This results
in a large number of majority carriers, which in turn increase the current.
55. When two known resistances R and S are connected in the left and right gaps of
a metre bridge, the balance point in found of a distance L
1
from the zero end of the metre bridge
wire. An unknown resistance X is now connected in parallel to the resistance S and the balance
point is now found at a distance L
2
from the zero end of the metre bridge wire. Obtain a formula
for X in terms of L
1
, L
2
and S.
Ans. The arrangement is as shown.
Applying the formula for balanced metre bridge in first
case, we have
1
1
L 100
L
S
R
.(i)
In second case in right gap S and X are arranged in parallel and have a net resistance of
,
X S
SX
+
hence, now, we have
2
2
L 100
L
X S
SX
R
,
_
+
.(ii)
10
Dividing (i) by (ii) we have
( )
( )
2
1
2
1
L 100
L 100
L
L
X
X S

+
On simplification we get
X =
( )
( )
1
L 100
L 100
L
L
S
2
1
2
1
56. Define the term temperature coefficient of resistivity. Show graphically the
variation of resistivity with temperature for nichrome/copper.
Ans. The temperature coefficient of resistance of a conductor is defined as the ratio of the increase
in resistance per unit original resistance per unit rise in temperature.
Variation of resistivity of nichrome with temperature.
Variation of resistivity of copper with temperature.
57. You are given n resistors each of resistance r. These are first connected to get
minimum possible resistance. In the second case it is connected to get maximum possible
resistance. Compute the ratio between the minimum and the maximum values of resistance so
obtained.
Ans. For obtaining minimum possible resistance the resistors are connected in parallel. Therefore,
in parallel combination the total resistance is
...n times
r
1
r
1
R
1
P
+ +
or R
P
=
n
r
For obtaining maximum possible resistance the resistors are connected in series. Therefore, in
series combination the total resistance is
R
S
= r + r + n times = n r
Therefore ratio of minimum to maximum resistance is
2
S
P
n
1
nr
1
n
r
R
R

58. Draw a circuit diagram using a metre bridge and write the necessary
mathematical relation used to determine the value of an unknown resistance. Why cannot such
an arrangement be used for measuring very low resistances?
Ans. The circuit diagram is a shown below.
11
The necessary formula is X =
,
_

L
L 100
The bridge is also unsuitable to measure very small resistances, this is because in this case all
the other resistances should also be small to ensure the sensitivity of the bridge which would
require a galvanometer of very low resistance which itself would be very insensitive. In
addition to this, the contract and the lead resistance will also be comparable with the
resistance to be measured.
59. A resistance of R draws current from a potentiometer. The potentiometer has a
total resistance R
0
as shown in fig below. A voltage V is
supplied to the potentiometer. Derive an expression for the
voltage across R when the sliding contact is in the middle
of the potentiometer.
Ans. While the slide is in the middle of the potentiometer only
half of its resistance (R/2) will be between the points A
and B. Hence, the total resistance between A and B, say,
R
1
will be given by the following expression;
0 1
R
2
R
1
R
1
+
or
2R R
R R
R
0
0
1
+
The total resistance between A and C will be sum of resistance between A and B and B and
C. i.e., R
1
+ R
0
/2
Therefore, the current flowing through the potentiometer will be
I =
0 1 0 1
R 2R
2V
/2 R R
V
+
+
The voltage V taken form the potentiometer will be the product of current I and resistance R
1
,
V
1
= IR
1
= 1
0 1
R
R 2R
2V
+
Substituting for R
1
and solving, we have
V
1
=
4R R
2VR
0
+
60. Explain how electron mobility changes for a good conductor when (i) the
temperature of the conductor is decreased at constant potential difference and (ii) applied
potential difference is doubled at constant temperature.
Ans. The mobility of a conductor is given by the expression =
AneV
IL
m
e
E
v
d
where L is the
length of the conductor.
(i) When temperature of a conductor is decreased at constant potential difference the average
relaxation time increases. Since mobility is directly proportional to the average relaxation
time, therefore mobility increases.
(ii) When the potential difference across the conductor is doubled at constant temperature, the
mobility becomes half.
61. A parallel combination of 4 cells of identical emf E,
internal resistance r, are connected in series to a variable resistor. The
following graph shows the variation of terminal voltage of the
combination with the current output:
(i) What is the emf of each cell used?
(ii) For what current from the cells, does maximum power
dissipation occur in the circuit?
12
Ans. (i) From the graph we find that when I = 0, V = 5.6 V, therefore emf of each cell is = 5.6 V
(ii) Now slope of the graph gives the total resistance of the combination, therefore
R + 2.8
2.0
5.6
I
V
4
r

or 4R + r = 11.2
Power dissipated is maximum when internal resistance is equal to the external resistance i.e.,
R = r/4 or 4R = r
Therefore,
we have r + r = 11.2 or r = 5.6
Hence current in the circuit for maximum power dissipation is
I =
1A
5.6
5.6
R
V
T

62. For the potentiometer circuit shown in the given figure, points X and Y represent
the two terminals of an unknown emf E. A student observed that when the jockey is moved
from the end A to the end B of the potentiometer wire, the
deflection in the galvanometer remains in the same direction.
What may be the two possible faults in the circuit that could
result in this observation?
If the galvanometer deflection at the end B is (i) more, (ii) less,
than that at the end A, which of the two faults, listed above,
would be there in the circuit?
Give reasons in support of your answer in each case.
Ans. (a) The two possible faults are
(i) The negative terminal of E is connected to point X. In other words the positive
terminals of E and E are not connected to the same point.
(ii) The emf of the auxiliary battery E is less than the emf of the cell E i.e., E > E
(b) If galvanometer shows more deflection at B
Cause: Negative terminal of E is connected to point X.
Reason: Potential difference across wire and the cell E sends current through the
galvanometer in the same sense and the galvanometer deflection increases with increase in the
length of the wire.
(c) If galvanometer shows less deflection at B
Cause: The emf of the auxiliary battery E is less than the emf of the cell E i.e., E > E
Reason: Potential difference across the potentiometer wire opposes E and the current in the
galvanometer decreases with an increase in the length of the wire.
63. What is drift velocity? Derive an expression for it.
Ans. In an ordinary metal such as copper or aluminium, some of the electrons move randomly in all
directions with speeds of the order of 10
6
ms
1
. The electrons nonetheless, do not escape from
the conducting material, because they are attracted to the +ve ions of the material. The motion
of the electrons is random so there is no net flow of charge in any direction and hence no
current. Consequently the average thermal velocity of the electrons is zero. If there are n
electrons in a conductor having thermal velocities u
1
, u
2
, u
3
, u
n
then the average thermal
velocity of the electrons is
0
n
u . .......... u u u
u
n 3 2 1

+ + + +
..(1)
Suppose a steady electric field E is established across the ends of the conductor. This subjects
the electrons inside the conductor, to an electric force given by F = eE ..(2)
This force causes a steady acceleration of the electrons opposite to the direction of the electric
field. The acceleration being given by
13
a =
m
eE
m
F
.(3)
where m is the mass of the electron. Due to this acceleration the electron, in addition to the
random motion within a conductor, acquired a very slow net motion or drift opposite to the
direction of the electric field. This motion of the electrons is described in terms of the drift
velocity (v
d
) of the electrons. This additional acquired velocity is lost in the next collision.
Suppose that the electron remains accelerated for a time t called the relaxation time of the
electron. Let v
1
, v
2
, v
3
, v
n
be the velocities acquired by the electrons due to this
acceleration. Therefore,
v
1
= u
1
+ at
1
. v
2
= u
2
+ at
2
, v
3
= u
3
+ at
3
and v
n
= u
n
+ at
n
respectively .(4)
Now drift velocity (vd) is defined as the average velocity with which the free electrons get
drifted inside a conductor under the effect of the electric field, opposite to the direction of the
field.
Therefore
v
d
=
n
v .......... v v v
n 3 2 1
+ + + +
.(5)
or v
d
=
( ) ( )
n
at u ..... at u
n n 1 1
+ + + +
.(6)
or v
d
=
( ) ( )
n
t ..... t a
n
u ..... u
n 1 n 1
+ +
+
+ +
.(7)
using equation (1) we have v
d
= a .(8)
here =
( )
n
t .... t t t
n 3 2 1
+ + + +
is called average relaxation time. Substituting equation (3) in
equation (8) we have
v
d
=
m
eE
Since E = V/L, therefore we have

V
d
=
mL
eE
.(9)
This gives a relation between drift velocity and electric field and drift velocity and electric
potential.
64. Define the term resistivity and write its S.I. unit. Derive the expression for the
resistivity of a conductor in terms of number density of free electrons and relaxation time.
Ans. It is defined as the resistance of a conductor of unit length and unit cross sectional area. In SI
it is measured in ohm-m. Let v
d
be the drift velocity of the electrons, then its relation with
electric field is
v
d
=
m
eE
.(1)
Let V be the potential difference applied across the two ends of a conductor of length L and
area of cross-section A, then
E =
L
V
.(2)
substituting equation 1 in 2 we have
v
d
=
mL
eV
.(3)
Also I = neAv
d
.(4)
Substituting equation (3) in equation (4) we have
14
I = neA
V
mL
A ne
mL
eV
2
1
]
1
1
]
1
.(5)
Comparing with Ohms law i.e.
I =
R
V
.(6)
We have R =
1
]
1
1
]
1
A ne
mL
A ne
mL
2 2
.(7)
Comparing with the equation R =
A
L
we have =
ne
m
2
65. Draw V I graph for ohmic and non-ohmic materials. Give one example for
each.
Ans. Ohmic materials: Those materials in which Ohms law is followed are called ohmic materials.
For such circuits the V I graph is a straight line passing through the origin. The reciprocal of
the slope of the graph gives the resistance of the circuit e.g., metallic conductors.
None-ohmic materials: Those materials in which Ohms law is not obeyed are called non-
ohmic matierals. The VI graph is a curve. e.g. electrolytes, semiconductors, thermionic
values etc.
66. Write the mathematical relation between mobility and drift velocity of charge
carriers in a conductor. Name the mobile charge carriers responsible for conduction of electric
current in (i) an electrolyte (ii) and ionized gas.
Ans. Drift velocity v
d
= Mobility/Electric field or =
E
v
d
(i) The mobile charge carriers in an electrolyte are positive and negative ions called
cations and anions.
(ii) In ionized gas the mobile charge carriers are electrons are positively charged ions.
67. Define the term mobility for a charge carrier and state its SI unit.
Name the mobile charge carriers in
(i) an electrolyte (ii) a semiconductor (iii) an ionized gas.
Ans. Mobility is defined as the ratio of drift velocity of the charge to the applied electric field.
(i) Anions and cations
(ii) Electrons and holes
(iii) Free electrons
68. State the principle of the device used for comparing the emf of two cells. Draw
the relevant circuit diagram and explain how the emfs of the two cells are compared. How can
sensitivity of such a device be increased? In what way is this method different from the one
using voltmeter for comparing the emfs?
Ans. Principle: It is based on the principle that the potential across any section of the wire is
directly proportional to the length of that section of the wire.
The circuit diagram for comparing the emfs of two cells is given below:
15
First, the key K
1
is inserted. This brings the cell of emf E
1
in the circuit. The jockey is moved
on the wire to obtain a balance point i.e. a point on the wire where the galvanometer givens
zero deflection. Let the balancing length be L
1
. Therefore by the potentiometer principle we
have
E
1
L
1
.(1)
Now, the key K
2
is inserted. This bridges the cell of emf E
2
in the circuit. The jockey is again
moved on the wire to obtain the balance point. Let the balancing length be L
2
. Then by
E
2
L
2
.(2)
Dividing equation (1) by (2) we have
2
1
2
1
L
L
E
E
(3)
Knowing the values of L
1
and L
2
the emfs can be compared.
The sensitivity of the potentiometer can be increased by increasing the length of the
potentiometer wire.
The potentiometer method is a null method i.e. no current is drawn form the cell when its emf
is being measured. It measures emf more accurately than a voltmeter.
69. State Kirchoffs rules for an electrical network.
Explain their use by drawing a simple circuit diagram. Find the
total current I, supplied to an external resistor R, connected as
shown, across a parallel combination of three cells of equal emf E
and same internal resistance r.
Ans. Kirchoffs first rule: The algebraic sum of currents into any
junction is zero.
Kirchoffs second rule: The algebraic sum of the potential
differences in any loop, including those with emfs and those of
resistive elements, must equal zero.
A simple circuit diagram shows the distribution of current in
accordance with the first rule.
In accordance with the second law the equations for two loops is
as written below.
I
1
P + (I I
1
) R = 0 .(3)
and I
1
Q + (I I
1
) X = 0 .(4)
These tow equations will be solved fro the unknown.
16
Since the cells are in parallel, therefore net emf of the circuit is E.
Total internal resistance of the circuit is r/3. Hence total resistance of the circuit is
R
T
= R + r/3
Hence current in the circuit is
I =
r/3 R
E
R
E
T
+
70. The given figure shows a network of resistances

R
1
, R
2
, R
3
and R
4
.
Using Kirchoffs laws, establish the balance condition for the
network.
Ans. Consider the diagram as shown below.
Now applying Kirchoffs loop rule to the closed loop ABDA
we have
I
1
R
1
I
g
G + (I I
1
) R
3
= 0 .(1)
Again applying Kirchoffs loop rule to closed loop BCDA we have
(I
1
I
g
) R
2
+ (I I
1
+ I
g
) R
4
+ I
g
G = 0 .(2)
The value of R
1
, R
2
, R
3
and R
4
are so adjusted that the
galvanometer gives zero deflection. This means that both B and
D will be at the same potential and hence no current will flow
through the galvanometer. i.e., I
g
= 0. In this situation the
Wheatstone bridge is said to be balanced. Putting I
g
= 0 in
equations 1 and 2 we have
I
1
R
1
+ (I I
1
) R
3
= 0 .(3)
and I
1
R
2
+ (I I
1
) R
4
= 0 .(4)
Rewriting the above two equations we have
I
1
R
1
= (I I
1
) R
3
.(5)
and I
1
R
2
= (I I
1
) R
4
.(6)
dividing the above equation we have
4
3
2
1
R
R
R
R
.(7)
The above expression gives the condition for the balance of a Wheatstone bridge.
71. Define the term current density of a metallic conductor. Deduce the relation
connecting current density (J) and the conductivity () of the conductor, when an electric field
E, is applied to it.
Ans. Current density is defined as the current flowing per unit area of the conductor.
Mathematically, current density is given by the expression J =
A
I
But I = V/R and R = .
A
L
A
L
Substituting in the above relation we have

J = E
L
V
A
AL
V
A
I

72. Under what condition is the heat produced in an electric circuit (i) directly
proportional, (ii) inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit?
17
Ans. (i) Heat produced in an electric circuit is directly proportional to resistance of the circuit when
current flowing through it is kept constant, as
H = I
2
Rt, and when I is constant H R.
(ii) Heat produced in electrical circuit is inversely proportional to the resistance of the circuit,
when potential difference across it is kept constant as
H =
R
t V
2
and when V is constant H
R
1

ELECTROSTATICS

1. Define the term electric dipole moment. Is it a scalar or vector quantity?
Ans. It is defined as the product of either charge and the distance between them. It is a vector
quantity.
2. Two field lines never cross each other. Why?
Ans. It is because at the point of intersection two tangents can be drawn. Thus there will be two
direction of electric field at that point which is not possible.
3. How does the Coulomb force between two point charges depend upon the
dielectric constant of the intervening medium?
Ans. It decreases with the introduction of dielectric. It becomes 1/K times the original value.
4. Name the physical quantity which has joule per coulomb as its unit. Is it a scalar
or a vector quantity?
Ans. The quantity is electric potential. It is a scalar quantity.
5. Sketch a graph to show how a charge Q acquired by a capacitor of capacitance
C, varies with the increase in potential difference between the plates.
Ans.
6. Write the SI unit of (i) Electric field intensity and (ii) Electric dipole moment.
Ans. (i) volt per metre (ii) coulomb metre
7. Define one coulomb charge.
Ans. It is that much charge which when placed at a distance of 1 m in a vacuum from an identical
charge applies a force of 9 10
9
N.
8. How much work is done in moving a 500 C charge between two points on an
equipotential surface?
Ans. Zero
9. What does q
1
+ q
2
= 0 signify in electrostatics?
Ans. It signifies an electric dipole.
10. What orientation of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field corresponds to
its stable equilibrium?
Ans. When the dipole is aligned, parallel to the direction of the electric field.
11. What is the work done in moving a 100 nC charge between two points 5 cm
apart on an equipotential surface?
Ans. Zero
12. Name the physical quantity, which has, as its units, Nm
2
C
1
. Is it a scalar or
vector quantity?
18
Ans. Electric flux; It is a scalar quantity.
13. Name the physical quantity which has as its units, coulomb-metre. It is a scalar
or vector quantity?
Ans. Electric dipole moments. It is a vector quantity.
14. Name the physical quantity, which has, as its unit newton per coulomb. Is it a
scalar or a vector quantity?
Ans. Electric field; it is a vector quantity.
15. How does the force between two point charges change, if the dielectric constant
of the medium in which they are kept, increases.
Ans. The force decreases.
16. Two point charges +10 C and +20 C are separated by a distance r in air. If
an additional charge of 8 C is given to each, by what factor does the force between the
charges, change.
Ans. Initial force is given by
2 2
i
r
200k
r
20 10
k F
Final force is given by

F
f
=
2 2
r
24k
r
12 2
k
Change in force
0.12
200
24
F
F
i
f

17. In a medium the force of attraction between two point electric charges, distance
d apart is F. what distance apart should these be kept in the same medium so that the force
between them becomes 3F?
Ans. Let the new distance be d, since F
,
r
1
2
therefore
2
2
r
d
3F
F
or d =
3
r
or r = 3 d
18. Sketch two equipotential surfaces for a uniform electric field.
Ans.
The dotted lines show the equipotential surfaces.
19. Sketch three equipotential surfaces for a point charge.
Ans.
20. In a parallel plate capacitor the capacitance increases from 4F to 80F, on
introducing a dielectric medium between the plates. What is the dielectric constant of the
medium?
Ans. The dielectric constant is given by K = 80/4 = 20
21. What is the dielectric constant of the medium?
19
Ans. It is the ratio of the force between two charges placed a certain distance apart in vacuum to
that placed same distance apart in the medium.
22. Draw lines of force to represent a uniform electric field.
Ans.
23. Sketch the electric lines of force due to point charges (i) q > 0 and (ii) q < 0.
Ans.
24. What kind of charges are produced on each when (i) a glass rod is rubbed with
silk and (ii) an ebonite rod is rubbed with wood?
Ans. (i) Glass rod: positive charge, silk: negative charge
(ii) Ebonite rod: negative charge, wool: positive charge
25. What is a conservative field?
Ans. A field is said to be conservative if work done in the field does not depend upon the path
followed but depends only upon the initial and final positions.
26. Find the value of electric field that would completely balance the weight of an
electron.
Ans. mg = eE
19
31
10 1.6
9.8 10 9.1
e
mg
E

= 5.57 10
11
Vm
1
27. Define electric field at a point.
Ans. Electric field at a point is defined as the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed at
that point. Mathematically we have
q
F
Lim E
0 q
28. Is the electric potential necessarily zero at a place where the electric field is
zero?
Ans. No, it is not necessary. The electric field inside a hollow metallic conductor is zero but the
electric potential is not zero.
29. Express dielectric constant in terms of capacitance of a capacitor.
Ans. It is given by the expression K =
0
C
C
where C is the capacitance of the capacitor with
dielectric and C
0
is the capacitance without dielectric.
30. Find the electric field between two metal plates placed 3 mm apart and
connected to a battery of 12V.
Ans. The electric field between the plates is given by E =
3
10 3
12
d
V
= 4 10
3
Vm
1
31. Define electric potential at a point. Is it a vector or a scalar quantity?
Ans. It is defined as the work done in moving a unit charge from infinity to that point without
acceleration or without change in kinetic energy.
20
32. How much energy will be stored by a capacitor of 470F when charged with a
battery of 20V?
Ans. U =
2
1
CV
2
=
2
1
470 10
6
(20)
2
= 9.4 10
2
J
33. Two charges, one +5C and the other 5C are placed 1mm apart. Calculate the
electric dipole moment of the system?
Ans. p = q 2a = 5 10
6
10
3
= 5 10
9
Cm
34. Write down the relation between field and electric potential at a point.
Abs. Electric field and electric potential are related as E = .
dr
dV
35. Define capacitance of a capacitor.

Ans. It is defined as the ability of a capacitor to store charge.
36. Name any two basic properties of electric charge.
Ans. (i) Quantisation of charge and (ii) Conservation of charge.
37. Can electric potential at a point in space be zero while intensity of electric field
at that point is not zero?
Ans. Yes, at a point on the equatorial line of a dipole, electric potential is zero but electric field is
not zero.
38. In a parallel plate capacitor the potential difference of 10
2
V is maintained
between the plates. What will be the electric field at points A and B as shown in the figure
below?
Ans. The electric field between the plates of a capacitor is uniform; therefore the electric field at
points A and B will be same.
39. Two protons A and B are placed between the two plates of a parallel plate
capacitor having a potential difference V as shown. Will these protons experience equal or
unequal forces?
Ans. Both protons will experience the same force as electric field between the plates of the
capacitor is same.
40. Sketch the field lines around a system of two equal and opposite point charges.
Ans. The sketch is as shown below.
41. In an electric field an electron is kept freely. If the electron is replaced by a
proton, what will be the relationship between the forces experience by them?
Ans. Magnitude of force will be same but direction will be reversed.
42. Give the SI unit of electric field intensity. Is electric field intensity a scalar or a
vector quantity?
21
A
B
+
Fig. for Q.38, Q.39

Ans. NC
1
, vector quantity.
43. Which physical quantity has unit newton (coulomb)
1
? Is it a vector or scalar
quantity?
Ans. Electric field intensity, vector quantity.
44. Two point charges of +3C each are 100cm apart. At what point on the line
joining the charges will the electric intensity be zero?
Ans. At the mid-point of the line joining the two point charges.
45. What is nature of symmetry of electric field due to a point charge?
Ans. Spherical symmetry as E
2
r
1
.
46. Consider the situation shown in the fig given below. What are the signs of q
1
and
q
2
?
Ans. q
1
is negative and q
2
is positive.
47. What orientation of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field corresponds to
its stable equilibrium?
Ans. When dipole has its dipole moment along the direction of electric field.
48. Four charges of same magnitude and same sign are placed at the corners of a
square, of each side 0.1m. What is electric field intensity at the centre of the square?
Ans. Zero.
49. What is the net force on a dipole in a uniform electric field?
Ans. Zero
50. In figure given below, at which point electric field is maximum?
Ans. Electric filed is maximum at point C.
51. Force between two point electric charges kept at a distance d apart in air is F. If
these charges are kept at the same distance in water, how does the force between them change?
Ans. New force will become F/K, where K is the dielectric constant of water.
52. What would be the work done if a point charge +q, is taken from
a point A to the point B on the circumference of a circle drawn with another
point charge +q at the centre?
Ans. Zero.
22
53. If a point charge +q is taken first from A to C and then from C to B of a circle
drawn with another point charge +q at centre, then along which path more work will be done?
Ans. As V
A
= V
B
hence work done W
AC
(=V
C
V
A
) = W
BC
(V
C
V
B
).
Therefore W
AC
= W
CB
54. A uniform electric field E exists between two charged plates as shown in Fig.
What would be the work done in moving a charge q along the closed rectangular path ABCDA?
Ans. Work done is zero because electric field is a conservative field and work done for describing a
closed path in the conservative field is always zero.
55. Draw four equipotential surfaces for a point charge q > 0.
Ans. The figure is as shown.
56. An uncharged insulated conductor A is brought near a
charged insulated conductor B. What happens to charge and potential of
B?
Ans. On bringing in uncharged conductor a near a charged conductor B,
charges are induced on A as shown in fig. below. As a result of it, the
potential of conductor B is slightly lowered by charge on it remains
unchanged.
57. In a parallel plate capacitor the potential difference of 100 V is
maintained between the plates. If distance between the plates be 5mm, what
will be the electric field at points A and B?
Ans. Electric field at both points A and B is same having a value
E =
3
10 5
100
d
V
2 10
4
NC
1
58. On what factors does the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
depend?
(i) Area of plates, (ii) Separation between the plates, and
(iii) Nature of dielectric medium between the plates.
59. Define the term dielectric constant of a medium in terms of capacitance.
Ans. Dielectric constant of a medium may be defined as the ratio of the capacitance of a given
parallel plate capacitor in the presence of dielectric to its capacitance in the absence of
dielectric medium.
60. Why does the electric field inside a dielectric decrease when it is placed in an
external electric field?
Ans. On account of polarisation of dielectric.
23
61. Why does a given capacitor store more charge at a given potential difference
when a dielectric is filled in between the plates?
Ans. Because capacitance of capacitor increases on filling the dielectric medium in between the
plates.
62. For the same quantity of charge will the potential difference across the plates of
a capacitor increase or decrease on inserting a dielectric in between?
Ans. The potential difference decreases.
63. If the plates of a charged capacitor be suddenly connected to each other by a
wire, what will happen?
Ans. The capacitor is discharged immediately.
64. Can you place a parallel plate capacitor of one farad capacity in your house?
Ans. Ordinarily, it is not possible because surface area of such a capacitor will be extra large.
65. Is there any conductor which can be given almost unlimited charge?
Ans. The earth.
66. The dielectric constant of a media is unity, what is its permittivity?
Ans. We know that K = /
0
Here K = 1,
therefore =
0
= 8.854 10
12
C
2
N
1
m
2
67. Force of attraction between two point charges placed at a distance ed apart in a
medium is F. What would be the distance apart in the same medium so that the force of
attraction between them becomes one fourth its previous value?
Ans. 2d.
68. Sketch the lines of force due to two equal positive point charges placed near
each other.
Ans. The field lines are as shown below
69. What is the ratio of electric field intensities at any two points between the plates
of a capacitor?
Ans. The ratio is one, as the electric field is same at all points between the plates of a capacitor.
70. An electric dipole of dipole moment 20 10
6
Cm is enclosed by a closed
surface. What is the net flux coming out of the surface?
Ans. The net charge of a dipole is zero as it consists of two equal and opposite charges. Hence, the
net flux coming out of the surface is zero as the net charge enclosed is zero.
71. Define the term dielectric constant of a medium in terms of capacitance of a
capacitor.
Ans. Dielectric constant (K) of a medium is defined as the ratio of the capacitance with the
dielectric as the medium between the two plates (C) of a capacitor to its capacitance with free space
(or vacuum) as the medium between its plates (C
0
). That is, K =
.
C
C
0
24
72. Two point electric charges of unknown magnitude and sign are place a
distanced apart. The electric field intensity is zero at a point, not between the charges but on
the line joining them. Write two essential conditions for this to happen.
Ans. The electric field intensity may be zero at a point on the axial line of charges, if
(i) The two charges are of opposite signs i.e., one charge is positive and the other is
negative.
(ii) The magnitude of charge nearer the null-point under consideration should be smaller
than the magnitude of the other charge.
73. What do you understand by conservation of charge? Give one example to
illustrate.
Ans. According to the law of conservation of electric charge we can neither create nor destroy the
electric charge and total electric charge of an isolated system must remain conserved. To
illustrate the principle consider a glass rod and silk cloth. Initially both are uncharged and
total charge of the system is zero. On rubbing glass rod with silk some positive charge is
developed on glass rod and an equal amount of negative charge is developed on silk, so that
net charge of the system is still zero.
74. An electric dipole is free to move in a uniform electric field (i) parallel to the
field, and (ii) perpendicular to the field. Explain what happens?
Ans. (i) When an electric dipole is placed parallel to a uniform electric field, net force as well as
net torque acting on the dipole is zero and, thus, the dipole remains in equilibrium.
(ii) When dipole is placed perpendicular to the field, a torque acts on it. Under its influence
the dipole executes SHM about the direction of electric field and finally aligns itself along
the direction of electric field.
75. A point charge q is placed at O as shown in fig. Is V
A
V
B
positive, negative
or zero, if q is a (i) positive, (ii) negative charge?
Ans. (i) If q is positive then V
A
V
B
= W
BA
for unit positive test charge is positive. This is bcause
work will have to be done against the fore of repulsion.
(ii) If q is negative then electric field is directed towards O and test charge will move itself
under the attractive force and hence V
A
V
B
= ve.
76. What is an equipotential surface? Show that the electric field at a point on the
surface of a charged conductor or just outside it is perpendicular to the surface?
Ans. An equipotential surface is that at every point of which electric potential is the same. By
definition potential difference between two points is equal to the work done in carrying unit
positive test charge from one point to another. As for an equipotential surface potential
difference is zero hence no work is to be done in moving a test charge from one point to
another of an equipotential surface. Thus, dW =
r d . E

= E dr cos = 0. Therefore cos = 0 if
= 90
o
.
Thus, electric field intensity E on the surface of a conductor is always perpendicular to the
surface.
77. Two insulated identical sized spheres A and B carrying charges +30 C and 10
C are separated by a distance of 1 metre in air, are made to touch each other. They are then
again separated by the same distance. Compare the force between them in the two cases.
Ans. When the two spheres are touched, they share charge. The net charge on each after touching
becomes + 30 10 = 20 C. This is shared equally between the two spheres, therefore charge
on each after touching
Q = 10 C
Initial force is given by
25
O A B
F
i
= k
2
12
1
10 30

= 300k,
Final force is given by
F
f
= k
2
12
1
10 10

= 100k
Change in force
3
1
300
100
F
F
i
f

78. A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates is charged. A dielectric is
inserted between the plates. What will happen to its electrostatic potential? Give reasons for
your answer.
Ans. When the capacitor is charged the charge on it remains the same. Let this charge be Q. On the
insertion of a dielectric of dielectric constant K, the capacitance becomes C = K C
0
. Now we
know that C = Q/V or V = Q/C. Since charge remains constant therefore, V
.
C
1
As C
increases therefore there is a decrease in the potential between the plates.
79. Define electric field intensity at a point. Derive an expression for the dipole field
intensity at a point on the axial line of a short dipole.
Ans. Electric field intensity at a point is defined as the force experienced by a unit positive charge
placed at that point.
Consider an electric dipole consisting of q and +q charges separated by a distance 2a as
shown in figure below. Let P be the point of observation on the axial line where the electric
field has to be found. Let it be at a distance r from the centre O of the dipole. Let us suppose
that the dipole is placed in vacuum.
Let E
A
and E
B
be the electric fields at point P due to the charges at A and B respectively.
Therefore
E
A
=
( )
2
0
a r
q
4
1
+
.(1)
and E
B
=
( )
2
0
a - r
q
4
1
.(2)
The two fields at P are in opposite directions. Thus, the resultant electric field at P is given by
E = cos E 2E E E
B A
2
B
2
A
+ +
=
( )
2
A B
E E
or E = E
B
E
A
since = 180
o
, Therefore the resultant electric field is
E =
( ) ( )
1
]
1
2
0
2
0
a r
q
4
1
a r
q
4
1
=
( ) ( )
1
]
1
2 2
0
a r
1
a r
1
4
q
26
=
( ) ( )
( ) 1
1
]
1
+
2
2 2
0 a r
4
q
2 2
a r a r
E =
( )
2
2 2
0 a r
4ra
4
q
=
( )
( )
2
2 2
0
a r 4
r 2a q 2
=
( )
2
2 2
0 a r
2pr
4
1
.(3)
where p = q 2a
For a short dipole r >> a, therefore we have
E =
3
0
3
0
2p
4
1 2pr
4
1
r r

80. Define the term electric field intensity. Electric field inside a conductor is zero.
Explain
Ans. Electric field intensity at a point is defined as the force experienced by a unit positive charge
placed at that point.
By Gauss theorem
.
q
E.dS
Since there is no charge inside a conductor, therefore in
accordance with the above equation the electric field inside the conductor is zero.
81. Sketch a graph to show how charge Q given to a capacitor of capacity C varies
with potential difference V. Prove that the total energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor is
CV
2
.
Ans. The sketch between Q and V for a capacitor is as shown below.
Suppose the capacitor is charged fully, its final charge is Q and final potential difference is V.
These are related as
Q = CV .(1)
Let q and v be the charge and potential difference, respectively, at an intermediate stage
during charging process then q = Cv. At this stage that small work done dW required to
transfer an additional charge dq is
dW = vdq =
C
qdq
.(2)
The total work W needed to increase the capacitors charge q from zero to its final value Q is
given by
W =

Q
0
Q
0
W
0
qdq
C
1
C
qdq
dW
.(3)
or W =
2C
Q
2
q
C
1
2
Q
0
2
.(4)
This work is stored in the capacitor in the form of its electric potential energy. Hence,
2C
Q
U
2
.(5)
27
Q
V
Substituting Q = CV in equation 5 we have
U =
2
1
CV
2
....(6)
Which is the required expression
82. Derive an expression for potential at any point due to an electric dipole and
hence show that the potential on the equatorial line of an electric dipole is zero.
Ans. Consider an electric dipole consisting of q and +q charges separated by a distance 2a as
shown in figure below. Let P be the point of observation where the
electric potential has to be found. Let it be at a distance r from the
centre O of the dipole. Let us suppose that the dipole is placed in
vacuum. Let angle BOP = . Let AP = r
1
and BP = r
2
. Draw AC
PO produced and BD PW. In AOC
cos =
a
OC
OA
OC
OC = a cos ,
similarly OD = a cos
Net potential at P due to the dipole is
V =
1
]
1

1 2 0 1 0 2 0
r
q
r
q
4
q
r
q
4
1
r
q
4
1
.(1)
Now r
1
= AP CP = OP + OC
= r + a cos
and r
1
= BP DP = OP OD
= r a cos ,
Substituting in equation 1 we have
V =
1
]
1
cos a r
1
cos a r
1
4
q
0
V =
1
]
1
+ +
cos a r
cos a r - cos a r
4
q
2 2 2
0
=
1
]
1
cos a r
cos a 2
4
q
2 2 2
0
V =
1
]
1
cos a r
cos p
4
1
2 2 2
0
.(2)
This gives an expression for the potential at point P due to an electric dipole. Here p = q 2a
is the dipole moment of the dipole. When the point lies on the equatorial line of the electric
dipole, in this situation = 90
o
and cos 90
o
= 0, thus equation (2) becomes V = 0
83. Define capacitance of a capacitor. Give its SI unit. Prove that the total
electrostatic energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor is CV
2
.
Ans. (i) It is the ability of a conductor to store charge. In SI units it is measured in farad.
(ii) See question 81 above.
84. S
1
and S
2
are two hollow concentric spheres enclosing
charges Q and 2Qas shown in the figure (i) what is the ratio of the electric
flux through S
1
and S
2
? (ii) How will the electric flux through sphere S
1
change, if a medium of dielectric constant 5 is introduced in the space inside
S
1
in place of air?
Ans. (i) According to Gauss theorem electric flux through S
1
1
=
0
Q
and through S
2
28
2
=
,
0
3Q
therefore ratio of flux
.
3
1
2
1
(ii) The electric flux through S

1
becomes 1/5 times the flux in air.
85. What is an equipotential surface? Show that no work is done in moving a test
charge from one point to another over an equipotential surface.
Ans. (i) It is a surface at every point of which the electric potential is same.
(ii) No work is done in moving a test charge over an equipotential surface. This cane be
understood as follows. By definition of electric potential we have V
B
V
A
=
.
q
W
AB
Since the
surface is equipotential therefore potential at A and B are equal, therefore we have
q
W
AB
= 0
or W
AB
= 0
86. What is an electric dipole? Derive an expression for the torque acting on an
electric dipole, when held in a uniform electric field. Hence define the dipole moment.
Ans. An electric dipole is a pair of point charges with equal magnitude and opposite sign separated
by a small distance.
Consider an electric dipole consisting of charges q and +q and dipole length d placed in a
uniform electric field as shown figure below. Let the dipole
moment make an angle with the direction of the electric
field.
The two charges experience force qE each. These forces are
equal, parallel and opposite. Therefore the net force is zero.
But these two forces constitute a couple. This applies a
torque on the dipole given by
= Either force arm of the couple.
= qE d sin
where d sin is the arm of the couple.
= q
dE sin where p = qd, dipole moment = pE sin .
In vector from . E p

The direction of torque is perpendicular to both
p
and
. E
If E = 1 and = 90
o
, then = p, thus electric dipole moment is defined as numerically equal
to the torque experienced by an electric dipole placed perpendicular to a unit electric field.

87. State Gauss theorem in electrostatics. Using this theorem, derive an expression
for the electric field intensity due to an infinite plane sheet of charge of charge density Cm
2
.
Ans. It states that The net electric flux through any Gaussian surface is equal to 1/
0
times net
electric charge enclosed by the surface.
Consider an infinite plane sheet of charge. Let be the uniform surface charge density i.e. the
charge per unit surface area. From symmetry we find that the electric field must be
perpendicular to the plane of the sheet, and that the direction of
E
on one side of the plane

must be opposite to its direction on the other side as shown in figure below. In such a case let
us choose a Gaussian surface in the form of a cylinder with
its axis perpendicular to the sheet of charge, with ends of
area A. The charged sheet passes through the middle of the
cylinders length, so that the cylinders ends are equidistant
from the sheet.
The electric field has a normal component along the curved
surface of the cylinder. As a result the electric flux is
linked with only the ends and not the curved surface.
29
Therefore by the definition of electric flux, the flux linked with the Gaussian surface is given
by
= EA + EA = 2EA .(1)
But by Gausss law
0 0
q

.(2)
From equations 1 and 2 we have
2EA =
0
A
.(3)
E =
0
2
.(4)
This gives the electric field due to an infinite plane sheet of charge.
88. State Gauss theorem. Using Gausss theorem, show mathematically that for any
point outside the shell, the field due to a uniformly charged thin spherical shell is the same as if
the entire charged thin spherical shell is the same as if the entire charge of the shell is
concentrated at the centre. Why do you expect the electric field inside the shell to be zero
according to the theorem?
0
times net
Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R and centre at O. Let Q be the total charge on it. The
charge distribution is spherically symmetric. In order to find the electric field at a point
outside the sell let us consider a Gaussian surface in the form of a sphere of radius r (r >> R).
By symmetry we find that the electric field acts radically outwards and has a normal
component at all points on the Gaussian sphere. Therefore by definition of electric flux we
have
= E A where A is the surface area of the Gaussian sphere therefore
= E 4r
2
.(1)
But by Gausss law
=
o
Q
.(2)
from equations (1) and (2) it follows that
E 4r
2
=
2
0 0
r
Q
4
1
E or
This is the same as for a point charge.

(ii) Since there is no charge inside the shell then in accordance with Gauss theorem =
0.
q
0

Hence electric field inside is zero.

89. Name the dielectric whose molecules have (i) Non-zero (ii) Zero dipole moment.
Define the term dielectric constant for a medium.
Ans. (i) HCl and H
2
O (ii) Oxygen and hydrogen
Dielectric constant is defined as the ratio of the capacitance of a capacitor with dielectric
between plates to the capacitance without dielectric between plates.
90. Write the ratio of the
(i) Charges on the plates, when two capacitors, of capacitance C
1
and C
2
, are put in
series,
30
(ii) Potential differences, between the plates, when two capacitors of capacitances C
1
and C
2
, are put in parallel. Give also the ratio of the equivalent capacitances of the series
and parallel combinations of these two capacitors.
Ans. (i) In series both capacitors have the same charge. Therefore the ratio of the charges are 1 : 1.
(ii) In parallel the potential across each capacitor is same. Therefore the ratio of the potentials
is 1 : 1.
(iii) In series we have C
S
=
2 1
2 1
C C
C C
+
and in parallel C
P
= C
1
+ C
2
. Therefore the ratio of
capacitance in series and parallel is
( )
2
2 1
2 1
P
S
C C
C C
C
C
+
91. Define electric field intensity. Write its SI unit. Write the magnitude and
direction of electric field intensity due to an electric dipole of length 2a at the mid-point of the
line joining the two charges.
Ans. Electric field at a point is defined as the force experienced by a unit charge placed at that
point. The expression for the electric field due to an electric dipole at the midpoint of the line
joining the two charges is
.
a
2q
4
1
E
2
0
This is towards the negative charge.

92. State Gauss theorem. Apply this theorem to obtain the expression for the
electric field intensity at a point due to an infinitely long, thin, uniformly charged straight wire.
0
times net
Consider an infinitely long, thin wire charged +vely and having uniform linear charge density
. The symmetry of the charge distribution shows that
E
must be perpendicular to the line

charge and directed outwards. As a result of this symmetry we consider a Gaussian surface in
the form of a cylinder with arbitrary radius r and arbitrary length L with its ends
perpendicular to the wire as shown in figure below.
For the cylindrical part of this Gaussian surface,
E
is
constant in magnitude and perpendicular to the surface at
each point. Furthermore, the flux through the ends of the
Gaussian cylinder is zero since
E
is parallel to these
surfaces. i.e., there is no normal component of the electric
field at these faces. Therefore by the definition of electric
flux we have
= E A .(1)
where A is the curved surface area of the cylincer
or = E 2rL .(2)
By Gausss law the electric flux is given by
=
0 0
.(3)
from equation 2 and 3 we have
E 2rL =
0
L
.(4)
or E =
r
2k
r 2
0

.(5)
This is the expression for the electric field due to an infinitely long thin wire.
31
93. A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of 8 pF.
The separation between the plates is now reduced by half and the space between them is filled
with a medium of dielectric constant 5. Calculate the value of capacitance of the capacitor in
the second case.
Ans. Given C = 8pF. We know that C = 8
d
A
0
. When the distance between the plates is reduced
to half and a dielectric is inserted then the new capacitance becomes
C =
d
A 10
d/2
A K
0 0
= 10 8 = 80 pF.
94. A point charge q is placed at O as shown in the figure. Is V
P
V
Q
positive or
negative when (i) q > 0 and (ii) q < 0? Justify your answer.
Ans. (i) If q > 0, then the potential at point P will be greater than that at point Q, since the distance
of P is lesser than that of Q from point O. Hence V
P
> V
Q
or V
P
V
Q
is positive.
(ii) If q < 0, then the potential at point P will be less than that a point Q, since the distance of
P is lesser than that of Q from point O. Hence V
P
< V
Q
or V
P
V
Q
is negative.
95. On what factors does the capacitance of a capacitor depend? Give the formula
used.
Ans. The capacitance of a capacitor depends upon (i) shape (ii) size and (iii) nature of medium
between the plates. The required formula is C = .
d
A
0
96. Two point electric charges of unknown magnitude and sign are placed a distance
d apart. The electric field intensity is zero at a point, not between the charges but on the line
joining them Write two essential conditions for this to happen.
Ans. The electric field intensity may be zero at a point on the axial line of charges, if
(i) The two charges are of opposite signs i.e., one charge is positive and the other is negative.
(ii) The magnitude of charge nearer the null-point under consideration should be smaller than
the magnitude of the other charge.
97. The graph shows the variation of voltage V across the plates of two capacitors A
and B versus increase of charge Q stored on them. Which of the two capacitors has higher
capacitance? Given reason for your answer.
Ans. The capacitor A has higher capacitance. We know that capacitance C = Q/V and in the graph
shown here slope of the graph gives the value of V/Q (i.e. 1/C). Thus, capacitance is obtained by
reciprocal of the slope of V Q graph. As slope of graph for capacitor A is less, it means that
capacitance of A is higher.
98. An isolated air capacitor of capacitance C
0
is charged to a potential V
0
. Now if a
dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is inserted between its plates, completely filling the space
between the plates, then how do the following change, when the battery is disconnected (i)
capacitance, (ii) potential difference, (iii) field between the plates, (iv) energy stored by the
capacitor.
Ans. When the battery is disconnected, the charge on the capacitor does not change.
(i) The capacitance of the capacitor becomes K times the original value i.e., C = K C
0
32
+q
O P Q
V
Q
A
B
A
B
(ii) Now new potential difference is
V =
K
V
KC
Q
C
Q
0
0

(iii) The field between the plates becomes
E =
K
E
Kd
V
d
V
0 0

(iv)The energy stored becomes
U =
K
U
KC
Q
2
1
C
Q
2
1
0
0
2 2

99. An isolated air capacitor of capacitance C
0
is charged to a potential V
0
. Now if a
dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is inserted between its plates, completely filling the space
between the plates, then now do the following change, when the battery remains connected (i)
capacitance, (ii) charge, (iii) field between the plates, (iv) energy stored by the capacitor.
Ans. When the battery remains connected, the potential on the capacitor does not change.
(i) The capacitance of the capacitor becomes K times the original value i.e., C = KC
0
(ii) Now new charge is
Q = CV = KC
0
V = KQ
0
(iii) The field between the plates becomes
E =
0
0
E
d
V
d
V
i.e., no change.
(iv) The energy stored becomes
U =
2
1
CV
2
1
2
KC
0
V
2
= KU
0
100. Explain the underlying principle of working of a parallel plate capacitor. If two
similar plates, each of area A having surface charge densities + and are separated by a
distance d in air, write expression for (i) the electric field at points between the two plates. (ii)
the potential difference between the plates and (iii) the capacitance of the capacitor so formed.
Ans. Consider an insulated plate A. Let it be given a charge such that its potential becomes a
maximum i.e., it can no more hold additional charge. Now, place another uncharged
conductor B in its vicinity. Due to electrostatic induction ve charge is induced on the inner
face and +ve charge on the outer face. The ve charge tends to decrease and the +ve charge
tends to increase the potential of plate A. Since the ve charge is close to plate A than the +ve
charge therefore, there is an overall decrease in the potential on plate A. To bring the plate
back to the same potential it must be given more charge. This means that the charge holding
capacity of plate A has increased i.e., its capacitance increases. Now let us connected the
conductor B to the earth i.e., ground it. Due to this the +ve charge on it flows to the ground,
but the ve charge is bound to the plate B due to the +ve charge on plate A. now, the potential
of plate A decreases by a large value. Thus more charge will be required by it to come back to
the same potential.
33
A
B
Therefore to store a large charge in a small space an uncharged earth connected conductor
should be placed in the vicinity of a charged conductor. This forms the principle of a
capacitor.
(i) The electric field between the two plates is given by E =
0
(ii) The potential difference between the plates is given by V = Ed =

0
d
(iii) The capacitance of the capacitor is given by C =
d
A
0
101. Using Gausss law show that no electric field intensity exists inside a hollow
charged conductor.
Ans. Consider a hollow charged conductor (say a thin conducting shell) having charge +Q, which
spreads on its outer surface. Consider a Gaussian surface for calculating the electric field
intensity E at a point P inside the hollow conductor. Then, total flux over this Gaussian
surface is
=
0
in
q
dA . E

= 0 as q
in
= 0 or E = 0.
Thus, electric field intensity at all points inside a hollow charged conductor is zero.
102. Two plane sheets of charge densities + and are kept in air as shown in the
Fig. What are the electric field intensities at points A and B?
Ans. (i) At point A the electric field intensities due to either sheet has magnitude E = / 2
0
but
have a direction opposite to each other. Hence, net electric field at A.
E = E
1
+ E
2
= 0
(ii) At point B the two fields are in the same direction. Also between the plates the electric
field is uniform and has a value E = / 2
0
. Therefore the total electric field between the
plates at point B is
E = E
1
+ E
2
=
0 0 0
+
towards the second plate as shown.
103. Capacitors P, Q and R have each a capacity C, A battery can charge the
capacitor P to a potential difference V. if after charging P the battery is disconnected from it
and the charged capacitor P is connected in the following separate instances to Q and in the
following separate instances to Q and R (i) to Q in parallel and (ii) to R in series, then, what
will be the potential differences between the plates of P in the two instances.
Ans. (i) When the capacitor P is connected to Q in parallel, the two will share charge till they attain
a common potential. Since the two capacitors have the same capacity, therefore both will
have half the original charge. Hence their potential will also become half.
Thus V = V/2
34
A
B
+

A
+

E
1
E
2
1
E
2
E
1
+
2
(ii) When capacitor P is connected in series to capacitor R, R will also be charged with the
same charge as that on capacitor P. Thus there is no loss of charge of capacitor P, hence its
potential does not change and remains V.
104. Define electric line of force and give its two important properties.
Ans. It is defined as a path straight or curved, a tangent to which at any point gives the direction of
the electric field at that point.
(i) No two field lines can cross, because at the point of intersection two tangents can be
drawn giving two directions of electric field which is not possible.
(ii) The field lines are always perpendicular to the surface of a charged conductor.
105. (a) Why does the electric field inside a dielectric decrease when it is placed in an
external electric field?
(b) A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of a pF. What will be
the capacitance if the distance between the plates be reduced by half and the space between
them is filled with a substance of dielectric constant K = 6?
Ans. (a) When a dielectric is placed in an electric field (E
0
), it gets polarize, i.e., within the
dielectric an electric field (E) is induced in a direction opposite to that of the external field.
Therefore the net field within the dielectric decreases to E E
0

(b) The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and separation d is given by
C
0
=
d
A
0
Now C
0
= 8 pF, When filled with a dielectric of constant K and distance reduced by half,
the capacitance C is given by
C =
d
A 2K
0
= 2 6 8 = 96 pF
106. The given graph shows the variation of charge Q versus potential difference V
for two capacitors C
1
and C
2
. The two capacitors have same plat separation but the plate area of
C
2
is double than that of C
1
. Which of the lines in the graph correspond to C
1
and C
2
and why?
Ans. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is given by the expression C = .
d
A
0
In other
words C A that is, for the separation being the same, the capacitance is directly proportional
to the plate area. Since the plate area of capacitor C
2
is double than that of C
1
, therefore its
capacitance will also be double than that of C
1
, therefore its capacitance will also be double
compared as compared to that of C
1
. The slope of the Q-V graph gives the value of
capacitance. The slope is greater for A than for B. Therefore graph A corresponds to C
2
and
graph B correspond to C
1
.
107. Define electric field E at a point in space due to a distribution of charges. Draw
electric field lines due to (i) two similar charges, (ii) two opposite charges, separated by a small
distance.
Ans. Electric field at a point is defined as the net force experienced by a unit charge placed at that
point.
(i) Electric field due to two similar charges.
35
Q
A
B
V
O
(ii) Electric field due to two opposite charges
108. Define electric flux. Write its SI unit. Using Gauss theorem, derive an
expression for the electric field intensity at any point outside a charged spherical shell.
Ans. Electric flux is defined as the scalar product of the electric field and the area vector.
Mathematically it is represented by the equation =
s. d . E
S

In SI it is measured in Nm
2
C
1
.
Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R and centre at O. Let Q be the total charge on it. The
charge distribution is spherically symmetric. In order to find the electric field at a point
outside the shell let us consider a Gaussian surface in the form of a sphere of radius r (r >> R).
By symmetry we find that the electric field acts radially outwards and has a normal
component at all points on the Gaussian sphere. Therefore by definition of electric flux we
have
= E 4r
2
.(1)
But by Gausss law
=
0
Q
.(2)
from equations (1) and (2) it follows that
E 4r
2
=
0
Q
or E =
2
0
r
Q
4
1
This is the same as for a point charge.
109. Define dielectric constant of a medium. Briefly explain why the capacitance of a
parallel plate capacitor increases, on introducing a dielectric medium between the plates.
Ans. It is defined as the ratio of the force acting between two charges placed a certain distance
apart in vacuum to the force acting between the same two charges placed the same distance
apart in the medium.
Introduction of the dielectric between the plates of the capacitor reduces the electric field
difference between the plates and hence the potential between the plates. As C = Q/V,
therefore a decrease in V means an increase in C.
110. Two identical plane metallic surfaces A
and B are kept parallel to each other in air, separated by
a distance of 1 cm as shown in the figure.
A is given a positive potential of 10V and the outer
surface of B is earthed.
36
(i) What is the magnitude and direction of the uniform electric field between Y and Z?
(ii) What is the work done in moving charge of 20 C from X to Y?
Ans. (i) Electric field between the plates is
E =
2
10
10
d
V
= 10
3
V m
1
directed from plate A at higher potential to plate B at lower potential i.e., from Y to Z
(ii) Since X and Y are on the same plate A, which as an equipotential surface, so work done in
moving a charge of 20 C from X to Y on equipotential surface is zero.
111. An electric dipole with moment
p
is placed in a uniform electric field of

intensity
. E
Write an expression for one torque
experienced by the dipole. Identify two pairs

of perpendicular vectors in the expression. Show diagrammatically the orientation of the dipole
in the field for which the torque is (i) maximum, (ii) half the maximum value, (iii) zero.
Ans. Expression for torque on dipole in uniform electric field is = pE sin
In vector form this is written as . E p

So, two pairs of perpendicular vectors are:
(a) torque and dipole moments (b) torque and electric field intensity.
(i) For maximum torque = 90
o
. The orientation is as shown below.
(ii) Half the maximum value. For this the angle is 30
o
or 150
o
. The orientations are as shown
below.
(iii) When torque is zero: Torque is zero when = 0
o
or 180
o
. The orientation are as shown
below.
112. Define capacitance of a capacitor. Give its S.I. unit. For a parallel plate
capacitor, prove that the total energy stored in a capacitor is CV
2
and hence derive expression
for the energy density of the capacitor.
Ans. It is the ability of a capacitor to store charge and energy.
Suppose the capacitor is charged fully, its final charge is Q and final potential difference is V.
Q = CV .(1)
Let q and v be the charge and potential difference, respectively, at an intermediate stage during
charging process then q = Cv. At this stage the small work done dW required to transfer an
additional charge dq is
dW = vdq =
C
qdq
.(2)
given by
W =

Q
0
Q
0
W
0
qdq
C
1
C
qdq
dW
.(3)
37
or W =
2C
Q
2
q
C
1
2
Q
0
2
.(4)
U =
2C
Q
2
.(5)
substituting Q = CV in equation 5 we have
U =
2
1
CV
2
.(6)
which is the required expression.
Consider a parallel plate capacitor with plate area A and distance between plates d. Now the
total energy stored in a capacitor is
U =
2
1
CV
2
.(7)
Now volume between the plates is v = Ad and the value of capacitance C is C = .
d
A
0

Substituting these values in equation 6 we have u = ( )
Ad
1
Ed
d
A
2
1
Ad
1
V
d
A
2
1
v
U
2
0 2 0

here V = Ed, hence energy density u is
u =
2
1
0
E
2
.(8)
113. Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor when the
space between the plates is partially filled with a dielectric medium of dielectric constant K.
Explain why the capacitance decreases when the dielectric medium is removed from between
the plates.
Ans. Consider a parallel plate capacitor having each plate of area A and separated by a distance d.
When there is vacuum between the two plates, the capacitance of
the parallel plate capacitor is given by C = .
d
A
0
Suppose that when the capacitor is connected to a battery, electric
field of strength E
0
is produced between the two plates of the
capacitor. Further, suppose that when dielectric slab of thickness t
(t < d) is introduced between the two plates of the capacitor as
shown in figure, the electric field reduces to E due to polarization
of the dielectric.
Therefore, between the two plates of the capacitor; over a distance
t, the strength of the electric field is E and over the remaining
distance (d t) the strength is E
0
. If V is the potential between the
plates of the capacitor, then
V = Et + E
0
(d t) .(1)
Since E = E
0
/K where K is the dielectric constant, therefore the above equation becomes
V = t
K
E
0
+ E
0
(d t) = E
0

,
_
+
K
t
t d
.(2)
The electric field between the plates of the capacitor is given by
E
0
=
0 0
A
Q
.(3)
Hence the potential between the two plates becomes
38
V = E
0

,
_
+
,
_
+
K
t
t d
A
Q
K
t
t d
0
.(4)
Hence the capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor is given by
C =
V
Q
=
,
_
,
_
+
K
1
1 t d
A
K
t
t d
A
Q
Q
0
0
The capacitance decreases because K > 1. Therefore the removal of the dielectric decreases
the capacitance.
114. An electric dipole is held in a uniform electric field (i) Prove that no translatory
force acts on it. (ii) Derive an expression for the torque acting on the dipole. (iii) Calculate the
work done on the dipole when it is rotated through 180
o
from its equilibrium position
Ans. (i) Consider an electric dipole consisting of charges q
and +q and dipole length d placed in a uniform electric
field as shown figure below. Let the dipole moment make
an angle with the direction of the electric field.
The two charges experience force qE each. These forces
are equal, parallel and opposite. Therefore the net force
acting on the dipole is
F
n
= qE qE = 0
Thus the net force acting on the dipole is zero.
(ii) But these two forces constitute a couple. This applies a torque on the dipole given by
= Either force arm of the couple.
= qE d sin where d sin is the arm of the couple.
= qdF sin
where p = qd, dipole moment
= pE sin .
The work done in rotating a dipole in an electric field is given by
W =
0
pE
sin d = pE [ ]
0
cos
= pE [cos cos ]
W = pE [1 cos ]
when = 180
o
= 1
W = pE [1 + 1] = 2pE
W = pE cos , since = 180
o
therefore the work done is W = pE cos 180
o
= + pE
115. Define dipole moment of an electric dipole. Show mathematically that the
electric field intensity due to a short dipole at a distance d along its axis is twice the intensity
at the same distance along the equatorial line.
Ans. It is defined as the product of the magnitude of either charge and the distance between them.
Consider an electric dipole consisting of q and +q charges separated by a distance 2a as
shown in figure. Let P be the point of observation on the axial line where the electric field has
to be found. Let it be at a distance r from the centre O of the dipole. Let us suppose that the
dipole is placed in vacuum.
Let E
A
and E
B
be the electric fields at point P due to the charges at A and B respectively.
Therefore,
E
A
=
( )
2
0
a r
q
4
1
+
39
and E
A
=
( )
2
0
a - r
q
4
1
The two fields at p are in opposite directions thus the resultant electric field at p is given by
E = cos E 2E E E
B A
2
B
2
A
+ +
=
( )
2
A B
E E
= E
B
E
A
since = 180
o
Therefore the resultant electric field is
E =
( ) ( )
1
]
1
2
0
2
0
a r
q
4
1
a r
q
4
1
=
( ) ( )
1
]
1
2 2
0
a r
1
a r
1
4
q
=
( ) ( )
( ) 1
1
]
1
+
2
2 2
2 2
0 a r
a r a r
4
q
Solving we have
E =
( )
2
2 2
0 a r
2pr
4
1
.(1)
where p = q 2a
If the dipole is short then r >> a, therefore a is neglected as compared to r, hence
E =
3
0
4
0
r
2p
4
1
r
2pr
4
1
.(2)
Consider an electric dipole consisting of charges q and +q separated by a distance 2a as
shown in figure below. Let the point of observation P lie on the right bisector of the dipole
AB at a distance r from its mid point O. Let E
A
and E
B
be the electric field intensities at point
P due to charges at A and B respectively.
The two electric fields have magnitudes.
E
A
=
( )
2 2
0
a r
q
4
1
+
.(3)
In the direction of AP
E
B
=
( )
2 2
0
a r
q
4
1
+
.(4)
in the direction of PB
The two fields are equal in magnitude, but have different directions. Resolving the two fields
E
A
& E
B
into their rectangular components i.e. perpendicular to and parallel to AB. The
components perpendicular to AB i.e. E
A
sin and E
B
sin being equal and opposite cancel out
each other while the components parallel to AB i.e. E
A
cos and E
B
cos being in the same
direction add up as shown in the Fig. Hence the resultant electric field at point P is given by
E = E
A
cos + E
B
cos
= 2E
A
cos =
( )
cos
a r
2q
4
1
2 2
0
+
.(5)
40
E =
( ) ( )
2 / 3 2 / 3
2 2
0
2 2
0 a r
p
4
1
a r
2qa
4
1
+
+
cos =
( )
2 / 1
2 2
a r
a
+
and q 2a = p
For a short dipole r
2
>> a
2
therefore E =
3
r
p
4
1
0
Thus for a short dipole (ideal dipole) the electric field on the axial line is E
a
=
3
r
2p
4
1
0

where as on the equatorial line is E =
3
r
p
4
1
0
, thus we find that the electric field intensity
due to a short dipole on the axial line is twice that on the equatorial line.
116. Derive an expression for the electrostatic energy stored in a parallel plate
capacitor. Assuming that the capacitor is disconnected from the charging battery, explain how
the (i) capacitance (ii) potential difference and (iii) energy stored, in the parallel plate
capacitor change, when a medium of dielectric constant K is introduced between the plates.
Ans. Suppose the capacitor is charged fully, its final charge is Q and final potential difference is V.
Q = CV .(1)
Let q and v be the charge and potential difference, respectively, at an intermediate stage
during charging process then q = Cv. At this stage the small work done dW required to
transfer an additional charge dq is
dW = vdq =
C
qdq
.(2)
given by
W =

Q
0
Q
0
W
0
qdq
C
1
C
qdq
dW
.(3)
or W =
2C
Q
2
q
C
1
2
Q
0
2
.(4)
41
U =
2C
Q
2
.(5)
substituting Q = CV in equation (5) we have
U =
2
1
CV
2
.(6)
which is the required expression
Consider a parallel plate capacitor with plate area A and distance between plates d. Now the
total energy stored in a capacitor is
U =
2
1
CV
2
.(7)
When the charging battery is removed the charge on the capacitor remains the same. The
capacitance increases and becomes K times its original value. The potential difference
between the plates decreases and becomes 1/K times the previous value. Energy decreases
and becomes 1/K times its original value.
117. Give the principle of working of a Van-de-Graff generator. With the help of a
labeled diagram, describe its construction and working. How is the leakage of charge
minimized from the generator?
Ans. The Van-de-graff generator is based on the following two principles.
(i) The corona discharge.
(ii) When a charged conductor is placed in contact with the inside of a hollow
conductor, all of the charge of the first
conductor is transferred to the hollow
conductor. The charge on the hollow conductor
can be increased by repeating the process.
Construction: It consists of a large and highly
polished hollow metal sphere called dome. It is
insulated from the ground with the help of
insulating supports. Two, comb like, metallic
needles are provided at point C
1
and C
2
as shown in
figure below. The comb at point A is called the
spray comb and that at point B is called the
collector comb. There is a provision of two pulleys
around which a belt of insulating material e.g. Silk,
rayon, reinforced rubber, moves.
Working: Due to high density of positive charge at
the sharp point of the teeth of the combs C
1
, positive charge is sprayed on the belt (Corona
Discharge). As the belt is rotated by the electric motor, these positive irons move upward
along with the belt. A negative charge is induced on the sharp teeth of the collecting comb C
2
and an equal positive charge is induced on the farther end of the comb C
2
. This positive
charge shifts to the outer surface of the conducting shell S. Due to Corona discharge at the
sharp teeth of comb C
2
a negatively charged electric wind is setup. This neutralizes the
positive charge on the belt. This process continues and sphere goes on getting more and more
of positive charge.
The leakage is minimized by housing the whole generator inside a steel chamber filled with
N
2
or methane sulphur hexafluoride or some other inert gas at high pressure.
MAGNETICS
42
1. Under what condition is the force acting on a charge moving through a uniform
magnetic field minimum?
Ans. When the charge moves parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.
2. What is the nature of the magnetic field in a moving coil galvanometer?
Ans. Radial magnetic field.
3. A certain proton moving through a magnetic field experiences maximum force.
When does this occur?
Ans. When it moves perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.
4. In a certain arrangement a proton does not get deflected while passing through a
magnetic field region. Under what condition is it possible?
Ans. When it moves parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.
5. An electron and a proton moving with the same speed enter the same magnetic
field region at right angles to the direction of the field. For which of the two particles will the
radius of the circular path be smaller.
Ans. The radius of the circular path is given by the expression r =
.
Bq
mv
Since v, B and q are same
for both, therefore the radius of the circular path depends upon its mass. Since electrons mass
is less than that of a proton, therefore the radius of the circular path of the electrons will be
smaller.
6. How will the magnetic field intensity at the centre of a circular coil carrying
current change, if the current through the coil is doubled and the radius of the coil halved?
Ans. The magnetic field at the centre of a circular current carrying coil is given by the expression
B = .
2r
I
0
When current is doubled and the radius is halved the magnetic field becomes four
times.
7. State two properties of the material of the wire used for suspension of the coil in
a moving coil galvanometer.
Ans. (i) High tensile strength. (ii) Small value of torque per unit twist.
8. An ammeter and a milli-ammeter are converted fro the same galvanometer. Out
of the two, which current measuring instrument has higher resistance?
Ans. A milli ammeter has higher resistance.
9. Define the term magnetic moment.
Ans. It is defined as the product of either pole strength and the dipole length.
10. How does the intensity of magnetization of a paramagnetic material vary with
increasing applied magnetic field?
Ans. It increases with the increase in the applied magnetic field.
11. Why do magnetic lines of force prefer to pass through ferromagnetic substances
than through air?
Ans. It is because the permeability of ferromagnetic material is greater than that of air.
12. A small magnetic needle pivoted at the centre is free to rotate in a magnetic
meridian. At what place will the needle be vertical?
Ans. At the poles
13. What is the angle of dip at a place where the horizontal and vertical components
of the earths magnetic field are equal?
Ans. 45
o
14. In which direction would a compass needle align if taken to geographic (i) North
and (ii) South pole?
Ans. In perpendicular direction for both cases.
15. How does the intensity of a paramagnetic sample vary with temperature?
Ans. It decreases with the increase in temperature.
43
16. What should be the orientation of a magnetic dipole in a uniform magnetic field
so that its potential energy is maximum?
Ans. It should be anti parallel to the applied magnetic field.
17. Write the SI unit of (i) Magnetic pole strength (ii) Magnetic dipole moment of a
bar magnet.
Ans. (i) Am and (ii) Am
2
18. Name the SI unit of intensity of magnetization.
Ans. Am
1
19. Two wires of equal length are bent in the form of two loops. One of the loops is
square shaped and the other is circular. These are suspended in a uniform magnetic field and the
same current is passed through them. Which loop will experience a greater torque? Give
reasons.
Ans. Torque experienced by a current carrying loop placed in a uniform magnetic field is given by
the expression - BInA. In other words torque is directly proportional to the area of the loop.
Since a circular wire has more area than a square wire for the same dimension, therefore the
circular wire experiences more torque than the square wire.
20. State the reason why soft iron is used in making magnets.
Ans. It has a high retentivity.
21. Under what condition an electron moving through a magnetic field experience
maximum force?
Ans. When it is moving perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.
22. Write one condition under which an electric charge does not experience a force
in a magnetic field.
Ans. When it moves parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.
23. Write SI unit of magnetic field.
Ans. tesla.
24. What is the value of the horizontal component of the earths magnetic field at the
magnetic poles?
Ans. Zero
25. What is the force acting on an electron when moving (i) parallel and (ii)
antiparallel to a magnetic field?
Ans. (i) Zero (ii) Zero.
26. How does the magnetic moment of an electron in a circular orbit of radius r and
moving with a speed v change when the frequency of revolution is doubled?
Ans. The magnetic moment of an electron is given by the expression M =
2
e
r
2
=
2
r v e
2
.
When the frequency is doubled the magnetic moment also becomes double.
27. Permanent magnets whereas soft iron is preferred for making electromagnets.
Give one reason.
Ans. (i) Retentivity of steel is more than that of soft iron.
(ii) Soft iron has a smaller value of coercivity than steel.
28. What is the value of angle of dip at a place on the surface of the earth, where the
ratio of the vertical component to the horizontal component of the earths magnetic field is
3 1/
Ans. Using the expression tan =
.
3
1
B
B
H
V
Therefore = 30
o
.
29. Consider the circuit shown here where APB and
AQB are semi-circles. What will be the magnetic field at the centre
C of the circular loop?
44
Ans. Zero, because magnetic fields due to APB and AQB are equal in magnitudes but opposite in
directions.
30. A current is set up in a long copper pipe. Is there a magnetic field (i) inside, (ii)
outside the pipe?
Ans. (i) There is no magnetic field inside the pipe.
(ii) There is a magnetic field outside the pipe.
31. The force F experienced by a particle of charge e moving with velocity v in a
magnetic field B is given by ( ). B v e F

Of these, name the pairs of vectors which are always

at right angles to each other.
Ans. F and V as well as F and B are the pairs which are always at right angles to each other.
32. Which one of the following will describe the smallest circle when projected with
the same velocity v perpendicular to the magnetic field B: (i) particle, and (ii) particle?
Ans. particle as mass of particle is less than that of alpha particle.
33. Equal currents I and I are flowing through two infinitely long parallel wires.
What will be the magnetic field at a point mid-way when the currents are flowing in the same
direction?
Ans. Zero, because fields due to two wires will be equal but opposite.
34. The figure shows a circular loop carrying current I.
Show the direction of the magnetic field with the help of lines of
force.
Ans. The magnetic field lines are as shown
35. Which one of the following will have minimum frequency of revolution, when
projected with the same velocity v perpendicular to the magnetic field B: (i) -particle (ii) -
particle.
Ans. Frequency of revolution v =
m 2
qB
and
m
q
of -particle is less, hence -particle will have
minimum frequency of revolution.
36. What is the effect on a vertical spring carrying a weight when a current is passed
through the spring?
Ans. As the currents in the neighboring loops are in the same direction, hence they will attract each
other and as a result the spring will contract.
37. A current is passed through a loop of a flexible wire. What shape will it take?
Ans. It will acquire a circular shape because each small part of the loop will experience a repulsive
force due to the magnetic field from the opposite part of the loop.
38. An electron and a proton moving parallel to each other in the same direction
with equal moment, enter into a uniform magnetic field which is at right angles to their
velocities. Trace their trajectories in the magnetic field.
Ans. Because both electron and proton have the same charge and momentum, therefore they will
describe circles of equal radii as shown.
45
39. Name the physical quantity which has its unit JT
1
. Is it a scalar or a vector
quantity?
Ans. Magnetic dipole moment has the unit JR
1
. It is a vector quantity.

40. How does the (i) pole strength, and (ii) magnetic moment of each part of a bar
magnet change if it is cut into two equal pieces transverse to its length?
Ans. (i) Pole strength remains unchanged.
(ii) Magnetic moment m is half of the original value.
41. How does the (i) pole strength, and (ii) magnetic moment of each part of a bar
magnet change if it is cut into two equal pieces along its length?
Ans. (i) Pole strength of each part becomes half.
(ii) Magnetic moment also becomes half.
42. What is the source of magnetic field?
Ans. Magnetism is of electrical origin. The electrons revolving in an atom behave as tiny current
loops, which give rise to magnetism.
43. Compare the magnetic fields due to a straight solenoid and a bar magnet.
Ans. Both the fields are identical. In fact a long straight solenoid behaves as a bar magnet having
dipole moment m = N I A.
44. A short bar magnet placed with its axis making an angle with a uniform
external field B experiences a torque. What is the magnetic moment of the magnet?
Ans. Torque on a short bar magnet = MB sin , therefore M =
sin B
45. Can two magnetic lines of force intersect? Justify your answer.
Ans. Two magnetic field lines cannot intersect at any point because if they do so then there will be
two possible directions of the magnetic field at the point of intersection, which is not possible.
46. Which one of the following will experience maximum force, when projected
with the same velocity v perpendicular to the magnetic field (i) alpha particle and (ii) beta
particle?
Ans. The force experienced by a charged particle is given by the expression F = Bq v. Since an
alpha particle has more charge than the beta particle, therefore alpha particle will experience
more force.
47. Which one of the following will have minimum frequency of revolution, when
projected with the same velocity v perpendicular to the magnetic field B; (i) alpha particle and
(ii) beta particle?
Ans. The frequency of revolution of a charged particle in a magnetic field is given by v =
m 2
Bq
.
The ratio of
m
q
for an alpha particle is less than that for a beta particle; therefore alpha
particle will have minimum frequency of revolution.
48. What is the effect on a vertical spring carrying a weight when a current is passed
through the spring?
46
Ans. A spring will behave as combination of different current carrying conductors carrying current
in the same direction; these conductors will attract each other. This will in turn contract the
spring.
49. Name the material used in making the core of moving coil galvanometer.
Ans. Soft iron.
50. A small magnet is pivoted to move freely in the magnetic meridian. At what
place on the earths surface, will the magnet be vertical.
Ans. At the magnetic poles of the earth.
51. An electron beam projected along + X-axis, experiences a force due to a
magnetic field along the + Y-axis. What is the direction of the magnetic field?
Ans. The direction of the magnetic field is along z-axis. This is because the direction of motion, the
magnetic field and the force are perpendicular to one other as an electron carries negative
charge.
52. The vertical component of Earths magnetic field at a place is 3 times the
horizontal component. What is the value of angle of dip at this place?
Ans. Given: Bv = 3 B
H
, we know that tan = 3
B
B 3
B
B
H
H
H
V
or = 60
o
Therefore angle of dip, = 60
o
53. An electron is moving along the +ve X-axis in the presence of uniform magnetic
field along the +ve Y-axis. What is the direction of force acting on it.
Ans. The force acts along the ve Z-axis.
54. Why should the material used for making permanent magnets have high
coercivity?
Ans. It is because a permanent magnet should not easily de-magnetised.
55. An electron and a proton, having equal momenta, enter a uniform magnetic field
at right angels to the field lines. What will be the ratio of the radii of curvature of the their
trajectories?
Ans. As radius of charged particle in magnetic field is r =
.
Bq
mv
Since q, mv and B are same
therefore the ratio of their radii is 1.
56. A compass needle, pivoted about the horizontal axis and free to move in the
magnetic meridian is observed to point along the
(i) vertical direction at a place A.
(ii) horizontal direction at a place B
Give the value of the angel of dip at these two places.
Ans. (i) 90
o
and (ii) 0
o
57. An electron is moving with velocity v along the axis of a long straight solenoid
carrying current I. What will be the force acting on the electron due to the magnetic field of the
solenoid?
Ans. Zero, as force on charged particle moving in magnetic field is F = Bqv sin
Here both v and B are along the axis of solenoid, so = 0
o
between them. Hence F = qvB sin
= 0.
58. Derive an expression for the torque on a rectangular coil of area A, carrying a
current I and placed in a magnetic field B, the angle between the direction of B and the vector
perpendicular to the plane of the coil is .
Ans. Current carrying conductors usually form closed loops. This prompts us to find the total force
and torque acting on the loop. Consider a current carrying loop placed in a uniform magnetic
field as shown in figure. The loop can be considered to be consisting of a series of straight-
line segments. We will find that the total force acting on the loop is zero but there is net
torque acting on it.
47
Figure below shows a rectangular loop of wire with length a and breadth b. A line
perpendicular to the plane of the loop (i.e. a normal to the plane) makes an angle with the
direction of the magnetic field B, and the loop carries a current I as shown. Let the forces
acting on the various sides of the loop be
4 3 2 1
F and , F , F , F

as shown. It follows from the
expression for the force experienced by a conductor in a magnetic field that force on arm AB
is
,
_

B AB I F
1
.(1)
Here I
,
_

AB
is a vector in the direction of the current. In accordance with Flemings left
hand rule this force acts in the place of the paper and is directed upwards as shown.
The force on arm CD is given by
,
_

B CB I F
1
.(2)
Here I
,
_

CB
is a vector in the direction of the current. In accordance with Flemings left
hand rule this force acts in the plane of the paper and is directed downwards as shown.
The sides with length b i.e. AB and CD make an angle (90
o
) with the direction of the
magnetic field. Therefore the forces acting on these two sides given by equations (1) and (2)
are equal and opposite.
Since these two forces are equal and opposite and have the same line of action therefore they
cancel out each others effect and their resultant effect on the coil is zero.
Now the force on arm BC is
,
_

B BC I F
3
.(3)
Here
,
_

BC I
is a vector in the direction of the current. In accordance with Flemings left hand
rule this force acts perpendicular to the plane of the paper and is directed outwards as shown.
Finally the force on arm DA is
,
_

B DC I F
4
.(4)
Here
,
_

DA I
is a vector in the direction of the current. In
accordance with Flemings left hand rule this force acts
perpendicular to the plane of the paper and is directed
inwards as shown in figure below.
Both forces F
3
and F
4
make an angle of 90
o
with the
direction of the magnetic field. Therefore in magnitude
these forces are given by
F
3
= F
4
= I l Bsin 90
o
= I l B .(5)
The lines of action of both these force are perpendicular to
the plane of the patper.
The two forces F
3
and F
4
lie along, different lines and each
gives rise to a torque about the X-axis. The two torques,
produce a resultant torque in +X direction. The arm of the
couple (perpendicular distance between the lines of action
of the two forces) from the figure below is given by
48
Arm of couple = b sin .(6)
Therefore by the definition of torque we have
Torque = either force arm of couple
Using equation 5 and 6 we have
Torque = I B a b sin
But a b = A, area of the coil, therefore
= I BA sin
59. Derive a formula for the force between two parallel straight conductors carrying
current in the opposite directions and write the nature of the force. Hence define an ampere.
Ans. Consider two long, straight parallel wires separated by a distance a and carrying I
1
and I
2
in
the same direction as shown. We can easily determine the force on one wire due to the
magnetic field set-up by the other wire. Wire 2, which carries a current I
2
, sets-up a magnetic
field B
2
at the position of wire 1.
The direction of B
2
is perpendicular to the wire, as shown in figure.
Now the magnetic force on length L of wire 1 is
,
_

2 1 1
B L I F
Since L is perpendicular to B
2
, the magnitude of F
1
is given by
F
1
= I
1
LB
2
.(1)
But the field due to wire 2 is given by the relation B =
a 2
I
2 0
.(2)
Therefore from equations 1 and 2 we have
F
1
= I
1
LB
2
=
a 2
I I L
a 2
I
L I
2 1 0 2 0
1

,
_
We can rewrite it in terms of force per unit length as

a 2
I I
L
F
2 1 0 1
.(3)
The direction of F
1
is downward, towards wire 2, since
B L

is downwards. If one considers

the field set-up at wire 2 due to wire 1, force F
2
is found to be equal and opposite to F
1
, which
is in accordance with Newtons third law of motion. When the currents are in opposite
directions, the forces are reversed and the wires repel each other. Hence we find that the force
per unit length of wire between two parallel current carrying wires is given by
F =
a 2
I I
2 1 0
Therefore two conductors carrying current in the same direction attract each other whereas
two conductors carrying current in the opposite directions repel each other.
The above expression can be used to define ampere, the SI unit of current. Let I
1
= I
2
= 1
ampere, a = 1m then F = 2 10
7
Nm
1
Thus we have
One ampere is that much current which when flowing through each of the two infinitely long
straight conductors held 1 metre apart in space, produce a force of F = 2 10
7
N per metre
of their length.
49
60. Explain how will you convert a galvanometer into a voltmeter to read a
maximum potential of V volt. Can one use a voltmeter to measure the emf of a cell? Justify
your answer?
Ans. Suppose a galvanometer having resistance G is to be converted into a voltmeter, which can
measure the potential difference from 0 to V volt. Let a high resistance R be joined in series
with the galvanometer for this purpose. Its value is so chosen that when the galvanometer
with the resistance is connected between two points having a potential difference of V volt,
the galvanometer gives full-scale deflection. It is clear from the figure below that
V = I
g
(R + G)
or R =
G
I
V
g

On connecting the above high resistance in series with a
galvanometer, the galvanometer is converted into a voltmeter of range V volt.
A voltmeter cannot measure the emf of the cell as it draws current from the cell while
measuring potential difference.
61. Explain how will you convert a galvanometer into an ammeter to read a
maximum current of I ampere. An ammeter is always connected in series with a circuit. Why?
Ans. Suppose a galvanometer of resistance G is to be converted into an ammeter having range 0 to
I ampere. Let I
g
be the current, which gives full-scale deflection in the galvanometer. Suppose
S is the appropriate shunt required for this purpose i.e. when
shunt S is used, current I
g
passes through the galvanometer
and the remaining (I I
g
) passes through the shunt as shown
in figure below. Since the shunt and the galvanometer are
connected in parallel therefore the potential differences
across both will be same. Hence
I
g
G =(I I
g
) S .(1)
S =
g
g
I I
G I
.(2)
An ammeter is used to measure current; therefore it is connected in series so that the entire
current passes through it. Moreover an ammeter is a low resistance device.
62. Using Biot Savarts law, derive an expression for the magnetic field at any point
on the axis of a circular coil of radius r and having N number of turns. Indicate the direction of
the magnetic field.
Ans. Consider a circular loop of wire of radius R located in the YZ plane and carrying a steady
current I as shown in figure below. Let us calculate the magnetic field at an axial point P a
distance x from the centre of the loop. From the figure it is clear that any element dL is
perpendicular to
, r
furthermore all the elements around the loop are at the same distance r
from P, where r
2
= x
2
+ R
2
. Hence by Biot Savarts law the magnetic field at point P due to the
current element dL is given by
dB =
( )
2 2
0
2
0
R x
IdL
4
r
r dL I
4
.(1)
50
The direction of the magnetic field dB due to the element dL is perpendicular to the palen
formed by r and dL as shown in figure above. The vector dB can be resolved into
components dB
x
along the X-axis and dB
y
which is perpendicular to the X-axis. When the
components perpendicular to the X-axis are added over the whole loop, the result is zero. That
is, by symmetry any element on one side of the loop will set up a perpendicular component
that cancels the component set up by an element diametrically opposite it. Therefore it is
obvious that the resultant magnetic field at P will be along the X-axis. This result can be
obtained by integrating the components dB
x
= dB cos. Therefore, we have
B =

+
2 2
0
R x
cos dL
4
I
cos B d .(2)
Where the integral is to be taken over the entire loop since , x and R are constants for all
elements of the loop and since
cos =
2 2
R x
R
+
therefore, we have
B =
( ) ( )
3/2
2 2
2
0
3/2
2 2
0
R x 2
IR
dL
R x 4
IR
+
+

The direction of magnetic field is as shown below.
63. Using Biot Savarts law, derive an expression for the magnetic field intensity at
the centre of a current carrying circular coil.
Ans. Consider a circular loop of radius r carrying I and having centre at O as shown in figure
below.
Consider a small current element dL on the loop. Then by Biot Savarts law the magnitude of
the magnetic field at the centre of the loop due to the current element we have
51
dB =
2
0
r
sin IdL
4
.(1)
In this case the angel between the current element dL and the radius vector is 90
o
therefore
equation 1 can be written as
dB =
2
0
r
L d I
4
.(2)
The circular loop can be considered to be consisting of such small elements placed side by
side, and then the magnetic intensities of these elements will be in the same direction.
Thus, net intensity of B at the centre of the loop is given by
B =
B d

=

dL
r
I
4
r
IdL
4
2
0
2
0
.(3)
But
dL
= 2r Therefore, we have
B =
r
I 2
4
0
.(4)
64. A charge q moving in a straight line is accelerated by a potential difference
V. It enters a uniform magnetic field B perpendicular to its path. Deduce in terms of V an
expression for the radius of the circular path in which it travels.
Ans. When the electron moves in a magnetic field, it is acted upon by the magnetic force given by
( ) B v q F

. Since the angle between v and B is 90

o
then the force is given by F = qvB. This
force is perpendicular to both the velocity vector and the magnetic field vector, hence the
particle will move in a circular path with a constant speed v. The necessary centripetal force
for circular motion will be provided by the Lorentz magnetic force.
Let m be the mass of the charged particle and r the radius of the circular path, then the
necessary centripetal force is given by .
r
mv
2
Hence for the circular motion of the charged
particle we have
r
mv
2
= qvB or r =
Bq
mv
Since mv = p = , 2mqV 2mE where V is the potential through which the electrons has
been accelerated. Therefore we have
r =
q B
2mV
Bq
2mqV
Bq
mv
2

65. A particle with charge q moving with velocity v in the plane of the paper
enters a uniform magnetic field B, acting perpendicular to the plane of the paper. Deduce an
expression for the time period of the charge, as it moves in a circular path in the field. Why
does the kinetic energy of the charge not charge, while moving in the magnetic field?
Ans. Due to the presence of the perpendicular magnetic field the particle moves in a circle of radius
r given by
r =
qB
mv
....(1)
The charged particle moves in a circle of radius r. The time taken to complete one revolution
is therefore
T =
velocity
path circular the of length
52
=
Bq
m 2
v
r 2
The magnetic force acts an angle of 90

o
. Therefore it does not do any work. Hence the kinetic
energy of the particle does not change.
66. Using Amperes circuital law, derive an expression for the magnetic field along
the axis of a toroidal solenoid.
Ans. A toroid is a solenoid of finite length bent in the form of a circle. Let N be the number of turns
and I be the current passed through it. If the coils are closely spaced, the field inside the
toroidal coil is tangent to the dotted circular path as shown in figure below and is same at all
points lying on the dotted line.
Therefore we have
( )

r 2 B dL B dL . B
(1)
By Amperes circuital law we have
NI dL . B
0
(2)
B(2r) =
0
NI
or B =
r 2
NI
0
but
r 2
N
= n i.e. number of turns per unit length
Therefore we have B =
0
nI
This gives the field inside a toroidal solenoid.
67. Name the elements of the earths magnetic field at a place. Explain their
meaning?
Ans. The elements required to completely specific the earths magnetic field at a plane are called
magnetic elements. These elements are
(i) Declination. ()
(ii) Dip or inclination. ()
(iii) Horizontal component of earths
magnetic field. (B
H
)
(i) Declination: Declination at a place is defined as the
acute angle between the magnetic meridian and the
geographic meridian.
In figure above angle is called the angel of
declination. There are several periodic variation. There
are several periodic variations in the value of
declination for a given location.
(ii) Dip: Dip at a place is defined as the angle between
the direction of total intensity of earths magnetic field and a horizontal line in the magnetic
field and a horizontal line in the magnetic meridian at that place. It is denoted by .
53
Suppose a freely suspended magnet aligns itself along the direction AO as shown in figure,
then, this gives the direction of earths total magnetic field at that place. Then the angle
BAO = is called the angle of dip or simply dip at that point.
(iii) Horizontal Component of Earths Magnetic Field: It is the component of total
intensity of earths magnetic field along a horizontal line in the magnetic meridian. It is
denoted by B
H
or H.
68. State and illustrate Curies law in magnetism.
Ans. Experimentally one finds that the intensity of magnetization (I) of a paramagnetic material is
1. directly proportional to magnetic induction (B) or applied field, and
2. inversely proportional to the temperature (T) of the material. i.e.
I B .(1)
and I =
T
1
.(2)
combining the above two equations we have
I =
T
B
.(3)
As B H therefore we have
I =
T
H
or we have
T
1
H
I
But
H
I
=
m
therefore the above equation becomes
m

T
1
or
m
=
T
C
.(4)
where C is a constant called Curie constant. The above equation is called Curie law.
69. You are given two identical looking bars A and B. one of them is a bar magnet
and the other is an ordinary piece of iron. Give an experiment to identify which one of the two
is a bar magnet. You are not to use any additional material for the experiment.
Ans. Take one of the rods in your hand and touch the other by (lying on the table) at the ends and
also in the centre. If there is no attraction at the centre but there is attraction at the ends then
the rod on the table is a magnet.
70. Write the expression for the magnetic dipole moment for a closed current loop.
Give its SI unit. Derive an expression for the torque experienced by a magnetic dipole in a
uniform magnetic field.
Ans. The required expression is = MB sin.
It is measured in Am
2
Consider a uniform magnetic field of strength B. Let a magnetic dipole be suspended in it
such that its axis makes an angle with the field as shown in figure below. If m is the
strength of each pole, the two poles experience two equal and
opposite forces mB each. These forces constitute a couple
which tends to rotate the dipole. Suppose the couple exerts a
torque of magnitude .
Then = either force arm of the couple = mB AN = mB 2
L sin or
Since m 2L is the magnetic dipole moment of the magnet.
Therefore = MB sin in vector form we have B M

71. Sketch the lines of force of a magnetic field around a bar magnet, placed along
the magnetic meridian, with its North Pole pointing towards the geographical south. Indicate
the position of the neutral points.
Ans. The required figure is as shown below.
54
Here P and Q are the neutral points.
72. A magnetized needle suspended freely in a uniform magnetic field experiences
torque but no net force. An iron nail near a bar magnet experiences a force of attraction in
addition to torque. Why?
Ans. A bar magnet produces a non-uniform magnetic field. Therefore in this field the nail
experiences both a translatory force and a torque. Therefore in this field the nail experiences
both a translatory force and a torque.
73. The susceptibility of a magnetic material is 0.085. Identify the magnetic type
of the material. A specimen of this material is kept in a non-uniform magnetic field. Draw the
modified field pattern.
Ans. The material is a diamagnetic material as diamagnetic
materials have negative susceptibility. The modified field
pattern is as shown below.
74. Distinguish between a diamagnetic substance and a paramagnetic substance
stating two points of difference.
Ans.
Diamagnetic Paramagnetics
These are the substances, which are
feebly repelled by a magnet. E.g. Bi, Zn,
Cu Ag, Au, diamond C, NaCl, H
2
O, Hg,
N
2
, H
2
etc Exhibited by solids liquids
and gases.
When a diamagnetic substance is placed
in a magnetizing field, the lines of force
prefer not to pass through the substance.
These are the substances, which are feebly
attracted by a magnet. E.g. Al, Na, Pt, Mn,
CuCl
2
, O
2
etc. Exhibited by solids, liquids and
gases.
When a paramagnetic substance is placed in a
magnetizing field, the lines of force prefer to
pass through the substance.
75. A magnetic needle free to rotate in a vertical position orients itself with its axis
vertical at a certain place on the earth. What are the values of (i) angle of dip and (ii) horizontal
component of earths magnetic field at this place? Where will this place be on the earth?
Ans. The angle of dip is 90
o
and the horizontal component of earths magnetic field is zero. This
place is the magnetic pole of the earth.
55
76. Define neutral point. Draw lines of force when two identical magnets are placed
at finite distance apart with their N-poles facing each other. Locate the neutral
points.
Ans. It is a point near a magnet where the magnetic field of the earth is
completely balanced by the magnetic field of the magnet. The figure is as
shown below.
The cross indicates the neutral point.
77. A diamagnetic material and a paramagnetic material of the same shape and size
are in turn kept in an external uniform magnetic field. Draw the modification of the magnetic
field lines of force in the two cases. How does the intensity of magnetization of a paramagnetic
material vary with temperature?
Ans. The modified lines of force are as shown below.
The intensity of a magnetization of a paramagnetic materials depends inversely on its absolute
temperature.
78. A uniform magnetic field gets modified as shown below, when two specimens X
and Y are placed in it.
(i) Identify the two specimens X and Y.
(ii) State the reason for the behaviour of the field lines in X and Y.
Ans. (i) X is a diamagnetic substance and Y is a paramagnetic substance.
(ii) This is because the permeability of a diamagnetic substance is less than one and that of a
paramagnetic substance is greater than one.
79. A charged particle having a charge q, is moving with a speed of v along the X-
axis. It enters a region of space where the electric field is ( ) j E E

and a magnetic field

B
are
both present. The particle, on emerging from the region, is observed to be moving, along the X-
axis only. Obtain an expression for the magnitude of B in terms of v and E. Give the direction
of B.
Ans. Since the particle continues to move along the X axis therefore the magnetic force acting on it
should be completely balanced by the electric force. Since the electric force acts along the Y-
axis therefore the magnetic field must be along the Z-axis. Thus is equilibrium
qE = Bqv or v = E/B
80. A straight wire of length L carrying a current I, stays suspended horizontally in
mid air in a region suspended horizontally in mid air in a region where there is a uniform
magnetic field. The linear mass density of the wire is . Obtain the magnitude and direction of
the magnetic field.
56
Ans. The magnetic fore acting on the straight wire balances the weight of the wire. Therefore in
equilibrium we have
Mg = BIL, here M = L, therefore we have
Llg = BIL or B = /Ig
This field acts horizontally to the length of the wire.
81. Name the three types of magnetic materials which behave differently when
placed in a non uniform magnetic field. Give two properties for each of them.
Ans. The three types of magnetic materials are
(i) Diamagnetic (ii) Paramagnetic and (iii) Ferromagnetic
Diamagnetic Paramagnetic Ferromagnetic
These are the substances,
which are feebly repelled
by a magnet. e.g. Bi, Zn,
Cu Ag, Au, diamond C,
NaCl, H
2
O, Hg, N
2
, H
2
e.t.c. Exhibited by solids
liquids and gases.
When a diamag-netic
substance is placed in a
magnetizing field, the
lines of force prefer not
to pass through the
substance.
which are feebly attracted by a
magnet. e.g. Al, Na, Pt, Mn,
CuCl
2
, O
2
e.t.c. Exhibited by
solids, liquids and gases.
When a paramagnetic
magnetizing field, the lines of
force prefer to pass through the
substance.
which are strongly attracted
by a magnet. e.g. Fe, Ni,
CO, Fe
3
O
4
etc. Exhibited by
solids only, that too
crystalline
When a ferromagnetic
magnetizing field, the lines
of force prefer to pass
through the substance.
82. Show mathematically that the cyclotron frequency does not depend upon the
speed of the particle.
Ans. Due to the presence of the perpendicular magnetic field the particle moves in a circle of radius
r given by
r =
qB
mv
.(1)
The path of the particles in the dees is a semicircle and the time the particle spends in each
dee is
t =
v
r
velocity
path ar semicircul the of length
=
Bq
m
.(2)
using equation (1)
The above time is independent of the radius of the path and the velocity of the charged
particle. Now the time period of the cyclotron is twice the time spent by the particle in each
dee. Thus
T = 2t =
Bq
m 2
.(3)
Hence cyclotron frequency or the magnetic resonance frequency is given by
v =
m 2
Bq
T
1
.(4)
which is independent of the speed of the particle.
83. Why does a paramagnetic substance display greater magnetization for the same
magnetizing field when cooled? How does a diamagnetic substance respond to similar
temperature charges?
57
Ans. (i) The tendency to disrupt the alignment of dipoles (with the magnetizing field) arising from
random thermal motion is reduced at lower temperature, hence, greater magnetization of the
given paramagnetic sample.
(ii) The induced dipole moment is a diamagnetic simple is always opposite to the magnetizing
field, no matter what the internal motion of atoms is. Thus it is independent of the
temperature.
84. Is any work done by a magnetic field on a moving charge? Why?
Ans. No work is being done by a magnetic field on a moving charge because force due to magnetic
field acts perpendicular to the direction of motion of the charged particle. Consequently, work
done W =
S . F

= FS cos 90
o
= 0.
85. Define the SI unit of magnetic field. A charge moving at right angles to a
uniform magnetic field does not undergo change in kinetic energy, why?
Ans. The SI unit of magnetic field is tesla (T). Magnetic field is said to be 1 tesla if a charge of 1 C,
while moving with a velocity of 1 ms
1
at right angles to the magnetic field, experiences a
force of 1 N.
When a charge is moving at right angle to a uniform magnetic field, no work is being done on
the charge by the magnetic field because force due to magnetic field behaves as the
centripetal force. Hence, in accordance with work-energy theorem, the kinetic energy of the
charge remains unchanged.
86. A stream of electrons traveling with speed v ms
1
at right angles to a uniform
magnetic field B is deflected in a circular path of radius r. Prove that
B r
v
m
e
Ans. Let a stream of electrons be traveling with speed v at right angles to a uniform magnetic field
B then force due to magnetic field provides the requisite centripetal force which deflects the
electron beam along a circular path of radius r such that
Bev =
r
mv
2
or
rB
v
m
e
where e = electronic charge and m = mass of the electron.

87. Why do two long parallel conductors carrying current exert force on each other?
Ans. We know that a magnetic field is set up around a current carrying straight conductor. Under
the influence of this magnetic field conduction electrons moving in the other conductor (also
carrying a current) experience Lorentz force. As the electrons are confined to the conductor,
force on electrons show its effect as the force on the conductor.
88. Why do two straight parallel metallic wires carrying current in the opposite
directions repel each other?
Ans. Consider two long, parallel, straight wires carrying currents I
1
and I
2
respectively. Due to current I
1
, the magnetic field
developed at a point P on second wire, as per right hand rule,
points into the plane of paper. Now in accordance with
Flemings left rule second conductor carrying current I
2
experiences a force
12
F
due to magnetic field
2
B
and the
direction of force is normally away. Thus, it experiences a
repulsive force.
89. In Fig. below, the straight wire AB is fixed while the loop is free to move under
the influence of the electric currents flowing in them. In which direction does the loop begin to
move? Give reason for your answer.
58
Ans. The loop moves towards the straight wire AB. In the loop in the side nearer to wire AB
current I
2
is in same direction as I
1
and hence attractive force acts. However, in the side farther
away from wire AB current I
2
is in the opposite direction and the force is repulsive. But as the
magnitude of attractive force is attractive in nature and hence, the loop moves towards the wire AB.
90. Define the terms Magnetic Dip and Magnetic declination with the help of
relevant diagrams.
Ans. Magnetic dip: Magnetic dip at a place is defined as the angle between
the direction of total intensity of earths magnetic field and a
horizontal line in the magnetic meridian at that place. It is denoted by
.
Magnetic declination: Magnetic Declination at a place is defined as
the acute angle between the magnetic meridian and the geographic
meridian.
In figure below shows both the magnetic dip and the magnetic
declination.
91. State the principle of working of a cyclotron. Write two uses of this machine.
Ans. It is based on the principle that the positive ions can be accelerated to high energies with a
comparatively smaller alternating potential difference by making them to cross electric field
again and again, by making use of a strong magnetic field.
Uses: (i) It is used to accelerate charged particles like protons, deutrons, etc. which is used to
induce nuclear reaction.
(ii) It is used in hospitals to bombard tumour with nuclear radiations.
92. Which one of the two, an ammeter or a milliammeter, has a higher resistance and
why?
Ans. The shunt resistance connected to convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or a milliammeter
is given by the expression S =
,
I I
G I
g
g
where S is shunt resistance, G galvanometer resistance,

I total current through G and S, and I
g
galvanometer current. In case of milliammeter I is
small.
Therefore S
milliammeter
> S
ammeter
. Hence resistance of a milliammeter is greater than that of an
ammeter.
93. Derive an expression for the maximum force experienced by a straight conductor
of length L, carrying current I and kept in a uniform magnetic field, B.
Ans. Consider a straight segment of a conducting wire; with length L and cross sectional area A,
the current is from bottom to top as shown in figure below. The wire is in a uniform magnetic
field B perpendicular to the plane of the diagram and directed into the plane. Let us assume
that the moving charges are positive.
The drift velocity is upward, perpendicular to B. The average force experienced by each
charge is
59
,
_

B vd q f
.(1)
Directed to the left as shown in the figure
Since
d
v
and
B
are perpendicular, the magnitude of the force is given by
f = qv
d
B .(2)
Let n be the number density of charges i.e. number of charges per unit volume. A segment of
the conductor with length L has volume V = A L and contains a number of charges N given
by
N = nA L .(3)
Now the total force F on all the charges moving in this segment is
F = Nf = (n AL) qv
d
B
= (nqv
d
A) (LB)
But nqv
d
A = I, therefore the above equation becomes
F = BIL .(4)
94. Three identical specimens of magnetic materials Nickel, Antimony, Aluminium
are kept in a non-uniform magnetic field. Draw the modification in the field lines in each case.
Justify your answer.
Ans. Nickel is ferromagnetic. Antimony is diamagnetic and Aluminium is paramagnetic. Therefore
they will show the behaviour as shown in the figures below.
60
95. Give one example each of a diamagnetic and a paramagnetic material. In what
way would each of these tend to move when placed in a non-uniform external magnetic field?
Ans. Diamagnetic Gold,
Paramagnetic Platinum.
When a diamagnetic substance is placed in a non-uniform magnetic field it moves from
stronger portion of the magnetic field towards the weaker portion of the magnetic field.
When a paramagnetic substance is placed in a non-uniform magnetic field it moves from
weaker portion of magnetic field towards the stronger portion of the magnetic field.
96. A charged particle enters a region of uniform magnetic field with its initial
velocity directed (i) parallel to the field and (ii) perpendicular to the field. Show that there is
no change in the kinetic energy of the particle in both the cases.
Ans. The force experienced by a charged particle in a magnetic field is given by the expression
( ) B v q F

.
(i) When the initial velocity is parallel to the magnetic field = 0.
F = qvB sin = 0 and no change in energy takes place.
(ii) In this expression the velocity and the force vectors are always perpendicular to
each other. Since the direction of motion of the particle is given by the direction of
velocity, therefore the displacement of the charged particle will also be perpendicular ( =
90
o
) to the direction of the force.
Now work = change in K.E.
Since W = FS cos , and = 90
o
, therefore work done in zero.
Hence change in kinetic energy is zero.
97. Write the relation for the force F acting on a charge q moving with a velocity v
through a magnetic field B in vector notation. Using this relation deduce conditions under
which this force will be (i) maximum (ii) minimum.
Ans. The expression for force in vector notation is
( ) B v q F

In scalar form this is written as
F = Bqv sin , where is the angle between the velocity vector and the magnetic field vector.
Force will be maximum if sin is maximum or
Sin = 1 or = 90
o
. This maximum value of force is F = Bqv
Force will be minimum if sin is minimum or
61
Sin = 0 or = 0
o
. This minimum value of force is F = 0
98. Obtain an expression for the magnetic moment of an electron in a circular orbit
of radius r and moving with a speed v. State the rule to find its direction. How does this
magnetic moment change when
(i) the frequency of revolution is doubled
(ii) the orbital radius is halved?
Ans. Equivalent current of an electron revolving in an orbit of an atom is I = ve =
T
e
where v is
frequency and T is time period of revolution given by
T =
v
r 2
or v =
T
r 2
therefore I = ve
=
r 2
ve
So, the magnetic moment of a current loop is
M = I A
or M = IA
=
r 2
ve
r
2
or M =
2
r ev
This gives magnetic moment of an electron revolving with speed v in a circular orbit of
radius r.
Direction of magnetic moment is given by right hand screw rule.
If fingers are curled in the direction of current, then thumb gives the direction of magnetic
field.
(i) As M = IA = veA, so when frequency v is doubled, magnetic moment M is doubled.
(ii) By principle of conservation of angular momentum mvr = mvr
or vr = v
2
r
or v = 2v
So when radius r is halved speed v gets doubled. Therefore magnetic moment remains same.
99. Write the expression for the magnitude of force per unit length, between tow
infinitely long parallel straight current carrying conductors. Hence define the SI unit of current.
Ans. The expression for force is F = .
a 2
I I
2 1 0
The above expression can be used to define ampere,
the SI unit of current.
Let I
1
= I
2
= 1 ampere a = 1m then F = 2 10
7
Nm
1
. Thus we have one ampere is that much
current which when flowing through each of the two infinitely long straight conductors held 1
metre apart in space, produce a force of F = 2 10
7
N per metre of their length.
100. Obtain an expression for the frequency of revolution of a charged particle moving in a uniform
transverse magnetic field. How does the time period of the circulating ions in a cyclotron
depend on (i) the speed, (ii) the radius of the path of ions.
Ans. The necessary centripetal force required by charged particle to revolve in a circular path in
magnetic field is provided by force due to magnetic field i.e.,
r
mv
2
= Bqv
62
or v =
m
Bqr
So, the frequency of revolution is then given by
n =
r 2
v
=
m
Bqr
r 2
1
=
m 2
Bq
Time period of the circulating ions in a cyclotron is
T =
Bq
m 2
(i) From the above expression we find that time period is independent of the speed v.
(ii) Also it follows that time period is independent of the radius of the path of ions.
101. Explain with the help of a labeled diagram the underlying principle, construction and working
of a moving coil galvanometer.
Ans. It is an instrument used to detect weak currents in a circuit.
Principle: It is based on the principle that, whenever a loop carrying current is placed in a
magnetic field, it experiences a torque, which tends to rotate it.
Construction: It consists of a rectangular or circular coil
made by winding a fine insulated copper wire on an
aluminium frame. A thin phosphor bronze strip from a
torsion head, which is connected to terminal screw S
1
,
suspends this coil. To the lower portion of the screw is
attached a small light mirror which rotates along with the
strip and whose deflection can be measured by a lamp and
scale arrangement. The lower end of the coil is connected
to a fine spring which is connected to another terminal
screw S
2
. The coil hangs in space between the pole pieces
of a powerful horseshoe magnet NS as shown in figure
below. The pole pieces are made concave cylindrical. This
provides a radial magnetic field. Since the field is radial,
therefore the plane of the coil remains parallel to the
magnetic field in all the orientations of the coil. In between
the pole pieces, within the coil, lies a soft iron cylindrical
piece called core. The core does not touch the coil
anywhere. The whole arrangement is enclosed in a non-
magnetic box to protect it from air currents. Three leveling
screws are provided at the base.
Working: When the closed loop is suspended in the magnetic field, it experiences a torque,
which tends to rotate it along a vertical axis. This torque, called the deflecting torque, is given
by
= nBIA sin .(1)
where is the angle which the normal to the plane of the coil makes with the direction of the
magnetic field. Since the magnetic field is radial therefore the normal to the plane of the coil
will always be perpendicular to the applied magnetic field i.e. = 90
o
and sin = 1,
Therefore equation 1 can be written as
d
= BInA .(2)
As a result of this torque the coil gets deflected. This produces a twist in the suspension wire,
due to which the coil is acted upon by another torque called restoring torque. This torque
63
tends to take the coil back to its original position. If C is the restoring torque per unit
angular twist and is the angle through which the wire has been turned then the restoring
torque is given by
= c (3)
The closed loop is twisted till the restoring torque becomes equal to the deflecting torque.
Therefore, in equilibrium, from equations (2) and (3) we have
BInA = c
I =
nBA
c
.(4)
or I = K
102. Explain with the help of a labeled diagram the underlying principle, construction and working
of a cyclotron.
Ans. Principle: It is based on the principle that the positive ions can be accelerated to high energies
with a comparatively smaller alternating potential difference by making them to cross electric
field again and again, by making use of a strong magnetic field.
Construction: It consists of two D-shaped, hollow metal dees D
1
and D
2
. The dees are placed
with a small gap in between them. The dees are connected
to a source of high frequency alternating potential
difference. The dees are evacuated in order to minimize
energy losses resulting from collisions between the ions
and air molecules. The whole apparatus is placed between
the poles of an electromagnet as shown in figure below.
The magnetic field is perpendicular to the plane of the
dees.
Working: In a cyclotron, particles of mass m and charge q
move inside an evacuated chamber in a uniform magnetic
field
B
that is perpendicular to the plane of their paths.

The alternating potential difference applied between the hollow electrodes D
1
and D
2
, creates
an changes precisely twice in each revolution, so that the particles get a push each time they
cross the gap. The pushes increase their speed and kinetic energy, boosting them into paths of
larger radius. The electric field increases the speed and the magnetic field makes the particles
move in circular paths. Due to the presence of the perpendicular magnetic field the particle
moves in a circle of radius r given by
r =
qB
mv
.(1)
The path of the particles in the dees is a semicircle and the time the particle spends in each
dees is
t =
Bq
m
v
r
velocity
path ar semicircul the of length

[by using equation (1)]
The above time is independent of the radius of the path and the velocity of the charged
particle. Hence the charged particle spends the same time in each dee and encounters a dee of
opposite polarity whenever it comes into the gap between the dees and thus is continuously
accelerated.
103. State Biot Sararts law for the magnetic field due to a current carrying element. Use this law to
obtain a formula for magnetic field due to an infinitely long straight conductor.
Ans. Consider a thin, straight wire carrying a constant current I along the X-axis as shown in
figure. Consider an element dL at a distance r from P where the magnetic field has to be
found. The direction of the field due to this element is out of the paper. Since
r dL
is out of
64
the paper. All elements of the conductor give a contribution directly out of the paper at P.
Therefore by Biot Savarts law we have
dB =
2
0
r
sin IdL
4
.(1)
In order to integrate this expression we must relate , dL and r. From the figure below, from
right angled triangle AOP we have
+ = 90
o
or = 90
o
Therefore
sin = sin (90
o
) = cos .(2)
Again in right angled triangle AOP we have
cos =
r
a
or r =
cos
a
.(3)
Also tan =
a
L
or L = a tan ,
Differentiating
We get dL = a sec
2
d .(4)
Substituting equations 2, 3 and 4 in equation 1 we have
dB =
( )
2
2 2
0
a
cos cos d sec a
4
I
=
a
d cos
4
I
0
.(5)
The total intensity of the magnetic field can be determined by integrating equation 5 within
limits =
1
to =
2
Therefore we have
B =
2
1
0
a 4
I
cos d
= [ ]
2
1
0
sin
a 4
I
or B =
a 4
I
0
[sin (
2
) sin (
1
)]
or B =
a 4
I
0
[sin
2
+ sin
1
] .(6)
This gives the value of magnetic field at a distance a form
the conductor.
If the conductor is infinitely long, then
1
=
2
=
,
P
then equation 6 becomes

B =
1
]
1
+
2
sin
2
sin
a 4
I
0

or B =
a 4
I
0
[1 + 1]
or B =
a
2I
a 4
I
0
104. Figure below shows a long straight wire of circular cross section (radius a) carrying steady
current I. The current is uniformly distributed across this cross-section. Calculate the magnetic
field in the region r < a and r > a. Draw a graph showing the variation of magnetic field for the
above two cases.
65
Ans. Consider a long circular wire of radius a carrying a steady current (dc) that is uniformly
distributed along the cross section of the wire as shown in figure. Let us calculate the
magnetic field in the regions r a and r < a. In region 1 let us choose a circular path of radius
r centred at the wire. From symmetry, we find that B is perpendicular of dL at every point on
the circular path 1 is I
0
, therefore by Amperes law we have
B.dL = BdL = B(2r) =
0
I
0
.(1)
or B =
r 2
I
0 0
.(2)
for r a
Now consider the interior of the wire i.e., region (2) where r < a. In this the current I enclosed
by the path is less than I
0
. Since the current is assumed to be uniform over the area of the
wire,
Therefore
0
2
2
2
2
0
I
a
r
I or
a
r
I
I

.(3)
Now applying Amperes circuital rule to region (2) we have
B.dL = B(2r)
=
0
I =
0

,
_
0
2
2
I
a
r
.(4)
or B =
,
_
2
0 0
2
I
r for r < a
The magnetic field versus r for this system is as shown in the
figure below.

105. (a) With the help of a labeled diagram, explain the principle and working of a moving coil
galvanometer.
(b) Two parallel coaxial circular coils of equal radius R and equal number of turns N, carry
equal currents I in the same direction and are separated by a distance 2R. Find the
magnitude and direction of the net magnetic field produced at the midpoint of the line joining
their centres.
Ans. (a) It is an instrument used to detect weak currents in a circuit.
Principle: It is based on the principle that, whenever a loop
carrying current is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a
torque, which tends to rotate it.
Working: When the closed loop is suspended in the magnetic
field, it experiences a torque, which tends to rotate it along a
vertical axis. This torque, called the deflecting torque, is given by
= n BI A sin .(1)
66
where is the angle which the normal to the plane of the coil makes with the direction of the
magnetic field. Since the magnetic field is radial therefore the normal to the plane of the coil
will always be perpendicular to the applied magnetic field i.e., = 90
o
and sin = 1,
therefore equation 1 can be written as
d
= BInA .(2)
As a result of this torque the coil gets deflected. This produces a twist in the suspension wire,
due to which the coil is acted upon by another torque called restoring torque. This torque
tends to take the coil back to its original position. If C is the restoring torque per unit
angular twist and is the angle through which the wire has deflected then the restoring torque
is given by
r
= C .(3)
The closed loop is twisted till the restoring torque becomes equal to the deflecting torque.
Therefore, in equilibrium, from equations (2) and (3) we have
Bin A = C =
nBA
C
.(4)
(b) The magnetic field at a distance R from a circular coil is given by the expression
B =
( ) ( )
3/2
2
2
0
3/2
2 2
2
0
2R 2
NIR
R R 2
NIR
+
For coil 1 B
1
=
( )
,
2R 2
NIR
3/2
2
2
0
For coil 2 B
2
=
( )
,
2R 2
NIR
3/2
2
2
0
Both are directed in the same direction, therefore the resultant magnetic field at the centre is
B =
( )
3/2
2
2
0
2R
NIR

106. (a) State Biot-Savarts law. Using this law, derive the expression for the magnetic field due to
a current carrying circular loop of radius R, at a point which is at a distance x from its
centre along the axis of the loop.
(b) Two small identical circular loops, marked (1) and (2), carrying equal currents, are placed
with the geometrical axes perpendicular of each other as shown in the figure. Find the mag-
nitude and direction of the net magnetic field produced at the point O.
Ans. (a) It states that the magnetic field due to a small current element at a distance r from it is
given by dB =
2
0
r
sin IdL
4
Consider a circular loop of wire of radius R located in the YZ plane and carrying a steady
current I as shown in figure below. Let us calculate the magnetic field at an axial point P a
distance x from the centre of the loop. From the figure it is clear that any element dL is
67
perpendicular to
, r
furthermore all the elements around the loop are at the same distance r
from P, where r
2
= x
2
+ R
2
. Hence by Biot Savarts law the magnetic field at point P due to the
current element dL is given by
dB =
( )
2 2
0
2
0
R x
IdL
4
r
r dL I
4
.(1)
The direction of the magnetic field dB due to the element dL is perpendicular to the plane
formed by r and dL as shown in figure above. The vector dB can be resolved into
components dB
x
along the X-axis and dB
y
which is perpendicular to the X-axis. When the
components perpendicular to the X-axis are added over the whole loop, the result is zero. That
is, by symmetry any element on one side of the loop will set up a perpendicular component
that cancels the component set up by an element diametrically opposite it. Therefore it is
obvious that the resultant magnetic field at P will be along the X-axis. This result can be
obtained by integrating the components dB
x
= dB cos. Therefore, we have
B = dB cos =
+
2 2
0
R x
cos dL
4
I
.(2)
where the integral is to be taken over the entire loop since , x and R are constants for all
elements of the loop and since
cos =
2 2
R x
R
+
therefore, we have
B =
( ) ( )
3/2
2 2
2
0
3/2
2 2
0
R x 2
IR
dL
R x 4
IR
+ +

(b) The magnetic field at O due to the circular loop 1 is B
1
=
( )
3/2
2 2
2
0
R x 2
IR
+
directed towards
left.
The magnetic field at O due to the circular loop is B
1
=
( )
3/2
2 2
2
0
R x 2
IR
+
directed upwards
The net magnetic field is therefore
B = +
1
2
2
2
1
B 2 B B
( )
3/2
2 2
2
0
R x 2
IR
+
The direction of the net magnetic field is 45
o
with the axis of the loop
as shown in the figure below.
107. Derive an expression for the magnetic field along the axis of an air-
cored solenoid, using Amperes circuital law.
Sketch the magnetic field lines for a finite solenoid. Explain why the field at the exterior mid-
point is weak while at the interior it is uniform and strong.
Ans. A solenoid is a coil of wire with a length, which is large as compared with its diameter.
Consider an ideal solenoid carrying current I and having n turns per unit length.
68
(i) Consider a rectangular path abcd of length L as shown in figure below with cd just
outside the solomoid along cd B = 0. Let us apply Amperes circuital law to this
rectangular path, so that we have

+ + +
a
d
d
c
c
b
b
a
dL . B dL . B dL . B dL . B dL . B

=

b
a
dL . B
= 0 + 0 + 0 = BL .(1)
since
0 dL . B dL . B
a
d
c
b

= 90
o
0 dL . B
d
c

B = 0
But by Amperes circuital law we have

dL . B
=
0
NI =
0
(nL)I .(2)
BL =
0
nLI or B =
0
nI
This gives the value of magnetic field inside a solenoid.
(ii) The sketch is as shown below.
The magnetic field gets added inside the solenoid whereas it is not added outside the solenoid

108. Distinguish the magnetic properties of dia-, para-and ferro-magnetic substances in terms of
(i) susceptibility, (ii) magnetic permeability and (iii) coercivity. Give one example of each of
these materials.
Draw the field lines due to an external magnetic field near a (i) diamagnetic, (ii) paramagnetic
substance.
Ans. The distinct is shown in the table below.
69
External magnetic field near (i) diamagnetic and (ii) paramagnetic are as shown below.
109. How will a dia-, para- and a ferromagnetic material behave when kept in two examples of each
of these materials name two main characteristics of a ferromagnetic material which help us to
decide its suitability for making (a) a permanent magnet, (ii) an electromagnet. Which of these
two characteristics should have high or low values for each of these two types of magnets?
Ans. When kept in a non-uniform magnetic field.
(i) diamagnetic substances moves from stronger to weaker parts of the field.
(ii) para-magnetic substances moves from weaker to stronger parts of the field.
(iii) ferromagnetic substances have greater tendency to move from weaker to
stronger parts of the field.
Example of
(i) diamagnetic substances are Copper and Gold
(ii) paramagnetic substances are Platinum and Aluminium
(iii) ferromagnetic substances are Iron and Cobalt.
Characteristics of ferromagnetic material deciding its suitability for making a
(i) permanent magnet have very large permeability and high retentivity.
(ii) Electromagnet have low retentivity and small hysteresis loss.
For permanent magnet retentivity and coercivity should be large and for electromagnet
retentivity and coercivity should be small.

Dia Para Ferro
Susceptibility Very small and
negative
Small and positive High and positive
Permeability Less than one Greater than one Extremely large
compared to one
Coercivity . . Exists
Example Bi, Cu, Pb, Ag,
Au
Al, Na, Ca, Pt Fe, Ni, Co.
70
71

C.B.S.E Study Material 2 (Unit-1)

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CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Since E = V/L, therefore we have

70. The given figure shows a network of resistances

Substituting in the above relation we have

Final force is given by

35. Define capacitance of a capacitor.

Fig. for Q.38, Q.39

(ii) The electric flux through S

on one side of the plane

This is the same as for a point charge.

This is towards the negative charge.

must be perpendicular to the line

(ii) The potential difference between the plates is given by V = Ed =

is placed in a uniform electric field of

Write an expression for one torque

experienced by the dipole. Identify two pairs

Of these, name the pairs of vectors which are always

We can rewrite it in terms of force per unit length as

is downwards. If one considers

. Since the angle between v and B is 90

The magnetic force acts an angle of 90

and a magnetic field

where e = electronic charge and m = mass of the electron.

where S is shunt resistance, G galvanometer resistance,

that is perpendicular to the plane of their paths.

then equation 6 becomes

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