Electrostatics Theory

Electrostatics
AIM IIT 011 45769447 aim.iitj@gmail.com 1

Content
1. Introduction of Electrostatics
2. Properties of charges
3. Coulombs Law
4. Electric Field
5. Electric Filed lines and its properties
6. Electric potential energy
Equipotential Curve
7. Gausss Law and its application
8. Properties of conductor
9. Electric Dipole
10. Capacitor
11. Van de Graaff Generator

Electrostatics


1. Introduction of Electrostatics
Electrostatics is the branch of Physics, which deals with static electric charges or charges at rest or slow-moving.
Electrostatics: Properties of Stationary Charge
Magnetism: Properties of Moving charge

2. Properties of charge
Object is charged to indicate that it has a charge imbalance.
Electric Charge is an intrinsic property of matter (like mass) which causes it to experience a force when near other
electrically charged matter. There are two types of charge, positive and negative.

Electric Charge
SI Symbol Q or q
Si units Coulomb
Other units e
Derivation from other quantities
It Q =

Electron e Negative C
19
10 6 . 1

Proton p Positive C
19
10 6 . 1

Neutron n Neutral Zero

When a glass rod is rubbed with silk, the transfer of electrons takes place. Glass rod loses some electrons
and hence it becomes positively charged and silk gains those electrons and it becomes negatively charged.

e
Electron Transfer

+ _

Thus, there are two types of charges namely positive charge and negative charge.

Note: Charge produces Electric field (Stationary Charge) and Magnetic field (Moving Charge), and radiates energy.

Charge can be transferred from one part of the system to another system, but net charge will have a constant
value or charge can never be created nor be destroyed
Properties of electric charge:
1. Like charges repel each other whereas unlike charges attract each other.
2. Law of conservation of charge: The algebraic sum of total charges on a system is always constant.
3. It is electron which is responsible for charging of a body and not the proton.
4. The charge on a body cannot be a fraction of electron charge. (Charge is quantized)
ne q =
5. Charge is always associated with mass. In Charging, the mass of a body changes. If electrons are removed from
the body, the mass of the body will decreases and the body will becomes positively charged. On the other hand, if
electrons are added to a body, the mass of the body will increase and the body will acquire a net negative.
6. Accelerated charge radiates energy.

Electrostatics


Problem 1: Which one charge is not possible on a body?
A. C
20
10 8

B. C
19
10 4 . 2

C. C
19
10 16

D. C
19
10 2 . 3

Solution: (A).
2
1
10 6 . 1
10 8 . 0
19
19
=
= =

e
q
n ; which must be an integer value, Charge is always transferring in the
integral multiple of the charge of electron.
(B).
2
3
10 6 . 1
10 4 . 2
19
19
=
= =

e
q
n

(C). 10
10 6 . 1
10 16
19
19
=
= =

e
q
n

(D). 2
10 6 . 1
10 2 . 3
19
19
=
= =

e
q
n

Hence, A, B are not possible and C, D is possible.

For the point of view of electrostatic, there are two type of materials; Conductors and Insulators

In conductor electric charges free to move, the outer electrons of each atom or molecule are only weakly
bound to it. These electrons are almost free to move throughout the body of the material and called free electrons
(conduction electrons). When such a materials is placed in an electric field, the free electrons move in a direction
opposite to the field. Such materials are called conductors. (Example: Metal, human body and Earth)

Insulator, in which all the electrons are tightly, bound their respective atoms or molecule. There are no free
electrons. When such material is placed in an electric field, the electrons may slightly shift opposite to the field but
they cannot leave their parent atoms and hence cant move through long distance. Such materials are called
dielectrics. (Example: Glass, rubber and plastic)

Methods of charging conductors
i. By rubbing
ii. By conduction (By contact)
iii. By Induction (From a distance)
1. By rubbing (Frictional electricity): When a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth the glass rod acquires some positive
charge and the silk cloth acquire negative charge by the same amount.
Comb is passed through dry hair. Cloud also becomes charged by friction.
2. By conduction (Charging by contact): After conduction charge becomes equally Distributed between A & B, if A
and B are exactly same in shape, size material and finishing, Otherwise unequally.

+
+

+ + + +

+

+

+

+

Charged

A

B

q

q/2

A

q/2

+

+
+

+

A

+

+

+

+

Gets Charged

+
+

+

+
+

+

Uncharged

Electrostatics


3. By Induction (From a distance): It is also possible to charge a conductor in a way that does not involve contact. A
positively charged rod brought close to metal sphere. In the sphere free electrons close to the rod move close to this
side.

Earth-

Insulated Rod

+

+
+

+
+

+

+

-

-

+

+

+

+

-

-

-

+

+
+

+

+

+

-

-

+

+

+

+

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Grounding wire

Problem 2: Three small identical balls have charges C
12
10 3

, C
12
10 8

and C
12
10 4

respectively. They are
brought in contact and then separated. Calculate (i) charge on each ball (ii) number of electrons in excess or deficit
on each ball after contact.
Solution: (i) The charge on each ball
C
q q q
q
4 4 3 2 1
10 3 10
3
4 8 3
3

= |
.
|
\
| + +
=
+ +
=

(ii) Since the charge is positive, there is a shortage of electrons on each ball.

7
19
4
10 875 . 1
10 6 . 1
10 3
=
= =

e
q
n
Number of electrons =
7
10 875 . 1 .
Problem 3: Two spherical conductors B and C having equal radii and carrying equal charges on them repel each
other with a force F when kept apart at some distance. A third spherical conductor having same radii as that of B but
uncharged is brought in contact with B, then brought in contact with C and finally removed away from both. Find the
new force of repulsion between B and C.
Solution: Initially, Force between B and C is
2
2
R
KQ
F =

B
C
Q

Q
A
Q = 0

R

A third uncharged sphere A, is brought in contact with B, (Charge transfer will take place by conduction)

C

Q/2

Q
A

Q/2

R

B

Amount of transferred Charge is
depend upon the shape of
conductor, material.

Then third charged sphere with charge Q/2, is brought in contact with C, (Again charge transfer take place till equal
charge)

C

Q/2

Q

A

Q/2

R

B

3Q/4

3Q/4

A

Q/2

R

B
C

Electrostatics


Here, Total Charge is conserved. Total Charge on C and A is 2 / 3 2 / Q Q Q = + , which equally distributed on the both
sphere, Charge on each sphere is 4 / 3Q .
Finally;

3Q/4

Q/2

R

B
C

Finally Force between B and C

( )( )
F
R
KQ
R
Q Q K
F
8
3
8
3 4 / 3 2 /
'
2
2
2
= = =

3. Coulombs Law:

q
2
r
q
1

The force between two point charges is directly proportional to product of their magnitude
1
q &
2
q , and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance r between them. The direction of forces is along the line joining the two
point charges.

2 1
q q Fo . (i)

2
1
r
Fo (ii)
Combined two equations

2
2 1
r
q q
k F =
Where k is a constant
0
2 2 9
4
1
/ 10 9
tc
= = C Nm k and
0
c = permittivity of the free space.
Vector Form: ) (
^
2
2 1
r
r
q q
k F =
) (
3
2 1

= r
r
q q
k F
Important Points Regarding Coulombs law
1. Charges are assumed to be rest.
2. Charges are assumed to be point particle.
3. Magnitude of the force

2
2 1
r
q q
k F =

4. Direction of the force between two charges:

Q +

Q +

Q +

Force between two
positive charges

Q

Q
Q

Force between two
opposite charges

Force between two
negative charges

Repulsive Force

Repulsive Force

Attractive Force

F

F

F

F

F

F

(i). Same charges push each other in the opposite direction (Force is repulsive) and opposite charges pull each
other in the direction of towards each other (Force is attractive) and this force always along the straight line joined
both charges.
Electrostatics


(ii). If force is negative force is attractive
If force is positive force is repulsive

(iii). Force on the both charge is equal in magnitude

(iv). There is no any force exerted on any point charge by self.

5. Effect of the medium on the force between two charges: When a dielectric medium is completely filled in
between charges rearrangement of the charges inside the dielectric medium takes place and the force between the
same tow charge decreases by a factor of K known as dielectric constant or specific inductive capacity (SIC) of the
medium, K is also called relative permittivity of the medium (relative means with respect to free space).
Hence in the presence of the medium:
2
2 1
0
4
1
r
q q
F
r
c tc
=
K
r
= c = Dielectric constant/ relative permittivity of the medium.

1
q
In Medium

F

2
q
1
q
F/K

2
q
In Vacuum

Relative Permittivity of the medium: Dielectric constant is the ratio of the force of attraction or repulsion between
the two similar point charges in the air to the ratio of the force of attraction or repulsion between point charges
separated by same distance in the medium.

Medium
air
F
F
K =

6. Principle of Superposition of electric force: Total force on a given charges is the vector sum of all the individual
force exerted on it by all other charges, each individual force being calculated by Coulombs law.
......
5 1 4 1 3 1 2 1 1
+ + + + =

F F F F F

q
1
q
2
q
3
q
4

q
5
q

7. Force on a test charge due to continuous distribution of charges.

r

q
o
q

dq

}
=
^
2
0
0
.
4
r
r
dq q
F
tc

Electrostatics


8. Charge densities:
Linear Charge Density: Charge per unit length,

l
Q
=
m
C

Surface Charge density: Charge per unit area

A
Q
= o
2
m
C

Volume Charge Density: Charge per unit volume

V
Q
=
3
m
C

Problem 4: Two point charges A and B separated by a distance R attract each other with a force of N
3
10 12

. Find
the force between A and B when the charges on them are doubled and distance is halved.
Solution: Given that N
R
KQ
F
3
2
2
10 12

= =

Q +
Q

Force between two
opposite charges

Attractive Force

F

F

Then, the charges on them are doubled and distance is halved,

Q 2 +
Q 2

Force between two
opposite charges

F

F

New Force is
2
2
2
16
) 2 / (
) 2 )( 2 (
'
R
KQ
R
Q Q K
F = =
Magnitude of new force is N F 192 . 0 10 12 16 16
3
= =

.

Problem 5: If a charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining two equal charges Q such that the system is in
equilibrium then find the value of q.
Solution: System is equilibrium means that net force on each particle is zero.

Q +
Q +

q

Force on middle charge is always zero,
Force on charge located at left hand side or right hand side,
0
) 2 ( ) (
2
2
2
= + = + =
r
KQ
r
KQq
F F F
Q q net
(For equilibrium)
By solving this
4
Q
q =
Electrostatics


Problem 6: Two small identical balls P and Q, each of mass gm
10
3
, carry identical charges and are suspended by
threads of equal lengths. At equilibrium, they position themselves as shown in figure. What charge on each ball?

60
0
60
0

Solution: Free body diagram

60
0
60
0
mg

F
e
T

Tsin60
0
Tcos60
0

mg T =
0
60 sin

2
2
0
60 cos
l
kq
T =
With the help of these two equations
C
k
mgl
q
kq
mgl
7
0
2
2
2
0
10
60 tan
60 tan

= = =
For tension in the string

|
|
.
|
\
|
+ =
2
2
2
) (
l
kq
mg T
Problem 7: Point charges having values C 1 . 0 + , C 2 . 0 + , C 3 . 0 and C 2 . 0 are placed at the corners A, B, C
and D respectively of square of side one meter. Calculate the magnitude of the force on a charge of C 1 placed at
centre of the square.
Solution:

1 m

C 2 . 0

D

2 1 1
2 2 2
= + = + = BC AB AC
2 = AC
DO BO CO m m AO = = = = =
2
1
2
2
1

C 1 . 0
C 3 . 0
C 2 . 0
C

B

A

C 1
O

B
F
C
F
D
F
A
F
F

Where N F
A
0018 . 0
2
1
) 10 1 )( 10 1 . 0 (
10 9
2
6 6
9
=
|
.
|
\
|

=

(along OC)
Electrostatics


N F
C
0054 . 0
2
1
) 10 1 )( 10 3 . 0 (
10 9
2
6 6
9
=
|
.
|
\
|

=

(Along OC)
Where N F
B
0036 . 0
2
1
) 10 1 )( 10 2 . 0 (
10 9
2
6 6
9
=
|
.
|
\
|

=

(Along OD)
N F
D
0036 . 0
2
1
) 10 1 )( 10 2 . 0 (
10 9
2
6 6
9
=
|
.
|
\
|

=

(Along OD)

Force on charge at O due to A (Repulsive) and due to C is (attractive) along the AC
N F F F
C A
0072 . 0 0054 . 0 0018 . 0
1
= + = + =
Similarly force on charge due to B and D is along OD
N F F F
D B
0072 . 0 0036 . 0 0036 . 0
1
= + = + =
There are two forces equal in magnitude and acting perpendicular
Net force N F F F F F F 01018 . 0 0072 . 0 414 . 1 2 90 cos 2
0
2 1
2
2
2
1
= = = + + =
Alternate Method: Use vector form.

Problem 8: Three charges
3 2 1
, q and q q + are placed as shown in the figure. The x-component of the force on
1
q is proportional to

q
3
a

y
b
X
+q
2
q
1

A. u sin
2
3
2
2
a
q
b
q
B. u cos
2
3
2
2
a
q
b
q

C. u sin
2
3
2
2
a
q
b
q
+ D. u cos
2
3
2
2
a
q
b
q
+

Solution: Answer is C

q
3
a

2
3 1
2
a
q kq
F =

b

2
2 1
1
b
q kq
F =
+q
2
q
1
u cos
2
F
u sin
2
F
X component of the force
u sin
2 1
F F F
x
+ =
u sin
2
3 1
2
2 1
a
q kq
b
q kq
F
x
+ =
u o sin
2
3
2
2
a
q
b
q
F
x
+

Electrostatics


Problem Set 1
1. What is the Coulombs law of electrostatics? Explain the dependency of the medium. Write law in the vector
form.
2. Define the dielectric constant of the medium?

3. Two point charges of C 2 + and C 6 + repel each other with a force of 12 N. If each is given an additional
charge of C 4 , what will be the new force?
4. Explain: Two identical metallic spheres of exactly equal masses are taken. One is given a positive charge q
coulombs and the other an equal negative charge. Are their masses after charging equal?

5. Two point charges each of q C separated by 1m distance experience a force of F. How much force is experienced
by them if they are immersed in water, keeping distance of separation between them same. (Dielectric constant for
water K = 80).

6. Force of attraction between two point charges placed at a distance d is F. What distance apart should they be
kept in the same medium so that force between them is F/3?

7. Does Coulombs law of electric force obey the Newtons law?

8. How does the force between two point charges change if the dielectric constant of the medium in which they are
kept increases?

9. What is quantization of electric charge?

10. Two charged spherical conductors, each of radius R, are distant d ( R d 2 < ). They carry charges + q and q. Will
the force of attraction between them be exactly
2
0
2
4 d
q
tc
?
11. Two identical metallic spheres, having unequal opposite charges are placed at a distance 0.9 m apart in air. After
bringing them in contact with each other they are again placed at the same distance apart. Now the force of
repulsion between them is 0.025 N. Calculate the finale charge on each of them.

12. In what ways does a charge differs from mass?

13. Two similar and equal charged identical metal spheres A and B repel each other with a force of N
5
10 2

. A
third identical uncharged sphere C is touched with A and then placed at the midpoint between A and B. Calculate
the net electric force on C.

14. Three point charges of C C 3 , 2 + and C 3 are kept at the vertices A, B, C respectively of an equilateral
triangle of side 20 cm. What should be the sign and the magnitude of the charge to be placed at the midpoint (M) of
side BC so that the charge at A remains in equilibrium?

Electrostatics


15. Two point charges of values q and 2q are kept at a distance d apart from each other in air. A third charge Q is to
be kept along the same line in such a way that net force acting on q and 2q is zero. Calculate the position of charge Q
in terms of q and d.
4. Electric Field
A field of force surrounding a charged particle.
Electric field strength: - The strength of electric field at a point is defined as the force experienced by one coulomb
of positive charge placed at that point. It is a vector quantity and its direction is the direction in which the force acts
on positive charge placed at that point.

0
0
0 q
F
Limit E
q
=
Where, F is the force on charge
0
q due to electric field due to charge Q.
Hence, electric field due to a point charge Q is given by

2
0
4
1
r
Q
E
e
=
t

Electric filed due to system of n charges (use vector addition)
......
5 1 4 1 3 1 2 1 1
+ + + + =

E E E E E

Electric field due to continuous distribution of charge (use integration)

}
= dE E

r

P

q

dq

}
=
^
2
0
.
4
1
r
r
dq
E
tc

Problem 9: An infinite number of charges, each q coulomb, are placed along x axis at ,...... 9 , 3 , 1 m m m x =
Calculate the electric field at the point 0 = x due to these charges, if (i). All the charges are same sign (ii) consecutive
charges have opposite signs.
Solution: (i). ..........
9 3 1
+ + + = E E E E

x = 0

q

q
q

x = 1

x = 3

x = 9

.........
9 3 1
2 2 2
+ + + =
kq kq kq
E

|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
.
|
\
|
+ + + =
9
1
1
1
.......
9
1
3
1
1
1
2 2 2
kq kq E
(Sum of infinite G.P.;
r
a
S
1
, Where a is first term and r is common ratio)

1
0
8
9
4
= NC
q
E
tc

Electrostatics


(ii). ..........
9 3 1
+ + + = E E E E

x = 0

q

q
-q

x = 1

x = 3

x = 9

+ = .........
9 3 1
2 2 2
kq kq kq
E

|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
=
|
.
|
\
|
+ =
9
1
1
1
.......
9
1
3
1
1
1
2 2 2
kq kq E

1
0
10
9
4
= NC
q
E
tc

Problem 10: Point charges having values C C 5 , 1 + and C 2 + are placed at the corners A, B and C respectively
of an equilateral triangle of side 2 m in free space. Determine the magnitude of intensity at the point D midway
between A and C.
Solution:
A

1 C
5 C

E
A
2 C
D

C

E
C
B

E
B

The intensity
A
E at D due to charge at A is given by
2
6
9
1
10
10 9
=
A
E

(
= = = m m AC AD 1 2
2
1
2
1

C N E
A
/ 10 9
3
= ; Along DC
The intensity
C
E at D due to charge at C is given by
C N E
C
/
1
10 2
10 9
2
6
9
= C N E
C
/ 10 18
3
= (Long DA)
The magnitude of the resultant of
C
E and
D
E is given by
C N C N E E
A C
/ 10 9 / ) 10 9 10 18 (
3 3 3
= =
The intensity
B
E at D due to charge at B is given by
C N C N E
B
/ 10 15 /
3
10 5
10 9
3
6
9
=
=

Along DB
In right angled triangle m BD
BD
3
2
30 cos
0
= =
If E is the magnitude of the intensity, then C N E / 10 749 . 1 ) 10 15 ( ) 10 9 (
4 2 3 2 3
= + =

Electrostatics


Problem 11: Find the electric field at a perpendicular distance r from the midpoint of the straight wire of length
l and has chargeQ.
Solution: Charge density is
l
Q
=
Lets take a small line element length of dx and has charge dq at a distance x from the centre of the straight wire.
Electric field at the point due to small charge element R is given by

2
) (RP
kdq
E = (Along the RP); where OP r =
And
2 2 2 2
r x OP OR RP + = + =

2 2
r x
kdq
E
+
=
Electric field at point P due to the similar point charge at S

2 2
r x
kdq
E
+
=
Vertical component due to both point charge has cancelled and resultant electric field due to the point charges is
given by u cos 2E dE =

S

l
x

dx

P

R

u sin E
u sin E
u cos 2E
dx

x

E

E

O

So, net electric field due to straight wire
u cos 2
2 /
0
2 2 }
+
=
l
r x
kdq
E
Where dx
l
Q
dq = and
2 2
cos
r x
x
+
= u

} } }
+
=
+
=
+
=
2 /
0
2 / 3 2 2
2 /
0
2 / 3 2 2
2 /
0
2 2
) (
2
) (
2 cos 2
l l l
r x
dx
l
kQr
dx
r x l
kQr
r x
kdq
E u

( )
(
+
=
(
(
+
=
(
+
=
2 2
2 /
0
2 2
2 /
0
2 2
2
4
1 2
2 /
2 / 1 2 1 2
r l
l
r l
kQ
r l
l
r l
kQ
r x
x
r l
kQr
E
l
l

(
+
=
2 2
4
1 2
r l
r
kQ
E

}
+
=
2 / 3 2 2
) ( r x
dx
I
Let u tan r x = u
2
sec r dx =

(
+
= = = =
} }
2 2
2 2 2 3 3
2
1 sin cos
sec
sec
r x
x
r r r
d
r
d r
I
u u u
u
u u

Electrostatics


Important Point: Electric field due to infinite length wire

(
(
(
(
(
|
.
|
\
|
+
=
(
(
(
(
(
|
.
|
\
|
+
=
(
+
=
2
2
0 2
2
0 2 2 0
4
1 2
4
1 2
4
1 2
l
r
r
k
Limit
l
r
rl
kQ
Limit
r l
r
kQ
Limit E
l l l

r
k
E
2
=
(Alternate method: use Gausss Law)

5. ELECTRIC FIELD LINES/ ELECTRIC FORCE LINES: Graphical Representation
Electric filed in a region can be graphical represented by drawing certain curves known as lines of electric force or
electric field lines. Electric field provides a means for visualizing the direction and magnitude of electric field.

Electric
field lines
+Q

The following points should be remembered:
1. Lines of force diverge out from a positive charge and converge at a negative charge or Electric field lines
extend away from positive charge (where they originate) and towards negative charge (where they terminate)
2. The tangent to a line of force at any point gives the direction of electric field at that point.
3. There is no physical existence of electric field lines.
4. Lines must lie along the radii.
5. Lines of force never intersect.
6. In a uniform field, the filed lines are straight parallel and uniformly spaced.
7. Electric field line always flow from higher potential to lower potential.
8. Filed lines never exist inside a conductor and start or end normally from the surface of a conductor.
9. Electric field lines also give the indication of equipotential surfaces.
10. The number of lines of force originating from or ending on a charge is proportional to the magnitude of
the charge.
Important figure:

Positive Charge

Negative Charge
+
+

Electrostatics


Positive Charge Positive Charge

+
+
- Q

A.

B.

B

Electric field is zero everywhere
inside a metal (conductor).
Field lines do not enter a metal
plus these are perpendicular to
metal surface.

B A
E E >

FORCE ON A CHARGE q IN ELECTRIC FIELD

= E q F

= E q F

Force on positive charge always in the direction of electric field, and force on negative charge opposite to electric
field direction.

Problem 12: A uniform electric field E is created between two parallel, charged plates as shown in figure (29-W9).
An electron enters the field symmetrically between the plates with of speed u
0
.The length of each plate isl . Find the
angle of deviation of the path of the electron as it comes out of the field.

v
0
+ + + + + + + + +

l

E

Solution: The acceleration of the electron is
m
eE
a = in the upward direction. The horizontal velocity remain u
0
as
there is no acceleration in this direction. Thus, the time taken in crossing the field is
=
0
u
l
t (1)
The upward component of the velocity of the electron as it emerges from the field region is
= =
0
mu
eEl
at u
y

The horizontal component of the velocity remains
.
0
u u
x
=
Electrostatics


The angle made by the resultant velocity with the original direction is given by
= =
2
0
tan
mu
eEl
u
u
x
y
u
Thus, the electron deviates by an angle
=

2
0
1
tan
mu
eEl
u

6. Electric potential energy:
The electrostatic potential energy of a system of poi nt charges is the work required to assemble this system
of charges by bringing them in form an infinite distance.
Electrostatic Potential energy of the system of two particles:

O

P

r
1
R

r
2
Q

dr

r

S

Assumptions:
First, we assume that the test charge q is so small that it does not disturb the original configuration, namely the
charge Q at the origin (or else, we keep Q fixed at the origin by some unspecified force). Second, in bringing the
charge q from R to P, we apply an external force
ext
F just enough to counter the repulsive electric force
E
F (i.e,
E ext
F F = ). This means there is no net force on or acceleration of the charge q when it is brought from R to P, i.e.,
it is brought with infinitesimally slow constant speed.
Work done by the external force is the negative of the work done by the electric force, and gets fully stored in the
form of potential energy of the charge q.
Thus, work done by external forces in moving a charge q from R to P is

} }

= =
P
R
E
P
R
ext RP
dr F dr F W
This work done is against electrostatic repulsive force and gets stored as potential energy.

(
=
(
= = =
} }
2 1
2 2
1 1 1 1
1
2
1
2
r r
kQq
r
kQq dr
r
kQq dr
r
kQq
W
r
r
r
r
P
R
RP

If point R at the infinite then
2
r

1
r
kQq
U =
Electrostatic Potential:
Electric potential is a property of an electric field, regardless of whether a charged object has been placed in
that field; it is measured in joules per coulomb, or volts.

The Electric potential at a point in an electric field is the energy required (Work to be done by an external
force) per unit charge to bring a small positive charge from infinity to that point without any acceleration to it.
Electric potential due to a point charge

r
kQ
q
W
V
P
= =

P

r

Q

Note: i. Most important is potential difference.
Electrostatics


ii. The potential at a point due to a positive source charge is positive and that due to negative source charge
is negative.

Relationship between E and V:
1. If electric field is given
}

=
f
i
dl E V .
}

=
P
dl E V .
Where
k E j E i E E
z y x
+ + =

k dz j dy i dx dl + + =

2. If potential is given then
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ + = k
dz
dV
j
dy
dV
i
dx
dV
E
3. Potential due to a group of charges
... ..........
3 2 1
+ + + = V V V V
4. Potential due to continuous charge distribution

}
= dV V
Electric potential energy: - Potential Energy of a system of point charges is defined as the amount of work
done to assemble this system by bringing them in from an infinite distance.
Potential Energy of two point charges

r
q q
U
2 1
0
4
1
e
=
t

Change in potential energy of a point charge in moving it from one point A to another B in fixed uniform field:
W V V q U
A B
A = = A ) (

Equipotential Surface:

Electric filed lines

Equipotential Surface
- -----------

Equipotential Surface

Properties of Equipotential Surface:
i. There is no electric field in any direction lying on or along the equipotential surface. (Because there is no
potential difference)
ii. Electric field and hence lines of force are always perpendicular to the Equipotential surface.
iii. No work is required to be done in moving a charge from one point to another on an equipotential
surface.

Electrostatics


Problem 13: Calculate (i) the potential at a point due a charge of C
7
10 4

located at 0.09m away (ii) work done in
bringing a charge of C
9
10 2

from infinity to the point.
Solution: (i) The potential due to the charge q1 at a point is
r
q
V
1
0
4
1
tc
=

4
7
9
10 4
09 . 0
10 4
10 9 =
=

V Volt
(ii) Work done in bringing a charge q2 from infinity to the point is
W = q
2
V = 2 10
9
4 10
4

W = 8 10
5
J
Problem 14: Calculate the electric potential at a point P, located at the centre of the square of point charges shown
in the figure.

nC q 12
1
=
d =1.3m
nC q 17
4
=
nC q 31
3
=
nC q 24
2
=
P

Solution: Potential at a point P is
(
+ + + =
r
q
r
q
r
q
r
q
V
4 3 2 1
0
4
1
tc

The distance m
d
r 919 . 0
2
3 . 1
2
= = =
Total charge =
4 3 2 1
q q q q + + +
= C
9
10 ) 17 31 24 12 (

+ +
= C
9
10 36

919 . 0
10 36
10 9
9
9
C
V
= = 352.6 V
Problem 15: Three charges 2 10
9
C, +3 10
9
C, 4 10
9
C are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle
ABC of side 20 cm. Calculate the work done in shifting the charges A, B and C to P, Q and R respectively which are
the mid points of the sides of the triangle.

nC q 2
1
=
nC q 3
2
=
nC q 4
3
=
A
P

Q
R
C B

Solution: The potential energy of the system of charges,
(
+ + =
r
q q
r
q q
r
q q
U
1 3 3 2 2 1
0
4
1
tc

Work done in displacing the charges from A, B and C to P, Q and R respectively

i f
U U W =
Electrostatics


i
U and
f
U are the initial and final potential energy of the system.
J U
i
7 10 5 . 4
02 . 0
) 10 2 ( 10 4
02 . 0
) 10 4 ( 10 3
02 . 0
10 3 10 2
10 9
9 9 9 9 9 9
9
=
(

+

+

=

J U
i
7 10 9
01 . 0
) 10 2 ( 10 4
02 . 0
) 10 4 ( 10 3
01 . 0
10 3 10 2
10 9
9 9 9 9 9 9
9
=
(

+

+

=

Work done = J 7 10 5 . 4

Problem 16: An alpha particle with kinetic energy 10 Me V is heading towards a stationary tin nucleus of atomic 50.
Calculate the distance of closest approach.

Solution: In approaching the nucleus, kinetic energy of alpha particle is converted into electrical potential energy, so
if r is the distance of closest approach:

.) . ( 4
1
4
1
2
1
2 1
0
2 1
0
2
E K
q q
r
r
q q
mv
tc tc
= =

) (
) 50 )( 2 (
4
1
0
KM
e e
r
tc
=

) 10 6 . 1 10 10 (
) 50 10 6 . 1 )( 10 6 . 1 2 (
) 10 9 (
9 6
19 19
9

= r
fm m r 4 . 14 10 4 . 14
15
= =

Passage for Q 17 to 19: Two fixed charges 2Q and Q are located at the points with coordinates ( - 3a, 0) and ( + 3a,
0) respectively in the x-y plane.
Given that all points in the x- y plane where the electric potential due to the two charges is zero, lie in the circle.

17. Radius of the given circle
A. 3a B. 4a C. 5a D. 6a

18. The expression of potential ) (x V at a general point on the x axis is
A.
(
+ x a x a 3
2
3
1
B.
(
x a x a 3
2
3
1
C.
(
+ x a x a 2
3
2
1
D.
(
x a x a 2
3
2
1

19. If a particle of charge +q

starts form rest at the centre of the circle, by a short quantitative argument that the
particle eventually crosses the circle, its speed when it does so

A.
2 / 1
0
2 4
1
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
ma
Qq
tc
B.
2 / 1
0
4
1
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
ma
Qq
tc
C.
2 / 1
0
2
4
1
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
ma
Qq
tc
D.
2 / 1
0
4 4
1
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
ma
Qq
tc

Solution: Let ) , ( y x P be general point on x y plane. Electric potential at point P would be

Q Q
V V V
2
+ =
(
(
+ +
+
(
(
+
=
2 2
0
2 2
0 ) 3 (
2
4
1
) 3 (
4
1
y a x
Q
y a x
Q
V
tc tc
.(1)
Given that potential is zero
Electrostatics


| |
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
) 4 ( ) 5 ( ) 3 ( ) 3 ( 4 a y a x y x a y x a = + + + = +

) 0 , 3 ( a
Q

-2Q

P(x, y)

) 0 , 3 ( a

This equation of a circle of radius a 4 and centre at ) 0 , 5 ( a

) 0 , (a
V=0

0

P(x, y)

) 0 , 5 ( a ) 0 , 9 ( a

(b). On x axis potential will be undefined (or say )at a x 3 = and a x 3 = , because charge Qand Q 2 are
placed at these two points. So, between a x a 3 3 < < we can find potential by putting 0 = y in equation (1).
Therefore,

(
=
x a x a
Q
V
3
2
3
1
4
0
tc
for a x a 3 3 < <
0 = V at a x =
V at a x 3
And + V at a x 3
For a x 3 > , there is again a point where potential will become zero so for a x 3 > , we can write:

(
=
x a a x
Q
V
3
2
3
1
4
0
tc
for a x 3 >
For a x 3 < , we can write

(
+
=
a x a x
Q
V
3
2
3
1
4
0
tc
for a x 3 <
Potential at centre at a x 5 = will be,

a
Q
a a
Q
V
0 0
4 8
2
2
1
4 tc tc
=
(
= = positive
Potential on the circle is zero.
Since, potential > potential on the circumference on it, the particle will cross the circle because positive charge
moves from higher potential to lower potential. Speed of the particle, while crossing the circle would be,

( )
ma
qQ
m
V q
v
0
8
2
tc
=
A
=
Here, V A is potential difference between the centre and circumference of the circle.
Electrostatics


Problem Set 2
1. In an electric field an electron is kept freely. If the electron is replaced by a proton, what will be the relationship
between the force experienced by them?
2. Two point charges of C 3 + each are 100 cm apart. At what point on the line joining the charges will the electric
intensity be zero?

3. What is the signs of
1
q and
2
q ?

q
2
q
1

4. Draw lines of force to represent a uniform electric field.

5. Sketch the line of force due to two equal positive point charges placed near each other?

6. Consider three charged rods A, B and C. A and B repel each other while A and C attract each other. What will be
the nature of force between B and C?

7. Two point electric charges of unknown magnitude and sign are placed 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.
8. Two point charges of C
19
10 5

+ and C
19
10 20

+ are separated by a distance 2 m. Find the point on the line
joining them at which electric field intensity is zero.

9. What is an equipotential surface? Write down any tow properties of the equipotential surface.
10. What is the work done in moving a change of 10 nC between two points on an equipotential surface?
11. Draw an equipotential surface in a uniform in a uniform electric filed.
12. Draw an equipotential surface for a point change . 0 > Q
13. A positive change is moved in an electrostatic filed from a point at high potential to a point at low potential. How
does its kinetic energy and potential energy change?
14. Three concentric metal spheres C and B A, have radii
3 2 1
R and R , R respectively and have
change
3 2 1
Q and Q , Q . What is the potential and intensity of electric field at a point P between the spheres
B and C at a distance r from the centre Oof the spheres?
15. The work done in moving a charge of 3C between two points is 6 . J what is the potential difference between the
points?
16. Explain what is meant by an electric line of force? Give its 4 important properties? Explain with sketches.
Electrostatics


7. Gauss law
Electric Flux of an electric field through a surface: The electric flux | through a Gaussian surface is proportional to
the net number of electric field lines passing through that surface.
Or

Electric Flux: - The electric flux linked with the surface are the product of the surface area and the component of
electric intensity taken perpendicular to the surface of the field.

}

= dS E. |
Direction of surface is perpendicular to the surface pointing outwards.
The flux of the net electric field through a closed surface equals the net charge enclosed by the surface divided
by
0
c .

}
=

0
.
c
in
q
dS E
Problem 20: The electric field in a region is given by
^ ^
j q i p E + =
, where p & q are constants. Find the net flux

passing through a circle area of radius of r parallel to (i). x y plane (ii). y z plane (iii). z x plane.
Solution: (i).
^ ^
j q i p E + =
, area vector parallel to x y plane is

^
2
k r S t =

Flux 0 ) ( .
^
2
^ ^
= + = =

k r j q i p dS E t |
(ii).
^ ^
j q i p E + =
, area vector parallel to z y plane is

^
2
i r S t =

Flux
2
^
2
^ ^
) ( . r p i r j q i p dS E t t | = + = =

(iii).
^ ^
j q i p E + =
, area vector parallel to z x plane is

^
2
j r S t =

Flux
2
^
2
^ ^
) ( . r q j r j q i p dS E t t | = + = =

Applications of Gausss law:

1. Charged Conductor: An electric conductor has a large number of free electrons and when placed in an electric
field, these electrons redistribute themselves to make the field zero at all the points inside the conductor.
If a charge is injected anywhere in the conductor, it must come over to the surface of the conductor so that
the interior is always charge free. Also, if the conductor has a cavity, the charge must come over to the surface.

Earthing a conductor
All conductor which are not given any external charge, are also very nearly at the same potential.
The potential of the earth is often taken to be zero.
If a conductor is connected to the earth, the potential of the conductor becomes equal to that of the earth, i.e. zero.
If the conductor was at some other potential, charge will flow from it to earth or from earth to it to br ing its
potential to zero.
Electrostatics


C
+
+
+
R
2+
Conductor

+
+
+
+
+
.+q
.+q
-q
+

R
Conductor

.+q
-q

The potential due to the charge at the centre
r
kq
V =
The potential due to the charge at the inner surface
r
kq
V =
The potential due to the charge at the outer surface
r
kq
V =
Net potential =
r
kq
V =
After earthing, the charge at outer surface flows to earth and potential of the sphere becomes zero.

2. Electric field due to a uniformly charged Sphere: Here is a spherical geometry, where the charges are evenly
distributed throughout the volume. If the total charge in the sphere is Q, and the sphere has a radius R, then the
volume charge density is

3
3
C/m
3
4
R
Q
t
=
By symmetry, the E field is everywhere radial from the center of the sphere.

(i). If point is inside the Sphere: Use a spherical Gaussian surface,
which is perpendicular to
E everywhere. The area vector
S is parallel to
E , and the total area is

2
4 r t so when the Gaussian surface radius is
R r < , then

}
=

0
.
c
in
q
dS E

3 2
0 0
3
4
4 r r E A d E t t c c = =
}

r E
0
3c
=

3
0 0
3 4
1
3
3
4
R
Qr r
R
Q
E
tc c
t
= =
E
S
R
r

Electrostatics


(ii). If point is outside the Sphere: Use a spherical Gaussian surface,
which is perpendicular to
E everywhere. The area vector
S is parallel
to
E , and the total area is

2
4 r t so when the Gaussian surface radius
is R r > , then

}
=

0
.
c
in
q
dS E

3 2
0 0
3
4
4 R r E A d E t t c c = =
}

2
0
3
3 r
R
E
c
=

2
0
4
1
r
Q
E
tc
=
E
S
R
r

(iii). Electric field on the surface:
Put R r = , in any result

2
0
4
1
R
Q
E
tc
=
Potential due to Solid sphere
Potential at an outside point:
r
kq
V =
Potential on the surface:
R
kq
V =
Potential at the inside point:
3
R
kqr
E = Potential:
(
=
2
2
2 2
3
R
r
R
kq
V

3. Field due to an infinite long straight charged wire: Consider a long charge with linear charge density . Calculate
the electric field at a point P which is at a distance x from the line charge.

The electric flux ( | ) through curved surface =
}
u cos Eds

0
) 2 (
c
t
l
rl E Eds = =
}

(
0
0 = u and the surface area of the curved part is rl t 2 )

Electrostatics


r
k
E
2
=
Note: The line charge is assumed infinitely long because this alone would ensure the direction of electric field
radially outward at all points around it.

4. Electric field due to a plane Sheet of Charge: Consider a large plane sheet of charge with surface charge density
(Charge per unit area)o .

0
2c
o
= E
Does not depend upon the distance from the charge sheet. (Class Notes)

5. Electric field due to a thick charged conducting plate:

0
c
o
= E
Electric field inside the conductor 0 = E

6. The electric field outside a spherical shell of charge with radius R and total charge q is directly radially and has
magnitude
Outside point
2
r
kq
E = R r >
Potential:
r
kq
V =

Inside Point E = 0 r < R Potential at inside and surface
R
kq
V =
Exercise: Derive an expression for electric field and potential due to
(i). Point charge (ii). Linear charge distribution (iii). Ring (iv). Disc
(v). Shell (vi). Sphere (vii). Charge sheet (viii). Bulk sheet
Use Gausss law or Coulombs law for it.

8. Properties of conductor

1. Excess charge on a conductor resides on its outer surface: The interior of a conductor can have no excess charge
in the static situation.

+ + + +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
0
0
= = -
}
E
q
ds E
in
S
c

Because 0 =
in
q
Gaussian surface
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Conductor
E = 0

2. Inside a conductor, electric field is zero.

3. Electrostatic potential is constant throughout the volume of the conductor and has same value (as inside) on its
surface.

4. Electric field at the surface of charged conductor:
Electrostatics


Electric field is given
^
0
n E
c
o
=
, where o the surface charge density is and

^
n is unit vector normal to the
surface in the outward direction.
It is perpendicular to the surface and it is not constant value through total surface it depends upon surface
charge density.
For a non uniform conductor charge density o varies inversely as the radius of curvature R of that part of
the conductor,

R
1
o o

+ + + +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
2 1
R R <
2 1
o o >
2 1
E E >
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
2
1

5. Electrostatic shielding: Consider a conductor with cavity, with no charge insi de the cavity. A remarkable result is
that the electric field inside the cavity is zero, whatever is the size and shape of the cavity and whatever is the
charge on the conductor and the external fields in which it might be placed. This is known as electrostatic shielding.

0 =
in
q
So, electric field inside
the cavity is zero.
+q -
-
-
-
-
-
-

Problem 21: A point charge causes an electric flux of C Nm / 10 6
2 3
to pass through a spherical Gaussian surface
of 10 cm radius centred on the charge. (i) If the radius of the Gaussian surface is doubled, how much flux will pass
through the surface? (ii) What is the value of charge?

Solution: (i) If the radius of the Gaussian surface is doubled, the electric flux through the new surface will be the
same, as it depends only on the net charge enclosed within and it is independent of the radius.
C Nm / 10 6
2 3
= |
(ii).
0
c
|
q
=
C q
8 12 3
10 31 . 5 10 85 . 8 10 6

= =

Electrostatics


Problem Set 3
1. Define electric Flux. What are the SI unit of electric flux? Is electric flux a vector or a scalar?
2. A change q is placed at a corner of a cube of side a. What is the electric flux associated with the cube?
3.
2 1
s and s Are hollow concentric spheres enclosing charge Q and Q 2 respectively as shown in

(i) What is the ratio of the electric flux through
2 1
S and S ?
(ii) How will the electric flux through the sphere
1
S change, if a medium of dielectric constant 5 is introduced
in the space inside
1
S in place of air?
4. State Gausss theorem. Using it derive an expression for the electric filed intensity due to on infinitely long
straight wire of linear charge density . / m C
5. State Gausss theorem in electrostatics. Derive an expression for the electric filed intensity due to an infinite plane
thin sheet of electric charge. Or
State Gausss theorem in electrostatics and express it mathematically. Using it, derive an expression for electric field
intensity at a point near a thin infinite plane sheet of electric charge.
6. An early model for an atom considered it to have a positively charged point nucleus of charge Ze + surrounded by
a uniform density of negative charge up to a radius . R The atom as a whole is neutral. For this model, what is the
electric filed at a distance r from the nucleus when (i) , R r < (ii) and R r = (iii) R r > ? Use Gausss theorem.

Electrostatics


9. Electric Dipole
When two equal & opposite electric charge, +q and q (small in magnitude) are separated by a small distance 2a,
then this system is known as electric dipole

-q
2 a
q

Electric dipole Moment:

= a q p 2
Direction of
p from negative to the positive charge. (Along the axis of dipole).

Electric potential and Electric field intensity due to dipole:

-q
2a
q
P
r

Potential
2
cos
r
kp
V
u
=

Electric field 1 cos 3
2
3
+ = u
r
kp
E

Important points should be remembered
1. When
0
0 = u (P is on the axis of dipole)

2
r
kp
V = and
3
2
r
kp
E = (direction is parallel to p)
Point P is called an end point on position.

2. When
0
90 = u (P is on the equator of dipole )
0 = V and
3
r
kp
E = (direction is antiparallel to p)
Point P is called a broad side-on position.

3. Electric dipole in uniform electric field

-q
2a
q
P

E
E
O
F
F

Torque on an electric dipole placed in an electric field
) ( 2

= = E a q E p t

4. Work done in rotating an electric dipole in a uniform electric filed
] cos [cos sin
f i
pE d pE W
f
i
u u u u
u
u
= =
}

If dipole is placed along the direction of the electric field initially, then 0 =
i
u and u u =
f
, in such case
Electrostatics


] cos 1 [
f
pE W u =
Work done by external force, if the dipole is rotated from an angle
1
u to
2
u ,
) cos (cos
2 1
u u = = pE W W
force elctric force external

5. Potential energy of a dipole placed in a uniform electric field

}
= =
f
i
d pE U U dU
f i
u
u
u u u u sin ) ( ) (
6. Equilibrium of dipole
When an electric dipole is placed in a uniform electric field net force on it is zero for any position of the dipole in the
electric field. But torque acting on it is zero only at
0
0 = u and
0
180 . Thus, we can say that at these two positions of
the dipole, net force or torque on it is zero or the dipole is in equilibrium. Of this
0
0 = u is the stable equilibrium
position of the dipole because potential energy in this position is minimum pE U = and when displaced from this
position a torque starts acting on it which is restoring in nature and which has a tendency to bring the dipole back in
its equilibrium position. On, the other hand, at
0
180 = u , the potential energy of the dipole is maximum pE U =
and when it displaced from this position, the torque has tendency to rotate it in other direction. This torque is not
restoring in nature. So, this equilibrium is known as unstable equilibrium position.

Problem 22: Find the electric field due to an electric dipole (i). at a point on its axial line (point on the axis) (ii). For
points on the equatorial plane.
Solution: (i). Let the point P be at distance r from the centre of the dipole on the side of the charge q, as shown in
Fig.

Electric field due to q charge

^
2
0
) ( 4
p
a r
q
E
q
+
tc
(1)
Similarly, electric field due to + q charge

^
2
0
) ( 4
p
a r
q
E
q
=
tc
(1)
The net electric filed at the point P

q q p
E E E
+
+ =

^
2
0
^
2
0
) ( 4 ) ( 4
p
a r
q
p
a r
q
E
p
+
+
=
tc tc

^
2 2 2
0
) (
4
4
1
p
a r
qa
E
p
=
tc

For a r >>>

^
3
0
4
4
p
r
qa q
E
p
tc
=

Direction of this electric field along the direction of dipole moment.
Electrostatics


(ii). Electric field on the perpendicular bisector

The magnitudes of the electric fields due to the two charges +q and q are given by

) ( 4
2 2
0
a r
q
E
q
+
=
+
tc

) ( 4
2 2
0
a r
q
E
q
+
=
tc

and are equal.
The directions of
q
E
+
and
q
E
are as shown in Fig. Clearly, the components normal to the dipole axis cancel away.
The components along the dipole axis add up. The total electric field is opposite to
^
p .
We have
^
cos ) ( p E E E
q q
u
+
+ =

^
2 / 3 2 2
0
) ( 4
2
p
a r
qa
E
+
=
tc

At large distance a r >>> , this reduces to

^
3
0
4
2
p
r
qa
E
tc
=
) 2 ( a q p =
At a point on the dipole axis

3
0
4
2
r
p
E
tc
=
At a point on the equatorial plane

3
0
4
2
r
p
E
tc
=
Notice the important point that the dipole field at large distances falls off not as
2
1
r
but as
3
1
r
.
Electrostatics


10. Capacitor
Capacitor: Storehouse for potential energy
A combination of two conductors placed close to each other is called capacitor one of the conductor is given a
positive charge and the other is given an equal negative charge.
The charge on a positive plate is called the charge on a capacitor and the potential difference between them is called
the potential difference between them is called the potential of the capacitor.

+
V
~
+Q
Q

V

Charge on a capacitor does not mean that the total charge given to capacitor. Total charge = 0 = Q Q
Capacitor stores the electrostatic energy in the form of electric charge.
Even a single conductor can be used as a capacitor by assuming the other at infinity.

Any conductor can store some amount of charge; this capacity to store charge is called capacitance of conductor.
For example a spherical conductor of radius R, has maximum potential at surface

R
kQ
V =
Where Q is charge given to conductor
Capacitor and capacitance: - The charge Q given to an isolated conductor is proportional to its electrical potential V,
CV Q or V Q =
or
V
Q
C = coulomb/volt or farad.
Where C is the constant of proportionality and known as capacity or capacitance of a conductor.
So, capacity of spherical capacitance R
k
R
V
Q
C
0
4tc = = =
Capacitance depends upon, Medium and geometrical parameter.
In case of Earth, R = 6400km, F C 711 = , so we have to take a conductor of size of earths size to make a
capacitance of F 711 .

The unit of capacitance is farad = coulomb/volt.
One microfarad farad F
6
10
= and
One micro-micro farad . 10 ) (
12
farad farad pico F

=
We cannot give infinite charge to any conductor, it has limit. In another word, capacity of storing charge
is called capacitance of conductor. At this amount of charge it has maximum potential.

V
Q
C = , this does not mean that capacitance will depend upon charge given and potential, capacitance
will depend on the geometry of capacitor and medium.

Electrostatics


Method to find capacitance
Step 1: Give a charge Q to the conductor
Step 2: Find the potential on it due to charge Q
Step 3: Then find the capacitance using the formula
V Q C / =

Parallel plate Capacitor

-

d
A
V
q
C
A
d q d
Ed V
0
0 0
c
c c
o
= = = = =

0 0 0
2 2 c
o
c
o
c
o
= + = E
d

When the medium between two plates is an air, then the capacity of this capacitor is given by

d
A
C
0
c =
Effect of dielectric

d
A K
CK C
0
'
c
= =
- q
V
q
-
- K E E / ' =
-
-
-
+
+
+
+
+
K = (Conductor)
K = 1 (Vacuum)

If
vacuum
C be capacity of a capacitor with vacuum or air between its plates and
dielectric
C

vacuum
dielectric
C
C
K =
Dielectric constant is also known as specific inductivity capacity of the dielectric.

Effect of dielectrics: by placing a solid dielectric plate between the plates of capacitor we can have

1. It solves the problem of maintaining two large metal sheets at a very small separation without actual
contact.
2. It increases the maximum possible difference which can be applied between the plates of the capacitor
without dielectric breakdown. Many dielectric materials can tolerate stronger electric field without break down than
can air.
3. It increases the capacity of the capacitor.
Electrostatics


Amount of charge induced on the dielectric slab placed in a capacitor

-q
i
+q
i

q
+q
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+

0
E

i
E

net
E

i net
E E E =
0

i
E E
K
E
=
0
0
Where
K
E
E
net
0
=

|
.
|
\
|
= =
K
E
K
E
E E
i
1
1
0
0
0

|
.
|
\
|
=
K
q q
i
1
1
0 0
c c

q
K
K
q
i
1
=
When area of slab
S
A is not equal to area of plate than
Q
K
K
A
A
q
s
i
1
=
In case of conductor K = , then
Q
A
A
q
s
i
=

Spherical capacitor
The spherical capacitor consists of two concentric spherical conductors of radii a and b respectively (a<b). The space
between the two conductors is filled by a dielectric of dielectric constant K. A charge q is given to the capacitance of
spherical condenser is given by

|
.
|
\
|
e =
a b
ab
K C
0
4t
Cylindrical capacitor
The cylindrical capacitor consists of two coaxial cylindrical conductors of radii a and b respectively. The
space between the two is filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant K. The inner cylinder is given a positive charge
q per unit length and the outer cylinder is earthed. The capacitance capacitor is give by

) / ( log
2
0
a b
Kl
C
e
e
=
t

Where l is the length of cylindrical capacitor?
Electrostatics


Combination of capacitors

Capacitors in series: When a number of capacitors having capacities etc C C C , , ,
3 2 1
are connected in series,
then the resultant capacitance C is given by
....
1 1 1 1
3 2 1
+ + + =
C C C C

Note: Charge flow through all the capacitors is always constant.

Capacitors in parallel: When a number of capacitors having capacities etc C C C , , ,
3 2 1
are connected in
parallel, then the resultant capacitance C is given by
....
3 2 1
+ + + = C C C C
Note: Potential at all the capacitors is always equal.

Note:

C
1

1
K
t
1
2
K
t
2
3
K
t
3
4
K
t
4
C
2
C
3
C
4

4 4 0 3 3 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 4 3 2 1
/
1
/
1
/
1
/
1 1 1 1 1 1
t A K t A K t A K t A K C C C C C c c c c
+ + + = + + + =
4 4
0
3 3
0
2 2
0
1 1
0
/ / / / K t
A
K t
A
K t
A
K t
A
C
c c c c
+ + + =
When a slab of thickness t is introduced, then the capacity is given by

) / (
0
K t t d
A
C
+
e
=

Energy stored in a capacitor
It the capacitor is given a charge q coulomb so that its potential is raised by V volts, then the energy W joules
stored is given by
qV W
2
1
=
C q CV /
2
1
2
1
2 2
= =
Where C is in faraday.
Loss of energy: - When two capacitors are connected together, some potential energy is dissipated as heat. Hence
there is a loss of energy which is given by

2 2
2 1
2 1
2 1
2
1
) (
) ( 2
1
V C V V
C C
C C
eq
=
+
=
Electrostatics


This loss is minimum; when
2 1
V V = , since there is no flow of electric charge.

Kirchhofs law:
First law: This is basically the law of conservation of charge. Following points are important regarding the
first law.
(i). In case of a battery, both terminals of the battery supply equal amount of charge.
(ii). In an isolated system (not connected to either of the terminals of a battery or to the earth) net charge
remains constant.

Second law: In a capacitor potential drops when one moves from positive plate to the negative plate by q/C
and in a battery it drops by an amount equal to the emf of the battery.

Problem 23: Find the capacitance of a spherical conductor enclosed by an earthed concentric spherical shell.
Solution: Charge Q is given to inner sphere

Q
Q
r
2
r
1
2
1

Potential at point 1
2 1
1
r
kQ
r
kQ
V =
Potential at point 2 is 0
2
= V (Because of earthing)
Potential difference
2 1
2 1
r
kQ
r
kQ
V V V = =
Hence capacitance is given by

|
|
.
|
\
|
= =
1 2
2 1
0
4
r r
r r
V
Q
C tc
If
1 2
r r >>>> ;
( )
1 0
2 1 2
2 1
0
4
/ 1
4 r
r r r
r r
C tc tc =
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
This corresponds to that of an isolated sphere.

Electrostatics


Problem 24: Three capacitors of capacities 5 F Fand F 3 4 , are connected with the first and second in series
and the third in parallel with them. Calculate the capacity of the combination.
Solution: If
s
C is the combined capacity of series combination of , 4 5 F Fand Then

20
9
4
1
5
1 1
= + =
s
C

F C
s

20
9
=

F 3
F 4
F 5
F 9 / 20
F 3

Now, consider the parallel combination of two capacitors of capacitances F
20
9
and F 3
Capacity of combination F F 22 . 5 3
20
9
= |
.
|
\
|
+ =

Problem 25: You are given three capacitors, each of capacitance . 9 F In how many ways can they be combined?
What will be the effective capacitance in each case?
Solution: Arrangement 1. Connect all the three capacitors in parallel (Figure 1)
Combined capacity F 27 9 9 9 = + + =

Figure 1 Figure 2
Arrangement 2: Connect all the three capacitors in series (figure 2)
F C Or
C
3
3
1
9
1
9
1
9
1 1
= = + + =

Figure 3 Figure 4
Arrangement 3: Cannot the series combination of two capacitors in parallel with the third capacitor (Figure
3)
If C is the capacity of the series combination, then
F C Or
C

2
9
'
9
2
9
1
9
1
'
1
= + + =
Capacity of combination, F F C 5 . 13 9
2
9
= |
.
|
\
|
+ =
Electrostatics


Arrangement 4: Cannot a parallel combination of two capacitors in series with a third capacitor (figure 4)
Capacity of parallel combination F 18 9 9 = + =
If C is the total capacity, then F C Or
C
6
9
1
18
1 1
= + =

Problem 26: In Fig 4.24, find the equivalent capacitance of the combination.
Given: F andC F C F C 00 . 4 , 00 . 5 , 00 . 10
3 2 1
= = =

1
C
2
C
3
C V

Solution: Capacity of series combination,
12
C
F F
3
10
5 10
5 10
=
+
=
Total capacity,
3 12
C C C + =
F F F 33 . 7
3
22
3
10
= = |
.
|
\
|
=

Problem 27: Each of the uncharged capacitors in Fig. has a capacitance of . 25 F What charge Shall Flow through
the meter M when the switch S is closed?

V 4200
S
M
C C
C

Solution: Total capacity = 3C
F F 75 25 3 = =
mC V F 315 4200 75 = =

Problem 28: An isolated air capacitance C is charged to a potential . V Now the charging battery is disconnected and
a dielectric slab of dielectric constant 3 is inserted between its plates, completely filling the space between the
plates, then how do the following change:
(i) Capacitance, (ii) potential difference,
(ii) field between the plates (iv) energy stored by the capacitor.

Solution: (i) When a dielectric of dielectric constant 3 = K is inserted fully then . 3 ' C C =

Electrostatics


(ii) New potential difference
3 3 '
'
V
C
Q
C
Q
V = = =

iii) New field between the plates . ,
3 3
'
' strength field original E where
E
d
V
d
V
E = = = =
(iv) New energy stored U where U
CV V
V C U ,
3
1
3 2
1
3
) 3 (
2
1
' '
2
1
'
2
2
2
= = |
.
|
\
|
= = is original value of energy stored.

Problem 29: A parallel plate capacitor has plates of area 200 cm2 and separation between the plates 1 mm.
Calculate (i) the potential difference between the plates if 1n C charge is given to the capacitor (ii) with the same
charge (1n C) if the plate separation is increased to 2 mm, what is the new potential difference and (iii) electric field
between the plates.

Solution: The capacitance of the capacitor
nF F
d
A
C 177 . 0 10 177 . 0
10 1
10 200 10 85 . 8
9
3
4 12
0
= =

= =

c

(i). The potential difference between the plates
V
C
Q
V 65 . 5
10 177 . 0
10 1
9
9
=
= =

(ii). If the plate separation is increased from 1 mm to 2 mm, the capacitance is decreased by 2, the potential
difference increases by the factor 2
New potential difference is 5.65 2 = 11. 3 V

(iii). Electric field is, 5650
10 85 . 8 10 200
10 1
12 4
9
0 0
=

= = =

c c
o
A
Q
E N/C

Problem 30: A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of 8 pF. What will be the
capacitance, if the distance between the plates be reduced to half and the space between them is filled with a
substance of dielectric constant 6.
Solution: pF
d
A
C 8
0
0
= =
c

When the distance is reduced to half and dielectric medium fills the gap, the new capacitance will be
pF pF C
d
A
d
A
C
r r r
96 8 6 2 2 2
2 /
0
0 0
= = = = = c
c
c
c
c

Problem 31: The plates of a parallel plate capacitor have an area of 90 cm2 each and are separated by 2.5 mm. The
capacitor is charged by connecting it to a 400 V supply. How much electrostatic energy is stored by the capacitor?
Solution: Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
F
d
A
C
11
3
4 12
0
10 186 . 3
10 5 . 2
10 90 10 85 . 8

= =
c

Energy of the capacitor J CV
6 2 11 2
10 55 . 2 400 10 186 . 3
2
1
2
1

= = =

Electrostatics


Problem 32: A parallel-plate capacitor is connected to a battery. The space between the two plates is empty. If
the separation between the capacitor plates is tripled while the capacitor remains connected to the battery,
what is the ratio of the final stored energy to the initial stored energy?

Example 33: A dielectric is inserted between the plates of a parallel-plate capacitor, completely filling the
region between the plates. Air initially filled the region between the two plates. The capacitor was connected to a
battery during the entire process. True or false:
(a) The capacitance value of the capacitor increases as the dielectric is inserted between the plates.
(b) The charge on the capacitor plates decreases as the dielectric is inserted between the plates.
(c) The electric field between the plates does not change as the dielectric is inserted between the plates.
(d) The energy storage of the capacitor decreases as the di electric is inserted between the plates.

Electrostatics


Example 34: (a) Two identical capacitors are connected in parallel. This combination is then connected across
the terminals of a battery. How does the total energy stored in the parallel combination of the two capacitors
compare to the total energy stored if just one of the capacitors were connected across the terminals of the
same battery? (b) Two identical capacitors that have been discharged are connected in series. This combination
is then connected across the terminals of a battery. How does the total energy stored in the series combination
of the two capacitors compare to the total energy stored if just one of the capacitors were connected across
the terminals of the same battery?

Electrostatics


Example 35: (a) The potential difference between the plates of a 3. 00-F capacitor is 100 V. How much energy
is stored in the capacitor? (b) How much additional energy is required to increase the potential difference
between the plates from 100 V to 200 V?

Example 36: An air-gap parallel-plate capacitor that has a plate area of 2.00 m
2
and a separation of 1. 00 mm is
charged to 100 V. (a) What is the electric field between the plates? (b) What is the electric energy density
between the plates? (c) Find the total energy by multiplying your answer from Part (b) by the volume between
the plates. (d) Determine the capacitance of this arrangement. (e) Calculate the total energy from
2
2
1
CV U = ,
and compare your answer with your result from Part (c).

Electrostatics


Example 37: A spherical capacitor consists of a thin spherical shell that has a radius R
1
and a thin, concentric
spherical shell that has a radius R
2
, where R
2
> R
1
. (a) Show that the capacitance is given by
1 2
1 2 0
4
R R
R R
C
=
tc
.
(b) Show that when the radii of the shells are nearly equal, the capacitance approximately is given by the
expression for the capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor, C =
0
A/d, where A is the area of the sphere
and
1 2
R R d = .

Electrostatics


Example 37: A 100-pF capacitor and a 400-pF capacitor are both charged to 2.00 kV. They are then
disconnected from the voltage source and are connected together, positive plate to negative plate and negative
plate to positive plate.
(a) Find the resulting potential difference across each capacitor. (b) Find the energy dissipated when the
connections are made.

Electrostatics


Example 38: A parallel combination of two identical 2. 00-F parallel-plate capacitors (no dielectric is in the
space between the plates) is connected to a 100-V battery. The battery is then removed and the separation
between the plates of one of the capacitors is doubled. Find the charge on the positively charged plate of each of
the capacitors.

Electrostatics


11. Van de Graaff Generator

The working of Van de Graaff generator is based on the principle of electrostatic induction and action of points.
Suppose we have a large spherical conducting shell of radius R, on which we place a charge Q. This charge spreads
itself uniformly all over the sphere. The field outside the sphere is just that of a point charge Q at the centre; while
the field inside the sphere vanishes. So the potential outside is that of a point charge; and inside it is constant,
namely the value at the radius R. We thus have:
Potential inside conducting spherical shell of radius R carrying charge Q = constant

R
Q
V
0
4
1
tc
= .(1)
Now, as shown in Figure, let us suppose that in some way we introduce a small sphere of radius r, carrying some
charge q, into the large one, and place it at the centre. The potential due to this new charge clearly has the following
values at the radii indicated:
Electrostatics


Potential due to small sphere of radius r carrying charge q

r
Q
0
4
1
tc
= (at the surface of the small sphere)

R
Q
0
4
1
tc
= (at the large shell of radius R)
Taking both charges q and Q into account we have for the total potential V and the potential difference the values
|
.
|
\
|
+ =
R
q
R
Q
R V
0
4
1
) (
tc

|
.
|
\
|
+ =
r
q
R
Q
r V
0
4
1
) (
tc

And |
.
|
\
|
=
R r
q
R V r V
1 1
4
) ( ) (
0
tc
(2)
Assume now that q is positive. We see that, independent of the amount of charge Q that may have
accumulated on the larger sphere and even if it is positive, the inner sphere is always at a higher potential: the
difference V(r )V(R) is positive. The potential due to Q is constant upto radius R and so cancels out in the difference.
This means that if we now connect the smaller and larger sphere by a wire, the charge q on the former will
immediately flow onto the matter, even though the charge Q may be quite large. The natural tendency is for
positive charge to move from higher to lower potential. Thus, provided we are somehow able to introduce the small
charged sphere into the larger one, we can in this way keep piling up larger and larger amount of charge on the
latter. The potential (Eq. 1) at the outer sphere would also keep rising, at least until we reach the breakdown field of
air.

A hollow metallic sphere A is mounted on insulating pillars as shown in the Fig.
A pulley B is mounted at the centre of the sphere and another pulley C is mounted near the bottom. A belt made of
silk moves over the pulleys. The pulley C is driven continuously by an electric motor. Two combshaped conductors
D and E having number of needles are mounted near the pulleys. The comb D is maintained at a positive potential of
the order of 104 volt by a power supply. The upper comb E is connected to the inner side of the hollow metal
sphere.

Electrostatics


Because of the high electric field near the comb D, the air gets ionised due to action of points, the negative charges
in air move towards the needles and positive charges are repelled on towards the belt. These positive charges stick
to the belt, moves up and reaches near the comb E. As a result of electrostatic induction, the comb E acquires
negative charge and the sphere acquires positive charge. The acquired positive charge is distributed on the outer
surface of the sphere. The high electric field at the comb E ionises the air. Hence, negative charges are repelled to
the belt, neutralises the positive charge on the belt before the belt passes over the pulley. Hence the descending
belt will be left uncharged. Thus the machine continuously transfers the positive charge to the sphere. As a result,
the potential of the sphere keeps increasing till it attains a limiting value (maximum). After this stage no more
charge can be placed on the sphere, it starts leaking to the surrounding due to ionisation of the air. The leakage of
charge from the sphere can be reduced by enclosing it in a gas filled steel chamber at a very high pressure. The high
voltage produced in this generator can be used to accelerate positive ions (protons, deuterons) for the purpose of
nuclear disintegration.

Electrostatics


Problem Set 4
1. For what position of an electric dipole in a uniform electric filed its potential energy is
(i) Minimum and (ii) maximum?

2. On what factors does the capacitance of a paral lel plate capacitor depend?
Or
Name three factors on which capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor depends.

3. The distance between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor id d. A metal plate of thickness
2
d
is placed between
the plates, without touching either of the plates. What will the new capacity?

4. Find the equivalent capacity when two capacitors of F and F 20 10 , respectively are joined in
(i) parallel, (ii) series.

5. Three capacitors
3 2 1
, C and C C are connected in parallel. ACharge Qis given to the arrangement. How is the
charge shared by the capacitors?

6. Derive an expression for the energy stored in a charged parallel plate capacitor with air as the medi um between
its plates.

7. When two capacitors of capacitance
2 1
C and C are connected in series, the net capacitance is ; 3 F when
connected in parallel its value is . 6 F Calculate value of
2 1
C and C .

8. A parallel plate capacitor with air between the plates has a capacitance of . 8pF The separation between the
plates is now reduced by half and the space them is filled with a medium of dielectric constant 5. Calculate the value
of capacitance in the second case.

10. Y and X are two parallel plate capacitors having the same area of plates and same separation between the
plates. X has air between the plates and Y contains a dielectric medium of . 5 = e
r

(i) Calculate the potential difference between the plates of X and Y .
(ii) What is the ratio of electrostatic energy stored in Y and X ?

Electrostatics


Assignment 1
1. Two equal unlike charges placed 3 cm apart in air attract each other with a force of 40 N. The magnitude of each
charge in micro coulomb is
A. 0.2 B. 2 C. 20 D. 200

2. Five point charge each of charge + q Coulomb are placed on five vertices of a regular hexagon of side h as shown
in figure.

+ q +q
+q
+q +q
B
F
q
A

C
O
D E
A. The force on q at O due to charge + q at A and D are balanced
B. The force on q due to charges at B and E are balanced
C. The resultant force on q at O is
2
2
0
4
1
h
q
tc
along OE
D. The resultant force on q at O is
2
2
0
4
1
h
q
tc
along OC

3. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining two equal charges Q. The system of the three charges will be
in equilibrium if q is equal to:
A.
2
Q
B.
4
Q
C.
4
Q
+ D.
2
Q
+

4. Four charges are arranged at the corners of a square ABCD as shown in figure. The force on the charge at the
centre kept at the centre O is

A
C
+q
+q
+2q
-2q
D
B
O

A. zero B. along the diagonal AC
C. along the diagonal BD D. perpendicular to side AB

5. Two equal metal balls are charge to 10 and 20 units of charge. Then they are brought in contact with each other
and again separated to original distance. The ratio of the magnitudes of force between the two balls before and
after contact is
A. 8 : 1 B. 1 : 8 C. 1 : 2 D. 2 : 1

6. Which one charge is not possible on the body?
A. C
20
10 6 . 1

B. C
19
10 4 . 2

C. C
19
10 2 . 3

D. C
19
10 8 . 4

7. A charge Q is placed at each of two opposite corners of a square. A charge q is placed at each of the other two
corners. If the net electric force on Q is zero, then Q/q is
A. - 1 B. 1 C.
2
1
D. 2 2
Electrostatics


Assignment 2
1. Three positive charges of equal value q are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The resulting lines of
force should be sketched as in:

2. On moving a charge of 20 coulombs by 2 cm, 2 J of work is done, then the potential difference between the points
is
A. 0.1 V B. 8 V C. 2 V D. 0.5 V

3. Three charges Q, +q and +q are placed at the right angle (isosceles triangle) as shown. The net electrostatic energy
of the configuration is zero if Q is equal to

+q
Q
+q

A.
2 1+
q
B.
2 2
2
+
q
C. 2 q D. + q
4. Figure shows some electric field lines corresponding to an electric field. The figure suggests that ( E = electric field
and V = potential)

A.
B A
E E > B.
B A
E E <
C.
B A
V V > D.
B A
V V <

A

B

5. A metallic shell has a point charge q kept inside its cavity. Which one of the following diagram correctly represents
the electric lines of forces?

A.
B.

C.
D.

6. Three infinitely long charges sheets are placed as shown in figure. The electric field at point P is:

A.
^
0
2
k
c
o
B.
^
0
2
k
c
o

C.
^
0
4
k
c
o
D.
^
0
4
k
c
o

z

o
z = 3a

z = - a

P

o

o 2

z = 0

x

Electrostatics


7. A charge is placed at the centre of cube, the flux emitted through its one face is
A.
0
e
q
B.
0
2e
q
C.
0
6e
q
D.
0
12e
q

8. In the case of a charged metallic sphere, potential (V) changes with respect to distance (s) the centre as:

V
A.

S
V
S
B.
V
S
C.
V
S
D.

9. A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such that the potential on its surface is 10 V. The potential at the
centre of the sphere is:
A. zero B. 10 V C. Same as at a point 5 cm away from the surface
D. Same as at a point 25 cm away from the surface

10. Three concentric conducting spherical shells have radii r, 2r and 3r and charges
2 1
, q q and
3
q respectively.
Innermost and outermost shells are earthed as shown in figure. Select the correct alternative(s)

q
q
3
q
2
q
1

A.
2 3 1
q q q = + B.
4
2
1
q
q = C. 3
1
3
=
q
q
D.
3
1
2
3
=
q
q

11. Two concentric shells of radii R and 2R have given charges q and - 2q as shown in figure. In region R r < :

-2q
2R
R
q
r
A. 0 = E B. 0 = E
C. 0 = V D. 0 = V

12. A large non-conducting sheet M is given a uniform charge density. Two uncharged small metal rods A and B are
placed near the sheet as shown in figure

A B
M
A. M attracts A B. M attracts B
C. A attracts B D. B attracts A

Electrostatics


Assignment 3

1. If a spherical conductor comes out from the closed surface of the sphere, then total flux emitted from the surf ace
will be
A.
e
0
1
( the charge enclosed by surface) B. e
0
( charge enclosed by surface)
C.
e
0
4
1
t
( charge enclosed by surface) D. 0

2. The work done in placing a charge of
18
10 8

coulomb on a condenser of capacity 100 micro farad is:
A.
32
10 32

B.
32
10 16

C.
26
10 1 . 3

D.
10
10 4

3. A parallel plate capacitor of plate area A, separation is filled with dielectric as shown in the figure. The dielectric
constants are
1
K and
2
K . Net capacitance is

d

1
K

1
K

A. ) (
2 1
0
K K
d
A
+
c
B.
|
|
.
|
\
| +
2 1
2 1 0
K K
K K
d
A c
C.
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
2 1
2 1 0
2
K K
K K
d
A c
D.
|
|
.
|
\
| +
2 1
2 1 0
2
K K
K K
d
A c

4. Find the value of C if the equivalent capacitance between points A and B is F 1 :

A
C

A. F 4 . 1 B. F 8 . 1
C. F 9 . 1 D. F 6 . 1

F 2
F 2
F 2
F 4
F 8
F 6
F 1
B

5. Seven capacitors each of capacitance F 2 are connected in a configuration to obtain an effective
capacitance F
11
10
. Which of the following combination will achieve the desired results?

A.
B.

Electrostatics


C.
D.

6. Which of the following options is correct for the isolated conductor show in the figure having potential
C B A
V V V , , and
D
V at the points A, B, C and D respectively?

A. V
A
= V
B
> V
C
>V
D
B. V
A
= V
B
< V
C
< V
D

C. V
A
< V
B
< V
C
< V
D
D. V
A
= V
B
= V
C
= V
D

+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
D C
B
A

7. The separation between the plates of parallel plate capacitor is d and area of each plate is A, when a slab of
material of dielectric constant K and thickness t is introduced between the plates, the capacitance becomes:
A.
|
.
|
\
|
+
K
t d
A
1
1
0
c
B.
|
.
|
\
|
+ +
K
t d
A
1
1
0
c
C.
|
.
|
\
|

K
t d
A
1
1
0
c
D.
|
.
|
\
|
+
K
t d
A
1
1
0
c

8. A charge Q is distributed over two concentric hollow spheres of radii r and R (>r) such that surface densities
are equal, then potential at the common centre
A.
R
KQ
B.
r
KQ
C.
) (
) (
2 2
r R
r R KQ
+
+
D. zero

9. The figure shows two identical parallel plate capacitors connected to a battery with the switch S closed. The
switch is now opened and the free space between the plates of the capacitors is filled with a dielectric of dielectric
constant (or relative permittivity) 3. Then, the ratio of the total electrostatic energy stored in both capacitors before
and after the introduction of the dielectric

A
B
S
A.3/5 B. 4/3 C. 4/5 D. None

C C
V

10. To obtain F 3 capacity from three capacitors of F 2 each, they will be arranged
A. All the three in series B. All the three in parallel
C. Two capacitors in series and third in parallel with the combination of first two
D. Two capacitors in parallel and the third in series with the combination of first two

11. In bringing an electron towards another electron, electrostatic potential energy of the system:
A. decreases B. Increases C. remain unchanged D. become zero

Electrostatics


12. The equivalent capacitance between points A and B of circuit shown in the figure is:

A
F 3
F 3
A. F 9 B. F 1
C. F 5 . 4 D. F 6
B
F 3

13. Two conductors of radius
1
R and
2
R capacitances
1
C and
2
C have charges
1
q and
2
q respectively when they
are joined together by a conducting wire, charge redistributes in these conductors
1
' q and
2
' q respectively, then
=
2
1
'
'
q
q

A.
2
1
R
R
B.
1
2
R
R
C.
2
1
R
R
D.
2
2
1
|
|
.
|
\
|
R
R

14. Consider a parallel plate capacitor with plate area A. A charge positive q is given to one plate and negative
charge q to other plate. Then force with which both plates attract each other is (A = area of the plate)
A.
0
2
c A
q
B.
0
2
2
c A
q
C. zero D.
0
2
2 c A
q

Electrostatics


Assignment 4
1. A glass rod rubbed with silk acquires a charge of C
12
10 8

+ . The number of electrons it has gained or lost
A.
7
10 5

(gained) B.
7
10 5

(lost) C.
8
10 2

(lost) D.
12
10 8

(lost)

2. The electrostatic force between two point charges kept at a distance d apart, in a medium r = 6, is 0.3 N. The
force between them at the same separation in vacuum is
A. 20 N B. 0.5 N C. 1.8 N D. 2 N

3. Electric field intensity is 400 V/m at a distance of 2 m from a point charge. It will be 100 V/ m at a distance?
A. 50 cm B. 4 cm C. 4 m D. 1.5 m

4. Two point charges +4q and +q are placed 30 cm apart. At what point on the line joining them the electric field is
zero?
A. 15 cm from the charge q B. 7.5 cm from the charge q
C. 20 cm from the charge 4q D. 5 cm from the charge q

5 A dipole is placed in a uniform electric field with its axis parallel to the field. It experiences
A. only a net force B. only a torque
C. both a net force and torque D. Neither a net force nor a torque

6. If a point lies at a distance x from the midpoint of the dipole, the electric potential at this point is proportional to
A.
2
1
x
B.
3
1
x
C.
4
1
x
D.
2 / 3
1
x

7. Four charges +q, +q, q and q respectively are placed at the corners A, B, C and D of a square of side a. The
electric potential at the centre O of the square is
A.
a
q
0
4
1
tc
B.
a
q 2
4
1
0
tc
C.
a
q 4
4
1
0
tc
D. zero

8. Electric potential energy (U) of two point charges is
A.
2
0
2 1
4 r
q q
tc
B.
r
q q
0
2 1
4tc
C. u cos pE D. u sin pE

9. The work done in moving 500 C charge between two points on equipotential surface is
A. zero B. finite positive C. finite negative D. infinite

10 Which of the following quantities is scalar?
A. dipole moment B. electric force C. electric field D. electric potential

11 The unit of permittivity is
A.
2 1 2
m N C B.
2 2
C Nm C. m H / D.
2 2
m NC

12 The number of electric lines of force originating from a charge of 1 C is
A. 1.129 10
11
B. 1.6 10
19
C. 6.25 10
18
D. 8.85 1012

13 The electric field outside the plates of two oppositely charged plane sheets of charge density is
A.
0
2c
o
B.
0
2c
o
C.
0
c
o
D. zero
Electrostatics


14. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor increases from 5 f to 60 f when a dielectric is filled between the
plates. The dielectric constant of the dielectric is
A. 65 B. 55 C. 12 D. 10

15. A hollow metal ball carrying an electric charge produces no electric field at points
A. outside the sphere B. on its surface
C. inside the sphere D. at a distance more than twice

16. State Coulombs law in electrostatics and represent it in vector form.

17. What is permittivity and relative permittivity? How are they related?

18. Explain the principle of superposition.

19. Define electric field at a point. Give its unit and obtain an expression for the electric field at a point due to a
point charge.

20. Write the properties of lines of forces.

21. What is an electric dipole? Define electric dipole moment?

22. Derive an expression for the torque acting on the electric dipole when placed in a uniform field.

23. What does an electric dipole experience when kept in a uniform electric field and nonuniform electric field?
24. Derive an expression for electric field due to an electric dipole (a) at a point on its axial line (b) at a point along
the equatorial line.

25. Define electric potential at a point. Is it a scalar or a vector quantity? Obtain an expression for electric potential
due to a point charge.

26. Distinguish between electric potential and potential difference.

27. What is an equipotential surface?

28. What is electrostatic potential energy of a system of two point charges? Deduce an expression for it.

29. Derive an expression for electric potential due to an electric dipole.

30. Define electric flux. Give its unit.

31. State Gausss law. Applying this, calculate electric field due to
(i) an infinitely long straight charge with uniform charge density
(ii) an infinite plane sheet of charge of q.

32. What is a capacitor? Define its capacitance.

33. Explain the principle of capacitor. Deduce an expression for the capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor.

34. What is dielectric? Explain the effect of introducing a dielectric slab between the plates of parallel plate
capacitor.
Electrostatics


35. A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery. If the dielectric slab of thickness equal to half the plate
separation is inserted between the plates what happens to (i) capacitance of the capacitor (ii) electric field between
the plates (iii) potential difference between the plates.

36. Deduce an expression for the equivalent capacitance of capacitors connected in series and parallel.

37. Prove that the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor is
C
Q
CV
2 2
1
2
2
=

38. What is meant by dielectric polarisation?

39. State the principle and explain the construction and working of Van de Graaff generator.

41. The sum of two point charges is 6 C. They attract each other with a force of 0.9 N, when kept 40 cm apart in
vacuum. Calculate the charges.

42. Two small charged spheres repel each other with a force of 2 10
3
N. The charge on one sphere is twice that on
the other. When one of the charges is moved 10 cm away from the other, the force is
5 10
4
N. Calculate the charges and the initial distance between them.

43. Four charges +q, +2q, +q and q are placed at the corners of a square. Calculate the electric field at the
intersection of the diagonals of the square of side10 cm if q = 5/3 10
9
C.

44. Two charges 10 10
9
C and 20 10
9
C are placed at a distance of 0.3 m apart. Find the potential and intensity at
a point midway between them.

45. An electric dipole of charges 2 10
10
C and 2 10
10
C separated by a distance 5 mm, is placed at an angle of 60
o

to a uniform field of 10Vm
1
. Find the (i) magnitude and direction of the force acting on
each charge. (ii) Torque exerted by the field

46. An electric dipole of charges 2 10
6
C, 2 10
6
C are separated by a distance 1 cm. Calculate the electric field
due to dipole at a point on its. (i) axial line 1 m from its centre (ii) equatorial line 1 m from its centre.

47. Two charges +q and 3q are separated by a distance of 1 m. At what point in between the charges on its axis is
the potential zero?

48. Three charges +1C, +3C and 5 C are kept at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of sides 60 cm. Find the
electrostatic potential energy of the system of charges.

49. Two positive charges of 12 C and 8 C respectively are 10 cm apart. Find the work done in bringing them 4 cm
closer, so that, they are 6 cm apart.

50. Find the electric flux through each face of a hollow cube of side 10 cm, if a charge of 8.85 C is placed at the
centre.

51. A spherical conductor of radius 0.12 m has a charge of 1.6 10
7
C distributed uniformly on its surface. What is
the electric field (i) inside the sphere (ii) on the sphere (iii) at a point 0.18 m from the centre of the sphere?

52. The area of each plate of a parallel plate capacitor is 4 10
2
sq m. If the thickness of the dielectric medium
between the plates is 10
3
m and the relative permittivity of the dielectric is 7. Find the capacitance of the capacitor.
Electrostatics


53. Two capacitors of unknown capacitances are connected in series and parallel. If the net capacitances in the two
combinations are 6F and 25F respectively, find their capacitances.

54. Two capacitances 0.5 F and 0.75 F are connected in parallel and the combination to a 110 V battery. Calculate
the charge from the source and charge on each capacitor.

55. Three capacitors are connected in parallel to a 100 V battery as shown in figure. What is the total
energy stored in the combination of capacitor?

56. A parallel plate capacitor is maintained at some potential difference. A 3 mm thick slab is introduced between
the plates. To maintain the plates at the same potential difference, the distance between the plates is increased by
2.4 mm. Find the dielectric constant of the slab.

57. A dielectric of dielectric constant 3 fills three fourth of the space between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor.
What percentage of the energy is stored in the dielectric?

58. Find the charges on the capacitor shown in figure and the potential difference across them.

59. Three capacitors each of capacitance 9 pF are connected in series (i) What is the total capacitance of the
combination? (ii) What is the potential difference across each capacitor, if the combination is connected to 120 V
supply?

Electrostatics


Answer Sheet
Problem Set 1

1. Class Notes 2. Class Notes
3. 4 N (attractive) 4. No their masses not equal. 5. F/80 6. d 3

7. Yes 8. Force decreases
9. ne q = 10. No 11. 1. 5 C 12. Class Notes 13. N
5
10 2

14. N 3 93 . 3 along AM
15.
) 2 1 ( +
d
from charge q or
2 1
2
+
d
from charge 2q

Problem Set 2

1. Class Notes 2. At midpoint 50 cm 3. q
1
is negative and q
2
is positive 4. Class Notes 5. Class
Notes 6. Attractive 7. Class Notes 8. 2/3 m 9. Class Notes 10. Zero 11. Class Notes
12. Class Notes 13. Potential Energy decreases and kinetic energy increases
14.
(
+ + =
3
3 2 1
0
4
1
R
Q
r
Q
r
Q
V
p
tc

(
+ =
2
2 1
0
4
1
r
Q
r
Q
E
tc
15.2 Volt 16. Class Notes

Problem Set 3

1. v m or N m
2
C
-1
, Scalar 2.
0
2 / c q 3. (i). 1/3 (ii). 1/5 th 4, 5, 6: See Class Notes

Assignment 1
1. B 2. A, B, D 3. B 4. C 5. A 6. A, B 7. D

Assignment 2
1. C 2. A 3. B 4. A, D 5. C 6. B 7. C 8. B 9. B 10. A, B, C 11. A, C
12. A, B, C, D

Assignment 3
1. A 2. A 3. C 4. A 5. A 6. B 7. D 8. C 9. A 10. C 11. B 12. A 13. A 14. D

Assignment 4

1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (c) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6 (a) 7 (d) 8 (b) 9 (a) 10 (d) 11 (a) 12 (a) 13 (d) 14 (c)
15 (c) 35 (i) increases (ii) remains the same (iii) remains the same 41 q
1
= 8 10
6
C , q
2
= 2 10
6
C
42 q1 = 33.33 10
9
C, q2 = 66.66 10
9
C, x = 0.1 m 43 0.9 10
4
Vm
1
44 V = 1800 V, E = 4000
Vm
1

45 2 10
9
N, along the field, = 0.866 10
11
Nm 46 360 N/C, 180 N C
1

47 x = 0.25 m from +q 48 0.255 J 49 5.70 J 50 1.67 10
5
Nm2C
1

51 zero, 105 N C
1
, 4.44 104 N C
1
52 2.478 10
9
F
53 C
1
= 15 F, C
2
= 10F 54 q = 137.5 C, q
1
= 55 C, q
2
= 82.5 C
55 0.3 J 56 r = 5 57 50%
58 q
1
= 144 10
6
C, q
2
= 96 10
6
C, q
3
= 48 10
6
C V1 = 72 V, V2 = 48 V
59 3 pF, each one is 40 V
Electrostatics


Introduction of Advance level
Problem: A thin half ring of radius cm R 20 = is uniformly charged with total charge Q = 0.70 nC . Find the magnitude of
the electric field strength at the curvature centre of this half ring. Reference: IE Irodove
Solution: Let P and Q are the two small elements whose azimuthal angle isu with respect to C.

Q

dq

C

u cos E
u
E

u d
P

Electric Field due to small elements P has two components Vertical and horizontal; Similar Elements Q has two
components, Horizontal components u sin E will cancel. Hence, only Resultant electric field on the center will due to
vertical component u cos E .
u cos E dE = If ] 90 , 90 [
0 0
= u
u cos 2E dE = If ] 90 , 0 [
0
e u
And E = is the electric field due to small element Q has charge dq

2
R
Kdq
E =
Where; u
t
d
Q
dq =
SO total electric field due to this ring

}
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
90
0
2
cos 2 u u
t
d
Q
R
K
E

t t t
u u
t
2
0
2
90
0
2
4
2
) 0 1 (
2
cos
2
R
Q
R
KQ
d
R
KQ
E
e
= = =
}

0
2 2
2 e
=
R
Q
E
t

Put the values and get
m kV E / 10 . 0 =

. A thin non conducting ring of radius R has linear charge density u cos
0
= , where
0
is a constant, u is the
azimuthal angle. Find the magnitude of the electric field strength
(a). at the centre of the ring;
(b). on the axis of the ring as a function of the distance x form its centre. Investigate the obtained function at
R x >>>
Electrostatics


Advance Assignment 1:
All questions have only one answer
1. Two vertical metallic plates carrying equal and opposite charges are parallel to each other. A small spherical
metallic ball is suspended by a long insulating thread such that it hangs freely in the centre of the two metallic
plates. The ball, which is unchanged, is taken slowly towards the positively charged plate and is made to touch the
plate. The ball will
A. Stick to the positively charged plate
B. Come back to the original position and will remain there
C. Oscillation between the two plates touching each plate in turn
D. Oscillate between the plates without touching them

2. An electron of mass
e
m initially at rest, moves through a certain distance in a uniform electric field in time
1
t . A
proton of mass
p
m , also, initially at rest, takes time
2
t to move through an equal distance in this uniform electric
field. Neglecting the effect of gravity, the ratio
1 2
/ t t is nearly equal to:
A. 1 B. ( )
2 / 1
/
e p
m m C. ( )
2 / 1
/
p e
m m D. 1836

3. A charge + q is fixed at each of the points = = = ,..... 5 , 3 ,
0 0 0
x x x x x x on the x axis and charge q is fixed at
each of the points = = = ,..... 6 , 4 , 2
0 0 0
x x x x x x . Here,
0
x is a positive constant. Take the electric potential at a
point due to a charge Q at a distance r from it to be r Q
0
4 / tc . Then the potential at the origin due to the above
system of charge is:
A. 0 B.
2 ln 8
0
tc
q
C. D.
0 0
4
2 ln
x
q
tc

4. Force between two dipoles varies with distance between them
A. Inversely with fourth power of the distance
B. Inversely with third power of the distance
C. Inversely with second power of the distance
D. None

5. Four charges equal to Q are placed at the four corners of a square and a charge q is at its centre. If the system is
in equilibrium the value of q is:
A. ( ) 2 2 1
4
+
Q
B. ( ) 2 2 1
4
+
Q
C. ( ) 2 2 1
2
+
Q
D. ( ) 2 2 1
2
+
Q

6. If the electric flux entering and leaving an enclosed surface respectively is
2 1
| | and , the electric charge inside
the surface will be:
A. ( )
0 2 1
e | | B. ( )
0 1 2
e | | C. ( )
0 2 1
/ e +| | D. ( )
0 1 2
/ e | |
Electrostatics


7. At any point on the right bisector of the line joining two equal and opposite charges
A. The electric field is zero B. The electric potential is zero
C. The electric potential decreases with increasing distance from the centre
D. The electric field is perpendicular to the line joining the charge

8. A sheet of aluminum foil of negligible thickness is introduced between the plates of a capacitor. The capacitance
of the capacitor:
A. Increases B. Decreases C. Remain uncharged D. Becomes infinite

9. A non-conducting ring of radius 0.5 m carries a total charges of C
10
10 11 . 1

distributed non-uniformly on its
circumference producing an electric field E every where in space. The value of the integral
}
=
=

0 l
l
Edl (l =0 being
centre of the ring) in volts is
A. + 2 B. 1 C. 2 D. zero

10. A parallel plate capacitor of area A, plate separation d and capacitance C is filled with three different dielectric
materials having constants
2 1
, K K and
3
K as shows. If a single dielectric material is to be used to have the same
capacitance C, in this capacitor then its dielectric constant K is given by:

A/2
d
A
d/2
K
1
K
2
K
3
A/2
A.
3 2 1
2
1 1 1 1
K K K K
+ + = B.
3 2 1
2
1 1 1
K K K K
+
+
=

C.
3
2 1
2 1
2
1
K
K K
K K
K
+
+
= D.
3 2
3 2
3 1
3 1
1
K K
K K
K K
K K
K +
+
+
=

Where A = area of plates

11. A uniform electric field pointing in positive x-direction exists in a region. Let A be the origin, B be the point on the
axis at x =1 cm and C be the point on the y-axis at y =1 cm. Then the potentials at the point A, B and C satisfy:
A.
B A
V V < B.
B A
V V > C.
C A
V V < D.
C A
V V >

12. Consider the charge configuration and a spherical Gaussian surface as shown in the figure. When calculating the
flux of the electric field over the spherical surface, the electric field will be due to

-q
1
+q
1
q
2

A.
2
q B. only the positive charges C. all the charges D.
1
q + and
1
q

Electrostatics


13. Two fixed, equal, positive charges, each of magnitude
5
10 5

coulomb are located at points A and B separated
by a distance of 6 m. An equal and opposite charge moves towards them along the line COD, the perpendicular
bisector of the line AB. The moving charge, when it reaches the point C at a distance of 4 m from O, has a kinetic
energy of 4 joule. Then, the distance of the farthest point D which the negati ve charge will reach before returning
towards C

-q
O
A. 4.48 m B. 2.24 m
C. 8.81 D. None

D
B
C
A
+ q

14. A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery. The plates are pulled apart with a uniform speed. If x is the
separation between the plates, the time rate of change of electrostatic energy of a capacitor is proportional to:
A.
2
x B. x C.
1
x D.
2
x

15. In the circuit as shown in the figure, the effective capacitance between A and B is

A. F 8 B. F 4

C. F 2 D. F 3

F 4
B
A
F 4
F 4
F 2 F 2

16. A cube of metal is given a positive charge Q. For the above system, which of the following statements is true?
A. Electric potential at the surface of the cube is zero
B. Electric potential within the cube is zero
C. Electric field is normal to the surface of the cube
D. Electric field varies within the cube

17. A charge (- q) and another charge (+Q) are kept two points A and B respectively. Keeping the charge (+Q) fixed at
B, the charge (- q) at A is moved to another point C such that ABC forms an equilateral triangle of side l . The net
work done in moving the charge (- q) is
A.
l
Qq
0
4
1
e t
B.
2
0
4
1
l
Qq
e t
C. Qql
0
4
1
e t
D. zero

18. Two conductors of radius
1
R and
2
R capacitances
1
C and
2
C have charges
1
q and
2
q respectively when they
are joined together by a conducting wire, charge redistributes in these conductors
1
' q and
2
' q respectively, then
1
' q =
A. ) (
2 1
2 1
2
q q
R R
R
+
+
B. ) (
2 1
2 1
1
q q
R R
R
+
+
C. ) (
2 1
2 1
2
q q
C C
C
+
+
D. ) (
2 1
2 1
1
q q
C C
C
+
+

Electrostatics


19. An isolated conductor initially free from charge is charged by repeated contacts with a plate which after each
contact is replenished to a charge Q. If q is charge on the conductor after first operation, then maximum charge
which can be given to the conductor in this way is
A. Q B. Q + q C. zero D.
q Q
Qq

20. A capacitor is given a charge q. The distance between the plates of the capacitors is d. One of the plates is fixed
and other plate is moved from the other till the distance between them 2d. Then work done by the external force is
A. zero B.
0
2
c A
d q
C.
0
2
2 c A
d q
D.
0
2
2
c A
d q

21. A point charge q is placed on the top of a cone of semi vertex angleu . The electric flux through the base of the
cone
A. zero B.
0
2c
q
C.
0
c
q
D.
0
2
) cos 1 (
c
u q

22. Incorrect statement is
A. Electric field is in the direction in which the potential steepest.
B. Magnitude of Electric field is given by the change in the magnitude of potential per unit displacement
normal to the equipotential surface at the point.
C. A charge is placed inside a cavity in conductor, then electric field is zero in cavity.
D. Electric field at the surface of a charged conductor is normal to the surface and does not depend upon
surface charge density

Electrostatics


Advance Assignment 2
Section I: Q. No. 1 to 8 has only one correct answer

1. Consider a neutral conducting sphere. A positive point charge is placed outside the sphere. The net charge on the
sphere is then
A. Negative and distributed uniformly over the surface of the sphere
B. Negative and appears only at the point on the sphere closest to the point charge
C. Negative and distributed non-uniformly over the entire surface of the sphere
D. zero

2. A thin spherical conducting shell of radius R has a charge q. Another charge Q is placed at the centre of the shell .
The electrostatic potential at a point P at distance
2
R
from the centre of the shell is:
A.
2 4
) (
0
R Q q
e
+
t
B.
R
Q
0
4
2
e t

C.
R
q
R
Q
0 0
4
2
4
2
e
e t t
D.
R
q
R
Q
0 0
4 4
2
e
+
e t t

3. A charge Q is distributed over two concentric hollow spheres of radii r and R(R>r) such that their surface densities
are equal. Find the potential at the common centre ( )
1
0
4

e = t k
A.
r R
kQ
+
B.
( )
2 2
) (
r R
r R kQ
+
+
C.
r
kQ
D.
R
kQ

4. Two identical thin rings, each of radiuses R, are coaxially placed a distance R apart. If
2 1
Q and Q are respectively
the charges uniformly spread on the two rings, the work done in moving a charge q from the centre of one ring to
that of the other is:
A. zero B. ( ) ( ) R Q Q q
0 2 1
4 2 / 1 2 ) ( e t
C. ( ) R Q Q q
0 2 1
4 / ) ( 2 e t D. ( )( ) R Q Q q
0 2 1
4 2 1 2 ) / ( e + t
5. Consider the situation shown in the figure. The capacitor A has a charge q on it whereas B is uncharged. The
charge appearing on the capacitor B a long time after the switch is closed is:

A. zero B. q/2

C.q D. 2q

-
-
-
+
+
+
+
-
-
+
q
S
B
A

Electrostatics


6. Two identical capacitors have the same capacitance C. One of them is charged to potential
1
V and the other to
2
V .
The negative ends are also connected, the decrease in energy of the combined system is:
A. ( )
2
2
2
1
4
1
V V C B. ( )
2
2
2
1
4
1
V V C + C. ( )
2
2 1
4
1
V V C D. ( )
2
2 1
4
1
V V C +

7. The capacitance of parallel plate capacitor with plate area A and separation d is C. The space between the plates is
filled with two wedges of dielectric constants
1
K and
2
K , respectively. The capacitance of resulting capacitor is:

d
A
A.
1
2
2 1
0 2 1
log
) ( K
K
K K d
A K K
c
B.
2
1
2 1
0 2 1
log
) ( K
K
K K d
A K K
c

C.
1
2
2 1
0 2 1
log
) ( K
K
K K d
A K K
+
c
D.
2
1
2 1
0 2 1
log
) ( K
K
K K d
A K K
+
c

K
1
K
2

8. Positive and negative point charges of equal magnitude are kept at
|
.
|
\
|
2
, 0 , 0
a
and
|
.
|
\
|

2
, 0 , 0
a
, respectively. The
work done by the electric field when another positive charge is moved from ) 0 , 0 , ( a to ) 0 , , 0 ( a is positive
A. positive B. negative
C. zero D. depends upon the path connecting the initial points

Section II: Q. No. 9 to 12 have one or more correct answer

9. A conducting sphere
1
S and radius r is attached to an insulating handle. Another conducting sphere
2
S of radius R
is mounted on an insulating stand.
2
S is initially uncharged.
1
S is given a charge Q. brought into contact with
2
S
and removed.
1
S is recharged such that the charge on it is again Q; and it again brought into contact with
2
S and
removed. This procedure repeated n times
A. The electrostatic energy of
2
S after n such contacts with
1
S is
2
0
1
4
1
)
`
|
.
|
\
|
+
r R
R
r
QR
R tc

B. The electrostatic energy of
2
S after n such contacts with
1
S is
2
0
1
8
1
)
`
|
.
|
\
|
+
r R
R
r
QR
R tc

C. The limiting value of this energy as n is
2
0
2
4 r
R Q
tc

D. The limiting value of this energy as n is
2
0
2
8 r
R Q
tc

Electrostatics


10. A parallel-plate capacitor is connected to a battery. A metal sheet of negligible thickness is placed between the
plates. The sheet remains parallel to the plates of the capacitor.
A. The battery will supply more charge B. The capacitance will increase
C. The potential difference between the plates will increase
D. Equal and opposite charges will appear on the two faces of the metal plate.
11. The electric field in a region is directed outward and is proportional to the distance r from the origin. Taking the
electric potential at the origin to be zero,
A. it is uniform in the region B. it is proportional to r
C. it is proportional to
2
r D. it increases as one goes away from the origin
12. An electric dipole is placed at the centre of a sphere. Mark the correct options:
A. The flux of the electric field through the sphere is zero
B. The electric field is zero at every point of the sphere
C. The electric field is not zero anywhere on the sphere
D. The electric field is zero on a circle on the sphere

Section III: Passage for Q. 13 to Q. 18

Passage for from Q. 13 to Q. 15
The nuclear charge (Ze) is non-uniformly. Distributed within a nucleus of radius R. The charge density ) (r {charge
per unit volume} is dependent only on the radial distance r from the centre of the nucleus as shown in figure. The
electric field is along the radial direction

) (r

d

a

R

r

13. The electric field at r = R is
A. independent of a B. directly proportional to a
` C. directly proportional to
2
a D. inversely proportional to a
14. For a = 0, the value of d (maximum value of as shown in the figure) is
A.
3
4
3
R
Ze
t
B.
3
3
R
Ze
t
C.
3
3
4
R
Ze
t
D.
3
3 R
Ze
t

15. The electric field within the nucleus is generally observed to be linearly dependent on r. This implies
A. a = 0 B.
2
R
a = C. a = R D.
3
2R
a =
Electrostatics


Passage for Q 16 to 18
Two points A and B are 2 cm apart and a uniform electric field E acts along the straight line AB directed from A to B
with E = 200N/C. A particle of charge C
6
10 1

is taken from A to B along AB.

16. The force on the charge
A. Zero B. N
6
10 1

C. N
6
10 2

D. N
4
10 2

17. The potential difference
B A
V V
A. Zero B. 2 volt C. 3 volt D. 4 volt

18. The work done on the charge by electric field
A. Zero B. J
6
10 2

C. J
6
10 4

D. J
6
10 1

Section IV: Q. No. 13 to 14 are statement 1 (Assertion) and Statement 2 (Reason) type questions
and carries 3 marks each for correct answer and 1 mark for each wrong answer. The following six
problems consists two statements. You have to examine these two statements carefully and decide if
the Assertion and Reason are individually true and if so, whether the Reason is the correct
explanation of the Assertion. Select your answer to these problems using the code given below and
mark answer accordingly:
A. Statement -1 is True, Statement 2 is True; Statement -2 is correct explanation for statement -
1.
B. Statement-1 is True, Statement 2 is True; Statement-2 is not correct explanation for
statement-1
C. Statement -1 is True, Statement 2 is False
D. Statement -1 is False, Statement 2 is True

19. STATEMENT-1
For practical purposes, the earth is used as a reference at zero potential in electrical circuits.
STATEMENT-2
The electrical potential of a sphere of radius R with charge Q uniformly distributed on the surface is given by
R
Q
0
4 e t
.

Electrostatics


20. Statement 1: A charge q is placed at the centre of a metallic shell as shown in figure. Electric field at point P on
the shell due to charge q is zero.
Statement 2: Net electric field in a conductor under electrostatic conditions is zero.

P

q

A. A B. B C. C D. D E. E
Section V: Match the column
21.
Column I Column II
A. Equipotential surface is always p. Vector
B. Electric potential gradient is q. normal to electric field
C. In series combination of capacitors, what is same on each capacitors is r. potential difference
D. In parallel combination of capacitors, what is same for each capacitors is s. charge

22. Two spherical shells are shown in figure, suppose r is the distance of a point from their common centre. Then,

q
2
q
1
R
2
R
1
= radius of inner shell

Column I Column II
A. Electric field for
1
R r <
p. is constant for q
2
and vary for q
1
B. Electric potential for
1
R r <
q. is zero for q
2
and vary for q
1

C. Electric potential for
2 1
R r R < <
r. is constant
D. Electric field for
2 1
R r R < <
s. zero

Electrostatics


Section I: Q. No. 1 to 8 has only one correct answer

1. A long, hollow conducting cylinder is kept coaxially inside another long, hollow conducting cylinder of larger
radius. Both the cylinder is initially electrically neutral.
A. A potential difference appears between the two cylinders when a charge density is given to the inner
cylinder
B. A potential difference appears between the two cylinders when a charge density is given to the outer
cylinder
C. No potential difference between the two cylinders when a uniform line charge is kept along the axis of
the cylinders
D. No potential difference appears between the two cylinders when same charge density is given to both the
cylinders.

2. Six charges, three positive and three negative of equal magnitude are to be placed at the vertices of a regular
hexagon such that the electric field at O is double the electric field when only one positive charge of same
magnitude is placed at R. Which of the following arrangements of charge is possible for, P, Q, R, S, T and U
respectively?

P

Q

O

R

S

T

U

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

B
A. zero everywhere B. non-zero and uniform
C. non-uniform D. Zero at only its centre

4. The electrostatic potential V at any point (x,y,z) in space is given by
2
4x V = .
A. They y and z- components of the electrostatic field at any point are zero
B. The x-component at any point is given by
|
.
|
\
|
.
i x 8
C. The x-component at a point (1, 0, 2) is
|
.
|
\
|
.
i 8
D. They y- and z-components of the field are constant in magnitude.
5. The magnitude of electric field
E in the annular region of a charged cylindrical capacitor:

A. is same through
Electrostatics


B. is higher near the outer cylinder than near the inner cylinder
C. varies as 1/r where r is the distance from the axis
D. varies as
2
/ 1 r where r is the distance from the axis
6. Two isolated metallic spheres of radii R and 2R are charged such that both of these have same charge densityo .
The spheres are located far away from each other, and connected by a thin conducting wire. Then, new charge
density on the bigger sphere
A.
6
o
B.
6
7o
C.
6
5o
D. None

7. Two uniformly charged plane sheets
1
S and
2
S having charge densities
1
o and
2
o (
2 1
o o > ) are placed at a
distance d parallel to each other. A charge
0
q is moved along a line of length a (a < d) at an angle
0
45 with the
normal to
1
S . Then the work done by an electric field
A.
2 2
) (
2 1 0
a q o o
B.
2 2
) (
2 1 0
a q o o +
C.
2
) (
2 1 0
a q o o
D. None
8. Two equal point charges are fixed at a x and a x + = = on the x-axis. Another point charge Q is placed at the
origin. The change in the electrical potential energy of Q, when it is displaced by a small distance x along the x -axis, is
approximately proportional to:
A. x B.
2
x C.
3
x D. 1/x
Section II: Q. No. 9 to 12 have one or more correct answer
9. A spherical symmetric charge system is centered at origin. Given Electric potential
>
s
=
0
0
0
0 0
4
4
R r
r
Q
R r
R
Q
V
tc
tc

R
0
r
V

A. within
0
2R r = total enclosed net charge is Q B. Electric field is discontinued at
0
R r =
C. Change is only present at
0
R r = D. Electrostatic energy is zero for
0
R r <
Electrostatics


10. A charge + Q is fixed at the origin of the coordinate system while a small electric dipole of dipole moment
P pointing away from the charge along the x axis is set free from a point far away from the origin.
A. The kinetic energy of the dipole when it reaches to a point (d, 0) is
2
0
4
1
d
pQ
tc

B. The kinetic energy of the dipole when it reaches to a point (d, 0) is
2
0
2
4
1
d
pQ
tc

C. The force on the charge + Q at this moment is
3
0
2
4
1
d
pQ
tc

D. The force on the charge + Q at this moment is
3
0
4
1
d
pQ
tc

11. Four point charges +8mC, - 1 mC, - 1mC, and + 8 mC are fixed at the points m m m
2
3
,
2
3
,
2
27
+ and
m
2
27
respectively on the y axis. A particle of mass kg
4
10 6

and charge C 1 . 0 moves along the x direction.
Its speed at + = x is
0
v . (Assume that space is gravity free)
A. The least value of
0
v for which the particle cross the origin is 3 m/sec
B. The least value of
0
v for which the particle cross the origin is 4 m/sec
C. The kinetic energy of the particle at the origin is
4
10 3

J
D. The kinetic energy of the particle at the origin is
4
10 3 . 5

J

12. The separation between the plates of a charged parallel -plate capacitor is increased. Which of the following
quantities will change?
A. charge on the capacitor B. potential difference across the capacitor
C. energy of the capacitor D. energy density between the plates
Section III: Passage for Q. 13 to Q. 18

A, B, C, D are four thin, similar metallic parallel plates, equally separated by distance d, and connected to a cell of
p.d.(V), as shown in figure.

D B
1

V

2

3

A
C

Electrostatics


13. The potential of plate D
A. zero B. V C. V/2 D. None
14. If B and C be connected by a wire, then what will be the potential of plate D
A. zero B. V C. V/2 D. None
15. How will the electric field will change in the spacing between the plates B and C
A. zero B. Increase C. decrease D. None
In an isolated system (neither connected to the terminal of a battery nor to any other source of charge e.g. earth)
net charge remains constant. From the two terminals of a battery or from two plates of capacitor equal and
opposite charges enter or leave.
Two capacitors of capacity F 6 and F 3 are charged to 100 V and 50 Volt separately and connected as shown in
figure. Now all the three switches
2 1
, S S and
3
S are closed

50V
S
1
100V

200V

F 6

F 3

1 2
3 4

S
2
S
3

16. Which plate (s) form an isolated system:
A. Plate 1 and plate 4 separately B. Plate 2 and plate 3 separately
C. Plates 1 and 4 jointly D. Plates 2 and 3 jointly
17. Charge on both the capacitor in steady state will be (on F 6 first):
A. C 400 , C 400 B. C 700 , C 250 C. C 800 , C 350 D. C 300 , C 450
18. suppose
1
q ,
2
q and
3
q be the magnitude of charges flow through switches
1
S ,
2
S and
3
S after they are closed.
Then:
A.
3 1
q q = and 0
2
= q B.
2
2
3 1
q
q q = =
C.
2 3 1
2q q q = = D.
3 2 1
q q q = =
Electrostatics


Section IV: Q. No. 13 to 14 are statement 1 (Assertion) and Statement 2 (Reason) type questions
and carries 3 marks each for correct answer and 1 mark for each wrong answer. The following six
problems consists two statements. You have to examine these two statements carefully and decide if
the Assertion and Reason are individually true and if so, whether the PReason is the correct
explanation of the Assertion. Select your answer to these problems using the code given below and
mark answer accordingly:
A. Statement -1 is True, Statement 2 is True; Statement -2 is correct explanation for statement -
1.
B. Statement-1 is True, Statement 2 is True; Statement-2 is not correct explanation for
statement-1
C. Statement -1 is True, Statement 2 is False
D. Statement -1 is False, Statement 2 is True
19. Statement 1: The dielectric constant of a conductor is infinite.
Statement 2: Dielectric constant depends on the availability of free electrons in the substance.
A. B. C. D.P
20. Statement 1: A parallel plate capacitor is connected across a battery through a key. A dielectric slab of constant k
is introduced between the plates. The energy stored in the capacitor becomes k times.
Statement 2: The surface density of charge on the plates remains uncharged.
A. B. C. D.
Section V: Match the column
21.
Column I Column II
A. Electric field is a vector whose dimensions are
p.
1 3 3
A T ML
B. Electric flux is a scalar whose dimensions are
q.
1 3 2
A T ML
C. Dimension of electric dipole moment
r.
1 3
A MLT
D. Dimension of Electric potential is
s. LTA M
0

22. In the figure shown P is a point on the surface of an imaginary sphere, Match the following
Electrostatics


P q
1
q
2

Column I Column II
A. Electric field at point P p. due to q
1
only
B. Electric flux through a small area at P q. due to q
2
only
C. Electric flux through whole system r. due to both charges

1. D 2. B 3. D 4. A 5. B 6. B 7. B 8. C 9. A 10. D 11. B 12. C 13. A 14. A
15. B 16. C 17. D 18. B, D 19. D 20. C 21. D 22. D

Advance Assignment2
1. D 2. D 3. B 4. B 5. A 6. C 7. B 8. C 9. B, D 10. D 11. C 12. A, C 13. A
14. B 15. C 16. D 17. D 18. C 19. B 20. D 21. A q, B p, C s, D r 22. A s, B r, C p, D q

1. A 2. D 3. B 4. A,B,C 5. C 6. C 7. A 8. D 9. A,B,D 10. A, C
11. A, C 12. B,C 13. A 14. A 15. A 16.D 17.B 18. D 19. B 20. C
21. A r, B p, C s, D q 22. A r , B r, C - p

Electrostatics Theory

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Electrostatics Theory

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Electrostatics

AIM IIT 011 45769447 aim.iitj@gmail.com 1

, where p & q are constants. Find the net flux

, area vector parallel to x y plane is

, area vector parallel to z y plane is

, area vector parallel to z x plane is

E everywhere. The area vector

E , and the total area is

E everywhere. The area vector

E , and the total area is

, where o the surface charge density is and

p from negative to the positive charge. (Along the axis of dipole).

E in the annular region of a charged cylindrical capacitor:

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