GRADE 11 IEB • PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Electrostatics
1-Hour Lesson Study Guide & Exam Practice

What's inside this guide:

• Clear theory notes: charge, charging methods, Coulomb's
Law and electric fields
• Worked examples showing full method and units
• Exam tips & common mistakes IEB examiners penalise
• Past-paper style questions (definitions, calculations,
diagrams)
• Full worked memorandum-style answers

Designed for a focused, one-hour lesson | Theory → Examples → Practice

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 1 of 13

Contents

1. Electric Charge & Conservation of Charge 3

2. Methods of Charging 4

3. Coulomb's Law 5

4. Electric Fields 7

5. Exam Tips & Common Mistakes 9

6. Past Paper Practice Questions 10

7. Full Worked Answers (Memo) 12

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 2 of 13

 1. Electric Charge & Conservation of Charge
The building blocks of electrostatics

1.1 What is Electric Charge?

Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter. There are two types of charge: positive (carried by
protons) and negative (carried by electrons). Objects become charged when electrons are transferred
between them — protons do not move between objects in everyday charging.
Golden Rule
Like charges repel; unlike charges attract. An object is neutral when it has equal numbers of protons and
electrons.

1.2 Quantisation of Charge

Charge always exists in whole-number multiples of the charge on one electron. This smallest unit of
charge is called the elementary charge, e.

Q = n·e where e = 1,6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C

n is always a whole number — you cannot have "half" an extra electron on an object.

1.3 Conservation of Charge

The Law of Conservation of Charge states: charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred
from one object to another. The total charge of an isolated system remains constant.

Worked Example
A charged rod with charge +8 nC touches an identical neutral sphere. What is the final charge on each
object?
Total charge before = +8 nC + 0 = +8 nC (conserved)
Because the objects are identical conductors, the charge shares equally.
Final charge on each = 8 nC ÷ 2 = +4 nC on each object

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 3 of 13

 2. Methods of Charging
Friction, contact and induction

2.1 Charging by Friction

When two different, neutral, insulating materials are rubbed together, electrons transfer from one material
to the other. The material that loses electrons becomes positively charged; the material that gains
electrons becomes negatively charged.

2.2 Charging by Contact (Conduction)

A charged object is touched to a neutral (or oppositely charged) conductor. Charge (electrons) flows until
both objects reach the same electric potential. If the objects are identical spheres, the final charge splits
according to conservation of charge (see 1.3).
Key Fact
Charging by contact always leaves both objects with charge of the same sign as the original charged
object.

2.3 Charging by Induction

Induction charges an object without direct contact, using a charged object to redistribute charge,
followed by earthing.
Steps to Describe Induction (learn this sequence!)
1. Bring a charged rod close to (but not touching) a neutral conductor. Charges in the conductor
redistribute: opposite charges are attracted to the near side, like charges are repelled to the far side.
2. Earth the conductor (connect it to the ground with a wire) while the rod is still close. Electrons flow to/
from the earth.
3. Remove the earth connection while the rod is still present.
4. Remove the charged rod. The conductor is left with a net charge opposite in sign to the charging rod.
Common Mistake
Students often remove the rod before removing the earth wire — this lets all the redistributed charge flow
back, leaving the object neutral again. The order of steps 3 and 4 is essential and often tested directly.

2.4 Conductors vs Insulators

Conductors Insulators

Allow charge (electrons) to move freely through them Do not allow charge to move freely

e.g. metals, the human body, graphite e.g. plastic, glass, rubber, wood (dry)

Charge distributes over the entire surface Charge stays where it is placed (localised)

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 4 of 13

 3. Coulomb's Law
The force between two point charges

3.1 Statement of the Law

Coulomb's Law states: the magnitude of the electrostatic force between two point charges is directly
proportional to the product of the magnitudes of the charges, and inversely proportional to the square
of the distance between their centres.

F = kQ₁Q₂ / r²

Symbol Meaning Unit

F Electrostatic force newton (N)

k Coulomb's constant 9 × 10⁹ N·m²·C⁻²

Q₁, Q₂ Magnitudes of the two point charges coulomb (C)

r Distance between the centres of the charges metre (m)

3.2 Vector Nature of the Force

Coulomb's Law gives the magnitude of the force only. Force is a vector, so you must separately
determine the direction: attractive (charges pull together) if the charges have opposite signs, repulsive
(charges push apart) if the charges have the same sign. By Newton's Third Law, the force each charge
exerts on the other is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

3.3 Worked Examples

Example 1: Basic Calculation
Two point charges, Q₁ = +3 µC and Q₂ = −5 µC, are 0,2 m apart. Calculate the magnitude of the force
between them.
F = kQ₁Q₂/r²
F = (9×10⁹)(3×10⁻⁶)(5×10⁻⁶) / (0,2)²
F = (9×10⁹)(15×10⁻¹²) / 0,04
F = (1,35×10⁻²) / 0,04 = 0,3375 N (attractive, since charges are opposite)

Example 2: Superposition (Three Charges in a Line)

Charges A (+4µC), B (−2µC) and C (+6µC) lie on a straight line, with B exactly between A and C. AB =
0,3 m and BC = 0,3 m. Calculate the net force on B.
Force on B due to A (FAB): attractive, pulls B towards A (left)
FAB = (9×10⁹)(4×10⁻⁶)(2×10⁻⁶)/(0,3)² = 0,8 N (left)
Force on B due to C (FCB): attractive, pulls B towards C (right)
FCB = (9×10⁹)(6×10⁻⁶)(2×10⁻⁶)/(0,3)² = 1,2 N (right)
Choose right as positive: Fnet = 1,2 − 0,8 = 0,4 N, directed towards C (right)

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 5 of 13

Superposition Method (multiple charges)
1. Calculate the magnitude of the force from each charge separately using Coulomb's Law.
2. Draw each force as a vector, showing correct direction (attract/repel).
3. Choose a positive direction, then add the forces algebraically (1D) or use components (2D, e.g.
charges at right angles — use Pythagoras and trig for the resultant).

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 6 of 13

 4. Electric Fields
The region of influence around a charge

4.1 What is an Electric Field?

An electric field is a region of space in which an electric charge experiences an electric force. The field is
a way of describing how a charge affects the space around it, even before another charge is placed
there.

4.2 Electric Field Strength

E=F/q

E is the electric field strength at a point, defined as the force per unit positive charge placed at that point.
Unit: N·C⁻¹ (also written V·m⁻¹). E is a vector — its direction is the direction of the force that would act on
a small positive test charge placed at that point.

Field due to a point charge

E = kQ / r²

Q here is the charge causing the field (not the test charge).

4.3 Electric Field Lines: The Rules

Rules for drawing field lines (know these exactly)
1. Field lines point away from positive charges and towards negative charges.
2. Field lines never cross.
3. Field line density shows field strength — lines closer together = stronger field.
4. Lines meet a conductor's surface at right angles (perpendicular).
5. Between two oppositely charged parallel plates, field lines are straight, parallel and equally spaced (a
uniform field), pointing from + to −.

Situation Field pattern

Single positive charge Lines radiate outward, symmetrically in all directions

Single negative charge Lines point inward, symmetrically from all directions

Two unlike charges (dipole) Lines curve from + to −

Two like charges Lines repel each other; a neutral point exists between equal charges

Parallel plates (opposite charge) Uniform field: parallel, evenly spaced lines from + plate to − plate

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 7 of 13

 4.4 Combining Electric Fields (Superposition)
Just like forces, electric fields from multiple charges add as vectors at a given point. Calculate each
field's magnitude and direction separately, then add them (algebraically in 1D, or using components/
Pythagoras in 2D).

Worked Example
Calculate the electric field strength at a point 0,5 m from a point charge of +2 µC.
E = kQ/r² = (9×10⁹)(2×10⁻⁶)/(0,5)²
E = (1,8×10⁴)/0,25 = 7,2 × 10⁴ N·C⁻¹, directed away from the charge (since the charge is positive)

4.5 Force on a Charge Placed in a Field

F = qE

Once you know the field strength E at a point, the force on any charge q placed there is simply qE. If q is
positive, the force is in the same direction as E; if q is negative, the force is opposite to E.

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 8 of 13

 5. Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
What IEB examiners specifically look for

1. Convert units before you calculate

Always convert µC and nC to coulombs (×10⁻⁶ or ×10⁻⁹) and cm to metres before substituting into any
formula. This is the single most common cause of lost marks.
2. Substitute magnitudes into Coulomb's Law, then reason direction separately
Never substitute a negative sign into F = kQ₁Q₂/r². Use magnitudes only to find the size of the force, then
state attractive/repulsive (or the direction) as a separate written statement.
3. Always draw a diagram for multi-charge problems
Sketch the charges, label distances, and draw force/field vectors with arrows in the correct direction
before doing any algebra. This prevents sign errors when adding forces or fields.
4. Know your definitions word-for-word
IEB papers frequently award 2–3 marks for a bookwork definition (e.g. Coulomb's Law, electric field
strength). Learn the official wording, including all the "directly/inversely proportional" and "per unit
positive charge" phrasing.
5. State the correct number of significant figures
Match the sig figs / decimal places to what's given in the question (usually 2 or 3 sig figs), and always
include units in your final answer — omitting units costs marks even with the right number.
6. Distinguish between Q (source) and q (test charge)
In E = kQ/r², Q is the charge creating the field. In F = qE, q is the charge placed in the field and
experiencing the force. Mixing these up is a common conceptual error.
7. For induction questions, describe all 4 steps in order
Bring the rod close → earth the conductor → remove earth (rod still there) → remove rod. Missing a step
or getting the order wrong loses marks even if your final answer (the sign of charge) is correct.
Frequently confused pairs
Charging by contact vs induction: contact needs touching and leaves the same sign of charge;
induction needs no touching and leaves the opposite sign.
Force vs Field: Force (F) depends on two charges; Field (E) is a property of space due to one charge,
independent of any test charge placed there.

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 9 of 13

 6. Past Paper Practice Questions
IEB-style mixed paper — Total: 40 marks — Time: 35 minutes

Use k = 9 × 10⁹ N·m²·C⁻² and e = 1,6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C where needed. Show all working and units.

Question 1: Definitions & Concepts

1.1 State Coulomb's Law in words. (2)

1.2 Define electric field strength (electric field at a point). (2)

1.3 State the Law of Conservation of Charge. (2)

1.4 A charged plastic rod is found to have a charge of −4,8 × 10⁻¹⁹ C. Calculate the number of (2)
excess electrons on the rod.

Question 2: Methods of Charging

2.1 A negatively charged rod is brought close to (but not touching) a neutral metal sphere on an (4)
insulating stand, which is then earthed and induction charging is carried out correctly. Describe the four
steps of this process and state the final sign of charge on the sphere.

2.2 Two identical metal spheres, X (charge +6 µC) and Y (charge −2 µC), are brought into contact (3)
and then separated. Calculate the final charge on each sphere.

Question 3: Coulomb's Law Calculations

3.1 Two point charges of +4 µC and +6 µC are placed 0,3 m apart in air. Calculate the magnitude (4)
and direction of the electrostatic force between them.

3.2 Three point charges lie on a straight line: A = +5 µC, B = +3 µC and C = −4 µC. AB = 0,2 m and (5)
BC = 0,2 m, with B between A and C. Calculate the net force on charge B.

3.3 Two identical point charges experience a repulsive force of 0,9 N when placed 0,1 m apart. (3)
Calculate the magnitude of each charge (assume equal charges).

Question 4: Electric Fields

4.1 Calculate the electric field strength at a point 0,4 m from a point charge of −8 µC. State the (4)
direction of the field at this point.

4.2 A small charge of +2 × 10⁻⁶ C experiences a force of 0,06 N when placed at a certain point in an (4)
electric field. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field strength at this point.

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 10 of 13

4.3 Sketch the electric field pattern between two oppositely charged parallel plates, and state two (3)
properties of this field.

4.4 Two identical negative point charges are placed near each other. Sketch the field pattern and (2)
mark the position of any neutral point.

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 11 of 13

 7. Full Worked Answers (Memo)
Check your work and understand every step

Question 1

1.1 The magnitude of the electrostatic force between two point charges is directly proportional to the product
of the magnitudes of the charges, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

1.2 Electric field strength at a point is the electrostatic force experienced per unit positive charge placed at
that point.

1.3 Charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one object to another; the total charge of
an isolated system is constant.

1.4 n = Q/e = (4,8×10⁻¹⁹)/(1,6×10⁻¹⁹) = 3 excess electrons

Question 2

2.1 Step 1: Bring the negatively charged rod close to the neutral sphere (do not touch) — electrons in the
sphere are repelled to the far side, leaving the near side positively charged. Step 2: Earth the sphere —
electrons flow from the sphere to earth (since electrons are repelled by the rod). Step 3: Remove the earth
connection while the rod is still in place — the sphere is now left with a deficit of electrons. Step 4: Remove
the rod — the remaining positive charge spreads over the sphere. Final charge: positive (opposite in sign to
the rod).

2.2 Total charge = +6 µC + (−2 µC) = +4 µC. Since spheres are identical, charge splits equally: +2 µC on
each sphere.

Question 3

3.1 F = kQ₁Q₂/r² = (9×10⁹)(4×10⁻⁶)(6×10⁻⁶)/(0,3)² = (9×10⁹)(24×10⁻¹²)/0,09 = 2,16/0,09 = 24 N, repulsive

(both charges positive)

3.2 FAB = (9×10⁹)(5×10⁻⁶)(3×10⁻⁶)/(0,2)² = 3,375 N, repulsive → pushes B away from A (towards C).
FCB = (9×10⁹)(3×10⁻⁶)(4×10⁻⁶)/(0,2)² = 2,7 N, attractive → pulls B towards C.
Both forces act in the same direction (towards C): Fnet = 3,375 + 2,7 = 6,075 N, directed towards C

3.3 F = kQ²/r² → Q² = Fr²/k = (0,9)(0,1)²/(9×10⁹) = 0,009/9×10⁹ = 1×10⁻¹²

Q = √(1×10⁻¹²) = 1 × 10⁻⁶ C (1 µC) on each charge

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 12 of 13

Question 4

4.1 E = kQ/r² = (9×10⁹)(8×10⁻⁶)/(0,4)² = 7,2×10⁴/0,16 = 4,5 × 10⁴ N·C⁻¹, directed towards the charge (since
the charge is negative, field points inward).

4.2 E = F/q = 0,06/(2×10⁻⁶) = 3 × 10⁴ N·C⁻¹

4.3 Field lines are straight, parallel, and equally spaced, running from the positive plate to the negative plate.
Properties: (1) the field is uniform — same magnitude and direction everywhere between the plates; (2) field
lines meet each plate at right angles, with no field outside the plates (edge effects ignored).

4.4 Field lines point towards both negative charges; a neutral point (where the two fields exactly cancel) lies
exactly halfway between the two charges, on the line joining them.

End of study guide — Practise regularly and always show full working — Good luck!

Grade 11 Electrostatics Study Guide (IEB) • Page 13 of 13