CHAPTER

13 Electrostatics

Chapter Highlights
Electric charges: Conservation of charge, Coulomb’s law-forces between two point charges, forces between
multiple charges; superposition principle and continuous charge distribution. Electric field: Electric field due to
a point charge, Electric field lines, Electric dipole, Electric field due to a dipole, Torque on a dipole in a uniform
electric field. Electric flux, Gauss’s law and its applications to find field due to infinitely long uniformly charged
straight wire, uniformly charged infinite plane sheet and uniformly charged thin spherical shell. Electric potential
and its calculation for a point charge, electric dipole and system of charges; Equipotential surfaces, Electrical
potential energy of a system of two point charges in an electrostatic field. Conductors and insulators, Dielectrics
and electric polarization, capacitor, combination of capacitors in series and in parallel, capacitance of a parallel
plate capacitor with and without dielectric medium between the plates, Energy stored in a capacitor.

INTRODUCTION CGS unit of charge = electrostatic unit = esu

The branch of physics which deals with electric effect of 1 coulomb = 3 × 109 esu of charge
static charge is called electrostatics. Dimensional formula of charge = [MºLºT1I1]

ELECTRIC CHARGE Specific Charge

It is defined as the ratio of charge and its mass is (q/m)
Charge of a material body or particle is the property
(acquired or natural) due to which it produces and expe-
riences electrical and magnetic effects. Some of naturally
Properties of Charge
charged particles are electron, proton, a-particle, etc. 1. Charge is a Scalar Quantity: It adds algebraically
and represents excess or deficiency of electrons.
Types of Charges 2. Charge is Transferable: Charging implies transfer of
charge (electrons) from one body to another. Positively
Positive Charge
charged body means loss of electrons, i.e., deficiency
It is the deficiency of electrons compared to protons. of electrons. Negatively charged body means excess
of electrons. This also shows that mass of a negatively
Negative Charge
charged body > mass of a positively charged identical
It is the excess of electrons compared to protons. body.
3. Charge is Conserved: In an isolated system, total
Units of Charge charge (sum of positive and negative) remains constant
Charge is a derived physical quantity. Charge is measured whatever change takes place in that system.
in coulomb in SI unit. In practice, we use mC (10–3C), mC 4. Charge is Quantized: Charge on anybody always
(10–6C), nC(10–9C), etc. exists in integral multiples of a fundamental unit of
13.2 Chapter 13

electric charge. This unit is equal to the magnitude Charging by Friction

of charge on electron (1e = 1.6 × 10–19 coulomb). When a neutral body is rubbed with other neutral body (at
So charge on anybody Q = ±ne, where n is an inte- least one of them should be insulator) then some electrons
ger and e is the charge of the electron. Millikan’s oil are transferred from one body to other. The body which
drop experiment proved the quantization of charge or gains electrons becomes negatively charged and other
atomicity of charge. becomes positively charged.
+++++++ –– – – – ––
+ +
NOTE B
After rubbing + A + + –– B ––
A + + – –
+ +
+++++++ –– – – – ––
1 2
Recently, the existence of particles of charge ± e and ± e Neutral
3 3
has been postulated. These particles are called quarks but
still this is not considered as the quantum of charge because Conduction (Flow)
they are unstable (They have very short span of life).
There are three types of material in nature
1. Conductor: Materials which have large number of
5. Like point charges repel each other while unlike point
free electrons.
charges attract each other.
2. Insulator or Dielectric or Nonconductors: Materials
6. A charged body may attract a neutral body or an oppo-
which do not have free electrons.
sitely charged body but it always repels a similarly
charged body. When a charged conductor is connected with a neutral con-
ductor then charge flows from one body to the other body. In
case of two charged conductors, charge flows from higher
NOTE potential energy to lower potential energy. The charge stops
Repulsion is a sure test of electrification, whereas attraction flowing when the potential of the two bodies become same.
is not. sw
+
7. Charge is always associated with mass, i.e., charge
cannot exist without mass though mass can exist with- A B A B
out charge. Particles such as photon or neutrino which
have no (rest) mass can never have a charge. As charge
can not exist without mass, the presence of charge
A B
itself is a convincing proof of existence of mass.
8. Charge is Relativistically Invariant: This means
that charge is independent of frame of reference, i.e.,
charge on a body does not change whatever be its NOTE
speed. This property is worth mentioning as in contrast If two identical shaped conductors kept at large distance are
to charge, the mass of a body depends on its speed and connected to each other, then they will have equal charges
increases with increase in speed. finally.
9. A charge at rest produces only electric field around
itself; a charge having uniform motion produces elec-
tric as well as magnetic field around itself while a Induction
charge having accelerated motion emits electromag-
When a charged particle is taken near to neutral object,
netic radiation in addition to producing electric and
then the electrons move to one side and there is excess of
magnetic fields.
electrons on that side making it negatively charged and
deficiency on the other side making that side positively
Charging of a Body charged. Hence, charges appear on two sides of the body
A body can be charged by means of (a) friction, (although total charge of the body is still zero). This phe-
(b)  conduction, (c) induction, (d) thermionic ionization, nomenon is called induction and the charge produced by it
(e) photoelectric effect, and (f) field emission. is called induced charge.
 Electrostatics 13.3

Induced charge Field Emission

–– When electric field of large magnitude is applied near the
–
–q
–
– +q metal surface, then some electrons come out from the metal
–– surface and hence the metal gets positively charged.

A body can be charged by induction in following two ways.

e–
E
Method I:
e–
The potential of conductor A becomes zero after earthing.
To make potential zero, some electrons flow from the earth e–
to the conductor A and now connection is removed making
it negatively charged.
– – – ––
–– –– SOLVED EXAMPLES
–– ––– ––
––
–– ––
–– –– –
–– – –
–– –– – 1. Charge conservation is always valid. Is it also true for
– – – – ––
A A mass?

Method II: Solution:

The conductor which has induced charge on it is connected No, mass conservation is not valid. Mass can be
to a neutral conductor which makes the flow of charge such converted into energy.
that their potentials become equal and now they are discon- 2. What are the differences between charging by induc-
nected making the neutral conductor charged. tion and charging by conduction?

–– Solution:
––
––
–– Major differences between two methods of charging
–– are as follows
A B (A) In induction, two bodies are close to each other
but do not touch each other while in conduction
Thermionic Emission they touch each other.
When the metal is heated at a high temperature then some (B) In induction, total charge of body remains
electrons of metals are ejected and the metal gets ionized. unchanged while in conduction it changes.
It becomes positively charged. (C) In induction, induced charge is always opposite in
nature to that of source charge while in conduc-
tion charge on two bodies is of same nature.
e– e– e– 3. If a glass rod is rubbed with silk, it acquires a positive
e–
+ + + + + + – charge because
+ + + + + + e
+ + + + + + (A) protons are added to it.
(B) protons are removed from it.
Heat (C) electrons are added to it.
(D) electrons are removed from it.
Photoelectric Effect Solution: (D)
When light of sufficiently high frequency is incident on
metal surface then some electrons come out and metal gets 4. A positively charged body A attracts a body B then
ionized. charge on body B may be
(A) Positive
Light (B) Negative
e– e– (C) Zero
e–

e– (D) Cannot say

+++
+++
+++ Solution: (A, B, C)
13.4 Chapter 13

COULOMB’S LAW PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION

(INVERSE SQUARE LAW) The electrostatic force is a two-body interaction, i.e., elec-
After experiments, Coulomb established the following law trical force between two point charges is independent of
known as Coulomb’s law. presence or absence of other charges and so the principle of
The magnitude of electrostatic force between two superposition is valid, i.e., force on charged particle due to
point charges is directly proportional to the product of number of point charges is the resultant of forces due to indi-
charges and inversely proportional to the square of the dis- vidual point charges, therefore, force on a point test charge
tance between them. due to many charges is given by F = F1 + F2 + F3 + … .

i.e. F ∝ q1q2 q1
F4
F3
1
F∝ q2 F2
r2 q
q3
q1q2 F1
⇒ F∝ 2
q4
r
Kq1q2
⇒ F=
r2 SOLVED EXAMPLES

Important Points Regarding Coulomb’s Law 5. If the distance between two equal point charges is
1. It is applicable only for point charges. doubled and their individual charges are also doubled,
2. The constant of proportionality K in SI units in vac- what would happen to the force between them?
1
uum is expressed as and in any other medium Solution:
4πε 0
1 1 q×q
expressed as . If charges are dipped in a medium, F= (1)
4πε 0 4πε 0 r 2
1 q1q2
then electrostatic force on one charge is . 1 ( 2q) ( 2q)
4πε 0 ε r r 2 Again, F′ =
4πε 0 ( 2r ) 2
ε 0 and ε are called permittivity of vacuum and abso-
lute permittivity of the medium, respectively. The 1 4q2 1 q2
or F′ = = =F
ratio ε / ε 0 = ε r is called relative permittivity of the 4πε 0 4 r 2 4πε 0 r 2
medium, which is a dimensionless quantity.
3. The value of relative permittivity er varies between So, the force will remain the same.
1 and ∞. For vacuum, by definition it is equal to 1. 6. A particle of mass m carrying charge q1 is revolving
For air, it is nearly equal to 1 and may be taken to be around a fixed charge –q2 in a circular path of radius r.
equal to 1 for calculations. For metals, the value of er Calculate the period of revolution and its speed.
is ∞.
1 Solution:
4. The value of = 9 × 109 Nm2 C–2.
4πε 0 1 q1q2 4π 2 mr
2
= mrw2 = ’
5. The force acting on one point charge due to the other 4πε 0 r T2
point charge is always along the line joining these two ( 4πε 0 )r 2 ( 4π 2 mr )
charges. It is equal in magnitude and opposite in direc- T2 =
q1q2
tion on two charges, irrespective of the medium, in
which they lie. πε 0 mr
6. The force is conservative in nature, i.e., work done by or T = 4pr
q1q2
electrostatic force in moving a point charge along a
close loop of any shape is zero. and also we can say that
7. Since the force is a central force, in the absence of any q1q2 mv 2
2
=
other external force, angular momentum of one parti- 4πε 0 r r
cle with respect to the other particle (in two particle q1q2
system) is conserved. ⇒ V= .
4πε 0 mr
 Electrostatics 13.5

7. Two positively points charge, which are separated by Q1 − Q2

⇒ q=
0.1 m, repel each other with a force of 18 N. If the sum 2
of charges is 9 μc, calculate their separate (9 × 10 −6 C). Q − Q2 Q1 + Q2
Q1 − q = Q1 − 1 =
Solution: 2 2
Q1 + Q2 = 9 μc (1) Q − Q2 Q1 + Q2
Q2 + q = Q2 + 1 = .
Q1Q2 2 2
9 × 109 × = 18 (2)
(0.1) 2 10. Three charges, each Q are situated at the corners of an
2 2 equilateral Δ of side a. Find magnitude and direction
(Q1 − Q2 ) = (Q1 + Q2 ) − 4Q1Q2 of force on one of the charge.
∴ Q1 = 5μ c; Q2 = 4 μ c.
Solution:
8. A charge Q is divided into two parts and is kept at a Q
separation r. Find the value of divided charges, so that
force between them is maximum. Also find its maxi-
mum force.

Solution: 60°
F1 Q
Q 60°
30°
30°
Q–q q
F2
1 ( Q − q) q
F=
4πε 0 r2 1 Q2
F1 = F2 =
dF 4πε 0 a 2
∴ =0
dq θ = 60°
For maximum Q minimum value of F F1 + F2 = 2 F1 cos θ / 2
1
∴ × ( Q × 1 − 2q) = 0 1 Q2
4πε 0 2× × cos 30°
Q2 4πε 0 a 2
Fmax = .
16πε 0 r 2 3Q 2
F1 + F2 = .
9. Charges Q1 and Q2 are separated by distance r. Some 4πε 0 a 2
charge is removed from Q1 and added to Q2. Find 11. In the previous question find magnitude and nature
the transferred charge, so that force between them of fourth charge required to be placed at the centre to
becomes maximum. Also find maximum force. keep the three charges at their positions.
Solution: Solution:
Q1–q Q2+q F
r Q
q

–q
1 (Q1 − q)(Q2 + q) Q
F= Q
4πε 0 r2 F F
2 2
1 (Q1Q2 + Q1q − Q2 q − q ) 1 Qq 3Q
= =
4πε 0 r2 4πε 0 r 2 4πε 0 a 2

∴ For max. F,
df
=0 1 Qq 3Q 2
⇒ =
dq 4πε 0 r 2 4πε 0 a 2
1 Q
∴ =
4πε 0
[0 + Q1 − Q2 − 2q] = 0 ∴ q= .
3
13.6 Chapter 13

12. Two equally charged identical metal sphere A and L

B repel each other with a force 2 × 10–5  N. Another E D
q q
identical uncharged sphere C is touched to B and then
placed at the mid point between A and B. What is the q o
net electric force on C ? F C
q
–q
Solution: q
Let initially the charge on each sphere be q and sep- A B
aration between their centres be r; then according to
F + f = 0,
given problem,
r i.e., F = –f
A B 1 q×q 1 q2
q q or, F=f= = .
4πε 0 L2 4πε 0 L2
1 q×q Method II:
F= = 2 × 10–5 N
4πε 0 r 2
L
When sphere C touches B, the charge of B, q will E D
q
distribute equally on B and C as spheres are identical q
conductors, i.e., now charges on spheres; o
q
F C
qB = qC = (q/2) q
–q
So sphere C will experience a force q
A B
r/2 r/2
In the diagram, we can see that force due to charges A
A C B
and D are opposite to each other
q q/2 q
FDO + FAO = 0 (1)
1 q( q / 2)
FCA = = 2F along AB due to charge on A
4πε 0 ( r / 2) 2 Similarly, FBO + FEO = 0 (2)
and Thus, FAO + FBO + FCO + FDO + FEO = FNet
1 ( q / 2)( q / 2)
FCB = = F along BA due to charge Using (1) and (2),
4πε 0 ( r / 2) 2
on B. 1 q2
FNet = FCO = along CO.
So the net force FC on C due to charges on A and B, 4π ε 0 L2

FC = FCA – FCB = 2F – F = 2 × 10–5 N along AB . 14. Charges Q, –2Q, 3Q, and –4Q are present at the
corners of a rectangle of sides 3a and 4a. Find magni-
13. Five point charges, each of value q are placed on five tude and direction of net force on charge Q.
vertices of a regular hexagon of side L. What is the
magnitude of the force on a point charge of value –q Solution:
coulomb placed at the centre of the hexagon?
–4 Q +3 Q
Solution:
Method I:
F3 3a
If there had been a sixth charge +q at the remaining y
vertex of hexagon force due to all the six charges on
x F2 cosθ θ
–q at O would be zero (as the forces due to individual
charges will balance each other), i.e., F2 θ 4a –4 Q
+Q F1

FR = 0 F2 sin θ

Now if f is the force due to sixth charge and F due to

remaining five charges. F + F1 + F2 + F3
 Electrostatics 13.7

1 Q × 2Q  1 Q × 4Q  Initially, FAO + FBO = 0

= i+ j
4πε 0 ( 4 a) 2 4πε 0 (3a) 2 KQq0
⇒ | FAO | = | FBO | =
1 Q × 3Q ⎡ a2
+ − cos θ i − cos θ j ⎤
4πε 0 (5a) 2 ⎣ ⎦ When charge is slightly shifted towards +x axis by
a small distance Dx, then.
Q2 ⎡1 3 4 3 4 4 ⎤
F= ⎢ 8 i − 25 × 5 i − 25 × 5 j + 9 j⎥ y
4πε 0 a ⎣
2
⎦
Q2 ⎡⎛ 1 12 ⎞  ⎛ 4 9 ⎞ j ⎤ Q q0 Q
= ⎢⎜⎝ 8 − 125 ⎟⎠ i + ⎜⎝ 9 − 125 ⎟⎠ ⎥ FBO FAO
2
4πε 0 a ⎣ ⎦ A O
Δx
x

Q2 ⎡ 29  419  ⎤
= 2 ⎢1000
i+ j
4πε 0 a ⎣ 1125 ⎥⎦
2 2
| FAO | < | FBO |
Q2 ⎛ 29 ⎞ ⎛ 419 ⎞
F = ⎜ 1000 ⎟ + ⎜ 1125 ⎟ . Therefore, the particle will move towards origin (its
4πε 0 a 2 ⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠ original position) hence the equilibrium is stable.
(B) When charge is shifted along y axis
ELECTROSTATIC EQUILIBRIUM
2F sinθ
The point where the resultant force becomes zero is called F F
equilibrium position. θ θ
F sinθ F sinθ
Stable Equilibrium q0
Q Q
If charge is initially in equilibrium position and is displaced A B
by a small distance and if the charge tries to return back
to the same equilibrium position then this equilibrium is
called position of stable equilibrium.
After resolving components, net force will be along y
Unstable Equilibrium axis so the particle will not return to its original posi-
tion so it is unstable equilibrium. Finally, the charge
If charge is displaced by a small distance from its equilib- will move to infinity.
rium position and the charge has no tendency to return to
the same equilibrium position. Instead it goes away from Neutral Equilibrium
the equilibrium position.
If charge is displaced by a small distance and it is still in
equilibrium condition then it is called neutral equilibrium.
SOLVED EXAMPLE

15. Two equal positive point charges Q are placed at points SOLVED EXAMPLES
A(a, 0) and B(–a, 0). Another test charge q0 is also
placed at O(0, 0). Show that the equilibrium at O is 16. A particle of mass m and charge q is located midway
(A) stable for displacement along X-axis. between two fixed charged particles each having a
(B) unstable for displacement along Y-axis. charge q and a distance 2l apart. Prove that the motion
of the particle will be SHM if it is displaced slightly
Solution:
along the line connecting them and released. Also find
(A) y
its time period.

Solution:
Q q0 Q
FBO FAO Let the charge q at the mid-point be displaced slightly
A O B to the left.
The force on the displaced charge q due to charge
q at A is
13.8 Chapter 13

B q A 18. Charges Q and –16Q are separated by a distance 3L.

q q A particle q and of mass m is kept at neutral point.
x
ℓ ℓ When this charge is displaced along the line joining
fixed charge, it undergoes SHM.
2ℓ (A) What is nature of charge of the particle?
(B) Find time period of oscillation of the particle.
1 q2
F1 =
4πε 0 (ℓ + x ) 2

e)
+v
x

q(
Fixed Fixed
The force on the displaced charge q due to charge at B,
F1 F2 Q –16Q
1 q2 I ii
F2 =
4πε 0 (ℓ − x ) 2 L 3L

Net force on the displaced charge q.

Solution:
F = F 2 – F1
F1 = F2
1 q2 1 q2
or F= – Qq Qq 1 Q × 16Q
4πε 0 (ℓ − x ) 2 4πε 0 (ℓ + x ) 2 ⇒ =
4πε 0 x0 2 4πε 0 (3L + x0 ) 2
q2 ⎡ 1 1 ⎤ ⇒ x0 = L
or F= ⎢ 2
− ⎥
4πε 0 ⎣ (ℓ − x ) (ℓ + x )2 ⎦ 1 Qq
F1 =
q 2
4 ℓx 4πε 0 ( L − x ) 2
=
4πε 0 (ℓ − x 2 ) 2
2 1 16Qq
F2 =
Since l >> x, 4πε 0 ( 4 L − x ) 2

q 2 ℓx q2 x F = F 1 − F2
∴ F= or F=
πε 0 ℓ 4 πε 0 ℓ3 Qq ⎡ 1 16 ⎤
= ⎢ − 2⎥
We see that F ∝ x and it is opposite to the direction of 4πε 0 ⎣ ( L − x)
2
(4 L − x) ⎦
displacement. Therefore, the motion is SHM.
⎡ ⎤
m ⎢ ⎥
T = 2π , Qq ⎢ 1 16 ⎥
k = −
⎢
4πε 0 2 ⎛ x⎞
2
⎛ x ⎞
2⎥
⎢ L ⎜1 − ⎟ 16 L2 ⎜1 − ⎟ ⎥
q2 ⎢⎣ ⎝ L⎠ ⎝ 4 L ⎠ ⎥⎦
here k=
π ∈0 ℓ3
Qq ⎡ 2x x ⎤
= ⎢1 + L − 1 − 2 L ⎥
mπ ∈0 ℓ 3
4πε 0 ⎣ ⎦
= 2π .
q2 Qq ⎡ 3x ⎤
= ⎢ ⎥
17. A particle of mass m and charge –q is located midway 2
4πε 0 L ⎣ 2 L ⎦
between two fixed charged particles each having a x
charge q and a distance 2l apart. Prove that the motion ⎛ 3Qq ⎞
⇒ a=⎜ 3⎟
of the particle will be SHM if it is displaced slightly ⎝ 8πε 0 ML ⎠
along perpendicular bisector and released. Also find
its time period. 8πε 0 ML3
∴ T = 2π .
Solution: 3Qq

mℓ3 19. Four charges, each of Q are situated at the corner of

2π 2
, a square of side a. Find magnitude and direction of
2 Kq
1 force on one of the charges? Find magnitude and
where K = . nature of 5th charge required to be placed at the centre
4πε 0
of the square to keep the system in equilibrium?
 Electrostatics 13.9

Solution:
Q
F2 q× × aθ
1 2π a
F3 ⇒ = 2T sin θ / 2
4πε 0 a2
F1 + F2 Qq
Q a Q
F1 Q T= .
8π 2ε 0 a 2

a a 21. Two identical charged spheres are suspended by

strings of equal length. Each string makes an angle q
with the vertical. When suspended in a liquid of den-
Q a Q
sity s = 0.8 gm/cc, the angle remains the same. What
is the dielectric constant of the liquid? (Density of the
1 Q2 material of sphere is 1.6 gm/cc.)
F1 + F1 =
4πε 0 a 2 Solution:
θ Initially, the forces acting on each ball are tension T,
F1 + F1 = 2 F1 cos
2 weight mg, and electric force F, for its equilibrium
along vertical,
1 Q2
= 2× cos 45° T cos q = mg (1)
4πε 0 a 2
and along horizontal
2Q
= directed along F3 T sin q = F (2)
4πε 0 a 2

Q (F + F ) + F
1 1 3 = F1 + F2 + F3

2Q 2 1 Q2 T
θ
T
= 2
+
4πε 0 a 4πε 0 2a 2 θ

Q2 F + + F
= 2
( 2 2 + 1).
8πε 0 a
mg mg
20. Charge Q is uniformly distributed over a non-con-
ducting thread over the shape of a circle of radius a. Dividing Equation (2) by (1), we have
A charge q is now placed at the centre of circle. Find F
increase in tension in the thread? tan q = (3)
mg
Solution: When the balls are suspended in a liquid of density
T cosθ /2 s and dielectric constant K, the electric force will
T cosθ /2
θ /2
θ /2 become (1/K) times, i.e., F ′ = (F/K) while weight
θ T sinθ /2
mg′ = mg – FB = mg – Vsg
T sinθ /2 θ/2
q [as FB = Vsg, where s is density of
material of sphere]

⎡ σ⎤ ⎡ m⎤
i.e., mg′ = mg ⎢1− ⎥ ⎢ as V = ρ ⎥
F = 2T sin θ / 2 ⎣ ρ⎦ ⎣ ⎦

⎛ Q ⎞ So for equilibrium of ball,

q×⎜ × aθ ⎟
1 ⎝ 2π a ⎠ F′ F
= = 2T sin θ / 2 tan q ′ = = (4)
4πε 0 a2 mg ′ Kmg [1− (σ /ρ )]
13.10 Chapter 13

According to given information, q ′ = q; so from equa-  = − rˆ

tions (4) and (3), we have F
ρ 1.6 −1 Q1Q2
K= = = 2. F= r
( ρ − σ ) (1.6 − 0.8) 4πε 0 r 3
22. Three small spheres each of mass m carrying charge 1 Q1Q2
Q on each are suspended from the same point with the F= F F= ( −r ).
4πε 0 r 2
help of three strings, each of length α . At equilibrium,
the sphere gets positioned at the corners of an equilat-
eral triangle. Find side x of the triangle. x is << L. SOLVED EXAMPLE

θ
23. Four +ve charges, each of +Q and four –ve charge,
each of –Q are present at the corners of a cube such
T T cosθ that near any charge other charges are of opposite
Q x
θ F1
nature. Find magnitude of force on one of the charges?
x F
G T sinθ Q Solution:
x F1
Q y

Solution: +Q
4 –Q 2
T sin θ = F
5 –Q
T cos θ = M g +Q 3
2
60° 1 q 3 +Q 1
2 F1 cos 2× 2
× 0 –Q x
F 2 = x 4πε 0 x 2
tan θ = = = 6 7
Mg Mg 3l Mg –Q +Q
1/ 3
⎡ 3 q2l ⎤ z
⇒ c⎢ ⎥ .
⎢⎣ 4πε 0 M g ⎥⎦ ˆj F1 = 1 Q × −Q 1 Q2 ˆ
( − ˆ)
ar = ( j)
4πε 0 a3 4πε 0 a 2
COULOMB’S LAW IN VECTOR FORM 1 Q×Q
rˆ F2 = ( −arˆ − a ˆj )
(SOURCE CHARGE) (TEST CHARGE) 4πε 0 ( 2a)3
r Q1
Q2 F 1 Q2 1
= × ( − iˆ − ˆj )
4πε 0 a 2 2 2
 = r
F
1 Q × −Q
1 Q1Q2 rˆ F3 = ( −arˆ − ajˆ − akˆ )
F= r 4πε 0 ( 3a)3
4πε 0 r 3
1 Q2 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
1 Q1Q2 = × (i + j + k )
F = 4πε 0 a 2 3 3
4πε 0 r 2
2
1 Q1Q2  1 Q × −Q ˆ ) = 1 Q ˆj
= r rˆ F4 = ( − aj
4πε 0 r 2 4πε 0 a3 4πε 0 a 2

1 Q1Q2 r 1 Q×Q
= rˆ F5 = ( −ajˆ − akˆ )
4πε 0 r 2 r 4πε 0 ( 2a)3
r –Q1 1 Q2 1
Q2 = × ( − ˆj − kˆ )
F
4πε 0 a 2 2 2
 Electrostatics 13.11

1 Q × −Q 1 Q2 ⎡ ⎛ ⎞⎤
F6 = ( − ak ) = k
4πε 0 a3 4πε 0 a 2 qQ ⎢ −1 ⎜ −1 ⎟ ⎥
⇒ F= ⎢ − ⎥
4πε 0 L ⎢ L ⎜ L⎟
1 Q×Q r+ ⎜ r − ⎟⎥
F7 = ( − ai − ak ) ⎢⎣ 2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎥⎦
4πε 0 ( 2 a)3
1 Q2 1 ⎡ L L ⎤
= 2
× ( −i − k ) ⎢ −r + + r + ⎥
4πε 0 a 2 2 qQ 2 2 ⎥= Qq
F= ⎢
4πε 0 L ⎢ ⎛ L⎞ ⎛ L⎞ ⎥ ⎛ 2 L2 ⎞
F = F1 + F2 + ..... + F7 ⎢ ⎜⎝ r + 2 ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ r − 2 ⎟⎠ ⎥ 4πε 0 ⎜ r − ⎟
⎣ ⎦ ⎝ 4⎠
1 Q 2 ⎡⎛ 1 1 1 ⎞ ˆ ˆ ˆ ⎤
rˆ = ⎢⎜ 1 − + − ⎟ (i + j + k ) ⎥ . Qq
4πε 0 a ⎣⎝ 2 2 3 3 2 2 ⎠
2
⎦ F=
⎛ 2 L2 ⎞
4πε 0 ⎜ r − ⎟
⎝ 4⎠
FORCE DUE TO DISTRIBUTED CHARGE
If r >> L
SOLVED EXAMPLE
Qq
F= .
24. Find the force on a point charge q due to charge Q 4πε 0 r 2
uniformly distributed over a non-conducting rod of
length L. Distance of point charge from centre of rod For the calculation of force on a point charge, due to
is r as shown. a distributed charge on a body, the distributed charge
cannot be assumed to be concentrated at the centre of
Solution: mass of the body.
The rod is not a point charge, so Coulomb’s law cannot When separation of point charge from the distrib-
be applied directly for the calculation of force, but rod uted charge is very large then force can be calculated
can be assumed to be made of infinite number of point assuming distributed charge to be concentrated at the
charges. centre of mass of respective body.
Let us consider one of the elements of the rod at a dis-
tance x from the point charge q and having thickness dx.
Q ELECTRIC FIELD
Charge on unit length of rod, λ =
L Electric field is the region around charged particle or
Q charged body in which if another charge is placed, it expe-
Charge on element, dQ = λ dx = dx
L riences electrostatic force.
Force on point charge q due to elementary charge dq,
Q Electric Field Intensity E
q × dx
1 L qQ dx Electric field intensity at a point is equal to the electrostatic
dF = 2
= Rightward
4πε 0 x 4πε 0 L x 2 force experienced by a unit positive point charge both in
As force due to the elements are also in the same magnitude and direction.
direction, If a test charge q0 is placed at a point in an electric
field and experiences a force F , the electric field intensity
∴ Net force = ∫ dF at that point is given by
L
r+ F
qQ 2
dx E= .
F=
4πε 0 L ∫ x2
q0
L
r− If the E is to be determined practically, then the test charge
2
L
r+ q0 should be small otherwise it will affect the charge dis-
qQ ⎡ 1 ⎤ 2
⇒ F= − tribution which is producing the electric field and hence
4πε 0 L ⎢⎣ x ⎥⎦ r − L modify the quantity which is measured.
2
13.12 Chapter 13

SOLVED EXAMPLES SOLVED EXAMPLES

25. A positively charged ball hangs from a long silk thread. 26. Calculate the electric field intensity which would be
We wish to measure E at a point in the same horizontal just sufficient to balance the weight of a particle of
plane as that of the hanging charge. To do so, we put a charge –10 mc and mass 10 mg.
positive test charge q0 at the point and measure F/q0.
Will F/q0 be less than, equal to, or greater than E at the Solution:
point in question? As force on a charge q in an electric field E is
Solution:
F q = qE

q0 Fe qE
q
P q E
A
W
When we try to measure the electric field at point P
then after placing the test charge at P it repels the mg
(A)
source charge (suspended charge) and the measured
F So according to given problem,
value of electric field Emeasured = will be less than
q0
the actual value Eact. | Fq | = | W |,

Properties of Electric Field i.e., |q| E = mg

Intensity E mg
i.e., E= = 10 N/C in downward direction.
|q|
1. It is a vector quantity. Its direction is the same as the
force experienced by positive charge. 27. Electrostatic force experienced by –3mC charge placed
2. Electric field due to positive charge is always away at point P due to a point charge system S (as shown in
from it while due to negative charge always towards it. Fig. 13.1) is F = 21iˆ + 9 ˆj N.
3. Its SI unit is Newton/Coulomb.
4. Its dimensional formula is [MLT–3A–1] P
5. Electric force on a charge q placed in a region of Q1
Q2 S
electric field at a point where the electric field intensity
Q3 Q
4
E is given by F = qE .
Electric force on point charge is in the same direction Fig. 13.1
of electric field on positive charge and in opposite
direction on a negative charge. (A) Find out electric field intensity at point P due to S.
6. It obeys the superposition principle, that is, the field (B) If now 2mC charge is placed and –3 mC is removed
intensity at a point due to a point charge distribution at point P then force experienced by it will be.
is vector sum of the field intensities due to individual Solution:
point charges.
E = E1 + E2 + E3 + … (A) F = qE

Name/Type Formula Note Graph 21iˆ + 9 ˆj = −3μ C( E )

Point charge Kq Kq •   q is source  ⇒ E = –7iˆ –3 ĵ
2
⋅ rˆ = r charge
r r3 E
•   r  is vector  (B) Since the source charges are not disturbed, the
drawn from  r electric field intensity at P will remain same.
source charge 
to the test  F 2mC = +2(E )
point
•   Electric field is  = 2(–7 iˆ –3 ĵ)
non-uniform
= –14iˆ – 6 ĵ N.
 Electrostatics 13.13

28. Find out electric field intensity at point A (0, 1 m, 2 m) Electric field at point D:
due to a point charge –20 mC situated at point B( 2 m, EA
D θ 2E cos θ
0, 1 m). θ EB A

Solution: A θ θ B
KQ ˆ KQ (–√2, 0) (√2, 0)
E= r =  2 rˆ
| r |3 |r |
Since magnitude of charges are same and also AD = BD.
r = PV of A – PV of B
(PV = Position vector) So EA = EB
Vertical components of E A and E B cross each other,
= (– 2 iˆ + ĵ + k̂ )
while horizontal components are in the same direction.
|r | = ( 2 ) 2 + (1) 2 + (1) 2 = 2 So, Enet = 2EA cosq
2.K ( 2 μc)
9 × 109 × ( −20 × 10 −6 ) = cos 45°
E= (– 2 iˆ + ĵ + k̂ ) 22
8
K × 10 −6 9000 ˆ
= –22.5 × 103 (– 2 iˆ + iˆ + k̂ ) N/C. = = i N/C.
2 2
29. Two point charges 2mC and –2mC are placed at points 30. A block having mass m and charge –q is resting on
A and B as shown in Fig. 13.2 Find out electric field a frictionless plane at a distance L from fixed large
intensity at points C and D [All the distances are mea- non-conducting infinite sheet of uniform charge den-
sured in metre]. sity s as shown in figure. Discuss the motion of the
Y
block assuming that collision of the block with the
(0, √2) D sheet is perfectly elastic. Is it SHM?
Solution:
(–√2, 0) (√2, 0) (2√2, 0)
X The situation is shown in Fig. 13.3. Electric force pro-
A B C
2 μC –2μC duced by sheet will accelerate the block towards the
sheet producing acceleration. Acceleration will be uni-
form because electric field E due to the sheet is uniform.
Fig. 13.2

Solution: R Sheet

Electric field at point C

m qE

L
EB EA mg
X
2 μC –2μC C
Fig. 13.3

F qE
a= = ,
(EA and EB are magnitudes only, and arrows represent σ m m
directions) where E = .
2ε 0
Electric field due to positive charge is away from it
while due to negative charge, it is towards the charge. As initially the block is at rest and acceleration is
It is clear that EB > EA. constant, from second equation of motion, time taken
by the block to reach the wall
∴ ENet = (EB – EA) towards negative x-axis 1 2
L= at
K ( 2μc) K ( 2μc) 2
= 2
− towards negative x-axis
( 2) (3 2 ) 2 2L 2mL 4 mLε 0
i.e., t= = =
= 8000 (– iˆ ) N/C a aE aσ
13.14 Chapter 13

As collision with the wall is perfectly elastic, the block

will rebound with same speed and as now its motion ∑ Fy = 0 , N = Mg cos θ + qE0 sin θ
is opposite to the acceleration, it will come to rest Mg
= Mg cos θ + q × tan θ sin θ
after travelling same distance L in same time t. After q
stopping it will be again accelerated towards the wall
sin 2 θ
and so the block will execute oscillatory motion with = Mg cos θ + Mg
‘span’ L and time period. cos θ
N = Mg sec θ
2mL 4 mLε 0
T = 2t = 2 =2
aE aσ μ < tan θ
However, as the restoring force F = qE is constant and Angle of repose = tan −1 ( μ )
not proportional to displacement x, the motion is not
simple harmonic. Calculation for Emin
Block is about to move down limiting friction acts up
31. A block of mass m and charge q is kept in equilibrium the plane
by applying a horizontal EF E0 as shown. Find E0 and
calculate normal force acting on block. N sθ
co μN
0
In previous question, the coefficient of friction between qE =
f lim
block and surface is μ ( μ < tan θ ) . Find range of
qEmin
magnitude of EF which can keep block in equilibrium. θ
sin
Mg qE0 sin θ
Mg sθ θ
co

s
N

co
qE
0 M0

g
M
θ
qE0 y x
E0 sin
θ
qE0 sin θ ∑ Fy = 0, N = qE sin θ + Mg cos θ
Mg θ
θ ∑ Fx = 0, Mg sin θ = qE cos θ + μθ
s
co

M0 = Eq cos θ + μ ( qE sin θ + Mg cos θ )

g
M

θ ⇒ qE [ cos θ + μ sin θ ] = Mg sin θ − μ Mg cos θ

Solution: M g [ sin θ − μ cos θ ]
Emin =
∑ Fx = 0 , Mg sin θ = q E0 cos θ q cos θ + μ sin θ
Mg M g ⎡ sin θ + μ cos θ ⎤
E0 = tan θ Emax = .
q q ⎢⎣ cos θ − μ sin θ ⎥⎦

Electric field intensities due to various charge distributions are given in table.

Name/Type Formula Note Graph

Infinitely long line charge λ 2K λ rˆ •   l is linear charge density (assumed 
rˆ = uniform)
2πε0 r r
•   r is perpendicular distance of point  E
from line charge.
•   r  is radial unit vector drawn from the 
r
charge to test point.
Uniformly charged ring KQx •   Q is total charge of the ring.
E= •   X = distance of point on the axis 
( R + x 2 )3 / 2
2 Emax
from centre of the ring.
Ecentre = 0
•   electric field is always along the axis.
r
R
√2
 Electrostatics 13.15

32. A rod having uniformly distributed charge is observed θ1 < θ 2

to be in equilibrium at a distance x0 from a horizontally
placed line of charge. Integration between −θ 2 to −θ1
(A) Find mass of the rod. The angle which can give +ve result is written first.
(B) Keeping line of charge fixed, the rod is slightly 33. Positive charge Q is distributed uniformly over a circu-
displaced vertically, keeping it parallel to line of lar ring of radius R. A point particle having a mass m
charge. Prove that it undergoes SHM and find its and a negative charge –q, is placed on its axis at a dis-
period of oscillation. tance x from the centre. Find the force on the particle.
Solution: Assuming x  R, find the time period of oscillation of
Horizontal line of charge the particle if it is released from there (Neglect gravity).

λ Solution:
(A) F0 = Q = Mg E
2πε 0 x0
λQ –q
∴ M= x FE
2πε 0 x0 g

λQ
(B) F = − Mg
2πε 0 ( x0 − x ) When the negative charge is shifted at a distance x
from the centre of the ring along its axis then force
λQ ⎛ x⎞
= ⎜⎝1 − x ⎟⎠ − M g
acting on the point charge due to the ring
2πε 0 x0 0
FE = qE (towards centre)
−1
λQ ⎛ x⎞ ⎡ KQx ⎤
F= ⎜⎝1 − x ⎟⎠ − Mg =q⎢ 2
2πε 0 x0 2 3/ 2 ⎥
0 ⎣(R + x ) ⎦
⎛ if R >> x
λQ x⎞
= ⎜⎝1 − ( −1) x ⎟⎠ − M g
2πε 0 x0 0
then R2 + x2 ~ R2
1 Qqx
FE = (towards centre)
x << x0 4πε 0 R3
x Since restoring force FE ∝ x, motion of charge of the
<<< 1
x0 particle will be SHM.
λQ λ0 Time period of SHM,
∴ F= + 2 x − M /g
2πε 0 x0 2πε 0 x0 m
T = 2p
λQ k
a ↑= x↓
2πε 0 x0 2 m ⎡ 16π 3ε 0 mR3 ⎤
1/ 2
m
= 2p = ⎢ ⎥ .
∴ Motion is SHM ⎛ Qq ⎞ ⎢⎣ Qq ⎥⎦
λQ ⎜ 3⎟
and ω2 = ⎝ 4πε 0 R ⎠
2πε 0 x0 2 M
34. Two plates each of length a are separated by a distance
2πε 0 x0 M 2 d. There exists a uniform EF. E between the plates.
and T = 2π An e– is projected with a velocity μ from lower left
λQ corner at an angle θ with the lower plate.
λ (A) Find velocity of projection, if e– comes out from
E⊥ = (sin θ 2 − sin θ1 )
2πε 0 r the upper right corner moving parallel to upper
plate.
λ (B) If e– just hits the upper right corner, find the value
E/ / = (cos θ1 − cos θ 2 )
4πε 0 r of speed of projection.
13.16 Chapter 13

Charge on e– is –E and its mass is M. + + + + + + + + + + + + +

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – E
ℓ
d M
μ – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

θ+ + + + + + + + + + + + + QE + mg QE
= = g+
α m m

⎛ QE ⎞
Solution: μ min = 5 geff l = 5 ⎜ g l
⎝ m ⎟⎠
(A)
(C) (i) QE < Mg
H
Lowest is equilibrium position

R/2 mg − QE QE
geff = = g−
m m
u 2 sin 2 θ u 2 sin 2θ
d= L= ⎛ QE ⎞
QE QE μ min = 5 ⎜ g −
2× ×2 ⎝ ⎟l
m M m ⎠
QE
2QEd 2QEd
μ= μ=
m sin 2 θ m sin 2 θ + + + + + + + + + + + + +
5 geff e
mg
(B) (α , d) T
– – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Y
umin
M
– – – – – – – – – – – – – –
μ
(ii) QE > Mg
+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
X mg + T = QE
2 ⇒ T = QE − Mg
1 QE x
y = x tan θ − sec 2 θ
2 M u2 QE
geff = −g
2 m
1 QE α
d = α tan θ − sec 2 θ .
2 m u2 μ min = geff l
35. Between two plates, there is a simple pendulum of
length l . There is uniform EF; E between the plates. ⎛ QE ⎞
= ⎜ − g ⎟ l.
Find the minimum velocity required for the sphere to ⎝ m ⎠
complete the circle.
36. A point charge q is placed at a distance r from a
(A) Sphere is uncharged.
very long charge thread of uniform linear charge
(B) Sphere carries charge +Q .
density  l. Find out total electric force experienced
(C) Sphere carries charge –Q .
by the line charge due to the point charge (Neglect
Consider gravity also gravity).
Solution: Solution:
(A) μ min = 5gl Force on charge q due to the thread,
Tension in string at equilibrium ⎛ 2K λ ⎞
F= ⎜ ×q
(B) geff =
Mass of bob ⎝ r ⎟⎠
 Electrostatics 13.17

charge is +ve and opposite to the field if charge is –ve.

Field is opposite to force.
λ q
F F
r
E F F m1 – q E

By Newton’s IIIrd law, every action has equal and x

2K λ
opposite reaction so force on the thread = ⋅q
r 1 Qx
(away from point charge). E=
4πε 0 ( R + x 2 )3/ 2
2
37. A non-conducting ring carries charges Q and -Q uni-
Qx 1
formly distributed over its two halves. Find net EF at F = qE = q . ×
2 2 3/ 2 4πε 0
the centre? (R + x )

Solution: F qQ
amean = = ×x
m 4πε 0 M ( R 2 + x 2 )3/ 2
++ + – –
Q + – –Q x << R
+ –
+ –
+ –
– qQ
+ E2 –– a=
+ E1 – 4πε 0 MR3
+ –
–
+ R – Motion in SHM,
+ –
+ –
++
+ +– – –
– a = ω2x
Qq
E = E1 + E2 So, ω=
4πε 0 MR3
= 2 E1
Q 4πε 0 MR3
T = 2π .
Qq
= 2× π
2πε 0 R
39. A long and thick wire is bent in the shape as shown
Q in Fig. 13.4 It carries charge of linear density l. Find
= .
π 2 R 2ε 0 net electric field at origin. The curved portion is
semi-circular of radius a centered at origin.
38. A non-conducting ring of radius R carries charges q
and Q uniformly distributed over it. A particle of mass (A) Y (B) Y
m and charge –q is present at the centre of the ring.
The particle is slightly displaced at the axis of ring and
released. Prove that it under goes SHM and find its X X
period of oscillation. Z Z

Solution: Fig. 13.4

In an EF, if a charged particle is placed and is acted
Solution:
upon by a force F then
λ λ
F (A) E = i+ ( −k )
E= 4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r
q
λ λ
+ (− j) + ( −i )
∴ F = qE 4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r
The force on a charge in an EF E is of magnitude λ
=− ( 2 j + k )
q E . The direction of force is along the field if the 4πε 0 r
13.18 Chapter 13

λ Use of Potential
E = 5
4πε 0 r If we know the potential at some point (in terms of numerical
λ λ λ value or in terms of formula) then we can find out the work
(B) E = j− k+ i done by electric force when charge moves from point P to ∞
4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r
as per the formula
λ λ λ (Wel )p ∞ = qVp
+ j− j− i
4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r
Name/Type
λ Ex-7 Formula Note Graph
= ( j − k )
4πε 0 r Point charge Kq •   q is source 
r charge. V
λ •   r is the 
E = 2.
4πε 0 r distance of  r
the point from 
the point 
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL charge.

In electrostatic field, the electric potential (due to some

source charges) at a point is defined as the work done by SOLVED EXAMPLES
external agent in taking a point unit positive charge from
a reference point (generally taken at infinity) to that point 40. A charge 2mC is taken from infinity to a point in an
without acceleration. electric field, without changing its velocity. If work
done against electrostatic forces is –40mJ then find the
Mathematical Representation potential at that point.
If (W ∞ p)ext is the work required in moving a point charge q Solution:
from infinity to a point P, the electric potential of the point Wext −40 μ J
V= = = –20 V.
P is q 2μ C
(W∞p )ext ⎤ 41. When charge 10 mC is shifted from infinity to a point
VP = ⎥ in an electric field, it is found that work done by elec-
q ⎦ acc = 0 trostatic forces is 10 mJ. If the charge is doubled and
taken again from infinity to the same point without
accelerating it, then find the amount of work done by
NOTE electric field and against the electric field.
■ W can also be called the work done by external agent Solution:
against the electric field produced by the source charge. (Wext)∞ p = (–Wel)∞ p = (Wel)p ∞ = 10 mJ
■ Write both W and q with proper signs.
because DKE = 0
(Wext )∞p
Vp =
q
Properties
10 μ J
1. Potential is a scalar quantity; its value may be positive, = = 1 V
negative, or zero. 10 μ C
joule So if now the charge is doubled and taken from infinity
2. SI unit of potential is volt = and its dimen-
coulmb then (Wext )∞ p
sional formula is [M1L2T–3I–1]. 1=
20 μ C
3. Electric potential at a point is also equal to the negative
of the work done by the electric field in taking the point ⇒ (Wext)∞ P = 20 mJ
charge from reference point (i.e. infinity) to that point. (Wel) ∞ P = –20 mJ.
4. Electric potential due to a positive charge is always
positive and due to negative charge it is always nega- 42. A charge 10 mC is taken from infinity to a point in an elec-
tive except at infinite (taking V∞ = 0). tric field without acceleration. If work done by electro-
5. Potential decreases in the direction of electric field. static forces is 30 mJ then find out potential at that point.
 Electrostatics 13.19

Solution: Solution:
–3 volt. Potential at point C,
43. A charge 3mC is released at rest from a point P where VC = Vq + Vq
1 2

electric potential is 20 V then its kinetic energy when

it reaches to infinite is K ( 2 μC ) K ( −4 μC )
= +
6 2
Solution:
Wel = DK = Kf – 0 9 × 109 × 2 × 10 −6 9 × 109 × 4 × 10 −6
= –
(Wel)P → ∞ = qVP = 60 mJ 6 2
so, Kf = 60 mJ. = –15000 V.
Similarly,
44. Two point charges 2mC and –4mC are situated at points
(–2 m, 0 m) and (2 m, 0 m), respectively. Find out VD = Vq + Vq 1 2

potential at point C (4 m, 0 m) and D (0 m, 5 m).

K ( 2 μC ) K ( −4 μC )
D = +
( 5 ) 2 + 22 ( 5 ) 2 + 22
A B C
K ( 2 μC ) K ( −4 μC )
q1 = 2 μC q2 = –4 μC = +
(–2, 0) (2, 0) 3 3
= –6000 V.

Name/Type
Ex-8 Formula Note Graph
Ring (uniform/non-uniform charge  KQ •   Q is source charge. V
distribution) at centre  •   x is the distance of the 
R
point from centre.
KQ
at the axis 
R2 + x 2 r

Line charge Not defined •   Absolute potential is not 

defined.
•   Potential difference 
between two
VB − VA = −2K λ ln ( rB /rA ).

45. A cone of height H and base radius R carries charge on Area of ring, dA = 2prx thickness
its slant surface having surface charge density s. Find
W = qV
work done in carrying a charge Q from infinity to the
apex of cone. σR
= q×
2ε 0
Solution:
Charge on ring,

+ + ⎛ R ⎞ 2π Rσ
+ + x dQ = sdA = ⎜ 2π × x × dx ⎟ σ = x dx
+
+ +
+ ⎝ L ⎠ L
+ r + R2 + H2
+ + dx L = α
+ H + 1 2π Rσ 1
+ +
+
+ +
+ V = ∫ dV = ∫ × x dx ×
+
+ +
+ 0
4πε 0 L x
+ +
+ +
L
σR σR
R = ∫
2ε 0 L 0
dx =
2ε 0
.
13.20 Chapter 13

POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE Case 2: Line AB is perpendicular to electric field.

The potential difference between two points A and B is A

work done by external agent against electric field in taking d E
a unit positive charge from A to B without acceleration (or B
keeping KE constant or Ki = Kf )
∴ VA – VB = 0
Mathematical Representation ⇒ VA = VD
If (WBA)ext = work done by external agent against electric Note: In the direction of electric field potential always
field in taking the unit charge from A to B decreases.
⎛ (W ) ⎞
VA – VB = ⎜ BA ext ⎟ .
⎝ q ⎠acc =0, or keeping KE constant or K = Kf
SOLVED EXAMPLES
i

Note: Take W and q both with sign

46. A point charge q0 is placed at the centre of uniformly
Properties charged ring of total charge Q and radius R. If the
point charge is slightly displaced with negligible force
1. The difference of potential between two points is called
along axis of the ring then find out its speed when it
potential difference. It is also called voltage.
reaches to a large distance.
2. Potential difference is a scalar quantity. Its SI unit is
also volt. Solution:
3. If VA and VB be the potential of two points A and B, Only electric force is acting on q0
then work done by an external agent in taking the
charge q from A to B is ∴ Wel = DK
(Wext)AB = q(VB – VA) or (Wel)AB = q(VA – VB). 1
= mv2 – 0
4. Potential difference between two points is independent 2
of reference point. ⇒ Now Wel)c→∞ = q0 Vc = q0 KQ .
R
Potential Difference in a Kq0 Q 1 2
∴ = mv
Uniform Electric Field R 2

VB – VA = – E ⋅ AB 2 Kq0 Q
⇒ v= .
mR
⇒ VB – VA = |E| |AB| cos q
47. A uniform electric field is present in the positive
= –|E| d x-direction. If the intensity of the field is 5 N/C then
= –Ed find the potential difference (VB – VA) between two
d = effective distance between A and B along electric field points A (0 m, 2 m) and B (5 m, 3 m)
ΔV Solution:
or we can also say that E =
Δd
VB – VA = – E . AB
B
E = –(5 iˆ ) (5 iˆ + ĵ )
= –25 V.
A
d The electric field intensity in uniform electric field,
Special Cases ΔV
E =
Case 1: Line AB is parallel to electric field. Δd
d Where DV = potential difference between two
A B points.
E Dd = effective distance between the two points.
(Projection of the displacement along the direction
∴ VA – VB = Ed of electric field.)
 Electrostatics 13.21

48. Find out the following: Solution:

(A) –80 V (B) –40 V (C) –120 V
D
Uniform electric 51. An angular disc is of inner radius a and outer radius b.
field E = 20 N/C It carries uniformly distributed charge Q over one of
C
2 cm its surfaces. Find EP
A B
2 cm (A) at a point at a distance x from centre of disc on the
axis.
(A) VA – VB (B) VB – VC (C) VC – VA (B) at the centre of annular disc.
(D) VD – VC (E) VA – VD
(F) Arrange the order of potential for points A, B, C,
and D. a
b
Solution:
(A) ΔVAB = Ed = 20 × 2 × 10–2 = 0.4
Thus, VA – VB = 0.4 V
because in the direction of electric field, potential Solution:
always decreases. Due to disc,
σ ⎡ 2
(B) ΔVBC = Ed = 20 × 2 × 10–2 = 0.4 Point at axis = R + x2 ⎤
2ε 0 ⎢⎣ ⎥⎦
Thus, VB – VC = 0.4 V
σR
(C) ΔVCA = Ed = 20 × 4 × 10–2 = 0.8 Point at centre =
2ε 0
Thus, VC – VA = – 0.8 V
Q
because in the direction of electric field, potential Here, s =
always decreases. π (b − a 2 )
2

(D) ΔVDC = Ed = 20 × 0 = 0 V = V1 – V2
so, VD – VC = 0 σ ⎡ 2 σ ⎡ 2
= b + x2 − x⎤ − a + x2 − x⎤
because the effective distance between D and C is ⎢
2ε 0 ⎣ ⎦ 2ε 0 ⎢⎣
⎥ ⎥⎦
zero.
σ ⎡ 2
(E) ΔVAD = Ed = 20 × 4 × 10–2 = 0.8 = b + x 2 − a2 + x 2 ⎤
2ε 0 ⎢⎣ ⎥⎦
Thus, VA – VD = 0.8 V
At centre,
because in the direction of electric field, potential
always decreases. V = V 1 – V2
(F) The order of potential
σb σa
VA > VB > VC = VD. = − .
2ε 0 2ε 0
49. A uniform electric field of 10 N/C exists in the ver-
52. Two rings of radii R1 and R2 are placed co-axially. They
tically downward direction. Find the increases in the
electric potential as one goes up through a height of carry charges Q1 and Q2. Find work done in moving
50 cm. charge q from centre A to centre B?
Q1
Solution:
5 V. R1
Q2
R2
50. An electric field of 20 N/C exists along the x-axis in
A
space. Calculate the potential difference VB – VA where q B
the point A and B are given by
(A) A = (0, 0); B = (4 m, 2 m) L
(B) A = (4 m, 2 m); B = (6 m, 5m)
(C) A = (0, 0); B = (6 m, 5 m)
13.22 Chapter 13

Solution:
WA→B = q (VB – VA) NOTE
⎡⎛ ⎞ ⎛ kQ ⎞⎤ In uniform electric field, equipotential surfaces are always
kQ kQ1 ⎟ − ⎜ 1 + kQ2
= q ⎢⎜ 2 + ⎟⎥ . parallel planes.
⎢⎜ R2 R12 + C 2 ⎟ ⎜ R1 R22 + C 2 ⎟⎥
⎣⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠⎦

EQUIPOTENTIAL SURFACE SOLVED EXAMPLES

If potential of a surface is same throughout then such
53. Some equipotential surfaces are shown in Fig.  13.6.
surface is known as a equipotential surface.
What can you say about the magnitude and the direc-
1. Properties of equipotential surfaces:
tion of the electric field?
(a) When a charge is shifted from one point to another
on an equipotential surface then work done against y(cm)
10 V 20 V 30 V 40 V
electrostatic forces is zero. 30° 30° 30° 30°
(b) Electric field is always perpendicular to equipo- 0
10 20 30 40 x(cm)
tential surfaces.
(c) Two equipotential surfaces do not cross each other.
2. Examples of equipotential surfaces: Fig. 13.6
(a) Point charge: Equipotential surfaces are con-
Solution:
centric and spherical as shown in Fig. 13.5. In
Fig. 13.5, we can see that sphere of radius R1 has Here we can say that the electric will be perpendicular
potential V1 throughout its surface and similarly to equipotential surfaces.
for other concentric sphere potential is same. ΔV
Also |E|=
V2
Δd
V1 where DV = potential difference between two equipo-
q R tential surfaces.
1
R2 Dd = perpendicular distance between two
equipotential surfaces.

Fig. 13.5 10 V 20 V 30 V 40 V

(b) Line charge: Equipotential surfaces have curved sur- Δd

faces as that of coaxial cylinders of different radii. y(cm)

30° 30° 30° 30°

V2 0
10 20 30 40 x(cm)
1
V1

10
So |E|= = 200 V/m
(10 sin 30°) × 10 −2
Now there are two perpendicular directions either
direction 1 or direction 2 as shown in figure, but
(c) Uniformly charged large conducting/non- since we know that in the direction of electric field
conducting sheets. electric potential decreases so the correct direction is
Equipotential surfaces are parallel planes. direction 2.
V1 V2 V3 Hence E = 200 V/m, making an angle 120° with
+ the x-axis.
+
+
+ 54. Figure 13.7 shows the lines of constant potential in
+ region in which an electric field is present. The values
+
+ of potentials are written in brackets. The point where
+
+ electric field is greatest?
 Electrostatics 13.23

Here q is the charge whose potential energy is being

(50 V)
(40 V)
(30 V)
(20 V)
calculated, and V is the potential at its position due to the
B source charges.
Note: Always put q and V with sign.
C
Properties
A
1. Electric potential energy is a scalar quantity but may
be positive, negative or zero.
Fig. 13.7
2. Its unit is same as unit of work or energy, that is, joule
Solution: (in SI system).
E is larger where equipotential surfaces are closer. Sometimes energy is also given in electron-volts.
ELOF are perpendicular to equipotential surfaces. In 1 eV = 1.6 × 10–19 J
the figure, we can see that for point B they are closer
3. Electric potential energy depends on reference point.
so E at point B is maximum.
(Generally, potential energy at r = ∞ is taken zero)
55. Some equipotential surfaces are shown in Fig.  13.8.
What can you say about the magnitude and the direc-
SOLVED EXAMPLES
tion of the electric field?
56. The four identical charges q each are placed at the cor-
30 cm
20 cm ners of a square of side a. Find the potential energy of
one of the charges due to the remaining charges.
10 cm q a q
D C
60 V
a a
30 V
20 V A B
Fig. 13.8 q q

Solution: The electric potential of point A due to the charges

Radially outward, decreasing with distance as placed at B, C, and D is

6V − m 1 q 1 q 1 q
E= . V= + +
4πε 0 a 4πε 0 2a 4πε 0 a
r2
1 ⎛ 1 ⎞ q
= 2+
ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL ENERGY 4πε 0 ⎜⎝ ⎟
2⎠ a
1
∴ Potential energy of the charge at A is = qV =
Electrostatic Potential Energy of a Point 4πε 0
⎛ 1 ⎞ q2
Charge due to Many Charges ⎜⎝ 2 + ⎟ .
2⎠ a
The electrostatic potential energy of a point charge at a
point in electric field is the work done in taking the charge 57. A particle of mass 40 mg carrying a charge 5 × 10–9 C
from reference point (generally at infinity) to that point is moving directly towards a fixed positive point charge
without acceleration (or keeping KE constant or Ki = Kf). of magnitude 10–8 C. When it is at a distance of 10 cm
Its mathematical formula is from the fixed point charge, it has speed of 50 cm/s.
At what distance from the fixed point charge will the
q1 particle come momentarily to rest? Is the acceleration
Source charges
q2 constant during the motion?
Test charges
q
q3 Solution:
q4 If the particle comes to rest momentarily at a distance
r from the fixed charge, then from conservation of
U = qV energy, we have
13.24 Chapter 13

1 2 1 Qq 1 Qq 59. A point charge of charge –q and mass m is released

mu + =
2 4πε 0 a 4πε 0 r with negligible speed from a distance 3R on the
Substituting the given data, we get axis of fixed uniformly charged ring of charge Q and
radius R. Find out its velocity when it reaches the cen-
1 1 1 tre of the ring.
× 40 × 10–6 × ×
2 2 2 Q
⎡1 ⎤
= 9 × 109 × 5 × 10–8 ×10–9 ⎢⎣ r − 10 ⎥⎦
R –q, m
1 5 × 10 −6 100
or, –10 = −8
= Fixed
r 9 × 5 × 10 9 √3R
1 190
⇒ =
r 9 Solution:
9 KQq
⇒ r= m v= .
190 Rm
or, i.e., r = 4.7 × 10–2 m

As here, F=
1 Qq ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL ENERGY
4πε 0 r 2 OF A SYSTEM OF CHARGES
F 1
so acceleration = ∝ 2 This will be used when more than one charges move.
m r It is the work done by an external agent against the
That is, acceleration is not constant during the motion. internal electric field required to make a system of charges
58. A proton moves from a large distance with a speed in a particular configuration from infinite separation.
u m/s directly towards a free proton originally at rest.
Find the distance of closet approach for the two pro- Types of System
tons in terms of mass of proton m and its charge e. 1. Point charge system
Solution: 2. Continuous charge system
As here the particle at rest is free to move, when one
Derivation for a System of Point Charges
particle approaches the other, due to electrostatic
repulsion other will also start moving and so the veloc- 1. Keep all the charges at infinity. Now bring the charges
ity of first particle will decrease while of other will one by one to its corresponding position and find work
increase and at closest approach, both will move with required. PE of the system is algebraic sum of all the
same velocity. So if v is the common velocity of each works.
particle at closest approach, then by ‘conservation of Let W1 = work done in bringing first charge
momentum’ of the two protons system. W2 = work done in bringing second charge
mu = mv + mv against force due to first charge.
1 W3 = work done in bringing third charge against
i.e., v= u force due to first and second charge.
2 n( n −1)
And by conservation of energy, PE = W1 + W2 + W3 + … (This will contain
n
= C terms.) 2
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 e2 2
mu = mv + mv + 2. Method of calculation (to be used in problems)
2 2 2 4πε 0 r
2 U = sum of the interaction energies of the charges.
1 2 ⎛ u⎞ 1 e2 u = (U12 + U13 + … + U1n) + (U23 + U24 + … + U2n) +
⇒ mu – m ⎜ ⎟ = [as v = ]
2 ⎝ 2⎠ 4πε 0 r 2 (U34 + U35 + … + U3n) … .
3. Method of calculation useful for symmetrical point
1 e2
⇒ mu2 = charge systems.
4 4πε 0 r Find PE of each charge due to rest of the charges.
e2 If U1 = PE of first charge due to all other charges.
⇒ r= .
π mε 0 u 2 = (U12 + U13 + … + U1n)
 Electrostatics 13.25

U2 = PE of second charges due to all other charges. 1 q1q2

DU = Uf =
= (U21 + U23 + … + U2n) 4πε 0 r
U1 + U 2 + ... 9 × 109 × 2 × 10 −5 × 2 × 10 −5 × 100
U = PE of the system = = J = 36 J
2 10
Work required = 36 J.
SOLVED EXAMPLES 63. Three equal charges q are placed at the corners of an
equilateral triangle of side a.
60. Find out potential energy of the two points charge (A) Find out potential energy of charge system.
system having q1 and q2 charges separated by (B) Calculate work required to decrease the side of
distance r. triangle to a/2.
Solution: (C) If the charges are released from the shown posi-
tion and each of them has same mass m then find
Let both the charges be placed at a very large separa-
the speed of each particle when they lie on trian-
tion initially.
gle of side 2a.
Let W1 = work done in bringing charge q1 in absence
A
of q2 = q(Vf – Vi) = 0 q
W2 = work done in bringing charge q2 in presence of
q1 = q(Vf – Vi) = q1(Kq2/r – 0)
B C
q q
PE = W1 + W2 = 0 + Kq1q2/r = Kq1q2/r.
a
61. Figure 13.9 shows an arrangement of three point
charges. The total potential energy of this arrangement Solution:
q (A) Method I: (Derivation)
is zero. Calculate the ratio . Assume all the charges are at infinity initially.
Q
+q +Q –q A
r
2r
Fig. 13.9 B C
Solution: Work done in putting charge q at corner A
1 ⎡ − qQ ( + q)( − q) Q( − q) ⎤ W1 = q (vf – vi) = q (0 – 0)
Usystem = + + =0
4πε 0 ⎢⎣ r 2r r ⎥⎦
Since potential at A is zero in absence of charges,
q work done in putting q at corner B in presence of
–Q + – Q = 0
2 charge at A
q ⎛ Kq ⎞ Kq 2
or 2Q = W2 = ⎜ − 0⎟ =
2 ⎝ a ⎠ a
q 4
or = . Similarly, work done in putting charge q at corner
2 1 C in presence of charge at A and B.
62. Two charged particles each having equal charges W3 = q(vf – vi)
2 × 10–5 C are brought from infinity to a separation
of 10  cm. Calculate the increase in potential energy ⎡⎛ Kq Kq ⎞ ⎤
= q ⎢⎜ + ⎟⎠ − 0 ⎥
during the process and the work required for this ⎣ ⎝ a a ⎦
purpose.
So, net potential energy PE = W1 + W2 + W3
Solution:
Kq 2 2 Kq 2
=0+ +
DU = Uf – Ui = Uf – 0 = Uf a a
2
We have to simply calculate the electrostatic potential 3Kq
= .
energy of the given system of charges a
13.26 Chapter 13

Method II: (using direct formula) U4 = total potential energy of charge at corner 4 due to
all other charges
U = U12 + U13 + U23
Since due to symmetry U1 = U2 = U3 = U4
Kq 2 Kq 2 Kq 2
= + + U1 + U 2 + U 3 + U 4
a a a UNet = = 2U1
2
3Kq 2
= . ⎡ Kq 2 Kq 2 Kq 2 ⎤ 2 Kq 2 ⎡ 1 ⎤
a =2 ⎢ + + ⎥= ⎢ 2+ ⎥.
(B) Work required to decrease the sides ⎣ a a 2a ⎦ a ⎣ 2⎦

W = U f – Ui 65. Six equal point charges q are placed at six corners of a

hexagon of side a. Find out potential energy of charge
3Kq 2 3Kq 2 3Kq 2 system.
= – =
a/2 a a q q
(C) Work done by electrostatic forces = change is
kinetic energy of particles q q
Ui – Uf = Kf – Ki
q q
a
3Kq 2 3Kq 2 1
⇒ – = 3( mv2) – 0
a 2a 2 Solution:

Kq 2 3Kq 2 ⎡ 2 1⎤
⇒ v= . ⎢2 + + ⎥.
am a ⎣ 3 2⎦
64. Four identical point charges q are placed at four 66. A particle of mass m and charge Q is projected from a
corners of a square of side a. Find out potential energy very large distance towards a fixed charge with veloc-
of the charge system ity v. Find distance of closest approach of main dis-
q q tance between the particles?
4 3
Solution:
KF + VF = KI + UI
1 2
q q 1 1 Q×Q 1 2
M (O ) 2 + = mv + O
2 4πε 0 x 2
Solution:
Method I: (using direct formula) Q2
⇒ x= .
2πε 0 mv 2
U = U12 + U13 + U14 + U23 + U24 + U34
67. On a frictionless surface, two small spheres of same
Kq 2 Kq 2 Kq 2 Kq 2 Kq 2 Kq 2
= + + + + + mass M but opposite charges Q and –Q are released
a a 2 a a a 2 a from separation of 2d. Find velocity of each sphere
⎡ 4 Kq 2 2 Kq 2 ⎤ when separation becomes d.
=⎢ + ⎥
⎣ a a 2 ⎦ Solution:
2
2 Kq ⎡ 1 ⎤ Q
d
–Q
= ⎢ 2+ ⎥ M Fv v F M
a ⎣ 2⎦ + –
1
Method II: [using U = (U1 + U2 + …)] 2d
2
U1 = total potential energy of charge at corner 1 due to For system of spheres,
all other charges
U2 = total potential energy of charge at corner 2 due to KF + VF = KI + UI
all other charges
1 1 1 QX − Q
U3 = total potential energy of charge at corner 3 due to MV 2 + MV 2 +
all other charges 2 2 4πε 0 d
 Electrostatics 13.27

1 QX − Q Solution:
=0+0+ −
4πε 0 2d KF + UF = KI + UI
1 2 kQq 1 2
Q2 ⇒ mv + = mu + O (1)
V= . 2 rmin 2
8πε 0 Md
If we take the two charges as a system, the forces
68. Two small spheres of mass M and 2 M with charges Q acting on the system are:
and –Q are released on a horizontal surface with initial
(A) Electrostatic force of repulsion between the charges
separation 2d. Find velocity of each sphere when sep-
which are equal and opposite and gets cancel.
aration becomes d.
(B) Force which is keeping the charge and fixed. This
Solution: force is variable in may and directing.
Considering the two particles as a system, net
2M M V1 → ← V2 work done is only by electrostatic force as force
Q –Q Q –Q
+ –
applied at fix charge has zero work.
+ –
2d d so KF + UF = KI + UI
For the system, conservation of line momentum
KF + UF = KI + UI cannot be applied due to the force acting on fixed
1 1 1 Q2 charge to keep it fix.
⇒ × 2 M × V12 + M × V22 − Force acting on moving particle is always pass-
2 2 4πε 0 d
ing through the line joining the two particles, i.e.,
1 Q2 passing through the fixed charge.
=O+O– =O
4πε 0 2d ∴ Torque of this force about an axis passing
+ through fixed charge is O, and we can apply con-
→ O + O = 2MV1 – MV2
COLN ⎯⎯ cept of angular momentum about axis through
fixed charge.
V2 = 2V1 (2)
mua = mvr min (2)
Note:
Qq Q 2 q2
WEF = DK·E rmin = + + a2 .
4πε 0 mu 2 6π 2ε 0 m 2 u 4
–(UF – UI) = KF – KI
70. Eight charges each of Q are situated at the corners of a
⇒ UF + KF = UI + KI (1)
cube of side a charges are moved from their positions
–q(VF – VI) = KF – KI to make the side a/2.
⇒ qVF + KF = qVI + KI . (A) Find work done.
(B) One of the charges is move from the corner of
69. A particle of mass m and charge Q is projected with cube to the centre of cube. Find work done?
velocity u from a point very far from fixed charge Q (C) Find work done in dismantling the system?
such that direction of initial velocity is at a distance Solution:
a from fixed charge. What is the distance of closest Q Q
Q
approach of the particle from fixed charge?
a a

Q Q
v a Q Q
u m, q
From ∞ 1 Q1Q2
U=
a rmin 4πε 0 r

Q 1⎛ Q2 Q1 ⎞
U= Q × + Q2 ×
(Fixed)
2 ⎜⎝ 1 4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r ⎟⎠
13.28 Chapter 13

1 1. On the axis (except points between A and B)

U= Σqi (potential of other charges)
2 pr p
E= 2 2 2
≈ (if r > > a)
⎛ Q Q ⎞ 1 3Q 2 2πε 0 [r − ( a / 4)] 2πε 0 r 3
U = Q×⎜ + × 3 × =
⎝ 4πε 0 a 4πε 0 a ⎟⎠ 2 4πε 0 a 2 KP
=
r3
1⎛ Q2 Q1 ⎞
U = ⎜ Q1 × + Q2 × p = q a = dipole moment,
2⎝ 4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r ⎟⎠
r = distance of the point from the centre of dipole
1 ⎛ kQ kQ kQ ⎞ 2. On the equatorial position,
= ×Q⎜ + + ⎟ × 4Q
2 ⎝ a a 2a ⎠ p p
E= ≈− (if r > > a)
2kQ ⎛ 2
1 ⎞ 4πε 0 [r 2 + ( a 2 / 4)]3/ 2 4πε 0 r 3
= 2+
a ⎜⎝ ⎟
2⎠ KP
=–
⎡ kQ kQ kQ ⎤ 1 r3
U = Q×⎢ ×3+ ×3+ ⎥ 8× .
⎣ a 2a 3a ⎦ 2 3. Total electric field at general point O (r, q) is
KP
Eres = 3 1 + 3 cos 2 θ ,
r
ELECTRIC DIPOLE Eres
Eθ
If two point charges equal in magnitude q and opposite in Er
ϕ
sign are separated by a distance in a such that the distance O
of field point r >> a, the system is called a dipole. The elec- (r, θ)
r
tric dipole moment is defined as a vector quantity having
magnitude p = (q × a) and direction from negative charge θ α
P
to positive charge.
2 KP cos θ
Er =
r3
NOTE
KP sin θ 1
Eθ = ; K=
[In chemistry, the direction of dipole moment is assumed to r 3 4πε 0
be from positive to negative charge.] The CGS unit of elec-
tric dipole moment is debye which is defined as the dipole
At an angle, a = q + f with the direction of dipole
moment of two equal and opposite point charges each hav- moment,
tan θ
ing charge 10–10 frankline and separation of 1 Å, i.e., where, tan f = .
2
1 debye (D) = 10–10 × 10–8 = 10–18 Fr × cm
Potential Energy of an Electric Dipole in
–18 C External Electric Field
1 D = 10 × × 10–2 m = 3.3 × 10–30 C × m
3 × 109
U = –p⋅ E
SI unit is coulomb × metre = C × m
Electric Dipole in Uniform Electric Field

Electric Field Intensity Due to Dipole Torque τ = p×E ; F = 0

O the centre of the dipole is midpoint of line AB. Electric Dipole in Non-uniform Electric Field

Torque τ = p × E ; U = − p ⋅ E, force and torque can be

Equatorial
line found by finding forces on individual charges.
–q +q
Axis Electric Potential Due to Dipole at
A O B General Point (r, q)
a
P cos θ p⋅r
V= = ; p = electric dipole moment.
4πε 0 r 2 4πε 0 r 3
 Electrostatics 13.29

K(5μC) K(5μC)
SOLVED EXAMPLES Eres = E+ + E– = 2
–
(2cm ) (6 cm )2
71. A system has two charges qA = 2.5 × 10–7 C and 144
qB = –2.5 × 10–7 C located at points A : (0, 0, –0.15 m) = NC–1 = 108 NC–1.
144 × 10 −8
and B; (0, 0, + 0.15 m), respectively. What is the net
charge and electric dipole moment of the system?
74. Two charges ± 10 mC are placed 5 × 10–3 m apart.
Solution: Determine the electric field at a point Q which is
Net charge = 2.5 × 10–7 – 2.5 × 10–7 = 0 0.15 m away from O, on the equatorial line.

Electric dipole moment, Solution:

P = (Magnitude of charge) In the given problem, r >> a
× (Separation between charges) Q
–7
= 2.5 × 10 [0.15 + 0.15] C/m
= 7.5 × 10–8 C/m
0.15 m
The direction of dipole moment is from B to A.
72. The electric field due to a short dipole at a distance r,
on the axial line, from its midpoint is the same as that 10 μC O +10 μC
of electric field at a distance r ′, on the equatorial line,
r 1 p 1 q( a)
from its midpoint. Determine the ratio . ∴ E= =
r′ 4πε 0 r 3 4πε 0 r 3
Solution:
1 2p
=
1 p 10 × 10 −6 × 5 × 10 −3
3 or E = 9 × 109 NC–1
4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r′ 3 0.15 × 0.15 × 0.15
2 1
or 3
= 3 = 1.33 ×105 NC–1.
r r′
r3
or =2
r ′3 ELECTRIC LINES OF FORCE (ELOF)
r
or = 21/3. The line of force in an electric field is an imaginary line, the
r ′ tangent to which at any point on it represents the direction
73. Two charges, each of 5 mC but opposite in sign, are of electric field at the given point.
placed 4 cm apart. Calculate the electric field intensity
of a point that is at a distance 4 cm from the midpoint Properties
on the axial line of the dipole.
1. Line of force originates out from a positive charge and
Solution: terminates on a negative charge. If there is only one
We cannot use formula of short dipole here because positive charge then lines start from positive charge
distance of the point is comparable to the distance and terminate at ∞. If there is only one negative charge
between the two point charges. then lines start from ∞ and terminate at negative
charge.
q = 5 × 10–6 C,
a = 4 ×10–2 m,
r = 4 × 10–2 m + –

4 cm
5μC –5μC
ELOF of isolated ELOF of isolated
4 cm positive charge negative charge
13.30 Chapter 13

Solution:
There will be induced charge on two surfaces of con-
ducting plate, so ELOF will start from +Q charge and
+ + terminate at conductor and then will again start from
other surface of conductor.
+ –
– +
– +
ELOF due to positive ELOF due to two Q – +
and negative charge positive charges – +

2. The electric intensity at a point is the number of lines

of force streaming through per unit area normal to the
direction of the intensity at that point. The intensity ELECTRIC FLUX
will be more where the density of lines is more.
Consider some surface in an electric field E . Let us select
a small area element dS on this surface. The electric flux
B
of the field over the area element is given by dfE = E ⋅ dS
A
EA > EB n̂
E
3. Number of lines originating (terminating) from (on) is
directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge.

NOTE
Direction of dS is normal to the surface. It is along n̂
A charge particle need not follow an ELOF.
or dfE = EdS cos q
or dfE = (E cos q ) dS
SOLVED EXAMPLES or dfE = En dS

where En is the component of electric field in the direction

75. If number of electric lines of force from charge q are
10, then find out number of electric lines of force of dS .
from 2q charge. The electric flux over the whole area is given by fE =
Solution: ∫S E ⋅ dS = ∫S En dS
No. of ELOF ∝ charge If the electric field is uniform over that area then
10 ∝ q
fE = E ⋅ S
⇒ 20 ∝ 2q
So number of ELOF will be 20. Physical Meaning
(A) ELOF of resultant electric field can never The electric flux through a surface inside an electric field
intersect with each other. represents the total number of electric lines of force cross-
(B) Electric lines of force produced by static charges ing the surface in a direction normal to the surface. It is a
do not form close loop. property of electric field.
(C) Electric lines of force end or start perpendicu-
larly on the surface of a conductor. Unit
(D) Electric lines of force never enter into conductors. 1. The SI unit of electric flux is Nm2C–1 (gauss) or
76. A charge + Q is fixed at a distance of d in front of an J m C–1.
infinite metal plate. Draw the lines of force indicating 2. Electric flux is a scalar quantity. (It can be positive,
the directions clearly. negative or zero.)
 Electrostatics 13.31

that surface. This surface is called Gaussian surface. It is a

SOLVED EXAMPLES closed hypothetical surface. Its validity is shown by experi-
ments. It is used to determine the electric field due to some
77. The electric field in a region is given by symmetric charge distributions.
3 4
E = E0 i + E0 j with E0 = 2.0 × 103 N/C. Find the
5 5 Statement and Details
flux of this field through a rectangular surface of area
Gauss’s law is stated as given below.
0.2 m2 parallel to the Y–Z plane. The surface integral of the electric field intensity over
Solution: any closed hypothetical surface (called Gaussian surface)
1
fE = E ⋅ S in free space is equal to times the total charge enclosed
ε0
⎛3 4 ⎞ within the surface. Here, e0 is the permittivity of free space.
⎝5 5 ⎠
(
= ⎜ E0 i + E0 j ⎟ . 0.2 iˆ ) n

N −m 2 If S is the Gaussian surface and ∑ qi is the total

= 240 . i =1
C charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface, then according
78. A point charge Q is placed at the corner of a square of to Gauss’s law,
1 n
side a, then find the flux through the square. fE = ∫ E ⋅ dS = ∑q i.
ε 0 i =1
Q
The circle on the sign of integration indicates that the
a integration is to be carried out over the closed surface.

a
NOTE
Solution:
The electric field due to Q at any point of the square ■ Flux through Gaussian surface is independent of its
will be along the plane of square and the electric field shape.
line are perpendicular to square; so, f = 0. ■ Flux through Gaussian surface depends only on total
In other words, we can say that no line is crossing charge present inside Gaussian surface.
the square; so, flux = 0. ■ Flux through Gaussian surface is independent of position
of charges inside Gaussian surface.
79. Find out flux through the curved surface of the ■ Electric field intensity at the Gaussian surface is due
hemisphere of radius R if it is placed in uniform elec- to all the charges present inside as well as outside the
tric field E as shown in Fig. 13.10. Gaussian surface.
■ In a close surface, incoming flux is taken negative while
R outgoing flux is taken as positive, because n is taken pos-
itive in outward direction.
■ In a Gaussian surface, f = 0 does not imply E = 0 at
every point of the surface but E = 0 at every point implies
Fig. 13.10 f = 0.

Solution:
The electric lines which are passing through area pR2 SOLVED EXAMPLES
are also the same which will pass through hemisphere.
so f = EpR2. 80. Find out flux through the given Gaussian surface.

GAUSS’S LAW IN ELECTROSTATICS OR q4 = –6μC q5 = 2 μ C

q1 = 2 μ C
GAUSS’S THEOREM q2 = 3μC
q3 = 4μC
q6 = 3 μ C
This law was stated by a mathematician Karl F Gauss.
This law gives the relation between the electric field at a
point on a closed surface and the net charge enclosed by Gaussian surface
13.32 Chapter 13

Solution: Solution:
Q 2 μ C − 3μ C + 4 μ C
f = in =
ε0 ε0
Q
3 × 10 −6
= Nm2/C.
ε0
81. If a point charge q is placed at the centre of a cube, We can consider imaginary faces of cube such that
then find out flux through any one surface of the cube. the charge lies at the centre of the cube. Due to sym-
metry, we can say that flux through the given area
Solution: Q
q (which is one face of cube) f = .
Flux through six surfaces = . 6ε 0
ε0
Since all the surfaces are symmetrical, flux through 83. A charge Q is uniformly distributed over a rod of
1 q length l. Consider a hypothetical cube of edge l with
one surface = . the centre of the cube at one end of the rod. Find the
6 ε0
minimum possible flux of the electric field through
82. A charge Q is placed at a distance a/2 above the cen- the entire surface of the cube.
tre of a horizontal, square surface of edge as shown in
Fig. 13.11. Find the flux of the electric field through Solution:
the square surface. Q/(2e0).
84. A charge Q is placed at a corner of a cube. Find the flux
a a/2
of the electric field through the six surfaces of the cube.

Solution:
a
Q/8e0.
Fig. 13.11

Name/Type Ex-16 Formula Note Graph

Infinite non-conducting 
E
thin sheet
•   s is surface charge density. (assumed uniform)
σ σ/2ε 0
nˆ •   n̂ is unit normal vector. Electric field intensity 
2ε0
is independent of distance.
r

Infinitely large-charged  •   s is the surface charge density. (assumed  E
conducting sheet uniform)
σ •   n̂ is the unit vector perpendicular is the 
n̂ σ /ε 0
ε0 surface.
•   Electric field intensity is independent of 
r
distance.
Uniformly charged  •  R is radius of the sphere.
hollow conducting/ (A)  for r ≥ R E
•   r  is vector drawn from centre of sphere to the 
non-conducting/solid  kQ point.
conducting sphere E= rˆ KQ/R2
r
2
•   Sphere acts like a point charge. Placed at 
centre for points outside the sphere.
(B)  for r < R
•  E   is always along radial direction.
r
E=0 •   Q is total charge (= s4pR2).   R
(s = surface charge density)
 Electrostatics 13.33

Name/Type Ex-16 Formula Note Graph

Uniform charged solid  •   r  is vector drawn from centre of sphere to the 
non-conducting sphere  (A) for r ≥ R point.
(insulating material) •   Sphere acts like a point charge placed at the  E
kQ
E= 2
rˆ centre for points outside the sphere.
r
•   E  is always along radial direction. KQ/R2
(B) for r ≤ R  4 
•   Q is total charge  ρ ⋅ π R 3 .  
KQr ρr  3 
E= = r
R3 3ε0 (r = volume charge density) R
•   Inside the sphere E ∝ r.
•   Outside the sphere E ∝ 1/r2.

85. Two spherical distribution of charges overlap for Solution:

some position as shown. The centre to centre distance ρ r1
is r. The volume density of charge of two spheres E1 =
3ε 0
are ρ and − ρ . Prove that inside a common portion,
E-field is uniform. Also find its value. r + r2 = r1

E = E1 + E2
ρ –ρ
ρ ρr
r1 r2
=
3ε 0
( )
r1 − r2 =
3ε 0
Q r Q ρr
∴ E= .
3ε 0

Electric Potential due to various charge distributions are given in table.

Name/Type Ex-19 Formula Note Graph

Uniformly charged hollow  for r ≥ R •  R is radius of sphere. V

conducting/non-conducting/  kQ •   r is the distance from centre of sphere 
solid conducting sphere V= to the point.
r KQ/R
•  Q is total charge = s 4 p R 2.
for r ≤ R
kQ r
V= R
R
Uniformly charged solid   for r ≥ R •  R is radius of sphere. V
non-conducting sphere   kQ •   r is distance from centre to the point.
3KQ/2R
(insulating material) V= 3
r •  Vcentre = Vsurface . KQ/R
for r ≤ R 2
4
•   Q is total charge = ρ π R 3. r
KQ(3R 2 − r 2 ) 3 R
2R 3 •   Inside sphere potential varies 
ρ parabolically.
= (3R 2 − r 2 ) •   Outside potential varies hyperbolically.
6ε0
13.34 Chapter 13

Name/Type Ex-19 Formula Note Graph

Infinite non-conducting   Not defined •   Absolute potential is not defined.

thin sheet •   Potential difference between 
two points is given by formula 
σ
vB − v A = − ( rB − rA ).
2ε0
Infinite charged conducting   Not defined •   Absolute potential is not defined.
thin sheet •   Potential difference between 
two points is given by formula 
σ
vB − v A = − ( r − r ).
ε0 B A

86. Determine and draw the graph of electric field due density 2r then find the electric field at the symmetry
to infinitely large non-conducting sheet of thickness t plane.
and uniform volume charge density r as a function of
Solution:
distance x from its symmetry plane. ρt
t t ENet = (towards left).
(A) x ≤ (B) x ≥ 4ε 0
2 2 88. Figure 13.12 shows a uniformly charged sphere of
Solution: radius R and total charge Q. A point charge q is situ-
We can assume thick sheet to be made of large num- ated outside the sphere at a distance r from centre of
ber of uniformly charged thin sheets. Consider an sphere. Find out the following:
elementary thin sheet of width dx at a distance x from (A) Force acting on the point charge q due to the
symmetry plane. sphere.
Charge in sheet = rAdx (B) Force acting on the sphere due to the point charge.
(A: assumed area of sheet)
Q
Surface charge density
ρ Adx q
s=
A
So, electric field intensity due to elementary sheet.
Fig. 13.12
ρdx
dE = Solution:
2ε 0
t (A) Electric field at the position of point charge
(A) When x <
2 KQ
x
ρdx
t /2
ρdx ρ x E = 2 rˆ
ENet = ∫ –∫ = r
−t / 2
2ε 0 x
2ε 0 ε0 KqQ
so, F = 2 rˆ
E r

ρ t/2 ε 0
KqQ
| F |=
θ
r r2
(B) Since we know that every action has equal and
tan θ = ρ /ε 0 opposite reaction,
KqQ
t F sphere = − 2 rˆ
(B) When x > r
2 KqQ
t /2
ρdx |F sphere| = 2 .
ρt
ENet = ∫ 2ε
=
2ε 0
. r
−t / 2 0 89. Figure 13.13 shows a uniformly charged sphere
87. In the previous question, if left half of the sheet con- of total charge Q and radius R. A point charge q is
tains charge density r and right half contains charge also situated at the centre of the sphere. Find out the
following:
 Electrostatics 13.35

A Solution:
q B Energy stored
C 1
∫ 2 ε0 E
2
U= dV

Fig. 13.13 where dV is small volume.

1
(A) Force on charge q.
(B) Electric field intensity at A.
= ε0 E 2
2 ∫ dV
(C) Electric field intensity at B. Q E is constant
Solution: 1 σ2
(A) Electric field at the centre of the uniformly = ε 0 2 . a3
2 4ε 0
charged hollow sphere = 0
So force on charge q = 0 σ 2 a3
U= .
(B) Electric field at A 8ε 0
E A = Esphere + Eq 91. Find out energy stored inside a solid non-conducting
Kq sphere of total charge Q and radius R. [Assume
=0+
; r = CA charge is uniformly distributed in its volume.]
r2
E due to sphere = 0, because point lies inside the Solution:
charged hollow sphere. We can consider solid sphere to be made of large num-
(C) Electric field E B at point B = Esphere + Eq ber of concentric spherical. Also electric field inten-
sity at the location of any particular shell in constant.
KQ Kq
iˆ= 2 ⋅ rˆ + 2 ⋅ rˆ R1
r r Uinside = ∫ ε 0 E 2 dV
0 2
K ( Q + q)
iˆ= ⋅ rˆ ; r = CB. Consider an elementary shell of thickness dx and
r2
radius x.

NOTE
x dx
Here we can also assume that the total charge of sphere
is concentrated at the centre for calculation of electric field
at B.

Volume of the shell = (4px2dx)

2
ENERGY DENSITY R1 ⎡ KQx ⎤
U =∫ ε 0 ⎢ 3 ⎥ ⋅ 4px2 dx
0 2 ⎣ R ⎦
Definition
1 K 2 Q 2 4π R
Energy density is defined as energy stored in unit volume =
2
ε0
R6
∫0 x 4 dx
in any electric field, its mathematical formula is given as
following 4πε 0 Q2 R5
1 = .
Energy density = eE2 2 R6 ( 4πε 0 ) 2 5
2
where E = electric field intensity at that point Q2 Q2
e = electric permittivity of medium = = .
40πε 0 R 40πε 0 R

SOLVED EXAMPLES For Continuous Charge System

This energy is also known as self-energy.
90. Find out energy stored in an imaginary cubical volume
of side a in front of an infinitely large non-conducting 1. For hollow/solid uniformly charged conducting sphere
sheet of uniform charge density s. or hollow uniformly charged non-conducting sphere,
13.36 Chapter 13

3. Charge always resides on outer surface of conductor.

KQ 2 Q2
U self = = . 4. If there is a cavity inside the conductor having no
2R 8πε 0 R charge, then charge will always reside only on outer
Q: charge on sphere surface of conductor.
R: Radius of sphere 5. Electric field is always perpendicular to conducting
2. For uniformly charged solid non-conducting sphere, surface.
3KQ 2 3Q 2 6. Electric lines of force never enter into conductors.
Uself = = . 7. Electric field intensity near the conducting surface is
5R 20πε 0 R
given by formula:

SOLVED EXAMPLES σ
E= n̂
ε0
92. Two non-conducting hollow uniformly charged A
spheres of radii R1 and R2 with charge Q1 and Q2,
respectively, are placed at a distance r. Find out total
energy of the system. C
Q1 Q2 B

R1
R2 σA
EA = nˆ ;
r ε0
σB
Solution: EB = nˆ
ε0
Utotal = Uself + UInteraction
σC
and EC = nˆ
Q12 Q22 QQ ε0
= + + 1 2 .
8πε 0 R1 8πε 0 R2 4πε 0 r
8. When a conductor is grounded, its potential becomes
93. q0 charge is placed at the centre of hollow conducting zero.
sphere of charge Q and radius R. Find out energy of
V=0
system.
Solution:
Utotal = Uself + Uinteraction
9. When an isolated conductor is grounded, then its
Q2
= + q0 ⎛ 1 Q ⎞ charge becomes zero.
8πε 0 R ⎜⎝ 4πε R ⎟⎠
0 10. When two conductors are connected, there will be
charge flow till their potential becomes equal.
Q ⎡Q ⎤ 11. Electric pressure: Electric pressure at the surface of a
= + q0 ⎥ .
4πε 0 R ⎢⎣ 2 ⎦ conductor is given by formula
σ2
P= , where s is the local surface charge density.
2ε 0
CONDUCTOR AND ITS PROPERTIES
[FOR ELECTROSTATIC CONDITION]
SOLVED EXAMPLES
1. Conductors are materials which contains large number
of free electrons that can move freely inside the 94. Prove that if an isolated (isolated means there are
conductor. no charges near the sheet) large conducting sheet is
2. In electrostatics, conductors are always equipotential given a charge, then the charge distributes equally on
surfaces. its two surfaces.
 Electrostatics 13.37

Solution: 96. Three large conducting sheets placed parallel to each

other at finite distance contain charges Q, –2Q, and
x Q–x
3Q, respectively. Find electric field at points A, B, C,
and D.
Q–x P x Q –2Q 3Q
2Aε 0 2Aε 0

A B C D
Let there is x charge on left side of sheet and Q–x
charge on right side of sheet.
Since point P lies inside the conductor,
Solution:
EP = O EA = EQ + E–2Q + E3Q.
x Q−x
– =0 Here EQ means electric field due to Q.
2 Aε O 2 Aε O
(Q − 2Q + 3Q ) 2Q Q
2x Q (A) EA = = = , towards
⇒ = 2 Aε 0 2 Aε 0 Aε 0
2 Aε O 2 Aε O left
Q − ( −2Q + 3Q )
Q (B) EB = , towards right = 0
⇒ x= 2 Aε 0
2
Q (Q − 2Q ) − (3Q ) −4Q −2Q
Q–x= (C) EC = = = , towards
2 2 Aε 0 2 Aε 0 Aε 0
right
So charge in equally distributed on both sides.
2Q
⇒ towards left
95. If an isolated infinite sheet contains charge Q1 on its A ε0
one surface and charge Q2 on its other surface, then
prove that electric field intensity at a point in front of (Q − 2Q + 3Q ) 2Q Q
Q (D) ED = = = , towards
sheet will be , where Q = Q1 + Q2 2 Aε 0 2 Aε 0 Aε 0
2 Aε O right.

Solution: 97. Two conducting plates A and B are placed parallel to

Electric field at point P, each other. A is given a charge Q1 and B a charge Q2.
Prove that the charges on the inner facing surfaces are
Q1 Q2
P Q1 Q2 of equal magnitude and opposite sign.
+
2Aε 0 2Aε 0
Solution:
Consider a Gaussian surface as shown in Fig. 13.14.
E = EQ + EQ1 2
Two faces of this closed surface lie completely inside
the conductor where the electric field is zero. The flux
Q1 Q2 through these faces is, therefore, zero. The other parts
= nˆ + nˆ
2 Aε 0 2 Aε 0 of the closed surface which are outside the conductor
are parallel to the electric field and hence the flux on
Q1 + Q2 Q these parts is also zero. The total flux of the electric
= nˆ = nˆ field through the closed surface is, therefore, zero.
2 Aε 0 2 Aε 0
From Gauss’s law, the total charge inside this closed
This shows that the resultant field due to a sheet surface should be zero. The charge on the inner sur-
depends only on the total charge of the sheet and not face of A should be equal and opposite to that on the
on the distribution of charge on individual surfaces. inner surface of B.
13.38 Chapter 13

E=0 98. Two large parallel conducting sheets (placed at finite

Q1 A
distance) are given charges Q and 2Q, respectively.
E Find out charges appearing on all the surfaces.
Q2 B
E=0 Q 2Q
(a)

Q1 – q P
A
+q
–q
B P Q
Q2 – q
(b)
Fig. 13.14

The distribution should be similar to the one shown

in Fig. 13.14. To find the value of q, consider the field Solution:
at a point P inside the plate A. Suppose, the surface Let there be x amount of charge on left side of first
area of the plate (one side) is A. Using the equation plate, so on its right side charge will be Q – x; sim-
E = s/(2e0), the electric field at P ilarly, for second plate there is y charge on left side
and 2Q – y charge is on right side of second plate.
Q1 − q
due to the charge Q1 – q = (downward),
2 Aε 0
q x Q–x y 2Q – y
due to the charge + q = (upward),
2 Aε 0
P Q
q
due to the charge – q = (downward),
2 Aε 0

Q2 + q
and due to the charge Q2 + q = (upward).
2 Aε 0
The net electric field at P due to all the four charged Ep = 0 (By property of conductor)
surfaces is (in the downward direction)
x ⎧Q − x y 2Q − y ⎫
Q −q q q Q +q ⇒ – ⎨ + + ⎬= 0
Ep = 1 − + − 2 2 Aε o ⎩ 2 Aε o 2 Aε o 2 Aε o ⎭
2 Aε 0 2 Aε 0 2 Aε 0 2 Aε 0
We can also say that charge on left side of P = charge
As the point P is inside the conductor, this field on right side of P
should be zero. Hence,
x = Q – x + y + 2Q – y
Q1 – q – q + q – Q2 – q = 0
3Q −Q
⇒ x= ,Q–x=
Q1 − Q2 2 2
or q=
2 Similarly for point Q,

This result is a special case of the following result. x + Q – x + y = 2Q – y

When charged conducting plates are placed parallel ⇒ y = Q/2, 2Q – y = 3Q/2
to each other, the two outermost surfaces get equal
charges and the facing surfaces get equal and oppo- So final charge distribution of plates is
site charges.
 Electrostatics 13.39

Thus, the final charge distribution on all the surfaces is

+ 3Q –Q Q + 3Q
2 2 2 2
3Q –5Q 5Q +Q –Q –3Q
+
2 2 2 2 2 2

99. Figure 13.15 shows three large metallic plates with

charges – Q, 3Q, and Q, respectively. Determine the
ELECTROSTATIC ENERGY FOR A
final charges on all the surfaces.
SPHERICAL SHELL
–Q 3Q Q
q dq

R
Fig. 13.15

Solution:
We assume that charge on surface 2 is x. Following kq
V=
conservation of charge, we see that surface 1 has R
charge (–Q – x). The electric field inside the metal kq dq
plate is zero so field at P is zero. dW = V dq =
R
3Q Q Q
1 2 3 4 5 6 k kQ 2
W = ∫ dW = ∫ q dq =
–Q–x x
RO 2R
P
Q2
U=
8πε 0 R
Resultant field at P,
Electrostatic energy for a solid sphere,
EP = 0
1 q2 1 q2
−Q − x x + 3Q + Q U = Ui + Uo = +
⇒ = 40πε 0 R 8πε 0 R
2 Aε 0 2 Aε 0
⇒ –Q – x = x + 4Q 3 ⎛ 1 q2 ⎞
= ⎜ ⎟.
−5Q 5 ⎜⎝ 4πε 0 R ⎟⎠
⇒ x= .
2

NOTE SOLVED EXAMPLES

We see that charges on the facing surfaces of the plates
are of equal magnitude and opposite sign. This can be in 100. Two concentric spherical shells of radii R1 and R2
general proved by Gauss theorem also. Remember this it is carry charges Q1 and Q2 uniformly distributed over
an important result. it. Find electrostatic energy of the system?
13.40 Chapter 13

Solution: Solution:
Q2 Using the results of hollow sphere as
Q12 ⎛ kQ1 kq ⎞
W =
8πε 0 R1
+ ∫ ⎜⎝ R2
+
R2 ⎟⎠
dq
(A) VA =
KQ1
+
KQ2
O
R1 R2
Q12 kQ Q kQ 2 KQ1 KQ2
= + 1 2+ 2 (B) VB = +
8πε 0 R1 R2 8 R2 R1 R2

Q12 Q22 QQ (C) VC =

KQ1 KQ2
U= + + 1 2 +
8πε 0 R1 8πε 0 R2 4πε 0 R2 R2 R2
(D) For r ≤ R1
U = Σ Self Energy + Σ Interaction Energy
KQ1 KQ2
V= +
dq
R1 R2

Q1
q (E) For R1 ≤ r ≤ R2
KQ1 KQ2
V= +
r R2
R1
(F) For r ≥ R2
KQ1 KQ2
V= + .
R2 r r
102. Two hollow concentric non-conducting spheres of
radius a and b (a > b) contains charges Qa and Qb,
Q2 respectively. Prove that potential difference between
Self Energy = two spheres is independent of charge on outer sphere.
8πε 0 R
If outer sphere is given an extra charge, is there any
Qi Q j change in potential difference?
∴ Total Energy = ( ri > rj ).
4πε 0 rj Solution:
KQb KQa
Vinner sphere = +
101. Two concentric spherical shells of radius R1 and R2 b a
(R2 > R1) are having uniformly distributed charges Q1 KQb KQa
and Q2, respectively. Find out potential Vouter sphere = +
a a
C
Qa

R2 Qb
B
b a
A R1

Q1 Q2

KQb KQb
Vinner sphere – Vouter sphere = –
(A) at point A b a
(B) at surface of smaller shell (i.e. at point B)
(C) at surface of larger shell (i.e. at point C) ⎡1 1 ⎤
DV = KQb ⎢ − ⎥ .
(D) at r ≤ R1 ⎣b a⎦
(E) at R1 ≤ r ≤ R2
(F) at r ≥ R2 which is independent of charge on outer sphere.
If outer sphere in given any extra charge, then there
will be no change in potential difference.
 Electrostatics 13.41

NOTE
No
When we move from one point to another in an EF: charge
(A) Potential increases if we move opposite to field.
(B) Potential decreases if we move in the direction of field.
(C) Potential does not change if we move perpendicular
to the field. 5. Charge distribution for different types of cavities in
conductors.
(a) S2
Some Other Important Results for a
Closed Conductor
S1 q
1. If a charge q is kept in the cavity, then –q will be C
induced on the inner surface and +q will be induced
on the outer surface of the conductor (it can be proved Charge is at the common centre
using Gauss theorem). (S1, S2 → Spherical)

+q
(b) S2

–q
q q
S1
C

Charge is not at the common centre

2. If a charge q is kept inside the cavity of a conductor (S1, S2 → Spherical)
and conductor is given a charge Q then –q charge will
be induced on the inner surface and total charge on (c) S2
the outer surface will be q + Q (it can be proved using
Gauss theorem).
q
–q+Q S1
C

–q Charge is at the centre of S2

q (S2 → Spherical)

(d) S2

3. Resultant field, due to q (which is inside the cavity)

and induced charge on S1, at any point outside S1 (like S1 q
C
B, C) is zero. Resultant field due to q + Q on S2 and any
other charge outside S2, at any point inside of surface
S2 (like A, B) is zero Charge is not at the centre of S2
(S2 → Spherical)
S2
B
C
S1 (e) S2
qA q+Q
–q
S1 q
C
4. Resultant field in a charge free cavity in a closed
conductor is zero. There can be charges outside the
conductor and on the surface also. Then also, this
Charge is at the centre of
result is true. No charge will be induced on the inner- S1 (Spherical)
most surface of the conductor.
13.42 Chapter 13

(f) S2 (h) S2

C
C S1 q
S1 q

Charge is at
Charge is not at the centre geometrical centre
of S1 (Spherical)
Using the result that Eres in the conducting mate-
(g) S2 rial should be zero and using result 3. We can
show that

q
S1 c

Charge is at
geometrical centre

Case A B C D E F G H
S1 Uniform Non-uniform Non-uniform Non-uniform Uniform Non-uniform Non-uniform Non-uniform
S2 Uniform Uniform Uniform Uniform Non-uniform Non-uniform Non-uniform Non-uniform

(B) In the previous question, if the particle has

NOTE velocity v = vminimum.
Find minimum distance of particle from centre.
In all cases, charge on inner surface is S1 = –q and on outer
surface is S2 = q. The distribution of charge on S1 will not Solution:
change even if some charges are kept outside the conductor
1 2
(i.e. outside the surface S2). But the charge distribution on (A) qv A + Mvmax = qv B + O
S2 may change if some charges(s) is/are kept outside the 2
conductor.
ρ R2 1 2 ρ R2
⇒ q× + Mvmin = q× +O
3ε 0 2 3ε 0

SOLVED EXAMPLES qρ R2
⇒ vmin =
3ε 0 M
103. A particle of mass M and charge Q is projected
towards the centre of spherical distribution of charge 2
1 ⎛ vmin ⎞ 1
as shown. (B) qv A + M⎜ ⎟ = qvC + m × O 2
2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ 2
(A) Find minimum velocity required for the particle
so that it reach the centre. ρ R2 1 1 qρ R 2
⇒ q× + m× ×
Relative permitivity = 1 3ε 0 2 4 3ε 0 M
ρ
ρ = q× (3 R 2 − 2 x 2 ) + O.
v=0 C M, q 6ε 0
vmin A 104. An uncharged conductor of inner radius R1 and outer
R
radius R2 contains a point charge q at the centre as
shown in Fig. 13.16
(A) Find E and V at points A, B, and C
 Electrostatics 13.43

(B) If a point charge Q is kept outside the sphere at (A) VC (B) VA (C) VB
a distance r (>>R2) from centre, then find out (D) EA (E) EB
resultant force on charge Q and charge q. (F) Force on charge Q if it is placed at B
B
S2
A
S1 q R1
C R1 P
O R2
A S1O q R
2
B S2 D

Fig. 13.16
Fig. 13.17
Solution:
At point A Solution:
Kq Kq K ( − q) Kq Kq K ( − q) Kq
VA = + + , EA = OA. (A) VC = + + .
OA R2 R1 OA3 CP R1 R2
+q
NOTE
–q –q on S1 is non-uniformly distributed still it produces poten-
q
K( − q)
tial at C because C is at distance R1 from each points
R1
of S1.

NOTE Kq Kq
(B) VA = (C) VB =
Electric field due at A due to –q of S1 and +q of S2 is zero R2 CB
individually because they are uniformly distributed. (D) EA = O (point is inside metallic conductor)
Kq ^
At point B: (E) EB = 2
CB
CB
Kq K ( − q) Kq Kq
VB = + + = , EB = 0 ^
OB OB R2 R2 KQq
(F) FQ = 2
CB
At point C CB
Kq Kq
VC = ,E = OC
OC C OC 3
NOTE
(B) Force on point charge Q:
KqQ Force on charge q ≠ 0, think. If you can think right, you are
FQ = 2
rˆ (r = distance of Q from centre O) extraordinary for verification of your answer you can send it
r to our office addressing to HOD physics.
Force on point charge q:
Fq = 0 (using result (iii) and charge on S1 uniform
Sharing of Charges
NOTE Two conducting hollow spherical shells of radii R1 and R2
having charges Q1 and Q2 respectively, and separated by
Here force on Q will be only due to q of S2 see result (iii) large distance, are joined by a conducting wire
Let final charges on spheres be q1 and q2 ,respectively.
105. An uncharged conductor of inner radius R1 and outer
q1 q2
radius R2 contain a point charge q placed at point P R1 R2
(not at the centre) as shown in Fig. 13.17? Find out
the following:
13.44 Chapter 13

Potential on both spherical shell become equal after joining,

Kx K ( −2Q − x ) k ( x − 2Q )
therefore, Vin = + =
Kq1 Kq2 R 2R 2R
=
R1 R2 and potential of outer shell
q1 R Kx K ( −2Q − x ) −KQ
= 1 (1) Vout = + =
q2 R2 2R 2R R

and q1 + q2 = Q1 + Q2 (2)
x –2Q – x
From (1) and (2),
(Q1 + Q2 ) R1
q1 =
R1 + R2
As Vout = Vin
(Q1 + Q2 ) R2
q2 =
R1 + R2 – KR K ( x – 2Q )
⇒ =
Ratio of charges R 2R
q1 R ⇒ –2Q = x – 2Q
= 1
q2 R2 ⇒ x=0
σ1 4π R12 R1 So charge on inner spherical shell = 0
=
σ 2 4π R22 R2 and outer spherical shell = –2Q.
107. Find charge on each spherical shell after joining the
Ratio of surface charge densities
innermost shell and outer most shell by a conducting
σ1 R wire. Also find charges on each surface.
= 2
σ2 R1 5Q

Ratio of final charges 3 –2Q

q1 R 2 Q
= 1 1 R
q2 R2
Ratio of final surface charge densities 2R
3R
σ1 R
= 2.
σ2 R1
Solution:
Let the charge on the innermost sphere be x.
SOLVED EXAMPLES
6Q – x

106. The two conducting spherical shells are joined by a 3 –2Q

conducting wire and cut after some time when charge 2 x
1 R
stops flowing. Find out the charge on each sphere
after that. 2R
3R
Q
–3Q
R Finally, potential of shell 1 = Potential of shell 3
Kx K ( −2Q ) K (6Q − x )
2R + +
R 2R 3R
Solution: KQ k ( –2q ) k (5Q )
= + +
After cutting the wire, the potential of both the shells 3R 3R 3R
is equal Q
Thus, potential of inner shell 3x –3Q + 6Q – x = 4Q; 2x = Q; x =
2
 Electrostatics 13.45

Q RELATION BETWEEN ELECTRIC FIELD

Charge on innermost shell = Charge on outermost
5Q 2 INTENSITY AND ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
shell =
2 For Uniform Electric Field
Middle shell = –2Q
Final charge distribution is as shown in Fig. 13.18.
B
Q
+3Q/2 A
–3Q/2
–Q/2
Q/2 Potential difference between two points A and B

VB – VA = E . AB

Non-uniform Electric Field

Fig. 13.18 ∂V ∂V ∂V
Ex = – , Ey = – , Ez = –
108. Two conducting hollow spherical shells of radii R ∂x ∂y ∂z
and 2R carry charges –Q and 3Q, respectively. How ⇒ E = Ex iˆ + Ey ĵ + Ez k̂
much charge will flow into the earth if inner shell is
grounded? ⎡ ∂ ∂ ∂ ⎤
= – ⎢iˆ V + ˆj V + kˆ V ⎥
3Q ⎣ ∂x ∂x ∂z ⎦
–Q ⎡ ∂ ∂ ∂⎤
= – ⎢iˆ + ˆj + kˆ ⎥ V
⎣ ∂ x ∂ x ∂ z⎦
R
= –∇V = –grad V
2R ∂V
where = derivative of V with respect to x (keeping
∂x y and z constant)
Solution:
∂V
When inner shell is grounded to the earth then the = derivative of V with respect to y (keeping z and
∂y x constant)
potential of inner shell will become zero, because
potential of the earth is taken to be zero. ∂V
= derivative of V with respect to z (keeping x and
Kx K 3Q ∂z y constant)
+ =0
R 2R
3Q If Electric Potential and Electric Field Depends only
x on one Coordinate, Say r
∂V
R 1. E = – r̂
∂r
where r̂ is a unit vector along increasing r.
2R
2. ∫ dV = – ∫ E ⋅ dr
−3Q rB
x= ,
2 ⇒ VB – VA = – ∫ E ⋅ dr
rA
the charge that has increased
−3Q −Q dr is along the increasing direction of r.
= – (–Q) = 3. The potential of a point
2 2
r
Q
Hence charge flows into the earth = . V = – ∫ E ⋅ dr
2 ∞
13.46 Chapter 13

Q2
SOLVED EXAMPLES
Q1

109. V = x2 + y, Find E. B
A
Solution:
∂V ∂V ∂V 3Q
= 2x, =1, and =0
∂x ∂y ∂z
⇒ 2Q1 = Q1
⎛ ∂V ˆ ∂V ˆ ∂V ⎞
E = – ⎜ iˆ +j +k = –(2x iˆ + ĵ )
∂z ⎟⎠
3Q
⎝ ∂x ∂y
O
Electric field is non-uniform.

110. For given E = 2 xiˆ + 3 yjˆ find the potential at (x, y) if

V at origin is 5 V.

Solution: ⇒ Q1 = 0
v x y
s1 = 0
∫ dV = −∫ E ⋅ dr = – ∫ E x dx – ∫ E y dy 3Q 3Q
5 0 0 s2 = 2
= .
2 2 4π ( 2a) 16π a 2
2x 3y
⇒ V–5=– −
2 2 CAPACITANCE
2 2
2x 3y Introduction
⇒ V=– − + 5.
2 2
A capacitor can store energy in the form of potential energy
111. Find: in an electric field. In this chapter, we will discuss the
(A) Charge on two shells after sharing. capacity of conductors to hold charge and energy.
(B) Surface density of charge on two shells after
sharing. Capacitance of an Isolated Conductor
(C) Loss of energy during sharing.
When a conductor is charged, its potential increases. It
2Q is found that for an isolated conductor (conductor should
be of finite dimension, so that potential of infinity can be
2a Q
assumed to be zero) potential of the conductor is propor-
B tional to charge given to it.
a A
q

Isolated conductor

Solution:
kQ kX 2Q
VA = + q = charge on conductor
a 2a
V = potential of conductor
kQ kX 2Q
VB = + q∝V
2a 2a
VA > VB ⇒ q = CV
After sharing, Where C is proportionality constant called capacitance of
V ′A = V ′B the conductor.

kQ1 kQ2 kQ kQ2 Definition of Capacitance

+ = 1+ Capacitance of conductor is defined as charge required to
a 2a 2a 2a
increase the potential of conductor by one unit.
 Electrostatics 13.47

Important Points about the Capacitance In case of charged conductor, energy stored is only
of an Isolated Conductor outside the conductor but in case of charged insulating
1. It is a scalar quantity. material, it is outside as well as inside the insulator.
2. Unit of capacitance is farad in SI units and its dimen-
sional formula is [M–1 L–2 I2 T4] Capacitance of an Isolated
3. 1 Farad: 1 Farad is the capacitance of a conductor for Spherical Conductor
which 1 coulomb charge increases potential by 1 V.
1 Coulomb SOLVED EXAMPLES
1 Farad =
1 Volt
1 mF = 10–6 F, 1nF = 10–9 F or 1 pF = 10–12 F 112. Find out the capacitance of an isolated spherical
4. Capacitance of an isolated conductor depends on conductor of radius R.
following factors:
Solution:
(a) Shape and size of the conductor: On increasing
the size, capacitance increases. Let there be charge Q on sphere.
(b) On surrounding medium: With increase in KQ
∵ Potential V =
dielectric constant K, capacitance increases. R
(c) Presence of other conductors: When a neutral Hence by formula: Q = CV
conductor is placed near a charged conductor,
CKQ
capacitance of conductors increases. Q=
5. Capacitance of a conductor do not depend on R
(a) Charge on the conductor C = 4pe0R `
(b) Potential of the conductor Capacitance of an isolated spherical conductor
(c) Potential energy of the conductor
C = 4pe0R
Potential Energy or Self-Energy of an (A) If the medium around the conductor is vacuum
Isolated Conductor or air,
CVacuum = 4pe0R
Work done in charging the conductor to the charge on it
against its own electric field or total energy stored in elec- R = Radius of spherical conductor. (May be solid
tric field of conductor is called self-energy or self-potential or hollow.)
energy of conductor. (B) If the medium around the conductor is a dielectric
of constant K from surface of sphere to infinity.
Electric Potential Energy (Self-energy) Cmedium = 4pe0KR
Work done in charging the conductor
Cmedium
q 2 (C) = K = dielectric constant.
q q Cair/vaccum
W= ∫ c dq =
2c
0 113. Find out the capacitance of the earth. (Radius of the
q2 1 qV earth = 6400 km)
W=U= = CV2 = .
2c 2 2
Solution:
q = Charge on the conductor 6400 × 103
C = 4pe0R = = 711 mF.
V = Potential of the conductor 9 × 109
C = Capacitance of the conductor
Self-energy is stored in the electric field of the conductor
Sharing of Charges on Joining Two
with energy density (Energy per unit volume). Conductors (By a Conducting Wire)
dU 1 Initially Finally
= e0 E2 (The energy density in a medium is Q1 Q2 Q′1 Q′2
dV 2
1
e0 er E2 ) ⇒
2
where E is the electric field at that point. C1 C2 C1 C2
13.48 Chapter 13

1. Whenever there is potential difference, there will be

movement of charge. NOTE
2. If released, charge always have tendency to move from
high potential energy to low potential energy . Always put Q1, Q2, V1, and V2 with sign.
3. If released, positive charge moves from high potential
to low potential [if only electric force act on charge].
4. If released, negative charge moves from low potential SOLVED EXAMPLES
to high potential [if only electric force act on charge].
5. The movement of charge will continue till there is 114. A and B are two isolated conductors (that means they
potential difference between the conductors (finally are placed at a large distance from each other). When
potential difference = 0). they are joined by a conducting wire:
6. Formulae related with redistribution of charges:

Before connecting the conductors B A

Parameter I Conductor II Conductor

3μC 6μC
Capacitance C1 C2 6μ F 3μ F
Charge Q1 Q2
Potential V1 V2 (A) Find out final charges on A and B.
(B) Find out heat produced during the process of
flow of charges.
After connecting the conductors
(C) Find out common potential after joining the
conductors by conducting wires.
Parameter I Conductor II Conductor
Solution:
Capacitance C1 C2
3
Charge Q1′ Q2′ (A) QA′ = (6 + 3) = 3mC
3+ 6
Potential V V
6
Q B′ = (6 + 3) = 6mC
Q1′ Q2′ 3+ 6
V= = 2
C1 C2 1 . 3μ F ⋅ 6 μ F . ⎛ 1⎞
(B) DH = ⎜ 2 − ⎟⎠
2 ( 3μ F + 6 μ F ) ⎝ 2
Q1′ C1
⇒ = 2
Q2′ C2 1. ⎛ 3⎞ 9
= (2mF) ⎜ ⎟ . = mJ
2 ⎝ 2⎠ 4
But, Q1′ + Q2′ = Q1 + Q2
3μC + 6 μC
Q1 + Q2 C V + C2V2 (C) VC = = 1V.
\ V= = 11 3μ F + 6 μ F
C1 + C2 C1 + C2

C1 (Q + Q ) 115. When two isolated conductors A and B are connected

\ Q1′ = 1 2 by a conducting wire, positive charge will flow from
C1 + C2

C2
and Q2′ = (Q1 +Q2) A B
C1 + C2

Heat loss during redistribution: 10μC 5μF

30μF 20μC
1 C1C2
DH = (V1 – V2)2 (A) A to B (B) B to A
2 C1 + C2
(C) will not flow (D) cannot say
The loss of energy is in the form of Joule heating in
the wire. Solution: (B)
 Electrostatics 13.49

116. A conductor of capacitance 10mF connected to other Q

q Q2
conductor of capacitance 40 mF having equal charges W= ∫ dW = ∫C dq =
C
100 mC initially. Find out final voltage and heat loss 0
Q2 1
during the process. \ Energy stored in the capacitor = U = = CV2
2C 2
Solution: 1
=
QV.
(A) V = 4 V (B) H = 225 m J. 2
This energy is stored inside the capacitor in its
Capacitor electric field with energy density
A capacitor or condenser consists of two conductors dU 1 1
separated by an insulator or dielectric. = eE2 or e0 er E2 .
dV 2 2
1. When uncharged conductor is brought near to a 5. The capacitor is represented as following:
charged conductor, the charge on conductors remain
same but its potential decreases resulting in the
increase of capacitance. 6. Based on shape and arrangement of capacitor plates,
2. In capacitor, two conductors have equal but opposite there are various types of capacitors.
charges. (a) Parallel plate capacitor
3. The conductors are called the plates of the capacitor. (b) Spherical capacitor
The name of the capacitor depends on the shape of the (c) Cylindrical capacitor
capacitor. 7. Capacitance of a capacitor depends on
4. Formulae related to capacitors (a) Area of plates
(a) Q = CV (b) Distance between the plates
Q QA QB (c) Dielectric medium between the plates
⇒ C= = =
V VA − VB VB − VA
SOLVED EXAMPLE
+QA –QB

117. Find out the capacitance of parallel plate capacitor of

plate area A and plate separation d.
A B

Q = Charge of positive plate of capacitor. Solution:

Q
V = Potential difference between positive and E=
Aε 0
negative plates of capacitor.
C = Capacitance of capacitor. A +Q
Plate area = A
(b) Energy stored in the capacitor d

d << size of the plate

B –Q
A B
Qd Q
VA – VB = E.d. = =
Aε 0 C
Initially, charge = 0 0
ε0 A
Intermediate C=
d
q –q
where A = area of the plates
d = distance between plates
q
+ – Electric field intensity between the plates of capaci-
C
tors (air filled)
Finally, E = s/e0 = V/d
+Q –Q Force experienced by any plate of capacitor
q2
F= .
2 Aε 0
13.50 Chapter 13

Circuit Solution for R–C circuit at t = 0 \ QC = 0

(Initial State) and at t = ∞ (Final State) 10
\ i=
= 5A
2
NOTE (B) After a long time, at steady state current i = 0
2Ω
■ Charge on the capacitor does not change instantaneously +10 10
or suddenly if there is a resistance in the path (series) of i=0
the capacitor. +
10 V
–
■ When an uncharged capacitor is connected with battery,
then its charge is zero initially hence potential difference 0 0
across it is zero initially. At this time, the capacitor can be
treated as a conducting wire and potential difference across capacitor = 10 V
R R \ QC = 3 × 10 = 30 C.

119. Find out current I1, I2, I3, charge on capacitor and
ε C ε dQ
of capacitor in the Circuit, which is initially
dt
Before connection Just after connection at t = 0 uncharged in the following situations.

■ The current will become zero finally (that is, in steady R I1 I2

state) in the branch which contains capacitor.
R R R R
ε ε ε
I3
i=0 C
+
ε C ε
–
(A) Just after the switch is closed
0 0
After connection at t = ∞
(B) After a long time, when switch is closed.
Before connection
Solution:
(A) Initially, the capacitor is uncharged so its
SOLVED EXAMPLES behaviour is like a conductor.
Let potential at A be zero so at B and C also it is
zero and at F it is e. Let potential at E be x so at
118. Find out current in the circuit and charge on capac-
D also x. Apply Kirchhoff ’s I law at point E
itor which is initially uncharged in the following
situations. x x
F R I1 E I2 D
2Ω ε

R R
ε
10 V 3F I3

A B C
0 0 0
(A) Just after the switch is closed.
(B) After a long time, when switch was closed. x−ε x−0 x−0
+ + =0
R R R
Solution:
3x ε
(A) Just after closing the switch: =
R R
Potential difference across capacitor = 0
ε
2Ω x=
+10 0 3
Qc = 0
10 V
−ε / 3 + ε 2ε
\ I1 = =
0 0 R 3R
 Electrostatics 13.51

Solution:
dQ ε
I2 = = (A) Let potential at point A be zero. Then at point B
dt 3R
and C it will be e
ε
I3 = ε S2
3R C i=0 B D
Alternatively,
ε ε 2ε +ε C
i1 = = = ε 2ε
–ε C
Req R 3R
R+
2
0 0A
i ε
i2 = i3 = 1 = (because current through the circuit is zero).
2 3R
(B) at t = ∞ (finally) VB – VA = (e – 0)
Capacitor is completely charged so there will be
\ Charge on capacitor = C(e – 0) = Ce
no current through it.
Now S2 is closed and S1 is open. (Potential differ-
I2 = 0, ence. across capacitor and charge on it will not
ε change suddenly.)
I1 = I3 =
2R Potential at A is zero, so at D it is – 2e.
VE – VB = VD – VC = (e/2R)R = e/2 ε − ( −2ε )
\ current through the capacitor =
3ε R
F R E ε /2 D = (B to D)
R
I = 0 ε /2
2
R R ε
ε C i=0 B –2ε
D
+
A B C ε 2ε
–
εC dQ
⇒ QC = , = I2 = 0.
2 dt 0 0A

I1 I2 I3 Q dQ/dt (B) After a long time, i = 0

Time
2ε ε ε ε VB – VA = VD – VA = – 2e
t=0 0
3R 3R 3R 3R
C –2ε –2ε
Finally, ε ε εC B D
0 0
t=∞ 3R 3R 2 –2ε C
ε 2ε
+2ε C
120. At t = 0, switch S1 is closed and remains closed for a
long time and S2 remains open. Now S1 is opened and 0 0 0
S2 is closed. Find out
\ Q = C (–2e - 0) = –2eC
S1 R S2 R
(C) The charge on the lower plate (which is connected
ε
to the battery) changes from –eC to 2eC.
C 2ε
\ this charge will come from the battery,
\ charge flown from that cell is 3eC downward.
(A) The current through the capacitor immediately 121. A capacitor of capacitance C which is initially
after that moment uncharged is connected with a battery. Find out heat
(B) Charge on the capacitor long after that moment. dissipated in the circuit during the process of charging.
(C) Total charge flown through the cell of emf 2e
after S2 is closed. Solution:
Final status
13.52 Chapter 13

D
+ε C – ε C
B
Net charge flow through battery = 2eC
ε + – 0
Work done by battery = e × 2eC = 2e2C
Heat produced = 2e2 C.
ε 0 124. A capacitor of capacitance C which is initially
C A
ε charged up to a potential difference e is connected
Let potential at point A be 0, so at B also 0 and at C with a battery of emf e/2 such that the positive ter-
and D it is e. Finally, charge on the capacitor minal of battery is connected with positive plate of
Q C = eC capacitor. After a long time
Ui = 0 (A) Find out total charge flow through the battery
1 1 (B) Find out total work done by battery
Uf = CV 2 = Ce 2 (C) Find out heat dissipated in the circuit during the
2 2
process of charging
Work done by battery = ∫ Pdt
Solution:
ε
(A) Let potential of A be 0, so that at B it is . So
W= ∫ εidt = e ∫ idt final charge on capacitor = Ce/2 2
= e . Q = e . eC = e 2C
B + – A
(Now onwards remember that work done by battery =
εC –εC
eQ if Q has flown out of the cell from high potential ε /2
and work done on battery is eQ if Q has flown into the
cell through high potential.)
Heat produced = W = (Uf – Ui ) Charge flow through the capacitor = (Ce/2 –
1 2 Cε 2 Ce) = –Ce/2
= e2C – e C= . So charge is entering into battery.
2 2
(B) Finally,
122. A capacitor of capacitance C which is initially charged
up to a potential difference e is connected with a bat- A + – B 0
tery of emf e such that the positive terminal of battery ε C/2 εC –εC
is connected with positive plate of capacitor. Find out 2 2
0
heat loss in the circuit during the process of charging. ε /2 ε /2

Solution: Change in energy of capacitor = Ufinal – Uinitial

+ε C – ε C
D + – B 2
ε 0 1 ⎛ ε⎞ ε 2C
= C⎜ ⎟ –
2 ⎝ 2⎠ 2
C
D B
ε 0 1 2 1 3 ε 2C
εC – εC C ε A = e C – e2C = –
8 2 8
Since the initial and final charge on the capacitor is ε ⎛ εC ⎞ ε 2C
same before and after connection. Work done by battery = ×⎜− ⎟ = –
2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ 4
Here no charge will flow in the circuit so heat loss = 0.
(C) Work done by battery = Change in energy of
123. In the above question, if the positive terminal of the bat- capacitor + Heat produced
tery is connected with negative plate of capacitor. Find 2
out heat loss in the circuit during the process of charging. 3ε 2C ε 2C ε C
Heat produced = – = .
8 4 8
Solution:
+ε C – ε C –ε C +ε C
D B D B Distribution of Charges on Connecting
Two Charged Capacitors
When two capacitors C1 and C2 are connected as shown in
ε ε Fig. 13.19
Initially Finally
 Electrostatics 13.53

+Q1 –Q1 +Q′1 –Q′1 Derivation of above formulae

A B A B V1
C1 C1 + –
A B
+Q2 –Q2 +Q′2 –Q′2 C1
C D C D
C2 C2 C1V
Initially Finally
A + – B
Fig. 13.19 C1
V 0
V2 C2
+ –
Before connecting the capacitors C D + –
C D
Parameter I Capacitor II Capacitor C2 C2V

Capacitance C1 C2
Let potential of B and D be zero and common potential on
Charge Q1 Q2
capacitors be V, then at A and C, it will be V
Potential V1 V2
C1V + C2V = C1V1 + C2V2

After connecting the capacitors C1V1 + C2V2

V=
Parameter I Capacitor II Capacitor C1 + C2
Capacitance C1 C2
1 1 1
Charge H= C1V12 + C2V22 – (C1 + C2)
Q1′ Q2′ 2 2 2
Potential V V 1 1 1 (C1V1 + C2V2 ) 2
V2 = C1V12 + C2V22 –
2 2 2 (C1 + C2 )
1. Common potential: By charge, conservation of plates
A and C before and after connection. ⎡ C12V12 + C1C2V12 + C2C1V22 + C22V22 ⎤
Q1 + Q2 = C1V + C2V ⎢ ⎥
Q1 + Q2 C1V1 + C2V2 1 ⎢ −C12V12 − C2V22 − 2C1C2V1V2 ⎥
Total charge = ⎢ ⎥
⇒ V= = = 2 ⎢ C1 + C2
C1 + C2 C1 + C2 Total capacitance ⎥
⎢ ⎥
C1 ⎣ ⎦
2. Q1′ = C1V = (Q1 + Q2)
C1 + C2
1 C1C2
C2 = (V1 – V2)2
Q2′ = C2 V = (Q1 +Q2) 2 C1 + C2
C1 + C2
3. Heat loss during redistribution: 1 C1C2
⇒ H= (V1 – V2)2
1 C1C2 2 C1 + C2
DH = Ui – Uf = (V1 – V2)2
2 C1 + C2 When oppositely charge terminals are connected, then
The loss of energy is in the form of Joule heating in the
wire. A + – B
C1
V 0
C2
NOTE + –
D C
■ When plates of similar charges are connected with each
other (+ with + and – with –) then put all values (Q1, Q2,
\ C1V + C2V = C1V1 – C2V2
V1, V2) with positive sign. C1V1 − C2V2
■ When plates of opposite polarity are connected with each V=
C1 + C2
other (+ with –) then take charge and potential of one of
the plate to be negative.
1 C1C2
⇒ H= (V1 + V2)2.
2 C1 + C2
13.54 Chapter 13

Q1 = 2 V
SOLVED EXAMPLES
A B
125. Find out the following if A is connected with C and B V 0
is connected with D.
D C
(A) How much charge flows in the circuit? Q2 = 3 V
(B) How much heat is produced in the circuit?
2μF 3μF
Solution:
+ – + – Let potential of B and C be zero and common poten-
A B C D
20 V 10 V tial on capacitors be V, then at A and D, it will be V
A B 2V + 3V = 10
+ –
Q1 = 2 V ⇒ V=2V
V 0
+ – Now charge on each plate is shown in Fig. 13. 20
C D
4 μC –4 μC
Solution:
A B
Let potential of B and D be zero and common poten- 36 μC 36 μC
tial on capacitors be V, then at A and C, it will be V. D C
By charge conservation, 6 μC –6 μC
A + – B
Fig. 13.20
28 μC –28 μC
+12 μC +12 μC
1
+ – Heat produced = 400 + 150 – ×5×4
C D 2
42 μC –42 μC
= 550 – 10 = 540 mJ.
3V + 2V = 40 + 30
5V = 70
NOTE
V = 14 V
Charge flow = 40 – 28 = 12 mC Here heat produced is more. Why?

Now final charges on each plate is shown in the

figure
127. Three capacitors as shown of capacitance 1mF, 2mF,
1 1 and 2mF are charged up to potential difference 30 V,
(B) Heat produced = × 2 × (20)2 + × 3 ×(10)2
1 2 2 10 V, and 15 V, respectively. If terminal A is connected
– × 5 × (14)2 with D, C is connected with E, and F is connected
2
= 400 + 150 – 490 = 550 – 490 with B. Then find out charge flow in the circuit and
find the final charges on capacitors.
= 60 mJ.
30 V 10 V
+ – + –
NOTE A B C D
1 μF 2 μF
■ When capacitor plates are joined, then the charge remains
conserved. 15 V
■ We can also use direct formula of redistribution as given + –
above. E
2 μF
F

126. Repeat above question if A is connected with D and B Solution:

is connected with C. Let charge flow be q.
 Electrostatics 13.55

30 – q q – 30 q – 30 30 + q 10 + – 4 – + 30
+ – – +
6 μC –6 μC –52 μ C 52 μC
A B F E
1 μF 2 μF +58 μ C
q –58 μ C
–25
2 μF
D C 5 μC
–20 + q 20 – q
0 0 0
Now applying Kirchhoff’s voltage low,

( q − 20) (30 + q) 30 − q Final charges:

– – + =0
2 2 1 Q2mF = (30 – 4)2 = 52 mC
–2q = – 25 Q1mF = (10 – 4) = 6mC
q = 12.5 mC Q2mF = (4 – (–25))2 = 58 mC.
+17.5 μC –17.5 μC
+ – – +
Combination of Capacitors
–4.2 μC +42.5 μC
12.5 μC Series Combination
–7.5 μC +7.5 μC 1. When initially uncharged capacitors are connected as
– + shown in the Fig. 13.21, combination is called series
combination.
Final charges on plates.
Q Q Q
128. In the given circuit, find out the charge on each capac- + – + – + –
itor. (Initially, they are uncharged.) C1 C2 C3
V1 V2 V3
1 μF 2 μF

+ –
2 μF
10 V 30 V Fig. 13.21
25 V
2. All capacitors will have same charge but different
potential difference across then.
3. We can say that
10 V E 30 V
F – + x – + D Q
V1 =
C1
+
– V1 = potential across C1
10 V G –25 V 30 V Q = charge on positive plate of C1
25 V C1 = capacitance of capacitor similarly
Q Q
A B C
V2 = , V3 = …
0
C2 C3

Let potential at A be 0, so at D it is 30 V, at F it is 1 1 1
10 V and at point G potential is –25V. Now apply 4. V1 : V2 : V3 = : :
C1 C2 C3
Kirchhoff’s first law at point E. (Total charge of all the
plates connected to E must be same as before, i.e., 0.) We can say that potential difference across capacitor
\ (x – 10) + (x – 30)2 + (x + 25)2 = 0 is inversely proportional to its capacitance in series
combination.
5x = 20 1
V∝
x=4 C
13.56 Chapter 13

NOTE NOTE
In series combination, the smallest capacitor gets maximum Half of the energy supplied by the battery is stored in form
potential. of electrostatic energy and half of the energy is converted
into heat through resistance.
1
C1 Derivation of Formulae
5. V1 = V
1 1 1
+ + + ......
C1 C2 C3 C1 C2 C3

1
Meaning of equivalent capacitor
C2
V2 = V
1 1 1 C1 C2 C3 Ceq
+ + + ......
C1 C2 C3 A B A

1 ≡
C3
V3 = V
1 1 1 V V
+ + + ......
C1 C2 C3
Q
Where V = V1 + V2 + V3 Ceq =
V
6. Equivalent Capacitance: Equivalent capacitance of Now,
any combination is that capacitance which when con- C1 C2 C3
nected in place of the combination stores same charge A B
+Q –Q +Q –Q +Q –Q
and energy that of the combination. + Q– + Q– + Q–
In series: C1 C2 C3

1 1 1 1
= + + … Q
Ceq C1 C2 C3 V

Initially, the capacitor has no charge.

NOTE
Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law,
In series combination, equivalent is always less than the
smallest capacitor of combination. −Q −Q −Q
+ + + V = 0.
C1 C2 C3
7. Energy stored in the combination ⎡1 1 1 ⎤
2 2 2 V=Q⎢ + + ⎥
Q Q Q ⎣ C1 C2 C3 ⎦
Ucombination = + +
2C1 2C2 2C3
V 1 1 1
⇒ = + +
Q2 Q C1 C2 C3
⇒ Ucombination =
2Ceq
Energy supplied by the battery in charging the
1 1 1 1
combination = + +
Q Q2 Ceq C1 C2 C3
Ubattery = Q × V = Q .= In general,
Ceq Ceq n
1 1
⇒
U combination
=
1
Ceq
= ∑C
n =1 n
U battery 2
 Electrostatics 13.57

SOLVED EXAMPLES −( 20 + q) 30 + q
– + 30 = 0
1 2
129. Three initially uncharged capacitors are connected in – 40 – 2q – 30 – q = – 60
series as shown in circuit with a battery of emf 30 V.
3q = –10
Find out following
Charge flow = –10/3 mC.
2 μF 3 μF 6 μF
20 + q 30 + q
+ – + –
1 2
A B C D
20 + q + –20
–
–q 30 + q + ––30 – q

30 V

(A) charge flow through the battery.

q 30 V
(B) potential energy in 3 mF capacitor.
(C) Utotal in capacitors. Charge on capacitor of capacitance 1  mF = 20 + q
(D) heat produced in the circuit. 50
=
Solution: 3

1 1 1 1 3 + 2 +1 Charge on capacitor of capacitance 2  mF = 30 + q

= + + = =1
Ceq 2 3 6 6 80
= .
Ceq = 1 mF. 3

(A) Q = Ceq V = 30 mC. Parallel Combination

1. When one plate of each capacitors (more than one) is
(B) Charge on 3 mF capacitor = 30 mC connected together and the other plate of each capac-
Q2 30 × 30 itor is connected together, such combination is called
energy = = = 150 mJ. parallel combination.
2C 2×3
Q1
30 × 30 + –
(C) Utotal = mJ C1
2
Q2
= 450 mJ. + –
C2
(D) Heat produced = (30 mC) (30) – 450 mJ Q3
+ –
= 450 mJ.
C3

130. Two capacitors of capacitance 1 mF and 2  mF are V

charged to potential difference 20  V and 15V as
shown in Fig. 13.22. If now terminal B and C are con-
2. All capacitors have same potential difference but
nected together terminal A with positive of battery
different charges.
and D with negative terminal of battery then find out
3. We can say that:
final charges on both the capacitors.
Q1 = C1V
Q1 = Charge on capacitor C1
1 μF 2 μF
C1 = Capacitance of capacitor C1
A + – B C + – D V = Potential across capacitor C1
20 V 15 V
4. Q1 : Q2 : Q3 = C1 : C2 : C3
Fig. 13.22
The charge on the capacitor is proportional to its
Solution: capacitance
Now applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law, Q∝C
13.58 Chapter 13

C1 C1
5. Q1 = Q
C1 + C2 + C3 Q1
V C2 0
C2 Q Q2
⇒ Q2 = Q C3
C1 + C2 + C3
Q3
C3
⇒ Q3 = Q V
C1 + C2 + C3
V Q 0
Where Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 ......
Q
= C1 + C2 + C3 Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3
V
NOTE n
In general, Ceq = ∑ Cn .
Maximum charge will flow through the capacitor of largest n =1
value.
SOLVED EXAMPLE
6. Equivalent capacitance of parallel combination
131. Three initially uncharged capacitors are connected
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 to a battery of 10 V is parallel combination, find out
following
NOTE 1 μF

Equivalent capacitance is always greater than the largest 2 μF

capacitor of combination.
3 μF

7. Energy stored in the combination:

1 1
Vcombination = C1V2 + C2V2 + ....
2 2 10 V

1 (A) charge flow from the battery

= (C1 + C2 + C3 …) V2
2 (B) total energy stored in the capacitors
(C) heat produced in the circuit
1
= CeqV2 Ubattery = QV (D) potential energy in the 3mF capacitor
2
Solution:
U combination
2 1
= CV = (A) Q = (30 + 20 + 10)mC = 60 mC
U battery 2 1
(B) Utotal = × 6 × 10 × 10 = 300 mJ
2
(C) heat produced = 60 × 10 – 300 = 300 mJ
NOTE
1
(D) U3mF = × 3 × 10 × 10 = 150 mJ.
Half of the energy supplied by the battery is stored in form 2
of electrostatic energy and half of the energy is converted
into heat through resistance. Mixed Combination
The combination which contains mixing of series parallel
combinations or other complex combinations fall in mixed
Formulae Derivation for Parallel Combination category.
There are two types of mixed combinations
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 = C1V + C2V + C3V
1. Simple and
= V(C1 + C2 + C3) 2. Complex.
 Electrostatics 13.59

2. If t = RC = t then
SOLVED EXAMPLE
q
q0
132. In the given circuit, find out charge on 6 mF and 1 mF
capacitors. q = 0.63 q0
1 μF

2 μF 6 μF
t = RC = τ t

⎡ 1⎤
q = q0 [1 – e–(RC/RC)] = q0 ⎢1 − ⎥
⎣ e⎦
or q = q0 (1 – 0.37) = 0.63 q0
30 V = 63% of q0
3. Time t = RC is known as time constant.
Solution: That is, the time constant is that time during which
18
It can be simplified as: Ceq = = 2 mF the charge rises on the condenser plates to 63% of its
9 maximum value.
3 μF 6 μF 4. The potential difference across the condenser plates at
any instant of time is given by
V = V0[1 – e–(t/RC)] V
5. The potential curve is also similar to that of charge.
30 V During charging process, an electric current flows in
the circuit for a small interval of time which is known
Charge flow through the cell = 30 × 2 mC Q = 60 mC as the transient current. The value of this current at any
Now charge on 3mF = Charge on 6 mF= 60 mC instant of time is given by
Potential difference across 3 mF = 60/ 3= 20 V I = I0[e–(t/RC)] ampere
\ charge on 1 mF = 20 mC.
According to this equation, the current falls in the
Charging and Discharging of a Capacitor circuit exponentially. (Fig. 13.23).
6. If t = RC = t = time constant
Charging of a Condenser I
1. In the following circuit, If key 1 is closed, then the I = I0e(–RC/RC) = 0 = 0.37 I0
e
condenser gets charged. Finite time is taken in the = 37% of I0
charging process. The quantity of charge at any instant
i.e. time constant is that time during which current in
of time t is given by q = q0[1 – e–(t/RC)]
the circuit falls to 37% of its maximum value.
R I
I0
C
2 During charging
1
R
B
O t

E
During discharging
Where q0 = maximum final value of charge at t = ∞.
I0
According to these equations, the quantity of charge
I
on the condenser increases exponentially with increase
of time. Fig. 13.23
13.60 Chapter 13

Derivation of Formulae for Charging of Capacitor After one time constant,

R ⎛ 1⎞
q = eC ⎜1 − ⎟ = eC (1 – 0.37) = 0.63 eC.
t=0 ⎝ e⎠
ε C Current at any time t,
dq ⎛ ⎛ 1 ⎞⎞
i= = eC ⎜ −e − t / RC ⎜ −
Let us take that initially capacitor is uncharged. dt ⎝ ⎝ RC ⎟⎠ ⎟⎠
If at any time applying Kirchhoff ’s voltage law, ε
= e − t / RC
i R R
+ –
iR i
q +
C
–q – ε/R

q ε
0.37 R
e – iR – =0
C
εC − q O
t
iR = t = RC
C
εC − q Voltage across capacitor after one time constant V = 0.63 e
⇒ i=
CR Q = CV
dq εC − q
= VC = e (1 – e–t/RC)
dt CR
VC
dq εC − q
⇒ =
dt CR ε
CR .
dq = dt.
εC − q 0.63 ε
q t
dq dt
⇒ ∫ εC − q = ∫ RC O t = RC
t
O O
t
– ln (eC – q) + ln eC = Voltage across the resistor,
RC
VR = iR
εC t
ln = = e e–t/RC
εC − q RC
By energy conservation,
eC – q = eC . e–t/RC
Heat dissipated = work done by battery – DU capacitor
q = eC (1 – e–t/RC)
1 2
= Ce (e) – ( Ce – 0)
q 2
1 2
= Ce
2
εC VR

ε
0.63 ε C

0.37ε
t
O t = RC

O t = RC t
RC = time constant of the RC series circuit.
 Electrostatics 13.61

Alternatively, Let at any time charge be C1 = q

∞ ∞ 2 2t Now apply KVL,
ε −
∫i ∫ R2
2
Heat = H = Rdt = e RC R dt
q ( q − 2εC )
0 0 – iR – – +e=0
∞ c C
ε2 −2t / RC 2q
=
R ∫e dt 3e =
c
+ iR
0
∞
⎡ − 2t ⎤ 3eC = 2q + iRC
2
ε ⎢ e RC ⎥
= 3eC = 2q + iRC
R ⎢⎢ −2 / RC ⎥⎥
q
⎣ ⎦0 dq
t
dt
∞ ∫ 3εC − 2q = ∫ RC
ε 2 RC ⎡ − RC ⎤
2t 0 0
=– ⎢e ⎥ q
2R ⎢ ⎥⎦ −ln(3εC − 2q) t
⎣ 0 =
2
ε C 2 0 RC
=
2 ⎛ 3εC − 2q ⎞ −2t
ln ⎜ =
VC ⎝ 3ε c ⎟⎠ RC

ε 3eC – 2q = 3εCe −2t / RC

3εC
0.63 ε
1 q= (1 – e −2t / RC )
2 2
dq 3ε −2t / RC
t
i= = e
dt R
At plate A,
In the figure time constant of (2) is more than (1) Charge qA = q – 2e C
3
= e C (1 – e −2t / RC ) – 2e C
SOLVED EXAMPLES 2
ε c 3ε C −2t / RC
133. In the Fig. 13.24, find out the current as a function = − − e
2 2
of time and charge on capacitor C1 and also plot the
graph of charge on plate A and B of capacitor C2 as a εc
qA = − (1 + 3e −2t / RC )
function of time. 2
C1 = C εc
qB = (1 + 3e −2t / RC )
+ – 2
q/C R
q 2ε C
A – B
ε 2ε
C2 = C B + ε C/2

t
Fig. 13.24
–ε C/2
Solution:
A
+q –q –2ε C
+ –
i q/C
–2ε C + q 134. Without using the formula of equivalent. Find out
ε
2ε C – q charge on capacitor and current in all the branches as
a function of time.
13.62 Chapter 13

B + iR – ε –iR
q = 2e C (1 – e–t/2RC)
i i
D q
q q/2 +q/2 q q1 = = e C (1 – e–t/2RC)
i1 i2 2
C C –2C
ε –q/2 –q/2 ε –t/2RC
⇒ i1 = e
E 2R
q q q
A q O q2 = = e C (1 – e–t/2RC)
2
ε –t/RC
Solution: ⇒ i2 = e .
2R
Applying KVL in ABDEA
q 135. A capacitor is connected to a 12 V battery through a
e – iR = resistance of 10 W. It is found that the potential differ-
2C ence across the capacitor rises to 4.0 V in 1  ms. Find
ε q 2C ε − q the capacitance of the capacitor.
⇒ i= − =
R 2CR 2CR Solution:
dq dt The charge on the capacitor during charging is given
=
2εC − q 2CR by Q = Q0(1 – e–t/RC).
dq dt Hence, the potential difference across the capaci-
⇒ = tor is V = Q/C = Q0/C (1 – e–t/RC).
2εC − q 2CR
Here, at t = 1 ms, the potential difference is 4 V,
q dq t
∫0 (2εC − q) = 2CR
whereas the steady potential difference is Q0/C =
12 V. So,
2εC − q 4V = 12V(1 – e–t/RC)
⇒ = e–t/2RC 1
2εC or, 1 – e–t/RC =
3
q = 2eC (1 – e–t/2RC)
2
q or, e–t/RC =
q1 = = e C (1 – e–t/2RC) 3
2 t ⎛ 3⎞
ε –t/2RC or, = ln ⎜ ⎟ = 0.405
⇒ i1 = e RC ⎝ 2⎠
2R
t 1 μs
q or, RC = = = 2.469 m s
q2 = = e C (1 – e–t/2RC) 0.405 0.45
2
2.469 μ s
ε –t/RC or, C= = 0.25 m F.
⇒ i2 = e 10 Ω
2R
136. Initially, the capacitor is uncharged. Find the charge
Alternate solution:
on capacitor as a function of time, if switch is closed
by equivalent
at t = 0.
B + iR – ε – iR R R

i R i
D ε R c
q
q i
2C Sw
ε –q
q E Solution:
q
Applying KVL in loop ABCDA,
A q O
B i R C i1 R E
Time constant of circuit = 2C × R = 2RC
+q
Maximum charge on capacitor = 2C × e = 2Ce R q/C
Hence equations of charge and current are as given i– i1 –q
below A D F
 Electrostatics 13.63

e – iR – (i – i1) R = 0 q
3. If t = RC = t = time constant, then q = 0 = 0.37q0 =
e – 2iR + i1R = 0 37% of q0 e

Applying KVL in loop ABCEFDA, That is, the time constant is that time during which the
charge on condenser plates discharge process falls to 37%
q
e – iR – i1R – =0 4. The dimensions of RC are those of time, i.e., [MºLºT1]
C 1
and the dimensions of are those of frequency, i.e.,
2ε − ε − i1 R − 2i1 R q RC
= [MºLºT –1].
2 C
5. The potential difference across the condenser plates at
e C – 3i1RC = 2q any instant of time t is given by V = V0e–(t/RC) Volt.
dq . 6. The transient current at any instant of time is given by
⇒ e C – 2q = 3 RC I = –I0e–(t/RC) ampere.
dt
q t That is, the current in the circuit decreases exponentially
dq dt
∫ εC − 2q = ∫ 3RC but its direction is opposite to that of charging current.
0 0
Derivation of Equation of Discharging Circuit
1 ε C − 2q t
⇒ – ln = +v –
2 εC 3RC q q
v
i q i
εC + –
⇒
2
q= (
1 − e −2t / 3 RC . ) +Q –Q
C
+
c
–

Method for Objective: In any circuit when there R

i + iR –

(
is only one capacitor, then q  = Qst 1− e − t /τ ; Qst = ) Initially At any time t

steady state charge on capacitor (has been found in Applying KVL,

article 6 in this sheet) q
+ − iR = 0
C
t = Reff . C q
⇒ i=
Reffective is the resistance between the capacitor when CR
battery is replaced by its internal resistance. q
− dq
t
dt
Discharging of a Condenser
⇒ ∫ q = ∫ CR
Q 0
1. In the above circuit (in article 8.1), if key 1 is q t
opened and key 2 is closed then the condenser gets ⇒ – ln =+
Q RC
discharged.
⇒ q = Q e − t / RC .
R
dq Q − t / RC
C ⇒ i= − = e
2 dt RC
1
R B i
ε /R
E
ε
2. The quantity of charge on the condenser at any instant 0.37
R
of time t is given by q = q0 e–(t/RC)
t
That is, the charge falls exponentially. O t = RC

q q
q0
qmax

q0 0.37 qmax
q= = 0.37 q0
e
t = RC = τ t t
O t = RC
13.64 Chapter 13

SOLVED EXAMPLES ⎛ 3εC − 2q ⎞ 2t

ln ⎜ =–
⎝ 3εC ⎟⎠ RC
137. At t = 0 Sw is closed, if initially C1 is uncharged and ⇒ 3e C – 2q = 3e C e −2t / RC
C2 is charged to a potential difference 2e then find out
following 3e C (1 – e–2t/RC) = 2q
(Given C1 = C2 = C)
3
C1 = C ⇒ q= εC (1 – e–2t/RC)
sw 2
dq 3ε –2t/RC
R
i= = e
ε
dt R
C2
A– On the plate B,
2ε
B+
q′ = 2e C – q
(A) Charge on C1 and C2 as a function of time. 3 3
(B) Find out current in the circuit as a function of time. = 2e C – e C + e C e–2t/RC
2 2
(C) Also plot the graphs for the relations derived in
part (a). q′

Solution: 2ε C
Let q charge flow in time t from the battery as shown.
The charge on various plates of the capacitor is as εC
shown in Fig. 13.25. 2
Now applying KVL, t

+q/c q
i
3ε C
q –q + 2
q
iR
ε –
q – 2ε c – q – 2ε c
t
2ε c – q + C

Fig. 13.25
εC 3
q q − 2εC = + e Ce–2t/RC
e– –iR – =0 2 2
C C
q q εC
⇒ e – – + 2e – iR = 0 = ⎡1 + 3e −2t / RC ⎤ .
C C 2 ⎣ ⎦
2q
3e = + iR
C 138. Two parallel conducting plates of a capacitor of
2q capacitance C containing charges Q and –2Q at a dis-
⇒ 3e – iR =
C tance d apart. Find out potential difference between
the plates of capacitors.
3e – iRC = 2q
dq Solution:
⇒ RC = 3e C – 2q Capacitance = C
dt
q dq t dt Q –2Q
∫0 3εC − 2q
= ∫ 0 RC Q + 2Q
2Aε0 2Aε0
1 ⎛ 3C ε − 2q ⎞ t
⇒ − ln ⎜ ⎟=
2 ⎝ 3C ε ⎠ RC d
 Electrostatics 13.65

3Q moment is called polarization of material. The induced

Electric field =
2 Aε 0 charge also produces electric field.
3Qd 3Q σ
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –σ
V= ⇒ V= b
2 Aε 0 2C E Eind
+++++++++++++++ +σb
–σ
Capacitors with Dielectric
sb = induced (bound) charge density.
1. In absence of dielectric,
σ σb
σ Ein = E – Eind = −
E= ε0 ε0
ε0
It is seen that the ratio of electric field between the
σ
plates in absence of dielectric and in presence of
σ dielectric is constant for a material of dielectric. This
ε0
–σ
ratio is called ‘dielectric constant’ of that material. It is
represented by er or k.
2. When a dielectric fills the space between the plates, σ ⎛ 1⎞
then molecules having dipole moment align them- Ein = ⇒ sb = s ⎜1 − ⎟
K ε0 ⎝ K⎠
selves in the direction of electric field.
5. If the medium is not filled between the plates com-
– – – – – – pletely then electric field will be as shown in Fig. 13.26.
+ + + + + +
– – – – – – E (Extenal)
+ + + + + + Case 1:
– – – – – –
+ + + + + + +σ
No-effect – – – – – – σ
+ + + + + + Molecules of ε0
– – – – – –
+ + + + + + polar material K σ
kε0
Effective
σ
ε0
σ –σ
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –σ
σ σb b
Fig. 13.26
ε0 ε0
+++++++++++++++ –σb
–σ The total electric field produced by bound induced
charge on the dielectric outside the slab is zero because
sb = induced charge density (called bound charge
they cancel each other.
because it is not due to free electrons).
Case 2:
For polar molecules, dipole moment ≠ 0
For non-polar molecules, dipole moment = 0 σ +σ
ε0
σ
K1
K1ε0
d K σ
ε0
K2 σ
K2ε0
3. Capacitance in the presence of dielectric σ
ε0
σA σA AK ε 0 AK ε 0
C= = = = 6. Comparison of E (electric field), s (surface charges
V σ d d
⋅d density), Q (charge ), C (capacitance) and before and
K ε0
after inserting a dielectric slab between the plates of a
Here capacitance is increased by a factor K. parallel plate capacitor.
AK ε 0
C=
d V
Q σ
E –σ d V +σ
–Q K, E1
4. Polarization of material: When non-polar sub- –σ
stance is placed in electric field, then dipole moment
is induced in the molecule. This induction of dipole Case I Case II
13.66 Chapter 13

ε0 A Aε 0 K
C= C′ = NOTE
d d
Q = CV Q′ = C ′V ■ Capacitance does not depend upon the position of
dielectric (it can be shifted up or down still capacitance
σ CV V σ CV V does not change).
E= = = E′ = = = also
ε0 Aε 0 d K ε0 Aε 0 d ■ If the slab is of metal, then
Here potential Here potential difference A ε0
C=
difference between between the plates d −t
the plates,
Ed = V E′d = V 140. Find out capacitance between A and B if two dielec-
V V tric slabs of dielectric constant K1 and K2 of thickness
E= E′ =
d d d1 and d2 and each of area A are inserted between the
plates of parallel plate capacitor of plate area A as
V σ V σ′
= = shown in Fig. 13.27.
d ε0 d K ε0
A
Equating both
+σ
σ σ′ k1 d1
= ⇒ s ′ = Ks
ε0 K ε0 k2 d2
–σ
In the presence of dielectric, i.e., in case II capacitance
of capacitor is more. B
1
7. Energy density in a dielectric = ε 0 ε r E 2 Fig. 13.27
2
Solution:
SOLVED EXAMPLES σA
C= ; V = E1 d1 + E2 d2
V
139. If a dielectric slab of thickness t and area A is inserted σ d1 σ d2 σ ⎛ d1 d2 ⎞
in between the plates of a parallel plate, capacitor of = + = +
plate area A and distance between the plates d (d > t), K1ε 0 K2ε0 ε 0 ⎜⎝ k1 k2 ⎟⎠
then find out capacitance of system. What do you pre- Aε 0
dict about the dependence of capacitance on location \ C=
d1 d2
of slab? +
K1 K 2
Solution: 1 d1 d2
⇒ = +
A σ C AK1ε 0 AK 2 ε 0
d K t A
–σ k1ε0 A
C1 =
d1
Q σA k2ε0 A
C= = C1 =
d2
V V
σt σt σt B
⇒ V= 1 + + 2 (∵ t1 + t2 = d – t)
ε0 K ε0 ε0 This formula suggests that the system between A and
σ ⎡ t⎤ B can be considered as series combination of two
= t +t +
ε 0 ⎢⎣ 1 2 k ⎥⎦ capacitors.
141. Find out capacitance between A and B if two dielec-
σ ⎡ t⎤ Q σA
⇒ V= ⎢ d −t + ⎥ = = tric slabs of dielectric constant K1 and K2 of area A1
ε0 ⎣ k⎦ C C and A2 and each of thickness d are inserted between
ε0 A the plates of parallel plate capacitor of plate area A as
⇒ C= . shown in Fig. 13.28.
d −t +t / K
 Electrostatics 13.67

A Solution:
A
A1 σ1 σ2 A2 A

≡ C1 C2
K1 K2 d C2
C1
C3
B
B
B
Fig. 13.28
It is equivalent to
Solution:
C2C3
AK ε AK ε C = C1 +
C1 = 1 1 0 , C2 = 2 2 0 C2 + C3
d d A2 K 2 ε 0 A2 K 3ε 0
V σ1 V σ2 .
E1 = = , E2 = = A1 K1ε 0 d1 d2
d K1ε 0 d K2ε0 C= +
d1 + d2 A K ε
2 2 0 A K ε
+ 2 3 0
K1ε 0V K εV d1 d2
s1 = s2 = 2 0
d d
A1 K1ε 0 A22 K 2 K 3ε 0 2
Q + Q2 σ A + σ 2 A2 = +
C= 1 = 1 1 d1 + d2 A2 K 2 ε 0 d2 + A2 K3ε 0 d1
V V
Kε A K ε A A1 K1ε 0 A2 K 2 K3ε 0
= 1 0 1+ 2 0 2 = + .
d d d1 + d2 K 2 d2 + K 3 d1
σ1 σ2 143. A dielectric of constant K is slipped between the
– σ1b – σ2b plates of parallel plate condenser in half of the space
+ σ1b + σ2b as shown in Fig. 13.30. If the capacity of air con-
– σ1 – σ2 denser is C, then new capacitance between A and B
will be
The combination is equivalent to: A
A
K
C1 C2
B

B Fig. 13.30

\ C = C1 + C2 . C C
(A) (B)
2 2K
142. Find out capacitance between A and B if three dielec-
tric slabs of dielectric constant K1 of area A1 and C 2[1 + K ]
(C) [1 + K] (D)
thickness d, K2 of area A2 and thickness d1, and K3 2 C
of area A2 and thickness d2 are inserted between the
plates of parallel plate capacitor of plate area A as Solution: (C)
shown in Fig. 13.29. (Given distance between the two This system is equivalent to two capacitors in parallel
plates d = d1 + d2). A
with area of each plate .
A 2
A1 A2 ε A ε AK
C´ = C1 + C2 = 0 + 0
K2 d1 2d 2d
K1
ε0 A
K3 = [1 + K]
d2 2d
C
B = [1 + K]
2
Fig. 13.29
13.68 Chapter 13

Force on a dielectric due to charged capacitor ⎛ dU ⎞ Q 2 . dC

F= ⎜ = ,
⎝ dx ⎟⎠ 2C 2 dx
+
– – – – – – – – – –
dC ε b
where = 0 (K – l)
+ + + + + + + + + +
dx d
–
Q 2 dC
= . (here force F depends on x).
If dielectric is completely inside the capacitor, then 2C 2 dx
force is equal to zero. 144. Find V and E at: (Q is a point charge kept at the centre
of the non-conducting neutral thick sphere of inner
+
– – – – – – – – – – radius a and outer radius b)
F
(A) 0 < r < a
+ + + + + + + + + +
(B) a ≤ r < b
– (C) r ≥ b

Case I: Voltage source remains connected

b
V = constant. B
Q a A
ℓ
b
b
εr
ℓ+
Neutral
F d

Solution:
–
x –q and +q charge will induce on inner and outer
1 surface, respectively
U= CV 2 KQ
2 E(0 < r < a) = 2
2 r
⎛ dU ⎞ V dC
F= ⎜ ⎟ = KQ
⎝ dx ⎠ 2 dx E (r ≥ b) = 2
r
xbε 0 K ε ( l − x )b
where C= + 0 +q
d d
ε0 b
⇒ C= [Kx + l – x] b
d –q B C
Q a A
dC ε b
= 0 (K – 1)
dx d
εr
ε b( K − 1)V 2
\ F= 0 Neutral
2d
= constant (does not depend on x) KQ Kq
E (a ≤ r < b) = 2
–
Case II: When charge on capacitor is constant, r r2
KQ
=
F εr r2
⎛ 1⎞
x q = Q ⎜1 − ⎟ .
⎝ εr ⎠
xbε 0 K ε ( l − x )b Q2 KQ
C= + 0 ,U= V (r ≥ b) =
d d 2C r
 Electrostatics 13.69

r
KQ + 1
(a ≤ r ≤ b) VA = VP + ∫ ε r 2 ( − dr ) A
+
2 –
–
+ –
b r
+ 3 B
4 –
kQ kQ ⎛ 1 1 ⎞
= + ⎜ − ⎟ V (r ≤ a) Fig. 13.31
b εr ⎝ r b ⎠
V12 = V32 = V34
r
KQ
VB = VC + ∫ r2
( − dr ) Thus, all the capacitors are in parallel combination.
a
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3.
kQ kQ ⎛ 1 1 ⎞ ⎛1 1⎞
= + ⎜ − ⎟ + kQ ⎜ r − a ⎟ . 147. Find out equivalent capacitance between A and B.
b εr ⎝ a b ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
145. What is potential at a distance r (< R) in a dielec- d
A B
tric sphere of uniform charge density r, radius R, and d
dielectric constant er? d

Solution:
Solution:
WB → A
VA = VB +
q 0 1
+ C
d 2 1 –B
A+ –
d 0
0
– 3
d C
+ 4 2
A B 0

These are only two capacitors.

Ceq = C1 + C2.

r 148. Find out equivalent capacitance between A and B.

Q ρr
V=
4πε 0 R
+ ∫ 3ε 0 ε r ( −dr ) d
R
A
Q ρ( R 2 − r 2 ) d
= +
4πε 0 R 3ε 0 ε r d B

KQ
Voutiside = . Solution:
r
0
Combination of Parallel Plates 1 –
d
2 +
A+ +
d
–
SOLVED EXAMPLES 3 +
d –B
4 –
0
146. Find out equivalent capacitance between A and B.
The modified circuit is
A
C C
B A
C B
C
Solution:
Put numbers on the plates. The charges will be as
shown in Fig. 13.31. 2C
Ceq =
3
13.70 Chapter 13

Other method: Q x+ y
C= =
1 V VAB
–x
Q x+ y
A 2 +x C= =
+x V VAB
3 –x
+2x
Potential of 1 and 4 is same
4 y 2x
B
–2x = y = 2x
Aε 0 Aε 0
Q
Ceq = ⎛ 2y + x⎞
V V= ⎜ d
2xA ⎝ Aε 0 ⎟⎠
=
V ( x + 2 x ) Aε 0 3 Aε 0
C= = .
V = V2 – V4 = (V2 – V3) + (V3 – V4) (5 x ) d 5d
xd 2 xd 3 xd 150. Five similar condenser plates, each of area A, are
= + = placed at equal distance d apart and are connected to
ε0 ε0 ε0
a source of emf E as shown below. The charge on the
2 Axε 0 2 Aε 0 2C plates 1 and 4 will be
\ Ceq = = = .
3 xd 3d 3
149. Find out equivalent capacitance between A and B. 1 2 3 4 5
–
Area A V
+
–
d +
–
+ d + C
A +
d
– ε 0 A −2ε 0 A ε 0 AV −2ε 0 AV
+ (A) , (B) ,
d – – d d d d
B
−ε 0 AV −3ε 0 AV ε 0 AV −4ε 0 AV
Solution: (C) , (D) ,
d d d d
C C
C
A B Solution: (B)
C C Equivalent circuit diagram charge on first plate,
D ε 0 AV
Q = CV Q =
Aε 0 d
C=
d 1 2
1 1 2 5 3 2
= + =
Ceq C 3C 3C
3 4
3C 3 Aε 0
Ceq = =
5 5d 5 4
Alternative method: V
+ –
1 0
– x x
Charge on fourth plate,
2 +x Ae0 −ε 0 AV
–x x
O
Q′ = C(–V) Q′ =
+ 3 +x Ae0 d
A +y x
Ae0 As plate 4 is repeated twice, charge on 4 will be Q′′ = 2Q′
4 – y
+ (x + y) x 2ε 0 AV
5 – (x + y) Ae0 Q″ = – .
– d
B
 Electrostatics 13.71

Other Types of Capacitors

ε r3
Spherical Capacitor ε r2
a ε r1

0
0 Q –Q b

a 2
1
Cylindrical Capacitor
b
a
This arrangement is known as spherical capacitor. λ –λ
b
⎡ KQ KQ ⎤ ⎡ KQ KQ ⎤ ℓ
V1 – V2 = ⎢ − – −
⎣ a b ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ b b ⎥⎦
KQ KQ
= –
a b There are two co-axial conducting cylindrical surfaces
Q Q ac where l >> a and l >> b
C= = = where a and b is radius of cylinders.
V1 − V2 KQ KQ K ( b − a)
− Capacitance per unit length
a b
4πε 0 ab λ λ
= C= =
b−a V b
2K λ ln
4πε 0 ab a
C=
b−a 4πε 0 2πε 0
= =
If b >> a b b
2ln ln
a a
C = 4pe0a
2πε 0
4πε 0 ε r ab Capacitance per unit length = F/m.
C= 2 b
ln
b−a a
13.72 Chapter 13

BRAIN MAP 1

1. Coulomb’s law 3. Electric flux through a surface

1 q1q2
F= ϕ E = ∫ E·d S
4πε 0 r 2
4. Gauss’s law
1
where = 9 × 109 Nm2C–2
4πε 0 ∑q
E·d S = ε
2. (i) Electric field intensity due 0

to a point charge 5. Electric field intensity

1 |q| (i) At a point near an infinite
E= plane sheet of charge
4πε 0 r 2
σ
(ii) Force exerted by an electric E=
2ε 0
field on a charge inside it
(ii) At a point near an infinite
F = q0E conducting sheet of charge
σ
E=
ε0

ELECTRIC FIELD

6. Electric field intensity due to a uniformly 7. Electric field intensity due to a uniformly
charged spherical shell or a solid charged non-conducting sphere
conducting sphere (i) At an external point
(i) At an external point +
1 Q + + +
+ + + E=
+ + 4πε 0 r 2 + O+ +
r P
R + + + +
1 Q + P +
E= +
4πε 0 r 2 O + r (ii) At an internal point
+ +
+ + +
+ + + 1 Q P
E= r + + ++
(ii) At an internal point 4πε 0 R3
+ + r +
+ + + +
+ +
+ + 8. Energy Density of an electric field
P
E=0 + O r + 1
+ = ε0 E2
+ 2
+ +
+ + +
 Electrostatics 13.73

BRAIN MAP 2

1. (i) Electric potential at a point due to a 2. Electric potential at an axial point of a

point charge uniformly charged ring.
1 q +q +
V= + +
4πε 0 r O r A O P
1 Q + +
V= r
The electric potential at A is positive, if the 4πε 0 R + r
2 2 + R +
point charge q is positive and negative if ++ +
the point charge is negative.
3. Electric potential at an axial point of a
Wext
(ii) Electric potential V = uniformly charged non-conducting disc
q0 of surface charge density σ .
(iii) The p.d. between two points, A and B, P
is given by r
σ
V= R +r −r
2 2
+ + +
B 2ε 0 + + + +
VB − VA = − ∫ E·dr + R+ +
A

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

4. Electric potential due to a uniformly 5. Electric potential due to a uniformly

charged spherical shell or conducting charged non-conducting sphere at
sphere at (i) an external point
(i) an external point + + +
1 Q O
+
+ + V= + + + A
4πε 0 r r
1 Q + O
+ + +R+
V= + P
4πε 0 r + R (ii) an internal point
+ r +
+ + ++ + + +
1 Q 2 2 + +O + +
1 Q V= [3R – r ] R r A
(ii) an internal point V = 4πε 0 2R 3 + + + +
4πε 0 R
+ +
(iii) Variation of Electric Potential with
distance (r ) 6. Electric potential energy of a system of
V two point charges
1 Q 1 q1q2
4πε 0 R U=
4πε 0 r
O
r=R r
13.74 Chapter 13

BRAIN MAP 3

1. Electric dipole 3. Dipole in an uniform electric field

When two equal and opposite point charges (i) Torque on a dipole
are placed at a very short distance it forms
an electric dipole. The magnitude of electric τ = p×E
dipole moment
(ii) Potential Energy of a Dipole
p U = – p·E.
p = q 2a –q +q
2a
(iii) Work-done by the external agent
Electric dipole moment is a vector quantity
Wext = pE [cos θ1 – cos θ2]
and is directed along the axis of the dipole
from the negative to the positive charge.

ELECTRIC DIPOLE

2. Electric potential and electric field due to 4. (iii) At any point (r, θ )
an electric dipole
E
(i) End-on position ϕ

1 p –q O +q P P
V= a r
4πε 0 r 2 r
θ
1 2p –q O +q
E= (Along p)
4πε 0 r 3
1 pcos θ
(ii) Broad-side-on-position V=
4πε 0 r 2
V=0
1 p
1 p E= 1 + 3 cos2 θ
E= (Opposite to p) 4πε 0 r 3
4πε 0 r 3
P 1
E tan θ = tan θ
2
r

–q +q
 Electrostatics 13.75

BRAIN MAP 4

Q
1. Capacitance of capacitor, C = 2. Energy stored in a charged capacitor
v
Capacitance of 1 q2 1
U= CV 2 = = qV
2 2C 2
ε 0A
(i) Parallel plate capacitor, C = (i) Energy density of charged capacitor
d

4πε 0 ab 1
(ii) Spherical capacitor, C = U= ε 0E2
b−a 2
(ii) Force between the plates of capacitor
2πε 0 l
(iii) Cylindrical capacitor, C =
b 1 q2
ln F=
a 2 ε0 A

CAPACITOR

3. Effect of dielectric 4. Grouping of capacitors

(i) When battery is disconnected (i) When capacitors are in series
C = KC0 1 1 1 1 ...
= + +
V0 C C1 C2 C3
V=
K
(ii) When capacitors are in parallel
q = q0
E0 C = C1 + C2 + C3 ….
E=
K
(ii) When battery is connected
C = KC0
V = V0
q = Kq0
E = E0
13.76 Chapter 13

EXERCISES

Single Option Correct Type

1. In the circuit shown, a potential difference of 60 V is

applied across AB. The potential difference between +q –q
the points M and N is
(A) 10 V (B) 15 V –q
(C) 20 V (D) 30 V
Fig. 13.32
2C
A M 5. Two spherical conductors A and B of radii 1 mm and
2 mm are separated by a distance of 5 cm and are uni-
60 V C C formly charged. If the spheres are connected by a con-
ducting wire then in equilibrium condition, the ratio
B N of the magnitude of the electric fields at the surface of
2C spheres A and B is
(A) 1 : 4 (B) 4 : 1
2. A positively charged thin metal ring of radius R is (C) 1 : 2 (D) 2 : 1
fixed in x – y plane with its centre at the origin O. A
6. A point charge +q is fixed at point B. Another point
negatively charged particle P is released from rest at
charge + q at A of mass m vertically above B at height
the point (0, 0, Z0). Then the motion of P is
h is dropped from rest. Choose the correct statement:
(A) periodic for all values of Z0.
(A) It will collide with B
(B) SHM for all values of Z0 satisfying 0 < Z0 < R.
(B) It will execute SHM
(C) approximately SHM, provided Z >> R. q2
(D) cannot be determined. (C) It will go down only if < mgh2
4πε 0
3. A capacitor of capacitance C is connected with a bat- (D) It will go down up to a point and then come up
tery of emf ε as shown. After full charging, a dielec- +q A
tric of same size of capacitor and dielectric constant k
is inserted. Choose correct statements. (Capacitor is h
always connected to battery.)
+q B
C
7. The electric field intensity at a point at a distance 2 m
from a charge q is E. The amount of work done in
ε
bringing a charge of 2 coulomb from infinity to this
point will be
(A) 2E J (B) 4E J
(A) Electric field between plates of capacitor remains E E
same (C) J (D) J
2 4
(B) Charge on capacitor is Cε 8. A simple pendulum of length l has a bob of mass m,
(C) Energy on capacitor decreased with a charge q on it. A vertical sheet of charge, with
(D) Electric field between plates of capacitor increased surface charge density s passes through the point of
4. Shown in the Fig. 13.32 is a distribution of charges. suspension. At equilibrium, the string makes an angle
The flux of electric field due to these charges through q with the vertical, then
the surface is σq σq
(A) tan θ = (B) tan θ =
(A) 3q/ε0 2ε 0 mg ε 0 mg
(B) 2q/ε0 σq σq
(C) q/ε0 (C) cot θ = (D) cot θ =
2ε 0 mg ε 0 mg
(D) Zero
 Electrostatics 13.77

9. A charged particle of mass m and charge q is released (A) remains same.

from rest in an electric field of constant magnitude E. (B) increases.
The kinetic energy of the particle after time t will be (C) decreases.
2 E 2t 2 E q2 m (D) increases if Q is positive and decreases if Q is
(A) (B) negative.
mq 2t2
2
E q t 2 2
E qm 14. There is an electric field E in x-direction. If work done
(C) (D) in moving a charge 0.2  C through a distance of 2 m
2m 2t
along a line making an angle of 60° with x-axis is
10. If a positively charged pendulum is oscillating in a 4.0 J. The value of E is
uniform field as shown, then its time period as com- (A) 3 N/C (B) 4 N/C
pared to that when it was uncharged will (C) 5 N/C (D) 20 N/C
(A) Increase (B) Decrease 15. In electrolysis, the amount of mass deposited or liber-
(C) Not change (D) None of these ated at an electrode is directly proportional to
(A) amount of charge.
(B) square of current.
(C) concentration of electrolyte.
+
(D) square of electric charge.
+++++++++++ 16. The ratio of the forces between two small spheres with
same charges when they are in air to when they are in
11. A and B are two concentric metallic hollow spheres. If a medium of dielectric constant K is
A is given a charge q while B is earthed as shown in
(A) 1 : K (B) K : 1
Fig. 13.33, then
(C) 1 : K2 (D) K2 : 1
(A) charge density of A and B are same.
(B) field inside and outside A is zero. 17. A charge Q is divided into two parts of magnitude q
(C) field between A and B is not zero. and Q–q. If the coulomb repulsion between them when
(D) field inside and outside B is zero. they are separated at some distance is to be maximum,
Q
B the ratio of should be
q q
+ ++
+ + (A) 2 (B) 1/2 (C) 4 (D) 1/4
+ A +
+ + ++
18. There are two charges +1 mC and +5 mC. The ratio of
the forces acting on them will be
Fig. 13.33
(A) 1 : 5 (B) 1 : 1
(C) 5 : 1 (D) 1 : 25
12. A table tennis ball which has been covered with a con-
ducting paint is suspended by a silk thread so that it 19. The electric potential V is given as a function of
hangs between two metal plates. One plate is earthed. distance x (metre) by V = (5x2 +10x –9) v. Magnitude
When the other plate is connected to a high voltage of electric field at x = 1 is
generator, the ball (A) 20 V/m (B) 6 V/m
(A) is attracted to the high voltage plate and stays (C) 11 V/m (D) –23 V/m
there. 20. If specific resistance of a wire is r, its volume is 3 m3,
(B) hangs without moving. and its resistance is 3 omhs, then its length will be
(C) swings backward and forward hitting each plate
in turn. 1 3
(A) (B)
(D) is repelled to the earthed plate and stays there. ρ ρ
13. A spring block system undergoes vertical oscillations 1 1
(C) 3 (D) ρ
above a large horizontal metal sheet with uniform ρ 3
positive charge. The time period of the oscillation is
T. If the block is given a charge Q, its time period of 21. Figure 13.34 shows the electric lines of force emerging
oscillation from a charged body. If the electric field at A and B
13.78 Chapter 13

are EA and EB, respectively, and if the displacement 25. A charged particle of mass m and charge q is released
between A and B is r then from rest in an electric field of constant magnitude E.
(A) E A > E B (B) E A < E B The kinetic energy of the particle after a time t is
EB EB E 2 q2t 2 2 E 2 q2t 2
(C) E A = (D) E A = (A) (B)
r r2 m m
E 2 q2t 2 4 E 2 q2t 2
(C) (D)
2m m

r 26. Three charges Q, +q, and +q are placed at the vertices

A B
of a right angle triangle (isosceles triangle) as shown.
The net electrostatic energy of the configuration is
zero, if Q is equal to
−q −2q
Fig. 13.34 (A) (B)
1+ 2 2+ 2
22. The magnitude of electric field intensity E is such that, (C) –2q (D) +q
an electron of mass m and charge e placed in it would
experience an electrical force equal to its weight is Q
given by
mg e e2
(A) mge (B) (C) (D) g
e mg m2
+q +q
23. Figure 13.35 shows three points A, B, and C in a region a
of uniform electric field E. The line AB is perpendic-
ular and BC is parallel to the field lines. Then which 27. A spherical conductor A of radius r is placed concen-
of the following holds good. Where VA, VB, and VC trically inside a conducting shell B of radius R(R > r).
represent the electric potential at points A, B, and C, A charge Q is given to A, and then A is joined to B by
respectively. a metal wire. The charge flowing from A to B will be
(A) VA = VB = VC (B) VA = VB > VC ⎛ R ⎞ ⎛ r ⎞
(A) Q ⎜ (B) Q ⎜
(C) VA = VB < VC (D) VA > VB = VC ⎝ R + r ⎟⎠ ⎝ R + r ⎟⎠
A
(C) Q (D) Zero
28. An electron moves in a circular orbit at a distance from
a proton with kinetic energy E. To escape to infinity,
B C the energy which must be supplied to the electron is
Fig. 13.35 (A) E (B) 2 E (C) 0.5 E (D) 2 E
24. ABC is an equilateral triangle. Charges +q are placed 29. A capacitor is connected to a battery. The force of
at each corner. The electric field intensity at centroid O attraction between the plates when the separation
will be between them is halved
1 q 1 3q (A) remains the same.
(A) × 2 (B) × 2 (B) becomes eight times.
2πε 0 r 2πε 0 r
(C) becomes four times.
1 3q (D) becomes double.
(C) × 2 (D) Zero
2πε 0 r 30. The electric E is given by E = aiˆ + bjˆ (where a and b
A
+q is constant and iˆ, ˆj are unit vector along x and y axis,
respectively), the flux passing through a square area of
r side l and parallel to y-z plane is
O (A) bl2 (B) al2
+q
B C
+q (C) (a 2
)
+ b2 l 2 (D) (a 2
)
− b2 l 2
 Electrostatics 13.79

31. Four charge particle of charges – q, – q, – q, and 3q are 3 μF

placed at the vertices of a square of side a as shown.
The magnitude of dipole moment of the arrangement 5 μF 6 μF
is A 4 μF B
2 μF
(A) 2 2q a (B) q a

(C) 3 qa (D) (2 + 2 ) qa 37. A non-conducting ring of radius R has charge Q dis-

–q 3q tributed uniformly over it. If it rotates with an angular
velocity w, the equivalent current will be
(A) Zero (B) Qw
ω ω
(C) Q (D) Q
–q –q 2π 2π R
38. A battery consists of a variable number n of identical
32. A cylinder of radius R and length L is placed in a uni-
cells having internal resistance r each. They are con-
form electric field E parallel to the axis of cylinder.
nected in series. The terminals of the battery are joined
The total flux through the curved surface of the cylin-
by a conducting wire and the current i is measured.
der is given by
Which of the graphs as shown below gives correct
(A) 2 pR2E (B) 2 pR2 /E relationship between i and n?
(C) E2pRL (D) Zero
(A) Y (B) Y
33. An uniform electric field in positive x-direction exists
i i
in a region. Let A be the origin, B be the point on the
x-axis at x = +1 cm and C be the point on the y-axis at X X
O n O n
y = +1 cm. The potential at the points A, B, and C are
VA, VB, and VC, respectively, then Y Y
(C) (D)
i
(A) VA < VB (B) VA > VB i

(C) VA < VC (D) VA > VC X

O n O n X
34. The electric field at the origin is along the positive
X-axis. A small circle is drawn with the centre at the 39. A half ring of radius R has a charge of l per unit
origin cutting the axes at points A, B, C, and D having length. The potential at the centre of the half ring is
coordinates (a, 0) (0, a), (–a, 0), (0, –a), respectively. λ λ
(A) k (B) k
Out of the points on the periphery of the circle, the R πR
potential is minimum at πλ
(C) k (D) kpl
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D R
⎛ 1⎞
35. Charge Q is given a displacement r = aiˆ + bjˆ in an 40. If electric field is given by E = ⎜ 2 ⎟ iˆ V/m, the mag-
⎝x ⎠
electric field E = E1iˆ + E2 ˆj . The work done is nitude of potential difference between points x = 10 cm
(A) Q(E1a + E2b) and x = 20 cm is
(A) 1 V (B) 2 V (C) 5 V (D) 10 V
(B) Q ( E1a) 2 + ( E2 b) 2
41. A cube of side b has a charge q at each of its vertices.
(C) Q(E1 + E2) a 2 + b 2 The electric potential at the centre of the cube is
(D) Q E12 + E22 ) a2 + b2 4q 3q
(A) (B)
3πε 0 b πε 0 b
36. In the circuit shown, the equivalent capacitance
between the points A and B is 2q
(C) (D) Zero
10 15 πε 0 b
(A) mF (B) mF
3 4 42. Four equal charges Q are placed at the four corners of
12 25 a square of side a. The work done in removing a charge
(C) mF (D) mF
5 6 -Q from the centre of the square to infinity is
13.80 Chapter 13

(Given: q1 = 1 × 10–8 C, q2 = –2 × 10–8 C,

2 Q2
(A) Zero (B) q3 = 3 × 10 −8 C, q4 = 2 × 10 −8 C, a = 1 m)
4πε 0 a
(A) 507 V (B) 607 V
2 Q2 Q2 (C) 550 V (D) 650 V
(C) (D)
πε 0 a 2πε 0 a q1 a q2

43. In a regular polygon of n sides, each corner is at a dis- P

a a
tance r from the centre. Identical charges of magnitude
Q are placed at (n –1) corners. The field at the centre is a
q4 q3
Q Q
(A) k 2 (B) ( n −1) k 2 Fig. 13.36
r r
n Q n −1 Q 50. If there are n capacitors in parallel connected to V volt
(C) k (D) k 2 source, then total energy stored is equal to
n −1 r 2 n r
1
44. Seven point charges each of charge q is placed at the (A) CV (B) nCV 2
2
seven corners of a cube of side a (one corner is empty).
1
Find the magnitude of electric field at centre of cube. (C) CV 2 (D) CV 2
1 q 2n
(A) Zero (B)
4πε 0 a 2 51. There is an air-filled 1  pF parallel plate capacitor.
1 q 1 7q When the plate separation is doubled and the space is
(C) (D) filled with wax, the capacitance increases to 2 pF. The
3πε 0 a 2 4πε 0 a 2
dielectric constant of wax is
45. A charged sphere of diameter 4 cm has a charge den- (A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8
sity of 10-4 coulombs/cm2. The work done in joules 52. For the circuit shown in the adjoining Fig. 13.37, the
when a charge of 40 nano-coulombs is moved from charge on 4 mF capacitor is
infinity to a point which is at a distance of 2 cm from
(A) 30 mC (B) 40 mC
the surface of the sphere is
(C) 24 mC (D) 54 mC
(A) 14.4 p (B) 28.8 p
(C) 144 p (D) 288 p
1 μF
46. The magnitude of electric intensity at a distance x 4 μF
from a charge q is E. An identical charge is placed at a 5 μF
distance 2 x from it. Then the magnitude of the force it 3 μF 10 V
experiences is
qE qE
(A) qE (B) 2 qE (C) (D) Fig. 13.37
2 4
47. A conductor of resistance 3 W is stretched uniformly 53. Two conducting spheres of radii r1 and r2 are at the
till its length is doubled. The wire is now bent in the same potential. The ratio of their charges is
form of an equilateral triangle. The effective resistance
between the ends of any side of the triangle in ohms is ⎛ r2 ⎞ ⎛ r2 ⎞ r1 r2
(A) ⎜ 12 ⎟ (B) ⎜ 22 ⎟ (C) (D)
9 8 ⎝ r2 ⎠ ⎝ r1 ⎠ r2 r1
(A) (B) (C) 2 (D) 1
2 3
54. Six point charges are arranged at the vertices of reg-
48. Eight dipoles of charges of magnitude e are placed ular hexagon of side length a (shown in Fig. 13.38).
inside a cube. The total flux coming out of the cube The magnitude of electric field at the centre of regular
equals to hexagon is
8e 16e e q
(A) (B) (C) (D) Zero (A) (B) Zero
ε0 ε0 ε0
4πε 0 a 2
49. Four point charges q1, q2, q3, and q4 are placed at q
the corners of the square of side a, as shown in (C) (D) None of these
Fig. 13.36. The potential at the centre of the square is 2πε 0 a 2
 Electrostatics 13.81

–q +q d
b= , then the ratio of capacities of capacitors after
2
+q O +q and before inserting the slab will be
d
+q +q
Fig. 13.38

55. In the given Fig. 13.39, find the equivalent capacitance

between A and B.
2C 5C b
(A) (B)
3 4 Fig. 13.40
3C 4C (A) 2 : 1 (B) 2 : 1
(C) (D) (C) 1 : 1 (D) 1 : 2
2 5

C C
60. The equivalent capacity of the combination shown in
Fig. 13.41 is
C
(A) C (B) 2C
C
A B (C) 3/2C (D) C/2
C C C

C C
A C B
Fig. 13.39 C

56. Two large plates separated by a distance d in vertical

plane and connected to battery as shown. An electron Fig. 13.41
of charge e and mass m is at rest between the plates.
61. An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30° to a
Find the value of potential difference of battery.
non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience
mge 2mge (A) a translational force only in the direction of the
(A) (B)
d d field.
mgd 2mgd (B) a translational force only in a direction normal to
(C) (D) the direction of the field.
e e
(C) a torque as well as a translational force.
(D) a torque only.
Electron d
62. Coulomb’s law is applicable to,
(A) Point charges (B) Spherical charges
57. Two plates are 2 cm apart. A potential difference (C) Like charges (D) All of these
of 10  V is applied between them, the electric field
63. A point charge q and a charge –q are placed at x = –a
between the plates is
and x = +a, respectively. Which of the following rep-
(A) 20 N/C (B) 500 N/C resents a part of E-x graph?
(C) 5 N/C (D) 250 N/C
(A) E (B) E
58. Suppose the electrostatic potential at some points in
( )
space are given by V = x 2 − 2 x . The electrostatic –a O +a x –a
O
x
field strength at x = 1 is
(A) Zero (B) –2 (C) 2 (D) 4 E
(C) (D) All of these
59. A slab of copper of thickness b is inserted in between
the plates of parallel plate capacitor as shown in x
O +a
Fig.  13.40. The separation between the plates is d if
13.82 Chapter 13

64. The charge on any one of the 2 mF capacitors and 1 mF (A) 1 mF (B) 1.5 mF
capacitor will be given, respectively, (in mC) as (C) 2 mF (D) 4 mF
(A) 1, 2 (B) 2, 1 x
(C) 1, 1 (D) 2, 2 1 μF
1 μF
2 μF 2 μF 1 μF
y
Fig. 13.42
1 μF
73. The equivalent capacitance between the points X and Y
in Fig. 13.43 will be
2V (A) 2C/3 (B) C/3
(C) 3C/2 (D) 3C
65. The electric potential V (in volt) varies with x (in
metre) according to the relation V = 5 + 4 x 2. The force X
C
experienced by a negative charge of 2 × 10–6 C located +
at x = 0.5 m is –
(A) 2 × 10–6 N (B) 4 × 10–6 N Y
–6
(C) 6 × 10 N (D) 8 × 10–6 N
C/2
66. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining Fig. 13.43
two equal charges Q. The system of the three charges
will be in equilibrium if q is equal to 74. A charged ball hangs from a silk thread of length l.
It makes an angle q with a large charged conducting
(A) – (Q/4) (B) – (Q/2)
sheet P as shown in Fig. 13.44. The surface charge
(C) (Q/2) (D) (Q/4)
density s of the sheet is proportional to
67. The electric potential at a point situated at a distance r (A) cos q (B) cot q
on the axis of a short electric dipole of moment p will (C) sin q (D) tan q
be 1/4 (pε0) times +
(A) p/r3 (B) p/r2 +
S
(C) p/r (D) None of the above +
+ θ
68. The charge per unit length for a very long straight wire +
+
is l. The electric field at points near the wire (but out-
side it) and far from the ends varies with distance r as Fig. 13.44
(A) r (B) 1/r (C) 1/r2 (D) 1/r3
75. A charge q is placed at a distance a/2 above the centre
69. A body has a charge of one coulomb. The number of of a horizontal square surface of edge a as shown in
excess (or lesser) electrons on it from its normal state Fig. 13.45. The electric flux through the square surface
will be is
(A) ∞ (B) 1.6 × 10–19 (A) Q/2ε0 (B) Q/ε0
(C) 1.6 × 10 19
(D) 6.25 × 1018 (C) Q/6ε0 (D) Q/8ε0
q
70. The net charge on a condenser is
a/2
(A) Infinity (B) q/2 (C) 2q (D) Zero
a
71. A conducting hollow sphere of radius 0.1 m is given a
charge of 10 mC. The electric potential on the surface a
of sphere will be Fig. 13.45
(A) Zero (B) 3 × 105 V
5 76. In Fig. 13.46 shown (circuit), the capacitance between
(C) 9 × 10 V (D) 9 × 109 V
the points A and B will be
72. The effective capacitance between the points x and y in (A) 1 mF (B) 2 mF
Fig. 13.42 will be (C) 3 mF (D) 4 mF
 Electrostatics 13.83

2 μF
A q′ r1
1 μF 2 μF r2
1 μF
B
2 μF r1
(A) q (B) −q (C) −q (D) Zero
Fig. 13.46 r2
77. Two equal positive charges +q each are fixed a cer- 83. The equivalent capacitance between points M and N is
tain distance apart. A third equal positive charge +q is 10
(A) C (B) 2C0
placed exactly midway between them. Then the third 11 0
charge will (C) C0 (D) None of these
(A) move at an angle of 45° to the line joining the two
C0 C0
charges. M N
(B) move at an angle of 90° to the line joining the two
C0
charges. C0
C0
(C) move along the line joining the two charges.
(D) stay at rest.
C0
78. Two equal negative charges –q are fixed at points
(0, a) and (0, –a) on the y-axis. A positive charge Q is Q
84. As shown in Fig. 13.47. If value of Q′ is then what
released from rest at a point (2a, 0) on the x-axis. The 2
is the value of dielectric constant k
charge Q will
(A) 3 (B) 1/2
(A) execute SHM about the origin.
(C) 2 (D) ∞
(B) move to the origin and remain at rest there.
(C) move to infinity. Q Q′
(D) execute oscillatory but not SHM.
79. Two point charges +4q and +q are placed 30 cm apart.
At what point on the line joining them is the electric
field zero?
(A) 15 cm from charge 4q
(B) 20 cm from charge 4q
(C) 7.5 cm from charge q Metal plate Dielectric
(D) 5 cm from charge q
Fig. 13.47
80. The effective capacitance of two capacitors of capaci-
85. In the given circuit diagram, initially battery was con-
tances C1 and C2 (with C2 > C1) connected in parallel
nected. Find the work done by battery if capacitor is
25
is times the effective capacitance when they are completely filled with a dielectric constant k = 3.
6
connected in series. The ratio C2/C1 is 1
(A) CV 2 (B) CV 2
3 4 5 25 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 3 3 6 3
(C) 2CV 2 (D) CV 2
2
81. A capacitor of capacitance 4 mF is charged to 80 V
C
and another capacitor of capacitance 6 mF is charged
to 30 V. When they are connected together, the energy
lost by the 4 mF capacitor is
V
(A) 7.8 mJ (B) 4.6 mJ
(C) 3.2 mJ (D) 2.5 mJ
82. Two concentric spheres are of radii r1 and r2. The outer 86. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is connected
sphere is given a charge q. The charge q ′ on the inner to a battery of emf V. If a dielectric slab is completely
sphere will be (inner sphere is grounded)
13.84 Chapter 13

inserted between the plates of the capacitor and battery

2 2q
remains connected, then electric field between plates (A) Zero (B)
4πε 0 a 2
(A) decreases.
(B) increases. 2q 10 2 q
(C) (D)
(C) remains constant. 4πε 0 a 2
4πε 0 a 2
(D) may be increase or may be decrease.
+2q –2q
87. A uniform electric field ˆjE = E0 (iˆ + ˆj ) exists in the
(
region. The potential difference VQ − VP between)
point P (0, 0) and Q (a, 0) is O
(A) −E0 a (B) E0 2 a
(C) +E0 a (D) −E0 2 a +3q a –3q

88. A long string with a charge of λ per unit length passes

through an imaginary cube of edge a. The maximum 94. Figure 13.48 shows some of the electric field lines cor-
flux of the electric field through the cube will be responding to an electric field. The Fig. 13.48 suggests
that (E = electric field, V = potential)
2 λa
(A) λ a / ε 0 (B) (A) VA = VB (B) EA = EB
ε0
(C) VA > VB (D) VA < VB
6λ a2 3 λa
(C) (D)
ε0 ε0
A
89. The electric potential V at any point x, y, z (all in B
metres) in space is given by V = 4x2 volts. The electric
field (in V/m) at the point (1 m, 0, 2 m)
Fig. 13.48
(A) −8 iˆ (B) 8 iˆ (C) −16 iˆ (D) 8 5 iˆ
90. In a parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C, a metal 95. Two spheres of radii r and R carry charges q and Q,
sheet is inserted between the plates, parallel to them. respectively. When they are connected by a wire, there
The thickness of the sheet is half of the separation will be no loss of energy of the system if
between the plate. The capacitance now becomes (A) qr = QR (B) qR = Qr
(A) 4C (B) 2C (C) C/2 (D) C/4 (C) qr2 = QR2 (D) qR2 = Qr2

91. Which one of the following statement is incorrect? 96. If three moles of monatomic gas is mixed with 1 moles
(A) A moving charged particle produced electric and diatomic gas, the resultant value of γ for the mixture is
magnetic field both. (A) 1.66 (B) 1.50
(B) Equipotential surface is always perpendicular to (C) 1.40 (D) 1.57
electric field. 4
97. Capacitance of a capacitor becomes times its orig-
(C) Kirchhoff ’s junction law follows conservation of 3
charge. inal value if a dielectric slab of thickness t = d/2 is
(D) Electric field inside the conductor is always zero. inserted between the plates (d = separation between
the plates). The dielectric constant of the slab is
92. Two capacitors of capacitance 3 mF and 6 mF are (A) 2 (B) 4
charged to a potential of 12 V each. They are now con- (C) 6 (D) 8
nected to each other, with the positive plate of one to
the negative plate of the other. Then 98. In Fig. 13.49 as shown, conducting shells A and B have
(A) the potential difference across 3 mF is zero. charges Q and 2Q distributed uniformly over A and B.
(B) the potential difference across 3 mF is 4 V. Value of VA – VB is
(C) the charge on 3 mF is zero. Q Q
(D) the charge on 3 mF is 10 mC. (A) (B)
4πε 0 R 8πε 0 R
93. Four charges +2q, –2q, –3q, and +3q are kept in the 3Q 3Q
corners of a square of side a. The total field at the (C) (D)
4πε 0 R 8πε 0 R
centre O is,
 Electrostatics 13.85

B done by some external force to slowly increase their

2Q separation to 2a will be
Q
1 2q 2 q2
(A) . (B)
A 4πε 0 a 4πε 0 a
R
1 3q 2
2R (C) . (D) Zero
4πε 0 3R

Fig. 13.49

99. Three point charges q, –2q, and –2q are placed at the
vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. The work

More than One Option Correct Type

100. A uniform electric field E0 exists in a region at angle (A) If Q1 changes, both E and ϕ will change.
45° with x-axis. There are two point A (a, 0) and (B) If Q2 changes, E will change.
B(0, b) having potential VA and VB, respectively, then (C) If Q1 = 0 and Q2 ≠ 0 then E ≠ 0 but ϕ = 0.
(A) VA > VB if a > b (B) VA = VB if a = b (D) If Q1 ≠ 0 and Q2 = 0 then E = 0 but ϕ ≠ 0.
(C) VA > VB if a < b (D) VA < VB if a > b
104. An ellipsoidal cavity is carved within a perfect con-
y
ductor. A positive charge q is placed at the centre of
the cavity. The points A and B are on the cavity sur-
B E0 face as shown in the Fig. 13.50. Then
(0, b)

45°
x
A
A(a, 0) B
q

101. A non-conducting solid sphere of radius R is uni-

formly charged. The magnitude of the electric field Fig. 13.50
due to the sphere at a distance r form its centre
(A) electric field near A in the cavity = electric field
(A) increases as r increases for r < R.
near B in the cavity.
(B) decreases as r increases for 0 < r < ∞.
(B) charge density at A = charge density at B.
(C) decreases as r cross O increase for R < r < ∞.
(C) potential at A = potential at B.
(D) is discontinuous at r = R.
(D) total electric field flux through the surface of the
102. A point charge q is placed at origin. Let E A, E B and cavity is q/ε0.
EC be the electric field at three points A (1,2,3), 105. An uncharged conducting ball B inside a charged
B (1, 1, –1), and C (2, 2, 2) due to charge q. Then conductor A as shown in Fig. 13.51. If B is isolated
(A) E A ⊥ E B (B) E A || E B from A, then
(A) there is an induced charge on B.
(C) | E B | = 4 | EC | (D) | E B | = 16 | EC |
(B) potential of A and B are same.
103. Charges Q1 and Q2 lie inside and outside, respectively, (C) when B touches the inner surface of A, then
of a closed Gaussian surface S. Let E be the field at potential of B will change.
any point on S and ϕ be the flux of E over S, (D) no net charge is inside the cavity.
13.86 Chapter 13

+ + + + 108. A positively charged thin metal ring of radius R is

+
+ + fixed in the xy plane, with its centre at the origin O. A
+ +
+
B negatively charged particle P is released from rest at
+
the point (0, 0, z0), where z0 > 0. Then the motion of
+ A
+ P is
+
+ (A) Periodic, for all values of z0 satisfying
+ +
+ + 0 < z0 < ∞.
Fig. 13.51 (B) Simple harmonic, for all values of z0 satisfying
0 < z0 ≤ ∞.
106. Four charges, all of the same magnitude, are placed (C) approximately simple harmonic, provided
at the four corners of a square. At the centre of the z0 << R.
square, the potential is V and the field is E. By suit- (D) Such that P crosses O and continues to move
able choices of the signs of the four charges, which of along the negative z-axis towards z = –∞.
the following can be obtained?
109. Choose the correct statements from the following:
(A) V = 0, E = 0 (B) V = 0, E ≠ 0
(C) V ≠ 0, E = 0 (D) V ≠ 0, E ≠ 0 (A) If the electric field is zero at a point, the electric
potential must also be zero at that point.
107. Three points A, B, and C are at a distance of 1 m, 2 m, (B) If electric potential is constant in a given region
and 1m from an infinitely long charged wire of linear of space, the electric field must be zero in that
charge density l C/m. A charge q is taken from A to region.
B, B to C, and finally C to A. Which of the follow- (C) Two different equipotential surfaces can never
ing is/are correct about the work done in the above intersect.
process? (D) Electrons move from a region of lower potential
(A) W AB = 2WBC (B) W AB = −WBC to a region of higher potential.
(C) WBC = 0 (D) WCA = 0

Passage Based Questions

Passage 1 Passage 2
Some cell walls in the human body have a layer of negative A battery of voltage V and three large plates of area A are
charge on the inside surface and a layer of positive charge arranged as shown in Fig. 13.52. Plate (1) and (3) are fixed
of equal magnitude on the outside surface. Suppose the and plate (2) is movable. Initial position of middle plate is
surface charge densities are ±0.50 × 10–3 C/m–2, the cell wall as shown in Fig. 13.52 (a). Now middle plate is shifted by a
is 5.0 × 10–9 m thick and the cell wall material has a dielec- distance d/2 towards plate (3) and final position is shown in
tric constant of k = 5.4. A typical cell in human body has Fig. 13.52 (b). Neglect external work done in process.
volume 10–16 m3. Assume the cell to the spherical. 1 2 3 1 2 3

110. The electric field between the inside and outside

layers is
(A) 106 Vm–1
(B) 5 × 106 Vm–1 d d 3d/2 d/2
(C) 0.2 × 107 Vm–1 V V
(D) 107 Vm–1
(a) (b)
111. The potential difference between inside and outside
walls is Fig. 13.52

(A) 0.25 V (B) 0.025 V 113. Total charge on plate (2) initially is
(C) 0.05 V (D) 2.5 mV ε A 2ε 0 A
(A) 0 V (B) V
112. Which wall is at higher potential? 2d d
(A) Inner (B) Outer ε A 3ε 0 A
(C) 0 V (D) V
(C) Both at same potential (D) None d 2d
 Electrostatics 13.87

114. Total charge on plate (2) finally is 120. Magnitude of net electric field at the centre of B is
(A)
2 ε0 A
V (B)
3 ε0 A
V (A) 6 × 105 N/C (B) 2.9 × 106 N/C
5
3 d 8 d (C) 3 × 10 N/C (D) 2.1 × 105 N/C
8 ε0 A 3 ε0 A
(C) V (D) V Passage 4
3 d 2 d
When the capacitor A is filled with a dielectric slab
115. Work done by the battery in shifting the plate (2) (K = 2), it has capacitance C1 = 2  mF as circuit shows.
from initial position to final position is Capacitors B and C are air capacitors and have capacitances
2 ε0 A 2 3 ε0 A 2 C2 = 2 mF and C3 = 4 mF, respectively.
(A) V (B) V
3 d 8 d S1 S2
8 ε0 A 2 3 ε0 A 2
(C) V (D) V + E = 180 V B
3 d 2 d A
–
116. The amount of heat produced in doing so is C

1 ε0 A 2 2ε 0 A 2
(A) V (B) V
2 d d 121. Find charge on capacitor A when only S1 is closed and
ε AV 2 ε AV 2 S2 is open
(C) 0 (D) 0 (A) 144 mC (B) 360 mC
d 3d
(C) 180 mC (D) 420 mC
Passage 3 122. After charging capacitor A through S1 alone, S2 is
Two circular rings A and B each of radius a = 30 cm are closed, and S1 released. The charge on capacitor B is
placed coaxially with their axis horizontal in a uniform (A) 144 mC (B) 360 mC
electric field E = 105 N/ C directed vertically upward as (C) 180 mC (D) 420 mC
shown in Fig. 13.53. Distance between centres of the rings
A and B (CA and CB) is 40 cm. Ring A has positive charge 123. If both switches S1 and S2 are closed, the charge on
q A = 10 μ C and B has a negative charge qB = –20  mC. A capacitor C2 will be
particle of mass m and charge q = 10mC is released from (A) 144 mC (B) 360 mC
rest at the centre of ring A. If particle moves along C AC B , (C) 180 mC (D) 240 mC
then (g = 10 m/s2) 124. If dielectric slab of A is removed when S1 and S2 are
10 μC –20 μC closed, the charge flowing through the battery will be
E = 105 N/C (A) 144 mC (B) 360 mC
(C) 180 mC (D) 240 mC
CA CB Passage 5
The potential energy of a charged conductor or a capacitor
is stored in electric field. The energy per unit volume is
A B called the energy density (u). Energy density in a dielectric
Fig. 13.53 1
media is given by u = ε 0 KE 2 . This relation shows that
117. Mass of charge particle is 2
the energy stored per unit volume depends on E2. If E is the
(A) 10 gm (B) 100 gm
electric field in a space of volume dV, then total stored energy
(C) 1 gm (D) 0.1 gm
1
118. Work done by electric field, when particle moves in an electrostatic field is given by U = ε 0 K ∫ E 2 dV , and
2
from CA to CB is if E is uniform throughout the volume, then total energy
(A) –1.2 J (B) 1.2 J 1
(C) –3.6 J (D) 3.6 J stored can be given by U = K ε 0 E 2V .
2
119. Speed of particle when it reaches at centre of B is
125. The energy density in the electric field created by a
(A) 6 2 m/s (B) 12 2 m/s point charge falls off with distance from the point
(C) 2 6 m/s (D) 4 6 m/s charge as
13.88 Chapter 13

127. Let ua and ud represent the energy density in air and

1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) in a dielectric, respectively, for the same field in both.
r r2 r3 r4 Let K = dielectric constant. Then
126. A charge q1 is placed at the centre of a spherical con- (A) ua = ud (B) ua = Kud
ducting shell of radius R. Conducting shell has a total (C) ud = Kua (D) ua = ( K − 1) ud
charge q2. Electrostatic potential energy of the system
128. A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery.
is
q 2 + 2q1q2 q 2 + 2q1q2 The plates are pulled apart with a uniform speed. If
(A) 1 (B) 2
8πε 0 R 8πε 0 R x is the separation between the plates, then the rate
of change of electrostatic energy of the capacitor is
q12 + q1q2 q22 + q1q2 proportional to
(C) (D) 1 1
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R (A) x (B) x2 (C) (D) 2
x x

Match the Column Type

129. Four large parallel identical conducing plates of area Column-I Column-II
A are arranged as shown. The charges on each plate
2
are given in diagram and separation between plates is (A) The potential difference of C in 1. V
d. Surfaces of plates are numbered (1), (2), up to (8). the steady state is 5

4Q Q 2Q 7Q 19
(B) The potential difference of 2C 2. V
in the steady state is 5
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
14
(C) The potential difference of 3C 3. V
in the steady state is 5

d d d 7
(D) The potential difference of 4C 4. V
in the steady state is 5
Column-I Column-II
(A) The charge on surface (4) is 1. –3Q
(B) The charge on surface (6) is 2. –2Q 131. Four large parallel identical conducing plates of area A
are arranged as shown. The charges on each plate are
(C) The charge on surface (2) is 3. 7Q given in diagram and separation between plates is d.
(D) The charge on surface (8) is 4. Zero
4 μC 2 μC 3 μC 10 μC
5. 5Q
130. Condensers with capacities C, 2C, 3C, and 4C are
charged to the potential difference V, 2V, 3V, and 4V,
respectively, as shown in Fig. 13.54. The switches
are closed. Match the following based on the above
d d d
statement:
C Column-I Column-II
– +
1. Charge on outer sur-
– (A) When none of the
V 2C, 2V face of outer plates is
+ plate is grounded
same.
+ (B) When inner surface 2. Charge on outer sur-
4C 4V of the left-most face of outer plates is
– 3C
plate is grounded. non-zero.
+ –
3V (C) When second and 3. Charge on outer sur-
Fig. 13.54 third plates are con- face of outer plates is
nected together. zero.
 Electrostatics 13.89

Column-I Column-II 133.

(D) When second plate 4. Charge on grounded Column-I Column-II
is grounded. plate is non-zero. (A) During the charg- 1. Heat loss will be take
ing of capacitor place
132. A position charge Q is uniformly distributed over (B) Terminal potential 2. emf of battery
the ring of radius R = 1m, and potential at infinity is of battery is
assumed to be zero.
(C) When +ve charge 3. emf of battery when
Column-I Column-II flows from higher current through it is
KQ potential to lower zero.
(A) Electric field at centre of ring is 1. potential through a
2
(B) Electric field at the axis of ring at 2. KQ resistance
a distance x = √3 m from centre is (D) Work done to carry 4. inside the battery
KQ 3 unit +ve charge electron transfer
(C) Electric potential at centre of 3. from negative ter- from –ve terminal of
ring is 8
minal to positive battery to +ve termi-
(D) Electric potential on axis of ring 4. Zero terminal nal of battery.
at a distance √3 m from centre
of ring is
KQ 2
5.
7

Assertion–Reason Type

134. Assertion: When an uncharged capacitor of capac- to a battery, the facing surfaces of the capacitor have
itance C is charged by a cell of emf V, the energy equal and opposite charges.
1 Reason: If a parallel plate capacitor is connected to
stored by capacitor is CV 2, and energy supplied by
2 2 a battery, battery supplies equal and opposite charges
battery is CV .
to both the plates.
Reason: In charging an uncharged capacitor, energy
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D
is lost in the form of heat.
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D 138. Assertion: The separation between the plates of a par-
135. Assertion: In an uniform electric field, equipotential allel-plate capacitor is made double while it remains
connected to cell, the cell absorbs some energy.
surfaces must be plane surface.
Reason: If the separation between the plates of a par-
Reason: Electrons move from a region of lower
allel plate capacitor, connected to a cell, is made dou-
potential to a region of higher potential if electrons
ble, then the electric field in the region between the
start from rest.
plates remains same.
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D
136. Assertion: An electric dipole is placed in an electric
field whose direction is fixed but magnitude varies 139. Assertion: Electric field lines are perpendicular
with distance. It is possible that the dipole experi- everywhere on the plane passing through centre of
ences no net force but a torque. dipole and perpendicular to the dipole moment.
Reason: An electric dipole is placed at the centre of Reason: Work done by the electric field on moving a
a sphere; the electric field is zero at every point of the point charge on equipotential surface is always zero.
sphere. (A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D 140. Assertion: A point charge q is rotated along a cir-
137. Assertion: If each plate of a parallel plate capacitor cle in the electric field generated by another point
has a charge q on it. The capacitor is now connected change Q. The work done by electric field on the
13.90 Chapter 13

rotating charge in one complete revolution is zero if 142. Assertion: Electric field is discontinuous across the
the change Q is at centre and not zero otherwise. surface of a charged conductor.
Reason: Work done by conservative force in closed Reason: Electric potential is constant on the surface
loop is always zero. of conductor.
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D (A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D
141. Assertion: Gaussian surface chosen should not pass 143. Assertion: Capacity of capacitor depends on charge
through a discrete charge. stored on the capacitor.
Reason: Electric field due to a system of discrete Reason: If capacitance of capacitor is C and potential
charges is well-defined at the location of charge. difference across the capacitor is V, then Q = CV.
(A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D (A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D

Integer Type

144. Electric potential V in volt in a region is given by 148. Figure 13.56 shows two identical parallel plate capac-
V = ax 2 + ay 2 + 2az 2, where a is a constant. Work itors connected to a battery with switch S closed. The
done by the field when a 2 mC charge moves from point switch is now opened and the free space between the
(0, 0, 0.1m) to origin is 5 × 10–5 J. Find a? (in V/m2) plates of the capacitors is filled with a dielectric of
dielectric constant (or relative permittivity) 3. The
145. A capacitor of capacitance C is fully charged by a ratio of the total electrostatic energy stored in both
200 V supply. It is then discharged through a small capacitors before and after the introduction of the
coil of resistance wire embedded in a thermally insu- x
lated block of specific heat 2.5 × 102 J/kg-K and of dielectric is . Then find the value of x
5
mass 0.1 kg. If temperature of the block rises by S
0.4 K. Find the value of C.

146. Two identical particles each having charge q are V A C B C

very far apart. They are given velocity v0 parallel to
each other such that initial perpendicular separation
between them is d. If the subsequent minimum sepa- Fig. 13.56
ration between them is 2d, find the initial velocity v0
and the loss in their total kinetic energies. 149. A spherical shell of radius R1 = 10 cm with a uniform
charge q = 6 mC has a point charge q0 = 3mC at its
m,q centre. Find the work performed by electric forces in
v0 milli joules during the shell expansion from radius R1
d 1
m,q to radius R2 = 20 cm. Take = 9 × 109 Nm 2 / C2 .
4πε 0
v0
150. In the diagram, there are four conducting plates A, B,
147. What amount of heat in mJ will be generated in the C, and D placed parallel to each other at equal sepa-
circuit shown in Fig. 13.55 after the switch is shifted ration L. If plate C starts moving towards plate B with
from position 1 to position 2? (given that C = 2 mF, velocity v. Find the current (in mA) flowing in the
e1 = 20 V, e2 = 10 V) wire connecting A and D (assume all other plates to
be fixed).
C
S 1 (Given, q2 = 2mC, q3 = 3mC, v = 10 m/s, L = 0.05 m )

2 –q
+Q +q1 +q2 3 +q3 +Q
e1 e2
–q1 –q2
A B C D
v
Fig. 13.55
 Electrostatics 13.91

151. Three identical, parallel conducting plates A, B, and Q0

v +–
C are placed as shown. Switches S1 and S2 are open
+–
and can connect A and C to earth when closed. A +–
charge Q = –3mC is given to B. If S1 and S2 both are
closed together. Find the amount of charge in mC on +–
inner surface of plate A. +–
+–
A B C Q0 v

153. The following curve represents the variation of poten-

2d d tial of points along x-axis due to two-point charges q1
and q2 separated by a distance 2a. Find the ratio of
magnitude and the nature of two charges (point O is
S1 S2
⎛a ⎞
origin and coordinates of point P is ⎜ , 0⎟
⎝3 ⎠
152. Two identical capacitors connected as shown and y
V
having initial charge Q0. Separation between plates
of capacitor is d0. Suddenly the left plate of upper
capacitor and right plate of lower capacitor start mov- x
q1 P q2
ing with speed v towards left while other plate of (–a, 0) O (a, 0)
Qv
capacitor remains fixed (Given 0 =10 amp). Find
2d
the value of current (in amp) in the circuit.

Previous Years’ Questions

154. On moving a charge of 20 C by 2 cm, 2 J of work is 158. A charged particle q is shot towards another charged
done. The potential difference between the points particle Q which is fixed, with a speed v. It approaches
[2002] Q up to a closest distance r and then returns. If q was
(A) 0.1 V (B) 8 V (C) 2 V (D) 0.5 V given a speed 2  v, the closest distance of approach
would be [2004]
155. If a charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining
two equal charges Q such that the system is in equi- q V Q
r
librium, then the value of q is [2002]
(A) Q/2 (B) –Q/2 (C) Q/4 (D) –Q/4 (A) r (B) 2r (C) r/2 (D) r/4
156. If the electric flux entering and leaving an enclosed 159. Four charges equal to –Q are placed at the four
surface, respectively, is f1 and f2, the electric charge corners of a square and a charge q is at its centre. If
inside the surface will be [2003] the system is in equilibrium, the value of q is [2004]
(A) (f2 – f1)/ ε 0 (B) (f1 + f2)/ ε 0 Q Q
(C) (f2 – f1) ε 0 (D) (f1 + f2) ε 0 (A) − 1 + 2 2 ( ) (B) (1 + 2 2 )
4 4
157. A thin spherical conducting shell of radius R has a Q Q
(C) − (1 + 2 2 ) (D) (1 + 2 2 )
charge q. Another charge Q is placed at the centre of 2 2
the shell. The electrostatic potential at a point P at a
distance R/2 from the centre of the shell is 160. A charged ball B hangs from a silk thread S, which
[2003] makes an angle θ with a large charged conducting
2Q 2Q 2q sheet P, as shown in Fig. 13.57. The surface charge
(A) (B) − density σ of the sheet is proportional to
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R
[2005]
2Q q (q + Q) 2 (A) cos θ (B) cot θ
(C) + (D)
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R (C) sin θ (D) tan θ
13.92 Chapter 13

q q
A B
+
P +
+ θ
+
+ S
+
+ –q C D –q

B (A) E remains unchanged, V changes.

(B) Both E and V change.
(C) E and V remain unchanged.
Fig. 13.57
(D) E changes, V remains unchanged.
161. Two point charges +8q and –2q are located at x = 0
166. The potential at a point x (measured in mm) due
and x = L, respectively. The location of a point on the
to some charges situated on the x-axis is given by:
x-axis at which the net electric field due to these two
V(x) = 20/(x2–4) volt. The electric field E at x = 4 mm
point charges is zero [2005]
is given by [2007]
L
(A) 2L (B) (C) 8L (D) 4L 5
4 (A) V/μ m and in the –ve x-direction
3
162. Two thin wire rings each having a radius R are placed
5
at a distance d apart with their axes coinciding. The (B) V/μ m and in the + ve x-direction
charges on the two rings are +q and –q. The potential 3
difference between the centres of the two rings is 10
(C) V/μ m and in the –ve x-direction
[2005] 9
qR q ⎡1 1 ⎤ 10
(A) (B) ⎢ − ⎥ (D) V/μ m and in the +ve x-direction
2 2πε 0 9
4πε 0 d ⎢⎣ R R 2 + d 2 ⎥⎦
167. A thin spherical shell of radius R has charge Q spread
q ⎡1 1 ⎤ uniformly over its surface. Which of the following
(C) Zero (D) ⎢ − ⎥
4πε 0 ⎢⎣ R R 2 + d 2 ⎥⎦ graphs most closely represents the electric field E (r)
produced by the shell in the range q 0 ≤ r < ∞, where
163. An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30º to a r is the distance from the centre of the shell?
non-uniform electric field. The dipole will experience [2008]
[2006]
(A) E(r) (B) E(r)
(A) a translational force only in the direction of the
field.
(B) a translational force only in a direction normal to
the direction of the field.
(C) a torque as well as a translational force.
(D) a torque only. r r
O R O R
164. Two spherical conductors A and B of radii 1 mm and (C) E(r) (D) E(r)
2  mm are separated by a distance of 5  cm and are
uniformly charged. If the spheres are connected by
a conducting wire, then in equilibrium condition, the
ratio of the magnitude of the electric fields at the sur-
faces of spheres A and B is [2006]
(A) 4:1 (B) 1:2 (C) 2:1 (D) 1:4 r r
O R O R
165. Charges are placed on the vertices of a square as
shown. Let E be the electric field and V the poten- Q
168. Let P ( r ) = r be the charge density distribution
tial at the centre. If the charges on A and B are inter- π R4
changed with those on D and C, respectively, then for a solid sphere of radius R and total charge Q. For
[2007] a point P inside the sphere at distance r1 from the
 Electrostatics 13.93

centre of the sphere, the magnitude of electric field (C) E

is [2009]
Q
(A) Zero (B)
4πε 0 r12
Qr12 Qr12
(C) (D)
4πε 0 R 4 3πε 0 R 4 R r

169. A charge Q is placed at the opposite corners of a (D) E

square. A charge q is placed at each of the other two
corners. If the net electrical force on Q is zero, then
Q
the equals [2009]
q
1
(A) −2 2 (B) – 1 (C) 1 (D) −
2 R r

170. Two identical charged spheres are suspended by

173. This question has Statement 1 and Statement 2. Of
strings of equal lengths. The strings make an angle
the four choices given after the statements, choose the
of 30º with each other. When suspended in a liquid
one that best describes the two statements.
of density 8 g cm–3, the angle remains the same. If
[2012]
density of the material of the sphere is 16 g cm–3, the
dielectric constant of the liquid is [2010] An insulating solid sphere of radius R has a uniformly
positive charge density ρ. As a result of this uniform
(A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 1
charge distribution, there is a finite value of electric
171. Two identical charged spheres suspended from a potential at the centre of the sphere, at the surface of
common point by two massless strings of length I are the sphere and also at a point out side the sphere. The
initially a distance d ( d << l ) apart because of their electric potential at infinity is zero.
mutual repulsion. The charge begins to leak from both Statement 1: When a charge q is taken from the cen-
the spheres at a constant rate. As a result, the charges tre to the surface of the sphere, its potential energy
approach each other with a velocity v. Then as a func- qρ
changes by
tion of distance x between them, [2011] 3ε 0
(A) v ∝ x −1 (B) v ∝ x1/ 2 Statement 2: The electric field at a distance r ( r < R)
(C) v ∝ x (D) v ∝ x −1/ 2 ρr
from the centre of the sphere is
3ε 0
172. In a uniformly charged sphere of total charge Q and (A) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, Statement
radius R, the electric field E is plotted as a function 2 is not the correct explanation of Statement 1.
of distance from the centre. The graph which would (B) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is false.
correspond to the above will be [2012] (C) Statement 1 is false, Statement 2 is true.
(A) E (D) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is true, Statement
2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
174. Two charges, each equal to q, are kept at x = –a and
x = a on the x-axis. A particle of mass m and charge
q
q0 = is placed at the origin. If charge q0 is given a
R r
2
small displacement (y << a) along the y-axis, the net
(B) E force acting on the particle is proportional to
[2013]
1 1
(A) –y (B) (C) − (D) y
y y
175. Two capacitors C1 and C2 are charged to 120 V and
R r 200 V, respectively. It is found that by connecting
13.94 Chapter 13

them together, the potential on each one can be made (D)

zero. Then [2013]
(A) 3 C1 = 5 C2 (B) 3 C1 + 5 C2 = 0 ++ ++
+ +
–– –
–– –––
(C) 9 C1 = 4 C2 (D) 5 C1 = 3 C2
176. A charge Q is uniformly distributed over a long rod
AB of length L as shown in Fig. 13.58. The electric 179. A uniformly charged solid sphere of radius R has
potential at the point O lying at a distance L from the potential V0 (measured with respect to ∞ ) on its sur-
end A is [2013] face. For this sphere, the equipotential surfaces with
3V0 5V0 3V0 V
A B potential , , and 0 have radius R1, R2,
O 2 4 4 4
L L
R3, and R4, respectively. Then [2015]
Fig. 13.58
(A) R1 ≠ 0 and (R2 – R1) > (R4 – R3)
3Q Q (B) R1 = 0 and R2 < (R4 – R3)
(A) (B)
4πε 0 L 4πε 0 L ln 2 (C) 2R < R4
(D) R1 = 0 and R2 > (R4 – R3)
Q ln 2 Q
(C) (D) 180. A parallel plate capacitor is made of two circular
4πε 0 L 8πε 0 L
plates separated by a distance of 5 mm and with a
dielectric constant of 2.2 between them. When the
177. Assume that an electric field E = 30 x 2 iˆ exists in electric field in the dielectric is 3 × 104 V/m, the
space. Then the potential difference VA – VO, where charge density of the positive plate will be close to
VO is the potential at the origin and VA the potential at [2014]
x = 2 m is [2014] (A) 6 × 10–7 C/m2 (B) 3 × 10–7 C/m2
(A) 120 J (B) –120 J (C) 3 × 104 C/m2 (D) 6 × 104 C/m2
(C) –80 j (D) 80 J
181. In the given circuit, charge Q2 on the 2mF capacitor
178. A long cylindrical shell carries positive surface charge changes as C is varied from 1 mF to 3 mF. Q2 as a
σ in the upper half and negative surface charge σ in function of C is given properly by
the lower half. The electric field lines around the cyl- (Fig.13.59 are drawn schematically and are not to
inder will look like as follows scale) [2015]
(Figures are schematic and not drawn to scale.)
[2015] 1 μF

(A)
C
+ 2 μF
++ ++
+
– – E
–– ––
– –
Fig. 13.59

(A) Charge (B) Charge

(B) Q2 Q2
++ ++ C
+ + C
–– – 1 μF 3 μF 1 μF 3 μF
–– –––

(C) Charge (D) Charge

Q2 Q2
(C)
++ ++ C C
+ + 1 μF 3 μF 1 μF 3 μF
–– –
–– –––
 Electrostatics 13.95

ANSWER KEYS

Single Option Correct Type

1. (D) 2. (A) 3. (A) 4. (D) 5. (D) 6. (C) 7. (B) 8. (A) 9. (C) 10. (A)
11. (C) 12. (C) 13. (A) 14. (D) 15. (A) 16. (B) 17. (A) 18. (B) 19. (A) 20. (B)
21. (B) 22. (B) 23. (B) 24. (D) 25. (C) 26. (B) 27. (C) 28. (A) 29. (C) 30. (B)
31. (A) 32. (D) 33. (B) 34. (A) 35. (A) 36. (A) 37. (C) 38. (B) 39. (D) 40. (C)
41. (A) 42. (C) 43. (A) 44. (C) 45. (A) 46. (D) 47. (B) 48. (D) 49. (A) 50. (B)
51. (B) 52. (C) 53. (C) 54. (C) 55. (C) 56. (C) 57. (B) 58. (A) 59. (B) 60. (B)
61. (C) 62. (A) 63. (D) 64. (D) 65. (D) 66. (A) 67. (B) 68. (B) 69. (D) 70. (D)
71. (C) 72. (B) 73. (B) 74. (D) 75. (C) 76. (B) 77. (D) 78. (D) 79. (B) 80. (A)
81. (A) 82. (C) 83. (A) 84. (C) 85. (C) 86. (C) 87. (A) 88. (D) 89. (A) 90. (B)
91. (D) 92. (D) 93. (D) 94. (D) 95. (B) 96. (D) 97. (A) 98. (B) 99. (D)

More than One Option Correct Type

100. (B), (C), and (D) 101. (A) and (C) 102. (A) and (C)
103. (A), (B), and (C) 104. (C) and (D) 105. (B) and (D)
106. (A), (B), (C), and (D) 107. (B) and (D) 108. (A) and (C)
109. (B), (C), and (D)

Passage Based Questions

Passage 1 117. (B) 118. (D) 119. (A) 120. (C)
110. (D) 111. (C) 112. (B) Passage 4
Passage 2 121. (B) 122. (A) 123. (D) 124. (C)
113. (B) 114. (C) 115. (A) 116. (D) Passage 5
Passage 3 125. (D) 126. (B) 127. (C) 128. (D)

Match the Column Type

129. (A) → –2, (B) → –4, (C) → –1, (D) → –3 130. (A) → –2, (B) → –1, (C) → –4, (D) → –3
131. (A) → –1, 2; (B) → –1, 3, 4; (C) → –1, 2; (D) → –1, 3, 4. 132. (A) → –4; (B) → –3; (C) → –2; (D) → –1
133. (A) → –1, 4; (B) → –3; (C) → –1; (D) → –2

Assertion–Reason Type
134. (A) 135. (B) 136. (C) 137. (B) 138. (C)
139. (B) 140. (D) 141. (C) 142. (B) 143. (D)

Integer Type
3 q2
144. 1250 V/m2 145. C = 500 mF 146. Loss in KE = × mv02 =
147. 100 mJ 148. x = 3 149. 1620 mJ 4 8πε 0 d
150. 1 mA 151. +1 mC 152. 20 amp
153. 2:1

Previous Years’ Questions

154. (A) 155. (D) 156. (A) 157. (C) 158. (D) 159. (B) 160. (D) 161. (A) 162. (B) 163. (C)
164. (C) 165. (D) 166. (C) 167. (C) 168. (C) 169. (*) 170. (C) 171. (B) 172. (C) 173. (C)
174. (D) 175. (A) 176. (C) 177. (C) 178. (D) 179. (B) 180. (A) 181. (A)

* None of the options was correct.

13.96 Chapter 13

HINTS AND SOLUTIONS

Single Option Correct Type
C
1. Charge on capacitor C between MN is = 60 × 11. The correct option is (C)
2
12. The correct option is (C)
= 30 C
13. The correct option is (A)
30 C As W = F ds cos θ = qE ds cosθ
\ VMN = = 30 V 14.
C
4 = 0.2 E × 2 cos 60°, E = 20 N/C.
2C
A M The correct option is (D)
15. The correct option is (A)
60 V C C
1 q2
16. In air, F1 =
4πε 0 r 2
B N
2C 1 q2 F k
In medium (k), F2 = ⇒ 1 =
The correct option is (D) 4πε 0 k r 2 F2 1
2. The correct option is (A) The correct option is (B)
3. P.D. same as electric field 1 q (Q − q)
The correct option is (A) 17. F =
4πε 0 r2
4. The correct option is (D)
dF
E A rB 2 For maximum repulsion force = Q − 2q = 0
5. = = dq
E B rA 1
Q 2
The correct option is (D) = =2
q 1
6. For charge + q at A to come down, Fe < mg
The correct option is (A)
q2
\ 2
< mg F12 1
4πε 0 h 18. F12 = F21 then =
F21 1
The correct option is (C)
The correct option is (B)
q
7. Potential at this point, V = = rE = 2 E dV
4πε 0 r 19. E = = (10 x + 10 ) = 20 V/ m
dx x =1
Work done = qV = 4E J
The correct option is (A)
The correct option is (B) 3
20. Volume = Al = 3 ⇒ A =
Fe qE l
8. tan θ = =
mg mg l 2 9 3
Now R = ρ ⇒ l = ⇒ l =
qσ / 2ε 0 σq A ρ ρ
tan θ = =
mg 2ε 0 mg The correct option is (B)
⎡ d⎤
= g ⎢1 − ⎥ , d = (
g R n − 1)
O
+ 21. g ′ =
+ n ⎣ n ⎦ n
+θ T
+ The correct option is (B)
+
+ 22. eE = mg
+
+ mg
+ B E=
C+ E e
A+
Sheet of charge The correct option is (B)
23. The correct option is (B)
The correct option is (A) 24. Electric field due each charge have same magnitude and
9. The correct option is (C) makes an angle of 120° with each other.
10. The correct option is (A) The correct option is (D)
 Electrostatics 13.97

25. v = u + at , u = 0 3 6
36. Since= , the circuit is treated as wheatstone bridge.
qE 2 4
v= t
m 3× 6 2 × 4
\ Ceq = +
3+ 6 2 + 4
1 2 q 2 E 2t 2
mv = 8 20
2 2m 10
=2+ = = mF
The correct option is (C) 6 6 3
The correct option is (A)
Qq kq 2 kQq 2q
26. k + + =0, Q=− 37. With each rotation, charge Q crosses any fixed point P near
a a 2a 2+ 2 ( ) the ring. Number of rotations per second = w/2p.
The correct option is (B) Qω
27. When the two are joined by a metal wire, they become a sin- \ Charge crossing P per second current =
2π
gle conductor. As charge can reside only on the outer surface The correct option is (C)
of a conductor, the entire charge Q must flow to the outer 38. The correct option is (B)
sphere.
kdQ k λ Rdϕ
The correct option is (C) 39. dV = =
R R
28. Total energy = –kinetic energy = –E v π
So energy E should be supplied ∫ dv = k λ ∫ dϕ
The correct option is (A) 0 0

29. Distance between plates halved capacitance becomes dou- = klp

bled also charge becomes doubled, The correct option is (D)
Force of attraction a Q2 0.2
1
40. dV = – ∫ E ⋅ dx = − ∫ 2
dx = −5 V
Force becomes four time
0.1 x
The correct option is (C) The correct option is (C)
30. Area vector A = l 2iˆ
1 q 4q
ϕ = E . A = al 2 41. V = ⋅ ×8=
4πε 0 ⎛ b 3 ⎞ 3πε 0b
The correct option is (B) ⎜ 2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
31. pnet = 2 2 qa
The correct option is (A)
p = qa
–q q,q,q
( )
42. W = ( − Q )( ΔV ) = − Q V f − Vi = − Q ( 0 − Vi ) ,
p1 = qa√2 ⎛ 1 Q 2⎞ 2 Q2
p = qa W = Q. ⎜ . ⎟ ×4=
⎝ 4πε 0 a ⎠ πε 0 a

The correct option is (C)

–q –q Q
43. From symmetry, electric field at the centre is k 2
The correct option is (A) r
The correct option is (A)
32. The correct option is (D)
1 q 1 q
33. In the direction of electric field, potential decreases and 44. E = =
4πε 0 ⎛ a 3 ⎞ 2
3πε 0 a 2
perpendicular to electric field it remain same, hence
⎜ 2 ⎟
VA = VC > VB ⎝ ⎠
The correct option is (B)
The correct option is (C)
34. Clearly potential decreases along the direction of electric
−4
field 45. Q = σ A = 10 C × 16 p cm2 = 16p × 10-4 C
\ Vmin is at A (a, 0) cm 2
The correct option is (A) Q qQ
V= \ Work done W = qV =
35. dw = QE . d r = Q ( E1iˆ + E2 ˆj ) . ( d xiˆ + dyiˆ) 4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r
The correct option is (A)
a b
= Q E1 ∫ d x + QE2 ∫ dy = Q (E1a + E2b) q
0 0 46. Given E = .
4πε 0 x 2
The correct option is (A)
13.98 Chapter 13

Hence, the magnitude of the electric intensity at a distance 55. Reduced circuit is
2x from charge q is 3
q q 1 E Ceq = C
E′ = = × = 2
4πε 0 ( 2 x ) 2 4πε 0 x 2 4 4
C C
Therefore, the force experienced by a similar charge q at a
distance 2x is
C C
qE
F = qE ′ =
4
The correct option is (D)
ρl ρl 2 ⎛ ρ ⎞ 2 C C
47. R = = = ⎜ ⎟ l , RAB = 8/3 W
A Al ⎝ V ⎠ The correct option is (C)
V mgd
56. mg = eE ⇒ mg = e ,V=
4Ω 4Ω d e
The correct option is (C)
V 10
A
4Ω
B
57. d = 2cm = 2 × 10–2 m, V = 10 volt, E = =
= 500 N/C d 2 × 10 −2
The correct option is (B) The correct option is (B)
48. Net charge inside the cube is zero
dv
The correct option is (D) 58. E( x ) = − , E( x ) = ( 2 − 2 x ) , at x = 1 E(x = 1) = 0
dx
1 ⎡ q1 q2 q3 q4 ⎤ The correct option is (A)
49. V = ⎢ r + r + r + r ⎥ = 507 V
4πε 0⎣ ⎦ ε0 A ε A d C 2
The correct option is (A) 59. C1 = , C2 = 0 , t = b = given ⇒ 2 =
d (d − t ) 2 C1 1
1 1 The correct option is (B)
50. Energy stored = (Cnet )V 2 = nCV 2
2 2 60. One single capacitor is in short circuit and the remaining two
The correct option is (B) capacitors are in parallel.
51. The correct option is (B) The correct option is (B)
q1 q1 61. The correct option is (C)
52. + = 10 62. The correct option is (A)
4 6
63. The correct option is (D)
q1 = 24 μ C
64. Potential difference across both the line is same, i.e., 2 V.
q1 q1 Hence, charge flowing in line (2)
⎛ 2⎞
4 μF q 6 μ F
Q = ⎜ ⎟ × 2 = 2μ C
2 ⎝ 2⎠
So charge on each capacitor in line (2) is 2 mC
3 μF 10 V
2 μF 2 μF
The correct option is (C) Line (2)
1 μF
1 q Line (1)
53. Potential (V ) =
4πε 0 r
q1 r1 2V
=
q2 r2
The correct option is (D)
The correct option is (C)
dV d
54. Resultant field = 2 E0 =
2q 65. Electric field E = −
dx
=−
dx
( )
5 + 4 x 2 = −8 x
2
4πε 0 a
Force on charge ( − q ) = − qE = +8qx
The correct option is (C)
 Electrostatics 13.99

At x = 0.5 m, force = 8 × 2 × 10–6 × 0.5 = 8 × 10–6 N 78. Resultant force on Q will be always towards origin. It will
The correct option is (D) undergo oscillatory motion, but not SHM (amplitude being
66. Net force on any charge = 0. Force on any charge Q at end comparable to other dimension and not small).
The correct option is (D)
Q2 KqQ −Q
F=K + 2 = 0 . Hence, q = K (4q) K (q)
4x2 x 4 79. =
The correct option is (A) r12 r22
1 P r1
67. Potential at axial point V = ⇒ = 2 and r1 + r2 = 30
4πε 0 r 2 r2
Hence, r1 = 20 cm
The correct option is (B)
The correct option is (B)
λ 1 C1C2
68. E = . Hence, E ∝ 80. Cparallel = C1 + C2, Cseries =
2πε 0 r r C1 + C2
The correct option is (B) 25
Given Cseries = Cparallel and C2 > C1
1 6
69. Q = ne, n = = 6.25 × 1018 C 3
1.6 × 10 −19 Solving 2 =
C1 2
The correct option is (D)
The correct option is (A)
70. Net charge = Q + ( − Q ) = 0 C1V1 + C2V2
81. Vcommon = = 50 V
The correct option is (D) C1 + C2
1 Q 9 × 109 × 10 × 10 −6 1 1
71. Vsurface = = = 9 × 105 V For 4 mF capacitor Ei = C1V 2 , E f = C1VC2
4πε 0 r 10 −1 2 2
1
The correct option is (C)
2
2
(
2
)
Energy loss = Ei − E f = C V − VC = 7.8 × 10–3 J
⎛ 1 × 1⎞
72. Ce = 1 + ⎜ = 1.5 mF The correct option is (A)
⎝ 1 + 1⎟⎠
q′ q
The correct option is (B) 82. + =0
r1 r2
C1C2 C The correct option is (C)
73. Capacitors in series, Ce = =
C1 + C2 3
1 1 3
The correct option is (B) 83. = +
Ce 2C0 5C0
qσ 10
74. T sin θ = , T cos θ = Mg , tan θα σ Ce = C0
2ε 0 11
T cos θ 2C0 (5/3) C0
M N
θ The correct option is (A)
T sin θ q. σ ⎛ 1⎞ Q ⎛ 1⎞
2ε 0 84. We know that Q ′ = Q ⎜1 − ⎟ , = Q ⎜1 − ⎟ ⇒ k = 2
⎝ k⎠ 2 ⎝ k⎠
The correct option is (C)

Mg 85. ΔQ = ( kCV − CV ) = ( k − 1)CV = 2CV , W = ΔQV = 2CV 2

The correct option is (D) The correct option is (C)
75. Complete the cube, adding five other faces. 86. The correct option is (C)
q q
ϕcube = , ϕface = 87. ˆjVQ − VP = − E0 (iˆ + ˆj ) ⋅ ( aiˆ) = − E0 a.
ε0 6ε 0
The correct option is (A)
The correct option is (C)
76. Ceff = 2 mF 88. The maximum length of the string which can fit into the cube
(Simplifying the circuit) is 3a, equal to its body diagonal. The maximum charge
inside the cube is 3aλ , and hence the maximum flux
The correct option is (B)
77. Midpoint will be a neutral point, hence third charge will 3λ a
through the cube is
experience no force and will stay at rest. ε0
The correct option is (D) The correct option is (D)
13.100 Chapter 13

94. Potential decreases in the direction of electric field.

∂V
89. E x = − = −8 x VA < VB
∂x
The correct option is (D)
E y = E z = 0 as V is independent of y and z.
95. There will be no loss of energy if the potential of the spheres
For x = 1, E = −8iˆ is the same, i.e., if
q Q q Q
The correct option is (A) V= = or =
4πε 0 r 4πε 0 R r R
90.
The correct option is (B)
d
C′ C′
n1C p + n2C p 3(3 + 2) + 1(5 + 2)
A A
96. γ = 1 2
= = 1.57
= nCv + n2Cv
1 2
3(3) + 1(5)
The correct option is (D)

d/4 d/2 d/4 d/4 d/4 ε0 A 4 C ε0 A

97. C = , = ,
d 3 ⎡ d d ⎤
ε0 A ⎢ d − +
Before the metal sheet is inserted, C = ⎣ 2 2k ⎥⎦
d
After the sheet is inserted, the system is equivalent to two 4 d 2d
= , 2d + = 3d , k = 2
ε A 3 d d k
capacitors in series, each of capacitance C ′ = 0 +
= 4C . 2 2k
( d / 4)
The equivalent capacity is now 2 C. The correct option is (A)
The correct option is (B) 1 ⎡ Q 2Q ⎤ 1 2Q
98. VA = + =
91. The correct option is (D) 4πε 0 ⎢⎣ R 2 R ⎥⎦ 4πε 0 R
92. The correct option is (D) 1 3Q Q
VB = , VA − VB =
93. E = E+2 q + E−2 q + E−3q + E+3q 4πε 0 2 R 8πε 0 R
The correct option is (B)
(
E = 2 E+3q + E−2 q )
99. U i =
( q)( −2q) + ( q)( −2q) + ( −2q)( −2q) =0
5q
E= 2 2
4πε 0 a
⎛ a ⎞
4πε 0 ⎜ ( q)( −2q) + ( q)( −2q) + ( −2q)( −2q) = 0
⎝ 2 ⎟⎠ Uf =
4πε 0 ( 2a )
10 2 q
E= Wext = DU = 0
4πε 0 a 2
The correct option is (D)
+2q –2q
E–2q
E+3q
O
E+2q
E–3q
+3q a –3q

The correct option is (D)

More than One Option Correct Type

1
100. In the direction of electric field potential decreases. 101. For non-conducing id sphere Ein ∝ r and Eout ∝
r2
If a > b VB > VA
i.e., for r < R, E increases as r increases and for R < r < ∞,
a=b VB = VA E decreases as increases
a<b VA > VB The correct option is (A) and (C)
The correct option is (B) (C) and (D)
 Electrostatics 13.101

Choice (d) is wrong. Since charge enclosed by Gaussian

102. E A = i + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ , E B = iˆ + ˆj − kˆ , E A ⋅ E B = 0
surface is Q1 (which is non-zero), flux is non-zero. Flux has
⇒ E A ⊥ EB q
been defined as ϕ = ∫ E ⋅ dS = enclosed
kq kq ε0
EB = , EC = , | E B | = 4 | EC | If f ≠ 0 then E must be non-zero.
3 12
The correct option is (A) and (C) The correct option is (A), (B), and (C)
103. From Gauss’s law 104. Under electrostatic condition, all points lying on the
conductor are in same potential. Therefore, potential at
q
φ= ∫ E ⋅ dS = enclosed
∈0
A = potential at B.
From Gauss’s theorem, total flux through the surface of the
Q2 cavity will be q/ε0.
The correct option is (C) and (D)
105. Potential inside the conductor is same when there is no net
Q1
charge inside the conductor.
The correct option is (B) and (D)
S
106. The correct option is (A), (B), (C) and (D)
It is obvious from Gauss’s Law that if Q1 changes, E and f 107. As, A and C are equidistance from the wire and E is perpen-
both will change. So, choice (A) is correct. dicular to wire so both A and C are at same potential.
If Q2 changes, charge enclosed by Gaussian surface S will WABC = 0 also from symmetry, WAB = – WBC
not change so f will not change. But electric field at point The correct option is (B) and (D)
under consideration is net electric field due to charges pres-
Qz
ent inside and outside the surface. So E will change, hence 108. E= 3
, for z << R F ∝ x also force is
choice (B) is correct.
If Q1 = 0, then charge enclosed by Gaussian surface is zero
(
4πε 0 R 2 + z 2 ) 2

towards centre of ring.

so flux f will be zero. But E can persist due to charge Q2.
The correct option is (A) and (C)
So, choice (C) is correct.
109. The correct option is (B), (C) and (D)

Passage Based Questions

⎛ ε A ε A⎞ 8ε A
Passage 1 114. Charge on plate (2) finally = ⎜ 0 + 0 ⎟ V = 0 V
⎝ 3d / 2 d / 2 ⎠ 3d
σ 5 × 10 −4 –1 The correct option is (C)
110. E= = = 107 Vm
ε 0 k 8.85 × 10 −12 × 5.4 ⎛ 8ε A 2ε A ⎞
115. Work done by battery = DqV = ⎜ 0 V − 0 V ⎟ V
The correct option is (D) ⎝ 3d d ⎠
111. V = Ed = 107 × 5 × 10-9 = 0.05 V 2ε 0 A 2
= V
The correct option is (C) 3d
112. The correct option is (B) The correct option is (A)
2 ε0 A 2 ⎧ 1 1 ⎫
Passage 2 (
116. Heat = W − U f − U i = ) 3 d
V − ⎨ C f V 2 − CiV 2 ⎬
⎩ 2 2 ⎭
113. Both the capacitor are in parallel.
Charge on plate (2) initially 2 ε0 A 2 1 ⎡ 2 ε0 A 2 ⎤ 1 ε0 A 2
= V − ⎢ V ⎥ = V
2ε 0 A 3 d 2 ⎣3 d ⎦ 3 d
= V
d The correct option is (D)
21
Passage 3
23 117. mg = qE
V 10 × 10 −6 × 105 = 0.1 kg = 100 gm
m=
10
The correct option is (B) The correct option is (B)
13.102 Chapter 13

118. Work done by electric field = q (VA − VB ) Charge flow through the battery = 360 – 180 = 180 mC
The correct option is (C)
⎡⎛ KQ A KQB ⎞ ⎛ KQ A KQB ⎞ ⎤
= 10 × 10 −6 ⎢⎜ + ⎟ −⎜ + ⎟ = 3.6 J
⎣⎝ 0.3 0.5 ⎠ ⎝ 0.5 0.3 ⎠ ⎥⎦ Passage 5
The correct option is (D) 1
125. u ∝ E 2 and for a point charge E ∝
1 r2
119. 3.6 = mv 2 , v = 6 2 m/s 1
2 So u ∝
The correct option is (A) r4
120. Electric field at centre of B due to The correct option is (D)
KQ A X 9 × 109 × 10 −5 × 0.4
Charge on A = 3
= 1 q1
(0.5)3
( R2 + X 2 ) 126. E1 ( r ) =
4πε 0 r 2
for 0 ≤ r ≤ R

Charge on B = zero
1 ( q1 + q2 )
E2 ( r ) = for R ≥ r ≤ ∞
Net electric field =
2 2 5
= 3 × 10 N/C 4πε 0 r2
(10 ) + (2.88 × 10 )
5 5

∞ ∞ 2
⎛1 ⎞ ⎛ q ⎞ 1
The correct option is (C)
U = ∫ u2 dV − ∫ ⎜ ε 0 ⎟ ⎜ 1 ⎟ 4 4π r 2 dr
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 4πε 0 ⎠ r ( )
R R
Passage 4
∞ 2 ∞
121. When S1 is closed and S2 is open, 1 ⎛ q1 + q2 ⎞ q2 dr
=∫ ε0 ⎜ 2⎟
4π r 2 dr − 1 ∫ 2
Charge on A = C1E = 2 × 180 = 360 mC 2 ⎝ 4πε 0 r ⎠ 8πε 0 R R r
R
The correct option is (B)
q22 + 2q1q2
122. Now S1 opened and S2 closed Solving we get U =
8πε 0 R
360 − q q q
= + The correct option is (B)
C1 C2 C3
1
720 − 2q = 3q 127. ua = ε0 E 2
2
q = 144 mC
1
S1 S2 ud = ε0 E 2K
2
C2 u 1
+ E = 180 V q So a = or ud = Kua
A ud K
– C1
C3 q The correct option is (C)
(360 – q)
1 ε0 A 2
128. Electrostatic energy of capacitor is U = V
The correct option is (A) 2 x
123. When both S1 and S2 are closed, where V = potential difference of battery
Charge on capacitor C = E × (equivalent capacitance of B
dU 1 1
4 So = − ε 0 AV 2 2
and C) = 180 × = 240 mC dx 2 x
3
dU 1
The correct option is (D) So ∝
dx x 2
124. When dielectric slab is removed, 1mF and charge on A will
be = 180 × 1 = 180 mC The correct option is (D)

Match the Column Type

129. Charge distribution shown in diagram 130. Let q be the charge flows through circuit,
(A) → – 2; (B) → – 4; (C) → –1; (D) → –3 Apply KVL
7Q 16 CV − q CV − q 4 CV − q 9 CV − q
7Q –3Q –2Q 0 + + + + =0
2Q
4C C 2C 3C
+3Q 0
⎡ 1 1 1 1 ⎤
q⎢ + + + ⎥ = 10 V
⎣ 4C C 2C 3C ⎦
 Electrostatics 13.103

131. When none of the plate is grounded, the charge on outer

120 24
q= CV = CV surface of outer plates is non-zero. On grounding any of the
25 5 plate, the charge on outer surface of outer plates becomes
CV − q 19
Potential difference across C = =− V zero.
C 5
(A) → –1, 2; (B) → –1, 3, 4; (C) → – 1, 2; (D) → –1, 3, 4.
4 CV − q 2
Potential difference across 2C = =− V 132. (A) → -4; (B) → -3; (C) → -2; (D) → -1
2C 5
133. (A) → -1, 4; (B) → -3; (C) → -1; (D) → -2
9 CV − q 7
Potential difference across 3C = = V
3C 5
CV–q
– + q
q
+ –
16CV–q 4C 2C 4CV–q
– 3C +
+ – q
9CV–q

(A) → –2; (B) → –1; (C) → –4; (D) → –3

Integer Type
144. For conservative forces, dU = − dW
4 1 1 q2 q2
U f − U i = −Wi − f and v0 = × × =
3 m 4πε 0 2d 6πε 0 md
or (
Wt → f = U i − U f = q Vi − V f ) 3 q 2
Loss in KE = × mv02 =
8πε 0 d
5 × 10 −5 = 2 × 10 −6 ⎡ 2a (0.1) − 0 ⎤ 4
2
⎣ ⎦ 147. In position 1,
1
2 2 Stored energy = C (e1 − e2 ) 2
or a = 1.25 × 103 V/m = 1250 V/m 2
In position 2,
1 1
145. Energy stored in the capacitor, U = CV 2 = × C × 200 2 1 2
2 2 Stored energy = Ce1
= 2 × 104 × CJ 2
Energy appearing as heat in the block C
1
= mCΔθ = 0.1 × 2.5 × 10 2 × 0.4 = 10 J
Therefore, 10 J = 2 × 10 4 × C J 2
e1 e2
10
C= = 500 mF
2 × 10 4
C = 500 mF Extra energy drawn from the battery = e1 Dq, where Dq is
146. Since there is no external force acting on the them, their the additional charge drawn from the battery.
centre of mass will be at rest. At minimum separation, the Now Dq = e1C – (e1 – e2) C = e2C
velocity of approach of the two particles along the line
\ Extra energy drawn from the battery = e1 (e2C) = e1e2C
joining the particles will be zero. Their velocities will be
perpendicular to the line joining them. Let v be the velocity Heat produced = loss in stored battery + extra energy drawn
and 2d be their separation. from the battery
From energy conservation, 1 1
= (e1 − e2 ) 2 C − e12C + e1e2C
2 2 2
1 1 q 1
2 × mv02 = + 2 × mv 2 (1)
1 2 1 1 1
2 4πε 0 2d 2 = e1 C − e1e2C + e22C − e12C + e1e2C = e22C
From conservation of angular momentum about CM, 2 2 2 2
1 2
d 2d
(2) = × 2 μ F× (10 ) = 100 mJ
2 × mv0 × = 2mv × 2
2 2
v0 148. Initially, the charge on either capacitor, i.e., qA or qB is CV
From equations (1) and (2) v = coulomb.
2
13.104 Chapter 13

When dielectric is introduced, the new capacitance of either I

capacitor –q3
+Q +q1 +q2 +q3 +Q
C1 = K C = 3C –q1 –q2
After the opening of switch S, the potential across capacitor
v
A is V volts. L x 2L – x
Let the potential across capacitor B be V1
dq1 dq dx dq dq dx
\ qB = CV = C1V1 or CV = 3 CV1 ⇒ L + x 2 + q2 − 2 3 L + x 3 + q3 =0
dt dt dt dt dt dt
\ V1 = V/3 volts
1 v
Initial energy of capacitor A = CV 2 ⇒ ( q2 + q3 ) = 1 mA
I=
2 L
1 151. Q1 + Q2 = Q (1)
Energy of capacitor B = CV 2
2 Q2 Q1 ⎛ Aε 0 Aε 0 ⎞
1 1
=
C2 C1 ⎜⎝ C2 = 2d , C1 = d ⎟⎠
\ Total energy Ei = CV 2 + CV 2 = CV 2
2 2
2Q2 = Q1 (2)
1 3
Final energy of capacitor A = × (3C )V 2 = CV 2 2Q Q
2 2 On solving (1) and (2), we get Q1 = , Q2 =
3 3
2 2
Final energy of capacitor B = 1 × (3C ) ⎛⎜ V ⎞⎟ = CV Charge on A = −
Q
= +1 mC
2 ⎝ 3⎠ 6 3
2
\ Total final energy Ef = 3 CV 2 + CV = 5 CV 2
2 6 3 –Q2 Q2 Q1 –Q1
2
BA
Ei CV 3 2d d
\ = 2
= ,x=3
E f (5/ 3) CV 5 A B C

149. Initial total energy of the system = Self energy + Interaction S1 S2

energy BC

1 q2 1 qq0
Ui = + , q1 q2
2 4 π ∈0 R1 4 π ∈0 R1 152. = ; q1 + q2 = 2Q0
C1 C2
1 q2 1 qq0 ε0 A ε A
Uf = + C1 = ; C2 = 0
2 4π ∈0 R2 4 π ∈0 R2 d0 + vt d0 − vt
Work done by the electric forces = Decrease in total energy
q1 d0 − vt
⎛ q⎞ =
q ⎜ q0 + ⎟ q2 d0 + vt
⎝ 2⎠ ⎡1 1⎤
W = Ui − U f = ⎢ − ⎥
4π ∈0 R
⎣ 1 R2⎦ ⎛ d − vt ⎞
q2 ⎜ 0 + q2 = 2Q0
⎝ d0 + vt ⎟⎠
⎛ 6 × 10 −6 ⎞
= 6 × 10 −6 ⎜ 3 × 10 −6 +
⎝ 2 ⎟⎠ ⎡ 2 d0 ⎤
q2 ⎢ ⎥ = 2Q0
⎡1 1⎤ 1 ⎣ d0 + vt ⎦
× 9 × 109 ⎢ − ⎥ × −2
⎣ 10 20 ⎦ 10 2Q0
q2 =
2 d0
( d0 + vt )
= 1620 mJ
dq2 Q0 v
2q1L 2q2 x 2q3 ( 2 L − x ) I= = = 20 amp
150. + − =0 (1) dt d0
2 Aε0 2 Aε0 2 Aε0
153. Since potential is decreasing, q1 is +ve and q2 is –ve
dq − dq3 dq2
I= 1= = (2) Kq1 Kq2
dt dt dt = q 2
⎛ a⎞ ⎛ a ⎞ , 1 = , q1 : q2 = 2 : 1
⎜⎝ a + ⎟ ⎜ a − ⎟ q 1
From (1), q1L + q2 x − 2q3 L + q3 x = 0 3⎠ ⎝ 3⎠ 2
 Electrostatics 13.105

Previous Years’ Questions

154. W = QW
1 Q×Q 1 Q×Q
W 2 ∴ + cos 45°
∴ V= = = 0.1 V 4πε 0 ( DA) 2 4πε 0 (CA) 2
Q 20
1 Q×q
The correct option is (A) − cos 45° = 0
4πε 0 ( EA) 2
155. When the system of three charges is in equilibrium,
Q Q 1 q 1
Q×q Q×Q or + × − × =0
+ =0 a2 2a 2 2 a2 / 2 2
4πε 0 d 4πε 0 ( 2d ) 2
⎡ 1 ⎤
Q or Q ⎢1 + ⎥=q 2
or q=− ⎣ 2 2⎦
4
d d Q ⎡ 2 2 + 1⎤ Q
or q= ⎢ ⎥ = (1 + 2 2 )
2 ⎢⎣ 2 2 ⎥⎦ 4
Q q Q
The correct option is (B)
The correct option is (D)
160. T sin θ = σ q / ε 0
156. According to Gauss’s theorem,
Q T cos θ = mg
(ϕ2 − ϕ1 ) = ⇒ Q = (ϕ2 − ϕ1 ) ε 0
ε0 σq
∴ tan θ =
ε 0 mg
The flux enters the enclosure if one has a negative charge
( −q2 ) and flux goes out if one has a +ve charge ( +q1 ) . As ∴ σ is proportional to tan θ
one does not know whether ϕ1 > ϕ2 , ϕ2 > ϕ1 ,Q = q1 ∼ q2. The correct option is (D)
The correct option is (A) 161. Resultant intensity = 0

q Q A B
157. Potential at any internal point of charged shell =
4πε 0 R +8q –2q
1 2Q L d
Potential at P due to Q at centre =
4πε 0 R
∴ Total potential point 1 8q 1 2q
− =0
q 2Q 1 4πε 0 ( L + d ) 2 4πε 0 d 2 = 0
= + = (q + Q)
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R
The correct option is (C) or ( L + d )2 = 4d 2
158. Energy is conserved in the phenomenon or d = L
1 2 kqQ ∴ Distance from origin = 2 L
Initially, mv = (1)
2 r The correct option is (A)
1 kqQ 1 Q 1 Q
Finally, m( 2 v ) 2 = (2) 162. VA = −
2 r 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R + d2
2

From Equations (1) and (2), we get 1 ( −Q ) 1 Q

2
VB = +
1 r r 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R + d2
2
= ⇒ r1 =
4 r 4
The correct option is (D) 1× Q ⎡ 2 2 ⎤
∴ VA − VB = ⎢ − ⎥
159. Consider the four force, F1, F2 , F3 and F4 acting on charge 4πε 0 ⎢⎣ R R 2 + d 2 ⎥⎦
(–Q) placed at A.
Distance CA = 2a Q ⎡1 1 ⎤
= ⎢ − ⎥
2πε 0 ⎢⎣ R R 2 + d 2 ⎥⎦
2a a
Distance EA = =
2 2 The correct option is (B)
For equilibrium, consider forces along DA and equate the 163. In a non-uniform electric field, the dipole will experience a
resultant to zero. torque as well as a translational force.
The correct option is (C)
13.106 Chapter 13

164. When the spherical conductors are connected by a Q

conducting wire, charge is redistributed and the spheres
attain a common potential V.
1 QA
∴ Intensity E A = r1
4πε 0 RA2
R
1 × C AV ( 4πε 0 RA ) V V
or EA = = =
4πε 0 RA2 4πε 0 RA2 RA
n
The correct option is (C) 1 Qr
ε 0 ∫0 π R 4
⇒ E ⋅ 4π r12 = ⋅ 4π r 2 dr
165. ‘Unit positive charge’ will be repelled by A and B and
attracted by –q and –q downwards in the same direction. If
they are exchanged, the direction of the field will opposite. Qr12
⇒E=
In the case of potential, as it is a scalar, they cancel each 4πε 0 R 4
other whatever may be their position. The correct option is (C)
∴field is affected but not the potential. 169. None of the options was correct
The correct option is (D) 170. Initially, the forces acting on each ball are
20
166. Given: Potential V ( x ) = 2
x −4
− dV − d ⎛ 20 ⎞ 40 x T θ 30° T
Electric field E = = ⎜ ⎟=
dx dx ⎝ x 2 − 4 ⎠ ( x 2 − 4) 2 θ
At x = 4 μ m F + + F
40 × 4
160 10
∴ E= 2
= = V /μ m mg mg
[16 − 4] 144 9
Positive sign indicate E is +ve x-direction. 1. Tension T
The correct option is (C) 2. Weight mg
167. The electric field for a uniformly charged spherical shell is 3. Electrostatic force of repulsion F
given in Fig. 13.60. Inside the shell, the field is zero, and it For its equilibrium along vertical,
is maximum at the surface and then decreases T cos θ = mg (1)
E(r)
and along horizontal,
T sin θ = F (2)
Dividing Equation (2) by (1), we get
F
tan θ = (3)
mg
When the balls are suspended in a liquid of density σ and
r
O R dielectric constant K, the electrostatic force will become
(1/K) times, i.e. F ′ = ( F /K ) , while weight
Fig. 13.60
mg ′ = mg − Upthrust
∝1 / r 2 = mg − V σ g [As upthrust =V σ g ]
Q ⎡ σ⎤ ⎡ m⎤
E= outside shell and zero inside. mg ′ = mg ⎢1 − ⎥ ⎢ As V = ⎥
4πε 0 ⋅ r 2 ⎣ ρ ⎦ ⎣ ρ⎦
The correct option is (C) For equilibrium of balls,
Q F′ F
168. If the charge density, ρ = r, tan θ ′ = = (4)
π R4 mg ′ Kmg[1 − (σ /ρ )]
The electric field at the point p distant r1 from the centre,
according to Gauss’s theorem is According to the given problem, θ ′ = θ
From Equations (4) and (3), we get
E ⋅ 4π12 = charge enclosed / ε 0 1
K=
1 ⎛ σ⎞
⎜⎝1 − ρ ⎟⎠
ε0 ∫
E ⋅ 4π12 = ρdV
 Electrostatics 13.107

1 1.6 ⇒ E = ( ρr /3ε 0 )
K= = =2
( ρ − σ ) (1.6 = 0.8) The correct option is (C)
The correct option is (C) 174. Fnet = 2 F cos θ
171. Figure 13.61 shows equilibrium positions of the two
spheres. 2 KQ q0 y
Fnet =
∴ T cos θ = mg ( a 2 + y 2 )3 / 2
1 q2 Fnet = 2F cos θ
and T cos θ = F =
4πε 0 d 2
F F
0 θ θ
q0
θ θ
θ θ +q a y a +q
T cos θ T T
θ
A T sin θ
F F
B C for y << a a 2 + y 2 ≈ a 2
d
x ⎛ 2 kQq0 ⎞
mg mg Fnet = ⎜ y F∝y
⎝ a3 ⎟⎠
2
Fig. 13.61 The correct option is (D)
1 q2 175. 120 C1 − 200 C2 = 0
∴ tan θ = 2
4πε 0 x mg
3C1 = 5 C2
x 1q 2 ⎛ x⎞
=
2l 4πε 0 x 2 mg ⎜⎝∵ tan θ = ⎟⎠ + – + –
2l

or x q2
∝
2l x 2
or q 2 ∝ x 2 ⇒ q ∝ x 3/ 2 The correct option is (A)
2L 2L
dq 3 1/ 2 dx KdQ KQ
∝ x
dt 2 dt
176. V = ∫ x
= ∫ xL
dx
L L

⎛ dq ⎞ ⎡ 1 ⎤
or v ∝ x −1/ 2 ⎜∵ = constant⎟ =
KQ
⎝ dt ⎠ ℓn | 2 | ⎢ where k = ⎥
L ⎣ 4πε 0⎦
The correct option is (B)
x dx
172. Q
E
L L

The correct option is (C)

0 0
177. VA − V0 = ∫ E ⋅ ds = ∫ 30 x 2 dx = −80 V
A 2
The correct option is (C)
R r
178. Electric field lines will originate from positive charge and
3
E = ( KQr /R ) ( r ≤ R) terminate on the negative charge and the system is like an
electric dipole.
E = ( KQ /r 2 ) ( r ≥ R)
The correct option is (D)
The correct option is (C)
KQ
179. Vs = = V0
173. ΔV = ( d ρ = 3ε 0 ) (dimensionally wrong) R
Potential at centre,
⎛4 ⎞
ρ ⎜ π r3⎟ 3 3
⎝3 ⎠ VC = Vs = V0
From Gauss’s theorem, E × ( 4π r ) = 3
2 2
ε0
13.108 Chapter 13

σ
180. =E
ε0 K
C
⇒ σ = 3 × 10 4 × 2.2 × 8.85 × 10 −12 = 5.84 × 10 −7

∴ R1 = 0 ≈ 6 × 10 −7 C/m 2

For r < R (Vinside > Vs) The correct option is (A)

KQ 5 q 2q
181. + =E
3
(3R 2 − r 2 ) = V0 c 3× 2
2R 4
KQ 5 KQ q q
(3R 2 − r 2 ) = . + =E
3
4 R c 3
2R
R q/3
This gives, R2 =
2 q
For r > R (Voutside < Vs)
1 μF
KQ 3V0 2q/3
= C
r 4
KQ 3 KQ 2 μF
= .
r 4 R
E
4R
r=
3 ⎡3 + c ⎤
q⎢ ⎥=E
4R ⎣ 3c ⎦
∴ R3 =
3 3CE
q=
Also, 3+C
KQ V0 2q 2 3CE
= ∴ q2 = =
r 4 3 3 3+C
KQ KQ 2CE
= q2 =
r 4R 3+C
r = 4R dq2 2 E (3 + c) − 2CE 6E
= 2
= >0
dc (3 + c ) (3 + c ) 2
∴ R4 = 4 R
d 2 q2 12 E
4 R 8R Also, =− <0
Now, R4 − R3 = 4 R − = dc 2 ( 3 + c )3
3 3
dq2 2
∵
8R
>
R As > 0 and d q2 < 0, so slope is positive but
3 2
dc dc 2
decreasing
∴ ( R4 − R3 ) > R2 The correct option is (A)

The correct option is (B)