CBSE Electric Flux PYQs and Solutions

Q: Evaluate the application of Gauss's law to non-spherical geometries and its limitations.

Gauss's law can be applied to various geometries, including spherical, cylindrical, and planar symmetries. However, its application is most straightforward when dealing with highly symmetric charge distributions. For non-spherical geometries, the lack of symmetry complicates the determination of the electric field, as it may vary across the surface, preventing straightforward integration. Therefore, for non-symmetrical geometries, other methods such as direct integration or numerical techniques might be more appropriate. Additionally, Gauss's law cannot simplify electric fields in regions where the field is not uniform across the Gaussian surface .

Q: How can Gauss's law be experimentally verified using a spherical conductor?

Experimentally verifying Gauss's law can involve using a hollow spherical conductor with a known charge distribution. By measuring the electric field at various points outside the sphere, one can use Gauss's law to deduce the surface charge distribution. Inside a spherical cavity, field measurements should show zero field strength, illustrating charge-induced cancellation. External field measurements that agree with theoretical predictions based on surface charge density would confirm Gauss's law's validity in describing field behavior and flux uniformity .

Q: Discuss the circumstances under which the electric field inside a conductive cavity is zero.

The electric field inside a conductive cavity is zero when the conductor is in electrostatic equilibrium and contains no net charge within the cavity. This phenomenon, known as electrostatic shielding, occurs because the free charges in the conductor redistribute themselves on its surface to cancel any external electric fields, ensuring the interior of the conductor remains field-free. This characteristic is independent of the cavity’s shape as long as it remains devoid of internal charges, illustrating a key property of conductors .

Q: Illustrate the role of dielectric materials in modifying electric flux through spherical surfaces.

Dielectric materials affect electric flux through spherical surfaces by reducing the effective electric field. When a dielectric fills a spherical surface, it decreases field strength by a factor equal to the dielectric constant. Thus, Gauss's law indicates reduced flux through the surface, adjusting for the material's influence on permittivity. The reduction implies dielectric materials lower the apparent charge's influence by increasing the medium's ability to support field lines, verified through experimental flux measurements under varying dielectric conditions .

Q: How would the electric flux through a cube change if an electric dipole is placed inside it?

The electric flux through a cube enclosing an electric dipole would be zero. This outcome arises because a dipole consists of equal and opposite charges, meaning the total charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface is zero. Therefore, according to Gauss's law, the net electric flux through the surface would also be zero, regardless of the dipole's orientation or placement within the cube .

Q: Evaluate the efficiency of using Gauss’s law to calculate electric fields of a line charge at varying distances.

Using Gauss’s law to calculate electric fields for a line charge is efficient when there is cylindrical symmetry, as the law simplifies the evaluation by concentrating on the linear charge density. The field at a given radial distance from the line charge is uniform over a Gaussian cylindrical surface. However, as the distance varies, complexities arise only if the line charge is not infinitely long or if edge effects become significant. In such cases, Gauss's law may not yield exact results without additional assumptions or corrections for finite geometrical influences .

Q: How does Gauss's law relate to the electric field in a region with uniform charge distribution?

Gauss's law states that the net electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the charge enclosed divided by the permittivity of free space. In a region with a uniform charge distribution, Gauss's law implies that the electric field is uniform throughout the surface, and the net electric flux is directly proportional to the enclosed charge only. This law is a powerful tool for calculating electric fields, indicating that the field configuration depends only on the net charge inside the Gaussian surface and is unaffected by charges outside it .

Q: Create a hypothetical scenario where applying Gauss's law would be ineffective in determining the electric field.

A scenario where Gauss's law would be ineffective is one involving a highly irregular charge distribution lacking symmetry, such as an arbitrarily shaped non-conducting object with a non-uniform surface charge. In this case, the electric field would vary complexly across any Gaussian surface, preventing straightforward integration necessary for calculating the flux accurately. The lack of symmetry means the electric field cannot be assumed constant over any particular surface, thus complicating direct applications of Gauss's law without resorting to numerical methods or other advanced techniques .

Q: Synthesize the differences in electric field behavior outside and inside a uniformly charged infinite plane sheet.

Outside a uniformly charged infinite plane sheet, the electric field is constant and perpendicular to the surface with a magnitude dependent on the surface charge density. This field does not diminish with distance from the sheet, a unique characteristic derived from Gauss's law. Conversely, the electric field inside, between two oppositely charged infinite sheets, is zero due to cancellation of the opposing fields. This demonstrates symmetry and the direct linear relation between field strength and surface charge density, distinct from fields around finite or non-planar charged surfaces .

Q: Analyze the effect of increasing the radius of a spherical Gaussian surface on the electric flux due to a point charge at its center.

Increasing the radius of a spherical Gaussian surface around a point charge at its center does not affect the total electric flux through the surface. According to Gauss's law, the electric flux only depends on the total charge enclosed, not the size of the Gaussian surface. Therefore, as the radius increases, the electric field strength decreases, but the larger area compensates for this reduction, keeping the total flux constant .

The document contains a series of previous years' questions (PYQs) related to electric charges and fields, focusing on concepts like electric flux, Gauss's law, and electric fields due to various charge distributions. It includes multiple choice questions, very short answer questions, assertion-reason questions, and longer problem-solving questions, all aimed at assessing understanding of electrostatics. The questions are sourced from various CBSE examinations and cover a range of difficulty levels.

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CBSE Electric Flux PYQs and Solutions

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vanimaniyar2009

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PYQs Previous YearsQuestions

(b) 2
1Mark Questions (a) zero
(c) Enr (d) 2 EI
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A charge O is placed at the centre of a cube. The 3. Which statement is true for Gauss' law?
CBSE 2023 CBSE SQP 2021-2
electric flux through one if its face is
(a) Allthe charges whether inside or outside the
(a) (b) (c) (d) gaussian surface contribute to the electric flux.
6&0 8[0 380
(b) Electric flux depends upon the geometry of the
2. A cylinder of radius r and length lis placed in an gaussian surface.
uniform electric field parallel to the axis of the (c) Gauss theorem can be applied to non-uniform electi
cylinder. The total flux for the surface of the cylinder field.
is given by CBSE SQP 2021-22
(d) The electric field over the gaussian surface remans
continuous and uniform at every pont.
Electric Charges and Fields 19

The magnitude of electric field due to a point Reason Gauss's theorem cannot be applied for any
2q at distance r is E. Then, the magnitude of charge type of charge distribution.
electric
field due to a uniformly charged thin sphere shell of Very Short Answer Questions
radius R with total charge q at a distance(r>> R)
10. How does the electric flux due to a point charge
will be
CBSE 2022 (Term-I) enclosed by a spherical Gaussian surface get affected
when itsS radius is increased? Delhi 2016
a) (b) 0 (c) 2E (d) 4E
4
11 What is the electric flux through a cube of side 1 cm
All India 2015
sA square sheet of side a is lying parallel to XY-plane which encloses an electric dipoBe?
at z = a. The electric field in the region is E = cz k.
12 What is the flux due to electric field E =3x10 iNC-l
The electric flux through the sheet is CBSE 2022
(Term-) through asquare of side 10 cm, when it is held normal
1 All India 2015C
(a) ac to E ?
(6)-a'c
1 13. Two charges of magnitudes -20 and + O are located at
(c)-ac
3
(d) 0 points (a, 0) and (4a, 0), respectively. What is the
electric flux due to these charges through a sphere of
6. A charge q is placed at the point of intersection of radius 3a with its centre at the origin? All India 2013
body diagonals of a cube. The electric flux passing
through any one of its face is CBSE SQP 2019-20 14. A charge q is placed at the centre of a cube of sidel.
What is the electric flux passing through each face of
(a) (b) 29 (c)g (d)9 the cube? All India 2010; Foreign 2010
680 3[0
15. Figure shows three point charges, +2g, -g and +3q.
7 The electric flux through a closed Gaussian surface Two charges +2g and -q are enclosed within a surface
depends upon Delhi 2020 S. What is the electric flux due to this configuration
through the surface S? Delhi 2010
(a) net charge enclosed and permitivity of the medium
(b) net charge enclosed, permittivity of the medium and
the size of the Gaussian surface
S
(c) net charge enclosed only +2g
(d) permittivity of the medium only +3g

Assertion-Reason Questions
Directions (Q. Nos. 8-9) In the following questions, two
statements are given- one labelled Assertion (A)and the 2 Marks Questions
other labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to
46 Given a uniform electric field E=5x10° NG 1.
these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given Find the flux of this field through a square of side 10
below cm whose plane is parallel to the YZ-plane. What
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason would be the flux through the same square if the plane
is the correct explanation of Assertion. makes an angle of 30° with the X-axis? Delhi 2014
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason
17 Given a uniform electricfield E-2x10 i NC1 Find
is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) IfASsertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
the flux of this field through a square of side 20 cm
whose plane is parallel to the YZ-plane. What would
(d) Ifboth Assertion and Reason are incorrect. be the flux through the same square if the plane
field
8, Assertion In a region, where uniform electric makes an angle of 30° with the X-axis? Foreign 2014
exists, the net charge within volume Tf any size is
18 Given a uniform electric field E = 4x10 îNC, Find
zero.
the flux of this field through a square of side 5 cm
Reason The electric flux within any closed surface in whose plane is parallel to the YZ-plane. What would be
region of uniform electric field is zero. the flux through the same square if the plane makes an
9. Assertion With the help of Gauss's theorenm, we can angle of 30° with the X-axis? Delhi 2014C
find electric field at any point.
20
Chapterwise CBSE Solved Papers: PHYSICS

19. Asphere S, of radius ; cncloses a net charge Q. 24. A hollowconducting sphere of inner radius r and
lf there is another concentric sphere S, of radius outer radius r, has a charge Q on its surface. A point
nG>) enclosing charge 2Q. Find the ratio of the charge - g is also placed at the centre of the sphere.
clectrie tlux through S, and S,. How will the electric (i) What is the surface charge density on the (a) inner
flux through sphere S, change ifa medium of and (b) outer surface of the sphere?
dielectric constant K is introduced in the space inside (ii) Use Gauss's law of electrostatics to obtain the
S, inplace of air? All lndia 2014 expression for the electric field at a point lying
2Q" outside the sphere. All India 2020
25. (i) An infinitely long thin straight wire has a uniform
linear chårge density .. Obtain the expression for
the electric field E at a point lying at a distance x
from the wire by using Gauss' law.
(ii) Show graphically the variation of this electric
20. A thin straight infinitely long conducting wire having field E as a function of distance x from the wire.
linear charge density 2 is enclosed by a cylindrical All India 2020
surface of radius r and length l, its axis coinciding 26. A point charge +0 is placed at the centre O of an
with the length of the wire. Find the expression for the uncharged hollow spherical conductor of inner radius
electric flux through the surface of the cylinder.
All India 2011 aand outer radius b. Find the following
21. Show that the electric field at the surface of acharged (i) The magnitude and sign of the charge induced on
the inner and outer surface of the conducting shell.
spherical conducting shell is given by E =. -n, where (iil) The magnitude of electric field vector at a distance
o is the surface charge density and ñ is a unit vector (a) r=and (b) r=26, from the centre of the
normal to the surface in the outward direction.
shell. CBSE SOP 2018-19
All India 2010
22. Consider two hollow concentric spheres S, and S,
enclosing charges 20 and 4Q respectively as shown in
the figure. (i) Find out the ratio of the electric flux
through them. (ii) How will the electric flux through
the spheres S, change if a medium of dielectric
constant [, is introduced in the space inside S, in
place of air? Deduce the necessary expression. 27. Two large charged plane sheets of charge densities ¡
Foreign 2010 and -2o C/m are arranged vertically with a
4Q separation of d between them. Deduce expressions for
the electric field at points (i) to the left of the first
sheet (ii) to the right of the second sheet and (iii)
20) Sz between the two sheets. All India 2019
28. A spherical conducting shell of inner radius r and
outer radius r, has a charge 0.
i) A charge q is placed at the centre of the shell. Find
3 Marks Questions out the surface charge density on the inner and
23. State Gauss's law on electrostatics and derive an outer surfaces of the shell.
expression for the electric field due to a long straight (ii) Is the electric field inside a cavity (with no
thin uniformly charged wire (linear charge density 2) charge) zero independent of the fact whether the
at a point lying at adistance r from the wire. Delhi 2020 shell is spherical or not? Explain. All India 2019
Electric Charges and Fields
21

29. Define electric flux and write its SI

fieldconmponents in the figure shownunit. The electric
are E, =x,
Find
(i) net flux through the cylinder.
E, =0, E, =0, where a 100N Calculate the charge (ii) charge enclosed by the cylinder. Delhi 2013
Cm
within the cube, assuming a =0.1 m. 33. (i) State Gauss' law.
CBSE 2018C
(ii) A thin straight inifintely long conducting wire of
E linear charge density 2 is enclosed by a cylindrical
surface of radius r and length I. Its axis coinciding
with the length of the wire. Obtain the expression
for the electric field indicating its direction at a
point on the surface of the cylinder. Delhi 2012
30. A thin metallic spherical shell of 34. State Gauss' law in electrostatics. A cube with each
radius R carries a
charge Qon its surface. A point charge Q/2 is placed side a is kept in an electric field given by E = Cxi as
at its centre C and an shown in the figure, where Cis a positive dimensional
other charge +2 0 is placed
outside the shell at a distance x from the centre as constant. Find out
shown in the figure.

X
4-a-a

Find (i) the net electric flux through the cube.

(i)) the force on the charge at the centre of shell and at (ii) the net charge inside the cube. Foreign 2012
the point A. 35. Using Gauss' law obtain the expression for the electric
(ii)) the electric flux through the shell. All India 2015 field due to uniformly charged spherical shell of radius
31. Two infinitely large plane Rat a point outside the shell. Draw a graph showing
the variation of electric field with r, for r> R and
thin parallel sheets having + r<R. All India 2011
surface charge densities o +
+
+ +

and o,(o, >oz) are shown +

III 5 Marks Questions
in the figure. Write the
magnitudes and directions B
36. (i) Use Gauss' law to obtain an expression for the
of the net fields in the electric field due to an infinitely long thin straight
regions marked II and III. wire with uniform linear charge density ..
Foreign 2014
(ii) An infinitely long positively charged straight wire
KEYidea has a linear charge density . An electron is
In case of two thin parallel plane sheets with different revolving in a circle with a constant speed v such
surface charge densities, flux will be multiplied by area of that the wire passes through the centre, and is
each faces of Gaussian cylinder with electric field. perpendicular to the plane, of the circle. Find the
kinetic energy of the electron in terms of
32. A hollow cylindrical box of magnitudes of its charge and linear charge density
length 1 m and area of A on the wire.
cross-section 25 cm is
x (ii) Draw a graph of kinetic energy as a function of
placed inathree-dimensional linear charge density h. CBSE 2023
coordinate system as shown
37. (i) Define electric flux and write its SI Unit.
in the figure. The electric
field in the region is given by E =50 xi, where E is in (ii) Use Gauss' law to obtain the expression for the
NC and x is in metre. electric field due to a uniformly charged infinite
plane sheet.
(ii) A cube of side L is kept in space as shown in the (ii) If the point charge is now moved to a distance d
figure. An electric field E=(4x + B)i N exists is from the centre of the square and the side of the
square is doubled, explain how the electric flux
the region. Find the net charge enclosed by the will be affected. CBSE 2018
cube.
A1 i) UseGauss' law to derive the expression for the
electric field (E)due toa straight uniformly
charged infinite line of charge density C/m.
(ii) Drawa graph to show the variation of Ewith
perpendicular distance r from the line of charge.
(iii) Find the work done in bringing a charge q from
X perpendicular distance to r, (r>h). CBSE 2018

CBSE 2023
A2 ) Use Gauss' theorem to find the electric field due
to a uniformly charged infinitely large plane thin
22 () State Gauss law in electrostatics. Show that with sheet with surface charge density o.
help of suitable figure that outward flux due to a (i) An infinitely large thin plane sheet has a uniform
point charge , in vacuum within gaussian surface charge density +o. Obtain the expression
surface, is independent of its size and shape. for the amount of work done in bringing a point
(ii) In the figure there are three charge q from infinity toa point of distant r in front
26 -26
infinite long thin sheets having of the charged plane sheet. All India 2017
surface charge density (i) An electric dipole of dipole moment p consists of
+26, -2s and + o respectively. A C D
43.
Give the magnitude and point charges +q and -q separated by a distance 2a
direction of electric field at a apart. Deduce the expression for the electric field
point to the left of sheet of E due to the dipole at a distance x from the centre
charge density +2o and to the right of sheet of of the dipole on its axial line in terms of the dipole
charge density + o. CBSE SQP 2020-21
moment [Link],show that in the limit
(i) Using Gauss' law derive expression for intensity x>> a,E2p/(4e gx).
39.
of electric field at any point near the infinitely (ii) Given the electric field in the region E 2xi, find
long straight uniformly charged wire. the net electric flux through the cube and the
(ii) The electric field components in the following charge enclosed by it. All India 2015; Delhi 2015
figure are E, =ax, E, =0, E, =0; in which
a =400N/Cm. Calculate (a) the electric flux
through the cube, and (b) the charge within the
cube assume that a =0.l m. CBSE SQP 2019-2020
X

X (i) Define electric flux. Write its SI unit.

a
44. Gauss' law
in electrostatics is trçe for any closed
surface, no
matter what its shape or size is. Justify this
40 ) Define electric flux. Is it a scalar or a vector statement with the help of a suitable example.
quantity? (ii) Use Gauss' law to prove that the electric field
A point charge q is at a inside a uniformly charged spherical shell is zero.
distance of d/2 directly above d/2
Delhi 2015
the centre of a square of side d /d
as shown in the figure. Use AE () Deduce the expression for the torque
acting on a
Gauss' law to obtain the dipole of dipole moment p in the presence of
expression for the electric flux uniform electric field E.
through the square. (ii) Consider two hollow concentric spheres S and S,
enclosing charges 20and40 respectively as
Electric Charges and Fields
23

shown in the figure (a) find out the ratio of

electric flux through them. (b) How will thethe Faraday cages act as big hollow conductors you can
electric flux through the sphere S, changes if a put things in to shield them from electrical fields. Any
medium of dielectric L is introduced in the electricalshocks the cage receives,pass harmlessly
inside S, in place of air? Deduce the space around the outside of the cage. CBSE SQP 2020-21

expression? necessary
All India 2014

S S

46. Using Gauss' law, deduce the expression for the electric
field due to a uniformly charged spherical conducting (i) Which of the following material can be used to
shell of radius R at a point make a Faraday cage? (1)
(i)) outside the shell (ii) inside the shell. (a) Plastic (b) Glass
4oYCopper (d) Wood
Plot a graph showing variation of electric field as a
function of r>R and r<R. (ii) Example of a real-word Faraday cage is (1)
(r being the distance from the centre of the shell) fa car (b) Plastic box
AllIndia 2013 (c) lightning rod (d) metal rod
(iii) What is the electrical force inside a Faraday cage
47. (i)) Define electric flux. Write its SI unit. when it is struck by lightning? (1)
(ii) Using Gauss' law prove that the electric field at a (a) The same as the lightning
point due to a uniformly charged infinite plane (b) Half that of the lightning
sheet is independent of distance from it. (YZero
How is the field directed if the sheet is (d) Aquarter of the lightning
(iv) An isolated point charge + g is placed inside the
(a) positively charged? Faraday cage. Its surface must have charge equal
Delhi 2012
(b) negatively charged? to (1)
(a) Zero (b) + q
Case Based Question (4 Marks) (e-g (a) + 2q
(For Complete Chapter) (v) A point charge of 2 uC is placed at centre of
based Faraday cage in the shape of cube with surface of
Directions ([Link]. 48) This question is case studycarries 1 9 cm edge. The number of electric field lines
question
question. Attempt any 4 sub parts. Each passing through the cube normally will be (1)
mark (a) 1.91x 10°Nm Centering the surface
48. Faraday Cage (by1.91x 10Nm/Cleaving the surface
is an enclosure
A Faraday cage or Faraday shield fields within a (c) 2.25x 10°Nm'/Cleaving the surface
made ofa conducting material. The fields, so the (d) 2.25x 10° Nm/Centering the surface
conductor cancel out with any external These
electric field within the enclosure is zero.

Common questions