SECOND YEAR PHYSICS

Chapter # 12

ELECTROSTATICS
Prepared By

ZIAUDDIN SIDDIQUI
 Prepared By: Sir Ziauddin Siddiqui
Chapter # 12

ELECTROSTATICS
ELECTROSTATICS
The branch of physics which deals with the study of the properties
and effect of the charges at rest is called electrostatics.
ELECTRIC CHARGE
When a substance is rubbed with a suitable substance, it acquires the
peculiar property due to which it starts attracting the light objects
with a force which is entirely different from the gravitational and
magnetic force, this property is known as electric charge.
Coulomb’s Law
In 1785, Charles Augustine de Coulomb calculated the magnitude of the force
acting between the two charges using torsion balance.
statement
The electrostatic force between two-point charges is directly
proportional to the product of the magnitude of the charges and
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Mathematical Expression

Consider two-point charges ‘q1’ and ‘q2’ which are ‘r’ distance apart. If the
electrostatic force between them is ‘F’, then according to coulomb’s law:
F ∝ q1 q2 _____________ (i)
1
And F∝ _____________ (ii)
r2

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Combining eq. (i) and eq. (ii)
q1 q2
F∝
r2
q1 q2
⟹ F = (Constant)
r2
K q1 q2
⟹ F= _____________ (iii)
r2

Where ‘K’ is the constant of proportionality, and its value is calculated by the
following formula:
1
K=
4π∈
Where,
∈ = Permittivity of medium
For Air (Free Space):
1
K=
4π∈o
K = 9.0 x 109 Nm2/C
Where,
∈o = 8.854 x 10-12 = Permittivity of the free space
Now eq. (iii) can be written as:
1 q q
F = × 12 2 _____________ (iv)
4π∈ r

If ∈r is the relative permittivity of the medium, then

∈
∈r = ∈o
∈o
⟹ ∈ = ∈o ∈r

Now eq. (iii) can be written as:

1 q q
F = × 12 2 _____________ (v)
4π∈o ∈r r

For air, ∈r = 1

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Vector form:
⃗ = F × r̂
F
q q
⃗F = ( 1 × 12 2) × r̂
4π∈o ∈r r

Electric Field
The modified space around a charge in which other charges
experience the force of electric nature is called electric field of that
charge.
Electric Intensity
The strength of electric field is called electric intensity.
‘OR’
Force per unit charge is called electric intensity.
‘OR’
The force experienced by the unit charge at a point in an electric field
is called electric intensity at that point.
Formula
Force
Electric Intensity =
Charge
F
⟹ E=
qo

Unit
The unit of electric intensity is N/C or Vm-1.
Quantity
Electric intensity is a vector quantity, and it is directed in the direction of the
motion of the test charge.
Representation of Electric Field

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Electric field around the charge is represented by the electric lines of force. These
electric lines of force originate from the positive charge and terminate on the
negative charge.

Electric Lines of Force

The trajectory of the positive test charge is an electric field, is called
electric lines of forces.
‘OR’
Such curve lines which is drawn in such a way that the direction of
tangent at any point on the line is same as that of the electric
intensity at that point, is called electric lines of force.

Electric Flux

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The total number of electric lines of forces passing through any
surface perpendicularly is called electric flux of that surface.
‘OR’
The dot product of electric intensity and the vector area of the surface
is called electric flux.

Formula
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆∅ = E ∆A
∆∅ = E ∆A cos θ (0 ≤ θ ≤ π)
Special Cases
1. Case 1:
If θ = 0°, then electric flux is maximum.
2. Case 2:
If θ = 90°, then electric flux is minimum.
3. Case 3:
If θ < 90°, then electric flux is positive.
4. Case 4:
If θ > 90°, then electric flux is negative.

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Electric intensity at a point near an isolated point charge ‘q’

q
r

q0
Consider a test charge ‘qo’ which is placed at a distance ‘r’ from an isolated point
charge ‘q’
According to Coulomb’s law,
K (q qo )
F=
r2
By the definition of electric intensity
F
E=
qo
K (q qo )
r2
⟹ E=
qo
K (q qo )
⟹ E=
qor2
Kq
⟹ E=
r2
1 q
⟹ E= × 2
4π∈o r

Electric flux through the sphere due to the charge present at its center

Consider a sphere of radius ‘r’ in which charge ‘q’ is placed at its center. To
calculate the electric flux through the sphere, it is divided into a large number of
small straight elements. The electric flux through any element is given below:
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆A
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆∅ = E ∆A ⃗
E

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q
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⟹ ∆∅ = E ∆A cos θ
⟹ ∆∅ = E ∆A cos 0°
⟹ ∆∅ = E ∆A (1)
⟹ ∆∅ = E ∆A
The total electric flux through sphere will be equal to the sum of the individual
flux of each element.
∅ = ∑ E ∆A
⟹ ∅ = E ∑ ∆A
⟹ ∅ = E × (Sum of area of each element)
⟹ ∅ = E × (Surface area of the sphere)
⟹ ∅ = E × 4πr2 _____________ (i)

Here,
Kq
E=
r2
1 q
Or E= ×
4π∈o r2

Substituting the above value in eq. (i)

1 q
Eq. (i) ⟹ ∅= ×
2
× 4πr
4π∈o r2
q
⟹ ∅=
∈o
Total charge enclosed
⟹ ∅=
∈o

Or ⟹ ∅ = Total no. of electric lines of force generated by charge q

Gaussian Surface
Any hypothetical closed surface is called Gaussian surface.

Gauss’s Law
Statement

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The total electric flux through the Gaussian surface is always equal to
the total charge enclosed divided by.

Proof
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆A
⃗
E
θ

Consider a Gaussian surface in which charge ‘q’ is enclosed. To calculate the

electric flux through the Gaussian surface, it is divided into large no. of small
straight elements. The electric flux through each element will be:
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆∅ = ∑ E ∆A _____________ (i)
q
⟹ ∅=
∈o

Or ⟹ ∅ = Total no. of electric lines of force generated by charge q

If q1, q2, q3, ……, qn charges are enclosed by the closed surface and the electric flux
due to these charges is (∅1 , ∅2 , ∅3 , ……, ∅n ) then the total electric flux through
the Gaussian surface is given below:
∅ = ∅1 + ∅2 + ∅3 + …… + ∅n
q1 q2 q3 qn
⟹ ∅= + + + …… +
∈o ∈o ∈o ∈o
q1 + q2 + q3 + ..… + qn
⟹ ∅=
∈o
∑q
⟹ ∅=
∈o
Total charge enclosed
⟹ ∅ =
∈o

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Applications of Gauss’s Law

[Link] intensity at a point due to the
charged shell
q ++++++
+++++++++
++++++++++
+ + + + + + + +a+ + +
++++++++++
+++++++++
++++++

Consider a spherical shell of radius ‘a’ in which charge ‘q’ is uniformly

distributed. It must be remembered that the charge resides on the surface of
the sphere.

Case 01
When point is outside the shell at a distance ‘r’ from the center of the
sphere

Consider a sphere of radius ‘r’ which is concentric to the P

charged shell and the point ‘p’ is on the Gaussian surface.
+++
The total electric flux through this Gaussian surface is given +++++
r
by: ++++

∅ = ∑ E ∆A
⟹ ∅ = E ∑ ∆A
⟹ ∅ = E × 4πr2 _____________ (i)
Applying Gauss’s law:
q
∅= _____________ (ii)
∈o
Comparing eq. (i) and eq. (ii)

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q
E × 4πr2 =
∈o
1 q
⟹ E = × 2 _____________ (iii)
4π∈o r

Case 02
When point is on the charged shell
In this case:
r=a
1 q
∴ Eq. (iii) ⟹ E = × 2 _____________ (iv)
4π∈o a
Since,
Charge per unit area is called charge density.
Therefore
q
𝜎=
4πa2
⟹ q = 𝜎 × 4πa2
Substituting the above value in eq. (iv)
1 𝜎 × 4πa2
∴ Eq. (iv) ⟹ E = ×
4π∈o a2
𝜎
⟹ E= _____________ (v)
∈o

Case 03
When point is inside the charged shell
q
Consider the spherical Gaussian surface of radius ‘r’ such
P
that the point ‘p’ is on the Gaussian surface inside the
charged shell.
O r
The total electric flux through the Gaussian surface is given
by:

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∅ = ∑ E ∆A
⟹ ∅ = E ∑ ∆A
⟹ ∅ = E × 4πr2 _____________ (vi)
Applying Gauss’s law:
q
∅= _____________ (vii)
∈o
Comparing eq. (vi) and eq. (vii)
q
E × 4πr2 =
∈o
0
⟹ E × 4πr2 = (∵ q is outside the gaussian surface)
∈o
⟹ E × 4πr2 = 0
⟹ E = 0

2. Electric intensity at a point due to the charged

sheets
Suppositions
1. The distribution of the charges over the sheet should be uniform.
2. The area of the sheet should be large.
3. The point at which electric intensity is to be determined must be very close
to the charged sheet.

Considerations

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆A ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆A
⃗
E ⃗
E
P’ P

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Consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface, which is piercing through the charged
sheet in such a way that the end faces of the cylinder become parallel to the
sheet. This cylindrical surface is divided into three elements whose individual
electric flux will be:
At point P:
∆∅ at P = E ∆A cos θ
⟹ ∆∅ at P = E ∆A cos 0°
⟹ ∆∅ at P = E ∆A (1)
⟹ ∆∅ at P = E ∆A
At point P’:
∆∅ at P’ = E ∆A cos θ
⟹ ∆∅ at P’ = E ∆A cos 0°
⟹ ∆∅ at P’ = E ∆A (1)
⟹ ∆∅ at P’ = E ∆A
At curved surface:
∆∅ at curved surface = E ∆A cos θ
⟹ ∆∅ at curved surface = E ∆A cos 90°
⟹ ∆∅ at curved surface = E ∆A (0)
⟹ ∆∅ at curved surface = 0
Now, the total electric flux is:
∅ = ∆∅at P + ∆∅at P′ + ∆∅at curved surface
⟹ ∅ = E ∆A + E ∆A + 0
⟹ ∅ = 2E ∆A _____________ (i)
Applying Gauss’s law:
q
∅= _____________ (ii)
∈o
Comparing eq. (i) and eq. (ii)

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q
2E ∆A =
∈o
q 1
⟹ E = ×
∆A 2∈o
Here
q
=𝜎
∆A
1
⟹ E =𝜎×
2∈o
𝜎
⟹ E= _____________ (iii)
2∈o

3. Electric intensity at a point between two oppositely charged plates

E1 E2

Consider two oppositely charged parallel sheets in which equal number of

charges are uniformly distributed. If ‘E1’ is the electric intensity due to the
positive charged sheet and ‘E2’ is the electric intensity due to the negative
charged sheet, then
𝜎
E1 =
2∈o
𝜎
E2 =
2∈o
Since ‘E1’ and ‘E2’ are directed towards the negative plate from the positive
plate therefore the total electric intensity E is given by:
E = E1 + E2

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𝜎 𝜎
⟹ E= +
2∈o 2∈o
2𝜎
⟹ E=
2∈o
𝜎
⟹ E=
∈o

Electric potential ‘OR’ Potential difference

The dot product between electric intensity and the displacement is
called potential difference.
‘OR’
The change in potential energy per unit charge is called potential
difference.
‘OR’
The amount of work done on a unit charge in displacing it from one
point to another point against the electric intensity in an electric field
is called potential difference between two points.
Derivation E cos
θ P
θ
A ⃗
E
B ⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆r

Q
Consider an arbitrary path PQ in an electric field. To calculate the work done from
the point P to the point Q, this path is divided into large number of small
elements. Each element is so small that the value of electric intensity within the
element is almost constant.
Consider two points A and B on an arbitrary path, which are at the distance ∆r
from each other. The work done between these two points is given by:
WA→B = F∆r cos θ
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Since,
F
E=
qo
Or F = qo × E
Therefore
WA→B = (qo × E)∆r cos θ
⟹ WA→B = qo (E ∆r cos θ )
⟹ WA→B = qo (E ⃗⃗⃗⃗ )
⃗ . ∆r
This process is repeated from point ‘P’ to the point ‘Q’ in such a way that the test
charge remains in electron static equilibrium.
Hence,
Q
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
WA→B = ∑ P qo (E ∆r )
Q
⟹ ⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
WA→B = qo ∑ P(E ∆r ) _____________ (i)

The above work is stored in the charge as its P.E. therefore the change in
potential energy between the points P and Q will be:
Q
∆U = qo ∑ P(E ⃗⃗⃗
⃗ . ∆r )
∆U Q
= ∑ P(E ⃗⃗⃗
⃗ . ∆r ) _____________ (ii)
qo
Here,
∆U UQ − UP
= = ∆V = VQ − VP
qo qo
Q
∴ Eq. (ii) ⟹ ∆V = ∑ P(E ⃗⃗⃗ )
⃗ . ∆r

Absolute Electric Potential

The work done on unit charge is displacing it from the point at infinity
to the point in an electric field is called absolute electric potential.

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Electric potential at a point near an isolated point charge

r ∆r
B N N–1 4 3 2 1 A
q ⃗
E
rB
rN
rN – 1

r4

r3
r2
r1
rA

Consider two points A and B on straight line near an isolated point charge ‘q’
which are at a distance ‘rA’ and ‘rB’ ’ from the charge ‘q’ respectively. The value of
electric intensity is varying from point to point between A and B. The distance
between A and B is divided into large number of small elements. Each element is
so small that the value of electric intensity is nearly constant within the element.
The potential difference between the points ‘A’ and ‘1’ is given by:
⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆V1 = E ∆r
⟹ ∆V1 = E ∆r cos θ
⟹ ∆V1 = E ∆r cos 180°
⟹ ∆V1 = E ∆r cos (−1)
⟹ ∆V1 = −E ∆r _____________ (i)

Where,

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∆r = rA − rB
And
Kq
E=
r2
Where ‘r’ is the average distance from the point charge ‘q’. This is average
distance between ‘r1’ and ‘rA’ and can be calculated by considering as geometrical
mean between them.
i.e.
r = √rA r1
⟹ r 2 = rA r1
Kq
∴ E=
rA r1
Substituting the value of E and ∆r in eq. (i)
Kq
∴ Eq. (i) ⟹ ∆V1 = − (
rA r1
) (rA − r1 )
−rA r
⟹ ∆V1 = K q ( + 1 )
rA r1 rA r1
−1 1
⟹ ∆V1 = K q ( + )
r1 rA
1 1
⟹ ∆V1 = K q ( − )
rA r1
Similarly,
1 1
∆V2 = K q ( − )
r1 r2
1 1
∆V3 = K q ( − )
r2 r3
⋮ ⋮
1 1
∆VN − 1 = K q ( − )
rN − 1 rN
1 1
∆VN = K q ( − )
rN rB

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For the total potential difference between the points A and B, electric potential of
each element is added.
∴ ∆V = ∆V1 + ∆V2 + ∆V3 + …… + ∆VN – 1 + ∆VN

1 1 1 1 1 1
⟹ ∆V = K q ( − ) + K q( − ) + K q( − )+...
rA r1 r1 r2 r2 r3
1 1 1 1
+ K q( − ) + K q( − )
rN − 1 rN rN rB
1 1 1 1 1 1
⟹ ∆V = K q {( − ) +( − ) +( − ) + … +
rA r1 r1 r2 r2 r3
1 1 1 1
(r −
r
) + ( r − r )}
N−1 N N B
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
⟹ ∆V = K q ( r −
r1
+
r1
−
r2
+
r2
−
r3
+⋯+
rN − 1
−
rN
+
rN
−
rB
)
A
1 1
⟹ ∆V = K q ( − )
rA rB
Here,
∆V = VB − VA
1 1
∴ VB − VA = K q ( − )
rA rB
If the point A is at infinite distance away from the charge q then:
rA = ∞ and VA = 0
1 1
∴ VB − 0 = K q ( − )
∞ rB
1
⟹ VB = K q (0 − )
rB
−K q
⟹ VB =
rB
Put rB = r and VB = V
−K q
V=
r

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1 q
⟹ V=− ×
4π∈o r

Equipotential Surfaces
The surface on which the value of electric potential is same at any
point is called equipotential surface.
1. The magnitude of work done is zero on the equipotential surface.
2. Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to the electric lines of forces.
3. Equipotential surfaces never cut each other.

Relation between E and ∆V

b
a B
qo ∆S

Consider an arbitrary path AB in an electric field. Let the two points a and b on the
arbitrary path which have ∆S distance them. The work done from point a to point
b on the test charge ‘qo’ by the field is given by:
∆W = −F∆S
Here,
F
E=
qo
⟹ F = E qo
∴ ∆W = −(E qo )∆S
∆W
⟹ = −E ∆S
qo

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Since,
∆V = −E ∆S
∆V
⟹ E=−
∆S

Potential Gradient
The change of electric potential with respect to displacement is called
potential gradient.
Formula
∆V
Potential gradient =
∆S
When the charge covers the displacement in the direction other than electric field
then electric intensity will be:
∆V
E cos θ = −
∆S
When the charge covers the displacement in space then the electric intensity can
be calculated by the following formulae:
∆V
EX = −
∆X
∆V
Ey = −
∆Y
∆V
EZ = −
∆Z

Electron Volt
The K.E. required by an electron due to the potential difference of one
volt is called one electron volt.
Here,
WA→B = F ∆S _____________ (i)

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Since,
F
E=
qo
⟹ F = E qo
∴ Eq. (i) ⟹ WA→B = (E qo ) ∆S
⟹ WA→B = qo (E ∆S )
⟹ WA→B = qo (∆V) (∵ ∆V = E ∆S)
⟹ P. E = qo (∆V)
When charges is released then
K. E = qo (∆V)
If qo is an electron which has one quantum of charge and ∆V is one volt
then the unit of K.E. is called one electron volt.
i.e.
1 eV = (1 quantum of charge)(1 volt)
⟹ 1 eV = (1.6 × 10-19 C)(1 V)
⟹ 1 eV = 1.6 × 10−19 J

Capacitor
Capacitor is that device in which electric charges are stored.
For an isolated conductor, the number of electric charges stored in that conductor
is directly proportional to the potential difference.
i.e.
Electric charges ∝ Potential difference
⟹ q∝V
⟹ q = (constant) V
⟹ q = CV
Where ‘C’ is known as capacitance.

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Principle of Capacitance
The potential of a conductor is greatly reduced without affecting the charge in it
by placing another an oppositely charged conductor in its neighborhood.

Capacitance
The ratio between the electric charges stored in the conductor and
the potential difference, is called capacitance.
‘OR’
The number of electric charges stored in the conductor due to the
potential difference of one volt is called capacitance.
Unit
Its unit is ‘Farad (f)’.
 1 µf = 10-6 f
-12
 1 pf = 10 f = µµf

Dependence
q
C=
V
For spherical conductor,
q
C= 1 q
( × )
4π∈o r

⟹ C = (4π ∈o ) × r
The capacitance of the conductor depends upon the size and shape of the
conductor.
Parallel Plates Capacitor
Construction
q q

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+
A A
−
 Prepared By: Sir Ziauddin Siddiqui

Parallel plates capacitor consists of two metal plates. One plate is connected to
the positive terminal of the battery and the other is connected to the negative
terminal of the battery. The medium placed between the plates of the
capacitor is called ‘di-electric’.
Derivation
Consider a parallel plate capacitance in which the area of both the plates is ‘A’
and these plates are placed ‘d’ distance away from each other.
For electric intensity, applying Gauss’s law:
𝜎
E=
∈o
Using the relation between potential difference and electric intensity:
V=Ed
𝜎
⟹ V=( )d
∈o
𝜎d
⟹ V=
∈o
By the definition of charge density:
q
𝜎=
A
⟹ q=𝜎A
By the definition of capacitance:
q
Co =
V
Substituting the values of ‘q’ and ‘V’ in the above equation:

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𝜎A
Co = 𝜎d
∈o

A∈o
⟹ Co = _____________ (i)
d

When dielectric is completely filled between the plates

If an insulating material is placed between the plates of the capacitor whose
relative permittivity is ‘∈r ’ then the capacitance of the capacitor is given by:
∈o ∈r A
C= _____________ (ii)
d
From eq. (ii), it is concluded that the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is
directly proportional to the area of the plate and the medium between the
plates while inversely proportional to the distance between the plates.
Dividing eq. (ii) by eq. (i)
∈o ∈r A
C d
= A∈o
Co
d
C ∈o ∈r A d
⟹ =
Co A ∈o d
C
⟹ = ∈r
Co
⟹ C = ∈r Co

When dielectric is partially filled between the plates

When the dielectric of thickness ‘t’ is placed between the plates of the
capacitor then it occupies the partial space between the plates of the
capacitor. If ‘∈r ’ is the permittivity of the dielectric, then the capacitance of
capacitor is given by:
∈o A
C′ = t
(
∈r ) + (d − t)
Where,
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C’ = Capacitance
(d − t) = Thickness of sir between the plates
Combination of Capacitors
[Link] Combination
When two or more capacitors are connected such that, the equal charges are
stored in each capacitor, is called series combination.
Circuit Diagram C1 C2 C3
a b c d

V1 V2 V3

+ –
V
Consideration
Consider three capacitors C1, C2 and C3 which are connected in series
combination. This combination is connected to a battery of potential
difference ‘V’.
Derivation
Due to series combination,
V = V1 + V2 + V 3 _____________ (i)

By the definition of capacitance,

q = CV
q
V=
C
q
∴ V1 =
C1
q
V2 =
C2
q
V3 =
C3

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Substituting the above values in eq. (i)
q q q q
= + +
C C1 C2 C3
q 1 1 1
⟹ = q( + + )
C C1 C2 C3
1 1 1 1
⟹ = + +
C C1 C2 C3

Generalization
1 1 1 1 1
= + + + ⋯+
C C1 C2 C3 CN

Conclusion
The reciprocal of equivalent capacitance is always equal to the sum of
reciprocal of the capacitance of each capacitor.
Properties
1. The equivalent capacitance is less than the least value of the individual
capacitance.
2. Potential difference across each capacitor is different.
3. Equal number of charges are stored in each capacitor.

2. Parallel Combination
When two or more capacitors are connected such that the potential difference
between each capacitor remains same, is called parallel combination.
Circuit Diagram
q1 C1

a q2 C2 b

q3 C3

+ –
V
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Consideration
Consider three capacitors C1, C2 and C3 which are connected in parallel
combination. This combination is connected to a battery of potential
difference ‘V’.

Derivation
Due to parallel combination,
q = q1 + q2 + q3 _____________ (i)

By the definition of capacitance,

q = CV
∴ q1 = C1 V
q 2 = C2 V
q 3 = C3 V
Substituting the above values in eq. (i)
CV = C1 V + C2 V + C3 V
⟹ CV = V(C1 + C2 + C3 )
⟹ C = C1 + C2 + C3

Generalization
C = C1 + C2 + C3 + ⋯ + CN
Conclusion
The equivalent capacitance is always equal to the sum of the capacitance of
each capacitor.
Properties
1. The equivalent capacitance is greater than the greatest value of the
individual capacitance.
2. Potential difference across each capacitor remains same.
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3. Different number of charges are stored in each capacitor.
Effect of dielectric on Capacitance
When dielectric is placed between the plates of the capacitor then the portion
which is close to the negative charge plate becomes positively charged and that
portion which is close to the positive plate becomes negatively charged. In this
way, plates are generated at the dielectric, this phenomenon is known as
polarization.
Due to the polarization of the dielectric, potential difference between the plates
is decreased. When this capacitor is connected to the battery of high voltage then
more charges are stored in the capacitor. Hence the capacitance of the capacitor
increases.
Types of capacitors
1. Multiplate capacitors

A multiplate capacitor consisting of large number of plates each of large area is

designed to have large capacitance. When N plates are used there are (N – 1)
individual capacitors in parallel. In high grade capacitors, mica is used as
dielectric.
Inexpensive capacitors of capacitance up to 10 µf are usually made of
alternate layers of tin or aluminum foil and waxed paper. These are frequently
wound into rolls under pressure and sealed into moisture resisting metal
container.
2. Variable capacitors

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A variable capacitor of the kind used for tunning radio sets.

It consists of two sets of semi-circular aluminum or brass plates separated by
air. One set of plates is fixed and the other is rotated by a knob to alter the
effective area of the plates.
3. Electrolytic Capacitors

Capacitors of large capacitance up to 1000 µf are made by using a very thin

insulating layer of aluminum oxide.
It consists of two sheets of aluminum equally separated by Muslin soaked in a
special solution of ammonium borate. These are rolled up and sealed in an
insulating container. Wires attached to the foil strips are then connected to an
electric battery and a highly insulating thin film of aluminum oxide forms on
the positive foil. A capacitor is thus formed in which the oxide film acts as the
dielectric. Owing to the extreme thinness of the film, very large capacitances
which take up very little space may be obtained. This type of capacitor is used
such that the oxide-covered foil never become negative with respect to other
foil and positive and negative terminals are marked.

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MCQs
1. The force between two charged particles is inversely proportional to the:
a) Coulomb constant b) Product of charges
c) Square of the distance between them d) Masses of charges
2. Coulomb’s Law closely resembles:
a) Newton’s second law of motion b) Newton’s third law of motion
c) Newton’s gravitational law d) The law of conservation of energy
3. The magnitude of electrostatic force is F and separation between the charges is doubled
then the electrostatic force would be:
a) 2F b) ½ F
c) 4F d) ¼ F
4. The force per unit charge:
a) Electric field b) Electric Flux
c) Electric Potential d) Electric Intensity
5. The force between two similar unit charges placed one meter apart in air in Newton is:
a) Zero b) 1
9
c) 9 x 10 d) None of these
6. He magnitude of Coulomb’s force will be:
a) Maximum in free space b) Maximum in other medium
c) Same in free space and other medium d) None of these is correct
7. If the medium between the charges is other than air or space, than the electrostatic
force will:
a) Not change b) Increase
c) Decrease d) Be zero
8. The magnitude of electrostatic force does not depend upon:
a) Magnitude of the charges b) Medium between the charges
c) Distance between the charges d) Nature of the charges
9. The magnitude of the force between two unit positive charges when the distance
between them is one meter would be:
a) 0 N b) 1.0 N
c) 2.0 N d) Coulomb’s constant
10. Unit of coulomb’s constant ‘K’ is:
a) Nm2c-2 b) NmC-2
c) Nm-2c2 d) Nm2c2

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11. Newton per coulomb is equivalent to:
a) Meter per volt b) Volt per meter
c) Volt per meter per meter d) Volt into meter
12. Joule per coulomb and volt represent the:
a) Electric flux b) Electric flux density
c) Electric flux d) Electric potential
13. The unit of electric flux density is:
a) N/C b) V/m
c) Nm2 d) A and B

14. Dielectric always __________ the electrostatic force between the two point charges:
a) Increases b) Changes
c) Decreases d) Does not change
15. What would be the distance between the equal charges of 3 μC when the coulomb’s
force between them is 9 x 10-3 N:
a) 3 cm b) 3 m
c) 9 cm d) 9 m
16. Direction of electric force and electric field intensity is:
a) Parallel to each other b) Perpendicular to each other
c) Opposite to each other d) In any direction
17. Coulomb’s Law for the two equal charges ‘q’ when they are at a distance ‘r’ is expressed
by:
a) Kq2/r b) Kq2/r2
c) Kq/r d) Kq/r2
18. The physical quantity which possesses both units, Newton per coulomb and Volt per
meter is:
a) Electric Intensity b) Electric Potential
c) Electric Flux d) Electric Force
19. Which of the following could not be the unit of electric intensity:
a) Joule per coulomb per meter b) Joule per coulomb
c) Volt per meter d) Newton per coulomb
20. Force experienced by a unit positive charge in the electric field in known as:
a) Charge density b) Electric potential
c) Electric flux d) Electric flux density
21. Which of the following pair of units is equivalent of Joule per coulomb per meter:
a) N/C and V/m b) Farad and Amp
c) Amp. And Volt d) Coulomb and Ohm
22. Electric Intensity at the center of uniformly distributed charge is:

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Kq
a) Zero b)
r2
q q
c) d)
r2 εo

23. Electric intensity between two similarly charged plane sheets is:
σ 2σ
a) b)
εo εo
σ
c) d) Zero
2εo

24. The Electric Flux through a closed surface depends upon:

a) Size of the surface
b) Shape of the surface
c) Position of charge enclosed in the surface
d) Magnitude of charge enclosed in the surface
25. Maximum outgoing Flux would be obtained when:
a) Electric lines fall parallel to the plane of surface
b) Electric lines fall antiparallel to the place of surface
c) Electric lines fall normally on of surface
d) Electric lines fall at 45° on the plane of surface
26. The Physical quantity which determines the effect of Force on charged particle in a
certain region is called:
a) Electric Intensity b) Electric Flux
c) Electric Potential d) Electric force
27. H atom has single electron and single proton each of charge ‘q’. If the radius of the first
orbit is ‘r’ then the electrostatic force between them would be:
a) –Kq2/r2 b) –Kq/r2
c) Kq/r d) Kq2/r2
28. The Flux through a surface will be minimum when angle between E and A is:
a) 90° b) 60°
c) 30° d) 0°
29. Electric field at the center of square when 1μC charge are placed at its each corner is:
a) Zero b) 2 Volt/m
c) √2 Volt /m d) 4 Volt/m
30. The electric field intensity between two oppositely charged planes is:
2σ σ
a) b)
εo 2εo
σ
c) d) Zero
εo

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31. Electric flux will be positive when the angle between E and vector area is:
a) Greater than 90° b) Less than 90°
c) 90° d) None of these
32. The electric flux through the surface of the sphere is directly proportional to the:
a) Surface area of the sphere b) Radius of the sphere
c) Charge at the center of the sphere d) (a) and (c) are correct
33. Gauss’s Law is applied to determine the:
a) Absolute potential
b) Electric intensity due to a large charge distribution
c) Electric intensity of an isolated point charge
d) Electric potential between two points in an electric field
34. One coulomb per Volt is:
a) Farad b) Tesla
c) Joule d) Ampere
35. Change in P.E. per unit charge in the electric field is:
a) Electric potential b) Power
c) K.E d) Work done
36. Electric field is a:
a) Scalar quantity b) Vector quantity
c) Conserved quantity d) None of these
37. Electric potential, which is measured with respect to the zero potential, is called:
a) Absolute electric potential b) Change in K.E.
c) An electric potential d) None of these
38. In equipotential surface work cone in moving the charged particle is:
a) Positive b) Negative
c) Zero d) Infinity
39. The change in potential energy per unit charge between two point in an electric field is
called:
a) Potential difference b) Absolute potential
c) Electric intensity d) Permittivity
40. Work done per unit charge between two point in an equal potential surface is:
a) Electric intensity b) Electric flux
c) Potential difference d) None of these
41. If capacitors are connected in such a way that their net capacitance increases then they
are connected in:
a) Complex network b) Different paths
c) A single path d) Bridge Circuit

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42. Equivalent capacitance of three 3μF capacitors connected in series is:
a) 1 μF b) 3 μF
c) 9 μF d) Zero
43. Relative permittivity of medium is the ratio of its permittivity with the:
a) Permittivity of any medium b) Permittivity of itself
c) Permittivity of free space d) Permittivity of water
44. Net capacitance of parallel capacitors:
a) Does not change b) Increases
c) Decreases d) None of these

45. Work done per unit charge against the electric field is called:
a) Electric Intensity b) Electric Potential
c) Electric Flux d) Electric Force
46. How three capacitors each of capacitance 2μF could be connected in circuit to obtain
equivalent capacitance of 3μF?
a) Two in series and one in parallel b) Two in parallel and one in series
c) In parallel combination d) In series combination
47. S. I. Unit of Relative permittivity is:
a) C2Nm2 b) Nm-2C-2
c) C2N-1m-2 d) None of these
48. If capacitors are connected in such a way that their net capacitance decreases, then
they are connected in:
a) Bridge circuit b) A single path
c) Different paths d) Complex network
49. Charge stored in a capacitor is directly proportional to the:
a) Current b) Physical conditions of capacitor
c) Potential difference d) Resistance
50. The potential difference between the pair of similar conducting plates is known. What
additional information is needed to find the electric field intensity?
a) Permittivity of the medium b) Dielectric constant
c) Separation between the plates d) Separation and area of the plates
51. The ratio between the charge stored and potential difference of a capacitor is known as:
a) Inductance b) Conductance
c) Reactance d) Capacitance
52. When two or more capacitors are connected in series then they will have:
a) Same charge b) Same capacitance
c) Same potential difference d) Same charge and same capacitance

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53. When two or more capacitors are connected in parallel then they will have:
a) Same charge b) Same capacitance
c) Same potential difference d) Same charge and same capacitance
54. A capacitor of 1.0 F will:
a) Store 1.0 C charge at the potential difference of 1.0 V
b) Discharge in 1 second when connected across a resistor of 1.0 Ω
c) Be fully charged in 1 second by a current of 1 amp
d) Block the alternating current

55. The presence of dielectric between the plates of a capacitor results in:
a) No change in capacitance b) Increase in the capacitance
c) Decrease in the capacitance d) None of these
56. The separation between the parallel plates of a capacitor is doubled then its capacitance
C will be:
a) 2C b) ½ C
c) 4C d) ¼ C
57. Capacity of a capacitor means:
a) Total potential of the capacitor
b) Surface density of charge on the plates
c) Total charge held by the capacitor
d) None of these
58. After charging the parallel plates capacitor, the battery is removed. If the separation
between the plates increases, then:
a) Capacitance decreases b) The charge on the capacitor increases
c) The voltage across the plates increases d) None of these
59. To get maximum equivalent capacitance, the capacitors must be connected in:
a) Complex combination b) Series combination
c) Parallel combination d) None of these
60. Three capacitors of 3μF of each are connected in __________ combination to get
equivalent capacitance of 1μF:
a) Complex network b) Parallel
c) Series d) None of these

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Answers

1. c 2. c 3. d 4. d 5. c

6. a 7. c 8. d 9. d 10. a

11. b 12. d 13. d 14. c 15. b

16. a 17. b 18. a 19. b 20. d

21. a 22. a 23. d 24. d 25. c

26. a 27. a 28. a 29. a 30. c

31. b 32. c 33. b 34. a 35. a

36. b 37. a 38. c 39. a 40. c

41. b 42. a 43. c 44. b 45. b

46. a 47. d 48. b 49. c 50. c

51. d 52. a 53. c 54. a 55. b

56. b 57. c 58. a 59. c 60. c

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