BANSALCLASSES

TARGET IIT JEE 2008

PHYSICS
NUCLEUS

QUESTION BANK ON
ELECTROSTATICS
 ONLY ONE OPTION IS CORRECT.
Take approx. 2 minutes for answering each question.

Q.1 Two identical conducting spheres, having charges of opposite sign, attract each other with a force of
0.108 N when separated by 0.5 m. The spheres are connected by a conducting wire, which is then
removed, and thereafter, they repel each other with a force of 0.036 N. The initial charges on the
spheres are
(A) ± 5 ×10-6 C and  15 × 10-6 C (B) ± 1.0 × 10-6 C and  3.0 × 10-6 C
-6
(C) ± 2.0 × 10 C and  6.0 × 10 C -6 (D) ± 0.5 × 10-6 C and  1.5 × 10-6 C

Q.2 A point charge 50C is located in the XY plane at the point of position vector r0  2i  3j . What is the

electric field at the point of position vector r  8i  5j
(A) 1200V/m (B) 0.04V/m (C) 900V/m (D) 4500 V/m
  
Q.3 A point charge q is placed at origin. Let E A , E B and E C be the electric field at three points
A (1, 2, 3), B (1, 1, – 1) and C (2, 2, 2) due to charge q. Then
   
[i] E A  E B [ii] | E B | = 4 | E C |
select the correct alternative
(A) only [i] is correct (B) only [ii] is correct
(C) both [i] and [ii] are correct (D) both [i] and [ii] are wrong
Q.4 Two identical point charges are placed at a separation of l. P is a point on the line joining the charges, at
a distance x from any one charge. The field at P is E. E is plotted against x for values of x from close to
zero to slightly less than l. Which of the following best represents the resulting curve?

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Q.5 A particle of mass m and charge Q is placed in an electric field E which varies with time t ass
E = E0 sint. It will undergo simple harmonic motion of amplitude
QE 02 QE 0 QE 0 QE0
(A) (B) 2 (C) (D)
m2 m m 2 m
Q.6 Four charges are arranged at the corners of a square ABCD, as shown. The
force on a +ve charge kept at the centre of the square is
(A) zero (B) along diagonal AC
(C) along diagonal BD (D) perpendicular to the side AB
Q.7 Two free positive charges 4q and q are a distance l apart. What charge Q is needed to achieve equilibrium
for the entire system and where should it be placed form charge q?
4 l 4 l
(A) Q = q (negative) at (B) Q = q (positive) at
9 3 9 3
l l
(C) Q = q (positive) at (D) Q = q (negative) at
3 3
Q.8 Six charges are placed at the corner of a regular hexagon as shown. If an electron
is placed at its centre O, force on it will be:
(A) Zero (B) Along OF
(C) Along OC (D) None of these
Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [2]
Q.9 Two identical positive charges are fixed on the y-axis, at equal distances from the origin O. A particle
with a negative charge starts on the x-axis at a large distance from O, moves along the + x-axis, passes
through O and moves far away from O. Its acceleration a is taken as positive along its direction of
motion. The particle’s acceleration a is plotted against its x-coordinate. Which of the following best
represents the plot?

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Q.10 Four equal positive charges are fixed at the vertices of a square of side L. Z-axis is perpendicular to the
plane of the square. The point z = 0 is the point where the diagonals of the square intersect each other.
The plot of electric field due to the four charges, as one moves on the z-axis.

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Q.11 A nonconducting ring of radius R has uniformly distributed positive charge Q. A small part of the ring, of
length d, is removed (d << R). The electric field at the centre of the ring will now be
(A) directed towards the gap, inversely proportional to R3.
(B) directed towards the gap, inversely proportional to R2.
(C) directed away from the gap, inversely proportional to R3.
(D) directed away from the gap, inversely proportional to R2.
Q.12 The charge per unit length of the four quadrant of the ring is 2, – 2,  and –
 respectively. The electric field at the centre is
  2
(A) – 2 R î (B) 2 R ĵ (C) î (D) None
0 0 4 0 R


Q.13 The direction () of E at point P due to uniformly charged finite rod will be
(A) at angle 300 from x-axis
(B) 450 from x - axis
(C) 600 from x-axis
(D) none of these

Q.14 Two equal negative charges are fixed at the points [0, a ] and [0, –a] on the y-axis. A positive charge Q
is released from rest at the points [2a, 0] on the x-axis . The charge Q will
(A) execute simple harmonic motion about the origin
(B) move to the origin and remain at rest
(C) move to infinity
(D) execute oscillatory but not simple harmonic motion.
Q.15 An uncharged sphere of metal placed inside a charged parallel plate capacitor. The lines of force look
like

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [3]

Q.16 A small particle of mass m and charge –q is placed at point P and released. If R >> x, the particle will
undergo oscillations along the axis of symmetry with an angular frequency that is equal to
qQ qQx
(A) 4 0 mR 3 (B) 4 0 mR 4

qQ qQx
(C) 4 mR 3 (D) 4 mR 4
0 0

Q.17 Which of the following is a volt :

(A) Erg per cm (B) Joule per coulomb
(C) Erg per ampere (D) Newton / (coulomb x m2)
Q.18 n small drops of same size are charged to V volts each. If they coalesce to form a signal large drop, then
its potential will be
(A) V/n (B) Vn (C) Vn1/3 (D) Vn2/3
Q.19 1000 identical drops of mercury are charged to a potential of 1 V each. They join to form a single drop.
The potential of this drop will be
(A) 0.01 V (B) 0.1 V (C) 10 V (D) 100 V
Q.20 Potential difference between centre & the surface of sphere of radius R and uniform volume
charge density  within it will be :
 R2 R 2 R 2
(A) (B) (C) 0 (D)
60 4 0 20

Q.21 If the electric potential of the inner metal sphere is 10 volt & that of the
outer shell is 5 volt, then the potential at the centre will be :
(A) 10 volt (B) 5 volt (C) 15 volt (D) 0

Q.22 Three concentric metallic spherical shell A, B and C or radii a, b and c (a < b < c) have surface charge
densities – , + , and –  respectively. The potential of shell A is :
(A)   0  [a + b – c] (B)   0  [a – b + c] (C)   0  [b – a – c] (D) none
Q.23 A charged particle having some mass is resting in equilibrium at a height H above the centre of a uniformly
charged non-conducting horizontal ring of radius R. The force of gravity acts downwards. The equilibrium
of the particle will be stable
R R R
(A) for all values of H (B) only if H > (C) only if H < (D) only if H =
2 2 2
Q.24 An infinite number of concentric rings carry a charge Q each alternately positive
and negative. Their radii are 1, 2, 4, 8...... meters in geometric progression as
shown in the figure. The potential at the centre of the rings will be
Q Q Q
(A) zero (B) 12 (C) 8 (D) 6
0 0 0

Q.25 When a negative charge is released and moves in electric field, it moves toward a position of
(A) lower electric potential and lower potential energy
(B) lower electric potential and higher potential energy
(C) higher electric potential and lower potential energy
(D) higher electric potential and higher potential energy

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [4]

Q.26 A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such that the potential on its surface is 10 V. The
potential at the centre of the sphere is
(A) 0 V
(B) 10 V
(C) same as at point 5 cm away from the surface out side sphere.
(D) same as a point 25 cm away from the surface.
Q.27 A solid sphere of radius R is charged uniformly. At what distance from its surface is the electrostatic
potential half of the potential at the centre?
(A) R (B) R/2 (C) R/3 (D) 2R
Q.28 An infinite nonconducting sheet of charge has a surface charge density of 10–7 C/m2. The separation
between two equipotential surfaces near the sheet whose potential differ by 5V is
(A) 0.88 cm (B) 0.88 mm (C) 0.88 m (D) 5 × 10–7 m
Q.29 Four equal charges +q are placed at four corners of a square with its centre at origin and lying in yz
plane. The electrostatic potential energy of a fifth charge +q’ varies on x-axis as:

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Q.30 Two identical thin rings, each of radius R meter are coaxially placed at distance R meter apart. If
Q1 and Q2 coulomb are respectively the charges uniformly spread on the two rings, the work done in
moving a charge q from the centre of one ring to that of the other is
(A) zero  
(B) qQ1 Q 2  2 1 / 2 .4 0 R 
(C) q 2Q1Q 2  / 4 0 R (D) qQ1Q 2  2 1/  2.4 0 R 
Q.31 Two positively charged particles X and Y are initially far away from each other and at rest. X begins to
move towards Y with some initial velocity. The total momentum and energy of the system are p and E.
(A) If Y is fixed, both p and E are conserved.
(B) If Y is fixed, E is conserved, but not p.
(C) If both are free to move, p is conserved but not E.
(D) If both are free, E is conserved, but not p.
Q.33 Two particles X and Y, of equal mass and with unequal positive charges, are free to move and are initially
far away from each other. With Y at rest, X begins to move towards it with initial velocity u. After a long
time, finally
(A) X will stop, Y will move with velocity u.
(B) X and Y will both move with velocities u/2 each.
(C) X will stop, Y will move with velocity < u.
(D) both will move with velocities < u/2.
Q.34 A circular ring of radius R with uniform positive charge density  per unit length is located in the y-z
plane with its centre at the origin O. A particle of mass m and positive charge q is projected from the
q
point P(R 3 , O, O) on the positive x-axis directly towards O, with an initial kinetic energy 4 .
0
(A) The particle crosses O and goes to infinity.
(B) The particle returns to P.
(C) The particle will just reach O.
(D) The particle crosses O and goes to –R 3 .

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [5]

Q.35 A bullet of mass m and charge q is fired towards a solid uniformly charged
sphere of radius R and total charge + q. If it strikes the surface of sphere with
speed u, find the minimum speed u so that it can penetrate through the sphere.
(Neglect all resistance forces or friction acting on bullet except electrostatic forces)
q q q 3q
(A) 2 0 mR (B) 4 0 mR (C) 8 0 mR (D) 4 0 mR

Q.36 In space of horizontal EF (E = (mg)/q) exist as shown in figure and a

mass m attached at the end of a light rod. If mass m is released from the
position shown in figure find the angular velocity of the rod when it
passes through the bottom most position

g 2g 3g 5g
(A) (B) (C) (D)
l l l l
Q.37 Two identical particles of mass m carry a charge Q each. Initially one is at rest on a smooth horizontal
plane and the other is projected along the plane directly towards first particle from a large distance with
speed . The closed distance of approach be
1 Q2 1 4Q 2 1 2Q 2 1 3Q 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 0 m 4 0 m 2 4 0 m 2 4 0 m 2
Q.38 The diagram shows a small bead of mass m carrying charge q. The bead can
freely move on the smooth fixed ring placed on a smooth horizontal plane. In the
same plane a charge +Q has also been fixed as shown. The potential atthe point
P due to +Q is V. The velocity with which the bead should projected from the
point P so that it can complete a circle should be greater than
6qV qV 3qV
(A) (B) (C) (D) none
m m m

Q.39 Electric field given by the vector E  x î  yˆj is present in the XY plane.
A small ring carrying charge +Q, which can freely slide on a smooth non
conducting rod, is projetced along the rod from the point (0, L) such
that it can reach the other end of the rod. What minimum velocity should
be given to the ring?(Assume zero gravity)
(A) (QL2/m)1/2 (B) 2(QL2/m)1/2
(C) 4(QL2/m)1/2 (D) (QL2/2m)1/2

Q.40 A unit positive point charge of mass m is projected with a velocity V inside the
tunnel as shown. The tunnel has been made inside a uniformly charged non
conducting sphere. The minimum velocity with which the point charge should be
projected such it can it reach the opposite end of the tunnel, is equal to
(A) [R2/4m0]1/2
(B) [R2/24m0]1/2
(C) [R2/6m0]1/2
(D) zero because the initial and the final points are at same potential.

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [6]

Q.41 A conducting sphere of radius a has charge Q on it. It is enclosed by a neutral conducting concentric
spherical shell having inner radius 2a and outer radius 3a. Find electrostatic energy of system.
5 kQ 2 11 kQ 2 kQ 2
(A) (B) (C) (D) none
12 a 12 a 2a
1
Q.42 A particle of mass 1 kg & charge C is projected towards a
3
non conducting fixed spherical shell having the same charge
uniformly distributed on its surface. Find the minimum initial
velocity of projection required if the particle just grazes the shell.
2 2 2
(A) m/s (B) 2 m/s (C) m/s (D) none of these
3 3 3
Q.43 The diagram shows three infinitely long uniform line charges placed on
the X, Y and Z axis. The work done in moving a unit positive charge
from (1, 1, 1) to (0, 1, 1) is equal to
(A) ( ln 2) / 20 (B) ( ln 2) /0
(C) (3 ln 2) / 20 (D) None
Q.44 A charged particle of charge Q is held fixed and another charged particle of mass m and charge q (of the
same sign) is released from a distance r. The impulse of the force exerted by the external agent on the
fixed charge by the time distance between Q and q becomes 2r is
Qq Qqm Qqm Qqm
(A) 4 0 mr (B) 4 0 r (C)  0 r (D) 2 0 r

Q.45 In a uniform electric field, the potential is 10V at the origin of coordinates, and 8V at each of the points
(1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0) and (0, 0, 1). The potential at the point (1, 1, 1) will be
(A) 0 (B) 4 V (C) 8 V (D) 10 V
Q.46 In a regular polygon of n sides, each corner is at a distance r from the centre. Identical charges are
placed at (n – 1) corners. At the centre, the intensity is E and the potential is V. The ratio V/E has
magnitude.
(A) r n (B) r (n – 1) (C) (n – 1)/r (D) r(n – 1)/n
Q.47 The equation of an equipotential line in an electric field is y = 2x, then the electric field strength vector at
(1, 2) may be
(A) 4 i  3 j (B) 4 i  8 j (C) 8 i  4 j (D)  8 i  4 j
Q.48      
The electric field in a region is given by : E = 4axy z î  2ax 2 z ˆj  ax 2 / z k̂ , where a is a
positive constant. The equation of an equipotential surface will be of the form
(A) z = constant / [x3y2] (B) z = constant / [xy2]
(C) z = constant / [x4y2] (D) None
Q.49 A charge 3 coulomb experiences a force 3000 N when placed in a uniform electric field. The potential
difference between two points separated by a distance of 1 cm along the field lines is
(A) 10 V (B) 90 V (C) 1000 V (D) 9000V
Q.50 Two point charges of +Q each have been placed at the positions ( –a /2, 0, 0) and (a / 2, 0, 0). The locus
of the points where –Q charge can be placed such the that total electrostatic potential energy of the
system can become equal to zero, is represented by which of the following equations?
(A) Z2 + (Y–a)2 = 2a (B) Z2 + (Y–a)2 = 27a2/4
2 2
(C) Z + Y = 15a /42 (D) None

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [7]

Q.51 Figure shows equi-potential surfaces for a two charges
system. At which of the labeled points point will an
electron have the highest potential energy?
(A) Point A (B) Point B
(C) Point C (D) Point D


Q.52 A uniform electric field having strength E is existing in x-y plane as
shown in figure. Find the p.d. between origin O & A(d, d, 0)
(A) Ed (cos + sin) (B) –Ed (sin – cos)
(C) 2 Ed (D) none of these

Q.53 In a certain region of space, the potential is given by : V = k[2x2 – y2 + z2]. The electric field at the point
(1, 1, 1) has magnitude =
(A) k 6 (B) 2k 6 (C) 2k 3 (D) 4k 3
Q.54 Find the force experienced by the semicircular rod charged with a charge
q, placed as shown in figure. Radius of the wire is R and the line of
charge with linear charge density  is passing through its centre and
perpendicular to the plane of wire.
q q q q
(A) 22  R (B)  2 R (C) 42  R (D) 4 R
0 0 0 0

Q.55 Uniform electric field of magnitude 100 V/m in space is directed along the line y = 3 + x. Find the
potential difference between point A (3, 1) & B (1, 3)
(A) 100 V (B) 200 2 V (C) 200 V (D) 0
Q.56 A wheel having mass m has charges +q and –q on diametrically opposite points.
It remains in equilibrium on a rough inclined plane in the presence of uniform
vertical electric field E =
mg mg mg tan 
(A) (B) (C) (D) none
q 2q 2q
Q.57 An equilateral triangle wire frame of side L having 3 point charges at its vertices
is kept in x-y plane as shown. Component of electric field due to the configuration
in z direction at (0, 0, L) is [origin is centroid of triangle]
9 3 kq 9 kq
(A) (B) zero (C) (D) None
8 L2 8 L2
Q.58 A, B, C, D, P and Q are points in a uniform electric field. The potentials
a these points are V (A) = 2 volt. V (P) = V (B) = V (D) = 5 volt.
V (C) = 8 volt. The electric field at P is
(A) 10 Vm–1 along PQ (B) 15 2 V m–1 along PA
(C) 5 V m–1 along PC (D) 5 V m–1 along PA

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [8]

Q.59 A and B are two points on the axis and the perpendicular bisector respectively of an electric dipole. A
 
and B are far away from the dipole and at equal distance from it. The field at A and B are E A and E B .
   
(A) E A  E B (B) E A  2E B
  1  
(C) E A  2E B (D) | E B |  | E A | , and E B is perpendicular to E A
2

Q.60 Figure shows the electric field lines around an electric dipole. Which
of the arrows best represents the electric field at point P ?
(A) (B)

(C) (D)
Q.61 A dipole consists of two particles one with charge +1C and mass 1kg and the other with charge
–1C and mass 2kg separated by a distance of 3m. For small oscillations about its equilibrium position,
the angular frequency, when placed in a uniform electric field of 20kV/m is
(A) 0.1rad/s (B) 1.1 rad/s (C) 10 rad/s (D) 2.5rad/s
Q.62 The dipole moment of a system of charge +q distributed uniformly on an arc of radius R subtending an
angle /2 at its centre where another charge -q is placed is :
2 2qR 2qR qR 2qR
(A) (B) (C) (D)
   

Q.63 An electric dipole is kept on the axis of a uniformly charged ring at distance R 2 from the centre of the
ring. The direction of the dipole moment is along the axis. The dipole moment is P, charge of the ring is Q
and radius of the ring is R. The force on the dipole is nearly
4kPQ 4kPQ 2kPQ
(A) 2 (B) (C) (D) zero
3 3R 3 3R 3
3 3 R3
Q.64 A large sheet carries uniform surface charge density . A rod of length
2l has a linear charge density  on one half and – on the second half.
The rod is hinged at mid point O and makes an angle  with the
normal to the sheet. The torque experienced by the rod is
l 2
(A) 0 (B)
2 0 sin

l 2 l
(C)
 0 sin (D)
2 0
Q.65 Two short electric dipoles are placed as shown. The energy of electric
interaction between these dipoles will be
2kP1P2 cos   2kP1P2 cos   2kP1P2 sin   4kP1P2 cos 
(A) (B) (C) (D)
r3 r3 r3 r3

Q.66 Point P lies on the axis of a dipole. If the dipole is rotated by 90° anticlock wise, the electric field vector

E at P will rotate by
(A) 90° clock wise (B) 180° clock wise (C) 90° anti clock wise (D) none

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [9]

Q.67 4 charges are placed each at a distance 'a' from origin. The dipole moment of
configuration is
(A) 2qaĵ (B) 3qaĵ (C) 2aq[î  ĵ] (D) none

Q.68 Both question (a) and (b) refer to the system of charges as shown in the figure. A spherical shell with an
inner radius 'a' and an outer radius 'b' is made of conducting material. A point charge +Q is placed at the
centre of the spherical shell and a total charge – q is placed on the shell.

(a) Charge – q is distributed on the surfaces as

(A) – Q on the inner surface, – q on outer surface
(B) – Q on the inner surface, – q + Q on the outer surface
(C) +Q on the inner surface, –q – Q on the outer surface
(D) The charge –q is spread uniformly between the inner and outer surface.
(b) Assume that the electrostatic potential is zero at an infinite distance from the spherical shell. The electrostatic
potential at a distance R (a < R < b) from the centre of the shell is
KQ Qq Qq
(A) 0 (B) (B) K (D) K
a R b
1
(where K = )
4 0

Q.69 In a region of space, the electric field is in the x direction and is given as E  E 0 x î . Consider an
imaginary cubical volume of edge a, with its edges parallel to the axes of coordinates. The charge inside
this volume is:
1 3 1
(A) zero (B) 0E0a3 (C)  E 0a 0 E0 a 2
(D)
0 6

Q.70 Electric flux through a surface of area 100 m2 lying in the xy plane is (in V-m) if E  î  2 ĵ  3k̂
(A) 100 (B) 141.4 (C) 173.2 (D) 200

Q.71 An infinite, uniformly charged sheet with surface charge density  cuts through a spherical Gaussian
surface of radius R at a distance x from its center, as shown in the figure. The electric flux  through the
Gaussian surface is

(A)
R 2
(B)

2 R 2  x 2  
0 0

(C)
R  x 2 
(D)

 R2  x2  
0 0
Q.72 Two spherical, nonconducting, and very thin shells of uniformly distributed positive charge Q and radius
d are located a distance 10d from each other. A positive point charge q is placed inside one of the shells
at a distance d/2 from the center, on the line connecting the centers of the two shells, as shown in the
figure. What is the net force on the charge q?
qQ qQ
(A) 361 d 2 to the left (B) 361 d 2 to the right
0 0

362qQ 360qQ
(C) 361 d 2 to the left (D) 361 d 2 to the right
0 0

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [10]

Q.73 A positive charge q is placed in a spherical cavity made in a positively charged sphere. The centres of

sphere and cavity are displaced by a small distance l . Force on charge q is :

(A) in the direction parallel to vector l
(B) in radial direction
(C) in a direction which depends on the magnitude of charge density in sphere
(D) direction can not be determined.
Q.74 There are four concentric shells A, B, C and D of radii a, 2a, 3a and 4a respectively. Shells B and D are
given charges +q and –q respectively. Shell C is now earthed. The potential difference VA – VC is :
Kq Kq Kq Kq
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2a 3a 4a 6a

Q.75 A metal ball of radius R is placed concentrically inside a hollow metal sphere of
inner radius 2R and outer radius 3R. The ball is given a charge +2Q and the hollow
sphere a total charge – Q. The electrostatic potential energy of this system is :
7Q 2 5Q 2 5Q 2
(A) (B) (C) (D) None
24 0 R 16 0 R 8 0 R
Question No. 76 to 80
A point charge +Q having mass m is fixed on horizontal smooth surface. Another point charge having
magnitude +2Q & mass 2m is projected horizontally towards the charge +Q from far distance with
velocity Vo.
Q.76 Force applied by floor on the fixed charge in horizontal direction, when distance between charges becomes 'd'.
2KQ 2 KQ 2
(A) (B) (C) Zero (D) None
d2 d2
Q.77 The impulse acting on the system of particles (Q + 2Q) in the time interval when distance between them
becomes 'd'.
 2 
2 2KQ
(A) 2 m  Vo   Vo
 (B) 2m V0
 md 

 2
2 2KQ
(C) 2 m  Vo   (D) None
 md 

Q.78 Minimum distance of approach.
2KQ 2 KQ 2 4KQ 2
(A) (B) (D) (D) None
mVo2 mVo2 mVo2
Q.79 Acceleration of particle 2Q when it is closest to fixed particle Q
mVo4 mVo4
(A) Zero (B) (C) (D) None
2KQ 2 4KQ 2
Q.80 If particle +Q is free to move, then what will be the closest distance between the particles.
6KQ 2 3KQ 2
(A) Zero (B) (C) (D) None
mVo2 mVo2

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [11]

 ONE OR MORE THAN ONE OPTION MAY BE CORRECT
Take approx. 3 minutes for answering each question.

Q.1 Mid way between the two equal and similar charges, we placed the third equal and similar charge.
Which of the following statements is correct, concerned to the equilibrium along the line joining the
charges ?
(A) The third charge experienced a net force inclined to the line joining the charges
(B) The third charge is in stable equilibrium
(C) The third charge is in unstable equilibrium
(D) The third charge experiences a net force perpendicular to the line joining the charges

Q.2 A negative point charge placed at the point A is

(A) in stable equilibrium along x-axis
(B) in unstable equilibrium along y-axis
(C) in stable equilibrium along y-axis
(D) in unstable equilibrium along x-axis
Q.3 Five balls numbered 1 to 5 are suspended using separate threads. Pairs (1,2), (2,4) and (4,1) show
electrostatic attraction while pairs (2,3) and (4,5) show repulsion. Therefore ball 1 must be
(A) positively charged (B) negatively charged (C) neutral (D) made of metal

Q.4 Four charges of 1 C, 2 C, 3 C, and – 6C are placed one at each corner of the square of side 1m.
The square lies in the x-y plane with its centre at the origin.
(A) The electric potential is zero at the origin.
(B) The electric potential is zero everywhere along the x-axis only of the sides of the square are parallel
to x and y axis.
(C) The electric potential is zero everywhere along the z-axis for any orientation of the square in the x-
y plane.
(D) The electric potential is not zero along the z-axis except at the origin.

Q.5 Two fixed charges 4Q (positive) and Q (negative) are located at A and B, the distance AB being 3 m.

(A) The point P where the resultant field due to both is zero is on AB outside AB.
(B) The point P where the resultant field due to both is zero is on AB inside AB.
(C) If a positive charge is placed at P and displaced slightly along AB it will execute oscillations.
(D) If a negative charge is placed at P and displaced slightly along AB it will execute oscillations.

Q.6 Two identical charges +Q are kept fixed some distance apart. A small particle P with charge q is placed
midway between them. If P is given a small displacement , it will undergo simple harmonic motion if
(A) q is positive and  is along the line joining the charges.
(B) q is positive and  is perpendicular to the line joining the charges.
(C) q is negative and  is perpendicular to the line joining the charges.
(D) q is negative and  is along the line joining the charges.

Q.7 Select the correct statement : (Only force on a particle is due to electric field)
(A) A charged particle always moves along the electric line of force.
(B) A charged particle may move along the line of force
(C) A charge particle never moves along the line of force
(D) A charged particle moves along the line of force only if released from rest.

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [12]

Q.8 Two point charges Q and – Q/4 are separated by a distance x. Then
(A) potential is zero at a point on the axis which is x/3 on the right side of the charge – Q/4
(B) potential is zero at a point on the axis which is x/5 on the left side of the charge – Q/4
(C) electric field is zero at a point on the axis which is at a distance x on the right side of the charge – Q/4
(D) there exist two points on the axis where electric field is zero.

Q.9 An electric charge 10–8 C is placed at the point (4m, 7m, 2m). At the point (1m, 3m, 2m), the electric
(A) potential will be 18 V (B) field has no Y-component
(C) field will be along Z-axis (D) potential will be 1.8 V

Q.10 Let V be electric potential and E the magnitude of the electric field. At a given position, which of the
statement is true?
(A) E is always zero where V is zero (B) V is always zero where E is zero
(C) E can be zero where V is non zero (D) E is always nonzero where V is nonzero

Q.11 Three point charges Q, 4Q and 16Q are placed on a straight line 9 cm long. Charges are placed in such
a way that the system has minimum potential energy. Then
(A) 4Q and 16Q must be at the ends and Q at a distance of 3 cm from the 16Q.
(B) 4Q and 16Q must be at the ends and Q at a distance of 6 cm from the 16Q.
(C) Electric field at the position of Q is zero.
Q
(D) Electric field at the position of Q is .
4 0

Q.12 Two infinite sheets of uniform charge density + and – are parallel to each other as shown in the figure.
Electric field at the + –
(A) points to the left or to the right of the sheets is zero. + –
+ + – –
(B) midpoint between the sheets is zero. + –
+ –
(C) midpoint of the sheets is  / 0 and is directed towards right. + –
+ –
(D) midpoint of the sheet is 2 / 0 and is directed towards right. + –

Q.13 The electric potential decreases uniformly from V to -V along X-axis in a coordinate system as we
moves from a point (-x0, 0) to (x0, 0), then the electric field at the origin.
V V
(A) must be equal to x ; (B) may be equal to x
0 0

V V
(C) must be greater than x (D) may be less than x
0 0

Q.14 The electric potential decreases uniformly from 120 V to 80 V as one moves on the Xaxis from
x = –1 cm to x = + 1 cm. The electric field at the origin
(A) must be equal to 20 V/cm (B) may be equal to 20 V/cm
(C) may be greater than 20 V/cm (D) may be less than 20 V/cm
Q.15 Potential at a pointAis 3 volt and at a point B is 7 volt , an electron is moving towardsAfrom B.
(A) It must have some K.E. at B to reach A
(B) It need not have any K.E. at B to reach A
(C) to reach A it must have more than or equal to 4 eV K. E. at B.
(D) when it will reach A, it will have K.E. more then or at least equal to 4 eV if it was released from rest at B.

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [13]

Q.16 A ring of radius R carries charge Q distributed uniformly over the ring. P is a point on its axis, at a
distance r from its centre. The electric field at P due to ring is E. Which of the following is correct?
1 Qr
(A) E = 4 · 2 2 3/ 2 .
0 (r  R )

(B) E is maximum for r = R 2

(C) E  0 at the centre of the ring.
(D) As r increases, E will first increase, then decrease.
Q.17 A conducting sphere of radius r has a charge. Then
(A) The charge is uniformly distributed over its surface, if there is an external electric field.
(B) Distribution of charge over its surface will be non uniform if no external electric field exist in space.
(C) Electric field strength inside the sphere will be equal to zero only when no external electric field exists
(D) Potential at every point of the sphere must be same
Q.18 For a spherical shell
(A) If potential inside it is zero then it necessarily electrically neutral
(B) electric field in a charged conducting spherical shell can be zero only when the charge is uniformly
distributed.
(C) electric potential due to induced charges at a point inside it will always be zero
(D) none of these

Q.19 A circular ring carries a uniformly distributed positive charge. The electric field (E) and potential (V)
varies with distance (r) from the centre of the ring along its axis as

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Q.20 The figure shows a nonconducting ring which has positive and negative
charge non uniformly distributed on it such that the total charge is zero.
Which of the following statements is true?
(A) The potential at all the points on the axis will be zero.
(B) The electric field at all the points on the axis will be zero.
(C) The direction of electric field at all points on the axis will be along the axis.
(D) If the ring is placed inside a uniform external electric field then net torque and force acting on the ring
would be zero.

Q.21 At distance of 5cm and 10cm outwards from the surface of a uniformly charged solid sphere, the
potentials are 100V and 75V respectively . Then
(A) potential at its surface is 150V.
(B) the charge on the sphere is (5/3) × 10-10C.
(C) the electric field on the surface is 1500 V/m.
(D) the electric potential at its centre is 225V.

Q.22 Four identical charges are placed at the points (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), (–1, 0, 0) and (0, –1, 0).
(A) The potential at the origin is zero.
(B) The field at the origin is zero.
(C) The potential at all points on the z-axis, other than the origin, is zero.
(D) The field at all points on the z-axis, other than the origin acts along the z-axis.

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [14]

Q.23 Variation of electrostatic potential along x-direction is shown in
the graph. The correct statement about electric field is
(A) x component at point B is maximum
(B) x component at point A is towards positive x-axis.
(C) x component at point C is along negative x-axis
(D) x component at point C is along positive x-axis

Q.24 A particle of charge 1C & mass 1 gm moving with a velocity of 4 m/s is subjected to a uniform electric
field of magnitude 300 V/m for 10 sec. Then it's final speed cannot be:
(A) 0.5 m/s (B) 4 m/s (C) 3 m/s (D) 6 m/s

Q.25 Two point charges q and 2q are placed at (a, 0) and (0, a). A point charge q1 is
placed at a point P on the quarter circle of radius a as shown in the diagram so
that the electric field at the origin becomes zero:
 a 2a   a 2a 
(A) the point P is  ,  (B) the point P is  , 
 3 3   5 5
(C) q1 = – 5q (D) none of these

Q.26 A charged cork of mass m suspended by a light string is placed in uniform

electric filed of strength E = ( î  ˆj) × 105 NC–1 as shown in the fig. If in equilibrium
2mg
position tension in the string is then angle ‘’ with the vertical is
(1  3 )
(A) 60° (B) 30° (C) 45° (D) 18°

Q.27 Two particles of same mass and charge are thrown in the same direction along the horizontal with same
velocity v from two different heights h1 and h2 (h1 < h2). Initially they were located on the same vertical
line. Choose the correct alternative.
(A) Both the particles will always lie on a vertical line.
(B) Acceleration of the centre of mass of two particles will be g downwards.
(C) Horizontal displacement of the particle lying at h1 is less and the particle lying at h2 is more than the
value, which would had been in the absence of charges on them.
(D) all of these.

Q.28 A proton and a deuteron are initially at rest and are accelerated through the same potential difference.
Which of the following is false concerning the final properties of the two particles ?
(A) They have different speeds (B) They have same momentum
(C) They have same kinetic energy (D) They have been subjected to same force

Q.29 A particle of charge  q and mass m moves in a circle around a long wire of linear charge density +  .
If r = radius of the circular path and T = time period of the motion circular path. Then :
(A) T = 2  r (m/2Kq)1/2 (B) T2 = 4 2 m r3/2qK
(C) T = 1/2 r (2Kq/m) 1/2 (D) T = 1/2r (m/Kq)1/2 where K = 1/40

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [15]

Q.30 Charge Q is distributed non-uniformly over a ring of radius R, P is a point on the axis of ring at a distance
3R from its centre. Which of the following is a wrong statement.
KQ
(A) Potential at P is
2R
3KQ
(B) Magnitude of electric field at P may be greater than
8R 2

3KQ
(C) Magnitude of electric field at P must be equal to
8R 2

3KQ
(D) Magnitude of electric field at P cannot be less than
8R 2

Q.31 An electric dipole moment p  (2.0î  3.0ˆj) C. m is placed in a uniform electric field

E  (3.0î  2.0k̂ ) × 105 N C–1.
 
(A) The torque that E exerts on p is (0.6î  0.4ˆj  0.9k̂ ) Nm.
(B) The potential energy of the dipole is –0.6 J.
(C) The potential energy of the dipole is 0.6 J.
(D) If the dipole is rotated in the electric field, the maximum potential energy of the dipole is 1.3 J.

Q.32 Which of the following is true for the figure showing electric lines of force?
(E is electrical field, V is potential)
(A) EA > EB (B) EB > EA
(C) VA > VB (D) VB > VA

Q.33 If we use permittivity , resistance R, gravitational constant G and voltage V as fundamental physical
quantities, then
(A) [angular displacement] = 0R0G0V0 (B) [Velocity] = –1R–1G0V0
(C) [dipole moment] = 1R0G0V1 (D) [force] = 1R0G0V2
Q.34 Units of electric flux are
N  m2 N
(A) (B) (C) volt-m (D) Volt-m3
Coul 2 Coul 2  m2
Q.35 Which of the following statements are correct?
(A) Electric field calculated by Gauss law is the field due to only those charges which are enclosed inside
the Gaussian surface.
(B) Gauss law is applicable only when there is a symmetrical distribution of charge.
(C) Electric flux through a closed surface will depends only on charges enclosed within that surface only.
(D) None of these
Q.36 Mark the correct options:
(A) Gauss’s law is valid only for uniform charge distributions.
(B) Gauss’s law is valid only for charges placed in vacuum.
(C) The electric field calculated by Gauss’s law is the field due to all the charges .
(D) The flux of the electric field through a closed surface due to all the charges is equal to the flux due to
the charges enclosed by the surface.

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [16]

Q.37 A thin-walled, spherical conducting shell S of radius R is given charge Q. The same amount of charge is
also placed at its centre C. Which of the following statements are correct?
Q
(A) On the outer surface of S, the charge density is .
2R 2
(B) The electric field is zero at all points inside S.
(C) At a point just outside S, the electric field is double the field at a point just inside S.
(D) At any point inside S, the electric field is inversely proportional to the square of its distance from C.

Q.38 A hollow closed conductor of irregular shape is given some charge. Which of the following statements
are correct?
(A) The entire charge will appear on its outer surface.
(B) All points on the conductor will have the same potential.
(C) All points on its surface will have the same charge density.
(D) All points near its surface and outside it will have the same electric intensity.

Q.39 Charges Q1 and Q2 lies inside and outside respectively of a closed surface S. Let E be the field at any
point on S and  be the flux of E over S.
(A) If Q1 changes, both E and  will change.
(B) If Q2 changes, E will change but  will not change.
(C) If Q1 = 0 and q2  0 then E  0 but  = 0.
(D) If Q1  0 and Q2 = 0 then E = 0 but   0.

Q.40 Three points charges are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of
side L as shown in the figure.
(A) The potential at the centroid of the triangle is zero.
(B) The electric field at the centroid of the triangle is zero.
(C) The dipole moment of the system is 2 qL
(D) The dipole moment of the system is 3 qL .

Q.41 An electric dipole is placed at the centre of a sphere. Mark the correct answer
(A) the flux of the electric field through the sphere is zero
(B) the electric field is zero at every point of the sphere.
(C) the electric potential is zero everywhere on the sphere.
(D) the electric potential is zero on a circle on the surface.

Q.42 An electric field converges at the origin whose magnitude is given by the expression
E = 100rNt/Coul, where r is the distance measured from the origin.
(A) total charge contained in any spherical volume with its centre at origin is negative.
(B) total charge contained at any spherical volume, irrespective of the location of its centre, is negative.
(C) total charge contained in a spherical volume of radius 3 cm with its centre at origin has magnitude
3 ×10–13C.
(D) total charge contained in a spherical volume of radius 3 cm with its centre at origin has magnitude
3 × 10–9 Coul.

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [17]

Q.43 A conducting sphere A of radius a, with charge Q, is placed concentrically inside
a conducting shell B of radius b. B is earthed. C is the common centre of the A
and B.
1 Q
(A) The field is a distance r from C, where a  r  b is .
4  0 r 2
1 Q
(B) The potential at a distance r from C, where a  r  b, is 4   r .
0

1 1 1
(C) The potential difference between A and B is Q  
4  0  a b 
1 1 1 
(D) The potential at a distance r from C, where a  r  b, Q  .
4  0  r b 
Q.44 Three concentric conducting spherical shells have radius r, 2r and 3r and Q1, Q2 and Q3 are final charges
respectively. Innermost and outermost shells are already earthed as shown in figure. Choose the wrong
statement.
Q 2
(A) Q1 + Q3 = – Q2 (B) Q1 =
4
Q3 Q3 1
(C) =3 (D) Q =
Q1 2 3
Q.45 Two thin conducting shells of radii R and 3R are shown in the figure. The outer shell carries a charge +
Q and the inner shell is neutral. The inner shell is earthed with the help of a switch S.
(A) With the switch S open, the potential of the inner sphere is equal to that of the outer.
(B) When the switch S is closed, the potential of the inner sphere becomes zero.
(C) With the switch S closed, the charge attained by the inner sphere is – q/3.
(D) By closing the switch the capacitance of the system increases.

Q.46 X and Y are large, parallel conducting plates closed to each other. Each face has an area A. X is given a
charge Q. Y is without any charge. Points A, B and C are as shown in figure.
Q
(A) The field at B is 2 A
0

Q
(B) The field at B is  A
0
(C) The fields at A, B and C are of the same magnitude.
(D) The field at A and C are of the same magnitude, but in opposite directions.

Q.47 Plates A and B constitute an isolated, charge parallel-plate capacitor.

The inner surfaces (I and IV) of A and B have charges +Q and –Q
respectively. A third plate C with charge +Q is now introduced midway
between A and B. Which of the following statements is not correct?
(A) The surfaces I and II will have equal and opposite charges.
(B) The surfaces III and IV will have equal and opposite charges.
(C) the charge on surface III will be greater than Q.
(D) The potential difference between A and C will be equal to the potential difference between C and B.

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [18]

Q.48 A particle of mass m and charge q is thrown in a region where uniform gravitational field and electric field
are present. The path of particle
(A) may be a straight line (B) may be a circle
(C) may be a parabola (D) may be a hyperbola
Question No. 49 to 54 (6 questions)
An empty thick conducting shell of inner radius a and outer radius b is shown in
figure. If it is observed that the inner face of the shell carries a uniform charge
density – and the surface carries a uniform charge density ''
Q.49 If a point charge qA is placed at the center of the shell, then choose the correct statement(s)
(A) The charge must be positive
(B) The charge must be negative
(C) The magnitude of charge must be 4a2
(D) The magnitude of charge must be 4(b2 – a2)
Q.50 If another point charge qB is also placed at a distance c (>b) the center of shell, then choose the correct
statements
q A b 2
(A) force experienced by charge A is
 0c 2
(B) force experienced by charge A is zero
q B b 2
(C) The force experienced by charge B is
0c 2

kq A q B
(D) The force experienced by charge B is
c2
Q.51 If the charge qA is slowly moved inside the shell, then choose the statement(s)
(A) Charge distribution on the inner and outer face of the shell changes
(B) The force acting on the charge B charges
(C) The charge B also starts moving slowly
(D) None of these
Q.52 Choose the correct statement related to the potential of the shell in absence of qB
(A) Potential of the outer surface is more than that of the inner surface because it is positively charged
(B) Potential of the outer surface is more than that of the inner surface because it carries more charge
(C) Both the surfaces have equal potential
b
(D) The potential of the outer surface is 
0

Q.53 If the outer surface of the shell is earthed, then identify the correct statement(s)
(A) Only the potential of outer surface becomes zero
(B) Charge on the outer surface also becomes zero
(C) The outer surface attains negative charge
(D) Negative charge on the inner surface decreases
Q.54 If the inner surface of the shell is earthed, then identify the correct statement(s)
(A) The potential of both the inner and outer surface of the shell becomes zero
(B) Charge on the outer surface becomes zero
(C) Charge on the inner surface decreases
(D) Positive charge flows from the shell to the earth

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [19]

 ANSWER KEY

ONLY ONE OPTION IS CORRECT.

Q.1 B Q.2 D Q.3 C Q.4 D Q.5 B Q.6 D
Q.7 A Q.8 D Q.9 B Q.10 D Q.11 A Q.12 A
Q.13 A Q.14 D Q.15 B Q.16 A Q.17 B Q.18 D
Q.19 D Q.20 A Q.21 A Q.22 C Q.23 B Q.24 D
Q.25 C Q.26 B Q.27 C Q.28 B Q.29 B Q.30 B
Q.31 B Q.33 A Q.34 C Q.35 B Q.36 B Q.37 B
Q.38 A Q.39 D Q.40 A Q.41 A Q.42 B Q.43 B
Q.44 B Q.45 B Q.46 B Q.47 D Q.48 C Q.49 A
Q.50 C Q.51 B Q.52 A Q.53 B Q.54 B Q.55 D
Q.56 B Q.57 B Q.58 B Q.59 C Q.60 B Q.61 A
Q.62 A Q.63 D Q.64 B Q.65 B Q.66 A Q.67 A
Q.68 (a) B, (b) D Q.69 B Q.70 C Q.71 D Q.72 A Q.73 A
Q.74 D Q.75 A Q.76 A Q.77 A Q.78 A Q.79 C
Q.80 B

ONE OR MORE THAN ONE OPTION MAY BE CORRECT

Q.1 B Q.2 C, D Q.3 C, D Q.4 A, C

Q.5 A, D Q.6 A, C Q.7 B Q.8 A, B, C
Q.9 A Q.10 C Q.11 B, C Q.12 A, C
Q.13 B Q.14 B, C Q.15 A, C Q.16 A, B, D
Q.17 D Q.18 D Q.19 B Q.20 A
Q.21 A, C, D Q.22 B, D Q.23 D Q.24 A
Q.25 B Q.26 A, B Q.27 D Q.28 B
Q.29 A Q.30 C Q.31 A, B, D Q.32 A, D
Q.33 A, B, D Q.34 C Q.35 C Q.36 C, D
Q.37 A,C,D Q.38 A,B Q.39 A,B,C Q.40 A,D
Q.41 A,D Q.42 A,B,C Q.43 A,C,D Q.44 D
Q.45 A,B,C,D Q.46 A,C,D Q.47 D Q.48 A,C
Q.49 A,C Q.50 B Q.51 D Q.52 C,D
Q.53 B Q.54 A,B,D

Bansal Classes Question Bank on Electrostatics [20]