ELECTROSTATICS

2016
1. In the given figure a charge Q is fixed. Another charge q is moved along a circular arc MN of radius r around it from the
point M to the point N such that the length of the arc MN = l. What is the work done in the process?
2. A charged oil drop weighing 1.6 × 10-15 N is found to remain suspended in a uniform electric field of intensity 2 × 103 N/C.
Find the charge on the drop.
3. Two point charges Q1 = 400 C and Q2 = 100 C are kept fixed, 60 cm apart in vacuum. Find the intensity of the electric
field at the midpoint of the line joining Q1 and Q2. [3]
4. State Gauss law. In an electric dipole, at which point is the electric potential zero? [2]

I Coulomb’s law, SI unit of charge, permittivity of free space

2015
1. What is meant by quantization of charge?
2013
1. Relative permittivity of water is 81. If w and 0 are the permittivities of water and vacuum then, o = 9 w, o = 81 w,
w = 9 0, w = 81 0. [1]
2012
1. A body has a positive charge of 8 × 10-19 C. It has an excess of 5 electrons, deficiency of 5 electrons, an excess of 8
electrons, a deficiency of 8 electrons. [1]
2008
1. Write Coulomb's law in vector form.
2006
1. Can 8.6 × 10-19 coulomb of charge be given to a conductor? Explain.
2001
1. If the distance between two equal point charges is halved and their individual charges are doubled what would happen to the
force between them?
1999
1. State the unit of electric permittivity in terms of the base (fundamental) SI units.
1998

1. Figure shows four point charges at the corners of a square of side 2 cm. Find the magnitude
and direction of the electric field at the centre X of the square if Q = 0.02 C.
(Use 1/40 = 9 × 109 Nm2C-2) [5]

1996
1. Write down the relation between a Coulomb and an ampere

1995
1. If the distance between two equal point charges is doubled, and their individual charges are also doubled, what would happen
to the force between them?
1993
1. State Coulomb’s law.

II Concept of electric field E = F/qo; Gauss’ theorem and its applications

2013
1. A hollow metallic sphere has a positive charge of 35.4 C at its centre. Find how much electric flux emanates from the
sphere. [1]
2012
1. A point charge of 5 × 10-6 C experiences a force of 2 × 10-3 N when kept in a uniform electric field of intensity E. Find E.
[1]
2011
1. Two point charges (+e) and (-e) are kept inside a large metallic cube without touching its sides. Electric flux emerging out of
e e 2e
the cube is: A) B) C) Zero D)
0 0 0
2007
1. State Gauss theorem.
2006
1. An infinite line charge produces a field of 9 × 104 NC-1 at a distance of 2 cm. Calculate the linear charge density. [2]
2003
1. A Gaussian surface is chosen to obtain an expression for the electric field at a point due to a given charge configuration. It is
a closed surface. State one essential property of such a chosen Gaussian surface.

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2002
1. State Gauss’ theorem. Draw a graph showing the variation of electric field, as one moves from the centre of a charged metal
ball to a point on its surface and then to a far off outside point. [3]
2001
1. What is a Gaussian surface? A point charge of 2.0 C is at the centre of a cubic Gaussian surface 9.0 cm on edge. What is
the net electric flux through the surface? [3]
2000
1. State Gauss’ theorem of electrostatics.
1993
1. Define electric field intensity and potential at a point in an electric field. Obtain expressions for (i) the electric field intensity
and (ii) the electric potential at a point on the axial line of an electric dipole. [6]

III Electric dipole, electric field at a point on the axis and perpendicular bisector of a dipole, electric dipole moment,
torque on a dipole in a uniform electric field.
2015
1. A short electric dipole is placed at the centre and inside a large cube of length L. The electric flux emanating through the
cube is q/4L, zero, q/2L, q/3L.
2. Derive an expression for intensity of electric field at a point in broadside position or on an equatorial line of an electric dipole.
[4]
2014
1. Intensity of electric field at a point at a perpendicular distance r from an infinite line charge, having linear charge density  is
given by: [1]
2013
1. Write an expression (derivation not required) for intensity of electric field in i) axial position and ii) broad side position of a
dipole in terms of length (2a), dipole moment p and distance r. What is the ratio of these two intensities for a short electric
dipole? [3]
2011
1. Obtain an expression for the intensity of an electric field in end on position, i.e. axial position of an electric dipole. [4]
2010
1. In an electric dipole, what is the locus of a point of zero potential?
2009
1. With the help of a labelled diagram, obtain an expression for the electric field intensity ‘E’ at a point P in broad side position
(i.e. equatorial point) of an electric dipole. [4]
2007
1. What will be the net electric force acting on an electric dipole placed in a uniform electric field.
2006
1. What will be the nature of the electric potential at a place where the electric field E = 0?
2. What is the work done in turning an electric dipole through 360°?
2005
1. An electric dipole is placed in a uniform external field E. Show that the torque acting on the dipole is given by T = p  E
where p is the dipole moment. [3]
2004
1. What is the locus of a point at which the electric field E due to an electric dipole is parallel to the line joining the charges +q
and –q forming the dipole?

2001
1. Draw a labelled diagram showing an electric dipole making an angle  with uniform electric field E. Derive an expression for
the torque experienced by the dipole. [3]
1995
1. Draw a labelled diagram showing an electric dipole making an angle  with a uniform electric field E. Derive an expression
for the torque experienced by the dipole and evaluate its potential energy. [6]
1994
1. What is an electric dipole? Obtain the expression for the electric field due to an electric dipole at a point on the line passing
through the centre of the dipole and perpendicular to the dipole axis. [5]

IV Electric lines of force

2009
1. Draw (at least three) electric lines of force due to an electric dipole.
1999
1. Draw a diagram to show the electric lines of force due to an electric dipole.

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V Electric potential and potential energy; potential due to a point charge and due to a dipole; potential energy of an
electric dipole in an electric field.

2015
1. Two point charges of 10C each are kept at a distance of 3m in vacuum. Calculate their electrostatic potential energy. [1]
2014
1. An electric dipole of moment p is placed in a uniform electric field E with its axis inclined to the field. Write an expression
for the torque experienced by the dipole in vector form. Show diagrammatically how the dipole should be kept in the electric
field so that the torque is i) maximum ii) zero. [3]
2012
1. Three point charges Q1 = 25 C, Q2 = 50 C and Q3 = 100 C are kept at the corners A, B and C respectively of an
equilateral triangle ABC having side 7.5 cm. calculate the total potential energy of the system. [4]
2011
1. How much work is done in taking an electron around a nucleus in a circular path?
2010
1. An electron revolves around the nucleus of hydrogen atom in a circular orbit of radius 5 × 10-11 m. Calculate:
(i) intensity of electric field of the nucleus at the position of the electron.
(ii) electrostatic potential energy of the hydrogen nucleus and electron system.
2008
1. How much kinetic energy is gained by an electron, initially at rest, when it moves through a potential difference of 1000V?
Leave your answer in Joule.
2. Obtain an expression for the electric potential at a point which is at a distance r from the point charge Q. [3]

2007
1. Three equal charges of 5.0 C each are placed at the three vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 5.0 cm each. Calculate
the electrostatic potential energy of the system of charges. [3]
2005

1. A charge of 5C is placed at the centre of a circle of radius 10 cm as shown in the figure. Calculate the
work done in moving a charge of 2C from point A to point B on the circumference of the circle.

2004
1. An ionized helium particle (+2e) is situated at the origin (0,0). How much work is done in taking an
electron from x = 3 cm to x = 6 cm? [3]

2003.

1. The charges q1 = 3C, q2 = 4C and q3 = -7C are placed on the circumference of a circle of radius 1.0
m as shown in the figure. What is the value of charge q4 placed on the same circle if the potential at the centre Vc = 0?
2002
1. Express the unit of electric potential in terms of the base units of SI.
2. Two positive charges of 10 C each are situated 10 cm apart from each other. What is the increase in the electrostatic
potential energy of the system when the two charges are brought closer by 2 cm? Express your answer in SI unit. [3]

2000
1. A alpha particle is accelerated through a potential difference of 2000 V. What will be the increase in its energy in eV?
2. Derive an expression for the electric potential at a point due to a point charge. [4]

1999
1. Define potential energy of a point charge in a uniform electric field E. Obtain the expression U = -p.E for the potential
energy of a dipole of moment p in a uniform electric field E. [5]

1998
1. Define electric potential at a point in an electric field.

1997
1. In a certain 0.1 m3 of space electric potential is found to be 5V throughout. What is the electric field in this region?
2. The potential difference between the electron gun and the screen of a TV tube is 2.5 kV. How many electron-volts of energy
does an electron lose on striking the screen?
3. An electron is circulating around the neucleus of a hydrogen atom in a circular orbit of radius 5.3 x 10-11 m. Calculate:
i) The electric potential at this radius.
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 ii) The electric potential energy of the atom in electron-volts.
What would be the electric potential due to a helium nucleus at the same radius?
[(4o) -1 = 9 x 109 Fm-1; e = 1.6 x 10-19 C] [5]

1995
1. 5J of work is done in moving a positive charge of 0.5C between two points. What is the potential difference between these
points?

1994
1. A charge of 2 coulomb moves between two plates maintained at a potential difference of 1 volt. What is the energy acquired
by the charge?

VI Capacitance C = Q/V, the farad; capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor; capacitance in series and parallel
combinations; energy U = ½ CV2.
2016
1. Obtain an expression for equivalent capacitance when three capacitors, C1, C2 and C3 are connected in series. [3]
2015
1. Four capacitors C1, C2, C3 and C4 are connected as shown. Calculate the equivalent capacitance of the circuit. (C1,C2 and
C3 in series with C4 connected in parallel across C2 and C3) Values 10F, 30f, 20F and 28 F respectively. [3]
2014
1. A parallel plate air capacitor has a capacitance of 5 F. It becomes 50 F when a dielectric medium occupies the entire space
between its two plates. What is the dielectric constant of the medium? [1]
2. You are provided with 8F capacitors. Show with a diagram how you will arrange minimum number of them to get a
resultant capacitance of 20 F. [3]
2013
1. Three capacitors C1 = 6 F, C2 = 12 F, C3 = 20 F are connected to a 100 V battery as
shown. Calculate i) the charge on each plate of capacitor C1, ii) electrostatic potential
energy stored in capacitor C3. [3]

2012
1. Calculate an expression for equivalent capacitance C, when three capacitors having
capacitances C1, C2 and C3 are connected in series. [3]

2011
1. Three capacitors each of capacitance C are connected in series. Their equivalent capacitance is Cs. The same three
 Cp 
capacitors are now connected in parallel. Their equivalent capacitance becomes Cp. Find the ratio   . (Working must
 Cs 
be shown) [3]

2010
1. An isolated 16F parallel plate air capacitor has a potential difference of 1000 V. A
dielectric slab having relative permittivity (i.e. dielectric constant) = 5 is introduced
to fill the space between the two plates completely. Calculate :
(i) the new capacitance of the capacitor
(ii) the new potential difference between the two plates of the capacitor. [2]

2009
1. Find the electric charge Q1 on plates of capacitor C1, shown in the figure
alongside. [2]

2008

1. Find the equivalent capacitance of the following circuit between the junctions
A and B; given C1 = C2 = C3 = C4 = 10F and C5 = 5f.

4
2007
1. Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor in terms of the areas of the plates and the distance
between them. Assume there is a vacuum in between the plates with the electric field between the plates E 
 0 . (Where
the symbols have their usual meaning.) [3]
2006
1. Derive the expression for the energy stored in a capacitor of capacitance C, charged to a potential V. [3]
2005
1. A 900 pF capacitor is charged by a 100 V battery. How much energy is stored by the capacitor?
2003
1. Derive the formula 1/Cs = 1/C1 + 1/C2 +1/C3 for the three capacitors connected in series. Hence obtain the formula for the
capacitance of n identical capacitors connected in series. [3+1]
2. A parallel plate capacitor of plate area A = 600 cm2 and plate separation d = 2.0 mm is connected to a dc source of 200 V.
Calculate in SI unit:
i) The magnitude of the uniform electric field E between the plates
ii) The charge density  on any plate. [2]
2002

1. Find the equivalent capacitance between A and B.

2001
1. Find the equivalent capacitance between the points A and B of the given network of
capacitors in the figure.

2000
1. Assuming the earth as an isolated spherical conductor of radius 6400 km, calculate
its electrical capacitance in Farad.
2. A electric flash lamp has 20 capacitors each of capacitance 5 F connected in parallel. The lamp is operated at 100 volt.
Calculate how much energy will be radiated in a flash. [3]

1999
1. The plates of a charged parallel plate capacitor are connected to a voltmeter. What will be the effect on the reading of the
voltmeter if the plates of the capacitor are brought closer to each other in an insulated manner (i.e. while conserving charge on
the plates)?

1998
1. A capacitor is charged through a potential difference of 200 V when 0.1 C charge is stored in it. How much energy will it
release when it is discharged?
2. What is meant by capacitance? Give its SI unit. [2]

3. In the figure, C is a large value capacitor connected in series with a centre zero
galvanometer G, a d.c. battery E and a key K. What will be observed in G when K
is suddenly closed? Give reasons for your answer. [3]

1997
1. A 2000 F capacitor is charged by a 1.5 V cell. When a flash is required, the energy stored in the capacitor is made to
discharge (actuated by an electronic trigger) through the discharge tube in 0.1 millisecond giving a powerful flash. Calculate
the energy stored in the capacitor and the power of the flash. [5]

1996
1. What should be the capacitance of a capacitor capable of storing 1 Joule of energy, when used with a 100 V d.c. supply?
2. Derive an expression for the energy stored by a capacitor of capacitance C, carrying a charge Q at a potential difference V.
[3]
3. A variable capacitor is kept connected to a 10V battery. If the capacitance of the capacitor is changed from 7 mF to 3 mF,
what is the change in the energy? What happens to this energy? [3]

1994
1. Three capacitors of capacitances 10 F, 20 F and 30 F are connected in parallel to a 100V
battery as shown in the figure. Calculate the total energy stored in the capacitors.
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1993
1. A capacitor charged from a 50V dc supply is found to have a charge of 10 C. What is the capacitance of the capacitor and
how much energy is stored in it? [4]
VII Dielectrics (elementary ideas only); permittivity and relative permittivity of a dielectric ( r = /o). Effects on pd,
charge and capacitance.

2009
1. Explain the statement ‘relative permittivity of water is 81’.
1995
1. On inserting a dielectric between the plates of a capacitor, its capacity is found to increase 5 times. What is the relative
permittivity of the dielectric?