(Physics) ELECTROSTATICS

CHARGE AND ITS PROPERTIES

• Study of characteristics of electric charges at rest is known as electrostatics.
• Electric charge is the property associated with a body or a particle due to which it is able to
produce as well as experience the electric and magnetic effects.
• Charge is a fundamental property of matter and is never found free.
• The excess or deficiency of electrons in a body gives the concept of charge.
• There are two types of charges namely positive and negative charges.
• The deficiency of electrons in a body is known as positively charged body.
• The excess of electrons in a body is known as negatively charged body.
• Charge is relativistically invariant, i.e. it does not change with motion of charged particle and no
change in it is possible, whatsover may be the circumstances. i.e.
• Charge is a derived physical quantity with dimensions [AT].
Quantization of Charge : The electric charge is discrete. It has been verified by Millikan’s oil
drop experiment.
• Charge is quantized. The charge on any body is an integral multiple of the minimum charge or
electron charge, i.e if q is the charge then q =  ne when n is an integer, and e is the charge of

electron = 1.6 10−19 C .

• The minimum charge possible is 1.6 10−19 C .

• If a body possesses n 1 protons and n 2 electrons, then net charge on it will be ( n1 − n 2 ) e , i.e.

n1 ( e ) + n 2 ( −e ) = ( n1 − n 2 ) e

Law of conservation of charge

• The total net charge of an isolated physical system always remains constant,
i.e. q = q+ + q− = constant.

• In every chemical or nuclear reaction, the total charge before and after the reaction remains
constant.
• This law is applicable to all types of processes like nuclear, atomic, molecular and the like.
• Charge is conserved. It can neither be created nor destroyed. It can only be transferred from one
object to the other.
• Like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract each other.
• Charge always resides on the outer surface of a charged body. It accumulates more at sharp
points.
• The total charge on a body is algebric sum of the charges located at different points on the body.

APNI KAKSHA 1
(Physics)

• Electrification : A body can be charged by friction, conduction and induction.

• By Friction : When two bodies are rubbed together, equal and opposite charges are produced
on both the bodies.
• By Conduction : An uncharged body acquiring charge when kept in contact with a charged body
is called conduction. Conduction preceeds repulsion.
• By Induction : If a charged body is brought near a neutral body, the charged body will attract
opposite charge and repel like charge present in the neutral body. Opposite charge is induced at
the near end and like charge at the farther end. Inducing body neither gains nor loses charge.
Induction always preceeds attraction.
• Repulsion is the sure test of electrification.
 1
• Induced charge q1 = − q 1 − where K is Dielectric constant
 K 
Coulomb’s Law : The force of attraction or repulsion between two stationary electic charges is
directly proportional to the product of magnitude of the two charges and is inversely
proportional to the square of the distance between them and this force acts along the line joining
those two charges
1 q1q2
• F=
40 r r 2
0 - permittivity of free space or vacuum or air.

r - Relative permittivity or dielectric constant of the medium in which the charges are situated.

C2 farad 1
• 0 = 8.857 10 −12
or , and = 9 109 Nm2 / C2
Nm 2
metre 40
Permittivity of Medium: Permittivity is the measure of the degree of the medium which resists
the flow of charges
1
In SI. for medium other than free space, the constant K = so that we can write the equation
4
1 q1q2
for the force between the charges as F =
4 r 2
F0 
 = =r
F 0
r is known as the relative permittivity of the medium. It is a constant for a given medium and
the force between the charges, separated by a medium, decreases compared with the force
between the same charges in free space separated by the same distance.

APNI KAKSHA 2
(Physics)

Relative permittivity r is also known as dielectric constant K of the medium or specific

inductive capacity.
Relative permittivity of a medium is defined as the ratio of permittivity of the medium to
permittivity of free space (or) air (or) Relative permittivity of a medium is defined as the
electrostatic force ( F0 ) between two charges in air to the force (F) between the same two

charges kept in the medium at same distance. Dielectric constant (or) Relative permittivity
Permittivity the medium
K=
Permittivity of free space
It has no units and no dimensions
1 q1q2 1 1 q1q2
Hence, the mathematical form of inverse square law is given as F = =
4 r 2 K 40 r 2
For force in vacuum or air K = 1 and for a good conductor like metals, K = 
Conclusion :
1) The introduction of a glass slab between two charges will decrease the magnitude of force
between them.
2) The introduction of a metallic slab between two charges will decrease the magnitude of force
to zero.
Note : 1 When some charges are separated by the same distance in two different media,
1 1 q1q2
F1 = (1)
K1 40 r 2
1 1 q1q2
and F2 = (2)
K2 40 r 2
from (1) and (2)  FK
1 1 = F2 K 2

Note : 2 When the same charges are separated by different distance in the same medium Fd = constant
2

1 1 = F2 d 2
2 2
(or) Fd

F1 q11q12
Note: 3 If different charges are at the same separation in a given medium =
F q1q2
Note : 4 If the force between two charges in two different media is the same for different separations.
1 1 q1q2
F= = constant
K 40 r 2
Kr 2 = constant or K1r12 = K 2 r22

If the force between two charges separated by a distance ' r0 ' in vacuum or air is same as the

force between the same charges separated by a distance ‘r’ in a medium.

APNI KAKSHA 3
(Physics)

r0
Kr 2 = r02  r =
K
Here K is dielectric constant of the medium. The effective distance ‘r’ in medium for a distance
r0
r0 in vacuum = .
K
Similarly, the effective distance in vacuum for a dielectric slab of thickness ' x ' and dielectric
constant K is x eff = x K

Coulomb’s Law in Vector Form

1 q1q2
• F12 = r12 and F21 = −F12
40 r22

F21 F12
q1 q2

Here F12 is force exerted by q1 on q 2 and F21 is force exerted by q 2 on q1

• Suppose the position vector of two charges q1 and q 2 are r1 and r2 , then electric force on

charge q1 due to q 2 is, F1 =

1 q1q2
r −r
40 r − r 3 1 2
( )
1 2

Similarly, electric force on q 2 due to charge q1 is F2 =

1 q1q2
(
r −r
40 r − r 3 2 1
)
2 1

Here q1 and q 2 are to be substituted with sign.

r1 = x1i + y1 j + z1k and r2 = x 2i + y2 j + z 2 k where ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and ( x 2 , y 2 , z 2 ) are the co-ordinates

of charges q1 and q 2 .

Limitations of Coulomb’s Law

• Coulomb’s law holds for stationary charges only which are point sized.
This law is valid for all types of charge distributions.
This law is valid at distances greater than 10−15 m .
This law obeys Newton’s third law.
This law represents central forces.
This law is analogous to Newton law of gravitation in mechanics.
• The electric force is an action reaction pair, i.e the two charges exert equal and opposite forces
on each other.
• The electric force is conservative in nature.
• Coulomb force is central.

APNI KAKSHA 4
(Physics)

• (
Coulomb force is much stronger than gravitational force. 1036 Fg = FE )
Forces between multiple charges :
• Force on a charged particle due to a number of point charges is the resultant of forces due to
individual point charges F = F1 + F2 + F3 + ......

Linear charge density (  ) is defined as the charge per unit length.

dq
=
d
Where dq is the charge on an infinitesimal length dl.
Units of  are Coulomb/meter (C/m)
Examples:- Charged straight wire, circular charged ring
Surface charge density ( ) is defined as the charge per unit area.

dq
=
ds
Where dq is the charge on an infinitesimal surface area ds. Units of  are coulomb/meter 2

(C / m ) .
2

Example :- Plane sheet of charge, conducting sphere.

Volume charge density (  ) is defined as charge per unit volume.

dq
=
dv
Where dq is the charge on an infinitesimal volume element dv. Units of (  ) are coulomb/meter
3
(C / m )3

Electric Field : The space around electric charge upto which its influence is felt is known as
electric field.
• Electric field is a conservative field.
Intensity of Electric Field : The intensity of electric field or electric field strength E at a point in space
is defined as the force experienced by unit positive test charge placed at that point.
The intensity of electric field is also often called as electric field strength.
Consider an electric field in a given region. Bring a charge q 0 to a given point in that field without

disturbing any other charge that has produced the field.

Let F be the electric force experienced by q 0 and it is found to be proportional to q 0

F  q0  F = Eq0 .

APNI KAKSHA 5
(Physics)

F
Here E is proportionality constant called electric field strength E =
q0
Electric field strength is a vector quantity. Its direction is the direction along which a free positive charge
experiences the force in the electric field.

( )
The S.I unit of electric field strength is newton per coulomb NC−1 . It can also be expressed in volt per

(
meter Vm−1 . )
Electric field internsity due to an isolated point charge :

Consider a point charge ‘Q’ placed at point A as shown. Let us find the electric field E at a point P at a

distance ‘r’ from charge Q. Imagine a positive test charge q 0 at P. The charge Q produces a field E at P.

Q r q0
A p

1 Qq0
The force appled by Q on q 0 is given by F = . This acts along AP.
40 r 2

F 1 Q
According to definition E = E= r
q0 40 r 2

If ‘q’ is positive, E is along AP and if ‘q’ is negative E will be along PA .

 
If the charge ‘q’ is in medium of permittivity  , and dielectric constant K,  K =  the intensity of
 0 

electric field in a medium ( E med ) is given by

1 Q Efree space
Emed = 2  Emed =
4 r K
NULL POINT OR NEUTRAL POINT
In the case of a system of charges if the net electric field is zero at a point, it is known as null point.
Application : Two point (like) charge q1 and q 2 are separated by a distance ‘r’ and fixed, we can locate

the point on the line joining those charges where resultant or net field is zero.
Case 1 : If the charges are like, the neutral point will be between the charges.

x (r − x)
q1 q2
P

Let P be the null point where E net = 0

 E1 + E2 = 0 (due to those charges)

APNI KAKSHA 6
(Physics)

or E1 = −E 2 and E1 = E 2

1 q1 1 q2
 =
40 x 40 ( r − x )2
2

q1 q2
or =
x ( r − x )2
2

r
on solving we get x =
q2
+1
q1
Case 2 : If the charges are unlike, the neutral point will be outside the charge on the line joining them.
r
q1 q2 x

q1 q2
In this case =
x ( r + x )2
2

r
On solving we get x =
q2
−1
q1

• If q 0 is positive charge then the force acting on it is in the direction of the field.

• If q 0 is negative then the direction of this force is opposite of the field direction.

E E
+
F = Eq F = −Eq

Motion of a charge particle in a uniform electric field :

(a) A charged body of mass ‘m’ and charge ‘q’ is initially at rest in a uniform electric field of intensity
E. The force acting on it, F = Eq.
• Here the direction of F is in the direction of field if ‘q’ is +ve and opposite to the field if ‘q’ is
−ve .
F Eq
• The body travels in a straight line path with uniform acceleration, a = = , initial velocity,
m m
u = 0.
At an instant of time t.
 Eq 
Its final velocity, v = u + at =  t
m

APNI KAKSHA 7
(Physics)

1 1  Eq  2
Displacement s = ut + at 2 =  t
2 2  m 
Momentum, P = mv = ( Eq ) t

Kinetic energy,
1 1  E2q 2  2
K  E = mv2 =  t
2 2 m 

Electric field strength due to a uniformly charged rod

At an axial point:

Consider a rod of length L, uniformly charged with a charge Q.

To calculate the electric field strength at a point P situated at a distance ‘r’ from one end of the rod,
consider an element of length dx on the rod as shown in the figure.

Q
Charge on the elemental length dx is dq = dx
L
dq Qdx
dE = =
40 x 40Lx2
2

The net electric field at point P can be given by integrating this expression over the length of the rod.
r +L
Q Q r +L 1
EP =  dE =  40L r x 2
dx = dx
r Lx 2 40
r +L
Q  −1
EP =
40L  x  r

Q 1 1  Q
EP =  −  =
40L  r r + L  40r ( r + L )
At an equatorial point:
To find the electric field due to a rod at a point P situated at a distance ‘r’ from its centre on its equatorial
line

APNI KAKSHA 8
(Physics)

Consider an element of length dx at a distance ‘x’ from centre of rod as in figure (b). Charge on the
Q
element is dq = dx
L
The strength of electric field at P due to this point charge dq is dE.
dq
 dE =
40 ( r 2 + x2 )

The component dEsin  will get cancelled and net electric field at point P will be due to integration of
dE cos  only
Net electric field strength at point P can be given as
L
+
2
Qdx r 1
EP =  dE cos  =  L(r  
−
L
2
+x )
2
r + x 40
2 2

L
+
2
Qr dx
EP = 
40 L (r + x2 )
2 3/2
L
−
2

x
From the diagram tan  =
r
x = r tan  ; On differentiation; dx = r sec2 d
Qr r sec2 d Q r sec2 d
40L  r3 sec3  40Lr  r3 sec3 
EP = ; =

Q Q
=
40Lr  cos d =
40Lr
sin 
x x
Substituting  = tan −1 = sin−1
r x + r2
2

 L

 
Q  x  Q  2
1 
EP =  2 2 =
40L  x + r  − L 40r  L2 2 
2  +r 
 4 

APNI KAKSHA 9
(Physics)

Q  2 
EP =  2 
40r  L + 4r 
2

Electric field due to a uniformly charged ring:

The intensity of electric field at a distance ‘x’ meter from the Centre along the axis:
Consider a circular ring of radius ‘a’ having a charge ‘q’ uniformly distributed over it as shown in figure.
Let ‘O’ be the centre of the ring.

Consider an element dx of the ring at point A. The charge on this element is given by
dq = dx  charge density
q qdx
dq = dx =
2a 2a
(a) The intensity of electric field dE1 at point P due to the element dx at A is given by

1 dq
dE1 =
40 r 2
The direction of dE1 is as shown in figure. The component of intensity along x-axis will be

1 dq
cos  = dE1 cos 
40 r 2
The component of intensity along y-axis will be
1 dq
sin  = dE1 sin 
40 r 2
Similarly, if we consider an element dx of the ring opposite to A which lies at B, the component of
intensity perpendicular to the axis will be equal and opposite to the component of intensity
perpendicular to the axis due to element at A. Hence, they cancel each other. Due to symmetry of ring
the component of intensity due to all elements of the ring perpendicular to the axis will cancel.
So the resultant intensity is only along the axis of the ring. The resultant intensity is given by
1 dq
E= cos 
40 r 2
1 qdx x
E=   (where cos  = x / r )
40 2 ar 2 r
APNI KAKSHA 10
(Physics)

1 qx 1
E= 
40 ( 2a )
 3  dx
(a 2
+x )
2 2

r3 = ( a 2 + x2 )3/2 
 
1 qx 1
E=  2a
40 2a ( a + x 2 )3/2
2

1 qx
E=
40 ( a 2 + x 2 )3/2

Electric field at centre is zero.

By symmetry we can say that electric field strength at centre due to every small segment on ring is
cancelled by the electric field at centre due to the element exactly opposite to it. As in the figure the
electric field at centre due to segment A is cancelled by that due to segment B. Thus net electric field
strength at the centre of a uniformly charged ring is Ecentre = 0

Electric field strength due to a uniformly charged disc

Consider a disc of radius R, charged on its surface with a charge density  .
Let us find electric field strength due to this disc at a distance ‘x’ from the center of disc on its axis at
point P as shown in figure.
Consider an elemental ring of radius ‘y’ and width dy in the disc as shown in figure. The charge on this
elemental ring dq can be given as
dq =  2 ydy
{Area of elemental ring ds = dy = 2 ydy }

Electric field strength due to a ring of radius y, charge Q at a distance x from its centre on its axis can be
given as
Qx
E=
40 ( x 2 + y2 )
3/2

Due to the elemental ring electric field strength dE at point P can be given as

APNI KAKSHA 11
(Physics)

xdq 2ydyx
dE = =
40 ( x 2 + y )
2 3/2
40 ( x 2 + y2 )
3/2

Net electric field at point P due to whole disc is given by integrating above expression within the limits
from 0 to R
R
2xydy
E =  dE = 
40 ( x 2 + y2 )
3/2
0

R
x R 2ydy 2x  −1 
40 0 ( x 2 + y2 )
= =  
3/2
40  x 2 + y2 
0

  x 
E= 1 − 2 
20  x + R2 
Electric field strength due to uniformly charged disc at a distance x from its surface is given as
  x 
E= 1 − 2 
20  x + R2 

If we put x = 0 we get E =
20
Electric dipole:
A system of two equal and opposite point charges fixed at a small distance constitutes an electric dipole.
Electric dipole is analogous to bar magnet or magnetic dipole in magnetism. Every dipole has a
characteristic property called dipole moment, which is similar to magnetic moment of a bar magnet. If
2a is the distance between the charges +q and -q, then electric dipole moment is p = q.2a

Dipole moment is a vector quantity and its direction is from negative charge to positive charge as shown.
Electric field at any point due to a dipole:
We know that the electric field is the negative gradient of potential. In polar form if V is the potential at
( r, ) the electric field will have two components radial and transverse components which are

represented by E r & E  respectively.

APNI KAKSHA 12
(Physics)

 V  pcos    1 
Then Er = −   = −
 r  40 r  r 2 
2pcos 
Er =
40r3
The transverse component of electric field
1 V 1  psin  
E = − = − − 
r  r  40r 2 

psin 
E =
40 r3

E = E2 + E2R

p2 sin 2  4p2 cos2 

E= +
( 4 r ) ( 4 r )
0
3 2
0
3 2

p
E= 4cos2  + sin 2 
40r 3

p
E= 1 + 3cos2 
40r 3

Field at a point on the axial line: (  = 0 )

2p
Eaxial =
40r3
Field at a point on the equatorial line (  = 90 )

−p
Eequitorial =
40r3
The direction of E at any point is given by
psin 
E 40r3 1
tan  = =  tan  = tan 
Er 2pcos  2
40 r 3

 = tan −1 1/ 2 tan 

Oscillatory motion of dipole in an electric field

When dipole is displaced from its position of equilibrium. The dipole will then experience a torque given
by
 = −pEsin 
For small value of  ,
APNI KAKSHA 13
(Physics)

 = −pE …..(1)
Where negative sign shows that torque is acting against increasing value of 
Also,  = I
Where, I = moment of inertia and
 = angular acceleration
d 2
=I ….(2)
dt 2
Hence, from equations (1) and (2), we have
d 2 d2 −pE
I = −pE or =  …..(3)
dt 2 dt 2 I
d 2
 −
dt 2
This equation represents simple harmonic motion (SHM). When dipole is displaced from its mean
position by small angle, then it will have SHM.
d2 pE
Equation (3) can be written as + =0
dt 2 I
On comparing above equation with standard equation of SHM.

d2 2 pE pE
2
+  y = 0 , we have; 2 = =
dt I I

I
T = 2 , where T is the time period of oscillations.
pE
Distributed dipole:
Consider a half ring with a charge +q uniformly distributed and another equal negative charge -q placed
at its centre. Here -q is point charge while +q is distributed on the ring. Such a system is called
distributed dipole.

2qR
The net dipole moment is pnet =

/2
2qR
If  =  pnet = 2  dpcos ; = sin  / 2
0 

If the arrangement is a complete circle,

APNI KAKSHA 14
(Physics)


=   pnet = 0
2
Force between two short dipoles
Consider two short dipoles separated by a distance r.
There are two possibilities.
(a) If the dipoles are parallel to each other.

1 3p1p2
F=
40 r 4
As the force is positive, it is repulsive.
Similarly if the dipoles are antiparallel to each other, the force is attractive
(b) If the dipoles are on the same axis

1 6p1p2
F=−
40 r 4
As the force is negative, it is attractive
Quadrapole:
We have discussed about electric dipole with two equal and unlike point charges separated by a small
distance. But in some cases, the two charges are not concentrated at its ends. Consider a situation as
shown in the figure (Like in water molecule). Here three charges -2q, q and q are arranged as shown. It
can be visualized as the combination of two dipoles each of dipole moment p = qd at an angle  between
them. The arrangement of two electric dipoles is called a quadrapole. As dipole moment is a vector the
resultant dipole moment of the system is
p' = 2pcos  / 2

APNI KAKSHA 15
(Physics)

Few other quadrapoles are also as shown in the following figures.

Electric field at the axis of a circular uniformly charged ring

Intensity of electric field at a point P that lies on the axis of the ring at a distance x from its centre is
1 qx
E=
40 ( x 2 + a 2 )3/2

 x 
Where cos  = 
 a 2 + x2 
Where a is the radius of the ring.
From the above, expression E = 0 at the centre of the ring
dE
E will be maximum when =0
dx
a 2  1 q
Differentiating E w.r.t. x and putting it equal to zero we get x = and Emax =  2 
2 3 3  40 a 
Electric field due to a charged spherical conductor (Spherical shell)
Let ‘q’ amount of charge be uniformly distributed over a spherical shell of radius ‘R’
q
 = Surface charge density,  =
4R 2
When point ‘P’ lies outside the shell:
APNI KAKSHA 16
(Physics)

1 q
E=  2
40 r
This is the same expression as obtained for electric field at a point due to a point charge. Hence a charged
spherical shell behaves as a point charge concentrated at the centre of it.
1 .4R 2 q .R 2
E= = ; E =
40 r 2 4r 2 0 r 2

When point ‘P’ lies on the shell: E =
0
When point ‘P’ lies inside the shell: E = 0

Electric field due to a uniformly charged non – conducting sphere

Electric field intensity due to a uniformly charged non – conducting sphere of charge Q, of radius R at a
distance r from the centre of the sphere.
Let q amount of charge be uniformly distributed over a solid sphere of radius R
q
 = Volume charge density  =
4 3
R
3
When point ‘P’ lies inside sphere:
1 Qr .r
E= for r  R, E =
40 R 3
30
When point ‘P’ lies on the sphere:
1 q .R
E= ; E=
40 R2 30
When point ‘P’ lies outside the sphere:
1 q .R 3
E= ; E=
40 r 2 30 r 2

APNI KAKSHA 17
(Physics)

Electric potential:
Work done to bring a unit positive charge from infinite distance to a point in the electric field is called
electric potential at that point
W
It is given by V =
q
It represents the electrical condition or state of the body and it is similar to temperature
1 Q
Potential at a point due to a point charge =
40 r
Potential due to a group of charges is the algebraic sum of their individual potentials
i.e., V = V1 + V2 + V3 + .....

when a charged particle is accelerated from rest through a potential difference ‘V’, work done,
1 2Vq
W = Vq = m2 (or)  =
2 m
The work done in moving a charge of q coulomb between two points separated by potential difference
V2 − V1 is q ( V2 − V1 )

V dV
Relation among E, V and d in a uniform electric field is E = (or) E = −
d dx
Electric field is always in the direction of decreasing potential
The component of electric field in any direction is equal to the negative of potential gradient in that
direction.
 V ˆ V ˆ V ˆ 
E = − i+ j+ k
 x y z 
An equatorial surface has a constant value of potential at all points on the surface.
For single charge q

APNI KAKSHA 18
(Physics)

Electric field at every point is normal to the equipotential surface passing through that point.
No work is required to move a test charge on an equipotential surface.
Zero Potential Point:
Two unlike charges Q1 and −Q2 are separated by a distance ‘d’. The net potential is zero at two points

on the line joining them, one (x) in between them and the other (y) outside them
Q1 Q2 Q Q
= and 1 = 2
x d−x y d+y
Potential due to a dipole:
An electric dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges separated by a very small distance.
If ‘q’ is the charge and 2a the length of the dipole then electric dipole moment will be given by p = ( 2a ) q

Let AB be a dipole whose centre is at ‘O’ and ‘P’ be the point where the potential due to dipole is to be
determined. Let r,  be the position coordinates of ‘P’ w.r.t the dipole as shown in figure. Let BN & AM
be the perpendiculars drawn on to OP and the line produced along PO. From geometry ON = a cos  =
OM.
Hence the distance, BP from +q charge is
r − a cos 
[because PB = PN as AB is very small in comparison with r]
For similar reason
APNI KAKSHA 19
(Physics)

AP = r + a cos   AP = PM
1 q
Hence potential at P due to charge +q situated at B is V1 =
40 ( r − a cos )
1 −q
Similarly potential at P due to charge -q at A is V2 =
40 ( r + a cos )

Hence the total potential at P is V = V1 + V2

q q
V= −
40 ( r − a cos ) 40 ( r + a cos )

q  1 1 
V=  − 
40  ( r − a cos ) ( r + a cos ) 

q ( 2a cos )
V=
40 ( r 2 − a 2 cos2 )

But r  a  r 2 − a 2 cos2   r 2
pcos 
V =
40r 2
Hence, potential varies inversely as the square of the distance from the dipole.
SPECIAL CASSES:
1. On the axial line: For a point on the axial line  = 0
Vaxial = p / 40 r 2 volts for a dipole.

2. Point on the equatorial line: For a point on the equatorial line  = 90 Vequitorial = 0 volts.

Equatorial line is a line where the potential is zero at any point

1. Equipotential surfaces:
Equipotential surface in an electric field is a surface on which the potential is same at every point. In
other words, the locus of all points which have the same electric potential is called equipotential surface.
An equipotential surface may be the surface of a material body or a surface drawn in an electric field.
The important properties of equipotential surfaces are as given below.
(a) As the potential difference between any two points on the equipotential surface is zero, no work
is done in taking a charge from one point to another.
(b) The electric field is always perpendicular to an equipotential surface.
In other words electric field or lines of force are perpendicular to the equipotential surface

APNI KAKSHA 20
(Physics)

(c) No two equipotential surfaces intersect. If they intersect like that, at the point of intersection
field will have two different directions or at the same point there will be two different potentials
which is impossible.
(d) The spacing between equipotential surfaces enables to identify regions of strong and weak fields
dV 1
E=− . So E  (if dV is constant).
dr dr
(e) At any point on the equipotential surface component of electric field parallel to the surface is
zero.
In uniform field, the lines of force are straight and parallel and equipotential surfaces are planes
perpendicular to the lines of force as shown in figure.

The equipotential surfaces are a family of concentric spheres for a uniformly charged sphere or
for a point charge as shown in figure.

Equipotential surfaces in electrostatics are similar to wave fronts in optics. The wave fronts in
optics are the locus of all points which are in the same phase. Light rays are normal to the wave
fronts. On the other hand the equipotential surfaces are perpendicular to the lines of force.
Electric Potential due to a Linear Charge Distribution
Consider a thin infinitely long line charge having a uniform linear charge density  placed along YY' .
Let P is a point at distance ‘r’ from the line charge then magnitude of electric

field at point P is given by E =
20r

We know that V( r ) = − E.dr



Here E = and E.dr = Edr
20r

APNI KAKSHA 21
(Physics)


So V ( r ) = − Edr = −
  2 r dr
0

 − 
V ( r ) =  loge r  + C
 20 
Where C is constant of integration and V(r) gives electric potential at a distance ‘r’ from the linear charge
distribution
Electric Potential due to Infinite Plane Sheet of charge (Non conducting)
Consider an infinite thin plane sheet of positive charge having a uniform surface charge density  on
both sides of the sheet. By symmetry, it follows that the electric field is perpendicular to the plane sheet
of charge and directed in outward direction.

The electric field intensity is E =
20
Electrostatic potential due to an infinite plane sheet of charge at a perpendicular distance r from the
sheet given by

V( r ) = − E.dr = − Edr

  − 
V ( r ) = − dr =  r+C
20  20 
Where C is constant of integration.
Similarly, the electric potential due to an infinite plane conducting plate at a perpendicular distance r
from the plate is given by

V( r ) = − E.dr = − Edr

  − 
V ( r ) = − dr =  r+C
20  20 
Where C is constant of integration
Electric Potential due to a Charged Spherical Shell (or Conducting Sphere):

Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R and having charge +q on the spherical shell.
Case (i): When point P lies outside the spherical shell. The electric field at the point is
APNI KAKSHA 22
(Physics)

1 q
E= (for r  R )
40 r 2

The potential V( r ) = − E.dr = − Edr

 
1 q 1 q
= − dr = +C
40 r 2
40 r
Where C is constant of integration
If r → , V (  ) → 0 and C = 0

1 q
V(r) = (r  R)
40 r
Case (ii): When point P lies on the surface of spherical shell then r = R
Electrostatic potential at P on the surface is
1 q
V=
40 R
Case (iii): For points inside the charged spherical shell ( r  R ) , the electric field E = 0

dV
So we can write − =0
dr
 V is constant and is equal to that on the surface
1 q
So, V = for r  R
40 R
The variation of V with distance ‘r’ from centre is as shown in the graph.

Electric Potential due to a Uniformly Charged Non-conducting solid Sphere:

Consider a charged sphere of radius R with total charge q uniformly distributed on it.
Case (i): For points outside the sphere ( r  R ) the electric field at any point is

1 q
E= , (for r  R )
40 r 2
The potential at any point outside the shell is

V( r ) = − E.dr = − Edr

APNI KAKSHA 23
(Physics)

1 q 1 q
= − dr = +C
40 r 2
40 r
Where C is constant of integration
If r → , V (  ) → 0 and C = 0

1 q
V(r) = (r  R )
40 r
Case (ii): When point P lies on the surface of spherical shell then r = R The electrostatic potential
at P on the surface is
1 q
V=
40 R
Case (iii): For points inside the sphere ( r  R )

1 qr
The electric field is E =
40 R3

dV = E.dr = −Edr
 r r
1 qr
 dV = − Edr = − 4
s R R 0 R3
dr

r
1 q  r2 
V − Vs = −  
40 R3  2 R

1 q 1 q  r2 R2 
V− =− −
40 R 40 R3  2 2 

1 q 1 q  r2 R2 
V= =− −
40 R 40 R3  2 2 

1 q  3 r2 
V=  −
40 R  2 2R 2 

1 3q 3 1 q
At the centre r = 0 then potential at centre VC = =
40 2R 2 40 R

APNI KAKSHA 24
(Physics)

The variation of V with distance ‘r’ from centre is as shown in the graph.

Potential of a charged ring:

A charge q is distributed over the circumference of ring (either uniformly or non-uniformly), then
electric potential at the centre of the ring is
1 q
V=
40 R
1 q
At distance ‘r’ from the centre of ring on its axis would be V = .
40 R 2 + r 2
Electric potential of a uniformly charged disc
Consider a uniformly charged circular disc having surface charge density  .
  2 2
• Potential at a point on its axial line at distance x from the centre is V = R + x − x
20  

R
• At the center of disc x = 0 , V =
20
q
• For x  R, V =
40 x
R
• Potential on the edge of the disc is V =
0
Potential Energy of System of Charges
• Two charges Q1 and Q 2 are separated by a distance ‘d’. The P.E. of the system of charges is

1 Q1Q2
U= . from U = W = Vq
40 d

• Three charges Q1 ,Q2 ,Q3 are placed at the three vertices of an equilateral triangle of side ‘a’.

APNI KAKSHA 25
(Physics)

1  Q1Q2 Q2Q3 Q3Q1  1 Q1Q2

The P.E. of the system of charges is U =  + +  or U =
40  a a a  40 a

• If two unlike charges are brought closer, P.E. of the system decreases.
For an attractive system U is always NEGATIVE
For a repulsive system U s always POSITIVE
For a stable system U is MINIMUM
dU
i.e., F = − = 0 (for stable system)
dx

APNI KAKSHA 26
(Physics)

EXERCISE-1
1. 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
2. Which of the following is a volt?
(A) Erg per cm (B) Joule per coulomb
2
(C) Erg per ampere (D) Newton/ (coulomb x m )
3. 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
4. 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
u
(B) X and Y will both move with velocities each
2
(C) X will stop, Y will move with velocity < u
u
(D) Both will move with velocities <
2
5. 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 (in volt) at the point (1, 1, 1) will be
6. Point P lies on the axis of a dipole. If the dipole is rotated by 90 anticlockwise, the electric field
vector a at P will rotate by
(A) 90 clockwise (B) 180 clockwise
(C) 90 anticlockwise (D) none of these

APNI KAKSHA 27
(Physics)

7. Electric flux through a surface of area 100m2 lying in the xy plane is (in V-m) if

E = ˆi + 2jˆ + 3kˆ
(A) 100 (B) 141.4 (C) 173.2 (D) 200
8. A hollow metal sphere of radius 5cm is charged such that the potential on its surface is 10V. The
potential (in V) at the centre of the sphere is
9. If the electric potential of the inner metal sphere is 10volt and that of the outer shell is 5 volt, then
the potential (in volt) at the centre will be

10. An isolated system consists of two charged particles of equal mass. Initially the particles are far
apart, have zero potential energy and one of the particles has non – zero speed. If the radiation is
neglected, which of the following is true for the total energy of the system at any later time?
(A) It is negative and constant
(B) It is positive and constant
(C) It is constant, but the sign cannot be determined unless the initial velocities of both particles
are known
(D) It cannot be constant of the motion because the particles exert force on each other
11. A point charge Q is located at the centre of a hollow spherical conductor of inner radius R 1 and

outer radius R 2 , the conductor being uncharged initially. The potential at the inner surface will

be

1 1  1 1 
(A) KQ  +  (B) KQ  − 
 R1 R 2   R1 R 2 
1 1
(C) KQ  −  (D) None of the above
 R 2 R1 
12. A number of spherical conductors of different radii are charged to some potential. The surface
charge density of each conductor is related with its radius as
1 1
(A)  (B)  (C) R (D) None of these
R2 R

APNI KAKSHA 28
(Physics)

13. A dipole of 2 C charges each consists of the positive charge at the point P (1, -1) and the negative
charge is placed at the point Q (-1, 1). The work done in displacing a charge of +1C from point
A ( −3, −3) to B (4, 4) is

(A) 1.6 10 3.2 10−19 J

−19
J (B) (C) zero (D) 4.8 eV

14. There are two concentric metal shells of radii r1 and r2 (  r1 ) . If the outer shell has a charge q and
the inner shell is grounded, the charge on the inner shell is

r   r2 
(A) zero (B) − 1 q (C) r1r2q (D)  q
 r2   r1 
15. If the intensity of electric field at a distance x from the centre in axial position of small electric
dipole is equal to intensity at distance y in equatorial position, then
y x x
(A) x=y (B) x= (C) y= (D) y=
2 22/3 21/3
16. Three charges Q, +q and +q are placed at the vertices of a right- angled isosceles triangle as shown
−q
in the figure. The net electrostatic energy of the configuration will be zero if Q is equal to
+ 2
. Find  +  ?

17. Three positive charges of equal value q are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The
resulting lines of force should be sketched as in

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

APNI KAKSHA 29
(Physics)

18. The variation of potential with distance R from fixed point is shown in the figure. The electric field
at R = 5m is

2  −2 
(A) 2.5 V/m (B) -2.5 V/m (C)  5 V / m (D)  5 V / m
   
19. A spherical cavity is created in a neutral solid conducting sphere. Inside the cavity, a dipole is
placed as shown in the figure. Electrostatic potential at point P only due to charge induced on the
inner surface of the cavity is (assume that  d )

q sin  −q sin  q sin  q sin 

(A) (B) (C) − (D)
40 d2 40d2 40 d 40d
20. Charge Q each are distributed uniformly on a non-conducting hemispherical shell (on the surface)
and in the volume of a non-conducting solid hemisphere. A point charge q is brought slowly at the
centre C1 of shell and at the centre C 2 of solid hemisphere from infinity.

W 
If the work done in these two processes are W1 and W2 then, the ratio  1  is
 W2 
3 3 4 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 2 3 3
APNI KAKSHA 30
(Physics)

EXERCISE-2
1. Two free positive charges 4q and q are a distance apart. What charge Q is needed to achieve
equilibrium for the entire system and where should it be placed from charge q?
4 4
(A) Q = q (negative) at (B) Q = q (positive) at
9 3 9 3

(C) Q = q (positive) at (D) Q = q (negative) at

3 3
2. 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 the above

3. The direction ( ) of E at point P due to uniformly charged finite rod will be

(A) at angle 30 from x – axis (B) 45 from x – axis

(C) 60 from x – axis (D) None of the above
4. 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

APNI KAKSHA 31
(Physics)

5. An infinite non – conducting 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
88
mm . Find n?
n
6. 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
7. 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) 4iˆ + 3jˆ (B) 4iˆ + 8jˆ (C) 8iˆ + 4jˆ (D) −8iˆ + 4jˆ
8. Figure shows equi – potential surfaces for a two charges system. At which of the labelled points
will an electron have the highest potential energy?

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

9. 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 is 2k  . Find  ?

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

APNI KAKSHA 32
(Physics)

R 2 2 ( R 2 − x 2 )  ( R − x ) 
2
( R 2 − x2 ) 
(A) (B) (C) (D)
0 0 0 0
11. A positive charge q is placed in a spherical cavity made in a positively charged sphere. The centres

of sphere and cavity are separated by a small distance . Force on charge q is

(A) in the direction parallel to vector

(B) in radial direction
(C) in a direction which depends on the magnitude of charge density in sphere
(D) direction cannot be determined

12. A non – conducting ring of radius 0.5m carries a total charge of 1.1110−10 C distributed non –
uniformly on its circumference producing an electric field E everywhere in space. The value of the
=0
line integral  −E.d
=
( = 0 being centre of the ring) in volts is

13. An ellipsoidal cavity is carved within a perfect conductor. A positive charge q is placed at the centre
of the cavity. The points A and B are on the cavity surface as shown in the figure. Then

(A) electric field near A in the cavity = electric field near B in the cavity
(B) charge density at A = charge density at B
(C) potential at A = potential at B
q
(D) total electric field flux through the surface of the cavity is
0
14. The system of charges as shown in the figure. A thick 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. 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

APNI KAKSHA 33
(Physics)

KQ Q−q Q−q
(A) 0 (B) (C) K (D) K
a R b
1
(where K= )
40
15. The ratio of the time periods of small oscillations of the insulated spring and mass system before
and after charging the masses is

16. A sphere of radius R is having charge Q uniformly distributed over it. The energy density of the

Q
electric field in the air, at a distance r is . Find  +  +  + P ? (r > R) is given by (in J/m3 )
 0r P

17. If Vo be the potential at origin in an electric field E = Exˆi + Eyˆj , then the potential at point P(x,
y) is
(A) Vo + xE x + yE y (B) Vo + xE x − yE y

(C) Vo − xE x − yE y (D) (x 2
+ y2 ) E2x + E2y − Vo
18. Electric charges q, q and -2q are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle ABC of side L. The

magnitude of electric dipole moment of the system is  qL . Find  ?

19. Six charges of equal magnitude, 3 positive and 3 negative are to be placed on PQRSTU corners of a
regular hexagon, such that field at the centre is double that of what it would have been if only one
+ve charge is placed at R. identify the correct sequence of charge.

(A) +, +, +, −, −, − (B) −, +, +, +, −, − (C) −, +, +, −, +, − (D) +, −, +, −, +, −

20. A point charge q is placed at a point on the axis of a non – conducting circular plate of radius r at a

qr 
distance R (  r ) from its centre. The electric flux associated with the plate is . Find
40R
+?
APNI KAKSHA 34
(Physics)

R
21. The diagram shows part of a disc of radius R carrying uniformly distributed charge from to R of
2
density  .Electric potential at the center C is

R R R R
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 0 16 0 24 0 32 0

APNI KAKSHA 35
(Physics)

EXERCISE-3
1. 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)
2. A non-conducting 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
3
(A) directed towards the gap, inversely proportional to R
2
(B) directed towards the gap, inversely proportional to R
3
(C) directed away from the gap, inversely proportional to R
2
(D) directed away from the gap, inversely proportional to R
3. A small particle of mass m and charge –q is placed at point P on the axis of uniformly charged ring
and released. If R > x, the particle will undergo oscillations along the axis of symmetry with an

Qq
angular frequency that is equal to . Find  +  + 
0R  m

4. 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

APNI KAKSHA 36
(Physics)

(A) (B)

(C) (D)
5. Two identical thin rings, each of radius R meter are coaxially placed at distance R meter apart. If
Q1 and Q 2 coulomb are respectively the charges uniformly spread on the two rings, the minimum
work done in moving a charge q from the centre of one ring to that of the other is

(A) zero (B)

q ( Q1 − Q2 ) ( 2 −1 )
( 2.40R )
(C)
q 2 ( Q1 + Q2 )
(D)
q ( Q1 − Q2 ) ( 2 +1 )
40R ( 2.40R )
6. 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) (D)
r ( n − 1)
r n
7. A uniform electric field having strength E is existing in x – y plane as shown in figure. Find the p.d.
between origin O and A (d, d, 0)

(A) Ed ( cos  + sin ) (B) −Ed ( sin  − cos  )

(C) 2Ed (D) None of these

APNI KAKSHA 37
(Physics)

8. Uniform electric field of magnitude 100V/m in space is directed along the line y = 3 + x . Find the
potential difference between point A(3, 1) and B(1, 3)

(A) 100V (B) 200 2V (C) 200V (D) 0

9. 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 at centre
2 2qR 2qR qR 2qR
(A) (B) (C) (D)
   
10. Two sphere of radii R 1 and R 2 , joined by a fine long wire, are raised to a potential V. if 1 and  2

R1 3
represent the respective surface charge densities of the spheres, then for = we have
R2 4

(A) (B)

(C) (D) None of these

11. Two point charges (Q each) are placed at (0, y) and (0, -y). A point charge q of the same polarity
can move along X – axis. Then
y
(A) the force on q is maximum at x = 
2
(B) the charge q is in equilibrium at the origin
(C) the charge q performs an oscillatory motion about the origin
(D) for any position of q other then origin the force is directed away from origin
12. Three equal point changes (Q) are kept at the three corners of an equilateral triangle ABC of side
a. P is a point having equal distance a from A, B and C. if E is the magnitude of electric field and V
is the potential at point P, then
3Q 6Q 3Q 3 6Q
(A) E= (B) E = (C) E= (D) E =
40a 2 40a 2 40a 40a 2

APNI KAKSHA 38
(Physics)

13. Two concentric rings of radii R1 = 6m and R 2 = 4m are placed in y – z plane with their centres
at origin. They have uniform charge –q and +Q = 2 2q on the inner and outer rings respectively.

Consider the electrostatic potential to be zero at infinity. Then

(A) The electic potential is zero at origin

(B) The electric field intensity is zero at r = 2m
(C) A positive charged particle disturbed from origin along the x – axis will restore back to origin
(D) Where potential is maximum on the x – axis, field intensity is zero
14. Two particles A and B, each carrying a charge Q, are held fixed with a separation d between them.
A particle C having a mass m and charge –q, in kept at the middle point of line AB.
It displaced through a distance x perpendicular to AB. Assume x << d. Then :
(A) Force experienced by C is proportional to x
(B) Force experienced by C is proportional to d
1/2
 m30d3 
(C) Particle C may executes SHM with time period  
 qQ 
1/2
 m20d2 
(D) Particle C may executes SHM with time period  
 qQ 
15. A point charge +q is placed on the axis of a closed cylinder of radius R and height 25R/12 as
xq
shown. If electric flux coming out from the curved surface of cylinder is , then calculate x.
100

16. Two point electric dipoles with dipole moments ' P1 ' and 'P2 ' are separated by a distance ‘r’ with

their dipole axes mutually perpendicular as shown. The force of interaction between the dipoles
 1 
 where, k = 
 40 

APNI KAKSHA 39
(Physics)

2kPP
1 2 3kP1P2 4kPP
1 2 6kPP
1 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
r4 r4 r4 r4
17. A dipole is placed at origin of co-ordinate system as shown in figure. Electric field at point P (0,
y) is given as

(A)
3y3
(
K ˆ ˆ
−i − j ) (B)
y3
(
K ˆ
−i + 2 ˆj) (C)
y3
(
K ˆ ˆ
−i − 2 j ) (D)
2y3
(
K ˆ ˆ
)
−i − 2 j

18. Two fixed charges −2Q and Q are located at the point of co-ordinates ( −3a, 0 ) and ( 3a, 0 )

respectively in (x – y) plane. Then all the points in x – y plane where potential is zero lies on a
(A) straight line parallel to x-axis (B) straight line parallel to y-axis
(C) a circle of radius 4a (D) circle of radius 2a
19. Two free charges +Q and +4Q are placed at a separation L. The system to stay in equilibrium.
L 2L
(A) The location of 3rd charge is at from Q are for 4Q
3 3
2L L
(B) The location of 3rd charge is at from Q are for 4Q
3 3
4Q
(C) q = −
q
4Q
(D) q = +
q
20. A small charged particle of mass m and charge q is suspended by an
insulated thread in front of a very large sheet of charge density  . The angle
made by the thread with the vertical, in equilibrium is

 q   q 
(A) tan −1   (B) tan −1  
 20mg   0mg 
 2q 
(C) tan −1   (D) zero
 0mg 
APNI KAKSHA 40
(Physics)

21. A particle of charge + q and mass ‘m’ moving under the influence of a uniform electric field E iˆ

and uniform magnetic field B kˆ follows a trajectory from P to Q as shown in figure. The velocities

at P and Q are v iˆ and −2 ˆj . Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

3  mv2 
(A) E= 
4  qa 

3  mv3 
(B) Rate of work done by the electric field at P is
4  a 
(C) Rate of work done by the electric field at P is zero
(D) Rate of work done by both the fields at Q is zero
22. In the given diagram three concentric conducting charged spherical shells are indicated. Initially
both the switches are open. Select the correct alternatives (s)

Q
(A) If only switch S 2 is closed then the charge transferred through this switch will be
2
Q
(B) If only switch S 2 is closed then the charge transferred through this switch will be
3
(C) If only switch S1 is closed then the charge transferred through this switch will be 2Q

Q
(D)If only switch S1 is closed then the charge transferred through this switch will be
2

APNI KAKSHA 41
(Physics)

EXERCISE-4
1. 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, the angular velocity of the

g
rod when it passes through the bottom most position is . Find  + 


2. 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 closest distance of approach is

1 Q2 1 4Q2 1 2Q2 1 3Q2

(A) (B) (C) (D)
40 m 40 m2 40 m2 40 m2
3. 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

mQq
agent on the fixed charge by the time distance between Q and q becomes 2r is . Find
0r
+
4. 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) (B)
(  ln 2) (C)
( 3 ln 2) (D) None
20 0 20

APNI KAKSHA 42
(Physics)

5. A wheel having mass m has charges +q and –q on diametrically opposite points. It remains in
mg
equilibrium on a rough inclined plane in the presence of uniform vertical electric field E = .
nq
Find n?

6. The figure shows charged spherical shells A, B and C having charge densities  , − ,  and radii
a, b , c respectively. If VA = VC , then b equal to

(A) a + c (B) a2 + c2 (C) ac (D) c – a

7. A charged particle moves with a speed  in a circular path of radius r around a long uniformly
charged conductor. Then
1 1
(A)   r (B)  (C)  (D)  is independent of r
r r
8. A fixed point charge Q is at origin. At t = 0, a charge q with mass m is at x = a with leftward velocity
kQq
V0 which satisfies = 3mV02 . The particle turns around and starts to move rightward at the
a
position ba.
b 6 b 3
(A) The ratio is (B) The ratio is
a 7 a 7
(C) The velocity of the particle at a large distance from the origin is 7V0
(D) The velocity of the particle at a large distance from the origin is zero

APNI KAKSHA 43
(Physics)

9. You are moving a negative charge q  0 at a small constant speed away from a uniformly charged
non – conducting spherical shell on which resides a negative charge Q. the electrostatic field of Q

is E. let U be the total energy of the system, Wa the work done by the force Fa you exert on q and
WE the work done by the electrostatic force FE on q. then, as q is being moved
(A) Wa = − WE , therefore U remains constant
(B) Fa = −FE
(C) U increases
(D) U decreases

10. S is a solid neutral conducting sphere. A point charge q of 1 10−6 C is placed at point A. C is the
centre of sphere and AB is a tangent. BC = 3m and AB = 4m.

(A) the electric potential of the conductor is 1.8 kV

(B) the electric potential of the conductor is 2.25 kV
(C) the electric potential at B due to induced charges on the spheres is -0.45 kV
(D) the electric potential at B due to induced charges on the spheres is 0.45 kV
11. Two infinite, parallel, non – conducting sheets carry equal positive charge denstiy  . One is placed
in the yz plane and the other at distance x = a. take potential V = 0 at x = 0

(A) For 0  x  a , potential Vx = 0


(B) For x  a , potential Vx = − (x − a)
0

(C) For x  a , potential Vx = (x − a)
0

(D) For x  0 , potential Vx = x
0
12. Small identical balls with equal charges are fixed at the vertices of a regular polygon of N sides,
each of length d. at a certain instant, one of the ball is released. After a long time interval, the
adjacent ball to the previous one is released. The difference in kinetic energies of the two released
balls is K at a sufficiently long distance from the polygon
APNI KAKSHA 44
(Physics)

(A) Final kinetic energy of the first ball is greater than of the second ball
(B) Final kinetic energy of the second ball is greater than that of the first ball
(C) Charge on each ball is 20dK
(D) Charge on each ball is 40dK
13. Two positive point charges each of magnitude 10C are fixed at positions A and B at a separation

2d = 6m . A negatively charged particle of mass m = 90 gm and charge of magnitude 10  10−6 C

is revolving in a circular path of radius 4m in the plane perpendicular to the line AB and bisecting
the line AB. Neglect the effect of gravity. Find the angular velocity of the particle. If gravity is also
considered will it still move in the circular path assuming AB to be horizontal.

(A) 100 rad/s (B) 200 rad/s (C) 300 rad/s (D) 400 rad/s
14. A square loop of side ‘ ’ having uniform linear charge density ‘  ’ is placed in ‘xy’ plane as shown
a
in figure. There is a non – uniform electric field E= ( x + ) ˆi where a is a constant. Find the
resultant electric force on the loop if = 10cm , a = 2N / C and charge density  = 2C / m

(A) 2  10−6 N (B) 4  10−6 N (C) 6  10−6 N (D) 8  10−6 N

15. Find the magnitude of uniform electric field E in N/C (direction shown in
figure) if an electron entering with velocity 100m/s making 30 comes
m
out making 60 (see figure), after a time numerically equal to of
e
electron.
(A) 25 (B) 50 (C) 75 (D) 100

APNI KAKSHA 45
(Physics)

2
16. A small ball of mass 1kg and charge C is placed at the centre of a uniformly charged sphere of
3
1
radius 1m and charge mC . A narrow smooth groove is made in the sphere from centre to surface
3
as shown in figure. The sphere is made to rotate about its vertical diameter at a constant rate of
1
revolutions per second. Find the speed w.r.t. ground with which the ball slides out from the
2
groove. Neglect any magnetic force acting on ball.

(A) 1 m/sec (B) 2 m/sec (C) 3 m/sec (D) 4 m/sec

17. In given diagram, there is a conducting sphere of radius r1 which is surrounded by dielectric (r )

. If conducting sphere is given charge ‘q’ then surface density of polarization charges on outer
surface of dielectric layer is

(A)
r q
(B)
q
(C)
(r −1) q (D)
(r −1) q
4r22 4r r22 4r2
2 4r r22
18. Three particles, each of mass 1g and carrying a charge q are suspended from a common point by
three insulated massless strings, each 100 cm long. If the particles are in equilibrium and are
located at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side length 3 cm, calculate the charge q on each

(
particle. Take g = 10 ms−2 . )
−9 −9 −9 −9
(A) 1.17 10 C (B) 2.17 10 C (C) 3.17 10 C (D) 4.17 10 C

APNI KAKSHA 46
(Physics)

19. Two identical positive point charges, each having a charge Q are fixed at a separation 2a. A point
charge q lies midway between the fixed charges. For small
(1) displacement (compared to a) along the line joining the fixed charges, the charge q executes
SHM, if it is positive in nature.
(2) lateral displacement, the charge q executes SHM, if it is negative in nature. The ratio of periods
of oscillations in the above two cases.
1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 3 2 3
20. A charge +q is fixed at each of the points x = x 0 , x = 3x 0 , x = 5x 0 ,…….,  on the x – axis and a

charge –q is fixed at each of the points x = 2x 0 , x = 4x 0 , x = 6x 0 ,…….,  . Here, x 0 is a positive

Q
quantity. Take the electric potential at a point due to charge Q at a distance r from it to be .
40r
Then, the potential at origin due to the above system of charges is
q qln 2
(A) 0 (B)  (C) (D)
80x0 ln2 40 x 0
21. Consider an imaginary hemispherical surface. A semi–infinite wire of charge density  is kept
with one of its end coinciding with center of hemisphere and wire is kept along the symmetric
axis of the hemisphere as shown in the figure. The electric flux through the spherical surface
(Curved surface) of the hemisphere is

λR λR 3λR λR
(A) (B) (C) (D)
30 40 40 20

APNI KAKSHA 47
(Physics)

EXERCISE-5
1. A small electric dipole is placed at origin with its axis being directed along the positive x – axis.

The direction of electric field due to the dipole at a point (1m, )

2m,0 is along the
(A) z – axis (B) y – axis (C) x – axis (D) line y = x
2. Two spherical, non – conducting, 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 centre, on the line connecting the centres of the two
shells, as shown in the figure. What is the net force on the charge q?

qQ qQ
(A) to the left (B) to the right
3610d2 3610d2
362qQ 360qQ
(C) to the left (D) to the right
3610d2 3610d2
3. 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, the minimum speed u so that it can
q
penetrate through the sphere is . Find  +  ?
0mR

(Neglect all resistance forces or friction acting on bullet except electrostatic forces)
4. 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

Kq
is . Find n?
na
5. The potential energy of a system of two identically charged hollow spheres (as shown in the figure)

q  1 1 
is equal to − . find  +  ?(Assume the charge distribution to be uniform)
0  R r 
APNI KAKSHA 48
(Physics)

6. If charges q/2 and 2q are placed at the centre of face and at the corner of a cube, then the total flux
q
through the cube is . Find 
0
7. A large insulating thick sheet of thickness 2d carries a uniform charge per unit volume . A
particle of mass m, carrying a charge q having a sign opposite to that of the sheet, is released from
the surface of the sheet. The sheet does not offer any mechanical resistance to the motion of the
particle. Find the oscillation frequency  of the particle inside the sheet.

1 q 1 2q 1 q 1 2q
(A)  = (B)  = (C)  = (D)  =
2 m0 2 m0 4 m0 4 m0
2
8. Figure shows a metal ball of mass 50kg and radius m is placed on an insulating uncharged


stand. In space an upward electric field 5 105 N / C is switched on. A stream of light ions is
incident on the ball from left side at a speed 2 106 m / s as shown in figure. If charge on ball at t
= 0 was zero, find the time at which ball will be lifted from the stand. The charge density of ion

beam is 5  10 coulomb m . Assume that all charge incident on the ball is absorbed.
−12 3

(A) 5sec (B) 15 sec (C) 25 sec (D) 35 sec

9. N identical charges each of charge ‘q’ are symmetrically placed on the circumference of circle of
radius ‘r’. Four adjacent charges are slowly taken to infinity in the sequence a shown in figure. If
W1 , W2 , W3 and W4 is the respective work done in slowly displacing q1 , q 2 , q3 and q 4 . If

 
 −q 2 
( W3 − W4 ) is x 
3 
then ___
 4t 0 r sin 
 n 
APNI KAKSHA 49
(Physics)

(A) 0.20 (B) 0.50 (C) 0.71 (D) 0.82

10. Two equal charges Q are at opposite corners of a square of side ‘a’ and an electric dipole of
moment p is at a third corner, pointing towards one of the charges. If p = 2 2a Q; The field
strength at the fourth corner of the square is :-

17 / 2 17 / 4 Q 3
(A) Q (B) Q (C) (D) Q
40 a 2 40 a 2 4 20 a 2 40 a 2
11. Consider a thin conducting shell of radius R carrying total charge Q. Two point charges Q and 2Q
R
are placed on points A and B, which are at a distances of and 2R from the center of the cell
2
respectively as shown in the figure. If the cell is earthed how much charge will flow to the earth?

Q
(A) 3Q (B) Q (C) 2Q (D)
2
12. Two hemispherical thin shells made of insulating materials are concentrically
arranged in a free space as shown. The radii of the smaller and larger
hemispheres are ‘R’ and ‘2R’ and they carry positive charges ‘Q’ and ‘2Q’
respectively. The charges are uniformly distributed over the surfaces of the
shells. Then choose the correct option(s).
Q2
(A) The electrostatic force between the hemispherical shells is
80 R 2

Q2
(B) The electrostatic force between the hemispherical shells is
160R 2
Q
(C) The net electric potential at the centre ‘O’ of the shells is
20R
3Q
(D) The net electric potential at the centre ‘O’ of the shells is
20R
APNI KAKSHA 50
(Physics)

13. A charged fixed annular disc of uniform positive charge density  has inner and outer radii R
and 2R respectively. A negatively charged particle of mass m and charge –q is released on the axis
of the disc from a distance x from the centre. Then

(A) The speed of the particle when reaches the centre of ring,

v=
q
m0 (
R + R 2 + x 2 − 4R 2 + x 2 )
(B) The speed of the particle when it reaches the centre of ring,

v=
q
m0 (
R + 4R 2 + x 2 − R 2 + x 2 )
(C) Work done by electrostatic force till the particle reaches the centre of ring

=
q
20
(
R + R 2 + x2 − 4R 2 + x2 )
1 q
(D) If x << R, the frequency of oscillation of the particle is f =
2 40mR
14. A semi-circular disc of mass M and radius R with linear charge density  on its curved
circumference is hinged at its centre and placed in a
uniform electric field as shown in the figure. Match the
statements from List I with those in List II and select the
correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List – I List – II
(A) The net force acting on the ring is (P) M

E
(B) If the ring is slightly rotated about O and released, (Q) RE
find its time period of oscillation
(C) The work done by an external agency to rotate it (R) 2K
E−
through an angle  is R
(D) Magnitude of electric field at ‘O’ will be (S) 
4ER 2 sin2  
2

APNI KAKSHA 51
(Physics)

A B C D
(A) P Q R S
(B) Q S P R
(C) Q P S R
(D) R S P Q
15. An infinite non-conducting plate with uniform charge density  is kept parallel to yz plane and

at a distance ‘d’ from a dipole p which itself is located at the origin. An equipotential surface for
1/3
 p 
this system is spherical, centred at origin, having radius R(<d). Given that R =   ; find the
 n 
integer n.

16. A small ball of mass 1 kg and charge 8 C is placed at the centre of a uniformly charged sphere
1
of radius 2m and charge mC . A narrow smooth groove is made in the sphere from centre to the
6
surface of sphere and the sphere is made to rotate about its vertical diameter at a constant rate
1
of revolution per second. Find the speed (in m/s) with respect to ground with which the ball
4
slides out from the groove. Ignore any magnetic force acting on the ball. (Take 2 = 1.41 )
(A) 2.82 (B) 1.82 (C) 0.82 (D) 3.82
17. An infinite non-conducting uniformly charged sheet has a hole of radius ‘R’ in it (change density
=  ). An electron is placed on an axis passing through the centre of hole and perpendicular to
the plane of sheet at a distance ‘R’ from the centre. The speed with which the electron reaches
the centre is ….
(   0) Given : electric field on the axis of a uniformly charged disc of radius ‘r’

  x 
E(x) = 1 − 2 2 
2 x +r 

(A)
eR
(B)
2eR
(C)
( )
2 −1 eR
(D)
2eR
m0 m0 m0 m0

APNI KAKSHA 52
(Physics)

18. If electric force ( F) on a point charge ‘q’ due to another charge ‘Q’ obeys following law
F=
(
Qq 1 − r r )
40 r 3

Where  ; positive constant, r is position vector of charge ‘a’ relative to ‘Q’.

(A) Electric field to point charge Q is E =

(
Q 1 − r )r
40 r 3

(B)  Ed over a closed path will be equal to zero

qenclosed
(C) Gauss’s law  E  ds = 0
holds true

(D) All statements are correct

19. A conducting sphere of radius R and charge Q is placed near a uniformly charged non-conducting
infinitely large thin plate having surface charge density  . Then find the potential at point A (on
 1 
the surface of sphere) due to charge on sphere  here K = , 0 = 
 40 3

Q  Q  Q
(A) K − R (B) K − (C) K (D) None of these
R 4 0 R 2 0 R
20. A segment of a charged wire of length , charge density 1 , and an infinitely long charged wire,

charge density 1 , lie in a place at right angles to each other. The separation between the wires

is r0 . Determine the force of interaction between the wires.

12   12  
(A) F = loge 1 +  (B) F = loge 1 + 
20  r0  40  r0 
212   412  
(C) F = loge 1 +  (D) F = loge 1 + 
0  r0  0  r0 

APNI KAKSHA 53
(Physics)

21. A charge particle ‘q’ lies at the center of two concentric hollow spheres of inner radii R and 3R
and outer radii 2R and 4R respectively. What amount of work has to be performed to slowly
transfer the charge ‘q’ from center through the orifice to infinity.

5 q2 q2 7 q2 q2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
96 πε0R 16πε0 R 96 πε0R 96πε0R
22. A dumbbell like structure is made by affixing two particles A and B at the ends of a light non
conducting spring. Both the particles have equal mass m and the particle B carries a positive
charge q. A uniform electric field of intensity E pointing in the negative x – direction is
established in the region x > 0 and gravity is absent everywhere. The dumbbell is initially at rest
on the x – axis in the region x < 0. It is projected with a velocity u in the positive x – direction as
shown in the figure. After a while, the dumbbell is observed moving in the negative x – direction
with the same speed u . During this interval, particle A never enters the region of electric field
and the spring length becomes minimum only once. How much time the particle B spends in the
electric field? (spring is in its natural length before entering and after coming of the electric field)

mu 2mu mu 4mu
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2qE qE 4qE qE
23. There is an infinite line of uniform linear density of charge +λ . A particle of charge ‘-q’ and mass
‘m’ is projected with initial velocity v 0 at an angle θ with the

line of charge from a distance ‘a’ from it. The speed of the
particle is found to be minimum when its distance from the line
( Kmε v sin θ/qλ )
2 2

of charge is ae .Then the Value of K is

0 0

(A)  (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4

APNI KAKSHA 54
(Physics)

24. Two long wires have uniform charge density  per unit length each. The wires are non-coplanar
and mutually perpendicular. Shortest distance between them is d. The interaction force between
them is:
2 2 22 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
20 20 0 4 0

25. A frustum is cut from a right circular cone. The two circular faces have radii R and 2R and
their centers are at O1 and O2 respectively. Height of the frustum is h = 3R. When a point charge

Q is placed at O1 , the flux of electric field through the circular face of radius 2R is 1 and when

the charge Q is placed at O2 , the flux through the other circular face is  2 . Then

1  13 − 3  10 1  13 − 3  13
(A) =  (B) = 
2  10 − 3  13 2  10 − 3  10

1  10 − 3  10 1  13 − 6  10
(C) =  (D) = 
2  13 − 3  13 2  10 − 6  13
26. A non-conducting sphere of radius ‘a’ and unit permittivity has a surface charge density ‘  ’
varying with polar angle ‘ θ ’ as  =  0 cosθ [  0 is a positive constant]. Intensity of electric field

at ( r , ) where r  a is given by

 0 cosθ 0 r 0  0 r cosθ
(A) (B) (C) (D)
30 3 0 a 3 0 3 0 a
27. The figure shows the variation of electrostatic potential V in volt with the distance of position of
point along x – axis from origin due to continuous volume charge distribution. In the region x = -

( )
1 m to X = + 1m, the graph is parabolic V = 15 − 5x2 and rest portion of graph is straight line.
−12 −1 −2 2
Choose the correct option(s) (  0  permittivity of free space = 8.85 10 N m C ). The

direction of E along Positive x – axis is considered as positive.

APNI KAKSHA 55
(Physics)

(A) This graph of potential may be due to a thick sheet of infinite dimension
( −1m  x  1m, −  y  and −  z  ) with constant volume charge density
1.77 10−10 C / m3
(B) This graph of potential may be due to a thick sheet of infinite dimension
( −1m  x  1m, −  y  and −  z  ) with constant volume charge density
0.885 10−10 C / m3
(C) The variation of electric field with the distance due to a thick sheet of infinite dimension
( −1m  x  1m, −  y  and −  z  ) may be

(D) The variation of electric field with the distance due to a thick sheet of infinite dimension
( −1m  x  1m, −  y  and −  z  ) may be

28. ( )
The electric field in the space is given by E = E0 xi + y j + zk . Consider a right circular cylindrical

surface whose radius is ‘a’ and height ‘ h ’. Now choose the correct option(s).

APNI KAKSHA 56
(Physics)

(A) The electric flux through lower circular base is zero

(B) The electric flux through upper circular top is  a 2 hE0

(C) The electric flux through lateral surface is 2 a 2 hE0

(D) The total electric flux through cylindrical surface is 4 a 2 hE0

29. A charged hemispherical shell has a uniform charge density  . Calculate the ratio of electric field
due to shell at A to that at B

APNI KAKSHA 57
(Physics)

Proficiency Test-1
1. A, B, C, D, P and Q are points in a uniform electric field. The potentials at 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
−1
(A) 10Vm along PQ (B) 15 2Vm−1 along PA
(C) 5Vm−1 along PC (D) 5Vm−1 along PA
2. 4 charges are placed each at a distance a from origin. The dipole moment of configuration is

(A) 2qajˆ (B) 3qajˆ (C) 2aq ˆi + ˆj (D) none of these

3. 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)    a + b − c (B)    a − b + c
 0   0 

(C)    b − a − c (D) None of these
 0 
4. Two identical small conducting spheres, having charges of opposite sign, attract each other with a
force of 0.108N when separated by 0.5m. The spheres are connected by a conducting wire, which
is then removed, and thereafter, they repel each other with a force of 0.036N. 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

(C)  2.0 10−6 C and 6.0 10−6 C (D) 0.5 10−6 C and 1.5 10−6 C
5. 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?
R R
(A) R (B) (C) (D) 2R
2 3
APNI KAKSHA 58
(Physics)

6. n small conducting drops of same size are charged to V volts each. If they coalesce to form a single

large drop, then its potential is Vn / . Find  +  ?

7. The system of charges as shown in the figure. A thick 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. 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 outer surface
(C) +Q on the inner surface, -q - Q on outer surface
(D) The charge –q is spread uniformly between the inner and outer surface
8. A charge –Q is uniformly distributed over a non – conducting semicircular rod of radius R. the
potential at the centre is

1 ( −Q) 1 Q 1 2Q
(A) 0 (B) . (C) . (D) .
40 R 40 2R 40 R
9. Two point charges +q and –q are held fixed at points (-d, 0) and (d, 0), respectively, of a (x, y)
coordinate system. Then

(A) the electric field E at all points on the x – axis has same direction
(B) E at all points on the Y – axis is along ˆj
(C) No work is done in bringing a test charge from infinity to the origin

(D) The dipole moment is 2qd directed along î

10. A positive point charge is placed inside a spherical metallic shell. The electric field lines are
represented by

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

APNI KAKSHA 59
(Physics)

11. In the electric field due to a point charge q, a test charge is carried from A to the points B, C, D and
E lying on the same circle around q. The work done is
(A) the least along AB
(B) the least along AD
(C) zero along any one of the paths AB, AD, AC and AE
(D) the least along AE
12. Consider the situation depicted in the adjacent figure. The work done in taking a point charge from
P to A is WA , from P to B is WB and from P to C is WC . Therefore

(A) WA  WB  WC (B) WA  WB  WC

(C) WA = WB = WC (D) WA  WB  WC

13. In the figure, the ratio of electic field at point P to that at point Q will be (r = 2 ) .

5
(A) 2:1 (B) 5: (C) 20 5 : 9 (D) 5 5 : 3
3
14. The smooth circular pipe is kept fixed in a horizontal plane. If mass m with charge +q is slightly
displaced from the position shown, then distance travelled by the ball when the magnitude of
normal becomes minimum would be

APNI KAKSHA 60
(Physics)

 2 −1 5
(A) R cos−1   (B) R cos 1/ 3 (C) R tan −1 (D) R
 3 2
15. A uniformly charged square plate having side L carries a uniform surface charge density  . The
plate lies in the y-z plane with its center at the origin. A point charge q lies on the x-axis. The flux
of the electric field of q through the plate is  0 ; while the force on the point charge q due to the

plate is F0 , along the x-axis. Then,

F0 F0 F0L 0
(A)  = (B)  = (C)  = (D)  =
0L 0 0 F0
16. A point charge ‘q’ is placed at distance ‘a’ from the centre of an unchanged thin spherical
conducting shell of radius R = 2a. A point ‘P’ is located at a distance ‘4a’ from the centre of the
conducting shell as shown. The electric potential due to induced charge on the inner surface of
the conducting shell at point ‘P’ is

kq 5kq kq kq
(A) − (B) − (C) + (D) −
a a 5a 5a
17. An electric dipole is constructed by fixing two circular charged rings, each of radius a, with an
insulating contact, one of these rings has a total charge +Q and the other has total charge –Q. If
the charge is distributed uniformly along each ring, the dipole moment about the point of contact
ˆ / 4 , n = _________.
will be n QaZ

APNI KAKSHA 61
(Physics)

Proficiency Test-2
1. A charge Q has to be divided between two solid spheres of radii R which are at distance d from

each other ( d  R ) . What should be the value of charge, which we should be placed on the
spheres, so that the force of attraction between them is maximum?

Q 3Q Q 2Q Q Q Q 4Q
(A) , (B) , (C) , (D) ,
4 4 3 3 2 2 5 5
2. An insulating rod of uniform linear charge density  and uniform linear mass density  lies on a
smooth table whose surface is xy – plane. A uniform electric field E is switched on

(A) If electric field is along x – axis, the speed of the rod when it has travelled a distance d is

2Ed

(B) If electric field E is at an angle  (  90 ) with x – axis, the speed of the rod when it has

2Edcos 
travelled a distance d is

(C) Torque on the rod due to the field about centre of mass in case B is into the plane of paper
(D) Torque on the rod due to the field about centre of mass in case B is zero
3. The arrangement shown consists of three elements
(a) a thin rod of charge −3.0 C that forms a full circle of radius 6.0 cm
(b) a second thin rod of charge 2.0 C that forms a circular arc of radius
4.0 cm and concentric with the full circle, subtending an angle of 90 at
the centre of the full circle
(c) an electric dipole with a dipole moment that is perpendicular to a radial line and has

magnitude 1.28  10 C − m.
−21

Find the net electric potential in volts at the centre.

(A) 0V (B) 1V (C) 2V (D) 3V

APNI KAKSHA 62
(Physics)

4. Figure shows a irregular space conductor with irregular cavity inside it. A charge Q is placed
inside cavity and a charge Q’ is placed outside conductor. Let Q'ind be charge induced at outside

surface of conductor and Qind be the charge induced at inside surface of cavity. A ‘B’ is an

arbitrary line passing through charge Q and a, b, c be the points on line as shown in figure. Let
E, E ', Eind and E 'ind represent electric field at different points due to charge Q, Q' Qind , & Q'ind

respectively. If Va , Vb and Vc represent potential at point a, b, and c. Choose the incorrect

statement

(A) Va = Vb = Vc
r0

(B) Vb =  ( E + E'+ E
−
ind )
+ E'ind  dr , where rb = position vector of point b

rb

(C) Vb =  ( E'+ E' )  dr

−
ind

(D) At point ‘b’, E ' = 0

5. A cavity is made inside a solid conducting sphere and a charge q is placed inside the cavity at the
centre. A charge q1 is placed outside the sphere as shown in the figure. Point A is inside the

sphere and point B is inside the cavity. Then

(A) Electric field at point A is zero

1 q
(B) Electric field at point B is
40 y2
1  q1 q 
(C) Potential at point A is +
40  a R 

1  q1 q q q 
(D) Potential at point B is + + −
40  a R y r 

APNI KAKSHA 63
(Physics)

6. A disc having uniform surface charge density in upper part + and − in lower half placed on
rough horizontal surface as shown in figure. A uniform electric field is set up as shown if mass of
disc is M and its radius is R as well sufficient friction is present to prevent slipping. The
acceleration of disc is

8 R 2E0 9 R 2E0 4 R 2E0 3 R 2E0

(A) (B) (C) (D)
9 M 8 M 3 M 4 M
7. Two identical thin rods of length 2a carry equal charges +Q that is distributed uniformly along
their lengths. The rods lie along the x-axis with their centers separated by a distance b > 2a. The
Q2  b2 
magnitude of the force exerted by the left rod on the right one is F = log e  2 2
.
0a 2  b −a 
Find  +  ?

8. Two spherical shells of inner radius R and 3R are placed far from each other. They are made of
some thin conducting material, the width of their wall d is thin: d≪R. At the centres of the
spheres there are charges of 2Q and Q respectively. What is the minimum work which should be
done in order to interchange the charges? (There are small holes on the walls.)
5d Q2 d Q2 d Q2 d Q2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
6πε0 R 2 4πε0 R 2 8πε0 R 2 3πε0 R 2
9. Consider a cube as shown in the figure-I: with uniformly distributed charge in its entire volume.
Intensity of electrical field and potential at one of its vertex P are E0 and V0 respectively. A

portion of half the size (half edge length) of the original cube is cut and removed as shown in the
figure –II. Find modulus of electric field and potential at the point P in the new structure

APNI KAKSHA 64
(Physics)

E0 3V 3E0 V 3E0 7V 7E0 7V

(A) and 0 (B) and 0 (C) and 0 (D) and 0
2 4 4 2 4 8 8 8
10. Two-point charges are kept as shown in figure from a neutral conducting shell and P is a point
inside the shell. Find potential at P due to induced charges.

kq kq kq kq kq kq
(A) − (B) − (C) − (D) 0
d 2 2d d

APNI KAKSHA 65
(Physics)

Proficiency Test-3
1. A large sheet carries uniform surface charge density  . A rod of length 2 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 . Find  +  ?
0

2. Two short electric dipoles are placed as shown. The energy of electric interaction between these
dipoles will be

1 2 cos 
2kPP −2kPP
1 2 cos  −2kPP
1 2csin  −4kPP
1 2 cos 
(A) (B) (C) (D)
r3 r3 r3 r3
3. A small block of mass m is kept on a smooth inclined plane of angle 30 placed in an elevator going
upward with acceleration a. electric field E exists between the vertical sides of the wall of the
Elevator. The charge on the block is +q. the time taken by the block to come to the lowest point of

h
the inclined plane is 2 . Find  +  ?
gE
(g + a ) − 
m
(Take the surface to be smooth)

APNI KAKSHA 66
(Physics)

4. An ideal dipole of dipole moment P is placed in front of an uncharged conducting sphere of radius
R as shown.

KP
(A) the potential at point A is
( r − R )2
KP
(B) The potential at point A is
r2
KP
(C) the potential due to dipole at point B is
( r + R )2
KP
(D) The potential due to dipole at point B is
r2
5. A thin conducting spherical shell of radius ‘R’ is given charge ‘2q’. Two point charges ‘q’ and ‘3q’
are placed at distances 0.8R and 4R from the centre ‘C’ of the shell respectively as shown. If the
shell is earthed, find the charge (in C ) that will flow from conducting shell to the earth. (Given
q = 2C )

(A) 6.50 (B) 7.50 (C) 5.50 (D) 8.50

6. Two small balls A and B of positive charge Q each and masses m and 2m respectively are
connected by a non-conducting light rigid rod of length L. This system is released in a uniform
electric field of strength E as shown. Just after the release (assume no other force acts on the
system).

APNI KAKSHA 67
(Physics)

(A) rod has zero angular acceleration

QE
(B) rod has angular acceleration in anticlockwise direction
2mL
2QE
(C) acceleration of point A is towards right
m
QE
(D) acceleration of point A is towards right
m
6. On a semicircular ring of radius 4R, charge +3q is distributed in such a way that on one quarter

+ q is uniformly distributed and on another quarter +2q is uniformly distributed. Along its axis a
smooth non-conducting and uncharged pipe of length 6R is fixed axially as shown. A small ball of
mass m and charge + q is thrown from the other end of pipe. The ball can come out of the pipe if
(Neglect the effect of induction and also consider pipe to be friction less)

3q2 3q2 3q2 q2

(A) u < (B) u > (C) u  (D) u <
40πε0Rm 40πε0Rm 80πε0Rm 40πε0Rm
7. The figures below depict two situations in which two infinitely long static line charges of

constant positive line charge density  are kept parallel to each other. In their resulting electric
field, point, charges, q and –q are kept in equilibrium between them. The point charges are
confined to move in the x direction only. If they are given a small displacement about their
equilibrium positions, then the correct statement(s) is(are)

(A) Both charges execute simple harmonic motion.

(B) Both charges will continue moving in the direction of their displacement.
(C) Charge +q executes simple harmonic motion while charge –q continues moving in the
direction of its displacement.
(D) Charge –q executes simple harmonic moving in the direction of its displacement.

APNI KAKSHA 68
(Physics)

8. Two discs having uniform charge densities 1 and  2 respectively are placed parallel to each

other with their axis coinciding as shown. Flux of electric field linked with disc 1 is 1 and flux

of electric field linked with disc 2 is  2 . Then

(A) 1 = 2

1 2
(B) =
2 1
1 1
(C) =
2 2
(D) For any set of 1 and  2 , the relation 11 = 22 is always true

9. A small dipole having dipole moment p is placed in front of a fixed solid uncharged conducting
sphere as shown in the diagram.

kpcos 
(A) The net potential at point A lying on the surface of the sphere is
r2
kpcos2 
(B) The net potential at point A lying on the surface of the sphere is
r2
(C) The potential at point A lying on the surface due to induced charge will be
kpcos (cos  − 1)
r2
(D) The potential at point A lying on the surface due to induced charge will be
kpcos (1 − cos )
r2

APNI KAKSHA 69
(Physics)

10. A uniform dielectric hollow cylinder of mass M , radius R , length l carrying uniform charge of
surface charge density  can rotate without friction about a fixed horizontal axle that coincides
with the axis of the cylinder. Several turns of a light thin insulating cord are wrapped on the
cylinder and a block of mass m is suspended from the free end of the cord. Initially the block is
held at rest as shown in the figure. Find acceleration of the block after it is released. Neglect
charge transferred to the cord and fringing of magnetic field at the ends of the cylinder.
Acceleration due to gravity is g and permeability of the medium inside the cylinder is  0 choose

correct options.
mg
(A) Acceleration of the block just after release is .
m+μ0σ2 πR 2l
mg
(B) Acceleration of the block just after release is
m+M+μ0σ2 πR 2l
(C) Tension in the string just after release is zero
(D) Tension in the string just after release is non-zero
11. A small charged bead can slide on a circular frictionless, insulating wire frame. A point like dipole

is fixed at the center of circle; dipole moment is p . Initially the bead is on the plane of symmetry
of the dipole. Bead is released from rest. Ignore the effect of gravity. Select the correct options.

(A) Magnitude of velocity of bead as function of its angular position θ (wrt the axis of the dipole)

Qp(-cosθ)
is .
2πε0mr 2
(B) Normal force exerted by the wire frame on bead is zero.
(C) If the wire frame were not present bead executes circular motion and returns to initial point
after tracing a complete circle.
(D) Bead would move along a circle path until it reaches the opposite its starting position and
executes periodic motion.

APNI KAKSHA 70
(Physics)

EXERCISE-1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
D B B A 4 A C 10 10 B
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
D B C B D 4 C A B D

EXERCISE-2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A D A D 100 B D B 6 D
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
A 2 C D 1 40 C 3 C 4

EXERCISE-3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B A 8 B B B A D A A
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
ABD BC BCD AC 7 B D C AC B
21 22
ABD AC

EXERCISE-4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3 B 5 B 2 D D AC BD AC
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
ABD AD D B D B D C A D
21
D

APNI KAKSHA 71
(Physics)

EXERCISE-5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B A 5 6 6 2 A C B A
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
A BC ACD C 2 A C AB A A
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
C D A A A C AC ABC 00.17

Proficiency Test-1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B A C B C 5 B B C C
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
C C C A B D 8

Proficiency Test-2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
C AD A ABCD ABCD A 20
8 9 10
D A D

Proficiency Test-3
1 2 3 4 5 6
4 B 5 BC B D
7 8 9 10 11 12
C BD BC BD ABD

APNI KAKSHA 72