Electric Charges and Fields 1

CHAPTER 1
Electric Charges and Fields

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ELECTRIC CHARGES

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 2 Electric Charges and Fields

ELECTRIC CHARGES -3.2 × 10-7

n = q/e = = 2 × 1012
-1.6 ×-19
1. (i) Explain the meaning of the statement These electrons are transferred from
‘electric charge of a body is wool to polythene.
quantized.’
(b) Since electrons have a definite mass
(ii) Why can one ignore quantization of
(9.1 × 10-31 kg), the transfer of electrons
electric charge when dealing with
may result in mass transfer by amount =
macroscopic i.e., large scale charges?
2×1012 ×9.1×10-31 =18.2×10-19 kg which
[NCERT]
is negligible.
Sol. (i) Quantisation of electric charge means
that the total charge (q) of a body is 4. It is now believed that protons and neutrons
always an integral multiple of a basic (which constitute nuclei of ordinary
charge (e) which is the charge on an matter) are themselves built out of more
electron. Thus q = ne, where n = 0, ± 1, elementary units called quarks. A proton
± 2, ± 3, …. and a neutron consist of three quarks each.
(ii) While dealing with macroscopic charges Two types of quarks, the so called ‘up’
(q = ne), we can ignore quantization quark (denoted by u) of charge + (2/3) e,
of electric charge. This is because e is and the ‘down’ quark (denoted by d) of
very small and n is very large and so q charge (–1/3) e, together with electrons
behaves as if it were continuous i.e., as build up ordinary matter. (Quarks of other
if a large amount of charge is flowing types have also been found which give rise
continuously. to different unusual varieties of matter.)
Suggest a possible quark composition of a
2. When a glass rod is rubbed with a silk proton and neutron. [NCERT]
cloth, charges appear on both. A similar Sol. A proton has three quarks. Let there be n up
phenomenon is observed with many quarks in a proton, each having a charge of
other pairs of bodies. Explain how this 2
observation is consistent with the law of + e.
3
conservation of charge. [NCERT] 2 
Charge due to n up quarks =  e  n
Sol. Rubbing produces charges of equal magnitude 3 
but of opposite nature on the two bodies Number of down quarks in a proton = 3 – n
because charges are created in pairs. This
1
phenomenon of charging is called charging Each down quark has a charge of - e.
by friction. The net charge on the system of 3
two rubbed bodies is zero. This is because Charge due to (3–n) down quarks = (3–n)
equal amount of opposite charges annihilate (–e/3)
each other. When a glass rod is rubbed with Total charge on a proton = +e
a silk cloth, opposite natured charges appear
2   1 
on both the bodies. This phenomenon is in ∴
= e  e  n +  - e  (3 - n)
consistence with the law of conservation of  
3  3 
energy. A similar phenomenon is observed  2ne  ne
with many other pairs of bodies. =e  -e+
 3  3
3. A polythene piece rubbed with wool is 2e = ne
found to have a negative charge of 3.2 ×
n=2
10-7 C.
Number of up quarks in a proton, n = 2
(a) Estimate the number of electrons
transferred (from which to which?) Number of down quarks in a proton = 3–n =
3–2=1
(b) Is there a transfer of mass from wool
to polythene? [NCERT] Therefore, a proton can be represented as
‘uud’.
Sol. (a) Given, q = -3.2 × 10-7 C,
A neutron also has three quarks. Let there be
E = -1.6 × 10-19 C, n = ?
n up quarks in a neutron, each having a charge
By relation, q= ne or of +2e/3
 Electric Charges and Fields 3

Charge on a neutron due to n up quarks = [NCERT Pg. 46]

(+2e/3)n (a) 2 × 1013
(b) 4 × 1012
Number of down quarks is 3–n, each having a (c) 5.5 × 109 (d) 6 × 1020
charge of  -  e.
1
5. The total negative charge on the electrons in 1
 3
mol of helium (atomic number 2, molar mass 4)
Charge on a neutron due to (3–n) down quarks
is:
 1 
= - e  (3 - n) (a) 4.8 × 104 C (b) 9.6 × 104 C
 3 
(c) 1.9 × 105 C (d) 3.8 × 105 C
Total charge on a neutron = 0
2   1  6. Electricity produced on rubbing is:
=0  e  n +  - e  (3 - n)
 
2  3  (a) static electricity (b) electromagnetic
2 ne (c) current electricity (d) None of these
=
0 en - e +
3 3 7. A body can be negatively charged:
e = ne ⇒ n = 1 (a) by adding some electrons to it
Number of up quarks in a neutron, n = 1 (b) by adding some protons to it
Number of down quarks in a neutron = 3–n =2 (c) by removing some electrons from it
Therefore, a neutron can be represented as (d) by removing some protons from it
‘udd’.
8. Object may acquire an excess or deficiency of
OBJECTIVE charge by:
1. A Negatively charged object object X is repelled (a) hammering (b) heating
by charged object Y. However an object Z is (c) shaking (d) rubbing
attracted to object Y. Which of the following is
9. What will happen when we rub a glass rod with
the most possibility for the object Z?
silk cloth?
[CBSE 2021]
(a) Some of the electrons from the glass rod are
(a) positively charged only transferred to the silk cloth
(b) negatively charged only (b) The glass rod gets positive charge and silk
(c) neutral or positively charged cloth gets negative charge’
(d) neutral of negatively charged (c) New charges are created in the process of
2. In an experiment three microscopic latex spheres rubbing
are sprayed into a chamber and became charged (d) Both (a) and (b) are correct
with charges +3e, +5e and –3e respectively. All 10. A cylindrical conductor is placed near another
the three spheres came in contact simultaneously positively charged conductor. The net charge
for a moment and got separated. Which one of acquired by the cylindrical conductor will be:
the following are possible values for the final
(a) positive only
charge on the spheres? [CBSE 2021]
(b) negative only
(a) +5e, –4e, +5e (b) +6e, +6e, –7e
(c) zero
(c) –4e, +3.5e, +5.5e (d) +5e, –8e, +7e
(d) either positive or negative
3. An object has charge of I C and gains 5.0 10!
electrons. The net charge on the object becomes 11. The number of electrons that must be removed
– [CBSE 2021] from an electrically neutral silver dollar to give
it a charge of +2.4 Cis:
(a) –0.80 C (b) + 0.80 C
(a) 2.5 × 1019 (b) 1.5 × 1019
(c) + 1.80 C (d) + 0.20 C
(c) 1.5 × 10–19 (d) 2.5 × 10–19
4. A polythene piece rubbed with wool is found
to have negative charge of 3.2 × 10–6 C. The Comprehension
number of excess electrons on polythene is In 1909, Robert Millikan was the first to find the charge
 4 Electric Charges and Fields

of an electron in his now-famous oil-drop experiment. quanta of charge is

In that experiment, tiny oil drops were sprayed into (a) 8μC (b) 20μC
a uniform electric field between a horizontal pair of (c) 12μC (d) 4μC
oppositely charged plates. The drops were observed
with a magnifying eyepiece, and the electric field was Two statements are given-one labelled Assertion and
adjusted so that the upward force on some negatively
the other labelled Reason. Select the correct answer
charged oil drops was just sufficient to balance the
to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as
downward force of gravity. That is, when suspended,
given below.
upward force qE just equaled Mg. Millikan accurately
measured the charges on many oil drops and found the (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
values to be whole number multiples of 1.6 × 10–19 C the explanation of A.
charge of the electron. For this, he won the Nobel prize. (b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the
correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false and R is also false
17. Assertion : Charge is quantized.
Reason : Charge which is less than 1 C is not
possible.
18. Assertion : Charging is due to transfer of
electrons.
Reason : Mass of a body decreases slightly
when it is negatively charged.
12. If a drop of mass 1.08 × 10–14 kg remains
stationary in an electric field of 1.68 × 105 N OBJECTIVE HINTS
C–1, then the charge of this drop is
(a) 6.40 × 10–19 C (b) 3.2 × 10–19 C 1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (d)
–19
(c) 1.6 × 10 C (d) 4.8 × 10–19 C 4. (a) 5. (c)
13. Extra electrons on this particular oil drop (given 6. (a) static electricity
the presently known charge of the electron) are
(a) 4 (b) 3 7. (a) by adding some electrons to it
(c) 5 (d) 8 8. (d) rubbing
14. A negatively charged oil drop is prevented from 9. (d) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
falling under gravity by applying a vertical
electric field 100 V m–1. If the mass of the drop 10. (c) zero
is 1.6 × 10–3 g, the number of electrons carried 11. (b) Total Charge , q = + 2.4 C
by the drop is
Then by quantisation of charge, q = ne
(g = 10 m s–2)
q
(a) 1018 (b) 1015 ⸫ Number of electrons, n =
12
e
(c) 10 (d) 109 2.4 C
= = 1.5 × 1019
15. The important conclusion given by Millikan’s 1.6 × 10-19 C
experiment about the charge is 1.08 × 10-14 × 9.8
(a) Charge is never quantized 12. (a) As, qE = mg ⇒ q = = 6.4
× 10–19 C 1.68 × 105
(b) charge has no definite value
(c) charge is quantized 6.4 × 10-19
13. (a) q = ne or=
⇒ n = 4
(d) charge on oil drop always increases. 1.6 × 10-19
16. If in Millikan’s oil drop experiment, charges on 14. (c) For the drop to be stationary,
drops are found to be 8μC, 12μC, 20μC, then Force on the drop due to electric field =
 Electric Charges and Fields 5

Weight of the drop spheres is 6×10–3 N. The charges are of same

qE = mg nature. Hence, force between them will be
repulsive.
mg 1.6 × 10-6 × 10
=
q = = 1.6 × 10-7 C
E 100 2. The electrostatic force on a small sphere of
charge 0.4µC due to another small sphere
Number of electrons carried by the drop is
of charge -0.8µC in air is 0.2 N. (a) What is
q 1.6 × 10-7 C the distance between the two spheres ? (b)
n= = = 1012
e 1.6 × 10-19 C What is the force on the second due to the
15. (c) first. [NCERT]
Sol. Here, q1 = 0.4 µ C = 0.4 × 10 C , q2 = -0.8µ
-6

16. (d) Millikan’s experiment confirmed that the C= -0.8 × 10-6 C, F=0.2N ; r = ?
charges are quantized, i.e., charges are small
q1q2 q1q2
integer multiples of the base value which is As = F ∴=
r2 or
charge on electron. The charges on the drops 4πε 0 r 2
4πε 0 F
are found to be multiple of 4. Hence, the
quanta of charge is 4 µC. r2 =
( 0.4 × 10 )( 0.8 × 10 ) × 9 × 10
-6 -6 9

0.2
17. (c) The charge q on a body is given as q = ne
r = 16 × 9 × 10-4
2
or
where n is any integer positive or negative. -2
r = 4 × 3 × 10 m = 0.12m
The charge on the electron is q = 1.6 × 10–19 C
Force on second sphere due to the first
which is less than 1 C.
is the same, i.e., 0.2 N
18. (c) A body becomes negatively charged only when 3. (a) Two insulated charged copper spheres
some electrons are transferred to the body i.e. A and B have their centers separated
the body gains some electrons. Hence its mass by a distance of 50 cm. What is
increases slightly. Mass of a body decreases the mutual force of electrostatic
only when body gives some electrons to some repulsion if the charge on each is
other body. 6.5 × 10-7 C ? The radii of A and B are
negligible compared to the distance
COULOMB'S LAW of separation.
(b) What is the force of repulsion if each
1. What is the force between two small
sphere is charged double the above
charged spheres having charges of 2 × 10–7
amount, and the distance between
C and 3 × 10–7 C placed 30 cm apart in air?
them is halved ? [NCERT]
[NCERT]
Sol. (a) Here,
Sol. Repulsive force of magnitude, 6×10–3 N
q1 = 6.5 × 10-7 C , r =
q2 = 0.5 m
Charge on the first sphere, q1 = 2×10–7C
1 q1q2 9 × 10 × ( 6.5 × 10 )
9 -7 2
Charge on the second sphere, q2 = 3×10–7C =F =
4πε 0 r 2 ( 0.5)
2
Distance between the spheres,
r = 30 cm = 0.3m = 1.521 × 10-2 N
Electrostatic force between the spheres is
(b) Now q1 , q2 both are doubled and r is
given by the relation,
halved,
q1q2
F= 1 q1q2
4π ∈0 r 2 As F=
4πε 0 r 2
Where, ∈0 = Permittivity of free space ∴ F become 16 times, i.e.,
1
= 9 × 109 Nm 2 C-2 F'=
16 F =16 × 1.521 × 10-2 N = 0.24 N
4π ∈0
4. Suppose the spheres A and B have identical
9 × 109 × 2 × 10-7 × 3 × 10-7 sizes. A third sphere of same size but
F= = 6 × 10-3 N
(0.3) 2 uncharged is brought in contact with the
first, then brought in contact with the
Hence, force between the two small charged
 6 Electric Charges and Fields

second, and finally removed from both. distance. The mid-point of the joining
What is the new force of repulsion between line of the charges is the null point.
A and B? [NCERT] When a test charge is displaced along
-7
Sol. Here, Charge on = A 6.5 × 10 C ; the line, it experiences a restoring
force. If it is displaced normal to the
Charge on = B 6.5 × 10-7 C
joining line, then the net force takes it
Their sizes are equal. When third sphere C of away from the null point. Hence, the
same size is brought in contact with A, their equilibrium is unstable because stability
charge are equally shared. of equilibrium requires restoring force
∴ Charge left on in all directions.
6.5 × 10-7
A=
, q1 = 3.25 × 10-7 C 6. Two equal balls having equal positive
2 charge ‘a’ coulombs are suspended by two
The sphere C carrying 3.25 × 10-7 C of insulating strings of equal length. What
charge is brought in contact with B carrying would be the effect on the force when a
6.5 × 10-7 coulomb charge. As their sizes are plastic sheet is inserted between the two ?
equal, therefore, charge on each of the spheres [CBSE 2014]
B and C becomes Sol The force between the two balls decreases
=
q2
( 6.5 + 3.25) × 10=
-7

C 4.875 × 10-7 C
because k(Plastic) > 1 and F α 1/k.
2 7. How is the Coulomb force between two
As F=
1 q1q2
; r = 0.5 m charges affected by the presence of a third
4π ∈0 r 2 charge ?
Sol. The Coulomb force between two charges does
9 × 109 × 3.25 × 10-7 × 4.875 × 10-7
∴ F= not depend on the presence of a third charge.
( 0.5)
2

= 5.7 × 10-3 N 8. If the distance between two equal point

charges is doubled and their individual
5. (a) Consider an arbitrary electrostatic charges are also doubled, what would
field configuration. A small test happen to the force between them ?
charge is placed at a null point (i.e., Sol. The original force between the two charges is
where E = 0) of the configuration. 1 q×q
Show that the equilibrium of the test F= .
4πε 0 r 2
charge is necessarily unstable.
(b) Verify this result for the simple When the individual charges and the distance
configuration of two charges of the between them are doubled, the force becomes
same magnitude and sign placed a 1 2q × 2q 1 q×q
=F′ =. = . F
certain distance apart. [NCERT] 4πε 0 (2r ) 2
4πε 0 r 2
Sol. (a) Let the equilibrium of the last charge be Hence the force will remain same.
stable. If a test charge is in equilibrium
and is displaced from its position in any 9. Dielectric constant of a medium is unity.
direction, then it experiences a restoring What will be its permittivity?
force towards a null point, where the Sol. We know that dielectric constant of a medium
electric field is zero. All the field lines is
near the null point are directed inwards ∈
the null point. There is a net inward flux K =∈r =
∈0
of electric field through a closed surface
around the null point. According ∴ ∈= K ∈0= 1 × 8.854 × 10-12 = 8.854 × 10-12 C2 N -1m -2
to Gauss’s law, the flux of electric
field through a surface, which is not 10. Two small balls having equal positive
enclosing any charge, is zero. Hence, charge q coulomb are suspended by two
the equilibrium of the test charge cannot insulating strings of equal length l metre
be stable. from a hook fixed to a stand. The whole
(b) Two charges of same magnitude and set up is taken in a satellite into space
same sign are placed at a certain where there is no gravity. What is the angle
 Electric Charges and Fields 7

between the two strings and the tension in Number of electrons missing from each ion is
each string? q 3.2 × 10-19
Sol. In a satellite, there is condition of n= = = 2
e 1.6 × 10-19
weightlessness. Therefore, mg = 0. On
account of electrostatic force of repulsion 14. Force of attraction between two point
between the balls, the strings would become charges placed at a distance ‘d’ is F. What
horizontal. Therefore, angle between the distance apart should they be kept in the
strings = 180o . same medium, so that the force between
Also, tension in each string = force of them is 2F?
repulsion 1 q1q2
Sol. Here, F= …(i)
T=
1 q2
N 4π ∈0 d 2
4π ∈0 ( 2l )2 Let the charges be kept at a distance ‘r’ apart.

11. Force between two point electric charges Again, 2 F = 1 q1q2 ...(ii)
4π ∈0 r 2
kept at a distance d apart in air is F. If
these charges are kept at the same distance Dividing (i) by (ii)
in water, how does the force between them 1 r2 d2
= 2 or r =
2
change ? 2 d 2
Sol. When charges are placed at the same distance d
in water of dielectric constant K (say), the =
r = 0.707 d
force between the charges reduces by a factor 2
K i.e. it becomes
15. Two point charges of charge values Q and
F'= F / K q are placed at a distance of x and x / 2
12. Two point charges of +2μC and +6μC repel respectively from a third charge of charge
each other with a force of 12N. If each is value 4q, all charges being in the same
given an additional charge of -4μC, what straight line. Calculate the magnitude and
will be the new force? charges Q, such that net force experienced
by the charge q is zero.
Sol. q1 = +2 µ C , q2 =
+6 µ C , F =12N Sol. Suppose that the charge 4q is located at point
q1 ' =+2 - 4 =-2µ C ; q2 ' =+6 - 4 =2µ C , F ' =? A. The charges Q and q are placed at the points
B and C, such that AB = x and AC = x / 2
F ' ( q1 ')( q2 ') ( -2 )( 2 ) 1
= = = - . Also, all the charge lie on the same straight
F q1q2 ( 2 )( 6 ) 3 line as shown in fig. 1.64 We assume that the
- F -12 charges of 4q and q are of same nature, say
F'= = = -4 N (attractive) positive :
3 3
13. The electrostatic force of repulsion between
two positively charged ions carrying equal
charges is 3.7×10-9 N, when they are
separated by a distance of 5Å. How many
electrons are missing from each ion? Figure :- 1.64
Sol. Here F = 3.7 × 10-9 N, r = 5 Å = 5 × 10-10 Then, force on the charge q due to 4q,
m, q1 = q2 q (say)
1 4q ⋅ q
1 q1q2 =
FA ⋅ (along CB)
As = F ⋅ 4πε 0 ( x / 2 )2
4πε 0 r 2
The net force experienced by charge q will be
9 × 10-9 × q × q
∴ 3.7 × 10-9 = zero only if the charge Q exerts force on the
( 5 ×10 )
2
-10
charge q equal and opposite to that exerted
by the charge 4q. Thus, the charge Q should
3.7 × 10-9 × 25 × 10-20 exert force FA on charge q equal to FA (in
or=
q2 = 10.28 × 10-38
9 × 10 9
magnitude) and along CA. For this Q has to
or q = 3.2 × 10-19 C be positive (i.e. of the nature, same as that of
 8 Electric Charges and Fields

4q or q) mg = 10-3 × 9.8 = 9.8 × 10-3 N

Now, force on the charge q due to charge Q.
From the equation (i), we have
1 Q-q
=
FB ⋅ OA
4πε 0 ( BC )2 =F mg ×
SO
1 Q.q q2
or =
FB ⋅ (along CA) × 9
× = 9.8 × 10-3 ×
0.1
4πε 0 ( x / 2 )2 or 9 10
( 0.2 ) ( 0.5) - ( 0.1)
2 2 2

For net force on the charge q to be zero.

FB = FA or =q 2.357 × 10-6 C
1 Q.q 1 4q ⋅ q 17. Two identical charges, Q each, are kept at
or ⋅ = ⋅
4πε 0 ( x / 2 )2 4πε 0 ( x / 2 )2 a distance r from each other A third charge
q is placed on the line joining the above
or Q = 4q two charges such that all the three charges
are in equilibrium. What is the magnitude,
16. Two pith-balls each weighing 10-3 kg are
sign and position of the charge q ?
suspended from the same point by means
of silk threads 0.5 m long. On charging the Sol. Suppose the three charges be placed in the
pith-balls equally, they are found to repel manner, as shown in Figure
each other to a distance of 0.2 m. Calculate
the charges on each ball.
Sol. Consider two pith-balls A and B each having
charge q and mass 10-3 kg . When the pith- The charge q will be in equilibrium if the
balls are suspended from point S by two forces exerted on it by the charges at A and C
threads each 0.5 m long they repel each other are equal and opposite.
to the distance AB = 0.2 m
Qq Qq
k. 2 = k.
x (r - x) 2
or x2 = (r – x)2
or x=r–x
r
or x= x=
2
Since the charge at A is repelled by the similar
charge at C, so it will be in equilibrium if it is
attracted by the charge q at B, i.e., the sign of
charge q should be opposite to that of charge
Each of the two pith-balls is in equilibrium Q.
under the action of the following three forces: Force of repulsion between charges at A and
(i) The electrostatic repulsive force F. C = Force at attraction between charges at A
(ii) The weight mg acting vertically and B
downwards. Q.q Q.Q
or k 2
=k 2
(iii) The tension T is the string directed (r / 2) r
towards the point S. Q
The three force mg, F and T can be or q= .
4
represented by the three sides SO, OA
and AS of the ∆AOS taken in order. 18. Two point charges + 4e and +e are ‘fixed’
Therefore, according to triangle law of a distance ‘a’ apart. Where should a
forces, third point charge q be placed on the line
F mg T joining the two charges so that it may be in
= = …(i) equilibrium ? in which case the equilibrium
OA SO AS will be stable and in which unstable?
1 q2 q2 Sol. Suppose the three charges are placed as shown
Here, F = ⋅ =×
9 10 9
× N,
4πε 0 ( AB )2 ( 0.2 )
2
in Figure. Let the charge q be positive.
 Electric Charges and Fields 9

For F to be maximum,
1 q (Q - q )
= .
4πε 0 r2
dF
For the equilibrium of charge +q, we must or =0
dq
have
1 1 d
Fore of repulsion F1 between +4c and +q = or . . (qQ - q 2 ) =
0
force of repulsion F2 between +e and +q 4πε 0 r 2 dq
1 4e × q 1 e×q d
(qQ - q 2 ) =
or = or 0
4πε 0 x 2
4πε 0 (a – x) 2 dQ
or 4(a – x)2 = x2 or Q – 2q = 0
or 2(a – x) = ± x Q
or q=
2a 2
x= or 2a i.e., the charge should be divided equally on
3
As the charge q is placed between +4e and the two objects.
+e, so only x = 2a/3 is possible. Hence for 20. Two small spheres each having mass m kg
equilibrium, the charge q must be placed at a and charge q coulomb are suspended from
distance 2a/3 from the charge +4e. a point by insulating threads each l meter
We have considered the charge q to be long but of negligible mass. If θ is the angle,
positive. If we displace it slightly towards each string makes with the vertical when
charge e, from the equilibrium position, then equilibrium has been attained, show that
F1 will decrease and F2 will increase and a net
force (F2 – F1) will act on q towards left i.e.,
=q2 ( 4 mgl 2
sin 2 θ ) 4πε 0 × tan θ
towards the equilibrium position. Hence the Sol. Consider two small spheres A and B each of
equilibrium of positive q is stable. mass m kg and charge q coulomb. When the
Now if we take charge q to be negative, the two spheres are suspended from point S by
forces F1 and F2 will be attractive, as shown in two threads each of length l, they repel each
Figure. other and when equilibrium is attained, each
string makes an angle θ with the vertical

The charge –q will still be in equilibrium at

x = 2a/3. However, if we displace charge –q
slightly towards right, then F1 will decrease
and F2 will increase. A net force (F2 – F1) will
act on –q towards right i.e., away from the
equilibrium position. So the equilibrium of
the negative q will be unstable. Each of the two spheres is acted upon by the
19. A charge Q is to be divided on two objects. following three forces :
What should be the values of the charges (i) The electrostatic force of repulsion F
on the two objects so that the force between directed away from each other.
the objects can be maximum ? (ii) The weight mg of the sphere acting
Sol. Let q and Q – q be the charges on the two vertically downwards.
objects. Then force between the two objects is (iii) The tension T in the string directed
1 q(q - q) towards the point S.
4pe 0 r2 Since the two spheres are in equilibrium,

∫ ∫
= the three =forcesθacting on a sphere can
Where r is the distance between the two be represented by the three sides of 3the
objects. taken in order. πε +
For the sphere A,
 10 Electric Charges and Fields

we have xdq The charge Q should thus be placed at a

=Ex ∫= 3 3 distance of a/(1 + 2 ) from the charge q.
4πε0 (r + x
2 2
πε 0 +
22. Two identical charged spheres each of mass
=
Here, sin θ ; SO l cos θ
OA l = 100 g are suspended in air by two strings
and AB =× 2 AO = 2l sin θ each of length 100 cm and make an angle
of 20 with each other. Due to repulsion, the
1 q×q 1 q2
and F= ⋅ = ⋅ spheres remain at 5 cm distance from each
4πε 0 AB 2 4πε 0 4l 2 sin 2 θ other. Find then charge on each sphere.
From the equation (i), we have What will happen if the system is taken to
OA a gravity free space (say a satellite)?
=
F mg ×
SO Sol. Suppose the mass of each sphere is m kg, the
1 q2 l sin θ charge on each q coulomb and in equilibrium
or ⋅ 2 = mg × the distance between them is r metre. Each
4πε 0 4l sin θ l cos θ sphere is in equilibrium under the action of
or q 2 = ( 4mgl 2 ) sin 2 θ tan θ  4πε 0 three forces :

21. Two electric charges q and 2q are at a

distance ‘a’ apart from each other in air.
A third charge Q is to be placed along the
same line in such a way that the net force
acting at q and also at 2q is zero. Calculate
the position of charge Q in terms of q and a.
Sol.

Suppose the charge Q is placed in between

the charges q and 2q, at a distance x from the
charge q. Its distance from the charge 2q will
be (a – x). The net force on q will be zero (i) weight of the sphere = m g,
when the force F on it due to 2q is equal (and (ii) electrical force of repulsion
opposite) to the force Fʹ due to Q. That is,
1 q2
1 q × 2q 1 q×Q F= and
= . …(i) 4πε0 r 2
4πε 0 a 2 4πε 0 x 2
For this, if q and 2q are both positive, then Q (iii) tension T in the string. Resolving
should be negative. these forces in vertical and horizontal
Similarly, the net force on 2q will be zero components, we have
when the force on it due to q is equal (and 1 q2
positive) to the force due to Q. That is T cosθ = m g and T sinθ = F =
4πε0 r 2
1 2q × q 1 2q × Q 1 q2
= . …(ii) ⸫ tanθ = .
4πε 0 a 2 4πε 0 (a - x) 2 4πε0 mgr 2
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we have Since, the distance between spheres
q × Q 2q × Q x ≪ length of string (l)
=
x2 (a - x) 2 So that θ will be very small and we can
take
or (a – x)2 = 2x2 or a – x = ± 2x
tanθ ≈ sinθ
a
or x= ± Then Eq. (i) become,
1+ 2
1 q2
The minus sign is inadmissible because Q is sinθ =
placed in between q and 2q. 4πε0 m g r 2
 Electric Charges and Fields 11

r /2 1 q2 4. A 5.0 C charge is 10 m from a –2.0 C charge.

or = ⋅ 2 The electrostatic force on the positive charge is:
l 4πε0 m g r
(a) 9.0 × 108 N toward the negative charge
4πε0 m g 3
or q2 = ⋅r (b) 9.0 × 108 N away from the negative charge
2l
(c) 9.0 × 109 N toward the negative charge
Given m = 100 × 10–3 kg, g = 10 m s–2,
(d) 9.0 × 109 N away from the negative charge
r = 5 × 10–2 m, l = 1.0 m and 4πε0 =
1 5. Charges q1 and q2 are on the x-axis, with q1 at
. Thus
9 × 109 x = a and q2 at x = 2a. For the net force on a
1 100 × 10-3 × 10 another charge at the origin to be zero, q1 and q2
q2 = ⋅ × 125 × 10-6 must be related by q2 =.
9 × 109 2 × 1.0
(a) 2q1 (b) 4q1
625
= × 10-16 (c) -2q1 (d) -4q1
9
25 6. A charge Q is spread uniformly along the
so that q = ± × 10-8 C. circumference of a circle of radius R. A point
3
charge q is placed at the center of this circle.
The total force exerted on q can be calculated by
Coulomb’s law:
When the system is taken to a gravity (a) just use R for the distance
free space, the strings will become (b) just use 2R for the distance
straight (at an angle of 180° with each (c) just use 2πR for the distance
other). (d) the result of the calculation is zero
OBJECTIVE
7. Positive charge Q is uniformly distributed on
1. The electrostatic force between two small a semicircular rod. What is the direction of the
charged spheres having charges of 2 × 10–6 C force on a proton at point P, at the center of the
and 3 × 10–6 C placed 30 cm apart in air is semicircle?
[NCERT Pg. 46]
(a) 0.9 N (b) 0.6 N
(c) 1.2 N (d) 1.8 N

(a) ↑ (b) ↓
2. Coulomb’s law of electrostatic for the force (c) ← (d) →
between two point charges most closely
8. The nucleus of helium atom contains two
resemble [NCERT Pg. 12]
protons that are separated by a distance 3.0 ×
(a) Law of conservation of charges 10–15 m. The magnitude of the electrostatic force
(b) Law of conservation of energy that each proton exerts on the other is:
(c) Newton’s second law of motion (a) 20.6 N (b) 25.6 N
(d) Newton’s law of gravitation (c) 15.6 (d) 12.6 N
3. Two identical conducting spheres A and B carry 9. Two small balls each having a positive charge
equal charge. They are separated by a distance Q Coulombs are suspended by two insulating
much larger than their diameters. A third strings of equal length L meters from a hook
identical conducting sphere C is uncharged. fixed to a stand The whole setup is taken in a
Sphere C is first touched to A, then to B, and satellite into space, where there is no gravity.
finally removed. As a result, the electrostatic What is the angle between the string and tension
force between A and B, which was originally F, in the string?
becomes: 1 Q2
(a) F/2 (b) F/4 (a) 180o ,
4πε 0 (2 L) 2
(c) 3F/8 (d) F/16
 12 Electric Charges and Fields

1 Q2 newton per coulomb.

(b) 90o ,
4πε 0 L2 OBJECTIVE HINTS
2
1 Q
(c) 180o , 1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (c)
4πε 0 2 L2
4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (d)
1 Q 7. (d)
(d) 180o ,
4πε0 4 L
8. (b) Charge of proton is, qp = 1.6 × 10–19 C
10. Select the correct statements, Coulomb’s law Distance between the protons is, r = 3 × 10–15 m
correctly describes the electric force that
The magnitude of electrostatic force between
I. binds the electrons of an atom to its nucleus. protons is
II. binds the protons and neutrons in the nucleus qpqp
of an atom. Fe =
4πε 0 r 2
III. binds atoms together to form molecules.
9 × 109 × 1.6 × 10-19 × 1.6 × 10-19
(a) I and II (b) I and III = = 25.6 N
(c) II and III (d) I, II and III ( 3 ×10 )
15 2

Two statements are given-one labelled Assertion and 9. (a) In a satellite, there is a condition of
the other labelled Reason. Select the correct answer weightlessness.
to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as ⸫ mg = 0
given below. Due to electrostatic force of repulsion between
the balls, the string would become horizontal.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
explanation of A. ⸫ Angle between string = 180°
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the Tension in string = Force of repulsion
correct explanation of A 1 Q2
=
(c) A is true but R is false 4πε 0 (2 L) 2
(d) A is false and R is also false 10. (b)
11. Assertion : If a conducting medium is placed 11. (a) The dielectric constant of any material is
between two charges, then electric force E F / q F0 F
between them becomes zero. K= 0 = 0 = ⇒F= 0,
E F /q F K
Reason : Reduction in a force due to introduced where F0 is force
material is inversely proportional to its dielectric
when conductor is not present between the
constant.
charge. F is a force after introduction of
12. Assertion : If a point charge q is placed in conductor between charges. Since dielectric
front of an infinite grounded conducting plane constant of a conducting medium is infinity
surface, the point charge will experience a force. therefore F = 0.
Reason : This force is due to the induced charge 12. (a)
on the conducting surface which is at zero
potential. 13. (b) Coulomb attraction exists even when one body
is charged, and the other is uncharged.
13. Assertion : If there exists coulomb attraction
between two bodies, both of them may not be 14. (b) The electric field intensity is equal to force
charged. experienced by unit positive test charge q0
Reason : In coulomb attraction two bodies are placed at that point i.e.
oppositely charged.
14. Assertion : As force is a vector quantity, hence
SUPERPOSITION PRINCIPLE
electric field intensity is also a vector quantity. 1. Four point charges qA = 2µC, qB = -5µC,
Reason : The unit of electric field intensity is qC = 2µC, and qD = -5µC are located at the
 Electric Charges and Fields 13

corners of a square ABCD of side 10 cm. Sol. Here, q= 4µC =4 × 10-6 C , q0 =

1C
What is the force on a charge of 1 µC placed
From the principle of superposition, total
at the centre of the square? [NCERT]
force acting on 1C charge at the origin due to
Sol. The center O of the square is at equal distance all the given charges is
of 2cm from each corner. Since opposite
qq0  1 1 1 
corners have equal charges, forces along both = F  + + ....
diagonals will be balanced. Resultant force on 4π ∈0  r12 r22 r32 
1 µC charge at O will be zero.
1 1 1 
=9 × 109 × 4 × 10-6 × 1  2 + 2 + 2 + .....
2. Three point charges +q each are kept at 1 2 4 
the vertices of an equilateral triangle of As sum of infinite geometric progression
side ‘L’. Determine the magnitude and sign a 1 4
of the charge to be kept at its centroid so = = =
that the charges at the vertices remain in 1- r 1- 1 3
equilibrium. [CBSE 2015] 4
Sol. At any vertex, the charge will be in equilibrium ∴ F = 9 × 109 × 4 × 10-6 × 4 = 4.8 × 104 N
if the net electric force due to the remaining 3
three charges is zero. 4. Four point charges Q, q, Q and q are
placed at the corners of a square of side
‘a’ as shown in the figure. Find the (a)
resultant electric force on a charge Q, and
(b) potential energy of this system.
[CBSE 2018]

Let Q be the charge required to be kept at the

centroid G. then,

F1 = Force at A due to the charge at B =
1 q2 
. 2 , along BA
4πε 0 L
 Sol.
F2 = Force at A due to the charge at C =
1 q2 
. , along CA
4πε 0 L 2

1 q2
=
  
F1 + F = 2F cos 30°, along GA 3. .
4πε 0 L2
2 1

, along GA
Force at A due to charge at G
1 Qq 1 Qq 1 3Qq (a) Forces F1 and F 2 are equal and at right
= = . = . .
4πε 0 AG 2
4πε 0  L  2
4πε 0 L2 kqQ
  angle to each other each equal to
 3 a2
 
This must be equal and opposite to ( F1 + F2 ). . Hence their resultant is given by
q kqQ
3Qq = - 3q 2 or Q = - . FA= FA2 +FB2 = 2 . Now FA is
3 a2
directed in same direction as F3. Hence
3. An infinite number of charges each equal their resultant is given by:
to 4 µ C are placed along X-axis at x = 1 m,
x = 2 m, x = 4 m, x = 8 m and so on. Find the KQ 2 kqQ kq  q 
F=F3 +FA= + 2 = 2  + 2Q 
( ) a 2 
2 2
total force on a charge of 1C placed at the 2a a
origin. [CBSE 2014]
 14 Electric Charges and Fields

9 × 109 × ( 2 × 10-6 ) × ( 3 × 10-6 )

(b) Potential Energy of the system
qi q j F1 =
=k ∑ rij
= 52
each pair 54
= × 10-3 N =
2.16 × 10-3 N
 qQ qQ qQ qQ Q q  2 2 25
k + + + + +  =F1 2.16 × 10-3 N , along PA' opposite to PA.
 a a a a 2a 2a 
It has two rectangular components F1 cos θ
k q 2 +Q 2  along PX and F1 sin θ along PY'. Similarly,
= 4qQ+  force on charge at P due to charge at B, F2 = F1
a 2 
(in magnitude). It is along PB' opposite to
5. Ten positively charged particles are kept PB. It also has two rectangular components :
fixed on x-axis at points x = 10 cm, 20 F2 cos θ along PX and F2 sin θ along PY.
cm, 30 cm, ..... 100 cm. The first particle The components along PY and PY' cancel.
has charge 1.0 × 10-8 C , second 8 × 10-8 C , The components along PX add up.
third 27 × 10-8 C , and so on. Tenth particle Total force on 3µ C charge is F = 2 F1 cos θ
will have charge 1000 × 10-8 C . Find the 4
magnitude of electric force acting on a 1C = 2 × 2.16 × 10-3 × =3.5 × 10-3 N , along PX.
charge placed at the origin. 5
Sol. Sol. 1 By superposition principle, force on 7. Charges of +5μC, +10μC and -10μC are
charge 1 C placed at origin placed in air at the corners A, B and C of
q0  q1 q2 q10  an equilateral triangle ABC, having each
F0 = F01 + F02 + .... + F010 =  2 + 2 + .... 2  side equal to 5 cm. Determine the resultant
4π ∈0  r1 r2 rn  force on the charge at A.
1.0 × 10-8 8 × 10-8 27 × 10-8 Sol. The charge at B repels the charge at A with a
1000 × 10-8 
=×
9 10 × 1 
9
+ + + ...  force,
 ( 0.10 ) ( 0.20 ) ( 0.30 ) (1.00 ) 
2 2 2 2
qq 9 × 109 × (5 × 10-6 ) × (10 × 10-6 )
F1 = k 1 2 2 = N
= 9 × 109 × 10-6 [1 + 2 + 3 + ... + 10] = 9 × 103 × 55 r (0.05) 2
= 180 N, along BA
= 4.95 × 105 N
6. Two equal positive charges, each of 2μC
interact with a third positive charge of 3μC
situated as shown in Figure. calculate the
magnitude and direction of the force on the
3μC charge.

The charge at C attracts the charge at A with a

force
9 × 109 × (5 × 10-6 ) × (10 × 10-6 )
F2 = N
(0.05) 2
Sol. In fig. = 180 N, along AC.
= OB
OA = 3 m, OP
= 4m By the parallelogram law of vector  addition,
∴ AP = BP = 32 + 42 = 5 m the magnitude of resultant force F on charge
at A is
According to Coulomb’s law, force on charge
at P due to charge at A F= F12 + F22 + 2 F1 F2 cos θ
1 q1q2
F1 = = (180) 2 + (180) 2 + 2 × 180 × 180 × cos120° N
4π ∈0 AP 2
= 180 1 + 1 + 2 × (-1 / 2)N = 180 N
Let the resultant force F make an angle β
 Electric Charges and Fields 15

with the force F2. Then

F2 sin120° 180 × sin120°
tan β = =
F1 + F2 cos120° 180 + 180cos120°
180 × 3 / 2
= = 3
 1
180 + 180  - 
 2
β = 60°

i.e., the resultant force F is parallel to BC.
8. Four equal point charges each 16 µ C are
placed on the four corners of a square of
side 0.2 m. Calculate the force on any one Sol. (i) The magnitude of the electric field at
of the charges. point A due to the charge +10–8 C is
Sol. As shown in Figure, suppose the four charges (10-8 C)
are placed at the corners of the square ABCD. E1 = (9.0 × 109 N-m2C–2)
(0.05m) 2
Let us calculate the total force on q4.
= 3.6 × 104 N-C–1 (towards right, away
from the charge) and that due to the
charge –10–8 C is
(10-8 C)
E2 = (9.0 × 109 N-m2C–2)
(0.05m) 2
= 3.6 × 104 N-C–1 (towards right,
towards the charge).
Since, E1 and E2 are in the same
direction, the magnitude of the total
Here AB = BC = CD = AD = 0.2 m
electric field at A is
q1 = q2 = q3 = q4 = 16 µC = 16 × 10–6 C
EA = E1 + E2 = (3.6 × 104) + (3.6 × 104)
Force exerted on q4 by q1 is
= 7.2 × 104 N-C–1.
9 × 109 × 16 × 10-6 × 16 × 10-6 
F1 = E A is directed towards right.
(0.2) 2
(ii) The magnitude of the electric field at
= 57.6N, along AD produced point B due to the charge +10–8 C is
Force exerted on q4 by q2 is
10-8 C
-6
9 × 10 × 16 × 10 × 16 × 10
9 -6 E1 = (9.0 × 109 N-m2 c–2)
F2 = (0.05m) 2
(0.2) 2 + (0.2) 2
= 3.6 × 104 N-C–1 (towards left) and that
= 28.8 N, along BD produced due to the charge –10–8 C is
Force exerted on q4 by q3 is
10-8 C
-6 -6 E2 = (9.0 × 109 N-m2 C–2)
9 × 10 × 16 × 10 × 16 × 10
9
(0.15m) 2
F3 =
(0.2) 2 0.4 × 104 N-C–1 (towards right).
= 57.6 N, along CD produced Since, E1 and E2 are oppositely-directed,
the magnitude of the total electric field
9. Two point-charges of +10–8 C and –10–8 C at B is
are placed 0.1 m apart, as shown below.
Calculate the electric fields at points : (i) A, EB = E1 – E2 = (3.6 × 104) – (0.4 × 104)
(ii) B and (iii) C. = 3.2 × 104 N-C–1.
(iii) The magnitude of each of the electric
fields at point C due to charges +10–8 C
and –10–8 C is
 16 Electric Charges and Fields

10-8 C 4. In figure, two positive charges, q2 and q3, fixed

E1 = E2 = (9.0 × 109 N-m2 C–2) along the Y-axis, exert a net electric force in
(0.1m) 2
the +x direction on a charge q1 fixed along the
= 9.0 × 103 N-C–1.
X-axis. If a positive charge Q is added at (x, 0),
The directions of E1 and E2 at C are as the force on q1:
shown. The resultant electric field at C
is
EC = E1 cos 60° + E2 cos 60° = 2 × (9.0
× 103) × 0.5 = 9.0 × 103 N-C–1.

EC is directed towards right.
OBJECTIVE
(a) Shall increase along the positive X – axis.
1. Three charges q, –q and q0 are placed as shown
(b) Shall decrease along the positive X – axis.
in figure. The magnitude of the net force on the
(c) Shall point along the negative X – axis.
 1 
charge q0 at point O is  k =  (d) Shall increase but the direction changes
 (4πε0 ) 
because of the intersection of Q with q2 and q3
[CBSE 2021]
5. A charge ‘q’ is placed at the centre of the line
joining of two equal +ve charge ‘Q’. The system
of the three charges will be in equilibrium, if q =
Q Q
(a) - (b) -
2 4
Q Q
(c) (d)
4 2
6. Four point charges are placed at the corners of
2kqq 0
(a) 0 (b) a square ABCD of side 10cm, as shown in the
a2 figure. The force on a charge 1 μC placed at the
2kqq 0 1 kqq 0 centre of square is :
(c) (d) 2
a2 2 a
2. Four point charges qA = –2 µC, qB = –5 µC, qC =
–2 µC and qD = –5 µC are located at the corners
of a square of side 20 cm (In Dcyclic order).
What is electric force on a charge of 1 µC placed
at the centre of square? [NCERT Pg. 46]
(a) 0.9 N (c) Zero (a) 7 N (b) 8 N
(c) 0.6 N (d) 2.4 N (c) 2 N (d) Zero

3. Consider charges q, –q and q placed at vertices 7. In Fig. two positive charges q2 and q3 fixed along
of an equilateral triangle as shown in figure. the y axis, exert a net electric force in the + x
Calculate force on –q charge due to other. direction on a charge q1 fixed along the x axis. If a
[NCERT Pg. 17] positive charge Q is added at (x, 0),the force on q1

q2 q2
(a) (b)
2πε 0 ℓ 2 4πε 0 ℓ 2
2q 2 3q 2
(c) (d)
πε 0 ℓ 2 4πε0 ℓ 2
 Electric Charges and Fields 17

(a) shall increase along the positive x-axis. OBJECTIVE HINTS

(b) shall decrease along the positive x-axis.
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (d)
(c) shall point along the negative x-axis.
(d) shall increase but the direction changes 4. (a) Since, positive charge q2 and q3 exert a net force
because of the intersection of Q with q2 and q3. in the + x-direction on the charge q1 fixed along
the X-axis, the charge q1 is negative as shown
8. The figure shows a charge + q at point P held
in figure. Obviously, due to addition of positive
in equilibrium in air with the help of four + q
charge Q at (x, 0), the force on –q shall increase
charges situated at the vertices of a square. The
along the positive X- axis.
net electrostatic force on q is given by

(a) Newton’s 5. (b) At equilibrium, net force will be zero

(b) Coulomb’s law 1 Qq 1 Q2
∴ × + × = 0
(c) Principle of superposition 4πε0 ( r / 2 )2 4πε0 r 2
(d) Net electric flux out the position of +q. -Q
4q = –Q or q =
Two statements are given-one labelled Assertion and 4
the other labelled Reason. Select the correct answer 6. (d) Forces of repulsion on 1 μC charge at O due to
to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as 3 μC charges, at A and C are equal and opposite.
given below. So, they cancel each other. Similarly forces
of attraction of 1μC charge at O due to –4 μC
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct charges at B and D are also equal and opposite.
explanation of A. So they also cancel each other.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the Hence, the net force on the charge of 1 μC at O
correct explanation of A is zero.
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false and R is also false 7. (a)

9. Assertion : For charge to be in equilibrium, sum 8. (c)

of the forces on charge due to rest of the two QQ
charges must be zero. 9. (c) According to Coulomb’s law, F = k 1 2 2 .
r
Reason : A charge is lying at the centre of the The force on q due to A,
line joining two similar charges each which are 1 Qq
fixed. The system will be in equilibrium if that =
FA ⋅ to the right
4πε0 (r / 2) 2
charge is one fourth of the similar charges.
10. Assertion : Three equal charges are situated
on a circle of radius r such that they form on Due to B,
equilateral triangle, then the electric field 1 Qq
=
FB ⋅ to the left.
intensity at the centre is zero. 4πε0 (r / 2) 2
Reason : The force on unit positive charge at Q Q
⸫ Their sum is zero whether q is + or - or
the centre, due to the three equal charges are 4 4
any other value.
represented by the three sides of a triangle
taken in the same order. Therefore, electric field Therefore, it is not true that the third charge has
intensity at centre is zero. to be Q/4 only. It can be any value.
10. (a) Resultant of electric intensity at O due to B and
C is equal and opposite to that due to A.
 18 Electric Charges and Fields

F0 =q0 ⋅ E 0 - (1.5 × 10-9 ) × 5.4 × 106 



F0 - (8.1 × 10-3 N ) along OA

3. Figure shows tracks of three charged
particles in a uniform electrostatic field.
Give the signs of the three charges. Which
particle has the highest charge to mass
ratio? [NCERT]

ELECTRIC FIELD
1. (a) An electrostatic field line is a
continuous curve. That is, a field line
cannot have sudden breaks. Why
not?
(b) Explain why two field lines never cross
each other at any point. [NCERT]
Sol. (a) Electric field is continuous and exists at
all points around a charge distribution.
Hence an electrostatic field line is a Sol. Opposite charges attract each other and
continuous curve and cannot have similar charges repel each other. It can be
sudden breaks. observed that particles 1 and 2 both move
(b) Two field lines never cross each other, towards the positively charged plate and
because if they do so then at the point of repel away from the negatively charged plate.
intersection there will be two possible Hence, these two particles are negatively
directions of electric field, which is charged. It can also be observed that particle
impossible. 3 moves towards the negatively charged plate
and repels away from the positively charged
2. Two point charges 3 µC and -3 µC are plate. Hence, particle 3 is positively charged.
located 20 cm apart in vacuum. The charge to mass ratio (emf) is directly
(a) Calculate the electric field at the mid proportional to the displacement or amount
point O of the line AB joining the two of deflection for a given velocity. Since the
charges. deflection of particle 3 is the maximum, it has
(b) what is the force experienced by a the highest charge to mass ratio.
negative test charge of magnitude 1.5
4. An oil drop of 12 excess electrons is held
× 10-9C placed at the point ? What
stationary under a constant electric field
is the force experienced by the test
charge? [NCERT] of 2.55 × 104 NC -1 in Millikan’s oil drop
experiment. The density of the oil is
Sol.
1.26 g cm -3 . Estimate the radius of the
drop. [NCERT]
( g 9.81 ms -2=
= ; e 1.60 × 10-19 C )
Sol. Given,
(a) Given : q A = 3µ C = 3 × 10-6 C ;
n= 1.6 × 10-19 C , E =
12, e = 2.55 × 104 NC -1 ,
=
AB 20 = cm 0.2 m
ρ 1.26 × 10+3=
= kg m -3 , g 9.81
= ms -2 , r ?
qB =-3uC =-3 × 10-6 C ;
= OB = 10 cm = 0.1 m 4
AO neE ⇒ π r 3 ρ g =
∵ mg = neE
3
 3 × 10-6 3 × 10-6 
E0 =E A + E B =× 9 109  +  along OB
  
1/3
3neE
 ( 0.1) ( 0.1) 
2 2
∴ r=
4πρ g
E= 5.4 × 106 NC -1 along OB
= 9.81 × 10-7=
m 9.81 × 10-4 mm
0
(b) When is placed at O.
 Electric Charges and Fields 19

5. Which among the curves shown in figure filled up hole plus the field E1 due to the rest
cannot possibly represent electrostatic field of the charged conductor. Since inside the
lines ? [NCERT] conductor the field vanishes, the two fields
must be equal and opposite, i.e.,
E1 – E2 = 0

7. A particle of mass m and charge (–q) enters

the region between the two charged plates
initially moving along x-axis with speed v
Sol. (i) Fig (a) cannot represent electrostatic (like particle 1 in Figure). The length of
field lines because field lines must plate is L and an uniform electric field E is
start normally from the surface of a maintained between the plates. Show that
conductor. the vertical deflection of the particle at the
(ii) Fig. (b) cannot represent electrostatic 2  2
field lines because electric field lines far edge of the plate is qEL  2mv 
 x
must start from +ve charge and end
at -ve charge. Field lines cannot end at
+ve charge.
(iii) Fig. (c) represents electrostatic field
lines. Moreover from field lines we
guess that the two +ve charges are
equal or almost equal.
(iv) Fig. (d) cannot represent field lines
because field lines can never intersect
with each other Moreover, they cannot Compare this motion with motion of a
end on +ve charge. projectile in gravitational field discussed
(v) Fig. (e) cannot represent field lines in Section 4.10 of Class XI Textbook of
because electrostatic field lines cannot Physics. [NCERT]
form closed loops and must start and Sol. Charge on a particle of mass m = –q
end at the surface of a charged conductor Velocity of the particle = vx
normally. Length of the plates = L
6. A hollow charged conductor has a tiny Magnitude of the uniform electric field
hole cut into its surface. Show that the between the plates = E
σ Mechanical force,
electric field in the hole is nˆ , where
2ε 0 F = mass(m) × Acceleration(a)
n̂ is the unit vector in the outward normal
direction, and σ is the surface charge a=
F
density near the hole. [NCERT] m
Sol. Consider the charged conductor with the However, electric force, F = qE
hole filled up, as shown by shaded portion qE
Therefore, acceleration, a = …(1)
in Fig.1.4 Applying Gauss’s theorem, we m
σ Time taken by the particle to cross the field of
find that field just outside is n̂ and is
ε0 length L is given by,
zero inside. The field can be viewed as Length of the plate L
= = …(2)
the superposition of the field E2 due to the Velocity of the particle vx
 20 Electric Charges and Fields

In the vertical direction, initial velocity, u = 0 linear charge density becomes

According to the third equation of motion, λ . Derive an expression for the electric field
vertical deflection s of the particle can be at a point Pat a distance x from it along the axis
obtained as, of the ring. Hence, prove that at large
1 distances (x >> r), the ring behaves as a
=s ut + at 2
2 point charge. [Delhi 2020]
2 Sol. 4 Let consider a thin circular ring of radius r
1  qE   L 
s= 0 +    with charge density as λ
2  m   vx 

qEL2
s= …(3)
2mVx2
Hence, vertical deflection of the particle at the
qEL2
far edge of the plate is . This is similar
2mVx2
to the motion of horizontal projectiles under
gravity.
8. Suppose that the particle in Exercise in
1.33 is an electron projected with velocity We need to find the electric field due to this
vx = 2.0 × 106 ms–1. If E between the plates charged ring at a point on the axis of the ring
separated by 0.5 cm is 9.1 × 102 N/C, where at a distance x from its centre.
will the electron strike the upper plate? Let us consider a small charge element (dx)
(e = 9.1 × 10-31 Kg )
1.6 × 10-19 C, me = on the ring having small charge dq
[NCERT] dq = λdx
Sol. Velocity of the particle, vx = 2.0 × 106 ms–1 The electric field due to this charge element at
Separation of the two plates, the point P is given by
d = 0.5 cm = 0.005 m 1 dq 1 λdx
=dE = ⇒ dE
Electric field between the two plates, 4πε0 (r + x )
2 2
4πε0 (r + x 2 )
2

E = 9.1×102 N/C
Electric field at the point P will have two
Charge on an electron, q = 1.6 × 10–19 C components one in the vertical direction and
Mass of an electron, me = 9.1×10–31 Kg the other one in the horizontal direction.
Let the electron strike the upper plate at the dE cos θ along the horizontal direction.
end of plate L, when deflection is s. dE sin θ along the vertical direction.
Therefore. The vertical components will cancel out the
s=
qEL2 effect of each other due to the presence of the
2mvx2 diametrically opposite element.
So the horizontal component of the electric
2dmvx2 field will survive at the point P.
L=
qE From the figure we have the value of
x
2 × 0.005 × 9.1 × 10-31 × (2.0 × 106 ) 2 cos θ =
= r + x2
2
1.6 × 10-10 × 9.1 × 102
Now the integration of the horizontal
= 0.025 × 10-2 = 2.5 × 10-4 component dE cos θ will be carried out.
1.6 × 10-2 m =
= 1.6cm λxdx
dE cos θ = 3
Therefore, the electron will strike the upper 4πε 0 (r + x )
2 2 2

plate after travelling 1.6 cm.

9. A thin circular ring of radius r Since the value of dq = λdx
is charged uniformly so that its
 Electric Charges and Fields 21

xdq
dE cos θ = 3
4πε 0 (r 2 + x 2 ) 2
Now integrating the above equation and Sol. We can draw following two conclusions :
taking x and r quantities as constants we get (i) Signs of charges q1 and q2 are mutually
xdq opposite
=Ex ∫ dE=
cos θ ∫ 3 (ii) q2 < q1
4πε0 (r 2 + x 2 ) 2
13. Two point charges +6q and -8q are placed
xdq xQ
=Ex ∫= 3 3
at the vertices B and C of an equilateral
triangle ABC of side a. Obtain an expression
4πε0 (r 2 + x 2 ) 2 4πε 0 (r 2 + x 2 ) 2 for magnitude and direction of resultant
where Q is the total charge on the ring. electric field at the vertex A due to these
two charges. [CBSE 2014]
Here Ex is the value of the total electric field at
the point P. Sol. As is clear from Figure.
Special case:
When x >> r, the denominator of the above
equation gets modified in the following way:
r 2 + x2 ≈ x2
xQ xQ Q
=Ex = 3
=
4πε0 x 3
4πε0 x 2
4πε0 ( x 2 ) 2
So at large distances (x >> r), the ring behaves
as a point charge. 1 6q × 1
=EBA = 6E
10. Draw the pattern of electric field lines 4π ∈0 a 2
when a point charge +V is kept near an 1 8q q
uncharged conducting plate? [CBSE 2019] =EAC = 8 E where E =
4π ∈0 a 2
4π ∈0 a 2
magnitude of resultant field is

Enet = 2
EBA + E AC
2
+ 2 EBA E AC cos120o
Sol.
 1
= ( 6E )
+ (8E ) + 2 × 6 E × 8E  - 
2 2

 2
q 52
=
Enet E=
52
4π ∈0 a 2
Let the resultant field make an angle β with
11. Why do the electrostatic field lines not form
closed loops ? [CBSE 2015, 2014] AC .
Electrostatic field lines start from a positive EBA sin120o
Sol. tan β =
charge and end on a negative charge or they E AC + EBA cos120o
fade out at infinity in case of isolated charges
without forming any closed loop. 3
6E
2 3 3
12. Two point charge q1 and q2 are placed at a= =
 1  5
distance 'd' apart as shown in figure. The 8E + 6 E  - 
electric field intensity is zero at a point P on  2
the line joining them as shown. Write two 3 3
conclusions you can draw from this. [Delhi β = tan -1  
2014]  5 
 22 Electric Charges and Fields

14. A charged particle, of charge 2 μC and

mass 10 milligram, moving with a velocity
of 1000 m/s enters a uniform electric field
of strength 103 NC–1 directed perpendicular
to its direction of motion. Find the velocity
and displacement, of the particle after 10 s.
[CBSE 2014]
Sol. The velocity of the particle, normal to the
direction of field.
vx = 1000 ms–1, is constant
The velocity of the particle, along the direction
of field, after 10 s, is given by kq 2
(a) Forces on ‘q’ are F1=2 =2x and
vy = uy + ayt = l2
kq 2
F2 =4 =4x . These forces are at
qE y 2 × 10-6 × 103 × 10 l2
=
0+ t = 2000 ms -1
m 10 × 10-6 angle of 1200 hence the resultant force
The net velocity after 10 s, is:
V = vx2 =
+ v y2 (1000) 2 + (2000)
= 2
1000 5 ms -1 F= 4x 2 +16x 2 +16x 2Cos120 o =
Displacement, along the x-axis, after 10 s, 1
X = 1000 × 10 m = 10,000 m 120 o = 4x 2 +16x 2 -16x 2 = 20x 2 -8x 2 = 12x
2
Displacement along y-axis (in the direction of
field) after 10 s. kq 2
1
or F= 12 2
y = u y t + a y t 2 = (0)t + l
2 (b) Potential Energy of the system
-6
1 qE y 2 1 2 × 10 × 10 × (10) = 10,000 m
3 2 qi q j
2 m
t=
2
×
10 × 10-6
=k ∑
each pair rij
=

Net displacement,
 2q 2 8q 2 4q 2  10q 2
R= x=
+y
2 2
(10000) + (10000)
2
= 10000 2 m.2
k - -  =-k
 l l l  l
15. (a) Three point charges q, - 4q and 2q are At infinity the Potential energy of the
placed at the vertices of an equilateral system is zero. Hence energy required
triangle ABC of side L as shown in the to separate the charges to infinite
figure. Obtain the expression for the
 10q 2  10q 2
magnitude of the resultant electric separations is =0-  -k  =k
force acting on the charge q.  l  l
(b) Find out the amount of the work done
16. Ordinary rubber is an insulator. But the
to separate the charges at infinite
special rubber tyres of aircrafts are made
distance. [CBSE 2018]
slightly conducting. Why is this necessary ?
Sol. During landing, the tyres of a space-craft
get charged due to friction between the tyres
and the ground. In case, the tyres are slightly
conducting, the charge developed on the tyres
will not stay on them and it will find its way
(leak to the earth.)
17. A charge Q is kept in the inner cavity and
Sol. a charge 2Q is given to the inner shell. A
charge 3Q is given to the outermost shell,
as shown in Figure. find the charges at the
surfaces A, B and C.
 Electric Charges and Fields 23

pith-ball due to induced charges of opposite

kind produced on the pith ball.
22. Two bodies A and B carry charges -3.00μC
and -0.44μC. How many electrons should
be transferred from A to B so that they
acquire equal charges?
Sol. Due to induction, -Q charge is induced on the Sol. Here, q1 = -3.00 µ C and q2 = -0.44 µ C
inner surface A of inner shell and +Q charge is
Let n electrons be transferred from A to B,
induced on the outer surface B of inner shell.
when A and B would carry same charge.
Thus, charge on surface. A = -Q.
∴ charge on A = charge on B
Now charge on surface B = 2Q + Q = 3Q
-3.00 + ne = -0.44 - ne
Due to induction, -3Q charge is induced on
the inner surface of outer shell C and +3Q 2 ne = 3.00 - 0.44 = 2.56 ( µ C )
charge is induced on the outer surface of outer 2.56
n=
shell C. Thus, total charge on surface C = 3Q 2e
+ 3Q = 6Q. Taking e = 1.6 × 10-19 C=1.6 × 10-13 µ C
18. A body A repels another body B, A attracts 2.56
n= -13
=0.8 × 1013 =8 × 1012
body C, C repels body D. it is given that 2 × 1.6 × 10
body D is positively charged. What is the
charge on body B. 23. A metal sphere has a charge of -6.5 µC.
Sol. Charge on body B is negative. It is given that When 5 × 1013 electrons are removed from
D is positively charged and there is a repulsion the sphere, what would be the net charge
between C and D. So, C is positively charged. on it?
There is attraction between A and C. So A is Sol. Here,
negatively charged. there is repulsion between q1 = 6.5 µC, and q2 = ne = 5×1013 (1.6×10-19)
A and B. So, B is negatively charged. C = 8.0 × 10-6 C = 8.0 µC
As electrons are removed from the sphere,
19. Why can one ignore quantization of electric
q2 is positive. Therefore, net charge on the
charge, when dealing with macroscopic i.e.
sphere,
large scale charges ?
Q = q1 + q2 = -6.5 µC + 8.0 µC = 1.5µC
Sol. In practice, the charge on a charged body is
very large. On the other hand, the charge on 24. An electron moves along a metal tube
an electron is very small. When electrons are with variable cross-section, as shown in
added to a body (negatively charged body) Figure. How will its velocity change when
or removed from a body (positively charged it approaches the neck of the tube ?
body), the change taking place in the total
charge on the body is so small that the charge
seems to be varying in a continuous manner.
Therefore, quantization of electric charge can
Sol. The positive charge induced on the neck of
be ignored, when dealing with a large scale
the tube will accelerate the electron towards
charged body.
the neck.
20. A glass rod rubbed with silk acquires a
25. Two protons A and B are placed in between
charge +1.6 × 10-12 C. What is the charge
the plates of a parallel plate capacitor
on the silk?
charged to a potential difference V as
Sol. Charge on silk is equal and opposite to charge shown in Figure. The forces on the two
on glass rod, q = -1.6 × 10-12 C . protons are identical. Is this statement true
21. A positively charged glass rod attracts a ?
suspended pith-ball. Does it imply that the
pith-ball is negatively charged ?
Sol. The pith-ball can be uncharged also. The
positively charged glass rod can attract the
 24 Electric Charges and Fields

Sol. True. This is because field between two 1

parallel plates is uniform (E), charge on each =
s ut + at 2
2
proton is same (q). therefore, force on each 2
proton is same. 1  eE  l  1  e  El 2
h=
0+    =  
2  m  v  2  m  v2
26. Figure shows tracks of three charged
particles in a uniform electrostatic field. 2v 2 h
e/m=
Give the signs of the three charges. Which El 2
particle has the highest charge to mass
As E , l and v are known, by measuring h, we
ratio ?
can calculate ( e / m ) . The relation shows that
for given E, l and v ; deflection ( h ) ∝ ( e / m ) .
this is what we have stated above.
27. Figure shows electric lines of force due to
point charges q1 and q2 placed at points
A and B respectively. Write the nature of
charge on them.
(a) Suppose two particles have identical
curved trajectories. Which of the
following are necessarily true?
(i) they have same charge (ii), they have
same mass (iii) the charges have the Sol. As the lines of force are pointing towards q1 as
same sign, (iv) they have the same e / well as q2, so both q1 and q2 must be negative
m ratio. charges.
(b) you are given the initial velocity v of
28. A point charge placed at any point on the
a beam particle and the length of the
axis of an electric dipole at some large
capacitor l. What other measurement
distance experiences a force F. What will be
would enable one to find e / m?
the force acting on the point charge when
Sol. The charge on particles 1 and 2 must be its distance from the dipole is doubled?
negative and charge on particle 3 must be Sol. At any axial point of a dipole, electric field
positive. We shall show that charge to mass varies as
ratio ( e / m ) is highest in case of particle 3. 1
If we assume that the three charged particles E∝ 3
r
have entered the electric field with the same
velocity, then the deflection is proportional to F 1
or =
e / m i.e., charge to mass ratio of the particle. q r3
As deflection of particle 3 is maximum, the 1
F∝ 3
( e / m ) of this particle must be the highest. or
r
(a) when two particles have identical When the distance of the point charge is
curved trajectories, their charges must doubled, the force reduces to F/8.
have the same sign and the particles
must have the same e / m ratio. 29. Two point charges of +5×10-19C and
(b) if h is the vertical displacement of +20×10-19C are separated by a distance 2
particle at the end of capacitor plates as m. Find the point on the line joining them
shown if Figure, then, from at which electric field intensity is zero.
Sol. Here q1 =+5 × 10-19 C ; q2 =20 × 10-19 C and
r = 2m
Suppose that the resultant electric field is
zero at point O on the line AB joining the two
charges figure.
 Electric Charges and Fields 25

coin
qE or neE = mg
mg 1.6 × 10-3 × 9.8
∴ n= = -19
= 9.8 × 107.
eE 1.6 × 10 × 10 9

If AO = x , then BO = r - x = 2 - x 32. Two point charges of +16μC and -9μC are

Let E1 and E2 be the electric field at the point placed 8 cm apart in air. Determine the
O due to the charges q1 and q2 respectively. position of the point at which the resultant
Then, electric field will be zero at the point electric field is zero.
O, if E1 and E2 are equal in magnitude and Sol. Here, q A = +16 µ C = +16 × 10-6 C
opposite in direction i.e. ; qB =-9 µ C =-9 × 10-6 C and
1
⋅
q1
=
1
⋅
q2 = r 8= cm 0.08 m
4πε 0 ( AO ) 2
4πε 0 ( BO )2 The electric field cannot be zero at a point
between the two charges. It is because, the
5 × 10-19 20 × 10-19 charges are of opposite signs. Also, the electric
or =
(2 - x) field cannot be zero at a point to the left of the
2
x2
charge q A . It is because the magnitude of the
4 x= (2 - x)
2 2
or
charge q A is greater than that of qB .
or 2x = ± (2 - x) Suppose that the resultant electric field due
or x = 2 / 3 m or -2m to the two charges is zero at point O are in
Here, x = -2 m is not a valid solution. Thus, opposite directions. Since resultant electric
electric intensity will be zero at a distance of field is zero at point O, E A and EB are equal
2/3 m from the charge q1 towards charge q2 . in magnitude i.e.
30. Calculate the electric field strength which
is required to just support a water drop of
mass 10−3 kg and having a charge 1.6×10-
19
C.
Sol. Here, m 10-3 kg,q=1.6 × 10-19 C= weight of water drop
= 1
⋅
qA
=
1 q
⋅ B2
qE = mg 4πε 0 OA 2
4πε 0 OB
mg 10-3 × 9.8 16 × 10-6 9 × 10-6
∴ E = = -19 = 6.125 × 1016 N/C or =
q 1.6 × 10
( x + 0.08)
2
x2

31. How many electrons should be removed ( x + 0.08) = ±

x
or
from a coin of mass 1.6 g, so that it may 4 3
just float in an electric field of intensity 109 0.24
NC-1, directed upward? or x = 0.24 m or - m
7
Sol.  0.24 
At x -   m (at point to the left of point
 7 
B), the magnitude of E A and EB are equal
but the two fields will not cancel each other.
It is because at this point, both the fields will
be in the same direction. Hence, electric field
is zero at a point at distance 0.24 m from the
Here m = 1.6 g = 1.6 × 10-3 kg, E = 109 NC -1 charge of -9 µ C as shown in fig.1.58.
Let n be the number of electrons removed
from the coin. 33. A free pith ball of mass 6 g carries a
Then charge on the coin, positive charge of (1/3)×10-7C. What is
the nature and magnitude of charge that
Q = + ne should be given to a second pith ball fixed 5
When the coin just floats, cm vertically below the former pith ball so
Upward force of electric field = Weight of
 26 Electric Charges and Fields

that the upper pith ball is stationary. and the angle it makes with the vertical.
Sol. The upper pith ball will become stationary Sol. Here m = 80 mg = 80 × 10–6 kg, q = 2× 10–8 C,
only when its weight acting downwards is E = 2 × 104 Vm–1.
balanced by the upward force of repulsion
between the two pith balls. let + q2 be the
charge given to lower pith ball.
1 -7
Now, q1= × 10 C,
3
= r 5 cm=5 × 10-2 m,
m= 6 g= 6 × 10-3 kg
When upper pith ball is stationary, F = mg
Let T be the tension in the thread and θ be
1 q1q2
∴ = mg the angle it makes with vertical, as shown in
4π ∈0 r 2 Figure. When the bob is in equilibrium,
1 T sin θ = qE; T cos θ = mg
9 × 109 × × 10-7 q2
3 6 × 10-3 × 9.8
= T sin θ qE 2 × 10-8 × 2 × 104
tan θ = = =
( 5 ×10 )
-2 2
= 0.51
T cosθ mg 80 × 10-6 × 9.8
3 × 102 or θ = 27°
= q2 58.8 × 10-3 qE 2 × 10-8 × 2 × 104
25 × 10-4 Also T= =
58.8 × 25 sin θ sin 27°
q2 = × 10-9 = 4.90 × 10-7 C –4
= 8.81 × 10 N.
3
34. A small sphere of mass 1 g carries a charge 36. A stream of electrons moving with a
of +6μC. The sphere is suspended by a velocity of 3 × 107 ms–1 is deflected by 2
string in an electric field of 400NC-1 acting mm in traversing a distance of 0.1 m in a
downwards. Calculate tension in the string. uniform electric field of strength 18 V cm–1.
What will be the tension if charge on the Determine e/m of electrons.
sphere were -6μC? Sol. Here v0 = 3 × 107 ms–1,y = 2 mm = 2 × 10–3
Sol. = 1=
Here, m g 10-3 kg, q = +6 µ C=+6 × 10-6 C m, x = 0.1 m,
E = 18 V cm–1 = 1800 V m–1
E = 400NC-1 , downwards.
eE x
As is clear from Figure. Ma = eE or a = and t =
m v0
T= Fe + mg=qE+mg
6 10-6 × 400 + 10-3 × 9.8
=× 1 2 1 eE x 2
=y =at .
=122 × 10-4 N=1.22 × 10-2 N 2 2 m v02
e 2 y v02 2 × 2 × 10-3 × 9 × 1014
or = =
m Ex 2 1800 × (0.1) 2
= 2 × 1011 C kg–1.
37. Four charges +q, +q, –q, –q are placed
respectively at the four corners A, B, C
and D of a square of side ‘a’. Calculate the
However, when q = -6 µ C, Force due to electric field at the centre of the square.
electric field is upwards. Sol. Let EA, EB, EC and ED be the electric fields at
∴T + Fe = mg or the centre O of the square due to the charges
at A, B, C and D respectively. Their directions
T = mg - FE = 9.8 × 10-3 - 24 × 10-4 = 74 × 10-4 N are as shown in Figure (a)
35. A pendulum of mass 80 milligram carrying
a charge of 2 × 10–8 C is at rest in a horizontal
uniform electric field of 2 × 104 Vm–1. Find
the tension in the thread of the pendulum
 Electric Charges and Fields 27

If we put a charge +10C at the corner D also,

Since all the charges are of equal magnitude
then due to symmetric arrangement of the
and at the same distance r from the centre O,
charges about the point O, the electric field at
so
O will be zero. It follows that electric field at
q Kq kq
EA = EB = EC = ED == k. 2 = 2
2 2 the point O due to the charges at three corners
r  a  a A, B and C must be equal and opposite to the
  field due to the charge of +10C placed at the
 2
corner D alone.
∵ r 2 + r 2 = a 2  Hence, electric field at point O, due to the
Because EA and EC act in the same direction, given arrangement of three charges,
so their resultant is 1 q
= E ⋅
E1 = EA + EC = 2kq + 2kq = 4kq 4πε 0 OD 2
2 2
a a a2 1 1
Now, OD = × BD = × AB 2 + AD 2
Similarly, resultant of EB and ED is 2 2

( ) ( )
4kq 1 2 2
E2 = EB + ED = 2 = × 8 + 8 = 2m
a 2
Now, the resultant of E1 and E2 will be 10
∴ E =9 × 109 × 2 =2.25 × 1010 NC -1
2 2 2
 4kq   4kq 
E= E12 +=
E22  2  + 2  (along OD)
 a   a 
39. An infinite number of charges, each equal
q to q are placed along X-axis at x=1, x=2, x
= 4 2k 2
a = 4, x = 8, ….. and so on.
Directed parallel to AD or BC, as shown in (a) Find electric field at the point x = 0
Fig. Fig. 1.54(b) due to this set of charges.
E 1 (b) What will be the electric field, if in the
cos θ = 1 = above set up, the consecutive charges
E 2 have opposite sign?
θ = 45°
Sol. Suppose that the charges q1, q2, q3, q4, …. Are
i.e., the resultant field is inclined at an angle
placed at distances r1, r2, r3, r4, ….. from the
of 45° with AC.
origin. Then, electric field at the origin due to
38. Three point charges, each having a charge the system of charges,
10 C are placed on the three corners A, B 1  q1 q2 q3 q4 
and C of a square ABCD having each side E= ⋅  2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + ....
4πε 0  r1 r2 r3 r4 
of length 8m . Find the electric field at the
centre of the square. (a) Here, q1 = q2 = q3 = q4 = …..= q
Sol. Figure shows a square ABCD with O as its And r1 = 1, r2 = 2, r3 = 4, r4 = 8, ….
centre. Three point charges, each of charge q 1 q q q q 
∴ E= ⋅ + + + + ....
are placed at the corners A, B and C of the 4πε 0 12 22 42 82 
square
1 1 1 1 1 
= ⋅ q  2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + ....
4πε 0 1 2 4 8 
 28 Electric Charges and Fields

1 of electric field due to a uniformly charged thin

= ⋅ q.S∞ , spherical shell of radius R with total charge q at
4πε 0
r
1 1 1 1 a distance (r >> R) will be [CBSE 2021]
Where S∞ = + 2 + 2 + 2 + .... 2
2
1 2 4 8 E
(a) (b) 0
i.e. sum of a geometrical progression, whose 4
first term a = 1 and the common ratio r = ¼. (c) 2E (d) 4E
Therefore,
3. Assertion (A): A negative charge in an electric
a 1 4
=S∞ = = field moves along the direction of the electric
1- r 1-1 / 4 3 field.
1 4 q
Hence, =E ⋅ q ×= Reason (R): On a negative charge a force acts
4πε 0 3 3πε 0 in the direction of the electric field.
(b) When the consecutive charges have Select the most appropriate answer from the
opposite sign, options given below as : [CBSE 2021]
1 q q q q  (a) Both (A) & (R) are true, and (R) is not
E= ⋅  2 - 2 + 2 - 2 + .... correct explanation of (A).
4πε 0 1 2 4 8 
(b) Both (A) & (R) are true, and (R) is not
1 1 1 1 1 
= ⋅ q  2 - 2 + 2 - 2 + .... correct explanation of (A).
4πε 0 1 2 4 8  (c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Here, a = 1 and r = -1/4 (d) (A) is false and (R) is also false.
1 1 q
∴ = E ⋅q =
4πε 0 1 - ( -1 / 4 ) 5πε 0 4. An electron falls through distance of 2 × 10–2 m
in uniform electric field from state of rest. The
OBJECTIVE time of fall if E = 6 × 104 NC–1 is
1. Which of the diagrams correctly, represents the [NCERT Pg. 21]
electric field between two charged plates if a
–6
(a) 1.5 × 10 s (b) 1.94 × 10–9 s
neutral conductor is placed in between the plates (c) 3.3 × 10–5 s (d) 2.3 × 10–6 s
? [CBSE 2021]
5. Which among the given statements is incorrect
statement? [NCERT Pg. 19]
(a) (a) For every positive point charge, electric field
lines will be directed radially outwards from
charge.
(b) Magnitude of electric field E will depend on
distance form point charge
(b) (c) The electric field due to a point charge has
spherical symmetry
(d) A test charge q experiences electric force
F at a point then electric field intensity is


(c)  F
defined as E = 2
q
6. A proton and an electron are released form rest in
uniform electric field then the correct statement
among the following is [NCERT Pg. 46]
(d) (a) Time required to fall through certain distance
is more for an electron
(b) The force experiences by proton will be
2. The magnitude of electric field due to a point more
charge 2q, at distance r is E. Then the magnitude (c) Magnitude of acceleration experienced by
 Electric Charges and Fields 29

proton is more 11. A force of 2.25 N acts on a charge of 15 ×10–4

(d) KE gained by both charges in moving (C) The intensity of electric field at that point is:
through same distance are equal (a) 150 NC–1 (b) 15NC–1
(c) 1500NC–1 (d) 15NC–1
7. Regarding electric lines of force, the correct
statement is/are [NCERT Pg.24] Comprehension
(a) Field lines carry information about direction When a charged particle is placed in an electric field, it
of electric field experiences an electrical force. If this is the only force
(b) Relative density of field lines at different on the particle, it must be the net force. The net force will
points indicates relative strength of electric cause the particle to accelerate according to Newton’s
field at these points second law. So
(c) The field lines crowd where field is weak =

F = ma
qE
 
and spaced apart where field in strong
e

(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct

8. The incorrect statement among the following
statements is [NCERT Pg. 25]
(a) Electric field lines can never cross each
other
If E is uniform, then a is constant and a = qE /m . If
   
(b) Electrostatic field lines do not form any
closed loop the particle has a positive charge, its acceleration is in
the direction of the field. If the particle has a negative
(c) In charge free region, electric field lines can
charge, its acceleration is in the direction opposite to
be taken to be continuous curve
the electric field. Since the acceleration is constant, the
(d) Field lines around a system of two positive kinematic equations can be used.
charges is straight and parallel lines
pictorially 12. An electron of mass m, charge e falls through
a distance h metre in a uniform electric field E.
9. Figure shows track of three positive charged Then time of fall,
particles through uniform electric field E.
2hm 2hm
All charges are equal in value. Which charge (a) t = (b) t =
particle has more initial kinetic energy on eE eE
entering horizontally between the plate? 2eE 2eE
[NCERT Pg. 47] (c) t = (d) t =
hm hm
13. An electron moving with a constant velocity
v along X-axis enters a uniform electric field
applied along Y-axis. Then the electron moves
(a) With uniform acceleration along Y-axis
(b) without any acceleration along Y-axis
(c) in a trajectory represented as y = ax2
(a) Particle 1 (d) in a trajectory represented as y = ax
(b) Particle 2 14. Two equal and opposite charges of masses m1
(c) Particle 3 and m2 are accelerated in an uniform electric
(d) Both 1 and 2 have equal initial KE field through the same distance. What is the ratio
of their accelerations if their ratio of masses is
10. V/m is the SI unit of which physical quantity: m1
(a) Electric potential = 0.5 ?
m2
(b) Electric field a a
(a) 1 = 2 (b) 1 = 0.5
(c) Electrostatic force a2 a2
a1 a
(d) Electric dipole moment (c) =3 (d) 1 = 1
a2 a2
 30 Electric Charges and Fields

15. A particle of mass m carrying q is kept at rest 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (d)

in a uniform electric field E and then released. 7. (d) 8. (d) 9. (c)
The kinetic energy gained by the particle, when
it moves through a distance y is 10. (b) Electric field
1 F 2.25 N
(a) qEy 2 (b) qEy =
11. (c) Electric field, E= = 1500 NC -1
2 q 15 × 10-4 C
(c) qEy2 (d) qE2y 12. (a) From Newton’s law
qE eE
16. A charged particle free to move in an electric F= ma or qE - ma ⇒ a= =
field. It will travel m m
1 2
(a) always along a line of force Using, s = ut +
at
2
(b) along a line of force, if its initial velocity is 1 eE 2hm
zero ∴ h =0 + × t2 ⇒ t- -
2 m eE
(c) along a line of force, if it has some initial
velocity in the direction of an acute angle 13. (c)
with the line of force 14. (b) Force is same in magnitude for both.
(d) none of these. ⸫ m1a1 = m2a2 ;
a1 m2 1
= = = 2
Two statements are given-one labelled Assertion and a2 m1 0.5
the other labelled Reason. Select the correct answer
qE
to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as 15. (b) Here, u = 0; a = ; s=y
given below. m
qE
Using, v2 – u2 = 2as ⇒ v =
2
2 y
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct m
1
explanation of A. ⸫ K.E. = mv2 = qEy
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the 2
correct explanation of A 16. (b) If charge particle is put at rest in electric
(c) A is true but R is false field, then it will move along line of force.
(d) A is false and R is also false 17. (b) Electrostatic field lines of force can never form
17. Assertion : In electrostatics, electric lines of any closed loop. Because electric field originate
force can never be closed loops, as a line can from positive charge and terminates on negative
never start and end on the same charge. charge.
Reason : The number of electric lines of 18. (c) When high energy X-ray beam falls on the ball,
force originating or terminating on a charge is the metal will emit photoelectrons, thus leaving
proportional to the magnitude of charge. the positive charge on the ball. As a result of
this, ball is deflected in the direction of electric
18. Assertion : A small metal ball is suspended in
field.
a uniform electric field with an insulated thread.
If high energy X-ray beam falls on the ball, the 19. (d) Electric field at the nearby point will be resultant
ball will be deflected in the electric field. of existing field and field due to the charge
Reason : X-rays emits photoelectron and metal brought. It may increase or decrease if the
becomes negatively charged. charge is positive or negative depending on the
position of the point with respect to the charge
19. Assertion : A point charge is brought in an
brought.
electric field. The field at a nearby point is
increase, whatever be the nature of the charge.
Reason : The electric field is independent of the
ELECTRIC DIPOLE
nature of charge.
1. A system has two charges q= A 2.5 × 10-7 C
OBJECTIVE HINTS and q= B 2.5 × 10-7 C located at point
A : ( 0,0, -15 cm ) and B : ( 0,0 + 15 cm ) ,
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (d) respectively. What are the total charge and
 Electric Charges and Fields 31

electric dipole moment of the system ? the total work done is charging the capacitor
[NCERT] to a given potential.
Sol. Given q= A
-7 -2.5 × 10-7 C
2.5 × 10 C , qB = Let us assure that initially both the plates
are unchanged. Now, we have to repeatedly
∵ 2=l 30 cm = 30 × 10-2 m remove small positive charges from one plate
∴ Total charge is zero because both and transfer them to the other plate.
have equal and opposite charge. Let, q → Total quantity of charge transferred
and p = q ( 2l ) = 2.5 × 10-7 × 30 × 10-2 V → Potential difference between the two
=75.0 × 10-9 =7.5 × 10-8 Cm (along z-axis) plates
Then, q = CV
2. An electric dipole with dipole moment
4 × 10-9 Cm is aligned at 30o. with the Now, when an additional small charge dq
direction of a uniform electric field of is transferred from the negative plate to the
positive plate, the small work done is given
magnitude 5 × 104 NC -1 . Calculate the
by,
magnitude of the torque acting on the
q
dipole. [NCERT] = Vdq
dW = dq
Sol. Given , C
p =4 × 10-9 C - m, θ =30°, E =5 × 104 NC -1 The total work done in transferring charge Q
is given by,
∴ τ = pE sin θ = 4 × 10-9 × 5 × 104 × 0.5 = 10-4 Nm Q
1  q2 
Q Q
q 1
W ∫=
C ∫0
= =
C  2  0
3. In a certain region of space, electric field dq qdq
0
C
is along the z-direction throughout. The
magnitude of electric field is, however, not Q2
constant but increases uniform along the W=
2C
positive z-direction, at the rate of 105 NC -1
per metre. What are the force and torque This work done is stored as electrostatic
experienced by a system having a total potential energy U in the capacitor.
dipole moment equal to 10-7 Cm in the Q2
negative z-direction ? [NCERT] U=
2C
Sol. In non uniform electric field.
Hence energy stored in the capacitor
∂E ∂E ∂E
F = Px + Py + Pz 1 Q 2 ( Aσ) 2 d
∂x ∂y ∂z = = ×
2 C 2 ε0 A
∂E
Given = 105 NC -1m -1 , The surface charge density σ is related to the
∂z
electric field E between the
∂E ∂E
Pz = -10-7 Cm, Px = 0, =0, =0 So, energy stored in the capacitor
∂x ∂y 1
= ε0 E 2 × Ad
∴F = -10-7 × 105 N = -10-2 N

2
Here negative (-ve) sign indicates that force Here, Ad is volume between the plates of
is directed along negative (-ve) z-axis. capacitor.
We define energy density as energy stored per
 
As both P and E are along z-axis, i.e.
sin θ = 0 unit volume of space.
∴
= τ PE = sin θ 0 1
Energy density of electric field= U= ε0 E 2
4. Derive the expression for the torque
2
acting on an electric dipole, when it is held 5. (a) Derive an expression for the electric
in a uniform electric field. Identify the field at any point on the equatorial
orientation of the dipole in the electric field, line of an electric dipole.
in which it attains a stable equilibrium. (b) Two identical point charges, q each,
[Delhi 2020] are kept 2m apart in air.A third point
Sol. Energy Stored in a charged capacitor. The charge Q of unknown magnitude and
energy of a charged capacitor is measured by sign is placed on the line joining the
 32 Electric Charges and Fields

charge such that the system remains 6. (i) Obtain the expression for the torque
τ experienced by an

in equilibrium.Find the position and
 electric dipole
nature of Q. [CBSE 2019] of dipole moment P in a uniform
Sol. (a) electric field, E .


(ii) What will happen if the field were not

uniform? [Delhi 2017]
Sol. (i) Consider an electric dipole consisting
of charges –q and +q and of length 2a
placed in a uniform electric field E


making an angle θ with electric field.

Electric field at P due to charge at A,

q
E1 =
4πε 0 (r 2 + a 2 )
Electric field at P due to charge at B
q
E2 =
4πε 0 (r 2 + a 2 )
Force  on charge –q at
Resultant Intensity at P is given by ,
A = - qE (opposite to E )

=E E1 Cos θ + E 2 Cos θ
Force on charge +q at B = qE (along E)
 
E=2E1 Cos θ (∵ E1 = E2 ) Electric dipole is under the action of
2q Cos θ 2q a two equal and unlike parallel forces,
=E = . which give rise to a torque on the the
4πε0 (r 2 + a 2 ) 4πε0 (r 2 + a 2 ) r 2 + a 2 dipole.
 q.2a  =τ Force × Perpendicular distance between the two forces
E =  =τ qE
= ( AN ) qE (2a sin θ )
 4πε0 (r 2 + a 2 )3 2 
τ = q(2a) E sin θ
If the dipole is short,
2a << r, τ = pE sin θ
 P  ∴τ = p × E
  
E = 
 4πε0 r 3  (ii) If the electric field in not uniform
then both the charges of the dipole
will experience a different force (not
(b) equal and opposite) at slightly different
positions in the field and hence a net
force acts on the dipole in a nonuniform
Let the charge ‘+Q’ be placed at a distance ‘x’ electric field. Also, a net torque acts
from the charge at A. on the dipole which depends on the
For the system to be an equilibrium, charge location of the dipole in the nonuniform
‘Q’ must be of same. Sign as that of charges electric field.
‘q’ and the magnitude of foce on ‘Q’ due to
7. Two dipoles, made from charges ±q
charges at A & B must be equal and opposite.
and ±Q, respectively, have equal dipole
KQq KQq moments. Give the (i) ratio between the
∴ = 2
x 2
(2 - x) ‘separations’ of these two pairs of charges
(ii) angle between the dipole axes of these
Or x 2 =4 + x 2 - 4 x
two dipoles. [CBSE 2016]
x=1m. Sol. As the dipoles have equal dipole moments, so
The charge ‘Q’ must be placed at midpoint.
 Electric Charges and Fields 33

a′ q 13. An electric dipole, when held at 30° with

(i) qa = Qa′ ⇒ = respect to a uniform electric field of 104
a Q
(ii) their dipole axes must have same NC–1 experiences a torque of 9 × 10–26 Nm.
Calculate dipole moment of the dipole.
direction i.e., θ = 00 .
Sol. Here θ = 30°, E = 104 NC–1, τ = 9 × 10–26 Nm
8. The electric field due to a short dipole As τ = pE sin θ
at a distance r, on the axial line, from its Dipole moment,
mid point is the same as electric field at a
τ 9 × 10-26 9 × 10-26
distance r' on the equatorial line, from its =
P= =
mid point. Determine the ratio r / r'. E sin θ 104 × sin 30° 104 × 0.5
[CBSE 2013] = 1.8 × 10–29 Cm.
1 2p 1 p
Sol. Here, = 14. An electric dipole consists of two charges
4π ∈0 r 3
4π ∈0 r '3 of ±0.1µ C separated by a distance of 2.0
2 1 r3 r cm. The dipole is placed in an external field
3
= 3
or 3
= 2 or = 21/3 of 105 N/C. What maximum torque does the
r r r' r'
field exert on the dipole ?
9. What is an ideal dipole?
Sol. 6 Here, q = 0.1µ C=10 C,
-7
Sol.
For a given dipole moment p = q ( 2a ) , when

Sol. 2a= 2.0 cm= 2 × 10-2 m, E = 105 N/C,τ =?
the charge q gets larger and larger, while the
separation (2a) between two charges gets τ =pE sin θ =q × 2a × E sin θ
smaller and smaller, we obtain an ideal dipole. Max value of
Thus, an ideal dipole has almost no size. τ= 10 × 2 × 10-2 × 105 × 1[∴ Max. value of sinθ =1]
-7

= 2 × 10-4 N-m
10. Will an electric dipole have translational
motion when placed in a non-uniform 15. An electric dipole of moment 5×10-8C-
electric field ?give reason for your answer. m is aligned in a uniform electric field of
Sol. Yes, in a non-uniform electric field, an electric 1.44×104 N/C. Calculate potential energy of
dipole experiences unequal forces at its ends. the dipole to hold the dipole at 60o with the
The two forces, add up to give a resultant direction of electric field.
force, which gives a translation motion to the Sol. Here, p= 5 × 10-8 C - m,θ1 = 0o ,
dipole.
E= 1.44 × 104 N/C,θ 2 = 60o , P.E. = ?
11. The distance of the field point on the - pE ( cos θ 2 - cos θ1 )
U=
equitorial plane of a small electric dipole is
halved. By what factor will the electric field =-5 × 10-8 × 1.44 × 104 ( cos 60o - cos 0o )
due to the dipole change ? P.E. =-7.2 × 10-4 ( 0.5 - 1) =3.6 × 10-4 J
1
Sol. Since E ∝ 3 , the electric field will become
r 16. An electric dipole free to move is placed in
8 times on decreasing the distance of the field a uniform electric field. Explain along with
point to one half. diagram its motion when it is placed,
(a) parallel to the field,
12. What is the direction of field intensity at a
(b) perpendicular to the field.
point (i) on axial line of dipole and (ii) on
equatorial line of dipole? Sol. (a) Since the line of action of the two forces
passes through the same point, the net
Sol. For a point on the axial line of dipole, the
force and the net torque acting on the
direction of electric field intensity E is along

dipole is zero. So no motion is produced
a line parallel to the axis of dipole directed when a dipole is placed parallel to the
along the direction of dipole moment p.

electric field.
For the point on the equatorial line of dipole,
the direction of electric field E is along a line
parallel to the axis of dipole directed
 opposite
to the direction of dipole moment p.
 34 Electric Charges and Fields

(iii) When θ = 0° or 180°, torque is

minimum Figure (c).
τ min = p E sin (0° or 180°) = 0
18. What is meant by the statement that the
electric field of a point charge has spherical
symmetry whereas that of an electric dipole
is cylindrically symmetrical ?
Sol. The electric field due to a point charge q at a
distance r from it is given by
Electric dipole (a) parallel (b) 1 q
= E ⋅ 2
perpendicular
 to uniform electric field 4πε 0 r
E. All such points, where electric field is equal
(b) The two equal and opposite force –qE to E (as given above) lie on the surface of a
and +qE constitute a couple and hence a sphere of radius r, with charge q at its centre.
torque acts on the dipole, given by For this reason, the electric field due to a point
T = pE sin 90° = q . 2aE [∵ p = q.2a ] charge is said to be spherically symmetric.
The torque rotates the dipole about an The electric field at a distance r on the
axis perpendicular to the electric field equitorial line of anelectric dipole of dipole
and passing through the midpoint of the moment p and length 2a is given by
dipole. 1 p
= ⋅
4πε 0 ( r 2 + a 2 )3/ 2
p is

17. An electric dipole of dipole moment
placed in a uniform electric field E . Write All such points lie on the surface of a cylinder

the expression for the torque τ experienced of radius r drawn with electric dipole as its

by the dipole. Identify two pairs of axis. For this reason, the electric field due to
perpendicular vectors in the expression. an electric dipole is said to be cylindrically
Show diagrammatically the orientation of symmetric.
the dipole in the field for which the torque 19. Calculate the field due to an electron dipole
is (i) maximum (ii) half the maximum value of length 10 cm and consisting of charges
(iii) zero.
Sol. (i) Torque experienced by the electric of ±100 µ C at a point 20 cm from each
p charge.
dipole of dipole
 moment in a uniform Sol. Let P be the point at a distance of 20 cm from
electric field E is given by
either charge as shown in figure.
τ = p × E
  
Then, AP = BP = 20 cm = 0.2 m
The pairs of perpendicular vectors are : Let E be electric field at point P due to the
τ
1. and p 2. τ and E
 
electric dipole. The P lies at a distance OP = r
 

on the equatorial line of the dipole. Therefore

(ii) When θ = 90°, torque is maximum Fig.

1.61(a).
τ max = p E sin 90° = pE
When θ = 30° or 150°, torque is half the
1 p
maximum value Fig. 1.61(b). =E ⋅
4πε 0 (r
+ a2 )
...(i)
3/ 2
2
1 1
τ = p E sin (30° or 150°) = pE = τ max
2 2 Here, 100 µ C =
q= 100 × 10-6 C =
10-4 C
 Electric Charges and Fields 35

and = =
2a 10 cm 0.1 m = 2.26 × 105 N-m2C–1.
∴ p q ( 2=
= a ) 10-4 × 0.1Cm The flux through the entire closed surface
does not depend upon the position of the
Also ( OP + OA ) =
2
AP 2 1/ 2
enclosed charge.

or (r + a ) =
2 2 1/ 2
0.2m 22. There are two large parallel metallic plates
P1 and P2 carrying surface charge densities
Therefore, from the equation (i), we have σ1 and σ2 (σ1 > σ2) respectively, placed at a
9 × 109 × 10-4 × 0.1 9 distance d apart is vacuum. Determine the
E= = × 107 work done by the electric field in moving a
( 0.2 )
3
8
point-charge q from P1 to P2 along a line of
= 1.125 × 107 NC -1 length a (a < d) making an angle of π/4 with
the normal to the plate.
20. Three charges +q, –2q and +q are located Sol. The electric field near a large, charged
at the vertices of an equilateral triangle metallic plate is given by E = σ / ε0, directed
of side 2l. What is the equivalent dipole away from the plate, if the charge is positive.
moment of the arrangement?
Sol.

The arrangement is equivalent to two dipoles

The magnitude of the resultant electric field
of moments p1 and p2 (say), directed as
 
of a point between the plates P1 and P2 having
shown. The magnitude of the resultant dipole respective charge densities σ1 > σ2, is
moment is
σ - σ2
p = p1 cos30° + p2 cos30°. E = E1 – E2 = 1
ε0
Now, p1 = p2 = q × 2l. 
E is directed from P1 towards P2.
⸫ p = 2ql cos30° + 2ql cos30°
The magnitude of the net force on a charge q
= 4ql cos30° = 2 3 q l. between the plates is
21. A point-charge of 2.0 μC is at the centre of q (σ1 - σ 2 )
F = qE = .
a cubic Gaussian surface 9.0 cm on edge. ε0
What is the net electric flux through the 
F is directed from P1 towards P2.
surface? What if the charge is not at the
centre? The work done by the electric field in moving
q from P1 towards P2 along a line of length a,
(Given : ε0 = 8.85 × 10–12 C2 N–1 m–2). as shown, is given by
Sol. By Gauss’ theorem, the electric flux ΦE
through the closed surface of the cube will be
equal to 1/ε0 times the charge q enclosed by
the cube, where ε0 is the permittivity of free
space (= 8.85 × 10–12 C2 N–1m–2). Thus,
q 2.0 × 10-6 C
ΦE = =
ε0 8.85 × 10-12 C2 N -1m -2
 36 Electric Charges and Fields

(a) The dipole will not experience any force.

(b) The dipole will experience a force towards
right.
(c) The dipole will experience a force towards
left.
(d) The dipole will experience a force upwards
W = force F × displacement in the direction of
F 5. What will be the value of electric field at the
q (σ1 - σ 2 ) centre of the electric dipole :
= × a cos 45o (a) Zero
ε0
(b) Equal to the electric field due to one charge
q (σ1 - σ2 )a
= . at centre
2ε0 (c) Twice the electric field due to one charge at
centre
OBJECTIVE
(d) half the value of electric field due to one
1. A system of two charges qA = 2.5 × 10–7 C and charge at centre
qB = –2.5 × 10–7 C are located at points A: (0, 0, 
–15 cm) and B: (0, 0, 15 cm) respectively. The 6. If a dipole of dipole moment p is placed in a
uniform electric field E , then torque acting on

electric dipole moment of system is
[NCERT Pg. 46] it is given by
(a) τ =p.E (b) τ = p × E
     
(a) 2.5 × 10 C m (b) 5 × 10–7 C m
–7

(c) 7.5 × 10–8 C m (d) Zero (c) τ = p + E (d) τ = p - E

     

2. A dipole consist of two charges q and –q 7. Two equal and opposite charges 2 × 10–10 C are
separated by a distance 2a. The electric field of placed at a distance of 1 cm forming a dipole
this dipole at distance r from centre of dipole at and are placed in an electric field 2 ×105 N/C,
a point A on axis is [NCERT Pg.28] maximum torque on dipole is:
2p 2p (a) 2 2 × 10-6 Nm (b) 8 × 108 Nm
(a) (b)
4πε0 r 2 3
(c) 4 × 10–9 Nm (d) 4 × 10–7 Nm
4πε 0 (r 2 - a 2 ) 2
(c)
p
(d)
2 pr 8. The ratio of electric field due to an electric dipole
4πε 0 r 3
4πε0 (r 2 - a 2 ) 2 on its axis and on the perpendicular bisector of
3. An electric dipole consists of two equal and the dipole is:
opposite charges 0.02 µ C separated by 2 mm. (a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 1
The dipole is placed is uniform electric field of (c) 1 : 4 (d) 4: 1
107 N C–1. Maximum torque exerted by field on
dipole is [NCERT Pg. 31] 9. An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30°
with an electric field of intensity 2 × 10 NC–1. It
(a) 2 × 10–4 Nm (b) 8 × 10–4 Nm
experiences a torque equal to 4 Nm. The charge
(c) 4 × 10–4 Nm (d) 2 × 10–6 Nm on the dipole if the dipole length is 2 cm is:
4. Figure Shows electric field lines in which as (a) 8mC (b) 4mC
electric dipole p is placed as shown.Which of (c) 6mC (d) 2mC
the following statements is correct?
10. Figure below shows electric field lines
in which an electric dipole P is placed as
shown. Which of the following statements
is correct?
 Electric Charges and Fields 37

ELECTRIC FLUX AND GAUSS'S

LAW
1. Consider a uniform electric field
E = 3 × 10 N / C ( i )
 3

(a) What is the flux of this field through a

square of 10 cm on a side whose plane
is parallel to the yz plane ?
(b) What is the flux through the same
square if the normal to its plane
makes a 60° angle with the x-axis ?
(a) The dipole will not experience any force
[NCERT]
(b) The dipole will experience a force towards
Given E = 3 × 103 iN / C , S = ( 0.10 ) im
 
 2
right Sol. ˆ 2

(a) ∴ φE= E ⋅ S =× 3 103 × 0.10 × 0.10 iˆ()

 
(c) the dipole will experience a force towards
left
= 30Nm 2C -1
(d) The dipole will experience a force upwards. 1
∴ φE ES cos 60° =×
(b) = 3 103 × 10-2 ×
2
OBJECTIVE HINTS
= 15Nm 2C -1
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b)
4. (c) 5. (c) 6. (b) 2. What is the net flux of the uniform electric
field of above exercise 1.12 through a cube
7. (d) Here, q = 2 ×1010 C, x = 1 cm = 0.01 m of side 20 cm oriented so that its faces are
Dipole moment = charge × distance parallel to the coordinate planes? [NCERT]
= 2 × 10–10 × 10–2 = 2 × 10–12 cm Sol. Zero, The number of lines entering the cube
Maximum torque = pE is the same as the number of lines leaving the
cube.
= 2 × 10–12 × 2 × 105 = 4 × 10–7 Nm
3. Careful measurement of the electric field at
8. (b) Electric field due to dipole on its axis
the surface of a black box indicates that the
E1 =
1 2p net outward flux through the surface of the
4πε0 r 3 box is 8.0 × 103 Nm2/C.
Electric field due to dipole on its perpendicular (a) What is the net charge inside the box?
bisector (b) If the net outward flux through the
1 p surface of the box were zero, could
E2 = you conclude that there were no
4πε 0 r 3
charges inside the box? Why or Why
E1 1 2p r3
= × 4 πε not? [NCERT]
E2 4πε 0 r 3
0
p Sol. (a) Net outward flux through the surface of
E1 2 the box,
= or 2 :1
E2 1 φ =8.0×103 Nm2/C
For a body containing net charge q, flux
9. (d) Here, E = 2 × 105 NC–1 , l = 2 cm, τ = 4 Nm is given by the relation,
Torque, τ × p × E ;τ =pE sin θ
  
q
φ=
⸫ 4 = p × 2 × 10 × sin30°
5
∈0
Or p = 4 × 10–5 Cm ∈0 =Permittivity of free space
p 4 × 10-5 Cm = 8.854×10–12 N–1 C2m–2
⸫ charge, q = =
l 0.02 m q =∈0 φ = 8.854 ×10-12 × 8.0 × 103
= 2 ×10–3 C = 2 mC
= 7.08 × 10-8 = 0.07µC
10. (d) Therefore, the net charge inside the box
 38 Electric Charges and Fields

is 0.07 μC. So, φ =-1.0 × 103 Nm3C -1

(b) No
(b) We have, q = φε 0 =-103 × 8.854 × 10-12
Net flux piercing out through a body
depends on the net charge contained -8.854 × 10-9 C.
=
in the body. If net flux is zero, then it 7. A conducting sphere of radius 10 cm has
can be inferred that net charge inside an unknown charge. If the electric field
the body is zero. The body may have 20 cm from the centre of the sphere is
equal amount of positive and negative 1.5 × 103 N / C and points radially inward,
charges. what is the net charge on the sphere ?
4. A point charge +10 μC is at a distance 5 [NCERT]
cm directly above the centre of square of Sol. Given : R = 10 cm , r = 20 cm ,
side 10 cm. What is the magnitude of the E - (1.5 × 103 N / C )
electric flux through one face the square? As we know,
[Hint : Think of the square as one face of a
( 0.2 ) × 1.5 × 103
2
cube with edge 10 cm.] [NCERT] q =4πε 0 r 2
E⇒q- =-6.67 nC
9 × 109
(inwards)
8. A uniformly charged conducting sphere of
2.4 m diameter has a surface charge density
of 80.0 µ C / m 2
(a) Find the charge on the sphere
(b) What is the total electric flux leaving
the surface of the sphere ? [NCERT]
Sol. As we can imagine that given square is one of Sol. Here diameter of sphere D = 2.4 m , hence
the faces of a cube of side 10 cm. D
-6 = = 1.2 m and surface charge
radius R
∴ φ= 1q = 1 × 10 × 10 2
6ε 0 6 8.85 × 10-12 density σ= 80 µ C / m=
2
80 × 10-6 C / m 2
[∵ no. of faces in a cube is 6] (a) ∴ Total charge on the sphere
φ 1.88 × 105 Nm 2C -1
= q = σ ⋅ 4π R 2 = 80 × 10-6 × 4 × 3.14 × (1.2 ) = 1.45 × 10-3 C
2

5. A point charge of 2.0 μC is at the centre of (b) Total electric flux leaving the surface of
a cubic Gaussian surface 9.0 cm on edge. sphere
What is the net electric flux through the q 1.45 × 10-3
surface ? [NCERT] φ= = = 1.6 × 108 Nm 2C -1
∈0 8.85 × 10-12
E

q 2.0 × 10-6 9. An infinite line charge produces a field of

Sol. φ
= = = 2.26 × 105 Nm 2C -1 9×104 N/C at a distance of 2cm. Calculate
ε0 8.85 × 10-12
the linear charge density. [NCERT]
6. A point charge causes an electric flux of -1.0 Sol. Given, E= 9 × 10 NC ,
4 -1
× 103 Nm2/C to pass through a spherical
r = 2cm = 2 ×10-2 m, λ = ?
Gaussian surface of 10.0 cm radius
centered on the charge. (a) If the radius of λ
By formula, E = or λ= 2πε0 rE
the Gaussian surface were doubled, how 2πε 0 r
much flux would pass through the surface?
2 × 10-2 × 9 × 104
(b) What is the value of the point charge? =
2 × 9 × 109
[NCERT]
Sol. Given, Flux φ =- 1.0 × 103 Nm 2C -1 , =10-7 Cm -1
ε 0 8.854 × 10-12 C 2 N -1m -2 (taken), q= ?
=
10. Two large, thin metal plates are parallel
(a) By Gauss’s law, electric flux = φ = q / ε 0 and close to each other. On their inner
It is independent of dimensions and faces, the plates have surface charge
shape of the Gaussian surface. densities of opposite signs and of magnitude
 Electric Charges and Fields 39

17.0 × 10-22 C / m 2 . What is E : (a) in the 12. Obtain the formula for the electric field
due to a long thin wire of uniform linear
outer region of the first plate, (b) in the
charge density λ without using Gauss’s law.
outer region of the second plate and (c)
between the plates ? [NCERT] [NCERT]
Sol. (a) and (b) in the I and II regions of the plates, Sol. Consider a long thin wire of length L and
=
electric field is E E= 0 having uniform charge density λ . Let P be
1 11
a point situated at a normal distance r from
As electric fields are equal in magnitude and
the wire. Let there be a small length element
opposite in the directions in regions I and II
situated at a distance y and having length dy
(c) Electric field between the plates, as shown in figure. According to Coulomb’s
σ 17 × 10-22 law electric field due to this element at point P
= =
EIII = 1.9 × 10-10 NC -1
ε 0 8.85 × 10-12 has a magnitude
1 dq 1 λ dy
dE = ⋅ 2 = ⋅ 2
4π ∈0 ( r + y ) 4π ∈0 ( r + y 2 )
11. (a) A conductor A with a cavity as shown 2
in Fig (a) Show that the entire charge
must appear on the outer surface of
the conductor.
(b) Another conductor B with charge q
is inserted into the cavity keeping B
insulated from A. Show that the total
charge on the outside surface of A is
Q + q Figure. A sensitive instrument
is to be shielded form the strong
electrostatic field in its environment.
Suggest a possible way. [NCERT]


dE may be resolved into 2 components : (i) a
component dEx in a direction normal to wire,
and (ii) component dE y in a direction parallel
wire. Obviously if we find electric field due-
to whole wire, then ∑ dE y = 0 because for
every element of + y there is corresponding
Sol. Taking a close Gaussian surface just inside element at - y and electric fields due to two
touching the outer surface of the conductor elements, being equal but opposite, nullify
(A). each other.
Since electric field inside the Gaussian surface ∴ Electric field due to whole conductor at
is zero. point P.
  Q
λ dy sin θ
∴ ∫ Eds = ε0
=0 E = ∫ dEx = ∫ dE ⋅ sin θ = ∫
4π ∈0 ( r 2 + y 2 )
Hence there is no charge inside the
But y = r cot θ , hence dy = - r cos ec 2θ dθ
Gaussian surface and hole charge Q lies
on the outer surface of conductor A. 13. The electric flux through a closed Gaussian
(b). Charge + Q appears on conductor surface depends upon [Delhi 2020]
A forming cavity. Induced charge (a) Net charge enclosed and permittivity
+q appears on outer surface of ‘A’. of the medium
Therefore, total charge (Q+q) appears (b) Net charge enclosed, permittivity
on outer surface of A. of the medium and the size of the
(c). The instrument should be enclosed Gaussian surface
inside a metallic case to make it (c) Net charge enclosed only
environment field Free.
 40 Electric Charges and Fields

(d) Permittivity of the medium only

Sol. (a)
  q
∫ E.ds = ∈
Where, q is the charge enclosed by the
Gaussian and ∈ is the permittivity of the
medium.
14. A point charge is placed at the centre of
a hollow conducting sphere of internal
radius ‘r’ and outer radius ‘2r’. The ratio
of the surface charge density of the inner
surface to that of the outer surface will be
_______. [Delhi 2020]
Sol. Let the point charge be q.
By gauss’s law the charge on the inner surface In the diagram we have taken a cylindrical
will be - q Gaussian surface of radius = rand length = l.
Surface charge density of the inner surface The net charge enclosed inside the Gaussian
q surface qenclosed = λl
σi =-
4πr 2 By symmetry we can say that the Electric
By charge conservation on the hollow sphere field will be in radially outward direction.
the outer surface will have charge q According to Gauss’s Law,
Surface charge density of the inner surface   q
=
σ0 =
q q ∫ E.d s = enclosed
ε0
4π(2r ) 10πr 2
2
  λl
∫ + ∫ E.d s + ∫3 E.d s =
   
-q E .d s
1 2 ε0
σ
ratio = 1 = 4πr = -
2 4
∫ E.d s & ∫3
    
σ0 q 1 E .d s are zero, since E is
1
10πr 2
perpendicular to ds

  λl
15. State Gauss’s law on electrostatics and derive
an expression for the electric field due to a long ∫2 E.d s = ε0
straight thin uniformly charged wire (linear  
At 2, E and ds are in the same direction, we
charge density λ ) at a point lying at a distance r can write
from the wire. [Delhi 2020] λl λ
Sol. Gauss’s Law states that the net electric flux E.2πrl= ⇒ E=
1 ε0 2πε0 r
through any closed surface is equal to
ε0 16. Two concentric spherical shells of radii
times the net electric charge within that closed R and 2R are given charges Q1 and Q2
surface. respectively. The surface charge densities
  of the outer surfaces are equal. Determine
qenclosed
∫ E.d s = ε0
the ratio Q1 : Q2 . [CBSE 2013]
Q 4π R 2σ
Sol. =
Here, 1 = 1:4
Q2 4π ( 2 R )2 σ

17. What is the electric flux through a cube of

side 1 cm which encloses an electric dipole
? [Delhi 2015]
Sol. Total flux is zero because net charge enclosed
within the cube is zero.
 Electric Charges and Fields 41

18. A thin metallic spherical shell of E =0

radius R carries a charge Q on
(ii) For a < x < b , the net charge enclosed
Q
its surface. A point charge is by the Gaussian surface II is q.
2 q
placed at its centre C and another charge + E × 4π x 2 =
2Q is placed outside the shell at a distance ε0
x from the centre as shown in Figure. Find 1 q
or E= . .
4πε 0 x 2
For b < x < ∞ , the net charge enclosed
by the Gaussian surface III is (q + Q).
q+Q
E × 4π x 2 =
ε0
1 q+Q
(i) the force on the charge at the centre or E= . .
of shell and at the point A, 4πε 0 x2
(ii) the electric flux through the shell. 20. S1 and S2 are two hollow concentric thin
[CBSE 2015] spherical shells enclosing charge Q and 2Q
Sol. (i) Net force on the charge Q/2, placed at respectively as shown in figure.
the centre of the shell is zero.
Force on the charge 2Q kept at point A
at distance r from the centre is
1 3Q / 2 1 3Q 2
F= =E × 2Q . = × 2 Q .
4πε 0 x 2 4πε 0 x 2
(ii) Electric flux through the shell,
3 Q 2 3Q (i) What is the ratio of the electric flux
φE = = through S1 and S2 ?
ε0 2ε 0
(ii) How will the electric flux through
19. Two thin concentric and coplanar spherical the shell S1 change, if a medium of
shells, of radii a and b (b > a) carry charges, dielectric constant 5 is introduced in
q and Q, respectively. Find the magnitude the space inside S1 in place of air ?
of the electric field, at a point distant x, [A.I. 2014]
from their common centre for Sol. (i) According to Gauss’s law electric flux
(i) 0< x<a 1
through spherical shell S1, φ= ⋅Q
(ii) a ≤ x < b 1
ε0
(iii) b ≤ x < ∞ [CBSE 2015, 2016] and flux through outer shell S2.
Sol. (i) For 0 < x < a , the charge enclosed by 1 1
Gaussian surface I is zero. φ2 = ( Q + 2Q ) = ⋅ 3Q
ε0 ε0
φ1 1
⇒ =
φ2 3
(ii) When a medium of dielectric constant
K = 5 is introduced in the space inside
the shell S1 in place of air, flux through
S1 will be modified to
1 1 φ φ
φ1' = ⋅ Q = Q= 1 = 1
ε Kε 0 K 5
By Gauss’s theorem,
1
  q i.e. flux will be reduced to th of its
= φE ∫= E.dS 5
ε0 previous value.
E × 4π x =
2
0 21. A small metallic sphere carrying charge +Q
 42 Electric Charges and Fields

is located at the centre of a spherical cavity 6Q

in a large uncharged metallic spherical S= φ=
ε
2 2
shell. Write the charge on the inner and φ1 2Q ε0 0 1
= × =
outer surfaces of the shell. Write the φ2 ε 0 6Q 3
expression for the electric field at the point
(ii) If a medium of relative permittivity ε r
P1. [Delhi 2014]
is filled inside sphere S1 , then
Sol.
2Q φ
=φ1' = 1 k = εr
ε rε 0 εr
∴ φ1' < φ1
23. Consider a uniform electric field
E = 3 × 103 iˆ NC -1 . Calculate the flux of this


As shown in the adjoining figure a charge -Q field through a square surface of area 10.1
is induced on the inner surface of the metallic m2 (i) when its plane is parallel to Y-Z plane.
shell and, in turn, a charge +Q is induced on (ii) when the normal to its plane makes an
the outer surface of the shell. angle of 60o with X-axis. [CBSE 2013]
The electric field at a point P1 situated in Sol. Here, E = 3 × 10 i N/C ;
3ˆ

= A (= 0.1 m ) 10-2 m 2
2
the cavity at a distance r from the centre of
charged small metallic sphere is (i) As normal to area is in the direction of
1 Q electric field, therefore, θ = 0o
= ⋅ rˆ

E
4πε 0 r 2 φ= EA cos θ =×3 103 × 10-2 cos 0o = 30 Nm 2C -1
The field is solely due to charge +Q of small (ii) In this case, θ = 60o
metallic sphere and there is no field due to ∴ φ ' =EA cosθ =× 3 103 × 10-2 cos 60o =
15 Nm 2C -1
charges induced on the hollow metallic shell.
22. Consider two hollow concentric spheres, 24. A hollow cylindrical box of length 1 m and
S1 and S2 , enclosing charges 2Q and 4Q area of cross section 25 cm2 is placed in a
respectively as shown in the figure. three dimensional co-ordinate system as
shown in Figure the  electric field in the
region is given by E = 50 xiˆ, where E is in
NC-1, and x is in meter. Find
(i) net flux through the cylinder.
(ii) charge enclosed by the cylinder.
[CBSE 2013]
(i) Find out the ratio of the electric flux
through them.
(ii) How will the electric flux through
the sphere S1 change if a medium of
dielectric constant ' ε r ' is introduced
in the space inside S1 in place of air?
Deduce the necessary expression.
[A.I. 2014]
Sol. (i) Charge enclosed in sphere, S1 = 2Q
Here, ds = 25cm 2= 25 × 10-4 m 2 , a l o n g

Sol.
∴ Electric flux through sphere, X-axis
2Q
S= φ= =
E 50 xiˆ=,φ ?,=

q ?
ε0
1 1

On the left end of the cylinder,

Charge enclosed in sphere,
E= 50 × 1NC-1 ,along x-axis

S 2 = 2Q + 4Q = 6Q 1

∴ Electric flux through sphere, ∴ φ1 =E1ds cos180o =50 × 25 × 10-4 ( -1) =-0.125 NC-1m2
On the right end of the cylinder,
 Electric Charges and Fields 43

27. (a) Define electric flux. Is it a scalar or a

E2 = 50 × 2 = 100 NC-1along X-axis

vector quantity?
∴φ2 = E2 ds cos0o = 180 × 25 × 10-4 (1) = 0.250 NC-1m 2 (b) A point charge q is at a distance of d/2
Net flux through the cylinder directly above the centre of a square
of side d, as shown in the figure. Use
φ =+φ1 φ2 = -0.125 + 0.250 = 0.125 NC-1m 2
Gauss’ law to obtain the expression
Q = ε0 φ = 8.85 ×10-12 × 0.125 = 1.106 ×10-12 C for the electric flux through the
square.
25. A cylinder is placed in a uniform electric
field E with its axis parallel to the field.

Show that the total electric flux through
the cylinder is zero. [Delhi 2016]
Sol. The situation is shown in Figure.

Flux through the entire cylinder,

(c) If the point charge is now moved to
∫
  
E .dS E.dS E.dS a distance ’d’ from the centre of the
φE = + +
square and the side of the square is
left plane face right plane face curved surface
doubled, explain how the electric flux
= ∫ E dS cos 180° + ∫ E dS cos 0° + ∫ E dS cos 90° will be affected. [CBSE 2018]
Sol. (a) Total Number of electric field lines
= - E ∫ dS + E + E ∫ dS + 0 passing through a given surface is called
=- E × π r 2 + E × π r 2 =0 electric flux. It is a scalar quantity.
(b) Let us complete a cube of side ‘d’ with
26. Given the electric field in the region E = 2 xiˆ the square shown as base of the cube.

[Refer to figure] find the net electric flux
through the cube and the charge enclosed
by it. [Delhi 2015]

As electric field is given by E = 2 xiˆ , it is


Sol.
obvious that electric flux = φE ∫ E ⋅ ds is
 
Since charge ‘q’ lies symmetrically
finite for only two surfaces marked 1 and 2 inside the cube hence its total electric
in figure, which lie in Y-Z plane and for all flux according to Gauss’s theorem is
remaining four surfaces of cube, flux is zero. q
Here area of each surface s = a 2 . Hence flux through each face is
 -4 åo
For face 1, r 2 = 16and× ×E = 2 xiˆ . Therefore q
electric flux
6åo
( )( )
φ2 = E ⋅ s = 2aiˆ ⋅ a 2iˆ = 2a 3
 
(c) If the point charge is now moved to a
∴ Net electric flux through the cube distance ’d’ from the centre of the square
φE =φ1 + φ2 =0 + 2a 3 =2a 3 a n d and the side of the square is doubled,
the charge enclosed by the cube the charge again lies symmetrically at
q = ε 0 ⋅ φE = ε 0 ⋅ 2a 3 = 2ε 0 a 3 the centre of the bigger square. Hence
 44 Electric Charges and Fields

31. What is the number of electric lines of force

according to Gauss’s theorem is q . that radiate outwards from one coulomb of
åo charge in vaccum?
Hence flux through each face is q i.e. q
Sol. From φ = , when q = 1 C ,
flux does not change. 6åo ∈0
28. Draw a graph to show the variation of E 1
φ
= =-12
1.13 × 1011
with perpendicular distance r from the line 8.85 × 10
of charge. Find the work done in bringing
a charge q from perpendicular distance r1 32. Two plane sheets of charge densities +σ
to r2 (r2 > r1). [CBSE 2018] and −σ are kept in air as shown in Fig. 1.76
λ What are the electric field intensities at
Sol. As E = i.e. E is inversely proportional points A and B?
2πεo r
to ‘r’ hence graph is as shown figure.

Figure :- 1.76
σ
Sol. At A, E = 0, and At B, E =
∈0

Work done in bringing a charge q from 33. A charge Q is distributed uniformly on a

perpendicular distance r1 to r2 can be obtained ring of radius r. A sphere of equal radius r is
as: constructed with its centre at the periphery
r2 of the ring, as shown in Figure. Find the
dw = E.dr hence W = ∫ r1
q Edr electric flux through the sphere.
r2 qλ qλ r2 1 2λ
= ∫= = ∫
r
dr dr log e r r2
2πε r
r1
0 2πε0 1 r
r 2πε0 1

qλ
= log e r2 - log e r1
2πε0
qλ r
= log e 2
2πε0 r1 Sol. Clearly, OA = oo′ = o′ A = r.
Thus ∆OAO′ is equilateral. Hence ∠AOO′ =
29. A box encloses an electric dipole consisting 60° and ∠ AOB = 120°. Obviously, one-third
of charge 5μC and -5μC and of length 10 portion AO′B of the ring lies in the sphere.
cm. What is the total electric flux through
the box. Q
Charge enclosed by the sphere, q =
Sol. Since net charge enclosed by the box is zero 3
electric flux through the box is also zero. From Gauss’s theorem, electric flux through
the sphere is
30. Suppose a gaussian surface does not q Q
include any net charge. Does it necessarily φ = =
ε 0 3ε 0
mean that E is equal to zero for all points
on the surface. 34. A small metal sphere carrying charge +Q is
Sol. If a gaussian surface does not include any located at the centre of a spherical cavity in
net charge, there can be electric field on the a large uncharged metal sphere as shown
surface of the gaussian surface but parallel in Use Gauss; theorem to find electric field
to the surface. However, it will require that at points P1 and P2.
there should be some source charge outside
the gaussian surface.
 Electric Charges and Fields 45

Electric field vector, E = 6iˆ + 3 ˆj + 4kˆ


Sol.

As the area vector S in the Y-Z plane points
along outward drawn normal i.e., along
positive X-direction, so

S = 20iˆ
Flux, φE = E . S = (6iˆ + 3 ˆj + 4kˆ).20iˆ = 120
 
Sol. Draw a spherical shell of radius r1 through the units.
point P1 as gaussian surface. If E1 is electric
37. Consider a uniform electric field
field at point P1 , then according to Gauss’
E= 4 × 103 iˆ NC-1 (i) what is the flux of this

theorem, we have
field through a square of side 10 cm on a
Q
E1 × 4π r12 = side whose plane is parallel to Y-Z plane ?
ε0 (ii) what is the flux through the same square
1 Q if normal to this plane makes an angle of
or =
E1 ⋅
4πε 0 r12 60o with the X-axis ?
Sol. (i) Here, normal to a plane parallel to Y-Z
Since electric field inside a conductor is zero,
plane is along X-direction.
the electric field at point P2 will be zero.
So, ∆ S= 0.10 × 0.10 =

iˆ 0.01imˆ 2
35. Two large parallel sheets A and B having a Electric flux
uniform surface charge density +σ are held  
as shown in figure. φE = E.△S = 40Nm 2 C-1
4 × 103 iˆ.0.01iˆ =
(ii) Here, θ = 60o
φE =E ∆S cos 60o =4 × 103 × 0.01 × cos 60o =
φ =∆ o
=× × × os 60o =20 Nm 2 C-1

38. A cylinder is placed in a uniform electric

field E with its axis parallel to the field.

Graphically, represent the variation of
electric field due to the two sheets as one Show that the total electric flux through
moves from the point O to P. the cylinder is zero.
Sol. Here, σ A = σ B = +σ Sol. The situation is shown in Figure.
It follows that
σ
E= (in the region O to A)
ε0
E = 0 (in the region A to B Flux through the entire cylinder,
σ (in the region B to P)
E= ∫ ∫ + ∫ E . dS
     
and E . dS + E . dS
ε0 fE =
Therefore, the variation of electric field due to left plane face right plane face curved surface
the two sheets as one moves from the point O = ∫ E dS cos 180° + ∫ E dS cos 0° + ∫ E dS cos 90°
to P will be as shown in figure.
= E ∫ dS + E ∫ dS + 0 = – E × pr2 + E × pr2 = 0.

39. A charge Q is placed at a distance a / 2

above the center of a horizontal square
surface of edge a as shown in Figure. Find
the flux of the electric field through the
square surface.
If E = 6iˆ + 3 ˆj + 4kˆ , calculate the electric

36.
flux through a surface of area 20 units in
Y-Z plane.
 46 Electric Charges and Fields

Sol. Imagine a cube of edge a, enclosing the

charge. The square surface is one of the six where E is in NC -1 and x is in metre. A and
faces of this cube. According to Gauss’s B are constants with dimensions.
theorem in electrostatics, total electric flux Taking A = 10 NC -1m -1 and B = 5 NC -1m -1
through the cube= Q / ∈0 calculate
∴ Electric flux through the square surface (i) the electric flux through the cube.
Q
= (ii) net charge enclosed within the cube.
6 ∈0

40. In Figure, calculate the total flux of the

electrostatic field through the spheres S1
and S2 . The wire AB shown here linear
charge density λ given by λ= kx , where x is
the distance measured along the wire from
end A.
Sol. Since the electric field has X-component only,
the angle θ between the direction of electric
field and the area vectors representing the
four faces of the cube (except the face M and
N shown shaded) is π / 2 in each case.
Therefore, electric flux through each of these
four faces,
Sol. Charge on an element of length dx of wire AB
= φ E= x S cos θ cos π / 2 0
Ex S =
=dq λ= dx kx dx
The electric field varies along X-axis as given
Total charge on wire AB,
l
by
l
 x2  1 2 =Ex 5 Ax + 2 B
=q ∫=
dq ∫0 kx=dx k  = 
 0 2
2
kl
Therefore, magnitude of electric field at face
Q M ( x = 0) ,
Total flux through S1= φ=
∈0 EM = 5 Ax + 2 B = 5 × 10 × 0 + 2 × 5 = 10 NC -1
1
Q + kl 2 and magnitude of electric field at face
Total flux through S= Q+q 2
2 φ= = N ( x = 0.1m ) ,
∈0 ∈0
2

EN = 5 Ax + 2 B = 5 × 10 × 01 + 2 × 5 = 15 NC -1
41. In figure, the electric field is directed The electric flux through the face M,
along positive X-direction and given by
Ex=5A+2B φM= EM S cosθ= 10 × ( 0.1× 0.1) × cos180°= 0.10 NmC -1
(inwards)
The electric flux through the face N
φN= EN S cosθ= 15 × ( 0.1× 0.1) × cos0°= 0.15 NmC -1
(outwards)
Therefore, net electric flux through the cube,
 Electric Charges and Fields 47

Φ= φN - φM= 0.15 - 0.10= 0.05 NmC -1

Now, from Gauss’ theorem, we have
q= ε 0 Φ
= 8.854 × 10-12 × 0.05 = 4.43 × 10-13 C

42. The flux of the electrostatic field, through

the closed surface S’, is found to be four (a) What is the ratio of the electric flux
times that through the closed spherical through S1 and S2 ?
surface S Figure. Find the magnitude of the (b) How will the electric flux through
charge Q. Given q1 = 1µ C , q2 = -2 µ C and the sphere S1 change, if a medium of
q3 = 9.854 µ C . dielectric constant 5 is introduced in
the space inside S1 in place of air ?
Sol. (a) Let Φ1 and Φ 2 be the electric
flux through the spheres S1 and S2
respectively. Then,
Q
Φ1 =
ε0

Let Φ and Φ ' be the flux of electrostatic Q + 2Q 3Q

Sol. and =
Φ2 =
field through the closed surface S and S ' Qε 0 ε0
respectively.
Φ1 ε 0 1
According to Gauss’ theorem, ∴ = =
Φ 2 3Q 3
q + q + q3
Φ= 1 2 ε0
ε0
Let E be electric field intensity on

1 × 10 + ( -2 × 10-6 ) + 9.854 × 10-6
-6 (b)
= the surface of the spheres S1 due to
ε0 the charge Q placed inside the sphere.
8.854 × 10-6 Then, according to Gauss’ theorem.
or Φ=   Q
ε0
Q + q1 + q2 + q3
=
φ1 ∫ = ε0
E.ds
Also Φ =
ε0 On introducing medium of dielectric
constant K inside the sphere S1 , suppose
1 × 10-6 + ( -2 × 10-6 ) + 9.854 × 10-6 
= EF on the surface of sphere become E
ε0 ,Then
-6
8.854 × 10  1 
or Φ= E' = E
ε0 K
Since Φ ' = 4Φ , we have 1 θ
Q + 8.854 × 10-6 8.854 × 10-6
=
φ1 ∫ E.ds
=
k ε0
= 4×
ε0 ε0 Here k = 5
or Q = ( 4 - 1) × 8.854 × 10 µ C -6
Q
∴φ1 ' =
= 26.562 µ C 5ε0
43. S1 and S2 are two parallel concentric spheres 44. An infinitely long positively charged wire
enclosing charges Q and 2Q respectively as has a linear charge density λ cm -1 . An
shown in Figure. electron is revolving around the wire as its
center with a constant velocity in a circular
plane perpendicular to the wire. Deduce the
expression for KE of electron. Plot a graph
of K.E. as a function of charge density λ.
 48 Electric Charges and Fields

Sol. The electrostatic force exerted by the infinitely (c) 2.8 × 10–6 N (d) 1.15 × 10–1 N
long line charge provides the necessary
centripetal force to the revolving electron. 4. A point charge q of mass m is placed in front of
a uniformly charged infinite sheet and released.
mv 2 λ
∴ eE = , but E = The surface charge density of sheet is σ C m–2.
r 2π ∈0 r The kinetic energy of charge after t second is
eλ mv 2 eλ [NCERT Pg. 39]
∴ = or v 2 =
2π ∈0 r r 2π ∈0 m qσt
2 2 2
qσt
2 2 2
(a) (b)
1 2 1  eλ  eλ 4ε 0 m
2
ε02 m
=
KE =mv m =  q 2 σ2t 2 q 2 σ2t 2
2 2  2π ∈0 m  4π ∈0 (c) (d)
8ε02 m 4ε02 m 2
As KE ∝ λ , therefore, graph of KE as a
function of charge density will be a straight 5. A thin spherical shell is given a charge q = 4 µC,
line as showing figure. uniformly distributed over its surface. Consider
a point P outside the shell at distance of 2 m
from surface. If the radius of shell is 1 m, what
is electric field at point P? [NCERT Pg. 39]
–1
(a) 4 kN C (b) 2 kN C–1
(c) 9 kN C–1 (d) 36 kN C–1
6. A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 3 m
diameter has a surface charge density of 90 µC/
OBJECTIVE m2. What is total electric flux leaving the surface
of sphere? [NCERT Pg.48]
1. A square sheet of side ‘a’ is lying parallel to XY 2 –1
(a) 1.76 × 108 N m C
plane at z = a. The electric field in the region is
ˆ The electric flux through the sheet is (b) 2.87 × 108 N m2 C–1
E = cz 2 k.

(c) 5.2 × 108 N m2 C–1
[CBSE 2021]
(d) 4.52 × 106 N m2 C–1
1
(a) a4c (b) a 3c
3 7. Incorrect statement among the following is
1 4
(c) a c (d) 0 [NCERT Pg.48]
3
(a) Gauss’s law is useful in calculating electric
1
field when system has some symmetry
2. Electric field components are Ex = 100 x 2 , Ey
= Ez = 0. Calculate net electric flux though the (b) Gaussian surface can pass through a
cube placed in electric field at shown position. continuous charge distribution
[NCERT Pg. 35] (c) Gauss’s law is based on inverse
squaredependence of electric field on
distance
(d) In situation when surface is so chosen that
some charges are outside and some inside,
electric field (whose flux appears on left
side of Gauss’s equation) is only due to the
(a) 900 Nm2 C–1 (b) 1800 Nm2 C–1
charges inside the closed surface
(c) 600 Nm2 C–1 (d) 3600 Nm2 C–1
3. An infinite long straight wire has linear charge 8. The electric flux through the surface :
density λ = 4 × 105 C m–1. The electric force
experienced by a proton at perpendicular
distance of 10 mm from axis of wire is
[NCERT Pg. 37]
–4
(a) 1.25 × 10 N (b) 1.68 × 10–3 N
 Electric Charges and Fields 49

(a) in figure (iv) is the Largest

(b) in figure (ii) is the least
(c) in figure (ii) is same as in figure (iii) but is (c) (d)
smaller than figure (iv)
(d) is the same for all the figures
9. The electric flux through a closed Gaussian
surface depends upon: Comprehension
(a) net charge enclosed and permittivity of the Net electric flux through a cube is the sum of fluxes
medium through its six faces. Consider a cube as shown in figure,
(b) net charge enclosed, permittivity of the having sides of length L = 10.0 cm. The electric field is
medium and t size of the Gaussian surface R uniform, has a magnitude E = 4.00 × 103 NC–1 and is
(c) net charge enclosed only parallel to the xy plane at an angle of 37o measured from
(d) permittivity of the medium only the +x-axis towards the +y-axis.

10. A point charge is placed at the center of a

spherical Gaussian surface. The electric flux
Φ E is changed if:
(a) the sphere is replaced by a cube of the same
volume
(b) the sphere is replaced by a cube of one-tenth
the volume
(c) the point charge is moved off center (but still
inside the original sphere)
(d) the point charge is moved to just outside the 13. Electric flux passing through surface S6 is
sphere (a) –24 N m2 C–1 (b) 24 N m2 C–1
2 –1
(c) 32 N m C (d) –32 N m2 C–1
11. Choose the INCORRECT statement:
(a) Gauss’ law can be derived from Coulomb’s 14. Electric flux passing through surface S1 is
law (a) –24 N m2 C–1 (b) 24 N m2 C–1
(b) Gauss’ law states that the net number of lines (c) 32 N m2 C–1 (d) –32 N m2 C–1
crossing any closed surface in an outward
direction is proportional to the net charge 15. The surface that have zero flux are
enclosed within the surface (a) S1 and S3 (b) S5 and S6
(c) Coulomb’s law can be derived from Gauss’ (c) S2 and S4 (d) S1 and S2
law and symmetry 16. The total net electric flux through all faces of the
(d) According to Gauss’ law, if a closed surface cube is
encloses no charge, then the electric field (a) 8 N m2 C–1 (b) –8 N m2 C–1
must vanish everywhere on the surface
(c) 24 N m2 C–1 (d) zero
12. A solid insulating sphere of radius R contains a
17. The dimensional formula of surface integral
uniform volume distribution of positive charge.  
Which of the graphs below correctly gives the ∫ .dS of an electric field is
E
magnitude E of the electric field as a function of (a) [M L2 T–2 A–1] (b) [M L3 T–3 A–1]
the distance r from the center of the sphere? (c) [M–1 L3 T–3 A] (d) [M L–3 T–3 A–1]

Two statements are given-one labelled Assertion and

(a) (b)
the other labelled Reason. Select the correct answer
to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as
given below.
 50 Electric Charges and Fields

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct ⸫ φS1 =– (4 × 103 NC–1) (0.1 m)2 cos (90° – 37°)
explanation of A.
= – 24 N m2C–1
(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the
correct explanation of A 15. (C) Here, nˆS2 = + kˆ(Top)
(c) A is true but R is false ⸫ φS2 = – (4 × 103 NC–1) (0.1 m)2 cos 90° = 0
(d) A is false and R is also false nˆS3 = + j (Right)
18. Assertion : The electric flux emanating out and nˆ = - kˆ(Bottom)
S4
entering a closed surface are 8 × 103 and 2 × 103
⸫ φS4 = (4 × 103 NC–1) (0.1 m)2 cos 90° = 0
V m respectively. The charge enclosed by the
surface is 0.053 μC. And, nˆS = +iˆ(Front)
5

Reason : Gauss’s theorem in electrostatics may ⸫ φS5 = + (4 × 103 NC–1) (0.1 m)2 cos 37°
be applied to verify. = 32 Nm2C–1
S2 and S4 surface have zero flux.
19. Assertion : A point charge is lying at the
centre of a cube of each side . The electric flux 16. (d) As the field is uniform, the total flux through
the cube must be zero, i.e., any flux entering
th
1
emanating from each surface of the cube is
6 the cube must leave it.
of total flux.
 
Reason : According to Gauss theorem, total 17. (b) Surface integral ∫ E ⋅ dS is the net electric
electric flux through a closed surface enclosing flux over a closed surface S.
a charge is equal to 1/ε0 times the magnitude of ⸫ [ϕE] = [ML3T–3A–1]
the charge enclosed.
18. (a) According to Gauss’s theorem in electrostatics,
ϕ = q/ε0
OBJECTIVE HINTS q = ε0ϕ = 8.85 × 10–12 [8 × 103 –2 × 103]
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (d) = 53.10 × 10–9 C = 0.053 μC.
4. (c) 5. (c) 6. (b) 19. (b) The electric flux through the cube, ϕ = q/ε0.
7. (d) A cube has six faces of equal area. Therefore,
1 1
8. (d) is the same for all the figures As per Gauss’s electric flux through each face = φ= (q /ε0 ).
theorem in electrostatics, the electric flux 6 6
through a surface depends only on the amount
of charge enclosed by the surface. It does
not depend on size and shape of the surface.
Therefore, electric flux through the surface is
the same for all figures.
9. (a) net charge enclosed and permittivity of the
medium
10. (d) 11. (d) 12. (c)

Electric flux, ϕ = E ⋅ A = EA cosθ, where

 
13. (d)
A = Anˆ


For electric flux passing through

S6 , nˆS6 = -iˆ (Black)
⸫ φS6 = – (4 × 103 NC–1) (0.1 m)2 cos37°
= – 32 Nm2C–1
14. (a) For electric flux passing through S1,
nˆS = - ˆj (Left)
1