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பசித்திரு (Be hungry) தனித்திரு (Be individual) விழித்திரு (Be conscious)

HIGHER SECONDARY SECOND YEAR-PHYSICS

NAME :
STANDARD : 12 SECTION :
SCHOOL :
EXAM NO :

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc, M.Phil, B.Ed.,

PG ASST (PHYSICS)
GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502

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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
4. An electric dipole is placed at an alignment angle of 30 o with an electric field
PART - I MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH SOLUTIONS
of 2 × 105 NC–1. It experiences a torque equal to 8 N m. The charge on the
1. Two identical point charges of magnitude –q are fixed as shown in the figure dipole if the dipole length is 1 cm is
below. A third charge +q is placed midway between the two charges at the (a) 4 mC (b) 8 mC (c) 5 mC (d) 7 mC
point P. Suppose this charge +q is displaced a small distance from the point P Solution :
in the directions indicated by the  Torque on the dipole is ; 𝜏 = 𝑝 𝐸 sin 𝜃 = 𝑞 2𝑎 𝐸 sin 𝜃
arrows, in which direction(s) will  Hence the charge ;
𝜏 8 8
+q be stable with respect to the 𝑞 = 2𝑎 𝐸 sin 𝜃 = 1 𝑋 10−2 𝑋 2 𝑋 105 𝑋 sin 30°
= 1 = 8 𝑋 10−3 𝐶 = 8 𝑚𝐶
2 𝑋 103 𝑋
displacement? 2
(a) A1 and A2 (b) B1 and B2 (c) both directions (d) No stable Answer (b) 𝟖 𝐦𝐂
Soultion : 5. Four Gaussian surfaces are given below with charges
 Stable means steady and unlikely to change inside each Gaussian surface. Rank the electric flux
 If +q is moved towards either A1 or through each Gaussian surface in increasing order.
A2, it will attracted by the nearer (a) D < C < B < A (b) A < B = C < D
charge -q. Thus +q moves away from (c) C < A = B < D (d) D > C > B > A
P and hence it is unstable Solution :
 But if +q is moved towards either B1 or B2, the vertical components of the forces 2𝑞
 Net charge inside A = +2𝑞 + 𝑞 − 𝑞 = 2𝑞 . Hence Φ𝐴 =
brings the charge +q to the original position P and hence it is stable. 𝜀0
𝑞
Answer (b) B1 and B2  Net charge inside B = 2𝑞 − 𝑞 = 𝑞 . Hence Φ𝐵 =
𝜀0
2. Which charge configuration produces a uniform electric field?  Net charge inside C = +𝑞 − 𝑞 = 0 . Hence Φ𝐶 = 0
(a) point charge (b) uniformly charged infinite line 𝑞
 Net charge inside D = − 𝑞 . Hence Φ𝐷 = −
𝜀0
(c) uniformly charged infinite plane (d) uniformly charged spherical shell
Solution : Answer (a) D<C<B<A
 Due to point charge ; 𝐸=
1 𝑞
(or) 𝐸 ∝ 2
1 6. The total electric flux for the following closed surface
2 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 𝑟 which is kept inside water
1 𝜆 1 80 𝑞 𝑞
 Due to charged infinite line ; 𝐸= (or) 𝐸∝ (a) (b)
2 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 𝑟
𝜎 𝜀0 40 𝜀0
 Due to uniformly charged infinite plane ; 𝐸 = (or) E = constant 𝑞 𝑞
2 𝜀0 (c) (d)
1 𝑞 1 80 𝜀0 160 𝜀0
 Due to uniformly charged spherical shell ; 𝐸 = (or) 𝐸∝ Solution :
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 2 𝑟2
𝑄 2 𝑞+𝑞−𝑞 2𝑞 𝑞
Answer (c) uniformly charged infinite plane  The total electric flux ; Φ = = 80 𝜀 = 80 𝜀 = 40𝜀
𝒒 𝜀0 𝜀𝑟 0 0 0
3. What is the ratio of the charges | 𝟏 | for the 𝑞
𝒒𝟐 Answer (b) 40 𝜀0
following electric field line pattern?
1 25 7. Two identical conducting balls having positive charges q1 and q2 are
(a) (b) separated by a centre to centre distance r. If they are made to touch each
5 11
11 other and then separated to the same distance, the force between them will be
(c) 5 (d)
25 (a) less than before (b) same as before (c) more than before (d) zero
Solution :
𝑞 Solution :
 Number of electric lines enters to 𝑞1 is Φ1 = 1 = 11 𝑞 𝑞
𝜀0  Initial force ; 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝑘 1 2 2
𝑞2 𝑟
 Number of electric lines emerge out from 𝑞2 is Φ2 = = 25  If the two balls touch each other and then separated, then the charge on each
𝜀0
𝑞 +𝑞
 Thus ;
Φ1 𝒒
= | 𝟏| =
11 ball becomes 1 2
Φ2 𝒒𝟐 25 2
(𝑞 +𝑞 )2
𝟏𝟏  Then the new force ; 𝐹𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 𝑘 1 22
4𝑟
Answer (d)  Hence 𝐹𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 > 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙
𝟐𝟓
Answer (c) more than before
victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
8. Rank the electrostatic potential energies for the given system of charges in 11. Two points A and B are maintained at a potential of 7 V and - 4 V respectively.
increasing order. The work done in moving 50 electrons from A to B is
(a) 8.80 𝑋 10−17 𝐽 (b) − 8.80 𝑋 10−17 𝐽
(c) 4.40 𝑋 10−17 𝐽 (d) 5.80 𝑋 10−17 𝐽
Solution :
 Since, 𝑉𝐴 = 7 𝑉 ; 𝑉𝐵 = −4 𝑉,then potential difference 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = −4 − 7 = −11 𝑉
(a) 1 = 4 < 2 < 3 (b) 2 = 4 < 3 < 1  Thus work done, 𝑊𝐴→𝐵 = 𝑞 (𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 ) = 𝑛 𝑒 (𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 )
(c) 2 = 3 < 1 < 4 (d) 3 < 1 < 2 < 4 𝑊𝐴→𝐵 = 50 𝑋 1.6 𝑋 10−19 𝑋 (−11) = 8.8 𝑋 10−17 𝐽
Solution : Answer (a) 𝟖. 𝟖𝟎 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟕 𝑱
1 𝑄 (−𝑄) 1 𝑄2 12. If voltage applied on a capacitor is increased from V to 2V, choose the correct
 In fig (1) ⇒ 𝑈1 = =−
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 conclusion.
1 (−𝑄) (−𝑄) 1 𝑄2
 In fig (2) ⇒ 𝑈2 = = (a) Q remains the same, C is doubled
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟
1 (−𝑄) (−2𝑄) 1 2 𝑄2 (b) Q is doubled, C doubled
 In fig (3) ⇒ 𝑈3 = = (c) C remains same, Q doubled
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟
1 𝑄 (−2𝑄) 1 2 𝑄2 1 𝑄2 (d) Both Q and C remain same
 In fig (4) ⇒ 𝑈4 = = − =−
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 4 𝜋 𝜀0 2 𝑟 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 Solution :
Answer (a) 1=4<2<3  The charge stored in the capacitor is proportional to the potential difference
⃗
9. An electric field 𝑬 = 𝟏𝟎 𝒙 𝒊̂ exists in a certain region of space. Then the between the plates (i.e.) 𝑸 ∝ 𝑽 (or) 𝑸 = 𝑪 𝑽
potential difference V = Vo – VA, (where Vo is the potential at the origin and VA  Where the C is the proportionality constant called capacitance which depends
is the potential at x = 2 m ) is shape and size of the conductor
(a) 10 V (b) –20 V (c) +20 V (d) –10 V  When 𝑽 → 𝟐 𝑽 , then 𝑸 → 𝟐 𝑸
Solution : Answer (c) C remains same, Q doubled
 The potential at any point is given by ; 13. A parallel plate capacitor stores a charge Q at a voltage V. Suppose the area of
𝑥2 the parallel plate capacitor and the distance between the plates are each
𝑉𝑥 = − ∫ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑟 = − ∫ 10 𝑥 𝑖̂ . 𝑑𝑥𝑖̂ = −10 ∫ 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = −10 [ ] = −5 𝑥 2
2 doubled then which is the quantity that will change?
 At orgin (𝑥 = 0) ; 𝑉𝑜 = −5 (0)2 = 0 𝑉
(a) Capacitance (b) Charge
At 𝑥 = 2 ; 𝑉𝐴 = −5 (2)2 = − 5 𝑋 4 = −20 𝑉
(c) Voltage (d) Energy density
 Then the potential difference ; 𝑉 = 𝑉𝑜 − 𝑉𝐴 = 0 − (−20) = +20 𝑉
Solution :
Answer (c) + 20 V  When 𝑨𝟏 → 𝟐 𝑨 and 𝒅𝟏 → 𝟐 𝒅 then,
10. A thin conducting spherical shell of radius R has a charge Q which is uniformly 𝑸 𝜺𝒐 𝑨𝟏 𝜺𝒐 (𝟐 𝑨) 𝜺𝒐 𝑨
distributed on its surface. The correct plot for electrostatic potential due to a) New capacitance ; 𝑪𝟏 = = = = = 𝑪 (no change)
𝑽 𝒅𝟏 (𝟐 𝒅) 𝒅
this spherical shell is 𝟏 𝟏
b) New charge ; 𝑸 = 𝑪 𝑽 = 𝑪 𝑽 = 𝑸 (no change)
𝑸𝟏 𝒅𝟏 𝑸 (𝟐 𝒅) 𝑸𝒅
c) New voltage ; 𝑽𝟏 = =𝜺 = = 𝑽 (no change)
𝜺𝒐 𝑨𝟏 𝒐 (𝟐 𝑨) 𝜺𝒐 𝑨
d) New energy density ;
(a) (b) (c) (d) 𝟏 𝟐 𝟏 𝑸𝟏
𝟐
𝟏 𝑸 𝟐 𝟏 𝟏 𝑸 𝟐 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
Solution : 𝒖𝟏𝑬 = 𝜺𝟎 𝑬𝟏 = 𝜺𝟎 [ ] = 𝜺𝟎 [ ] = ( 𝜺𝟎 [ ] )= [ 𝜺𝟎 𝑬𝟐 ] = 𝒖𝑬
𝟐 𝟐 𝜺𝒐 𝑨𝟏 𝟐 𝜺𝒐 (𝟐𝑨) 𝟒 𝟐 𝜺𝒐 𝑨 𝟒 𝟐 𝟒
1 𝑄
 For 𝑟 ≤ 𝑅 ; the electric potential 𝑉𝑟 = 𝑉𝑅 = = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 Answer (d) Energy density (quatered)
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑅
In this region, there is zero electric field and hence electric potential is constant
1 𝑄 1
 For 𝑟 > 𝑅 ; the electric potential 𝑉 = (or) 𝑉∝
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 𝑟
In this region, spherical shell acts similar to point charge.

Answer (b)

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
14. Three capacitors are connected in triangle as shown in the figure. The
equivalent capacitance between the points A and C is
(a) 1 𝜇 𝐹 (b) 2 𝜇 𝐹
1
(c) 3 𝜇 𝐹 (d)
4
𝜇𝐹

Solution :

 2 𝜇 𝐹 and 2 𝜇 𝐹 are in series connection, their effective capacitance,

1 1 1
= + =1 (𝑜𝑟) 𝑪𝑺 = 𝟏 𝝁 𝑭
𝐶𝑆 2 1
 1 𝜇 𝐹 and 1 𝜇 𝐹 are in parallel connection, their effective capacitance,
𝑪𝑷 = 𝟏 + 𝟏 = 𝟐 𝝁 𝑭
Answer (b) 𝟐𝝁𝑭
15. Two metallic spheres of radii 1 cm and 3 cm are given charges of –1 × 10–2 C
and 5 × 10–2 C respectively. If these are connected by a conducting wire, the
final charge on the bigger sphere is
(a) 3 × 10–2 C (b) 4 × 10–2 C
(c) 1 × 10 C
–2 (d) 2 × 10–2 C
Solution :
 Let 𝑞1 = −1 𝑋 10−2 𝐶 and 𝑞2 = 5 𝑋 10−2 𝐶 , then the total charge will be,
𝑸 = 𝑞1 + 𝑞2 = (−1 + 5) 𝑋 10−2 𝐶 = 𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 𝑪
 When these two spheres are connected by a conducting wire, distribution of
charge occurs between the two spheres but the total charge remains the same
(conservation of charges)
 In equilibrium stage, let 𝑄1 be the charge on small sphere, then charge on
bigger sphere will be 𝑄2 = 𝑸 − 𝑄1 = (𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 ) − 𝑄1
 Since the two spheres are connected, the surfaces of both spheres together
form an equipotential surface. Hence
𝑉𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝑉𝑏𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟
1 𝑄1 1 𝑄2
=
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟
𝑄1 (4 𝑋 10−2 ) − 𝑄1
=
𝑟𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟
𝑄1 (4 𝑋 10−2 ) − 𝑄1
=
1 𝑋 10−2 3 𝑋 10−2
3 𝑄1 = (4 𝑋 10−2 ) − 𝑄1
4𝑄1 = (4 𝑋 10−2 )
𝑸𝟏 = 𝟏 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 𝑪
 Therefore the charge on bigger sphere,
𝑄2 = (𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 ) − 𝑄1 = (𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 ) − (𝟏 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 ) = 𝟑 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 𝑪
Answer (a) 𝟑 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 𝑪
victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL

PART - II 2 MARK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 10. Distinguish between Coulomb force and Gravitational force.
Coulomb force Gravitational force
1. What is Electrostatics? It acts between two charges It acts between two masses
 The branch of electricity which deals with stationary charges is called
It can be attractive or repulsive It is always attractive
electrostatics.
2. What is called triboelectric charging? It is always greater in magnitude It is always lesser in magnitude
 Charging the objects through rubbing is called triboelectric charging. It depends on the nature of the medium It is independent of the medium
3. Like charges repels. Unlike charges attracts. Prove.
If charges are in motion, another force
 A negatively charged rubber rod is repeled by another negatively charged Gravitional force is the same whether
called Lorentz force come in to play in
rubber rod. But a negatively charged rubber rod is attracted by a positively two masses are at rest or in motion
addition to Coulomb force
charged glass rod.
 This proves like charges repels and unlike charges attracts. 11. Define superposition principle.
4. State conservation of electric charges.  According to Superposition principle, the total force acting on a given charge is
 The total electric charge in the universe is constant and charge can neither be equal to the vector sum of forces exerted on it by all the other charges.
created nor be destroyed 12. Define electric field.
 In any physical process, the net change in charge will be zero. This is called  The electric field at a point ‘P’ at a distance ‘r’ from the point charge ‘q’ is the
conservation of charges. force experienced by a unit charge. Its S.I unit is N C-1
5. State quantisation of electric charge. 13. Define electric field lines.
 The charge ‘q’ of any object is equal to an integral multiple of this fundamental  A set of continuous lines which are the visual representation of the electric field
unit of charge ‘e’ (i.e) 𝒒 = 𝒏 𝒆 in some region of space is calle electric field lines.
 where, n  integer and 𝒆 = 𝟏. 𝟔 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟗 𝑪 14. Two electric field lines never intersect each other. Why?
6. State Coulomb’s law in electrostatics.  If two lines cross at a point, then there will be two different electric field vectors
 Coulomb law states that the electrostatic force between two point charges at the same point.
separated by a distance is  If some charge is placed at the intersection point, then it has to move in two
1) directly proportional to the product of the magnitude of two point charges different directions at the same time, which is physically impossible.
2) inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them  Hence electric field lines do not intersect.
7. Define one coulomb (1 C) 15. What is called electric dipole. Give an example.
 The S.I unit of charge is coulomb (C)  Two equal and opposite charges separated by a small distance constitute an
 One Coulomb is that charge which when placed in free space or air at a distance electric dipole.
1 m from an equal and similar charge repels with a force of 9 X 109 N (e.g) CO, HCl, NH4, H2O
8. Define relative permittivity. 16. Define electric dipole moment. Give its unit.
 The ratio of permittivity of the medium ( 𝜺) to the permittivity of free space ( 𝜺𝟎 )  The magnitude of the electric dipole moment (𝒑) is equal to the product of the
𝜺 magnitude of one of the charges (q) and the distance (2a) between them. (i.e)
is called relative permittivity or dielectric constant. [𝜺𝒓 = ]. |𝒑
⃗ | = 𝒒. 𝟐𝒂
𝜺𝟎
 It has no unit and for air 𝜀𝑟 = 1 and for other dielectric medium 𝜀𝑟 > 1  Its unit is C m.
9. Give the vector form of Coulomb’s law.  The electric dipole moment vector lies along the line joining two charges and is
 The force on the point charge 𝒒𝟐 exerted by another point charge 𝒒𝟏 is directed from – q to +q.
𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐 17. Define potential difference. Give its unit.
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝟐𝟏 = 𝒓̂𝟏𝟐  The electric potential difference is defined as the workdone by an external force
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒓 𝟐
 Simillarly the force on charge 𝒒𝟏 by charge 𝒒𝟐 is to bring unit positive charge from one point to another point against the electric
𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐 field. Its unit is volt (V)
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝟏𝟐 = 𝒓̂𝟐𝟏 18. Define electrostatic potential. Give its unit.
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒓 𝟐
 The electric potential at a point is equal to the work done by an external force to
 Here, 𝒓̂𝟏𝟐 → unit vector directed from 𝒒𝟏 to 𝒒𝟐
bring a unit positive charge with constant velocity from infinity to the point in
𝒓̂𝟐𝟏 → unit vector directed from 𝒒𝟐 to 𝒒𝟏
the region of the external electric field. Its unit is volt (V)

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
19. Obtain the relation between electric field and electric potential. 28. What are called polar molecules? Give examples.
 The work done in moving a unit charge through a distance ‘dx’ in an electric  A polar molecule is one in which the positive and negative charges are
field ‘E’ is 𝑑𝑊 = − 𝐸 𝑑𝑥 separated even in the absence of an external electric field.
 Here negative sign indicates work done is against the electric field.  They have a permanent dipole moment. (e.g) H2O, N2O, HCl, NH4
 This work done is equal to the potential difference and hence, 29. Define dielectric polarization.
𝑑𝑉 = − 𝐸 𝑑𝑥 (𝑜𝑟) 𝑬= −
𝒅𝑽  In the presence of external electric field, dipole moment is induced in the
𝒅𝒙
dielectric along the direction of the field.
 Thus the electric field is the negative gradient of electric potential.
 Polarisation (𝑝) is defined as the total dipole moment per unit volume of the
20. Define electrostatic potential energy.
dielectric.
 The electric potential energy of two point charges is equal to the amount of
30. Define electric susceptibility.
workdone to assemble the charges or workdone in bringing a charge from
 For dielectrics, the polarization is directly proportional to the strength of the
infinite distance. (i.e) U = W = q V
21. Define electric flux. external electric field. (i.e) ⃗𝑷
⃗ = 𝝌𝒆 𝑬
⃗ 𝒆𝒙𝒕
 The number of electric field lines crossing a given area kept normal to the  where 𝝌𝒆 is a constant called the electric susceptibility which is defined as
electric field lines is called electric flux (𝐸 ). polarization per unit electric field. Its unit is 𝑪𝟐 𝑵−𝟏 𝒎
31. Define dielectric breakdown.
 Its S.I unit is 𝑵 𝒎𝟐 𝑪−𝟏 . It is a scalar quantity.
 When the external electric field applied to dielectric is very large, it tears the
22. State Gauss law.
atoms apart so that the bound charges become free charges. Then the dielectric
Gauss law states that if a charge ‘Q’ is enclosed by an arbitrary closed surface,
1 starts to conduct electricity. This is called dielectric breakdown.
then the total electric flux through the closed surface is equal to times the net 32. Define dielectric strength.
𝜀𝑂
𝑸𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆
charge enclosed by the surface. ⃗ . 𝒅𝑨
𝑬 = ∮ 𝑬 ⃗⃗ =  The maximum electric field the dielectric can withstand before it breakdowns is
𝜺𝟎
called dielectric strength.
23. Define electrostatic shielding .
 The dielectric strength of air is 𝟑 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝑽 𝒎−𝟏 . If the applied electric field is
 By Gauss law, we conclude that the electric field inside the charged spherical
increases beyond this, a spark is produced in the air (i.e) it becomes a conductor
shell is zero.
33. What is called a capacitor?
 If a conductor has cavity, then whatever the charges at the surfaces or whatever
 Capacitor is a device used to store electric charge and electric energy.
the electrical diesturbances outside, the electric field inside the cavity is zero.
 It consists of two conducting plates or sheets separated by some distance.
 A sensitive electrical instrument which is to be protected from external
34. Define capacitance of a capacitor.
electrical disturnance is kept inside this cavity. This is called electrostatic
 The capacitance of a capacitor is defined as the ratio of the magnitude of charge
shielding. (e.g) Faraday cage
(Q) on either of the conductor plates to the potential difference (V) existing
24. During lightning, it is safer to sit inside bus than in an open ground or under tree.
between the conductors. (i.e) C = Q/V
Why?
 Its unit is farad (F) or C V-1
 The metal body of the bus provides electrostatic shielding, where the electric
35. Define energy density of a capacitor.
field is zero.
 The energy stored per unit volume of space is defined as energy density and it is
 During lightning the electric discharge passes through the body of the bus.
derived as,
 Thus it is safer to be inside the bus or car than in an open ground or under tree. 𝑼 𝟏
25. Define electrostatic induction. 𝒖𝑬 = = 𝜺𝒐 𝑬𝟐
𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 𝟐
 The phenomenom of charging without actual contact of charged body is called 36. Define action of point or corona discharge.
electrostatic induction.  Smaller the radius of curvature, larger the charge density. Hence charges are
26. Define dielectrics or insulators. accumulated at the sharp points.
 A dielectric is a non- conducting material and has no free electrons. The  Due to this, the electric field near this sharp edge is very high and it ionized the
electrons in a dielectric are bound within the atoms. surrounding air.
(e.g) Ebonite. glass and mica
 The positive ions are repelled and negative ions are attracted towards the sharp
27. What are called non-polar molecules? Give examples.
edge.
 A non-polar molecule is one in which centres of positive and negative charges
 This reduces the total charge of the conductor near the sharp edge. This is called
coincide. It has no permanent dipole moment. (e.g) H2, O2, CO2
action of points or corona discharge
victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
1 𝑞2
PART - III 3 MARK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ⃗⃗⃗𝐸2 =
2 𝑟̂2𝑃
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟2𝑃
1. Discuss the basic properties of electric charge. 1 𝑞𝑛
(i) Electric charge : finally, ⃗⃗⃗𝐸𝑛 = 2 𝑟̂𝑛𝑃
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟𝑛𝑃
 Like mass, the electric charge is also an intrinsic and fundamental  The total electric field at ‘P’ due to all these ‘n’ charges will be,
property of particles. The unit of electric charge is coulomb (C) ⃗⃗⃗𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡 = ⃗⃗⃗𝐸1 + ⃗⃗⃗𝐸2 + … … + ⃗⃗⃗𝐸𝑛
(ii) Conservation of electric charge : 𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐 𝒒𝒏
 The total electric charge in the universe is constant and charge can neither ⃗⃗⃗𝑬𝒕𝒐𝒕 = [ 𝒓̂ + 𝒓̂ + ⋯ + 𝟐 𝒓̂𝒏𝑷 ]
be created nor be destroyed. 𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟐𝟏𝑷 𝟏𝑷 𝒓𝟐𝟐𝑷 𝟐𝑷 𝒓𝒏𝑷
 In any physical process, the net change in charge will be zero. This is called 4. List the properties of electric field lines.
conservation of charges Properties of electric field lines :
(iii) Quanisation of charge : 1) They starts from positive charge and end at negative charge or at infinity.
 The charge ‘q’ of any object is equal to an integral multiple of this 2) The electric field vector at a point in space is tangential to the electric field line
fundamental unit of charge ‘e’ (i.e) 𝒒 = 𝒏 𝒆 at that point.
3) The electric field lines are denser in a region where the electric field has larger
 where n  integer and 𝒆 = 𝟏. 𝟔 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟗 𝑪
magnitude and less dense in region where the electric field is of smaller
2. Define superposition principle. Explain how superposition principle
magnitude. (i.e) the number of lines passing through a given surface area
explains the interaction between multiple charges.
perpendicular to the line is proportional to the magnitude of the electric field.
Superposition principle :
4) No two electric field lines intersect each other
 According to Superposition principle, the total force acting on a given charge is
5) The number of electric field lines that emanate from the positive charge or end
equal to the vector sum of forces exerted on it by all the other charges.
at a negative charge is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charges.
Explanation :
5. Derive an expression for torque experienced by an electric dipole placed in
 Consider a system of ‘n’ charges 𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … , 𝑞𝑛
the uniform electric field.
 By Coulomb’s law, force on 𝑞1 by 𝑞2 , … , 𝑞𝑛 are Torque experienced by the dipole in electric field :
𝑞 𝑞
⃗⃗⃗𝐹12 = 𝑘 1 2 𝑟̂21  Let a dipole of moment ⃗⃗⃗𝒑 is placed
2
𝑟21
𝑞 𝑞 in an uniform electric field ⃗⃗⃗𝑬
⃗⃗⃗𝐹13 = 𝑘 1 2 𝑟̂31  The force on ‘+q’ = +𝒒⃗⃗⃗𝑬
2
𝑟31
𝑞1 𝑞2 The force on ‘-q’ = − 𝒒⃗⃗⃗𝑬
finally. ⃗⃗⃗𝐹1𝑛 = 𝑘 𝑟̂𝑛1
2
𝑟𝑛1  Then the total force acts on the
 By superposition principle, total force action on 𝑞1 due to all charges, dipole is zero.
⃗⃗⃗𝐹1𝑡𝑜𝑡 = ⃗⃗⃗𝐹12 + ⃗⃗⃗𝐹13 + … … + ⃗⃗⃗𝐹1𝑛  But these two forces constitute a
𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟑 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝒏 couple and the dipole experience a
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝒕𝒐𝒕
𝟏 = 𝒌[ 𝟐 𝒓̂𝟐𝟏 + 𝟐 𝒓̂𝟑𝟏 + ⋯ + 𝟐 𝒓̂𝒏𝟏 ] torque which tend to rotate the
𝒓𝟐𝟏 𝒓𝟑𝟏 𝒓𝒏𝟏
dipole along the field.
3. Explain Electric field at a point due to system of charges (or) Superposition of
 The total torque on the dipole about the point ‘O’
electric fields.
Superposition of electric field : ⃗⃗𝜏 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂𝐴 𝑋 (− 𝒒⃗⃗⃗𝑬) + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑂𝐵 𝑋 (+𝒒⃗⃗⃗𝑬)
 The electric field at an arbitrary point due to system of point charges is simply |⃗⃗𝜏| = |𝑂𝐴⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | |− 𝒒⃗⃗⃗𝑬| sin 𝜃 + |𝑂𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | |𝒒⃗⃗⃗𝑬| sin 𝜃
equal to the vector sum of the electric fields created by the individual point 𝜏 = (𝑂𝐴 + 𝑂𝐵)𝑞 𝐸 sin 𝜃
charges. This is called superposition of electric fields. 𝜏 = 2 𝑎 𝑞 𝐸 sin 𝜃 ∵ [𝑂𝐴 = 𝑂𝐵 = 𝑎]
Explanation : 𝝉 = 𝒑 𝑬 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽
 Consider a system of ‘n’ charges 𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … , 𝑞𝑛  where, 2 𝑎 𝑞 = 𝑝 → dipole moment
 The electric field at ‘P’ due to ‘n’ charges  In vector notation, ⃗⃗𝝉 = ⃗⃗⃗𝒑 𝑿 ⃗⃗⃗𝑬
1 𝑞1  The torque is maximum, when 𝜃 = 90
⃗⃗⃗𝐸1 =
2 𝑟̂1𝑃
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟1𝑃

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
6. Obtain an expression electric potential at a point due to a point charge.  The potential at ‘C’ due to charges 𝒒𝟏 & 𝒒𝟐
Potential due to a point charge : 1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2
𝑉1𝐶 = & 𝑉2𝐶 =
 Consider a point charge +𝒒 at 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟13 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟23
origin.  To bring third charge 𝒒𝟑 to ‘C’ , work has to be done against the electric field
 ‘P’ be a point at a distance ‘r’ due to 𝒒𝟏 & 𝒒𝟐 . Thus work done on charge 𝒒𝟑 is ,
from origin. 1 𝑞1 𝑞2
1 𝑞 𝑊 = 𝑞3 (𝑉1𝐶 + 𝑉2𝐶 ) = 𝑞3 [ + ]
 By definition, the electric field at ‘P’ is ; ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 = 𝑟̂ 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟13 𝑟23
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 2 𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟑 𝒒𝟐 𝒒𝟑
 Hence electric potential at ‘P’ is (𝑜𝑟) 𝑼 = [ + ] − − − − − − − −(𝟐)
𝑟 𝑟 𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟏𝟑 𝒓𝟐𝟑
1 𝑞  Hence the the total electrostatic potential energy of system of three point
𝑉 = − ∫ ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑟 = − ∫ 𝑟̂ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑟
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 2 charges is
∞ ∞ 𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟑 𝒒𝟐 𝒒𝟑
𝑟
1 𝑞 𝑼 = [ + + ] − − − − − −(𝟑)
𝑉= − ∫ 𝑟̂ . 𝑑𝑟 𝑟̂ [∵ ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑟 = 𝑑𝑟 𝑟̂ ] 𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟏𝟐 𝒓𝟏𝟑 𝒓𝟐𝟑
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 2 8. Obtain an expression for electrostatic potential energy of a dipole in a
∞
𝑟 uniform electric field.
𝑞 1 Potential energy of dipole in uniform electric field:
𝑉= − ∫ 2 𝑑𝑟 [∵ 𝑟̂ . 𝑟̂ = 1]
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟  Let a dipole of moment ⃗⃗⃗𝒑 is placed in a
∞
𝑞 1𝑟 𝑞 1 1 1 uniform electric field ⃗⃗⃗𝑬
𝑉 = − [− ] = [ − ] [∵ = 0]  Here the dipole experience a torque,
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 ∞ 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟 ∞ ∞
𝟏 𝒒 which rotate the dipole along the field.
𝑽=  To rotate the dipole from 𝜃 to 𝜃
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒓
 If the source charge is negative (−𝑞) , then the potential also negative (i.e,) against this torque, work has to be
𝟏 𝒒 done by an external torque (𝜏𝑒𝑥𝑡 ) and it
𝑽=− is given by,
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒓  
7. Obtain an expression for potential energy due to a collection of three point
charges which are separated by finite distances. 𝑊 = ∫ 𝜏𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑑 = ∫ 𝑝 𝐸 sin 𝜃 𝑑
Potential energy of system of three charges :  
 Electrostatic potential energy of a system 𝑊 = 𝑝 𝐸 [− cos 𝜃] = −𝑝 𝐸 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 ]
of charges is defined as the work done to 𝑊 = 𝑝 𝐸 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃]
assemble the charges  This work done is stored as electrostatic potential energy (U) of the dipole.
 consider a point charge 𝒒𝟏 at ‘A’  Let the initial angle be 𝜃 = 90 , then
 Electric potential at ‘B’ due to 𝒒𝟏 is, 𝑈 = 𝑝 𝐸 [𝑐𝑜𝑠 90 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃]
1 𝑞1 𝑼 = − 𝒑 𝑬 𝐜𝐨𝐬  = − ⃗⃗⃗𝒑 . ⃗⃗⃗𝑬
𝑉1𝐵 =
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟12  If 𝜃 = 180 , then potential energy is maximum
 To bring second charge 𝒒𝟐 to ‘B’, work has to be done against the electric field  If 𝜃 = 0 , then potential energy is mimimum
created by 𝒒𝟏
 The work done on the charge 𝒒𝟐 is,
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
𝑊 = 𝑞2 𝑉1𝐵 =
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟12
 This work done is stored as electrostatic potential energy of system of two
charges 𝒒𝟏 and 𝒒𝟐
𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐
𝑼= − − − −(𝟏)
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟏𝟐

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
9. Explain the process of electrostatic induction. 11. Derive an expression for energy stored in capacitor
Electrostatic induction: Energy stored in capacitor:
 Capacitor is a device used to store charges and energy.
 When a battery is connected to the capacitor, electrons of total charge ‘-Q’ are
transferred from one plate to other plate. For this work is done by the battery.
 This work done is strored as electrostatic energy in capacitor.
 To transfer ′𝑑𝑄′ for a potential difference ‘V’, the work done is
𝑄 𝑄
𝑑𝑊 = 𝑉 𝑑𝑄 = 𝑑𝑄 [∵ 𝑉 = ]
𝐶 𝐶
 The type of charging without actual contact of charged body is called  The total work done to charge a capacitor,
electrostatic induction. 𝑄
𝑄
𝑄 1 𝑄2 𝑄2
 Let a negatively charged rubber rod is brought near to spherical conductor, the 𝑊= ∫ 𝑑𝑄 = [ ] =
0 𝐶 𝐶 2 0 2𝐶
electrons in the conductor are repelled to farther side and hence positive
charges are induced near the region of the rod. So the distribution of charges  This work done is stored as electrostatic energy of the capacitor, (i.e)
are not uniform, but the total charge is zero 𝑸𝟐 𝟏
𝑼𝑬 = = 𝑪 𝑽𝟐 [∵ 𝑄 = 𝐶 𝑉]
 If the conducting sphere is connected to ground, the electrons are flows to the 𝟐𝑪 𝟐
𝜀𝑂 𝐴
ground, but the positive charges will not flow to the ground, because they are  We know that, 𝑉 = 𝐸 𝑑 & 𝐶=
𝑑
attracted by the negative charges of the rod. ∴ 𝑈𝐸 =
1 𝜀𝑂 𝐴
(𝐸 𝑑)2 =
1
𝜀𝑂 (𝐴 𝑑) 𝐸 2
[here, (𝐴 𝑑) → 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒]
2 𝑑 2
 When the grounding wire is removed from the sphere, the positive charges
 The energy stored per unit volume of space is defined as energy density ((𝒖𝑬 ).
remain near the rod.
𝑼𝑬 𝟏
 If the charged rod is taken away, the positive charges are distributed uniformly 𝒖𝑬 = = 𝜺𝑶 𝑬𝟐
on the surface of the sphere. 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 𝟐
12. Explain the principle, construction and action of lightning conductor.
 Thus the neutral conducting sphere becomes positively charged without any
Lightning conductor :
contact.
 This is a device used to protect tall building
10. Derive an expression for capacitance of parallel plate capacitor.
from lightning strikes;
Capacitance of parallel plate capacitor :
 It woks on the principle of acion of points or
 Consider a capacitor consists of two parallel plates each of area ‘A’ separated
corona discharge.
by a distance ‘d’
 It consists of a long thick copper rod passing
 Let ‘𝝈′ be the surface charge density of the plates.
from top of the building to the ground.
 The electric field between the plates,
𝝈 𝑸  The upper end of the rod has a sharp spike or a
𝑬= = − − − − − − − (1) sharp needle. The lower end of the rod is
𝜺𝑶 𝑨 𝜺𝑶
connected to the copper plate which is buried
 Since the field is uniform, the potential difference deep in to the ground.
between the plates,
𝑸  When a negatively charged cloud is passing
𝑽 =𝑬𝒅= [ ]𝒅 − − − − − (2) above the building, it induces a positive charge
𝑨 𝜺𝑶 on the spike.
 Then the capacitance of the capacitor,  Since the charge density is large at the spike,
𝑄 𝑄
𝐶= = action of point takes place.
𝑉 𝑄  This positive charge ionizes the surrounding air which in turn neutralizes
[ ]𝑑
𝐴 𝜀𝑂
𝜺𝑶 𝑨 the negative charge in the cloud.
𝑪= − − − − − − − (𝟑)  The negative charge pushed to the spikes passes through the copper rod
𝒅
and is safely diverted to the Earth.
 Thus capacitance is,
(i) directly proportional to the Area (A) and  Thus the lighting arrester does not stop the lightning, but it diverts the
(ii) inversely proportional to the separation (d) lightning to the ground safely

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
13. Give the applications and disadvantage of capacitors
Applications of capacitor:
 Flash capacitors are used in digital camera to take photographs
 During cardiac arrest, a device called heart defibrillator is used to give a
sudden surge of a large amount of electrical energy to the patient’s chest to
retrieve the normal heart function. This defibrillator uses a capacitor of 175 µF
charged to a high voltage of around 2000 V
 Capacitors are used in the ignition system of automobile engines to eliminate
sparking.
 Capacitors are used to reduce power fluctuations in power supplies and to
increase the efficiency of power transmission.
Disadvantages :
 Even after the battery or power supply is removed, the capacitor stores
charges and energy for some time. It caused unwanted shock.
14. Define equipotential surface. Give its properties.
Equipotential surface:
 An equipotential surface is a surface on which all the points are at the same
potential.
1) For a point charge the equipotential surfaces are concentric spherical
surfaces.
2) For a uniform electric field, the equipotential surfaces form a set of planes
normal to the electric field.
Properties :
 The wor kdone to move a charge ‘q’ between any two points A and B is 𝑊 =
𝑞 (𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵 ). If A and B lie on the same equipotential surface then 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐵
Hence work done is zero (𝑊 = 0)
 The electric field is always normal to an equipotential surface.
15. Write a note on microwave oven.
Microwave oven :
 It works on the principle of torque acting on an electric dipole.
 The food we consume has water molecules which are permanent electric
dipoles. Oven produce microwaves that are oscillating electromagnetic fields
and produce torque on the water molecules.
 Due to this torque on each water molecule, the molecules rotate very fast and
produce thermal energy.
 Thus, heat generated is used to heat the food.

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
2. Define electric field. Explain its various aspects.
PART - IV 5 MARK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Electric field :
1. Explain in detail Coulomb’s law and its various aspects.  The electric field at the point ‘P’ at a distance ‘r’ from the point charge ‘q’ is the
Coulomb’s law : force experienced by a unit charge and is given by
⃗⃗⃗𝑭 𝟏 𝒒
 Consider two point charges 𝒒𝟏 and ⃗⃗⃗𝑬 = = 𝒓̂
𝒒𝟐 separated by a distance ′𝒓′ 𝒒𝒐 𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝒓 𝟐
 According to Coulomb law, the force on the Important aspects :
point charge 𝒒𝟐 exerted by 𝒒𝟏 is  If ‘q’ is positive, the electric field points away and if ‘q’ is negative the electric
𝒒 𝒒 field points towards the source charge.
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝟐𝟏 = 𝒌 𝟏 𝟐 𝒓̂𝟏𝟐
𝒓𝟐
 where, k → constant
𝒓̂𝟏𝟐 → unit vector directed from 𝒒𝟏 to 𝒒𝟐
Important aspects :  The force experienced by the test charge 𝒒𝒐 placed in electric field ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 is ,
 Coulomb law states that the electrostatic force is ⃗⃗⃗𝑭 = 𝒒𝒐 ⃗⃗⃗𝑬
1) directly proportional to the product of the magnitude of two point charges  The electric field is independent of test charge 𝒒𝒐 and it depends only on
2) inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them souce charge 𝒒
 The force always lie along the line joining the two charges.  Electric field is a vector quantity. So it has unique direction and magnitude at
𝟏
 In S.I units, 𝒌 = = 𝟗 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝑵 𝒎𝟐 𝑪−𝟐 every point.
𝟒 𝝅𝜺𝟎
 Since electric field is inversely proportional to the distance, as distance
 Here is the permittivity of free space or vacuum and its value is
𝟏 increases the field decreases.
𝜺𝟎 = = 𝟖. 𝟖𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟐 𝑪𝟐 𝑵−𝟏 𝒎−𝟐  The test charge is made sufficiently small such that it will not modify the
𝟒 𝝅𝒌
 The magnitude of electrostatic force between two charges each of 1 C separated electric field of the source charge.
by a distance of 1 m is 𝟗 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝑵  For continuous and finite size charge distributions, integration techniques
must bt used
 The Coulomb law in vacuum and in medium are,
𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐 𝟏 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐  There are two kinds of electric field. They are
⃗𝑭𝟐𝟏 = 𝒓̂𝟏𝟐 & ⃗𝑭𝟐𝟏 = 𝒓̂𝟏𝟐 (1) Uniform or constant field
𝟒 𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟐 𝟒 𝝅𝜺 𝒓𝟐
(2) Non uniform field
where, 𝜀 = 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 −→ permittivity of the medium
𝜀 3. Calculate the electric field due to a dipole on its axial line.
 Thus the relative permittivity of the given medium is defined as , 𝜀𝑟 = . For Electric field due to dipole on its axial line :
𝜀𝑜
air or vacuum, 𝜀𝑟 = 1 and for all other media 𝜀𝑟 > 1
 Coulomb’s law has same structure as Newton’s law of gravitation. (i.e)
𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑚1 𝑚2
𝐹𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑏 = 𝑘 2 & 𝐹𝑁𝑒𝑤𝑡𝑜𝑛 = 𝐺
𝑟 𝑟2
 Here 𝑘 = 9 𝑋 109 𝑁 𝑚2 𝐶 −2 and 𝐺 = 6.626 𝑋 10−11 𝑁 𝑚2 𝑘𝑔−2
 Since ‘k’ is much more greater than ‘G’, the electrostatic force is always greater  Consider a dipole AB along X - axis. Its diplole moment be 𝒑 = 𝟐𝒒𝒂 and its
than gravitational force for smaller size objects direction be along − 𝒒 to + 𝒒 .
 Electrostatic force between two point charges depends on the nature of the  Let ‘C’ be the point at a distance ‘r’ from the mid point ‘O’ on its axial line.
medium in which two charges are kept at rest.  Electric field at C due to +𝒒
 Depending upon the nature of the charges, it may either be attractive or 𝟏 𝒒
repulsive ⃗+=
𝑬 ̂
𝒑
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 (𝒓 − 𝒂)𝟐
 If the charges are in motion, another force called Lorentz force come in to play  Electric field at C due to −𝒒
in addition with Coulomb force. 𝟏 𝒒
⃗−= −
𝑬 ̂
𝒑
 Electrostatic force obeys Newton’s third law. (i.e) ⃗𝑭𝟐𝟏 = − ⃗𝑭𝟏𝟐 𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 (𝒓 + 𝒂)𝟐
 Since +𝒒 is located closer to pont ‘C’ than −𝒒 , 𝑬 ⃗+> 𝑬 ⃗−

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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
 By superposition principle, the total electric field at ‘C’ due to dipole is,  Here the perpendicular components | 𝑬 ⃗ + | 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 and | 𝑬 ⃗ − | 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 are equal
𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝐸⃗+ + 𝐸⃗− and opposite will cancel each other
1 𝑞 1 𝑞  But the horizontal components | ⃗𝑬+ | 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽 and | ⃗𝑬− | 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽 are equal and in
𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑝̂ − 𝑝̂
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 − 𝑎)2 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 + 𝑎)2 same direction (−𝒑 ̂) will added up to give total electric field. Hence
1 1 1 ⃗𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡 = | 𝐸⃗+ | 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 (−𝑝̂ ) + | 𝐸⃗− | 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 (−𝑝̂ )
𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑞 [ − ] 𝑝̂
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 − 𝑎)2 (𝑟 + 𝑎)2
2
(𝑟 + 𝑎) − (𝑟 − 𝑎) 2 (𝑜𝑟) 𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = − 2 | 𝐸⃗+ | 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑝̂
1
𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑞 [ ] 𝑝̂ 1 𝑞
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 − 𝑎)2 (𝑟 + 𝑎)2 𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = − 2 [ ] cos 𝜃 𝑝̂
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 2 + 𝑎2 )
1 𝑟 2 + 𝑎2 + 2 𝑟 𝑎 − 𝑟 2 − 𝑎2 + 2 𝑟 𝑎 1 2𝑞 𝑎
𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑞 [ ] 𝑝̂ 𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = − [ ]
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 〈(𝑟 − 𝑎)(𝑟 + 𝑎)〉2 1 𝑝̂
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 + 𝑎 ) (𝑟 2
2 2
1 4𝑟𝑎 + 𝑎 2 )2
𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑞 [ 2 ] 𝑝̂ 1 2𝑞𝑎
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 〈𝑟 − 𝑎2 〉2 𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = − 3 𝑝̂
 Here the direction of total electric field is the dipole moment ⃗⃗⃗𝒑. 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 2
+ 𝑎 2 )2
 If 𝑟 ≫ 𝑎 , then neglecting 𝑎2 . We get 1 𝑝 𝑝̂ 1 ⃗⃗⃗𝑝
1 4𝑟𝑎 1 4𝑎 𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = − 3 = − 3
𝐸⃗𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑞 [ 4 ] 𝑝̂ = 𝑞 [ 3 ] 𝑝̂ 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 2 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 2
+ 𝑎2 )2 + 𝑎 2 )2
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟
𝟏 𝟐 ⃗⃗⃗𝒑  If 𝑟 ≫ 𝑎 then neglecting 𝑎2
⃗ 𝒕𝒐𝒕 =
𝑬 [∵ 𝑞 2𝑎 𝑝̂ = ⃗⃗⃗𝑝 ] 𝟏 ⃗⃗⃗𝒑
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝒓 𝟑 ⃗𝑬𝒕𝒐𝒕 = − [∵ 𝑞 2𝑎 𝑝̂ = 𝑝 𝑝̂ = ⃗⃗⃗𝑝 ]
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝒓 𝟑
4. Calculate the electric field due to a dipole on its equatorial line.
5. Derive an expression for electro static potential due to electric dipole.
Electric field due to dipole on its equatorial line :
Electrostatic potential due to dipole :

 Consider a dipole AB along X - axis. Its diplole moment be 𝒑 = 𝟐𝒒𝒂 and its  Consider a dipole AB along X - axis. Its diplole moment be 𝒑 = 𝟐𝒒𝒂 and its
direction be along − 𝒒 to + 𝒒 . direction be along − 𝒒 to + 𝒒
 Let ‘C’ be the point at a distance ‘r’ from the mid point ‘O’ on its equatorial  Let ‘P’ be the point at a distance ‘r’ from the mid point ‘O’
plane.  Let ∠𝑃𝑂𝐴 = 𝜃, 𝐵𝑃 = 𝑟1 and 𝐴𝑃 = 𝑟2
 Electric field at C due to +𝒒 (along BC)  Electric potential at P due to +𝒒
𝟏 𝒒 1 q
| ⃗𝑬+ | = V1 =
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 (𝒓𝟐 + 𝒂𝟐 ) 4 πε0 r1
 Electric field at C due to −𝒒 (along CA)  Electric potential at P due to −𝒒
𝟏 𝒒 1 q
⃗ −| =
| 𝑬 V2 = −
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 (𝒓 + 𝒂𝟐 )
𝟐 4 πε0 r2
 Here | 𝑬⃗ +| = | 𝑬⃗ −|  Then total potential at ‘P’ due to dipole is
1 1 1
 ⃗ ⃗
Resolve 𝑬+ and 𝑬− in to two components. V = V1 + 𝑉2 = q [ − ] − − − − − (1)
4 πε0 r1 r2
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
Apply cosine law in  BOP Apply cosine law in  AOP 6. Obtain an expression for electric field due to an infinitely long charged wire.
r22 = r 2 + a2 − 2 r a cos (180 − θ) Electric field due to infinitely long charged wire :
r12 = r 2 + a2 − 2 r a cos θ r22 = r 2 + a2 + 2 r a cos θ  Consider an infinitely long straight wire of
a2 2 a a2 2 a uniform linear charge density ‘’
r12 = r 2 [1 + 2 − cos θ] r22 = r 2 [1 + 2 + cos θ]  Let ‘P’ be a point at a distance ‘r’ from the wire.
r r r r
𝑎2 𝑎2 Let ‘E’ be the electric field at ‘P’
 If 𝑎 ≪ 𝑟 then neglecting 2  If 𝑎 ≪ 𝑟 then neglecting 2  Consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface of length
𝑟 𝑟
2 2
2 a 2 2
2a ‘L’ and radius ‘r’
r1 = r [1 − cos θ] r2 = r [1 + cos θ]
r r  The electric flux through the top surface,
1 1
2d 2 2a 2 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 cos 90 = 0
Φ𝑡𝑜𝑝 = ∫ ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 . 𝑑𝐴
r1 = r [1 − cos θ] r2 = r [1 + cos θ]
r r
−
1 −
1  The electric flux through the bottom surface,
1 1 2a 2 1 1 2a 2
= [1 − cos θ]
r2
= [1 +
r r
cos θ] Φ𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = ∫ ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴 = ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 cos 90 = 0
r1 r r
 We have, (1 − 𝑥)−𝑛 = 1 + 𝑛𝑥  We have, (1 + 𝑥)−𝑛 = 1 − 𝑛𝑥  The electric flux through the curved surface,
1 1 a 1 1 a
= [1 + cos θ] = [1 − cos θ] Φ𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒 = ∫ ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴 = ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 cos 0 = 𝐸 ∫ 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐸 2 𝜋 𝑟 𝐿
r1 r r r2 r r
 Then equation (1) becomes,  Then the total electric flux through the Gaussian surface,
1 1 𝑎 1 𝑎 Φ𝐸 = Φ𝑡𝑜𝑝 + Φ𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 + Φ𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒
𝑉 = 𝑞 { [1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃] − [1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃]} 𝚽𝑬 = 𝑬 (𝟐 𝝅 𝒓 𝑳)
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 𝑟 𝑟 𝑟
1 𝑞 𝑎 𝑎  Since  be the charge per unit length of the wire, the net charge enclosed in
𝑉 = [1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃] the Gaussian cylinder of length L is; 𝑸𝒊𝒏 = 𝝀 𝑳
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 𝑟 𝑟
1 𝑞 2𝑎 1 2𝑞𝑎  By Gauss law,
𝑉 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑄𝑖𝑛
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 Φ𝐸 =
𝟏 𝒑 𝜀𝑜
𝑽 = 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽 [∵ 𝑝 = 2𝑞𝑎] 𝜆𝐿
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝒓𝟐 𝐸 (2 𝜋 𝑟 𝐿) =
𝟏 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗𝒑 . 𝒓̂ 𝜀𝑜
(𝒐𝒓) 𝑽 = [∵ 𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑝 . 𝑟̂ ] 𝝀
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝒓𝟐 𝑬 =
 Here 𝑟̂ is the unit vector along OP 𝟐 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝒓
case -1 : If point ‘P’lies on axial line near positive charge, then  = 0°  In Vector notation,
𝝀
𝟏 𝒑 ⃗⃗⃗
𝑬 = 𝒓̂
∴ 𝑽 = 𝟐 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝒓
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟐
 Here ̂𝒓 → unit vector perpendicular to the curved surface outwards.
Case -2 : If point ‘P’lies on axial line near positive charge, then  = 180°
𝟏 𝒑  If 𝜆 > 0 , then ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 points perpendicular outward (𝑟̂ ) from the wire and
∴ 𝑽 =− if 𝜆 < 0 , then ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 points perpendicular inward (− 𝑟̂ )
𝟒𝝅𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟐
Case -3 : If point ‘P’lies on equitorial plane, then  = 90° 7. Obtain an expression for electric field due to an charged infinite plane sheet.
∴ 𝑽 = 𝟎 Electric field due to charged infinite plane sheet :
 Consider an infinite plane
sheet of uniform surface
charge density ‘𝜎’
 Let ‘P’ be a point at a
distance ‘r’ from the sheet.
Let ‘E’ be the electric field at
‘P’

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
 Here the direction of electric field is perpendicularly outward from the sheet.  The electric flux through the Gaussian surface,
 Consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface of length ‘2r’ and area of cross section ‘A’ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ∮ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠 0
Φ𝐸 = ∮ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝐴
 The electric flux through plane surface ‘P’
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 cos 0 = ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴
Φ𝑃 = ∫ ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 . 𝑑𝐴 𝚽𝑬 = 𝑬 ∮ 𝒅𝑨 = 𝑬 (𝟒 𝝅 𝒓𝟐 )
 The electric flux through plane surface ‘P’  By Gauss law,
𝑄𝑖𝑛
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 cos 0 = ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴
𝚽𝑷 = ∫ ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 . 𝑑𝐴 Φ𝐸 =
𝜀𝑜
 The electric flux through the curved surface, 2
𝑄
𝐸 (4 𝜋 𝑟 ) =
Φ𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒 = ∫ ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴 = ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 cos 90 = 0 𝜀𝑜
𝟏 𝑸
𝑬 =
 The total electric flux through through the Gaussian surface, 𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝒓 𝟐
Φ𝐸 = Φ𝑃 + 𝚽𝑷 + Φ𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒  In vector notation,
𝚽𝑬 = ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 + ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 + 0 = 2 𝐸 ∫ 𝑑𝐴 𝟏 𝑸
⃗⃗⃗ =
𝑬 𝒓̂
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝒓 𝟐
𝚽𝑬 = 𝟐 𝑬 𝑨  Here ̂𝒓 → unit vector acting radiallyh outward from the spherical surface.
 Since 𝜎 be the charge per unit area of the plane sheet, the net charge enclosed 2) At a point on the surface of the shell (𝒓 = 𝑹):
in the Gaussian cylinder of area A is; 𝑸𝒊𝒏 = 𝝈 𝑨  If the point lies on the surface of the charged shell, then = 𝑹 . Then the
 By Gauss law, electric field,
𝑄𝑖𝑛 𝟏 𝑸
Φ𝐸 = ⃗⃗⃗
𝑬 = 𝒓̂
𝜀𝑜 𝟒 𝝅 𝜺 𝒐 𝑹𝟐
𝜎𝐴
2EA= 3) At a point inside the shell (𝒓 < 𝑹) ∶
𝜀𝑜  Let ‘P’ be the point inside the charged shell
𝝈
𝐄 = at a distance ‘r’ from its centre.
𝟐 𝜺𝒐  Consider the spherical Gaussian surface of
 In vector notation, radius ‘r’
𝝈
⃗⃗⃗
𝑬 = 𝒏
̂  Since there is no charge inside the
𝟐 𝜺𝒐
Gaussian surface, 𝑄𝑖𝑛 = 0
 Here ̂𝒏 → unit vector perpendicular to the plane sheet outwards.
 Then from Gauss law,
 If 𝜎 > 0 , then ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 points perpendicular outward (𝑛̂) from the plane sheet and 𝑄𝑖𝑛
if 𝜎 < 0 , then ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 points perpendicular inward (− 𝑛̂) Φ𝐸 = ∮ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴 =
𝜀𝑜
8. Obtain an expression for electric field due to an uniformly charged spherical 𝐸 (4 𝜋 𝑟 2 ) = 0
shell. 𝑬 = 𝟎
Electric field due to charged spherical shell :  Thus the electric field due to the uniform charged spherical shell is zero at
 Consider an uniformly charged spherical shell of radius ‘R’ and charge ‘Q’ all points inside the shell.
1) At a point outside the shell (𝒓 > 𝑹) : 9. Obtain Gauss law from Coulomb’s law.
 Let P be the point outside the shell at a Gauss law from Coulomb’s law :
distance ‘r’ from its centre.  Consider a charged particle of charge ‘+q’
 Here electric field points radially outwards if  Draw a Gaussian spherical surface of radius
Q >0 and radially inward if Q < 0. ‘r’ around this charge.
 Consider a spherical Gaussian surface of  Due to symmentry, the electric field ⃗⃗⃗𝐸 at all
radius ‘r’ which encloses the total charge ‘Q’ the points on the spherical surface have
 Since 𝐸⃗ and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗𝑑𝐴 are along radially outwards, same magnitude and radially outward in
we have 𝜃 = 0 direction.

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 If a test charge ‘𝑞𝑜 ’ is placed on the Gaussian surface, by Coulomb law the force Property - 2 : There is no net charge inside the conductors. The charges must
acting it is, reside only on the surface of the conductors.
1 𝑄 𝑞𝑜  Form Gauss’s law, this implies that there is no net charge inside the conductor.
|⃗⃗⃗𝐹 | =
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 Even if some charge is introduced inside the conductor, it immediately reaches
 By definition, the electric field, the surface of the conductor.
|⃗⃗⃗𝐹 | 1 𝑄 Property - 3 : The electric field outside the conductor is perpendicular to the
|⃗⃗⃗𝐸 | = = − − − −(1) surface of the conductor and has a magnitude of
𝝈
, where 𝝈 is the surface
𝑞𝑜 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 𝜺𝒐
 Since the area element 𝑑𝐴 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is along the electric field 𝐸⃗ , we have 𝜃 = 0. Hence charge density at that point
the electric flux through the Gaussian surface is,  If the electric field has components parallel to the surface of the conductor,
Φ𝐸 = ∮ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝐴 = ∮ 𝐸 𝑑𝐴 cos 0° = 𝐸 ∮ 𝑑𝐴 then free electrons on the surface of the conductor would experience
acceleration. This means that the conductor is not in equilibrium.
Here ∮ 𝑑𝐴 = 4 𝜋 𝑟 2 → area of Gaussian sphere  Therefore at electrostactic equilibrium, the electric field must be
 Put equation (1). we get perpendicular to the surface of the conductor.
1 𝑄  For cylindrical Gaussian surface, the total electric flux is 𝚽𝑬 = 𝑬 𝑨 and the
Φ𝐸 = 𝑋 4 𝜋 𝑟2
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 total charge inside the surface is 𝑸 = 𝝈 𝑨
𝑸  By Gauss law,
∴ 𝚽𝑬 =
𝜺𝒐 𝑄 σA
Φ𝐸 = (𝑜𝑟) E A =
 This is known as Gauss law. 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑜
Result : 𝛔
∴ 𝐄 =
 The total electric flux through the closed surface depends only on the charges 𝜺𝒐
enclosed by the surface and independent of charges outside the surface.  In vector notation,
 The total electric flux is independent of the location of charges inside the 𝛔
⃗⃗⃗𝐄 = ̂
𝐧
closed surface and shape on the closed surface. 𝜺𝒐
 Gauss law is another form of Coulomb law and also applicable to charges in Property - 4 : The electrostatic potential has the same value on the surface
motion. and inside of the conductor.
10. Discuss the various properties of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium.  The conductor has no parallel electric component on the surface which means
Conductors in electrostatic equilibrium : that charges can be moved on the surface without doing any work.
 An electrical conductor has a large number of mobile charges which are free to  This is possible only if the electrostatic potential is constant at all points on the
move in the material. surface and there is no potential difference between any two points on the
 The resultant motion is zero and it implies that the conductor is in electrostatic surface.
equilibrium.  Since the electric field is zero inside the conductor, the potential is the same as
 Thus at electrostatic equilibrium, there is no net current in the conductor. the surface of the conductor.
 A conductor at electrostatic equilibrium has the following properties.  Thus at electro static equilibrium, the conductor is always at equipotential.
Property - 1 : The electric field is zero everywhere inside the conductor. This 11. Explain dielectrics in detail and how an electric field is induced inside a
is true regardless of whether the conductor is solid or hollow. dielectric.
 The electric field is not zero inside the metal, then there will be a force on the Electric field induced inside a dielectric :
mobile charge carriers due to this electric field.  When an external
 As a result, there will be a net motion of the mobile charges, which contradicts electric field is applied
the conductors being in electrostatic equilibrium. on a conductor, the
 Thus the electric field is zero every where inside the conductor. charges are aligned in
such a way that an
internal electric field is
created which cancels
the external electric field.

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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 But in dielectric, which has no free electrons, the external electric field only  Then the capacitance of a capacitor with dielectric,
realigns the charges so that an internal electric field is produced. 𝑄𝑜 𝑄𝑜 𝑄𝑜
𝐶= = = 𝜀𝑟 = 𝜀𝑟 𝐶𝑜
 The magnitude of the internal electric field is smaller than that of external 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉𝑜
[ 𝑜]
electric field. 𝜀𝑟
 Therefore the net electric field inside the dielectric field is not zero, but is  Since 𝜀𝑟 > 1, we have 𝐶 > 𝐶𝑜 .
parallel to an external electric field with magnitude less than that of the  Thus insertion of dielectric slab increases the capacitance.
𝜺 𝑨
external electric field.  We have, 𝑪𝒐 = 𝟎
𝒅
 For example, let a rectangular dielectric slab is placed between two oppositely 𝜺𝒓 𝜺𝟎 𝑨 𝜺 𝑨
charged plates. ∴ 𝑪 = =
𝒅 𝒅
 The uniform electric field between the plates acts as the external electric field Where, 𝜺𝒓 𝜺𝟎 = 𝜺 → permitivity of the dielectric medium
𝐸⃗ 𝑒𝑥𝑡 which polarizes the dielectric slab.  The energy stored in the capacitor without dielectric,
 Thus positive charges are induced on one side and negative charges are 1 𝑄𝑜2
induced on the other side of the slab. 𝑈𝑜 =
2 𝐶𝑜
 So the dielectric in the external field is equivalent to two oppositely charged  After the dielectric is inserted,
sheets with the surface charge densities . These charges are called bound 𝟏 𝑸𝒐𝟐 𝟏 𝑸𝒐𝟐 𝑼𝒐
charges. They are not free to move like free electrons in conductor. 𝑼= = =
𝟐 𝑪 𝟐 𝜺𝒓 𝑪𝒐 𝜺𝒓
12. Explain in detail the effect of dielectric placed in a parallel plate capacitor
 Since 𝜀𝑟 > 1, we have 𝑈 < 𝑈𝑜
when the capacitor is disconnected from the battery.
Effect of dielectrics when the capacitor is disconnected from the battery :  There is a decrease in energy because, when the dielectric is inserted, the
capacitor spend some energy to pulling the dielectric slab inside.
13. Explain in detail the effect of dielectric placed in a parallel plate capacitor
when the battery remains connected to the capacitor.
Effect of dielectrics when the battery remains connected to the capacitor:

 Consider a parallel plate capacitor.

 Area of each plates =A
Distance between the plates =𝑑
Voltage of battery = 𝑉𝑜
Total charge on the capacitor = 𝑄𝑜  Consider a parallel plate capacitor.
 So the capacitance of capacitor without dielectric,  Area of each plates =A
𝑄𝑜 Distance between the plates =𝑑
𝐶𝑜 = Voltage of battery = 𝑉𝑜
𝑉𝑜
Total charge on the capacitor = 𝑄𝑜
 The battery is then disconnected from the capacitor and the dielectric is
 So the capacitance of capacitor without dielectric,
inserted between the plates. This decreases the electric field. 𝑄𝑜
 Electric field without dielectric = 𝐸𝑜 𝐶𝑜 =
𝑉𝑜
Electric field with dielectric = E
Relative permittivity or dielectric constant = 𝜀𝑟  Dielectric is inserted between the plates and the battery is remains in
𝐸𝑜 connected with the capacitor.
∴ 𝐸=  So the charges stored in the capacitor is increased.
𝜀𝑟
 Total charge without dielectric = 𝑄𝑜
 Since 𝜀𝑟 > 1, we have 𝐸 < 𝐸𝑜
Total charge with dielectric = 𝑄
 Hence electrostatic potential between the plates is reduced and at the same
Relative permittivity (dielectric constat) = 𝜀𝑟
time the charge 𝑄𝑜 remains constant.
𝐸𝑜 𝑉𝑜 ∴ 𝑸 = 𝜺𝒓 𝑸𝒐
𝑉=𝐸𝑑= 𝑑=  Since 𝜀𝑟 > 1, we have 𝑄 < 𝑄𝑜
𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑟
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 Here the potential difference between the plates remains constant. But the Capacitors in parallel :
charges increases and the new capacitance will be
𝑄 𝜀𝑟 𝑄𝑜
𝐶= = = 𝜀𝑟 𝐶𝑜
𝑉𝑜 𝑉𝑜
 Since 𝜀𝑟 > 1, we have 𝐶 > 𝐶𝑜
 Hence capacitance increases with the insertion of dielectric slab.
𝜺 𝑨
 We know that, 𝑪𝒐 = 𝟎
𝒅
𝜺𝒓 𝜺𝟎 𝑨 𝜺 𝑨
∴ 𝑪 = =
𝒅 𝒅
Where, 𝜺𝒓 𝜺𝟎 = 𝜺 → permitivity of the dielectric medium  Consider three capacitors of capacitance 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 and 𝐶3 connected in
 The energy stored in the capacitor without dielectric, parallel with a battery of voltage V .In parallel connection,
1 1) Each capacitor has same potential difference (V)
𝑈𝑜 = 𝐶 𝑉2 2) But charges on each capacitor will be different
2 𝑜 𝑜
 After the dielectric is inserted,  Let 𝑄1 , 𝑄2 , 𝑄3 be the charge on 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 , 𝐶3 respectively.
𝟏 𝟏  Let 𝐶𝑃 be the equivalent capacitance of capacitor in parallel connection, then
𝑼= 𝑪 𝑽𝒐𝟐 = 𝜺𝒓 𝑪𝒐 𝑽𝒐𝟐 = 𝜺𝒓 𝑼𝒐 𝑄 = 𝑄1 + 𝑄2 + 𝑄3
𝟐 𝟐
 Since 𝜀𝑟 > 1, we have 𝑈 > 𝑈𝑜 𝐶𝑃 𝑉 = 𝐶1 𝑉 + 𝐶2 𝑉 + 𝐶3 𝑉 [∵ 𝑄 = 𝐶 𝑉]
 So there is increase in energy when the dielectric is inserted 𝐶𝑃 𝑉 = 𝑉 [𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3 ]
14. Derive the expression for resultant capacitance, when capacitors are 𝑪𝑷 = 𝑪𝟏 + 𝑪𝟐 + 𝑪𝟑
connected in series and in parallel.  Thus the equivalent capacitance of capacitors connected in parallel is equal to
Capacitors in series : the sum of the individual capacitances.
 The equivalent capacitance 𝑪𝑷 in a parallel connection is always greater than
the largest individual capacitance.
15. Explain in detail how charges are distributed in a conductor and the principle
behind the lightning conductor.
Distribution of charges in a conductor :
 Consider two conducting spheres ‘A’
 Consider three capacitors of capacitance 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 and 𝐶3 connected in series with and ‘B’ of radii 𝒓𝟏 and 𝒓𝟐 . Let 𝒓𝟏 > 𝒓𝟐
a battery of voltage V . In series connection,  Let the two spheres are connected by
1) Each capacitor has same amount of charge (Q) a thin conducting wire.
2) But potential difference across each capacitor will be different.  If a charge ‘Q’ is given to either A or B,
 Let 𝑉1 , 𝑉2 , 𝑉3 be the potential difference across 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 , 𝐶3 respectively. this charge is redistributed in both the
 Let 𝐶𝑆 be the equivalent capacitance of capacitor in series connection, then spheres until their potential becomes
𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + 𝑉3 same.
𝑄 𝑄 𝑄 𝑄  Now they are uniformly charged and attain electrostatic equilibrium.
= + + [∵ 𝑄 = 𝐶 𝑉]  At this stage, let the surface charge densities of A and B are 𝜎1 and 𝜎2
𝐶𝑆 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
𝑄 1 1 1 respectively, then
= 𝑄 [ + + ] Charge residing on suface of A = 𝑞1 = 𝜎1 4 𝜋 𝑟12
𝐶𝑆 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 Charge residing on suface of B = 𝑞2 = 𝜎2 4 𝜋 𝑟22
= + +  Then the total charge ; Q = 𝑞1 + 𝑞2
𝑪𝑺 𝑪𝟏 𝑪𝟐 𝑪𝟑
 There is no net charge inside the conductors.
 Thus the inverse of the equivalent capacitance of capacitors connected in  Electrostic potential on the surface of A and B is
series is equal to the sum of the inverses of each capacitance. 1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2
 This equivalent capacitance 𝑪𝑺 is always less than the smallest individual 𝑉𝐴 = & 𝑉𝐵 =
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟1 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟2
capacitance in the series
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 Under elecrostic equilibrium. 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐵 Working :
1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2  Due to the high electgric field near comb ‘D’, air between the belt and comb ‘D’
∴ =
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟1 4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟2 gets ionized.
𝑞1 𝑞2  The positive charges are pushed towards the belt and negative charges are
=
𝑟1 𝑟2 attracted towards the comb ‘D’
𝜎1 4 𝜋 𝑟12 𝜎2 4 𝜋 𝑟22  The positive charges stick to the belt and move up.
=  When the positive charges reach the comb ‘E’ a large amount of negative and
𝑟1 𝑟2
positive charges are induced on either side of comb ‘E’ due to electrostatic
𝜎1 𝑟1 = 𝜎2 𝑟2 (𝑜𝑟) 𝝈 𝒓 = 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕
induction.
 Thus the surface charge density is inversely proportional to the radius of the  As a result. the positive charges are pushed away from the comb ‘E’ and they
sphere. reach the outer surface of the sphere.
 Hence for smaller radius , the charge density will be larger and vice versa  These positive charges are distributed uniformly on the outer surface of the
Principle of lightning conductor (Action of point) : hollow sphere.
 Action of point is the principle behind the lightning conductor.  At the same time, the negative charges neutralize the positive charges in the
 We know that smaller the radius of curvature, the larger is the charge density. belt due to corona discharge before it passes over the pulley.
 If the conductor has sharp end which has larger curvature (smaller radius), it  When the belt descends, it has almost no net charge.
has a large charge accumulation. As a result, the electric field near this edge is  This process continues until the outer surface produces the potential
very high and it ionizes the surrounding air. difference of the order of 107 𝑉 which is the limiting value.
 The positive ions are repelled at the sharp edge and negative ions are attracted  Beyond this, the charges starts leaking to the surroundings due to ionization of
towards the sharper edge. air.
 This reduces the total charge of the conductor near the sharp edge. This is  It is prevented by enclosing the machine in a gas filled steel chamber at very
called action of points or corona discharge. high pressure.
16. Explain in detail the construction and working of Van de Graff generator. Applications :
Van de Gralff generator :  The high voltage produced in this Van de Graff generator is used to accelerate
 It is designed by Robert Van de Graff. positive ions (protons and deuterons) for nuclear disintegrations and other
 It produce large electro static applications.
potential difference of about 107 𝑉
Principle :
 Electro static induction
 Action of points
Construction :
 It consists of large hollow spherical
conductor ‘A’ fixed on the insulating
stand.
 Pulley ‘B’ is mounted at the centre of
the sphere and another pulley ‘C’ is
fixed at the bottom.
 A belt made up of insulating material
like silk or rubber runs over the
pulleys.
 The pulley ‘C’ is driven continuously
by the electric motor.
 Two comb shaped metallic conductor D and E are fixed near the pulleys.
 The comb ‘D’ is maintained at a positive potential of 104 𝑉 by a power supply.
 The upper comb ‘E’ is connected to the inner side of the hollow metal sphere.
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3. Two small-sized identical equally charged spheres, each
EXAMPLE PROBLEMS WITH SOLUTIONS having mass 1 g are hanging in equilibrium as shown in the
1. Calculate the number of electrons in one coulomb of negative charge. figure. The length of each string is 10 cm and the
Solution :- q = 1 C ; e = 1.6 X 10-19 C ; n=? angle θ is 30° with the vertical. Calculate the magnitude of
 According to the quantisation of charge ; 𝑞=𝑛𝑒 the charge in each sphere.(Take g = 10 ms−2)
𝑞 1 1019 Solution:-: 𝑚 = 1 g = 10−3 𝑘g ; 𝜃 = 30 ;
(𝑜𝑟) 𝑛= = =
𝑒 1.6 𝑋 10−19 1.6 𝑔 = 10 𝑚𝑠 −2 ; 𝐿 = 10 𝑐𝑚 = 0.1 ; 𝑞 = ?
𝒏 = 𝟔. 𝟐𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟖 electrons  Since they are positively charged spheres, there will be a repulsive force
2. Consider two point charges q1 and q2 at rest as shown in between them and they will be at equilibrium with each other at an angle of 30°
the figure. They are separated by a distance of 1m. with the vertical.
Calculate the force experienced by the two charges for the  At equilibrium, each charge experiences zero
following cases: net force in each direction. We can draw a
(a) q1 = +2 μC and q2 = +3 μC free body diagram for one of the charged
(b) q1 = +2 μC and q2 = –3 μC spheres and apply Newton’s second law for
(c) q1= +2 μC and q2 = –3 μC kept in water (𝜺𝒓 = 𝟖𝟎) both vertical and horizontal directions.
Solution :-  In the x-direction, the acceleration of the
(a) 𝑞1 = +2 𝜇𝐶 ; 𝑞2 = +3 𝜇𝐶 ; r = 1 m then , ⃗⃗⃗𝐹12 = ? & ⃗⃗⃗𝐹21 = ? charged sphere is zero.
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 2 𝑋10−6 𝑋 3 𝑋 10−6 𝑇 sin 𝜃 ̂𝑖 + 𝐹𝑒 (− ̂)
𝑖 =0
⃗⃗⃗𝐹21 = 𝑟̂12 = 9 𝑋 10 9
𝑋 𝑖̂ (𝑜𝑟) 𝑇 sin 𝜃 ̂𝑖 = 𝐹𝑒 ̂𝑖
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 12 (𝑜𝑟) 𝑇 sin 𝜃 = 𝐹𝑒 − − − (1)
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝟐𝟏 = 𝟓𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝑵 𝒊̂ ( along + X axis)
 In the y-direction also, the net acceleration experienced by the charge is
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 2 𝑋10−6 𝑋 3 𝑋 10−6 zero. 𝑇 cos 𝜃 ̂𝑗 + 𝑚 𝑔 (−̂) 𝑗 =0
& ⃗⃗⃗𝐹12 = 𝑟̂ = 9 𝑋 10 9
𝑋 (− 𝑖̂)
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 21 12 (𝑜𝑟) 𝑇 cos 𝜃 ̂𝑗 = 𝑚 𝑔 ̂𝑗
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝟏𝟐 = − 𝟓𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝑵 𝒊̂ (along - X axis) (𝑜𝑟) 𝑇 cos 𝜃 = 𝑚 𝑔 − − − (2)
 Divide equation (1) by 92)
(b) 𝑞1 = +2 𝜇𝐶 ; 𝑞2 = −3 𝜇𝐶 ; r = 1 m then, ⃗⃗⃗𝐹12 = ? & ⃗⃗⃗𝐹21 = ?
𝑇 sin 𝜃 𝐹𝑒
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 2 𝑋10−6 𝑋 (−3) 𝑋 10−6 =
⃗⃗⃗𝐹21 = 𝑟̂12 = 9 𝑋 10 9
𝑋 𝑖̂ 𝑇 cos 𝜃 𝑚𝑔
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 12 𝐹𝑒 1 1 𝑞2
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝟐𝟏 = − 𝟓𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝑵 𝒊̂ (along - X axis) tan  = = [ ] [∵ 𝑎 = 𝐿 sin 𝜃]
𝑚𝑔 𝑚 𝑔 4 𝜋 𝜀0 (2𝑎)2
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 2 𝑋10−6 𝑋 (−3) 𝑋 10−6 1 1 𝑞2
& ⃗⃗⃗𝐹12 = 𝑟̂ = 9 𝑋 10 9
𝑋 (− 𝑖̂) tan  = [ ]
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 21 12 𝑚𝑔 4 𝜋 𝜀0 (2 𝐿 sin 𝜃)2
2 2
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝟏𝟐 = 𝟓𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝑵 𝒊̂ (along + X axis) ∴ 𝑞 = 𝑚 𝑔 [4 𝜋 𝜀0 ](2 𝐿 sin 𝜃) tan 𝜃
1
(c) 𝑞1 = +2 𝜇𝐶 and 𝑞2 = −3 𝜇𝐶 placed in water (𝜀𝑟 = 80), ⃗⃗⃗𝐹12 = ? & ⃗⃗⃗𝐹21 = ? (𝑜𝑟) 𝑞 = 2 𝐿 sin 𝜃 √𝑚 𝑔 [4 𝜋 𝜀0 ] tan 𝜃 [∵ = 9 𝑋 109 ]
4 𝜋 𝜀0
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 ⃗⃗⃗𝐹21 − 54 𝑋 10−3 10−3 𝑋 10 𝑋 tan 30
⃗⃗⃗𝐹21
𝑊
= 𝑟̂12 = = ̂𝒊 𝑞 = 2 𝑋 0.1 𝑋 sin 30 𝑋 √
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 𝑟 2 𝜀𝑟 80 9 𝑋 109
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝑾
𝟐𝟏 = − 𝟔. 𝟕𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎
−𝟒
𝑵 ̂𝒊 (along - X axis) 1 10−3 𝑋 10 𝑋 0.5774 5.774 𝑋 10−12
𝑞 = 0.2 𝑋 𝑋 √ = 0.1 𝑋 √
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 ⃗⃗⃗𝐹12 54 𝑋 10−3 2 9 𝑋 109 9
⃗⃗⃗𝐹12
𝑊
= 𝑟̂ = = ̂𝒊 0. 1
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 𝑟 2 21 𝜀𝑟 80 𝑞 = 𝑋 √5.774 𝑋 10−6
⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝑾 −𝟒 3
𝟐𝟏 = 𝟔. 𝟕𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎 𝑵 ̂𝒊 (along + X axis)
𝑞 = 0.0333 𝑋 √5.774 𝑋 10−6
NOTE : All three cases obeys Newton’s third law of motion (𝑖. 𝑒) ⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝟏𝟐 = − ⃗⃗⃗𝑭𝟐𝟏 𝑞 = 8.001 𝑋 10−2 𝑋 10−6 = 8.001 𝑋 10−8 𝐶
𝑞 = 80. 01 𝑋 10−8 𝐶 = 80.01 𝑛 𝐶

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
4. Calculate the electrostatic force and gravitational force between the proton  Since, 𝑟 = 1 𝑚 From figure, 𝑟12 = 𝑟14 = √2 𝑟2 = 𝑟√2 = √2 𝑚 ; 𝑟13 = 2 𝑟 = 2 𝑚
and the electron in a hydrogen atom. They are separated by a distance of  Magnitude of the forces,
5.3 × 10–11 m. The magnitude of charges on the electron and proton are
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 1 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 1 𝑋 10−6 9 𝑋 10−3
1.6 × 10–19 C. Mass of the electron is me = 9.1 × 10–31 kg and mass of proton is 𝐹12 = = 9 𝑋 10 9
𝑋 = = 4.5 𝑋 10−3 𝑁
mp = 1.6 × 10–27 kg. 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟122 (√2)
2
2
Solution :- 𝑟 = 5.3 𝑋 10−11 𝑚 ; 𝑒 = 1.6 𝑋 10−19 𝐶 ; 1 𝑞1 𝑞3 1 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 1 𝑋 10−6 9 𝑋 10−3
9
𝑚𝑒 = 9.1 𝑋 10 −31
𝑘𝑔 ; 𝑚𝑝 = 1,6 𝑋 10−27 𝑘𝑔 ; 𝐺 = 6.67 𝑋 10−11 𝑁 𝑚2 𝐶 −2 𝐹13 = 2 = 9 𝑋 10 𝑋 = = 2.25 𝑋 10−3 𝑁
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟13 (2) 2 4
 The magnitude of the electrostatic force between electron and proton 1 𝑞1 𝑞4 1 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 1 𝑋 10−6 9 𝑋 10−3
9
1 𝑒2 (1.6 𝑋 10−19 )2 𝐹14 = = 9 𝑋 10 𝑋 = = 4.5 𝑋 10−3 𝑁
𝐹𝐸 = = 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟142 (√2)
2
2
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 (5.3 𝑋 10−11 )2
9 𝑋 10 𝑋 1.6 𝑋 1.6 𝑋 10−38
9  From the figure, 𝜃 = 45°, then the total force on 𝑞1
𝐹𝐸 = 𝐹1𝑡𝑜𝑡 = ⃗⃗⃗𝐹12 + ⃗⃗⃗𝐹13 + ⃗⃗⃗𝐹14
5.3 𝑋 5.3 𝑋 10−22
9 𝑋 2.56 𝑋 10−7 23.04 𝑋 10−7 𝐹1𝑡𝑜𝑡 = [𝐹12 cos 𝜃 ̂𝑖 + 𝐹12 sin 𝜃 (− 𝑗̂)] + 𝐹13 ̂𝑖 + [𝐹14 cos 𝜃 ̂𝑖 + 𝐹14 sin 𝜃 𝑗̂]
𝐹𝐸 = = = 8.202 𝑋 10−1 𝑋 10−7
28.09 29.09 𝐹1𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝐹12 cos 𝜃 ̂𝑖 − 𝐹12 sin 𝜃 𝑗̂ + 𝐹13 ̂𝑖 + 𝐹14 cos 𝜃 ̂𝑖 + 𝐹14 sin 𝜃 𝑗̂
𝑭𝑬 = 𝟖. 𝟐𝟎𝟐 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 𝑵  Since 𝐹12 = 𝐹14 , we have
 The magnitude of the gravitational force between electron and proton 𝑡𝑜𝑡
⃗𝐹1 = 𝐹12 cos 𝜃 𝑖̂ + 𝐹13 𝑖̂ + 𝐹14 cos 𝜃 𝑖̂
𝐺 𝑚𝑃 𝑚𝑒 6.67 𝑋 10−11 𝑋 1,6 𝑋 10−27 𝑋 9.1 𝑋 10−31
𝐹𝐺 = = 𝐹1𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 2 𝐹12 cos 𝜃 𝑖̂ + 𝐹13 𝑖̂
𝑟2 (5.3 𝑋 10−11 )2 𝑡𝑜𝑡
6.67 𝑋 1.6 𝑋 9.1 𝑋 10−69 6.67 𝑋 1.6 𝑋 9.1 𝑋 10−47 ⃗ 1 = 2 (4.5 𝑋 10−3 ) cos 45° 𝑖̂ + 2.25 𝑋 10−3 𝑖̂
𝐹
𝐹𝐺 = = 1
28.09 𝑋 10−22 28.09 𝐹1𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 2 (4.5 𝑋 10−3 ) 𝑖̂ + 2.25 𝑋 10−3 𝑖̂
𝑭𝑮 = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟓𝟔 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟒𝟕 𝑵 √2
 The ratio of the two forces, ⃗⃗⃗𝐹1𝑡𝑜𝑡 = [4.5 √2 + 2.25] 𝑋 10−3 𝑖̂ = [6.363 + 2.25] 𝑋 10−3 𝑖̂
𝐹𝐸 8.202 𝑋 10−8 ⃗𝑭𝒕𝒐𝒕
𝟏 = 𝟖. 𝟔𝟏𝟑 𝑿 𝟏𝟎
−𝟑
𝒊̂
= ≈ 2.4 𝑋 1039
𝐹𝐺 3. 456 𝑋 10−47 6. Calculate the electric field at points P, Q for the following two cases, as shown
(𝑜𝑟) 𝑭𝑬 ≈ 𝟏𝟎𝟑𝟗 𝑭𝑮 in the figure.
∴ 𝑭𝑬 ≫ 𝑭𝑮 (a) A positive point charge +1 μC is placed at the origin
5. Consider four equal charges q1, q2, q3 and q4 = q = +1 μC (b) A negative point charge –2 μC is placed at the origin
located at four different points on a circle of radius 1m, Solution :-
as shown in the figure. Calculate the total force acting on
(a) = +1 𝜇𝐶 ; 𝑟𝑃 = 2 𝑚 ; 𝑟𝑄 = 4 𝑚 ⃗𝐸𝑃 = ? ⃗𝐸𝑄 = ?
the charge q1 due to all the other charges.
Solution :- Electric field at P,
𝑡𝑜𝑡 1 𝑞 1 𝑋 10−6
𝑞1 = 𝑞2 = 𝑞3 = 𝑞4 = 𝑞 = +1 𝜇𝐶 ; 𝑟 = 1 𝑚 ; 𝐹 ⃗1 =? ⃗𝐸𝑃 = 𝑖 ̂ = 9 𝑋 10 9
𝑋 𝑖̂
 Figure shows forces and its components act on charge 𝑞1
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟𝑃2 (2)2
9 𝑋 103
𝐸⃗𝑃 = 𝑖̂
4
⃗𝑬𝑷 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝒊̂ 𝑵 𝑪−𝟏
Electric field at Q ,
1 𝑞 1 𝑋 10−6
𝐸⃗𝑄 = 𝑗̂ = 9 𝑋 10 9
𝑋 𝑗̂
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟𝑄2 (4)2
9 𝑋 103
𝐸⃗𝑄 = 𝑗̂
16
⃗𝑬𝑸 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝒋̂ 𝑵 𝑪−𝟏

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
(b) 𝑞 = − 2 𝜇𝐶 ; 𝑟𝑃 = 2 𝑚 ; 𝑟𝑄 = 6𝑚 𝐸 ⃗ 𝑃 =? 𝐸⃗ 𝑄 =?  Its magnitude, |⃗⃗⃗𝐸𝐴 | = 2.25 𝑋 10 9
√12 + 12 = 2.25 𝑋 109 √2
Electric field at P  Then the direction of 𝐸 ⃗𝐴,
1 𝑞 2 𝑋 10−6 ⃗𝐸𝐴 2.25 𝑋 109 (𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂) (𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂)
⃗𝐸𝑃 = (−𝑖 ̂ ) = 9 𝑋 10 9
𝑋 (−𝑖̂) 𝐸̂𝐴 = = =
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟𝑃2 (2)2 ⃗⃗⃗
| 𝐸𝐴 | 9
2.25 𝑋 10 √2 √2
18 𝑋 103
𝐸⃗𝑃 = − 𝑖̂  Acceleration experienced by the electron placed at A,
4
⃗ 𝑷 = − 𝟒. 𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎 𝒊̂ 𝑵 𝑪−𝟏𝟑 𝐹 𝑞 𝐸⃗𝐴
𝑬 𝑎𝐴 = =
Electric field at Q 𝑚 𝑚
1 𝑞 2 𝑋 10−6 − 1.6 𝑋 10−19 𝑋 2.25 𝑋 109 ( 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ )
𝐸⃗𝑄 = 𝑖̂ = 9 𝑋 10 9
𝑋 𝑖̂ 𝑎𝐴 =
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟𝑄2 (6)2 9.1 𝑋 10−31
− 1.6 𝑋 2.25 𝑋 1021 ( 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ )
18 𝑋 103 𝑎𝐴 =
𝐸⃗𝑄 = 𝑖̂ 9.1
36 𝑎𝐴 = − 3.956 𝑋 10−1 𝑋 1021 ( 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ )
⃗ 𝑸 = 𝟎. 𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎 𝒊̂ 𝑵 𝑪−𝟏
𝑬 𝟑
⃗ 𝑨 = − 𝟑. 𝟗𝟓𝟔 𝑿𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟎 ( 𝒊̂ + 𝒋̂ )𝑵 𝒌𝒈−𝟏
𝒂
7. Consider the charge configuration as shown in the  ⃗𝐴
The electron is accelerated in a direction exactly opposite to 𝐸
figure. Calculate the electric field at point A. If an 8. A block of mass m carrying a positive charge q is placed on
electron is placed at points A, what is the acceleration an insulated frictionless inclined plane as shown in the
experienced by this electron? figure. A uniform electric field E is applied parallel to the
(mass of the electron = 9.1 × 10–31 kg and charge of inclined surface such that the block is at rest. Calculate the
electron = −1.6 × 10–19 C) magnitude of the electric field E.
Solution :- 𝑞1 = 𝑞2 = + 1 𝜇𝐶 ; 𝑟1 = 𝑟2 = 2 𝑚𝑚 ; ⃗𝐸𝐴 = ? Solution :-
 The free body diagram for the mass m is drawn below.
 Electric field due to 𝑞1 ,
1 𝑞1
𝐸⃗1 = 𝑗̂
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟12
1 𝑋 10−6
= 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 𝑗̂
(2 𝑋 10−3 )2
−6
1 𝑋 10
= 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 𝑗̂
4 𝑋 10−6
⃗𝑬𝟏 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝒋̂
 Electric field due to 𝑞2 ,
1 𝑞2
𝐸⃗2 = 𝑖̂
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟22
1 𝑋 10−6  There are three forces that acts on the mass m:
= 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 𝑖̂ (i) The downward gravitational force exerted by the Earth (mg)
(2 𝑋 10−3 )2
1 𝑋 10−6 (ii) The normal force exerted by the inclined surface (N)
= 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 𝑖̂ (iii) The Coulomb force given by uniform electric field (qE)
4 𝑋 10−6
⃗ 𝟐 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎 𝒊̂
𝑬 𝟗  Along x-direction, applying Newton’s second law, we have
 Hence the resultant electric field at A, 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃 𝑖̂ + 𝑞 𝐸 (− 𝑖̂) = 0
𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃 𝑖̂ − 𝑞 𝐸 𝑖̂ = 0
⃗⃗⃗𝐸𝐴 = 𝐸⃗1 + 𝐸⃗2
𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃 − 𝑞 𝐸 = 0
= 2.25 𝑋 109 𝑗̂ + 2.25 𝑋 109 𝑖̂ 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃 = 𝑞 𝐸
⃗ 𝑨 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟗 ( 𝒊̂ + 𝒋̂ )
𝑬 𝒎𝒈 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 𝒎𝒈 𝒉
𝑬= =
𝒒 𝒒𝑳

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
9. The following pictures depict electric field lines for various charge (iii) In the figure (c), the electric field lines start at q1 and q3 and end at q2. This
configurations. implies that q1 and q3 are positive charges. The ratio of the number of field
lines
𝑞1 𝑁1 8 1
| |= = =
𝑞2 𝑁2 16 2
|𝑞2 | 20
|𝑞1 | = = = 10
2 2
𝑞3 𝑁3 8 1
& | |= = =
𝑞2 𝑁2 16 2
|𝑞2 | 20
|𝑞3 | = = = 10
𝒒 2 2
(i) In figure (a) identify the signs of two charges and find the ratio | 𝟏 | ∴ 𝒒𝟏 = 𝒒𝟑 = + 𝟏𝟎 𝒏𝑪
𝒒𝟐
(ii) In figure (b), calculate the ratio of two positive charges and identify the 10. Calculate the electric dipole moment for the following charge configurations.
strength the electric field at three points A, B, and C
(iii) Figure (c) represents the electric field lines for three charges. If
q2 = –20 nC, then calculate the values of q1 and q3
Solution :-
(i) The electric field lines start at q2 and end at q1. In figure (a), q2 is positive and q1
is negative.
The number of the lines ending at q1 ; 𝑁1 = 6
The number of the lines starting from q2 ; 𝑁2 = 18
𝑞1
𝑁1 = (𝑜𝑟) 𝑞1 = 𝑁1 𝜀𝑜 Solution :-
𝜀𝑜 Figure (a) :
𝑞2
𝑁2 = (𝑜𝑟) 𝑞2 = 𝑁2 𝜀𝑜 Position vector for the +q on the positive x-axis = 𝑎 𝑖̂
𝜀𝑜 Position vector for the +q charge the negative x axis = 𝑎 (− 𝑖̂)
𝑞1 𝑁1 𝜀𝑜 So the dipole moment is ; ⃗𝑝 = (+𝑞) 𝑎 𝑖̂ + (+𝑞) 𝑎 (− 𝑖̂) = 0
∴ =
𝑞2 𝑁2 𝜀𝑜 Figure (b) :
𝑞1 𝑁1 6 1 Position vector charge +𝑞 placed at the origin = 0
| |= = =
𝑞2 𝑁2 18 3 Position vector for the +q on the positive x-axis = 𝑎 𝑖̂
|𝒒𝟐 | = 𝟑 |𝒒𝟏 | So the dipole moment is ; ⃗𝑝 = 0 + (+𝑞) 𝑎 𝑖̂ = 𝑞 𝑎 𝑖̂
(ii) In figure (b), Figure (c) :
The number of field lines emanating from 𝒒𝟏 ; 𝑁1 = 18 Position vector for the −2𝑞 on the positive y-axis = 𝑎 𝑗̂
The number of field lines emanating from 𝒒𝟐 ; 𝑁2 = 18 Position vector for the +q charge on the negative y axis = 2 𝑎 (− 𝑗̂)
𝑞1 𝑁1 18 So the dipole moment is ; ⃗𝑝 = (−2𝑞) 𝑎 𝑗̂ + (+𝑞) 2 𝑎 (− 𝑗̂) = −4𝑞𝑎 𝑗̂
∴ = = = 1 Figure (d) :
𝑞2 𝑁2 18
𝒒𝟏 = 𝒒𝟐 Position vector for the −2𝑞 on the negative x axis = 𝑎 (− 𝑖̂)
At point A, the electric field lines are denser compared to the lines at point B. Position vector for the +q charge on the positive y axis = 𝑎 𝑗̂
So the electric field at t A is greater in magnitude compared to the field at t B. Position vector for the +q charge on the negative y axis = 𝑎 (− 𝑗̂)
Further, no electric field line passes through C, which implies that the resultant So the dipole moment is ; ⃗𝑝 = (−2𝑞) 𝑎 (− 𝑖̂) + (+𝑞) 𝑎 𝑗̂ + (+𝑞) 𝑎 (− 𝑗̂) = 2 𝑞 𝑎 𝑖̂
electric field at C due to these two charges is zero. (e.g) The water molecule (H2O) has this charge configuration.
The water molecule has three atoms (two H atom and one O atom). The
centres of positive (H) and negative (O) charges of a water molecule lie at
different points, hence it possess permanent dipole moment.
The electric dipole moment ; ⃗𝒑 = 𝟔. 𝟏 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟑𝟎 𝑪 𝒎
victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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11. A sample of HCl gas is placed in a uniform electric field of magnitude 13. Consider a point charge +q placed at the origin and another point charge -2q
3 × 104 N C–1. The dipole moment of each HCl molecule is 3.4 × 10–30 Cm. placed at a distance of 9 m from the charge +q. Determine the point between
Calculate the maximum torque experienced by each HCl molecule. the two charges at which electric potential is zero.
Solution :- 𝐸 = 3𝑋 104 𝑁 𝐶 −1 ; 𝑝 = 3.4 𝑋 1030 𝐶 𝑚 ; 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ? Solution :-
 The maximum torque experienced by the dipole is when it is aligned  According to the superposition principle, the total electric potential at a point is
perpendicular ( = 90) to the applied field. So equal to the sum of the potentials due to each charge at that point.
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑝 𝐸 sin 90 = 3.4 𝑋 1030 𝑋 3𝑋 104 𝑋 1  Consider the point at which
𝝉𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟐 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟐𝟔 𝑵 𝒎 the total potential zero is
12. (a) Calculate the electric potential at points P and Q as shown in the figure located at a distance 𝑥 from
below. the charge +q as shown in
(b) Suppose the charge +9 μC is replaced by –9 μC find the electrostatic the figure.
potentials at points P and Q 𝑉+𝑞 + 𝑉−2𝑞 = 0
(c) Calculate the work done to bring a test charge +2 μC from infinity to the 1 𝑞 1 (−2𝑞)
+ =0
point Q. Assume the charge +9 μC is held fixed at origin and +2 μC is brought 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑥 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 9 − 𝑥
from infinity to P. 1 𝑞 1 2𝑞
=
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑥 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 9 − 𝑥
1 2
=
𝑥 9−𝑥
9−𝑥 =2𝑥
9= 2𝑥+𝑥 =3𝑥
Solution :- ∴ 𝑥 =3𝑚
(a) Electric potential at point P is given by 14. The following figure represents the electric potential as a function of
1 𝑞 9 𝑋 10−6 81 𝑋 103 x – coordinate. Plot the corresponding electric field as a function of x.
𝑉𝑃 = = 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 = = 8.1 𝑋 103 = 8100 𝑉 Solution :-
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟𝑃 10 10
Electric potential at point Q is given by  The electric field is the negative gradient of the electric potential. In vector
1 𝑞 9 𝑋 10−6 81 𝑋 103 form
𝑉𝑄 = = 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 = = 5.06 𝑋 103 = 5060 𝑉 𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟𝑄 16 16 ⃗𝐸 = − [ 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ]
Here , 𝑉𝑃 < 𝑉𝑄 .The potential difference between the points P and Q is given by 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
 In the given problem, since the potential depends
∆𝑉 = 𝑉𝑃 − 𝑉𝑄 = 8100 − 5060 = 3040 𝑉 = 3.04 𝑋 103 𝑉 𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉
(b) Suppose we replace the charge +9 μC by –9 μC, then the corresponding only on x, we have = = 0. Thus,
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
potentials at the points P and Q are, 𝜕𝑉
𝑉𝑃 = − 8.1 𝑋 103 = − 8100 𝑉 ⃗ = −
𝐸 𝑖̂
𝜕𝑥
𝑉𝑄 = − 5.06 𝑋 103 = − 5060 𝑉 (i) From 0 to 1 cm, the slope is constant and
Here , 𝑉𝑃 < 𝑉𝑄 . The potential difference between the points P and Q is given by 𝜕𝑉
= 25 So, ⃗𝑬 = −𝟐𝟓 𝒊̂ 𝑽 𝒄𝒎−𝟏
𝜕𝑥
∆𝑉 = 𝑉𝑃 − 𝑉𝑄 = − 8100 − (−5060) = − 3040 𝑉 = −3.04 𝑋 103 𝑉 (ii) From 1 to 4 cm, the potential is constant,
(c) The electric potential V at a point Q due to some charge is defined as the workdone 𝜕𝑉
by an external force to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to Q. So to bring the q V = 25 V and = 0 . So ⃗𝑬 = 𝟎
𝜕𝑥
amount of charge from infinity to the point Q, work done is given as follows. (iii) From 4 to 5 cm, the slope constant and
𝜕𝑉
𝑊𝑄 = 𝑞 𝑉𝑄 = 2 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 5.06 𝑋 103 = 10.12 𝑋 10−3 𝐽 = − 25 . So ⃗𝑬 = + 𝟐𝟓 𝒊̂ 𝑽 𝒄𝒎−𝟏
𝜕𝑥
 The plot of electric field for the various points along
the x axis is given below.

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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
15. Four charges are arranged at the corners of the square 16. A water molecule has an electric dipole moment of 6.3 × 10–30 Cm. A sample
PQRS of side a as shown in the figure.(a) Find the work contains 1022 water molecules, with all the dipole moments aligned parallel
required to assemble these charges in the given to the external electric field of magnitude 3 × 105 N C–1. How much work is
configuration. (b) Suppose a charge q′ is brought to the required to rotate all the water molecules from θ = 0o to 90o?
centre of the square, by keeping the four charges fixed at Solution :- 𝜃𝑖 = 0° ; 𝜃𝑓 = 90° ; 𝐸 = 3 𝑋 105 𝑁 𝐶−1 ; 𝑝 = 6.3 𝑋 10−30 𝐶 𝑚 ; 𝑛 = 1022
the corners, how much extra work is required for this?  When the water molecules are aligned in the direction of the electric field,
Solution :- it has minimum potential energy.
(a) The work done to arrange the charges in the corners of the square is  The work done to rotate the dipole from θ = 0o to 90o is equal to the
independent of the way they are arranged. We can follow any order. potential energy difference between these two configurations.
(i) First, the charge +q is brought to the corner P. This requires no work since no 𝑊 = 𝑈 (𝜃𝑓 ) − 𝑈 ( 𝜃𝑖 )
charge is already present, WP = 0
𝑊 = − 𝑝 𝐸 cos 𝜃𝑓 + 𝑝 𝐸 cos 𝜃𝑖 = 𝑝 𝐸 (cos 𝜃𝑖 − cos 𝜃𝑓 )
(ii) Let 𝑉𝑄 be the potential at a point Q due to +q located at a point P, then Work
𝑊 = 𝑝 𝐸 (cos 0° − cos 90°) = 𝑝 𝐸 (1 − 0) = 𝑝 𝐸
required to bring the charge –q to the corner Q 𝑊 = 6.3 𝑋 10−30 𝑋 3 𝑋 105 = 18.9 𝑋 10−25 𝐽
1 𝑞
𝑊𝑄 = (−𝑞) 𝑉𝑄 = (−𝑞)  Hence for 10 water molecules, the total work done is
22
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑃𝑄 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 1022 𝑋 18.9 𝑋 10−25
1 𝑞2 𝑾𝒕𝒐𝒕 = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟗 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝑱
𝑊𝑄 = −
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑎 17. Calculate the electric flux through the rectangle of sides 5 cm and 10 cm kept
(iii) Let 𝑉𝑅 be the potential at the point R due to charges at the point P and Q, in the region of a uniform electric field 100 NC–1. The angle θ is 60o. If θ
then Work required to bring the charge +q to the corner R becomes zero, what is the electric flux?
1 𝑞 1 (−𝑞) Solution :- E = 100 N C-1 ; 𝐴 = 𝑙 𝑏 = 5 𝑋 10−2 𝑋 10 𝑋 10−2 = 50 𝑋 10−4 𝑚2 ; 𝜃 = 60°
𝑊𝑅 = 𝑞 𝑉𝑅 = 𝑞 [ + ]  The electric flux through the rectangular area
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑃𝑅 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑄𝑅
1 𝑞 1 𝑞 Φ𝐸 = 𝐸⃗ . 𝐴 = 𝐸 𝐴 cos 𝜃 = 100 𝑋 50 𝑋 10−4 𝑋 cos 60°
𝑊𝑅 = 𝑞 [ − ] 1
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑎√2 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑎 Φ𝐸 = 5000 𝑋 10−4 𝑋 = 2500 𝑋 10−4
𝟏 𝒒𝟐 𝟏 2
𝑾𝑹 = [ − 𝟏] 𝚽𝑬 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟓 𝑵 𝒎𝟐 𝑪−𝟏
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝒂 √𝟐
 For 𝜽 = 𝟎° Φ𝐸 = ⃗𝐸 . ⃗𝐴 = 𝐸 𝐴 cos 𝜃 = 100 𝑋 50 𝑋 10−4 𝑋 cos 0°
(iv) Let 𝑉𝑠 be the potential at the centre point O due to all the four charges in the
Φ𝐸 = 5000 𝑋 10−4 𝑋 1
four corners, then Work required to bring the fourth charge –q at the position S
𝚽𝑬 = 𝟎. 𝟓 𝑵 𝒎𝟐 𝑪−𝟏
1 𝑞 1 (−𝑞) 1 𝑞
𝑊𝑆 = (−𝑞)𝑉𝑆 = (−𝑞) [ + + ] 18. (i) In figure (a), calculate the electric flux through the closed areas A1 and A2.
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑃𝑆 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑄𝑆 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑅𝑆 (ii) In figure (b), calculate the electric flux through the cube
1 𝑞 𝑞 𝑞 1 𝑞2 1
𝑊𝑆 = (−𝑞) [ − + ]= − [1 − + 1]
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑎 𝑎√2 𝑎 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑎 √2
𝟐
𝟏 𝒒 𝟏
𝑾𝑺 = − [𝟐 − ]
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝒂 √𝟐
(b) The potential created by the two +q charges are canceled by the potential
created by the –q charges which are located in the opposite corners. Therefore
the net electric potential at the centre O due to all the charges in the corners is
zero.
Hence no work is required to bring any charge to the point O. Physically this
Solution :-
implies that if any charge q′ when brought close to O, then it moves to the point O
(i) In figure (a), the area A1 encloses the charge +𝑄. So electric flux through this
without any external force. 𝑄
closed surface A1 is Φ𝐸 = . But the closed surface A2 contains no charges
𝜀𝑜
inside, so electric flux through A2 is zero.

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
(ii) In figure (b), the net charge inside the cube is ; 𝑄 = +5𝑞 − 2𝑞 = +3𝑞 and the 20. A parallel plate capacitor has square plates of side 5 cm and separated by a
𝑸 𝟑𝒒
total electric flux in the cube is therefore, 𝚽𝑬 = = distance of 1 mm. (a) Calculate the capacitance of this capacitor. (b) If a 10 V
𝜺𝒐 𝜺𝒐
battery is connected to the capacitor, what is the charge stored in any one of
Note that the charge -10 q lies outside the cube and it will not contribute the total
flux through the surface of the cube. the plates? (The value of o = 8.85 × 10–12 N–1m–2 C2)
19. A small ball of conducting material having a charge Solution :- a = 5 cm = 5 X 10-2 m ; A = a2 = 25 X 10-4 m2 ; d = 1 mm =10-3 m ; V = 10 V
𝜺𝒐 𝑨
+q and mass m is thrown upward at an angle θ to (a) Capacitance of the capacitor ; 𝑪 =
𝒅
horizontal surface with an initial speed vo as 8.85 𝑋 10−12 𝑋 25 𝑋 10−4
shown in the figure. There exists an uniform 𝐶= = 221.2 𝑋 10−13 𝐹 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟏𝟐 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟐 𝑭 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟏𝟐 𝒑𝑭
10−3
electric field E downward along with the (b) Charge stored in any one of the plate ; 𝑸 = 𝑪 𝑽
gravitational field g. Calculate the range, maximum 𝑄 = 22.12 𝑋 10−12 𝑋 10 = 221.2 𝑋 10−12 𝐶 = 𝟐𝟐𝟏. 𝟐 𝒑𝑪
height and time of flight in the motion of this 21. A parallel plate capacitor filled with mica having εr = 5 is connected to a 10 V
charged ball. Neglect the effect of air and treat the
battery. The area of each parallel plate is 6 cm2 and separation distance is 6 mm.
ball as a point mass.
(a) Find the capacitance and stored charge. (b) After the capacitor is fully
Solution :-
charged, the battery is disconnected and the dielectric is removed carefully.
 If the conductor has no net charge, then its motion is the same as usual
Calculate the new values of capacitance, stored energy and charge.
projectile motion of a mass m
Solution :- 𝜀𝑟 = 5 ; 𝑉 = 10 𝑉 ; 𝐴 = 6 𝑐𝑚2 = 6 𝑋 10−4 𝑚2 ; 𝑑 = 6 𝑚𝑚 = 6 𝑋 10−3 𝑚
 Here, in this problem, in addition to downward gravitational force, the charge 𝜀𝑜 𝜺𝒓 𝐴
also will experience a downward uniform electrostatic force. (a) The capacitance of the capacitor in the presence of dielectric is ; 𝐶 =
𝑑
 The acceleration of the charged ball due to gravity = −𝑔 𝑗̂ 8.85 𝑋 10−12 𝑋 5 𝑋 6 𝑋 10−4
𝑞𝐸 𝐶 = = 44.25 𝑋 10−13 𝐹 = 4.425𝑋 10−12 𝐹 = 𝟒. 𝟒𝟐𝟓 𝒑𝑭
6 𝑋 10−3
 The acceleration of the charged ball due to uniform electric field = − 𝑗̂
𝑚 The stored charge ; 𝑄 = 𝐶 𝑉
𝒒𝑬
 ⃗ = − [𝒈 +
Total acceleration of charged ball in downward direction; 𝒂 ] 𝒋̂ 𝑄 = 4.425 𝑋 10−12 𝑋 10 = 44.25 𝑋 10−12 𝐶 = 𝟒𝟒. 𝟐𝟓 𝒑𝑪
𝒎 1
 Its magnitude ; 𝒂 = 𝒈 +
𝒒𝑬 The stored charge ; 𝑈 = 𝐶 𝑉 2
2
𝒎
1
 Galileo’s conclusion that all objects fall 𝑼 = 𝑋 4.425 𝑋 10−12 𝑋 10 𝑋 10 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟏𝟑 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟎 𝑱
at the same rate towards the Earth is 2
(b) After the removal of the dielectric, since the battery is already disconnected
true only in a uniform gravitational
the total charge will not change. But the potential difference between the
field. When a uniform electric field is
plates increases. As a result, the capacitance is decreased. New capacitance is
included, the acceleration of a charged
object depends on both mass and 𝐶 4.425 𝑋 10−12
𝑪𝒐 = = = 0.885 𝑋 10−12 𝐹 = 0. 𝟖𝟖𝟓 𝒑𝑭
charge. 𝜺𝒓 5
 But still the acceleration is constant The stored charge remains same and 44.25 pC. Hence newly stored energy is
throughout the motion. In fact we can 1 1 𝑄2 1 𝑄2 𝜀𝑟
𝒒𝑬 𝑈𝑜 = 𝐶𝑜 𝑉2 = = = 𝜀𝑟 𝑈
simply replace g by (𝒈 + ) 2 2 𝐶𝑜 2 𝐶
𝒎
Expression for without charge with charge +q 𝑼𝒐 = 5 𝑋 2.213 𝑋 10−10 = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟎𝟔𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟎 𝑱
(i) Time of flight 2 𝑣𝑂 sin 𝜃 𝟐 𝒗𝑶 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 The increased energy is,
𝑇𝑓 = [𝑻𝒇 ]𝑬 = 𝒒𝑬
𝑔 [𝒈+ ]
𝒎
∆𝑼 = 𝑈𝑜 − 𝑈 = (11.065 − 2.213) 𝑋 10−10 = 𝟖. 𝟖𝟓𝟐 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟎 𝑱
(ii) Maximum height 𝑣𝑜2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝒗𝒐𝟐 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟐 𝜽  When the dielectric is removed, it experiences an inward pulling force due to
ℎ𝑚𝑎𝑥 = [𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒙 ]𝑬 = 𝒒𝑬 the plates. To remove the dielectric, an external agency has to do work on the
2𝑔 𝟐 [𝒈+ ]
𝒎 dielectric which is stored as additional energy. This is the source for the extra
(iii) Range 𝑣𝑜2 sin 2𝜃 𝒗𝒐𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝜽 energy 8.84 × 10–10 J.
𝑅= [𝑹]𝑬 = 𝒒𝑬
𝑔 [𝒈+ ]
𝒎
 For +𝒒 , we have [𝑻𝒇 ] < 𝑻𝒇 ; [𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒙 ]𝑬 < 𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒙 ; [𝑹]𝑬 < 𝑹
𝑬
 For −𝒒 , we have [𝑻𝒇 ] > 𝑻𝒇 ; [𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒙 ]𝑬 > 𝒉𝒎𝒂𝒙 ; [𝑹]𝑬 > 𝑹
𝑬

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
22. Find the equivalent capacitance between P and  Total charge ; 𝑄 = 𝑞1 + 𝑞2
Q for the configuration shown below in the 𝑟1
𝑄 = 𝑞2 + 𝑞2
figure. 𝑟2
Solution :- 𝑟1 + 𝑟2
𝑄 = 𝑞2 [ ]
 In fig (i), 1 F, 3 F and 6 F, 2 F are in 𝑟2
parallel connection, then 𝑟2 2 200 𝑋 10−9
∴ 𝑞2 = 𝑄 [ ] = 100 𝑋 10−9 𝑋 [ ]=
𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 = 1 + 3 = 4 F 𝑟1 + 𝑟2 8+2 10
𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 = 6 + 2 = 8 F 𝒒𝟐 = 𝟐𝟎 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟗 𝑪 = 𝟐𝟎 𝒏𝑪
 In fig (ii), 4 F, 4 F and 8 F, 8 F are in series connection, then  Thus, 𝑞1 = 𝑄 − 𝑞2 = 100𝑋10−9 − 20𝑋10−9 = (100 − 20)𝑋 10−9
1 1 1 1 1 2 1 ∴ 𝒒𝟏 = 𝟖𝟎 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟗 𝑪 = 𝟖𝟎 𝒏𝑪
= + = + = = ⟹ 𝐶𝑆 = 2 F  The electric charge density on sphere A is
𝐶𝑆 𝐶1 𝐶2 4 4 4 2
1 1 1 1 1 2 1 𝑞1 𝑞1 80 𝑋 10−9
= + = + = = ⟹ 𝐶𝑆 = 2 F 𝜎1 = = =
𝐶𝑆 𝐶1 𝐶2 4 4 4 2 𝐴1 4 𝜋 𝑟12 4 𝑋 3.14 𝑋 (8 𝑋10−2 )2
80 𝑋 10−9 10 𝑋10−5
 In fig (iii), 2 F, 4 F are in parallel connection, then 𝜎1 = = = 9.96 𝑋10−2 𝑋10−5
𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 = 2 + 4 = 6 F 4 𝑋 3.14 𝑋 64 𝑋 10−4 100.48
𝝈𝟏 = 𝟗. 𝟗𝟔 𝑿𝟏𝟎−𝟕 𝑪 𝒎−𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟗𝟔 𝑿𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝑪 𝒎−𝟐
So the equivalent capacitance between P and Q is = 𝟔 𝐅
 The electric charge density on sphere B is,
 Thus the combination of capacitances in figure can be replaced by a single
𝑞2 𝑞2 20 𝑋 10−9
capacitance 6 μF as shown in fig (iv) 𝜎2 = = =
𝐴2 4 𝜋 𝑟22 4 𝑋 3.14 𝑋 (2 𝑋10−2 )2
20 𝑋10−9 20 𝑋10−5
𝜎2 = = = 3. 981 𝑋10−1 𝑋10−5
4 𝑋 3.14 𝑋 4 𝑋10−4 50.24
𝝈𝟐 = 𝟑. 𝟗𝟖𝟏 𝑿𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝑪 𝒎−𝟐
 Note that the surface charge density is greater on the smaller sphere compared
1
to the larger sphere (σ2 ≈ 4 σ1) which confirms that ; 𝜎 ∝
𝑟
 Since the potential on both spheres is the same, we have
1 𝑞1 80 𝑋 10−9
𝑽𝑨 = 𝑽𝑩 = = 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 = 90 𝑋 102 = 9000 𝑉 = 𝟗 𝒌𝑽
23. Two conducting spheres of radius r1 = 8 cm and r2 = 2 cm are separated by a 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟1 8 𝑋 10−2
distance much larger than 8 cm and are 24. Dielectric strength of air is 3 × 106 V m–1. Suppose the radius of a hollow
connected by a thin conducting wire as sphere in the Van de Graff generator is R = 0.5 m, calculate the maximum
shown in the figure. A total charge of potential difference created by this Van de Graaff generator.
Q = +100 nC is placed on one of the Solution :- 𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3 𝑋 106 𝑉 𝑚−1 ; 𝑅 = 0.5 𝑚 ; 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ?
spheres. After a fraction of a second, the  The electric field on the surface of the sphere is given by (by Gauss law)
charge Q is redistributed and both the 1 𝑄
𝑬𝒎𝒂𝒙 =
spheres attain electrostatic equilibrium. 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑅2
(a) Calculate the charge and surface charge density on each sphere.  So the maximum potential difference created is given by,
(b) Calculate the potential at the surface of each sphere. 1 𝑄 1 𝑄 𝑅
Solution :- 𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 = = = 𝑬𝒎𝒂𝒙 𝑅
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑅 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑅 𝑅
(a) At electrostatic equilibrium, 𝑉𝐴 = 𝑉𝐵 𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 3 𝑋 10 𝑋 0.5 = 1.5 𝑋 106 𝑉
6
1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2 𝑽𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟏. 𝟓 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒕
=
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟1 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟2
𝑞1 𝑞2
=
𝑟1 𝑟2
𝑟1
𝑞1 = 𝑞2 − − − − − − (1)
𝑟2
victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
Resultant force on ‘q’ along Y- axis

EXERCISE PROBLEMS WITH SOLUTIONS 𝐹𝑦 = 𝐹1 (− 𝑗̂) + 𝐹2 s𝑖𝑛 45° (− 𝑗̂ ) + 𝐹5 𝑗̂ + 𝐹4 sin 45° 𝑗̂
1. When two objects are rubbed with each other, approximately a charge of 50 nC 1 1
𝐹𝑦 = 𝐹1 𝑗̂ − 𝐹2 𝑗̂ + +𝐹5 𝑗̂ + 𝐹4 𝑗̂
can be produced in each object. Calculate the number of electrons that must be √2 √2
transferred to produce this charge.  Since, 𝐹1 = 𝐹2 = 𝐹4 = 𝐹5 = 𝐹, we get ⃗𝐹𝑦 = ⃗⃗0
Solution :- q = 50 nC = 50 X 10-9 C ; e = 1.6 X 10-19 C ; n=?  Simillarly resultant force on ‘q’ along X- axis,
 According to quantization of electric charges, ⃗𝐹𝑋 = 𝐹3 𝑖̂ + 𝐹2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 45° 𝑖̂ + 𝐹4 cos 45° 𝑖̂
𝑞 =𝑛𝑒 1 1
𝑞 50 𝑋 10−9 50 𝑋 1010 ⃗𝐹𝑋 = 𝐹3 𝑖̂ + 𝐹2 𝑖̂ + 𝐹4 𝑖̂
∴ 𝑛= = −19
= √ 2 √ 2
𝑒 1.6 𝑋 10 1.6 1 1
𝑛 = 3.125 𝑋 101 𝑋 1010 ⃗𝐹𝑋 = 𝐹3 𝑖̂ + 2 𝐹2 𝑖̂ = 𝐹 [1 + 2 ] 𝑖̂
𝟏𝟎
𝒏 = 𝟑𝟏. 𝟐𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒔 √2 √2
⃗𝐹𝑋 = 𝐹 [1 + √2 ]𝑖̂
2. The total number of electrons in the human body is typically in the order of  Thus total force on charge ‘q’,
1028. Suppose, due to some reason, you and your friend lost 1% of this 𝐹𝑡𝑜𝑡 = ⃗⃗⃗𝐹𝑋 = 𝐹 [1 + √2 ] 𝑖̂
number of electrons. Calculate the electrostatic force between you and your 𝟏 𝑸𝒒
friend separated at a distance of 1m. Compare this with your weight. Assume ⃗𝑭𝒕𝒐𝒕 = [𝟏 + √𝟐 ]𝒊̂
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝑹 𝟐
mass of each person is 60 kg and use point charge approximation.
1  Hence, total force on the charge ‘q’ acts along X-axis whose magnitude is,
Solution:- 𝑁 = 1028 ; 𝑛 = 1028 𝑋 1% = 1028 𝑋 = 1026 ; 𝑟 = 1 𝑚 ; 𝑚 = 60 𝑘𝑔 𝟏 𝑸𝒒
100
 Charge on each person ; 𝑞 = 𝑛 𝑒 = 1028 𝑋 1.6 𝑋 1019 = 1.6 𝑋 107 𝐶 𝑭𝒕𝒐𝒕 = [𝟏 + √𝟐 ] 𝑵
𝟒 𝝅 𝜺𝒐 𝑹 𝟐
 Then electrostatic force between them, 4. Suppose a charge +q on Earth’s surface and another +q charge is placed on
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 1 𝑞2 the surface of the Moon. (a) Calculate the value of q required to balance the
𝐹𝐸 = =
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 gravitational attraction between Earth and Moon (b) Suppose the distance
(1.6 7 )2 between the Moon and Earth is halved, would the charge q change?
𝑋 10
𝐹𝐸 = 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 = 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 2.56 𝑋 1014 (Take mE = 5.9 × 1024 kg, mM = 7.9 × 1022 kg)
1
𝐹𝐸 = 𝟐𝟑. 𝟎𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎 𝑵 𝟐𝟑 Solution :- 𝐺 = 6.67 𝑋 10−11 𝑁 𝑚2 𝑘𝑔−2 ; 𝑞 =?
 Weight of the person ; ; 𝑊 = 𝑚 𝑔 = 60 𝑋 9.8 = 588 𝑁  Let ‘R’ be the distance between earth and moon.
 Hence the ratio of the force and the weight, ,  Since the gravitational attraction is balanced by electrostatic force, 𝐹𝐸 = 𝐹𝐺
2
𝐹𝐸 23.04 𝑋 10 23 1 𝑞 𝑚 𝑚
𝐸 𝑀 𝐺 𝑚𝐸 𝑚𝑀
= = 3.918 𝑋10−2 𝑋1023 =𝐺 (𝑜𝑟) 𝑞2 =
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑅 2 𝑅 2 1
𝑊 588 [ ]
𝑭𝑬 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜
−𝟐𝟏
= 𝟑. 𝟗𝟏𝟖 𝑿𝟏𝟎
𝑾 𝐺 𝑚𝐸 𝑚𝑀 6.67 𝑋 10−11 𝑋 5.9 𝑋 1024 𝑋 7.9 𝑋 1022
3. Five identical charges Q are placed equidistant on a ∴ 𝑞= √ = √
1 9 𝑋 109
semicircle as shown in the figure. Another point charge q [ ]
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜
is kept at the centre of the circle of radius R. Calculate the
electrostatic force experienced by the charge q. 6.67 𝑋 5.9 𝑋 7.9 𝑋 1026
Solution :- 𝑞= √
9
 Let the forces acts on ‘q’ be ⃗𝐹1 , ⃗𝐹2 , ⃗𝐹3 , ⃗𝐹4 , ⃗𝐹5 𝟏𝟑
 Here the magnitudes of these forces must be same. (i.e) 𝒒 = 𝟓. 𝟖𝟕𝟖 𝑿 𝟏𝟎 𝑪
 When the distance between earth and moon is halved,
𝐹1 = 𝐹2 = 𝐹3 = 𝐹4 = 𝐹5 = 𝐹
the charge ‘q’ remains the same, because the value of
 Here ⃗⃗𝐹2 and ⃗⃗𝐹4 are resolved into two perpendicular components. (i.e.) charge is independent of the distance.
(1) 𝐹2 cos 45° 𝑖̂ & 𝐹2 s𝑖𝑛 45° (− 𝑗̂ )
(2) 𝐹4 cos 45° 𝑖̂ & 𝐹4 sin 45° 𝑗̂

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
5. Draw the free body diagram for the following charges as shown in the figure 7. A closed triangular box is kept in an
(a), (b) and (c). electric field of magnitude
E = 2 × 103 N C–1 as shown in the
figure. Calculate the electric flux
through the (a) vertical rectangular
surface (b) slanted surface and (c)
entire surface.
Solution :-
(a) Vertical rectangular surface : (𝑙 = 15 𝑐𝑚 ; 𝑏 = 5 𝑐𝑚 ; 𝜃 = 0°)
Solution :-
Φ𝐸 = ∮ 𝐸 𝑑𝑠 cos 𝜃 = 𝐸 ∮ 𝑑𝑠 cos 0°

Φ𝐸 = 𝐸 𝐴 = 𝐸 𝑙 𝑏
Φ𝐸 = 2 𝑋 103 𝑋 15 𝑋 10−2 𝑋 5 𝑋 10−2 = 150 𝑋 10−1
𝚽𝑬 = 𝟏𝟓 𝑵 𝒎𝟐 𝑪−𝟏
(b) Slanted surface : (𝑙 = 15 𝑐𝑚 ; 𝑥 ; 𝜃 = 60°)
5 5 5
sin 30 ° = ⟹ 𝑥 = = = 10 𝑐𝑚
𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛 30° 1
( )
2
1
6. Consider an electron travelling with a Φ𝐸 = ∮ 𝐸 𝑑𝑠 cos 𝜃 = 𝐸 ∮ 𝑑𝑠 cos 60° = 𝐸 𝐴 [ ]
2
speed 𝒗𝟎 and entering into a uniform 1
electric field ⃗𝑬 which is perpendicular Φ𝐸 = 𝐸𝑙𝑥
2
to 𝒗⃗⃗⃗ 𝟎 as shown in the Figure. Ignoring 2 𝑋 103 𝑋 15 𝑋 10−2 𝑋 10 𝑋 10−2
gravity, obtain the electron’s Φ𝐸 =
2
acceleration, velocity and position as
𝚽𝑬 = 𝟏𝟓 𝑵 𝒎𝟐 𝑪−𝟏
functions of time.
Solution :- (c) Entire surface :
(i) Acceleration :  In the figure electric field lines enters through the vertical rectangular
surface and leaves through the slanted surface. Also the closed surface
 From Newton’s second law ; ⃗𝐹 = 𝑚 𝑎 ⃗ contains no charge inside.
⃗ = 𝑒𝐸
 Force experienced by the electron in the electric field ; 𝐹 ⃗  In general the electric flux is negative if the electric field lines enter the closed
 Thus 𝑚𝑎 = 𝑒𝐸 ⃗ surface and positive if the electric field lines leave the closed surface. Thus the
𝑒 𝐸⃗ 𝑒𝐸 total electric flux through entire surface is zero (i.e.) 𝚽𝑬 = − 𝟏𝟓 + 𝟏𝟓 = 𝟎
𝑎 = = (−𝑗̂) 8. The electrostatic potential is given as a function of x in figure (a) and (b).
𝑚 𝑚
𝒆𝑬 Calculate the corresponding electric fields in regions A, B, C and D. Plot the
⃗𝒂 = − 𝒋̂ electric field as a function of x for the figure (b).
𝒎
(ii) Velocity :
 From equation of motion ; ⃗𝑣 = ⃗⃗𝑢 + ⃗𝑎 𝑡
𝒆𝑬
⃗ = 𝒗𝟎 𝒊̂ −
𝒗 𝒕 𝒋̂
𝒎
(iii) Position :
1
 From equation of motion ; 𝑆 = 𝑢 ⃗ 𝑡 + 𝑎 𝑡2
2
𝟏 𝒆𝑬 𝟐
⃗𝑺 = 𝒗𝟎 𝒕 𝒊̂ − 𝒕 𝒋̂
𝟐 𝒎

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
Solution :- Solution :-
Figure (a) : According to the relation between E and V we have ; 𝐸= −
𝑑𝑉 𝑑 = 0.6 𝑚𝑚 = 0.6 𝑋 10−3 𝑚 ; 𝐸 = 3 𝑋 106 𝑉 𝑚−1 ; 𝑑  = 1 𝑚𝑚 = 1 𝑋 10−3 𝑚
𝑑𝑥 𝑉
 In region - A ; 𝑑𝑉 = 5 − 8 = − 3 ; 𝑑𝑥 = 0.2 − 0 = 0.2 (a) Let ‘V’ be the required potential difference, then ; 𝐸 =
𝑑
𝑑𝑉 (−3) 30 (𝑜𝑟) 𝑉 = 𝐸 𝑑 = 3 𝑋 106 𝑋 0.6 𝑋 10−3 = 1.8 𝑋 103
∴ 𝑬𝑨 = − = − = + = +𝟏𝟓 𝑽 𝒎−𝟏 𝑽 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝑽
𝑑𝑥 0.2 2
 In region - B ; 𝑑𝑉 = 5 − 5 = 0 ; 𝑑𝑥 = 0.4 − 0.2 = 0.2 (b) Since potential difference is directly proportional to the separation (𝑉 = 𝐸 𝑑), if
𝑑𝑉 0 separation increases, potential difference also increases.
∴ 𝑬𝑩 = − = − = 𝟎
𝑑𝑥 0.2 (c) Let 𝑉 be the new potential difference, then ; 𝐸 =
𝑉
 In region - C ; 𝑑𝑉 = 7 − 5 = 2 ; 𝑑𝑥 = 0.6 − 0.4 = 0.2 𝑑
𝑑𝑉 2 20 (𝑜𝑟)
𝑉 = 𝐸 𝑑 = 3 𝑋 106 𝑋 1 𝑋 10−3 = 3 𝑋 103
∴ 𝑬𝑪 = − = − = − = − 𝟏𝟎 𝑽 𝒎−𝟏
𝑑𝑥 0.2 2 𝑽 = 𝟑𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝑽
 In region - D ; 𝑑𝑉 = 1 − 7 = − 6 ; 𝑑𝑥 = 0.8 − 0.6 = 0.2 10. A point charge of +10 μC is placed at a
𝑑𝑉 (−6) 60 distance of 20 cm from another identical
∴ 𝑬𝑫 = − = − = + = +𝟑𝟎 𝑽 𝒎−𝟏
𝑑𝑥 0.2 2 point charge of +10 μC. A point charge of -2
Figure (b) : μC is moved from point a to b as shown in
𝑑𝑉 30 the figure. Calculate the change in potential
𝑑𝑥 = 1 − 0 = 1 ; 𝑑𝑉 = 30 − 0 = 30 ; 𝑬=− = − = −𝟑𝟎 𝑽 𝒎−𝟏
𝑑𝑥 1 energy of the system? Interpret your result.
𝑑𝑉 (−30) Solution :-
𝑑𝑥 = 2 − 1 = 1 ; 𝑑𝑉 = 0 − 30 = −30 ; 𝑬=− = − = +𝟑𝟎 𝑽 𝒎−𝟏
𝑑𝑥 1
𝑑𝑉
𝑑𝑥 = 3 − 2 = 1 ; 𝑑𝑉 = 0 − 0 = 0 ; 𝑬=− = 𝟎
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑉 (−30)
𝑑𝑥 = 4 − 3 = 1 ; 𝑑𝑉 = −30 − 0 = −30 ; 𝑬 = − = − = +𝟑𝟎 𝑽 𝒎−𝟏
𝑑𝑥 1
𝑑𝑉 30
𝑑𝑥 = 5 − 4 = 1 ; 𝑑𝑉 = 0 − (−3)0 = +30 ; 𝑬 = − = − = −𝟑𝟎 𝑽 𝒎−𝟏
𝑑𝑥 1

𝑞1 = 𝑞2 = +10 𝜇𝐶 ; 𝑞 = −2 𝜇𝐶 ; 𝑟1 = 5 𝑐𝑚 ; 𝑟2 = 15 𝑐𝑚
𝑟1! = √ 52 + 52= √50 = 5√2 𝑐𝑚 ; = 𝑟2! √152
+ 52
= √250 = 5√10 𝑐𝑚
 Initial potential energy, when −2 𝜇𝐶 is at ‘a’
1 𝑞1 𝑞 1 𝑞2 𝑞 1 𝑞1 𝑞 𝑞2 𝑞
𝑈𝑖 = + = [ + ]
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟1 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟2 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟1 𝑟2
1 1 1
𝑈𝑖 = 𝑞 𝑞 [ + ] [∵ 𝑞1 = 𝑞2 ]
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 1 𝑟1 𝑟2
1 1
𝑈𝑖 = 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 10 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 (−2)𝑋 10−6 𝑋 [ + ]
5 𝑋 10−2 15 𝑋 10−2
9. A spark plug in a bike or a car is used to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the 1 1 1
engine. It consists of two electrodes separated by a gap 𝑈𝑖 = − 9 𝑋 2 𝑋 10−2 𝑋 [ + ] 𝑋
5 15 10−2
of around 0.6 mm gap as shown in the figure. To create 3+1 4 24
𝑈𝑖 = − 9 𝑋 2 𝑋 [ ] = −18 𝑋 = −
the spark, an electric field of magnitude 3 × 106 V m–1 is 15 15 5
required. (a) What potential difference must be 𝑼𝒊 = − 𝟒. 𝟖 𝑱
applied to produce the spark? (b) If the gap is increased,
does the potential difference increase, decrease or
remains the same? (c) find the potential
difference if the gap is 1 mm.
victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
 Final potential energy, when −2 𝜇𝐶 is at ‘b’ Figure (c):
1 𝑞1 𝑞 1 𝑞2 𝑞 1 𝑞1 𝑞 𝑞2 𝑞  Since 𝐶𝑂 , 𝐶𝑂 and 𝐶𝑂 are in parallel,
𝑈𝑓 = + = [ + ! ]
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟1! 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟2! 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟1!1 𝑟2 𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂 + 𝐶𝑂 + 𝐶𝑂
1 1 1 𝑪𝑷 = 𝟑 𝑪𝑶
𝑈𝑓 = 𝑞 𝑞 [ ! + !] [∵ 𝑞1 = 𝑞2 ] Figure (d):
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 1 𝑟1 𝑟2
1 1 (1) Resultant capacitors across P and Q :
𝑈𝑓 = 9 𝑋 109 𝑋 10 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 (−2)𝑋 10−6 𝑋 [ + ]
5√2 𝑋 10 −2 5√10 𝑋 10−2
1 1 1
𝑈𝑓 = − 9 𝑋 2 𝑋 10−2 𝑋 [ + ]𝑋
√2 √10 5 𝑋 10−2
1 1.023
𝑈𝑓 = − 9 𝑋 2 𝑋 [0.707 + 0.316] 𝑋 = −18 𝑋 = −18 𝑋 0.2046
5 5
𝑼𝒇 = − 𝟑. 𝟔𝟖𝟑 𝑱
 The change in potential energy ;
Here, 𝐶1 and 𝐶3 are in series,
∆ 𝑈 = 𝑈𝑓 − 𝑈𝑓 = −3.683 − (−4.8) = −3. 683 + 4.8 = +𝟏. 𝟏𝟏𝟕 𝑱 ≈ +𝟏. 𝟏𝟐 𝑱
1 1 1 𝐶1 + 𝐶3 𝐶1 𝐶3
 Positive sign implies that to move the charge –2μC external work is required. = + = ⇒ 𝐶𝑆1 =
𝐶𝑆1 𝐶1 𝐶3 𝐶1 𝐶3 𝐶1 + 𝐶3
11. Calculate the resultant capacitances for each of the following combinations of
capacitors. 𝐶2 and 𝐶4 are in series,
1 1 1 𝐶2 + 𝐶4 𝐶2 𝐶4
= + = ⇒ 𝐶 𝑆2 =
𝐶 𝑆2 𝐶2 𝐶4 𝐶2 𝐶4 𝐶2 + 𝐶4
𝐶𝑆1 and 𝐶𝑆2 are in parallel
𝐶𝑃𝑄 = 𝐶𝑆1 + 𝐶𝑆2
𝐶1 𝐶3 𝐶2 𝐶4
𝐶𝑃𝑄 = +
𝐶1 + 𝐶3 𝐶2 + 𝐶4
Solution :- ( 𝐶2 + 𝐶4 ) 𝐶1 𝐶3 + ( 𝐶1 + 𝐶3 ) 𝐶2 𝐶4
𝐶𝑃𝑄 =
 Effective capacitance of capacitors in series, ( 𝐶1 + 𝐶3 ) ( 𝐶2 + 𝐶4 )
1 1 1 1 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 + 𝐶1 𝐶3 𝐶4 + 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶4 + 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝐶4
= + + +⋯ 𝐶𝑃𝑄 =
𝐶𝑆 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 ( 𝐶1 + 𝐶3 ) ( 𝐶2 + 𝐶4 )
 Effective capacitance of capacitors in series, (2) Resultant capacitors across R and S :
𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3 + ⋯
Figure (a) :
 Since 𝐶𝑂 and 𝐶𝑂 are in parallel,
𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂 + 𝐶𝑂 = 2 𝐶𝑂
 Also, 𝐶𝑂 and 2 𝐶𝑂 are in series,
1 1 1 3 𝟐 𝑪𝒐
= + = (𝑜𝑟) 𝑪𝑺 =
𝐶𝑆 𝐶𝑂 2 𝐶𝑜 2 𝐶𝑜 𝟑
Figure (b): Here, 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 are in series,
 Since 𝐶𝑂 and 𝐶𝑂 are in parallel, 1 1 1 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 𝐶1 𝐶2
= + = ⇒ 𝐶𝑆1 =
𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶𝑂 + 𝐶𝑂 = 2 𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝑆1 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶1 + 𝐶2
 Also, 2 𝐶𝑂 and 2 𝐶𝑂 are in series, 𝐶3 and 𝐶4 are in series,
1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 𝐶3 + 𝐶4 𝐶3 𝐶4
= + = = (𝑜𝑟) 𝑪𝑺 = 𝑪𝒐 = + = ⇒ 𝐶 𝑆2 =
𝐶𝑆 2 𝐶𝑂 2 𝐶𝑜 2 𝐶𝑜 𝐶𝑜 𝐶 𝑆2 𝐶3 𝐶4 𝐶3 𝐶4 𝐶3 + 𝐶4

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
Thus 𝐶𝑆1 and 𝐶𝑆2 are in parallel 1 𝑒𝐸 2 1 𝑒𝐸 2
ℎ =0+ 𝑡𝑒 = 𝑡
𝐶𝑅𝑆 = 𝐶𝑆1 + 𝐶𝑆2 2 𝑚 2 𝑚 𝑒
𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝐶4 2𝑚ℎ
𝐶𝑅𝑆 = + (𝑜𝑟) 𝑡𝑒 2 =
𝐶1 + 𝐶2 𝐶3 + 𝐶4 𝑒𝐸
( 𝐶3 + 𝐶4 ) 𝐶1 𝐶2 + ( 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 ) 𝐶3 𝐶4 2𝑚ℎ 2 𝑋 9.1 𝑋 10−31 𝑋 1 X 10−3
𝐶𝑅𝑆 = ∴ 𝑡𝑒 = √ = √
( 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 ) ( 𝐶3 + 𝐶4 ) 𝑒𝐸 1.6 𝑋 10−19 𝑋 5 𝑋 103
𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3 + 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶4 + 𝐶1 𝐶3 𝐶4 + 𝐶2 𝐶3 𝐶4
𝐶𝑅𝑆 = 18.2 𝑋 10−18
( 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 ) ( 𝐶3 + 𝐶4 )
𝒕𝒆 = √ = √2. 275 𝑋 10−18 = 1.508 𝑋 10−9 𝑠
Figure (e) : 8
𝒕𝒆 ≈ 𝟏. 𝟓 𝒏 𝒔
𝐹 𝑒𝐸
Time of flight of proton : 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑃 ; 𝑆 = h ; u = 0 ; a = =
𝑚 𝑚
1 2
𝑆=𝑢𝑡+ 𝑎𝑡
2
1 𝑒𝐸 2 1 𝑒𝐸 2
ℎ=0+ 𝑡𝑃 = 𝑡
2 𝑚 2 𝑚 𝑒
2𝑚ℎ
∴ 𝑡𝑃 2 =
Here, 𝐶0 and 𝐶0 are in series, 𝑒𝐸
1 1 1 2 𝐶𝑂
= + = ⇒ 𝐶𝑆1 = 2𝑚ℎ 2 𝑋 1.6 𝑋 10−27 𝑋 1 X 10−3
𝐶𝑆1 𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝑂 2 𝑡𝑃 = √ = √
𝑒𝐸 1.6 𝑋 10−19 𝑋 5 𝑋 103
Also, 𝐶0 and 𝐶0 are in series,
1 1 1 2 𝐶𝑂
= + = ⇒ 𝐶𝑆2 = 2 𝑋 10−14
𝐶𝑆2 𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝑂 2 𝑡𝑃 = √ = √0.4 𝑋 10−14
5
Thus, 𝐶𝑆1 , 𝐶𝑆2 and 𝐶0 are in parallel,
𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝑂 𝑡𝑃 = √40 𝑋 10−16
𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶𝑆1 + 𝐶𝑆2 + 𝐶𝑂 = + + 𝐶𝑂 𝑡𝑃 = 6. 325 𝑋 10−8 = 63.25 𝑋 10−9 𝑠
2 2
𝑪𝑷 = 𝟐 𝑪𝑶 𝒕𝑷 ≈ 𝟔𝟑 𝒏 𝒔
12. An electron and a proton are allowed to fall through the separation between (b) Time of flight of neutron ; 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑛 ; 𝑆 = h ; u = 0 ; a = 𝑔
the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of voltage 5 V and separation distance 1
𝑆 = 𝑢 𝑡 + 𝑎 𝑡2
h = 1 mm as shown in the figure. (a) Calculate the time of flight for both 2
electron and proton (b) Suppose if a neutron is allowed to fall, what is the time 1 1
ℎ=0+ 𝑔 𝑡𝑛 2 = 𝑔 𝑡𝑛 2
of flight? (c) Among the three, which one will reach the bottom first? 2 2
2ℎ
∴ 𝑡𝑛 2 =
𝑔
2ℎ 2 𝑋 1 X 10−3
𝑡𝑛 = √ = √
𝑔 10

2 𝑋 10−3
(Take mp = 1.6 × 10–27
kg, me = 9.1 × 10–31
kg and g = 10 m s–2) 𝑡𝑛 = √ = √2 𝑋 10−4 = 1. 414 𝑋 10−2
10
𝑉 5
Solution :- h = 1 mm = 1 X 10−3 𝑚 ; 𝑉 = 5 𝑉 ; 𝐸 = = = 5 𝑋 103 𝑁𝐶 −1 𝒕𝒏 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟏𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝒔 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟏𝟒 𝒎 𝒔
ℎ 10−3
𝐹 𝑒𝐸
(a) Time of flight of electron ; 𝑡 = 𝑡𝑒 ; 𝑆 = h ; u=0 ; a= = (c) Since, 𝒕𝒆 < 𝒕𝑷 < 𝒕𝒏 , out of three, electron reach first..
𝑚 𝑚
1
𝑆 = 𝑢 𝑡 + 𝑎 𝑡2
2

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
13. During a thunder storm, the movement of (b) Potential difference across each capacitor :
water molecules within the clouds creates 𝑉 9 𝑉 9
friction, partially causing the bottom part of 𝑽𝒂 = = = 𝟑 𝑽 ; 𝑽𝒃 = = = 𝟑 𝑽
3 3 3 3
the clouds to become negatively charged. 𝑉 9 𝑉 9
This implies that the bottom of the cloud 𝑽𝒄 = = = 𝟑𝑽 ; 𝑽𝒅 = = = 𝟑 𝑽
3 3 3 3
and the ground act as a parallel plate
(c) Energy stored in each capacitor ;
capacitor. If the electric field between the
1 1
cloud and ground exceeds the dielectric 𝑼𝒂 = 𝐶𝑎 𝑉𝑎2 = 𝑋 8 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 32 = 36 𝑋 10−6 𝐽 = 𝟑𝟔 𝝁 𝑱
breakdown of the air (3 × 106 Vm–1 ), 2 2
1 1
lightning will occur. 𝑼𝒃 = 𝐶𝑏 𝑉𝑏2 = 𝑋 6 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 32 = 27 𝑋 10−6 𝐽 = 𝟐𝟕 𝝁 𝑱
(a) If the bottom part of the cloud is 1000 m above the ground, determine 2 2
the electric potential difference that exists between the cloud and ground. 1 1
𝑼𝒄 = 𝐶𝑐 𝑉𝑐 2 = 𝑋 2 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 32 = 9 𝑋 10−6 𝐽 = 𝟗 𝝁 𝑱
(b) In a typical lightning phenomenon, around 25 C of electrons are 2 2
transferred from cloud to ground. How much electrostatic potential energy is 1 1
𝑼𝒅 = 𝐶𝑑 𝑉𝑑2 = 𝑋 8 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 32 = 36 𝑋 10−6 𝐽 = 𝟑𝟔 𝝁 𝑱
transferred to the ground? 2 2
Solution :- 𝑬 = 3 𝑋 106 𝑉 𝑚−1 ; 𝑑 = 1000 𝑚 ; 𝑞 = 25 𝐶 15. Capacitors P and Q have identical
(a) Formula for electric field ; 𝐸 =
𝑉 cross sectional areas A and
𝑑 separation d. The space between the
Hence the potential difference ; 𝑉 = 𝐸 𝑑 = 3 𝑋 106 𝑋 1000 = 𝟑 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝑽 capacitors is filled with a dielectric
(b) Since the electrostatic potential energy is the amount of work done, then of dielectric constant 𝜺𝒓 as shown in
𝑊 = 𝑞 𝑉 = 25 𝑋 3 𝑋 109 = 𝟕𝟓 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟗 𝑱 the figure. Calculate the capacitance
14. For the given capacitor configuration (a) Find the of capacitors P and Q.
charges on each capacitor (b) potential Solution :-
difference across them (c) energy stored in each
capacitor.
Solution :- 𝐶𝑎 = 8 𝜇𝐹 ; 𝐶𝑏 = 6 𝜇𝐹 ; 𝐶𝑐 = 2 𝜇𝐹 ;
𝐶𝑑 = 8 𝜇𝐹 ; 𝑉 = 9 𝑉
 Here, 𝐶𝑏 and 𝐶𝑐 are in parellel,
𝐶𝑏𝑐 = 𝐶𝑏 + 𝐶𝑐 = 6 + 2 = 8 𝜇 𝐹 (1) Capacitor 𝑷 : Here two capacitors are connected in parallel. They are,
 Effective capacitance of this series connection, 𝐴 𝐴
𝜀𝑜 [ ] 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑜 [ ]
1 1 1 1 3 8
𝐶1 = 2 = & 𝐶2 = 2 = 𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑜 𝐴
= + + = (𝑜𝑟) 𝐶𝑠 = 𝜇𝐹
𝐶𝑠 8 8 8 8 3 𝑑 2𝑑 𝑑 2𝑑
 Net charge on this series ciruit ;  Thus effective capacitance in parallel combination,
8 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 𝜺𝒐 𝑨
𝑄 = 𝐶𝑠 𝑉 = 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 9 = 𝟐𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝑪 𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 = + = (𝟏 + 𝜺𝒓 )
3 2𝑑 2𝑑 𝟐𝒅
(a) Charges on each capacitor : (2) Capacitor 𝑸 : Here two capacitors are connected in series. They are
 Since 𝐶𝑎 = 𝐶𝑏𝑐 = 𝐶𝑑 , potential difference across them also equal (i.e.) 𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 2 𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 2 𝜀𝑜 𝐴
𝐶1 = = & 𝐶2 = =
𝑉 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
𝑉𝑎 = 𝑉𝑏𝑐 = 𝑉𝑑 = =3𝑉 [ ] [ ]
3 2 2
 Thus charges on each capacitor ;  Thus effective capacitance in series combination,
𝒒𝒂 = 𝐶𝑎 𝑉𝑎 = 8 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 3 = 𝟐𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝑪 1 1 1 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 1 𝑑 1 + 𝜀𝑟
= + = + = [ + 1] = [ ]
𝒒𝒃 = 𝐶𝑏 𝑉𝑏𝑐 = 6 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 3 = 𝟏𝟖 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝑪 𝐶𝑄 𝐶1 𝐶2 2 𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 2 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 2 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 𝜀𝑟 2 𝜀𝑜 𝐴 𝜀𝑟
𝒒𝒄 = 𝐶𝑐 𝑉𝑏𝑐 = 2 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 3 = 𝟔 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝑪 𝟐 𝜺𝒐 𝑨 𝜺𝒓
∴ 𝑪𝑸 = [ ]
𝒒𝒅 = 𝐶𝑑 𝑉𝑑 = 8 𝑋 10−6 𝑋 3 = 𝟐𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝑪 𝒅 𝟏 + 𝜺𝒓
victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
6. Ordinary rubber is an insulator. But the special rubber tyres of aircrafts are
UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS made slightly conducting. Why is this necessary?
1. When glass rod is rubbed with silk, both acquire charges. What is the source  During landing, the tyres of aircraft may get highly charged due to friction
of their electrification between tyres and the air strip.
 Before rubbing both objects are electrically neutral.  If the tyres are non - conducting, the accumulation of static electricity may
 For the electrification of a body, only electrons are responsible produce spark and result in fire.
 During rubbing glass rod with silk, some electrons are transferred from glass to  Since the tyres are made slightly conduting, they will lose the charge to the
silk and hence glass acquires positive charge (deficit of electrons) and silk earth and the landing is quite safe.
acquires negative charge (excess of electrons) 7. Vehicle carrying inflammable material usually have a metallic chains or ropes
 So both acquire charges due to frictional electrification. touching the ground during motion. Why?
2. Two identical metallic spheres of exactly equal masses are taken. One is given  When vehicle moves through air, they get charged due to friction. Charge will
a positive charge ‘q’ coulomb and other and equal negative charge. Are their be developed on the tyres also.
masses after charging are equal?  If the charge is sufficient, they will produce spark. The vapour which escapes
 No from the inflammable materials carried by the vehicle may catch fire.
 The positive charge of a body is due to deficit of electrons while the negative  To prevent this, metallic ropes touching the ground was suspended. Through
charge is due to surplus of electorns. this conducting metal, the charge flows to the earth.
 Hence the mass of negatively charged sphere will be slightly more than that of 8. An inflated balloon is charged by rubbing with fur. Will it stick readily to a
the positively charged sphere. conducting wall or to an insulating wall? Give reason.
3. Can two conductor having like charges on them attract each other? If yes, how?  When the negatively charged inflated balloon brought near to a wall, it will
 Yes . They can do so if the charge on one is much larger than that on the other. induces opposite type of charges on the wall and due to force of attraction it
 In that case, the charge of opposite nature is induced on second body is much will stick on the wall.
larger. This induced charge produces a resultant charge of opposite nature  It will stick readily to the conducting wall, since it induces equal amount of
after neutralizing the original charge on second body. opposite charge on the conducting wall and much snaller charge on insulating
 After neutralization the two bodies carry ulike charges and hence attracts each wall.
other.  So a large force of attraction acts between the balloon and the conducting wall.
4. An ebonite rod held in hand can be charged by rubbing with flannel, but a 9. Is it possible to produce high voltage on our body without getting a shock?
copper rod cannot be charged like this. Why?  Yes, possible. If we stand on an insulating surface or wearing shoes with
 Ebonite rod is insulating material. So whatever charge appears on it due to insulating soles and touch the live wire of high power supply, a high potential
rubbing stays on it. (high voltage) is developed on our body without causing any shock.
 On the other hand, copper is a good conductor. Any charge developed on it  Because potential difference between the body and the live wire is zero and
flows to the earth through our body which is also a conductor. So copper rod hence no current will flows through our body.
cannot be charged by holding it by our hand. 10. What does 𝒒𝟏 + 𝒒𝟐 = 𝟎 signify in electrostatics? or Two charges 𝒒𝟏 and 𝒒𝟐
5. A comb run through one’s dry hair attracts small bits of paper. Why? What separated by a small distance satisfy the equation 𝒒𝟏 + 𝒒𝟐 = 𝟎 . What does it
happens if the hair is wet or if it is a rainy day? tell about the charges?
 When the comb runs through dry hair, it gets charged (electrification) by friction  This equation signifies that the additive nature of charges.
 When the charged comb is brought near to the bits of paper, opposite nature of  Here the given two charges are equal in magnitude but opposite in nature.
charges are induced on the of paper, resulting in a net force of attraction. 11. Can a body have a charge of 𝟎. 𝟖 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟗 𝑪 . Justify your answer by comment.
 Wet hair is a conductor or if it is a rainy day the humid air is more conductive  According to quantisation of charge, in nature the charge on any body is always
then dry air. So the charge goes out of comb and hence it will not attracts paper an integral multiple of a basic charge or electronic charge ‘e’ . (i.e.) 𝑞 = 𝑛 𝑒
bits.
victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
𝑞 0.8 𝑋 10−19 1 17. Two electrically charged particles having charges of different magnitude,
 Here, 𝑛 = = = = 0.5 = 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟
𝑒 1.6 𝑋 10−19 2 when placed at a distance ‘d’ from each other, experience a force of attraction
 So a body cannot have a charge 𝟎. 𝟖 𝑿 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟗 𝑪 ‘F’. These two particles are put in contact and again placed at the same
12. If the distance between two equal point charges is doubled and their individual distance from each other. What is the nature of new force between them? Is
charges are also doubled, what would happen to the force between them? the magnitude of the force on interaction between them now more or less
 According to Coulomb’s law, the magnitude of electrostic force is than F ?
1 𝑞𝑋𝑞  When the two charged particles are put in contact, they share the difference of
𝐹= − − − − − − − − − − − − − (1)
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 charge identically and they become like chaged particles.
 Now q → 2q and r → 2r , then the force becomes,  Since their magnitude of charges decreases after contact, the two particles
1 2𝑞𝑋2𝑞 1 4 𝑋 𝑞 𝑋𝑞 1 𝑞𝑋𝑞
𝐹𝟏 = = = =𝐹 repels each other with a force less than ‘F’
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (2𝑟)2 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 4 𝑋 𝑟 2 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2 18. What is the need of introducing the concept of electric field?
 Hence the force will remains the same.  Let a point chage is kept at a point in space. If another point charge is placed at
13. How does the force between two point charges change, if the dielectric some distance, it experience either attractive or repulsive force.
constant (relative permitivity) of the medium in which they are kept  Here how does the second charge know about the existance of the first charge
increases? Give an example. which is located at some distance away from it. To answer it Michael Farady
 According to Coulomb’s law, the magnitude of electrostic force in vacuum is introduced the ‘concept of field’.
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
𝐹=  According to Faraday, every charge in the universe creates an electric field in
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2
the surrounding space and if another charge is brought into its field, it will
 The magnitude of electrostic force in a medium of permittivity ‘𝜀 ’ is
interact with the electric field at that point will experience a force.
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 1 𝑞1 𝑞2 𝐹
𝐹𝑚 = 2
= 2
=  Simillarly the interaction of two massed can be explained by the conept of
4𝜋𝜀 𝑟 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 𝑟 𝜀𝑟
gravitational field.
 So if the dielectric constant ‘𝜀𝑟 ′ of the medium increases, the force between the
 Thus field concept is required to explain and determine the force on a charge
two charges decreases.
or mass
Example :
19. An electron and a proton are kept in the same electric field. Will they
 The dielectric constant (relative permittivity) of water is 𝜀𝑟 = 80 . So the
experience same force and have same acceleration?
strength of the force between the two charges in water is reduced by 80 times
 Both electron and proton have same amount of charge and hence both will
compared to the force between the same two charges in vacuum.
experience force of same magnitude (i.e.) 𝑭 = 𝒆 𝑬 , when they placed in same
14. Water acts as a good solvent. Why?
electric field (E)
 The dielectric constant (relative permittivity) of water is 𝜀𝑟 = 80 . When
 But the mass of the proton is 1836 times that of an electron (i.e.) 𝑚𝑝 = 1836 𝑚𝑒
common salt (NaCl) is taken in water, the electrostatic force of attraction
Hence acceleration experienced by the proton is.
between Na+ and Cl- ions is reduced by 80 times due to the high relative
𝐹 𝐹 1
permittivity of water. This is the reason of water acts as a good solvent. 𝑎𝑝 = = = 𝑎
𝑚𝑝 1836 𝑚𝑒 1836 𝑒
15. The dilelectric constant of water is 80. What is its permittivity? 1
 Permitivity of the medium,  So proton acceleration will be times that of the electron.
1836
𝜀 = 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 = 8.854 𝑋 10−12 𝑋 80 = 7.083 𝑋 10−19 𝐶 2 𝑁 −1 𝑚−2 20. The electric line of force tend to contract lengthwise and expand laterally.
16. Give an example to illustrate that electrostatic forces are much stronger than What do they indicate?
gravitational forces.  The length wise contraction indicates attraction between unlike charges, while
 A charged glass rod or a charged rubber can lift a piece of paper against the lateral expansion indicates repulsion between like charges.
gravitational pull of the earth on this piece. This shows that the electrostatic
force on the piece of paper is much greater than the gravitational force on it.

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
21. A point charge placed at any point on the axis of an electric dipole at some  If the pairs (2 - 3) is positively charged, then the pair (4 - 5) is negatively
large distance experiences a force ‘F’. What will be the force acting on the charged or vice versa.
point charge when its distance from the dipole is doubled?  Here the ball 1 is attracted both by ball 2 and 4 separately (i.e.) by both kind of
 The electric field at a point on the axis of the dipole at a distance ‘r’ from its mid charges. Hence the ball 1 is neutral
1 2𝑝 26. Distinguish between electric charge and mass.
point is, 𝐸=
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 3
 Electric charge can be positive, negative or zero
 If a charge ‘q’ is placed at that point, it experience a force, But mass is always positive
1 2𝑝
𝐹=𝐸𝑞= 𝑞  Electric charge is always quantized.
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 3
But quantisation of mass is yet not established.
 When 𝑟 → 2 𝑟 , the new force becomes,
 Charge on a body does not change with its speed.
1 2𝑝 1 2𝑝 𝐹
𝐹1 = 𝑞 = 𝑞= Mass of a body increases with its speed.
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (2 𝑟)3 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 8 𝑟 3 8
𝐹
 Electric charge is always conserved.
 (i.e.) when the distance of the point charge is doubled, the force reduces to Mass is not conserved by itself as it can be changed in to energe and vice versa
8
22. A thin spherical shell carries a charge ‘Q’ on its surface. A point charge ‘Q/2’ is 27. A spherical rubber balloon carries a charge that is uniformly distributed over
placed at its centre ‘O’ and another charge ‘2Q’ is placed outside. If all the its surface. As the balloon is blown up, how does ‘E’ vary for point (i) inside the
charges are positive, what will be the force on the charge at the centre? balloon, (ii) on the surface of the balloon and (iii) outside the balloon
 Force on the charge at the centre is Zero.  According to Gauss theorem,
 Because, electric field inside a charged spherical shell is zero. So no force act on (i) For points inside the charged balloon (shell) is zero. (i.e.) 𝐸 = 0
the charge place inside the shell. (ii) As the balloon up, its surface area (A) increases and hence surface charge
𝑞 𝜎
23. What is the number of electric lines of force that radiate outwards from 1 C of density (𝜎 = ) decreases. So the field (𝐸 = ) on its surface decreases.
𝐴 𝜀𝑜
charge in vacuum? 1 𝑞
(iii) For points outside the balloon, the field is 𝐸 = . As the balloon
 According to Gauss theorem, when a charge ‘q’ is surrounded by a closed surface, 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2
then the total electric flux through the closed surface (i.e.) total number of blown up, the charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface remains same. So E
𝑄𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 does not change.
electric lines of force radiated outwards from the charge ‘q’ is, Φ𝐸 =
𝜀𝑜
28. Wht is meant by the statement that the electric field of a point charge has
 If 𝑄𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 = 1 𝐶 , then number of lines of force that radiate outwards from ‘q’ is
spherical symmentry, whereas that of an electric dipole is cylindrically
1
Φ𝐸 = = 4 𝜋 𝑋 9 𝑋 109 = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟑 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟏 symmentric?
𝜀𝑜 1 𝑞
24. An arbitrary surface encloses a dipole. What is the electric flux through this  ⃗ =
The electric field due to a point charge ‘q’ at a distance ‘r’ is 𝐸 𝑟̂ .
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2
surface? ⃗ will be same at all points on the surface of a sphere of
Clearly the magnitude of 𝐸
 Two equal and unlike charges separated by a small distance constitute a dipole.
radius ‘r’ drawn around the point charge and not depends on the direction of 𝑟̂
 So the total charge of a dipole is zero. By Gauss theorem, the electric flux
Hence the field due to a point charge is spherically symmentric.
through the closed surface is zero . (i.e.) Φ𝐸 = 0
 Electric field at a distance ‘r’ on the equatorial line of an electric dipole of dipole
25. Five balls numbered 1 to 5 are suspended using separate threads. Pairs 1 𝑝
(1 - 2), (2 - 4) and (4 - 1) shows electrostatic attraction, while pairs (2 - 3) and
⃗ =−
moment ‘p’ is given by 𝐸 𝑝̂ . The electric field ‘E’ is same
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 (𝑟 2 + 𝑎2 )3/2
(4 - 5) shows repulsion. What is the value of charge on ball 1? in all points which lie on a cylinder of radius ‘r’, with its axis on the dipole axis
 Repulsion is the surest test of electrification of the object. So balls 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the field pattern looks same in all planes passing through the dipole axis.
are electrically charged. Hence the field on an electric dipole is cylindrically symmentric.
 Here pairs (2 - 3) and (4 - 5) are similarly charged.
 As pair (2 - 4) shows attraction, the balls 2 and 4 are oppositely charged.

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
29. No two lines of force intersect each other. Why? 35. ‘n’ small drops of same size are charged to ‘V’ volt each. If they coalesce to
 The tangent to the line of force gives the direction of electric field. form a single large drop, what will be the potential of large drop?
 If the two lines of force intersect, at the point of intersection the resultant  Let ‘q’ be the charge on each small drop of radius ‘r’. The electric potential of
electric intensity will have two different directions, which is impossible. Hence 1 𝑞
each drop is 𝑉 =
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟
two lines of force never intersect each other.
 Although ‘n’ drops coalesce together to form a single drop of radius ‘R’ , the
30. A bird perches on a bare high - power line and nothing happens to the bird. A
volume of sigle large drop is equal to sum of the volume of ‘n’ drops. Hence
man standing on the ground touches the same line and gets a fatal shock.
4 4
Why? 𝜋 𝑅3 = 𝑛 𝜋 𝑟3 (𝑜𝑟) 𝑅3 = 𝑛 𝑟 3 (𝑜𝑟) 𝑅 = 𝑛1/3 𝑟
3 3
 When a bird perches on the high power line, its body is at the same voltage as  The total charge on large drop (by additive law), 𝑄 = 𝑛 𝑞
the live wire. Since there is no potential difference between bird and wire, no  Then the potential of the large drop is,
current passes through the bird. So nothing will happen and the bird feel free. 1 𝑄 1 𝑛𝑞 1 𝑞
 When a man standing on earth touchs the same line, large potential diffence 𝑉1 = = = 𝑛2/3 [ ] = 𝑛2/3 𝑉
4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑅 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑛1/3 𝑟 4 𝜋 𝜀𝑜 𝑟
developed between his hand and feet. So large current flows through his body
36. What is the difference between potential at a point and potential energy of a
and hence he gets a fatal shock.
charge at that point?
 But if the man wears shoes with insulating soles or standing in isulating surface,
 Electric potential at any point in an electric fleld is defined as the amount of
he will not get a shock.
work done in moving a unit positive charge from infinity to that point against
31. Is the electrostatic potential necessarily zero at a point where the electric field
the field. Its unit is volt (V) or joule/coulomb (J/C)
strength is zero. Give an example to illustrate your answer.
 But Electric potential energy at that point is defined as the amount of work done
 No
in moving the charge from infinity to that point against the field. Its unt is joule (J)
 For example, the electric field intensity at a point mid way between two equal
37. What is the amount of work done in displacing a charge of 1 C through a
like charges is zero. But the electrostatic potential at same point is twice that
distance of 1 m along the equipotential surface of potential ‘V’
due to a single charge.
 Since there is no potential difference between any two points of an equipotential
32. Is electrostatic potential is scalar or a vector quantity? Give its dimensional
surface, no amount of work is done in displacing any amount of charge through
formula?
any distance along the equipotential surface. (i.e.) 𝑊 = 𝑞 (𝑉 − 𝑉) = 0
 Since the electrostatic potential is work done per unit charge, it is a scalar
38. What is electrostatic shielding?
quantity.
 When a solid or hollow conductor is placed in an electric field, electric field
 The dimensional formula for electrostatic potential is,
intensiy inside is zero. Therefore any charge placed inside it does not
𝑊 𝐹𝑆 [𝑀 𝐿 𝑇 −2 ] [ 𝐿 ]
𝑉= = = = [𝑴 𝑳𝟐 𝑻−𝟑 𝑨−𝟏 ] experience a force and hence is said to be shielded from the electric field. This
𝑞 𝐼𝑡 [𝐴][𝑇]
phenomenon is called electrostatic shielding.
33. How can you transfer the whole of the charge on a conductor to another one?
39. What is the dielectric constant of a good conductor?
 If we place the given charged conductor inside a hollow conductor and connect
 Infinite.
the two together, whole of the charge will be transferred to the hollow
 Dielectric constant of a medium is defined as the ratio between electrice field in
conductor, since the charge tends to reside on the outer surface.
vacuum to the reduced electric field inside the medium.
34. Can two equipotential surfaces intersect each other?
 Since the field inside a conductor is zero, the dielectric constant of the
 Direction of lines of forces is always perpendicular to the equipotential surface.
conductor is infinite.
If the two equipotential surfaces intersect each other, we can draw two
40. The two charged conductors are touched mutully and then separated. What
perpendiculars at the common point of intersection indicating the possibility of
will be the charge on them?
two directions of electric field intensity, which is obviously not possible. Hence
 When the charged conductors touch each other, there occur distribution of
no two equipotential surfaces can intersect each other.
charges between them until they acquire same potential.

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
 We know that , 𝑞 = 𝐶 𝑉 46. A battery is connected to a capacitor and then a dielectric slab is kept between
 Since V is constant, ‘q’ is directly proportional to ‘C’. So the charge on them will the plates. What is the change in the charge, the capacitance, the potential
be divided in the ratio of their capacitances. difference, the electric field and the stored energy?
 Dielectric is inserted when battery is connected, then the potential difference
41. The plates of charged capacitors are connected to a voltmeter. If the plates of
(𝑉𝑜 ) is constant and hence electric field intensity (𝐸𝑜 ) remains constant. But
the capacitors are separated further, what will be the effect on the reading of (i) Charge increases : 𝑄 = 𝜀𝑟 𝑄𝑜
the voltmeter? 𝑄 𝜀 𝑄
𝑞 𝜀𝑜 𝐴
(ii) Capacitance increases : 𝐶= = 𝑟 𝑜 = 𝜀𝑟 𝐶𝑜
𝑉𝑜 𝑉𝑜
 The capacitance of parallel plate capacitor is, 𝐶 = = 1 1
𝑉 𝑑
(iii) Stored energy also increases : 𝑈 = 2 𝐶 𝑉𝑜2 = 2 𝜀𝑟 𝐶𝑜 𝑉𝑜2 = 𝜀𝑟 𝑈𝑜
 As the separation between the plates (d) increases, capacitance (C) decreases
 Dielectric is inserted when the battery is disconnected, then the charge remains
 Since the charge (q) remains the same, value of voltage (V) increases. Hence the
constant (𝑄𝑜 ) . But
reading of the voltmeter will increase. 𝐸
(i) Electric field intensity decreases : 𝐸 = 𝑜
42. How does a spark discharge occur between two charged objects? 𝜀𝑟
𝐸𝑜 𝑉𝑜
 The air between the two charged objects is subjected to an electric field. (ii) Potential difference decreases : 𝑉=𝐸𝑑= 𝑑=
𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑟
 If this electric field (potential gradient) in the intervening air column becomes 𝑄𝑜 𝜀 𝑄
(iii) Capacitance increases : 𝐶=
𝑉
= 𝑟𝑉 𝑜 = 𝜀𝑟 𝐶𝑜
high enough, the air is ionized and conducting path is formed for free electrons 𝑜
1 𝑄𝑜2 1 𝑄𝑜2 𝑈
which move across to discharge the surfaces. (iv) Stored energy decreases : 𝑈=
2 𝐶
= 2 𝜀𝑟 𝐶𝑜
= 𝜀𝑜
𝑟
 Stored electric potential energy is dissipated as heat, light and sound 47. Which is safe to remain inside the car or under tree during lighting?
43. Given solid metal sphere and a hollow metal sphere. Which will hold more  During lightning accompanied by an thunderstorm, it is always safer to sit
charge? Here both spheres are of same radius. inside a car or house than in open groun or under a tree.
 Both of the spheres will hold the same charge.  The metal body of the car or walls of the house provides electrostatic shielding
 It is because charge remains on the outer surface of a charged conductor since the electric field inside is zero
 Duing lightning, the charges flow through the body of the conductor or through
(whether solid or hollow) and the spheres have equal surface areas.
the walls of the house to the ground with no effect on the person inside the car
44. Two spheres of different capacitances are charged to different potentials. or house.
They are then joined by a wire. Will total energy increase, decrease or remains 48. Sometimes we notice that the ceiling fan does not start rotating as soon as it is
the same? switched on. But when we rotate the blades, it starts to rotate as usual. Why it
 The two spheres are at different potentials. Therefore , when they are is so?
connected by a wire, there will be redistribution of charge (i.e.) flow of charge  We know that to rotate any object, there must be a torque applied on the object.
For the ceiling fan, the initial torque is given by the capacitor widely known as a
through wire till the two sphrers attain the same potential
condenser. If the condenser is faulty, it will not give sufficient initial torque to
 Due to the flow of charge through the connecting wire, some energy will be lost rotate the blades when the fan is switched on.
as heat. 49. What principle is used in computer key board?
 Hence the total energy after connecting the spheres will decrease.  Computer keyboard keys are constructed using capacitors with a dielectric
45. Gauss theorem cannot be applied to find the electric field of a charged disc  When the key is pressed, the separation between the plates decreases leading to
and an electric dipole. Why? an increase in the capacitance. This in turn triggers the electronic circuits in the
 Gauss’law can applied to find the electric field of symmetric charge distributions computer to identify which key is pressed.
only. 50. A charged conical conductor loses its charge earlier than a similarly charged
 An electric dipole and a charged disc do not have sufficient symmetry. In these sphere. Why?
cases there is no simple surface over which normal component of ‘E’ is constant.  Surface charge density (charge per unit area) is inversely proportional to the
So Gauss law cannot be applied. radius of curvature of the charged conductor.
 So the surface charge density is high at pointed end and small at surface of large
radii. Due to action of points (corono discharge), the charge escapes into air.

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
NAME : EXAM NO 7. Two identical conducting balls having positive charges q1 and q2 are
separated by a centre to centre distance r. If they are made to touch each
Time - 2 : 30 hours UNIT - 1 ELECTOSTATICS Total - 60 marks other and then separated to the same distance,the force between them will be
(a) less than before (b) same as before
PART - I 10 X 1 = 10
(c) more than before (d) zero
Note : (i) Answer all the questions 8. Rank the electrostatic potential energies for the given system of charges in
(ii) Choose the best answer and write the option code and increasing order.
corresponding answer
1. Two identical point charges of magnitude –q are fixed as shown in the figure
below. A third charge +q is placed midway between the two charges at the
point P. Suppose this charge +q is displaced (a) 1 = 4 < 2 < 3 (b) 2 = 4 < 3 < 1 (c) 2 = 3 < 1 < 4 (d) 3 < 1 < 2 < 4
a small distance from the point P in the 9. An electric field 𝑬⃗ = 𝟏𝟎 𝒙 𝒊̂ exists in a certain region of space. Then the
directions indicated by the arrows, in which potential difference V = Vo – VA, (where Vo is the potential at the origin and
direction(s) will +q be stable with respect VA is the potential at x = 2 m ) is
to the displacement? (a) 10 V (b) –20 V (c) +20 V (d) –10 V
(a) A1 and A2 (b) B1 and B2 (c) both directions (d) 10. A thin conducting spherical shell of radius R has a charge Q which is
No stable uniformly distributed on its surface. The correct plot for electrostatic
2. Which charge configuration produces a uniform electric field? potential due to this spherical shell is
(a) point charge (b) uniformly charged infinite line
(c) uniformly charged infinite plane (d) uniformly charged spherical shell
𝒒
3. What is the ratio of the charges | 𝟏 | for the
𝒒𝟐
(a) (b) (c) (d)
following electric field line pattern? 11. Two points A and B are maintained at a potential of 7 V and - 4 V
1 25
(a) (b) respectively. The work done in moving 50 electrons from A to B is
5 11
11 (a) 8.80 𝑋 10−17 𝐽 (b) − 8.80 𝑋 10−17 𝐽
(c) 5 (d) −17
25 (c) 4.40 𝑋 10 𝐽 (d) 5.80 𝑋 10−17 𝐽
4. An electric dipole is placed at an alignment angle of 30 o with an electric 12. If voltage applied on a capacitor is increased from V to 2V, choose the
field of 2 × 105 NC–1. It experiences a torque equal to 8 N m. The charge on correct conclusion.
the dipole if the dipole length is 1 cm is (a) Q remains the same, C is doubled (b) Q is doubled, C doubled
(a) 4 mC (b) 8 mC (c) C remains same, Q doubled (d) Both Q and C remain same
(c) 5 mC (d) 7 mC 13. A parallel plate capacitor stores a charge Q at a voltage V. Suppose the area
5. Four Gaussian surfaces are given below with charges inside of the parallel plate capacitor and the distance between the plates are each
each Gaussian surface. Rank the electric flux through each doubled then which is the quantity that will change?
Gaussian surface in increasing order. (a) Capacitance (b) Charge
(a) D < C < B < A (b) A < B = C < D (c) Voltage (d) Energy density
(c) C < A = B < D (d) D > C > B > A 14. Three capacitors are connected in triangle as shown in the
figure. The equivalent capacitance between the points A
6. The total electric flux for the following closed surface which is kept inside and C is
water (a) 1 𝜇 𝐹 (b) 2 𝜇 𝐹
80 𝑞 𝑞 1
(a) (b) (c) 3 𝜇 𝐹 (d)
4
𝜇𝐹
𝜀0 40 𝜀0
𝑞 𝑞 15. Two metallic spheres of radii 1 cm and 3 cm are given charges of –1 × 10–2 C
(c) (d) and 5 × 10–2 C respectively. If these are connected by a conducting wire, the
80 𝜀0 160 𝜀0
final charge on the bigger sphere is
(a) 3 × 10–2 C (b) 4 × 10–2 C (c) 1 × 10–2 C (d) 2 × 10–2 C

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
Please Send your Materials, Guides & Question papers to [email protected] (or) Whatsapp - 9385336929
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12 PHYSICS UNIT - 1 ELECTROSTATICS COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL
PART - II 6 X 2 = 12
Note : (i) Answer any 6 of the following questions .
(ii) Question No. 23 is compulsory
16. State Coulomb’s law in electrostatics
17. Distinguish between Coulomb force and Gravitational force.
18. Define electric dipole moment. Give its unit.
19. Distinguish between potential difference and electric potential
20. State Gauss law.
21. What are called polar molecules? Give examples.
22. Define action of point or corona discharge.
23. A sample of HCl gas is placed in a uniform electric field of magnitude 3 × 104 N C–1. கல்விக்கு அழகு கசடற ம ொழிதல்
The dipole moment of each HCl molecule is 3.4 × 10–30 Cm. Calculate the maximum - குற்றமின்றி பபசுதபே கற்ற கல்விக்கு அழகு
torque experienced by each HCl molecule.
கற்கக நன்பற கற்கக நன்பற, ஐயம் புகினும் கற்கக நன்பற -
PART - III 6 X 3 = 18
பிச்கச எடுத்தொவது கல்வி கற்பது நல்ேது
Note : (i) Answer any 5 of the following questions .
(ii) Question No. 24 is compulsory
கல்ேொ ஒருவன் குேநேம் பபசுதல் மநல்லினுள் பிறந்த பதர்
24. Discuss the basic properties of electric charge.
25. List the properties of electric lines of force.
ஆகுப -
26. Derive an expression for torque experienced by an electric dipole placed in the கல்வியறிவில்ேொதவன் தன் குேப்மபருக பபசுவது மநல்லுக்கு
uniform electric field. நடுபவ பதொன்றும் குப்கபச் மசடிகயப் பபொன்றது
27. Derive an expression for capacitance of parallel plate capacitor.
28. Give the applications and disadvantage of capacitors எக்குடி பிறப்பினும் யொவபே ஆயினும் அக்குடியிற் கற்பறொகே
29. Write a note on microwave oven. ப ல்வருக என்பர் -
30. Dielectric strength of air is 3 × 106 V m–1. Suppose the radius of a hollow sphere கற்றவர்கள் எந்த குடியில் பிறந்தவர்களொக இருந்தொலும், அவர்ககள
in the Van de Graff generator is R = 0.5 m, calculate the maximum potential ற்ற கற்றவர்கள் ப பே வேபவற்று ஏற்றுக்மகொள்வொகள்
difference created by this Van de Graaff generator.
வெற்றி வெற்கை (நறுந்வ ொகை) - அதிவீர ரொம பொண்டியன்
PART - IV 3 X 5 = 15
Note : (i) Answer all the questions
31. Calculate the electric field due to a dipole on its axial line.
(OR)
Obtain an expression for electric field due to an infinitely long charged wire.
32. Derive the expression for resultant capacitance, when capacitors are connected in
series and in parallel.
(OR)
Derive an expression for electro static potential due to electric dipole.
33. Explain in detail the effect of dielectric placed in a parallel plate capacitor when
the capacitor is disconnected from the battery.
(OR)
Explain in detail the construction and working of Van de Graff generator.

victory R. SARAVANAN. M.Sc., M.Phil., B.Ed PG ASST [PHYSICS], GBHSS, PARANGIPETTAI - 608 502
Please Send your Materials, Guides & Question papers to [email protected] (or) Whatsapp - 9385336929