Electric Charges and

Fields

Solved Examples Of Session 1.1

1. Two charge configurations ‘a’ and ‘b’ are given in fig. 1. Which one of them
is correct and why?

Fig.1
Sol: Charge configuration ‘a’ is correct because amount of a charge on a body can
only exist as integral multiple of electric charge. It is not possible to have
continuous charge on the body as given in ‘b’ configuration.
2. Can a body have a charge of 0.8 × 10-19C? Justify your answer. [1 mark]
Sol: We know that charge is quantised. Hence, q=ne.

⟹
Since, n is not an integer, hence body cannot have charge of 0.8 × 10-19C.
3. Two identical metallic spherical shells A and B having charges +4Q and -10Q are kept a certain distance apart. A
third identical uncharged sphere C is first placed in contact with sphere A and then with sphere B, then spheres A
and B are brought in contact and then separated. Find the charge on the spheres A and B.[Outside Delhi 2011]
[3 marks]
Sol: When two identical spheres are brought in contact and moved apart, then both of have them will have equal charge
and equal to average of initial charge on them.
Here, charges on A, B and C are represented as follows:
A B C
Initially +4Q –10Q 0
After A and C are made in
–10Q
contact

After B and C are made in contact 2Q

After A and B are made in

–4Q
contact
 Hence, final charge on A = –Q and on B = –Q
4. How can you charge a metal sphere positively without touching it? [Textbook] [2 marks]
Sol: To charge an uncharged metal sphere positively, we will bring a negatively charged rod near one end of the sphere .
Because of this, the sphere will become polarised i.e. all the positive charges will be pulled on near face w.r.t. to
the rod and the negative charges will be pushed away to the far face of the metal sphere w.r.t. the metal sphere.
Negative charges are transferred to the ground (or earthed) by connecting a wire with the ground to the side where
these charges are accumulated. When all the negative charges are transferred, the wire is disconnected. Hence the
sphere will only be left with positive charge. Thus the sphere is positively charged without touching it.

Steps to charge a metal sphere positively without touching it are given in Fig.2.
5. How can two like charges attract each other? [1 mark]
Sol: If one charge is larger than other, the body with larger charge induces equal and opposite charge on the nearer end
of the body with smaller charge. This opposite induced charge on the smaller charge body exceeds the small like
charge initially present on the body with smaller charge. Hence net force is attractive.
6. How does a positively charged glass rod attract a neutral piece of paper? [1 mark]
Sol: The +vely charged rod induces –ve charge on the closer end and +ve charge on the farther end of paper. The rod
thus exerts greater attraction than repulsion since –ve charge is closer.
7. How much positive and negative charge is there in a cup of water? [Textbook] [2 marks]
Sol: Let us assume that the mass of one cup of water is 250g. The molecular mass of water is 18g. Thus, one mole (=
6.02×1023 molecules) of water in 18g. Therefore, the number of molecules in one cup of water is

Each molecule of water contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, i.e. 10 electrons and 10 protons.
Hence the total positive and total negative charge has the same magnitude.

It is equal to .
8. A polythene piece rubbed with wool is found to have a negative charge of 3 × 10 -7 C. (a) Estimate the number of
electrons transferred (from which to which?) (b) Is there a transfer of mass from wool to polythene?
[2 marks]
–7 –19
Sol: Given, q = 3 × 10 C e = 1.6 × 10 C
(a) The number of the electron, (b) Yes, mass of electron is transferred.
The charge is quantized, q = ne We know that, m = 9.1 × 10–31 kg
The transfer of mass, M = nm
M = 1.875 × 1012 × 9.1 × 10–31
n=
M = 17.0 × 10–19 kg
n = 1.875 × 1012 electrons

Page 2
 Solved Examples Of Session 1.2

9. What happens to Coulombic force between two point charges when placed in a medium of dielectric constant K?
Hence, explain why water is a great solvent? [1 mark]
Sol:
The Coulombian force F between two charges becomes when the two charges are brought in a medium of
dielectric constant K. Dielectric constant for water is 81; so force between cations and anions reduces to 1/81
times, thus cations and anions get dissociated. That's why water is such great solvent for ionic compounds.

Page 3
10. Compare the strength of Coulombic and Gravitational force by determining the ratio of their magnitudes
(i) for an electron and a proton, (ii) for two protons and (iii) for two electrons. [Textbook] [2 marks]
Sol: Gm1 m2
We know that, gravitational force between two bodies is given by, F G = 2 and electrostatic force between
r
k q1 q 2
two bodies is given by, F E= 2 .
r
Substituting values of m p= 1.67 × 10-27kg, me = 9.11 × 10-31kg, qp= qe= 1.6 × 10-19C, we get,
Ratio of gravitational force and electrostatic force between (i) One proton and one electron 10 –39, (ii) Two
protons is 10–36 (iii)Two electrons is 10 –43. Hence, electrostatic force is very strong as compared to gravitational
force.
11. What is the value of εr for metal? [1 mark]
Sol: Value of εr for metal is infinite (∞ ).
12.
Plot a graph showing the variation of Coulomb force (F) versus where r is the distance between the two
charges of each pair of charges: (1μC, 2μC) and (2μC, – 3μC). Interpret the graphs obtained.
[Compartment 2011, Outside Delhi 2011] [2 marks]
Sol:
Fig 3(a) and 3(b) are the graphs for F v/s for charges (1μC, 2μC) and
(2μC, –3μC) respectively. The slope of the graph indicates the value of
kq1q2 (greater is the product, greater is the strength of the force)for
constant values of charge q1 and q2.
Since, for charges (2μC, – 3μC) product of charges is greater, hence its
slope is greater. Fig.3 (a) Fig.3 (b)
Note: Repulsive forces are drawn in first quadrant and attractive
forces are drawn in fourth quadrant.
13. A chargeq is placed at the centre of the line joining two equal charge Q
separated by ‘a’ distance as shown in Fig 4. Show that the system of three
charges will be in equilibrium if q = – Q/4.
[Outside Delhi 2013] [2 marks] Fig. 4
Sol: For the system to be in equilibrium, ⃗
Fnet = 0 on any one of the charges. Let us consider charge Q on left side.
kqQ
4 kqQ
Let force on Q due to q be F1= a 2 = 2
( ) a
2
2
kQ
And due to Q be F2 = 2
a
Here, Fnet = F1 + F2
4 kqQ k Q2
0 = 2 + 2
a a

= 2 ⟹ –4q=Q ⟹ q = – Q/4 Hence Proved.

2
4 kqQ kQ
– 2
a a

Page 4
14. Two point charges 2μC and -8μC are placed 1m apart from each other. Where should the third charge -3μC be
placed so that net force on -3μC is zero? [2 marks]
Sol: Let the neutral point be x m away from 2μC charge as shown in fig 9.
Net Force on -3μC charge = F–32 + F–3–8 = 0
−6 −6 −6 −6
k (−3 ×10 )(2× 10 ) k (−3 × 10 )(−8 ×10 )
⟹ + =0 Fig.5
x
2
(1+ x )2
2 8
⟹ 2= 2
x (1+ x )
⟹ (1 + x)2 = 4x2
⟹ 1 + x2 + 2x = 4x2
⟹ 3x2 -2x -1 = 0
⟹ 3x2 – 3x + x – 1 = 0
⟹(3x + 1) (x – 1)=0
⟹ x = –1/3m, 1m
Thus, at distance 1 m away from 2μC charge, net force on -3μC
charge is zero. Here, 1/3m is ignored as neutral point cannot be
between opposite charges.
15. Consider three charges q1, q2, q3 each equal to q at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side l. What is the force
on a charge Q (with the same sign as q) placed at the centroid of the triangle?[DPS] [2 marks]
Sol: Hint: Total force acting on a given charge is equal to the vector sum of
forces exerted on it by all the other charges.
Step 1 : Calculate magnitude and direction of force by chargeq1, q2, q3
force due to charge on another charge is given by columb’s law

F= along the direction of line joining q1 and q2

Not in the given problem
ABC is an equilateral triangle and O is it’s centroid
OA = OB = OC Fig.6
From figure

BD =

OCD =
In triangle OCD

 = cosOCD = cos 30° =

OC = DC
Force on Q due to q1

F1 = in the direction of AO

F1 =

Similarly F2= ; along BO

Page 5
 F3= ; along CO
Magnitude of F1 = F2 = F3 = F
Step 2 : Find the direction and magnitude resultant force.
The resultant Force of F2 and F3 can be found by parallelogram law Angle
between F2 and F3 is 120° (from fig)
magnitude of F1 = F2 = F3 = F

F' =
Direction of the resultant will be along OA (from fig)
Now the resultant of F' and F1
they are opposite in direction and equal in magnitude
the resultant of the forces = F1 – F' = F – F = 0
Hence the net force on a charge Q = 0 N
16. Consider the charges q, q, and –q placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle ABC respectively. What is the
force on each charge? [2 marks]
Sol: The forces acting on charge -q at C due to charges q at Band q at A are F12
along BA and F13 along AC respectively, as shown in Fig. 7.
2
kq
Here, F31 = F32 = F = 2 [By Coulomb’s Law]
l
Angle between F32 and F31 is 600.
Hence, by parallelogram law, net force at C is,
F3 = √ F2 + F 2+ 2 ( F ) ( F ) cos 60 Fig. 7

√
= F2 + F 2+ 2 ( F ) ( F ) (1/2)
= √ F2 + F 2+ F 2

F3 = √ 3F =
√3 k q2
2
l
For charge at A and B,
The forces are shown by F13 and F12 for charge at A and by F23 and F21 for
charge at B.
2
kq
Here, F12 = F13 = F23 = F21 = F = 2 [By Coulomb’s Law]
l
Now, angle between F12 and F13is 1200 and between F23 and F21 is 1200.
Hence, by parallelogram law, net force at A and B is,
F1 = F2 = √ F2 + F 2+ 2 ( F ) ( F ) cos 120
√
= F2 + F 2+ 2 ( F ) ( F ) (−1 /2)
= √ F2 + F 2−F 2
2
kq
F1 = F2 = F = 2
l

Force on charge at C is
√3 k q2 and on charges at A and B is k q2 .
2 2
l l

Page 6
17. The sum of two point charge is 7µC. They repel each other with a force of 1N when kept 30cm apart in free space.
Calculate the value of each charge? [2 marks]
Sol: Let two point charges have charge q1 and q2.
Hence, q1 + q2 = 7 × 10-6→①
k q1 q 2
Now, by Coulomb’s law, F = 2 . Hence,
r

⟹1=
9
(9 × 10 ) q 1 q 2
2
( 0.3)
⟹ q1q2 = 10-11 or 10 × 10-12
From ①,
⟹ q1 (7 × 10-6 - q1) = 10 × 10-12
⟹ q12 – 7 × 10-6q1 + 10 × 10-12 = 0
On solving, we get,
⟹ q1 = 5 × 10-6C or 2 × 10-6C
Hence, q2 = 2 × 10-6C or 5 × 10-6C.
The two charges are 5 × 10-6C and 2×10-6C.
18. Four point charges 2µC, –5µC, 2µC and 5µC are placed at the four corner of A, B, C and D of a square
respectively. If each side of square being 10cm, what is the force on a charge 1µC placed at the centre of square?
[2 marks]
Sol: In fig, the forces by 2µC, -5µC, 2µC and 5µC on 1µC are shown by F 21, F-51,
F21 and F51.
As can be seen, force due to 2µC charges are equal and opposite. Hence, they
cancel out each other.
Also, force due to -5μC and 5μC are in the same direction.
Hence, they add up.
Distance between 5μC and 1μC charge is (Diagonal)/2.

Hence, r =
√2(0.1) = 0.1 m
2 √2
Thus, Fig. 8
9 −6 −6
(9 × 10 )(5 × 10 )(1× 10 )
Fnet= 2 × 0.1 2
( )
√2
Fnet= 18N
Net force acting on 1μC charge is 18N.
19. Two opposite corners of a square of length ‘a’ carry charge Q and the other two opposite corners of the square
carry q charge each. If the resultant force on Q is zero, how are Q and q related?
Sol: Forces acting on charge Q are shown in fig.
k q1 q 2
By Coulomb’s law, F = 2 .
r
2
kqQ kQ
Hence, FqQ= 2 and F QQ = 2 [Length of diagonal = √ 2a]
a 2a
Here, forces FqQ & FqQ are perpendicular to each other.

√ √2 kqQ
2 2
kqQ kqQ
Hence, their resultant is given by, F = ( ) +( ) = Fig. 9
a
2
a
2
a2
Now, F and FQQ are in same direction.

Thus, net force on Q is Fnet =

√ 2 kqQ k Q2
+
a2 2a
2

Page 7
 But, Fnet= 0

⟹
√2 kqQ + k Q2 = 0
a2 2a
2

⟹√ 2 =
2 kqQ −k Q 2
2
a 2a
⟹ Q = –2√ 2q
 Q = –2√ 2q
20. Consider two identical spheres P and Q with charges q on each repel each other with a force F. A third sphere R of
the same size but uncharged is successively brought in contact with the two spheres. What is the new force of
repulsion between P and Q ? [Delhi 2011] [2 marks]
Sol: Here, charges on P, Q and R are represented as follows:
P Q R
Initially +Q +Q 0

After P and R are made in contact +Q

After Q and R are made in

Q/2
contact

Here, by Coulomb’s law, F = , where r is the distance between P and Q.

After contact with R, force on P and Q becomes,
Q 3Q
k(
)( ) 3 k Q2 3 F
F’ = 2 4 = = .
2 8 r2 8
r
3F
The new force of repulsion is .
8
21. Three point charges of +2µC, -3µC and -3µC are kept at the vertices A, B and C respectively of an equilateral
triangle of side 20 cm. What should be the sign and magnitude of the charge to be placed at the midpoint (O) of
side BC so that the charge at A remains in equilibrium? [3 marks]
Sol: The forces on charges are shown in fig.
9 −6 −6
(9 × 10 )(3 × 10 )(2 ×10 )
Here, FAB = FBC = F =
(0.2)2
Angle between FAB and FBC is 600.
Hence, their resultant is given by,
FABC = √ F2 + F 2+ 2 ( F ) ( F ) cos 60
= √ F2 + F 2+ 2 ( F ) ( F ) (1/2)
= √ F2 + F 2+ F 2
Fig. 10
FABC = √ 3F
Let unknown charge at point O be q.
AO
Here, in ΔABO, sin 600 =
AB
√3 (20)cm = 10 3cm
Hence, AO = AB sin600 =
2
√
9 −6
(9 × 10 ) q (2× 10 )
Hence, force FAO = 2
(0.1 × √ 3)
Since A is in equilibrium, hence,

Page 8
FAO = FABC

⟹
9
(9 ×10 )q(2× 10 )
−6
√3 (9 ×109 )(3 ×10−6)(2 ×10−6 )
2 =
(0.1 × √ 3) (0.2)2
9 × √ 3 ×10
−6
⟹q= ⟹ q = 3.9μC
4
Charge at O is 3.9μC to keep charge at A in equilibrium.

Page 9
22. Two equal positive charges, each of 2C interact with a third positive charges of 3 C situated as shown in figure
11. Find the magnitude and direction of the force experienced by the charge of 3C. [3 marks]
Sol: Force due to charge at A i.e 2c on charge at B is given by
k (2 c )(3 c)
FAB =
r2
Force due to charge at C i.e 2c on charge at B i.e 3c is given by
k (2 c )(3 c)
FBC =
r2
Consider AOB and COB
r = √ 32 +4 2 = 5 m
Fig. 11
4 3 3
cos = , sin  = , tan =
5 5 4
The net force on charge at B i.e 3c is given by
Fres = √ F2 + F 2+ 2 Fcos 2
= √ 2 F 2 +2 F 2 cos 2
√
= 2 F 2 (1+cos 2)
= √ 2 F 2 2cos 2
= √ 4 F 2 × cos 2
Fres = 2F cos
k (2 c )(3 c) 4
= 2 
r2 5
9 −6 −6
9 10 210 3 10 4
= 2 
55 5
−3
Fres = 3.45610 N
To find the direction of the force ,
B sin
we use, tan  =
A + B cos
F sin 2 2sin cos ❑ 2sin cos
tan = = =
F + F cos 2 1+cos 2 2 cos
2

3 −1 3 ❑
 tan  = tan =  = tan = 37 w.r.t either force
4 4
❑
 The magnitude of net force is 3.456 10−3 N and it acts at 37 w.r.t either force
23. Ten Positivity charged particles are kept fixed on the x-axis at point x = 10 cm, 20 cm, 40 cm,…., 100 cm. The
first particle has a charge 1.0  10-8 C, the second 8  10-8 C, third 27  10-8 C and so on. The tenth particle has a
charge 10-5 C. Find the magnitude of the electric force acting on a 1C charge placed at the origin.
[3 marks]
Sol: Let Q=1 C be the charge placed at origin and q 1,q 2,..., q 10 be the charges placed at distance r 1,r 2 ,..., r 10 from the
origin where q 1=110−8 C, q 2= 8 10−8 C ,..., q 10= 100 10−8 C andr 1= 10 cm,r 2= 20 cm,..., r 10 = 100 cm.
Magnitude of electric force acting on a 1C placed at origin will be given by
Fnet= F1+F2+F3+…F10
K q1 Q K q2 Q K q10 Q
= 2 + 2 +….+ 2
r 1 r 2 r 10

= KQ
[ q1 q2
2
q 10
+ 2 +… .+ 2
r1 r2 r 10 ]
Page 10
 −8 −8 −8
9
1× 10 8× 10 1000× 10
= 9×10 ×1[ + +…..+ ]
( 10 ×10 ) 2 ( 20 ×10 ) 2
−2 −2
( 100 ×10−2 ) 2
9 −8 3 3 3
9 ×10 ×10 1 2 10
= [ + +....+ 2 2 ]
( 10−2 ) ❑2 1102 22 102 10 10
910
= −4 2 [1 + 2 +. . . . +10]
10 10
1011 n(n+1)
= 9 103 [because, sum of n natural nos. = ]
2 2
= 495 103 N
Fnet= 4.95 105 N
The magnitude of the electric force acting on 1C charge placed at the origin is 4.95 105 N

Solved Examples Of Session 1.3

24. How many electrons should be removed from a coin of mass 1.6g, so that it may just float in an electric field of
intensity 109N/C, directed upward? [2 marks]
Sol: Let n be the number of electrons removed from the coin. Then, charge on coin, q=+ne.
When the coin just floats, Upward force of electric field = Weight of coin
⟹ qE or neE = mg
mg ( 1.6 ×10 ) (9.8)
−3
⟹n= = = 9.8×107
eE ( 1.6 ×10−19) ( 10 9)
 9.8 × 107electrons are to be removed from coin to keep floating in electric field.
25. Deduce the expression for the electric field ⃗ E due to a system of charges q1 and q2 with position vector r⃗ 1 and r⃗ 2 at
a point r⃗ with respect to the common origin O. [Delhi 2010] [2 marks]
Sol: Consider two point charges q1 and q2 at position vectors ⃗ r 1 and ⃗
r 2 w.r.t. the
origin O. We have to determine the electric field at point P whose position
vector is r⃗ .
Here, r^1 P and r^ 2 P are the unit vectors from q1 to P and q2 to P respectively.
k q1 k q2
Hence, ⃗ E1 = 2 r^ ⃗ ^
1 P and E 2 = 2 r 2 P,
r1 P r2 P
where r1P and r2P are the distances of q1 and q2 from point P. Fig. 12
Thus, by Superposition Law, net electric field at point P is,
E=⃗
⃗ E1 + ⃗ E2
k q1 k q2
= 2 r^ 1 P + 2 r2 P
^
r1 P r2 P
26. ABCD is a square of side 5m. Charges of 50C, -50C & 50C are placed at A, C & D respectively. Find the resultant
electric field at B. [3 marks]
Sol: Electric fields due to charges at vertices A, C and D is as shown in fig 13.
kq ( 9 ×109 ) (50)
We know that, E = 2 . Hence, EA = EC = 2
= 18 × 109N/C
r 5
( 9 ×109 ) (50)
Similarly, ED = 2 = 9×109N/C
(5 √ 2)
⃗
Enet at B = E A + EC + ⃗
⃗ ⃗ ED Fig.13

Page 11
 Now, we identify the pairs of electric fields which are perpendicular or parallel (or antiparallel) to each other.
Here, there are no parallel (or antiparallel), electric fields but E A& EC are perpendicular to each other.
Since EA& EC act in perpendicular directions, hence, resultant of EA& EC is given by,
√
EAC = (18 ×10 9)2 +(18× 109 )2 = 18√ 2×109N/C
Now, EAC& ED are perpendicular to each other. Hence, their resultant is given by,
Enet= √(18 √ 2 ×10 ) +(9 ×10 )
9 2 9 2
= 27×109N/C
 Enet= 27×109N/C
27. Considera particle of mass mand charge (–q) enters the region between the two charged plates initially moving
along x-axis with speed vx. The length of plate is Land an uniform electric field Eis maintained between the plates.
Show that the vertical deflection of the particle at the far edge of the plate is qEL2/(2m vx2).
[3 marks]
Sol: Since the particle is –ve ly charged, hence it is deflected towards +ve plate or
opposite dxn of electric field. The particle moves along a projectile motion, so
we consider horizontal and vertical motions separately.
For Horizontal dxn, u=vx, a=0, s = L and v=vx.
L
Applying 2ndeqn of motion (s = ut + ½ at2), we get, t = Fig. 14
vx
qE
For Vertical dxn, u=0. Here, F = qE⟹ ma = qE ⟹ a =
m
st n
Using 1 eq of motion (v=u+at), where t is same as in horizontal dxn. Hence,
qE L qEL
vy = . =
m v x m vx
Now, using 3rdeqnof motion (v2 = u2 + 2as), we get,

( ) ( )
2
qEL qE
=2 sy
m vx m

2 . Thus, Sy or vertical deflection ∝

2
qE L q
 sy =
2m v x m
28. Fig.15 shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniform electrostatic field. Give the signs of the three charges.
Which particle has the highest charge to mass ratio? [Textbook] [1 mark]
Sol: The particle which deflects the most has the highest charge to mass
ratio (from eg 15). Here particle ③ has highest deflection, hence has
highest charge to mass ratio.
Also, particles ①& (2) have –ve charges as they are deflected towards
+ve plate and charge ③ is +vely charges as it is deflected towards –ve Fig. 15
plate.
29. Suppose that the particle in eg 29 is an electron projected with velocity vx= 2.0 × 106 m s-1. If E between the plates
separated by 0.5 cm is 9.1 × 102 N/C, where will the electron strike the lower plate? [2 marks]
Sol: Here, vertical displacement, sy = 0.5cm as it is the distance travelled by charged particle against the electric field.
qE
Also, we know that a = . Here, charge is electron, thus, q=1.6 × 10-19C and m = 9.1 × 10-31kg.
m
( 1.6 ×10−19) ( 9.1 ×10 2)
Thus, a = −31
= 1.6 × 1014 ms–2
9.1× 10

Now, using s=ut + ½ at2 for vertical direction (u=0), thus, t =

6 -9
√ √
2 s = 2 ( 5 ×10−3 ) = 7.9×10-9s≅ 8×10-9s
a 1.6 × 1014
Hence, horizontal displacement, s = vxt = (2.0 × 10 )(8×10 ) =16×10-3m =1.6cm
30. Two point charges 5×10-19C and 20×10-19C are separated by a distance of 2m. Find the point on the line joining
between them at which electric field intensity is zero. [2 marks]

Page 12
Sol: Let us assume the point to be at x m from 5 × 10-19C.
Hence, the point will be at (2 – x)m from 20 × 10-19C.
Since both are positive charges, hence, their electric fields at the point will be in opposite directions.
Thus, E5 = E20
( 9 ×109 ) ( 5 ×10−19 ) ( 9 ×109 ) ( 20 × 10−19 )
⇒ =
x
2
( 2−x )2
1 4
⟹ 2= 2
x (2−x)
1 2
⟹ =
x 2−x
⟹ 2 – x = 2x
⟹ 3x = 2

⟹
At 2/3 m from 5 × 10-19C, electric field will be zero.
31. Two-point charges q1=0.2C and q2=0.4C are placed 0.1m apart. Calculate the electric field at (a) the midpoint
between the charges, (b) a point on the line joining q 1 and q2 such that it is 0.05m away from q2 and 0.15m away
from q1. [3 marks]
Sol: (a) Directions of electric fields at midpoint are shown in fig.16
Here, r = 0.05m for both the charges q1 and q2.
Since, E1 and E2 are in opposite directions, hence, net electric field is
given by,
Fig. 16
Enet = E2 – E1
( 9 ×109 ) (0.4) ( 9 ×109 ) (0.2)
= 2
− 2
(0.05) ( 0.05)
( 9 ×109 ) (0.2)
= 2
(0.05)
 Enet = 7.2 × 1011 N/C from q2 to q1.
(b) Directions of electric fields at midpoint are shown in fig 25.
Here, r = 0.15m for charge q1 and r=0.05m for charge q2.
Since, E1 and E2 are in same direction, hence, net electric field is given by,
Enet= E2 + E1
( 9 ×109 ) (0.4) ( 9× 109 ) (0.2)
= 2
+ 2
(0.05) (0.15)
Enet= 1.52×1012N/C from q1 to q2.
32. Four charges +q, +q, -q, -q are placed respectively at the four corners A, B, C and D of a square of side ‘a’.
Calculate the electric field at the centre of the square. [2 marks]
Sol: Fig.17 shows direction of electric field for four charges at center of the square.
As can be seen, Electric fields of charges at A and D are acting in the same
direction and hence will add up.
Similarly, for charges at B and C, electric fields will add up.
a
Here, r = Diagonal/2 = for all the charges.
√2
kq
2 kq
Also, |E+q| = |E -q| = E = a 2 = 2
( ) a
√2
Fig.17

Page 13
 2 kq 2 kq 4 kq
Now, EBC = EAD = E+q + E – q = 2 + 2 = 2
a a a
EAD and EBC act perpendicular to each other.
Hence, their net electric field is given by,

√
Enet= E2AD + E 2BC = (
√
4 kq 2 4 kq 2 4 √ 2 kq
a
2
) +( 2 ) =
a a2
4 √ 2 kq
 Net electric field at the center of the square is N/C
a2
33. An electron falls through a distance of 1.5 cm in a uniform electric field of magnitude 2.0 × 10 4 NC-1 [Fig.18]. The
direction of the field is reversed keeping its magnitude unchanged and a proton falls through the same distance.
Compute the time of fall in each case. [3 marks]
Sol: Here, vertical displacement = 1.5cm = 0.015m and
E = 2.0 × 104NC-1
Force acting = qE
By Newton’s second law, F = ma.
Hence, ma = qE
Fig. 18
qE
⟹a=
m
Applying, 2nd equation of motion, s =ut+ 1/2 at2, we get,
⟹s = 0 + 1/2 at2

a√ √
⟹ t = 2 s = 2 ms
qE
i. For electron, q = 1.6×10-19C, m = 9.1 × 10-31kg

√
−31
2 ( 0.015 )(9.1× 10 )
Hence, t = = 2.9 × 10-9s.
( 1.6 × 10 ) (2 ×10 )
−19 4

ii. For proton, q = 1.6×10-19C, m = 1.67 × 10-27kg

√
−27
2 ( 0.015 )(1.67 ×10 )
Hence, t = = 1.3 × 10-7s.
( 1.6 ×10 ) (2 ×10 )
−19 4

 Time of fall for, (a) electron = 2.9 × 10-9s, (b) proton = 1.3 × 10-7s

Page 14
34. An oil drop of 12 excess electron is held stationary under a constant electric field of 2.55 104 N/C in Milikan’ s
oil drop experiment. The density of oil is 1.26 g cm–3. Estimate the radius of the drop. [2 marks]
Sol: Excess electrons on an oil drop, n = 12
Electric field intensity, E = 2.55 x 104 NC–1
Density of oil,  = 1.26 gm / cm3 = 1.26 x 103 kg / m3
Acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.81 ms–2
Charge on an electron, e = 1.6 x 10–19 C
Radius of the oil drop = r
Force (F) due to electric field E is equal to the weight of the oil drop (W).
F=W
Eq = mg

Ene =
Where, q = Net charge on the oil drop = ne
m = Mass of the oil drop
= Volume of the oil drop x Density of oil

r=

=
= 9.82 x 10–7 m = 9.82 x 10–4mm
Therefore, the radius of the oil drop is 9.82 x 10–4 mm.

Solved Examples Of Session 1.4

35. Two-point charges q1 and q2, of magnitude +10-8 C and –10-8 C, respectively, are placed 0.1 m apart. Calculate the
magnitude of electric fields at points A, B and C shown in Fig. 19. [Textbook]
Sol: At point A.
EA = E1 + E2

At point B
Fig. 19
EB = E1 – E2

At point C
EC = E1 cos 60° + E2 cos 60°

Page 15
 = 2E1 cos 60° = E1

EC
36. Two small identical electrical dipoles AB and CD, each of dipole moment 'p' are kept at angle of 1200 as shown in
the fig What is the resultant dipole moment of this combination? If this system is subjected to electric field (E)
directed along + X direction, what will be the magnitude and direction of the torque acting on this?
Sol: The two dipoles are placed at an angle of 120°
The dipole moment of AB is directed towards B and that of cd is directed
towards c
Hence, the resultant dipole moment is given as

R=
Fig. 20

=
=p
When the system is subjected to an electric field, there is a torque acting on the dipole.
The field IS directed towards X-axis. The angle COR in the above diagram will be 60°.
Hence, the angle between the resultant dipole moment and electric field is 90° – 60° = 30°
 torque on the system is

 = PE sin = PE sin 30 =

The direction of torque is perpendicular to both p and E.
By right hand thumb rule, the direction of torque is along –ve z-axis.
pE
τ⃗ = ¿)
2

Solved Examples Of Session 1.5

37.
Consider a uniform electric field . (a) What is the flux of this field through a square of 10 cm on a
side whose plane is parallel to the yz plane? (b) What is the flux through the same square if the normal to its plane
makes a 60° angle with the x-axis? [3 marks]

Sol: (a) Electric field intensity, = 3 × 103 N/C

Magnitude of electric field intensity, | | = 3 × 103 N/C

Side of the square, s = 10 cm = 0.1 m
Area of the square, A = s2 = 0.01 m2
The plane of the square is parallel to the y-z plane. Hence, angle between the unit vector normal to the plane and
electric field,  = 0°
Flux () through the plane is given by the relation.

 = | | A cos
= 3 × 103 × 0.01 × cos 0°= 30 Nm2/C
(b) Plane makes an angle of 60° with the z-axis. Hence,  = 60°

Page 16
 Flux,  = | | A cos

= 3 × 103 × 0.01 × cos 60° = 30 × = 15 Nm2/C

38. Fig 48 shows two large metal plates P1 and P2, tightly held against each other and placed between two equal and
unlike point charges perpendicular to the line joining them. (i) What will happen to the plates when they are
released ? (ii) Draw the pattern of the electric field lines for the system.[Foreign 2009] [2 marks]
Sol: (i)By electrostatic induction, charge induces on the plates and opposite nature of charge
appears on surface facing each other. Therefore, they start attracting towards each other.
(ii) Fig-21. shows electric field lines pattern.

Fig.21(a)

Fig.21 (b)

Solved Examples Of Session 1.6

39. In figure 22 calculate the total flux of the electrostatic field through the sphere S 1 and S2. The wire AB shown here
has a linear charge density ‘λ’, given by λ=kx where x is the distance measured along the wire from the end A.
[2 marks]
Sol: Charge on an element of length dx of wire AB dq=  dx = kxdx
Total charge on wire AB,

q =

1 ==
Total flux through S
Fig.22

Total flux through S2 = 2 = =

40. A charge ‘q’ is placed at the centre of the cube of side ‘l’. What is the electric flux passing through the (a)each face
of cube? (b) two opposite faces of the cube? [Outside Delhi 2011, Foreign 2010] [1 mark]
Sol: q
According to Gauss law, flux through entire cube is given by: . As cube has 6 faces, hence, flux through each
ε0
q q
face is: . Also, flux through two opposite faces will be given by: .
6 ε0 3 ε0
41. The electric field components in Fig. 23 are Ex= αx1/2, Ey = Ez = 0, in which α = 800 N/C m1/2. Calculate (a) the flux
through the cube, and (b) the charge within the cube. Assume that a = 0.1 m. [DPS] [3 marks]

Page 17
Sol: For surface 1 at distance a from origin on x-axis, electric field is given by,
E1 = αa1/2 and for surface 2 at distance 2a on the same axis, electric field is
given by, E2 =α(2a)1/2.
For surface 1, electric flux is given by, φ1 = E1S cos1800 = –αa1/2(a2)
For surface 2, electric flux is given by, φ2 = E2S cos00 = α(2a)1/2(a2)
For surfaces parallel to y- & z-axis, φ = 0 (∵Ey= Ez= 0).
Hence, net electric flux through the cube is given, Fig. 23
2 1/2 1/2
φ = φ1 + φ2 = αa [(2a) -(a) ]
Substituting values of α=800N/Cm1/2and a = 0.1m, we get,
Φ = 800(0.1)2[(2 x 0.1)1/2-(0.1)1/2] = 8(0.31) (√ 2 - 1)
Φ = 1.04Nm2/C
42. Consider two hollow concentric spheres, S1 and S2, enclosing charges 2Q and 4Q respectively. (i) Find out the ratio
of the electric flux through them. (ii) How will the electric flux through the sphere S 1 change if a medium of
dielectric ‘εr’ is introduced in the space inside space S1 in place of air? Deduce the necessary expression.
[Outside Delhi 2014] [2 marks]
Sol: (i) Net charge for surface S1 = 2Q
2Q
Hence, flux through S1 =
ε0
For surface S2, 2Q charge is induced from S1. Hence, net charge on S2= 2Q + 4Q =6Q
6Q
Hence, flux throughS1 =
ε0
2Q Fig.24
ε0
Thus, ratio of flux through S1 and S2 is = = 1:3
6Q
ε0
(ii) If medium of S1 is replaced by a medium of dielectric constant εr, hence its permittivity becomes εrε0.
2Q
Hence, flux of S1 becomes =
εr ε 0
2Q
 Ratio of S1toS2 = 1:3, Flux through S1 =
εr ε 0
43. Careful measurement of the electric field at the surface of a black box indicates that the net outward flux through
the surface of the box is 8.0 × 10 3 Nm2/C. (a) What is the net charge inside the box? (b) If the net outward flux
through the surface of the box were zero, could you conclude that there were no charges inside the box? Why or
Why not? [2 marks]

(a) q = ∈= 8.85 × 10–12 × 8 × 103 C = 7.08 × 10-7 C

Sol:

(b) No. Net flux piercing out through a body depends on the net charge contained in the body. If net flux is zero,
then it can be inferred that net charge inside the body is zero. The body may have equal amount of positive and
negative charges.
44. Two infinite parallel plane have uniform charge density σ 1 and σ2. Determine the electric field at point, (i) To the
left of the sheet, (ii) Between them, (iii) To the right of the sheet. [DPS] [2 marks]
Sol: Figure 25 shows two thin parallel sheets having uniform charge densities
σ1 and σ2.
In region 1: Fields due to two sheets are
σ1 σ2 −1
⃗
E1 = – and ⃗
E2 = – . Therefore, ⃗
EI = ⃗
E1+⃗
E2 = (σ +σ )
2 ϵ0 2 ϵ0 2 ϵ0 1 2
In region 2: Fields due to two sheets are

Page 18
 σ1 σ2 1
⃗
E1 = and ⃗
E2 = – . Therefore, ⃗
E II = ⃗
E1 +⃗
E2 = (σ – σ )
2 ϵ0 2 ϵ0 2 ϵ0 1 2
In region 3: Fields due to two sheets are Fig.25
σ1 σ2 1
⃗
E1 = and ⃗
E2 = . Therefore, ⃗
EIII = ⃗
E1+⃗
E2 = (σ + σ )
2 ϵ0 2 ϵ0 2 ϵ0 1 2
45. Obtain the formula for the electric field due to long thin wire of uniform linear charge density λ without using
Gauss’s law. [3 marks]
Sol: Electric field of a line charge from Coulomb law:
 Consider an infinite line of charge with uniform charge density λ, as shown in fig 59. We wish to calculate the
electric field at any point P at a distance y from it.
 The charge on small element dx of line charge will be, dq = λdx
kdq k λdx
 The electric field at any point P due to the charge element dq will be, dE = 2 = 2 2
r y +x
 The fielddE has two components: dEx= -dEsinθ and dEY= dEcosθ
 The –ve sign in the x-component indicates that d⃗E x acts in the negative x-direction. Every charge element on
the right has a corresponding charge element on the left. The x-components of two such charge elements will
be equal and opposite and hence cancel out. The resultant field ⃗ E gets contributions only from y-components
and is given by,
x=+∞
E = Ey= ∫ d E y = ∫ dE cos θ
x=−∞
x=+∞
k λdx
=2 ∫ cos θ 2
y +x
2
0
x=+∞
dx
= 2kλ ∫ cos θ
y +x
2 2
0
x π
 From fig 62, tanθ = ⟹ x = y tanθ [For x = +∞, θ = and for x = 0, θ = 0]
y 2
 Differentiating both sides, we get, dx = y sec2θ dθ
π
θ=
2
y sec 2 θ dθ
 E = 2kλ
∫ cos θ
y 2 (1+tan 2 θ)
θ =0
π
θ=
2
sec 2 θdθ [sec2θ = 1 + tan2θ]
= 2kλ
∫ cos θ
y sec 2 θ
θ =0
π
θ=
2
= 2k λ
∫ cos θ dθ
y θ=0 Fig.26
2 kλ
= ¿¿ [∫ cos θ dθ = sin θ]
y
2 kλ π
= [sin – sin0]
y 2
2 kλ 1
E = Hence, E ∝
y y
46. An early model for an atom considered it to have a positively charged point nucleus of charge Ze, surrounded by a
uniform density of negative charge up to a radius R. The atom as a whole is neutral. For this model, what is the
electric field at a distance r from the nucleus?
Sol:  Charge distribution of this model is given in fig 27.
 The total negative charge in uniform spherical shell of radius R is –Ze (as charge of nucleus is +Ze and atom as

Page 19
 a whole is neutral).
−Ze
 Negative volume charge density ρ of shell is, ρ = 4
π R3
3
 To find electric field at point P at distance r from centre, we consider 2 cases: (i) r>R and (ii) r<R.
For both the cases, we will use Gauss law and Gaussian surface will be a spherical shell of radius r from centre of
nucleus.
 Case (i):Forr > R, charge enclosed= 0 as atom as a whole is neutral.
❑
qenclosed
Hence, applying Gauss law, φ = ∫ E . ds =
S ε0
⟹ E (4πr2) = 0 [∵ qenclosed = 0]
⟹E=0
 Case (ii):For r < R, negative charge enclosed by sphere of radius r will be,
3
4 3 r
q=ρ π r = –Ze 3
3 R
Thus, net charge enclosed by sphere of radius Fig.27
r = Charge of nucleus + negative charge

( )
3 3
r r
qenclosed = Ze – Ze 3 = Ze
1− 3
R R
Thus, applying Gauss law,
❑
qenclosed
φ = ∫ E . ds =
S ε0

( )
3
r
Ze 1− 3
⟹ E (4πr2) = R
ε0

⟹E = k (Ze) ( 1 r
2
r R
− 3
) [k =
1
4 π ε0
]

Page 20
47. Show, with the help of a suitable example along with the figure, that the outward flux due to a point charge ‘q’, in
q
vacuum with a closed surface, is independent of its size and shape and is given by .
ε0
[Outside Delhi 2015] [2 marks]
Sol: Here, for simplicity, let charge q be enclosed in a spherical shell of radius R as
shown in fig 28.
1
For a point charge, electric field at a point at distance R is, E = .
4 π ε0
q
2
R
Surface Area of a sphere, S = 4πR2.
Electric Flux, φ = ⃗
E . ⃗S= ES cos00 [Electric field and area vector Fig.28
are in same direction as seen in fig 70]

⟹φ= ( 4 π1ε . Rq )
0
2 4πR2

q
⟹φ =
ε0
q
Hence, electric flux is equal to and is independent of shape and
ε0
size.
NOTE:In the above Eg, closed surface chosen can be cube, cylinder or any
other surface of your choice. Here, we have chosen spherical surface for
simplified calculations.

Page 21
 PPC 1.1

1. If a body gives out 109 electrons every second. How much time is required to get a total charge of 1C ?
[Ans. 6.25 ×109 s][DPS] [Text Book]
[2 marks]
13 –
2. One body has 2.5×10 protons. Now if it carries –2µC charge then how many e are there on this body ?
[Ans. 3.75 ×1013 ] [2 mark]
3. What is the correct test for electrification of an object ? Explain why ? [1 mark]
4. Two identical metallic spherical shells A and B having charges +4Q and -10Q are kept a certain distance
apart. A third identical uncharged sphere C is first placed in contact with sphere A and then with sphere B,
then spheres A and B are brought in contact and then separated. Find the charge on the spheres A and B.
[Outside Delhi 2011] [3 marks]
5. How much positive and negative charge is there in a cup of water? [Textbook] [2 marks]
-7
6. A polythene piece rubbed with wool is found to have a negative charge of 3 × 10 C. (a) Estimate the number
of electrons transferred (from which to which?) (b) Is there a transfer of mass from wool to polythene?
[Ans. 1.875×1012, 17×10–19 kg] [2 marks]

Page 22
(Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 23
 (Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 24
 Home Work Sheet 1.1

M.C.Q
1. While rubbing two appropriate bodies (from electric series)
(a) Positive charge is produced. (b) negative charge is produced.
(c) no new charge is produced. (d) none of above.
2. One body has 2.5 × 108 protons. Now if it carries –2µC charge then how many electrons are there on this body
?
(a) 1.25×1013 (b) 2.5×1013 (c) 3.75×1013 (d) None of above
3. When glass rod is rubbed against silk, silk becomes negatively charged of 320 nC, then how much electrons
lost by the glass rod ?
10 11 12 –26
(a) 2×10 (b) 2×10 (c) 2×10 (d) 5.12×10
4. What will be the change in mass of object if it is charged by rubbing ?
(a) doesn't change (b) increases slightly (c) decreases slightly (d) increases or decreases slightly
5. Net charge on object having 9 × 10 13 protons and 6 × 1013 electrons is ......
(a) –4.8 µC (b) 4.8 µC (c) 4.8 µC (d) 3×1.6×10–19
Theory
6. Can a body have a charge of 0.8 × 10-19C? Justify your answer. [1 mark]
7. How can two like charges attract each other ? [1 mark]
8. How does a positively charged glass rod attract a neutral piece of paper? [1 mark]
9. Define electric charge. Give its SI unit and dimensional formula? [1 mark]
10. State properties of electric charges. [2 marks]
11. What do you mean by grounding or earthing? [KV] [1 mark]
12. (a) Explain the meaning of the statement ‘electric charge of a body is quantised’.
(b) Why can one ignore quantisation of electric charge when dealing with macroscopic i.e., large scale
charges? [Textbook] [2 marks]
Application Based
13. Consider three charged bodies P, Q and R. If P and Q repel each other and P attracts R, what is the nature of
force between Q and R?
[ Ans. Attractive [KV]] [1 mark]
Numericals
14. Two identical small conducting balls B 1 and B2 are given –7 pC and + 4 PC charges respectively. They are
brought in contact with a third identical ball B 3 and then separated. If the final charge on each ball is -2 pC,
what was the initial charge on B3 ? [CBSE 2024]
[Ans.–3 pC ] [2 mark]

Page 25
 (Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 26
 PPC 1.2

1. Plot a graph showing the variation of Coulomb force (F) versus ( )

1
r
2 where r is the distance between the two

charges of each pair of charges: (1μC, 2μC) and (2μC, – 3μC). Interpret the graphs obtained.
[Compartment 2011, Outside Delhi 2011] [2 marks]

2. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining two equal charge
Q separated by ‘a’ distance as shown in Fig.29 Show that the system
of three charges will be in equilibrium if q = – Q/4.
[Outside Delhi 2013]
Fig.29
[2 marks]
3. Consider three charges q1, q2, q3 each equal to q at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side l. What is the
force on a charge Q (with the same sign as q) placed at the centroid of the triangle? [DPS]
[2 marks]
4. Consider the charges q, q, and –q placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle ABC respectively. What is
the force on each charge? [2 marks]
5. Three-point charges of +2µC, -3µC and -3µC are kept at the vertices A, B and C respectively of an equilateral
triangle of side 20 cm. What should be the sign and magnitude of the charge to be placed at the midpoint (O)
of side BC so that the charge at A remains in equilibrium? [3 marks]
6. Four-point charges 2µC, -5µC, 2µC and 5µC are placed at the four corner of A, B, C and D of a square
respectively. If each side of square being 10cm, what is the force on a charge 1µC placed at the centre of
square? [2 marks]
Numericals
7. Two opposite corners of a square of length ‘a’ carry charge Q and the other two opposite
corners of the square carry q charge each. If the resultant force on Q is zero, how are Q
and q related?

[Ans.Q = ]

Fig.30
[2 marks]
8. Consider two identical spheres P and Q with charges q on each repel each other with a force F. A third sphere
R of the same size but uncharged is successively brought in contact with the two spheres. What is the new
force of repulsion between P and Q? [Delhi 2011]
[Ans. 3F/8] [2 marks]

Page 27
 (Space for Classroom Notes)

Page 28
(Space for Classroom Notes)

Page 29
 Home Work Sheet 1.2

M.C.Q
1. If Coulomb's law is represented by F= kq1q2rn, then n = ......

(a) (b) (c) 2 (d) –2

2. Coulomb force is acting on q1 and q2. If third electric charge q3 is brought nearer, then magnitude of force
between q1 and q2 ......
(a) increases (b) decreases (c) doesn't change (d) depends on value of q3
3. If two opposite electric charges having same magnitude are 10 cm away from each other, they experience 0.9
N attractive force then magnitude of electric charges will be ......
(a) 1 pC (b) 1 nC (c) 1 µC (d) 1 mC
4. A proton is 1836 times heavier than an electron. If the repulsive force between two protons is F for given
distance, then the electric force between two electrons at same distance will be ......... N.

(a) F (b) –F (c) (d) (1836)2F

5. Two ions of charge +q are at distance d and force between them is F, then no. of electrons removed from each
is

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Theory
6. State superposition principle for Coulomb’s law. State reason why it is applicable to Coulombian forces?
[2 marks]
Derivations
7. State Coulomb’s law. Explain it in vector form with proper diagram. [2 marks]
Application Based
8. What is the dimensional formula of ε0? [DPS] [1 mark]
9. Using Coulomb’s law, define one unit charge. [1 mark]
10. How does the Coulomb force between two-point charges depend upon the dielectric constant of the
intervening medium? [Outside Delhi 2013] [1 mark]
11. In Coulomb’s Law, on what factors the value of electrostatic force constant k depends on?
12. (a) Two insulated charged copper spheres A and B have their centres separated by a distance of 50 cm. What
is the mutual force of electrostatic repulsion if the charge on each is 6.5 × 10 -7C?
[Ans. 0.015 N]
(b) What is the force of repulsion if (i) each sphere charged double the above amount, and the distance
between them is halved; (ii) the two sphere are placed in water?(Dielectric constant of water=80) [Textbook]
[Ans. (i) 0.24 N (ii) 0.0001875 N]
[3 marks]

Page 30
(Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 31
 PPC 1.3

1. Fig. 31 shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniform electrostatic field. Give the signs of the three
charges. Which particle has the highest charge to mass ratio? [Textbook] [1 mark]

Fig.31
2. Two-point charges q1=0.2C and q2=0.4C are placed 0.1m apart. Calculate the electric field at (a) the midpoint
between the charges, (b) a point on the line joining q 1 and q2 such that it is 0.05m away from q 2 and 0.15m
away from q1.
[Ans. (a) 7.2×1011 N/C from q2 to q1, (b) 1.5 ×1012 N/C from q1 to q2] [3 marks]
3. An electron falls through a distance of 1.5 cm in a uniform electric field of magnitude 2.0 × 10 NC-1 [Fig 32].
4

The direction of the field is reversed keeping its magnitude unchanged and a proton falls through the same
distance. Compute the time of fall in each case.

Fig.32
–9 –7
[Ans. 2.9×10 s, 1.3×10 s] [3
marks]
4. An oil drop of 12 excess electron is held stationary under a constant electric field of 2.55 104 N/C in
millikan’ s oil drop experiment. The density of oil is 1.26 g cm–3 . Estimate the radius of the drop.
[Hint : (947)1/3=9.82]
[Ans. 9.82×10–4 mm] [2 marks]
5. Consider a particle of mass m and charge (–q) enters the region between the two charged plates initially
moving along x-axis with speed vx. The length of plate is L and an uniform electric field E is maintained
between the plates. Show that the vertical deflection of the particle at the far edge of the plate is qEL2/(2m vx2).
[3 marks]
6. Four charges +q, +q, -q, -q are placed respectively at the four corners A, B, C and D of a square of side ‘a’.
Calculate the electric field at the centre of the square.

[2 marks]

7. Two point charges q C and 4q C are separated by a distance of 2m. Find the point on the line joining between
them at which electric field intensity is zero.
[Ans. 4/3m from qC] [2 marks]

8. A particle of charge of 2µC and mass 1.6 g is moving with a velocity . At t = 0 the particle enters in

a region having electric field . Find the velocity of the particle at t = 5s .

Page 32
(Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 33
 (Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 34
 Home Work Sheet 1.3

M.C.Q
1. An electron falls freely in electric field of 9.1 × 103 NC–1, then acceleration of electron is ......
(a) 1.6×1013 ms–2 (b) 1.6×1015 cm/s2 (c) 1.6×1015 ms–2 (d) 1.6×1011 ms–2
2. .............. are deflected in electric field.
(a) X-rays (b) Neutrons (c) – particles (d) – rays
3. 2.25 N force is acting on 15 × 10–4 C charge placed at a point in a uniform electric field. So, intensity of this
electric field is .........

(a) 150 V (b) 15 V (c) 1500 (d) 0.15

4. when an electron and a proton are both placed in an electric field ........
(a) the electric forces acting on them are equal in magnitude as well as direction.
(b) only magnitudes of forces are same.
(c) accelerations produced in them are same.
(d) magnitudes of accelerations produced in them are same.
5. A particle suspended vertically in a uniform vertically downward electric field of intensity 80,000 V/m has
mass 3.92 × 10–15 kg. If the particle is in equilibrium, then mass of particle and number of electrons on it
is .......... (g = 9.8 m/s2)
(a) 3.8×10–19 C, 2 (b) 4.8×10–19C, 3 (c) 2.8×10–19 C, 1 (d) 5.8 ×10–19C, 4
Theory
6. Define electric field. Give its SI unit. What is the physical significance of electric field in electrostatics?
[Outside Delhi 2013] [2 marks]
F
7. The electric field E due to a point charge at any point near it is defined as E = lim , where q is the test
q →0 q
charge and F is the force acting on it. What is the physical significance of lim ¿ in this expression?
q →0
[Prakash, MAV, Udgam] [1 mark]
8. What is the nature of symmetry of field due to point charge? [DPS] [1 mark]
Derivations
9. Deduce the expression for the electric field ⃗ E due to a system of charges q1 and q2 with position vector r⃗ 1 and
r⃗ 2 at a point r⃗ with respect to the common origin O. [Delhi 2010] [2 marks]
Application Based
10. A small metal ball is suspended in a uniform electric field with the help of an insulated thread. If high energy
X-ray beams falls on the ball, in which direction will it be deflected ?
[Ans. When X-ray beams fall on ball, it removes the entire –ve charge from it. Thus, it is only +vely charged
and hence is deflected in direction of electric field.] [1 mark]
11. Two-point charges q 1and q 2 are placed as shown. The electric field intensity is zero at P. Write two
conclusion that you can draw from this. [1 mark]

Fig.33
Numericals
12. A charged oil drop is suspended in uniform field 3×104Vm–1 so that it neither falls nor rises. What is the
charge on the drop? (mass of the charge 9.9×10-15Kg and g = 10 m/s2 [2 marks]

Page 35
 [Ans. 3.3 ×10–18 C [DPS]]
13. Two-point charges q1 and q2, of magnitude +10-8 C and –10-8 C,
respectively, are placed 0.1 m apart. Calculate the magnitude of electric
fields at points A, B and C shown in Fig. 34. [Textbook]

Fig.34
[Ans. 7.2×104 NC–1, 3.2 ×104 NC–1, 9×103NC–1] [3 marks]

Page 36
(Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 37
 PPC 1.4

1. Two small identical electrical dipoles AB and CD, each of dipole moment 'p' are kept at angle of 1200 as
shown in the fig. What is the resultant dipole moment of this combination? If this system is subjected to
electric field (E) directed along + X direction, what will be the magnitude and direction of the torque acting on
this?

Fig.35
2. A dipole, with its charges, -4µC and +4µC located at point (1, 0, 4) and (2, –1, 5), is present in a uniform
electric field ⃗
E =20 i^ V /m . How much torque would the dipole experience in this field?
2 a = (2–1)i^ +(–1–0) ^j + (5–4)k^ = i^ – ^j +k^ . Then, τ = q (⃗
[Hint: Here ⃗ 2 a×⃗
E )]

[2 marks]
Numericals
3. An electric dipole of length 2 cm is placed with its axis making an angle of 30° with a uniform electric field of
105N/C. if the dipole experience a torque of 10 √ 3 Nm. Find the magnitude of the charge on the dipole. [Delhi
2006]
[Ans. 0.017C] [2 marks]
4. A system has two charges qA = 2.5 × 10-7 C and qB = –2.5 × 10-7 C located at points A: (0, 0, –15 cm) and B:
(0, 0, +15 cm), respectively. What is the electric dipole moment of the system? [DPS] [Textbook]

[2 marks]
5. Two charges ±10 μC are placed 5.0 mm apart. Determine the electric field at (a) a point P on the axis of the
dipole 15 cm away from its centre O on the side of the positive charge, and (b) a point Q, 15 cm away from O
on a line passing through O and normal to the axis of the dipole (equatorial point). [Textbook]
[Ans. 2.6×105 NC–1, 1.33×105 NC–1] [3 marks]
6. An electric dipole consists of charges +2e and -2e separated by 0.78 nm. It is in an electric field of strength
3.4×106 N/C. Calculate the magnitude of the torque on the dipole when the dipole moment is (a) parallel to (b)
perpendicular to, and (c) antiparallel to the electric field.
Ans. (a) Zero (b) 8.5×10 -22Nm, (c) Zero [2 marks]

Page 38
(Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 39
 Home Work Sheet 1.4

M.C.Q
1. Direction of electric dipole moment is .......
(a) from –q to +q (b) from +q to –q.
(c) in direction of external electric field (d) in opposite to external electric field.
2. For an electric dipole, angle between electric field on equator and electric dipole moment is .......
(a) 00 (b) 900 (c) 450 (d) 1800
3. An electric dipole is placed in an uniform electric field of a point charge, then
(a) the resultant force acting on the dipole is always zero.
(b) the resultant force acting on the dipole may be zero.
(c) torque acting on it may be zero. (d) torque acting on it is always zero.
4. If the magnitude of intensity of electric field at a distance x on axial line and at a distance y on equatorial line
on a given dipole are equal, then x : y is (x, y >> a)
(a) (b) 1 : 2 (c) (d) 1 : 1
5. In case of an electric dipole, if the distance of a point lying on the equatorial plane from the centre of the
dipole is doubled and the magnitude of the electric charges is made eight times, then the electric field in this
new case will be ......
(a) remains same. (b) 64 times the initial electric field.
(c) 1/64 times of the initial electric field. (d) 8 times the initial.
Theory
1. Define electric dipole moment. What is its SI unit? What is the difference between electric field due to dipole
and electric field due to point charge? [Foreign 2012, Compartment 2011, Outside Delhi 2011] [2
marks]
Derivations
2. Derive the expression for the force and torque on an electric dipole kept in uniform electric field. Identify two
pairs of perpendicular vectors in the expression. Show diagrammatically the orientation of dipole in the field
for which the torque us (i) maximum and (ii) half the maximum value. [Outside Delhi 2014,2012,DPS, KV]
[5 marks]
3. Derive electric field due to a dipole at an equatorial point. Hence write the expression for the electric field due
to a small electric dipole at a far off point. [Delhi 2015, Foreign 2013, 2012, DPS] [3 marks]
4. (a) Derive an expression for the electric field E due to a dipole of length ‘2a’ at a point distant r from the
centre of the dipole on the axial line.
(b) Draw a graph of E versus r for r>>a. [3 marks]
Application Based
5. Comment on direction of net force on dipole in following cases when dipole moment is aligned with
(i) increasing electric field, (ii) decreasing electric field? [KV] [2 marks]
6. Two-point charges q1 and q2 placed at a distance of d apart are such that there is no point where the field
vanishes. What can be concluded about the charges q1 and q2?
Ans. Charge q1 and q2 are of opposite sign [DPS] [1 mark]
7. The distance of field point on the axis of a small electric dipole is doubled. By what factor will the electric
field due to the dipole change?
Ans. Electric field will be 1/8 times the original electric field. [1 mark]

Page 40
8. Two dipole made from charges +q, -q and +Q , -Q respectively, have equal dipole moments . Give the
a) Ratio of the separations of the two pairs of charges
b) Angle between the dipole axes of these two dipoles.
[Ans. (a) Q : q, (b) 0o] [2 marks]
9. An electric dipole is placed at rest in a uniform electric field, and released. How will it move (i) for θ=0 0,
(ii) θ=1800, (iii) for 00<θ<1800? State reason.
[Ans. (i & ii), No translational and Rational motion (iii) Dipole will rotate it is parallel to electric field]
[3 marks]

Page 41
 (Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 42
 PPC 1.5

1. (i) Consider a uniform electric field E = 3 × 103î N/C. (a) What is the flux of this field through a square of 10
cm on a side whose plane is parallel to the yz plane? (b) What is the flux through the same square if the
normal to its plane makes a 60° angle with the x-axis? [Compartment 2013] [Textbook]
[Ans. (a) 30Nm2/C, (b) 15 Nm2/C]
(ii)What is the net flux of the uniform electric field of above question through a cube of side 20 cm oriented so
that its faces are parallel to the coordinate planes? [Textbook]
[Ans. Zero]
2. The electric field components in Fig. 36 are Ex= αx1/2, Ey= Ez= 0, in which α = 800 N/C m1/2. Calculate (a) the
flux through the cube. [DPS] [3 marks]

Fig.36

Page 43
 (Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 44
 Home Work Sheet 1.5
M.C.Q
1. Which of the following is not a characteristic of electric field lines
(a) Field lines are continuous curves.
(b) Two field lines never intersect each other.
(c) Field lines form closed loops.
(d) Field lines start from positive charge and end to negative charge.
2. Dimensional formula of electric flux is .......
(a) [M1 L2 T–3 A–1] (b) [M1 L2 T–2 A–1] (c) [M1 L3 T–3 A1] (d) [M1 L3 T–3 A–1]
3. 10 × 10–6 C charge is uniformly spread over the cube of face length 1 mm. The density of charge will
be .............. Cm–3.
(a) 10–4 (b) 104 (c) 10–1 (d) 10

4. The electric field in the region of the space is . The electric flux passing through a
2
surface of area 50 m placed in x-Y plane inside the electric field is .......
2 –1
(a) 250 Nm C (b) 150 Nm2C–1 (c) 100 Nm2C–1 (d) 200 Nm2C–1
5. The linear charge density of 10 µC charge, uniformly distributed on the ring of 1m radius, will be .............
(a) 6.28 Cm–1 (b) 6.28 × 105 Cm–1 (c) 1.59×10–6 Cm–1 (d) 105 Cm–1
Diagram Based
6. Fig.37 shows two large metal plates P 1 and P2, tightly held against each other and
placed between two equal and unlike point charges perpendicular to the line
joining them.
(i) What will happen to the plates when they are released?
(ii) Draw the pattern of the electric field lines for the system.[Foreign 2009]

Fig.37
[2 marks]
7. Sketch the electric field lines for a uniformly charged hollow cylinder as
shown in fig 38. [Udgam]

(Fig.38)
[1 marks]
8. Draw electric field lines due to (i) point sized positive and point sized negative charge, (ii) two equal like
charges placed near to each other and two unlike charges placed near to each other.
[Foreign Set 2013, Udgam] [2 marks]
Theory
9. Define electric flux. Is it a scalar or vector quantity? Give its Si unit and dimensional formula. A charge q is
enclosed by a spherical surface of radius R. If the radius is reduced to half how would the electric flux through
the surface change. [Outside Delhi 2009, Compartment 2013, DPS, Udgam, Board 2018] [3 marks]
10. Two electric field lines never cross each other. Why? [Outside Delhi 2014] [Textbook] [1 mark]

Page 45
Application Based
11. An electrostatic field line cannot be discontinuous. Why? [Outside Delhi 2013] [1 mark]
12. Why do the electrostatic field lines not form closed loops? [Outside Delhi 2014, KV, MAV] [1 mark]
Numericals
E = i^ + 2 ^j + 3k^ N/C. Calculate the electric flux over
13. The electric field in a certain region of space is given by ⃗
S = 3i^ + 4 ^j m2. [Hint: φ = ⃗
the area given by ⃗ E . ⃗S] [Udgam]
2
[Ans. 11 Nm /C] [2 marks]

Page 46
(Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 47
 PPC 1.6

1. A spherical conducting shell of inner radius r 1 and outer radius r2 has a charge ‘Q’. A charge ‘q’ is placed at
the centre of the shell. (a) What is the surface charge density on the (i) inner surface, (ii) outer surface of the
shell? (b) Write the expression for the electric field at a point x > r 2 from the centre of the shell.
[Hint: Charge ‘q’ will be induced on outer radius sphere and hence total charge on outer radius sphere is
‘Q + q’.] [Outside Delhi 2010, MAV]

[2 marks]
2. Two parallel uniformly charge infinite plane sheets. ‘1’ and ‘2’, have charge densities +σ and -2σ
respectively. Give the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at a point (i) in between the sheets and
(ii) outside near the sheet ‘1’. [Outside Delhi 2015] [2 marks]

3. An electric field is uniform, and in the positive x direction for positive x,

and uniform with the same magnitude but in the negative x direction for
negative x. It is given that E = 200 i N/C for x > 0 and E = –200 i N/C
for x < 0. A right circular cylinder of length 20 cm and radius 5 cm has
its centre at the origin and its axis along the x-axis so that one face is at x
= +10 cm and the other is at x = –10 cm. (a) What is the net outward
flux through each flat face? (b) What is the flux through the side of the
cylinder? (c) What is the net outward flux through the cylinder? (d) Fig.39
What is the net charge inside the cylinder? [Udgam]
[Ans.(a) 1.57 Nm2/C, (b) Zero, (c) 3.14 Nm2/C, (d) 2.78×10–11C] [3 marks]
4. In figure 40 calculate the total flux of the electrostatic field through the
sphere S1 and S2. The wire AB shown here has a linear charge density
‘λ’, given by λ = kx where x is the distance measured along the wire
from the end A.

Fig.40
5. A hollow cylindrical box of length 0.5 m and area of cross-section 20
cm2 is placed in a three dimensional coordinate system as shown in the
E = 20xi^ , where E is
fig. 41. The electric field in the region is given by ⃗
-1
in NC and x is in metres. Find (i) Net flux through the cylinder, (ii)
Charge enclosed in the cylinder. [Delhi 2013] Fig.41
2 –12
[Ans. (i) 0.02 N/m C, (ii) 0.177×10 C] [3 marks]
6. Careful measurement of the electric field at the surface of a black box indicates that the net outward flux
through the surface of the box is 8.0 × 10 3 Nm2/C. (a) What is the net charge inside the box? (b) If the net
outward flux through the surface of the box were zero, could you conclude that there were no charges inside
the box? Why or Why not? [Textbook]
[Ans. (a) 7.1×10–8 C, (b) No, because the net sum charges is Zero] [2 marks]

Page 48
(Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 49
 (Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 50
 Home Work Sheet 1.6

M.C.Q
1. On two hollow spheres (shells) charges –q and +q are placed, so the flux on each is o. Now, both are
connected as shown in the figure, so total flux is ..........

(a) 95
(b) 20
(c) 0
Fig.42
(d) Uncertain
2. The electric field due to an infinitely long straight uniformly charged wire having linear charge density 
is .......

(a) (b) (c) (d)

3. At a charge q is placed at centre of cube, then flux associated with each edge is ......

(a) (b) (c) (d)

4. Two large, thin metal plates are parallel and close to each other. On their inner faces, the plates have surface
charge densities of opposite signs and of magnitude 17.0 × 10 –22 C/m2. What is E between the plates?
(a) 3.84×10–10 NC–1 (b) 0.96×10–10 NC–1 (c) 1.92×10–10 NC–1 (d) zero
5. Careful measurement of the electric field at the surface of a black box indicates that the net outward flux
through the surface of the box is 8.0 × 103 Nm2/C. What is the net charge inside the box?
(a) 0.05 µC (b) 0.071 µC (c) 0.142 µC (d) zero
Derivations
6. State Gauss’ theorem. Apply this theorem to obtain the expression for the electric field intensity at a point due
to an infinitely large, thin, plane sheet of charge. How is the electric field directed if (i) sheet is positively
charged, (ii) negatively charged? [Outside Delhi 2013, Compartment & Delhi 2012, Tulip] [5 marks]
7. Using Gauss law deduce the expression for the electric field due to a uniformly charged spherical conducting
shell of radius R at a point (i) inside and (ii) outside the shell. Plot a graph showing the variation of electric
field as a function of r>R and r<R (r being the distance from the centre of the shell)
[Outside Delhi 2013 & 2011, Compartment & Delhi 2011, K.V.] [5 marks]
8. Using Gauss’ theorem, deduce an expression for the electric field intensity at any point due to a thin, infinitely
long wire of charge/length. Draw a graph to show the variation of E with perpendicular distance r from the
line of charge. [Foreign 2011, DPS, Prakash 2013, M.A.V, KV, Board 2018]
OR
A thin straight infinitely charged long wire having charge density λ is enclosed by a cylindrical surface of
radius r and length l, its axis coinciding the length of the wire. Find the expression for the electric field
through the surface of the cylinder. [Outside Delhi 2011] [4 marks]
Application Based
9. Two charges of magnitude –3Q and +2Q are located at points (a, 0) and (4a, 0) respectively. What is the
electric flux due to these charges through a sphere of radius ‘5a’ with its centre at the origin.

[Ans. ] [1 mark]
10. What is the electric flux through a cube of side 1cm which encloses an electric dipole? [Delhi 2015]

Page 51
 [Ans. =0] [1 mark]
11. Gaussian surface cannot pass through discrete charge but can pass through continuous charge distribution.
Explain.[MAV, KV] [1 mark]
12. (a) A point charge q is at a distance d/2 directly above the centre of a
square of side d, as shown in the figure 43. Use Gauss’s law to obtain
the expression for the electric flux through the square.
(b) If the point charge is now moved to a distance ‘d’ from the centre of
the square and the side of the square is doubled, explain how the electric Fig.43
flux will be affected. [Board 2018]
[3 marks]
13. A point charges causes an electric flux of -1.0 × 103 Nm2/C to pass through a spherical Gaussian surface of 10
cm radius centred on the charge.
(i) If the radius of the Gaussian surface were doubled, how much flux would pass through the surface?
(ii) What is the value of the point charge? [Textbook]
[Ans. (i) No change (ii) –8.85 ×10–9C] [DPS] [2 marks]
14. A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 2.4 m diameter has a surface charge density (σ) of 80.0 μC/m2.
(a) Find the charge on the sphere. (b) What is the total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere?
[Textbook]
[Ans. (a) 1.45×10–3 C, (b) 1. 6×108 Nm2/C] [2 marks]

Page 52
(Space For Classroom Notes)

Page 53
Assignment Sheet :
1. Three charges, each equal to q are placed at the three corners of a square of side a. Find the magnitude of
electric field at the fourth corner.
kq
Ans. (2√ 2+1) 2 [2 marks]
2a
2. E = 2xi^ (Fig 44), find the net electric flux through
Given electric field in a region is ⃗
the cube and the charge enclosed by it. [Delhi 2015]
Ans. Zero, 2a3ε 0 [2 marks]

Fig.44
3. Four point charges of charge -0.04μC, 0.04μC, -0.02μC and 0.02μC are placed at the corners ABCD of a square
respectively of side 2cm. Find the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the centre of the square.
Ans. 9√ 2×105NC-1, parallel to BA [3 marks]
4. An electron moves a distance of 6cm when accelerated from rest by an electric field of strength 2×10 -4N/C.
Calculate the time period of travel. Me= 9.11 × 10-31kg and qe= 1.6 × 10-19C.
Ans. 5.85 × 10-5s [2 marks]
5. 64 drops of radius 0.02m and each carrying a charge of 5μC are combined to form a bigger drop. Find the ratio
of initial and final surface charge densities.
Ans. 1: 4 [2 marks]
-6
6. An electric dipole consists of two opposite charges of magnitude 2×10 C each and separated by a distance of
3cm. It is placed in an electric field of 2×105NC-1. Determine the maximum torque on the dipole.
Ans. 1.2×10-2 Nm [2 marks]
7. A thin spherical shell of radius R carries a charge Q on its surface. A point charge Q/2
is placed at its centre C and other charge +2Q is placed outside the shell at a distance x
from the centre as shown in the figure 45. Find the electric flux through the shell.
Q
Ans. [Delhi 2015] [2 marks]
2 ε0
Fig.45
8. Charges of +5C ,+5C, +10C are placed in air at the corners A ,B and C of an equilateral triangle ABC,
having each side equal to 5 cm. Determine the resultant force on the charges at A.
Ans. 238 N [2 marks]
9. Two identical metallic spheres, having unequal opposite charges are placed at a distance 0.90 m apart in air.
After bringing them in contact with each other, they are placed at the same distance apart. Now the force of
repulsion between them is 0.025N. Calculate the final charge on each of them.
Ans.1.5×10-6C, 1.5×10-6C [2 marks]
10. Ten Positivity charged particles are kept fixed on the x-axis at point x=10 cm,20 cm, 40 cm,…, 100 cm. The
first particle has a charge 1.010-8 C, the second 810-8 C, third 2710-8 C and so on. The tenth particle has a
charge 10-5 C. Find the magnitude of the electric force acting on a 1C charge placed at the origin.
Ans. 4.95×105 N [3 marks]
11. Two equal balls having equal positive charge ‘q’ coulombs are suspended by two insulating strings of equal
length. What would be the effect on the force when a plastic sheet is inserted between the two?
Ans. Force decreases by a factor of dielectric constant of plastic sheet [Outside Delhi 2014] [1 mark]
12. The force of attraction between two-point charges placed at a distance ‘d’ from each other in a given medium is
‘F’. What distance apart should they be placed in the same medium so that the force between them is F/5?
[Shanti Asiatic]
Ans.√ 5d [1 mark]

Page 54
13. The electrostatic force on a small sphere of charge 0.4 μC due to another small sphere of charge – 0.8 μC in air
is 0.2 N. (a) What is the distance between the two spheres? (b) What is the force on the second sphere due to
the first? [Textbook]
Ans. (a) 0.12 m, (b) -0.2N [2 marks]
14. Four-point charges Q, q, Q and q are placed at the corners of a square of side ‘a’ as shown in the figure 46. Find
the resultant electric force on a charge Q. [Board 2018] [2 marks]

Fig.46
15. Three point charges q, -4q and 2q are placed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle ABC of side ‘l’. Obtain
the expression for the magnitude of the resultant electric force acting on the charge q.[Board 2018]
[2 marks]
16. Two equal positive charges, each of 2C interact with a third positive charges of 3
C situated as shown in figure 47. Find the magnitude and direction of the force
experienced by the charge of 3C.
Ans. 3.456×10-3 N, 37wrt to either force [3 marks]

Fig.47
17. Which among the curves shown in Fig. 48 cannot possibly represent electrostatic field lines?

Fig.48

18. An electric dipole with dipole moment 4 × 10 -9 C m is aligned at 30° with the direction of a uniform electric
field of magnitude 5 × 104 NC-1. Calculate the magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole. [Textbook]
Ans.10-4Nm [2 marks]
19. An electric dipole consists of charges +2e and -2e separated by 0.78 nm. It is in an electric field of strength
3.4×106 N/C. Calculate the magnitude of the torque on the dipole when the dipole moment is (a) parallel to (b)
perpendicular to, and (c) antiparallel to the electric field.
Page 55
 Ans. (a) Zero (b) 8.5×10 -22Nm, (c) Zero [2 marks]
20. A point charge of 2.0C is at the centre of a cubic Gaussian surface 9.0cm on edge. What is net electric flux
through the surface?
Ans. 2.26 105 Nm 2 C−1 [2 marks]
21. A hemispherical body of radius R is placed in a uniform electric field E. What is the flux linked with curved
surface area, if field is (a) parallel to the base, and (b) perpendicular to base?
Ans. (a) Zero, (b) EπR2 [2 marks]

Fig.49(a) Fig.49(b)
22. Two large, thin metal plates are parallel and close to each other. On their inner surface, the plates have surface
charge densities of opposite signs and of magnitude 17.010−22 C/m 2. What is Electric field: (a) in the outer
region of the first plate, (b) in the outer region of the second plate, and (c) between the plates?
Ans.(a) Zero, (b) Zero, (c) 1.9210−10 N/C [2 marks]
23. Figure 50 shows three-point charges, + 2q, – q and + 3q. Two charges + 2q and –
q are enclosed within a surface ‘S’. What is the electric flux due to this
configuration through the surface ‘S’? [Delhi 2010]
q
Ans.φ = [1 mark] Fig.50
ε0
24. A point charge +10 μC is a distance 5 cm directly above the centre of a square of
side 10 cm, as shown in Fig 51. What is the magnitude of the electric flux
q
through the square? [Textbook][Hint: Flux = ¿
6 ε0
Ans.1.88×105Nm2/C [2 marks]
Fig.51

25. A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 2.8 m diameter has a surface charge density of 100μC/m -2. (a) Find
the charge on the sphere. (b) What is the total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere?
[Delhi 2008, K.V.]
Ans. 2.46×10-3C, 2.78×108Nm2/C
26. A charged metallic sphere A is suspended by a nylon thread. Another charged metallic sphere B held by an
insulating handle is brought close to A such that the distance between their centres is 10 cm, as shown in Fig.
52(a). The resulting repulsion of A is noted (for example, by shining a beam of light and measuring the
deflection of its shadow on a screen). Spheres A and B are touched by uncharged spheres C and D respectively,
as shown in Fig. 52(b). C and D are then removed and B is brought closer to A to a distance of 5.0 cm between
their centres, as shown in Fig. 52(c). What is the expected repulsion of A on the basis of Coulomb’s law?
Spheres A and C and spheres B and D have identical sizes. Ignore the sizes of A and B in comparison to the
separation between their centres.
Ans. Electrostatic force on A due to B, remains unaltered. [2 marks]

Fig.52

27. What is the force between two small charged spheres having charges of 2 × 10 –7C and 3 × 10–7C placed 30 cm
apart in air? [Textbook]
Page 56
 Ans. 6 × 10-3 N [2 marks]
2
28. Check that the ratio ke /Gmempis dimensionless. Look up a Table of Physical Constants and determine the
value of this ratio. What does the ratio signify ? [Textbook]
Ans. 2.4 × 1039. Ratio is electric force to the gravitational force between an e - and a p+ [2 marks]
29. (a) A conductor A with a cavity as shown in Fig. 53(a) is given a charge Q. Show that the entire charge must
appear on the outer surface of the conductor. (b) Another conductor B with charge q is inserted into the cavity
keeping B insulated from A. Show that the total charge on the outside surface of A is Q + q [Fig. 53(b)]. (c) A
sensitive instrument is to be shielded from the strong electrostatic fields in its environment. Suggest a possible
way. [3 marks]

Fig.53
30. A hollow charged conductor has a tiny hole cut into its surface. Show that the electric field in the hole is (σ/2ε 0)
n^ , where n^ is theunit vector in the outward normal direction, and σ is the surfacecharge density near the hole.
[2 marks]
31. It is now established that protons and neutrons (which constitute nuclei of ordinary matter) are themselves built
out of more elementary units called quarks. A proton and a neutron consist of three quarks each. Two types of
quarks, the so called ‘up’ quark (denoted by u) of charge + (2/3) e, and the ‘down’ quark (denoted by d) of
charge (–1/3) e, together with electrons build up ordinary matter. (Quarks of other types have also been found
which give rise to different unusual varieties of matter.) Suggest a possible quark composition of a proton and
neutron. [3 marks]
32. (a) Consider an arbitrary electrostatic field configuration. A smallest charge is placed at a null point (i.e., where
E = 0) of the configuration. Show that the equilibrium of the test charge is necessarily unstable. (b) Verify this
result for the simple configuration of two charges of the same magnitude and sign placed a certain distance
apart. [2 marks]
33. Coulomb’s law for electrostatic force between two-point charges and Newton’s law for gravitational force
between two stationary point masses, both have inverse-square dependence on the distance between the charges
and masses respectively. (a) Compare the strength of these forces by determining the ratio of their magnitudes
(i) for an electron and a proton and (ii) for two protons. (b) Estimate the accelerations of electron and proton
due to the electrical force of their mutual attraction when they are 1 Å (= 10 -10 m) apart? (mp = 1.67 × 10–27 kg,
me = 9.11 × 10–31 kg) [3 marks]

Page 57