Electric Charges and Fields Class 12 Important Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Which orientation of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field would correspond to stable
equilibrium ? (All India 2008)
Answer:
When dipole moment vector is parallel to electric field vector
P→∥E→

Question 2.
If the radius of the Gaussian surface enclosing a charge is halved, how does the electric flux through
the Gaussian surface change ?
Answer:
Electic flux ϕE is given by
ϕE=∮E→⋅ds⃗ =Qε0
…. where [Q is total charge inside the closed surface

Electrostatic field textbooks

∴ On changing the radius of sphere, the electric flux through the Gaussian surface remains same.

Question 3.
Define the term electric dipole moment of a dipole. State its S.I. unit
Answer:
τ = OE sin θ
If E = 1 unit, θ = 90°, then τ = P
Dipole moment may be defined as the torque acting on an electric dipole, placed perpendicular to a
uniform electric dipole, placed perpendicular to a uniform electric field of unit strength.
or Strength of electric dipole is called dipole moment.

∴ SI unit is Cm.
|P→|=q|2a|

Question 4.
In which orientation, a dipole placed in a uniform electric field is in

 stable,

 unstable equilibrium ? (Delhi 2010)

Answer:

 For stable equilibrium, a dipole is placed parallel to the electric field.

 For unstable equilibrium, a dipole is placed antiparallel to the electric field.

Question 5.
Figure 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)
Answer:
Electric flux =∮SE→⋅dS−→

Question 6.
Name the physical quantity whose S.I. unit is JC-1. Is it a scalar or a vector quantity? (All India 2010)
Answer:

 Physical quantity whose S.I. unit is JC-1 is Electric potential.

 It is a Scalar quantity.

Question 7.
Define electric dipole moment. Write its S.I. unit. (All India 2011)
Answer:
Electric dipole moment of an electric dipole is defined as the product of the magnitude of either
charge and dipole length.

S.I. unit of dipole (p⃗ ) is coulomb metre (Cm).

Question 8.
Why should electrostatic field be zero inside a conductor? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Electrostatic field inside a conductor should be zero because of the absence of charge. As in a static
condition, charge remains only on the surface.

Question 9.
Why must electrostatic field be normal to the surface at every point of a charged conductor? (Delhi
2012)
Answer:
So that tangent on charged conductor gives the direction of the electric field at that point.

Question 10.
A charge ‘q’ is placed at the centre of a cube of side l. What is the electric flux passing through each
face of the cube? (All India 2012)
Answer:
Electric flux through each phase of the cube

Question 11.
A charge ‘q’ is placed at the centre of a cube of side l. What is the electric flux passing through two
opposite faces of the cube? (All India)
Answer:
ϕE=q3ε0

Question 12.
Depict the direction of the magnetic field lines due to a circular current carrying loop. (Comptt. Delhi
2012)
Answer:
Direction of the magnetic field lines is given by right hand thumb rule.

Question 13.
What is the direction of the electric field at the surface of a charged conductor having charge density
σ < 0? (Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
The direction of electric field is normal and inward to the surface.

Question 14.
Why do the electric field lines not form closed loops? (Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
Electric field lines do not form closed loops because the direction of an electric field is from positive
to negative charge. So one can regard a line of force starting from a positive charge and ending on a
negative charge. This indicates that electric field lines do not form closed loops.

Question 15.
Is the electric field due to a charge configuration with total charge zero, necessarily zero? Justify.
(Comptt. All India 2012)
Answer:
No, it is not necessarily zero. If the electric field due to a charge configuration with total charge is
zero because the electric field due to an electric dipole is non-zero.

Question 16.
Two charges of magnitudes – 2Q and + Q are located at points (a, 0) and (4a,0) respectively. What is
the electric flux due to these charges through a sphere of radius ‘3a’ with its centre at the origin? (All
India 2013)
Answer:

Question 17.
Two charges of magnitudes -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?
Answer:

Question 18.
Write the expression for the work done on an electric dipole of dipole moment p in turning it from its
position of stable equilibrium to a position of unstable equilibrium in a uniform electric
field E. (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
Torque, acting on the dipole is, τ = pE sin θ

Question 19.
Why do the electrostatic field lines not form closed loops? (All India 2014)
Answer:
Electric field lines do not form closed loops because the direction of an electric field is from positive
to negative charge. So one can regard a line of force starting from a positive charge and ending on a
negative charge. This indicates that electric field . lines do not form closed loops.

Question 20.
Why do the electric field lines never cross each other? (All India)
Answer:
The electric lines of force give the direction of the electric field. In case, two lines of force intersect,
there will be two directions of the electric field at the point of intersection, which is not possible.

Question 21.
distance ‘d’ apart as shown in the figure. The electric field intensity is zero at a point ’P’ on the line
joining them as shown. Write two conclusions that you can draw from this. (Comptt. Delhi 2014)
Answer:

 Two point charges ‘ q1‘ and ‘ q2 should be of opposite nature.

 Magnitude of charge ql must be greater than that of charge q2.

Question 22. What is the electric flux through a cube of side 1 cm which encloses an electric dipole?
(Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Zero because the net charge of an electric dipole (+ q and – q) is zero.

Question 23.
Why are electric field lines perpendicular at a point on an equipotential surface of a conductor?
(Comptt. All India 2015)
Answer:
If the electric field lines were not normal to the equipotential surface, it would have a non-zero
component along the surface. To move a unit test charge against the direction of the component of
the field, work would have to be done which means this surface cannot be equipotential surface.
Hence, electric field lines are perpendicular at a point on an equipotential surface of a conductor.

Question 24.

Is the potential difference VA – VB positive, negative or zero? (Delhi 2016)

Answer:
The potential difference is positive.

Question 25.
How does the electric flux due to a point charge enclosed by a spherical Gaussian surface get
affected when its radius is increased? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
The electric flux due to a point charge enclosed by a spherical gaussian surface remains ‘unaffected’
when its radius is increased.

Question 26.
Show on a plot the nature of variation of the

 Electric field (E) and

 potential (V), of a (small) electric dipole with the distance (r) of the field point from the
centre of the dipole. (Comptt. Outside Delhi 2016)
Answer:

Question 27.
Does the charge given to a metallic sphere depend on whether it is hollow or solid? Give reason for
your answer. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
No, it does not, because the charge resides only on the surface of the conductor.

Question 28.
Draw a plot showing variation of electric field with distance from the centre of a solid conducting
sphere of radius R, having a charge of +Q on its surface. (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Plot between E and r

Question 29.
A point charge +Q is placed in the vicinity of a conducting surface. Draw the electric field lines
between the surface and the charge.
(Comptt. Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:

Question 30.
Derive an expression for the torque experienced by an electric dipole kept in a uniform electric field.
(Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Consider an electric dipole consisting of charges + q and – q and of length 2a placed in a uniform
electric field E→ making an angle θ with it. It has a dipole moment of magnitude,

Hence the net translating force on a dipole in a uniform electric field is zero. But the two equal and
opposite forces act at different points of the dipole. They form a couple which exerts a torque.
Torque = Either force × Perpendicular distance between the two forces

X = pE sin θ [ ∵ p = q × 2a; p is dipole moment]

x = qE × 2a sin θ

As the direction of torque τ⃗ is perpendicular to p⃗ and E⃗ , so we can write τ⃗ =p⃗ ×E→

Question 31.
Define electric flux. Write its S.I. unit.
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? (All India 2009)
Answer:
Electric flux over an area in an electric field is the total number of lines of force passing through the
area. It is represented by ϕ . It is a scalar quantity. Its S.I unit is Nm2 C-1 or Vm.

Electric flux ϕ by qenclosed

Hence the electric flux through the surface of sphere remains same.

Question 32.
A spherical conducting shell of inner radius rx 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 > r2 from the centre of the shell. (All India
2010)
Answer:
(a) Surface charge density on the :

(b) Electric field at a point x > r2 from the centre of the shell will be E = 14πε0(q+Qx2)

Question 33.
Show that the electric field at the surface of a charged conductor is given by E→=σε0n^, where σ is
the surface charge density and h is a unit vector normal to the surface in the outward direction. (All
India 2010)
Answer:
Electric field at a point on the surface of charged conductor, E = 14πε0QR2
For simplicity we consider charged conductor as a sphere of radius ‘R’. If ‘σ’ is in surface charge
density, then

…where [ n^ is a unit vector normal to the surface in the outward direction]

Question 34.
A thin straight infinitely long conducting wire having charge density X is enclosed by a cylindrical
surface of radius r and length l, its axis coinciding with the length of the wire. Find the expression for
the electric flux through the surface of the cylinder. (All India 2011)
Answer:
Since the field is everywhere radial, flux through the two ends of the cylindrical Gaussian surface is
zero. At the cylindrical part of the surface, E is normal to the surface at every point, and its
magnitude is constant, since it depends only on r. The surface area of the curved part is 2πrl, where l
is the length of the cylinder.

Flux through the Gaussian surface = Flux through the curved cylindrical part of the surface is zero. At
the cylindrical part of the surface, E is normal to the surface at every point, and its magnitude is
constant, since at every point, and its magnitude is constant, since it depends only on r. The surface
area of the cylinder.

Flux through the Gaussian surface = Flux through the curved cylindrical part of the surface
= E × 2πrl
(a) Electric field due to an infinitely long thin straight wire is radial.
(b) The Gaussian surface for a long thin wire of uniform linear charge density
The surface includes charge equal to λl.
Gauss’s law then gives

Question 35.
Plot a graph showing the variation of coulomb force (F) versus (1r2), where r is the distance between
the two charges of each pair of charges : (1µC, 2µC) and (2µC, – 3µC). Interpret the graphs obtained.
(All India 2010)
Answer:

Here positive slope depicts that force is repulsive in nature and negative slope depicts that the force
is attractive in nature.
Question 36.
A hollow cylindrical box of length 1m and area of cross-section 25 cm2 is placed in a three
dimensional coordinate system as shown in the figure. The electric field in the region is given
by E→=50xi^ where E is in NC-1 and x is in metres. Find

 Net flux through the cylinder.

 Charge enclosed by the cylinder. (Delhi 2013)

Answer:
Question 37.

Given a uniform electric field , find the flux of this field through a square of 10
cm on a side whose plane is parallel to the y-z plane. What would be the flux through the same
square if the plane makes a 30° angle with the x-axis? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Given : E→=5×103i^N/C
A = 10 × 10 × 10-4m2,
Flux (ϕ) = EA cos θ

∴ Flux = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4)

(i) For first case, θ = 0, cos 0 = 1

(ii) Angle of square plane with x-axis = 30°

Hence the 0 will be 90° – 30° = 60°
EA cos θ = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4) × cos 60
= 50 × 12
= 25 Nm2C-1

Question 38.
Given a uniform electric field E→ = 2 × 103 i^ N/ C, find the flux of this field through a square of side
20 cm, whose plane is parallel to the y-z plane. What would be the flux through the same square, if
the plane makes an angle of 30° with the x-axis? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Given : E→=5×103i^N/C
A = 10 × 10 × 10-4m2,
Flux (ϕ) = EA cos θ

∴ Flux = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4)

(i) For first case, θ = 0, cos 0 = 1

(ii) Angle of square plane with x-axis = 30°

Hence the 0 will be 90° – 30° = 60°
EA cos θ = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4) × cos 60
= 50 × 12
= 25 Nm2C-1
Hint : (i) 80 Nm2C-1
(ii) 40 Nm2C3

Question 39.
Given a uniform electric field E→=4×103i^ N/C. Find the flux of this field through a square of 5 cm on
a side whose plane is parallel to the Y-Z plane. What would be the flux through the same square if
the plane makes a 30° angle with the x-axis? (Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Given : E→=5×103i^N/C
A = 10 × 10 × 10-4m2,
Flux (ϕ) = EA cos θ

∴ Flux = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4)

(i) For first case, θ = 0, cos 0 = 1

(ii) Angle of square plane with x-axis = 30°

Hence the 0 will be 90° – 30° = 60°
EA cos θ = (5 × 103) × (10 × 10 × 10-4) × cos 60
= 50 × 12
= 25 Nm2C-1
Hint:
(i) 10 Nm2C-1
(ii) 5 Nm2C-1

Question 40.
A small metal sphere carrying charge +Q is located at the centre of a spherical cavity in a large
uncharged metallic spherical shell. Write the charges on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell.
Write the expression for the electric field at the point P1 (Comptt. Delhi)

Answer:

1. Charge on inner surface : – Q

2. Charge on outer surface : + Q

3. Electric field at point P1 (E) = 14πε0Qr21

Question 41.
An electric dipole is placed in a uniform electric field E→ with its dipole moment p⃗ parallel to the
field. Find
(i) the work done in turning the dipole till its dipole moment points in the direction
opposite to E→ .
(ii) the orientation of the dipole for which the torque acting on it becomes maximum. (Comptt. All
India 2014)
Answer:

(ii) τ = p⃗ ×E→ = pE sin θ

For θ = π2, sin θ = 1 and τ is maxximum

Question 42.
A sphere S1 of radius r1 encloses a net charge Q. If there is another concentric sphere S2 of radius
r2 (r2 > r,) enclosing charge 2Q, find the ratio of the electric flux through S1 and S2. How will the
electric flux through sphere S1 change if a medium of dielectric constant K is introduced in the space
inside S2 in place of air? (Comptt. All India 2014)
Answer:

Therefore, there will be no change in the flux through S1 on introducing dielectric medium inside the
sphere S2.

Question 43.
Define the term ‘electric flux’. Write its S.I. units. What is the flux due to electric
field E→=3×103i^ N/C through a square of side 10 cm, when it is held normal to if? (Comptt. All India
2015)
Answer:

Electric flux over an area in an electric field is the total number of lines of force passing through the
area. It is represented by ϕ . It is a scalar quantity. Its S.I unit is Nm2 C-1 or Vm.

Electric flux ϕ by qenclosed

Hence the electric flux through the surface of sphere remains same.

Electric Charges and Fields Class 12 Important Questions Short Answer Type

Question 44.
A thin conducting spherical shell of radius R has charge Q spread uniformly over its surface. Using
Gauss’s law, derive an expression for an electric field at a point outside the shell.
Draw a graph of electric field E(r) with distance r from the centre of the shell for 0 ≤ r ≤ ∞
Answer:
Electric field at a point outside the shell :
(a) (i) To find out electric field at a point outside a spherical charged shell we imagine a symmetrical
Gaussian surface in such a way that the point lies on it.

Graph of electric field E(r) :

Question 45.
State Gauss’ law in electrostatics. Using this law derive an expression for the electric field due to a
uniformly changed infinite plane sheet.
Answer:
Gauss’ Law states that “the total flux through a closed surface is 1ε0 times the net charge enclosed
by

Let σ be the surface charge density (charge per unit area) of the given sheet and let P be a point at
distance r from the sheet where we have to find E→

Choosing point P’, symmetrical with P on the other side of the sheet, let us draw a Gaussian
cylindrical surface cutting through the sheet as shown in the diagram. As at the cylindrical part of the
Gaussian surface, E→ and dS→ are at a right angle, the only surfaces having E→ and dS→ parallel are
the plane ends

…[As E is outgoing from both plane ends, the flux is positive.

This is the total flux through the Gaussian surface.

This value is independent of r. Hence, the electric field intensity is same for all points near the
charged sheet. This is called uniform electric field intensity.

Question 46.
State ‘Gauss law’ in electrostatics. Use this law to derive an expression for the electric field due to an
infinitely long straight wire of linear charge density λ cm-1
Answer:
Gauss’s law in electrostatics : It states that “the total electric flux over the surface S in vaccum
is 1ε0 times the total charge (q).”
Electric field due to an infinitely long straight wire : Consider an infinitely long straight line charge
having linear charge density X to determine its electric field at distance r. Consider a cylindrical
Gaussian surface of radius r and length l coaxial with the charge. By symmetry, the electric field E has
same magnitude at each point of the curved surface S1 and is directed radially outward.
Total flux through the cylindrical surface,

Question 47.
A positive point charge (+ q) is kept in the vicinity of an uncharged conducting plate. Sketch electric
field lines originating from the point on to the surface of the plate.
Derive the expression for the electric field at the surface of a charged conductor. (All India) Answer:
Representation of electric field, (due to a positive charge)
Answer:
Representation of electric field. (due to a positive charge)

Question 48.
Use Gauss’s law to derive the expression for the electric field between two uniformly charged large
parallel sheets with surface charge densities a and -a respectively. (All India)
Answer:

Gauss’ Law states that “the total flux through a closed surface is 1ε0 times the net charge enclosed
by

Let σ be the surface charge density (charge per unit area) of the given sheet and let P be a point at
distance r from the sheet where we have to find E→

Choosing point P’, symmetrical with P on the other side of the sheet, let us draw a Gaussian
cylindrical surface cutting through the sheet as shown in the diagram. As at the cylindrical part of the
Gaussian surface, E→ and dS→ are at a right angle, the only surfaces having E→ and dS→ parallel are
the plane ends

…[As E is outgoing from both plane ends, the flux is positive.

This is the total flux through the Gaussian surface.

This value is independent of r. Hence, the electric field intensity is same for all points near the
charged sheet. This is called uniform electric field intensity.
Question 49.
State Gauss’s law.
A thin straight infinitely long conducting wire of linear charge density ‘X’ is enclosed by a cy¬lindrical
surface of radius V and length ‘l’—its axis coinciding with the length of the wire. Obtain the
expression for the electric field, indi¬cating its direction, at a point on the surface of the cylinder.
(Comptt. Delhi 2012)
Answer:
Gauss’s law. Gauss law states that “Total flux (electric flux) over the closed surfaces in vacuum is He0
times the total charge (Q) contained inside S.”

Since the field is everywhere radial, flux through the two ends of the cylindrical Gaussian surface is
zero. At the cylindrical part of the surface, E is normal to the surface at every point, and its
magnitude is constant, since it depends only on r. The surface area of the curved part is 2πrl, where l
is the length of the cylinder.

Flux through the Gaussian surface = Flux through the curved cylindrical part of the surface is zero. At
the cylindrical part of the surface, E is normal to the surface at every point, and its magnitude is
constant, since at every point, and its magnitude is constant, since it depends only on r. The surface
area of the cylinder.

Flux through the Gaussian surface = Flux through the curved cylindrical part of the surface
= E × 2πrl
(a) Electric field due to an infinitely long thin straight wire is radial.
(b) The Gaussian surface for a long thin wire of uniform linear charge density
The surface includes charge equal to λl.
Gauss’s law then gives

Question 50.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its S.I. units.
(b) Consider a uniform electric field
E→ = 3 × 103 i^ N/C. Calculate the flux of this field through a square surface of area 10 cm2 when
(i) its plane is parallel to the y-z plane, and
(ii) the normal to its plane makes a 60° angle with the x-axis. (Comptt. Delhi 2013)
Answer:
(a)
Electric flux over an area in an electric field is the total number of lines of force passing through the
area. It is represented by ϕ . It is a scalar quantity. Its S.I unit is Nm2 C-1 or Vm.

Electric flux ϕ by qenclosed

Hence the electric flux through the surface of sphere remains same.

Question 51.
Two charged spherical conductors of radii R1 and R2 when connected by a conducting wire acquire
charges q1 and q2 respectively. Find the ratio of their surface charge densities in terms of their radii.
(Delhi 2014)
Answer:
Two charged spherical conductors of radii R1 and R2 when connected by a conducting wire acquire
charges q1 and q2 respectively. Thus these two conductors have a common potential V.
Two charged spherical conductors of radii R1 and R2 when connected by a conduction wire acquire
charges q1 and q2 respectively. Thus these two conductors have a common potential V

Question 52.
Two point charges + q and -2q are placed at the vertices ‘B’ and ‘C’ of an equilateral triangle ABC of
side as given in the figure. Obtain the expression for (i) the magnitude and (ii) the direction of the
resultant electric field at the vertex A due to these two charges.

(Comptt All India)

Answer:

Question 53.
Two point charges + 3q and – 4q are placed at the vertices ‘B’ and ‘C’ of an equilateral triangle ABC of
side ‘a’ as given in the figure. Obtain the expression for

(i) the magnitude and

(ii) the direction of the resultant electric field at the vertex A due to these two charges. (Comptt. All
India 2014)
Answer:
Question 54.
An electric dipole of dipole moment p→ is placed in a uniform electric field E→?. Obtain the
expression for the torque τ→experienced by the dipole. Identify two pairs of perpendicular vectors in
the expression. (Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(i)
(a) Torque on electric dipole. Consider an electric dipole consisting of two equal and opposite point
charges separated by a small distance 2a having dipole moment
So net force on the dipole is zero

Since is uniform, hence the dipole does not undergo any translatory motion.

These forces being equal, unlike and parallel, from a couple, which rotates the dipole in clock-wise

∴ Magnitude of torque = Force × arm of couple

direction

[The direction of τ⃗ is given by right hand screw rule and is normal to p⃗ ] and E⃗
Special cases

∴ Torque is zero and the dipole is in stable equilibrium

(i) when θ = 0 then τ = PE sin θ = 0

∴ The Torque is maximum

(ii) When θ = 90 then τ = PE sin 90 = PE

(b) Ratio of flux

∴ Electric flux through the sphere S1 decreases with the introduction of dielectric inside it.

(ii) Two pairs of perpendicular vectors are,

(a) τ→ is perpendicular to p→
(b) τ→is perpendicular to E→

Question 55.
(a) Two spherical conductors of radii Ra and R2 (R2 > R1) are charged. If they are connected by a
conducting wire, find out the ratio of the surface charge densities on them.
(b) A steady current flows in a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross-section. Which of these
quantities is constant along the conductor : current, current density, electric field, drift speed?
(Comptt. Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(a) When two charged spherical conductors of Radii R1 and R2 respectively (R2 > R1) are connected by
a conducting wire, we know that the common potential (V) is given by,

Question 56.
A charge is distributed uniformly over a ring of radius ‘a’. Obtain an expression for the electric
intensity E at a point on the axis of the ring. Hence show that for points at large distances from the
ring, it behaves like a point charge. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Electric Intensity on the axis of a ring:

This is the Electric Field due to a point charge at distance x.

Question 57.
Two thin concentric and coplanar spherical shells, of radii a and b (b > a) carry charges, q and Q,
respectively. Find the magnitude of the electric field, at a point distant x, from their common centre
for
(i) 0 < x < a
(ii) a ≤ x < b
(iii) b ≤ x < ∞ (Comptt. Delhi 2016) Answer: Magnitude of Electric field : Two thin concentric and
coplanar spherical shells of radii ‘a’ and ‘b’ (b > a) carry charges ‘q’ and ‘Q’ respectively.
(i) For 0 < x < a
Point lies inside both the spherical shells.
Hence, E(x) = 0
(ii) For a ≤ x < b

∴ E(x) = 14πε0⋅qx2
Point is outside the spherical shell of radius ‘a’ but inside the spherical shell of radius ‘b’.

(iii) For b ≤
x<∞
Point is outside of both the spherical shells. Total effective charge at the centre equals (Q + q).
E(x) = 14πε0⋅(q+Q)x2

Question 58.
A charge +Q, is uniformly distributed within a sphere of radius R. Find the electric field, due to this
charge distribution, at a point distant r from the centre of the sphere where :
(i) 0 < r < R and
(ii) r > R (Comptt. Outside Delhi )
Answer:
We have
Question 59.
(i) Derive the expression for electric field at a point on the equatorial line of an electric dipole.
(ii) Depict the orientation of the dipole in
(a) stable,
(b) unstable equilibrium in a uniform electric field. (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(i)

Electric dipole moment: It is the product of the magnitude of either charge and distance between
them.

It is a vector quantity whose direction is from negative to positive charge.

Electric field intensity at P due to +q charge is

Electric field intensity at P due to -q charge is,

(ii) (a) For stable equilibrium, the angle between p and E is 0°,

(b) For unstable equilibrium, the angle between p and E is 180°,

Question 60.
(i) Obtain the expression for the torque τ⃗ experienced by an electric dipole of dipole moment p⃗ in a
uniform electric E→?
(ii) What will happen if the field were not uniform? (Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(i)
(a) Torque on electric dipole. Consider an electric dipole consisting of two equal and opposite point
charges separated by a small distance 2a having dipole moment
So net force on the dipole is zero

Since is uniform, hence the dipole does not undergo any translatory motion.

These forces being equal, unlike and parallel, from a couple, which rotates the dipole in clock-wise

∴ Magnitude of torque = Force × arm of couple

direction

[The direction of τ⃗ is given by right hand screw rule and is normal to p⃗ ] and E⃗
Special cases

∴ Torque is zero and the dipole is in stable equilibrium

(i) when θ = 0 then τ = PE sin θ = 0

∴ The Torque is maximum

(ii) When θ = 90 then τ = PE sin 90 = PE

(b) Ratio of flux

∴ Electric flux through the sphere S1 decreases with the introduction of dielectric inside it.

(ii) If the electric field is non uniform, the dipole experiences a translatory force as well as a torque.

Question 61.
State Gauss’s law in electrostatics. Derive an expression for the electric field due to an infinitely long
straight uniformly charged wire. (Comptt. Delhi 2017)
Answer:
Gauss Theorem : The surface integral of electric field over a closed surface is equal to 1ϵ0 times the
charge enclosed by the surface.

Electric Charges and Fields Class 12 Important Questions Long Answer Type

Question 62.
(a) Using Gauss’ law, derive an expression for the electric field intensity at any point outside a
uniformly charged thin spherical shell of radius R and charge density a C/m2. Draw the field lines
when the charge density of the sphere is
(i) positive,
(ii) negative.
(b) A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 2.5 m in diameter has a surface charge density of 100
µC/m2. Calculate the
(i) charge on the sphere
(ii) total electric flux passing through the sphere (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
(a) (i) To find out electric field at a point outside a spherical charged shell we imagine a symmetrical
Gaussian surface in such a way that the point lies on it.
Question 63.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its SI units.
(b) The electric field components due to a charge inside the cube of side 0.1 m are as shown :
Ex = ax, where α = 500 N/C-m

Calculate
(i) the flux through the cube, and
(ii) the charge inside the cube. (All India 2008)
Answer:
(a) Electric flux through a surface represents the total number of electric lines of force crossing the

∴ S.I. unit is Nm2 C-1.

surface.
(b) (i) Flux through R.H.S. of the cube is

Question 64.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its S.I. units.
(b) Using Gauss’s law, prove that the electric field at a point due to a uniformly charged infinite plane
sheet is independent of the distance from it.
(c) How is the field directed if
(i) the sheet is positively charged,
(ii) negatively charged? (Delhi 2012)
Answer:
(a) Electric flux: The electric flux through a given area held inside an electric field is the measure of
the total number of electric lines of force passing normally through that area.

(b) Consider a thin, infinite plane sheet of charge with uniform surface charge density 0. We wish to
calculate its electric field at a point P at distance r from it.

By symmetry, electric field E points outwards normal to the sheet. Also, it must have same
magnitude and opposite direction at two points P anel F equidistant from the sheet and on opposite
sides. We choose cylindrical Gaussian surface of cross¬sectional area A and length 2r with its axis
perpendicular to the sheet.

As the lines of force are parallel to the curved surface of the cylinder, the flux through the curved
surface is zero. The flux through the plane-end faces of the cylinder is :
(i) For positively charged sheet ➝ away from the sheet
(ii)For negatively charged sheet ➝towards the sheet

Question 65.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its S.I. unit.
(b) A small metal sphere carrying charge +Q is located at the centre of a spherical cavity inside a large
uncharged metallic spherical shell as shown in the figure the expressions for the electric field at
points P1 and P2.
(c) Draw the pattern of electric field lines in this arrangement. (Comptt. All India 2012)

Answer:
(a) Electric flux: The electric flux through a given area held inside an electric field is the measure of
the total number of electric lines of force passing normally through that area.

(b) Consider a thin, infinite plane sheet of charge with uniform surface charge density 0. We wish to
calculate its electric field at a point P at distance r from it.
By symmetry, electric field E points outwards normal to the sheet. Also, it must have same
magnitude and opposite direction at two points P anel F equidistant from the sheet and on opposite
sides. We choose cylindrical Gaussian surface of cross-sectional area A and length 2r with its axis
perpendicular to the sheet.

As the lines of force are parallel to the curved surface of the cylinder, the flux through the curved
surface is zero. The flux through the plane-end faces of the cylinder is :

(i) For positively charged sheet ➝ away from the sheet

(ii)For negatively charged sheet ➝towards the sheet

(b) Calculation of electric field at point Pt:

Net charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface is +Q

As electric field of positive charge is radially outwards, it is parallel to the area vector on the surface
chosen.
As point P2 lies inside the metal, therefore electric field at point P2 is zero.

Question 66.
Define electric dipole moment. Is it a scalar or a vector? Derive the expression for the electric field of
a dipole at a point on the equatorial
plane of the dipole. (All India 2013)
Answer:
Electric dipole moment: It is the product of the magnitude of either charge and distance between
them.

It is a vector quantity whose direction is from negative to positive charge.

Electric field intensity at P due to +q charge is

Electric field intensity at P due to -q charge is,

Question 67.
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) outside and
(ii) inside the shell.
Plot a graph showing variation of electric field as a function of r > R and r < R (r being the distance
from the centre of the shell) (All India)
Answer:
(i) Field Outside Shell :
Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R with centre O. Let charge +q be distributed uniformly over
the surface of shell. To calculate electric field intensity at P where OP = r, imagine a sphere S, with
centre at O and radius r. The surface of sphere is Gaussian surface over at every point. Electric field is
same and directed radially outwards.

Applying Gauss’ theorem

r→ is distance of point P from centre where E is calculated]

(ii) Inside Shell: As we know charge is located on its surface,

(iii) at r < R E→ is zero and r = R, E is maximum at r > R, E is decreasing at E ∝ 1r2

Question 68.
Using Gauss’s law, derive the expression for the electric field at a point
(i) outside and
(ii) inside a uniformly charged thin spherical shell. Draw a graph showing electric field E as a function
of distance from the centre. (Comptt. All India 2013)
Answer:
Electric field due to a uniformly charged spherical shell:
Suppose a thin spherical shell of radius R and centre O
Let the charge + q be distributed over the surface of sphere
Electric field intensity E→ is same at every point on the surface of sphere directed directly outwards
Let a point P be outside the shell with radius vector

Question .
(a) Deduce the expression for the torque acting on a dipole of dipole moment p→ in the presence of
a uniform electric field E.
(b) Consider two hollow concentric spheres, S1 and S2, enclosing charges 2Q and 4Q respectively as
shown in the figure.

(i) Find out the ratio of the electric flux through them.
(ii) How will the electric flux through the sphere S1 change if a medium of dielectric constant ‘εr‘ is
introduced in the space inside S1, in place of air? Deduce the necessary expression. (All India 2014)
Answer:
(a) Torque on electric dipole. Consider an electric dipole consisting of two equal and opposite point
charges separated by a small distance 2a having dipole moment
So net force on the dipole is zero

Since is uniform, hence the dipole does not undergo any translatory motion.

These forces being equal, unlike and parallel, from a couple, which rotates the dipole in clock-wise

∴ Magnitude of torque = Force × arm of couple

direction

[The direction of τ⃗ is given by right hand screw rule and is normal to p⃗ ] and E⃗
Special cases

∴ Torque is zero and the dipole is in stable equilibrium

(i) when θ = 0 then τ = PE sin θ = 0

∴ The Torque is maximum

(ii) When θ = 90 then τ = PE sin 90 = PE

(b) Ratio of flux

∴ Electric flux through the sphere S1 decreases with the introduction of dielectric inside it.

Question 70.
(a) An electric dipole of dipole moment p→ consists of point charges + q and – q separated by a
distance 2a apart. Deduce the expression for the electric field E→ due to the dipole at a distance x
from the centre of the dipole on its axial line in terms of the dipole moment p→?. Hence show that
in the limit x >> a, E→ —>2p→ (4πε0x3).

(Delhi 2015)
Answer:
(a) Expression for magnetic field due to dipole on its axial lane:
(b)Only the faces perpendicular to the direction of x-axis, contribute to the Electric flux. The
remaining faces of the cube given zero

Question 71.
(a) Define electric flux. Write its S.I. unit. “Gauss’s law in electrostatics is true for any closed surface,
no matter what its shape or size is”. Justify this statement with the help of a suitable example.
(b) Use Gauss’s law to prove that the electric field inside a uniformly charged spherical shell is zero.
(All India)
(a) Electric flux. The electric lines of force passing through that area, when held normally to the lines
of force.
Answer:
Electric flux. The electric lines of force passing through that area, when held normally to the lines of
force.

S.I. units: Vm, Nm2C-1

Gauss’s Law states that the electric flux through a closed surface is given by

The law implies that the total electric flux through a closed surface depends on the quantity of total
charge enclosed by the surface, and does not depend on its shape and size.

For example, net charge enclosed by the electric dipole (q, -q) is zero, hence the total elec¬tric flux
enclosed by a surface containing electric dipole is zero.
(b) Electrical field inside a uniformly charged spherical shell. Let us consider a point ‘P’ inside the
shell. The Gaussian surface is a sphere through P centred at O.

The flux through the Gaussian surface is E × 4πr2.

However, in this case, the Gaussian surface encloses no charge. Gauss’s law then gives
E × 4πr2 = 0
or E = 0
(r < R)
that is, the field due to a uniformly charged thin shell is zero at all points inside the shell.

Question 72.
(a) Derive the expression for the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor. Hence obtain the
expression for the energy density of the electric field.
(b) A fully charged parallel plate capacitor is connected across an uncharged identical capacitor. Show
that the energy stored in the combination is less than that stored initially in the single capacitor. (All
India 2015)
Answer:
(a) (i) Energy of a parallel plate capacitor. Consider a capacitor of capacitance C. Initial charge on
plates is zero. Initial potential difference between the capacitor plates is zero. Let a charge Q be given
to it in small steps. When charge is given to capacitor, the potential difference between its plates
increases. Let at any instant when charge on capacitor be q, the potential difference between its
plates be,

Now work done in giving an additional infinitesimal charge dq to capacitor

The total work done in giving charge from 0 to Q will be equal to the sum of all such infinitesimal
works, which may be obtained by integration. Therefore total work

If V is the final potential difference between capacitor plates, then Q = CV

This work is stored as electrostatic potential energy of capacitor i.e., Electriostatic potential energy,

(ii) Expression for Energy Density.

Consider a parallel plate capacitor consisting of plates, each of area A, separated by a distance d. If
space between the plates is filled with a medium of dielectric constant K, then
Capacitence of Capacitor,

If σ is the surface charge density of plates, then electric field strength between the plates.
This is the expression for electrostatic energy density in medium of dielectric constan K. In air of free
space (K = 1), therefore energy density,

(b) The energy of the capacitor when fully charged is

When this charged capacitor is connected to an identical capacitor C, then the charge will be
distributed equally, q2 on each of the capacitors, then

Hence, the total energy stored is half of that stored initially in one capacitor which means the energy
stored in combination is less than that stored initially in the single capacitor.

Question 73.
(i) Use Gauss’s law to find the electric field due to a uniformly charged infinite plane sheet. What is
the direction of field for positive and negative charge densities?
(ii) Find the ratio of the potential differences that must be applied across the parallel and series
combination of two capacitors Cj and C2 with their capacitances in the ratio 1 : 2 so that the energy
stored in the two cases becomes the same. (All India 2016)
Answer:
(i)
(a) Electric flux: The electric flux through a given area held inside an electric field is the measure of
the total number of electric lines of force passing normally through that area.

(b) Consider a thin, infinite plane sheet of charge with uniform surface charge density 0. We wish to
calculate its electric field at a point P at distance r from it.

By symmetry, electric field E points outwards normal to the sheet. Also, it must have same
magnitude and opposite direction at two points P anel F equidistant from the sheet and on opposite
sides. We choose cylindrical Gaussian surface of cross¬sectional area A and length 2r with its axis
perpendicular to the sheet.

As the lines of force are parallel to the curved surface of the cylinder, the flux through the curved
surface is zero. The flux through the plane-end faces of the cylinder is :

(i) For positively charged sheet ➝ away from the sheet

(ii)For negatively charged sheet ➝towards the sheet
(b) and

Question 74.
(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.
(c) If this dipole were kept in a uniform external electric field diagrammatically represent the position
of the dipole in stable and unstable equilibrium and write the expressions for the torque acting on
the dipole in both the cases. (Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(a) Expression for magnetic field due to dipole on its axial lane:
(b)Only the faces perpendicular to the direction of x-axis, contribute to the Electric flux. The
remaining faces of the cube given zero
(b) Graph between E Vs r

(i) Diagrammatic representation

(ii) Torque acting on these cases
(i) In stable equilibrium, torque is zero (θ = 0)

(ii) In unstable equilibrium also, torque is zero (θ = 180°)

Question 75.
(a) Use Gauss’s theorem to find the electronic field due to a uniformly charged infinitely large plane
thin sheet with surface charge density a.
(b) An infinitely large thin plane sheet has a uniform surface charge density +a. Obtain the expression
for the amount of work done in bringing a point charge q from infinity to a point, distant r, in front of
the charged plane sheet. (Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(a) Electric flux: The electric flux through a given area held inside an electric field is the measure of
the total number of electric lines of force passing normally through that area.

(b) Consider a thin, infinite plane sheet of charge with uniform surface charge density 0. We wish to
calculate its electric field at a point P at distance r from it.
By symmetry, electric field E points outwards normal to the sheet. Also, it must have same
magnitude and opposite direction at two points P anel F equidistant from the sheet and on opposite
sides. We choose cylindrical Gaussian surface of cross¬sectional area A and length 2r with its axis
perpendicular to the sheet.

As the lines of force are parallel to the curved surface of the cylinder, the flux through the curved
surface is zero. The flux through the plane-end faces of the cylinder is :

(i) For positively charged sheet ➝ away from the sheet

(ii)For negatively charged sheet ➝towards the sheet

Question 76.
(a) State Gauss’ law. Using this law, obtain the expression for the electric field due to an infinitely
long straight conductor of linear charge density X.
(b) A wire AB of length L has linear charge density λ = kx, where x is measured from the end A of the
wire. This wire is enclosed by a Gaussian hollow surface. Find the expression for the electric flux
through this surface.
(Comptt. Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
(a)
Gauss’s law in electrostatics : It states that “the total electric flux over the surface S in vaccum
is 1ε0 times the total charge (q).”

Electric field due to an infinitely long straight wire : Consider an infinitely long straight line charge
having linear charge density X to determine its electric field at distance r. Consider a cylindrical
Gaussian surface of radius r and length l coaxial with the charge. By symmetry, the electric field E has
same magnitude at each point of the curved surface Sj and is directed radially outward.
Total flux through the cylindrical surface,

(b) Given : Length of wire = L, Charge density (λ) = kx, ϕ = ?

We know

Question 77.
Two point charges 4 (J.C and +1 pC are separated by a distance of 2 m in air. Find the point on the
line-joining charges at which the net electric field of the system is zero. (Comptt. Outside Delhi 2017)
Answer:
q1 = 4 µC, q2 = 1 µC, r = 2 m
At this point, the net electric field of the system is zero.