(0) It obeys the superposition principe, thet is, the field intensity at a point due to a systom of charges is vector sum of te field intensities due to individual point charges. E=€,+€,+8,+ (ui) It is produced by source charges. The electie field wil be a fixed value ata point unless we change the distribution of source charges. 4. Five point charges, each of value q ae placed on five vertices of a regular hexagon of side L. What isthe ‘magnitude ofthe force on a point charge of value -q coulomb placed at the centre of the hexagon? Sob there has been a sich charge ta atthe remaining verfox of hexagon force due tal the six charges on ~ 4 at O would be zero (as the foros due to inaivisual charges will balance each oer), ie. Fr =0 Now if # isthe force due to sixth charge and F due to remaining five charges. fie-0 ou & 1 4axq 1@ ISIN eee Sey LE Fra * Feo 4. Calculate the electric field intensity which would be just sufficient to balance the weight of a particle of charge ~10 yc and mass 10 mg Sol. As force on a charge q in an electric field E is Fo=qe 0 according to given problem F, aga |E VFI=IW] Le, lglE = mg mg “ w ae in downward direction, qt = 19NC- direct [ELECTROSTATIC EQUILIBRIUM) ‘The position where the resultant force on a charged particle becomes zero is called equlbrium position. {a) Stable Equilibrium : ‘A charge is initially in equilibrium position and is displaced by a small distance. If the charge tries to ‘return back to the same equilibrium position then this equlrium is called position of stabie equilibrium. (b) Unstable Equilibrium : If charge is displaced by a small distance trom its fequilbrium position and the charge has no tendency to return to the same equilibrium position. Instead it goes away from the equilibrium postion (c) Neutral Equilibrium : If charge is displaced by a small distance and itis stil in equilibrium condition then it is called neutral equilibrium, Two equal positive point charges 'Q' are fixed at points Bla, 0) and A(-a, 0). Another test charge a, 1s also placed at O(0, 0}. Show that the equilrium at ‘is (i stable for displacement along X-axis. (i) unstable for displacement along Y-axis. Sol. () KQqq Initially E49 + Faq =O => Fao | = IFao | = When charge is slighty shifted towards + x axis by a small distance Ax, then. Fao | < IFeo | PAGE #2 fe