Electrostatics – I

ELECTROSTATICS – I SYNOPSIS

CHARGE
a) Charge is the fundamental property associated with matter due to which it produces and experiences
magnetic and electric effects.
b) The excess or deficiency of electrons in a body gives the concept of charge.
c) The deficiency of electrons on a body is known as positive charge. The excess of electrons on a body
is known as negative charge.
d) When a positive charge is given to a body, its mass some what decreases and when a negative
charge is given, it increases.
e) Just as masses are responsible for the gravitational force, charges are responsible for electric force.
f) The net charge of a neutral body is zero and it is equal to sum of positive and negative charges on it.
PROPERTIES OF CHARGES
a) Like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract each other.
b) A charged body attracts an other uncharged light particles. Concept
c) Charge is a scalar. SI unit of charge is coulomb. Charge is a derived Charges always resides
physical quantity with dimensions [AT]. on the outer surface of
d) Electric charge is additive in nature. i.e. the total charge on a body the charged conducting
is the algebraic sum of the charges located at different points on body. It accumulates
the body. more at sharp points
e) The charge is always quantised i.e. electric charge can exist only as
an integral multiple of charge of an electron. i.e. if q is the charge
then q  ne , where n is an integer..
f) The total net charge of an isolated physical system always remains
constant. Charge can neither be created nor destroyed but it can
be transferred from one body to another. (Law of conservation Concept
of charge) Conductors contain
g) Charge can not exist without mass though mass can exist without free electrons and
charge. insulators have
Ex.: Particles like photon, neutrino have no rest mass so they can no free electrons.
never have a charge.
h) Charge is independent of frame of reference. i.e., charge on the body
does not change whatever be its speed (charge is invariant).
i) Accelerated charge radiates energy. If the motion of a charged particle is accelerated it not only
produces electric and magnetic fields but also radiates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.
Note:
i) Repulsion is the sure test of electrification.
ii) Stat-coulomb is electrostatic unit & ab-coulomb is electromagnetic unit in CGS system.

1
1 coulomb = 3 × 109 stat-coulomb = ab-coulomb
10
iii) 1 coulomb of charge is equal to the charge of 6.25 × 1018 electrons.

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ELECTRIFICATION
a) A body can be charged by friction, conduction or induction.
b) Friction:
When the two bodies are rubbed together, electrons are Fur
transferred from one body to the other. The substance
which loses the electrons is said to have acquired Rubber
positive charge and the substance which gains
electrons is said to have acquired negative charge.
Here, both positive and negative charges are in
equal amounts.
Ex.: When a glass rod is rubbed with silk cloth, glass
rod acquires positive charge and silk cloth
acquires negative charge.
When an ebonite rod is rubbed with fur, ebonite
rod acquires negative charge and fur cloth
acquires positive charge.
c) Conduction:
If a neutral body is kept in contact with a charged body, the latter shares its charge with the former.
Conduction preceeds repulsion.
Charging a Neutral Object by Conduction
Diagram i. Diagram ii. Diagram iii.

–
A metal sphere with an Upon contact, e move The metal sphere now has
excess of - charge is brought from the sphere to the less excess - charge and the
near to a neutral conductor. conductor. conductor has a – charge
d) Induction:
If a charged body is brought near a neutral body, the charged body
will attract opposite charge and repel similar charge present in the
neutral body. Oppo site charge is induced at the near end
and similar charge at the farther end. Inducing body neither gains nor
loses charge. Induction always preceeds attraction. The nature of
induced charge is always opposite to that of inducing charge (by
connecting the uncharged body to the earth).
Induced charge can be lesser or equal to inducing charge (never greater).
Maximum value of induced charge is given by q1  q(1  1 / K) .
Here, q is inducing charge and K is dielectric constant of the material of uncharged body. For metals,
1
K   and so q  q .
e) Charge can be measured with the help of gold leaf electroscope, electrometer or ballistic
galvanometer.

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CHARGE DENSITY
charge q The Electric Field Due To A Line Of Charge
a) Linear charge density (  )   .
length l Name Symbol S.I. Unit Dimensions
charge q
b) Surface charge density ( )   . Charge q C [AT ]
surface area A  –1
Linear charge density C/m [ATL ]
 increases with curvature of the surface. 
Surface charge density C/m2 [ATL –2]
 is inversely proportional to square of radius
of curvature of the surface.  3 –3
Volume charge density C/m [ATL ]
(So, charge accumulates at the pointed ends,
edges and corners of the surface)
q
c) For a charged sphere,   .
4  r2

COULOMB’S INVERSE SQUARE LAW

OF CHARGES
a) The force of attraction or repulsion between two point charges is directly proportional to the product
of the magnitudes of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between
them. This force acts along the line joining the two charges.
q1q2
F
r2
Here q1, q2 are charges and r is the separation.
1 q1q 2
In SI system, F (in medium)
4  r 2
 is permittivity of the medium in which the charges are situated.
1 q1q 2
If the charges are in free space, F  4 p  r 2 (in SI)
0
 is permittivity of free space or vacuum and  8.85  10 12 C 2 N 1m 2 (or Fm 1 ) .
1
 9  10 9 Nm 2 C 2
4 0
qq 
 In air or vacuum, F  9  10 9  1 2 2 (in SI)  r or K  
r 0

where, r or K is relative permittivity or dielectric constant or specific inductive capacity of the medium.
1 q1q2 1 1 q1q2
So, coulomb’s law can be expressed as (in SI), F  4   r 2  K 4  r 2
0 r 0
b) Coulomb’s law holds for stationary charges only which are point sized.
 
c) This law obeys Newton’s third law (i . e . F12   F21 ) .
d) This law is not universal.
e) Coulomb force is a conservative force and obeys inverse square law.
f) Electrostatic force between two charges can be attractive or repulsive where as gravitational force
between two bodies is always attractive.
g) Electrostatic force between charged particles is much stronger than gravitational force.
h) Electric force depends on the nature of medium between the charges while gravitational force does
not.
i) Force on a charged particle due to a number of point charges is the resultant of forces due to individual
   
point charges i.e. F  F1  F2  F3  .....

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 Electrostatics – I
j) In a medium of dielectric constant K, electric force between two point charges decreases and becomes
1/K times of its value in free space.
k) The equilibrium of a charged particle under the action of coulombian forces alone can never be stable.
l) Force between two point charges is independent of
TRICK
presence or absence of other charges.
• If t he f orce between tw o c harges
m) Coulomb is that charge which when placed 1 m
separated by a distance r0 in vacuum is
from an equal and similar charge in vacuum or same as the force between the same
9
free space repels its with a force of 9 × 10 N. charges separated by a distance r in a
medium,
n) When the same charges are separated by the same r
r 0
distance in two different media, k
1 1 q1q 2 Here,k is dielectric constant of medium
F1 
K1 4 0 r 2 • Tw o point sized identical spheres
carrying charges q 1 and q2 on them are
1 1 q1q2 separated by certain distance.
and F2   F1K1  F2 K 2
K 2 4 0 r 2 The mutualforce between them is F.
o) When the same charges are separated by different Those two are brought in contact and
kept at the same separation.
distances in the same medium,
Now, the force between them is F. Then
Fd2 = constant (or) F1d12  F2 d22 F' ( q 1  q 2 )
2

p) If the force between two charges in two different F 4 q1 q 2
media is the same for diff erent separations,
1 1 q1q 2
F  constant
K 4 0 r 2

Kr 2  constant or K1r12  K 2 r22

PERMITTIVITY & RELATIVE PERMITTIVITY

Permittivity () is the property of a medium which affects the magnitude of force between the point
charges. The value of permittivity is minimum for vacuum. The absolute permittivity of all other
insulating materials is greater than the permittivity of vacuum or air.
Relative permittivity is the ratio between absolute permittivity of the medium and absolute

permittivity of free space or vacuum r  .
0

If F0 and F are the forces between two charges at the same separation in vacuum and a given medium
F0
respectively, then r or K  .
F

Note:
For vacuum or air, K = 1
For all other insulating materials, K > 1.
For all conductors, K   .
Concept : Force between two charges decreases when air is replaced by other insulating medium.

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ELECTRIC FIELD
a) Electric field due to a charged body is the space around it where its influence is felt.
b) Intensity of electric field at any point in the field is the force experienced by a unit positive charge
placed at that point.

If F is the force experienced by a small test charge q0 placed at a point in an electric field, then the
intensity of electric field at that point is given by,
 
E  F / q0 .
The accurate formula is,

 Lt F
Eq 0
0 q0
c) SI unit of electric field intensity is NC–1 or Vm–1. It is a vector quantity. Its direction is same as that of
electrostatic force acting on the positive test charge.

Dimensional formula of E is MLT T–3I–1.
1 q
d) Intensity of electric field at any distance due to a charge q in air is, E0  and in a medium,
4 0 r 2
1 1 q
E  E  E0 / K .
K 4 0 r 2
e) If instead of a single charge, field is produced by charge distribution, by principle of superposition,
   
E  E1  E2  E3  .....
f) A charged particle in an electric field always experiences a force either it is at rest or in motion and
the direction of force is that of field if it is positive and opposite to the field if it is negative.
g) Force experienced by a charge q in an electric field of intensity E is F = Eq.
Eq
If m is mass of the charged particle, then its acceleration is a  .
m

If q is positive, a || E .

If q is negative, a || E .
i) The electric field is independent of the mass and velocity of the charged particle, but depends
on the charge only.
ii) A proton and an electron in the same electric field experience forces of same magnitude but in
opposite directions.
Here, force on proton is accelerating where as force on electron is retarding.
Here, acceleration of proton (ap) & acceleration of electron (ae) are not same in magnitude.

ap mass of electron
 (in the same field)
ae mass of proton

Here, directions of ap and ae are opposite to each other.

h) If the intensity at all points in the electric field is same both in magnitude and direction, such field
is said to be uniform electric field.
If the intensity at all points in an electric field differ in magnitude or direction or both, such field is
said to be non–uniform electric field.

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DIELECTRIC STRENGTH
a) It is the minimum field intensity that should be applied to break down the insulating property of an
insulator. (or it is minimum field required for ionisation of a medium)
b) Dielectric strength of air is 3 MVm–1 i.e. 3 × 106 Vm–1.
c) A metal sphere of a given radius can not hold any amount of charge.
Ex.: A metal sphere of radius 1 cm can not hold a charge of 1 C. If 1 C charge is part on it, electric
field at the surface of the sphere is 9 × 1013 Vm–1. This field is much greater than dielectric strength
of air, so the air near the sphere will get ionised and so the charge from the sphere will leak out
into air.
d) Radius of the sphere which can hold a charge of 1 C will be,
1 q
 3  106 Vm 1
4 0 R 2
1
 9  10 9  2
 3  10 6  R 2  3000 and R  3000  54.77 m
R
e) The maximum charge a metal sphere of radius 1 cm can hold is 0.033 C.
q
9  10 9   3  10 6  q  0.033 C .
(10 2 ) 2

TIME PERIOD OF SIMPLE PENDULUM WITH

CHARGED BOB IN A UNIFORM FIELD

l
T  2 is the time period when there is no field. In the presence of a uniform field, time period
g
T’ will be as given below:

l l l
T '  2 T '  2 T '  2
g  Eq / m g  Eq / m g  ( Eq / m)2
2

T'  T T'  T T'  T

a) If the bob is positively charged and oscillating above a positively charged horizontal plate, T’ > T.
i) If the bob is negatively charged in this case, T’ < T.
ii) If bob is negatively charged & oscillating above a negatively charged horizontal plate, T’ > T.
iii) If the bob is positively charged in the above case, T’ < T.
b) If the bob is charged and there is a charged bob at the point of suspenson, there will be no change in
the time period.

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ELECTRIC LINES OF FORCE

a) It is the path along which an isolated unit positive charge moves in the electric field.
b) Tangent drawn at any point on the line of force gives direction of magnetic field at that point.
c) No two lines of force intersect.
d) These lines start from a positive charge and end on a negative charge.
e) Lines of force always leave or end normally on the surface of a charged conductor.
f) Number of lines originating or terminating on a charge is proportional to magnitude of charge.
g) Electric lines of force can never be closed loops.
h) Lines of force have tendency to contract longitudinally.
i) If in a region of space, there is no electric field, there will be no lines of force. Inside a conductor,
there cannot be any line of force.
j) Number of lines of force passing normally through unit area around a point is numerically equal
to E.
k) In uniform field, lines of force are parallel to one another.

Uniform field Magnitude is Direction is Both magnitude and

not constant not constant direction not constant
(Non-uniform field)

DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC FIELD LINES

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TRICKS Neutral Points

• Electric field intensity at O in each case shown below is zero.

• If two point charges q1 and q2 are separated by a distance r, the null point is at

r
x q 2  q1 
a2
1
a1
• From charge q1, ‘+’ for like charges (NP is in between charges)
‘–’ for unlike charges (NP is outside the charges)

ELECTRIC FLUX

Electric flux through an elementary area ds is defined as the scalar product of area and field.

dE  E.ds  E.ds. cos

E  E.ds

Flux will be maximum when electric field is normal to the area (d  E.ds) .
Flux will be minimum when field is parallel to area ( d  0) .
For a closed surface, outward flux is positive and inward flux is negative.

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 Electrostatics – I
GAUSS’S LAW
a) Total flux linked with a closed surface is (1/ 0 ) times the charge enclosed by closed surface.
 1
 E.ds 
0
q

b) According to this law, the total flux linked with a closed surface called Gaussian surface, (The surface
need not be a real physical surface, it can also be an hypothetical one) is (1/  0 ) times the charge
enclosed by the closed surface
 1
i.e.,   E.d A  Qenclose 
0

c) Electric field in  E.dA is complete electric field. It may be partly due to charge with in the surface
and partly due to charge outside the surface. However if there is no charge enclosed in the Gaussian

surface, then
 E.dl 0 .
d) The electric field E is resulting from all
charge, both those inside and those
outside the Gaussian surface.
Q
Flux from surface S1   , Flux from surface
0
Q , & flux from S = flux from surface S = 0.
S2   3 4
0
APPLICATION OF GAUSS’S LAW
See flux emergence in the following cases
a) If a dipole is enclosed by a surface
Qenclose  0
  0
b) The net charge Qenclose is the algebric sum of all the enclosed positive and negative charges.
If Qenclose is positive the net flux
is outward; if Qenclose is negative, the net
flux is inward.
1
 Q1  Q2  Q3 
0
c) If a closed body (not enclosed any charge) is placed in an electric field (either uniform or non
uniform) total flux linked with it will be zero.

d) If a hemispherical body is placed in uniform electric field then flux linked with the curved surface
is calculated as follows.
Curved  Circular  0
Curved  Circular

  E  R2 cos180 
2
 R E

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 Electrostatics – I
e) If a hemispherical body is placed in non-uniform electric field as shown below.
Then flux linked with the circular surface calculated as follows

Circular  Curved


Circular   E  2R2 cos 0 
 2R 2 E

Note:
a) Gauss’s law is applicable for any closed surface irrespective of the shape or size.
b) Care must be taken to let the gaussian surface not to pass through any discrete charge.
The reason is electric field well defined at the location of any charge.
c) Gaussian surface can pass through a continuous charge distribution.
d) Suitable gaussian surface with system having symmetry is useful in evaluating electric field easily.
e) Gauss’s law is based on inverse square dependence on distance as per coulomb’s law.
Any violation of gauss’s law will indicate departure from inverse square law.
f) At any point on the Gaussian surface E must be zero or E parallel to or normal to the area vector
preferrably |E| must be same at all points on gaussian surface.

g) Field Due to a Point Charge

The field due to a point charge is spherically symmetric.
So if we draw a Gaussian sphere around the charge,
the strength of electric field will be same every where.
Using given formula

1 q
E
4 0 r 2

h) Field Due to a Uniformly Charged Spherical Shell (r > R)

Q
E Outside 
4 0 r 2

A uniformly charged spherical shell behaves as if whole charge

is concentrated at the centre of shell, if the point where we are
calculating the field is external to the shell.
At any point inside the shell, if we draw a Gaussian sphere,
the charge enclosed = zero
 
E.dA  0  E  0 inside 



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If we draw a graph showing variation of electric field with
distance from centre, it will be like this.

i) Expression for electric field at any point inside the sphere due to non-conducting solid sphere
having uniform volume charge distribution (sphere of charge)

qr  
 E qr
3 . In vector form E 
4 0 R 4 0 R3

 
 3 4 r
If we put q    R  , E 
3  3 0

q
For outside point E 
4 0r 2

So graph will be like this.

j) Field due to an infinite line charge

  q
 E.ds  encl
0

l
 E  2rl 
0


 E
2 0 r

Concept
     
1) E|| A 2) E A 3) E and A make an angle 

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Trick

base  0
  curved  0
base  E.A  E  R2
(Total flux that enters = Total flux that leave)
lateral   E  R2
1 2
(Field lines enter through curved surface)  entered   E   R 2  And leaving  E  R
2  2

 base  E  R 2

 curved   E  R 2

Electric flux
Some frequently asked cases :

Important results for fields due to different bodies (Derived by Gauss Law):
kQ
1. Point charge Q : 2
r
kQ
2. Shell of charge with charge Q and radius R : R : 2 (outside) and zero (inside).
r
kQr kQ
3. Sphere of charge with charge Q and radius R : 3 (inside) and 2 (outside).
R r
2 k
4. Infinite line of charge with linear charge density  : (perpendicular to line charge)
r

5. Infinite plane surface of charge with charge density  :
2 0

6. Infinite conducting sheet of charge with charge density  :
0

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CLASSWORK
CHARGE 9. A cup contains 250 g of water. Find the
1. There are two types of electric charges positive number of positive charges present in the cup
charges and negative charges. The property of water.
which differentiates the two types of charges is a) 1.34 × 1019 C b) 1.34 × 107 C
a) field of charge b) amount of charge c) 2.43 × 1019 C d) 2.43 × 107 C
c) strength of charge d) polarity of charge 10. A polythene piece rubbed with wool is found
2. What will happen when we rub a glass rod to have negative charge of 6 × 10–7 C. Number
with silk cloth? of electrons transferred to polythene from
a) Some of the electrons from the glass rod are wool is
transferred to the silk cloth.
b) The glass rod gets positively charged and a) 3.75 × 1010 b) 9.6 × 1010
silk cloth gets negatively charged. c) 9.6 × 1012 d) 3.75 × 1012
c) New charge is created in the process of 11. If 109 electrons move out of a body to another
rubbing. body every second, then the time required to
d) both ‘a’ and ‘b’ are correct. get a total energy of 1 C on the other body is
3. Object may acquire an excess or deficiency of a) 250 years b) 100 years
charge by
c) 198 years d) 150 years
a) electric force b) heating
c) shaking d) by rubbing 12. The number of electrons that must be removed
4. The charge on an electron was calculated by from an electrically neutral silver dollar to give
a) Farady b) J.J. Thomson it a charge of +2.4 C is
c) Millikan d) Einstein a) 2.5 × 1019 b) 1.5 × 1019
5. When a person combs his hair, static electricity c) 1.5 × 10–19 d) 2.5 × 10–19
is sometimes generated by what process?
13. A conducting sphere is negatively charged.
a) Contact between the comb and hair results
Which of the following statements is true?
is charge.
b) Friction between the comb and hair result a) The charge is uniformly distributed
in the transfer of electrons. throughout the entire volume.
c) Deduction between the comb and hair. b) The charge is located at the center of the
d) Induction between the comb and hair. sphere.
6. An object is charged when it has a charge c) The charge is located at the bottom of the
imbalance, which means the sphere because of gravity.
a) object contains no protons
d) The charge is uniformly distributed on the
b) object contains no electrons
surface of the sphere.
c) object contains equal number of electrons
and protons 14. A coin is made up of Al and weighs 0.75 g. It
d) object contains unequal number of electrons has a square shape and its diagonal measures
and protons 17 mm. It is electrically neutral and contains
7. A method for charging a conductor without equal amounts of positive and negative
bringing a charged body in contact with it is charges. The magnitude of these charges is
called (Atomic mass of Al = 26.98 g)
a) Magnetization a) 3.47 × 104 C b) 3.47 × 102 C
b) Electrification c) 1.67 × 1020 C d) 1.67 × 1022 C
c) Electrostatic induction
15. If an object of mass 1 kg contains 4 × 1020 atoms.
d) Electromagnetic induction
If one electron is removed from every atom of
8. Number of electrons present in –1 C of charge
the solid, the charge gained by the solid in 1 g is
is
a) 6 × 1018 b) 1.6 × 1019 a) 2.8 C b) 6.4 × 10–2 C
c) 6 × 10 19
d) 1.6 × 1018 c) 3.6 × 10–3 C d) 9.2 × 10–4 C

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COULOMB’S LAW 24. Two charges q and –3q are placed fixed on
16. The force between two small charged spheres x-axis separated by distance d. Where should
having charges of 1 × 10–7 C and 2 × 10–7 C a third charge 2q be placed such that it will
placed 20 cm apart in air is not experience any force?
a) 4.5 × 10–2 N b) 4.5 × 10–3 N
–2
c) 5.4 × 10 N d) 5.4 × 10–3 N
17. The electrostatic force on a small sphere of
d  3d d  3d
charge 0.2 μC due to another small sphere of a) b)
2 2
charge –0.4 μC in air is 0.4 N. The distance
between the two spheres is d  3d d  3d
c) d)
a) 4.2 × 10–6 m b) 4.2 × 10–3 m 2 2
–3
c) 1.8 × 10 m d) 1.8 × 10–6 m 25. The constant k in Coulomb’s law depends on
18. The nucleus of helium atom contains a) nature of medium b) system of units
two protons that are separated by distance c) intensity of charge d) both ‘a’ and ‘b’
3.0 × 10–15 m. The magnitude of the electrostatic 26. Which of the following statement is true about
force that each proton exerts on the other is electrical forces?
a) 20.6 N b) 25.6 N a) Electrical forces are produced by electrical
c) 15.6 N d) 12.6 N charges.
19. Under the action of a given coulombic force the b) Like charges attract, unlike charges repel.
acceleration of an electron is 2.5 × 1022 m s–2.
c) Electric forces are weaker than gravitational
Then the magnitude of the acceleration of a
forces.
proton under the action of same force is nearly
a) 1.6 × 10–19 m s–2 b) 9.1 × 1031 m s–2 d) Positive and negative charges can combine
c) 1.5 × 1019 m s–2 d) 1.6 × 1027 m s–2 to produce a third type of charge.
20. The ratio of magnitude of electrostatic force 27. S.I. unit of permittivity of free space is
and gravitational force for an electron and a a) Farad b) Weber
proton is c) C2N–1m–2 d) C2N–1m–1
a) 6.6 × 1039 b) 2.3 × 1039 28. Which of the following statement is not a
29
c) 6.6 × 10 d) 2.3 × 1029 similarity between electrostatic and
21. The acceleration for electron and proton due gravitational forces?
to electrical force of their mutual attraction a) Both forces obey inverse square law.
when they are 1 Å apart is b) Both forces operate over very large distances.
a) 3.1 × 1022 m s–2, 1.3 × 1019 m s–2 c) Both forces are conservative in nature.
b) 3.3 × 1018 m s–2, 3.2 × 1016 m s–2
d) Both forces are central in nature.
c) 2.5 × 1022 m s–2, 1.4 × 1019 m s–2
29. Two insulated charged metalic spheres P and
d) 2.5 × 1018 m s–2, 1.3 × 1016 m s–2
Q have their centres separated by a distance
22. Two point charges of +3 μC and +4 μC repel
of 60 cm. The radii of P and Q are negligible
each other with a force of 10 N. If each is given
compared to the distance of separation. The
an additional charge of –6 μC , the new force is mutual force of electrostatic repulsion if the
a) 2 N b) 4 N c) 5 N d) 7.5 N
charge on each is 3.2 × 10–7 C is
23. Coulomb’s law relates two charges and
a) 5.2 × 10–4 N b) 2.5 × 10–3 N
distance between them describing the electric
force as being c) 1.5 × 10–3 N d) 3.5 × 10–4 N
a) proportional to the sum of the charges 30. A charge is placed at the centre of the line
b) inversely proportional to the distance joining two point charge +q and +q as shown
between charges in figure. The ratio of charge Q and q is
c) proportional to the product of the charges
and inversely proportional to the distance
d) proportional to the product of the charges
a) 4 b) 1/4
and inversely proportional to the square of
distance. c) –4 d) –1/4

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 Electrostatics – I
31. Four point charges are placed 39. Five equal charges each of value q are placed
at the corners of the square at the corners of a regular pentagon of side
ABCD of side 10 cm, as shown ‘a’. The electric field at the centre of the
in figure. The force on a charge pentagon is
of 1 µC placed at the centre of q q2
square is a) b)
4 0 r 2 4  0 r 2
a) 7 N b) 8 N 2q
c) 2 N d) zero c) d) zero
4  0 r 2
32. Three charges of equal magnitude q is placed
at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 40. In question number 39, what will be the
l. The force on a charge Q placed at the centroid electric field at centre O, if the charge from
of the triangle is one of the corners (say A) is removed?
q 2q
3 Qq 2 Qq a) 2
along OA b) along OB
a) b) 4  l 2 4 0 r 4  0 r 2
2
4  0 l 0
q2 q4
Qq c) along OC d) along OA
c) d) zero 4 0 r 2 4 0 r 2
2  0 l 2
41. A force of 2.25 N acts on a charge of 15 × 10–4 C.
ELECTRIC FIELD LINES The intensity of electric field at that point is
AND ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY a) 150 N C–1 b) 15 N C–1
–1
33. A particle of mass 10–3 kg and charge 5 μC is c) 1500 N C d) 1.5 N C–1
thrown at a speed of 20 m s–1 against a uniform 42. If the charge on an object is doubled then
electric field of strength 2 × 105 N C–1. The electric field becomes
distance travel by particle before coming to a) half b) double
rest is c) unchanged d) thrice
a) 0.1 s b) 0.2 s 43. The dimensional formula of electric intensity is
c) 0.3 s d) 0.4 s a) [M1L1T3A–1] b) [ML–1T–3A1]
1 1 –3 –1
34. The electric field at a point is c) [M L T A ] d) [M1L2T1A1]
a) always continuous 44. The tracks of three charged particles in a
b) continuous if there is no charge at that point uniform electrostatic field as shown in the
c) discontinuous if there is a charge at that point figure. Which particle has the highest charge
d) both ‘b’ and ‘c’ are correct to mass ratio?
35. An electron initially at rest falls a distance of
1.5 cm in a uniform electric field of magnitude
2 × 104 N/C. The time taken by the electron to
fall this distance is
a) A b) B
a) 1.3 × 102 s b) 2.1 × 10–12 s
c) C d) A and B
c) 1.6 × 10–10 s d) 2.9 × 10–9 s
45. The number of electric lines of force that
36. A conducting sphere of radius 20 cm has
radiate outwards from one coulomb of charge
unknown charge. If the electric field at a
in vacuum is
distance 40 cm from the centre of the sphere
a) 1.13 × 1011 b) 1.13 × 1010
is 1.2 × 103 N C–1 and points radially inwards. 11
c) 0.61 × 10 d) 0.61 × 109
The net charge on the sphere is
46. Which of the following statements is not true
a) –4.5 × 10–9 C b) 4.5 × 109 C
about electric field lines?
c) –5.3 × 10–9 C d) 5.3 × 109 C
a) Electric field lines start from positive charge
37. The electric field that can balance an electron
and end at negative charge.
of mass 3.2 × 10–27 kg is b) Two electric field lines can never cross each
a) 19.6 × 10–8 N C–1 b) 20 × 10–6 N C–1 other.
c) 19.6 × 108 N C–1 d) 20 × 106 N C–1 c) Electrostatic field lines do not form any
38. The force per unit charge is known as closed loops.
a) electric flux b) electric field d) Electric field lines cannot be taken as
c) electric potential d) electric current continuous curve.
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 15
 Electrostatics – I
47. Which of the following represents the electric ELECTRIC FLUX AND GAUSS’S LAW
field lines due to a combinations of two 
negative charges? 51. If  s E.d s  0 over a surface, then
a) electric field inside the surface and on it is zero
b) electric field inside surface is necessarily
uniform
a) b)
c) all charges must necessarily be outside the
surface
d) all of these
52. The SI unit of electric flux is
c) d) a) N C–1 m2 b) N C m–2
c) N C–2 m2 d) N C–1 m–2
53. A circular plane sheet of radius 10 cm is placed
48. Which of the following figure represents the in a uniform electric field of 5 × 105 N C–1 ,
electric field lines due to a combination of one making an angle of 60º with the field. The
positive and one negative charge? electric flux through the sheet is
a) 1.36 × 102 N m2 C–1 b) 1.36 × 104 N m2 C–1
2 2 –1
c) 0.515 × 10 N m C d) 0.515 × 104 N m2 C–1
a) b) 54. The dimensional formula of electric flux is
a) [M1L1T–2] b) [M1L3T–3A–1]
c) [M2L2T–2A–2] d) [M1L–3T3A1]
55. A uniform electric field E = 2 × 103 N C–1 is
acting along the positive x-axis. The flux of
c) d) this field through a square of 10 cm on a side
whose plane is parallel to the yz plane is
49. A non-uniform a) 20 N C–1 m2 b) 30 N C–1 m2
electric field is –1
c) 10 N C m 2
d) 40 N C–1 m2
represented by 56. The total flux through the
the diagram. At faces of the cube with side
of length a if a charge q is
which of the placed at corner A of the
following points electric field is greatest in cube is
magnitude? q q
a) b) A
a) A b) B 8 4 0
0
c) C d) D q q
c) d)
50. Which of the following curves shown below 2 0 0
cannot possibly represent electrostatic field 57. Which of the following statements is not true
lines? about Gauss’s law?
a) Gauss’s law is true for any closed surface
b) The term q on the right side of Gauss’s law
includes the sum of all charges enclosed by
a) b)
the surface
c) Gauss’s law is not much useful in calculating
electrostatic field when the system has some
symmetry
d) Gauss’s law is based on the inverse square
c) d) dependence on distance contained in the
coulomb’s law

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 Electrostatics – I
58. The surface considered for Gauss’s law is 64. Two equal point charges each of 3 µC are
called separated by a certain distance in metres. If
a) Closed surface b) Spherical surface they are located at (iˆ  ˆj  kˆ) and (2iˆ  3 ˆj  3kˆ ) ,
c) Gaussian surface d) Plane surface then the electrostatic force between them is
59. A point charge 4 C is at the centre of the cubic a) 9 × 103 N b) 9 × 10–3 N
Gaussian surface 10 cm on edge. Net electric –3
c) 10 N d) 9 × 10–2 N
flux through the surface is: 65. A soap bubble is given a negative charge, then
5
a) 2.5  10 N m C2  1 5
b) 4.5  10 N m C 2 1 its radius
6
c) 4.5  10 N m C2  1 6
d) 2.5  10 N m C 2  1 a) Decreases
b) Increases
60. Two large thin
c) Remains unchanged
metal plates are
d) Nothing can be predicted as information is
parallel & close insufficient
to each other. On 66. A comb run through one’s dry hair attracts
their inner faces, small bits of paper. This is due to
plates have surface charge densities of a) Comb is a good conductor
opposite signs & magnitude 27 × 10–22 C m–2. b) Paper is a good conductor
 c) The atoms in the paper get polarised by the
The electric field E in region II in between
the plates is: charged comb
d) The comb possesses magnetic properties
a) 4.25  10 8 N C 1 b) 6.28  10 10 N C 1 67. A long cylindrical shell carries positive surface
charge  in the upper half and negative
c) 3.05  10 10 N C 1 d) 5.03  10 10 N C 1 surface charge –  in the lower half. The
61. A point charge +20 C electric field lines around the cylinder will
is at a distance 6 cm look like figure given in (figure are schematic
6 cm
directly above centre and not drawn to scale)
12 cm

of a square of side
12 cm as shown in a) b)
12 cm
figure.
The magnitude of electric flux through the
square is c) d)
a) 2.5  10 6 N m 2 C 1 b) 3.8  10 5 N m 2 C 1
68. The charge q is projected into a uniform
5
c) 4.2  10 N m C 2 1 6
d) 2.9  10 N m C 2 1 electric field E, work done when it moves a
distance Y is
MIXED CONCEPTS qY qE Y
a) qEY b) c) d)
62. Two infinite plane parallel sheets, separated by E Y qE
a distance d have equal and opposite uniform 69. Energy associated with a moving charge is due
charge densities . Electric field at a point to a
between the sheets is a) Electric field
b) Magnetic field
  c) Both electric field and magnetic field
a) 2 b) 
0 0 d) None of these
c) zero 70. The magnitude of electric force experienced
d) depends on the location of the point by a charged particle in an electric field
63. The law, governing the force between elastic depends on
a) Charge of the particle
charges is known as
b) Velocity of the particle
a) Ampere’s law b) Ohm’s law
c) Direction of the electric field
c) Faraday’s law d) Coulomb’s law d) Mass of the particle

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 Electrostatics – I
71. When 10 19 electrons are removed from a 77. A conductor has been given a charge –3 × 10–7 C
neutral metal plate through some process, the by transferring electron. Mass increase (in kg)
charge on it becomes of the conductor and the number of electrons
a) –1.6 C b) +1.6 C added to the conductor are respectively
c) 1019 C d) 10–19 C a) 2 × 10–16 & 2 × 1031 b) 5 × 10–31 & 5 × 1019
72. A solid spherical conductor of radius R has a c) 3 × 10–19 & 9 × 1016 d) 2 × 10–18 & 2 × 1012
spherical cavity of radius a (a < R) at its centre. 78. Two identical charges repel each other with a
A charge +Q is kept at the center. The charge force equal to 10 mg wt when they are 0.6 m
at the inner surface, outer and at a position r apart in air. (g = 10 ms–2). The value of each
(a < r < R) are respectively charge is
a) +Q, –Q, 0 b) –Q, +Q, 0 a) 2 mC b) 2 × 10–7 C
c) 0, –Q, 0 d) +Q, 0, 0 c) 2 nC d) 2 µC
73. One of the following is not a property of 79. The value of electric permittivity of free space
field lines is
a) Field lines are continuous curves without a) 9 × 109 NC2/m2
any breaks b) 8.85 × 10–12 Nm2/C2sec
b) Two field lines cannot cross each other c) 8.85 × 10–12 C2/Nm2
c) Field lines start at positive charge and end d) 9 × 109 C2/Nm2
at negative charges 80. A charge Q is divided into two parts of q and
d) They form closed loops Q–q. If the coulomb repulsion between them
74. Two small spherical balls each carrying a when they are separated is to be maximum,
charge Q = 10 µC (10 micro-coulomb) are ratio of Q/q should be
suspended by two insulating threads of equal a) 2 b) 1/2
lengths 1m each, from a point fixed in the c) 4 d) 1/4
ceiling. It is found that in equilibrium threads 81. Number of electrons in one coulomb of charge
are separated by an angle 60° between them, will be
as shown in the figure. What is the tension in a) 5.46 × 1029 b) 6.25 × 1018
+19
c) 1.6 × 10 d) 9 × 1011
1
the threads (Given : = 9 × 109 Nm/C2) 82. Two identical conducting balls A and B have
4 0 
positive charges q1 and q2 respectively. But
a) 18 N q1  q2. The balls are brought together so that
b) 1.8 N they touch each other and then kept in their
c) 0.18 N original positions. The force between them is
d) None of the above a) Less than that before the balls touched
75. A ring of radius r carries a charge Q uniformly b) Greater than that before the balls touched
distributed over its length. A charge q is placed c) Same as that before the balls touched
at its centre will experience a force equal to d) Zero
qQ qQ 83. One metallic sphere A is given positive charge
a) b)
4 0r 2
8 0 r 3 whereas another identical metallic sphere B
c) Zero d) None of these of exactly same mass of A is given equal
76. Consider a neutral conducting sphere. amount of negative charge. Then
A positive point charge is placed outside the a) Mass of A and mass of B still remain equal
sphere. The net charge on the sphere is then b) Mass of A increases
a) Negative and distributed uniformly over the c) Mass of B decreases
surface of the sphere d) Mass of B increases
b) Negative and appears only at the point on 84. If 1010 electrons are acquired by a body every
second, the time required for the body to get a
the sphere closest to the point charge
total charge of 1 C will be
c) Negative and distributed non-uniformly
a) Two hours b) Two days
over the entire surface of the sphere
c) Two years d) 20 years
d) Zero

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 Electrostatics – I
85. Two charged spheres separated at a distance of 94. Three charges each of magnitude q are placed
exert a force F on each other. If they are immersed at the corners of an equilateral triangle, the
in a liquid of dielectric constant 2, then what is electrostatic force on the charge placed at the
the force (if all conditions are same) center is (each side of triangle is L)
a) F/2 b) F 1 q2 1 3q 2 1 q2
c) 2F d) 4F a) Zero b) c) d)
4 0 L2 4 0 L2 12 0 L2
86. Two point charges +3 µC and +8 µC repel each
95. Two charges placed in air repel each other by
other with a force of 40N. If a charge of –5 µC
a force of 10–4 N. When oil is introduced
is added to each of them, then the force
between the charges, the force becomes
between them will become
2.5 × 10–5 N. Dielectric constant of oil is
a) –10 N b) +10 N
a) 2.5 b) 0.25
c) +20 N d) –20 N
c) 2.0 d) 4.0
87. Two protons are a distance of 1 × 10–10 cm from
96. When a glass rod is rubbed with silk, it
each other. Forces acting on them are
a) Gains electrons from silk
a) Nuclear force and coulomb force
b) Gives electrons to silk
b) Nuclear force and gravitational force
c) Gains protons from silk
c) Coulomb force and gravitational force
d) Gives protons to silk
d) Nuclear, coulomb & gravitational force
97. A body has – 80 micro coulomb of charge.
88. Electric charges of 1 µC, –1 µC and 2 µC are
Number of additional electrons in it will be
placed in air at the corners A, B and C
a) 8 × 10–5 b) 80 × 10–17
respectively of an equilateral triangle ABC 14
c) 5 × 10 d) 1.28 × 10–17
having length of each side 10 cm. The resultant
98. The charges on two spheres are +7 µC and
force on the charge at C is
–5 µC respectively. They experience a force F.
a) 0.9 N b) 1.8 N
If each of them is given and additional charge
c) 2.7 N d) 3.6 N
of –2 µC, the new force of attraction will be
89. Charge on  -particle is
a) F b) F / 2
a) 4.8 × 10–19 C b) 1.6 × 10–19 C
–19
c) 3.2 × 10 C d) 6.4 × 10–19 C c) F / 3 d) 2 F
90. Two small conducting spheres of equal radius 99. Two identical spheres carrying charges –9 µC
have charges +10 µC and –20 µC respectively and 5 µC respectively are kept in contact and
and placed at a distance R from each other then separated from each other. Point out true
experience force F1 . If they are brought in statement from the following. In each sphere
contact and separated to the same distance, a) 1.25 × 1013 electrons are in deficit
they experience force F2. The ratio of F1 to F2 isb) 1.25 × 1013 electrons are in excess
a) 1 : 8 b) –8 : 1 c) 2.15 × 1013 electrons are in excess
c) 1 : 2 d) –2 : 1 d) 2.15 × 1013 electrons are in deficit
100. Two charges of equal magnitudes and at a
91. Two charges each equal to 2 µC are 0.5 m apart.
If both of them exist inside vacuum, then force distance r exert a force F on each other. If the
between them is charges are halved and distance between them
a) 1.89 N b) 2.44 N is doubled, then the new force acting on each
c) 0.144 N d) 3.144 N charge is
92. Two charges are at a distance ‘d’ apart. If a a) F / 8 b) F / 4
copper plate (conducting medium) of c) 4 F d) F / 16
thickness d/2 is placed between them, the 101. Identify the wrong statement in the following.
effective force will be Coulomb’s law correctly describes the electric
a) 2 F b) F/2 force that
a) Binds the electrons of an atom to its nucleus
c) 0 d) 2 F b) Binds the protons and neutrons in the
93. Two electrons are separated by a distance of nucleus of an atom
1 Å. What is the coulomb force between them c) Binds atoms together to form molecules
a) 2.3 × 10–8 N b) 4.6 × 10–8 N d) Binds atoms and molecules together to form
–8
c) 1.5 × 10 N d) None of these solids
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 19
 Electrostatics – I
102. The electric field inside a spherical shell of 109. An uncharged sphere of metal is placed in
uniform surface charge density is between two charged plates as shown. The
a) Zero lines of force look like
b) Constant, less than zero
c) Directly proportional to the distance from
the centre
d) None of the above

103. The electric field E at a point just out side a
perfect conductor is
a) Parallel to the surface
b) Zero
c) Perpendicular to the surface
d) Can have any direction
104. The electric field intensity at a point near and a) A b) B
outside the surface of a charged conductor of c) C d) D
any shape is ‘E1’. The electric field intensity due 110. Two parallel metal plates having charges +Q
to uniformly charged infinite thin plane sheet and –Q face each other at a certain distance
is ‘E2’. The relation between ‘E1’ and ‘E2’ is between them. If the plates are now dipped
a) 2E1 = E2 b) E1 = E2 in kerosene oil tank, the electric field between
c) E1 = 2E2 d) E1 = 4E2 the plates will
105. ABC is an equilateral triangle. Charges +q are a) Become zero b) Increase
placed at each corner. The electric intensity at c) Decrease d) Remain same
O will be 111. The electric field near a conducting surface
1 q having a uniform surface charge density  is
a)
4 0 r 2 given by
1 q 
a) and is parallel to the surface
b) 0
4 0 r
c) zero 2
b) and is parallel to the surface
1 3q 0
d)
4 0 r 2 
106. The magnitude of electric field intensity E is c) and is normal to the surface
0
such that, an electron placed in it would
experience an electrical force equal to its 2
d) and is normal to the surface
weight is given by 0
mg 112. Which of the following is false for electric
a) mge b)
e lines of force
e2 a) They always start from positive charges and
e
c) d) 2 g terminate on negative charges
mg m
b) They are always perpendicular to the surface
107. An electron and a proton are in a uniform electric
of a charged conductor
field, the ratio of their accelerations will be
c) They always form closed loops
a) zero
d) They are parallel and equally spaced in a
b) unity
region of uniform electric field
c) ratio of the masses of proton & electron
113. Two spheres carrying chrges +6 µC and +9 µC,
d) ratio of the masses of electron & proton
separated by a distance d, experiences a force
108. A proton and an electron are placed in a
uniform electric field of repulsion F. When a charge of –3 µC is given
a) The electric forces acting on them will be equal to both the sphere and kept at the same distance
b) Magnitude of the forces will be equal as before, the new force of repulsion is
c) Their accelerations will be equal a) 3 F b) F / 9
d) Magnitude of their accelerations will be equal c) F d) F / 3

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 Electrostatics – I
114. The electric field created by a point charge 121. Two charges +5 µC and +10 µC are placed
falls with distance r from the point charge as 20 cm apart. The net electric field at the
1 1 mid-Point between the two charges is
a) b) 2 a) 4.5 × 106 N/C directed towards +5 µC
r r
b) 4.5 × 106 N/C directed towards +10 µC
1 1
c) 3 d) 4 c) 13.5 × 106 N/C directed towards +5 µC
r r
115. A particle of mass m and charge q is placed at d) 13.5 × 106 N/C directed towards +10 µC
rest in a uniform electric field E and then 122. Which of the following is deflected by electric
released. The kinetic energy attained by the field
particle after moving a distance y is a) X-rays b)  -rays
a) qEy2 b) qE2y
c) Neutrons d)  -particles
c) qEy d) q2Ey –5
116. A negatively charged oil drop is prevented from 123. A charged particle of mass 5 × 10 kg is held
falling under gravity by applying a vertical stationary in space by placing it in an electric
–1
electric field 100 Vm . If the mass of the drop field of strength 107 NC–1 directed vertically
is 1.6 × 10–3 g, the number of electrons carried downwards. The charge on the particle is
–2
by the drop is (g = 10 ms ) a) –20 × 10–5 µC b) –5 × 10–5 µC
18 15
a) 10 b) 10 c) 5 × 10–5 µC d) 20 × 10–5 µC
c) 106 d) 1012 124. In the given figure distance of the point from
117. Two point charges of 20 µC and 80 µC are A where the electric field is zero is
10 cm apart. Where will the electric field
strength be zero on the line joining the charges
from 20 µC charge
a) 0.1m b) 0.04m
c) 0.033m d) 0.33m a) 20 cm b) 10 cm
118. Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R c) 33 cm d) None of these
consisting of uniform surface charge density 125. Figures below show regular hexagons, with
 . The electric field at a point of distance x charges at the vertices. In which of the following
from its centre and outside the shell is cases the electric field at the centre is not zero
a) Inversely proportional to 
b) Directly proportional to x2
c) Directly proportional to R
d) Inversely proportional to x2
119. The figure below shows the electric field lines
due to two positive charges. The magnitudes
EA, EB and EC of the electric fields at points A,
B and C respectively are related as

a) 1 b) 2
c) 3 d) 4
126. An electron enters in an electric field with its
velocity in the direction of the electric lines of
a) EA > EB > EC b) EB > EA > EC force. Then
c) EA = EB > EC d) EA > EB = EC a) The path of the electron will be a circle
120. Electric field strength due to a point charge of
b) The path of the electron will be a parabola
5 µC at a distance of 80 cm from the charge is
c) The velocity of the electron will decrease
a) 8 × 104 N/C b) 7 × 104 N/C
d) The velocity of the electron will increase
c) 5 × 104 N/C d) 4 × 104 N/C

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 Electrostatics – I
127. The acceleration of an electron in an electric 131. A conducting sphere of radius R = 20 cm is
field of magnitude 50 V/cm, if e/m value of the 
given a charge Q = 16 µC. What is E at centre
electron is 1.76 × 1011 C/kg, is a) 3.6 × 106 N/C b) 1.8 × 106 N/C
a) 8.8 × 1014 m/sec2 b) 6.2 × 1013 m/sec2 c) Zero d) 0.9 × 106 N/C
12 2
c) 5.4 × 10 m/sec d) Zero 132. A charge Q is placed at each of the two
128. A hollow sphere of charge does not produce opposite corners of a square. A charge q is
an electric field at any placed at each of the other two corners. If the
a) Point beyond 2 metres resultant force on Q is zero, then
b) Point beyond 10 metres
c) Interior point a) Q  2 q b) Q   2 q
d) Outer point c) Q  2 2 q d) Q  2 2q
129. A drop of 10–6 kg water carries 10–6 C charge.
133. A charge q is lying at mid-point of the line
What electric field should be applied to
joining the two similar charges Q. The system
balance its weight (assume g = 10m/s2)
will be in equilibrium if the value of q is
a) 10 V/m upward b) 10 V/m downward
a) Q / 2 b) –Q / 2
c) 0.1 V/m downward d) 0.1 V/m upward
c) Q / 4 d) –Q / 4
130. An electron having charge ‘e’ and mass ‘m’ is
134. Two point charges +2 C and +6 C repel each
moving in a uniform electric field E. Its
other with a force of 12 N. If a charge of –4 C is
acceleration will be
given to each of these charges, the force now is
e2 E 2e a) 4 N (repulsive)
a) b)
m m b) 4 N (attractive)
eE mE c) 12 N (attractive)
c) d) d) 8 N (repulsive)
m e

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 22

 Electrostatics – I
ASSIGNMENT
CHARGE 6. Two spheres having same radius and mass are
suspended by two strings of equal length from
1. Under the influence of the Coulomb field of
the same point, in such a way what that their
charge +Q, a charge –q is moving around it in
surface touch each other. On depositing charge
an elliptical orbit. Find out the correct
4 × 10–6C on them they repel each other in such
statement(s).
a way that in equilibrium the angle between
a) The angular momentum of the charge –q is
their strings becomes 60°. If the distance from
constant
the point of suspension to the center of the
b) The linear momentum of the charge –q is
sphere is 10 cm. Find the mass of each sphere
constant
(K = 9 × 109 SI and g = 10 ms–2)
c) The angular velocity of the charge –q is
a) 0.3117 kg b) 0.6235 kg
constant
c) 0.1559 kg d) 1.2468 kg
d) The linear speed of the charge –q is constant
7. Two charges, each equal to q, are kept at
2. A ball with charge –50 e is placed at the centre
x = –a and x = a on the x-axis. A particle of
of a hollow spherical shell which has a net
charge of –50 e. What is the charge on the q
mass m and charge q0  is placed at the
shell’s outer surface 2
a) –50e b) Zero origin. If charge q 0 is given a small
c) –100e d) +100e displacement (y << a) along the y-axis, the net
3. Five balls numbered 1 to 5 are suspended force acting on the particle is proportional to
using separate threads. Pairs (1, 2), (2, 4) and a) y b) –y
(4, 1) show electrostatic attraction, while pair c) 1 / y d) –1 / y
(2, 3) and (4, 5) show repulsion. Therefore ball 8. Two pith balls carrying equal charges are
1 must be suspended from
a) Positively charged b) Negatively charged a common point
c) Neutral d) Made of metal by strings of
equal length, the
COULOMB’S LAW equilibrium
4. A charge Q is placed at each of the opposite separation between them is r. Now the strings
corners of a square. A charge q is placed at each are rigidly clamped at half the height. The
of the other two corners. If the net electrical equilibrium separation between the balls now
force on Q is zero, then Q/q equals become
a)  2 2 b) –1 2r
2
1   r   2r 
a)   b)   c)  3  d)  
c) 1 d)  1 / 2  3  2  2  2
5. Two identical conducting spheres carrying 9. Two small spheres
different charges attract each other with a force of masses M1 and
F when placed in air medium at a distance ‘d’ M2 are suspended
apart. The spheres are brought into contact and by weightless
then taken to their original positions. Now the insulating threads
two spheres repel each other with a force of lengths L1 & L2.
whose magnitude is equal to that of the initial The spheres carry
attractive force. The ratio between initial charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. The spheres
charges on the spheres is are suspended such that they are in level with
one another and the threads are inclined to the
a)  ( 3  8 ) only
vertical at angles of θ 1 and θ 2 as shown. Which
b)  3  8 only one of the following conditions is essential,
if θ1  θ2
c)  ( 3  8 ) or ( 3  8 )
a) M1  M 2 & Q1 = Q2 b) M1 = M2
d)  3 c) Q1 = Q2 d) L1 = L2

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 Electrostatics – I
10. Two copper balls, each weighting 10 g are kept 16. Equal charges q are placed at the four corners A,
in air 10 cm apart. If one electron from every B, C, D of a square of length a. The magnitude
106 atoms is transferred from one ball to the of the force on the charge at B will be
other, the coulomb force between them is
(atomic weight of copper is 63.5) 3q 2 4q 2
a) 2 b)
a) 2.0 × 1010 N b) 2.0 × 104 N 4 0 a 4 0 a 2
c) 2.0 × 108 N d) 2.0 × 106 N
11. Three charges are placed at the vertices of an  1  2 2  q2  1  q2
c)  
 d)  2  
equilateral triangle of side ‘a’ as shown in the 2
2  40 a2
 2  40 a 
following figure. The force experienced by the
charge placed at the vertex A in a direction 17. Two positive ions, each carrying a charge q,
normal to BC is are separated by a distance d. If F is the force of
repulsion between the ions, the number of
2

a) Q / 4 0 a 2
electrons missing from each ion will be (e being
b)  Q 2
/ 
4 0 a 
2
the charge on an electron)
c) Zero 4 0 Fd 2 4 0 Fd 2
a) b)
2

d) Q / 2 0 a 2
q 2
e2
12. Two particle of equal mass m and charge q are
placed at a distance of 16 cm. They do not 4 0 Fe 2 4 0 Fd 2
c) 2 d)
q d e2
experience any force. The value of is
m 18. Two spherical conductors B and C having
 0 G equal radii and carrying equal charges in them
a) l b) c) d) 40G repel each other with a force F when kept apart
G 4  0
at some distance. A third spherical conductor
13. An electron is moving around the nucleus of
a hydrogen atom in a circular orbit of radius r. having same radius as that of B but uncharged
 is brought in contact with B, then brought in
The coulomb force F between the two is contact with C and finally removed away from
1 both. The new force of repulsion between B
(Where, K = )
4 0 and C is
e 2 2
 a) F / 4 b) 3F / 4
a)  K 3 rˆ b) K e 3 r c) F / 8 d) 3F / 8
r r
19. The ratio of electrostatic and gravitational
e2  e2
c)  K 3 r d) K 2 rˆ forces acting between electron and proton
r r
separated by a distance 5 × 10–11 m, will be
14. Two point charges placed at a certain distance
(Charge on electron = 1.6 × 10–19 C, mass of
r in air exert a force F on each other. Then the
electron = 9.1 × 10 –31 kg, mass of proton =
distance r’ at which these charges will exert the
1.6 × 10–27 kg, G = 6.7 × 10–11 Nm2/kg2)
same force in a medium of dielectric constant
k is given by a) 2.36 × 1039 b) 2.36 × 1040
41
a) r b) r / k c) 2.34 × 10 d) 2.34 × 1042
20. Two equally charged, identical metal spheres
c) r/ k d) r k
A and B repel each other with a force ‘F’. The
15. Two charges +6 µC and +15 µC are placed spheres are kept fixed with a distance ‘r’
along the x-axis at x = 0 and x = 2 m respectively between them. A third identical, but
A negative charge is placed between thm such
uncharged sphere C is brought in contact with
that the resultant force on it is zero. The
A and then placed at the mid-point of the line
negative charge is placed at
joining A and B. The magnitude of the net
a) x = 0.775 m
electric force on C is
b) x = 1.2 m
c) x = 0.5 m a) F b) 3F / 4
d) Position depends on the amount of charge c) F / 2 d) F / 4

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 Electrostatics – I
21. An infinite number of charges, each of charge 28. The distance between charges 5 × 10–11 C and
1 µC, are placed on the x-axis with co-ordinates –2.7 × 10–11 C is 0.2 m. The distance at which a
x = 1, 2, 4, 8, .....  . If a charge of 1 C is kept at third charge should be placed in order that it
the origin, then what is the net force acting on will not experience any force along the line
1 C charge joining the two charges is
a) 9000 N b) 12000 N a) 0.44 m b) 0.65 m
c) 24000 N d) 36000 N c) 0.556 m d) 0.350 m
22. Which of the following will represent
29. A simple pendulum of period T has a metal
coulomb’s law
bob which is negatively charged. If it is
  q  
a) E.dS  b) E.d l  0 allowed to oscillate above a positively charged
 0  metal plate, its period will
    a) Remains equal to T b) Less than T
c) H .dS  0  d) H .d l   0 I
 c) Greater than T d) Infinite
23. Two identical charged spheres suspended
from a common point by two massless strings ELECTRIC FIELD LINES
of lengths l, are initially at a distance d (d << l) AND ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY
apart because of their mutual repulsion. The 30. The number of electrons to be put on a
charges begin to leak from both the spheres spherical conductor of radius 0.1 m to produce
at a constant rate. As a result, the spheres an electric field of 0.036 N/C just above its
approach each other with a velocity v. Then v surface is
varies as a function of the distance x between a) 2.7 × 105 b) 2.6 × 105
the spheres, as
c) 2.5 × 105 d) 2.4 × 105
1
–7
a) v  x 2 b) v  x 31. Two point charges +10 C

1 and –10–7 C are placed at
 1
c) v  x 2 d) v  x A and B, 20 cm apart
24. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line
as shown in the figure.
joining two equal charges Q. The system of
the three charges will be in equilibrium, if q Calculate the electric field
is equal to at C, 20 cm apart from
a) –Q / 2 b) –Q / 4 both A and B
c) +Q / 4 d) +Q / 2 a) 1.5 × 10–5N/C b) 2.2 × 104N/C
25. Under the action of a given coulombic force c) 3.5 × 106N/C d) 3.0 × 105N/C
the acceleration of an electron is 2.5 × 1022 m/s2.
32. A rod lies along the x-axis with one end at the
Then the magnitude of the acceleration of a
origin and the other at x   . It carries a
proton under the action of same force is nearly
a) 1.6 × 10–19 m/s2 b) 9.1 × 1031 m/s2 uniform charge λ C/m. The electric field at
19
c) 1.5 × 10 m/s 2 27
d) 1.6 × 10 m/s 2 the point x = –a on the axis will be
26. Charges 4Q, q and Q and placed along x-axis     ˆ
E  (  ˆ)
i E  (i )
at positions x = 0, x = l/2 and x = l, respectively. a) 4 0 a b) 4 0 a
Find the value of q so that force on charge Q is
zero    ˆ
ˆ
a) Q b) Q / 2 c) E  2 a ( i ) d) E  2 a ( i )
0 0
c) –Q / 2 d) –Q
27. Two point charges +9e and +e are at 16 cm away 33. The electric field at a distance 3R/2 from the
from each other. Where should another charge centre of a charged conducting spherical shell
q be placed between them so that the system of radius R is E. The electric field at a distance
remains in equilibrium R/2 from the centre of the sphere is
a) 24 cm from +9e b) 12 cm from +9e a) Zero b) E
c) 24 cm from +e d) 12 cm from +e c) E / 2 d) E / 3

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 25

 Electrostatics – I
34. Charges Q, 2Q and 4Q are uniformly 39. At a point 20 cm from the centre of a uniformly
distributed in three dielectric solid spheres charged dielectric sphere of radius 10 cm, the
1, 2 and 3 of radii R/2, R and 2R respectively, electric field is 100 V/m. The electric field at
as shown in figure. If magnitudes of the 3 cm from the centre of the sphere will be
electric fields at point P at a distance R from a) 150 V/m b) 125 V/m
the center of spheres 1, 2 and 3 are E1 E2 and E3 c) 120 V/m d) Zero
respectively, then
MIXED CONCEPTS
40. Three concentric metallic spherical shells of radii
R, 2R, 3R, are given charges Q 1 , Q 2 , Q 3 ,
respectively. It is found that the surface charge
densities on the outer surfaces of the shells are
equal. Then, the ratio of the charges given to the
shells, Q1 : Q2 : Q3, is
a) E1 > E2 > E3 b) E3 > E1 > E2 a) 1 : 2 : 3 b) 1 : 3 : 5
c) E2 > E1 > E3 d) E3 > E2 > E1 c) 1 : 4 : 9 d) 1 : 8 : 18
35. Two spheres of radii a and b respectively are 41. A solid conducting sphere
charged and joined by a wire. The ratio of of radius a has a net
electric field of the spheres is positive charge 2Q. A
a) a / b b) b / a conducting spherical
c) a2 / b2 d) b2 / a2 shell of inner radius b
36. An electron initially at rest falls a distance of and outer radius c is
1.5 cm in a uniform electric field of magnitude concentric with the solid sphere and has a net
2 × 104 N/C. The time taken by the electron to
charge –Q. The surface charge density on the
fall this distance is
inner and outer surfaces of the spherical shell
a) 1.3 × 102 s b) 2.1 × 10–12 s
–10 will be
c) 1.6 × 10 s d) 2.9 × 10–9 s
37. There is a solid sphere of radius ‘R’ having 2Q Q Q Q
a)  , b)  2
,
uniformly distributed charge. What is the 2
4b 4c 2 4  b 4 c2
relation between electric field ‘E’ (inside the
sphere) and radius of sphere ‘R’ is Q
c) 0 , 2 d) None of these
a) E  R 2 b) E  R 1 4 c
42. The displacement of a charge Q in the electric
c) E  13 d) E  R 2  
R field E  e1iˆ  e2 ˆj  e3 kˆ is r  aiˆ  bˆj . The work
38. An electron is moving towards x-axis. An done is
electric field is along y-direction then path of
electron is a) Qae1  be 2  b) Q ae1 2  be2 2
a) Circular
c) Parabola
b) Elliptical
d) None of these
c) Q e1  e2  a 2  b 2  
d) Q e12  e22 a  b

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 26

 Electrostatics – I
PREVIOUS YEAR NEET MCQS
CHARGE 5. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line
1. The given figure gives electric lines of force joining two exactly equal positive charges Q.
due to two charges q1 and q2. What are the The system of three charges will be in
signs of the two charges? (1994) equilibrium, if q is equal to
a) –Q b) Q/2 (1995)
c) –Q/4 d) +Q
6. Point charges +4q, –q and +4q are kept on the
X-axis at point x = 0, x = a and x = 2a
respectively. (1988)
a) only –q is in stable equilibrium
a) q1 is positive but q2 is negative b) all the charges are in stable equilibrium
b) q1 is negative but q2 is positive c) all of the charges are in unstable equilibrium
c) both are negative d) none of the charges is in equilibrium
d) both are positive ELECTRIC FIELD LINES
COULOMB’S LAW AND ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY
2. Two point charges A and B, having charges 7. A thin conducting ring
+Q and –Q respectively, are placed at certain of radius R is given a
distance apaprt and force acting between them charge +Q. The electric
is F. If 25% charge of A is transferred to B, then field at the centre O of
force between the charges becomes (2019) ring due to the charge
4F 9F 16 F on the part AKB of the
a) b) F c) d) ring is E. The electric field at the centre due to
3 16 9
charge on the part ACDB of ring is (2008)
3. Two pith balls carrying equal charges are
suspended from a common point by strings of a) E along KO b) 3E along OK
equal length, the equilibrium separation c) 3E along KO d) E along OK
between them is r. Now the strings are rigidly 8. Electric field at centre O of semicircle of radius
clamped at half the height. The equilibrium a having linear charge density  given as (2000)
separation between the balls now become (2013)
2 
a) b)
 0a  0a
 
y c) d)
y/2 2 0a  0 a
r r 9.A particle of mass m and charge q is placed at
rest in a uniform electric field E and then
 2r   2r  released. The kinetic energy attained by the
a)   b)  
 3 3
  particle after moving a distance y is
a) qEy b) qE2y (1998)
2 2 2
 1   r  c) qEy d) q Ey
c)   d)  3  10. There is an electric field E in x-direction. If
 2  2
the work done on moving a charge of 0.2 C
4. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line through a distance of 2 m along a line making
joining two equal charges Q. The system of an angle 60° with x-axis is 4 J, then what is the
the three charges will be in equilibrium if q
value of E? (1995)
is equal to (2013)
a) 5 N/C b) 20 N/C
a) –Q/4 b) Q/4
c) –Q/2 d) Q/2 c) 3 N/C d) 4 N/C

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 27

 Electrostatics – I
ELECTRIC FLUX AND GAUSS’S LAW 16. A charge Q is enclosed by a Gaussian spherical
11. A spherical conductor of radius 10 cm has a surface of radius R. If the radius is doubled,
charge of 3.2 × 10–7 C distributed uniformly. then the outward electric flux will (2011)
What is the magnitude of electric field at a a) increase four times b) be reduced to half
point 15 cm from the centre of the sphere? c) remain the same d) be doubled
17. A hollow cylinder B
 1  has a charge q C
  9  10 9 Nm 2 / C 2  (2020)
 4 0  within it. If f is C A
a) 1.28 × 104 N/C b) 1.28 × 105 N/C the electric flux in
6
c) 1.28 × 10 N/C d) 1.28 × 107 N/C units of voltmeter associated with the curved
12. The variation of electrostatic potential with surface B, the flux linked with the plane
radial distance r from the centre of a positively surface A in units of V-m will be (2007)
charged metallic thin shell of radius R is given q  q 1 q 
by the graph (2020) a) b) c)  d)    
2 0 3 0 2  0 
18. A square surface of
side L metres is in
a) b) the plane of the
paper. A uniform

electric field E
(volt/m), also in the plane of the paper is
limited only to the lower half of the square
surface (see figure). The electric flux in SI
c) d)
units associated with the surface is (2006)
a) EL2 b) EL2 / 2 0 c) EL2/2 d) zero
13. A hollow metal sphere of radius R is uniformly 19. A charge q is located at the centre of a cube.
charged. The electric field due to the sphere The electric flux through any face is (2003)
at a distance r from the centre (2019)
2q 4q q q
a) decreases as r increases for r < R and for r > R a) b) c) d)
b) increases as r increases for r < R and for r > R 64 0  64 0  64 0  64 0 
c) zero as r increases for r < R, decreases as r 20. A charge Q µC is placed at the centre of a cube,
increases for r > R flux coming out from each face will be (2001)
d) zero as r increases for r < R, increases as r Q Q Q Q
a) 106 b)  103 c) d)
increases for r > R 6 0 6 0 24 0 8 0
14. Two parallel infinite line charges with linear 21. A charge Q is situated at the corner of a cube,
charge densities + C/m and – C/m are placed at the electric flux passed through all the six
a distance of 2R in free space. What is the electric faces of the cube is (2000)
field mid-way between the two line charges? Q Q Q
Q
a) b) c) d)
 6 0 8 0 0 2 0
a) 2 R N / C b) zero (2019)
0 22. A hollow insulated conduction sphere is
given a positive charge of 10 µC. What will
2  be the electric field at the centre of the sphere
c)  R N / C d)  R N / C if its radius is 2 metres? (1998)
0 0
–2 –2
15. What is the flux through a cube of side a if a a) 20 µ C m b) 5 µ C m
point charge of q is at one of its corner? c) zero d) 8 µ C m–2
23. A point charge + q is placed at the centre of a
2q q
a) b) (2012) cube of side l. The electric flux emerging from
0 8 0 the cube is (1996)
q q 6ql 2 q q
c) d) 6a 2 a) b) c) zero d)
0 2 0 0 6l 2 0 0

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 28

 Electrostatics – I
PREVIOUS YEAR AIIMS MCQS
CHARGE 7. In the basic CsCl crystal
1. It is possible to have a positively charged structure, Cs+ & Cl– ions
body at (1995) are arranged in a bcc
a) positive potential configuration as shown
b) zero potential
in the figure. The net
c) negative potential
electrostatic force exerted
d) all of these
2. A body can be negatively charged by (1998) by the eight Cs+ ions on the Cl– ions is (2004)
a) giving some protons to it 1 4e 2 1 16e 2
b) removing some electrons from it a) b)
4 0 3a 2 4 0 3a 2
c) giving excess of electrons to it
d) removing some neutrons from it 1 32 e 2
3. The number of electrons for one coulomb of c) d) zero
4 0 3a 2
charge is (1999)
a) 6.25 × 10 23
b) 6.25 × 1021 8. Four point +ve charges
19 18
c) 6.25 × 10 d) 6.25 × 10 of same magnitude (Q)
4. The spatial distribution are placed at four corners
of the electric field due of a rigid square frame
to two charges (A, B) is
as shown in figure.
shown in figure. Which
The plane of the frame is
one of the following statements is correct?
a) A is +ve and B is –ve and |A| > |B| (2006) perpendicular to Z-axis.
b) A is –ve and B is +ve; |A| = |B| If a –ve point charge is placed at a distance z
c) both are +ve but A > B away from the above frame (z < < L) then (2005)
d) both are –ve but A > B a) –ve charge oscillates along the Z-axis
5. Identify incorrect for electric charge q (2012) b) it moves away from the frame
a) Quantised c) it moves slowly towards the frame and stays
b) Conserved in the plane of the frame
c) Additive d) it passes through the frame only once
d) Non-transferable
9. Three identical charges are placed at the
COULOMB’S LAW vertices of an equilateral triangle. The force
6. Three charges are placed experienced by each charge, (if k = 1 / 4 0) is
at the vertices of an q2 kq 2
equilateral triangle of a) 2 k b) (2016)
r2 2r 2
side a as shown in the
figure. q2 kq 2
c) 3 k 2 d)
The force experienced by r 2r 2
the charge placed at the vertex A in a direction 10. Two charged spheres separated by a distance
normal to BC is (2003) d exert some force on each other. If they are
immersed in a liquid of dielectric constant 2,
Q2 then what is the force exerted, if all other
2 2
a) b)  Q ( 4 0 a )
4 0 a 2 conditions are same? (1997, 2016)
Q2 a) F / 2 b) F
c) zero d) c) 2F d) 4F
2 0 a 2
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 29
 Electrostatics – I
ELECTRIC FIELD LINES 17. A metallic solid sphere is placed in a uniform
AND ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY electric field. Which path, the lines of force
11. A charged hollow sphere does not produce an follow as shown in figure? (2015)
el ectri c f i el d at any (1997)
a) inner point b) outer point
c) beyond 2 metres d) beyond 10 metres
12. An electron having charge e and mass m is
moving in a uniform electric field E. Its a) 1 b) 2
acceleration will be (2002) c) 3 d) 4
ELECTRIC FLUX AND GAUSS’S LAW
e2 eE
a) b) 18. A charge is placed at the centre of cube of side
m m
a then flux linked with one of its given faces
eE2 mE will be (2001)
c) d) Q Q Q Q
m e
a)  b) 6 c)  a 2 d) 4 a 2
13. Electric field at the centre of a uniformly 0 0 0 0

charged semicircle of radius a is
 
a) 2 a 2 b) 4 2 a 2
0 0
(2008) 19. The electric field due to a uniformly charged
nonconducting sphere of radius R as a
function of the distance from its centre is
represented graphically by (2004)

2 
c) d) 2 a
2 0 a 0 a) b)
14. Four charges are arranged at
the corners of a square as
shown in the figure. The
direction of electric field at c) d)
the centre of the square is
20. Two parallel large thin metal sheets
along (2009)
have equal surface charge densities
a) DC b) BC
(   26.4  10 12 C/m 2 ) of opposite signs. The
c) AB d) AD
 electric field between these sheets is (2006)
15. An electron projected with velocity v  v0 iˆ in a) 1.5 N/C b) 1.5 × 10–10 N/C
 c) 3 N/C d) 3 × 10–10 N/C
the electric field E  E0 ˆj . Trace the path 21. In case of infinite long wire electric field is
followed by the electron. (2012) proportional to (2007)
a) parabola 1 1 1
a) b) 2 c) 3 d) r 0
b) circle r r r
c) straight line in +y direction 22. A charge q is uniformly distributed on a ring
d) straight line in –y direction of radius r. A sphere of an equal radius is
16. A hemisphere is uniformly positively constructed with its centre lying on the
charged. The electric field at a point on a periphery of the ring. The flux of electric field
through the surface of the sphere will be (2008)
diameter away from the centre is directed
a) perpendicular to the diameter (2015) q q
a)  b) 2
b) parallel to the diameter 0 0

c) at an angle tilted towards the diameter q q

d) at an angle tilted away from the diameter c) 3 d) 4
0 0

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 30

 Electrostatics – I
23. Electric field outside a long wire carrying 28. Assertion : Gauss’s law shows diversion when
charge q is proportional to (2012) inverse square law is not obeyed. (2012)
1 1 1 1 Reason : Gauss’s law is a consequence of
a) b) 2 c) 3 / 5 d) 3 / 2
r r r r conservation of charges.
24. Electric field at a distance r from infinitely 29. Assertion : An electrostatic field line never form
long conducting sheet is proportional to closed loop. (2012)
a) r–1 b) r–2 (2013) Reason : Electrostatic field is a conservative
c) r–3/2 d) independent of r
field.
25. An early model for an atom
30. Assertion : If a conductor is given charge then
considered it to have a
positively charged point no excess inner charge appears. (2013)
nucleus of charge Ze, Reason : Electric field inside conductor is zero.
surrounded by a uniform 31. Assertion : Gaussian surface is considered
density of negative charge upto a radius R. carefully. (2013)
The atom as a whole is neutral. The electric Reason : The point where electric field to be
field at a distance r from the nucleus is (r < R) calculated should be with in the surface.
(2017) 32. Assertion : A charged particle free to move in
an electric field always moves along an electric
Ze  1 r  Ze  1 r  field line. (2014)
a) 4  r 2  R 3  b) 4  r 3  R2 
0   0   Reason : The electric field lines diverge from a
negative charge and converge at a positive
Ze  r 1 Ze  r 1 charge.
c) 4  R3  r 2  d) 4  R3  r 2  33. Assertion : If an electron and proton possessing
0   0  
same kinetic energy enter an electric field in a
Assertion And Reason perpendicular direction, the path of the electron
is more curved than that of the proton. (2014)
26. Assertion : The Coulomb force is dominating
Reason : Electron forms a larger curve due to
force in the universe. (2003)
its small mass.
Reason : The Coulomb force is weaker than the 34. Assertion : Acceleration of charged particle in
gravitational force. non-uniform electric field does not depend on
27. Assertion : In a cavity within a conductor, the velocity of charged particle. (2017)
electric field is zero. (2007) Reason : Charge is an invariant quantity. That
Reason : Charges in a conductor reside only at is amount of charge on particle does not
its surface. depend on frame of reference.

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 31

 Electrostatics – I
PREVIOUS YEAR JIPMER MCQS
CHARGE 6. Two point charges are 3 m apart and their
combined charge is 8 µC. The force of repulsion
1. Three concentric metallic spherical shells of
between them is 0.012 N. Charges are (2014)
radii R, 2R and 3R are given charges Q1, Q2,
Q3 respectively. It is found that the surface a) 4 µC, 4 µC b) 6 µC, 2 µC
charge densities on the outer surface of the c) 5 µC, 3 µC d) 7 µC, 1 µC
shells are equal. Then the ratio of the charges
given to the shells Q1 : Q2 : Q3 is (2016) ELECTRIC FIELD LINES
a) 1 : 8 : 18 b) 1 : 4 : 9 AND ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY
c) 1 : 2 : 3 d) 1 : 3 : 5
7. Two parallel metal plates having charges + Q
2. Two identical spheres carrying charges –9 µC
and –Q face each other at a certain distance
and 5 µC respectively are kept in contact and
between them. If the plates are now dipped
then separated from each other. Point out true
in kerosene oil tank, the electric field between
statement from the following. In each sphere
the plates will (2013)
a) 1.25 x 1013 electrons are in deficit (2014)
b) 1.25 x 1013 electrons are in excess a) become zero b) increase
c) 2.15 x 1013 electrons are in excess c) decrease d) remain same
d) 2.15 x 1013 electrons are in deficit
3. Which of the following does not show ELECTRIC FLUX AND GAUSS’S LAW
electrical conductance? (2012)
a) graphite b) diamond 8. A charge +q is placed at origin. There are two
c) sodium d) water concentric spherical surfaces; S1 of radius r and
S2 of radius 2R. Both the surfaces have their
COULOMB’S LAW
centres at the origin. Let 1 denote the flux
4. Two path balls, each of mass 1.8 g are
suspended from the same point by silk through S1 and 2 the flux through S2. The
threads each of length 20 cm. When equal relation between 1 and 2 is (2016)
charge q is given to both the balls, they
separate until the two threads become a) 1  22 b) 1  2 / 2
perpendicular. The the charge q on each pith
c) 1  42 d) 1  2
 1 
ball is   9  109 Nm 2 C-2  (2016) 9. The flux of the electric field,
 4 0  
a) 3 x 10–7 C b) 4 x 10–7 C E  24iˆ  30 ˆj  28 kˆ NC–1
–7
c) 5 x 10 C d) 2 x 10–7 C
5. A charge Q is to be divided into two parts; q through an area of 20 m2 on the yz plane is
and Q – q. What is the relation between q and a) 480 N m2C–1
Q if the two parts, when placed apart, has
b) 600 N m2C–1
maximum coloumb repulsion. (2016)
c) 560 N m2C–1
Q Q Q Q
a) q  b) q  c) q  d) q  d) 1640 N m2C–1
4 2 3 2

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 32


NCERT UNSOLVED
1. What is the force between two small charged 10. An electric dipole with the dipole moment
spheres having charges of 2 × 10–7 C & 3 × 10–7 C
placed 30 cm apart in air?
2. 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 two spheres?
b) What is the force on the second sphere due
to the first?
2 b) Is there a transfer of mass from wool to
Ke
3. Check that the ratio Gm m is dimensionless.
e p
Look up a table of Physical Constants and
determine the value of this ratio. What does
the ratio signify?
4. 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 microscopic i.e.,
large scale charges?
5. When a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth, 13. Suppose the spheres A and B in previous
charges appears o n both. A similar
phenomenon is observed with many other
pairs of bodies. Explain how this observation
is consistent with the law of conservation of
charge.
6. Four point charges qA = +2 µC, qB = –5 µC, qC =
+2 µC amd qD = –5 µC are located at the corners 14. Figure shows tracks of three charged particles
of a square ABCD of side 10 cm. What is the
force on a charge of 1 µC placed at the centre
of the square?
7. a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous
curve. That is, a field line cannot have
sudden breaks, why not?
b) Explain why two field lines never cross each
other at any point?
8. Two point charges qA = 3 µC and qB = –3 µC are
located 20 cm apart in vacuum.
a) What is the electric field at the midpoint O
of the line AB joining the two charges?
b) If a negative test charge of magnitude
–9
1.5 × 10 C is placed at this point, what is
the force experienced by the test charge?
9. A system has two charges qA = 2.5 × 10–7 C and
qB = –2.5 × 10–7 C located at point A(0, 0, –15 cm) 16. What is the net flux of the uniform electric field
and B(0, 0, +15 cm), respectively. What are the
total charge and electric dipole moment of the
system?
Electrostatics – I
4 × 10 –9 C m is aligned at 30° with the
direction of a unifo rm electric field of
magnitude 5 × 10 4 N C –1 . Calculate the
magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole.
11. 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?)
polythene?
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 × 10–7 C? The radii of A and B are negligible
compared to the distance of separation.
b) What is the force of repulsion if each sphere
is charged double the above amount, and the
distance between them is halved?
question have identical sizes. A third sphere of
the same size but uncharged is brought in
contact with the first, then brought in contact
with the second, and finally removed from
both. What is the new force of repulsion
between A and B?
in a uniform electrostatic field. Give the signs
of the three charges. Which particle has the
highest charge to mass ratio?
15. Consider a uniform electric field,

E  3  10 3 iˆ NC 1
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?
in previous question through a cube of side
20 cm oriented so that its faces are parallel to
the coordinate planes?

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 33

 Electrostatics – I
17. Careful measurement of the electric field at the 25. An oil drop of 12 excess electrons is held
surface of a black box indicates that the net stationary under a constant electric field of
outward flux through the surface of the box is 2.55 × 104 NC–1 in Millikan’s oil drop experiment.
8.0 × 103 Nm2C–1. The density of the oil is 1.26 g cm–3. Estimate the
a) What is the net charge inside the box? radius of the drop. (g = 9.81 ms–2; e = 1.6 × 10–19 C)
b) If the net outward flux through the surface 26. Which among the curves shown in figure cannot
of the box were zero, could you conclude possibly represent electrostatic field lines?
that there were no charges inside the box?
Why or why not?
18. A point charge
+10 µC is at a
distance of
5 cm directly
above centre
of a square of
side 10 cm, as
shown in figure. What is the magnitude of the
electric flux through the square?
19. A point charge of 2.0 µC is at the centre of a
cubic Gaussian surface 9.0 cm on edge. What
is the net electric flux through the surface?
20. A point charge causes an electric flux of
–1.0 × 103 Nm2C–1 to pass through a spherical
Gaussian surface of 10.0 cm radius centred on
the charge.
a) If the radius of the Gaussian surface were
doubled, how much flux would pass 27. In a certain region of space, electric field is along
through the surface? the z–direction throughout. The magnitude of
b) What is the value of the point charge? electric field is, however, not constant but
21. A conducting sphere of radius 10 cm has an increases uniformly along the positive
unknown charge. If the electric field 20 cm from z–direction, at the rate of 105 N C–1 per metre.
the centre of the sphere is 1.5 × 103 N C–1 and What are the force and torque experienced by a
points radially inward. What is the net charge system having a total dipole moment equal to
on the sphere? 10–7 C m in the negative z–direction?
22. A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 28. a) A conductor A with a cavity is shown in
2.4 m diameter has a surface charge density of figure (a) is given a charge Q. Show that the
80.0 µCm–2. entire charge must appear on the outer
a) Find the charge on the sphere. surface of the conductor.
b) What is the total electric flux leaving the b) Another conductor B with charge q is inserted
surface of the sphere? into the cavity keeping B insulated from A.
23. An infinite line charge produces a field of Show that the total charge on the outside
9 × 104 N C–1 at a distance of 2 cm. Calculate the surface of A is Q + q as shown in figure (b).
linear charge density.
24. 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 magnitudes 17.0 × 10–22 Cm–2. What
is the electric field in
a) the outer region of the first plate. c) A sensitive instrument is to be shielded
b) the outer region of the second plate, and from the strong electrostatic fields in its
c) between the plates? environment. Suggest a possible way.

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 34


29. A hollow charged conductor has a tiny hole cut 32. a) Consider an arbitrary electrostatic field
into its surface. Show that the electric field in
  
the hole is  n̂ , where n̂ is the unit vector
 2 0 
in the outward normal direction, and  is the
surface charge density near the hole.
30. Obtain the formula for the electric field due to
a long thin wire of uniform linear charge
density λ without using Gauss’s law..
31. It is now believed 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 34. Suppose that particle in Q. 33 is an electron
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.
Electrostatics – I
configuration. A small test 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) Verif y this result fo r the simple
configuration of two charges of the same
magnitude and sign placed at certain
distance apart.
33. 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/( 2mvx2 ).
projected with velocity vx = 2 × 106 ms–1. If E
between the plates separated by 0.5 cm is
9.1 × 102 NC–1, where will the electron strike upper
plate? (|e| = 1.6 × 10–19 m, me = 9.1 × 10–31 kg)

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 35

 Electrostatics – I
NCERT EXEMPLAR

1. In figure, two b) E on the LHS of above equation will have a
positive charges, contribution from all charges while q on RHS
q 2 and q 3 fixed will have a contribution from q2 and q4 only.
along y axis, exert 
c) E on the LHS of above equation will have a
a net electric contribution from all charges while q on RHS
force in the +x will have a contribution from q1, q3 & q5 only.
direction on a charge q1 fixed along x– axis. If a 
d) Both E on the LHS and q on the RHS will
positive charge Q is added at (x, 0), force on q1 have a contributions from q2 and q4 only.
a) shall increase along the positive x–axis 5. A point charge +q, is placed at a distance d from
b) shall decrease along the positive x–axis an isolated conducting plane. The field at a
c) shall point along the negative x–axis point P on the other side of the plane is
d) shall increase but the direction changes a) directed perpendicular to the plane and
because of the intersection of Q with q2 and q3 away from the plane
2. A point positive charge is brought near an b) directed perpendicular to the plane but
isolated conducting sphere as shown in figure. towards the plane
The electric field is best given by c) directed radially away from the point charge
d) directed radially towards the point charge
6. A hemisphere is uniformly charged positively.
The electric field at a point on a diameter away
from the centre is directed
a) perpendicular to the diameter
b) parallel to the diameter
c) at an angle tilted towards the diameter
a) figure (i) b) figure (ii) d) at an angle tilted away from the diameter
c) figure (iii) d) figure (iv) 
7.  E.dS  0 over a surface, then
3. The electric flux through the surface S
a) electric field inside the surface and on it is zero
b) electric field inside the surface is necessarily
uniform
c) number of flux lines entering the surface must
be equal to the number of flux lines leaving it
d) all charges must necessarily be outside the
a) in figure (iv) is the largest surface
b) in figure (iii) is the least 8. The electric field at a point is
c) in figure (ii) is same as in figure (iii) but is a) always continuous
smaller than figure (iv) b) continuous if there is no charge at that point
d) is the same for all the figures c) discontinuous only if there is a negative
4. Five charges q1, q2, q3, q4 & q5 charge at that point
are fixed at their positions d) discontinuous if there is a charge at that point
as shown in the figure. S is 9. If there were only one type of charge in the
Gaussian surface. The Gauss’s universe, then
 q 
a)  E.dS  0 on any surface
law is given by  E.ds 
S 0 . S

Which of the follo wing b)  E.dS  0 if the charge is outside the surface
statements is correct?
S

 c)  E.dS could not be defined
a) E on the LHS of the above equation will S
have a contribution from q1, q5 and q3 while  q
d)  E.dS  if charges of magnitude q were
q on the RHS will have a contribution from S 0
q2 and q4 only. inside the surface
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 36
 Electrostatics – I
10. Consider a region inside which there are various 13. An arbitrary surface encloses a dipole. What is
types of charges but the total charge is zero. At the electric flux through this surface?
points outside the region 14. A metallic spherical shell has an inner radius
a) the electric field is necessarily zero R1 and outer radius R2. A charge Q is placed at
b) the electric field is due to the dipole moment the centre of the spherical cavity. What will be
of the charge distribution only the surface charge density on (i) the inner
1 surface, and (ii) the outer surface?
c) the dominant electric field is  3 , for large 15. The dimensions of an atom are of the order of an
r
Angstrom. Thus there must be large electric fields
r, where r is the distance from origin in this
between the protons and electrons. Why, then is
region
the electrostatic field inside a conductor zero?
d) the work done to move a charged particle
16. If the total charge enclosed by a surface is zero,
along a closed path, away from the region,
does it imply that the electric field everywhere
will be zero
on the surface is zero? Conversely, if the electric
11. Refer to the arrangement of charges in figure
field everywhere on a surface is zero, does it
and a Gaussian surface of radius R with Q at
imply that net charge inside is zero?
the centre. Then
17. Sketch the electric field lines for a uniformly
charged hollow cylinder shown in figure.

Q 18. What will be the total flux through

a) total flux through the surface of sphere is  the faces of the cube with side of
0
length a if a charge q is placed at
Q a) A : a corner of the cube
b) field on the surface of the sphere is 4 R 2 b) B : mid-point of an edge of the cube
0

c) flux through the surface of sphere due to c) C : centre of a face of the cube
5Q is zero d) D : mid-point of B and C
d) field on the surface of sphere due to –2Q is 19. A paisa coin is made up of Al–Mg alloy and
same everywhere weighs 0.75 g. It has a square shape and its
12. A positive charge Q is diagonal measures 17 mm. It is electrically
uniformly distributed neutral and contains equal amounts of positive
along a circular ring and negative charges.
of radius R. A small Treating the paisa coins made up of only Al,
test charge q is placed find the magnitude of equal number of positive
at the centre of the and negative charges. What conclusion do you
ring. Then draw from this magnitude?
a) If q > 0 and is displaced away from the centre 20. Consider a coin of previous question. It is
in the plane of the ring, it will be pushed electrically neutral and contains equal amounts
back towards the centre of positive and negative charge of magnitude
b) If q < 0 and is displaced away from the centre 34.8 kC. Suppose that these equal charges were
in the plane of the ring, it will never return concentrated in two point charges separated by
to the centre and will continue moving till 1
i) 1 cm (~ × diagonal of the one paise coin),
it hits the ring 2
c) If q < 0, it will perform SHM for small ii) 100 m (~length of a long building), and
displacement along the axis iii)106 m (radius of the earth). Find the force on
d) q at the centre of the ring is in an unstable each such point charge in each of the three
equilibrium within the plane of the ring cases. What do you conclude from these
for q > 0 results?
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 37

21. Figure represents a crystal
unit of cesium chloride,
CsCl. The cesium atoms,
represented by the open
circles are situated at the
corners of a cube of side
0.40 nm, whereas a Cl
atom is situated at the
centre of the cube. The Cs atoms are deficient
in one electron while the Cl atom carries an
excess electron.
i) What is the net electric field on the Cl atom
due to eight Cs atoms?
ii) Suppose that the Cs atom at the corner A is 26. Consider a sphere of radius R with charge
missing. What is the net force now on the
Cl atom due to seven remaining Cs atoms?
22. Two charges q and –3q are placed fixed on
x–axis separated by distance d. Where should
a third charge 2q be placed such that it will not
experience any force?
23. Figure shows the electric field lines around
three point charges A, B and C.
a) Which charges are positive?
b) Which charge has the largest magnitude?
Why?
c) In which region or regions of the picture
could the electric field be zero? Justify your
answer.
i) near A, ii) near B,
iii) near C, iv) nowhere
24. Five charges, q each are
placed at the corners of
a regular pentago n of
side ‘a’ as shown in figure.
a) (i) What will be the
electric field at O,
the centre of the pentagon?
(ii) What will be the electric field at O if the
charge from one of the corners (say A)
is removed?
(iii) What will be the electric field at O if
the charge q at A is replaced by –q?
b) How would your answer to (a) be affected
if pentagon is replaced by n–sided regular
polygon with charge q at each of its corners?
VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS
Electrostatics – I
25. In 1959, Lyttleton and Bondi suggested that
the expansion of the Universe could be
explained if matter carried a net charge.
Suppose that the universe is made up of
hydrogen atoms with a number density N,
which is maintained a constant. Let the charge
on the proton be: ep = –(1 + y)e where e is the
electronic charge.
a) Find the critical value of y such that
expansion may start.
b) Show that the velocity of expansion is
proportional to the distance from the centre.
density distributed as
 (r )  kr for r  R
 0 for r  R
a) Find the electric field at all points r.
b) Suppose the total charge on the sphere is 2e
where e is the electron charge. Where can
two protons be embedded such that the
force on each of them is zero. Assume that
the introduction of the proton does not alter
the negative charge distribution.
27. Two fixed, identical
conducting plates
(  &  ), each of
surface area S are
charged to –Q & q,
respectively, where
Q > q > 0. A third
identical plate (  ), free to move is located on
the other side of the plate with charge Q at a
distance d as shown in figure. The third plate
is released and collides with the plate  .
Assume the collision is elastic and the time of
collision is sufficient to redistribute charge
amongst  and  .
a) Find the electric field acting on the plate 
before collision.
b) Find the charges on  and  after the collision.
c) Find the velocity of the plate  after the
collision and at a distance d from the plate  .
38
 Electrostatics – I
28. There is another useful system of units, 1
we have  [3]2  10 9 Nm 2 C  2
besides the SI/MKS A System, called the CGS 4 0
(centimeter, gram–second). In this system
Coulomb’s law is given by 1
or,  (2.99792458) 2  10 9 Nm 2 C  2 (exactly)
 Qq 4 0
F  2 rˆ , where the distance r is measured in
r 29. Two charges –q each, are fixed separated by
cm (10–2 m), F in dynes (= 10–5 N) and the distance 2d. A third charge q of mass m placed
charges in electrostatic units (es units), where at the mid-point is displaced slightly by x (x<<d)
1 perpendicular to the line joining the two fixed
1 es unit of charge  10  9 C .
[ 3] charges as shown in figure. Show that q will
The number [3] actually arises from the speed perform simple harmonic oscillation of time
of light in vacuum which is now taken to be 1/ 2
 8 3 0 md 3 
exactly given by c = 2.99792458 × 108 m s–1. An period. T   
approximate value of c then is c = [3] × 108 ms–1.  q2 
i) Show that the coulomb law in CGS units yields
30. Total charge –Q is uniformly spread along length
1 esu of charge = 1 (dyne)1/2 cm. Obtain the
of a ring of radius R. A small test charge +q of
dimensions of units of charge in terms of mass
mass m is kept at the centre of the ring and is
M, length L and time T. Show that it is given
given a gentle push along the axis of the ring.
in terms of fractional powers of M and L.
ii) Write 1 esu of charge = x C, where x is a a) Show that the particle executes a simple
dimensionless number. Show that this gives harmonic oscillation.
1 10 9 1 b) Obtain its time period.
 2 Nm 2 C  2 with x   10 9 ,
4 0 x [ 3]

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 39

 Electrostatics – I
ANSWER KEY
CLASSWORK ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. d d d c b d c a b d c b d a b
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. b b b c b c d d b a a c b b d
Que. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
Ans. d d b d d c a b d a c b c c a
Que. 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. d d a d b c a b b a a c c b c
Que. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
Ans. b b d b b c a a c a b b d b c
Que. 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
Ans. d d d c a b b d d a a c b c b
Que. 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105
Ans. c c a a d b c a b d b a c c c
Que. 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120
Ans. b c b c c c c d b c d c d a b
Que. 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134
Ans. a d b c b c a c a c c d d b

ASSIGNMENT ANSWER KEY

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. a c c a c b a c b c c d c c a
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. c d d a a b a c a c d b c b c
Que. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
Ans. b a a c b d c c c b a a

PREVIOUS YEAR NEET MCQS ANSWER KEY

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. c c d a c c d c a b b b c d b
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Ans. c d d b a b c d

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 40

 Electrostatics – I

PREVIOUS YEAR AIIMS MCQS ANSWER KEY

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. a c d a d c d a c a a b d a a
Que. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. a d b b c a c a d a d a b b b
Que. 31 32 33 34
Ans. a d d b

PREVIOUS YEAR JIPMER MCQS ANSWER KEY

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ans. d b b b d b c d a

VELOCITY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS 41