ELECTROSTATICS

Total number of Questions in this chapter are :

(i) In chapter Examples ....................... 61

(ii) Solved Examples ....................... 22

Total no. of questions ....................... 83

 Electrostatics , deals with the study of charges (b) Negative charge : More number of electrons
in rest. These stationary charges occurs due to than number of protons
friction of two insulating bodies, therefore it is Importants Points : Only , electron is
often called frictional electricity responsible for a substance to be charged
and not the proton.
1. FUNDAMENTAL FORCE OF THE NATURE
2.1 Properties of Charge :
(i) Behind every process occurring in the nature, (i) Like charges repel while unlike charges attract
there is one or the other force acting. each other.
(ii) Different forces are divided in FOUR parts (ii) Charge is quantized in nature i.e. The
based on their nature magnitude of charge possessed by different
objects is always an integral multiple of
(A) Gravitational force
charge of electron (or proton) i.e. q = ± ne
(B) Electro-magnetic force where n = 1 , 2 , 3 ........
(C) Nuclear force (iii) The minimum possible charge that can exist
(D) Weak force in nature is the charge of electron which has
(iii) Comparative analysis of forces a magnitude of e = 1.60 207x10-19 coulomb.
This is also known as quantum of charge or
Force Nature Range Rel. Strength
fundamental charge.
Gravitational Attraction very large 1
(iv) In an isolated system the algebraic sum of
Electro- Attraction very large 1036 total charge remains constant. This is the
Magnetic or law of'Conservation of charge'.
Repulsion Note : The fact that electric charge is an integral
Nuclear Attraction very less 1039 multiple of electronic charge was
Weak Unknown very less 1014 experimentally proved by Milliken. Unit of
charge  1 coulomb = 3 × 10 9 e.s.u.
Important points : = 1/10 e.m.u.,in cgs  e.s.u. (state coulomb)
(i) Gravitational force is the weakest while
nuclear force is the strongest force of the Charge
nature
Ex.1 Two spheres of the same metal (in all
(ii) Nuclear force does not depend upon charge.
respects) are taken. One is given a positive
It acts equally between proton-proton, proton
charge of Q coulomb. and other is given the
neutron and neutron-neutron.
same but negative charge. Which sphere will
(iii) There are weak forces acting in  - have a higher mass.
degradiation in radio-activity. Sol. Negatively charged sphere will have a higher
(iv) A stationary charge produces electric filed mass. This is due to increase in number of
while a moving charge produce electric as electron to make it negatively charged.
well as magnetic field. Ex.2 Which of the following charge is not possible:
(v) Moving charge produce electric field as well (A) 1.6 × 10–18c (B) 1.6 × 10–19 c
as magnetic field but does not radiate energy (C) 1.6 × 10 -20 c (D) None of these
while uniform acceleration. –20
Sol. (C) 1.6 × 10 c, because this is 1/10 of
(vi) Accelerated charge produce electrid field as electronic charge and hence not an integral
well as magnetic field and radiate energy. multiple.
Ex.3 How many electron are present in 1 coulomb
2. CHARGE charge.
Property of a substance by virtue of which it can Sol.  q = ne
repel or attract another charged substance. q = 1c
Charges are of two types. e = 1.6 × 10–19 c
(a) Positive charge : Lesser number of electrons n = ?
than number of protons.
n = q/e = 6.25 × 1018 electrons.
Ex.4 Identify X in the following nuclear reactions (ii) This law is valid only for stationary charges
1 9 and cannot be applied for moving charges.
(i) 1H + 4 Be  X + n
15 1 (iii) This law is valid only if the distance between
(ii) 7 N + 1H  24 He + X two charges is not less than 10–15 m.
Sol. (i) Charge on the nucleus of (iv) K = 1 for air or vacuum,
x = Q(H) + Q (Be) = 1 e + 4e = 5e  for conductors
[  Q (n) = 0 ] > 1 for any other medium.
Therefore X will be Boron Medium K
(The atomic no. of B = 5] Vacuum/air 1'
(ii) Q (X) + Q(He) = Q(N) + Q(H) Water 80
Mica 8
 Q (X) = 7 e + 1 e - 2e = 6e
Glass 5-10
 X is carbon Metal 

3. COULOMB'S LAW Note : Be aware of k and K

K is dielectric constant and k electrostatic
The force of attraction or repulsion between two constant
stationary point charges is directly proportional
to the product of charges and inv ersely 1
k = 4  K
proportional to the square of distance between 0
them. This force acts along the line joining the Direction
two. If q1 & q2 are charges in consideration r, Direction of the force acting between two charges
the distance between them and F, the force acting depends upon their nature and it is along the line
between them joining two charges.

Then , F  q1 q2
F  1/r2

q1q2 F21 = force on q due to q
2 1
 F 
r2
 q 1q 2 r̂12
q1q2 F21 =
 Fk , where k = constant. 2 ...(A)
4  0 Kr 12
r2

1 9 109 1 2 F12 = Force on q due to q
k = 4  K = N m coulomb–2 1 2
0 K
where ,
 q1q 2 r̂21
F12 = r̂21 ...(B)
2
0 = Electric permittivity of vacuum or air 4  0 Kr12
= 8.85 x 10–12 coul2 N–1 m–2 and
K = Relative permittivity.
= Dielectric constant
= Specific inductive capacity Note:
[Newton's law for particles is analogous to
1. | r̂21 | = | r̂12 | = 1 (unit vectors)
coulomb's law for rest charges. T he
difference is that Newton's law gives 2. r̂21 = – r̂12 ...(C)
attraction force while coulomb's law gives
attraction as well as repulsion force] 3. r̂12 = r21
Note: 4. Values of q1 & q2 are put with sign while
(i) Coulomb's law is applicable to point charges using this formula
only. But it can be applied for distributed
 
charges also 5. From (A) , (B) and (C) F 12 = – F 21
4. PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION Fe 1 e2
.  1043
The resultant force acting on a charge due to a Fg = 4 0 ( 4 0 )G.m2
group of charges is equal to the vector sum of
    Fe
individual forces. F  F  F  F Note : 1. F for proton - proton = 1036
1 2 3
g
 q2
F3 Fe

F1 2. F for proton electron = 1039
q g
q1
Ex. 8 Force F is acting between two charges. If a
 sheet of glass (r = 6) is placed between the
F2
two charges, what will be the force.
Principle of superposition 1 q1q2
Sol. F = 4 . 2
0 r
Ex.5 Five equal charges 'q' q
are placed at f iv e 3
1 q 1 q1q2
vertices of a regular F' = 4  K . 2
6 2 r
hexagon. What will be 0
the resultant force on q 5 q
a charge 'Q' placed at 4 F F
F' = =
the centre of the q K 6
hexagon given that the distance of a corner Note : We can conclude that if there is a metallic
from centre is d. medium (conducting) between two charges, force
Sol. Suppose , the same charge 'q' was placed at will be zero since K =  .
sixth corner also Then Ex.9 Two charged spheres of radius 'R' are kept at
       a distance 'd' (d >2R). One has a charge +q
F  F1  F2  F3  F4  F5  F6  0 and the other - q. The force between them
(Note that resultant is zero due to symmetry will be
of hexagon. This is applicable for any + + - -
REGULAR geometry) + -
-
      + -
 F1  F2  F3  F4  F5   F6 -
R + - R
qQ + --
=  + - -
4  0 d2 +
d

and direction of force will be opposite to F6 .
1 q2 1 q2
Ex.6 A point charge q1 exerts a force F on q2. An (1) (2) >
4 0 d2 4 0 d2
equal charge q3 is now kept near q2. The
resultant force on q2 due to q1 will be - 1 q2
Sol. F. here superposition principle is to be (3) < (4) None of these
4 0 d2
applied carefully. The force on q2 due to q1
will remain same although resultant force on Sol. (2) Redistribution of charge will take place
   due to mutual attraction and hence effective
q2 will change since F  F  F distance will be less than d.
1 3

Ex.7 Find the ratio of electrostatic and gravitational Note : In the example above, if both had the
force acting between two electrons - charge '+q', the answer would have been (3)
because now mutual repulsion will result into
1 e.e m .m increase in effective distance.
Sol. Fe = 4 . 2 ; Fg = G. Ex.10 How should we divide a charge 'Q' to get
0 r r2
maximum repulsion between them –
Sol. Let (q) & (Q – q) be the two parts . Ex.13 Two charges 1c and 5c are kept at a
1 q(Q  q) distance 4cm. The ratio of magnitude of force
F = 4 experienced by first to the second will be -
0 r2
Sol. 1 : 1
For maximum F
 
dF 1 Q  2q F12   F21
= 0  = 0
dq 4 0 r 2  
= | F12 | = | F21 |
Q
 q =
2
hence Q should be divided in two equal parts. 5. ELECTRIC FIELD
Ex.11 3 × 10–19 C and –10–6 C are placed at A charge produces something called an electric
(0 , 0, 0) and (1, 1,1) respectively. Find the field in the space around it and this electric field
force on second in vector form exerts a force on any charge placed in it.
1 q1q2 Note : The electric field doesnot exert force on
 r̂
Sol. =
F21 4 0 r 2 12 source charge.
12
5.1 Electric field Intensity -

r12  (1  0) î  (1  0) ĵ  (1  0 ) k̂ = î  ĵ  k̂ Force experienced by a unit positive charge

placed in an electric field at a point is called
| r12 | = 12  12  12 = 3 electric field intensity at that point. It is also
known as electric field simply. Let q0 be the


r̂12 =
r12
=
î  ĵ  k̂  positive test charge placed in an electric field.

 If F is the force experienced by this charge,
| r12 | 3
then
 9  10 9  3  10 19  (10 6 ) î  ĵ  k̂   F

F21 = . 
3 3 E = Electric field intensity = qlim
0 0 q0

= – 3 × 10–16 ( î  ĵ  k̂ ) Newton. (i) Unit : Newton / coulomb or volt/metre

Ex.12 Three charges (each q.) are placed at the (ii) This is a v ector
corners of an equilateral triangle. Find out quantity and its
the resultant force on any one charge due to direction is the
other two. same as force on the
positive test charge.

Sol. F = F12  F22  2F1F2 cos 60 º
(iii) Since E is the force
on unit charge, force
1 q2
But F1 = F2 = on charge q is -
4 0 a 2
 
2 F = qE .
1 3q
   F = (iv) Dimension is [M 1 L1 T–3 A–1]
4 0 a2
F (v) Electric field due to a point charge is
F2 300  kq
60 0 F1 E= . r̂
r2
Q 600 (vi) Direction of electric field due to positive
a charge is away from charge while direction of
a
electric field due to negative charge is
towards the charge.
Q Q
a
 Special point Properties -
(a) If q1 and q2 are at a distance r and both have (i) Electric lines of force start from a positive
the same type of charge, then the distance 'd' charge and end on a negative charge .
of the point from q1 where electric field is
(ii) No two lines of force can intersect each other.
q1 r If they does so then at the point of
zero is given by d =
 q1 
q2 
. This point
intersection twotangents could be drawn ,
will lie between line joining q1 & q2. which gives two directions of electric at the
same point , which is impossible.
(iii) The tangent drawn at any point on line of
force gives the direction of force acting on a
positivecharge placed at that point.
(b) If q1 and q2 have opposite charges then (iv) These lines have a tendency to contract in length
distance 'd' of the point 'p' from q1 where like a stretched elastic string. This actually
electric field is zero is given by explains attraction between opposite charges.
q1 r
(v) These lines have a tendency to separate from
d = , [|q1| > |q2|]
q1  q2 each other in the direction perpendicular to
their length. This explains repulsion between
like charges.
(vi) Intensity of electric field is given by the
number of electric lines of force in a unit
(c) Three charges +Q1, +Q2 and q are placed on area at that point.
a straight line. If this system of charges is
in equillibrium, charge q should be as given (vii) Lines of force of a uniform field are parallel
and at equal distance.
Q1Q2
q 4
Q1 Q2 
2 (viii) Unit positive charge gives
K
lines in a
medium of dielectric constant K.
5.2 Principle of superposition for electric field (ix) Important : Electric lines of force can never
intensity - enter the conductor, because inside the
Resultant electric field intensity at a point p due conductor the intensity of electric filed is zero.
to a number of charges is vector sum of individual (x) Important : Lines of force leaves the surface
    of conductor normally.
electric field intensities  Ep  E1  E2  E 3
Electric field is represented by electric lines of Electric field
forces
Ex.14 Charges of 3e and 9e are placed at a
The resultant two electric fields E1 + E2 is given
distance r. What is the distance of the point
by E = E12  E 22  2E1E 2 cos  . If the resultant form 9e where electric field is zero.
field E, makes an angle with E1 then Sol. Putting the values in above formula
E1 sin  qr 9e . r
tan  = E1  E 2 cos  d = =
q1  q2 9e  3e
5.3 Electric lines of forces : 3r
The electric field in a region can be represented =
3 1
by drawing certain curves known as electric lines
of force.
An electric line of force is that imaginary smooth
curve drawn in an electric field along which a free
isolated unit positive charge moves.
 1 9e 
Systematically : E1 = 4 . 2 Ex.18 Find E at point P.
0 x
1 3e +5c
E2 = 4 . 8cm –3.6c
2 , E1 = E 2
0 (r  x )

9e 3e
 = 6cm
x2 (r  x )2
10cm E2
3r 3r
 x = or
3 1 3 1
3r
x = is not possible since x < r P
3 1 
E1

Ex.15 Which is true ?

(A) EA < EB > EC (B) EA > EB > EC
5  10 6
(C) EA > EB < EC (D) EA < EB < EC Sol. E1 (due to 5c) = 9 × 109 ×
(0.1)2
Sol. (B) Number of electric lines of force in unit
area is maximum at A and least at C . = 4.5 × 106 N/C

3.6  10 6
E2 (due to –3.6 c) = 9 × 109 ×
(0.06 )2
= 9 × 106 N/C
Ex = E1x + E2x = E1cos + 0
so EA > EB > EC . = 3.6 × 105 N/C
Ey = E1y + E2y = – E1 sin + E2
Ex.16 A metal sphere is placed in an uniform
= 6.3 × 106 N/C
electric field which one is a correct electric
line of force-
E= E 2x  E2y = 7.3 × 106 N/C

Note: To avoid mistakes, always take the given

1 1
quantities in SI units and final answer will also
2 2 be in the SI units.

3 3
Ex.19 The given charge Q is positive or negative ?
4 4

Sol. (4) Only 4 is normal to the conducting surface.

Q

Ex.17 A charge particle is free to move in electric

field will it always move along the electric
lines of force.
Sol. No. If the particle has its initial velocity = 0,
then it will move along the lines of force but
if the initial velocity makes some angle with
lines of force, the resultant path will not be
along the lines of force.
Sol. Q is a positive charge because lines are
starting from it.
These lines are supposed to terminate at
infinity (and not at negative charge). If Q
was negative.
6. ELECTRIC POTENTIAL Electric Potential
Work done in bringing a unit positive charge from Ex.20 Can metal sphere of 1cm radius held a charge
infinity to any point is termed as potential at that of 1 coulomb ? [Air gets ionized at the
point i.e. if Electric field of Emax = 3 x 106 volt/m]
W = work done in bringing a positive charge q0 Sol. No. The potential of a metal sphere of radius
1cm is given by
W
from infinity to that point, then , V = 1 q 1
q0 V= = 9 × 109 × = 9 ×1011
4 0 r 1 10 2
(i) Electric potential at infinity is taken to be The potential is much greater then needed to
zero. ionise the air and hence the charge leakes
(ii) It is not path dependent quantity if simply to surrounding air. [Air gets ionized at the
depends upon the starting and end points. potential of 3 x 106 volt]
(iii) It is a scalar quantity. Ex.21 In the given diagram VA < VB since direction
(iv) Unit : Volt or Joule/Coulomb of E is from B to A.
(v) Dimension : [M1 L2 T–3A–1 ] E
(vi) Potential due to a positive charge is positive A B
and potential due to a negative charge is
negative, hrere potential being positive and
negative implies whether work is done on the
charge or done by the charge respectively. Ex.22 Infinite number of same charge q are placed
(vii) Potential due to a point charge Q at a at x = 1 , 2 , 4 , 8 ...... What is the potential
at x = 0 ?
1 q
distance r is V = 4  r 1 q q q q 
0 Sol. V = 4      ..... 
0  1 2 4 8 
1
V q 1 2q q
r
= 4  1 = =
(viii) Total potential at a point due to a group of 0 1   4 0 2 0
charges is scalar sum of individual potentials  2
Vp = V1 + V2 +....Vn
(ix) Electric field is gradient of electric potential a
[ a + ar + ......  = r < 1
dv 1  ra
at that point. E = –
dr Ex.23 If the alternative charges are unlike, then
Note : The negative sign implies that direction what will be the potential ?
of electric field is in the direction of
decreasing potantial. 1 q q q q 
Sol. Then , V =      ...... 
4 0  1 2 4 8 
(x) Work done in bringing a charge Q from infinity
to that point is 1  q q  q q 
= 4   1  2  .....    2  8  .... 
W = QV where V is potential at that point. 0    
(xi) Potential of earth is taken to be zero.
[Allthough the earth's negatively charged   
1  1 1  1  1 2q
sphere, yet its potential is zero. It is because   
= 4 0  1 2  1  = 4   3
q 1  1   0
of its large capacitance (C = 4 0R] C =  4  4 
V
 V = q/C, V  0 , as C is too large]
a
[  a + ar + ar2 .....   r  ]
1 r
Ex.24 A charge +q is fixed at each of the points (i) Unit of potential difference is volt.
x = x0 , x = 3x0 , x = 5x0 ... ad inf. on the (ii) This is a scalar quantity
x-axis, and a charge -q is fixed at each of
the points x = 2x0 , x = 4x0 , x = 6x0 ...... (iii) Potential difference does not depend upon
ad inf. Here x0 is a positve constant. Take Co-ordinate system
the electric potential at a point due to a (iv) Potential difference does not depend upon
charge Q at a distance r from it be Q/40r. the path followed. This is , because electric
Then , the potential at the origin due to the field is a conservative force field and work
above system of charges is done is conservative force field does not
q depend upon path followed.
(A) 0 (B) 8  x log 2
0 0
Ex.25 In the following fig. Along which path the work
q log 2
(C)  (D) done will be maximum in carrying a charge
4 0 x 0
from A to B in the presence of any another
Sol. Total potential caused by +q , at the origin charge
kq kq kq Sol. Same for all the path
V1 =    ......
x0 3x 0 5x0 [Because the work done doesn't depend upon
the path]
kq 1 1
= [1 +  +.........  ]
x0 3 5
Total potential caused by –q , at the origin
kq kq kq
V2 =  2x  4 x  6 x  .....
0 0 0

kq  1 1 1 
=     .....  
x0  2 4 6 
Net potential at the origin
V = V1 + V 2
kq  1 1 1 1 
= 1      ..... 
x 0  2 3 4 5  Ex.26 A charge 20C is situated at the origin of
kq X-Y plane. What will be potential difference
= log (1 + 1) between points (5a, 0) and –3a , 4a)
x0
Sol. Distance between (0 , 0) & (5a ,a),
1 2 1 1
[ log(1 + x) = 1 – x + x 3 – x 4 + ......... ] r1 =
2 3 4 25a 2  0 = 5a

kq 1 q kq
= x0
log2 = 4  x log2.  V1 =
0 0 5a
Hence answer is (D)
Distance between
6.1 Potential difference :
(0, 0) & (–3a , 4a) r2 = 9a 2  16a = 5a
The work done in taking a charge from one point
to the other in an electric field is called the
potential difference between two points. kq
V2 =
Thus , if w be work done in moving a charge q0 5a
form B to A then the potential difference is given  V1 – V2 = 0
by-
W
VA – V B = q
0
6.2 Relationship between electric potential and Ex.29 The potential at a point (x , 0 ,0 ) is given as
intensity of electric field  1000 1500 500 
V =   2  3  . W hat will be
A
 
 x x x 
electric field intensity at x = 1m ?
(i) VA = –  E . dr , VA = electric potential at
 V V V
point A . Sol.   E = V =  î x  ĵ y  k̂ z
(ii) Potential difference between two points in an V V V
electric field is given by negative value of line or iEx + jEy + kEz = – î x  ĵ y  k̂ z
integral of electric field i.e.
B V  V V 
 
= –  0 
VB – VA = – E . dr  x  y z 
A Comparing both sides

(iii) E = –  V = – grad V  1000 1500 5000 
Ex = – =   2  3 
x x  x x x 
   
      = (gradient) =  x î  y ĵ  x k̂ 
   1000 2  1500 3  5000 
=     
V V V  x x3 x4 
Ex = – , Ey = – y , Ez = –
x z For x = 1 , (Ex ) = 5500 V/m

dV
(iv) If v is a function of r only , then E = – Ex.30 In the following fig , what will be the electric
dr field intensity at r = 3
V Sol. For 2 < r < 4, V = 5 volts
(v) For a uniform electric field , E = – and
r dV
it's direction is along the decrease in the  E = – dr = 0
value of V.

Ex.27 Electric potential for a point (x , y , z) is

V (volts) 

5
given by V = 4x 2 volt . Electric field at point 4
(1 , 0 , 2) is - 3
2
dV
Sol. E = – = – 8x 1
dx
E at (1, 0 ,2)= – 8 V/m 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
 Magnitude of E r (meter) 
= 8V/m direction along –x axis. Note : In the above problem, what will value of E at
100 r = 6 ?
Ex.28 Electric field is given by E = potential
x2 at r2 = 7m V2 = 2 volt
difference between x = 10 and x = 20 m. at r1 = 5m V1 = 4 volt
[PET '89 ,94]
dV  V2  V1  24
Sol. E = –  dV = –Edx  E = –  r  r  = –  7  5  =1 volt/metre
dx  2 1   
B B

 
A
dV = –  E.dx
A
Ex.31 An oil drop 'B' has charge 1.6 × 10–19C and
mass 1.6 × 10–14kg. If the drop is in
20
100 equilibrium position, then what will be the
 VB – VA = –  x 2 = – 5 volts potential diff . between the plates.[The
10
distance between the plates is 10mm]
Potential difference = 5 volt.
 + + + + + + + A 7. POTENTIAL ENERGY OF CHARGED PARTICLE IN
B ELECTRIC FIELD
10cm (i) Work done in bringing a charge from infinity
to a point against the electric field is equal
to the potential energy of that charge.
- - - - - - - (ii) Potential energy of a charge of a point is
Sol. For equilibrium, electric force = weight of drop
equal to the product of magnitude of charge
 qE = mg and electric potential at that point i.e.
V P.E. = qV
 q. = mg (iii) Work done in moving a charge from one point
d
mgd to other in an electric field is equal to change
 V =
q
in it's potential energy i.e. work done in
moving Q from A to B = qVB – qVA
1.6  10 14  9.8  10  10 3 = UB – UA
=
1.6  10 19
VA VB
V = 104 volt
[When a charged particle is in equilibrium A B
in electric field, the following formula is often (iv) Work done in moving a unit charge from one
used qE = mg] point to other is equal to potential difference
6.2 Equipotential Surface - between two points.
(i) These are the imaginary surface (drawn in an Note : Circumference of the circle in above
electric field) where the potential at any point example can be considered as equipotential
on the surface has the same value. surface and hence work done will be zero.
(ii) No two equipotential surfaces ever intersects
7.1 Potential Energy of System :
(iii) Equipotential surfaces are perpendicular to
the electric field lines (i) The electric potential energy of a system of
(iv) Work done in moving a charge from a one charges is the work that has been done in
point to the other on an equipotential surface bringing those charges from infinity to near
is zero irrespective of the path followed and each other to form the system.
hence there is no change in kinetic energy of (ii) If a system is given negative of it's potential
the charge. energy , then all charges will move to infinity.
(v) Component of electric field parallel to This negative value of total energy is called
equipotential surface is zero. the binding energy.
(iv) Nearer the equipotential surfaces , stronger (iii) Energy of a system of two charges
the electric field intensity
1 q1q2
Ex.32 Some equipotential surfaces are shown in PE = 4  d
fig. 0

What is the correct order of electric field

intensity ?
(iv) Energy of a system of three charges

A 1  q1q2 q2 q3 q3 q1 
PE = 4  r   
0  12 r23 r31 
B
(v) Energy of a system of n charges.

  
C   n 
n qj  
1 1  
 
PE = 2 . 4  qi  
0  i1  j1 rij  
  i j  
Sol. EB > EC > EA , because potential gradient   
at B is maximum.
 PE of q at B
q2
1 Qq
= UB = 4  r
r32 0
r12
A r Q B

q1 q3
r13

Note : Method to find energy of a system of n  Work done = UB – UA = 0

charges. Ex.34 What will be change in potential energy of
(a) Find the PE of each charge relative to all q3, in moving it along CD for the following fig.
other charges.
q
(b) Add these all 3
(c) Divide the addition by 2 and resultant will be
the potential energy of the system.
80cm
7.2 Work Done in An Electric Field -
(i) If electric potential at a point is V then
potential energy (PE) of a charge placed at
that point will be qv.
q1 q2
(ii) Work done in moving a charge from A to B  
is equal to change is PE of that charge W AB A 60cm B D
= work done from A to B 80cm
= PEB – PEA = q (VB – VA)
Sol. Potential energy of q3 at C
(iii) Work done in moving a charge along a closed
[where q1 = 2 × 10-8C ,
surface in an electric field is zero.
q2 = 0.4 × 10–8 C , q3 = 0.2 × 10–8 C]
(iv) Total energy remains constant in an electric
field i.e. KEA + PEA = KEB + PEB  q1q3 q3 q2 
Uc = k  
KE = Kinetic energy  0. 8 1 
PE = Potential energy
(v) A free charge moves from higher PE to lower [ BC = 80 2  60 2 cm = 10 4 cm
PE state in an electric field. Hence
= 102 cm = 1m]
(a) a + ve charge will move form higher
Potential energy of q3 at D,
potential to lower potential while,
(b) a –ve charge will move form lower  q1q3 q3 q2 
UD = k  
potential to higher potential  0. 8 0.2 

(c) Work done for displacement through r
 1 1
for a charge experiencing a force  UD – UC = kq2q3  0.2  1
 
  
F = W = F.r = 9 × 109
× 0.4 × 10–8
× 0.2 × 10–8 × 4
= 2.88 × 10–7 Joule
Electric Potential Energy Ex.35 In the following fig, where the charge 'q' must
be kept , so that the potentail energy of the
Ex.33 A charge Q is placed at the centre of a circle system will be minimum.?
of a radius 'r'. Work done in taking a charge
q from A to diametrically opposite point B. 9cm
Sol. Potential energy of q at A q
1 Qq 2q 8q
= UA = 4  r x (9–x)
0
Sol. Suppose the charge q is placed at distance
x from 2q.Potential energy of the system
0 + eV1 = 1 mv 2 + eV2
2
 2qq 8qq 2q  8q 
U = k    
 X  10
2
(9  X)  10 2
9 10 2  1
mv 2 = e (V2 – V1 ) = eV
2
U
For U to be minimum = 0 which gives
X v = 2eV
X = 3cm. m
Ex.36 The charges of 10c each are kept at three [When an electron is acclerated through
corners of an equilateral triangle of 10cm potential difference 'V' the following formula
side. What is the potential energy of the 1
system ? is generally used mv2 = eV]
2
1 q2 1 q2 Ex.39 A charge q moves along the path PQRS in
Sol. PE of 1 = U1 = 
4 0 r 4 0 r an electric field E which is directed towards
positive X-axis. P, Q , R , S, have the
1 q2 1 q2 coordinates (a , b , 0) , (2a , 0 ,0 )
PE of 2 = U2 =  (a , -b , 0) , ( 0 , 0 ,0 ) respectively. What
4 0 r 4 0 r
is the work done by electric field in this
1 q2 1 q2 process ?
PE of 3 = U3 =  
4 0 r 4 0 r Y E
2
P
1 3 q
PE of system= (U1 + U2 + U3) = . E
2 4 0 r S Q
B
3  9  10 9  (10  10 6 ) 2
= = 27 Joule.
10  10 2
  
Ex.37 A charge +q is placed at C Sol. E = E î , F = q E = q.E î
the centered of a circles.
What will be the amount 
of work done in carrying displacement = PS
a charge q' from B to C
in the fig. +q = (0 – a) î + (0 – b) ĵ + (0 – 0) k̂ = –a î – b ĵ
Sol. Zero. Because circular  
path is a equipotential W = F .PS = (a î  bĵ). qE î = –qEa
B
surface
Hence VB – VC = 0 8. MOTION OF A CHARGED PARTICLE IN AN
     W = q' (VB – VD ) = 0 ELECTRIC FIELD
Ex.38 An electron (mass m , charge e) is
accelerated through a potential difference of (i) Charged particle experience force in an
V volt. Find the final velocity of electron. electric field.
Sol. KEi = 0 (ii) Magnitude of force on a charge q in an
PEi = eV1 electric field E is F = qE
KEf = 1/2 mv 2 (iii) Direction of force on a positive charge is
same as direction of electric field while it is
 i  initial
PEf = eV2  opposite to direction of electric field in case
f  final of negative charge.
KEi + PEi = KEf + PEf
Uniform Electric Field
1
Case : 1  mv 2 = 10eV
2
Initial velocity is zero or in the direction of
electric field - 20 eV
v=
F = qE m
qE 2 x 1.6 x 10
–16
x 10
 acceleration a =
m = -31 m/sec
9.1 x 10
 v = u + at
1 2 Ex.41 A particle having a charge of 1.6 × 10–19C
Distance travelled in time 't' = S = ut + at
2 enters midway between the plates of a
Case : 2 parallel plate capacitor. The initial velocity of
Initial velocity is perpendicular to electric particle is parallel to the plates. A potential
field -
difference of 300 volts is applied to the
Distance travelled in X direction = ut
capacitor plates. If the length of the capacitor
1 2 plate is 10cm and they and separated by
Distance travelled in Y direction = at
2 2cm. Calculate the greatest initial velocity
qE for which the particle will not be able to come
where a =
m out of the plates. The mass of particle is
Locus of the path followed - 12 × 10–24kg.
1 ax 2 Sol. The situation is shown in fig .
Y = (a parabola)
2 u2
10cm
+ + + + + + + + + + + +
x 
mu

y = 1cm
q

E
y - - - - - - - - - - -

Potential difference
Here E =
d
(iv) Accelerating a charge q through a potential
difference V results in
300 V
(a) decrease in PE = qV = = 15000
2 / 100 m
(b) increase in KE = qV
(v) In a non uniform electric field electron As the particle does not come , its maximum
accelerates and translates also. deflection y = 1 cm = 10–2 m
2
Motion of a charged particle in an 1 qE  x 
We know that y = .   or
electric field 2 m u
1 qE 2
Ex.40 An electron is accelerated through 10eV, u2 = 2 . my . x
what will be the velocity acquired by electron. 2
1 (1.6  10 19 )(15000 )  1 
Sol. We know accelerating charge q through v   = 108
2 (12  10 24 )(10 2 )  10 
potential difference increase in K.E. = qV
 u = 104 m/s
 Note : When an electron enters normally to (xi) Flux is associated with all vectors.
electric field, it path becomes parabolic, (xii) If only a dipole is present in the surface then
while in magnetic field path becomes net flux is zero.
circular (xiii) Net flux of a surface kept in a uniform electric
field is zero.
9. ELECTRIC FLUX
(xiv) Net flux from a surface is zero does not
(i) It is denoted by ''. imply that intensity of electric field is also
zero.
(ii) It is a scalar quantity.
(iii) It is defined as the total number of lines of 10. GAUSS'S LAW
force passing normally through a curved This law states that electric flux E through any
surface placed in the filed. closed surface is equal to 1/0 times the net

(iv) It is given by the dot product of E and normal charge 'q' enclosed by the surface i.e

infinitesimal area ds integrated over a closed
  q
E =  E . ds =
0
surface-
 
d  = E . ds
 
 =
 E . ds =  Eds cos Q
where  = angle between electric field and
normal to the area

 Note :
ds The closed surface can be hypothetical and then
it is called a Gaussian surface.

E If the closed surface enclosed a number of
)
charges q1 , q2 ........... qn etc. then

S   q (q1  q2  ....qn )
 =  E . ds = =
0 0

(v) (a) if   = 0,   = Eds (maximum)

(b) if  = 900,  = zero

 
(vi) Unit : (a) Newton - metre2 / coulomb. q1
q2
(b) Volt - meter
(vii) Dimension : [M L3 T –3 A–1 ]
(viii)Flux due to a positive change goes out of q3

q4
the surface while that due to negative change
comes into the surface.
Flux is -
(ix) Flux entering is taken as positive while flux (i) Independent of distances between charges
leaving is taken as negative inside the surface and their distribution.
(x) Value of electric flux is independent of shape (ii) Independent of shape , size and nature of
surface.
and size of the surface.
 (iii) Dependent on charges enclosed by surface, Ex.43 A rectangular surface of length 4m and breadth
their nature and on the medium. 2m is kept in an electric field of 20 N/c. Angle
(iv) Net flux due to a charge outside the surface between the surface and electric field is 300.
will be zero. What is flux thought this surface ?
(v) If Q = 0 , then  = 0 but it is not necessary 
Note : Angle between surface and E is given to be
that E = 0
30º. This is not the '' used in our formula ''
(vi) Gauss law is valid only for the vector fields
is the angle between normal to surface and
which obey inverse square law

(vii) Gauss's and coulomb's law are comparable. E . So here  = 90 – 30 = 60º
Sol.  = EA cos  = 20 × 8cos60 = 80 V-m
Note -
(i) A charge q is placed at the centre of a cube,
then ....................... Ex.44 In the following, find out the emerging electric
q flux through S1 and S2 where
(a) Total flux through cube = [q1 = 1c , q2 = 2c , q3 = –3c]
0
q
(b) Flux through each surface = 6 q1 10 6
0 Sol. 1 =  =
0 8.85  10 12
(ii) A charge q is placed at the centre of a face
of a cube ,then total flux through cube = 1.13 × 105 V.m
q
= 2 q1  q3 ( 2  3)  10 6
0 2 = =
0 8.85  10 12
How ? A second cube can be assumed adjacent to = –11.3 × 105 V.m
the first cube total flux through both cubes
q q
=  , So flux through each cube = 2 q4
0 0 S4

q q1 q2
S1 q3
S2
(iii) Now , q is placed at a corner then the flux
q
will be 8 Ex.45 A charge 'q' is placed at the centre of a cube
0
of side 'a'. If the total flux passing through
Gauss's Law cube and its each surface be  and 2
Ex.42 A hemispherical surface of radius R is kept resepctivley then 1 : 2 will be -
in a uniform electric field E such that E is (A) 1 : 6 (B) 6 : 1
parallel to the axis of hemi-sphere , Net flux (C) 1 : 6a 2 (D) 6a2 : 1
from the surface will be -
Sol. (B) When q is placed at the centre of cube
E
then total flux passing through cube is

q
1 = 
0

 
q
Sol.  = = E .  R2 . and flux through each surface is 2 = 6 
 E . ds 0

= (E) (Area of surface perpendicular to E)   1 : 2 = 6 : 1

= E. R2.
Ex.46 If charges q/2 and 2q are placed at the centre
of face and at the corner, of a cube. Then + +
+ + +
total flux through cube will be - + +
+
+ +
q q + r +
(A) 2  (B)  + + p
0 0 O
+ +q
q q + R +
(C) 6  (D) 8  + +
0 0 ++ +
+ + + +
Sol. (A) Flux through cube , when q/2 is placed
at the centre face , is
Case: 1 OP = r  R
q/ 2 q
1 =
2 0
=
4 0  q q 1 R 2
E = r̂ = r̂
4 0 r 2 0 r 2
Flux through cube , which 2q is plaed at the
corner of cube , is ( = surface charge density)

2q q  
2 = 8  = 4  , Case: 2 r = R E= r̂
0 0 0

Total flux = 1 + 2 Case: 3 r < R E = 0
q q 1 q i.e. At point interior to a conducting or a
= 4 + 4 = 2 hollow sphere, electric field intensity is zero.
0 0 0
(iii) For points outside the sphere , it behaves
Ex.47 Flux entering a closed surface is 2000V-m.
like all the charge is present at the centre.
Flux leaving that surface is 8000 V-m. Find
the charge insidesurface. (iv) Intensity of electric field is maximum at the
surface
Sol. Net flux = out – in
Imp.
 = (8000-2000) = 6000V-m
(v) Electric field at the surface is always
q perpendicular to the surface.
 =  (vi) For points, near the surface of the conductor,
0

E =  perpendicular to the surface
0
in  out
(vii) Graphically ,

q = (6000) (8.85 × 10–12 ) = 0.53 c 1

Er E
r2
11. APPLICATION OF GAUSS'S LAW E=0
r
11.1 Electric field due to a charged conducting r<R r=R r>R
sphere/ Hollow conducting or insulating
sphere.
(i) In all the three type of spheres, charge Electric potential
resides only on the outer surface of the Case: 1 r < R
sphere in order to remain in minimum
potential energy state. 1 Q
Vin = 4 R
0
Case: 2 r = R Electric Field

1 Q
Vsurface =
4 0 R p
Q
Case : 3 r > R o 
1 Q
Vout =
4 0 r
Case: 1 r > R (point is outside the sphere)
(i) For points interior to a conducting or a hollow
sphere, potential is same everywhere and  1 Q
equal to the potential at the surface. E = 4 2 r̂
0 r
kQ Case: 2 r = R (point is at the surface)
(ii) V=
R
 1 Q
E = 4 2 r̂ = Emax = Esurface
kQ 0 R
V V=
r Case: 3 r < R (point is inside the sphere)
 1 Q
E = r r̂
r<R r=R r>R 4 0 R 3
r
= 3
(iii) at r =  , V = 0 0
 Ein  r
Note : Here , we see that E inside the sphere is
 at r = 0 , E = 0
zero but V  0. So E = 0 does not imply (i) Graphically
V = 0. This presents a good example for it.
Similarly V = 0 doesnot imply E = 0

Application of Gauss's Law

r 1
Ex.48 When a charged conductor Q is placed inside Er 
E E
a hollow conductor P , in such a way that it r2
touches P , then-
(A) charge will flow from Q to P r<R r=R r>R r
(B) Opposite charge will induced on the outer
surface of P
(ii) Again , for points outside the sphere , it
(C) whole of the charge of Q will transfer on behaves as all the charge is present at the
the internal surface of P centre
(D) whole of the charge of Q will transfer on (iii) For points outside , it obeys inverse square law
the outer surface of P (iv) Intensity of electric field at infinity is zero.
Sol. (D) To keep minimum potential energy whole (v) Intensity at the surface is maximum and is
of the charge of Q will transfer on the outer
1 Q
surface of P. equal to
4 0 R 2
(B) For a point p at a distance r from centre o.
(vi) Again , it is perpendicular to the surface at
11.2 Electric field due to solid insulating sphere the surface .
A charge given to a solid insulating sphere is (vii) Intensity is zero at the centre and for points
distributed equally throughout its volume inside the sphere, it is directly proportional
to distance of the point from the centre
Electric Potential
1 Q
Vsurface = .......(2)
4 0 R
Case: 1 r > R

1 Q 3
Vout = given that, Vin = V
4 0 r 2 surface

Case : 2 r = R Q(3R 2  r 2 ) 3Q
 = r=0
2R 3 2R
1 Q
Vsurface = Hence the point will be at the centre.
4 0 R
Ex. 50 Two concentric spheres
Case : 3 r < R of radii r & R (r < R)
1 Q(3 R 2  r 2 ) are given the charges
Vin = q and Q respectively.
4 0 2 R3 Find the potential
3 1 Q difference between two
Vcentre = (Imp) spheres.
2 4  0 R
Sol. Potential at the inner sphere = potential due
Vcentre = 3/2 Vsurface to inner + potential due to outer sphere

1 q 1 Q
(i) Graphically  V1 = 4 r  4 R
0 0
kQ(3R 2  r 2 )
3 V= (potential at points inside is same everywhere
V0 3R 3 and is equal to potential at the surface).
2 Par abol
a
kQ Potential at outer sphere
V0 V=
R V2 = potential due to inner + potential due
V hypa to outer sphere
rab
ola 1 q 1 Q
= 4 R  4 R
O 0 0
r<R r=R r>R
 potential difference = V1 – V2
(ii) Again , Ecentre = 0 , but Vcentre  0.
(iii) Electric potential at infinity is zero. 1 q q
=   
(iv) Electric potential is maximum at the centre 4 0  r R 
Ex.49 A solid insulating sphere of radius R is given
a charge . If inside the sphere at a point the q 1 1
              V = 4  r  R 
potentail is 1.5 times that of the potential at 0  
the surface, this point will be -
Note : Here , we see that ' V' depends only
(A) At the centre on the charge of inner sphere .
(B) At distance 3/2R from the centre Ex.51 In the following fig, of charged spheres A , B
(C) potential will be same inside and on the & C whose charge densities are  , - & 
surface of sphere , so given information is and radii a, b & c respectively what will be
inadequate. the value of VA & VB.
(D) Insulating bodies can not be given charge
Sol. (A) Potential at the centre of insulating
sphere is given by B c b
+
–
1 Q(3R 2  r 2 ) +
Vin = .......(1) B A a
4 0 2R 3 C
and on the surface ,
 4a 2  4b 2  4c 2  (vi) If two charged wires (1) & (2) are kept
Sol. VA = k k parallel to each other at a distance 'd', then
a b c
the force on unit length of any of the wire is :
 q
=  [a – b + c] [  = ] 1 2
0 A
2 0 d
 4a 2  4b 2  4c 2   Ex.54 Electric field intensity is proportional to r-1
VB = k  b  b  c  due to
 
(A) point charge (B) dipole
  a2  (C) infinite long charge (D)none of the above
=    b  c Sol. (3). The electric field intensity due to infinite
0  b 

Ex.52 In the above example if VA = VC then what long charge is given by E = 2 r
0
will be relation among a.b & c
1
Sol.  VA = VC ....(1) Hence E  .
r
 Ex.55 A charge q is rotating along a circle of radius
VA =  [a – b + c] r around an infinitely long wire with a line
0
charge density . The velocity of charge is
  a2 b2 
VC =   b  c  c   mv 2 

0   Sol. Here centripetal force  r  is being provided

 
Now from (1) , c = a + b
by the electric force of attraction , so
Ex.53 A solid conducting sphere with a charge Q is
mv 2 q
placed concentrically inside a second = –qE = 2 r
uncharged hollow sphere. Potential difference r 0
between the two is V. Now , outer sphere is
given a charge of –3q. What will be the q
potential difference -  v = 2 0m
Sol. V, since ' V' depends only on the charge of [When a charged particle moves along
the inner sphere which is not changed. circular orbit in electric field, the following
11.3 Electric field due to infinitely long charge
(i) A long wire is given a line charge density . mv 2
formula is generally used =qE]
r
(ii) If wire is positively charged , direction of E 11.4 Electric field at a point due to an infinite sheet
will be away from the wire while f or a of charge

negatively charged wire, direction of E will (i) If  = surface charge density. Intensity at
be towards the wire .  
points near to the sheet = E = r̂
(iii) E at point p 2 0
  
E = 2 r r̂ or E = 2 r
0 0 +
+ +
(iv) + +

r E
V  o r
E
+
O + + +
r +
(v) Potential difference between points A (r1) &
  r2  (ii) Direction of electric field is perpendicular to
B(r2) = VA – VB = 2 l n  
r  the sheet of charge.
0  1
 (iii) Intensity of electric field does not depend upon 1
+ + 2
the distance of points from the sheet for the
points in front of sheet i.e.. There is an  
+ +
 
E2 E1 + +
equipotential region near the charged sheet.
(iv) Potential difference between two points A
 . +  
E2
. E1
+ .
R  
 
O P
& B at distances r1 & r2 respectively is + + E2 E1
+ +

VA – VB = 2 (r2  r1 ) + +
0
1 2
11.5 Electric field due to infinite charged metal
sheet (ii) Two plates have opposite type of charge

(i) Intensity at points near the sheet    

EO = E 1 + E 2 = – =0
2 0 2 0
 
= E= r̂ + +

+
0 +
   
E EP = E 1 + E 2 = + =
where + 2 0 2 0 0
+
 = surface charge density + + r    
+ ER = E 1 + E 2 = – = 0
+ 2 0 2 0
+ +
 + 1 – 2
(ii) E is independent of distance + +
+ – R
of the point from the sheet and + +
  +
 
–  .
also of the area of sheet i.e. There is an
equipotential region near the sheet.
E2
 . E1
+ .E P E 1 2
–

E2

E1
O + –
(iii) Direction of electric field is perpendicular to
+ –
the sheet.
+ –
(iv) Potential difference between two point
1 2
A (r1) and B (r2) (r1 < r2) near the sheet is
Note : In this case , we will have an uniform electric
 field between the two plates directed from
      V = V A – VB = (r2 – r1) positive to negative charged plate. Electric
0
field intensity is zero elsewhere.
Note : The difference in the cases (D) & (E) is that 11.7Electric field due to charged ring : Q charge
in (D)  was only on one side of the sheet is distributed over a ring of radius R.
while here  is there on both sides, because (i) Intensity of electric field at a distance x from
it is a metal sheet . the centre of ring along it's axis -
11.6 Electric field due to two infinite parallel 1 Qx 1 Qx
plates of charge E = 4 2 2 3 / 2 = 4  2 2
0 (R  x ) 0 (R  x )
(i) Both plates have same type of charge
1 Q cos 
     E = and it's direction will be
4 0 r 2
EO = E1 + E 2 = 2  + = 
0 2 0 0 along the axis of the ring
    dl
EP = E 1 + E 2 = – = 0 r
2 0 2 0
R
    
ER = E1 + E 2 = + =   dE cos axis of
2 0 2 0 0 O x p  the loop
dE
 (ii) Intensity will be zero at the centre of the
ring. q  1 
W 12 = 4 R (Q1  Q 2 )  1
(iii) Intensity will be maximum at a distance 0  2 
R / 2 from the centre and Note : Work done in moving the same charge from
2 1 Q second to the first ring will be negative of
Emax= . . 2 the work done calculated above i.e.
3 3 4  0 R
(iv) Electric potential at a distance x from centre, q  1 
W 1 = 4 R (Q1  Q 2 )1   .
1 Q 0  2
V =
4 0
( x2  R2 ) 11.8 Uniformly charged semi - circular arc
(v) Electric potential will be maximum at the

1 Q Ecentre = 2 R
0
centre and Vmax = 4 R
0 Q
where l = linear charge density =
R
Electric Field
Ex.56 Two symmetrical rings of radius R each are
placed coaxially at a distance R meter. These
rings are given the charges Q 1 & Q 2
respectively , uniformly. What will be the work
done in moving a charge q from center of one
ring to centre of the other. 1 Q
Vcentre = 4  R
Sol. Work done = q (V2 – V1) potential at the 0

centre of first ring Note : In all of the above discussion ,  is taken to

be a positive charge and accordingly the
1 Q1 1 Q2
V1 =  direction of electric field is decided. If  was
4 0 R 4 0 R2  R2 negative , all the directions would have been
1  Q2  opposite to what they are.
= 4 R  Q1  
0  2
12. ELECTRIC DIPOLE

Q1 Q2 (i) A system consisting of two equal and

1 2 opposite charges separated by a small
R distance is termed an electric dipole.
q q
A  B
R

R Example : Na+Cl - , H+ Cl - etc.

(ii) An isolated atom is not a dipole because
potential at the centre of second ring centre of positive charge coincides with
centre of negative centres. But if atom is
1 Q2 1 Q1 placed in an electric field, then the positive
V2 = 4 R R  4 and negative centres are displaced relative to
0 0 R  R2
2
each other and atom become a dipole.
1  Q1 
= 4 R  Q 2   (iii) DIPOLE MOMENT : The product of the
0  2 magnitude of charges and distance between
work done = q (V2 – V1 ) them is called the dipole moment.
q  Q2 Q  (a) This is a vector quantity which is directed
= 4 R  Q1   Q 2  1  from negative to positive charge.
0  2 2
(b) Unit : Coulomb - metre (C-M)
 (c) Dimension : [M0 L1 T1A1]
Q
  
(d) It is denoted by p that is p = q d
2l
12.1 Electric field due to a dipole
–q 90º +q p
(i) There are two components of electric field at l
l O
any point l

(a) Er  in the direction of r 1 q(2 ) cos 
(viii) V = .

4 0 r2
(b) E  in the direction perpendicular to r  
1 2P cos  1 P cos  1 P. r
= . = .
Er = 4 . 4 0 r 2 4  r2
0 r3 0

1  P sin   1 P . r̂
E = . 
4 0  r 3  = .
4 0 r 3

Er  
E where  is the angle between P and r .
E 
V can also be written as
p
r 1   1  1 r̂
V = P .    because     = 
4 0 r
   r  r2

–q O q qd
(ix) If  = 0, Vaxis =
4 0 . r 2
(ii) Resultant
(x) If  = 90º, Vequator = 0
P
(xi) Here we see that V = 0 but E  0 for points
E = E r2  E 2 = 4 r 3 1  3 cos 2 
0 at equator
  (xii) Again, if r >> d is not true and d = 2l,
(iii) Angle between the resultant E and r  is
1 P
 E  1 Vaxis = 4 . 2 2
given by  = tan-1   = tan-1  tan   0 (r   )
E 
 r  2 
Vequator = 0
(iv) If  = 0 , i.e point is on the axis -
Note :
1 P
Eaxis = . (i) This is not essential that at a point, where
4 0 r 3 E = 0 , V will also be zero there eg.
 = 0 , i .e . along the axis. inside a uniformly charged sphere, E = 0
(v) If  = 90º , i.e. point is on the line bisecting but V  0
the dipole perpendicularly (ii) Also if V = 0 , it is not essential for E to
1 P be zero eg. in equatorial position of
Eequator = .
4 0 r 3 dipole V = 0, but E  0
(vi) So, Eaxis = 2Eequator (for same r) 12.2 Electric Dipole In an Electric Field - Uniform
Electric Field
1 2 Pr
(vii) Eaxis = 4 . 2 (i) When an electric dipole is placed in an
0 ( r   2 )2 uniform electric dipole , A torque acts on it
which subjects the dipole to rotatory motion.
1 2P
Eequator = 4 . 2 This  is given by   = PE sin or
2 3/2
0 (r   )  
   = P  E
where P = q . (2l )
 (ii) Potential energy of the dipole
Electric Dipole
 
U = – PE cos = – P . E Ex.57 An electron and a proton are placed at
distance of 1Å. What will be dipole moment
of so formed dipole
Sol. p = qd = 1.6 × 10–19 × 1 × 10–10
= 1.6 × 10–29 coulomb metre
Ex.58 E is the intensity of electric field at distance
x (axial condition) from the centre of an
electric dipole. If the same intensity is at a
point distance x' on perpendicular bisector of
dipole from its centre , then relation between
x & x' will be -
(A) x' = x (B) x' = x/2
Cases :
(C) x' = x/22/3 (D) x' = x/21/3
  Sol. (D) Given, Eaxis = Eequvatorial
(a) If  = 0º , i.e. P || E   = 0 and
U = – PE , dipole is in the minimum potential 2p p
 k 3 = k
energy state and no torque acting on it and x x'3
hence it is in the stable equilibrium state.  x' = x/2 1/3
  Note : All these are valid only if d < < r .
(b) For   = 180º, i.e. P and E are in opposite
otherwise
direction , then  = 0 but U = PE which is Ex.59 An electric dipole is placed in a uniform
maximum potential energy state. Although it 
is in equilibrium but it is not a stable state electric field E . What must be the angle
and a slight perturbation can disturb it. 
between E and dipole, so that dipole has
 
(c)  = 900 , i.e. P  E , then minimum potential energy ?

 = PE (maximum) and U = 0 Sol. Zero.  U = – PE sin

U to be minimum  = 0
Note :
(a) There is no net force acting on the dipole in
 Umin = 0
a uniform electric field. Ex.60 A dipole with dipole moment p is placed in an
electric field E. The dipole is displaced from
(b) Dipole can only perform rotatory motion.
its equilibrium position AB to A'B' as shown in
(c) If dipole is placed in a nonuniform electric
fig. Now what will be the work required , so
field , it performs rotatory as well as that the point A' coincids with B.
translator motion because now a net
force also acts on the dipole along with +q A’ E
the torque. (important)
–q
12.3 Work done in rotating on electric dipole in 30º A
an electric field B O +q

(i) To rotate the dipole by an angle  from the –q

state of stable equilibrium W = PE (1–cos).
B'
(ii) W ork done in rotating the dipole from
1 to 2 in an uniform electric field 2pE(2  3 ) pE(2  3 )
(A) (B)
W = PE (cos1 – cos2) 2 2

(iii) Work done in rotating the dipole through 1800 2pE(2  3 ) pE(2  3 )
(C) (D)
from stable equilibrium state 2 2
W = 2PE = 2 (potential energy)
Sol.(B) When the dipole is rotated such that it (v) Energy associated with the electric field
acquires a new position A'B' form position between plates of parallel plate capacitor is
AB then 1 = 300 Now if dipole is rotated
1 2 
through 1800 from its position AB then U =   0E  (Ad) where E = 
2  0
2 = 1800
[These topics can be best studied in the
Now from figure work done in rotating the
chapter "Capacitance"]
dipole form position A'B' so that the point A'
coincide with B, is (vi) Work done in charging a parallel plate
W = pE [cos1 – cos2] capacitor is stored as the electric field
between plates.
= PE [cos300 – cos1800]
13.2 Drop of a charged liquid -
 3   3 2
  If n identical drops each having a charge q
= PE  2  ( 1) = PE  2 
    and radius r coalesce to form a single large
drop of radius R and charge Q, then
13. FORCE ON THE SURFACE OF A CHARGED (a) Charge will be conserved i.e. nq = Q
CONDUCTOR
(b) Volume will be conserved i.e.
(i) If surface charge density on a surface is , 4 3 4
then electric field intensity at a point near n . r = R3 or R = n1/3 r
3 3

this surface is  . 1 q
0 (c) Potential of each small drops = V = .
4  0 r
(ii) When a conductor is charged then it's entire
surface experiences an outward force (d) Potential of large drop = V'
perpendicular to the surface. 1 Q
(iii) The force per unit area of the charged surface V' = 4 R = V' = n2/3 V
0
is called as the electrical pressure ,
(e) Electric field at surface of small drop = E
2
Pelectrical. = N/m 2. 1 q
2 0 E = 4 . 2
0 r
(iv) The direction of this force is perpendicular to
the surface. (d) Electric field at surface of large drop = E'
1 Q
13.1 Energy associated with the electric field E' = 4 . 2
0 R
(i) The energy stored per unit volume around a
point in an electric field E is given by E' = n1/3 E.
1
U =  E2
2 0
This is also called energy density Forece on drop of a charged liquid
(ii) If in place of vacuum some medium is present
1 Ex.61 1000 equal drops of radius 1cm, and charge
then U =   E2 . 1 × 10-6 C are fused to form one bigger drop.
2 0 r
(iii) For the electric field around a charged The ratio of potential of bigger drop to one
1 q2
smaller drop, and the electric field intensity
conducting sphere U = . on the surf ace of bigger drop will be
8 0 R
respectively-
Where q = charge on sphere
(A) 100 : 1, 9 × 108 V/m
R = radius of sphere
(B) (10)1/3 : 1, 9 × 108 V/m
(iv) The force of attraction per unit area between
(C) (100)1/3, 8 × 108 V/m
q2
plates of parallel plate capacitor is F = (D) (1000)2/3 : 1, 9 × 106 V/m
2 0
Sol. (A) Let the potential of one smaller drop be V (5) If equal charge q is placed at points r, 2r, 4r,
then potential of bigger drop, is 8r, ......... from a point 'P', then potential at
V' = n2/3 V 'P' will be V= 2kq/r
(6) The work done in moving a charge in circular
V'
 = n2/3 orbit, in a electric field is zero.
V
(7) If a charged particle of charge q and kinetic
= (1000)2/3 = 100 energy E, moving about a nucleus of atomic
 V' : V = 100 : 1 number z, then the least distance between
nucleus and charged particle will be-
Also let the electric field on the surface of
smaller drop be E then electric field on bigger For least distance of reach,
drop is potential energy = Kinetic energy
1  ze 
kq   q = E
E' = n1/3 E = n1/3 4 0  r 
r2
(where r is least distance of reach)
9 6
9  10  1 10 [Note : E is kinetic energy, not the electric
= (1000)1/3 2 2
(1 10 ) field]

= 9 × 108 V/m 1 ( ze)q

 r = m
4 0 E
[Note : also charge density bigger drop
(8) If + q and –q charges are placed at the ends
1/ 3 of a diagonal of a rectangle, of side a & b,
 q 
' = 1/3 =  2
 ] then potential difference between the ends of
 4R 
another diagonal will be
2kq(a  b)
P O I N T S TO REMEMBER V =
ab
(1) The charge density and intensity of electric (9) A sphere of 1 cm radius, can not be given
field is greater at the sharper end, but the charge of 1 coulomb, because the electric
electric potential remains same at all the field intensity at the surface of sphere will be
points. 9 × 1011. In air the electric field intensity
(2) The workdone in carrying a point charge in greater than 3 × 106 V/m, ionizes the air,
electric field, does not depend upon the path, and the charge of sphere starts leaking.
because electric field remains conserved. (10) The electric potential of a conductor is a
(3) Potential due to a monopole charge electric state, which ensures the direction of
flow charge.
1
V  (11) If a positively charged conductor is connected
x
Potential due to dipole charge to earth, then the positive charge of conductor
will flow to earth and there by the potential of
1
V  2 conductor will be zero.
x
(12) If a negativ ely charged conductor is
Potential due to tetrapole charge
connected to earth, then the negative charge
1 (electron) will flow to earth and there by its
V 
x3 potential will be zero.
(4) If n equal drops of radius r and charge density (13) If a charged conductor is placed inside a
 form one big drop, then the charge density hollow spherical conductor and the
of big drop ' = 1/3 conducters are connected by wire with each
 other, the entire charge of charged conductor
will come at the outer surface of outer
conductor to have minimum potential energy.
(14) If an electron and proton are moving in a
uniform electric field, then the electric force
acting on them, will be same, but the
acceleration of proton will 1/1836 times that
of electron, (Because the mass of proton is
1836 times that of electron)
(15) The electric field inside a charged conductor
is zero
(16) The electric potential of a charged conductor
is same at inner and outer surfaces
(17) The dipole placed in a uniform electric field
experience torque, and the net force acting
on it is zero.Therefore in uniform electric field
the dipole has rotatory motion only not
translatory motion.
(18) When electric dipole is placed in non-uniform
field it experience torque as well as net force,
then by it has rotatory as well as translatory
motion.
(19) The electric field due to electric dipole in end
side on position on = 2 (electric field in broad
side on position)
(20) The potential of earth is zero.
(21) The work done in moving a charged particle
does not depend upon the path.
(22) The best conductor of electricity is silver (Ag)
(23) The bubble of soap always inflates, when it
is charged (negatively or positively)
(24) The volume of air inside the soap bubble
remains constant, in the process of charging.
(25) If two bodies having charges q1 and ±q2 are
brought in contanct and again separated, then
net charge on each of them will be
q1  q2
q =
2
(26) The electric field vanishes in a cavity made
in a conductor. This is called electrostatic
shielding. It implies that the electric
instrument can be protected from outside
electric fields by placing it in a box made of
a good conducting material.
(27) If a charged particle having a charge q and
mass m is moving in an electric field between
two points having a potential difference of V
volts, then the increase in kinetic energy of
the body is
1  qV 
mv 2 = Vq or v =  
2  m 
(28) Electrophorus is used to charge a body by
electrostatic induction.
(29) If E = 0 at any point then it is not necessary
that the electrostatic potential at that point
will also be zero. It may be finite, as in case
of the interior point of a uniformly charged
conducting sphere, E = 0 but V  0.
(30) If V = 0 at any point, then it is not necessary
that the intensity of electric field at that point
will also be zero, as in case of broad side on
position of a dipole, V = 0 but E  0
(31) If a small charged conductor is placed inside
another big and hollow charged conductor and
both are joined by a wire then the charge
flows from smaller conductor to bigger
conductor because the potential of smaller
conductor is more than that of bigger
conductor.
(32) If two like charges are placed at some distance
from each other, then the intensity of field will
be zero at any point on the line joining the two
charges, somewhere between the charges.
(33) If two unlike charges are placed at some
distance from each other, then the intensity
of field will be zero at any point lying on the
line joining the charges but outside the
charges. The neutral point is situated on the
side of charge of smaller magnitude.
(34) Polar dielectrics are those dielectrics in which
the centre of positive charge of a molecule
does not coincides with the centre of negative
charge and hence they do not show a dipole
moment in the absence of electric field.
However, they show a dipole moment when
they are placed in external field.
(35) When two charged pith balls having charges
q1 and q2 are suspended from same point
with then help of silk threads then considering
the equilibrium of any one ball -
 Moment of Fe about 0 = Moment mg about O
Fe × OC = mg AC
Fe
 mg = tan 

q1q 2

4  0 x 2 mg

= tan 

(36) In the above problem (x < < l) charges on

the pith balls are equal then it can be easily
proved that
1/ 3
 q2 
 
x =  
 2  0 mg 
(37) The closed imaginary surface drawn around
a charge is called Gaussian surface.
(38) For point charge or spherical distribution of
charge, the gaussian surface will be spherical
and the electric field will be perpendicular to
the surface at all points.
(39) If the flux emerging out of a Gaussian
surface is zero then it is not necessary that
the intensity of electric field is zero.
(40) Equal amounts of charges can be given to
the solid or hollow conducting spheres of
equal radius.
(41) With increase in temperature the dielectric
constant of liquid increases.