12th Class Physics Chapter 12 (Home of Physics)

Chapter 12 (2nd Year Physics) Electrostatics
Chapter # 12: ELECTROSTATICS

The branch of Physics which deals with the properties of charges at rest is called electrostatics
ELECTRIC CHARGE (Definition)
Electric charge is the physical property of matter that
causes it to experience a force when placed in an
electromagnetic field. There are two types of electric
charges: positive and negative charges.
ELECTRIC FORCE (Definition)
Charges of the same signs repel each other and charges

of the opposite sign attract each other. These attractive
and repulsive forces among the charges are called
electrical forces.
Multiple Choice Questions Related to “ELECTRIC CHARGE”

1. Solid bodies are charged due to the transfer of:
(a) Protons (b) Electrons (c) Neutrons (d) All of these
2. The SI unit if elelctric charge is:
(a) Volt (b) Henry (c) Coulomb (d) Weber
3. Charge on an electron is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4. How many electron will have a charge of one coulomb?
(a) (b) (c) (d)
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (a)
12.1 COULOMB’S LAW

COULOMB’S LAW
Statement:
The electrostatic force between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of the
magnitude of charges and inversely proportional to the square of
distance between them.
Mathematical Expression: If two point charges and are
separated by a distance , then the electrostatic force ‘ ’ between
them is expressed as:
where is the constant of proportionality and is expressed as
where is the permittivity of free space and its value in SI unit is
VECTOR FORM OF COULOMB'S LAW

The electrostatic force ⃗ between two point charges ‘ ’ to ‘ ’ is expressed as:
⃗ ̂
Here ̂ is the unit vector directed from ‘ ’ to ‘ ’.
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COULOMB FORCE IS A MUTUAL FORCE

Coulomb’s force is a mutual force, it means that if a charge ‘ ’ exerts a force on charge ‘ ’, then ‘ ’ also
exerts an equal and opposite force on ‘ ’. If charge ‘ ’ exerts an electrostatic force ‘ ’ due to charge ‘ ’
and ‘ ’ exerts electrical force ‘ ’ on charge ‘ ’ and, then
Proof: If ̂ represents the direction of force from charge ‘ ’

to ‘ ’ and ̂ is the unit vector which represent the direction
of force from charge ‘ ’ to ‘ ’, then
As ̂ ̂ , so the eq. (1) becomes
( ̂ )
By eq. (2)
This expression shows that Coulomb force is a mutual force.
EFFECT OF DIELECTRIC MEDIUM ON ELECTRICAL FORCE BETWEEN TWO POINT CHARGES

If the dielectric medium having relative permittivity ‘ ’ is placed between two point charges, then the
electrical force will reduced by -times. The expression of coulomb’s force between two point charges,
when the dielectric medium is placed between them, is expressed as:
DIELECTRIC (Definition):
An insulator, placed between two point charges, is referred as dielectric.
POINT CHARGES (Definition):
The charges whose sizes are very small as compared to the distance between them are called point charges.
Numerical Related to Article “12.1 COULOMB’s LAW”
12.1 Compare magnitudes of electrical and gravitational forces exerted on an object (mass = 10.0 g,
charge = 20.0 µC) by an identical object that is placed 10.0 cm from the first.
Given Data: Masses , Charges ,

Distance
( )
( )
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12.2 Calculate vectorially the net electrostatic force on q as shown in the figure.
Given Data: Charges , ,

To Determine: Total Force on
Calculations: From Fig. ( )
Force Exerted by Charge on :
Now
And
Magnitude of Resultant Force √ √
Direction of Resultant Force ( ) (Resultant is along x-axis)
Resultant Force ⃗ ̂
Example12.1: Charges and are located in xy plane at positions
̂ and ̂ respectively, where the distances are measured in meters.
Calculate the force on .
Given Data: First Charge , Second Charge

Position Vector of First Charge ,̂ Position Vector of Second Charge ̂
To Determine: Force on due to :⃗
Calculations: Position Vector of relative to ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ̂ ̂
Distance between charges | | √ √ √

⃗ ̂ ̂
By Coulomb’s Law: ⃗ ̂ (|⃗ |
) ( ) ̂ ̂
Magnitude of ⃗ |⃗ | √
Direction of ⃗ ( )
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MCQs Related to the Article “12.1 COULOMB’S LAW”

1. Coulomb’s law is only applicable for
(a) Big charges (b) Small charges (c) Point charges (d) All charges
2. If the distance between two point charges is doubled, the force between them will become:
(a) Doubled (b) Half (c) Three Times (d) One forth
3. The constant k in Coulomb’s Law depends upon
(a) Nature of medium (b) System of units (c) Intensity of charge (d) Both a & b
4. The value of permitivity of free space is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5. The value of coulomb’s constant is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. Unit relative permitivity is
(a) (b) (c) (d) no unit
7. Presence of dielectric always:
(a) Increases the electrostatic force (b) Decreases the electrostatic force
(c) Does not effect the electrostatic force (d) Doubles the electrostatic force
8. The value of relative permitivity for all the dielectrics is always:
(a) Less than unity (b) Greater than unity (c) Equal to unity (d) Zero
9. Relative permitivity of air is:
(a) 1.06 (b) 1.006 (c) 1.0006 (d) 1.6
10. The force between two similar unit charges placed one meter apart in air is:
(a) Zero (b) One newton (c) (d)
11. If the magnitude of charges and distance between them is doubled, then the force will be:
(a) Doubled (b) Halved (c) Remain same (d) On forth
12. When an insulating medium is placed between two charges, the electrostatic force:
(a) Increases (b) decreases (c) zero (d) Remain Same
13. The electrostatic force between two charges is 42 N. If we place a dielectric of , between
the charges, then the force become equal to:
(a) 42N (b) 88.2 N (c) 2 N (d) 20 N
MCQ # 1: (c) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (a) MCQ # 5: (b) MCQ # 6: (d) MCQ # 7: (b)
MCQ # 8: (b) MCQ # 9: (c) MCQ # 10: (c) MCQ # 11: (c) MCQ # 12: (b) MCQ # 13: (d)
ARTICLE “12.1 COULOMB’S LAW” IN PAST PAPERS

Short Questions: (2 Marks)
1. State coulomb’s law. Express its mathematical form.
2. What is the effect of medium between the charges upon coulomb’s force?
3. Define electrostatics and electric force.
Long Question (5 Marks)
1. State Coulomb’s law for electrostatic force. Discuss its vector form and show that ⃗ ⃗
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12.2 FIELDS OF FORCES

ELECTRIC FIELD (Definition)
The space or region around any charge, in which it exerts forces
of attraction or repulsion on other charges, is called its electric field.
ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY

The electrostatic force per unit test charge, at a specific point in the
electric field, is called electric field intensity.
If ‘ ’ is the electrostatic force acting on a test charge ‘ ’ at a point
‘ ’, then electric field intensity ‘ ⃗ ’ is expressed as
Electric field intensity is a vector quantity and its direction is same as the
direction of the force.
ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY DUE TO POINT CHARGE (Derivation of Expression)

Consider a test charge in the electric field point charge ‘ ’ as shown in the figure. If ‘ ’ is the electrostatic
force acting on a test charge ‘ ’ at a point ‘ ’, then electric field intensity ‘ ⃗ ’ is expressed as:
By Coulomb’s law, the electrostatic force ‘ ’ between point charges ‘ ’ and ‘ ’ is expressed as:
Putting value of ‘ ’ in eq. (1), we get
( ̂)
⃗
⃗ ( )( ̂)
⃗ ̂
This is the expression of electric field intensity due to a point charge.
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS RELATED TO “12.2 ELECTRIC FIELD”

Exercise Short Question # 4. Describe the force or forces on a positive point charge when placed
between parallel plates: (a) With similar and equal charges, (b) With opposite and equal charges
Ans.
 When a positive point charge is placed between parallel plates with similar and equal charges, then
the electric force due to one plate is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to electric force
due to other plate. So the value of resultant electric force is zero and the charge will remain
stationary.
 When a positive point charge is placed between parallel plates with opposite but equal amount of
charge, then electric force due to one plate is equal in magnitude but in same direction to the
electric force due to other plate. So the value of resultant electric force is non-zero. Hence the point
charge will be accelerated towards negative plate.
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NUMERICALS RELATED TO “12.2 ELECTRIC FIELD”

12.3 A point charge is placed at the origin. Calculate electric field at a point 2.0
m from the origin on the z-axis.
Given Data: Charge , Distance , Direction: z-axis ̂ ̂
To Determine: Electric Field
⃗ ̂ ̂ ( ̂)
12.4 Determine the electric field at the position ̂ ̂ caused by a point charge
placed at origin.
Given Data: Position Vector ̂ ̂ , Charge
To Determine: Electric Field ⃗
Calculations: ⃗ ̂
̂ ̂
| | √ ̂
| |
Equation (1) becomes:
̂ ̂
⃗ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
12.5 Two point charges, and , are separated by a distance of 3.0

m. Find and justify the zero-field location.
Given Data: Charges , , Distance between Charges
To Determine: Zero Field Location
Calculations: Let P is zero field location, then at point P (distant x from ):
Electric Field due to Electric Field due to
Let Distance of P from | | and Distance of P from
| |
Now consider
So the correct answer is
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Example 12.2: Two positive point charges and

are separated by a distance of 3 m, as shown in the
figure. Find the spot on the line joining the two charges where
the electric field is zero.
Given Data: First Charge , Second Charge
Distance between charges
Let Distance of P from and Distance of P from
Now consider
Which gives . Here is not possible.

Hence
MCQs Related to the Article “12.2 FIELDS OF FORCE”

1. A charge at rest creates around it
(a) Electric field (b) Magnetic field (c) Gravitational field (d) Nuclear field
2. The force experience by a unit positive charge placed at a point in an electric field is called:
(a) Coulomb’s force (b) Faraday’s force (c) Lorentz’s force (d) Electric field intensity
3. is a unit of
(a) Force (b) Charge (c) Current (d) Electric Intensity
4. If we move away from a charge, the magnitude to electric intensity
(a) Remains constant (b) Increases (c) Decreases (d) Vanish
5. Of the following quantities, the one that is vector in character is an
(a) Electric Charge (b) Electric Field Intensity
(c) Electric Energy (d) Electric Potential Difference
6. A charge of experiences electrostatic force of , the electric field intensity at that point
(a) (b) (c) (d)
7. The electric intensity at infinite distance from point charge is
(a) Infinite (b) zero (c) positive (d) negative
MCQ # 1: (a) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (c) MCQ # 5: (b) MCQ # 6: (d) MCQ # 7: (b)
ARTICLE “12.2 FIELDS OF FORCES” IN PAST PAPERS
Short Questions
1. Define electric intensity and give its units.

2. Distinguish between electric field and field intensity.
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12.3 ELECTRIC FIELD LINES

PROPERTIES OF ELECTRIC LINES OF FORCE
i) Electric field lines originate from positive charges and end on negative charges.
ii) The tangent to a field line at any point gives the direction of the electric field intensity at that point.
iii) The lines are closer where the field is strong, the lines are farther apart where the field is weak.
iv) No two lines cross each other.
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS RELATED TO “12.3 ELECTRIC FIELD LINES”

Exercise Short Question # 5. Electric lines of force never cross. Why?
Ans. Electric lines of force never cross each other. This is because of the reason that electric field intensity
has only one direction at any given pint. If the lines cross, electric intensity could have more than one
direction which is physically not correct.
Exercise Short Question # 6. If a point charge of mass m is released in a
non-uniform electric field with field lines in the same direction pointing,
will it make a rectilinear motion.
Ans. A non-uniform field of a positive point charge is shown in the figure:
If a point charge q of mass m is placed at any point in the field, it will
follow straight or rectilinear path along the field line due to repulsive force.
MCQs Related to the Article “12.3 ELECTRIC FIELD LINES”
1. The lines which provide information about the electric force exerted on charged particles are:
(a) Magnetic field lines (b) Electric field lines (c) Tangent lines (d) Curved lines
2. Electric field lines are
(a) Actual Line (b) Imaginary Lines (c) Solid Lines (d) None of These
3. The tangent to a field line at any point gives the direction of
(a) Electric Intensity (b) Electric Flux (c) Vector Area (d) Electric Current
4. The electric field lines are closer where the field is:
(a) Strong (b) Weak (c) Uniform (d) Variable
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5. Electric field lines can never

(a) Attract each other (b) Repel each other (c) Intersect each other
6. The electric field produced due to negative charge is always:
(a) Radially outward (b) Radially inward (c) Circular (d) Zero
7. The electric field created by positive charge is:
(a) Radially outward (b) Zero (c) Circular (d) Radially inward
8. Electric lines of force are parallel and equally spaced, then the electric field is:
(a) Weak (b) Strong (c) Non-Uniform (d) Uniform
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (b) MCQ # 3: (a) MCQ # 4: (a)
MCQ # 5: (c) MCQ # 6: (b) MCQ # 7: (a) MCQ # 8: (d)
ARTICLE “12.3 ELECTRIC FIELD LINES” IN PAST PAPERS

Short questions (2 Marks)
1. Write two properties of electric field lines.
2. Comment on the uni-direction of electric intensity on electric field line at specific field point.
12.4 APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROSTATICS
XEROGRAPHY
The copying process is called xerography. The main component of photocopying machine is a drum
which is an aluminum cylinder coated with layer of selenium.
Aluminum is a good conductor but selenium is a photoconductor. The positive charge is spread
over the selenium. The charge will remain on the surface of drum as long as it remains in dark. When light
falls on the drum, the electrons from aluminum pass through the conducting selenium and neutralize the
positive charge.
The light from lamp
transfers an image of the
page to the drum. The dark
areas retain their positive
charge, but light area
becomes conducting, lose
their positive charge and
become neutral. The drum
collects negatively charged
dry ink from toner where it
sticks to the positive charged
areas. The ink from the drum
is transferred on to a sheet of paper on which the document is to be copied. Heated pressure rollers then
melt the ink on to the paper to produce the permanent print of the document.
INKJET PRINTER
The inkjet printer uses electric charge in its working. The ink
is forced out of a small nozzle and breaks up into extremely
small droplets. During their flight, the droplets pass thorough
two electrical components, which are the “charging electrode”
and “deflecting plates”
The charging electrodes are used to charge the ink droplets
that are not needed on the paper. The charged ink droplets are
deflected in to the gutter (closed surface) by the deflecting
plates.
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The uncharged ink droplets pass through deflecting plates and strike the paper. When the print head moves
over the paper which is to be inked, the charging control turns off the charging electrodes.
PHOTOCONDUCTOR (Definition)
A material which behaves as an insulator when it is in dark and becomes conductor when it is
exposed to light
MCQs Related to the Article “12.4 APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROSTATICS”
1. Photo-copier and inkjet printers are the applications of:
(a) Electronics (b) Magnetism (c) Electrostatics (d) Thermodynamics
2. The word “Xerography” means:
(a) Writing by left hand (b) Writing by children (c) Dry writing (d) Writing by water colors
3. Aluminum is an excellent
(a) Conductor (b) semi-conductor (c) Insulator (d) photoconductor
4. Selenium is a conductor material when exposed to ________
(a) Dark (b) Light (c) Magnetic field (d) None of these
5. Selenium is an
(a) Insulator (b) Conductor (c) Semiconductor (d) Photoconductor
6. Which part of photocopier is known as the heart of machine
(a) Drum (b) lamp (c) roller (d) toner
7. In ink-jet printer, the droplets are passed through
(a) Gutter (b) Charging electrode (c) Deflection plates (d) Both b & c
8. In an inkjet printer, the charged ink drops are diverted by the deflection plates
(a) Towards the charging electrodes (b) Towards the gutter
(c) Towards a blank paper (d) In inkjet printer, ink cannot be charged
MCQ # 1: (c) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (a) MCQ # 4: (b)
MCQ # 5: (d) MCQ # 6: (a) MCQ # 7: (d) MCQ # 8: (b)
ARTICLE “12.4 APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROSTATICS” IN PAST PAPERS

Short Question (2 Marks)
1. What is photoconductor?
Long Question (5 Marks)
1. Define Electrostatics and explain how is it applied in Xerography.
2. Describe the working of Ink-Jet printer as an application of electrostatics.
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12.5 ELECTRIC FLUX

ELECTRIC FLUX
The number of the field lines passing through a certain area is known as
electric flux.
Or
The dot product of electric field intensity and
vector area element is called electric flux. It is a
scalar quantity and it is denoted by a Greek letter
. Mathematically, it can be expressed as
⃗ ⃗
where ⃗ is the Electric Field Intensity and ⃗ is Vector Area

Eq. (1) can be written as
where is the angle between ⃗ and ⃗ .
Case 1.
If the vector area ⃗ is taken parallel to the field lines ⃗ then the electric flux will be
(Since )
Thus the electric flux through an area element will be maximum, when the ⃗ is
parallel to ⃗ .
Case 2.
If the vector area ⃗ is taken perpendicular to the field lines ⃗ then the electric flux
passing through the body is given by
(Since )
Thus the electric flux through an area element will be zero, when the ⃗ and ⃗ are
perpendicular to each other.
MCQs Related to the Article “12.5 ELECTRIC FLUX”
1. Number of electric lines of force passing through a certain area is known as
(a) Electric field (b) Electric flux (c) Electric potential (d) Potential difference
2. Electric flux is defined as:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3. For the computation of electric flux, the surface area should be:
(a) Parallel (b) Curved (c) Spherical (d) Flat
4. When vector area is held perpendicular to the field lines, then the magnitude of electric flux is:
(a) Negative (b) Maximum (c) Minimum (d) Zero
5. When vector area is held parallel to electric field lines, the the magnitude of electric flux is:
(a) Maximum (b) Minimum (c) Zero (d) Negative
6. The SI unit of electric flux is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
7. Which one of the following can be taken as measure of electric field intensity:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (d) MCQ # 5: (a) MCQ # 6: (b) MCQ # 7: (b)
ARTICLE “12.5 ELECTRIC FLUX” IN PAST PAPERS
Short Questions (2 Marks)
1. Define electric flux. Write its SI units.

2. What is the orientation of the surface in an electric field to get maximum flux through it.
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12.6 ELECTRIC FLUX THROUGH A SURFACE ENCLOSING CHARGE

ELECTRIC FLUX PASSING THROUGH A SURFACE ENCLOSING A CHARGE (Derivation of Expression)
Consider a closed surface in the form of a sphere of radius ‘ ’
which has a point charge ‘ ’ at its center, as shown in the figure below:
We want to find out the value of electric flux through this close
surface.
For this, we divide the total surface area of the sphere into n small area
elements ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ . The electric intensities corresponding
to the area elements ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ are ⃗ ,⃗ ,………. ⃗
respectively. Total flux passing through a closed surface of sphere is

⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗
The direction of electric field intensity and the vector area is

same at each patch. Moreover, because of spherical symmetry, at the
surface of sphere,
|⃗ | |⃗ | |⃗ |
Equation (1) will become
This is expression of electric flux through a surface enclosing charge

DEPENDENCE OF SHAPE OF CLOSE SURFACE ON ELECTRIC FLUX
Consider an arbitrary shaped close surface enclosing a sphere which
contain ‘ ’ on its center, as shown in the figure.
It can be seen that the flux through arbitrary shaped close
surface is same as that through the sphere. Hence the total flux through a
close surface does not depend on the shape and geometry of closed
surface.
MCQs Related to the Article “12.6 ELECTRIC FLUX THROUGH A SURFACE ENCLOSING A CHARGE”
1. The total electric flux through the surface of the sphere due to a charge q at its center is:
(a) (b) (c) (d) both a & b
2. Electric flux through a close surface does not depend upon:

(a) Shape (b) medium (c) charge (d) none of these
3. The direction of vector area is
(a) Parallel to flat surface (b) perpendicular to flat surface
4. Negative and positive charges in a hollow sphere are equal in magnitude, then the flux from the
surface will be:
(a) Zero (b) Positive (c) Negative (d) Both positive and negative
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (a) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (a)
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ARTICLE 12.6 ELECTRIC FLUX THROUGH A SURFACE ENCLOSING CHARGE IN PAST PAPERS
1. Does the total flux depend upon the shape or geometry of the close surface?
Long Questions (5 Marks)
1. Define electric flux. Find electric flux through a surface enclosing charge.
2. Show that electric flux due to point charge ‘q’ placed at the center of a sphere is equal to
12.7 GAUSS’S LAW

GAUSS’S LAW
It states that the total electric flux through any closed surface is equal to the product of times the total
charge enclosed in it. Mathematically, it is described as:
where is the total electric flux through a surface and is the total charge enclosed.
Explanation: Consider point charges are spread in a closed surface as shown in figure:
Total flux passing through the closed surface is
where , is the total charge enclosed by the close surface. Equation (1) is the
mathematical form of Gauss’s law.
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTION RELATED TO THE ARTICLE “12.7 GAUSS’S LAW”
Exercise Short Question # 8. Is it true that Gauss’s law states that the total number of lines of force
crossing any closed surface in the outward direction is proportional to the net positive charge
enclosed within surface?
Ans. Yes, the above statement is true.
Electric flux is defined as the measure of number of electric lines of force passing through a certain area.
Moreover, by Gauss’s law, the flux through any close surface is times the total charged enclosed in it.
Now, as the electric field lines are divergent for the case of a positive charge. Thus, if positive charge is
enclosed within a surface, then it will be directly proportional to net outward electric flux i.e.,
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MCQs RELATED TO THE ARTICLE “12.7 GAUSS’S LAW”

1. The total electric flux through any close surface is directly proportional to:
(a) Enclosed mass (b) Enclosed charge (c) Volume (d) Electric potential
2. According to Gauss’s law, electric flux through any close surface is
(a) (b) (c) (d)
MCQ # 1: (a) MCQ # 2: (c)
ARTILE 12.7 GAUSS’S LAW IN PAST PAPERS

1. State Gauss’s law of electric flux. Write down its mathematical form.
12.8 APPLICATIONS OF GAUSS’S LAW
APPLICATIONS OF GAUSS’S LAW TO DETERTERMINE ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY DUE
SYMMETRICAL CHARGE DISTRIBUTION
In order to find out electric field intensity due to different charge distributions, a Gaussian surface
is considered which passes through the point at which the electric intensity is to be evaluated. Next the
charge enclosed by the close surface is calculated and finally the electric intensity is computed by applying
the Gauss’s law.
ELECTRIC FIELD INSIDE HOLLOW CHARGED SPHERE (Derivation of Expression)
Consider a hollow charged conducting sphere of radius ‘ ’ is given a positive charge ‘ ’, as shown in
the figure.
We want to find out electric field intensity at point ‘ ’ inside the hollow charged sphere.
For this, we consider a spherical Gaussian surface which passes through the point . It can be seen
that the charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface is zero. Then by applying
the Gauss’s law, we have
Also
⃗ ⃗
Comparing eq. (1) and (2), we get
⃗ ⃗
As ⃗ , Therefore ⃗ . Thus the interior of a hollow charge sphere is a

field free region.
ELECTRIC FIELD DUE TO INFINITE SHEET OF CHARGE (Derivation of Expression)
Ans. Consider an infinite sheet charges as shown in the figure below. Let
the uniform surface charge density is ‘ ’.
We want to find out electric field intensity at point ‘ ’ due to
this charge distribution. For this we consider a cylindrical Gaussian
surface.
We divide the cylindrical Gaussian surface into three parts i.e., , where
= Left cross sectional area of cylindrical Gaussian surface
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= Right cross sectional area of cylindrical Gaussian surface

= Area of curved of cylindrical Gaussian surface
Since E is parallel to the surface , so there is no contribution to the flux from the curved wall of
cylinder. While the flux through the two flat ends of the closed cylindrical surface is
where is the surface area of flat surface.

The charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface ‘ ’ can be find out by using the expression:
Applying the Gauss’s law,
Comparing eq. (1) and (2)
This is the expression of electric field intensity due to infinite sheet of charge.
In vector form
⃗ ̂
where ‘ ̂’ is a unit vector normal to the sheet directed away from it.
ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY BETWEEN TWO OPPOSITELY CHARGED PLATES (Derivation)
Consider two oppositely charged plates ‘A’ and ‘B’ are placed at a very small distance as shown in the figure
below. Suppose is the magnitude of surface charge density on each plate.
We want to find out electric field intensity at point ‘ ’ due to oppositely charged plates.
For this we consider a Gaussian surface in the form of a hollow box represented as QRST.
 As the field lines are parallel to RS and TQ sides of Gaussian surface, so the flux
through these will be zero.
 the total electric flux through the Gaussian surface is the flux passing through the
side QR, i.e.,
The charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface ‘ ’ can be find out by using the expression:
Applying the Gauss’s law,
Comparing eq. (1) and (2)
This is the expression of electric field intensity due to oppositely charged parallel plates.
In vector form ⃗ ̂
where ‘ ̂’ is a unit vector directed from positive to the negative plate.
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EXERCISE SHORT QUESTION RELATED TO THE ARTICLE “12.8 APPLICATIONS OF GAUSS’S LAW”
Exercise Short Question # 7. Is E necessarily zero inside a charged rubber balloon if the balloon is
spherical. Assume that charge is distributed uniformly over the surface.
Ans. Yes, E is necessarily zero inside a charged rubber balloon if balloon is spherical. If the Gaussian surface
is imagined inside charged balloon, then it does not contain any charge i.e., q=0.
Applying Gausses law:
Also ⃗ ⃗
Comparing eq. (1) and (2), we get
⃗ ⃗
As ⃗ , Therefore ⃗ . Hence electric field intensity will be zero inside a spherical balloon.
MCQs RELATED TO THE ARTICLE “12.8 APPLICATIONS OF GAUSS’S LAW”

1. Gauss’s law is more useful in the cases where the charge distributions:
(a) are made of discrete point charges (b) are finite in their special extent
(c) symmetrical charge distribution (d) gives rise to inverse square law distribution
2. The imaginary close surface which passes through the point at which electric intensity is to be
measured is called:
(a) Amperean loop (b) Gaussian surface (c) Vector area
3. Electric intensity inside hollow charged sphere is:
(a) ( ⁄ ) (b) ( ⁄ ) (c) ( ⁄ ) (d) zero
4. The magnitude of the electric field inside oppositely charged plates, having uniform surface
charge density , is:
(a) ( ⁄ ) (b) ( ⁄ ) (c) ( ⁄ ) (d) ( ⁄ )
5. The electric intensity near an infinite plate of positive charge will be:
(a) ( ⁄ ) (b) ( ⁄ ) (c) ( ⁄ ) (d) ( ⁄ )
MCQ # 1: (c) MCQ # 2: (b) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (a) MCQ # 5: (b)
ARTICLE “12.8 APPLICATIONS OF GAUSS’S LAW” IN PAST PAPERS

1. What is strength of electric field inside a hollow charge sphere and why?
1. State Gauss’s law and find electric intensity at a point near an infinite sheet of charge.
2. Find electric intensity between two oppositely charged parallel plates.
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12.9 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE (Definition)
The work done per unit charge in moving it from one point to another point in an electric field is called
electric potential difference. The SI unit of electric potential difference is joule/coulomb, called volt.
If is the work done in moving a test charge from point A to B in an electric field, then work
done per unit charge from point A to point B is described as:
ABSOLUTE ELECTRIC POTENTIAL (Definition)

Work done per unit charge in moving it from infinity to a specific point in the field is known electric
potential or absolute electric potential. The SI unit of electric potential is joule/coulomb, called volt.
ELECTRIC FIELD IS THE NEGATIVE GRADIENT OF ELECTRIC POTENTIAL (Derivation)
Consider a positive charge is placed in a uniform electric field, between two oppositely charged plates.
The potential difference between A and B is expressed as:
Where is the work done in displacing a test charge from point B to point A, against the electric field.
where and is the displacement between point A and B.
The equation (1) will become
If the plates A & B are separated by infinitesimally small distance , then the equation (2) will become
The quantity gives the maximum rate of change of potential with respect to distance is called
the potential gradient. Hence, the electric field intensity is the negative gradient of electric potential. The
negative sign indicate that the direction of is along the decreasing potential. Equation (3) indicates that
the unit of electric field intensity is .
POTENTIAL GRADIENT (Definition)
The quantity gives the maximum rate of change of potential with respect to distance is called the
potential gradient. Its is measured in unit .
PROOF OF
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ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DUE TO A POINT CHARGE (Derivation of Expression)

Consider two points A and B in the electric field of a point charge as shown in the figure below. The
distance of points A and B from point charge are and , respectively.
We want to find out electric field intensity at point P which is at the distance from point charge. The
magnitude of electric field intensity at point P is
Consider
As represents midpoint of interval between A and B, so
( )
As is very small so neglecting , we have
( )
Substituting the value of
Substituting values in equation (1)
As electric field intensity is the negative gradient of electric potential, therefore
Putting values of equation (2)
[ ]
This is the expression of electric potential difference between two points A and B. To calculate the
absolute electric potential due to a point charge at point B, the point A is assume to be at infinity (i.e.,
, and ). Thus, the equation (3) will become:
[ ]
The equation (4) gives the value of absolute electric potential at point B. The absolute electric potential at
point , which is at the distance from point charge will be:
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Exercise Short Question Related to “12.9 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL”

Exercise Short Question # 1. The potential is constant throughout a given region of space. Is the
electric field zero or non zero in this region? Explain.
Ans. The electric field intensity is described by the relation:
According to the relation, the electric field is negative gradient of electric potential. If the electric potential
is constant throughout given region of space, then change in electric potential , hence .
Exercise Short Q # 2. Suppose that you follow an electric field line due to a positive point charge. Do
electric field and the potential increases or decreases.
Ans. If we follow an electric field line due to a positive point charge, then it means that we are moving await
from point charge. Thus the distance from the charge increases. Due to increase of distance from positive
charge, both electric field intensity and electric potential decreases as:
Exercise Short Question # 9. Do electrons tends to go to region of high potential or of low potential?
Ans. The electrons being negatively charge particle when released in electric field moves from a region of
lower potential (negative end) to a region of high potential (positive end).
NUMERICALS RELATED TO ELECTRIC POTENTIAL AND ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY
12.9 A proton placed in a uniform electric field of 5000 NC-1 directed to right is allowed to go a
distance of 10.0 cm from A to B. Calculate
(a) Potential difference between the two points
(b) Work done by the field
(c) The change in P.E. of proton
(d) The change in K.E. of the proton
(e) Its velocity (mass of proton is )
Given Data: Electric Field , Distance covered ,
Charge on proton , Mass of proton
To Determine: (a) Potential Difference , (b) Work Done , (c) Change in P.E.
(d) Change in K.E. , (e) Velocity
Calculations: (a) As
(b) As
(c)
(d) By work-energy principle:
(e) As √ √ √
12.10 Using zero reference point at infinity, determine the amount by which a point charge of
alters the electric potential at a point 1.2 m away, when (a) Charge is positive (b)
Charge is negative
Given Data: Charge , Distance
To Determine: (a) Electric Potential when charge is positive ,
(b) Electric Potential when charge is negative ,
Calculations: (a)
( )
(b)
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Example 12.3 Two opposite point charges, each of magnitude q are separated by a distance
2d. What is the electric potential at a point P mid-way between them?
Calculations: Electric Potential at point P due to positive point charge:
Electric Potential at point P due to negative point charge:
Total Electric Potential:
So potential at point P due to opposite charges is zero.
12.11 In Bohr's atomic model of hydrogen atom, the electron is in an orbit around the nuclear
proton at a distance of with a speed of .( , mass
of electron = ). Find
(a) The electric potential that a proton exerts at this distance
(b) Total energy of the atom in eV
(c) The ionization energy for the atom in eV
Given Data: Distance , Speed ,
Charge of Electron , Mass of Electron =
To Determine: (a) Electric Potential due to proton , (b) Total Energy of atom
(c) Ionization Energy of the atom
Calculations: (a)
(b) From theory of atomic spectra, the energy of electron in nth orbit:
( )
For present case , so equation (1) takes the form:
(c) As electron possess 13.6 eV energy in the ground state of a H-atom. So, if we want to ionize
such H-atom, we must supply 13.6 eV.
Hence, the ionization energy of H-atom in ground state is 13.6 eV
MCQs Related to the Article “12.9 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL”

1. If a charged body is moved agaist the electric field, it will gain:
(a) Potential energy (b) Kinetic energy (c) Mechanical energy (d) Gravitational energy
2. The work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to another while keeping the
charge in equilibrium is called:
(a) Potential energy (b) Kinetic energy (c) Mechanical energy (d) Potential Difference
3. Work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to that point in an electric field is
called:
(a) Potential Difference (b) Resistance Capacitance (d) Absolute electric potential
4. Absolute electric potential, due of point charge of 1C at a distance of 1m is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5. One volt is
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. Electric field intensity is also known as
(a) Electric potential (b) Electric flux (c) Potential gradient (d) None
7. The expression represent:
(a) Gauss’s law (b) Electric flux (c) Electric Intensity (d) Potential Difference
8. In a region where the electric field is zero, the electric potential is always:
(a) Positive (b) Negative (c) Zero (d) Constant
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9. In the expression , the negative sign show that the direction of E is along:
(a) Increasing potential (b) Decreasing potential
10. The electric intensity is expressed in unit of N/C or
(a) volts (b) watt (c) joules (d)
MCQ # 1: (a) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (d) MCQ # 5: (a) MCQ # 6: (c)
MCQ # 7: (c) MCQ # 8: (d) MCQ # 9: (b) MCQ # 10: (d)
ARTICLE “12.8 APPLICATIONS OF GAUSS’S LAW” IN PAST PAPERS

1. Show that
2. Define electric potential and give its SI unit.
3. What is potential gradient? Give its unit.
1. Define electric potential. Calculate the electric potential at a point due to a point charge.
12.10 ELECTRON VOLT

ELECTRON VOLT (Definition)
The electron volt is the unit of energy which is defined as
“The amount of energy acquired or lost by an electron when it is displaced across two points having a
potential difference of one volt”. It is denoted by .
PROOF OF
If the charge is free to move along the direction of field, it will acquire kinetic energy. In the present case,
the loss of potential energy ( ) is equal to the gain in kinetic energy ( .
If and , therefore,
As the kinetic energy acquired by the electron will acquire the kinetic energy of one electron as it
move through a potential difference of one volt, is called electron volt. Therefore
Or
RELATED NUMERICALS
12.7 A particle having a charge of 20 electrons on it falls through a potential difference of 100 volts.
Calculate the energy acquired by it in electron volts (eV).
Given Data: Charge , Potential Difference
To Determine: Energy Acquired
Calculations: Energy Acquired
Example 12.4 A particle carrying a charge of 2e falls through a potential difference of 3 V.
Calculate the energy acquired by it.
Given Data: Magnitude of charge , Potential Difference

To Determine: Energy acquired by particle:
Calculations:
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MCQs RELATED TO THE ARTICLE 12.10 ELECTRON VOLT

1. Electron volt is the unit of
(a) Electric Current (b) Electric Energy (c) Electric Potential (d) Electric Force
2. The amount of energy equal to is called
(a) 1 volt (b) 1 milli-volt (c) 1 electron volt (d) 1 mega electron volt
3. A particle having 2e charge falls through a potential difference of 5V. Energy acquired by it is:
(a) 2.5 eV (b) 20 eV (c) 0.4 eV (d) 10 eV
4. A charge of 0.01 C accelerated through a p.d of 1000 V acquires K.E
(a) 10 J (b) 100 J (c) 200 J (d) 400 eV
5. 1 joule =__________
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. One electron volt is equal to
(a) (b) (c) (d)
7. If a positive charge particle moves against the electric field, it will gain:
(a) Kinetic Energy (b) Gravitational Energy (c) Electric Potential Energy
8. If a positive charge particle is allowed to moves from positive to negative plate, it will gain:
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (a)
MCQ # 5: (a) MCQ # 6: (c) MCQ # 7: (c) MCQ # 8: (a)
ARTICLE “12.10 ELECTRON VOLT” IN PAST PAPERS
1. Define electron volt.
2. Show that
3. A particle carrying a charge of 2e falls through a potential difference of 3 V. Calculate the energy
acquired by it.
4. When an electron falls through a potential difference of 1 V, find its energy in electron volts.
5. Convert 1 joule into electron volts.
12.11 ELECTRIC AND GRAVITATIONAL FORCES (A COMPARISON)
SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELECTRICAL AND GRAVITATIONAL FORCE
Electrical Force:
The electrical force between two charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them:
Gravitational Force:
The gravitational force between two masses is directly proportional to the product of their masses and
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them:
Similarities among the Electrical and Gravitational Force

(i) Both forces are the conservative forces.
(ii) Both forces obey the inverse square law.
Differences among the Electrical and Gravitational Force
(i) Electrical force is might be attractive as well as repulsive while the gravitational force is only
attractive.
(ii) Electrostatic force is medium dependent and can be shielded while the gravitational force lack
this property.
(iii) The value of gravitational constant is very small while the electrical constant is very large. It is
because of the fact that gravitational force is very weak as compared to electrical force.
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MCQs ELECTRIC AND GRAVITATIONAL FORCES (A COMPARISON)

1. Electrostatic force as compared to the gravitational force is
(a) Very weak (b) Very strong (c) Infinite (d) None of these
2. Gravitational force between two objects does not depend on:
(a) Force (b) Masses (c) Distance (d) Medium
3. Gravitational force is an:
(a) Attractive force (b) Repulsive Force (c) Attractive as well as repulsive
4. Electrostatic force is:
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (a) MCQ # 4: (c)
ARTICLE “12.11 ELECTRIC AND GRAVITATIONAL FORCES (A COMPARISON)” IN PAST PAPERS

1. Give similarity and difference between Coulomb and Gravitational force.
2. Write any two differences between electric and gravitational force.
12.12 CHARGE ON AN ELECTRON BY MILLIKAN’S METHOD
DETERMINATION OF THE CHARGE ON AN ELECTRON BY MILLIKAN’S METHOD
In 1909, R.A Millikan’s devised a technique that resulted in precise measurement of the charge on an
electron. The experimental set up of Millikan’s oil drop experiment is shown in figure below:
The setup consist of parallel plates separated by a distance . The upper plate has a small hole. A
voltage V is applied to the plates and so an electric field between the plates is set up. The magnitude of E is
given by
An atomizer is used for spraying oil drop through a nozzle. The oil drop gets charged due to
friction with the walls of atomizer. Some of these drops will pass through the hole in the upper plate. A
telescope is used to observe the path of motion of one of these charged droplets.
A given droplet between the two plates could be suspended in air if the gravitational force
acting on the drop is equal to the electrical force . The can be adjusted equal to by
adjusting the voltage. In this case we can write:
By using equation (1), we get
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In order to determine the mass of the droplet, the electric field between the plates is switched off. The
droplet falls under the action of gravity through air. Its terminal velocity is determined by timing the fall
of droplet over measured distance. The drag force on the droplet can be find out using Stokes’s law:
where is the radius of the droplet and is the coefficient of viscosity of air.
If is the density of droplet, then
Hence the equation (3) will become,

( )
Knowing the value of , the mass can be calculated using equation (4). This value of is
substituted in equation (2) to get value of charge on the droplet.
Conclusion:
Millikan measured the charge on many drops and found that each charge was an integral multiple of
minimum value of charge equal to . He, therefore, concluded that this minimum value of
charge is the charge on electron.
RELATED NUMERICAL PROBLEMS
Example 12.5 In Millikan oil drop experiment, an oil drop of mass is

balanced and held stationary by the electric field between two parallel plates. If the
potential difference between the plates is 750 V and the spacing between them is 5 mm,
calculate the charge on the droplet. Assume .
Given Data: Mass of drop , Potential Difference ,

Spacing between plates
To Determine: Charge on Droplet:
Calculations: As
12.6 Find the electric field strength required to hold suspended a particle of mass
and charge between two plates 10.0 cm apart.
Given Data: Mass , Charge ,
Distance between Plates
To Determine: Electric Field Strength
Calculations: For present case:
12.8 In Millikan’s experiment, oil droplets are introduced into the space between two flat horizontal
plates, 5.00 mm apart. The plate voltage is adjusted to exactly 780 V so that the droplet is held
stationary. The plate voltage is switched off and the selected droplet is observed to fall a measured
distance of 1.50 mm in 11.2 s. Given that the density of the oil used is 900 kg m -3, and the viscosity of
air at laboratory temperature is , calculate: a) The mass, and b) The charge on
the droplet (Assuming g=9.8ms-2)
Given Data: Distance between Plates , Potential Difference
Distance Covered , Time , Density ,
Viscosity
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To Determine: Mass of Droplet , Charge on Droplet
Calculations: (a) Mass of Droplet
Terminal Velocity
For a body moving with terminal velocity:
√ √
(b) Charge
12.12 CHARGE ON AN ELECTRON BY MILLIKAN’S METHOD

1. The charge on the electron was calculated by
(a) Faraday (b) J.J. Thomson (c) Millikan (d) Einstein
2. Millikan devised a technique for measurement of charge on an electron in
(a) 1889 (b) 1899 (c) 1909 (d) 1929
3. In Millikan’s experiment, the oil drop can be suspended between two plates when the
gravitational force is equal to
(a) Magnetic Force (b) Electric Force (c) Normal Force (d) Nuclear Force
4. An electric field that balance the weight of an oil droplet will act
(a) Downward (b) Upward (c) Along surface of sphere
5. The equation for the stokes law is
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. The charge determined by the Millikan’s experiment is
(a) (b) (c) (d) None of these
MCQ # 1: (c) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (b) MCQ # 5: (d) MCQ # 6: (a)
ARTICLE “12.12 CHARGE ON AN ELECTRON BY MILLIKAN’S METHOD” IN PAST PAPERS

Essay Questions (5 Marks)
1. Describe Millikan’s Oil Drop method for determination of charge on an electron.
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12.13 CAPACITOR
CAPACITOR
A capacitor is a device that can store charge. It consists of two metal plates placed near one another
separated by air, vacuum or any other insulator. When plates of a capacitor are connected with a battery of
voltage V, the battery places a charge on the plate connected with its positive terminal and a charge –
on the other plate which is connected to its negative
terminal. It is found that amount of charge on one plate of
capacitor is directly proportional to the potential
difference
where is the constant of proportionality and is called

capacitance of the capacitor. Its value depends upon the
geometry and medium between them.
CAPACITANCE (Definition)
The ability of a capacitor to store charge is called capacitance of a capacitor. It can also be defined as
“ The amount of charge on one plate necessary to raise the potential
of the plate by one volt with respect to the other”.
Mathematically it is described as:
Its SI unit is , which is called farad.
Exercise Short Question related to the article “12.13 CAPACITOR”

Exercise Short Question # 3. How can you identify that which plate of capacitor is positively
charged?
Ans. The presence of charge on a body is detected by a device called gold leaf electroscope. The leaves of
gold leaf electroscope are diverged by giving them negative charge.
 If the disc is touched with any plate of the charged capacitor and the divergence of the leaves
increases, the plate of capacitor is negatively charged
 If the divergence of leaves decreases, then that plate of capacitor is positively charged.
RELATED NUMERICALS
12.13 A capacitor has a capacitance of . In the charging process, electrons are removed
from one plate and placed on the other one. When the potential difference between the plates is 450
V, how many electrons have been transferred?( )
Given Data: Capacitance , Potential Difference ,
Charge
To Determine: Total Number of Electrons Transferred
Calculations: For a capacitor , From Quantization of Charges
Comparing (1) and (2):
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MCQs RELATED TO THE CAPACITOR

1. Capacitors may be considered as a device for
(a) Storing energy (b) Increasing resistance (c) Decreasing resistance (d) None
2. The charge stored in a capacitor is directly proportional to
(a) Resistance (b) Resistivity (c) Amount of Current (d) Potential Difference
3. An expression for magnitude of charge on either of the plates of a capacitor is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4. Farad is the S.I. unit of
(a) Charge (b) Current (c) Electric Flux (d) Capacitance
5. Farad is defined as:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. A capacitor of capacitance is fully charged from a D.C. source. What is the charge
stored by the capacitor:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
MCQ # 1: (a) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (d) MCQ # 5: (a) MCQ # 6: (b)
12.14 CAPACITANCE OF A PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR

CAPACITANCE OF A PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR (Derivation of Expression)
Consider a parallel plate capacitor consists of two plane metal plates, each of area , separated by a
distance as shown in figure below:
We want to find out the expression of capacitance for a
parallel plate capacitor, whose plates are separated by air.
By definition, the capacitance is
where is the charge on the capacitor and is the potential

difference between the parallel plates. The magnitude of
electric intensity is given by
The electric intensity between two oppositely charged plates is given by
where is the surface charge density on each plate. Hence, equation (3) will become
By comparing (2) and (3), we get
Putting values in equation (1)

……………….. (5)
This is the expression of capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, whose plates are separated by vacuum.
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EFFECT OF DIELECTRIC MEDIUM ON THE CAPACITANCE OF A PARALLEL

PLATE CAPACITOR
The expression of capacitance of capacitor when a dielectric medium of
dielectric constant is placed between the plates of capacitor will be:
As , so capacitance of capacitor increases times when a dielectric

medium is placed between plates of a capacitor.
DIELECTRIC CONSTANT OF A SUBSTANCE (Definition)
The dielectric constant of a substance is defined as
“The ratio of the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with an insulating
substance as medium between the plates to its capacitance with vacuum as
medium between them”
Mathematically, it is described as:
12.14 CAPACITANCE OF A PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR

1. If the medium between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor is air or vacuum, then its
capacitance is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2. The medium used between the plates of capacitor is called
(a) Polarization (b) Dielectric (c) Insulators (d) Medium
3. If some dielectric medium of dielectric constant is inserted between the plates of a parallel
plate capacitor, then its capacitance is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4. Inserting a dielectric between the plates of a charged parallel plate capacitor
(a) Decreases Capacitance (b) Increases capacitance
(c) Leaves the capacitance same (d) Encourages the breakdown between plates
5. The ratio of and is equal to
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. If ‘Q’ is the charge on either of the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of area A, the surface
charge density on the plate is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
MCQ # 1: (c) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (b) MCQ # 5: (c) MCQ # 6: (d)
ARTICLE “12.14 CAPACITANCE OF A PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR” IN PAST PAPERS

1. Why does capacitance of a capacitor increases when a dielectric material is inserted between its
plates.
2. How will capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor be affected if area of plates is doubled and
separation between them is halved?
1. Define capacitance. Derive the expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with and
without dielectric between its plates.
2. What is capacitor? Find the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.
3. Derive the relation for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor and hence define dielectric constant.
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12.15 ELECTRIC POLARIZATION OF DIELECTRICS

ELECTRIC POLARIZATION OF DIELECTRIC (Definition)
The dielectric consists of atoms and molecules which are electrically neutral. The centers of positive and
negative charges coincide in the absence of an electric field. When a dielectric is placed in an electric field
between the plates of a capacitor, the centers of positive and negative charges now no longer coincide with
each other. Thus the molecules of the dielectric under the action of electric field become dipoles and the
dielectric is said to be polarized.
ELECTRIC DIPOLE (Definition)
Two equal but opposite point charges separated by a small distance form an electric dipole. When a
dielectric is placed between the plates of a capacitor, its molecules become dipoles under the effect of
electric field.
EFFECT OF ELECTRIC POLARIZATION OF DIELECTRIC ON CAPACITANCE OF A CAPACITOR
The positively charged plate attracts the negative end of the molecular dipoles and negatively charged plate
attracts the positive end. Thus the surface of the dielectric which is in
contact with the positively charged plate places a layer of negative
charges on the plate. Similarly the surface of the dielectric in contact
with the negatively charged plate places a layer of positive charges. It
decreases the surface density of the charge on the plates, which result
in decrease in electric intensity . This decrease of potential
difference between the plates. As the capacitance is inversely

proportional to the potential difference between plates. Therefore, the capacitance of capacitor increased
due to electric polarization of a dielectric.
MCQs RELATED TO ELECTRIC POLARIZATION OF DIELECTRICS
1. When a dielectric material s placed in an electric field, it:
(a) Conducts (b) Exhibit Charge (c) Undergoes Electrolysis (d) Become Polarized
2. Two equal and opposite charge separated by a small distance form:
(a) Electric dipole (b) Amperean current (c) Null charge (d) Neutral source
3. Dielectric is also called:
(a) Conductor (b) Insulator (c) Semi-Conductor
4. The increase in capacitance of a capacitor due to presence of dielectric is due to___________of
dielectric
(a) Electrification (b) Ionization (c) Electrolysis (d) Electric Polarization
MCQ # 1: (d) MCQ # 2: (a) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (d)
ARTICLE “12.15 ELECTRIC POLARIZATION OF DIELECTRICS” IN PAST PAPERS

1. What is dipole?
2. What is polarization and how dipoles are formed in dielectric.
3. What change take place when polarization of dielectric occur?
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12.16 ENERGY STORED IN A CAPACITOR

ENERGY STORED IN THE ELECTRIC FIELD OF A CAPACITOR (Derivation of Expression)
Consider a capacitor having capacitance C is connected with a battery having a terminal potential
difference V.
We want to find out the expression of energy stored in electric field of a charged capacitor.
The charge on the plate possesses electrical potential energy. So work is to be done to deposit the charge
on the plate. With each small increment of charge, the potential difference between the plates increases.
This is due to the fact that a larger amount of work is needed to bring up next increment of charge.
 Initially, when the capacitor is uncharged, the potential difference between the plates is zero
 Finally it becomes V when charge q is deposited on each plate. Thus average potential difference is
.
Therefore the energy stored in the capacitor is:
Substituting and , we get:
( ) ( )
Where is the volume between the plates.

Energy Density
Energy density can be find out by dividing the energy stored in the capacitor by volume of the capacitor:
NUMERICALS RELATED TO THE ARTICLE “12.16ENERGY STORED IN A CAPACITOR”

12.12 The electronic flash attachment for a camera contains a capacitor for storing the energy used
to produce the flash. In one such unit, the potential difference between the plates of a 750 µF
capacitor is 330 V. Determine the energy that is used to produce the flash.
Given Data: Potential Difference , Capacitance
To Determine: Energy
Calculations: As
MCQs RELATED TO THE ARTICLE “12.16ENERGY STORED IN A CAPACITOR”

1. The expression of energy stored in a capacitor is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2. If the potential difference across the two plates of a parallel plate capacitor is double, then the
energy stored in it will be:
(a) 2 times (b) 8 times (c) 4 times (d) Remains constant
3. Energy density in case of a capacitor is always proportional to
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4. Unit of energy density of electric field is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5. A capacitor stores energy in the form of:
(a) Magnetic field (b) Heat energy (c) Electrical energy (d) Mechanical energy
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6. The expression for the energy density is:

(a) (b) (c) (d)
7. Will a capacitor store more energy with a dielectric other than air?
(a) Yes (b) No
8. In a charged capacitor, the energy resides in:
(a) In the negative plate (b) in the positive plate (c) edges of plates in (d) field between plates
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (c) MCQ # 5: (c) MCQ # 6: (b)
MCQ # 7: (a) MCQ # 8: (d)
ARTICLE “12.16ENERGY STORED IN A CAPACITOR” IN PAST PAPERS

1. Define capacitor and capacitance. Derive the formula for energy stored in a capacitor.
2. What s the capacitor? Show that energy density for a capacitor which has electric field strength E is
given by
12.17 CHARGING AND DISCHARGING A CAPACITOR
RC CIRCUIT (Definition)
The electrical circuits consist of both capacitor and resistors are called RC circuit.
CHARGING OF CAPACITOR
When the RC circuit is connected to a battery, it starts charging the capacitor through resistor R.
The capacitor is not charged immediately, rather charges built up gradually to the equilibrium value
. The growth of charge with time is shown in the graph. According to the graph, at and
increases gradually with time till it reaches the equilibrium value .
Discharging of Capacitor
Graph shows the discharging of a capacitor through resistor. The graph shows that discharging
begins at when and decreases gradually to zero.
TIME CONSTANT
How fast or how slow the capacitor is charging or discharging, depends upon the product of the
resistance and the capacitance. As the unit of the product RC is that of time, so this product is known as the
time constant and is defined as
“the time required by the capacitor to deposit 0.63 times the equilibrium charge”.
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The charge reaches its equilibrium value sooner when the time constant is small. Similarly, smaller values
of time constant RC leads to a more rapid discharge.
Numerical Related to the article “12.17 CHARGING AND DISCHARGING A CAPACITOR”
Example 12.6: The time constant of a series RC circuit is . Verify that an ohm times farad is
equivalent to second.
Solution: Ohm’s law in terms of potential difference V, current I and resistance R can be written as:
( )
The charge stored in a capacitor can be find out by formula:
Multiplying equations (1) and (2), we get:
Hence
MCQs RELATED TO CHARGING AND DISCHARGING A CAPACITOR
1. The speed of charging or discharging a cpacitor depends upon product of resistance and ________
(a) Current (b) Voltage (c) Capacitance (d) Charge
2. The term “RC” has same unit as that of:
(a) Potential (b) Capacitance (c) Energy (d) Time
3. During charging of a capacitor, the ratio of instantaneous charge and maximum charge on plates
of capacitors at t = RC is
(a) 36.8% (b) 63.2% (c) 20% (d) 30%
4. If RC is small, then capacitor will be charged and discharged
(a) Slowly (b) Quickly (c) With Medium Speed (d) No Effect
5. In RC series circuit, the correct relation for the time constant is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. A resistor is connected with a capacitor. The time constant of the circuit is:
(a) 0.1 s (b) 1 s (c) 2.5 s (d) 10 s
ARTICLE “12.17 CHARGING AND DISCHARGING A CAPACITOR” IN PAST PAPERS

1. Draw a graph between q-t for charging and discharging of a capacitor in case of RC circuit.
2. Verify that an ohm times farad is equivalent to second.
3. What is time constant?
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F.Sc. Physics (2ND Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 12: ELECTROSTATICS
Q # 1. The potential is constant throughout a given region of space. Is the electric field zero or non zero
in this region? Explain.
Ans. The electric field intensity is described by the relation:
According to the relation, the electric field is negative gradient of electric potential. If the electric potential is
constant throughout given region of space, then change in electric potential , hence .
Q # 2. Suppose that you follow an electric field line due to a positive point charge. Do electric field and
the potential increases or decreases.
Ans. If we follow an electric field line due to a positive point charge, then it means that we are moving await
from point charge. Thus the distance from the charge increases. Due to increase of distance from positive
charge, both electric field intensity and electric potential decreases as:
and
Q # 3. How can you identify that which plate of capacitor is positively charged?
Ans. The presence of charge on a body is detected by a device called gold leaf electroscope. The leaves of
gold leaf electroscope are diverged by giving them negative charge.
 If the disc is touched with any plate of the charged capacitor and the divergence of the leaves
increases, the plate of capacitor is negatively charged
 If the divergence of leaves decreases, then that plate of capacitor is positively charged.
Q # 4. Describe the force or forces on a positive point charge when placed between parallel plates:
i. With similar and equal charges
ii. With opposite and equal charges
Ans. When a positive point charge is placed between parallel plates with similar and equal charges, then the
electric field intensity due to one plate is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction of electric intensity due
to other plate. So the value of resultant electric field intensity E is zero. Hence the net force on the positive
point charge is zero. Thus it will remain at rest.
When a positive point charge is placed between parallel plates with opposite but equal amount of
charge, then electric field intensity due to one plate is equal in magnitude but in same direction of the electric
field intensity due to other plate. So the value of resultant electric field intensity is non zero. Hence the point
charge will be accelerated towards negative plate.
Q # 5. Electric lines of force never cross. Why?
Electric lines of force never cross each other. This is because of the reason that electric field intensity has only
one direction at any given pint. If the lines cross, electric intensity could have more than one direction which
is physically not correct.
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F.Sc. Physics (2ND Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 6. If a point charge of mass m is released in a non-uniform electric field with
field lines in the same direction pointing, will it make a rectilinear motion.
Ans. A non-uniform field of a positive point charge is shown in the figure:
If a point charge q of mass m is placed at any point in the field, it will follow
straight or rectilinear path along the field line due to repulsive force.
Q # 7. Is E necessarily zero inside a charged rubber balloon if the balloon is spherical. Assume that
charge is distributed uniformly over the surface.
Ans. Yes, E is necessarily zero inside a charged rubber balloon if balloon is spherical. If the Gaussian surface
is imagined inside charged balloon, then it does not contain any charge i.e., q=0.
Applying Gausses law:
---------- (1)
Also, ----------- (2)

Comparing (1) and (2), we have:
As , therefore,
Hence electric field intensity will be zero inside a spherical balloon.
Q # 8. Is it true that Gauss’s law states that the total number of lines of force crossing any closed
surface in the outward direction is proportional to the net positive charge enclosed within surface?
Ans. Yes, the above statement is true.
Electric flux is defined as the measure of number of electric lines of force passing through a certain
area. According to Gauss’s law, the flux through any close surface is times the total charged enclosed in it.
Electric flux = (Total Charge Enclosed)
Electric flux = constant (Total Charge Enclosed)

Electric flux (Total Charge Enclosed)
Q # 9. Do electrons tends to go to region of high potential or of low potential?
Ans. The electrons being negatively charge particle when released in electric field moves from a region of
lower potential (negative end) to a region of high potential (positive end).

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MCQs F.Sc. Physics Chapter # 12: Electrostatics
CHAPTER # 12
ELECTROSTATICS
MCQs Related to “ELECTRIC CHARGE”

1. Solid bodies are charged due to the transfer of:
(a) Protons (b) Electrons (c) Neutrons (d) All of these
2. The SI unit if elelctric charge is:
(a) Volt (b) Henry (c) Coulomb (d) Weber
3. Charge on an electron is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4. How many electron will have a charge of one coulomb?
(a) (b) (c) (d)
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (a)
MCQs Related to “12.1 COULOMB’S LAW”

1. Coulomb’s law is only applicable for
(a) Big charges (b) Small charges (c) Point charges (d) All charges
2. If the distance between two point charges is doubled, the force between them will become:
(a) Doubled (b) Half (c) Three Times (d) One forth
3. The constant k in Coulomb’s Law depends upon
(a) Nature of medium (b) System of units (c) Intensity of charge (d) Both a & b
4. The value of permitivity of free space is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5. The value of coulomb’s constant is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. Unit relative permitivity is
(a) (b) (c) (d) no unit
7. Presence of dielectric always:
(a) Increases the electrostatic force (b) Decreases the electrostatic force
(c) Does not effect the electrostatic force (d) Doubles the electrostatic force
8. The value of relative permitivity for all the dielectrics is always:
(a) Less than unity (b) Greater than unity (c) Equal to unity (d) Zero
9. Relative permitivity of air is:
(a) 1.06 (b) 1.006 (c) 1.0006 (d) 1.6
10. The force between two similar unit charges placed one meter apart in air is:
(a) Zero (b) One newton (c) (d)
11. If the magnitude of charges and distance between them is doubled, then the force will be:
(a) Doubled (b) Halved (c) Remain same (d) On forth
12. When an insulating medium is placed between two charges, the electrostatic force:
(a) Increases (b) decreases (c) zero (d) Remain Same
13. The electrostatic force between two charges is 42 N. If we place a dielectric of , between
the charges, then the force become equal to:
(a) 42N (b) 88.2 N (c) 2 N (d) 20 N
MCQ # 1: (c) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (a) MCQ # 5: (b) MCQ # 6: (d) MCQ # 7: (b)
MCQ # 8: (b) MCQ # 9: (c) MCQ # 10: (c) MCQ # 11: (c) MCQ # 12: (b) MCQ # 13: (d)
MCQs Related to “12.2 FIELDS OF FORCE”

1. A charge at rest creates around it
(a) Electric field (b) Magnetic field (c) Gravitational field (d) Nuclear field
2. The force experience by a unit positive charge placed at a point in an electric field is called:
(a) Coulomb’s force (b) Faraday’s force (c) Lorentz’s force (d) Electric field intensity
3. is a unit of
(a) Force (b) Charge (c) Current (d) Electric Intensity
4. If we move away from a charge, the magnitude to electric intensity
(a) Remains constant (b) Increases (c) Decreases (d) Vanish
5. Of the following quantities, the one that is vector in character is an
(a) Electric Charge (b) Electric Field Intensity
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(c) Electric Energy (d) Electric Potential Difference
6. A charge of experiences electrostatic force of , the electric field intensity at that point
(a) (b) (c) (d)
7. The electric intensity at infinite distance from point charge is
(a) Infinite (b) zero (c) positive (d) negative
MCQ # 1: (a) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (c) MCQ # 5: (b) MCQ # 6: (d) MCQ # 7: (b)
MCQs Related to “12.3 ELECTRIC FIELD LINES”

1. The lines which provide information about the electric force exerted on charged particles are:
(a) Magnetic field lines (b) Electric field lines (c) Tangent lines (d) Curved lines
2. Electric field lines are
(a) Actual Line (b) Imaginary Lines (c) Solid Lines (d) None of These
3. The tangent to a field line at any point gives the direction of
(a) Electric Intensity (b) Electric Flux (c) Vector Area (d) Electric Current
4. The electric field lines are closer where the field is:
(a) Strong (b) Weak (c) Uniform (d) Variable
5. Electric field lines can never
(a) Attract each other (b) Repel each other (c) Intersect each other
6. The electric field produced due to negative charge is always:
(a) Radially outward (b) Radially inward (c) Circular (d) Zero
7. The electric field created by positive charge is:
(a) Radially outward (b) Zero (c) Circular (d) Radially inward
8. Electric lines of force are parallel and equally spaced, then the electric field is:
(a) Weak (b) Strong (c) Non-Uniform (d) Uniform
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (b) MCQ # 3: (a) MCQ # 4: (a)
MCQ # 5: (c) MCQ # 6: (b) MCQ # 7: (a) MCQ # 8: (d)
MCQs Related to “12.4 APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROSTATICS”

1. Photo-copier and inkjet printers are the applications of:
(a) Electronics (b) Magnetism (c) Electrostatics (d) Thermodynamics
2. The word “Xerography” means:
(a) Writing by left hand (b) Writing by children (c) Dry writing (d) Writing by water colors
3. Aluminum is an excellent
(a) Conductor (b) semi-conductor (c) Insulator (d) photoconductor
4. Selenium is a conductor material when exposed to ________
(a) Dark (b) Light (c) Magnetic field (d) None of these
5. Selenium is an
(a) Insulator (b) Conductor (c) Semiconductor (d) Photoconductor
6. Which part of photocopier is known as the heart of machine
(a) Drum (b) lamp (c) roller (d) toner
7. In ink-jet printer, the droplets are passed through
(a) Gutter (b) Charging electrode (c) Deflection plates (d) Both b & c
8. In an inkjet printer, the charged ink drops are diverted by the deflection plates
(a) Towards the charging electrodes (b) Towards the gutter
(c) Towards a blank paper (d) In inkjet printer, ink cannot be charged
MCQ # 1: (c) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (a) MCQ # 4: (b)
MCQ # 5: (d) MCQ # 6: (a) MCQ # 7: (d) MCQ # 8: (b)
MCQs Related to “12.5 ELECTRIC FLUX”

1. Number of electric lines of force passing through a certain area is known as
(a) Electric field (b) Electric flux (c) Electric potential (d) Potential difference
2. Electric flux is defined as:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
3. For the computation of electric flux, the surface area should be:
(a) Parallel (b) Curved (c) Spherical (d) Flat
4. When vector area is held perpendicular to the field lines, then the magnitude of electric flux is:
(a) Negative (b) Maximum (c) Minimum (d) Zero
5. When vector area is held parallel to electric field lines, the the magnitude of electric flux is:
(a) Maximum (b) Minimum (c) Zero (d) Negative
6. The SI unit of electric flux is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
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7. Which one of the following can be taken as measure of electric field intensity:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (d) MCQ # 5: (a) MCQ # 6: (b) MCQ # 7: (b)
MCQs Related to “12.6 ELECTRIC FLUX THROUGH A SURFACE ENCLOSING A CHARGE”

1. The total electric flux through the surface of the sphere due to a charge q at its center is:
(a) (b) (c) (d) both a & b
2. Electric flux through a close surface does not depend upon:

(a) Shape (b) medium (c) charge (d) none of these
3. The direction of vector area is
(a) Parallel to flat surface (b) perpendicular to flat surface
4. Negative and positive charges in a hollow sphere are equal in magnitude, then the flux from the
surface will be:
(a) Zero (b) Positive (c) Negative (d) Both positive and negative
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (a) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (a)
MCQs Related to “12.7 GAUSS’S LAW”

1. The total electric flux through any close surface is directly proportional to:
(a) Enclosed mass (b) Enclosed charge (c) Volume (d) Electric potential
2. According to Gauss’s law, electric flux through any close surface is
(a) (b) (c) (d) ( )
MCQ # 1: (a) MCQ # 2: (c)
MCQs Related to “12.8 APPLICATIONS OF GAUSS’S LAW”

1. Gauss’s law is more useful in the cases where the charge distributions:
(a) are made of discrete point charges (b) are finite in their special extent
(c) symmetrical charge distribution (d) gives rise to inverse square law distribution
2. The imaginary close surface which passes through the point at which electric intensity is to be
measured is called:
(a) Amperean loop (b) Gaussian surface (c) Vector area
3. Electric intensity inside hollow charged sphere is:
(a) ( ⁄ ) (b) ( ⁄ ) (c) ( ⁄ ) (d) zero
4. The magnitude of the electric field inside oppositely charged plates, having uniform surface
charge density , is:
(a) ( ⁄ ) (b) ( ⁄ ) (c) ( ⁄ ) (d) ( ⁄ )
5. The electric intensity near an infinite plate of positive charge will be:
(a) ( ⁄ ) (b) ( ⁄ ) (c) ( ⁄ ) (d) ( ⁄ )
MCQ # 1: (c) MCQ # 2: (b) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (a) MCQ # 5: (b)
MCQs Related to “12.9 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL”

1. If a charged body is moved agaist the electric field, it will gain:
(a) Potential energy (b) Kinetic energy (c) Mechanical energy (d) Gravitational energy
2. The work done in moving a unit positive charge from one point to another while keeping the
charge in equilibrium is called:
(a) Potential energy (b) Kinetic energy (c) Mechanical energy (d) Potential Difference
3. Work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to that point in an electric field is
called:
(a) Potential Difference (b) Resistance Capacitance (d) Absolute electric potential
4. Absolute electric potential, due of point charge of 1C at a distance of 1m is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5. One volt is
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. Electric field intensity is also known as
(a) Electric potential (b) Electric flux (c) Potential gradient (d) None
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7. The expression represent:
(a) Gauss’s law (b) Electric flux (c) Electric Intensity (d) Potential Difference
8. In a region where the electric field is zero, the electric potential is always:
(a) Positive (b) Negative (c) Zero (d) Constant
9. In the expression , the negative sign show that the direction of E is along:
(a) Increasing potential (b) Decreasing potential
10. The electric intensity is expressed in unit of N/C or
(a) volts (b) watt (c) joules (d)
MCQ # 1: (a) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (d) MCQ # 5: (a) MCQ # 6: (c)
MCQ # 7: (c) MCQ # 8: (d) MCQ # 9: (b) MCQ # 10: (d)
MCQs Related to “12.10 ELECTRON VOLT”

1. Electron volt is the unit of
(a) Electric Current (b) Electric Energy (c) Electric Potential (d) Electric Force
2. The amount of energy equal to is called
(a) 1 volt (b) 1 milli-volt (c) 1 electron volt (d) 1 mega electron volt
3. A particle having 2e charge falls through a potential difference of 5V. Energy acquired by it is:
(a) 2.5 eV (b) 20 eV (c) 0.4 eV (d) 10 eV
4. A charge of 0.01 C accelerated through a p.d of 1000 V acquires K.E
(a) 10 J (b) 100 J (c) 200 J (d) 400 eV
5. 1 joule =__________
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. One electron volt is equal to
(a) (b) (c) (d)
7. If a positive charge particle moves against the electric field, it will gain:
8. If a positive charge particle is allowed to moves from positive to negative plate, it will gain:
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (a)
MCQ # 5: (a) MCQ # 6: (c) MCQ # 7: (c) MCQ # 8: (a)
MCQs Related to “12.11 ELECTRIC AND GRAVITATIONAL FORCES (A COMPARISON)”
1. Electrostatic force as compared to the gravitational force is
(a) Very weak (b) Very strong (c) Infinite (d) None of these
2. Gravitational force between two objects does not depend on:
(a) Force (b) Masses (c) Distance (d) Medium
3. Gravitational force is an:
4. Electrostatic force is:
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (a) MCQ # 4: (c)
MCQs Related to “12.12 CHARGE ON AN ELECTRON BY MILLIKAN’S METHOD”

1. The charge on the electron was calculated by
(a) Faraday (b) J.J. Thomson (c) Millikan (d) Einstein
2. Millikan devised a technique for measurement of charge on an electron in
(a) 1889 (b) 1899 (c) 1909 (d) 1929
3. In Millikan’s experiment, the oil drop can be suspended between two plates when the
gravitational force is equal to
(a) Magnetic Force (b) Electric Force (c) Normal Force (d) Nuclear Force
4. An electric field that balance the weight of an oil droplet will act
(a) Downward (b) Upward (c) Along surface of sphere
5. The equation for the stokes law is
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. The charge determined by the Millikan’s experiment is
(a) (b) (c) (d) None of these
MCQ # 1: (c) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (b) MCQ # 5: (d) MCQ # 6: (a)
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MCQs Related to “12.13 CAPACITOR”
1. Capacitors may be considered as a device for
(a) Storing energy (b) Increasing resistance (c) Decreasing resistance (d) None
2. The charge stored in a capacitor is directly proportional to
(a) Resistance (b) Resistivity (c) Amount of Current (d) Potential Difference
3. An expression for magnitude of charge on either of the plates of a capacitor is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4. Farad is the S.I. unit of
(a) Charge (b) Current (c) Electric Flux (d) Capacitance
5. Farad is defined as:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. A capacitor of capacitance is fully charged from a D.C. source. What is the charge
stored by the capacitor:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
MCQ # 1: (a) MCQ # 2: (d) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (d) MCQ # 5: (a) MCQ # 6: (b)
MCQs Related to “12.14 CAPACITANCE OF A PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR”

1. If the medium between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor is air or vacuum, then its
capacitance is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2. The medium used between the plates of capacitor is called
(a) Polarization (b) Dielectric (c) Insulators (d) Medium
3. If some dielectric medium of dielectric constant is inserted between the plates of a parallel
plate capacitor, then its capacitance is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4. Inserting a dielectric between the plates of a charged parallel plate capacitor
(a) Decreases Capacitance (b) Increases capacitance
(c) Leaves the capacitance same (d) Encourages the breakdown between plates
5. The ratio of and is equal to
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. If ‘Q’ is the charge on either of the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of area A, the surface
charge density on the plate is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
MCQs Related to “12.15 ELECTRIC POLARIZATION OF DIELECTRICS”

1. When a dielectric material s placed in an electric field, it:
(a) Conducts (b) Exhibit Charge (c) Undergoes Electrolysis (d) Become Polarized
2. Two equal and opposite charge separated by a small distance form:
(a) Electric dipole (b) Amperean current (c) Null charge (d) Neutral source
3. Dielectric is also called:
(a) Conductor (b) Insulator (c) Semi-Conductor
4. The increase in capacitance of a capacitor due to presence of dielectric is due to___________of
dielectric
(a) Electrification (b) Ionization (c) Electrolysis (d) Electric Polarization
MCQ # 1: (d) MCQ # 2: (a) MCQ # 3: (b) MCQ # 4: (d)
MCQs Related to “12.16ENERGY STORED IN A CAPACITOR”

1. The expression of energy stored in a capacitor is given by:
(a) (b) (c) (d) ( )
2. If the potential difference across the two plates of a parallel plate capacitor is double, then the
energy stored in it will be:
(a) 2 times (b) 8 times (c) 4 times (d) Remains constant
3. Energy density in case of a capacitor is always proportional to
(a) (b) (c) (d)
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4. Unit of energy density of electric field is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5. A capacitor stores energy in the form of:
(a) Magnetic field (b) Heat energy (c) Electrical energy (d) Mechanical energy
6. The expression for the energy density is:
(a) ( ) (b) (c) (d)
7. Will a capacitor store more energy with a dielectric other than air?
(a) Yes (b) No
8. In a charged capacitor, the energy resides in:
(a) In the negative plate (b) in the positive plate (c) edges of plates in (d) field between plates
MCQ # 1: (b) MCQ # 2: (c) MCQ # 3: (d) MCQ # 4: (c) MCQ # 5: (c) MCQ # 6: (b)
MCQ # 7: (a) MCQ # 8: (d)
MCQs Related to “12.17 CHARGING AND DISCHARGING A CAPACITOR”

1. The speed of charging or discharging a cpacitor depends upon product of resistance and ________
(a) Current (b) Voltage (c) Capacitance (d) Charge
2. The term “RC” has same unit as that of:
(a) Potential (b) Capacitance (c) Energy (d) Time
3. During charging of a capacitor, the ratio of instantaneous charge and maximum charge on plates
of capacitors at t = RC is
(a) 36.8% (b) 63.2% (c) 20% (d) 30%
4. If RC is small, then capacitor will be charged and discharged
(a) Slowly (b) Quickly (c) With Medium Speed (d) No Effect
5. In RC series circuit, the correct relation for the time constant is:
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6. A resistor is connected with a capacitor. The time constant of the circuit is:
(a) 0.1 s (b) 1 s (c) 2.5 s (d) 10 s
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F.Sc. Physics (Part-II) Solved Numerical Problems
NUMERICAL PROBLEMS
F.Sc. Physics, Chapter # 12: ELECTROSTATICS
12.1 Compare magnitudes of electrical and gravitational forces exerted on an object (mass = 10.0 g, charge = 20.0
µC) by an identical object that is placed 10.0 cm from the first.
Given Data: Masses , Charges ,

Distance
To Determine:
( ) ( )
Calculations:
( )
12.2 Calculate vectorially the net electrostatic force on q as shown in the figure.

To Determine: Total Force on
Calculations: From Fig. ( )
Now
And
Magnitude of Resultant Force √ √
Direction of Resultant Force ( ) (Resultant is along x-axis)
Resultant Force ⃗ ̂
12.3 A point charge is placed at the origin. Calculate electric field at a point 2.0 m from the
origin on the z-axis.
Given Data: Charge , Distance , Direction: z-axis ̂ ̂
To Determine: Electric Field

( )
Calculations: ⃗ ̂ ̂ ( ̂)
F.Sc. Physics, (1st Year), Complete Physics Notes

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12.4 Determine the electric field at the position ̂ ̂ caused by a point charge
placed at origin.
Given Data: Position Vector ̂ ̂ , Charge

To Determine: Electric Field ⃗
Calculations: ⃗ ̂
̂ ̂
| | √ ̂
| |
̂ ̂
⃗ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
12.5 Two point charges, and , are separated by a distance of 3.0 m. Find
and justify the zero-field location.

Let Distance between Charges
Let Distance of P from | | and Distance of P from
| |
Now consider
So the correct answer is
12.6 Find the electric field strength required to hold suspended a particle of mass and charge
between two plates 10.0 cm apart.
Given Data: Mass , Charge ,

Distance between Plates
To Determine: Electric Field Strength
Calculations: For present case:
12.7 A particle having a charge of 20 electrons on it falls through a potential difference of 100 volts. Calculate the
energy acquired by it in electron volts (eV).
Given Data: Charge , Potential Difference

To Determine: Energy Acquired
Calculations: Energy Acquired

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12.8 In Millikan’s experiment, oil droplets are introduced into the space between two flat horizontal plates, 5.00
mm apart. The plate voltage is adjusted to exactly 780 V so that the droplet is held stationary. The plate voltage is
switched off and the selected droplet is observed to fall a measured distance of 1.50 mm in 11.2 s. Given that the
density of the oil used is 900 kg m-3, and the viscosity of air at laboratory temperature is ,
-2
calculate: a) The mass, and b) The charge on the droplet (Assuming g=9.8ms )
Given Data: Distance between Plates , Potential Difference

Distance Covered , Time , Density ,
Viscosity
To Determine: Mass of Droplet , Charge on Droplet
Calculations: (a) Mass of Droplet
Terminal Velocity
For a body moving with terminal velocity:
√ √
(b) Charge
12.9 A proton placed in a uniform electric field of 5000 NC-1 directed to right is allowed to go a distance of 10.0 cm
from A to B. Calculate
(a) Potential difference between the two points

(b) Work done by the field
(c) The change in P.E. of proton
(d) The change in K.E. of the proton
(e) Its velocity (mass of proton is )
Given Data: Electric Field , Distance covered ,

Charge on proton , Mass of proton
To Determine: (a) Potential Difference , (b) Work Done , (c) Change in P.E.
(d) Change in K.E. , (e) Velocity
Calculations: (a) As
(b) As
(c)
(d) By work-energy principle:
(e) As √ √ √
12.10 Using zero reference point at infinity, determine the amount by which a point charge of alters
the electric potential at a point 1.2 m away, when (a) Charge is positive (b) Charge is negative
Given Data: Charge , Distance

To Determine: (a) Electric Potential when charge is positive ,
(b) Electric Potential when charge is negative ,
Calculations: (a)
( )
(b)

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12.11 In Bohr's atomic model of hydrogen atom, the electron is in an orbit around the nuclear proton at a distance
of with a speed of . ( , mass of electron =
). Find
(a) The electric potential that a proton exerts at this distance

(b) Total energy of the atom in eV
(c) The ionization energy for the atom in eV
Given Data: Distance , Speed ,

Charge of Electron , Mass of Electron =
To Determine: (a) Electric Potential due to proton , (b) Total Energy of atom
(c) Ionization Energy of the atom
Calculations: (a)
(b) From theory of atomic spectra, the energy of electron in nth orbit:
( )
For present case , so equation (1) takes the form:
(c) As electron possess 13.6 eV energy in the ground state of a H-atom. So, if we want to ionize such H-
atom, we must supply 13.6 eV.
Hence, the ionization energy of H-atom in ground state is 13.6 eV
12.12 The electronic flash attachment for a camera contains a capacitor for storing the energy used to produce the
flash. In one such unit, the potential difference between the plates of a 750 µF capacitor is 330 V. Determine the
energy that is used to produce the flash.
Given Data: Potential Difference , Capacitance

To Determine: Energy
Calculations: As
12.13 A capacitor has a capacitance of . In the charging process, electrons are removed from one
plate and placed on the other one. When the potential difference between the plates is 450 V, how many electrons
have been transferred?( )
Given Data: Capacitance , Potential Difference ,

Charge
To Determine: Total Number of Electrons Transferred
Calculations: For a capacitor , From Quantization of Charges
Comparing (1) and (2):
F.Sc. Physics, (1st Year), Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

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Chapter 12 (2nd Year Physics) Electrostatics

Chapter # 12: ELECTROSTATICS

Charges of the same signs repel each other and charges

Multiple Choice Questions Related to “ELECTRIC CHARGE”

12.1 COULOMB’S LAW

where is the constant of proportionality and is expressed as

where is the permittivity of free space and its value in SI unit is

VECTOR FORM OF COULOMB'S LAW

Here ̂ is the unit vector directed from ‘ ’ to ‘ ’.

COULOMB FORCE IS A MUTUAL FORCE

Proof: If ̂ represents the direction of force from charge ‘ ’

As ̂ ̂ , so the eq. (1) becomes

This expression shows that Coulomb force is a mutual force.

EFFECT OF DIELECTRIC MEDIUM ON ELECTRICAL FORCE BETWEEN TWO POINT CHARGES

Given Data: Masses , Charges ,

Given Data: Charges , ,

Calculations: From Fig. ( )

Force Exerted by Charge on :

Force Exerted by Charge on :

Magnitude of Resultant Force √ √

Direction of Resultant Force ( ) (Resultant is along x-axis)

Calculate the force on .

Given Data: First Charge , Second Charge

Distance between charges | | √ √ √

MCQs Related to the Article “12.1 COULOMB’S LAW”

ARTICLE “12.1 COULOMB’S LAW” IN PAST PAPERS

12.2 FIELDS OF FORCES

ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY

ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY DUE TO POINT CHARGE (Derivation of Expression)

Putting value of ‘ ’ in eq. (1), we get

This is the expression of electric field intensity due to a point charge.

EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS RELATED TO “12.2 ELECTRIC FIELD”

NUMERICALS RELATED TO “12.2 ELECTRIC FIELD”

To Determine: Electric Field

12.5 Two point charges, and , are separated by a distance of 3.0

So the correct answer is

Example 12.2: Two positive point charges and

Which gives . Here is not possible.

MCQs Related to the Article “12.2 FIELDS OF FORCE”

ARTICLE “12.2 FIELDS OF FORCES” IN PAST PAPERS

1. Define electric intensity and give its units.

12.3 ELECTRIC FIELD LINES

EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS RELATED TO “12.3 ELECTRIC FIELD LINES”

5. Electric field lines can never

ARTICLE “12.3 ELECTRIC FIELD LINES” IN PAST PAPERS

ARTICLE “12.4 APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROSTATICS” IN PAST PAPERS

12.5 ELECTRIC FLUX

where ⃗ is the Electric Field Intensity and ⃗ is Vector Area

ARTICLE “12.5 ELECTRIC FLUX” IN PAST PAPERS

Short Questions (2 Marks)

1. Define electric flux. Write its SI units.

12.6 ELECTRIC FLUX THROUGH A SURFACE ENCLOSING CHARGE

to the area elements ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ are ⃗ ,⃗ ,………. ⃗

respectively. Total flux passing through a closed surface of sphere is

The direction of electric field intensity and the vector area is

Equation (1) will become

This is expression of electric flux through a surface enclosing charge

2. Electric flux through a close surface does not depend upon:

12.7 GAUSS’S LAW

charge enclosed in it. Mathematically, it is described as:

Total flux passing through the closed surface is

MCQs RELATED TO THE ARTICLE “12.7 GAUSS’S LAW”

ARTILE 12.7 GAUSS’S LAW IN PAST PAPERS

As ⃗ , Therefore ⃗ . Thus the interior of a hollow charge sphere is a