Electric Field 2015 PDF

Electric Field
Author: Pranjal K. Bharti (B. Tech., IIT Kharagpur)
www.vidyadrishti.org
Notes for Std. XIIth
Physics
Electric Field
Pranjal K. Bharti, B. Tech., IIT Kharagpur
2007 P. K. Bharti
All rights reserved.
2013-2015
Page |1
Concept: JB 20, Near Jitendra Cinema, Bokaro
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Electric Field
2.
Prerequisite
Vectors
Newtons Laws
Coulombs Law
Please revise these topics before studying Electric Field
Topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduction
Electric field Intensity
Definition of electric field intensity
Important points about electric field intensity
Why test charge is small?
Physical significance of electric field
Electric field due to a point charge
Direction of electric field
Force on a charged placed in an electric field
Direction of force
Electric field lines
Electric field lines to common charges
Electric field lines due to some simple charge
configurations
Properties of electric field lines
Field lines due to surface charges
Field lines close to surface of a conductor
+q0
Source charge
Page |2
Introduction
We know that electrostatic force (which is an action at a

distance force) between two charged particles is given by
qq
F = k 1 22
r
What happens if the distance r between these two
particles starts increasing?
Clearly electrostatic force magnitude will start decreasing
and in the limiting case when distance becomes very large
(theoretically at infinity), force F will be zero.
In other words, we can say that electrostatic force
magnitude is appreciable up to some distance; after that
we can simply ignore this force as the distance becomes
large.
In other words, we can say that there is some kind of
electrostatic field near a charge. The magnitude of this
field decreases as the distance from this charge is
increased. Any other charge will interact with this field
(meaning experiences a force) when brought into this
field.
Every charge has its own electrostatic field, where its
interaction with another charge is appreciable.
Before going to write definition of electric field intensity

(or simply electric field) let us see the technique adopted
to define electric field.
Suppose we are interested to find electric field intensity
due to a charge Q at a point P. This charge Q is known as
source charge Q.
We need a second kind of small positive charge q at
o
point P. This second kind of charge is very small
compared to that of source charge Q and is known as test
charge q
o.
1.
Electric field intensity
Positive
Test charge
In the next step, we find Coulombs electrostatic force F

acting on test charge q because of source charge Q. In
o
the figure direction of F is shown assuming source

charge Q to be positive.
Electric field E because of source charge Q at point P is
nothing but the electrostatic force F per unit small

positive test charge q placed at point P.
o
Thus,
F
(Electric field intensity)
E = lim
q0 0 q
0
Clearly, the direction of E is along F .
1.
Definition: The electric field intensity or simply electric
field E due to a source charge Q at a point is defined as
the electrostatic force F per unit small positive test

charge q acting on q due to Q placed at that point.
o
o
F
(Electric field intensity)
E = lim
q0 0 q
0
Important points about electric field
In the LHS of the expression, E is the electric field due

to source charge Q but in the RHS, positive test charge q
2.
3.
4.
5.
appears. Be careful of this.
F is the electrostatic force acting on test charge q

because of source charge Q.
Electric field intensity is a vector quantity.
The direction of E is along F .

SI unit of electric field: N/C = newton per coulomb
Another SI unit: V/m = volt per meter
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Electric Field

3.
Why Test charge is small?
You must be wondering why test charge is small. There

are two reasons for it.
Reason 1 (For boards)
If the magnitude of test charge is not very small, the

position of the source charge may change. Expression
F
gives the electric field at the changed position.
E=
q0
We must assume that the test charge q is small enough
that it does not disturb the charge distribution responsible

for the electric field.
If a vanishingly small test charge q is placed near a
uniformly charged metallic sphere, as shown in figure (a),

the charge on the metallic sphere, which produces the
electric field, remains uniformly distributed. If the test
charge is great enough (q >> q ) , as shown in figure (b),
0
Suppose we are interested to find out electric field due to

point source charge q at a distance r from it.
We call the location of the charge the source point, and
we call the point P where we are determining the field the
field point.
If we place a small test charge q at the field point P, at a
o
We have taken q out of modulus because q is positive in

o
nature.
Now, from definition of electric field, we have
F
(2)
E=
q0
Using eqns. (1) & (2) we get:
E=
the charge on the metallic sphere is redistributed and the

ratio of the force to the test charge is different.
That is, because of this redistribution of charge on the
metallic sphere, the electric field it sets up is different
from the field it sets up in the presence of the much
smaller q .
Hence, test charge must be very small compared to source

charge.
q
4 0 r 2
1
(Electric field due to a point charge q)
Direction of electric field
Electric field due to a point charge
distance r from the source point, the magnitude F of the

force is given by Coulombs Law:
1 qq0
1 q q0
F=
=
(1)
2
4 0 r
4 0 r 2
Reason 2
Electric field intensity is a vector quantity. The direction
of E is along F .
By definition, the electric field of a point charge always
points away from a positive charge. In general, electric
is radially outward from a point positive charge.
The electric field of a point charge always points towards
a negative charge. In general, electric field is radially
inward to a point negative charge.
+q
r
E
+q0
Test charge
Physical significance of Electric field (NCERT)
Suppose we consider the force between two distant charges q1,

q2 in accelerated motion. The field picture is this: the
accelerated motion of charge q1 produces electromagnetic
waves, which then propagate with the speed of light c, reach
q2 and cause a force on q2. The notion of field accounts for the
time delay. Thus, even though electric and magnetic fields can
be detected only by their effects (forces) on charges, they are
regarded as physical entities, not merely mathematical
constructs. They have an independent dynamics of their own,
i.e., they evolve according to laws of their own. They can also
transport energy. Thus, a source of time dependent
electromagnetic fields, turned on briefly and switched off,
leaves behind propagating electromagnetic fields transporting
energy.
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Source charge
Direction of electric field is away from +ve source charge
F
r
+q0
Test charge
Source charge
Direction of electric field is towards ve source charge
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Electric Field

Example 1
a)
What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field at

a point 2.0 m from a point charge q = 4.0 nC?
b) What about direction if this charge is negative?
Solution:
a) We know that magnitude of electric field due to a point
charge q at a distance r from it is given by:
E=
4 0 r
= 9.0 109
4.0 109
( 2.0 )
Solution:
We have to find out net field at centre O. Clearly, we
have to use the principle of superposition. It means, we
have to find out individual fields at point O due to all
charges and then we have to add them using vector
addition rule.
Clearly, distance of point O from any other charge
= half the length of diagonal
= (2 side) = (1/2) (10cm) = (0.1/2) m.
9.0N/C
E=
Since the charge is positive, therefore, electric field points
away from this charge.
E
qA =2 C
B
qB = 5 C
EC
EB
O
ED
E
Negative charge
Positive charge
D q = 5 C
D
b) If this charge is negative electric field magnitude will

remain same at that point because of the term |q| in the
numerator of electric field expression.
E = 9.0N/C
Since the charge is negative, therefore, electric field
points towards this charge.
Field at point O due to charge q = 2 C :
Since charge q
The electrostatic field at a point due to a number of

charges is the vector sum of all the electrostatic field at
that point, taken one at a time. The individual fields are
unaffected due to the presence of other charges.
This is termed as the principle of superposition.
E =E +E ++E
net
is positive in nature therefore,
electrostatic field E at point O will be away from q , i.e.

A
Principle of Superposition
qB = 2 C
C
EA
E is towards OC.
A
Now, electrostatic field at point O due to charge q when
A
placed in air is given by:
2 106
1 qA
9
9
10
EA =
=
2
4 0 r 2
0.1/ 2
E A = 3.6 10 N/C
6
(alongOC)
Field at point O due to charge q = -5 C :
Since charge q
is negative in nature therefore,
electrostatic field E at point O will face towards q , i.e.

B
E is towards OB.
B
Now, electrostatic field at point O due to q when placed

B
in air is given by:
5 106
1 qA
9
9
10
EB =
=
2
4 0 r 2
0.1/ 2
9 106 N/C
EB =
Note: E is a vector whose direction is along the line
(alongOB)
joining q & point P and pointing towards or away from
Similarly,
Field at point O due to charge q = 2 C :
charge q .
E=
3.6 106 N/C
C
Example 2
Four point charges q = 2 C, q = 5 C, q = 2 C, and
A
q = 5 C are located at the corners of a square ABCD

D
of side 10 cm. What is the net electric field at the centre

of the square?
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(alongOA)
Field at point O due to charge q = -5 C :

D
ED = 9 10 N/C
6
(alongOD)
Net electric field component along AC = E E = 0
Net electric field component along BD = E E = 0
Since, both components of net electric field = 0, therefore,

net field at centre O = 0. (Ans)
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Electric Field

Continuous charge distribution
Linear charge density:

If a charge Q is uniformly distributed along a line of
length L, the linear charge density is defined by
Q
=
L
S. I. unit: C/m
Surface charge density :

If a charge Q is uniformly distributed on a surface of area
A, the surface charge density is defined by
Q
A
2
S. I. unit: C/m
Volume charge density :

If a charge Q is uniformly distributed throughout a
volume V, the volume charge density is defined by
Q
=
V
Example 3 (For Boards)
A ring-shaped conductor with radius a carries a total positive

charge Q uniformly distributed around it as shown in figure.
Find the electric field at a point P that lies on the axis of the
ring at a distance x from its center.
Solution:
This is a problem in the superposition of electric fields.
Basic idea is that the charge is distributed continuously
around the ring rather than in a number of point charges.
As shown in Fig., we imagine the ring divided into
infinitesimal segments of length dl. Each segment has
charge dQ and acts as a point-charge source of electric
field. Let dE be the electric field from one such segment;
the net electric field at point P is then the vector sum of
all contributions dE from all the segments that make up
the ring.
dQ
dQ
dEsin
dE
x2 + R2
R
R
dEcos
x
dE
S. I. unit: C/m
dEsin dE
dQ
Test your understanding
1.
2.
3.
4.
There is a disc of radius R and negligible thickness.

A charge Q is distributed uniformly on disc. What
kind of charge density we should consider for disc:
linear charge density, surface charge density or
volume charge density? Also find the appropriate
charge density.
A charge Q is distributed uniformly over a ring of
radius R. Find its linear charge density.
A charge Q is distributed uniformly over a square of
side a. Find its surface charge density.
A charge Q is distributed uniformly over a sphere of
radius R. Find its volume charge density.
Surface charge density

Q
=
R2
2.
Q
2 R
3.
Q
a2
4.
Page |5
To calculate dE, note that the distance r from a ring

segment to the point is r = x 2 + R 2 . Hence the
magnitude of this segment's contribution to the electric
field at P is
dE =
dQ
4 0 r 2
dQ
1
dE = 2
4 0 x + R 2
Ans:
1.
...(i)
The calculation of net electric field E is greatly simplified

because the point P is on the symmetry axis of the ring.
Consider two segments at the top and bottom of the ring.
The contributions dE to the field at P from these segments
have the same x-component i.e., dEcos but opposite ycomponents i.e, dEsin. Hence the total y-component of
field due to this pair of segments is zero. So the field at P
is described completely by its x-component dEcos.
x
Now, cos =
...(ii)
2
x + R2
To find the total x-component dEcos of the field at P, we
integrate this expression over all segments of the ring:
dE cos = 4
x
2
x + R x + R2
dQ
3Q
4 R 3
dEcos
x
1
dE cos =
4 0 x 2 + R 2 3/ 2 dQ
(
)
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(from (i) & (ii))
Electric Field
Since x does not vary as we move from point to point

around the ring, all the factors on the right side except dQ
are constant and can be taken outside the integral. The
integral of dQ is just the total charge Q and we finally get
x
x
1
1
dQ
Q
=
3/
2
dE cos 4=
4 0 ( x 2 + R 2 )3/ 2
0 ( x 2 + R 2 )
This is also the net electric field at P. Clearly this field is

directed along x-axis. Hence, net electric field at P in
vector form is given by
1
Qx
i
E=
4 0 ( x 2 + R 2 )3/ 2
Test your understanding
See last example. Deduce the net electric field at the centre of
the ring using this result. You can also find net electric field at
centre using argument of symmetry. Compare this result with
symmetry argument.
Ans: Zero
Hint: Put x = 0
Example 4
Solution:
y
Q
60
60
Our element produces a differential electric field d E at

point P, which is a distance r from the element. Treating
the element as a point charge, we can express the
magnitude of d E as
1 dq
1 ds
.
=
(i )
2
4 0 r
4 0 r 2
The direction of d E is toward ds, because charge dq is

negative.
Our element has a symmetrically located (mirror image)
element ds in the bottom half of the rod. The electric field
d E ' set up at P by ds also has the magnitude given by

Eq. (i), but the field vector points toward ds as shown in
figure. If we resolve the electric field vectors into x and y
components, we see that their y components cancel
(because they have equal magnitudes and are in opposite
directions). We also see that their x components have
equal magnitudes and are in the same direction.
Thus, to find the electric field set up by the rod, we need
sum (via integration) only the x components of the
differential electric fields set up by all the differential
elements of the rod. We can write the x component set up
by ds as
1
dE cos =
cos ds
( ii )
4 0 r 2
dE
=
Qx
1
E =
2
4 0 ( x + R 2 )3/ 2
Figure shows a plastic

rod
having
a
uniformly distributed
charge Q. The rod
has been bent in a
120o circular arc of
radius r. In terms of
Q and r, what is the
electric field E due to

the rod at point P?
Equation (ii) has

two variables,
and s. Before we
can integrate it, we
must eliminate one
variable. We do so
by replacing ds,
using the relation
ds
d
ds = r d,
in which d is the angle at P that includes arc length ds .
With this replacement, we can integrate Eq. (ii) over the
angle made by the rod at P, from = 60o to = 60o; that
will give us the magnitude of the electric field at P due to
the rod:
60
1
cos r d
E =
dE cos
=
60 4 r 2
0
Consider a differential element having arc length ds and

located at an
y
angle above
ds
the x-axis. If
60
60
cos
sin
=
=
d
[
]
dEsin
60
we
let
4 0 r 60
4 0 r
represent the

dE
sin 60 sin ( 60 )
=
linear charge
dEcos
4 0 r
density of the
P
3
dEcos
x
rod,
our
=
( iii )
4 0 r
dE
element ds has
a differential
To evaluate , we note that the rod has an angle of 120o
dEsin
charge
of
and so is one-third of a full circle. Its arc length is then
ds
magnitude
r
2 , and its linear charge density must be
dq = ds.
3
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Electric Field
By symmetry, the resultant field at P will be along OP (if the

charge is positive). The component of dE along OP is
dQ
OP
a Q dx
dE cos =
.
=
2
3/ 2
AP
4 0 ( AP )
4 L ( a 2 + x 2 )
charge
Q
3Q
= =
length 2 r 2 r
3
Substituting this into Eq. (iii) and simplifying give us
3
3 3Q
E
=
=
4 0 r 4 0 r 2 r
3 3
E=2 2
8 0 r
Thus, the resultant field at P is
E = dE cos
( Answer )
The direction of E is toward the rod, along the axis of
symmetry of the charge distribution. We can write E in

unit-vector notation as
3 3
E = 2 2 i
8 0 r
+ x2 )
3/ 2
a sec 2 d
a 3 sec3
L/2
2L
aQ
2
2
4 0 La ( L + 4a 2 )1/ 2
Q
=
.
2 0 a L2 + 4a 2
(a
aQ
x
E=
4 0 La 2 ( a 2 + x 2 )1/ 2
L/2
dx
From (i),
=
+Q
....(i)
1
1
1
x
cos
sin
.
=
d =
a2
a2
a 2 ( a 2 + x 2 )1/ 2
dx
4 0 L L/ 2 ( a 2 + x 2 )3/ 2
Thus,
The figure here shows three nonconducting rods, one circular

and two straight. Each has a uniform charge of magnitude Q
along its top half and another along its bottom half. For each
rod, what is the direction of the net electric field at point P?
y
L/2
aQ
We have x = a tan or dx = a sec2 d
Quick Exercise
x
x
Quick Exercise
+Q
+Q
(a)
(b)
(c)
1.
Two charged particles +5 C and +10 C are placed 20

cm apart. Find the electric field at the midpoint between
the two charges.
2.
Two charged particles A and B have charges +10 C and

+40 C are held at a separation of 90 cm from each other.
At what distance from A, electric field intensity will be
zero.
3.
Two point charges + 8q and 2q are located at x = 0 and

x = L respectively. Find the location of a point on X-axis
at which the net electric field due to these two charges is
zero.
4.
An infinite number of charges, each equal to q are placed

along X-axis at x=1, x=2, x=4, x=8, and so on.
(i) Find the field at the point x=0 due to this set up of
charges.
(ii) What will be the electric field, if in the above set up,
the consecutive charges have opposite charges.
5.
Two point charges +q and q are placed distance d apart.

What are the points at which the resultant electric field is
parallel to the line joining the two charges?
Example 5
Find the electric field at a point P on the perpendicular
bisector of a uniformly charged rod. The length of the rod is L,
the charge on it is Q and the distance of P from the centre of
the rod is a.
Solution:
Let us take an element of length
dx at a distance x from the centre
of the rod. The charge on this
element is
Q
dQ = dx.
L
The electric, field at P due to this
element is
dQ
dE =
.
2
4 0 ( AP )
Page |7
dE
P
a
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Electric Field
6.
Six charges, three positive and three negative of equal

magnitude are to be placed at the vertices of a regular
hexagon, such that the electric field, at the centre O is
double the electric field when only positive charge of
same magnitude is placed at R. Which of the following
arrangements of charges is possible for P, Q, R, S, T and
U respectively?
a)
+, , +, , , +
10. Four point charges each of charge +q are rigidly fixed at

the four corners of a square planar soap film of side a.
The surface tension of the soap film is S. The system of
charges and planar film are in equilibrium, and
1/ N
q2
a = k where k is a constant. Find the value of N.
S
11. A solid sphere of radius R has a charge Q distributed in its
volume with a charge density ( r ) = kr a , where k and a
are constants and r is the distance from its centre. If the

electric field at r = R/2 is 1/8 times greater that at r = R,
find the value of a.
b) +, , +, , +,
c)
+, +, , +, ,
d) , +, +, , +,
7.
d)
q
j
2 2 0 r 2
q
2 2 0 r 2
12. Two identical point charges are placed at a separation of l.

P is a point on the line joining the charges, at a distance x
from any one charge. The field at P is E. E is plotted
against x for values of x from close to zero to slightly less
than l. Which of the following best represents the
resulting curve?
Q
r be the charge density distribution of a
R4
solid sphere of radius R and total charge Q. Find the
magnitude of electric field at a point p inside the sphere
at a distance r1 from the centre of the sphere.
Q
a)
2
4 0 r12
E
O
c)
d)
d)
0 r 5 r

4 0 3 R
3 0 r 5 r

4 0 4 R
E
O
(c)
Qr12
3 2 0 R 4
0
Page |8
(b)
E
O
Qr12
4 2 0 R 4
Let there be a spherically symmetric charge distribution

5 r
with charge density varying as =
( r ) 0 upto r
4 R
= R, and (r)= 0 for r > R, where r is the distance from
the origin. Find the electric field at a distance r (r < R)
from the origin.
3 0 r 5 r
a)

4 0 3 R
4 0 r 5 r
b)

3 0 3 R
c)
l
(a)
Let ( r ) =
b)
9.
A thin semicircular ring of radius r has a positive charge q

distributed uniformly over it. The net field at the centre is
q
j
a)
4 2 0 r 2
y
q
b) 2 2 j
4 0 r
c)
8.
(d)
Answers:
1. 4.5 106 N/C
2. 30 cm
3. x = 2L
q
q
4. (i)
(ii)
3 0
5 0
5.
At a point on the perpendicular bisector of the two

charges and on the either side of the line joining the
two charges.
6. d
7. c
8. c
9. c
10. 3
11. 2
12. c
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Electric Field

4.
Properties of electrostatic field lines
Electric Field Lines
An electric field line is an imaginary continuous curve

drawn through a region of space so that its tangent at
any point is in the direction of the electric-field vector at
that point.
Electric lines of force exist throughout the region of an
electric field. The electric field intensity of a charge
decreases gradually with increasing distance from it and
becomes zero at infinity i.e., electric field cannot vanishes
abruptly. So a line of force cannot have sudden breaks, it
must be a continuous curve. Figure shows the basic idea.
Electric field lines show the direction of E at each point

and their spacing gives a general idea of the magnitude of
E at each point. Electric field is stronger where field

lines are closer and field is weaker where field lines are
farther.
At any particular point. the electric field has a unique
direction, so only one field line can pass through each
point of the field. In other words, field lines never
intersect.
1.
Every electric field line begins either at a positive source

charge or at infinity .
2. Every electric field line ends either at a negative source
charge or at infinity.
3. A line of force cannot have sudden breaks, it must be a
continuous curve.
4. The direction of electric field at any point is given by
tangent to the electric field line at that point.
5. Electric field lines never cross each other or themselves.
6. The regions, where field lines are closer, the electric field
is strong. Similarly, the regions where the field lines are
farther apart, the field is weak.
7. Electrostatic field lines do not form any closed loops. This
follows from the conservative nature of electric field.
8. The lines of force have a tendency to contract lengthwise.
This explains attraction between two unlike charges.
9. The lines of force have a tendency to expand laterally so
as to exert a lateral pressure on neighbouring lines of
force. This explains repulsion between two similar
charges.
10. The lines of force do not pass through a conductor
because the electric field inside a conductor is zero in
electrostatic.
Field lines due to some surface charges
Electric field lines due to some simple charge configuration
Infinite plane sheet of

positive charge
Positive charge
(Radially outward)
Negative charge
(Radially inward)
Two infinite plane
sheet of charges
System of two
identical positive
charges
System of identical
positive and negative
charges
Page |9
Infinite plane sheet of

negative charge
Infinite plane
sheet of negative charges
and point positive charge
Two infinite plane

sheet of charges
(3-D view)
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Electric Field
Field lines close to the surface of a conductor
The electric force, and thus the electrostatic field, is

always directed perpendicular to the surface of a
conducting object. This is true when we are observing
electric field very close to the surface.
If there were ever any component of force parallel to the
surface, then any excess charge residing upon the surface
of a source charge would begin to accelerate. This would
lead to the occurrence of an electric current within the
object; this is never observed in electrostatic.
Please note that, electric field inside a conductor is zero.
+ +
Quick Exercise
NCERT Questions
1.7 (a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve.

That is, a field line cannot have sudden breaks. Why not?
(b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at
any point?
1.26 Which among the curves shown in Fig.
cannot possibly represent electrostatic field
lines?
+
+ conductor
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
Example 6
Field lines due to three charges are shown in figure. State
which is the largest and which is smallest charge in
magnitude.
More questions for practice
Solution:
By convention, objects having greater amount of
charge are surrounded by more field lines.
Bodies having greater charge create stronger electric
fields.
As the density of electric field lines near charge A is least
& near charge C is greatest, therefore, A has least amount
of charge & C has largest amount of charge.
1.
A few electric field lines for a system of two charges Q1

and Q2 fixed at two different points on the x-axis are
shown in the figure. These lines suggest that
a) |Q1| > |Q 2|
b) |Q1| < |Q 2|
c) at a finite distance to
the left of Q1 the
electric field is zero
d) at a finite distance to the right of Q2 the electric field
is zero
2.
Three positive charges of equal value q are placed at the

vertices of an equilateral triangle. The resulting lines of
force should ne sketched as in :
Example 7
State whether given figure represents correct field lines in

electrostatics? Why?
Solution:
No, because electrostatic field lines cannot form closed
loops.
P a g e | 10
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Electric Field
5.
Force on a charged placed in an electric field
If the field E at a certain point is known, rearranging Eq.
F
, gives the force F = q0 E experienced by a point
E=
q0
charge q placed at that point.
Solution:
(a) Let the required minimum speed be u.
Force on electron,
F = q E = 1.6 1019 1000 = 1.6 1016 N
If q is positive, the force F = qE experienced by the
charge is in the same direction as that of E .
If q is negative, the force F = qE experienced by the
charge is in the opposite direction of E .
2 cm
Hence, from Newtons 2nd law, acceleration of electron

due to this field is
F = ma a =
F
= 1.76 10 14 m/s 2 ( downward )
m
Clearly, this acceleration is much larger than acceleration

due to gravity. Hence, we can neglect acceleration due to
gravity here.
For minimum velocity electron just reaches the upper

plate; meaning final velocity at upper plate becomes zero.
Let us consider all quantities in the upward direction to be
positive. Thus, we have
Initial velocity, u
Final velocity, v = 0
E
-q
Negative charge
F is opposite to E
+q
Positive charge
F is along E
(Force on point charge q in electric field E )
Direction of force
This force is directed downward because electron has

negative charge.
In general, force experienced by a charge q at a certain
point in an electric field E is given by
F = qE
Acceleration, a = 1.76 1014 m s .

(negative sign, because it is downward)
Distance, s = 2 cm = 0.02 m.
Motion of charged particles in a uniform electric field
When a charged particle of charge q and mass m is placed
in an electric field E , the electric force exerted on the
charge is q E .
If this is the only force exerted on the particle, it must be
the net force and so must cause the particle to accelerate.
In this case, Newtons second law applied to the particle
gives
F = ma qE = ma
The acceleration of the particle is therefore
qE
a=
m
If E is uniform (that is, constant in magnitude and

direction), then the acceleration is constant.
Example 8
An electric field of magnitude 1000 N/C is produced

between two parallel plates having a separation of 2.0 cm.
(a) With what minimum speed should an electron be
projected in the direction of field so that it may reach the
upper plate? (b) Suppose the electron is projected from
the lower plate with the speed calculated in part (a). The
direction of projection makes an angle of 600 with the
field. Find the maximum height reached by the electron.
P a g e | 11
Upward
+ ve
- ve
2
+ ve
Now, using v = u + 2as, we have

2
0 = u + 2 ( 1.76 10
u = 7.04 10
u = 2.65 10
14
) 0.02
12
m/s
6
Hence, minimum speed = 2.65 10
m/s (Ans)
(b) Here electron will move like a projectile, only difference

will be that we have to use a in place of g.
For a projectile, maximum height is given by:
H=
sin
u 2 2
2g
Replacing g with a we get maximum height as:
2
2.65
300
( 10 6 ) sin
u 2 2
sin
H =
0.015m=1.5cm
=
=
2a
2 (1.76 10 14 )
2
Hence, maximum height = 1.5 cm (Ans)
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Electric Field
Hence,
1
qQx
1
qQx
A uniform electric field E is created between two parallel,=
F
4 0 ( x 2 + R 2 )3/ 2 4 0 ( R 2 )3/ 2
charged plates as shown in figure. An electron enters the field
symmetrically between the plates with a speed v0. The length
1 qQ
x (opposite to x axis.)
F=
of each plate is l. Find the angle of deviation of the path of the
4 0 R 3
electron as it comes out of the field.
As this force is opposite to x axis as well as directly
proportional to x, we can write
l
1 qQ
F =
x
3
4 0 R
Example 9
F=
kx
E
v0
where k =
Time period
Solution:
eE
in the upward
m
direction. The horizontal velocity remains v0 as there is no
acceleration in this direction. Thus, the time taken in crossing
the field is
l
...(i)
t=
v0
The acceleration of the electron is a =
The upward component of the velocity of the electron as it

emerges from the field region is
eEl
at=
=
y
mv0
The horizontal component of the velocity remains
vx = v0.
The angle made by the resultant velocity with the original
direction is given by
v y eEl
tan=
=
vx mv02
Thus, the electron deviates by an angle
eEl
= tan 1 2
mv0
Example 10
Positive charge Q is distributed uniformly over the ring of
radius R. A particle having a mass m and negative charge q, is
placed on its axis at a distance x from its centre. Find the force
on the particle. Assume x << R, find the time period of
oscillation of the particle as it is released from there.
Solution:
From example 3, electric field due to a ring on its axis at a
distance x from its centre is given by expression
1
Qx
(along x axis)
E=
4 0 ( x 2 + R 2 )3/ 2
Therefore , force on negative charge q is given by

1
qQx
(opposite to x axis. Why?)
F qE
=
=
2
4 0 ( x + R 2 )3/ 2
For the case, when x << R, we have
( x2 + R2 ) R2
P a g e | 12
qQ
4 0 R 3
1
m
T 2=
=
k
16 3 0 mR 3
qQ
Quick Exercise
NCERT Questions
1.14. Figure shows tracks of three charged particles in a
uniform electrostatic field. Give the signs of the three
charges. Which particle has the highest charge to mass
ratio?
1.25. An oil drop of 12 excess electrons is held stationary

under a constant electric field of 2.55 104 NC1 in
Millikans oil drop experiment. The density of the oil is
1.26 g cm3. Estimate the radius of the drop. (g = 9.81 m
s2; e = 1.60 1019 C).
1.34. Suppose that the particle in Example 9 is an electron
projected with velocity v0 = 2.0 106 m/s . If E between
the plates separated by 0.5 cm is 9.1 102 N/C, where will
the electron strike the upper plate?
Question for practice
Q. A tiny spherical oil drop carrying a net charge q is balanced
in still air with a vertical uniform electric field of strength
81
105 V/m . When the field is switched off, the drop is
7
observed to fall with terminal velocity 2 10 3 m/s . Given
viscosity of the air = 1.8 105 Ns/m 2 , and the density of oil =
900 kg/m3 . Find the magnitude of q.
Ans: 8 1019 C
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Electric Field

Dipole
Definition: A rigid combination of two charges with

equal magnitude and opposite sign separated by a
small distance is called an electric dipole.
Such
combinations
occur frequently in
nature. Examples are
H2O, HCl, C2H5OH,
CH3COOH, etc.
Dipole Moment ( p ) :
p = q d = q2a
(magnitude of electric dipole moment)
Direction of
their directions are opposite, and they add to zero. The net
force on an electric dipole in a uniform external electric
field is zero.
However, the two forces don't act along the same line, so
their torques do not add to zero.
+q
To start with, let's place an electric dipole in a uniform
external electric field E , as shown in Fig. The forces F+
and F on the two charges both have magnitude qE, but
F = qE
The torque is greatest when p and E are perpendicular

and is zero when they are parallel or anti-parallel.
The torque always tends to turn p to line it up with E .
The position = 0, with p parallel to E , is a position of
stable equilibrium, and the position = , with p and
E anti- parallel, is a position of unstable equilibrium.
-q
The torque of F+ and the torque of F both have the

same magnitude of ( qE ) a sin , and both torques tend to
rotate the dipole clockwise (that is, is directed into the
page).
P a g e | 13
In a finite angular displacement from 1 to 2 the total

work done on the dipole is
2
1
As we know that electric field is a conservative field,

hence, the work is the negative of the change of potential
energy.
W = (U1 U2 )
We calculate torques with respect to the center of the

dipole. Let the angel between the electric field E and the
dipole axis be ; then the lever arm for both F+ and F is
When a dipole changes direction in an electric field, the

electric-field torque does work on it with a corresponding
change in potential energy. The work dW done by a
torque during an infinitesimal angular displacement d
is given by equation dW = d.
Because the torque is in the direction of decreasing (as
is anti-clockwise, whereas is clockwise), we have
dW = d = pE sin d
W=
pE cos 2 pE cos 1
pE sin d =
2a
F+ = qE
a sin .
(torque on dipole in a uniform field)
(dipole moment)
d and hence, p is from negative to
Force and Torque on a Dipole in a

Uniform Electric Field
We can write this torque in terms of vector product
Potential Energy of a dipole in a

Uniform Electric Field
positive charge.
therefore torque becomes

= (qE)( 2a sin ) = (q2a)(E sin ) = pE sin
Dipole moment is a vector quantity, which can be

expressed in vector form as:
p = qd
Hence the magnitude of the net torque is twice the

magnitude of either individual torque:
= (qE)(2a sin )
Now, since dipole moment p has a magnitude q2a,

= p E
+q
The dipole moment of an electric dipole is a vector whose

magnitude is the product of the either charge q and the
separation d (= 2a) and the direction along the dipole axis
from the negative to the positive charge.
Thus, we see that a suitable definition of potential energy

U for this system is
U () = pEcos

U = p.E
(Potential energy on dipole in a uniform field)
The potential energy has its minimum value U = pE

(i.e., its most negative value) at the stable equilibrium
position, where = 0 and P is parallel to E .
The potential energy is maximum when = and P is
anti-parallel to E; then U = +pE.
At = , where P is perpendicular to E , U is zero.

2
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Electric Field
The electric field due to dipole at a point on

Equatorial Plane
The field of an electric dipole at a point on its axis
The electric field of the pair of charges (q and +q) at any

point in space can be found out from the superposition
principle.
Let the point P be at distance r from the centre of the
dipole on the side of the charge +q, as shown in Fig.
2a
E+
P
+q
The equatorial plane of the dipole is a plane perpendicular to

the dipole axis through its centre.
E+
E+ sin
P
-q
q
4 0 ( r a )
Therefore, net electric along the direction of dipole axis is

given by
Since net electric field is taken along dipole axis, we can

write net electric field at point P in vector form as,
1
2r
E=
p
2
4 0 ( r 2 a 2 )
Electric field due to a dipole on its axis at a very large

distance from its centre
In this case, we can write r > > a

r 2 a2 r 2
E sin
r
2a
E+ cos
E cos
-q
The magnitudes of the electric fields due to the two charges +q

As point P is at a distance (r + a ) from charge q,
and q are given by
therefore, magnitude of electric field E due to q at P is

q
q
1
1
E+ q =
and E q
=
2
2
2
q
4
4
r
a
r
a2
+
+
E =
0
0
( rightward )
2
4 0 ( r + a )
Clearly E + q and E q have equal magnitudes. The directions
Now we know that dipole moment is a vector quantity

of
E
+ q and E q are as shown in figure. Clearly, the normal
whose magnitude is p = q(2a) and direction is from
components E+ q sin and E q sin cancel away. The
negative to positive charge.
(rearranging and using p =2qa )
+q
( leftward )
q 1
1
E = E+ E =
2
4 0 ( r a ) ( r + a )2
q
4ar
1 2r ( q 2a )
1
2rp
E=
=
=
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
4 0 ( r a ) 4 0 ( r a )
4 0 ( r a 2 )2
r 2 + a2
As point P is at a distance (r a ) from charge +q,
therefore, magnitude of electric field E + due to +q at P is

E+ =
Hence, net electric field
2
E
p
4 0 r 3
Clearly,
1
E 3
r
P a g e | 14
( r >> a )
components E+ q cos and E q cos along the dipole axis add
up. Therefore, net electric field at P is in rightward direction

and is given by
E=
E+ q cos + E q cos =
( E+ q + E q ) cos
Also using little Trigonometry, we have

a
cos =
2
r + a2
Therefore, net electric field at P is in rightward direction and
is given by
p
2qa
E=
=
(rightward)
3/
2
3/ 2
4 0 ( r 2 + a 2 )
4 0 ( r 2 + a 2 )
( p = 2qa )
Since, net electric is along rightward direction and direction of
dipole moment is leftward, we can write in vector form as
p
E=
3/ 2
4 0 ( r 2 + a 2 )
At large distances (r >> a), this reduces to
p
E=
4 0 r 3
Clearly,
1
E 3
r
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Electric Field
Example 11
Quick Exercise
Figure shows an electric dipole in a uniform electric field
NCERT Questions
with magnitude 5 10 N/C directed parallel to the plane

19
of the figure. The charges are 1.6 10
C; both lie in
9
the plane and are separated by 0.125 nm = 0.125 10

m. Find (a) the net force exerted by the field on the
dipole; (b) the magnitude and direction of the electric
dipole moment; (c) the magnitude and direction of the
torque; (d) the potential energy of the system in the
position shown.
-q
1.10 An electric dipole with dipole moment 4 109 C m is

aligned at 30 with the direction of a uniform electric field of
magnitude 5104 NC1. Calculate the magnitude of the torque
acting on the dipole.
1.27 In a certain region of space, electric field is along the
z-direction throughout. The magnitude of electric field is,
however, not constant but increases uniformly along the
positive z-direction, at the rate of 10 5 NC1 per metre. What are
the force and torque experienced by a system having a total
dipole moment equal to 107 Cm in the negative z-direction?
350
1450
+q
Question for practice

1.
A and B are two points on the axis and the perpendicular

bisector respectively of an electric dipole. A and B are far
away from the dipole and at equal distances from it. The
fields at A and B are E A and E B .
(a) E A = E B
19
p = qd = (1.6 10
P = 2.0 10
m)
(d)
2.
29
Cm
The direction of p is from the negative to the positive

charge, 145 clockwise from the electric-field direction
(Fig.)
(c) The magnitude of the torque is
= pE sin = (2.0 10
29
) (sin 145)
24
= 5.7 10
Nm
From the right-hand rule for vector products, the direction

of the torque = p E is out of the page. This
3.
corresponds to a counterclockwise torque that tends to
align P with E.
(d) The potential energy is
U = pE cos
29
= (2.0 10
) (510
29
) ( cos145) = 8.2 10
EB =
1
EB , and E B is perpendicular to E A
2
An electric dipole is placed at the origin and is directed

along the x-axis. At a point P, far away from the dipole,
the electric field is parallel to the y-axis. OP makes an
angle with the x-axis.
(a)
) (510
(c) E A = 2 E B
C) (0.125 10
(b) E A = 2 E B
Solution:
(a) Since the field is uniform, the forces on the two charges
are equal and opposite. and the total force is zero.
(b) The magnitude p of the electric dipole moment P is
tan = 3
(b) tan =
(c) = 45o
(d) tan =
1
2
p is placed in a uniform
electric field E , with p parallel to E. It is then rotated

An electric dipole of moment
by an angle . The work done is

(a) pEsin
(b) pEcos
(c) pE(1 cos )
(d) pE(1 sin )
Answers:
1. c
2. c
3. c
P a g e | 15
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Electric Field
ADMISSION NOTICE 2014-15
Final Exercise
Physics & Mathematics

By Pranjal Sir
(B. Tech., I.I.T. Kharagpur)
NCERT:
Solve all problems on Electric field and dipole.
H C Verma:
Page No: 122-123
Qs No: 34 to 52.
Qs No: 70 to 75
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Electric Field

Author: Pranjal K. Bharti (B. Tech., IIT Kharagpur)

Notes for Std. XIIth

Concept: JB 20, Near Jitendra Cinema, Bokaro

Author: Pranjal K. Bharti (B. Tech., IIT Kharagpur)

Please revise these topics before studying Electric Field

Concept: JB 20, Near Jitendra Cinema, Bokaro

We know that electrostatic force (which is an action at a

Before going to write definition of electric field intensity

Electric field intensity

In the next step, we find Coulombs electrostatic force F

the figure direction of F is shown assuming source

Electric field E because of source charge Q at point P is

nothing but the electrostatic force F per unit small

Clearly, the direction of E is along F .

Definition: The electric field intensity or simply electric

field E due to a source charge Q at a point is defined as

the electrostatic force F per unit small positive test

In the LHS of the expression, E is the electric field due

appears. Be careful of this.

F is the electrostatic force acting on test charge q

The direction of E is along F .

Author: Pranjal K. Bharti (B. Tech., IIT Kharagpur)

Why Test charge is small?

You must be wondering why test charge is small. There

Reason 1 (For boards)

If the magnitude of test charge is not very small, the

We must assume that the test charge q is small enough

that it does not disturb the charge distribution responsible

uniformly charged metallic sphere, as shown in figure (a),

Suppose we are interested to find out electric field due to

We have taken q out of modulus because q is positive in

the charge on the metallic sphere is redistributed and the

Hence, test charge must be very small compared to source

(Electric field due to a point charge q)

Direction of electric field

Electric field due to a point charge

distance r from the source point, the magnitude F of the

Electric field intensity is a vector quantity. The direction

Physical significance of Electric field (NCERT)

Suppose we consider the force between two distant charges q1,

Concept: JB 20, Near Jitendra Cinema, Bokaro

Author: Pranjal K. Bharti (B. Tech., IIT Kharagpur)

What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field at

b) If this charge is negative electric field magnitude will

Field at point O due to charge q = 2 C :

The electrostatic field at a point due to a number of

is positive in nature therefore,

electrostatic field E at point O will be away from q , i.e.

Field at point O due to charge q = -5 C :

is negative in nature therefore,

electrostatic field E at point O will face towards q , i.e.

Now, electrostatic field at point O due to q when placed

in air is given by:

Note: E is a vector whose direction is along the line

joining q & point P and pointing towards or away from

q = 5 C are located at the corners of a square ABCD

of side 10 cm. What is the net electric field at the centre

Concept: JB 20, Near Jitendra Cinema, Bokaro

Field at point O due to charge q = -5 C :

Net electric field component along AC = E E = 0

Net electric field component along BD = E E = 0