Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Solutions

Chapter 2
Electrostatic Potential
and Capacitance
Solutions
SECTION - A
Objective Type Questions (Only one answer)
1. If the given figure shows equipotential surfaces, then the magnitude of electric field is
80 V
60 V
40 V
20 V
30°
10 cm
(1) 50 N/C (2) 100 N/C (3) 200 N/C (4) 400 N/C
Sol. Answer (4)
E = V /r , V  20 V, r  (10 cm)  sin30  5 cm  0.05 m
2. If the potential function is define as
V = (–3x + 4y + 12z) V,
then magnitude of electric field E(x, y, z) is
(1) 16 V/m (2) 12 V/m (3) 14 V/m (4) 13 V/m
Sol. Answer (4)
– V – V – V
Ex =  3; E y   –4; Ez   –12  E = 13 V/m
x y z
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36 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Solution of Assignment (Set-2)
3. In which of the following case, potential at point O is not zero?
+q +Q +Q –6Q
+ + + – –– +2Q
++ –
+Q
O
––
++
a a a O
A B 2R
(1)   (2) O (3) (4) R
3R
R R
+2q –3q
a +2Q –2Q
O a
(AB is circular arc)
Sol. Answer (3)
kQ kQ 2kQ –2kQ
In case 3, V    0
a a a a
2 2 2 2

4. In any region, if electric field is define as E  (iˆ  2 ˆj  kˆ ) V/m , then the potential difference between two points
A(0, 0, 0) and B(2, 3, 4) in that region, is
(1) 6 V (2) 12 V (3) 8 V (4) 9 V
Sol. Answer (2)


V = – E  r ⇒ VB – VA  E  rA – rB 
5. Find the electrostatic potential energy of the system shown in the figure.
–q
60° 60°
+q +q
a
Kq 2 3Kq 2 Kq 2 2Kq 2
(1) (2) (3)  (4) 
a a a a
Sol. Answer (3)
kq  (– q ) k (q )(– q ) k (q )(q )
U=  
a a a
6. A charge of 5 nC is uniformly distributed on a ring of radius 4 cm. Find the potential at the axis at a distance of 3
cm from the centre.
(1) 0.09 V (2) 600 V (3) 900 V (4) 300 V
Sol. Answer (3)
Kq
V=
r  x2
2
Solution of Assignment (Set-2) Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance 37
7. Two charges q and –q are placed at (a, 0) and (–a, 0) on the x-axis. Another charge 2q is taken from (0, 0) to
(0, a), then the work done to do so
q q
(1) (2) Zero (3) Infinite (4)
2 0 a 4 0 a
Sol. Answer (2)
W = q(Vf – Vi) = 0
8. The graph between the surface charge density and radius of curvature for an isolated conductor at constant
potential is
(1) Straight line with positive slope (2) Parabola
(3) Rectangular hyperbola (4) Straight line negative slope
Sol. Answer (3)
1
 (Rectangular hyperbola)
r
9. Which of the following statements is not true regarding a conductor?

(1) The surface of any charged conductor is an equipotential surface
(2) When a conductor is earthed, charge always flows from conductor to earth
(3) Electrostatic field inside the conductor is zero
(4) Electrostatic potential through out the volume of conductor is constant
Sol. Answer (2)
Charge may flow in either direction.
10. A air filled parallel plate capacitor having circular plates of diameter D is given a charge Q. The magnitude of the
force acting between plates is
Q2 Q2 Q2 2Q 2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 0 2D 2  0 D 2  0  0 D 2
Sol. Answer (4)
F = Q2/2A0, A = D2/4
11. From the following graph, find the value of | E | at r = 3.5 m

v (volts)
10
r (m)
O 2 4 6
100
(1) 3.5 V/m (2)  (3) V/m (4) Zero
35
Sol. Answer (4)
E = –dV/dr. |E| = slope = 0
12. Air filled capacitor is charged by a battery and after charging battery is removed. A slab of dielectric material is
inserted in it to fill the space completely. The electric field in the capacitor is
(1) Increased (2) Decreased

(3) Remains constant (4) First increased then decreased
Sol. Answer (2)
Q 1
E = V/d = =E 
Cd C
13. If the area of each plate is A and the separation between them is d, then find the equivalent capacitance between
P and Q
A
A d
P A d Q
A d
0 A 2 0 A 0 A 3 0 A
(1) (2) (3) (4)
3d d d d
Sol. Answer (4)
12
1
 2
P(1, 4, 5) Q(2, 3, 6) P 3
43 4
5 Q
6
56
3 0 A
Ceq =3C =
d
14. Air filled capacitor of capacitance 2 F is filled with three dielectric material of dielectric constants K1 = 4,
K2 = 4 and K3 = 6 as shown in the figure. The new capacitance of the capacitor is
d
K1 2
K3
d
K2
2
(1) 50 F (2) 2 F (3) 20 F (4) 10 F
Sol. Answer (4)
K1
K1
K3 ⇒ K3
K2
K2
A
k3  0 0 A
2  A
Ceq = , where 0  2 F
d /2 d d d

2k1 2k2
15. Find the equivalent capacitance between point A and B.

4 F 4 F
A 
4 F
4 F 4 F
B 
(1) (1  5 ) F (2) 2(1  2 5 ) F (3) 2  20 F (4) 1 2 F

Sol. Answer (3)
Let x be the equivalent capacitance A
between A and B? 4F
4F
4x x
 4 x
4 x

Or x = 2  20 F  B
16. An air filled parallel plate capacitor of capacitance 50 F is connected to a battery of 100 V. A slab of dielectric
constant 4 is inserted in it to fill the space completely. Find the extra charge flown through the battery till it attains
the steady state.
(1) 2.5 mC (2) 5 mC (3) 20 mC (4) 15 mC
Sol. Answer (4)
Q = CV, Q = CV  Q = CV – CV = (200 – 50) × 100 = 15000 mC = 15 mC
17. Find the capacitance between A and B.

2 F 5 F
A B
4 F
5 F 2 F
7 12
(1) F (2) 4 F (3) F (4) 3.2 F
12 7
Sol. Answer (4)

2F
Q1+ – Q4 5F
By Nodal analysis x + –
Q1 = 2(V – x); Q2 = 5(V – y)
Q3+
Q3 = (x – y) × 4; Q4 = (x – 0)5; Q5 = (y – 0) × 2 A 4F B
V – (0V)
Now, Q1 = Q3 + Q4; Q2 + Q3 = Q5
Solve for Q1 and Q2.
+ – y + –
Q1  Q2 5F Q2 2F Q5
Now, Ceq =
V
18. Find the potential of point P

30 V
C
P
C C
10 V 20 V
(1) 15 V (2) 60 V (3) 10 V (4) 20 V
Sol. Answer (4)
C  30  C  20  C  10
V=  20 V
C C C
19. In moving a unit positively charged body from point A to point B, external work done is 40 J and body acquires
a kinetic energy of 20 J. The potential difference, VB – VA, is
(1) 20 V (2) –20 V (3) 40 V (4) –40 V
Sol. Answer (1)
U = W – K = 40 – 20 = 20 J
U 20
V    20 V
q 1
20. There are two concentric hollow conducting spherical shells of radii r and R (R > r). The charge on the outer
shell is Q. What charge should be given to the inner shell, so that the potential at a point P, at a distance
2R from the common centre, is zero?
Qr QR 2QR

(1) (2) (3) (4) –Q
R r r
Sol. Answer (4) +Q
Since P is outside, both spheres behave like point charges located at O. q
(Common centre) O r
For zero potential at P, 2R
R
P
K Q  q 
V 0
2R
 q=–Q
21. There are two concentric conducting shells. The potential of outer shell is 10 V and that of inner shell is 15
V. If the outer shell is grounded, the potential of inner shell becomes/remains
(1) 25 V (2) 15 V (3) 10 V (4) 5 V
Sol. Answer (4)
Potential difference is only due to charge on inner shell. So potential difference between the two shells
remains unchanged.
 V – 0 = 15 – 10
 V = 5 volt
22. An arrangement of three large metallic parallel plates with respective charges marked in figure is shown. What
is the charge appearing on the left face of plate B?
Q1 Zero Q2
A B C
Q2  Q1
(1) Zero (2) (3) – Q1 (4) +Q2
2
Sol. Answer (2)
As electric field intensity inside any metal plate is zero.
Q1 Q2
Q1  Q2
q1 
2
q3
Q1 – Q2 q1 A q2 B C
q2  Q1 – q1 
2
Q2 – Q1
q3  – q 2 
2
23. In the circuit shown, the charges on the capacitors A and B are respectively
A B
2C
C C
V
CV CV CV CV
(1) CV, CV (2) , (3) CV , (4) , CV
2 2 2 2
Sol. Answer (4)
Applying Kirchhoff’s loop law,
2q q
V   B –2q
2C C +q +q
C A 2C +2q C
CV –q –q
 q V
2
 2q = CV
24. A uniform electric field of 200 V/m is directed at 45° with x-axis as shown in figure. The co-ordinates of point P
and point Q are (1, 0) and (0, 2). Find the potential difference, VP – VQ (in volts).
y (m)
Q
45°
P x (m)
200 200
(1) (2) 200 2 (3) (4) – 200 2
2 2
Sol. Answer (1)
200
E
2

iˆ  jˆ 

rPQ  rP – rQ  iˆ – 2 jˆ
200
VP – VQ  – E.rPQ  volt
2
25. A parallel plate capacitor, with plate area A and plate separation d, is filled with a dielectric slab as shown.
What is the capacitance of the arrangement?
K d
d
2
A/2
K (K  3 )  0 A 3 K 0 A 4 K 0 A ⎛ K  1⎞ 0 A
(1) (2) (3) (4) ⎜ ⎟
2(K  1) d 4 d 3 d ⎝ 2 ⎠ d
Sol. Answer (1)

The system can be visualized as shown in diagram
A
0K
 C  2   0 KA
1
d 2d
C2 C1
A
0
C2  2   0 AK
d d d  K  1

2 2K
 0 KA ⎡1 1 ⎤  0 AK  K  3
C  C1  C2  ⎢ 2  K  1⎥  d 2  K  1
d ⎣ ⎦
26. In the arrangement shown, the battery is disconnected and a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K is inserted
between the plates of capacitor with capacitance C, so as to completely fill the space. What is the final
potential difference across capacitor with capacitance 2C?
V C 2C
3V V
(1) Zero (2) V (3) (4)
2K K 2
Sol. Answer (3)
Q1 + Q2 = CV + 2CV = 3CV
Q1  Q2 3CV 3V
V   
2C  kC C  2  k  2  K
27. A capacitor is charged until it stores an energy of 1 J. A second uncharged capacitor is connected to it, so
that charge distributes equally. The final energy stored in the second capacitor is
(1) 1 J (2) 0.5 J (3) 0.25 J (4) 0.125 J
Sol. Answer (3)
1 C2 1
U  . .V 2  CV 2
2 C C 2
1
∵ CV 2  1.0 J
2
 U  0.5 J
Remaining 0.5 J distributes equally between two capacitors. That is, each capacitor has energy = 0.25 J
28. The ratio of energy stored by the series combination of two identical capacitors to their parallel combination,
when connected to same supply voltage, is
1 1
(1) 1 (2) (3) 4 (4)
2 4
Sol. Answer (4)
Series :
C
Ceq 
2
1 C 2
E . .V
2 2
Parallel :
Ceq . = 2C
1 E 1
E  .2C.V 2  
2 E 4
29. A long, hollow conducting cylinder is kept coaxially inside another long, hollow conducting cylinder of larger
radius. Both the cylinders are initially electrically neutral. [IIT-JEE 2007]
(1) A potential difference appears between the two cylinders when a charge density is given to the inner cylinder
(2) A potential difference appears between the two cylinders when a charge density is given to the outer
cylinder
(3) No potential difference appears between the two cylinders when a uniform line charge is kept along the
axis of the cylinders
(4) No potential difference appears between the two cylinders when same charge density is given to both the
cylinders
Sol. Answer (1)
The potential difference between long, hollow concentric cylinders is independent of charge on outer cylinder.
30. Consider a neutral conducting sphere. A positive point charge is placed outside the sphere. The net charge
on the sphere is then, [IIT-JEE 2007]
(1) Negative and distributed uniformly over the surface of the sphere
(2) Negative and appears only at the point on the sphere closest to the point charge
(3) Negative and distributed non-uniformly over the entire surface of the sphere
(4) Zero
Sol. Answer (4)
The sphere is initially neutral. So its net charge on induction will be zero.
⎛ a⎞ ⎛ a⎞
31. Positive and negative point charges of equal magnitude are kept at ⎜ 0, 0, ⎟ and ⎜ 0, 0, ⎟ , respectively. The
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠
work done by the electric field when another positive point charge is moved from (– a, 0, 0) to (0, a, 0) is
(1) Positive [IIT-JEE 2007]
(2) Negative
(3) Zero
(4) Depends on the path connecting the initial and final positions
Sol. Answer (3)
Points A and B lies on equipotential surface.
q q 2q
32. Consider a system of three charges , and  placed at points A, B and C, respectively, as shown
3 3 3
in the figure. Take O to be the centre of the circle of radius R and angle CAB = 60°. [IIT-JEE 2008]
q
(1) The electric field at point O is
2
directed along the negative x-axis y
80R
(2) The potential energy of the system is zero B
2
q C x
(3) The magnitude of the force between the charges at C and B is O
2
540 R 60°
A
q
(4) The potential at point O is
12 0 R
Sol. Answer (3)
Force between C and B is
1 ⎛ 2q ⎞ ⎛ q ⎞ 1 q2
⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠  
4 0 3 3 (R 3 )2 54 0 R
2
33. Three concentric metallic spherical shells of radii R, 2R, 3R, are given charges Q1,Q2,Q3, respectively.; It is
found that the surface charge densities on the outer surfaces of the shells are equal. Then, the ratio of the
charges given to the shells, Q1 : Q2 : Q3, is [IIT-JEE 2009]
(1) 1 : 2 : 3 (2) 1 : 3 : 5 (3) 1 : 4 : 9 (4) 1 : 8 : 18
Sol. Answer (2)

+ 9Q1
3R – 4Q 1
Charge distribution will be as shown.
–Q1 + 4Q1
+Q1
Q2 = 4Q1 – Q = 3Q1 2R
R
Q3 = 9Q1 – 4Q1 = 5Q1
Q1 : Q2 : Q3 = 1 : 3 : 5
34. A 2 F capacitor is charged as shown in the figure. The percentage of its stored energy dissipated after the
switch S is turned to position 2 is [IIT-JEE 2011]
1 2
S
V 2 F 8 F
(1) 0% (2) 20% (3) 75% (4) 80%

Sol. Answer (4)
1
U1  C1V 2
2
q = C1V
q C1V V
V   
C1  C2 C1  C2 5
1 1
Uf  (C1  C2 )V  2  C1V 2
2 10
U
 100  80%
Ui
35. Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R with its centre at the origin, carrying uniform positive surface charge

density. The variation of the magnitude of the electric field | E (r ) | and the electric potential V(r) with the
distance r from the centre, is best represented by whcih graph? [IIT-JEE 2012]
|E(r)| V(r) |E(r)| V(r)
(1) (2)
0 r 0 r
R R
|E(r)| V(r) |E(r)| V(r)
(3) (4)
0 r 0 r
R R
Sol. Answer (4)
1
Inside, E(r) = 0, outside E (r ) 
r2
1
Inside V(r) = constant, outside V (r ) 
r
36. In the given circuit, a charge of +80 C is given to the upper plate of the 4 F capacitor. Then in the steady
state, the charge on the upper plate of the 3 F capacitor is [IIT-JEE 2012]
+80 C
4 F
2 F 3 F
(1) +32 C (2) +40 C (3) +48 C (4) +80 C
Sol. Answer (3)
For the 2 F and 3 F capacitor, equivalent capacitance is 5 mF
Q
 V   16 V
C
Now, q = CV = 48 mC
SECTION - B
Objective Type Questions (More than one answer)
1. A thread, bent in the form of a semi circle of radius R, is placed in y-z plane, with its centre at the origin.
The charge per unit length of the thread is . Select the correct alternatives.
z-axis
y-axis
P(R, 0, 0)
x-axis
 ˆ 
(1) Electric field at O is 2 R k (2) Electric potential at O is 4
0 0
(3) Electric field at P lies completely in x-z plane (4) Electric field at P is along – z-axis only
Sol. Answer (1, 2, 3)
Z
Let us consider an element of angular width d as shown in the figure.
+
d = Rd
+
Electric field at O due to this element, +
d
R
KdQ +
dE   
R2 y
o
Due to symmetry about z–axis, the net field will be along negative z–axis only
K R sin .d 
 dE = dE sin =
R2
K R  K 2K    
.  cos  0  . kˆ

2 ∫0
E= sin .d   =  E  
R R R 2  0 R 20 R
Potential at O due to the element is,
KdQ K Rd 
dV    K d 
R R
 1 
V  K ∫0 d   40 ..  40
Due to symmetry, components of electric field along y–axis due to various elements at P will be mutually
cancelled out. So, only components along x–axis and z–axis will remain. Hence, the electric field at P will
lie completely in x–z plane.
2. Figure shows a set of equipotential surfaces. There are a few points marked on them. An electron is being
moved from one point to other. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
10V 20V 30V 40V 50V
A C
B
E
D
x-axis
(1) Work done by the electric field, in moving the electron from A to D, is positive
(2) Work done by the electric field, in moving the electron from D to B is same as from B to C
(3) The electric field is directed along + x-axis
(4) As the electron moves from C to E, the potential energy increases
10 V 20 V 30 V 40 V 50 V
A C
B
E
D
x – axis
Electric field is directed from higher potential to lower potential i.e., along negative x–direction.
 
W  e E . S
 
For displacement A to D, angle between E and S is obtuse. Hence W is positive.
   
Let S DB and S BC represent the displacements from D to B and B to C respectively. S DB and S BC have same

components along E (uniform). Hence work done is same for both displacements.
If electrons moves from C to E work is done against electrostatic force. Hence the potential energy increases.
3. A point charge q, is placed at a distance r from the centre of an aluminium sphere, of radius
R (r > R). Select the correct alternatives
O
q r R S
q
(1) When the switch is open, the potential at O is 4  r
0
(2) When the switch is closed, the potential at O is zero

(3) A charge –q is induced on left half of the sphere, when switch is kept open
qR
(4) When switch is closed, sphere acquires a net charge
r
+
+
+
q O S
+
+
+
When the switch S is open, the induced charge on sphere is as shown in the figure. Negative charge does
not appear on entire left-half of the sphere.
Potential at O due to induced charges is zero. Hence net potential at O is due to q which is given by.
1 Q
V  0
4 0 R
When the switch is closed, the sphere comes to the potential of earth which is zero. Let Q charge appears
on it in that case. Then,
1 q 1 Q qR
.  .  0  Q  
4 0 r 4 0 R r
4. A non-conducting sphere has a total charge Q, uniformly distributed throughout its volume. The centre of the
sphere is at origin and its radius is R. Let U1 be the electrostatic potential energy in the region inside the
sphere and U2 be the electrostatic potential energy in another imaginary spherical shell, having inner radius
R and outer radius infinity, centred at origin. Select the correct alternative(s).
Q2 Q2 3 Q 2 (4) U  3Q
2
(1) U1  (2) U 2  (3) U1  U 2   1
80 R 80 R 5 40R 200R
Sol. Answer (2, 3)
Energy density in electric field,
1
U 0E 2
2
If r < R,
1 Qr
E
4 0 R 3
r dr
Energy in the element shown in figure,
2 R
1 ⎛ 1 Qr ⎞ 1 Q2
dU1   0 . ⎜ . 3 ⎟ .(4r 2dr ) = . 6 .r 4 .dr
2 ⎝ 4 0 R ⎠ 80 R
1 Q2 R Q2
 U1  . ∫ r 4 .dr =
8 0 R 6 r 0 40 0 R
1 Q
If r  R, E  .
4 0 r 2
2
1 ⎛ 1 Q⎞
Energy in the element, dU2   0 . ⎜ . 2 ⎟ 4r 2 .dr
2 ⎝ 4 0 r ⎠
Q2  1 Q2 ⎡ 1 1 ⎤ Q2
 U2 
8 0 ∫ R r2
.dr   
8 0 ⎢⎣ R  ⎥⎦ 8 0 R
Q2 ⎛ 1⎞ 3 Q2
 U1 + U2 = ⎜⎝ 1  ⎟⎠  
8 0 R 5 5 4 0 R
5. Consider the electrical circuit shown. A potential difference V exists between A and B. The charges on various
capacitors are shown. Select the correct relationship(s).
3C q
3
3C
q1 3C q2
A q4 B
3C 2C 3C
q4
(1) q1 = q2 (2) q3 = q4 (3) q1 = q3 + q4 (4) q3 
2
3C
Capacitors with charges q1 and q2 are in series. +–
 q1 = q2 q3
3C 3C
Capacitors with charge q1 are in series with a parallel
q1 q4 q2
combination of capacitors of charges q3 and q4 A A
 q1 = q3 + q4 +– +– +–
3C 2C 3C
q3 q q
and  4  q3  q3  4
3C / 3 2C 2
6. When a dielectric slab is inserted between the plates of one of the two identical capacitors in figure, which
of the following properties increase?
First
C
Cell
K C
Second
(1) Charge on the first capacitor (2) Charge on the second capacitor
(3) Potential difference across the first capacitor (4) Potential difference across the second capacitor
C
Before dielectric is inserted : Cnet =
2 First C +Cell
–
C K
Charge on each capacitor is V C
2 Second
KC
After dielectric is inserted Cnet 
1 K
C
We know Cnet  if K > 1, which is true.
2
 Net capacitance increases and hence charge. Since capacitors are in series, therefore charge of both
capacitors increases.
V
Potential difference across first capacitor, initially =
2
Q KV
Potential difference across first capacitor, finally = 
C 1 K
KV V
∵ K > 1 therefore 
1 K 2
7. Figure shows three concentric conducting spherical shells of radii a, b and c (c > b > a). The innermost and
outermost shell are given charges Q1 and Q2 respectively, and the middle shell has been earthed. Select the
correct alternative(s).
Q2
c Q1
O
b a
(1) The total charge on middle shell is zero

(2) If |Q1| > |Q2|, total charge on middle shell has opposite sign as that of Q1
⎡ b⎤
(3) The charge on the outer surface of outermost shell is Q2 ⎢1  ⎥
⎣ c⎦
⎛ b⎞
⎜1  ⎟Q2
(4) The potential at a point outside the outermost shell is ⎝ c ⎠ , where r is distance from O
40 r
Sol. Answer (2, 3, 4) Q6
Q5
Q4
Charge on different surfaces have been shown in the figure Q3
Q1
From Gauss law,
Q1 + Q3 = 0
and Q1 + Q3 + Q4 + Q5 = 0
 Q3 = – Q1 … (i)
Q5 = – Q4 … (ii)
Conservation of charge on outer-most shell  Q5 + Q6 = Q2 … (iii)
KQ1 K (Q3  Q4 ) K (Q5  Q6 )

Potential of middle shell is zero    = 0 … (iv)
b b c
KQ1 KQ1 ( KQ5 ) KQ2

Solving we get,    =0
b b b c
⎛ b⎞ ⎛ b⎞
 Q5  Q2 ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠  Q6 = Q2 – Q5 = Q2 ⎜⎝ 1  ⎟⎠
c c
Potential at a point outside the outer-most shell is,
⎛ b⎞
1 Q ⎜⎝ 1  ⎟⎠ Q2
V  c
4 0 r [Q1 + Q3 + Q4 + Q5 + Q6]  4 r  4 r
6
0 0
8. The circuit shows two capacitors, C1 and C2, charged so as to have respectively charges q1 and q2. The
switch is closed. Which of the following choices are incorrect?
C1, q1
S
C2, q2
(1) Total electrostatic potential energy of the system is always same before and after closing the switch
(2) Total electrostatic potential energy of the system always decreases after closing the switch
(3) The redistribution of charges take splace due to potential difference between them
(4) There may not be a flow of charge on closing the switch
Sol. Answer (1, 2)
When switch S is closed, redistribution of charge will take place if the potential differences of two capacitors
are unequal. In this process, there is always some loss of potential energy of system as heat.
+ – C1, q1
+ –
C2, q2 S
But if the potential difference across two capacitors is same, then no redistribution of charge takes place.
In this case, there is no loss of potential energy as heat.
9. A spherical shell is uniformly charged by a charge q. A point charge q0 is at its centre, then
R1 q0
R2
⎛ q⎞
q ⎜ q0  ⎟
⎝ 2⎠ ⎛ 1 1⎞
(1) The work done by electric forces upon the expansion of shell from radius R1 to R2 is 
40 ⎝ R1 R2 ⎟⎠
⎜
(2) Electric energy of system will decreased upon expansion

(3) Electric energy of system will ramain same upon expansion of shell
(4) The electric field and energy changes is localised only in spherical region of inner radius R1 and outer
radius R2
Field and energy will change only in spherical layer of inner radius r1 and outer radius R2
Let E1 and E2 are field intensities in the hatched region at a distance r from the centre of system before
and after expansion.
1 q  q0 q0
E1  2
, E2 
40 r 40r 2 R1
R1 R2 q
R2 0 2 q0
U i  Uf  ∫ (E1  E22 )4r 2dr q0
R1 2
⎧⎛ 2
⎛ q0 ⎞ ⎫⎪
2
0 R2 ⎪ q  q0 ⎞
U i  Uf  ∫R ⎨⎜ 2⎟
 ⎜ 2⎟ ⎬
4r 2dr
2 1
⎪⎩⎝ 4  0 r ⎠ ⎝ 4  0 r ⎠ ⎪
⎭
q  q0  q / 2  ⎛ 1 1⎞
U i  Uf  ⎜⎝ R  R ⎟⎠
4 0 1 2
2nd method
q1
2
q qq0
Ui   q0
2c 4 0R1
q2 qq0
Ui  
8 0R1 4 0R1
q2 qq0
Uf  
8 0R2 8 0R2
Welectric = Ui – Uf
q(q0  q / 2) ⎛ 1 1⎞
 ⎜ –
4 0 ⎝ R1 R2 ⎟⎠
10. The field potential inside a charged ball of radius R and centre at O depends only on distance from its centre
as V(r) = r2 +  when ,  are +ve constant. Now choose correct options
(1) Electric field inside the ball Er = –2r
(2) Electric flux passing through an imaginary sphere of radius r centre at O will be –2r4
(3) Volume charge density (r) inside ball is –60
48
(4) Electric energy of charged ball will be 02R 5
5
V(r) = r2 + 
v
Er    2r
r
= Er.4r2 = –8r3
for volume charge density
q
4r 3E 
0
dq
4d (r 2E ) 
0
dq = 4r2dr
4r 2dr

4 r 2dE  2rEdr   0
r 2
r 2 ( 2dr  2rEdr  dr
0
r 2
2r 2dr  4r 2dr  dr
0
r 2
6r 2dr  dr
0
 = – 60
For electric energy
1
(i) Inside u = 0E 2
2
1
= 0  4 2r 2
2
dV = 4r2dr, dU = 202r24r2dr
= 802r4dr
8
U 0 2R 5
5
80 2 5
  R
5
4
(ii) Total charge =  60  R 3
3
= –80R3
Electric field outside the ball
8 0dR 3
E
4 0r 2
2R 3

r2
1 4 2R 6
u 0
2 r4
1
 20 2R 6
r4
dv = 4r2dr
r 2dr
dU  20 2R 6  4
r4
⎡1⎤
V  80 2R 6  ⎢ ⎥
⎣R ⎦
V = 802R5
48
Vtotal  0 2R 5
5
11. C1= C C2= C

–2CV +2CV
q0 = 2CV
k2
k1
2V V
Initially C1 has charge 2CV and k1 & k2 are open.
3CV
(1) If k1 is closed and k2 remains open, magnitude of charge flown through k1 will be
2
9CV 2
(2) For case (1), heat dissipated in circuit would be
4
(3) Now k2 is also closed (k1 already closed), magnitude of charges flown through k2 would be 5CV
(4) Heat dissipated in circuit in case (3) would be 8.75CV 2
⎛ q  2CV ⎞ q q – 2CV +q
⎜ ⎟⎠  C  V  0
⎝ C
q q
  2V   V  0
C C
2q
  3V  0
C
2V V
–2q = –3CV
3CV
q
2
3CV
Work done by cells = V
2
3CV 2

2
Initial energy stored in capacitor
1
 C.(2V )2
2
= 2CV2
Finally stored energy :
2 2
1 ⎛V ⎞ 1 ⎛ 3V ⎞
Vf  C  C⎜
2 ⎜⎝ 2 ⎟⎠ 2 ⎝ 2 ⎟⎠
1 V2 1 9
 C.  C  V2
2 4 2 4
5
 CV 2
4
2 3 5
Heat dissipated = 2CV  CV 2  CV 2
2 4
9
= CV 2
4
q = –3V
Now k2 is also closed : –2CV
+2CV –CV +CV
Charge flown through k2 = –3CV – 2CV
= –5CV
Magnitude = 5CV
1 1
Vf = C(2V )2  CV 2
2 2
2V V
5
= CV 2
2
Work done by cell
5
(2V )  (2V )  CV  5CV 2
2
Work done by cell
5CV 5CV 2
(V )  V  
2 2
15
Total work done  CV 2
2
5
Vf  CV 2
2
25
Heat dissipated  CV 2
4
12. The diagram shows three concentric conducting spherical shells having radii R, 2R and 3R. The initial potential
of each shell is as mentioned in figure. Choose correct options
15 V
30 V 10 V
(1) If the inner shell is earthed, charge present on its surface would be zero
(2) If the outer shell in earthed, then potential of middle would be 5 V
(3) If the inner and outermost shell are shorted then potential of middle would be 10 V
(4) If inner and middle is shorted then energy stored in space between these would be zero
Sol. Answer (1, 2, 3, 4)
⎡ q  q2  q3 ⎤
k⎢ 1 ⎥  10
⎣ 3R ⎦
30 V 15 V 10 V
k[q1 +a2 + a3) = 30 R …(i) R
A B C
2R
⎡ q  q2 q3 ⎤
k⎢ 1   15
⎣ 2R 3R ⎥⎦
3R
⎡ 3q  3q2  2q3 ⎤
k⎢ 1 ⎥  15 …(ii)
⎣ 6R ⎦
⎡q q q ⎤
k ⎢ 1  2  3 ⎥  30 …(iii)
⎣ R 2R 3R ⎦
⎡ 6q  3q2  2q3 ⎤
k⎢ 1 ⎥  30 …(iv)
⎣ 6R ⎦
30R
q1  q2  q3  …(i)
k
90R
3q1  3q2  2q3  …(ii)
k
180R
6q1  3q2  2q3  …(iii)
k
equation (iii) – (ii)
90R
3q1 
k
30R
q 1
k
From (i) & (ii)

90R
3q1  3q2  3q3 
k
90R
3q1  3q2  2q3 
k
⎫
q3  0 ⎪
⎪
q2  0 ⎬
30R ⎪
q1  ⎪
k ⎭
7
(A) 0
qinner = 0
–30R
–30R/k k
(B)
⎡ 30R 30R ⎤
VB  k ⎢  ⎥
⎣ k  2R k  3R ⎦
= 5 V
(C)
30R
VC  k   10 V
13R  k
13. Inside a charged thin conducting shell of radius R, a point charge +Q is placed as shown in figure potential
of shell may be
R
Q
Q Q
(1) Equal to (2) Smaller than
40R 40R
Q
(3) Greater than 4 R (4) None of these
0
Sol. Answer (2, 3)
14. A thick shell with inner radius R and outer radius 3R has uniform charge density . It has a spherical cavity
of radius R as shown in figure. Choose the correct options
3R
R 4R
P
O O1
7 R
(1) Electric field at O will be zero (2) Electric field at O1 will be
12 0
11 R 2
(3) Electric field at P will be (4) Potential at O will be 23 R
24 0 6 0
q
(1) Field at 0 will be 4 r 2 is
0
4
q  . R 3 , r = 2R
3
4
R 3
E0  3
4 0 4R 2
R

120 toward O1
0–
(2) Field at O1 E2 = 0
qcn 7 R
E1.4(2R )2  so Enet  12 
0 0
4
qen  (8R 3  R 3 )  
3
4
   7R 3
3
4
P
E1.4.4R  3 2
7R 3
0
7 R
E1 
12 0
(3) E1 is field due to +ve

E2 is field due to –ve charge t^– t^–

Q
E1 
4(4R )2
4
Q (27R 3  R 3 )
3
26  4
 R 3
3
26  4 R 3
E1 
3  4  16  0R 2
12 R

24  0
Q
E2 
40 (2R )2
4
Q  . R 3
3
4 R 3
E2 
3  4  4  0R 2
1 R R
 
12 0 120
12 R R
EP  
24 0 120
11 R

24 0
(4) Using principle of superposition:

dq = 4r2dr
4r 2dr O r
dV 
4 0r
rdr

0

V1  (9R 2  R 2 )
2 0
4R 2

0
Q2
V2 
40 (2R )
4R 3

3  4 0  2R
R 2

60
V0 = v1 + v2
23 R 2

6 0
15. A spherical metal shell A of radius RA and a solid metal sphere B of radius RB(< RA) are kept far apart and
each is given charge '+Q'. Now they are connected by a thin metal wire. Then [IIT-JEE 2011]
 A RB
(1) E Ainside  0 (2) QA > QB (3)   R (4) E Aon surface  EBon surface
B A
Sol. Answer (1, 2, 3, 4)

After connection,
VA = VB
q A qB
 R  R
A B
EA(inside) = 0
 qA > qB
 A q A RB 2 RB
  
B qB RA2 RA
E A  A RB
 
EB  B R A
16. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? [IIT-JEE 2011]

(1) If the electric field due to a point charge varies as r –2.5 instead of r –2, then the Gausss law will still be
valid
(2) The Gauss law can be used to calculate the field distribution around an electric dipole
(3) If the electric field between two point charges is zero somewhere, then the sign of the two charges is the
same
(4) The work done by the external force in moving a unit positive charge from point A at potential VA to point
B at potential VB is (VB – VA)
Sol. Answer (3, 4)
17. Six point charges are kept at the vertices of a regular hexagon of side L and centre O, as shown in the figure.
1 q
Given that K  4 2 , which of the following statement(s) is(are) correct? [IIT-JEE 2012]
0 L
F L E
+q –q
P
S T
A D
O
+2q –2q
R
B C
+q –q
(1) The electric field at O is 6K along OD
(2) The potential at O is zero
(3) The potential at all points on the line PR is same
(4) The potential at all points on the line ST is same

E  E1  E2  E3
E1
1 q E3
E1 = E2 = 2  4  L2
0
120°
E2
1 2q
E3 = 2  
4 0 L2
Net electric field at O.

E3 + 2E1 cos 60° = 6 K
Potential at O is zero.
Any point on line PR is equidistant from a pair of equal and opposite charge.
18. In the circuit shown in the figure, there are two parallel plate capacitors each of capacitance C. The switch
S1 is pressed first to fully charge the capacitor C1 and then released. The switch S2 is then pressed to charge
the capacitor C2. After some time, S2 is released and then S3 is pressed. After some time,
[JEE(Advanced)-2013]
S1 S2 S3
C1 C2
2V0 V0
(1) The charge on the upper plate of C1 is 2CV0 (2) The charge on the upper plate of C1 is CV0
(3) The charge on the upper plate of C2 is 0 (4) The charge on the upper plate of C2 is –CV0
Sol. Answer (2, 4)
When S1 is pressed and released
S2 S3
+2CV0
+ C1 C2
2V0 – V0
When S2 is pressed and released
S1 S2 S3
CV0 +CV0
+ C2
2V0 – V0
When S3 is pressed
CV0 – CV0
+ C1 C2
2V0 – + CV0 V0
19. Two non-conducting spheres of radii R1 and R2 and carrying uniform volume charge densities + and
–, respectively, are placed such that they partially overlap, as shown in the figure. At all points in the
overlapping region, [JEE(Advanced)-2013]
 –
R1 R2
(1) The electrostatic field is zero (2) The electrostatic potential is constant
(3) The electrostatic field is constant in magnitude (4) The electrostatic field has same direction
Sol. Answer (3, 4)
 
E1  r1 E2  – r2 E1
3 0 30 r1
r2
c1 c2
a

E a
30
Electric field of constant magnitude and direction.

20. A parallel plate capacitor has a dielectric slab of dielectric constant K between its plates that covers 1/3 of
the area of its plates, as shown in the figure. The total capacitance of the capacitor is C while that of the portion
with dielectric in between is C1. When the capacitor is charged, the plate area covered by the dielectric gets
charge Q1 and the rest of the area gets charge Q2. The electric field in the dielectric is E1 and that in the
other portion is E2. Choose the correct option/options, ignoring edge effects. [JEE(Advanced)-2014]
Q1 E1
Q2 E2
E1 E1 1 Q1 3 C 2K
(1) E  1 (2) E  K (3) Q  K (4) C  K
2 2 2 1
Sol. Answer (1, 4)
C  C1  C2
K 0 A / 3  2A / 3
C1  , C2  0
d d
(K  2)0 A
 C
3d
C K 2
 C  K
1
V
Also, E1  E2  , where Vis potential difference between the plates.
d
21. A parallel plate capacitor having plates of area S and plate separation d, has capacitance C1 in air. When two
dielectrics of different relatives primitivities (1 = 2 and 2 = 4) are introduced between the two plates as shown
C2
in the figure, the capacitance becomes C2. The ratio C is [JEE(Advanced)-2015]
1
d/2
S/2
2
+ –
1
S/2
d
(1) 6/5 (2) 5/3
(3) 7/5 (4) 7/3
Sol. Answer (4)
The capacitance of 4 individual sections
without dielectric would be C each
Now after dielectrics, the situation becomes
as shown
1 1
⎛ 1 1 ⎞ ⎛ 1 1 ⎞ 7
Ceq  ⎜  ⎜  C
C ⎟⎠ C ⎟⎠
=
⎝ 2C 4 ⎝ 2C 2 3
SECTION - C
Linked Comprehension Type Questions
Comprehension-I
A particle P, of charge q and mass m, is placed at a point in gravity free space and it is free to move. Another
particle Q, of same charge and mass, is projected from a distance r from P with an initial speed v0 towards
P. Initially the distance between P and Q decreases and then increases.
1. What are the speeds of particles P and Q, when their separation is minimum?
v0 v0 v 0 2v 0
(1) , (2) 0, v (3) , (4) 0, 0
2 2 3 3
Sol. Answer (1)

When the separation is minimum, P and Q both move with same velocities. Applying conservation of linear
momentum principle,
v0
mv0 + 0 = (m + m) v v=
2
2. The potential energy of the system of particles P and Q, at closest separation is
1 q2 1 1 q2 1 1 q 2 mv 02  1 q 2 mv 02
(1)  mv 02 (2)  mv 02 (3)  (4) 
40 r 2 40 r 2 40 r 4 40 r 4
Sol. Answer (3)
1 v 02 mv 02
Kinetic energy of system at minimum separation = 2  m. =
2 4 4
From conservation of mechanical energy principle, the potential energy at minimum separation,
⎛ 1 q2 1 ⎞ mv 02 1 q 2 mv 02
U⎜ .  mv 02 ⎟  = . 
⎝ 4 0 r 2 ⎠ 4 4 0 r 4
3. If U is the potential energy of the system of P and Q at any instant, then

(1) U first increases, becomes maximum and then decreases
(2) U first decreases, becomes minimum and then decreases
(3) U increases continuously
(4) U decreases continuously
Sol. Answer (1)

First two particles come closer. So work is done against electrostatic force. This increases potential energy.
When separation is minimum, potential energy is maximum.
When the two particles start receding away, work is done by electrostatic force. So, potential energy
decreases.
Comprehension-II
A point charge q is placed off centre at point C inside a thick spherical shell
of inner radius a and outer radius b. Shell is neutral and conducting. a r B
B
OA = rA O rC q
C
b
OB = rB
rA
OC = rC A
1. Potential at centre of shell is
Kq Kq Kq Kq Kq Kq
(1) (2) – (3) –  (4) Cannot be calculated
rC rC a rC a b
Sol. Answer (3)
–q
q
q
Total charge induced on the inner surface equal –q and on outer surface = q
2. Electric field at B due to induced charges on the inner surface is
Kq Kq
(1) Zero (2) , towards C (3) , towards B (4) Cannot be determined
(CB )2 CB 2
Sol. Answer (2)
Net field at ‘B’ equal zero, field due to charges induced on outer surface of shell at ‘B’ is zero. Thus, field
at ‘B’ due to induced charges equals to negative of field at ‘B’ due to point charge q.
3. Choose the incorrect option

(1) Field at A is independent of the position of point charge q inside the cavity
(2) Field at B is independent of the position of point charge q inside the cavity
(3) Field at A is independent of the magnitude of point charge q
(4) Field at B is independent of the magnitude of point charge q
Sol. Answer (3)
1 r
EA 
4 0 rA2
SECTION - D
Assertion-Reason Type Questions
1. The following figure shows three concentric conducting shells. The two inner shells are grounded and a charge
Q is given to the outermost shell.
a
+Q
b
c
Qa
STATEMENT-1 : The net charge appearing on the innermost shell is .
c
and
Qb
STATEMENT-2 : The net charge appearing on the central shell is .
c
Sol. Answer (4)
Let Q1 and Q2 be the charges on inner-most and middle – shells respectively. Then
KQ KQ2 KQ1
  =0 …. (i)
c b a +Q
Q2
KQ1 KQ2 KQ Q1
  =0 …. (ii)
b b c
a
KQ1 KQ1
(i) – (ii)   =0
a b b
c
 Q1 = 0
Qb
 Q2  
c
2. STATEMENT-1 : When some charge is given to an irregular shaped conductor, it distributes itself so that charge
density is same everywhere.
and
STATEMENT-2 : A conductor has to be equipotential under static condition.
Sol. Answer (4)
1
Statement-1 is wrong. Because charge density for a conductor,   , where r is radius of curvature.
r
3. STATEMENT-1 : Inside an isolated hollow spherical shell of charge, electrostatic potential is constant
everywhere.
and
STATEMENT-2 : Electric field inside a hollow spherical shell of charge is always zero.
Sol. Answer (1)
In an ISOLATED hollow sphere of charge, electric field is zero.
4. STATEMENT-1 : If the distance between plates of a charged isolated capacitor increases, then the potential
energy in the electric field of capacitor increases.
and
STATEMENT-2 : The energy stored in a capacitor is always directly proportional to separation between the
plates.
Sol. Answer (3)
Q 2d
“For a given charge”, U = a 2 /2C = i.e., U  d.
2 0 A
5. STATEMENT-1 : Potential difference between two concentric charged metal spherical shells is directly
proportional to the charge of inner sphere.
and
STATEMENT-2 : The field inside the space between the two spheres described above will be only due to charge
of inner sphere.
Sol. Answer (1)
In the region between the two shells, E  qinner.
6. STATEMENT-1 : Work done to move a charge on the surface of metal solid charged cylinder is always zero.
and
STATEMENT-2 : Work done to move a charge on an equipotential surface is zero.
Sol. Answer (1)
A conductor under static condition is equipotential.
7. STATEMENT-1 : At a point electrostatic field is zero, then potential at that point may be zero.
and
STATEMENT-2 : Negative of the potential gradient is equal to electrostatic field.
Sol. Answer (2)
E = 0  dV = 0 this does not imply V = 0.
8. STATEMENT-1 : A positively charged body, may have negative potential.

and
STATEMENT-2 : A positively charged body have electrons inside it.
Sol. Answer (2)
Potential of a body also depends on charge present in surrounding.
9. STATEMENT-1 : Total charge of a conductor can be transferred to the other conductor by connecting them
with a conducting wire.
and
STATEMENT-2 : On connecting the two conductors, their potentials become equal.
Sol. Answer (2)
When one conductor is kept inside other and connected, complete charge transfer takes place.
10. STATEMENT-1 : If distance between plates of charged and isolated parallel plate capacitor increases then force
between plates decreases.
and
STATEMENT-2 : Force between two point charges is inversely proportional to the square of distance of
separation.
Sol. Answer (4)
Force is independent of separation, in a parallel plate capacitor.
11. STATEMENT-1 : When two isolated charged metal spheres are touched with each other potential energy of
system may decrease.
and
STATEMENT-2 : There may be transfer of charge from one to other after touching.
Sol. Answer (1)
Whenever a transfer of charge occurs by itself potential energy decreases.
SECTION - E
Matrix-Match Type Questions
1. Match the following :

Column I Column II
1
(A) E  (p) Point charge
r2
(B) E  r (q) Spherically symmetric charge distribution
1
(C) V  (r) Long line charge
r
⎛ r2 ⎞
(D) V2  V1  f ⎜⎜ r ⎟⎟ (s) Plane sheet of charge
⎝ 1⎠
(E) V2 – V1  r2 – r1 (t) Electric dipole

Sol. Answer A(p, q), B(q), C(p, q), D(r), E(s)
For a point charge,
KQ KQ
E and V 
r2 r
A spherically symmetric charge distribution behaves like a point charge for outside points.
1 r2
For a long line of charge , V2  V1  2 ln r
0 1

For a plane sheet of charge, V2  V1   2 (r2  r1 )
0
2. Match the following:

Column I Column II
C1V1  C2V2
(A) V  (p)
C1  C2 V1 V V2
C1 C2
C1, V
C1, V1
1 C1C2
(B) U  (V1  V2 )2 (q)
2 C1  C2
K
C2, V2 C2, V
(V  V1 ) V2  V
(C)  (r)
C2 C1 V V1 V2
C1 C2
C1 C2
V1 V2
1 C1C2 2
(D) Total energy = 2 C  C (V1  V2 ) (s)
1 2
(t)
V1 V V2
C2 C1
Sol. Answer A(p, q), B(q), C(p, q), D(p)
In figure represented by (p),
q = C1 (V1 – V) = C2 (V – V2)
V1 C1 V C2 V2
V  V1 V2  V
 
C2 C1
C1V1  C2V2
Also, V  C1  C2
C1C2
Ceq. = C  C
1 2
1 C1C2
 U  1 Ceq. (V1 – V2)2 = 2 C  C (V1  V2 )
2
2 1 2
In figure represented by (q)

C1V1  C2V2 V  V1 V V
V    2
C1  C2 C2 C1
1 C1C2
U  . (V1  V2 )2
2 C1  C2
3. If some charge is given to a conducting object of any shape, then match the following colums, under
electrostatic condition
Column I Column II

(A) E at a point within conducting material (p) Must be zero

(B) E at a point outside the material (q) May be Zero

(C) E at a point in the cavity having no charge (r) May be uniform but not zero

(D) E at a point in the cavity having some charge (s) May be non-uniform
(t) Cannot predict
Sol. Answer A(p), B(r, s), C(p), D(s)
Inside the conducting region, E = 0
In a cavity without charge E = 0, but in a cavity containing charge, E 0.
SECTION - F
Integer Answer Type Questions
1. Consider the circuit shown with key opened. Capacitor-1 (3 F) is charged to potential difference of 9 V.
Capacitor - 2 (6 F) is charged to potential difference of 3 V. The key is now closed. What will be the potential
difference (in V) across capacitor-1 in steady state?
Capacitor-1
+ –
Resistor Key
– +
Capacitor-2
Sol. Answer (1)
C1V1  C2V2
V 
C1  C2
3963

36
1
2. Suppose that electric potential due to a small charge configuration varies inversely with square of distance from
the charge distribution. Electric field intensity will vary inversely with what power of distance from the charge
configuration in this case?
Sol. Answer (3)
dv
E
dr
3. Consider an electric dipole located in uniform electric field in stable equilibrium position. It is now slowly rotated
to the position of unstable equilibrium. Work done by the external agent in the process is numerically how
many times the maximum electric torque experienced by the dipole during the process?
Sol. Answer (2)
W  pE  cos 1  cos 2  ,   pE sin 
4. Find the magnitude of electric potential at the origin due to following charge distribution (If q = 1 nC).
q –3q 5q –7q
O 1m 2m 4m 8m
Sol. Answer (2)
1 ⎡1 –3 5 –7 ⎤ q ⎡ 2⎤
 ⎥ where a = 1, r = –1 , d = 2
a dr
E = 4 q ⎢1  2  2  3        ⎥ = 4 S ∵ ⎢S   2
0 ⎣ 2 2 ⎦ 0 ⎣ 1– r (1– r ) 9 ⎦ 2
2
= 9 × 109 × 10–9 × V/m
9
= 2 V/m
5. The bob of mass m, charge q is circulating in a vertical circle of radius R. With the help of a string. If the
maximum speed of the bob is V then the period of revolution is T1. If an electric field of magnitude (mg/q) is
setup which makes an angle 60° with upward vertical. Again the bob is circulating in same circle and its
maximum speed is also V, then the period of revolution is T2. Find then T1/T2.
Sol. Answer (1)
 Period of revolution is same only position of bob when speed is maximum will change.
60
qE = mg
FNet = mg
mg
6. A uniform charged shell is reassembled in the form of a sphere of same radius but charge uniformly distributed
through out of its volume. Find the ratio of initial potential energy to work required for it.
Sol. Answer (5)
1 1 q2 1
2 40 R 2
Required ratio =  5
3 1 q2 1 1 q2 3 1
– –
5 40 R 2 4 0 R 5 2
7. Three point charges q, q/3 and 16q have to be arranged on positive x-axis within 20 cm, so that system’s
potential energy is minimum. Find the distance of charge q /3 from charge q.
Sol. Answer (4)
⎛ q⎞
For minimum potential energy the position of q and 16q are 0 and 20 cm and position of ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ is that place
3
where field due to q and 16q is zero.
20 16q  q  0 20
 x =   4 cm.
16q  q 5
8. Two conducting closed surfaced shells are shown in figure. They are connected by wire through switch S. If
q1 and q2 charges are given to inner and outer shells respectively. The switch is closed find the ratio of final
charge to initial charge of inner shell.
q2
q1
Sol. Answer (0)

After switch is closed then all charge of inner shell will flow to the other shell.
9. There are three conducting and concentric spherical shells of radii R, 2R and 3R. The charge on inner and
outer most shells are q qnd 3q while middle shell is earthed. Find the ratio of number of field lines emitted
by outermost shell and inner shell.
Sol. Answer (3)
Since middle shere is earthed so there is no any change of charge on other shell. Required ratio = charge
ratio.
10. Three charged conducting plates are separated by small distances as shown in figure. The charges on the
plates are shown. Find the ratio of charge on right surface and left surface of the middle plate.
2Q 3Q 5Q
Sol. Answer (0)

The charge distribution is shown here
3Q
0 0 5Q
5Q –3Q
SECTION - G
Multiple True-False Type Questions
1. Consider these three statements for a capacitor.

STATEMENT-1 : Capacitance of a capacitor must increase when a dielectric is inserted in between the capacitor
plates.
STATEMENT-2 : Potential difference across a charged capacitor must increase if a dielectric is inserted in
between the capacitor plates.
STATEMENT-3 : Electrostatic energy stored by the capacitor may increase if a dielectric is inserted in between
the capacitor plates.
(1) T F F (2) F T F (3) T F T (4) F T T
Sol. Answer (3)
C = kC; potential difference and energy may change.
2. STATEMENT-1 : Absolute value of potential is not defined.

STATEMENT-2 : For a given potential function, electric intensity function can be uniquely found.
STATEMENT-3 : Potential increases in the direction of electric field.
(1) F F T (2) T T F (3) T F T (4) F T F
Sol. Answer (2)
– dV
Potential at a point is relative to some fixed reference E  . For a given potential function, E can be
dr
uniquely found. Also, negative sign indicates that potential decreases in the direction of field.
3. STATEMENT-1 : In any condition the electric field inside a conductor is always zero.
STATEMENT-2 : Under electrostatic condition, conductor is a equipotential volume.

STATEMENT-3 :Electric field just outside a conducting surface is .
20
(1) T T F (2) T F T (3) F T F (4) F T T

Sol. Answer (3)

Only under electrostatic condition, field inside is zero and field outside is 20 .
4. STATEMENT-1 : The direction of electric dipole moment is directed from +q to –q.

STATEMENT-2 : Electric field at some point in space may be perpendicular to the dipole moment.
STATEMENT-3 : A dipole experiences maximum torque at the position where potential energy is zero.
(1) T F T (2) T F F (3) F T F (4) F T T
Sol. Answer (4)
Direction of dipole moment is from ‘–q’ to ‘+q’.

E may make any angle with p. When p  E,  is maximum, but U is zero.
SECTION - H
Aakash Challengers Questions
1. Two point charges q and –2q are kept on x-axis at (–a, 0, 0) and (2a, 0, 0). Find the locus of all points where
electric potential is zero. Assume that electric potential at infinite distance from a point charge is zero.
q 2q
Sol. At any point (x, y, z), V  
2 2 2
40 ( x  a )  y  z 4 0 ( x  2a )2  y 2  z 2
For V = 0, we have
2 ( x  a)2  y 2  z 2  ( x  2a)2  y 2  z 2
4(x – a)2 + 4y2 + 4z2 = (x – 2a)2 + y2 + z2

3x2 + 3y2 + 3z2 – 4ax = 0
This is a sphere.
2. Two infinitely long wires running parallel to the x-axis carry uniform charge density + and –.
z
– +
y
(0,–a,0) (0,0,0) (0,a,0)
x
(a) Find the potential at any point (x, y, z) using origin as your reference.
(b) Write equation of the equipotential surface having potential V0, show that it is a cylinder.
Sol. Field due to charges on line 1
Z

E
20 r +
In vector form
Y
(0,–a,0) (0,a,0)

E rˆ +
2 0 ( y  d )2  z 2 2 1
 ( y  a ) ˆj  zkˆ

20 ( y  a )2  z 2

Now, dV  E.dr
 ⎡ ( y  a ) jˆ  zkˆ ⎤
dV   ⎢ .dxiˆ  dyjˆ  dzkˆ ⎥
2 0 ⎣ ( y  a )  z
2 2
⎦
 ⎡ ( y  a )dy  zdz ⎤
dV   ⎢ ⎥
2 0 ⎣ ( y  a )2  z 2 ⎦
 ( y  a )d ( y  a )  zdz
dV  
2 0 ( y  a )2  z 2
V ( x , y ,z )
 d ( y  a )2  z 2
∫ dV   20 ∫ ( y  a )2  z 2
0 (0,0,0)
 ⎡ ( x,y ,z )
 ln( y  c )2  z 2 ⎤⎦
20 ⎣ (0,0,0)
 ⎡ a2 ⎤
 ⎢ln 2 ⎥ , say V1
2 0 2
⎣ ( y  a)  z ⎦
Similarly
 ( y  a) ˆj  zkˆ
E
20 ( y  a )2  z 2
 ( y  a )dy  zdz
dV 
2 0 ( y  a )2  z 2
 ⎡ ( y  a )2  z 2 ⎤
V  ln ⎢ ⎥ (say V2)
2 0 ⎣ a2 ⎦
V = V1 + V2
 ⎡ a2 ⎤  ⎡ ( y  a )2  z 2 ⎤
 ln ⎢ ⎥  ln ⎢ ⎥
2 0 ⎣ ( y  a )2  z 2 ⎦ 2 0 ⎣ a2 ⎦
 ⎡ ( y  a )2  z 2 ⎤
 ln ⎢ ⎥
2 0 ⎣ ( y  a )2  z 2 ⎦
 ⎡ ( y  a )2  z 2 ⎤
V  ln ⎢ ⎥
2 0 ⎣ ( y  a )2  z 2 ⎦
2 0V
( y  a )2  z 2
e 
( y  a )2  z 2
2 0V
If V = constant then e  = constant = K
Then
( y  a )2  z 2
K
( y  a )2  z 2
( y  a )2  z 2
 K
( y  a )2  z 2
( x  x )2  ( y  a )2  z 2
 K
( x  x )2  ( y  a )2  z 2
PA
 constant
PB
P(x, y, z)
A(x, – a, 0) and B(x, a, 0)
If K  1
Than locus of P will be cylinder
K=1
It becomes perpendicular bisector.

3. Given that E  (3 x 2  y )iˆ  xjˆ V/m , find the work done by electric field in moving a charge of –2 C from (0, 5,
0) to (2, –1, 0) by taking the path
(a) (0, 5, 0) (2, 5, 0) (2, –1, 0)
(b) y = 5 – 3x

Sol. E  3 x 2 iˆ  yiˆ  xjˆ

dV  E.dr  – 3x2dx – ydx – xdy
V = –x3 – xy + C
WEF = q(VA – VB)
4. Two long co-axial cylindrical metal tubes (inner radius a, outer radius b) stand vertically in a tank of dielectric
oil (dielectric constant k and density ). Constant potential difference is maintained between tubes by means
of a cell as shown in figure. To what height (h) does the oil rise in the space between the tubes.
V
Sol. Capacitance per unit length
2 0
C
⎛ b⎞
ln ⎜ ⎟
⎝ a⎠
Taking the length of capacitor is l.
2 0 l
Ci 
⎛ b⎞
ln ⎜ ⎟
⎝ a⎠
2 0 (l  h ) 2 0 kh
Cf  
⎛ b⎞ ⎛ b⎞
ln ⎜ ⎟ ln ⎜ ⎟
⎝ a⎠ ⎝ a⎠
2 0
 [l  h(k – 1)]
⎛ b⎞
ln ⎜ ⎟
⎝ a⎠
Mass of liquid raised in the capacitor = h(b2 – a2)

Work done by field + wgravity = 0
1 2 dc
⇒ Fe  v
2 dx
v 2dc
∫ Fedx  ∫ 2
v2
 C
2
mgh
w mg  
2
v 2 C mgh
 0
2 2
mgh = v2c
v 2 20
gh 2 (b2  a 2 )  [l  h(k  1)  l ]
⎛ b⎞
ln ⎜ ⎟
⎝ a⎠
v 2 20
h 2g (b2  a 2 )  h(k  1)
⎛ b⎞
ln ⎜ ⎟
⎝ a⎠
2v 2  0 (k  1)
h
⎛ b⎞
g (b2  a2 )ln ⎜ ⎟
⎝ a⎠
5. A hemispherical bowl of radius R carries a uniform surface charge density . Find the potential at the topmost
point A, taking potential at infinity to be zero.
Sol. Let us consider elementary ring of radius Rcos and width (Rd) as shown in the figure.
r = R2cos2 + R2(1 + sin2 – 2sin) = 2R2 (1 – sin)
dQ = 2Rcos.Rd. A
r
1 dQ
dV  . Rcos 
4 0 2R . 1  sin 
Rsin  d
R
2R 2 ..cos  . d  

⎛  ⎞ O
4 0 . 2 . R . ⎜ cos  sin ⎟
⎝ 2 2⎠
R 
2⎛  ⎞
V=
2 2 0
. ∫0 ⎜ ⎝
cos  sin ⎟ . d 
2 2⎠

R ⎡  ⎤ 2
= ⎢ 2 sin 2  2cos 2 ⎥
2 2 0 ⎣ ⎦0
R
=
2 0
6. Eight point charges are placed at the corners of a cube of edge 1 m as shown. The magnitude of each charge
is 1 pC and their signs are as shown. Calculate the work done by external agent in slowly disassembling
this system of charges.
+q
–q
–q +q
+q
–q
+q –q
Sol. Total number of pairs of charges = 8C2 = 28

Out of these 28 pairs, 12 pairs have charges of opposite polarity separated by a (edge of cube), 12 pairs
have charges of same polarity separated by a 2 and 4 pairs have opposite charges separated by a 3 .
+q
–q +q
–q +q
+q –q
 Potential energy of system,
Kq 2 Kq 2 Kq 2
U  12   12  4
a a 2 a 3
Kq 2 ⎡ 4 ⎤
= ⎢ 6 2  12  ⎥
a ⎣ 3⎦
9  109  10 24 ⎡ 4 ⎤
= ⎢ 6 2  12  ⎥
1 ⎣ 3⎦
= – 52.4  10–15 J
 Work done by external agent in disassembling = 52.4  10–15 J
7. A parallel plate capacitor has the space between the plates filled with a medium whose dielectric constant
increases uniformly with distance. Let d be the distance between the plates and K1 and K2 be the dielectric
constant of the medium at the two plates (square shaped with area A). Find the capacity of the capacitor.
Sol. Dielectric constant varies as given by
⎛ K  K1 ⎞
K  K1  ⎜ 2 x
⎝ d ⎟⎠
⎛ 1⎞ dx
d⎜ ⎟ 
⎝ C ⎠  0 KA
integrating within suitable limits,
1 1 d dx y

C 0 A ∫ 0 ⎛ K 2  K1 ⎞
K1  ⎜ x
⎝ d ⎟⎠
d
1 ⎡ ⎛ K 2  K1 ⎞ ⎤ d
⎢ln K1  . x⎟ ⎥ .
 0 A ⎣ ⎜⎝
= ⎠ ⎦ 0 K 2  K1
d O
dx x
x
d K2
=  A(K  K ) . ln K
0 2 1 1
 0 A(K 2  K1 )
C 
⎛K ⎞
d ln ⎜ 2 ⎟
⎝ K1 ⎠
8. A point charge Q is placed at the origin of the coordinate system. What is the electrostatic energy within
an annular spherical region, with centre at origin and inner and outer radii R and 2R respectively.
Sol. Let us consider a spherical volume element of radius x and thickness dx,
dV = 4x2 . dx
KQ
E=
x2
Q
x R
1
u = 0E
2
dx
2
 Energy in the element, 2R
dU = u . dV
1
=  0 E 2 . 4x 2 . dx
2
1 K 2Q 2
= 0 . 4x 2 . dx
2 x4
dx
= 2 0 K Q .
2 2
x2
Integrating with suitable limits,
2R
2 0Q 2 ⎡ 1⎤
U ⎢ x ⎥
(4 0 )2 ⎣ ⎦R
Q2 1
= 8 . 2R
0
Q2

16 0 R
9. In the circuit shown, C1 = 15F, C2 = 30F, C3 = 30F, C4 = 30F and C5 = 60F. At steady state, the
potential difference between points P and Q is 50 V. Calculate the potential difference across capacitor with
capacitance C5.
C2 C3
Q
C4
C1 C5
15  30
Sol. Equivalent capacitance between P and Q = = 10F
15  30
30  60
Equivalent capacitance between Q and R = 30 + = 50F
30  60 C2 C3
Q
In series, potential difference is in inverse ratio of capacitances C4
R
Potential difference between Q and R 10 C1
i.e., = C5
Potential difference between Pand Q 50
+–
P V
10
 Potential difference between Q and R =  50 = 10 V
50
C4 30
 Potential difference across C5 = C  C  10  30  60  10
4 5
10
= V = 3.33 V
3
10. A charge q is placed at a distance of 2R from the centre of a spherical conducting shell of radius R. What
is electrical potential, due to charges induced on the shell, at a point which is farthest from the point charge?
q
Sol. VP = V0 = 4 (2R )
0
O
q P
q 2R
VP = 4 (3R )  Vind
0 R
q q q
 Vind = 8 R – 12 R  24 R
0 0 0
11. A metallic sphere is cut into two along a plane whose minimum distance from sphere's centre is h. The radius
of the sphere is R and total charge is Q. What force is necessary to hold the two parts together?
2 2 2 Q 2 (R 2  h 2 )
Sol. F  2  (R  h ) 
0 320 R 4
12. The distance between the plates of a planar capacitor is d and area of each plate is A. As shown in figure,
both plates of the capacitor are grounded and a small body carrying charge Q is placed between them at a
distance x from one plate.
Q
d
x
What charge will accumulate on each plate?

Sol. We can spread the charge Q on a plane of same size as and parallel to the capacitor plates without affecting
the total charge on each plate. So, we can now consider two capacitors in parallel, separation between their
plates being x and d – x.
E1 d  x Q dx
 ⇒ 1 
E2 x Q2 x
Also, Q1 + Q2 = – Q
⎛ d  x⎞
Hence, Q1  Q ⎜⎝ ⎟
d ⎠
⎛ x⎞
Q2  Q ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠
d


Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Solutions

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Chapter 2

Objective Type Questions (Only one answer)

E = V /r , V  20 V, r  (10 cm)  sin30  5 cm  0.05 m

2. If the potential function is define as

then magnitude of electric field E(x, y, z) is

(1) 16 V/m (2) 12 V/m (3) 14 V/m (4) 13 V/m

Sol. Answer (4)

3. In which of the following case, potential at point O is not zero?

Sol. Answer (3)

9. Which of the following statements is not true regarding a conductor?

11. From the following graph, find the value of | E | at r = 3.5 m

(1) Increased (2) Decreased

Sol. Answer (2)

Sol. Answer (4)

(1) 50 F (2) 2 F (3) 20 F (4) 10 F

15. Find the equivalent capacitance between point A and B.

(1) (1  5 ) F (2) 2(1  2 5 ) F (3) 2  20 F (4) 1 2 F

17. Find the capacitance between A and B.

Sol. Answer (4)

18. Find the potential of point P

Qr QR 2QR

Sol. Answer (1)

(1) 1 : 2 : 3 (2) 1 : 3 : 5 (3) 1 : 4 : 9 (4) 1 : 8 : 18

Sol. Answer (2)

(1) 0% (2) 20% (3) 75% (4) 80%

|E(r)| V(r) |E(r)| V(r)

|E(r)| V(r) |E(r)| V(r)

Sol. Answer (4)

(1) +32 C (2) +40 C (3) +48 C (4) +80 C

Sol. Answer (3)

For the 2 F and 3 F capacitor, equivalent capacitance is 5 mF

Potential at O due to the element is,

(2) When the switch is closed, the potential at O is zero

(1) The total charge on middle shell is zero

KQ1 K (Q3  Q4 ) K (Q5  Q6 )

KQ1 KQ1 ( KQ5 ) KQ2

(2) Electric energy of system will decreased upon expansion

Sol. Answer (1, 3, 4)

11. C1= C C2= C

Initially C1 has charge 2CV and k1 & k2 are open.

Initial energy stored in capacitor

Work done by cell

Work done by cell

equation (iii) – (ii)

From (i) & (ii)

Sol. Answer (2, 3)

Sol. Answer (2, 3, 4)

(3) E1 is field due to +ve

(4) Using principle of superposition:

Sol. Answer (1, 2, 3, 4)

16. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? [IIT-JEE 2011]

Net electric field at O.

When S2 is pressed and released

Electric field of constant magnitude and direction.

Sol. Answer (1, 4)

Sol. Answer (1)

2. The potential energy of the system of particles P and Q, at closest separation is

Sol. Answer (3)

3. If U is the potential energy of the system of P and Q at any instant, then

Sol. Answer (1)

1. Potential at centre of shell is

Sol. Answer (3)