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ELECTRIC FIELD
A charged particle does not interact directly with another charged particle kept at a distance. They
interact through an invisible communicating medium, called electric field. It is present every where in the
space surrounding the charge. The concept of electric field present around the charge, is analogous to the
gravitational field produced by a mass. Electric charge produces an electric field and electric field exerts a
force on electric charges kept in it.

Strength of Electric Field (Electric Intensity)

The strength of an electric field at a point is described in terms of force experienced by a charge
kept at that point.

Electric intensity or electric field strength at any point is defined as the force acting on
an unit positive charge(UPC) kept at that point . It is donated by E. It is a vector quantity. The
direction of electric field at a place is same as the direction of the force experienced by a test charge (an
unit positive charge) kept at that point.

If ‘F’ is the force experienced by a charge ‘q’ kept in the electric field then the strength of electric
field ‘E’ at that point is written as,
E = F/q or F = q E

An electric field in the space is said to be uniform, if a charge kept in it experiences same force at all
points & the field is said to be non-uniform, if the charge kept in it experiences different force at different
points. In S.I., the electric field strength is measured with unit NC-1
Expression for the electric field at a point due to an isolated charge :

+Q q
Field due to + ve charge
X d Y
(a)

Q a
Field due to a – ve charge
X Y

Let a positive charge of magnitude Q is kept at X. Let Y is the point at a distance d from the charge,
where intensity of electric field is to be determined. An arbitrary charge say q is placed at Y. The force
acting on this q can be calculated using Coulomb’s law as follows:
1 Qq
F=  2
4 0 d
1 Qq
 2
But from the definitions of electric field strength As E = F 4 0 d
E 
q q
i.e., 1 Q
E = 4  d 2
0
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The direction of E is taken from X to Y for a positive charge[ i.e. away form the charge] & for the
negative charge field is taken along Y to X [ i.e. towards the charge].

The electric field due to an isolated charge varies with distance ‘d’ as follows:

d2
d2 
En 
An electric field at a point due to large number Ei
of charges can be calculated by taking vector sum of 
individual
 
electric

fields. E2
If E1 , E2 , E3 ,...... are fields at a point due to 
   E3
charges q1, q2, q3 Then net field at that point is E  E1  E2
+ ……. This is also called as super position principle of
electric fields.

ELECTRIC DIPOLE:
Electric dipole is an arrangement of two equal and opposite point charges separated by
a small distance. Many molecules exist as an electric dipoles. For example the hydrogen chloride
molecule, in which hydrogen part shows positive charge and chloride the negative charge, this constitute an
electric dipole. The line passing through the charges forming electric dipole is called as a axial line and the
line passing through the mid point of dipole axis and perpendicular to the axial line is called as equatorial
line of dipole.
2d

The strength of electric dipole is measured in the terms of a quantity called Electric Dipole moment,
which is denoted by ‘P’. The magnitude of electric dipole moment of an electric dipole is expressed as
product of magnitude of the charge possessed by the particles forming a dipole and the separation between
them.

If ‘q’ is the magnitude of charge and ‘2d’ is the separations between the, electric dipole moment of
dipole ‘P’ is written as, P = q . 2d

Dipole moment is a vector quantity. Its direction is taken from negative charge to positive charge. In
S.I. it is measured in Coulomb meter ( C-m).

The molecules like H-Cl, show permanent

dipolement. These molecules are called as Polar
molecules. Their dipole moment arises due to
asymmetric distribution of positive and negative
charges in the molecules. In these molecules, the
center of all positive charges do not coincide with
the center of all negative charges. However, there
are other molecules like H2, N2 etc in which the
centers of positive and negative charges coincide. This is due to the symmetric distribution of charges +ve
& –ve in the molecules. Such molecules do not exhibit dipolement. They are called as Non-polar
molecules.
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The molecules that are non polar basically can be forced to become a polar by subjecting them to
an electric field. The force exerted by applied electric field disturbs the coincidence of centers of positive
and negative charges of the molecule.

“The molecule which exhibits dipole property under the action of external field is called as
induced dipole”.
Electric Filed due to an electric Dipole:

Field on axial point of a dipole:

Consider an electric dipole consisting of charges +q & -q which are d distance apart. A line passing
through the charges forming a dipole is called as its axial line. And a line that acts as a perpendicular
bisector of axial line, which passes through center of a dipole is called as its equatorial line.
 The intensity of electric field at a point on the axial line of an electric dipole is given by,

1 2 Px
E axial =  2 (1)
4 0 ( x  d 2 ) 2
1 2P
For a short dipole, x >> d  3
 Eaxial =
4  0 x
Where ‘P’ represents dipolement and ‘x’ represent the distance from the center of dipole to the point
where the field is expected.

Electric field on the equatorial point of a dipole:

Electric field at a point on equatorial line of a dipole, which is ‘x’ m apart from center of dipole is given by,
1 P

E equit = 4 3 (2)
0
(x 2  d 2 ) 2
1 P
For short dipole x >> d. Eequit = .
4  0 x 3
From equations (1) & ( 2) it can be shown that
E axial = 2 E
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Also in both cases, E  1/x 3

Electric field due to an electric dipole at any point:

Consider an electric dipole made of charges +q and q separated
by a distance 2d. Let P be a point at a distance x from the centre of the
dipole. Let  be the angle made by the axis of the dipole and the line
joining the point and the midpoint of the dipole.
The magnitude of electric field at P is given by
1 P
E= 3 cos 2   1
4  0 x 3

Behavior of an electric dipole kept in External uniform Electric

Field:
Consider an electric dipole consisting of charges +q & -q which are distance 2d apart. Let the dipole
is kept in uniform electric field of strength E as shown in fig. Axis of dipole makes an angle  with the field.
(dipole moment vector making angle  with the field)

Each of charge forming the dipole, experience the force of ‘qE’ amount. These forces are oppositely
directed.

Although the net force on dipole is zero, the dipole

experiences the torque due to non zero perpendicular
distance between these forces. This torque tends the
dipole to rotate and align itself parallel to the applied field.
The torque actions on dipole can be calculated as follows:
From definition : Torque = Force x perpendicular
distance between the force
 = q E . 2d sin
 = q .2d . E sin
 = PE sin …………(1) (  P = q.2d)
i.e.  = P.E

Definitions of Dipole moment:

From above expression for the torque,  = PE sin
Dipole is kept at right angles to the uniform field of unit strength then ,
for  = 90 & E = 1 NC-1
 = p x1 x sin 900 = p
OR  = P
Thus dipole moment of an electric dipole is defined as numerical value of, torque
experienced by it when it is kept at right angles to an uniform electric field of unit strength

Polarization of Dielectric Medium :

A dielectric material is one which has negligible number of free
charges. They are non-conducting electrically. Dielectric substances are
composed of either polar atoms or non-polar atoms. In case of a polar
dielectric material, although the individual atoms or molecules exhibit
finite non zero dipole moment, because of random orientation of all
dipoles, the net dipole moment of entire material turns to be zero.
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It is called as an un polarized dielectric material, see fig

Un polarized dielectric polarized dielectric

When such un polarized dielectric is kept in external electric field, the dipoles of dielectric material
experience torque. This torque compels them to align parallel to the
directions of field as in fig off course alignment is not 100% perfect,
because the thermal agitations in the material tends to disalign some
dipoles. This is called as polarization of a dielectric. The polarized
dielectric exhibits finite dipole moment.

As a result of polarization, there is net negative charge on one

side of the dielectric and equal net positive charge on its other side. This
establishes small induced electric field ‘Ep’ inside the dielectric (due to
polarization) whose direction is opposite to the external field ‘E0’. Thus
resultant field in the space, where dielectric is kept, is less than ‘E0’,
and it is written as, Ed= E0 – Ep.

The quantity dielectric constant (K) for a medium

describes, how many fold the electric field in the space is reduced due to introduction of
dielectric.
IAs, E0  field in the space in the absence of dielectric
Ep  induced electric field in a dipole due to polarisation.

Then the dielectric constant k is written as, K = E0/Ed= E0 / (E0-

Ep)
Note: If a conductor is kept is electric field, the free electrons in the conductor experience the force and
move opposite to the external field. The movement of electrons from one side of the conductor to the other
side, establish reverse electric field in conductor. This reverse field grows till it turns equal and opposite to
external field. Thus, net field in the space where conductor is kept is zero. Therefore, Ep=E0 OR Ed=E0-
E0=0.

Thus, for a good conductor of electricity, its dielectric constant is, K = E0/0 = 
In case of a perfect insulator, Ep=0, OR Ed=E0-0= E0.
therefore, its dielectric constant is, K = E0/ E0 = 1

Polarizability: 
For a single molecule induced electric dipole moment ( p ) is proportional to the applied electric field
  
(E) i.e., p  0 E
 
Or p = 0  E
where  is a constant and is called atomic or molecule polarizability and is given by
P
=
0 E
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Unit of p Cm
SI Unit of  =  2 1 2  m3
Unit of 0  unit of E C N m  NC 1

Thus unit of  is m3 (i.e., the unit of volume).

Dielectric Strength of a medium :

‘The electric dipole moment acquired per unit volume of a dielectric is called as
polarization’. It is denoted by ‘p’ The polarization ‘p’ of a dielectric can be increased, with the strength
of external field. This continues till the external field takes a critical value. Beyond this value, the electrons
from the molecules or atoms of dielectric material, get themselves detached, because of strong force
exerted by field. This stage of dielectric is called as breakdown. As result of breakdown, dielectric loses its
insulation property and starts conducting.
The maximum strength of external field that can be applied to a dielectric without
Vsafe
causing a breakdown is called as dielectric strength of the medium. E safe =
d
Where Vsafe is the maximum potential that can be applied to a dielectric of thickness d without its
electric breakdown.
* Dielectric strength of air medium is 3x106vm-1

Electric Lines of Force :

Electric lines of Force are imaginary, hypothetical invisible lines, which are used to visualize the
electric field due to a charge or group of charges. The concept of lines of force was introduced by Faraday.
They exist in 3 dimensional space around the charge.

Electric line of force in an electric field is an imaginary curved line such that the tangent drawn to it
at a given point gives, the direction of electric field at that point.

Properties of Lines of Force:

1. They originate from the surface of an isolated positive point charge and are directed radially
outward. The lines of force, terminate on an isolated negative point charge and are directed radially
inwards.

2. The tangent drawn to the electric line of force at any point gives the
directions of electric field at that point. Line of force represents a path
on which a test positive charge moves or tends to move.

3. The no. of lines of forces per unit area perpendicular to the

direction Electric field, is equal to the intensity of electric field at
that point.
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4. Electric lines of force, do not intersect with each other. That is, they do not meet at a common
point. If it happens so, then it leads to the following contradiction. If two lines of forces intersect at
a point, then at the point of intersection, one can draw two tangents, one tangent to each line of
force. It means that, a test charge kept at this point will move simultaneously along two directions
which is impossible!
5. We know that, electric field inside good conductor is zero. Therefore the lines of force do not exist
inside it. However, in case of an insulator or a dielectric, the electric field does exist in it. Hence the
lines of force also can exist in it.
6. Electric lines of force are perpendicular to the surface of a charged body.
7. Electric lines of force exert, lateral pressure on one another. This explains repulsion between like
charges.
8. Lines of force shows longitudinal contractions. This explains attraction between unlike charges.

Lateral Pressure Longitudinal Contractions.

Electric Flux:
Electric Flux is the measure of the no. of electric lines of force, penetrating some surface. The no. of
lines of force penetrating a surface, in turn is directly proportional to the charge within that surface.

Electric Flux of electric field through a surface is defined as the no. of lines of force passing through
it. If the lines of force are passing normally then it called as Normal flux. It is denoted by .
Consider small plane area ‘ds’ in the electric field, which is normal to the direction of electric field of
strength E. The Normal flux through ds is given as
d= E. ds ……….(1)
If  is angle between normal to the surface and
Field E, then flux through the surface ds is,

d= E . ds Cos ………….(2)

Electric Flux is a scalar quantity.

If the directions of lines of force, are directed out of the given surface then the flux is taken positive and if
lines of force are directed into the given surface flux is taken negative.

Area vector:
Area is a scalar quantity. But in certain situations are of a surface has to be represented by a vector
so as to specify it completely. The area vector is represented by a vector along the normal to the area. The
length of the vector is proportional to the magnitude of the area. Its direction indicates the orientation of
the area.

Gauss Theorem :
Gauss Theorem relates the Electric Flux of electric field and the charge. It states that total
normal Electric Flux through any closed surface is equal to (1 / ) times the net charge
enclosed by it.
1
= x

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Where Q = q i = total charged enclosed.

Explanations of Gauss Theorem :

Consider a closed surface of any shape S as shown in the
adjacent fig, which contains the charges q1, q2…..qn. Let
surface S is divided into large number of elementary areas
ds1, ds2, ds3 ……..etc. Let E1, E2….. etc are the strengths of
electric fields on these surfaces respectively. The individual
normal flux through these elementary areas can be given as,
d 1 = E1ds1 cos 1
d 2 = E2ds2 cos 2
.. .. ..
and so on.
Then the total normal Electric Flux through the entire surface is given by

 total = d 1 + d 2 +…. = d n1

According to Gauss theorem this total normal flux ie.  total is equal to ( 1/ 0) times net charge
enclosed.
1
i.e.,  total = . Q , Where Q = q1 +q2 +…..

1
OR  E ds Cos =  .Q

Applications of Gauss theorems

1. Electric intensity near a charged conductor :
Consider a charged conductor of any shape. It is
because of its irregular shape, the density of charges
at various places, on its surface, is different Let p is
the point close to the surface at which intensity of
electric field E is to be calculated. Let a cylindrical
Gaussian surface is constructed, which consists of
point p on its circular top surface, of area ds. part of
cylinder lies inside the charged conductor and the
other part outside. As ‘p’ is close to the charged
conductor, the electric field at point p is perpendicular
to the surface of conductor just below it.
As there is no electric field inside the conductor the flux of electric field through the part of cylinder
inside the charged conductor is zero.

The electric flux through the cylindrical region of Gaussian surface is also zero, as there is no any
component of electric field perpendicular to it.
Thus, net normal flux through entire cylindrical Gaussian surface is ,
= E . ds … (1)
Using Gauss theorem
 = [ 1/] . ( charge enclosed say Q ) …. (2)
if ‘’ is surface density of the charge on the conductor at a place just below point P then,
charge enclosed by Gaussian surface will be,
Q =  . ds

 Substituting in equation (1) E= 
1
= . (  . ds)

comparing equation (1) and (3)
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1
E . ds = (  . ds) , Or
0
Thus electric intensity at a point near charged conductor is directly proportional to the
charge density at that point.

1. Electric Intensity near a charged spherical conductor :

Consider a spherical conductor of radius R which is given with a charge Q. the charge gets
uniformly distributed over the surface of the sphere because of its symmetrical shape.
Let P is the point at distance d from the sphere where electric intensity is to be determined.

Case1: Point is outside the conducting sphere.

Let us construct a spherical Gaussian surface of radius d, that encloses the charged sphere and
contains the point P. Because of symmetrical shape of charged sphere, the electric field at all points on
Gaussian surface is same in magnitude and is radially outwards from the centre O.
The electric flux through small area ds around point p is given as
d= Edscos
as the field every where is perpendicular, = 00,
d = Eds … (1)
The total normal electric flux through the spherical
Gaussian surface is equal to,
 = E.∑ds
or  = E . ∑ds
but for spherical Gaussian surface of radius d
∑ ds = 4d2
= E . (4d2) …. (2)
As we know, total charge enclosed by Gaussian surface is equal to the charge given to the sphere
i.e. Q. then the above total normal flux can be also obtained by Gauss theorem as,
 = (1/  0 ). Q …. (3)
Comparing (2) and (3)
1 1 Q
E =  2
 E . 4d =
2
.Q or 4 0 d
 0

This expression is same as expression for the field at a point due to a point charge Q kept
at O. Thus it can be concluded that, for a point outside the charged sphere, it appears that as if the
total charge on sphere is concentrated at its centre.

Case 2 : Point is outside & close to surface of the conducting sphere

If P is close to surface of charged spherical
conductor , then , the distance of point P can be taken equal
to the radius of the sphere( this is due to the reason that
the radius of the Gaussian surface drawn in this case, will be
same as the radius of the sphere). Thus substituting d =
R , expression for the electric field at a point close and
outside the charged spherical conductor is
written as,
1 Q
E = 4  R 2
0

Case 3: Point is inside the conducting sphere

Let point P be inside the sphere which is at a distance d from
its center, as shown in the fig. A Gaussian surface is constructed which
consists of point P. if E is the electric field intensity at P, then field at
every point on Gaussian surface is,
 = E . 4d2
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1
From the Gauss theorem,  = (ch arg e  enclosed )
0
As in this case Gaussian surface does not enclose the charge,
therefore Q = 0
 =0  E . 4d2 = 0 OR E=0
“Thus electric field at every point inside the charges
conductor is zero “

The adjacent figure shows variation of electric field at a point

near a charged spherical conductor:

3. Electric field near a charged plate

Consider thin plate with surface area A. If charge Q is given to it, then the surface density of
Q
charge on the plate is given as,  = . As the total charge given to it is equally distributed on its
A

both surfaces the charge density on each surface is equal to, .
2

Electric intensity at a point close to such plate is given as, E 
2 0

Electric potential:
In the topic of gravitation, it is have learnt that, a mass kept in gravitational field experiences force.
If the test mass is moved in the gravitational field, the work is done. This work done is stored in it, in the
form of gravitational potential energy. ( even in the absence of test mass, every point in gravitational field,
has capacity to exert force on a mass kept in it, thus every point in gravitational field is said to have
gravitation potential )

In analogy to gravitation, it is observed that, every point in electric field has a capacity to exert
force on a test charge kept in it. Thus a charge kept in electric field acquires an energy called electric
potential energy. If a test charge is moved from one place to another place in the electric field, against the
direction of field, then there is a work done. This work done itself is stored in the charge, in the form of its
potential energy. The potential energy stored in a charge at infinite distance from the source of electric field
is taken zero, since it does not experience force. This place of zero potential acts as a reference level for
measurement of potential energy of a charge.

The electric potential at a point in the electric field, is defined as amount of work done
in bringing an unit positive charge, from infinity to the concerned point in the electric field. If
the work is done against the field, then the Potential at that point is taken positive and if work
is done by the field itself then potential is taken negative.

Electric potential at a point in the electric field is also defined as, the potential energy
stored in an unit charge kept at that point

If w is the work done in bringing a charge Q from infinity to the point in the electric field the from
definitions he electric potential at that point is, v = w/Q

In S.I. it is measured with the unit volt. Electric potential at a point is said to be one volt, if
one joule of work is done in bringing an Unit Positive Test Charge from infinity to that point
against the field.
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Electric Potential at a point due to an isolated point charge.
Let Q be a positive point charge placed at O. Its electric field is outwardly directed and extends
towards infinity as shown in the fig 1. P is the point where electric potential is desired. X and Y are two
points in the electric field which are separated by a small distance dx such that an unit positive charge
experiences almost same force at X and Y. Let OX=x

Let an unit positive charge is kept at X. The force F that acts on this UPC is,
1 Q
F=  …(1)
4 0 X 2
In order to displace it against this force, an external force of same magnitude but in opposite
direction is to be applied on the UPC ( i.e. – F ). This applied force is such that there is no acceleration of
UPC. The work done in displacing UPC from X to Y is given as,
dw = - F . dx ..(2)
Negative sign in expression also represent that, the UPC is displayed against the electric field.
1 Q
Using (1) dw= -  2 . dx …(3)
4 0 X
Electric potential at Point P is the total work done in bringing UPC from  to point P. To find this
total work done, equations (3) can be integrated between the limits x =  and x =d
x d
p
1 Q
W=  dW =
 x 
  2 dX
4 0 X
xd
Q 1
 dW =
4 0 
x  X2
dX

 1 
1
 dW = 
4 0 
X 


Q 1 1 
 dW =
4 0  d   
Q 1
 dW =
4 0
x
d
1 Q
V = 4  d
p

But from the definition of electric potential ,  dW


= V, therefore, 0

Relation between electric filed and electric potential :

Let A and B are the two points in electric field, produced by point charge +Q. the distance between
A& B points (dx) is so small that UPC kept at A and B experiences same force (F) i.e. Electric field E from A
to B is same.

From definition, the potential difference between A and B points ( dv) is equal to work done in
moving UPC from A to B.

dv = dw = F . dx
Or dv = - E . dx
= - E . dx

 E = - ( dv/dx)
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The quantity (dv/dx) is called as potential gradient. It is defined as rate of fall of potential with the
distance.

Thus electric intensity at a point in an electric field is equal to the negative potential
gradient at that point.

Differences between electric field and electric potential :

Electric field Electric Potential

1. Electric field at a point is defined as force
experienced by UPC kept at that point.
2. Electric field is a vector quantity.
3. It is measured in NC-1
4. Electric field at point due to a point
charge is E= 1/40 x Q/d2
5. Electric field inside charged spherical
conductor is zero.
1. Electric potential at point is defined as
amount of work done in bringing UPC from
infinity to that point.
2. Electric potential is a scalar quantity
3. It is measured in volt or JC-1
4. Electric potential at a point due to point
charge is V = ¼0 x Q/d
5. Electric potential inside charged conductor is
constant.

Electric potential at a point due to large no. of charges.

Electric potential is a scalar quantity. Therefore the total electric potential at a point due to group of
charges can be obtained by adding the electric potentials due to individual charges.

Let V1 is the potential at a point P due to charge Q 1 at a distance r 1, V2 due to charge Q2 at distance
R2 and so on at P is, V = V1+V2+…..Vn
1 q1 1 q2 1 qn
i.e. V    .......  .
4 0 r1 4 0 r2 4 0 rn

i n
1 qi
V 
4 0
r
i 1 i

Electric potential at a point due to an electric dipole:

Electric potential at a point, at a distance of ‘x’ from the center and on the axis of electric dipole is
given by the following formula,
1 P
V=  2
4 0 ( x  d 2 )

Electric potential at any point on its equatorial line is zero. It is due to the reason that every point
on equatorial line of electric dipole is equidistant from the opposite point charges forming the dipole. Hence
equatorial line of dipole is also called as zero potential line.

Equipotential surface:
Any surface which has the same electrostatic potential at every point is known as equipotential
surface. An equipotential surface may e the surface of a body or simply a surface in space near a charged
body. Equipotential surfaces cane drawn properties of an equipotential surface:
1. No work is done in moving a test charge from one point to another in an equipotential surface.
2. Electric field is always perpendicular to the equipotential surface.
3. The equipotential surfaces help in determination of strong electric fields from weak electric fields.
4. Equipotential surfaces will never intersect.

Potential energy of system of charge:

Group of charges forms a charge system. As the charges in a group interact each other, the charge
system posses potential energy. If charges in the charge system, maintain infinite separation from each
other, the PE of system is zero. To remove a charge from the charge system or to add an external charge to
the system, work is necessary to be done.
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The potential energy of system of charges is defined as the amount of work done in
bringing all the charges from infinity to the present positions in the system .

Explanation : let q1 and q2 are two charges forming a system are

separated by a distance d as shown in the fig. Let V is the potential
at the point where Q2 is placed. Let q1 and q2 are two charges are
kept at ‘0’ and the other at . As they do not interact potential
energy of either charges is zero. Let charge q 2 is brought from  to
a point at a distance d from charge q1. The work done in this case
can be shown as

1 qq
W  1 2
4 0 d

This work done is stored as PE of system of two charges. If both of the charges are of
same type PE of system is positive and if both charges are of opposite type PE of system
negative.
 If number of charge are more than two, then total PE of system of charges is given as

1 qi q j
PE  
4 0 d ij

The summations is taken over all possible pair of

the number of charges forming the charge system.

****
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QUESTIONS’ BANK

ELECTRIC CHARGES:
Questions carrying one mark each:
1. How many electrons make one coulomb of electric charge? [Model QP., Oct. 2002]
2. The repulsive force between two electrons is F. How will the force change if the electrons are replaced by
protons? [Model QP.]
3. What is the practical unit of electric charge? [Oct. 83, 86, April 85]
4. Define unit charge. [April 84, 88]
5. Define surface density of charge. [Oct. 84, 2001]
6. If the shape of an object is non-uniform, where will the surface charge density be maximum? [April 89,90]
7. In textile mills, the atmosphere is rendered humid. Why? [Oct. 91]
8. How many electrons are to e added/ removed to charge a body to +1 coulomb? (Charge of an electron =
1.6x1019 C) [April 92]
9. In electrostatics, gravitational forces are not taken into account. Why? [Oct. 92]
10. Force between two point charges is 0.5 N. If the distance between them is doubled what will e the force
between them? [April 95]
11. Mention one of the methods of charging a body. [April 99]
12. How many electrons do constitute a charge of 1 C? [April 2000,2003]
13. How does the surface density of charge depend on the curvature of the surface? [April 2000]
14. How many electrons make 1 nanocoulomb of electric charge? [April 2001]
15. Two spherical droplets have equal surface density of charge. If they are combined to form a single
droplet, what happens to the surface density of charge? [April 91]
16. What is the effect of dielectric on a force between two charged spheres separated by a distance? [Oct.
98]
17. What happens to the magnitude of the force between two charges if glass plate is interposed between
them? [April 2007]

Questions carrying two marks each:

1. State and explain Coulomb’s law in electrostatics. [MQP Apr. 88, 05, July 2006]
2. Distinguish between conductor and insulator. [April 85]
3. What is the effect of dielectric on a force between two charged spheres separated by a distance? [Oct.
98]
4. Write the expression for Coulomb force between two point charges separated by a distance in vector
form and explain the terms. [Apr. 2006, M.Q.P]
5. What is an electric dipole? Define dipole moment. [July 2006]

Questions carrying five marks each:

1. Two small spheres each of mass 10 mgm are suspended from a point by threads 0.5 m long. They are
equally charged & repel each other to a distance of 0.28 m. If g=10 m/s 2, what is the charge on each?
[Apr. 92]
2. Two identical pith balls each weighing 30 mg are hung from the same point of a rigid support by two in
extensible threads each of 0.10 m. When equal amount of identical charges are given to the pith balls
they get separated by 0.10 m. Calculate the charge on each of them. (G=10 m/s 2) [April 95]
3. Three positive charges 3 nC, 4 nC and 5 nC are placed at the vertices A, B and C respectively of an
equilateral triangle ABC of side 0.2 m. Find only the magnitude of the force on the largest charge. [April.
2002]
4. Two point charges of +3nC and 3nC are placed at corners A and B of an equilateral triangle ABC of side
0.3 m in air. If a charge +2nC is placed at the point C, what is the force acting on it? [Oct. 2002]
5. Two small metal spheres are charged so that they repel each other with a force of 2x10 5 N. The charge
on one sphere is twice that on the other. When they are moved 0.1 m farther apart, the force reduces to
5x106N. What are the charges and what is the initial separation between them? [April 97]
6. ABCD is a square of side 1 m. Point charges of +2x10 10 C, 4x1010 C and +8x1010C are placed at
corners A, B, C respectively. Calculate the work done in transferring a charge of 10 C from D to the
point of intersection of diagonals. [July 2006]
7. A metal sphere of radius 0.01 m is charged to a potential of 45 kV and kept at the corner B of a right-
angled triangle ABC (AB=0.3 m, BC=0.4 m and  ABC=90). Calculate the work required to shift a charge
of 2x106 C from corner C to corner A of the triangle. [April 2007]
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454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
ELECTROSTATIC FIELD:
Questions carrying one mark each:
1. A charged spherical conductor is equivalent to a point charge at the centre with respect to a point outside
the conductor, explain. [Model Q.P.]
2. What is the potential of the earth? [Oct. 88, April 95]
3. Two point charge Q and 4Q are separated by a distance of 12 cm. Find the distance of the neutral point
from Q. [Oct. 89]
o
4. Find the magnitude of electric field due to a point charge of 1.6x10 10 C at a distance of 1 A from it.
[Oct. 89]
5. If 4x104 joules of work is done in moving a charge of 5 microcoulomb from a point A to another point B,
then find the potential difference between A and B. [April 90]
6. A potential difference of 300 mV is applied between two plates separated by a distance of 1 mm. What is
the electric intensity in the region between the plates. [Oct. 90]
7. What is the magnitude of electric intensity inside a charged hollow sphere? [Oct. 90, April 97]
8. If a dielectric is introduced between two charges what happens to the electric field between them? [April
91]
9. If the electric field at a distance r from a charge q is E, what is the electric potential at that point. [April
91]
10. Find the electric intensity due to a point charge of 10 mC at a distance of 3 cm. [April 93]
11. Three charges +3C, +2C and 5C are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side ‘d’ m. What
is the potential at the circumcentre of the triangle? [April 93]
12. A hollow spherical conductor of radius 0.1 m is charged. At which point is the electric intensity due to this
conductor maximum? [Oct. 95]
13. At which point is the electric intensity due to a charged sphere is zero? [April 96]
14. State Gauss’ theorem. [Oct. 97, April 02, 2006]
15. What is an electric line of force in an electric field? [April 98]
16. Is electric potential a scalar or a vector? [Oct. 2002]
17. A spherical surface surrounds a point charge Q. What happens to the total flux throught he surface when
the surface is changed to a cube? [Oct. 2003]
18. Mention the S.I. unit of electric intensity. [Oct. 2000]
19. Can two electric lines of forces intersect? [April 2004]
20. The potential at any point inside a hollow charged spherical conductor of radius 0.2 m is 1 V. What is the
potential on the surface of the conductor? [Oct. 04]
21. What is an electric dipole?
22. Mention the S.I unit of electric field. [Apr. 2005]
23. What is an equipotential surface? [July 2006]

Questions carrying two marks each:

1. Electric intensity inside a charged conductor is zero this follows from Gauss’ theorem. Explain. [Model
Q.P.]
2. Calculate the potential due to a charge of 100 microcoulomb at a distance of 9 metres. [Oct. 84]
3. Obtain an expression for the electric intensity at a point due to a point charge. [Oct. 93]
4. State and explain Gauss’ theorem in electrostatics. [April 96, 2007]
5. Explain why the work done in moving a charge on equipotnetial surface is zero. [April 99]
6. State Gauss theorem and mention one of its uses. [Model QP]
7. What is electric dipole moment? What is its unit.
8. Show that a dipole is placed in a electric field experiences a torque.
9. Give the expression for electric potential due to a system of three point charge.
10. Obtain the expression for capacity of a spherical conductor. [Apr. 2006]
Questions carrying four/ five marks each:
1. State Gauss’ Theorem. Obtain an expression for the electric field at any point near the surface of a
charged conductor of irregular shape by applying Gauss’ theorem. [Model. Q.P., Oct. 97, Apr. 2003]
2. Define electric intensity and electric potential. Arrive at the relation E = dV/dx. [Model Q.P.]
OR
Define electric intensity and electric potential. Deduce the relation connecting them. [Oct. 88, 89, 91,
Apr. 04]
3. State Gauss’ theorem in electrostatic. Hence derive the formula for the electric field at a point outside a
uniformly charged Spherical conductor. [April 83, Oct. 86]
 17
454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
OR
Obtain an expression for electric intensity at a point outside a charged spherical conductor by using Auss’
theorem. [April 83, Oct. 99, 2001]
4. Derive an expression for the electric potential at a point due to a point charge.
[Oct. 83, 87, 88, 2000, 04, April. 97, 98, 2000, 02, July 2006]
5. Distinguish between electric intensity and electric potential at a point in an electric field. Obtain the
relation between them. [April 87, 2002]
6. Write the expression for electric field at any point due to an electric dipole using this expression deduce
the expression for the electric intensity at any point on (i) On the axis of the dipole (ii) the perpendicular
bisector of the axis of the dipole.

CET QUESTIONS

1. A body is said to be charged if. b) silk loses electrons and becomes positively
a) it attracts light objects charged
b) it repels light objects c) glass rod loses electrons and becomes
c) it attracts heavy objects positively charged
d) it repels heavy objects d) silk loses electrons and becomes negatively
2. A body is said to be positively charged if. charged
a) it has no electrons at all
b) it has only protons
c) it has more number of electrons than
protons
d) it has less number of electrons than protons
3. The sure test to know whether a body is charged or
not is.
a) repulsion b) attraction
c) both 1 and 2 d) neither 1 nor 2
4. A body is said to e negatively charged if it has.
a) only electrons
b) only protons
c) less number of electrons than protons
d) less number of protons than electrons
5. Charges are.
a) quantized b) not quantized
c) always positive integral multiples of the least
unit of charge
d) always negative multiples of the least unit of
charge
6. The smallest unit of charge is equal to.
a) 1.6x1019C b) 1.6x1019C
c) 1C d) 1 C
7. To charge a body to +1C.

a)6.25 x 1018 electrons have to be added to

the body
b) 6.25 x 1018 electrons must be removed from
the body
c) one electron must be added to the body
d) one electron must be removed from the
body
8. To charge a body to 1 C.
a) 6.25 x 1012 electrons must be removed from
the body
b) 106 electrons must be removed from the
body
c) 106 electrons must be added to the body
d) 6.25 x 1012 electrons must be added to the
body.
9. When a glass rod is rubbed against silk.
a) glass rod loses electrons and becomes
negatively charged
 18
454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
10. When an ebonite rod is rubbed against fur.
a) ebonite rod loses electrons and becomes
negatively charged
b) fur loses electrons and becomes negatively
charged
c) ebonite rod gains electrons and becomes
positvely charged
d) ebonite rod gains electrons and becomes
vely charged
11. When a positively charged body is made to touch an
uncharged conductor.
a) the uncharged conductor also becomes
positvely charged
b) the uncharged conductor becomes
negatively charged
c) neither 1 nor 2
12. When a body is charged by friction.
a) +ve charges are newly created
b) ve charges are newly created
c) charges are conserved. They are simply
transferred from one body to the other
d) a body cannot be charged by friction
13. A charged body induces.
a) an equal amount of the same kind of charge
b) an equal amount of the opposite kind of
charge
c) no charge
d) charge depending on the temperature of the
body
14. When a conductor is charged.
a) all the charges are localised in the central
region
b) all the charges are distributed on the surface
of the conductor
c) more charges are localised at the centre
than on the surface
d) none of the above
15. When an insulator is charged.
a) the charge remains localised
b) the charges are distributed over the surface
c) either 1 of 2 depending on the shape of the
insulator
d) an insulator cannot be charged
16. The distribution of charges on a conductor is such
that.
a) it is always uniform irrespective of the shape
of the body
b) more charges reside at points where the
curvature is less
c) more charges reside at points where the
curvature is more none of the above
17. The surface density of charge is defined as the ratio
of the total charge of the body to its.
a) length b) surface area
c) volume d) cross-sectional area
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454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
18. Repulsion exists between. 27. Two pith balls carrying identical charges are
a) a positvely charged body and another suspended from a point in air. Afterwards they are
positvely charged only suspended inside water. The distance between the
b) a positively charged body and an uncharged two pith balls is now.
body a) increased b) reduced
c) a negatively charged body and an uncharged c) unchanged d) doubled
body 28. When two charges +1C each are separated by a
d) two uncharged bodies distance of 1 m in air, they.
19. The force ‘F’ between two charged bodies separated a) attract each other with a force of 1 N
by a distance ‘d’ is such that. b) repel each other with a force of 1 N
1 c) attract each other with a force of 9x109 N
a) F  b) F  d d) repel each other by a force of 9x109 N
d
29. Charge on a body can be detected using.
1 (CET 1983)
c) F  d2 d) F 
d2 a) an electroscope b) an electrometer
20. The force between two charges. c) a voltmeter d) an ammeter
a) depends on the medium between them 30. When a glass plate is introduced between two
b) does not depend on the medium between bodies, the force between them. (CET 1984)
them a) increases b) decreases
c) depends on the medium when it is a liquid c) remains the same d) becomes zero
only 31. Two positive charges are placed with a fixed
d) depends on the medium when it is a gas separation. A slab of dielectric medium is introduced
only between them. As a result, the repulsion between
21. The force between two charges in different media the charges. (CET 1985)
are different because. a) changes to attraction b) remains constant
a) different media have different densities c) decreases d) increases
b) different media have different viscosities 32. The intensity of an electric field at a point is defined
c) different media have different permittivites as.
d) different media have different permeabilities a) the force experienced by a charge of +1C
22. Relative permittivity of a medium r is related to the placed at that point
permittivity of the medium  and the permittivity of b) the force experienced by a charge of 1
vacuum as follows: electron placed at the point
c) the force experienced by a proton placed at
0 that point
a) r = b) r =  . 0
 d) the force experienced by a neutron placed at
 that point
c) T = d) 0 = . r 33. The intensity of an electric field at a point at distance
0 ‘d’ from a point charge q is given by E=
23. The force between two charges is. q2 4 0 q
a) high if the medium in between the two a) b)
charges has a high permittivity 4 0 d d
b) high if the medium in between the two q q
charges has a low permittivity c) d)
c) independent of the permittivity of the
4 0 d 4 0d2
medium 34. The unit of electric intensity is.
d) none of the above a) Nm b) NC
24. The permittivity of free space is. c) N.C1 d) N.m1
a) 8.85 x 1012 F.m1 b) 8.85 x 1018 F.m1 35. An electric field is said to be uniform if.
18
c) 8.85 x 10 F.m 1
d) 8.85 x 1012 F.m1 a) the intensity at all pints in the field is the
25. The relative permittivity of water is 80. This means same
that. b) the direction at all points in the field is the
a) the force between two charges in water is 80 same
times less than that in vacuum at the saem c) neither 1 nor 2
distance d) both 1 and 2
b) the force between two charges in water is 80 36. A charge q when placed in an electric field of
times less than that in vacuum at the same intensity E experiences a force F given by.
distance a) F = qE2 b) F = q2E
c) relative permittivity has nothing to do with q
force between two charges c) F = d) F = qE
E
26. n identical mercury droplets charged to the same
37. A proton and an -particle are subjected to the same
potential V coalesce to form a single bigger drop.
electric field. If a1 and a2 denote their respective
The potential of the new drop will be. (CET 2000)
accelerations, then a1/a2 is equal to.
a) n2/3 V b) nV2
a) 1:1 b) 1:2
c) nV d) V/n
c) 2:1 d) 1:4
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454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
38. If  is the surface density of a charged plane sheet, c) two lines of force intersect each other at lest
the electric intensity at a point t a distance ‘r’ very once
close to it is. (CET 1984, 1985) d) lines of force in a dielectric medium can
 4q intersect each other
a) b) 48. A closed surface contains negative charges. Electric
r r
flux across it is.
a 1 a) zero b) directed inwards
c) d)
4 r 4 qr c) directed along the normal to the surface
39. The electric potential at a distance ‘r’ from a point outwards
charge q is given by V = (CET 1984) d) parallel to the surface
qr 4q 49. Four charges of magnitude 1 nC,  4nC, 3 nC and 5
a) b) nC are placed at the corners A, B, C and D of a
4  r square ABCD of side 6 m. The potential at the centre
q 1 of the square (in volts) is.
c) d)
4 r 4 qr a) 7.5 2 b) 15 2
40. The unit of electric potential is. c) 7.5 2 d) 1.5 2
a) the same b) V/2 50. Two point charges +2C and +6C repel each other
c) 1 Volt d) 1 Farad with a force of 12 N. When a charge q is added to
41. The electric potential at a point distant r from a each of the charges, they attract each other with a
charge ‘q’ is V. When the charge is replaced by a force of 4 N. Value of q is (in C).
charge 4q, the potential at the point will be. (CET a) +4 b) 4
1984) c) +1 d) 1
a) the same b) V/2 51. A slab of dielectric is introduced between two equal
c) 2V d) 4V negative charges with a fixed separation. As a result.
42. Charges present on the clouds are due to. (CET (CET 1987)
1984) a) the force between the charges decreases
a) motion of water drops b) the slab gets heated up
b) earth’s magnetic field c) the two charges attract each other
c) lighting d) an electric current passes through the slab
d) motion of the clouds 52. A hollow spherical conductor carries negative charge.
43. A deuterium nucleus and a helium nucleus are placed A positive charge is placed at the centre of the
in the same electric field. The acceleration of helium sphere. Then this positive charge will. (CET 1987)
is. (CET 1985) a) oscillate between the opposite points of the
a) greater than that of deuterium conductor
b) less than that of deuterium b) stick to the conductor
c) equal to that of deuterium c) move in circle
d) zero d) stay at the centre
44. Inside a hollow charged spherical conductor, the 53. Point charges +50 C, +100C and 75 C are
electric field is found to be. (CET 1985) placed on the circumference of a circle of radius 0.5
a) zero m to form an equilateral triangle ABC. The potential
b) a function of the area of the sphere at the centre of the circle is (Cet 1988)
c) proportional to the distance from the centre a) 150 C/m b) 450 C/m
d) a function of the charge density of the c) 150 C/m d) none of these
sphere 54. The mass of a proton is bout 2000 times the mass of
45. Consider the electric potential due to a point charge an electron. An electron and a proton are injected
at a distance. The potential due to eight times this into a uniform electric field at right angles to the
charge at four times the above distance is. (CET direction of the field with the same initial kinetic
1985) energy. Then (CET 1988)
a) half the original potential a) the electron trajectory will be less curved
b) twice the original potential than that of the proton.
c) the same as the original potential b) The proton trajectory will be less curved
d) four times the original potential than that of the electron
46. The accumulation of charge on clouds, which c) Both the trajectories will be equally curved
produces lighting, is caused by. (CET 1985) d) Both the trajectories will be straight
a) ran drops changing into electrons 55. Two fixed point charges +4q and q units are
b) the electric field of the earth separated by a distance ‘a’. The point where the
c) ionization of the sun resultant field intensity is zero is.
d) electrification due to motion of water
2 a
molecules a) a b)
47. State which of the following statements is true. (CET 3 2
1985) 3a
a) the number of times electric lines of force c) d) none of these
2
cross depends on the charge distribution
56. To move a unit +charge from one point to another
b) no two lines of force intersect each other
point on an equipotential surface (CET 1990)
 21
454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
a) work is done b) work is done on the charge c)  q/2 d) 4q
c) no work is done d) work done is a constant 67. Two point charges 12 C and 8 C respectively are
57. Potential at any point inside a charged hollow placed 10 cm apart in air. The work done to bring
sphere. them 4 cm closer is.
a) increases with distance b) is a constant a) zero b) 3.8 J
c) no work is done d) work done is a constant c) 4.8 J d) 5.8 J
58. Two point charges +2C and +6C repel each other 68. The work done in carrying a charge q once round a
with a force of 12 N.If a charge of 2C is given to circle of radius r with a charge Q at the centre is.
each of these chargse, what will be the force now? a) qQ/ 40r b) qQ/ 40r
(CET 1991) c) qQ/ 40 (1/2r) d) zero
a) zero b) 8 N (attraction) 69. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining
c) 8 N (repulsion) d) none of these two equal charges Q. The system of the three
59. 10 Coulombs of charge are situated at each of the charges will be in equilibrium if q=
vertices of a 1 cm cube. Then the electric field at the a) Q/2 b)  Q/2
centre of the cube is. (CET 1991) c) + Q/2 d) + Q/4
a) 5 N/C b) 10 N/C 70. If dV is the potential difference between two points
c) 40 N/C d) zero separated by a distance, then electric intensity E is
60. P and Q are two points lying on the perpendicular given by.
bisector of the line AB. Work done in taking a charge dV dx
of 5 nC from P to Q. (CET 1995) a) E = b) E =
a) depends only on the charge shifted
dx dV
b) is zero dx dV
c) E = d) E = 
c) depends on the distance PQ dV dx
d) depends on the distance AB 71. The electric potential in a region along along the X-
61. A conducting sphere of rdius 10 cm is charged with axis varies with x according to the relation V (x) =
10 C. Another uncharged sphere of radius 20 cm is 5+4x2. Then
allowed to touch it for enough time. After the two a) p.d. between the points x=1 and x=3 is
are separated, the surface density of charge on the 32V
two spheres will be in the ratio (CET 1995) b) force exerted by a charge of 1 C at x=1 m
a) 2:1 b) 1:1 is 8 N
c) 4:1 d) 3:1 c) the force exerted by the above charge is
62. n identical mercury droplets charged to the same along the +ve X-axis.
potential V coalesce to form a single bigger drop. d) a uniform electric field exists in this region
The potential of the new drop will be (CET 1995) along the x-axis
a) nV b) V/n 72. Inside a uniform charged spherical conductor, the
c) n2/3V d) nV2 electric
63. The electric field intensity due to a hollow spherical a) field is zero every where
conductor is maximum (CET 1996) b) potential is zero everywhere
a) outside the sphere c) potential is same as at any point outside
b) on the surface of the sphere d) field has the same magnitude everywhere
c) at any point inside the sphere but it is not zero
d) only at the centre of the sphere 73. The distance of closet approach between two
64. A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such protons in vacuum is 1014 metre and the force
that the potential on its surface is 10V. The potential between them is 2.31N. The charge of a proton is.
at the centre of the sphere is. a) 1.6x1017C b) 1.6x1018C
a) Zero c) 1.6x1019C d) 2.31x1014C
b) 10 V 74. A charge A of 25 C is placed on the line between
c) the same as that at a point 5 cm away from two charges B of 5 C and C of 30C. The charge is
the surface 0.05 m from B and 0.1 m from C. What is the force
d) the same as that at a point 25 cm away from on A?
the surface a) 1.125 N b) 11.25 N
65. Two equal negative charges q are fixed at points c) 112.5 N d) 1125 N
(O, q) and (O, a) on the y-axis. A positive charge Q 75. What is the strength of the electric field such that an
is released from rest at the point (2a, O) on the X- electron placed in the field would experience an
axis. The charge Q will electrical force equal to its weight? [Charge of the
a) execute simple harmonic motion about the electron = 1.6 x 10 19 C, mass of the electron = 9.1 x
origin 1031 kg]
b) move to the origin and remain at rest there a) 5.57x1010 N/C b) 5.57 x 109 N/C
c) move to infinity
c) 5.57 x 10 N/Cd) 5.57 x 1011 N/C
8
d) execute oscillatory but not simple harmonic
76. A and B are two small spheres with charges 9 C and
motion
16 C. The distance between them is 0.28 m. How
66. Three point charges 4q, a and Q are placed in a
far from A along the line AB, will the intensities due
straight line of length 1 at points ½ and zero. The
to the two charges be equal?
net force on the charge q is zero. The value of Q is.
a) 0.12 m from A in between A and B
a) q b) 2q
b) 0.84 m from A outside AB
 22
454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
c) both 1 and 2 a) 12 cm b) 12 mm
d) neither 1 nor 2 c) 1.2 m d) 12 m
77. Two equal charges repel each other with a force of Charge of a proton = 1.6 x 10 19C, mass of a proton =
0.1 N, when situated 0.45 apart. The medium in 1.67 x 1027 kg, g =9.8 m/s2]
between the charges has dielectric constant 9. The 88. Charges equal to q1 are palced at two diagonally
magnitude of each charge is. opposite corners of a square and charges equal to q 2
a) 4.5 C b) 4.5 mC are placed at the remaining corners. If the resultant
c) 4.5 C d) 4.5 nC force on q2 is zero, then q2=
78. Three small spheres each carrying a charge q are a) + 2 q1 b)  2 q1
placed on the circumference of an equilateral triangle
c) +2 2 q1 d) 2 2 q1
of side ‘a’. The potential at the centre of the triangle
is. 89. Two point charges +9x108C and 9x108C are placed
0.5 m apart in air. The magnitude of resultant
3 3q intensity at a point located 0.5 m from either charge
a) zero b)
2 0 a is
a) 3.24x104 N/C b) 3.24x103 N/C
3 3q 3 3q c) 32.4 N/C d) zero
c) d)
 0 a 4  0 a 90. Point charges 2nC and 2nC are placed at the
79. A charged oil drop remains stationary when sitauted points (3, 4) and (3, 4) in the X-Y plane. Find the
between two parallel horizontal metal plates 25 mm electric intensity at the origin. All the co-ordinate
apart and a p.d. of 1000 V is applied to the plates. distances are in metres.
Find the charge on the drop if it has a mass of a) 0.12 NC1 b) 12 NC1
1
5x1015 kg (g=10 m.s2) c) 1.2 NC d) 120 NC1
a) 1.25x1017C b) 1.25x1016C 91. ABC is an equilateral triangle of side 3 cm. Charges
19
c) 1.25x10 C d) 1.25x1018C of +5 nC and 5nC are placed at the corners A and
80. An isolated sphere of radius 0.1 m has lost 10 12 B. The magnitude of the electric intensity at C is
electrons. The intensity of the electric field on the a) 5 NC1 b) 50 NC1
1
surface of the sphere is. c) 500 NC d) 5x104 NC1
a) 1.44x1016 N/C b) 1.44x105 N/C 92. ABC is a triangle with sides AB=3m, BC=4m and
c) 1.44x10 N/C
4
d) 1.44 N/C B=90º. Charges of magnitude 9x105C and
81. The radius of a spherical conductor which will have a 16x105C are placed at the corners A and C
potential of 6000 V when surrounded by an oil of respectively. the magnitude of the electric intensity
dielectric constant 1.5 and charged with 5x108C is. at B is.
a) 0.5 m b) 0.005 m a) 1.273x104 NC1 b) 1.273x105 NC1
1
c) 5 m d) 0.05 m c) 1.273 x 10 NC 3
d) 1.273 NC1
82. A hollow spherical conductor is charged to 2x10 8C. 93. An infinite number of charges each equal to 1 nC are
The potential inside the sphere is. placed along the X-axis at x=1 m, x=2 m, x=4 m,
a) 0 b) 900 V x=8 m…. The electric intensity at x=0 due to this set
c) 1800 V d) 600 V of charges is.
83. To what potential must an insulated sphere be a)  b) 0
charged so that its surface density of charge is 10 12 c) 12 NC1 d) 120 NC1
C/cm2? [Radius of the sphere = 7 cm] 94. Volt/ metre is a unit of.
a) 7920 V b) 792 V a) potential b) potential difference
c) 79.2 V d) 7.92 V c) distance d) electric intensity
84. Two metal balls of radii 0.05 m and 0.04 m are 95. A metal sphere of radius 0.05 m has a charge of +1
charged to the same potential. The surface densities nC. The surface density of charge is.
of charge are in the ratio. a) 3.18x108 C.m2 b) 3.18x107 C.m2
7 2
a) 5:4 b) 4:5 c) 3.18x10 C.m d) 3.18x108 C.m2
c) 25:16 d) 16:25 96. A point charge of +10 C is at the centre of a cubical
85. Two point charges, one ten times as strong as the gaussian surface of side 0.1 m. The flux of the
other, repel each other with a force of 81x10 4N electric field from the surface of the cube is.
when separated by a distance of 0.02 m in air. The a) 1.13 x 105 NC1 b) 1.31x106 NC1
charges are. c) 1.13x106 NC1 d) 1.31 NC1
a) 9 nC, 90 nC b) 6 C, 60 C 97. ABC is a right angled triangle with AB = 0.2 m, BC =
c) 6 nC, 60nC d) 9 C, 90 C 0.6 m and B = 90º. A metal sphere of radius 2 cm
86. Two charged spheres having the same radius and is charged to a potential of 9x104V and is placed at
charges 9 nC and +5 nC are separated by a certain B. The work done is carrying a charge of 1 C from C
distance in air. They are brought into contact and to A is.
then replaced in their original positions. The ratio of a) 60 J b) 6 J
the forces between them before and after contact is. c) 600 J d) 6000 J
a) 9:5 b) 5: 9 98. ABCD is a square of side 2 m. Charges of 5 2
c) 45:4 d) 45:4 nC, +10 nC and 5 2 nC are placed at the
87. The separation between two pints in order that the
corners A, B and C respectively. The work done in
electrostatic force of repulsion acting on either of
transferring a charge of 5 C from D to 0 (the centre
them may be equal to its weight is.
of the square) is.
 23
454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
a) 2.25x103 J b) 225 J 108. When 1019 electrons are removed from a neutral
c) 2.25 x 104J d) 0.225 J metal plate, the electric charge on it is (C) (CET
99. An infinite number of charges each equal to 1 nC are 1999)
placed along the X-axis at x=1, x=2, x=4…. The a) 10+19 b) +1.6
distances are in m. The electric potential at the origin c) 1.6 d) 1019
due to this set up of charge is. 109. Two metal spheres of radii R 1 and R2 are charged to
a) 6 V b) 12 V the same potential. The ratio of the charge on the
c) 18 V d) 24 V two spheres is. (CET 1999)
100. A work of 16x1016 J is done to transfer an electron a) R1/R2 b) 1
between two points in an electric field. The potential c) ½ d) R1 – R2
difference between the two points is. 110. A cube of side b has charge q at each of its vertices.
a) 1 KV b) 10 KV The electric field at the centre of the cube (CET
c) 100 KV d) 1000 KV 2000)
101. An electron is accelerated from rest in a uniform a) q/b2 b) q/2b2
electric field of intensity 10 KV.m 1. Its velocity at the c) 32q/b2 d) zero
end of 1 ns is.
a) 1.76x104 ms1 b) 1.76x105 ms1
c) 1.76x106 ms1 d) 1.76x108 ms1
102. The potential energy of a charge 1 C in an electric
field is 3x104 J. The potential of the field is.
a) 3 V b) 30 V
c) 300 V d) 3000 V
103. A spherical conductor of radius R, placed in air, is
given a charge Q. then the potential at a point inside
the conductor and at a distance R/2 from its centre is
(CET 1997)
a) V =40R b) V=4R
1 Q
c) V = d) V=
4  0 2R
1Q
4  0 R
104. Two spherical conductors of radii 4 m and 5 m are
charged to the same potential. If 1 and 2 be the
respective values of the surface density of charge on
1
the two conductors, then the ratio is(CET
2
1998)
a) 1.5 b) 0.5
c) 1 d) 2
105. A point charge A of charge +4 C and another point
charge B of charge 1 C are placed in air at a
distance 1 metre apart. Then the distance of the
point on the line joining the charges and from the
charge B, where the resultant electric field is zero, is
(metre) (CET 1998)
a) 1.5 b) 0.5
c) 1 d) 2
106. When a positvely charged conductor is earth
connected (CET 1998)
a) electrons flow from the earth to the
conductor
b) protons flow from the conductor to the earth
c) no charge flow occurs
d) electrons flow from the conductors to the
earth
107. Electric charges +10 C, +5C, 3C and +8C are
placed at the corners of a square of side 2 m. The
potential at the centre of the square is (V) (CET
1999)
a) 18x105 b) 1.8x106
c) 1.8 d) 1.8x105
 24
454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
ELECTRIC CHARGE AND ELECTRIC FIELD & ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
QUESTION BANK:
One marks type questions:
1. Define charge.
2. What is electrification?
3. How many electrons constitute a charge of 1 coulomb?
4. A body is at positive potential. What does it mean?
5. A body is at negative potential. What does it mean?
6. What is the relation between curvature of the surface and the concentration of charge on it?
7. Define the term linear density of charge.
8. What is meant by electric permittivity of the medium?
9. Write the SI unit of electric field strength.
10. Define the term, dielectric strength of a medium.
11. What is the difference in charging a conductor & an insulator?
12. What is the minimum amount of charge that can be given to a body?
13. Define an electric line of a force.
14. What is the field inside the charged conductor?
15. What is the direction of an electric line of force on an equipotential surface?
16. What is electrostatic shielding?
17. Write the SI unit of electric permittivity.
18. Define an electron volt.
19. Write an example of equipotential line.
20. A charge is moved on equipotential surface, what is the net work done?
21. What is electric dipole?
22. Define electric dipole moment.
23. An electron is kept in a field of strength (1/1.6x10 -19) N/c. What is the force experienced by it?
24. An electron with KE of 2J enters a region of Pd ( 2/e) Volts. What will be its new KE?
25. A charge of 2C is enclosed by a cubical Gaussian surface, is transferred to the spherical box.
What is the change electric flux through the surface?
26. What is the potential of earth?
27. What is the direction of field due to a positive charge?
28. What is the direction of field due to a negative charge?
29. What is the direction of electric dipole moment?
30. If a slab of dielectric material is introduced between two charged bodies, the force between them
reduces to half. What is the dielectric constant of the slab?
31. Write the dimensional formula for electric flux.
32. Who classified the charges as positive and negative?
33. Which of these two cannot be charged by induction? A glass rod, a metal sphere.
34. Charged bodies can attract light uncharged bodies. State true/ false.
35. What is meant by discharging action of points?
36. How is the lighting caused?
37. Write a limitation of Coulomb’s law.
38. Write an example of polar molecule.
39. Write an example of non-polar molecule.
40. What is meant by induced dipole moment?
Two marks type questions:
41. Define strength of electric field. Is it a scalar or a vector?
42. Define the uniform and non-uniform electric field.
43. Obtain an expression for electric field at a point due to a point charge.
44. Write any four properties of electric lines of force.
45. Define electric flux. Write its SI unit.
46. Derive the relation between electric field and electric potential.
47. Define the terms electric potential and potential difference.
48. Write any four properties of electric charge.
49. Write a note on charging by friction.
50. Write a note on charging by conduction.
51. Write the formula for electric field on the axis of electric dipole and define the terms.
52. Write the formula for electric field on the equatorial line of electric dipole and define the terms.
 25
454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
53.
Write the formula for the potential energy of system of charge, containing n number of charge.
Define the terms used in the formula.
54. Write the note on the potential energy of the system of charges.
55. Write the formula for electric field near charged plate & define the terms.
Five marks type questions:
56. What is charging? Explain charging by induction.
57. State and explain Coulomb’s law in electrostatics.
58. Explain the distribution of charge on a charged body. Define surface density of charge.
59. State Gauss theorem. Show that electric field at a point near a charged conductor is directly
proportional to the charge density below the point.
60. Define electric potential. Derive an expression for electric potential at a point due to an isolated point
charge.
61. What is a dielectric material? Explain the phenomena of dielectric polarization.

NUMERICAL BANK:
1. Two point charges +3C are and 6C located 1 m apart in air. Find the resultant electric intensity
midway between them. [3.24x105 N/C]
2. Two point charges 9 nC and +18 nC are separated by a distance of 0. 1m in air. Find the resultant
electric intensity at a point between them and 0.01 m from 9nC. [83x104 N/C]
3. Two point charges of +6x108 C and 6x108C are 0.4 m apart in air. Find the resultant electric intensity
at a point 0.4 m from either charge. [3.375x103 N/C]
4. Two point charges of +1 nC and +4 nC are located 0.1 m in air. Find the position between them and
along the line joining them at which resultant electric intensity is zero. [0.0333 m]
5. Two point changes +2nC and 18 nC are located 1 m apart in air. Find the position along the line joining
the two charges at which resultant electric intensity is zero. [0.5 m]
6. ABC is an equilateral triangle of side 0.1 m. Point charges of +3 nC and 3 nC are placed at corners A
and B respectively. Calculate the resultant electric intensity at C. [27x102 N/C]
7. ABC is a right angled triangle with sides AB=0.3 m, BC= 0.4 m and B=90º. Point charges of +18 nC and
+32 nC are placed at corners A and C respectively. Find the resultant electric intensity at B. [2.546 x 103
N/C]
8. ABC is triangle with sides AB = 3m, BC = 4 m and  ABC = 90º. Charges of +9x1010 C and 16x1010C
are placed at corners A and C respectively. Find the resultant at B. [0.9 N/C]
9. ABC is right angled triangle with sides AB = 0.2 m, BC = 0.4 m and  ABC = 90º. Point charges of +4
x1012 C and +32x1012 C are placed at corners A and B respectively. Calculate the resultant electric
intensity at B. Suppose a point charge of 5C is placed at B, what force would it experience? [2.102
N/C, 10.06x106 N]
10. ABCD is a square of side 1 m. Point charges of +4C, +8C and +4C are placed at corner A, B and C
respectively. Find the resultant electric intensity at D. [8.691x104 N/C]
11. ABCD is a square of side 2 m. Point charges of 2x109 C, +3x109 C, +4x109 C and +5x109 C are
placed at corners A, B, C and D respectively. Calculate the magnitude of resultant electric intensity at O,
the point of intersection of diagonals. [25.45 N/C]
12. An electric dipole with a dipole moment 5x10 9 C-m is placed in a uniform electric field of magnitude
4x104 N/C at (i) 30º and (ii) 45º. Calculate the magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole in each case.
[10x105 N-m, 1.414x104 N-m]
o
13. An electric dipole consisting of an electron and a proton separated by a distance of 5 A is located in an
electric field of intensity 4x10 5 N/C at an angle of 30º with the field. Calculate the dipole moment and the
torque acting on it. Given: Charge on electron=1.602x10 19 C. [8.01x1029 C-m, 1.602x1023 N-m]
14. An electric dipole consists of two opposite point charges each of 2C separated by 1 cm. The dipole is
placed in an external uniform electric field of 3x10 5 N/C. Find (i) maximum torque exerted by the field on
the dipole and (ii) the work done in rotating the dipole through 180º starting from the position =0º.
[6x103 N-m, 3600 J]
15. Two point charges of 0.1x10 C and 0.1x10 C are separated by a distance of 10 8 m. Determine the
12 12

electric field (i) at an axial point distant 0.1 m from the mid point of the dipole and (ii) at an equatrial
point distant 0.15 m from the dipole. [1.8x108 N/C, 2.67x109 N/C]
16. A cubical surface encloses a system of 3 charges +4nC, 1 nC and +2nC. What is the electric flux over
the cubical surface? [564.7 N-m2/C]
17. A cube of side 1 m enclose a point charge of +2nC at its centre.
 26
454125788.doc SARVAJNYA
(i) Find the total flux emanating from the cubical surface.
(ii) What is the flux through each surface of the cube? [225.9 N-m2/C, 37.65 N-m2/C]
8
18. A spherical shell of radius 0.1 m is charged with 10 C of electricity. Find the potential at (i) the surface
of the shell and (ii) at a distance of 0.5 m from the surface of the shell. [900 V, 150 V]
19. The following figure shows variation of electric potential with distance due to an isolated charge. From
the figure calculate the electric intensity at (i) x=1 m, (ii) x=3 m and (iii) x = 5 m.[2 V/m, 1.33 V/m, +2
V/m]
20. Electric potential due to a point charge varies according to V = 3x 2+2. Calculate electric intensity at (i) x
= 0.1 m and (ii) x=2 m from the charge. [0.6 V/m, 12 V/m]
21. Two point charges of +2 C and 8 C are placed 2 m apart in air. Find the positions along the line
joining the two charges at which resultant electric potential is zero. [0.4 m, 0.67 m]
22. Two point charges of +1 C and 9C are placed 1 m apart in air. Find the positions along the line
joining the two charges at which the resultant electric potential is zero. [0.1 m, 0.125 m]
23. ABC is a right angled triangle with AB = 0.3m, BC = 0.6 m and  ABC = 90º. A metal sphere of radius 1
cm is charged to a potential of 5x10 4 V and is placed at B. What is the work done in moving a charge of 1
C from C to A? [832.5 J]
24. ABCD is a square of side 1 m. Point charges of +1x10 10 C, 2x1010 C and +5x1010 C are placed at
corners A, C and D respectively. Find the resultant electric potential at B. [2.2815 J/C]
25. ABCD is a square of side 2 m. Point charges of +1 nC, +2 nC, 3 nC and +4 nC are placed at corners
A, B, C and respectively. Find the resultant electric potential at the point of intersection of the diagonals.
[36 J/C]
26. ABCD is a square of side 2 m. Point charges of 2x10 8 C, 4 x108 C and 5x108 C are placed at corners
A, B, C and D respectively. Calculate the work done in moving a point charge of 2C from B to be point
of intersection of diagonals. [7.664x104 J]
27. n identical drops, each charged to a potential of V, combine to form a bigger drop. What is the potential
of the bigger drop? [n2/3 V]
28. Three point charges are arranged at the three vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 0.1 m as shown.
Calculate the electrostatic potential energy of the system. Given: q=10 9 C. [9x107 J]
29. Three point charges +2 nC, +4nC and +8nC are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side
0.2 m. What is the potential energy of the system? What is the work done to remove 8 nC from the
triangle to infinity? [2.52x105 J, 3.6x106 J]
30. Two positive charges 8C and 4C are 0.1 m apart in free space. Calculate the work done in bringing
them 0.02 m closer. [0.72 J]

Electric potential energy of electric dipole in uniform electric field or work done in rotating and
electric dipole in uniform electric field:  
Consider an electric dipole of dipole moment p placed in a uniform electric field E . Let the dipole
moment of the dipole make an angle  to the direction of electric field. Then torque acting on the dipole is given
by;
 = pE sin
If the dipole is rotated through a very small angle d against this torque, then small amount of work
done is.
dW = d = pE sin d
Total work done in rotating the dipole from 1 to 2 is
2
W  
1
pE sin  d
Since p and E are constant, they can be taken out of the integral.
sin  d = pE   cos  2 = pE (cos 2 - cos2)
2 
 W = pE 1 1

Special cases:
(i) When =0º; U = pE cos 0º =  pE
In this position, the dipole has minimum potential energy
and hence it is in stable equilibrium. The dipole has more potential energy in all other positions.
(ii) When =90º; U = pE cos 90º = 0
In this position, the potential energy of the dipole is zero.
(iii) When =180ºl U=pE cos 180º = +pE
In this position, the dipole has maximum potential energy and is in unstable equilibrium.