1

Preface
We begin our study of electrostatics in this chapter by examining the nature of electric charge.
We will find that electric charge is quantized and that it obeys a conservation principle. We can
turn to a discussion of the interactions of electric charges that are at rest in our frame of reference,
called electrostatic interactions. Such interactions are exceedingly important.
They hold atoms, molecules and our bodies together and have numerous technological applications.
Electrostatic interactions are governed by a simple relationship known as Coulomb's Law and
are most conveniently described by using the concept of electric field.
We will explore all these concepts in this chapter and expand on them in the following chapters.
In later chapters we will expand our discussion to include electric charges in motion. While the
key ideas of electromagnetism are conceptually simple, applying them to practical problems will
make use of all of your mathematical skills, especially your knowledge of geometry and integral
calculus. For this reason you may find this chapter and those that follow to be more mathematically
demanding than previous chapters. The reward for your extra effort will be a deeper understanding
of principles that are at the heart of modern physics and technology.
This book consists of theoritical & practical explanations of all the concepts involved in the chapter.
Each article followed by a ladder of illustration. At the end of the theory part, there are miscellaneous
solved examples which involve the application of multiple concepts of this chapter.
Students are advised to go through all these solved examples in order to develope bettter
understanding of the chapter and to have better grasping level in the class.
ELECTROSTATICS
Total number of Questions in this chapter are :
(i) In chapter Examples ....................... 61
(ii) Solved Examples ....................... 22
Total no. of questions ....................... 83
2
Electrostatics , deals with the study of charges
in rest. These stationary charges occurs due to
friction of two insulating bodies, therefore it is
often called frictional electricity
1. FUNDAMENTAL FORCE OF THE NATURE
(i) Behind every process occurring in the nature,
there is one or the other force acting.
(ii) Different forces are divided in FOUR parts
based on their nature
(A) Gravitational force
(B) Electro-magnetic force
(C) Nuclear force
(D) Weak force
(i ii ) Comparative analysi s of forces
Force Nature Range Rel. Strength
Gravitational Attraction very large 1
Electro- Attraction very large 10
36
Magnetic or
Repulsion
Nuclear Attraction very less 10
39
Weak Unknown very less 10
14
Important poi nts :
(i) Gravitational force is the weakest while
nuclear force is the strongest force of the
nature
(ii) Nuclear force does not depend upon charge.
It acts equally between proton-proton, proton
neutron and neutron-neutron.
(iii) There are weak forces acting in |-
degradiation in radio-activity.
(iv) A stationary charge produces electric filed
while a moving charge produce electric as
well as magnetic field.
(v) Moving charge produce electric field as well
as magnetic field but does not radiate energy
while uniform acceleration.
(vi) Accelerated charge produce electrid field as
well as magnetic field and radiate energy.
2. CHARGE
Property of a substance by virtue of which it can
repel or attract another charged substance.
Charges are of two types.
(a) Positive charge : Lesser number of electrons
than number of protons.
(b) Negative charge : More number of electrons
than number of protons
Impor t ant s Poi nt s : Onl y , el ect r on i s
responsi bl e for a substance to be charged
and not the proton.
2.1 Properti es of Charge :
(i) Like charges repel while unlike charges attract
each other.
(ii) Charge is quantized in nature i.e. The
magnitude of charge possessed by different
objects is always an integral multiple of
charge of electron (or proton) i.e. q =ne
where n =1 , 2 , 3 ........
(iii) The minimum possible charge that can exist
in nature is the charge of electron which has
a magnitude of e =1.60 207x10
-19
coulomb.
This is also known as quantum of charge or
fundamental charge.
(iv) In an isolated system the algebraic sum of
total charge remains constant. This is the
law of'Conservation of charge'.
Note : The fact that electric charge is an integral
multiple of electronic charge was
experimentally proved by Milliken. Unit of
charge 1 coulomb = 3 10
9
e.s.u.
=1/10 e.m.u.,in cgs e.s.u. (state coulomb)
Charge
Ex.1 Two spheres of the same metal (in all
respects) are taken. One is given a positive
charge of Q coulomb. and other is given the
same but negative charge. Which sphere will
have a higher mass.
Sol. Negatively charged sphere will have a higher
mass. This is due to increase in number of
electron to make it negatively charged.
Ex.2 Which of the following charge is not possible:
(A) 1.6 10
18
c (B) 1.6 10
19
c
(C) 1.6 10
-20
c (D) None of these
Sol. (C) 1.6 10
20
c, because this is 1/10 of
electronic charge and hence not an integral
multiple.
Ex.3 How many electron are present in 1 coulomb
charge.
Sol. q = ne
q =1c
e =1.6 10
19
c
n = ?
n =q/e =6.25 10
18
electrons.
3
Ex.4 Identify X in the following nuclear reactions
(i)
H
1
1 +
Be
9
4 X + n
(ii)
N
15
7 +
H
1
1 He
4
2
+ X
Sol. (i) Charge on the nucleus of
x =Q(H) + Q (Be) = 1 e + 4e =5e
[ Q (n) =0 ]
Therefore X will be Boron
(The atomic no. of B = 5]
(ii) Q (X) + Q(He) = Q(N) +Q(H)
Q (X) =7 e +1 e - 2e = 6e
X is carbon
3. COULOMB' S LAW
The force of attraction or repulsion between two
stationary point charges is directly proportional
to the product of charges and inversely
proportional to the square of distance between
them. This force acts along the line joining the
two. If q
1
& q
2
are charges in consideration r,
the distance between them and F, the force acting
between them
Then , F o q
1
q
2
F o 1/r
2
F
2
2 1
r
q q
F = k
2
2 1
r
q q
, where k =constant.
k =
K 4
1
0
tc
=
K
10 9
9

N
1
m
2
coulomb
2
where ,
c
0
=Electric permittivity of vacuum or air
=8.85 x 10
12
coul
2
N
1
m
2
and
K =Relative permittivity.
=Dielectric constant
=Specific inductive capacity
[Newton' s law for parti cl es i s anal ogous to
coul omb' s l aw f or r est char ges. The
di f f er ence i s t hat Newt on' s l aw gi ves
attracti on force whi le coulomb's l aw gives
attracti on as well as repulsion force]
Note:
(i) Coulomb's law is applicable to point charges
only. But it can be applied for distributed
charges also
(ii) This law is valid only for stationary charges
and cannot be applied for moving charges.
(iii) This law is valid only if the distance between
two charges is not less than 10
15
m.
(iv) K =1 for air or vacuum,
= for conductors
>1 for any other medium.
Medium K
Vacuum/air 1'
Water 80
Mica 8
Glass 5-10
Metal
Note : Be aware of k and K
K is dielectric constant and k electrostatic
constant
k =
K 4
1
0
tc
Direction
Direction of the force acting between two charges
depends upon their nature and it is along the line
joining two charges.

21
F
=force on q
2
due to q
1

21
F
= 2
12 0
12 2 1
Kr 4
r

q q
tc
...(A)

12
F
= Force on q
1
due to q
2

12
F
=
21
2
12 0
21 2 1
r

Kr 4
r

q q
tc
...(B)
Note:
1. |
21
r | =|
12
r | =1 (unit vectors)
2.
21
r =
12
r ...(C)
3.
12
r =r
21
4. Values of q
1
& q
2
are put with sign while
using this formula
5. From (A) , (B) and (C) F

12
=
F

21
4
R R
d
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
+
+
+
+
- -
-
4. PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION
The resultant force acting on a charge due to a
group of charges is equal to the vector sum of
individual forces.

+ + =
3 2 1
F F F F
q
2
q
1
q

3
F

1
F

2
F
Princi pl e of superposition
Ex.5 Five equal charges 'q'
are placed at five
vertices of a regular
hexagon. What will be
the resultant force on
a charge 'Q' placed at
the centre of the
hexagon given that the distance of a corner
from centre is d.
Sol. Suppose , the same charge 'q' was placed at
sixth corner also Then
0 F F F F F F F
6 5 4 3 2 1
= + + + + + =

(Note that resultant is zero due to symmetry
of hexagon. This is applicable for any
REGULAR geometry)


= + + + +
6 5 4 3 2 1
F F F F F F
=
2
0
d 4
qQ
tc

and direction of force will be opposite to

6
F .
Ex.6 A point charge q
1
exerts a force F on q
2
. An
equal charge q
3
is now kept near q
2
. The
resultant force on q
2
due to q
1
will be -
Sol. F. here superposition principle is to be
applied carefully. The force on q
2
due to q
1
will remain same although resultant force on
q
2
will change since

+ =
3 1
F F F
Ex.7 Find the ratio of electrostatic and gravitational
force acting between two electrons -
Sol. F
e
=
2
0
r
e . e
.
4
1
tc
; F
g
= G.
2
r
m . m
g
e
F
F
=
2
0
2
0
m . G ) 4 (
e
.
4
1
tc
tc
~ 10
43
Note : 1.
g
e
F
F
for proton - proton = 10
36
2.
g
e
F
F
for proton electron = 10
39
Ex. 8 Force F is acting between two charges. If a
sheet of glass (c
r
= 6) is placed between the
two charges, what will be the force.
Sol. F =
2
2 1
0
r
q q
.
4
1
tc
F' =
2
2 1
0
r
q q
.
K 4
1
e t
F' =
K
F
=
6
F
Note : We can conclude that if there is a metallic
medium (conducting) between two charges, force
will be zero since K =.
Ex.9 Two charged spheres of radius 'R' are kept at
a distance 'd' (d >2R). One has a charge +q
and the other - q. The force between them
will be
(1)
2
2
0
d
q
4
1
tc
(2) >
2
2
0
d
q
4
1
tc
(3) <
2
2
0
d
q
4
1
tc
(4) None of these
Sol. (2) Redistribution of charge will take place
due to mutual attraction and hence effective
distance will be less than d.
Note : In the example above, if both had the
charge '+q', the answer would have been (3)
because now mutual repulsion will result into
increase in effective distance.
Ex.10 How should we divide a charge 'Q' to get
maximum repulsion between them
q
q
1
6
2
q
q
q
5
4
3
5
Sol. Let (q) & (Q q) be the two parts .
F =
2
0
r
) q Q ( q
4
1
tc
For maximum F
dq
dF
=0
2
0
r
q 2 Q
4
1
tc
= 0
q =
2
Q
hence Q should be divided in two equal parts.
Ex.11 3 10
19
C and 10
6
C are placed at
(0 , 0, 0) and (1, 1,1) respectively. Find the
force on second in vector form
Sol.

21
F
= 12
2
12
2 1
0
r

r
q q
4
1
tc
k

) 0 1 ( j

) 0 1 ( i

) 0 1 ( r
12
+ + =

= k

+ +
|

12
r | =
2 2 2
1 1 1 + +
=
3
12
r =
| r |
r
12
12

=
( )
3
k

+ +

21
F
=
3
) 10 ( 10 3 10 9
6 19 9

.
( )
3
k

+ +
= 3 10
16
) k

( + + Newton.
Ex.12 Three charges (each q.) are placed at the
corners of an equilateral triangle. Find out
the resultant force on any one charge due to
other two.
Sol. F = 60 cos F F 2 F F
2 1
2
2
2
1
+ +
But F
1
=F
2
=
2
2
0
a
q
4
1
e t
F =
2
2
0
a
q 3
4
1
e t
Ex.13 Two charges 1c and 5c are kept at a
distance 4cm. The ratio of magnitude of force
experienced by first to the second will be -
Sol. 1 : 1

=
21 12
F F
=|

12
F | =|

21
F |
5. ELECTRIC FIELD
A charge produces something called an electric
field in the space around it and this electric field
exerts a force on any charge placed in it.
Note : The electric field doesnot exert force on
source charge.
5.1 El ectric field Intensi ty -
Force experienced by a unit positive charge
placed in an electric field at a point is called
electric field intensity at that point. It is also
known as electric field simply. Let q
0
be the
positive test charge placed in an electric field.
If

F is the force experienced by this charge,

then

E = Electric field intensity =

0
0 q q
F
lim
0

(i) Unit : Newton / coulomb or volt/metre

(ii) This is a vector
quantity and its
direction is the
same as force on the
positive test charge.
(iii) Since

E is the force
on unit charge, force
on charge q is -

F =q

E .
(iv) Dimension is [M
1
L
1
T
3
A
1
]
(v) Electric field due to a point charge is

E =
r

.
r
kq
2
(vi) Direction of electric field due to positive
charge is away from charge while direction of
electric field due to negative charge is
towards the charge.
F
2
F
1
Q
Q
60
0
F
Q
a
a
a
60
0
30
0
6
Special point
(a) If q
1
and q
2
are at a distance r and both have
the same type of charge, then the distance 'd'
of the point from q
1
where electric field is
zero is given by d =
( )
2 1
1
q q
r q
+
. This point
will lie between line joining q
1
& q
2
.
(b) If q
1
and q
2
have opposite charges then
distance 'd' of the point 'p' from q
1
where
electric field is zero is given by
d =
2 1
1
q q
r q

, [|q
1
| >|q
2
|]
(c) Three charges +Q
1
, +Q
2
and q are placed on
a straight line. If this system of charges is
in equillibrium, charge q should be as given
( )
2
2 1
2 1
Q Q
Q Q
q
+
=
5.2 Princi pl e of superposition for el ectric field
intensi ty -
Resultant electric field intensity at a point p due
to a number of charges is vector sum of individual
electric field intensities

+ + =
3 2 1 p
E E E E
Electric field is represented by electric lines of
forces
The resultant two electric fields E
1
+ E
2
is given
by E =
u + + cos E E 2 E E
2 1
2
2
2
1
. If the resultant
field E, makes an angle with E
1
then
tan | =
u +
u
cos E E
sin E
2 1
1
5.3 El ectric l ines of forces :
The electric field in a region can be represented
by drawing certain curves known as electric lines
of force.
An electric line of force is that imaginary smooth
curve drawn in an electric field along which a free
isolated unit positive charge moves.
Properti es -
(i) Electric lines of force start from a positive
charge and end on a negative charge .
(ii) No two lines of force can intersect each other.
If they does so then at the point of
intersection twotangents could be drawn ,
which gives two directions of electric at the
same point , which is impossible.
(iii) The tangent drawn at any point on line of
force gives the direction of force acting on a
positivecharge placed at that point.
(iv) These lines have a tendency to contract in length
like a stretched elastic string. This actually
explains attraction between opposite charges.
(v) These lines have a tendency to separate from
each other in the direction perpendicular to
their length. This explains repulsion between
like charges.
(vi) Intensity of electric field is given by the
number of electric lines of force in a unit
area at that point.
(vii) Lines of force of a uniform field are parallel
and at equal distance.
(viii) Unit positive charge gives
K
4t
lines in a
medium of dielectric constant K.
(ix) Important : Electric lines of force can never
enter the conductor, because inside the
conductor the intensity of electric filed is zero.
(x) Important : Lines of force leaves the surface
of conductor normally.
Electri c fi el d
Ex.14 Charges of 3e and 9e are placed at a
distance r. What is the distance of the point
form 9e where electric field is zero.
Sol. Putting the values in above formula
d =
2 1
q q
r q
+
=
e 3 e 9
r . e 9
+
=
3
3 1
r
+
7
Systematicall y : E
1
=
2
0 x
e 9
.
4
1
tc
E
2
=
2
0 ) x r (
e 3
.
4
1

tc
, E
1
= E
2

2
x
e 9
=
2
) x r (
e 3

x =
1 3
r 3
+
or
1 3
r 3

x =
1 3
r 3

is not possible since x < r

Ex.15 Which is true ?
(A) E
A
< E
B
> E
C
(B) E
A
> E
B
> E
C
(C) E
A
> E
B
< E
C
(D) E
A
< E
B
< E
C
Sol. (B) Number of electric lines of force in unit
area is maximum at A and least at C .
so E
A
> E
B
> E
C
.
Ex.16 A metal sphere is placed in an uniform
electric field which one is a correct electric
line of force-
Sol. (4) Only 4 is normal to the conducting surface.
Ex.17 A charge particle is free to move in electric
field will it always move along the electric
lines of force.
Sol. No. If the particle has its initial velocity =0,
then it will move along the lines of force but
if the initial velocity makes some angle with
lines of force, the resultant path will not be
along the lines of force.
Ex.18 Find

E
at point P.
Sol. E
1
(due to 5c) = 9 10
9

2
6
) 1 . 0 (
10 5

=4.5 10
6
N/C
E
2
(due to 3.6 c) = 9 10
9

2
6
) 06 . 0 (
10 6 . 3

=9 10
6
N/C
E
x
=E
1x
+ E
2x
= E
1
cosu + 0
=3.6 10
5
N/C
E
y
= E
1y
+ E
2y
= E
1
sinu + E
2
=6.3 10
6
N/C
E =
2
y
2
x
E E + =7.3 10
6
N/C
Note: To avoid mistakes, always take the given
quantities in SI units and final answer will also
be in the SI units.
Ex.19 The given charge Q is positive or negative ?
Sol. Q is a positive charge because lines are
starting from it.
These lines are supposed to terminate at
infinity (and not at negative charge). If Q
was negative.
8cm
10cm
6cm
+5c
3.6c
E
2
P
u
u
E
1
1 1
2 2
3 3
4
4
Q
8
E
A
B
6. ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
Work done in bringing a unit positive charge from
infinity to any point is termed as potential at that
point i.e. if
W =work done in bringing a positive charge q
0
from infinity to that point, then , V =
0
q
W
(i) Electric potential at infinity is taken to be
zero.
(ii) It is not path dependent quantity if simply
depends upon the starting and end points.
(iii) It is a scalar quantity.
(iv) Unit : Volt or J oule/Coulomb
(v) Dimension : [M
1
L
2
T
3
A
1
]
(vi) Potential due to a positive charge is positive
and potential due to a negative charge is
negative, hrere potential being positive and
negative implies whether work is done on the
charge or done by the charge respectively.
(vii) Potential due to a point charge Q at a
distance r is V =
r
q
4
1
0
e t
V o
r
1
(viii) Total potential at a point due to a group of
charges is scalar sum of individual potentials
V
p
= V
1
+ V
2
+....V
n
(ix) Electric field is gradient of electric potential
at that point. E =
dr
dv
Note : The negative sign implies that direction
of el ect r i c f i el d i s i n t he di r ect i on of
decreasi ng potanti al .
(x) Work done in bringing a charge Q from infinity
to that point is
W =QV where V is potential at that point.
(xi) Potential of earth is taken to be zero.
[Al lthough the earth' s negati vel y charged
sphere, yet i ts potential i s zero. It is because
of i ts l arge capaci tance (C = 4
0
R] C =
V
q
V = q/C, V 0 , as C is too l arge]
Electric Potential
Ex.20 Can metal sphere of 1cm radius held a charge
of 1 coulomb ? [Ai r gets i onized at the
El ectric fi el d of E
max
= 3 x 10
6
volt/m]
Sol. No. The potential of a metal sphere of radius
1cm is given by
V =
r
q
4
1
0
e t
= 9 10
9

2
10 1
1

=9 10
11
The potential is much greater then needed to
ionise the air and hence the charge leakes
to surrounding air. [Air gets ioni zed at the
potential of 3 x 10
6
volt]
Ex.21 In the given diagram V
A
<V
B
since direction
of E is from B to A.
Ex.22 Infinite number of same charge q are placed
at x =1 , 2 , 4 , 8 ...... What is the potential
at x = 0 ?
Sol. V =
0
4
1
tc
|
.
|

\
|
+ + + + .....
8
q
4
q
2
q
1
q
=
0
4
q
tc
|
.
|

\
|

2
1
1
1
=
0
4
q 2
tc
=
0
2
q
tc
[ a + ar +...... =
a
r 1
a

r <1
Ex.23 If the alternative charges are unlike, then
what will be the potential ?
Sol. Then , V =
|
.
|

\
|
+ +
e t
......
8
q
4
q
2
q
1
q
4
1
0
= (

|
.
|

\
|
+ + |
.
|

\
|
+ +
e t
....
8
q
2
q
.....
2
q
1
q
4
1
0
=
(
(
(
(

|
|
|
|
.
|

\
|

e t
4
1
1
1
2
1
4
1
1
1
4
1
0
=
3
q 2
4
1
0
e t
[ a + ar +ar
2
..... =
r 1
a

r < 1]
9
Ex.24 A charge +q is fixed at each of the points
x =x
0
, x = 3x
0
, x = 5x
0
... ad inf. on the
x-axis, and a charge -q is fixed at each of
the points x = 2x
0
, x = 4x
0
, x = 6x
0
......
ad inf. Here x
0
is a positve constant. Take
the electric potential at a point due to a
charge Q at a distance r from it be Q/4te
0
r.
Then , the potential at the origin due to the
above system of charges is
(A) 0 (B)
2 log x 8
q
0 0
e t
(C) (D)
0 0
x 4
2 log q
e t
Sol. Total potential caused by +q , at the origin
V
1
=
+ + + ......
x 5
kq
x 3
kq
x
kq
0 0 0
=
0
x
kq
[1 +
5
1
3
1
+
+.........]
Total potential caused by q , at the origin
V
2
=
.....
x 6
kq
x 4
kq
x 2
kq
0 0 0
= (

.....
6
1
4
1
2
1
x
kq
0
Net potential at the origin
V =V
1
+ V
2
= (

+ + .....
5
1
4
1
3
1
2
1
1
x
kq
0
=
0
x
kq
log (1 + 1)
[ log(1 +x) =1
1
2
x
2
+
1
3
x
3

1
4
x
4
+ .........]
=
0
x
kq
log2 =
0 0
x
q
4
1
e t
log2.
Hence answer is (D)
6.1 Potential di fference :
The work done in taking a charge from one point
to the other in an electric field is called the
potential difference between two points.
Thus , if w be work done in moving a charge q
0
form B to A then the potential difference is given
by-
V
A
V
B
=
0
q
W
(i) Unit of potential difference is volt.
(ii) This is a scalar quantity
(iii) Potential difference does not depend upon
Co-ordinate system
(iv) Potential difference does not depend upon
the path followed. This is , because electric
field is a conservative force field and work
done is conservative force field does not
depend upon path followed.
Ex.25 In the following fig. Along which path the work
done will be maximum in carrying a charge
from A to B in the presence of any another
charge
Sol. Same for all the path
[Because the work done doesn't depend upon
the path]
Ex.26 A charge 20C is situated at the origin of
X-Y plane. What will be potential difference
between points (5a, 0) and 3a , 4a)
Sol. Distance between (0 , 0) & (5a ,a),
r
1
=
0 a 25
2
+
= 5a
V
1
=
a 5
kq
Distance between
(0, 0) & (3a , 4a) r
2
=
a 16 a 9
2
+
= 5a
V
2
=
a 5
kq
V
1
V
2
= 0
10
6.2 Relationship between electric potential and
intensity of el ectric field
(i) V
A
=
}

A
dr . E , V
A
= electric potential at
point A .
(ii) Potential difference between two points in an
electric field is given by negative value of line
integral of electric field i.e.
V
B
V
A
=
}

B
A
dr . E
(iii)

E = V V = grad
V = (gradient) = |
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
+
c
c
+
c
c
k

x
j

y
i

x
E
x
=
x
V
c
c
, E
y
=
y
V
c
c
, E
z
=
z
V
c
c
(iv) If v is a function of r only , then E =
dr
dV
(v) For a uniform electric field , E =
r
V
A
A
and
it's direction is along the decrease in the
value of V.
Ex.27 Electric potential for a point (x , y , z) is
given by V = 4x
2
volt . Electric field at point
(1 , 0 , 2) is -
Sol. E =
dx
dV
= 8x
E at (1, 0 ,2)= 8 V/m
Magnitude of E
=8V/m direction along x axis.
Ex.28 Electric field is given by E =
2
x
100
potential
difference between x =10 and x = 20 m.
[PET ' 89 ,94]
Sol. E =
dx
dV
dV = Edx

}
B
A
dV
=
}
B
A
dx . E
V
B
V
A
=
}
20
10
2
x
100
= 5 volts
Potential difference =5 volt.
Ex.29 The potential at a point (x , 0 ,0 ) is given as
V =
|
.
|

\
|
+ +
3 2
x
500
x
1500
x
1000
. What will be
electric field intensity at x =1m ?
Sol. E = AV =
z
V
k

y
V
j

x
V
i

c
c

c
c

c
c

or iE
x
+ jE
y
+ kE
z
=
z
V
k

y
V
j

x
V
i

c
c

c
c

c
c
=
x
V
c
c
(

c
c
= =
c
c

z
V
0
y
V
Comparing both sides
E
x
=
x
V
c
c
= (

+ +
c
c

3 2
x
5000
x
1500
x
1000
x
= (

4 3
x
5000 3
x
1500 2
x
1000
For x =1 , (E
x
) =5500 V/m
Ex.30 In the following fig , what will be the electric
field intensity at r = 3
Sol. For 2 <r <4, V = 5 volts
E =
dr
dV
=0
Note : In the above problem, what will value of E at
r =6 ?
at r
2
= 7m V
2
= 2 volt
at r
1
= 5m V
1
= 4 volt
E =
|
|
.
|

\
|

1 2
1 2
r r
V V
=
|
.
|

\
|

5 7
4 2
=1 volt/metre
Ex.31 An oil drop 'B' has charge 1.6 10
19
C and
mass 1.6 10
14
kg. If the drop is in
equilibrium position, then what will be the
potential diff. between the plates.[The
distance between the plates is 10mm]
5
4
3
2
1
0 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
V

(
v
o
l
t
s
)

3
r (meter)
11
Sol. For equilibrium, electric force =weight of drop
qE = mg
q.
d
V
= mg
V =
q
mgd
=
19
3 14
10 6 . 1
10 10 8 . 9 10 6 . 1

V =10
4
volt
[When a charged particle i s in equil ibri um
in electric field, the following formula is often
used qE = mg]
6.2 Equi potential Surface -
(i) These are the imaginary surface (drawn in an
electric field) where the potential at any point
on the surface has the same value.
(ii) No two equipotential surfaces ever intersects
(iii) Equipotential surfaces are perpendicular to
the electric field lines
(iv) Work done in moving a charge from a one
point to the other on an equipotential surface
is zero irrespective of the path followed and
hence there is no change in kinetic energy of
the charge.
(v) Component of electric field parallel to
equipotential surface is zero.
(iv) Nearer the equipotential surfaces , stronger
the electric field intensity
Ex.32 Some equipotential surfaces are shown in
fig.
What is the correct order of electric field
intensity ?
A
B
C
Sol. E
B
> E
C
> E
A
, because potential gradient
at B is maximum.
7. POTENTIAL ENERGY OF CHARGED PARTICLE IN
ELECTRIC FIELD
(i) Work done in bringing a charge from infinity
to a point against the electric field is equal
to the potential energy of that charge.
(ii) Potential energy of a charge of a point is
equal to the product of magnitude of charge
and electric potential at that point i.e.
P.E. = qV
(iii) Work done in moving a charge from one point
to other in an electric field is equal to change
in it's potential energy i.e. work done in
moving Q from A to B = qV
B
qV
A
= U
B
U
A
V
A
V
B
A B
(iv) Work done in moving a unit charge from one
point to other is equal to potential difference
between two points.
Note : Circumference of the circle in above
example can be considered as equipotential
surface and hence work done will be zero.
7.1 Potential Energy of System :
(i) The electric potential energy of a system of
charges is the work that has been done in
bringing those charges from infinity to near
each other to form the system.
(ii) If a system is given negative of it's potential
energy , then all charges will move to infinity.
This negative value of total energy is called
the binding energy.
(iii) Energy of a system of two charges
PE =
d
q q
4
1
2 1
0
e t
(iv) Energy of a system of three charges
PE = (

+ +
tc
31
1 3
23
3 2
12
2 1
0
r
q q
r
q q
r
q q
4
1
(v) Energy of a system of n charges.
PE =
|
|
|
|
|
.
|

\
|
|
|
|
|
|
.
|

\
|
tc

=
= =
n
j i
1 j
ij
j
n
1 i
i
0
r
q
q
4
1
.
2
1
+ + + + + + + +
- - - - - - -
+
10cm
B
A
12
Note : Method to find energy of a system of n
charges.
(a) Find the PE of each charge relative to all
other charges.
(b) Add these all
(c) Divide the addition by 2 and resultant will be
the potential energy of the system.
7.2 Work Done in An El ectric Field -
(i) If electric potential at a point is V then
potential energy (PE) of a charge placed at
that point will be qv.
(ii) Work done in moving a charge from A to B
is equal to change is PE of that charge W
AB
=work done from A to B
=PE
B
PE
A
=q (V
B
V
A
)
(iii) Work done in moving a charge along a closed
surface in an electric field is zero.
(iv) Total energy remains constant in an electric
field i.e. KE
A
+ PE
A
= KE
B
+PE
B
KE = Kinetic energy
PE = Potential energy
(v) A free charge moves from higher PE to lower
PE state in an electric field. Hence
(a) a + ve charge will move form higher
potential to lower potential while,
(b) a ve charge will move form lower
potential to higher potential
(c) Work done for displacement through

r
for a charge experiencing a force

F =W =

F .

r
Electric Potential Energy
Ex.33 A charge Q is placed at the centre of a circle
of a radius 'r'. Work done in taking a charge
q from A to diametrically opposite point B.
Sol. Potential energy of q at A
=U
A
=
r
Qq
4
1
0
e t
PE of q at B
=U
B
=
r
Qq
4
1
0
e t
Work done = U
B
U
A
=0
Ex.34 What will be change in potential energy of
q
3
, in moving it along CD for the following fig.
Sol. Potential energy of q
3
at C
[where q
1
= 2 10
-8
C ,
q
2
= 0.4 10
8
C , q
3
= 0.2 10
8
C]
U
c
= k (

+
1
q q
8 . 0
q q
2 3 3 1
[ BC =
2 2
60 80 +
cm =
4
10
cm
=10
2
cm =1m]
Potential energy of q
3
at D,
U
D
= k (

+
2 . 0
q q
8 . 0
q q
2 3 3 1
U
D
U
C
= kq
2
q
3
(

1
1
2 . 0
1
=9 10
9
0.4 10
8
0.2 10
8
4
=2.88 10
7
J oule
Ex.35 In the following fig, where the charge 'q' must
be kept , so that the potentail energy of the
system will be minimum.?
q
1
q
3
r
13
q
2
r
32 r
12
A B
Q r
80cm
B D
-
- -
A
80cm
60cm
q
2
q
1
q
3
9cm
q
8q
(9x)
2q
x
13
Sol. Suppose the charge q is placed at distance
x from 2q.Potential energy of the system
U =k
(
(

+

+

2 2 2
10 9
q 8 q 2
10 ) X 9 (
qq 8
10 X
qq 2
For U to be minimum
X
U
c
c
= 0 which gives
X =3cm.
Ex.36 The charges of 10c each are kept at three
corners of an equilateral triangle of 10cm
side. What is the potential energy of the
system ?
Sol. PE of 1 =U
1
=
r
q
4
1
r
q
4
1
2
0
2
0
tc
+
tc
PE of 2 =U
2
=
r
q
4
1
r
q
4
1
2
0
2
0
tc
+
tc
PE of 3 =U
3
=
r
q
4
1
r
q
4
1
2
0
2
0
tc
+
tc
PE of system=
1
2
(U
1
+U
2
+ U
3
) =
r
q
.
4
3
2
0
tc
=
2
2 6 9
10 10
) 10 10 ( 10 9 3

=27 J oule.
Ex.37 A charge +q is placed at
the centered of a circles.
What will be the amount
of work done in carrying
a charge q' from B to C
in the fig.
Sol. Zero. Because circular
path is a equipotential
surface
Hence V
B
V
C
=0
W =q' (V
B
V
D
) =0
Ex.38 An electron (mass m , charge e) is
accelerated through a potential difference of
V volt. Find the final velocity of electron.
Sol. KE
i
=0
PE
i
= eV
1
KE
f
=1/2 mv
2
PE
f
= eV
2

=
=
final f
initial i
KE
i
+ PE
i
= KE
f
+ PE
f
0 +eV
1
=
2
1
mv
2
+ eV
2
2
1
mv
2
= e (V
2
V
1
) = eV
v =

m
eV 2
[When an el ectron i s accl erated through
potential difference ' V' the foll owing formula
is generall y used
2
1
mv
2
= eV]
Ex.39 A charge q moves along the path PQRS in
an electric field E which is directed towards
positive X-axis. P, Q , R , S, have the
coordinates (a , b , 0) , (2a , 0 ,0 )
(a , -b , 0) , ( 0 , 0 ,0 ) respectively. What
is the work done by electric field in this
process ?
Sol.

E =E i

F
= q

E = q.E i

displacement =

PS
=(0 a) i

+ (0 b) j

+(0 0)k

= ai

b j

W =

PS . F = i

qE . ) j

b i

a ( = qEa
8. MOTION OF A CHARGED PARTICLE IN AN
ELECTRIC FIELD
(i) Charged particle experience force in an
electric field.
(ii) Magnitude of force on a charge q in an
electric field E is F =qE
(iii) Direction of force on a positive charge is
same as direction of electric field while it is
opposite to direction of electric field in case
of negative charge.
+q
B
C
B
Y
Q
P
E
S

E
14
Uni form Electri c Fi el d
Case : 1
Initial velocity is zero or in the direction of
electric field -
F =qE
acceleration a =
m
qE
v =u + at
Distance travelled in time 't' =S = ut +
2
1
at
2
Case : 2
Initial velocity is perpendicular to electric
field -
Distance travelled in X direction =ut
Distance travelled in Y direction =
2
1
at
2
where a =
m
qE
Locus of the path followed -
Y =
2
2
u
ax
2
1
(a parabola)
(iv) Accelerating a charge q through a potential
difference V results in
(a) decrease in PE =qV
(b) increase in KE = qV
(v) In a non uniform electric field electron
accelerates and translates also.
Motion of a charged particle in an
electric field
Ex.40 An electron is accelerated through 10eV,
what will be the velocity acquired by electron.
Sol. We know accelerating charge q through v
potential difference increase in K.E. =qV

1
2
mv
2
= 10eV
v =
m
eV 20
=
2 x 1.6 x 10 x 10
9.1 x 10
16
-31 m/sec
Ex.41 A particle having a charge of 1.6 10
19
C
enters midway between the plates of a
parallel plate capacitor. The initial velocity of
particle is parallel to the plates. A potential
difference of 300 volts is applied to the
capacitor plates. If the length of the capacitor
plate is 10cm and they and separated by
2cm. Calculate the greatest initial velocity
for which the particle will not be able to come
out of the plates. The mass of particle is
12 10
24
kg.
Sol. The situation is shown in fig .
Here E =
d
difference Potential
=
100 / 2
300
=15000
m
V
As the particle does not come , its maximum
deflection y =1 cm = 10
2
m
We know that y =
2
u
x
m
qE
.
2
1
|
.
|

\
|
or
u
2
=
2
x .
my
qE
.
2
1
2
2 24
19
10
1
) 10 )( 10 12 (
) 15000 )( 10 6 . 1 (
2
1
|
.
|

\
|

= 10
8
u = 10
4
m/s
x
y
+ + + + + + + + + + + +
- - - - - - - - - - -
10cm
m
q
y

=

1
c
m

E
15
Note : When an electron enters normall y to
el ectri c fi el d, i t path becomes parabol i c,
whi l e i n magnet i c f i el d pat h becomes
ci rcul ar
9. ELECTRIC FLUX
(i) It is denoted by '|'.
(ii) It is a scalar quantity.
(iii) It is defined as the total number of lines of
force passing normally through a curved
surface placed in the filed.
(iv) It is given by the dot product of

E and normal
infinitesimal area

ds integrated over a closed

surface-
| d =

E .

ds
| =
}

ds . E =
Eds cosu
}
where u = angle between electric field and
normal to the area
(v) (a) if u = 0, | = Eds (maximum)
(b) if u =90
0,
| = zero
(vi) Unit : (a) Newton - metre
2
/ coulomb.
(b) Volt - meter
(vii) Dimension : [M L
3
T
3
A
1
]
(viii)Flux due to a positive change goes out of
the surface while that due to negative change
comes into the surface.
(ix) Flux entering is taken as positive while flux
leaving is taken as negative
(x) Value of electric flux is independent of shape
and size of the surface.
(xi) Flux is associated with all vectors.
(xii) If only a dipole is present in the surface then
net flux is zero.
(xiii) Net flux of a surface kept in a uniform electric
field is zero.
(xiv) Net flux from a surface is zero does not
imply that intensity of electric field is also
zero.
10. GAUSS'S LAW
This law states that electric flux |
E
through any
closed surface is equal to 1/c
0
times the net
charge 'q' enclosed by the surface i.e
|
E
=
}

ds . E =
0
q
c
Note :
The closed surface can be hypothetical and then
it is called a Gaussian surface.
If the closed surface enclosed a number of
charges q
1
, q
2
........... q
n
etc. then
| =
}

ds . E =
0
q
c
E
=
0
n 2 1
) q .... q q (
c
+ +
Flux is -
(i) Independent of distances between charges
inside the surface and their distribution.
(ii) Independent of shape , size and nature of
surface.
ds

S
) u
Q
-
-
-
-
q
2
q
1
q
3
q
4
16
(iii) Dependent on charges enclosed by surface,
their nature and on the medium.
(iv) Net flux due to a charge outside the surface
will be zero.
(v) If EQ = 0 , then | =0 but it is not necessary
that E = 0
(vi) Gauss law is valid only for the vector fields
which obey inverse square law
(vii) Gauss's and coulomb's law are comparable.
Note -
(i) A charge q is placed at the centre of a cube,
then .......................
(a) Total flux through cube =
0
q
c
(b) Flux through each surface =
0
6
q
c
(ii) A charge q is placed at the centre of a face
of a cube ,then total flux through cube
=
0
2
q
c
How ? A second cube can be assumed adjacent to
the first cube total flux through both cubes
=
0
q
c
, So flux through each cube =
0
2
q
c
(iii) Now , q is placed at a corner then the flux
will be
0
8
q
c
Gauss' s Law
Ex.42 A hemispherical surface of radius R is kept
in a uniform electric field E such that E is
parallel to the axis of hemi-sphere , Net flux
from the surface will be -
Sol. | =
}

ds . E = E . tR
2
.
=(E) (Area of surface perpendicular to E)
=E. tR
2
.
Ex.43 A rectangular surface of length 4m and breadth
2m is kept in an electric field of 20 N/c. Angle
between the surface and electric field is 30
0
.
What is flux thought this surface ?
Note : Angle between surface and

E
is given to be
30. This is not the 'u' used in our formula 'u'
is the angle between normal to surface and

E
. So here u =90 30 =60
Sol. | = EA cos u =20 8cos60 = 80 V-m
Ex.44 In the following, find out the emerging electric
flux through S
1
and S
2
where
[q
1
= 1c , q
2
=2c , q
3
=3c]
Sol. |
1
=
0
1
q
e
=
12
6
10 85 . 8
10

=1.13 10
5
V.m
|
2
=
0
3 1
q q
e
+
=
12
6
10 85 . 8
10 ) 3 2 (

=11.3 10
5
V.m
Ex.45 A charge 'q' is placed at the centre of a cube
of side 'a'. If the total flux passing through
cube and its each surface be |
1
and |
2
resepctivley then |
1
: |
2
will be -
(A) 1 : 6 (B) 6 : 1
(C) 1 : 6a
2
(D) 6a
2
: 1
Sol. (B) When q is placed at the centre of cube
then total flux passing through cube is
|
1
=
0
q
e
and flux through each surface is |
2
=
0
6
q
e
|
1
: |
2
= 6 : 1
-q
E
q
1
S
1
S
4
q
4
S
2
q
3
q
2
17
Ex.46 If charges q/2 and 2q are placed at the centre
of face and at the corner, of a cube. Then
total flux through cube will be -
(A)
q
2
0
e
(B)
q
e
0
(C)
q
6
0
e
(D)
q
8
0
e
Sol. (A) Flux through cube , when q/2 is placed
at the centre face , is
|
1
=
0
2
2 / q
e
=
0
4
q
e
Flux through cube , which 2q is plaed at the
corner of cube , is
|
2
=
0
8
q 2
e
=
0
4
q
e
,
Total flux = |
1
+ |
2
=
0
4
q
e
+
0
4
q
e
=
0
q
2
1
e
Ex.47 Flux entering a closed surface is 2000V-m.
Flux leaving that surface is 8000 V-m. Find
the charge insidesurface.
Sol. Net flux = |
out
|
in
| =(8000-2000) =6000V-m
| =
0
q
c
q =(6000) (8.85 10
12
) =0.53 c
11. APPLICATION OF GAUSS'S LAW
11.1 Electric field due to a charged conducting
sphere/ Holl ow conducti ng or insulati ng
sphere.
(i) In all the three type of spheres, charge
resides only on the outer surface of the
sphere in order to remain in minimum
potential energy state.
Case: 1 OP = r > R

E =
r

r
q
4
q
2
0
tc
=
r

r
R 1
2
2
0
o
c
(o = surface charge density)
Case: 2 r =R

E =
r

0
c
o
Case: 3 r <R

E = 0
i.e. At point interior to a conducting or a
hollow sphere, electric field intensity is zero.
(iii) For points outside the sphere , it behaves
like all the charge is present at the centre.
(iv) Intensity of electric field is maximum at the
surface
Imp.
(v) Electric field at the surface is always
perpendicular to the surface.
(vi) For points, near the surface of the conductor,
E =
0
c
o
perpendicular to the surface
(vii) Graphically ,
El ectric potenti al
Case: 1 r <R
V
in
=
R
Q
4
1
0
tc
|
in
|
out
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ + +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
q
p
O
R
r
E
r
E =0
r >R
r
E
1
2
r
r <R r =R
18
Case: 2 r = R
V
surface
=
R
Q
4
1
0
tc
Case : 3 r >R
V
out
=
r
Q
4
1
0
tc
(i) For points interior to a conducting or a hollow
sphere, potential is same everywhere and
equal to the potential at the surface.
(ii)
(iii) at r = , V =0
Note : Here , we see that

E
inside the sphere is
zero but V = 0. So

E =0 does not imply

V =0. This presents a good example for it.
Similarly V =0 doesnot imply E = 0
Application of Gauss's Law
Ex.48 When a charged conductor Q is placed inside
a hollow conductor P , in such a way that it
touches P , then-
(A) charge will flow from Q to P
(B) Opposite charge will induced on the outer
surface of P
(C) whole of the charge of Q will transfer on
the internal surface of P
(D) whole of the charge of Q will transfer on
the outer surface of P
Sol. (D) To keep minimum potential energy whole
of the charge of Q will transfer on the outer
surface of P.
(B) For a point p at a distance r from centre o.
11.2 Electri c fi el d due to sol id i nsul ating sphere
A charge given to a solid insulating sphere is
distributed equally throughout its volume
El ectric Field
Case: 1 r > R (point is outside the sphere)

E =
r

r
Q
4
1
2
0
tc
Case: 2 r =R (point is at the surface)

E =
r

R
Q
4
1
2
0
tc
= E
max
= E
surface
Case: 3 r < R (point is inside the sphere)

E =
r
R
Q
4
1
3
0
tc
r

=
0
3
r
c

E
in
r
at r =0 , E = 0
(i) Graphically
(ii) Again , for points outside the sphere , it
behaves as all the charge is present at the
centre
(iii) For points outside , it obeys inverse square law
(iv) Intensity of electric field at infinity is zero.
(v) Intensity at the surface is maximum and is
equal to
2
0
R
Q
4
1
tc
(vi) Again , it is perpendicular to the surface at
the surface .
(vii) Intensity is zero at the centre and for points
inside the sphere, it is directly proportional
to distance of the point from the centre
r >R r
E
1
2
r
r <R r =R
E

r
E
r
V =
R
kQ
V =
r
kQ
V
r <R r =R r > R

p
Q
o
19
El ectric Potenti al
Case: 1 r >R
V
out
=
0
4
1
tc r
Q
Case : 2 r =R
V
surface
=
0
4
1
tc R
Q
Case : 3 r <R
V
in
=
0
4
1
tc
3
2 2
R 2
) r R 3 ( Q
V
centre
=
3
2
1
4
0
tc R
Q
(Imp)
V
centre
= 3/2 V
surface
(i) Graphically
(ii) Again , E
centre
= 0 , but V
centre
= 0.
(iii) Electric potential at infinity is zero.
(iv) Electric potential is maximum at the centre
Ex.49 A solid insulating sphere of radius R is given
a charge . If inside the sphere at a point the
potentail is 1.5 times that of the potential at
the surface, this point will be -
(A) At the centre
(B) At distance 3/2R from the centre
(C) potential will be same inside and on the
surface of sphere , so given information is
inadequate.
(D) Insulating bodies can not be given charge
Sol. (A) Potential at the centre of insulating
sphere is given by
V
in
=
3
2 2
0
R 2
) r R 3 ( Q
4
1
tc
.......(1)
and on the surface ,
V
surface
=
R
Q
4
1
0
tc
.......(2)
given that, V
in
=
2
3
V
surface

3
2 2
R 2
) r R 3 ( Q
=
R
Q
2
3
r =0
Hence the point will be at the centre.
Ex. 50 Two concentric spheres
of radii r & R (r <R)
are given the charges
q and Q respectively.
Find the potential
difference between two
spheres.
Sol. Potential at the inner sphere =potential due
to inner + potential due to outer sphere
V
1
=
R
Q
4
1
r
q
4
1
0 0
tc
+
tc
(potential at points inside is same everywhere
and is equal to potential at the surface).
Potential at outer sphere
V
2
= potential due to inner + potential due
to outer sphere
=
R
Q
4
1
R
q
4
1
0 0
tc
+
tc
potential difference =V
1
V
2
=
|
.
|

\
|

tc R
q
r
q
4
1
0
AV =
|
.
|

\
|

tc R
1
r
1
4
q
0
Note : Here , we see that 'AV' depends only
on the charge of inner sphere .
Ex.51 In the following fig, of charged spheres A , B
& C whose charge densities are o , -o & o
and radii a, b & c respectively what will be
the value of V
A
& V
B
.
Parabola
h
y
p
a
r
a
b
o
l
a
V
0
V =
3
2 2
R 3
) r R 3 ( kQ
V =
R
kQ
V |
O
r <R
r =R
r >R
0
V
2
3
C
B
B b
A
+o
+o
o
c
a
20
Sol. V
A
=
c
c 4
k
b
b 4
k
a
a 4
2 2 2
o t
+
o t

o t
=
0
e
o
[a b + c] [ o =
A
q
]
V
B
=
(
(

o t
+
o t

o t
c
c 4
b
b 4
b
a 4
k
2 2 2
=
(
(

+
e
o
c b
b
a
2
0
Ex.52 In the above example if V
A
= V
C
then what
will be relation among a.b & c
Sol. V
A
= V
C
....(1)
V
A
=
0
e
o
[a b + c]
V
C
=
(
(

+
e
o
c
c
b
b
a
2 2
0
Now from (1) , c = a + b
Ex.53 A solid conducting sphere with a charge Q is
placed concentrically inside a second
uncharged hollow sphere. Potential difference
between the two is V. Now , outer sphere is
given a charge of 3q. What will be the
potential difference -
Sol. V, since 'AV' depends only on the charge of
the inner sphere which is not changed.
11.3 Electri c fi el d due to infi ni tely l ong charge
(i) A long wire is given a line charge density .
(ii) If wire is positively charged , direction of E
will be away from the wire while for a
negatively charged wire, direction of

E will
be towards the wire .
(iii) E at point p

E
=
r

r 2
0
tc

or E =
r 2
0
tc

(iv)
(v) Potential difference between points A (r
1
) &
B(r
2
) = V
A
V
B
=
0
2tc

ln
|
|
.
|

\
|
1
2
r
r
(vi) If two charged wires (
1
) & (
2
) are kept
parallel to each other at a distance 'd', then
the force on unit length of any of the wire is :
d 2
0
2 1
c

Ex.54 Electric field intensity is proportional to r
-1
due to
(A) point charge (B) dipole
(C) infinite long charge (D)none of the above
Sol. (3). The electric field intensity due to infinite
long charge is given by E =
r 2
0
tc

Hence E
r
1
.
Ex.55 A charge q is rotating along a circle of radius
r around an infinitely long wire with a line
charge density . The velocity of charge is
Sol. Here centripetal force
|
|
.
|

\
|
r
mv
2
is being provided
by the electric force of attraction , so
r
mv
2
=qE =
r 2
q
0
tc

v =
m 2
q
0
tc

[ When a charged part i cl e moves al ong

ci rcul ar orbit i n el ectri c fi el d, the fol lowi ng
formul a is generall y used
r
mv
2
=qE]
11.4 Electric field at a point due to an infinite sheet
of charge
(i) If o = surface charge density. Intensity at
points near to the sheet =

E = r

2
0
c
o
(ii) Direction of electric field is perpendicular to
the sheet of charge.
V
r
O
+
+
+
+
+
o
r
r
+
+
+
+
+

E
21
(iii) Intensity of electric field does not depend upon
the distance of points from the sheet for the
points in front of sheet i.e.. There is an
equipotential region near the charged sheet.
(iv) Potential difference between two points A
& B at distances r
1
& r
2
respectively is
V
A
V
B
=
) r r (
2
1 2
0

c
o
11.5 El ectric field due to infi ni te charged metal
sheet
(i) Intensity at points near the sheet
=

E = r

0
c
o
where
o =surface charge density
(ii)

E is independent of distance
of the point from the sheet and
also of the area of sheet i.e. There is an
equipotential region near the sheet.
(iii) Direction of electric field is perpendicular to
the sheet.
(iv) Potential difference between two point
A (r
1
) and B (r
2
) (r
1
< r
2
) near the sheet is
AV =V
A
V
B
=
o
c
0
(r
2
r
1
)
Note : The difference in the cases (D) & (E) is that
in (D) o was only on one side of the sheet
while here o is there on both sides, because
it is a metal sheet .
11.6 El ectric field due to two i nfinite parall el
pl ates of charge
(i) Both plates have same type of charge
E
O
=

1
E +

2
E =
o
c 2
0
+
o
c 2
0
=
o
c
0
E
P
=

1
E +

2
E =
o
c 2
0

o
c 2
0
= 0
E
R
=

1
E +

2
E =
o
c 2
0
+
o
c 2
0
=
o
c
0
(ii) Two plates have opposite type of charge
E
O
=

1
E +

2
E =
o
c 2
0

o
c 2
0
=0
E
P
=

1
E +

2
E =
o
c 2
0
+
o
c 2
0
=
o
c
0
E
R
=

1
E +

2
E =
o
c 2
0

o
c 2
0
=0
Note : In this case , we will have an uniform electric
field between the two plates directed from
positive to negative charged plate. Electric
field intensity is zero elsewhere.
11.7El ectric field due to charged ring : Q charge
is distributed over a ring of radius R.
(i) Intensity of electric field at a distance x from
the centre of ring along it's axis -
E =
2 / 3 2 2
0 ) x R (
Qx
4
1
+
tc
=
) x R (
Qx
4
1
2 2
0 +
tc
E =
2
0 r
cos Q
4
1 u
tc
and it's direction will be
along the axis of the ring
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
E

r
o
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
o
1
o
2
1
2
P
. .
.
R
O

2
E

1
E

2
E

2
E

1
E

1
E
2
+
+
+
+
+
+
+

o
1
o
2
1
O
.
P
.
.
R

1
E

2
E

1
E

1
E

2
E

2
E
O
R
r
x
dE
dE cosu
u
u
axis of
the loop p
dl
22
(ii) Intensity will be zero at the centre of the
ring.
(iii) Intensity will be maximum at a distance
2 / R
from the centre and
E
max
=
3 3
2
.
0
4
1
tc
.
2
R
Q
(iv) Electric potential at a distance x from centre,
V =
) R x (
Q
4
1
2 2
0
+
tc
(v) Electric potential will be maximum at the
centre and V
max
=
R
Q
4
1
0
tc
Electri c Fi el d
Ex.56 Two symmetrical rings of radius R each are
placed coaxially at a distance R meter. These
rings are given the charges Q
1
& Q
2
respectively , uniformly. What will be the work
done in moving a charge q from center of one
ring to centre of the other.
Sol. Work done = q (V
2
V
1
) potential at the
centre of first ring
V
1
=
2 2
2
0
1
0
R R
Q
4
1
R
Q
4
1
+
tc
+
tc
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
tc
2
Q
Q
R 4
1
2
1
0
potential at the centre of second ring
V
2
=
2 2
1
0
2
0
R R
Q
4
1
R
Q
R 4
1
+
tc
+
tc
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
tc
2
Q
Q
R 4
1
1
2
0
work done = q (V
2
V
1
)
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
tc
2
Q
Q
2
Q
Q
R 4
q
1
2
2
1
0
W
12
=
|
|
.
|

\
|

tc
1
2
1
) Q Q (
R 4
q
2 1
0
Note : Work done in moving the same charge from
second to the first ring will be negative of
the work done calculated above i.e.
W
21
=
|
|
.
|

\
|

tc
2
1
1 ) Q Q (
R 4
q
2 1
0
.
11.8 Uni formly charged semi - ci rcul ar arc
E
centre
=
R 2
0
tc

where l = linear charge density =

R
Q
t
V
centre
=
1
4
0
tc R
Q
Note : In all of the above discussion , u is taken to
be a positive charge and accordingly the
direction of electric field is decided. If u was
negative , all the directions would have been
opposite to what they are.
12. ELECTRIC DIPOLE
(i) A system consisting of two equal and
opposite charges separated by a small
distance is termed an electric dipole.
Example : Na
+
Cl
-
, H
+
Cl
-
etc.
(ii) An isolated atom is not a dipole because
centre of positive charge coincides with
centre of negative centres. But if atom is
placed in an electric field, then the positive
and negative centres are displaced relative to
each other and atom become a dipole.
(iii) DIPOLE MOMENT : The product of the
magnitude of charges and distance between
them is called the dipole moment.
(a) This is a vector quantity which is directed
from negative to positive charge.
(b) Unit : Coulomb - metre (C-M)
Q
1
Q
2
q
-
- A
2
R
q
B
R
1
R
23
(c) Dimension : [M
0
L
1
T
1
A
1
]
(d) It is denoted by

p that is

p =

d q
12.1 El ectric field due to a di pole
(i) There are two components of electric field at
any point
(a) E
r
in the direction of

r
(b) E
u
in the direction perpendicular to

r
E
r
=
3
0 r
cos P 2
.
4
1 u
tc
E
u
= |
|
.
|

\
| u
tc
3
0 r
sin P
.
4
1
o
u
r
p
E
r E
q q
O
E
u
(ii) Resultant
E =
2 2
r
E E
u
+
= 3
0
r 4
P
tc
u +
2
cos 3 1
(iii) Angle between the resultant

E
and

r
, o is
given by o = tan
-1

|
|
.
|

\
|
u
r
E
E
=tan
-1
|
.
|

\
|
u tan
2
1
(iv) If u = 0 , i.e point is on the axis -
E
axis
=
3
0 r
P
.
4
1
tc
u = 0 , i .e . along the axis.
(v) If u = 90 , i.e. point is on the line bisecting
the dipole perpendicularly
E
equator
=
3
0 r
P
.
4
1
tc
(vi) So, E
axis
= 2E
equator
(for same r)
(vii) E
axis
=
2 2 2
0 ) r (
Pr 2
.
4
1

tc
E
equator
=
2 / 3 2 2
0 ) r (
P 2
.
4
1
+
tc
where P = q . (2l)
(viii) V =
2
0 r
cos ) 2 ( q
.
4
1 u
tc

=
2
0 r
cos P
.
4
1 u
tc
=
2
0 r
r . P
.
4
1

tc
=
3
0 r
r

. P
.
4
1

tc
where u is the angle between

P and

r .
V can also be written as
V = |
.
|

\
|
V
tc

r
1
. P
4
1
0
because |
.
|

\
|
V
r
1
=
2
r
r

(ix) If u = 0, V
axis
=
2
0
r . 4
qd
tc
(x) If u = 90, V
equator
=0
(xi) Here we see that V = 0 but E = 0 for points
at equator
(xii) Again, if r >>d is not true and d =2l,
V
axis
=
) r (
P
.
4
1
2 2
0
tc
V
equator
= 0
Note :
(i) This is not essential that at a point, where
E = 0 , V wi ll also be zero there eg.
insi de a uni formly charged sphere, E = 0
but V 0
(i i) Also if V = 0 , i t i s not essential for E to
be zero eg. i n equatori al posi ti on of
di pole V = 0, but E 0
12.2 Electri c Dipole In an Electric Fi eld - Uniform
El ectric Field
(i) When an electric dipole is placed in an
uniform electric dipole , A torque acts on it
which subjects the dipole to rotatory motion.
This t is given by t =PE sinu or
t =

E P
2l
Q
O l
90
+q p
l
l
q
24
Electri c Dipol e
Ex.57 An electron and a proton are placed at
distance of 1. What will be dipole moment
of so formed dipole
Sol. p =qd = 1.6 10
19
1 10
10
=1.6 10
29
coulomb metre
Ex.58 E is the intensity of electric field at distance
x (axial condition) from the centre of an
electric dipole. If the same intensity is at a
point distance x' on perpendicular bisector of
dipole from its centre , then relation between
x & x' will be -
(A) x' = x (B) x' = x/2
(C) x' = x/2
2/3
(D) x' = x/2
1/3
Sol. (D) Given, E
axis
= E
equvatorial
k
3
x
p 2
= k
3
' x
p
x' =x/2
1/3
Note : All these are valid only if d <<r .
otherwise
Ex.59 An electric dipole is placed in a uniform
electric field

E
. What must be the angle
between

E
and dipole, so that dipole has
minimum potential energy ?
Sol. Zero. U = PE sinu
U to be minimum u =0
U
min
=0
Ex.60 A dipole with dipole moment p is placed in an
electric field E. The dipole is displaced from
its equilibrium position AB to A'B' as shown in
fig. Now what will be the work required , so
that the point A' coincids with B.
(A)
2
) 3 2 ( pE 2 +
(B)
2
) 3 2 ( pE +
(C)
2
) 3 2 ( pE 2
(D)
2
) 3 2 ( pE
(ii) Potential energy of the dipole
U = PE cosu =

E . P
Cases :
(a) If u = 0

, i.e.

P
||

E
, t = 0 and
U = PE , dipole is in the minimum potential
energy state and no torque acting on it and
hence it is in the stable equilibrium state.
(b) For u = 180, i.e.

P
and

E
are in opposite
direction , then t =0 but U =PE which is
maximum potential energy state. Although it
is in equilibrium but it is not a stable state
and a slight perturbation can disturb it.
(c) u = 90
0
, i.e.

E , then
t =PE (maximum) and U =0
Note :
(a) There is no net force acting on the dipole in
a uniform electric field.
(b) Dipole can only perform rotatory motion.
(c) If dipole is placed in a nonuniform electric
fi el d , i t performs rotatory as wel l as
translator mot i on because now a net
force al so acts on the dipol e al ong wi th
the torque. (i mportant)
12.3 Work done in rotati ng on el ectric dipol e in
an electri c fi el d
(i) To rotate the dipole by an angle u from the
state of stable equilibrium W =PE (1cosu).
(ii) Work done in rotating the dipole from
u
1
to u
2
in an uniform electric field
W =PE (cosu
1
cosu
2
)
(iii) Work done in rotating the dipole through 180
0
from stable equilibrium state
W =2PE = 2 (potential energy)
E
B'
A
B
q
+q
+q
q
O
30
A
25
Sol .(B) When the dipole is rotated such that it
acquires a new position A'B' form position
AB then u
1
=30
0
Now if dipole is rotated
through 180
0
from its position AB then
u
2
=180
0
Now from figure work done in rotating the
dipole form position A'B' so that the point A'
coincide with B, is
W = pE [cosu
1
cosu
2
]
=PE [cos30
0
cos180
0
]
=PE
(
(

) 1 (
2
3
=PE
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
2
2 3
13. FORCE ON THE SURFACE OF A CHARGED
CONDUCTOR
(i) If surface charge density on a surface is o,
then electric field intensity at a point near
this surface is
0
c
o
.
(ii) When a conductor is charged then it's entire
surface experiences an outward force
perpendicular to the surface.
(iii) The force per unit area of the charged surface
is called as the electrical pressure ,
P
electrical
. =
0
2
2c
o
N/m
2
.
(iv) The direction of this force is perpendicular to
the surface.
13.1 Energy associated with the el ectric field
(i) The energy stored per unit volume around a
point in an electric field E is given by
U =
1
2
c
0
E
2
This is also called energy density
(ii) If in place of vacuum some medium is present
then U =
1
2
c
0
c
r
E
2
.
(iii) For the electric field around a charged
conducting sphere U =
R
q
.
8
1
2
0
tc
Where q =charge on sphere
R =radius of sphere
(iv) The force of attraction per unit area between
plates of parallel plate capacitor is F =
0
2
2
q
c
(v) Energy associated with the electric field
between plates of parallel plate capacitor is
U =
|
.
|

\
|
c
2
0
E
2
1
(Ad) where E =
0
c
o
[These topics can be best studied in the
chapter "Capacitance"]
(vi) Work done in charging a parallel plate
capacitor is stored as the electric field
between plates.
13.2 Drop of a charged li quid -
If n identical drops each having a charge q
and radius r coalesce to form a single large
drop of radius R and charge Q, then
(a) Charge will be conserved i.e. nq = Q
(b) Volume will be conserved i.e.
n .
4
3
tr
3
=
4
3
tR
3
or R =n
1/3
r
(c) Potential of each small drops =V =
r
q
.
4
1
0
tc
(d) Potential of large drop =V'
V' =
R
Q
4
1
0
tc
= V' =n
2/3
V
(e) Electric field at surface of small drop = E
E =
2
0 r
q
.
4
1
tc
(d) Electric field at surface of large drop =E'
E' =
2
0 R
Q
.
4
1
tc
E' =n
1/3
E.
Forece on drop of a charged liquid
Ex.61 1000 equal drops of radius 1cm, and charge
1 10
-6
C are fused to form one bigger drop.
The ratio of potential of bigger drop to one
smaller drop, and the electric field intensity
on the surface of bigger drop will be
respectively-
(A) 100 : 1, 9 10
8
V/m
(B) (10)
1/3
: 1, 9 10
8
V/m
(C) (100)
1/3
, 8 10
8
V/m
(D) (1000)
2/3
: 1, 9 10
6
V/m
26
(5) If equal charge q is placed at points r, 2r, 4r,
8r, ......... from a point 'P', then potential at
'P' will be V= 2kq/r
(6) The work done in moving a charge in circular
orbit, in a electric field is zero.
(7) If a charged particle of charge q and kinetic
energy E, moving about a nucleus of atomic
number z, then the least distance between
nucleus and charged particle will be-
For least distance of reach,
potential energy =Kinetic energy

q
r
ze
4
1
0
|
.
|

\
|
tc
=E
(where r is least distance of reach)
[Note : E is kinetic energy, not the electric
fi el d]
r =
E
q ) ze (
4
1
0
tc
m
(8) If +q and q charges are placed at the ends
of a diagonal of a rectangle, of side a & b,
then potential difference between the ends of
another diagonal will be
V =
ab
) b a ( kq 2
(9) A sphere of 1 cm radius, can not be given
charge of 1 coulomb, because the electric
field intensity at the surface of sphere will be
9 10
11
. In air the electric field intensity
greater than 3 10
6
V/m, ionizes the air,
and the charge of sphere starts leaking.
(10) The electric potential of a conductor is a
electric state, which ensures the direction of
flow charge.
(11) If a positively charged conductor is connected
to earth, then the positive charge of conductor
will flow to earth and there by the potential of
conductor will be zero.
(12) If a negatively charged conductor is
connected to earth, then the negative charge
(electron) will flow to earth and there by its
potential will be zero.
(13) If a charged conductor is placed inside a
hollow spherical conductor and the
conducters are connected by wire with each
Sol. (A) Let the potential of one smaller drop be V
then potential of bigger drop, is
V' =n
2/3
V

V
' V
= n
2/3
= (1000)
2/3
=100
V' : V = 100 : 1
Also let the electric field on the surface of
smaller drop be E then electric field on bigger
drop is
E' =n
1/3
E = n
1/3

2
r
kq
=(1000)
1/3

2 2
6 9
) 10 1 (
10 1 10 9

=9 10
8
V/m
[Note : also charge density bigger drop
o' =o
1/3
=
3 / 1
2
R 4
q
|
.
|

\
|
t
]
POI N T S TO REMEMBER
(1) The charge density and intensity of electric
field is greater at the sharper end, but the
electric potential remains same at all the
points.
(2) The workdone in carrying a point charge in
electric field, does not depend upon the path,
because electric field remains conserved.
(3) Potential due to a monopole charge
V
x
1
Potential due to dipole charge
V
2
x
1
Potential due to tetrapole charge
V
3
x
1
(4) If n equal drops of radius r and charge density
o form one big drop, then the charge density
of big drop o' = o
1/3
27
other, the entire charge of charged conductor
will come at the outer surface of outer
conductor to have minimum potential energy.
(14) If an electron and proton are moving in a
uniform electric field, then the electric force
acting on them, will be same, but the
acceleration of proton will 1/1836 times that
of electron, (Because the mass of proton is
1836 times that of electron)
(15) The electric field inside a charged conductor
is zero
(16) The electric potential of a charged conductor
is same at inner and outer surfaces
(17) The dipole placed in a uniform electric field
experience torque, and the net force acting
on it is zero.Therefore in uniform electric field
the dipole has rotatory motion only not
translatory motion.
(18) When electric dipole is placed in non-uniform
field it experience torque as well as net force,
then by it has rotatory as well as translatory
motion.
(19) The electric field due to electric dipole in end
side on position on =2 (electric field in broad
side on position)
(20) The potential of earth is zero.
(21) The work done in moving a charged particle
does not depend upon the path.
(22) The best conductor of electricity is silver (Ag)
(23) The bubble of soap always inflates, when it
is charged (negatively or positively)
(24) The volume of air inside the soap bubble
remains constant, in the process of charging.
(25) If two bodies having charges q
1
and q
2
are
brought in contanct and again separated, then
net charge on each of them will be
q =
2
q q
2 1

(26) The electric field vanishes in a cavity made

in a conductor. This is called electrostatic
shielding. It implies that the electric
instrument can be protected from outside
electric fields by placing it in a box made of
a good conducting material.
(27) If a charged particle having a charge q and
mass m is moving in an electric field between
two points having a potential difference of V
volts, then the increase in kinetic energy of
the body is
2
1
mv
2
= Vq or v =
|
.
|

\
|
m
qV
(28) Electrophorus is used to charge a body by
electrostatic induction.
(29) If E = 0 at any point then it is not necessary
that the electrostatic potential at that point
will also be zero. It may be finite, as in case
of the interior point of a uniformly charged
conducting sphere, E = 0 but V = 0.
(30) If V =0 at any point, then it is not necessary
that the intensity of electric field at that point
will also be zero, as in case of broad side on
position of a dipole, V = 0 but E = 0
(31) If a small charged conductor is placed inside
another big and hollow charged conductor and
both are joined by a wire then the charge
flows from smaller conductor to bigger
conductor because the potential of smaller
conductor is more than that of bigger
conductor.
(32) If two like charges are placed at some distance
from each other, then the intensity of field will
be zero at any point on the line joining the two
charges, somewhere between the charges.
(33) If two unlike charges are placed at some
distance from each other, then the intensity
of field will be zero at any point lying on the
line joining the charges but outside the
charges. The neutral point is situated on the
side of charge of smaller magnitude.
(34) Polar dielectrics are those dielectrics in which
the centre of positive charge of a molecule
does not coincides with the centre of negative
charge and hence they do not show a dipole
moment in the absence of electric field.
However, they show a dipole moment when
they are placed in external field.
(35) When two charged pith balls having charges
q
1
and q
2
are suspended from same point
with then help of silk threads then considering
the equilibrium of any one ball -
28
Moment of F
e
about 0 =Moment mg about O
F
e
OC =mg AC

mg
F
e
= tan u

mg x 4
q q
2
0
2 1
tc
=tan u
(36) In the above problem (x < < l) charges on
the pith balls are equal then it can be easily
proved that
x =
3 / 1
0
2
mg 2
q
|
|
.
|

\
|
tc

(37) The closed imaginary surface drawn around
a charge is called Gaussian surface.
(38) For point charge or spherical distribution of
charge, the gaussian surface will be spherical
and the electric field will be perpendicular to
the surface at all points.
(39) If the flux emerging out of a Gaussian
surface is zero then it is not necessary that
the intensity of electric field is zero.
(40) Equal amounts of charges can be given to
the solid or hollow conducting spheres of
equal radius.
(41) With increase in temperature the dielectric
constant of liquid increases.