1 Physics

Chapter –1
Electric Charges
and Fields
The study of electric charges at rest is called Electrostatics.

1. Two Kinds of Electric Charges
When two bodies are rubbed together, they get oppositely charged. Experimental evidences show
that there are two types of charges:
(i) Positive Charge: Positive charge is produced by the removal of electrons from a neutral body.
That is, positive charge means deficiency of electrons.
(ii) Negative Charge: Negative charge is produced by giving electrons to a neutral body. That is,
negative charge means excess of electrons on a neutral body.
SI unit of charge is coulomb (C).
2. Properties of Charges
(i) Conservation of Charge: The charge of an isolated system remains constant. This means that
charge can neither be created nor destroyed, but it may simply be transferred from one body
to another.
(ii) Additive Property: Total charge on an isolated system is equal to the algebraic sum of charges
on individual bodies of the system. This is called additive property of charges. That is, if a
system contains three charges, q1, q2, – q3, then total charge on system, Q= q1+ q2 – q3.
(iii) Quantisation of Charge: The total charge on a body is the integral multiple of fundamental
charge‘e’
i.e., q = ± ne where n is an integer (n = 1, 2, 3,...).
(iv) Charge is unaffected by motion: The charge on a body remains unaffected of its velocity, i.e.,
Charge at rest = Charge in motion
(v) Like charges repel while unlike charges attract each other.
3. Coulomb’s Law in General Form
It states that the force of attraction or repulsion between two point charges is directly proportional
to the product of magnitude of charges and inversely proportional to the square of distance
between them. The direction of this force is along the line joining the two charges, i.e.,
q1 q2
F=k 2
r
1
where k = is constant of proportionality; ε is permittivity of medium between the charges. If
4rf
ε0 is permittivity of free space and K the dielectric constant of medium, then ε=Kε0
Electric Charges and Fields 7

1 q1 q2
F=
4rf0 K r2
For free space K = 1, Therefore
1 q1 q2
F=
∴
4rf0 r2
Dielectric constant or Relative permittivity (K): The dielectric constant of a medium is defined as
the ratio of permittivity of medium to the permittivity of free space, i.e., K = ε/ε0
Definition of coulomb: 1 coulomb charge is the charge which when placed at a distance of 1 metre
from an equal and similar charge in vacuum (or air) will repel it with a force of 9 × 109 N.
4. Coulomb’s Law in Vector Form
Consider two like charges q1 and q2 located at points A and B in vacuum. The separation between
the charges is r. As charges are like, they repel each other. Let F21 be the force exerted on charge
q2 by charge q1 and F12 that exerted on charge q1 by charge q2. If r 21 is the position vector of q2
relative to q1 and rt21 is unit vector along A to B, then the force F21 is along A to B and
1 q1 q2
F21 = t ...(i)
4re0 r2 r 21
r 21
But rt21 =
r
1 q1 q2 r 21 1 q1 q2
F21 = = r
4rf0 r2 r 4rf0 r3 21
Similarly if r 12 is position vector of q1 relative to q2 and rt12 is unit vector from B to A, then
1 q1 q2 1 q1 q2
F12 = rt = r ...(ii)
4rf0 r2 12 4rf0 r3 12
Obviously r12 = – r 21 , therefore equation (ii) becomes
1 q1 q2
∴ F12 = – r ...(iii)
4rf0 r3 21
Comparing (i) and (iii), we get
F21 = –F12
This means that the Coulomb’s force exerted on q2 by q1 is equal and opposite to the Coulomb’s
force exerted on q1 by q2; in accordance with Newton’s third law.
Thus, Newton’s third law also holds good for electrical forces.
5. Principle of Superposition of Electric Charges
Coulomb’s law gives the force between two point charges. But if there are a number of interacting
charges, then the force on a particular charge may be found by the principle of superposition. It
states that

If the system contains a number of interacting charges, then the
force on a given charge is equal to the vector sum of the forces
exerted on it by all remaining charges.
The force between any two charges is not affected by the
presence of other charges.
Suppose that a system of charges contains n charges ql, q2, q3,
... qn having position vectors r1, r2, r3, …rn relative to origin O
respectively. A point charge q is located at P having position
8
vector r relative to O. The total force on q due to all n charges is to be found. If F1, F2, F3, …F n, are
the forces acting on q due to charges ql, q2, q3, ... qn respectively, then by the principle of superposition,
the net force on q is
F = F1 + F2 + F3 + … + F n
If the force exerted due to charge qi on q is F i , then from Coulomb’s law in vector form
1 qqi
Fi = (r – r i)
4rf0 | r – r i | 3
The total force on q due to all n charges may be expressed as
n n 1 qqi
F = / Fi = / (r – r i)
i = 1 4rf0 | r – r i |
3
i=1
1 n qi
= q / (r – r i)
4rf0 i = 1| r – r i | 3
Here ∑ represents the vector-sum.

6. Continuous Charge Distribution
The electrostatic force due to a charge element dq at charge q0 situated at point P is
1 q0 dq 1 q0 dq
dF = R = ( r – rl )
4rf0 R3 4rf0 | r – rl | 3
The total force on q0 by the charged body is
1 dq (r – rl )
F= q0 y
4rf0 | r – rl | 3
For linear charge distribution, dq = λ dl, where λ is charge per
unit length and integration is over the whole length of charge.
For surface charge distribution, dq = σ dS, where σ is charge per
unit area and integration is for the whole surface of charge.
For volume charge distribution, dq = ρ dV, where ρ is charge per
unit volume and integration is for whole volume of charge.
Electric field

The electric field strength at any point in an electric field is a vector
quantity whose magnitude is equal to the force acting on a unit positive
test charge and the direction is along the direction of force.
F
If F is the force acting on infinitesimal positive test charge q0, then electric field strength, E = .
q0
Therefore from definition, electric field can be given as
F
E = lim
q0 " 0 q0
The unit of electric field strength is newton/coulomb or volt/metre (abbreviated
as N/C or V/m respectively).
(i) The electric field strength due to a point charge q at a distance r in
magnitude form
|F | 1 q
|E |= =
q0 4rf0 r2

1 q
In vector form, E = r
4rf0 r3
(ii) The electric field strength due to a system of discrete charge is
1 n qi
E= / 3 ri
4rf0 i = 1 r
i
(iii) The electric field strength due to a continuous charge distribution is
1 dq
E= y r
4rf0 r3
7. Electric field lines
An electric field line is a curve drawn in such a way that tangent to it at each point is in the direction

of the net field at that point.
Properties of electric field lines
(i) Field lines start from positive charges and end at negative charges. If there is a single charge,
they may start or end at infinity.
(ii) In a charge-free region, electric field lines can be taken to be continues curves without any
breaks.
(iii) No two electric field lines can intersect each other because if they do so, then two tangents
can be drawn at the point of intersection; which would mean two directions of electric field
strength at one point and that is impossible.
(iv) The electric field lines do not form any closed loops. This follows from the conservative nature
of electric field.
(v) The equidistant electric field lines represent uniform electric field while electric field lines at
different separations represent non-uniform electric field (Figure).
+ – + –
x y
+ + x y
Ex = Ey Ex > Ey
8. Electric Dipole
A system containing two equal and opposite charges separated by a finite distance is called an
electric dipole. Dipole moment of electric dipole having charges +q and – q at separation 2l is defined
as the product of magnitude of one of the charges and shortest distance between them.
p = q2 l
It is a vector quantity, directed from – q to + q
[Remark: Net charge on an electric dipole is zero.]
10
9. Electric Field Due to a Short Dipole
1 2p
(i) At a point P on axis, E =
4rf0 r3
(ii) At a point P´ on equatorial line,

1 p
El =
4rf0 r3
10. Electric Force and Torque on an Electric Dipole in a Uniform Electric Field
In a uniform electric field of strength E, the net electric
force is zero; but a torque equal to pE sin θ acts on the dipole
(where θ is the angle between directions of dipole moment
p and electric field E ). This torque tends to align the dipole
along the direction of electric field. Torque in vector form
x = p#E.
11. Electric Flux
The total number of electric field lines crossing (or diverging) a
surface normally is called electric flux.
Electric flux through surface element dS is Tz = E.dS = EdS cos θ,
dS
where E is electric field strength.
Electric flux through entire closed surface is
z = y E . dS
S
SI unit of electric flux is volt-metre or Nm2C–1.
12. Gauss’s Theorem
1
It states that the total electric flux through a closed surface is equal to times the net charge
f0
enclosed by the surface
1
i.e., z = y E . dS = /q
S f 0
13. Formulae for Electric Field Strength Calculated from Gauss’s Theorem E
(a) Electric field due to infinitely long straight wire of charge per unit
length λ at a distance r from the wire is
1 2m
E =
4rf0 r
(b) Electric field strength due to an infinite plane sheet of charge per unit r
area σ is
v
E= , independent of distance of point from the sheet.
2f 0
(c) Electric field strength due to a uniformly charged thin spherical shell or conducting sphere
of radius R having total charge q, at a distance r from centre is
1 q
(i) at external point Eext = (For r > R) E
4rf0 r2
1 q
(ii) at surface point ES = (For r = R) E∝1/r2
4rf0 R2
(iii) at internal point Eint = 0 (For r < R) E=0 r

(d) Electric field strength due to a uniformly charged non-conducting solid sphere of radius R
at a distance r from centre
1 q
(i) at external point Eext = (For r > R) E
4rf0 r2
1 q E∝1/r2
(ii) at surface point ES = (For r = R)
r
E∝
4rf0 R2
1 qr R
(iii) at internal point, Eint = (For r < R)
4rf0 R3
Selected NCERT Textbook Questions

Quantisation of Charge
Q. 1. A polythene piece rubbed with wool is found to have a negative charge of 3 × 10–7 C.
(a) Estimate the number of electrons transferred (from which to which?).
(b) Is there a transfer of mass from wool to polythene?
Ans. When two neutral bodies are rubbed together, electrons of one body are transferred to the
other. The body which gains electrons is negatively charged and the body which loses electrons
is positively charged.
(a) From quantisation of charge
q = ne
Here, q = 3×10 –7 C, e = 1.6×10 –19 C
q 3×10 –7
∴ Number of electrons transferred, n = e = = 1.875×1012
1.6×10 –19
When polythene is rubbed with wool, the polythene becomes negatively charged and wool
becomes positively charged. This implies that the electrons are transferred from wool to
polythene.
(b) Yes as electrons have finite mass, the mass is transferred from wool to polythene.
DM = n × m = 1.875×1012 × 9.1×10 –31 kg = 1.7 × 10 –18 kg
e
Coulomb’s Law
Q. 2. What is the force between two small charged spheres having charges of 2 × 10–7 C and
3 × 10–7 C placed 30 cm apart in air?
Ans. Two charged spheres at finite separation behave as point charge and the Coulomb’s force of
repulsion
1 q1 q2
F=
4rf0 r2

Here q1 = 2×10 –7 C, q2 = 3×10 –7 C, r = 30 cm = 0.30 m
(2×10 –7) × (3×10 –7)
∴
F = 9×109 × = 6×10 –3 N
(0.30) 2
Q. 3. The electrostatic force on a small sphere of charge 0.4 µC due to another small sphere of
charge – 0.8 µC in air is 0.2 N.
(a) What is the distance between the two spheres?
(b) What is the force on the second sphere due to the first?
Ans. The electrostatic force between two charged spheres is given by Coulomb’s law as
1 q1 q2

F=
4rf0 r2
-
Here q1 = 0.4 nC = 0.4 # 10 6 C,
12
q2 = –0.8 nC = –0.8 # 10 –6 C = 0.8 # 10 –6 (magnitude), F = 0.2 N
(a) As charges are of the opposite sign, the force between the charges magnitude is attractive
(0.4 # 10 –6) # (0.8 # 10 –6)

` 0.2 =9 # 109 #
r2
9 × 109 × (0.4 × 10−6 ) × (0.8 × 10−6 )
⇒
r2 = = 9 × 16 × 10−4
0.2
Distance, r = 12 # 10 –2 m = 12 cm
(b) The force on second sphere due to first is = 0.2 N. Since | F 21 | = | F 12 |
Q. 4. Four point charges qA = 2 µC, qB = – 5 µC, qC = 2 µC and qD = – 5 µC are located at the corners
of a square ABCD of side 10 cm. What is the force on a charge of 1 µC placed at the centre of
the sphere?
Ans. The coulomb’s forces acting on a charged particle due to
all other charges are added by vector method. Force on
charge q0=1 µC placed at centre O will be the vector sum
of forces due to all the four charges qA, qB, qC and qD. q0
Clearly, OA=OB=OC=OD
1 10 2
= 102 + 102 = cm
2 2
= 5 2 cm = 5 2 ×10 –2 m
Force on q0=1µC due to charge q A = 2 nC is
1 q0 q A 9
^1×10 –6 h^2×10 –6 h
F OA = =
along OC 9 ×10 × = 3.6 N along OC
4re0 ^OA h2 ^5 2 ×10 –2 h
2
Force on q0 =1 µC due to charge qC = 2 nC is

1 q0 qC
9
(1 # 10 –6) (2 # 10 –6)
FOC = along OA = 9 # 10 # = 3.6 N along OA
4rf0 (OC) 2 (5 2 # 10 –2) 2
Clearly, FOA + FOC = 0

The force on q0 =1 µC due to charge qB =–5 µC is
1 q0 qB
9
(1 # 10 –6) (5 # 10 –6)
F OB =
along OB = 9 # 10 # along OB = 9.0 N along OB
4rf0 (OB) 2 (5 2 # 10 –2) 2
The force on q0 =1 µC due to charge qD =–5 µC is
1 q0 qD 1×10 –6 ×5×10 –6
FOD = along OD = 9×109 × = 9.0 N along OD
4re0 ^ h ^ h
2 –2 2
OD 5 2 ×10
" "
Clearly, FOB + FOD =0
Therefore, net force on q0 is
F = FOA + FOB + FOC + FOD = (FOA + FOC) + (FOB + FOD) = 0 + 0 = 0
that is, the net force on charge q0 is zero.
Q. 5. (a) Two insulated charged copper spheres A and B have their centres separated by a distance
of 50 cm. What is the mutual force of electrostatic repulsion if the charge on each is 6.5 × 10–7C?
The radii of A and B are negligible compared to the distance of separation.
(b) What is the force of repulsion if each sphere is charged double the above amount, and the
distance between them is halved?

(a) Here, q1 = 6.5 × 10–7 C, q2= 6.5 × 10–7 C, r = 50 cm = 0.50 m
Ans.
1
k= = 9 # 109 Nm2 C –2
4rf0
q1 q2 9×109 ×6.5×10 –7 ×6.5×10 –7
Using Coulomb’s law, F = k 2 = N
r (0.50) 2
380.25 # 10 –5
= N = 1521 × 10–5 N = 1.5 × 10–2 N
0.25
(b) If each sphere is charged double and the distance between them is halved, then the force of
repulsion is given by
2q1 ×2q2 q1 q2
F=k = 16 k = 24 # 10 –2 N = 0.24 N
(r/2) 2 r2
Q. 6. Suppose the spheres A and B in above question have identical sizes. A third sphere of the
same size but uncharged is brought in contact with the first, then brought in contact with the
second, and finally removed from both. What is the new force of repulsion between A and B?
Ans. Charge on each spheres A and B = q = 6.5 × 10–7 C when a similar but uncharged sphere C is
q
brought in contact with sphere A, each sphere shares a charge , equally.
q q 2
Charge = 0 2 2
A A
Now, when the sphere C is brought in contact with sphere B, the charge is redistributed equally.
1 q  3q
Charge of sphere B or C = q+  =
2  2 4
4 4
Now,

q 3q
.
1 2 4 3
F= = # 1.5 # 10 –2 N = 5.6 # 10 –3 N
4rf0 r 2 8
Electric Field
Q. 7. Two point charges qA =+ 3 µC and qB = – 3 µC are located 20 cm apart in vacuum. (a) What is
the electric field at the mid point O of the line AB joining the two charges? (b) If a negative test
charge of magnitude 1.5×10–9 C is placed at this point, what is the force experienced by the
test charge?
Ans. (a) The electric field strength at point O due
to charges A and B is additive (away from O
positive charge and towards negative charge)
∴ Electric field strength at mid point due to
charge qA is
1 qA 3×10 –6
E1 = = 9×109 × = 2.7×106 NC –1 along AO
4re0 r ^0.10h
2 2
Electric field strength at O due to charge qB

1 qB 3×10 –6
E2 = = 9×109 × = 2.7×106 NC –1 along OB
4re0 r ^0.10h
2 2
14
Net electric field at O
"
E = E1 + E2 = 2.7 # 106 + 2.7 # 106 = 5.4 # 106 NC –1 along AB
(b) Electric force on test charge q0 placed at O
F = q0 E = 1.5×10 –9 × 5.4×106 = 8.1×10 –3 N
Q. 8. A system has two charges qA = 2.5 × 10–7 C and qB = – 2.5 × 10–7 C located at points A = (0, 0, –15 cm)
and B=(0, 0, +15 cm) respectively. What are the total charge and electric dipole moment of
the system?
Ans. A dipole has two equal and opposite charges with dipole moment
" "
p = q2l, directed from –q to + q.
Given q A = 2.5 # 10 –7 C, qB = –2.5 # 10 –7 C
Total ch arg e, q = q A + qB = 2.5 # 10 –7 C–2.5 # 10 –7 C = 0.
2l = AB = 30 cm = 0.30 m
" "
Electric dipole moment, p = q2 l directed from –q to +q
= ^2.5×10 –7 Ch_0.30 m) = 7.5×10 –8 Cm along BA
= 7.5 × 10–8 Cm directed along negative Z-axis.
Q. 9. An electric dipole with a dipole moment 4×10–9 Cm is aligned at 30° with the direction of a
uniform electric field of magnitude 5×104 NC–1 Calculate the magnitude of the torque acting
on the dipole.
Ans. A dipole placed in a uniform electric field, experiences a torque τ = pE sin θ which tends to align
the dipole parallel to the direction of field.
Torque τ = pE sin θ
Here p = 4×10–9 C-m, E = 5×104 NC–1, θ = 30°
∴ Torque τ = 4×10–9 ×5 ×104 sin 30°
1
= 4×10– 9× 5 ×104 × =10– 4 Nm
2
Q. 10. The figure shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniform electrostatic field. Give the
signs of the three charges. Which particle has the highest charge to mass ratio?
A 1 y
++++++++++++++++ 2
–––––––––––––––– x
C B 3
Ans. A positively charged particle is deflected towards a negative plate and a negatively charged
particle towards a positive plate and shows a parabolic path.
From fig. it is clear that the particles (1) and (2) are deflected towards positive plate; hence, they
carry negative charges.
Particle (3) is deflected along negative plate, so it carries positive charge.
The transverse deflection in a given electric field is
qE
y = at2, where a = m and t = b u l
1 x

2
1 q E x2 q
So y= c m 2 \ m.
2 m u
From fig., it is obvious that the transverse deflection is the maximum for particle (3), hence,
particle (3) has the highest charge to mass ratio (q/m).

Q. 11. A conducting sphere of radius 10 cm has an unknown charge. If the electric field 20 cm from
the centre of sphere is 1.5 × 103 NC–1 and points radially inward, what is the net charge on the
sphere?
Ans. Given, radius of sphere R = 10 cm = 0.10 m
Distance from centre, r = 20 cm = 0.20 m
Electric field at distance r from centre, E = 1.5 × 103 NC–1
The electric field due to charged sphere at external point distance r from centre is
1 q
E=
4re0 r2
∴ Substituting the given values,
q
1.5 # 103 = 9 # 109 #
(0.20) 2
1.5×103 ×^0.20h
2
⇒ Charge on sphere, q =
= 6.67×10 –9 C = 6.67 nC
9×109
As electric field is radially inward, charge on sphere is negative, therefore, charge on sphere
= – 6.67 nC.
Q. 12. An infinite line charge produces an electric field of 9 × 104 NC–1 at a distance of 2 cm.
Calculate the linear charge density.
m 1 2m
Ans. Electric field at a distance r from an infinite line charge is, E = =
2rf0 r 4 rf 0 r
1
∴ Linear charge density m = (4rf0) r E
2
Here, r =2 cm = 0.02 m, E = 9 × 104 NC–1
1 1
2 d 9 # 109 n

` m= # # (0.02) # (9 # 10 4) = 10 –7 C m –1
Q. 13. An oil drop of 12 excess electrons is held stationary under a constant electric field of 2.55 × 104 NC–1
in Millikan’s oil drop experiment. The density of the oil is 1.26 g cm–3. Estimate the radius of the
drop (g = 9.81 ms–2; e = 1.60 × 10–19 C).
Ans. In Millikan’s oil drop experiment, the charged oil drop remains suspended (in equilibrium) when
downward weight of drop is balanced by upward electrostatic force and charge on drop, q = ne, i.e.,
qE = mg & neE = mg
4 3
If r is radius of oil drop, then mass m = rr t
3
4 3

` neE = rr tg
3
1/3
3neE

& r== G
4rtg
Here, n = 12, e = 1.6×10 –19 C, E = 2.55×10 4 NC –1, t = 1.26 g cm –3 = 1.26×103 kg m –3,

g = 9.81 ms –2

1/3
3 ×12 ×1.6 ×10 –19 × 2.55 ×10 4

` r== G
4 × 3.14 ×1.26 ×1000 × 9.81
3×12×1.6×2.55×1000 1/3
=< F ×10 –7 m
4×3.14×1.26×9.81
= 9.81×10 –7 m = 9.81×10 –4 mm
16
Q. 14. A particle of mass m and charge (–q) enters the region between the two charged plates initially
moving along X-axis with speed vx as shown in fig. The length of plate is L and an uniform
electric field E is maintained between the plates. Show that the vertical deflection of the
qEL2
particle at the far edge of the plate is . [HOTS]
2mv x2
qE
Ans. Force on particle towards upper plate B, Fy = qE vertical acceleration of particle, a y = m .
Initial vertical velocity vy = 0
Speed of particle along X-axis =vx (constant)
L
Time taken by particle between the plates, t = v
x
1 qE L 2
at vertical deflection y = 0 + a y t2 = 0 + c m mc v m
1 2 1
From relation s = ut +
2 2 2 x
qEL2
& y=
2mv 2x
Q. 15. Suppose that the particle in above question is an electron projected with velocity vx = 2.0 ×
106 m/s. If electric field between the plates separated by 0.5 cm is 9.1 × 102 N/C, where will the
electron strike the upper plate? (|e|=1.6 × 10–19 C, me = 9.1 × 10–31 kg.) [HOTS]
Ans. Vertical deflection for distance x along X-axis is + + + + + + + +
qEx2 2my
y= & x= v ymax
2mv 2x qE x
Given m =9.1×10–31 kg, y = 0.5 cm=0.5×10–2 m, – – – – – – – –
6 –1 –19 2
vx = 2.0 # 10 ms , q = | e | = 1.6 # 10 C, E = 9.1 # 10 N/C.
–31 –2
2 # 9.1 # 10 # 0.5 # 10
`x= # 2.0 # 106 m
1.6 # 10 –19 # 9.1 # 102
1
= # 10 –8 # 2.0 # 106 . 0.8 # 2 ×10 –2 m = 1.6×10 –2 m = 1.6 cm
1.6
Electric Flux
Q. 16. Consider a uniform electric field E = 3×10 3 it NC –1 . (a) What is the flux of this field through
a square of 10 cm on a side whose plane is parallel to the yz plane? (b) What is the flux through
the same square if the normal to its plane makes a 60° angle with the x-axis?
Ans. Given electric field E = 3×103 itNC –1 ,

Magnitude of area, S=10 cm×10 cm=0·10 m×0·10 m=1×10–2 m2
(a) When plane is parallel to YZ plane, the normal to plane is along X-axis.

` z = ES cos i
= 3×103 ×1×10 –2 cos 00 (a i = 00) = 30 Nm2 C –1

(b) In this case θ = 60o , so electric flux, z = ES cos i
1
= 3×103 ×1×10 –2 cos 60 o = 30× = 15 Nm2 C –1 .
2
Q. 17. What is the net flux of the uniform electric field E = 3×103 it N/C through a cube of side
20 cm oriented so that its faces are parallel to the coordinate planes?
Ans. Electric field is along positive X-axis. The flux through
two faces [1 and 2] Y-Z plane is zero.
For face 1, flux = ES cos 180° = – ES
For face 2, flux = ES cos 0° = ES
Net flux through faces 1 and 2 = ES – ES = 0
The electric flux through faces in XZ plane is zero because
E .S = ESxz cos 90 o = 0 o .
The electric flux through faces in XY plane is zero because
" "
E.Sxy = ESxy cos 90° = 0 .
∴ Net electric flux through cube is zero.
Q. 18. Careful measurement of the electric field at the surface of a black box indicate that the net
outward flux through the surface of the box is 8.0 × 103 Nm2/C.
(a) What is the net charge inside the box?
(b) If the net outward flux through the surface of the box were zero, could you conclude that
there were no charges inside the box? Why or Why not?
Ans. (a) Given electric flux z = 8.0×103 Nm2 C –1
1
From Gauss’s theorem z = f q
0
∴ Charge enclosed, q = f0 z = 8.85×10 –12 ×8.0×103 = 70.8×10 –9 C = 70.8 nC
(b) If the net outward flux is zero, it indicates that the net charge enclosed in the blackbox is
zero. The conclusion is either (i) there is no charge inside the box or (ii) there may be different
types of charges in the box such that the algebraic sum of charges inside the box is zero.
Q. 19. A point charge + 10 µC is at a distance 5 cm directly above the q = 10 µC
the centre of a square of side 10 cm as shown in figure. What
is the magnitude of the electric flux through the square? [Hint: 5 cm
Think of the square as one face of a cube with edge 10 cm]
[HOTS]
Ans. Obviously the given square ABCD of side 10 cm is one face of a
cube of side 10 cm. At the centre of this cube a charge + q=10 µC
10 cm
is placed.
According to Gauss’s theorem, the total electric flux through the

q
six faces of cube= f . 10 cm
0
18
∴ Total electric flux through square
1 q
= f
6 0
1 10 # 10 –6
= #
6 8.85 # 10 –12
= 1.88 × 105 Nm2C–1.
Q. 20. A point charge of 2.0 nC is at the centre of a cubic Gaussian surface 9.0 cm on edge. What is
the net electric flux through the surface?
Ans. Given q = 2.0 nC = 2.0×10 –6 C
Net electric flux through the cubical surface
q 2.0 ×10 –6
zE = f = = 2.26×10 5 Nm2 C –1
0 8.85 ×10 –12
Q. 21. A point charge causes an electric flux of – 1.0 × 103 Nm2 C–1 to pass through a spherical
surface of 10.0 cm radius centred on the charge.
(a) If the radius of the Gaussian surface were doubled, how much flux would pass through the
surface?
(b) What is the value of the point charge?
Ans. (a) The electric flux through a surface depends only on the charge enclosed by the surface.
If the radius of the spherical surface is doubled, the charge enclosed remains the same, so
the electric flux passing through the surface will remain unchanged.
q
(b) If q is the point charge, then by Gauss theorem, the electric flux z E =
f0
⇒
q=ε0 φE= 8.85×10–12 × (– 1.0 × 103) = – 8.85 × 10–9 C
Q. 22. A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 2.4 m diameter has a surface charge density of
80.0 nC /m2 (a) Find the charge on the sphere. (b) What is the total electric flux leaving the
surface of the sphere?
Diameter 2. 4
Ans. (a) Radius of sphere r = = m = 1.2 m
2 2
Surface charge density v = 80.0 nC/m2 = 80.0×10 –6 C/m2
Charge on sphere Q = v×4rr2
= 80.0 ×10 –6 × 4 × 3.14 ×(1.2) 2 = 1.45 × 10 –3 C
(b) Total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere
q 1.45×10 –3
zE = f = = 1.6×108 Nm2 C –1
0 8.85×10 –12
Q. 23. Two large, thin metal plates are parallel and close to each other. On their inner faces, the
plates have surface charge densities of opposite signs and of magnitude 17.0 × 10–22 C/m2
What is electric field strength E: (a) in the outer region of the first plate, (b) in the outer region
of the second plate, and (c) between the plates?
v
Ans. The electric field due to each surface charge =
2f 0
Given σ = 17.0 × 10–22 C/m2
(a) The electric field in the outer region of first plate (point P).
v v
= E2 – E1 = – =0
2f 0 2f 0

(b) The electric field in the outer origin of second plate (point Q ).
v v
= E1 – E2 = – =0
2f 0 2f 0
(c) The electric field between the plates
v v
E = E1 + E2 = +
2f 0 2f 0
v 17.0 # 10 –22
=f = –12
= 1.92 # 10 –10 N/C
0 8.85 10
#
Multiple Choice Questions [1 mark]

Choose and write the correct option(s) in the following questions.
1. A body can be negatively charged by
(a) giving excess of electrons to it (b) removing some electron from it
(c) giving some protons to it (d) removing some neutrons from it.
2. How many electrons must be removed from an electrically neutral metal plate to give it a
positive charge of 1 × 10–7 coulomb?
(a) 6.25 × 1011 (b) 6.45 × 1013 (c) 6.25 × 10–11 (d) 6.45 × 10–13
3. The unit of permittivity of free space (e0) is
(a) CN–1m–1 (b) Nm2C–2 (c) C2 N–1m–2 (d) C2 N–2m–2
4. Which of the following is not a property of field lines?
(a) Field lines are continuous curves without any breaks
(b) Two field lines cannot cross each other
(c) Field lines start at positive charges and end at negative charges
(d) They form closed loops
5. Gauss's law is valid for
(a) Any closed surface (b) Only regular closed surfaces
(c) Any open surface (d) Only irregular open surfaces.
6. The spatial distribution of the electric field due to two charges (A, B) is shown in figure.
Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) A is + ve and B is – ve and |A|>|B|
(b) A is – ve and B is + ve, |A|=|B| A B
(c) Both are + ve but A>B
(d) Both are – ve but A>B
7. The electric field due to a uniformly charged sphere of
radius R as a function of the distance from its centre is represented graphically by
(a) (b)
E
E
O R O R r
r
(c) (d)
E
O R r O R r
20
8. When air is replaced by a medium of dielectric constant K, the force of attraction between two
charges separated by a distance r
(a) decreases K times (b) remains unchanged
(c) increases K times (d) increases K–2 times
9. A point positive charge is brought near an isolated conducting sphere (Fig. given below). The
electric field is best given by [NCERT Exemplar]
q +q
(i) (ii)
+q
+q
(iii) (iv)
(a) Fig (i) (b) Fig (ii) (c) Fig (iii) (d) Fig (iv)
10. The Electric flux through the surface [NCERT Exemplar]
S
S
S S
+
q
+
q +
q
+ q
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

(a) in Fig. (iv) is the largest.
(b) in Fig. (iii) is the least.
(c) in Fig. (ii) is same as Fig. (iii) but is smaller than Fig. (iv)
(d) is the same for all the figures.
11. A hemisphere is uniformly charged positively. The electric field at a point on a diameter away
from the centre is directed [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) perpendicular to the diameter (b) parallel to the diameter
(c) at an angle tilted towards the diameter (d) at an angle tilted away from the diameter
12. A point charge +q, is placed at a distance d from an isolated conducting plane. The field at a
point P on the other side of the plane is
(a) directed perpendicular to the plane and away from the plane.
(b) directed perpendicular to the plane but towards the plane.
(c) directed radially away from the point charge.
(d) directed radially towards the point charge.
13. Figure shows electric field lines in which an electric dipole p is
placed as shown. Which of the following statements is correct?
[NCERT Exemplar]
(a) the dipole will not experience any force.
(b) the dipole will experience a force towards right. p
–q +q
(c) the dipole will experience a force towards left.
(d) the dipole will experience a force upwards.

14. A point charge +q, is placed at a distance d from an isolated conducting plane. The field at a
point P on the other side of the plane is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) directed perpendicular to the plane and away from the plane.
(b) directed perpendicular to the plane but towards the plane.
(c) directed radially away from the point charge.
(d) directed radially towards the point charge.
15. There are two kinds of charges—positive charge and negative charge. The property which
differentiates the two kinds of charges is called
(a) amount of charge (b) polarity of charge
(c) strength of charge (d) field of charge
16. A method for charging a conductor without bringing a charged object in contact with it is called
(a) electrification (b) magnetisation
(c) electromagnetic induction (d) electrostatic induction
17. If y E .dS = 0 over a surface, then [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) the electric field inside the surface and on it is zero.
(b) the electric field inside the surface is necessarily uniform.
(c) the number of flux lines entering the surface must be equal to the number of flux lines
leaving it.
(d) all charges must necessarily be outside the surface.
18. A cup contains 250 g of water. The number of negative charges present in the cup of water is
(a) 1.34 × 107 C (b) 1.34 × 1019 C (c) 3.34 × 107 C (d) 1.34 × 10–19 C
19. When the distance between two charged particles is halved, the Coulomb force between them
becomes
(a) one-half (b) one-fourth (c) double (d) four times.
20. Two charges are at distance d apart in air. Coulomb force between them is F. If a dielectric
material of dielectric constant K is placed between them, the Coulomb force now becomes
(a) F/K (b) FK (c) F/K2 (d) K2F
21. Two point charges q1 and q2 are at separation r. The force acting between them is given by
q1 q2
F = K 2 . The constant K depends upon
r
(a) only on the system of units (b) only on medium between charges
(c) both on (a) and (b) (d) neither on (a) nor on (b)
22. Which among the curves shown in figure possibly represent electrostatic field lines?
(a) (b) (c) (d)

23. Three charges +4q, Q and q are placed in a straight line of length l at points at distance 0, l/2,
and l respectively. What should be Q in order to make the net force on q to be zero?
q
(a) –q (b) –2q (c) – (d) 4q
2
24. An electron falls from the rest through a vertical distance h in a uniform and vertically upward
directed electric field E. The direction of electric field is now reversed, keeping its magnitude
the same. A proton is allowed to fall from rest in it through the same vertical distance h. The
time of fall of the electron, in comparison to the time of fall of the proton is
(a) smaller (b) 5 times bigger (c) 10 times bigger (d) equal
22
25. Two point charges A and B, having charges +q and –q respectively, are placed at certain
distance apart and force acting between them is F. If 25% charge of A is transferred to B, then
force between the charges becomes:
9F 16F 4F
(a) F (b) (c) (d)
16 3 3
Answers
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (a)
7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (a) 10. (d) 11. (a) 12. (a)
13. (c) 14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (d) 17. (c), (d) 18. (a)
19. (d) 20. (a) 21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (b)
Fill in the Blanks [1 mark]

1. The quantisation of charge was experimentally demonstrated by _______________ in 1912.
2. The value of the permittivity of free space (e0) in SI unit is _______________.
3. A simple apparatus to detect charge on a body is the _______________.
4. The process of sharing the charges with the earth is called _______________.
5. The concept of field was first introduced by _______________ and is now among the central
concepts in physics.
6. Two point charges are separated by some distance inside vacuum. When space between the
charges is filled by some dielectric, the force between two point charges _______________.
7. Two point charges, one coulomb each are separated by vacuum and placed I meter apart from
each other. The force acting between them is _______________.
8. Direction of electric field intensity due to a dipole on equatorial point is _______________ to the
direction of dipole moment.
9. Two equal and opposite charges of magnitude 0.2 × 10–6 C are 15 cm apart, the magnitude and
direction of the resultant electric intensity E at a point midway between the charge is ___________.
10. A proton at rest has a charge e. When it moves with high speed v, its charge is _______________.
Answers
1. Millikan 2. 8.854 × 10–12 C2N–1m–2 3. gold-leaf electroscope
4. grounding or earthing 5. Faraday 6. decreases 7. 9 × 109 N
8. opposite 9. 6.4 × 105 N/C, towards the –ve charge 10. e
Very Short Answer Questions [1 mark]

Q. 1. Sketch the electric field lines for two point charges q1 and q2 for q1 = q2 and q1 > q2 separated
by a distance d. [CBSE Chennai 2015] [CBSE 2019 (55/2/3)]
Ans. When the charges are equal, the neutral point N lies at the centre of the line joining the charges.
However, when the charges are unequal, the point N is closer to the smaller charge.

Q. 2 Draw the pattern of electric field lines, when a point charge –Q is kept
near an uncharged conducting plate. [CBSE 2019 (55/1/1)]
Ans. As –Q charge is kept near an uncharged conducting plate, positive
charge is induced on the plate due to electrostatic induction. The field
lines will be perpendicular to the metal surface.
Q. 3. Why do the electrostatic field lines not form closed loops?
[CBSE (AI) 2014, Allahabad 2015]
Ans. Electric field lines start from positive charge and terminate at negative
charge. If there is a single positive charge, the field lines start from the
charge and terminate at infinity. So, the electric field lines do not form closed loops.
Q. 4. Does the charge given to a metallic sphere depend on whether it is hollow or solid? Give
reason for your answer. [CBSE Delhi 2017]
Ans. No, Reason: This is because the charge resides only on the surface of the conductor.
Q. 5. Two identical conducting balls A and B have charges –Q and +3Q respectively. They are
brought in contact with each other and then separated by a distance d apart. Find the nature
of the Coulomb force between them. [CBSE 2019 (55/4/1)]
3Q – Q
Ans. Final charge on balls A and B = =Q
2
The nature of the coulomb force between them is repulsive.
Q. 6. Two insulated charged copper spheres A and B of identical size have charges qA and qB
respectively. A third sphere C of the same size but uncharged is brought in contact with the
first and then in contact with the second and finally removed from both. What are the new
charges on A and B? [CBSE (F) 2011]
qA q A + 2q B
Ans. New charge on A is and new charge on B is .
2 4
Q. 7. Fig. shows three point charges +2q, – q and +3q. The charges +2q
and –q are enclosed within a surface ‘S’. What is the electric flux due
to this configuration through the surface ‘S’? [CBSE Delhi 2010]
1
Ans. Electric flux = # (Net charge enclosed within the surface)
f0
1 1
= ( 2q – q) = q
f0 f0
Q. 8. What is the electric flux through a cube of side 1 cm which encloses an electric dipole?
[CBSE Delhi 2015]
Ans. Net electric flux is zero.
Reason : (i) Independent to the shape and size.
(ii) Net charge of the electric dipole is zero.
Q. 9. Two metallic spheres A and B kept on insulating stands are in P A B
contact with each other. A positively charged rod P is brought near
the sphere A as shown in the figure. The two spheres are separated
from each other, and the rod P is removed. What will be the nature
of charges on spheres A and B? [CBSE 2019 (55/3/1)]
Ans. l Sphere A will be negatively charged.

l Sphere B will be positively charged.
Explanation: If positively charged rod P is brought near metallic sphere A due to induction

negative charge starts building up at the left surface of A and positive charge on the right surface
of B.
24
A B A B A B
If the two spheres are separated from each other, the two spheres are found to be oppositely
charged. If rod P is removed, the charges on spheres rearrange themselves and get uniformly
distributed over them.
Q. 10. Two charges of magnitudes – 2Q and + Q are located at points (a, 0) and (4a, 0) respectively.
What is the electric flux due to these charges through a sphere of radius ‘3a’ with its centre at
the origin? [CBSE (AI) 2013]
Ans.
–2Q
Electric flux, z =
f0
Concept: Imagine a sphere of radius 3a about the origin and observe that only charge –2Q is
inside the sphere.
Q. 11. A metal sphere is kept on an insulating stand. A negatively charged
rod is brought near it, then the sphere is earthed as shown. On
removing the earthing, and taking the negatively charged rod away,
what will be the nature of charge on the sphere? Give reason for
your answer. [CBSE 2019 (55/3/1)]
Ans. The sphere will be positively charged due to electrostatic induction.
Explanation: When a negatively charged rod is brought near a metal sphere, the electrons will
flow to the ground while the positive charges at the near end will remain held there due to the
attractive force of the negative charge on the rod. On disconnecting the sphere from the ground,
the positive charge continues to be held at the near end. On removing the electrified rod, the
positive charge will spread uniformly over the sphere.
Q. 12. How does the electric flux due to a point charge enclosed by a spherical Gaussian surface get
affected when its radius is increased? [CBSE Delhi 2016]
q
Ans. Electric flux through a Gaussian surface, enclosing the charge q is z E =
f0
This is independent of radius of Gaussian surface, so if radius is increased, the electric flux
through the surface will remain unchanged.
Q. 13. A charge Q µC is placed at the centre of a cube. What would be the flux through one face?
[CBSE (F) 2010, (AI) 2012]
Q 1 Q
Ans. Electric flux through whole cube = f . Electric flux through one face = nVm.
0 6 f0
Q. 14. A charge q is placed at the centre of a cube of side l. What is the electric flux passing through
two opposite faces of the cube? [CBSE (AI) 2012]

Ans. By symmetry, the flux through each of the six faces of the cube will be same when charge q is
1 Q
placed at its centre. ` z E =
6 f0
1 q
Thus, electric flux passing through two opposite faces of the cube = 2. f
6 0
Q. 15. What orientation of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field corresponds to its (i) stable
and (ii) unstable equilibrium? [CBSE Delhi 2010][HOTS]
Ans. (i) In stable equilibrium the dipole moment is parallel to the direction of electric field (i.e., θ = 0).
(ii) In unstable equilibrium PE is maximum, so θ = π, i.e., dipole moment is antiparallel to
electric field.
Q. 16. What is the nature of electrostatic force between two point electric charges q1 and q2 if
(a) q1 + q2>0? (b) q1 + q2<0?
Ans. (a) If both q1 and q2 are positive, the electrostatic force between these will be repulsive.
However, if one of these charges is positive and is greater than the other negative charge, the
electrostatic force between them will be attractive.
Thus, the nature of force between them can be repulsive or attractive.
(b) If both q1 and q2 are –ve, the force between these will be repulsive.
However, if one of them is –ve and it is greater in magnitude than the second+ve charge, the
force between them will be attractive.
Thus, the nature of force between them can be repulsive or attractive.
R
Q. 17. Figure shows a point charge +Q, located at a distance from the centre
2
of a spherical metal shell. Draw the electric field lines for the given system.
[CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
Ans.
Q. 18. Sketch the electric field lines for a uniformly charged hollow cylinder shown
in figure. [NCERT Exemplar][HOTS]
Ans.
26
Q. 19. The dimensions of an atom are of the order of an Angstrom. Thus there must be large electric
fields between the protons and electrons. Why, then is the electrostatic field inside a conductor
zero? [NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. The electric fields bind the atoms to neutral entity. Fields are caused by excess charges. There
can be no excess charge on the inner surface of an isolated conductor. So, the electrostatic field
inside a conductor is zero.
Q. 20. An arbitrary surface encloses a dipole. What is the electric flux through this surface?
[NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. Net charge on a dipole = – q + q = 0. According to Gauss’s theorem, electric flux through the
surface, q 0
= = =0
f0 f0
Short Answer Questions–I [2 marks]

Q. 1. (a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve. That is, a field line cannot have sudden breaks.
Why is it so?
(b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at any point. [CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. (a) An electrostatic field line is the path of movement of a positive
test charge (q0 → 0)
A moving charge experiences a continuous force in an electrostatic
field, so an electrostatic field line is always a continuous curve.
(b) Two electric lines of force can never cross each other because if
they cross, there will be two directions of electric field at the point
of intersection (say A); which is impossible.
Q. 2. Define electric dipole moment. Is it a scalar or a vector quantity? What are its SI unit?
[CBSE (AI) 2011, 2013, (F) 2009, 2012, 2013]
Ans. The electric dipole moment is defined as the product of either charge and the distance between
the two charges. Its direction is from negative to positive charge.
i.e., |p|=q(2l)
Electric dipole moment is a vector quantity.
Its SI unit is coulomb-metre.
Q. 3. Depict the orientation of the dipole in (a) stable, (b) unstable equilibrium in a uniform electric
field. [CBSE Delhi 2017]
Ans. (a) Stable equilibrium, θ = 0° P is parallel to E

(b) Unstable equilibrium, θ = 180° P is anti parallel to E

Q. 4. Two equal balls having equal positive charge ‘q’ coulombs are suspended by two insulating
strings of equal length. What would be the effect on the force when a plastic sheet is inserted
between the two? [CBSE AI 2014]

Ans. Force will decrease.
Reason: Force between two charges each ‘q’ in vacuum is
2
1 q
F0 =
4rf0 r2
On inserting a plastic sheet (a dielectric K > 1)
1 q2 F0
Then F = i.e., Force F =
4rf0 K r 2 K
The force between charged balls will decrease.
1
Q. 5. Plot a graph showing the variation of coulomb force (F) versus d 2 n , where r is the distance
r
between the two charges of each pair of charges: (1 µC, 2 µC) and (2 µC, – 3 µC). Interpret the
graphs obtained. [CBSE (AI) 2011]
1 q q
1 2
Ans. F = .
4rf0 r2
1 1
The graph between F and 2 is a straight line of slope q1 q2 passing through origin in both
r 4 rf
the cases. 0
Since, magnitude of the slope is more for attraction, therefore, attractive force is greater than
repulsive force.
Q. 6. An electric dipole is held in a uniform electric field.
(i) Show that the net force acting on it is zero.
(ii) The dipole is aligned parallel to the field. Find the work done in rotating it through the angle
of 180°. [CBSE (AI) 2012]
Ans. (i) The dipole moment of dipole is | p | = q× ^2a h
Force on –q at A = – qE
Force on + q at B = + qE
Net force on the dipole = qE – qE = 0
(ii) Work done on dipole
W = dU = pE (cosi1 – cos i2)
= pE (cos 00 – cos 180°)

W = 2pE
Q. 7. (a) Define electric flux. Write its SI unit.
(b) A spherical rubber balloon carries a charge that is uniformly distributed over its surface. As
the balloon is blown up and increases in size, how does the total electric flux coming out of the
surface change? Give reason. [CBSE (F) 2016]
Ans. (a) Total number of electric field lines crossing a surface normally is called electric flux.
Its SI unit is Nm2C–1 or Vm.
q
(b) Total electric flux through the surface =
f0
As charge remains unchanged when size of balloon increases, electric flux through the
surface remains unchanged.
28
(b) “Gauss’s law in electrostatics is true for any closed surface, no matter what its shape or size
is.” Justify this statement with the help of a suitable example. [CBSE Allahabad 2015]
Ans. (a) Refer to above question.
(b) According to Gauss theorem, the electric flux through a closed surface depends only on the
net charge enclosed by the surface and not upon the shape or size of the surface.
For any closed arbitrary shape of the surface enclosing a charge the outward flux is the same
as that due to a spherical Gaussian surface enclosing the same charge.
Justification: This is due to the fact that
(i) electric field is radial and
1
(ii) the electric field E \ 2
R
Thus, electric field at each point inside a charged thin spherical shell is zero.
Q. 9. Two concentric metallic spherical shells of radii R and 2R are given charges Q1 and Q2
respectively. The surface charge densities on the outer surfaces of the shells are equal.
Determine the ratio Q1 : Q2. [CBSE (F) 2013]
Ans. Surface charge density σ is same.
∴
Charge Q1 = 4rR2 v
and Charge Q2 = 4r (2R) 2 v
Q1 4 rR 2 v 1
∴
= =
Q2 2
4r (2R) v 4
Q. 10. The sum of two point charges is 7 µC. They repel each other with a force of 1 N when kept 30cm
apart in free space. Calculate the value of each charge. [CBSE (F) 2009]
Ans. q1 + q2 = 7 × 10 –6 C … (i)
1 q q
1 2
= 1 & q1 q2 = (4rf0) (0.30) 2
4rf0 (0.30) 2
1
or q1 q2 = ×9×10 –2 = 10 –11 …(ii)
9×109
(q1 – q2)2 = (q1 + q2)2– 4q1q2
= (7×10–6)2 – 4×10–11
= 49 × 10–12 – 40 × 10–12 = 9 × 10–12

q1 – q2 = 3×10–6 C …(iii)
Solving (i) and (iii), we get
q1 =5×10–6 C, q2=2×10–6 C
⇒ q1= 5 µC, q2 = 2 µC
Q. 11. Two identical point charges, q each, are kept 2 m apart in air. A third point charge Q of unknown
magnitude and sign is placed on the line joining the charges such that the system remains in
equilibrium. Find the position and nature of Q. [CBSE 2019 (55/1/1)]
Ans. System is in equilibrium therefore net force on each charge of system will be zero.
For the total force on ‘Q’ to be zero
q Q q
1 qQ 1 qQ
= x C (2–x) B
4rf0 x2 4rf0 (2 – x) 2 A
2m
⇒ x=2–x ⇒ 2x = 2
⇒ x=1m
For the equilibrium of charge “q” the nature of charge Q must be opposite to the nature of
charge q.

Q. 12. Figure shows two large metal plates P1 and P2, tightly held against each other
and placed between two equal and unlike point charges perpendicular to the line
joining them.
(i) What will happen to the plates when they are released?
(ii) Draw the pattern of the electric field lines for the system. [CBSE (F) 2009]
Ans. (i) Charges induced on outer surfaces of P1 and P2 are – Q and + Q respectively.
When plates are released, they will tend to move away from one another; plate
P1 moving towards +Q and P2 towards –Q due to attraction.
(ii) The field pattern is shown in fig.
Q. 13. Calculate the amount of work done in rotating a dipole, of dipole moment 3 × 10–8 Cm, from
its position of stable equilibrium to the position of unstable equilibrium, in a uniform electric
field of intensity 104 N/C. [CBSE (F) 2011]
–8 4
Ans. P = 3×10 Cm; E = 10 N/C
At stable equilibrium (θ1) = 0°
At unstable equilibrium (θ2)=180°
Work done in a rotating dipole is given by:
W = PE (cos θ1 – cos θ2) = (3 × 10–8) (104) [cos 0° – cos 180°] = 3 × 10–4 [1 – (–1)]
W = 6 × 10–4 J
Q. 14. Given a uniform electric field E = 5×10 3 it N/C, find the flux of this field through a square of
10 cm on a side whose plane is parallel to the Y-Z plane. What would be the flux through the
same square if the plane makes a 30° angle with the X-axis? [CBSE Delhi 2014]
Ans. Here, E = 5 ×10 i N/C, i.e., field is along positive direction of X-axis.
3 t
Surface area, A = 10 cm × 10 cm = 0.10 m × 0.10 m = 10–2 m2

(i) When plane is parallel to Y-Z plane, the normal to plane is along X-axis. Hence
θ = 0°
z = EA cos i = 5 # 103 # 10 –2 cos 0° = 50 NC –1 m2
(ii) When the plane makes a 30° angle with the X-axis, the normal to its plane makes 60° angle
with X-axis. Hence θ = 60°
z = EA cosi = 5×103 ×10 –2 cos 60° = 25 NC –1 m 2
Q. 15. Five point charges, each of charge +q are placed on five vertices of a regular hexagon of
side ‘l’. Find the magnitude of the resultant force on a charge –q placed at the centre of the
hexagon. [CBSE 2019 (53/3/1)]
Ans. The forces due to the charges placed diagonally opposite at the vertices of
hexagon, on the charge – q cancel in pairs. Hence net force is due to one
charge only.
2
1 q
Net force F =
4rf0 l2
30
Q. 16. Represent graphically the variation of electric field with distance, for a uniformly charged
plane sheet. [CBSE Sample Paper 2017]
Ans. Electric field due to a uniformly charged plane sheet. E
v
E= E = Constant
2f 0
which is independent of distance.
So, it represents a straight line parallel to distance axis. r
Q. 17. A metallic spherical shell has an inner radius R1 and outer radius R2. A charge Q is placed at
the centre of the spherical cavity. What will be surface charge density on (i) the inner surface,
and (ii) the outer surface? [NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. When a charge + Q is placed at the centre of spherical cavity,
the charge induced on the inner surface = – Q
the charge induced on the outer surface = +Q
–Q
∴ Surface charge density on the inner surface =
4rR12
+Q
Surface charge density on the outer surface =
4rR22
Q. 18. The given figure shows the electric field lines around three point charges
A, B and C.
(a) Which charges are positive?
(b) Which charge has the largest magnitude? Why?
(c) In which region or regions of the picture could the
electric field be zero? Justify your answer.
(i) near A (ii) near B (iii) near C (iv) nowhere.
[NCERT Exemplar] [HOTS]
Ans.
(a) Charges A and C are positive since lines of force
emanate from them.
(b) Charge C has the largest magnitude since maximum number of field lines are associated with it.
(c) (i) near A.
Justification: There is no neutral point between a positive and a negative charge. A neutral
point may exist between two like charges. From the figure we see that a neutral point exists
between charges A and C. Also between two like charges the neutral point is closer to the charge
with smaller magnitude. Thus, electric field is zero near charge A.
Q. 19. Two isolated metal spheres A and B have radii R and 2R respectively, and same charge q. Find
which of the two spheres have greater energy density just outside the surface of the spheres.
[CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
Ans. Energy density,
1
U = f0 E2
2
v Q
But, E = =
f0 Af 0
2
1 f0 Q Q2 1

` U= & U= & U? & U A > UB Q q
2 A2 f2
0
2A 2 f 0 A2
Q. 20. Four point charges Q, q, Q and q are placed at the corners of a square
of side ‘a’ as shown in the figure. Find the resultant electric force on
a charge Q. [CBSE 2018]
q a Q

Ans. Let us find the force on the charge Q at the point C
Force due to the other charge Q
2
Q Q2
f p (along AC)
1 1
F1 = =
4rf0 (a 2 ) 2 4rf0 2a 2
Force due to the charge q (at B), F2
1 qQ
= along BC Q
A Bq
4rf0 a 2
Force due to the charge q (at D), F3 a 2
1 qQ
= along DC Q
4rf0 a 2 q F3
D C
a F23
Resultant of these two equal forces
F1
1 qQ ( 2 ) F2
F23 = (along AC)
4rf0 a2
∴ Net force on charge Q (at point C)
1 Q Q
F = F1 + F23 = = + 2 qG
4rf0 a 2 2
This force is directed along AC. (For the charge Q, at the point A, the force will have the same
magnitude but will be directed along CA)
Q. 21. Three point charges q, – 4q and 2q are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle ABC
of side ‘l’ as shown in the figure. Obtain the expression for the magnitude of the resultant
electric force acting on the charge q. [CBSE 2018]
A
q
–4q 2q
B C
l F2
q
Ans. Force on charge q due to the charge –4q θ = 120° A
2
4q
f 2 p , along AB
1
F1 =
4rf0 l
F1
Force on the charge q, due to the charge 2q
2
2q
f 2 p , along CA
1 –4q 2q
F2 = B C
4rf0 l l
The forces F1 and F2 are inclined to each other at an angle of 120°

Hence, resultant electric force on charge q
F = F12 + F 22 + 2F1 F2 cos i
= F12 + F 22 + 2F1 F2 cos 120°
= F12 + F 22 – F1 F2
32
2
=f p 16 + 4 – 8
1 q
4rf0 l 2
2 3 q2
f p
1
=
4rf0 l2
Q. 22. A simple pendulum consists of a small sphere of mass m suspended by a thread of length l.
The sphere carries a positive charge q. The pendulum is placed in a uniform electric field of
strength E directed vertically downwards. Find the period of oscillation of the pendulum due
to the electrostatic force acting on the sphere, neglecting the effect of the gravitational force.
[CBSE 2019 (53/3/1)]
Ans. Restoring force:
Fr = –qE sin z
&
ma = –qE sin z φ
When f is small qEsinφ Q
&
ma = –qEz qEcos φ
qE
2
d x x
m = –qE
dt l E
2
d x E x
= –q m
dt 2 l
Comparing with equation of linear SHM
d2 x qE
= – ~ 2
x & ~ 2
=
ml
dt2
qE
&
~=
ml
2r ml
Now, T = ~ = 2r
qE
Short Answer Questions–II [3 marks]

Q. 1.
(a) A point charge (+Q) is kept in the vicinity of uncharged conducting plate. Sketch electric
field lines between the charge and the plate. [CBSE Bhubaneswar 2015]
(b) Two infinitely large plane thin parallel sheets having surface charge densities σ1 and σ2
(σ1> σ2) are shown in the figure. Write the magnitudes and directions of the net fields in
the regions marked II and III. [CBSE (F) 2014]
Ans. (a) The lines of force start from + Q and terminate at metal place inducing negative charge on
it. The lines of force will be perpendicular to the metal surface.

+Q
+++++++++++++++++
1
2f 0 ^ 1 2 h
(b) (i) Net electric field in region II = v –v
Direction of electric field is from sheet A to sheet B.

1
(ii) Net electric field in region III = ^v + v 2 h
2f 0 1
Direction is away from the two sheets i.e., towards right side.
Q. 2. A spherical conducting shell of inner radius r1 and outer radius r2 has a charge ‘Q’. A charge
‘q’ is placed at the centre of the shell.
(a) What is the surface charge density on the (i) inner surface, (ii) outer surface of the shell?
(b) Write the expression for the electric field at a point x>r2 from the centre of the shell.
[CBSE (AI) 2010]
Ans.
(a) Charge Q resides on outer surface of spherical conducting shell.
Due to charge q placed at centre, charge induced on inner surface
is –q and on outer surface it is +q. So, total charge on inner surface
–q and on outer surface it is Q + q.
q
(i) Surface charge density on inner surface = –
4rr12
Q+q
(ii) Surface charge density on outer surface =

4rr22
(b) For external points, whole charge acts at centre, so electric field at distance x>r2,
1 Q+q
E (x) = .
4rf0 x2
Q. 3. A thin metallic spherical shell of radius R carries a charge Q
Q
on its surface. A point charge is placed at the centre C and
2
another charge +2Q is placed outside the shell at A at a distance
x from the centre as shown in the figure.
(i) Find the electric flux through the shell.
(ii) State the law used.
(iii) Find the force on the charges at the centre C of the shell and
at the point A. [CBSE East 2016]
Total enclosed ch arg e
Ans. (i) Electric flux through a Gaussian surface, z =
f0
Net charge enclosed inside the shell, q = 0

q
∴ Electric flux through the shell =0
f0
34
1
(ii) Gauss’s Law: Electric flux through a Gaussian surface is times the net charge enclosed
f0
within it.
1
Mathematically, y E . ds =
f0
×q
(iii) We know that electric field or net charge inside the spherical conducting shell is zero. Hence,
Q
the force on charge is zero.
2
Q
2Q d Q + n 2
1 2 1 3Q
Force on charge at A, FA = =
4rf0 x2 4rf0 x2
Q. 4. Three point electric charges +q each are kept at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a.
Determine the magnitude and sign of the charge to be kept at the centroid of the triangle so
that the charges at the vertices remain in equilibrium. [CBSE (F) 2015] [HOTS]
Ans. The charge at any vertex will remain in equilibrium if the net force experienced by this charge
due to all other three charges is zero.
Let Q be the required charge to be kept at the centroid G.
Considering the charge at A,
Force F1 on charge at A due to charge at B
2
1 q
F1 = along BA
4rf0 a2
Force F2 on charge at A due to charge at C

2
1 q
F2 = along CA
4rf0 a2
Since angle between F1 and F2 is 60°.
2
1 q
+
F1 F2 = 3 along GA
4rf0 a2
a
Also, the distance of centroid G from any vertex is
3
The nature of charge to be kept at G has to be opposite (– ve)
so that it exerts a force of attraction on charge (+q) kept at A to
balance the force F1 + F2
1 Qq 1 Q.3q
Force exerted by (– Q) kept at G on charge (+q) at A = = along AG
4rf0 a 2 4rf0 a2
c m
3
Equating the two forces, being equal and opposite
2
1 q 1 3Qq q
3
4rf0 a 2
=–
4rf0 a 2
& Q=–
3
(a) An infinitely long positively charged straight wire has a linear charge density λ Cm–1. An
Q. 5.
electron is revolving around the wire as its centre with a constant velocity in a circular
plane perpendicular to the wire. Deduce the expression for its kinetic energy.
(b) Plot a graph of the kinetic energy as a function of charge density λ. [CBSE (F) 2013]
Ans. (a) Infinitely long charged wire produces a radical electric field.
m
E= ... (1)
2rf0 r

The revolving electron experiences an electrostatic force
and provides necessarily centripetal force.
mv 2
eE = ... (2)
r
em mv 2 em
= & mv2 =
2rf0 r r 2rf0
1 em
Kinetic energy of the electron, K = mv2 =
2 4rf0
(b)
Q. 6. Two small identical electrical dipoles AB and CD, each of dipole

moment ‘p’ are kept at an angle of 120° as shown in the figure. What
is the resultant dipole moment of this combination? If this system is
subjected to electric field (E ) directed along + X direction, what will be
the magnitude and direction of the torque acting on this?
[CBSE Delhi 2011, 2020 (55/2/1)]
Ans. Resultant dipole moment
pr = p12 + p22 + 2p1 p2 cos 120°
= 2p2 + 2p2 cos 120° _a p1 = p2 = p i

P1
1
= 2 p + ( 2 p ) # c – m = 2p 2 – p 2 = p ,
2 2
2
Using law of addition of vectors, we can see that the resultant
dipole makes an angle of 60° with the y axis or 30° with x - axis.
Torque, x = p # E ( x is perpendicular to both p and E ) P
120°
1
= pE sin 30° = pE. α
2
Direction of torque is into the plane of paper or along positive
Z-direction.
Q. 7. State Gauss’s law in electrostatics. A cube with each side ‘a’ is
P2
kept in an electric field given by E = C × rt, (as is shown in the
figure) where C is a positive dimensional constant. Find out
[CBSE (F) 2012]
(i) the electric flux through the cube, and
(ii) the net charge inside the cube.
Ans. Gauss’s Law in electrostatics states that the total electric flux
1
through a closed surface enclosing a charge is equal to
f0
times the magnitude of that charge.
q
z = y E . dS =
S f0
36
(i) Net flux, z = z1 + z2
E
where z1 = E . dS
= 2aC dS cos 0° E
= 2aC × a2 = 2a3 C
φ2 = aC × a2 cos 180° = – a3C
φ = 2a3C + (–a3C) = a3C Nm2 C–1
(ii) Net charge (q) = ε0 × φ = a3C ε0 coulomb
q = a3C ε0 coulomb.
Q. 8. A hollow cylindrical box of length 1 m and
area of cross-section 25 cm2 is placed in
a three dimensional coordinate system as E E
shown in the figure. The electric field in the
region is given by E = 50 x it, where E is in
NC–1 and x is in metres.
Find
(i) net flux through the cylinder.
(ii) charge enclosed by the cylinder. [CBSE Delhi 2013]
Ans. (i) Electric flux through a surface, z = E .S
Flux through the left surface, φL = ES cos 180° = – ES = (– 50x)S
Since x = 1 m, φL = –50 × 1 × 25 × 10–4
= –1250 × 10–4 = – 0.125 N m2 C–1
Flux through the right surface,
φR = ES cos 0°
= ES = (50x)S
Since x = 2 m, φR = 50 × 2 × 25 × 10–4 = 2500 × 10–4 = 0.250 N m2 C–1
Net flux through the cylinder, φnet = φR + φL
= 0.250 – 0.125 = 0.125 N m2 C–1
(ii) Charge inside the cylinder, by Gauss’s Theorem
q
z net = & q = f0 z Net
f0
1
= 8.854×10 –12 ×0.125 = 8.854×10 –12 × = 1.107×10 –12 C
8
Q. 9. Two parallel uniformly charged infinite plane sheets, ‘l’ and ‘2’, have charge densities + σ and
–2 σ respectively. Give the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at a point
(i) in between the two sheets and (ii) outside near the sheet ‘1’. [CBSE Ajmer 2015]
Ans.
(i) Let E1 and E 2 be the electric field intensity at the point P1, between the plates. So,
| EP | = | E1 |+| E2 |
1
v 2v
= f + f
0 0
3v
= f (directed towards sheet 2)
0
3v 3v
E P1 = f (– tj) = – f tj
0 0

(ii) Outside near the sheet ‘1’, | E P2 | = | E 2 |–| E 1 |
2v v v
= – = (directed towards sheet 2)
2 f 0 2f 0 2f 0
v t v t
E P2 = (–j) = – j
2f 0 2f 0
Q. 10. A right circular cylinder of length ‘a’ and radius ‘r’ has its centre at the origin and its axis along
the x-axis so that one face is at x = + a/2 and the other at x = – a/2, as shown in the figure. A uniform
electric field is acting parallel to the x-axis such that E = E it for x > 0 and E = –E it for x > 0.
0 0
Find out the flux (i) through the flat faces, (ii) through the curved surface of the cylinder. What
is the net outward flux through the cylinder and the net charge inside the cylinder?
[CBSE Chennai 2015]
Ans. y
– E0 i E0 i
x x
(i) Flux through the flat faces (both)

z1 = E0 it.rr2 it = | E0 | rr2 [a it.it = 1]
(ii) Flux through the curved surface
z = E it. (2rra) tj
2 0
=0 [a it.tj = 0]
(Field and area vector are perpendicular to each other)
Net outward flux through the cylinder,
z net = 2z1 + z2
= 2E0 πr2
Q
According to Gauss’s theorem, z net = f
0
∴ Charge inside the cylinder
Q = 2πε0r2 E0
Q. 11. (a) ‘‘The outward electric flux due to charge +Q is independent of the shape and size of the
surface which encloses it.’’ Give two reasons to justify this statement.
(b) Two identical circular loops ‘1’ and ‘2’ of radius R each have linear charge densities –λ
and +λ C/m respectively. The loops are placed coaxially with their centres R 3 distance
apart. Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at the centre of loop ‘1’.
[CBSE Patna 2015]
38
Ans. (a) In figure, a charge + Q is enclosed inside the surfaces S1 and S2.
(i) For a given charge Q the same number of electric field
lines emanating from the surfaces S1 and S2 depends on S2
S1
the charge Q and independent to the shape and size of the
surfaces of S1 and S2.
+Q
(ii) From Gauss’s law the net-outward electric flux through any
1
closed surface of any shape and size is equal to f times
0
Q
the charge enclosed within that surface i.e., f
0
(b) 2 + 1
R –
R
O2 Z=R 3 O1
Electric field at the centre O1 due to loop 1 is given by

E1 = 0 (As Z = 0)
Electric field at a point outside the loop 2 on the axis passing normally through O2 of loop 2
is
mR Z
E2 =
2f0 (R2 + Z2) 3/2
Since Z= R 3
mR R 3
=
2f0 (R2 + 3R2) 3/2
m 3
= towards right (As λ is positive)
16f0 R
So, net electric field at the centre of loop 1
E = E1 + E 2
m 3 m 3
= 0+ =
16f0 R 16f0 R
F
Q. 12. The electric field E due to any point charge near it is defined as E = lim where q is the test
q"0 q
charge and F is the force acting on it. What is the physical significance of lim in this expression?
q"0
Draw the electric field lines of point charge Q when (i) Q > 0 and (ii) Q < 0.
F
Ans. The physical significance of lim in the definition of electric field E = lim
q" 0 q" 0 q
The point test charge q produces its own electric field, hence it will modify the electric field
strength to be measured. Therefore, the test charge used to measure the electric field must be
too small.
The electric lines of force are shown in figure below.

Q. 13. Two charges q and –3q are placed fixed on x-axis separated by distance ‘d’. Where should a
third charge 2q be placed such that it will not experience any force? [NCERT Exemplar]
Ans.
Let the charge 2q be placed at point P as shown. The force due to q is to the left and that due to
–3q is to the right.
2q2 6q 2

` = & (d + x) 2 = 3x2
4rf0 x2 4rf0 (d + x) 2
d 3d

` 2x2 – 2dx – d2 = 0 & x= !
2 2
(–ve sign shows charge 2q at p would be lie between q and –3q and hence is unacceptable.)
d 3d d

& x= + = (1 + 3 ) to the left of q.
2 2 2
Q. 14. Two point charges of + 5 × 10–19 C and +20 × 10–19 C are separated by a distance of 2 m. Find
the point on the line joining them at which electric field intensity is zero.
Ans. Let charges q1=+5×10–19 C and q2=+20×10–19 C be placed at A and B respectively. Distance
AB=2 m.
As charges are similar, the electric field strength will be zero between the charges on the line
joining them. Let P be the point (at a distance x from q1) at which electric field intensity is zero.
Then, AP = x metre, BP = (2 – x) metre. The electric field strength at P due to charge q1 is
1 q1
E1 = , along the direction A to P.
4rf0 x2
The electric field strength at P due to charge q2 is
1 q2
E2 = , along the direction B to P.
4rf0 (2 – x) 2
Clearly, E 1 and E 2 and are opposite in direction and for net electric field at P to be zero,
E 1 and E 2 must be equal in magnitude.
So, E1 = E2
1 q1 1 q2
& =
4rf0 x2 4rf0 (2 – x) 2
Given, q1 = 5×10–19 C, q2 = 20×10–19 C

5 # 10 –19 20 # 10 –19
Therefore, =
x2 ( 2 – x) 2
1 x 2
or = or x= m
2 2– x 3
Q. 15. Two charges of value 2 mC and –50 mC are placed 80 cm apart. Calculate the distance of the
point from the smaller charge where the intensity is zero.
Ans.
40
The electric field cannot be zero at a point between the charges because the two charges are of
opposite signs. The electric field cannot be zero at a point to the right of B because magnitude
of charge at B is of opposite sign and is greater in magnitude than the charge at A.
Let the resultant electric field be zero at P located at a distance x metre to the left of point A.
∴ AP = x metre and BP = (x + 0.8) m
2 ×10 –6 50 ×10 –6

k = k
x2 ( x + 0. 8) 2
] x + 0.8g2
&
2
x =
25
] x + 0. 8 g
&
x=!
5
&
5x = ! ] x + 0.8 g
⇒
5x = x + 0.8 or 5x = – x – 0.8
⇒
4x = 0.8 or 6x = –0.8
–0.8
⇒
x = 0.2 m or x= m
6
⇒ x = 0.2 m = 20 cm
The negative answer is not possible because in that case P will lie between the charges.
Therefore, x = 20 cm.
Long Answer Questions [5 marks]

Q. 1. (a) Find expressions for the force and torque on an electric dipole kept in a uniform electric field.
OR [CBSE (AI) 2014; 2019 (55/5/1); 2020 (55/3/1)]
An electric dipole is held in a uniform electric field. (i) Using suitable diagram show that
it does not undergo any translatory motion, and (ii) derive an expression for torque acting
on it and specify its direction.
(b) Derive an expression for the work done in rotating a dipole from the angle θ0 to θ1 in a
uniform electric field E. [CBSE East 2016]
OR
(i) Define torque acting on a dipole of dipole moment p placed in a uniform electric field
E . Express it in the vector form and point out the direction along which it acts.
(ii) What happens if the field is non-uniform?
(iii) What would happen if the external field E is increasing (i) parallel to p and (ii) anti-
parallel to p ?[CBSE (F) 2016]
Ans. (a) Consider an electric dipole placed in a uniform electric field of strength E in such a way that
its dipole moment p makes an angle θ with the
direction of E . The charges of dipole are – q and +q at
separation 2l the dipole moment of electric dipole,
p = q2l ...(i)
Force: The force on charge +q is, F 1 = qE , along the
direction of field E .
The force on charge – q is F 2 = qE , opposite to the
direction of field E .
Obviously forces F 1 and F 2 are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction; hence net
force on electric dipole in uniform electric field is
F = F1 – F2 = qE – qE = 0 (zero)

As net force on electric dipole is zero, so dipole does not undergo any translatory motion.

Torque: The forces F 1 and F 2 form a couple (or torque) which tends to rotate and align the
dipole along the direction of electric field. This couple is called the torque and is denoted by τ.
∴ Torque τ = magnitude of one force × perpendicular distance between lines of action of forces
= qE (BN) = qE (2l sin θ) = (q2l) E sin θ
= pE sin θ [using (i)] ...(ii)
Clearly, the magnitude of torque depends on orientation (θ) of the electric dipole relative to
electric field. Torque (τ) is a vector quantity whose direction is perpendicular to the plane
containing p and E given by right hand screw rule.
In vector form x = p # E ..(iii)

Thus, if an electric dipole is placed in an electric field in oblique orientation, it experiences no
force but experiences a torque. The torque tends to align the dipole moment along the direction
of electric field.
Maximum Torque: For maximum torque sin θ should be the maximum. As the maximum

value of sin θ = 1 when θ = 90°
∴ Maximum torque, τmax = pE
When the field is non-uniform, the net force will evidently be non-zero. There will be

translatory motion of the dipole.
When E is parallel to p , the dipole has a net force in the direction of increasing field.

When E is anti-parallel to p , the net force on the dipole is in the direction of decreasing
field.
In general, force depends on the orientation of p with respect to E .
(b) Let an electric dipole be rotated in electric field from angle θ0 to θ1 in the direction of electric
field. In this process the angle of orientation θ is changing continuously; hence the torque
also changes continuously. Let at any time, the angle between dipole moment p and electric
field E be θ then
Torque on dipole τ = pE sin θ
The work done in rotating the dipole a further by small angle dθ is
dW = Torque × angular displacement= pE sin θ dθ
Total work done in rotating the dipole from angle θ0 to θ1 is given by
i1
W = y pE sin idi = pE6– cos i@i
i1

0
i0
= – pE[cos θ1 – θ0] = pE (cos θ0 – cos θ1) ..(i)

Special case: If electric dipole is initially in a stable equilibrium position (θ0 = 0°) and rotated

through an angle θ(θ1 = θ) then work done
W = pE[cos 0° – cos θ] = pE (1 – cos θ) ..(ii)
42
Q. 2. Find an expression for the electric field strength at a distant point situated (i) on the axis and
(ii) along the equatorial line of an electric dipole. [CBSE (AI) 2013; (F) 2015; 2019 (55/5/1)]
OR
Derive an expression for the electric field intensity at a point on the equatorial line of an
electric dipole of dipole moment p and length 2a. What is the direction of this field?
[CBSE South 2016; 2019 (55/1/1)]
Ans. Consider an electric dipole AB. The charges –q and +q of dipole are situated at A and B
respectively as shown in the figure. The separation between the charges is 2a.
Electric dipole moment, p = q.2a
The direction of dipole moment is from –q to +q. 2a
(i) At axial or end-on position: Consider a

point P on the axis of dipole at a distance r a a
from mid-point O of electric dipole.
r–a
The distance of point P from charge +q at
r+a
B is

BP = r – a
and distance of point P from charge –q at A is, AP = r + a.
Let E1 and E2 be the electric field strengths at point P due to charges +q and –q respectively.
We know that the direction of electric field due to a point charge is away from positive charge
and towards the negative charge. Therefore,
1 q 1 q
E1 = (from B to P) and E = (from P to A)
4rf0 ^ r – a h2 2 4rf0 ^ r + a h2
Clearly the directions of electric field strengths E1 are E2 along the same line but opposite
to each other and E1 > E2 because positive charge is nearer.
∴ The resultant electric field due to electric dipole has magnitude equal to the difference of

E1 and E2 direction from B to P i.e.
1 q 1 q
E = E1 – E2 =
–
4rf0 ^ h 4
^ r + ah
2 rf 2
r–a 0
q SS ^ r + ah – ^ r – ah WW
SR 2 V
2W
q 1 1
4rf0 > ^ 2H
= – = S W
r – ah ^ r + ah 4rf0 SSS
^ r – ah ^ r + ah WW
2 2 2 W
T X
q 4ra 1 2 ^ q2 a h r
=
=
4rf0
^r – a h
2 2 2 4rf0 2
^r – a h2 2
But q.2 a = p (electric dipole moment)

1 2pr
∴ E= ...(i)
4rf0 ^ 2 2h
2
r –a
If the dipole is infinitely small and point P is far away from the dipole, then r >> a, therefore
equation (i) may be expressed as
1 2pr 1 2p
E= or E = ..(ii)
4rf0 r 4 4rf0 r3
This is the expression for the electric field strength at axial position due to a short electric
dipole.
(ii) At a point of equatorial line: Consider a point P on
broad side on the position of dipole formed of charges

+q and –q at separation 2a. The distance of point P
from mid point (O) of electric dipole is r. Let E 1 and
E 2 be the electric field strengths due to charges +q
and – q of electric dipole.
From fig. AP = BP = r2 + a2
1 q
` E1 = along B to P
4rf0 r2 + a2 r
1 q
E 2 = along P to A
4rf0 r + a2
2
a a
Clearly E 1 and E 2 are equal in magnitude i.e. , a
| E 1 |=| E 2 |or E1= E2

To find the resultant of E 1 and E 2 , we resolve them into rectangular components.
Component of E 1 parallel to AB = E1 cos θ, in the direction to BA
Component of E 1 perpendicular to AB = E1 sin θ along OP
Component of E 2 parallel to AB = E2 cos θ in the direction BA
Component of E 2 perpendicular to AB = E2 sin θ along PO
Clearly, components of E 1 and E 2 perpendicular to AB: E1 sin θ and E2 sin θ being equal
and opposite cancel each other, while the components of E 1 and E 2 parallel to AB : El cosθ
and E2 cos θ, being in the same direction add up and give the resultant electric field whose
direction is parallel to BA .
∴ Resultant electric field at P is E = El cos θ + E2 cos θ
1 q
But E1 = E2 =
4rf0 ^ r + a2 h
2
OB a a
From the figure, cos i = = =
^ r + a2 h
PB 2
r +a 2 2
1/2
1 q a 1 2qa
E = 2E1 cos i = 2× . =
4rf0 ^ r + a h ^ 2 4rf0 ^ 2
r + a2 h r + a2 h
2 2 1 /2 3/2
But q.2a=p=electric dipole moment ...(iii)

1 p
` E=
4rf0 ^ 2
r + a2 h
3/2
If dipole is infinitesimal and point P is far away, we have a << r, so a2 may be neglected as
compared to r2 and so equation (iii) gives
1 p 1 p
E= =
4rf0 ^ 2 h3/2 4rf0 r3
r
i.e., electric field strength due to a short dipole at broadside on position
1 p
E= in the direction parallel to BA ...(iv)
4rf0 r3
Its direction is parallel to the axis of dipole from positive to negative charge.
It may be noted clearly from equations (ii) and (iv) that electric field strength due to a short dipole
at any point is inversely proportional to the cube of its distance from the dipole and the electric field
strength at axial position is twice that at broad-side on position for the same distance.
Important: Note the important point that the electric field due to a dipole at large distances falls
1 1
off as 3 and not as 2 as in the case of a point charge.
r r
44
Q. 3. A charge is distributed uniformly over a ring of radius ‘a’. Obtain an expression for the electric
intensity E at a point on the axis of the ring. Hence show that for points at large distances from
the ring, it behaves like a point charge. [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Ans. Consider a point P on the axis of uniformly charged
ring at a distance x from its centre O. Point P is at
distance r = a2 + x2 from each element dl of ring. a
If q is total charge on ring, then, charge per metre

q
length, m = .
2ra
The ring may be supposed to be formed of a large
number of ring elements.
Consider an element of length dl situated at A.
The charge on element, dq = λ dl
∴ The electric field at P due to this element
1 dq 1 m dl
dE 1 = = , along PC
4rf0 r2 4rf0 r2
The electric field strength due to opposite symmetrical element of length dl at B is
1 dq 1 m dl
dE 2 = = , along PD
4rf0 r2 4rf0 r2
If we resolve dE1 and dE2 along the axis and perpendicular to axis, we note that the components
perpendicular to axis are oppositely directed and so get cancelled, while those along the axis are
added up. Hence, due to symmetry of the ring, the electric field strength is directed along the axis.
The electric field strength due to charge element of length dl, situated at A, along the axis will be
1 m dl
dE = dE1 cos i = cos i
4rf0 r2
x
But, cos i = r
1 m dl x 1 mx
` dE = = dl
4rf0 r 3 4rf0 r3
The resultant electric field along the axis will be obtained by adding fields due to all elements of
the ring, i.e.,
1 mx 1 mx
∴ E=y dl= y dl
4rf0 r3 4rf0 r3
But, y dl = whole length of ring = 2πa and r = (a2 + x2)1/2

1 mx
∴ E= 2ra
4rf0 (a2 + x2) 3/2
q
c mx
q 1 2 r a
As, m= , we have E = 2 ra
2ra 4rf0 (a2 + x2) 3/2
1 qx
or, E= , along the axis
4rf0 (a2 + x2) 3/2
1 q
=
At large distances i.e., x >> a, E 4rf0 x2 ,
i.e., the electric field due to a point charge at a distance x.

For points on the axis at distances much larger than the radius of ring, the ring behaves like a
point charge.

Q. 4. State and Prove Gauss theorem in electrostatics. [CBSE Ajmer 2015]
Ans. Statement: The net-outward normal electric flux through any closed surface of any shape is equal
to 1/ε0 times the total charge contained within that surface, i.e.,
y E : dS = f1 / q
S 0
where y indicates the surface integral over the whole of the closed surface,
S
dS
/ q is the algebraic sum of all the charges (i.e., net charge in coulombs) enclosed
by surface S and remain unchanged with the size and shape of the surface.
Proof: Let a point charge +q be placed at centre O of a sphere S. Then S is a
Gaussian surface.
Electric field at any point on S is given by
1 q
E=
4rf0 r2
The electric field and area element points radially outwards, so θ = 0°.
Flux through area dS is
dz = E . dS = E dS cos 0° = E dS
Total flux through surface S is
z = y dz = y EdS = E y dS = E × Area of Sphere
S S S
1 q q
z= 4rr2 or, z = f which proves Gauss’s theorem.
4rf0 r 2
0
Q. 5. (i) Using Gauss Theorem show mathematically that for any point outside the shell, the field
due to a uniformly charged spherical shell is same as the entire charge on the shell, is
concentrated at the centre. [CBSE 2019 (55/4/1)]
(ii) Why do you expect the electric field inside the shell to be zero according to this theorem?
OR [CBSE Allahabad 2015]
A thin conducting spherical shell of radius R has charge Q spread uniformly over its
surface. Using Gauss’s theorem, derive an expression for the electric field at a point
outside the shell. [CBSE Delhi 2009]
Draw a graph of electric field E(r) with distance r from the centre of the shell for 0 ≤ r ≤∞.
OR
Find the electric field intensity due to a uniformly charged spherical shell at a point (i)
outside the shell and (ii) inside the shell. Plot the graph of electric field with distance from
the centre of the shell. [CBSE North 2016; 2020 (55/1/1)]
OR
Using Gauss’s law obtain the expression for the electric field due to a uniformly charged thin
spherical shell of radius R at a point outside the shell. Draw a graph showing the variation of
electric field with r, for r > R and r < R. [CBSE (AI) 2013; 2020 (55/2/1)]
Ans. (i) Electric field intensity at a point outside a uniformly charged thin spherical shell:
Consider a uniformly charged thin spherical shell of radius
R carrying charge Q. To find the electric field outside the
0
shell, we consider a spherical Gaussian surface of radius
r (>R), concentric with given shell. If E0 is electric field
outside the shell, then by symmetry electric field strength has
same magnitude E0 on the Gaussian surface and is directed
radially outward. Also the directions of normal at each point
46
is radially outward, so angle between E0 and dS is zero at each point. Hence, electric flux
through Gaussian surface. z = y E 0 : dS .

S
z= y E : dS = y E0 dS cos 0 = E0 .4rr2
S S
Now, Gaussian surface is outside the given charged shell, so charge enclosed by Gaussian
surface is Q.
Hence, by Gauss’s theorem
y E 0 : dS = f1 # charged enclosed
S 0
1 1 Q
⇒
E0 4rr2 = f # Q & E0 =
0 4rf0 r2
Thus, electric field outside a charged thin spherical shell is the same as if the whole charge Q
is concentrated at the centre.
If σ is the surface charge density of the spherical shell, then
Q = 4rR2 v coulomb
1 4rR2 v R2 v
∴
E0 = =
4rf0 r2 f0 r 2
(ii) Electric field inside the shell (hollow charged conducting sphere):
The charge resides on the surface of a conductor. Thus a hollow
charged conductor is equivalent to a charged spherical shell. To find
the electric field inside the shell, we consider a spherical Gaussian
surface of radius r (< R) concentric with the given shell. If E is the
electric field inside the shell, then by symmetry electric field strength
has the same magnitude Ei on the Gaussian surface and is directed
radially outward. Also the directions of normal at each point is
radially outward, so angle between E i and dS is zero at each point.
Hence, electric flux through Gaussian surface
= y E i .dS = y Ei dS cos 0 = Ei . 4rr2
S
Now, Gaussian surface is inside the given charged shell, so charge enclosed by Gaussian
surface is zero.
Hence, by Gauss’s theorem
y E i . dS = f1 × charge enclosed
S 0
1

& E i 4rr 2 = f # 0 & E i = 0
0
Thus, electric field at each point inside a charged thin
spherical shell is zero. The graph is shown in fig.
Q. 6. State Gauss theorem in electrostatics. Apply this theorem to obtain the expression for the
electric field at a point due to an infinitely long, thin, uniformly charged straight wire of
linear charge density λ C m–1. [CBSE Delhi 2009; 2020 (55/5/1)]
Ans. Gauss Theorem: Refer to point 12 of Basic Concepts.
Electric field due to infinitely long, thin and uniformly charged straight wire: Consider an
infinitely long line charge having linear charge density λ coulomb metre–1 (linear charge density
means charge per unit length). To find the electric field strength at a distance r, we consider a
cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius r and length l coaxial with line charge. The cylindrical
Gaussian surface may be divided into three parts:
(i) Curved surface S1 (ii) Flat surface S2 and (iii) Flat surface S3.

By symmetry, the electric field has the same
magnitude E at each point of curved surface
S1 and is directed radially outward.
We consider small elements of surfaces S1,
S2 and S3 The surface element vector dS1 is
directed along the direction of electric field
(i.e., angle between E and dS1 is zero);
the elements dS2 and dS3 are directed
perpendicular to field vector E (i.e., angle
between dS2 and E is 90° and so also angle between dS3 and E ).
Electric Flux through the cylindrical surface
yS E : dS = yS E : dS1 + yS E : dS2 + yS E : dS3

1 2 3
= yS E dS1 cos 0° + yS E dS2 cos 90° + yS E dS3 cos 90°

1 2 3
= y E dS1 + 0 + 0
= E y dS1 (since electric field E is the same at each point of curved surface)
= E 2rrl (since area of curved surface = 2 π rl)
As λ is charge per unit length and length of cylinder is l therefore, charge enclosed by assumed
surface = (λl)
∴ By Gauss’s theorem
y E : dS = f1 # charge enclosed
0

1 m
⇒ E 2rrl = f (ml) & E=
0 2rf0 r
Thus, the electric field strength due to a line charge is inversely proportional to r.
(b) Using Gauss’s law, prove that the electric field at a point due to a uniformly charged
infinite plane sheet is independent of the distance from it.
(c) How is the field directed if (i) the sheet is positively charged, (ii) negatively charged?
[CBSE Delhi 2012, Central 2016]
Ans. (a) Electric flux: It is defined as the total number of electric field lines passing through an area
normal to its surface.
Also, z = y E . dS
The SI unit is Nm2/C or volt-metre.
(b) Let electric charge be uniformly
distributed over the surface of a
thin, non-conducting infinite sheet.
Let the surface charge density (i.e.,
charge per unit surface area) be σ.
We need to calculate the electric
field strength at any point distant r
from the sheet of charge.
To calculate the electric field strength near the sheet, we now consider a cylindrical Gaussian
surface bounded by two plane faces A and B lying on the opposite sides and parallel to the
charged sheet and the cylindrical surface perpendicular to the sheet (fig). By symmetry the
electric field strength at every point on the flat surface is the same and its direction is normal
48
outwards at the points on the two plane surfaces and parallel to the curved surface.
Total electric flux
or yS E . dS = yS E . dS 1 + yS E . dS 2 + yS E . dS 3
1 2 3
yS E . dS = yS E dS1 cos 0° + yS E dS2 cos 0° + yS E dS3 cos 90°

1 2 3
= E y dS1 + E y dS2 = Ea + Ea = 2Ea

∴ Total electric flux = 2Ea
As σ is charge per unit area of sheet and a is the intersecting area, the charge enclosed by
Gaussian surface = σa
According to Gauss’s theorem,
1
Total electric flux = f × (total charge enclosed by the surface)
0
1
2Ea = f ^vah
v

i.e., .
` E=
0 2f 0
Thus electric field strength due to an infinite flat sheet of charge is independent of the
distance of the point.
(c) (i) If σ is positive, E points normally outwards/away from the sheet.
(ii) If σ is negative, E points normally inwards/towards the sheet.
Q. 8. Apply Gauss’s Theorem to find the electric field near a charged conductor.
OR
v
Show that the electric field at the surface of a charged conductor is E = f nt where σ is
0
surface charge density and nt is a unit vector normal to the surface in the outward direction.
[CBSE (AI) 2010]
Ans. Let a charge Q be given to a conductor, this charge
under electrostatic equilibrium will redistribute and the
electric field inside the conductor is zero (i.e., Ein=0).
Let us consider a point P at which electric field
strength is to be calculated, just outside the surface of
the conductor. Let the surface charge density on the
surface of the conductor in the neighbourhood of P be
σ coulomb/metre2 . Now consider a small cylindrical box
CD having one base C passing through P; the other base
D lying inside the conductor and the curved surface being perpendicular to the surface of the
conductor.
Let the area of each flat base be a. As the surface of the conductor is equipotential surface, the
electric field strength E at P, just outside the surface of the conductor is perpendicular to the
surface of the conductor in the neighbourhood of P.
The flux of electric field through the curved surface of the box is zero, since there is no
component of electric field E normal to curved surface. Also the flux of electric field through the
base D is zero, as electric field strength inside the conductor is zero. Therefore the resultant flux
of electric field through the entire surface of the box is same as the flux through the face C. This
may be analytically seen as:
If S1 and S2 are flat surfaces at C and D and S3 is curved surface, then
Total electric flux yS E . dS = yS E . dS 1 + yS E . dS 2 + yS E . dS 3

1 2 3
= yS E dS1 cos 0 + yS 0 . dS 2 + yS E dS3 cos 90°

1 2 3
yS E dS1 = Ea

As the charge enclosed by the cylinder is (σa) coulomb, we have, using Gauss’s theorem,
1
Total electric flux = f × charge enclosed
0
1
⇒ Ea = f ^va h
v
or E= f ...(i)
0 0
Thus the electric field strength at any point close to the surface of a charged conductor of any
shape is equal to 1/ε0 times the surface charge density σ. This is known as Coulomb’s law. The
electric field strength is directed radially away from the conductor if σ is positive and towards
the conductor if σ is negative.
If nt is unit vector normal to surface in outward direction, then
v
E = f nt
0
Obviously electric field strength near a plane conductor is twice of the electric field strength near a
non-conducting thin sheet of charge.
Q. 9. Consider a system of n charges q1, q2, ... qn with position vectors r1, r2, r3, ..., rn relative to some
origin ‘O’. Deduce the expression for the net electric field E at a point P with position vector
rp , due to this system of charges.
Ans. Electric field due to a system of point charges.
Consider a system of N point charges q1, q2, ..., qn,
having position vectors r1, r2, ..., rn with respect to
origin O. We wish to determine the electric field at
point P whose position vector is r . According to
Coulomb’s law, the force on charge q0 due to charge
q1 is
1 q1 q0
F1 =
4rf0 r 2 r1P
t
2p
where rt1P is a unit vector in the direction from q1 to P and r1P is the distance between q1 and P.
Hence the electric field at point P due to charge q1 is
F1 1 q1
E1 = = rt
q0 4rf0 r1P2 1P
Similarly, electric field at P due to charge q2 is
1 q2
E2 =
4rf0 r 2 r 2P
t
2P
According to the principle of superposition of electric fields, the electric field at any point due to
a group of point charges is equal to the vector sum of the electric fields produced by each charge
individually at that point, when all other charges are assumed to be absent.
Hence, the electric field at point P due to the system of n charges is
E = E1 + E 2 + … + E n
q1 q2 qn n q
= 2 rt1P + 2 rt 2P + ... + 2 rt nPG =
1 1
= / 2i rt iP
4rf0 r1P r2P rnP 4rf0 i = 1 riP
Q. 10. A uniform electric field E = Ex it N/C for x > 0 and E = –Ex it N/C for x < 0 are given. A right
circular cylinder of length l cm and radius r cm has its centre at the origin and its axis along
the X-axis. Find out the net outward flux. Using Gauss’s law, write the expression for the net
charge within the cylinder. [HOTS]
50
Ans. Electric flux through flat surface S1
z1 = yS E 1 . dS 1 = yS (Ex it) . (dS1 it) = Ex S1
1 1
Electric flux through flat surface S2

z2 = yS E 2 . dS 2 = yS (–Ex it) . (–dS2 it) = yS Ex dS2 = Ex S2
2 2 2
Electric flux through curved surface S3

z3 = yS (E 3 . dS 3) = yS E3 dS3 cos 90° = 0
3 3
∴ Net electric flux, z = z1 + z2 = Ex (S1 + S2)

But S1=S2= π (r × 10–2)2 m2= πr2 ×10–4 m2
∴ φ =Ex. 2 (π r2 ×10–4) units
1
By Gauss’s law, z = f q
0
q = ε0 φ = ε0 Ex (2 πr2 ×10–4)

Ex r2 ×10 –4
= 2rf0 Ex r2 ×10 –4 = 4rf0 f p
2
Ex r2 ×10 –4
> H
1
=
9×109 2
= 5.56Ex r2 ×10 –11 coulomb.
Self-Assessment Test
Time allowed: 1 hour Max. marks: 30
1. Choose and write the correct option in the following questions. (3 × 1 = 3)
(i) A charge Q is enclosed by a Gaussian spherical surface of radius R. If the radius in doubled,
then the outward electric flux will
(a) be doubled (b) increase four times
(c) be reduced to half (d) remain the same
(ii) Which one of the following plots represents the variation of electric field with distance r due
to a thin spherical shell of radius R? (r is measured from the centre of the spherical shell)
(a) E (b) E (c) E (d) E
O r O r O r O r
R R R R
(iii) An electric dipole is placed at an angle of 30° with an electric field intensity 2 × 105 NC–1. It
experiences a torque equal to 4 N m. The charge on the dipole, if the dipole length is 2 cm.
(a) 8 mC (b) 2 mC (c) 5 mC (d) 7 mC
2. Fill in the blanks. (2 × 1 = 2)
(i) A silk cloth rubbed with a glass rod has a charge (q = –1.6 × 10–19 C), then the charge on the
glass rod will be _____________ C.
(ii) A proton and alpha particle enter into a region of uniform electric field. The ratio of the
force on the proton so that on the alpha particle is ____________.

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Chapter –1

The study of electric charges at rest is called Electrostatics.

Electric Charges and Fields 7

Here ∑ represents the vector-sum.

The total force on q0 by the charged body is

Electric Charges and Fields 9

(ii) At a point P´ on equatorial line,

Electric Charges and Fields 11

Selected NCERT Textbook Questions

(0.4 # 10 –6) # (0.8 # 10 –6)

Force on q0 =1 µC due to charge qC = 2 nC is

Clearly, FOA + FOC = 0

Electric Charges and Fields 13

Electric field strength at O due to charge qB

Electric Charges and Fields 15

Here, n = 12, e = 1.6×10 –19 C, E = 2.55×10 4 NC –1, t = 1.26 g cm –3 = 1.26×103 kg m –3,

Ans. Given electric field E = 3×103 itNC –1 ,

Electric Charges and Fields 17

According to Gauss’s theorem, the total electric flux through the

Electric Charges and Fields 19

Multiple Choice Questions [1 mark]

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

Electric Charges and Fields 21

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Fill in the Blanks [1 mark]

Very Short Answer Questions [1 mark]

Electric Charges and Fields 23

Electric Charges and Fields 25

Short Answer Questions–I [2 marks]

Electric Charges and Fields 27

= pE (cos 00 – cos 180°)

Electric Charges and Fields 29

Surface area, A = 10 cm × 10 cm = 0.10 m × 0.10 m = 10–2 m2

Electric Charges and Fields 31

The forces F1 and F2 are inclined to each other at an angle of 120°

= F12 + F 22 + 2F1 F2 cos 120°

When f is small qEsinφ Q

Short Answer Questions–II [3 marks]

Electric Charges and Fields 33

Direction of electric field is from sheet A to sheet B.

Net charge enclosed inside the shell, q = 0

Force F2 on charge at A due to charge at C

Electric Charges and Fields 35

Q. 6. Two small identical electrical dipoles AB and CD, each of dipole

= 2p2 + 2p2 cos 120° _a p1 = p2 = p i

Electric Charges and Fields 37

(i) Flux through the flat faces (both)

Electric field at the centre O1 due to loop 1 is given by

Electric Charges and Fields 39

Given, q1 = 5×10–19 C, q2 = 20×10–19 C

Long Answer Questions [5 marks]

Electric Charges and Fields 41

= – pE[cos θ1 – θ0] = pE (cos θ0 – cos θ1) ..(i)

(i) At axial or end-on position: Consider a

But q.2 a = p (electric dipole moment)

Electric Charges and Fields 43

| E 1 |=| E 2 |or E1= E2

But q.2a=p=electric dipole moment ...(iii)

If q is total charge on ring, then, charge per metre

But, y dl = whole length of ring = 2πa and r = (a2 + x2)1/2

Direction of electric field is from sheet A to sheet B.