– + Electrostatics 1

–
+
–

– +

–
+

Electric Charge.

(1) Definition : Charge is the property associated with matter due to which it produces and experiences
electrical and magnetic effects.

(2) Origin of electric charge : It is known that every atom is electrically neutral, containing as many
electrons as the number of protons in the nucleus.

Charged particles can be created by disturbing neutrality of an atom. Loss of electrons gives positive
charge (as then np > ne) and gain of electrons gives negative charge (as then ne > np) to a particle. When an
object is negatively charged it gains electrons and therefore its mass increases negligibly. Similarly, on charging
a body with positive electricity its mass decreases. Change in mass of object is equal to n  me. Where, n is the
number of electrons transferred and m e is the mass of electron  9 .1  10 31 Kg .
Mass M

Electron = Proton
Mass M

+ –
Electron < Proton
Neutral Electron > Proton

Positively charged Negatively charged

M < M M > M

(3) Type : There exists two types of charges in nature (i) Positive charge (ii) Negative charge
2 Electrostatics

Charges with the same electrical sign repel each other, and charges with opposite electrical sign attract each
other.

+ + + – – –

dQ
(4) Unit and dimensional formula : Rate of flow of electric charge is called electric current i.e., i 

dt
dQ  idt , hence S.I. unit of charge is – Ampere  sec = coulomb (C), smaller S.I. units are mC, C, nC
(1mC  10 3 C, 1 C  10 6 C, 1nC  10 9 C) . C.G.S. unit of charge is – Stat coulomb or e.s.u. Electromagnetic unit

ab coulomb . Dimensional formula [Q]  AT 

1
of charge is – ab coulomb 1C  3  10 9 stat coulomb 
10

Note :  Benjamin Franklin was the first to assign positive and negative sign of charge.

 The existence of two type of charges was discovered by Dufog.

 Franklin ( i.e. , e.s.u . of charge) is the smallest unit of charge while faraday is largest

(1 Faraday = 96500 C ).

 The e.s.u. of charge is also called stat coulomb or Franklin ( Fr) and is related to e.m.u. of charge
emu of charge
through the relation  3  10 10
esu of charge

(5) Point charge : A finite size body may behave like a point charge if it produces an inverse square electric field.

For example an isolated charged sphere behave like a point charge at very large distance as well as very small

distance close to it’s surface.

(6) Properties of charge

(i) Charge is transferable : If a charged body is put in contact with an uncharged body, uncharged body

becomes charged due to transfer of electrons from one body to the other.
 Electrostatics 3

(ii) Charge is always associated with mass, i.e., charge can not exist without mass though mass can exist without

charge.

(iii) Charge is conserved : Charge can neither be created nor be destroyed. e.g. In radioactive decay the

uranium nucleus (charge   92 e ) is converted into a thorium nucleus (charge  90 e ) and emits an  -particle

(charge  2e )

92 U
238
90 Th 234  2 He 4 . Thus the total charge is  92 e both before and after the decay.

(iv) Invariance of charge : The numerical value of an elementary charge is independent of velocity. It is proved

by the fact that an atom is neutral. The difference in masses on an electron and a proton suggests that electrons

move much faster in an atom than protons. If the charges were dependent on velocity, the neutrality of atoms

would be violated.

(v) Charge produces electric field and magnetic field : A charged particle at rest produces only electric field

in the space surrounding it. However, if the charged particle is in unaccelerated motion it produces both electric

and magnetic fields. And if the motion of charged particle is accelerated it not only produces electric and

magnetic fields but also radiates energy in the space surrounding the charge in the form of electromagnetic

waves.

 
 v = constant v  constant
+ v 0 + +
    
E E and B but no Radiation E , B and Radiates energy

(vi) Charge resides on the surface of conductor : Charge resides on the outer surface of a conductor

because like charges repel and try to get as far away as possible from one another and stay at the farthest

distance from each other which is outer surface of the conductor. This is why a solid and hollow conducting

sphere of same outer radius will hold maximum equal charge and a soap bubble expands on charging.

(vii) Charge leaks from sharp points : In case of conducting body no doubt charge resides on its outer

surface, if surface is uniform the charge distributes uniformly on the surface and for irregular surface the

+
+ +
+ + + + +
+ + +
+ +
+
+ +
+ +
+
4 Electrostatics

distribution of charge, i.e., charge density is not uniform. It is maximum where the radius of curvature is

minimum and vice versa. i.e., σ  1 /R  . This is why charge leaks from sharp points.

(viii) Quantization of charge : When a physical quantity can have only discrete values rather than any value,
the quantity is said to be quantised. The smallest charge that can exist in nature is the charge of an electron. If
the charge of an electron (  1 .6  10 19 C ) is taken as elementary unit i.e. quanta of charge the charge on any
body will be some integral multiple of e i.e.,

Q   ne with n  1, 2, 3 ....

2
Charge on a body can never be  e ,  17 .2e or  10 5 e etc.
3

Note :  Recently it has been discovered that elementary particles such as proton or neutron are

composed of quarks having charge  1 / 3  e and  2 / 3  e. However, as quarks do not exist in free

state, the quanta of charge is still e.

 Quantization of charge implies that there is a maximum permissible magnitude of charge.

Comparison of Charge and Mass.

We are familiar with role of mass in gravitation, and we have just studied some features of electric charge.
We can compare the two as shown below

Charge Mass

(1) Electric charge can be positive, negative or zero. (1) Mass of a body is a positive quantity.

(2) Charge carried by a body does not depend upon (2) Mass of a body increases with its velocity as
velocity of the body.
 Electrostatics 5

m0
m where c is velocity of light in
1  v2 / c2
vacuum, m is the mass of the body moving with
velocity v and m 0 is rest mass of the body.

(3) Charge is quantized. (3) The quantization of mass is yet to be established.

(4) Electric charge is always conserved. (4) Mass is not conserved as it can be changed into

energy and vice-versa.

(5) Force between charges can be attractive or repulsive, (5) The gravitational force between two masses is

according as charges are unlike or like charges. always attractive.

Methods of Charging.

A body can be charged by following methods :

(1) By friction : In friction when two bodies are rubbed together, electrons are transferred from one body to

the other. As a result of this one body becomes positively charged while the other negatively charged, e.g.,

when a glass rod is rubbed with silk, the rod becomes positively charged while the silk negatively. However,

ebonite on rubbing with wool becomes negatively charged making the wool positively charged. Clouds also

become charged by friction. In charging by friction in accordance with conservation of charge, both positive and

negative charges in equal amounts appear simultaneously due to transfer of electrons from one body to the

other.

(2) By electrostatic induction : If a charged body is brought near an uncharged body, the charged body will

attract opposite charge and repel similar charge present in the uncharged body. As a result of this one side of

neutral body (closer to charged body) becomes oppositely charged while the other is similarly charged. This

process is called electrostatic induction.

Q
+Q – + +Q – +Q – – –––
+ + +
+ + – + + + + + +
– + + + + +
– – –
+ – + – + – – –
+ – + + – + – – –
+
– + +
– +
– – –
++
+
– + +
+
– +
+
– – –
–  +
–  +
–  – –
6 Electrostatics

Note :  Inducting body neither gains nor loses charge.

 Induced charge can be lesser or equal to inducing charge (but never greater) and its maximum
 1
value is given by Q'  Q 1   where Q is the inducing charge and K is the dielectric constant
 K
of the material of the uncharged body. Dielectric constant of different media are shown below

Medium K

Vacuum / air 1

Water 80

Mica 6

Glass 5–10

Metal 

 Dielectric constant of an insulator can not be 

 For metals in electrostatics K   and so Q'   Q; i.e. in metals induced charge is equal and

opposite to inducing charge.

(3) Charging by conduction : Take two conductors, one charged and other uncharged. Bring the

conductors in contact with each other. The charge (whether  ve or  ve ) under its own repulsion will spread

over both the conductors. Thus the conductors will be charged with the same sign. This is called as charging by

conduction (through contact).

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + + + + + +
+
+ +  + + + +
 + + + +

Uncharged Charged Bodies in contact Both are positively charged

 Electrostatics 7

Note :  A truck carrying explosives has a metal chain touching the ground, to conduct away the charge

produced by friction.

Electroscope.

It is a simple apparatus with which the presence of electric charge on a body is detected (see figure). When

metal knob is touched with a charged body, some charge is transferred to the gold leaves, which then diverges

due to repulsion. The separation gives a rough idea of the amount of charge on the body. If a charged body

brought near a charged electroscope the leaves will further diverge. If the charge on body is similar to that on

electroscope and will usually converge if opposite. If the induction effect is strong enough leaves after converging

may again diverge.

(1) Uncharged electroscope

– ––
+ – + – –
+ – – + + – –
– – + + – –
+ + – +
– +
+ +

–
–
+ + –
+ + –
+ + –
+ + –
+ + + + – –
+ + + + – –
+ + + + – –

(A) D C D
(B) (C)

Charging by conduction Charging by conduction

(2) Charged electroscope

– –– – ––
– – – –
+ – +
+ – – – + + – –
– – – – – + + – –
+ + – +
– +
+ +

–
–
–
–
–
–
+ + – – + +
+ + – – + +
+ + – – + +

(A) D D (C) C
(B)
8 Electrostatics

Concepts

 After earthing a positively charged conductor electrons flow from earth to conductor and if a negatively charged conductor is
earthed then electrons flows from conductor to earth.
+ –
+ –
+ + e
– + – – e–
+
+ + – –
+ –
+ –

 When a charged spherical conductor placed inside a hollow

+Qinsulated conductor and connected if through a fine conducting

wire the charge will be completely transferred from the inner conductor to the outer conductor.

 Lightening-rods arrestors are made up of conductors with one of their ends earthed while the other sharp, and protects a
building from lightening either by neutralising or conducting the charge of the cloud to the ground.

 With rise in temperature dielectric constant of liquid decreases.

 Induction takes place only in bodies (either conducting or non-conducting) and not in particles.
 If X-rays are incident on a charged electroscope, due to ionisation of air by X-rays the electroscope will get discharged and
hence its leaves will collapse. However, if the electroscope is evacuated. X-rays will cause photoelectric effect with gold and
so the leaves will further diverge if it is positively charged (or uncharged) and will converge if it is negatively charged.

 If only one charge is available than by repeating the induction process, it can be used to obtain a charge many times greater
than it’s equilibrium. (High voltage generator)

+ + +
+ +
+
+
+
Examples based on properties of charge
+ +
 Electrostatics 9

Example: 1 A soap bubble is given negative charge. Its radius will [DCE 2000; RPMT 1997; CPMT 1997; MNR 1988]

(a) Increase (b) Decrease (c) Remain unchanged (d) Fluctuate

Solution: (a) Due to repulsive force.

Example: 2 Which of the following charge is not possible

(a) 1.6  10 18 C (b) 1.6  10 19 C (c) 1.6  10 20 C (d) None of these
1
Solution: (c) 1 .6  10 20 C, because this is of electronic charge and hence not an integral multiple.
10
Example: 3 Five balls numbered 1 to 5 balls suspended using separate threads. Pair (1,2), (2,4) and (4,1) show electrostatic
attraction, while pair (2,3) and (4,5) show repulsion. Therefore ball 1 must be [NCERT 1980]

(a) Positively charged (b) Negatively charged (c) Neutral (d) Made of metal

Solution: (c) Since 1 does not enter the list of repulsion, it is just possible that it may not be having any charge. Moreover,
since ball no. 1 is being attracted by 2 and 4 both. So 2 and 4 must be similarly charged, but it is also given
that 2 and 4 also attract each other. So 2 and 4 are certainly oppositely charged.

Since 1 is attracting 2, either 1 or 2 must be neutral but since 2 is already in the list of balls repelling each
other, it necessarily has some charge, similarly 4 must have some charge. It means that though 1 is
attracting 2 and 4 it does not have any charge.
Example: 4 If the radius of a solid and hollow copper spheres are same which one can hold greater charge

[BHU 1999; KCET 1994; IIT-JEE 1974]

(a) Solid sphere (b) Hollow sphere

(c) Both will hold equal charge (d) None of these

Solution: (c) Charge resides on the surface of conductor, since both the sphere having similar surface area so they will
hold equal charge.

Example: 5 Number of electrons in one coulomb of charge will be [RPET 2001; MP PMT/PET 1998]

(a) 5.46  10 29
(b) 6.25  10 18
(c) 1.6  10 19
(d) 9  1011
Q 1
Solution: (b) By using Q  ne  n   n 19
 6 .25  10 18
e 1 .6  10
Example: 6 The current produced in wire when 10 7 electron/sec are flowing in it [CPMT 1994]

(a) 1.6  10–26 amp (b) 1.6  1012 amp (c) 1.6  1026 amp (d) 1.6  10–12 amp
Q ne
Solution: (d) i   10 7  1 .6  10 19  1 .6  10 12 amp
t t
10 Electrostatics

Example: 7 A table-tennis ball which has been covered with a conducting paint is suspended by a silk thread so that it
hangs between two metal plates. One plate is earthed. When the other plate is connected to a high
voltage generator, the ball

(a) Is attracted to the high voltage plate and stays there

(b) Hangs without moving

(c) Swings backward and forward hitting each plate in turn

(d) None of these

Solution: (c) The table tennis ball when slightly displaced say towards the positive plate gets attracted towards the positive
plate due to induced negative charge on its near surface.

The ball touches the positive plate and itself gets positively charged by –
+
+ –
the process of conduction from the plate connected to high voltage + + +
+ –
+ + +
+ + –
generator. On getting positively charged it is repelled by the positive +
+ –
+
plate and therefore the ball touches the other plate (earthed), which has
negative charge due to induction. On touching this plate, the positive charge of the ball gets neutralized
and in turn the ball shares negative charge of the earthed plate and is again repelled from this plate also,
and this process is repeated again and again.

Here it should be understood that since the positive plate is connected to high voltage generator, its

potential and hence its charge will always remain same, as soon as this plate gives some of its charge to

ball, excess charge flows from generator to the plate, and an equal negative charge is always induced on

the other plate.

Tricky example: 1

In 1 gm of a solid, there are 5  1021 atoms. If one electron is removed from everyone of 0.01%
atoms of the solid, the charge gained by the solid is (given that electronic charge is 1.6  10–19 C)

(a) + 0.08 C (b) + 0.8 C (c) – 0.08 C (d) – 0.8 C

Solution: (a) To calculate charge, we will apply formula Q = ne for this, we must have number of electrons. Here,
number of electrons n  . 01 % of 5  1021

5  10 21  .01
i.e. n   5  10 21  10 4 = 5  1017
100
So Q = 5  1017  1.6  10–19 = 8  10–2 = 0.08 C

Since electrons have been removed, charge will be positive i.e. Q = + 0.08 C
 Electrostatics 11

Coulomb’s Law.

If two stationary and point charges Q 1 and Q 2 are kept at a distance r, then it is found that force of

attraction

Q1 Q2

Q1 Q 2 kQ1 Q 2
or repulsion between them is F  2
i.e., F  ; (k = Proportionality constant)
r r2

(1) Dependence of k : Constant k depends upon system of units and medium between the two charges.

(i) Effect of units

Q1 Q 2
(a) In C.G.S. for air k  1, F  Dyne
r2

1 N m 2 1 Q1 Q 2
(b) In S.I. for air k   9  10 9 , F . Newton (1 Newton = 105 Dyne)
4 0 C 2
40 r 2

Note :   0  Absolute permittivity of air or free space = 8 .85  10 12

C2  Farad 
  . It’s
N m 
2
m 

Dimension is [ML3 T 4 A 2 ]

  0 Relates with absolute magnetic permeability (  0 ) and velocity of light (c) according to the
1
following relation c 
0 0

(ii) Effect of medium

(a) When a dielectric medium is completely filled in between charges rearrangement of the charges inside

the dielectric medium takes place and the force between the same two charges decreases by a factor of K

known as dielectric constant or specific inductive capacity (SIC) of the medium, K is also called relative

permittivity r of the medium (relative means with respect to free space). K

Q1 Q2

Fair 1 Q Q r
Hence in the presence of medium Fm   . 12 2
K 4 0 K r
12 Electrostatics

Here  0 K   0  r   (permittivity of medium)

(b) If a dielectric medium (dielectric constant K, thickness t) is partially filled between the charges then

effective air separation between the charges becomes (r  t  t K ) Q1

K
Q2

1 Q1 Q 2 r
Hence force F 
4 0 (r  t  t K ) 2

q1 q 2 q1 q 2
(2) Vector form of coulomb’s law : Vector form of Coulomb’s law is F 12  K. 3
r 12  K. rˆ12 , where
r r2
r̂12 is the unit vector from first charge to second charge along the line joining the two charges.

(3) A comparative study of fundamental forces of nature

S.No. Force Nature and formula Range Relative

strength

(i) Force of gravitation Attractive F = Gm1m2/r2, obey’s Long range (between planets 1
between two masses Newton’s third law of motion, and between electron and
it’s a conservative force proton)

(ii) Electromagnetic force Attractive as well as repulsive, Long (upto few kelometers) 10 37
(for stationary and obey’s Newton’s third law of
moving charges) motion, it’s a conservative
force

(iii) Nuclear force (between Exact expression is not known Short (of the order of nuclear 1039
nucleons) till date. However in some cases size 10–15 m) (strongest)
empirical formula U0 e r / r0 can
be utilized for nuclear potential
energy U0 and r0 are
constant.

(iv) Weak force (for Formula not known Short (upto 10–15m) 1024
processes like  decay)

Note :  Coulombs law is not valid for moving charges because moving charges produces

magnetic field also.

 Coulombs law is valid at a distance greater than 10 15 m.

 Electrostatics 13

 A charge Q1 exert some force on a second charge Q 2 . If third charge Q 3 is brought near, the
force of Q 1 exerted on Q 2 remains unchanged.

 Ratio of gravitational force and electrostatic force between (i) Two electrons is 10–43/1. (ii) Two
protons is 10–36/1 (iii) One proton and one electron 10–39/1.

 Decreasing order to fundamental forces FNuclear  FElectromag netic  FWeak  FGravitatio nal

(4) Principle of superposition : According to the principle of super

Q
position, total force acting on a given charge due to number of charges is
r1
the vector sum of the individual forces acting on that charge due to all the
Q1 r2
r3 Qn
charges.
Q2
Consider number of charge Q 1 , Q 2 , Q 3 …are applying force on a Qn – 1
Q3

charge Q

Net force on Q will be

    
Fnet  F1  F2  ..........  Fn 1  Fn

Concepts

 Two point charges separated by a distance r in vacuum and a force F acting between them. After filling a dielectric medium
having dielectric constant K completely between the charges, force between them decreases. To maintain the force as before
separation between them changes to r K . This distance known as effective air separation.

Examples based on Coulomb’s law

+Q –Q

Example: 8 Two point charges 3 C and 8 C repel each other with a force of 40 N. If a charge of 5 C is added to
each of them, then the force between them will become

(a) 10 N (b) 10 N (c) 20 N (d) 20 N

3  8  10 12 2  3  10 12 F' 1

Solution: (a) Initially F k and Finally F '  k so   F '  10 N
r2 r2 F 4
14 Electrostatics

Example: 9 Two small balls having equal positive charge Q (coulomb) on each are suspended by two insulated string of

equal length L meter, from a hook fixed to a stand. The whole set up is taken in satellite into space where

there is no gravity (state of weight less ness). Then the angle between the string and tension in the string is
[IIT-JEE 1986]

1 Q2
(a) 180 o , .
4 0 (2 L)2
1 Q2 L
(b) 90  , . L
4 0 L2 +Q
+Q
2
1 Q
(c) 180  , .
4 0 2 L2
1 QL
(d) 180 o , .
4 0 4 L2

Solution: (a) In case to weight less ness following situation arises

+Q 180o +Q

1 Q2
So angle   180 
and force F  . L L
4 0 2 L 2
Example: 10 Two point charges 1 C & 5 C are separated by a certain distance. What will be ratio of forces acting on
these two [CPMT 1979]

(a) 1 : 5 (b) 5 : 1 (c) 1 : 1 (d) 0

Solution: (c) Both the charges will experience same force so ratio is 1:1

Example: 11 Two charges of 40 C and 20 C are placed at a certain distance apart. They are touched and kept at the
same distance. The ratio of the initial to the final force between them is [MP PMT 2001]

(a) 8 : 1 (b) 4 : 1 (c) 1 : 8 (d) 1 : 1

F1 q q 40  20 8
Solution: (a) Since only magnitude of charges are changes that’s why F  q1q 2   1 2  
F2 q'1 q'2 10  10 1

Example: 12 A total charge Q is broken in two parts Q1 and Q 2 and they are placed at a distance R from each other. The
maximum force of repulsion between them will occur, when
Q Q Q 2Q Q 3Q Q Q
(a) Q2  , Q1  Q  (b) Q 2  , Q1  Q  (c) Q 2  , Q1  (d) Q1  , Q 2 
R R 4 3 4 4 2 2
Q1 Q 2 Q1 Q  Q1 
Solution: (d) Force between charges Q1 and Q 2 Fk k
R2 R2

For F to be maximum,
dF
0 i.e.,
d 
k

 Q1Q  Q1
2
  0 or Q  2Q 1  0, Q1 
Q
dQ1 dQ1 
 R2 
 2
Q
Hence Q1  Q 2 
2
 Electrostatics 15

Example: 13 The force between two charges 0.06 m apart is 5 N. If each charge is moved towards the other by 0.01 m, then
the force between them will become [SCRA 1994]

(a) 7.20 N (b) 11.25 N (c) 22.50 N (d) 45.00 N

Solution: (b) Initial separation between the charges = 0.06 m

Final separation between the charges = 0.04m

2
r 
2
1 F 5  0 .04  4
Since F  2  1   2       F2  11 .25 N
r F2  r1  F2  0 .06  9

Example: 14 Two charges equal in magnitude and opposite in polarity are placed at a certain distance apart and force
acting between them is F. If 75% charge of one is transferred to another, then the force between the
charges becomes
F 9F 15
(a) (b) (c) F (d) F
16 16 16
Solution: (a) +Q –Q
+Q/4 – Q/4

A B A B
r r

2
Q
k . 
Q2
Finally F '   2  
4 F
Initially F  k
r2 r 16
Example: 15 Three equal charges each +Q, placed at the corners of on equilateral triangle of side a what will be the force
 1 
on any charge  k  
 [RPET 2000]
 4 0 
kQ 2 2kQ 2 2 kQ 2 3 kQ 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
a2 a2 a2 a2
Solution: (d) Suppose net force is to be calculated on the charge which is kept at A. Two charges kept at B and C are
FC FB
applying force on that particular charge, with direction as shown in the figure. 60o

A +Q
Q2
Since Fb  Fc  F  k
a 2 60o

So, Fnet  FB2  FC2  2 FB FC cos 60

+Q +Q
3 kQ 2
Fnet  3 F  B C
a2
Example: 16 Equal charges Q are placed at the four corners A, B, C, D of a square of length a. The magnitude of the force
on the charge at B will be [MP PMT 1994]
16 Electrostatics

3Q 2 4Q2 1  1 2  Q2  1  Q2
(a) (b) (c)   (d)  2  

4  0 a 2 4  0 a 2  2  4 a 2  2  4 0 a 2
  0

Solution: (c) After following the guidelines mentioned above FC

FD
Fnet  FAC  FD  FA2  FC2  FD +Q +Q FAC
A FA
B
kQ 2 kQ 2
Since FA  FC  and FD 
a2 (a 2 )2

2kQ 2 kQ 2 kQ 2  1 Q2 1  2 2  D C
Fnet     2      +Q
a 2
2a 2
a2  2  4 0 a 2  2 
 
Example: 17 Two equal charges are separated by a distance d. A third charge placed on a perpendicular bisector at x
distance, will experience maximum coulomb force when
d d d d
(a) x  (b) x  (c) x  (d) x 
2 2 2 2 2 3
Solution: (c) Suppose third charge is similar to Q and it is q F
F
 
So net force on it Fnet = 2F cos
q
1 Qq x
Where F  . and cos    
4 0  2 d 2  d2 x 2
d /4
2
x   x 
2 x
2
d /4
2 x
 4 
 4
1 Qq x 2Qqx Q
 Fnet  2  .   Q
4 0  2 d  2
 2 d2 
1/2
 d 2 
3/2
B d d C
x   x   4 0  x 2 
  
 4   4  
 4  2 2

 
 
dFnet d  2Qqx 
for Fnet to be maximum  0 i.e.  3/2
0
dx dx   2 d2  
 4 0  x  
 
  4  
 2 
3 / 2 5 / 2 
2
2 
 x 2  d  d 0 d
or  3 x  x 
2  i.e. x 
 4   4 
  2 2
 

Example: 18 ABC is a right angle triangle in which AB = 3 cm, BC = 4 cm and ABC  . The three charges +15, +12 and –
2
20 e.s.u. are placed respectively on A, B and C. The force acting on B is

(a) 125 dynes (b) 35 dynes (c) 25 dynes (d) Zero

A +15 esu
Solution: (c) Net force on B Fnet  FA2  FC2

15  12 3 cm
FA   20 dyne
3 2
B FC C
+12 esu – 20 esu
4 cm
2 2
Fnet  FA  FC
FA
 Electrostatics 17

12  20
FC   15 dyne
4 2
Fnet  25 dyne

Example: 19 Five point charges each of value + Q are placed on five vertices of a regular hexagon of side L. What is the
magnitude of the force on a point charge of value – q placed at the centre of the hexagon [IIT-JEE 1992]

Q2 Q2
(a) k (b) k
L2 4 L2
(c) Zero (d) Information is insufficient
Solution: (a) Four charges cancels the effect of each other, so the net force on the charge placed at centre due to remaining
+Q +Q
fifth charge is

Q2 –Q
Fk +Q
L2

+Q +Q
L

Example: 20 Two small, identical spheres having +Q and – Q charge are kept at a certain distance. F force acts between the
two. If in the middle of two spheres, another similar sphere having +Q charge is kept, then it experience a
force in magnitude and direction as [MP PET 1996]

(a) Zero having no direction (b) 8F towards +Q charge

(c) 8F towards – Q charge (d) 4F towards +Q charge

Q2
Solution: (c) Initially, force between A and C Fk
r2
When a similar sphere B having charge +Q is kept at the mid point +Q +Q –Q
A B C
of line joining A and C, then Net force on B is FA FC
r/2 r/2
Q2 kQ 2 kQ 2 r
Fnet  FA  FC  k   8 2  8 F . (Direction is shown
r 2 2 r 2 2 r
in figure)

Tricky example: 2

Two equal spheres are identically charged with q units of electricity separately. When they are
placed at a distance 3R from centre-to-centre where R is the radius of either sphere the force of
repulsion between them is

+ +
+ +
+ + +
+ +
18 Electrostatics

1 q2 1 q2 1 q2
(a) . (b) . (c) . (d) None of these
4 0 R 2 4 0 9 R 2 4 0 4 R 2

1 q2
Solution: (a) Generally students give the answer but it is not true. Since the charges are not
4 0 (3 R)2
uniformly distributed, they cannot be treated as point charges and so we cannot apply coulombs
law which is a law for point charges. The actual distribution is shown in the figure above.

Electrical Field.

A positive charge or a negative charge is said to create its field around itself. If a charge Q 1 exerts a force

on charge Q 2 placed near it, it may be stated that since Q 2 is in the field of Q 1 , it experiences some force, or it

may also be said that since charge Q 1 is inside the field of Q 2 , it experience some force. Thus space around a

charge in which another charged particle experiences a force is said to have electrical field in it.

(1) Electric field intensity (E) : The electric field intensity at any point is defined as the force experienced by

 F
a unit positive charge placed at that point. E  +Q (q0) 
q0 F
P

Where q 0  0 so that presence of this charge may not affect the source charge Q and its electric field is

 F
not changed, therefore expression for electric field intensity can be better written as E  Lim
q 0 0 q
0

Newton volt Joule

(2) Unit and Dimensional formula : It’s S.I. unit –   and
coulomb meter coulomb  meter

C.G.S. unit – Dyne/stat coulomb.

Dimension : [ E ] =[ MLT 3 A 1 ]

(3) Direction of electric field : Electric field (intensity) E is a vector quantity. Electric field due to a positive

charge is always away from the charge and that due to a negative charge is always towards the charge
 Electrostatics 19


+Q E –Q 
E


(4) Relation between electric force and electric field : In an electric field E a charge (Q) experiences a force

F  QE . If charge is positive then force is directed in the direction of field while if charge is negative force acts

on it in the opposite direction of field

E E
+Q F –Q

(5) Super position of electric field (electric field at a point due to various charges) : The resultant electric
field at any point is equal to the vector sum of electric fields at that point due to various charges.
   
E  E1  E 2  E 3  ...

The magnitude of the resultant of two electric fields is given by E2 E


E  E12  E 22  2 E1 E 2 cos  and the direction is given by 
E1
E 2 sin 
tan  
E1  E 2 cos 

(6) Electric field due to continuous distribution of charge : A system of closely spaced electric charges forms

a continuous charge distribution

Continuous charge distribution

Linear charge distribution Surface charge distribution Volume charge distribution

In this distribution charge distributed In this distribution charge distributed In this distribution charge distributed

on a line. on the surface. in the whole volume of the body.

For example : charge on a wire, For example : Charge on a For example : Non conducting

charge on a ring etc. Relevant conducting sphere, charge on a charged sphere. Relevant parameter

parameter is  which isQ called

+
linear sheet etc. Relevant Qparameter
+
is is  which is called volume
Q+ charge
+ + + + + +
+
charge density i.e., + R +  which is called +surface
R +charge density i.e., + +
+
R +
+++ +
+ + + + +
charge + + density i.e., + + charge + +
 
length Circular charged Spherical shall
volume
Non conducting
ring sphere
20 Electrostatics

Q charge Q
   
2R area 4
R 3
3
Q
 
4R 2

To find the field of a continuous charge distribution, we divide the charge into infinitesimal charge

elements. Each infinitesimal charge element is then considered, as a point charge and electric field dE is

determined due to this charge at given point. The Net field at the given point is the summation of fields of all

the elements. i.e., 

E  dE

Electric Potential.

(1) Definition : Potential at a point in a field is defined as the amount of work done in bringing a unit

positive test charge, from infinity to that point along any arbitrary path (infinity is point of zero potential).
W
Electric potential is a scalar quantity, it is denoted by V; V 
q0

Joule 1
(2) Unit and dimensional formula : S. I. unit –  volt C.G.S. unit – Stat volt (e.s.u.); 1 volt  Stat
Coulomb 300
volt Dimension – [V ]  [ML2 T 3 A 1 ]

(3) Types of electric potential : According to the nature of charge potential is of two types

(i) Positive potential : Due to positive charge. (ii) Negative potential : Due to negative charge.

(4) Potential of a system of point charges : Consider P is a point at which net electric potential is to be

determined due to several charges. So net potential at P P

r1
Q Q Q  Q 4 
V k 1 k 2 k 3 k  ...
r1 r2 r3 r4 r2
r4
– Q1 r3
X


k Qi – Q2
In general V  + Q3
– Q4
i1 ri

Note :  At the centre of two equal and opposite charge V = 0 but E  0

 Electrostatics 21

 At the centre of the line joining two equal and similar charge V  0, E  0

(5) Electric potential due to a continuous charge distribution : The potential due to a continuous charge

distribution is the sum of potentials of all the infinitesimal charge elements in which the distribution may be
dQ

divided i.e., V  dV ,   4 πε 0r

(6) Graphical representation of potential : When we move from a positive charge towards an equal

negative charge along the line joining the two then initially potential decreases in magnitude and at centre

become zero, but this potential is throughout positive because when we are nearer to positive charge, overall

potential must be positive. When we move from centre towards the negative charge then though potential

remain always negative but increases in magnitude fig. (A). As one move from one charge to other when both

charges are like, the potential first decreases, at centre become minimum and then increases Fig. (B).

+q –q +q +q

Y Y
V v

O X
x X
O
x
(A) (B)

(7) Potential difference : In an electric field potential difference between two points A and B is defined as

equal to the amount of work done (by external agent) in moving a unit positive charge from point A to point B.

W
i.e., VB  VA  in general W  Q. V ; V  Potential difference through which charge Q moves.
q0

Electric Field and Potential Due to Various Charge Distribution.

(1) Point charge : Electric field and potential at point P due to a point charge Q is
22 Electrostatics

Q  Q  1  Q
Ek or E  k 2 rˆ  k   , V  k Q P
r 2
r  4 0  r
r

Note :  Electric field intensity and electric potential due to a point charge q, at a distance t1 + t2 where

t1 is thickness of medium of dielectric constant K1 and t2 is thickness of medium of dielectric constant

K2 are :

1 Q 1 Q
E ; V 
4 πε 0 (t 1 K 1  t 2 K 2 ) 2 4 πε 0 (t 1 K 1  t 2 K 2 )

(2) Line charge

(i) Straight conductor : Electric field and potential due to a charged straight conducting wire of length l and

charge density  Ey
+

k k
+

(a) Electric field : E x  (sin   sin  ) and E y  (cos   cos  ) l

+ 
 P
r r + r Ex
2k 
+

If  = ; Ex  sin  and Ey = 0
r
 2k  
If l   i.e.  =  = ; Ex  and Ey = 0 so Enet 
2 r 20r
 k 2 k
If  = 0,   ; | E x| | E y|  so Enet  Ex2  Ey2 
2 r r

  r2  l2 1  
(b) Potential : V  log e   for infinitely long conductor V  log e r  c
2 0  r 2  l 2  1  2 0
 Electrostatics 17

(ii) Charged circular ring : Suppose we have a charged circular ring of radius R and charge
Q. On it’s axis electric field and potential is to be determined, at a point ‘x’ away from the
centre of the ring.
+
+ dQ
+
+
E
R +
+ +
+  P
dE cos 
+ x 
+ x R O x
 R

+ + dE 2
dE sin 2
+ + 
+

KdQ
(a) Electric field : Consider an element carrying charge dQ . It’s electric field dE 
R2  x 2  
directed as shown. It’s component along the axis is dE cos  and perpendicular to the axis is
kdQ x

dE sin  . By symmetry dE sin   0 , hence E  dE cos   2 2
. 2 
(R  x ) (R  x 2 )1 2 
kQx
E directed away from the centre if Q is positive
R 2
 x2  3 2

1 Q
(b) Potential : V  .
4 0 x  R2
2

kQ
Note :  At centre x = 0 so Ecentre= 0 and Vcentre 
R
kQ kQ
 At a point on the axis such that x >> R E  and V 
x2 x
R Q
 At a point on the axis if x   , E max 
2 6 3 0 a 2
(3) Surface charge :
(i) Infinite sheet of charge : Electric field and potential at a point P as shown

E (E  r o ) +
2 0 + +
+ +
+ +
+ + P
+ + + r
r + + +
and V  C +
2 0

(ii) Electric field due to two parallel plane sheet of charge : Consider two large,
uniformly charged parallel. Plates A and B, having A B
surface charge densities are  A and  B + +
+ +
+ +
EA + + + +
+ + EB EA + + + + EA
respectively. Suppose net electric field at points + + + + 
EB  + + + ++  + + EB
P + + Q + + + R
P, Q and R is to be calculated. + +

1
At P, E P  ( E A  E B )  ( A   B )
2 0
18 Electrostatics

1 1
At Q, E Q  ( E A  E B )  ( A   B ) ; At R, E R  ( E A  E B )   ( A   B )
2 0 2 0

Note :  If  A   and  B   then E p  0, E Q  , E R  0 . Thus in case of two infinite
0
plane sheets of charges having equal and opposite surface
+ –
charge densities, the field is non-zero only in the space between + –

the two sheets and is independent of the distance between them + E=/0 –

i.e., field is uniform in this region. It should be noted that this + –

+ –
result will hold good for finite plane sheet also, if they are held
+ –
at a distance much smaller then the dimensions of sheets i.e.,
parallel plate capacitor.
(iii) Conducting sheet of charge :

E +
0 + +
+ +
+
+ P
r
+ r
V  C +
0
+

(iv) Charged conducting sphere : If charge on a conducting sphere of radius R is Q as

shown in figure then electric field and potential in different situation are –

+Q +Q
+ + + + +
+
+ + + +
+ R + + R +

+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
Solid Hollo
w

(a) Out side the sphere : P is a point outside the sphere at a distance r from the centre at
which electric field and potential is to be determined.
Electric field at P

1 Q R 2 1 Q R 2 Q    A
E out  . 2  and Vout  .  
4  0 r 0r2 4  0 r  0 r     4 R 2

(b) At the surface of sphere : At surface r  R

1 Q  1 Q R
So, Es  . 2  and Vs  . 
4  0 R 0 4  0 R  0

(c) Inside the sphere : Inside the conducting charge sphere electric field is zero and
potential remains constant every where and equals to the potential at the surface.
 Electrostatics 19

E in  0 and Vin = constant  Vs

Note :  Graphical variation of electric field and potential of a charged spherical conductor
with distance

E-r V-r
graph R graph R
O O

E VS
1 1
E out  Vout 
2 r
r
Ein=0 r
O r O r =R

(4) Volume charge (charged non-conducting sphere) :

Charge given to a non conducting spheres spreads uniformly throughout it’s volume.
(i) Outside the sphere at P
+ + + +Q
1 Q 1 Q Q +
E out  . and Vout  . by using   + + + + +
4  0 r 2 4  0 r 4 + + + R + ++
R 3 P
3 + + +
+
+ +
+ + + +
+
R 3 R 3 +
+ + +
+
E out  and Vout 
3 0 r 2 3 0 r r

(ii) At the surface of sphere : At surface r  R

1 Q R 1 Q R 2
Es  . 2  and Vs  . 
4  0 R 3 0 4  0 R 3 0
(iii) Inside the sphere : At a distance r from the centre
1 Qr r 1 Q [3 R 2  r 2 ] (3 R 2  r 2 )
E in  .  Ein  r and Vin  
4  0 R 3 3 0 4  0 2R 3 6 0
3 1 Q 3
Note :  At centre r  0 So, Vcentre   .  Vs i.e.,
2 4  0 R 2
Vcentre  V surface  Vout

 Graphical variation of electric field and potential with distance

E-r graph +
V-r graph +
+ + + + + ++
+ + +
+ R + R
O O
+ + + + + + + +
+ + + +
+ + +
+

E VC
1
Ein  r E out  1
2 VS Vout 
r
r
20 Electrostatics

(5) Electric field and potential in some other cases

charge
(i) Uniformly charged semicircular ring :  
length
+Q
At centre : + + +
+ +
2 K Q + +
E  + +
R 2  0 R 2
2
+ +

R
KQ Q
V  
R 4  0 R

(iii) Charged cylinder of infinite length

(a) Conducting (b) Non-conducting
R
+ +
+ +
+ + +
+
+ + P
P + +
r + +r
+ +
+ +
+ +

 
For both type of cylindrical charge distribution E out  , and E suface  but for
2 0 r 2 0 R
r
conducting E in  0 and for non-conducting E in  . (we can also write formulae in form
2 0 R 2
R 2
of  i.e., E out  etc.)
2 0 r

(ii) Hemispherical charged body :

 + + +
At centre O, E +
+ + +
4 0
+ + +
+
+ + + + + +
+ +
O +
+ +

R
V
2 0

(iv) Uniformly charged disc

At a distance x from centre O on it’s axis

R
O
x
 Electrostatics 21

  x 
E 1  
2 0  x 2  R 2 
  2
V  x  R2  x
2 0  

Note :  Total charge on disc Q = R2


 If x  0, E ~– i.e. for points situated near the disc, it behaves as an infinite
2 0
sheet of charge.

Concepts

 No point charge produces electric field at it’s own position.

 Since charge given to a conductor resides on it’s surface hence electric field inside it is zero.
+
+ + + + +
+ + + +
+ +
+ + + +
+ + E=0 +
E=0 +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + + + + +

 The electric field on the surface of a conductor is directly proportional to the surface charge density at that
point i.e, E 
 Two charged spheres having radii r1 and r2 charge densities  1 and  2 respectively, then the ratio of
E1  r2  Q
electric field on their surfaces will be  1  2  
E2  2 r 2  4 r 2
1

 In air if intensity of electric field exceeds the value 3  10 6 N/C air ionizes.

 A small ball is suspended in a uniform electric field with the help of an insulated thread. If a high energy x–
ray bean falls on the ball, x-rays knock out electrons from the ball  so the ball is positively charged and
therefore the ball is deflected in the direction of electric field. E

F= QE

X–
Ray

 Electric field is always directed from higher potential to lower potential.

 A positive charge if left free in electric field always moves from higher potential to lower potential while a
negative charge moves from lower potential to higher potential.

+ +
+ +
+Q
+ – + +q
– –
+ – +
+Q
22 Electrostatics

 The practical zero of electric potential is taken as the potential of earth and theoretical zero is taken at
infinity.

 An electric potential exists at a point in a region where the electric field is zero and it’s vice versa.

 A point charge +Q lying inside a closed conducting shell does not exert force another point charge q placed
outside the shell as shown in figure

Actually the point charge +Q is unable to exert force on the charge +q because it can not produce electric field
at the position of +q. All the field lines emerging from the point charge +Q terminate inside as these lines
cannot penetrate the conducting medium (properties of lines of force).
The charge q however experiences a force not because of charge +Q but due to charge induced on the outer surface of
the shell.

–e E0 +e
V=0
Examples based on electric field and electric
potential
Example: 21 A half ring of radius R has a charge of  per unit length. The electric field at the centre is
 1 
k  
 4  
 0 
[CPMT 2000; CBSE PMT 2000; REE 1999]
k 2k  k 
(a) Zero (b) (c) (d)
R R R
Solution: (c) dl  Rd  dl
d
 C
 
Charge on dl  Rd  .
Rd  . dl dE
Field at C due to dl  k  dE
R2
We need to consider only the component dE cos  , as the component dE sin  will cancel out
because of the field at C due to the symmetrical element dl,
 2 k  2   Q 
The total field at C is  2

0
dE cos   2
R 
0
cos  d   2k
R

 2 0 R 2


Example: 22 What is the magnitude of a point charge due to which the electric field 30 cm away has the
magnitude 2 newton/coulomb [1 / 4  0  9  10 9 Nm 2 ]
(a) 2  10 11 coulomb (b) 3  10 11 coulomb (c) 5  10 11 coulomb (d) 9  10 11 coulomb
1 Q Q
Solution: (a) By using E  . ; 2  9  10 9   Q  2  10 11 C
4  0 r 2 
30  10  2 
2
 Electrostatics 23

Example: 23 Two point charges Q and – 3Q are placed at some distance apart. If the electric field at the
location of Q is E, then at the locality of – 3Q, it is
(a)  E (b) E/3 (c) 3 E (d) – E/3
Solution: (b) Let the charge Q and – 3Q be placed respectively at A and B at a distance x
Now we will determine the magnitude and direction to the field produced by charge – 3Q at
A, this is E as mentioned in the Example. A B

3Q Q –3Q
E 2
(along AB directed towards negative charge)
x x

Q E
Now field at location of – 3Q i.e. field at B due to charge Q will be E'  2
 (along AB
x 3
directed away from positive charge)
Example: 24 Two charged spheres of radius R1 and R 2 respectively are charged and joined by a wire.
The ratio of electric field of the spheres is
R1 R2 R 12 R 22
(a) (b) (c) (d)
R2 R1 R 22 R 12
Q1 k . Q2 Q1 R
Solution: (b) After connection their potential becomes equal i.e., k .  ;   1
R1 R2 Q2 R2
2
E1 Q R  R
Ratio of electric field  1   2   2.

E2 Q 2  R1  R1

Example: 25 The number of electrons to be put on a spherical conductor of radius 0.1m to produce an
electric field of 0.036 N/C just above its surface is

(a) 2 .7  10 5 (b) 2 . 6  10 5 (c) 2 . 5  10 5 (d) 2 . 4  10 5

Q ne
Solution: (c) By using E  k , where R = radius of sphere so 0.036 = 9  10 9   n  2 . 5  10 5
R2 0 .1 2

Example: 26 Eight equal charges each +Q are kept at the corners of a cube. Net electric field at the centre
 1 
will be  k  
 4  0 

kQ 8 kQ 2kQ
(a) (b) (c) (d) Zero
r2 r2 r2
Solution: (d) Due to the symmetry of charge. Net Electric field at centre is zero.
+q q a q
Note :

a a a a
E=
E=0 0

+q +q q
a q a
Equilateral Square
triangle
Example: 27 q, 2q, 3q and 4q charges are placed at the four corners A, B, C and D of a square. The field
at the centre O of the square has the direction along.
q 2q
A B

O
24 Electrostatics

(a) AB (b) CB (c) AC (d) BD

Solution: (b) By making the direction of electric field due to all charges at centre. Net electric field has the
direction along CB
Example: 28 Equal charges Q are placed at the vertices A and B of an equilateral triangle ABC of side a.
The magnitude of electric field at the point A is

Q 2Q 3Q Q
(a) (b) (c) (d)
4  0 a 2
4  0 a 2 4  0 a 2 2 0 a 2

Solution: (c) As shown in figure Net electric field at A E

FC FB

E EB2  EC2  2 EB EC cos 60 A

1 Q 60
E B  EC  . o
4  0 a 2 a a

3Q
So, E  +Q +Q
4  0 a 2 B
a
C

Example: 29 Four charges are placed on corners of a square as shown in figure having side of 5 cm. If Q
is one micro coulomb, then electric field intensity at centre will be

(a) 1 .02  10 7 N / C upwards Q – 2Q

(b) 2 .04  10 7 N / C downwards

(c) 2.04  10 7 N / C upwards

–Q + 2Q
(d) 1 .02  10 7 N / C downwards

Solution: (a) | E C|  | E A| so resultant of EC & E A is ECA  EC  E A directed toward Q

Q – 2Q
A Enet EBD B
Also | E B |  | E D| so resultant of EB and ED i.e.
ECA

EC ED
EBD  EB  ED directed toward – 2Q charge hence Net electric field at centre is
O
EB EA

E ECA  2
 EBD  2
.… (i)
D C
– +2Q
10 6
By proper calculations | E A |  9  10 9  2
 0 . 72  10 7 N /C Q
 5 

  10  2 
 2 
 Electrostatics 25

2  10 6 2  10 6
| E B |  9  10 9  2
 1 . 44  10 7 N /C ; | E C |  9  10 9  2
 1 . 44  10 7 N /C
 5   5 

  10  2  
  10  2 
 2   2 

10 6
| E D |  9  10 9  2
 0 . 72  10 7 N /C ; So, |E CA|  |E C|  |E A|  0 .72  10 7 N/C
 5 

  10  2 
 2 

and | E BD | | E B |  | E D |  0 . 72  10 7 N /C. Hence from equation – (i)

7
E  1 . 02  10 N /C upwards

Example: 30 Infinite charges are lying at x = 1, 2, 4, 8…meter on X-axis and the value of each charge is
Q. The value of intensity of electric field and potential at point x = 0 due to these charges
will be respectively

(a) 12  10 9 Q N/C, 1.8  104 V (b) Zero, 1.2  104V

(c) 6  10 9 Q N/C, 9  103 V (d) 4  10 9 Q N/C , 6  103

V
Solution: (a) By the superposition, Net electric field at origin

1 1 1 1 
E  kQ  2  2  2  2  ... 
1 2 4 8 
x=0 x=1 x=2 x=4 x=8
 1 1 1 
E  kQ 1     ...  
 4 16 64 
1 1 1
1    ...  is an infinite geometrical progression it’s sum can be obtained by using
4 16 64
a
the formula S   ; Where a = First term, r = Common ratio.
1r
1 1 1 1 1 4
Here a  1 and r  so, 1     .....    .
4 4 16 64 1 1/ 4 3
4
Hence E  9  10 9  Q   12  10 9 Q N /C
3

1 1  10 6 1  10 6 1  10 6 1  10 6 
Electric potential at origin V       ....... 
4  0  1 2 4 8 

 
9 6  1 1 1  3
 1  4
 9  10  10 1  2  4  8  .......... ..  9  10    1 .8  10 volt
  1  1 
 2 
26 Electrostatics

Note :  In the arrangement shown in figure +Q and – Q are alternatively

and equally spaced from each other, the net potential at the origin O is
1 Q log e 2
V . [IIT 1998]
4  0 x

+Q –Q +Q –Q

O x 2x 3x 4x

Example: 31 Potential at a point x-distance from the centre inside the conducting sphere of radius R and
charged with charge Q is [MP PMT 2001]

Q Q Q
(a) (b) (c) (d) xQ
R x x2
Solution: (a) Potential inside the conductor is constant.
Example: 32 The electric potential at the surface of an atomic nucleus (Z = 50) of radius 9  10 5 V is
(a) 80 V (b) 8  10 6 V (c) 9 V (d) 9  10 5 V

ne 50  1 .6  10 19
Solution: (b) V  9  10 9   9  10 9  15
 8  10 6 V
r 9  10
Example: 33 Eight charges having the valves as shown are arranged symmetrically on a circle of radius
0.4m in air. Potential at centre O will be
+5 C
– 7 C – 5 C

+15 C O +7 C

+7 C – 5 C

+11 C

(a) 63  10 4 volt (b) 63  10 10 volt (c) 63  10 6 volt (d) Zero

Solution: (a) Due to the principle of superposition potential at O

1 28  10 6 28  10 6
V    9  10 9   63  10 4 volt
4  0 0.4 0 .4

Example: 34 As shown in the figure, charges +q and –q are placed at the vertices B and C of an isosceles
triangle. The potential at the vertex A is A

b b
B C
+q –q
 Electrostatics 27

1 2q 1 q 1 (q )
(a) . (b) . (c) . (d) Zero
4  0 a2  b 2 4  0 a2  b 2 4  0 a2  b 2
Solution: (d) Potential at A = Potential due to (+q) charge + Potential due to (– q) charge
1 q 1 (q )
 .  0
4  0 2
a b 2 4  0 a2  b 2
Example: 35 A conducting sphere of radius R is given a charge Q. consider three points B at the surface,
A at centre and C at a distance R/2 from the centre. The electric potential at these points
are such that [DCE 1994]
(a) VA = VB = VC (b) VA = VB  VC (c) VA  VB  VC (d) VA  VB = VC
Solution: (a) Potential inside a conductor is always constant and equal to the potential at the surface.
10
Example: 36 Equal charges of  10 9 coulomb are lying on the corners of a square of side 8 cm. The
3
electric potential at the point of intersection of the diagonals will be
(a) 900 V (b) 900 2 V (c) 150 2 V (d) 1500 2 V
Solution: (d) Potential at the centre O
Q Q
1 Q 10
V 4 . given Q   10 9 C  a  8 cm  8  10 2 m a 2
4  0 a / 2 3
10
 10  9 O
9
V  5  9  10  3  1500 2 volt
8  10  2
Q Q
2 a

Tricky example: 3
A point charge Q is placed outside a hollow spherical conductor of radius R, at a distance
(r > R) from its centre C. The field at C due to the induced charges on the conductor is
 1 
 K  
 4  0 
Q
(a) Zero (b) K
r  R 2
Q Q
(c) K directed towards Q (d) K 2 directed
r2 r
away from Q
Solution: (c) A according to the figure shown below. The total field at C must be zero. The field at C
+ –
Q +
due to the point charge is E  K 2 towards
+
–
left. The field at C due to the induced
r C
–
+Q
KQ +
charges must be 2 towards right i.e.+ directed towards
– Q.
r +
R
–
+ –
r

Tricky example: 4

A point charge q is placed at a distance of r from the centre of an uncharged

28 Electrostatics

conducting sphere of radius R (< r). The potential at any point on the sphere is
1 q 1 qR 1 qr 2
(a) Zero (b) . (c) . (d) .
4  0 r 4  0 r 2 4  0 R
Solution: (c) Since, potential V is same for all points of the sphere. Therefore, we can calculate its
value at the centre of the sphere.
1 q
 V  .  V ' ; where V = potential at centre due to induced charge = 0 (because
4 0 r
1 q
net induced charge will be zero)  V  . .
4 0 r

Potential Due to Concentric Spheres.

To find potential at a point due to concentric sphere following guideline are to be
considered

Guideline 1: Identity the point (P) at which potential is to be determined.

Guideline 2: Start from inner most sphere, you should know where point (P) lies w.r.t.
concerning sphere/shell (i.e. outside, at surface or inside)

Guideline 3: Then find the potential at the point (P) due to inner most sphere and then due to
next and so on.

Guideline 4: Using the principle of superposition find net potential at required

shell/sphere.
Standard cases

Case (i) : If two concentric conducting shells of radii r1 and r2(r2 > r1) carrying uniformly
distributed charges Q1 and Q2 respectively. What will be the potential of each shell
To find the solution following guidelines are to be taken. Q2
Q1
Here after following the above guideline potential at the surface of inner shell is
1 Q 1 Q r2
V1  . 1  . 2
4  0 r1 4  0 r2 r1

and potential at the surface of outer shell

1 Q 1 Q
V2  . 1  . 2
4  0 r2 4 0 r2
 Electrostatics 29

Case (ii) : The figure shows three conducting concentric shell of radii a, b and c (a < b < c)
having charges Qa, Qb and Qc respectively what will be the potential of each shell
After following the guidelines discussed above Qc
1  Qa Qb Q c  Qb
Potential at A; V A    Qa
4  0  a b c  c
b a A B
1  Q a Qb Q c 
Potential at B; VB   
4  0  b b c 

1  Q a Qb Q c 
Potential at C; VC   
4 0  c c c 
Case (iii) : The figure shows two concentric spheres having radii r1 and r2 respectively (r2 > r1). If
charge on inner sphere is +Q and outer sphere is earthed then determine.
(a) The charge on the outer sphere
+Q
(b) Potential of the inner sphere Q
r2
1 Q 1 Q'
(i) Potential at the surface of outer sphere V 2  .  . 0
4  0 r2 4 0 r2 r1

 Q'  Q

1 Q 1 (Q ) Q 1 1
(ii) Potential of the inner sphere V1  .     
4  0 r1 4  0 r2 4  0 r
1 r2 

Case (iv) : In the case III if outer sphere is given a charge +Q and inner sphere is earthed then
(a) What will be the charge on the inner sphere
(b) What will be the potential of the outer sphere
(i) In this case potential at the surface of inner sphere is zero, so if Q' is the charge induced on
inner sphere
1  Q' Q  r1
then V1      0 i.e., Q'   Q r2 +Q
4 0  r1 r2  r2
(Charge on inner sphere is less than that of the outer sphere.) r1

(ii) Potential at the surface of outer sphere

1 Q' 1 Q
V2  .  .
4  0 r2 4 0 r2

1  r1  Q  r1 
V2   Q  Q   1  
4  0 r2  r2  4  0 r2  r2 

Examples based on concentric

spheres
Example: 37 A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such that the potential on its surface is 10
volts. The potential at the centre of the sphere is
(a) Zero (b) 10 V
(c) Same as at a point 5 cm away from the surface (d) Same as at a point 25
cm away from the surface
Solution: (b) Inside the conductors potential remains same and it is equal to the potential of surface, so
here potential at the centre of sphere will be 10 V
30 Electrostatics

Example: 38 A sphere of 4 cm radius is suspended within a hollow sphere of 6 cm radius. The inner
sphere is charged to a potential 3 e.s.u. When the outer sphere is earthed. The charge on
the inner sphere is [MP PMT 1991]

1
(a) 54 e.s.u. (b) e.s.u. (c) 30 e.s.u. (d) 36 e.s.u.
4
Solution: (d) Let charge on inner sphere be +Q. charge induced on the inner surface of outer sphere will
be –Q.
So potential at the surface of inner sphere (in CGS) +Q

Q Q
3 
4 6 4cm
 Q  36 e.s.u. 6cm

Example: 39 A charge Q is distributed over two concentric hollow spheres of radii r and (R  r) such that
the surface densities are equal. The potential at the common centre is
Q(R 2  r 2 ) Q Q(R  r)
(a) (b) (c) Zero (d)
4  0 (R  r) R r 4  0 (R 2  r 2 )
Solution: (d) If q1 and q 2 are the charges on spheres of radius r and R respectively, in accordance with
conservation of charge
q2
Q  q1  q 2 ….(i)
and according to the given problem  1   2 q1

q1 q2 q1 r2
i.e., 2
 2
  2 …. r(ii)
4 r 4 R q2 R R

Qr 2 QR 2
So equation (i) and (ii) gives q1  2 2
and q 2 
(R  r ) (R 2  r 2 )
1  q1 q 2  1  Qr QR  1 Q(R  r)
Potential at common centre V       2  2 2 
 . 2
4  0  r R  4  0  (R  r ) (R  r )  4  0 (R  r 2 )
2

Example: 40 A solid conducting sphere having a charge Q is surrounded by an uncharged concentric

conducting hollow spherical shell. Let the potential difference between the surface of the
solid sphere and that of the outer surface of the hollow shell be V. If the shell is now given
a charge of – 3Q, the new potential difference between the two surfaces is
(a) V (b) 2V (c) 4V (d) –2V
Solution: (a) If a and b are radii of spheres and spherical shell respectively, potential at their surfaces
will be
1 Q 1 Q
Vsphere  . and Vshell  . Q
4  0 a 4  0 b +
+ + +
+ Sphere +
and so according to the given problem. + +
a +
+
Q 1 1  + + +
V  Vsphere  Vshell   …. (i)
4  0  a b 
b

Now when the shell is given a charge –3Q the potential at its surface and also inside will
1  3Q 
change by V0  
4  0  b 
 Electrostatics 31

1  Q 3Q  1  Q 3Q 
So that now Vsphere   and Vshell   hence
4  0  a b  4  0  b b 
Q 1 1 
Vsphere  Vshell  a  b   V
4  0  
Example: 41 Three concentric metallic spheres A, B and C have radii a, b and c (a  b  c) and surface
charge densities on them are  ,   and  respectively. The valves of VA and VB will be

   a2 
(a) (a  b  c),   b  c
0 0  b  C
 
B
c
a2 A b
(b) (a  b  c),
c    a

0  a 2 
(c) (a  b  c), 0   b  c
   c 
 

  a2 b 2  
(d)    c  and (a  b  c)
0  c c  0
 
Solution: (a) Suppose charges on A, B and C are q a , q b and q c

qa qb
Respectively, so  A     q a    4 a 2 ,  B     qb    4 b 2
4 a 2 4 b 2

qc
and  C     q c    4 c 2
4 c 2

Potential at the surface of A

1  qa qb qc  1    4 a 2 ( )  4 b 2   4 c 2 
VA  (VA )surface  (VB )in  (VC )in          
4  0  a b c 4  0  a b c 


VA  a  b  c]
0

Potential at the surface of B

1  qa qb qc  1   4a2   4b 2   4c2    a 2 

VB  (VA )out  (VB )surface  (VC )in            b  c
4 0  b b c  40  b b c   0  b 

Electric Lines of Force.

(1) Definition : The electric field in a region is represented by continuous lines (also called
lines of force). Field line is an imaginary line along which a positive test charge will move if left
free.

Electric lines of force due to an isolated positive charge, isolated negative charge and due
to a pair of charge are shown below

+ – + – +  +
N
32 Electrostatics

(2) Properties of electric lines of force

(i) Electric field lines come out of positive charge and go into the negative charge.
(ii) Tangent to the field line at any point gives the direction of the field at that point.

EA
EB
B

(iii) Field lines never cross each other.

(iv) Field lines are always normal to conducting surface.
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
(A) + –
(B)

(v) Field lines do not exist inside a conductor.

(vi) The electric field lines never form closed loops. (While magnetic lines of forces form
closed loop)

+ –

S N

(vii) The number of lines originating or terminating on a charge is proportional to the

magnitude of charge. In the following figure electric lines of force are originating from A and
terminating at B hence QA is positive while QB is negative, also number of electric lines at force
linked with QA are more than those linked with QB hence | Q A | | Q B |

A B QB
QA
 Electrostatics 33

(viii) Number of lines of force per unit area normal to the area at a point represents
magnitude of intensity (concept of electric flux i.e.,   EA )

(ix) If the lines of forces are equidistant and parallel straight lines the field is uniform and
if either lines of force are not equidistant or straight line or both the field will be non uniform,
also the density of field lines is proportional to the strength of the electric field. For example
see the following figures.

X Y
X Y

(A (B
) )
EX = EX >
E E

(3) Electrostatic shielding : Electrostatic shielding/screening is the phenomenon of

protecting a certain region of space from external electric field. 

E E
Sensitive instruments and appliances are affected seriously with +
+ ––
+ –
+
strong external electrostatic fields. Their working suffers and E=0
–

they may start misbehaving under the effect of unwanted fields. q =0

Hollow space
 – +
The electrostatic shielding can be achieved by protecting E
–
––
Conductor +
 + + 
and enclosing the sensitive instruments inside a hollow E E

conductor because inside hollow conductors, electric fields is

zero.
(i) It is for this reason that it is safer to sit in a car or a bus during lightening rather than
to stand under a tree or on the open ground.
(ii) A high voltage generator is usually enclosed in such a cage which is earthen. This would
prevent the electrostatic field of the generator from spreading out of the cage.
(iii) An earthed conductor also acts as a screen against the electric field. When conductor is
not earthed field of the charged body C due to
C C
electrostatic induction continues beyond AB. If
AB is earthed, induced positive charge
neutralizes and the field in the region beyond
AB disappears. – – –
–
– – – – – – –
A B A B
+ + + + +
34 Electrostatics

Equipotential Surface or Lines.

If every point of a surface is at same potential, then it is said to be an equipotential surface
or
for a given charge distribution, locus of all points having same potential is called
“equipotential surface” regarding equipotential surface following points should keep in mind :
(1) The density of the equipotential lines gives an idea about the magnitude of electric field.
Higher the density larger the field strength.
(2) The direction of electric field is perpendicular to the equipotential surfaces or lines.
(3) The equipotential surfaces produced by a point charge or a spherically charge
distribution are a family of concentric spheres.
V1 V2 V3 V4 V5
V = V2

V = V1

Equipotentia
l surface
V1 > V2 > V3 > V4 > V5

(4) For a uniform electric field, the equipotential surfaces are a family of plane
perpendicular to the field lines.

(5) A metallic surface of any shape is an equipotential surface e.g. When a charge is given
to a metallic surface, it distributes itself in a manner such that its every point comes at same
potential even if the object is of irregular shape and has sharp points on it.
+
+
+ + + + +
+ + +
+ +
+ +
O + +
+
 + V=
+ V= + + const. +
+ const. + + + +
+ +
+ + +
Metallic charged Charged metallic body of irregular
sphere shape

If it is not so, that is say if the sharp points are at higher potential then due to potential
difference between these points connected through metallic portion, charge will flow from
 Electrostatics 35

points of higher potential to points of lower potential until the potential of all points become
same.

(6) Equipotential surfaces can never cross each other

(7) Equipotential surface for pair of charges

– + + +

Pair of two equal and opposite Pair of two equal and similar
charges charges

Concepts

 Unit field i.e. 1N/C is defined arbitrarily as corresponding to unit density of lines of force.

1
 Number of lines originating from a unit charge is
0

 It is a common misconception that the path traced by a positive test charge is a field line but actually the
path traced by a unit positive test charge represents a field full line only when it moves along a straight line.

 Both the equipotential surfaces and the lines of force can be used to depict electric field in a certain region of
space. The advantage of using equipotential surfaces over the lines of force is that they give a visual picture
of both the magnitude and direction of the electric field.

Examples based on electric lines of

force
Example: 42 Three positive charges of equal value q are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle.
The resulting lines of force should be sketched as in

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



 

Solution (c) Option (a) shows lines of force starting from one positive charge and terminating at
another. Option (b) has one line of force making closed loop. Option (d) shows all lines
making closed loops. All these are not correct. Hence option (c) is correct
36 Electrostatics

 +q

+q +q
 

Example: 43 A metallic sphere is placed in a uniform electric field. The lines of force follow the path (s)
shown in the figure as

1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4

(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4

Solution: (d) The field is zero inside a conductor and hence lines of force cannot exist inside it. Also, due
to induced charges on its surface the field is distorted close to its surface and a line of force
must deviate near the surface outside the sphere.
Example: 44 The figure shows some of the electric field lines corresponding to an electric field. The
figure suggests
[MP PMT 1999]

A B C

(a) E A  E B  E C (b) E A  E B  E C (c) E A  E C  E B (d) E A  E C  E B

Solution: (c)
Example: 45 The lines of force of the electric field due to two charges q and Q are sketched in the figure.
State if
(a) Q is positive and Q  q

(b) Q is negative and Q  q

Q q

(c) q is positive and Q  q

(d) q is negative and Q  q

Solution: (c) q is +ve because lines of force emerge from it and Q  q because more lines emerge from
q and less lines terminate at Q.
Example: 46 The figure shows the lines of constant potential in a region in which an electric field is
present. The magnitude of electric field is maximum at
 Electrostatics 37

20 V

A
 B

50 V
C
40 V 30 V

(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) Equal at A, B and C

Solution: (b) Since lines of force are denser at B hence electric field is maximum at B
Example: 47 Some equipotential surface are shown in the figure. The magnitude and direction of the
electric field is

y 20 30 40
V V V

    x
10 20 30
cm

 = 30o

(a) 100 V/m making angle 120o with the x-axis (b) 100 V/m making angle 60o with the x-
axis
(c) 200 V/m making angle 120o with the x-axis (d) None of the above
Solution: (c) By using dV  E dr cos  suppose we consider line 1 and line 2 then

(30 – 20) = E cos 60o (20 – 10) × 10–2 y 

E 20 30 40
V V V

So E  200 volt / m making in angle 120o with x-axis 120

o
30o
x
dr
10 20 30 40

1 2

Tricky example: 5

Which of the following maps cannot represent an electric field

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

a b

d c
38 Electrostatics

Solution: (a) If we consider a rectangular closed path, two parallel sides of it considering with
lines of force
as shown, then we find that work done along the closed path
abcd is abE1 – cdE2  0. Hence the field cannot represent a
conservative field. But electric field is a conservative field.
Hence a field represented by these lines cannot be an electric
field.

A charge Q is fixed at a distance d in front of an infinite metal plate. The lines of force
are represented by

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

Solution: (a) Metal plate acts as an equipotential surface, therefore the field lines should act
normal to the surface of the metal plate.

Relation Between Electric Field and Potential.

In an electric field rate of change of potential with distance is known as potential
gradient. It is a vector quantity and it’s direction is opposite to
that of electric field. Potential gradient relates with electric
dV
field according to the following relation E   ; This relation
dr dr
+Q 
volt A B E
gives another unit of electric field is . In the above
meter
relation negative sign indicates that in the direction of electric
field potential decreases.

In space around a charge distribution we can also write E  E x ˆi  E y ˆj  E z kˆ

dV dV dV
where E x   , Ey   and E z  
dx dy dz

dV
With the help of formula E   , potential difference between any two points in an
dr
electric field can be determined by knowing the boundary conditions
r2 r2
dV   
r1
E . dr   
r1
E . dr cos  .
 Electrostatics 39

For example: Suppose A, B and C are three points in an uniform electric field as shown in
figure.
(i) Potential difference between point A and B is
B
VB  V A    A
E  dr
A
d
B


Since displacement is in the direction of electric field, hence  =

0 o C

B B
So, VB  VA   
A
E  dr cos 0   
A
E  dr   Ed

V V
In general we can say that in an uniform electric field E   or | E | 
d d
+ –
+ –

+ E –
V
Another example + – E
+ –
d
+ –
V1 = V V2 = 0
d

(ii) Potential difference between points A and C is :

C
VC  V A    A
E dr cos    E( AC ) cos    E( AB ) = – Ed

Above relation proves that potential difference between A and B is equal to the potential
difference between A and C i.e. points B and C are at same potential.

Concept
V
 Negative of the slope of the V-r graph denotes intensity of electric field i.e. tan    E
r

+ –
E = V/d Example based on E = – dV/dr

Example: 48 The electric field, at a distance of 20 cm from the centre of a dielectric sphere of radius 10
cm is 100 V/m. The ‘E’ at 3 cm distance from the centre of sphere is

(a) 100 V/m (b) 125 V/m (c) 120 V/m (d) Zero

k .q kqr
Solution: (c) For dielectric sphere i.e. for non-conducting sphere E out  2
and E in 
r R3

KQ 100  (0 . 2) 2  (3  10 2 ) 2
E out  100  KQ = 100  (0.2)2 so E in  = 120 V/m
(20  10  2 )2 (10  10 2 )3
40 Electrostatics

Example: 49 In x-y co-ordinate system if potential at a point P(x, y) is given by V  axy ; where a is a
constant, if r is the distance of point P from origin then electric field at P is proportional
to [RPMT 2000]

(a) r (b) r–1 (c) r—2 (d) r2

dV dV dV
Solution: (a) By using E   Ex     ay , Ey    ax
dr dx dy

Electric field at point P E  E x2  E y2  a x 2  y 2  ar i.e., E  r

Example: 50 The electric potential V at any point x, y, z (all in metres) in space is given by V = 4x2 volt.
The electric field at the point (1m, 0, 2m) in volt/metre is

(a) 8 along negative X-axis (b) 8 along positive X-axis

(c) 16 along negative X-axis (d) 16 along positive Z-

axis

dV d
Solution: (a) By using E    E   (4 x 2 )  8 x . Hence at point (1m, 0, 2m). E = – 8 volt/m i.e. 8 along
dx dx
– ve x-axis.

Example: 51 The electric potential V is given as a function of distance x (metre) by V = (5x2 + 10x – 9) volt.
Value of electric field at x = 1m is

(a) – 20 V/m (b) 6 V/m (c) 11 V/m (d) – 23 V/m

dV d
Solution: (a) By using E   ; E (5 x 2  10 x  9)  (10 x  10 ) ,
dx dx

at x = 1m E  20 V /m

Example: 52 A uniform electric field having a magnitude E0 and direction along the positive X-axis
exists. If the electric potential V, is zero at X = 0, then, its value at X = +x will be

(a) V(x)= +xE0 (b) V(x)= – xE0 (c) V(x)= x2E 0 (d) V(x)= – x2E0

V (V  V1 ) {V (x )  0}
Solution: (b) By using E    2 ; E0    V(x) = – xE0
r (r2  r1 ) x 0

Example: 53 If the potential function is given by V = 4x + 3y, then the magnitude of electric field
intensity at the point (2, 1) will be

(a) 11 (b) 5 (c) 7 (d) 1

dV d
Solution: (b) By using i.e., E  E x2  E y2 ; E x    (4 x  3 y )  4
dx dx

dV d
and Ey     (4 x  3 y)  3
dy dy

 E  (4 ) 2  ( 3 ) 2  5 N /C
 Electrostatics 41

Tricky example: 7

The variation of potential with distance R from a fixed point is as shown below. The
electric field at R  5 m is

Potential in volts
5

(a) 2.5 volt/m 4

(b) – 2.5 volt/m 3

2 2
(c) volt /m 1
5
0
2 1 2 3 4 5 6
(d)  volt /m Distance R in
5 metres
Solution: (a) Intensity at 5 m is same as at any point between B and C because the slope of BC is
same throughout (i.e. electric field between B and C is uniform). Therefore electric
dV
field at R = 5m is equal to the slope of line BC hence by 5E  A; B

Potential in volts
dr
(0  5) V 4
E  2.5
64 m 3

(5  0 ) V 2
Note :  At R = 1m , E  
(2  0 )
 2 . 5
m
1
C
O
and at R  3 m potential is constant so E = 0.
1 2 3 4 5 6
Distance R in
metres

Work Done in Displacing a Charge.

(1) Definition : If a charge Q displaced from one point to another point in electric field
then work done in this process is W  Q  V where V = Potential difference between the two
position of charge Q. ( V  E . r  Er cos  where  is the angle between direction of electric
field and direction of motion of charge).

(2) Work done in terms of rectangular component of E and r : If charge Q is given a

displacement r  (r1ˆi  r2 ˆj  r3 kˆ ) in an electric field E  ( E1ˆi  E 2 ˆj  E 3 kˆ ). The work done is
W  Q( E . r )  Q(E1 r1  E2 r2  E3 r3 ) .
Conservation of Electric Field.
As electric field is conservation, work done and hence potential difference between two
point is path independent and depends only on the position of points between. Which the charge
is moved.

I
A B WI = WII =
II WIII

III
42 Electrostatics

Concept

 No work is done in moving a charge on an equipotential surface.

I
WI = WII =
II
W
A
III
B
Examples based on work
done
Example: 54 A charge (– q) and another charge (+Q) are kept at two points A and B respectively.
Keeping the charge (+Q) fixed at B, the charge (– q) at A is moved to another point C such
that ABC forms an equilateral triangle of side l. The network done in moving the charge (–
q) is [MP PET 2001]

1 Qq 1 Qq 1
(a) (b) (c) Qql (d) Zero
4  0 l 4  0 l 2 4  0

kQ A –q
Solution: (d) Since V A  VC 
l
l l
so W  q (VC  V A )  0

B C
+Q l

Example: 55 The work done in bringing a 20 coulomb charge from point A to point B for distance 0.2 m is
2 Joule. The potential difference between the two points will be (in volt)
(a) 0.2 (b) 8 (c) 0.1 (d) 0.4
Solution: (c) W  Q.V  2 = 20  V  V = 0.1 volt

Example: 56 A charge +q is revolving around a stationary +Q in a circle of radius r. If the force between
charges is F then the work done of this motion will be
[CPMT 1975, 90, 91, 97; NCERT 1980, 83; EAMCET 1994; MP PET 1993, 95;

MNR 1998; AIIMS 1997; DCE 1995; RPET 1998]

F
(a) F × r (b) F  2r (c) (d) 0
2r
Solution: (d) Since +q charge is moving on an equipotential surface so work done is zero. +Q
+q

Example: 57 Four equal charge Q are placed at the four corners of a body of side ‘a’ each. Work done in
removing a charge – Q from its centre to infinity is
 Electrostatics 43

2 Q2 2 Q2 Q2
(a) 0 (b) (c) (d)
4  0 a  0 a 2 0 a

Solution: (c) We know that work done in moving a charge is W = QV Q Q

a
A B
Here W  Q (V0  V )  V  0  W = Q × V0

1 Q 4 2Q 2Q a O a
Also V0  4  .  
4  0 a / 2 4  0 a  0 a –Q

2Q 2 D
a
C
So, W Q Q
 0 a

Example: 58 Two point charge 100 C and 5 C are placed at point A and B respectively with AB = 40 cm.
The work done by external force in displacing the charge 5 C from B to C, where BC = 30
 1
cm, angle ABC  and  9  10 9 Nm 2 /C 2 [MP PMT 1997]
2 4  0
81 9 9
(a) 9 J (b) J (c) J (d)  J
20 25 4
Solution: (d) Potential at B due to +100 C charge is A
6 + 100 C
9 100  10 9
VB  9  10  2
  10 6 volt
40  10 4
Potential at C due to +100 C charge is
100  10 6
50 cm
9

cm
40
VC  9  10 9    10 6 volt
50  10  2 5
/2 + 50 C
Hence work done in moving charge +5 C from B to C
W  5  10 6 (VC  VB ) B 30 cm C

9 9  9
W  5  10 6   10 6   10 6    J
 5 4  4
Example: 59 There is an electric field E in x-direction. If the work done in moving a charge 0.2 C
through a distance of 2 metres along a line making an angle 60 o with the x-axis is 4J,
what is the value of E [CBSE 1995]

(a) 4 N/C (b) 8 N/C (c) 3 N /C (d) 20 N/C

Solution: (d) By using W  q  V and V  Er cos  A
0.2
So, W  qE r cos  C
2m

W  4 j  0 . 2  E  2  cos 60
60o
 E = 20 N/C O x

Example: 60 An electric charge of 20 C is situated at the origin of X-Y co-ordinate system. The potential
difference between the points. (5a, 0) and (– 3a, 4a) will be
a
(a) a (b) 2a (c) Zero (d)
2
kQ kQ B (–3a,
Solution: (c) V A  and VB 
5a 5a 4a)
5a
 V A  VB  0
A (5a, 0)
Q 5a
44 Electrostatics

Example: 61 Two identical thin rings each of radius R, are coaxially placed a distance R apart. If Q1 and
Q2 are respectively the charges uniformly spread on the two rings, the work done in moving
a charge q from the centre of one ring to that of the other is
Q 
q  1  ( 2  1)
q(Q1  Q 2 )( 2  1) q(Q 1  Q 2 ) 2 Q2 
(a) Zero (b) (c) (d) 
4 0 R 2 4 0 R 4  0 R 2

Q1 Q2
Solution: (b) Potential at the centre of first ring VA  
4  0 R 4  R 2  R 2 Q1 Q2
0

Q2 Q1 R
Potential at the centre of second ring VB   R
4  0 R 4 R 2  R 2 1 2
0
A B

( 2  1)(Q1  Q 2 )
Potential difference between the two centres V A  VB 
4  0 R 2 R

q( 2  1)(Q1  Q 2 )
 Work done W 
4  0 R 2

Tricky example: 8

A point charge q moves from point A to point D along the path ABCD in a uniform
electric field. If the co-ordinates of the points A, B, C and D are (a, b, 0), (2a, 0, 0), (a,
– b, 0) and (0, 0, 0) then the work done by the electric
Y field in this process will be

(a) – qEa E
A
(b) Zero
X
(c) 2E (a + b)q D B

qEa
(d) C
2b

Solution: (a) As electric field is a conservative field Y


A (a,b,0) E
Hence the work done does not depend on path
b
a2 + b2

a O 
  X
D B
b
a2 + b2 a2 + b2
 W ABCD  W AOD  W AO  WOD
C
= Fb cos 90o + Fa cos 180o = 0 + qEa (– 1)= – qEa

Equilibrium of Charge.
 Electrostatics 45

(1) Definition : A charge is said to be in equilibrium, if net force acting on it is zero. A

system of charges is said to be in equilibrium if each charge is separately in equilibrium.
(2) Type of equilibrium : Equilibrium can be divided in following type:
(i) Stable equilibrium : After displacing a charged particle from it's equilibrium position,
if it returns back then it is said to be in stable equilibrium. If U is the potential energy then in
d 2U
case of stable equilibrium is positive i.e., U is minimum.
dx 2
(ii) Unstable equilibrium : After displacing a charged particle from it's equilibrium
position, if it never returns back then it is said to be in unstable equilibrium and in unstable
d 2U
equilibrium is negative i.e., U is maximum.
dx 2
(iii) Neutral equilibrium : After displacing a charged particle from it's equilibrium
position if it neither comes back, nor moves away but remains in the position in which it was
d 2U
kept it is said to be in neutral equilibrium and in neutral equilibrium is zero i.e., U is
dx 2
constant
(3) Guidelines to check the equilibrium
(i) Identify the charge for which equilibrium is to be analysed.
(ii) Check, how many forces acting on that particular charge.
(iii) There should be atleast two forces acts oppositely on that charge.
(iv) If magnitude of these forces are equal then charge is said to be in equilibrium then identify the
nature of equilibrium.
(v) If all the charges of system are in equilibrium then system is said to be in equilibrium
(4) Different cases of equilibrium of charge
Case – 1 :Suppose three similar charge Case – 2 : Two similar charge Q1 and Q 2
Q 1 , q and Q 2 are placed along a straight are placed along a straight line at a
A
line as shown below B distance x from each other and a third
F O 2 F1
Q1 Q2
q dissimilar Acharge q is placed in between
B
x1 x2 F1 O F2
them asQshown
1 below Q2
x q
x1 x2
x

Charge q will be in equilibrium if Charge q will be in equilibrium if

| F1 |  | F2 | | F1 |  | F2 |
2
Q1 x  Q1 x 
2
i.e.,   1  ; This is the condition of i.e.,   1  .
Q2  x2  Q2  x2 
46 Electrostatics

equilibrium of charge q. After following Note :  Same short trick can be used here
the guidelines we can say that charge q is
to find the position of charge q as we
in stable equilibrium and this system is not
discussed in Case–1 i.e.,
in equilibrium
x x
x x1  and x 2 
Note :  x 1  1  Q 2 /Q1 1  Q 1 /Q 2
1  Q 2 /Q1
 It is very important to know that
x
and x2  magnitude of charge q can be determined if
1  Q 1 /Q 2 one of the extreme charge (either Q1 or
e.g. if two charges +4C and +16 C are Q 2 ) is in equilibrium i.e. if Q2 is in
2
separated by a distance of 30 cm from each x 
equilibrium then | q |  Q 1  2  and if Q1 is
other then for equilibrium a third charge  x 
should be placed between them at a 2
x 
30 in equilibrium then | q |  Q 2  1  (It should
distance x1   10 cm or  x 
1  16 / 4
be remember that sign of q is opposite to that
x 2  20 cm of Q 1 (or Q 2 ) )

Case – 3 : Two dissimilar charge Q1 and Q 2 are placed along a straight line at a
distance x from each other, a third charge q should be placed out side the line
joining Q1 and Q 2 for it to experience zero net force.
Q1 – Q2 q

x d
(Let |Q2| < |Q1|)
Short Trick :
For it's equilibrium. Charge q lies on the side of chare which is smallest in magnitude
x
and d 
Q 1 /Q 2  1

(5) Equilibrium of suspended charge in an electric field

(i) Freely suspended charged particle : To suspend a charged a particle freely in air under
the influence of electric field it’s downward weight should be balanced by upward electric force
for example if a positive charge is suspended freely in an electric field as shown then


E – – – – – – – – –
or F = QE or F = QE
F = QE V d
+Q
mg
+Q + + + + + + + + +
+Q
mg mgd
Q  ne  
mg
E V
mg 
E
 Electrostatics 47

mg
In equilibrium QE  mg  E 
Q

Note :  In the above case if direction of electric field is suddenly reversed in any figure
then acceleration of charge particle at that instant will be a = 2g.
(ii) Charged particle suspended by a massless insulated string (like simple pendulum) :
Consider a charged particle (like Bob) of mass m, having charge Q is suspended in an electric
field as shown under the influence of electric field. It turned through an angle (say ) and comes
in equilibrium.

So, in the position of equilibrium (O position)


T sin   QE ….(i)  l E
T cos 

T cos   mg ….(ii) T 
T sin  QE
O
By squaring and adding equation (i) and (ii) T  QE 
2
 mg 
2

mg
O
QE QE
Dividing equation (i) by (ii) tan    θ  tan 1
mg mg

(iii) Equilibrium of suspended point charge system : Suppose two small balls having
charge +Q on each are suspended by two strings of equal length l. Then for equilibrium position
as shown in figure.

 
T sin   Fe ….(i) l l
T cos 
T cos   mg ….(ii) T


T 2  Fe   mg 
2 2 +Q Fe
T sin  +Q
x
mg
Fe 1 Q2 x
and tan   ; here Fe  and  l sin 
mg 4  0 x 2 2

(iv) Equilibrium of suspended point charge system in a liquid : In the previous

discussion if point charge system is taken into a liquid of density  such that  remain same
then
 
In equilibrium Fe'  T ' sin  and (mg  Vg)  T ' cos  l l
T cos
Fe' Q2 T 
 tan    
(mg  Vg) 4  0 K (mg  Vg)x 2 +Q F e
T sin +Q
x 
(mg –
Vg)
48 Electrostatics

Fe Q2
When this system was in air tan   
mg 4  0 mgx 2

1 1 m 1
 So equating these two gives us  K 
m k (m  V ) m  V  V 
1   
 m 

1
If  is the density of material of ball then K 
 ρ
 1  σ 
 
QE
Q
mg
Examples based on equilibrium of
charge
Example: 62 A charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining two equal charges Q. The system of the
three charges will be in equilibrium. If q is equal to
[CPMT 1999; MP PET 1999, MP PMT 1999; CBSE 1995; Bihar MEE 1995; IIT 1987]

Q Q Q Q
(a)  (b)  (c)  (d) 
2 4 4 2
2
 x /2
Solution: (b) By using Tricky formula q  Q  
 x 

Q Q
 q since q should be negative so q   .
4 4
46 Electrostatics

Example: 63 Two point charges +4q and +q are placed at a distance L apart. A third charge Q is so placed
that all the three charges are in equilibrium. Then location and magnitude of third charge
will be [IIT-JEE 1975]

L 4q
(a) At a distance from +4q charge,
3 9
L 4q
(b) At a distance from +4q charge, 
3 9
2L 4q
(c) At a distance from +4q charge, 
3 9
2L 4q
(d) At a distance from +q charge, 
3 9
Solution: (c) Let third charge be placed at a distance x 1 from +4q charge as shown

L 2L L Q
Now x 1    x2  +4q +q
q 3 3
1 x1 x2
4q
L
2
L/3 4q 4q
For equilibrium of q, Q  4 q    Q .
 L  9 9

Example: 64 A drop of 10 6 kg water carries 10 6 C charge. What electric field should be applied to
balance it’s weight (assume g = 10 m/sec2)
(a) 10 V / m, Upward (b) 10 V / m, Downward (c) 0.1 V/m Downward (d) 0.1V / m, Upward

Solution: (a) In equilibrium QE = mg

mg 10 6  10
E = = 10 V/m; Since charge is positive so electric field will be upward.
Q 10 6
Example: 65 A charged water drop of radii 0.1 m is under equilibrium in some electric field. The charge
on the drop is equivalent to electronic charge. The intensity of electric field is
(a) 1.61 N / C (b) 25 .2 N / C (c) 262 N / C (d) 1610 N / C

4 3 
 r  .g 6 3
  4  (3 .14 ) (0 .1  10 )  10  10 = 262 N/C
3
mg 3
Solution: (c) In equilibrium QE = mg ; E 
Q Q 3 1 . 6  10 19

Example: 66 The bob of a pendulum of mass 8 g carries an electric charge of 39.2  10 10 coulomb in an
electric field of 20  10 3 volt / meter and it is at rest. The angle made by the pendulum with the
vertical will be
(a) 27o (b) 45o (c) 87o (d) 127o
Solution: (b) T sin  qE , T cos  mg

 E
qE
 tan  
mg
T cos 
T 
T sin  qE

mg
 Electrostatics 47

39 . 2  10 10  20  10 3
tan   1
8  10 6  9 .8

   45 o
Example: 67 Two small spherical balls each carrying a charge Q = 10 C (10 micro-coulomb) are
suspended by two insulating threads of equal lengths 1 m each, from a point fixed in the
ceiling. It is found that in equilibrium threads are separated by an angle 60 o between them,
1
as shown in the figure. What is the tension in the threads. (Given :  9  10 9 Nm / C 2 )
4 0 
(a) 18 N
(b) 1.8 N 60
o

(c) 0.18 N
Q Q
(d) None of these
Solution: (b) From the geometry of figure
r = 1m 30o 30
o

1m 1m
In the condition of equilibrium T sin 30 o  Fe
T T cos 30o
30o
1 (10  10 6 ) 2
T   9  10 9 . +10  C Fe
2 12 r
T sin +10  C
30o mg
 T= 1.8 N
Example: 68 Two similar balloons filled with helium gas are tied to L m long strings. A body of mass m is
tied to another ends of the strings. The balloons float on air at distance r. If the amount of
charge on the balloons is same then the magnitude of charge on each balloon will be
1/2
 mgr 2 
(a)  tan  
 2k  r
1/2 Q Q
 2k 
(b)  2
tan  
 mgr 
1/ 2 L L
 mgr   
(c)  cot  
 2k 
1/2 m
 2k 
(d)  tan  
 mgr 
Solution: (a) In equilibrium
R R
2 R  mg …. (i) Fe  T sin …. (ii) R  T cos  …. (iii)
r
From equation (i) and (iii) Fe
T sin 
2T cos  mg …. (iv) T

Dividing equation (ii) by equation (iv) T cos  L L

 

mg
48 Electrostatics

Q2
k 1/2
1 F 1 2  mgr 2 
tan   e  tan   r     tan  
2 mg 2 mg  2k 

Time Period of Oscillation of a Charged Body.

(1) Simple pendulum based : If a simple pendulum having length l and mass of bob m
l
oscillates about it's mean position than it's time period of oscillation T  2 π
g
l

Case – 1 : If some charge say +Q is given to bob Case – 2 : If electric field is applied in the
and an electric field E is applied in the direction downward direction then.
as shown in figure then equilibrium position of Effective acceleration
charged bob (point charge) changes from O to  T
g'  g  QE / m l
O. 
So new time period E

E
d
 l
T2  2 π
g  QE/m 
mg + QE
l
O QE T2 < T
Case – 3 : In case 2 if electric field is applied
mg
mg  in upward direction then, effective acceleration.
O
g'  g  QE / m
 QE
So new time period
l 
On displacing the bob from it’s equilibrium E
l
T3  2 π
position 0. It will oscillate under the effective g  QE/m 
acceleration g, where T3 > T
mg
mg'  mg 2  QE 2
Case – 4 : In the case 3, QE
 g'  g 2  QE / m 2 O
T l
if T3  i.e., 2
l 2 g  QE / m 
Hence the new time period is T1  2 
g' E
1 l
 2  QE = 3 mg mg
2 g
l
T1  2 π
g 
1
2
 QE/m 2 2

Since g' >g, hence T1 < T

i.e., effective vertical force (gravity + electric)
 Electrostatics 49

i.e. time period of pendulum will decrease. on the bob = mg – 3 mg = – 2 mg, hence the
equilibrium position O of the bob will be above
the point of suspension and bob will oscillate
under on effective acceleration 2g directed
upward.
l
Hence new time period T4  2 π , T4 < T
2g

(2) Charged circular ring : A thin stationary ring of radius R has a positive charge +Q unit.
If a negative charge – q (mass m) is placed at a small distance x from the centre. Then motion of
the particle will be simple harmonic motion.
1 Qx
Electric field at the location of – q charge E  .
4  0
 
3
x2  R2 2 + + + +Q
+ +
1 Qx
Since x<< R, So x 2 neglected hence E  . 3 +
+
4 0 R +
+
R
–q
+
+ O
1 Qx x
Force experienced by charge – q is F  q . 3 + +
4 0 R +
+ +

 F   x hence motion is simple harmonic +

+
+

4 πε 0 mR 3
Having time period T  2 π
Qq
(3) Spring mass system : A block of mass m containing a negative charge – Q is placed on a
frictionless horizontal table and is connected to a wall through an
unstretched spring of spring constant k as shown. If electric field E
applied as shown in figure the block experiences an electric force,
hence spring compress and block comes in new position. This is called E
the equilibrium position of block under the influence of electric field. k m, – Q
If block compressed further or stretched, it execute oscillation having
m
time period T  2 π . Maximum compression in the spring due to
k
QE
electric field =
k
Neutral Point.
A neutral point is a point where resultant electrical field is zero. It is obtained where two
electrical field are equal and opposite. Thus neutral points can be obtained only at those points
where the resultant field is subtractive. Thus it can be obtained.
(1) At an internal point along the line joining two (2) At an external point along the line joining two
like charges (Due to a system of two like point like charges (Due to a system of two unlike point
charge) : Suppose two like charges. Q1 and Q2 are charge) : Suppose two unlike charge Q1 and Q2
separated by a distance x from each other along a line separated by a distance x from each other.
as shown in following figure. Q1
N N
Q1 Q2 Q2
x1 x2 l
x x
50 Electrostatics

If N is the neutral point at a distance x 1 from Q1 and at Here neutral point lies outside the line joining two unlike
charges and also it lies nearer to charge which is smaller
a distance x 2  x  x1  from Q 2 then – in magnitude.
At N | E.F. due to Q 1 |  | E.F. due to Q 2 | If Q1  Q 2 then neutral point will be obtained on the
2
1 Q1 1 Q2 Q1  x1  side of Q1 , suppose it is at a distance l from Q1
i.e., . = .   
4  0 x 12 4 0 x 22 Q2  x 2  2
kQ1 kQ2 Q1  l 
Hence at neutral point ;    
Short rick : x1 
x
and x 2 
x l2 x  l 2 Q2  x  l 
1  Q 2 /Q1 1  Q1 /Q 2 x

Note :  In the above formula if Q1  Q2 , neutral

Short rick : l 
Q 2 /Q 1  1 
point lies at the centre so remember that
resultant field at the midpoint of two equal
Note :  In the above discussion if | Q1 | | Q2 |

and like charges is zero. neutral point will be at infinity.

Zero Potential Due to a System of Two Point Charge.

If both charges are like then resultant potential is not zero at any finite point because
potentials due to like charges will have same sign and can therefore never add up to zero. Such
a point can be therefore obtained only at infinity.
If the charges are unequal and unlike then all such points where resultant potential is zero
lies on a closed curve, but we are interested only in those points where potential is zero along
the line joining the two charges.
Two such points exist, one lies inside and one lies outside the charges on the line joining
the charges. Both the above points lie nearer the smaller charge, as potential created by the
charge larger in magnitude will become equal to the potential created by smaller charge at the
desired point at larger distance from it.

I. For internal point : II. For External point :

P Q1 Q2
Q1 P
Q2
x1 x2 x1
x x

(It is assumed that Q1  Q2 ). Q1 Q2 x

  x1 
x1 x  x1  Q 2 /Q 1  1 
Q1 Q2 x
  x1 
x1 x  x1  Q 2 /Q 1  1 

N
Examples based on oscillation of charge and neutral
point
Example: 69 Two similar charges of +Q as shown in figure are placed at points A and B. – q charge is
placed at point C midway between A and B. – q charge will oscillate if

D
(a) It is moved towards A A B

C –q
 Electrostatics 51

(b) It is moved towards B +Q +Q

(c) It is moved along CD

(d) Distance between A and B is reduced
Solution: (c) When – q charge displaced along CD, a restoring force act on it which causes oscillation.
Example: 70 Two point charges (+Q) and (– 2Q) are fixed on the X-axis at positions a and 2a from origin
respectively. At what position on the axis, the resultant electric field is zero
3a
(a) Only x  2 a (b) Only x   2 a (c) Both x   2 a (d) x  only
2
Solution: (b) Let the electric field is zero at a point P distance d from the charge +Q so at P.
k .Q k (2Q)
 0
d 2 (a  d )2
1 2 a
   d P +Q – 2Q
d 2
(a  d ) 2
( 2  1)
x a
2a
d

Since d > a i.e. point P must lies on negative x-axis as shown at a distance x from origin
a
hence x  d  a   a  2 a . Actually P lies on negative x-axis so x   2 a .
2 1
Example: 71 Two charges 9e and 3e are placed at a distance r. The distance of the point where the
electric field intensity will be zero is
r r
(a)
 3 1  from 9e charge (b)
1 1 3
from 9e

charge
r r
(c)
1  3  from 3e charge (d)
1 1 3
from 3e

charge
Solution: (b) Suppose neutral point is obtained at a distance x 1 from charge 9e and x 2 from charge 3e

N
9e 3e
x r r
By using x 1  = 
Q2 3e  1  x1 x2
1 1 1   r
Q1 9e  3
Example: 72 Two point charges – Q and 2Q are separated by a distance R, neutral point will be obtained
at
R
(a) A distance of from – Q charge and lies between the charges.
( 2  1)
R
(b) A distance of from – Q charge on the left side of it
( 2  1)
R
(c) A distance of from 2Q charge on the right side of it
( 2  1)
52 Electrostatics

(d) A point on the line which passes perpendicularly through the centre of the line joining –
Q and 2Q charge.
Solution: (b) As already we discussed neutral point will be obtained on the side of charge which is
smaller in magnitude i.e. it will obtained on the left side of – Q charge and at a distance.
R R
l l
2Q ( 2  1)
1
Q
Example: 73 A charge of + 4C is kept at a distance of 50 cm from a charge of – 6C. Find the two points
where the potential is zero
(a) Internal point lies at a distance of 20 cm from 4C charge and external point lies at a
distance of 100 cm from 4C charge.
(b) Internal point lies at a distance of 30 cm from 4C charge and external point lies at a
distance of 100 cm from 4C charge
(c) Potential is zero only at 20 cm from 4C charge between the two charges
(d) Potential is zero only at 20 cm from – 6C charge between the two charges
x 50
Solution: (a) For internal point X, x1    20 cm and for external point Y,
 Q2  6 1
  1 
4
 Q1 
x 50 Y X
x1    100 cm 4C – 6C
 Q2  6
1
  1  20cm
4
 Q1  100cm 50c
m
Tricky example: 9

Two equal negative charges – q are fixed at points (0, a) and (0, – a) on the y-axis. A
positive charge Q is released from rest at the point (2a, 0) on the x-axis. The charge Q
will
[IIT-JEE 1984, Bihar MEE 1995, MP PMT 1996]

(a) Execute simple harmonic motion about the origin

(b) Move to the origin and remains at rest
(c) Move to infinity
(d) Execute oscillatory but not simple harmonic motion.
Solution: (d) By symmetry of problem the components of force on Q due to charges at A and B along
y-axis will cancel each other while along x-axis will add up and will be along CO.
Under the action of this force charge Q will move towards O.
A If at any time charge Q
–q
is at a distance x from O.
1 qQ x a
F  2 F cos   2 
4 0 (a 2  x 2 ) (a 2  x 2 )1 2
O 
Q
x C
1 2qQx
i.e., F
a 
.
4 0 2
 x2
3 2 a 2a

As the restoring force F is not linear, motion will be –q

B
oscillatory (with amplitude 2a) but not simple
 Electrostatics 53

harmonic.

Electric Potential Energy.

(1) Potential energy of a charge : Work done in bringing the given charge from infinity to
a point in the electric field is known as potential energy of the charge. Potential can also be
W U
written as potential energy per unit charge. i.e. V  .
Q Q

(2) Potential energy of a system of two charges : Since work done in bringing charge Q2
1 Q1
from  to point B is W  Q2 VB , where VB is potential of point B due to charge Q1 i.e. VB 
4 0 r

1 Q1Q2 Q1 Q2
So, W  U2  .
40 r
A B
r

This is the potential energy of charge Q2, similarly potential energy of charge Q1 will be
1 Q1Q2
U1  .
40 r
Q1Q2
Hence potential energy of Q1 = Potential energy of Q2 = potential energy of system U  k (in
r
Q1Q2
C.G.S. U  )
r
Note :  Electric potential energy is a scalar quantity so in the above formula take sign of Q1
and Q2.
(3) Potential energy of a system of n charges : In a system of n charges electric potential
energy is calculated for each pair and then all energies so obtained are added algebraically. i.e.
1 Q1Q2 Q2Q3 
U    .........  and in case of continuous distribution of charge. As dU  dQ.V 
40  r12 r23 


Q1
U  V dQ

e.g. Electric potential energy for a system of three charges r12 r31

1 Q1Q2 Q2Q3 Q3 Q1 
Potential energy     
40  r12 r23 r31  Q2 r23 Q3

1  Q1Q2 Q3 Q1 
While potential energy of any of the charge say Q1 is   
40  r12 r31 
54 Electrostatics

n (n  1)
Note :  For the expression of total potential energy of a system of n charges consider
2
number of pair of charges.
(4) Electron volt (eV) : It is the smallest practical unit of energy used in atomic and
nuclear physics. As electron volt is defined as “the energy acquired by a particle having one
1J
quantum of charge 1e when accelerated by 1volt” i.e. 1eV  1.6  10 19 C   1.6  10 19 J = 1.6 
C
10–12 erg
Energy acquired by a charged particle in eV when it is accelerated by V volt is E = (charge in
quanta) × (p.d. in volt)
Commonly asked examples :
S.No. Charge Accelerated by Gain in K.E.
p.d.
(i) Proton 5  104 V K = e  5  104 V = 5  104 eV = 8  10–15 J [JIPMER 1999]

(ii) Electron 100 V K = e  100 V = 100 eV = 1.6  10–17 J [MP PMT 2000; AFMC
1999]

(iii) Proton 1V K = e  1 V = 1 eV = 1.6  10–19 J [CBSE 1999]

(iv) 0.5 C 2000 V K = 0.5  2000 = 1000 J [JIPMER 2002]

(v) - 106 V K = (2e)  106 V = 2 MeV [MP PET/PMT 1998]

particle

(5) Electric potential energy of a uniformly charged sphere : Consider a uniformly

charged sphere of radius R having a total charge Q. The electric potential energy of this sphere
is equal to the work done in bringing the charges from infinity to assemble the sphere.
3Q 2
U
20 0 R
(6) Electric potential energy of a uniformly charged thin spherical shell :
Q2
U
80 R
(7) Energy density : The energy stored per unit volume around a point in an electric field
is given by
U 1 1
Ue    0 E 2 . If in place of vacuum some medium is present then Ue   0  r E 2
Volume 2 2

Concepts

 Electric potential energy is not localised but is distributed all over the field

 If a charge moves from one position to another position in an electric field so it’s potential energy change and
 Electrostatics 55

work done in this changing is W  U f  U i

 If two similar charge comes closer potential energy of system increases while if two dissimilar charge comes
closer potential energy of system decreases.

Q q
 U=0
Examples based on electric potential
energy
Example: 74 If the distance of separation between two charges is increased, the electrical potential
energy of the system
[AMU 1998]

(a) May increases or decrease (b) Decreases

(c) Increase (d) Remain the same
Q1 Q 2
Solution: (a) Since we know potential energy U  k .
r
As r increases, U decreases in magnitude. However depending upon the fact whether both
charges are similar or disimilar, U may increase or decrease.
Example: 75 Three particles, each having a charge of 10 C are placed at the corners of an equilateral
triangle of side 10cm. The electrostatic potential energy of the system is (Given
1
 9  10 9 N  m 2 /C 2 )
4 0
[AMU 1998]

(a) Zero (b) Infinite (c) 27 J (d) 100 J

Solution: (c) Potential energy of the system, 10 C

 (10  10 6 ) 2 
U  9  10 9   3 = 27 J
 0.1  10 cm 10 cm

10 C 10 C
10 cm

Example: 76 Three charges Q, +q and +q are placed at the vertices of a right-angled isosceles triangle as
shown. The net electrostatic energy of the configuration is zero if Q is equal to

Q
q
(a)
1 2

 2q
(b)
1 2
+q +q
(c) – 2 q a
(d) +q
Qq k .q 2 Qq  2q
Solution: (b) Potential energy of the configuration U  k .   k. 0  Q
a a a 2 2 1
56 Electrostatics

Example: 77 A charge 10 e.s.u. is placed at a distance of 2 cm from a charge 40 e.s.u. and 4 cm from
another charge of 20 e.s.u. The potential energy of the charge 10 e.s.u. is (in ergs)
(a) 87.5 (b) 112.5 (c) 150 (d) 250
10 esu
Solution: (d) Potential energy of 10 e.s.u. charge is
10  40 10  20
U   250 erg. 2 cm
2 4 4 cm

40 esu

20 esu
Example: 78 In figure are shown charges q1 = + 2 × 10 C and q2 = – 0.4 × 10 C. A charge q3 = 0.2 × 10–
–8 –8

8
C in moved along the arc of a circle from C to D. The potential energy of q3
q3
C

(a) Will increase approximately by 76%

80 cm
(b) Will decreases approximately by 76%
A B
(c) Will remain same
D
60 cm
(d) Will increases approximately by 12% q1 q2

q q q q 
Solution: (b) Initial potential energy of q3 U i   1 3  2 3   9  10 9 q3
 0 . 8 1 
C
q q q q 
Final potential energy of q3 U f   1 3  2 3   9  10 9
 0 .8 0 .2 
cm
80

Change in potential energy = Uf – Ui

U f  Ui A B
Now percentage change in potential energy   100 D
ui 60 cm
q1 q2
80 cm
 1 
q2q3   1   100
  0 . 2  On putting the values ~–  76 %
 q1 q 2 
q3   
 0 .8 1 

Tricky example: 10

Three charged particles are initially in position 1. They are free to move and they
come in position 2 after some time. Let U1 and U2 be the electrostatics potential
energies in position 1 and 2. Then
(a) U1 > U2 (b) U2 > U1

(c) U1 = U2 (d) U2  U1
Solution: (a) Particles move in a direction where potential energy of the system is decreased.
 Electrostatics 57

Motion of Charged Particle in an Electric Field.

(1) When charged particle initially at rest is placed in the uniform field :

Let a charge particle of mass m and charge Q be initially at rest in an electric field of
strength E

 E
E
+Q F = QE

A B

F=QE –Q S

Fig. Fig.
(A) (B)

(i) Force and acceleration : The force experienced by the charged particle is F  QE .
Positive charge experiences force in the direction of electric field while negative charge
experiences force in the direction opposite to the field. [Fig. (A)]

F QE
Acceleration produced by this force is a  
m m
Since the field E in constant the acceleration is constant, thus motion of the particle is
uniformly accelerated.

(ii) Velocity : Suppose at point A particle is at rest and in time t, it reaches the point B [Fig.
(B)]

V = Potential difference between A and B; S = Separation between A and B

E QEt
(a) By using v  u  at , v0Q t,  v
m m

QE 2QV  V 2QV
(b) By using v 2  u 2  2as , v 2  0  2  s v2   E    v 
m m  s m

QEt 2QV
(iii) Momentum : Momentum p = mv, p  m   QEt or p  m   2mQV
m m

(iv) Kinetic energy : Kinetic energy gained by the particle in time t is

2 2 2 2
1 1 (QEt ) Q E t
K mv 2
 m 
2 2 m 2m

1 2QV
or K m  QV
2 m
(2) When a charged particle enters with an initial velocity at right angle to the uniform
field :
58 Electrostatics

When charged particle enters perpendicularly in an electric field, it describe a parabolic

path as shown

(i) Equation of trajectory : Throughout the motion particle has uniform velocity along x-
axis and horizontal displacement (x) is given by the equation x = ut

Since the motion of the particle is accelerated along y–axis, we will use equation of motion
1
for uniform acceleration to determine displacement y. From S  ut  at 2
Y2
E
1 2
We have u  0 (along y-axis) so y at
2
P(x, y)
i.e., displacement along y-axis will increase rapidly with time (sinceu y  t ) 2
X

x
From displacement along x-axis t 
u
2
1  QE   x 
So y      ; this is the equation of parabola which shows y  x 2
2  m  u 

QEt
(ii) Velocity at any instant : At any instant t, v x  u and v y 
m v

Q2 E2t2 vy
So v | v |  v x2  v y2  u 2 
m2

vy vx
QEt
If  is the angle made by v with x-axis than tan    .
vx mu

Concepts

 An electric field is completely characterized by two physical quantities Potential and Intensity. Force
characteristic of the field is intensity and work characteristic of the field is potential.

 If a charge particle (say positive) is left free in an electric field, it experiences a force (F  QE) in the direction
of electric field and moves in the direction of electric field (which is desired by electric field), so its kinetic
energy increases, potential energy decreases, then work is done by the electric field and it is negative.


E
Q
Examples based on motion of
charge
Example: 79 An electron (mass = 9.1  10 31 kg and charge = 1.6  10 19 coul.) is sent in an electric field of
intensity 1  10 6 V / m. How long would it take for the electron, starting from rest, to attain
one–tenth the velocity of light

(a) 1.7  10 12 sec (b) 1.7  10 6 sec (c) 1.7  10 8 sec (d) 1.7  10 10 sec
 Electrostatics 59

QEt 1 (1 . 6  10 19 )  10 6  t
Solution: (b) By using v    3  10 8   t  1.7  10 10 sec .
m 10 9 . 1  10  31

Example: 80 Two protons are placed 10 10 m apart. If they are repelled, what will be the kinetic energy
of each proton at very large distance

(a) 23  10 19 J (b) 11 .5  10 19 J (c) 2.56  10 19 J (d) 2.56  10 28 J

Solution: (d) Potential energy of the system when protons are separated by a distance of 10 10 m is

9  10 9  (1 . 6  10 19 ) 2
U 10
 23  10 19 J P+ p+
10
According to law of conservation of energy at very larger distance, this energy is equally
distributed in both the protons as their kinetic energy hence K.E. of each proton will be
11 .5  10 19 J.

Example: 81 A particle A has a charge +q and particle B has charge +4q with each of them having the
same mass m. When allowed to fall from rest through the same electrical potential
vA
difference, the ratio of their speeds will becomes
vB

(a) 2 : 1 (b) 1 : 2 (c) 1 : 4 (d) 4 : 1

1
Solution: (b) We know that kinetic energy K  mv 2  QV . Since, m and V are same so, v 2  Q 
2
vA QA q 1
   .
vB QB 4q 2

Example: 82 How much kinetic energy will be gained by an   particle in going from a point at 70 V to
another point at 50 V [RPET 1996]

(a) 40 eV (b) 40 keV (c) 40 MeV (d) 0 eV

Solution: (a) Kinetic energy K  QV  K  (2e ) (70  50 ) V  40 eV

Example: 83 A particle of mass 2g and charge 1 C is held at a distance of 1 metre from a fixed charge of
1mC . If the particle is released it will be repelled. The speed of the particle when it is at a
distance of 10 metres from the fixed charge is
(a) 100 m/s (b) 90 m/s (c) 60 m/s (d) 45 m/s
Solution: (b) According to conservation of energy
1 mC 1 C

A
Moving B
Fixed charge
1m
charge
10m

Energy of moving charge at A  Energy of moving charge at B

10 3  10 6 10 3  10 6 1
9  10 9   9  10 9    (2  10  3 ) v 2
1 10 2
60 Electrostatics

 v 2  8100  v  90 m/sec

Tricky example: 11

A mass of 1g carrying charge q falls through a potential difference V. The kinetic

energy acquired by it is E. When a mass of 2g carrying the charge q falls through a
potential difference V. What will be the kinetic energy acquired by it

(a) 0.25 E (b) 0.50 E (c) 0.75 E (d) E

Solution: (d) In electric field kinetic energy gain by the charged particle K = qV. Which depends
charge and potential difference applied but not on the mass of the charged particle.

Force on a Charged Conductor.

To find force on a charged conductor (due to repulsion of like charges) imagine a small part
XY to be cut and just separated from the rest of the conductor MLN. The field in the cavity due
to the rest of the conductor is E2, while field due to small part is E
E21. Then
E 1

X E2
M +++ Y
Inside the conductor E  E1  E2  0 or E1  E2 +
+ + +
+ +
+ N + +
E2 + +
 + E1 + + + +
Outside the conductor E  E1  E2  + + + +
0 +
Inside
E=0 + + +
+
L +
+ + + ++

Thus E1  E2  (A) (B)
2 0
To find force, imagine charged part XY (having charge  dA placed in the cavity MN having
2
field E2). Thus force dF  ( dA )E2 or dF  dA . The force per unit area or electric pressure is
2 0
dF  2

dA 2 0
The force is always outwards as ( )2 is positive i.e., whether charged positively or
negatively, this force will try to expand the charged body.
A soap bubble or rubber balloon expands on given charge to it (charge of any kind + or –).
Equilibrium of Charged Soap Bubble.
For a charged soap bubble of radius R and surface tension T and charge density  . The
T
pressure due to surface tension 4 and atmospheric pressure Pout act radially inwards and the
R
electrical pressure (Pel ) acts radially outward.
4T  2
The total pressure inside the soap bubble Pin  Pout  
R 2 0
 Electrostatics 61

4T  2
Excess pressure inside the charged soap bubble Pin  Pout  Pexcess   . If air pressure
R 2 0
4T 2
inside and outside are assumed equal then Pin  Pout i.e., Pexcess  0 . So, 
R 2 0
This result give us the following formulae Pout Pout

8 0 T ai + +
Pelec
(1) Radius of bubble R  r PT
 2
ai
PT r Pin
 R 2 Pin
(2) Surface tension T 
8 0
+ +

Uncharged Charged
(3) Total charge on the bubble Q  8R 2 0 TR

8T 32 kT
(4) Electric field intensity at the surface of the bubble E  
0 R R
8 RT
(5) Electric potential at the surface V  3RTk 
0
60 Electrostatics

Electric Dipole.
(1) General information : System of two equal and opposite charges separated by a small
fixed distance is called a dipole.

Equatorial
axis
A B

– +q Dipole
q 2l axis

(i) Dipole axis : Line joining negative charge to positive charge of a dipole is called its axis.
It may also be termed as its longitudinal axis.
(ii) Equatorial axis : Perpendicular bisector of the dipole is called its equatorial or
transverse axis as it is perpendicular to length.
(iii) Dipole length : The distance between two charges is known as dipole length (L = 2l)
(iv) Dipole moment : It is a quantity which gives information about the strength of dipole.
It is a vector quantity and is directed from negative charge to positive charge along the axis. It

is denoted as p and is defined as the product of the magnitude of either of the charge and the
dipole length.
 
i.e. p  q (2 l )

Its S.I. unit is coulomb-metre or Debye (1 Debye = 3.3 × 10–30 C  m) and its dimensions are
M0L1T1A1.

Note :  A region surrounding a stationary electric dipole has electric field only.
 When a dielectric is placed in an electric field, its atoms or molecules are
considered as tiny dipoles.

+ – +

 Water (H2O), Chloroform (CHCl3), Ammonia (NH3), HCl, CO molecules are some
example of permanent electric dipole.

+ H+

O2– –
–

+ H+
 Electrostatics 61

(2) Electric field and potential due to an electric dipole : It is better to understand
electric dipole with magnetic dipole.

S.No. Electric dipole Magnetic dipole

(i) System of two equal and opposite charges System of two equal and opposite magnetic
separated by a small fixed distance. poles (Bar magnet) separated by a small
A B
fixed distance.– m +m
–q +q S N
2l
 M
p

   
(ii) Electric dipole moment : p  q (2l ) , directed Magnetic dipole moment : M  m (2l ) ,
from  q to +q. It’s S.I. unit is coulomb × directed from S to N. It’s S.I. unit is ampere
meter or Debye. × meter2.

(iii) Intensity of electric field Intensity of magnetic field


E 
e e B
 
E g Be g
e
Equatorial Equatorial
line line
 +  +
 S N 
–q +q a Ea a
2l 2l Ba
 Axial  Axial
p M
line line

If a, e and g are three points on axial, If a, e and g are three points on axial,
equatorial and general position at a equatorial and general position at a distance
distance r from the centre of dipole r from the centre of dipole
1 2p 0 2 M
on axial point E a  . (directed from – q on axial point Ba  . (directed from S
4 0 r 3 4 r 3
to +q) to N)
1 p 0 M
on equatorial point Ee  . (directed from +q on equatorial point Be  . (directed from
4 0 r 3 4 r 3

to –q) N to S)
1 p 0 M
on general point E a  . (3 cos 2   1) on general point B a  . (3 cos 2   1)
4 0 r 3 4 r 3
       
Angle between – E a and p is 0o, Ee and p is Angle between – B a and M is 0o, B e and M
   
180o, E and p is ( + ) (where is 180o, B and M is ( + ) (where
1
tan  
1
tan  ) tan   tan  )
2 2

1 p
Electric Potential – At a Va  . , At e
4 0 r 2

V 0
62 Electrostatics

1 p cos 
At g V  .
4 0 r2

(3) Dipole (electric/magnetic) in uniform field (electric/magnetic)

 
(i) Torque : If a dipole is placed in an uniform field such that dipole (i.e. p or M ) makes
an angle  with direction of field then two equal and opposite force acting on dipole constitute a
couple whose tendency is to rotate the dipole hence a torque is developed in it and dipole tries
to align it self in the direction of field.

Consider an electric dipole in placed in an A magnetic dipole of magnetic moment M is

uniform electric field such that dipole (i.e. p ) placed in uniform magnetic field B by making
an angle  as shown
makes an angle  with the direction of electric
field as shown
A M
+q F=
N F = mB
 qE
–q 
F= F = mB S
qE B

(a) Net force on electric dipole Fnet  0 (a) Net force on magnetic dipole Fnet  0

(b) Produced torque  = pE sin (  P  E ) (b) torque  = MB sin (  M  B )

(ii) Work : From the above discussion it is clear that in an uniform electric/magnetic field
dipole tries to align itself in the direction of electric field (i.e. equilibrium position). To change
it’s angular position some work has to be done.
Suppose an electric/magnetic dipole is kept in an uniform electric/magnetic field by
making an angle 1 with the field, if it is again turn so that it makes an angle 2 with the field,
work done in this process is given by the formula

+q +q E B
M
1 2 1 2

–q
–q

W  pE(cos  1  cos  2 ) W  MB(cos  1  cos  2 )

If 1 = 0o and 2 =  i.e. initially dipole is If 1 = 0o and 2 =  then W = MB(1 – cos)
kept along the field then it turn through 
 Electrostatics 63

so work done W  pE(1  cos )

(iii) Potential energy : In case of a dipole (in a uniform field), potential energy of dipole is
defined as work done in rotating a dipole from a direction perpendicular to the field to the given
direction i.e. if 1 = 90o and 2 =  then –

E B
P M
P M
 

W  U  pE (cos 90  cos  )  U = – pE cos W  U  MB (cos 90  cos  )  U = – MB cos

(iv) Equilibrium of dipole : We know that, for any equilibrium net torque and net force on
a particle (or system) should be zero.
We already discussed when a dipole is placed in an uniform electric/magnetic field net
force on dipole is always zero. But net torque will be zero only when  = 0o or 180o
When  = 0o i.e. dipole is placed along the electric field it is said to be in stable equilibrium,
because after turning it through a small angle, dipole tries to align itself again in the direction
of electric field.
When  = 180o i.e. dipole is placed opposite to electric field, it is said to be in unstable
equilibrium.

 
p M
     
E E E B B B
  
p M M

 = 0o  = 90O  = 180o  = 0o  = 90O  = 180o

Stable equilibrium Unstable Stable equilibrium
equilibrium Unstable equilibrium
=0 max = pE =0 =0 max = MB =0
W=0 W = pE Wmax = 2pE W=0 W = MB Wmax = 2MB
Umin = – pE U=0 Umax = pE Umin = – MB U=0 Umax = MB

(v) Angular SHM : In a uniform electric/magnetic field (intensity E/B) if a dipole

(electric/magnetic) is slightly displaced from it’s stable equilibrium position it executes angular
SHM having period of oscillation. If I = moment of inertia of dipole about the axis passing
through it’s centre and perpendicular to it’s length.
64 Electrostatics

I I
For electric dipole : T  2 and For Magnetic dipole : T  2
pE MB
(vi) Dipole-point charge interaction : If a point charge/isolated magnetic pole is placed
in dipole field at a distance r from the mid point of dipole then force experienced by point
1
charge/pole varies according to the relation F  3
r
(vii) Dipole-dipole interaction : When two dipoles placed closed to each other, they
experiences a force due to each other. If suppose two dipoles (1) and (2) are placed as shown in
figure then
Both the dipoles are placed in the field of one another hence potential energy dipole (2) is
1 2 p1
U 2   p 2 E1 cos 0   p 2 E1   p 2  . 1
E2
2
E1
4 0 r 3
O O

dU –q
dU +q –q +q
then by using F   , Force on dipole (2) is F2   2
P1 P2
dr dr r
d  1 2 p1 p 2  1 6 p1 p 2
 F2    .   .
dr  4 0 r 3
 4 0 r4
1 6 p1 p 2 1 6 p1 p 2
Similarly force experienced by dipole (1) F1   . so F1  F2   .
40 r 4
4 0 r4
1 6 p1 p 2 1
Negative sign indicates that force is attractive. | F |  . and F 
40 r 4
r4

S. No. Relative position of dipole Force Potential energy

(i) –q +q –q +q 1 6 p1 p 2 1 2 p1 p 2
. (attractive) .
  4 0 r 4 4 0 r3
P1 P2

(ii) 1 3p p 1 p p
+q +q . 14 2 (repulsive) . 1 2
4 0 r 4 0 r 3
 
P1 P2

–q –q
r

(iii) 1 3p p 0
+q . 14 2 (perpendicular to
4 0 r
 –q +q
P1 r)

P2
–q
r
 Electrostatics 65

Note :  Same result can also be obtained for magnetic dipole.

(4) Electric dipole in non-uniform electric field : When an electric dipole is placed in a
non-uniform field, the two charges of dipole experiences unequal forces, therefore the net force
on the dipole is not equal to zero. The magnitude of the force is given by the negative derivative
of the potential energy w.r.t. distance along the axis of the dipole i.e.
dU dE
F   p . .
dr dr qE
+q
Due to two unequal forces, a torque is produced which rotate the
qE
dipole so as to align it in the direction of field. When the dipole gets –q
aligned with the field, the torque becomes zero and then the
unbalanced force acts on the dipole and the dipole then moves
linearly along the direction of field from weaker portion of the field E > E
to the stronger portion of the field. So in non-uniform electric field
(i) Motion of the dipole is translatory and rotatory
(ii) Torque on it may be zero.

Concepts

 For a short dipole, electric field intensity at a point on the axial line is double than at a point on the
equatorial line on electric dipole i.e. E axial = 2Eequatorial
1
 It is intresting to note that dipole field E  decreases much rapidly as compared to the field of a point charge
r3
 1 
 E  .
 r2 

– +q Examples based on electric

q dipole
Example: 84 If the magnitude of intensity of electric field at a distance x on axial line and at a distance y
on equatorial line on a given dipole are equal, then x : y is
3
(a) 1 : 1 (b) 1 : 2 (c) 1 : 2 (d) 2 :1
1 2p 1 p x
Solution: (d) According to the question .  .   (2)1 / 3 : 1
4  0 x 3 4  0 y 3
y
Example: 85 Three charges of (+2q), (– q) and (– q) are placed at the corners A, B and C of an equilateral
triangle of side a as shown in the adjoining figure. Then the dipole moment of this
combination is [MP PMT 1994; CPMT 1994]

+2q
(a) qa A
(b) Zero
a a
(c) q a 3
B C
–q a –q
66 Electrostatics

2
(d) qa
3
Solution: (c) The charge +2q can be broken in +q, +q. Now as shown in figure we have two equal dipoles
inclined at an angle of 60o. Therefore resultant dipole moment will be
P P
p net  p 2  p 2  2 pp cos 60

 3p 60O

 3 qa
Example: 86 An electric dipole is placed along the x-axis at the origin O. A point P is at a distance of 20

cm from this origin such that OP makes an angle with the x-axis. If the electric field at P
3
makes an angle  with x-axis, the value of  would be
  3  2  3
(a)  tan 1 
(b)  (c) (d) tan 1  
3 3   3  2 
 2   
Solution: (b) According to question we can draw following figure.y
 E
As we have discussed earlier in theory   
3 P
1  3 
tan   tan    tan 1
2 3 2
/3 
3 1  x
So,    tan O p
3 2
Example: 87 An electric dipole in a uniform electric field experiences
(a) Force and torque both (b) Force but no torque (c) Torque but no
force (d) No force and no torque
Solution: (c) In uniform electric field Fnet = 0, net  0
Example: 89 Two opposite and equal charges 4 × 10–8 coulomb when placed 2 × 10–2 cm away, form a
dipole. If this dipole is placed in an external electric field 4 × 10 8 newton/coulomb, the
value of maximum torque and the work done in rotating it through 180 o will be
(a) 64 × 10–4 Nm and 64 × 10–4 J (b) 32 × 10–4 Nm and 32 × 10–4 J
(c) 64 × 10–4 Nm and 32 × 10–4 J (d) 32 × 10–4 Nm and 64 × 10–4 J
Solution: (d) max = pE and Wmax = 2pE  p = Q × 2l = 4 × 10–8 × 2 × 10–2 × 10–2 = 8 × 10–12 C-m
So, max = 8 × 10–12 × 4 × 108 = 32 × 10–4 N-m and Wmax = 2 × 32 × 10–4 = 64 × 10–4 J
Example: 90 A point charge placed at any point on the axis of an electric dipole at some large distance
experiences a force F. The force acting on the point charge when it’s distance from the
dipole is doubled is
[CPMT 1991; MNR 1986]

F F F
(a) F (b) (c) (d)
2 4 8
1
Solution: (d) Force acting on a point charge in dipole field varies as F  where r is the distance of
r3
F
point charge from the centre of dipole. Hence if r makes double so new force F'  .
8
 Electrostatics 67

Example: 91 A point particle of mass M is attached to one end of a massless rigid non-conducting rod of
length L. Another point particle of the same mass is attached to other end of the rod. The
two particles carry charges +q and – q respectively. This arrangement is held in a region of
a uniform electric field E such that the rod makes a small angle  (say of about 5 degrees)
with the field direction (see figure). Will be minimum time, needed for the rod to become
parallel to the field after it is set free [CPMT 1995]

+q
 E
–q

mL  mL 3 mL 2mL
(a) t  2 (b) t  (c) t  (d) t  
2 pE 2 2qE 2 2 pE qE
Solution: (b) In the given situation system oscillate in electric field with maximum angular displacement
.
It’s time period of oscillation (similar to dipole)
I
T  2 where I = moment of inertia of the system and p  qL
pE
T  I
Hence the minimum time needed for the rod becomes parallel to the field is t  
4 2 pE
2 2
L L ML 2  ML 2  ML
Here I  M  M    t 
2 2 2 2 2  qL  E 2 2qE

Tricky example: 12

An electric dipole is placed at the origin O and is directed along the x-axis. At a point
P, far away from the dipole, the electric field is parallel to y-axis. OP makes an angle 
with the x-axis then
1
(a) tan   3 (b) tan   2 (c)  = 45o (d) tan  
2
Solution: (b) As we know that in this case electric field makes an angle
Y  + with the direction of
dipole E

1 P
Where tan   tan 
2
Here  + = 90o    90    X
O 
1 1
Hence tan(90   )  tan   cot   tan  P
2 2
 tan 2   2  tan   2

Electric Flux.
(1) Area vector : In many cases, it is convenient to treat area of a surface as a vector. The
length of the vector represents the magnitude of the area and its direction is along the outward

drawn normal to the area. ds

Area ds
68 Electrostatics

(2) Electric flux : The electric flux linked with any surface in an electric field is basically a
measure of total number of lines of forces passing normally through the surface. or
Electric flux through an elementary area ds is defined as the scalar product of area of field
i.e. d  E  ds  E ds cos 

Hence flux from complete area (S)    E ds cos  = ES cos 

ds 
E
If  = 0 , i.e. surface area is perpendicular to the electric field,
o

so flux linked with it will be max.


i.e. max = E ds and if  = 90o, min = 0
(3) Unit and Dimensional Formula ds

N C
S.I. unit – (volt × m) or
m2
It’s Dimensional formula – (ML3T–3A– 1)
(4) Types : For a closed body outward flux is taken to be positive, while inward flux is to
be negative

n E

Body Body

Positive – flux Negative-flux

(A) (B)

Gauss’s Law.
(1) Definition : According to this law, total electric flux through a closed surface enclosing
1 1
a charge is times the magnitude of the charge enclosed i.e.   (Q enc . )
0 0
(2) Gaussian Surface : Gauss’s law is valid for symmetrical charge distribution. Gauss’s
law is very helpful in calculating electric field in those cases where electric field is symmetrical
around the source producing it. Electric field can be calculated very easily by the clever choice
of a closed surface that encloses the source charges. Such a surface is called “Gaussian surface”.
This surface should pass through the point where electric field is to be calculated and must have
a shape according to the symmetry of source.
 Electrostatics 69

e.g. If suppose a charge Q is placed at the centre of a hemisphere, then to calculate the flux
through this body, to encloses the first charge we will have to imagine a Gaussian surface. This
imaginary Gaussian surface will be a hemisphere as shown.

Q
Net flux through this closed body  
0
Q

Q
Hence flux coming out from given hemisphere is   .
2 0

(3) Zero flux : The value of flux is zero in the following circumstances

(i) If a dipole is enclosed by a surface (ii) If the magnitude of positive and

negative charges are equal inside a closed
surface
+q
  0; Q enc  0
–q +q +4q

–5q
Q enc  0,
so,  = 0
(iii) If a closed body (not enclosing any charge) is placed in an electric field (either
uniform or non-uniform) total flux linked with it will be zero

Spher
e

2
2
 in  R E  0  out  R E T  0
T
y 
ds

E


 ds x
ds
a
a

T  0  in   out  E a 2

(4) Flux emergence : Flux linked with a closed body is independent of the shape and size of
the body and position of charge inside it

Q Q Q
Q

Q
Q
T 
Q Q T 
T  T  
   0
0 0 0
70 Electrostatics

(i) If a hemispherical body is placed in (ii) If a hemispherical body is placed in

uniform electric field then flux linked with non-uniform electric field as shown below.

the curved surface E then flux linked with the curved surface.

R R

n̂
 curved  2R 2 E n̂

 curved  R 2 E

(v) If charge is kept at the centre of cube (iv) If charge is kept at the centre of a face

1
 total  .(Q)
0
Q
Q
 face 
6 0
First we should enclosed the charge by
assuming a Gaussian surface (an identical
imaginary cube)
Q Q
 corner   edge  Q
8 0 12  0  total 
0
Q
Q
 cube  (i.e. from 5 face
2 0
only)
1 Q  Q
 face     .
5  2 0  10  0

Concept
1
 In C.G.S.  0  . Hence if 1C charge is enclosed by a closed surface so flux through the surface will be
4
  4 .

Example based on electric flux and Gauss’s

law
Example: 91 Electric charge is uniformly distributed along a long straight wire of radius 1 mm. The
charge per cm length of the wire is Q coulomb. Another cylindrical surface of radius 50 cm
and length 1 m symmetrically encloses the wire as shown in the figure. The total electric
flux passing through the cylindrical surface is [MP PET 2001]
 Electrostatics 71

Q +
(a)
0 +
+

100 Q
(b)
0 1m
10 Q
(c)
( 0 ) +
+ 50
100 Q + cm
(d)
( 0 )
Solution: (b) Given that charge per cm length of the wire is Q. Since 100 cm length of the wire is
enclosed so Q enc  100 Q

100 Q
 Electric flux emerging through cylindrical surface   .
0
Example: 92 A charge Q is situated at the corner A of a cube, the electric flux through the one face of the
cube is
[CPMT 2000]
Q

Q Q Q Q
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6 0 8 0 24  0 2 0
Solution: (c) For the charge at the corner, we require eight cube to symmetrically enclose it in a
Q
Gaussian surface. The total flux  T  . Therefore the flux through one cube will be
0
Q
 cube  . The cube has six faces and flux linked with three faces (through A) is zero, so
8 0

flux linked with remaining three faces will . Now as the remaining three are identical
8 0
1 1  Q  1 Q
so flux linked with each of the three faces will be      .
3  8   0  24  0
Example: 93 A square of side 20 cm is enclosed by a surface of sphere of 80 cm radius. Square and
sphere have the same centre. Four charges + 2 × 10 –6 C, – 5 × 10– 6 C, – 3 × 10– 6 C, +6 × 10– 6
C are located at the four corners of a square, then out going total flux from spherical
surface in N–m2/C will be [RPMT 1989]

(a) Zero (b) (16 ) × 10– 6 (c) (8) × 10–6 (d) 36 × 10–6
Solution: (a) Since charge enclosed by Gaussian surface is
enc .  (2  10 6  5  10 6  3  10 6  6  10 6 )  0 so   0
Example: 94 In a region of space, the electric field is in the x-direction and proportional to x, i.e.,
E  E xˆi . Consider an imaginary cubical volume of edge a, with its edges parallel to the
0
axes of coordinates. The charge inside this cube is
72 Electrostatics

1 1
(a) Zero (b)  0 E 0 a 3 (c) E0 a 3 (d)  0 E0 a 2
0 6
Solution: (b) The field at the face ABCD = E0 x 0ˆi .
 Flux over the face ABCD = – (E0x0)a2 Y C G

The negative sign arises as the field is directed into the H

D
a
cube.
x0
The field at the face EFGH = E0 (x 0  a)ˆi. B F
E a
 Flux over the face EFGH = E0 (x 0  a) a 2 A a
X
The flux over the other four faces is zero as the field is
parallel to the surfaces. Z

1
 Total flux over the cube  E0 a 2  q
2
where q is the total charge inside the cube.  q   0 E0 a 3 .

Tricky example: 13

In the electric field due to a point charge + Q a spherical closed surface is drawn as
shown by the dotted circle. The electric flux through the surface drawn is zero by
Gauss’s law. A conducting sphere is inserted intersecting the previously drawn
Gaussian surface. The electric flux through the surface
(a) Still remains zero +Q
(b) Non zero but positive
(c) Non-zero but negative
(d) Becomes infinite
Solution: (b) Due to induction some positive charge will lie within the Gaussian surface drawn and
hence flux becomes something positive.

Application of Gauss’s Law.

Gauss’s law is a powerful tool for calculating electric field in case of symmetrical charge
distribution by choosing a Gaussian surface in such away that E is either parallel or
perpendicular to it’s various faces.
e.g. Electric field due to infinitely long line of charge : Let us
+ n̂
consider a uniformly charged wire of infinite length having a constant 2 +

 charge 
+
+a
linear charge density is     . Let P be a point distant r from the
 length  l +
+
P
+
wire at which the electric field is to be calculated.
1
n̂
 Electrostatics 73

Draw a cylinder (Gaussian surface) of radius r and length l around the line charge which
encloses the charge Q ( Q   . l ). Cylindrical Gaussian surface has three surfaces; two circular
and one curved for surfaces (1) and (2) angle between electric field and normal to the surface is
90o i.e.,   90 o .
So flux linked with these surfaces will be zero. Hence total flux will pass through curved
surface and it is

   E ds cos  …. (i)

According to Gauss’s law

Q
 …. (ii)
0
Q
Equating equation (i) and (ii)  E ds   0

Q Q
 
E ds 
0
 Ex 2rl 
0

Q  2k   1 
 E   K  
20 rl 20 r r  40 