Electrostatics

q q 
1. Introduction F1 F  1 2 
q1 r q2  
1.1 A matter is made of few fundamental
F1  q1 q 2 
particles e.g. electrons, protons, neutrons etc.  
q1 r F q2    
1.2 Apart from other properties, the particles (e–, p+)
possess mass and charge. 4. Superposition principle
2. Charge q2
r  q
2.1 The charge is the property associated with F3  r

matter, which produces and experiences q1 r F q F1
4 F2
electrical effects. The study of electrical r
effects of charge at rest is called q
electrostatics. Net force on the charge q is
    
2.2 S.I. Unit of charge is coulomb. F = F1 + F2 + F3 + F4 .
2.3 A charge body attracts uncharged or neutral Force on charge q due to the charge q1 is
body.
independent of the presence or absence of
2.4 There is force of repulsion between same other charges around.
nature of charges.
2.5 Charge is quantized, charge on any body is 5. Electric field Intensity
integral multiple of electronic charge.
Q = ± ne 5.1 Electric field intensity at a point is a force
experienced by a unit positive point charge
2.6 For an isolated system total charged remains both in magnitude and direction. If a test
constant although there may be some
charge q0 is placed at a point in an electric
redistribution of charges within the 
constituents of the system. field and it experiences force F , the electric

 F
3. Coulomb’s law field intensity at that point is given by E = ,
q0
3.1 It is applicable for two point charge at rest. Thus [F = q0E]
3.2 The magnitude of force between two point q0 is test charge which should be small
charges is directly proportional to the product otherwise it will affect the charge distribution
of charges and inversely proportional to the
causing the electric field and hence modify
square of the distance between them
the quantity which is to be measured.
r
q1 q 5.2 It is a vector quantity. Its direction is the same
1 q1 q 2 as the force experienced by positive charge.
F=
4  0 r 2 5.3 Its unit is Newton / Coulomb.
3.3 The direction of force between the point 5.4 Electric field intensity due to point charge q
charges is along the line joining the two at a distance r is
charges. It is equal in magnitude and opposite 
in sign on the two charges. 1 q
E = . 2 r̂
4 0 r

5.5 It obeys the superposition principle.

6. ElectrIc Potential & Electric Potential 7.3 Electric lines of forces never form a closed
Energy loop in contrast to magnetic lines of forces
which are always close.
6.1 In electrostatic field the electric potential at a 7.4 The line density i.e., the number of lines
point is defined as the work done in taking a passing per unit area at a point is proportional
point unit positive charge slowly from a to the electric field intensity at that point.
reference point, generally taken at infinity, to
that point. 7.5 The electric lines of forces never intersect
Joule each other.
6.2 Unit of potential is volt = .
Coulomb 7.6 Lines of forces never pass through
6.3 Potential is a scalar quantity. Its value may be conductors. Also the lines of forces are
positive or negative always normal to it.

6.4 Electric potential at a point is also equal to 8. Equipotential Surfaces

the negative of the work done by the electric
field in taking the point charge from reference 8.1 Hypothetical surface over which potential is
same at every point is brown as equipotential
point (i.e., infinity) to that point.
surface.
6.5 Electric potential due to point charge
8.2 The work done in taking a charge from one
1 q point to another point on the equipotential
V=
4 0 r surface is zero
6.6 The potential difference between two points 8.3 Electric lines of forces are always
A and B is the work done against electric perpendicular to the equipotential surfaces.
field in taking a unit positive point charge 8.4 They never intersect each other.
from A to B.
6.7 If VA and VB be the potential of two point A
9. Relation between Electric field Intensity
and Electric potential
and B, the work done in taking a charge q
from A to B is 9.1 Potential difference between two points A
WAB = q . (VB – VA) and B for uniform electric field
 
6.8 The electrostatic potential energy of a point VB – VA = – E . AB
charge at a point in electric field is the work 9.2 For
done in taking the charge slowly from  non-uniform electric field
E = –  V = – grad V
reference point (generally at infinity) to that
  
point. where = î + ĵ + k̂
x y z
6.9 Electric potential energy is a scalar quantity in cartessian coordinates system
but may be positive or negative.  1 
 = r̂ + ˆ
6.10 Its unit is same as unit of energy or work. r r 
in polar coordinates system
6.11 P.E. of a system of charges is the work done      
against the electric field required to form the E =  î V  ˆj V  k̂ V 
present system of charges.  x y z 
  1  
7. Electric lines of forces =  r̂ V  ˆ V
 r r  
7.1 The electric lines of forces are imaginary 9.3 If electric potential and electric field depends
directed curve lines such that the tangent at a only on one coordinate, say r,
point on the curve gives the direction of force  v
on a positive charge. E=– r̂
r
7.2 Electric lines of forces start from positive where r̂ is a unit vector along increasing r.
charge and terminate on negative charge.
 rB  
9.4 VB – VA = – rA
E . dr

9.5 the potential of a point

r 
V = – E . dr . 

11. Electric dipole
10. Electric field Intensity and potential 11.1 When two equal and opposite charges are
due to different Charge distribution separated by small distance, such
arrangement is called electric dipole.

Charge configuration E (vector) +q 2d –q
q 11.2 Dipole moment is a vector quantity.
(1) R qx Its direction is from negative charge to
x x EP 
P 4 0 (R 2  x 2 ) 3 / 2 positive charge and its magnitude is equal to
p = q × 2d.
11.3 Electric field Intensity and electric potential
(2) R   due to small dipole is given by the formula
x
EP = [1 – cos ]
 P 3 0 shown below
E(transverse)
E Er

r  r
 EP = r
(3) 2 0 r
P

 r E
p

Infinitely long wire 2kP kP
(i) Eaxial = 3
,V= 2
r r
Charge configuration V(electric potential) kP
(ii) E(transverse) = 3 , V = 0
r
q
2kP cos  kp cos 
R q (iii) Er = ,V=
(1) x P
x VP = r3 r2
4 0 ( R  x 2 )1 / 2
2
kp sin 
(iv) E =
ring r3
(v) Enet = E 2r  E 2

R  VP = [ R 2  x 2 –x] 1 p cos 
x 2 0 (vi) .
(3) P 4 0 r2

disc 11.4 Electric dipole in an uniform external electric
 field.
(i) Net force on the dipole = 0
r  r (ii) Net torque on the dipole
VA – V B = . n B
2 0 rA   
A = P × E
 B
 = PE sin 
(4)
rB (iii) Potential energy of the dipole in electric
 
field U = – P . E = – PE cos 

Infinitely long wire
 (iv) Work done in turning the dipole from
angle 1 to 2 is equal to the increase in its
potential energy. W = – PE (cos 2 – cos 1)
8. Potential at a point due to positive charge is
positive & due to negative charge is negative.
Important Points
9. Work done by external agent in moving a charged
1. Charged object attract uncharged object due to particle slowly from A to B or with constant
induction. speed is equal given by wAB = q(VB – VA)
2. The electric field intensity or electric force is a 10. When a charged, isolated conducting sphere is
vector quantity, therefore in 3-dimensional connected to an uncharged small conducting
problems vector formula of electric field or sphere then potential (and charge) remains almost
electric force should be used to solve the same on the larger while smaller is charged.
problems.
 
11. When dipole is parallel to electric field is P || E
3. Potential difference between any two points in an
then dipole is in stable equilibrium.
electric field of static charges does not depends on
the path joining them. 12. When dipole is antiparallel to electric field is
 
4. Positive charge flows from higher to lower P ||(– E ) the dipole is in unstable equilibrium.
potential and negative charge flow from lower to
higher potential.
5. Work done by Electric field is independent of
path followed.
6. In case of ring distribution of charge whether
uniform or non uniform, potential at any point on
Q
its axis is given by V = where Q
4  x 2  R 2
is total charge on ring & axial component of field
Qx
is .
4 0 ( x 2  R 2 ) 3 / 2

7. In questions on motion of charged particle in

electric field if question is concerned about
position then use energy conservation of solve the
question.
 SOLVED EXAMPLES
Ex.1 The negative point charges of unit magnitude It can also be shown that for the equilibrium
and a positive point charge q are placed along of B, the magnitude of q must be 1/4 of the
straight line. At what position and for what magnitude of either charge.
value of q will the system be in equilibrium ? Stability. If q is slightly displaced towards A,
Check whether it is stable, unstable or neutral FqA increases in magnitude while FqB
equilibrium.
decreases in magnitude. Now the Net force on
Sol. The two negative charges A and B of unit
q is toward A so it will not return to its original
magnitude are shown in fig. Let the positive
position. So for axial displacement, the
charge q be at a distance rA from A and at a
equilibrium is unstable. If q is displaced
distance rB from B.
perpendicular to AB, the force FqA and FqB
Force on q due to A
bring the charge to its original position. So for
A B
perpendicular displacement, the equilibrium is
+1 +q –1 stable.
r r +q
Force on q due to A
1 q
FqA = . 2 towards A
4 0 rA FqA FqB
Force on q due to B
1 q
FqB = . towards B. A B
4 0 rB 2 +1 –1
These two forces acting on q are opposite and
Ex.2 Charges of magnitude 100 micro coulomb
collinear. For the equilibrium of q. the two
forces must also be equal i.e. each are located in vacuum at the corners A,
| FqA | = | FqB | B and C of an equilateral triangle measuring 4
metres on each side. If the charge at A and C
1 q 1 q
or . 2 = . 2 are positive and the charge B negative, what
4 0 rA 4 0 rB is the magnitude and direction of the total
Hence rA = rB force on the charge at C ?
So for the equilibrium of q, it must be Sol. The situation is shown in fig.
equidistant from A & B i.e. at the middle of Let us consider the forces acting on C due to
AB A and B.
Now for the equilibrium of the system, A and The force of repulsion on C due to A i.e., FCA
B must be in equilibrium. in direction AC is given by
For the equilibrium of A
1 q +q A
Force on A by q = . towards q
4 0 rA 2
a a
1 (1)(1)
Force on A by B = .
4 0 (rA  rB ) 2 +q
FCB
1 1 B C
= . away from q –q a
4 0 (2rA ) 2 60º
F F
The two forces are opposite and collinear. For
equilibrium the forces must be equal, 1 qq
FCA = . 2 along AC
opposite and collinear. Hence 4 0 a
1 q 1 1 The force of attraction on C due to B i.e., FCB
. = .
4 0 rA 2 4 0 (2rA ) 2 in direction CB is given by
1 1 qq
or q = in magnitude of either charge. FCB = . along CB
4 4 0 a2
 Thus the two forces are equal in magnitude. W = q (VA – VB)
The angle between them is 120º. The = 10–7 (500 – 0) = 5 × 10–5 J
resultant force F is given by This appears in the from of the increased K.E.
1 1
F= FCA 2  FCB2  2FCA  FCB cos120º  W= mv2 – mu2
2 2
q2 9  109  (100  10 6 ) 2
5  1  
2
= = 1
46a 2 42 5 × 10–5 = .    u 2 
2 1000  4  
= 5.625 Newton
This force is parallel to AB. 1
2 × 10–2 = – u2
16
Ex.3 A particle of mass 40 mg and carrying a 1 1 17
or u2 = – =
charge 5 × 10–9 C is moving directly towards 16 50 400
fixed positive point charge of magnitude 4.12
u= = 0.206 m/s = 20.6 cm/sec.
10–8 C. When it is at a distance of 10 cm from 20
the fixed point charge it has a velocity of 50
Ex.5 A pitch ball covered with tin foil having a
cm/s. At what distance from the fixed point mass of m kg hangs by a fine silk thread 
charge will the particle come momentarily to metre long in an electric field E. When the
rest ? Is the acceleration constant during ball is given an electric charge of q coulomb,
motion ? it stands out d metre from the vertical line.
Sol. If the particle comes to rest momentarily at a Show that the electric field is given by
distance r from the fixed charge, from E = mg d/q ( 2  d 2 ) .
'conservation of energy' we have
Sol. As shown in fig. the following forces act on
1 1 Qq 1 Qq the ball when it is in equilibrium
mu2 + =
2 4  0 a 4  0 r
Substituting the given data, we get

1 1 1 T Tcos
× 40 × 10–6 × ×
2 2 2  
Tsin
1 1 
= 9 × 109 × 10–8 × 5 × 10–9   2 
d qE
 r 10  10 
1 5  10 6 100 mg
or – 10 = 8
=
r 9  5  10 9 (i) weight mg acting vertically downward
1 100 190 (ii) tension T in the thread
ss or = + 10 = m
r 9 9 (iii) electric force q E horizontally to the right.
i.e., r = 4.7 × 10–2 m From figure T sin  = qE
1 Qq and T cos = mg
As here F =
4 0 r 2 qE
 tan  =
F 1 mg
so acc. =  2 
m r mg
or E= . tan 
i.e., acceleration is not constant during q
motion. d
But, tan  =
Ex.4 A ball of mass 5 g and charge 10–7
C moves (  d 2 )
2

from point A whose potential is 500 V to a mg d

point B whose potential is zero. What is the  E=
q ( 2  d 2 )
velocity of the ball at the point A, if at the
point B, it is 25 cm per second ? Ex.6 A rigid insulated wire frame in the form of a
Sol. Let u be the velocity of the ball at point A. right-angled triangle ABC, is set in a vertical
Workdone on the charge by the field plane as shown. Two beads of equal masses
 m and carrying charges q1 and q2 are 1 q1q 2
T cos 60º = cos 60º + mg sin 60º
connected by a cord of length  and can slide 4 0  2
without friction on the wires. Considering the 1 q1q 2
case when the beads are stationary, determine or T = + mg
4 0  2
(i) the angle  = APQ,
(iii) from (1)
(ii) the tension in the cord, and
(iii) the normal reactions on the beads. mg sin 30º
T–F= = mg
(iv) If the cords is now cut, what are the cos 60º
values of the charges for which the beads From (2), N1 = mg cos 30º + (T – F) sin 60º
continue to remain stationary ?
A 3 3
q  N1 = mg + mg . = 3 mg
P  2 2
 From (4), N2 = (T – F) cos 60º ± mg cos 60º
q
Q 1 1
= mg × + mg × = mg
30º 60º 2 2
B C
(iv) When the cord is cut, T = 0, then from (1)
Sol. (i) forces acting on each bead are
(a) mg downward (b) T, tension (c) electric 0 = F cos 60º + mg sin 30º
force F (d) normal reactions. or F + mg = 0
The directions of the forces are shown in the This result is on the assumption that q1 and q2
figure. are of the same sign, so it was taken that there

Tsin was a force of repulsion. Since mg is fixed in
N direction, its sign cannot be reversed but the
F sA sign of F can be reversed because if q1 and q2
Tco 90º
 are of opposite sign, F will change its sign
s  N
Fco in T
T
from + to –.
s mg
mg  Let q1 and q2 be of the opposite sign, then
30º Tsin mg F
B C –F + mg = 0 is the condition for equilibrium
3 0º
cos 1 q1q 2
Mg or = mg
4 0  2
Equating the forces along and perpendicular
to AB and AC, for equilibrium of the beads or q1q2 = 40 mg 2
T cos  = F cos  + mg sin 30º (1)
Ex.7 An electron (mass m charge e) is released
F sin  + N1 = mg cos 30º + T sin  (2)
from rest in a uniform electric field of
and 106 newton/coulomb. Compute its acceleration.
T sin  = F sin  + mg cos 30º (3) Also find the time taken by the electron in
N2 + F cos  = T cos  + mg cos 60º (4) attaining a speed of 0.1 c, where c is the
From (1) and (3) velocity of light. (m = 9.1 × 10–31 kg,
(T – F) cos  = mg sin 30º e = 1.6 × 10–19 coulomb and c = 3 ×108
and (T – F) sin  = mg cos 30º metre/sec).
Dividing, cot  = tan 30º = cot 60º
  = 60º Sol. The force experienced by the electron is
(ii) Substituting the value of  in (1) and noting
F = Ee = 106 (1.6 × 10–19)
that
= 1.6 × 10–13 newton
1 q1q 2
F= The acceleration of the electron is given by
4 0  2
 F 1.6  10 13 (P.E.)B – (P.E.)A = (K.E.)A – (K.E.)B
a= =
m 9.1  10 31 Substituting the values, we get
= 1.8 × 1017 m/sec2 1
(mg – qE) 2 = m (v22 – v12) ...(4)
The initial velocity = zero. Let t be the time 2
taken by the electron in attaining a final speed
Centripetal force at A = T2 + qE – mg
of 0.1 c.
2
Now v = u + at or v = at mv 2
 T2 + qE – mg = ...(5)
v 0.1  c 0.1  (3  108 ) 
 t= = =
a a 1.8  1017 From eq. (4) mv22 = 2 (mg – qE) 2 + mv12
= 1.7 × 10–10 sec. From eq. (5) mv22 =  (T2 + qE – mg)
Ex.8 A ball of mass m with a charge q can rotate in
 2(mg – qE) 2 – mv12
a vertical plane at the end of a string of length
 in a uniform electrostatic field whose lines =  (T2 + qE – mg)
of force are directed upwards. What
m
horizontal velocity must be imparted to the or 4mg – 4qE +   v12

ball in the upper position so that the tension
in the string in the lower position of the ball is = T2 + qE – mg
15 times the weight of the ball ?
Putting T2 = 15 mg, we have
Sol. The situation is shown in fig.
Here the sum of kinetic energy and potential m
4mg – 4qE +   v12 = 15 mg + qE – mg
energy at B is the same as the sum of kinetic 
energy and potential energy at A i.e., m 2
  v1 = 10mg + 5qE = 5 (2mg + qE)
qE 
B 1 
1/ 2
v1 v1 =  .(2mg  qE) . 5
E m 
T
mg Ex.9 An infinite number of charges each equal to q
O
T2 are placed along the x-axis at x = 1, x = 2, x =
qE 4, x = 8 ...... and so on. Find the potential and
REFERENCE
A v2 the electric field at the point x = 0 due to this
LEVEL
set of charges.
mg
Sol. As potential V and intensity E due to a point
(K.E.)B + (P.E.)B = (K.E.)A + (P.E.)A ..(1)
charge at position x are respectively given by-
Gain in K.E.
q q q q q
1 x=01
= (K.E.)A – (K.E.)B = m (v22 – v12) ...(2) 2 4 8 16
2
Loss in P.E. = (P.E.)B – (P.E.)A 1 q 1 q
V= and E=
4 0 x 4 0 x 2
= Loss in gravitational P.E. – gain in electric P.E.
and electric interaction is a two body
= mg . 2 – qE. 2 interaction i.e., principle of superposition
= (mg – qE) 2 ...(3) holds good -
From eq. (1), 1 q q q 
V=     ...
4 0  1 2 4 
 * Integrating this expression, we get the
q  1 1 1 
=
4 0 1  2  4  8 ...... potential at point P. Thus
 
K ( 2  y 2 )
i.e.,
q 1 1
VP =
4 0 
y
dr
V= × = (2q) Ans.
4 0 [1  (1 / 2)] 4 0 K
= [ ( 2  y 2 ) – y]
1 q q q  4 0
E=    ...
4 0 12 2 2 4 2  K
 VA = [ 1.44 – 0.44 ]
q  1 1 1  4 0
=
4 0 1  4  16  64 ....
  K
= 0.5366
i.e., 4 0
q 1 1 4  = (9 × 109) × 10–9 × 0.5366 = 4.83 V
E= = q Ans.
4 0 [1  (1 / 4)] 4 0  3 
K K
VB = [ 2 – 1] = 0.4142
Ex.10 On a thin rod of length  = 1 m, lying along 4 0 4 0
the x-axis with one end at the origin x = 0, = (9 × 109) × 10–9× 0.4142 = 3.728 V
there is uniformly distributed charge per unit
Net workdone
length  = K x, where K = constant = 10–9
cm–2. Find the workdone in displacing a = q (VB – VA) = 1000 × 10–6 [3.728 – 4.83]
charge q = 1000 C from a point = – 1.1 × 10–3 Joule.
(0, 0.44 m ) to (0, 1 m).
Sol. The situation is shown in fig. Consider a
small element of length dx of the rod at a
distance x from the origin. Then potential
dVP at point P due to this element is given by
1 dx Kxdx
dVP = =
4 0 r 4 0 r
Y
B 1m
P

y A r
0.44 m
dx
O X
x

From figure,
r2 = x2 + y2
or 2 r dr = 2x dx (y = constant)
K r dr K
 dVP = = dr
4 0 r 4 0

EXERCISE # 1
 Coulomb law & superposition when placed in a medium of dielectric
based on
constant K = 16 is –
Q.1 Four point charges are placed in a straight (A) r (B) r/8
line with magnitude and separation as shown (C) r/4 (D) r/2
in the diagram. What should be the value of Q.5 Three charge +4q, Q and q are placed in a
q0 such that + 10C charge is in equilibrium ? straight line of length  such that +q & +4q are
40cm 20cm on the ends of line & Q is at the mid point of
20cm
line. What should be the value of Q in order to
+40µC +10µC –10µC q0 make the net force on q to be zero ?
(A) – 80 µC (B) + 40 µC (A) – q (B) –2 q
(C) –q/2 (D) 4q
(C) + 80 µC (D) – 20 µC
Q.6 Four charges are arranged at the corners of a
Q.2 Two small balls each having equal positive
square ABCD, as shown. The force on a +ve
charge Q are suspended by two insulating
charge kept at the centre of the square is -
strings at equal length L metre, from a hook C
B –q
+q
fixed to a stand. The whole set-up is taken in
a satellite into space where there is no +q
gravity. Then the angle  between two strings
and tension in each string is – –2q +2q
A D
Stand (A) zero
(B) along diagonal AC
L L (C) along diagonal BD
(D) perpendicular to the side AB
Q Q
Q.7 Six charges are placed at the corner of a
kq 2 kq 2 regular hexagon as shown. If an electron is
(A) 0, 2 (B) , 2
L 2L placed at its centre O, force on it will be -
kq 2  kq 2 A –q
3q
B
(C) , (D) ,
4L2 2 2L2

Q.3 Two identical balls A and B having equal –2q –2q

F C
charges are placed at a fixed distance
experience a force F. A similar uncharged q 2q
E D
ball after touching one of them is placed at (A) zero (B) along OF
the middle point between the two balls. The (C) along OC (D) none of these
force experienced by this ball is – Questions
based on Electric field
(A) F/2 (B) F
(C) 2F (D) 4F Q.8 A proton and an electron are placed in a same
uniform electric field.
Q.4 Two point charges placed at a distance r in air (A) The electric forces acting on them will be
exert a force F on each other. The value of equal
distance R at which they experience force 4F (B) The magnitudes of the forces will be equal
16
 (C) Their accelerations will be equal 3000 Newton. The potential difference
(D) The magnitudes of acceleration will be between two points separated by a distance of
equal 1 cm along field lines is -
(A) 10 volt (B) 90 volt
Q.9 A charged water drop of radius r is in (C) 1000 volt (D) 3000 volt
equilibrium in an electric field. If charge on it
Q.14 12 J of work has to be done against an existing
is equal to charge on an electron, then intensity electric field to take a charge of 0.01 C. from
of electric field will be : (density of water = d, A to B. How much is the potential difference
assume gravity) VB – VA?
8r 3g r 3g (A) 1200 V (B) – 120 V
(A) (B)
3e 3e (C) 1250 V (D) – 1200 V
6r 3g 4r 3g Q.15 A particle of mass 2 g and charge 1 µC is
(C) (D)
15e 3e held at rest on a frictionless horizontal surface
at a distance of 1 m form a fixed charge 1
Q.10 Four charges q, 2q, – 4q and 2q are placed in mC. If the particle is released it will be
order at the four corners of a square of side b. repelled. The speed of the particle when it is
The net field at the centre of the square is – at distance of 10 m from the fixed charge is -
q (A) 100 m/s (B) 90 m/s
(A) from + q to – 4q (C) 60 m/s (D) 45 m/s
2 0 b 2
5q Q.16 In a regular polygon of n sides, each corner is
(B) from + q to – 4q at a distance r from the centre. Identical
2 0 b 2
charges are placed at (n – 1) corners. At the
10q centre, the intensity is E and the potential is
(C) from + q to – 4q
2 0 b 2 V. The ratio V/E has magnitude -
(A) r n (B) r (n – 1)
20q
(D) from – 4q to + q (C) (n – 1)/r (D) r (n – 1)/n
2 0 b 2
Q.17 Figure shows equi-potential surface for a two
Electrostatic potential and potential charges system. At which of the labeled
based on energy points will an electron have the highest
potential energy ?
Q.11 Figure represents a square carrying charges
A
+q, +q, –q, – q at its four corners as shown.
Then the potential will be zero at points -
P +q B
+q +q
-q
D
A C C
B
–q Q –q
(A) A, B, C, P and Q (B) A, B and C (A) Point A (B) Point B
(C) A, P, C and Q (D) P, B and Q (C) Point C (D) Point D

Q.12 At a point situated at certain distance from a

point charge the electric field is 500 V/m and Relationship between Electric field
the potential is 3000 V. What is the distance based on & Potential
of the point from point charge ?
(A) 6 m (B) 12 m (C) 36 m (D) 144 m Q.18 Let V0 be the potential at the origin in an
 ^ ^
Q.13 When a charge of 3 coulomb is placed in a electric field E = Ex i + Ey j . The potential at
uniform electric field it experiences a force of the point (x,y) is -
17
 (A) V0 – xEx – yEy Q.22 The equation of an equipotential line in an
(B) V0 + xEx + yEy electric field is y = 2x, then the electric field
(C) xEx + yEy – V0 strength vector at (1, 2) may be -
(A) 4 î + 3 ĵ (B) 4 î + 8 ĵ
(D ( x 2  y 2 ) E 2x  E 2y –V0
(C) 8 î + 4 ĵ (D) – 8 î + 4 ĵ
Q.19 At any point ( x, 0, 0) the electric potential V
 1000 1500 500  Electric field intensity & potential
is   2  3  volt , then electric
 x x x 
based on due to different charge distribution
field intensity at x = 1 m is -
 
Q.23 The arc AB with the centre C and the
(A) 5500 ĵ  k̂ V/m (B) 5500 îV/m infinitely long wire having linear charge
(C)
5500
2
 
ĵ  k̂ V / m (D)
5500
2

î  k̂ V / m  density  are lying in the same plane. The
minimum amount of work to be done to move
a point charge q0 from point A to B through a
Q.20 Figure below shows two equipotential lines in
circular path AB of radius a is equal to –
xy-plane for an electric field. The scales are
marked. Electric field in the space between +
these equipotential lines are respectively -
+
olt
2v +
B
3 + 
olt + a
2 4v
y (in cm) + C a A
1 +
+ 2a
0 2 4 6 8 +
+
x (in cm) +
(A) + 100 î – 200 ĵ V/m –
(B) – 100 î + 200 ĵ V/m q 02 2 q0  3
(A) loge   (B) loge  
(C) + 200 î + 100 ĵ V/m 2 0 3 2 0 2
(D) – 200 î – 100 ĵ V/m q0  2
(C) loge   (D) q0  / 2 0
2 0 3
Q.21 A, B, C, D, P and Q are points in a uniform
electric field. The potentials at these points Q.24 The linear charge density on upper half of a
are V (A) = 2 volt. V (P) = V (B) = V (D) = 5 segment of ring is  and at lower half it is –.
volt. V (C) = 8 volt. The electric field at P is - The direction of electric field at centre O of ring
is :
+ A
B C
+
0.2 m

P Q +
+ D B
A D O
–
–
–
0.2 m – C
–1
(A) 10 Vm along PQ (A) along OA (B) along OB
(B) 15 2 Vm–1 along PA (C) along OC (D) along OD
Q.25 The electric potential due to an infinite sheet
(C) 5 Vm–1 along PC
(D) 5 Vm–1 along PA of positive charge density at a point located
at a perpendicular distance Z from the sheet

18
 is: (Assume V0 to be the potential at the (A) 90º clock wise (B) 180º clock wise
surface of sheet) (C) 90º anti clock wise (D) none of these
Z Q.29 A and B are two points on the axis and the
(A) V0 (B) V0 –
0 perpendicular bisector respectively of an
Z Z electric dipole. A and B are far away from the
(C) V0 + (D) V0 –
2 0 2 0 dipole and at equal distance from it. The field
 
at A and B are E A and E B .
Q.26 A half ring of radius R has a charge of  per  
unit length. The potential at the centre of the (A) E A = E B
 
half ring is - (B) E A = 2 E B
    
(A) k (B) k (C) k (D) k (C) E A = – 2 E B
R R R
 1  
Questions
(D) | E B | = | E A | and E B is perpendicular to
based on Electric dipole 2

EA
Q.27 Figure shows the electric field lines around
and electric dipole. Which of the arrows best Q.30 Two short electric dipoles are placed as
represents the electric field at point P ? shown. The energy of electric interaction
between these dipoles will be -
P
P
– +
r




(A) (B) (C) (D) P2

2kP1P2 cos  2kP1P2 cos 
(A) (B)
r3 r3
2kP1P2 sin  4kP1P2 cos 
(C) (D)
r3 r3

Q.28 Point P lies on the axis of a dipole. If the

dipole is rotated by 90º anti clock wise, the

electric field vector E at P will rotate by -

19
 EXERCISE # 2

Only single correct answer type Q.4 charged particle having some mass is resting
Part-A
questions in equilibrium at a height H above the centre
of a uniformly charged non-conducting
Coulomb law and Electric field :
horizontal ring of radius R. The force of
Q.1 Five balls numbered 1 to 5 are suspended
gravity acts downwards. The equilibrium of
using separate threads, Pairs (1, 2), (2, 4),
the particle will be stable.
(4, 1) shows electrostatics attraction, while
(A) For all values of H
pairs (2, 3) and (4, 5) show repulsion
R
therefore ball 1 must be - (B) Only if H >
2
(A) Positively charged
(B) Negative charged R
(C) Only if H <
(C) Neutral or made of metal 2
(D) Made of metal R
(D) Only if H =
2
Q.2 Find the electric force on 2µC charge placed
at the common centre of two equilateral Q.5 10C charge is uniformly distributed over a
triangles each of side 10 cm. as shown in thin ring of radius 1m. A particle
figure. Electric charge on A, B, C, D, E and F (mass = 0.9 gm, charge –1C) is placed at the
points are + 2µC, +2µC, +2µC, –2µC, –2µC centre of ring. It is displaced along the axis of
and –2µC respectively -
ring by small displacement, then time period
F
of SHM of particle -
E A (A) 0.6 sec (B) 0.2 sec.
(C) 0.3 sec. (D) 0.4 sec.
O
Q.6 Four charges q1, q2, q3 and q4 are placed at the
D B
positions as shown in the figure, given
C q1 + q2 + q3 + q4 = 0. The electric field on z-
(A) 64.8 N (B) 21.6 N axis -
(C) Zero (D) 43.2 N y
Q.3 If a positively charged pendulum is (0,a) q2
oscillating in a uniform electric field as
shown in fig. Its time period as compared to q3 q1
that when it was uncharged. x
(–a,0) (a,0)

q4 (0,–a)

(A) is always along +ve z-axis

+ (B) is always along –ve z-axis
+ + + + + + + (C) is always zero
(A) Will increase (D) may be perpendicular to z-axis or zero
(B) Will decrease
(C) Will not change depending on charges
(D) Will first increase then decrease

20
Q.7 Figures shows four situations in which Q.10 Two point charges +8q and –2q are located at
charged particles are at equal distances from x = 0 and x = L respectively. The location of
the origin. If E1, E2, E3 and E4 be the a point on the x-axis at which the net electric
magnitude of the net electric fields at the field due to these two point charges is zero -
origin in four situations (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) L
respectively, then - (A) 8L (B) 4L (C) 2L (D)
4
y y
–5q –5q Q.11 Three charges –q1, +q2 and –q3 are placed as
shown in the figure. The x-component of the
(i) x (ii) x
2q O –3q 3q O –2q force on –q1 is proportional to –
y
y –q y –q

(iii) (iv) q x
4q O –q x O –4q a 
5q b
4q x
(A) E1 = E2 = E3 = E4 (B) E1 = E2 > E3 > E4 –q +q
(C) E1 < E2 < E3 = E4 (D) E1 > E2 = E3 < E4 q2 q3 q 2 q3
(A) – sin  (B) – cos 
Q.8 non conducting ring of radius R has b2 a 2 b2 a2
uniformly distributed positive charge Q. A q q q q
(C) 22 + 23 sin  (D) 22 + 23 cos 
small part of the ring, of length d, is removed b a b a
(d << R). The electric field at the centre of the
Q.12 Charge q is uniformly distributed over a thin
ring will now be -
half ring of radius R. The electric field at the
(A) directed towards the gap, inversely
centre of the ring is -
proportional to R3
q q
(B) directed towards the gap, inversely (A) 2 2
(B)
2  0 R 4  0 R 2
2
proportional to R2
(C) directed away from the gap, inversely q q
(C) (D)
proportional to R3 4 0 R 2 2 0 R 2
(D) directed away from the gap, inversely
Q.13 Point charges q, – q, 2Q and Q are placed in
proportional to R2
order at the corners A, B, C, D, of a square of
Q.9 The figure shows three non conducting rods side 2b. If the field at the midpoint of CD is
one circular and two straight. Each has a q
zero, then is -
uniform charge of magnitude Q along its top Q
half and another along its bottom half. Which (A) 1 (B) 2
of them correctly represents the direction of
2 2 5 5
field at point P ? (C) (D)
5 2
+Q +Q +Q
Q.14 A point charge 50 C is located in the
XY plane at the point of position vector
P P E
E P 
r0 = 2 î + 3 ĵ . what is the electric field at the
E 
–Q –Q –Q point of position vector r = 8 î – 5 ĵ .
(I) (II) (III) (A) 1200 V/m (B) 0.04 V/m
(A) I (B) II
(C) 900 V/m (D) 4500 V/m
(C) III (D) I and II
21
 
Q.15 A point charge q is placed at origin. Let E A , Potential and Potential energy :
 
E B and E C be the electric field at three points Q.18 A uniform electric field of 400 V/m is
directed at 45º above the x-axis as shown in
A (1, 2, 3), B (1, 1, –1) and C (2, 2, 2) due to
figure. The potential difference VA – VB is
charge q. Then
    given by–
(i) E A  E B (ii) | E B | = 4 | E C |
(cm) y E
select the correct alternative - (0,2) A
(A) only (i) is correct
(B) only (ii) is correct
(C) both (i) and (ii) are correct 45º B
x
(D) both (i) and (ii) are wrong (3,0) (cm)

Q.16 An equilateral triangle wire frame of side L (A) 0 V (B) 4V

having 3 point charges at its vertices is kept (C) 6.4V (D) 2.8V
in x-y plane as shown. Component of electric
Q.19 In space of horizontal electric field (E = (mg)/q)
field due to the configuration in z direction at
exist as shown in figure and a mass m
(0, 0, L) is [origin is centroid of triangle] - attached at the end of a light rod. If mass m is
y released from the position shown in figure
q
find the angular velocity of the rod when it
passes through the bottom most position -
x

45º E = mg
q –2q q
q, m
9 3kq
(A) (B) zero q, m
8L2
9 kq
(C) (D) none of these g 2g
8 L2 (A) (B)
 
Q.17 Six charges of magnitude + q and – q are fixed 3g 5g
at the corners of a regular hexagon of edge (C) (D)
 
length a as shown in the figure. The electrostatic
interaction energy of the charged particles is : Q.20 A charge Q is placed at the centre of a circle
of radius R. The work done in moving a
+q –q
charge q from A to B so as to complete a
semicircle is –

–q +q
R
A B
Q

+q –q
q2  3 15  q2  3 9 Qq
(A)  –  (B)  –  (A) Zero (B)
 0 a  8 4   0 a  2 4  4 0 R
Qq Qq
q 2  3 15  q2  3 15  (C) (D)
(C)  –  (D)  –  2 0 R 4 0 R 2
 0 a  4 2   0 a  2 8 
22
Q.21 Point charge (q) moves from point (P) to Q.24 The diagram shows a small bead of mass m
point (S) along the path PQRS as shown in carrying charge q. The bead can freely move
fig. in a uniform electric field E, pointing on the smooth fixed ring placed on a smooth
horizontal plane. In the same plane a charge
parallel to the positive direction of the x-axis.
+Q has also been fixed as shown. The
The co-ordinates of the points P,Q,R and S are
potential at the point P due to +Q is V. The
(a, b, 0), (2a, 0, 0), (a, -b, 0) and (0, 0, 0) velocity with which the bead should projected
respectively. The work done by the field in from the point P so that it can complete a
the above process is given by the expression - circle should be greater than -

g
E 
P
+Q
S Q x 4a P
a

Bead
R
6qV qV
(A) q E a (A) (B)
m m
(B) –q E a
(C) q E b 3qV
(C) (D) None of these
m
(D) qE [(2a ) 2  ( b) 2 ]
Q.25 The diagram shows three infinitely long
Q.22 In a certain charge distribution, all points having uniform line charges placed on the X, Y and
zero potential can be joined by a circle S. Points Z axis. The work done in moving a unit
inside S have positive potential, and points positive charge from (1, 1, 1) to (0, 1, 1) is
equal to-
outside S have negative potential. A positive
Y
charge, Which is free to move, is placed inside S.
(A) It will remain in equilibrium 
(B) It can move inside S but it cannot cross S
(C) It must cross S at some time X
(D) It may move, but will ultimately return to 

its starting point Z
Q.23 The potential field depends on x and y (A) (ln 2) /2  ln
coordinates as V = (x2 – y2). Corresponding (C) (3ln 2) / 2 (D) None of these
electric field lines in x-y plane as shown in Q.26 4 charges are placed each at a distance ‘a’
Fig - from origin. The dipole moment of
y y configuration is-
y
x (B) x 3q
(A)
0, 0 x
–2q –2q
y y q

(C) x (D) x (A) 2qaĵ (B) 3qaĵ

(C) 2aq [ î  ĵ] (D) None of these

23
Q.27 An infinite layer of charge has a surface Q.31 A short dipole is placed at origin of
charge density of ''C/m2. The separation coordinate system as shown in figure, find the
electric field at point P (0, y).
between two equi-potential surfaces, whose y
potential differs by V volt is -
P 0, y
V 2 0 V  V 2 0
(A) (B) (C) 0 (D)
0   V x
P 45º
Electric dipole :
KP KP
Q.28 The magnitude of electric field intensity at (A) (– î – 2 ĵ) (B) (î  2 ĵ)
point B (2, 0, 0) due to a dipole of dipole y3 2 y3
moment, KP
(C) (î  2 ĵ) (D) None of these
 2y3
P = î + 3 ĵ kept at origin is (assume that
the point B is at large distance from the One or More than one correct answer
Part-B
1 type Questions
dipole and k = )-
4 0
Coulomb law and Electric field :
13k 13k 7k 7k Q.32 Three charged particles are in equilibrium
(A) (B) (C) (D)
8 4 8 4 under their electrostatic forces only –
(A) The particles must be collinear
Q.29 Find the angular position , where the electric (B) All the charges cannot have the same
field due to an electric dipole is perpendicular magnitude
to the dipole moment – (C) All the charges cannot have the same
E sign.
(D) The equilibrium is unstable
Q.33 Two identical charges +Q are kept at fixed
distance apart. A small particle P with charge
q is placed midway between them. If P is
 given a small displacement , it will undergo

P simple harmonic motion if –
(A) q is positive and  is along the line
(A) tan–1 3 (B) tan–1 2 joining the charges
(C) tan–1 5 (D) tan–1 7 (B) q is positive and  is perpendicular to the
line joining the charges
Q.30 A point particle of mass (M) is attached to (C) q is negative and  is perpendicular to the
one end of a massless rigid non-conducting line joining the charges
(D) q is negative and  is along the line
rod of length L. Another point particle of
joining the charges
mass (2M) is attached to the other end of the
rod. The two particles carry charges +q and -q Q.34 A positively charged thin ring of radius R is
fixed in the xy plane, with its centre at the
respectively. This arrangement is held in a origin O. A negatively charged particle P is
region of uniform electric field (E). Such that released from rest at the point (0, 0 Z0), where
the rod makes a small angle ( 5º) with the Z0 > 0. Then the motion of P is –
field direction the minimum time needed for (A) periodic, for all value of z0 satisfying
the rod to become parallel to the field after it 0 < Z0 < 
is set free – (B) simple harmonic, for all value of Z0
ML  ML satisfying 0 < Z0  R
(A) 2 (B) (C) approximately simple harmonic provided
2qE 2 2qE
Z0 << R
ML ML (D) such that P crosses O and continues to
(C)  (D) 4 move along the negative z-axis towards
6qE 2qE
Z =– 
24
Q.35 Five point charges, each of charge +q
coulomb are placed on five vertices of a
E
regular hexagon of side h as shown in figure.
Then –
q,m
+q +q
E D
2qE
(A) Maximum stretch in the spring is
F O k
C +q (B) In equilibrium position, stretch in the
–q qE
spring is
A B k
+q +q qE
(A) the forces on (–q) at O due to charges +q (C) Amplitude of oscillation of block is
k
at A and D are balanced
(B) the forces on (–q) due to charges at D and 2qE
(D) Amplitude of oscillation of block is
E are balanced k
(C) the resultant force on –q at O is
Part-C Column Matching
1 q2
along OE
4 0 h 2 Q.40 In figure, charges, each + q, are fixed at L and
(D) the resultant force on –q at O is M. O is the mid-point of distance LM. X and
1 q2 Y axes are as shown. Consider the situations
along OC given in column-I and match them with the
4 0 h 2
information in column-II.
Electric potential : Y
Q.36 Four identical charges are placed at the points
(1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), (–1, 0, 0) and (0, – 1, 0)–
(A) The potential at the origin is zero
(B) The field at the origin is zero
(C) The potential at all points on the z-axis, +q +q
other than the origin, is zero X
L O M
(D) The field at all points on the z-axis other
than the origin, acts along the z-axis Column-I Column-II
(A) Let us place a charge + q at (P) Force on the
Q.37 Four charges, all of the same magnitude, are
placed at the four corners of a square. At the O, displace it slightly along charge is zero
centre of the square, the potential is V and the x-axis and release. Assume
field is E. By suitable choices of the signs of that it is allowed to move only
the four charges, which of the following can along X-axis. At position O,
be obtained – (B) Place a charge – q at O. (Q) Potential energy
(A) V = 0, E = 0 (B) V = 0, E  0 Displace it slightly along X-axis of the system is
(C) V  0, E = 0 (D) V  0, E  0 and release. Assume that it is maximum
Q.38 A particle A of mass m and charge Q moves allowed to move only along
directly towards a fixed particle B, which has X-axis. At position O,
charge Q. The speed of A is v when it is far (C) Place a charge + q at O. (R) Potential energy
away from B. The minimum separation Displace it slightly along Y-axis of the system is
between the particle is proportional to – and release. Assume that it is minimum
(A) Q2 (B) 1/v2 (C) 1/ v (D) 1/m allowed to move only along
Q.39 A block having mass m and charge q is Y-axis. At position O,
connected by spring of force constant k. The (D) Place a charge – q at O. (S) The charge is
block lies on a frictionless horizontal track Displace it slightly along Y-axis in equilibrium
and a uniform electric field E acts on system and release. Assume that it is
as shown. The block is released from rest allowed to move only along
when spring is unstretched (at x = 0). Then Y-axis. At position O,
25
 EXERCISE # 3
Q.4 (a) A square of side ‘a’ centred on the origin and
Part-A Subjective Type Questions with its sides parallel to the axes of x and y
Q.1(a) An infinite number of point charges of equal carries a surface charge density 0 within its
magnitude q, but of opposite sign boundaries : (x, y)= 0 xy. Calculate the
consecutively are placed along the x-axis at value of total charge on the square.
y
x = 1 m, x = 2 m, x = 3 m and
x = 4 m and so on upto +. What is the
value of net electrostatic force at the point,
x
x = 0 where positive charge q0 is present?
O
(b) Two conducting spheres carry equal charges.
The distance between the spheres can not be
considered large in comparison with the
diameters of the spheres. In which case will (b) A clock face has –ve point charges –q, –2q,
the force of interaction between the spheres –3q, ...., –12q fixed at the positions of the
be greater (in absolute value) : when they corresponding numerals. The clock hands do
carry like charges [fig .(a)] or when they not disturb the net field due to the point
charges. At what time does the hour hand
carry unlike charges [fig. (b)]
point in the same direction as the electric field
+ + vector at the centre of the dial ?
Fig. (a) Q.5 A thin wire ring with a radius R and mass m
+ – carries an electric charge q. The centre of the
ring contains a charge Q of the same sign as q
Fig. (b) and Q >>q. If the ring rotates with an angular
Q.2 Two spherical bobs of same mass and radius velocity about its centre. Find the
having equal charges are suspended from the increment in tension developed in the ring.
same point by strings of same length. The Q.6 A thread carrying a charge (uniform)  per
bobs are immersed in a liquid of relative unit length has configuration shown in figure.
permittivity r and density o. Find the A D
density  of the bob for which the angle of
divergence of the strings to be the same in the O
air and in the liquid ? B R C

Q.3 An inclined plane makes an angle of 300 with Assuming a curvature radius R to be
the horizontal electric field E of 100 V/m. A considerably less than the length of thread. Find
particle of mass 1 kg and charge 0.01 C slides the magnitude of electric field strength at point O.

down from a height of 1 m. If the coefficient Q.7 The direction of E at point P due to uniformly
of friction is 0.2, find the time taken for the charged finite rod will be -
particle to reach the bottom. d
 x
+ 90º P
E = 100V/m
+
+
1m +
+ 30º
30º +
Q.8 Find the force experienced by the Q.11 Two small equally charged identical
semicircular rod of radius R charged with a conducting balls are suspended from long
charge q, placed as shown in figure. The line threads secured at one point. The charges and
of charge with linear charge density  is masses of the balls are such that they are in
passing through its centre and perpendicular equilibrium when the distance between them
to the plane of rod- is 10 cm (the length of the threads >> 10 cm.)
+ One of the balls is then discharged. How will
+ + + q
+ + + the balls behave after this ? What will be the
+ distance between the balls when equilibrium
+ + rod
R
+ + is restored?
+ + Q.12 Three charges q, 2q and 8q are to be placed
+
on a 9 cm long straight line. Find the
wire + +
+ positions where the charges should be placed
 + such that the potential energy of this system is
minimum.
Q.9 A block of mass m containing a net positive
charge q is placed on a smooth horizontal Q.13 A long cylindrical wire carries a positive
table which terminates in a vertical wall as charge of linear density 2.0 × 10–8 C/m. An
shown in figure. The distance of the block electron revolves around it in a circular path
from the wall is d. A horizontal electric field under the influence of the attractive
E towards right is switched on. Assuming electrostatic force. Find the kinetic energy of
elastic collisions (if any) find the time period the electron.
of the resulting oscillatory motion. Is it a
simple harmonic motion ? Q.14 A proton approaches with initial velocity 0
d an another proton which is kept at infinity at
rest initially. Find the closest approach in this
E
vertical wall case take mp as mass of a proton.
q Q.15 Two circular rings A and B, each of radius
smooth table a = 30 cm are placed coaxially with their axes
Q.10 Two point charges of unknown sign but equal horizontal in a uniform electric field E = 105
magnitude are fixed at positions A and B. In N/C directed vertically upward as shown in
the figs. below, (a) to (d), potential variation figure. Distance between centres of these
between A and B is shown as we move from rings A and B is h = 40 cm. Ring A has a
A to B. What can we conclude about the signs positive charge q1 = 10 µC while ring B has a
of charges at A and B for each case negative charge of magnitude q2 = 20 µC. A
V particle of mass m = 100 g and carrying a
A B x positive charge q = 10 µC is released from
rest at the centre of the ring A. Calculate its
velocity when it has moved a distance of 40
x cm. (Take g = 10 ms–2)
A B

Fig (a) –V Fig (b) B E A
V V

a a
B x A x
A B

–V –V h
Fig (c) Fig (d)
Q.16 In the figure shown S is a large non- Q.20 A particle having mass m and charge (–q)
conducting sheet of uniform charge density moves along an ellipse around a fixed charge
A rod R of length  and mass ‘m’ is parallel Q such that its maximum and minimum
to the sheet and hinged at its mid point. The distances from the fixed charge are r1 and r2
linear charge densities on the upper and lower respectively. show that the angular
half of the rod are shown in the figure. Find momentum L of this particle is
the angular acceleration of the rod just after it mr1 r2 Qq
is released. .
2 0 (r1  r2 )
 R
S r2 r1 (–

 hinged point
Part-B Passages Based Objective Questions
–
Passage I (Question 21 to 25)
Q.17 A simple pendulum of length  and bob mass In the diagram (given below), the broken lines
m is hanging in front of a large non- represent the paths followed by particles W,
conducting sheet having surface charge X, Y and Z respectively through the constant
field E. The numbers below the field represent
density . If suddenly a charge +q is given to
meters.
the bob & it is released from the position
E
shown in figure. Find the maximum angle
through which the string is deflected from x
vertical.
Y W
S

 Z

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Q.21 If the particles begin and end at rest, and all
Q.18 Small identical balls with equal charges are are positively charged, the same amount of
fixed at vertices of regular polygon with side work done on which particles –
a. At a certain instant, one of the balls is (A) W and Y (B) W, Y and Z
released & a sufficiently long time interval (C) Y and Z (D) W, X, Y and Z
later, the ball adjacent to the first released ball
is freed. The kinetic energies of the released Q.22 If all particles started from rest and all are
balls are found to differ by K at a sufficiently positively charged, which particles must have
long distance from the polygon. Determine been acted upon by a force other than that
the charge q of each ball. produced by the electric field –
(A) W and Y (B) X and Z
Q.19 Four short dipoles each of dipole moments (C) X, Y and Z (D) W, X, Y and Z
are placed at the vertices of a square of side a.
The direction of the dipole moments are Q.23 If the particles are positively charged, which
shown in the figure. Find the electric field particles increased their electric potential
and potential at the centre ‘O’ of the square. energy-
P (A) X and Z
(B) Y and Z
P (C) W, X, Y and Z
O
P (D) Since the electric field is constant, none of
the particles increased their electric
P potential energy
Q.24 Suppose particle Z has a charge of +2C, and it (A) 2gh (B) 2Eqh
begins and ends at rest. If E is 5 N/C, how
2mh 2qhE
much work is done on particle Z – (C) (D)
Eq m
(A) 10 J (B) 20 J
(C) 40 J (D) 80 J Q.28 Which of the following is true concerning all
objects that follow the path shown when
Q.25 Suppose that the field strength E is 10 N/C
propelled with a velocity v at an angle  –
and particle Y has a charge of –10 C. When
particle Y is released from rest, it follows the (A) They must have the same mass

path as shown and accelerates to a velocity of (B) They must have the same charge

10 m/s. What is the mass of particle Y– (C) They must have the same mass and the

(A) 1 kg (B) 2 kg same charge

(C) 3 kg (D) 4 kg (D) Their mass to charge ratios must be the

same.
Passage II (Question 26 to 31)
Q.29 Suppose E is 10 N/C, m is 1kg, q is – 1 C, v
A very large, charged plate floats in deep
is 100 m/s and  is 30º. What is h –
space. Due to the charge on the plate, a
(A) 25 m (B) 45 m
constant electric field E exists everywhere
(C) 80 m (D) 125 m
above the plate. An object with mass m and
charge q is shot upward from the plate with a Q.30 Which of the following will result in an

velocity v and at an angle . It follows the increase in R –

path shown reaching a height h and a range (A) increasing both q and m by a factor of 2

R. Assume the effects of gravity to be (B) decreasing both q and m by a factor of 2

negligible . (C) increasing q by a factor of 2 while

decreasing m by a factor of 2
v E (D) decreasing q by a factor of 2 while
 h
increasing m by a factor of 2
R
Q.31 Which of the following is true concerning the
Q.26 Which of the following must be true flight of the projectile shown –
concerning the object – (A) Increasing the mass m decreases the
(A) q must be positive maximum height h
(B) q must be negative (B) Increasing the charge q increases the
(C) m must be large maximum height h
(D) m must be small (C) Increasing the mass m decreases the
downward acceleration
Q.27 Which of the following gives the vertical
(D) Increasing the charge q decreases the
velocity of the object in terms of h just before
downward acceleration
colliding with the plate at the end of its
flight–
Passage III (Question 32 to 35) Q.33 What additional information is needed to
calculate the work done while pushing the
An asymmetric object creates an electric field
point charge at constant speed from A to B
corresponding to the equipotential lines in
along path 1 –
figure 1. (These lines are a cross-section of
(i) The charge of the point charge
the three dimensional equipotential surface).
(ii) The charge of the asymmetric blob
Each line differs in potential from its nearest
(iii) The electric field along that path
neighbor by 5 volts. Electric field lines point
(A) (i) only (B) (i) and (ii)
perpendicular to equipotential lines –
(C) (i) and (iii) (D) (i), (ii) and (iii)
A positive point charge is going to be pushed
from point A to B. Two students argue about Q.34 The point charge has charge 0.01 coulombs.
which requires less work: Pushing the charge How much work is needed to push it from A
along path 1 or pushing it along path 2. to C along the equipotential line containing
C those two points –
(A) –0.2 J
(B) 0 J
Path-1
object (C) 0.2 J
B A
(D) need more information
15V Path-2
10V Q.35 The net charge of the asymmetric object is –
5V
(A) Positive
Student 1 – Pushing the charge along path 1
(B) Negative
requires less work, because work is
(C) Zero
proportional to distance. Since path 1 is
(D) Cannot determine
shorter, the work is less.

Student 2 – But work also depends on force.

Along path 1, you’re pushing the charge
directly against the electric field. This
requires a large force. By contrast, along path
2, you’re not fighting the field head on. Since
you can push the particle with a much smaller
force, the total work is less along path 2, even
though more distance is covered.

Q.32 Which student, if either, is correct about the

work required to push the point charge along
path 1vs.path2–
(A) Student 1
(B) Student 2
(C) Neither student 1 nor student 2
(D) We cannot determine who is correct
without more information
 ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE # 1
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. C C B B A D D B D B B A A A B B B A B B
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. B D B C D D B A C B

EXERCISE # 2
PART-A
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Ans. C D A B A D A A A C C A D D C B
Q.No. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Ans. D D B A B C A A B A B C B C C

PART-B
Q.No. 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
Ans. A,B,C,D A,C A,C A,D B,D A,B,C,D A,B,D A,B,C

PART-C
40. A  P, R, S ; B  P, Q, S ; C  P, Q, S ; D  P, R, S

EXERCISE # 3
PART-A
qq 0 log e 2  
1. (a) N (b) When they carry unlike charges 2.   r 0
4 0 r 1
 4 0 m 2 R 3  Qq 
3. t = 1.34 s 4. (a) zero, (b) 9.30 5. T  
 8 2 0 R 2 
q
6. Zero 7. at angle 30º from x-axis 8. 2
 0 R
8md
9. 10. +, + ; –, –; +, – ; –, +
qE
11. [10(1/4)1/3 cm] 12. q should be placed at 3 cm from 2q 13. 2.88 × 10–17 J
 e2  3
14.   15. v = 6 2 ms–1 16.
2
  0 m p v 0  2m 0
 q  2P 2P
17. 2 tan –1  
 18. 4 0 Ka 19. E  ,v 
 2 0 mg 
3
 0 a  0 a 2
 PART-B

Ques. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
Ans. C C B B D B D D D D C C A B A