Electric Charges And Fields

Chapter - 1
Electric Charges And Fields
Electrostatics
Branch of science that deals with the study of forces, fields and potentials arising from
the static charges. or
The branch of physics which deals with electric charges at rest is called electrostatics.
Electric Charge
 In 600 B.C., the Greek Philosopher Thales observed that amber, when rubbed with wool,
acquires the property of attracting objects such as small bits of paper, dry leaves, dust
particles, etc.,
 This kind of electricity developed on objects, when they are rubbed with each other is
called frictional electricity.
 The American scientist Benjamin Franklin introduced the concept of positive and
negative charges in order to distinguish the two kinds of charges developed on different
objects when they are rubbed with each other.
 In the table given below, if an object in the first column is rubbed against the object given
in second column, then the object in the first column will acquire positive charge while
that in second column will acquire negative charge.
I (+) II (-)
Woollen cloth Rubber shoes
Woollen cloth Amber
Woollen cloth Plastic object
Fur Ebonite rod
Glass rod Silk cloth

Electric charge − The additional property of protons and electrons, which gives rise to electric
force between them, is called electric charge.
Electric charge is a scalar quantity. A proton possesses positive charge while an electron
possesses an equal negative charge (where e = 1.6 × 10−19 coulomb).
 Like charges repel each other whereas unlike charges attract each other.
 A simple apparatus used to detect charge on a body is the gold-leaf electroscope.

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Electrification:- The process of charging a body is called Electrification.

In three ways we can charge a body
1) Charging by Friction:- It is the process of charging a uncharged body by rubbing with a
charged body is called charging by friction.
2) Charging by Conduction:- It is the process of charging a uncharged body by placing in
contact with a charged body is called charging by conduction.
3) Charging by Induction:- It is the process of charging a uncharged body by placing
nearer to charged body but not in contact with it is called charging by induction.
Conductors and Insulators
Conductors: The substances which allow electric charges to pass through them easily are called
conductors.
Example − All the metals are good conductors.
 Conductors have electrons that can move freely inside the material.
 When some charge is transferred to a conductor, it readily gets distributed over the entire
surface of the conductor.
 When a charged body is brought in contact with the earth, all the excess charge on the
body disappears by causing a momentary current to pass to the ground through the
connecting conductor (such as our body). This process is known as earthing.
Insulators: The substances which do not allow electric charges to pass through them easily are
called insulators.
 Most of the non-metals such as porcelain, wood, nylon, etc., are examples of insulator.
 If some charge is put on an insulator, then it stays at the same place.

Charging By Induction
A conductor may be charged permanently by induction in the following steps.
Step I
To charge a conductor AB negatively by induction, bring a positively
charged glass rod close to it. The end A of the conductor becomes
negatively charged while the far end B becomes positively charged. It
happens so because when positively charged glass rod is brought near
the conductor AB, it attracts the free electrons present in the conductor
towards it. As a result, the electron accumulates at the near end A and
therefore, this end becomes negatively charged and end B becomes
deficient of electrons and acquires positive charge.

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 Electric Charges And Fields

Step II
The conductor is now connected to the earth. The positive
charges induced will disappear. The negative induced charge
on end A of the conductor remains bound to it due to the
attractive forces exerted by the positive glass rod.

Step III
The conductor is disconnected from the earth keeping the glass rod still
in its position. End A of the conductor continues to hold the negative
induced charge.

Step IV
Finally, when the glass rod is removed, the negative induced charge on the near
end spreads uniformly over the whole conductor.

Properties of Electric Charges

 Additive nature of charges − The total electric charge on an object is equal to the
algebraic sum of all the electric charges distributed on the different parts of the object. If
q1, q2, q3, … are electric charges present on different parts of an object, then total electric
charge on the object, q = q1 + q2 + q3 + …
 Charge is conserved − When an isolated system consists of many charged bodies within
it, due to interaction among these bodies, charges may get redistributed. However, it is
found that the total charge of the isolated system is always conserved.
 Quantization of charge − All observable charges are always some integral multiple of
elementary charge, (e = ± 1.6 x 10−19 C). This is known as quantization of charge.
 Like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract each other.
 A charged body attracts light uncharged bodies.
 Charge is independent of the velocity.

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 Charge cannot exist without mass.

 Charge is a scalar quantity.
 Charge is unaffected by the motion of conductor
 Accelerated charge radiates energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
 Charges always reside on the outer surface of a charged conductor.

Coulomb’s Law or Coulomb’s inverse square law

Statement:- The electrostatic force of attraction or repulsion between two point charges is
directly proportional to the product of the magnitudes of the charges and inversely proportional
to the square of the distance between them.
Explanation:- from statement we have
q1 q2
F ∝ q1q2 F F
A r B
F∝

F∝

F=K ... (1)

Where K is proportionality constant, In SI system for air / vacuum K =

ε0 - Absolute permittivity of free space = 8.854 x 10−12 C2 N−1 m−2

(1) F=

Coulomb’s Law in Vector Form

q1 q2
⃗ 12 ⃗ 21
A r B

Consider two like charges q1 and q2 present at points A and B in vacuum at a distance r apart.
According to Coulomb’s law, the magnitude of force on charge q1 due to q2 (or on charge q2 due
to q1) is given by,
⃗ 12 = ̂12 or ⃗ 21 = ̂21

̂21 = - ̂12
∴ ⃗ 12 = - ⃗ 21
Where ⃗ 12 & ⃗ 21 = electrostatic force of repulsion or attraction
q1 & q2 = point charges
& = distance between charges
̂12 & ̂21 = unit vectors in the direction of force

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Unit of charge
The SI unit of charge is ‘Coulomb’
We have F =

When q1 = q2 = 1C and r = 1 m then F = 9 x 109 N

The charge is said to be 1 C when placed at rest in air / vacuum at a distance of 1 m from an
identical charge repel it with a force of 9 x 109 N.
Relative permittivity or Dielectric constant of a medium
In air / vacuum Fair =

In a medium Fmed =

Where ε = absolute permittivity of the medium

= =

= εr or K

∴ ε = εrε0
Forces between Multiple Charges
Principle of superposition − Force on any charge due to a number of other charges is the vector
sum of all the forces on that charge due to the other charges, taken one at a time. The individual
forces are unaffected due to the presence of other charges. ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
Consider that n point charges q1, q2, q3,… qn are distributed
in space in a discrete manner. The charges are interacting with ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
each other. Let the charges q2, q3,… qn exert forces
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗ 12, ⃗ 13,...... ⃗ 1n on charge q1. Then, according to principle of
superposition, the total force on charge q1 is given by, ̂12 q1
r12 ̂1n
⃗ 1 = ⃗ 12 + ⃗ 13 +......+ ⃗ 1n q2
... (1) ̂13 r1n
r13
If the distance between the charges q1 and q2 is denoted as r12 and ̂21 qn
is unit vector from charge q2 to q1, then q3
⃗ 12 = ̂12

Similarly, the force on charge q1 due to other charges is given by,

⃗ 13 = ̂13

⃗ 1n = ̂1n

∴ (1) ⃗1= ( ̂ ̂ ̂ )

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Electric Field − It is the space around a charge, in which any other charge experiences an
electrostatic force.
Electric Field Intensity – It is defined as the electric force experienced by test charge placed at
that point.

E=

Where, E → Electric field intensity

F → Force experienced by the unit positive charge q0
Its SI unit is NC−1or Vm-1.
Electric Field Due To a Point Charge
We have to find electric field at point P due to point
charge +q placed at the origin such that ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ =
To find the same, place a vanishingly small positive test
charge q0 at point P.
According to Coulomb’s law, force on the test charge q0
due to charge q is
⃗ = ̂

If ⃗ is the electric field at point P, then

⃗
⃗ = = ̂

⃗ = ̂

The magnitude of the electric field at point P is given by,

E=

Note: Magnitude of Resultant Electric Intensity ER = √

Direction of Resultant Electric Intensity tan ∝ =

Electric Field Due To a System of Charges

Consider that ‘n’ point charges q1, q2, q3, … qn exert q1
forces ⃗ 1, ⃗ 2, ⃗ 3, ...... ⃗ n on the unit positive charge
placed at origin O.
Let ⃗ i be force due to ith charge qi on q0. Then,
⃗i= ̂i

Where, ri is the distance of the test charge q0 from qi

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The electric field at the observation point P is given by,

⃗
⃗i= = ( ̂)

⃗ = ̂ ... (1)

If ⃗ is the electric field at point P due to the system of charges, then by principal of superposition
of electric fields,
⃗ = ⃗ 1 + ⃗ 2 + ⃗ 3 +.....+ ⃗ n = ∑ ⃗i
Using equation (1), we obtain
⃗ =∑ ̂

⃗ = ∑ ̂ ... (2)

Representation of Electric Field Lines

Field lines in case of isolated point charges

Field lines in case of a system of two charges

Electric Field Lines

An electric line of force is the path along which a unit positive charge would move, if it is free to
do so.
Properties of Electric Lines of Force
 These start from the positive charge and end at the negative charge.
 They always originate or terminate at right angles to the surface of the charge.
 They can never intersect each other because it will mean that at that particular point,
electric field has two directions. It is not possible.
 They do not pass through a conductor.

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 They are parallel to each other in a uniform field.

 They exert a lateral pressure on each other.
 They are crowded in the regions of stronger field and spread out in the regions of weaker
field.
Continuous Charge Distribution
Linear charge density − When charge is distributed along a line, the charge distribution is
called linear charge density.
λ=

Where λ → Linear charge density

q → Charge distributed along a line
L → Length of the rod
Surface charge density - It is the ratio of total charge to the total area.

ζ= =

Where, ζ → Surface charge density

q → Charge distributed on area A

Volume charge density - It is the ratio of total charge to the total volume.
δ=

Where δ → Volume charge density

V → Volume of the conductor
q → Charge on conductor

In terms of electric field E=

Electric Dipole − System of two equal and opposite charges separated by a certain small
distance. -q +q
A 2a B

Electric Dipole Moment − The product of magnitude either of the charges and the distance
between the two charges of electric dipole is called electric dipole moment.
P = q . 2a
Its direction is from the negative charge to the positive charge.
It is a vector quantity ant its SI unit is C – m.

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Expression for Electric Field on Axial Line of an Electric Dipole

+q a a -q
P A 2a B
r
Let P be at distance r from the centre of the dipole on the side of charge q. Then
E –q = ( )

Also E +q =
( – )

The total field at P is E = E +q + E -q = [ ( )

]
( – )

( ) ( – )
E= [ ]
( – ) ( )

E= *( )
+

But r >> a, therefore a2 is neglected

E= * +

E= (∵ =q. a)

Expression for Electric Field for Points on the Equatorial Plane

The magnitudes of the electric field due to the two charges +q and −q are given by,
E+q =

E-q =
P E
∴ E+q = E-q
The directions of E+q and E−q are as shown in the figure.
r2 + a2 r
The components E+q sin θ and E-q sin θ are equal and r2 + a2
opposite, hence they cancel each other. E+q cos θ and E-q cos
θ are in same direction, hence they add up. +q θ O -q
∴ Total electric field A 2a B

E = - (E+q + E−q) cos θ (- ve sing show that field is opposite to P)

From ΔPAO cos θ =
( ) ⁄

∴E=-( )
( ) ⁄

E=- ( )( ) ⁄

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E=-
( ) ⁄

At large distances (r >> a), this reduces to

E=-

E=- (∵ = q.2a)

Note: EAxial = - 2 EEquatorial

Expression for torque on an Electric Dipole in a Uniform External Field

Consider an electric dipole of equal and
opposite charges –q and +q separated
by a distance 2a placed in a uniform
electric field E making an angle θ with
electric field.
Force on charge -q at A = -qE (opposite
to E)
Force on charge +q at B = qE (along E)
Electric dipole is under the action of two equal and unlike parallel forces, which give rise to a
torque on the dipole.
η = Force × Perpendicular distance between the two forces
η = qE (AN) = qE (2a sin θ)
η = q(2a) E sinθ
η = pE sinθ (∵ q.2a = p)
In vector form ⃗ =⃗ x⃗
Note: Torque is maximum when θ = 900 i.e., η = pE
Torque is minimum when θ = 00 i.e., η = 0

Electric Flux Gauss Law

The total number of electric lines of force passing normally
through a given surface is called Electric Flux.
Electric flux is a scalar quantity and is denoted by ϕ.
ϕ = E ds cos θ
The SI unit is N m2 C-1

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Gauss Theorem
Statement:- It states that the total electric flux through a closed surface is equal to times the

total charge enclosed by the closed surface.

ϕ= q

Applications of Gauss Law

Electric Field Due To A Line Charge

Consider a thin infinitely long straight line charge of linear charge density λ.
Let P be the point at a distance ‘a’ from the line. To find electric field at point P, draw a
cylindrical surface of radius ‘a’ and length l.
If E is the magnitude of electric field at point P, then electric flux through the Gaussian surface is
given by,

ϕ = E × Area of the curved surface of a cylinder of radius a and length l

ϕ = E × 2πal … (i)
According to Gauss theorem, we have
ϕ=

But q = λ l

∴ϕ= … (ii)

From equations (i) and (ii), we obtain

E × 2πal =

E=

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Electric Field Due To An Infinite Plane Sheet Of Charge

Consider an infinite thin plane sheet of positive charge having a uniform surface charge density
ζ on both sides of the sheet. Let P be the point at a distance ‘a’ from the sheet at which electric
field is required. Draw a Gaussian cylinder of area of cross-section A through point P.
The electric flux crossing through the Gaussian surface is given by,

ϕ = E × Area of the circular caps of the cylinder

ϕ = E × 2A … (i)
According to Gauss theorem, we have
ϕ=

Here, the charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface,

q = ζA

∴ϕ= … (ii)

From equations (i) and (ii), we obtain

E × 2A =

E=

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List of formulas

F= P = q . 2a ϕ=

ε = ε r ε0 E= E=

E= E=- E=

E= τ = pE sinθ q= ne

ER = √
σ= ϕ = E ds cos θ
tan =

Questions
1. What are a Conductor and Insulator? Give an example.
2. Mention the types of charging a body.
3. Define unit of charge.
4. Define electric field.
5. Define electric field intensity.
6. Define linear charge density.
7. Define surface charge density.
8. Define volume charge density.
9. Define electric dipole and electric dipole moment.
10. Obtain an expression for torque on an electric dipole in a uniform external field.
11. Define electric flux and give its equation.
12. Obtain an expression for electric intensity at a point due to an infinite plane sheet of charge.
13. Draw the electric field lines for a system of two positive point charges.(M.Q.P-I (1m))
14. Write two properties of an electric charge. (M.Q.P-I (2m), July-14 (3m), March-18 (3m),
March-19 (2m))
15. The electrostatic force on a metal sphere of charge 0.4 μC due to another identical metal
sphere of charge -0.8 μC in air is 0.2N. Find the distance between the two spheres and also
the force between the same two spheres when they are brought into contact and then
replaced in their initial positions. (M.Q.P-I (5m))
16. A cube of side 1 cm encloses a charge of 1 C. what is the electric flux through the surface of
the cube? (M.Q.P-II (1m))

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17. State and explain Coulomb’s law in electrostatics. (M.Q.P-II (2m), March-14 (2m),
March-2020 (2m))
18. Obtain the expression for the electric field at a point on the equatorial plane on an electric
dipole. (M.Q.P-II(5m), March-15 (5m), June-19 (5m), September-2020 (5m))
19. Derive an expression for electric field due to an electric dipole at a point on the axial line.
(March-16 (5m), July-17 (5m))
20. Write the S.I. unit of charge.(March-14 (1m), March-15 (1m))
21. Write Coulomb’s law in vector form. Explain the terms. (March-15 (2m))
22. State Coulomb’s law. (July-15 (1m), March-17 (1m), March-19 (1m))
23. Write two properties of electric field lines. (July-15 (2m), March-16 (2m), March-17 (2m),
July-18 (3m), June-19 (3m), September-2020 (2m))
24. State Gauss’s law in electrostatics. Derive the expression for electric field at a point due to a
infinitely long charged straight conductor using Gauss’s law. (July-15 (5m), July-16 (5m))
25. What is an electric dipole? (March-16 (1m))
26. Write the SI unit of Electric field. (July-16 (1m))
27. Sketch the electric lines of force due to a point charge q. If
i) q < 0 and
ii) q > 0 (July-16 (2m))
28. Two point charges qA = 3 μC and qB = - 3 μC are located 20 cm apart in vacuum
a) What is the electric field at the midpoint O of the line AB joining the two charges?
b) If a negative test charge of magnitude 1.5 x 10-9 C is placed at this point. What is the
force experienced by the test charge? (March-17 (5m))
29. How does the electrostatic force between two point charges change, when a dielectric
medium is introduced between them? (July-17 (1m))
30. State and explain Gauss’s law in electrostatics. (July-17 (2m))
31. Three charges each equal to +4 nC are placed at the three corners of a square of side 2 cm.
Find the electric field at the fourth corner. (March-18 (5m))
32. Write the SI unit of electric flux. (March-2020 (1m))
33. Two point charges qA = 5 μC and qB = -5μC are located at A and B separated by 0.2 m in
vacuum.
a) What is the electric field at the midpoint O of the line joining the charges?
b) If a negative test charge of magnitude 2 nC is placed at O, what is the force
experienced by the test charge? (March-2020 (5m))
34. What is the electric field inside a thin charged spherical shell? (September-2020 (1m))

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Problems
1. What is the force between two point charges which are 1 C each separated by 1 m in air.

Solution: q1 = q2 = 1 C F= = ( )
9
r=1m F = 9 x 10 N
2. Calculate the electrostatic force between two point charges of 1 nC each, when separated by
a distance of 1 m in air.

Solution: q1 = q2 = 1 nC F= = ( )

r=1m F = 9 x 10-9 N
3. Find the magnitude of the charge if the two equal charges separated by a distance 0.45 m
experiences a force of 0.1 N.

Solution: q1 = q2 = q = ? F= = ( . )

r = 0.45 m 0.1 = ( . )

F = 0.1 N q2 = 2.25 x 10-12

q = 1.5 x 10-6 C
4. A small particle carrying a charge of 5 nC experiences a force of 2 x 10 -8 N when placed at a
certain point in an electric field. What is the electric intensity at that point?

Solution: q = 5 nC E= =

F = 2 x 10-8 N E = 4 NC-1
5. Two point charges of – 15 μC and 20 μC are located in air 0.9 m apart. Find the force
between them, if a medium of relative permittivity 8 is introduced between them, what will
be the new force?

Solution: q1 = - 15 μC Fair = = ( . )

q2 = 20 μC Fair = 3.33 N
.
r = 0.9 m F= =

εr = 8 F = 0.417 N
6. An electric dipole consists of charges + 20 μC separated by 0.02 m. What is its dipole
moment? What is the dipole field at a point on the axial line of the dipole distant 2 m from
the centre of the dipole?
Solution: 2a = 0.02 m P = q . 2a
q = 20 μC P = 20 x 10-6 x 0.02
r=2m P = 40 x 10-8 C-m

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P=? E= =

E=? E = 900 NC-1

7. A point charges 4 μC and 2 μC are placed at the vertices A and B of a right angled triangle
ABC respectively. B is the right angled. If AB = √ cm, AC = 2 cm and BC = 1 cm.
Find the magnitude and direction of resultant intensity at point C.
Solution: ER = √ q1 = 4μC
A
E1 = ( )
= ( )
= 9 x 107 NC-1

E2 = ( )
= ( )
= 18 x 107 NC-1 √
2 cm
cm
Magnitude of resultant electric field intensity
ER = √ B 1 cm C
q2 = 2μC E2
α
θ
Cos θ = = = 0.5 ∴ θ = 600 ER
E1
ER = √( ) ( )
ER = 23.81 x 107 NC-1
Direction of resultant electric field intensity

tan =

α = tan-1( ) = tan-1 (0.8660)

α = 400 531
8. A, B and C are corners of equilateral triangle of side 0.05 m charges of 5 nC and –7nC are
placed at A and B. Find the magnitude and the direction of resultant electric intensity at point
C. A qA = 5 nC
Solution: EA = 1.8 x 104 NC-1
EB = 2.52 x 104 NC-1
0.05 m
θ = 1200
ER = 2.248 x 104 NC-1
α = 760 61 EB
B C
qB = - 7 nC α θ
ER EA

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9. Two positive charges 9 nC and 4 nC are placed at the points A and C respectively of a right
angled triangle ABC in which B = 900, AB = 3 cm and BC = 2 cm. Find the magnitude
and direction of the resultant electric intensity at B. A qA = 9 nC
Solution: EA = 9 x 104 NC-1
EC = 9 x 104 NC-1
θ = 900 3 cm
4 -1
ER = 12.72 x 10 NC
α = 450
EC B
θ 2 cm C
qC = 4 nC
α
ER EA
10. Two charges on metal rectangular plate of 1 m length and 0.75 m breadth are separated by a
small distance, they are charged to 90 C. Calculate the electric intensity at a point in between
the two plates.
Solution: l = 1 m E=

b = 0.75 m ζ= = = 120 C/m2

.

q = 90 C E= = 13.55 x 1012 NC-1

.

11. Two charges 5 μC and - 5 μC are placed at points A and B which are separated by a distance
of 0.06 m. Find the electric field intensity at a point P on the perpendicular bisector of AB at
a distance of 0.04 m from its middle point.
Solution: From Δle PAD
PD2 = (0.03)2 + (0.042)
PD = 0.05 m
.
Cos θ = = 0.6 EA
.

ER = √ P 2θ ER
But EA = EB
EB
ER = √

ER = √ ( )
0.04 m
2
But 1 + cos 2θ = 2 cos θ
5 μC θ
ER = √
A D B-5 μC
ER = 2EA cos θ 0.06 m

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EA = = ( . )
= 18 x 106 NC-1

ER = 2 x 18 x 106 x 0.6
ER = 21.6 x 106 NC-1

tan =

α = 260 331
∴ θ = α + α = 260 331 + 260 331 = 530 61
12. An electric dipole of moment 2 x 10-8 C-m is placed in an electric field of 5 x 10-5 NC-1 with
its axis making an angle of 300 with the field. What is the torque acting on the dipole?
Solution: E = 5 x 10-5 NC-1 η = PE sinθ
P = 2 x 10-8 C-m η = 2 x 10-8 x 5 x 10-5 sin300
θ = 300, η = ? η = 5 x 10-13 Nm
13. How many electrons have to be removed from a metal sphere such that it acquires a charge
of 6 nC? Calculate electric intensity at a point 0.06 m form the centre of the charged sphere
when it is placed in vacuum.
Solution: n = ? q = ± ne
q = 6 x 10-9 C n=

E=? n= = 3.75 x 1010 electrons

.

r = 0.06 m E= = ( . )
3 -1
E = 15 x 10 NC
14. Four charges +Q, +2Q, +3Q and +4Q are placed at the corners of a square ABCD of side 0.1
m respectively. The intensity of electric field at the centre of the square is 5.1 x 10 3 NC-1.
Find the value of Q. E5
E2 E4
Solution: E5 = E3 – E1 and E6 = E4 – E2 +Q 0.1 m +2Q
B
E= √ A
BD2 = (0.1)2 + (0.1)2
BD = 0.1414
0.1 m O
OA = OB = OC = OD = 0.1414/2
= 0.0707
( )
E5 = = ( . )
= 3601 x 109Q NC-1 D C
+4Q +3Q
( )
E6 = = ( . )
=3601x109Q NC-1 E1
E3
E6

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E = √( ) ( )
E = 5092.5 x 109 Q
5.1 x 103 = 5092.5 x 109 Q
Q = 1 nC
15. Calculate the force acting on a point charge + 4 nC placed in an electric field intensity 7 x
105 NC-1.
Solution: E = F/q
F = q.E = 4 x 10-9 x 7 x 105 = 28 x 10-4 N
16. ABC is a triangle with sides AB = 3 m, BC = 4 m and ⌊ = 900, charges of + 9 nC and
– 16 nC are placed a corners A and C respectively. Find the magnitude and direction of
electric intensity at the corner B.
A qA = 9 nC
Solution: EA = ( )
= ( )

EA = 9 NC-1

EC = ( )
= ( ) 3m
-1
EC = 9 NC
Magnitude of resultant electric field intensity
B EC
ER = √
θ 4m C
ER = √( ) ( ) α qC = -16 nC

ER = 12.72 NC-1 EA ER

Direction of resultant electric field intensity

tan =

α = tan-1( ) = 450

17. Two point charges of 6 nC and 12 nC are placed at the corners of B and C of an equilateral
triangle ABC of side 0.03 m. Calculate the EC ER EB
magnitude of the resultant electric intensity at the
θ
vertex A of triangle.
A
Solution: EB = ( )
= ( )

EB = 6 x 104 NC-1
0.03 m
EC = ( )
= ( )

EC = 12 x 104 NC-1
B C
Magnitude of resultant electric field intensity
qB = 6 nC qC = 12 nC
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 Electric Charges And Fields

ER = √

ER = √( ) ( )
ER = 15.87 x 104 NC-1
18. A point charge of 2.0 μC at the centre of a cubic Gaussian surface 9.0 cm on edge. What is
the net electric flux through the surface?

Solution: ϕ = = = 0.226 x 106 Nm2C-1

.

19. The electrostatic force on a metal sphere of charge 0.4 μC due to another identical metal
sphere of charge -0.8 μC in air is 0.2N. Find the distance between the two spheres and also
the force between the same two spheres when they are brought into contact and then replaced
in their initial positions. (M.Q.P-I (5m))
Solution: F =

. .
0.2 =

r = 0.12 m
After contact and placed in their initial position
. .
F= ( . )
= 0.025 N

20. Two point charges qA = 3 μC and qB = - 3 μC are located 20 cm apart in vacuum

 What is the electric field at the midpoint O of the line AB joining the two charges?
 If a negative test charge of magnitude 1.5 x 10-9 C is placed at this point. What is the
force experienced by the test charge? (March-17 (5m))
Solution: (a) EA = ( ) 3 μC O -3 μC
A B
EA = = 2.7 x 106 NC-1 20cm
( )

EB = = = 2.7 x 106 NC-1

( ) ( )

E = EA + EB
E = 2.7 x 106 + 2.7 x 106
E = 5.4 x 106 NC-1
(b) Force on negative test charge q = 1.5 x 10-9 C
F = qE = 1.5 x 10-9 x 5.4 x 106 = 8.1 x 10-3 N
21. Point charges of 10 nC, 20 nC and 10 nC are kept at the corners A, B and C of a square
ABCD of side 3 m. Calculate the magnitude of the resultant electric intensity at D.

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 Electric Charges And Fields

Solution: BD2 = DC2 + BC2 10 nC 3m 20 nC B

A
2 2 2
BD = 3 + 3
BD = 3√ m

EA = ( )
= ( )
= 10 NC-1 3m

EB = ( )
= = 10 NC-1
( √ )
EC
EC = ( )
= ( )
= 10 NC-1 D C
EB 10 nC
Resultant of EA and EC at D is
ER
EA
ER = √

ER = √( ) ( )
ER = 14.14 NC-1
Total electric field at D due to all charges is
E = ER + EB = 14.14 + 10 = 24.14 NC-1
22. Three charges each equal to +4 nC are placed at the three corners of a square of side 2 cm.
Find the electric field at the fourth corner. (March-18 (5m))
Solution: BD2 = DC2 + BC2 4 nC 2 cm 4 nC
A B
BD2 = 22 + 22
BD = 2√ cm
2 cm
EA = ( )
= ( )
= 9 x 104 NC-1

EB = ( )
EC
EB = = 4.5 x 104 NC-1 D C
( √ )
EB 4 nC
EC= = 4
=9x10 NC -1 ER
( ) ( ) EA
Resultant of EA and EC at D is
ER = √

ER = √( ) ( )
ER = 12.72 x 104 NC-1
Total electric field at D due to all charges is
E = ER + EB = 12.72 x 104 + 4.5 x 104 = 17.22 x 104 NC-1
23. Two point charges qA = 5 μC and qB = -5μC are located at A and B separated by 0.2 m in
vacuum.
a) What is the electric field at the midpoint O of the line joining the charges?

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 Electric Charges And Fields

b) If a negative test charge of magnitude 2 nC is placed at O, what is the force

experienced by the test charge? (March-2020 (5m))
Solution: (a) EA = ( ) 5 μC O -5 μC
A B
EA = = 4500 x 103 NC-1 0.2 m
( . )

EB = ( )
= ( . )
= 4500 x 103 NC-1

E = EA + EB
E = 4500 x 103 + 4500 x 103
E = 9 x 106 NC-1
(b) Force on negative test charge q = 2 x 10-9 C
F = qE = 2 x 10-9 x 9 x 106
F = 18 x 10-3 N

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