Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

Some important cases of vector addition

When two forces of equal magnitude acted at an angle 𝜃 resultant force is given by

𝐹𝑟 = 2𝐹 cos 𝜃/2
(1) (2) F
F 𝐹𝑟 = 3𝐹
𝐹𝑟 = 2𝐹
Electrostatics

450 300
F F
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

(3) F 𝐹𝑟 = 𝐹 (3) F 𝐹𝑟 = 𝐹

600 600
F F
1200 1200
Electrostatics

F
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

(3) F 𝐹𝑟 = 𝐹 (4) 𝐹𝑟 = 𝐹

Fr =0
600
F
1200 1800

F
Electrostatics

1200
1200 F
1200
Fr = 0
F
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 F
𝐹𝑟 = 2𝐹

r
𝑘𝑞2
A𝑞 B F 𝐹= 2
𝑞 𝑟

r
Electrostatics

C
𝒒
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 Four charges placed at corners of square of side a as shown in figure,

find resultant force on any one of charge q.

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Fnet on q will be D C
q q

𝐹Ԧ 𝑟 = 𝐹′ + 2𝐹Ԧ
𝑘𝑞2 𝑘𝑞2
Electrostatics

𝐹𝑟 = + 2 2
( 2𝑎)2 𝑎
q 𝑘𝑞2
q 𝐹= 2
𝑘𝑞2 1 A B 𝑎
𝐹𝑟 = + 2 𝐹′
𝑎2 2
𝐹 2𝐹
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 find net force on Q placed at point p (shown in figure)
q
q q

p
p
q q q q
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

D C q
q q
F
F
Q Q
Electrostatics

F
F
q q q q
A B
𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑄 =0 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑄 =0

If n identical charges placed at corners of a regular polygon then net force on charge
placed at center of polygon is always zero
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 find net force on any one of charge due to other charges (shown
in figure)
q

q q
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
q
C

𝒓 𝒓

q 600 q 𝑘𝑞2
600 𝐹= 2
A
𝒓 B 𝑟
Electrostatics

3𝐹

𝑘𝑞2
𝐹𝑟 = 3 2
𝑟
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 find net force on any one of charge due to other charges (shown
in figure) -q

q q
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
-q
C

𝒓 600 𝒓

1200 𝐹𝑟 = 3𝐹 1200
𝑘𝑞2 600 𝑘𝑞2
𝐹= 2 𝐹= 2
𝑟 q 𝒓 B q 𝑟
A
Electrostatics

𝑘𝑞2
𝐹𝑟 = 3 2
𝑟
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 What equal charges should be placed at remaining two vertices so that
net force on +Q charge becomes zero (Side of square is a)

𝑄 𝑄 𝑄 D C
𝑄 +Q q
1 2 − 3 4 −
2 2 2 2 2 2

q +Q
Electrostatics

A B
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

For net force to be zero on +Q D C

+Q -q
2𝐹 = 𝐹1
𝑘𝑞𝑄
ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐹 = F
𝑎2 2𝐹
𝑘𝑄2 𝑘𝑄2
Electrostatics

𝐹1 = = -q +Q
( 2𝑎)2 2𝑎2 A F B
𝑘𝑞𝑄 𝑘𝑄2 𝑭𝟏
2 2 = 2
𝑎 2𝑎

𝑄 𝑄
𝑞= (𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒) 𝑞=− Option (d) is correct
2 2 2 2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 Two point charges each of +q are fixed at (a,0) & (-a,0). Another point
charge +q0 is free to move along y-axis is placed at (0,y). For what value
of y force on +q0 is maximum.

2𝑭 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝑭 𝑭
𝜃 𝜃
𝑭 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 +q0 𝑭 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
Electrostatics

𝒓 𝜃 𝜃 𝒓
y

+q +q
(-a,0) (0,0) (a,0)
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

2𝑭 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽
Fr on +q0
𝑭 𝜃 𝜃 𝑭
𝑭 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝑭 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝐹𝑟 = 2𝐹 cos 𝜃
+q0
𝐹𝑟 = 2𝐹 cos 𝜃
𝒓 𝜃 𝜃 𝒓
y 𝑟= 𝑎2 + 𝑦2
Electrostatics

+q +q 𝑘𝑞𝑞0 𝑦
(0,0) (a,0) 𝐹𝑟 = 2
(-a,0) 𝑟2 𝑟

𝑘𝑞𝑞0 𝑘𝑞𝑞0
𝐹𝑟 = 2 𝑦 =2 𝑦
𝑟3 𝑎2 + 𝑦2 3/2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝒌𝒒𝒒𝟎 𝒌𝒒𝒒𝟎
𝑭𝒓 = 𝟐 𝒚 =𝟐 𝒚
𝒓𝟑 𝒂𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 𝟑/𝟐

For maximum value of Force

𝑑𝐹
= 0 (𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑎)
𝑑𝑦
𝑎
By doing this we obtained 𝑦 = ±
Electrostatics

2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

Vector form of Coulomb's law

r
𝐹 12 𝐹 21
𝑞1 𝑞2

𝑘𝑞1𝑞2 direction
𝐹 21 = 𝑟Ƹ (Force on charge q2 due to charge q1)
𝑟2
Electrostatics

𝑟Ƹ

𝑘𝑞1𝑞2 direction
𝐹 12 = 2
𝑟Ƹ (Force on charge q1 due to charge q2)
𝑟 𝑟Ƹ

Whenever use coulombs law in vector form charges always taken with sign
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

Electrostatic equilibrium
Stable Equilibrium

A charge is initially in equilibrium position and is displaced by a small distance. If the

charge tries to return back to the same equilibrium position then this equilibrium is
called position of stable equilibrium.
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
Unstable Equilibrium
If charge is displaced by a small distance from its equilibrium position and the charge
has no tendency to return to the same equilibrium position. Instead it goes away from
the equilibrium position
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
Neutral Equilibrium

If charge is displaced by a small distance and it is still in equilibrium condition then it

is called neutral equilibrium.
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 What will be net force on charge q placed at mid point as shown
q
fixed fixed
Q a M a Q

q
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 fixed fixed
Q a M a Q

net force on q is zero whatever be sign and magnitude of q

Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
+q
fixed fixed
Q a M a Q

Fnet on +q will be zero because it will be repel by equal and opposite force

-q
fixed fixed
Q a M a Q
Electrostatics

Fnet on -q will be zero because it will be attract by equal and opposite force
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

2𝑭 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽

𝑭 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 +q0 𝑭 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽

Electrostatics

+q0
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
When a positive charge displaced along y axis from its E.P.
2𝑭 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽
𝑭 𝑭

𝜽 𝜽
𝑭 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽 𝑭 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽

𝜽
𝒓
Electrostatics

+q +q0 +q
(-a,0) (0,0) (a,0)

Net force is in the direction of displacement so type of equilibrium is unstable

 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
When a negative charge displaced along y axis from its E.P.

-q
𝑭 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 𝑭 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽

F F
2𝑭 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽
Electrostatics

+q +q
(-a,0) (0,0) (a,0)

Net force is opposite to the direction of displacement so type of equilibrium is

stable
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
In this case –q will oscillate about M, for small displacement it will perform SHM.

-q

𝑭𝒓

fixed fixed
Q a M a Q
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 What will be time period of SHM if negative charge displaced from mean
along y axis and released.

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 First of all we must know necessary condition for SHM

When restoring force acting on particle changes linearly w.r.t.
displacement from mean position particle will perform SHM.

𝑭𝒓 ∝ −𝒚
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
Time period of SHM when –q displaced in vertical direction from M

Fsin 𝜃 -q Fsin 𝜃 -q

F F 𝑟 𝑦 𝑟
𝜃
2 Fcos 𝜃 𝐹𝑟
fixed fixed fixed fixed
Q a a Q Q a M a Q
M
Electrostatics

𝑭𝒓 = 2Fcos 𝜃

𝑘𝑄𝑞 𝑦 𝑘𝑄𝑞 𝑘𝑄𝑞

𝐹𝑟 = 2 or 𝐹𝑟 = 2 𝑦 or 𝐹𝑟 = 2 𝑦
𝑟2 𝑟 𝑟3 𝑎2 + 𝑦 2 3/2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝑘𝑄𝑞
𝐹𝑟 = 2 𝑦 For small value of y, 𝑦 2 can be neglected w.r.t. 𝑎2
𝑎2 + 𝑦 2 3/2

2𝑘𝑄𝑞 𝑚 𝑚𝑎3
𝐹𝑟 = 𝑦 𝑇 = 2𝜋 𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑎3 𝐾 2𝑘𝑄𝑞

𝑩𝑹𝑨𝑯𝑴𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑹𝑨 for calculation of time period

Electrostatics

𝑚
𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑘
(K is coefficient of force, i.e. the value of all parameters except displacement in formula
of restoring force
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
Time period of +q for horizontal displacement

q
fixed fixed
Q a M a Q
Electrostatics

(𝑎 + 𝑥) (𝑎 − 𝑥)
q
𝑥
fixed fixed
Q a M a Q
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
(𝑎 + 𝑥) (𝑎 − 𝑥)

fixed q fixed
Q 𝐹2 𝐹1 Q

𝐴𝑠 𝐹2 > 𝐹1, 𝑠𝑜 𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝐸. 𝑃.

𝑘𝑄𝑞 𝑘𝑄𝑞
Electrostatics

𝐹𝑟 = 𝐹2 − 𝐹1 =
𝑎−𝑥 2− 𝑎+𝑥 2

4𝑎𝑥
𝐹𝑟 = 𝑘𝑄𝑞 2 For small value of x, 𝑥 2 can be neglected w.r.t. 𝑎2
𝑎 2 − 𝑥2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
4𝑎𝑥
𝐹𝑟 = 𝑘𝑄𝑞 2 For small value of x, 𝑥 2 can be neglected w.r.t. 𝑎2
𝑎 2 − 𝑥2

4𝑎𝑥 4𝑎𝑥 4𝑘𝑄𝑞

𝐹𝑟 = 𝑘𝑄𝑞 2 = 𝑘𝑄𝑞 = 𝑥
𝑎 2 − 𝑥2 𝑎4 𝑎3

𝑩𝑹𝑨𝑯𝑴𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑹𝑨 for calculation of time period

Electrostatics

𝑚 𝑚𝑎 3
𝑇 = 2𝜋 𝑇 = 2𝜋
𝑘 4𝑘𝑄𝑞
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
In given case where should be third charge must be placed so that net force on third
charge will be zero.

fixed fixed
Q 4Q
2a

For net force to be zero on third charge q force due to Q and 4Q must be equal and
opposite.
Electrostatics

Suppose q is placed at distance x from Q

q
fixed fixed
Q 𝑥 4Q
(2𝑎 − 𝑥)
2a
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

fixed 𝐹2 𝐹1 fixed
Q 𝑥 4Q
(2𝑎 − 𝑥)

If F1 is force exerted by Q, and F2 is force exerted by 4Q on q

For net force to be zero on q 𝐹1 = 𝐹2

𝑘𝑄𝑞 4𝑘𝑄𝑞 (2𝑎 − 𝑥)2 4

𝑜𝑟 = 𝑜𝑟 =
𝑥2 (2𝑎 − 𝑥)2 𝑥2 1
Electrostatics

(2𝑎 − 𝑥) 2
𝑜𝑟 = 𝑜𝑟 2𝑎 − 𝑥 = 2𝑥
𝑥 1
2𝑎
𝑜𝑟 𝑥=
3
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 Note: equilibrium position will be near to smaller charge
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

In such problems we can use direct formula for calculation of equilibrium position

𝒒
fixed fixed
Q1 𝑥 Q2
(𝑟 − 𝑥)

𝒓
Electrostatics

𝑟
𝑥=
𝑄
1 + 𝑄2
1
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
In this case we can directly calculate the value of x.

q
fixed fixed
Q 𝑥 4Q
(𝑟 − 𝑥)
r = 2a
Electrostatics

𝑟 2𝑎
𝑥= 𝑥=
𝑄 4𝑄
1 + 𝑄2 1+
1 𝑄

2𝑎
𝑥=
3
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
fixed fixed
+e +9e
r = 20cm

In given case where should be third charge (q) must be placed so that net force on
third charge will be zero.

q
fixed fixed
Electrostatics

+e 𝑥 +9e
(𝑟 − 𝑥)
r = 20cm

𝑟 20 20
𝑥= 𝑥= 𝑥= = 5𝑐𝑚
𝑄 9𝑒 4
1 + 𝑄2 1+
1 𝑒
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 In given case where should be third charge (q) must be placed so that net
force on third charge will be zero.
fixed fixed
+e -9e

r = 20cm
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 When fixed charges are opposite in sign equilibrium position will be
outside from line joining the charges but it will be near to charge of
smaller magnitude
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
q
fixed fixed

+e -9e

r = 20cm

That means in between +e and -9e equilibrium of +q is not possible

q fixed fixed
Electrostatics

𝐹1 𝐹2 +e -9e
𝑥 r = 20cm

(𝑟 + 𝑥)

For equilibrium of q, F1 = F2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
q fixed fixed

𝐹1 𝐹2 +e -9e
𝑥 r = 20cm

(𝑟 + 𝑥)

For equilibrium of q, F1 = F2
Electrostatics

𝑘𝑒𝑞 9𝑘𝑒𝑞 (𝑟 + 𝑥)2 9

𝑜𝑟 = 𝑜𝑟 =
𝑥2 (𝑟 + 𝑥)2 𝑥2 1

(𝑟 + 𝑥) 3
𝑜𝑟 = 𝑜𝑟 𝑟 + 𝑥 = 3𝑥
𝑥 1

𝑟
𝑜𝑟 𝑥= = 10𝑐𝑚
2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 Where and what charge should be placed so that whole system will
remains in equilibrium.

free free
Q Q

r = 2a
As both free charges are identical so third charge will remains in
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
equilibrium at mid point.
Electrostatics

-q
free free
Q 𝑎 𝑎 Q

Third charge will be opposite in sign otherwise equilibrium is not possible

 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
A -q B
free free
Q 𝑎 𝑎 Q
For equilibrium of charge placed at A, force of attraction of –q must be balanced by
force of repulsion of charge placed at B

-q B
𝐹2 free A 𝐹1 free

Q 𝑎 𝑎 Q
Electrostatics

For equilibrium of Q, F1 = F2

𝑘𝑄𝑞 𝑘𝑄2 𝑞 𝑄 𝑄 𝑄
𝑜𝑟 = 2 𝑜𝑟 = 𝑜𝑟 𝑞 = (𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒) 𝑜𝑟 𝑞 = −
𝑎2 4𝑎 1 4 4 4

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 Thus we can say system will be in equilibrium if third charge q= -Q/4,
placed at mid point of line joining the two charges.
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝑑 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 Two-point charges 𝑸 and 𝟏𝟔𝑸 are fixed at separation 𝒅. Where
𝑥= should a third point charge be placed between them so that it
5
experiences no force i.e., in equilibrium?
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝑄 𝐹2 𝑞 𝐹1 16𝑄

𝑥 (𝑑 − 𝑥)
Electrostatics

𝑟 𝑑 𝑑
𝑥= 𝑥= =
𝑄 16𝑄 5
1 + 𝑄2 1+
1 𝑄
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝑑 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 In the previous problem, if we replace 𝑸 by −𝑸, where should the
𝑥=− third charge be placed on the line joining the charges so that it is in
3
equilibrium?
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐹2 𝑞 𝐹1 −𝑄 16𝑄

𝑥
(𝑑 + 𝑥)
Electrostatics

𝑟 𝑑 𝑑
𝑥= 𝑥= = −
𝑄 16𝑄 3
1 − 𝑄2 1−
1 𝑄
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 What should be the value of charge which should be placed at center of
square so that system will remains in equilibrium

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝒂 Q
Q
All charges are
free
𝒂 𝒂
Electrostatics

Q Q
𝒂

As all charges are positive so they will repel each other. Definitely other
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭
charge must be opposite in sign
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

A 𝒂 B
Q Q 𝑎
𝑥=
2
-q
𝒂 𝒂

𝐹2
Q Q
Electrostatics

𝑘𝑄2 1
𝒂 D 𝐹1 = 2 + 2
C 𝑎 2

For equilibrium of Q, F1 = F2

𝑘𝑄𝑞 𝑘𝑄2 1 2𝑘𝑄𝑞 𝑘𝑄2 1

𝑜𝑟 = 2 + 2 𝑜𝑟 = 2 + 2
𝑥2 𝑎 2 𝑎2 𝑎 2

𝑄 𝑄
𝑜𝑟 𝑞 = 1 + 2 2 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑞 = − 1+2 2
4 4
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 What should be the value of charge which should be placed at center of
equilateral triangle so that system will remains in equilibrium

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Q
A
All charges are
free
𝒂 𝒂
Electrostatics

B C
Q 𝒂 Q
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

Q Distance b/w center to corner of triangle is

A 𝑎
𝑥=
3
𝑎 𝑎
-q
𝐹2 C
B
Q 𝑎 Q
3𝑘𝑄2
𝐹1 =
𝑎2
Electrostatics

For equilibrium of Q, F1 = F2

3𝑘𝑄2 𝑘𝑄𝑞 3𝑄 3𝑞 𝑜𝑟 𝑞 = 𝑄
𝑜𝑟 = 2 𝑜𝑟 = 2 (magnitude)
𝑎 2 𝑥 𝑎2 𝑎 3
𝑄
𝑜𝑟 𝑞 = −
3
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
Some other examples based on Coulomb’s law
Force between two identical spheres A and B carrying same charge and
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞
separated by distance r in vacuum is F. then third identical sphere C first
brought in contact with A then B and finally C is taken away then force
between A and B becomes.
(a) F/4 (b) F/8 (c) 3F/4 (d) 3F/8

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Q
Q
Electrostatics

𝒓
A B
𝒌𝑸𝟐
𝑭= 𝟐
𝒓
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

When
ChargeC and
Aon BB
A C
brought
and C in
contact
becomes
+3q/4
+q/2
𝒒 q q
𝟑𝒒ൗ
ൗ𝟐
𝟒
𝒒
𝟑𝒒
𝒒 ൗൗ𝟐
ൗ𝟐 𝟒
Electrostatics

A B
C C
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

Q/2 3Q/4

𝒓
A B

𝑘(𝑄/2)(3𝑄/4)
𝐹1 = Final force
𝑟2 B/W , A and B
3𝑘𝑄2 3𝐹 𝟑𝑭
Electrostatics

𝐹1 = = 𝟖
8𝑟2 8
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 Two point charges +q1 and +q2 are separated by distance r in vacuum.
Force on q1 due to q2 is F. if third charge +q3 is placed at mid point of line
joining the charges then force on q1 due to q2?
(a) Increase (b) Decrease (c) Remains same (d) can’t say

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐹12
𝑟
+q1 +q2
Electrostatics

𝑘𝑞1𝑞2
𝐹12 =
𝑟2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝑭𝟏𝟐
𝒓
+q1 +q2

When q3 is placed at mid point

+q3
𝑭𝟏𝟐

𝑭𝟏𝟑
+q1 +q2
Electrostatics

𝒓/𝟐
𝒓

Now net force on q1 is increased but force due to q2 will remains F12 on q1.
𝑘𝑞1𝑞2
𝐹12 =
𝑟2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
Some other examples based on Coulomb’s law
Two charged particles, each charge 𝒒, are joined by an insulating
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞
string of length 𝑳 and system is kept on smooth surface. Find tension
in the string.

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 q q
T T
Fe Fe

L
Electrostatics

Since the net force on system is zero, system is at rest. Net force on each charge equal to
zero.
1 𝑞2
𝑇 = 𝐹𝑐 =
4𝜋𝜖0 𝐿2
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
Some other examples based on Coulomb’s law
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 A particle having charge 𝑸𝟎 is placed directly below and at
separation 𝒅 from the bob of simple pendulum at rest. The mass of
the bob is 𝒎. What charge should be given to bob so that string
becomes loose?
𝐹𝑒 = 𝑚𝑔
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
1 𝑞𝑄0
𝑇 = 𝑚𝑔
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑑 2
Electrostatics

4𝜋𝜖0 𝑚𝑔𝑑 2
𝑞=
𝑄0
𝑑
𝑚𝑔

𝑄0
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
Some other examples based on Coulomb’s law
A particle 𝑨 having charge 𝒒 and mass 𝒎 is placed at the bottom of a
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞
smooth inclined plane of inclination 𝜽. Where should a block 𝑩,
having same charge and mass, be placed on the incline so that it may
remain in equilibrium?
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝑁
Let block 𝐵 be placed at distance 𝑑. The block
𝐵 is in equilibrium. 𝑚𝑔cos 𝜃 is balanced by
normal reaction and 𝑚𝑔sin 𝜃 by repulsive 𝑚𝑔 cos 𝜃
Electrostatics

electric force
𝜃
𝑚𝑔
𝐹𝑒 = 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃 (𝑞, 𝑚)
1 𝑞2
= 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑑 2
1
𝑑=𝑞
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑚𝑔 sin 𝜃
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
Range of charge is from Some other examples based on Coulomb’s law
−4 × 10−9 C to 4 × 10−9 C.
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 A particle 𝐴 having a charge 10𝜇C is held fixed on a horizontal surface. A
block of mass 80 g and having charge stays in equilibrium on the surface
at a distance 3 cm from the first charge. The coefficient of friction
between the surface and the block is 𝜇 = 0.5. Find the range within which
the charge on the block may lie.
𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Electrostatics
Electrostatics Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Electrostatics
 Electrostatics By Dr Parvez khan

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Electrostatics