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UNIT
ELECTROSTATICS
1
CHAPTER SNAPSHOT
1.1 Introduction 1.6 Gauss law and its applications
1.1.1 Historical background of electric charges 1.6.1 Electric Flux
1.1.2 Basic properties of charges 1.6.2 Electric flux for closed surfaces
1.2 Coulomb's law 1.6.3 Gauss law
1.2.1 1.6.4 Applications of Gauss law

ns
Superposition principle
1.3 Electric field and Electric Field Lines 1.7 Electrostatics of Conductors and
1.3.1 Electric Field Dielectrics
1.3.2

1.3.3
Electric field due to the system of point
charges
a
Electric field due to continuous charge
tio
1.7.1

1.7.2
Conductors at electrostatic
equilibrium
Electrostatic shielding
ic
distribution 1.7.3 Electrostatic induction
1.7.4
bl

1.3.4 Electric field lines Dielectrics or insulators

1.4 Electric dipole and its properties 1.7.5 Induced Electric field inside the
Pu

1.4.1 Electric dipole dielectric

1.4.2 Electric field due to a dipole 1.7.6 Dielectric strength
1.4.3 Torque experienced by an electric dipole in 1.8 Capacitors and Capacitance
ra

the uniform electric field 1.8.1 Capacitors

1.5 Electrostatic Potential and Potential Energy 1.8.2 Energy stored in the capacitor
Su

1.5.1 Electrostatic Potential energy and 1.8.3 Applications of capacitors

Electrostatic potential 1.8.4 Effect of dielectrics in capacitors
1.8.5 Capacitor in series and parallel
1.5.2 Electric potential due to a point charge
1.9 Distribution of charges in a
1.5.3 Electrostatic potential at a point due to an
conductor and action at points
electric dipole
1.9.1 Distribution of charges in a
1.5.4 Equi-potential Surface
conductor
1.5.5 Relation between electric field and potential
1.9.2 Action at points or Corona
1.5.6 Electrostatic potential energy for collection discharge
of point charges 1.9.3 Lightning arrester or lightning
1.5.7 Electrostatic potential energy of a dipole in conductor
a uniform electric field 1.9.4 Van de Graaff Generator

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

CONCEPT MAP

ELECTROSTATICS

Point charge Coulomb’s law Dipole

ns
Electric field
tio Electric potential
Unit 1

a
ic
Electric flux Electric Potential
bl

energy
Pu

Gauss law Conductors

ra

Van de Graaff
Su

Generator

Series Capacitors Parallel

with dielectric Without dielectric

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

MUST KNOW DEFINITIONS

Electrostatics : Study of electric charges at rest or stationary charged bodies.
Electric charge : A basic property of some substances due to which they can exert a
force of electrostatic attraction or repulsion on other charged bod-
ies at a distance.
Frictional electricity : 600 B.C. Thales, a Greek Philosopher - amber with fur - elec-
trification
17th century  William Gilbert - glass, ebonite exhibit charging by
rubbing.
Elektron (Greek word) - means amber
Positive charge Negative charge
Glass rod Silk cloth

ns
Fur cap Ebonite rod
Woollen cloth Plastic object

Electrostatics
Superposition principle
tio
: In an isolated system, the total force on a given charge is the
vector sum of the individual forces exerted on it by all oth-
a
er charges, each individual force calculated by coulomb’s law.
ic
→
q q ∧ q q ∧ qq ∧ 
F1tot = k  1 2 2 r21 + 1 2 3 r31 + ..... + 1 2 n rnl 
 r21 r31 rn1 
bl

Properties of charges : Quantisation of charge q = ne [n = 0, ±1, ±2, ±3,....]

Pu

Charges are additive Q = ΣQn

Conservation of charges Q = Constant
A point charge : The dimension of the charged object is very small and neglected in
ra

comparison with the distances involved.

Electric field due to a : +q +qo 
Su

1 q
point charge E E= r
O r P 4πε 0 r 2
Direction of E is along : Points outward for +q at O
line joining OP Points inward for –q at O
Definition of coulomb : It is defined as the quantity of charge which when placed at a
distance of 1 metre in air or vacuum from an equal and similar
charge experiences a repulsive force of 9 ×109 N.
Test charge : A charge which, on introduction in an existing field, does not alter
the field.
Electric field : It is the space or the region around the source charge in which the
effect of the charge can be felt.
Electric field intensity : Force experienced by a unit positive charge kept at that point in the
field.

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

Charge (q) Mass(m)

Can be zero, +ve or –ve Can never be zero, only +ve
Force between two charges can be Force between any two masses is
positive or negative always attractive in nature
Value of constant depends upon Value of constant G is always fixed.
ε,εr,ε0

Formulae
→ 1 q1q2 ∧
(1) Electrostatic force between charges q1 and q2, F = F12 = r21
4πε o r122
1
(2) Value of k =
4πε o = 9 × 10 Nm C
9 2 –2

ns
(3) Value of ε = 8.854 × 10–12 C2N–1m–2
(5) Total charge q = n × e ; Number of electrons × Charge of an electron
(6) Components of force F.
tio 2
F1= F cos q; F2 =F sin q ; |F| = F1 + F2
2
Unit 1

a ε
(7) Relative permittivity or Dielectric constant ε r =
εo
ic
Fair
(8) Force between charges in medium Fm =
bl

εr
force F
(9) Electrostatic field, E = = q ⇒ F = qE
Pu

charge
1 q ∧
(10) Electric field due to a point charge E = r
4πε o r 2
→ ∧
(11) Electric dipole moment, p = q × 2a i
ra

→
1 2p
→
(12) (i) Electric field due to a dipole at a point on the axial line, E = (r >> a )
Su

4πε 0 r 3
→
−1 p
→
(ii) Electric field due to a dipole at a point on the equatorial line E = E tot = (r >> a )
  4πε 0 r 3
(13) Magnitude of torque τ = p × E = pE sinθ (p = q 2a)
1 q
(14) Electric potential at a point due to a point charge, V = 4πε r
o
→ →
(15) Electric potential energy of dipole U = – pE cosθ = - p .E
p cos θ
(16) Electric potential at a point due to an electric dipole V = 4πε r2
o
q → →
(17) Electric flux = ⇒ fE = E . A = EA cosθ
εo
λ
(18) Electric field due to infinite long straight charged wire, E =
2πε o r
σ q 1 → σ ∧
(19) Electric field due to plane sheet of charge E = 2ε = A 2ε Vector form, E = n
o o 2ε 0

6
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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

Evaluation
Choose the Correct Answer: 4. An electric dipole is placed at an alignment angle
of 30° with an electric field of 2 × 105 N C–1. It
1. Two identical point charges of magnitude –q experiences a torque equal to 8 N m. The
are fixed as shown in the figure below. A third charge on the dipole if the dipole length is
charge +q is placed midway between the two 1 cm is
charges at the point P. Suppose this charge +q (a) 4 mC (b) 8 mC
is displaced a small distance from the point (c) 5 mC (d) 7 mC
P in the directions indicated by the arrows,
 [Ans. (b) 8 mC]
in which direction(s) will +q be stable with
respect to the displacement? 5. Four Gaussian surfaces are given below with
B1 charges inside each Gaussian surface. Rank
the electric flux through each Gaussian surface
+q
– + + in increasing order.

ns
A1 P A2 +q
-q
B2 +2q
A
+
B

tio
–q

(a) A1 and A2 (b) B1 and B2 +q

+

D
(c) both directions (d) No stable
Unit 1


a
[Ans. (b) A1 and A2]
(a) D < C < B < A (b) A < B = C < D
ic
2. Which charge configuration produces a (c) C < A = B < D (d) D > C > B > A
uniform electric field?
bl

 [Ans. (a) D < C < B <A]

(a) point Charge
6. The total electric flux for the following closed
Pu

(b) infinite uniform line charge

surface which is kept inside water
(c) uniformly charged infinite plane
(d) uniformly charged spherical shell
 [Ans. (c) uniformly charged infinite plane] Water
ra

–q +2q
q
– +

+
+q
q
q1
3. What is the ratio of the charges for the
Su

q2 80 q q
(a) (b)
following electric field line pattern? ε 40 ε
q q
(c) (d) 160 ε 
80 ε  q
 [Ans. (b) ]
q1 q2
40eo
7. Two identical conducting balls having positive
charges q1 and q2 are separated by a center to
1 25
(a) (b) center distance r. If they are made to touch each
5 11 other and then separated to the same distance,
11 the force between them will be  (NSEP 04-05)
(c) 5 (d)
25 11 (a) less than before (b) same as before
 [Ans. (d) ] (c) more than before (d) zero
25
 [Ans. (c) more than before]

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

8. Rank the electrostatic potential energies for 12. If voltage applied on a capacitor is increased
the given system of charges in increasing order. from V to 2V, choose the correct conclusion.
Q –Q –Q –Q (a) Q remains the same, C is doubled
(a) r (b) r
+ –– – –– (b) Q is doubled, C doubled
–Q –2Q Q –2Q (c) C remains same, Q doubled
(c) r (d) – 2r –– (d) Both Q and C remain same
– ––
[Ans. (c) C remains same, Q doubled]
(a) 1 = 4 < 2 < 3 (b) 2 = 4 < 3 < 1 13. A parallel plate capacitor stores a charge Q at a
(c) 2 = 3 < 1 < 4 (d) 3 < 1 < 2 < 4 voltage V. Suppose the area of the parallel plate
 [Ans. (a) 1 = 4 < 2 < 3] capacitor and the distance between the plates
are each doubled then which is the quantity
→ ∧ that will change?
9. An electric field E = 10 x i exists in a certain
region of space. Then the potential difference (a) Capacitance (b) Charge
V = V0 – VA, where V0 is the potential at the (c) Voltage (d) Energy density

ns
origin and VA is the potential at x = 2 m is:  [Ans. (d) Energy density]
(a) 10 J (b) – 20 J 14. Three capacitors are connected in triangle

Electrostatics
tio
(c) +20 J (d) -10J as shown in the figure. The 2µF
A B
[Ans. (b) – 20 J] equivalent capacitance
between the points A and C is
10. A thin conducting spherical shell of radius R
a 2µF

(a) 1μF 1µF

has a charge Q which is uniformly distributed

ic
(b) 2 μF
on its surface. The correct plot for electrostatic C

potential due to this spherical shell is (c) 3 μF

bl

V 1
V (d) µF  [Ans. (b) 2 μF]
Pu

4
(a) (b)
15. Two metallic spheres of radii 1 cm and 3 cm
O O r are given charges of –1 × 10–2 C and 5 × 10–2 C
R r R
respectively. If these are connected by a
ra

V
V conducting wire, the final charge on the bigger
(c) (d)
sphere is
Su

O
R r O
 (AIIPMT -2012)
R r
V (a) 3 × 10 C
–2
(b) 4 × 10-2 C
[Ans. (b) ] (c) 1 × 10-2 C (d) 2 × 10-2 C
  [Ans. (a) 3 × 10–2 C]
O r
R
11. Two points A and B are maintained at a II. Short Answer Questions :
potential of 7 V and –4 V respectively. The
1. What is meant by quantisation of charges?
work done in moving 50 electrons from A to
B is Ans. (i) The charge q on any object is equal to an
(a) 8.80 × 10–17 J (b) –8.80 × 10–17 J integral multiple of this fundamental unit
of charge e.
(c) 4.40 × 10–17 J (d) 5.80 × 10–17 J q = ne
[Ans. (a) 8.80 × 10–17 J] (ii) Here n is any integer (0, ±1, ±2, ±3,
±4………..). This is called Quantisation of
electric charge.

9
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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

13. Give the relation between electric field and 19. What is dielectric strength?
electric potential. Ans. The maximum electric field the dielectric can
Ans. Consider a positive charge q kept fixed at the withstand before it gets, breakdown is called
origin. To move a unit positive charge by a small dielectric strength.
distance dx in the electric field E, the work done
is given by dW = –E dx. The minus sign implies 20. Define ‘capacitance’. Give its unit.
that work is done against the electric field. Ans. The capacitance C of a capacitor is defined as
This work done is equal to electric potential the ratio of the magnitude of charge on either of
difference. Therefore, the conductor plates to the potential difference
dW = dV existing between the conductors.
(or) dV = –E dx
21. What is Corona discharge?
dV
Hence E = – Ans. The electric field near the edge of conductor
dx is very high and it ionizes the surrounding air.
The electric field is the negative gradient of the The positive ions are repelled at the sharp edge
electric potential. and negative ions are attracted towards the

ns
sharper edge. This reduces the total charge of
14. Define ‘electrostatic potential energy’.
the conductor near the sharp edge. This is called
Ans. Electric potential energy : It is defined as the

Electrostatics
tio
action at points or corona discharge.
work done in bringing the various charges to
their respective positions form infinitely large III. Long Answer questions :
mutual separation.
a
1. Discuss the basic properties of electric charges.
15. Define ‘electric flux’
ic
Ans. (i) Electric charge : The electric charge
Ans. The number of electric field lines crossing a is another intrinsic and fundamental
bl

given area kept normal to the electric field lines property of particles.
is called electric flux.
(ii) Conservation of charges : Charges are
Pu

16. What is meant by electrostatic energy density? neither created or nor be destroyed but can
Ans. The energy stored per unit volume of space is only be transferred from one object to the
U other. This is called conservation of total
defined as energy density uE = .
ra

Volume charges.
17. Write a short note on ‘electrostatic shielding’. (iii) Quantisation of charges : The charge q on
Su

any object is equal to an integral multiple

Ans. (i) The phenomenon of making a region force
of this fundamental unit of charge e.
from any electric field is called electrostatic
q = ne Here n is any integer (0, ±1, ±2, ±3,
shielding.
±4………..). This is called Quantisation of
(ii) Consider a cavity inside the conductor electric charge.
as whatever the charges at the surfaces
and whatever the electrical disturbances 2. Explain in detail Coulomb’s law and its various
outside, the electric field inside the cavity aspects.
is zero. Ans. Important aspects of Coulomb’s law :
18. What is Polarisation? (i) It gives an idea about the force between
→ two point charges the electrostatic force is
Ans. (i) Polarisation P is defined as the total dipole
directly proportional to the product of the
moment per unit volume of the dielectric.
magnitude of the two point charges and is
→ →
P = ce E ext inversely proportional to the square of the
distance between the two point charges
(ii) where χe is a constant called the electric qq
susceptibility which is a characteristic of F∝ 1 2 2 .
r
each dielectric.
11
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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I
∧ ∧
(ii) The force on the charge q2 exerted by the But r 21 = − r12
charge q1 always lies along the line joining 1 q1q2 ∧
( ) 1 q1q2 ∧
( )
→
∧
the two charges. r12 is the unit vector F 12 = − r 21 = −
4πε 0 r 2 4πε 0 r 2 − r 12
pointing from charge q1 to q2 . Conversely,
→ →
the force on the charge q1 exerted by q2 is  (or) F = − F 21
∧ 12
along– r12 (i.e., in the direction opposite to Therefore, the electrostatic force obeys
∧
r12 ). Newton’s third law.
1
(iii) k = and its value is k = 9 × 109 (vii) The expression for Coulomb force is true
4πε 0
only for point charges. However we can
Nm2C–2 Here ε0 is the permittivity of
apply Coulomb’s law for two charged
free space or vacuum an the value of objects whose sizes are very much smaller
1 than the distance between them. In fact,
= 8.85 × 10–12 C2 N–1 m–2
4πk Coulomb discovered his law by considering
(iv) The magnitude of the electrostatic force the charged spheres in the torsion balance

ns
between two charges each of one coulomb as point charges. The distance between the
and separated by a distance of 1 m is 9 × 109 N two charged spheres is much greater than
the radii of the spheres.

tio
9 ×109 × 1 × 1
F= 2
= 9 ×109 N
1 3. Define ‘Electric field’ and discuss its various
Unit 1

(v) Coulomb’s law in vacuum takes the form

a aspects.
→ 1 q1q2 ∧ Ans. Electric Field :
ic
F 21 = r12 . In a medium of
4πε 0 r 2 Electric Field is a region of space around a
bl

charges or a system of charges within other

permittivity ε, the force between two point charged particles experience electrostatic forces.
Pu

charges is given by F 21 = 1 q1q2 r12

→ ∧ q q0
2
4πε r r
(vi) Since ε>ε0, the force between two point Consider a source point charge q is located at
charges in a medium other than vacuum some point in space. Another point charge q0
ra

is always less than that in vacuum. The (test charge) is placed at a point P which is at
relative permittivity for a given medium as a distance r from the charge q. The electrostatic
Su

ε force experienced by the charge q0 due to q is

εr =
ε0 given by Coulomb’s law.
For vacuum or air, εr = 1 and for all other → kqq ∧ 1 qq0 ∧ 1
media εr > 1. F = 20 r = 2
r where, k =
r 4πε 0 r 4 πε 0
i) Coulomb’s law has same structure as The electric field at the point P at a distance r
Newton’s law of gravitation. from the point charge q is the force experienced
ii) It helps to specify the direction of by a unit charge and is given by
electric fields due to charges. →
→F kq ∧ 1 q ∧
(iii) The force on a charge q1 exerted by a E= = 2 r= r
q0 r 4πε 0 r 2
point charge q2 is given by ∧
→ 1 q1q2 ∧ Here r is the unit vector pointing from q to the
F12 = r 21 point of interest P. The electric field is a vector
4πε 0 r 2
quantity and its SI unit is Newton per Coulomb
∧
Here r 21 is the unit vector from (NC–1).
charge q2 to q1.

12
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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

Important aspects of the Electric field : (ii)The electric field at a point P due to a
(i) If the charge q is positive then the electric charged object is approximately given by
field points away from the source charge the sum of the fields at P due to all such
and if q is negative, the electric field points charge elements.
towards the source charge q. → 1  ∆q1 ∧ ∆q ∧ ∆q ∧ 
E≈  r + 2 2 r 2 P + ........ + 2 n r nP 
2 1P
(ii) The force experienced by the test charge q0 4πε 0  r1P r2 P rnP 
→ →
placed at the point P is F = q E
0 1 n ∆qi ∧
(iii) electric field is independent of the test ≈ ∑ r iP
4πε 0 t = 1 riP2 (1)
charge q0 and depends only on the source
charge q. (iii) Here Δqi is the ith charge element, riP is the
(iv) The electric field is a vector quantity, at distance of the point P from the ith charge
∧
every point in space, this field has unique element and riP is the unit vector from the
direction and magnitude, as distance ith charge element to the point P. However
increases, the electric field decreases in the equation (1) is only an approximation.
magnitude.

ns
To incorporate the continuous distribution
(v) The test charge is sufficiently small such of charge, we take the limit Δq →0(=dq). In
that it will not modify the electric field of

Electrostatics
tio
this limit, the summation in the equation
the source charge. (1) becomes an integration and takes the
F following form
(vi) E = is valid only for point charges.
a
q dq ∧ 
E = 1
→
∫ r ...(2)
ic
(vii) There are two kinds of the electric field:
4πε 0 r 2
uniform or constant electric field and
bl

(iv) Here r is the distance of the point P from

non-uniform electric field. Uniform ∧
electric field will have the same direction the infinitesimal charge dq and r is the
Pu

unit vector from dq to point P. Even though

and constant magnitude at all points in
the electric field for a continuous charge
space. Non-uniform electric field will
distribution can be difficult to evaluate, the
have different directions or different
force experienced by some test charge q in
ra

magnitudes or both at different points in → →

space. The electric field created by a point this electric field is still given by F = q E
Su

charge is basically a non uniform electric

field. P dq=qdV
r r
dq=λdl r r
4. How do we determine the electric field due to a r
continuous charge distribution? Explain. dq=σdadA
dq= P r

Ans. (i) Consider the following

P
charged object of q2 r q1

irregular shape as r q3 (a) (b) (c)

shown in Figure. The Line, surface and volume charge
r
entire charged object r r distribution
is divided into a large
r
(a) If the charge Q is uniformly
number of charge p distributed along the line of length
elements Δq1, Δq2, E3 L, then linear charge density (charge
E2
Δq3........... Δqn, . and E1
Q
per unit length) λ is λ = unit
each charge element L
Δq is taken as a point charge. is coulomb per meter (Cm–1). The
charge present in the infinitesimal

13
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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

length dl is dq = λdl. This is shown in The electric field at a point C due to +q is
Figure 1(a). → 1 q
E+ = along BC
The electric field due to the line of 4πε 0 ( r − a )2
total charge Q is given by →
Since the electric dipole moment vector p is
→ 1 λdl ∧ λ dl ∧
E= ∫
4πε 0 r 2
r= ∫
4πε 0 r 2
r from –q to +q and is directed along BC, the
above equation is rewritten as
(b) If the charge Q is uniformly → 1 q ∧
E+ = p
distributed on a surface of area A, 4πε 0 ( r − a ) 2

then surface charge density (charge ...(1)


Q where p is the electric dipole moment unit
per unit area) σ is σ = . Its unit is vector from –q to +q. The electric field at a point
A
coulomb per square meter (C m–2). C due to –q is
The charge present in the infinitesimal → 1 q ∧
area dA is dq = σ dA. This is shown in E− = − p
4πε 0 ( r + a )2

ns
the figure 1(b). The electric field due ...(2)
to a total charge Q is given by Since +q is located closer to the point C than –q,
→ →
→ 1 σda ∧ 1 da ∧ E + is stronger than E − . Therefore, the length

tio
E= ∫
4πε 0 r 2
r=
4πε 0
σ∫ 2 r
r → →
of the E + vector is drawn larger than that of E −
Unit 1

This is shown in Figure 1(b). vector.

a
(c) If the charge Q is uniformly distributed The total electric field at point C is calculated
ic
in a volume V, then volume charge using the superposition principle of the electric
density (charge per unit volume) ρ is field.
bl

Q → → →
given by ρ= . Its unit is coulomb E tot = E + + E −
Pu

V
per cubic meter (C m–3). 1 q ∧ 1 q ∧
= p− p
The charge present in the infinitesimal 4πε 0 ( r − a ) 2
4πε 0 ( r + a ) 2
..(3)
volume element dV is dq = ρdV. → q  1 − 1  ∧
ra

This is shown in Figure 1(c). The E tot = 2 p

4πε 0  ( r − a ) ( r + a )  ...(4)
2
electric field due to a volume of total
 4ra  ∧
Su

charge Q is given by → 1
E tot = q 2 2 2  p
→ 1 ρdV ∧ 1 dV ∧ 4πε 0  ( r − a ) 
E =
4πε 0 r∫ 2
r=
4πε 0
ρ∫ 2 r .
r
...(5)
→
Note that the total electric field is along E + ,
5. Calculate the electric field due to a dipole on since +q is closer to C than –q.
its axial line and equatorial plane. If the point C is very far away from the dipole
Ans. Electric field due to an electric dipole at then (r >> a). Under this limit the term
points on the axial line : (r2 – a2)≈ r2. Substituting this
Consider an electric dipole placed on the x-axis. → 1  4aq  ∧
A point C is located at a distance of r from the
E tot =   p (r >> a )
4πε 0  r 3 
midpoint O (of the dipole) along the axial line. ∧ →
→ Axial line Since 2aq p = p
p B → →
A E– E+ →
1 2p
_ +
a →
-q O a +q C E tot = (r >> a )
4πε 0 r 3 ...(6)
r

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I
→ →
→
The direction of E tot is shown in Figure. The magnitudes E + and E − are the same
and are given by
A a a B Etot → → 1 q
E+ = E − = 4πε
_ +
2 2
-q O +q C
0 ( r + a ) ...(2)

r By substituting equation (2) into equation

Total electric field of the dipole (1), we get
on the axial line → 1 2q cos θ ∧
E tot = p
If the point C is chosen on the left side of the 4πε 0 (r 2 + a 2 )
dipole, the total electric field is still in the 1 2q cos θ ∧
→ = 4πε 3
p
direction of p . 0 2
(r + a )2 2
→ Equatorial plane
E+
→
E+sinθ a
Since cos θ =
→
C E+
→
Etot
r 2 + a2

ns
→
→
E– r E+cosθ θ 
A θ –p
→
θ B
→
E–cosθ θ → 1 p
– +
E tot =
4πε 0 2 2 3
-q a O a +q

Electrostatics
tio
(r + a ) 2
→ →
E– E–sinθ

Electric field due to a dipole at a point Since p = 2qa p  ...(3)
a
on the equatorial plane At very large distances (r>>a), the equation
ic
(3) becomes
Electric field due to an electric dipole at a →
1 p
bl

point on the equatorial plane : →

E tot = − (r >> a )
(i) Consider a point C at a distance r from the 4πε 0 r 3
Pu

midpoint O of the dipole on the equatorial (iii) The magnitude of the electric field at points
plane. on the dipole axis is twice the magnitude of
(ii) Since the point C is equi-distant from +q the electric field at points on the equatorial
plane. The direction of the electric field at
ra

and –q, the magnitude of the electric fields

of +q and –q are the same. The direction of points on the dipole axis is directed along
→ → →
the direction of dipole moment vector – p
Su

E + is along BC and the direction of E − is

→ → but at points on the equatorial plane it is
along CA. E + and E − are resolved into two
directed opposite to the dipole moment
components; one component parallel to →
the dipole axis and the other perpendicular vector, that is along – p .
→ (iv) At very large distances, the electric field
to it. The perpendicular components E +
→ 1
sinθ and E − sinθ are oppositely directed due to a dipole varies as r 3 for a point
and cancel each other. The magnitude of 1
charge, the electric field varies as 2 .
the total electric field at point C is the sum r
→ → Electric field due to a dipole at very large
of the parallel components of E + and E − distances E goes to zero faster than the
p
and its direction is along – as shown in electric field due to a point charge.

the Figure. → 1 p
→ → ∧ → ∧ (v) E = valid only at very large
E tot = E+ cos θ p − E − cos θ p ...(1) 4πε 0 r 3
distances (r>>a).

15
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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

17. Explain dielectrics in detail and how an electric (v) For example, the charged balloon after
field is induced inside a dielectric. rubbing sticks onto a wall. The reason is that
Ans. (i) When an external electric field is applied the negatively charged balloon is brought
on a conductor, the charges are aligned in near the wall, it polarizes induces opposite
such a way that an internal electric field is charges on the surface of the wall, which
created which cancels the external electric attracts the balloon.
field. But in the case of a dielectric, which Wall
_
has no free electrons, the external electric +
+ _
field only realigns the charges so that an _
_
+ _
_
+
internal electric field is produced. _
_ + _
+ _
(ii) The magnitude of the internal electric field _
+ _
_
is smaller than that of external electric field. +
+ _
Therefore the net electric field inside the +
+
_
_
dielectric is not zero but is parallel to an (a) (b)
external electric field with magnitude less
than that of the external electric field. let us (a) Balloon sticks to the wall (b) Polarisation of

ns
consider a rectangular dielectric slab placed wall due to the electric field due to the balloon
between two oppositely charged plates
18. Obtain the expression for capacitance for a

Electrostatics
tio
(capacitor) as shown in the Figure (b).
parallel plate capacitor.
(iii) The uniform electric field between→the
Ans. (i) Consider a capacitor with two parallel
plates acts as an external electric field E ext
a plates each of cross-sectional area A and
which polarizes the dielectric placed separated by a distance d as shown in
ic
between plates. The positive charges are Figure.
induced on one side surface and negative
bl

d
charges are induced on the other side of +Q -Q
+
+
--
surface. --
Pu

+
+
(iv) But inside the dielectric, the net charge is +
+
--
+ --
zero even in a small volume. So the dielectric Area +
+
+ -- Area
in the external field is equivalent to two A +
+
-- A

oppositely charged sheets with the surface

+ --
ra

+
+ --
charge densities +σb and –σb. These charges +
+
+
--
are called bound charges. They are not free + --
Su

+
to move like free electrons in conductors. E
This is shown in the Figure (b). Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
Polar molecules are When an external
(ii) The electric field between two infinite
randomly oriented in elec applied, parallel plates is uniform and is given
the absence of an the molecules partially
. align wi . σ
→
Eext by E = where σ is the surface charge
+ _ ε0
+ _  Q
_ density on the plates  σ =  .
+
 A
+
+
_
– – – + – +
+ –
+ _
–

+ _
(iii) If the separation distance d is very much
+

– + +
_
+ + – – – +
– +
_
+
–
+
+
– + – + _ smaller than the size of the plate (d2 <<
+
_
+ –
+

A), then the above result is used even for

– –
+ _
–

+ _
finite–sized parallel plate capacitor.
+ – + –
– _
+ – +
+
–
– + +
_
+ _
+ →
Eext
The electric field between the plates is
(a) (b)
Q
Induced electric field lines inside the dielectric E = ...(1)
Aε 0

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

(iv) Since the electric field is uniform, the (ii) To transfer an infinitesimal charge dQ for
electric potential between the plates having a potential difference V, the work done is
separation d is given by given by
V = Ed = Qd ...(2) dW = V dQ ...(1)
Aε 0 Q
Where V =
Therefore the capacitance of the capacitor C
is given by (iii) The total work done to charge a capacitor
Q Q ε A is
C= = = 0  ...(3)
V  Qd  d Q
Q Q2
 Ae 
0
W = ∫C dQ =
2C
...(2)
0
(v) From equation (3), it is evident that This work done is stored as electrostatic
capacitance is directly proportional to potential energy (UE) in the capacitor.
the area of cross section and is inversely
proportional to the distance between the Q2 1
UE = = CV 2 , (∴Q = VC) ...(3)

ns
plates. This can be understood from the 2C 2
following.
(a) If the area of cross-section of the

tio
(iv) Where Q = CV is used. This stored
capacitor plates is increased, more
energy is thus directly proportional to
charges can be distributed for the
Unit 1

the capacitance of the capacitor and

same potential difference. As a result,
a
the square of the voltage between the
the capacitance is increased.
ic
plates of the capacitor. But where is
(b) If the distance d between the two plates this energy stored in the capacitor? To
is reduced, the potential difference
bl

understand this question, the equation

between the plates (V = Ed) decreases ε0 A
with E constant. As a result, voltage thus is rewritten as C = and
Pu

d
difference between the terminals of V = Ed.
the battery increases which in turn 1  ε A 1
leads to an additional flow of charge
U =  0  ( Ed )2 = ε 0 ( Ad ) E 2 ...(4)
2 d  2
ra

to the plates from the battery, till

where Ad = volume of the space between
the voltage on the capacitor equals
the capacitor plates. The energy stored per
Su

to the battery’s terminal voltage.

unit volume of space is defined as energy
Suppose the distance is increased, U
the capacitor voltage increases and density uE = ∴ uE = e0E2
becomes greater than the battery Volume
voltage. Then, the charges flow from (iv) The energy density depends only on the
capacitor plates to battery till both electric field and not on the size of the
voltages becomes equal. plates of the capacitor.
19. Obtain the expression for energy stored in the 20. Explain in detail the effect of a dielectric
parallel plate capacitor. placed in a parallel plate capacitor.
Ans. (i) Capacitor not only stores the charge but Ans. (i) A dielectric is an insulating material in
also it stores energy. When a battery is which all the electrons are bound to the
connected to the capacitor, electrons nucleus of the atom. In this material no
of total charge -Q are transferred from free electrons to carry current.
one plate to the other plate. To transfer (ii) When dielectric is introduced between the
the charge, work is done by the battery. two plates of parallel plate capacitor, the
This work done is stored as electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor increases.
potential energy in the capacitor.
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Sura’sSura’s
➠ XII ➠ XII
Std Std - Physics
- Physics - Volume-I
Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with Effect of dielectric: In capacitors, the region
a dielectric medium: between the two plates is filled with dielectric
(i) Consider a parallel plate capacitor having like mica or oil.
two conducting plates X and Y each of (i) The capacitance of the air filled capacitor,
area A, separated by a distance d apart. X is
C = εo A
given a positive charge so that the surface
d
charge density on it is σ and Y is earthed.
(ii) Let a dielectric slab of thickness t and (ii) The capacitance of the dielectric filled
relative permittivity εr be introduced capacitor, C′ = ε r ε o A ∴ C′ = ε
between the plates figure. d C
r

Thickness of dielectric slab = t or C′ = εrC

(iii) Thickness of air gap = (d – t). Electric field since, εr > 1 for any dielectric medium
at any point in the air between the plates, other than air, the capacitance increases,
σ
E′ = when dielectric is placed.
εo

ns
21. Derive the expression for resultant capacitance,
(iv) Electric field at any point, in the dielectric when capacitors are connected in series and in
σ parallel.

Electrostatics
tio
slab E ′ =
εo
Ans. (a) Capacitor in series
+s (i) Consider three capacitors of capacitance
a
X C1, C2 and C3 connected in series with a
Air battery of voltage V as shown in the Figure
ic
d (a).
Dielectric t
bl

(ii) As soon as the battery is connected to the

Air capacitors in series, the electrons of charge
Pu

–Q are transferred from negative terminal

to the right plate of C3 which pushes the
t<d
Dielectric in capacitor electrons of same amount -Q from left
plate of C3 to the right plate of C2 due to
ra

(v) The total potential difference between the electrostatic induction.

plates, is the work done in crossing unit C1 C2 C3
– – –
Su

positive charge from one plate to another +

+ –
+
+ –
+
+ –
+ – + – + –
in the field E over a distance (d-t) and in + – + – + – CS
the field E’ over a distance t, then V1 V2 V3

V = E(d – t) + E’t
–
σ σt + + –
V = (d − t ) + V V
εo εo εr (a) (b)

(a) Capacitors connected in series

σ  t 
= ( d − t ) +  (b) Equivalent capacitance CS
εo  εr 
(iii) Similarly, the left plate of C2 pushes the
(v) The charge on the plate X, q = σA charges of –Q to the right plate of C1 which
Hence the capacitance of the capacitor is, induces the positive charge +Q on the left
q σA εo A plate of C1.
C= = =
V σ t  t (iv) At the same time, electrons of charge –Q
 (d − t ) +  (d − t ) + ε are transferred from left plate of C1 to
εo  εr  r
positive terminal of the battery.

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

(v) By these processes, each capacitor stores
the same amount of charge Q.
(vi) The capacitances of the capacitors are in + Q1 Q2 Q3
+ Q

- -
V C1 C2 C3 V Cp

general different, so that the voltage across

each capacitor is also different and are
denoted as V1, V2 and V3 respectively. (a) (b)

(a) capacitors in parallel

(vii) The total voltage across each capacitor
(b) equivalent capacitance with the same total
must be equal to the voltage of the battery. charge

V = V1 + V2 + V3  ...(1) (iii) Since capacitance of the capacitors is
Since, Q = CV, different, the charge stored in each
Q Q Q capacitor is not the same. Let the charge
we have V = C + C + C stored in the three capacitors be Q1, Q2,
1 2 3
and Q3 respectively.
1 1 1 
= Q C + C + C  
...(2) (iv) According to the law of conservation of
 1 2 3
total charge, the sum of these three charges

ns
is equal to the charge Q transferred by the
(viii) If three capacitors in series are considered
battery,
to form an equivalent single capacitor

tio
Cs shown in Figure (b), then we have Q = Q1 +Q2 +Q3  ...(1)
Q Now, since Q = CV, we have
Unit 1

V= . Substituting this expression into

a Q = C1V + C2V + C3V...(2)
Cs
ic
equation (2), we get (v) If these three capacitors are considered to
form a single capacitance CP which stores
Q  1 1 1
bl

= Q + +  the total charge Q as shown in the Figure

Cs  C1 C2 C3  (b), then we can write Q = CPV. Substituting
Pu

1 = 1 + 1 + 1 ...(3) this in equation (2), we get

C s C1 C2 C3 CPV = C1V + C2V + C3V
(ix) Thus, the inverse of the equivalent CP = C1 + C2 + C3 ...(3)
ra

capacitance CS of three capacitors (vi) Thus, the equivalent capacitance of

connected in series is equal to the sum capacitors connected in parallel is equal to
of the inverses of each capacitance. This
Su

the sum of the individual capacitances.

equivalent capacitance CS is always less
than the smallest individual capacitance in (vii) The equivalent capacitance CP in a parallel
the series. connection is always greater than the
largest individual capacitance. In a parallel
(b) Capacitance in parallel
connection, it is equivalent as area of each
(i) Consider three capacitors of capacitance capacitance adds to give more effective
C1, C2 and C3 connected in parallel with area such that total capacitance increases.
a battery of voltage V as shown in Figure
(a). 22. Explain in detail how charges are distributed
in a conductor, and the principle behind the
(ii) Since corresponding sides of the capacitors
are connected to the same positive and lightning conductor.
negative terminals of the battery, the Ans. (i) Consider two conducting spheres A and
voltage across each capacitor is equal to B of radii r1 and r2 respectively connected
the battery’s voltage. to each other by a thin conducting wire as
shown in the Figure. The distance between
the spheres is much greater than the radii
of either spheres.

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

q1 23. Explain in detail the construction and working
q2
A
r1 B
r2
of a Van de Graaff generator.
nducting wire Ans. It is a machine which produces large electrostatic
potential difference of the order of 107 V.
Two conductors are connected
through conducting wire Principle:
(ii) If a charge Q is introduced into any one of Electrostatic induction and action of points.
the spheres, this charge Q is redistributed Principle:
into both the spheres such that the (i) It consists of a hollow metallic sphere
electrostatic potential is same in both the A mounted on insulating pillars.
spheres. They are now uniformly charged (ii) A pulley B is mounted at the centre of the
and attain electrostatic equilibrium. Let sphere and another pulley C is mounted
q1 be the charge residing on the surface near the bottom.
of sphere A and q2 is the charge residing (iii) A belt made of silk moves over the pulleys.
on the surface of sphere B such that
(iv) Two comb-shaped conductors D and E are
Q = q1 + q2. The charges are distributed
mounted near the pulleys.

ns
only on the surface and there is no net
charge inside the conductor. (v) The comb D is maintained at a positive
potential of the order of 104 volt.
The electrostatic potential at the surface of

Electrostatics
tio
(vi) The upper comb E is connected to the
the sphere A is given by
inner side of the hollow metal sphere.
1 q1 + + + +
VA =  ...(1)
a +
A
4πε 0 q2

+
+ + + +

+ + + +
ic
E B
(iii) The electrostatic potential at the surface of
+
the sphere B is given by
bl

Rubber Belt
1 q2
VB =
Pu

4πε 0 r2
...(2)
+
(iv) The surface of the conductor is an
D
C Insulating
- Pillar
equipotential. Since the spheres are
ra

connected by the conducting wire, the Van de Graaff Generator

surfaces of both the spheres together form
an equipotential surface. This implies that Working:
Su

VA = VB (i) Because of the high electric field near the

comb D, the air gets ionized.
q q
or 1 = 2 ...(3) (ii) The negative charges in air move towards
r1 r2
the needles and positive charges are
(v) Let us take the charge density on the surface repelled towards the belt due to action of
of sphere A is σ1 and charge density on the points.
surface of sphere B is σ2. This implies that (iii) The +ve charges stick to the belt moves up
q1 = 4πr1 2 σ1 and q2 = 4πr2 2 σ2 Substituting
end reaches near the comb E.
these values into equation (3), we get
σ1r1 = σ2r2  ...(4) (iv) E acquires negative charge and the sphere
acquires positive charge due to electrostatic
from which we conclude that
induction.
σr = constant  ...(5)
(v) The acquired +ve charge is distributed on
(vi) Thus the surface charge density σ is the outer surface of the sphere.
inversely proportional to the radius of the
sphere. For a smaller radius, the charge (vi) Thus the machine, continuously transfers
density will be larger and vice versa. the positive charge to the sphere.

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I
(vii) The leakage of charges from the sphere can 3. Five identical charges Q are placed equidistant
be reduced by enclosing it in a gas filled on a semicircle as shown in the figure. Another
steel chamber at a very high pressure. point charge q is kept at the center of the circle
(viii) The high voltage can be used to accelerate of radius R. Calculate the electrostatic force
positive ions for the purpose of nuclear experienced by the charge q.
y
disintegration.

Exercises : Q
Q

Q q
When two objects are rubbed with each
x
1.
other, approximately a charge of 50 nC can Q
Q

be produced in each object. Calculate the

number of electrons that must be transferred Ans. The forces acting on q, due to Q1 and Q2 are F1
to produce this charge. and F2.
Ans. Given: Charge produced q = 50 nC = 50 × 10–9 c; Q1

ns
To find:
No. of electrons n = ? Q2 F4sinθ F4
q = ne magnitude of electrons = 1.6 × 10–19

tio
R
Solution: 45º 45º F4cos45°
Q3
q 50 ×10 −9 x
Unit 1

45º
= = 31.25 × 1010 electrons. q F2cos45°
a
e 1.6 ×10 −19
F2sinθ
ic
2. The total number of electrons in the human Q4 Q
F2
body is typically in the order of 1028. Suppose,
bl

Q5
due to some reason, you and your friend lost
1% of this number of electrons. Calculate the These forces are equal and opposite.
Pu

electrostatic force between you and your friend Forces due to Q2 and Q4 on q is resolved into
separated at a distance of 1m. Compare this components.
with your weight. Assume mass of each person F2 sinq and F4 sinq i.e F1 sin45° and F2 sin45° are
ra

is 60 kg and use point charge approximation. equal and opposite. So they get cancel.
Ans. Given: Total force acting on q is due to Q3 (i.e F3)
Su

Total no. of electrons in the human body = 1028 F4 cosq, F2 cosq F = F3 + F2 cosq + F4 cosq
Total no of electrons in me and my friend qQ qQ kqQ
 = 1028 × 1v Total force F = k. 2 +k. 2 . cos45° + 2 .
R R R
1
1028 × 1v = 1028 × = 1028 × 10–2 = 1026 cos45°
100
Distance = 1m kqQ  2 
= 2 1 +
1 q1q2 R  2 
The electrostatic force F = .
4πε 0 r2 kqQ ∧
Solution: Total F = 2
[1 + 2 ] i
R
1 1026 ×1026
F = = 9 × 109 × 1052 1 qQ ∧
4πε 0
.
1 = [1 + 2 ] i
4πε 0 R 2
F = 9 × 10 N 61
1 

mass of the person m = 60 kg; weight = ?  ∵k = 4πε 
Weight = mg = 60 × 9.8 = 588 N.  0

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

additional questions and answers

Choose the Correct Answer  1 mark 7. ______and Coulomb's law form fundamental
principles of electrostatics
1. Based on Franklin's convention amber rods (a) Newton's law of gravitation
are _______ (b) superposition principle
(a) positively charged (c) ohm's law (d) Kepler's law
(b) negatively charged  [Ans. (b) superposition principle]
(c) neutral
8. The figure shows tow parallel
(d) none of the above
equipotential surface A and r
 [Ans. (b) negatively charged] B kept at a small distance
2. The electrostatic force obeys _______ 'r' a part from each other. A B
(a) Newton's I law point change of Q coulomb A
is taken from the surface A
(b) Newton's II law

ns
to B. The amount of net work done will be
(c) Newton's III law
−1 q 1 q
(d) none of the above (a) W = (b) W =
4πε 0 r 4πε 0 r 2

tio
 [Ans. (c) Newton's III law]
−1 q
(c) W = (d) zero
Unit 1

3. In electrostatics if the charges are in motion, 4πε 0 r 2

a
another force named _______ comes into play  [Ans. (d) zero]
ic
in addition to coulomb force. W = (VA – VB) q
(a) Lorentz force Hint: ∴ VA = VB for equipotential surface
bl

(b) Repulsive force W = O×q=0

(c) Attractive force
Pu

9. The given figure is a plot of lines of force due to

(d) electromagnetic force
two charges q1 & q2 find out the sign of charges
 [Ans. (a) Lorentz force]
(a) both negative
ra

4. The value of constant 'K' in coulomb law is (b) both positive q 1

(a) 0.9 × 109 Nm2 C2 (b) 9 × 10–9 Nm2C2 (c) upper positive and lower negative
q 2
Su

(c) 9 × 109 Nm–2 C–2 (d) 9 × 109 Nm2 C–2 (d) upper negative and lower positive
 [Ans. (d) 9 × 109 Nm2 C–2]  [Ans. (a) both negative]
5. The electrostatic force is always greater in 10. An uncharged metal sphere is placed between
magnitude than gravitational force for ______ two equal and oppositely charged metal plates.
object The nature of lines of force will be
+ −
(a) bigger size (b) smaller size +
+
−
− + −

(a) (b)
+ − + −
+ −
(c) medium size (d) all the above +
+
−
− +
+
−
−
+ −
 [Ans. (b) smaller size]
+ − + −
+ − + −
6. The relative permittivity of water is _____ (c) +
+
−
− (d) +
+
−
−
+ − + −
(a) εr = 70 (b) εr = 75 +
+
−
−
+ −

(c) εr = 80 (d) εr = 85 +
+
−
−

[Ans. (b) ]
+ −
 [Ans. (c) εr = 80] +
+
−
−
+ −

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

Choose the correct or Incorrect statements 3. When does a dielectric said to be polarized?
Ans. When an external electric field is applied, the
1. (I) For most dielectrics the polarisation is
centers of positive and negative charges are
directly proportional to the strength of
 separated by a small distance which induces dipole
external electronic field (Eext ) . moment in the direction of the external electric
A dielectric is made up of only
(II)  field. Then the dielectric is said to be polarized by
non-polar molecules. an external electric field.
Which are is correct statement? 4. What are Polar molecules.
(a) I only (b) II only Ans. (i) In polar molecules, the centers of the positive
and negative charges are separated even in
(c) both are correct
the absence of an external electric field.
(d) none of these  [Ans. (a) I only] (ii) They have a permanent dipole moment. Due
2. (I) 
There is no net charge inside the to thermal motion, the direction of each
conductors. The charges must reside dipole moment is oriented randomly. Hence
only one the surface of the conductors. the net dipole moment is zero in the absence

ns
(II) The electric field is not zero everywhere of an external electric field. Examples of
inside the conductor . polar molecules are H2O, N2O, HCl, NH3.

tio
Which one is Incorrect statment? 5. What are induced dipoles.
(a) I only Ans. When an external electric field is applied, the
Unit 1

a dipoles inside the polar molecule tend to align

(b) II only
in the direction of the electric field. Hence a net
ic
(c) both are correct dipole moment is induced in it. Then the dielectric
is said to be polarized by an external electric field.
bl

(d) none of these  [Ans. (b) II only]

6. What is dielectric breakdown.
Pu

Very Short Answer 2 marks Ans. When the external electric field applied to a
dielectric is very large, it tears the atoms apart
1. Give a comparison of electrical and gravitional so that the bound charges become free charges.
Then the dielectric starts to conduct electricity.
ra

forces?
1 This is called dielectric breakdown.
Ans. (i) Both forces obey inverse square law, F α 2
Su

r 7. What is a Capacitor?
(ii) Both forces are proportional to product of Ans. Capacitor is a device used to store electric
masses or charges. charge and electrical energy. It consists of two
(iii) Both forces are conservative forces. conducting objects (usually plates or sheets)
(iv) Both forces can operate in vacuum. separated by some distance.
2. What are Non-polar molecules. 8. When we rotate the blades, it starts to rotate as
Ans. A non-polar molecule is one in which centers of usual. Why it is so??
positive and negative charges coincide. As a result, Ans. To rotate any object, there must be a torque
applied on the object. For the ceiling fan, the
it has no permanent dipole moment. Examples of
initial torque is given by the capacitor widely
non-polar molecules are hydrogen (H2), oxygen known as a condenser. If the condenser is faulty,
(O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) etc. it will not give sufficient initial torque to rotate
the blades when the fan is switched on.

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I
9. (i) Two insulated charged copper spheres A Thus electric flux passing through two
& B of identical size have charges qn and opposite faces of the cube
–3qA respectively. When they are brought 1 Q
in contact with each other and then = 2 . 6 . ε
0
separated. What are the new charges on 1 Q
them? φ = .
3 ε0
(ii) When third sphere of some size but 12. What orientation of an electric dipole in a
uncharged is brought in contact with first uniform electric field corresponds to its
and then second and finally removed? (i) stable and (ii) unstable equilibrium? Depict
What are the new charges. the orientations.
qA − 3qA Ans. (i) In stable equilibrium the dipole moment is
Ans. (i) Charge on each sphere = = − qA
2 parallel to he direction of electric field. i.e.
qA
(ii) New charge on A is θ = 0.
2 (ii) In unstable equilibrium, P.E. is max., so
qA + (2qB )
New charge on B is θ = π. i.e. dipole moment is antiparallel to

ns
qA
4 electric field.
+ qB q q → →
Q
2 = A + B = qA + 2qB (iii) θ = 0º P is parallel to E stable equilibrium

Electrostatics
tio
→
2 4 2 4 (b) unstable, θ = 180º. P is antiparallel
qB = –3qA
Q qB = –3qA
a –q +q +q –q
q − 6qA E →
P
→
E
ic
∴ New charge on B1 is A
4
5
bl

New charge on B = − qA 13. (i) Electric field lines donot have sudden
4
breaks why is it so?
Pu

10. What is the electric flux through a cube of side (ii) Explain why two field lines never cross
1 cm which encloses on electric dipole? each other at any point.
Ans. Net electric flux is zero because Ans. (i) In electric field line is the path of movement
ra

(i) It is independent to the shape and size of a positive test charge (q0 → 0) A moving
(ii) Net charge of the electric dipole is zero. charge experiences a continuous force
Su

is an electric field, so field line is always

11. A charge Q µc is placed at the centre of a cube
continuous
what would be the (i) flux through one face? (ii)
(ii) The field lines nevel intersect since if
flux passing through two opposite faces of the
they cross, there will be two directions of
cube?
electric field at the point of intersection,
Q which is impossible.
Electric flux through whole cube = e
0
14. An electric dipole is held in a uniform electric
1 Q field.
Ans. (i) Electric flux through are face = .
6 ε 0 µVm (i) Straight the net force acting on it is zero.
(ii) By symmetry the flux through each of the (ii) The dipole is alignment parallel to the
six faces of cube will be same when charge is field. find the work done in rotating it
placed at the centre. through the angle of 180º
1 Q →
∴φE = . Ans. (i) The dipole moment of dipole P = q × 2a
6 ε0 →
Force on – q at A = –q E

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

→ 16. Represent the variation of electric field due to
Force on + q at B = +q E
→ → point charge Q with (a) magnitude of charge Q
Net force on the dipole = q E – q E = 0
1
(ii) Work done on dipole when it is rotated (b) r and (c) 2 where r is the distance of the
through 180º r
observation point from the charge. graphically.
W = ∆U = pE (cos θ1 – cos θ2)
Ans.
= pE (cos 0º – cos180º)
= pE (1 – (–1) E E E

W = 2 pE O 1
θ r
r2
15. A sphere of charge +Q is fixed. A smaller sphere (a)
of charge +q is placed near the larger sphere 17. A positive charge +q is located at a point, what is
and released from rest. The small sphere will the work done, if a unit positive charge is carried
move away from large sphere with once around this charge along a circle of radius r
a. decreasing velocity & decreasing about this point?
acceleration.

ns
Ans. The potential at each point on the circular path
b. decreasing velocity & increasing around the charge is same i.e. potential difference
acceleration. between the initial and final position is zero.

tio
c. decreasing velocity & constant acceleration ∴work done W = V ×q = 0 × 1 = 0.
d. increasing velocity & decreasing
Unit 1

18. What do you mean by Potential Energy of an

acceleration
a
electric dipole, when placed in electric field?
e. increasing velocity & increasing
ic
Ans. An electric dipole always tends to current it self
acceleration along the direction of electric field, work has
bl

Which of the above statement is correct? to be done in rotating the dipole to same other
Explain. orientation θ this work done in rotating dipole gets
Pu

Ans. (i) At a distance r, the force on the small sphere stored in the dipole in the form of potential energy.
due to large sphere 19. Two concentric metallic spherical shells of radii
1 Qq R and 2 R are given charges Q1 & Q2 respectively.
F= . The surface charge density on the outer surfaces
ra

4πε 0 mr 2
of the shells are equal. Determine the ratio
(ii) If m is the mass of small sphere then its Q1 = Q2.
Su

acceleration
Ans. Surface charge density σ is same
F 1 Qq
a= = . ∴charge Q1 = 4πR2σ
m 4πε 0 mr 2 charge Q2 = 4π(2R2)σ πR

(iii) As the small sphere is pushed away (i.e. r Q1 2

4πR σ 1
increased) 'a' decrease. = = 2R
Q 2 4 π ( R 2 )σ 4
(iv) As 'a' is always +ve the speed of the small
sphere goes on increasing. 20. Two isolated metal spheres A & B have radii R &
(v) ∴increasing velocity and decreasing 2R respectively and same charge q. Find which of
acceleration. the two spheres have greater energy density just
(d) is correct. outside the surface of the sphere.
1
Ans. Energy density U = ε E
2 0 2

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

σ Q 24. What are the factors on which the capacity of a
But E = = parallel plate capacitor with dielectric depend?
ε 0 Aε 0
Ans. (i) Area of the plates
1 εQ Q
∴U = . 02 2 ⇒ U = 22 (ii) separation between the plates.
2 A ε0 2A
(iii) Dielectric constant of the dielectric between
1
U ∝ 2 ⇒ UA > UB the plates. The capacitance of a capacitor
A depend upon geometrical dimension and the
21. What is the work zone by the field in moving a nature of the dielectric between the plates.
small positive charge from A to P? Given reason. 25. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery
Ans. The work done by the field is Q after some time, the battery is disconnected
negative. This is since the charge is P and a dielectric slab with its thickness equal
moved against the force exerted by to the plate so reparation is insected between
the field. the plates. How will (i) the capacitance of the
capacitor (ii) potential difference between the
22. A point charge Q is placed at point O. potential plates & (iii) the energy stored in the capacitor

ns
difference VA – VB is positive. Is the charge the affected?
Q negative or positive? Q0 - charge; V0 - potential difference,

Electrostatics
tio
1 Q C0 - capacitance, E0 - electric field.
Ans. The electric potential V = .
4πε 0 r U0 - energy spred, before the dielectric slab is
inserted.
1
a
1
V=
r Q0 = C0 V0; V0 ; U0 = C0V02
ic
The potential due to a point charge decreases d 2
Ans. (i) When battery is disconnected, the
with increase of distance.
bl

capacitance increase from C0 to C

VA – VB > 0 ⇒ VA > VB.
C = εr.C0
Hence the charge Q is positive.
Pu

(ii) New potential difference between the plates

23. The electric field due to a point charge depends Q0 C0 V0 C0 V0 V0
on the distance r as parallely indicate how each V= = = = .
C C ε r C0 ε r
of the following quantities depends on r?
ra

a. Intensity of light from a point source.

Short Answer  3 marks
b. Electrical potential due to a point charge.
Su

c. Electrical potential at a distance r from to 1. Deduce an expression for the electric field due
centre of a charged metallic sphere to the system of point charges.
Given r < radius of the sphere. Ans. (i) Suppose a number of point charges are
1 distributed in space, to find the electric field
Ans. (a) I ∝ 2 at some point P due to this collection of point
r
1 charges, superposition principle is used.
(b) V ∝
r (ii) The electric field due to a collection of point
(c) V does not depend on r.
charges at an arbitrary point is simply equal
to the vector sum of the electric fields created
by the individual point charges. This is called
superposition of electric fields.

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I
(iii) Consider a collection of point charges q1, q2,
→ →
q3,,..........qn located at various points in space. Non uniform E
+
The total electric field at some point P due to +q
all these n charges is given by
→ → → → → O
E tot = E1 + E 2 + E 3 + .............. + E n  ...(1)
→
→ 1  q1 ∧ q2 ∧ q3 ∧ qn ∧  – -q
E tot =  2 r1P + 2 r2 P + 2 r3P + ... 2 rnP  (2)
4πε 0  r1P r2 P r3P rnP  Net totque, Net force
(iii) Here r1P, r2P., r3P.........rnP are the distances
between the point P and the charges The dipole in a non-uniform electric field
q1P, q2P., q3P ......... qnP respectively. Also
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ 3. What is principle used in Microwave oven?
r1P , r2 P , r3P ........ rnP are the unit vectors Explain.
directed from q1P, q2P., q3P ......... qnP respectively Ans. (i) Microwave oven works on the principle
to P. Equation (2) can be re-written as, of torque acting on an electric dipole. The

ns
→ 1 n  qi ∧  food we consume has water molecules
E tot = ∑ r iP  ...(3)
4πε 0 i = 1  riP2 which are permanent electric dipoles.

tio
(ii) Oven produces microwaves that are
(iv) For example in Figure, the resultant electric oscillating electromagnetic fields and
Unit 1

field due to three point charges q1, q2., q3, at produce torque on the water molecules.
a
point P is shown.
(iii) Due to this torque on each water molecule,
ic
Note that the relative lengths of the electric
the molecules rotate very fast and produce
field vectors for the charges depend on relative
thermal energy. Thus, heat generated is
bl

distances of the charges to the point P.

used to cook the food.
Pu

E2P 4. Define potential difference and derive.

E1P E3P
Ans. (i) The potential energy difference per unit
+
q3 r3P
P Etot charge is given by
E2P
ra

+ r2P P
q2
+
q1
r1P
E3P
∆U
q'∫ −→ ( ) →
E .d r P → →
...(1)
R
= ∫ E .d r
Su

=
q' q' R
Etot= E1P+ E2P+ E3P
(ii) The above equation (1) is independent of
Superposition of Electric field P
∆U → →
q¢. The quantity = ∫ E . d r is called
2. What happens when and electric dipole is held q' R
in a non-uniform electric field? electric potential difference between P and
Ans. If the electric field is not uniform, then the R and is denoted as VP – VR = ΔV.
force experienced by +q is different from that (iii) In otherwords the electric potential
experienced by –q. In addition to the torque, difference is also defined as the work done
there will be net force acting on the dipole. by an external force to bring unit positive
charge from point R to point P.

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

P→
→
(iii) If the area is inclined at an angle θ with the
VP − VR = ∆V = ∫ E .d r field, then the component of the electric
R field perpendicular to the area alone
(iv) The electric potential energy difference contributes to the electric flux. The electric
can be written as ΔU = q ¢ ΔV. field component parallel to the surface
area will not contribute to the electric flux.
5. Derive the expressions for the potential energy
This is shown in Figure (c). For this case,
of a system of point charges.
the electric flux
Ans. (i) The electric potential at a point P due to a ΦE = (E cos θ)A...(3)
collection of charges q1, q2, q3…..qn is equal (iv) Further, θ is also the angle between the
to sum of the electric potentials due to electric field and the direction normal to
individual charges. the area. Hence in general, for uniform
kq kq kq kq 1 n qi electric field, the electric flux is defined as
Vtot = 1 + 2 + 3 + ... n =
r1 r2 r3 rn 4πε 0
∑ i =1 r → →
i
ΦE = E . A =EA cos θ
(ii) where r1, r2, r3……. rn are the distances

ns
→ → ∧
of q1, q2, q3 ….. qn respectively from P Here, note that A is the area vector A = A n
(Figure). (v) Its magnitude is simply the area A and

Electrostatics
tio
the direction is along the unit vector
P ∧
r1 n perpendicular to the area as shown
q1 in Figure. Using this definition for flux
a
→ →
r2
φE = E . A , equations (1) and (2) can be
ic
rn
r3 obtained as special cases. → →
bl

q2 In Figure (a), θ = 0º so φE = E→. A→= EA

qn
In Figure (b), θ = 90º so φE = E . A = 0
Pu

Her
q3
E E E
Electrostatic potential due to
collection of charges s
E co
ra

E sin E
6. How is electric flux is related to electric field.
Ans. (i) Consider a uniform electric field in a
Su

A A A
region of space. Let us choose an area A (a)Elect EA (b)Elect (c)Elect E cos
normal to the electric field lines as shown The electric flux for Uniform electric field
in Figure (a). The electric flux for this case
is 7. Derive an expression for electric flus in a
ΦE = EA ...(1) non uniform electric field and an arbitrarily
(ii) Suppose the same area A is kept parallel to shaped area.
the uniform electric field, then no electric Ans. (i) Suppose the electric field is not uniform
field lines pierce through the area A , as and the area A is not flat (Figure), then
shown in Figure (b). The electric flux for the entire area is divided into n small area
→ → → →
this case is zero. ∆ A1 , ∆ A 2 , ∆ A3 .......∆ A n ,
segments
ΦE = 0 ...(2) such that each area element is almost flat
and the electric field through each area
element is considered to be uniform.

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

(ii) The electric flux for the entire area A is →
normal is the direction of d A as shown in
approximately written as
→ → → → → → → → the Figure (b).
fE = E1⋅∆ A1 + E 2 ⋅∆ A 2 + E 3 ⋅∆ A3 ...... E n ⋅∆ A n
n → →
∑ E1⋅∆ A1 ...(1)
i =1

(a)
E Ei

i
dA

dA

ns
tio
Electric flux for non-uniform (b)
electric Field
Unit 1

Electric flux over a closed surface

a
→
(iii) By taking the limit Ai → 0 (for all i) (iii) The total electric flux over a closed surface
ic
the summation in equation (1) becomes can be negative, positive or zero. In the
bl

integration. The total electric flux for the Figure (b), it is shown that in one area
→ →
entire area is given by element, the angle between d A and E
Pu

→ →
φE = ∫ E. d A  ...(2) is less than 90°, then the electric flux is
positive and in another areal element, the
→ →
(iv) From Equation (2), it is clear that the angle between d A and E is greater than
electric flux for a given surface depends 90°, then the electric flux is negative.
ra

on both the electric field pattern on the

(iv) In general, the electric flux is negative if the
surface area and orientation of the surface
electric field lines enter the closed surface
Su

with respect to the electric field.

and positive if the electric field lines leave
8. Deduce electric flus for closed surfaces. the closed surface.
Ans. (i) A closed surface is present in the region of
the non-uniform electric field as shown in 9. Write the special features of Gauss law.
Figure (a). The total electric flux over this Ans. (i) The total electric flux through the closed
closed surface is written as surface depends only on the charges
→ → enclosed by the surface and the charges
 E⋅d A 
φΕ = ∫ ...(1)
present outside the surface will not
(ii) Note → the →difference between equations contribute to the flux and the shape of
the closed surface which can be chosen
φE = ∫ E. d A and (1). The integration in
arbitrarily.
equation (1) is a closed surface integration
and for each areal element, the outward (ii) The total electric flux is independent of the
location of the charges inside the closed
surface.

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I
→ → Qencl 11. Explain the Lightning arrester or lightning
(iii) To arrive at equation φ = ∫ E ⋅ d A = is conductor.
ε0
chosen a spherical surface. This imaginary Ans. (i) This device consists of a long thick copper
surface is called a Gaussian surface. rod passing from top of the building to the
The shape of the Gaussian surface to be ground. The upper end of the rod has a
chosen depends on the type of charge sharp spike or a sharp needle as shown in
Figure 1.64 (a) and (b).
configuration and the kind of symmetry
existing in that charge configuration. The (ii) The lower end of the rod is connected to
electric field is spherically symmetric for a the copper plate which is buried deep into
point charge, therefore spherical Gaussian the ground. When a negatively charged
surface is chosen. cylindrical and planar cloud is passing above the building, it
Gaussian surfaces can be chosen for other induces a positive charge on the spike.
kinds of charge configurations. (iii) Since the induced charge density on thin
→ → Qencl sharp spike is large, it results in a corona
(iv) In the L.H.S of equation φ = ∫ E ⋅ d A = discharge.

ns
→ ε0
the electric field E is due to charges (iv) This positive charge ionizes the
present inside and outside the Gaussian surrounding air which in turn neutralizes

Electrostatics
tio
surface but the charge Qencl denotes the the negative charge in the cloud.
charges which lie only inside the Gaussian
a
surface.
ic
(v) The Gaussian surface cannot pass through
any discrete charge but it can pass through
bl

continuous charge distributions. It is

because, very close to the discrete charges,
Pu

the electric field is not well defined.

(vi) Gauss law is another form of Coulomb’s
law and it is also applicable to the charges
ra

in motion. Because of this reason, Gauss (a) Schematic diagram of a lightning arrestor.
law is treated as much more general law (b) A house with a lightning arrestor
Su

than Coulomb’s law. (v) The negative charge pushed to the spikes
10. What is dielectrics or insulators. passes through the copper rod and is safely
Ans. (i) A dielectric is a non-conducting material diverted to the earth.
and has no free electrons. The electrons in (vi) The lightning arrester does not stop the
a dielectric are bound within the atoms. lightning; rather it diverts the lightning to
Ebonite, glass and mica are some examples the ground safely.
of dielectrics.
12. Define and derive an expression for the energy
(ii) When an external electric field is applied,
density in parallel plate capacitor.
the electrons are not free to move anywhere
but they are realigned in a specific way. Ans. Energy stored in the capacitor
A dielectric is made up of either polar 1
U = CV2  ...(1)
molecules or non-polar molecules. 2

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Sura’s ➠ XII Std - Physics - Volume-I

ε0 A (iii) Since coulomb force is conservative, work
This is rewritten as using C = & Ed = V done is independent of the path and it
d
depends only on the initial and final
1  ε A 1
U =  0  ( Ed )2 = ε 0 ( Ad ) E 2 ...(2) positions of the test charge. If potential
2 d  2
energy associated with q¢ at P is UP and
where Ad = volume of the space between that at R is UR, then difference in potential
the capacitor plates. The energy stored per
energy is defined as the work done to bring
unit volume of space is defined as energy
U a test charge q¢ from point P to R and is
density uE = From equation (4), given as UP – UR = W.
Volume
We get P→
→
∆U = ∫ F ext ⋅ d r
uE = 1 ε 0 E 2 ...(3) R
2 → → →
(iv) The energy density depends only on the Since Fext = − Fcoloumb = − q ' E
electric field and not on the size of the
( )
P P
→ →
( ) →

ns
plates of the capacitor. ∆U = ∫ − q ' E ⋅ d r = q ' ∫ − E
→
⋅d r
R R

Long Answer  5 marks

tio
Numerical Problems
1. Explain in detail the Electrostatic Potential
Unit 1

1. It requires 50 µJ of work to carry a 2 C charge

difference between the charges.
a
from point R to S. What is the potential
ic
Ans. (i) Consider a positive charge q kept fixed at difference between these points?
the origin which produces an electric field W
bl

→
Ans. VS – VR =
E around it. q
(ii) A positive test charge q¢ is brought from
Pu

Work W = 50 µJ = 50 × 10–6 J
point R to point P against the repulsive charge q = 2 µC = 2 × 10–6 C
force between q and q¢ as shown in Figure. W 50 ×10 −6
Work must be done to overcome this V = VS – VR = = = 25 V
q 2 ×10 −6
ra

repulsion. This work done is stored as

potential energy. V = 25 V.
Su

(iii) The test charge q¢ is brought from R to P 2. Devise an arrangement of three point charges
with constant velocity which means that separated by finite distance that has zero
external force used to bring the test charge electric potential energy.
q¢ from R to P must be equal and opposite Ans. The system of charges has zero electric potential

to the coulomb force (F

→
ext
→
= − Fcoloumb ) energy.
The system of charges shown in figure has zero
The work done is electric potential energy.
P→
→ q2 q2 q2
W = ∫ F ext ⋅ d r  ...(1) U= − K. − K. =0
R a 2a 2a
U= 0

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