Physics for AIEEE

Electric Charge and Field

1
ELECTRIC CHARGE AND FIELD
1.

ELECTROSTATICS
The branch of physics which deals with charges at rest is called electrostatics.

2.

ELECTRIC CHARGE
Charge is scalar physical quantity associated with matter due to which it produces and experiences electrical
and magnetic effects. The excess or deficiency of electrons in a body gives the concept of charge. A negatively
charged body has excess of electrons while a positively charged body has lost some of its electrons.

Electrons = Protons

- - - - - - Negatively
charged
body
- - - - - - Electrons > Protons

Properties of Charge
(1) Like charges repel while unlike charges attract each other. The true test of electrification is repulsion
(2) Charge is a scalar.
(3) Charge is always associated with mass :
In charging, the mass of a body changes. If electrons are removed from the body, the mass of the body
will decrease and the body will become positively charged. If electrons are added to a body, the mass of
the body will increase and the body will acquire a net negative charge. Due to extremely small mass of
electron (= 9.1 1031 kg) the change in mass of a body due to charging is negligible as compared to the
mass of the body.

M- m<M

+ +

Neutral
Body = M

+ + + +

+ +
+ +

M+ m>M

+ + +

+++++++
+ + + + + + + + ++
+ + + + + + +
+
+
Positively +
+
+
charged
+
+
body
+
+
+ + + + + +
Electrons < Protons

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Electric Charge and Field

(4) Charge is quantised : When a physical quantity has only discrete values the quantity is said to be quantised.
Milikan oil drop experiment established that the smallest charge that can exist in nature is the charge of
an electron. If the charge of an electron (e = 1.6 1019 C) is taken as the elementary unit, i.e., quanta
of charge, the charge on a body will be an integral multiple of e
i.e., q = ne with n = 1, 2, .................
(5) Charge is invariant : This means that charge is independent of frame of reference, i.e., charge on a body
does not change with speed. The charge density or mass of a body depends on speed and increases with
increase in speed.

(6) Unit of Charge :

[a]

S.I. : coulomb.

[1 Coulomb = 1 ampere 1 second]

[b]

C.G.S. : Static coulomb or frankline

1 coulomb = 3 109 static coulomb
1 coulomb = 3 109 esu of charge =
[esu = electrostatic unit]

1
emu of charge
10

[emu = electro magnetic unit]

Practical units of charge are amp hr (= 3600 coulomb) and faraday (= 96500 coulomb)

3.

CHARGING OF A BODY

(a)

Friction : In friction when two bodies are rubbed together, electrons are transferred from one body to the other.
This makes one body become positively charged while the other become negatively charged, e.g., when a glass
rod is rubbed with silk, the rod becomes positively charged while the silk is negatively charged. Clouds are also
charged by friction. Charging by friction is in accordance with conservation of charge. The positive and negative
charges appear simultaneously in equal amounts due to transfer of electrons from one body to the other.

(b)

Induction : If a charged body is brought near a neutral body, the charged body will attract opposite charge
and repel similar charge present in the neutral body. This makes one side of the neutral body become positively
charged while the other side negative.

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Electric Charge and Field

+
+ ++
+ +
+

+
++ +
+
+

Ch
a
bo rgin
dy g
Ch
ar
V' q' =
= 0
un brou ged
ch gh bo + iv
e
ar t dy
ge ne i
d ar s
bo
dy

++
+
+
+

+
+
+ +
+ +
+

-ive
q' = 0
V' =
y is
bod
th
ged the Ear
r
a
h
Unc cted to
e
conn

q' =
V' = -ive
Unc
0
har
disc ged b
o
o
from nne dy is
the cted
ear
th

q' =
V' = -ive
-ive
Ch
arg
i
n
is r
em g bod
ove y
d

Charging a body by induction

Important Points

(i)

Inducing body neither gains nor loses charge.

(ii)

The nature of induced charge is always opposite to that of inducing charge.

(iii)

Induced charge can be lesser or equal to inducing charge (but never greater) and its maximum value is

1
q' q 1
K
where q is the inducing charge and K is the dielectric constant of the material of the uncharged body.
(iv)

For metals, K = and so q' = q i.e., in metals induced charge is equal and opposite to inducing charge.

(v)

Induction takes place only in bodies (either conducting or non conducting) and not in particles.

(c)

Conduction : When an insulated conductor is brought in contact with a charged body and it gets the same
charge as the charged body then conduction takes place. Conduction is only possible in conductors and not in
insulators.

4.

COULOMB'S LAW
The force of attraction or repulsion between two stationary point charges is directly proportional to the product
of charges and inversely proportional to the square of distance between them. This force acts along the line
joining the centre of two charges.
If q1 & q2 are charges, r is the distance between them and F is the force acting between them
Then,

F q1 q2 ,

q1q2
r2

or F C q1q2
r2

F 1/r

q2

q1
r

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Electric Charge and Field

C is const. which depends upon system of units and also on medium between two charges

1
9 10 9 Nm / C
40

(In SI unit)

C = 1 in electrostatic unit (esu)

0 = 8.85 1012 C/Nm = permittivity of free space or vacuum

Effect of medium
The dielectric constant of a medium is the ratio of the electrostatic force between two charges separated
by a given distance in air to electrostatic force between same two charges separated by same distance in that
medium.

Fair =

1 q1q2
40 r 2

and

1 q1q2
40 r r 2

Fmedium =

Fmedium 1
=K
Fair
r
r or K = Dielectric constant or Relative permittivity or specific inductive capacity of medium.
(i)

Permittivity : Permittivity is a measure of the ability of the medium surrounding electric charges to allow electric
lines of force to pass through it. It determines the forces between the charges.

(ii)

Relative Permittivity : The relative permittivity or the dielectric constant (r or K) of a medium is defined
as the ratio of the permittivity of the medium to the permittivity 0 of free space i.e. r or K

Dimensions of permittivity

T2A 2
Q2

F length 2 MLT 2L2

= M 1 L 3 T 4A2

The dielectric constants of different mediums are

Medium

Vacuum

Air

Water

Mica

Teflon

Glass

PVC

Metal

1.00059

80

5-10

4.5

Coulomb's law in vector form

The direction of the force acting between two charges depends on their nature and it is along the line joining
the centre of two charges.

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Electric Charge and Field

F21 = force on q2 due to q1

F12 = Force on q1 due to q2

F21

q1q2
1
r12
2
40 r r12

q1q2
1
F12
r21
2
4 0 r r21

F12

F21
q1

r12

q2

F12 F21 (as r12 r21 )

or

5.

F 12 F 21 0

ELECTRIC FIELD
To explain 'action at a distance', i.e., 'force without contact' between charges we assume that a charge or charge
distribution produces a field in space surrounding it. The region surrounding a charge or charge distribution in
which its electrical effects are perceptable is called the electric field of the given charge. Electric field at a point

is characterised either by a vector function of position E called electric intensity or by a scalar function of
position V called electric potential. The electric field in a certain space is also visualised graphically in terms
of lines of force. So electric intensity, potential and lines of force are different ways of describing the same
field

Electric field Intensity E

q0

The electric field intensity at a point in an electric field is defined as the force experienced
by a unit positive point charge called test charge supposed to be placed at that point. The
test charge does not affect the source charge or charge distribution producing the field. If

a test charge q0 at a point P in an electric field experiences a force F , then electric field

E (F/ q0 )

If the field is produced by a point charge q, then from Coulomb's law F

O
q
Source Charge

1 qq0
r field due to point-charge
40 r 3

q at position r in free space

r1

F
1 q
1 q

r or E
q0 4 0 r 3
4 0 r 2

If field is produced by a charge distribution, then by 'principle of superposition' field

is given as

q2

q1
q2

q4

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Electric Charge and Field

E E1 E 2 ....... E i

Ei

with

i 1

1 qi
ri
40 ri3

while for continuous charge distribution (treating small charge element as a point charge),

dE

(1)

1 dq
r,
4 0 r 3

i.e.,

1
dq
r
40 r 3

Important points
E

It is a vector quantity having dimensions

N N m NmJ
J
V
J / C V

C Cm
Cm
m

The SI unit is N/C or V/m as

(2)

F MLT 2

MLT 3 A 1
q
AT

By definition E F/ q0 ,

F q0 E

or

A charged particle in an electric field experiences a force whether it is at rest or in motion. The direction of
force is along the field if it is positive and opposite to the field if it is negative.

F = +qE

F = -qE

(3)

In free space Electric field is

E0

In a medium of permittivity field is

1 q
40 r 2

1 q
4 r 2

So,

E 0 1

E0
K

or,

E = E0/K

[as = 0 K]

In presence of a dielectric, electric field decreases and becomes 1/K times of its value in free space.

ELECTRIC LINES OF FORCE

The idea of lines of force was introduced by Michel Faraday. A line of force is an imaginary
EB

number of lines of force per unit area normal to the surface surrounding that point gives
the magnitude of intensity at that point.

curve the tangent to which at a point gives the direction of intensity at that point and the

6.

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Electric Charge and Field

Important points

(1)

Electric lines of force usually start or diverge out from positive charge and end or converge on negative charge.

(2)

The number of lines originating or terminating on a charge is proportional to the magnitude of charge. In SI
units 1/0 shows electric lines associated with unit (i.e., 1 coulomb) charge. So if a body encloses a charge q,
total lines of force or flux associated with it is q/0. If the body is cubical and charge is situated at its centre
the lines of force through each face will be q/60 .

+q
A

Total lines of force (q/ 0)

while through each face (q/6 0)

(3)

Charge A is positive while

B is negative and qA > qB

Lines of force never cross each other because if they cross then intensity at that point will have two directions
which is not possible.

(4)

In electrostatics the electric lines of force can never be closed loops, as a line can never start and end on
the same charge. If a line of force is a closed curve, work done round a closed path will not be zero and
electric field will not remain conservative.

(5)

Lines of force have tendency to contract longitudinally

like a stretched elastic string producing attraction
between opposite charges and repel each other laterally

resulting in, repulsion between similar charges and

'edge-effect' (curving of lines of force near the edges
of a charged conductor)

Attraction

Repulsion

Electric lines of force for a dipole

Electric lines of force for a system

of two positive charges

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(6)

Electric Charge and Field

If the lines of force are equidistant straight lines the field is uniform and if lines of force are not equidistant
or straight lines or both, the field will be non-uniform. The first three represent non-uniform field while last
shows uniform field.

Magnitude is
not constant
(7)

Direction is
not constant

Both magnitude and

direction not constant

Both magnitude and

direction constant

Electric lines of force end or start normally on the surface of a conductor. If a line of force is not
normal to the surface of a conductor, electric intensity will have a component along the surface of
the conductor and hence conductor will not remain equipotential which is not possible as in electrostatics
conductor is an equipotential surface.
Edge Effect

+q

E=0

+
+
E=
0
+
+
+

+ +

E=0

d
Fixed point charge near
infinite metal plate
(A)

(8)

Parallel metal plates

having dissimilar charges
(B)

E=
0

E=0

+

E=
0
+
+ Uniform
+ field

+
+
+
+
+

Parallel metal plates

having similar charges
(C)

If in a region of space, there is no electric field there will be no lines of force. This is why inside a
conductor or at a neutral point where resultant intensity is zero there is no line of force.

(9)

The number of lines of force per unit normal area at a point represents magnitude of electric field intensity.
The crowded lines represent strong field while distant lines shows a weak field.

(10) The tangent to the line of force at a point in an electric field gives the direction of intensity. It gives
direction of force and hence acceleration which a positive charge will experience there (and not the direction
of motion). A positive point charge free to move may or may not follow the line of force. It will follow
the line of force if it is a straight line (as direction of velocity and acceleration will be same) and will
not follow the line if it is curved as the direction of motion will be different from that of acceleration.
The particle will not move in the direction of motion or acceleration (line of force) but other than these

which will vary with time as v u at .

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7.

Electric Charge and Field

ELECTRIC-FLUX
Electric flux through an elementary area ds is defined as the scalar product of area and field, i.e.,

dE E ds Eds cos

E E ds

i.e.,

It represents the total lines of force passing through the given area. Here area is treated as a vector. The direction
of area vector is given by direction of normal to the surface.

Important points

(1)

It is a real scalar physical quantity with units volt m and dimensions

E Eds

(2)

F
MLT 2 2
ds
L ML3 T 3 A 1
q
AT

It will be maximum when cos is max = 1, i.e., = 0, i.e., electric field is normal to the area with (dE)max
= E ds

(3)

It will be minimum when cos is min = 0, i.e., = 90, i.e. field is parallel to the area with (dE)min = 0

(4)

For a closed body outward flux is taken as positive while inward flux is taken as negative.
n

n
Body

Body

n^

n
E R 2E
Positive - flux

Negative - flux

E 0

E R 2E

Cylinder in a uniform field

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8.

Electric Charge and Field

GAUSS'S LAW
It relates the total flux of an electric field through a closed surface to the net charge enclosed by that surface.
According to it, the total flux linked with a closed surface is 1/0 times the charge enclosed by the closed surface,

E ds

Mathematically

Applications of Gauss law

(1)

Electric field due to a line charge : Gauss law is useful in calculating electric field intensity due to symmetrical
charge distributions.
We consider a gaussian surface which is a cylinder of radius r which encloses a line charge of length h with
line charge density .

E . ds

According to Gauss law

E . ds

Cylindrical
surface

E . ds

I circular
surface

Eds cos 0

Cylindrical
suface

E . ds

Eds cos

I circular
surface

So

h
0

II circular
surface

E(2 r h) =
0

(2)

qin
0

Eds cos

II circular
surface

E =

2 0 r

h
0

1
(E )
r

Electric field due to an infinite plane thin sheet of charge :

To find electric field due to the plane sheet of charge at any point P distant
r from it, choose a cylinder of area of cross-section A through the point P
as the Gaussian surface. The flux due to the electric field of the plane sheet
of charge passes only through the two circular caps of the cylinder. Let surface E
charge density =
According to gauss law

E dscos
I circular
surface

E . dS qin / 0

E dscos

II circular
surface

E dscos

cylindrica
l
surface

A
0

or

Gaussian

+
+ Surface
++
+
+
+
+
P
+
+ + ++
r
+
+
Plane sheet
of charge

EA + EA + 0 = 2 or E = 2
0
0

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(3)

Electric Charge and Field

Electric field intensity due to uniformly charged spherical shell :

We consider a thin shell of radius R carrying a charge Q on its surface
(i) at a point P 0 outside the shell (r > R)

According to gauss law

E0 =

Q
4 0r 2

Q
Q
2
or
E
(4r
)
=
0
0
0

E0 .ds =

S1

R2
r2

total ch arg e
surface area

where the surface charge density =

Q
4R2

The electric field at any point outside the shell is same as if the entire charge is concentrated at centre of
shell.
(ii) at a point P s on surface of shell (r = R)
Q

ES = 4 R 2 =
0
0
(iii) at a point Pin inside the shell (r < R)

According to gauss law

E . ds
S2

Emax = Q/4 0R

qin
0

E
1
E 2
r

As enclosed charge qin = 0

So

E=0

O r<R

Ein = 0

E=0
r=R

1
r2

r>R

distance from centre (r)

The electric field inside the spherical shell is always zero.

(4)

Electric field intensity due to a spherical uniformly charge distribution :

We consider a spherical uniformly charge distribution of radius R in which total charge Q is uniformly distributed
throughout the volume.
The charge density =

total ch arg e
total volume

Q
4
R 3
3

3Q
4R 3

+
+

(i) at a point P 0 outside the sphere (r > R)

Q
Q
according to gauss law E 0 . ds = or E0 (4r2) =
0
0

or

E0 =
= 3
4 0r 2
0

R3
2
r

+
+R

+ +
+

O
+
+
+

+
+
Pin PS P0
+r +
ds
+

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Electric Charge and Field

(ii) at a point P s on surface of sphere (r = R)

Es =

Q
4 0R 2

R
3 0

(iii)at a point P in inside the sphere (r < R)

According to gauss law

or

Ein =

Qr
0R 3

Qr
=
4 0R 3

E
1
E 2
r

Ein(4r ) =

Qr 3
0R 3

1
4
3
. r =
0
3

E in . ds

q in

= =
0

r (Ein r)
3 0

r<R r=R

1
r2
r>R

SOLVED EXAMPLES
Ex.

How many electrons are present in 1 coulomb charge.

Sol. q = ne

q = 1C e = 1.6 1019 C

So

n = q/e = 6.25 1018 electrons.

Ex.

A copper sphere of mass 2.0 g contains about 2 10 22 atoms. The charge on the nucleus of each atom is 29e.

(i)

How many electrons must be removed from the sphere to give it a charge of +2C?

(ii)

Determine the fraction of electrons removed.

(iii)

Is there any change in mass of sphere when it is given positive charge?

Sol. (i) Number of electrons to be removed n

(ii) Total number of electrons in the sphere

Fraction of electrons removed

Q
2 10 6

e 1.6 10 19

= 1.25 1013

= 29 2 1022 = 5.8 1023

1.25 1013
2.16 10 11
5.8 10 23

Thus 2.16 109 % of electrons are to be removed to give the sphere a charge of 2C.
(iii) Yes mass decreases, when body is given a positive charge.
Decrease of mass
Ex.

m = 9 1031 1.25 1013

= 1.125 1017 kg

Consider four equal charges placed on the corners of a square with side a. Determine the magnitude and direction
of the resultant force on the charge on lower right corner.

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Electric Charge and Field

Sol. The forces on the charge on lower right corner due to charges 1, 2, 3 are F 1 = kq/a, F2 = kq/a, F3 = kq/2a.
The resultant of F1 and F2 is
F12 F12 F22 2F1F2 cos 90 =

2kq 2 / a 2 .

This is in the direction parallel to F3. Therefore the total force on the said charge is F = F12 + F3

1 kq2
1 2 2 The direction of F is, 45 below the horizontal line.
2 a2
Ex. Three identical spheres each having a charge q and radius R, are kept in such a way that each touches the
other two. Find the magnitude of the electric force on any sphere due to other two.
F

Sol. For external points a charged sphere behaves as if the whole of its charge was concentrated at its centre.

1 q q
1 q2

along
BA
4 0 2R 2 4 0 4R 2

Force on A due to B is FAB

Force on A due to C.

FAC

1 q q
1 q2

along CA
2
2
4 0 2R
4 0 4R

Now, angle between BA and CA is 60 and FAB = FAC = F.

1
FA F F 2FF cos 60 3F 4
0
2

Ex.

3 q

4 R

Two identical charged spheres are suspended by strings of equal length. The strings make an angle of 30 with
each other. When suspended in a liquid of density 0.8 gm/cc, the angle remains the same. What is the dielectric
constant of the liquid? ( = 1.6 gm/cc is the density of the sphere)

Sol. The forces acting on each ball are tension T, weight mg and electric force F, for its equilibrium along vertical,
T cos = mg
and along horizontal

T sin = F

Dividing we have

tan

F
mg

....(1)

When the balls are suspended in a liquid of density and dielectric constant K, the electric force will become
(1/K) times, i.e., F' = (F/K) while weight mg' = mg Th = mg Vg [as Th = Vg]
i.e.

mg' mg1

So for equilibrium of ball,

m
as V

tan '

F'
F

mg' Kmg1 /

....(2)

According to given problem ' = ; so from eqn. (1) & (2), we have K

1 .6

2
1.6 0.8

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Ex.

Electric Charge and Field

An infinite plane of positive charge has a surface charge density . A metal ball B of mass m and charge q
is attached to a thread and tied to a point A on the sheet PQ. Find the angle which AB makes with the plane
PQ.

Sol. Due to positive charge the ball will experience electrical force Fe = qE horizontally away from the sheet while
the weight of the ball will act vertically downwards and hence if T is the tension in the string, for equilibrium
of ball:
A+

Along horizontal,

T sin = qE

And along vertical,

T cos = mg

T
+

qE
and T = [(mg)2 + (qE)2]1/2
mg
The field E produced by the sheet of charge PQ having charge density is

E
2 0
So tan =

q
So,
i.e.,
tan1

20mg
A point charge q is placed at one corner of a cube of edge a. What is

qE

+
B

+
+

mg

q
tan
2 0mg

Ex.

the flux through each face of the cube?

Sol. At a corner, 8 cubes can be placed symmetrically, flux linked with each
cube due to a charge q at the corner will be q/80
For the faces passing through the edge A, electric field E will be parallel
to area of face and so flux through these three faces will be zero.

Aq
L

As the cube has six faces and flux linked with three faces (through A) is
X
zero, so flux linked with remaining three face will be (q/80). The remaining
three faces are symmetrical so flux linked with each of the three faces passing through B will be,

Ex.

1 1 q 1 q

.
3 8 0 24 0

Flux entering a closed surface is 2000 V-m. Flux leaving that surface is 8000 V-m. Find the charge inside surface.

Sol. Net flux = out in = (8000 2000) = 6000 V-m

q
0

so

q = (6000) (8.85 1012) = 0.53 C

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Electric Charge and Field

EXERCISE 1(A)
1.

2.

When two bodies A and B are rubbed with each

other, A gets a positive charge. In this process
(1) Protons are transferred from A to B
(2) Protons are transferred from B to A
(3) Electrons are transferred from A to B
(4) Electrons are transferred from B to A

6.

7.

(1) attraction

(2) repulsion

(3) friction

(4) induction

Mark correct option or options

(1) like charged bodies always repel each other

Choose the correct option from following

(2) like charged bodies always attract each other

(1) If a particle possesses mass, then it must posses

charge

(3) like charged bodies may attract each other

(4) none of the above

(2) If a particle possesses charge, then it must

posses mass
(3) If a particle possesses mass, then it must be
uncharged

3.

A sure test of electrification is

(4) Both charge and mass for a particle cannot be

zero
Five balls, numbered 1 to 5, are suspended using
separated threads. Pairs (1, 2), (2, 4), (4, 1) show
electrostatic attraction, while pairs (2, 3) and (4, 5)
show repulsion, therefore ball 1

8.

9.

(1) must be positively charged

(2) must be negatively charged

Dimensions of

ke 2
is same as that of (here
mg

k = Coulombs constant), e is charge of electron, m

is mass of proton and g is acceleration due to
gravity
(1) Area
(2) Pressure
(3) Energy
(4) Volume
Two small balls with like charges are suspended by
light strings of equal length L from the same point.
When taken to a place where they are in a state of
weightlessness the separation between the balls will
be-

(3) may be neutral

(1) 2L

(4) must be made of metal

4.

An isolated solid metallic sphere is given +Q

charge. The charge will be distributed on the
sphere
(1) uniformly but only on surface

10.

(2) only on surface but non uniformly

(3) uniformly inside the volume
(4) non uniformly inside the volume
5.

L( L 1)
2

(3)

(2)

(4)

L
2

L( L 1)

A, B, C are three identical small metal balls having

charges q, 3q and q respectively. When A and C
are placed at a certain distance apart electrostatic
force between them is F. If B is touched with A and
then removed, then magnitude of electrostatic force
between A and C will be

A soap bubble is given a negative charge then its

radius

(1)

F
4

(2) F

(1) decreases

(3)

F
2

(4) 2F

(2) increases
(3) remains unchanged
(4) nothing can be predicted as information is
insufficient

11.

Three charge +4q, Q and q are placed in a straight

line of length l at points distance 0, l/2 and l
respectively. What should be the value of Q in order
to make the net force on q to be zero ?
(1) q

(2) 2q

(3) q/2

(4) 4q

Physics for AIEEE

12.

13.

Two similar very small conducting spheres having

charges 40 C and 20C are some distance apart.
Now they are touched and kept at same distance.
The ratio of the initial to the final force between
them is
(1) 8 : 1

(2) 4 : 1

(3) 1 : 8

(4) 1 : 1

Charges +Q, +Q and Q are placed on the vertices

A, B, C of a triangle ABC respectively. The side of
equilateral triangle is a. Magnitude of force acting on
charge at A is
(1)

kQ 2

(2)

a2

(3) Zero
14.

15.

Electric Charge and Field

(4)

kQ 2
a2

2kQ 2

16.

17.

18.

19.

a2

Ten positively charged particles are kept fixed on

the x axis at points x = 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, ,
8
100 cm. The first particle has a charge 1.0 1.0 C,
8
8
the second 8 10 C, the third 27 10 C and so
on. Find the magnitude of the electric force acting
on a 1 C charge placed at the origin.
5
5
(1) 2 10 N (approx) (2) 3 10 N (approx)
5
5
(3) 4 10 N (approx) (4) 5 10 N (approx)
One brass plate is inserted between two charges.
The force between two charges will
(1) remain the same
(2) increases
(3) decrease
(4) fluctuate
Electric lines of force can never start from
(1) Proton
(2) Conductor
(3) Insulator
(4) Electron
For the following electric lines of forces, choose the
correct option

Two small spheres, each of mass 0.1 gm and

9
carrying same charge 10 C are suspended by
threads of equal length from the same point. If the
distance between the centres of the sphere is 3 cm.
Then find out the angle made by the thread with the
vertical.
1 1
(1) tan
50

1 1

(2) tan
100

1 1

(3) tan
150

1 1

(4) tan
200

Two identical conducting spheres (of negligible

radius), having charges of opposite sign, attract each
other with a force of 0.108 N when separated by
0.5 meter. The spheres are connected by a
conducting wire, which is then removed (when
charge stops flowing), and thereafter repel each
other with a fore of 0.036 N keeping the distance
same. What were the initial charges on the
spheres?
6

A
B
D

(1) EB is maximum
(3) EA > ED
20.

(2) EC is maximum
(4) EB = EC

Two point charges exert on each other a force F when

they are placed r distance apart in air. When they are
placed R distance apart in a medium of dielectric
constant K, they exert the same force. The distance
R equals-

r
K

(1)

(2)

r
K

(4) r K
Two charges q1 and q2 are placed in vacuum at a
certain distance apart and the force acting between
them is F. If a medium of dielectric constant 3 is
introduced between them, then the force acting on
q1 becomes / remains
(3) rK

21.

(1) 1 10 C, 1 10 C
(2) 1 10 C, 3 10 C

(1)

F
3

(2)

2F
3

(3) 3 10 C, 1 10 C
(4) 3 10 C, 3 10 C

(3) F

(4)

F
3

Physics for AIEEE

22.

What is dimensional formula of dielectric constant

(1)

1
M

L3 T2 A2

(3) M0 L0 T0
23.

24.

25.

Electric Charge and Field

28.

(2) M1 L3 T4 A2

Charge 2Q and Q are placed as shown in figure.

The point at which electric field intensity is zero will
be

(4) M L T2

+2Q

Dielectric constant of mica is

(1) One

(2) Less than one

(3) More than one

(4) Infinite

(1) somewhere between Q and 2Q

(2) somewhere on the left of Q

Two point charges placed at a distance r in air exert

a force F on each other. The value of distance R
at which they experience force 4F when placed in
a medium of dielectric constant K = 16 is
(1) r

(2) r/4

(3) r/8

(4) 2r

(3) somewhere on the right of 2Q

(4) somewhere on the right bisector of line joining
Q and 2Q
29.

A proton and an electron are placed in a uniform

electric field-

Two point charges +1C and 4C are placed at

points having x co-ordinates x = a and x = 3a
respectively on x-axis. Neutral point is at(1) x = 0

(2) x = a

(3) x = 2a

(4) x =

(1) the electric forces acting on them will be equal

(2) the magnitudes of the forces will be equal
(3) their accelerations will be equal

30.

(4) the magnitudes of their accelerations will be equal

26.

27.

On putting salt [NaCl] in air a force F acts between

sodium and chlorine ions at a distance of
1 cm from each other. The permittivity of air and the
dielectric constant of water are 0 and K
respectively, when a piece of salt is placed in water
+
1
then the force between Na and Cl ions separated
by a distance of 1 cm will be(1) F

FK
(2)
0

F
(3) K
0

(4)

F
K

31.

5a
3

The electric field midway between two charges 0.1 C

and 0.4 C separated by a distance of 60 cm is(1) 5 103 N/C

(2) 9 104 N/C

(3) 5 104 N/C

(4) 3 104 N/C

Two point charges Q and 3Q are placed certain

distance apart. If the electric field at the location of Q

be E , then that at the location of 3Q will be-

(1) 3 E

(2) 3 E

(3) E / 3
32.

(4) E / 3

In the situation shown the string is ideal and insulating.

Mass of the particle is 1mg, Its charge will be
(g = 10ms2)

Two charges of opposite nature having magnitude 10

C are 20 cm apart. The electric field at the centre
of line joining these charges will be-

45

E = 10 N/C

(1) 9 x 10 N/C in the direction of positive charge

6

(2) 18 x 10 N/C in the direction of negative charge

6

(3) 18 x 10 N/C in the direction of positive charge

(1) 1C

(2) 10nC

(3) 100nC

(4) 1mC

(4) 9 x 10 N/C in the direction of negative charge

Physics for AIEEE

33.

Electric Charge and Field

1C charge when placed at a point in electric field

experiences 0.01N force. At the same point it 1mC
charge is placed it will experience force-

37.

Along x axis at position x = a, x = 2a, x = 4a,

x = 8a and so on, charges of strength q are
placed. The electric field at origin will be
(1)

(1) equal to 0.01N

(2) equal to 10N

(3)

(3) slightly less than 1N

38.

(4) slightly less than 10N

34.

35.

36.

An isolated sphere of radius 1cm is placed in air

maximum charge can be given to it without dielectric
breakdown of the surrounding air is(1)

10
C
3

(2)

(3)

100
C (4)
3

10
nC
3

4Kq
3a

3Kq
4a

(2) 1.6 105

(3) 3 104

(4) 9.1 104

a2

A simple pendulum has a length l, mass of bob m.

The bob is given a charge q coulomb. The
pendulum is suspended in a uniform horizontal
electric field of strength E as shown in figure, then
calculate the time period of oscillation when the bob
is slightly displace from its mean position is

q1m

(2)
r

E
O

(4)
r

2Kq

39.

5a 2

Which of the following graph best represents the

variation of electric field intensity due to a charged
solid sphere of copper?

(3)

4Kq

100
nC
3

(1) 1.39 104

(4)

How many electrons must be added to a spherical

conductor of radius 10cm to produce a field of
2 103 N/C just above surface?

(1)

(2)

40.

l
(1) 2
g

l
(2) 2

g qE
m

l
(3) 2

g qE
m

(4) 2

1 kq 0

(1) 2
2 a2

1 kq 0

(2) 2
2 a2

1 kq 0

(3) 2 2
2 a

1 kq 0

(4) 1
2 a2

l
2

qE
g2

m
Three point charges q0 are placed at three corners
of square of side a. Find out electric field intensity
at the fourth corner.

Two insulating spheres of radii 2 cm and 4 cm have

equal volume charge density. The ratio of electric
field on the surfaces of the spheres will be
(1) 1 : 2

(2) 4 : 1

(3) 8 : 1

(4) 1 : 4

Physics for AIEEE

41.

42

Electric Charge and Field

The maximum electric field intensity on the axis of

a uniformly charged ring of charge q and radius R
will be
1
q
(1) 4
2
0 3 3R

1
2q
(2) 4
2
0 3R

1
2q
(3) 4
2
0 3 3R

1
3q
(4) 4
2
0 2 3R

++
+
+

(2)

a
O

O +a

++

(1) 12
0
2

(3)

+a

(3) 12
0
x

x (m)

(1) a O

P (0, 6)

+ 45

A point charge q and a charge q are placed at x

= a and x = +a respectively. Which of the
following represents a part of E-x graph?
E

(4)

y (m)
++

43.

E0 q
m

(3)

(4) all of these

E0
q

A very long charged rod is placed along y = x

straight line as shown in figure, it carries charge
per unit length. Electric field at point P is

Qdl
(4) 8 2 a 3
0

E0
a

(2)

++

Qdl
(3) 6 2 a 3
0

45.

2 E0
a

Qdl
(2) 4 2 a 3
0

A particle of mass m and charge q starts moving from

rest along a straight line in an electric field E = E0 ax
where a is a positive constant and x is the distance
from starting point. Find the distance travelled by the
particle till the moment it came to instantaneous rest(1)

A circular ring of radius a carries a total charge Q

distributed uniformly over its length. A small length
dL of the wire is cut off. Find the electric field at
the centre due to the remaining wire.
Qdl
(1) 2 2 a 3
0

44.

(2)

2 0 2

(4) 6
0

Physics for AIEEE

Electric Charge and Field

EXERCISE 1(B)
1.

Dimensions of pE where p is electric dipole moment

and E is electric field
(1) MLT2
(2) ML2T2
(3) MLT1
(4) ML1T2

2.

If E1 and E 2 are electric field at two points on

equatorial line at distance r and 2r from short dipole,
then E1/E2

8
1
1
(4)
1

1
4
1
(3)
8

(1)

3.

6.

(1)

kq
2a 3

(2)

2kq
a3

(3)

8kq
9a 2

(4)

kq
2a 2

(2)

7.

Due to an electric dipole shown in figure, the electric

field intensity is parallel to dipole axis :
Y
Q
equitarial
q

+q

(1) at P only

8.
P

(2) at Q only

(3) both at P and at Q (4) neither at P nor at Q

4.

An electric dipole consists of two charges + q at a

separation 2a. It is placed in such a way that its
centre coincides with origin and dipole moment
vector is directed towards + x axis. Electric field
intensity magnitude at x = 2a is equal to-

Three charges are arranged on the vertices of an

equilateral triangle as shown in figure. Find the dipole
moment of the combination.

(1)

(2)

3
2

(4) tan 1

5.

3
tan 1
3
2

3
2
Find the magnitude of the electric field at the point
P in the configuration shown in figure for d >> a.
Take 2qa = p.
(3)

9.
2q

If an electric dipole is kept in a uniform electric

field, then it will experience
(1) Force only
(2) Torque only
(3) Force and torque
(4) No force and no torque
An electric dipole is placed along the X-axis at the
origin O. A point P is placed at a distance of 20 cm

from this origin such that OP makes an angle with

3
the X-axis. If electric field at P makes an angle
with X-axis, the value of is-

(1) qd

(2) qd 3

(3) 2qd

(4) 2 2 qd

An electric dipole is placed (not at infinity) in an electric

field generated by a point charge
(1) the net electric force on the dipole must be zero

d
+q +q

q
a

(2) the net electric forceon the dipole may be zero

(3) the torque on the dipole due to the field must be
zero

1
2
2
(1) 4 d 3 q p
0

1
2
2 2
(2) 4 d 3 q d p
0

(4) the torque on the dipole due to the field may be

zero

1
2 2
2
(3) 4 d 3 q d p
0

1
2
2
(4) 4 d 2 q p
0

Physics for AIEEE

10.

Electric Charge and Field

An electric dipole of moment p is placed at the origin

13.

along the x-axis. The angle made by electric field with

x-axis at a point P, whose position vector makes an
angle with x-axis, is (where tan =

11.

(1)

(2)

(3) +

(4) + 2

1
tan )
2

14.

A point charge q and a dipole of dipole moment p

are placed at some distance as shown in figure. The
force on dipole is

(1) 0.2 10
(3) 2.0 10
15.

y
q

(3) r
16.

(1)

(3)
12.

r3
4kpq
r

(2)

kpq
r3

(4)

2kpq
r3

(2) 1 103Nm

(3) 4 103 Nm

(4) zero

N-m

(2) 1.0 10

N-m

(4) 4.0 10

(2) r

(4) r

N-m
N-m

4
4

2 pq 0

2 pq 0

pq 0

pq

(2) 4
3
0 a

along positive x-axis

along negative x-axis

(3) 4
3 along negative x-axis
0 a
(4) 4 3 along positive x-axis
0 a

A short electric dipole of dipole moment p is placed

at origin with its dipole moment directedalong xaxis. The value of force experienced by a particle
having charge q0, placed at (0, a) is
(1) 4
3
0 a

An electric dipole having dipole moment 2 106 Cm is

placed in uniform electric field having magnitude 103
N/C. The dipole can experience maximum torque (1) 2 103 Nm

The force between two short electric dipoles

separated by a distance r is directly proportional to
(1) r

r
2kpq

A small electric dipole of dipole moment p is

perpendicular to electric field. Work done to rotate
it through angle 180 in uniform electric field E is
(1) pE
(2) 2pE
(3) 2pE
(4) Zero
An electric dipole consists of two opposite charges
each of magnitude 1.0 C separated by a distance
of 2.0 cm. The dipole is placed in an external field
5
of 1.0 10 N/C. The maximum torque on the dipole
is

Physics for AIEEE

Electric Charge and Field

EXERCISE - 1(C)
1.

Find out the electric flux through an area 10 m

lying in XY plane due to an electric field

E 2 i 10 j 5 k .
2

(1) 25 Nm /C

(2) 50 Nm /C

(3) 75 Nm /C
2.

(4) 100 Nm /C

(2) Ea

(3) 2 Ea

4.

5.

(4) 6 Ea

flux

(a)
2

If electric field is uniform, then the electric lines

of forces are
(1) divergent
(2) covergent
(3) circular
(4) paraller
A surface S = 10 j is kept in an electric field E =

O
C

8.

(4)

passing through the square is

3

E0 a3
(2)
2

E0 a3
(3)
3

E0 a 2
(4)
2

(1) E 0 a

(1) a

(2) b

(3) c

(4) d

The electric field in a region is given by E =

axi , where = constant of proper dimensions.
What should be the charge contained inside a
cube bounded by the surface, x = l, x = 2l,
y = 0, y = l, z = 0, z = l ?

R 2
E
2
A square of side 'a' is lying in xy plane such that
two of its sides are lying on the axis. If an electric

field E E 0 xk is applied on the square. The flux

(3) R 2 E

(b)

time

(2) R 2 E

(1) zero

L/2

2 i 4 j 7 k . How much electric flux will come

out through the surface ?
(1) 40 unit
(2) 50 unit
(3) 30 unit
(4) 20 unit
In a region of uniform electric field E, a hemispherical body is placed in such a way that field is parallel
to its base (as shown in figure). The flux linked with
the curved surface is
E

9.

6.

Figure (a) shows an imaginary cube of edge L/2. A

uniformly charged rod of length L moves towards
left at a small but constant speed v. At t = 0, the left
end just touches the centre of the face of the cube
opposite it. Which of the graphs shown in figure (b)
represents the flux of the electric filed throught the
cube as the rod goes through it ?

In a uniform electric field E if we consider an imaginary cubical close gaussian surface of side a, then
find the net flux through the cube?
(1) 0

3.

7.

(1)

0 l3

(2) 0 l3

(3)

0
l3

(4) 2 0 l3

If the electric flux entering and leaving a closed

surface are respectively of magnitude 1 and 2,
then the electric charge inside the surface will
be

2 1
0

(2) (1 2 ) 0

(3) 0 ( 2 1 )

(4) 0 ( 2 1 )

(1)

10.

Consider the charge configuration and a spherical

Gaussian surface as shown in the figure. When
calculating the flux of the electric field over the
spherical surface, the electric field will be due
to

Physics for AIEEE

Electric Charge and Field

q

q2

(2) 2
0

(1) 2
0

+ q1

(4) 2
0
A point charge q is held, just below the centre of
curvature of a hemispherical surface as shown in
figure. The value of electric flux passing through the
surface is
(3) Zero

15.

q1
(1) q2
(2) only the positive charges

(3) all the charges

(1)
0

(4) + q1 and q1
11.

12.

13.

(3) More than

16.
(4) none of these

A point charge Q is placed at the cnetre of a

hemisphere. the ratio of electric flux passing through
curved surface and plane surface of the hemisphere
is
(1) 1 : 1

(2) 1 : 2

(3) 2 : 1

(4) 4 : 1

q
q
but less than
2 0
0
q

(2) zero

Q
(3) 2
0

(2) 2
0

A point charge Q is placed at the centre of a

hemishphere. The electric flux passing through flat
surface of hemisphere is

Q
(1)
0

Centre
of Curvature

(4) Less than 2

0
A charge Q is placed at the centre of an imaginary
hemispherical surface. Using symmetry arguments
and the Gauss's law, Find the flux of the electric
field due to this charge through the surfaces of the
hemisphere
Q

Select the wrong statement

(1) the electric field calculated by Gauss's law
is the field due to the charges inside the Gaussian
surface

Q
(1)
0

Q
(2) 2
0

(2) the electric field calculated by Gauss's law

is the resultant field due to all the charges
inside and outside the closed surface

2Q
(3)
0

Q
(4) 4
0

(3) the Gauss's law is equivalent to Coulomb's

law

17.

A point charge Q is placed on the axis of a cone as

shown in figure. If flux lined to curved surface is ,
then what is flux links to base of cone

(4) the Gauss's law can also be applied to calculate

gravitational field but with some modifications
14.

A charge q is placed outside a hemisphere. Flux

through curved surface as shown in the figure

(1)
0

(2)
0

(3) Zero

(4)
0

Physics for AIEEE

18.

19.

20.

Electric Charge and Field

The electric field intensity at a distance r from an

infinite sheet of charge with surface charge density
is-

(1)
0

(2) 2
0

2
(3)
2 0

2
r
(4)
2 0

24.

Eight point charges (can be assumed as small

spheres uniformly charged and their centres at the
corner of the cube) having values q each are fixed
at vertices of a cube. The electric flux through
square surface ABCD of the cube is

If the electric field due to an infinite long line charge

at distance 1m from it is 1 N/C, the charge per unit
length of line charge is
(1) 0
(2) 0
(3) 2 0
(4) 40
A point charge Q is placed at the centre of a circular wire of radius R having charge q. The force
of electrostatic interaction betwene poin charge and
the wire is

Q
O

25.

q
(1) 24
0

q
(2) 12
0

q
(3) 6
0

q
(4) 8
0

The charge density of a spherical charge distribution

is given by:

R|FG IJ r r n
b g SH n K r n
|T 0

(2) zero

q
(4) none of these
4 0 R
The electric flux passing through the sphere, if an
electric dipole is placed at the centre of a sphere,
is

(3)
21.

1
(1)
0
22.

2
(2)
0

(3) zero
(4) none of these
Two parallel charged plates have a charge density
of + and . Net force on proton located outside
the plates at some distance will be

(1) e
0

26.

S2
2Q
2Q S1
Q

23.

what is the total charge on the distribution?

(1) 2 n30
(2) n 3 0
(3) 4/3 n30
(4) 1/2 n30
1 and S2 enclose some charges as
show in figure. What is ratio of flux linked to
surfaces S1 and S2

(2) e
0

(3) 2 e
(4) Zero
0
Electric charges are distributed in a small volume.
The flux of the electric field through a spherical
surface of radius 10 cm surrounding the total charge
is 25 V-m. The flux over a concentric sphere of
radius 20 cm will be
(1) 25 V-m
(2) 50 V-m
(3) 100 V-m
(4) 200 V-m

q
B

qQ
(1) 4 R 2
0

(1)

3
2

(2)

3
1

(3)

1
3

(4)

1
3

Physics for AIEEE

27.

Electric Charge and Field

x

Two identical metal plates are having charges Q1

and Q2 (Q1 > Q2). They are placed at distance d,
the electric field in between the plates is

Q
R

(1) Proportional to Q1

P z

(2) Proportional to Q2

(3) Proportional to Q1 Q2

S
y

(4) Proportional to Q1 + Q2
28.

q
(1) 6
0

It a negatively charged particle is placed near an

infinitely extended conducting plane, it will-

(2) start moving parallel to plane

32.

(3) get repelled by the plane

(4) get attracted by the plane

2Q
(3)
3 3 0
30.

(2)

(1) E 0 R 2 h
33.

(4) zero

An electron moves along a metal tube with variable

cross-section. The velocity of the electron when it
approaches the neck of tube, is

31.

(3) less than v0

(4) not defined

(2) 2E 0 R 2 h

(3) 3E 0 R 2 h
(4) 4E 0 R 2 h
A charge Q is placed at a distance of 4R above
the centre of a disc of radius R. The magnitude
of flux through the disc is . Now a hemispherical
shell of radius R is placed over the disc such
that it forms a closed surface. The flux through
the curved surface taking direction of area vector
along outward normal as positive, is
Q

v0
(2) equal to v0

2Q
3 0

(1) greater than v0

(4) 2
0

Electric field at point P is given by E = r E 0 . The

total flux through the given cylinder of radius R and
height h is

Charge Q is uniformly distributed over a triangle

(equilateral) made from thin conducting wire each
of length L. A gaussian sphere is taken with its
centre at one vertex and passing through centroid of
the triangle. Net electric flux linked with the sphere
is-

Q
(1)
3 0

(3) 4
0

(1) remain at rest there

29.

(2) 24
0

4R
R

A square of side a parallel to xy-plane is shown in

figure. Co-ordinate of vertex P of square is
(0, 0, a). A point charge qis placed at origin O then
flux crossing the square is

(1) zero

(2)

(3)

(4) 2

Physics for AIEEE

Electric Charge and Field

EXERCISE 2
One or more correct choice type
1.

A point charge q is placed at origin. Let E A , E B

and E C be the electric field at three points A

(1,2,3), B(1, 1, 1) and C(2,2,2) due to charge
q. Then

(1) E A E B
(2) E A E C

(3) E B 4 E C

2.

4.

(1) periodic for all values of z0 satisfying 0 < z0 <

.
(2) simple harmonic for all values of z0 satisfying 0
< z0 R

(4) E B 8 E C

A particle of charge q and mass m moves rectilinearly

under the action of an electric field E =
x. Here, and are positive constants and
x is the distance from the point where the particle
was initially at rest. Then

(3) approximately simple harmonic provided z0<<R

(4) such that P crosses O and continues to move
along the negative z-axis towards z =
5.

(1) the motion of the particle is oscillatory

(2) the amplitude of the particle is

(4) the maximum acceleration of the particle is

q
m

(2) decreases as r increases for 0 < r <

(3) decreases as r increases for R < r <
(4) is discontinuous at r = R
6.

(2) the electric charge there

(3) the magnitude of the electric force, a unit
charge would experience there
(4) the force, an electron would experience there

E
7.

k
Smooth
(1) block will execute SHM

The electric field intensity at a point in space is

equal in magnitude to
(1) magnitude of the potential gradient there

A block of mass m is attached to a spring of

force constant k. Charge on the block is q. A
horizontal electric field E is acting in the direction
as shown. Block is released with the spring in
unstretched position
q, m

A non- conducting solid sphere of radius R is uniformly charged. The magnitude of the electric field
due to the sphere at a distance r from its centre
(1) increases as r increases for r < R

(3) the mean position of the particle is at x=

3.

A positively charged thin metal ring of radius R is

fixed in the x-y plane with its centre at the origin O.
A negatively charged particle P is released from
rest at the point (0, 0, z0) where z0 > 0. Then the
motion of P is

Figure shows a charge q placed at the centre of a

hemisphere. A second charge Q is placed at one of
the positions A, B, C and D. In which position(s) of
this second charge, the flux of the electric field
through the hemisphere remains unchanged?
B

m
(2) time period of oscillation is 2
k
(3) amplitude of oscillation is

qE
k

(4) block will oscillate but not simple harmonically

(1) A

(2) B

(3) C

(4) D

Physics for AIEEE

8.

Electric Charge and Field

An electric dipole is placed at the centre of a sphere,

mark the correct options.

12.

At a distance r from the surface of sphere (outside)-

(1) the flux of the electric field through the sphere

is zero
(2) the electric field is zero at every point of the
sphere
(3) the electric field is not zero anywhere on the
sphere
(4) the electric field is zero on a circle on the sphere
9.

P R3
(4) 4 (r R ) 2 r
0

13.

Find the mass of each sphere

14.

(1) 400 mg (approx)

(2) 500 mg (approx)

(3) 600 mg (approx)

(4) 700 mg (approx)

Find the tension in each thread

(1) 2.1 10

(2) the electric field is directed downward

1
10 2 N.C 1
3

P R3
(3) 3 (r R ) 2 r
0

Two identical small spheres are suspended from the

same point by threads 1m long. Each sphere is given
a charge 120 nC. Consequently, they repel each
other to a distance 40 cm.

(1) the electric field is directed upward

(3) the intensity of electric field is

P R3
(2) 2 (r R ) 2 r
0

II.

19

An oil drop has a charge 9.6 10 C and has a

15
mass 1.6 10 gm. When allowed to fall, due to
air resistance force it attains a constant velocity.
Then if a uniform electric field is to be applied
vertically to make the oil drop ascend up with the
same constant speed, which of the followign are
-2
correct (g = 10 ms ) (Assume that the magnitude
of resistance force is same in both the cases)

P R3
(1) (r R ) 2 r
0

(3) 4.1 10
15.

10.

1
105 NC 1
6

N
N

(2) 3.1 10
(4) 5.1 10

3
3

N
N

Find the angle between the two threads in the condition of equilibrium
1

(1) sin (1)

(4) the intensity of electric field is

(3) sin (3)

III.

An electric dipole is kept in the electric field produced by a point charge.

(1) dipole will experience a force

(2) sin (2)

1

(4) sin (4)

A thin rod of length L carries a positive charge that

is uniformly distributed over tis length. Linear charge
density of the distribution, i.e. charge per unit length
is . P is a point at a

(2) dipole can experience a torque

(3) dipole can be in stable equilibrium

45

(4) it is possible to find a path (not closed) in the

field on which work required to move the dipole is
zero.

COMPREHENSION BASED QUESTIONS

I.

Find out electric field intensity due to unfiormly

charged solid nonconducting sphere of volume
and radius R at following points :
c

11.

At a distance r from the surface of sphere (inside)-

PR
(1) 3 r
0

P (R r )
r
(2)
30

PR
(3)
0

PR
(4) 3
0

distance r from the midpoint of rod and on its

perpendicular bisector. Q is a point along the axis of
the rod and located at distance d from one end.
As shown, the line that joins P with any end of the
rod makes an angle 45 with the perpendicular bisector. It appears that we could obtain electric field
strength at various points with the help of Gausss

Physics for AIEEE

Electric Charge and Field

law. It is possible to consider a cylinder of radius r

as the Gaussian surface with AB along its axis.
Obviously, P will lie on the curved surface of this
cylinder. But field strength at different points on the
curved surface will be different owing to lack of
symmetry of the distribution for various points. Thus
Gausss law will not be practically useful. Similarly,
we may imagine a cylinder with AB along its axis
such that Q lies on one of its circular ends but
Gausss law is again of little practical use. In such
a situation we can obtain field strength by integrating the field strength due to a small element using
suitable limits. (Take electric potential = 0, at )
16.

17.

18.

19.

(2) 2.83 r
0

(3) zero

1 L
(4) 4 r
0

(2) 2.83 r
0

(3) zero

1 L
(4) 4 r
0

R : The electric field due to charges on outer surface of conductor and outside the conductor is zero
at all points inside the conductor.
20.

1
L
(3) 4 (d L / 2)
0

solid conducting cylinder

R : When a solid conductor moves with acceleration a, then from frame of conductor a pseudoforce
(of magnitude ma; where m is mass of electron)
will act on free electrons in the conductor. As a
result some portion of the surface of conductor
acquires negative charge and remaining portion of
surface of conductor acquires positive charge.

1
L
(2) 4 (L d )
0
21.
(4) zero

A : A solid uncharged conducting cylinder moves

with acceleration a (w.r.t. ground). As a result of
acceleration of cylinder, an electric field is produced
within cylinder.

Electric field strength at Q is (perhaps it could be

more conveninent to shift the origin to Q for the
purpose of field and potential calculation at Q)

1
L
(1) 4 d (L d)
0

Q
q

y-component of electric field strength at P is

(1) 2 r
0

Let in figure point O be treated as origin and length

of rod along x axis so that P lies on y axis. x
component of electric field strength at P will be

(1) 2 r
0

A : A point charge q is placed at centre of spherical

cavity inside a spherical conductor as shown. Another point charge Q is placed outside the conductor as shown. Now as the point charge Q is pushed
away from conductor, the potential difference
(VA VB) between two points A and B within the
cavity of sphere remains constant.

A : A charge q is placed at the center of a metallic

sheel as shown in figure. Electric field at point P on
the shell due to charge q is zero.

Assertion and Reasons

(1)

Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.

(2)

Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement-2

is not a correct explanation for Statement-1.

(3)

Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is false.

(4)

Statement-1 is false, Statement-2 is true.

P
q

R : Net electric field in a conductor under electrostatic

conditions is zero.

Physics for AIEEE

22.

Electric Charge and Field

A : If there exists attraction between two bodies,

both of them may not be charged.

24.

R : Due to induction effects a charged body can

attract a neutral body.
23.

A : When charges are shared between two bodies,

there occurs no loss of charge, but there does occur
a loss of energy.
R : In case of sharing of charges energy of conservation fails.

A : On going away from a point charge or a

small electric dipole, electric field decrease at the
same rate in both the cases.
R : Electric field is inversely proportional to square
of distance from a point charge.