Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

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.

+++++++
+ + + + + + + + ++
+ + + + + + + - - - - - - -
+
+ Negatively
Positively +
+ charged
charged +
+ body
body +
+
+
+ + + + + + - - - - - - -
Electrons = Protons Electrons < Protons 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 × 10–31 kg) the change in mass of a body due to charging is negligible as compared to the
mass of the body.

+ + + +
+
+ +
+ + +

Neutral
M+ m>M M- m<M
Body = M
+ +
+

+
+ + +
 Physics for AIEEE 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 × 10–19 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
1 coulomb = 3 × 109 esu of charge = emu of charge
10
[esu = electrostatic unit] [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.
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field
+
+
+ +
+ + +
e +
+ ++
+ +
+
-ive q' =
q' = 0 V' = -ive
V' = Unc 0
y is har
++ bod th disc ged b
+
+ harged the Ear o
from nne dy iso q' =
+ Unc cted to the cted V' = -ive

= 0
e
e ear
conn -ive

ch gh bo + iv
th

V' q' =
+
++ + Ch
+

d ar s
+ arg

ge ne i
ar t dy
is r i n
em g bod
dy g
+

dy
bo rgin ove y

bo
un brou ged
d
a
Ch

ar
Ch
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 , F  1/r²

q1q2
 F 
r2

q1 q2
or F  C q1q2
r2 r
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

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

1
C  9  10 9 Nm² / C² (In SI unit)
40

C = 1 in electrostatic unit (esu)

0 = 8.85 × 10–12 C²/Nm² = 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.

1 q1q2 1 q1q2
Fair = and Fmedium =
40 r 2 40 r r 2

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 
0

Q2 T2A 2
Dimensions of permittivity 0   = M –1 L –3 T 4A2
F  length 2 MLT 2L2

The dielectric constants of different mediums are

Medium Vacuum Air Water Mica Teflon Glass PVC Metal

r 1 1.00059 80 6 2 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.
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

  1 q1q2
F21 = force on q2 due to q1 F21  r̂12
40 r r12
2


F12 F21
 1 q1q2
F12 = Force on q1 due to q2 F12  r̂21 q1 q2
4 0  r r21
2
r12

 
F12   F21 (as r̂12  r̂21 )

 
or F 12  F 21  0

5. 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 P
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 r

a test charge q0 at a point P in an electric field experiences a force F , then electric field
  O
E  (F/ q0 ) q Source Charge

 1 qq0 
If the field is produced by a point charge q, then from Coulomb's law F  r field due to point-charge
40 r 3
 P
q at position r in free space

 r1
 F 1 q 1 q
E  r or E 
q0 4  0 r 3 4  0 r 2
q2
If field is produced by a charge distribution, then by 'principle of superposition' field q1

is given as q2
q4
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

   n   1 qi 
E  E1  E 2  .......   E i with Ei  ri
i 1 40 ri3

while for continuous charge distribution (treating small charge element as a point charge),
  dq 
1 dq  1
dE 
4  0 r 3
r, i.e., E  r
40 r 3

 Important points

F MLT 2
(1) It is a vector quantity having dimensions E   MLT 3 A 1
q AT

N N  m NmJ J J / C  V  V
The SI unit is N/C or V/m as     
C Cm Cm m

   
(2) By definition E  F/ q0 , or F  q0 E

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
+
E E

1 q
(3) In free space Electric field is E0 
40 r 2

1 q
In a medium of permittivity field is E
4 r 2

E 0 1
So,   [as  =  0 K]
E0  K

or, E = E0/K

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

6. ELECTRIC LINES OF FORCE

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

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

number of lines of force per unit area normal to the surface surrounding that point gives A

the magnitude of intensity at that point.

 Physics for AIEEE 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/60 .

+q
A B

Total lines of force (q/ 0) Charge A is positive while

while through each face (q/6 0) B is negative and qA > qB

(3) 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 Attraction Repulsion
Electric lines of force for a dipole Electric lines of force for a system
of a charged conductor) of two positive charges
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

(6) 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 Direction is Both magnitude and Both magnitude and

not constant not constant direction not constant direction constant
(7) 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

+ + – – + + + +
+  –  +
E= 
+ 
E=  E= 
+ 0 – 0
+ 0

+ E=0 E=0 E=0 +

+ Uniform– + +
+ field – + +
+q + – + +
d
Fixed point charge near Parallel metal plates Parallel metal plates
infinite metal plate having dissimilar charges having similar charges
(A) (B) (C)

(8) 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 .
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

7. ELECTRIC-FLUX

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

   
dE  E• ds  Eds cos  i.e., E   E• ds

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

F MLT 2 2
E  Eds  ds  L  ML3 T 3 A 1
q AT

(2) It will be maximum when cos  is max = 1, i.e.,  = 0°, i.e., electric field is normal to the area with (dE)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 (dE)min = 0

(4) For a closed body outward flux is taken as positive while inward flux is taken as negative.

n
E
E
n

E E
Body Body n^
n n

E  R 2E E  0 E   R 2E
Positive - flux Negative - flux Cylinder in a uniform field
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

8. 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,
  q
Mathematically  E• ds  
s 0

 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 .

  qin
According to Gauss law  E . ds = 0

     
 E . ds  E . ds  E . ds h
Cylindrical + I circular + II circular = 0
surface surface surface

  h
 Eds cos 0º +  Eds cos +  Eds cos =
Cylindrical I circular
2 II circular
2 0
suface surface surface

h  1
E(2  r h) =  So E = (E  ) E
0 2  0 r r

r
(2) 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 +
Gaussian

as the Gaussian surface. The flux due to the electric field of the plane sheet +++
+ Surface
+
+
of charge passes only through the two circular caps of the cylinder. Let surface E Q
+ E
+ P
charge density =  + + ++
+ r
+
Plane sheet
  of charge
According to gauss law  E . dS  qin / 0

A A 
 E dscos   E dscos   E dscos  0
or EA + EA + 0 = 2 or E = 2
0 0
I circular II circular cylindrica
l
surface surface surface
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

(3) 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)

 
Q Q
According to gauss law E0 .ds = 0 or E 0 (4r
2
) = 0
S1

Q  R2
E0 = = 0
4  0r 2 r2

total ch arg e Q
where the surface charge density  = =
surface area 4R2

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)

Emax = Q/4 0R
2

 
qin
According to gauss law  E . ds = 0 1
E
1
S2
E 2 E=0 E=0 E
r r2
As enclosed charge qin = 0
O r<R r=R r>R
So Ein = 0 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.

total ch arg e Q 3Q
The charge density  = = =
total volume 4
R 3 4R 3
3 +
+ + +
(i) at a point P 0 outside the sphere (r > R) +
+R
+ +
+ + Pin PS P0
 Q  Q
according to gauss law  E 0 . ds =  or E0 (4r2) =
0 0 + + O
+ +r + ds
+ + + +
Q   R3  + +
 2  +
or E0 =
4  0r 2
= 3 r 
0  
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

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

Q 
Es = = R
4   0R 2 3 0

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

According to gauss law

  q in 1 Qr 3 E
4
. r =
3
 E in . ds =  =
0 0 3  0R 3 E


r
1 1
E


r
E 2

E
3
2 Qr r r2
Ein(4r ) =
 0R 3
O r<R r=R r>R
Qr 
or Ein = = r (Ein  r)
4  0R 3 3 0

SOLVED EXAMPLES

Ex. How many electrons are present in 1 coulomb charge.

Sol.  q = ne q = 1C e = 1.6 × 10–19 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 +2µC?
(ii) Determine the fraction of electrons removed.
(iii) Is there any change in mass of sphere when it is given positive charge?

Q 2  10 6
Sol. (i) Number of electrons to be removed n   = 1.25 × 1013
e 1.6  10 19

(ii) Total number of electrons in the sphere = 29 × 2 × 1022 = 5.8 × 1023

1.25  1013
Fraction of electrons removed   2.16  10 11
5.8  10 23

Thus 2.16 × 10–9 % of electrons are to be removed to give the sphere a charge of 2µC.
(iii) Yes mass decreases, when body is given a positive charge.
Decrease of mass m = 9 × 10–31 × 1.25 × 1013 = 1.125 × 10–17 kg
Ex. 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.
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

Sol. The forces on the charge on lower right corner due to charges 1, 2, 3 are F 1 = kq²/a², F2 = kq²/a², F3 = kq²/2a².
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
F
2 a2
 
1  2 2 The direction of F is, 45° below the horizontal line.

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.
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 
Force on A due to B is FAB   along BA
4 0 2R 2 4 0 4R 2

1 q q 1 q2 
Force on A due to C. FAC   along CA
4 0 2R 2
4 0 4R 2

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

1  3 q  2

FA  F  F  2FF cos 60  3F  4

2 2
4  R 
0

Ex. 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
F
Dividing we have tan   ....(1)
mg
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 – Vg [as Th = Vg]

   m
i.e. mg'  mg1   as V   
   

F' F
tan '  
mg' Kmg1   /  
So for equilibrium of ball, ....(2)

 1 .6
According to given problem ' = ; so from eqn. (1) & (2), we have K   2
    1.6  0.8 
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

Ex. 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+ P
Along horizontal, T sin  = qE
T
And along vertical, T cos  = mg +
qE qE q
So tan  = and T = [(mg)2 + (qE)2]1/2 +
mg B
+
The field E produced by the sheet of charge PQ having charge density  is

E +
2 0 mg
+
q  q 
So, tan   i.e.,   tan1  
Q
2 0mg  20mg 
Ex. A point charge q is placed at one corner of a cube of edge a. What is Z
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/80 Aq

For the faces passing through the edge A, electric field E will be parallel L Y
B
to area of face and so flux through these three faces will be zero.
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/80). The remaining
three faces are symmetrical so flux linked with each of the three faces passing through B will be,

1  1  q  1 q
      .
3  8   0  24  0

Ex. 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
 so q = (6000) (8.85 × 10–12) = 0.53 µC
0


 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

EXERCISE – 1(A)
1. When two bodies A and B are rubbed with each 6. A sure test of electrification is–
other, A gets a positive charge. In this process –
(1) attraction (2) repulsion
(1) Protons are transferred from A to B
(3) friction (4) induction
(2) Protons are transferred from B to A
(3) Electrons are transferred from A to B 7. Mark correct option or options–
(4) Electrons are transferred from B to A (1) like charged bodies always repel each other
2. Choose the correct option from following – (2) like charged bodies always attract each other
(1) If a particle possesses mass, then it must posses (3) like charged bodies may attract each other
charge
(4) none of the above
(2) If a particle possesses charge, then it must
posses mass ke 2
(3) If a particle possesses mass, then it must be 8. Dimensions of is same as that of (here
mg
uncharged k = Coulomb’s constant), e is charge of electron, m
(4) Both charge and mass for a particle cannot be is mass of proton and g is acceleration due to
gravity –
zero
3. Five balls, numbered 1 to 5, are suspended using (1) Area (2) Pressure
separated threads. Pairs (1, 2), (2, 4), (4, 1) show (3) Energy (4) Volume
electrostatic attraction, while pairs (2, 3) and (4, 5) 9. Two small balls with like charges are suspended by
show repulsion, therefore ball 1– light strings of equal length L from the same point.
When taken to a place where they are in a state of
(1) must be positively charged
weightlessness the separation between the balls will
(2) must be negatively charged be-
(3) may be neutral L
(1) 2L (2)
(4) must be made of metal 2
4. An isolated solid metallic sphere is given +Q L( L 1)
charge. The charge will be distributed on the (3) (4) L( L 1)
sphere– 2
10. A, B, C are three identical small metal balls having
(1) uniformly but only on surface
charges q, –3q and q respectively. When A and C
(2) only on surface but non uniformly are placed at a certain distance apart electrostatic
force between them is F. If B is touched with A and
(3) uniformly inside the volume then removed, then magnitude of electrostatic force
(4) non uniformly inside the volume between A and C will be

5. A soap bubble is given a negative charge then its F

(1) (2) F
radius– 4
F
(1) decreases (3) (4) 2F
2
(2) increases 11. Three charge +4q, Q and q are placed in a straight
line of length l at points distance 0, l/2 and l
(3) remains unchanged respectively. What should be the value of Q in order
to make the net force on q to be zero ?
(4) nothing can be predicted as information is
insufficient (1) –q (2) –2q
(3) –q/2 (4) 4q
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field
12. Two similar very small conducting spheres having 16. Ten positively charged particles are kept fixed on
charges 40 C and –20C are some distance apart. the x axis at points x = 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, …,
–8
Now they are touched and kept at same distance. 100 cm. The first particle has a charge 1.0 ×1.0 C,
–8 –8
The ratio of the initial to the final force between the second 8 × 10 C, the third 27 × 10 C and so
them is– on. Find the magnitude of the electric force acting
on a 1 C charge placed at the origin.
(1) 8 : 1 (2) 4 : 1 5 5
(1) 2 × 10 N (approx) (2) 3 × 10 N (approx)
(3) 1 : 8 (4) 1 : 1 5 5
(3) 4 × 10 N (approx) (4) 5 × 10 N (approx)
13. Charges +Q, +Q and –Q are placed on the vertices
17. One brass plate is inserted between two charges.
A, B, C of a triangle ABC respectively. The side of
The force between two charges will–
equilateral triangle is a. Magnitude of force acting on
(1) remain the same (2) increases
charge at A is –
(3) decrease (4) fluctuate
kQ 2 kQ 2 18. Electric lines of force can never start from –
(1) (2) 3
a2 a2 (1) Proton (2) Conductor
(3) Insulator (4) Electron
2kQ 2 19. For the following electric lines of forces, choose the
(3) Zero (4)
a2 correct option –
14. Two small spheres, each of mass 0.1 gm and
–9
carrying same charge 10 C are suspended by A
threads of equal length from the same point. If the B C
distance between the centres of the sphere is 3 cm.
Then find out the angle made by the thread with the D
vertical.
(1) EB is maximum (2) EC is maximum
1  1  1  1 
(1) tan   (2) tan   (3) EA > ED (4) EB = EC
 50   100  20. Two point charges exert on each other a force F when
they are placed r distance apart in air. When they are
1  1  1  1  placed R distance apart in a medium of dielectric
(3) tan   (4) tan  
 150   200  constant K, they exert the same force. The distance
R equals-
15. Two identical conducting spheres (of negligible
radius), having charges of opposite sign, attract each r r
(1) (2)
other with a force of 0.108 N when separated by K K
0.5 meter. The spheres are connected by a (3) rK (4) r K
conducting wire, which is then removed (when
21. Two charges q1 and q2 are placed in vacuum at a
charge stops flowing), and thereafter repel each
certain distance apart and the force acting between
other with a fore of 0.036 N keeping the distance
them is F. If a medium of dielectric constant 3 is
same. What were the initial charges on the introduced between them, then the force acting on
spheres? q1 becomes / remains–
–6 –6
(1) ± 1 × 10 C, ± 1 × 10 C
–6 –6 F 2F
(2) ± 1 × 10 C, ± 3 × 10 C (1) (2)
3 3
–6 –6
(3) ± 3 × 10 C, ± 1 × 10 C
F
–6
(4) ± 3 × 10 C, ± 3 × 10 C
–6 (3) F (4) 
3
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field
22. What is dimensional formula of dielectric constant – 28. Charge 2Q and –Q are placed as shown in figure.
–1 The point at which electric field intensity is zero will
(1) M L3 T–2 A–2 (2) M–1 L–3 T4 A2
be–
(3) M0 L0 T0 (4) M L T–2
–Q +2Q
23. Dielectric constant of mica is –
A B
(1) One (2) Less than one
(1) somewhere between –Q and 2Q
(3) More than one (4) Infinite
(2) somewhere on the left of –Q
24. Two point charges placed at a distance r in air exert
a force F on each other. The value of distance R (3) somewhere on the right of 2Q
at which they experience force 4F when placed in (4) somewhere on the right bisector of line joining
a medium of dielectric constant K = 16 is– –Q and 2Q
(1) r (2) r/4
29. Two point charges +1C and – 4C are placed at
(3) r/8 (4) 2r points having x co-ordinates x = a and x = 3a
25. A proton and an electron are placed in a uniform respectively on x-axis. Neutral point is at-
electric field- (1) x = 0 (2) x = –a
(1) the electric forces acting on them will be equal 5a
(3) x = 2a (4) x =
(2) the magnitudes of the forces will be equal 3
(3) their accelerations will be equal 30. The electric field midway between two charges 0.1 C
(4) the magnitudes of their accelerations will be equal and 0.4 C separated by a distance of 60 cm is-
(1) 5  103 N/C (2) 9  104 N/C
26. On putting salt [NaCl] in air a force F acts between
sodium and chlorine ions at a distance of (3) 5  104 N/C (4) 3  104 N/C
1 cm from each other. The permittivity of air and the 31. Two point charges Q and –3Q are placed certain
dielectric constant of water are  0 and K distance apart. If the electric field at the location of Q

respectively, when a piece of salt is placed in water be E , then that at the location of –3Q will be-
+ –1
then the force between Na and Cl ions separated  
by a distance of 1 cm will be- (1) 3 E (2) 3 E
 
FK (3) E / 3 (4)  E / 3
(1) F (2) 
0 32. In the situation shown the string is ideal and insulating.
Mass of the particle is 1mg, It’s charge will be
F F (g = 10ms–2)
(3) K (4)
0 K

27. Two charges of opposite nature having magnitude 10

o
µC are 20 cm apart. The electric field at the centre 45 2
E = 10 N/C
of line joining these charges will be-
6
(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) 1C (2) 10nC
6
(4) 9 x 10 N/C in the direction of negative charge (3) 100nC (4) 1mC
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

33. 1C charge when placed at a point in electric field 37. Along x axis at position x = a, x = 2a, x = 4a,
experiences 0.01N force. At the same point it 1mC x = 8a and so on, charges of strength q are
placed. The electric field at origin will be –
charge is placed it will experience force-
4Kq 4Kq
(1) equal to 0.01N (1) 2 (2)
3a 5a 2
(2) equal to 10N
3Kq 2Kq
(3) slightly less than 1N (3) 2 (4)
4a a2
(4) slightly less than 10N 38. A simple pendulum has a length l, mass of bob m.
The bob is given a charge q coulomb. The
34. An isolated sphere of radius 1cm is placed in air
pendulum is suspended in a uniform horizontal
maximum charge can be given to it without dielectric electric field of strength E as shown in figure, then
breakdown of the surrounding air is- calculate the time period of oscillation when the bob
is slightly displace from its mean position is–
10 100
(1) C (2) nC E
3 3

100 10 l
(3) C (4) nC
3 3
35. How many electrons must be added to a spherical q1m
conductor of radius 10cm to produce a field of
2  10–3 N/C just above surface?
 
(1) 1.39  104 (2) 1.6  105 l  l 
(1) 2 (2) 2  
(3) 3  104 (4) 9.1  104 g  g  qE 
 m
36. Which of the following graph best represents the
variation of electric field intensity due to a charged  
solid sphere of copper?  l  l
(3) 2   (4) 2
 g  qE 
2
 qE 
E E  m g2   
m
39. Three point charges q0 are placed at three corners
of square of side a. Find out electric field intensity
(1) (2) at the fourth corner.
O r O r  1  kq 0  1  kq 0
(1)  2   (2)  2  
 2  a2  2  a2

E E  1  kq 0  1  kq 0
(3)  2   2 (4) 1  
O r  2 a  2  a2

(3) (4) 40. Two insulating spheres of radii 2 cm and 4 cm have

equal volume charge density. The ratio of electric
O r
field on the surfaces of the spheres will be –
(1) 1 : 2 (2) 4 : 1
(3) 8 : 1 (4) 1 : 4
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field
41. The maximum electric field intensity on the axis of 44. A particle of mass m and charge q starts moving from
a uniformly charged ring of charge q and radius R rest along a straight line in an electric field E = E0 – ax
will be–
where a is a positive constant and x is the distance
1 q 1 2q from starting point. Find the distance travelled by the
(1) 4 2 (2) 4 2 particle till the moment it came to instantaneous rest-
0 3 3R 0 3R

1 2q 1 3q 2 E0 E0 E0 q E0
(1) (2) (3) (4)
(3) 4
0 3 3R
2 (4) 4
0 2 3R
2 a a m q

42 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 Qdl
45. 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–


(1) 2 2  a 3 (2) 4 2  a 3 y (m)
0 0

++
P (0, 6)

+
++
Qdl Qdl

++
(3) 6 2  a 3 (4) 8 2  a 3

+
0 0 x (m)
+ 45º

+
43. 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 E


x –a x  
(1) –a O +a (2) O (1) 12 (2)
0 2 0  2

E  2 
(3) 12  (4) 6
0 0

x
(3) O +a (4) all of these


 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field
EXERCISE – 1(B)
1. Dimensions of pE where p is electric dipole moment 6. An electric dipole consists of two charges + q at a
and E is electric field – separation 2a. It is placed in such a way that it’s
(1) MLT–2 (2) ML2T–2 centre coincides with origin and dipole moment
vector is directed towards + x axis. Electric field
(3) MLT–1 (4) ML–1T–2
intensity magnitude at x = 2a is equal to-
 
2. If E1 and E 2 are electric field at two points on
equatorial line at distance r and 2r from short dipole, kq 2kq
(1) (2)
then E1/E2 – 2a 3 a3
1 8
(1)
4
(2)
1 8kq kq
(3) (4)
1 1 9a 2 2a 2
(3) (4)
8 1 7. If an electric dipole is kept in a uniform electric
3. Due to an electric dipole shown in figure, the electric field, then it will experience –
field intensity is parallel to dipole axis : (1) Force only
(2) Torque only
Y
(3) Force and torque
Q
(4) No force and no torque
equitarial 8. An electric dipole is placed along the X-axis at the
origin O. A point P is placed at a distance of 20 cm
x
–q +q P 
from this origin such that OP makes an angle with
3
(1) at P only (2) at Q only the X-axis. If electric field at P makes an angle 
with X-axis, the value of  is-
(3) both at P and at Q (4) neither at P nor at Q
4. Three charges are arranged on the vertices of an   3
(1) (2)  tan 1
equilateral triangle as shown in figure. Find the dipole 3 3 2
moment of the combination.
3 3
–q (3) (4) tan 1
2 2
9. Find the magnitude of the electric field at the point
P in the configuration shown in figure for d >> a.
Take 2qa = p.
2q –q
d P
(1) qd (2) qd 3
(3) 2qd (4) 2 2 qd d
5. An electric dipole is placed (not at infinity) in an electric
–q +q +q
field generated by a point charge–
(1) the net electric force on the dipole must be zero a a
(2) the net electric forceon the dipole may be zero
1 1
(1) 4 d 3 q  p (2) 4 d 3 q  d p
2 2 2 2 2
(3) the torque on the dipole due to the field must be
zero 0 0

(4) the torque on the dipole due to the field may be 1 1

(3) 4 d 3 q d  p (4) 4 d 2 q  p
2 2 2 2 2
zero
0 0
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field
 13. A small electric dipole of dipole moment p is
10. An electric dipole of moment p is placed at the origin
along the x-axis. The angle made by electric field with perpendicular to electric field. Work done to rotate
x-axis at a point P, whose position vector makes an it through angle 180º in uniform electric field E is –
(1) pE (2) 2pE
1
angle  with x-axis, is (where tan  = tan  )– (3) –2pE (4) Zero
2
14. An electric dipole consists of two opposite charges
(1)  (2)  each of magnitude 1.0 C separated by a distance
of 2.0 cm. The dipole is placed in an external field
(3)  +  (4)  + 2
5
of 1.0 × 10 N/C. The maximum torque on the dipole
is–
11. A point charge q and a dipole of dipole moment p –3 –3
are placed at some distance as shown in figure. The (1) 0.2 × 10 N-m (2) 1.0 × 10 N-m
–3 –3
force on dipole is – (3) 2.0 × 10 N-m (4) 4.0 × 10 N-m
15. The force between two short electric dipoles
y
separated by a distance r is directly proportional to–
2 4
q p x (1) r (2) r
–2 –4
r (3) r (4) r
16. A short electric dipole of dipole moment p is placed
2kpq kpq at origin with its dipole moment directedalong x-
(1) (2)
r3 r3 axis. The value of force experienced by a particle
having charge –q0, placed at (0, a) is
4kpq 2kpq
(3) 3 (4)  1 2 pq 0
r r3 (1) 4 3 along positive x-axis
0 a

12. An electric dipole having dipole moment 2 ´ 10–6 Cm is

1 2 pq 0
placed in uniform electric field having magnitude 103 (2) 4 3 along negative x-axis
0 a
N/C. The dipole can experience maximum torque -
1 pq 0
(1) 2 × 10–3 Nm (2) 1 × 10–3Nm (3) 4 3 along negative x-axis
0 a
(3) 4 × 10–3 Nm (4) zero
1 pq
(4) 4 3 along positive x-axis
0 a


 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

EXERCISE - 1(C)
2
1. Find out the electric flux through an area 10 m 7. Figure (a) shows an imaginary cube of edge L/2. A
lying in XY plane due to an electric field uniformly charged rod of length L moves towards
 left at a small but constant speed v. At t = 0, the left
E  2 î  10 ĵ  5 k̂ . end just touches the centre of the face of the cube
(1) 25 Nm /C
2
(2) 50 Nm /C
2 opposite it. Which of the graphs shown in figure (b)
2 2
represents the flux of the electric filed throught the
(3) 75 Nm /C (4) 100 Nm /C cube as the rod goes through it ?
2. In a uniform electric field E if we consider an imagi-
flux
nary cubical close gaussian surface of side a, then
find the net flux through the cube? b d a
v
2
(1) 0 (2) Ea (a) (b) c
L
2 2 L/2
(3) 2 Ea (4) 6 Ea
3. If electric field is uniform, then the electric lines time
of forces are–
(1) divergent (2) covergent (1) a (2) b
(3) circular (4) paraller
(3) c (4) d
4. A surface S = 10 ĵ is kept in an electric field E =
8. The electric field in a region is given by E =
2 î  4 ĵ  7 k̂ . How much electric flux will come
ax î , where  = constant of proper dimensions.
out through the surface ?
(1) 40 unit (2) 50 unit What should be the charge contained inside a
(3) 30 unit (4) 20 unit cube bounded by the surface, x = l, x = 2l,
5. In a region of uniform electric field E, a hemispheri- y = 0, y = l, z = 0, z = l ?
cal body is placed in such a way that field is parallel
to its base (as shown in figure). The flux linked with  0 l3
the curved surface is– (1) (2)  0 l3

E
 0
(3) (4) 2 0 l3
l3
9. If the electric flux entering and leaving a closed
O surface are respectively of magnitude 1 and 2,
–q –q then the electric charge inside the surface will
C
(1) zero (2) – R 2 E be–

R 2  2  1
(3) R 2 E (4) E (1) (2) (1   2 )  0
2 0
6. A square of side 'a' is lying in xy plane such that
two of its sides are lying on the axis. If an electric (3)  0 ( 2  1 ) (4)  0 ( 2  1 )

field E  E 0 xk̂ is applied on the square. The flux 10. Consider the charge configuration and a spherical
passing through the square is– Gaussian surface as shown in the figure. When
calculating the flux of the electric field over the
3 E0 a3 spherical surface, the electric field will be due
(1) E 0 a (2)
2 to–
E0 a3 E0 a 2
(3) (4)
3 2
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

q2 q q
(1) 2 (2)  2
+ q1 0 0

q
(3) Zero (4)  2
0

– q1 15. 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
(1) q2 surface is
(2) only the positive charges Centre
q of Curvature
(3) all the charges (1) 
0 q
(4) + q1 and – q1
q
11. A point charge Q is placed at the centre of a (2) 2
0
hemishphere. The electric flux passing through flat
surface of hemisphere is– q q
(3) More than but less than
2 0 0
Q
(1)  (2) zero q
0 (4) Less than 2
0

Q 16. A charge Q is placed at the centre of an imaginary

(3) 2 (4) none of these hemispherical surface. Using symmetry arguments
0
and the Gauss's law, Find the flux of the electric
12. A point charge Q is placed at the cnetre of a field due to this charge through the surfaces of the
hemisphere. the ratio of electric flux passing through hemisphere–
curved surface and plane surface of the hemisphere
is–
Q
(1) 1 : 1 (2) 1 : 2
(3) 2 : 1 (4) 4 : 1
13. Select the wrong statement–
(1) the electric field calculated by Gauss's law
is the field due to the charges inside the Gaussian Q Q
surface (1)  (2) 2 
0 0
(2) the electric field calculated by Gauss's law 2Q Q
is the resultant field due to all the charges (3)  (4) 4 
inside and outside the closed surface 0 0

(3) the Gauss's law is equivalent to Coulomb's 17. A point charge Q is placed on the axis of a cone as
shown in figure. If flux lined to curved surface is ,
law
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
Q
through curved surface as shown in the figure–

q q
(1)    (2) 
0 0
q
q
(3) Zero (4)   
0
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

18. The electric field intensity at a distance r from an 24. Eight point charges (can be assumed as small
infinite sheet of charge with surface charge density spheres uniformly charged and their centres at the
 is- corner of the cube) having values q each are fixed
  at vertices of a cube. The electric flux through
(1)  (2) 2 square surface ABCD of the cube is–
0 0

2 2 q q
(3) (4) r
2 0 2 0 D q C
q
19. If the electric field due to an infinite long line charge A B
at distance 1m from it is 1 N/C, the charge per unit
length of line charge is –
(1)  0 (2) 0 q q
(3) 2 0 (4) 40
20. A point charge Q is placed at the centre of a cir- q
q
cular wire of radius R having charge q. The force
of electrostatic interaction betwene poin charge and
the wire is – q q
(1) 24 (2) 12
q 0 0

Q q q
O (3) 6 (4) 8
0 0

25. The charge density of a spherical charge distribution

qQ is given by:
(1) 4 R 2
0
(2) zero
R|FG  IJ r r  n
b g SH n K r  n
0
2 r 
(3)
q
4 0 R
(4) none of these |T 0
21. The electric flux passing through the sphere, if an
what is the total charge on the distribution?
electric dipole is placed at the centre of a sphere,
is– (1) 2 n30 (2) n 3  0
(3) 4/3 n30 (4) 1/2 n30
1 2
(1)  (2)  26. T w o s

1 and S2 enclose some charges as

u r f a c e s S

0 0
show in figure. What is ratio of flux linked to
(3) zero (4) none of these surfaces S1 and S2 –
22. Two parallel charged plates have a charge density
of + and –. Net force on proton located outside
the plates at some distance will be– S2

 2 –2Q
(1)  e (2)  e 2Q S1
0 0
Q

(3) 2 e (4) Zero
0
23. 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
3 3
is 25 V-m. The flux over a concentric sphere of (1) (2)
radius 20 cm will be– 2 1
(1) 25 V-m (2) 50 V-m 1 1
(3) 100 V-m (4) 200 V-m (3) (4) 
3 3
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

27. Two identical metal plates are having charges Q1 x

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

(1) Proportional to Q1 O
P z
(2) Proportional to Q2
a
(3) Proportional to Q1 – Q2 S
y
(4) Proportional to Q1 + Q2
q q
28. It a negatively charged particle is placed near an (1) 6 (2) 24
0 0
infinitely extended conducting plane, it will-
q q
(1) remain at rest there (3) 4 (4) 2
0 0
(2) start moving parallel to plane  
32. Electric field at point P is given by E = r E 0 . The
(3) get repelled by the plane total flux through the given cylinder of radius R and
height h is–
(4) get attracted by the plane
29. 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
P
centre at one vertex and passing through centroid of r
the triangle. Net electric flux linked with the sphere
is-
O
Q 2Q
(1) (2) (1) E 0 R 2 h (2) 2E 0 R 2 h
3 0 3 0
(3) 3E 0 R 2 h (4) 4E 0 R 2 h
2Q 33. A charge Q is placed at a distance of 4R above
(3) (4) zero the centre of a disc of radius R. The magnitude
3 3 0
of flux through the disc is . Now a hemispherical
30. An electron moves along a metal tube with variable shell of radius R is placed over the disc such
that it forms a closed surface. The flux through
cross-section. The velocity of the electron when it
the curved surface taking direction of area vector
approaches the neck of tube, is– along outward normal as positive, is–

v0 Q

(1) greater than v0 (2) equal to v0 4R

(3) less than v0 (4) not defined R

31. 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 qis placed at origin O then (1) zero (2) 
flux crossing the square is – (3) – (4) 2

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 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field

EXERCISE – 2
One or more correct choice type– 4. A positively charged thin metal ring of radius R is
  fixed in the x-y plane with its centre at the origin O.
1. A point charge q is placed at origin. Let E A , E B A negatively charged particle P is released from
 rest at the point (0, 0, z0) where z0 > 0. Then the
and E C be the electric field at three points A
motion of P is–
(1,2,3), B(1, 1, –1) and C(2,2,2) due to charge
q. Then– (1) periodic for all values of z0 satisfying 0 < z0 <
    .
(1) E A  E B (2) E A  E C
(2) simple harmonic for all values of z0 satisfying 0
   
(3)  E B   4  E C  (4)  E B   8  E C  < z0  R

2. 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–
(1) the motion of the particle is oscillatory

(2) the amplitude of the particle is


(3) the mean position of the particle is at x=

(4) the maximum acceleration of the particle is
q
m equal in magnitude to–
3. 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–
(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. A non- conducting solid sphere of radius R is uni-
formly 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
(2) decreases as r increases for 0 < r < 
(3) decreases as r increases for R < r < 
(4) is discontinuous at r = R
6. The electric field intensity at a point in space is
(1) magnitude of the potential gradient there
(2) the electric charge there
(3) the magnitude of the electric force, a unit
charge would experience there

E (4) the force, an electron would experience there

q, m
7. Figure shows a charge q placed at the centre of a
k hemisphere. A second charge Q is placed at one of
the positions A, B, C and D. In which position(s) of
Smooth this second charge, the flux of the electric field
through the hemisphere remains unchanged?
(1) block will execute SHM
B D
m
(2) time period of oscillation is 2
k
qE
(3) amplitude of oscillation is C A
k q
(4) block will oscillate but not simple harmonically
(1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field
8. An electric dipole is placed at the centre of a sphere, 12. At a distance r from the surface of sphere (out-
mark the correct options. side)-
(1) the flux of the electric field through the sphere
is zero P R3 P R3
(1)  (r  R ) 2 r̂ (2) 2 (r  R ) 2 r̂
(2) the electric field is zero at every point of the 0 0

sphere
P R3 P R3
(3) the electric field is not zero anywhere on the (3) 3 (r  R ) 2 r̂ (4) 4 (r  R ) 2 r̂
sphere 0 0

(4) the electric field is zero on a circle on the sphere II. Two identical small spheres are suspended from the
–19 same point by threads 1m long. Each sphere is given
9. An oil drop has a charge –9.6 × 10 C and has a
–15 a charge 120 nC. Consequently, they repel each
mass 1.6 × 10 gm. When allowed to fall, due to
other to a distance 40 cm.
air resistance force it attains a constant velocity.
Then if a uniform electric field is to be applied 13. Find the mass of each sphere–
vertically to make the oil drop ascend up with the (1) 400 mg (approx) (2) 500 mg (approx)
same constant speed, which of the followign are
-2
correct (g = 10 ms ) (Assume that the magnitude (3) 600 mg (approx) (4) 700 mg (approx)
of resistance force is same in both the cases) 14. Find the tension in each thread–
–3 –3
(1) the electric field is directed upward (1) 2.1 × 10 N (2) 3.1 × 10 N
–3 –3
(2) the electric field is directed downward (3) 4.1 × 10 N (4) 5.1 × 10 N

1 15. Find the angle between the two threads in the con-
(3) the intensity of electric field is  10 2 N.C 1 dition of equilibrium–
3 –1 –1
(1) sin (1) (2) sin (2)
1 –1 –1
(4) the intensity of electric field is  105 NC 1 (3) sin (3) (4) sin (4)
6
III. A thin rod of length L carries a positive charge that
10. An electric dipole is kept in the electric field pro- is uniformly distributed over tis length. Linear charge
duced by a point charge. density of the distribution, i.e. charge per unit length
(1) dipole will experience a force is . P is a point at a
(2) dipole can experience a torque P
(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.
r
COMPREHENSION BASED QUESTIONS
I. Find out electric field intensity due to unfiormly
charged solid nonconducting sphere of volume Q A B
c h a r  and radius R at following points :
g e d e n s i t y

O
d L
11. At a distance r from the surface of sphere (inside)-

PR P (R  r ) distance ‘r’ from the midpoint of rod and on its

(1) 3  r (2) 30
r̂ perpendicular bisector. Q is a point along the axis of
0 the rod and located at distance ‘d’ from one end.
As shown, the line that joins P with any end of the
PR PR rod makes an angle 45° with the perpendicular bi-
(3)  (4) 3 
0 0 sector. It appears that we could obtain electric field
strength at various points with the help of Gauss’s
 Physics for AIEEE
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
Gauss’s 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
Gauss’s law is again of little practical use. In such
a situation we can obtain field strength by integrat-
ing the field strength due to a small element using
suitable limits. (Take electric potential = 0, at )
16. 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–
Electric Charge and Field
19. A : A point charge q is placed at centre of spherical
cavity inside a spherical conductor as shown. An-
other point charge Q is placed outside the conduc-
tor 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.
B
A Q
q

 
(1) 2 r (2) 2.83 r R : The electric field due to charges on outer sur-
0 0
face of conductor and outside the conductor is zero
at all points inside the conductor.
1 L
(3) zero (4) 4 r 20. A : A solid uncharged conducting cylinder moves
0
with acceleration a (w.r.t. ground). As a result of
17. y-component of electric field strength at P is – acceleration of cylinder, an electric field is produced
within cylinder.
 
(1) 2 r (2) 2.83 r
0 0
a
1 L
(3) zero (4) 4 r solid conducting cylinder
0
R : When a solid conductor moves with accelera-
18. Electric field strength at Q is (perhaps it could be
tion a, then from frame of conductor a pseudoforce
more conveninent to shift the origin to Q for the
(of magnitude ma; where m is mass of electron)
purpose of field and potential calculation at Q)–
will act on free electrons in the conductor. As a
1 L 1 L result some portion of the surface of conductor
(1) 4  d (L  d) (2) 4  (L  d ) acquires negative charge and remaining portion of
0 0 surface of conductor acquires positive charge.
1 L 21. A : A charge q is placed at the center of a metallic
(3) 4  (d  L / 2) (4) zero sheel as shown in figure. Electric field at point P on
0
the shell due to charge q is zero.
Assertion and Reasons
P
(1) Statement-1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement-
2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
q
(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.
R : Net electric field in a conductor under electrostatic
(4) Statement-1 is false, Statement-2 is true.
conditions is zero.
 Physics for AIEEE Electric Charge and Field
22. A : If there exists attraction between two bodies, 24. A : On going away from a point charge or a
both of them may not be charged. small electric dipole, electric field decrease at the
R : Due to induction effects a charged body can same rate in both the cases.
attract a neutral body.
R : Electric field is inversely proportional to square
23. A : When charges are shared between two bodies, of distance from a point charge.
there occurs no loss of charge, but there does occur
a loss of energy.
R : In case of sharing of charges energy of conser-
vation fails.

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