CBSE 12 Engineering Medical Physics Electric Charges and Fields

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#419920
Topic: Coulomb's Law

What is the force between two small charged spheres having charges of 2 × 10 − 7C and 3 × 10 − 7C placed 30 cm apart in air?

Solution

Charge on the first sphere, q 1 = 2 × 10 − 7 C

Charge on the second sphere, q 2 = 3 × 10 − 7 C

Distance between the spheres, r = 30cm = 0.3m

q 1q 2
F=
4π ε 0 r 2

Where, ε 0 =  Permittivity of free space

1
9 2 −2
4πε 0 = 9 × 10 N m C

9 × 10 9 × 2 × 10 − 7 × 3 × 10 − 7
F= (0.3) 2 = 6 × 10 − 3N

Hence, force between the two small charged spheres is 6 × 10 − 3 N. The charges are of same nature. Hence, force between them will be repulsive.

#419922
Topic: Coulomb's Law

The electrostatic force on a small sphere of charge 0.4μC due to another small sphere of charge − 0.8μC in air is 0.2 N.

(a) What is the distance between the two spheres? 

(b) What is the force on the second sphere due to the first? 

Solution

(a) 

Electrostatic force on the first sphere, F = 0.2N

Charge on this sphere, q 1 = 0.4μC = 0.4 × 10 − 6C

Charge on the second sphere, q 2 = − 0.8μC = − 0.8 × 10 − 6C

Electrostatic force between the spheres is given by the relation,

q 1q 2
F = 4π ε 0 r 2

1
And, 9 2 −2
4πε 0 = 9 × 10 N m C

Where, ε 0 =  Permittivity of free space

q 1q 2
r2 =
4π ε 0 F

04 × 10 − 6 × 8 × 10 − 6 × 9 × 10 9
   
= 0.2

      = 144 × 10 − 4

   r = √144 × 10 − 4
      = 0.12m

The distance between the two spheres is 0.12 m.

(b) Equal and Opposite Force acts on the other sphere (By newton's Third Law). Hence 0.2 N attractive.

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#419924
Topic: Coulomb's Law

Check that the ratio ke 2 /G m e m p is dimensionless. Look up a Table of Physical Constants and determine the value of this ratio. What does the ratio signify?

Solution
ke 2
The given ratio is
Gm c m p

Where,

G = Gravitational constant

Its unit is N m 2kg − 2.

m e and m p =  Masses of electron and proton.

Their unit is kg.

e = Electric charge.

Its unit is C.

k = A constant

1
  
= 4π ∈ 0

∈ 0 = Permittivity of free space

Its unit is N m 2C − 2.

ke 2 [Nm 2C 2][C − 2]
 Unit of the given ratio
Gm cm p = [Nm 2 kg − 2][kg][kg]

                                                                        = M 0L 0T 0

Hence, the given ratio is dimensionless.

e = 1.6 × 10 − 19C

G = 6.67 × 10 − 11N m 2kg − 2

m e = 9.1 × 106− 31kg

m p = 1.66 × 10 − 27kg

9 2
ke 2 9 × 10 × (1.6 × 10 − 19)
39
Gm cm p 6.67 × 10 − 11 × 9.1 × 10 − 3 × 1.67 × 10 − 22 ≈ 2.3 × 10
=

This is the ratio of electric force to the gravitational force between a proton and an electron, keeping distance between them constant.

#419925
Topic: Electric Charge

(a) Explain the meaning of the statement 'electric charge of a body is quantised'.
(b) Why can one ignore quantisation of electric charge when dealing with macroscopic i.e., large scale charges?

Solution

(a) Electric charge of a body is quantized. This means that only integral (1, 2, …., n) number of electrons can be transferred from one body to the other. Charges are not
transferred in fraction. Hence, a body possesses total charge only in integral multiples of electric charge.

(b) In macroscopic or large scale charges, the charges used are huge as compared to the magnitude of electric charge. Hence, quantization of electric charge is of no use on
macroscopic scale. Therefore, it is ignored and it is considered that electric charge is continuous.

#419927
Topic: Electric Charge

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When a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth, charges appear on both. A similar phenomenon is observed with many other pairs of bodies. Explain how this observation is
consistent with the law of conservation of charge.

Solution

When a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth, opposite charges appear on both, because electrons are transferred from glass to silk. In this process, charge is not created or

destroyed. It is merely transferred from one body to another. Hence, this observation is consistent with the law of conservation of charge.

#419928
Topic: Coulomb's Law

Four point charges q A = 2μC, q B = − 5μC, q C = 2μC, and q D = − 5μCare located at the corners of a square ABCD of side 10 cm. What is the force on a charge of 1μC placed at

the centre of the square?

Solution

The given figure shows a square of side 10 cm with four charges placed at its corners. O is the centre of the square.

Where,

(Sides) AB = BC = CD = AD = 10cm

(Diagonals) AC = BD = 10√2 cm 

AO = OC = DO = OB = 5√2 cm

A charge of amount 1μC is placed at point O.

Force of repulsion between charges placed at corner A and centre O is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction relative to the force of repulsion between the charges
placed at corner C and centre O. Hence, they will cancel each other. Similarly, force of attraction between charges placed at corner B and centre O is equal in magnitude but
opposite in direction relative to the force of attraction between the charges placed at corner D and centre O. Hence, they will also cancel each other. Therefore, net force

caused by the four charges placed at the corner of the square on 1μC charge at centre O is zero.

#419930
Topic: Electric Field

(a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve. That is, a field line cannot have sudden breaks. Why not?

(b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at any point? 

Solution

(a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve because a charge experiences a continuous force when traced in an electrostatic field. The field line cannot have sudden
breaks because the charge moves continuously and does not jump from one point to the other.

(b) If two field lines cross each other at a point, then electric field intensity will show two directions at that point. This is not possible. Hence, two field lines never cross each

other.

#419931
Topic: Electric Field

Two point charges q A = 3μC and q B = − 3μC are located 20 cm apart in vacuum

(a) What is the electric field at the midpoint O of the line AB joining the two charges?
(b) If a negative test charge of magnitude 1.5 × 10 − 9C is placed at this point, what is the force experienced by the test charge?

Solution

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(a) The situation is represented in the given figure. O is the mid-point of line AB.

Distance between the two charges, AB = 20cm

∴ AO = OB = 10cm

Net electric field at point O = E

Electric field at point O caused by +3 C charge,

3 × 10 − 6 3 × 10 − 6
E1 = along OB
4π ∈ 0(AO) 2 = 4π ∈ 0(10 × 10 − 2) 2 N / C

Where,

∈ 0 =  Permittivity of free space

1
9 2 −2
4π ∈ 0 = 9 × 10 Nm C

Magnitude of electric field at point O caused by - 3 C charge,

− 3 × 10 − 6
3 × 10 − 6

| 2

|
E 2 = 4π ∈ 0(OB) = 4π ∈ 0(10 × 10 − 2) 2 N / C along OB

∴ E = E1 + E2

3 × 10 − 6
=2× (9 ×
[
10 9) ×

]
(10 × 10 − 2) 2 [As E 1 = E 2, the value is multiplied with 2]

= 5.4 × 10 6 N/ C   along OB

Therefore, the electric field at mid-point O is 5.4 × 10 6 N/ C  along OB.

(b) A test charge of amount q = 1.5 × 10 − 9C is placed at mid-point O.

q = 1.5 × 10 − 9C

Force experienced by the test charge = F

∴ F = qE

= 1.5 × 10 − 9 × 5.4 × 10 6

= 8.1 × 10 − 3N

The force is along line OA. This is because the negative test charge is repelled by the charge placed at point B but attracted towards point A.

Hence, the force experienced by the test charge is 8.1 × 10 − 3 Nalong OA.

#419935
Topic: Electric Dipole

A system has two charges q A = 2.5 × 10 − 7C and q B = − 2.5 × 10 − 7C located at points A: (0, 0, 15 cm) and B: (0,0, +15 cm), respectively. What are the total charge and electric

dipole moment of the system?

Solution

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According to the figure given below both the charges can be located in a coordinate frame of reference.

At A, amount of charge, q A = 2.5 × 10 − 7C (Given)

At B, amount of charge, q B = − 2.5 × 10 − 7C (Given)

Total charge of the system,

a = q A + q B = 2.5 × 10 − 7C − 2.5 × 10 − 7C = 0

Distance between two charges at points A and B,

d = 15 + 15 = 30cm = 0.3m

Electric dipole moment of the system is given by,

p = q A × d = q B × d = 2.5 × 10 − 7 × 0.3 = 7.5 × 10 − 8C m along positive z-axis

Therefore, the electric dipole moment of the system is 7.5 × 10 − 8C m along positive z−axis.

#419937
Topic: Electric Dipole

An electric dipole with dipole moment 4 × 10 − 9C m is aligned at 30 ∘ with the direction of a uniform electric field of magnitude 5 × 10 4NC − 1. Calculate the magnitude of the

torque acting on the dipole.

Solution

Electric dipole moment, E = 4 × 10 − 9N / C

Angle made by p with a uniform electric field, θ = 30°

Electric field, E = 5 × 10 4N / C

Torque acting on the dipole:

 τ = pEsinθ

= 4 × 10 − 9 × 5 × 10 4 × sin 30 o

1
= 20 × 10 − 5 × 2

= 10 − 4Nm

Hence, the magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole is 10 − 4 N m.

#419940
Topic: Electric Charge

A polythene piece rubbed with wool is found to have a negative charge of 3 × 10 − 7C.

(a) Estimate the number of electrons transferred (from which to which?)

(b) Is there a transfer of mass from wool to polythene?

Solution

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(a) Since negative charge is on polythene, electrons are transferred from wool to polythene. The no. of electrons transferred are

Total charge 3 × 10 − 7
n= = 12 12
e 1.6 × 10 − 19 = 1.87 × 10 ≈ 2 × 10

(b) The mass transferred is m = n × m e = 2 × 10 12 × 9.31 × 10 − 31 ≈ 1.8 × 10 − 18kg

#419944
Topic: Coulomb's Law

(a) Two insulated charged copper spheres A and B have their centres separated by a distance of 50 cm. What is the mutual force of electrostatic repulsion if the charge on each

is 6.5 × 10 − 7 C? The radii of A and B are negligible compared to the distance of separation.

(b) What is the force of repulsion if each sphere is charged double the above amount, and the distance between them is halved?

Solution

(a) 

Charge on sphere A, q A = 6.5 × 10 − 7C 

Charge on sphere B, q B = 6.5 × 10 − 7C

Distance between the spheres, r = 50cm = 0.5m

Force of repulsion between the two spheres,

q Aq B
F=
4π ∈ 0 r 2

Where, ∈ 0 = Free space permittivity

1
9 2 2
4π ∈ 0 = 9 × 10 N m C

9 × 10 9 × (6.5 × 10 − 7) 2

F= (0.5) 2

          = 1.52 × 10 − 2N

Therefore, the force between the two spheres is 1.52 × 10 − 2N

(b) 

After doubling the charge, 

Charge on sphere A, q A = 2 × 6.5 × 10 − 7C = 1.3 × 10 − 6C 

Charge on sphere B, q B = 2 × 6.5 × 10 − 7C = 1.3 × 10 − 6C

Now, if the distance between the sphere is halved, then

0.5
r= 2 = 0.25m

Force of repulsion between the two sphere,

q Aq B 9 × 10 9 × 1.3 × 10 − 6 × 1.3 × 10 − 6
F = 4π ∈ 0 r 2 = (0.25) 2 = 0.24336 N

Therefore, the force between the two sphere is approximately 0.243 N. 

#419946
Topic: Coulomb's Law

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Exercise:

Two insulated charged copper spheres A and B have their centres separated by a distance of 50 cm. The charge on each is 6.5 × 10 7 C? The radii of A and B are negligible

compared to the distance of separation.

]
Suppose the spheres A and B in Exercise have identical sizes. A third sphere of the same size but uncharged is brought in contact with the first, then brought in contact with the
second, and finally removed from both. What is the new force of repulsion between A and B?

Solution

Q A = 6.5 × 10 − 7

Q B = 6.5 × 10 − 7
Let the uncharged sphere be C.

QC = 0
After contacting with A, the charge gets divided equally between A and C.

So, the new charges on A and C are 6.5 × 10 − 7 / 2 and 6.5 × 10 − 7 / 2, respectively.

Now when we brought into contact C and B, the total charge on B and C again gets divided equally between B and C.
3.25 × 10 − 7 + 6.5 × 10 − 7 3.25 × 10 − 7 + 6.5 × 10 − 7
So, the new charges on B and C are and , respectively.
2 2
So now,

Q A′ = 3.25 × 10 − 7

Q B′ = 4.875 × 10 − 7
Electrostatic force now is F = Q ′ Q ′ / 4πϵ or 2
A B
= 5.7 × 10 − 8 N

#419950
Topic: Electric Field

Figure shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniform electrostatic field. Give the signs of the three charges. Which particle has the highest charge to mass ratio?

Solution

Opposite charges attract each other and same charges repel each other. It can be observed that particles 1 and 2 both move towards the positively charged plate and repel

away from the negatively charged plate. Hence, these two particles are negatively charged. It can also be observed that particle 3 moves towards the negatively charged plate

and repels away from the positively charged plate. Hence, particle 3 is positively charged.

The charge to mass ratio (emf) is directly proportional to the displacement or amount of deflection for a given velocity. Since the deflection of particle 3 is the maximum, it has
the highest charge to mass ratio.

#419951
Topic: Electric Flux

Consider a uniform electric field E = 3 × 10 3 î  NC − 1. (a) What is the flux of this field through a square of 10 cm on a side whose plane is parallel to the yz plane? (b) What is the flux

through the same square if the normal to its plane makes a 60 o angle with the x-axis? 

Solution

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(a) 

Electric field intensity,  ¯ = 3 × 10 3N/C


E

Magnitude of electric field intensity, | E | = 3 × 10 3N/C

Side of the square, s = 10cm = 0.1m

Area of the square, A = s 2 = 0.01m 2

The plane of the square is parallel to the y-z plane. Hence, angle between the unit vector normal to the plane and electric field, θ = 0 o

Flux (ϕ) through the plane is given by the relation,

¯
ϕ = | E | A cos θ

    = 3 × 10 3 × 0.01 × cos 0 o

    = 30Nm 2 / C

(b) 

Plane makes an angle of 60 o with the x-axis. Hence, θ = 60 o

Flux, ϕ = | ¯ | A cos θ
E

            = 3 × 10 3 × 0.01 × cos 60 o

1
            = 30 × = 15N m 2 / C
2

#419952
Topic: Electric Flux

Consider a uniform electric field E = 3 × 10 3 î  NC − 1. What is the net flux of the uniform electric field through a cube of side 20 cm oriented so that its faces are parallel to the

coordinate planes?

Solution

Faces of cube  are parallel to the coordinate axes. Therefore, the number of field lines entering the cube is equal to the number of field lines coming out of the cube,making the

net flux zero through it.

#419956
Topic: Gauss's Law

Careful measurement of the electric field at the surface of a black box indicates that the net outward flux through the surface of the box is 8.0 × 10 3 N m 2 / C. 

(a) What is the net charge inside the box?


(b) If the net outward flux through the surface of the box were zero, could you conclude that there were no charges inside the box? Why or Why not?

Solution

(a) q = ϵ 0Φ = 8.85 × 10 − 12 × 8 × 10 3C = 0.07μC

(b)  No. Net flux piercing out through a body depends on the net charge contained in the body. If net flux is zero, then it can be inferred that net charge inside the body is zero.

The body may have equal amount of positive and negative charges.

#419960
Topic: Gauss's Law

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A point charge + 10μC is a distance 5 cm directly above the centre of a square of side 10 cm, as shown in Fig. What is the magnitude of the electric flux through the square? (Hint:

Think of the square as one face of a cube with edge 10 cm.)

Solution

The square can be considered as one face of a cube of edge 10 cm with a centre where charge q is placed. According to Gauss’s theorem for a cube, total electric flux is

through all its six faces.

q
ϕ total =
∈0

Hence, electric flux through one face of the cube i.e., through the square,

ϕ total
ϕ=
6
1 q
=
6 ∈0

Where, ∈ 0 = Permittivity of free space

= 8.854 × 10 − 12N − 1C 2m − 2q = 10μC = 10 × 10 − 6C

10 × 10 − 6

ϕ = 6 × 8.854 × 10 − 12

                  = 1.88 × 10 5Nm 2C − 1

Therefore, electric flux through the square is 1.88 × 10 5Nm 2C − 1.

#419964
Topic: Gauss's Law

A point charge of 2.0μC is at the centre of a cubic Gaussian surface 9.0 cm on edge. What is the net electric flux through the surface?

Solution

Net electric flux (ϕ Net) through  cubic surface is,

q
ϕ Net =
∈0

∈ 0 = 8.854 × 10 − 12N − 1C 2m − 2

q = Net charge contained inside the cube = 2.0μC = 2 × 10 − 6

2 × 10 − 6
∴ϕ
Net = 8.854 × 10 − 12

              = 2.26 × 10 5N m 2C − 1

The net electric flux through the surface is 2.26 × 10 5N m 2C − 1.

#419967
Topic: Gauss's Law

A point charge causes an electric flux of − 1.0 × 10 3 Nm 2/C to pass through a spherical Gaussian surface of 10.0 cm radius centred on the charge. (a) If the radius of the Gaussian

surface were doubled,how much flux would pass through the surface? (b) What is the value of the point charge?

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Solution

(a) Electric flux, ϕ = − 1 × 10 3 Nm 2 / C

Radius of the Gaussian surface,

r = 10.0cm

Electric flux coming out through a surface depends on the net charge enclosed inside a body. It does not depend on the size of the body. If the radius of the Gaussian surface is

doubled, then the flux passing through the surface remains the same i.e., - 10 3Nm 2 / C.

(b) q = ϵ 0Φ = 8.85 × 10 − 12 × − 1 × 10 3C = − 8.85nC

#419971
Topic: Gauss's Law

A conducting sphere of radius 10 cm has an unknown charge. If the electric field 20 cm from the centre of the sphere is 1.5 × 10 3 N/C and points radially inward, what is the net

charge on the sphere?

Solution

Electric field intensity (E) at a distance (d) from the centre of a sphere containing net charge q is given by the relation,

q
E = 4π ∈ 0 d 2

Where,

q = Net charge = 1.5 × 10 3 N/C

d = = 20cm = 0.2m

1
And, 9 2 − 2 
4π ∈ 0 = 9 × 10 Nm C

∴ q = E(4π ∈ 0)d 2

1.5 × 10 3 × (0.2) 2
    
= 9 × 10 9

        = 6.67 × 10 9C

        = 6.67nC.

Because the electric field lines point radially inwards, the charge on the sphere is negative. Therefore, the net charge on the sphere is 6.67 nC.

#419974
Topic: Gauss's Law

A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 2.4 m diameter has a surface charge density of 80 μC / m 2.

(a) Find the charge on the sphere.


(b) What is the total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere?

Solution

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(a) 

 d = 2.4m

 r = 1.2m

Surface charge density, σ = 80.0 μC / m 2 = 80 × 10 − 6 C / m 2

Total charge on surface of  sphere,

Q = Charge density × Surface area

= σ × 4π r 2

= 80 × 10 − 6 × 4 × 3.14 × (1.2) 2

= 1.447 × 10 − 3C

Therefore, the charge on the sphere is 1.447 × 10 − 3C.

(b) 

Q
ϕ total = ∈
0

∈ 0 = 8.854 × 10 − 12N − 1C 2m − 2

Q = 1.447 × 10 − 3C 

1.44 × 10 − 3
ϕ total = 8.854 × 106− 12

            = 1.63 × 10 8N C − 1m 2

Therefore, the total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere is 1.63 × 10 8N C − 1m 2

#419978
Topic: Gauss's Law

An infinite line charge produces a field of 9 × 10 4N/C at a distance of 2 cm. Calculate the linear charge density.

Solution

Electric field produced by the infinite line charges at a distance d having linear charge density λ is given by the relation,

λ
E = 2π ∈ 0 d

λ = 2π ∈ 0dE

Where,

d = 2cm = 0.02m

E = 9 × 10 4N / C

∈ 0 =  Permittivity of free space

1
9 2 −2
4π ∈ 0 = 9 × 10 N m C

0.02 × 9 × 10 4
λ= 2 × 9 × 10 9

    = 10 μC / m

#419980
Topic: Gauss's Law

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Two large, thin metal plates are parallel and close to each other. On their inner faces, the plates have surface charge densities of opposite signs and of magnitude  

17.0 × 10 − 22 C / m 2. What is E: (a) in the outer region of the first plate. (b) in the outer region of the second plate, and (c) between the plates?

Solution

The situation is represented in the following figure.

A and B are two parallel plates close to each other. Outer region of plate A is labelled as I, outer region of plate B is labelled as III, and the region between the plates, A and B, is
labelled as II.

Charge density of plate A, σ = 17.0 × 10 − 22C / m 2

Charge density of plate B, σ = − 17.0 × 10 − 22C / m 2

Electric field in regions can be found with the help of Gauss Law. In the regions, I and III, electric field E is zero. This is because charge is not enclosed by the Gaussian surfaces

of the plates.

Electric field E in region II is given by the relation,

σ
E = ∈0

Where,

∈ 0 = Permittivity of free space = 8.854 × 10 − 12N − 1C 2m − 2

17.0 × 10 − 22
∴E=
8.854 × 10 − 12

        = 1.92 × 10 − 10N / C

Therefore, electric field between the plates is 1.92 × 10 − 10N / C.

#419999
Topic: Electric Field

Which among the curves shown cannot possibly represent electrostatic field lines?

Solution

a) The field lines showed in (a) do not represent electrostatic field lines because field lines must be normal to the surface of the conductor.

(b) The field lines showed in (b) do not represent electrostatic field lines because the field lines cannot emerge from a negative charge and cannot terminate at a positive

charge.

(c) The field lines showed in (c) represent electrostatic field lines. This is because the field lines emerge from the positive charges and repel each other.

(d) The field lines showed in (d) do not represent electrostatic field lines because the field lines should not intersect each other.

(e) The field lines showed in (e) do not represent electrostatic field lines because closed loops are not formed in the area between the field lines.

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#420008
Topic: Electric Dipole

In a certain region of space, electric field is along the z-direction throughout. The magnitude of electric field is, however, not constant but increases uniformly along the positive

z-direction, at the rate of 10 5 NC − 1 per metre. What are the force and torque experienced by a system having a total dipole moment equal to 10 − 7 Cm in the negative z-direction

Solution

Dipole moment of the system, p = q × dl = − 10 − 7Cm

Rate of increase of electric field per unit length,

dE
+5 −1
dl = 10 NC

Force (F) experienced by the system is given by the relation,

F = qE

dE
F = q dl × dl

dE
= p × dl

= 10 − 7 × 10 − 5

= − 10 − 2N

The force is − 10 − 2N in the negative z-direction i.e., opposite to the direction of electric field. Hence, the angle between electric field and dipole moment is 180 o.

Torque (τ) is given by the relation,

T = pE sin 180 o = 0

Therefore, the torque experienced by the system is zero.

#420047
Topic: Gauss's Law

Obtain the formula for the electric field due to a long thin wire of uniform linear charge density λ without using Gauss's law.

 [Hint: Use Coulombs law directly and evaluate the necessary integral.]

Solution

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Take a long thin wire of uniform linear charge density λ.

Consider a point A at a perpendicular distance l from the mid-point O of the wire, as shown in the following figure.

Let E be the electric field at point A due to the wire, XY.

Consider a small length element dx on the wire section with OZ = x

Let q be the charge on this piece.

∴ q = λdx

Electric field due to the piece,

1 λdx
dE =
4π ∈ 0 (AZ) 2

However, AZ = √ (l 2 + x 2 )
λdx
∴ dE =
4π ∈ 0 ( l 2 + x 2 )

The electric field is resolved into two rectangular components. dE cos θ is the perpendicular component and dE sin θ is the parallel component.

When the whole wire is considered, the component dE sin θ is cancelled.

Only the perpendicular component dE cos θ affects point A.

Hence, effective electric field at point A due to the element dx is dE 1.

λdx cos θ
∴ dE 1 =  ... (1)
4π ∈ 0 ( x 2 + l 2 )

In △AZO,

x
tan θ = l

x = l tan θ  ... (2)

On differentiating equation (2), we obtain

dx = lsec 2(θ)dθ

λcos(θ)dθ

dE 1 = 4π ε o l

λcos(θ)dθ
π/2
E1 = ∫ −π/2 4π ε o l

λ
Solving, E 1 =
2π ε o l

#420054
Topic: Gauss's Law

(a) Consider an arbitrary electrostatic field configuration. A small test charge is placed at a null point (i.e., where E = 0) of the configuration. Show that the equilibrium of the test

charge is necessarily unstable.


(b) Verify this result for the simple configuration of two charges of the same magnitude and sign placed a certain distance apart.

Solution

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 (a) 

Let the equilibrium of the test charge be stable. If a test charge is in equilibrium and displaced from its position in any direction, then it experiences a restoring force towards a

null point, where the electric field is zero. All the field lines near the null point are directed inwards towards the null point. There is a net inward flux of electric field through a

closed surface around the null point. According to Gauss's law, the flux of electric field through a surface, which is not enclosing any charge, is zero. Hence, the equilibrium of

the test charge cannot be stable.

(b) 

Two charges of same magnitude and same sign are placed at a certain distance. The mid-point of the joining line of the charges is the null point. When a test charged is

displaced along the line, it experiences a restoring force. If it is displaced normal to the joining line, then the net force takes it away from the null point. Hence, the charge is

unstable because stability of equilibrium requires restoring force in all directions.

#420066
Topic: Electric Field

A particle of mass m and charge (-q) enters the region between the two charged plates initially moving along x-axis with speed v x (like particle 1 in Fig.). The length of plate is L

and an uniform electric field E is maintained between the plates. Show that the vertical deflection of the particle at the far edge of the plate is  qEL 2 / (2mv 2 ).
x
Compare this motion with motion of a projectile in gravitational field.

Solution

Charge on a particle of mass m = − q

Velocity of the particle = vx

Length of the plates = L

Magnitude of the uniform electric field between the plates = E

Mechanical force, F = Mass (m) × Acceleration (a)

F
a= m

However, electric force, F = qE

qE
Therefore, acceleration, a  ...(1)
= m

Time taken by the particle to cross the field of length L is given by,

Length of the plate L


 ...(2)
t = Velocity of the particle = v x

In the vertical direction, initial velocity, u = 0

According to the third equation of motion, vertical deflection s of the particle can be obtained as,

1
s = ut + 2 at 2

( )( )
qE 2
1
vx
s=0+ 2
m

qEL 2
 ...(3)
s = 2 mV 2
x

Hence, vertical deflection of the particle at the far edge of the plate is qEL 2 / (2mV 2 ). This is similar to the motion of horizontal projectiles under gravity.
x

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#420069
Topic: Electric Field

A particle of mass m and charge (-q) enters the region between the two charged plates initially moving along x-axis with speed v x (like particle 1 in Fig.). The length of plate is L

and an uniform electric field E is maintained between the plates.

Suppose that the particle in Exercise is an electron projected with velocity v x = 2.0 × 10 6ms − 1. If E between the plates separated  by 0.5 cm is 9.1 × 10 2 N/C, where will the

electron strike the upper plate? ( | e | = 1.6 × 10 − 19C, m e = 9.1 × 10 − 31kg. )

Solution

Velocity of the electron  v x = 2 × 10 6 m/s

Distance covered  d = 0.005 m

Electric field between plates E = 9.1 × 10 2 N / C

charge of electron is q and the mass is m.


qE
Acceleration of the electron  a =  
m
Time taken by the electron  t = L / v x
1
Using  
d = ut + 2 at 2
where initial speed of the electron along y-axis  u = 0 m / s
1 qE L
∴  d = 0 + × 2
2 m (v )
x
qEL 2
so, we get  d =
2 mv 2
x
2dmv 2 2(0.005)(9.1 × 10 − 31)(2 × 10 6) 2
⟹ L=
√ qE
x
 =
√ (1.6 × 10 − 19)(9.1 × 10 2)
  = 1.6 × 10 − 2 m = 1.6 cm

#420112
Topic: Gauss's Law

A spherical conductor of radius 12 cm has a charge of 1.6 × 10 − 7C distributed uniformly on its surface. What is the electric field

(a) inside the sphere


(b) just outside the sphere

(c) at a point 18 cm from the centre of the sphere?

Solution

(a) Since the charge at any point inside sphere is zero.

by Gauss law,E = 0.

(b) Just outside, E = q / 4πϵ or 2

so, E = 10 5NC − 1

(c) q = 1.6 × 10 − 7C

r = 18 cm

E = q / 4π ϵ o r 2

E = 4.4 × 10 4NC − 1

#420266
Topic: Gauss's Law

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(a) Show that the normal component of electrostatic field has a discontinuity from one side of a charged surface to another given by 
˙ σ
(E 2 − E 1) n̂
ε0
where n̂ is a unit vector normal to the surface at a point and σ is the surface charge density at that point. (The direction of n̂ is from side 1 to side 2.) Hence show that just outside

a conductor, the electric field is σn̂ / ϵ 0

(b) Show that the tangential component of electrostatic field is continuous from one side of a charged surface to another.  [Hint: For (a), use Gauss's law. For, (b) use the fact that

work done by electrostatic field on a closed loop is zero.]

Solution

(a)

Electric field on one side of a charged body is E 1 and electric field on the other side of the same body is E 2. If infinite plane charged body has a uniform thickness, then electric

field due to one surface of the charged body is given by,

σ
¯          ...(i)
E 1 = − 2 ∈ 0 n̂

Where,

n̂ = Unit vector normal to the surface at a point

σ = Surface charge density at that point

Electric field due to the other surface of the charged body,

¯
σ
         ...(ii)
E 2 = 2 ∈ 0 n̂

Electric field at any point due to the two surfaces,

σ σ σ
¯ ¯
E 2 − E 1 = 2 ∈ 0 n̂ + 2 ∈ 0 n̂ = ∈ 0 n̂

σ
¯ ¯      ...(iii)
(E − E ). n̂ = ∈
2 1 0

¯
Since inside a closed conductor, , 
E1 = 0

¯
σ
¯
∴ E = E = ∈ n̂
2 0

σ
Therefore, the electric field just outside the conductor is .
∈ 0 n̂

(b)

When a charged particle is moved from one point to the other on a closed loop, the work done by the electrostatic field is zero. Hence, the tangential component of electrostatic
field is continuous from one side of a charged surface to the other.

#420269
Topic: Gauss's Law

A long charged cylinder of linear charged density λ  is surrounded by a hollow co-axial conducting cylinder. What is the electric field in the space between the two cylinders?

Solution

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Charge density of the long charged cylinder of length L and radius r is λ.

Another cylinder of same length surrounds the pervious cylinder. The radius of this cylinder is R.

Let E be the electric field produced in the space between the two cylinders.

Electric flux through the Gaussian surface is given by Gauss’s theorem as,

ϕ = E(2πd)L

Where, d =  Distance of a point from the common axis of the cylinders

Let q be the total charge on the cylinder.

It can be written as

q
∴ ϕ = E(2πdL) = ∈0

Where,

q =  Charge on the inner sphere of the outer cylinder

∈ 0 =  Permittivity of free space

λL
E(2πdL) = ∈0

λ
E = 2π ∈ 0 d

Therefore, the electric field in the space between the two cylinders is

λ
.
2π ∈ 0 d

#420286
Topic: Gauss's Law

Two charged conducting spheres of radii a and b are connected to each other by a wire. What is the ratio of electric fields at the surfaces of the two spheres? Use the result

obtained to explain why charge density on the sharp and pointed ends of a conductor is higher than on its flatter portions.

Solution

Let a be the radius of a sphere A, Q A be the charge on the sphere, and C A be the capacitance of the sphere. Let b be the radius of a sphere B, Q B be the charge on the sphere,

and C B be the capacitance of the sphere. Since the two spheres are connected with a wire, their potential (V) will become equal.

Let E A be the electric field of sphere A and E B be the electric field of sphere B. Therefore, their ratio,

EA QA b 2 × 4π ∈ 0
E B = 4π ∈ 0 × a 2 × QB

EA QA b2
          ...(1)
EB = QB × a2

QA C AV
However,
Q B = C BV

CA a
And
CB = b

QA a
∴ =        ...(2)
QB b

Putting the value of (2) in (1), we obtain

EA 2
ab b

EB = b a2 = a

b
Therefore, the ratio of electric fields at the surface is .
a

A sharp and pointed end can be treated as a sphere of very small radius and a flat portion behaves as a sphere of much larger radius.Therefore, charge density on sharp and

pointed ends of the conductor is much higher than on its flatter portions.

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#421904
Topic: Coulomb's Law

Calculate the height of the potential barrier for a head on collision of two deuterons. 

Solution

For a head on collision, distance between centers of two deuterons=2 × radius = r = 2 × 2fermi = 4 × 10 − 15m

Charge of each deuteron=1.6 × 10 − 19C

Potential energy=
e2
= 360keV
4π ϵ 0 r
Potential energy=2 × Kinetic Energy of Deuteron

= 360keV
This is the measure of height of Coulomb Barrier Potential.
Thus Kinetic energy of each deuteron=180keV.

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