ELECTROSTATICS

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Y
1. The wedge-shaped surface in
figure is in a region of uniform
electric field E0 along x axis. Eo

The net electric flux for the 5m

3m X
entire closed surface is
(a)9 E0 (b) 15 E0 4m
Z

(c) 12 E0 (d) zero

Explanation:
Since, field is uniform, the net flux for the closed surface is
zero.
 (d)

2. A block of mass m carrying a positive

charge q is placed on a smooth E
d
horizontal table, which ends in a m
vertical wall situated at a distance d
from block. An electric field E is
switched on towards right. Assuming

1
 elastic collisions, find the time period
of resultant oscillation.
2qEd 8 md
(a) m
(b) qE

2 md md
(c) qE
(d) qE

Explanation:
qE
Acceleration of the block a = m

1 2
d = 2
at

8md
Required time = 2t = qE

 (b)

A
3. Three uncharged capacitors of
capacities C1 , C2 , C2 are connected
C1
as shown in figure to one another
O
C3
and to points A, B and C at
C2
potentials V1 , V2 and V3 . Then the B C

potential at O will be
V1C1  V2 C 2  V3 C3 V1  V2  V3
(a) C1  C 2  C3
(b) C1  C 2  C 3

2
 V1 (V2  V3 ) V1V2 V3
(c) C1 (C 2  C3 )
(d) C1C 2 C3

Explanation:
Taking into account the relation between capacitance,
voltage and charge of a capacitor, we can write the following
equations for the three capacitors.
q1 q2 q3
V1  V0 
C1
, V2  V0 
C2
, V3  V0 
C3

where C1, C2 and C3 are the capacitances of corresponding

capacitors and q1, q2 and q3 are charges on the plates.
According to charge conservation law, q1 + q2 + q3 = 0 and
hence the potential V0 of the common point is
VC  V C  V C
V 
0
1 1

C C C
.2 2 3 3

1 2 3

 (a)

4. Following operations can be performed on a capacitor.

A: connect the capacitor to a battery of emf E.
B: Disconnect the battery.
C: Reconnect the battery with polarity reversed.
D: Insert a dielectric slab into the capacitor.
Now choose the incorrect option (s)

3
 (A) in action ABC (perform A, then B and then C), the stored
electric energy remains unchanged and no thermal energy is
developed.
(B) the charge appearing on capacitor is greater after the
action ADB than after the action ABD.
(C) the electric energy stored in the capacitor is greater after
the action DAB than the action ABD.
(D) the electric field in the capacitor after the action AD is
same as that after the action DA.
Explanation: (A)
Use the concept of capacitor, charging, discharging etc.

5. Gauss’s law is frequently written in the following form:

  q enc
 E.dS  0
,

Where, the symbols have their usual meanings

(A) this law is true for all closed surfaces
(B) it is true only in vacuum
(C) it is true only when the charge distribution is symmetric
(D) it is true only when the electric field is symmetric

4
Explanation: (A)
Gauss’s law is true for all closed surface.


6. If Vo be the potential at origin in an electric field E = Ex î +
Ey ĵ , then the potential at point P(x, y) is

(A) Vo + xEx + yEy (B) Vo + xExyEy

(C) VoxExyEy (D)  x 2

 y 2  E 2x  E 2y  Vo

Explanation: C

Ex = dV/dx and Ey = dV/dy

Taking x-component
vA x

 dV    E x dx
vo 0

Vp V0 = Ex(x)
Taking y-component
vB y

 dV    E y dy
v0 0

VB V0 = Ey(y)

Adding, VB = V0xExyEy

5
7. An electron of mass me, initially at rest, moves through a
certain distance in a uniform electric field in time t1. A
proton of mass mp, also initially at rest, takes time t2 to move
through an equal distance in this uniform electric field.
Neglecting the effect of gravity, the ratio t2/t1 is equal to
1/ 2
 me 
(A) 1 (B)  
 mp 

1/ 2
 mp 
(C)  mm p 
 (D)  
 e   me 

Sol. C
Acceleration in uniform electric field
a = qE
m

If t is time for a distance d,

1  qE  2
d= 
2 m 
t

2dm
or, t = qE

t1 me
so, t2

mp

6
8. The effective capacitance A
K M

between A and B is ( each L N

capacitor is of 1 F)
P O
B
(a) 152 μF

(b) 173 μF

(c) 138 μF

19
(d) 8
μF

O
Explanation:: Circuit K M
A B
can be redrawn as L

N
C eq 
13
8
F
P

 (c)

9. Two identical thin rings, Q1 Q2

each of radius R metres are q

1 A B 2
coaxially placed at a R R

distance R metres apart. If R

Q1 and Q2 charges are spread

uniformly on the two rings,
the work done in moving a
charge q from the centre of

7
 one ring to that of the other
is
(a) zero

(b) q(Q1 Q2) ( 2  1) / 2 (40 R )

(c) q 2(Q1  Q2 ) / (40 R)

(d) q(Q1  Q2 )( 2  1) / 2(40 R)

KQ 2 KQ1 KQ1 KQ 2
Explanation: VB = R
 , VA 
R

2R 2R

 VA – VB = KQ
R
1 
1 
1  KQ2  1
 R 

 1
 2  2 

 VA–VB = K

R
1
1 
 (Q1  Q 2 ) , where K
1
4 0
2

 W = q (VA – VB)

 (b)

10. A and B are two concentric spheres If + +

B

++ +
A is given a charge Q while B is + A
+
+
+ + +
earthed as shown in figure, then
(A) the charge densities of A and B are
same

8
 (B) the field inside and outside A is
zero
(C) the field between A and B is not
zero
(D) the field inside and outside B is
zero
Explanation: C
Since, B is grounded, therefore VB =
0
kQ kQ
R
A

R
B
= 0 (R = radius of shell B)

QB =  QA
Now take
QA = Q
B =  4QR 2

But A = Q
4r 2

 (A) is not correct

Apply Gauss's theorem. Only (C) is
correct.

9
11. Electric charges q, q and 2q are placed at the corners of an
equilateral triangle ABC of side L. The magnitude of
electric dipole moment of the system is
(A) qL (B) 2qL
(C) (3)qL (D) 4qL
Explanation: C
As shown the three charges q

qL
are equivalent to two dipoles 60
-q
of magnitude q L. q
-q
qL

 Equivalent dipole
moment
= (qL)  (qL)  2(qL)(qL)cos 60 = 3
2 2

qL

12. If charges q/2 and 2q are placed at the centre of face and at
the corner of a cube, then the total flux through the cube will
be
q q
(A) 2o
(B) o

q q
(C) 6 o
(D) 8 o

Explanation: A

10
 Flux through the cube when q/2 is placed at the centre of face
q 2 q
1  
2 0 4 0

Flux through the cube when 2q is placed at the corner of cube

is
2q q
2  
8 0 4 0

Now, total flux through the cube

q
  1   2 
2 0

13. A solid insulating sphere of radius R is given a charge Q. If

at a point inside the sphere the potential is 1.5 times the
potential at the surface, this point will be
(A) at a distance of 2R/3 from the centre
(B) at the centre
(C) at a distance of 2R/3 from the surface
(D) data insufficient
Explanation: B
1 Q  3R  r 
2 2

Vin 
4 0 2R 3

1 Q
Vs 
4 0 R

11
 3
Given Vin  Vs
2

 32 R1  3R2R r
2 2

or r = 0

14. A charge +q is fixed at each of the points x = x0, x = 3x0, x

= 5x0, . . ., on the x-axis and a charge q is fixed at each of
the points x = 2x0, x = 4x0, x = 6x0, . . ., . Here, x0 is a
positive quantity. Take the electric potential at a point due to
charge Q at a distance r from it to be 4Q r . Then, the potential
0

at origin due to the above system of charges is

(A) 0 (B) 
q q ln 2
(C) 8 0 x 0 ln 2
(D) 4 0 x 0

Explanation: D
q  1 1 1 1  q  1 1 1  q
V=    
4 0  x 0 2x 0 3x 0 4x 0
  = 1       
40 x 0  2 3 4
ln(2)
  4 0 x 0

12
16. Find the charge on an iron particle of mass 2.24 mg, if 0.02%
of electrons are removed from it.
(A) 0.01996 C (B) 0.01996 C
(C) 0.02 C (D) 2.0 C
Explanation: B
mass No. of atoms
As Atomic wt.
= Avogadro No.

 No. of atoms = 24  1018 atoms

= 24  1018 26 electrons.

n = No. of electrons removed = 24  1018 26  0.01

100
= 1248
 1014 electron
 Q = ne = (+ve charge) = 0.01996 C

17. Two small metallic spheres each of mass ‘m’ are 

suspended together with strings of length ‘’ and

placed together. When a quantum of charge ‘q’ is
transferred to each, the strings make an angle of
90 with each other. The value of ‘q’ is

(A)  0 mg (B)  20 mg

(C)  40 mg (D)  80 mg

Explanation: D
13
 T cos 45 = FE T
T
Q2
= 40 (2)2 cos 2 45
FE 45 45 FE

 cos 45
q2 q2
  mg mg
160  (1 / 2) 80  2
2

T sin 45 = mg
mg8 0  2
1= q2

q =  80 mg .

18. Two connected charges of +q and q are at a A +q

fixed distance AB apart in a non-uniform -q

electric field, whose lines of force are shown B

in the figure. The resultant effect on the two

charges is
(A) a torque in the plane of the paper and no
resultant force.
(B) a resultant force in the plane of the
paper and no torque.
(C) a torque normal to the plane of the paper and no
resultant force.
(D) a torque normal to the plane of the paper and a resultant
force in the plane of the paper.
Explanation: B
14
 UP =  41  1
qq 0 
1
 
 2R R 
= 1 qq 0
4 0 2R
q
R q0
0
O 3 R P

Change in potential energy =

gain in kinetic energy =
1 qq 0
4 0 2R

19. A ring of radius R carries a charge +q. A test charge q0 is

released on its axis at a distance 3R from its centre. How
much kinetic energy will be acquired by the test charge when
it reaches the centre of the ring?
1 qq 0 1  qq 0 
(A) 4 0 R
(B) 4 0  2R 

1  qq 0  1  qq 0 
(C) 40  3R 
(D) 40  3R 

Explanation: C
 q
Ek 3 r
r

Electric field due to 10–9 C at (3, 1, 1)

 109
E1  k 
11 11

3iˆ  ˆi  kˆ 

Electric field due to Q at (3, 1, 1)

 Q ˆ ˆ ˆ
E2  k  (i  i  k)
3 3

Ex = 0
15
  3 10
9
Q
 =0
11 11 3 3

 Q = – 4.3  10–10C

20. The figure shows a spherical capacitor with a

b
inner sphere earthed. The capacitance of the
system is
4 ab
(A) ba

4 b 2
(B) ba

(C) 4 0 (b + a)
(D) none of the above

Explanation: B
The potential on the outer a
1
b
sphere is V (assume). Thus we C1
C2 C1
can consider two capacitors 2 C2

between the outer sphere and

inner sphere C1 and outer sphere
and earth C2. These two
capacitors are in parallel.

16
 Thus, C1 = 40 bab a

C2 = 40 b

C = 40 bab a + 40b

C = 4 b2
ba

INTEGERS TYPE QUESTIONS

21. An electron is projected with a y v 

velocity of 1.186  107 m/s, at an O


0.44 mm
x

angle  with the x-axis, towards a

large metallic plate kept 0.44 mm
away from the electron. The plate has
a surface charge density  2  106
C/m2. Find the minimum value of ,
for which it fails to strike the plate.
Explanation:
60
E =  , F =
0 e  0

By law of conservation of energy,

1 1 ex
mv 2  mv 2 sin 2  
2 2 0

17
  12 mv 2
cos 2  
ex
0

Putting the values of , m, v and  , we get 0

cos2 = 0.248

cos = 0.5

andmin = 60

22. A small ball of mass 2  103 kg having a charge of 1 C is

suspended by a string of length 0.8 m. Another identical ball
having the same charge is kept at the point of suspension.
Determine the minimum horizontal velocity which should be
imparted to the lower ball so that it can make complete
revolution in a vertical circle. [Take g = 10 m/s2.]
Explanation: 5.96 m/s
For looping the loop, at the highest
Fe

v
point, mg

T + mg  4
2 2
q mv

  0 q

 v2 = 3.5 (m/s)2 . . . (m, q)u

(i)

18
 But the electrostatic work done when
particle goes from bottom to top = 0

Hence, 12 mu2 = 12 mv2 + 2mg

u= 35.5 m/s = 5.96 m/s

23. In the adjacent circuit, Each C S

capacitor has a capacitance of 5 C C

M N 50 V
F. Find the charge that will
flow through MN when the
switch S is closed.

Explanation:
When S is open:
2C
Equivalent capacitance = C1 = 3

 Q1 = C1E = 2C
3
E
When S is closed:
Equivalent capacitance = C2 = 2C
 Q2 = C2E = 2CE
 Charge flowing through MN = | Q1 Q2 | = | 2C
3
E  2CE |

19
 = 43 CE = 43  5  50 C = 333.3 C
+q +q
24. Four charges + q, + q, – q and – q are A B
placed respectively at the corners A, B,
C and D of a square of side a =  5  1 cm O E

arranged in the given order. If E and P D C

–q P –q
are the midpoints of sides BC and CD
respectively, what will be the work
done in carrying a charge q0 from O to
E and from O to P?

(take q = 10 C, q0 = 5 C)

Explanation:
ABCD is the given square of side a. The charges are placed
at the corners as shown. O is the midpoint of square.
a
OA = OB = OC = OD = r (say) =
2

Potential at O due to the charges at the corners =

1 q q q q
    
4 o  r r r r 
=0

Therefore, O is at zero potential. The electric field at O due

to charge at A
1 q
= 
4o r 2
along OC.

To find the work done in carrying a charge e from O to E

20
Potential at O = 0
q  1 1 1 1 
Potential at E = 4 
AE

BE

DE

CE

o  

Since, AE = DE and BE = CE the summation in bracket

vanishes. So potential at E = 0.
Hence no work is done in moving the charge from O to E.
To find the work done in carrying the charge from O to P
q  1 1 1 1  2q  1 1 
Potential at P =    
4 o  AP BP DP CP 
 = 
4o  AP DP 


2
a 5
Now, AP= AD2  DP 2 = a  
2
= 2
a
2

a
DP = 2

Potential at P
 2 2 2q 2  2 5 q 4(1  5)
V = 42q

   = 4 o
 = 4o
o  5a a  5a 5a

Potential difference between O and P = 0


q 4 1 5  =
4o 5a

q 4  5 1 
4o 5a

Work done in carrying a charge e from O to P = 

1 4qe 5  1 
40 5a

J = 36 J

21
25. A particle of positive charge Q = 8q0, is having a fixed
position P. Another charged particle of mass m and charge q
= 10 C moves at a constant speed in a circle of radius r1 =
2 cm with centre at P. Find the work that must be done to
increase the radius of circle to r2 = 4 cm.
Explanation:
Let q orbit round Q in a circle of radius r.

K.E. of orbiting particle = 1

2
mv2. ... (i)

Where, v is orbital velocity.

1 qQ
Potential energy of q = 
4o r
.... (ii)

P.E. is negative since q is negative.

1 Qq
Electrostatic attraction on q = 4  o r 2
.... (iii)

This is used as centripetal force required for circular motion.

mv 2 1 Qq
r
= 
4  o r 2

1 Qq
mv 2 
4 o r
.... (iv)

From (1) and (4)

1 2 1 Qq
K.E. = 2
mv = 
4  o 2r

Total energy of the orbiting charge

22
 1 Qq
= K.E. + P.E.= 12  41 
Qq 
 
r 
1 Qq
4o r
=– 1.
2

4  o r
 o

The total energy of q when in orbit of radius r1

1 Qq
1. 
E1= – 2
4  o r1

When it is in orbit of radius r2

1 Qq
1. 
E2= – 2
4  o r2

The work done on q = change in energy

= E2  E1
1 Qq  1 1 Qq 
1.     Qq  1 1 
=– 2

4o r2  2 4o r1  =   
8 o  r1 r2 

8q 0 2  1 1 
=   
8 0  r1 r2 
= 90 J

26. A ball of mass m = 100 gm with a v1

B
T1 E
charge q can rotate in a vertical plane at mg
the end of a string of length l = 1 m in T2
a uniform electrostatic field whose qE
A
lines of force are directed upwards. v2
mg
What horizontal velocity must be

23
 imparted to the ball in the upper
position so that the tension in the string
in the lower position of the ball is 15
times the weight of the ball? (given qE
= 3 mg)

Explanation:
As per principle of conservation of energy,
K.E. at B + P.E. at B = K.E. at A + P.E. at A.
Gain in K.E. = K.E. at A  K.E. at B
1
= m  v 22  v12  … (i)
2

Loss in P.E. = P.E. at B  P.E. at A.

= loss in gravitational P.E. at B  gain in electrical energy at

A
= mg(2 l )  (qE)  2l = (mg qE)2 l … (ii)

P.E. at B  P.E. at A = K.E. at A  K.E. at B

i.e., (mg qE) 2 l = 1

2
m  v 22  v12  … (iii)

mv 22
Centripetal force at A = 
= (T2 + qE mg) … (iv)

24
 From equation (3) mv 22 = 2(mg qE)2 l + mv12

From equation (4) mv 22 = l (T2+ qE mg)

i.e., 2(mg qE)2 l + mv12 = l (T2 + qE mg)

i.e., 4 mg  4qE + mv12

l
= T2 + qE mg … (v)

Given in problem, T2= 15 mg

 4 mg  4qE + m 2
  v1 = 15 mg + qE mg
 l 

or  ml  v = 10 mg + 5qE
2
1
 

l
or v 2
1 
m
(10 mg + 5qE)

Horizontal velocity to be imparted to the ball,

1/ 2
l 
v1   (10 mg  5 qE) = 50 m/s.
m 

27. Two capacitors are first connected in parallel and then in

series. If the equivalent capacitances in the two cases are 16
F and 3 F, respectively, then capacitance of each capacitor is
(A) 16 F, 3 F (B) 12 F, 4 F
(C) 6 F, 8 F (D) none of the above
Explanation: B
25
 Let C1 and C2 be the individual capacitance
then C1 + C2 = 16 . . . .(i)
CC
C C
1
=3 2
. . . . (ii)
1 2

From (i) and (ii) C1 = 12 F, C2 = 4F

28. Two dielectrics of equal size are A

inserted inside a parallel plate capacitor d k1 k2

as shown. By what factor does the

effective capacitance increase?
 k2
(A) kk kk 1 2
(B) k 1

2
1 2

(C) k2kkk 1 2
(D) none of the above
1 2

Explanation: B
Here two capacitors are formed, which are in parallel
Area of each = A/2 and thickness = d
Total capacitance
0 k1 (A / 2)  0 k 2 (A / 2)  0 A  k1  k 2 
c= d

d
 
d  2 
.

26
 k1  k 2
 Total capacitance increases by the factor 2

29. Two charged balls are attached by silk threads of length l to

the same point. Their velocity is K , where K is a constant
x

and x is the distance between the balls, x is very small in

comparison to l. Find the rate of leakage of charge in 10–5
C/s. (take mgl  10 , k = 4 2 )

O
Explanation:


Let T be the tension in each of the silk

threads. F x F

T sin  = F, T cos = mg
mg mg

tan  = F

q2

mg 40 x mg
2
1

Since  is small, tan  = sin  = x

2l

2lF 2l q2
x =  
mg mg 40 x 2

2l q2 l
x3     q2
mg 40 2 0 mg

1/3
 l 
x=   q 2/3 … (i)
 2 0 mg 

1/3
dx dx dt  l  2  13
   q
dq dq dt  2  0 mg  3

27
 1/3
dq dx 2  l 
 q1/3   … (ii)
dt dt 3  2 0 mg 

dx K K
It is given, dt
  1/6
… (iii)
x  l  1/3
  q
 20 mg 

dq K
From equations (2) and (3), we get, dt
 1/ 2
=
2  l 
 
3  2 0 mg 
1/ 2
3K  20 mg 
2  l   2  10–5


 20 C/s

30. Find the electric flux crossing the wire A

b
B
frame ABCD of length
d
O P
l = 1m width b and whose center is at l
a distance OP = d (=b/2) from an D

infinite line of charge with linear C

charge density
 =  10–9 c/m. Consider that the
plane of frame is perpendicular to line
OP.

28
Explanation: Flux through the
dx
element of width dx as shown in
d
figure is 
x

ds
E
  
   E.ds, E  and ds  ldx
20 d sec 

b/ 2
 cos 
  20 d sec 
ldx
 b/ 2

2
l
b/ 2
 d 
    dx
2 0 d  b/ 2  x 2  d 2 

l  b 

0
tan 1   = 90
 2d 

29