Important Questions for Class 12

Physics
Chapter 1 – Electric charges and fields

Very Short Answer Questions 1 Mark

1. Does the force between two point charges change if the dielectric
constant of the medium in which they are kept is increased?
Ans: Dielectric constant of a medium is given by
FV force between the charges in vaccum
k= =
FM force between two charges in medium
F
 FM = V
k
From the above expression, it is clear that as k is increased, FM gets decreased.

2. A charged rod P attracts a rod R whereas P repels another charged rod

Q . What type of force is developed between Q and R ?
Ans: Suppose that the rod P is negatively charged. As it attracts rod R , it can be
said that R is positively charged.
Also, since P repels rod Q , it can be said that Q is negatively charged.
Clearly, the force between Q and R would be attractive in nature.

3. Which physical quantity has its S.I. unit

1. Cm ?
2. N/C ?
Ans: 1.The S.I. unit of electric dipole moment is Cm .
2. The S.I. unit of electric field intensity is N/C .

4. Define one coulomb.

Ans: Charge on a body is said to be 1 coulomb if it experiences a force of
repulsion or attraction of 9109N from another equal charge when they are
separated by a distance of 1m .

Short Answer Questions 2 Marks

1. A free proton and a free electron are placed in a uniform field. Which of
the two experiences greater force and greater acceleration?

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 Ans: Force on both the electron as well as the proton in the uniform field would
be equal because F = kq and it is known that charge on both electron and proton
𝐹
are the same. On the other hand, since acceleration is given by 𝑎 = and as the
𝑚
mass of a proton is more than that of an electron, the acceleration of the electron
would be more.

2. No two electric lines of force can intersect each other. Why?

Ans: Two electric lines of force can never intersect each other.
Suppose if they intersect, then at the point of intersection, there can be two
tangents drawn.
These two tangents are supposed to represent two directions of electric field lines,
which is not possible at a particular point.

3. The graph shows the variation of voltage V across the plates of two
capacitors A and B versus increase of charge Q stored on them. Which of
the two capacitors have higher capacitance? Give reason for your answer.

Ans:
Q
It is known that C =
V
Clearly, for a given charge Q ,
1
C
V
Now, from the given graph, it is seen that VA  VB .

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 2

 Therefore, it can be concluded that C A  C B .

4. An electric dipole when held at 30  with respect to a uniform electric field

of 10 4 N / C experiences a torque of 910−26 Nm . Calculate dipole moment of
the dipole?
Ans: It is given that
 = 30
 = 9  10 −26 Nm
E = 10 4 N / C
Dipole moment P needs to be calculated.
It is known that torque is given by  = PEsin .
Clearly,

P =
Esin
910−26 910−26 10−4 2
P = 4 =
10 sin30 1
 P = 18 10−30 Cm

5.
a) Explain the meaning of the statement ‘electric charge of a body is
quantized’.
Ans: The statement ‘electric charge of a body is quantized’ suggests that only
integral (1, 2,3,4,...,n) number of electrons can be transferred from one body to
another.
This further suggests that charges are not transferred in fractions.
Hence, a body possesses its total charge only in integral multiples of electric
charges.

b) Why can one ignore the quantization of electric charge when dealing
with macroscopic i.e., large scale charge?
Ans: When dealing with macroscopic or large-scale charges, the charges used are
huge in number as compared to the magnitude of electric charge.
Hence, the quantization of electric charge is of no use on a macroscopic scale.
Therefore, it is ignored and considered that electric charge is continuous.

6. 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.
Ans: Rubbing is a phenomenon in which there is production of charges equal in

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 3

 magnitude but opposite in nature on the two bodies which are rubbed with each
other.
It is also seen that during such a phenomenon, charges are created in pairs. This
phenomenon of charging is called as charging by friction.
The net charge on a system of two rubbed bodies is equal to zero. This is because
equal number of opposite charges in both the bodies annihilate each other.
Clearly, when a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth, opposite natured charges
appear on both these bodies.
Thus, this phenomenon is consistent with the law of conservation of energy. As
already mentioned, a similar phenomenon is observed with many other pairs of
bodies too.

7.
a) An electric field line is a continuous curve. That is, a field line cannot
have sudden breaks. Why not?
Ans: An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve as it is known that a charge
experiences a continuous force when traced in an electrostatic field.
Also, the field line cannot have sudden breaks because the charge moves
continuously and does not have the potential to jump from one point to another.

b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at any point?
Ans: Suppose two field lines cross each other at a particular point, then electric
field intensity will show two directions at that point of intersection.
This is impossible. Thus, two field lines can never cross each other.

8. An electric dipole with dipole moment 4  10−9 Cm is aligned at 30  with

direction of a uniform electric field of magnitude 5  104 NC−1. Calculate the
magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole.
Ans: It is given that:
Electric dipole moment, p = 410−9Cm
Angle made by p with uniform electric field,  = 30
Electric field, E = 5104 NC−1
Torque acting on the dipole is given by =pEsin .
  = 4 10−9  5104  sin30
1
  = 20  10 −5 
2
−4
 = 10 Nm
Thus, the magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole is 10−4 Nm .

9. Figure below shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniform

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 4
 electrostatic field. Give the signs of the three charges. Which particle has the
highest charge to mass ratio?

Ans: Since unlike charges attract and like charges repel each other, the particles
1 and 2 moving towards the positively charged plate are negatively charged
whereas the particle 3 that moves towards the negatively charged plate is
positively charged.
Since the charge to mass ratio is directly proportional to the amount of deflection
for a given velocity, particle 3 would have the highest charge to mass ratio.

10. What is the net flux of the uniform electric field of exercise 1.15 through
a cube of side 20cm oriented so that its faces are parallel to the coordinate
planes?
Ans: It is given that all the faces of the cube are parallel to the coordinate planes.
Clearly, the number of field lines entering the cube is equal to the number of field
lines entering out of the cube.
As a result, the net flux through the cube can be calculated to be zero.

11. Careful measurement of the electric field at the surface of a black box
indicate that the net outward flux through the surface of the box is
8.0  10 3 Nm2 / C .
a) What is the net charge inside the box?
Ans: It is given that:
Net outward flux through surface of the box, =8.0103Nm2 /C .
q
For a body containing net charge q , flux is given by  = ,
0
where,
0 = Permittivity of free space = 8.854 10−12N−1C2m−2
Therefore, the charge q is given by q =  0 .
q=8.85410−12 8.0103
q= 7.0810−8
q = 0.07C
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 Therefore, the net charge inside the box is 0.07C.

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?
Ans: No.
The net flux entering out through a body depends on the net charge contained in
the body. If the net flux is given to be zero, then it can be inferred that the net
charge inside the body is zero.
For the net charge associated with a body to be zero, the body can have equal
amount of positive and negative charges and thus, it is not necessary that there
were no charges inside the box.

Short Answer Questions 3 Marks

1. A particle of mass m and charge q is released from rest in a uniform

electric field of intensity E . Calculate the kinetic energy attained by this
particle after moving a distance between the plates.
Ans: We have the electrostatic force on a charge q in electric field E given by,
F = qE ……(1)
Also, we have Newton’s second law of motion given by,
F = ma ……(2)
From (1) and (2),
qE
a= …… (3)
m
We have the third equation of motion given by,
v2 − u2 = 2as
Since the charged particle is initially at rest,
u=0
 v2 = 2as ……(4)
We have the expression for kinetic energy given by,
1
KE = mv 2 …… (5)
2
Substituting (4) in (5) we get,
1
KE = m ( 2as ) = mas ……(6)
2
Substituting (3) in (6) to get,
 qE 
KE = m     s
m

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 Therefore, we have the kinetic energy attained by the particle of charge q on
moving a distance s in electric field E given by,
KE = qEs

2. Two charges +q and +9q are separated by a distance of 10a . Find the
point on the line joining the two charges where electric field is zero.

Ans: Let P be the point (at x distance from charge +q ) on the line joining the
given two charges where the electric field is zero.
We know that the electric field at a point at r distance from any charge q is given
by,
q
E=K
r2
Electric field due to charge +q at point P would be,
( +q) ……(1)
E1 = K 2
x
Electric field due to charge +9q at point P would be,
( +9q)
E2 = K ……(2)
(10a − x )
2

Since the net electric field at point P is zero,

E1 + E2 = 0
 E1 = E2
From (1) and (2),
q 9q
K =K
(10a − x )
2 2
x
(10a − x) = 9x2
2

 10 − x = 3x
 10a = 4x
10
x = a = 2.5a
4
Therefore, we found the point on the line joining the given two charges where the
net electric field is zero to be at a distance x = 2.5a from charge q and at a distance

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 10a − x = 10a − 2.5a = 7.5a from charge 9q .

3.
a) Define the term dipole moment P of an electric dipole indicating its
direction and also give its S.I. unit.

Ans: Electric dipole moment is defined as the product of the magnitude of

either of the two charges of the dipole and their distance of separation which
would be the length of dipole. Mathematically,

P = 2lq…… (1)

where 2 l is the length of the dipole and q is the charge.

The direction of dipole is from −ve to +ve charge and its S.I. unit is coulomb
meter ( Cm)

b) An electric dipole is placed in a uniform electric field E . Deduce the

expression for the torque acting on it.

Ans. Consider a dipole placed in uniform electric field E making an angle 

with it.

Now, we know that the force acting on the given dipole will be the electrostatic
force and this will be the cause for the resultant force. We have the expression for
torque given by,
 = Fx ……(2)
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 Where, F is the force on the dipole and x is the perpendicular distance.
Where, force F is given by,
F = qE ……(3)
From the figure we have,
BN
sin =
AB
 BN = ABsin = 2lsin
But BN here is the perpendicular distance x , so, equation (2) becomes,
 = qE2lsin = (2lq)Esin
But from (1), P = 2lq
Now, we could give the torque on the dipole as,
 = PEsin = PE

4. A sphere S 1 of radius R1 encloses a charge Q . If there is another concentric

sphere S 2 of radius R2 ( R2  R1 ) and there is no additional change between S 1
and S 2 , then find the ratio of electric flux through S 1 and S 2 .

Ans: We may recall that the expression for electric flux through a surface
enclosing charge q by Gauss’s law is given by,
q
=
0
Where,  0 is the permittivity of the medium.
Now the electric flux through sphere S 1 is given by,
Q
S = …… (1)
1
0
Since there is no additional charge between the given two spheres, the flux
through sphere S 2 is given by,

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 9

 Q
S = …… (2)
2
0
We could now get the ratio of flux through spheres S 1 and S 2 ,
Q
S1 0
=
S2 Q
0
S1 1
 =
S2 1
Therefore, we find the required ratio to be 1: 1.

5. Electric charge is uniformly distributed on the surface of a spherical

balloon. Show how electric intensity and electric potential vary
a) on the surface

Ans:

Electric field intensity on the surface of the balloon would be,


E=
0
Electric potential on the surface of the balloon would be,
Kq
V=
R

b) inside

Ans:

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 Electric field intensity inside the balloon would be,
E=0
Electric potential inside the balloon would be,
Kq
V=
R

c) outside.

Ans:

Electric field intensity outside the balloon would be,

 R2
E=
 0 r2
Electric potential outside the balloon would be
Kq
V=
r
We could represent this variation graphically as,
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 For electric field,

For electric potential,

6. Two point electric charges q and 2q are kept at a distance d apart from
each other in air. A third charge Q is to be kept along the same line in such
a way that the net force acting on q and 2q is zero. Calculate the position of
charge Q in terms of q and d .
Ans:

For the net force on charge q and 2q to be zero, the third charge should be
negative since other two given charges are positive.
The force between two charges q1 and q2 separated by a distance r is given by

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 12

 Coulomb’s law as,
q1q2
F=K
r2
1 qQ
Force acting on charge Q due to q =
4  0 x 2
1 2qQ
Force acting on charge Q due to 2q =
40 (d − x )
2

Now for the given system to be in equilibrium,

Qq 2Qq
K =K …… (1)
(d − x )
2 2
x
From equations (1) and (2) we get,
1 2
=
(d − x )
2 2
x
2x2 = (d− x)
2

 2x =d−x
d
x =
2 +1
So, we found that the new charge Q should be kept between the given two charges
d
at a distance of x = from charge q .
2 +1

7. What is the force between two small charged spheres having charges of
2  10−7 C and 3  10−7 C placed 30cm apart in air?
Ans: We are given:
Charge of the first sphere, q1 = 2 10−7 C
Charge of the second sphere, q2 = 310−7 C
Distance between the two spheres, r = 30cm = 0.3m
Electrostatic force between the spheres is given by Coulomb’s law as,
q1q2
F= …… (1)
4  0r 2
1
Where,  0 = Permittivity of free space and, = 9  109 Nm2C2
4 0
Substituting the given values in (1), we get,
9  109  2  10 −7  3  10 −7
F=
( 0.3)
2

F = 610−3N

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 Hence, force between the two small charged spheres is found to have a magnitude
of 6  10−3 N.
Since both the given charges are positive, the resultant force would be repulsive
as like charges repel each other.

8. The electrostatic force on a small sphere of charge 0.4C due to another

small sphere of charge −0.8C in air is 0.2N .
a) What is the distance between the two spheres?

Ans: It is given that:

Electrostatic force on the first sphere, F = 0.2N

Charge on the first sphere, q1 = 0.4C = 0.410−6 C
Charge on the second sphere, q2 = −0.8C = −0.810−6 C
Electrostatic force between the spheres could be given by Coulomb’s law as,
q1q2
F= …… (1)
4  0r 2
1
Where, 0 = Permittivity of free space and, = 9  109 Nm2C2
4 0
Rearranging (1) we get,
q1q2
 r2 =
4  0F
Substituting the given values,
0.410−6 −0.810−6 9109
r =
2

0.2
 r2 = 144 10−4
 r = 144  10 −4
r = 0.12m
Therefore, we found the distance between the given two spheres to be 0.2m .

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

Ans: Since, both the spheres attract each other with the same force, the force on
the second sphere due to the first would be 0.2N .

9. A polythene piece rubbed with wool is found to have a negative charge of

3  10−7 C .
a) Estimate the number of electrons transferred (from which to which?)

Ans: When polythene is rubbed against wool, certain number of electrons get
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 14
 transferred from wool to polythene.
Hence, wool becomes positively charged on loosing electrons and polythene
becomes negatively charged on gaining them.
Charge on the polythene piece,
q =−310−7C
Charge of an electron,
e = −1.610−19 C
Let the number of electrons transferred from wool to polythene be n , then, from
the property of quantization of charge we have,
q = ne
q
n =
e
Now, on substituting the given values, we get,
−310−7
n =
−1.610−19
n = 1.871012
Therefore, the number of electrons transferred from wool to polythene is found
to be 1.871012 .

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

Ans: Yes, during the transfer of electrons from wool to polythene, along with
charge, mass is also transferred.
Let m be the mass being transferred in the given case and m e be the mass of the
electron, then,
m = me  n
m = 9.110−31 1.851012
m=1.70610−18kg
Hence, we found that a negligible amount of mass does get transferred from wool
to polythene.

10. Consider a uniform electric field E = 3103ˆiN/C.

a) What is the flux of this field through a square of side 10cm whose plane
is parallel to the y-z plane?

Ans: It is given that:

Electric field intensity, E = 3  103 ˆiN / C
Magnitude of electric field intensity, E = 3  103 N / C
Side of the square, a = 10cm = 0.1m
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 Area of the square, A = a2 = 0.01m2
Since the plane of the square is parallel to the y-z plane, the normal to its plane
would be directed in the x direction. So, angle between normal to the plane and
the electric field would be,  = 0
We know that the flux through a surface is given by the relation,
= EAcos
Substituting the given values, we get,
= 3103 0.01cos0
=30Nm2 /C
Now, we found the net flux through the given surface to be, = 30Nm2 /C .

b) What is the flux through the same square if the normal to its plane
makes 60 angle with the x-axis?

Ans: When the plane makes an angle of 60 with the x-axis, the flux through the
given surface would be,
= EAcos
= 3103 0.01cos60
1
  = 30 
2
=15Nm2 /C
So, we found the flux in this case to be, =15Nm2 /C .

11. A point charge +10C is a distance 5cm directly above the center of a
square of side 10cm , as shown in Fig. 1.34. What is the magnitude of the
electric flux through the square? (Hint: Think of the square as one face of a
cube with edge 10cm )
Ans: Considering square as one face of a cube of edge 10cm with a charge q at
its center, according to Gauss's theorem for a cube, total electric flux is through
all its six faces.

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 q
 total =
0
total
The electric flux through one face of the cube could be given by,  =
6
1 q
=
6 0
Permittivity of free space, 0 = 8.85410−12N−1C2m−2 .
The net charge enclosed, q =10C =1010−6C.
Substituting the values given in the question, we get,
1 1010−6
= 
6 8.85410−12
2 −1
=1.88105NmC
Therefore, electric flux through the square is found to be 1.88105Nm2C−1 .

12. A point charge of 2.0C is kept at the center of a cubic Gaussian surface
of edge length 9cm . What is the net electric flux through the surface?
Ans: Let us consider one of the faces of the cubical Gaussian surface considered,
which would be a square.
Since, a cube has six such square faces in total, we could say that the flux through
one surface would be one-sixth the total flux through the gaussian surface
considered.

The net flux through the cubical Gaussian surface by Gauss’s law is given by,
q
 total =
0
So, the electric flux through one face of the cube would be,
total
=
6
1 q
= …… (1)
6 0
But we have, permittivity of free space, 0 = 8.854 10−12N−1C2m−2 .
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 17
Charge enclosed, q =10C =1010−6C .
Substituting the given values in (1) we get,
1 1010−6
= 
6 8.85410−12
2 −1
=1.88105NmC
Therefore, electric flux through the square surface is 1.88105Nm2C−1 .

13. A point charge causes an electric flux of −1.0  10 3 Nm2 / C to pass through
a spherical Gaussian surface of 10cm radius centered on the charge.
a) If the radius of the Gaussian surface were doubled, how much flux
would pass through the surface?

Ans: Electric flux due to the given point charge,

=−1.0103Nm2 /C
Radius of the Gaussian surface enclosing the point charge,
r = 10.0cm
Electric flux piercing out through a surface depends on the net charge enclosed
by the surface from Gauss’s law.
It is independent of the dimensions of the arbitrary surface assumed to enclose
this charge.
If the radius of the Gaussian surface is doubled, then the flux passing through the
surface remains the same i.e., −103 Nm2 / C .

b) What is the value of the point charge?

Ans: Electric flux is given by the relation,

q
 total =
0
Where,
q = net charge enclosed by the spherical surface
Permittivity of free space, 0 = 8.854 10−12N−1C2m−2
 q =  0
Substituting the given values,
q=−1.0103 8.85410−12 =−8.85410−9C
q =−8.854nC
Therefore, the value of the point charge is found to be −8.854nC .

14. A conducting sphere of radius 10cm has an unknown charge. If the

electric field at a point 20cm from the center of the sphere of magnitude
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 18
 1.5  10 3 N / C is directed radially inward, what is the net charge on the
sphere?
Ans: We have the relation for electric field intensity E at a distance d from the
center of a sphere containing net charge q is given by,
q
E= …… (1)
4  0d2
Where,
Net charge,
q=1.5103N/C
Distance from the center,
d = 20cm = 0.2m
Permittivity of free space,
0 = 8.85410−12N−1C2m−2
1
= 9  109 Nm2C−2
40
From (1), the unknown charge would be,
q = E( 40 ) d2
Substituting the given values we get,
1.5  103  ( 0.2 )
2

q= = 6.67  10 −9 C
9  10 9

q=6.67nC
Therefore, the net charge on the sphere is found to be 6.67nC .

15. A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 2.4m diameter has a surface

charge density of 80.0C/m2 .

a) Find the charge on the sphere.

Ans: Diameter of the sphere,

d = 2.4m
Radius of the sphere,
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 19
 r =1.2m
Surface charge density,
=80.0C/m2 =8010−6C/m2
Total charge on the surface of the sphere,
Q =Charge density  Surface area
 Q = 4r2 = 8010−6 43.14(1.2)
2

 Q = 1.447  10 −3 C
Therefore, the charge on the sphere is found to be 1.44710−3 C .

b) What is the total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere?
Ans: Total electric flux (  total ) leaving out the surface containing net charge Q is
given by Gauss’s law as,
Q
total = …… (1)
0
Where, permittivity of free space,
0 = 8.85410−12N−1C2m−2
We found the charge on the sphere to be,
Q = 1.447  10 −3 C
Substituting these in (1), we get,
1.44710−3
total =
8.85410−12
total = 1.6310−8NC−1m2
Therefore, the total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere is found to be
1.6310−8NC−1m2 .

16. An infinite line charge produces a field of magnitude 9  10 4 N / C at a

distance of 2cm . Calculate the linear charge density.
Ans: Electric field produced by the given infinite line charge at a distance d
having linear charge density  could be given by the relation,

E=
2 0d
  = 2 0Ed …… (1)
We are given:
d = 2cm = 0.02m
E = 9  10 4 N / C
Permittivity of free space,
0 = 8.85410−12N−1C2m−2
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 20
 Substituting these values in (1) we get,
 = 2( 8.854 10−12 )(9 104 )( 0.02)
 = 10  10 −8 C / m
Therefore, we found the linear charge density to be 10  10 −8 C / m .

17. Which among the curves shown in Fig. 1.35 cannot possibly represent
electrostatic field lines?
a)

Ans: The field lines showed in (a) do not represent electrostatic field lines
because field lines must be normal to the surface of the conductor which is a
characterizing property of electric field lines.

b)

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 21

 Ans: The lines showed in (b) do not represent electrostatic field lines because
field lines cannot emerge from a negative charge and cannot terminate at a
positive charge since the direction of the electric field is from positive to negative
charge.

c)

Ans: The field lines showed in (c) do represent electrostatic field lines as they are
directed outwards from positive charge in accordance with the property of electric
field.

d)

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

e)

Ans: The field lines showed in (e) do not represent electrostatic field lines
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 22
 because electric field lines do not form closed loops

18. Suppose that the particle in Exercise in 1.33 is an electron projected with
velocity vx = 2.0 106 ms−1 . If E between the plates separated by 0.5cm is
9.1  10 2 N / C , where will the electron strike the upper plate? (
e = 1.6  10−19 C,me = 9.1  10 −31 kg )
Ans: We are given the velocity of the particle, vx = 2.0106ms−1
Separation between the two plates, d = 0.5cm = 0.005m
Electric field between the two plates, E = 9.1  102 N / C
Charge on an electron, e = 1.610−19 C
mass of an electron, me = 9.110−31kg
Let s be the deflection when the electron strikes the upper plate at the end of the
plate L , then, we have the deflection given by,
qEL2
s=
2mv x
2dmvx
L =
qE
Substituting the given values,
2 0.0059.110−31 (2.0106 )
2

L= −19
= 0.02510−2 = 2.510−4
1.610 9.110 2

L = 1.6 10−2 = 1.6cm

Therefore, we found that the electron will strike the upper plate after travelling a
distance of 1.6cm .

Short Answer Questions 5 Marks

1.
a) The expression of electric field E due to a point charge at any point
F
near to it is defined by E = lim where q is the test charge and F is
q→ 0 q

the force acting on it. What is the significance of lim in this

q→ 0

expression?
Ans. The significance of lim is that the test charge should be vanishingly small
q→ 0

so that it is not disrupting the presence of the source charge.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 23

 b) Two charges each of magnitude 2  10−7 C but opposite in sign forms a
system. These charges are located at points A ( 0,0, −10 ) and
B ( 0,0, +10 ) respectively. Distances are given in cm. What is the total
charge and electric dipole moment of the system?
Ans. Total charge of the system =(+210−7) +(−210−7) = 0 .
Electric dipole moment is:
P = q2l
P = 210−7 20 10−2
P = 4 10−8 cm
Also, the direction of electric dipole moment is along the negative z-axis.

2.
a) Sketch electric lines of force due to
i. isolated positive charge (i.e., q  0) and
ii. isolated negative charge (i.e., q  0).
Ans. The sketch of isolated positive charge and isolated negative charge are as
follows:

b) Two-point charges q and −q are placed at a distance of 2a apart.

Calculate the electric field at a point P situated at a distance r along
the perpendicular bisector of the line joining the charges. What is the
electric field when r  a?
Ans. As we know,
kq
|E+ q |=
r + a2
2

kq
|E−q |= 2 2
r +a
Since, |E+ q |=|E− q |
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 24
|Enet |= E+q2 +E−q2 +2E+qE−q cos2

|Enet |= 2E+q2 +2E+q2cos2

|Enet |= 2E+q2(1 + cos2)

|Enet |= 2E+ q 2(2cos2 )

|Enet |= 4E+ q 2 ( cos2  )

|Enet |= 2E+ q cos 
a
|Enet |= 2E+q
r2 + a2
kq a
|Enet |= 2
r2 + a2 r2 + a2
2akq
|Enet |= 3

(r 2
+ a2 ) 2
kP
|Enet |= 3

(r 2
+a )
2 2

For, r a ( a can be neglected)

Therefore, we get,
kP
|Enet |= 3
r

3.
a) What is an equi-potential surface? Show that the electric field is
always directed perpendicular to an equi-potential surface.
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 25
 Ans. An equipotential surface is a surface that has the same potential
throughout.
As we know,
dW = F  dx
dW = (qE)  dx
(Force on the test charge, F = ( q  E) )
Since work done is moving a test charge along an equipotential surface is
always zero,
0 = (qE)  dx
E  dx = 0
 E ⊥ dx

b) Derive an expression for the potential at a point along the axial line
of a short electric dipole
Ans: Consider an electric dipole of dipole length 2a and point P on the axial
line such that OP = r , where O is the centre of the dipole.

Electric potential at point P due to the dipole is given by:

V = VPA + VPB
K(−q) K(+q)
V= +
(r + a) (r − a)
 1 1 
V = Kq  −
 r − a r + a 
 r + a−r + a 
V = Kq  
 (r − a)(r + a) 
2a
V = Kq 2 2
r −a ( P =2aq )
KP
V= 2 2
r −a
For a dipole having short length, a can be neglected.
This gives,

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 26

 KP
V= 2
r

Ke2
4. Check if the ratio is dimensionless. Look up at the table of
Gmemp
physical constants and determine the value of this ratio. What does this
ratio signify?
Ke2
Ans. The given ratio is .
Gmemp
Where, G is Gravitational constant. Its unit is Nm2kg−2.
m e and mp are the masses of electron and proton respectively. Their unit is kg .
e is the electric charge. Its unit is C .
 o is the permittivity of free space. Its unit is Nm2C−2 .
Ke2
Therefore, the unit of the given ratio is
Gmemp
[Nm2C−2 ][C2 ]
=
[Nm2kg−2 ][kg][kg]
And its dimensions can be related to = [M0L0 T 0 ]
Hence, the given ratio is dimensionless.
We know,
e = 1.6 10−19 C
G= 6.6710−11Nmkg 2 −2

me = 9.110−31kg
mp = 1.66  10−27 kg
Hence, the numerical value of the given ratio is
Ke2 9109 (1.610−19 )2
= −11 −31 −27
 2.31039
Gmemp 6.6710 9.110 1.6610
This ratio is showing the ratio of electric force to the gravitational force
between a proton and an electron, keeping distance between them constant.

5. Four-point charges qA = 2C, qB =−5C , qC = 2C , qD = −5C are located at

the corners of a square ABCD of side 10 cm. What is the force on a charge
of 1C placed at the centre of the square?
Ans. In the given figure, there is a square having length of each side is 10cm
and four charges placed at its corners. O is the centre of the square.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 27

 AB, BC, CD and AD are the sides of the square. Each of length is 10cm
AC and BD are the diagonals of the square of length 10 2cm.
AO, OB, OC, OD are of length 5 2cm.
A charge of amount 1C is placed at the centre of square.
There is repulsion force between charges located at A and O is equal in
magnitude but having opposite direction relative to the repulsion force between
the charges located at C and O. Hence, they will cancel each other forces.
Similarly, there is attraction force between charges located at B and O equal in
magnitude but having opposite direction relative to the attraction force between
the charge placed at D and O. Hence, they also cancel each other forces.
Therefore, the net force due to the four charges placed at the corners of the
square on 1C charge which is placed at centre O is zero.

6.
a) Two-point charges qA = 3C and qB = − 3C are located 20cm apart in
vacuum. What is the electric field at the midpoint O of the line AB
joining the two charges?
Ans. O is the mid-point of line AB. Distance between the two charges i.e.,
AB = 20cm

Therefore, OA = OB = 10cm .
Electric field at point O due to +3C charge:
3  10 −6
E1 =
4 o (AO)2

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 28

 310−6
E1 = NC−1 along OB.
4o (10 10 ) −2 2

Where,  o is the permittivity of free space.

1
= 9  109 Nm2C−2
4o .
Electric field at point O due to −3C charge:
3  10 −6
E2 =
4  o (OB)2
310−6
E2 = NC−1 along OB.
4o (10 10 ) −2 2

 E = E1 + E 2
9109 310−6
E = 2 NC−1
−2 2
(1010 )
[since, E 1 and E 2 having same values, so, the value is multiplied with 2]
E = 5.4 106 NC−1 along OB.
Therefore, the electric field at mid-point O is 5.4 106NC−1 along OB.

b) If a negative test charge of magnitude 1.5  10−9 C is placed at this

point, what is the force experienced by the test charge?
Ans. A test charge 1.510−9 C is placed at mid-point O.
q =1.510−9C
Force experienced by test charge, F = qE
F = 1.510−9 5.4 106
F = 8.110−3N
The force is aimed along line OA. The negative test charge is repelled by the
charge located at point B but attracted towards A.
Therefore, the force felt by the test charge is 8.110−3N along OA.

7. A system has two charges qA = 2.5  10−7 C and qB = −2.5  10−7 C located at
points A (0,0,−15) and B (0,0,15) respectively. What are the total charge
and electric dipole moment of the system?
Ans. Two charges are located at their respective position.

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 29

 The value of charge at A, qA = 2.510−7 C
The value of charge at B, qB = −2.510−7 C
Net amount of charge, qnet = qA + qB
qnet = +2.510−7 − 2.510−7
qnet = 0
The distance between two charges at A and B,
d = 15 + 15 = 30cm
d = 0.3m
The electric dipole moment of the system is given by
P = qA  d = qB  d
P = 2.510−7 0.3
P = 7.510−8 Cm along z-axis.
Therefore, 7.510−8 Cm is the electric dipole moment of the system and it is
along positive z-axis.

8.
a) Two insulated charged copper spheres A and B have their centres
separated by a distance of 50cm . 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.
Ans. It is given that:
Charges on both A and B is equal to qA = qB = 6.510−7 C
Distance between the centres of the spheres is given as r = 50cm= 0.5m
It is known that the force of repulsion between the two spheres would be
qAqB
F=
4 0r2
where,
 o is the permittivity of the free space

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 30

 Substituting the known values in the above expression,
9  109  (6.5  10−7 )2
F= 2
= 1.52  10−2 N
(0.5)
The mutual force of electrostatic repulsion between the two spheres is
1.5210−2N .

b) What is the force of repulsion if each sphere is charged double the

above amount, and the distance between them is halved?
Ans. Next, it is told that the charges on both the spheres are doubled and the
distance between the centres of the spheres is halved. Thus,
qA ' = qB ' = 26.510−7 = 1310−7C
1
r' = (0.5) = 0.25m
2
Now, substituting this in the relation for force,
qA 'qB ' 9  109  (13  10 −7 )2
F' = = = 0.243N
4 0r'2 (0.25)2
The new mutual force of electrostatic repulsion between the two spheres is
0.243N .

9. Suppose the spheres A and B in Exercise 1.12 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?
Ans. It is given that:
Distance between the spheres A and B is r = 0.5m
The charge on each sphere initially is qA = qB = 6.510−7 C
Now, when uncharged sphere C is made to touch the sphere A, the amount of
charge from A will get transferred to the sphere C, making both A and C to
have equal charges in them. Clearly,
1
qA ' = qC = (6.5  10−7 ) = 3.25  10−7 C
2
Now, when the sphere C is made to touch the sphere B, there is similar transfer
of charge making both C and B to have equal charges in them. Clearly,
3.2510−7 + 6.510−7
qC ' = qB ' = = 4.87510−7 C
2
Thus, the new force of repulsion between the spheres A and B will turn out to
be

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 31

 qA 'qB ' 9  109  3.25  10 −7  4.875  10 −7
F' = = = 5.703  10 −3 N
4  0r 2
(0.5) 2

10. 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 Cm−2 . What is E in the outer region of the first
plate? What is E in the outer region of the second plate? What is E between
the plates?
Ans: The given nature of metal plates is represented in the figure below:

Here, A and B are two parallel plates kept close to each other. The outer region
of plate A is denoted as I, outer region of plate B is denoted as III, and the
region between the plates, A and B, is denoted as II.
It is given that:
Charge density of plate A,  = 17.0  10−22 C / m2
Charge density of plate B,  = −17.0  10 −22 C / m2
In the regions I and III, electric field E is zero. This is because the charge is not
enclosed within the respective plates.
Now, the electric field E in the region II is given by
||
E=
0
where,
0 = Permittivity of free space = 8.854 10−12N−1C2m−2
Clearly,
17.010−22
E=
8.85410−12
 E = 1.92  10−10 N / C
Thus, it can be concluded that the electric field between the plates is
1.92  10−10 N / C .

11. An oil drop of 12 excess electrons is held stationary under a constant

electric field of 2.55  104 NC−1 in Millikan's oil drop experiment. The density

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 32

 of the oil is 1.26gm/cm3 . Estimate the radius of the drop.
( g = 9.81ms −2
,e = 1.60 10−19 C).
Ans: It is given that:
The number of excess electrons on the oil drop, n=12
Electric field intensity, E = 2.55104 NC−1
The density of oil, =1.26gm/cm3 =1.26103kg/m3
Acceleration due to gravity, g =9.81ms−2
Charge on an electron e = 1.6010−19 C
Radius of the oil drop =r
Here, the force (F) due to electric field E is equal to the weight of the oil drop
(W).
Clearly,
F=W
Eq =mg
4
Ene = r2 g
3
where,
q is the net charge on the oil drop =ne
4
m is the mass of the oil drop = Volume of the oil dropDensity of oil = r 3  p
3
Therefore, radius of the oil drop can be calculated as
3Ene
r=
4g
32.55104 121.610−19
r =
4 3.14 1.26103 9.81
 r = 946.09  10 −21
 r = 9.7210−10 m
Therefore, the radius of the oil drop is 9.7210−10m .

12. 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 105 NC−1 per
meter. 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?
Ans: We know that the dipole moment of the system, P = qdl =−10−7Cm
Also, the rate of increase of electric field per unit length is given as
dE
= 10 5 NC −1
dl
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 33
 Now, the force (F) experienced by the system is given by F = qE
dE
F=q  dl
dl
dE
F=P
dl
 F = −10−7 105
 F = −10−2N
Clearly, the force is equal to −10−2N in the negative z-direction i.e., it is
opposite to the direction of electric field.
Thus, the angle between electric field and dipole moment is equal to 180 .
Now, the torque is given by  = PEsin
 = PEsin180
=0
Therefore, it can be concluded that the torque experienced by the system is zero.

13.
a) A conductor A with a cavity as shown in the Fig. 1.36(a) is given a
charge Q . Show that the entire charge must appear on the outer
surface of the conductor.

Ans: Firstly, let us consider a Gaussian surface that is lying within a conductor
as a whole and enclosing the cavity. Clearly, the electric field intensity E inside
the charged conductor is zero.
Now, let q be the charge inside the conductor and  0 , the permittivity of free
space.
According to Gauss's law,
Flux is given by
q
 = E.ds =
0
Here,  = 0 as E = 0 inside the conductor
Clearly,

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 34

 q
0=
8.854  10 −12
q = 0
Therefore, the charge inside the conductor is zero.
And hence, the entire charge Q appears on the outer surface of the conductor.

b) Another conductor B with charge q is inserted into cavity keeping B

insulated from A. Show that the total charge on the outside surface of
A is Q + q [Fig. 1.36 (b)].
Ans. The outer surface of conductor A has a charge of Q.
It is given that another conductor B, having a charge +q is kept inside
conductor A and is insulated from the conductor A. Clearly, a charge of −q will
get induced in the inner surface of conductor A and a charge of +q will get
induced on the outer surface of conductor A. Therefore, the total charge on the
outer surface of conductor A amounts to Q + q.

c) A sensitive instrument is to be shielded from the strong electrostatic

fields in its environment. Suggest a possible way.
Ans. A sensitive instrument can be shielded from a strong electrostatic field in
its environment by enclosing it fully inside a metallic envelope.
Such a closed metallic body provides hindrance to electrostatic fields and thus
can be used as a shield.

14. A hollow charged conductor has a tiny hole cut into its surface. Show
   
that the electric field in the hole is   n , where n is the unit vector in the
 20 
outward normal direction, and  is the surface charge density near the
hole.
Ans: Firstly, let us consider a conductor with a cavity or a hole. It is known that
the electric field inside the cavity is zero.
Let us assume E to be the electric field just outside the conductor, q be the
electric charge,  be the charge density, and  0 , the permittivity of free space.
We know that charge q =d
Now, according to Gauss's law,
q
 = E.ds =
0
d
E.ds =
0

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 35

 
E = n
0

where n is the unit vector in the outward normal direction.
 
Thus, the electric field just outside the conductor is n . Now, this field is
0
actually a superposition of the field due to the cavity E 1 and the field due to the
rest of the charged conductor E 2 . These electric fields are equal and opposite
inside the conductor whereas equal in magnitude as well as direction outside the
conductor. Clearly,
E1 + E2 = E
E  
E1 = E2 = = n
2 20
 
Therefore, the electric field in the hole is n.
20
Hence, proved.

15. Obtain the formula for the electric field due to a long thin wire of
uniform linear charge density  without using Gauss's law. [Hint: Use
Coulomb's law directly and evaluate the necessary integral]
Ans: Firstly, let us take a long thin wire XY as shown in the figure below. This
wire is of uniform linear charge density  .

Now, consider a point A at a perpendicular distance l from the mid-point O of

the wire as shown in the figure below:

Consider E to be the electric field at point A due to the wire.

Also consider a small length element dx on the wire section with OZ = x as

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 36

 shown.
Let q be the charge on this element.
Clearly, q = dx
Now, the electric field due to this small element can be given as
1 dx
dE =
40 ( AZ )2
However, AZ = 12 + x2
dx
 dE =
(
4  12 + x2
0 )
Now, let us resolve the electric field into two rectangular components. Doing
so, dEcos  is the perpendicular component and dEsin  is the parallel
component.
When the whole wire is considered, the component dEsin  gets cancelled and
only the perpendicular component dEcos  affects the point A.
Thus, the effective electric field at point A due to the element dx can be written
as
dxcos 
dE1 = ....(1)
(
40 l2 + x2 )
Now, in AZO , we have
x
tan  =
l
x =ltan ......(2)
On differentiating equation (2), we obtain
dx =lsec2 d ......(3)
From equation (2)
x2 + l2 = l2 +l2 tan2 
 l2 (1 + tan2 ) = l2 sec2 
x2 +l2 =l2 sec2  .....(4)
Putting equations (3) and (4) in equation (1), we obtain
lsec2 d
dE1 = cos
40 (l2 sec2 )
 cos d
dE1 = .....(5)
40l

Now, the wire is taken so long that ends from −  to +  .

2 2
Therefore, by integrating equation (5), we obtain the value of field E1 as

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 37

  
2 2

 dE1 =

 40l cos d
− −
2 2

 E1 = 2
40l

 E1 =
2 0l

Thus, the electric field due to the long wire is derived to be equal to .
2  0l

16. It is now believed that protons and neutrons (which constitute nuclei of
ordinary matter) are themselves built out of more elementary units called
quarks. A proton and a neutron consist of three quarks each. Two types of
quarks, the so called 'up quark (denoted by u ) of charge  +  e and the
1
 2
'down' quark (denoted by d ) of charge −   e together with electrons build
1
3
up ordinary matter. (Quarks of other types have also been found which
give rise to different unusual varieties of matter.) Suggest a possible quark
composition of a proton and neutron.
Ans: It is known that a proton has three quarks. Let us consider n up quarks in a
proton, each having a charge of +  e  .
2
3 
Now, the charge due to n up quarks =  e n
2
3 
The number of down quarks in a proton = 3 − n
Also, each down quark has a charge of − 1 e
3
Therefore, the charge due to (3−n) down quarks =  − e (3 − n)
1
 3 
We know that the total charge on a proton =+e
Therefore,
2   1 
e =  e  n +  − e  ( 3 − n)
3   3 
 2ne  ne
e =  −e+
 3  3
 2e = ne
n =2
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 38
 Clearly, the number of up quarks in a proton, n=2
Thus, the number of down quarks in a proton = 3 − n = 3 − 2 = 1
Therefore, a proton can be represented as uud .
A neutron is also said to have three quarks. Let us consider n up quarks in a
neutron, each having a charge of +  2 e  .
3 
It is given that the charge on a neutron due to n up quarks =  + 3 e n
 2 
Also, the number of down quarks is (3−n) , each having a charge of =  − e
3
 2
Thus, the charge on a neutron due to (3−n) down quarks =  − e (3 − n)
1
 3 
Now, we know that the total charge on a neutron = 0
Thus,
2   1 
0 =  e n +  − e  ( 3 − n )
3   3 
 2ne  ne
0=  −e+
 3  3
e=ne
n=1
Clearly, the number of up quarks in a neutron, n = 1
Thus, the number of down quarks in a neutron = 3 −n = 2
Therefore, a neutron can be represented as udd .

17.
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.
Ans: Firstly, let us assume that the small test charge placed at the null point of
the given setup is in stable equilibrium.
By stable equilibrium, it means that even a slight displacement of the test charge
in any direction will cause the charge to return to the null point as there will be
strong restoring forces acting around it.
This further suggests that all the electric lines of force around the null point act
inwards and towards the given null point.
But by Gauss law, we know that the net electric flux through a chargeless
enclosing surface is equal to zero. This truth contradicts the assumption which
we had started with. Therefore, it can be concluded that the equilibrium of the
test charge is necessarily unstable.
Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 39
 b) Verify this result for the simple configuration of two charges of the
same magnitude and sign placed at a certain distance apart.
Ans. When we consider this configuration setup with two charges of the same
magnitude and sign placed at a certain distance apart, the null point happens to
be at the mid-point of the line joining these two charges.
As per the previous assumption, the test charge, when placed at this mid-point
will experience strong restoring forces when it tries to displace itself.
But when the test charge tries to displace in a direction normal to the line
joining the two charges, the test charge gets pulled off as there is no restoring
force along the normal to the line considered.
Since stable equilibrium prioritizes restoring force in all directions, the
assumption in this case also gets contradicted.

18. A particle of mass m and charge ( − q ) enters the region between the two
charged plates initially moving along x- axis with speed vx (like particle 1
in Fig 1.33). The length of plate is L and a uniform electric field E is
maintained between the plates. Show that the vertical deflection of the
qEL2
particle at the far edge of the plate is .
2mv x 2
Compare this motion with motion of a projectile in gravitational field
discussed in section 4.10 of class XI textbook of Physics.
Ans: It is given that:
The 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
Thus, acceleration, a =
m
However, electric force, F = qE
Therefore, acceleration, = qE ......(1)
m
Here, the time taken by the particle to cross the field of length L is given by,
Length of the plate L
t= = ......(2)
Velocity of the plate vx
In the vertical direction, we know that the initial velocity, u = 0
Now, according to the third equation of motion, vertical deflection s of the
particle can be derived as

Class XII Physics www.vedantu.com 40

 1
s = ut + at2
2
2
1  qE   L 
 s = 0 +   
2  m   vx 
qEL2
s= .....(3)
2mv x 2
Therefore, the vertical deflection of the particle at the far edge of the plate is
qEL2
2mv x 2
On comparison, we can see that this is similar to the motion of horizontal
projectiles under gravity.

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