[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 1

SHORT QUESTIONS
12.1 The potential is constant throughout a given region of space. Is the electrical field zero or
non-zero in this region? Explain.
Ans. When the potential is constant through a given region of space then electric field in this region
will be zero.
Reason: We know the relation between electric intensity and potential difference is
V
E =   (i)
r

As potential is constant.
 V = 0
Put in (i) eq. we get
E = 0
So electric field will be zero.
12.2 Suppose that you follow an electric field line due to a positive point charge. Do electric field
and the potential increases or decreases?
Ans. If we follow an electric field line due to a positive point charge then electric field and potential
both will decrease.
Reason: The formula for electric intensity and electric potential are
1 q 1 q
E = 2 and V =
4o r 4o r

From these formulae we see that electric intensity is inversely proportional to square of distance
and electric potential is inversely proportional to the distance therefore both will decrease.
12.3 How can you identify that which plate of a capacitor is positively charged?
Ans. There are different methods by which we can identify that which plate of a capacitor is positively
charged.
(i) The plate of a capacitor connected with the positive terminal of battery will be positively
charged.
(ii) A device called gold leaf electroscope can also be used for this purpose. We will bring a
positively charged electroscope close to the plate of a capacitor, if the leaves will diverge
then that plate will be positively charged.
(iii) If a positive test charge is brought near the plate and if test charge will repel then that plate
will be positively charged.
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 2
12.4 Describe the force or forces on a positive point charge when placed between parallel plates.
(a) With similar and equal charges.
(b) With opposite and equal charges.
Ans. (a) When a positive point charge is placed between + +
parallel plates with similar and equal charge plates
+ +
then net force will be zero. +
+ F1 F2 +
Reason: We know that the expression of electric force is
+ +
F = qE
Here, | F1 | = | F2 | = F
i.e., magnitude of force is equal but in opposite direction.
Net force = F1 + (F2)
Net force = 0
(b) When a positive point charge is placed between two + +
parallel plates with opposite and equal charges then
+ +
force will be double i.e., 2F. +
+ F1 F2 +
As | F1 | = | F2 | = F
+ +
Net force = F1 + F2
Net force = 2F
In this case both forces are equal in magnitude and are in same direction.
12.5 Electric lines of force never cross. Why?
Ans. Electric lines of forces can never cross each other.
Reason: As electric intensity is a vector quantity and if two F
1

electric lines of forces cross each other at a single point

F
2
then electric intensity will have two different direction at a P
single point which is not possible because electric intensity
is a vector quantity and vector has only one direction.
12.6 If a point charge q of mass m is released in a non-uniform electric field with field lines in the
same direction pointing, will it make a rectilinear motion?
Ans. If a point charge q of mass m is released in a non-uniform
electric field then there are two possibilities:
(i) If a point charge is released in a non-uniform field
produced by positive and negative charges then it will
move in curved path.
(ii) If a point charge is placed in non-uniform field
produced by a positive or negative charge then it will
make a rectilinear motion.
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 3
12.7 Is E necessarily zero inside a charged rubber balloon if balloon is spherical? Assume that
charge is distributed uniformly over the surface.
Ans. Electric intensity inside a charged rubber balloon will be zero.

Reason: Consider a Gaussian surface inside the charged

rubber balloon. As there is no charge at the centre therefore R
q = 0.

According to Gauss’s law P

R
1
e = (Charge)
o
1
e = (q)
o
1
e = 0
o

 e = 0  (i)
But according to definition of electric flux.
 
e = E .A  (ii)

Comparing equations (i) and (ii) we get:

 
E .A = 0

As A  0

 E = 0

So the electric intensity inside a charged rubber balloon is zero.

12.8 Is it true that Gauss’s law states that the total number of lines of forces crossing any closed
surface in the outward direction is proportional to the net positive charge enclosed within
surface?
Ans. We know that according to Gauss’s law, total flux passing through any closed surface is equal to
1
times the total charge enclosed within the surface.
o
1
i.e.,  = (total charge)
o
1
Here, = Constant
o

So,   Total charge

[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 4
Here  = flux which is total number of lines passing through a certain area and we see that it is
directly proportional to charge enclosed within the surface therefore given statement is true that
the total number of lines of forces crossing any closed surface in the outward direction is
proportional to net positive charge enclosed within the surface.

12.9 Do electrons tend to go to region of high potential or of low potential?

Ans. As electrons are negatively charged particle therefore when they enter the electric field they will
tend to go the region of high potential (positive terminal) from the region of low potential
(negative terminal).
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 5

PROBLEMS WITH SOLUTIONS

PROBLEM 12.1
Compare magnitudes of electrical and gravitational forces exerted on an object
(mass = 10.0 g, charge = 20.0 C) by an identical object that is placed 10.0 cm from the first.
(G = 6.67  1011 Nm2 kg2)
Data
10.0
Mass of one object = m1 = 10.0 g = 1000 kg = 0.01 kg
10.0
Mass of 2nd object = m2 = 10.0 g = 1000 kg = 0.01 kg
Charge on one object = q1 = 20.0 C
= 20  106 C
nd
Charge on 2 object = q2 = 20  106 C
Distance between the charges = 10.0 cm = 0.1 m
To Find
Fe
Comparison of forces = F = ?
g

SOLUTION
For electrical force
q1q2
Fe = k r2
But k = 9  109 N.m2/C2
9  109  20.0  106  20.0  106
Fe = (0.1)2
3600  10966
= 0.01
3600
= 0.01  103
Fe = 360000  103
= 360N
For gravitational force
Gm1m2
Fg = r2
But G = 6.673  1011 N.m2/Kg2
6.673  1011  0.01  0.01
So, Fg = (0.1)2
6.673  1011  (0.01)2
Fg = (0.01)
Fg = 6.673  1013N
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 6
Fe 360
Therefore, =
Fg 6.673  1013
= 53.9  1013
= 5.4  1014
Result
Fe
Comparison of Force = F = 5.4  1014
g

PROBLEM 12.2
Calculate the net electrostatic force on q as shown in the figure.
Data
Charge = q = 4.0 C
= 4.0  106 C
Charge = q1 = 1.0 C
= 1.0  106 C
Charge = q2 = 1.0 C
= 1.0  1016 C
Distance between the charges q and q1 = r1 = 1.0 m
Distance between the charges q and q2 = r2 = 1.0 m
To Find

Electrostatic force on charge q = Fe = ?

SOLUTION
1 q1q2 F1
Using F = . r2
4o
Force on q exerted by q1 is F1y
1 qq1
F1 = . 2
4o r q2 = 4 C
6  F1x
6 6 = 4 x 10 C
1  10  4  10  F2x 
F1 = 9  109  (1)2 F
F2y
F1 = 36  103 N F2
m
1

0.80 m 1m
Now force on q exerted by q2 is
1 qq2  0.60 m 0.60 m 
F2 = . r2
4o
q1 = 1 C q2 = 1 C
4  106  1  106 = 1 x 10 c
6
= 1 x 10 C
6

F2 = 9  109  (1)2
F2 = 36  103 N
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 7
Now using
Fx = F1x + F2x
Fx = F1 cos  + F2 cos   (i)
From figure
0.60
cos  = 1
cos  = 0.60
Putting this value in eq. (i)
Fx = 36  103  0.60 + 36  103  0.60
= 2  36  0.60  103
= 0.043 N
Fy = F1y + (F2y)
Also Fy = F1 sin   F2 sin 
= 36  103 sin   36  103 sin 
From figure
0.80
sin  = 1
sin  = 0.80
  Fy = 36  103 (0.80)  36  103 (0.80)
Fy = 0N

Now F = Fx^i + Fy^j
2 2
F = Fx + F y
= (0.043)2 + (0)2
= (0.043)2
= 0.043 N
Since Fx and Fy both lie in 1st quadrant because Fx and Fy are positive.
Now using
Fy
tan  = F
x

 0 
 = tan1 0.043
 
= tan1 (0)
= 0
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 8
 Net force on q is

F = 0.043 ^i N
Result
The force acting on the charge q is

F = 0.043 ^i N

PROBLEM 12.3
A point charge q = 8.0  108 C is placed at the origin. Calculate electric field at a point
2.0 m from the origin on the z-axis.
Data
Point charge = q = 8.0  108C
Distance between charge and origin = r = 2.0m
To Find

Electric intensity = E = ?

SOLUTION
The magnitude of the electric intensity at a point along z-axis is

1 q
E = 2
4o r

1
But = 9  109 Nm2/C2
4o
 8.0  108 ^
So, E = 9  10  (2.0)2 (k)
9

72  1098 ^
= k
4
72  10 ^
= k
4

= 18  10 k^

E = 180 N/C k^
 ^
or E = 1.8  102 k N/C
Result
^
Electric intensity = E = 1.8  102 k N/C
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 9

PROBLEM 12.4

Determine the electric field at the point r = (4^i + 3^j) m caused by a point charge
q = 5.0  106 C placed at origin.
Data
Point charge = q = 5.0  106 C

Position vector = r = (4^i + 3^j)m
To Find

Electric field intensity = E = ?

SOLUTION
By formula
 1 q ^
E = 2 r  (i)
4o r
1
But = 9  109 Nm2/C2
4o
 ^ ^
Since r = (4 i + 3 j) m
So the magnitude of the given point from the origin is

|r| = (4)2 + 52
r = 16 + 5
r = 25
r = 5

^r r 4^i + 3^j
And = r = 5
Putting in equation (i)
 5.0  106 4^i + 3^j
E = 9  109  52  5 
45  1096 ^ ^
= (4 i + 3 j )
125
^ ^
= 0.36  103 (4 i + 3 j )
^ ^
= 360 (4 i + 3 j)
 ^ ^
E = (1440 i + 1080 j) N/C
Result
 ^ ^
Electric field intensity = E = (1440 i + 1080 j) N/C
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 10

PROBLEM 12.5
Two point charges, q1 = 1.0  106 C and q2 = +4.0  106 C, are separated by a distance of
3.0 m. Find and justify the zero-field location.
Data
Charge = q1 = 1.0  106 C
Charge = q2 = +4.0  106 C
Distance between the charges = r = 3.0 m
To Find
Distance where the electric intensity is zero = x = ?

SOLUTION
Let P be the any point at a distance x from the charge q1. + P
So the electric intensity E1 due to the charge q1 is q
2 q
1

1 q1 3
.
0m X
E1 = 2
4o x
1.0  106
E1 = 9  109  x2
And the electric intensity due to the charge q2 is
1 q2
E2 =
4o (3 + x)2

4.0  106
E2 = 9  10  (3 + x)2
9

Since at point P, the two electric intensities are equal and opposite in direction therefore
E1 = E2
1 1.0  106 1 4.0  106
=
4o x2 4o (3 + x)
2

1 4
= (3 + x)2
x2
Taking square root
1 4
=
x2 (3 + x)2
1 2
= 3+x
x
2x = 3+x
2x  x = 3
x = 3m
Result
Distance where electric intensity is zero = x = 3.0m.
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 11
PROBLEM 12.6
Find the electric field strength required to hold suspended a particle of mass 1.0  106 kg
and charge 1.0 C between two plats 10.0 cm apart.
Data
Mass of particle = m = 1.0  106 kg
Charge on particle = q = 1.0 C
= 1.0  106 C
Distance between the plates = r = 10 cm
= 0.1 m
To Find
Electric field strength = E = ?

SOLUTION
By formula

F
E = q

But F = mg
mg
E = q
1.0  106  9.8
E =
1.0  106
E = 9.8 N/C
Result
Electric field strength = E = 9.8 N/C

PROBLEM 12.7
A particle having a charge of 20 electrons on it falls through a potential difference of 100
volts. Calculate the energy acquired by it in electron volts (eV).
Data
Number of electrons = N = 20
Potential difference = V = 100 volt
To Find
Energy acquired = (K.E) = ?
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 12
SOLUTION
By using the formula

(K.E) = q V 

But q = Ne
= 20  1.6  1019C
= 32  1019C
= 3.2  1018C
Therefore, (K.E) = 3.2  1018 100
= 3.2  1016 J
Since, 1 eV = 1.6  1019 J
3.2  1016
Therefore, (K.E) =
1.6  1019
= 2  1016 + 19 eV
= 2.0  103 eV
Result
Energy acquired = 2.0  103 eV

PROBLEM 12.8
In Millikan’s experiment, oil droplets are introduced into the space between two flat
horizontal plates, 5.00 mm apart. The plate voltage is adjusted to exactly 780V so that the droplet
is held stationary. The plate voltage is switched off and the selected droplet is observed to fall a
measured distance of 1.50 mm in 11.2 s. Given that the density of the oil used is 900kg m3, and the
viscosity of air at laboratory temperature is 1.80  105 Nm2 s, calculate
(a) the mass, and
(b) the charge on the droplet (assume g = 9.8 ms2)
Data
Distance between the plates = d = 5.00 mm
= 5  103m
Potential difference = V = 780 volt
Distance covered by the droplet = S = 1.50 mm
= 1.50  103 m
Time taken = t = 11.2 sec.
Density of oil =  = 900 kg/m3
Viscosity of Air =  = 1.80  105 Ns/m2
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 13
To Find
(a) Mass of droplet = m = ?
(b) Charge on droplet = q = ?

SOLUTION
(a) For mass of the droplet
4 3
3 r  
m =  (i)

9vt
But r2 =
2g
Distance covered
vt = Terminal velocity = Time taken
1.50  103
vt = 11.2
vt = 1.34  104 m/s
Therefore,
2 9  1.80  105  1.34  104
r =
2  900  9.8
2 21.708  1054
r = 17640
r2 = 1.23  1012
r = 1.10  106
Putting in equation (i)
4
m = 3  3.14 (1.10  106)3  900

m = 5153.2  1018
= 5.15  1015 kg
(b) For charge using the formula
mgd
q = v
5.15  1015  9.8  5.00  103
q = 780
q = 0.323  1018
q = 3.23  1019 C
Result
(a) Mass of droplet = m = 5.15  1015 kg
(b) Charge on droplet = q = 3.23  1019 C
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 14
PROBLEM 12.9
A proton placed in uniform electric field of 5000 NC1 directed to right is allowed to go a
distance of 10.0 cm from A to B. Calculate
(a) Potential difference between the two points
(b) Work done
(c) The change in P.E. of proton
(d) The change in K.E. of the proton
(e) Its velocity (mass of proton is 1.67  1027 kg)
Data
Uniform electric field intensity = E = 5000 N/C
Distance travelled = r = 10.0 cm
= 0.1 m
To Find
(a) Potential difference = V = ?
(b) Work done = W = ?
(c) Change in P.E of proton = U = ?
(d) Change in K.E of proton = (K.E) = ?
(e) Velocity of proton = V = ?

SOLUTION
(a) For potential difference by using the formula

V = Er

= 5000  0.1
= 500 volt

ve sign shows that potential decreases because proton is moving along E .
(b) For work done

W = q V

But q = 1.6  1019C

So, W = 1.6  1019  500 J
In electron volt
1.6  1019  500
W =
1.6  1019
W = 500 eV
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 15
(c) For change in P.E of the proton
Change in P.E = U = W

U = q V

= 1.6  1019  500 J

1.6  1019  500
=  eV
1.6  1019
U = 500 eV

ve sign shows that potential energy decreases because proton is moving along E .
(d) For change in K.E of the proton
(K.E) = Work done

(K.E) = q V

= 1.6  1019  500 J

1.6  1019  500
= eV
1.6  1019
(K.E) = 500 eV
+ve sign shows that kinetic energy increases.
(e) For the velocity of the proton
1
(K.E) = 2 mV2

2(K.E)
V2 = m

2 2  1.6  1019  500

V =
1.67  1027
V2 = 958.08  1019 + 27
V2 = 958.08  108
V = 30.9  104
V = 3.09  105 m/s
Result
(a) Potential difference = V = 500 volt
(b) Work done = W = 500 eV
(c) Change in P.E of proton = U = 500 eV
(d) Change in K.E of proton = (K.E) = 500 eV
(e) Velocity of proton = V = 3.09  105 m/s
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 16

PROBLEM 12.10
Using zero reference point at infinity, determine the amount by which a point charge of
4.0  108 C alters the electric potential at a point 1.2 m away, when
(a) Charge is positive (b) Charge is negative
Data
Point charge = q = 4.0  108 C
Distance = r = 1.2 m
To Find
(a) Electric potential when the charge is positive = V1 = ?
(b) Electric potential when the charge is negative = V2 = ?

SOLUTION
(a) Electric potential when the charge is positive
1 q
V1 =
40 r
1
But = 9  109 N.m2/C2
4o
4.0  108
V1 = 9  10 
9
1.2
36  1098
= 1.2
= +3.0  102 volt
(b) Electric potential when the charge is negative
1 q
V2 =
4o r
9  109  4  108
V2 = 1.2
36
V2 = 1.2  101

= 3.0  102 volt

Result
(a) Electric potential when change is positive
V1 = +3.0  102 volt
(b) Electric potential when charge is negative
V2 = 3.0  102 volt
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 17
PROBLEM 12.11
In Bohr’s atomic model of hydrogen atom, the electron is in an orbit around the nuclear
proton at a distance of 5.29  1011 m with a speed of 2.18  106 ms1. e = 1.6  1019 C, mass of electron
= 9.1  1031 kg. Find
(a) The electric potential that a proton exerts at this distance
(b) Total energy of the atom in eV
(c) The ionization energy for the atom in eV
Data
Distance = r = 5.29  1011 m
Speed of electron = V = 2.18  106 m/s
Charge on electron =  = 1.6  1019 C
Mass of electron = m = 9.10  1031 kg
To Find
(a) Electric potential = V = ?
(b) Total energy of the atom in eV = En = ?
(c) Ionization energy for the atom in eV = Ei = ?

SOLUTION
(a) The electric potential that a proton exerts at this distance is
1 q
V =
40 r
1
But = 9  109 N.m2/C2
4o
1.6  1019
V = 9  109 
5.29  1011
= 2.727  10919+11
= 2.727  101
V = 27.27 volt
(b) For total energy of the atom is
Total energy = En = P.E + K.E  (i)
Therefore for P.E of an electron
P.E = q V

= 1.6  1019  27.27J

1.6  1019  27.27
= eV
1.6  1019
= 27.27 eV
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 18
And the K.E of the electron is

1
K.E = 2 mv2

1
= 2  9.10  1031  (2.18  106)2

= 21.62  1031+12
= 21.62  1019J
21.62  1019
K.E = eV
1.6  1019
= 13.51 eV
So putting in eq (i)
En = 27.27 + 13.51
En = 13.75 eV
(c) For ionization energy of the electron
Ei = Energy of electron at outermost orbit  Energy of electron at ground state
Ei = E  Eground
= 0  ( 13.75)
= 13.75 eV
Result
(a) Electric potential that a proton exerts at this distance = V = 27.27 volt
(b) Total energy of the atom = En = 13.75 eV
(c) Ionization energy for the atom = Ei = 13.75 eV

PROBLEM 12.12
The electronic flash attachment for a camera contains a capacitor for storing the energy
used to produce the flash. In one such unit, the potential difference between the plates of a 750 F
capacitor is 330 V. Determine the energy that is used to produce the flash.
Data
Potential difference between the plates = V = 330 Volt
Capacitance of the capacitor = C = 750F
= 750  106F
To Find
Energy to produce the flash = E = ?
[CHAPTER 12] ELECTROSTATICS 19

SOLUTION
By using the formula
1
E = 2 CV2

1
= 2  750  106 (330)2

= 40837500  106
= 40.83 J
Result
Energy to produce flash = E = 40.83J

PROBLEM 12.13
A capacitor has a capacitance of 2.5  108 F. In the charging process, electrons are
removed from one plate and placed on the other one. When the potential difference between the
plates is 450 V, how many electrons have been transferred?
Data
Capacitance of capacitor = C = 2.5  108 F
Potential difference between plates = V = 450 V
To Find
Number of electrons = N = ?

SOLUTION
By formula
q = Ne
q
N = e  (i)

Therefore, q = CV
= 2.5  108  450
= 1123  108 C
Putting in eq (i)
1125  108
N =
1.6  1019
= 703.1  108+19
N = 703.1  1011
N = 7.03  1013 electrons
Result
Number of electron = N = 7.03  1013