1

1 q1q3
1(b) Electric Field Intensity E2 =
4𝜋𝜖0 r 2 2
r2
…………………………
Electric Field :- Electric field is defined as the space around ………………………
a given charge with in which this charge exerts electrostatic 1 q1qn
force on any other charge. En = 2 rn4𝜋𝜖0 r n
Net electric field intensity at point P is
Electric Field Intensity (𝐄) :- Electric Field Intensity at a 𝐸 = 𝐸1 + 𝐸2 + … … … . +𝐸𝑛
point is defined as the electrostatic force experienced per 1 q1 1 q2 1 qn
unit positive charge at that point, when this positive charge 𝐸= 2 r1 + 2 r2 + ⋯ . rn
4𝜋𝜖0 r 1 4𝜋𝜖0 r 2 4𝜋𝜖0 r n 2
is infinitely small.
i.e. 𝐸 = limit
𝐹
……….(1) Field intensity in terms of position vector:- Consider a
𝑞 0 →0 𝑞0 point charge q kept at point P in vacuum at position vector
Charge 𝑞0 should be infinitely small so that its own electric 𝑟. Let a small positive test charge 𝑞0 is kept at point A at
field is negligible. position vector 𝑟0
S.I unit of 𝐄 is Newton/coulomb. It is a vector quantity
and its direction is same as that of F.

Electric field intensity due to a point charge :- Consider a

point charge q kept in vacuum at a point O. Let a small
positive test charge 𝑞0 is kept at point P at distance r
points O Let 𝑟 is a unit vector along OP.

Electrostatic force on charge 𝑞0 due to the charge q is

1 𝑞𝑞 0
𝐹 = 𝑟0 − 𝑟 ….…..(1)
4𝜋∈0 𝑟0 −𝑟 3
Electric Field Intensity is given by
Electrostatic force on charge 𝑞0 due to the charge q is 𝐹
𝐸 = limit ……….(2)
𝑞 0 →0 𝑞0
1 𝑞𝑞 0
𝐹= 𝑟…………..(1) Using eqn. (1) in eqn. (2) we get
4𝜋∈0 𝑟 2
1 𝑞
Electric Field Intensity given by 𝐸 = 3 𝑟0 − 𝑟
4𝜋∈0 𝑟0 −𝑟
𝐹
𝐸 = limit ……….(2)
𝑞 0 →0 𝑞0
Using eqn. (1) in eqn. (2) we get Electric field intensity due to a continuous charge
1 𝑞 distribution : ( see last chapter)
𝐸= 2 𝑟 (1)For line charge distribution :-Force on a small test charge
4𝜋∈0 𝑟
This is the expression for the electric field intensity due to q kept at point P, due to a continuous line charge
a point charge. distribution is
1 q. λdl
F= 3 r − r′ …..(1)
Field intensity due to a group of point charges:- 4πϵ0 r − r′

Let 𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … … … . . 𝑞𝑛 are n-point charges kept in Electric field intensity at point P is

F
vacuum at position vectors 𝑟1 , 𝑟2 … … … . 𝑟𝑛 respectively E = limt q→0
q
with respect to point P. 1 λdl
or E= r − r′
4πϵ0 r −r′ 3
(2)For surface charge distribution :-Force on a small test
charge q kept at point P, due to a continuous surface
charge distribution is
1 q.σds
F= 3 r − r′ …..(1)
4πϵ0 r − r′
Electric field intensity at point P is
F
E = limt q→0
q
1 σds
or E= r − r′
4πϵ0 r − r ′ 3
Electric field intensity at point P due to charges (3)For volume charge distribution :-Force on a small test
𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , … … … … . . 𝑞𝑛 respectively is given by charge q kept at point P, due to a continuous volume
charge distribution is
1 𝑞 . 𝜌𝑑𝑣
E1 =
1 q1q2
r1 𝐹= 3 𝑟 − 𝑟′ …..(1)
4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟 − 𝑟′
4𝜋𝜖0 r 1 2
Electric field intensity at point P is
 2
𝐹
𝐸 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑡𝑞 →0
𝑞 𝟏 𝟐𝒑𝒓
1 𝜌𝑑𝑣 𝑬 =
or 𝐸= 𝑟 − 𝑟′ 𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓 − (𝟎)𝟐 )𝟐
𝟐
4𝜋𝜖 0 𝑟 − 𝑟′ 3

𝟏 𝟐𝒑
Electric Dipole :- An electric dipole is a pair of two equal 𝑬 = ………..( 4)
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (r)𝟑
and opposite point charges +q and -q which are separated
by a small distance 2a. Distance 2a is known as dipole 1
or 𝐸∝
length. 𝑟3

Electric field intensity on equatorial line of the dipole :-

Consider an electric dipole of charges +q and -q and of
dipole length 2a. Take a point P on the equatorial line of
the dipole at distance r from its centre O.

Dipole moment ( p ):- Electric dipole moment is defined
as the product of magnitude of either charge and the dipole
length of the dipole. i.e
𝑝 = 𝑞. 2𝑎
 Its S.I. unit is coulomb-meter (C-m)
 Electric dipole moment is a vector quantity and Its
direction is from negative to positive charge.

Electric field intensity on axial line of the dipole:-

Consider an electric dipole of charges -q and +q and of
dipole length 2a. Take a point P on the axial line of the Field intensity at point P due to -q charge is
𝟏 𝒒
dipole at distance r from its centre O. 𝑬𝑨 = 𝟐
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝑨𝑷
𝟏 𝒒
or 𝑬𝑨 = ….along PA.......(1)
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓𝟐 +𝒂𝟐 )
Field intensity at point P due to +q charge is
𝟏 𝒒
𝑬𝑩 = 𝟐
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝑩𝑷
𝟏 𝒒
Field intensity at point P due to -q charge is or 𝑬𝑨 = .....along PB …..(2)
𝟏 𝒒 𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓𝟐 +𝒂𝟐 )
𝑬𝑨 = 𝟐 In triangle APB, 𝑬𝑨 is represented by side PA and 𝑬𝑩
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝑨𝑷
or 𝑬𝑨 =
𝟏 𝒒
......along PA....(1) is represented by side BP. Then according to triangle law,
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓+𝒂)𝟐 
their resultant E will be represented by side BA.
Field intensity at point P due to +q charge is
𝟏 𝒒
𝑬𝑩 = 𝟐 𝑬 𝑬 𝑬
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 𝑩𝑷
𝟏 𝒒
Hence = 𝑨= 𝑩
𝑩𝑨 𝑷𝑨 𝑩𝑷
or 𝑬𝑩 = .....along PX ....(2) By putting the values we get
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓−𝒂)𝟐
Resultant field intensity at point P is 𝑬 = 𝑬𝑨 ×
𝑩𝑨
𝑷𝑨
𝑬 = 𝑬𝑩 − 𝑬𝑨 along PX 𝟏 𝒒 𝟐𝒂
or 𝑬 = ×
Using eqn. (1) and (2) we get 𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓𝟐 +𝒂𝟐 ) (𝒓𝟐 +𝒂𝟐 )𝟏/𝟐
𝟏 𝒒 𝟏 𝒒 𝟏 𝒒.𝟐𝒂
E = 𝟐 -
or 𝑬 =
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓−𝒂) 𝟐
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓+𝒂) 𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓𝟐 +𝒂𝟐 )𝟑/𝟐
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝒑
or E = 𝒒 − or 𝑬 = ….along PX…..(3)
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓−𝒂)𝟐 (𝒓+𝒂)𝟐 𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓𝟐 +𝒂𝟐 )𝟑/𝟐
𝟏 (𝒓+𝒂)𝟐 −(𝒓−𝒂)𝟐
or E = 𝒒 This is the expression for the electric field intensity at a point
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓𝟐− 𝒂𝟐 )2
𝟏 𝟒𝒓𝒂 on equatorial line of an electric dipole.
or E = 𝒒 Special case :- For a short dipole 2a<<r. Hence a is
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓𝟐 −𝒂𝟐 )𝟐
𝟏 𝟐(𝒒.𝟐𝒂)𝒓 negligible.
or E =
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓𝟐 −𝒂𝟐 )𝟐 Hence eqn. (3) will become
𝟏 𝟐𝒑𝒓 𝟏 𝒑
or 𝑬 = ………..(3) 𝑬 = 𝟐 𝟐 𝟑/𝟐
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓 +(𝟎) )
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (𝒓𝟐 −𝒂𝟐 )𝟐
𝟏 𝒑
or 𝑬 =
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 (r)𝟑
This is the expression for the electric field intensity due to 1
or 𝐸∝
an electric dipole at a point on its axial line. 𝑟3
Special case :- For a short dipole 2a << r, hence a is
negligible. Uniform electric field:- Electric field in a region is said to
Hence eqn. (3) will become be uniform if electric field intensity at every point is same in
that region. It is represented as following :-
 3
Total work done in rotating the dipole from angle
𝜃1 𝑡𝑜 𝜃2 is given by
𝜃2
𝑑𝑊 = 𝑝𝐸 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
𝜃1
𝜃2
𝑊 = 𝑝𝐸 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
Torque on the dipole :- Let an electric dipole of charges -q 𝜃1
𝜃
and +q and of dipole length 2a is kept in a uniform 𝑊 = 𝑝𝐸 − cos 𝜃 𝜃21

electric field of intensity E . 𝑊 = −𝑝𝐸 cos 𝜃2 − cos 𝜃1

This work done is equal to Potential energy of the dipole.

Hence potential energy of the electric dipole is given by
𝑈 = −𝑝𝐸 cos 𝜃2 − cos 𝜃1

Special cases (1) :- When dipole is initially parallel to the

field then 𝜃1 = 0 and finally is at angle 𝜃2 =𝜃, Then
𝑈 = −𝑝𝐸 cos 𝜃 − cos 0 = −𝑝𝐸 cos 𝜃 − 1
Case (2) When dipole is initially at right angle to the field,
then 𝜃1 = 900 and finally is at angle 𝜃2 =𝜃, Then
Force on +q charge is 𝑈 = −𝑝𝐸(cos⁡𝜃 − cos 900 ) = −𝑝𝐸cos⁡𝜃 = 𝑝. 𝐸

𝐹1 = 𝑞𝐸 ......... along E ......(1) Electric lines of force :- Electric line of force is defined as a
Force on -q charge is straight or curved path along which a unit positive charge
 moves in the electrostatic field, if it is free to move.
𝐹1 = 𝑞𝐸 ....... opposite to E ......(2)
From eqns. (1) and (2) we get
Properties of electric lines of force:-
𝐹1 = − 𝐹2 1. Electric lines of force start from positive charge and end
i.e. 𝐹1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹2 are equal and opposite, but act along at negative charge.
different lines of action. Hence torque is produced by these
forces. Which is given by
Torque = Magnitude of either Force  Perpendicular
distance between the forces.
or 𝜏 = 𝐹1 × 𝐴𝑁...........(3)
If the dipole makes angle 𝜃 with 𝐸 then in triangle ABN ,
𝐴𝑁
= sin 𝜃
𝐴𝐵
or 𝐴𝑁 = 𝐴𝐵 sin 𝜃
or 𝐴𝑁 = 2𝑎 sin 𝜃 ........(4)
From eq. (1), (3) and (4) we get 2. Electric lines of force are discontinuous and do not
𝜏 = 𝑞𝐸 × 2𝑎 sin 𝜃 pass through the charged body.
or 𝜏 = 𝑝𝐸 sin 𝜃 (𝐴𝑠 𝑝 = 𝑞. 2𝑎) 3. Electric lines of force are always normal to the surface
of a charged body.
In vector form 𝜏 = 𝑝 × 𝐸 4. Tangent to an electric line force at a point gives the
direction of electric field at that point .
Special Cases :-
When 𝜃 = 0, then 𝜏 = 0 then dipole is said to be in
stable equilibrium.
When 𝜃 = 180, then 𝜏 = 0, then dipole is said to be in
unstable equilibrium.
Potential Energy of the Dipole :- Let an electric dipole of
dipole moment 𝑝 is kept in a uniform electric field 𝐸 with 5. Electric lines of force do not intersect with each other.
angle 𝜃 between 𝑝 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸 6. Relative closeness of the electric lines of force in two
regions give relative strength of the electric fields in that
Torque on the dipole is
regions.
𝜏 = 𝑝𝐸 sin 𝜃.............,(1)
Small work done in rotating the dipole through small angle 7. Electric lines of force contract longitudinally or length
𝑑𝜃 against this torque is wise .
𝑑𝑊 = 𝜏 𝑑𝜃
Using eqn. (1) we will get
𝑑𝑊 = 𝑝𝐸 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃……(2)
 4

8. Electric lines of force exert lateral pressure on each

other.
[ Ans. 𝐸 = 6.36 × 𝑄2 × 1013 N/C Along ON]

16. Two point charges of 2μC and 4μC are 10 cm apart.

Calculate field intensity that each charge produces at
the sight of other.
[ Ans.1.8 × 106 N/C and 3.6 × 106 N/C]
17. Two point charge of +6nC and -6nC are kept on y-
axis at y = +3cm and y = - 3cm respectively. Find the
force experienced on a charge of 2nC placed on x-axis
Assignment
at x= 4cm.
1. Define electric field and field intensity. [ Ans. 𝐸 = 20.1 × 102 𝑁/𝐶]
2. What is electric dipole? Define electric dipole moment. 18. ABC is an equilateral triangle of side 5cm. two charges
50
3. Derive an expression for electric field intensity at a point ± × 10−3 μC are placed at points A and B
3
on axial line of a dipole. respectively. Calculate magnitude and direction of
4. Derive an expression for electric field intensity at a point resultant intensity at point C
on equatorial line of a dipole.
[ Ans. 𝐸 = 6 × 104 𝑁/𝐶]
5. Derive an expression for the torque on an electric
dipole.
6. What do you mean by potential energy of electric
dipole? Derive expression for it.
7. Define electric line of force. Write properties of electric
lines of force.
8. Why two electric lines of force do not intersect?
9. Find the electrostatic force on a point charge of 2μC if
an electric field of intensity 40 N/C is applied on it.
10. Find the magnitude of electric field intensity due to a
point charge of 5μC at a point 3cm from it.
11. An electric dipole of charges -5𝝁𝑪 and +5𝝁𝑪 has
dipole length 6cm. Find the magnitude and direction of
its dipole moment.
12. An electric dipole of charges -4𝝁𝑪 and +4𝝁𝑪 has
dipole length 6cm. Find the electric field intensity at a
point 4cm from the centre of the dipole when this point
is (i) on axial line (ii) on equatorial line.
13. An electric dipole of charges -4𝜇𝐶 and +4𝜇𝐶 and
dipole length 6cm is kept inside a uniform electric field
of intensity 4 × 106 𝑁/C. (i) Find torque on the
dipole when the field makes angle of 300 with the
dipole. (ii) Find work done in rotating the dipole from
300 to 600
14. Two point charges of 2μC and 4μC are 12cm apart.
Find position of the point at which field intensity is zero.
[ Ans. 4cm from 2μC charge]
15. What is the magnitude and direction of the field intensity
at the centre of the square of side 2cm as shown in fig.