14

Electrostatics
SECTION-1
True/False
1. The work done in carrying a point charge from one point to Assertion and Reason
another in an electrostatic field depends on the path along Mark your answer as
which the point charge is carried. (1981) (a) If Assertion is true, Reason is true; Reason is the correct
2. A small metal ball is suspended in a uniform electric field explanation for Assertion.
with the help of an insulated thread. If high energy X-ray (b) If Assertion is true, Reason is true; Reason is not a
beam falls on the ball, the ball will be deflected in the correct explanation for Assertion.
direction of the field. (1983) (c) If Assertion is true; Reason is false.
(d) If Assertion is false; Reason is true.
3. Two identical metallic spheres of exactly equal masses are
taken. One is given a positive charge Q coulomb and the 7. Assertion For practical purposes, the earth is used as a
other an equal negative charge. Their masses after charging reference at zero potential in electrical circuits.
are different. (1983) Reason The electrical potential of a sphere of radius R with
4. Two protons A and B are placed in between the two plates of a charge Q uniformly distributed on the surface is given by
parallel plate capacitor charged to a potential difference V as Q
. (2008)
shown in the figure. The forces on the two protons are 4 πε 0 R
identical. (1986)
+
+
Fill in the Blanks
+ 8. Figure shows lines of constant potential in
+
+ a region in which an electric field is
A
+ present. The values of the potential are
+ written in brackets. Of the points A, B and B
+ C, the magnitude of the electric field is (50V)
+ B (40V)
greatest at the point…… . (1984) C
+A (30V)
+ (20V)
+ (10V)
+ 9. Five identical capacitor plates, each of area A, are arranged
+
such that adjacent plates are at a distance d apart, the plates
+
V are connected to a source of emf V as shown in the figure.
(1984)
5. A ring of radius R carries a uniformly distributed charge + Q. –
A point charge –q is placed on the axis of the ring at a +
distance 2R from the centre of the ring and released from rest.
The particle executes a simple harmonic motion along the
axis of the ring. (1988)
1 2 3 4 5

6. An electric line of force in the x-y plane is given by the

equation x2 + y2 = 1 . A particle with unit positive charge,
initially at rest at the point x = 1, y = 0 in the x-y plane, will
move along the circular line of force. (1988) The charge on plate 1 is …… and on plate 4 is …… .
380 Electrostatics

10. Two small balls having equal positive charges Q (coulomb) 17. Two equal negative charges − q are fixed at points (0,– a) and
on each are suspended by two insulating strings of equal (0, a) on y-axis. A positive charge Q is released from rest at
length L (metre) from a hook fixed to a stand. The whole the point (2a, 0) on the x-axis. The charge Q will (1984)
setup is taken in a satellite into space where there is no (a) execute simple harmonic motion about the origin
gravity (state of weightlessness). The angle between the (b) move to the origin and remain at rest
strings is …… and the tension in each string is ……newton. (c) move to infinity
(1986) (d) execute oscillatory but not simple harmonic motion
11. Two parallel plate capacitors of capacitances C and 2C are 18. A charge q is placed at the centre of the line joining two equal
connected in parallel and charged to a potential difference V. charges Q. The system of the three charges will be in
The battery is then disconnected and the region between the equilibrium if q is equal to (1987)
plates of capacitor C is completely filled with a material of Q Q Q Q
dielectric constant K. The potential difference across the (a) − (b) − (c) + (d) +
2 4 4 2
capacitors now becomes…. (1988)
19. A solid conducting sphere having a charge Q is surrounded by
12. A point charge q moves from point P to point S along the path
an uncharged concentric conducting hollow spherical shell.
PQRS (Fig.) in a uniform electric field E pointing parallel to
Let the potential difference between the surface of the solid
the positive direction of the X-axis. The coordinates of points
sphere and that of the outer surface of the hollow shell be V. If
P, Q, R and S are (a, b, 0), (2a, 0, 0) ( a , − b , 0 ) ( 0, 0, 0 )
the shell is now given a change of –3Q, the new
respectively. The work done by the field in the above process
potential difference between the same two surfaces is
is given by the expression …… (1989)
(1989)
Y (a) V (b) 2V
(c) 4V (d) – 2V
O 20. Seven capacitors each of capacitance 2µF are connected in a
S Q x 10
configuration to obtain an effective capacitance µF. Which
R E 11
of the following combination will achieve the desired result ?
(1990)
13. Five point charges, each of value +q coulomb, are placed on
five vertices of a regular hexagon of side L metre. The (a) (b)
magnitude of the force on the point charge of value – q
coulomb placed at the centre of the hexagon
is ………newton. (1992)
q q
(c) (d)

–q
q
21. Two identical thin rings, each of radius R, are coaxially
placed a distance R apart. If Q1 and Q2 are respectively the
q q charges uniformly spread on the two rings, the work done in
14. The electric potential V at any point x, y, z (all in metre) in moving a charge q from the centre of one ring to that of the
space is given by V = 4 x2 volt. The electric field at the point other is (1992)
(a) zero
(1m, 0, 2 m) is ………V/m. (1992)
q (Q1 − Q2 ) ( 2 − 1)
(b)
Objective Questions I (Only one correct option) 2 ( 4 πε 0 R )

15. An alpha particle of energy 5 MeV is scattered through 180° q 2 (Q1 + Q2 )

(c)
by a fixed uranium nucleus. The distance of closest approach ( 4 πε 0 R )
is of the order of (1981) (d) q (Q1 / Q2 ) ( 2 + 1) 2 ( 4 πε 0 R )
(a) 1 Å (b) 10−10 cm (c) 10−12 cm (d) 10−15 cm 22. Two point charges +q and –q are held fixed at ( −d , 0 ) and
16. A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such that the ( d , 0 ) respectively of a x-y co-ordinate system. Then (1995)
potential on its surface is 10 V. The potential at the centre of
(a) the electric field E at all points on the x-axis has the same
the sphere is (1983)
direction.
(a) zero
(b) work has to be done in bringing a test charge from ∞ to the
(b) 10 V origin.
(c) same as at a point 5 cm away from the surface (c) electric field at all point on y-axis is along x-axis.
(d) same as at a point 25 cm away from the surface (d) the dipole moment is 2qd along the x-axis.
 Electrostatics 381

23. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is connected to a point due to a charge Q at a distance r from it to be Q / 4 πε 0 r.
battery and is charged to a potential difference V. Another Then the potential at the origin due to the above system of
capacitor of capacitance 2C is similarly charged to a potential charges is (1998)
difference 2V. The charging battery is now disconnected and q
(a) zero (b)
the capacitors are connected in parallel to each other in such a 8π ε 0 x0 ln 2
way that the positive terminal of one is connected to the q ln ( 2 )
(c) infinite (d)
negative terminal of the other. The final energy of the 4 π ε 0 x0
configuration is (1995) 30. Two identical metal plates are given positive charges Q1 and
3 2 25 2 9 2
(a) zero (b) CV (c) CV (d) CV Q2 (< Q1 ) respectively. If they are now brought close together
2 6 2 to form a parallel plate capacitor with capacitance C, the
24. The magnitude of electric field E in the annular region of a potential difference between them is (1999)
charged cylindrical capacitor (1996) (a) (Q1 + Q2 ) / 2C (b) (Q1 + Q2 ) / C
(a) is same throughout. (c) (Q1 − Q2 ) / C (d) (Q1 − Q2 ) / 2C
(b) is higher near the outer cylinder than near the inner 31. For the circuit shown, which of the following statements is
cylinder. true ? (1999)
(c) varies as 1/r where r is the distance from the axis. V1 = 30 V V2 = 20 V
(d) varies as 1/ r2 where r is the distance from the axis. + – + –
S1 C1= 2pF S3 C2= 3pF S2
25. A metallic solid sphere is placed in a uniform electric field.
The lines of force follow the path(s) shown in figure as
(1996)
(a) With S 1 closed,V1 = 15 V, V2 = 20 V
1 1 (b) With S 3 closed,V1 = V2 = 25 V
2 2 (c) With S 1 and S 2 closed,V1 = V2 = 0
(d) With S 3 closed,V1 = 30 V, V2 = 20 V
3 3
32. Three charges Q, +q and +q are placed at the vertices of a
4 4
right angle triangle (isosceles triangle) as shown. The net
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 electrostatic energy of the configuration is zero, if Q is equal
to (2000)
26. An electron of mass me , initially at rest, moves through a Q
certain distance in a uniform electric field in time t1 . A proton
of mass mp , also, initially at rest, takes time t 2 to move
through an equal distance in this uniform electric field.
Neglecting the effect of gravity, the ratio t 2 / t1 is nearly
equal to (1997) +q +q
a
(a) 1 (b) ( mp / me )1 / 2
−q − 2q
(c) ( me / mp )1 / 2 (d) 1836 (a) (b) (c) − 2q (d) +q
1+ 2 2+ 2
27. A non-conducting ring of radius 0.5 m carries a total charge 33. A parallel plate capacitor of area A, plate separation d and
of 1.11 × 10−10 C distributed non-uniformly on its capacitance C is filled with three different dielectric materials
circumference producing an electric field E everywhere in having dielectric constants K 1 , K 2 and K 3 as shown. If a
l =0
space. The value of the integral ∫ l = ∞ − E⋅ dl (l = 0 being single dielectric material is to be used to have the same
capacitance C in this capacitor then its dielectric constant K is
centre of the ring) in volt is (1997) given by (2000)
(a) +2 (b) − 1 (c) − 2 (d) zero A/2 A/2
28. A parallel combination of 0.1 MΩ resistor and a 10 µF K1 K2
d
2
capacitor is connected across a 1.5 V source of negligible d
K3
resistance. The time required for the capacitor to get charged
upto 0.75 V is approximately (in second) (1997)
(a) infinite (b) log e 2 (c) log 10 2 (d) zero A = Area of plates
29. A +q 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
charge is fixed at each of the points (a) = + + (b) = +
x = x0 , x = 3x0 , x = 5x0 K ∞ on the x-axis and a charge – q is K K 1 K 2 2K 3 K K 1 + K 2 2K 3
fixed at each of the points x = 2x0 , x = 4 x0 , x = 6x0 K , ∞. 1 K1K 2 K1K 3 K 2K 3
(c) = + 2K 3 (d) K = +
Here, x0 is a positive constant. Take the electric potential at a K K1 + K 2 K1 + K 3 K 2 + K 3
382 Electrostatics

34. A uniform electric field pointing in positive x-direction exists 39. Two equal point charges are fixed at x = − a and x = + a on
in a region. Let A be the origin, B be the point on the x-axis at the x-axis. Another point charge Q is placed at the origin. The
x = + 1cm and C be the point on the y-axis at y = + 1cm. Then change in the electrical potential energy of Q, when it is
the potentials at the points A, B and C satisfy (2001) displaced by a small distance x along the x-axis, is
(a)V A < VB (b) V A > VB approximately proportional to (2002)
(c)V A < VC (d) V A > VC (a) x (b) x2 (c) x3 (d) 1/ x
35. Three positive charges of equal value q are placed at the
40. A metallic shell has a point charge q kept inside its cavity.
vertices of an equilateral triangle. The resulting lines of force
Which one of the following diagrams correctly represents the
should be sketched as in (2001)
electric lines of forces ? (2003)

O
O
(a) (b) (a) (b)
O O O O

O (c) (d)
(c) O O (d)

41. Six charges, three positive and three P Q

36. Consider the situation shown in the figure. The capacitor A negative of equal magnitude are to be
placed at the vertices of a regular U O
has a charge q on it whereas B is uncharged. The charge R
appearing on the capacitor B a long time after the switch is hexagon such that the electric field at O
closed is (2001) is double the electric field when only
T S
q one positive charge of same magnitude
+ – is placed at R. Which of the following arrangements of charge
+ – is possible for, P, Q, R, S, T and U respectively? (2004)
+ – (a) + , − , + , − , − , + (b) + , − , + , − , + , −
+ – S (c) + , + , − , + , − , − (d) − , + , + , − , + , −
+ – 42. Assume that an electric field E = 30x2 $i exists in space. Then,
+ – the potential difference V A − VO , where VO is the potential at
A B the origin and V A the potential at x = 2 m is (2014 Main)

(a) zero (b) q/ 2 (c) q (d) 2q (a) 120 V (b) −120 V (c) −80 V (d) 80 V

37. In the given circuit, with steady current, the potential 43. In the given circuit, charge Q2 on the 2µF capacitor changes
difference across the capacitor must be (2001) as C is varied from 1µF to 3 µF.Q2 as a function of C is given
properly by (figures are drawn schematically and are not to
R
V scale) (2015 Main)

C 1µ F
V C
2µF
2R

2V E

(a) V (b) V/2 (c) V/3 (d) 2V/3 (a) (b)

38. Two identical capacitors, have the same capacitance C. One Q2 Q2
of them is charged to potential V1 and the other to V2 . Likely
C C
charged plates are then connected. Then, the decrease in 1µ F 3µF 1µF 3µF
energy of the combined system is (2002)
1 1
(a) C (V1 − V2 )
2 2
(b) C (V1 + V2 )
2 2
4 4 (c) Q2 (d) Q2
1 1
(c) C (V1 − V2 ) 2
(d) C (V1 + V2 )2 C C
4 4 1 µF 3 µF 1µF 3µF
 Electrostatics 383

44. A capacitor is charged using an external battery with a (a) positive

resistance x in series. The dashed line shows the variation of (b) negative
ln I with respect to time. If the resistance is changed to 2x, the (c) zero
new graph will be (2004) (d) depends on the path connecting the initial and final
positions
49. Consider a neutral conducting sphere. A positive point charge
In I S is placed outside the sphere. The net charge on the sphere is
R then (2007)

Q
P
t

(a) P (b) Q (c) R (d) S

(a) negative and distributed uniformly over the surface of the
NOTE Here I is the charging current
sphere
45. Three infinitely long charge sheets are placed as shown in (b) negative and appears only at the point on the sphere
figure. The electric field at point P is (2005)
closest to the point charge
z
(c) negative and distributed non-uniformly over the entire
σ z=3a surface of the sphere
P (d) zero
− 2σ z=0
x 50. A circuit is connected as shown in the figure with the switch S
−σ z=–a open. When the switch is closed, the total amount of charge
2σ $ 2σ $ 4σ $ 4σ $ that flows from Y to X is (2007)
(a) k (b) − k (c) k (d) − k
ε0 ε0 ε0 ε0 3 µF 6 µF
X
46. A 4µF capacitor and a resistance of 2.5 MΩ are in series with
12 V battery. Find the time after which the potential S
difference across the capacitor is 3 times the potential 3Ω 6Ω
difference across the resistor. [Given, ln (2) = 0.693] (2005) Y
(a) 13.86 s (b) 6.93 s (c) 7 s (d) 14 s
9V
47. Find the time constant for the given RC circuits in correct
order (in µs). (2006) (a) zero (b) 54 µC
(c) 27 µC (d) 81µC
V V
R1 51. A spherical portion has been removed
C2
from a solid sphere having a charge
C1 distributed uniformly in its volume as
R2 C1 R1
shown in the figure. The electric field
inside the emptied space is (2007)
(a) zero everywhere
C2 R2 (b) non-zero and uniform
(c) non-uniform
V
(d) zero only at its centre
52. A long, hollow conducting cylinder is kept co-axially inside
R1 C1 another long, hollow conducting cylinder of larger radius.
Both the cylinders are initially electrically neutral. (2007)
R1 (a) A potential difference appears between the two cylinders
when a charge density is given to the inner cylinder.
R2 C2 (b) A potential difference appears between the two cylinders
when a charge density is given to the outer cylinder.
R1 = 1 Ω , R2 = 2 Ω , C1 = 4 µF, C 2 = 2µF.
(c) No potential difference appears between the two
(a) 18, 4, 8/9 (b) 18, 8/9, 4 (c) 4, 18, 8/9 (d) 4 , 8/ 9, 18 cylinders when a uniform line charge is kept along the
48. Positive and negative point charges of equal magnitude are axis of the cylinders.
kept at ( 0, 0, a / 2 ) and ( 0, 0, − a / 2 ) , respectively. The work (d) No potential difference appears between the two
done by the electric field when another positive point charge cylinders when same charge density is given to both the
in moved from ( −a , 0, 0 ) to ( 0, a , 0 ) is (2007) cylinders.
384 Electrostatics

53. A parallel plate capacitor C with plates of unit area and |E (r)| V (r)

separation d is filled with a liquid of dielectric constant

K = 2. The level of liquid is d / 3 initially. Suppose the liquid (c)
level decreases at a constant speed v , the time constant as a
function of time t is (2008)
0 R r
|E (r)| V (r)
C
d R
d (d)
3

0 R r

57. In the given circuit, a charge of +80 µC is given to the upper

6ε 0 R (15d + 9vt )ε 0 R
(a) (b) plate of the 4 µF capacitor. Then in the steady state, the
5d + 3vt 2d 2 − 3dvt − 9v2 t 2
charge on the upper plate of the 3 µF capacitor is (2012)
6ε 0 R (15d − 9vt ) ε 0 R
(c) (d)
5d − 3vt 2d 2 + 3dvt − 9v2 t 2 + 80 µC
54. Three concentric metallic spherical shells of radii 4 µF
R , 2 R and 3 R are given charges Q1 , Q2 and Q3 , respectively.
It is found that the surface charge densities on the outer
2 µF 3 µF
surfaces of the shells are equal. Then, the ratio of the charges
given to the shells, Q1 : Q2 : Q3 , is (2009)
(a) 1 : 2 : 3 (b) 1 : 3 : 5
(c) 1 : 4 : 9 (d) 1 : 8 : 18
(a) + 32 µC (b) + 40 µC
55. A 2 µF capacitor is charged as shown in the figure. The (c) + 48 µC (d) + 80 µC
percentage of its stored energy dissipated after the switch S is 58. Two large vertical and parallel metal plates having a
turned to position 2 is (2011)
separation of 1 cm are connected to a DC voltage source of
1 2 potential difference X . A proton is released at rest midway
between the two plates. It is found to move at 45° to the
vertical just after release. Then X is nearly (2012)

2 µF 8 µF (a) 1 × 10−5 V (b) 1 × 10−7 V

(c) 1 × 10−9 V (d) 1 × 10−10 V

(a) 0% (b) 20% 59. Two charges, each equal to q, are kept at x = − a and x = a on
q
(c) 75% (d) 80% the x-axis. A particle of mass m and charge q0 = − is placed
2
56. Consider a thin spherical shell of radius R with its centre at at the origin. If charge q0 is given a small displacement
the origin, carrying uniform positive surface charge density. y ( y << a ) along the y-axis, the net force acting on the
The variation of the magnitude of the electric field | E ( r )| and particle is proportional to (2013 Main)
the electric potentialV ( r ) with the distance r from the centre, (a) y (b) − y
is best represented by which graph? (2012) 1 1
(c) (d) −
|E (r)| V (r) y y
60. A charge Q is uniformly distributed over a long rod AB of
(a) length L as shown in the figure. The electric potential at the
point O lying at distance L from the end A is (2013 Main)
0 R r O A B
|E (r)| V (r) L L

Q 3Q
(a) (b)
(b) 8π ε 0 L 4 π ε0 L
Q Q ln 2
(c) (d)
0 R r 4 π ε 0 L ln 2 4 π ε0 L
 Electrostatics 385

61. Charges Q , 2Q and 4Q are uniformly distributed in three 65. In the given circuit, charge Q2 on the 2µF capacitor changes
R as C is varied from 1µF to 3 µF.Q2 as a function of C is given
dielectric solid spheres 1, 2 and 3 of radii , R and 2R
2 properly by (figures are drawn schematically and are not to
respectively, as shown in figure. If magnitudes of the electric scale) (2015 Main)
fields at point P at a distance R from the centre of spheres 1, 2 1 µF
and 3 are E1 , E2 and E3 respectively, then (2014 Adv.)

P P P C
R R R 2µF
Q 2Q 4Q
R/2
2R E

Sphere-1 Sphere-2 Sphere-3

(a) E1 > E2 > E3 (b) E3 > E1 > E2 Q2 Q2
(a) (b)
(c) E2 > E1 > E3 (d) E3 > E2 > E1
C C
62. Assume that an electric field E = 30x2 $i exists in space. Then, 1µ F 3µF 1µF 3µF
the potential difference V A − VO , where VO is the potential at
the origin and V A the potential at x = 2 m is (2014 Main)
(a) 120 V (b) −120 V (c)
Q2
(d)
Q2
(c) −80 V (d) 80 V C C
1 µF 3 µF 1µF 3µF
63. A long cylindrical shell carries positive surface charge σ in
the upper half and negative surface charge − σ in the lower
half. The electric field lines around the cylinder will look like 66. A combination of capacitors is set-up as shown in the figure.
figure given in (figures are schematic and not drawn to scale) The magnitude of the electric field, due to a point charge Q
(2015 Main) (having a charge equal to the sum of the charges on the 4 µF
and 9 µF capacitors), at a point distant 30 m from it, would
equal to (2016 Main)
++++ + +++
(a) –– –+
+ – (b) –– ––+
+
–– –– 3 µF
–– –– 4 µF

9 µF

++++ ++++ 2 µF
(c) –– ––+
+ (d) –– ––+
+
–– –– –– ––

8V
64. A parallel plate capacitor having plates of area S and plate
separation d, has capacitance C1 in air. When two dielectrics (a) 240 N/C (b) 360 N/C
of different relative permittivities (ε1 = 2 and ε 2 = 4) are (c) 420 N/C (d) 480 N/C
introduced between the two plates as shown in the figure, the 67. An electric dipole has a fixed dipole moment P, which makes
C angle θ with respect to X-axis. When subjected to an electric
capacitance becomes C 2 . The ratio 2 is
C1 (2015 Adv.) field E1 = Ei$, it experiences a torque T1 = τ k$ . When
d/2
subjected to another electric field E = 3E $j, it experiences
2 1
a torque T2 = − T1 . The angle θ is (2017 Main)

S/ 2 (a) 45° (b) 60°

ε2
(c) 90° (d) 30°
68. A capacitance of 2 µF is required in an electrical circuit across
S/ 2 a potential difference of 1kV. A large number of 1 µF
ε1
capacitors are available which can withstand a potential
difference of not more than 300 V. The minimum number of
d
capacitors required to achieve this is (2017 Main)
6 5 7 7 (a) 16 (b) 24
(a) (b) (c) (d)
5 3 5 3 (c) 32 (d) 2
386 Electrostatics

69. In the given circuit diagram, when the current reaches steady  1 2 − 2
Take, 4 πε = 9 × 10 N-m C 
9
state in the circuit, the charge on the capacitor of capacitance  
0 (2019 Main)
C will be (2017 Main)
E . × 102 m / s
(a) 15 (b) 3.0 × 104 m / s
r
(c) 1.0 m/s (d) 2.0 × 103 m / s
r1
76. A system of three charges are placed as shown in the figure
(2019 Main)
C
D
r2 +q –q Q
r1 r2
(a) CE (b) CE d
( r2 + r ) ( r + r2 )
r1 If D >> d, the potential energy of the system is best given by
(c) CE
( r1 + r )
(d) CE 1  q 2 2qQd  1  q 2 qQd 
(a) − +  (b) + + 2 
4 πε 0  d D2  4 πε 0  d D 
70. Three concentric metal shells A , B and C of respective radii
a , b and c ( a < b < c ) have surface charge densities + σ , − σ 1  q 2 qQd  1  q 2 qQd 
(c) − −  (d) − − 2 
and + σ, respectively. The potential of shell B is (2018 Main) 4 πε 0  d 2D 2  4 πε 0  d D 
σ  b 2 − c2  σ  a2 − b2  77. A positive point charge is released from rest at a distance r0
(a)  + a (b)  + c
ε0  c  ε0  a  from a positive line charge with uniform density. The speed
σ a − b
2 2 σ b − c
2  2 ( v ) of the point charge, as a function of instantaneous distance
(c)  + c (d)  + a r from line charge, is proportional to (2019 Main)
ε0  b  ε0  b 
+λ
71. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance 90 pF is connected
to a battery of emf 20 V. If a dielectric material of dielectric
constant K = 5/ 3 is inserted between the plates, the magnitude
of the induced charge will be (2018 Main) r0
(a) 0.9 µC (b) 1.2 µC (c) 0.3 µC (d) 2.4 µC
72. Four point charges − q , + q , + q and −q are placed on Y -axis
at y = −2d , y = − d , y = + d and y = +2d , respectively. The r
+
magnitude of the electric field E at a point on the X -axis at  r
(a) v ∝   (b) v ∝ e r0
x = D, with D >> d , will behave as (2019 Main)  r0 
1 1 1 1
(a) E ∝ (b) E ∝ 3 (c) E ∝ 2 (d) E ∝ 4  r  r
D D D D (c) v ∝ ln   (d) v ∝ ln  
 r0   r0 
73. Two point charges q1 ( 10 µC ) and q2 ( − 25 µC ) are placed
78. The electric field in a region is given by E = ( Ax + B )i$,
on the x-axis at x = 1m and x = 4 m, respectively. The electric
where E is in NC−1 and x is in metres. The values of constants
field (in V/m) at a point y = 3 m on Y -axis is
are A = 20SI unit and B = 10SI unit. If the potential at x = 1is
 1 
 Take, = 9 × 109 N-m2 C−2  V1 and that at x = − 5 isV2 , thenV1 − V2 is (2019 Main)
 4πε 0  (2019 Main) (a) − 48 V (b) − 520 V (c) 180 V (d) 320 V
$ $
(a) ( 63 i − 27 j ) × 102
(b) ( 81 i$ − 81$j ) × 102
79. Three charges Q, +q and +q are placed at the vertices of a
(c) ( −81 i$ + 81$j ) × 102 (d) ( −63 $i + 27$j ) × 102 right angle isosceles triangle as shown below. The net
74. Three charges +Q , q , + Q are placed respectively at distance electrostatic energy of the configuration is zero, if the value
d of Q is (2019 Main)
0, and d from the origin on the X -axis. If the net force
2 Q
experienced by +Q placed at x = 0 is zero, then value of q is
(2019 Main)
+Q +Q −Q −Q
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 4 2 4
75. In free space, a particle A of charge 1µC is held fixed at a +q +q
point P. Another particle B of the same charge and mass −q − 2q
4 µkg is kept at a distance of 1 mm from P. If B is released, (a) −2q (b) (c) +q (d)
1+ 2 2+1
then its velocity at a distance of 9 mm from P is
 Electrostatics 387

80. Four equal point charges Q each are placed in the xy-plane at shell is now given a charge of −4 Q, the new potential
(0, 2), (4, 2), (4, −2) and ( 0, − 2 ). The work required to put a difference between the same two surfaces is (2019 Main)
fifth charge Q at the origin of the coordinate system will be (a) −2V (b) 2V (c) 4V (d) V
(2019 Main)
85. The given graph shows variation (with distance r from centre)
Q2 Q2  1
(a) (b) 1 +  of (2019 Main)
4πε 0 4 πε 0  3
Q2 Q2  1
(c) (d) 1 + 
2 2πε 0 4 πε 0  5 ro
81. A charge Q is distributed over three concentric spherical
shells of radii a , b , c ( a < b < c ) such that their surface charge
densities are equal to one another. The total potential at a ro r
point at distance r from their common centre, where r < a (a) electric field of a uniformly charged spherical shell
would be (2019 Main) (b) potential of a uniformly charged spherical shell
Q ( a 2 + b 2 + c2 ) Q(a + b + c ) (c) electric field of a uniformly charged sphere
(a) (b)
4 πε 0 ( a 3 + b 3 + c3 ) 4 πε 0 ( a 2 + b 2 + c2 ) (d) potential of a uniformly charged sphere
Q Q ab + bc + ca 86. A point dipole p = − p0 x $ is kept at the origin. The potential
(c) (d) ⋅
4 πε 0 ( a + b + c ) 12 π ε 0 abc and electric field due to this dipole on the Y-axis at a distance
d are, respectively [Take, V = 0 at infinity] (2019 Main)
82. A uniformly charged ring of radius 3a and total charge q is
p p −p
placed in xy-plane centred at origin. A point charge q is (a) , (b) 0,
moving towards the ring along the Z-axis and has speed v at 4 πε 0 d 2 4 πε 0 d 3 4 πε 0 d 3
z = 4 a. The minimum value of v such that it crosses the origin p p −p
is (c) 0, (d) ,
(2019 Main)
4 πε 0 d 3
4 πε 0 d 4 πε 0 d 3
2
1/ 2 1/ 2
2  1 q2  2  4 q2  87. Determine the electric dipole moment of the system of three
(a)   (b)  
m  5 4 πε 0 a  m  15 4 πε 0 a  charges, placed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle as
1/ 2 1/ 2
shown in the figure. (2019 Main)
2  1 q2  2  2 q2 
(c)   (d)  
m  15 4 πε 0 a  m  15 4 πε 0 a 
–2q
y
83. Shown in the figure is a shell made of a conductor. It has inner
radius a and outer radius b and carries charge Q. At its centre l l
is a dipole p as shown. In this case, (2019 Main) +q
+q
l x
$j − $i $i + $j
(a) 3 ql (b) 2ql $j (c) − 3 ql $j (d) ( ql )
p 2 2
88. An electric field of 1000 V/m is applied to an electric dipole
at angle of 45º. The value of electric dipole moment is
10− 29 C-m. What is the potential energy of the electric
dipole? (2019 Main)
(a) surface charge density on the inner surface is uniform and
(a) − 9 × 10− 20 J (b) − 10 × 10− 29 J
 Q
  (c) − 20 × 10− 18 J (d) − 7 × 10− 27 J
 2
equal to
4 πa 2 89. Two electric dipoles, A , B with respective dipole moments
(b) electric field outside the shell is the same as that of a point d A = − 4 qa i$ and dB = − 2 qa $i are placed on the X -axis
charge at the centre of the shell with a separation R, as shown in the figure
(c) surface charge density on the outer surface depends on p R
(d) surface charge density on the inner surface of the shell is X
zero everywhere A B

84. A solid conducting sphere, having a charge Q, is surrounded The distance from A at which both of them produce the same
by an uncharged conducting hollow spherical shell. Let the potential is (2019 Main)
potential difference between the surface of the solid sphere 2R 2R R R
(a) (b) (c) (d)
and that of the outer surface of the hollow shell be V. If the 2+1 2−1 2+1 2−1
388 Electrostatics

90. For a uniformly charged ring of radius R, the electric field on 94. The parallel combination of two air filled parallel plate
its axis has the largest magnitude at a distance h from its capacitors of capacitance C and nC is connected to a battery
centre. Then, value of h is (2019 Main) of voltage, V. When the capacitors are fully charged, the
R battery is removed and after that a dielectric material of
(a) (b) R 2
2 dielectric constant K is placed between the two plates of the
R first capacitor. The new potential difference of the combined
(c) R (d) system is (2019 Main)
5
( n + 1)V nV
91. In the given circuit, the charge on 4 µF capacitor will be (a) (b)
(K + n ) K +n
(2019 Main)
V
(c) V (d)
1 mF K +n
4 mF
5 mF 95. A capacitor with capacitance 5 µF is charged to 5 µC. If the
plates are pulled apart to reduce the capacitance to 2 µF, how
much work is done? (2019 Main)
3 mF (a) 6.25 × 10−6 J (b) 2.16 × 10−6 J
(c) 2.55 × 10−6 J (d) 3.75 × 10−6 J
10 V
96. A parallel plate capacitor has 1µF capacitance. One of its two
(a) 5.4 µC (b) 9.6 µC plates is given + 2µC charge and the other plate + 4µC
(c) 13.4 µC (d) 24 µC charge. The potential difference developed across the
92. A simple pendulum of length L is placed between the plates of capacitor is (2019 Main)

a parallel plate capacitor having electric field E, as shown in (a) 1 V (b) 5 V (c) 2 V (d) 3 V
figure. Its bob has mass mand charge q. The time period of the 97. Voltage rating of a parallel plate capacitor is 500 V. Its
pendulum is given by (2019 Main) dielectric can withstand a maximum electric field of
106 V/m. The plate area is 10−4 m 2 . What is the dielectric
+ –
+ – constant, if the capacitance is 15 pF?
+ L
–
+ – (Take, ε 0 = 8.86 × 10−12 C2 / N-m 2) (2019 Main)
+ –
+ m – (a) 3.8 (b) 8.5 (c) 4.5 (d) 6.2
+ q –
+ – 98. In the circuit shown, find C if the effective capacitance of the
+ –
+ – whole circuit is to be 0.5 µF. All values in the circuit are inµF.
+ – (2019 Main)
E C 2
A
L L
(a) 2π (b) 2π 2 2 1
2
 qE  q2E 2
g2 +   g −
2
2
 m m2 2 2
L L B
(c) 2π (d) 2π
 qE   qE  6
g +  g −  (a) µF (b) 4 µF
 m  m 5
7 7
93. Figure shows charge ( q ) versus voltage (V ) graph for series (c) µF (d) µF
and parallel combination of two given capacitors. The 10 11
capacitances are (2019 Main) 99. A parallel plate capacitor with plates of area 1 m 2 each, are at
q(µC)
A a separation of 0.1 m. If the electric field between the plates is
100 N/C, the magnitude of charge on each plate is
 − 12 C2 
Take, ε 0 = 8.85 × 10 
500 B  N − m2  (2019 Main)
80 (a) 9.85 × 10− 10 C
10 V V(volt) (b) 8.85 × 10− 10 C
(a) 60 µF and 40 µF (b) 50 µF and 30 µF (c) 7.85 × 10− 10 C
(c) 20 µF and 30 µF (d) 40 µF and 10 µF (d) 6.85 × 10− 10 C
 Electrostatics 389

100. The charge on a capacitor plate in a circuit as a function of 105. An electric dipole is formed by two equal and opposite
time is shown in the figure. (2019 Main) charges q with separation d. The charges have same mass m. It
6 is kept in a uniform electric field E. If it is slightly rotated
5
from its equilibrium orientation, then its angular frequency
ω is (2019 Main)
4
q(µC) 2qE qE qE qE
3 (a) (b) 2 (c) (d)
md md md 2md
2 106. The bob of a simple pendulum has mass 2g and a charge of
0 5.0 µC. It is at rest in a uniform horizontal electric field of
2 4 6 8
t(s) intensity 2000 V/m. At equilibrium, the angle that the
pendulum makes with the vertical is (take g = 10m/ s2)
What is the value of current at t = 4 s? (2019 Main)
(a) 2 µA . µA
(b) 15 (c) Zero (d) 3 µA (a) tan −1 ( 2.0 ) (b) tan −1 ( 0.2 )
101. In the figure shown, after the switch ‘S ’ is turned from (c) tan −1 ( 5.0 ) (d) tan −1 ( 0.5 )
position ‘A’ to position ‘B ’, the energy dissipated in the
2 1
circuit in terms of capacitance ‘C ’ and total charge ‘Q ’ is 107. Two isolated conducting spheres S 1 and S 2 of radii R and
(2019 Main) 3 3
A B R, have charges 12 µC and − 3µC respectively, and are at a
large distance from each other. They are now connected by a
conducting wire. A long time after this is done, the charges on
S
S 1 and S 2 respectively, are (2020 Main)
ε
3C (a) 4.5 µC on both (b) + 4.5 µC and − 4.5µC
C (c) 3 µC and 6 µC (d) 6 µC and 3 µC
108. In the circuit shown in the figure, the total charge is 750 µC
3 Q2 5 Q2 1 Q2 3 Q2 and the voltage across capacitor C 2 is 20 V. Then, the charge
(a) ⋅ (b) . (c) ⋅ (d) ⋅ on capacitor C 2 is (2020 Main)
4 C 8 C 8 C 8 C
C2
102. In the figure shown below, the charge on the left plate of the C1=15 µF
10 µF capacitor is − 30 µC. The charge on the right plate of
the 6 µF capacitor is (2019 Main)
C3=8 µF
6 µF
+ –
10 µF 2 µF V
4 µF
(a) + 12 µC (b) + 18 µC (c) − 12 µC (d) − 18 µC (a) 450 µC (b) 590 µC
(c) 160 µC (d) 650 µC
103. A parallel plate capacitor having capacitance 12 pF is charged
by a battery to a potential difference of 10 V between its Objective Questions II (One or more correct option)
plates. The charging battery is now disconnected and a
porcelain slab of dielectric constant 6.5 is slipped between the 109. A parallel plate air capacitor is connected to a battery. The
plates. The work done by the capacitor on the slab is quantities charge, voltage, electric field and energy
(2019 Main) associated with this capacitor are given by Q0 , V0 , E0 and U 0
(a) 560 pJ (b) 508 pJ (c) 692 pJ (d) 600 pJ respectively. A dielectric slab is now introduced to fill the
104. A parallel plate capacitor is of area 6 cm 2 and a separation space between the plates with the battery still in connection.
3 mm. The gap is filled with three dielectric materials of equal The corresponding quantities now given by Q, V, E and U are
thickness (see figure) with dielectric constants K 1 = 10, related to the previous one as (1985)
K 2 = 12 and K 3 = 14. The dielectric constant of a material (a) Q > Q0 (b)V > V0
which give same capacitance when fully inserted in above (c) E > E0 (d)U > U 0
capacitor, would be (2019 Main) 110. A parallel plate capacitor is charged and the charging battery
is then disconnected. If the plates of the capacitor are moved
farther apart by means of insulating handles (1987)
K1 K2 K3 3 mm (a) the charge on the capacitor increases
(b) the voltage across the plates increases
(c) the capacitance increases
(a) 4 (b) 36 (c) 12 (d) 14 (d) the electrostatic energy stored in the capacitor increases
390 Electrostatics

111. Capacitor C1 of capacitance 1 µF and capacitor C 2 of

A
capacitance 2 µF are separately charged fully by a common
battery. The two capacitors are then separately allowed to q B
discharge through equal resistors at time t = 0. (1989)
(a) The currents in each of the two discharging circuits is zero
at t = 0
(b) The currents in the two discharging circuits at t = 0 are (a) electric field near A in the cavity = electric field near B in
equal but not zero the cavity.
(c) The currents in the two discharging circuits at t = 0 are (b) charge density at A = charge density at B
unequal (c) potential at A = potential at B
(d) Capacitor C1 , loses 50% of its initial charge sooner than (d) total electric field flux through the surface of the cavity is
C 2 loses 50% of its initial charge q/ ε 0 .
117. Under the influence of the coulomb field of a fixed charge
112. A parallel plate capacitor of plate area A and plate separation
+ Q, a charge −q is moving around it in an elliptical orbit.
d is charged to potential difference V and then the battery is
Find out the correct statement(s). (2009)
disconnected. A slab of dielecric constant K is then inserted
(a) The angular momentum of the charge − q is constant
between the plates of the capacitor so as to fill the space
(b) The linear momentum of the charge − q is constant
between the plates. If Q, E and W denote respectively, the
(c) The angular velocity of the charge − q is constant
magnitude of charge on each plate, the electric field between
(d) The linear speed of the charge − q is constant
the plates (after the slab is inserted), and work done on the
system, in question, in the process of inserting the slab, then 118. A few electric field lines for a
ε AV ε KAV system of two charges Q1 and
(a) Q = 0 (b) Q = 0 (1991) Q2 fixed at two different Q1 Q2
d d
points on the x-axis are shown
ε AV 2
(c) E = V / Kd (d) W = 0
2d
[1 − 1/ K ] in the figure. These lines
suggest that (2010)
113. A non-conducting solid sphere of radius R is uniformly (a) | Q1 | > | Q2 |
charged. The magnitude of the electric field due to the sphere (b) | Q1 | < |Q2 |
(c) at a finite distance to the left of Q1 the electric field is zero
at a distance r from its centre (1998)
(d) at a finite distance to the right of Q2 the electric field is
(a) increases as r increases for r < R zero
(b) decreases as r increases for 0 < r < ∞
(c) decreases as r increases for R < r < ∞
119. Two non-conducting solid spheres of radii R and 2R, having
uniform volume charge densitiesρ1 andρ2 respectively, touch
(d) is discontinuous at r = R
each other. The net electric field at a distance 2R from the
114. A dielectric slab of thickness d is inserted in a parallel plate centre of the smaller sphere, along the line joining the centre
capacitor whose negative plate is at x = 0 and positive plate is of the spheres, is zero. The ratio ρ1 / ρ2 can be (2013 Adv.)
at x = 3d . The slab is equidistant from the plates. The capacitor −32
is given some charge. As x goes from 0 to 3d (1998) (a) − 4 (b)
25
(a) the magnitude of the electric field remains the same. 32
(b) the direction of the electric field remains the same. (c) (d) 4
25
(c) the electric potential increases continuously.
(d) the electric potential increases at first, then decreases and 120. In the circuit shown in the figure, there are two parallel plate
again increases. capacitors each of capacitance C. The switch S 1 is pressed
first to fully charge the capacitor C1 and then released. The
115. A positively charged thin metal ring of radius R is fixed in the
switch S 2 is then pressed to charge the capacitor C 2 . After
x-y plane with its centre at the origin O. A negatively charged some time, S 2 is released and then S 3 is pressed. After some
particle P is released from rest at the point (0,0, z 0 ) where time (2013 Adv.)
z 0 > 0. Then the motion of P is (1998) S1 S2 S3
(a) periodic for all values of z 0 satisfying 0 < z 0 < ∞
(b) simple harmonic for all values of z 0 satisfying 0 < z 0 ≤ R C1 C2
(c) approximately simple harmonic provided z 0 < < R 2V0 V0
(d) such that P crosses O and continues to move along the
negative z-axis towards z = − ∞
116. An elliptical cavity is carved within a perfect conductor. A (a) the charge on the upper plate of C1 is 2 CV 0
positive charge q is placed at the centre of the cavity. The (b) the charge on the upper plate of C1 is CV 0
points A and B are on the cavity surface as shown in the (c) the charge on the upper plate of C 2 is 0
figure. Then (1999) (d) the charge on the upper plate of C 2 is −CV0
 Electrostatics 391

Passage Based Questions 3µF B 1µF

F G
Passage
The nuclear charge ( Ze ) is non-uniformly distributed within a 3µF 1µF
nucleus of radius R. The charge density ρ( r ) (charge per unit
D E
volume) is dependent only on the radial distance r from the 1µF
centre of the nucleus as shown in figure. The electric field is
10 Ω
only along the radial direction.
A C
ρ (r) 20 Ω 100 V

d 127. A charge Q is distributed over two concentric hollow spheres

of radii r and R (> r) such that the surface densities are equal.
Find the potential at the common centre. (1981)

128. Calculate the steady state current in the 2 Ω resistor shown in

r the circuit (see figure). The internal resistance of the battery is
a R
121. The electric field at r = R is negligible and the capacitance of the condenser C is 0.2 µF.
(2008) (1982)
(a) independent of a
(b) directly proportional to a 2Ω
(c) directly proportional to a 2
(d) inversely proportional to a
122. For a = 0, the value of d (maximum value of ρ as shown in the 3Ω
C 4Ω
figure) is (2008)
3Ze 3Ze
(a) (b)
4 πR 3 πR 3
4 Ze Ze 2.8 Ω
(c) (d)
3πR 3 3πR 3
V=6V
123. The electric field within the nucleus is generally observed to
be linearly dependent on r. This implies (2008) 129. Eight point charges are placed at the corners of a cube of edge
R a as shown in figure. Find the work done in disassembling
(a) a = 0 (b) a = this system of charges. (2003)
2
2R
(c) a = R (d) a = +q −q
3
−q +q
Analytical & Descriptive Questions
124. A pendulum bob of mass 80 mg and carrying a charge of −q +q
2 × 10−8 C is at rest in a horizontal uniform electric field of
+q −q
20,000 V/m. Find the tension in the thread of the pendulum
and the angle it makes with the vertical.
130. A particle of mass 10−3 kg and charge 1.0 C is initially at rest.
(Take g = 9.8 ms −2 ) (1979) At time t = 0, the particle comes under the influence of an
125. A charged particle is free to move in an electric field. Will it electric field E ( t ) = E0 sin ωt $i , where E0 = 1.0 NC−1 and
always move along an electric line of force? (1979 ω = 103 rad s −1 . Consider the effect of only the electrical
126. Find the potential difference between the points A and B and force on the particle. Then, the maximum speed in ms −1 ,
between the points B and C in the steady state. (1980) attained by the particle at subsequent times is ...... (2019
. Adv.)