Electric Charges And Fields (Physics)

Question 1.1:
What is the force between two small charged spheres having charges of 2 × 10 −7 C and 3 × 10−7 C placed
30 cm apart in air?
Answer

Discussion
Repulsive force of magnitude 6 × 10−3 N
Charge on the first sphere, q1 = 2 × 10−7 C
Charge on the second sphere, q2 = 3 × 10−7 C
Distance between the spheres, r = 30 cm = 0.3 m
Electrostatic force between the spheres is given by the relation,

Where, ∈0 = Permittivity of free space

Hence, force between the two small charged spheres is 6 × 10 −3 N. The charges are of same nature.
Hence, force between them will be repulsive.
Question 1.2:
The electrostatic force on a small sphere of charge 0.4 μC due to another small sphere of charge − 0.8 μC
in air is 0.2 N. (a) What is the distance between the two spheres? (b) What is the force on the second
sphere due to the first?
Answer

Discussion
(a) Electrostatic force on the first sphere, F = 0.2 N
Charge on this sphere, q1 = 0.4 μC = 0.4 × 10−6 C
Charge on the second sphere, q2 = − 0.8 μC = − 0.8 × 10−6 C
Electrostatic force between the spheres is given by the relation,

Where, ∈0 = Permittivity of free space

The distance between the two spheres is 0.12 m.
(b) Both the spheres attract each other with the same force. Therefore, the force on the second sphere
due to the first is 0.2 N.
Question 1.3:
Check that the ratio ke2/G memp is dimensionless. Look up a Table of Physical Constants and determine
the value of this ratio. What does the ratio signify?
Answer

Discussion

The given ratio is .

Where,
G = Gravitational constant
Its unit is N m2 kg−2.
me and mp = Masses of electron and proton.
Their unit is kg.
e = Electric charge.
Its unit is C.

∈0 = Permittivity of free space

Its unit is N m2 C−2.

Hence, the given ratio is dimensionless.

e = 1.6 × 10−19 C
G = 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg-2
me= 9.1 × 10−31 kg
mp = 1.66 × 10−27 kg
Hence, the numerical value of the given ratio is
This is the ratio of electric force to the gravitational force between a proton and an electron, keeping
distance between them constant.
Question 1.4:
(a) Explain the meaning of the statement ‘electric charge of a body is quantised’.
(b) Why can one ignore quantisation of electric charge when dealing with macroscopic i.e., large scale
charges?
Answer

Discussion
(a) Electric charge of a body is quantized. This means that only integral (1, 2, …., n) number of electrons
can be transferred from one body to the other. Charges are not transferred in fraction. Hence, a body
possesses total charge only in integral multiples of electric charge.
(b) In macroscopic or large scale charges, the charges used are huge as compared to the magnitude of
electric charge. Hence, quantization of electric charge is of no use on macroscopic scale. Therefore, it is
ignored and it is considered that electric charge is continuous.
Question 1.5:
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.
Answer

Discussion
Rubbing produces charges of equal magnitude but of opposite nature on the two bodies because
charges are created in pairs. This phenomenon of charging is called charging by friction. The net charge
on the system of two rubbed bodies is zero. This is because equal amount of opposite charges annihilate
each other. When a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth, opposite natured charges appear on both the
bodies. This phenomenon is in consistence with the law of conservation of energy. A similar
phenomenon is observed with many other pairs of bodies.
Question 1.6:
Four point charges qA = 2 μC, qB = −5 μC, qC = 2 μC, and qD = −5 μC are located at the corners of a square
ABCD of side 10 cm. What is the force on a charge of 1 μC placed at the centre of the square?
Answer

Discussion
The given figure shows a square of side 10 cm with four charges placed at its corners. O is the centre of
the square.

Where,
(Sides) AB = BC = CD = AD = 10 cm
(Diagonals) AC = BD = cm
AO = OC = DO = OB = cm
A charge of amount 1μC is placed at point O.
Force of repulsion between charges placed at corner A and centre O is equal in magnitude but opposite
in direction relative to the force of repulsion between the charges placed at corner C and centre O.
Hence, they will cancel each other. Similarly, force of attraction between charges placed at corner B and
centre O is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction relative to the force of attraction between the
charges placed at corner D and centre O. Hence, they will also cancel each other. Therefore, net force
caused by the four charges placed at the corner of the square on 1 μC charge at centre O is zero.
Question 1.7:
(a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve. That is, a field line cannot have sudden breaks. Why
not?
(b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at any point?
Answer

Discussion
(a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve because a charge experiences a continuous force
when traced in an electrostatic field. The field line cannot have sudden breaks because the charge
moves continuously and does not jump from one point to the other.
(b) If two field lines cross each other at a point, then electric field intensity will show two directions at
that point. This is not possible. Hence, two field lines never cross each other.
Question 1.8:
Two point charges qA = 3 μC and qB = −3 μC are located 20 cm apart in vacuum.
(a) What is the electric field at the midpoint O of the line AB joining the two charges?
(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?
Answer

Discussion
(a) The situation is represented in the given figure. O is the mid-point of line AB.

Distance between the two charges, AB = 20 cm

∴AO = OB = 10 cm
Net electric field at point O = E
Electric field at point O caused by +3μC charge,

E1 = along OB
Where,
= Permittivity of free space

Magnitude of electric field at point O caused by −3μC charge,

E2 = = along OB

= 5.4 × 106 N/C along OB

Therefore, the electric field at mid-point O is 5.4 × 10 6 N C−1 along OB.
(b) A test charge of amount 1.5 × 10−9 C is placed at mid-point O.
q = 1.5 × 10−9 C
Force experienced by the test charge = F
∴F = qE
= 1.5 × 10−9 × 5.4 × 106
= 8.1 × 10−3 N
The force is directed along line OA. This is because the negative test charge is repelled by the charge
placed at point B but attracted towards point A.
Therefore, the force experienced by the test charge is 8.1 × 10 −3 N along OA.
Question 1.9:
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 cm) and
B: (0, 0, + 15 cm), respectively. What are the total charge and electric dipole moment of the system?
Answer

Discussion
Both the charges can be located in a coordinate frame of reference as shown in the given figure.

At A, amount of charge, qA = 2.5 × 10−7C

At B, amount of charge, qB = −2.5 × 10−7 C
Total charge of the system,
q = qA + qB
= 2.5 × 107 C − 2.5 × 10−7 C
=0
Distance between two charges at points A and B,
d = 15 + 15 = 30 cm = 0.3 m
Electric dipole moment of the system is given by,
p = qA × d = qB × d
= 2.5 × 10−7 × 0.3
= 7.5 × 10−8 C m along positive z-axis
Therefore, the electric dipole moment of the system is 7.5 × 10 −8 C m along positive z−axis.
Question 1.10:
An electric dipole with dipole moment 4 × 10 −9 C m is aligned at 30° with the direction of a uniform
electric field of magnitude 5 × 104 N C−1. Calculate the magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole.
Answer

Discussion
Electric dipole moment, p = 4 × 10−9 C m
Angle made by p with a uniform electric field, θ = 30°
Electric field, E = 5 × 104 N C−1
Torque acting on the dipole is given by the relation,
τ = pE sinθ

Therefore, the magnitude of the torque acting on the dipole is 10 −4 N m.

Question 1.11:
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?)
(b) Is there a transfer of mass from wool to polythene?
Answer

Discussion
(a) When polythene is rubbed against wool, a number of electrons get transferred from wool to
polythene. Hence, wool becomes positively charged and polythene becomes negatively charged.
Amount of charge on the polythene piece, q = −3 × 10−7 C
Amount of charge on an electron, e = −1.6 × 10−19 C
Number of electrons transferred from wool to polythene = n
n can be calculated using the relation,
q = ne

= 1.87 × 1012
Therefore, the number of electrons transferred from wool to polythene is 1.87 × 10 12.
(b) Yes.
There is a transfer of mass taking place. This is because an electron has mass,
me = 9.1 × 10−3 kg
Total mass transferred to polythene from wool,
m = me × n
= 9.1 × 10−31 × 1.85 × 1012
= 1.706 × 10−18 kg
Hence, a negligible amount of mass is transferred from wool to polythene.
Question 1.12:
(a) Two insulated charged copper spheres A and B have their centers separated by a distance of 50 cm.
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.
(b) What is the force of repulsion if each sphere is charged double the above amount, and the distance
between them is halved?
Answer

Discussion
(a) Charge on sphere A, qA = Charge on sphere B, qB = 6.5 × 10−7 C
Distance between the spheres, r = 50 cm = 0.5 m
Force of repulsion between the two spheres,

Where,
∈0 = Free space permittivity

= 9 × 109 N m2 C−2

∴
= 1.52 × 10−2 N
Therefore, the force between the two spheres is 1.52 × 10 −2 N.
(b) After doubling the charge, charge on sphere A, qA = Charge on sphere B, qB = 2 × 6.5 × 10−7 C = 1.3 ×
10−6 C
The distance between the spheres is halved.

∴
Force of repulsion between the two spheres,

= 16 × 1.52 × 10−2
= 0.243 N
Therefore, the force between the two spheres is 0.243 N.
Question 1.13:
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?
Answer
Discussion
Distance between the spheres, A and B, r = 0.5 m
Initially, the charge on each sphere, q = 6.5 × 10−7 C

When sphere A is touched with an uncharged sphere C, amount of charge from A will transfer to

sphere C. Hence, charge on each of the spheres, A and C, is .

When sphere C with charge is brought in contact with sphere B with charge q, total charges on the
system will divide into two equal halves given as,

Each sphere will share each half. Hence, charge on each of the spheres, C and B, is .

Force of repulsion between sphere A having charge and sphere B having charge =

Therefore, the force of attraction between the two spheres is 5.703 × 10 −3 N.

Question 1.14:
Figure 1.33 shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniform electrostatic field. Give the signs of the
three charges. Which particle has the highest charge to mass ratio?

Answer

Discussion
Opposite charges attract each other and same charges repel each other. It can be observed that
particles 1 and 2 both move towards the positively charged plate and repel away from the negatively
charged plate. Hence, these two particles are negatively charged. It can also be observed that particle 3
moves towards the negatively charged plate and repels away from the positively charged plate. Hence,
particle 3 is positively charged.
The charge to mass ratio (emf) is directly proportional to the displacement or amount of deflection for a
given velocity. Since the deflection of particle 3 is the maximum, it has the highest charge to mass ratio.
Question 1.15:
Consider a uniform electric field E = 3 × 103 îN/C. (a) What is the flux of this field through a square of 10
cm on a side whose plane is parallel to the yz plane? (b) What is the flux through the same square if the
normal to its plane makes a 60° angle with the x-axis?
Answer

Discussion
(a) Electric field intensity, = 3 × 103 î N/C

Magnitude of electric field intensity, = 3 × 103 N/C

Side of the square, s = 10 cm = 0.1 m
Area of the square, A = s2 = 0.01 m2
The plane of the square is parallel to the y-z plane. Hence, angle between the unit vector normal to the
plane and electric field, θ = 0°
Flux (Φ) through the plane is given by the relation,

Φ=
= 3 × 103 × 0.01 × cos0°
= 30 N m2/C
(b) Plane makes an angle of 60° with the x-axis. Hence, θ = 60°

Flux, Φ =
= 3 × 103 × 0.01 × cos60°

= 15 N m2/C
Question 1.16:
What is the net flux of the uniform electric field of Exercise 1.15 through a cube of side 20 cm oriented
so that its faces are parallel to the coordinate planes?
Answer

Discussion
All the faces of a cube are parallel to the coordinate axes. Therefore, the number of field lines entering
the cube is equal to the number of field lines piercing out of the cube. As a result, net flux through the
cube is zero.
Question 1.17:
Careful measurement of the electric field at the surface of a black box indicates that the net outward
flux through the surface of the box is 8.0 × 10 3 N m2/C. (a) What is the net charge inside the box? (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?
Answer

Discussion
(a) Net outward flux through the surface of the box, Φ = 8.0 × 103 N m2/C
For a body containing net charge q, flux is given by the relation,
∈0 = Permittivity of free space
= 8.854 × 10−12 N−1C2 m−2
q = ∈0Φ
= 8.854 × 10−12 × 8.0 × 103
= 7.08 × 10−8
= 0.07 μC
Therefore, the net charge inside the box is 0.07 μC.
(b) No
Net flux piercing out through a body depends on the net charge contained in the body. If net flux is zero,
then it can be inferred that net charge inside the body is zero. The body may have equal amount of
positive and negative charges.
Question 1.18:
A point charge +10 μC is a distance 5 cm directly above the centre of a square of side 10 cm, 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 10 cm.)

Answer

Discussion
The square can be considered as one face of a cube of edge 10 cm with a centre where charge q is
placed. According to Gauss’s theorem for a cube, total electric flux is through all its six faces.

Hence, electric flux through one face of the cube i.e., through the square,

Where,
∈0 = Permittivity of free space
= 8.854 × 10−12 N−1C2 m−2
q = 10 μC = 10 × 10−6 C

∴
= 1.88 × 105 N m2 C−1
Therefore, electric flux through the square is 1.88 × 10 5 N m2 C−1.
Question 1.19:
A point charge of 2.0 μC is at the centre of a cubic Gaussian surface 9.0 cm on edge. What is the net
electric flux through the surface?
Answer

Discussion
Net electric flux (ΦNet) through the cubic surface is given by,

Where,
∈0 = Permittivity of free space
= 8.854 × 10−12 N−1C2 m−2
q = Net charge contained inside the cube = 2.0 μC = 2 × 10 −6 C

∴
= 2.26 × 105 N m2 C−1
The net electric flux through the surface is 2.26 ×10 5 N m2C−1.
Question 1.20:
A point charge causes an electric flux of −1.0 × 10 3 Nm2/C to pass through a spherical Gaussian surface of
10.0 cm radius centered on the charge. (a) If the radius of the Gaussian surface were doubled, how
much flux would pass through the surface? (b) What is the value of the point charge?
Answer

Discussion
(a) Electric flux, Φ = −1.0 × 103 N m2/C
Radius of the Gaussian surface,
r = 10.0 cm
Electric flux piercing out through a surface depends on the net charge enclosed inside a body. It does
not depend on the size of the body. If the radius of the Gaussian surface is doubled, then the flux
passing through the surface remains the same i.e., −10 3 N m2/C.
(b) Electric flux is given by the relation,

Where,
q = Net charge enclosed by the spherical surface
∈0 = Permittivity of free space = 8.854 × 10 −12 N−1C2 m−2
∴
= −1.0 × 103 × 8.854 × 10−12
= −8.854 × 10−9 C
= −8.854 nC
Therefore, the value of the point charge is −8.854 nC.
Question 1.21:
A conducting sphere of radius 10 cm has an unknown charge. If the electric field 20 cm from the centre
of the sphere is 1.5 × 103 N/C and points radially inward, what is the net charge on the sphere?
Answer

Discussion
Electric field intensity (E) at a distance (d) from the centre of a sphere containing net charge q is given by
the relation,

Where,
q = Net charge = 1.5 × 103 N/C
d = Distance from the centre = 20 cm = 0.2 m
∈0 = Permittivity of free space

And, = 9 × 109 N m2 C−2

= 6.67 × 109 C
= 6.67 nC
Therefore, the net charge on the sphere is 6.67 nC.
Question 1.22:
A uniformly charged conducting sphere of 2.4 m diameter has a surface charge density of 80.0 μC/m 2.
(a) Find the charge on the sphere. (b) What is the total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere?
Answer

Discussion
(a) Diameter of the sphere, d = 2.4 m
Radius of the sphere, r = 1.2 m
Surface charge density, = 80.0 μC/m2 = 80 × 10−6 C/m2
Total charge on the surface of the sphere,
Q = Charge density × Surface area
=
= 80 × 10−6 × 4 × 3.14 × (1.2)2
= 1.447 × 10−3 C
Therefore, the charge on the sphere is 1.447 × 10 −3 C.
(b) Total electric flux ( ) leaving out the surface of a sphere containing net charge Q is given by the
relation,

Where,
∈0 = Permittivity of free space
= 8.854 × 10−12 N−1C2 m−2
Q = 1.447 × 10−3 C
= 1.63 × 108 N C−1 m2
Therefore, the total electric flux leaving the surface of the sphere is 1.63 × 10 8 N C−1 m2.
Question 1.23:
An infinite line charge produces a field of 9 × 10 4 N/C at a distance of 2 cm. Calculate the linear charge
density.
Answer

Discussion
Electric field produced by the infinite line charges at a distance d having linear charge density λ is given
by the relation,

Where,
d = 2 cm = 0.02 m
E = 9 × 104 N/C
∈0 = Permittivity of free space

= 9 × 109 N m2 C−2

= 10 μC/m
Therefore, the linear charge density is 10 μC/m.
Question 1.24:
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 C/m2. What is E: (a) in the outer
region of the first plate, (b) in the outer region of the second plate, and (c) between the plates?
Answer

Discussion
The situation is represented in the following figure.

A and B are two parallel plates close to each other. Outer region of plate A is labelled as I, outer region
of plate B is labelled as III, and the region between the plates, A and B, is labelled as II.
Charge density of plate A, σ = 17.0 × 10−22 C/m2
Charge density of plate B, σ = −17.0 × 10−22 C/m2
In the regions, I and III, electric field E is zero. This is because charge is not enclosed by the respective
plates.
Electric field E in region II is given by the relation,

Where,
∈0 = Permittivity of free space = 8.854 × 10 −12 N−1C2 m−2

∴
= 1.92 × 10−10 N/C
Therefore, electric field between the plates is 1.92 × 10 −10 N/C.
Question 1.25:
An oil drop of 12 excess electrons is held stationary under a constant electric field of 2.55 × 10 4 N C−1 in
Millikan’s oil drop experiment. The density of the oil is 1.26 g cm −3. Estimate the radius of the drop. (g =
9.81 m s−2; e = 1.60 × 10−19 C).
Answer

Discussion
Excess electrons on an oil drop, n = 12
Electric field intensity, E = 2.55 × 104 N C−1
Density of oil, ρ = 1.26 gm/cm3 = 1.26 × 103 kg/m3
Acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.81 m s −2
Charge on an electron, e = 1.6 × 10−19 C
Radius of the oil drop = r
Force (F) due to electric field E is equal to the weight of the oil drop (W)
F=W
Eq = mg

Ene
Where,
q = Net charge on the oil drop = ne
m = Mass of the oil drop
= Volume of the oil drop × Density of oil

= 9.82 × 10−4 mm
Therefore, the radius of the oil drop is 9.82 × 10 −4 mm.
Question 1.26:
Which among the curves shown in Fig. 1.35 cannot possibly represent electrostatic field lines?
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)
Answer

Discussion
(a) The field lines showed in (a) do not represent electrostatic field lines because field lines must be normal to the
surface of the conductor.
(b) The field lines showed in (b) do not represent electrostatic field lines because the field lines cannot emerge
from a negative charge and cannot terminate at a positive charge.
(c) The field lines showed in (c) represent electrostatic field lines. This is because the field lines emerge from the
positive charges and repel each other.
(d) The field lines showed in (d) do not represent electrostatic field lines because the field lines should not
intersect each other.
(e) The field lines showed in (e) do not represent electrostatic field lines because closed loops are not formed in
the area between the field lines.
Question 1.27:
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 metre.
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?
Answer

Discussion
Dipole moment of the system, p = q × dl = −10−7 C m
Rate of increase of electric field per unit length,

Force (F) experienced by the system is given by the relation,

F = qE

= −10−7 × 10−5
= −10−2 N
The force is −10−2 N in the negative z-direction i.e., opposite to the direction of electric field. Hence, the angle
between electric field and dipole moment is 180°.
Torque (τ) is given by the relation,
τ = pE sin180°
=0
Therefore, the torque experienced by the system is zero.
Question 1.28:
(a) A conductor A with a cavity as shown in Fig. 1.36(a) is given a charge Q. Show that the entire charge must
appear on the outer surface of the conductor. (b) Another conductor B with charge q is inserted into the cavity
keeping B insulated from A. Show that the total charge on the outside surface of A is Q + q [Fig. 1.36(b)]. (c) A
sensitive instrument is to be shielded from the strong electrostatic fields in its environment. Suggest a possible
way.

Answer

Discussion
(a) Let us consider a Gaussian surface that is lying wholly within a conductor and enclosing the cavity. The electric
field intensity E inside the charged conductor is zero.

Let q is the charge inside the conductor and is the permittivity of free space.
According to Gauss’s law,

Flux,
Here, E = 0

Therefore, charge inside the conductor is zero.

The entire charge Q appears on the outer surface of the conductor.
(b) The outer surface of conductor A has a charge of amount Q. Another conductor B having charge +q is kept
inside conductor A and it is insulated from A. Hence, a charge of amount −q will be induced in the inner surface of
conductor A and +q is induced on the outer surface of conductor A. Therefore, total charge on the outer surface of
conductor A is Q + q.
(c) A sensitive instrument can be shielded from the strong electrostatic field in its environment by enclosing it fully
inside a metallic surface. A closed metallic body acts as an electrostatic shield.
Question 1.29:

A hollow charged conductor has a tiny hole cut into its surface. Show that the electric field in the hole is
, where is the unit vector in the outward normal direction, and is the surface charge density near the hole.
Answer

Discussion
Let us consider a conductor with a cavity or a hole. Electric field inside the cavity is zero.

Let E is the electric field just outside the conductor, q is the electric charge, is the charge density, and is the
permittivity of free space.

Charge
According to Gauss’s law,
Therefore, the electric field just outside the conductor is . This field is a superposition of field due to the

cavity and the field due to the rest of the charged conductor . These fields are equal and opposite inside
the conductor, and equal in magnitude and direction outside the conductor.

Therefore, the field due to the rest of the conductor is .

Hence, proved.
Question 1.30:
Obtain the formula for the electric field due to a long thin wire of uniform linear charge density λ without using
Gauss’s law. [Hint: Use Coulomb’s law directly and evaluate the necessary integral.]
Answer

Discussion
Take a long thin wire XY (as shown in the figure) of uniform linear charge density .

Consider a point A at a perpendicular distance l from the mid-point O of the wire, as shown in the following figure.

Let E be the electric field at point A due to the wire, XY.

Consider a small length element dx on the wire section with OZ = x
Let q be the charge on this piece.

Electric field due to the piece,

The electric field is resolved into two rectangular components. is the perpendicular component and
is the parallel component.
When the whole wire is considered, the component is cancelled.
Only the perpendicular component affects point A.
Hence, effective electric field at point A due to the element dx is dE1.

On differentiating equation (2), we obtain

From equation (2),

Putting equations (3) and (4) in equation (1), we obtain

The wire is so long that tends from to .

By integrating equation (5), we obtain the value of field E1 as,
Therefore, the electric field due to long wire is .
Question 1.31:
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 (+2/3) e, and the ‘down’ quark (denoted by d) of charge (−1/3) e,
together with electrons build 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.
Answer

Discussion

A proton has three quarks. Let there be n up quarks in a proton, each having a charge of .

Charge due to n up quarks

Number of down quarks in a proton = 3 − n

Each down quark has a charge of .

Charge due to (3 − n) down quarks

Total charge on a proton = + e

Number of up quarks in a proton, n = 2

Number of down quarks in a proton = 3 − n = 3 − 2 = 1
Therefore, a proton can be represented as ‘uud’.

A neutron also has three quarks. Let there be n up quarks in a neutron, each having a charge of .
Charge on a neutron due to n up quarks

Number of down quarks is 3 − n,each having a charge of .

Charge on a neutron due to down quarks =

Total charge on a neutron = 0

Number of up quarks in a neutron, n = 1

Number of down quarks in a neutron = 3 − n = 2
Therefore, a neutron can be represented as ‘udd’.
Question 1.32:
(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.
(b) Verify this result for the simple configuration of two charges of the same magnitude and sign placed a certain
distance apart.
Answer

Discussion
(a) Let the equilibrium of the test charge be stable. If a test charge is in equilibrium and displaced from its position
in any direction, then it experiences a restoring force towards a null point, where the electric field is zero. All the
field lines near the null point are directed inwards towards the null point. There is a net inward flux of electric field
through a closed surface around the null point. According to Gauss’s law, the flux of electric field through a
surface, which is not enclosing any charge, is zero. Hence, the equilibrium of the test charge can be stable.
(b) Two charges of same magnitude and same sign are placed at a certain distance. The mid-point of the joining
line of the charges is the null point. When a test charged is displaced along the line, it experiences a restoring
force. If it is displaced normal to the joining line, then the net force takes it away from the null point. Hence, the
charge is unstable because stability of equilibrium requires restoring force in all directions.
Question 1.33:
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 an uniform electric field E is maintained

between the plates. Show that the vertical deflection of the particle at the far edge of the plate is qEL2/ (2m ).
Compare this motion with motion of a projectile in gravitational field discussed in Section 4.10 of Class XI Textbook
of Physics.
Answer

Discussion
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)

Therefore, acceleration,
Time taken by the particle to cross the field of length L is given by,

t
In the vertical direction, initial velocity, u = 0
According to the third equation of motion, vertical deflection s of the particle can be obtained as,

Hence, vertical deflection of the particle at the far edge of the plate is

. This is similar to the motion of horizontal projectiles under gravity.

Question 1.34:
Suppose that the particle in Exercise in 1.33 is an electron projected with velocity vx= 2.0 × 106 m s−1. If E between
the plates separated by 0.5 cm is 9.1 × 102 N/C, where will the electron strike the upper plate? (| e | =1.6 × 10−19 C,
me = 9.1 × 10−31 kg.)
Answer

Discussion
Velocity of the particle, vx = 2.0 × 106 m/s
Separation of the two plates, d = 0.5 cm = 0.005 m
Electric field between the two plates, E = 9.1 × 102 N/C
Charge on an electron, q = 1.6 × 10−19 C
Mass of an electron, me = 9.1 × 10−31 kg
Let the electron strike the upper plate at the end of plate L, when deflection is s.
Therefore,
Therefore, the electron will strike the upper plate after travelling 1.6 cm.