12 - Electric Potential - 2022-23 - 220526 - 131453
12 - Electric Potential - 2022-23 - 220526 - 131453
12 - Electric Potential - 2022-23 - 220526 - 131453
PHYSICS
ELECTRO STATICS
Electric Potential
STUDY PACKAGE
Electric Potential
Electrostatic potential of a body represents the degree of electrification of the body. It
determines the direction of flow of charge between two charged bodies placed in contact with
each other. The charge always flows from a body at higher potential to another body at lower
potential. The flow of charge stops as soon as the potentials of the two bodies become equal.
Electrostatic potential is characteristic of electric field associated with a given charge
configuration.
To make this characteristic independent of the magnitude of test charge, we define -
Electric potential difference between two points B and A in an electrostatic field as the
amount of work done in carrying unit positive test charge from A to B (against the
electrostatic force of the field) along any path between the two points.
This work done against electrostatic force gets stored as potential energy.
𝑊𝐴𝐵 𝐵
= − ∫𝐴 𝐸�⃗ . ����⃗
𝑑𝑙
𝑞𝑜
𝐵
So, ∆V = − ∫𝐴 𝐸�⃗ . ����⃗
𝑑𝑙 ……… (i)
Thus, potential difference is negative of the line integral of electric field from one point
to another.
Definition of 1 volt
Potential difference between any two points in an electrostatic field is said to be one volt
when one joule of work is done in moving a positive charge of one coulomb from one
point to the other against the electrostatic force of the field.
We can, however, define electric potential at a point by choosing the potential to be zero at
infinity. If we take point A at infinity, VA= 0. From (4),
𝑊∞𝐵
Hence, 𝑉𝐵 = …………(5)
𝑞
Electrostatic potential at any point in a region of electrostatic field is the minimum work
done in carrying a unit positive charge (without acceleration) from infinity to that point.
Electrostatic potential at a point is a scalar quantity. Its SI unit is volt.
Similarly, work done in carrying unit positive charge from B to A along any other path L'
𝑊𝐵𝐴
= 𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵
𝑞0
Hence no work is done in moving a unit positive test charge over a closed path in an electric
field. Hence electrostatic field is a conservative field and electrostatic forces are conservative
forces in nature.
Mathematically, we can write this result as
𝑬 . �����⃗
� ���⃗ 𝒅𝒍 = 𝟎
So, line integral of electric field over a closed path in the electric field is always zero.
By definition, electric potential at P is the amount of work done in carrying a unit positive
charge from ∞ to P.
As work done is independent of the path, we choose a convenient path along the radial
direction from infinity to the point P.
At some intermediate point A on this path, where OA = x, the electrostatic force on unit
positive charge is
1
𝐸= , along OA produced …………….(1)
4 𝜋 𝜀0 𝑥 2
Small amount of work done in moving a unit positive charge from A to B where �����⃗
𝐴𝐵 = 𝑑𝑥����⃗ is
����⃗ = E dx cos 180° = − E dx
dW = 𝐸�⃗ . 𝑑𝑥 ..………….(2)
∴ Total work done in moving unit + charge from ∞ to the point P is
𝑟
𝑊 = ∫∞ − 𝐸 𝑑𝑥
𝑟 1 𝑞
= ∫∞ − 𝑑𝑥
4𝜋∈ 0 𝑥2
𝑞 𝑟
=− ∫ 𝑥 −2 𝑑𝑥
4 𝜋 ∈0 ∞
𝑞 1 𝑟
=− �− �
4 𝜋 ∈0 𝑥 ∞
𝑞 1 1
𝑊= � − �
4 𝜋 ∈0 𝑟 ∞
𝑞
=
4 𝜋 ∈0 𝑟
𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2
1 −𝑞 1 𝑞
= . + .
4 𝜋𝜖0 𝐴𝑃 4 𝜋𝜖0 𝐵𝑃
1 𝑞 1 𝑞
=− . + .
4 𝜋𝜖0 𝑟+𝑎 4 𝜋𝜖0 𝑟−𝑎
𝑞 1 1
= � − �
4 𝜋𝜖0 𝑟−𝑎 𝑟+𝑎
𝑞 (𝑟 + 𝑎) − (𝑟 − 𝑎)
= � �
4 𝜋𝜖0 𝑟 2 − 𝑎2
1 𝑞 ×2𝑎
= .
4 𝜋𝜖0 𝑟 2−𝑎 2
1 𝑝
or 𝑉= . [∵ 𝑝 = 𝑞 × 2𝑎]
4 𝜋𝜖0 𝑟 2 − 𝑎2
1 𝑝
For a short dipole, 𝑎2 < < 𝑟 2 , so 𝑉 = . 2.
4 𝜋𝜖0 𝑟
𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2
1 −𝑞 1 𝑞
= . + .
4𝜋𝜖0 𝐴𝑃 4𝜋𝜖0 𝐵𝑃
𝟏 𝒒 𝟏 𝒒
=− . + . =𝟎
𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 �𝒓𝟐 + 𝒂𝟐 𝟒𝝅𝝐𝟎 �𝒓𝟐 + 𝒂𝟐
1 1 1
V= q� − � ……….. (1)
4πϵ0 𝑃𝐵 𝑃𝐴
In case the length of the dipole is very small as compared to distance r, then
PA = PM = PO + OM = r + a cosθ
Similarly, PB = PN = PO – ON = r − a cosθ
1 r + a cosθ − r + a cosθ
= q� 𝑟 2 − 𝑎 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
�
4πϵ0
1 2 a cosθ
= q �𝑟 2 − 𝑎2𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃�, as p = q (2a)
4πϵ0
1 p cosθ
= �
𝑟 2 − 𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
� ……….(ii)
4πϵ0
The equation (ii) gives electric potential due to the dipole at a distance r from its centre in a
direction making an angle θ with the dipole.
Special cases: Let us find the electric potential due to the dipole in the following two cases:
1). When point P lies on the axial line of the dipole. In such a case, θ = 0° and cos 0° = 1.
1 p
Therefore, Vaxial = � �
4πϵ0 𝑟2 − 𝑎2
1 p
If r >> a, then Vaxial =
4πϵ0 𝑟 2
2). When point P lies on the equatorial line of the dipole. In such a case, θ = 90° and cos 90° = 0.
Therefore, Vequi = 0.
(ii) When point P lies on the surface of the shell. Here r = R. Hence the potential on the
surface of the shell is
1 𝑞
V= [For r = R]
4 𝜋𝜀0 𝑅
(iii) When point P lies inside the shell; The electric fieid at any point inside the shell is
constant everywhere inside the shell and its value is equal to that one on the surface.
1 𝑞
Thus, V= [For r < R]
4 𝜋𝜀0 𝑅
Figure shows the variation of the potential V due to a uniformly charged spherical shell
with distance r measured from the centre of the shell. Note that V is constant
(= q/4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅) from r = 0 to r = R along a horizontal line and thereafter V ∝ 1/r for points
outside the shell.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
1. Electric potential is a scalar quantity while potential gradient is a vector quantity.
2. The electric potential near an isolated positive charge is positive because work has to be
done by an external agent to push a positive charge in, from infinity.
3. The electric potential near an isolated negativity charge is attracted by the negetive
charge.
4. The electric potential due to a charge q at its own location is not defined – it is infinite.
5. Because of arbitrary choice of the reference point, the electric potential at point is
arbitrary to within an additive constant. But it is immaterial because it is the potential
difference between two points which is physically significant.
6. For defining electric potential at any point, generally a point far away from the source
charge is taken as the reference point. Such a point is assumed to be at infinity.
7. As the electrostatic force is a conservative force, so the work done in moving a unit
positive charge from one point to another or the potential difference between two points
does not depend on the path along which the test charge is moved.
EQUIPOTENTIAL SURFACES
Any surface, which has same electrostatic potential at every point, is called an
equipotential surface. The equipotential surfaces can be drawn through any region, in which
there is electric field. If all the points at same potential in the electric field are joined, an
equipotential surface is obtained.
Suppose ����⃗
𝑑𝑟 is perpendicular distance between the two equipotential surfaces. When a unit
positive charge is taken along this perpendicular distance from the surface B to the surface A
against the electric field.
Work done, By definition, WBA = – E (dr)
WBA = VA – VB = V – (V – dV) = dV
– E (dr) = dV
𝑑𝑉
or E=−
𝑑𝑟
Negative sign shows that the direction of electric field E is the direction of decreasing
potential.
Further, the magnitude of electric field is given by change in magnitude of potential per unit
displacement normal to the equipotential surface at the point. This is called potential gradient,
|𝑑𝑉|
�𝐸�⃗ � = − = −(potential gradient)
𝑑𝑟
EXPRESSION FOR ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A SYSTEM OF
CHARGES
The electric potential energy is the energy possessed by a system of point charges by virtue of
their positions. When two charges are infinite distance apart, their fields do not extend upto
each other. Their electric potential energy is zero, because no work is done in moving a
charge at infinite distance where electric field is zero. Hence we may define
Electric potential energy of a system of point charges as the total amount of work done
in bringing the various charges to their respective positions from infinitely large mutual
separations.
W = potential × charge
q1
W= × q2
4πϵ0 r12
This is stored in the system of two point charges qi and q2 in the form of electric potential
energy U.
q1 q2
Thus U=W=
4πϵ0 r12
1 𝑞1 𝑞3 𝑞2 𝑞3
= � + �
4πϵ0 𝑟13 𝑟23
1 𝑞1 𝑞4 𝑞2 𝑞4 𝑞3 𝑞4
W4 = � + + �
4πϵ0 𝑟14 𝑟24 𝑟34
U = W = W1 + W2 + W3 + W4
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 1 𝑞1 𝑞3 𝑞2 𝑞3 1 𝑞1 𝑞4 𝑞2 𝑞4 𝑞3 𝑞4
=0+ � �+ � + �+ � + + �
4πϵ0 𝑟12 4πϵ0 𝑟13 𝑟23 4πϵ0 𝑟14 𝑟24 𝑟34
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑞1 𝑞3 𝑞1 𝑞4 𝑞2 𝑞3 𝑞2 𝑞4 𝑞3 𝑞4
= � + + + + + �
4πϵ0 𝑟12 𝑟13 𝑟14 𝑟23 𝑟24 𝑟34
We have now to determine potential energy of a charge (or charges) in an external field 𝐸�⃗
which is not produced by the given charges whose potential energy we have to calculate. The
sources which produce external field 𝐸�⃗ are often unknown and they are of no interest to us.
The external electric field E and the corresponding external potential V may change from
point to point. If V (𝑟⃗) is external potential at any point P of position vector 1, then by
definition, work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to the point P is equal to
V.
Therefore, work done in bringing a charge q from infinity to the point P in the external field
= q.V(𝒓
�⃗).
This work is stored in the charged particle in the form of its potential energy.
While bringing q2 from infinity to position 𝑟���⃗2 work has also to be done against the field due
q1 q2
to ql. This is W3 = where r12 is the distance between q1 and q2.
4πϵ0 r12
By the superposition principle, we add up the work done and find P.E. of the system = Total
work done in assembling the charge configuration
U = W1 + W2 + W3
𝐪𝟏 𝐪𝟐
= q1.V(𝒓 𝟏 + q2.V(𝒓
����⃗) 𝟐 +
����⃗)
𝟒𝛑𝛜𝟎 𝐫𝟏𝟐
𝑚𝑔 𝑑 3 × 10−16 × 10 × 5 × 10−3
V= = = 9.375 V.
𝑞 10 × 1.6 × 10−19
22
= 9 × 109 × 4 × × 14 × 10−2 × 10−6 𝑉 = 𝟏𝟓𝟖𝟒𝟎 𝐕.
7
3. Twenty seven drops of same size are charged at 220 V each. They coalesce to form a bigger
drop. Calculate the potential of the bigger-drop.
Ans. Let radius of each small drop = r
Radius of large drop = R
4 4
Then 3 𝜋 𝑅3 = 27 × 3 𝜋 𝑟 3
𝑅 = 3𝑟
1 𝑞
Potential of each small drop, 𝑉= .𝑟
4 𝜋 𝜖0
[∵ 𝐴𝐸 = 𝐷𝐸, 𝐵𝐸 = 𝐶𝐸]
𝑎 2
√5𝑎
Now, 𝐴𝐹 = 𝐵𝐹 = �𝑎2 + � � =
2 2
= −5 × 103 𝑁𝐶 −1 × 4 × 10−2 𝑚
= −200 𝑉 �∆𝑥 = 𝐴𝐵 = √52 − 32 = 4 𝑐𝑚�
8. Figure shows some equipotential surfaces. What can you say about the magnitude and
the direction of the electric field?
Ans. For the equipotential surface of 60 V,
𝑘𝑞 𝑘𝑞
60 𝑉 = =
𝑟 0.10 𝑚
Or 𝑘𝑞 = 60 𝑉 × 0.10 𝑚 = 6 𝑉𝑚
𝑘𝑞 6
∴ 𝐸= = 𝑉𝑚
𝑟2 𝑟2
Clearly E decreases with r. The direction of electric field will be radially outward because V
decreases with r.
∴ AC = BD = √𝑑 2 + 𝑑 2 = √2 d
Work required to put the four charges together = Total electrostatics P.E. of the four
charges
1 𝑞𝐴 𝑞𝐵 𝑞𝐴 𝑞𝐶 𝑞𝐴 𝑞𝐷 𝑞𝐵 𝑞𝐶 𝑞𝐵 𝑞𝐷 𝑞𝐶 𝑞𝐷
= � + + + + + �
4𝜋 𝜖0 𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝐷 𝐵𝐶 𝐵𝐷 𝐶𝐷
1 𝑞2 𝑞2 𝑞2 𝑞2 𝑞2 𝑞2 𝑞2
= �− + − − + − � =− �𝟒 − √𝟐�
4𝜋 𝜖0 𝑑 √2𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 √2𝑑 𝑑 4𝜋 𝜖 0
Ans. No. This is not possible because the work done in carrying a test
charge along a closed path ABCDA, as shown in Figure. (b), will
not be zero. More work is done along CD, less along AB, zero
along BC and DA. But in an electric field, work done is essentially
zero as it is a conservative field.
𝑑𝑉
E=−
𝑑𝑟
For constant dV, E ∝ 1/dr. The stronger the field, the closer the equipotential surfaces. As
the equipotential surfaces are closed in the neighbourhood of B, so the field is greatest at B.
12. The equipotential surfaces of certain field are shown in Figure. It is
given that 𝑽𝟏 > 𝑽𝟐 . Draw the corresponding lines of force for this
pattern. Also state the region in which the electric field intensity is
highest.
13. Suggest a configuration of three point charges separated by finite distances that has zero
electric potential energy.
Ans. The configuration of three charges − q, + q and + q shown in Figure has zero potential
energy.
𝑞 . 𝑞 𝑞(−𝑞) (−𝑞) 𝑞
𝑈=𝑘 + 𝑘 +𝑘 = 𝟎.
𝑟 2𝑟 2𝑟
or 𝑉𝐶 − 𝑉𝐴 = 4𝐸 ⇒ 𝑉𝐶 > 𝑉𝐴
(ii) The direction of the electric field is in the direction of decreasing potential, so 𝑉𝐶 > 𝑉𝐴 .
15. Two uniformly large parallel thin plates having charge densities + 𝝈 and − 𝝈 are kept in
the X-Z plane at a distance 'd' apart. Sketch an equipotential surface due to electric
field between the plates. If a particle of mass m and charge '−q' remains stationary
between plates, what is the magnitude and direction of this field?
Ans. Two parallel plates having charge densities +𝜎 and −𝜎 kept in the X-Z plane are shown in
Figure. Also, a plane equipotential surface is shown. The field 𝐸�⃗ acts in the –Y direction. The
upward electric force on charge −q balances its weight mg.
16. Find the P.E. associated with a charge ‘q’ if it were present at the point P with respect
to the 'set-up' of two charged spheres, arranged as shown in figure. Here O is the mid-
point of the line 𝑶𝟏 𝑶𝟐 .
Ans. 𝑟1 = 𝑂1 𝑃 = �𝑟 2 + (2𝑎 + 𝑏)2
𝑟2 = 𝑂2 𝑃 = �𝑟 2 + (𝑎 + 2𝑏)2
Potential at point P due to 𝑄1 and 𝑄2 is
1 𝑄1 𝑄2
V= � + �
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟1 𝑟2
17. Figure shows the variation of electrostatic potential V with distance 'x' for a given
charge distribution. From the points marked A, B and C, identify the point at which the
electric field is: (i) zero (ii) maximum.
Explain your answer in each case.
Ans. At any point, we have
𝑑𝑉
𝐸 = − = Negative slope of V-x graph
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑉
At point A, =0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑉
At point B, <0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑉
At point C, >0
𝑑𝑥
18. The electric potential as a function of distance x is shown in Figure. Construct a graph
of the electric field strength E.
Ans. We know that
𝑑𝑉
𝐸 = − = Negative slope of V-x graph
𝑑𝑥
For 0 < x < 1,
𝑑𝑉
= +ve constant, so field = − E
𝑑𝑥
For 1 < x < 2,
𝑑𝑉
= 0, so field = 0
𝑑𝑥
For 2 < x < 3,
𝑑𝑉
= −ve constant, so field = + E
𝑑𝑥
19. The two graphs drawn here, show the variation of electrostatic potential (V) with 1/r (r
being distance of the field point from the point charge) for two point charges 𝒒𝟏 and 𝒒𝟐 .
(i) What are the signs of the two charges?
(ii) Which of the two charges has a larger magnitude and why?
Ans. (i) Charge 𝑞1 is –ve while charge 𝑞2 is +ve.
1 𝑞 𝑞 1
(ii) As V = . = .
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
1 𝑞
∴ Slope of V vs. graph =
𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0
As the graph for 𝑞1 has a slope of larger magnitude than that for 𝑞2 , so 𝑞1 has a large
magnitude than 𝑞2 .
21. A charge Q is distributed over two concentric hollow spheres of radii r and R, where
R > r, such that the surface charge densities are equal. Find the potential at the common
centre.
Ans. Let Qr and QR be the charge distributed over the smaller and the larger spheres, respectively.
Then Q = Qr + QR
The surface charge densities will be
𝑄𝑅 𝑄𝑟
σ= =
4 𝜋 𝑅2 4 𝜋 𝑟2
𝑄𝑟 𝑟2
or =
𝑄𝑅 𝑅2
𝑄𝑟 + 𝑄𝑅 𝑟 2 + 𝑅2
or =
𝑄𝑅 𝑅2
𝑄 𝑟 2 + 𝑅2
or =
𝑄𝑅 𝑅2
𝑅2
or 𝑄𝑅 = � �𝑄
𝑅2 + 𝑟 2
𝑟2
Similarly, 𝑄𝑟 = � �𝑄
𝑅2 + 𝑟 2
Potential of shell C: Any point on shell C lies outside the shells A and B.
1 𝑞 𝑞𝐵 𝑞𝐶
∴ 𝑉𝐶 = � 𝐴+ + �
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑐 𝑐 𝑐
1 4𝜋𝑎 2 𝜎 4𝜋𝑏 2 𝜎 4𝜋𝑐 2 𝜎
= � − − �
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑐 𝑐 𝑐
𝜎 𝑎2 𝑏2
or 𝑉𝐶 = � − + 𝑐�.
𝜀0 𝑏 𝑐
1 𝑞2
Potential of shell, 𝑉2 =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2
1 𝑞1
∴ Potential difference, 𝑉 = 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟1
This is independent of 𝑞2 . If 𝑞1 is positive, the potential of inner sphere is always greater than
the potential of shell; so if both inner sphere and shell are connected by a wire, the charge
will necessarily flow sphere to shell.
Ans. (a) Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) be a point on zero potential surface. Let O (location of charge q = 2 µC) Be
origin of coordinate system.
Where 𝑑 = 6 𝑐𝑚 = 6 × 10−2 m.
1 2 ×10−6 1 �−2×10−6�
⟹ + =0
4𝜋𝜀0 �𝑥 2+ 𝑦 2 4𝜋𝜀0 �(𝑑−𝑥)2 + 𝑦 2
1 1
Or =
�𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 �(𝑑−𝑥)2+ 𝑦 2
𝑑
⟹ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑑 − 𝑥 )2 + 𝑦 2 ⟹ 𝑥 = = 3 cm
2
So, plane passing through mid point of line joining A and B has zero potential everywhere.
(b) The direction of electric field is normal to surface PCQ everywhere as shown in figure.
25. Two charged conducting spheres of radii a and b are connected to each other by a wire.
What is the ratio of electric fields at the surfaces of the two spheres. Use the result
obtained to explain why charge density on the sharp and pointed ends of a conductor is
higher than on its flatter portions.
Ans. When conducting spheres are connected by a wire, the potential of each sphere will be the
same. i.e., 𝑉1 = 𝑉2
1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2
If 𝑞1 and 𝑞2 are charges on them after connection, then =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏
𝑞1 𝑎
Ratio of charges; = …(i)
𝑞2 𝑏
That is, the ratio of charges on two spheres after their electrical contact is the same as the
ratio of their radii.
1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2
𝐸1 = , 𝐸2 =
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎 2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏2
𝐸1 𝑞1 𝑏2 𝑎 𝑏 2
∴ = . 𝑎2 = � � . � � [using (i)]
𝐸2 𝑞2 𝑏 𝑎
𝐸1 𝑏
Or =
𝐸2 𝑎
Thus, the ratio of electric field strengths on their surfaces is equal to the inverse ratio of their
radii. If 𝜎1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜎2 are the surface charge densities of two spheres, then 𝑞1 = 4𝜋𝑎2 𝜎, and
𝑞2 = 4𝜋𝑏2 𝜎2
4𝜋𝑎 2 𝜎1 𝑎 𝜎1 𝑏
∴ From (i), = ⟹ =
4𝜋𝑏 2 𝜎2 𝑏 𝜎2 𝑎
A flat portion is equivalent to a spherical surface and a pointed portion that of small radius.
𝜎𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙
∴ =
𝜎𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒
Obviously, charge density on flatter parts is very small and on sharp and pointed ends very
large.
Assignment - 1
1. What is the work done by the field of a nucleus in a complete circular orbit of the electron?
What, if the orbit is elliptical?
2. The electric potential is constant in a region. What can you say about electric field there?
3. If the electrostatic field at a given point is zero, must the electrostatic potential be also zero at
that point?
4. A positive charge + q is located at a point at is the work done, if a unit positive charge is
carried once around this charge along a circle of radius ‘r’ about this point?
5. How can you charge a metal sphere positively without touching it?
6. Is the electrostatic potential necessarily zero at a point, where the electric field strength is
zero? Give an example to illustrate your answer.
7. Is the electric potential positive or negative near an isolated positive charge? Why?
8. A hollow metal sphere of radius R carries a charge + Q. Write the expression for
(i) the potential at the surface, and (ii) at a point inside the sphere.
12. How much work is done in moving a 500 μC charge between two points on an equipotential
surface?
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Electric Potential Page 25 of 30
13. Two protons A and B are placed between two parallel plates having a potential difference V.
Will these protons experience equal or unequal force?
14. What is the amount of work done in moving a charge q from the surface of a metal sphere of
radius R to its centre?
16. What will be the equi-potential surfaces corresponding to a uniform grid consisting of long
equally spaced parallel charged wires in a plane?
17. An uncharged insulated conductor A is brought near a charged insulated conductor B. What
happens to charge and potential of B?
18. When kept in an electric field, does an electron move from lower to higher potential or from
higher to lower potential?
19. A metal sphere with a charge Q is surrounded by an uncharged concentric thin spherical
shell. The potential difference between them is V. If the shell is now given an additional
charge Q, what is the new potential difference between them?
20. A metal sphere is charged to a potential of 60 V and is placed inside a concentric spherical
metallic shell of potential 100 V. If the two are joined by a metal wire, in what direction will
the charge flow?
21. Three insulated concentric metal spheres A, B and C have radii R1, R2 and R3 respectively
and have charges Q1, Q2 and Q3 What is the potential and intensity of electric field at a point
P between the spheres B and C at a distance r from the centre O of the spheres.
22. When kept in an electric field, does a proton move from lower to' higher potential or from
higher to lower potential?
23. A positive charge is moved in an electrostatic field from a point at high potential to a point at
low potential. How does its kinetic energy and potential energy change?
24. What is the value of electric potential at a point situated at a distance 'r' along the axial line of
a short dipole of dipole moment p?
25. What is the potential difference between two points situated at distances r1 and r2,
respectively along the equatorial line of a short dipole?
26. How does electric potential vary from point to point inside a thin charged spherical shell?
Draw a graph showing variation of potential with distance.
27. Fig. (a) and (b) show the field lines of a single positive and negative charge respectively.
ii. Give the sign of the potential energy difference of a small negative charge between
the points Q and P; A and B,
iii. Give the sign of the work done by the field in moving a small positive charge from
point Q to P.
iv. Give the sign of the work done by an external agency in moving a small negative
charge from point B to A.
v. Does the kinetic energy of a small negative charge increase or decrease in going from
the point B to A?
V.IMP
(a) (b)
28. Find the electric field between two metal plates 3 mm apart, connected to a 12 V battery.
29. A point charge of 8 mC is located at the origin. Calculate the work done in taking a small
charge of −2 × 10−9 C from a point A (0, 0, 3 cm) to a point B (0, 4cm, 0) via a point C (0, 6
cm, 9 cm).
30. Two charges 5 × 10−8 C and −3 × 10−8 C are located 16 cm apart. At what point(s) on the line
joining the two charges is the electric potential zero? Take the potential at infinity to be zero.
31. A regular hexagon of side 10 cm has a charge 5 pC at each of its vertices. Calculate the
potential at the centre of the hexagon.
Assignment - 2
1. Two charges 2 pC and − 2 pC are placed at points A and B, 6 cm apart.
(a) Identify an equipotential surface of the system.
(b) What is the direction of the electric field at every point on this surface?
2. A metal wire is bent into a circle of radius 10 cm. It is given a charge of 200 µC which
spreads on it uniformly. Calculate the electric potential at its centre.
3. Two charges 3 × 10−8 C and – 2 × 10−8 C are located 15 cm apart. At what point on the line
joining the two charges is the electrical potential zero? Take the potential at infinity to be
zero.
4. ABCD is a square of side 0·2 m. Charges of 2 × 10−9, 4 × 10−9, 8 × 10−9 coulomb are placed at
the corners A, B and C respectively. Calculate the work required to transfer a charge of 2 ×
10−9 coulomb from comer D to the centre of the square.
5. A cube of side ‘b’ has a charge q at each of its vertices. Determine the potential and electric
field due to this charge array at the centre of the cube.
6. 60 J of work must be done to move electric charge equal to 5 C from a point, where potential
is +20 V to another point, where potential is V volt. Find the value of V.
7. Two tiny spheres carrying charges 1.5 pC and 2.5 pC are located 30 cm apart. Find the
potential and electric field:
(a) at the mid-point of the line joining the two charges, and
(b) at a point 10 cm from this mid-point in a plane normal to the line and passing through the
mid-point.
8. 10 joule of work must be done to move a charge of −200 C from the point A to point B.
(i) Which of the two points is at higher potential?
(ii) What is the potential difference?
9. Two charges − q and + q are located at points (0, 0, −a) and (0, 0, a), respectively.
(a) What is the electrostatic potential at the points (0, 0, z) and (x, y, 0)?
(b) Obtain the dependence of potential on the distance r of a point from the origin when
r/a >> 1.
(c) How much work is done in moving a small test charge from the point (5, 0, 0) to
(−7, 0, 0) along the x-axis? Does the answer change if the path of the test charge between
the same points is not along the x-axis? V.IMP
10. A small particle carrying a negative charge of 1.6 × 10−19 C is suspended in equilibrium
between the horizontal metal plates 5 cm apart, having a potential difference of 3000 volt
across them. Find the mass of the particle.
11. How much work is required to be done to reduce the separation between two like charges of
magnitude 100 µC each from 20 cm to 10 cm?
12. Two point charges equal to + 10 µC and + 20 µC are 1 m apart. What is the amount of work
done to bring them closer to each other by 50 cm? [Ans. 1·8 J]
13. Find the amount of work done in arranging the three point charges, on the vertices of an
equilateral triangle ABC, of side 10 cm, as shown in the adjacent figure. [Ans. – 3.24 J]
14. Two point charges 𝑞1 = 10 × 10−8 C and 𝑞2 = − 2 × 10−8 C are separated by a distance
of 60 cm in air. (a) Find at what distance from the charge, would the electric potential be
zero. (a) Also calculate the electrostatic potential energy of the system.
[Ans. (a) 50 cm (b) −3 × 10−5 J]
15. Adjoining figure shows a charge array known as an 'electric quadrupole'. For a point on the
axis of the quadrupole, obtain the dependence of potential on r for r/a >> 1, and contrast your
results with that due to an electric dipole, and an electric monopole (i.e., a single charge).
V.IMP
16. Two fixed equal positive charges each of magnitude 5 × 10-5 C are located at points A and B
separated by a distance of 6 m. An equal and opposite charge moves towards them along the
line COD, the perpendicular bisector of the line AB.
17. The electric potential V(x) in a region along the x-axis varies with the distance x (in metre)
according to the relation V(x) = 4x2. Calculate the force experienced by a 1 pC charge placed
at point x = 1 m. V.IMP
18. A drop of water of mass 18 × 10−3 g falls away from the bottom of charged conducting sphere
of radius 20 cm, carrying with it a charge of 10-9 C and leaving on the sphere a uniformly
distributed charge of 2·5 × 10−6 C. What is the speed of the drop after it has fallen 30 cm?
V.IMP
Assignment - 3
1. Two identical particles of mass m carry a charge Q each. Initially one is at rest on a smooth
horizontal plane and the other is projected along the plane directly towards the first particle
from a large distance, with the speed ‘v’. Find the closest distance of approach. V.IMP
2. Three charges - q, Q and - q are placed at equal distances on a straight line. If the potential
energy of the system of three charges is zero, then what is the ratio of Q : q? [Ans.1: 4]
3. Calculate the work done to dissociate the system of three charges (q = 1·6 × 10-10 C) placed
on the vertices of a triangle as shown in figure. [Ans. 2·53 × 10-10 m]
4. Two isolated metallic solid spheres of radii R and 2 R are charged, such that both of these
have same charge density σ. The spheres are located far away from each other and
connecting by a thin conducting wire. Find the new charge density on the bigger sphere.
𝟓
V.IMP [Ans. 𝝈]
𝟔
5. Two electrons are moving towards each other, each with a velocity of 106 m/s. What will be
closest distance of approach between them? [Ans. 1.26 × 10-10 m]
6. Figure shows some equipotential surfaces. What can you say about the magnitude and
direction of the electric field? [Ans. 120°]
V.IMP
7. A point charge q moves from a point P to a point S along the path PQRS in a uniform electric
field 𝐸�⃗ acting along the positive direction of X-axis. The coordinate of the points P, Q, R and
S are (a, b, 0), (2a, 0, 0), (a, −b, 0) and (0, 0, 0) respectively. Find the work done by the field
in the process. [Ans. – qEa]
8. Three point charges of 1 C, 2 C and 3 C are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of
side 1 m. Calculate the work required to more these charges to the corners of a smaller
equilateral triangle of sides 0.5 m as shown in figure. [Ans. 9.9 × 1010 J]
V.IMP
1000
9. The electric field outside a charged long straight wire given by E = 𝑉𝑚−1 , and is
𝑟
directed outwards. What is the sign of the charge on the wire? If two points A and B are
situated such that 𝑟𝐴 = 0.2 m and 𝑟𝐵 = 0.4 m, find the value of (𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 ). [Ans: 693.1 V]
10. There are two particles each of mass m and carrying a charge Q. Initially one of them is at
rest on a smooth-horizontal plane and the other is projected from a long distance along the
plane, directly towards the first particle with a velocity v. Find the closest distance of
𝟏 𝟒𝑸𝟐
approach. V.IMP [Ans: . ]
𝟒𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒎𝒗𝟐
11. Two electric dipoles of moments 𝑝1 and 𝑝2 are in a straight line. Show that the potential
1 𝑝1 𝑝2
energy of each in the presence of the other is − . , where r is the distance between
2𝜋 𝜀0 𝑟3
𝟏 𝒑𝟏 𝒑𝟐
the dipoles. (Assume r to be much greater than the length of the dipole). [Ans: ]
𝟒𝝅 𝜺𝟎 𝒓𝟑
V.IMP