ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS DEPARTMENT

2 MARK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

SUBJECT CODE: EE 6302

SUBJECT NAME: ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY

 UNIT I
ELECTROSTATICS-I

1. State stokes theorem. (May/June-2007)(Nov/Dec-2008 & 09)

The line integral of a vector around a closed path is equal to the surface integral of the
normal component of its curl over any surface bounded by the path
H.dl = (▼xH).ds
2. Define divergence. (Nov/Dec-2007)(April/May-2011)
The divergence of a vector F at any point is defined as the limit of its surface integral per
unit volume as the volume enclosed by the surface around the point shrinks to zero.

3. State Divergence Theorem. (April/May-2010)

The integral of the divergence of a vector over a volume v is equal to the surface integral
o f the normal component of the vector over the surface bounded by the volume.

4. What is the physical significance of div D?

▼•D=  v
The divergence of a vector flux density is electric flux per unit volume leaving a small
volume. This is equal to the volume charge density.

5. Mention any two sources of electromagnetic fields (or) (April/May-2008) (April/May-2011)

What are the sources of various types of EMF?
 Current carrying conductors.
 Mobile phones. ·
 Microwave oven. ·
 Computer and Television screen. ·
 High voltage Power lines.

6. State the condition for the vector F to be irrotational.

A vector F is said to be irrotational if its curl is zero.
i.e if ▼x F =0 ,then F is said to be irrotational

7. Describe what are the sources of electric field and magnetic field?
Stationary charges produce electric field that are constant in time, hence the term
Electrostatics. Moving charges produce magnetic fields hence the term magnetostatics.

8. State coulombs law.

Coulombs law states that the force between any two point charges is directly proportional
to the product of their magnitudes and inversely proportional to the square of the distance
between them. It is directed along the line joining the two charges.
F=Q1Q2/ 4 r2
9. Define potential difference. (April/May-2010)
Potential difference is defined as the work done in moving a unit positive charge from
one point to another point in an electric field.

10. Define potential. (April/May-2010)

Potential at any point is defined as the work done in moving a unit positive charge from
infinity to that point in an electric field.
V=Q / 4 r

11. State the principle of superposition of fields.

If there are more than two point charges, then each will exert force on the other, then the
force on any charge can be obtained by the principle of superposition. The total electric field at a
point is the algebraic sum of the individual electric field at that point.

12. What is a point charge?

Point charge is one whose maximum dimension is very small in comparison with any
other length. It can also be measured in terms of coulomb.

13. Define linear charge density.

The charge density of the line charge is denoted as ρL and defined as charge per unit length.

ρL = Total charge in coloumb (C/m)

-------------------------------
Total length in metres

14. Define surface charge density.

The charge density of the surface charge is denoted as ρS and defined as charge per unit
surface area.
ρS= Total charge in coloumb (C/m2)
-------------------------------
Total area in square metres

15. Define Biot -Savart Law? (Nov/Dec-2010)

It states that the magnetic flux density at any point due to current element is
proportional to the current element and sine of the angle between the element length and line
joining and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
16. What is a Scalar quantity?
A Quantity which has magnitude only is called Scalar quantity. It is represented by
length. EG: Temperature, Mass, Volume and Energy.

17. What is a Vector quantity?

A Quantity which has both magnitude and direction is called Vector quantity. It is
graphically represented by a line with an arrow to show magnitude and direction.
EG: Force, Velocity, and Acceleration

18. What are co-ordinate systems? List the types.

There are three simple methods to describe a vector accurately such as specific lengths,
directions, angles, projections or components. The three types are
1. Cartesian coordinate system
2. Cylindrical coordinate system
3. Spherical coordinate system

19. Give the properties of Vectors.

1) Vector addition obeys commutative law A + = B +A
2) Vector addition obeys associative law A + (B +C) = (A + B) + C
3) A is also a vector. It has same magnitude; its direction is 1800 away from direction of
A. A - B = A + (- B)

20. Define Scalar or Dot Product.

A.B = ABcos  0 where A = A and B = B and  angle between two vectors. It is denoted
as A.B It is the product of magnitudes of A and B and the cosine of the angle between them.

21. Define Cross or Vector product.

It is denoted as Aҳ B.It is a vector whose magnitude is equal to the product of magnitudes
of two vectors multiplied by the sine angle between them and direction perpendicular to plane
containing A and B.
 UNIT II
ELECTROSTATICS-II

1. State Gauss law for electric fields

The total electric flux passing through any closed surface is equal to the total charge
enclosed by that surface. It can be expressed as Ψ=Q.

2. Define electric flux.

Thus the total number of lines of force in any particular electric field is called the electric
flux. It is represented by the symbol ψ.Similar to the charge, unit of electric flux is also coulomb.

3. Define electric flux density. (Nov/Dec-2007)

Electric flux density is defined as electric flux per unit area. And also the net flux passing
normal through the unit surface area is called electric flux density. It is denoted by D.
D=Q/A

4. Define electric field intensity.

The region where a particular charge exerts a force on any other charge located in that
region is called electric field of that charge. Electric field intensity is also defined as the
electric force per unit positive charge.
E =F/ Q =Q/4 r2 V/m

5. Name few applications of Gauss law in electrostatics.

Gauss law is applied to find the electric field intensity from a closed surface.
e.g. Electric field can be determined for shell, two concentric shell or cylinders.

6. What is the significance physical difference between Poisson’s and Laplace’s equation?
Poisson’s and Laplace equation are useful for determining the electrostatic potential V in
regions at whose boundaries are known.
When the region of interest contains charges in a known distribution, Poisson’s equation
can be used to determine the potential function

7. Give the expression for electric field intensity due to a single shell of charge.
The expression for electric field intensity due to a single shell of charge can be expressed as,
E = Q / 4 r 2
Where Q -charge in C,
ε –Permittivity,
r-radius of sphere.
8. Give the expression for potential between two spherical shells.
The expression for potential between two spherical shells can be expressed as,
V= 1/ 4 (Q1/a - Q2/b)

9. Give the relationship between potential gradiant and electric field.

The expression between gradient and the electric field can be expressed as,
E= - ▼V

10. What is electrostatic force?

The force between any two particles due to existing charges is known as electrostatic
force, repulsive for like and attractive for unlike.

11. What are dielectrics?

Dielectrics are materials that may not conduct electricity through it but on applying
electric field induced charges are produced on its faces. The valence electrons in atoms of a
dielectric are tightly bound to their nucleus.

12. What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electrical device composed of two conductors which are separated
through a dielectric medium and which can store equal and opposite charges ,independent of
whether other conductors in the system are charged or not.

13. Define dielectric strength. (May/June-2006)

The dielectric strength of a dielectric is defined as the maximum value of electric field
that can b applied to the dielectric without its electric breakdown.

14. Define electric dipole & polarization. (April/May-2008) (Nov/Dec-2009& 10)

Dipole or Electric dipole is nothing but two equal and opposite point charges
are separated by a very small distance.
Polarization is defined as dipole moment per unit volume

15. Why water has much greater dielectric constant than mica?
Water has a much greater dielectric constant than mica, because water has a
permanent dipole moment, while mica does not have.

16. Write down the expression for capacitance between two parallel plates.
The expression for capacitance between two parallel plates can be expressed by,
C=A / d
17. What is meant by displacement current? (April/May-2011)
Displacement current is nothing but the current flowing through capacitor.
J= D / t , Ic=dq/dt=Cdv/dt.

18. Write the boundary conditions at the interface between two perfect dielectrics.
i)The tangential component of electric field is continuous
i.e) Et1=Et2
ii)The normal component of electric flux density is continuous
i.e) Dn1=Dn2

19. Explain the conservative property of electric field. (Nov/Dec-2008)

The work done in moving a point charge around a closed path in a electric field is zero.
Such a field is said to be conservative.
E.dl = 0

20. What are all the sources of electric field and magnetic fields?
Stationary charges produce electric fields that are constant in time: hence the term
electrostatics. Moving charges (steady currents) produce magnetic fields that are constant in
time; hence the term magnetostatics.
 UNIT III
MAGNETOSTATICS

1. Write poisson's and Laplace’s equations. (April/May-2010) (Nov/Dec-2010)

Poisson’s equation van be expressed as
▼2V= -  v /
Laplace’s equation can be expressed as
▼2V= 0
V is the potential
 v is the volume charge density
 is the dielectric constant or permittivity of the medium.

2. What are the significant physical differences between Poisson’s and Laplace’s equations?
Poisson's and Laplace’s equations are useful for determining the electrostatic potential V
in regions whose boundaries are known. When the region of interest contains charges poissons
equation can be used to find the potential. When the region is free from charge Laplace equation
is used to find the potential.

3. Define magnetic field strength.

The magnetic field strength (H) is a vector having the same direction as magnetic flux
density. H=B/

4. State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. (Nov/Dec-2010)

Faraday’s law states that electromagnetic force induced in a circuit is equal to the rate of change
of magnetic flux linking the circuit.
Emf= dφ/dt.

5. A conductor of 1m length is dragged with a velocity of 100 m/sec, perpendicular to a field

of 1T.What is the value of emf induced?
L=1m, v=100m/sec, B=1 T, θ=П/2
E=Blvsinθ
=1×1×100=100 v

6. An inductive coil of 10 mH is carrying a current of 10A.What is the energy stored in

magnetic field?
L=10 ×10-3 H, I=10A
Stored energy W= ½ L i2
=1/2×102×10 ×10-3
=0.5 joules.
7. Define inductance.
The inductance of a conductor is defined as the ratio of the linking magnetic flux to the
current producing the flux. L = N / I .

8. Define mutual inductance.

The mutual inductance between two coils is defined as the ratio of induced magnetic
flux linkage in one coil to the current through the other coil.
Where M=N2 12/ I1
N2 is no of turns in coil2
12 is magnetic flux linking with coil 2
I1 is the current through coil 1

9. Define magnetic scalar potential. (May/June-2006)

It is defined as dead quantity whose negative gradient gives the magnetic intensity if there
is no current source present. It can be expresses as H= -▼Vm.

10. State dot rule.

If both currents enter dotted ends of coupled coils or if both currents enter undotted ends,
then the sign on the M will be same as the sign on L.
If one current enters a dotted end and the other an undotted end the sign on the M will be
opposite to the sign on the L.

11. State Lenz’s law. (April/May-2010)

Lenz’s law states that the induced emf in a circuit produces a current,which oppose the
change in magnetic flux producing it.It can be expressed by Emf= -dφ/dt.

12. In a solenoid with an inductance of 5mH current is increasing at the rate of 100A/sec.What
is the value of induced emf?
Emf = L di/dt
= 5×10-3 ×100
=0.5 V

13. Define coupling coefficient.

The fraction of the total flux produced by one coil linking the second coil is called
the coefficient of coupling(K).
K=φ12/ φ1 = φ21/ φ2
φ1 is the flux produced by coil 1
φ12 is flux linking with coil 2
K≤1, √K=M/√L1L2
14. Distinguish between solenoid and toroid.
Solenoid is a cylindrically shaped coil consisting of a large number of closely spaced
turns of insulated wire wound usually on a non magnetic frame. If a long slender solenoid is bent
into the form of a ring and thereby closed on itself it becomes a toroid

15. What is Lorentz force?

If a charge particle is moving with velocity ‘v’ in the presence of both an electric field ‘E’
and a magnetic field ‘B’, then the total electromagnetic force acting on it isThis is called Lorentz
force.
Applications:
i. Used to determine electron or bits in magnetron.
ii. Used to determine proton path in cyclotron.
iii. Used to determining plasma characteristics in a magnetro hydrodynamic generator.
iv. Used to determine the motion of charged particle in a combined electric and magnetic
field.

16. State Biot -Savarts law. (Nov/Dec-2010)

It states that the magnetic flux density at any point due to current element is proportional
to the current element and sine of the angle between the elemental length and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance between them
dB = Idl sin / 4r2

17. State amperes circuital law. (Nov/Dec-2009) (April/May-2011)

Magnetic field intensity around a closed path is equal to the current enclosed by the path.
H • dl=I

18. Distinguish between transformer emf and motional emf. (Nov/Dec-2009)

The emf induced in a stationary conductor due to the change in flux linked with it, it is
called transformer emf.
The emf induced due to the movement of conductor in a magnetic field is called motional
emf or dynamic induced emf.

19. Define magnetic vector potential. (May/June-2006)

It is defined as that quantity whose curl gives the magnetic flux density.
B=▼ x A= / 4J/r dv web/m2
20. Define magnetic moment. (April/May-2010)
A small bar magnet of length l with pole strength Qm may be considered as magnetic
dipole. The product of pole strength Qm and length l is called magnetic moment. m = Qm l
Magnetic dipole is considered as equivalent to current loop with area A and carrying a current I.
The magnetic moment is, m = I A

21. What will be effective inductance, if two inductors are connected in (a) series and (b)
parallel?
a) For series L=L1+L2±2M + sign for aiding
2
b) For parallel L=L1L2-M /L1+L2±2M -Sign for opposition

22. Define current density.

Current density is defined as the ratio of current passing through the enclosed surface area
within the conductor itself.
J= I/A Amp/m 2

23. Define self inductance.

The self inductance of a coil is defined as the rate of total magnetic flux linkage to the
circuit through the coil. i L Nf ,Where, f --- Magnetic flux N --- No. of turns of coil

24. Compare the energy stored in inductor & capacitor.

For magnetic field, energy stored in inductor W=1/2 LI2
For Electric field, Energy stored in capacitor W=1/2CV2

25. Give the relation between magnetic flux and mmf.

The magnetic flux through magnetic circuit is defined as the ratio of magnetic motive force
to the reluctance of the magnetic circuit.
Magnetic flux=mmf/reluctance

26. State point form of ohms law.

Point form of ohms law states that the field strength within a conductor is proportional to
the current density. It can be expressed by,
J= E

27. Write down the magnetic boundary conditions. (Nov/Dec-2009)

i) The normal components of flux density B is continuous across the boundary.
ii) The tangential component of field intensity is continuous across the boundary.
 UNIT IV
ELECTRODYNAMIC FIELDS

1. State Maxwell's fourth equation.

The net magnetic flux emerging through any closed surface is zero.

2. State Maxwell's Third equation

The total electric displacement through the surface enclosing a volume is equal to the
total charge within the volume.

3. Define ohms law at a point

Ohms law at appoint states that the field strength within a conductor is proportional to
current density.

4. State electric displacement.

The electric flux or electric displacement through a closed surface is equal to the charge
enclosed by the surface.

5. What is displacement flux density?

The electric displacement per unit area is known as electric displacement density or
electric flux density.

6. What is the significance of displacement current? (April/May-2011)

The concept of displacement current was introduced to justify the production of magnetic
field in empty space. It signifies that a changing electric field induces a magnetic field .
In empty space the conduction current is zero and the magnetic fields are entirely due to
displacement current.

7. State Poyntings Theorem. (April/May-2011)

The net power flowing out of a given volume is equal to the time rate of decrease of the
energy stored within the volume- conduction losses.

8. Define poynting vector. (Nov/Dec-2008) (Nov/Dec-2009)

The vector product of electric field intensity and magnetic field intensity at a point is a
measure of the rate of energy flow per unit area at that point. P =E X H
9. What is an emf?
An electro-motive force is a voltage that arises from conductors moving in a magnetic
field or from changing magnetic fields.

10. State Faraday's law. (Nov/Dec-2010) (April/May-2011)

Faraday's law states that, the total emf induced in a closed circuit is equal to the time rate
of decrease of the total magnetic flux linking the circuit.

11. State Lenz's law. (April/May-2010)

The Lenz's law states that, the induced current in the loop is always in such a direction as
to produce flux opposing the change in flux density.

12. Explain briefly the different types of emf's produced in a conductor placed in a
magnetic field.
There are two ways in which we can induce emf in a conductor. If a moving conductor is
placed in a static magnetic field then the emf produced in the conductor is called dynamically
induced emf.
If the stationary conductor is placed in a time varying magnetic field, then the emf
produced is called statically induced emf.

13. What is Eddy current and Eddy current loss?

In electrical machines, the alternating magnetic fields induce emf in the cores also apart
from the coil. This small amount of emf induced in the core circulates current in the core.
This \current is called eddy current and the power loss, which appears in the form of
heat, due to these eddy currents is called eddy current loss.

14. What is main cause of eddy current?

The main cause of eddy current is that it produces ohmic power loss and causes local
heating .

15. Give the Maxwell's equation - I in both integral form and point form. (Nov/Dec-2010)
Maxwell's equation - I is derived from the Ampere's circuital law which states that the
line integral of magnetic field intensity H on any closed path is equal to the current enclosed by
that path.

Maxwell's equation - I in integral form is

Maxwell's equation - I in point form is

The magneto motive force around a closed path is equal to the sum of the conduction current and
displacement current enclosed by the path.

16. Give the Maxwell's equation - II in both integral form and point form. (Nov/Dec-2010)
Maxwell's equation - II is derived from Faraday's law which states that the emf induced
in a circuit is equal to the rate of decrease of the magnetic flux linkage in the circuit.

Maxwell's equation - II in integral form is

Maxwell's equation - II in point form is

The electro motive force around a closed path is equal to the magnetic displacement (flux
density) through that closed path.

17. Give the Maxwell's equation - III in both integral form and point form.
 The Maxwell's equation - III is derived from electric Gauss's law which states that the
electric flux through any closed surface is equal to the charge enclosed by the surface.

Maxwell's equation - III in integral form is

Maxwell's equation - III in point form is

The total electric displacement through the surface enclosing a volume is equal to the total
charge within the volume.
18. Give the Maxwell's equation - IV in integral form.
Maxwell's equation - IV is derived from magnetic Gauss's law which states that, the
total magnetic flux through any closed surface is equal to zero.

Maxwell's equation - IV in integral form is

19. Give the Maxwell's equation - IV in point form.

Maxwell's equation - IV in point form is

The net magnetic flux emerging through any closed surface is zero.

20. Distinguish between the conduction current and displacement current.

Conduction current Ic is flowing through a conductor having resistance R, when potential V is
applied across the conductor.

Displacement current ID is flowing through a capacitor when ac voltage is applied across the
capacitor.
 UNIT V
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

1. Define a wave.
If a physical phenomenon that occurs at one place at a given time is reproduced at other
places at later times, the time delay being proportional to the space separation from the first
location then the group of phenomena constitutes a wave.

2. Mention the properties of uniform plane wave. (April/May-2011)

i) At every point in space, the electric field E and magnetic field H are perpendicular to
each other.
ii) The fields vary harmonically with time and at the same frequency everywhere in
space.

3. Define intrinsic impedance or characteristic impedance.

It is the ratio of electric field to magnetic field.or It is the ratio of square root of
permeability to permittivity of medium.

4. State Slepian vector.

Slepian vector is a vector which defined at every point such that its flux coming out of
any volume is zero (▼.s=0).Slepian vector is given by, S=▼×(VH)

5. Define skin depth. (Nov/Dec-2008) (April/May-2010)

It is defined as that depth in which the wave has been attenuated to 1/e or approximately
37% of its original value.

6. What is the effect of permittivity on the force between two charges?

Increase in permittivity of the medium tends to decrease the force between two charges
and decrease in permittivity of the medium tends to increase the force between two charges.

7. Define pointing theorem. (Nov/Dec-2007) (April/May-2008)

The vector product of electric field intensity and magnetic field intensity at any point is a
measure of the rate of energy flow per unit area at that point.It can be expressed as, P= H  E

8. Define reflection and transmission coefficients.

Reflection coefficient is defined as the ratio of the magnitude of the reflected field to that
of the incident field.

9. Define transmission coefficients.

 Transmission coefficient is defined as the ratio of the magnitude of the transmitted field
to that of incident field.
10. How can the eddy current losses be eliminated?
The eddy current losses can be eliminated by providing laminations. It can be proved that
the total eddy current power loss decreases as the number of laminations increases.

11. What is the fundamental difference between static electric and magnetic field lines?
There is a fundamental difference between static electric and magnetic field lines. The
tubes of electric flux originate and terminates on charges, whereas magnetic flux tubes are
continuous.
12. What are uniform plane waves?
Electromagnetic waves which consist of electric and magnetic fields that are
perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation and are uniform in plane
perpendicular to the direction of propagation are known as uniform plane waves.

13. Write short notes on imperfect dielectrics.

A material is classified as imperfect dielectrics when conduction current density is
small in magnitude compared to the displacement current density.

14. What is the significant feature of wave propagation in an imperfect dielectric?

The only significant feature of wave propagation in an imperfect dielectric compared to
that in a perfect dielectric is the attenuation undergone by the wave.

15. Give the wave equation in terms of electric field and magnetic field.
The electromagnetic wave equation in terms of electric field is,

The electromagnetic wave equation in terms of magnetic field is,

16. Give the wave equation in free space.

The wave equation in free space in terms of electric field is,

The wave equation in free space in terms of magnetic field is,

17. List out the properties of a uniform plane wave.
If the plane of wave is the same for all points on a plane surface, it is called plane wave.
If the amplitude is also constant in a plane wave, it is called uniform plane wave. The properties
of uniform plane waves are:
a) At every point in space, E and H are perpendicular to each other and to the
direction of travel.
b) The fields vary with time at the same frequency, everywhere in space.
c) Each field has the same direction, magnitudes and phase at every point in
any plane perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

18. Give the expression for the characteristic impedance of the wave. (Nov/Dec-2008)
The characteristic impedance or intrinsic impedance is the ratio of the electric field
intensity to the magnetic field intensity.

19. What is Vector Helmholtz equation?

The wave equation in lossless medium in phasor form is called the vector Helmholtz
equation.

20. Give the wave equation for a conducting medium.

The wave equation for a conducting medium in phasor form is given as,

21. What is skin effect and skin depth? (April/May-2010)

In a good conductor the wave is attenuated as it progresses. At higher frequencies the rate
of attenuation is very large, and the wave may penetrate only a very short distance before being
reduced to a small value. This effect is called skin effect.
The skin depth is defined as that depth in which the wave has been attenuated to 1/e or
approximately 37% of its original value. It is also known as depth of penetration.

Where α is the attenuation constant,

22. Give the expression for attenuation constant and phase shift constant for a wave
Propagating in a conducting medium.

The attenuation constant for a wave propagating in a conducting medium is,

The phase shift constant for a wave propagating in a conducting medium is,

23. Give the expression for the velocity of propagation of a wave in any medium.
The velocity of propagation of a wave in any medium
is,