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Unit 1 Electrostatics

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 Electrostatics
The study of electric charges at rest under the action of electric force is
known as electrostatics.

In an isolated system, charge remains conserved i.e.

Conservation
it cannot be created nor destroyed.

Charge on any body always exists in the form of

integral multiple of fundamental quantity equal to
Quantization charge on an electron i.e., Q = ne. Millikan’s oil
droplet experiment proved the quantization of
charge

A body can be charged by means of friction, conduction and

induction. However, charging a body by means of induction
Charging
is preferable since the same charged body can be used to
charge any number of bodies without loss of charge.
CHARGE

Charge cannot exist without mass although mass

Existence can exist without charge.

The charge on a body is independent of the speed of the

Invariance body. However, at relativistic speeds charge density and
mass of body depends upon the speed of the body.

Charges are of two kinds, positive and negative. Unlike charges

Nature of Force attract each other and like charges repel each other.

Total charge on an isolated system is equal to the algebraic

Addition
sum of all the charges.

It is charge per unit area of conductor. Surface

charge density on a charged conductor
decreases with increase of radius of curvature
Surface charge density of surface and vice versa. Surface
charge density is highest at the sharpest point of a
charged conductor.

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Coulomb’s Law
“The electrostatic force between two-point charges is directly proportional to the
product of the magnitude of charges and inversely proportional to the square of the
distance between them.”
𝑞1 𝑞2
𝐹∝ 2
𝑟
𝑞1 𝑞2
Or 𝐹∝
𝑟2

𝑞1 𝑞2
Or 𝐹∝
𝑟2

+q1 +q2
F12 F21
••
r

F12 F21
+q1 • •

When a body has an excess or deficiency of charge, the process is

named as electrification or charging.

▪ Value of k depends upon the medium and the system of units. Here k = 9
109 Nm2/C2. k is also called electrostatic force constant and o =
permittivity of free space = 8.85 10–12 C2 / Nm2
▪ Coulombs’ force is mutual force i.e. both charges exert same force on
each other.
▪ Coulomb’s force depends upon not only the magnitude of charges but on the
product of charges.

▪ When a dielectric (insulator) is placed between two point charges then

𝐹
coulomb’s force decreases by a factor 𝜖𝑟 i.e. 𝐹𝑚𝑒𝑑 = 𝑣𝑎𝑐 Where 𝜀𝑟 is
𝜀 𝑟
relative permittivity of that dielectric.

▪ Coulomb’s law is only applicable to point charges which are at rest not in
motion.
▪ Point charges or localized charges are those charges whose sizes are very
small as compared to the distance between them.
▪ If many charges are present, the total force on a given charge is equal to
the vector sum of the individual force exerted on it by all other charges
taken one at a time.

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 Electrification

Conduction Induction
Charge transfer due to contact Charge transfer without
is called conduction. contact is called induction.

Relative Permittivity or Dielectric Constant

Permittivity is property of a medium and it affects the magnitude of electric force

between two point charges. Air or vacuum has maximum value of the permittivity air
vacuum is 8.85 × 10−12 𝐶 2 𝑁 −1 𝑚−2. The absolute permittivity 𝜀𝑜 of all other insulating
𝜀
materials is grater than 𝜀𝑜 . The ratio of 𝜀 is called relative permittivity of the material
𝑜
and is denoted by:
𝜀
𝜀𝑟 =
𝜀𝑜

So Relative permittivity of a medium is defined as “The ratio of the permittivity of

the medium to permittivity of vacuum”.

Relative permittivity (or dialectic constant) of a medium may also be defined as:

“The ratio of force between two charges separated by a certain distance in air to
the force between the same charges separated by the same distance in the
medium.”

𝐹𝑣𝑎𝑐
𝜀𝑟 =
𝐹𝑚𝑒𝑑

Fields of Force and Electric Field

Fields of Force:
The origin of gravitational and electric forces is unknown. To describe the
mechanism by which electric force is transmitted, there are two theories.
i) Action at a distance theory
ii) Field theory, Michael Faraday introduced the concept of an electric field.

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Electric Field:
The region around a charge within which it can influence other charges is called
electric field.

Mathematically:
Electrostatic experiments cannot be
𝐹 conducted successfully on humid
𝐸⃗ =
𝑞𝑜 days. The humid air becomes
conducting. Therefore, the static
Its unit is NC–1 or V m–1. charge on the apparatus leaks off to
Electric field due to a point charge q at the air. For this reason, electrostatic
distance r from it experiments do not work well on
humid days.
1 𝑞
𝐸=
4𝜋𝜀𝑜 𝑟 2

Greater the charge, stronger will be its electric field and vice versa. It obeys
inverse square law.

Electric Lines of Force

▪ The concept was introduced by Michael Faraday.
▪ Electric field lines show the path followed by a positive test charge in an
electric field.
▪ Electric field lines emerge from the charges in three dimensions and infinite lines
can be drawn.
▪ Field lines are radially outward or inward for a single charge.
▪ The point between two similar charges where field is zero is called neutral
point.
▪ The field between two oppositely charged parallel plates in the middle region
is uniform. (Electric lines are parallel and evenly spaced)
and it is non-uniform near the edges of plates.
▪ Field lines originate from positive charges and end on Note:
negative charges. Electric lines of force
never form a closed
▪ The tangent to a field line at any point gives the
loop. But magnetic
direction of electric field at that point.
lines of force form a
▪ The lines are closer where field is stronger and are closed loop.
farther apart where the field is weak.
▪ No two field lines can cross each other because if they
cross then there will be two directions r of vector E at
the point of intersection.

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 Attractive forces between The electric field lines for two
unlike charges identical positive charges

+qo
+qo +qo

+qo +q

+qo +qo
+qo

To eliminate stray electric fields interference, circuits of sensitive

electronic devices such as TV and computers are enclosed within
metal boxes.

Electric Potential
Electric potential is property which determines the direction of flow of charge.

▪ Positive charge goes from higher potential to a lower potential and negative
charge goes from a lower potential to a higher potential.
▪ Potential difference '∆V' is defined as the work done against electric field in moving
positive charge keeping the charge in electrostatic equilibrium (charge with uniform
velocity)
𝑊𝐴𝐵
∆𝑉 =
𝑞𝑜
Where WAB = ∆U (change in electric P.E) = UB– UA
▪ Electric potential V at a point is defined as the work done against electric field on
unit positive charge in moving it from infinity to that point.
▪ Potential is still a potential difference between infinity and that point whose
potential is to be determined.
▪ SI unit of potential difference is volt = JC-1 = Volt.
▪ V and ∆V are both scalars because work and charge are both scalars.

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Electric Field As Potential Gradient
∆𝑉
𝐸=−
∆𝑟
Or
E = -potential gradient
Negative sign shows that electric potential decreases in the direction of E.

Do You Know?
In electric circuits,
Electric Potential V At A Point Due To A potential is equivalent to
Point Charge pressure and electric
pump is a cell or a
1 q generator.
V(r) =
4o r
Where r is the distant of the point from point
charge.

Electron Volt
The conventional unit of energy is joule. But this unit is very large for computing
atomic and nuclear physics problems. Therefore, a smaller unit called electron volt
is used. The convenience of unit can be understood from simple example. The
ionization energies of atoms (energies required to remove an electron from a
neutral atom) have range between 1 to 20 eV.
Do You Know?
The amount of energy acquired or lost by an electron as
it traverses a potential difference of one volt. Electron volt is a unit of
energy and not the unit of
potential difference or
1 eV = 1.6 x 10–19 J
voltage.

1 joule=6.25 x 1018 eV

Electric Flux
Total number of electric field line passing normally through certain area is called

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electric flux.
OR
The scalar or dot product of electric field intensity and vector area is called electric
flux
𝜑𝑒 =E. A=E. Acosθ

Electric flux through a closed surface enclosing a charge

▪ We divide the close surface into infinitesimally plane patches so that Er.A is
applicable to each path.
▪ The result comes out to be e =nq/ 0 Where q = charge enclosed by surface
0 = permittivity of vacuum.
▪ Electric flux through a closed surface does not depend upon shape or
geometry of the closed surface. It depends upon the medium and the charge
enclosed.

Gauss’s Law
Gauss’s Law gives relation between total flux passing through a surface and net
charge enclosed.

▪ It states that the total electric flux through any closed surface is equal to the
product of times the total charge enclosed in it. Mathematically, it is described
as:
𝑄
𝝋𝒆 =
𝜀0
where 𝝋𝒆 is the total electric flux through a surface and is the total
charge enclosed within it.
▪ Gaussian surface is a hypothetical surface chosen to calculate the qn
electric intensity at any point. It can be of any shape i.e a sphere q1 q6

or cylinder. The selection is made according to the shape of q

body. Gaussian surface should be symmetric around the body q4
under consideration.

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 If electric field lines are leaving a closed surface, then electric
flux is positive (there is a source) and if electric lines are entering
a closed surface then flux is negative (there is a sink).
Gauss’s law is only applicable to closed surface.
Coulomb’s law can be derived from Gauss’s law.

Applications or Gauss’s Law

It is used to find electric intensity due to a charged body.

1. Electric field inside a hollow charged sphere is zero.

Gaussian Surface
+ + + +
+ +
+
+ +
+ +
+
+ R
+ +
•
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ R +
+ +
+ +
+ + ++

2. Electric intensity due to an infinite sheet of charge = 𝐸 = 2𝜀

𝜎
0

+ E

3. Electric field between two oppositely charges plates is 𝐸 = 2𝜀

𝜎
0

To eliminate stray electric fields interference, circuits of sensitive

electronic devices such as. TV and computers are enclosed within
metal boxes.

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Capacitor
A capacitor is a device which is used to store charge and
hence energy in electric field. Do You Know?
It consists of parallel metallic plates separated by Capacitor is also called
vacuum or dielectric medium. condenser.
𝑄 = 𝐶𝑉 Charging by electrostatic
where Q is the charge stored, C is the capacitance of induction is the principle
capacitor of capacitor.

1 Coulomb
SI unit of capacitance is 1 farad =
1 Volt

For your Information

On farad is an enormous amount of capacitance. For practical

purposes its sub-multiple units are used which are given below,
1 micro-farad = 1µF = 10−6 farad
1 pico-farad = 1pF = 10−12 farad

Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor

1. If there is vacuum between two plates then Do You Know?

A0 By inserting medium
Cvac =
d capacitance is
Where; increased but F, E, 𝜙𝑒 ,
A = Area of each plate of capacitor. V are decreased.
d = Distance between plates of capacitor.

2. If dielectric is inserted between the plates then

A0r
Cmed = or
d
Cmed
r = And
Cvac
Cmed > Cvac
Where r = Relative permittivity of medium of dielectric constant.

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Capacitance depends upon:
i. Area of plates
ii. Separation between plates
iii. Nature of dielectric

If a dielectric medium is inserted between the two plates of a parallel plate

capacitor then both electric field and potential difference between plates decrease
and capacitance increases

Electric Polarization of Dielectrics: For Your Information

▪ It is the formation (arrangement) of positive and negative Fvac
Fmed =
charges (dipoles) on the two opposite faces of a dielectric r
due to an external field. E
▪ Two equal and opposite charge separated by a very small Emed =
r
distance are said to constitute a dipole.
Cmed = rCvac
▪ Due to electric polarization, electric field and potential
difference between two plates decreases but capacitance
increases.

Ideal Electric Dipole:

An ideal electric dipole is one in which magnitude of change is very large and dipole
length is very small.
Energy Stored In A Capacitor:
Electric potential energy (U) is stored in the electric field between the two plates of
a capacitor.
1
1. Energy = qV
2
1 Do You Know?
2. U = CV2
2 A radio tuning
𝑞2 capacitor is a variable
3. U =2𝐶
parallel plate
1 capacitor.
4. U = 𝜀 𝜀 E2Ad
2 0 𝑟
5. P.E ∝ E2
Energy 1
6. = Energy density = 𝜀0 𝜀𝑟 E2.
Volume Ad 2

Charging And Discharging Of Capacitor:

Initially speed of charging is high but then it decreases and charging stops when
charge on plates equals the charge on the terminals of supply.

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 1
Speed of charging and discharging 
time constant RC

Time constant is defined as the time taken by capacitor to charge to 63% of its
maximum or equilibrium charge qo i.e., 0.63 𝑞𝑜 .
Time constant is also defined as the time taken by Do You Know?
capacitor to discharge to 0.37 𝑞0 . 1 Ohm x 1 Farad = 1 Sec
After five-time constants, a capacitor is charged to
its maximum value q0.

Car indicators use charging and discharging of

capacitor. Windshield wipers operate by charging
and discharging of capacitor. Their timing of the on-
off cycle is controlled by time constant RC.

Point to Note

In series combination of capacitors, charging and discharging currents

are same for all capacitors but in parallel combination, they are
different depending upon capacitances.

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 Assessment 01
1. In a charged capacitor energy stored in the form of:
a) Magnetic field
b) Electric field
c) Nuclear field
d) Gravitational field
2. The value of K depends upon:
a) Charges
b) System of units and medium
c) The distance between charges
d) All
3. The branch of physics which deals with the charges at rest:
a) Current electricity
b) Electromagnetism
c) Electrostatics
d) Nuclear physics
4. When the medium is insulator the electrostatic force between the charges is:
a) Decreased
b) Zero
c) Increased
d) None of above
5. What is standard to measure the relative permittivity:
a) Water
b) Vacuum
c) Air
d) Atmosphere
6. Which of the following statement is correct?
a) Similar charges attract each other
b) Similar charges attract and repel each other
c) Similar charges repel each other
d) Similar charges neither attract nor repel
7. The The SI unit of charge is:
a) Coulomb
b) Calorie
c) Ampere
d) Joule
8. The number of electrons in one coulomb charge is equal to:
a) 6.2  1018 electrons
b) Zero electrons
c) 1.6  1022 electrons
d) 6.2  1021 electrons
9. The electrostatic force of repulsion between two electrons at 1 meter is:
a) 9 x 109 N
b) 1.44  10−9 N
c) 2.30  10−28 N
d) 1 N
10. A charge of 10C and 14.4C are 12 cm apart, the force between them is:
a) 9 x 105 N
b) 9 x 107 N
c) 90 N
d) 108  107 N

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 Assessment 02
11. If the distance between the two charge bodies is halved, the force between them becomes:
a) Half
b) Four time
c) One fourth
d) Doubled
12. The SI units of permittivity are:
a) N.m/C2
b) C2/N.m2
c) N.m2/C2
d) N.m/C
13. The The minimum charge on any object is:
a) 1.6x10-19C
b) 3.2x10-19C
c) 1.8x10-19C
d) 9.1x10-19C
14. When current of one ampere is flowing across any cross-section of wire in one second, then the
quantity of charge is said to be:
a) One coulomb
b) Three coulomb
c) One micro-coulomb
d) None of above
15. The electric force between two charges placed in air is 2 Newton. When placed in a medium
of r = 80, the force reduced to:
a) 0.029 N
b) 0.025 N
c) 0.03 N
d) 0.04 N
16. Farad is unit of:
a) Charge
b) potential
c) current
d) Capacitance
17. The value of capacitance depends upon all except:
a) Area of plate
b) introduced dielectric
c) plate separation
d) All
18. Michael Faraday was known by his work on:
a) Electric force
b) Weak nuclear force
c) Strong nuclear force
d) Gravitational force
19. In case of two identical charges placed at certain distance, the electric lines of force are:
a) Curved
b) Straight lines
c) Both (a) and (b)
d) None of these
20. The zero-field spot in case of two unequal and opposite charges exist:
a) Between the charges at the midpoint
b) between the charges but closer to smaller charge
c) both a&b
15
d) none

16
 Assessment 03
21. The space around the charge within which other charges are influenced by it is called:
a) Electric field
b) Magnetic field
c) Electric flux
d) Electric intensity
22. The electric field lines can emerge from the charges in:
a) Three dimensions
b) Two dimensions
c) One dimension
d) All of above
23. An ECG records___________ between points on human skin:
a) current
b) voltage
c) charge
d) electric field
24. When the field is strong, the lines of force are:
a) Closer
b) Parallel
c) Farther
d) All of above
25. Electric intensity is a:
a) Scalar quantity
b) Vector quantity
c) Physical quantity
d) None of above
26. The correct statement about two oppositely charged metal plates is:
a) electric field is constant between plates
b) potential difference is constant between plate
c) electric potential is zero at the mid of plates
d) All
27. A charge of 2 coulomb is in a field of intensity 2 N/C. The force on charge is:
a) 4  N
b) 4 N
c) 0 N
d) 1 N
28. The electric field line always starts from a:
a) positive charge
b) negative charge
c) point charge
d) all
29. Polarization ___________the capacitance.
a) increases
b) decrease
c) changes
d) remains same
30. If the potential difference across the two plates of parallel plate capacitor is doubled,
then energy stored in it will be:
a) same
b) two times
c) four times

17
d) eight times

18
 Assessment 04
31. The electric intensity outside the two oppositely charged parallel metal plates is:
a) zero
b) minimum
c) maximum
d) infinity
32. Which of the following is not the unit of electric field intensity?
𝑉
a) 𝑚
𝑁
b) 𝐶
𝐶
c) 𝑁
d) Both a and b
33. The negative of the potential gradient is:
a) electric field intensity
b) electromotive force
c) potential energy
d) electrostatic force
34. The work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to certain point
unit charge is called___________.
a) electric potential
b) electric field intensity
c) potential gradient
d) electric force
35. Energy density =
1
a) ro E
2
1
b) rE2
2
1
c) roE2
2
d) roE2
36. Equal charges are given to two spheres of different radii. The potential will:
a) Be more on the smaller sphere
b) Be more on the bigger sphere
c) Be equal on both sphere
d) Depend on the nature of material of sphere
37. The ratio of forces between two tiny bodies with constant charges in air and in
an insulating medium of dielectric constant ‘k’ is:
a) 1:K
b) K:1
c) 1:K2
d) K2:1
38. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor does not depend upon:
a) Area of plates
b) Medium between plates
c) Distance between plates
d) Metal of the plates
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39. When a dielectric is inserted between the plates of the capacitor (charged). The
energy stored by capacitor (assume battery is disconnected):
a) Increases
b) Decreases
c) Remains constant
d) First decreases then increases
40. The electrons separated by a distance ‘r’ experience a force ‘F’ between them.
The force between the protons separated by a distance 2r is:
a) 4F
𝐹
b)
2
c) 2F
𝐹
d)
4

20
 Key

Assessment 01
1. b
2. b
3. c
4. a
5. b
6. c
7. a
8. a
9. c
10. c

Assessment 02
11. b
12. b
13. a
14. a
15. b
16. d
17. a
18. a
19. c
20. d

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 Assessment 03
21. a
22. d
23. b
24. a
25. b
26. c
27. c
28. a
29. a
30. c

Assessment 04
31. a
32. d
33. a
34. a
35. c
36. a
37. b
38. d
39. b
40. d

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