Electrostatics

Derive an expression for electric intensity due to electric dipole along axial line.
For points on axial line
The axial line of a dipole is the line passing through the positive and negative charges of the electric dipole.

Consider a system of charges (-q and +q) separated by a distance 2a. Let 'P' be any point on an axis where the
field intensity is to be determined.
Electric field at P (EB) due to +q

Electric field at P due to -q (EA)

Net field at P is given by

Simplifying, we get

As a special case :

2. Derive an expression for the electric field at a point on the equatorial position
of an electric dipole.
(b) For points on the equatorial line
An equatorial line of a dipole is the line perpendicular to the axial line and passing through a point mid way between
the charges.

Consider a dipole consisting of -q and +q separated by a distance 2a. Let P be a point Consider a point P on the
equatorial line.

The resultant intensity is the vector sum of the intensities along PA and PB. E A and EB can be resolved into vertical
and horizontal components. The vertical compents of E A and EB cancel each other as they are equal and oppositely
directed. It is the horizontal components which add up to give the resultant field.

E = 2EA cos q

As 2qa = p
As a special case,

We find that at very far off points i.e., 2a < r.< r.

Electricity intensity at an axial point is twice the electric intensity on the equatorial line.

3. Describe the Principle, construction and working of Van de Graff generator.

Principle. The working of the Van de Graff generator is based on the discharging action of
points and collecting action of hollow conductor. In other words, if a charged conductor is
brought in electrical contact with a hollow conductor, the charge is transferred to the hollow
conductor, no matter what is the potential of the hollow conductor.

Application. It can be used to accelerate particles like protons, deuterons, - particles and
other ions. These accelerated particles are called ''projectiles''. These particles are used in
nuclear physics for collision experiments.
Limitations of Van de Due to very high electric field at sphere, sparking & leakage of
charge takes place so high pressure gasses are used around sphere. But still leakage takes
place at higher electric field so highest potential is limited.

4. Derive an expression for the energy stored in a capacitor. Show that whenever
two conductors share charges by bringing them into electrical contact, there is a
loss of energy.
Ans.

5. Derive an expression for the effective capacitance when capacitors are

connected in (a) series and (b) parallel

Ans. A) Capacitors in series;

In capacitors in series, each capacitor has same charge flow from battery. In this circuit, +Q charge flows from the positive
part of the battery to the left plate of the first capacitor and it attracts Q charge on the right plate, with the same idea, -Q
charge flows from the battery to the right plate of the third capacitor and it attracts +Q on the left plate. Other capacitors
are also charged with same way. To sum up we can say that each capacitor has same charge with batter.
C1.V1=Q
C2.V2=Q , V=V1+V2+V3 and Q=Ceq.V
C3.V3=Q

B) Capacitors in parallel.

Because, left hand sides of the capacitors are connected to the potential a, and right hand sides of the capacitors are
connected to the potential b. In other words we can say that each capacitor has same potential difference. We find the
charge of each capacitor as;
Q1=C1.V
Q2=C2.V
Q3=C3.V
Total charge of the system is found by adding up each charge.
Qtotal=Ceq.V
Qtotal= Q1+Q2+Q3=C1.V+C2.V+C3.V=V.(C1+C2+C3)=Ceq
Ceq=C1+C2+C3
As you can see, we found the equivalent capacitance of the system as C1+C2+C3

6.Explain the principle of a capacitor and derive an expression for the capacitance
of a parallel plate capacitor

7. State Gauss theorem and apply it to find the electric field at a point due to (a) a
line of charge (b) A plane sheet of charge (c) A Charged spherical conducting
shell
Ans.

8. State Coulomb's law and express it in vector form. Derive it using Gauss
theorem.

9. Derive an expression for the torque on an electric dipole in a uniform electric

field

10.Derive an expression for the work done in rotating an electric dipole in a

uniform electric field
Ans:

11.Derive an expression for the energy stored (Potential Energy) in a dipole in a

uniform electric field
Ans.

12.Derive an expression for the electrostatic potential energy of a system of

point charges

13.Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with (a) a
dielectric slab (b) a metallic plate in between the plates of the capacitor.

14.Define electric potential at a point. Derive an expression for the electric

potential at a point due to (a) a point charge (b) a system of point charges (c) a
dipole.
Ans: Q. Derive the expression for the electric potential at any point along the axial line of
an electricdipole? (2)

ANS: FIGURE:
A

Let P be an axial point at distance r from the centre of the dipole. Electric potential at point
P is given asV= V1+ V2, V1 and V2are the potentials at point P due to charges +q and -q
respectively.
V=1/40 (q/r-a +-q/r+a)
=q/40( 2a/r2-a2)=1/40( p/r2-a2)

15.Show that the work done in an electric field is independent of path.

Ans.

16.What are dielectrics? Distinguish polar and nonpolar dielectrics. Define the
term Polarization vector.
Ans.

ELECTRICITY
1. Define drift velocity and derive an expression for it.

Ans.

Consider a conductor of length l and area of cross section A. Let the number of free electrons per unit volume be n.
When a pd V is applied, let the drift velocity of electrons be v.
The total no. of free electrons in the piece of conductor = nAl (no. of free electrons per unit volume x volume)
Total charge due to free electrons; q = nAle
The time taken by this charge to completely traverse the conductor, t =l/v
Therefore, the current in the conductor, I=q/t = nAle/(l/v) = nAev
i.e; I=nAev

2. Derive the expression I=nAevd

3. Deduce Ohm's law from elementary ideas and hence write an expression for
resistance and resistivity
Ans

4. Derive an expression for conductivity in terms of mobility

Ans

5. Explain the color coding of carbon resistors.

6. Derive an expression for the current in a circuit with external resistance R when (a) n
identical cells of emf E and internal resistance r are connected in series (b) m identical cells
are connected in parallel

7.State and explain Kirchhoffs laws.

8. State and explain the principle of Wheat Stone's principle. Deduce it using
Kirchhoffs laws