PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (PYQ) BASED

ON
CHAPTER – 1/ELECTRIC CHARGE & FIELD
Q. 1 Sketch the electric field lines for two point charges q1 and q2 for q1 = q2 and q1 > q2
separated by a distance d.[CBSE 2015]

Q. 2 Draw the pattern of electric field lines, when a point charge –Q is kept near an
uncharged conduction plate. [CBSE 2019]

Q. 3 Two electric field line cannot cross each other. Also, they cannot form closed loops.
Give reasons. [CBSE 2020]

Q. 4 Does the charge given to a metallic sphere depend on whether it is hollow or solid?
Give reason for your answer. [CBSE 2017]

Q. 5 Two identical conducting balls A and B have charges –Q and + 3Q respectively. They
are brought in contact with each other and then separated by a distance apart. Find
the nature of the Coulomb force between them. [CBSE 2019]

Q. 6 Figure shows three point charges +2q, - q and + 3q. The

charges + 2q and –q are enclosed within a surface ‘S’. What
is the electric flux due to this configuration through the
surface ‘S’?

Q. 7 What is the electric flux through a cube of side 1 cm which encloses an electric
dipole? [CBSE 2015]

Q. 8 Two charges of magnitudes – 2Q and + Q are located at points (a, 0) and (4a, 0)
respectively. What is the electric flux due to these charges through a sphere of radius
‘3a’ with its centre at the origin? [CBSE 2013]

Q. 9 How does the electric flux due to a point charge enclosed by a spherical Gaussian
surface get affected when its radius is increased? [CBSE 2016]

Q. 10 A charge Q μC is placed at the centre of a cube. What would be the flux through one
face?

Q. 11 A charge q is placed at the centre of a cube of side L. What is the electric flux passing
through two opposite faces of the cube?

Q. 12 What orientation of an electric dipole in a uniform electric field corresponds to its (i)
stable and (ii) unstable equilibrium?

Q. 13 What is the nature of electrostatic force between two point electric charges q1 and q2
if

(a) q1 + q2 > 0? (b) q1 + q2 < 0?

Q. 14 (a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve. That is, a field line cannot have

1
 sudden breaks. Why is it so?

(b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at any point. [CBSE 2014]

Q. 15 Define electric dipole moment. Is it a scalar or a vector quantity? What are its SI unit?
[CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2021]

Q. 16 Depict the orientation of the dipole in (a) stable, (b) unstable equilibrium in a
uniform electric field. [CBSE 2017]

Q. 17 Two equal balls having equal positive charge ‘q’ coulombs are suspended by two
insulating strings of equal length. What would be the effect on the force when a
plastic sheet is inserted between the two? [CBSE 2014]

Q. 18 1
Plot a graph showing the variation of coulomb force (f) versus (𝑟2 ), where r is the
distance between the two charges of each pair of charges: (1 μC, 2 μC) and (2 μC, - 3
μC). Interpret the graphs obtained.

Q. 19 An electric dipole is held in a uniform electric field.

(i) Show that the net force acting on it is zero.

(ii) The dipole is aligned parallel to the field. Find the work done in rotating it
through the angle of 180°.

Q. 20 (a) Define electric flux. Write its SI unit.

(b) A spherical rubber balloon carries a charge that is uniformly distributed over its
surface. As the balloon is blown up and increases in size, how does the total electric
flux coming out of the surface change? Give reason. [CBSE (F) 2016]

Q. 21 (a) Define electric flux. Write its SI unit.

(b) “Gauss’s law in electrostatics is true for any closed surface, no matter what its
shape or size is.” Justify this statement with the help of a suitable example. [CBSE
2015]

Q. 22 Two concentric metallic spherical shells of radii R and 2R are given charges Q1 and Q2
respectively. The surface charge densities on the outer surfaces of the shells are
equal. Determine the ratio Q1 : Q2. [CBSE 2013]

Q. 23 The sum of two point charges is 7 μC. They repel each other with a force of 1 N when
kept 30 cm apart in free space. Calculate the value of each charge.

2
Q. 24 Two identical point charges, q each, are kept 2 cm apart in air. A third point charge Q
of unknown magnitude and sign is placed on the line joining the charges such that
the system remains in equilibrium. Find the position and nature of Q. [CBSE 2019]

Q. 25 Calculate the amount of work done in rotating a dipole, of dipole moment 3 x 10-8 Cm,
from its position of stable equilibrium to the position of unstable equilibrium, in a
uniform electric field of intensity 104 N/C.

Q. 26 𝑁
Given a uniform electric field 𝐸⃗ = 5 × 103 𝑖̂ 𝐶 , find the flux of this field through a
square of 10 cm on a side whose plane is parallel to the Y-Z plane. What would be the
flux through the same square if the plane makes a 30° angle with the X-axis? [CBSE
2014]

Q. 27 Fine point charges, each of charge +q are placed on five vertices of a regular hexagon
of side ‘L’. Find the magnitude of the resultant force on a charge –q placed at the
centre of the hexagon. [CBSE 2019]

Q. 28 Represent graphically the variation of electric field with distance, for a uniformly
charged plane sheet. [CBSE SMAPLE PAPER 2017]

Q. 29 A metallic spherical shell has an inner radius R1 and outer radius R2. A charge Q is
placed at the centre of the spherical cavity. What will be surface charge density on (i)
the inner surface, and (ii) the outer surface?

Q. 30 Two isolated metal spheres A and B have radii R and 2R respectively, and same
charges q. Find which of the two spheres have greater energy density just outside the
surface of the spheres. [CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2016]

Q. 31 Four point charges Q, q, Q and q are placed at the corners of a square of side ‘a’ as
shown in figure. Find the resultant electric force on a charge Q. [CBSE 2018]

Q. 32 Three point charges q, - 4q and 2q are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle
ABC of side ‘L’ as shown in the figure. Obtain the expression for the magnitude of the
resultant electric force acting on the charge q. [CBSE 2018]

3
Q. 33 A simple pendulum consists of a small sphere of mass m suspended by a thread of
length L. The sphere carries a positive charge q. The pendulum is placed in a uniform
electric field of strength E directed vertically downwards. Find the period of
oscillation of the pendulum due to the electrostatic force acting on the sphere,
neglecting the effect of the gravitational force[CBSE 2019].

Q. 34 (a) A point charge (+Q) is kept in the vicinity of uncharged conducting plate. Sketch
electric field lines between the charge and the plate.

(b) Two infinitely large plane thin parallel sheets having surface charge densities σ 1
and σ2 (σ1 > σ2) are shown in the figure. Write the magnitudes and directions of the
net field in the regions marked II and III. [CBSE 2014]

Q. 35 A spherical conducting shell of inner radius r1 and outer radius r2 has a charge ‘Q’. A
charge ‘q’ is placed at the centre of the shell.

(b) What is the surface charge density on the (i) inner surface, (ii) outer surface of
the shell?

(b) Write the expression for the electric field at a point x>r2 from the centre of the
shell.

Q. 36 A thin metallic spherical shell of radius R carries a charge Q on its surface. A point
𝑄
charge is placed at the centre C and another charge + 2Q is placed outside the shell
2
at A at a distance x from the centre as shown in the
figure.

(i) Find the electric flux through the shell.

(ii) State the law used.

(iii) Find the force on the charges at the centre C of the shell and at the point A. [CBSE
2016]

Q. 37 Three point electric charges +q each are kept at the vertices of an equilateral triangle
of side a. Determine the magnitude and sign of the charge to be kept at the centroid
of the triangle so that the charges at the vertices remain in equilibrium. [CBSE 2015]

Q. 38 (a) An infinitely long positively charged straight wire has a linear density λ Cm -1. An
electron is revolving around the wire as its centre with a constant velocity in a
circular plane perpendicular to the wire. Deduce the expression for its kinetic energy.

(b) Plot a graph of the kinetic energy as a function of charge density λ. [CBSE (F)

4
 2013]

Q. 39 Two small identical electrical dipoles AB and CD,

each of dipole moment ‘q’ are kept at an angle of 1200
as shown in the figure. What is the resultant dipole
moment of this combination? If this system is
subjected to electric field (𝐸⃗ ) directed along + X
direction, what will be the magnitude and direction
of the torque acting on this?

Q. 40 State Gauss’s law in electrostatics. A cube with

each side ‘a’ is kept in an electric field given by 𝐸⃗ =
𝐶 × 𝑟̂ , (as shown in the figure) where C is a
positive dimensional constant. Find out

(i) the electric flux through the cube, and (ii) the
net charge inside the cube.

Q. 41 A hollow cylindrical box of length 1 m and area of cross-section 25 cm2 is placed in a

three dimensional coordinate system as shown in the figure. The electric field in the
region is given by 𝐸⃗ = 50 𝑥 𝑖̂, where E is in NC-1 and x is in metres. Find, (i) net flux
through the cylinder. (ii) charge enclosed by the cylinder. [CBSE 2013]

Q. 42 Two parallel uniformly charged infinite plane sheets, ‘1’ and ‘2’, have charge
densities + σ and -2 σ respectively. Give the magnitude and direction of the net
electric field at a point (i) in between the two sheets and (ii) outside near the sheet
‘1’. [CBSE 2015]

Q. 43 A right circular cylinder of length ‘a’ and radius ‘r’ has its centre at the origin and its
axis along the x-axis so that one face is at x = + a/2
and the other at x = - a/2, as shown in the figure. A
uniform electric field is acting parallel to the x-
axis such that E = E0 𝑖̂ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 > 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸⃗ =
−𝐸0 𝑖̂ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 > 0.

Find out the flux (i) through the flat faces. (ii) through the curved surface of the
cylinder. What is the net outward flux through the cylinder and the net charge inside
the cylinder? [CBSE 2015]

Q. 44 (a) “ The outward electric flux due to charge + Q is independent of the shape and size
of the surface which encloses it.” Give two reasons to justify this statement.

(b) Two identical circular loops ‘1’ and ‘2’ of radius R each have linear charge

5
 densities –λ and +λ C/m respectively. The loops are placed coaxially with their
centres R√3 distance apart. Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field
at the centre of loop ‘1’. [CBSE 2015]

Q. 45 𝐹
The electric field E due to any point charge near it is defined as 𝐸 = lim 𝑞 where q is
𝑞→0
the test charge and F is the force acting on it. What is the physical significance of lim
𝑞→0
in this expression? Draw the electric field lines of point charge Q when (i) Q > 0 and
(ii) Q < 0.

Q. 46 Two charges q and -3q are placed fixed on x-axis separated by distance ‘d’. Where
should a third charge 2q be placed such that it will not experience any force?

Q. 47 Two point charge of + 5 x 10-19 C and +20 x 10-19 C are separated by a distance of 2 m.
Find the point on the line joining them at which electric field intensity is zero.

Q. 48 Two charges of value 2 μC and -50 μC are palced 80 cm apart. Calculate the distance
of the point from the smaller charge where the intensity is zero.

Q. 49 Find the expression for the electric field strength at a distant point situated (i) on the
axis and (ii) along the equatorial line of an electric dipole. [CBSE 2013; 2015; 2019]

Or

Derive an expression for the electric field intensity at a point on the equatorial line of
an electric dipole of dipole moment 𝑝 and length 2a. What is the direction of this
field? [CBSE 2016; 2019]

Q. 50 A charge is distributed uniformly over a ring of radius ‘a’. Obtain an expression for
the electric intensity E at a point on the axis of the ring. Hence show that for points at
large distance from the ring, it behaves like a point charge. [CBSE 2016]

Q. 51 State Gauss’s law in electrostatics. Show with help of suitable figure that outward flux
due to a point charge Q, in vacuum within Gaussian surface, is independent of its size
and shape. [CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2021]

Q. 52 Two identical dipoles are arranged in x-y plane as shown in the figure. Find the
magnitude and the direction of net electric field at the origin O.[CBSE 2023]

Q. 53 Two charged conducting spheres of radii a and b are connected to each other by a
wire. Find the ratio of the electric fields at their surfaces.[CBSE 2023]

6
Q. 54 (a) The distance of a far off point on the equatorial plane
of an electric dipole is halved. How will the electric field
be affected for the dipole?

(b) Two identical electric dipoles are placed along the

diagonals of a square ABCD of side √2 m as shown in the
figure. Obtain the magnitude and direction of the net
electric field at the centre (O) of the square[CBSE 2023].

Q. 55 (i) State Coulomb’s law in electrostatics write it in vector form, for two charges.

(ii) Gauss’s law is based on the inverse-square dependence on distance contained in

the Coulomb’s law’. Explain.

(iii) Two charges A (charge q) and B (charge 2q) are located at points (0, 0) and (a, a)
respectively. Let 𝑖̂ and 𝑗̂ be the unit vectors along x-axis and y-axis respectively. Find
the force exerted by A on B, in terms of 𝑖̂ and 𝑗̂.[CBSE 2023]

Q. 56 (i) Use Gauss’s law to obtain an expression for the electric field due to an infinitely
long thin straight wire with uniform linear charge density λ.

(ii) An infinitely long positively charged straight wire has a linear charge density λ.
An electron is revolving in a circle with a constant speed υ such that the wire passes
through the centre, and is perpendicular to the plane, of the circle. Find the kinetic
energy of the electron in terms of magnitudes of its charge and linear charge density
λ on the wire.

(iii) Draw a graph of kinetic energy as a function of linear charge density λ.[CBSE
2023]

Q. 57 (i) Define electric flux and write its SI unit.

(ii) Use Gauss law to obtain the expression for the electric field due to a uniformly
charged infinite plane sheet.

(iii) A cube of side L is kept in space, as shown in

the figure. An electric field 𝐸⃗ = (𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵)𝑖̂𝑁𝐶 −1
exists in the region. Find the net charge enclosed by
the cube. [CBSE 2023]

Q. 58 Four point charges of 1 𝜇C, -2 𝜇C, 1 𝜇C and -2 𝜇C are placed at the corners A, B, C and
D respectively, of a square of side 30 cm. Find the net force acting on a charge of 4 𝜇C
placed at the centre of the square.(2024)

Q. 59 Two charged particles 𝑃 and 𝑄, having the same charge but different masses mP and
mQ, start from rest and travel equal distances in a uniform electric field 𝐸⃗ in time tP
𝑡
and tQ respectively. Neglecting the effect of gravity, the ratio ( 𝑃 )is
𝑡𝑄

7
 𝑚𝑝 𝑚𝑄
(a) (b)
𝑚𝑄 𝑚𝑝

𝑚𝑝 𝑚𝑄
(c) √ (d) √ (2024)
𝑚𝑄 𝑚𝑝

Q. 60 Three point charges, 1 pC each, are kept at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of
side 10 cm. Find the net electric field at the centroid of triangle. (2024)

Q. 61 (i) State gauss’s Law in electrostatics. Apply this to obtain the electric field 𝐸⃗ at a
point near a uniformly charged infinite plane sheet.
(ii) Two long straight wires 1 and 2 are kept as shown in the figure. The linear charge
density of the two wires are 𝜆1 = 10 𝜇C/m and 𝜆2 = -20 𝜇C/m. Find the net force 𝐹
experienced by an electron held at point P. (2024)

Q. 62 (i) A charge + Q is placed on a thin conducting spherical shell of radius R. Use Gauss’s
theorem to derive an expression for the electric field at a point lying (i) inside and (ii)
outside the shell.
(ii) Show that the electric field for same charge density (𝜎) is twice in case of a
conducting plate or surface than in a nonconducting sheet. (2024)

Q. 63 (i) Using Gauss’s law. Show that the electric field 𝐸⃗ at a point due to a uniformly
𝜎
charged infinite plane sheet is given by 𝐸⃗ = 𝑛̂ where symbols have their usual
2𝜀0
meaning.

(ii) Electric field 𝐸⃗ in a region is given by 𝐸⃗ = (5x2 + 2)𝑖̂

Where E is in N/C and x is in meters.
A cube of side 10 cm is placed in the region as shown in figure.

Calculate (1) the electric flux through the cube, and (2) the net charge enclosed by
the cube.

Q. 64 An electric dipole having a dipole moment of 4 x 10-9 C m is placed in a uniform

electric field such that the dipole is in stable equilibrium. If the magnitude of the
electric field is 3 x 103 N/C, what is the work done in rotating the dipole to a position

8
 of unstable equilibrium?
(a) zero (b) 1.2 x 10-5 J
(c) 2.4 x 10-5 J (d) -1.2 x 10-5 J (2023-24)

Q. 65 An electric dipole in an electric field of intensity 2 x 105N/C at an angle of 30°

experiences a torque equal to 4 Nm. The charge on the dipole of dipole length 2 cm is
(a) 7 𝜇c (b) 8 mc
(c) 2 mc (d) 5 mc (2023-24)

Q. 66 An infinite line of charge has a linear charge density of 10-7 c/m. what will be the
magnitude of the force acting on an alpha particle placed at a distance of 4 cm from
the line of charge?
(a) 14.4 x 10-15N (b) 7.2 x 10-15N
(c) 4.5 x 104 N (d) 9 x 104N (2023-24)

9
 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (PYQ) BASED
ON
CHAPTER – 2/ELECTRIC POTENTIAL &
CAPACITANCE
Q. 1 In the given figure, charge +Q is placed at the centre of a dotted
circle. Work done in taking another charge +q from A to B is is
W1 and from B to C is W2. Which one of the following is correct:
W1 > W2, W1 = W2 and W1 < W2? [CBSE SAMPLE PAPRE 2018]

Q. 2 A point charge +Q is placed at point 0 as shown in the figure. Is the potential

difference V A- V B positive, negative or zero? [CBSE 2016]

Q. 3 Draw the equipotential surfaces corresponding to a uniform electric field in the Z-

direction. [CBSE 2019]

Q. 4 Depict the equipotential surface for a system of two identical positive point charges
placed a distance ‘d’ apart. [CBSE DELHI 2017]

Q. 5 Draw an equipotential surface for a system consisting of two charges Q, - Q separated

by a distance r in air. Locate the points where the potential due to the dipole is zero.

Q. 6 Why do the equipotential surface due to a uniform electric field not intersect each
other?

Q. 7 A hollow metal sphere of radius 5 cm is charged such the potential on its surface is
10 V. What is the potential at the centre of the sphere?

Q. 8 The figure shows the field lines of a positive point charge. What will be the sign of the
potential energy difference of a small negative charge between the points Q and P?
justify your answer. [CBSE 2015]

10
Q. 9 Do free electrons travel to region of higher potential or lower potential?

Q. 10 Concentric equipotential surfaces due to a charged body placed at the centre are
shown. Identify the polarity of the charge and draw the electric field lines due to it.
[CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2016]

Q. 11 Three points A, B and C lie in a uniform electric field (E) of 5 x 10 3 NC-1 as shown in
the figure. Find the potential difference between A and C.

Q. 12 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 the plates, what is the magnitude and direction of this field?

Q. 13 Plot a graph comparing the variation of potential ‘V’ and electric field ‘E’ due to a
point charge ‘Q’ as a function of distance ‘R’ from the point charge.

Q. 14 What is electrostatic shielding? How is this property used in actual practice? Is the
potential in the cavity of a charged conductor zero? [CBSE 2016]

Q. 15 A test charge ‘q’ is moved without acceleration from A to C

along the path from A to B and then from B to C in electric
field E as shown in figure. (i) Calculate the potential difference
between A and C. (ii) At which point (of the two) is the electric
potential more and why?

Q. 16 Find the charge on the capacitor as shown in the circuit. [CBSE 2014]

Q. 17 Figure shows two identical capacitors, C1 and C2, each of 1 μF capacitance connected
to a battery of 6 V. Initially switch ‘S’ is closed. After sometimes ‘S’ is left open and

11
 dielectric slabs of dielectric constant K = 3 are
inserted to fill completely the space between the
plates of the two capacitors. How will the (i) charge
and (ii) potential difference between the plates of
the capacitors be affected after the slabs are
inserted?

Q. 18 (a) A parallel plate capacitor (C1) having charge Q is connected, to an identical

unchanged capacitor C2 in series. What would be the charge accumulated on the
capacitor C2?

(b) Three identical capacitors each of capacitance 3 μF are connected, in turn, in

series and in parallel combination to the common source of V volt. Find out the ratio
of the energies stored in two configurations. [CBSE 2016]

Q. 19 The space between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor is completely filled in two
ways. In the first case, it is filled with a slab of dielectric constant K. In the second
case, it is filled with two slabs of equal thickness and dielectric constants K 1 and K2
respectively as shown in the figure. The capacitance of the capacitor is same in the
two cases. Obtain the relationship between K, K1 and K2. [CBSE 2020]

Q. 20 Find the equivalent capacitance of the network shown in the figure, when each
capacitor is of 1 μF. When the ends X and Y are connected to a 6 V battery, find out (i)
the charge and (ii) the energy stored in the network. [CBSE 2015]

Q. 21 The figure shows a network of five capacitors connected to a 10 V battery. Calculate

the charge acquired by the 5 μF capacitor. [CBSE 2019]

Q. 22 Four charges +q, -q, + q and – q are to be arranged respectively at the four corners of
a square ABCD of side ‘a’.

(a) Find the work required to put together this arrangement.

12
 (b) A charge q0 is brought to the centre of the square, the four charges being held
fixed. How much extra work is needed to do this? [CBSE 2015]

Q. 23 Consider two conducting spheres of radii R1 and R2 with R1 > R2. If the two are at the
same potential, the larger sphere has more charge than the smaller sphere. State
whether the charge density of the smaller sphere is more or less than that of the
larger one.

Q. 24 The two graphs are drawn below, show the variations of

electrostatic potential (V) with 1/r (r being the distance of
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 the larger magnitude and
why?

Q. 25 Two identical capacitors of 12 pF each are connected in series across a 50 V battery.

Calculate the electrostatic energy stored in the combination. If these were connected
in parallel across the same battery, find out the value of the energy stored in this
combination. [CBSE 2019]

Q. 26 Define an equipotential surface. Draw equipotential surfaces

(i) in the case of a single point charge and

(ii) in a constant electric field in Z-direction.

Why the equipotential surface about a single charge are not equidistant?

(iii) Can electric field exist tangential to an equipotential surface? Give reason. [CBSE
Central 2016]

Q. 27 Show that the potential energy of a dipole making angle θ with the direction of the
field is given by U(θ) = − 𝑃⃗. 𝐸⃗ . Hence find out the amount of work done in rotating it
from the position of unstable equilibrium to the stable equilibrium. [CBSE East
2016]

Q. 28 Three concentric metallic shells A, B and C of radii a, b and c (a< b < c) have surface
charge densities +σ, -σ and +σ respectively as shown in the figure. If shells A and C
are at the same potential, then obtain the relation between the radii a, b and c. [CBSE
(f) 2014]

13
Q. 29 A cube of side 20 cm is kept in a region as shown in the
figure. An electric field 𝐸⃗ exists in the region such that the
potential at a point is given by V = 10x + 5, where V is in volt
and x is in m. find the, (i) electric field, and (ii) total electric
flux through the cube. [CBSE 2020]

Q. 30 A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery, which is then disconnected. A

dielectric slab is then inserted in the space between the plates. Explain what changes,
if any, occur in the values of

(i) capacitance

(ii) potential difference between the plates

(iii) electric field between the plates, and

(iv) the energy stored in the capacitor.

Q. 31 A parallel plate is charged by a battery. When the battery remains connected, a

dielectric slab is inserted in the space between the plates. Explain what changes if
any, occur in the value of

(i) potential difference between the plates

(ii) electric field strength between the plates

(iii) capacitance

(iv) charge on the plates

(v) energy stored in the capacitor.

Q. 32 (i) Find the equivalent capacitance between A and B in the combination given below.
Each capacitor is of 2 μF capacitance.

(ii) If a dc source of 7 V is connected across AB, how much charge is drawn from the
source and what is the energy stored in the network? [CBSE 2017]

Q. 33 Two parallel plate capacitors X and Y have the same area of

plates and same separation between them. X has air between
the plates while Y contains a dielectric medium εr = 4.

(i) Calculate the capacitance of each capacitor if equivalent

capacitance of the combination is 4 μF.

(ii) Calculate the potential difference between the plates of X and Y.

14
 (iii) Estimate the ratio of electrostatic energy stored in X and Y. [CBSE 2016]

Q. 34 A capacitors of 4 μF is charged by a battery of 12 V. The battery is disconnected and a

dielectric slab of dielectric constant 8 is inserted in between the plates of the
capacitor of fill the space completely. Find the change in the (a) charge stored in the
capacitor, (b) potential difference between the places of the capacitor, and (c) energy
stored in the capacitor. [CBSE 2020]

Q. 35 A 200 μF parallel plate capacitor having plate separation of 5 mm is charged by a 100

V dc source. It remains connected to the source. Using an insulated handle, the
distance between thee plates is doubled and a dielectric slab of thickness 5 mm and
dielectric constant 10 is introduced between the plates. Explain with reason, how the
(i) capacitance, (ii) electric field between the plates, (iii) energy density of the
capacitor will change? [CBSE 2019]

Q. 36 A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is charged to a potential V. It is then

connected to another uncharged capacitor having the same capacitance. Find out the
ratio of the energy stored in the combined system to that initially in the single
capacitor. [CBSE 2014]

Q. 37 Calculate the equivalent capacitance between points A and B in the circuit below. If a
battery of 10 V is connected across A and B, calculate the charge drawn from the
battery by the circuit. [CBSE 2016]

Q. 38 Two capacitors of unknown capacitances C1 and C2 are connected first in series and
then in parallel across a battery of 100 V. If the energy stored in the two
combinations is 0.045 and 0.25 J respectively, determine the value of C 1 and C2. Also
calculate the charge on each capacitor in parallel combination. [CBSE 2015]

Q. 39 Two capacitors of capacitance 10 μF and 20 μF are connected in series with a 6 V

battery. After the capacitors are fully charged, a slab of dielectric constant (K) is
inserted between the plates of the two capacitors. How will the following be affected
after the slab is introduced:

(a) the electric field energy stored in the capacitors?

(b) the charges on the two capacitors?

(c) the potential difference between the plates of the capacitors? Justify your answer.
[CBSE 2015]

Q. 40 A 12 pF capacitor is connected to a 50 V battery. How much electrostatic energy is

stored in the capacitor? If another capacitor of 6 pF is connected in series with it with

15
 the same battery connected across the combination, find the charge stored and
potential difference across each capacitor. [CBSE 2017]

Q. 41 Two identical capacitors of 12 pF each are connected in series across a battery of 50

V. How much electrostatic energy is stored in the combination? If these were
connected in parallel across the same battery, how much energy will be stored in the
combination now? Also find the charge drawn from the battery in each case. [CBSE
2017]

Q. 42 In the following arrangement of capacitors, the energy stored in the 6 μF capacitor is

E. Find the value of the following:

(i) Energy stored in 12 μF capacitor.

(ii) Energy stored in 3 μF capacitor.

(iii) Total energy drawn from the battery. [CBSE 2016]

Q. 43 In the figure given below, find the

(a) equivalent capacitance of the network

between points A and B.

Given: C1 = C5 = 8 μF, C2 = C3 = C4 = 4 μF.

(b) maximum charge supplied by the

battery, and

(c) total energy stored in the network. [CBSE 2020]

Q. 44 In a network, four capacitors C1, C2, C3 and C4 are connected as shown in the figure.

(a) Calculate the net capacitor in the circuit.

(b) If the charge on the capacitor C1 is 6 μC, (i) calculate the charge on the capacitors
C3 and C4, and (ii) net energy stored in the capacitors C3 and C4 connected in series.
[CBSE 2019]

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Q. 45 Two small conducting balls A and B radius r1 and r2 have charges q1 and q2
respectively. They are connected by a wire. Obtain the expression for charges on A
and B, in equilibrium.

Q. 46 You are given an air filled parallel plate capacitor C1. The space between its plates is
now filled with slabs of dielectric constant K1 and K2 as shown in C2. Find the
capacitances of the capacitor C2. If area of the plates is A and distance between the
plates is d.

Q. 47 A slab of material of dielectric constant K has the same area as that of the plates of a
parallel plate capacitor but has the thickness d/2, where d is the separation between
the plates. Find out the expression for its capacitance when the slab is inserted
between the plates of the capacitor. [CBSE 2013]

Q. 48 A charge Q is distributed over the surfaces of two concentric hollow spheres of radii
r and R (R >> r), such that their surface charge densities are equal. Derive the
expression for the potential at the common centre. [CBSE 2019]

Q. 49 (a) Derive and expression for the electric potential at any point along the axial line of
an electric dipole.

(b) Find the electrostatic potential at a point on equatorial line of an electric dipole.

Q. 50 If N drops of same size each having the same charge, coalesce to form a bigger drop.
How will the following vary with respect to single small drop?

(i) Total charge on bigger drop

(ii) Potential on the bigger drop

(iii) Capacitance [CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2017]

Q. 51 (a) Explain briefly, using a proper diagram, the difference in behaviour of a

conductor and a dielectric in the presence of external electric field.

(b) Define the term polarization of a dielectric and wire the expression for a linear
isotropic dielectric in terms of electric field. [CBSE 2019]

Q. 52 Briefly explain the principle of a capacitor. Derive an expression for the capacitance
of a parallel plate capacitor, whose plates are separated by a dielectric medium.

Q. 53 Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor when a

𝑑
dielectric slab of dielectric constant K and thickness t = 2 but of same area as that of

17
 the plates is inserted between the capacitor plates. (d = separation between the
plates).

Q. 54 Derive an expression for equivalent capacitance of three capacitors when connected

(i) in series and (ii) in parallel.

Q. 55 (a) Explain why, for any charge configuration, the equipotential

surface through a point is normal to the electric field at that point.

Draw a sketch of equipotential surfaces due to a single charge (-q),

depicting the electric field lines due to the charge.

(b) obtain an expression for the work done to dissociate the system of three charges
placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side ‘a’ as shown in figure

Q. 56 (i) Compare the individual dipole moment and the specimen dipole moment for H2O
molecule and O2 molecule when placed in

(a) Absence of external electric field

(b) Presence of external electric field. Justify your answer.

(iii) Given two parallel conducting plates of area A and charge densities +σ and –σ. A
dielectric slab of constant K and a conducting slab of thickness d each are inserted in
between them as shown.

(a) Find the potential difference between the plates.

(b) Plot E versus x graph, taking x = 0 at positive plate and x = 5d at negative plate.
[CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2016]

Q. 57 Obtain an expression for electrostatic potential energy of a system of three charges q,

2q and – 3q placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. [CBSE 2023]

Q. 58 Consider two identical point charges located at points (0, 0) and (a, 0) .

1. Is there a point on the line joining them at which the electric field is zero?

2. Is there a point on the line joining them at which the electric potential is zero?

Justify your answer for each case. [CBSE 2023]

Q. 59 (a) Twelve negative charges of same

magnitude are equally spaced and fixed on the
circumference of a circle of radius R as shown
in figure (i). relation to potential being zero at
infinity, find the electric potential and electric
field at the centre C of the circle. ]

(b) If the charges are unequally spaced and

fixed on an arc of 1200 of radius R as shown in figure. (ii) find electric potential at the
centre C. [CBSE 2023]

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Q. 60 A parallel plate capacitor (A) of capacitance C is charged by a battery to voltage V.
The battery is disconnected and an unchanged capacitor (B) of capacitance 2C is
connected across A. Find the ratio of

(i) final charges on A and B.

(ii) total electrostatic energy stored in A and B finally and that stored in A initially.
[CBSE 2023]

Q. 61 State the significance of negative value of electrostatic potential energy of a system of

charges.

Three charges are placed at the corners an equilateral triangle ABC of side 2.0 m as
shown in figure. Calculate the electric potential energy of the system of three charges.
[CBSE 2023]

Q. 62 A proton is taken from point 𝑃1 to point 𝑃2 , both located in an electric field. The
potentials at points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 are – 5 V and + 5 V respectively. Assuming that kinetic
energies of the proton at points 𝑃1 and 𝑃2 are zero, the work done on the proton is
(a) -1.6 x 10-8J (b) 1.6 x 10-18J
(c) zero (d) 0.8 x 10-8J (2024)

Q. 63 Assertion (A) : Equal amount of positive and negative charges are distributed
uniformly on two halves of a thin circular ring as shown in figure. The resultant
electric field at the centre O of the ring is along OC.

Reason (R): It is so because the net potential at O is not zero.

(a) If both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is correct
explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) If both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is not the correct
explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) If Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
(d) If both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false. (2024)

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Q. 64 (i) Obtain an expression for the electric potential due to a small dipole of dipole
moment 𝑝, at a point 𝑟 from its centre, for much larger distances compared to the
size of the dipole.
(ii) Three point charges q, 2q and nq are placed at the vertices of an equilateral
triangle. If the potential energy of the system is zero, find the value of n. (2024)

Q. 65 (i) Draw equipotential surfaces for an electric dipole.

(ii) Two point charges q1 and q2 are located at 𝑟1 and 𝑟2 respectively in an external
electric field 𝐸⃗ . Obtain an expression for the potential energy of the system.

(iii) The dipole moment of a molecule is 10-30 C m. it is placed in an electric field 𝐸⃗ of

105 V/m such that its axis is along the electric field. The direction of 𝐸⃗ is suddenly
changed by 60° at an intant. Find the change in the potential energy of the dipole, at
that instant. (2024)

Q. 66 An isolated conductor, with a cavity, has a net charge +Q. A point charge +q is inside
the cavity. The charge on the cavity wall and the outer surface are respectively.
(a) 0 and Q (b) – q and Q – q (c) – q and Q + q (d) 0 and Q – q
(2024)

Q. 67 (i) Obtain the expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with a
dielectric medium between its plats.
(ii) A charge of 6 μC is given to a hollow metallic sphere of radius 0.2 m. Find the
potential at (i) the surface and (ii) the centre of the sphere. (2024)

Q. 68 Which of the following is not the property of an equipotential surface?

(a) They do not cross each other.
(b) The work done in carrying a charge from one point to another on an
equipotential surface is zero.
(c) For a uniform electric field, they are concentric spheres.
(d) They can be imaginary spheres. (2023-24)

Q. 69 Assertion (A) : An electron has a higher potential energy when it is at a location

associated with a negative value of potential and has a lower potential energy when
at a location associated with a positive potential.
Reason (R) : Electrons move from a region of higher potential to a region of lower
potential.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false and R is also false. (2023-24)

Q. 70 Assertion (A): The direction of the electric field is always perpendicular to the
equipotential surface.

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 Reason (R): Work done by the electric force in
moving a charge between any two point on an equipotential surface is zero.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false and R is also false. (2023-24)

Q. 71 Charges (+q) and (-q) are placed at the points A

and B respectively which are a distance 2L apart. C
is the midpoint between A and B. What is the work
done in moving a charge +Q along the semicircle
CRD. (2023-24)

Q. 72 X and Y are two equipotential surfaces separated by a

distance of 2 m in a uniform electric field of 10 V/m.
Surface X has a potential difference of 10 V
(a) Calculate the potential of surface Y.
(b) What is the work done in moving a +2 C charge
from surface Y to surface X along path 1? How will this
work change when the charge is moved along path 2? Give a reason for your answer.
(2023-24)

Q. 73 At what rate does the electric field change between the plates of a square capacitor of
side 5 cm, if the plates are spaced 1.2 mm apart and the voltage across them is
changing at a rate of 60 V/s?
(a) 7.2 x 10-2 Vm-1 s-1
(b) 30 x 10-1 Vm-1 s-1
(c) 12 x 102 Vm-1 s-1
(d) 5 x 104 Vm-1 s-1(2023-24)

Q. 74 (i) Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel

plate capacitor with air present between the two plates.
(ii) Obtain the equivalent capacitance of the network
shown in figure. For a 300 V supply, determine the
charge on each capacitor.

Q. 75 (a) Find the effective resistance between points P and Q, if each capacitor has a
capacitance of 6 μF.
(b) Find the ratio of charges on capacitors C1 and C4, if the potential difference
between points P and Q is 10 V. (2023-24)

Q. 76 (i) A dielectric slab of thickness 't’ is kept between the plates of a parallel plate
capacitor with plate separation 'd' (t < d). Derive the expression for the capacitance
of the capacitor.

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 (ii) A capacitor of capacity C1 is charged to the potential of V0. On disconnecting with
the battery, it is connected with an uncharged capacitor of capacity C2 as shown in
the adjoining figure. Find the ratio of energies before and after the connection of
switch S. (2023-24)

Q. 77 A camera usually operates at 1.5 V and this potential difference is not sufficient to
emit light energy using flash. For this purpose, the flash circuit of the camera has a
capacitor that is charged to 300 V-330 V using various electrical components. If the
voltage generated across the plates of the capacitor is 300 V and the capacitance of
the parallel plate capacitor used is 100 μF, then find the energy released when the
trigger button on the camera is pressed.
(b) How much charge does the 100 μF capacitor charged to hold 300 V?
(c) If the distance between the parallel plate capacitor of capacitance 100 μF is
increased two times, then calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.
(d) The graph below shows the variation of charge 'q' with potential difference 'V’ for
a parallel plate capacitor ‘C’ for scenarios P and Q. Scenario P - the space between the
capacitor ‘C’ is filled with air. Scenario Q -the space between the capacitor 'C’ is filled
with a substance of dielectric constant K. Which of the two lines A or B corresponds
to scenario Q? Give a reason for your answer. (2023-24)

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