Chapter-1

Electric Charges and Fields

ONE MARK QUESTIONS

1. How many electrons are present in –1C of charge.

Ans: 6.25  1018 electrons

2. Name the S.I. Unit of charge?

Ans: Coulomb or C.
3. Define the electric field at a point ?
Ans: It is the electric force experienced per unit positive charge at a point in an electric
field.
4. Name the S.I. unit of electric field?
Ans: NC–1 or Vm–1
5. Is electric field a scalar or a vector?
Ans: Vector.
6. What is electric dipole?
Ans: It is a system of two equal and opposite charges seperated by a small distance.
7. Define electric dipole moment?
Ans: It is defined as the product of magnetude of one of the charge and seperation of
dipole.
8. State the principle of super position of electric fields?
Ans: Total electric field at a point due to number of charges is equal to the vector sum of
electric fields due to individual charges at that point.
9. Draw the pattern of electric field lines due to an isolated positive point charge.
Ans:

10. Draw the pattern of electric field lines due to an isolated negative point
charge.
Ans:
2 Sulalitha - Physics

11. State Gauss law in electrostatics ?

1
Ans: The total electric flux through any closed surface in free space is equal to  0

times the total electric charge enclosed by the surface.
12. What is electric field inside a charged spherical shell?
Ans: Zero.

TWO MARKS QUESTIONS

13. State and explain columns law in electrostatics ?
Ans: The electrostatic force of attraction or repulsion between any two stationary point
charges is directly proportional to the product of the magnitude of the charges and
inversly proportional to the square of the distance between them and it acts the line
joining the two points charges.
q1 q 2 1 q1q 2
F  2
 F
d 4  0 d 2

14. Write any two differences between polar and non-polar molecules?
Ans: Polar molecules Non-polar molecules
 Centre of positive charge and Centre of positive charge and
negative charge do not coinside. negative charges coinside.

 They posses permanent dipole They do not posses permanent

moment. dipole moment.

15. Define linear density of charge and mention its S.I. unit?
Ans: It is defined as amount of charge per unit length.
S.I. unit is C/m.
16. Define surface density of charge and mention its SI unit.
Ans: It is defined as amount of charge per unit area. SI unit is C/m2.
17. Define volume density of charge and mention its SI unit.
Ans: It is defined as amount of charge per unit volume. SI unit is C/m3.
18. When is the torque on an electric dipole (i) maximum and (ii) minimum?
Ans: i) Torque   PE sin  is maximum when dipole axis is perpendicular to
electric field.
i.e., max  P.E. when   90 .

ii) Torque is minimum when dipole axis is parallel to electric field.

min  0 when,   0 or   180 .

19. Give the physical significance of electric dipole?

Ans: i) In the study of the effect of electric field on an insulator and
ii) In the study of radiation of energy from an antenna.
Sulalitha - Physics 3

20. Sketch the electric field lines of

Ans: i) Two equal and opposite charges.
ii) Two equal positive charges.

(i) (ii)

THEREE MARK QUESTIONS

21. Mention three basic properties of electric charge.
Ans:  Additive property of charge
 Conservation property of charge
 Quantization property of charge.

22. Write Coulombs law in vector form.

 1  q1 q2 
Ans: F  rˆ where, r̂ is a unit vector.
40  r 2 

23. Derive the expression for force on a point charge due to multiple point
charges.
Ans: Let there be a system of three charges q1, q2 and q3.
The force on q1 and q2 is,

 q q
F12  K . 1 2 rˆ12 . . . (1)
r2
 q q
The force on q1 due to q3 is, F13  K . 12 2 . rˆ13 . . . (2)
r 13

Let F be the total force on q1 due to q2 and q3 individually, then
  
F  F12  F13
 q q q q
F  K. 1 2 2 rˆ12  K. 1 2 3 rˆ13
r12 r13

24. Write the three properties of electric field lines?

Ans: a) Electric field lines start from positive charge and terminate on negative charge.
b) Electric field leave or enter the charged conductor normally.
c) Electric field lines never intersect each other.
4 Sulalitha - Physics

25. Obtain the expression for electric field at a point due to multiple point charges.
Ans: The electric field at a point P due to q1 and q2 are given by,
 1 q
E1   21 . rˆ1 . . . (1)
4 0 r1

 1 q2
E2   22 . rˆ2 . . . (2)
4 0 r2

By the superposition principle field of p, due to two charges is,

  
E  E1  E2
 1  q1  1  q2 
F   2  rˆ1    rˆ2
40  r1  40  r22 

26. Write the physical significance of electric field?

Ans: a) The field explains the mechanism by which two charges exert colombian force
on each other.
b) The force acting any charge in a field can be easily calculated.
c) Electric field is a property of source charge and independent of magnitude of
test charge.
27. State and explain the Gauss law in electrostatics.

1
Ans: Total electric flux through a closed surface in vaccum is equal to  times, the net
0

charge enclosed by the surface.

Consider a charge 'q' which is placed in a closed surface S which is in vaccume. Then
the total electric flux through the closed surface is given by,
1 
   q
 0 

28.
Derive expression for the torque on a dipole placed in a uniform electric
field?

Ans: The force experienced by the charge is given by, F   qF .
There force constitute a torque on a dipole is given by,
Torque T  Force  Perpendicular distance between the two forces
 (qE)  AC
 E  AB sin 
 E . q 2a sin 
T  P.E sin 
Sulalitha - Physics 5

FIVE MARK QUESTIONS

29. Derive the expression for electric field at a point on the axis of an electric
dipole?
Ans:

The electric fields E q and E q at a point p, due to charge +q and –q are given by,

1 q
E q   . . . (1)
4  0 (r  a)2

1 q
E q   . . . (2)
4 0 (r  a)2

The resultant electric field is given by superposition principle.


E  E q  Eq
1  q q 
 
4 0  (r  a)2 (r  a)2 
q  1 1 
  2
 
4 0
 (r  a) (r  a)2 
q  (r  a)2  (r  a)2 
  
4 0  (r  a)2 (r  a)2 
q  r 2  2ar  a 2  [r 2  2ar  a2 ] 
  
4 0  (r 2  a 2 )2 
q  r 2  2ar  a2  r 2  2ar  a 2 
  
4 0  (r 2  a 2 )2 
1  q  2a . 2r 
E  [ (q  2a)  p]
4 0  (r 2  a 2 )2 
1 2pr
E   2
4 0 (r  a2 )2

when x  a, a2 is neglected.

1 2pr
E   4
4 0 r
1 2p
E   3
4 0 r

30. Derive the expression for electric field at a point on the equatorial line of an
electric dipole?
Ans: Let p be a point at a distance 'r' from the center of the dipole on the equitorial line
the magnitude of electric field at p due to +q is,
6 Sulalitha - Physics

1  q 
E q   2 2  away from the charge +q.
4 0  (r  a ) 

1  q 
Similarly, E q   2 2  towards from the charge –q.
4 0  (r  a ) 

The two vectors can be resolved into two components.

i) Parallel to dipole axis E q cos  and Eq cos  .

ii) Perpendicular to dipole axis E q sin  and E q sin  . The perpendicular

components are equal magnitude and opposite in direction. So they get cancelled.

Resultant electric field is, E  E q cos   E q cos 

E  2 E q cos 
  1 q 
E  2   2 2 
c os 
 4 0 (r  a ) 
 1 2q a a8
E   2 2
. 1
c os   1
4 0 (r  a )
(r 2  a 2 ) 2 (r 2  a 2 ) 2
 1 q  2a
E   3
4 0
(r 2  a 2 ) 2
 1 p
E   3
4 0
(r 2  a 2 ) 2

when r >> a, then a2 is neglected.

1 p
E   3
4 0 r2   2

1 2p
E   3
4 0 r

31. Derive the expression for electric field at a point due to infinitely long
uniformly charged straight wire using gauss law.
Ans: Consider an infinitely long thin straight wire with uniform linear charge density  .
Let P be the point at which electric field is calculated. Construct an imaginary
cylinder around the wire such that p lies on its surface.
Electric flux through the surface ds is

d  E cos  . ds   0, cos   1
 d  E . ds

Flux through Gaussian surface,   E  ds .

ES
Sulalitha - Physics 7

where 'S' is the surface area = 2rl . . . (1)

   E  2rl . . . (2)
1
but   q
0
From (1) and (2)

  E . 2rl
q
 E . 2rl
0
. . . (3)
1 q
E  
0 2 rl

According to linear charge density,

q
  . . . (4)
l
q  l
Substitute equation (4) in (3)
1 l 
E    E 
0 2rl 2 0 r

32. Derive an expression for electric field due to uniformly charged infinite plane
sheet.
Ans: Consider infinite thin plane sheet having positive
charges uniformly distributed electric field is
perpendicular to the plane sheet of charge and is
directed in outward direction.

The electric flux crossing the Gaussian surface is   E  Area of the end faces
(circular caps) of the cylinder.

  E . 2 ds . . . (1)
q
According to Gauss theorem, we have,  
0

Here, the charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface, q   ds .

A
  . . . (2)
0

 ds
From (1) and (2) we have, E  2 ds 
0


E 
2 0

* * *
8 Sulalitha - Physics

Chapter-2

Electric Potential and Capacitance

ONE MARK QUESTIONS

1. What is capacitor?
Ans: A device used to store electric charge is called a capacitor.
2. What is an equipotential surface?
Ans: A surface on which every point has same potential is called equipotential surface.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS

3. What is electrostatic shielding? Mention one application of it.
Ans: A method to protect certain region from the effect of electric field is called
electrostatic shielding.
This method is used to protect sensitive instruments.
4. Write the relation between electric field and potential. A point charge +Q is
placed at a point O as shown in the figure is the potential difference positive,
negative or zero?
Ans:  Relation between electric field and potential,
dv
E   .
dx
 Potential difference, VA  VB is positive.

5.
Mention any two factors on which the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
depends.
Ans: i) Area of plates
ii) Distance between the plates
iii) Delectric constant of the medium between plates.
6.
A parallel plate capacitor with air between plates has a capacitance C. What
will be the capacitance if
i) Distance between plates is doubled.
ii) Space between plates is filled with dielectric constant 5.
 1 
Ans: i) Capacitance becomes half C'  C  .
 2 
ii) Capacitance increases by 5 times C'  5 C  .

7. Distinguish between polar and non-polar molecules.

Ans: Polar Molecules Non-polar Molecules
 Molecules have permanent Molecules to not have permanent
dipole moment. dipole moment.
 Example: HCl, H2O Example: H2, N2
Sulalitha - Physics 9

THREE MARK QUESTIONS

8. Write any three properties of equipotential surface.
Ans: i) Two equipotential surfaces never interesect.
ii) Work done in moving a charge between two points on equipotential surface is
zero.
iii) Electric field is always normal to equipotential surface.
9. Derive the relation connecting electric field and electric potential.
Ans: Let q  source charge
qo  test charge

Work done dw  F dx . . . (1)

  q 0 E dx

[ F  q0 E . –ve sign shows that F is ooposite to work.]

By definition of potential difference,
dw q 0 E
dV   dx [by Eqn. (1)]
q0 q0
dV   E dx
dV
E 
dx
10. Derive the expression for potential energy of a system of two charges in the
absence of external electric field.
Ans: We shall consider a region where there is no field.
Let us bring q1 from  to point A.

Work done W1 = 0 [  no field.]

1 q1
Potential at point B. V  . . . (1)
4 0 4

Now, bring q2 from  to point B.

1 q1 . q 2
Work done, W2  Vq 2  [From Equation (1)]
4 0 r

Total work done, W  W1  W2

1 q1 q 2
 0 
4 0 r

 potential energy = total workdone.

1 q1q 2
U 
4  0 r
10 Sulalitha - Physics

11. Derive the expression for capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.

Ans: We shall consider parallel plate capacitors M and N,
A  area of each plates
d  distance between plates
V  p.d. across plates
+q and –q  charges on M and N.

q
Let   . . . (1) be surface charge density.
A
 q
Electric field between plates, E   . . . (2) [By equation (1)]
0 A0

q
Potential difference, V  ED  .d . . . (3) [By equation (2)]
A 0

q q
W.K.T. capacitance, C   [By equation (3)]
V q
d
A 0
A0
C 
d

12. Derive the expression for energy stored in a charged capacitor.

Ans: C  Capacitance of capacitor
V  p.d. across capacitor
q
W.K.T. V  . . . (1)
C
If dw is small work done to store dq, then
dw  V dq
q
 dq . . . (2) From (1)]
C
Total work done in storing charge from 0 to Q.
Q
W   dw
0
Q
q
  dq [From (2)]
0
C
Q
1
 q dq
C 0
Q
1  q2 
  
C  2 0

1  Q2 
   0
C  2 
Sulalitha - Physics 11

Q2

2C
Q2
 W   U [Energy stored in capacitor.]
2C
13. Obtain the expression for effective capacitance of two capacitors connected
in series.
Ans: Lets consider 2 capacitors C1 and C2 connected in series.
V  p.d. across combination
V1, V2  p.d. across C1 and C2 respectively.
Here, V = V1 + V2 . . . (1)
q q
But, V1  , V2  Substitute in (1).
C1 C2
q q
V  
C1 C2
1 1 
V  q    . . . (2)
 C1 C2 
We shall replace the combination by an equivalent capacitance Cs.
q
Here, V  . . . (3)
Cs
Equate (2) and (3):
q 1 1 
 q   
Cs  C1 C2 
1 1 1
 
Cs C1 C2
14. Derive an expression for potential energy of electric dipole placed in a
uniform electric field.
Ans: A dipole is placed in a uniform electric field 'E' making an angle  .

Small work done in rotating the dipole, dw   d . . . (1)

Potential energy, U = Total work done in rotating dipole from 90° to  .

 
U   dw    d [From Equation (1)]
90 90

  PE sin  d [   PE sin  ]
90

 PE  sin  d
90


 PE  cos  90
  PE [ cos   cos 90 ]

U   PE cos 

* * *
12 Sulalitha - Physics

Chapter-3

Current Electricity

ONE MARK QUESTIONS

1. Define current density.
Ans: The current per unit area of cross section of the conductor is called current density.
(OR)
Current
Current density (j) =
Area of cross section of the conductor
2. What is drift velocity?
Ans: The average velocity with which free electrons are drifted in a conductor under the
influence of electric field is called drift velocity.
3. Define mobiliy of free electrons.
Ans: The magnitude of drift velocity per unit electric field is called mobility of free
electron.
4. Define relaxation time?
Ans: The average time interval between two successive collisions of free electrons is called
relaxation time.
5. Write the SI unit of mobility of charges.
Ans: m2/VS.
6. Write the SI unit of resistivity.

Ans: m .
7. Name the SI unit of current density?
Ans: Am–2.
8. Define internal resistance of cell?
Ans: The resistance offered by electrodes and electrolyte of the cell to the flow of current
is called internal resistance of a cell.
9. Define emf of a cell.
Ans: The potential difference across the ends of a cell when it is open circuit is called emf
of a cell.
10. What is the significance of Kirchhoff's first law ? [Current rule (OR) Junction
rule.]
Ans: Law of conservation of charge.
Sulalitha - Physics 13

11. What is the significance of Kirchhoff's second law? (Voltage rule (OR) Loop
rule.]
Ans: Law of conservation of energy.
12. Write the balancing condition for Wheatstone's network.
Ans: Ig = 0.
13. What is the principle of metre-bridge.
Ans: Balanced Wheatstone network.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS

14. Write the expression for drift velocity interms of current. Explain the terms
used.
I
Ans: Vd 
nAe
where, Vd  drift velocity
I  current
n  number of electrons per unit volume
A  area of crosssection
e  charge of electron

15. State and explain Ohm's law.

Ans: Statement: The current (I) through a metallic conductor is directly proportional to
the potential difference between its ends, provided temperature and other physical
conditions kept constant.
VI
V = IR
where, V = Potential different; I = current; R = Resistance

16. Mention the limitations of Ohm's law.

Ans: i) It is not applicable for semiconductors (Diodes, Transistors).
ii) It is not applicable to super conductors.
iii) It is not applicable to vacuum tubes.

17. What is Ohmic device? Give example.

Ans: The devices which obey Ohm's law are called ohmic devices.
Example: Metallic conductors at normal temperature volt meter, ammeter.

18. What are non-ohmic devices? Give example.

Ans: The devices which do not obey Ohm's law are called non-ohmic devices.
Example: Diode, Transistors, Vaccum tubes.
14 Sulalitha - Physics

19. State and explain Kirchhoff's junction rule. (Current rule)

Ans: "In an electrical network, algebraic sum of currents at a node is zero."
At the node, 'p'.
I1 + I2 – I3 + I4 – I5 = 0
OR I 1 + I2 + I4 = I3 + I5
20. State and explain Kirchhoff's loop rule. (Voltage rule).
Ans: "In an electrical loop, the algebraic sum of IR (current and resistance) products is
equal to the algebraic sum of the emfs.
Explanation:
Applying Loop rule to ABCDA,
– E1 + I1 R1 – I2 R2 + E2 = 0
I1 R1 – I2 R2 = E1 – E2
21. What are the uses of potentiometer?
Ans: i) Used to find internal resistance of the cell.
ii) Used to compare the emf of two cells.

THREE MARK QUESTIONS

22. Mention the factors on which the resistance of a conductor depends.

Ans: i) The length of the conductor ( R  l )

1
ii) Area of cross-section of the conductor  R  
 A
iii) Temperature of the conductor.  R  T 

iv) Material of the conductor.

23. Derive an expression for drift velocity in terms of relaxation time.
Ans: The acceleration of a free electron due to electric field E is,
F
a  , but F = –eE [where, 'e' is charge of electron and 'm' is mass of electron.]
m
eE
a  . . . (1)
m
We have, v = u + at . . . (2)
For drift velocity, v = vd, t =  (average relaxation time) and average initial velocity,
u = 0.

Equation (2) becomes Vd  a . . . (3)

Substitute (1) in (3),

eE eE
Vd  OR Vd 
m m
Sulalitha - Physics 15

24. Obtain an expression for current in terms of drift velocity (OR) show that
I  nAe Vd , where the symbols have their usual meanings.

Ans: Consider, a conductor of length 'l' and uniform area of cross section 'A'.

When potential difference 'v' is applied across the ends of the conductor, electric
field 'E' is set up. The electrons are drifted with drift velocity Vd.
q
We have, I  . . . (1)
t
But, Q = Ne . . . (2)
Number of electrons per unit volume is given by,
Number of free electrons
n = volume of the conductor

N
n=
V
N = nV [  V  A  l ]

N = nAl . . . (3)
Equation (2)  q = nAle

Equation (1)  I  nAle

t
 l 
I = nAVde   Vd 
 t 
25. Derive the relation between current density and conductivity of a conductor
 
(OR) show that j  E .
Ans: Consider a conductor of length 'l' and uniform area of cross section 'A'.
V is the p.d. applied, I is the current, E is the electric field,
V
We have, I  . . . (1)
R
l V VA
But, R  . . . (1)  I  
A  l  l
A
 
I V
 . . . (2)
A l
I
But,  j (Current density)
A

V 1
 E and    (conductivity)
l
 
Substitute in (2) j  E j  E
16 Sulalitha - Physics

FIVE MARK QUESTIONS

26. Derive an expression for equivalent emf and equivalent internal resistance
when two cells connected in series.
Ans: Consider two cells P and Q of E1, r1 and E2, r2 are connected in series. I is the current
through the combination.

Let VAB  p.d. across A and B

VBC  p.d. across B and C
VAC  p.d. across A and C

We have, E = V + IR
V = E – IR . . . (1)

For cell 'P' VAB = E1 – Ir1 . . . (2)

For cell 'Q' VBC = E2 – Ir2 . . . (3)

But , VAC = VAB + VBC

= E1 – Ir1 + E2 – Ir2
VAC = E1 + E2 – I (r1 + r2) . . . (4)
when this combination is replaced by an equivalent cell of emf Es and intrenal
resistance rs .
VAC = Es – Irs . . . (5)
On comparing (4) and (5)
Es = E1 + E2 and rs = r1 + r2
27. Derive an expression for equivalent emf and equivalent internal resistance
of two cells, when connected is parallel.
Ans: Consider two cells P and Q of emf and internal resistance E1, r1 and E2, r2 are
connected in parallel.
Let I be the main current, I 1 and I 2 be the currents through the cells P and Q.
Eeqv , reqv be the equivalent cell.

By definition we have,
E = V + Ir
E V
I  . . . (1)
r
Sulalitha - Physics 17

E1  V
The current through 'P' is, I1  . . . (2)
r1

E2  V
The current through 'Q' is, I 2  . . . (3)
r2
The total current, I = I1 + I 2
E1  V E V
=  2
r1 r2
E1r2  Vr2  E2r1  Vr1
=
r1 r2
E1r2  E2r1  V(r1  r2 )
=
r1 r2
E1r2  E2r1 V(r1  r2 )
I =  . . . (4)
r1 r2 r1 r2
When the combination is replaced by equivalent cell of emf Ep and internal
resistance rp .
Ep  V Ep V
I    . . . (5)
rp rp rp
Comparing (4) and (5)
1 r r r1r2
 1 2  rp 
rp r1 r2 r1  r2

Ep E1 r2  E2 r1  E r  E2r1  r1 r2  E1 r2  E2 r1 
  Ep  rp  1 2  =  
rp r1 r2  r1 r2  (r1  r2 )  r1 r2 
E1 r2  E2 r1
 Ep 
r1  r2

28. Obtain the expression for balanced condition for the Wheatstone's network.
Ans: Consider P, Q, R and S are 4 resistances connected in the form of a bridge.
When the wheatstone bridge is balanced, Ig = 0.
i) Applying loop rule to mesh ABDA,
I1P + Ig. G – I2R = 0
I1P – I2R = 0 ( Ig  0)
 I1P  I2R . . . (1)

ii) Applying loop rule to mesh BCDB.

(I1 – Ig) Q – (I2 + Ig) S – Ig. G = 0

I1Q – I2 S = 0  Ig  0 

 I1Q  I2S . . . (2)

(1) IP IR P R
Consider,  1  2 ;  
(2) I1Q I2S Q S
18 Sulalitha - Physics

SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
1. A battery of internal resistance 3 is connected to 20  resistor and potential
difference across the resistor is 10V. If another resistor of 30  is connected
in series with the first resistor and battery is again connected to the
combination. Calculate the emf and terminal p.d. across the combination.
(March, 2014)

Soln: Given: r  3 ; R  20 ; V  10V ;   ?


Case (i): I 
Rr
V 

R Rr
V(R  r)
 
R
10 (20  3) 23
   11.5V
26 2
Case (ii): Rs  20  30  50  ; r  3  ; V  ?

I 
Rr
V 

Rs (R  r)
 . Rs 11.5  50
V    10.849 V
(R  r) (50  3)

2. In the given circuit, calculate the current through the galvonometer.

Soln: Apply loop rule to ABDA.

I1  1  Ig  5  I2  4  0
I1  5Ig  4 I2  0 . . . (1)

Apply loop rule to BCDB,

(I1  Ig ) 2  (Ig  I2 ) 3  Ig . 5  0
2 I1  2 Ig  3 Ig  3 I2  5 Ig  0
2 I1  10 Ig  3 I2  0 . . . (2)

Apply loop rule to ADCA,

I2 . 4  3( I2  Ig )  (I1  I2 ) 1  3  0
4 I2  3 I2  3 Ig  I1  I2  3
I1  8 I2  3 Ig  3 . . . (3)

15
Solving equation (1), (2) and (3), we get, Ig   0.0652 A
230
Sulalitha - Physics 19

3. Two cells of emf 2V and 4V and internal resistance 1 Ω and 2 Ω respectively

are connected in parallel so as to send the current in the same direction
through an external resistance of 10 Ω . Find the potential difference across
10 Ω resistor. (March, 2015)
Soln: i) Apply KVL to mesh CDABC,

11I1  10 I2  2 . . . (1)

ii) Apply KVL to mesh ABEFA

10 I1  12 I2  4 . . . (2)

Solving (1) and (2)

I1 = –0.5A
I2 = 3/4A

Potential drop across 10  R is, V  (I1  I2 ) R

 ( 0.5  0.75) 10
V  2.5 V

4. Two identical cells either is series or in parallel combination, gives the same
current of 0.5A through external resistance of 4  . Find emf and internal
resistance of each cell. (January, 2015)

Soln: Given: Is  Ip  0.5A ; R  4  ; E  ? ; r  ?

nE 2E
1) Is   . . . (1) [ n  2 ]
(R  nr) (R  2r)
nE 2E
2) Ip  = . . . (2)
(nR  r) (2R  r)
Put 4 = 4 in (1)
Is  Ip
2E 2E 2E
 0.5 
R  2r 2R  r 4  2(4)
2R  r  R  2r 2E  0.5(12)
2(4)  r  4  2r 6
E 
r  84 2
E  3V
r  4

5. A wire having length 2m, diameter 1 mm and resistivity 1.963 × 10-6 Ω m is

connected in series with a battery of emf 3V and internal resistance 1Ω .
Calculate the resistance of the wire and current in the circuit.
Soln: Given: l  2m; d  1 mm  1  10 3 m ;   1.963  10 6  m ; E  3V ;
r  1 ; R  ? ; I  ?
20 Sulalitha - Physics

l 1.963  106  2
i) To find R : R   . . . (1)
A A
2 d2
ii) To find A : For cylindrical wire, A  r  
4
22 (1  10 3 )2
   0.7857  106 m2
7 4
1.963  10 6  2
Substitute in (1), R   4.9968   5 
0.7857  10 6

E 3 3
To find I : I     0.5A
Rr 5 1 6
6. 100mg mass of nicrome metal is drawn into a wire of area of cross section
0.05mm2. Calculate the resistance of this wire. Given: Density of nicrome is
8.4  103 kg m 3 and resistaivity of the material is 1.2  10 6 m .

Soln: Given: m = 100 mg = 10  10 3 g  10  10 6 kg

A  0.05 mm 2  0.05  (103 )2  0.05  10 6 m 2

Density (D) = 8.4  103 kg / m3 ; R = Resistivity   1.2  10 6 m

To find R: R 
l . . . (1)
A
'l' is unknown.
Mass Mass Mass
To find 'l' : Density (D)  ; Length 
Volume Area  Length (A  D)
 Mass
Eqn (1)  R  
A (A  D)
1.2  10 6  10  10 6
R   5.7142  .
0.05  106  8.4  103
7. In Wheatstone's network P  20 , Q  25 , S  30  and R = 15  are
connected in a cyclic order. Is the network balanced? If not how do you vary
(i) R and (ii) S to balance the network?

Soln: Given: P  20 , Q  25 , S  30  , R = 15  .
P R 20 15 4 3
For balanced =  ;   
Q S 25 30 5 6
Hence, network is not balanced.

R must be increased : 20 15  R1

25 30
20  30
(15  R1 ) 
25
1
R  24  15  R1  9 

9  is connected in series with R = 15  .

 R = 15 + 9 24  .
* * *
Sulalitha - Physics 21

Chapter-4

Moving Charges and Magnetism

ONE MARK QUESTIONS

1. Does a neutron experience a force in magnetic field.
Ans: No. Since charge of neutron is zero.
2. Write the expression for force experienced by a straight conductor of length
 
l carrying current I, placed in a uniform magnetic field B .
  
Ans: F  I (l  B)  BI l sin  .
3. State and explain Awper's circuital law.
Ans: It states that the integral value of the magnetic field over a closed conductor is
equal to 0 times the net current in the conductor.

Consider a conductor carrying current 'I'.

Let an amperian loop of radius 'r' be constructed,
then according to the law,
 
 B . dl = o I

4. Define 'Ampere' the SI unit of current by writing expression for the force
between the parallel conductors.
F  I I
Ans:  01 2
l 2d
"The one ampere is defined as the current which when flowing in each of two infinetely
long straight conductors separated by a distance of one metre in free space experience
a force of 2  107 N / m between them.

5. What is the nature of the force between two parallel conductors carrying
currents in the (a) Same direction; (b) Opposite direction.
Ans: a) Attraction for same direction.
b) Repulsion for opposite direction.

TWO MARK QUESTIONS

6. Write the expression for magnetic force acting on a charged particle moving
in a uniform magnetic field and explain the terms.
Ans: F = Bq V sin 
where, B = Magnetic field strength; q = Charge; V = Velocity of the charged particle.
22 Sulalitha - Physics

7. When the force on a charge moving in a magnetic field is (a) Maximum; (b)
Minimum.
Ans: F = Bq V sin 
a) If   90  F is maximum.
b) If   0  F is minimum.

8. What is Lorentz force? Write the expression for it?

Ans: Force experienced by moving charged particle in a region containing both electric
and magnetic field is called Lorentz force.
Lorentz force = Fe + Fm
F = qE + Bq V sin 

F = q E  (V  B) 

9.
Give vector form of Biot-Savart's law and explain the terms?
 
   0  I (dl  r)
Ans: dB    3
 4   r
where, dl = length of current element

r = position vector of current element

dB = magnetic field strength

10. Define Bohr Magneton and mention its value.

Ans: The magnetic dipole moment of electron revolving in the first orbit of hydrogen
atom is called Bohr Magnetion. It's value is 9.27  10 24 Am2 .

THREE MARK QUESTIONS

11. On what factors the force experienced by charged particle moving in a
Magnetic field.
Ans: i) Magnitude of the charge (B)
ii) Velocity of the charged particle (V)
iii) Angle between 'V' and 'B'.
12. Derive the expression for force acting on a current carrying conductor in an
uniform magnetic field.
Ans: Let l, A and B are the length, Area of cross-section of conductor and Magnetic field.
Let 'n' be the number density of electrons present in the conductor.
Therefore the total number of free electrons in the conductor = nAl
Total charge on electrons = q nAle
Force on these electrons = F = q (Vd  B)

F  nA le (Vd  B)
F  I ( l  B) ( I  nAeVd)
F = BI l sin 
Sulalitha - Physics 23

13. State and explain Biot-Savarts law.

Ans: It states that the magnetic field at a point due to the current element is
i) Directly proportional to strength of current (I)
ii) Directly proportional to length of current element
(dl)
iii) Directly proportional to sine of angle between the
current element and the line joining the point (sin ) .
iv) Inversely proportional to square of the distance
between the current element and the point at which
magnetic field to be calculated.
 XY  Conductor
dl  Length of small element

 dB  I
dB  dl

dB  sin 
1
dB 
r2
Id l sin 
 dB 
r2
Id l sin 
dB  K
r2

K  0  10 7 Hm 1
4
 Id l sin 
 dB  0
4 r2
14. How to convert a Galvometer into Ammeter.
Ans: A low resistance called shunt resistance (S) is connected in parallel with the
galvonometer.

15. How to convert a Galvonometer into Voltmeter.

Ans: A high resistance (R) is connected in series with the galvonometer. Then this
modified version is called voltmeter.
24 Sulalitha - Physics

16. Derive an expression for magnetic field at a point inside a long current
carrying solenoid using Ampere's Circuit law.
Ans: Let n  number of turns per unit length
I  Current
B  Magnetic field inside the solenoid.

Consider a rectangular loop PQRS and PQ = RS = L.

The line integral of B over the closed path
PQRSP is,
Q R S P

 B . d l = 
P
B. d l  
Q
B. d l  
R
B. d l  
S
B. d l

Q Q

 B . d l
P
= 
P
B. d l cos 0  BL

R P S
Now, B. d l  B. d l  B. d l  0

Q

S

R

  B . d l = BL . . . (1)

According to Ampere's critical law,

 B . d l =  0 I   0 n LI
. . . (2)
P

 From (1) and (2), BL  0 n I L

B  0 n I

FIVE MARK QUESTIONS

17. Derive an expression for magnitude of the magnetic field at a point along the
axis of the circular coil carrying current.
Ans: Consider a circular coil of radius R carrying a current I. Plane of the coil
perpendicular to the paper. Let 'P' be a point at a distance 'x' from the centre of the

dB cos 
 dB
 dB sin 

dB sin 
dB cos 
dB'
Sulalitha - Physics 25

coil along the axis.

Accorindg to Biot Savarts law, The magnitude of magnetic field at 'P' due to element
AB is,
0 Id l sin 
dB  (R is very small then   90 )
4 r2
 0 Id l sin 90
dB  along PE
4 r2
Similarly, magnetic field at 'P' due to A'B' element is,

0 Id l
dB  along PF (db  dB)
4 r2
The magnetic field dB along PE is resolved into two components as dB sin  along
X-axis and dB cos  along Y-axis. dB cos  components are cancel each other.
dB sin  components gets added up.

 for the entire coil, B   dB sin 

0 Idl  0 Idl 
B  
4 r2
sin   dB  4  r 2 
 
0 I
 sin   dl
4  r2

 dl  Circumference of the coil  2 R

0 I
B  sin  2 R . . . (1)
4 r 2

From the fig. r2  R2  x 2 . . . (2)

1
r  
R2 x 2  R2  x 2 2
 . . . (3)
R
and sin  
r
R R
sin    1
R2  x2 . . . (4)
(R2  x 2 ) 2

Substitute (2) and (3) and (4) in (1)

0 I R
B  (2R)
4  R  x2
2
2
1
2 2
(R  x )
0 2  I R2
B  3
4
(R 2  x 2 ) 2

0 2  I n R2
For 'n' turns, B  3
4
(R2  x 2 ) 2
26 Sulalitha - Physics

18. Derive the expression for force between two straight infinitely long parallel
conductors and define one ampere.
Ans: Magnetic field produced by the conductor '1' at a distance 'd' is,
0 I1
B1  . . . (1)
4 d
The force on 'conductor '2' due to conductor '1' is,
F21 = B1 L I2 . . . (2)  F  BIL 

Substitute (1) in (2) we get,

 0 I1 I2 L
F21  . . . (3)
4 d
Similarly magnetic field by the conductor '2' is,
 0 I2
B2  . . . (4)
4 d
The force on '1' due to '2' is,
F12 = B2 L I1 . . . (5)
Substitute (4) in (5), we get
 0 I2 I1 L
F12  . . . (6)
4 d
 F12  F21

F12  I I
f21  f12   0 1 2
L 4 d

 0 I1 I2
 f21  f12 
4 d

One Ampere: One ampere is defined as that steady current which when flowing in
each of two infinitely long straight conductors seperated by one metre in free space
experience a force of 2  10 7 Nm1 betwen them.

19. Obtain the expression for the torque acting on a rectangular current loop
placed in an uniform magnetic field.
Ans:

Consider a rectangular loop PQRS is carrying current I.

Let, l = length of the loop; b = breadth of the loop
The arms PS and QR will experience equal and opposite force 'F', when the magnetic
field is 'B'.
Sulalitha - Physics 27

 F  B I l sin 

F=BIl . . . (1) (   90)

But, PQ and SR do not experience any force. ( PQ and SR are parallel to the field.)
Therefore, torque experienced by the coil,
 = Force  Perpendicular distance
  B I l  b sin 
= B I A sin  ( A  l  b)
= m B sin  ( m  lA)
for 'N' turns of loop,   N B I A sin  .

SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS

1. A straight of length m is bent into a circular shape O is the center of the
2
circle formed and 'P' is a point on its axis which is at a distance 3 times the
radius from O. A current of 1A is passed through it. Calculate the magnitude
of magnetic field at the point 'O' and 'P.'

Soln: Given: I = 1A; n = 1; x = 3R


Circumference =
2

2R 
2

R 
4
1  x  3R  3  0.25
R   0.25m
4 x  0.75 m
Therefore magnetic field of the centre of the current loop,

0 2  n I
B0 
4 R
10 7  2  3.14  1  1

0.25
6
B0  2.5  10 T

Magnetc field at the point 'P' onthe axis of current loop,

   2  n I R2
Ba   0  3
 4   R2  x 2 2
 
10 7  2  3.14  1  1  (0.25)2
 3
(0.25)2  (0.75)2  2
 
Ba  0.079  10 6 T
28 Sulalitha - Physics

2. A milli ammeter of resistance 0.5  gives full scale deflection for a current of
5mA. How to convert it into an ammeter of range (0 – 0.5A) and volt meter of
range (0 – 50V).

Soln: Given: G  0.5  , Ig  5  10 3 A , I  0.5 A

Ig G
i) WKT, S 
I  Ig
0.5  5  10 3

0.5  5  10 3
 5  10 3  in parallel with galvonometer.

ii) Given: V = 50V,

V
WKT, R   G
Ig
50
  0.5
5  10 3
R  9999.5 

9999.5  resistance connected in series with galvonometer.

***