Sunday, July 22, 2012

Multiple Choice Questions on Electrostatics




“Example isn't another way to teach, it is the only way to teach.”
– Albert Einstein

Today we will discuss a few questions from electrostatics. You will find many questions (with solution) in this section discussed earlier on this site. You can access all those questions by clicking on the label ‘electrostatics’ below this post.
(1) A 6 μF capacitor is connected in series with a 2 μF capacitor. The 6 μF capacitor can withstand a maximum voltage of 3 kV where as the 2 μF capacitor can withstand a maximum voltage of 6 kV. The maximum voltage that the parallel combination can withstand is
(a) 2 kV
(b) 3 kV
(c) 6 kV
(d) 8 kV
(e) 12 kV
We have capacitors C1 and C2 (let us say) having values 6 μF and 2 μF. If the maximum voltage that the parallel combination can withstand is Vmax, the voltage V1 across the 6 μF capacitor on applying this voltage across the series combination is given by
            V1 = Vmax C2/(C1 + C2)
[The charge Q on each capacitor on connecting the voltage Vmax across the series combination is given by Q = C1C2 Vmax/(C1 + C2), remembering that the effective capacitance of the series combination is C1C2/(C1 + C2)].
Therefore, V1 = Vmax×2/(6+2) = Vmax/4
Since C1 can withstand a maximum voltage of 3 kV we have Vmax/4 = 3 kV
This gives Vmax = 12 kV.
[Do not jump to a conclusion at this stage, You have to check whether C2 will be intact on applying the above 12 kV across the series combination].
The voltage V2 across the 2 μF capacitor on applying this voltage Vmax across the series combination is given by
            V2 = Vmax C1/(C1 + C2)
Threfore V2 = Vmax×6/(6+2) = 6 Vmax/8
Since C2 can withstand a maximum voltage of 6 kV we have 6 Vmax/8 = 6 kV
This gives Vmax = 8 kV.
This value of Vmax being lower than that obtained (12 kV) on considering the 6 μF capacitor, the correct option is 8 kV.


(2) A uniform electric field of intensity E newton/coulomb directed along the positive x-direction exists in a region of space (Fig.). The x- direction is horizontal. A, B, C and D are points at the corners of a square of side a, with AB and CD  parallel to the x-direction. If the electric potential at point A is V volt, what is the potential (in volt) at the point D?
(a) V
(b) V aE
(c) V √2 aE
(d) V + √2 aE
(e) V + aE
Since the electric field acts along the positive x-direction, the potential decreases as we move along the positive x-direction.
[Remember that the electric field is the negative gradient of potential].
While moving from A to D the x-coordinate increases by ‘a’ and hence the potential decreases by aE. Therefore, the potential at D is V aE [Option (b)].
(3) In the above question what is the potential difference between points A and C?
(a) V
(b) V aE
(c) V + aE
(d) aE
(e) Zero
Since the electric field acts along the x-direction, the potential will change only if the x-coordinate changes. Points A and C have the same x-coordinates and hence they are at the same potential. Therefore, the potential difference between points A and C is zero.


(4) Two small identical spheres are charged equally and suspended in air by strings of equal length. The strings make a small angle θ with each other (Fig.). When the spheres are immersed in oil of density 800 kg m–3 the angle between the strings is found to be unaltered. If the density of the material of the spheres is 1200 kg m–3, what is the dielectric constant of the oil?
(a) 1.5
(b) 2.5
(c) 3
(d) 3.5
(e) 4
The repulsive electrostatic force F  between the spheres in air is given by
             F = (1/4πε0) (q2/d2) where ε0 is the permittivity of free space (and air, very nearly), qis the charge on each sphere and d is the distance between the spheres.
            When the spheres are in the oil the electrostatic force F1 between the spheres is given by
            F1 = (1/4πε0K) (q2/d2) where K is the dielectric constant of the oil.
The real weight W of each sphere is given by
            W = Vρg where V is the volume, ρ is the density of the material of the sphere and  g is the acceleration due to gravity.
The apparent weight W1 of each sphere when immersed in oil is given by
            W1 = Vρg Vσg where σ is the density of the oil.
[Note that Vσg is the upthrust or the force of buoyancy due to the oil]
When the spheres are in air, we have (Fig.)
     tan α = F /W = (1/4πε0) (q2/d2)/ Vρg………………..(i)
When the spheres are in oil, we have
tan α = F1 /W1 = (1/4πε0K) (q2/d2) / (Vρg Vσg)……(ii)
Dividing Eq. (i) by Eq. (ii) we have
            1 = K(ρ σ) / ρ
Therefore, K = ρ/(ρ σ) = 1200/400 = 3