Chapter 1

1. Plot a graph showing the variation of coulomb force (F) versus ( ), where 𝑟 is the distance between the
two charges of each pair of charges: (1𝜇𝐶, 2𝜇𝐶) and (2𝜇𝐶, −3𝜇𝐶). Interpret the graphs obtained.
2. A charge is distributed uniformly over a ring of radius ‘a’. Obtain an expression for the electric field
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.
3. Consider a system of n charges q1, q2 … qn with position vectors 𝑟⃗, 𝑟⃗ … 𝑟⃗ relative to some origin ‘O’
Deduce the expression for the net electric field 𝐸⃗ at a point P with position vector 𝑟⃗ due to this system of
charges.
4. Why do the electrostatic field lines not form closed loops?
5. Why do the electric field lines never cross each other?
⃗
6. The electric field 𝐸⃗ due to a point charge at any point near it is defined as 𝐸⃗ = lim , where 𝑞 is the test
→
charge and 𝐹⃗ is the force acting on it. What is the physical significance of lim in this expression?
→
Draw the electric field lines of a point charge Q when (i) Q > 0, and (ii) Q < 0.
7. A point charge (+Q) is kept in the vicinity of an uncharged conducting plate. Sketch the electric field lines
between the charge and the plate.
8. Write an expression of the flux ∆𝜙, of electric field 𝐸⃗ through an area element ∆𝑆⃗.
9. (i) Define the term ‘electric flux’. Write its SI unit.
(ii) What is the electric flux due to electric field 𝐸⃗ = 3 × 10 𝚤̂ N/C through a square of side 10cm, when it is
held normal to 𝐸⃗ ?
10. Define the term electric dipole moment of a dipole. State its S.I. Unit.
11. An electric dipole of dipole moment 𝑝⃗ consists of point charges +q and -q separated by a distance 2a apart.
Deduce the expression for the electric field 𝐸⃗ due to the dipole at a distance 𝑥 from the centre of the
dipole on its axial line in terms of the dipole moment 𝑝⃗.
2𝑝⃗
Hence show that in the limit 𝑥 ≫ 𝑎, 𝐸⃗ → .
4𝜋𝜀 𝑥
12. Find the resultant electric field due to an electric dipole moment 2𝑎𝑞 (2𝑎 being the separation between
the charges ±𝑞) at a point distance 𝑥 on its equator.
13. Obtain the expression for the torque 𝜏⃗ acting on a dipole of dipole moment 𝑝⃗ placed in an electric field 𝐸⃗ .
Identify the two pairs of perpendicular vectors in the expression. [ANS: 𝜏⃗ and 𝑝⃗, 𝜏⃗ and 𝐸⃗ ]
State the conditions under which the dipole is in (i) stable equilibrium and (ii) unstable equilibrium.
14. What happens when a dipole is placed in non – uniform electric field?
15. Deduce the expression for the electric field 𝐸⃗ due to a system of two charges q1 and q2 with position
vectors 𝑟⃗ and 𝑟⃗ at a point 𝑟⃗ with respect to the common origin O.
16. How does the electric flux due to a point charge enclosed by a spherical Gaussian surface get affected
when its radius is increased?
17. What is the electric flux through a cube of side 1cm which encloses an electric dipole?
18. Show that the electric field at the surface of a charged conductor is given by 𝐸⃗ = 𝑛 where 𝜎 is the
surface charge density and 𝑛 is a unit vector normal to the surface in the outward direction.
19. A sphere S1 of radius r1 enclosed a charge Q. If there is another concentric sphere S2 of radius r2 (r2 > r1) and
there are no additional charges between S 1 and S2. Find the ratio of electric flux through S1 and S2.
20. Define electric flux. Write its SI unit.
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 charge? Give
reason.
21. “Gauss’ 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.

ASPIRATIONS Niloy Nath

 22. 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?
23. 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.
24. 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.
(a) 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 > 𝑟 from the centre of the shell.
25. Two infinitely large plane thin parallel sheets having surface charge
densities 𝜎 and 𝜎 (𝜎 > 𝜎 ) are shown in the figure. Write the
magnitudes and directions of the net fields in the regions marked II
and III.

26. (i) State Gauss’ law.

(ii) A thin straight infinitely long conducting wire of linear charge density ‘𝜆’ is enclosed by a cylindrical
surface of radius ‘r’ and length ‘𝑙’. Its axis coinciding with the length of the wire. Obtain the expression for
the electric field, indicating its direction, at a point on the surface of the cylinder.
27. Using Gauss’ law, obtain the expression for the electric field due to a uniformly charged thin spherical shell
of radius R at a point outside the shell.
Draw a graph showing the variation of electric field with 𝑟, for 𝑟 > 𝑅 and 𝑟 < 𝑅.
28. Using Gauss’ law, derive an expression for the electric field due to a uniformly charged infinite plane sheet.
29. Use Gauss’ law to derive the expression for the electric field between two uniformly charged large parallel
sheets with surface charge densities +𝜎 and −𝜎 respectively.
30. Use Gauss’ law to prove that the electric field inside a uniformly charged spherical shell is zero.
31. A small conducting sphere of radius ‘r’ carrying a charge +q is surrounded by a large concentric conducting
shell of radius R on which a charge +Q is placed. Using Gauss’ law derive the expressions for the electric
field at a point ‘𝑥’
(i) between the sphere and the shell (𝑟 < 𝑥 < 𝑅)
ii) outside the spherical shell.
32. Using Gauss’ law, deduce the expression for the electric field due to a uniformly charged spherical
conducting shell of radius R at a point (i) outside and (ii) inside the shell. Plot a graph showing variation of
electric field as a function of r > R and r < R. (r being the distance from the centre of the shell)
33. Using Gauss’ law, derive an expression for the electric field intensity at any point outside a uniformly
charged thin spherical shell of radius R and charge density 𝜎 C/m2. Draw the field lines when the charge
density of the sphere is (i) positive, (ii) negative.

Chapter 2

1. A point charge +Q is placed at point O as shown in the figure. Is the

potential difference 𝑉 − 𝑉 positive, negative or zero?
2. Draw a plot showing the variation of (i) electric field (E) and (ii) electric
potential (V) with distance 𝑟 due to a point charge Q.
3. What is the electrostatic potential due to an electric dipole at an equatorial point?
4. Derive the expression for the electric potential at any point along the axial line of an electric dipole.
Mention one contrasting feature of electric potential of a dipole at a point as compared to that due to a
single charge.
5. Two point charges q and -2q are kept ‘d’ distance apart. Find the location of point relative to charge ‘q’ at
which potential due to this system of charges is zero.
ASPIRATIONS Niloy Nath
 6. Why are electric field lines perpendicular at a point on an equipotential surface of a conductor?

7. Figure shows the field lines on a positive charge. Is the work done by the field in moving a small positive
charge from Q to P positive or negative? Give reason.

8. What is the geometrical shape of equipotential surfaces due to a single isolated charge?
9. What is the amount of work done in moving a point charge around a circular arc of radius r at the centre of
which another point charge is located?
10. Two closely packed equipotential surfaces A and B with potentials V
and 𝑉 + 𝛿𝑉, (where 𝛿𝑉 is the change in V) are kept 𝛿𝑙 distance apart
as shown in the figure. Deduce the relation between the electric field
and the potential gradient between them.
Write the two important conclusions concerning the relation between
the electric field and electric potentials.

11. 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 the
figure.
(i) Calculate the potential difference between A and C.
(ii) At which point (of the two) is the electric potential more and why?

12. Two uniformly large parallel thin plates having densities +𝜎 and −𝜎 are kept in the X – Z plane at a
distance d apart. Sketch an equipotential surface due to the 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?
13. (a) Draw equipotential surfaces due to point Q > 0.
(b) Are these surface equidistance from each other? If no, explain why.
14. Can two equipotential surfaces intersect each other? Give reasons.
15. Two point charges 2𝜇𝐶 and −2𝜇𝐶 are placed at points A and B, 6 cm apart.
(i) Draw equipotential surfaces of the system.
(ii) Why do the equipotential surfaces get closer to each other near the point charges?
16. Draw 3 equipotential surfaces corresponding to a field that uniformly increases in magnitude but remains
constant along Z – direction. How are these surfaces different from that of a constant electric field along Z
– direction?
17. 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.
Can electric field exist tangential to an equipotential surface? Give reason.
18. Depict the equipotential surfaces for a system of two identical positive charges placed a distance ‘d’ apart.
19. Write two properties of equipotential surfaces.
20. Find out the expression for the potential energy of a system of three charges q1, q2 and q3 located
respectively at 𝑟⃗, 𝑟⃗ and 𝑟⃗ with respect to the common origin O.
21. A dipole, with its charges, -q and +q, located at the points (0, -b, 0) and (0, +b, 0) is present in a uniform
electric field 𝐸⃗ . The equipotential surfaces of this field, are planes parallel to the y – z planes.
(i) What is the direction of the electric field 𝐸⃗ ?
(ii) How much torque would the dipole experience in this field?
ASPIRATIONS Niloy Nath
 22. Deduce the expression for the potential energy of a system of two point charges q1 and q2 brought from
infinity to the points 𝑟⃗ and 𝑟⃗ respectively in the presence of external electric field 𝐸⃗ .
23. Why is the potential inside a hollow spherical charged conductor constant and has the same values as on its
surface?
24. Show that the capacitance of a spherical conductor is 4𝜋𝜀 times the radius of the spherical conductor.
25. Distinguish between a dielectric and a conductor.
26. Distinguish between polar and non – polar dielectric.
27. Explain, using suitable diagrams, the difference in the behaviour of a (i) conductor and (ii) dielectric in the
presence of external electric field.
Define the terms polarization of a dielectric and write its relation with susceptibility.
28. Explain the underlying principle of working of a parallel plate capacitor.
If two similar plates, each of area A having surface charge densities +𝜎 and −𝜎 are separated by a distance
d in air, write expression for
(i) the electric field at points between the two plates
(ii) the potential difference between the plates
(iii) the capacitance of the capacitor so formed
29. A slab of material of dielectric constant K has the same area as that of the plates of a parallel plate
capacitor but has a 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.
30. 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 stored initially in the single capacitor.
31. Deduce the expression for the electrostatic energy stored in a capacitor of capacitance ‘C’ and having
charge ‘Q’. Hence obtain the expression for the energy density of the electric field.
How will the (i) energy stored and (ii) the electric field inside the capacitor be affected when it is
completely filled with a dielectric material of dielectric constant K?
32. A parallel plate capacitor is charged by a battery. After some time, the battery is disconnected and a
dielectric slab with its thickness equal to the plate separation is inserted between the plates.
How will (i) the capacitance of the capacitor, (ii) potential difference between the plates, and (ii) the energy
stored in the capacitor be affected?
33. Find the ratio of the potential difference that must be applied across the parallel and the series
combination of two identical capacitors so that the energy stored in the two cases, becomes the same.
34. A fully charged parallel plate capacitor is connected across an uncharged identical capacitor. Show that the
energy stored in the combination is less than that stored initially in the single capacitor.

Ray Optics

1. When an object is placed between 𝑓 and 2𝑓 of a concave mirror, would the image formed be (i) real or
virtual and (ii) diminished or magnified?
2. (i) Plane and convex mirrors are known to produce virtual images of the objects. Draw a ray diagram to
show how, in the case of convex mirrors, virtual objects can produce real images.
(ii) Why are convex mirrors used as side view mirrors in vehicles?
3. (a) Draw a ray diagram for a convex mirror showing the image formation of an object placed anywhere in
front of the mirror.
(b) Use this ray diagram to obtain the expression for its linear magnification.
4. Draw a ray diagram showing the formation of the image by a concave mirror of an object placed beyond its
centre of curvature. If the lower half of the mirror’s reflecting surface is covered, what effect will it have on
the image?
5. Use the mirror equation to show that
(a) an object placed between 𝑓 and 2𝑓 of a concave mirror produces a real image beyond 2𝑓.

ASPIRATIONS Niloy Nath

 (b) a convex mirror always produces a virtual image independent of the location of the object.
(c) an object placed between the pole and focus of a concave mirror produces a virtual and enlarged image.
6. How is the focal length of a spherical mirror affected when the wavelength of the light used in increased?
7. For the same value of angle of incidence, the angles of refraction in three media A, B and C are 15 o, 25o and
35o respectively. In which media would the velocity of light be minimum?
8. When monochromatic light travels from one medium to another its wavelength changes but frequency
remains the same. Explain.
9. State the criteria for the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light to take place.
10. Write the relation between the refractive index and critical angle for a given pair of optical media.
11. A fish in the water tank sees the outside world as if it (the fish) is at the vertex of a cone such that the
circular base of the cone coincides with the surface of water. Given the depth of the water, where the fish
is located, being ‘h’ and the critical angle for water – air interface being 𝑖 , find out by drawing a suitable
ray diagram, the relationship between the radius of the cone and the height ‘h’.
12. Draw ray diagrams to show how specially designed prisms make use of total internal reflection to obtain
inverted image of the object by deviating rays through (i) 90o and (ii) 180o?
13. Explain briefly how the phenomenon of total internal reflection is used in fibre optics.
14. When red light passing through a convex lens is replaced by light of blue colour, how will the focal length of
the lens change?
15. Under what condition does a biconvex lens of glass having a certain refractive index act as a plane glass
sheet when immersed in a liquid?
16. An equiconvex lens of focal length ‘f’ is cut into two identical plano convex lenses. How will the power of
each part be related to the focal length of the original lens?
17. Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of the image of an object placed on the axis of a convex
refracting surface of radius of curvature ‘R’, separating the two media of refractive indices n1 and n2 (n2 >
n1). Use this diagram to deduce the relation − = , where 𝑢 and 𝑣 represent respectively the
distance of the object and the image formed.
Hence derive Lens Maker’s formula.
18. A convex lens made up of glass of refractive index 1.5 is dipped, in turn, in (i) a medium of refractive index
1.65, (ii) a medium of refractive index 1.33.
(a) Will it behave as a converging or a diverging lens in the two cases?
(b) How will its focal length change in the two media?
19. With the help of suitable ray diagram, derive a relation between the object distance (u), image distance (v)
and radius of curvature (R) for a convex spherical surface, when a ray of light travels from rarer to denser
medium.
20. An illuminated object and a screen are placed 90cm apart. Determine the focal length and nature of the
lens required to produce a clear image on the screen, twice the size of the object.
21. Derive the lens formula, = − for a concave lens, using the necessary ray diagram.
22. Draw a ray diagram showing the path of a ray of light entering through a triangular glass prism. Deduce the
expression for the refractive index of glass prism in terms of the angle of minimum deviation and angle of
the prism.
23. The following table gives the values of the angle of deviation, for different values of the angle of incidence,
for a triangular prism:

Angle of 33o 38o 42o 52o 60o 71o

incidence
Angle of 60o 50o 46o 40o 43o 50o
deviation
(a) For what value of the angle of incidence, is the angle of emergence likely to be equal to the angle of
incidence itself?
(b) Draw a ray diagram, showing the passage of a ray of light through this prism when the angle of
incidence has the above value.
ASPIRATIONS Niloy Nath
 24. Define refractive index of a transparent medium.
A ray of light passes through a triangular prism. Plot a graph showing the variation of the angle of deviation
with the angle of incidence.

25. Three rays (1, 2, 3) of different colours fall normally on one of the
sides of an isosceles right angled prism as shown. The refractive
index of prism of these rays are 1.39, 1.47 and 1.52 respectively.
Find which of these rays get internally reflected and which get
only refracted from AC.
Trace the paths of the rays. Justify your answer with the help of
necessary calculations.
26. Why does sun appear red at sunrise and sunset?
27. Why does bluish colour predominate in a clear sky?
28. You are given following three lenses. Which two lenses will you use as an eye-piece and as an objective to
construct an astronomical telescope?

29. Draw a schematic arrangement of a reflecting telescope (Cassegrain) showing how rays coming from a
distant object are received at the eye – piece. Write its two important advantages over a refracting
telescope.
30. Draw a labelled diagram of an astronomical telescope in the near point position. Write the expression for
its magnifying power.
31. Which two of the following lenses L1, L2 and L3 will you select as objective and eye – piece for constructing
best possible (i) telescope, (ii) microscope? Give reason to support your answer.

32. Draw a labelled ray diagram showing the formation of a final image by a compound microscope at least
distance of distinct vision. Explain briefly its working.
Why must both the objective and the eye – piece of a compound microscope have short focal lengths?
33. The objective of a telescope is of larger focal length and of larger aperture (compared to the eye-piece).
Why? Give reasons.
34. (a) Draw a neat labelled ray diagram of an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment.
(b) Explain briefly its working.
(c) An astronomical telescope uses two lenses of powers 10D and 1D. What is its magnifying power in
normal adjustment?
35. Which two aberrations do objectives of refracting telescope suffer from? How are these overcome in
reflecting telescope?
36. Draw a ray diagram showing the image formation of a distant object by a refracting telescope. (Already
drawn above. So no need to draw again)

ASPIRATIONS Niloy Nath

 Define its magnifying power and write the two important factors considered to increase the magnifying
power.
Describe briefly the two main limitations and explain how far these can be minimized in a reflecting
telescope. (Same as aberration above. No need to write again)
37. (a) Draw a ray diagram showing image formation in a compound microscope. Define the term ‘limit of
resolution’ and name the factors on which it depends. How is it related to resolving power of a
microscope?
(b) Suggest two ways by which the resolving power of a microscope can be increased.
(c) A telescope resolves whereas a microscope magnifies. Justify this statement.

Wave Optics

1. State Huygen’s principle of diffraction of light.

2. What type of wavefront will emerge from a (i) point source, (ii) distant light source?
3. How is a wavefront defined?
4. Define the term ‘coherent sources’ which are required to produce interference pattern in Young’s double
slit experiment.
5. Write the conditions under which light sources can be said to be coherent.
6. State Brewsters law.
7. What is linearly polarized light?

Current Electricity

1. Define the term ‘electrical conductivity’ of a metallic wire. Write its SI unit.
2. Define current density. Give its SI unit.
3. Define resistivity of a conductor. Write its SI unit.

ASPIRATIONS Niloy Nath