Class 12 Physics MCQ Test – Electric charges and fields (Chapter 1) | Full Chapter Test

Class 12 Physics – Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields (Detailed Notes)

These notes are designed for CBSE, GSEB, JEE & NEET students. Includes theory, formulas, derivation concepts, and numerical-based understanding.


1. Electric Charge

Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter due to which it experiences force in an electric field.

  • Types: Positive (+) and Negative (−)
  • SI Unit: Coulomb (C)
  • Symbol: \( q \)

Properties of Charge

  • Additivity: Total charge is algebraic sum
  • Conservation: Charge cannot be created or destroyed
  • Quantization: \( q = ne \), where \( e = 1.6 \times 10^{-19} C \)

2. Coulomb’s Law

The electrostatic force between two point charges is directly proportional to product of charges and inversely proportional to square of distance.

\( F = \frac{1}{4\pi \varepsilon_0} \cdot \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2} \)

  • \( \varepsilon_0 \) = Permittivity of free space
  • Value: \( \frac{1}{4\pi \varepsilon_0} = 9 \times 10^9 \, Nm^2/C^2 \)

Nature of Force:

  • Like charges → Repulsion
  • Unlike charges → Attraction

3. Principle of Superposition

Net force on a charge is vector sum of forces due to all other charges.

\( \vec{F}_{net} = \vec{F}_1 + \vec{F}_2 + \vec{F}_3 + ... \)


4. Electric Field

Electric field at a point is the force experienced by unit positive charge.

\( E = \frac{F}{q} \)

For point charge:

\( E = \frac{1}{4\pi \varepsilon_0} \cdot \frac{q}{r^2} \)

  • Unit: N/C
  • Direction: Along force on positive charge

5. Electric Field Lines

  • Originate from positive and end at negative charges
  • Never intersect
  • Density represents strength
  • Closer lines → Strong field

6. Electric Dipole

A pair of equal and opposite charges separated by small distance.

Dipole moment: \( \vec{p} = q \cdot \vec{2a} \)

  • Direction: From negative to positive
  • Unit: C·m

Electric Field of Dipole

Axial Line:

\( E_{axial} = \frac{1}{4\pi \varepsilon_0} \cdot \frac{2p}{r^3} \)

Equatorial Line:

\( E_{equatorial} = \frac{1}{4\pi \varepsilon_0} \cdot \frac{p}{r^3} \)


7. Electric Flux

Electric flux is measure of electric field passing through a surface.

\( \Phi = \vec{E} \cdot \vec{A} = EA \cos \theta \)

  • Unit: \( Nm^2/C \)

8. Gauss’s Law

Total electric flux through closed surface is equal to charge enclosed divided by permittivity.

\( \Phi = \frac{Q_{enc}}{\varepsilon_0} \)

Applications

  • Infinite line charge
  • Infinite plane sheet
  • Spherical shell

9. Electric Field due to Different Charge Distributions

1. Infinite Line Charge

\( E = \frac{\lambda}{2\pi \varepsilon_0 r} \)

2. Infinite Plane Sheet

\( E = \frac{\sigma}{2\varepsilon_0} \)

3. Charged Spherical Shell

  • Outside: \( E = \frac{1}{4\pi \varepsilon_0} \frac{Q}{r^2} \)
  • Inside: \( E = 0 \)

10. Important Exam Points

  • Coulomb’s law is inverse square law
  • Field is vector quantity
  • Dipole field varies as \( \frac{1}{r^3} \)
  • Flux depends on area orientation
  • Gauss law depends only on enclosed charge

⬇️ Attempt the test given below after revising these notes

Class 12 Physics MCQ Test – Electric Charges & Fields

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Class 12 Physics MCQ Test – Electric Charges & Fields (Full Chapter Test)

Time Left: 20:00
1. Two equal charges q are placed at distance r. Force between them is F. If both charges become 2q and distance becomes r/2, new force will be:
2. Electric field at a point due to a point charge is proportional to:
3. Electric field inside a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium is:
4. Electric field lines never intersect because:
5. Electric field at centre of uniformly charged ring is:
6. The SI unit of electric field is:
7. Gauss law is based on conservation of:
8. Electric flux through closed surface depends on:
9. Electric field due to infinite sheet of charge is:
10. If electric flux through closed surface is zero then:
Class 12 Physics Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields Notes

Class 12 Physics Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields

This chapter is one of the most fundamental topics in Class 12 Physics. It builds the base for understanding electrostatics, which is further used in chapters like Electrostatic Potential, Current Electricity, and Magnetism. A strong grasp of this chapter is essential for board exams as well as competitive exams like JEE and NEET.


Learning Outcomes

After completing this chapter, students will be able to:

  • Understand the concept of electric charge and its properties (conservation and quantization).
  • Differentiate between conductors and insulators.
  • Understand methods of charging:
    • Charging by friction
    • Charging by conduction
    • Charging by induction
  • Apply Coulomb’s Law to calculate electrostatic force between charges.
  • Understand the principle of superposition of charges.
  • Define and calculate electric field and electric field intensity.
  • Draw and interpret electric field lines and their properties.
  • Understand electric dipole and calculate dipole moment.
  • Apply Gauss’s Law for symmetrical charge distributions.
Exam Tip: Numerical problems based on Coulomb’s Law, electric field, and Gauss’s Law are frequently asked in CBSE exams.

Real Life Applications

Concepts from this chapter are widely used in daily life and technology:

  • Electrostatic Precipitators: Used in industries to remove dust and smoke particles from exhaust gases.
  • Photocopiers and Printers: Work on the principle of electrostatic charges.
  • Lightning Protection: Lightning conductors protect buildings by safely transferring charge to the ground.
  • Capacitive Touchscreens: Used in smartphones and tablets.
  • Painting Industry: Electrostatic spray painting ensures uniform coating.
Important Concept: Electric field lines and Gauss’s Law are very important for case-based and assertion-reason questions.

Common Mistakes Students Make

  • Forgetting that electric charge is a scalar quantity.
  • Wrong application of Coulomb’s Law (especially sign conventions).
  • Ignoring vector nature of electric field.
  • Confusing electric field with electric force.
  • Incorrect direction of electric field lines.
  • Applying Gauss’s Law in non-symmetrical situations incorrectly.
Pro Tip: Always draw diagrams while solving electrostatics problems—it improves accuracy and understanding.

Conclusion

The chapter “Electric Charges and Fields” is highly scoring if concepts are clear and regularly practiced. Focus on diagrams, vector concepts, and numerical problems. Consistent revision and solving previous year questions will help you secure excellent marks.

Class 12 Physics Chapter 1: Detailed Solved Examples & FAQs

Class 12 Physics Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields

10 Detailed Solved Examples

Example 1: Coulomb’s Law

Calculate the force between two charges 2 µC and 3 µC placed 0.5 m apart in air. (k = 9 × 10⁹ N m²/C²)

Solution:
Step 1: Write formula
F = k q₁q₂ / r²

Step 2: Substitute values
F = (9×10⁹ × 2×10⁻⁶ × 3×10⁻⁶) / (0.5)²

Step 3: Calculate
F = (54×10⁻³) / 0.25 = 0.216 N
Example 2: Electric Field Intensity

Find electric field at a point 0.2 m away from a charge of 5 µC.

Solution:
E = kq / r²
E = (9×10⁹ × 5×10⁻⁶) / (0.2)²
E = (45×10³) / 0.04 = 1.125 × 10⁶ N/C
Example 3: Force on Charge

A charge of 2 C is placed in an electric field of 10 N/C. Find the force on it.

Solution:
F = qE = 2 × 10 = 20 N
Example 4: Superposition Principle

Two charges +2 C and +3 C act on a point with forces 4 N and 6 N in same direction. Find net force.

Solution:
Net force = 4 + 6 = 10 N
Example 5: Electric Dipole Moment

Two equal charges of 2 µC are separated by 0.1 m. Calculate dipole moment.

Solution:
p = q × d = 2×10⁻⁶ × 0.1 = 2 × 10⁻⁷ C·m
Example 6: Electric Field due to Dipole (Axial)

Find electric field at a point on axial line of dipole. (Use p = 2×10⁻⁷ C·m, r = 0.5 m)

Solution:
E = (1/4πε₀) × (2p / r³)
E = (9×10⁹ × 2×2×10⁻⁷) / (0.5)³
E = (36×10²) / 0.125 = 2.88 × 10⁴ N/C
Example 7: Gauss’s Law

Find electric flux through a closed surface enclosing charge 5 C. (ε₀ = 8.85×10⁻¹²)

Solution:
Φ = q / ε₀ = 5 / (8.85×10⁻¹²)
Φ = 5.65 × 10¹¹ N·m²/C
Example 8: Field due to Infinite Line Charge

Find electric field at distance r from infinite line charge λ.

Solution:
E = λ / (2πε₀ r)
(Formula based answer)
Example 9: Field due to Charged Sphere

Find electric field outside a charged sphere.

Solution:
E = kQ / r² (same as point charge)
Example 10: Charge Quantization

Find number of electrons in charge 1 C.

Solution:
n = Q / e = 1 / (1.6×10⁻¹⁹)
n = 6.25 × 10¹⁸ electrons

10 Detailed FAQs

Q1: What is electric charge?
It is a fundamental property of matter responsible for electric force.
Q2: What are properties of charge?
Charge is conserved, quantized, and additive in nature.
Q3: What is Coulomb’s Law?
It gives force between two charges and depends on distance and magnitude.
Q4: What is electric field?
Region around a charge where another charge experiences force.
Q5: What is electric field line?
Imaginary line representing direction of electric field.
Q6: What is superposition principle?
Net force is vector sum of individual forces.
Q7: What is electric dipole?
Pair of equal and opposite charges separated by small distance.
Q8: What is Gauss’s Law?
Electric flux is proportional to enclosed charge.
Q9: What is electric flux?
Measure of electric field passing through a surface.
Q10: Why is this chapter important?
It forms the base of entire electrostatics and modern physics applications.

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