Question

A charged sphere of radius r has surface charge density σ. The electric field on its surface is E. If the radius of the sphere is doubled, keeping charge density the same, the ratio of the electric field on the old sphere to that on the new sphere will be :

Electrostatics deals with the study of forces, fields and potentials arising from static charges. Force and electric field, due to a point charge is basically determined by Coulomb's law. For symmetric charge configurations, Gauss's law, which is also based on Coulomb's law, helps us to find the electric field. A charge/a system of charges like a dipole experience a force/torque in an electric field. Work is required to be done to provide a specific orientation to a dipole with respect to an electric field.

A thin spherical conducting shell of radius R has a charge q. A point charge Q is placed at the centre of the shell. Find (i) The charge density on the outer surface of the shell and (ii) the potential at a distance of (R/2) from the centre of the shell.

Two long straight thin wires AB and CD have linear charge densities 10 μC/m and −20 μC/m, respectively. They are kept parallel to each other at a distance 1 m. Find the magnitude and direction of the net electric field at a point midway between them.