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Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 2 in the current curriculum.
Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 16:
(a) Show that the normal component of electrostatic field has a discontinuity from one side of a charged surface to another given by

Where
is a unit vector normal to the surface at a point and σ is the surface charge density at that point. (The direction of
is from side 1 to side 2.) Hence show that just outside a conductor, the electric field is σ 
(b) Show that the tangential component of electrostatic field is continuous from one side of a charged surface to another.
[Hint: For (a), use Gauss's law. For, (b) use the fact that work done by electrostatic field on a closed loop is zero.]
. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.
(a) Show that the normal component of electrostatic field has a discontinuity from one side of a charged surface to another given by

Where
is a unit vector normal to the surface at a point and σ is the surface charge density at that point. (The direction of
is from side 1 to side 2.) Hence show that just outside a conductor, the electric field is σ 
(b) Show that the tangential component of electrostatic field is continuous from one side of a charged surface to another.
[Hint: For (a), use Gauss's law. For, (b) use the fact that work done by electrostatic field on a closed loop is zero.]
Electric field on one side of a charged body is E1 and electric field on the other side of the same body is E2. If infinite plane charged body has a uniform thickness, then electric field due to one surface of the charged body is given by,

Where,
= Unit vector normal to the surface at a point
σ = Surface charge density at that point
Electric field due to the other surface of the charged body,

Electric field at any point due to the two surfaces,

Since inside a closed conductor,
= 0,

Therefore, the electric field just outside the conductor is 
(b) When a charged particle is moved from one point to the other on a closed loop, the work done by the electrostatic field is zero. Hence, the tangential component of electrostatic field is continuous from one side of a charged surface to the other
NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:
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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 16: (a) Show that the normal component of electrostatic field has a discontinuity from one side of a cha....
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Q 16 a Last three lines in the answer are not clear.