Two charges -q and +q are located at poi | Class 12 Physics Chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance, Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance NCERT Solutions

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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 21:

Two charges -q and +q are located at points (0, 0, - a) and (0, 0, a), respectively.

(a) What is the electrostatic potential at the points?

(b) Obtain the dependence of potential on the distance r of a point from the origin when r/a >> 1.

(c) How much work is done in moving a small test charge from the point (5, 0, 0) to (-7, 0, 0) along the x-axis? Does the answer change if the path of the test charge between the same points is not along the x-axis?

. 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.

Question 21:

Two charges -q and +q are located at points (0, 0, - a) and (0, 0, a), respectively.

(a) What is the electrostatic potential at the points?

(b) Obtain the dependence of potential on the distance r of a point from the origin when r/a >> 1.

(c) How much work is done in moving a small test charge from the point (5, 0, 0) to (-7, 0, 0) along the x-axis? Does the answer change if the path of the test charge between the same points is not along the x-axis?

Answer:

(a) Zero at both the points

Charge - q is located at (0, 0, - a) and charge + q is located at (0, 0, a). Hence, they form a dipole. Point (0, 0, z) is on the axis of this dipole and point (x, y, 0) is normal to the axis of the dipole. Hence, electrostatic potential at point (x, y, 0) is zero.

Electrostatic potential at point (0, 0, z) is given by,

Where,  = Permittivity of free space

p = Dipole moment of the system of two charges = 2qa

(b) Distance r is much greater than half of the distance between the two charges. Hence, the potential (V) at a distance r is inversely proportional to square of the distance i.e.,

(c) Zero

The answer does not change if the path of the test is not along the x-axis.

A test charge is moved from point (5, 0, 0) to point ( - 7, 0, 0) along the x-axis. Electrostatic potential (V1) at point (5, 0, 0) is given by.

 


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

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:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Comments

  • Nakum swaraj
  • Jul 17, 2020

The solutions given here is so nice and easy to learn...... This one best site for solving the problems of textbook....


  • Hitarth
  • Jun 05, 2019

Nice


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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 21: Two charges -q and +q are located at points (0, 0, - a) and (0, 0, a), respectively. (a) What is ....

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