Chapter 10: Electrostatics - Important Formulas, Definitions, and Examples | 11th Physics

Chapter 10: Electrostatics

Chapter 10: Electrostatics

Formulas: Coulomb's Law, Electric Field, Electric Potential, Capacitance

Introduction

Electrostatics is the study of stationary electric charges or charges at rest. This chapter covers fundamental concepts of electric forces, electric fields, and electric potential, along with key principles such as Coulomb's law and capacitance.

1. Electric Charge

Definition:

Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force when placed in an electric or magnetic field. Charges are of two types: positive and negative.

  • Unit: Coulomb (C)
  • Law of conservation of charge states that the total charge in a closed system remains constant.

2. Coulomb's Law

Definition:

Coulomb's law describes the force of attraction or repulsion between two point charges.

  • Formula: F = k * (|q1 * q2| / r^2), where F is the force, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges, r is the distance between them, and k is Coulomb’s constant (approximately 8.99 x 10^9 N·m²/C²).
  • This force acts along the line joining the two charges and can be attractive or repulsive.

3. Electric Field

Definition:

The electric field is a region around a charged particle where a force would be exerted on other charges.

  • Formula: E = F / q, where E is the electric field strength, F is the force, and q is the test charge.
  • Unit: Newton per Coulomb (N/C)
  • Direction of the electric field is radially outward for positive charges and inward for negative charges.

4. Electric Potential

Definition:

Electric potential at a point is the amount of work needed to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to that point.

  • Formula: V = k * (q / r), where V is the electric potential, q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge.
  • Unit: Volt (V)
  • Potential difference between two points is the work done per unit charge in moving a charge between those points.

5. Capacitance and Capacitors

Definition:

Capacitance is the ability of a system to store electric charge. A capacitor is a device used to store charge.

  • Formula: C = Q / V, where C is the capacitance, Q is the charge, and V is the potential difference.
  • Unit: Farad (F)
  • Parallel Plate Capacitor: Capacitance C = ε₀(A / d), where ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, A is the area of the plates, and d is the separation between them.

6. Electric Field Lines

Characteristics:

Electric field lines visually represent the direction of the electric field. Key characteristics include:

  • Field lines begin on positive charges and end on negative charges.
  • The density of the lines indicates the strength of the electric field; closer lines mean a stronger field.
  • Field lines never intersect.

7. Applications of Electrostatics

Examples:

Electrostatics has practical applications in various fields:

  • Electrostatic Precipitators: Used in pollution control to remove particles from exhaust gases.
  • Photocopiers: Use electrostatic charges to attract toner particles to paper.
  • Capacitors: Essential in electronic circuits to store and release energy.

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