ELECTROSTATICS - II : Electric Field

1. Electric Field
2. Electric Field Intensity or Electric Field Strength
3. Electric Field Intensity due to a Point Charge
4. Superposition Principle
5. Electric Lines of Force
i) Due to a Point Charge
ii) Due to a Dipole
iii) Due to a Equal and Like Charges
iv) Due to a Uniform Field
6. Properties of Electric Lines of Force
7. Electric Dipole
8. Electric Field Intensity due to an Electric Dipole
9. Torque on an Electric Dipole
10. Work Done on an Electric Dipole
Electric Field:
Electric field is a region of space around a charge or a system of charges
within which other charged particles experience electrostatic forces.
Theoretically, electric field extends upto infinity but practically it is limited to a
certain distance.
Electric Field Strength or Electric Field Intensity or Electric Field:
Electric field strength at a point in an electric field is the electrostatic force per
unit positive charge acting on a vanishingly small positive test charge placed
at that point.
+q + q0 -q + q0

F F

q – Source charge, q0 – Test charge, F – Force & E - Field

1 q
E= F E= F E= r
Lt or or
∆q → 0 ∆q q0 4πε0 r2

The test charge is considered to be vanishingly small because its presence

should not alter the configuration of the charge(s) and thus the electric field
which is intended to be measured.
Note:

1. Since q0 is taken positive, the direction of electric field ( E ) is along the

direction of electrostatic force ( F ).

2. Electrostatic force on a negatively charged particle will be opposite to the

direction of electric field.

3. Electric field is a vector quantity whose magnitude and direction are

uniquely determined at every point in the field.

4. SI unit of electric field is newton / coulomb ( N C-1 ).

Electric Field due to a Point Charge:
Y
Force exerted on q0 by q is
1 q q0
F= F
r + q0
4πε0 r2

1 q q0 r P (x,y,z)
or F= r
4πε0 r3 +q
O X
E= F
Electric field strength is
q0 Z
1 q
E (r) = r
4πε0 r3
E
1 q
or E (r) =
r
4πε0 r2

The electric field due to a point charge has

spherical symmetry.
If q > 0, then the field is radially outwards.
0 r2
If q < 0, then the field is radially inwards.
Electric field in terms of co-ordinates is given by
1 q
E (r) = ( xi + y j + z k )
4πε0 ( x + y + z )
2 2 2 3/2

F14
Superposition Principle:
The electrostatic force experienced by a - q5
charge due to other charges is the vector + q1
F15 + q2
sum of electrostatic forces due to these
other charges as if they are existing
individually. F12
F13
F1 = F12 + F13 + F14 + F15 + q4 - q3

1 N
Fa (ra) = qa qb ra - rb F12
4πε0
∑ F1
b=1 │ ra - rb │3
b≠a F15
In the present example, a = 1 and b = 2 to 5. F13
F14
If the force is to be found on 2nd charge,
then a = 2 and b = 1 and 3 to 5.
Note:
The interactions must be on the charge which is to be studied due to other
charges.
The charge on which the influence due to other charges is to be found is
assumed to be floating charge and others are rigidly fixed.
For eg. 1st charge (floating) is repelled away by q2 and q4 and attracted
towards q3 and q5.
The interactions between the other charges (among themselves) must be
ignored. i.e. F23, F24, F25, F34, F35 and F45 are ignored.

Superposition principle holds good for electric field also.

Electric Lines of Force:

An electric line of force is an imaginary straight or curved path along which a
unit positive charge is supposed to move when free to do so in an electric
field.
Electric lines of force do not physically exist but they represent real situations.
E

E
Electric Lines of Force
1. Electric Lines of Force due to a Point Charge:

a) Representation
of electric field
in terms of
field vectors:
The size of the
arrow
represents the
strength of
electric field.
q>0 q<0

b) Representation
of electric field
in terms of
field lines
(Easy way of
drawing)
2. Electric Lines of Force due to a 3. Electric Lines of Force due to a
pair of Equal and Unlike Charges: pair of Equal and Like Charges:
(Dipole)

+q P +q
E

.N

+q
-q

Electric lines of force contract Electric lines of force exert lateral

lengthwise to represent attraction (sideways) pressure to represent
between two unlike charges. repulsion between two like charges.
4. Electric Lines of Force due to a Uniform Field: E
+ -
+ -
Properties of Electric Lines of Force + -
or Field Lines: +1 C -
+
1. The electric lines of force are imaginary lines.
2. A unit positive charge placed in the electric field tends to follow a path
along the field line if it is free to do so.
3. The electric lines of force emanate from a positive charge and terminate on
a negative charge.
4. The tangent to an electric field line at any point
P
. E
gives the direction of the electric field at that point.
5. Two electric lines of force can never cross each
other. If they do, then at the point of
intersection, there will be two tangents. It
E1
means there are two values of the electric field
at that point, which is not possible. LEE
S IB
Further, electric field being a vector quantity, OS E2
there can be only one resultant field at the T P
given point, represented by one tangent at the NO
given point for the given line of force.
6. Electric lines of force are closer
(crowded) where the electric field
is stronger and the lines spread
out where the electric field is Q
weaker. q

7. Electric lines of force are

perpendicular to the surface of a
positively or negatively charged Q > q
body.

8. Electric lines of force contract lengthwise to represent attraction between

two unlike charges.
9. Electric lines of force exert lateral (sideways) pressure to represent
repulsion between two like charges.
10. The number of lines per unit cross – sectional area perpendicular to the
field lines (i.e. density of lines of force) is directly proportional to the
magnitude of the intensity of electric field in that region.
∆N α E
∆A

11. Electric lines of force do not pass through a conductor. Hence, the interior
of the conductor is free from the influence of the electric field.

E E
+ -
+ - -
+ Solid or hollow + -
- +
+ conductor - (Electrostatic Shielding)
- +
+ - No Field -
+ -
+
+ -

12. Electric lines of force can pass through an insulator.

Electric Dipole:
Electric dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges separated by a very
small distance.
The electric field produced by a dipole is known as dipole field.
Electric dipole moment is a vector quantity used to measure the strength of an
electric dipole.
p
p = (q x 2l) l -q +q
2l
The magnitude of electric dipole moment is the product of magnitude of either
charge and the distance between the two charges.
The direction is from negative to positive charge.
The SI unit of ‘p’ is ‘coulomb metre (C m)’.

Note:
An ideal dipole is the dipole in which the charge becomes larger and larger
and the separation becomes smaller and smaller.
Electric Field Intensity due to an Electric Dipole:
i) At a point on the axial line: EP = EB - EA
Resultant electric field intensity
A B EA
at the point P is EP = EA + EB EB
O P
-q +q
p
The vectors EA and EB are
collinear and opposite. l l
x
│EP │ = │EB │ - │EA │
1
q │EP │ = 2px
1
EA = 4πε0 (x2 – l2)2
i
4πε0 (x + l)2
q 1
1 EP = 2px
EB = i
i 4πε0 (x2 – l2)2
4πε0 (x - l)2
1 q q 2p
│EP │ = EP ≈
4πε0 [ (x - l) 2
-
(x + l)2 ] If l << x, then
x3
4πε0

1 The direction of electric field intensity

│EP │ = 2 (q . 2l) x at a point on the axial line due to a
4πε0 (x2 – l2)2 dipole is always along the direction of
the dipole moment.
ii) At a point on the equatorial line:
Resultant electric field intensity EB
at the point Q is EB
EB sin θ
EQ = EA + EB
EQ θ Q
EB cos θ θ
θ EQ Q
The vectors EA and EB are EA
acting at an angle 2θ. EA cos θ θ
q y
1 EA EA sin θ
EA = i A B
4πε0 ( x2 + l2 ) θ θ
q -q O +q
1
EB = p
i
4πε0 ( x + l )
2 2
l l
The vectors EA sin θ and EB sin θ 2 q l
are opposite to each other and EQ =
hence cancel out. 4πε0 ( x2 + l2 ) ( x2 + l2 )½
The vectors EA cos θ and EB cos θ 1 q . 2l
EQ =
are acting along the same direction
4πε0 ( x2 + l2 )3/2
and hence add up.
1 p
EQ = EA cos θ + EB cos θ EQ =
4πε0 ( x2 + l2 )3/2
 1 p
EQ = (- i )
4πε0 ( x2 + l2 )3/2

If l << y, then
p
EQ ≈
4πε0
y3

The direction of electric field intensity at a point on the equatorial line due to a
dipole is parallel and opposite to the direction of the dipole moment.

If the observation point is far away or when the dipole is very short, then the
electric field intensity at a point on the axial line is double the electric field
intensity at a point on the equatorial line.

i.e. If l << x and l << y, then EP = 2 EQ

Torque on an Electric Dipole in a Uniform Electric Field:
The forces of magnitude pE act
opposite to each other and hence net
+q
force acting on the dipole due to qE
2l
external uniform electric field is zero.
So, there is no translational motion of qE θ p
the dipole. -q
E
However the forces are along different
lines of action and constitute a couple.
Hence the dipole will rotate and p
experience torque. θ
E
Torque = Electric Force x distance
t = q E (2l sin θ) t
= p E sin θ
= pxE Case i: If θ = 0°, then t = 0.
t
Case ii: If θ = 90°, then t = pE
Direction of Torque is perpendicular
(maximum value).
and into the plane containing p and E.
Case iii: If θ = 180°, then t = 0.
SI unit of torque is newton metre (Nm).
Work done on an Electric Dipole in Uniform Electric Field:
When an electric dipole is placed in a uniform electric field, it experiences
torque and tends to allign in such a way to attain stable equilibrium.
dW = tdθ qE
dθ qE
= p E sin θ dθ +q
θ1 θ2
2l
θ2 -q
qE
W = θ∫ p E sin θ dθ qE E
1

W = p E (cosθ1 - cos θ2)

If Potential Energy is arbitrarily taken zero when the dipole is at 90°,
then P.E in rotating the dipole and inclining it at an angle θ is
Potential Energy U = - p E cos θ

Note: Potential Energy can be taken zero arbitrarily at any position of the
dipole.
Case i: If θ = 0°, then U = - pE (Stable Equilibrium)
Case ii: If θ = 90°, then U = 0
Case iii: If θ = 180°, then U = pE (Unstable Equilibrium)
END
ELECTROSTATICS - III
- Electrostatic Potential and Gauss’s Theorem
1. Line Integral of Electric Field
2. Electric Potential and Potential Difference
3. Electric Potential due to a Single Point Charge
4. Electric Potential due to a Group of Charges
5. Electric Potential due to an Electric Dipole
6. Equipotential Surfaces and their Properties
7. Electrostatic Potential Energy
8. Area Vector, Solid Angle, Electric Flux
9. Gauss’s Theorem and its Proof
10. Coulomb’s Law from Gauss’s Theorem
11. Applications of Gauss’s Theorem:
Electric Field Intensity due to Line Charge, Plane
Sheet of Charge and Spherical Shell
Line Integral of Electric Field (Work Done by Electric Field):
Negative Line Integral of Electric Field represents the work done by the electric
field on a unit positive charge in moving it from one point to another in the
electric field. B

Y
WAB = dW = - E . dl
A F
Let q0 be the test charge in place of the unit A
positive charge. rA +q0
r B
The force F = +q0E acts on the test charge rB
due to the source charge +q. +q
O X
It is radially outward and tends to accelerate
the test charge. To prevent this
acceleration, equal and opposite force –q0E Z
has to be applied on the test charge.

Total work done by the electric field on the test charge in moving it from A to B
in the electric field is
B
qq0 1 1
=
WAB = dW = - E . dl
A
4πε0 [ rB
-
rA ]
 B
qq0 1 1
=
WAB = dW = - E . dl
A
4πε0 [ rB
-
rA ]
1. The equation shows that the work done in moving a test charge q0 from
point A to another point B along any path AB in an electric field due to +q
charge depends only on the positions of these points and is independent of
the actual path followed between A and B.
2. That is, the line integral of electric field is path independent.
3. Therefore, electric field is ‘conservative field’.
4. Line integral of electric field over a closed path is zero. This is another
condition satisfied by conservative field.
B

E . dl = 0
A
Note:
Line integral of only static electric field is independent of the path followed.
However, line integral of the field due to a moving charge is not independent of
the path because the field varies with time.
Electric Potential:
Electric potential is a physical quantity which determines the flow of charges
from one body to another.
It is a physical quantity that determines the degree of electrification of a body.
Electric Potential at a point in the electric field is defined as the work done in
moving (without any acceleration) a unit positive charge from infinity to that
point against the electrostatic force irrespective of the path followed.
B
qq0 1 1 q 1 1
= WAB =
WAB = -
A
E . dl
4πε0 [ rB
-
rA ] or q0
4πε0 [r
B
-
rA ]
According to definition, rA = ∞ and rB = r
(where r is the distance from the source charge
and the point of consideration)
q
W∞B = =V V = W∞B
q0 q0
4πε0 r
SI unit of electric potential is volt (V) or J C-1 or Nm C-1.
Electric potential at a point is one volt if one joule of work is done in moving
one coulomb charge from infinity to that point in the electric field.
Electric Potential Difference:
Electric Potential Difference between any two points in the electric field is
defined as the work done in moving (without any acceleration) a unit positive
charge from one point to the other against the electrostatic force irrespective
of the path followed.
B
qq0 1 1 q 1 1
= WAB =
WAB = -
A
E . dl
4πε0 [ rB
-
rA ] or q0
4πε0 [ rB
-
rA ]
WAB = q 1 q 1
= VB - VA
q0 -
4πε0 rB 4πε0 rA

VB - VA = ∆V = WAB
q0

1. Electric potential and potential difference are scalar quantities.

2. Electric potential at infinity is zero.
3. Electric potential near an isolated positive charge (q > 0) is positive and that
near an isolated negative charge (q < 0) is negative.
4. cgs unit of electric potential is stat volt. 1 stat volt = 1 erg / stat coulomb
Electric Potential due to a Single Point Charge:
Let +q0 be the test charge q0 E
E
placed at P at a distance x dx +q0
from the source charge +q. Q P ∞
+q B
The force F = +q0E is r
radially outward and tends x
to accelerate the test charge.

To prevent this acceleration, equal and opposite force –q0E has to be applied
on the test charge.
Work done to move q0 from P to Q through ‘dx’ against q0E is

dW = F . dx = q0E . dx or dW = q0E dx cos 180° = - q0E dx

q q0 q
dx E=
dW = - 4πε0 x2 4πε0 x2
q
W∞B =
Total work done to move q0 from A to B (from ∞ to r ) is q0
B 4πε0 r
r r
q q0 q q0 q
dx 1 dx
W∞B = dW = - 4πε0 x2 =- 4πε0 x2 V =
∞ ∞ x2 ∞ 4πε0 r
Electric Potential due to a Group of Point Charges:
The net electrostatic potential at a point in the
q1
electric field due to a group of charges is the
algebraic sum of their individual potentials at that r1
point. qn q2
rn +1 C r2
VP = V1 + V2 + V3 + V4 + …………+ Vn P
r4 r3
1 n qi
V=
4πε0 ∑ ri
i=1
q4 q3
1 n qi
V= ( in terms of
4πε0 ∑ position vector )
i=1 │ r - ri │

1. Electric potential at a point due to a charge is not affected by the presence

of other charges.
2. Potential, V α 1 / r whereas Coulomb’s force F α 1 / r2.
3. Potential is a scalar whereas Force is a vector.
4. Although V is called the potential at a point, it is actually equal to the
potential difference between the points r and ∞.
Electric Potential due to an Electric Dipole:
i) At a point on the axial line:
1 q
VP q+ =
4πε0 (x – l)
A B +1 C
1 -q
VP q- = P
-q O +q
4πε0 (x + l) p

l l
VP = VP q+ + VP q- x

VP =
q

4πε0
[ 1
-
1
]
(x – l) (x + l)
1
VP = q . 2l
4πε0 (x2 – l2)

1 p
VP =
4πε0 (x2 – l2)
ii) At a point on the equatorial line:
1 q
VQ q+ =
Q
4πε0 BQ
1 -q
VQ q- =
y
4πε0 AQ
A B
θ θ
VQ = VP q+ + VP q- -q O +q
p

VQ =
q

4πε0
[ 1

BQ
-
1

AQ
] l l

VQ = 0 BQ = AQ

The net electrostatic potential at a point in the electric field due to an electric
dipole at any point on the equatorial line is zero.
Equipotential Surfaces:
A surface at every point of which the potential due to charge distribution is
the same is called equipotential surface.

i) For a uniform electric field:

V1 V2 V3 E

+
Plane Equipotential Surfaces

Spherical Equipotential Surfaces

ii) For an isolated charge:

Properties of Equipotential Surfaces:
1. No work is done in moving a test charge from one point to another on an
equipotential surface.
VB - VA = ∆V = WAB
q0

If A and B are two points on the equipotential surface, then VB = VA .

WAB = 0 =0
q0 or WAB

2. The electric field is always perpendicular to the element dl of the

equipotential surface.
Since no work is done on equipotential surface,
B
=0
WAB = - E . dl i.e. E dl cos θ = 0
A

As E ≠ 0 and dl ≠ 0, cos θ = 0 or θ = 90°

3. Equipotential surfaces indicate regions of strong or weak electric fields.
Electric field is defined as the negative potential gradient.
E = - dV dr = - dV
dr or E
Since dV is constant on equipotential surface, so
dr α 1
E

If E is strong (large), dr will be small, i.e. the separation of equipotential

surfaces will be smaller (i.e. equipotential surfaces are crowded) and vice
versa.
4. Two equipotential surfaces can not intersect.
If two equipotential surfaces intersect, then at the points of intersection,
there will be two values of the electric potential which is not possible.
(Refer to properties of electric lines of force)
Note:
Electric potential is a scalar quantity whereas potential gradient is a vector
quantity.
The negative sign of potential gradient shows that the rate of change of
potential with distance is always against the electric field intensity.
Electrostatic Potential Energy:
The work done in moving a charge q from infinity to a point in the field
against the electric force is called electrostatic potential energy.

W=qV

i) Electrostatic Potential Energy

Y
of a Two Charges System:
q1 q2 A (q1)
U = 1 r2 - r1
r1
4πε │ r2 - r │
1 B (q2)
0 r2
or
O X
q1 q2
U= 1
4πε r12 Z
0
ii) Electrostatic Potential Energy Y
of a Three Charges System: C (q3)
r3 - r1
q1q2 q1q3 A (q1)
U= 1 + 1 r3 - r2
r1 r2 - r1
4πε │ r2 - r │ 4πε │ r3 - r │
1 1
r3 B (q2)
0 0 q2q3 r2
+ 1
│ r3 - r │ O X
4πε 2
Z
0

q1q2 q1q3 q2q3

or U=
4πε
1
[ r12
+
r31
+
r32
]
0

iii) Electrostatic Potential Energy of an n - Charges System:

U= 1 [ 1 n n
qi qj

2
4πε0
∑ ∑
i=1 j=1 │ rj
i≠j
- ri │ ]
 Area Vector: n
dS
Small area of a surface can be represented by a vector.

dS = dS n
dS
Electric Flux:
S
Electric flux linked with any surface is defined as the total number of electric
lines of force that normally pass through that surface.
dS dS
Electric flux dΦ through a small area 90°
element dS due to an electric field E at an θ
angle θ with dS is
dS
dΦ = E . dS = E dS cos θ dS
θ E
Total electric flux Φ over the whole
surface S due to an electric field E is S

Φ= E . dS = E S cos θ = E . S
S
θ
Electric flux is a scalar quantity. But it is a
dS
property of vector field.
SI unit of electric flux is N m2 C-1 or J m C -1.
Special Cases:
1. For 0° < θ < 90°, Φ is positive.
2. For θ = 90°, Φ is zero.
3. For 90° < θ < 180°, Φ is negative.

Solid Angle:
Solid angle is the three-dimensional equivalent of an ordinary two-
dimensional plane angle.
SI unit of solid angle is steradian.
r
Solid angle subtended by area element dS at the
centre O of a sphere of radius r is
dS cos θ θ
n
dΩ = dS
r2
r
dS cos θ
Ω = dΩ = dΩ
= 4π steradian
r2
S S
Gauss’s Theorem:
The surface integral of the electric field intensity over any closed hypothetical
surface (called Gaussian surface) in free space is equal to 1 / ε0 times the net
charge enclosed within the surface.
1 n
ΦE = E . dS = ε ∑ qi
0 i=1
S
Proof of Gauss’s Theorem for Spherically Symmetric Surfaces:
1 q
= E
dΦ = E . dS r . dS n
4πε0 r2
1 q dS
. r dS
dΦ = r n
4πε0 r2 O
r
•
+q
.
Here, r n = 1 x 1 cos 0° = 1
1 q dS
dΦ =
4πε0 r2
1 q 1 q q
ΦE = dΦ = dS = 4π r2 =
4πε0 r2 4πε0 r2 ε0
S S
Proof of Gauss’s Theorem for a Closed Surface of any Shape:
1 q E
dΦ = E . dS = r . dS n
4πε0 r2 r

1 q dS θ
. n
dΦ = r n dS
4πε0 r2
r
.
Here, r n = 1 x 1 cos θ dΩ
= cos θ
+q •
q dS cos θ
dΦ =
4πε0 r2

q q q
ΦE = dΦ = dΩ = 4π =
4πε0 4πε0 ε0
S S
Deduction of Coulomb’s Law from Gauss’s Theorem:
From Gauss’s law,
q
ΦE = E . dS = E
ε0
S

Since E and dS are in the same direction, r dS

q O
r
ΦE = •
+q
E dS = ε0
S
q
or ΦE = E dS =
ε0
S
q q
E=
E x 4π r2 = or 4πε0 r2
ε0

If a charge q0 is placed at a point where E

is calculated, then
qq0
F= which is Coulomb’s Law.
4πε0 r2
Applications of Gauss’s Theorem:
1. Electric Field Intensity due to an Infinitely Long Straight Charged
Wire: E
dS

r C

-∞ B A +∞
dS dS

Gaussian surface is a
From Gauss’s law, E l E
q closed surface,
around a charge
ΦE = E . dS = ε0 distribution, such that
S the electric field
intensity has a single
E . dS = E . dS + E . dS + E . dS fixed value at every
point on the surface.
S A B C

E . dS = E dS cos 90° + E dS cos 90° + E dS cos 0° = E dS = E x 2 π r l

S A B C C
 q λl
(where λ is the liner charge density)
= ε0
ε0
λl
Ex2πrl= ε0
1 λ
E=
or
2 πε0 r

1 2λ
or E=
4 πε0 r
1 2λ
In vector form, E (r) = r
4 πε0 r

The direction of the electric field intensity is radially outward from the positive
line charge. For negative line charge, it will be radially inward.

Note:
The electric field intensity is independent of the size of the Gaussian surface
constructed. It depends only on the distance of point of consideration. i.e. the
Gaussian surface should contain the point of consideration.
2. Electric Field Intensity due to an Infinitely Long, Thin Plane Sheet of
Charge:
σ

dS

l
E

E dS r E
C
A
B dS

From Gauss’s law,

q
TIP:
ΦE = E . dS = ε0 The field lines remain
S
straight, parallel and
uniformly spaced.
E . dS = E . dS + E . dS + E . dS
S A B C

E . dS = E dS cos 0° + E dS cos 0° + E dS cos 90° = 2E dS = 2E x π r2

S A B C
 q σ π r2
(where σ is the surface charge density)
=
ε0 ε0

σ π r2
2 E x π r2 =
ε0
σ σ
or E= In vector form, E (l) = l
2 ε0 2 ε0

The direction of the electric field intensity is normal to the plane and away
from the positive charge distribution. For negative charge distribution, it will
be towards the plane.
Note:
The electric field intensity is independent of the size of the Gaussian surface
constructed. It neither depends on the distance of point of consideration nor
the radius of the cylindrical surface.
If the plane sheet is thick, then the charge distribution will be available on
both the sides. So, the charge enclosed within the Gaussian surface will be
twice as before. Therefore, the field will be twice.
σ
E=
ε0
3. Electric Field Intensity due to Two Parallel, Infinitely Long, Thin
Plane Sheet of Charge:
Case 1: σ1 > σ2
σ1 σ2

E1 E1 E1

Region I Region II Region III

E E E
σ1 > σ2
( )

E2 E2 E2

E = E1 + E2 E = E1 - E2 E = E1 + E2
σ1 + σ2 σ1 - σ2 σ1 + σ2
E= E= E=
2 ε0 2 ε0 2 ε0
 + σ1 & - σ2
Case 2:

σ1 σ2

E1 E1 E1

Region I Region II Region III

E E E
σ1 > σ2
σ1 > σ2 ( )
( )

E2 E2 E2

E = E1 - E2 E = E1 + E2 E = E1 - E2
σ 1 - σ2 σ1 + σ2 σ 1 - σ2
E= E= E=
2 ε0 2 ε0 2 ε0
 +σ&-σ
Case 3:

σ1 σ2

E1 E1 E1

Region I Region II Region III

E=0 E≠0 E=0

E2 E2 E2

E = E1 - E2 E = E1 + E2 E = E1 - E2
σ 1 - σ2 σ1 + σ2 σ σ 1 - σ2
E= E= = E=
=0 =0
2 ε0 2 ε0 ε0 2 ε0
4. Electric Field Intensity due to a Uniformed Charged This Spherical
Shell: E
r dS
i) At a point P outside the shell:
From Gauss’s law, •P
q
ΦE = E . dS = ε0 O
S q
• R
Since E and dS are in the same direction,
HOLLOW
q
ΦE = E dS = ε0
S
q
or ΦE = E dS = ……… Gaussian Surface
ε0
S
q q Electric field due to a uniformly
E= charged thin spherical shell at
E x 4π r2 = or 4πε0 r2
ε0 a point outside the shell is such
as if the whole charge were
Since q = σ x 4π R2, σ R2 concentrated at the centre of
E=
ε0 r2 the shell.
ii) At a point A on the surface of the shell:
From Gauss’s law, E
q dS
ΦE = E . dS = ε0
S •
A
Since E and dS are in the same direction, O
q
q • R
ΦE = E dS = ε0 HOLLOW
S
q
or ΦE = E dS =
ε0
S
q q
E=
E x 4π R2 = or 4πε0 R2
ε0

Electric field due to a uniformly

Since q = σ x 4π R2, σ charged thin spherical shell at
E=
ε0 a point on the surface of the
shell is maximum.
iii) At a point B inside the shell:
E
From Gauss’s law, dS
q
ΦE = E . dS = B
ε0
S
q
O •
Since E and dS are in the same direction, •
r’ R
q
HOLLOW
ΦE = E dS = ε0
S
q
or ΦE = E dS = ε0 E
S
q 0 Emax
E=
E x 4π r’2 = or 4πε0 r’2
ε0

(since q = 0 inside the Gaussian surface)

E=0
O
This property E = 0 inside a cavity is R r
used for electrostatic shielding.
END
 ELECTROSTATICS - IV
- Capacitance and Van de Graaff Generator
1. Behaviour of Conductors in Electrostatic Field
2. Electrical Capacitance
3. Principle of Capacitance
4. Capacitance of a Parallel Plate Capacitor
5. Series and Parallel Combination of Capacitors
6. Energy Stored in a Capacitor and Energy Density
7. Energy Stored in Series and Parallel Combination of Capacitors
8. Loss of Energy on Sharing Charges Between Two Capacitors
9. Polar and Non-polar Molecules
10. Polarization of a Dielectric
11. Polarizing Vector and Dielectric Strength
12. Parallel Plate Capacitor with a Dielectric Slab
13. Van de Graaff Generator
Behaviour of Conductors in the Electrostatic Field:
1. Net electric field intensity in the interior of a E0
conductor is zero.
When a conductor is placed in an
electrostatic field, the charges (free EP
electrons) drift towards the positive plate
leaving the + ve core behind. At an
equilibrium, the electric field due to the
Enet = 0
polarisation becomes equal to the applied
field. So, the net electrostatic field inside
the conductor is zero.
2. Electric field just outside the charged
conductor is perpendicular to the surface of
the conductor.
E
E cos θ
Suppose the electric field is acting at an
θ E
angle other than 90°, then there will be a
IB L
component E cos θ acting along the tangent S S
at that point to the surface which will tend to
T PO • + q n
accelerate the charge on the surface leading
NO
to ‘surface current’. But there is no surface
current in electrostatics. So, θ = 90° and
cos 90° = 0.
3. Net charge in the interior of a conductor is zero.
The charges are temporarily separated. The total
charge of the system is zero.
q
ΦE = E . dS = ε0
S
Since E = 0 in the interior of the conductor,
therefore q = 0.
4. Charge always resides on the surface of a
conductor.
Suppose a conductor is given some excess
charge q. Construct a Gaussian surface just q q
inside the conductor.
Since E = 0 in the interior of the conductor,
therefore q = 0 inside the conductor. q=0

5. Electric potential is constant for the entire

conductor.
dV = - E . dr
Since E = 0 in the interior of the conductor,
therefore dV = 0. i.e. V = constant
6. Surface charge distribution may be different
at different points. q
σ=
S σmin σmax
Every conductor is an equipotential volume
(three- dimensional) rather than just an
equipotential surface (two- dimensional).

Electrical Capacitance:
The measure of the ability of a conductor to store charges is known as
capacitance or capacity (old name).
q
C=
q α V or q = C V or V
If V = 1 volt, then C = q
Capacitance of a conductor is defined as the charge required to raise its
potential through one unit.
SI Unit of capacitance is ‘farad’ (F). Symbol of capacitance:
Capacitance is said to be 1 farad when 1 coulomb of charge raises the
potential of conductor by 1 volt.
Since 1 coulomb is the big amount of charge, the capacitance will be usually
in the range of milli farad, micro farad, nano farad or pico farad.
Capacitance of an Isolated Spherical Conductor:
Let a charge q be given to the sphere which
is assumed to be concentrated at the centre.
Potential at any point on the surface is r
O
q •
V = +q
4πε0 r
q
C=
V

C = 4πε0 r

1. Capacitance of a spherical conductor is directly proportional to its radius.

2. The above equation is true for conducting spheres, hollow or solid.
3. IF the sphere is in a medium, then C = 4πε0εr r.
4. Capacitance of the earth is 711 μF.
Principle of Capacitance: A B
Step 1: Plate A is positively charged and B is neutral.
Step 2: When a neutral plate B is brought near A,
charges are induced on B such that the side near A is
negative and the other side is positive.
The potential of the system of A and B in step 1 and 2
remains the same because the potential due to positive
and negative charges on B cancel out. Potential = V
Step 3: When the farther side of B is earthed the
positive charges on B get neutralised and B is left only
with negative charges. A B
Now, the net potential of the system decreases due to
the sum of positive potential on A and negative potential
on B.
To increase the potential to the same value as was in
step 2, an additional amount of charges can be given to
plate A.
This means, the capacity of storing charges on A Potential = V
Potential E
increases.
decreases to v
The system so formed is called a ‘capacitor’.
Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor:
Parallel plate capacitor is an arrangement of two E
parallel conducting plates of equal area σ σ
separated by air medium or any other insulating
medium such as paper, mica, glass, wood, A A
ceramic, etc. σ
V=Ed= d
ε0
qd
or V=
A ε0
q
C= A ε0
But C= d d
V

If the space between the plates is filled with dielectric medium of relative
permittivity εr, then
A ε0 εr
C= d
Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is
(i) directly proportional to the area of the plates and
(ii) inversely proportional to the distance of separation between them.
Series Combination of Capacitors:
C1 C2 C3
In series combination, q q q
i) Charge is same in each capacitor
ii) Potential is distributed in inverse V1 V2 V3
proportion to capacitances

i.e. V = V1 + V2 + V3 V
q q q q
V= , V1 = , V2 = V3 =
But C C1 C2 and C3
q q q q
= + + (where C is the equivalent capacitance or
C C1 C2 C3 effective capacitance or net capacitance or
total capacitance)
1 1 1 1 1 n
= + 1
or + = ∑
C C1 C2 C3 C i=1 Ci

The reciprocal of the effective capacitance is the sum of the reciprocals of the
individual capacitances.
Note: The effective capacitance in series combination is less than the least of
all the individual capacitances.
Parallel Combination of Capacitors: C1
In parallel combination, V q1

i) Potential is same across each capacitor

ii) Charge is distributed in direct proportion to C2
capacitances V q2

i.e. q = q 1 + q2 + q3

But q1 = C1 V , q2 = C2 V , q3 = C3 V and q = C V C3
V q3

C V = C1V + C2 V + C3 V (where C is the equivalent

capacitance)

n
or C = C 1 + C2 + C3 V
C = ∑ Ci
i=1

The effective capacitance is the sum of the individual capacitances.

Note: The effective capacitance in parallel combination is larger than the
largest of all the individual capacitances.
Energy Stored in a Capacitor:
The process of charging a capacitor is
equivalent to transferring charges from one
plate to the other of the capacitor.
The moment charging starts, there is a potential
difference between the plates. Therefore, to
transfer charges against the potential difference
some work is to be done. This work is stored as
electrostatic potential energy in the capacitor.
If dq be the charge transferred against the
potential difference V, then work done is

dU = dW = V dq V
q
= dq
C

The total work done ( energy) to transfer charge q is

q
q 1 q2 1 1
dq U= U= U=
U= C or 2 C or 2 CV
2 or 2 qV
0
Energy Density:
1
U= A ε0
2 But and V=Ed
2 CV C= d
1 U 1 1
U= = U =
2 ε0 Ad E
2 or Ad 2 ε0 E
2 or 2 ε0 E
2

SI unit of energy density is J m-3.

Energy density is generalised as energy per unit volume of the field.

Energy Stored in a Series Combination of Capacitors:

1 1 1 1 1
= + + + ………. +
C C1 C2 C3 Cn
1 1 1 1 1
U=
1 q2
U=
2 q
2 [ C1
+
C2
+
C3
+ ………. +
Cn
]
2 C

U = U1 + U2 + U3 + ………. + Un
The total energy stored in the system is the sum of energy stored in the
individual capacitors.
Energy Stored in a Parallel Combination of Capacitors:
C = C1 + C2 + C3 + ……….. + Cn
1 1
U= U=
2 V ( C1 + C2 + C3 + ……….. + Cn )
2 2
2 CV

U = U1 + U2 + U3 + ………. + Un
The total energy stored in the system is the sum of energy stored in the
individual capacitors.

Loss of Energy on Sharing of Charges between the Capacitors in

Parallel:
Consider two capacitors of capacitances C1, C2, charges q1, q2 and
potentials V1,V2.
Total charge after sharing = Total charge before sharing

(C1 + C2) V = C1 V1 + C2 V2

C1 V1 + C2 V2
V= C 1 + C2
 The total energy before sharing is
1 1
Ui = 2 + 2
2 C 1 V1 2 C2 V2

The total energy after sharing is

1
Uf = 2
2 (C1 + C2) V

C1 C2 (V1 – V2)2
Ui – U f = 2 (C1 + C2)

Ui – Uf > 0 or Ui > Uf
Therefore, there is some loss of energy when two charged capacitors are
connected together.
The loss of energy appears as heat and the wire connecting the two capacitors
may become hot.
Polar Molecules:
A molecule in which the centre of positive charges does O
not coincide with the centre of negative charges is called
a polar molecule. 105°
Polar molecule does not have symmetrical shape. p
H H
Eg. H Cl, H2 O, N H3, C O2, alcohol, etc.

Effect of Electric Field on Polar Molecules:

E=0 E

p=0 p
In the absence of external electric When electric field is applied, the
field, the permanent dipoles of the dipoles orient themselves in a
molecules orient in random regular fashion and hence dipole
directions and hence the net dipole moment is induced. Complete
moment is zero. allignment is not possible due to
thermal agitation.
Non - polar Molecules:
A molecule in which the centre of positive charges coincides with the centre of
negative charges is called a non-polar molecule.
Non-polar molecule has symmetrical shape.
Eg. N2 , C H4, O2, C6 H6, etc.

Effect of Electric Field on Non-polar Molecules:

E=0 E

p=0 p

In the absence of external When electric field is applied, the positive

electric field, the effective charges are pushed in the direction of electric
positive and negative centres field and the electrons are pulled in the
coincide and hence dipole is direction opposite to the electric field. Due to
not formed. separation of effective centres of positive and
negative charges, dipole is formed.
Dielectrics:
Generally, a non-conducting medium or insulator is called a ‘dielectric’.
Precisely, the non-conducting materials in which induced charges are produced
on their faces on the application of electric fields are called dielectrics.
Eg. Air, H2, glass, mica, paraffin wax, transformer oil, etc.
Polarization of Dielectrics:
When a non-polar dielectric slab is
subjected to an electric field, dipoles
are induced due to separation of
effective positive and negative centres.
E0 is the applied field and Ep is the
induced field in the dielectric.
EE=0 0 Ep
The net field is EN = E0 – Ep
i.e. the field is reduced when a
dielectric slab is introduced.
The dielectric constant is given by

E0
K = E0 - Ep
Polarization Vector:
The polarization vector measures the degree of polarization of the dielectric. It
is defined as the dipole moment of the unit volume of the polarized dielectric.
If n is the number of atoms or molecules per unit volume of the dielectric, then
polarization vector is
P=np
SI unit of polarization vector is C m-2.

Dielectric Dielectric strength (kV /

Dielectric Strength: mm)
Dielectric strength is the maximum Vacuum ∞
value of the electric field intensity
that can be applied to the dielectric Air 0.8 – 1
without its electric break down. Porcelain 4–8
Its SI unit is V m-1. Pyrex 14
Its practical unit is kV mm-1. Paper 14 – 16
Rubber 21
Mica 160 – 200
Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor with Dielectric Slab:

V = E0 (d – t) + EN t

E0 EN = E0
K= EN or
K E0 Ep t d
EN = E0 - Ep
E0
V = E0 (d – t) + t
K
t
V = E0 [ (d – t) + K ] A ε0
But E0 = σ = qA or C=
t t
q
ε0 ε0
d 1– [ d (1 - K )]
and C=
V C0
or C=
A ε0 t t
C=
t [1 – d (1 - K )]
[ (d – t) + K ] C > C0. i.e. Capacitance increases with
introduction of dielectric slab.
If the dielectric slab occupies the whole space between the plates, i.e. t = d,
then
C = K C0

C
Dielectric Constant K= C0

WITH DIELECTRIC SLAB

Physcial Quantity With Battery With Battery
disconnected connected
Charge Remains the same Increases (K C0 V0)

Capacitance Increases (K C0) Increases (K C0)

Electric Field Decreases Remains the same

EN = E0 – Ep
Potential Difference Decreases Remains the same

Energy stored decreases Increases (K U0)

Van de Graaff Generator:
S

P2

C2
S – Large Copper sphere
D
C1 , C2 – Combs with sharp points
P1 , P2 – Pulleys to run belt
HVR – High Voltage Rectifier
M – Motor
IS – Insulating Stand T
C1 I S
D – Gas Discharge Tube
T - Target

HVR
P1
M
Principle:

Consider two charged conducting spherical shells such that one is

smaller and the other is larger. When the smaller one is kept inside the
larger one and connected together, charge from the smaller one is
transferred to larger shell irrespective of the higher potential of the larger
shell. i.e. The charge resides on the outer surface of the outer shell and
the potential of the outer shell increases considerably.

Sharp pointed surfaces of a conductor have large surface charge

densities and hence the electric field created by them is very high
compared to the dielectric strength of the dielectric (air).

Therefore air surrounding these conductors get ionized and the like
charges are repelled by the charged pointed conductors causing
discharging action known as Corona Discharge or Action of Points. The
sprayed charges moving with high speed cause electric wind.

Opposite charges are induced on the teeth of collecting comb (conductor)

and again opposite charges are induced on the outer surface of the
collecting sphere (Dome).
Construction:

Van de Graaff Generator consists of a large (about a few metres in

radius) copper spherical shell (S) supported on an insulating stand (IS)
which is of several metres high above the ground.

A belt made of insulating fabric (silk, rubber, etc.) is made to run over
the pulleys (P1, P2 ) operated by an electric motor (M) such that it ascends
on the side of the combs.

Comb (C1) near the lower pulley is connected to High Voltage Rectifier
(HVR) whose other end is earthed. Comb (C2) near the upper pulley is
connected to the sphere S through a conducting rod.

A tube (T) with the charged particles to be accelerated at its top and
the target at the bottom is placed as shown in the figure. The bottom end
of the tube is earthed for maintaining lower potential.

To avoid the leakage of charges from the sphere, the generator is

enclosed in the steel tank filled with air or nitrogen at very high pressure
(15 atmospheres).
Working:

Let the positive terminal of the High Voltage Rectifier (HVR) is

connected to the comb (C1). Due to action of points, electric wind is
caused and the positive charges are sprayed on to the belt (silk or
rubber). The belt made ascending by electric motor (EM) and pulley
(P1) carries these charges in the upward direction.

The comb (C2) is induced with the negative charges which are
carried by conduction to inner surface of the collecting sphere
(dome) S through a metallic wire which in turn induces positive
charges on the outer surface of the dome.

The comb (C2) being negatively charged causes electric wind by

spraying negative charges due to action of points which neutralize
the positive charges on the belt. Therefore the belt does not carry
any charge back while descending. (Thus the principle of
conservation of charge is obeyed.)

Contd..
The process continues for a longer time to store more and more
charges on the sphere and the potential of the sphere increases
considerably. When the charge on the sphere is very high, the
leakage of charges due to ionization of surrounding air also
increases.

Maximum potential occurs when the rate of charge carried in by

the belt is equal to the rate at which charge leaks from the shell
due to ionization of air.

Now, if the positively charged particles which are to be

accelerated are kept at the top of the tube T, they get accelerated
due to difference in potential (the lower end of the tube is
connected to the earth and hence at the lower potential) and are
made to hit the target for causing nuclear reactions, etc.
Uses:

Van de Graaff Generator is used to produce very high potential

difference (of the order of several million volts) for
accelerating charged particles.

The beam of accelerated charged particles are used to

trigger nuclear reactions.

The beam is used to break atoms for various experiments

in Physics.

In medicine, such beams are used to treat cancer.

It is used for research purposes.

END OF ELECTROSTATICS
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY - I
1. Electric Current
2. Conventional Current
3. Drift Velocity of electrons and current
4. Current Density
5. Ohm’s Law
6. Resistance, Resistivity, Conductance &
Conductivity
7. Temperature dependence of resistance
8. Colour Codes for Carbon Resistors
9. Series and Parallel combination of
resistors
10. EMF and Potential Difference of a cell
11. Internal Resistance of a cell
12. Series and Parallel combination of cells
Created by C. Mani, Principal, K V No.1, AFS, Jalahalli West, Bangalore
Electric Current:
The electric current is defined as the charge flowing through
any section of the conductor in one second.
I=q/t (if the rate of flow of charge is steady)
I = dq / dt (if the rate of flow of charge varies with time)

Different types of current:

b c
a) Steady current which does not I
vary with time a

b) & c) Varying current whose

magnitude varies with time d

d) Alternating current whose 0

magnitude varies continuously t
and direction changes
periodically
Conventional Current:
Conventional current is the current + -
+ + + + -
whose direction is along the direction of
the motion of positive charge under the + I -
action of electric field. + -
-
Conventional current due to motion of
- +
- - -
electrons is in the direction opposite to
- +
that of motion of electrons.
- +
I +
Drift Velocity and Current:
Drift velocity is defined as the velocity
with which the free electrons get drifted l
towards the positive terminal under the
effect of the applied electric field. vd
A - - -E
I = neA vd
vd = a τ vd = - (eE / m) τ I
Current is directly proportional
to drift velocity.
vd - drift velocity, a – acceleration, τ – relaxation time, E – electric field,
e – electronic charge, m – mass of electron, n – number density of electrons,
l – length of the conductor and A – Area of cross-section
Current density:
Current density at a point, within a conductor, is the current through a unit
area of the conductor, around that point, provided the area is perpendicular
to the direction of flow of current at that point.

J = I / A = nevd
In vector form, I = J . A

Ohm’s Law:
The electric current flowing through a conductor is directly
proportional to the potential difference across the two ends of the
conductor when physical conditions such as temperature, mechanical
strain, etc. remain the same. I

IαV or V α I or V = R I
I
V

0 V
Resistance:
The resistance of conductor is the opposition offered by the
conductor to the flow of electric current through it.

R=V / I

Resistance in terms of physical features of the conductor:

I = neA | vd | m
l where ρ = ne2τ
R =ρ
I = neA (e |E| / m) τ A is resistivity or
ne2Aτ specific resistance
I= V
m Resistance is directly proportional to
l
length and inversely proportional to
ml
V cross-sectional area of the conductor
I = ne2Aτ and depends on nature of material.
m l Resistivity depends upon nature of
R = material and not on the geometrical
ne2τ A
dimensions of the conductor.
Relations between vd , ρ, l, E, J and V:
ρ = E / J = E / nevd When temperature
(since, J = I / A = nevd ) increases,
vd = E /(neρ) vd decreases and ρ
increases.
vd = V /(neρl) (since, E = V / l ) When l increases, vd
decreases.

Conductance and conductivity:

Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance. Its S.I unit is mho.
Conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity. Its S.I unit is mho / m.

Temperature dependence of Resistances:

m l When temperature increases, the no. of collisions
R =
ne2τ A increases due to more internal energy and relaxation time
decreases. Therefore, Resistance increases.

Temperature coefficient of Resistance: R0 – Resistance at 0°C

Rt – R 0 R2 – R 1
α= or α= Rt – Resistance at t°C
R0 t R1 t 2 – R 2 t 1
R1 – Resistance at t1°C

If R2 < R1, then α is – ve. R2 – Resistance at t2°C

Colour code for carbon resistors:
The first two rings from the end give the
first two significant figures of B V B Gold
resistance in ohm.
17 x 100 = 17 ± 5% Ω
The third ring indicates the decimal
multiplier.
The last ring indicates the tolerance in
per cent about the indicated value. G R B Silver
Eg. AB x 10C ± D % ohm 52 x 106 ± 10% Ω
Letter Colour Number Colour Tolerance
B Black 0 Gold 5%
B Brown 1 Silver 10%
R Red 2 No colour 20% BVB
O Orange 3 17 x 100 = 17 ± 20% Ω
Y Yellow 4
G Green 5
B Blue 6 B B ROY of Great Britain has Very
V Violet 7 Good Wife
G Grey 8
W White 9
Another Colour code for carbon resistors:
i) The colour of the body gives the first
significant figure. Red Ends Yellow Body Gold Ring

ii) The colour of the ends gives the second Blue Dot
significant figure.
iii) The colour of the dot gives the decimal YRB Gold
multipier.
42 x 106 ± 5% Ω
iv) The colour of the ring gives the
tolerance.

Series combination of resistors:

R = R 1 + R2 + R3

R1 R2 R3 R is greater than the greatest of all.

Parallel combination of resistors:
R1
1/R =1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3
R2
R is smaller than the smallest of all.
R3
Sources of emf:

The electro motive force is the maximum potential difference between the
two electrodes of the cell when no current is drawn from the cell.
Comparison of EMF and P.D:
EMF Potential Difference
1 P.D is the difference of potentials
EMF is the maximum potential
between any two points in a closed
difference between the two
circuit.
electrodes of the cell when no
current is drawn from the cell
i.e. when the circuit is open.
2 It is independent of the It is proportional to the resistance
resistance of the circuit. between the given points.

3 The term ‘emf’ is used only for It is measured between any two
the source of emf. points of the circuit.

4 It is greater than the potential However, p.d. is greater than emf

difference between any two when the cell is being charged.
points in a circuit.
Internal Resistance of a cell:
The opposition offered by the electrolyte of the cell to the flow of electric
current through it is called the internal resistance of the cell.
Factors affecting Internal Resistance of a cell:

i) Larger the separation between the electrodes of the cell, more the length
of the electrolyte through which current has to flow and consequently a
higher value of internal resistance.
ii) Greater the conductivity of the electrolyte, lesser is the internal resistance
of the cell. i.e. internal resistance depends on the nature of the electrolyte.
iii) The internal resistance of a cell is inversely proportional to the common
area of the electrodes dipping in the electrolyte.
iv) The internal resistance of a cell depends on the nature of the electrodes.
E =V+v
= IR + Ir E r
v
= I (R + r) I
I
I = E / (R + r)
R
This relation is called circuit equation.
V
Internal Resistance of a cell in terms of E,V and R:

E =V+v
= V + Ir E r
Ir = E - V v
I
I
Dividing by IR = V,
R
Ir E–V E V
= r =( - 1) R
IR V V

Determination of Internal Resistance of a cell by voltmeter method:

V V
+ +

r r

I
I
R.B (R) R.B (R)
K K
Closed circuit (Current is drawn)
Open circuit (No current is drawn)
Potential Difference (V) is measured
EMF (E) is measured
Cells in Series combination:
Cells are connected in series when they are joined end to end so that the
same quantity of electricity must flow through each cell.
NOTE:
E r E r E r
1. The emf of the battery is the
sum of the individual emfs
I I
2. The current in each cell is the
same and is identical with the R
current in the entire
arrangement. V
3. The total internal resistance of
the battery is the sum of the
individual internal resistances.

Total emf of the battery = nE (for n no. of identical cells)

Total Internal resistance of the battery = nr
Total resistance of the circuit = nr + R

(i) If R << nr, then I = E / r (ii) If nr << R, then I = n (E / R)

nE
Current I = nr + R Conclusion: When internal resistance is negligible in
comparison to the external resistance, then the cells are
connected in series to get maximum current.
Cells in Parallel combination:
Cells are said to be connected in parallel when they are joined positive to
positive and negative to negative such that current is divided between the cells.

NOTE:
E r

1. The emf of the battery is the same as that of a

single cell.
E r
2. The current in the external circuit is divided equally
among the cells.
3. The reciprocal of the total internal resistance is the I E r
sum of the reciprocals of the individual internal I
resistances.

Total emf of the battery = E R

V
Total Internal resistance of the battery = r / n
Total resistance of the circuit = (r / n) + R

(i) If R << r/n, then I = n(E / r) (ii) If r/n << R, then I = E / R

nE
Current I = nR + r Conclusion: When external resistance is negligible in
comparison to the internal resistance, then the cells are
connected in parallel to get maximum current.
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY - II

1. Kirchhoff’s Laws of electricity

2. Wheatstone Bridge
3. Metre Bridge
4. Potentiometer
i) Principle
ii) Comparison of emf of primary cells

Created by C. Mani, Principal, K V No.1, AFS, Jalahalli West, Bangalore

KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS:
I Law or Current Law or Junction Rule:
The algebraic sum of electric currents at a junction in any
electrical network is always zero.
I2
I1
I3
I1 - I2 - I3 + I4 - I5 = 0
I5 O
I4

Sign Conventions:
1. The incoming currents towards the junction are taken positive.
2. The outgoing currents away from the junction are taken negative.

Note: The charges cannot accumulate at a junction. The number

of charges that arrive at a junction in a given time must leave in
the same time in accordance with conservation of charges.
II Law or Voltage Law or Loop Rule:
The algebraic sum of all the potential drops and emf’s along any
closed path in an electrical network is always zero.
I1 E1 R1 I1
A B Loop ABCA:

R2 - E1 + I1.R1 + (I1 + I2).R2 = 0

I2 I1 + I2 I1
Loop ACDA:
D C
I2 R3 I2 - (I1 + I2).R2 - I2.R3 + E2 = 0
E2
Sign Conventions:
1. The emf is taken negative when we traverse from positive to negative
terminal of the cell through the electrolyte.
2. The emf is taken positive when we traverse from negative to positive
terminal of the cell through the electrolyte.

The potential falls along the direction of current in a current path

and it rises along the direction opposite to the current path.

3. The potential fall is taken negative. Note: The path can be traversed
4. The potential rise is taken positive. in clockwise or anticlockwise
direction of the loop.
 B
Wheatstone Bridge:
P Q
Currents through the arms are assumed by I1 I1 - Ig
applying Kirchhoff’s Junction Rule. Ig

Applying Kirchhoff’s Loop Rule for: A G C

Loop ABDA:
-I1.P - Ig .G + (I - I1).R = 0 R S
I - I1
Loop BCDB: I I - I1 + Ig I
- (I1 - Ig ).Q + (I - I1 + Ig ).S + Ig .G = 0 D

When Ig = 0, the bridge is said to balanced. I I

E

By manipulating the above equations, we get P R

Q S
Metre Bridge: R.B (R) X

Metre Bridge is based

on the principle of G
Wheatstone Bridge.
A B
When the galvanometer l cm J 100 - l cm
current is made zero by
adjusting the jockey
K
position on the metre- E
bridge wire for the given
values of known and
unknown resistances,
R RAJ R AJ R l (Since,
Resistance α
X RJB X JB X 100 - l length)

Therefore, X = R (100 – l) ⁄ l
 I
Potentiometer: +

Principle: A V
E J
0
V=IR l cm 100

A 200
= I ρl/A +
300
If the constant current flows Rh B
400
through the potentiometer wire
of uniform cross sectional area
K
(A) and uniform composition
of material (ρ), then

V = Kl or Vαl

V /l is a constant. V
The potential difference across any length of a wire
of uniform cross-section and uniform composition is
proportional to its length when a constant current
0
flows through it. l
Comparison of emf’s using E1
Potentiometer: R.B
I + G
The balance point is +
obtained for the cell when E2
A
the potential at a point on E J2
0
the potentiometer wire is l2 100
equal and opposite to the J1
A + 200 l1
emf of the cell.
300
Rh B
E1 = VAJ1 = I ρl1 /A 400

E2 = VAJ2 = I ρl2 /A
K
E1 / E2 = l1 /l2
Note:
The balance point will not be obtained on the potentiometer wire if the fall
of potential along the potentiometer wire is less than the emf of the cell to
be measured.
The working of the potentiometer is based on null deflection method. So
the resistance of the wire becomes infinite. Thus potentiometer can be
regarded as an ideal voltmeter.

End of Current Electricity

 MAGNETIC EFFECT OF CURRENT - I
1. Magnetic Effect of Current – Oersted’s Experiment
2. Ampere’s Swimming Rule
3. Maxwell’s Cork Screw Rule
4. Right Hand Thumb Rule
5. Biot – Savart’s Law
6. Magnetic Field due to Infinitely Long Straight Current –
carrying Conductor
7. Magnetic Field due to a Circular Loop carrying current
8. Magnetic Field due to a Solenoid

Created by C. Mani, Principal, K V No.1, AFS, Jalahalli West, Bangalore

Magnetic Effect of Current:
An electric current (i.e. flow of electric charge) produces magnetic effect in
the space around the conductor called strength of Magnetic field or simply
Magnetic field.
Oersted’s Experiment:
N
When current was allowed to flow through a
wire placed parallel to the axis of a magnetic E
needle kept directly below the wire, the needle
was found to deflect from its normal position.
I
K

I
When current was reversed through the wire, N

the needle was found to deflect in the E

opposite direction to the earlier case.

K
Rules to determine the direction of magnetic field:
W N
Ampere’s Swimming Rule or
SNOW Rule:

N
Imagining a man who swims in the
direction of current from south to north
facing a magnetic needle kept under
him such that current enters his feet
then the North pole of the needle will
deflect towards his left hand, i.e. I
S
towards West.
I I
Maxwell’s Cork Screw Rule or Right
Hand Screw Rule:
If the forward motion of an imaginary
right handed screw is in the direction of
the current through a linear conductor,
then the direction of rotation of the
screw gives the direction of the
magnetic lines of force around the
conductor.
B B
 I
Right Hand Thumb Rule or Curl Rule:
If a current carrying conductor is imagined to be
held in the right hand such that the thumb points
in the direction of the current, then the tips of the
fingers encircling the conductor will give the
direction of the magnetic lines of force.

Biot – Savart’s Law: B

The strength of magnetic field dB due to a small
current element dl carrying a current I at a point
x
P distant r from the element is directly r P
proportional to I, dl, sin θ and inversely
θ
proportional to the square of the distance (r2)
where θ is the angle between dl and r. dl
I dl sin θ
i) dB α I dB α
r2 I
ii) dB α dl P’
iii) dB α sin θ μ0 I dl sin θ
dB =
iv) dB α 1 / r2 4π r2
Biot – Savart’s Law in vector form:

μ0 I dl x r
dB =
4π r2

μ0 I dl x r
dB =
4π r3

Value of μ0 = 4π x 10-7 Tm A-1 or Wb m-1 A-1

Direction of dB is same as that of direction of dl x r which can be

determined by Right Hand Screw Rule.
It is emerging at P’ and entering x at P into the plane of the diagram.
Current element is a vector quantity whose magnitude is the vector
product of current and length of small element having the direction of the
flow of current. ( I dl)
Magnetic Field due to a Straight Wire carrying current:
According to Biot – Savart’s law
μ0 I dl sin θ
dB =
4π r2
sin θ = a / r = cos Ф
I
or r = a / cos Ф
Ф2
tan Ф = l / a a x B
Ф P
or l = a tan Ф l θ
Ф1
dl = a sec2 Ф dФ dl r

Substituting for r and dl in dB,

μ0 I cos Ф dФ
dB =
4π a

Magnetic field due to whole conductor is obtained by integrating with limits

- Ф1 to Ф2. ( Ф1 is taken negative since it is anticlockwise)
Ф2 μ I cos Ф dФ
0 μ0 I (sin Ф1 + sin Ф2)
B = ∫dB = ∫ B=
-Ф1 4π a 4πa
 B
If the straight wire is infinitely long,
then Ф1 = Ф2 = π / 2
μ0 2I μ0 I
B= B=
4πa or 2πa a a
0

Direction of B is same as that of direction of dl x r which can be

determined by Right Hand Screw Rule.
It is perpendicular to the plane of the diagram and entering into
the plane at P.
Magnetic Field Lines:

I I
B B
Magnetic Field due to a Circular Loop carrying current:
1) At a point on the axial line:

dl
C dB cosФ dB
X Y
90° r Ф
a
Ф
Ф dB sinФ
O x P dB sinФ
I I Ф

X’ Y’
dB cosФ dB
D dl

The plane of the coil is considered perpendicular to the plane of the

diagram such that the direction of magnetic field can be visualized on
the plane of the diagram.
At C and D current elements XY and X’Y’ are considered such that
current at C emerges out and at D enters into the plane of the diagram.
 μ0 I dl
μ0 I dl sin θ dB =
dB = or 4π r2
4π r2
The angle θ between dl and r is 90° because the radius of the loop is very
small and since sin 90° = 1

The semi-vertical angle made by r to the loop is Ф and the angle between r
and dB is 90° . Therefore, the angle between vertical axis and dB is also Ф.

dB is resolved into components dB cosФ and dB sinФ .

Due to diametrically opposite current elements, cosФ
components are always opposite to each other and hence they
cancel out each other.
SinФ components due to all current elements dl get added up
along the same direction (in the direction away from the loop).
μ0 I dl sinФ μ0 I (2πa) a
B = ∫dB sin Ф = ∫ or
B=
4π r 2 4π (a2 + x2) (a2 + x2)½

μ0 I a2
(μ0 , I, a, sinФ are constants, ∫dl = 2πa and r & sinФ are
B = 2(a2 + x2)3/2 replaced with measurable and constant values.)
 Special Cases: μ0 I
B
i) At the centre O, x = 0. B = 2a

ii) If the observation point is far away from

the coil, then a << x. So, a2 can be neglected
in comparison with x2. μ0 I a2 x 0 x
B = 2 x3

Different views of direction of current and magnetic field due to circular loop of
a coil:
I

B B
I I

I
2) B at the centre of the loop:
dl
The plane of the coil is lying on the plane a 90°
I
of the diagram and the direction of current O
is clockwise such that the direction of x
magnetic field is perpendicular and into dB
the plane. I

μ0 I dl The angle θ between dl and a is

μ0 I dl sin θ dB = 90° because the radius of the
dB = 4π a2 loop is very small and since
4π a2
μ0 I dl sin 90° = 1
B = ∫dB = ∫
4π a2

μ0 I B
B=
2a

(μ0 , I, a are constants and ∫dl = 2πa )

0 a
Magnetic Field due to a Solenoid:

x x x x x x x

I I

TIP:
When we look at any end of the coil carrying current, if the current is in
anti-clockwise direction then that end of coil behaves like North Pole
and if the current is in clockwise direction then that end of the coil
behaves like South Pole.
 MAGNETIC EFFECT OF CURRENT - II
1. Lorentz Magnetic Force
2. Fleming’s Left Hand Rule
3. Force on a moving charge in uniform Electric and Magnetic fields
4. Force on a current carrying conductor in a uniform Magnetic Field
5. Force between two infinitely long parallel current-carrying
conductors
6. Definition of ampere
7. Representation of fields due to parallel currents
8. Torque experienced by a current-carrying coil in a uniform Magnetic
Field
9. Moving Coil Galvanometer
10. Conversion of Galvanometer into Ammeter and Voltmeter
11. Differences between Ammeter and Voltmeter

Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai

Lorentz Magnetic Force:
A current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field experiences a force
which means that a moving charge in a magnetic field experiences force.
F
Fm = q (v x B)

or B
q+ θ
Fm = (q v B sin θ) n I v
where θ is the angle between v and B
Special Cases:

i) If the charge is at rest, i.e. v = 0, then Fm = 0.

So, a stationary charge in a magnetic field does I
B
not experience any force. q- θ
ii) If θ = 0° or 180° i.e. if the charge moves parallel v
or anti-parallel to the direction of the magnetic
field, then Fm = 0.
F
iii) If θ = 90° i.e. if the charge moves perpendicular
to the magnetic field, then the force is
maximum.
Fm (max) = q v B
Fleming’s Left Hand Rule:
Force Magnetic
(F) Field
If the central finger, fore finger and thumb
(B)
of left hand are stretched mutually
perpendicular to each other and the
central finger points to current, fore
finger points to magnetic field, then
thumb points in the direction of motion
(force) on the current carrying conductor. Electric
Current
TIP: (I)

Remember the phrase ‘e m f’ to represent electric current, magnetic

field and force in anticlockwise direction of the fingers of left hand.

Force on a moving charge in uniform Electric and Magnetic

Fields:
When a charge q moves with velocity v in region in which both electric
field E and magnetic field B exist, then the Lorentz force is
F = qE + q (v x B) or F = q (E + v x B)
Force on a current-carrying conductor in a uniform
Magnetic Field:
Force experienced by each electron in
the conductor is I
F
f = - e (vd x B)
vd
If n be the number density of electrons, dl - θ B
A be the area of cross section of the
conductor, then no. of electrons in the A l
element dl is n A dl.
I
Force experienced by the electrons in dl is
dF = n A dl [ - e (vd x B)] = - n e A vd (dl X B)
= I (dl x B) where I = neAvd and -ve sign represents that
the direction of dl is opposite to that of vd )
F = ∫ dF = ∫ I (dl x B)

F = I (l x B) or F = I l B sin θ
Forces between two parallel infinitely long current-carrying conductors:
Magnetic Field on RS due to current in PQ is Q S
μ0 I1
B1 = (in magnitude)
2π r

Force acting on RS due to current I2 through it is I1 I2

μ0 I1 μ0 I1 I2 l F12 F21
F21 = I2 l sin 90˚ F21 = B2 x B1
2π r or 2π r
B1 acts perpendicular and into the plane of the diagram by
Right Hand Thumb Rule. So, the angle between l and B1 is 90˚ . r
l is length of the conductor.
Magnetic Field on PQ due to current in RS is
μ0 I2
B2 = (in magnitude) P R
2π r
Force acting on PQ due to current I1 through it is
μ0 I1 I2 l (The angle between l and
μ0 I2 F12 =
F12 = B2 is 90˚ and B2 Is
I1 l sin 90˚ or 2π r
2π r emerging out)
μ0 I1 I2 l
F12 = F21 = F =
2π r μ0 I1 I2
F/l = N/m
Force per unit length of the conductor is 2π r
 Q S Q S

I1
I1 I2
F F x F x x F

r r I2

P R P R

By Fleming’s Left Hand Rule, By Fleming’s Left Hand Rule,

the conductors experience the conductors experience
force towards each other and force away from each other
hence attract each other. and hence repel each other.
Definition of Ampere: μ0 I1 I2
Force per unit length of the F/l = N/m
2π r
conductor is
When I1 = I2 = 1 Ampere and r = 1 m, then F = 2 x 10-7 N/m.
One ampere is that current which, if passed in each of two parallel
conductors of infinite length and placed 1 m apart in vacuum causes each
conductor to experience a force of 2 x 10-7 Newton per metre of length of
the conductor.

Representation of Field due to Parallel Currents:

I1 I2 I1 I2
B B

N
Torque experienced by a Current Loop (Rectangular) in a
uniform Magnetic Field: FSP
Let θ be the angle between the plane of the loop and b S
the direction of the magnetic field. The axis of the θ
coil is perpendicular to the magnetic field.
FRS I
FSP = I (b x B) P
x B
| FSP | = I b B sin θ
FQR = I (b x B) l
| FQR | = I b B sin θ
FPQ R
Forces FSP and FQR are equal in magnitude but I θ
opposite in direction and they cancel out each other.
Moreover they act along the same line of action (axis) Q
and hence do not produce torque. FQR
FPQ = I (l x B)

| FPQ | = I l B sin 90° = I l B Forces FPQ and FRS being equal in magnitude but
opposite in direction cancel out each other and do not
FRS = I (l x B)
produce any translational motion. But they act
| FRs | = I l B sin 90° = I l B along different lines of action and hence
produce torque about the axis of the coil.
Torque experienced by the coil is FRS
‫ = ז‬FPQ x PN (in magnitude)
xS
‫ = ז‬I l B (b cos θ) b
θ B
‫ = ז‬I lb B cos θ
θ Φ N
‫ = ז‬I A B cos θ (A = lb) P
n
‫ = ז‬N I A B cos θ (where N is the no. of turns)
FPQ
I
If Φ is the angle between the normal to the coil and
the direction of the magnetic field, then
Φ + θ = 90° i.e. θ = 90° - Φ I R
B
So,
Φ
‫ = ז‬I A B cos (90° - Φ) Q n
‫ = ז‬N I A B sin Φ

NOTE:
One must be very careful in using the formula in terms of cos or sin
since it depends on the angle taken whether with the plane of the coil
or the normal of the coil.
Torque in Vector form:
‫ = ז‬N I A B sin Φ
‫( = ז‬N I A B sin Φ) n (where n is unit vector normal to the plane of the loop)

‫ = ז‬N I (A x B) or ‫ = ז‬N (M x B)

(since M = I A is the Magnetic Dipole Moment)

Note:
1) The coil will rotate in the anticlockwise direction (from the top view,
according to the figure) about the axis of the coil shown by the dotted
line.
2) The torque acts in the upward direction along the dotted line (according
to Maxwell’s Screw Rule).
3) If Φ = 0°, then 0 = ‫ז‬.
4) If Φ = 90°, then ‫ ז‬is maximum. i.e. ‫ ז‬max = N I A B
5) Units: B in Tesla, I in Ampere, A in m2 and ‫ ז‬in Nm.
6) The above formulae for torque can be used for any loop irrespective of
its shape.
Moving Coil or Suspended Coil or D’ Arsonval Type Galvanometer:
Torque experienced by
T
the coil is
‫ = ז‬N I A B sin Φ
Restoring torque in the PBW
coil is E M
‫=ז‬kα (where k is FRS
restoring torque per unit
P S
angular twist, α is the
angular twist in the wire)
N x S
At equilibrium,
B
N I A B sin Φ = k α Q R
k
I= α FPQ
N A B sin Φ
Hair Spring
LS LS
The factor sin Φ can be TS
eliminated by choosing
Radial Magnetic Field.

T – Torsion Head, TS – Terminal screw, M – Mirror, N,S – Poles pieces of a magnet,

LS – Levelling Screws, PQRS – Rectangular coil, PBW – Phosphor Bronze Wire
Radial Magnetic Field: S
The (top view PS of) plane of the coil PQRS lies
along the magnetic lines of force in whichever N S
position the coil comes to rest in equilibrium. P
B
So, the angle between the plane of the coil and
the magnetic field is 0°.
or the angle between the normal to the plane of Mirror
the coil and the magnetic field is 90°.
Lamp 2α
i.e. sin Φ = sin 90° = 1
k k
I= α or I = G α Scale
NAB where G = N A B

is called Galvanometer constant

Current Sensitivity of Galvanometer: α NAB

It is the defection of galvanometer per unit current. I = k

Voltage Sensitivity of Galvanometer: α NAB

V= kR
It is the defection of galvanometer per unit voltage.
Conversion of Galvanometer to Ammeter:
G
Galvanometer can be converted into ammeter I Ig
by shunting it with a very small resistance.
Potential difference across the galvanometer S
and shunt resistance are equal.
Ig G Is = I - Ig
(I – I ) S = I G or S =
g g
I – Ig

Conversion of Galvanometer to Voltmeter:

Galvanometer can be converted into voltmeter G
Ig R
by connecting it with a very high resistance.
Potential difference across the given load
resistance is the sum of p.d across
galvanometer and p.d. across the high V
resistance.
V
V = Ig (G + R) or R = -G
Ig
 Difference between Ammeter and Voltmeter:
S.No. Ammeter Voltmeter

It is a low resistance It is a high resistance instrument.

1
instrument.
2 Resistance is GS / (G + S) Resistance is G + R
Shunt Resistance is Series Resistance is
3 (GIg ) / (I – Ig ) and is very small. (V / Ig ) - G and is very high.

It is always connected in It is always connected in parallel.

4
series.
Resistance of an ideal Resistance of an ideal voltmeter
5
ammeter is zero. is infinity.
Its resistance is less than that Its resistance is greater than that
6
of the galvanometer. of the voltmeter.
It is not possible to decrease It is possible to decrease the
7 the range of the given range of the given voltmeter.
ammeter.
MAGNETIC EFFECT OF CURRENT - III

1. Cyclotron
2. Ampere’s Circuital Law
3. Magnetic Field due to a Straight Solenoid
4. Magnetic Field due to a Toroidal Solenoid

Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai

 HF
Oscillator Cyclotron:

S B
B

D1 +
W D2 D1
D2
N

W
D1, D2 – Dees N, S – Magnetic Pole Pieces
W – Window B - Magnetic Field

Working: Imagining D1 is positive and D2 is negative, the + vely charged

particle kept at the centre and in the gap between the dees get accelerated
towards D2. Due to perpendicular magnetic field and according to Fleming’s
Left Hand Rule the charge gets deflected and describes semi-circular path.
When it is about to leave D2, D2 becomes + ve and D1 becomes – ve.
Therefore the particle is again accelerated into D1 where it continues to
describe the semi-circular path. The process continues till the charge
traverses through the whole space in the dees and finally it comes out with
very high speed through the window.
Theory:
The magnetic force experienced by the charge provides centripetal force
required to describe circular path.
(where m – mass of the charged particle,
mv2 / r = qvB sin 90° q – charge, v – velocity on the path of
Bqr radius – r, B is magnetic field and 90° is the
v= angle b/n v and B)
m

If t is the time taken by the charge to describe the semi-circular path

inside the dee, then
Time taken inside the dee depends only on
π r πm
t= or t = the magnetic field and m/q ratio and not on
v Bq the speed of the charge or the radius of the
path.
If T is the time period of the high frequency oscillator, then for resonance,
2πm
T=2t or T =
Bq
If f is the frequency of the high frequency oscillator (Cyclotron Frequency),
then
Bq
f=
2πm
Maximum Energy of the Particle:
Kinetic Energy of the charged particle is2 2 2
B q r
B q r = ½
K.E. = ½ m v2 = ½ m ( )2 m
m
Maximum Kinetic Energy of the charged particle is when r = R (radius of the D’s).
B2 q2 R2
K.E. max = ½
m

The expressions for Time period and Cyclotron frequency only when
m remains constant. (Other quantities are already constant.)
m0
But m varies with v according to m=
Einstein’s Relativistic Principle as per [1 – (v2 / c2)]½

If frequency is varied in synchronisation with the variation of mass of the

charged particle (by maintaining B as constant) to have resonance, then the
cyclotron is called synchro – cyclotron.
If magnetic field is varied in synchronisation with the variation of mass of
the charged particle (by maintaining f as constant) to have resonance, then
the cyclotron is called isochronous – cyclotron.
NOTE: Cyclotron can not be used for accelerating neutral particles. Electrons can
not be accelerated because they gain speed very quickly due to their lighter mass
and go out of phase with alternating e.m.f. and get lost within the dees.
Ampere’s Circuital Law:
The line integral B . dl for a closed curve is equal to μ0 times the net
∫
current I threading through the area bounded by the curve.
B
B . dl = μ0 I I
∫ dl
B
r
I O

Proof:
Current is emerging
B . dl = B . dl cos 0° out and the magnetic
∫ ∫ field is anticlockwise.
= ∫ ∫ dl
B . dl = B

= B (2π r) = ( μ0 I / 2π r) x 2π r
∫ B . dl = μ0 I
Magnetic Field at the centre of a Straight Solenoid:
S a R B

P a Q

x x x x x x x

I I
∫ B . dl = μ0 I0 (where I0 is the net current
threading through the solenoid)
∫ B . dl = ∫ B . dl + ∫ B . dl + ∫ B . dl + ∫ B . dl
PQ QR RS SP
B . dl cos 0° + B . dl cos 90° + 0 . dl cos 0° + B . dl cos 90°
=
∫ ∫ ∫ ∫
dl = B.a and μ0 I0 = μ0 n a I
=B
∫ (where n is no. of turns per unit length, a is theB length
= μ0 n I
of the path and
I is the current passing through the lead of the solenoid)
Magnetic Field due to Toroidal Solenoid (Toroid):
dl
∫B . dl = μ0 I0 P
B
∫ B . dl = ∫ B . dl cos 0° B≠0

r
= B ∫ dl = B (2π r)
B=0
O Q
And μ0 I0 = μ0 n (2π r) I B=0
B = μ0 n I

NOTE:
I
The magnetic field exists only in the
tubular area bound by the coil and it does
not exist in the area inside and outside the
toroid.
i.e. B is zero at O and Q and non-zero at P.

End of Magnetic Effect of Current !

 MAGNETISM
1. Bar Magnet and its properties
2. Current Loop as a Magnetic Dipole and Dipole Moment
3. Current Solenoid equivalent to Bar Magnet
4. Bar Magnet and it Dipole Moment
5. Coulomb’s Law in Magnetism
6. Important Terms in Magnetism
7. Magnetic Field due to a Magnetic Dipole
8. Torque and Work Done on a Magnetic Dipole
9. Terrestrial Magnetism
10. Elements of Earth’s Magnetic Field
11. Tangent Law
12. Properties of Dia-, Para- and Ferro-magnetic substances
13. Curie’s Law in Magnetism
14. Hysteresis in Magnetism
Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai
Magnetism:
- Phenomenon of attracting magnetic substances like iron, nickel, cobalt, etc.
• A body possessing the property of magnetism is called a magnet.
• A magnetic pole is a point near the end of the magnet where magnetism is
concentrated.
• Earth is a natural magnet.
•The region around a magnet in which it exerts forces on other magnets and
on objects made of iron is a magnetic field.
Properties of a bar magnet:
1. A freely suspended magnet aligns itself along North – South direction.
2. Unlike poles attract and like poles repel each other.
3. Magnetic poles always exist in pairs. i.e. Poles can not be separated.
4. A magnet can induce magnetism in other magnetic substances.
5. It attracts magnetic substances.
Repulsion is the surest test of magnetisation: A magnet attracts iron rod as well
as opposite pole of other magnet. Therefore it is not a sure test of magnetisation.
But, if a rod is repelled with strong force by a magnet, then the rod is surely
magnetised.
Representation of Uniform Magnetic Field:

x x x x x
x x x x x
x x x x x
x x x x x
x x x x x
Uniform field perpendicular
Uniform field & emerging out of the plane
Uniform field on the perpendicular & into the of the diagram
plane of the diagram plane of the diagram

Current Loop as a Magnetic Dipole & Dipole Moment:

Magnetic Dipole Moment is
A
M=IA n
B
SI unit is A m2.
TIP:
When we look at any one side of the loop carrying current, if the
current is in anti-clockwise direction then that side of the loop behaves
I like Magnetic North Pole and if the current is in clockwise direction
then that side of the loop behaves like Magnetic South Pole.
Current Solenoid as a Magnetic Dipole or Bar Magnet:

x x x x x x x

I I

TIP: Play previous and next to understand the similarity of field lines.
Bar Magnet: Geographic Length

1. The line joining the poles of the magnet S P M P

N
is called magnetic axis.
Magnetic Length
2. The distance between the poles of the
magnet is called magnetic length of the
magnet.
3. The distance between the ends of the magnet is called the geometrical
length of the magnet.

4. The ratio of magnetic length and geometrical length is nearly 0.84.

Magnetic Dipole & Dipole Moment:

A pair of magnetic poles of equal and opposite strengths separated by a
finite distance is called a magnetic dipole.
The magnitude of dipole moment is the product of the pole strength m and
the separation 2l between the poles.
Magnetic Dipole Moment is M = m.2l. l SI unit of pole strength is A.m
The direction of the dipole moment is from South pole to North Pole
along the axis of the magnet.
Coulomb’s Law in Magnetism:
The force of attraction or repulsion between two magnetic poles is directly
proportional to the product of their pole strengths and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance between them.

r
F α m1 m2 m1 m2
α r2

k m1 m2 μ0 m1 m2
F= or F=
r2 4π
r2
(where k = μ0 / 4π is a constant and μ0 = 4π x 10-7 T m A-1)

In vector form μ0 m1 m2 r
F=
4π
r2
μ0 m1 m2 r
F=
4π r3
Magnetic Intensity or Magnetising force (H):
i) Magnetic Intensity at a point is the force experienced by a north pole
of unit pole strength placed at that point due to pole strength of the
given magnet. H=B/μ
ii) It is also defined as the magnetomotive force per unit length.
iii) It can also be defined as the degree or extent to which a magnetic
field can magnetise a substance.
iv) It can also be defined as the force experienced by a unit positive
charge flowing with unit velocity in a direction normal to the
magnetic field.
v) Its SI unit is ampere-turns per linear metre.
vi) Its cgs unit is oersted.
Magnetic Field Strength or Magnetic Field or Magnetic Induction
or Magnetic Flux Density (B):
i) Magnetic Flux Density is the number of magnetic lines of force
passing normally through a unit area of a substance. B = μ H
ii) Its SI unit is weber-m-2 or Tesla (T).
iii) Its cgs unit is gauss. 1 gauss = 10- 4 Tesla
Magnetic Flux (Φ):
i) It is defined as the number of magnetic lines of force
passing normally through a surface.
ii) Its SI unit is weber.

Relation between B and H:

B=μH (where μ is the permeability of the medium)

Magnetic Permeability (μ):

It is the degree or extent to which magnetic lines of force
can pass enter a substance.
Its SI unit is T m A-1 or wb A-1 m-1 or H m-1

Relative Magnetic Permeability (μr):

It is the ratio of magnetic flux density in a material to that in vacuum.
It can also be defined as the ratio of absolute permeability of the material
to that in vacuum.
μr = B / B0 or μr = μ / μ0
Intensity of Magnetisation: (I):
i) It is the degree to which a substance is magnetised when placed in a
magnetic field.
ii) It can also be defined as the magnetic dipole moment (M) acquired per
unit volume of the substance (V).
iii) It can also be defined as the pole strength (m) per unit cross-sectional
area (A) of the substance.
iv) I = M / V
v) I = m(2l) / A(2l) = m / A
vi) SI unit of Intensity of Magnetisation is A m-1.
Magnetic Susceptibility (cm ):
i) It is the property of the substance which shows how easily a substance
can be magnetised.
ii) It can also be defined as the ratio of intensity of magnetisation (I) in a
substance to the magnetic intensity (H) applied to the substance.
iii) cm = I / H Susceptibility has no unit.

Relation between Magnetic Permeability (μr) & Susceptibility (cm ):

μr = 1 + cm
Magnetic Field due to a Magnetic Dipole (Bar Magnet):
i) At a point on the axial line of the magnet:
μ0 2 M x BN
BP =
4π (x2 – l2)2
BQ θ Q
If l << x, then θ
μ0 2 M BS
BP ≈ y
4π x3 BP = B N -
θ θ BB
SS
O BN
ii) At a point on the equatorial line P
M
of the magnet: S N

μ0 M l l
BQ = x
4π (y2 + l2)3/2

Magnetic Field at a point on the axial line acts

If l << y, then
along the dipole moment vector.
μ0 M
BP ≈ Magnetic Field at a point on the equatorial line
4π y3 acts opposite to the dipole moment vector.
Torque on a Magnetic Dipole (Bar Magnet) in Uniform Magnetic Field:
The forces of magnitude mB act
opposite to each other and N
hence net force acting on the bar mB
2l
magnet due to external uniform M
θ
magnetic field is zero. So, there mB
is no translational motion of the S B
magnet.
However the forces are along
different lines of action and
constitute a couple. Hence the
magnet will rotate and experience
M
torque.
θ
Torque = Magnetic Force x distance B

t = mB (2l sin θ)
= M B sin θ t

= MxB
t

Direction of Torque is perpendicular and into the plane containing M and B.

Work done on a Magnetic Dipole (Bar Magnet) in Uniform Magnetic
Field:
mB
dW = tdθ dθ mB
θ1 θ2
= M B sin θ dθ
θ2
mB
mB B
W = θ∫1M B sin θ dθ

W = M B (cosθ1 - cos θ2)

If Potential Energy is arbitrarily taken zero when the dipole is at 90°,

then P.E in rotating the dipole and inclining it at an angle θ is
Potential Energy = - M B cos θ

Note:
Potential Energy can be taken zero arbitrarily at any position of the
dipole.
Terrestrial Magnetism:
i) Geographic Axis is a straight line passing through the
geographical poles of the earth. It is the axis of rotation of the
earth. It is also known as polar axis.
ii) Geographic Meridian at any place is a vertical plane passing
through the geographic north and south poles of the earth.
iii) Geographic Equator is a great circle on the surface of the earth, in
a plane perpendicular to the geographic axis. All the points on the
geographic equator are at equal distances from the geographic
poles.
iv) Magnetic Axis is a straight line passing through the magnetic
poles of the earth. It is inclined to Geographic Axis nearly at an
angle of 17°.
v) Magnetic Meridian at any place is a vertical plane passing through
the magnetic north and south poles of the earth.
vi) Magnetic Equator is a great circle on the surface of the earth, in a
plane perpendicular to the magnetic axis. All the points on the
magnetic equator are at equal distances from the magnetic poles.
Declination (θ): Geographic
The angle between the magnetic meridian and Meridian
BH
θ
the geographic meridian at a place is Declination
δ
at that place. B BV
It varies from place to place.
Lines shown on the map through the places that
have the same declination are called isogonic
line. Magnetic Meridian
Line drawn through places that have zero
declination is called an agonic line.

Dip or Inclination (δ):

The angle between the horizontal component of earth’s magnetic field and
the earth’s resultant magnetic field at a place is Dip or Inclination at that
place.
It is zero at the equator and 90° at the poles.
Lines drawn up on a map through places that have the same dip are called
isoclinic lines.
The line drawn through places that have zero dip is known as an aclinic line.
It is the magnetic equator.
Horizontal Component of Earth’s Magnetic Field (BH ):
The total intensity of the earth’s magnetic field does not lie in any
horizontal plane. Instead, it lies along the direction at an angle of dip (δ)
to the horizontal. The component of the earth’s magnetic field along the
horizontal at an angle δ is called Horizontal Component of Earth’s
Magnetic Field.
BH = B cos δ
Similarly Vertical Component is BV = B sin δ
such that B = √ B H 2 + BV 2
Tangent Law: B2 B
If a magnetic needle is suspended in a region
where two uniform magnetic fields are
perpendicular to each other, the needle will N
align itself along the direction of the resultant θ
B1
field of the two fields at an angle θ such that
the tangent of the angle is the ratio of the two
fields.
tan θ = B2 / B1
 Comparison of Dia, Para and Ferro Magnetic materials:
DIA PARA FERRO
1. Diamagnetic Paramagnetic substances Ferromagnetic substances
substances are those are those substances are those substances
substances which are which are feebly attracted which are strongly
feebly repelled by a by a magnet. attracted by a magnet.
magnet. Eg. Aluminium, Chromium, Eg. Iron, Cobalt, Nickel,
Eg. Antimony, Bismuth, Alkali and Alkaline earth Gadolinium, Dysprosium,
Copper, Gold, Silver, metals, Platinum, Oxygen, etc.
Quartz, Mercury, Alcohol, etc.
water, Hydrogen, Air,
Argon, etc.
2. When placed in The lines of force prefer to The lines of force tend to
magnetic field, the lines of pass through the crowd into the specimen.
force tend to avoid the substance rather than air.
substance.

N S
S N S N
2. When placed in non- When placed in non- When placed in non-
uniform magnetic field, it uniform magnetic field, it uniform magnetic field, it
moves from stronger to moves from weaker to moves from weaker to
weaker field (feeble stronger field (feeble stronger field (strong
repulsion). attraction). attraction).

3. When a diamagnetic When a paramagnetic rod When a paramagnetic rod

rod is freely suspended in is freely suspended in a is freely suspended in a
a uniform magnetic field, it uniform magnetic field, it uniform magnetic field, it
aligns itself in a direction aligns itself in a direction aligns itself in a direction
perpendicular to the field. parallel to the field. parallel to the field very
quickly.

N S N S N S
4. If diamagnetic liquid If paramagnetic liquid If ferromagnetic liquid
taken in a watch glass is taken in a watch glass is taken in a watch glass is
placed in uniform placed in uniform placed in uniform
magnetic field, it collects magnetic field, it collects magnetic field, it collects
away from the centre at the centre when the at the centre when the
when the magnetic poles magnetic poles are closer magnetic poles are closer
are closer and collects at and collects away from and collects away from
the centre when the the centre when the the centre when the
magnetic poles are magnetic poles are magnetic poles are
farther. farther. farther.
5. When a diamagnetic When a paramagnetic When a ferromagnetic
substance is placed in a substance is placed in a substance is placed in a
magnetic field, it is magnetic field, it is magnetic field, it is
weakly magnetised in the weakly magnetised in the strongly magnetised in
direction opposite to the direction of the inducing the direction of the
inducing field. field. inducing field.

6. Induced Dipole Induced Dipole Moment Induced Dipole Moment

Moment (M) is a small (M) is a small + ve value. (M) is a large + ve value.
– ve value.

7. Intensity of Intensity of Magnetisation Intensity of Magnetisation

Magnetisation (I) has a (I) has a small + ve value. (I) has a large + ve value.
small – ve value.

8. Magnetic permeability Magnetic permeability μ Magnetic permeability μ

μ is always less than is more than unity. is large i.e. much more
unity. than unity.
9. Magnetic susceptibility Magnetic susceptibility cm Magnetic susceptibility cm
has a small + ve value. has a large + ve value.
cm has a small – ve value.

10. They do not obey They obey Curie’s Law. They obey Curie’s Law. At
Curie’s Law. i.e. their They lose their magnetic a certain temperature
properties do not change properties with rise in called Curie Point, they
with temperature. temperature. lose ferromagnetic
properties and behave
like paramagnetic
substances.

Curie’s Law:
Magnetic susceptibility of a material varies inversely
with the absolute temperature.
IαH/T or I/Hα1/T I
cm α 1 / T
cm = C / T (where C is Curie constant)
H/T
Curie temperature for iron is 1000 K, for cobalt 1400 K
and for nickel 600 K.
Hysteresis Loop or Magnetisation Curve:
Intensity of Magnetisation (I) increases with increase I A
in Magnetising Force (H) initially through OA and B
reaches saturation at A.
When H is decreased, I decreases but it does not
come to zero at H = 0.
F
The residual magnetism (I) set up in the material C O H
represented by OB is called Retentivity.
To bring I to zero (to demagnetise completely), E
opposite (negative) magnetising force is applied.
D
This magetising force represented by OC is called
coercivity.
After reaching the saturation level D, when the
magnetising force is reversed, the curve closes to
the point A completing a cycle.
The loop ABCDEFA is called Hysteresis Loop.
The area of the loop gives the loss of energy due to
the cycle of magnetisation and demagnetisation and
is dissipated in the form of heat.
The material (like iron) having thin loop is used for
making temporary magnets and that with thick loop
(like steel) is used for permanent magnets. Animating Hysteresis Loop:
Courtesy - Website
End of Magnetism
 ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
1. Magnetic Flux
2. Faraday’s Experiments
3. Faraday’s Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
4. Lenz’s Law and Law of Conservation of Energy
5. Expression for Induced emf based on both laws
6. Methods of producing induced emf
a) By changing Magnetic Field
b) By changing the Area of the Coil (Motional emf)
c) By changing the Relative Orientation of the coil with
the Magnetic Field
7. Eddy Currents
8. Self Induction and Self Inductance
9. Mutual Induction and Mutual Inductance
10. Additional Information
Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai
Magnetic Flux (Φ):
Magnetic Flux through any surface is the number of magnetic lines of force
passing normally through that surface.
It can also be defined as the product of the area of the surface and the
component of the magnetic field normal to that surface.

dΦ = B . ds = B.ds. n
Direction of ds is n
along the normal to B cos θ
dΦ = B . ds cos θ n θ
the surface and ds
is unit normal B
Φ = B . A = B.A.n vector.

Φ = B . A cos θ

Positive Flux:
Magnetic Flux is positive for 0° ≤ θ < 90° & 270° < θ ≤ 360°
Zero Flux:
Magnetic Flux is zero for θ = 90° & θ = 270° Flux is maximum
when θ = 0° and is
Negative Flux: Φ=B.A
Magnetic Flux is negative for 90° < θ < 270°
 Φ = B . A cos θ

Magnetic Flux across a coil can be changed by changing :

1) the strength of the magnetic field B
2) the area of cross section of the coil A
3) the orientation of the coil with magnetic field θ or
4) any of the combination of the above

* Magnetic flux is a scalar quantity.

* SI unit of magnetic flux is weber or tesla-metre2 or ( wb or Tm2).
* cgs unit of magnetic flux is maxwell.
* 1 maxwell = 10-8 weber
* Magnetic flux (associated normally) per unit area is called Magnetic
Flux Density or Strength of Magnetic Field or Magnetic Induction (B).
Faraday’s Experiment - 1:
S S
N N

N S

G G

N S S N

S N

G G
S
N

S
N

Magnetic flux linked with the coil changes relative to the

positions of the coil and the magnet due to the magnetic lines of
force cutting at different angles at the same cross sectional area
of the coil.
Observe:
i) the relative motion between the coil and the magnet
ii) the induced polarities of magnetism in the coil
iii) the direction of current through the galvanometer and hence the
deflection in the galvanometer
iv) that the induced current (e.m.f) is available only as long as there is
relative motion between the coil and the magnet
Note: i) coil can be moved by fixing the magnet
ii) both the coil and magnet can be moved ( towards each other or
away from each other) i.e. there must be a relative velocity between
them
iii) magnetic flux linked with the coil changes relative to the positions
of the coil and the magnet
iv) current and hence the deflection is large if the relative velocity
between the coil and the magnet and hence the rate of change of
flux across the coil is more
Faraday’s Experiment - 2:

N S S N When the primary circuit is closed

current grows from zero to
maximum value.
P S During this period changing,
current induces changing
magnetic flux across the primary
coil.
E K G
This changing magnetic flux is
N S
linked across the secondary coil
N S
and induces e.m.f (current) in the
secondary coil.

P S Induced e.m.f (current) and hence

deflection in galvanometer lasts
only as long as the current in the
primary coil and hence the
E K G magnetic flux in the secondary
coil change.
When the primary circuit is open current decreases from maximum value to
zero.
During this period changing current induces changing magnetic flux across the
primary coil.
This changing magnetic flux is linked across the secondary coil and induces
current (e.m.f) in the secondary coil.
However, note that the direction of current in the secondary coil is reversed
and hence the deflection in the galvanometer is opposite to the previous case.

Faraday’s Laws of Electromagnetic Induction:

I Law:
Whenever there is a change in the magnetic flux linked with a circuit, an emf
and hence a current is induced in the circuit. However, it lasts only so long
as the magnetic flux is changing.
II Law:
The magnitude of the induced emf is directly proportional to the rate of
change of magnetic flux linked with a circuit.
E = (Φ2 – Φ1) / t
E α dΦ / dt E = k dΦ / dt E = dΦ / dt
(where k is a constant and units are chosen such that k = 1)
Lenz’s Law:

The direction of the induced emf or induced current is such that it opposes
the change that is producing it.
i.e. If the current is induced due to motion of the magnet, then the induced
current in the coil sets itself to stop the motion of the magnet.
If the current is induced due to change in current in the primary coil, then
induced current is such that it tends to stop the change.
Lenz’s Law and Law of Conservation of Energy:

According to Lenz’s law, the induced emf opposes the change that produces
it. It is this opposition against which we perform mechanical work in causing
the change in magnetic flux. Therefore, mechanical energy is converted into
electrical energy. Thus, Lenz’s law is in accordance with the law of
conservation of energy.
If, however, the reverse would happen (i.e. the induced emf does not oppose
or aids the change), then a little change in magnetic flux would produce an
induced current which would help the change of flux further thereby
producing more current. The increased emf would then cause further change
of flux and it would further increase the current and so on. This would create
energy out of nothing which would violate the law of conservation of energy.
Expression for Induced emf based on both the laws:
E = - dΦ / dt
E = - (Φ2 – Φ1) / t
And for ‘N’ no. of turns of the coil,
E = - N dΦ / dt
E = - N (Φ2 – Φ1) / t
Expression for Induced current:
Note:
I = - dΦ / (R dt) Induced emf does not depend on
Expression for Charge: resistance of the circuit where as
the induced current and induced
dq / dt = - dΦ / (R dt) charge depend on resistance.
dq = - dΦ / R

Methods of producing Induced emf:

1. By changing Magnetic Field B:
Magnetic flux Φ can be changed by changing the magnetic field B and
hence emf can be induced in the circuit (as done in Faraday’s
Experiments).
2. By changing the area of the coil A available in Magnetic Field:
Magnetic flux Φ can be changed by changing the area of the loop A
which is acted upon by the magnetic field B and hence emf can be
induced in the circuit.
B P’ P Q’ Q

v
l dA
I

S’ v.dt S R’ R
dΦ = B.dA
The loop PQRS is slided into uniform and perpendicular = B.l.v.dt
magnetic field. The change (increase) in area of the coil
under the influence of the field is dA in time dt. This E = - dΦ / dt
causes an increase in magnetic flux dΦ.
E = - Blv
The induced emf is due to motion of the loop and so it is called ‘motional emf’.
If the loop is pulled out of the magnetic field, then E = Blv
The direction of induced current is anticlockwise in the loop. i.e. P’S’R’Q’P’ by
Fleming’s Right Hand Rule or Lenz’s Rule.
According Lenz’s Rule, the direction of induced current is such that it
opposes the cause of changing magnetic flux.
Here, the cause of changing magnetic flux is due to motion of the loop and
increase in area of the coil in the uniform magnetic field.
Therefore, this motion of the loop is to be opposed. So, the current is setting
itself such that by Fleming’s Left Hand Rule, the conductor arm PS
experiences force to the right whereas the loop is trying to move to the left.
Against this force, mechanical work is done which is converted into electrical
energy (induced current).
NOTE: If the loop is completely inside the boundary of magnetic field, then
there will not be any change in magnetic flux and so there will not be induced
current in the loop.
Magnetic Force
Fleming’s Right Hand Rule: Field (F)
If the central finger, fore finger and thumb (B)
of right hand are stretched mutually
perpendicular to each other and the fore
finger points to magnetic field, thumb Electric
points in the direction of motion (force), Current
then central finger points to the direction of (I)
induced current in the conductor.
3. By changing the orientation of the coil (θ) in Magnetic Field:
Magnetic flux Φ can be changed by changing the relative orientation of the
loop (θ) with the magnetic field B and hence emf can be induced in the
circuit.
Φ = N B A cos θ

At time t, with angular velocity ω,

ω
θ = ωt (at t = 0, loop is assumed to
S
be perpendicular to the magnetic field
and θ = 0°)
Φ = N B A cos ωt θ B
P
n
Differentiating w.r.t. t,
dΦ / dt = - NBAω sin ωt
E = - dΦ / dt
E = NBAω sin ωt R

E = E0 sin ωt (where E0 = NBAω is

the maximum emf) Q
 E
The emf changes continuously in
magnitude and periodically in E0
direction w.r.t. time giving rise to
alternating emf. 0 θ = ωt
π/2 π 3π/2 2π 5π/2 3π 7π/2 4π

T/4 T/2 3T/4 T 5T/4 3T/2 7T/4 2T

t
If initial position of the coil is taken
as 0°, i.e. normal to the coil is at 90°
with the magnetic field, then
θ becomes θ + π/2 or ωt + π/2
E
E = E0 cos ωt
E0
So, alternating emf and
0 θ = ωt
consequently alternating current π/2 π 3π/2 2π 5π/2 3π 7π/2 4π
can be expressed in sin or cos T/4 T/2 3T/4 T 5T/4 3T/2 7T/4 2T
function. t

This method of inducing emf is the basic principle of generators.

Eddy Currents or Foucault Currents:
The induced circulating (looping) currents produced in a solid metal due to
change in magnetic field (magnetic flux) in the metal are called eddy currents.

Applications of Eddy Currents: B

1. In induction furnace eddy currents are
used for melting iron ore, etc.
2. In speedometer eddy currents are used to
measure the instantaneous speed of the
vehicle.
3. In dead beat galvanometer eddy currents Metallic Block Eddy Currents
are used to stop the damping of the coil
in a shorter interval.
4. In electric brakes of the train eddy currents are produced to stop the
rotation of the axle of the wheel.

5. In energy meters (watt – meter) eddy currents are used to measure the
consumption of electric energy.

6. In diathermy eddy currents are used for localised heating of tissues in

human bodies.
Self Induction:

Self Induction is the phenomenon of inducing emf in the self coil due to
change in current and hence the change in magnetic flux in the coil.

The induced emf opposes the growth or decay of current in the coil and
hence delays the current to acquire the maximum value.

Self induction is also called inertia of electricity as it opposes the growth or

decay of current.

Self Inductance:
ΦαI or Φ = LI (where L is the constant of proportionality and is known as
Self Inductance or co-efficient of self induction)
If I = 1, then L= Φ

Thus, self inductance is defined as the magnetic flux linked with a coil
when unit current flows through it.
Also, E = - dΦ / dt or E = - L (dI / dt)
If dI / dt = 1, then L=E
Thus, self inductance is defined as the induced emf set up in the coil
through which the rate of change of current is unity.
SI unit of self inductance is henry (H).
Self inductance is said to be 1 henry when 1 A current in a coil links magnetic
flux of 1 weber.
or
Self inductance is said to be 1 henry when unit rate of change of current
(1 A / s) induces emf of 1 volt in the coil.

Self inductance of a solenoid: A

Magnetic Field due to the solenoid is
B = μ0nI I l
Magnetic Flux linked across one turn of the
coil is
Φ per turn = B A = μ0nIA = μ0NIA / l Energy in Inductor:

Magnetic Flux linked across N turns of the Small work done dW in

coil is establishing a current I in the
coil in time dt is dW = - EI dt
Φ = μ0N2IA / l dW = LI dI (since E = -L(dI / dt)
I0

But, Φ = LI W = 0∫ L I dI = ½ LI02
So, L = μ0N2A / l = μ0n2Al
Mutual Induction:
Mutual Induction is the phenomenon of inducing emf in the secondary coil
due to change in current in the primary coil and hence the change in
magnetic flux in the secondary coil.

Mutual Inductance:
(where M is the constant of proportionality and is
Φ21 α I1 or Φ21 = MI1 known as Mutual Inductance or co-efficient of mutual
induction)
If I1 = 1, then M= Φ

Thus, mutual inductance is defined as the magnetic flux linked with the
secondary coil when unit current flows through the primary coil.
Also, E2 = - dΦ21 / dt or E 2= - M (dI1 / dt)
If dI1 / dt = 1, then M=E
Thus, mututal inductance is defined as the induced emf set up in the
secondary coil when the rate of change of current in primary coil is unity.
SI unit of mututal inductance is henry (H).
Mutual inductance is said to be 1 henry when 1 A current in the primary coil
links magnetic flux of 1 weber across the secondary coil. or
Mutual inductance is said to be 1 henry when unit rate of change of current
(1 A / s) in primary coil induces emf of 1 volt in the secondary coil.
Mutual inductance of two long co-axial solenoids:
Magnetic Field due to primary solenoid is
B1 = μ0n1I1
Magnetic Flux linked across one turn of the G
secondary solenoid is
S
Φ21 per turn = B1 A = μ0n1I1A = μ0N1I1A / l A
Magnetic Flux linked across N turns of the secondary P
solenoid is I1 l
Φ21 = μ0N1N2I1A / l

But, Φ21 = M21I1

M21 = μ0N1N2A / l = μ0n1n2Al

lllly M12 = μ0N1N2A / l = μ0n1n2Al

For two long co-axial solenoids of same length and cross-sectional
area, the mutual inductance is same and leads to principle of
reciprocity.
M = M12 = M21
Additional Information:
1) If the two solenoids are wound on a magnetic core of relative
permeability μr, then
M = μ0 μr N1N2A / l
2) If the solenoids S1 and S2 have no. of turns N1 and N2 of different radii r1
and r2 (r1 < r2), then
M = μ0 μr N1N2 (πr12)/ l
3) Mutual inductance depends also on the relative placement of the
solenoids.
4) Co-efficient of Coupling (K) between two coils having self-inductance L1
and L2 and mutual inductance M is
K = M / (√L1L2) Generally, K < 1
5) If L1 and L2 are in series, then L = L1 + L2
6) If L1 and L2 are in parallel, then (1/L) = (1/L1) + (1/L2)
 ALTERNATING CURRENTS
1. Alternating EMF and Current
2. Average or Mean Value of Alternating EMF and Current
3. Root Mean Square Value of Alternating EMF and Current
4. A C Circuit with Resistor
5. A C Circuit with Inductor
6. A C Circuit with Capacitor
7. A C Circuit with Series LCR – Resonance and Q-Factor
8. Graphical Relation between Frequency vs XL , XC
9. Power in LCR A C Circuit
10. Watt-less Current
11. L C Oscillations
12. Transformer
13. A.C. Generator

Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai

Alternating emf:
Alternating emf is that emf which continuously changes in magnitude and
periodically reverses its direction.
Alternating Current:
Alternating current is that current which continuously changes in magnitude
and periodically reverses its direction.

E = E0 sin ωt E = E0 cos ωt
E ,I I = I0 sin ωt E ,I I = I0 cos ωt
E0 E0
I0 I0

0 θ = ωt 0 θ = ωt
π/2 π 3π/2 2π 5π/2 3π 7π/2 4π π/2 π 3π/2 2π 5π/2 3π 7π/2 4π

T/4 T/2 3T/4 T 5T/4 3T/2 7T/4 2T T/4 T/2 3T/4 T 5T/4 3T/2 7T/4 2T
t t

E, I – Instantaneous value of emf and current Symbol of

E0, I0 – Peak or maximum value or amplitude of emf and current AC Source
ω – Angular frequency t – Instantaneous time
ωt – Phase
Average or Mean Value of Alternating Current:
Average or Mean value of alternating current over half cycle is that steady
current which will send the same amount of charge in a circuit in the time of
half cycle as is sent by the given alternating current in the same circuit in
the same time.

dq = I dt = I0 sin ωt dt
T/2

q = 0∫ I0 sin ωt dt

q = 2 I0 / ω = 2 I0 T / 2π = I0 T / π

Mean Value of AC, Im = Iav = q / (T/2)

Im = Iav = 2 I0 / π = 0.637 I0 = 63.7 % I0

Average or Mean Value of Alternating emf:

Em = Eav = 2 E0 / π = 0.637 E0 = 63.7 %

E0
Note: Average or Mean value of alternating current or emf is zero over a
cycle as the + ve and – ve values get cancelled.
Root Mean Square or Virtual or Effective Value of
Alternating Current:
Root Mean Square (rms) value of alternating current is that steady current
which would produce the same heat in a given resistance in a given time as
is produced by the given alternating current in the same resistance in the
same time.

dH = I2R dt = I02 R sin2 ωt dt

T

H = 0∫ I02 R sin2 ωt dt

H = I02 RT / 2 (After integration, ω is replaced with 2 π / T)

If Iv be the virtual value of AC, then
H = Iv 2 RT Iv = Irms = Ieff = I0 / √2 = 0.707 I0 = 70.7 % I0
Root Mean Square or Virtual or Effective Value of
Alternating emf:
Ev = Erms = Eeff = E0 / √2 = 0.707 E0 = 70.7 %
Note: E0
1. Root Mean Square value of alternating current or emf can be calculated over any
period of the cycle since it is based on the heat energy produced.
2. Do not use the above formulae if the time interval under the consideration is less than
one period.
Relative Values Peak,
Virtual and Mean Values of
Alternating emf: E0
Ev
Em

Em = Eav = 0.637 E0 0 θ = ωt
π/2 π 3π/2 2π 5π/2 3π 7π/2 4π

T/4 T/2 3T/4 T 5T/4 3T/2 7T/4 2T

t
Ev = Erms = Eeff = 0.707
E0

Tips:
1. The given values of alternating emf and current are virtual values unless
otherwise specified.
i.e. 230 V AC means Ev = Erms = Eeff = 230 V
2. AC Ammeter and AC Voltmeter read the rms values of alternating current
and voltage respectively.
They are called as ‘hot wire meters’.
3. The scale of DC meters is linearly graduated where as the scale of AC
meters is not evenly graduated because H α I2
AC Circuit with a Pure Resistor:
R
E = E0 sin ωt

I=E/R
E = E0 sin ωt
= (E0 / R) sin ωt

I = I0 sin ωt (where I0 = E0 / R and R = E0 / I0)

Emf and current are in same phase.

E = E0 sin ωt y
E ,I I = I0 sin ωt
E0 E0
I0
I0
0 θ = ωt
π/2 π 3π/2 2π 5π/2 3π 7π/2 4π

T/4 T/2 3T/4 T 5T/4 3T/2 7T/4 2T ωt

t 0
x
 AC Circuit with a Pure Inductor:
E = E0 sin ωt
Induced emf in the inductor is - L (dI / dt) L

In order to maintain the flow of current, the

applied emf must be equal and opposite to E = E0 sin ωt
the induced emf.
E = L (dI / dt) I = ∫ (E0 / L) sin ωt dt
E0 sin ωt = L (dI / dt) I = (E0 / ωL) ( - cos ωt )

dI = (E0 / L) sin ωt dt I = I0 sin (ωt - π / 2)

(where I0 = E0 / ωL and XL = ωL = E0 / I0) Current lags behind emf by π/2 rad.

XL is Inductive Reactance. Its SI unit is ohm.
y E0
E = E0 sin ωt
E ,I I = I0 sin (ωt - π / 2)
E0
I0
ωt
0 θ = ωt 0 π/2
π/2 π 3π/2 2π 5π/2 3π 7π/2 4π x
T/4 T/2 3T/4 T 5T/4 3T/2 7T/4 2T
t I0
AC Circuit with a Capacitor:
E = E0 sin ωt C

q = CE = CE0 sin ωt E = E0 sin ωt

I = dq / dt
= (d / dt) [CE0 sin ωt] (where I0 = E0 / (1 / ωC) and
I = [E0 / (1 / ωC)] ( cos ωt ) XC = 1 / ωC = E0 / I0)
XC is Capacitive Reactance.
I = I0 sin (ωt + π / 2)
Its SI unit is ohm.

Current leads the emf by π/2 radians.

E = E0 sin ωt y E0
E ,I I = I0 sin (ωt + π / 2) I0
E0
I0
π/2
ωt
0 θ = ωt
π/2 π 3π/2 2π 5π/2 3π 7π/2 4π
0 x
T/4 T/2 3T/4 T 5T/4 3T/2 7T/4 2T
t
Variation of XL with Frequency:
XL
I0 = E0 / ωL and XL = ωL
XL is Inductive Reactance and ω = 2π f
XL = 2π f L i.e. XL α f
0 f

Variation of XC with Frequency:

XC
I0 = E0 / (1/ωC) and XC = 1 / ωC
XC is Inductive Reactance and ω = 2π f
XC = 1 / 2π f C i.e. XC α 1 / f
0 f

TIPS:
1) Inductance (L) can not decrease Direct Current. It can only decrease
Alternating Current.
2) Capacitance (C) allows AC to flow through it but blocks DC.
AC Circuit with L, C, R in Series L R
C
Combination:
VL VR
The applied emf appears as VC
Voltage drops VR , VL and VC
across R, L and C respectively.
E = E0 sin ωt
1) In R, current and voltage are in
phase. VL VL
2) In L, current lags behind voltage by - VC
π/2
π/2 π/2
3) In C, current leads the voltage by 0
π/2 I VR I VR
π/2
VC VC
E = √ [VR + (VL – VC
2 )2 ]
E
I= E
√ [R2 + (XL – XC )2] VL - VC
Φ
I VR
Z=√ [R2 + (XL – XC )2 ]
E = √ [VR 2 + (VL –
Z=√ [R2 + (ω L – 1/ωC)2]
VC )2]
XL – XC ω L – 1/ωC
tan Φ = or tan Φ =
R R
 XL – XC ω L – 1/ωC
tan Φ = or tan Φ =
R R

Special Cases:
Case I: When XL > XC i.e. ω L > 1/ωC,
tan Φ = +ve or Φ is +ve
The current lags behind the emf by phase angle Φ and the LCR
circuit is inductance - dominated circuit.

Case II: When XL < XC i.e. ω L < 1/ωC,

tan Φ = -ve or Φ is -ve
The current leads the emf by phase angle Φ and the LCR circuit is
capacitance - dominated circuit.
Case III: When XL = XC i.e. ω L = 1/ωC,
tan Φ = 0 or Φ is 0°
The current and the emf are in same phase. The impedance does
not depend on the frequency of the applied emf. LCR circuit
behaves like a purely resistive circuit.
Resonance in AC Circuit with L, C, R:

When XL = XC i.e. ω L = 1/ωC, tan Φ = 0 or Φ is 0° and

Z = √ [R2 + (ω L – 1/ωC)2] becomes Zmin = R and I0max = E / R
i.e. The impedance offered by the circuit is minimum and the
current is maximum. This condition is called resonant condition
of LCR circuit and the frequency is called resonant frequency.
At resonant angular frequency ωr, R1 < R2 < R3
I0
ωr L = 1/ωrC or ωr = 1 / √LC or fr = 1 / (2π √LC)
Resonant Curve & Q - Factor: I0max

Band width = 2 ∆ ω
Quality factor (Q – factor) is defined as the R1
I0max / √2
ratio of resonant frequency to band width.
Q = ωr / 2 ∆ ω
R2
It can also be defined as the ratio of potential
drop across either the inductance or the R3
capacitance to the potential drop across the
resistance. 0 ωr ω
Q = VL / VR or Q = VC / VR ωr - ∆ ω ωr + ∆ ω

or Q = ωr L / R or Q = 1 / ωrCR
Power in AC Circuit with L, C, R:
E = E0 sin ωt
I = I0 sin (ωt + Φ) (where Φ is the phase angle between emf and current)

Instantaneous Power = E I
= E0 I0 sin ωt sin (ωt + Φ)
= E0 I0 [sin2 ωt cosΦ + sin ωt cosωt cosΦ]
If the instantaneous power is assumed to be constant for an
infinitesimally small time dt, then the work done is
dW = E0 I0 [sin2 ωt cosΦ + sin ωt cosωt cosΦ]
Work done over a complete cycle is
T

W = 0∫ E0 I0 [sin2 ωt cosΦ + sin ωt cosωt cosΦ] dt

W = E0I0 cos Φ x T / 2

Average Power over a cycle is Pav = W / T

Pav = (E0I0/ 2) cos Φ
(where cos Φ = R / Z
Pav = (E0/√2) (I0/ √2) cos Φ
= R /√ [R2 + (ω L – 1/ωC)2]
is called Power Factor)
Pav = Ev Iv cos Φ
 Wattless Current or Idle
Pav = Ev Iv cos Φ Current:
Power in AC Circuit with R:
Ev
In R, current and emf are in phase.
Iv cos Φ Φ Iv
Φ = 0°
90°
Pav = Ev Iv cos Φ = Ev Iv cos 0° = Ev Iv
Power in AC Circuit with L: Iv sin Φ

In L, current lags behind emf by π/2. The component Iv cos Φ

generates power with Ev.
Φ = - π/2
However, the component
Pav = Ev Iv cos (-π/2) = Ev Iv (0) = 0
Iv sin Φ does not
Power in AC Circuit with C: contribute to power along
Ev and hence power
In C, current leads emf by π/2.
generated is zero. This
Φ = + π/2 component of current is
called wattless or idle
Pav = Ev Iv cos (π/2) = Ev Iv (0) = 0
current.
Note: P = Ev Iv sin Φ cos 90° = 0
Power (Energy) is not dissipated in Inductor and Capacitor and hence they
find a lot of practical applications and in devices using alternating current.
L C Oscillations:
L L
+++++ + + +
L C C
- - - - - - - -C

At t = 0, UE =Max. & UB =0 At t = T/8, UE = UB At t = 2T/8, UE =0 & UB =Max.

L L L
- - - - - - - - - - -
C
+ + +C + + + + +C + + +

At t =3T/8, UE = UB At t = 4T/8, UE =Max. & UB =0 At t =5T/8, UE = UB

L L
+ + + +++++
L
C - - -C - - - - -C

At t = 6T/8, UE =0 & UB =Max. At t =7T/8, UE = UB At t =T, UE =Max. & UB =0

q0 q0

q
q
0 t 0 t

Undamped Oscillations Damped Oscillations

If q be the charge on the capacitor at any time t and dI / dt the rate of

change of current, then

L dI / dt + q / C = 0 The final equation represents Simple

or L (d2q / dt2) + q / C = 0 Harmonic Electrical Oscillation with
ω as angular frequency.
or d2q / dt2 + q / (LC) = 0
So, ω = 1 / √LC
Putting 1 / LC = ω2 1
or f=
d2q / dt2 + ω2 q = 0 2π √LC
Transformer:
Transformer is a device which converts lower alternating voltage at higher
current into higher alternating voltage at lower current.
Principle:
Transformer is based on
Mutual Induction.
It is the phenomenon of
inducing emf in the P
S Load
secondary coil due to
change in current in the
primary coil and hence the
change in magnetic flux in
the secondary coil.
Theory:
EP = - NP dΦ / dt For an ideal transformer, Efficiency (η):

ES = - NS dΦ / dt Output Power = Input Power η = ES IS / EP IP

ES / EP = NS / NP = K ES IS = EP IP For an ideal
transformer η
(where K is called ES / EP = IP / IS is 100%
Transformation Ratio ES / EP = IP / IS = NS / NP
or Turns Ratio)
 Step - up Transformer: Step - down Transformer:

P S Load P S

Load

NS > NP i.e. K > 1 NS < NP i.e. K < 1

ES > EP & IS < IP ES < EP & IS > IP

Energy Losses in a Transformer:

1. Copper Loss: Heat is produced due to the resistance of the copper
windings of Primary and Secondary coils when current flows through
them.
This can be avoided by using thick wires for winding.
2. Flux Loss: In actual transformer coupling between Primary and Secondary
coil is not perfect. So, a certain amount of magnetic flux is wasted.
Linking can be maximised by winding the coils over one another.
3. Iron Losses:
a) Eddy Currents Losses:
When a changing magnetic flux is linked with the iron core, eddy
currents are set up which in turn produce heat and energy is wasted.
Eddy currents are reduced by using laminated core instead of a solid iron
block because in laminated core the eddy currents are confined with in
the lamination and they do not get added up to produce larger current.
In other words their paths are broken instead of continuous ones.
b) Hysteresis Loss:
When alternating current is
passed, the iron core is
magnetised and demagnetised
repeatedly over the cycles and
some energy is being lost in the
process. Solid Core Laminated Core

This can be minimised by using suitable material with thin hysteresis loop.

4. Losses due to vibration of core: Some electrical energy is lost in the

form of mechanical energy due to vibration of the core and humming
noise due to magnetostriction effect.
A.C. Generator:

Q R
S S
R Q
N N
P S

R1 S P
R1
B1 B1
R2 R2
B2 B2
Load Load

A.C. Generator or A.C. Dynamo or Alternator is a device which converts

mechanical energy into alternating current (electrical energy).
Principle:
A.C. Generator is based on the principle of Electromagnetic Induction.
Construction:
(i) Field Magnet with poles N and S
(ii) Armature (Coil) PQRS
(iii) Slip Rings (R1 and R2)
(iv) Brushes (B1 and B2)
(v) Load
Working:

Let the armature be rotated in such a way that the arm PQ goes down and
RS comes up from the plane of the diagram. Induced emf and hence
current is set up in the coil. By Fleming’s Right Hand Rule, the direction
of the current is PQRSR2B2B1R1P.
After half the rotation of the coil, the arm PQ comes up and RS goes down
into the plane of the diagram. By Fleming’s Right Hand Rule, the direction
of the current is PR1B1B2R2SRQP.
If one way of current is taken +ve, then the reverse current is taken –ve.
Therefore the current is said to be alternating and the corresponding wave
is sinusoidal.
Theory:
Φ = N B A cos θ
ω
At time t, with angular velocity ω, R
θ = ωt (at t = 0, loop is assumed to
be perpendicular to the magnetic field θ B
and θ = 0°) Q
Φ = N B A cos ωt n
Differentiating w.r.t. t,
dΦ / dt = - NBAω sin ωt
S
E = - dΦ / dt
E = NBAω sin ωt
E = E0 sin ωt (where E0 = NBAω) P

E0

0 θ = ωt
π/2 π 3π/2 2π 5π/2 3π 7π/2 4π

T/4 T/2 3T/4 T 5T/4 3T/2 7T/4 2T

End of Alternating Currents
t
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

1. Electromagnetic Waves
2. Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
3. Hertz Experiment
4. Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Wavelength and Frequency Range
- Sources and Uses

Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai

Electromagnetic Waves:
For a region where there are no charges and conduction current, Faraday’s
and Ampere’s laws take the symmetrical form:
dΦB dΦE
=- = - μ0ε0
E . dl dt and B . dl dt
l l
It can also be shown that time – varying electric field produces space –
varying magnetic field and time – varying magnetic field produces space –
varying electric field with the equations:

jEy jBz jBz jEy

=- = - μ0ε0
jx jt and jx jt

Electric and magnetic fields are sources to each other.

Electromagnetic wave is a wave in which electric and magnetic fields are

perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of
propagation of wave.
Properties of Electromagnetic Waves:

Y
E0

0
B0 X

1. Variations in both electric and magnetic fields occur simultaneously.

Therefore, they attain their maxima and minima at the same place and at
the same time.
2. The direction of electric and magnetic fields are mutually perpendicular
to each other and as well as to the direction of propagation of wave.
3. The electric field vector E and magnetic field vector B are related by
c = E0 / B0 where E0 and B0 are the amplitudes of the respective fields
and c is speed of light.
4. The velocity of electromagnetic waves in free space, c = 1 / √μ0ε0

5. The velocity of electromagnetic waves in a material medium = 1 / √με

where μ and ε are absolute permeability and absolute permitivity of the
material medium.

6. Electromagnetic waves obey the principle of superposition.

7. Electromagnetic waves carry energy as they propagate through space.

This energy is divided equally between electric and magnetic fields.

8. Electromagnetic waves can transfer energy as well as momentum to objects

placed on their paths.
9. For discussion of optical effects of EM wave, more significance is given to
Electric Field, E. Therefore, electric field is called ‘light vector’.
10. Electromagnetic waves do not require material medium to travel.
11. An oscillating charge which has non-zero acceleration can produce
electromagnetic waves.
Hertz Experiment:
The copper or zinc
plates are kept Copper or
parallel separated by Zinc Plate
60 cm. The metal
spheres are slided Metal Rod
over the metal rods to P S S1
have a gap of 2 to 3 S1’
cm. Induction coil S2’
P S S2 EM
supplies high voltage Wave
of several thousand
volts. Induction Coil Metal Rod Ring

The plates and the Metal

Spheres Copper or
rods (with spheres)
Zinc Plate
constitute an LC
combination.

An open metallic ring of diameter 0.70 m having small metallic spheres acts as
a detector.
This constitutes another LC combination whose frequency can be varied by
varying its diameter.
Due to high voltage, the air in the small gap between the spheres gets ionised.
This provides the path for the discharge of the plates. A spark begins to pass
between the spheres.
A very high frequency oscillations of charges occur on the plates. This results
in high frequency oscillating electric field in the vertical gap S1S2.
Consequently, an oscillating magnetic field of the same frequency is set up in
the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the gap between the spheres.
These oscillating electric and magnetic fields constitute electromagnetic
waves. The electromagnetic waves produced are radiated from the spark gap.
The detector is held in a position such that the magnetic field produced by the
oscillating current is perpendicular to the plane of the coil. The resultant
electric field induced by the oscillating magnetic field causes the ionisation of
air in the gap between the spheres. So, a conducting path becomes available
for the induced current to flow across the gap. This causes sparks to appear at
the narrow gap.
It was observed that this spark was most intense when the spheres S1S2 and
S1’S2’ were parallel to each other. This was a clear evidence of the polarisation
of the electromagnetic waves.
Hertz was able to produce electromagnetic waves of wavelength nearly 6 m.
After seven years, J.C. Bose succeeded in producing the em waves of
wavelength ranging from 25 mm to 5 mm.
Electromagnetic Spectrum:
S. EM Wave Range of λ Range of ν Source Use
No.
1 Radio A few km to A few Hz to Oscillating Radio and TV
Wave 0.3 m 109 Hz electronic broadcasting
circuits
2 Microwave 0.3 m to 10 109 Hz to Oscillating Radar, analysis of
-3 m 3 x 1011 Hz electronic fine details of atomic
circuits and molecular
structures &
Microwave oven
3 Infra Red 10-3 m to 3 x 1011 Hz Molecules Industry, medicine,
wave 7.8 x 10-7 m to and hot astronomy, night
4 x 1014 Hz bodies vision device, green
house, revealing
secret writings on
ancient walls, etc.
4 Light or 7.8 x 10-7 m 4 x 1014 Hz Atoms and Optics and Optical
Visible to to molecules Instruments, Vision,
Spectrum 3.8 x 10-7 m 8 x 1014 Hz when photography, etc.
electrons
are excited
S. EM Range of λ Range Source Use
No. Wave of ν
5 Ultra 3.8 x 10-7 m to 8 x 1014 Atoms and Medical application,
Violet 6 x 10-10 m Hz to molecules sterilization, killing
Rays 3 x 1017 in electrical bacteria and germs in
Hz discharges food stuff, detection of
and Sun invisible writing, forged
documents, finger print,
etc.
6 X - Rays 10-9 m to 3 x 1017 Inner or X-ray photography,
6 x 10-12 m Hz to more tightly treatment of cancer, skin
5 x 1019 bound disease & tumor, locating
Hz electrons in cracks and flaws in
atoms finished metallic objects,
detection of smuggled
goods in bags of a
person, study of crystal
structure, etc.
7 γ-Rays They overlap 3 x 1018 Radioactive Information about
the upper limit Hz to substances structure of nuclei,
of the X-Ray. 3 x 1022 astronomical research,
10-10 m to Hz etc.
10-14 m
 RAY OPTICS - I
1. Refraction of Light
2. Laws of Refraction
3. Principle of Reversibility of Light
4. Refraction through a Parallel Slab
5. Refraction through a Compound Slab
6. Apparent Depth of a Liquid
7. Total Internal Reflection
8. Refraction at Spherical Surfaces - Introduction
9. Assumptions and Sign Conventions
10. Refraction at Convex and Concave Surfaces
11. Lens Maker’s Formula
12. First and Second Principal Focus
13. Thin Lens Equation (Gaussian Form)
14. Linear Magnification
Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai
Refraction of Light:
Refraction is the phenomenon of change in the path of light as it travels
from one medium to another (when the ray of light is incident obliquely).
It can also be defined as the phenomenon of change in speed of light
from one medium to another.
i
Laws of Refraction: Rarer
I Law: The incident ray, the normal to
the refracting surface at the point of r N
incidence and the refracted ray all lie in Denser
r
the same plane.
N μ
II Law: For a given pair of media and for
light of a given wavelength, the ratio of i Rarer
the sine of the angle of incidence to the
sine of the angle of refraction is a
constant. (Snell’s Law)
sin i (The constant μ is called refractive index of the medium,
μ=
sin r i is the angle of incidence and r is the angle of refraction.)
 TIPS:
1. μ of optically rarer medium is lower and that of a denser medium is higher.
2. μ of denser medium w.r.t. rarer medium is more than 1 and that of rarer
medium w.r.t. denser medium is less than 1. (μair = μvacuum = 1)
3. In refraction, the velocity and wavelength of light change.
4. In refraction, the frequency and phase of light do not change.
5. a μm = ca / cm and a μm = λa / λm

Principle of Reversibility of Light:

sin i sin r i
a μb = Rarer
b μa =
sin r sin i (a)
a μb x b μa = 1 a μb = 1 / b μa
or r Denser
(b)
If a ray of light, after suffering any number of
reflections and/or refractions has its path N μ
reversed at any stage, it travels back to the
source along the same path in the opposite
direction.
A natural consequence of the principle of reversibility is that the image and object
positions can be interchanged. These positions are called conjugate positions.
Refraction through a Parallel Slab:
sin i1 sin i2 i1 N
a μb = b μa = Rarer (a)
sin r1 sin r2
But aμb x b μa = 1
N Denser
r1 (b)
δ
sin i1 sin i2 =1 t i2
x
sin r1 sin r2 M
μ
y
It implies that i1 = r2 and i2 = r1
since i1 ≠ r1 and i2 ≠ r2. r2
Rarer (a)
Lateral Shift:
t sin δ t sin(i1- r1)
y= y=
cos r1 or cos r1

Special Case:
If i1 is very small, then r1 is also very small.
i.e. sin(i1 – r1) = i1 – r1 and cos r1 = 1

y = t (i1 – r1) or y = t i1(1 – 1 /aμb )

Refraction through a Compound Slab:
sin i1 μa
a μb = N
sin r1 i1
Rarer (a)
sin r1
b μc =
sin r2 N Denser
r1 (b)
r1
sin r2
c μa = μb
sin i1
a μb x b μc x cμa = 1
Denser
r2 N
(c)
a μb x b μc = aμc r2
or
μc
b μc = aμc / aμb
or
Rarer (a) i1

μc > μb
Apparent Depth of a Liquid: N
sin i sin r
b μa = or a μb =
sin r sin i
Rarer (a)
hr Real depth r μa
a μb = =
ha Apparent depth

Apparent Depth of a Number of ha i

r
Immiscible Liquids: hr
n
μb
ha = ∑ hi / μi O’ i
i=1
Denser (b)
Apparent Shift: O
Apparent shift = hr - ha = hr – (hr / μ)
= hr [ 1 - 1/μ]
TIPS:
1. If the observer is in rarer medium and the object is in denser medium then
ha < hr. (To a bird, the fish appears to be nearer than actual depth.)
2. If the observer is in denser medium and the object is in rarer medium then
ha > hr. (To a fish, the bird appears to be farther than actual height.)
Total Internal Reflection:
Total Internal Reflection (TIR) is the phenomenon of complete reflection of
light back into the same medium for angles of incidence greater than the
critical angle of that medium.
N N N N

μa
Rarer
r = 90° (air)
ic i > ic i

μg
Denser
O (glass)

Conditions for TIR:

1. The incident ray must be in optically denser medium.
2. The angle of incidence in the denser medium must be greater than the
critical angle for the pair of media in contact.
Relation between Critical Angle and Refractive Index:
Critical angle is the angle of incidence in the denser medium for which the
angle of refraction in the rarer medium is 90°.
sin i sin ic
g μa = = = sin ic
sin r sin 90°

1 1 1 λg
or a μg = a μg = or sin ic = aμg Also sin ic = λa
g μa sin ic

Red colour has maximum value of critical angle and Violet colour has
minimum value of critical angle since,
1 1
sin ic = = Applications of T I R:
a μg
a + (b/ λ2) 1. Mirage formation
2. Looming
3. Totally reflecting Prisms
4. Optical Fibres
5. Sparkling of Diamonds
Spherical Refracting Surfaces:
A spherical refracting surface is a part of a sphere of refracting material.
A refracting surface which is convex towards the rarer medium is called
convex refracting surface.
A refracting surface which is concave towards the rarer medium is
called concave refracting surface.

Rarer Medium Denser Medium Rarer Medium Denser Medium

A
P• •
C
B B •
C
•P A

R R

APCB – Principal Axis

C – Centre of Curvature
P – Pole
R – Radius of Curvature
Assumptions:
1. Object is the point object lying on the principal axis.
2. The incident and the refracted rays make small angles with the principal
axis.
3. The aperture (diameter of the curved surface) is small.

New Cartesian Sign Conventions:

1. The incident ray is taken from left to right.
2. All the distances are measured from the pole of the refracting surface.
3. The distances measured along the direction of the incident ray are
taken positive and against the incident ray are taken negative.
4. The vertical distances measured from principal axis in the upward
direction are taken positive and in the downward direction are taken
negative.
Refraction at Convex Surface:
(From Rarer Medium to Denser Medium - Real Image)
N
i=α+γ
i A
γ=r+β or r=γ-β
r
MA MA α γ β
tan α = or α =
MO MO • P• M •C •
O R I
MA MA u
tan β = or β = μ1 v μ2
MI MI
Rarer Medium Denser Medium
MA MA
tan γ = or γ =
MC MC
According to Snell’s law,
sin i μ2 i μ2
= or = or μ1 i = μ2 r
sin r μ1 r μ1
Substituting for i, r, α, β and γ, replacing M by P and rearranging,
μ1 μ2 μ2 - μ1 Applying sign conventions with values,
PO + PI = PC PO = - u, PI = + v and PC = + R
μ1 μ2 μ2 - μ1
-u + v = R
Refraction at Convex Surface:
(From Rarer Medium to Denser Medium - Virtual Image)
N
A
i r

μ1 μ2 μ2 - μ1 β α γ
-u + v = R • • u• •
I O P M R C
v μ1 μ2
Rarer Medium Denser Medium

Refraction at Concave Surface:

(From Rarer Medium to Denser Medium - Virtual Image) N
r

A
i
μ1 μ2 μ2 - μ1 α γ
β
-u + v = • •I u C•
R
O R M •P
μ1 μ2
v
Rarer Medium Denser Medium
Refraction at Convex Surface:
(From Denser Medium to Rarer Medium - Real Image)
N

A r
i
μ2 μ1 μ1 - μ2 α γ β
-u + v = R • C• M •P •
O R I
u
μ2 v μ1
Denser Medium Rarer Medium
Refraction at Convex Surface:
(From Denser Medium to Rarer Medium - Virtual Image)
μ2 μ1 μ1 - μ2
-u + v = R

Refraction at Concave Surface:

(From Denser Medium to Rarer Medium - Virtual Image)
μ2 μ1 μ1 - μ2
-u + v = R
Note:
1. Expression for ‘object in rarer medium’ is same for whether it is real or
virtual image or convex or concave surface.

μ1 μ2 μ2 - μ1
-u + v = R

2. Expression for ‘object in denser medium’ is same for whether it is real or

virtual image or convex or concave surface.

μ2 μ1 μ1 - μ2
-u + v = R

3. However the values of u, v, R, etc. must be taken with proper sign

conventions while solving the numerical problems.

4. The refractive indices μ1 and μ2 get interchanged in the expressions.

Lens Maker’s Formula:
For refraction at
L
LP1N, μ1 μ1
μ1 μ2 μ2 - μ1 N1 N2
CO + CI1 = CC1 i A

(as if the image is

formed in the denser • • P1• C • P2 • • •
medium) O C2 I C1 I1

For refraction at R2 μ2 R1
LP2N,
u
μ2 μ1 -(μ1 - μ2) v
-CI1 + CI = CC2
N
(as if the object is in the denser medium and the image is formed in the rarer
medium)
Combining the refractions at both the surfaces, Substituting the values
μ1 μ1 with sign conventions,
1 1
CO + CI = (μ2 - μ1)( CC1 + CC2 ) 1 1 (μ2 - μ1) ( 1 1
-u + v = μ1 R1 - R2 )
 Since μ2 / μ1 = μ

1 1 ( μ2 (1 1
-u + v = μ1 - 1) R1 - R2 )

or
1 1 (1 1
-u + v = (μ – 1) R1 - R2 )

When the object is kept at infinity, the image is formed at the principal focus.
i.e. u = - ∞, v = + f.
1 (1 1
So, f = (μ – 1) R1 - R2 )

This equation is called ‘Lens Maker’s Formula’.

1 1 1
Also, from the above equations we get,
-u + v = f
First Principal Focus:
First Principal Focus is the point on the principal axis of the lens at which if
an object is placed, the image would be formed at infinity.

F1
F1

f1 f1

Second Principal Focus:

Second Principal Focus is the point on the principal axis of the lens at
which the image is formed when the object is kept at infinity.

F2
F2

f2 f2
Thin Lens Formula (Gaussian Form of Lens Equation):
For Convex Lens:
A
M

2F1 F1 F2 2F2 B’
• • C• • •
B

u v
R f
Triangles ABC and A’B’C are similar. CB’ B’F2
CB = CF2
A’B’ CB’ A’
AB = CB CB’ CB’ - CF2
CB = CF2
Triangles MCF2 and A’B’F2 are similar.
According to new Cartesian sign
A’B’ B’F2 conventions,
MC = CF2
CB = - u, CB’ = + v and CF2 = + f.
A’B’ B’F2
or AB = CF2 1 1 1
v - u = f
Linear Magnification:
Linear magnification produced by a lens is defined as the ratio of the size of
the image to the size of the object.
I
m = O
Magnification in terms of v and f:
A’B’ CB’
AB = CB f-v
m = f
According to new Cartesian sign
conventions,
A’B’ = + I, AB = - O, CB’ = + v and Magnification in terms of v and f:
CB = - u.
f
m = f-u
+I +v I v
-O = -u or m= O = u

Power of a Lens:
Power of a lens is its ability to bend a ray of light falling on it and is reciprocal
of its focal length. When f is in metre, power is measured in Dioptre (D).
1
P = f
End of Ray Optics - I
 RAY OPTICS - II
1. Refraction through a Prism
2. Expression for Refractive Index of Prism
3. Dispersion
4. Angular Dispersion and Dispersive Power
5. Blue Colour of the Sky and Red Colour of the Sun
6. Compound Microscope
7. Astronomical Telescope (Normal Adjustment)
8. Astronomical Telescope (Image at LDDV)
9. Newtonian Telescope (Reflecting Type)
10. Resolving Power of Microscope and Telescope

Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai

Refraction of Light through Prism:
A
A

N1 δ N2
P D e
i
Q
r1 O r2
μ
B C Prism

Refracting Surfaces
In quadrilateral APOQ,
From (1) and (2),
A + O = 180° …….(1) A = r1 + r2
(since N1 and N2 are normal) From (3),
In triangle OPQ, δ = (i + e) – (A)

r1 + r2 + O = 180° …….(2) or i+e=A+δ

In triangle DPQ,
δ = (i - r1) + (e - r2) Sum of angle of incidence and angle
of emergence is equal to the sum of
δ = (i + e) – (r1 + r2) …….(3) angle of prism and angle of deviation.
Variation of angle of deviation with angle of incidence:
When angle of incidence increases, δ
the angle of deviation decreases.
At a particular value of angle of incidence
the angle of deviation becomes minimum
and is called ‘angle of minimum deviation’. δm
At δm , i=e and r1 = r2 = r (say) 0 i=e i
After minimum deviation, angle of deviation
increases with angle of incidence.

Refractive Index of Material of Prism:

A = r1 + r2 According to Snell’s law,
A = 2r sin i sin i
μ= =
r=A/2 sin r1 sin r

i+e=A+δ (A + δm )
sin
2 i = A + δm μ= 2

i = (A + δm ) / 2 A
sin
2
Refraction by a Small-angled Prism for Small angle of Incidence:
sin i sin e
μ= and μ=
sin r1 sin r2

If i is assumed to be small, then r1, r2 and e will also be very small.

So, replacing sines of the angles by angles themselves, we get

i e
μ= and μ =
r1 r2

i + e = μ (r1 + r2) = μ A
But i + e = A + δ
So, A + δ = μ A

δ = A (μ – 1)
or
Dispersion of White Light through Prism:
The phenomenon of splitting a ray of white light into its constituent colours
(wavelengths) is called dispersion and the band of colours from violet to red
is called spectrum (VIBGYOR).
A

δr
D
N δv R
O
Y
G
White B
light I
V

B C Screen

Cause of Dispersion:
sin i sin i Since μv > μr , rr > rv
μv = and μr =
sin rv sin rr So, the colours are refracted at different
angles and hence get separated.
Dispersion can also be explained on the basis of Cauchy’s equation.

μ=a + b c
+ (where a, b and c are constants for the material)
λ2 λ4
Since λv < λ r , μv > μr

But δ = A (μ – 1)

Therefore, δ v > δr

So, the colours get separated with different angles of deviation.

Violet is most deviated and Red is least deviated.

Angular Dispersion:
1. The difference in the deviations suffered by two colours in passing
through a prism gives the angular dispersion for those colours.
2. The angle between the emergent rays of any two colours is called angular
dispersion between those colours.
3. It is the rate of change of angle of deviation with wavelength. (Φ = dδ / dλ)
Φ = δv - δr Φ = (μv – μr) A
or
Dispersive Power:
The dispersive power of the material of a prism for any two colours is defined
as the ratio of the angular dispersion for those two colours to the mean
deviation produced by the prism.
It may also be defined as dispersion per unit deviation.
ω= Φ δv + δr
where δ is the mean deviation and δ =
δ 2
δv - δr (μv – μr) A (μv – μr)
Also ω = or ω = (μy – 1) A or ω = (μy – 1)
δ
Scattering of Light – Blue colour of the sky and Reddish appearance
of the Sun at Sun-rise and Sun-set:
The molecules of the atmosphere and other particles that are smaller than the
longest wavelength of visible light are more effective in scattering light of shorter
wavelengths than light of longer wavelengths. The amount of scattering is
inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength. (Rayleigh Effect)
Light from the Sun near the horizon passes through a greater distance in the Earth’s
atmosphere than does the light received when the Sun is overhead. The
correspondingly greater scattering of short wavelengths accounts for the reddish
appearance of the Sun at rising and at setting.

When looking at the sky in a direction away from the Sun, we receive scattered
sunlight in which short wavelengths predominate giving the sky its characteristic
bluish colour.
 Compound Microscope:
uo vo

B A’’’ fe
Fo 2Fo 2Fe α A’
• • Po • • • • Pe
2Fo A Fo A’’ Fe β
Eye
fo fo

Objective
B’

L Eyepiece

D
B’’

Objective: The converging lens nearer to the object.

Eyepiece: The converging lens through which the final image is seen.
Both are of short focal length. Focal length of eyepiece is slightly greater
than that of the objective.
Angular Magnification or Magnifying Power (M):
Angular magnification or magnifying power of a compound microscope is
defined as the ratio of the angle β subtended by the final image at the eye to
the angle α subtended by the object seen directly, when both are placed at
the least distance of distinct vision.
M= β M = Me x Mo
α ve D
Me = 1 - M e = 1 + (ve = - D
Since angles are small, fe or fe = - 25 cm)
α = tan α and β = tan β
vo vo D
M = tan β Mo = M= (1+ )
and - uo
tan α - uo fe
D
M = A’’B’’
x A’’A’’’ Since the object is placed very close to the
D principal focus of the objective and the
D image is formed very close to the eyepiece,
M = A’’B’’
x AB uo ≈ fo and vo ≈ L
D -L D
M= ( 1 + )
M = A’’B’’ fo fe
AB
A’’B’’ A’B’ -L D
M= x M≈ x (Normal adjustment
A’B’ AB or fo fe i.e. image at infinity)
Astronomical Telescope: (Image formed at infinity –
Normal Adjustment)
f o + fe = L

fo fe Eye

Fo
Fe
α
Po α •β P
e

Eyepiece

Image at
Objective
infinity

Focal length of the objective is much greater than that of the eyepiece.
Aperture of the objective is also large to allow more light to pass through it.
Angular magnification or Magnifying power of a telescope in normal
adjustment is the ratio of the angle subtended by the image at the eye as
seen through the telescope to the angle subtended by the object as seen
directly, when both the object and the image are at infinity.

M= β
α

Since angles are small, α = tan α and β = tan β

M = tan β
tan α
Fe I Fe I
M=
PeFe / Po Fe

-I -I
M=
- fe / fo

M = - fo (fo + fe = L is called the length of the

fe telescope in normal adjustment).
Astronomical Telescope: (Image formed at LDDV)

fo
Eye
fe

α A Fe Fo
α • •
Po β Pe

I
Eyepiece
ue

Objective D
B
Angular magnification or magnifying power of a telescope in this case is
defined as the ratio of the angle β subtended at the eye by the final image
formed at the least distance of distinct vision to the angle α subtended at
the eye by the object lying at infinity when seen directly.
1 1 1
M= β - =
-D - ue fe
α
1 1 1
Since angles are small, or = +
α = tan α and β = tan β ue fe D

M = tan β Multiplying by fo on both sides and

tan α rearranging, we get
Fo I
M = Fo I - fo fe
/ M= (1+ )
PeFo Po Fo fe D
M = Po Fo M = + fo
or Clearly focal length of objective must be
PeFo - ue
greater than that of the eyepiece for larger
magnifying power.
Lens Equation
Also, it is to be noted that in this case M is
1 1 1
- = larger than that in normal adjustment
v u f becomes position.
Newtonian Telescope: (Reflecting Type)

Plane Mirror

Light
from star

Magnifying Power: Eyepiece

M= fo
Concave Mirror
fe

Eye
Resolving Power of a Microscope:
The resolving power of a microscope is defined as the reciprocal of the
distance between two objects which can be just resolved when seen
through the microscope.
Objective
1 = 2 μ sin θ θ
Resolving Power =
Δd ••
λ Δd

Resolving power depends on i) wavelength λ, ii) refractive index of the

medium between the object and the objective and iii) half angle of the
cone of light from one of the objects θ.

Resolving Power of a Telescope:

The resolving power of a telescope is defined as the reciprocal of the
smallest angular separation between two distant objects whose images are
seen separately.
Objective
1 a
=
Resolving Power = •dθ•
dθ 1.22 λ

Resolving power depends on i) wavelength λ, ii) diameter of the

objective a.
End of Ray Optics - II
 WAVE OPTICS - I
1. Electromagnetic Wave
2. Wavefront
3. Huygens’ Principle
4. Reflection of Light based on Huygens’ Principle
5. Refraction of Light based on Huygens’ Principle
6. Behaviour of Wavefront in a Mirror, Lens and Prism
7. Coherent Sources
8. Interference
9. Young’s Double Slit Experiment
10. Colours in Thin Films

Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai

Electromagnetic Wave:
Y
E0

0
B0 X

1. Variations in both electric and magnetic fields occur simultaneously.

Therefore, they attain their maxima and minima at the same place and at
the same time.
2. The direction of electric and magnetic fields are mutually perpendicular
to each other and as well as to the direction of propagation of wave.
3. The speed of electromagnetic wave depends entirely on the electric and
magnetic properties of the medium, in which the wave travels and not on
the amplitudes of their variations.

Wave is propagating along X – axis with speed c = 1 / √μ0ε0

For discussion of optical property of EM wave, more significance is given to

Electric Field, E. Therefore, Electric Field is called ‘light vector’.
Wavefront:
A wavelet is the point of disturbance due to propagation of light.
A wavefront is the locus of points (wavelets) having the same phase of
oscillations.
A line perpendicular to a wavefront is called a ‘ray’.

Spherical Cylindrical
Wavefront Wavefront
from a point • from a linear
source source

Plane Pink Dots – Wavelets

Wavefront Blue Envelope– Wavefront
Red Line – Ray
Huygens’ Construction or Huygens’ Principle of Secondary
Wavelets:

. . .
. .
. .
S• . .
. .
. New Wavefront . New
. . (Spherical) . Wave-
front
. (Plane)
(Wavelets - Red dots on the wavefront)

1. Each point on a wavefront acts as a fresh source of disturbance of light.

2. The new wavefront at any time later is obtained by taking the forward
envelope of all the secondary wavelets at that time.
Note: Backward wavefront is rejected. Why?
Amplitude of secondary wavelet is proportional to ½ (1+cosθ). Obviously,
for the backward wavelet θ = 180° and (1+cosθ) is 0.
Laws of Reflection at a Plane Surface (On Huygens’ Principle):
If c be the speed of light, t
be the time taken by light to
go from B to C or A to D or
N N
E to G through F, then

EF FG B D
t = + E G r
c c i
i r
AF sin i FC sin r X Y
t = + A F C
c c
AB – Incident wavefront
AC sin r + AF (sin i – sin r)
t = CD – Reflected wavefront
c XY – Reflecting surface

For rays of light from different parts on the incident wavefront, the values of
AF are different. But light from different points of the incident wavefront
should take the same time to reach the corresponding points on the
reflected wavefront.
So, t should not depend upon AF. This is possible only if sin i – sin r = 0.
i.e. sin i = sin r or i=r
Laws of Refraction at a Plane Surface (On Huygens’ Principle):
If c be the speed of light, t
be the time taken by light to N N
go from B to C or A to D or
B Rarer
E to G through F, then E c, μ1
i
i
EF FG X F
r C
t = + Y
c v A Denser
v, μ2
G r
AF sin i FC sin r D
t = +
c v

AC sin r sin i sin r AB – Incident wavefront

t = + AF ( - )
v c v CD – Refracted wavefront
XY – Refracting surface
For rays of light from different parts on the incident wavefront, the values of
AF are different. But light from different points of the incident wavefront
should take the same time to reach the corresponding points on the
refracted wavefront.
So, t should not depend upon AF. This is possible only
if sin i - sin r or sin i sin r
=
or sin i
=
c
= μ
c v =0 c v sin r v
Behaviour of a Plane Wavefront in a Concave Mirror, Convex Mirror,
Convex Lens, Concave Lens and Prism:
C
A A
C

D
B Concave Mirror B Convex Mirror
D
C
A A
C

D
B Convex Lens B Concave Lens
D

AB – Incident wavefront CD – Reflected / Refracted wavefront

 A C

B D
Prism
Prism
AB – Incident wavefront CD –Refracted wavefront

Coherent Sources:
Coherent Sources of light are those sources of light which emit light waves of
same wavelength, same frequency and in same phase or having constant
phase difference.
Coherent sources can be produced by two methods:
1. By division of wavefront (Young’s Double Slit Experiment, Fresnel’s
Biprism and Lloyd’s Mirror)
2. By division of amplitude (Partial reflection or refraction)
Interference of Waves:
E +E 1 2
Bright Band
E1

Dark Band
E2
S1
• Bright Band
S2
•
Dark Band
Constructive Interference E = E1 + E2
E1
E1 - E2
Bright Band
E2

Crest
Destructive Interference E = E1 - E2 Trough
Bright Band
1st Wave (E1) Dark Band
2nd Wave (E2)
Resultant Wave The phenomenon of one wave interfering
Reference Line with another and the resulting
redistribution of energy in the space
around the two sources of disturbance is
called interference of waves.
Theory of Interference of Waves:
The waves are with same speed, wavelength, frequency,
E1 = a sin ωt
time period, nearly equal amplitudes, travelling in the
E2 = b sin (ωt + Φ) same direction with constant phase difference of Φ.
ω is the angular frequency of the waves, a,b are the
amplitudes and E1 , E2 are the instantaneous values of
Electric displacement.
Applying superposition principle, the magnitude of the resultant displacement
of the waves is E = E1 + E2
E = a sin ωt + b sin (ωt + Φ)
E = (a + b cos Φ) sin ωt + b sin Φ cos ωt

Putting a + b cos Φ = A cos θ (where E is the

A sin θ
resultant b sin Φ
b sin Φ = A sin θ displacement, A b
is the resultant A
We get E = A sin (ωt + θ) amplitude and
θ is the resultant
phase difference) Φ θ
A = √ (a2 + b2 + 2ab cos Φ) b cosa Φ

b sin Φ A cos θ
tan θ =
a + b cos Φ
 A = √ (a2 + b2 + 2ab cos Φ)

Intensity I is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the wave.

So, I α A2 i.e. I α (a2 + b2 + 2ab cos Φ)

Condition for Constructive Interference of Waves:

For constructive interference, I should be maximum which is possible
only if cos Φ = +1.
i.e. Φ = 2nπ where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, …….

Corresponding path difference is ∆ = (λ / 2 π) x 2nπ

∆=nλ Imax α (a + b)2

Condition for Destructive Interference of Waves:

For destructive interference, I should be minimum which is possible
only if cos Φ = - 1.

i.e. Φ = (2n + 1)π where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, …….

Corresponding path difference is ∆ = (λ / 2 π) x (2n + 1)π

∆ = (2n + 1) λ / 2 Iminα (a - b)2

Comparison of intensities of maxima and minima:

Imax α (a + b)2

Imin α (a - b)2

Imax (a + b)2 (a/b + 1)2

= =
Imin (a - b)2 (a/b - 1)2

Imax (r + 1)2
= where r = a / b (ratio of the amplitudes)
Imin (r - 1)2

Relation between Intensity (I), Amplitude (a) of the wave and

Width (w) of the slit:

I α a2
a α √w I1 (a1)2 w1
= =
I2 (a2 )2 w2
Young’s Double Slit Experiment:

S
•
Single Slit Double Slit
P

S1 y Screen
d/2
S d
• S2
d/2 O

The waves from S1 and S2 reach the point P with

some phase difference and hence path difference
∆ = S2P – S1P
S2P2 – S1P2 = [D2 + {y + (d/2)}2] - [D2 + {y - (d/2)}2]

∆ (2D) = 2 yd ∆ = yd / D
(S2P – S1P) (S2P + S1P) = 2 yd
Positions of Bright Fringes: Positions of Dark Fringes:
For a bright fringe at P, For a dark fringe at P,
∆ = yd / D = nλ ∆ = yd / D = (2n+1)λ/2
where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, … where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, …

y=nDλ/d y = (2n+1) D λ / 2d
For n = 0, y0 = 0 For n = 0, y0’ = D λ / 2d
For n = 1, y1 = D λ / d For n = 1, y1’ = 3D λ / 2d
For n = 2, y2 = 2 D λ / d …… For n = 2, y2’ = 5D λ / 2d …..
For n = n, yn = n D λ / d For n = n, yn ’ = (2n+1)D λ / 2d

Expression for Dark Fringe Width: Expression for Bright Fringe Width:
βD = yn – yn-1 βB = yn ’ – yn-1’
= n D λ / d – (n – 1) D λ / d = (2n+1) D λ / 2d – {2(n-1)+1} D λ / 2d
=Dλ/d =Dλ/d

The expressions for fringe width show that the fringes are equally spaced on
the screen.
 Distribution of Intensity:
Suppose the two interfering waves
Intensity have same amplitude say ‘a’, then
Imax α (a+a)2 i.e. Imax α 4a2
All the bright fringes have this same
intensity.
Imin = 0
y 0 y All the dark fringes have zero
intensity.
Conditions for sustained interference:
1. The two sources producing interference must be coherent.
2. The two interfering wave trains must have the same plane of
polarisation.
3. The two sources must be very close to each other and the pattern must
be observed at a larger distance to have sufficient width of the fringe.
(D λ / d)
4. The sources must be monochromatic. Otherwise, the fringes of different
colours will overlap.
5. The two waves must be having same amplitude for better contrast
between bright and dark fringes.
Colours in Thin Films:
It can be proved that the path
difference between the light partially i A C
reflected from PQ and that from
partially transmitted and then Q
reflected from RS is P O B
μ
∆ = 2μt cos r r
t

Since there is a reflection at O, the

R S
ray OA suffers an additional phase
difference of π and hence the
corresponding path difference of
λ/2.

For the rays OA and BC to interfere For the rays OA and BC to interfere
constructively (Bright fringe), the destructively (Dark fringe), the path
path difference must be (n + ½) λ difference must be nλ
So, 2μt cos r = (n + ½) λ So, 2μt cos r = n λ

When white light from the sun falls on thin layer of oil spread over water in the
rainy season, beautiful rainbow colours are formed due to interference of light.
End of Wave Optics - I
 WAVE OPTICS - II
1. Electromagnetic Wave
2. Diffraction
3. Diffraction at a Single Slit
4. Theory of Diffraction
5. Width of Central Maximum and Fresnel’s Distance
6. Difference between Interference and Diffraction
7. Polarisation of Mechanical Waves
8. Polarisation of Light
9. Malus’ Law
10. Polarisation by Reflection – Brewster’s Law
11. Polaroids and their uses

Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai

Electromagnetic Wave:
Y
E0

0
B0 X

1. Variations in both electric and magnetic fields occur simultaneously.

Therefore, they attain their maxima and minima at the same place and at
the same time.
2. The direction of electric and magnetic fields are mutually perpendicular
to each other and as well as to the direction of propagation of wave.
3. The speed of electromagnetic wave depends entirely on the electric and
magnetic properties of the medium, in which the wave travels and not on
the amplitudes of their variations.

Wave is propagating along X – axis with speed c = 1 / √μ0ε0

For discussion of EM wave, more significance is given to Electric Field, E.

Diffraction of light:
The phenomenon of bending of light around the corners and the
encroachment of light within the geometrical shadow of the opaque obstacles
is called diffraction.

X
X

S• S•

Y
Slit Y
Obstacle

Screen

Diffraction at a slit Diffraction at an obstacle Screen

X & Y – Region of diffraction
Diffraction of light at a single slit:
1) At an angle of diffraction θ = 0°:

A θ = 0°
0 •
1 •
2 •
3 •
4 •
d 5 • Bright
6
• •O
7
8
•
9 •
10•
11•
12•
B
• D
Plane
Wavefront Slit
Screen
The wavelets from the single wavefront reach the centre O on
the screen in same phase and hence interfere constructively
to give Central or Primary Maximum (Bright fringe).
2) At an angle of diffraction θ = θ1:
The slit is imagined to be divided into 2 equal halves.

θ1
A
0 •
1 •
2 • • P1 Dark
3 •
4 •
5 • θ1
Bright
6
• •O
•
7 λ/2
8
9 •
10•
11• N
12• θ1
B
• λ
Plane
Wavefront Slit
The wavelets from the single wavefront diffract at an angle θ1 such Screen
that BN is λ and reach the point P1. The pairs (0,6), (1,7), (2,8), (3,9),
(4,10), (5,11) and (6,12) interfere destructively with path difference
λ/2 and give First Secondary Minimum (Dark fringe).
3) At an angle of diffraction θ = θ2:
The slit is imagined to be divided into 4 equal parts.
• P2 Dark

A θ2 • P1’
0 •
1 •
2 • • P1 Dark
3 • λ/2
4 •
5 • θ2
6
• λ •O Bright
7
8
•
9 •
10• 3λ/2
11• N
12• θ2
B
• 2λ
Plane
Wavefront Slit
Screen
The wavelets from the single wavefront diffract at an angle θ2 such that
BN is 2λ and reach the point P2. The pairs (0,3), (1,4), (2,5), (3,6), (4,7),
(5,8), (6,9), (7,10), (8,11) and (9,12) interfere destructively with path
difference λ/2 and give Second Secondary Minimum (Dark fringe).
4) At an angle of diffraction θ = θ1’:
The slit is imagined to be divided into 3 equal parts.
• P2

A
θ1’ • P1’ Bright
0 •
1 •
2 • • P1 Dark
3 •
4 •
5 λ/2
• θ1’
6
• •O Bright
7
8
•
9 • λ
10•
11•
12• N θ1’
B
•
Plane 3λ/2
Wavefront Slit
The wavelets from the single wavefront diffract at an angle θ1’ such that Screen
BN is 3λ/2 and reach the point P1’. The pairs (0,8), (1,9), (2,10), (3,11) and
(4,12) interfere constructively with path difference λ and (0,4), (1,5), (2,6),
…… and (8,12) interfere destructively with path difference λ/2. However
due to a few wavelets interfering constructively First Secondary
Maximum (Bright fringe) is formed.
Diffraction at various angles:

•• P2 θ2

θθ11’
AA θ = 0 θ2 • P1’ θ1’
0 •
1 •
2 • •• PP11 θ1
•
3 λ/2
4 •
5 λ/2
• θθ21’ θ1
O θ=0
6
•
7 λ/2λ
• I
8
•
9 • λ
10• 3λ/2
11• N N
12• θN θ1 1’
2 θ
BB
• λ 2λ
Plane 3λ/2
Wavefront Slit
Screen
Central Maximum is the brightest fringe.
Diffraction is not visible after a few order of diffraction.
Theory:
The path difference between the 0th wavelet and 12th wavelet is BN.
If ‘θ’ is the angle of diffraction and ‘d’ is the slit width, then BN = d sin θ
To establish the condition for secondary minima, the slit is divided into 2, 4,
6, … equal parts such that corresponding wavelets from successive regions
interfere with path difference of λ/2.
Or for nth secondary minimum, the slit can be divided into 2n equal parts.
For θ1, d sin θ1 = λ Since θn is very small,
For θ2, d sin θ2 = 2λ d θn = nλ
For θn , d sin θn = nλ θn = nλ / d (n = 1, 2, 3, ……)

To establish the condition for secondary maxima, the slit is divided into 3, 5,
7, … equal parts such that corresponding wavelets from alternate regions
interfere with path difference of λ.
Or for nth secondary minimum, the slit can be divided into (2n + 1) equal
parts.
For θ1’, d sin θ1’ = 3λ/2 Since θn ’ is very small,
For θ2’, d sin θ2’ = 5λ/2 d θn ’ = (2n + 1)λ / 2
For θn ’, d sin θn ’ = (2n + 1)λ/2 θn ’ = (2n + 1)λ / 2d (n = 1, 2, 3, ……)
Width of Central Maximum:

θ1
A
0•
1•
2• • P1 Dark
3• y1
d
4•
5• θ1
Bright
6
• D •O
•
7 λ/2
8
9•
•
10
•
11 N
•
12 θ1
B
• λ
Plane
Wavefront Slit

tan θ1 = y1 / D y1 = D λ / d Screen
Since the Central Maximum is
or θ1 = y1 / D (since θ1 is very small) spread on either side of O, the
d sin θ1 = λ width is

or θ1 = λ / d (since θ1 is very small) β0 = 2D λ / d

Fresnel’s Distance:
Fresnel’s distance is that distance from the slit at which the spreading
of light due to diffraction becomes equal to the size of the slit.
y1 = D λ / d
At Fresnel’s distance, y1 = d and D = DF
So, DF λ / d = d or DF = d2 / λ
If the distance D between the slit and the screen is less than Fresnel’s
distance DF , then the diffraction effects may be regarded as absent.
So, ray optics may be regarded as a limiting case of wave optics.

Difference between Interference and Diffraction:

Interference Diffraction
1. Interference is due to the 1. Diffraction is due to the
superposition of two different superposition of secondary
wave trains coming from coherent wavelets from the different parts
sources. of the same wavefront.
2. Fringe width is generally constant. 2. Fringes are of varying width.
3. All the maxima have the same 3. The maxima are of varying
intensity. intensities.
4. There is a good contrast between 4. There is a poor contrast between
the maxima and minima. the maxima and minima.
Polarisation of Transverse Mechanical Waves:

Narrow Slit

Transverse
disturbance
(up and down) Narrow Slit

90°

Transverse
disturbance Narrow Slit
(up and down)
Polarisation of Light Waves:

• • • • • • • • • • Wave

•
S
- Parallel to the plane

• - Perpendicular to the plane

Natural Light Representation of Natural Light

In natural light, millions of transverse vibrations occur in all the

directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave. But for
convenience, we can assume the rectangular components of the
vibrations with one component lying on the plane of the diagram and
the other perpendicular to the plane of the diagram.
Light waves are electromagnetic waves with electric and magnetic fields
oscillating at right angles to each other and also to the direction of
propagation of wave. Therefore, the light waves can be polarised.

Optic Axis

• • • • • •

Unpolarised Plane Plane

light Polarised Polarised
light light
Polariser Analyser
Tourmaline Tourmaline
Crystal Crystal

• • • • • • 90°

No light
Plane
Unpolarised
Polarised
light
light
 90°
• • • • • •

Unpolarised Plane
light Polarised
Polariser Analyser light

Plane of Vibration Plane of Polarisation

When unpolarised light is incident on the polariser, the vibrations parallel to

the crystallographic axis are transmitted and those perpendicular to the axis
are absorbed. Therefore the transmitted light is plane (linearly) polarised.
The plane which contains the crystallographic axis and vibrations
transmitted from the polariser is called plane of vibration.

The plane which is perpendicular to the plane of vibration is called plane

of polarisation.
Malus’ Law:
When a beam of plane polarised light is incident on an analyser, the
intensity I of light transmitted from the analyser varies directly as the
square of the cosine of the angle θ between the planes of transmission of
analyser and polariser.
a
I α cos θ2
a sin θ a cos θ
If a be the amplitude of the electric
P
vector transmitted by the polariser, A
then only the component a cos θ
θ
will be transmitted by the analyser.
Intensity of transmitted light from
the analyser is
Case I : When θ = 0° or 180°, I = I0
I = k (a cos θ)2
or I = k a2 cos2 θ Case II : When θ = 90°, I=0
I = I0 cos2 θ Case III: When unpolarised light is incident
on the analyser the intensity of the
(where I0 = k a2 is the transmitted light is one-half of the intensity of
intensity of light transmitted incident light. (Since average value of cos2θ
from the polariser) is ½)
Polarisation by Reflection and Brewster’s Law:
The incident light wave is made of
parallel vibrations (π – components) • • •
on the plane of incidence and • • • a
perpendicular vibrations (σ – θP • •
components : perpendicular to plane
of incidence). 90° μ

• •
At a particular angle θP , the parallel r
b
components completely refracted

• •
whereas the perpendicular components
partially get refracted and partially get
reflected.
i.e. the reflected components are all in
perpendicular plane of vibration and θP + r = 90° or r = 90° - θP
hence plane polarised.
sin θP
The intensity of transmitted light a μb =
sin r
through the medium is greater than that
of plane polarised (reflected) light. sin θP
a μb =
sin 90° - θP

a μb = tan θP
Polaroids:
H – Polaroid is prepared by taking a sheet of polyvinyl alcohol (long chain
polymer molecules) and subjecting to a large strain. The molecules are
oriented parallel to the strain and the material becomes doubly refracting.
When strained with iodine, the material behaves like a dichroic crystal.

K – Polaroid is prepared by heating a stretched polyvinyl alcohol film in the

presence of HCl (an active dehydrating catalyst). When the film becomes
slightly darkened, it behaves like a strong dichroic crystal.

Uses of Polaroids:
1) Polaroid Sun Glasses
2) Polaroid Filters
3) For Laboratory Purpose
4) In Head-light of Automobiles
5) In Three – Dimensional Motion Picutres
6) In Window Panes
7) In Wind Shield in Automobiles
End of Wave Optics
 PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT AND
DUAL NATURE OF MATTER AND RADIATIONS
1. Photons
2. Photoelectric Effect
3. Experimental Set-up to study Photoelectric Effect
4. Effect of Intensity, Frequency, Potential on P.E. Current
5. Graphical representation of variation of P.E. Current
6. Laws of Photoelectric Effect
7. Einstein’s Photoelectric Equation
8. Verification of Laws of Photoelectric Effect based on Einstein’s
Photoelectric Equation
9. Application of Photoelectric Effect
10. Matter Waves and de Broglie wavelength
11. Davission & Germer Experiment

Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai

Photon:
A packet or bundle of energy is called a photon.
hc
Energy of a photon is E = hν =
λ
where h is the Planck’s constant, ν is the frequency of the
radiation or photon, c is the speed of light (e.m. wave) and λ is
the wavelength.
Properties of photons:
i) A photon travels at a speed of light c in vacuum. (i.e. 3 x 10-8 m/s)
ii) It has zero rest mass. i.e. the photon can not exist at rest.
iii) The kinetic mass of a photon is, E h
m= =
c2 cλ
E h
iv) The momentum of a photon is, p= =
c λ
v) Photons travel in a straight line.
vi) Energy of a photon depends upon frequency of the photon; so the
energy of the photon does not change when photon travels from one
medium to another.
vii) Wavelength of the photon changes in different media; so, velocity of
a photon is different in different media.
viii) Photons are electrically neutral.
ix) Photons may show diffraction under given conditions.
x) Photons are not deviated by magnetic and electric fields.

Photoelectric Effect:
The phenomenon of emission of electrons from mainly metal surfaces
exposed to light energy (X – rays, γ – rays, UV rays, Visible light and even
Infra Red rays) of suitable frequency is known as photoelectric effect.
The electrons emitted by this effect are called photoelectrons.
The current constituted by photoelectrons is known as photoelectric current.
Note: Non metals also show photoelectric effect. Liquids and gases also
show this effect but to limited extent.
Visible light
UV Visible light
Photoelectrons Photoelectrons
No photoelectrons

Metals Metals other than Alkali Metals Alkali Metals

Experimental Set-up to study Photoelectric Effect:
UV light

C A

μA
+
+ C – Metallic cathode
● ●K V A – Metallic Anode
W – Quartz Window
- Photoelectron
Glass transmits only visible and infra-red lights but not UV light.
Quartz transmits UV light.

When light of suitable frequency falls on the metallic cathode, photoelectrons

are emitted. These photoelectrons are attracted towards the +ve anode and
hence photoelectric current is constituted.
1) Effect of Intensity of Incident Light on Photoelectric Current:
For a fixed frequency, the photoelectric current I
increases linearly with increase in intensity of μA
incident light.
2) Effect of Potential on Photoelectric Current:
For a fixed frequency and intensity of 0
incident light, the photoelectric Intensity (L)
current increases with increase in
+ve potential applied to the anode. I Saturation Current
When all the photoelectrons reach μA L2
the plate A, current becomes L1
maximum and is known as saturation
current. L2 > L 1
When the potential is decreased,
the current decreases but does not +
VS 0
become zero at zero potential. Potential of A (V)

This shows that even in the absence of accelerating potential, a few

photoelectrons manage to reach the plate on their own due to their K.E.
When –ve potential is applied to the plate A w.r.t. C, photoelectric current
becomes zero at a particular value of –ve potential called stopping potential
or cut-off potential.
Intensity of incident light does not affect the stopping potential.
3) Effect of Frequency of Incident Light on Photoelectric Current:
For a fixed intensity of incident light, the photoelectric current does not
depend on the frequency of the incident light. Because, the photoelectric
current simply depends on the number of photoelectrons emitted and in turn
on the number of photons incident and not on the energy of photons.

4) Effect of Frequency of Incident Light on Stopping Potential:

For a fixed intensity of incident light,
the photoelectric current increases
and is saturated with increase in +ve
potential applied to the anode. I Saturation Current
μA
However, the saturation current is ν2 >
same for different frequencies of the ν
2
ν1
incident lights.
ν
1
When potential is decreased and
+
taken below zero, photoelectric VS2 VS1 0
Potential of A (V)
current decreases to zero but at
different stopping potentials for
different frequencies.

Higher the frequency, higher the stopping potential. i.e. VS α ν

5) Threshold Frequency:
The graph between stopping potential and frequency
does not pass through the origin. It shows that there VS
is a minimum value of frequency called threshold (V)
frequency below which photoelectric emission is not
possible however high the intensity of incident light
may be. It depends on the nature of the metal 0 ν ν
emitting photoelectrons. 0

Laws of Photoelectric Emission:

i) For a given substance, there is a minimum value of frequency of incident
light called threshold frequency below which no photoelectric emission is
possible, howsoever, the intensity of incident light may be.
ii) The number of photoelectrons emitted per second (i.e. photoelectric
current) is directly proportional to the intensity of incident light provided
the frequency is above the threshold frequency.
iii) The maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is directly proportional
to the frequency provided the frequency is above the threshold frequency.
iv) The maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is independent of the
intensity of the incident light.
v) The process of photoelectric emission is instantaneous. i.e. as soon as the
photon of suitable frequency falls on the substance, it emits
photoelectrons.
vi) The photoelectric emission is one-to-one. i.e. for every photon of suitable
frequency one electron is emitted.
 Einstein’s Photoelectric Equation:
When a photon of energy hν falls on a metal surface, the energy of the
photon is absorbed by the electron and is used in two ways:

i) A part of energy is used to overcome the surface barrier and come out of
the metal surface. This part of the energy is called ‘work function’
(Ф = hν0).

ii) The remaining part of the energy is used in giving a velocity ‘v’ to the
emitted photoelectron. This is equal to the maximum kinetic energy of the
photoelectrons ( ½ mv2max ) where ‘m’ is mass of the photoelectron.

According to law of conservation of energy,

hν = Ф + ½ mv2max
Photon
= hν0 + ½ mv2max hν ½ mv2max

½ mv2max = h ( ν - ν0 ) Photoelectron
Ф = hν0

Metal
Verification of Laws of Photoelectric Emission based on Einstein’s
Photoelectric Equation:
½ mv2max = h ( ν - ν0 )

i) If ν < ν0, then ½ mv2max is negative, which is not possible. Therefore, for
photoelectric emission to take place ν > ν0.

ii) Since one photon emits one electron, so the number photoelectrons
emitted per second is directly proportional to the intensity of incident light.

iii) It is clear that ½ mv2max α ν as h and ν0 are constant. This shows that K.E.
of the photoelectrons is directly proportional to the frequency of the
incident light.

iv) Photoelectric emission is due to collision between a photon and an

electron. As such there can not be any significant time lag between the
incidence of photon and emission of photoelectron. i.e. the process is
instantaneous. It is found that delay is only 10-8 seconds.
Application of Photoelectric Effect:
1. Automatic fire alarm
2. Automatic burglar alarm
3. Scanners in Television transmission
4. Reproduction of sound in cinema film
5. In paper industry to measure the thickness of paper
6. To locate flaws or holes in the finished goods
7. In astronomy
8. To determine opacity of solids and liquids
9. Automatic switching of street lights
10. To control the temperature of furnace
11. Photometry
12. Beauty meter – To measure the fair complexion of skin
13. Light meters used in cinema industry to check the light
14. Photoelectric sorting
15. Photo counting
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter:
Wave theory of electromagnetic radiations explained the phenomenon of
interference, diffraction and polarization.

On the other hand, quantum theory of e.m. radiations successfully

explained the photoelectric effect, Compton effect, black body radiations,
X- ray spectra, etc.

Thus, radiations have dual nature. i.e. wave and particle nature.

Louis de Broglie suggested that the particles like electrons, protons,

neutrons, etc have also dual nature. i.e. they also can have particle as
well as wave nature.

Note: In no experiment, matter exists both as a particle and as a wave

simultaneously. It is either the one or the other aspect. i.e. The two
aspects are complementary to each other.

His suggestion was based on:

i) The nature loves symmetry.
ii) The universe is made of particles and radiations and both entities must
be symmetrical.
de Broglie wave:

According to de Broglie, a moving

material particle can be associated with a
wave. i.e. a wave can guide the motion of
the particle.
The waves associated with the moving
material particles are known as λ
de Broglie waves or matter waves.
Expression for de Broglie wave:
hc
According to quantum theory, the energy of the photon is E = hν =
λ
According to Einstein’s theory, the energy of the photon is E = mc2
h h where p = mc
So, λ= or λ=
mc p is momentum of a photon

If instead of a photon, we have a material particle of mass m moving with

velocity v, then the equation becomes
h
λ=
mv
which is the expression for de Broglie wavelength.
Conclusion:
h
λ=
mv

i) de Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to the velocity of the

particle. If the particle moves faster, then the wavelength will be
smaller and vice versa.
ii) If the particle is at rest, then the de Broglie wavelength is infinite. Such
a wave can not be visualized.
iii) de Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to the mass of the
particle. The wavelength associated with a heavier particle is smaller
than that with a lighter particle.
iv) de Broglie wavelength is independent of the charge of the particle.

Matter waves, like electromagnetic waves, can travel in vacuum and hence
they are not mechanical waves.
Matter waves are not electromagnetic waves because they are not
produced by accelerated charges.
Matter waves are probability waves, amplitude of which gives the
probability of existence of the particle at the point.
Davisson and Germer Experiment:
A beam of electrons emitted by the
electron gun is made to fall on

●
Nickel crystal cut along cubical axis Electron Gun
at a particular angle. V

The scattered beam of electrons is F

received by the detector which can C
be rotated at any angle. A
The energy of the incident beam of to r
t e c
electrons can be varied by changing θ Ф De
the applied voltage to the electron θ
gun.
Intensity of scattered beam of
Crystal Lattice
electrons is found to be maximum
when angle of scattering is 50° and Nickel Crystal
the accelerating potential is 54 V.

θ + 50° + θ = 180° i.e. θ = 65° Electron diffraction is similar

For Ni crystal, lattice spacing to X-ray diffraction.
d = 0.91 Å Bragg’s equation 2dsinθ = nλ gives
For first principal maximum, n = 1 λ = 1.65 Å
 Incident Beam

Incident Beam
Intensity of scattered beam at 44 V Intensity of scattered beam at 48 V

a m
be
d
Incident Beam

Incident Beam
ere
t t
S ca

Ф = 50°

Intensity of scattered beam at 54 V Intensity of scattered beam at 64 V

According to de Broglie’s
h 12.27 Å de Broglie wavelength of
hypothesis,
λ= λ= moving electron at V = 54
or
2meV V Volt is 1.67 Å which is in
close agreement with 1.65 Å.
Intensity vs √ Anode Potential:

Diffraction
pattern after
Intensity

100 electrons

Diffraction
pattern after
0 5 10 15 20 25 √ V 3000 electrons
(√ 54) V

Diffraction
pattern after
70000 electrons

End of Dual Nature of Matter and Radiations

ATOMIC NUCLEUS
1. Rutherford’s Alpha Scattering Experiment
2. Distance of Closest Approach (Nuclear Size)
3. Impact Parameter
4. Composition of Nucleus
5. Atomic Number, Mass Number and Atomic Mass Unit
6. Radius of the Nucleus and Nuclear Density
7. Mass Energy Relation and Mass Defect
8. Binding Energy and Binding Energy per Nucleon
9. Binding Energy Curve and Inferences
10. Nuclear Forces and Meson Theory
11. Radioactivity and Soddy’s Displacement Law
12. Rutherford and Soddy’s Laws of Radioactive Decay
13. Radioactive Disintegration Constant and Half-Life Period
14. Units of Radioactivity
15. Nuclear Fission and Fusion
Rutherford’s Alpha Scattering Experiment

α
Bi-214 or
Radon
α - Beam
α
Lead Box Thin
Gold Foil

ZnS Screen

No. of α-particles
scattered (N)
+
Gold Atom

Scattering angle (θ)

α - Beam
Alpha – particle is a nucleus of helium atom carrying a charge of ‘+2e’ and
mass equal to 4 times that of hydrogen atom. It travels with a speed nearly
104 m/s and is highly penetrating.

Rutherford Geiger &

Experiment Marsden
Experiment
Source of Radon Bismuth
α-particle 86 Rn
222
83 Bi
214

Speed of 104 m/s 1.6 x 107 m/s

α-particle
Thickness of 10-6 m 2.1 x 10-7 m
Gold foil
S. No. Observation Conclusion
1 Most of the α-particles passed It indicates that most of the space
straight through the gold foil. in an atom is empty.

2 Some of the α-particles were α-particles being +vely charged and

scattered by only small angles, heavy compared to electron could
of the order of a few degrees. only be deflected by heavy and
positive region in an atom. It
indicates that the positive charges
and the most of the mass of the
atom are concentrated at the centre
called ‘nucleus’.
3 A few α-particles (1 in 9000) α-particles which travel towards the
were deflected through large nucleus directly get retarded due to
angles (even greater than 90°). Coulomb’s force of repulsion and
ultimately comes to rest and then
Some of them even retraced fly off in the opposite direction.
their path. i.e. angle of
deflection was 180°.

1
N(θ) α
sin4(θ/2)
Distance of Closest Approach (Nuclear size):

When the distance between α-particle

and the nucleus is equal to the distance
of the closest approach (r0), the α-particle
comes to rest. +
r0
At this point or distance, the kinetic
energy of α-particle is completely
converted into electric potential energy
of the system.

½ mu2 = 1 2 Ze2
4πε0 r0

1 2 Ze2
r0 = ½ mu2
4πε0
 Impact Parameter (b):

The perpendicular distance of the

velocity vector of the α-particle from u θ
the centre of the nucleus when it is
far away from the nucleus is known b +
r0
as impact parameter.

b= Ze2 cot (θ/2)

(½ mu2)
4πε0

i) For large value of b, cot θ/2 is large and θ, the scattering angle is small.
i.e. α-particles travelling far away from the nucleus suffer small deflections.
ii) For small value of b, cot θ/2 is also small and θ, the scattering angle is large.
i.e. α-particles travelling close to the nucleus suffer large deflections.

iii) For b = 0 i.e. α-particles directed towards the centre of the nucleus,

cot θ/2 = 0 or θ/2 = 90° or θ = 180°

The α-particles retrace their path.

 Composition of Nucleus:

Every atomic nucleus except that of Hydrogen has two types of particles –
protons and neutrons. (Nucleus of Hydrogen contains only one proton)
Proton is a fundamental particle with positive charge 1.6 x 10-19 C and
mass 1.67 x 10-27 kg (1836 times heavier than an electron).
Neutron is also a fundamental particle with no charge and
mass 1.675 x 10-27 kg (1840 times heavier than an electron).
Atomic Number (Z):
The number of protons in a nucleus of an atom is called atomic number.
Atomic Mass Number (A):
The sum of number of protons and number of neutrons in a nucleus of an
atom is called atomic mass number.
A=Z+N
Atomic Mass Unit (amu):

Atomic Mass Unit (amu) is (1 / 12)th of mass of 1 atom of carbon.

1 12
1 amu = x g = 1.66 x 10-27 kg
12 6.023 x 1023
Size of Nucleus:
Nucleus does not have a sharp or well-defined boundary.
However, the radius of nucleus can be given by

R = R0 A⅓ where R0 = 1.2 x 10-5 m is a constant which is

the same for all nuclei and
A is the mass number of the nucleus.
Radius of nucleus ranges from 1 fm to 10 fm.
Nuclear Volume, V = (4/3) π R3 = (4/3) π R03 A
VαA

Nucleus Density:
Mass of nucleus, M = A amu = A x 1.66 x 10-27 kg
Nuclear Volume, V = (4/3) π R3 = (4/3) π R03 A

4 22
= x x (1.2 x 10-15)3 A m3
3 7
= 7.24 x 10-45 A m3

Nucleus Density, ρ = M / V = 2.29 x 1017 kg / m3

Discussion:
1. The nuclear density does not depend upon mass number. So, all
the nuclei possess nearly the same density.
2. The nuclear density has extremely large value. Such high
densities are found in white dwarf stars which contain mainly
nuclear matter.
3. The nuclear density is not uniform throughout the nucleus. It has
maximum value at the centre and decreases gradually as we move
away from the centre of the nucleus.
4. The nuclear radius is the distance from the centre of the nucleus
at which the density of nuclear matter decreases to one-half of its
maximum value at the centre.
Mass – Energy Relation:
According to Newton’s second law of motion, force acting on a body is
defined as the rate of change of momentum.
d dv dm
F= (mv) = m +v
dt dt dt

If this force F displaces the body by a distance dx, its energy increases by
dv dm
=m +v
dK = F.dx dt dx dt dx
dx dx
=m +v
dK dt dv dt dm

= m v dv + v2 dm ………… (1)
dK

According to Einstein’s relation of relativistic mass,

m0
m=
[1 – (v2 / c2)]½
Squaring and manipulating, m2c2 – m2v2 = m02c2
Differentiating (with m0 and c as constants)

c2 2m dm – m2 2v dv – v2 2m dm = 0
or c2 dm – mv dv – v2 dm = 0

c2 dm = mv dv + v2 dm ……………..(2)

From (1) and (2), dK = dm c2

If particle is accelerated from rest to a velocity v, let its mass m0 increases to m.

Integrating,
K m
=c 2
Total increase in K.E. =
dK dm
0 m0

K = (m – m0) c2 or K + m0 c2 = m c2
Here m0c2 is the energy associated with the rest mass of the body and K is the
kinetic energy.
Thus, the total energy of the body is given by
E = m c2
This is Einstein’s mass - energy equivalence relation.
Mass Defect:
It is the difference between the rest mass of the nucleus and the sum of the
masses of the nucleons composing a nucleus is known as mass defect.

Δm = [ Zmp + (A – Z) mn ] - M
Mass defect per nucleon is called packing fraction.

Binding Energy:
It is the energy required to break up a nucleus into its constituent parts and
place them at an infinite distance from one another.

B.E = Δm c2
Nuclear Forces:
They are the forces between p – p, p – n or n – n in the nucleus. They can be
explained by Meson Theory.

There are three kinds of mesons – positive (π+ ), negative (π-) and neutral (π0).

π+ and π- are 273 times heavier than an electron.

π0 is 264 times heavier than an electron.

Nucleons (protons and neutrons) are surrounded by mesons.

Main points of Meson Theory:
1. There is a continuous exchange of a meson between one nucleon and
other. This gives rise to an exchange force between them and keep
them bound.

2. Within the nucleus, a neutron is never permanently a neutron and a

proton is never permanently a proton. They keep on changing into each
other due to exchange of π-mesons.

3. The n – n forces arise due to exchange of π0 – mesons between the

neutrons.

n → n + π0 (emission of π0)

n + π0 → n (absorption of π0)
4. The p – p forces arise due to exchange of π0 – mesons between the
protons.

p → p + π0 (emission of π0)

p + π0 → p (absorption of π0)
5. The n – p forces arise due to exchange of π+ and π- mesons between the
nucleons.

n → p + π- (emission of π-)

n + π+ → p (absorption of π+ )
p → n + π+ (emission of π+ )

p + π- → n (absorption of π-)
6. The time involved in such an exchange is so small that the free meson
particles cannot be detected as such.

Binding Energy per Nucleon:

It is the binding energy divided by total number of nucleons.

It is denoted by B

B = B.E / Nucleon = Δm c2 / A
 Fe56 Binding Energy Curve:
Ar40
Al27 Cl35

9 Sr86 Xe124 Xe136

8.8 Ne20 As75 W182
Mo98 Pt208
O16
8 F19 Cu63 Xe130 U238
Average B.E per Nucleon (in MeV)

C12 Pt194
N14
He4
Be11 U235
7

Region of maximum stability

Be9 Fission
6 Li7
Li6 Special Features:
5
Fusion
9. The
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0 20 40 56 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240

Mass Number (A)

 Special Features:
1. Binding energy per nucleon of very light nuclides such as 1H2 is very small.
2. Initially, there is a rapid rise in the value of binding energy per nucleon.
3. Between mass numbers 4 and 20, the curve shows cyclic recurrence of
peaks corresponding to 2He4, 4Be8, 6C12, 8O16 and 10Ne20. This shows that
the B.E. per nucleon of these nuclides is greater than those of their
immediate meighbours. Each of these nuclei can be formed by adding an
alpha particle to the preceding nucleus.
4. After A = 20, there is a gradual increase in B.E. per nucleon. The maximum
value of 8.8 MeV is reached at A = 56. Therefore, Iron nucleus is the most
stable.
5. Binding energy per nucleon of nuclides having mass numbers ranging from
40 to 120 are close to the maximum value. So, these elements are highly
stable and non-radioactive.
6. Beyond A = 120, the value decreases and falls to 7.6 MeV for Uranium.
7. Beyond A = 128, the value shows a rapid decrease. This makes elements
beyond Uranium (trans – uranium elements) quite unstable and radioactive.
8. The drooping of the curve at high mass number indicates that the nucleons
are more tightly bound and they can undergo fission to become stable.
9. The drooping of the curve at low mass numbers indicates that the nucleons
can undergo fusion to become stable.
 Radioactivity: + -
Radioactivity is the phenomenon of emitting + γ -
alpha, beta and gamma radiations + -
β
spontaneously. + -
-
Soddy’s Displacement Law: + α
α + -
1. Z YA Z-2 Y
A-4
-
+
+ -
β
2. Z YA Z+1 Y
A
+ Lead -
+ Box -
γ -
3. Z YA ZY
A (Lower energy) Radioactive
substance
Rutherford and Soddy’s Laws of Radioactive Decay:
1. The disintegration of radioactive material is purely a random process and
it is merely a matter of chance. Which nucleus will suffer disintegration, or
decay first can not be told.
2. The rate of decay is completely independent of the physical composition
and chemical condition of the material.
3. The rate of decay is directly proportional to the quantity of material
actually present at that instant. As the decay goes on, the original material
goes on decreasing and the rate of decay consequently goes on
decreasing.
If N is the number of radioactive atoms present at any instant, then the rate of
decay is,
dN dN
- αN or -
dt =λN
dt

where λ is the decay constant or the disintegration constant.

Rearranging,
dN
= - λ dt
N

Integrating, loge N = - λ t + C where C is the integration constant.

If at t = 0, we had N0 atoms, then

loge N0 = 0 + C N0

No. of atoms (N)

loge N - loge N0 = - λ t
N0 /2
or loge (N / N0) = - λ t
N0 /4
N N0 /8
or = e- λt or N = N0 e- λ t N0 /16
N0
0 T 2T 3T 4T
Time in half lives
Radioactive Disintegration Constant (λ):
According to the laws of radioactive decay,
dN
= - λ dt
N

If dt = 1 second, then
dN
=-λ
N

Thus, λ may be defined as the relative number of atoms decaying per second.
N = N0 e- λ t
Again, since

N = N0 / e
And if, t = 1 / λ, then

N 1
or =
N0 e

Thus, λ may also be defined as the reciprocal of the time when N / N0 falls to 1 / e.
Half – Life Period:
Half life period is the time required for the disintegration of half of the amount
of the radioactive substance originally present.
If T is the half – life period, then
N 1
= = e -λT
N0 2 (since N = N0 / 2)

eλT = 2

λ T = loge 2 = 0.6931
0.6931 0.6931
T= or λ=
λ T

Time t in which material changes from N0 to N:

t = 3.323 T log10 (N0 / N)

Number of Atoms left behind after n Half – Lives:

N = N0 (1 / 2)n or N = N0 (1 / 2)t/T
Units of Radioactivity:
1. The curie (Ci): The activity of a radioactive substance is said to be one
curie if it undergoes 3.7 x 1010 disintegrations per second.
1 curie = 3.7 x 1010 disintegrations / second
2. The rutherford (Rd): The activity of a radioactive substance is said to be
one rutherford if it undergoes 106 disintegrations per second.
1 rutherford = 106 disintegrations / second
3. The becquerel (Bq): The activity of a radioactive substance is said to be
one becquerel if it undergoes 1 disintegration per second.

1 becquerel = 1 disintegration / second

1 curie = 3.7 x 104 rutherford = 3.7 x 1010 becquerel

Nuclear Fission:
Nuclear fission is defined as a type of nuclear disintegration in which a heavy
nucleus splits up into two nuclei of comparable size accompanied by a
release of a large amount of energy.
1 + 92U235 → (92U236) → 56Ba141 + 36Kr92 +30n1 + γ (200 MeV)
0n
Chain Reaction:

Neutron (thermal) 0n1

Uranium 235
92 U

Barium
Ba141
Krypton
56
36 Kr
92

n = No. of fission stages

n=1 n=2 n=3 N = No. of Neutrons
N=1 N=9 N = 27 N = 3n
Chain Reaction: Critical Size:
For chain reaction to occur, the
size of the fissionable material
must be above the size called
‘critical size’.
A released neutron must travel
minimum through 10 cm so that it
is properly slowed down (thermal
neutron) to cause further fission.
If the size of the material is less
than the critical size, then all the
neutrons are lost.
If the size is equal to the critical
size, then the no. of neutrons
produced is equal to the no. of
neutrons lost.
If the size is greater than the
n=1 n=2 n=3
critical size, then the reproduction
N=1 N=9 N = 27 ratio of neutrons is greater than 1
and chain reaction can occur.
Nuclear Fusion:
Nuclear fusion is defined as a type of nuclear reaction in which two lighter
nuclei merge into one another to form a heavier nucleus accompanied by a
release of a large amount of energy.
Energy Source of Sun:
Proton – Proton Cycle:
1 + 1 H1 → 2 0
1H 1H + 1e + 0.4 MeV
1 2 3
1H + 1H → 2 He + 5.5 MeV
3 3 4 + 2 1H1 + 12.9 MeV
2 He + 2 He → 2 He

Energy Source of Star:

Carbon - Nitrogen Cycle:
12 1 13
6C + 1H → 7N +γ (energy)
13 13 + 1e0
7N → 6C (positron)
13 1 14
6C + 1H → 7N +γ (energy)
14 1 15
7N + 1H → 8O +γ (energy)
15 15 + 1e0
8O → 7N (positron)
15 1 12 + 2He4 + γ (energy)
7N + 1H → 6C

End of Atomic Nucleus

SOLIDS AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - I
1. Energy Bands in Solids
2. Energy Band Diagram
3. Metals, Semiconductors and Insulators
4. Intrinsic Semiconductor
5. Electrons and Holes
6. Doping of a Semiconductor
7. Extrinsic Semiconductor
8. N-type and P-type Semiconductor
9. Carrier Concentration in Semiconductors
10. Distinction between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors
11. Distinction between Semiconductor and Metal
12. Conductivity of a Semiconductor
Energy Bands in Solids:

 According to Quantum Mechanical Laws, the energies of electrons in a

free atom can not have arbitrary values but only some definite
(quantized) values.
 However, if an atom belongs to a crystal, then the energy levels are
modified.
 This modification is not appreciable in the case of energy levels of
electrons in the inner shells (completely filled).
 But in the outermost shells, modification is appreciable because the
electrons are shared by many neighbouring atoms.
 Due to influence of high electric field between the core of the atoms and
the shared electrons, energy levels are split-up or spread out forming
energy bands.

Consider a single crystal of silicon having N atoms. Each atom can be

associated with a lattice site.
Electronic configuration of Si is 1s2, 2s2, 2p6,3s2, 3p2. (Atomic No. is 14)
Formation of Energy Bands in Solids:

Energy

Conduction Band • • 3p2

Forbidden Energy Gap • • 3s2
Valence Band
•••••• 2p6 Ion
• • 2s2 core
• • 1s2
state

O a b c d Inter atomic spacing (r)

(i) r = Od (>> Oa):
Each of N atoms has its own energy levels. The energy levels are identical,
sharp, discrete and distinct.
The outer two sub-shells (3s and 3p of M shell or n = 3 shell) of silicon atom
contain two s electrons and two p electrons. So, there are 2N electrons
completely filling 2N possible s levels, all of which are at the same energy.
Of the 6N possible p levels, only 2N are filled and all the filled p levels have
the same energy.

(ii) Oc < r < Od:

There is no visible splitting of energy levels but there develops a tendency
for the splitting of energy levels.
(iii) r = Oc:
The interaction between the outermost shell electrons of neighbouring
silicon atoms becomes appreciable and the splitting of the energy levels
commences.

(iv) Ob < r < Oc:

The energy corresponding to the s and p levels of each atom gets slightly
changed. Corresponding to a single s level of an isolated atom, we get 2N
levels. Similarly, there are 6N levels for a single p level of an isolated atom.
Since N is a very large number (≈ 1029 atoms / m3) and the energy of each level
is of a few eV, therefore, the levels due to the spreading are very closely
spaced. The spacing is ≈ 10-23 eV for a 1 cm3 crystal.

The collection of very closely spaced energy levels is called an energy band.

(v) r = Ob:
The energy gap disappears completely. 8N levels are distributed
continuously. We can only say that 4N levels are filled and 4N levels are
empty.
(v) r = Oa:
The band of 4N filled energy levels is separated from the band of 4N unfilled
energy levels by an energy gap called forbidden gap or energy gap or
band gap.
The lower completely filled band (with valence electrons) is called the
valence band and the upper unfilled band is called the conduction band.
Note:
1. The exact energy band picture depends on the relative orientation of
atoms in a crystal.
2. If the bands in a solid are completely filled, the electrons are not permitted
to move about, because there are no vacant energy levels available.
Metals:
The first possible energy band diagram
shows that the conduction band is only
partially filled with electrons.
• • • • • •
Partially filled
With a little extra energy the electrons Conduction Band
can easily reach the empty energy
levels above the filled ones and the
conduction is possible. Conduction Band

• • • • • •
The second possible energy band
diagram shows that the conduction Valence Band
band is overlapping with the valence
band. The highest energy level in the
conduction band occupied by
This is because the lowest levels in the
electrons in a crystal, at absolute 0
conduction band needs less energy
temperature, is called Fermi Level.
than the highest levels in the valence
band. The energy corresponding to this
energy level is called Fermi energy.
The electrons in valence band overflow
into conduction band and are free to If the electrons get enough energy
move about in the crystal for to go beyond this level, then
conduction. conduction takes place.
Semiconductors:
At absolute zero temperature, no
electron has energy to jump from Conduction Band
valence band to conduction band
and hence the crystal is an insulator.
Forbidden Energy Gap
At room temperature, some valence • • • • • • ≈1 eV
electrons gain energy more than the Valence Band
energy gap and move to conduction
band to conduct even under the
influence of a weak electric field. Eg-Si = 1.1 eV EgGe= 0.74 eV

Eg
- kB T Since Eg is small, therefore, the fraction
The fraction is pαe is sizeable for semiconductors.

As an electron leaves the valence band, it leaves some energy level in band
as unfilled.
Such unfilled regions are termed as ‘holes’ in the valence band. They are
mathematically taken as positive charge carriers.
Any movement of this region is referred to a positive hole moving from one
position to another.
Insulators:
Electrons, however heated, can not Conduction Band
practically jump to conduction band
from valence band due to a large
energy gap. Therefore, conduction is Forbidden Energy Gap ≈6 eV
not possible in insulators.
Eg-Diamond = 7 eV ••••••
Valence Band
Electrons and Holes:
On receiving an additional energy, one of the electrons from a covalent band
breaks and is free to move in the crystal lattice.
While coming out of the covalent bond, it leaves behind a vacancy named
‘hole’.
An electron from the neighbouring atom can break away and can come to the
place of the missing electron (or hole) completing the covalent bond and
creating a hole at another place.
The holes move randomly in a crystal lattice.
The completion of a bond may not be necessarily due to an electron from a
bond of a neighbouring atom. The bond may be completed by a conduction
band electron. i.e., free electron and this is referred to as ‘electron – hole
recombination’.
Intrinsic or Pure Semiconductor:
Valence electrons
Covalent Bond
Ge Ge Ge Ge
Broken Covalent Bond

Free electron ( - )
Ge Ge Ge Ge
Hole ( + )

Ge Ge Ge Ge C.B
+

Eg 0.74 eV
Ge Ge Ge Ge
V.B
+ +

Heat Energy
Intrinsic Semiconductor is a pure semiconductor.
The energy gap in Si is 1.1 eV and in Ge is 0.74 eV.
Si: 1s2, 2s2, 2p6,3s2, 3p2. (Atomic No. is 14)
Ge: 1s2, 2s2, 2p6,3s2, 3p6, 3d10, 4s2, 4p2. (Atomic No. is 32)
In intrinsic semiconductor, the number of thermally generated electrons
always equals the number of holes.
So, if ni and pi are the concentration of electrons and holes respectively, then
ni = pi.
The quantity ni or pi is referred to as the ‘intrinsic carrier concentration’.

Doping a Semiconductor:
Doping is the process of deliberate addition of a very small amount of
impurity into an intrinsic semiconductor.
The impurity atoms are called ‘dopants’.
The semiconductor containing impurity is known as ‘impure or extrinsic
semiconductor’.

Methods of doping:
i) Heating the crystal in the presence of dopant atoms.
ii) Adding impurity atoms in the molten state of semiconductor.
iii) Bombarding semiconductor by ions of impurity atoms.
Extrinsic or Impure Semiconductor:
N - Type Semiconductors:

Ge Ge Ge
C.B

- 0.045 eV
Eg = 0.74 eV
Ge As Ge
+ V.B

Ge Ge Ge Donor level
+

When a semiconductor of Group IV (tetra valent) such as Si or Ge is doped

with a penta valent impurity (Group V elements such as P, As or Sb), N –
type semiconductor is formed.
When germanium (Ge) is doped with arsenic (As), the four valence
electrons of As form covalent bonds with four Ge atoms and the fifth
electron of As atom is loosely bound.
The energy required to detach the fifth loosely bound electron is only of
the order of 0.045 eV for germanium.
A small amount of energy provided due to thermal agitation is sufficient to
detach this electron and it is ready to conduct current.
The force of attraction between this mobile electron and the positively
charged (+ 5) impurity ion is weakened by the dielectric constant of the
medium.
So, such electrons from impurity atoms will have energies slightly less
than the energies of the electrons in the conduction band.
Therefore, the energy state corresponding to the fifth electron is in the
forbidden gap and slightly below the lower level of the conduction band.

This energy level is called ‘donor level’.

The impurity atom is called ‘donor’.
N – type semiconductor is called ‘donor – type semiconductor’.
Carrier Concentration in N - Type Semiconductors:
When intrinsic semiconductor is doped with donor impurities, not only does
the number of electrons increase, but also the number of holes decreases
below that which would be available in the intrinsic semiconductor.
The number of holes decreases because the larger number of electrons
present causes the rate of recombination of electrons with holes to increase.
Consequently, in an N-type semiconductor, free electrons are the majority
charge carriers and holes are the minority charge carriers.
If n and p represent the electron and hole concentrations respectively in
N-type semiconductor, then
n p = ni pi = ni2

where ni and pi are the intrinsic carrier concentrations.

The rate of recombination of electrons and holes is proportional to n and p.
Or, the rate of recombination is proportional to the product np. Since the
rate of recombination is fixed at a given temperature, therefore, the product
np must be a constant.
When the concentration of electrons is increased above the intrinsic value
by the addition of donor impurities, the concentration of holes falls below
its intrinsic value, making the product np a constant, equal to ni2.
 P - Type Semiconductors:

Ge Ge Ge
C.B

Ge In Ge Eg = 0.74 eV
0.05 eV
+
V.B

Ge Ge Ge
Acceptor level
+

When a semiconductor of Group IV (tetra valent) such as Si or Ge is doped

with a tri valent impurity (Group III elements such as In, B or Ga), P – type
semiconductor is formed.
When germanium (Ge) is doped with indium (In), the three valence
electrons of In form three covalent bonds with three Ge atoms. The
vacancy that exists with the fourth covalent bond with fourth Ge atom
constitutes a hole.
The hole which is deliberately created may be filled with an electron from
neighbouring atom, creating a hole in that position from where the electron
jumped.
Therefore, the tri valent impurity atom is called ‘acceptor’.
Since the hole is associated with a positive charge moving from one position
to another, therefore, this type of semiconductor is called
P – type semiconductor.
The acceptor impurity produces an energy level just above the valence band.
This energy level is called ‘acceptor level’.
The energy difference between the acceptor energy level and the top of the
valence band is much smaller than the band gap.
Electrons from the valence band can, therefore, easily move into the acceptor
level by being thermally agitated.
P – type semiconductor is called ‘acceptor – type semiconductor’.
In a P – type semiconductor, holes are the majority charge carriers and the
electrons are the minority charge carriers.
It can be shown that, n p = ni pi = ni2
Distinction between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductor:
S. No. Intrinsic SC Extrinsic SC
1 Pure Group IV elements. Group III or Group V elements
are introduced in Group IV
elements.

2 Conductivity is only slight. Conductivity is greatly

increased.

3 Conductivity increases with rise Conductivity depends on the

in temperature. amount of impurity added.

4 The number of holes is always In N-type, the no. of electrons is

equal to the number of free greater than that of the holes
electrons. and in P-type, the no. holes is
greater than that of the
electrons.
 Distinction between Semiconductor and Metal:
S. No. Semiconductor Metal
1 Semiconductor behaves like an Conductivity decreases with
insulator at 0 K. Its conductivity rise in temperature.
increases with rise in
temperature.
2 Conductivity increases with rise Conductivity is an intrinsic
in potential difference applied. property of a metal and is
independent of applied potential
difference.
3 Does not obey Ohm’s law or Obeys Ohm’s law.
only partially obeys.

4 Doping the semiconductors with Making alloy with another metal

impurities vastly increases the decreases the conductivity.
conductivity.
Electrical Conductivity of Semiconductors:
I = Ie + Ih Ih Ie

Ie = neeAve Ih = nh eAvh
I = neeAve + nh eAvh
So,

If the applied electric field is small, I

then semiconductor obeys Ohm’s law.
V = neeAve + nh eAvh
R E E
= eA (neve + nh vh ) = e (neve + nh vh ) V
ρ since E =
l
V A = eA (neve + nh vh ) Mobility (μ) is defined as the drift
Or velocity per unit electric field.
ρl ρl 1
since R = = e (neμe + nh μh )
A ρ
Note: σ = e (neμe + nh μh )
Or
1. The electron mobility is higher than the hole mobility.
2. The resistivity / conductivity depends not only on the
electron and hole densities but also on their mobilities.
3. The mobility depends relatively weakly on temperature. End of S & SC - I
SOLIDS AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - II
1. PN Junction Diode
2. Forward Bias of Junction Diode
3. Reverse Bias of Junction Diode
4. Diode Characteristics
5. Static and Dynamic Resistance of a Diode
6. Diode as a Half Wave Rectifier
7. Diode as a Full Wave Rectifier

Created by C. Mani, Principal, KV Bhandup, Mumbai

PN Junction Diode:
When a P-type semiconductor is joined to a N-type semiconductor such
that the crystal structure remains continuous at the boundary, the resulting
arrangement is called a PN junction diode or a semiconductor diode or a
crystal diode.

P N
- - - - - + + + + +
- - - - - + + + + +
- - - - - + + + + +

Mobile Hole (Majority Carrier)

When a PN junction is formed, the -
P region has mobile holes (+) and Immobile Negative Impurity Ion
immobile negatively charged ions.
Mobile Electron (Majority Carrier)
N region has mobile electrons (-) and + Immobile Positive Impurity Ion
immobile positively charged ions.

The whole arrangement is electrically neutral.

For simplicity, the minority charge carriers are not shown in the figure.
 PN Junction Diode immediately after it is formed :

P V N
- - - - - + + + + +
Fr
- - - - - + + + + +
E
- - - - - + + + + +
Fr

Depletion region

After the PN junction diode is formed –

i) Holes from P region diffuse into N region due to difference in concentration.
ii) Free electrons from N region diffuse into P region due to the same reason.
iii) Holes and free electrons combine near the junction.
iv) Each recombination eliminates an electron and a hole.
v) The uncompensated negative immobile ions in the P region do not allow any
more free electrons to diffuse from N region.
vi) The uncompensated positive immobile ions in the N region do not allow any
more holes to diffuse from P region.
vii) The positive donor ions in the N region and the negative acceptor ions in
the P region are left uncompensated.
viii) The region containing the uncompensated acceptor and donor ions is
called ‘depletion region’ because this region is devoid of mobile charges.
Since the region is having only immobile charges, therefore, this region
is also called ‘space charge region’.
ix) The N region is having higher potential than P region.
x) So, an electric field is set up as shown in the figure.
xi) The difference in potential between P and N regions across the junction
makes it difficult for the holes and electrons to move across the junction.
This acts as a barrier and hence called ‘potential barrier’ or ‘height of the
barrier’.
xii) The physical distance between one side and the other side of the barrier is
called ‘width of the barrier’.
xiii) Potential barrier for Si is nearly 0.7 V and for Ge is 0.3 V.
xiv) The potential barrier opposes the motion of the majority carriers.
xv) However, a few majority carriers with high kinetic energy manage to
overcome the barrier and cross the junction.
xvi) Potential barrier helps the movement of minority carriers.
Forward Bias:
Ih P V N Ie
- - - - - + + + + +
- - - - - + + + + +
EE
- - - - - + + + + +

Depletion region

E
When the positive terminal of the battery is connected to P-region and
negative terminal is connected to N-region, then the PN junction diode is said
to be forward-biased.
i) Holes in P-region are repelled by +ve terminal of the battery and the free
electrons are repelled by –ve terminal of the battery.
ii) So, some holes and free electrons enter into the depletion region.
iii) The potential barrier and the width of the depletion region decrease.
iv) Therefore, a large number of majority carriers diffuse across the junction.
v) Hole current and electronic current are in the same direction and add up.
v) Once they cross the junction, the holes in N-region and the electrons in P-
region become minority carriers of charge and constitute minority
current.
vi) For each electron – hole recombination, an electron from the negative
terminal of the battery enters the N-region and then drifts towards the
junction.

In the P-region, near the positive terminal of the battery, an electron

breaks covalent bond in the crystal and thus a hole is created. The hole
drifts towards the junction and the electron enters the positive terminal of
the battery.
vii) Thus, the current in the external circuit is due to movement of electrons,
current in P-region is due to movement of holes and current in N-region is
due to movement of electrons.
viii) If the applied is increased, the potential barrier further decreases. As a
result, a large number of majority carriers diffuse through the junction
and a larger current flows.
Reverse Bias:
Ih P V N Ie
- - - - - + + + + +
- - - - - + + + + +
EE
- - - - - + + + + +

Depletion region

E
When the negative terminal of the battery is connected to P-region and
positive terminal is connected to N-region, then the PN junction diode is said
to be reverse-biased.
i) Holes in P-region are attracted by -ve terminal of the battery and the free
electrons are attracted by +ve terminal of the battery.
ii) Thus, the majority carriers are pulled away from the junction.
iii) The potential barrier and the width of the depletion region increase.
iv) Therefore, it becomes more difficult for majority carriers diffuse across
the junction.
v) But the potential barrier helps the movement of the minority carriers. As
soon as the minority carriers are generated, they are swept away by the
potential barrier.
vi) At a given temperature, the rate of generation of minority carriers is
constant.
vii) So, the resulting current is constant irrespective of the applied voltage.
For this reason, this current is called ‘reverse saturation current’.
viii) Since the number of minority carriers is small, therefore, this current is
small and is in the order of 10-9 A in silicon diode and 10-6 A in germanium
diode.
ix) The reverse – biased PN junction diode has an effective capacitance
called ‘transition or depletion capacitance’. P and N regions act as the
plates of the capacitor and the depletion region acts as a dielectric
medium.
Diode Characteristics:
If (mA)
Forward Bias:

on
gi
D

Re
ar
ne
Li
VB
+
+ Vr (Volt) 0 Vk Vf (Volt)
V mA
Vk – Knee Voltage
VB – Breakdown Voltage

Reverse Bias:
D Ir (μA)

Resistance of a Diode:
+ i) Static or DC Resistance Rd.c = V / I
+
V μA
ii) Dynamic or AC Resistance
Ra.c = ΔV / ΔI
 +
PN Junction Diode as a ●
Half Wave Rectifier: D ●
The process of
converting RL
alternating
current into ●
●
direct current
is called ●
‘rectification’.
D ●
The device
used for RL No output
rectification is
called ●
‘rectifier’. ●
+
The PN
●
junction diode
offers low D ●
resistance in
forward bias RL
and high
resistance in ●
●
reverse bias.
 +
PN Junction Diode as a ●
Full Wave Rectifier: D1
A RL B
When the diode
rectifies whole ● ●
of the AC wave, D2
it is called ‘full ●
wave rectifier’.
●
During the
positive half D1
cycle of the A RL B
input ac signal, ● ●
the diode D1
conducts and D2
●
current is +
through BA. ●
During the
D1
negative half
cycle, the diode A RL B
D2 conducts ● ●
and current is D2
through BA. ●
End of S & SC - II