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Q.Using theorem of superposition derive the expression for the electric field intensity due to a discrete charge distribution consisting of 'n' charges. If the charges are distributed continuously along a given length with charge density λ\lambda then deduce the expression for the electric field in this case. (3+2=5) OR Two thin plane sheet of charge having charge density of σ1\sigma_1 and σ2\sigma_2 are placed parallel to each other. Derive the expression for the electric field intensities in the regions I, II and III as shown in figure. How will the intensity changed if the charge densities on the plates become σ\sigma and −σ-\sigma respectively? (3+2=5)

two parallel positively charged sheets A and B with surface charge densities, showing the electric fields E1 and E2 in the three regions I, II and III — Class 12 Physics electrostatics question
Figure
Manipur CohsemCOHSEM Manipur Higher Secondary Board 2026Subjective· 5mImportance★★★★★
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Vector-sum superposition, generalized to an integral for continuous charge (main option); OR field patterns for two parallel charged sheets.

Main option — superposition for discrete and continuous charge: the principle of superposition states that the total electric field at a point due to a collection of charges is the vector sum of the fields due to each individual charge, as if the others were absent:

E⃗total=E⃗1+E⃗2+…+E⃗n=∑i=1n14πε0qiri2r^i\vec{E}_{total} = \vec{E}_1+\vec{E}_2+\ldots+\vec{E}_n = \sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}\frac{q_i}{r_i^2}\hat{r}_i

For a continuous linear charge distribution of density λ\lambda, each infinitesimal element dldl carries charge dq=λ dldq=\lambda\,dl, contributing a field dE⃗=14πε0λ dlr2r^d\vec{E} = \dfrac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}\dfrac{\lambda\,dl}{r^2}\hat{r}; the total field is obtained by integrating (vector-summing) over the entire charge distribution:

E⃗=∫14πε0λ dlr2r^\vec{E} = \int \frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}\frac{\lambda\,dl}{r^2}\hat{r}

OR-alternative — two parallel charged sheets σ1,σ2\sigma_1,\sigma_2 (both positive): each sheet alone produces a field of magnitude σ/2ε0\sigma/2\varepsilon_0 pointing away from it on both sides. Superposing:

  • Region I (left of both): both fields point left (away from the sheets): EI=σ1+σ22ε0E_I = \dfrac{\sigma_1+\sigma_2}{2\varepsilon_0}
  • Region II (between the sheets): the two fields point in opposite directions: EII=∣σ1−σ2∣2ε0E_{II} = \dfrac{|\sigma_1-\sigma_2|}{2\varepsilon_0}
  • Region III (right of both): both fields point right: EIII=σ1+σ22ε0E_{III} = \dfrac{\sigma_1+\sigma_2}{2\varepsilon_0} …

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