JEE Physics 2023 Question with Solution

Given: An electric dipole is enclosed by a closed surface.

Find: Whether the net electric flux through the closed surface is zero, and the correct assertion-reason option.

Using Gauss's law:

$$\Phi = \frac{Q_{\text{in}}}{\epsilon_0}$$

An electric dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges. Therefore, the total charge enclosed by the closed surface is

$$Q_{\text{in}} = (+q) + (-q) = 0$$

Hence,

$$\Phi = \frac{0}{\epsilon_0} = 0$$

So, Assertion A is true.

Reason R is also true because an electric dipole does consist of two equal and opposite charges.

Further, Reason R correctly explains Assertion A because the net flux depends on the net enclosed charge, which is zero for a dipole.

Therefore, the correct option is A.