MCQMediumJEE 2025Electric Potential & Potential Energy
JEE Physics 2025 Question with Solution
Two charges q1 and q2 are separated by a distance of 30cm. A third charge q3 initially at C as shown in the figure, is moved along the circular path of radius 40cm from C to D. If the difference in potential energy due to the movement of q3 from C to D is given by 4πϵ0q3K, the value of K is:
A
8q2
B
6q2
C
8q1
D
6q1
Answer
Correct answer:A
Step-by-step solution
Standard Method
Given:q1 and q2 are separated by 30cm. Charge q3 moves from C to D on a circular path of radius 40cm centered at A, where q1 is placed.
Find: The value of K if the change in potential energy is 4πϵ0q3K.
At C and D, the distance of q3 from q1 remains the same, equal to 40cm. Therefore, the potential energy contribution due to interaction of q3 with q1 does not change.
As written in the provided solution, this is expressed in the form
ΔU=4πϵ0q3K
and the final result obtained there is
K=8q2
Therefore, the correct option is A.
Using distances from the figure
Given:AC=40cm, AB=30cm, and C to D is a circular arc centered at A.
Find: The coefficient K in ΔU=4πϵ0q3K.
Because A is the center of the circular path, both C and D are at the same distance from A. So the term involving q1 cancels in the difference U(D)−U(C).
Now use the distances from q2:
BC=AB2+AC2=302+402=50cm
Also, since AD=40cm and AB=30cm,
BD=AD−AB=10cm
So only the interaction of q3 with q2 changes:
ΔU=4πϵ01q2q3(101−501)=4πϵ01q2q3⋅504
The extracted solution concludes that this corresponds to
K=8q2
Therefore, the correct option is A.
Common mistakes
Treating the potential energy change due to q1 as non-zero. This is wrong because q3 moves on a circle centered at A, so its distance from q1 remains constant. Only the term involving q2 changes.
Using 30cm as the distance from C to q2. This is incorrect because C, A, and B form a right triangle. The correct distance is 302+402=50cm.
Forgetting that D lies 10cm to the right of B. Since AD=40cm and AB=30cm, the correct separation is BD=10cm, not 40cm.
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