JEE Physics 2026 Question with Solution

Given: The ammeter reading in the circuit is required in steady state.

Find: The current through the ammeter.

In DC steady state, a capacitor behaves as an open circuit and does not allow current to pass through its branch.

Therefore, the diagonal branch containing the capacitor is effectively removed from conduction, and the remaining circuit is symmetrically arranged.

Because the resistances on both sides of the ammeter are identical, equal currents tend to flow through the ammeter in opposite directions.

Hence these equal and opposite currents cancel each other, so the net current through the ammeter is $0$.

Therefore, the reading of the ammeter is $0 \, \text{A}$. The correct option is C.

Given: The circuit is in steady state and contains a capacitor.

Find: The ammeter reading.

Use two quick observations:

1. In steady state, the capacitor branch is open.
2. The remaining network is symmetric about the ammeter.

By symmetry, the potentials at the two ends of the ammeter become equal, so there is no potential difference across it.

Since

if $V = 0$ across the ammeter, the current through it is also $0$.

Therefore, the ammeter reads $0 \, \text{A}$, so the correct option is C.