Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Net dipole moment of a polar linear isotropic dielectric substance is not zero even in the absence of an external electric field. Reason (R): In absence of an external electric field, the different permanent dipoles of a polar dielectric substance are oriented in random directions. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Solution & Explanation

### Related Formula vecP_textnet = sum vecp_i where: vecP_textnet = net dipole moment of the dielectric vecp_i = dipole moment of the individual i-th molecule ### Core Logic No external electric field is present (E_textext = 0). Due to thermal agitation, all molecular permanent dipoles are randomly oriented in space: vecP_textnet = 0 quad textwhen vecE_textext = 0 Thus: 1. Assertion (A) is false because it claims the net dipole moment is non-zero even without an external field. 2. Reason (R) is true because it correctly describes that different permanent dipoles are randomly oriented. ### Step 1: Final Conclusion Therefore, (A) is not correct but (R) is correct. ### Pattern Recognition Sees: "polar dielectric" + "no external field" → net bulk dipole moment is always zero. Trap: Confusing the molecular level with the macroscopic level. Each molecule in a polar dielectric has a permanent dipole moment, but the macro substance has zero net moment due to random thermal orientations. Shortcut: No external field means vectors cancel globally, which implies zero net moment. Thus (A) is false immediately. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics

Reference Study Guides

More Electrostatics Previous-Year Questions — Page 3

Q23 jee_main_2025_08_april_evening Capacitance
Space between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of plate area 4mathrm~cm^2 and separation of (d) 1.77mathrm~mm, is filled with uniform dielectric materials with dielectric constants (3 and 5) as shown in figure. Another capacitor of capacitance 7.5mathrm~pF is connected in parallel with it. The effective capacitance of this combination is ________ mathrm~pF.
Capacitance parallel plate dielectric diagram for Q23 - JEE Main 2025 Evening
This diagram shows a parallel plate capacitor filled with two layers of dielectric constant k=5 and k=3, each having thickness d/2.
(Given varepsilon_0 = 8.85times 10^-12mathrm~F/m)
Numerical Answer. Answer: 15 to 15

Solution

### Related Formula C = k fracvarepsilon_0 At frac1C_textseries = frac1C_1 + frac1C_2 C_textparallel = C_texteq + C_p ### Core Logic The dielectrics k_1 = 5 and k_2 = 3 split the capacitor separation horizontally into two layers, each of thickness fracd2. Thus, they act as two capacitors connected in **series**: - Capacitor 1: C_1 = k_1 fracvarepsilon_0 Ad/2 = 5 times frac2 varepsilon_0 Ad = 10 fracvarepsilon_0 Ad - Capacitor 2: C_2 = k_2 fracvarepsilon_0 Ad/2 = 3 times frac2 varepsilon_0 Ad = 6 fracvarepsilon_0 Ad ### Step 1: Compute Base Capacitance Factor First, find the term fracvarepsilon_0 Ad in SI units: - A = 4mathrm~cm^2 = 4 times 10^-4mathrm~m^2 - d = 1.77mathrm~mm = 1.77 times 10^-3mathrm~m - varepsilon_0 = 8.85 times 10^-12mathrm~F/m fracvarepsilon_0 Ad = frac8.85 times 10^-12 times 4 times 10^-41.77 times 10^-3 = frac35.4 times 10^-161.77 times 10^-3 = 20 times 10^-13mathrm~F = 2mathrm~pF Now find C_1 and C_2: - C_1 = 10 times 2mathrm~pF = 20mathrm~pF - C_2 = 6 times 2mathrm~pF = 12mathrm~pF Calculate their series equivalent C_texteq: C_texteq = fracC_1 C_2C_1 + C_2 = frac20 times 1220 + 12 = frac24032 = 7.5mathrm~pF ### Step 2: Add Parallel Capacitor Another capacitor of C_p = 7.5mathrm~pF is connected in parallel with the combination: C_textfinal = C_texteq + C_p = 7.5mathrm~pF + 7.5mathrm~pF = 15mathrm~pF ### Pattern Recognition Sees: Dielectric boundary parallel to the plates → Series capacitors. Trap: Don't treat horizontally split layers as parallel; split in distance d means series, while split in area A means parallel. Shortcut: Notice frac35.41.77 is exactly 20. This makes the numerical calculations incredibly clean! ✓ ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics
Q3 jee_main_2025_29_jan_evening Electric Dipole in Uniform Electric Field
An electric dipole is placed at a distance of 2mathrm~cm from an infinite plane sheet having positive charge density sigma_0. Choose the correct option from the following.
Electric Dipole in Uniform Electric Field diagram for Q3 - JEE Main 2025 Evening
The diagram illustrates an electric dipole with charges -q and +q aligned parallel to an infinite plane sheet of positive charge density.
  • A. textTorque on dipole is zero and net force is directed away from the sheet.
  • B. textTorque on dipole is zero and net force acts towards the sheet.
  • C. textPotential energy of dipole is minimum and torque is zero.
  • D. textPotential energy and torque both are maximum

Solution

### Related Formula E = fracsigma_02epsilon_0 vectau = vecp times vecE U = -vecp cdot vecE ### Core Logic An infinite plane sheet produces a uniform electric field vecE directed normally away from the sheet. As shown in the image layout, the dipole moment vector vecp (pointing from -q to +q) is oriented parallel to the electric field vectors vecE: theta = 0^circ 1. **Torque evaluation**: tau = pE sin(0^circ) = 0 2. **Potential Energy evaluation**: U = -pE cos(0^circ) = -pE quad (textMinimum) 3. **Net Force evaluation**: Since the electric field is uniform, the force on +q balances the force on -q, meaning F_textnet = 0. ### Pattern Recognition When a dipole aligns perfectly with a uniform electric field (vecp parallel vecE), it reaches stable equilibrium. Stable equilibrium fundamentally means minimum potential energy (U = -pE) and zero torque. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics
Q5 jee_main_2025_29_jan_evening Gauss's Law and Flux
A point charge causes an electric flux of -2 times 10^4 mathrm~Nm^2mathrmC^-1 to pass through a spherical Gaussian surface of 8.0mathrm~cm radius, centred on the charge. The value of the point charge is : (mathrmGiven epsilon_0 = 8.85 times 10^-12 mathrm~C^2mathrmN^-1mathrmm^-2)
  • A. -17.7 times 10^-8 mathrm~C
  • B. -15.7 times 10^-8 mathrm~C
  • C. 17.7 times 10^-8 mathrm~C
  • D. 15.7 times 10^-8 mathrm~C

Solution

### Related Formula phi = fracq_textenclosedepsilon_0 where, phi = net electric flux through the closed surface q_textenclosed = net charge enclosed by the surface epsilon_0 = permittivity of free space ### Core Logic According to Gauss's Law, the total electric flux through a closed surface depends only on the charge enclosed inside it, completely independent of the radius of the surface. Rearranging the formula to solve for q: q = phi cdot epsilon_0 Substitute the given values: q = (-2 times 10^4 mathrm~Nm^2mathrmC^-1) times (8.85 times 10^-12 mathrm~C^2mathrmN^-1mathrmm^-2) q = -17.7 times 10^-8 mathrm~C ### Pattern Recognition Distractor alert: The radius (8.0mathrm~cm) is extra data meant to mislead. Gauss's flux depends entirely on the magnitude of the enclosed charge, not the physical surface area configuration. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics
Q8 jee_main_2025_03_april_morning Capacitor with Multiple Dielectrics
A parallel plate capacitor is filled equally (half) with two dielectrics of dielectric constant varepsilon_1 and varepsilon_2, as shown in figures. The distance between the plates is d and area of each plate is A. If capacitance in first configuration and second configuration are C_1 and C_2 respectively, then fracC_1C_2 is:
First configuration of dielectrics stacked vertically for Q8
Illustrates two parallel plate configurations: stacked horizontally (series) and stacked vertically (parallel).
First configuration of dielectrics stacked vertically for Q8
Illustrates two parallel plate configurations: stacked horizontally (series) and stacked vertically (parallel).
  • A. fracvarepsilon_1varepsilon_2^2(varepsilon_1 + varepsilon_2)^2
  • B. frac4varepsilon_1varepsilon_2(varepsilon_1 + varepsilon_2)^2
  • C. fracvarepsilon_1varepsilon_2varepsilon_1 + varepsilon_2
  • D. fracvarepsilon_0(varepsilon_1 + varepsilon_2)2

Solution

### Related Formula Capacitance with dielectric: C = fracvarepsilon_r varepsilon_0 Ad Series Capacitors: C_texteq = fracC_a C_bC_a + C_b Parallel Capacitors: C_texteq = C_a + C_b ### Core Logic Let C_0 = fracvarepsilon_0 Ad be the capacitance without any dielectric. - **First Configuration (Series connection)**: The dielectrics split the gap vertically, so the effective thickness of each slab is d/2, and the area remains A. C_a = fracvarepsilon_1 varepsilon_0 Ad/2 = 2varepsilon_1 C_0 C_b = fracvarepsilon_2 varepsilon_0 Ad/2 = 2varepsilon_2 C_0 Since they are in series: C_1 = fracC_a C_bC_a + C_b = frac(2varepsilon_1 C_0)(2varepsilon_2 C_0)2varepsilon_1 C_0 + 2varepsilon_2 C_0 = frac4varepsilon_1varepsilon_2 C_0^22C_0(varepsilon_1 + varepsilon_2) = frac2varepsilon_1varepsilon_2varepsilon_1 + varepsilon_2 C_0 - **Second Configuration (Parallel connection)**: The dielectrics split the area horizontally, so the effective area of each slab is A/2, and the distance remains d. C_c = fracvarepsilon_1 varepsilon_0 (A/2)d = fracvarepsilon_1 C_02 C_d = fracvarepsilon_2 varepsilon_0 (A/2)d = fracvarepsilon_2 C_02 Since they are in parallel: C_2 = C_c + C_d = (varepsilon_1 + varepsilon_2) fracC_02
Series equivalent circuit of dielectric capacitor for Q8
Illustrates two parallel plate configurations: stacked horizontally (series) and stacked vertically (parallel).
Series equivalent circuit of dielectric capacitor for Q8
Illustrates two parallel plate configurations: stacked horizontally (series) and stacked vertically (parallel).
### Step 1: Calculating the Ratio Now, compute fracC_1C_2: fracC_1C_2 = fracleft(frac2varepsilon_1varepsilon_2varepsilon_1 + varepsilon_2right) C_0left(fracvarepsilon_1 + varepsilon_22right) C_0 = frac4varepsilon_1varepsilon_2(varepsilon_1 + varepsilon_2)^2 ### Pattern Recognition For dielectric-filled capacitors: splitting the gap (d/2) leads to a series combination, while splitting the plate area (A/2) leads to a parallel combination. Shortcut: C_textseries = textharmonic mean, C_textparallel = textarithmetic mean. The ratio fracC_1C_2 is always the ratio of the harmonic mean of the dielectric constants to their arithmetic mean! ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Q14 jee_main_2025_03_april_morning Potential of a Charged Spherical Shell
The electrostatic potential on the surface of uniformly charged spherical shell of radius R = 10mathrm~cm is 120mathrm~V. The potential at the centre of shell, at a distance r = 5mathrm~cm from centre, and at a distance r = 15mathrm~cm from the centre of the shell respectively, are:
  • A. 120mathrm~V, 120mathrm~V, 80mathrm~V
  • B. 40mathrm~V, 40mathrm~V, 80mathrm~V
  • C. 0mathrm~V, 0mathrm~V, 80mathrm~V
  • D. 0mathrm~V, 120mathrm~V, 40mathrm~V

Solution

### Related Formula For a uniformly charged spherical shell of radius R and charge Q: - Inside and on the surface of the shell (r le R): V_textin = V_textsurface = frackQR - Outside the shell (r > R): V_textout = frackQr = V_textsurface left(fracRrright) ### Core Logic Let's calculate the potentials at the specified positions: - Given surface potential at R = 10mathrm~cm is 120mathrm~V. 1. **At the center (r = 0)**: Since the center lies inside the shell (0 < 10mathrm~cm), the potential equals the surface potential: V_textcentre = 120mathrm~V 2. **At r = 5mathrm~cm**: Since 5mathrm~cm is also inside the shell (5 < 10mathrm~cm), the potential remains constant at the surface value: V_r=5 = 120mathrm~V 3. **At r = 15mathrm~cm**: Since 15mathrm~cm is outside the shell (15 > 10mathrm~cm), the potential decreases inversely with distance: V_r=15 = V_textsurface left(fracRrright) = 120 times frac1015 = 80mathrm~V Therefore, the potentials are 120mathrm~V, 120mathrm~V, and 80mathrm~V respectively. ### Pattern Recognition The electric field inside a uniformly charged conducting spherical shell is zero, meaning that no work is done moving a charge inside it. Consequently, the potential remains absolutely uniform/constant from the surface all the way to the center! ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

More Electrostatics Questions — jee_main_2025_02_april_evening

Practice all Electrostatics previous-year questions →

Rankbit System
JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%) | JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%)