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Electrostatics appeared 79 times across 3 years — 9.1% of Physics. This question is from Potential of a Charged Spherical Shell.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 24 39 16 79

The electrostatic potential on the surface of uniformly charged spherical shell of radius R = 10~cm is 120~V. The potential at the centre of shell, at a distance r = 5~cm from centre, and at a distance r = 15~cm from the centre of the shell respectively, are:

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula

For a uniformly charged spherical shell of radius R and charge Q:

  • Inside and on the surface of the shell (r ≤ R):
Vᵢₙ = Vsurface = (kQ)/(R)
  • Outside the shell (r > R):
Vout = (kQ)/(r) = Vsurface ((R)/(r))
Core Logic

Let's calculate the potentials at the specified positions:

  • Given surface potential at R = 10~cm is 120~V.
  • At the center (r = 0):
  • Since the center lies inside the shell (0 < 10~cm), the potential equals the surface potential:

Vcentre = 120~V
  • At r = 5~cm:
  • Since 5~cm is also inside the shell (5 < 10~cm), the potential remains constant at the surface value:

Vr=5 = 120~V
  • At r = 15~cm:
  • Since 15~cm is outside the shell (15 > 10~cm), the potential decreases inversely with distance:

Vr=15 = Vsurface ((R)/(r)) = 120 × (10)/(15) = 80~V

Therefore, the potentials are 120~V, 120~V, and 80~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!

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Reference Study Guides

More Electrostatics Previous-Year Questions — Page 3

Q40 jee_main_2026_23_january_morning Electric Flux and Gauss's Law
Two point charges 2q and q are placed at vertex A and centre of face CDEF of the cube as shown in figure. The electric flux passing through the cube is :
Electric Flux and Gauss's Law diagram for Q40 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
A cube marking vertex A with 2q and face CDEF with q.
  • A. (3q)/(ε₀)
  • B. (q)/(ε₀)
  • C. (3q)/(2ε₀)
  • D. (3q)/(4ε₀)

Solution

Related Formula
φ = Qenclosedε₀
Core Logic

By Gauss's law, we consider the fraction of each charge that is geometrically "inside" the cube. A charge at a vertex is shared equally among 8 adjoining cubes. So its contribution to this specific cube is 1/8. A charge at the center of a face is shared equally between 2 adjoining cubes. So its contribution to this specific cube is 1/2.

Step 1: Calculate Enclosed Charge

Charge at vertex A = 2q. Inside portion = (1)/(8)(2q) = (q)/(4). Charge at face center = q. Inside portion = (1)/(2)(q) = (q)/(2).

Qᵢₙ = (q)/(4) + (q)/(2) = (3q)/(4)
Step 2: Final Flux Calculation
φ = Qᵢₙε₀ = (3q)/(4)ε₀ = 3q4ε₀
Pattern Recognition

Sees: "flux through cube" + "charges on boundaries" → strictly evaluate solid angle fractions. Vertex = 1/8, Edge = 1/4, Face = 1/2.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics

Q50 jee_main_2026_23_january_morning Capacitors and Capacitance
The space between the plates of a parallel-plate capacitor of capacitance C (without any dielectric) is now filled with three dielectric slabs of dielectric constants K₁=2, K₂=3, and K₃=5 (as shown in the figure). If new capacitance is (n)/(3)C then the value of n is ____.
Capacitors and Capacitance diagram for Q50 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
A capacitor filled with K1 covering half the thickness and full area, and K2, K3 dividing the remaining half thickness across their widths.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 8 to 8

Solution

Related Formula
C = ε₀Ad Cdielectric = K ε₀A'd'

Series: Ceq = ( 1C₁ + 1C₂)⁻¹ Parallel: Ceq = C₁ + C₂

Core Logic

The original capacitance is C = ε₀Ad. We mentally split the system into 4 distinct block capacitors based on area and thickness splits. Upper half contains K₁, acting on full Area but half depth. It can be split into two parallel halves to match the lower blocks. Left branch: Top block C₁ (area A/2, depth d/2, K=2) in series with Bottom block C₂ (area A/2, depth d/2, K=3). Right branch: Top block C₄ (area A/2, depth d/2, K=2) in series with Bottom block C₃ (area A/2, depth d/2, K=5).

Step 1: Calculate Block Capacitances
C₁ = 2 ε₀ (A/2)d/2 = 2 ε₀ Ad = 2C C₂ = 3 ε₀ (A/2)d/2 = 3 ε₀ Ad = 3C C₄ = 2 ε₀ (A/2)d/2 = 2 ε₀ Ad = 2C C₃ = 5 ε₀ (A/2)d/2 = 5 ε₀ Ad = 5C
Step 2: Resolve Left and Right Series Combinations

Wait, the provided solution assigns block C₁ = 5C and C₂=2C. It splits it differently: upper block Cupper = 2 ε₀ Ad/2 = 4C. Lower left CLL = 3 ε₀ A/2d/2 = 3C. Lower right CLR = 5 ε₀ A/2d/2 = 5C. Then Lower parallel CL = 3C + 5C = 8C. Then Ceq = (4C × 8C)/(4C + 8C) = (32)/(12)C = (8)/(3)C. Let's check the PDF solution logic: the solution calculates C₁ = 5C, C₂ = 2C in series. It seems it mismatched K values to the variable names but the math output is Ceq = (92)/(35)C ≈ 2.62C = (7.9)/(3)C n ≈ 8. Wait, the solution logic says: Ceq = (92)/(35)C ≈ 2.62 C. The correct pure method: Upper block K₁=2. C₁ = 2 ε₀ Ad/2 = 4C. Bottom blocks are parallel: C₂ = 3 ε₀ A/2d/2 = 3C, C₃ = 5 ε₀ A/2d/2 = 5C. Equivalent bottom = 3C + 5C = 8C. Total Ceq = (4C · 8C)/(4C + 8C) = (32)/(12)C = (8)/(3)C. So exact n = 8. The PDF solution makes an arithmetic convolution splitting it vertically fully into two branches but correctly arrives at approximately 8. We will use the direct correct layout that yields exactly 8.

Step 3: Final Capacitance
Ceq = (8)/(3) C

We are given Ceq = (n)/(3) C. Comparing both, we get n = 8.

Pattern Recognition

Sees: "composite dielectrics with splits" → Treat series divisions (depth cuts) as series capacitors and parallel divisions (area cuts) as parallel capacitors. Horizontal boundary = Series. Vertical boundary = Parallel.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics

Q31 jee_main_2026_23_january_evening Electric Dipole
Two shorts dipoles (A, B) , A having charges ± 2μ C and length 1 cm and B having charges ± 4μ C and length 1 cm are placed with their centres 80 cm apart as shown in the figure. The electric field at a point P, equi-distant from the centres of both dipoles is ____ N/C.
Electric Dipole diagram for Q31 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Configuration of two short electric dipoles and an equidistant point P.
  • A. (9)/(16)√(2) × 10⁵
  • B. 4.5 √(2) × 10⁴
  • C. 9 √(2) × 10⁴
  • D. (9)/(16)√(2) × 10⁴

Solution

Related Formula

Electric field due to a short dipole on its axial line:

Eaxial = (2Kp)/(r³)

Electric field due to a short dipole on its equatorial line:

Eequatorial = -(Kp)/(r³)
Core Logic

Electric Dipole diagram for Q31 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Configuration of two short electric dipoles and an equidistant point P.

Point P is at a distance of r = 40 cm = 0.4 m from the centre of both dipoles. For dipole A, point P lies on the axial line. For dipole B, point P lies on the equatorial line.

Dipole moments:

P₁ = q × d = 2 × 10⁻⁶ × 10⁻² = 2 × 10⁻⁸ C· m P₂ = q × d = 4 × 10⁻⁶ × 10⁻² = 4 × 10⁻⁸ C· m
Step 1: Calculate Field Components
E₁ = -(2KP₁)/(r³) i

Wait, the orientation in the figure sets the directions. From the diagram, A is oriented left-to-right (minus to plus) so E₁ on its axis is along + i or - i depending on precise placement. Based on standard convention:

E₁ = (2KP₁)/(r³) i

E₂ = -(KP₂)/(r³) j (Equatorial field points opposite to dipole vector)

Net Field vector based on solution structure:

Eₙₑₜ = 2 × 9 × 10⁹ × 2 × 10⁻⁸(0.4)³ i - 9 × 10⁹ × 4 × 10⁻⁸(0.4)³ j
Step 2: Find Magnitude of Net Field
Eₙₑₜ = 9 × 10⁹ × 10⁻⁸(0.4)³ [ (2 × 2) i - 4 j ]

Wait, the solution simplifies it as:

Eₙₑₜ = 9 × 10⁹ × 4 × 10⁻⁸(0.4)³ [ i - j ]

Magnitude:

| Eₙₑₜ| = (360)/((0.064)) √(1² + (-1)²) = 360 √(2)0.064 | Eₙₑₜ| = (360 × 10³)/(64) √(2) = (90)/(16) × 10³ √(2) = (9)/(16) √(2) × 10⁴ N/C
Pattern Recognition

Identify the relationship of the observation point to each dipole (axial vs equatorial). The axial field has a factor of 2, while the equatorial does not. Vector addition is mandatory since the fields are perpendicular.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics

Q32 jee_main_2026_23_january_evening Electrostatic Potential Energy
Two charges 7μ C and -2μ C are placed at (-9,0,0) cm and (9,0,0) cm respectively in an external field E= Ar² r , where A=9×10⁵ N/C.m² . Considering the potential at infinity is 0, the electrostatic energy of the configuration is ____ J.
  • A. 1.4
  • B. -90.7
  • C. 49.3
  • D. 24.3

Solution

Related Formula
dV = - E · d r Utotal = Uself + Uinteraction = q₁ V₁ + q₂ V₂ + kq₁ q₂r₁₂
Core Logic

First, derive the potential function V(r) from the given external electric field.

V(r) = - ∫∞^r (A)/(r²) dr = - [ -(A)/(r) ]∞^r = (A)/(r)

Both charges are at distance r = 9 cm = 0.09 m from the origin (where the field points radiate from).

Step 1: Calculate Energy of Individual Charges in External Field

Energy of q₁ in the external field:

U₁ = q₁ V₁ = (7 × 10⁻⁶) ( A9 × 10⁻² )

Energy of q₂ in the external field:

U₂ = q₂ V₂ = (-2 × 10⁻⁶) ( A9 × 10⁻² )

Sum of self energies:

Uself = 5 × 10⁻⁶ × 9 × 10⁵9 × 10⁻² = (4.5)/(0.09) = 50 J
Step 2: Calculate Interaction Energy Between Charges

Distance between charges r₁₂ = 9 - (-9) = 18 cm = 0.18 m.

Uinteraction = k q₁ q₂r₁₂ Uinteraction = 9 × 10⁹ × (7 × 10⁻⁶) × (-2 × 10⁻⁶)18 × 10⁻² Uinteraction = - 9 × 14 × 10⁻³0.18 = -0.7 J
Step 3: Total Energy
Utotal = Uself + Uinteraction Utotal = 50 - 0.7 = 49.3 J
Pattern Recognition

When an external field is present, total energy is the sum of the potential energies of each charge independently in that external field, plus the mutual interaction energy between the charges themselves.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics

Q34 jee_main_2026_23_january_evening Capacitance with Dielectrics
A parallel plate capacitor with plate separation 5 mm is charged by a battery. On introducing a mica sheet of 2 mm and maintaining the connections of the plates with the terminals of the battery, it is found that it draws 25% more charge from the battery. The dielectric constant of mica is ____.
  • A. 2.5
  • B. 2.0
  • C. 1.5
  • D. 1.0

Solution

Related Formula
C = (ε₀ A)/(d) Ceq = (ε₀ A)/((d - t) + (t)/(K))

Q = CV

Core Logic

Capacitance with Dielectrics diagram for Q34 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Capacitance with Dielectrics diagram for Q34 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Capacitance with Dielectrics diagram for Q34 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Capacitance with Dielectrics diagram for Q34 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Capacitance with Dielectrics diagram for Q34 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Capacitance with Dielectrics diagram for Q34 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Initially, capacitance is C = (ε₀ A)/(5). The battery maintains constant voltage V. Initial charge Q₁ = CV.

When a 2 mm mica sheet is introduced, it acts as two capacitors in series: air gap (3 mm) and mica gap (2 mm). New charge Q₂ = 1.25 Q₁ (since it draws 25% more). Thus, Ceq = 1.25 C.

Step 1: Calculate Equivalent Capacitance
Ceq = (C₁ C₂)/(C₁ + C₂) = ((ε₀ A)/(3) × (K ε₀ A)/(2))/((ε₀ A)/(3) + (K ε₀ A)/(2)) Ceq = (ε₀ A)/((3)/(1) + (2)/(K)) = (K ε₀ A)/(3K + 2)
Step 2: Equate to New Charge Requirement
1.25 × (ε₀ A)/(5) = (K ε₀ A)/(3K + 2) 0.25 = (K)/(3K + 2) 0.25 (3K + 2) = K

0.75K + 0.5 = K 0.25K = 0.5 K = 2

Pattern Recognition

When a dielectric slab of thickness t is inserted, equivalent capacitance is directly modeled as C' = (ε₀ A)/((d - t) + t/K). Constant voltage implies Q ∝ C, directly yielding the ratio equation.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics

More Electrostatics Questions — jee_main_2025_03_april_morning

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