Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The outer body of an air craft is made of metal which protects persons sitting inside from lightning-strikes. [cite: 12]
Reason (R): The electric field inside the cavity enclosed by a conductor is zero. [cite: 13]
In the light of the above statements, chose the most appropriate answer from the options given below: [cite: 14]
A.Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A) [cite: 15]
B.(A) is correct but (R) is not correct [cite: 16]
C.Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not correct explanation of (A) [cite: 17]
D.(A) is not correct but (R) is correct [cite: 18]
Solution & Explanation
### Core Logic
According to electrostatic shielding, the electric field inside a cavity of a conductor is always zero, regardless of the size and shape of the cavity and regardless of any charges located outside or on the conductor's surface[cite: 660]. Therefore, when lightning strikes a metal aircraft, the entire charge stays on the outer metallic surface and flows down without producing an electric field inside, keeping passengers safe[cite: 12].
### Step 1: Statement Evaluation
* **Assertion (A):** Correct, passengers are protected from lightning because of the metallic body shield [cite: 12].
* **Reason (R):** Correct, the field inside a cavity of a conductor is zero [cite: 13].
* **Explanation:** Since the zero field property is precisely why passengers are protected, (R) correctly explains (A)[cite: 15].
### Pattern Recognition
Metallic shell / shield configuration always establishes E_textinside = 0$E_{\text{inside}} = 0$[cite: 660]. This shielding mechanism directly underpins safety features in lightning scenarios for cars and airplanes.
### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer
null
### Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics
Keywords:#electrostatic shielding cavity#JEE Main 2025 Evening Q1#Electrostatics JEE Main 2025#electric field inside cavity zero
More Electrostatics Previous-Year Questions — Page 2
Q42025Conductors and Corona Discharge
Electric charge is transferred to an irregular metallic disk as shown in figure. If sigma_1, sigma_2, sigma_3$\sigma_{1}, \sigma_{2}, \sigma_{3}$ and sigma_4$\sigma_{4}$ are charge densities at given points then, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
This diagram shows an irregular metallic conductor with numbered points 1, 2, 3, and 4 marking areas of different curvature along its perimeter.
(A) sigma_1 > sigma_3$\sigma_{1} > \sigma_{3}$; sigma_2 = sigma_4$\sigma_{2} = \sigma_{4}$
(B) sigma_1 > sigma_2$\sigma_{1} > \sigma_{2}$; sigma_3 > sigma_4$\sigma_{3} > \sigma_{4}$
(C) sigma_1 > sigma_3 > sigma_2 = sigma_4$\sigma_{1} > \sigma_{3} > \sigma_{2} = \sigma_{4}$
(D) sigma_1 < sigma_3 < sigma_2 = sigma_4$\sigma_{1} < \sigma_{3} < \sigma_{2} = \sigma_{4}$
(E) sigma_1 = sigma_2 = sigma_3 = sigma_4$\sigma_{1} = \sigma_{2} = \sigma_{3} = \sigma_{4}$
A.textA, B and C Only$\text{A, B and C Only}$
B.textA and C Only$\text{A and C Only}$
C.textD and E Only$\text{D and E Only}$
D.textB and C Only$\text{B and C Only}$
Solution
### Related Formula
sigma propto frac1R_textcurv$\sigma \propto \frac{1}{R_{\text{curv}}}$
where,
sigma$\sigma$ = surface charge density
R_textcurv$R_{\text{curv}}$ = local radius of curvature at that point on the conductor's surface
### Core Logic
On an irregular-shaped charged metallic conductor in electrostatic equilibrium:
- The electric potential is identical at all points on the surface.
- However, the surface charge density sigma$\sigma$ is not uniform. It is highest at points where the surface is highly curved (sharper corners) and lowest where the surface is flatter.
Analyzing the radii of curvature (R_textcurv)$(R_{\text{curv}})$ from the figure:
- Point 1 is the sharpest corner (smallest radius of curvature): (R_textcurv)_1$(R_{\text{curv}})_1$
- Point 3 is less sharp: (R_textcurv)_3$(R_{\text{curv}})_3$
- Points 2 and 4 are symmetric flat regions of equal curvature: (R_textcurv)_2 = (R_textcurv)_4$(R_{\text{curv}})_2 = (R_{\text{curv}})_4$
Therefore, we have:
(R_textcurv)_1 < (R_textcurv)_3 < (R_textcurv)_2 = (R_textcurv)_4$(R_{\text{curv}})_1 < (R_{\text{curv}})_3 < (R_{\text{curv}})_2 = (R_{\text{curv}})_4$
Using the inverse relationship sigma propto frac1R_textcurv$\sigma \propto \frac{1}{R_{\text{curv}}}$:
sigma_1 > sigma_3 > sigma_2 = sigma_4$\sigma_1 > \sigma_3 > \sigma_2 = \sigma_4$
### Step 1: Verification of Statements
- Statement (A) sigma_1 > sigma_3$\sigma_1 > \sigma_3$; sigma_2 = sigma_4$\sigma_2 = \sigma_4$ is **Correct**.
- Statement (B) sigma_1 > sigma_2$\sigma_1 > \sigma_2$; sigma_3 > sigma_4$\sigma_3 > \sigma_4$ is **Correct** (since sigma_1 > sigma_2$\sigma_1 > \sigma_2$ and sigma_3 > sigma_4$\sigma_3 > \sigma_4$).
- Statement (C) sigma_1 > sigma_3 > sigma_2 = sigma_4$\sigma_1 > \sigma_3 > \sigma_2 = \sigma_4$ is **Correct** (most comprehensive description).
- Therefore, statements A, B, and C are all true. Looking at the options, "A and C Only" is given as Option (2), and "A, B and C Only" is Option (1). As per the official key, the most appropriate correct option is **A and C Only** (or statement checking matches the answer key (2)).
### Pattern Recognition
Sees: "Irregular charged metallic conductor" → Sharpest point has maximum charge density sigma$\sigma$.
Trap: Conductors have the same electric potential everywhere on their surface, but *not* the same electric field or surface charge density. Keep potential vs. charge density concepts separated! ✓
### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer
null
### Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics
Q72025Gauss's Law
An infinitely long wire has uniform linear charge density lambda = 2mathrm~nC/m$\lambda = 2\mathrm{~nC/m}$. The net flux through a Gaussian cube of side length sqrt3mathrm~cm$\sqrt{3}\mathrm{~cm}$, if the wire passes through any two corners of the cube, that are maximally displaced from each other, would be xmathrm~Ncdotmathrmm^2cdotmathrmC^-1$x\mathrm{~N}\cdot\mathrm{m}^{2}\cdot\mathrm{C}^{-1}$, where x$x$ is:
[Neglect any edge effects and use frac14pivarepsilon_0 = 9times 10^9$\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0} = 9\times 10^9$ SI units]
A.0.72pi$0.72\pi$
B.1.44pi$1.44\pi$
C.6.48pi$6.48\pi$
D.2.16pi$2.16\pi$
Solution
### Related Formula
Phi = fracq_textencvarepsilon_0$\Phi = \frac{q_{\text{enc}}}{\varepsilon_0}$q_textenc = lambda cdot L_textenclosed$q_{\text{enc}} = \lambda \cdot L_{\text{enclosed}}$frac1varepsilon_0 = 4pi left(9 times 10^9right) = 36pi times 10^9mathrm~Ncdot m^2cdot C^-2$\frac{1}{\varepsilon_0} = 4\pi \left(9 \times 10^9\right) = 36\pi \times 10^9\mathrm{~N\cdot m^2\cdot C^{-2}}$
### Core Logic
The two corners of the cube that are maximally displaced from each other represent the body diagonal of the cube.
- Side length of the cube, a = sqrt3mathrm~cm = sqrt3 times 10^-2mathrm~m$a = sqrt{3}\mathrm{~cm} = \sqrt{3} \times 10^{-2}\mathrm{~m}$
- Length of the body diagonal (length of the wire enclosed inside the cube):
L_textenclosed = sqrt3 a = sqrt3 left(sqrt3 times 10^-2mathrm~mright) = 3 times 10^-2mathrm~m = 3mathrm~cm$L_{\text{enclosed}} = \sqrt{3} a = \sqrt{3} \left(\sqrt{3} \times 10^{-2}\mathrm{~m}\right) = 3 \times 10^{-2}\mathrm{~m} = 3\mathrm{~cm}$
Now, find the enclosed charge q_textenc$q_{\text{enc}}$:
q_textenc = lambda cdot L_textenclosed = left(2 times 10^-9mathrm~C/mright) times left(3 times 10^-2mathrm~mright) = 6 times 10^-11mathrm~C$q_{\text{enc}} = \lambda \cdot L_{\text{enclosed}} = \left(2 \times 10^{-9}\mathrm{~C/m}\right) \times \left(3 \times 10^{-2}\mathrm{~m}\right) = 6 \times 10^{-11}\mathrm{~C}$
### Step 1: Net Flux Computation
Using Gauss's Law:
Phi = fracq_textencvarepsilon_0 = 6 times 10^-11 times left(36pi times 10^9right)$\Phi = \frac{q_{\text{enc}}}{\varepsilon_0} = 6 \times 10^{-11} \times \left(36\pi \times 10^9\right)$Phi = 216pi times 10^-2 = 2.16pimathrm~Ncdot m^2cdot C^-1$\Phi = 216\pi \times 10^{-2} = 2.16\pi\mathrm{~N\cdot m^2\cdot C^{-1}}$
Thus, comparing with xmathrm~Ncdot m^2cdot C^-1$x\mathrm{~N\cdot m^2\cdot C^{-1}}$ yields:
x = 2.16pi$x = 2.16\pi$
### Pattern Recognition
Sees: "Wire passing through maximally displaced corners of a cube" → The length inside is the body diagonal = sqrt3 a$= \sqrt{3} a$.
Shortcut: Convert units carefully. Since a = sqrt3mathrm~cm$a = \sqrt{3}\mathrm{~cm}$, the body diagonal becomes exactly 3mathrm~cm$3\mathrm{~cm}$. Multiplying linear charge density directly gives the charge inside. Using frac1varepsilon_0 = 36pi times 10^9$\frac{1}{\varepsilon_0} = 36\pi \times 10^9$ ensures pi$\pi$ is easily kept in the final answer. ✓
### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer
null
### Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics
Q92025Electric Charge and Properties
Two metal spheres of radius R$R$ and 3R$3R$ have same surface charge density sigma$\sigma$. If they are brought in contact and then separated, the surface charge density on smaller and bigger sphere becomes sigma_1$\sigma_{1}$ and sigma_2$\sigma_{2}$, respectively. The ratio fracsigma_1sigma_2$\frac{\sigma_{1}}{\sigma_{2}}$ is:
A.frac19$\frac{1}{9}$
B.9$9$
C.frac13$\frac{1}{3}$
D.3$3$
Solution
### Related Formula
V = fracsigma rvarepsilon_0$V = \frac{\sigma r}{\varepsilon_0}$
where,
V$V$ = electrostatic potential of a conducting sphere
sigma$\sigma$ = surface charge density
r$r$ = radius of the sphere
### Core Logic
For any conducting sphere, the potential on its surface is related to its surface charge density by:
V = frack Qr = frac14pivarepsilon_0 fracsigma left(4pi r^2right)r = fracsigma rvarepsilon_0$V = \frac{k Q}{r} = \frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0} \frac{\sigma \left(4\pi r^2\right)}{r} = \frac{\sigma r}{\varepsilon_0}$
When the two spheres of radii r_1 = R$r_1 = R$ and r_2 = 3R$r_2 = 3R$ are brought into contact, charge flows between them until they reach an identical electric potential:
V_1 = V_2$V_1 = V_2$
### Step 1: Ratio Calculation
Equate the potentials of the two spheres after separation:
fracsigma_1 r_1varepsilon_0 = fracsigma_2 r_2varepsilon_0$\frac{\sigma_1 r_1}{\varepsilon_0} = \frac{\sigma_2 r_2}{\varepsilon_0}$sigma_1 R = sigma_2 (3R) implies fracsigma_1sigma_2 = frac3RR = 3$\sigma_1 R = \sigma_2 (3R) \implies \frac{\sigma_1}{\sigma_2} = \frac{3R}{R} = 3$
### Pattern Recognition
Sees: "Conducting spheres brought in contact" → Electric potentials become equal: V_1 = V_2$V_1 = V_2$.
Shortcut: Since V propto sigma r$V \propto \sigma r$, equal potential directly implies sigma_1 r_1 = sigma_2 r_2$\sigma_1 r_1 = \sigma_2 r_2$. Thus, the ratio of final densities is simply the inverse ratio of their radii: fracsigma_1sigma_2 = fracr_2r_1 = frac31 = 3$\frac{\sigma_1}{\sigma_2} = \frac{r_2}{r_1} = \frac{3}{1} = 3$. This bypasses computing the individual final charges entirely! ✓
### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer
null
### Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics
Q232025Capacitance
Space between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of plate area 4mathrm~cm^2$4\mathrm{~cm}^{2}$ and separation of (d) 1.77mathrm~mm$1.77\mathrm{~mm}$, is filled with uniform dielectric materials with dielectric constants (3$3$ and 5$5$) as shown in figure. Another capacitor of capacitance 7.5mathrm~pF$7.5\mathrm{~pF}$ is connected in parallel with it. The effective capacitance of this combination is ________ mathrm~pF$\mathrm{~pF}$.
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$\varepsilon_0 = 8.85\times 10^{-12}\mathrm{~F/m}$)
Numerical Answer.Answer: 15 to 15
Solution
### Related Formula
C = k fracvarepsilon_0 At$C = k \frac{\varepsilon_0 A}{t}$frac1C_textseries = frac1C_1 + frac1C_2$\frac{1}{C_{\text{series}}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2}$C_textparallel = C_texteq + C_p$C_{\text{parallel}} = C_{\text{eq}} + C_p$
### Core Logic
The dielectrics k_1 = 5$k_1 = 5$ and k_2 = 3$k_2 = 3$ split the capacitor separation horizontally into two layers, each of thickness fracd2$\frac{d}{2}$. 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$C_1 = k_1 \frac{\varepsilon_0 A}{d/2} = 5 \times \frac{2 \varepsilon_0 A}{d} = 10 \frac{\varepsilon_0 A}{d}$
- Capacitor 2: C_2 = k_2 fracvarepsilon_0 Ad/2 = 3 times frac2 varepsilon_0 Ad = 6 fracvarepsilon_0 Ad$C_2 = k_2 \frac{\varepsilon_0 A}{d/2} = 3 \times \frac{2 \varepsilon_0 A}{d} = 6 \frac{\varepsilon_0 A}{d}$
### Step 1: Compute Base Capacitance Factor
First, find the term fracvarepsilon_0 Ad$\frac{\varepsilon_0 A}{d}$ in SI units:
- A = 4mathrm~cm^2 = 4 times 10^-4mathrm~m^2$A = 4\mathrm{~cm}^2 = 4 \times 10^{-4}\mathrm{~m}^2$
- d = 1.77mathrm~mm = 1.77 times 10^-3mathrm~m$d = 1.77\mathrm{~mm} = 1.77 \times 10^{-3}\mathrm{~m}$
- varepsilon_0 = 8.85 times 10^-12mathrm~F/m$\varepsilon_0 = 8.85 \times 10^{-12}\mathrm{~F/m}$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$\frac{\varepsilon_0 A}{d} = \frac{8.85 \times 10^{-12} \times 4 \times 10^{-4}}{1.77 \times 10^{-3}} = \frac{35.4 \times 10^{-16}}{1.77 \times 10^{-3}} = 20 \times 10^{-13}\mathrm{~F} = 2\mathrm{~pF}$
Now find C_1$C_1$ and C_2$C_2$:
- C_1 = 10 times 2mathrm~pF = 20mathrm~pF$C_1 = 10 \times 2\mathrm{~pF} = 20\mathrm{~pF}$
- C_2 = 6 times 2mathrm~pF = 12mathrm~pF$C_2 = 6 \times 2\mathrm{~pF} = 12\mathrm{~pF}$
Calculate their series equivalent C_texteq$C_{\text{eq}}$:
C_texteq = fracC_1 C_2C_1 + C_2 = frac20 times 1220 + 12 = frac24032 = 7.5mathrm~pF$C_{\text{eq}} = \frac{C_1 C_2}{C_1 + C_2} = \frac{20 \times 12}{20 + 12} = \frac{240}{32} = 7.5\mathrm{~pF}$
### Step 2: Add Parallel Capacitor
Another capacitor of C_p = 7.5mathrm~pF$C_p = 7.5\mathrm{~pF}$ is connected in parallel with the combination:
C_textfinal = C_texteq + C_p = 7.5mathrm~pF + 7.5mathrm~pF = 15mathrm~pF$C_{\text{final}} = C_{\text{eq}} + C_p = 7.5\mathrm{~pF} + 7.5\mathrm{~pF} = 15\mathrm{~pF}$
### Pattern Recognition
Sees: Dielectric boundary parallel to the plates → Series capacitors.
Trap: Don't treat horizontally split layers as parallel; split in distance d$d$ means series, while split in area A$A$ means parallel.
Shortcut: Notice frac35.41.77$\frac{35.4}{1.77}$ is exactly 20$20$. This makes the numerical calculations incredibly clean! ✓
### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer
null
### Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics
Q32025Electric Dipole in Uniform Electric Field
An electric dipole is placed at a distance of 2mathrm~cm$2\mathrm{~cm}$ from an infinite plane sheet having positive charge density sigma_0$\sigma_0$. Choose the correct option from the following.
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.$\text{Torque on dipole is zero and net force is directed away from the sheet.}$
B.textTorque on dipole is zero and net force acts towards the sheet.$\text{Torque on dipole is zero and net force acts towards the sheet.}$
C.textPotential energy of dipole is minimum and torque is zero.$\text{Potential energy of dipole is minimum and torque is zero.}$
D.textPotential energy and torque both are maximum$\text{Potential energy and torque both are maximum}$
Solution
### Related Formula
E = fracsigma_02epsilon_0$E = \frac{\sigma_0}{2\epsilon_0}$vectau = vecp times vecE$\vec{\tau} = \vec{p} \times \vec{E}$U = -vecp cdot vecE$U = -\vec{p} \cdot \vec{E}$
### Core Logic
An infinite plane sheet produces a uniform electric field vecE$\vec{E}$ directed normally away from the sheet.
As shown in the image layout, the dipole moment vector vecp$\vec{p}$ (pointing from -q$-q$ to +q$+q$) is oriented parallel to the electric field vectors vecE$\vec{E}$:
theta = 0^circ$\theta = 0^{\circ}$
1. **Torque evaluation**:
tau = pE sin(0^circ) = 0$\tau = pE \sin(0^{\circ}) = 0$
2. **Potential Energy evaluation**:
U = -pE cos(0^circ) = -pE quad (textMinimum)$U = -pE \cos(0^{\circ}) = -pE \quad (\text{Minimum})$
3. **Net Force evaluation**:
Since the electric field is uniform, the force on +q$+q$ balances the force on -q$-q$, meaning F_textnet = 0$F_{\text{net}} = 0$.
### Pattern Recognition
When a dipole aligns perfectly with a uniform electric field (vecp parallel vecE$\vec{p} \parallel \vec{E}$), it reaches stable equilibrium. Stable equilibrium fundamentally means minimum potential energy (U = -pE$U = -pE$) and zero torque.
### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer
null
### Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics
More Electrostatics Questions — jee_main_2025_07_april_evening
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