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%)

In the first configuration (1) as shown in the figure
Electrostatic potential energy configuration 1 square charges Q7
The diagram displays configuration 1 with 4 charges on corners and configuration 2 with charges on the midpoints of the square sides.
, four identical charges (q_0) are kept at the corners A, B, C and D of square of side length 'a'. In the second configuration (2)
Electrostatic potential energy configuration 1 square charges Q7
The diagram displays configuration 1 with 4 charges on corners and configuration 2 with charges on the midpoints of the square sides.
, the same charges are shifted to mid points G, E, H and F, of the square. If K=frac14pivarepsilon_0, the difference between the potential energies of configuration (2) and (1) is given by:

Solution & Explanation

### Related Formula U = sum_i < j fracK q_i q_jr_ij ### Core Logic For configuration (1) with side length a: - 4 pairs of adjacent side-charges with distance a. - 2 pairs of diagonal charges with distance sqrt2a. U_1 = 4 cdot fracKq_0^2a + 2 cdot fracKq_0^2sqrt2a = fracKq_0^2a(4 + sqrt2) For configuration (2), charges lie on midpoints forming an inner square of side length a' = fracasqrt2: - 4 pairs at distance fracasqrt2. - 2 pairs at diagonal distance a. U_2 = 4 cdot fracKq_0^2fracasqrt2 + 2 cdot fracKq_0^2a = fracKq_0^2a(4sqrt2 + 2) ### Step 1: Finding the difference U_2 - U_1 = fracKq_0^2aleft[(4sqrt2 + 2) - (4 + sqrt2) ight] = fracKq_0^2a(3sqrt2 - 2) ### Pattern Recognition The side of the new square formed by midpoints is scaled down by 1/sqrt2. Therefore, interaction terms scale accordingly based on system geometric dimensions. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

More Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Previous-Year Questions

Q9 2025 Electric Potential Difference
Two large plane parallel conducting plates are kept 10mathrmcm apart as shown in figure. The potential difference between them is V. The potential difference between the points A and B (shown in the figure) is :
Parallel conducting plates with potential difference V showing points A and B
The diagram shows two parallel plates separated by 10 cm, with points A and B defining a right triangle of legs 3 cm and 4 cm.
  • A. frac14 mathrm~V
  • B. frac25 mathrm~V
  • C. frac34 mathrm~V
  • D. 1 mathrm~V

Solution

### Related Formula 1. Uniform Electric Field between parallel plates: E = fracVd 2. Potential difference between two points along the direction of the field: Delta V = E cdot Delta x ### Core Logic The separation between the plates is d = 10 \ mathrmcm. The electric field vecE between them is uniform and runs perpendicularly between the plates (along the horizontal direction, +x): E = fracV10 \ mathrmV/cm From the geometry shown in the figure: - AC = 3 \ mathrmcm is perpendicular to vecE (vertical direction). - CB = 4 \ mathrmcm is parallel to vecE (horizontal direction). ### Step 1: Calculate potential difference between A and B Since line AC is perpendicular to vecE: V_A - V_C = 0 implies V_A = V_C Thus, the potential difference between A and B is completely due to the horizontal displacement CB: V_AB = V_A - V_B = E cdot (CB) Substitute the values: V_AB = left(fracV10right) times 4 = frac25 V Thus, the potential difference between A and B is frac25V. ### Pattern Recognition Sees: Uniform electric field, potential difference over diagonal paths. Trap: Projecting along the hypotenuse length (5text cm) directly without considering the electric field's physical direction. Shortcut: Electric field is purely horizontal. Hence, only horizontal displacement matters. The horizontal displacement is 4text cm out of 10text cm total plate gap, so the potential difference is frac410V = frac25V. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Q8 2025 Combination of Capacitors and Charge Sharing
Using a battery, a 100mathrm~pF capacitor is charged to 60mathrm~V and then the battery is removed. After that, a second uncharged capacitor is connected to the first capacitor in parallel. If the final voltage across the second capacitor is 20mathrm~V, its capacitance is: (in pF)
  • A. 600
  • B. 200
  • C. 400
  • D. 100

Solution

### Related Formula When a charged capacitor C_1 with voltage V_1 is connected in parallel to an uncharged capacitor C_2, the common final potential V_c is determined by the conservation of charge: V_c = fracC_1 V_1 + C_2 V_2C_1 + C_2 Since C_2 is initially uncharged (V_2 = 0): V_c = fracC_1 V_1C_1 + C_2 ### Core Logic Given parameters: - First capacitor C_1 = 100mathrm~pF - Initial potential V_1 = 60mathrm~V - Common final voltage V_c = 20mathrm~V ### Step 1: Solve for C_2 Substitute the values into the common potential expression: 20 = frac100 times 60100 + C_2 20(100 + C_2) = 6000 100 + C_2 = frac600020 = 300 C_2 = 300 - 100 = 200mathrm~pF ### Pattern Recognition Think of common potential as dilution. The potential drops to 1/3 of its initial value (20mathrm~V/60mathrm~V). This requires the total capacitance to triple (3 times C_1). Since they are in parallel, the added capacitor must be 2 times C_1 = 200mathrm~pF. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Q20 2025 Electrostatic Potential Energy
Two charges q_1 and q_2 are separated by a distance of 30 cm. A third charge q_3 initially at 'C' as shown in the figure, is moved along the circular path of radius 40 cm from C to D. If the difference in potential energy due to movement of q_3 from C to D is given by fracq_3K4pi in_0 , the value of K is:
Electrostatic configuration with circular path for Q20 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
A charges layout with q1 at the center of the arc, q2 at 30 cm from q1, and q3 moving along the circular boundary of radius 40 cm.
  • A. 8 mathrmq_2
  • B. 6 mathrmq_2
  • C. 8mathrmq_1
  • D. 6 mathrmq_1

Solution

### Related Formula The change in potential energy Delta U of a charge q moved between two points of potentials V_C and V_D is: Delta U = q_3 (V_D - V_C) Potential due to a point charge q at distance r is: V = frac14piepsilon_0 fracqr ### Core Logic Let point A hold charge q_1 and B hold q_2 separated by 30 mathrm~cm = 0.3 mathrm~m. - The path of q_3 is a circular arc of radius R = 40 mathrm~cm = 0.4 mathrm~m centered at A. Thus, distance of C and D from q_1 is constant: r_1C = r_1D = 0.4 mathrm~m - Distance of C from q_2 (B): r_2C = sqrtAC^2 + AB^2 = sqrt40^2 + 30^2 = 50 mathrm~cm = 0.5 mathrm~m - Distance of D from q_2 (B): r_2D = AD - AB = 40 - 30 = 10 mathrm~cm = 0.1 mathrm~m ### Step 1: Calculate Potentials Potential at C due to q_1 and q_2: V_C = frac14piepsilon_0 left( fracq_10.4 + fracq_20.5 right) Potential at D due to q_1 and q_2: V_D = frac14piepsilon_0 left( fracq_10.4 + fracq_20.1 right) ### Step 2: Difference in Potential Energy The potential difference is: V_D - V_C = frac14piepsilon_0 left( fracq_20.1 - fracq_20.5 right) = fracq_24piepsilon_0 [10 - 2] = frac8q_24piepsilon_0 (Notice that the potential contribution of q_1 cancels out because C and D are equidistant from q_1). The change in potential energy is: Delta U = q_3 (V_D - V_C) = fracq_3 (8q_2)4piepsilon_0 Comparing with \frac{q_3 K}{4\pi\epsilon_0} yields K = 8q_2. ### Pattern Recognition Sees: Arc path centered on one of the charges. Shortcut: Since the path is circular about q_1, q_1 contributes nothing to the potential difference between the end points. The entire change in potential energy is due to q_2. The distance difference translates to potential difference \Delta V = q_2 \left(\frac{1}{0.1} - \frac{1}{0.5}\right) = 8q_2, so K = 8q_2$. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Q14 2025 Sharing of Charges and Loss of Energy
A capacitor, C_1 = 6mumathrmF is charged to a potential difference of V_0 = 5mathrmV using a 5mathrmV battery. The battery is removed and another capacitor, C_2 = 12mumathrmF is inserted in place of the battery. When the switch 'S' is closed, the charge flows between the capacitors for some time until equilibrium condition is reached. What are the charges (q_1 and q_2) on the capacitors C_1 and C_2 when equilibrium condition is reached.
Sharing of Charges and Loss of Energy diagram for Q14 - JEE Main 2025 Evening
The circuit diagram displays two capacitors C1 and C2 with a switch S used to establish parallel connectivity between them.
  • A. q_1 = 15mumathrmC, q_2 = 30mumathrmC
  • B. q_1 = 30mumathrmC, q_2 = 15mumathrmC
  • C. q_1 = 10mumathrmC, q_2 = 20mumathrmC
  • D. q_1 = 20mumathrmC, q_2 = 10mumathrmC

Solution

### Related Formula Q_texttotal = C_1 V_0 V_c = fracQ_texttotalC_1 + C_2 q = C cdot V_c ### Core Logic 1. **Initial Charge Calculation**: Before closing the switch, capacitor C_1 accumulates total charge: q_1' = C_1 cdot V_0 = 6mumathrmF times 5mathrmV = 30mumathrmC Uncharged capacitor C_2 holds q_2' = 0.
Sharing of Charges Initial State diagram for Q14 - JEE Main 2025 Evening
The circuit diagram displays two capacitors C1 and C2 with a switch S used to establish parallel connectivity between them.
2. **Redistribution at Equilibrium**: Closing the switch causes parallel redistribution until they reach a common potential V_c:
Sharing of Charges Initial State diagram for Q14 - JEE Main 2025 Evening
The circuit diagram displays two capacitors C1 and C2 with a switch S used to establish parallel connectivity between them.
V_c = frac30mumathrmC + 06mumathrmF + 12mumathrmF = frac3018 = frac53mathrm~V 3. **Final Charges**: q_1 = C_1 cdot V_c = 6 times frac53 = 10mumathrmC q_2 = C_2 cdot V_c = 12 times frac53 = 20mumathrmC Hence, the charges are 10mumathrmC and 20mumathrmC respectively. ### Pattern Recognition For parallel combination setups, the final charge splits in the exact direct ratio of their capacitances: q_1 : q_2 = C_1 : C_2 = 6 : 12 = 1 : 2. Out of 30mumathrmC, the breakdown must cleanly be 10mumathrmC and 20mumathrmC. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Q1 2025 Energy Stored in a Capacitor
Two capacitors C_1 and C_2 are connected in parallel to a battery. Charge-time graph is shown below for the two capacitors. The energy stored with them are U_1 and U_2 , respectively. Which of the given statements is true?
Energy Stored in a Capacitor diagram for Q1 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
The graph shows the variation of charge with time for two different capacitors connected in parallel.
  • A. mathrmC_1 > mathrmC_2, mathrmU_1 > mathrmU_2
  • B. mathrmC_2 > mathrmC_1, mathrmU_2 < mathrmU_1
  • C. mathrmC_1 > mathrmC_2, mathrmU_1 < mathrmU_2
  • D. mathrmC_2 > mathrmC_1, mathrmU_2 > mathrmU_1

Solution

### Related Formula mathrmV = textsame mathrmU = frac12 mathrmCmathrmV^2 mathrmq = mathrmCmathrmV ### Core Logic Since both capacitors are connected in parallel across the same battery, their potential difference mathrmV is identical. From the given charge-time graph, at any specific instant of time, the charge accumulated on the second capacitor is greater than that on the first: mathrmq_2 > mathrmq_1 Using the relation mathrmq = mathrmCmathrmV, since mathrmV is identical, we get: mathrmC_2 > mathrmC_1 Now, the electrostatic energy stored in a capacitor is given by: mathrmU = frac12 mathrmCmathrmV^2 Since mathrmC_2 > mathrmC_1 and mathrmV is constant, the stored energy satisfies: mathrmU_2 > mathrmU_1 ### Step 1: Final Conclusion Thus, the correct relationships are mathrmC_2 > mathrmC_1 and mathrmU_2 > mathrmU_1. ### Pattern Recognition Sees parallel connection → Immediately lock potential difference mathrmV as constant. This simplifies mathrmq propto mathrmC and mathrmU propto mathrmC, creating a direct linear bridge from graph height to energy capacity. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

More Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Questions — jee_main_2025_24_jan_evening

Practice all Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance previous-year questions →

YOUR FIRST PREP STEP STARTS HERE

We Map Every Repeating Question in Competitive Exams.

Say goodbye to generic mock test fatigue. RankBit uses smart analysis to group past exam questions into their foundational Repeating Question Types. Find chapter weightage, track repeating questions, and score higher with targeted practice.

Select Your Target Exam

Choose an exam track below to find formulas per chapter and patterns.

Syncing Exam Intelligence

Mapping formulas and patterns across all tracks…

PATH A — FULL LENGTH PRACTICE

Full Mock Test Hub

Simulate real NTA exam conditions with fully tracked mocks. Time yourself against past papers.

Under Development
PATH B — TARGETED PRACTICE

Topic-wise Practice Hub

Practice past-year questions one chapter at a time. Pick an exam → subject → chapter and get every PYQ for that topic — pulled together from all past papers — with the chapter's key formulas alongside.

Loading Questions... Browse Topics
Latest from the Blog
View all →

Loading articles...