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This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

51.

Which of the following is an example of a molecule whose centre of mass of positive and negative charges does not coincide each other?(a) NH3(b) H2(c) CH4(d) CO2This question was posed to me during an online interview.My enquiry is from Dielectrics and Polarisation in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer» CORRECT option is (a) NH3

The best I can explain: NH3 is amolecule in which the CENTRE of mass of positive and negative charges does not collide with each other and is CALLED a polar molecule. They have a PERMANENT dipole moment. They have unsymmetrical shapes.
52.

What is the net electrostatic field in the interior of a conductor?(a) Positive(b) Negative(c) Zero(d) Depends on the nature of the conductorThe question was posed to me in homework.Asked question is from Electrostatics of Conductors in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Correct choice is (c) Zero

To explain I would say: Net ELECTROSTATIC field is zero in the interior of a CONDUCTOR. When a conductor is PLACED in an electric field, its free electrons begin to move in the opposite direction. Negative charges are induced on the left end and positive charges on the right end of the conductor. The process continues until the electric field set up by induced charges BECOMES EQUAL and opposite the external field.

53.

What is the ratio of the polarization to εo times the electric field called?(a) Polarisation density(b) Electric susceptibility(c) Dielectric strength(d) Dielectric susceptibilityThis question was posed to me during an online exam.This interesting question is from Dielectrics and Polarisation topic in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) Electric SUSCEPTIBILITY

The EXPLANATION is: The ratio of the polarization to εo times the electric FIELD is CALLED the electric susceptibility of the dielectric. It DESCRIBES the electrical behaviour of a dielectric.

54.

+q charges are placed at a, 3a, 5a… (up to infinity) and –q charges are placed at 2a, 4a, 6a….. (up to infinity). What is the total potential energy at origin (0, 0)?(a) Zero(b) \(\frac {q}{a}\)(c) \(\frac {(q \, log2)}{a}\)(d) \(\frac {qe^2}{a}\)The question was asked in exam.I'm obligated to ask this question of Potential Energy of a System of Charges in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Correct answer is (c) \(\FRAC {(q \, LOG2)}{a}\)

Best explanation: The total potential energy at the origin DUE to the system is V=\(\frac {q}{a} – \frac {q}{2a} + \frac {q}{3a} – \frac {q}{4a} + \frac {q}{5a}\)……(up to infinity), where a, 2a, 3a… are the distances of the charges from the origin. Now, taking \(\frac {q}{a}\) common from the terms, we get V=\(\frac {q}{a} (1 – \frac {1}{2} + \frac {1}{3} – \frac {1}{4} + \frac {1}{5})\). By substituting the expansion of log2, we can get V=\(\frac {(q \, log2)}{a}\).

55.

What will be the nature of equipotential surfaces due to a point charge, situated at infinity?(a) Plane surface(b) Spherical(c) Elliptical(d) CylindricalThis question was posed to me in homework.Origin of the question is Equipotential Surfaces in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Right answer is (a) PLANE SURFACE

To explain: If a point charge is situated at infinity, the ELECTRIC field lines coming out of it will be in the form of parallel straight lines. As we know that field lines cut the equipotential surfaces orthogonally, THEREFORE the equipotential surfaces must be plane surfaces. They can be considered the surface of a sphere of infinite RADIUS.

56.

What is the order of potential difference built up by the Van de Graff generator?(a) Potential difference of the order of hundreds(b) Potential difference of the order of several million volts(c) Potential difference of the order of thousands(d) Potential difference of the order of tensThe question was asked in an interview.This key question is from Van de Graff Generator in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer» RIGHT choice is (b) POTENTIAL difference of the order of several million VOLTS

The explanation is: A Van de Graff generator, by means of a moving belt and suitable brushes, transfers charge CONTINUOUSLY to a large spherical conducting shell. As a RESULT, a potential difference of the order of several million volts is built up and this can be used for accelerating charged particles.
57.

The 3 charges → \(\frac {q}{2}\), -q, \(\frac {q}{2}\) are placed along the x axis at x = 0, x = r, x = 2 respectively. Find the resultant potential at a point A located at a distance y from charge q such that r

Answer» CORRECT choice is (c) V=\(\frac {qr^2}{4\pi \varepsilon_o y^3}\)

Easiest explanation: Electric potential at point A can be given by:

V=\(\frac {1}{4\pi \varepsilon_o}[(\frac {(\frac {q}{2})}{y+r}) – \frac {q}{y} + \frac {(\frac {q}{2})}{(y-r)}]\)

V=\(\frac {(qr^2)}{4\pi \varepsilon_o y(y^2 – r^2)}\)

V=\(\frac {qr^2}{4\pi \varepsilon_o y^3}\)(Since y >> r)
58.

Work done to bring a unit positive charge from infinity to a point in an electric field is known as _______(a) Electric potential(b) Electric field intensity(c) Electric dipole moment(d) The total energy of the point chargeThe question was posed to me during an interview.My doubt is from Electrostatic Potential topic in section Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Electric potential

Easy explanation: Electric potential is DEFINED as the amount of work DONE to bring a unit positive charge from an infinite distance to a particular point of an electric field. The total ENERGY of that point charge MEANS the sum of KINETIC energy and potential energy which is not the same as the potential energy if the particle is in motion.

59.

Find the true statement.(a) A Van de Graff generator produces large voltage and less current(b) A Van de Graff generators produces large resistance and less voltage(c) A Van de Graff generators produces large current and large resistance(d) A Van de Graff generators produces large current and less voltageThis question was addressed to me at a job interview.Asked question is from Van de Graff Generator topic in section Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The CORRECT CHOICE is (a) A Van de Graff generator PRODUCES large voltage and LESS current

Explanation: A Van de Graff generators produces large voltage and less current. A Van de Graff generator is an electrostatic generator which creates very high electric potentials. It produces very high voltage DIRECT current electricity at low current levels.

60.

A capacitor of capacitance 5μF is charged to 50 V and another capacitor of capacitance 7μF is charged to 42 V. These two are connected together. On doing so, what is the energy lost by the 5μF capacitor?(a) 2.35 mJ(b) 2.45 mJ(c) 2.55 mJ(d) 2.25 mJI had been asked this question during an online interview.My question is based upon Energy Stored in a Capacitor in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Right answer is (d) 2.25 mJ

The explanation is: Common potential, V = \( \FRAC {(C_1V_1 + C_1V_2)}{(C_1 + C_2)}\)

V = \( \frac {[(5 \TIMES 50) + (7 \times 40)] \times 10^{-6}}{(5 + 7) \times 10^{-6}}\)

V = \( \frac {(250 + 280)}{12}\) = 44.4 V

ENERGY lost by 5 μF capacitor = \(\frac {1}{2}\)C1V1^2 – \(\frac {1}{2}\)C1V^2 = \(\frac {1}{2}\)C (V1^2 – V^2)

\(\frac {1}{2}\) × (5 × 10^-6) × (50^2 – 40^2) = 0.00225

U = 2.25 × 10^-3 J

U = 2.25 mJ

Therefore, the energy lost is 2.25 mJ

61.

The total capacitance of capacitors connected in parallel is given by _____(a) product of the individual capacitors in parallel(b) sum of all the individual capacitors in parallel(c) sum of their reciprocals(d) product of their reciprocalsI had been asked this question in examination.This intriguing question comes from Capacitors and Capacitance in section Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer» RIGHT choice is (b) sum of all the individual CAPACITORS in parallel

To explain I would say: The equivalent capacitance of the capacitors connected in parallel is given by sum of their individual CAPACITANCES, that is if there are n capacitors in parallel the TOTAL capacitance is given by, C=C1+C2+C3+C4+…..+Cn.
62.

‘X’ is a substance which does not allow the flow of charges through it but permits them to exert electrostatic forces on one another through it. Identify X.(a) Polar molecule(b) Dielectric(c) Non-polar molecule(d) EquipotentialThis question was posed to me during an online interview.This interesting question is from Dielectrics and Polarisation topic in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The correct option is (b) Dielectric

The explanation: A dielectric is a SUBSTANCE which does not ALLOW the flow of charges through it but permits them to EXERT electrostatic forces on one ANOTHER through it. A dielectric is essentially an insulator which can be polarized through small localized DISPLACEMENTS of its charges.

63.

There are infinite number of charges, each equal to ‘q’, which are placed along the X-axis at points x = 1, x = 4, x = 16, x = 64……..Then, determine the electric potential due to this system of charges at the point x = 0.(a) V=\(\frac {16q}{3\pi \varepsilon_o}\)(b) V=\(\frac {3q}{4\pi \varepsilon_o}\)(c) V=\(\frac {4q}{8\pi \varepsilon_o}\)(d) V=\(\frac {3q}{16\pi \varepsilon_o}\)I have been asked this question during an internship interview.This intriguing question originated from Electrostatic Potential due to a System of Charges topic in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The correct choice is (d) V=\(\FRAC {3q}{16\pi \varepsilon_o}\)

Easiest explanation: We know electric potential(V) due to CHARGE ‘q’ is V = \(\frac {kq}{r}\).

Electric potential (V) is a scalar quantity, so, the total potential at X = 0 is the sum of all the individual charges

V=[\((\frac {kq}{1}) + (\frac {kq}{4}) + (\frac {kq}{16}) + (\frac {kq}{64}) \) + ……..]

V=kq\((\frac {1}{(1-\frac{1}{4})})\)→ sum of infinite G.P=\(\frac {a}{(1-r)}\)

V=\((\frac {q}{4\pi \varepsilon_o}) \times (\frac {3}{4})\)

V=\(\frac {3q}{16\pi \varepsilon_o}\)

64.

What is the equivalent capacitance when the 2 capacitors are connected in series?(a) Cs = C1 + C2(b) Cs = \(\frac {1}{C_1} + \frac {1}{C_2}\)(c) Cs = C1 + \(\frac {1}{C_2}\)(d) Cs = \(\frac {1}{C_1}\) + C2The question was posed to me in an interview for internship.Origin of the question is Combination of Capacitors topic in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Correct answer is (B) Cs = \(\frac {1}{C_1} + \frac {1}{C_2}\)

For explanation: When 2 capacitors are connected in SERIES, the equivalent capacitance Cs is given by

Cs = \(\frac {1}{C_1} + \frac {1}{C_2}\)

When the capacitors are connected in series, the charge PASSING through each capacitor is the same.

65.

Identify the simplest and the most widely used capacitor among the following.(a) Electrolytic capacitor(b) Spherical Capacitor(c) Parallel plate capacitor(d) Cylindrical capacitorI had been asked this question in an online quiz.Enquiry is from Parallel Plate Capacitor in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer» CORRECT choice is (c) Parallel PLATE capacitor

Best explanation: The SIMPLEST and the most widely used capacitor is the parallel plate capacitor. It consists of two large PLANE parallel conducting plates, separated by a small distance.
66.

A smaller sphere has potential 50V and a larger sphere has potential 100V. How should they be placed so that if they are connected with the help of a wire, the charge will flow from the smaller sphere to the larger sphere? Both the spheres are conducting and hollow.(a) Concentrically(b) Touching each other(c) It is never possible(d) The smaller sphere should be groundedThis question was addressed to me in homework.This is a very interesting question from Equipotential Surfaces topic in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The correct option is (a) Concentrically

Best EXPLANATION: We know that for a conducting sphere, the charge is always distributed on its outer SURFACE. We also know that charge FLOWS from higher potential to lower potential. But if we PUT the SMALLER sphere inside the larger sphere and connect them with a conductor, they will act as a single conductor and charge will be distributed to its outer surface, i.e. charge will flow to the larger sphere.

67.

A charge q is placed on an equipotential surface and electric field intensity at that place is E. What is the work done to move the charge by a distance x on the surface?(a) x*\(\frac {q}{E}\)(b) x*q*E(c) E*\(\frac {x}{q}\)(d) ZeroThe question was asked in quiz.Question is taken from Equipotential Surfaces in section Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The correct option is (d) Zero

To EXPLAIN: As the surface is EQUIPOTENTIAL, all the points on the surface of the plane have the same potential values. THEREFORE work done to move the charge by a distance x on that surface is zero. The electric FIELD plays no role here.

68.

Three charges –q, Q and –q are placed in a straight line maintaining equal distance from each other. What should be the ratio \(\frac {q}{Q}\) so that the net electric potential of the system is zero?(a) 1(b) 2(c) 3(d) 4This question was addressed to me in unit test.My question is taken from Electrostatic Potential due to a Point Charge in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) 4

To elaborate: Let the distance between any TWO charges is d. Therefore the net potential energy of the SYSTEM is\(\FRAC {-Q*Q}{d}+\frac {-q*Q}{d}+\frac {-q*q}{2d}\). But the total energy of the system is zero. So, -qQ-qQ+\(\frac {q^2}{2}\)=0 that means q=4Q, i.e. \(\frac {q}{Q}\)=4.

69.

Two plates are kept at a distance of 0.1m and their potential difference is 20V. An electron is kept at rest on the surface of the plate with lower potential. What will be the velocity of the electron when it strikes another plate?(a) 1.87*10^6 m/s(b) 2.65*10^6 m/s(c) 7.02*10^12 m/s(d) 32*10^-19 m/sThe question was posed to me in examination.The question is from Electrostatic Potential due to a Point Charge topic in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Right option is (B) 2.65*10^6 m/s

To elaborate: Increase in POTENTIAL energy of the electron when it strikes another plate = Potential difference*charge of electron=20*1.6*10^-19 J=3.201*10^-18J and as the electron was at rest initially, this energy will be converted to KINETIC energy completely. Therefore, 0.5*MASS of electron*(velocity)^2=3.201*10^-18J. SUBSTITUTING m=9.11*10^-31kg, we get v=2.65*10^6 m/s.

70.

When was Van de Graff generator invented and by whom?(a) 1944, Robin Van de Graff(b) 1932, Robert Van de Graff(c) 1933, Robin Van de Graff(d) 1933, Robert Van de GraffI got this question in an interview.My question comes from Van de Graff Generator in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Right choice is (d) 1933, Robert Van de Graff

The BEST EXPLANATION: Van de Graff GENERATOR was invented by Robert Jemison Van de Graff on November 28, 1933. Robert Jemison invented the Van de Graff generator, which is a kind of high-voltage ELECTROSTATIC generator that accelerates particles, while he was doing his PhD in Princeton University.

71.

What is the use of a Van de Graff generator?(a) Van de Graff generator is used to create a large amount of current(b) Van de Graff generator is used to create a small amount of voltage(c) Van de Graff generator is used to create a large amount of static electricity(d) Van de Graff generator is used to create a small amount of resistanceThe question was posed to me in class test.My question is based upon Van de Graff Generator in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Correct answer is (C) Van de Graff generator is used to create a large amount of static electricity

The best explanation: Van de Graff generator is used to create a large amount of static electricity. A Van de Graff generator uses static electricity and a MOVING belt to charge a large metal sphere to a very high voltage. As the belt moves, electrons move from the rubber belt to the silicon ROLLER, causing the belt to become positively charged and the roller to become NEGATIVELY charged. As a RESULT, it builds up positive charge.

72.

When ‘n’ capacitors are connected in series the total capacitance(C) of the combination is given by ______(a) C=C1+C2+C3+C4+…..+Cn(b) C=C1*C2*C3*C4*…..*Cn(c) \(\frac {1}{C} = \frac {1}{C_1} + \frac {1}{C_2} + \frac {1}{C_3} + ……. + \frac {1}{C_n}\)(d) C=\(\frac {(C_1+C_2+C_3+C_4+……+C_n)}{n}\)I had been asked this question during an online exam.Question is taken from Capacitors and Capacitance topic in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Right choice is (c) \(\frac {1}{C} = \frac {1}{C_1} + \frac {1}{C_2} + \frac {1}{C_3} + ……. + \frac {1}{C_n}\)

Best EXPLANATION: The equivalent capacitance of the parallel plate capacitors CONNECTED in series is given by the sum of the RECIPROCALS of the individual capacitances. That is MATHEMATICALLY,

\(\frac {1}{C} = \frac {1}{C_1} + \frac {1}{C_2} + \frac {1}{C_3} + ……. + \frac {1}{C_n}\)

73.

The molecules of a polar dielectric have no dipole moment. State true or false.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question during an interview for a job.This interesting question is from Dielectrics and Polarisation topic in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The correct choice is (B) False

To explain: The molecules of a polar dielectric have PERMANENT dipole MOMENTS. In the absence of an external electric field, the dipole moments of different molecules are randomly oriented DUE to thermal agitation in the MATERIAL.

74.

In a capacitor, energy is stored in the form of electric field.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My enquiry is from Energy Stored in a Capacitor in section Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The correct option is (a) True

The best EXPLANATION: YES, the energy in a CAPACITOR is stored in electric fields, between its plates. A capacitor is a device that is USED to store energy or charges. It is ALSO used for extracting energy from an electric field. When a capacitor is being charged, an electric field is builds up.

75.

When is the effective capacitance of a capacitor increased?(a) When the capacitors are connected in series(b) When the capacitors are randomly connected(c) When the capacitors are connected in parallel(d) When the capacitors are connected in series and parallel simultaneouslyI had been asked this question during an interview.The origin of the question is Combination of Capacitors in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (c) When the CAPACITORS are connected in parallel

Explanation: The EFFECTIVE capacitance of a capacitor is increased when the capacitors are connected in parallel. When the capacitors are connected in parallel, the equivalent capacitance is given by:

Cp = C1 + C2 + C3 +…….

When the capacitors are connected in parallel, the POTENTIAL difference across each capacitor is the same.

76.

In which type of molecule positive and negative charges does not coincide with each other?(a) Isentropic(b) Equipotential(c) Polar(d) Non-polarI got this question in an interview for internship.This question is from Dielectrics and Polarisation in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer» CORRECT option is (c) POLAR

Explanation: A molecule in which the centre of mass of positive and negative charges does not COLLIDE with each other is called a polar molecule. They have a PERMANENT dipole moment. They have unsymmetrical SHAPES.
77.

Two isolated metallic spheres, one with a radius R and another with a radius 5R, each carries a charge ‘q’ uniformly distributed over the entire surface. Which sphere stores more electric potential energy?(a) The sphere with radius 5R(b) Both of the spheres will have the same energy(c) The sphere with radius R(d) Initially it will be the sphere with radius 5R then it will shift to the sphere with radius RThis question was posed to me in an interview for job.This interesting question is from Potential Energy in an External Field in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer» RIGHT option is (c) The sphere with radius R

The best explanation: The sphere with radius R stores more electric potential energy. According to the electric potential energy equation→ U = \(\frac {1}{(4\pi \varepsilon_o)} \times [ \frac {q_1q_2}{r} ]\)

Potential energy is inversely proportional to radius. Therefore, the sphere with lesser radius will STORE more energy. So, the SMALLER sphere will store more energy.
78.

The work done to move a charge of 20C by a distance of 2cm is 2J. What is the potential difference between those two points?(a) 1V(b) 0.1V(c) 10V(d) 20VThis question was posed to me in an interview.The origin of the question is Potential Energy of a System of Charges topic in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Right choice is (b) 0.1V

For explanation I WOULD say: Work done to MOVE a charge q in a potential difference of V is equal to q*V. According to the QUESTION, 2J=20C*Potential difference. Therefore, potential difference=\(\frac {2}{20}\)V=0.1V. The definition of 1J thus becomes, work done to move a charge of 1C from ONE point to another where the potential difference between the two points is 1V.

79.

Pick out the expression of electric potential energy from the following.(a) U = \(\frac {1}{(4\pi \varepsilon_o)} \times [ \frac {q_1q_2}{r} ]\)(b) U = 1 × (4πεo) × [ \(\frac {q_1q_2}{r}\) ](c) U = \(\frac {1}{(4\pi \varepsilon_o)} \times [ \frac {q_1}{q_2}{r} ]\)(d) U = \(\frac {1}{(4\pi \varepsilon_o)}\) × [q1q2]I had been asked this question in semester exam.I need to ask this question from Potential Energy in an External Field in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Right option is (a) U = \(\FRAC {1}{(4\pi \varepsilon_o)} \times [ \frac {q_1q_2}{r} ]\)

EXPLANATION: ELECTRIC potential energy of a system of charges is the total amount of work done in BRINGING the various charges to their RESPECTIVE positions from infinitely large mutual separations.

The expression for electric potential energy is given by:

U = \(\frac {1}{(4\pi \varepsilon_o)} \times [ \frac {q_1q_2}{r} ]\)

80.

What is the nature of equipotential surfaces in case of a positive point charge?(a) Circular(b) Spherical(c) Cubical(d) CylindricalThe question was asked in unit test.This key question is from Equipotential Surfaces topic in section Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer» CORRECT answer is (b) Spherical

The BEST I can explain: We know that electric field lines cross the EQUIPOTENTIAL surfaces perpendicularly. Electric field lines are generated radially from a POSITIVE point charge. Therefore, for holding both the CONDITIONS, the equipotential surfaces must be spherical.
81.

The electric potential difference between two points is a path function. The statement is __________(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in my homework.Question is from Electrostatic Potential in section Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Correct answer is (b) False

To elaborate: ELECTRIC potential depends only on the electric field intensity and the amount of charge. It has no dependency on the path by which the charge is traveling. Therefore, if we move a charge from one point to ANOTHER in PRESENCE of an electric field in a straight line or a curve line, WORK done in both the cases will be the same i.e. potential difference between the points will be the same.

82.

Initially the potential difference of a 8 μF capacitor is 30 V. Then it is changed to 40 V. What is the increase in energy?(a) 28 × 10^-4 J(b) 18 × 10^-4 J(c) 8 × 10^-4 J(d) 24 × 10^-4 JThe question was posed to me during an internship interview.This intriguing question comes from Energy Stored in a Capacitor in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The CORRECT OPTION is (a) 28 × 10^-4 J

The explanation: The REQUIRED equation for the increase in ENERGY is given by:

U2 – U1 = \(\frac {1}{2}\) × C (V2^2 – V1^2)

= \(\frac {1}{2}\) × 8 × 10^-6 × (40^2 – 30^2)

= \(\frac {1}{2}\) × 8 × 10^-6 × 700

= 4 ×700 × 10^-6

= 2800 ×10^-6

= 28 × 10^-4 J

Therefore, the increase in energy is 28 × 10^-4 J.

83.

How does the potential difference change with the effect of the dielectric when the battery is kept disconnected from the capacitor?(a) Increases(b) Decreases(c) Remains constant(d) Becomes zeroThe question was asked during an interview.I want to ask this question from Effect of Dielectric on Capacitance in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (b) Decreases

Best EXPLANATION: When the dielectric slab is introduced between the plates, the induced surface charge on the dielectric reduces the electric field. The reduction in the electric field results in a DECREASE in POTENTIAL difference.

V = Ed = \(\frac {E_0 d}{K}=\frac {V_0}{k}\).

84.

Identify the factor on which the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor does not depend.(a) Permeability of the medium between the plates(b) Area of the plates(c) Distance between the plates(d) The permittivity of the medium between the platesThis question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Origin of the question is Parallel Plate Capacitor in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (a) Permeability of the medium between the plates

The best explanation: The capacitance of a parallel PLATE CAPACITOR is directly proportional to the area of the plates and permittivity of the medium between the plates. It is INDIRECTLY proportional to the DISTANCE between the plates.

85.

What type of surface is the surface of a conductor?(a) Equipotential(b) Unipolar(c) Unipotential(d) BipolarI have been asked this question in an interview.I would like to ask this question from Electrostatics of Conductors in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The CORRECT answer is (a) Equipotential

Explanation: ELECTRIC FIELD at any POINT is equal to the negative of the potential gradient. But inside a conductor, the electric field is zero. Hence, the electric potential is constant throughout the volume of a conductor and has the same VALUE on its surface. Thus the surface of a conductor is equipotential.

86.

In a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning, it is safest to run near a tree or open ground rather than sitting inside a car.(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in an interview for job.My question is taken from Electrostatics of Conductors topic in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (B) False

Easy explanation: In a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning, it is safest to SIT inside a car, RATHER than near a tree or on the open ground. The METALLIC body of the car becomes an electrostatic shielding from lightning.

87.

If three equal charges are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle, the potential at the center of the triangle will be zero.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question in an interview for job.My question is taken from Potential Energy of a System of Charges in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer» RIGHT choice is (b) False

Easiest explanation: Electrostatic potential at a distance r from a point charge q is \(\frac {1}{4 \pi \EPSILON} * \frac {q}{r}\). Therefore, adding this TERM THREE times, we get some positive value, not zero. Therefore, the potential energy at the center of the triangle is positive, not zero.
88.

Which is the expression for electric potential due to a system of charges from the following?(a) V=\(\frac {1}{4 \pi \varepsilon_o} (\frac {q_1}{r_1} + \frac {q_2}{r_2} + \frac {q_3}{r_3} +……. \frac {q_n}{r_n})\)(b) V=1 χ 4πεo \( (\frac {q_1}{r_1} + \frac {q_2}{r_2} + \frac {q_3}{r_3} +……. \frac {q_n}{r_n})\)(c) V=\(\frac {1}{8 \pi \varepsilon_o} (\frac {q_1}{r_1} + \frac {q_2}{r_2} + \frac {q_3}{r_3} +……. \frac {q_n}{r_n})\)(d) V=\(\frac {1}{4 \pi \varepsilon_o} (\frac {q_1}{r_1} \times \frac {q_2}{r_2} \times \frac {q_3}{r_3} \times……. \frac {q_n}{r_n})\)I have been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.The query is from Electrostatic Potential due to a System of Charges in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

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The CORRECT CHOICE is (a) V=\(\frac {1}{4 \pi \varepsilon_o} (\frac {q_1}{r_1} + \frac {q_2}{r_2} + \frac {q_3}{r_3} +……. \frac {q_n}{r_n})\)

To explain I would say: The ELECTRIC POTENTIAL at a point due to a system of charges is EQUAL to the algebraic sum of the electric potentials due to individual charges at that point. The expression for electric potential due to a system of charges is given by:

V=\(\frac {1}{4 \pi \varepsilon_o} (\frac {q_1}{r_1} + \frac {q_2}{r_2} + \frac {q_3}{r_3} +……. \frac {q_n}{r_n})\)

89.

In the inner region between the two capacitor plates, the electric fields due to the two charged plates are zero.(a) True(b) FalseI got this question in an online interview.I'd like to ask this question from Parallel Plate Capacitor in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

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The CORRECT ANSWER is (b) False

Explanation: In the inner region between the two capacitor plates, the electric fields DUE to the two CHARGED plates add up. The NET field is given by:

\(\frac {\sigma}{2\varepsilon_0}+\frac {\sigma}{2\varepsilon_0}=\frac {\sigma}{\varepsilon_0} \).

90.

What is the total work done on moving a test charge on an equipotential surface?(a) Maximum(b) Minimum(c) Constant(d) ZeroThis question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.The origin of the question is Electrostatics of Conductors in chapter Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

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Correct answer is (d) Zero

The explanation is: The potential difference between any two POINTS on an EQUIPOTENTIAL surface is zero.

Work done=Test charge X potential difference(0)

=Zero .

91.

How is the potential within and on the surface of a conductor?(a) Indirectly proportional(b) Directly proportional(c) Zero(d) ConstantThe question was asked by my school principal while I was bunking the class.This intriguing question comes from Electrostatics of Conductors in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

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The correct CHOICE is (d) Constant

To explain: Electric FIELD at any point is equal to the negative of the potential gradient. But INSIDE a CONDUCTOR, the electric field is ZERO. Hence, the electric potential is constant throughout the volume of a conductor and has the same value on its surface.

92.

What is the potential energy at the center of an equilateral triangle if +5esu, +5esu and -10esu are placed at the corners of the triangle? The triangle has a side length of √3cm.(a) 20V(b) 5V(c) \(\frac {5}{3}\)V(d) 0VI have been asked this question in an international level competition.Enquiry is from Potential Energy of a System of Charges in portion Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

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The correct choice is (d) 0V

The best I can EXPLAIN: Distance of the center of the triangle from EVERY corner point is = \(\FRAC {2}{3} * \frac {\SQRT 3}{2}\) * √3cm=1cm [as we know that the center divides the median in a 2:1 ratio and the length of the median is \(\frac {2}{3}\)*side length]. Therefore, the potential at the center is =\(\frac {5}{1} + \frac {5}{1} -\frac {10}{1}\)=0 esu Volt.