Q79 / 91 · KVPY 2018 (SB/SX) · Physics

An electrostatic field line leaves at an angle α from point charge q1 and connects with point charge -q2 at an angle β(q1and q2 are positive) see figure below. If q2=32q1 and α=30°, then
Figure

  • Correct answer
    A
    0°<β<30°
  • B
    β=30°
  • C
    30°<β≤60°
  • D
    60°<β≤90°

Solution

Consider another symmetric field line below line joining centres of charges q1 and q2

Figure

In given situation, flux (field lines) leaving charge q1 at a solid angle 2α= flux terminating over charge q2 at a solid angle 2β.
Clearly, in given situation

Figure

We can say that, flux leaving charge q1 through a cone of semi-vertical angle α= flux terminating on charge q2 through a cone of semi-vertical angle β.

Figure

To calculate flux, we first find flux through an elemental ring of base of cone and then we integrate to get total flux.

Figure

Area of elemental ring,
dA=2πrds=2πRsinα·Rdα

Flux through elemental ring E‖dA

dϕ=kQR2·2πR2sinαdα

Total flux through base of cone

ϕ=∫0αkQR2·2πR2sinαdα

=kQ2π∫0αsinαdα

ϕ=Q2ε0·1-cosα

So, equating flux of both cones, we get

q12ε01-cosα=q22ε01-cosβ

⇒q11-cosα=32q11-cosβ

Substituting α=30° in above equation, we get

⇒231-cos30°=1-cosβ

⇒231-32=1-cosβ

⇒cosβ=1-231-32

⇒cosβ≈0.9

So, angle β is not more than 30°.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

More Electrostatics Questions