Q51 / 75 · JEE Main 2026 (28 January Shift 2) · Physics

Identify the correct statements :
A. Electrostatic field lines form closed loops.
B. The electric field lines point radially outward when charge is greater than zero.
C. The Gauss - Law is valid only for inverse - square force.
D. The workdone in moving a charged particle in a static electric field around a closed path is zero.
E. The motion of a particle under Coulomb's force must take place in a plane.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • A
    A, B, D, E Only
  • B
    A, C, E Only
  • C
    A, B, C, D Only
  • Correct answer
    D
    B, C, D, E Only

Solution

Statement A: Electrostatic field lines originate from positive charges and terminate on negative charges. They do not form closed loops because the electrostatic field is conservative. Thus, A is incorrect.
Statement B: For a positive point charge ($q > 0$), the electric field lines are directed radially outwards. Thus, B is correct.
Statement C: Gauss's Law is a consequence of the inverse-square nature of Coulomb's law ($F \propto 1/r^2$). If the force law were different, Gauss's Law would not hold in its standard form. Thus, C is correct.
Statement D: The electrostatic field is conservative, meaning the work done in moving a charge along any closed path is zero ($\oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{l} = 0$). Thus, D is correct.
Statement E: Coulomb's force is a central force. The motion of a particle under a central force always takes place in a plane because the torque about the center is zero, keeping angular momentum constant in direction. Thus, E is correct.
Since B, C, D, and E are correct, the correct option is (4).

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

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