Q83 / 90 · JEE Main 2016 (09 Apr Online) · Physics

The potential (in volts) of a charge distribution is given by

Vz=30-5z2 for z≤1 m

Vz=35-10 z for z≥1 m .

Vz does not depend on x and y. If this potential is generated by a constant charge per unit volume ρ0 (in units of ϵ0 ) which is spread over a certain region, then choose the correct statement.

  • A
    ρ0=20 ϵ0 in the entire region
  • Correct answer
    B
    ρ0=10 ϵ0 for z≤1 m and ρ0=0 else where
  • C
    ρ0=20 ϵ0 for z≤1 m and ρ0=0 else where
  • D
    ρ0=40 ϵ0 in the entire region

Solution

Electric field due to given potentials is 

E1=-dVdz=10 z for ∣z∣≤1 m. Here  E1 is proportional to z, so charge distribution is continuous for z≤1 m

E2=-dVdz=10 for z≥1 m. Here, E2 is constant. 

So, using the Poisson’s equation ∇2V=-ρε0, we get ρ=0.

∴ The source is an infinity large non-conducting thick plate.  

Hence, consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface:

Applying Gauss's law for ∣z∣≤1 m

E×2A=ρ×2z×Aε0

⇒10z2A=ρ(2Az)ε0

⇒ρ0=10ε0 for z≤1 m.

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

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