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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

PhysicsElectrostaticsKVPYKVPY 2018 (SB/SX)
Options:
  • A 0°<β<30°
  • B β=30°
  • C 30°<β60°
  • D 60°<β90°
Solution:
1343 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: 0°<β<30°

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



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



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.



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



Area of elemental ring,

dA=2πrds=2πRsinα·Rdα


Flux through elemental ring EdA


dϕ=kQR2·2πR2sinαdα


Total flux through base of cone


ϕ=0αkQR2·2πR2sinαdα


=kQ2π0αsinαdα


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


cosβ0.9


So, angle β is not more than 30°.


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