AIIMS2019Physics-Electrostatics

AIIMS 2019 Physics Electric Field and Potential MCQ Question

Type: MCQ-conceptual-Medium-Class 12

Three charges 2q, -q and -q are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. At the center of the triangle

A

the field is zero but potential is non-zero.

B

the field is non-zero but potential is zero.

C

both field and potential are zero

D

both field and potential are non-zero

Correct Answer

Option B

Detailed Explanation

At the center of the equilateral triangle formed by charges 2q, -q, and -q, the electric field is non-zero due to the unequal distribution of charge; the field contributions from the two -q charges cancel each other out, while the 2q charge contributes a net field directed away from it. However, the electric potential at that point is zero because the potential due to the positive charge (2q) is exactly canceled by the potentials due to the two negative charges (-q), which are equidistant from the center. Option A is incorrect because the potential is zero, not non-zero; Option C is incorrect since the electric field is not zero; and Option D is incorrect as the potential is zero.

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