NEET Physics Question - Electrostatics

Assertion (A): If electric field in x-y plane is given by \( \vec{E} = y \hat{i} + x \hat{j} \) then equipotential curve is given by \( xy = \text{constant} \).

Reason (R): Electric field may not be perpendicular to equipotential surface/curve/line.

Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)

Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)

(A) is true but (R) is false

Both (A) and (R) are false

Solution:

For \( \vec{E} = y \hat{i} + x \hat{j} \), we have \( dV = -\vec{E} \cdot d\vec{l} = -(y dx + x dy) = -d(xy) \). Integrating, \( V = -xy + C \). Thus, equipotential lines are \( xy = \text{constant} \). Electric field lines are always perpendicular to equipotential surfaces. Thus (A) is true and (R) is false.

Rankers Physics

Equipotential Curves for Given Electric Field

Solution:

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