Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Question:

A point charge q moves from point P to S along the path PQRS in a uniform electric field $\vec{E}$ pointing parallel to the positive direction of the x-axis. The coordinate of the point P, Q, R and S are (a, b, 0), (2a, 0, 0), (a, −b, 0) and (0, 0, 0) respectively. The work done by the field in the above process is given by the expression

Options:

qaE

-qaE

$q \sqrt{\left(a^2+b^2\right)} E$

$3 q E \sqrt{\left(a^2+b^2\right)}$

Correct Answer:

-qaE

Explanation:

The work done is independent of the path followed and is equal to $(q \vec{E}) . \vec{r}$

where $\vec{r}=$ displacement from P to S

Here, $\vec{r}=a \hat{i}-b \hat{j}$, while $\vec{E}=E \hat{i}$

∴ work = $-(q E \hat{i}) . (a \hat{i}+b \hat{j})=-q a E$

Hence, B is correct choice.