NCERT Class XII Science Class: Chapter –2 Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance Part-5

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Q.17 Can the potential function have a maximum or minimum in free space?

Answer: No

Solution:

The potential function does not have a maximum or minimum in free space, it is because the absence of atmosphere around conductor prevents the phenomenon of electric discharge or potential leakage.

Q.18 A test charge q is made to move In the electric field of a point charge Q along two different closed paths (figure). First path has sections along and perpendicular to lines of electric field. Second path is a rectangular loop of the same area as the first loop. How does the work done compare in the two cases?

Answer: As electric field is conservative, work done will be zero in both the cases.

Solution:

The electrostatic field is conservative, and in this field work done by electric force on the charge in a closed loop is zero. In this question both are closed paths, hence the work done in both the cases will be zero.