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Solutions Q3 To Q10 Triangle Electric Potential

The document provides detailed solutions to physics problems related to electric potential in a triangle configuration. It explains concepts such as the calculation of electric potential at various points, the potential energy of systems with multiple charges, and the behavior of charges in an electric field. Key findings include that the total potential can be zero under specific conditions, while the electric field at the centroid can be zero despite maximum potential.

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64 views2 pages

Solutions Q3 To Q10 Triangle Electric Potential

The document provides detailed solutions to physics problems related to electric potential in a triangle configuration. It explains concepts such as the calculation of electric potential at various points, the potential energy of systems with multiple charges, and the behavior of charges in an electric field. Key findings include that the total potential can be zero under specific conditions, while the electric field at the centroid can be zero despite maximum potential.

Uploaded by

abhaynarendrasharma9026
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Class 12 Physics - Electric Potential

Detailed Solutions (Q3 to Q10) - Triangle Based

3. If two charges are positive and one is negative at the corners of an equilateral triangle, is the electric

potential at the centroid zero?

No. Electric potential is a scalar quantity and adds algebraically. Even if one charge is negative, the total

potential at the centroid will not be zero unless the magnitudes are precisely such that they cancel each

other. In general, V_total = V1 + V2 + V3 = k(q1 + q2 + q3)/r.

4. Two charges +2 uC and -2 uC are placed at two vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 20 cm. Find the

potential at the third vertex.

Given: q1 = +2uC, q2 = -2uC, side = 0.2 m

At the third vertex, both charges are at equal distance r = 0.2 m.

V = k[q1/r + q2/r] = k(2e-6 - 2e-6)/0.2 = 0

Answer: V = 0 V

5. Three charges +q, -q, +q are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle. Calculate the potential energy

of the system.

Potential energy of the system:

U = k[(+q)(-q)/r + (-q)(+q)/r + (+q)(+q)/r] = k[-q^2/r - q^2/r + q^2/r] = -kq^2/r

Answer: U = -kq^2/r

6. Draw a triangle with charges at the corners and mark the point where net potential is zero. Explain.

In general, there's no point inside a triangle with unequal or same sign charges where potential is zero.

If one charge is negative and placed at one vertex with two equal positive charges at others, the point where

their potentials cancel might lie inside or outside, found by solving V_total = 0.

7. Why is the electric field at the centroid of a triangle with equal charges not zero but potential is maximum?

Electric field is a vector, so fields from each corner add directionally and cancel out at centroid.

Potential is scalar, so it simply adds: V_total = 3kq/r.

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Class 12 Physics - Electric Potential
Detailed Solutions (Q3 to Q10) - Triangle Based

Hence, field is zero but potential is maximum (positive).

8. Three point charges +3 uC each are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side 15 cm. Find

total potential energy.

U = k[q1q2/r + q2q3/r + q3q1/r] = 3 × (kq^2/r)

U = 3 × (9e9 × (3e-6)^2) / 0.15 = 3 × (9e9 × 9e-12) / 0.15 = (243e-3) / 0.15 = 1.62 J

Answer: U = 1.62 J

9. A proton is placed at the centroid of a triangle with three +q charges. Will it stay in equilibrium? What will

be the direction of its motion?

No. Proton will experience zero net force due to symmetry, but the equilibrium is unstable.

Any small displacement causes net repulsive force.

It will move away radially outward from the center.

10. Three charges +2 uC, -3 uC, +1 uC are placed at the vertices of a triangle with sides 10 cm, 12 cm, 13

cm. Find potential at +1 uC.

Use geometry to find distances from +2uC and -3uC to +1uC.

Suppose r1 = 0.1 m, r2 = 0.12 m. V = k[+2e-6/0.1 + (-3e-6)/0.12]

V = 9e9(20e-6 - 25e-6) = -45 V

Answer: Approx. -45 V (depends on actual positions)

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