Medium MCQ +4 / -1 PYQ · JEE Mains 2020

A particle of charge q and mass m is subjected to an electric field
E = E0 (1 – $a$x2) in the x-direction, where $a$ and E0 are constants. Initially the particle was at rest at x = 0. Other than the initial position the kinetic energy of the particle becomes zero when the distance of the particle from the origin is :

  1. A $a$
  2. B $\sqrt {{2 \over a}}$
  3. C $\sqrt {{3 \over a}}$ Correct answer
  4. D $\sqrt {{1 \over a}}$

Solution

$W = \Delta KE$ <br><br>As inital and final kinetic energy both are zero so $\Delta KE$ = 0 <br><br>$\therefore$ W = 0 <br><br>$\Rightarrow$ $\int\limits_0^x {Fdx} = 0$<br><br>$\Rightarrow$ $q\int\limits_0^x {{E_0}\left( {1 - a{x^2}} \right)dx} = 0$<br><br>$\Rightarrow$ $q{E_0}\left[ {\int\limits_0^x {dx - a} \int\limits_0^x {{x^2}dx} } \right] = 0$<br><br>$\Rightarrow$$q{E_0}\left[ {x - {{a{x^3}} \over 3}} \right] = 0$<br><br>$\Rightarrow$ $x\left( {1 - {{a{x^2}} \over 3}} \right) = 0$<br><br>$\Rightarrow$ $x = 0,$ ${1 - {{a{x^2}} \over 3}}$ = 0<br><br>$\Rightarrow$ ${{{a{x^2}} \over 3}}$ = 1<br><br>$\Rightarrow$ ${x = \sqrt {{3 \over a}} }$

About this question

Subject: Physics · Chapter: Electrostatics · Topic: Coulomb's Law

This question is part of PrepWiser's free JEE Main question bank. 132 more solved questions on Electrostatics are available — start with the harder ones if your accuracy is >70%.

Drill 25 more like these. Every day. Free.

PrepWiser turns these solved questions into a daily practice loop. Chapter-wise drills, full mocks, AI doubt chat. No auto-renew.

Start free →