JEE Main20262 April 2026Evening ShiftPhysicsElectrostaticsActual
Two metal plates (A, B) are kept horizontally with separation of ( 12 ) cm, with plate A on the top. An atomizer jet sprays oil (density 1.5 g/cm ^3 ) droplets of radius 1 mm horizontally. All oil droplets carry a charge 5 nC. The potentials V_A and V_B are required on plates A and B respectively in order to ensure the droplets do not descend. The values of V_A and V_B are _______. (Neglect the air resistance to the
Options
- A100 , V and 580 , V
- B580 , V and 100 , V
- C60 , V and 400 , V
- D0 , V and -200 , V
Correct answer
A. 100 , V and 580 , V
Step-by-step solution
For the oil droplets to not descend, the upward electric force must balance the downward gravitational force. qE = mg The mass of the oil droplet is given by: m = 4 3 r^3 Substituting the given values r = 10⁻³ m and = 1500 kg/m ^3 : m = 4 3 (10⁻³)^3 1500 = 2 10⁻⁶ kg The electric field E required is: E = mg q = 2 10⁻⁶ 10 5 10⁻⁹ = 4000 V/m The potential difference V between the plates is: V = E d = 4000 ( 12 10⁻² ) = 480 V Since the charge on the droplet is positive, the electric field must be directed upwards to pro