JEE Main202621 January 2026Evening ShiftPhysicsElectrostaticsActual
Consider two identical metallic spheres of radius R each having charge Q and mass m . Their centers have an initial separation of 4 R . Both the spheres are given an initial speed of u towards each other. The minimum value of u , so that they can just touch each other is : (Take k= 1 4 ₀ and assume k Q²>G m² where G is the Gravitational constant)
Options
- Ak Q² 2 m R (1- G m² k Q² )
- Bk Q² 4 m R (1- G m² k Q² )
- Ck Q² 2 m R (1- G m² 2 k Q² )
- Dk Q² 4 m R (1+ G m² k Q² )
Correct answer
B. k Q² 4 m R (1- G m² k Q² )
Step-by-step solution
Using energy conservation, the system's kinetic energy must overcome the increase in electrostatic potential energy as the spheres approach. Initial state: separation 4R, speed u each. Final state: touching (separation 2R), speed zero. Change in potential energy: U = k Q^2 2R - k Q^2 4R = k Q^2 4R . Initial kinetic energy: KE_i = mu^2 . Energy equation: mu^2 = k Q^2 4R (1 - Gm^2 kQ^2 ) . Therefore, u = kQ^2 4mR (1 - Gm^2 kQ^2 ) .