JEE Main202331 Jan 2023Evening ShiftPhysicsElectrostaticsActual
Considering a group of positive charges, which of the following statements is correct?
Options
- ANet potential of the system cannot be zero at a point but net electric field can be zero at that point
- BNet potential of the system at a point can be zero but net electric field can't be zero at that point
- CBoth the net potential and the net field can be zero at a point
- DBoth the net potential and the net electric field cannot be zero at a point
Correct answer
A. Net potential of the system cannot be zero at a point but net electric field can be zero at that point
Step-by-step solution
As we know, net potential will be algebraic sum of potential due to each charge, so we can write V n e t = ∑ k Q i r i . As given in the question, Q i and r i are positive, so ∴    V n e t > 0 But electric field is a vector quantity, so it can be zero for a given arrangement of charges. For example, electric field at the centre of the two equal charges at certain distance will be zero as electric field due to both charges will be in opposite direction and hence will cancel each other.