JEE MAIN - Physics (2023 - 13th April Evening Shift - No. 13)

A $$10 ~\mu \mathrm{C}$$ charge is divided into two parts and placed at $$1 \mathrm{~cm}$$ distance so that the repulsive force between them is maximum. The charges of the two parts are:
$$9 ~\mu\mathrm{C}, 1 ~\mu \mathrm{C}$$
$$5 ~\mu\mathrm{C}, 5 ~\mu \mathrm{C}$$
$$8 ~\mu\mathrm{C}, 2 ~\mu \mathrm{C}$$
$$7 ~\mu\mathrm{C}, 3 ~\mu \mathrm{C}$$

Explanation

The repulsive force between the two charges is given by Coulomb's law:

$$F=\frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0}\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2},$$

where $F$ is the force, $q_1$ and $q_2$ are the charges, $r$ is the distance between them, and $\epsilon_0$ is the electric constant.

To maximize the force, we need to maximize the product $q_1q_2$. Let $q_1$ be the charge on one part and $q_2$ be the charge on the other part. Then we have $q_1+q_2=10\mu\mathrm{C}$, since the total charge is $10\mu\mathrm{C}$.

The distance between the two charges is $r=1\mathrm{~cm}=0.01\mathrm{~m}$. To maximize the force, we need to maximize $q_1q_2$, subject to the constraint that $q_1+q_2=10\mu\mathrm{C}$.

We can use the method of Lagrange multipliers to find the values of $q_1$ and $q_2$ that maximize $q_1q_2$ subject to the constraint $q_1+q_2=10\mu\mathrm{C}$. The Lagrangian is given by $$\mathcal{L}=q_1q_2-\lambda(q_1+q_2-10\mu\mathrm{C}),$$ where $\lambda$ is the Lagrange multiplier.

Taking the partial derivatives of $\mathcal{L}$ with respect to $q_1$, $q_2$, and $\lambda$, and setting them equal to zero, we get:

$$q_2-\lambda=0$$

$$q_1-\lambda=0$$

$$q_1+q_2=10\mu\mathrm{C}$$

Solving for $q_1$ and $q_2$, we get $q_1=q_2=5\mu\mathrm{C}$.

Therefore, the charges of the two parts are both $5\mu\mathrm{C}$.

Therefore, to maximize the repulsive force between the two charges, we need to divide the $10\mu\mathrm{C}$ charge into two equal parts of $5\mu\mathrm{C}$ each, and place them $1\mathrm{~cm}$ apart.

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