Q.Two charged particles traverse identical helical paths in a completely opposite sense in a uniform magnetic field B=B0k^.
Concept understanding — Cyclotron Motion Radius
Cyclotron Motion Radius – From Intuition to Formula
Imagine you're pushing a charged ball on a frictionless table, and there's a giant magnet underneath. The moment that ball starts moving, the magnet doesn't pull it or push it forward — it turns it. The force from the magnet always acts sideways, perpendicular to the ball's velocity. So the ball never speeds up or slows down; it just keeps changing direction. If the magnetic field is uniform and the ball keeps moving, it will trace out a perfect circle.
That circle is called cyclotron motion, and the radius of that circle is what we're after.
Why does it curve at all?
The magnetic force on a moving charge is given by:
F=q(v×B)
The cross product means the force is always perpendicular to both the velocity v and the magnetic field B. For a charge moving perpendicular to a uniform field, this force acts as a centripetal force — it constantly pulls the charge toward the centre of a circle, without doing any work (since force is perpendicular to displacement).
So the charge moves in uniform circular motion. The magnetic force provides the necessary centripetal acceleration.
Deriving the radius
For circular motion, the centripetal force required is:
Fcentripetal=rmv2
where m is the mass of the particle, v is its speed, and r is the radius of the circle.
The magnetic force (for v⊥B) has magnitude:
FB=∣q∣vB
Set them equal:
∣q∣vB=rmv2
Cancel one factor of v (assuming v=0):
∣q∣B=rmv
Solve for r:
r=∣q∣Bmv
That's the cyclotron motion radius (also called the Larmor radius or gyroradius).
What the formula tells you
- Faster particle → larger radius (it's harder to turn something moving fast).
- Heavier particle → larger radius (more inertia resists the turn).
- Stronger magnetic field → smaller radius (the turning force is stronger).
- Larger charge → smaller radius (more force for the same field).
If the particle's velocity has a component parallel to B, it doesn't feel any magnetic force in that direction. So the particle moves in a helix — circular motion in the plane perpendicular to B, plus constant speed along B. The radius formula above still applies using only the perpendicular component of velocity, v⊥.
A quick example
A proton (m=1.67×10−27 kg, q=1.6×10−19 C) moves at 2.0×106 m/s perpendicular to a 0.50 T magnetic field.
r=(1.6×10−19)(0.50)(1.67×10−27)(2.0×106)=8.0×10−203.34×10−21=0.042 m
So the proton circles with a radius of about 4.2 cm.
Common mistake to avoid
The formula r=∣q∣Bmv uses the speed v, not velocity. And it assumes the velocity is perpendicular to B. If there's a parallel component, use only v⊥ in the numerator. The parallel component doesn't affect the radius — it just carries the particle along the field line.
Why "cyclotron"?
The name comes from the cyclotron, a particle accelerator that uses this exact principle. Particles spiral outward in a magnetic field, gaining energy from an alternating electric field each half-turn. The radius increases as the particle speeds up — exactly what the formula predicts.
Queries like "cyclotron radius formula derivation" and "moving charges and magnetism class 12 physics" are common, since this result comes straight from the Moving Charges and Magnetism chapter of the NCERT/CBSE Class 12 Physics curriculum. It's also a standard numerical-question type in JEE Main and NEET on charged-particle motion in magnetic fields.
The two particles trace identical helices (same radius r=mv⊥/∣q∣B0 and same pitch p=v∥T, with T=2πm/∣q∣B0) but in completely opposite sense.
- The sense of gyration is fixed only by the sign of the charge, so opposite sense means the two charges are opposite in sign.
- Both r and T depend on m,q only through ∣q∣/m (the cyclotron frequency ω=∣q∣B0/m), so identical path shape requires ∣q1∣/m1=∣q2∣/m2.
- Combining opposite sign with equal magnitude: (me)1=−(me)2.
Equal z-momenta (a), equal charges (b), and a forced particle-antiparticle pair (c) are not implied by this - only the reciprocal charge-to-mass relation is.
Only option (d) is necessarily true: (me)1+(me)2=0.
Matching helical paths in opposite sense forces the two particles' charge-to-mass ratios to be equal in magnitude but opposite in sign - this is exactly option (d): (e/m)1+(e/m)2=0.
Setting up the helix
For a charged particle of mass m, charge q, moving in B=B0k^, split the velocity into v⊥ (perpendicular to B) and v∥ (along B). The perpendicular part gives circular motion:
r=∣q∣B0mv⊥,T=∣q∣B02πm
and the parallel part carries the particle steadily along the field, giving a helix of pitch
p=v∥T=∣q∣B02πmv∥.
Same shape, opposite sense
"Identical helical paths" means the two particles trace the same radius r and the same pitch p. The sense of rotation (clockwise or anticlockwise, viewed along B) is fixed entirely by the sign of the charge - a positive charge circulates one way, a negative charge the other way, for the same B. "Completely opposite sense" therefore means the two charges have opposite sign.
Both r and T (and hence p) are governed by the single combination ∣q∣/m, through the cyclotron angular frequency ω=∣q∣B0/m. For the two particles to trace geometrically identical helices in this same field, this angular frequency must be the same for both:
m1∣q1∣=m2∣q2∣.
Combine this with the opposite sign of the charges: writing e/m for the signed charge-to-mass ratio of each particle,
m1q1=−m2q2⟹(me)1+(me)2=0.
This is exactly stem option (d).
Why the other options are not forced
- (a) equal z-components of momenta: the pitch condition fixes v∥ to be the same for both particles once ∣q∣/m is matched, but the mass m need not be the same - so pz=mv∥ need not be equal.
- (b) equal charges: the charges must be opposite in sign, so, other than the trivial case q=0, they cannot be equal.
- (c) a particle-antiparticle pair: this would additionally require the two masses to be exactly equal, which is not implied - any two species with the same ∣q∣/m magnitude and opposite charge sign satisfy the condition, not only a particle and its antiparticle.
Only option (d) is necessarily true: (me)1+(me)2=0 - the charge-to-mass ratios are equal in magnitude and opposite in sign.
Method: Comparing Two Charged Particles' Helical Paths in a Uniform Field
Whenever a problem describes two (or more) charged particles tracing helices in the same field and asks what must be true of their charges/masses, the technique is to write each particle's path parameters symbolically and match them term by term.
Steps
Step 1: Write the three helix parameters for a general particle
For a particle of mass m, charge magnitude ∣q∣, in field B=B0k^, split velocity into v⊥ and v∥:
r=∣q∣B0mv⊥,T=∣q∣B02πm,p=v∥T
Notice r and T (and therefore p) depend on the particle's charge and mass only through the single combination ∣q∣/m (equivalently, the cyclotron frequency ω=∣q∣B0/m).
Step 2: Translate "identical path shape" into an equation
"Identical helices" means both particles have the same r, T, and p in the same B. Since these depend only on ∣q∣/m (and on v⊥,v∥, which the problem may or may not force equal), matching path shape between particle 1 and particle 2 gives:
m1∣q1∣=m2∣q2∣
Step 3: Translate "opposite sense" into a sign condition
The rotational sense (clockwise vs anticlockwise, viewed along B) is fixed purely by the sign of the charge -- it does not depend on mass, speed, or radius. "Completely opposite sense" therefore forces the two charges to have opposite sign.
Applying to this problem: combine the magnitude condition from Step 2 with the opposite-sign condition from Step 3 -- a same-magnitude, opposite-sign charge-to-mass ratio is exactly (e/m)1+(e/m)2=0. Check each remaining option (equal momenta, equal charges, particle-antiparticle pair) against only what Steps 2-3 actually proved, not against extra assumptions the problem never stated.
Showing the 12 most recent of 71 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.A thin conducting wire of length L carrying a current of 2A is bent into a square loop of 2 turns and another thin conducting wire of length 2L carrying a current of 3A is bent into a circular loop of 3 turns. If the magnetic moment of the circular loop is π4Am2, then the magnetic moment of the square loop is (A) 0.5πAm2 (B) 0.5Am2 (C) 0.25πAm2 (D) 0.25Am2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The magnetic moment of a planar loop is M=NIA, where N is the number of turns, I the current, and A the area. Using the given data for the circular loop to find L, then computing the square loop’s moment gives 0.25Am2, which is option (D).
The magnetic moment of any current-carrying coil is the product of the number of turns, the current, and the area enclosed per turn. The key here is that both loops are made from wires of fixed total length, so the side length of the square and the radius of the circle are determined by L and the number of turns. Once we find L from the circular loop’s given moment, the square loop’s moment follows directly.
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Circular loop: find L from its magnetic moment
The wire length is 2L and it is bent into 3 turns. Each turn is a circle, so the circumference of one turn is 32L.
Radius of one turn: 2πr=32L⇒r=3πL.
Area of one turn: Ac=πr2=π(3πL)2=9πL2.
Magnetic moment of the circular loop: Mc=NcIcAc=3×3×9πL2=πL2.
Given Mc=π4Am2, we have πL2=π4⇒L2=4⇒L=2m (length in metres).
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Square loop: compute its magnetic moment
The wire length is L=2m and it is bent into 2 turns. Each turn is a square, so the perimeter of one turn is 2L=1m.
Side length of the square: 4a=1⇒a=0.25m.
Area of one turn: As=a2=(0.25)2=0.0625m2.
Magnetic moment of the square loop: Ms=NsIsAs=2×2×0.0625=0.25Am2.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that the total wire length is shared among all turns. For N turns, the perimeter of each turn is total length divided by N, not the full length.
✓Final answerThe magnetic moment of the square loop is 0.25Am2, which corresponds to option (D).
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.If the radius of 1327Al nucleus is 3.6 fm, then the number of neutrons in a nucleus of atomic number 29 and radius 4.8 fm is (A) 64 (B) 35 (C) 42 (D) 49
›Reveal solutionSolution
Nuclear radius follows R=R0A1/3, so the ratio of radii gives the ratio of mass numbers. From the given data, the unknown nucleus has A=64; with atomic number 29, neutrons =64−29=35.
The key idea is that nuclear radius depends only on the total number of nucleons (mass number A), not on the proton count separately. The formula R=R0A1/3 is an empirical result — it comes from the fact that nucleons are packed at nearly constant density, so volume is proportional to A, and radius goes as A1/3.
We are given one known nucleus: 1327Al has A=27 and R=3.6 fm. Another nucleus has atomic number Z=29 and R=4.8 fm. We need its neutron number N=A−Z.
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Write the radius relation for both nuclei.
For aluminium: R1=R0A11/3 with A1=27, R1=3.6 fm.
For the unknown: R2=R0A21/3 with R2=4.8 fm.
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Take the ratio to eliminate R0:
R1R2=A11/3A21/3=(A1A2)1/3.
- Substitute the numbers:
3.64.8=34=(27A2)1/3.
- Cube both sides:
(34)3=27A2⇒2764=27A2.
So A2=64.
- The atomic number is Z=29, so the number of neutrons is
N=A2−Z=64−29=35.
Watch outA common mistake is to confuse atomic number Z with mass number A, or to think radius depends on Z directly. The radius formula uses A, the total nucleon count — neutrons and protons together.
TipYou can also notice that 4.8/3.6=4/3, and (4/3)3=64/27, so A2 must be 64 without any messy arithmetic. Spotting simple fractions saves time in exams.
✓Final answerThe number of neutrons is 35, which corresponds to option (B).
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.If the excess pressure inside a spherical mercury drop is 1240Nm−2, then the radius of the mercury drop is (Surface tension of mercury =0.465Nm−1) (A) 0.75 mm (B) 1.5 mm (C) 0.375 mm (D) 2.25 mm
›Reveal solutionSolution
The excess pressure inside a spherical drop is given by ΔP=r2T. Solving for r with ΔP=1240N/m2 and T=0.465N/m gives r=0.75mm, which corresponds to option (A).
The key concept here is the Laplace pressure for a spherical liquid drop. When a liquid forms a small sphere, surface tension pulls inward, creating a higher pressure inside than outside. For a spherical drop, the excess pressure ΔP is inversely proportional to the radius: the smaller the drop, the larger the pressure difference. This is why tiny droplets are harder to deform and why blowing a soap bubble requires more effort at first.
The formula is:
ΔP=r2T
where T is the surface tension and r is the radius. Notice that for a soap bubble (which has two surfaces), the factor is 4T/r, but for a simple liquid drop, it’s 2T/r.
Now, let’s solve step by step.
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Write down the given values
Excess pressure: ΔP=1240N/m2
Surface tension: T=0.465N/m
We need the radius r.
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Use the Laplace pressure formula for a spherical drop
ΔP=r2T
- Rearrange to solve for r Multiply both sides by r:
r⋅ΔP=2T
Then divide by ΔP:
r=ΔP2T
- Substitute the numbers
r=12402×0.465
First, compute the numerator: 2×0.465=0.93
Then divide:
r=12400.93=0.00075m
- Convert to millimetres Since 1m=1000mm,
r=0.00075×1000=0.75mm
TipA common mistake is to use the formula for a soap bubble (ΔP=4T/r) instead of a liquid drop. For a drop, there is only one liquid-air interface, so the factor is 2, not 4. If you accidentally used 4, you’d get r=1.5mm, which is option (B) — a tempting distractor.
Thus, the radius of the mercury drop is 0.75 mm.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.The emissivities of the surfaces of two spheres P and Q of radii 2R and 3R are 0.35 and 0.7 respectively. The ratio of the powers radiated by the spheres P and Q is 9:8. If the wavelength at which sphere P emits radiations of maximum intensity is 4000 Å, then the wavelength at which sphere Q emits radiations of maximum intensity is (A) 5000 Å (B) 3000 Å (C) 4500 Å (D) 6000 Å
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the Stefan–Boltzmann law for radiated power and Wien’s displacement law for peak wavelength, the ratio of powers and emissivities gives the temperature ratio, from which the peak wavelength of sphere Q is found to be 4500 Å.
Concept & Intuition
Two key physical laws govern this problem:
- Stefan–Boltzmann law: The total power radiated by a blackbody is P=εσAT4, where ε is emissivity, A is surface area, and T is absolute temperature.
- Wien’s displacement law: The wavelength λmax at which the intensity is maximum is inversely proportional to temperature: λmaxT=constant.
We are given the ratio of powers, the radii, and the emissivities. From these we can find the ratio of temperatures. Then, knowing λmax for sphere P, we can compute λmax for sphere Q.
Step-by-step solution
- Write the power radiated by each sphere For sphere P: radius rP=2R, emissivity εP=0.35, temperature TP. Surface area AP=4π(2R)2=16πR2. Power:
PP=εPσAPTP4=0.35⋅σ⋅16πR2⋅TP4.
For sphere Q: radius rQ=3R, emissivity εQ=0.7, temperature TQ.
Surface area AQ=4π(3R)2=36πR2.
Power:
PQ=εQσAQTQ4=0.7⋅σ⋅36πR2⋅TQ4.
- Use the given power ratio
PQPP=89.
Substitute the expressions:
0.7⋅36πR2⋅TQ40.35⋅16πR2⋅TP4=89.
Cancel πR2 and simplify the constants:
0.70.35=0.5,3616=94.
So:
0.5⋅94⋅TQ4TP4=89.
92⋅TQ4TP4=89.
Multiply both sides by 9/2:
TQ4TP4=89⋅29=1681.
Take the fourth root:
TQTP=(1681)1/4=161/4811/4=23.
So TP=23TQ or equivalently TQ=32TP.
- Apply Wien’s displacement law For sphere P: λP=4000 Å, and λPTP=b (Wien’s constant). For sphere Q: λQTQ=b. Hence:
λQTQ=λPTP.
Substitute TQ=32TP:
λQ⋅32TP=4000⋅TP.
Cancel TP (non-zero):
λQ⋅32=4000.
λQ=4000⋅23=6000 A˚.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that the power depends on the fourth power of temperature and on the surface area (which scales as radius squared). Also, note that emissivity is not 1, so it must be included.
TipThe ratio of temperatures came out as a simple fraction 3:2 because the numbers were chosen nicely. Always simplify constants step by step to avoid arithmetic errors.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.The lengths of two copper wires A and B are 180 cm and 270 cm respectively. If the mass of wire A is twice the mass of wire B and the electrical resistance of wire A is 200 Ω, then the electrical resistance of wire B is (A) 900 Ω (B) 400 Ω (C) 600 Ω (D) 300 Ω
›Reveal solutionSolution
The resistance of a wire depends on its length, cross‑sectional area, and material. Using the given mass relation to link the areas, we find that wire B has resistance 600 Ω.
We are given two copper wires (same material, so same resistivity ρ and density d).
Wire A: length LA=180 cm, mass mA, resistance RA=200 Ω.
Wire B: length LB=270 cm, mass mB, and mA=2mB.
We need RB.
Concept and intuition:
Resistance of a wire is R=ρAL, where A is cross‑sectional area. Mass is m=d⋅(volume)=d⋅AL. Since both wires are copper, ρ and d are the same. The mass relation gives a relation between AA and AB, which then lets us compare resistances.
- Write expressions for mass and resistance. For wire A:
mA=dAALA,RA=ρAALA.
For wire B:
mB=dABLB,RB=ρABLB.
- Use the mass condition to relate areas. Given mA=2mB, substitute:
dAALA=2(dABLB).
Cancel d:
AALA=2ABLB.
So
ABAA=2LALB.
- Find the ratio of resistances.
RARB=ρLA/AAρLB/AB=LALB⋅ABAA.
Substitute the area ratio from step 2:
RARB=LALB⋅(2LALB)=2(LALB)2.
- Plug in the lengths. LA=180 cm, LB=270 cm, so
LALB=180270=23.
Then
RARB=2(23)2=2⋅49=29=4.5.
- Compute RB.
RB=4.5×RA=4.5×200=900 Ω.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the mass condition and assume area is proportional to length, or to use R∝L alone. Here the mass relation couples area and length, so resistance scales as L2, not L.
TipNotice that R∝L2 when mass is fixed (since A∝1/L from m=dAL). Here mass is not fixed but related by a factor, so the exponent remains 2 but with a constant factor.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.A current of 3π1 A passes through an ideal toroid of 900 turns per metre. If the relative permeability of the material of the core of the toroid is 400, then the magnetic field inside the core of the toroid is (A) 48 mT (B) 24 mT (C) 72 mT (D) 96 mT
›Reveal solutionSolution
The magnetic field inside a toroid is given by B=μ0μrnI. Substituting the given values yields B=48mT, so the correct option is (A).
Concept & Intuition
A toroid is essentially a solenoid bent into a doughnut shape. For an ideal toroid, the magnetic field is confined entirely to the core and is uniform along the circular path inside it. The field depends on three things: the number of turns per unit length (n), the current (I), and the magnetic properties of the core material (permeability μ=μ0μr). The formula B=μnI comes directly from Ampère’s law, where the line integral of B around a closed loop inside the toroid equals μ times the total current enclosed. Since the core has a relative permeability μr=400, the effective permeability is 400 times that of vacuum.
Step-by-step solution
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Identify the given quantities
- Current: I=3π1A
- Turns per metre: n=900turns/m
- Relative permeability: μr=400
- Permeability of free space: μ0=4π×10−7H/m
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Write the formula for the magnetic field inside an ideal toroid
For a toroid (or a long solenoid) with a core of permeability μ=μ0μr, the magnetic field is
B=μnI=μ0μrnI
This holds because the field lines are circular and the line integral ∮B⋅dl=B⋅(2πr) equals μ times the total current n(2πr)I, giving B=μnI.
- Substitute the numbers
B=(4π×10−7)×400×900×3π1
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Simplify step by step
- Cancel π: 4π×π1=4
- So B=4×10−7×400×900×31
- Multiply 400×900=360000
- Then 360000×31=120000
- So B=4×10−7×120000=4×10−7×1.2×105
- 4×1.2=4.8, and 10−7×105=10−2
- Hence B=4.8×10−2T=0.048T
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Convert to millitesla
0.048T=48mT
TipNotice how the π in the current cancels with the π in μ0 — a common trick in such problems. Always simplify symbolic factors before plugging in numbers.
Watch outA classic mistake is forgetting to multiply by μr when a core is present, or using the formula B=μ0nI for air-core toroids. Here the core’s relative permeability is 400, so the field is 400 times stronger than in vacuum.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.The range of the weak nuclear force is of the order of (A) 1026 \AA (B) 10−6 \AA (C) 1018 \AA (D) 10−2 \AA
›Reveal solutionSolution
The weak nuclear force is a short-range force mediated by massive bosons; its range is roughly 10−18 m, which converts to 10−8 Å, so the closest given option is 10−6 Å.
The weak nuclear force is one of the four fundamental forces, but unlike electromagnetism or gravity, it has a very short range. Why? Because its force carriers—the W and Z bosons—are massive. In quantum field theory, the range of a force is inversely proportional to the mass of the exchange particle: roughly R≈ℏc/mc2. For the W boson, mc2≈80 GeV, giving a range around 10−18 meters. That’s about 10−8 angstroms (since 1 Å = 10−10 m). Among the options, 10−6 Å is the closest order of magnitude.
Let’s walk through the reasoning step by step.
- Recall the relation between mass and range In quantum mechanics, a force mediated by a particle of mass m has a range given by the Compton wavelength of that particle:
R≈mcℏ
For the weak force, the mediators are the W and Z bosons, with masses around 80–90 GeV/c2.
- Plug in numbers Use ℏc≈197 MeV·fm (where 1 fm = 10−15 m). For mc2≈80 GeV = 80000 MeV:
R≈80000 MeV197 MeV⋅fm≈0.0025 fm=2.5×10−18 m
- Convert to angstroms 1 Å = 10−10 m, so:
R≈2.5×10−18 m=2.5×10−8 A˚
- Compare with the options
- (A) 1026 Å — that’s larger than the observable universe.
- (B) 10−6 Å — this is 10−16 m, which is 100 times larger than our calculated range, but still the closest order of magnitude among the choices.
- (C) 1018 Å — that’s 108 m, far too large.
- (D) 10−2 Å — that’s 10−12 m, still much larger than the weak force range.
Watch outA common mistake is to confuse the weak force with the strong force. The strong force has a range of about 10−15 m (1 fm), which is 10−5 Å. The weak force is actually about 1000 times shorter-ranged than that.
TipYou can remember the weak force range as roughly 10−18 m, or 10−8 Å. The only option near that is 10−6 Å, which is off by a factor of 100—but in multiple-choice physics, “order of” means the closest power of ten.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.A long charged cylinder of linear charge density λ is surrounded by a hollow coaxial conducting cylinder. The magnitude of electric field in the space between the two cylinders at a distance R from the common axis of the cylinders is (A) 4πϵ0Rλ (B) 0 (C) 2πϵ0Rλ (D) πϵ0Rλ
›Reveal solutionSolution
The electric field between the cylinders is due only to the inner charged cylinder, because the outer conducting cylinder’s induced charge cancels its own field inside its hollow region. Using Gauss’s law, the field magnitude is 2πϵ0Rλ, so the correct option is (C).
Concept and intuition
The problem involves a long charged cylinder (linear charge density λ) and a coaxial conducting shell. The key idea: inside a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field is zero. The outer cylinder is a conductor, so the field inside its material must be zero. But we are asked for the field between the two cylinders — that is, in the hollow region inside the conducting shell but outside the inner cylinder.
In that region, the only charge that contributes to the field is the inner cylinder’s charge. Why? Because the conducting shell will have induced charges on its inner surface, but those induced charges produce a field that cancels the inner cylinder’s field inside the conductor itself — not in the hollow region. In fact, for a cylindrical Gaussian surface that lies entirely in the gap, the net enclosed charge is just λ times the length, because the induced charge on the inner surface of the shell is outside that Gaussian surface. So the field is exactly the same as if the outer cylinder weren’t there.
Step-by-step reasoning
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Choose a Gaussian surface
Because the system has cylindrical symmetry, we use a cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius R (where a<R<b, with a the inner cylinder’s radius and b the inner radius of the conducting shell) and length L, coaxial with the cylinders.
-
Apply Gauss’s law
Gauss’s law states:
∮E⋅dA=ϵ0Qenc
By symmetry, E is radial and constant in magnitude over the curved surface of the Gaussian cylinder. The flux through the ends is zero (field is parallel to the ends). So the flux is E⋅(2πRL).
- Find the enclosed charge The only charge inside the Gaussian surface is the charge on the inner cylinder:
Qenc=λL
The conducting shell’s induced charges lie on its inner surface, which is at radius b>R, so they are outside the Gaussian surface and do not contribute to Qenc.
- Solve for the field
E⋅(2πRL)=ϵ0λL
Cancel L and solve:
E=2πϵ0Rλ
- Interpret the result This is exactly the field of an infinitely long line charge (or a thin cylinder) at distance R. The conducting shell does not alter the field in the gap — it only ensures that outside the shell the field is zero (since the net charge on the shell plus inner cylinder is zero if the shell is grounded or neutral, but that’s irrelevant for the gap).
Watch outA common mistake is to think the conducting shell cancels the field everywhere inside it. It only cancels the field inside its own conducting material. In the hollow region, the field is unaffected by the shell’s presence.
TipThis result is independent of the radii of the cylinders — as long as you are between them, the field depends only on λ and R.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.The maximum kinetic energy of a proton ejected from a cyclotron with dees of radius 70 cm and oscillating frequency 5 MHz (in MeV) is (Mass of proton = 1.67×10−27 kg) (A) 2.53 (B) 3.87 (C) 1.46 (D) 4.84
›Reveal solutionSolution
The maximum kinetic energy of a proton in a cyclotron is given by Kmax=2mq2B2R2, where the magnetic field B is found from the cyclotron frequency f=2πmqB. Using R=0.70 m, f=5×106 Hz, and proton mass m=1.67×10−27 kg, we get Kmax≈2.53 MeV, so the correct option is (A).
Concept and Intuition
A cyclotron accelerates charged particles by applying an alternating electric field across two D-shaped electrodes (dees), while a uniform magnetic field bends them into circular paths. The key insight: the cyclotron frequency f (the rate at which the electric field reverses) must match the particle’s orbital frequency so that it gets a “kick” each time it crosses the gap. This frequency depends only on the charge-to-mass ratio and the magnetic field, not on speed — that’s why the cyclotron works for non-relativistic particles.
The maximum kinetic energy is reached when the particle’s circular path has the largest possible radius — the radius of the dees themselves. At that point, the magnetic force provides the centripetal force:
qvB=Rmv2
so the speed is v=mqBR, and kinetic energy is K=21mv2=2mq2B2R2.
We are given the frequency, not the magnetic field directly. But the cyclotron frequency formula gives us B from f.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Relate the cyclotron frequency to the magnetic field. The cyclotron (orbital) frequency for a non-relativistic particle is
f=2πmqB
where q is the charge, B the magnetic field, and m the mass. For a proton, q=1.6×10−19 C.
Rearranging:
B=q2πmf
- Plug in the numbers to find B. Given m=1.67×10−27 kg, f=5×106 Hz:
B=1.6×10−192π(1.67×10−27)(5×106)
Compute stepwise:
- 2π≈6.2832
- 6.2832×1.67×10−27≈1.049×10−26
- Multiply by 5×106: 1.049×10−26×5×106=5.245×10−20
- Divide by 1.6×10−19: B≈0.3278 T
- Now compute the maximum kinetic energy. The maximum radius is R=70 cm=0.70 m.
Kmax=2mq2B2R2
Substitute values:
Kmax=2×1.67×10−27(1.6×10−19)2×(0.3278)2×(0.70)2
Compute numerator stepwise:
- q2=(1.6×10−19)2=2.56×10−38
- B2=(0.3278)2≈0.1075
- R2=(0.70)2=0.49
- Product: 2.56×10−38×0.1075≈2.752×10−39
- Then ×0.49: 2.752×10−39×0.49≈1.348×10−39 Denominator: 2×1.67×10−27=3.34×10−27 So
Kmax=3.34×10−271.348×10−39≈4.036×10−13 J
- Convert joules to MeV. 1 eV=1.6×10−19 J, so 1 MeV=1.6×10−13 J.
Kmax=1.6×10−134.036×10−13≈2.5225 MeV
Rounding to two decimal places gives 2.53 MeV.
TipA faster route: combine the formulas directly. From f=2πmqB we get B=q2πmf. Substitute into Kmax=2mq2B2R2 to obtain
Kmax=2π2mf2R2
This is neat because it avoids computing B explicitly. Try it:
Kmax=2π2(1.67×10−27)(5×106)2(0.70)2 gives the same result.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that the radius in the kinetic energy formula is the maximum radius (the dee radius), not the instantaneous radius. Also, ensure units are consistent: convert cm to m, and MHz to Hz (1 MHz = 106 Hz).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.The number of gas molecules per unit volume in a vessel is 2×1025 m−3 and the surface area of each gas molecule is 12.52×10−20 m2. If all the gas molecules are in motion, then the mean free path of the gas molecules (in A˚) is (A) 500 (B) 1000 (C) 2000 (D) 4000
›Reveal solutionSolution
The mean free path is found from λ=2πd2n1, using the given surface area to get the molecular diameter. The result is 2000A˚, option (C).
The mean free path is the average distance a molecule travels between collisions. For a gas of identical hard-sphere molecules, the formula is
λ=2πd2n1
where d is the molecular diameter and n is the number density (molecules per unit volume). The 2 factor accounts for the relative motion of all molecules — if only one molecule moved and the rest were stationary, the factor would be 1, but since all are in motion, the collision rate is higher, shortening the mean free path.
Here we are told the surface area of each molecule. For a sphere, the surface area is 4πr2=πd2. So the given area directly gives πd2, which is exactly what appears in the denominator of the mean free path formula. That is the key insight — we don’t need to find d separately.
-
Extract the given data
Number density: n=2×1025 m−3
Surface area of one molecule: A=12.52×10−20 m2
For a sphere, A=πd2.
-
Write the mean free path formula
λ=2(πd2)n1
Notice πd2 is exactly the given surface area A.
- Substitute directly
λ=2×(12.52×10−20)×(2×1025)1
- Simplify the numbers The 2 in the numerator and the 2 in the denominator cancel:
2×2=2
So the denominator becomes:
12.5×2×10−20×2×1025=12.5×4×105=50×105
Thus
λ=50×1051=2×10−7 m
- Convert to angstroms 1 A˚=10−10 m, so
λ=2×10−7 m=2000 A˚
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the 2 in the denominator when all molecules are moving. If you used λ=πd2n1 (the stationary-target version), you’d get 2828 A˚, which is not among the options. The problem explicitly says “all the gas molecules are in motion,” so the 2 is essential.
TipSpotting that surface area =πd2 lets you plug it directly into the formula without solving for d — saving time and reducing error.
✓Final answerThe mean free path is 2000A˚, which corresponds to option (C).
-
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.A magnet suspended in the horizontal plane makes 24 oscillations per minute at a place A where the dip angle is 30∘ and ‘n’ oscillations per minute at another place B where the dip angle is 60∘. If the ratio of the horizontal components of the earth’s magnetic field at places A and B is 16:9, then the value of ‘n’ is (A) 18 (B) 12 (C) 24 (D) 36
›Reveal solutionSolution
The oscillation frequency of a suspended magnet depends on the horizontal component of Earth’s field. Using the time-period formula and given ratios, we find n=18 oscillations per minute.
The key idea is that a magnet suspended in the horizontal plane oscillates under the restoring torque due only to the horizontal component BH of Earth’s magnetic field. The vertical component does not affect the oscillation because the magnet is free to rotate horizontally. The time period of small oscillations is T=2πmBHI, where I is the moment of inertia and m the magnetic moment of the magnet. Since the same magnet is used at both places, I and m are constant. So the oscillation frequency (oscillations per unit time) is proportional to BH.
Let’s work through the steps.
- Relate frequency to BH At place A, frequency fA=24 oscillations per minute. At place B, frequency fB=n oscillations per minute. The time period T∝1/BH, so frequency f∝BH. Hence,
fBfA=BHBBHA.
- Use the given ratio of horizontal components The problem states BHBBHA=916. Therefore,
n24=916=34.
- Solve for n Cross-multiplying:
24×3=4n⇒72=4n⇒n=18.
Watch outA common mistake is to involve the total field B or the vertical component. But the dip angle only tells you how BH relates to the total field — here the ratio of BH is directly given, so dip angles are extra information not needed for the calculation. They might be used to distract or to verify consistency, but the core relation is purely between f and BH.
TipNotice that the dip angles (30∘ and 60∘) are irrelevant to the answer because the ratio of horizontal components is already provided. If instead the ratio of total fields were given, you would use BH=Bcosδ to convert.
✓Final answerThe value of n is 18, which corresponds to option (A).
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The acceleration due to gravity at a point A at certain height from surface of the earth is 4g, where ‘g’ is acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth. At a point B which lies vertically at certain height above point A, the acceleration due to gravity is 9g. The distance between points A and B is (R - Radius of the earth) (A) 5R (B) 3R (C) R (D) 2R
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that gravity varies with distance from Earth’s centre as g∝1/r2. Using the given values, we find the distances of A and B from the centre, then subtract to get the height difference. The distance between A and B is R.
The problem is about how gravitational acceleration changes with altitude. On the Earth’s surface, gravity is g. At a height h above the surface, the distance from the Earth’s centre becomes R+h, and the acceleration is g′=(R+h)2GM. Since g=R2GM, we have the simple inverse-square relation:
g′=g⋅(R+h)2R2
So if you know g′ as a fraction of g, you can directly solve for R+h, and then for the height h. The distance between two points at different heights is just the difference in their heights.
Let’s work it out.
- Find the distance of point A from Earth’s centre. At A, gA=4g. Using the formula:
4g=g⋅(R+hA)2R2
Cancel g (non-zero) and rearrange:
41=(R+hA)2R2
Take square roots (positive distances):
21=R+hAR
So:
R+hA=2R⇒hA=R
- Find the distance of point B from Earth’s centre. At B, gB=9g. Similarly:
9g=g⋅(R+hB)2R2
91=(R+hB)2R2
31=R+hBR
Hence:
R+hB=3R⇒hB=2R
- Distance between A and B. Both points are on the same vertical line (one above the other). The distance between them is simply the difference in their heights:
hB−hA=2R−R=R
Watch outA common mistake is to think the distance is 3R−2R=R from the centre distances, which gives the same answer here, but that’s coincidental. Always work with heights above the surface to avoid confusion when the points are not both above the surface.
TipNotice the pattern: if gravity becomes g/n2, then the distance from the centre is nR. Here n=2 gives 2R, n=3 gives 3R, so the height difference is (3−2)R=R. This shortcut saves time in multiple-choice questions.
✓Final answerThe distance between points A and B is R, which corresponds to option (C).
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