JEE Main 2023 — Electrostatics Question with Solution

$V=\frac{\sum K{Q}_i}{r_i}$

Here, $Q_i$ and $r_i$ are positive.

$\therefore V>0$

The correct statement is:

(A) Net potential of the system cannot be zero at a point but net electric field can be zero at that point.

Explanation:

In a group of positive charges, the net potential at a point is the sum of the potentials due to each individual charge. The potential due to a point charge is given by the Coulomb's law, which is non-zero except at the location of the charge itself. Therefore, the net potential due to a group of positive charges can never be zero at a point.

On the other hand, the net electric field at a point is the vector sum of the electric fields due to each individual charge. If the charges are arranged in such a way that their electric fields cancel out at a particular point, then the net electric field at that point can be zero, even though the charges are present. This can happen, for example, in a symmetrical arrangement of charges.

So, statement (A) is the correct statement.