Physics Electrostatics Potential & Capacitance Karnataka - CET Previous Year Question Single Correct MCQ
Published on: September 12, 2026

Nature of equipotential surface for a point charge is

A
Ellipsoid with charge at foci.
B
Sphere with charge at the center of the sphere.
C
Sphere with charge on the surface of the sphere.
D
Plane with charge on the surface.

Share this question

For Instagram sharing, use “Apps” on mobile or copy the link.

Text Solution

Verified by Experts
The correct answer is:
B
Step 1: Understand the concept of equipotential surfaces. Equipotential surfaces are those surfaces where the potential is constant. For a point charge, the electric potential (V) at a distance r from the charge (Q) is given by the formula:
$$ V = \frac{kQ}{r} $$
where k is Coulomb's constant.

Step 2: Analyze the shape of the equipotential surfaces created by a point charge. Since the potential depends only on the distance from the charge, all points equidistant from the point charge have the same potential. Therefore, the surfaces of constant potential will be spherical in nature, with the charge located at the center of the sphere.

Step 3: Evaluate the options based on this reasoning.
- Option A (Ellipsoid with charge at foci): This does not apply because the potential is not constant along an ellipsoidal surface with a point charge.
- Option B (Sphere with charge at the center of the sphere): This is correct, as described.
- Option C (Sphere with charge on the surface of the sphere): This is incorrect because the point charge is at the center, not on the surface.
- Option D (Plane with charge on the surface): This is incorrect as paths of constant potential due to a point charge cannot be flat.

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Prepare Smarter with CGP Edu

Get practice questions, solutions, and test series in one place.

Write a Review

Share your experience with this question and solution.

Commentary

Send your comment, doubt, correction, or feedback to admin.

Student Reviews

What students say about this solution

No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review.

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

CG
CGP Question Assistant Question Bank + AI Help
Hi! Type your question or upload one screenshot. First I will search related questions from CGP Edu Question Bank. If none match, type YES and I will solve it with AI.
Upload only one screenshot at a time. Flow: Question Bank first → If not matched, type YES for AI solution.