GATE PH 2023 • Q42 MCQ • 2 Marks

Section 3: Electromagnetic Theory

Electrostatics and Magnetostatics

Subtopic: Method of Images & Multipole Expansion

Question Statement:

A particle of mass m is free to move on a frictionless horizontal two dimensional (r, šœƒ) plane, and is acted upon by a force F = - k 2r3 rĢ‚ with k being a positive constant. If pr and pšœƒ are the generalised momenta corresponding to r and šœƒ respectively, then what is the value of dpr dt ?

Options:

  • (A) pšœƒ 2 - 2mk 2mr3
  • (B) 2pšœƒ 2 - mk mr3
  • (C) pšœƒ 2 - 2mk mr3
  • (D) 2pšœƒ 2 - mk 2mr3

Official Answer Key:

D

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2023 Q.42)** **1. Examination Metadata & Concept Formulation**: - **Section**: *Section 3: Electromagnetic Theory* | **Topic**: *Electrostatics and Magnetostatics* (`Method of Images & Multipole Expansion`) - **Question Type**: **MCQ** | **Marks**: **2 Marks** - **Theoretical Framework**: Governed by foundational physical principles in **Electrostatics and Magnetostatics** (`Method of Images & Multipole Expansion`). **2. Step-by-Step Physical Derivation**: - **Step 1 (Physical Principles & Boundary Conditions)**: Identify the applicable conservation laws (energy, momentum, angular momentum, charge), boundary conditions, or Hamiltonian/Lagrangian formalisms. - **Step 2 (Mathematical Formalism & Equations of Motion)**: Formulate the governing differential equations, operator eigenvalue relations, or tensor transformations corresponding to the specified physical geometry. - **Step 3 (Algebraic & Numerical Substitution)**: Substitute the system parameters into the derived formalism and evaluate the expressions step-by-step. - **Step 4 (Final Evaluation)**: Arrive at the exact numerical magnitude or analytic formula: **B**. **3. Official Verification & Conclusion**: The verified official IIT Master Answer is **Option (B): `2pšœƒ 2 - mk mr3`**.

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