GATE PH 2023 • Q43 MCQ • 2 Marks

Section 3: Electromagnetic Theory

Electrostatics and Magnetostatics

Subtopic: Method of Images & Multipole Expansion

Question Statement:

Consider two real functions U(x, y) = xy(x2 - y2) , V(x, y) = ax4 + by4 + cx2y2 + k , where k is a real constant and a, b, c are real coefficients. If U(x, y) + i V(x, y) is analytic, then what is the value of a × b × c ?

Options:

  • (A) 1 8
  • (B) 3 28
  • (C) 5 36
  • (D) 3 32

Official Answer Key:

D

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2023 Q.43)** **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): `3 28`**.

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