GATE PH 2026 • Q12 MCQ • 1 Mark

Section 2: Classical Mechanics

Lagrangian & Hamiltonian Dynamics

Subtopic: Euler-Lagrange Equations of Motion

Question Statement:

An infinitely large non-conducting thin sheet in the xy plane (z=0) carries a uniform surface charge density 𝜎 = 17.70 × 10-12 C.m-2. The electric field in the region z < 0 is E⃗ 2 = x̂ + 2ŷ + 3ẑ. Then, the electric field E⃗ 1 in the region z > 0 will be (\epsilon0 = 8.85 × 10-12 C2. N-1. m-2)

Options:

  • (A) E⃗ 1 = x̂ + 2ŷ + 5ẑ
  • (B) E⃗ 1 = x̂ + 2ŷ + 4ẑ
  • (C) E⃗ 1 = x̂ + 2ŷ + 3ẑ
  • (D) E⃗ 1 = x̂ + 4ŷ + ẑ

Official Answer Key:

A

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2026 Q.12)** **1. Examination Metadata & Concept Formulation**: - **Section**: *Section 2: Classical Mechanics* | **Topic**: *Lagrangian & Hamiltonian Dynamics* (`Euler-Lagrange Equations of Motion`) - **Question Type**: **MCQ** | **Marks**: **1 Mark** - **Theoretical Framework**: Governed by foundational physical principles in **Lagrangian & Hamiltonian Dynamics** (`Euler-Lagrange Equations of Motion`). **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): `E⃗ 1 = x̂ + 2ŷ + 4ẑ`**.

Practice This in Real CBT Exam Interface

Test yourself with the official TCS-iON palette, virtual calculator, and immediate performance analytics.

Launch CBT Mock Test