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Physics Question 38 – JEE-MAIN 2026

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Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R Assertion A: In electrostatics, a conductor does not store any net charge inside. Reason R: Inside the capacitor (with no dielectric medium), the free charge carriers, if placed between the plates of capacitor, experience force and drift. Choose the correct answer from the options given below

Recall the fundamental properties of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium regarding charge distribution and electric field inside.

Step 1: Analyze Assertion A✦ Active

Assertion A states that in electrostatics, a conductor does not store any net charge inside. This is a fundamental property of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium. The electric field inside a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium is zero. By Gauss's law, if the electric field is zero everywhere inside a closed surface within the conductor, the net charge enclosed by that surface must be zero. Any excess charge on a conductor resides entirely on its outer surface. Therefore, Assertion A is TRUE.

Step 2: Analyze Reason R○ Expand

Reason R states that inside a capacitor (with no dielectric medium), the free charge carriers, if placed between the plates of capacitor, experience force and drift. Between the plates of a charged capacitor, there exists a uniform electric field E. If free charge carriers (like electrons or ions) are introduced into this region, they will experience an electric force F=qE (where q is the charge of the carrier) and will accelerate or drift in the direction of the force (or opposite to it, depending on the sign of q). Therefore, Reason R is TRUE.

Step 3: Evaluate Relationship between A and R○ Expand

Both Assertion A and Reason R are true statements. However, Reason R describes the behavior of charges in an electric field within a capacitor, while Assertion A describes the distribution of charge within a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium. Reason R does not explain *why* a conductor has no net charge inside. The explanation for Assertion A lies in the fact that the electric field inside a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium is zero, which forces all excess charge to the surface. Reason R is a consequence of charges experiencing force in an electric field, which is a different concept. Thus, Reason R is NOT the correct explanation for Assertion A.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Distinguish between the properties of conductors in equilibrium and the general behavior of charges in an electric field.

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