PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

1
CHAPTER 16:
CHAPTER 16:
Electrostatics
Electrostatics
(4 Hours)
(4 Hours)
The study of electric electric
charges at rest charges at rest, the
forces betee! the" forces betee! the"
and the electric fiel#s electric fiel#s
associated with them.
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PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
)ear!i!g *utco"e:
At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to: At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to:

State State Coulo"b,s la+ Coulo"b,s la+

S'etch S'etch the force #iagra" a!# the force #iagra" a!# a$$l( a$$l( Coulo"b,s la for a Coulo"b,s la for a
s(ste" of $oi!t charges& s(ste" of $oi!t charges&
2
16&1 Coulo"b,s la (1 hour)
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2 2
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4 r
kQq
r
Qq
F

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&1&1 Coulo"b,s la

states that the "ag!itu#e of the electrostatic (Coulo"b or the "ag!itu#e of the electrostatic (Coulo"b or
electric) force betee! to $oi!t charges is $ro$ortio!al to electric) force betee! to $oi!t charges is $ro$ortio!al to
the $ro#uct of the charges a!# i!-ersel( $ro$ortio!al to the the $ro#uct of the charges a!# i!-ersel( $ro$ortio!al to the
s.uare of the #ista!ce betee! the" s.uare of the #ista!ce betee! the".

Mathematically,
3
r
F

/ /
2
Q
1
Q
/ /
charges point o between tw distance : r
2 2 9
C m N 10 0 9 constant (Coulomb) tic electrosta :

. k
2
2 1
r
Q Q
F
where
force tic electrosta of magnitude : F
charges of magnitude : ,
2 1
Q Q
2
2 1
r
Q kQ
F
0igure 1&1 0igure 1&1
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

Since

If Q
1
and Q
2
are charges of o$$osite sig! o$$osite sig!, the force (F) acting
on each charge is attracti-e attracti-e as shown in Figure 3.2.

This mean that F is #irecte# toar#s the !eighbouri!g #irecte# toar#s the !eighbouri!g
charge charge and will result in both charges "o-i!g toar#s "o-i!g toar#s
each other each other.
4
0
4
1

k , hence the oulomb!s law can be written as

,
_

,
_

2
2 1
0
4
1
r
Q Q
F

where
air) or (acuum space free of t! permittii :
0

) m N C 10 "# $ " (
2 1 2 12
0


r
F

/ /
2
Q
1
Q
2 2
0igure 1&3 0igure 1&3
F

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

If Q
1
and Q
2
are both $ositi-e or both !egati-e both $ositi-e or both !egati-e charges, the
force (F) acting on each charge is re$ulsi-e re$ulsi-e as shown in Figure
3.".

This mean that F is #irecte# aa( fro" the !eighbouri!g #irecte# aa( fro" the !eighbouri!g
charge charge and will result i! a se$aratio! of the to charges if i! a se$aratio! of the to charges if
the( are free to "o-e the( are free to "o-e.

Figures 3.3a and 3.3b show the #ariation of electrostatic force

with the distance between two charges.
5
r
F
0
2 1
Q kQ m
%radient,
F
2
1
r
0
0igure 1&1a 0igure 1&1a 0igure 1&1b 0igure 1&1b
Simulation 19.1
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

harge is a scalar .ua!tit( scalar .ua!tit(.

The S.I. unit of the charge is coulo"b coulo"b ().

1 Coulo"b 1 Coulo"b is defined as the total charge tra!sferre# b( a the total charge tra!sferre# b( a
curre!t of o!e a"$ere i! o!e seco!#& curre!t of o!e a"$ere i! o!e seco!#&

$ote %

The sig! of the charge ca! be ig!ore# sig! of the charge ca! be ig!ore# when substituting
into the oulomb!s law e&uation.

The sig! of the charges sig! of the charges is im'ortant in #isti!guishi!g the #isti!guishi!g the
#irectio! of the electric force #irectio! of the electric force .
6
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&1&3 Electric charges a!# co!ser-atio! of
charges

There are two (inds of charges in nature ) 'ositi#e and negati#e

charge.

harges of o$$osite sig! attract o$$osite sig! attract one another ) attracti#e
force.

harges of the sa"e sig! re$el sa"e sig! re$el one another ) re'ulsi#e
force.

Pri!ci$le of co!ser-atio! of charges Pri!ci$le of co!ser-atio! of charges state the total charge the total charge
i! a! isolate# s(ste" is co!sta!t (co!ser-e#) i! a! isolate# s(ste" is co!sta!t (co!ser-e#).

harge is .ua!ti4e#& .ua!ti4e#&

*lectric charge e+ists as discrete ,'ac(ets- and written as

7
ne Q
C 10 & 1 charge, of amount l fundamenta :
19
. e
-

charge electric : Q
where
1,2,$$$ number integer positie : n
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&1&1 5eto!,s la of gra-itatio! a!# Coulo"b,s
la

Table 3." shows the com'arison between $ewton!s law of

gra#itation and oulomb!s law.
8
Table 1&1 Table 1&1
5eto!,s la of 5eto!,s la of
6ra-itatio! 6ra-itatio!
Coulo"b,s la Coulo"b,s la
.nly attracti#e force
2
2 1
e
r
Q kQ
F
2
2 1
g
r
m Gm
F
/ttracti#e or re'ulsi#e force
Force due to mass
interaction
Force due to charge
interaction
The force is a long0range
forces.
The force is a short0range
force.
The e&uation of the
gra#itational force %
The e&uation of the electric
force %
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
9
Two 'oint charges, Q
1
1 23 and Q
2
1 34 are se'arated by a
distance of 3.3 cm as shown in Figure 3.5.
6etermine the magnitude and direction of
a. the electric force that Q
1
e+erts on Q
2
.
b. the electric force that Q
2
e+erts on Q
1
.
(7i#en oulomb!s constant, k 1 8.4 "4
8
$ m
2

2
)
E7a"$le 16&1
2
2
cm # $ '
/
/
1
Q
2
Q
0igure 1&4 0igure 1&4
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
10
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. 9y a''lying the oulomb!s law e&uation, thus
m 10 # $ ' C( 10 #0 C( 10 "#
2 &
2
&
1

r Q Q
2
2 1
12
r
Q kQ
F

( )( )( )
( )
2
2
& & 9
12
10 # $ '
10 #0 10 "# 10 0 $ 9

F
where
2
2
cm # $ '
/
/
1
Q
2
Q
21
F

12
F

2 charge on 1 charge b! force :

12
F

1 charge on 2 charge b! force :

21
F

8irectio! : 8irectio! :
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
11
Solutio! : Solutio! :
b. 9y a''lying the oulomb!s law e&uation, thus
m 10 # $ ' C( 10 #0 C( 10 "#
2 &
2
&
1

r Q Q
2
2 1
21
r
Q kQ
F

( )( )( )
( )
2
2
& & 9
21
10 # $ '
10 #0 10 "# 10 0 $ 9

F
8irectio! : 8irectio! :
5ote: 5ote:

The magnitude of both forces is the sa"e but o$$osite i! sa"e but o$$osite i!
#irectio! #irectio! where in the #ector form,

The characteristic of electric force e+ert on both charges is

attracti-e force attracti-e force.
21 12
F F


PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
12
Three 'oint charges lie along the +0a+is as shown in Figure 3.3.
a. alculate the magnitude and direction of the total electrostatic
force e+erted on Q
1
.
b. Su''ose the charge Q
2
can be mo#ed left or right along the line

connecting the charges Q
1
and Q
'
. 6etermine the distance from

Q
'
where Q
2
e+'eriences a nett electrostatic force of :ero.
(7i#en 'ermitti#ity of free s'ace,
0
1 2.23 "4
"2

2
$
"
m
2
)
E7a"$le 16&3 :
0igure 1&9 0igure 1&9
cm 20
2
2
/
/
)C 12
1
Q )C 20
2
Q
/
/
)C '&
'
Q
cm 12
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
13
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a.
9y a''lying the oulomb!s law e&uation, thus
6irection %
m 10 12 C( 10 20 C( 10 12
2
12
&
2
&
1

r Q Q
m 10 '2 C( 10 '&
2
1'
&
'

r Q
12
r
1'
r
2
2
/
/
1
Q
2
Q
/
/
'
Q
21
F

'1
F

2
12 0
2 1
21
4 r
Q Q
F

( )( )
( )( )
2
2 12
& &
21
10 12 10 "# $ " 4
10 20 10 12

F
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
14
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. and
Therefore the total electrostatic force on Q
1
is gi#en by
6irection % to the left
m 10 12 C( 10 20 C( 10 12
2
12
&
2
&
1

r Q Q
m 10 '2 C( 10 '&
2
1'
&
'

r Q
2
1' 0
' 1
'1
4 r
Q Q
F

( )( )
( )( )
2
2 12
& &
'1
10 '2 10 "# $ " 4
10 '& 10 12

F
N 9 $ '*
'1
F
'1 21 1
F F F

+
'1 21 1
F F F
8irectio! : 8irectio! :
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
15
Solutio! : Solutio! :
b.
The nett force acting on Q
2
is :ero thus
C 10 '& C( 10 20 C( 10 12
&
'
&
2
&
1

Q Q Q
m 10 '2 (
2
1'

r
x r
1'
1'
r
2
2
/
/
1
Q
2
Q
/
/
'
Q
'2
F

'2 12
F F

2
2' 0
' 2
2
12 0
2 1
4 4 r
Q Q
r
Q Q


x
12
F

( )
2
&
2
2
&
10 '&
10 '2
10 12
x
x

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16
Figure 3.; shows three 'oint charges that lie in the x0y 'lane in a
#acuum.
alculate the magnitude and direction of the nett electrostatic force
on Q
2
.
(7i#en electrostatic constant, k 1 8.44 "4
8
$ m
2

2
)
E7a"$le 16&1 :
0igure 1&6 0igure 1&6
cm 20
)C 0 $ &
1
Q
)C 0 $ 4
2
Q
)C 0 $ #
'
Q
cm 12
2
2
/
/
2
2

1*
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
17
Solutio! : Solutio! :

*'
C( 10 0 $ 4 C( 10 0 $ &
&
2
&
1

Q Q
m( 10 20 C( 10 0 $ #
2
12
&
'

r Q
m 10 12
2
2'

r
12
r
1
Q
2
Q
'
Q
2'
r
2
2
/
/
2
2

1*
12
F

'2
F

The magnitude of the forces acting on Q

2
are
2
12
2 1
12
r
Q kQ
F

( )( )( )
( )
2
2
& & 9
21
10 20
10 0 $ 4 10 0 $ & 10 0 $ 9

F
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
18
Solutio! : Solutio! : C( 10 0 $ 4 C( 10 0 $ &
&
2
&
1

Q Q
m( 10 20 C( 10 0 $ #
2
12
&
'

r Q
m 10 12
2
2'

r

onstruct a table to re'resents x and y com'onents for all

forces acting on Q
2
.
2
2'
' 2
'2
r
Q kQ
F

( )( )( )
( )
2
2
& & 9
'2
10 12
10 0 $ # 10 0 $ 4 10 0 $ 9

F
Force
x0com'onent ($) y0com'onent ($)
12
F

*' cos
12
F
'2
F

# $ 12
'2
F

0
#" $ 1 *' cos 4 $ #

*' sin
12
F
1& $ # *' sin 4 $ #

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
19
Solutio! : Solutio! :

<ector sum the x and ! com'onents.

Therefore

the magnitude of the resultant electric force acting on Q

2
is

and its direction is gi#en by

N 1 $ 14 # $ 12 #" $ 1
2
+
x
F
N 1& $ # 0 1& $ #
2
+
y
F
( ) ( )
2
2
2
2 2
+
y x
F F F

( ) ( )
2 2
2
1& $ # 1 $ 14 + F

,
_

x
y
F
F
2
2
1
tan
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
20
)C 900 $ 0 )C &00 $ 0

cm 0 $ 1#
/
/
2
2
/ small 'oint charge of mass 24 g and charge of =4.;44 is
hung by a thin wire of negligible mass. / charge of 4.844 is
held "3.4 cm away from the first charge and directly to the right of
it, so the wire ma(es an angle to the #ertical as shown in Figure
3.>.
E7a"$le 16&4 :
0igure 1&: 0igure 1&:
a. S(etch a free body diagram
of the charge =4.;44 .
b. alculate
i. the angle ,
ii. the tension in the wire.
(7i#en electrostatic constant,
k 1 8.44 "4
8
$ m
2

2
and
gra#itational acceleration,
g 1 8.2" m s
"
)
(Ph(sics+: (Ph(sics+:
th th
e#itio!+ e#itio!+
Cut!ell;<oh!so!+ =31+ $&96>) Cut!ell;<oh!so!+ =31+ $&96>)
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
1
Q
21
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. The free body diagram of the charge is
C( 10 900 $ 0 C( 10 &00 $ 0
&
2
&
1

Q Q
m( 10 0 $ 1# +g( 10 "0
2 '
1

r m
/
/
T

g m

1
sin T
cos T

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
22
Solutio! : Solutio! :
b. i. Since the charge, Q
1
is in e&uilibrium, thus
Therefore
and

(") (2)%
C( 10 900 $ 0 C( 10 &00 $ 0
&
2
&
1

Q Q
m( 10 0 $ 1# +g( 10 "0
2 '
1

r m

0 F

0
x
F
F T sin
and
2
2 1
r
Q kQ
F
2
2 1
sin
r
Q kQ
T
(1) (1)

0
y
F
g m T
1
cos
(3) (3)
2
1
2 1
cos
sin
gr m
Q kQ
T
T

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
23
Solutio! : Solutio! :
b. i.
ii. 9y substituting 1 "3.5 into e&. (2), hence
C( 10 900 $ 0 C( 10 &00 $ 0
&
2
&
1

Q Q
m( 10 0 $ 1# +g( 10 "0
2 '
1

r m
( )( )( )
( )( ) ( )
2
2 '
& & 9
10 0 $ 1# "1 $ 9 10 "0
10 900 $ 0 10 &00 $ 0 10 00 $ 9
tan





( )( ) "1 $ 9 10 "0 4 $ 1# cos
'

T
( )( )

4 $ 1# cos
"1 $ 9 10 "0
'

T
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
24
E7ercise 16&1 :
7i#en
0
= 2.23 "4
"2

2
$
"
m
2
". Two 'oint charges are 'laced on the x0a+is as follows %
harge Q
1
1 =5.44 n is located at x 1 4.244 m, charge Q
2
1 =3.44
n is at x 1 4.344 m. 6etermine the magnitude and direction of the
total electric force e+erted by these two charges on a negati#e 'oint
charge Q
'
1 ;.44 n that is 'laced at the origin.
(?!i-ersit( $h(sics+11 (?!i-ersit( $h(sics+11
th th
e#itio!+ You!g;0ree#"a!+ =31&3@+ $&A3>) e#itio!+ You!g;0ree#"a!+ =31&3@+ $&A3>)
A5S& : A5S& : 3&4 3&4 5 to the right 5 to the right
2. / 'oint charge Q 1 4.33 n is fi+ed at the origin. ?here must a
'roton be 'laced in order for the electric force acting on it to be
e+actly o''osite to its weight@
(7i#en charge of 'roton, Q
p
1 ".;4 "4
"8
and mass of the 'roton,
m
p
1 ".;> "4
2>
(g )
(Ph(sics+1 (Ph(sics+1
r# r#
e#itio!+ <&S&Bal'er+ =1A+ $&69:) e#itio!+ <&S&Bal'er+ =1A+ $&69:)
A5S& : A5S& : 9&99 '" belo 9&99 '" belo Q Q
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
25
E7ercise 16&1 :
3. Four identical 'oint charges (Q 1 ="4.4 ) are located on
the corners of a rectangle as shown in Figure 3.2.
The dimension of the rectangle are l 1 ;4.4 cm and
w 1 "3.4 cm. alculate the magnitude and direction of the
resultant electric force e+erted on the charge at the lower left
corner by the other three charges.
(Ph(sics for scie!tists a!# e!gi!eers+6 (Ph(sics for scie!tists a!# e!gi!eers+6
th th
e#itio!+Sera(;<eett+ e#itio!+Sera(;<eett+
=9:+ $&:19) =9:+ $&:19)
A5S& : A5S& : 4@&> 5 at 361 4@&> 5 at 361
0igure 1&A 0igure 1&A
l
w
Q
Q
/
/ /
/
/
/
/
/
Q
Q
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
)ear!i!g *utco"e:
At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to: At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to:

8efi!e 8efi!e electric fiel#& electric fiel#&

8efi!e 8efi!e electric fiel# stre!gth+ electric fiel# stre!gth+

S'etch S'etch the electric fiel# li!es of isolate# $oi!t charge+ the electric fiel# li!es of isolate# $oi!t charge+
to charges a!# u!ifor"l( charge# $arallel $lates& to charges a!# u!ifor"l( charge# $arallel $lates&

S'etch S'etch the electric fiel# stre!gth #iagra" a!# the electric fiel# stre!gth #iagra" a!# #eter"i!e #eter"i!e
electric fiel# stre!gth electric fiel# stre!gth E E of a $oi!t charge a!# a s(ste" of a $oi!t charge a!# a s(ste"
of charges& of charges&
26
16&3 Electric fiel# (1 hour)
h
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:
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a
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s
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a
t
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#
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(
0
q
F
E

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&3 Electric fiel#
16&3&1 Electric fiel#

is defined as a regio! of s$ace arou!# isolate# charge a regio! of s$ace arou!# isolate# charge
here a! electric force is e7$erie!ce# if a $ositi-e test here a! electric force is e7$erie!ce# if a $ositi-e test
charge $lace# i! the regio!& charge $lace# i! the regio!&

*lectric field around charges can be re'resented by drawing a

series of lines. These lines are called electric fiel# li!es electric fiel# li!es (lines
of force).

The #irectio! of electric fiel# #irectio! of electric fiel# always ta!ge!t to the electric ta!ge!t to the electric
fiel# li!e fiel# li!e at each 'oint.

haracteristics of electric field lines%

The field lines indicate the direction of the electric field (the the
fiel# $oi!ts i! the #irectio! ta!ge!t to the fiel# li!e at fiel# $oi!ts i! the #irectio! ta!ge!t to the fiel# li!e at
a!( $oi!t a!( $oi!t).
27
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

The lines are drawn so that the "ag!itu#e of electric fiel# "ag!itu#e of electric fiel#
is $ro$ortio!al to the !u"ber of li!es crossi!g u!it area $ro$ortio!al to the !u"ber of li!es crossi!g u!it area
'er'endicular to the lines. The closer the li!es+ the closer the li!es+ the
stro!ger the fiel# stro!ger the fiel#.

*lectric field lines start o! $ositi-e charges start o! $ositi-e charges and e!# o! e!# o!
!egati-e charges !egati-e charges, and the number of starting or ending is
'ro'ortional to the magnitude of the charge.

The field lines !e-er cross !e-er cross because the electric field don!t
ha#e two #alue at the same 'oint.

Figures 3.8a, 3.8b, 3.8c, 3.8d, 3.8e and 3.8f show the electric
field 'atterns around the charge.
a. Single 'ositi#e charge
28
+Q +Q
/
/
0igure 1&>a 0igure 1&>a
fiel# #irectio! fiel# #irectio!
(the lines 'oint ra#iall( outar# ra#iall( outar#
from the charge)
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
b. Single negati#e charge
c. Two e&ual 'oint charges of o''osite sign, +Q and Q
29
+Q +Q
-Q -Q
/
/
2
2

Q Q
2
2
fiel# #irectio! fiel# #irectio!
(the lines 'oint ra#iall( i!ar# ra#iall( i!ar#
the charge)
0igure 1&>b 0igure 1&>b
(the lines are cur-e# cur-e#
and they are #irecte# #irecte#
fro" the $ositi-e fro" the $ositi-e
charge to the
!egati-e !egati-e charge.
fiel# #irectio! fiel# #irectio!
0igure 1&>c 0igure 1&>c
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
d. Two e&ual 'ositi#e charges, +Q and +Q
e. Two o''osite une&ual charges,
+2Q and Q
30
+2 +2
Q Q

Q Q
/
/ 2
2
+Q +Q
+Q +Q
/
/
/
/
X X
0iel# #irectio! 0iel# #irectio!
0igure 1&># 0igure 1&>#
0iel# #irectio! 0iel# #irectio!
0igure 1&>e 0igure 1&>e
(note that twice as many
lines lea#e +2Q

as there
are lines entering ,Q)
!u"ber of li!es is !u"ber of li!es is
$ro$ortio!al to $ro$ortio!al to
"ag!itu#e of charge& "ag!itu#e of charge&
('oint - is neutral 'oint )

is defined as a $oi!t a $oi!t

(regio!) here the (regio!) here the
total electric force is total electric force is
4ero 4ero.

It lies alo!g the lies alo!g the

-ertical #ash li!e -ertical #ash li!e.
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
f. Two o''osite charged 'arallel metal 'lates
31
0igure 1&>f 0igure 1&>f
0iel# #irectio! 0iel# #irectio!

The electric field lines are

$er$e!#icular to the surface $er$e!#icular to the surface of the
metal 'lates.

The lines go #irectl( #irectl( from $ositi-e $ositi-e

$late $late to the !egati-e $late !egati-e $late.

The field lines are $arallel $arallel and

e.uall( s$ace# i! the ce!tral e.uall( s$ace# i! the ce!tral
regio! regio! far from the edges but fringe
outward near the edges. Thus, in the
central region, the electric fiel# has electric fiel# has
the sa"e "ag!itu#e at all $oi!ts the sa"e "ag!itu#e at all $oi!ts.

The fringing of the field near the

edges can be ignored because because the
se$aratio! of the $lates se$aratio! of the $lates is s"all s"all
co"$are# to their si4e co"$are# to their si4e.
Simulation 19.2
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&3&3 Electric fiel# stre!gth (i!te!sit()+
E

32

The electric field strength at a 'oint is defined as the electric the electric
(electrostatic) force $er u!it $ositi-e charge that acts at (electrostatic) force $er u!it $ositi-e charge that acts at
that $oi!t i! the sa"e #irectio! as the force& that $oi!t i! the sa"e #irectio! as the force&
Mathematically,

It is a -ector -ector &uantity.

The unit of electric field strength is 5 C 5 C

1 1
.A C " C "
1 1
.

The "ag!itu#e of electric fiel# stre!gth "ag!itu#e of electric fiel# stre!gth is gi#en by
0
q
F
E

force electric : F

where
charge test :
0
q
strength field electric : E

0
q
F
E
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

Since
be written as

$ote%

The #irectio! of the electric fiel# stre!gth #irectio! of the electric fiel# stre!gth, E de'ends on
the sig! of the $oi!t charge o!l( sig! of the $oi!t charge o!l(.

The #irectio! of the electric force #irectio! of the electric force, F de'ends on both
sig!s of the $oi!t charge a!# the test charge sig!s of the $oi!t charge a!# the test charge.

These can be shown in Figures 3."4a, 3."4b, 3."4c and

3."4d.
33
2
0
r
kQq
F , then the e&uation of electric field strength can

,
_

0
2
0
q
r
kQq
E
2
r
kQ
E .A
2
0
4 r
Q
E

where charge point a of magnitude : Q

charge point and point a between distance : r
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

A $ositi-e $oi!t charge A $ositi-e $oi!t charge

a. Bositi#e test charge (common)
b. $egati#e test charge
34
Q Q
/
/
Q Q
/
/
) e (
0
+ q
E

r
0igure 1&1@a 0igure 1&1@a
) e (
0
q
E

r
0igure 1&1@b 0igure 1&1@b
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

A !egati-e $oi!t charge A !egati-e $oi!t charge

a. Bositi#e test charge (common)
b. $egati#e test charge
35
) e (
0
+ q
E

Q Q
2
2
0igure 1&1@c 0igure 1&1@c
) e (
0
q
F

0igure 1&1@# 0igure 1&1@#

r
Q Q
2
2 E

r
Simulation 19.3
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
36
Two 'oint charges, Q
1
1 3.4 and Q
2
1 3.4 , are 'laced
"2 cm and 34 cm from the 'oint B res'ecti#ely as shown in Figure
3."".
6etermine
a. the magnitude and direction of the electric field intensity at B,
b. the nett electric force e+erted on q
0
1 =" if it is 'laced at B,
c. the distance of a 'oint from Q
1
where the electric field intensity
is :ero.
(7i#en electrostatic constant, k 1 8.44 "4
8
$ m
2

2
)
E7a"$le 16&9 :
0igure 1&11 0igure 1&11
cm '0
2
2
1
Q
2
Q
cm 12
2
2
B
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
37
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a.
9y a''lying the e&uation of electric field intensity, thus
C( 10 0 $ # C( 10 0 $ '
&
2
&
1

Q Q
m 10 '0 m( 10 12
2
2
2
1

r r
2
r
2
2
1
Q
2
Q
1
r
2
2
B
. 1
E

. 2
E

6irection %
2
1
1
. 1
r
kQ
E

( )( )
( )
2
2
& 9
. 1
10 12
10 0 $ ' 10 00 $ 9

E
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
38
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. and
Therefore the electric field intensity at B is gi#en by
C( 10 0 $ # C( 10 0 $ '
&
2
&
1

Q Q
m 10 '0 m( 10 12
2
2
2
1

r r
6irection % to the right (towards Q
2
)
2
2
2
. 2
r
kQ
E

( )( )
( )
2
2
& 9
. 2
10 '0
10 0 $ # 10 00 $ 9

E
1 #
. 2
C N 10 00 $ #

E
2. 1. .
E E E

+
2. 1. .
E E E +
# &
.
10 00 $ # 10 "" $ 1 + E
8irectio! : 8irectio! :
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
39
Solutio! : Solutio! :
b. 7i#en
From the definition of electric field intensity,
Therefore the nett electric force e+erted on q
0
is gi#en by
8irectio! : 8irectio! :
0
.
.
q
F
E
. 0 .
E q F
C 10 0 $ 1
&
0

q
( )( )
& &
.
10 '" $ 1 10 0 $ 1

F
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
40
Solutio! : Solutio! :
c.

The electric field at / is :ero, hence
C( 10 0 $ # C( 10 0 $ '
&
2
&
1

Q Q
m 10 42
2
12

r
x r
12
2
2
1
Q
2
Q
x
2
2
/
12
r
/ 1
E

/ 2
E

/ 2 / 1
E E

2
/ 2
2
2
/ 1
1
r
kQ
r
kQ

( )
2
2
&
2
&
10 42
10 0 $ # 10 0 $ '
x
x

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
41
Two 'oint charges, Q
1
1 2.4 n and Q
2
1 =3.2 n, are 'laced
3.4 cm a'art as shown in Figure 3."2.
6etermine the magnitude and direction of the resultant electric
field intensity at 'oint M.
(7i#en 'ermitti#ity of free s'ace,
0
1 2.23 "4
"2

2
$
"
m
2
)
E7a"$le 16&6 :
0igure 1&13 0igure 1&13
1
Q
2
Q
cm 0 $ '
M
/
/
2
2
cm 0 $ 4
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
42
Solutio! : Solutio! :
The magnitude of the electric field intensities at 'oint M due to the
charges are

1
Q
2
Q
cm 0 $ '
M
/
/
2
2
cm 0 $ 4
cm 0 $ #
C( 10 2 $ ' C( 10 0 $ 2
9
2
9
1

Q Q
m 10 0 $ 4 m( 10 0 $ #
2
0 2
2
0 1

r r
0 2
E

" $ 0
#
4
cos
& $ 0
#
'
sin
2
0 1 0
1
0 1
4 r
Q
E

( )( )
2
2 12
9
0 1
10 0 $ # 10 "# $ " 4
10 0 $ 2

E
0 1
E

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
43
Solutio! : Solutio! :
onstruct a table to re'resents x and y com'onents for electric
field intensities at M.
2
0 2 0
2
0 2
4 r
Q
E

( )
( )( )
2
2 12
9
0 2
10 0 $ 4 10 "# $ " 4
10 2 $ '

E
Field
x0com'onent ($
"
) y0com'onent ($
"
)
0 1
E

cos
0 1
E

0 2
E

4
0 2
10 "0 $ 1 E

0
( )
' '
10 *# $ # " $ 0 10 19 $ *
sin
0 1
E

( )
' '
10 '1 $ 4 & $ 0 10 19 $ *
C( 10 2 $ ' C( 10 0 $ 2
9
2
9
1

Q Q
m 10 0 $ 4 m( 10 0 $ #
2
0 2
2
0 1

r r
SCM
4
10 2' $ 1
x
E
'
10 '1 $ 4
y
E
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
44
Solutio! : Solutio! :
Therefore

the magnitude of the resultant electric field intensity at M is

and its direction is gi#en by

( ) ( )
2 2
0
+
y x
E E E

( ) ( )
2
'
2
4
0
10 '1 $ 4 10 2' $ 1 + E

,
_

x
y
E
E
1
tan

,
_

4
'
1
10 2' $ 1
10 '1 $ 4
tan
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
45
7i#en
0
= 2.23 "4
"2

2
$
"
m
2
". S(etch an electric field lines 'attern for following cases%
a. Two e&ual negati#e charges, Q and Q.
b. Two une&ual negati#e charges, 2Q and Q
E7ercise 16&3 :
Q
2
2
2
2
Q
Q 2
2
2
2
2
Q
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
46
2. 6etermine the magnitude of the electric field at 'oint B due to
the four 'oint charges as shown in Figure 3."3 if q = " n and
d = " cm.
(0u!#a"e!tal of $h(sics+6 (0u!#a"e!tal of $h(sics+6
th th
e#itio!+ Halli#a(+ Res!ic' ; Bal'er+ e#itio!+ Halli#a(+ Res!ic' ; Bal'er+
=11+ $&94@) =11+ $&94@)
A5S& : A5S& : 4ero 4ero
E7ercise 16&3 :
0igure 1&11 0igure 1&11
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
47
E7ercise 16&3 :
3. alculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field at
the centre of the s&uare in Figure 3."5 if q 1".4 "4
2
and
a = 3 cm.
(0u!#a"e!tal of $h(sics+6 (0u!#a"e!tal of $h(sics+6
th th
e#itio!+ Halli#a(+ Res!ic' ;Bal'er+ e#itio!+ Halli#a(+ Res!ic' ;Bal'er+
=11+ $&94@) =11+ $&94@)
A5S& : A5S& : 1&@3 1&@3 1@ 1@
9 9
5 C 5 C
1 1
D u$ar#s D u$ar#s
0igure 1&14 0igure 1&14
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
48
E7ercise 16&3 :
5. Figure 3."3 shows a small obDect of mass 4.4234 (g and
charge 3."4 is sus'ended by a thread between
o''ositely charged 'arallel 'lates.
The thread ma(es an angle of "4.3 to the #ertical. alculate
a. the tension in the thread,
b. the magnitude of the electric field strength.
(Ph(sics+ 1 (Ph(sics+ 1
r# r#
e#itio!+ <& S& Bal'er+ E7a"$le 1> e#itio!+ <& S& Bal'er+ E7a"$le 1> 6+ $&649) 6+ $&649)
A5S& : A5S& : @&34> 5D 1&46 @&34> 5D 1&46 1@ 1@
4 4
5 C 5 C
1 1
0igure 1&19 0igure 1&19
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
2
2

# $ 10
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
)ear!i!g *utco"e:
At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to: At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to:

E7$lai! E7$lai! .ua!titati-el( ith the ai# of a #iagra" the .ua!titati-el( ith the ai# of a #iagra" the
"otio! of a charge i! a u!ifor" electric fiel#& "otio! of a charge i! a u!ifor" electric fiel#&
49
16&1 Charge i! a u!ifor" electric fiel# (1 hour)
h
t
t
$
:
%
%
$
o
r
t
a
l
&
'
"
s
&
"
a
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i
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e
#
u
&
"
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t
t
$
:
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%
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a
l
&
'
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s
&
"
a
t
r
i
'
&
e
#
u
&
"
(
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&1 Charge i! a u!ifor" electric fiel#

onsider a stationary 'article of charge charge q q

0 0
and "ass "ass m m is
'laced in a u!ifor" electric fiel# u!ifor" electric fiel# E E, the electric force electric force F F
e e

e+erted on the charge is gi#en by

Since only electric force electric force e+erted on the 'article, thus this force
contributes the !ett force+ !ett force+ F F and causes the 'article to
accelerate accelerate.

/ccording to $ewton!s second law, then the "ag!itu#e of the "ag!itu#e of the
acceleratio! acceleratio! of the 'article is

9ecause the electric fiel# is u!ifor" electric fiel# is u!ifor" (constant in magnitude
and direction) then the acceleratio! acceleratio! of the 'article is co!sta!t co!sta!t.
50
E q F
e 0

ma F F
e

ma E q
0
m
E q
a
0

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

If the 'article has a $ositi-e charge $ositi-e charge, its acceleratio! is i! the acceleratio! is i! the
#irectio! of the electric fiel# #irectio! of the electric fiel# (Figure 3.";a). If the 'article has
a !egati-e charge !egati-e charge (electro! electro!) , its acceleratio! is i! the acceleratio! is i! the
#irectio! o$$osite the electric fiel# #irectio! o$$osite the electric fiel# (Figure 3.";b).

onsider an electro! electro! (e e) with "ass+ "ass+ m m

e e
enters a uniform electric
field, E 'er'endicularly with an i!itial -elocit( i!itial -elocit( u u, the u'ward
electric force electric force will cause the electro! to "o-e alo!g a cause the electro! to "o-e alo!g a
$arabolic $ath $arabolic $ath towards the u''er 'late as shown in Figure
3.";c.
51

+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
E

/
/
a

e
F

0igure 1&16a 0igure 1&16a 0igure 1&16b 0igure 1&16b

+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
E

2
2
e
F

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

Therefore the magnitude of the electron!s acceleration is

gi#en by

The 'ath ma(es by the electron is si"ilar to the "otio! of a si"ilar to the "otio! of a
ball $roEecte# hori4o!tall( abo-e the grou!# ball $roEecte# hori4o!tall( abo-e the grou!#.
52
0igure 1&16c 0igure 1&16c
u
0
q
2
2
E

+ + + + + + + + + + + + +
x
x
s
v
2
2
e
y
m
eE
a a
Simulation 19.4
direction % u'wards since 0
x
a
y
s
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

The com'onents of electron!s #elocity after 'ass through

the electric field are gi#en by
x0com'onent %
y0com'onent %

The 'osition of the electron is

53
2
2
1
t
m
eE
s
e
y

,
_

constant u v
x
0
y
u t a u v
y y y
+
and
t
m
eE
v
e
y

ut s
x

t a t u s
y y y
2
1
+
and
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
E7a"$le 16&:

/n electron enters a uniform electric field E in

the directions as shown in each of the figures.
Mar( with an arrow the direction of the electric
force F on the electron, and discuss the
subse&uent 'ath of the electron.
E E
e e v v
(a) (b)
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
A!ser:
a) The force F i a!aint the "irection of
motion. The electron "ecelerate alon!
a trai!ht line.
b) The force F i in the "irection of
motion. The electron accelerate alon! a
trai!ht line.
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
u

56
Figure 3."> shows an electron entering a charged 'arallel 'lates
with a s'eed of 3.53 "4
;
m s
"
. The electric field 'roduces by the
'arallel 'lates has deflected the electron downward by a distance
of 4.;"2 cm at the 'oint where the electron e+its. 6etermine
a. the magnitude of the electric field,
b. the s'eed of the electron when it e+its the 'arallel 'lates.
(Ph(sics+ 1 (Ph(sics+ 1
r# r#
e#itio!+ <& S& Bal'er+ =:A+ $&661) e#itio!+ <& S& Bal'er+ =:A+ $&661)
(7i#en e1".;4 "4
"8
and m
e
18."" "4
3"
(g)
E7a"$le 16&A :
0igure 1&1: 0igure 1&1:
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
57
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. The com'onents of the initial #elocity for electron are
The time ta(en by the electron tra#els from one end to another
end of the 'lates is gi#en by
Therefore the magnitude of the electric field is
1 &
s m 10 4# $ #

u u
x
0
y
u
t u s
x x

m( 10 2# $ 2 s ( s m 10 4# $ #
2 1 &

x
u
m 10 &1" $ 0
2

y
s
and
t
& 2
10 4# $ # 10 2# $ 2

2
2
1
t a t u s
y y y

e
y
m
eE
a and
2
2
1
0 t
m
eE
s
e
y

,
_

( )
2
9
'1
19
2
10 1' $ 4
10 11 $ 9
10 &0 $ 1
2
1
10 &1" $ 0

,
_

E
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
58
Solutio! : Solutio! :
b. The com'onents of the final #elocity for electron are
Therefore the final s'eed of the electron in the uniform electric
field is
1 &
s m 10 4# $ #


x x
u v
t a u v
y y y

m( 10 2# $ 2 s ( s m 10 4# $ #
2 1 &

x
u
m 10 &1" $ 0
2

y
s
2
0 t
m
eE
v
e
y

,
_

( )
( )
9
'1
19
10 1' $ 4
10 11 $ 9
412& 10 &0 $ 1

,
_

y
v
e
y
m
eE
a and
2 2
y x
v v v +
( ) ( )
2
&
2
&
10 99 $ 2 10 4# $ # + v
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
)ear!i!g *utco"e:
At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to: At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to:

8efi!e 8efi!e electric $ote!tial& electric $ote!tial&

8efi!e a!# s'etch 8efi!e a!# s'etch e.ui$ote!tial li!es a!# surfaces of e.ui$ote!tial li!es a!# surfaces of

a! isolate# charge a! isolate# charge

a u!ifor" electric fiel# a u!ifor" electric fiel#

59
16&4 Electric $ote!tial (1 hour)
h
t
t
$
:
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%
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u
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u
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(
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
)ear!i!g *utco"e:
At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to: At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to:

?se ?se for a $oi!t charge a!# a s(ste" of for a $oi!t charge a!# a s(ste" of
charges& charges&

Calculate Calculate $ote!tial #iffere!ce betee! to $oi!ts& $ote!tial #iffere!ce betee! to $oi!ts&

?se ?se for u!ifor" E for u!ifor" E& &

60
16&4 Electric $ote!tial (1 hour)
h
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Q
V
0
4

d
V
E
1 / /1
V V V
0
1/
/1
q
W
V
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
)ear!i!g *utco"e:
At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to: At the e!# of this cha$ter+ stu#e!ts shoul# be able to:

8e#uce 8e#uce the cha!ge i! $ote!tial e!erg(+ the cha!ge i! $ote!tial e!erg(+

U U betee! to betee! to
$oi!ts i! electric fiel#& $oi!ts i! electric fiel#&

Calculate Calculate $ote!tial e!erg( of a s(ste" of $oi!t charges& $ote!tial e!erg( of a s(ste" of $oi!t charges&
61
16&4 Electric $ote!tial (1 hour)
h
t
t
$
:
%
%
$
o
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l
&
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"
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&
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a
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e
#
u
&
"
(
h
t
t
$
:
%
%
$
o
r
t
a
l
&
'
"
s
&
"
a
t
r
i
'
&
e
#
u
&
"
(
V q U
0

,
_

+ +
2'
' 2
1'
' 1
12
2 1
r
Q Q
r
Q Q
r
Q Q
k U
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&4 Electric $ote!tial
16&4&1 Electric $ote!tial e!erg(+ U

is a for" of e!erg( relate# to the $ositio! of a! electric a for" of e!erg( relate# to the $ositio! of a! electric
charge i! a! electric fiel# charge i! a! electric fiel#.

is a scalar &uantity and its unit is Eoule (<) Eoule (<).

onsider a 'ositi#e 'oint charge (+Q) held stationary at .

e+erts a re'ulsi#e force F
e
on a 'ositi#e test charge (+q
0
) at B
as shown in Figure 3."2. " and 2 are two 'oints on the line that
'asses through 'oints . and B.
62
0igure 1&1A 0igure 1&1A
e
F

Q +
0
q +
2
r
1
r
r
dr
/
/
.
2
" B
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

The test charge at B is mo#ed by an e+ternal force, F through a

small distance dr towards 'oint 2. dr is so s"all so s"all that the force force
F F can be considered to be co!sta!t co!sta!t. Thus the wor( done dW by
the e+ternal force is gi#en by

The total wor( done W

"2
in bringing the test charge (+q
4
) from "
to 2 is gi#en by
63

0 cos Fdr dW
2
0
r
kQq
F F
e
and
dr
r
kQq
dW
2
0

2
1
2
0
2
1
1
r
r
dr
r
kQq dW
2
1
1
0 12
r
r
r
kQq W
1
]
1

,
_

2 1
0 12
1 1
r r
kQq W
where charge point a from distance initial :
1
r
charge point a from distance final :
2
r
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

If the electric 'otential energy at both 'oints (" and 2) are

then the e&uation of total wor( done can be written as

If r
1
2 and r
2
2r then the wor( done in bringing the test charge
from infinity to 'oint 2(W

) is
64
1
0
1
r
kQq
U
and
2
0
2
r
kQq
U
2 1 12
U U W
.A
U W
12
where energ! potential electric in the change : U
1 2
U U
r
kQq
U W
0
2

r
Qq
U W
0
0
2
4
1

,
_

.A
point a at energ! potential electric : U
charge point the and point e between th distance : r
where
constant tic electrosta : k
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&4&3 E.ui$ote!tial li!es a!# surfaces

is defined as the locus of $oi!ts that ha-e the sa"e electric the locus of $oi!ts that ha-e the sa"e electric
$ote!tial $ote!tial.

Figures 3.22a, 3.22b and 3.22c are e+am'le of the e&ui'otential

surface.
65
0igure 1&3Aa : a $oi!t charge 0igure 1&3Aa : a $oi!t charge
E

/
1
C
E

C
/
1
/
/
0igure 1&3Ab : a u!ifor" 0igure 1&3Ab : a u!ifor"
electric fiel# $ro#uce# b( electric fiel# $ro#uce# b(
a! i!fi!ite sheet of charge a! i!fi!ite sheet of charge
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

The #ashe# li!es #ashe# li!es re'resent the e.ui$ote!tial surfaces e.ui$ote!tial surfaces
(li!es) (li!es).

The e&ui'otential surfaces (lines) ala(s $er$e!#icular to the ala(s $er$e!#icular to the
electric fiel# li!es electric fiel# li!es 'assing through them.
66
0igure 1&3Ac : a! electric #i$ole 0igure 1&3Ac : a! electric #i$ole
Q +
Q
E

0 V
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

The electric fiel# $oi!ts electric fiel# $oi!ts in the #irectio! of #ecreasi!g #irectio! of #ecreasi!g
electric $ote!tial electric $ote!tial.

From the Figure 3.22a, the electric fiel# "ore i!te!se !ear electric fiel# "ore i!te!se !ear
the charge the charge, where the e&ui'otentials are closel( s$ace# closel( s$ace#, than
it is far from the charge.

From the Figure 3.22c, the electric fiel# is !o!4ero electric fiel# is !o!4ero between
the charges but the electric $ote!tial is 4ero electric $ote!tial is 4ero. The relati#ely
large number of e&ui'otential surfaces between the charges
shows that the electric $ote!tial is cha!gi!g ra$i#l( electric $ote!tial is cha!gi!g ra$i#l( in that
region.

From the Figures 3.22a and 3.22b,

then the wor( done to bring a test charge from 9 to / is gi#en by
67
C 1 /
V V V
0
1/
W
/1 0 1/
V q W
) (
1 / 0 1/
V V q W
5ote: 5ote:
5o or' is #o!e 5o or' is #o!e in mo#ing a charge alo!g the charge alo!g the
sa"e e.ui$ote!tial surface sa"e e.ui$ote!tial surface.
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&4&1 Electric $ote!tial+ V

*lectric 'otential of a 'oint in an electric field is defined as the the

$ote!tial e!erg( $er u!it $ositi-e charge at that $oi!t i! the $ote!tial e!erg( $er u!it $ositi-e charge at that $oi!t i! the
electric fiel# electric fiel#.
.A is defined as the or' #o!e i! bri!gi!g $ositi-e test the or' #o!e i! bri!gi!g $ositi-e test
charge fro" i!fi!it( to that $oi!t i! the electric fiel# $er u!it charge fro" i!fi!it( to that $oi!t i! the electric fiel# $er u!it
test charge& test charge&

It is a scalar scalar &uantity.

The unit of electric 'otential is Colt (C) Colt (C) .A < C < C
1 1
.
68
0
q
U
V
0
q
W
V


where sign) (including charge test a of alue :
0
q
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

Since
written as

$ote%

The total electric 'otential at a 'oint in s'ace is e&ual to the

algebraic su" algebraic su" of the constituent 'otentials at that 'oint.

The theoretical 4ero 4ero of electric $ote!tial electric $ote!tial of a charge is at at

i!fi!it( i!fi!it(.
69
r
kQq
U
0

, then the e&uation of electric 'otential can be

,
_

0
0
q
r
kQq
V
r
kQ
V .A
r
Q
V
0
4

where sign) (including charge point a of alue : Q

charge point and point a between distance : r
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

The electric $ote!tial e!erg( of a $ositi-el( charge# electric $ote!tial e!erg( of a $ositi-el( charge#
'article i!creases i!creases when it mo#es to a $oi!t of higher a $oi!t of higher
$ote!tial $ote!tial.

The electric $ote!tial e!erg( of a !egati-el( charge# electric $ote!tial e!erg( of a !egati-el( charge#
'article i!creases i!creases when it mo#es to a $oi!t of loer a $oi!t of loer
$ote!tial $ote!tial.

The electric 'otential can be $ositi-e+ !egati-e or 4ero $ositi-e+ !egati-e or 4ero
de'ending on the sig!s a!# "ag!itu#es of sig!s a!# "ag!itu#es of q q
@ @
a!# a!# W W

.

If the #alue of or' #o!e or' #o!e is !egati-e !egati-e ) or' #o!e b( the or' #o!e b( the
e7ter!al force or o! the s(ste" e7ter!al force or o! the s(ste".

If the #alue of or' #o!e or' #o!e is $ositi-e $ositi-e ) or' #o!e b( the or' #o!e b( the
electric force (s(ste") electric force (s(ste").

In the calculation of U , W and V, the sig! of the charge sig! of the charge
"ust "ust be substituted in the related e&uations.
70
V q U
0

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
71
Two 'oint charges, Q
1
1 54 and Q
2
1 34 are se'arated by
a distance of "3 cm as shown in Figure 3."8.
alculate
a. the electric 'otential at 'oint / and describe the meaning of the
answer,
b. the electric 'otential at 'oint 9.
(7i#en
0
= 2.23 "4
"2

2
$
"
m
2
)
E7a"$le 16&> :
0igure 1&1> 0igure 1&1>
2
2
2
2
1
Q
2
Q
/
9
cm # cm 10
cm 1'
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
72
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. 7i#en
The electric 'otential at 'oint / is
C 10 '0 C( 10 40
&
2
&
1

Q Q
2
2
2
2
1
Q
2
Q
/
/ 1
r
2/
r
2/ 1/ /
V V V +

,
_

,
_

/ 2 0
2
/ 1 0
1
/
4 4 r
Q
r
Q
V

,
_

+
/ 2
2
/ 1
1
0
/
4
1
r
Q
r
Q

V
( )

,
_

2
&
2
&
12
/
10 10
10 '0
10 #
10 40
10 "# $ " 4
1

V
>&A> >&A> 1@ 1@
6 6
Eoule of or' is #o!e b( the electric fiel# i! Eoule of or' is #o!e b( the electric fiel# i!
bri!gi!g 1 C of $ositi-e charge fro" i!fi!it( to the $oi!t A& bri!gi!g 1 C of $ositi-e charge fro" i!fi!it( to the $oi!t A&
m 10 10 m( 10 #
2
/ 2
2
/ 1

r r
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
73
Solutio! : Solutio! :
b. 7i#en

Therefore the electric 'otential at 9 is
C 10 '0 C( 10 40
&
2
&
1

Q Q
m 10 1'
2
1 2

r
2
2
2
2
1
Q
2
Q
9
m 10 1#
2

1 2
r
1 1
r
m 10 9 $ 19
2
1 1

r
( ) ( )
2
2
2
2
1 1
10 1' 10 1#

+ r
21 11 1
V V V +

,
_

+
1 2
2
1 1
1
0
1
4
1
r
Q
r
Q

V
( )

,
_

2
&
2
&
12
1
10 1'
10 '0
10 9 $ 19
10 40
10 "# $ " 4
1

V
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&4&4 Electric $ote!tial #iffere!ce+ V

Botential difference between two 'oints in an electric field is

defined as the or' #o!e i! bri!gi!g a $ositi-e test charge the or' #o!e i! bri!gi!g a $ositi-e test charge
fro" a $oi!t to a!other $oi!t i! the electric fiel# $er u!it fro" a $oi!t to a!other $oi!t i! the electric fiel# $er u!it
test charge test charge.
.A

onsider a 'ositi#e test charge is mo#ed by the e+ternal force,

F from 'oint 9 to 'oint / as shown in Figure 3.24.
74
Q +
2
r
1
r
/
/
/
9
0
q +
F

0igure 1&3@ 0igure 1&3@

0
q
W
V
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

The 'otential difference between 'oints / and 9, V

/1
is gi#en by

The !egati-e sig! !egati-e sig! indicates that the electric $ote!tial electric $ote!tial
#ecreasi!g i! the #irectio! of the electric fiel# #ecreasi!g i! the #irectio! of the electric fiel#.
75
0
1/
/1
q
W
V
and
1 / /1
V V V
where
/ point to 1 point from
charge test positie bringing in done wor+ :
1/
W
/ point at potential electric :
/
V
1 point at potential electric :
1
V
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

$ote%

If the 'ositi#e test charge mo#ing from 'oint / to 'oint 9,

thus the 'otential difference between this 'oints is gi#en by
Therefore
76
/ point and 1 point between difference potential :
1/
V
where
1 point / to point from
charge test positie bringing in done wor+ :
/1
W
1 / /1
V V V
( )
/ 1 /1
V V V
1/ /1
V V
0
/1
/ 1 1/
q
W
V V V
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
77
Two 'oints, S and T are located around a 'oint charge of =3.5 n
as shown in Figure 3.2".
alculate
a. the electric 'otential difference between 'oints S and T,
b. the wor( done in bringing a charge of ".3 n from 'oint T to
'oint S.
(7i#en electrostatic constant, k 1 8.44 "4
8
$ m
2

2
)
E7a"$le 16&1@ :
0igure 1&31 0igure 1&31
nC 4 $ # +
S
T
cm $0 "
cm $0 &
/
/
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
78
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. 7i#en
The electric 'otential difference between S and T is gi#en by
C 10 4 $ #
9
Q
m 10 0 $ &
2
3

r
( ) ( )
2
2
2
2
4
10 0 $ & 10 0 $ "

+ r
Q
S
T m 10 $0 "
2

3
r
/
/
4
r
m 10 10
2
4

r
4 3 34
V V V
4 3
34
r
kQ
r
kQ
V

,
_

4 3
34
1 1
r r
kQ V
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
79
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a.
b. 7i#en
Therefore the wor( done in bringing the charge from 'oint T to
'oint S is

C 10 4 $ #
9
Q
C 10 # $ 1
9
0

q
( )( )

,
_

2 2
9 9
34
10 10
1
10 0 $ &
1
10 4 $ # 10 00 $ 9 V
0
43
34
q
W
V
( )
9
43
10 # $ 1
'24



W
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
80
/ test charge q
0
1=2.3 is 'laced 24 cm from a 'oint charge Q.
/ wor( done of 23 Doule is re&uired in bringing the test charge q
0
to a distance "3 cm from the charge Q.
6etermine
a. the 'otential difference between 'oint "3 cm and 24 cm from the

'oint charge, Q,
b. the #alue of charge Q,
c. the magnitude of the electric field strength at 'oint "4 cm from
the charge Q.
(7i#en electrostatic constant, k 1 8.44 "4
8
$ m
2

2
)
E7a"$le 16&11 :
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
81
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. The electric 'otential difference between 9 and / is gi#en by
0
/1
1/
q
W
V
Q
/ 9
1
r
/
r
m( 10 20 5( 2# C( 10 ' $ 2
2
/ /1
&
0

+ r W q
m( 10 1#
2
1

r
( )
&
1/
10 ' $ 2
2#

V
0
q +
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
82
Solutio! : Solutio! :
b. 9y a''lying the e&uation of electric 'otential difference, thus
c. 7i#en
The magnitude of the electric field strength is
/ 1 1/
V V V
m( 10 20 5( 2# C( 10 ' $ 2
2
/ /1
&
0

+ r W q
m( 10 1#
2
1

r

,
_

/ 1
1/
1 1
r r
kQ V
( )

,
_

2 2
9 *
10 20
1
10 1#
1
10 00 $ 9 10 09 $ 1 Q
m 10 $ 0 r
2
r
kQ
E
( )( )
( )
2
4 9
10 $ 0
10 2* $ * 10 00 $ 9


E
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&4&9 Relatio!shi$ betee! E a!# V

onsider a 'ositi#e test charge, q

0
'laced near a 'ositi#e 'oint
charge, Q. To mo#e q
0
towards Q by a small dis'lacement (r),
wor( done (W) must be e+'ended as shown in Figure 3.22.

The wor( done by the e+ternal force F is gi#en by

Since
83
0igure 1&33 0igure 1&33
r 6
Q +
0
q +
F
/
/
e
F

and

0 cos r F W
V q W
0
r F V q
e

0
e
F F
r F W
e

then
and E
q
F
e

0
r
V
E

r E V
.A
difference potential : V where
e) nt(distanc displaceme in change : r
strength field electric : E
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

In the limit when r a''roaches :ero,

The !egati-e sig! !egati-e sig! indicates that the #alue of electric electric
$ote!tial #ecreases i! the #irectio! of electric fiel# $ote!tial #ecreases i! the #irectio! of electric fiel#.

is (nown as the electric $ote!tial gra#ie!t electric $ote!tial gra#ie!t. It can be

obtained from the gra#ie!t of a gra#ie!t of a V V agai!st agai!st r r gra$h gra$h.

/n alternati#e unit for electric field strength, E is -olts $er "eter -olts $er "eter
where
84
dr
dV
E
dr
dV

,
_

r
V
E
0 r
limit
1 1
m 7 1 C N 1

PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

onsider a uniform electric field is 'roduced by a 'air of flat

metal 'lates, one at which is earthed and the other is at a
'otential of =V as shown in Figure 3.23a.

The V against r gra'h for 'air of flat metal 'lates can be

shown in Figure 3.23b.
85
r
0
V
V
d
V +
d
0 V
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
0igure 1&31a 0igure 1&31a
0igure 1&31b 0igure 1&31b
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16

From the Figure 3.23b,

The gra'h is a straight line with negati#e constant

gradient, thus
86
) 0 (
) 0 (
6
6

d
V
r
V
E
d
V
E
.A
Ed V
0or u!ifor" 0or u!ifor" E E such as such as
i! ca$acitor& i! ca$acitor&
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
87
Two 'arallel 'lates are se'arated 3.4 mm a'art. The electric field
strength between the 'lates is ".4 "4
5
$
"
. / small charge of
=5.4 n is mo#ed from one conducting 'late to another. alculate
a. the wor( done on the charge, and
b. the 'otential difference between the 'lates.
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. The wor( done on the charge is
b. The 'otential difference between the 'lates is gi#en by
E7a"$le 16&13 :
( C N 10 0 $ 1 m( 10 0 $ #
1 4 '
E d
C 10 0 $ 4
9
0

q
Ed q Fd W
0

( )( )( )
' 4 9
10 0 $ # 10 0 $ 1 10 0 $ 4

W
Ed V
( )( )
' 4
10 0 $ # 10 0 $ 1

V
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&4&6 Cha!ge i! a $ote!tial e!erg( a!# $ote!tial
e!erg( for a s(ste" of $oi!t charges
Cha!ge i! a $ote!tial e!erg(+ Cha!ge i! a $ote!tial e!erg(+

U U

From the definition of electric 'otential difference, V

Therefore the change in a 'otential energy is gi#en by
88
0
6
q
W
V
U W
and
0
6
q
U
V

V q U 6
0

1 2
V V
1 2
U U
fi!al fi!al
i!itial i!itial
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
16&4&: 16&4&: Pote!tial e!erg( for a s(ste" of $oi!t charges Pote!tial e!erg( for a s(ste" of $oi!t charges

onsider a system of three 'oint charges as shown in Figure

3.25.

The total electric 'otential energy, U can be e+'ressed as

89
1
Q
2
Q
'
Q
12
r
2'
r
1'
r
0igure 1&34 0igure 1&34
2' 1' 12
U U U U + +
2'
' 2
1'
' 1
12
2 1
r
Q kQ
r
Q kQ
r
Q kQ
U + +

,
_

+ +
2'
' 2
1'
' 1
12
2 1
r
Q Q
r
Q Q
r
Q Q
k U
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
90
Two 'oint charges, Q
1
1 =2.4 and Q
2
1 ;.4 , are 'laced
5.4 m and 3.4 m from a 'oint B res'ecti#ely as shown in Figure
3.23.
a. alculate the electric 'otential at B due to the charges.
b. If a charge Q
'
1 =3.4 mo#es from infinity to B, determine the
change in electric 'otential energy for this charge.
c. ?hen the charge Q
'
at 'oint B, calculate the electric 'otential
energy for the system of charges.
(7i#en electrostatic constant, k 1 8.44 "4
8
$ m
2

2
)
E7a"$le 16&11 :
/
/
2
2
2
Q
B
m 0 $ #
1
Q
m 0 $ 4
0igure 1&39 0igure 1&39
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
91
Solutio! : Solutio! :
a. 7i#en
The electric 'otential at 'oint B is gi#en by
b. 7i#en
9y a''lying the e&uation of change in electric 'otential energy,
thus
m 0 $ # m( 0 $ 4
2. 1.
r r
C 10 0 $ & C( 10 0 $ 2
&
2
&
1

Q Q
2. 1. .
V V V +

,
_

+
. 2
2
. 1
1
.
r
Q
r
Q
k V
( )

,
_

0 $ #
10 0 $ &
0 $ 4
10 0 $ 2
10 00 $ 9
& &
9
.
V
C 10 0 $ '
&
'

Q
V Q U
'
( )

V V Q U
. '
0

V and
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
92
Solutio! : Solutio! :
b.
c.

The total electric 'otential energy for the system of three
charges is gi#en by
C 10 0 $ & C( 10 0 $ 2
&
2
&
1

Q Q
( ) 0 &'00 10 0 $ '
&


U
2
Q
B
m 0 $ #
2'
r
1
Q
m 0 $ 4
1'
r
'
Q
m 0 $ '
12
r
/
/
/
/
2
2
2' 1' 12
U U U U + +
2'
' 2
1'
' 1
12
2 1
r
Q kQ
r
Q kQ
r
Q kQ
U + +
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
93
Solutio! : Solutio! :
c.
C 10 0 $ & C( 10 0 $ 2
&
2
&
1

Q Q

,
_

+ +
2'
' 2
1'
' 1
12
2 1
r
Q Q
r
Q Q
r
Q Q
k U
( )( )
+

0 $ '
10 0 $ & 10 0 $ 2
10 00 $ 9
& &
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PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
94
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". /n electron beam enters at right angle into a uniform electric
field between two hori:ontal 'lates se'arated of 3.4 cm a'art.
The 'lates are connected across a 'otential difference of
"444 <. The length of the 'lates is "4.4 cm. The beam is
deflected #ertically at the edge of the field by a distance of
2.4 cm. alculate the s'eed of the electrons entering the field.
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2. /t a certain distance from a 'oint charge, the magnitude of
the electric field is 344 < m
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and the electric 'otential is
3.44 (<. alculate
a. the distance to the charge.
b. the #alue of the charge.
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=1:+ $&:AA) =1:+ $&:AA)
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E7ercise 16&4 :
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
95
3. Four 'oint charges are located at the corners of a s&uare that
is 2.4 cm on a side. The charges, going in rotation around the
s&uare, are Q, 2Q, 3Q and 2Q, where Q 1 5.2 as shown
in Figure 3.2;.
6etermine the electric 'otential at the centre of the s&uare.
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E7ercise 16&4 :
Q Q 2
Q 2
2
2
Q '
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0igure 1&36 0igure 1&36
PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
96
5. Initially two electrons are fi+ed in 'lace with a se'aration of
2.44 m. Fow much wor( must we do to bring a third electron
in from infinity to com'lete an e&uilateral triangle@
(0u!#a"e!tal of $h(sics+: (0u!#a"e!tal of $h(sics+:
th th
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3. Two 'oint charges, Q
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1 =q and Q
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1 =2q are se'arated by
".4 m as shown in Figure 3.2>.
6etermine the 'osition of a 'oint where
a. the nett electric field intensity is :ero,
b. the electric 'otential due to the two charges is :ero.
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E7ercise 16&4 :
0igure 1&3: 0igure 1&3:
1
Q
2
Q
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PHYSICS CHAPTER 16
97
Next Chapter
F/BT*A "> %
a'acitor and dielectrics

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