Problems for Seminar 5

Note: We will learn about the concepts of electrostatic potential, potential difference and potential energy
in the upcoming lecture. But for now, use the following definitions:
(a) electrostatic potential (units of Volts, V) = electrostatic field (units of NC-1) × distance (units of metre)
(b) potential difference (Volts, V) = electrostatic potential at pt. 1 ─ electrostatic potential at pt. 2

1. Two objects are rubbed against each other, resulting in object 1 acquiring a charge of +100 nC and
object 2 a charge of ─100 nC. Calculate the number of electrons lost by object 1 and gained by object
2.
2. Consider two charges of equal magnitude and sign, say +q, being placed on the Earth and the Moon.
Calculate the charge q (a) such that the electrostatic force between the Earth and the Moon balances
the gravitational force between them. (b) What will be the value of q if the distance between the Earth
and the Moon is halved? Assume the mass of the Moon is 8.0 × 1022 kg, and the mass of the Earth is
6.0 × 1024 kg.
3. Consider the following schematic of charged plates. An electron moving with an initial velocity, v0,
enters the space between the plate. Understandably, the motion of electron will be affected by the
electrostatic field of the charged plates. Ignoring gravity, calculate the acceleration, velocity and
position of the electron as a function of time.

4. Suppose a triangular box is placed in an electric field of 5.0 × 104 NC-1, aligned as shown below.
Calculate the electric flux passing through - (a) the straight vertical side and (b) the slant side, and (c)
through the entire box.

5. A spark plug is used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in an internal combustion engine. To produce a
spark, an electric field 5 MVm-1 is required. Calculate the potential difference to be applied to the
electrodes to generate a spark (a) if the gap between the electrode is 0.5 mm and (b) if the gap is 1 mm.
6. Consider the following schematics

The distance between the two charged plates is d = 1mm and potential difference between the two plates
is 10V. In case (a) an electron at rest is dropped or let go from the top and in case (b) a proton is let go
from the top. Calculate the time of flight required by the charged particles (electron and proton) to travel
top to bottom plate, ignoring the gravity. Assume mass of electron = 9.11 × 10-31 kg and mass of proton
= 1.6 × 10-27 kg
7. Two charges q1 = +5 nC and q2 = +15 nC are held 10 cm apart. Calculate the position of the stationary
point at x cm distance from q1.

8. Two electrons are held at 1 m from each other and are released from the rest. Calculate the velocity
of each electron when they are 10 m apart.