Cchacon - Ley de Gauss

97.
315 Basic E&M and Power Engineering Topic: Using Gauss’ Law
USING GAUSS’
LAW
Lecture 4 TITLE
97.315 Basic E&M and Power Engineering Topic: Using Gauss’ Law
• Theory
• How to apply Gauss’ law
• Examples of calculation
• Spherical charge distribution
• Infinite flat surface
• Parallel plate capacitor
• Infinite line of charge
• Infinite cylindrical charge distribution
• Problem solving strategy

Gauss, Johann Karl Friedrick (1777-1855)
• Assignment
• References
• Summary
Lecture 4 OUTLINE
  qenclosed by surface 
 E  dA 
S
o GAUSS’ LAW
Gauss’ law is true for any surface enclosing any
charge distribution. When the charge distribution
has sufficient symmetry we can chose a surface ---
Gaussian Surface --- over which the evaluation
of the flux integral becomes simple. Gauss’ law
allows us to calculate the field far more easily than
we could using Coulomb’s law and superposition.
Lecture 4 TEXT
Using Gauss’ Law

Step 1: Study the symmetry to see if you
can construct a Gaussian surface on which
the field magnitude and its direction
relative to the surface are constant.
Through step 1 the dot product in the integral can
  be replaced by:
 E   E  dA EdA cos 
S Then Ecos() is constant and can be removed from

inside the integral:
 E  E cos  dA
S
Lecture 4 THEORY
Using Gauss’ Law

Step 2: Evaluate the flux. This should be
easy because of your choice of the
Gaussian surface.
 
 E   E  dA  E cos Gaussian Area
S
Lecture 4 THEORY
Using Gauss’ Law

Step 3: Evaluate the enclosed charge. This
is not the same as the total charge if the
Gaussian surface lies within the charge
distribution.
qenclosed by Gaussian surface
The Gaussian surface is an imaginary surface that you place in

the charge distribution. Choosing the Gauusian surface shape
and location depends on the symmetry of the charge
distribution AND on what exactly you want to calculate.
Lecture 4 THEORY
Using Gauss’ Law

Step 4: Equate the flux
qenclosed 
E 
o
and solve for E. The direction of the

electric field vector should be evident for
the symmetry and polarity of the charges.
In step 1 you reasoned the direction of E. Now go back and use that information.
Lecture 4 THEORY
 E  dA 
S
o GAUSS’ LAW
There are only a dozen or so problems in which

Gauss’ law can be easily applied. These problems
require a symmetric charge distribution (surface,
line, spherical, cylindrical, …).
Lecture 4 TEXT
ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A SPHERICAL CHARGE DISTRIBUTION.

Example (Question)
In this example we will follow the steps in
applying Gauss’ law in order to obtain an
Charged sphere V
expression for the electric field at a point
external to the uniform spherical charge
distribution.
R
Finding the electric field using Coulomb’s law
and superposition is lengthy and involves messy
math. Using Gauss’ law makes the task easy,
but, we must assume the field is radial.
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 1: Study the symmetry to see if you can construct a Gaussian surface
on which the field magnitude and its direction relative to the surface are
constant.
Imaginary Gaussian surface (sphere of radius r)

E
Charged sphere V

q r
Assume a radial
electric field
  r
E normal to dA
P
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 2: Evaluate the flux. This should be easy because of your choice of
the Gaussian surface. The integral is just the area of the Gaussian
surface.

r

P E
dA
 
 E  ndA   EdA  E  dA 
n
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 3: Evaluate the enclosed charge. This is not the same as the total
charge if the Gaussian surface lies within the charge distribution.
Imaginary Gaussian surface
Charged sphere V
All of the spherical charge distribution is

R contained inside the spherical Gaussian
surface.
r
P Total charge enclosed
q   V dV
V
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)

E r 
qenclosed 
E 
o
R electric field vector should be
evident for the symmetry and
polarity of the charges.
r
P  V dV
E  V
o
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Combining results and solving for the electric field
  qenclosed by Gaussian surface 

 E  dA 
S
o
 V dV
 E  E  dA q
V

S o o
P E
 V dV Direction of E from
E V
symmetry of charge
 o  dA distribution
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE S
Example (Solution)
 dV 4
V V
   
V 3
dV R
E V
3
V
 o  dA
S Integral over charge distribution
R
r
P

E  o  dA  4 o r 2
S
Integral over Gaussian surface
V R 3
SOLVING FOR THE ELECTRIC FIELD E E
3 o r 2
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Writing electric field expression in terms of total

charge q inside Gaussian surface
 V dV
 V dV  q
E V
 o  dA
V
S Integral over charge distribution

R
r
P

E  o  dA  4 o r 2 Integral over Gaussian surface
S
SOLVING FOR THE ELECTRIC FIELD E q

E
q 4 o r 2
Ek 2
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE r END
Example (Question)
In this example we will follow the steps in
Charged sphere V
expression for the electric field at a point
internal to the uniform spherical charge
distribution.
R
Finding the electric field using Coulomb’s law
and superposition is lengthy and involves messy
math. Using Gauss’ law makes the task easy,
but, we must assume the field is radial.
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 1: Study the symmetry to see if you can construct a Gaussian surface
on which the field magnitude and its direction relative to the surface are
constant.
Imaginary Gaussian surface (sphere of radius r)

E
Charged sphere V

q r
Assume a radial r
electric field
  P
E normal to dA
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 2: Evaluate the flux. This should be easy because of your choice of
the Gaussian surface. The integral is just the area of the Gaussian
surface.

r

E
dA
 
 E  ndA   EdA  E  dA 
n
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Imaginary Gaussian surface
Charged sphere V
Only the charge inside the Gaussian surface is
R
enclosed by the Gaussian surface. All charge
external to the Gaussian surface is not included.
r
P Total charge q   V dV
enclosed V
4 3
Volume enclosed by
r
Gaussian surface 3
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Only the charge inside the Gaussian surface is

enclosed by the Gaussian surface. All charge
external to the Gaussian surface is not included.
R
r External charge does not contribute to flux
P External charge
Gaussian surface
E field lines intersect surface twice

contribution to flux cancel
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)

E r 
qenclosed 
E 
o
r electric field vector should be
evident for the symmetry and
polarity of the charges.
R
P
 V dV
E  V
o
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE V = volume enclosed by Gaussian surface
Example (Solution)
  qenclosed by Gaussian surface 

 E  dA 
S
o
 V dV
 E  E  dA q
V
P

S o o
E
 V dV Direction of E from
E V
symmetry of charge
 o  dA distribution
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE S
Example (Solution)
 dV 4
V V
   
V 3
dV r
E V
3
V
 o  dA
S Integral over charge
r distribution contained inside
Gaussian surface
R
P 
E  o  dA  4 o r 2
S
Integral over Gaussian surface
V r
SOLVING FOR THE ELECTRIC FIELD E E
3 o
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE END
Electric field expression at a point outside and inside the

spherical charge distribution
R
r
r R
P
P
V R 3
V r
E E
3 o r 2
3 o
OUTSIDE INSIDE
Lecture 4 SUMMARY Direction of E is radial

ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A INFINITE FLAT CHARGE DISTRIBUTION.
Example (Question) In this example we will follow the steps in

Charged surface S expression for the electric field at a point
above a uniformly charged infinite flat
z surface.
y
x Finding the electric field using Coulomb’s

law and superposition is lengthy and
involves messy math. Using Gauss’ law
makes the task easy, but, we must assume
the field is uniform and normal to the flat
surface.
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Question) In this example we will follow the steps in

Charged surface S expression for the electric field at a point
above a uniformly charged infinite flat
surface.
View of the flat
surface with
electric field
lines drawn.
Field is uniform
and normal to  
the flat surface. E E
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 1: Study the symmetry to see if you can construct a Gaussian
surface on which the field magnitude and its direction relative to the
surface are constant.
 One possibility is to use
E  a cylindrical surface
E with the top and bottom
A1 surfaces parallel to the
A2 A3
charged plane. The E
field will be normal to
the top and bottom
surfaces.
The E field is parallel to the side of the cylinder and as such no field lines
(flux) pass through it.
This type of surface is often called a Gaussian pill box.
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 2: Evaluate the flux. This should be easy because of your choice
of the Gaussian surface.
 
  E   E  dA
E  S
E
Surface S contains
A1
A2 A3
three parts (Top
A3, Bottom A1 and
Side A2)
       
 E   E  dA   E  dA   E  dA   E  dA
S A3 A1 A2
Top Bottom Side

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Top flux

E  
  Top   E  dA
E E  A3
A1 A3
A2

E Uniform over A3
 parallel
dA Outward pointing  E Top  EA3
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Bottom flux
 

E 
 E  Bottom    E  dA
E A1
A1 A3
A2

E Uniform over A1
 parallel
dA Outward pointing  E Bottom   EA1
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
 Side flux
 
E   E Side    E  dA
E
A2
A1 A3
A2

E Contained in side surface
 perpendicular
dA Outward pointing
 E Side   0
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
       
 E   E  dA   E  dA   E  dA   E  dA
S A3 A1 A2
Top Bottom Side

 E  EA3  EA1
 E  E  A3  A1 
 E  2 EA

E 
A2 E
Total flux through Gaussian A1 A3

surface is equal to flux through
top an bottom surfaces.
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 3: Evaluate the enclosed charge. This is not the same as the
total charge if the Gaussian surface lies within the charge
distribution.

E  The total charge
E enclosed consists of only
A1 A3 the charge on the disk
A2
contained within the
Gaussian Surface.
Charged surface S Disk of charged contained inside Gaussian

surface
qenclosed    S A
Area A=A1=A3
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
qenclosed 
E 
o
and solve for E. The direction of the electric field vector should be
evident for the symmetry and polarity of the charges.

E 
S A
E 
E
A1
A2 A3
o
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Solve for electric field
 E  dA 
S
o
 E  2EA
S A 
E  E 
o
S E
E
2 o A1
A2 A3
Direction of E determined
from symmetry
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
END
ELECTRIC FIELD FOR UNIFORMLY CHARGED PARALLEL PLATE

CAPACITOR.
Example (Question) In this example we will make use of the
Charged surface result obtained from the infinite charged
flat surface in order to determine the
 S   S electric field inside and outside a parallel
plate capacitor.
The plane of the plates are

taken to extend to infinity.
This is usually a good
Area of plates A
approximation when the plate
separation is small compared
to their area.
+q -q
V Battery redistributes charge between
plates but system remains overall
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE neutral
Example (Solution)
CAPACITOR.
PLATE (1) (2) For a point P between plates

 S  S
By superposition
   
E1 E  E1  E2
P   q q
E2 E 
2 o A 2 o A
+q -q  q
E
V o A  s
q  s A E
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
o
Example (Solution)
CAPACITOR.
For a point P to the left of both plates
PLATE (1) (2)
By superposition
 S  S
  
E  E1  E2

E1
 q q
P E 
 2 o A 2 o A
E2

E 0 On Left side
+q -q
q  s A V
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
CAPACITOR.
For a point P to the right of both plates

PLATE (1) (2)
 S  S By superposition
  
 E  E1  E2
E1
 q q
P  E 
E2 2 o A 2 o A

E 0 On Right side
+q -q
V
q  s A

CAPACITOR.
 q
PLATE (1) E (2)
 o A
E 0  S  s  S 
E E 0
o
  
E1 E1 E1
P P P 
 
E2 E2 E2
+q -q
V
Lecture 4 SUMMARY

CAPACITOR.
-
- +
+ -
- +
+ -
 - +
E1 + 
 -
E1 - E1 +
P E +
P  - P E +
-
2
+ E2 -
-
2
+
+ -
- +
+ -
- +
+
Ideal infinite parallel plate capacitor Real finite parallel plate capacitor
Lecture 4 SUMMARY
Example (Question)
ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A LONG STRAIGHT LINE OF CHARGE.
In one of the examples of lecture 2 we calculated the

magnitude and direction of the electric field from a long
straight line of charge using Coulomb’s law and superposition.
Now we will show how Gauss’ law can be used to obtain the
same result, in a few simple steps.

E
Uniform charge
density  
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 1: Study the symmetry to see if you can construct a Gaussian
surface on which the field magnitude and its direction relative to the
surface are constant.
A3
A1 A2
R
Imaginary Gaussian surface 
Chose a cylinder of length  and radius R

E normal and constant to surface A2
E parallel and to surfaces A1 and A3
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Surface S contains A3
three parts (Front A1 A2
A1, Back A3 and
Side A2) R

       
 E   E  dA   E  dA   E  dA   E  dA
S A1 A3 A2
Front Back Side

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
 
Flux front  E ( Front )   E  dA 
E
A1
 L
E Contained in front surface

 perpendicular
dA Outward pointing
A3
A1 A2
 E ( Front )  0
R 

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
 
Flux back  E ( Back )   E  dA 
E
A3
 L
E Contained in back surface

 perpendicular
dA Outward pointing
A3
A1 A2
 E ( Back )  0
R

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
 
 E ( Side )   E  dA

E
Flux side
A2

L
E Normal to side surface (constant on surface)

 parallel
dA Outward pointing
A3
 E (Side)  EA2 A1 A2
R

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 3: Evaluate the enclosed charge. This is not the same as the
total charge if the Gaussian surface lies within the charge
distribution.
The total enclosed by the Gaussian surface is only the

segment of the line within the bounds of the front and back
qenclosed    
surfaces.
A3
Uniform charge
A2
density   A1
R

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
qenclosed 
E 
o
and solve for E. The direction of the electric field vector should be
evident for the symmetry and polarity of the charges.

E 
o
A3
Uniform charge
A2
density   A1
R

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 4: Equate the flux and solve for E.
E
 E  dA 
S
o
L

E 
 E (Side)  EA2 o
A3

E A1 A2
 o A2 R

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Step 4: Equate the flux and solve for E. The direction of the electric
field vector should be evident for the symmetry and polarity of the
charges.
A3
 A1 A2
E
 o A2 R

Surface area of a cylinder A2  2R


E Note R radial distance from
2 o R charged line
Example (Question)
An infinitely long cylindrical wire of radius R carries a
uniform positive surface charge S on its outer surface. Using
Gauss’ law evaluate the electric field vector for a) points external
to the wire (r > R) and b) for points internal to the wire (r < R) .
C) What is the field just above the surface of the wire. 
R
S

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
An infinitely long cylindrical wire of radius R carries a uniform positive
surface charge S on its outer surface. Using Gauss’ law evaluate the electric
field vector for a) points external to the wire (r > R) and b) for points internal to
the wire (r < R) . C) What is the field just above the surface of the wire.
Cylindrical symmetry exists for  

the charge distribution thus a
E
Gaussian surface in the shape of a R
cylinder may be used.  S
r
 The Gaussian cylinder has

radius r and length L
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
a) Electric field at points external to the wire (r > R)

E We expect the electric field to be
radially outward.
L

There is no flux S
through the ends r
of the Gaussian
cylinder. L

Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Flux through side of cylinder

 
 E   E Side    E  dA 
Side
 E  EAside R
S
 E  E 2rL r
L

E
 parallel
 dA
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Total charge enclosed by Gaussian cylinder

The total charge enclosed R
by the Gaussian cylinder
S
is only the charge that lies
within the end of the r
cylinder. This charge is
distributed over a L
cylindrical surface of
qenclosed     S dA
radius R
qenclosed    S 2RL
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Flux and enclosed charge

R
 S 2RL S
E 
o r
We can now equate the two flux expressions and obtain an expression for the
electric field.
 E  E 2rL And
 S 2RL
E  Gives
o S R
E
External electric field  or
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
r̂
External electric field
R
S R S
E
 or r
The direction of the electric field can be obtained from the sign
of the surface charge distribution. Since S is positive here,
then the electric field is directed radially outward.
 S R
E rˆ
 or
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
b) Electric field at points internal to the wire (r < R).
The Gaussian surface

S retains the symmetry of
R
the charge distribution and
encloses no charge when
(r < R).
r
The Gaussian cylinder has

radius r and length L
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
The Gaussian surface

S retains the symmetry of
R
the charge distribution and
encloses no charge when
(r < R).
r
Thus
L qenclosed 
E  0
o
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
If an electric field exists

S inside the cylindrical
R
charge distribution it must
be radial.
r
Thus
L  
 E   E  dA  EAside
S
 E  E 2rL
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
We can now equate the

S two flux expressions and
R
solve for the electric field
inside the charged
structure.
r   qenclosed 
 E   E  dA 
S
o
L
qenclosed 
E  0
 E  E 2rL o
For this symmetric charge distribution E 0

the internal electric field is zero.
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
C) What is the field just above the surface of the wire.
In part a) we obtained an expression for the

electric field for all points external to the

charge distribution.
E
 S R R
E rˆ S
 or
The field just above the surface
can be obtained by setting r = R.
 S Electric field at the surface of

E rˆ
o the charge distribution.
Lecture 4 EXAMPLE
These questions are straight forward. Plug in the numbers and get your answer. Being able to
25 solve this type of question ensures you of at least a grade of 25% on a quiz or final exam
containing questions related to this lecture.
These questions require a few manipulations of equations or numbers before the answer can be
50 obtained. Being able to solve this type of question ensures you of at least a grade of 50% on a
quiz or final exam containing questions related to this lecture.
These question are quite involved and requires a thorough understanding of the topic material.
75 Being able to solve this type of question ensures you of at least a grade of 75% on a quiz or final
exam containing questions related to this lecture.
These questions are the most difficult and require a thorough understanding of the topic material
100 and also pull in topics from other lectures and disciplines. Being able to solve this type of
question ensures you an A grade on a quiz or final exam containing questions related to this
lecture.
75 100 These form excellent review questions when preparing for the quiz and final exam.
25 50 75 100
SELL EVALUATION SCALE

Lecture 4 ASSIGNMENT
PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY

1. The first step is to select the surface (which we call the
Gaussian surface) that you are going to use with Gauss’ law. If
you are trying to find the field at a particular point, then that point
must lie on your Gaussian surface.
2. The Gaussian surface does not have to be a real physical

surface, such as the surface of a solid body. Often the
appropriate surface is an imaginary geometric surface; it may be
in empty space, embedded in a solid body, or partly both.
Lecture 4 TEXT

3. The Gaussian surface and the charge distribution must have
symmetry property, so that it is possible to actually evaluate the
integral in Gauss’ law. If the charge distribution has cylindrical
or spherical symmetry, the Gaussain surface will usually be a
coaxial cylinder or a concentric sphere, respectively.
4. Often you can think of the closed Gaussian surface as being

made up of several separate areas, such as the sides and ends of a
cylinder. The integral:  
 E  dA
S
over the entire Gaussian surface is always equal to the sum of the
integrals over all the separate areas.
Lecture 4 TEXT
5. If the electric field E is perpendicular (normal) to the Gaussian

surface with an area A at every point, and if it also has the same
magnitude at every point on the Gaussian surface, then E is a
constant and the integral:
 
 E  dA
S
becomes:
EA
Lecture 4 TEXT
6. If the electric field E is tangent to the Gaussian surface at every

point, then the dot product:
 
and the integral:
E  dA  0
 
 E  dA  0
S
7. If the electric field E is zero everywhere on the Gaussian

surface then the integral is also zero.
Lecture 4 TEXT
8. At all times it is important to have a clear picture of the charge

distribution. Always draw a figure if one is not provided.
9. The application of Gauss’ law requires a high degree of

symmetry. For spherical and cylindrical symmetries the
Gaussian surface can be characterized by a radial coordinate r.
That is a sphere of radius r OR a cylinder of radius r. Then when
you solve for the electric field it is usually a function of r.
Lecture 4 TEXT
Obtain an expression for the electric field vector at a

25
point external to a uniform spherical charge distribution
of radius R and charge density V. Here rework the
example given above making as few references to your
notes as possible.

25
point internal to a uniform spherical charge distribution
of radius R and charge density V. Here rework the
example given above making as few references to your
notes as possible.

25
point external to a uniformly charged line of charge.
Here rework the example given above making as few
references to your notes as possible.
Use   as the linear charge distribution
A infinite flat sheet of charge is contained in the (x,y)

25
plane and has charge density S. Obtain an expression
for the electric field vector on each side of the plane.
Here rework the example given above making as few
references to your notes as possible. Recall that electric
field is a vector so indicate its direction.
z
x
A uniform spherical charge distribution of radius R and

50
charge density V is centered on the origin of a
coordinate system. Using the expressions for the electric
field internal and external to the charge distribution make
a plot of the magnitude of E versus the radial coordinate.
Hint: If you wish to use a computer to plot the field try
putting in numbers for V and R. The curve obtained will
have the same overall shape.
ans :

50
point external to a spherical charge distribution of radius
R. The volume charge density is a function of the radial
coordinate r and varies as: V = Mr where M is a
constant.
MR 2
ans :
Lecture 4 ASSIGNMENT 4 o r 2

50
point external to a spherical shell of radius R. The
surface charge density S is constant over the entire
surface.
 s R 2 rˆ
ans :
 or 2
The charge distribution consist of a uniformly volume

50
charged straight infinite cylindrical conductor. The
volume charge density is V. A) Obtain an expression
for the electric field vector at points external to the
charged cylinder. B) Obtain an expression for the
electric field at points inside the charged cylinder. Hint:
Be sure to include only the charge enclosed by the
Gaussian surface.
v R 2
ans( A) :
2  o
Lecture 4 ASSIGNMENT See TA for 
If you “painted” positive charge on the floor, what

50
surface charge density would be necessary in order to
suspend a 15 C, 5.0 g particle above the floor.
ans : 5.7846 108 C / m2

The parallel plate capacitor shown in the figure has plates

50
which extend to infinity and separated by 1.0 cm. They
are charged such that they have identical positive surface
charge densities. Calculate the magnitude and direction
of the electric field at A) point P (1 cm to the left of plate
1); B) point R (midway between the plate); C) point T (1
cm to the right of plate 2). 1 2
 S  S
P R T
 s
ans( P) : xˆ
o
+q +q
A slab of charge extends infinitely in two dimensions and

50
has thickness d in the third dimension as shown in the
figure. The slab carries a uniform volume charge density
V. Find expressions for the electric field strength a)
inside and b) outside the slab, as a function of the
distance x from the center plane.
x v
ans(a) :
Lecture 4 ASSIGNMENT o
A point charge +Q is located at the origin of a coordinate

75
system. This charge is also located at the center of a
spherical shell of total surface charge -Q and radius R.
A) Obtain an expression for the electric field vector at
points external to a spherical shell. B) obtain an
expression for the electric field inside the shell. (exclude
the origin).
ans(A) : 0

75
point internal to a spherical charge distribution of radius
R. The volume charge density is a function of the radial
coordinate r and varies as: V = Mr where M is a
constant. Hint: Be careful to include only the charge
contained inside of the Gaussian surface.
Mr 2 rˆ
ans :
4 o
A uniformly charged spherical volume of radius R1 and

75
charge density V is centered on a coordinate system. It
carries a total charge +Q. This volume charge is also
located at the center of a spherical shell of total surface
charge -Q and radius R2. A) Obtain an expression for the
electric field vector at points external to a spherical shell.
B) obtain an expression for the electric field between the
sphere and shell. C) Obtain an expression for the electric
field inside the charged spherical volume.
v r
ans(C ) :
3 o
75 A spherical charge distribution centered on the origin has

its volume charge density vary as r-2 ( V = M r-2, M a
constant) A) Obtain an expression for the electric field
throughout the volume charge distribution. Does your
result make sense. B) What is the electric field
expression if the volume charge density varies as r-1 ( V
= M r-1, M a constant).
M
ans( B)
2 o
A square non-conducting plate measures 4.5 m on a side

75
and carries charge spread uniformly over its surface. The
electric field 10 cm from the plate and not near an edge
has magnitude 430 N/C and points towards the plate.
Find A) the surface charge density on the plate and B) the
total charge on the plate. C) What is the electric field
strength 20 cm from the plate.
nC
ans(a) : 3.81
m2
100 A point charge +Q = 1 C is located at the origin of a

coordinate system. This charge is surrounded by a thick shell
of inner radius R1 = 1 cm and outer radius R2 = 2 cm. If you
are told that the electric field inside the shell is zero evaluate
the following:
A) The surface charge density on the inner surface of the shell.
B) The surface charge density on the outer surface of the shell.
C) The electric field strength at r = 0.5 cm, r = 2.5 cm.)
Point charge
Spherical shell
A long coax cable consists of an inner cylindrical conductor of

100 radius a and an outer coaxial cylinder with inner radius b and outer
radius c. The outer cylinder is mounted on insulating supports and
has no net charge. The inner cylinder has a uniform positive charge
density   per unit length. Calculate the electric field A) at any
point between the cylinders, at a distance r from the axis; B) at any
point outside the outer cylinder. C) Sketch a graph of the magnitude
of the electric field as a function of distance r from the axis of the
cable. From r = 0 to r = 2c. D) Find the charge per unit length on
the inner surface and on the outer surface of the outer conductor.
insulation
Inner conductor
100 A very long conducting tube (hollow cylinder) has inner

radius a and outer radius b. It carries charge per unit
length +, where  is a positive constant with units of
C/m. A line of charge lies along the axis of the the tube
and also has charge per unit length +. A) Calculate the
electric field in terms of  and the distance r from the
axis of the tube for I) r < a; II) a < r < b; III) r > b. Show
your results in a sketch of E® as a function of r. B) What
is the charge per unit length on I) the inner surface of the
tube; II) the outer surface of the tube.
100 A non-uniform but spherically symmetric distribution

charge has charge density  given by:
 r
   o 1   for r  R 3Q
 R o  3
 0 for r  R R
A) Show that the total charge contained in the charge

distribution is Q. B) Show that, for the region defined
by r  R, the electric field is identical to that produced
by a point charge Q. C) Obtain an expression for the
electric field in the region r  R. D) Compare your
results in parts B) and C) for r = R.
Three large parallel insulating sheets have surface charge densities

100 +0.0200 C/m2, +0.0100 C/m2, and -0.0200 C/m2, respectively.
Adjacent sheets are a distance 0.300 m from each other. Calculate
the resulting electric field (magnitude and direction) due to all three
sheets at a) point P (0.150 m to the left of sheet I); b) point R
(midway between sheets I and II); c) point S (midway between
sheets II and III); d) point T ( 0.150 m to the right of sheet III).
 0.02C / m2  0.02C / m2
P R S T
0.15m 0.15m 0.15m 0.15m 0.15m 0.15m
I II III
REFERENCES
(0) Textbook: U. S. Inan, A. S. Inan (0) Inan p. 288 - 310
“Engineering Electromagnetics”
(1) J.D. Kraus, K. R. Carver “Electromagnetics” 2nd
(1) Kraus p. 43 - 45, 39 - 48, 93 -99
(2) Reitz, Milford, Christy “Foundations of Electromagnetic (2) Reitz p. 12 - 14, 37 - 43
theory” 4th (3) Plonus p. 22 - 31, 35 - 38
(3) M. Plonus “Applied Electromagnetics”
(4) R. P. Winch “Electricity and Magnetism”
(4) Winch p. 271 - 289
(5) P. Lorrain, D. Corson “Electromagnetic fields and Waves” (5) Lorrain p. 13 - 16, 47 - 51
2nd
(6) Duckworth p. 16 - 25
(6) Duckworth “Electricity and Magnetism”
(7) J.D. Jackson “Classical Electrodynamics” 2nd
(7) Jackson p. 30 - 38
(8) F. Ulaby, “Fundamentals of applied Electromagnetics” (8) Ulaby p. 148 - 150, 232
Lecture 4 REFERENCES
 E  dA  o
GAUSS’ LAW
S
Gauss’ law is true for any surface enclosing any charge distribution.
When the charge distribution has sufficient symmetry we can chose a
surface --- Gaussian Surface --- over which the evaluation of the flux
integral becomes simple. Gauss’ law allows us to calculate the field far
more easily than we could using Coulomb’s law and superposition.

E 
E A3
A1 A2 A3 A1 A2
R

Lecture 4 SUMMARY
END LECTURE 4
Lecture 4 END

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97.

• Problem solving strategy

Using Gauss’ Law

S Then Ecos() is constant and can be removed from

Using Gauss’ Law

Using Gauss’ Law

The Gaussian surface is an imaginary surface that you place in

Using Gauss’ Law

and solve for E. The direction of the

There are only a dozen or so problems in which

ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A SPHERICAL CHARGE DISTRIBUTION.

All of the spherical charge distribution is

Combining results and solving for the electric field

  qenclosed by Gaussian surface 

Combining results and solving for the electric field

Writing electric field expression in terms of total

S Integral over charge distribution

SOLVING FOR THE ELECTRIC FIELD E q

ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A SPHERICAL CHARGE DISTRIBUTION.

Only the charge inside the Gaussian surface is

r External charge does not contribute to flux

E field lines intersect surface twice

Combining results and solving for the electric field

  qenclosed by Gaussian surface 

Combining results and solving for the electric field

Electric field expression at a point outside and inside the

Lecture 4 SUMMARY Direction of E is radial

ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A INFINITE FLAT CHARGE DISTRIBUTION.

Example (Question) In this example we will follow the steps in

x Finding the electric field using Coulomb’s

ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A INFINITE FLAT CHARGE DISTRIBUTION.

Example (Question) In this example we will follow the steps in

Top Bottom Side

Top Bottom Side

Total flux through Gaussian A1 A3

Charged surface S Disk of charged contained inside Gaussian

ELECTRIC FIELD FOR UNIFORMLY CHARGED PARALLEL PLATE

The plane of the plates are

PLATE (1) (2) For a point P between plates

For a point P to the right of both plates

ELECTRIC FIELD FOR UNIFORMLY CHARGED PARALLEL PLATE

ELECTRIC FIELD FOR UNIFORMLY CHARGED PARALLEL PLATE

In one of the examples of lecture 2 we calculated the

Chose a cylinder of length  and radius R

Front Back Side

E Contained in front surface

E Contained in back surface

E Normal to side surface (constant on surface)

The total enclosed by the Gaussian surface is only the

Surface area of a cylinder A2  2R

Cylindrical symmetry exists for  

 The Gaussian cylinder has

Flux through side of cylinder

Total charge enclosed by Gaussian cylinder

Flux and enclosed charge

The Gaussian surface

The Gaussian cylinder has

The Gaussian surface

If an electric field exists

We can now equate the

For this symmetric charge distribution E 0

In part a) we obtained an expression for the

 S Electric field at the surface of