Chapter 3: Solutions to Problems

Problem 3.1. Electric and gravitation forces.

The gravitational force must equal the electrostatic force for the condition to be satisfied.
a. The gravitational force F g and electric force F e are equal:
Fe = F g → q2 = GM12M 2
2
4πε 0 R R
From these, and with the values given:

q = 4πε 0GM 2 = 4π × 8.854 ×10−12 × 6.67 ×10−11 ×1048 = 8.615×1013

An immense charge!!!
b. Either both are positive or both are negative.

Problem 3.2. Atomic forces.

Directly from Coulomb’s law:
2
q2 1.6 × 10−1 9 12
F= 2
= 2
= 2⋅3 × 10 N
4πε 0 R 4× π × 8.854 × 10−1 2× 1 × 10−2 0
This large force explains why fusion is so hard to achieve. These forces can only be achieved at very high
temperatures where the thermal motion of the atoms can press them together close enough to fuse.

Problem 3.3. Repulsion force.

The distance is defined by the balance between the repulsive electrostatic force and the gravitational force on the upper
ball.
a. The force balance is:
Q2 #$N %&
= mg
4πε 0 d 2
where g is the acceleration of gravitation (g = 9.81 m/s2).
The distance is:
2

d=
Q2
=
10−7 ( ) = 0.0957 %&m'(
4πε 0 mg 4π × 8.854 ×10−12 ×10−3 × 9.81
or: 9.57 cm.

b. Now the electric force has to balance only a fraction of the gravitational force. Speciffically:
Q2 $%N &'
= mg sin α
4πε 0 d 2
or:
2

d=
Q2
=
10−7 ( ) = 0.1354 &'m()
4πε 0 mg sin α 4π × 8.854 ×10−12 ×10−3 × 9.81× sin30º
This is 13.54 cm.

Problem 3.4. Repulsion forces. q2 = q2

The horizontal force is calculated directly from Fe = N
Coulomb’s law for two charges q separated a 4πε 0 d2 4πε 0 (2L)2 sin 2 α
distance d apart. The vertical force is the (1)
gravitational force. From these the separation d
may be calculated. We take advantage of the fact
that the angle α is small to simplify the solution.
The horizontal electric force is (Figure A):
42
 α

L L

Lsinα Lcosα
Fe
d
α
mg Figure A
where d/2 = Lsinα and L is the length of the string (L = 0.2 m). The ratio between the electric and gravitational force
is:

tan α = Fe = q2 (2)
mg mg 4π ε 0 4L 2 sin 2 α

From this we find α as follows: From Eq. (2):

q2
tan α sin 2 α =
mg 4π ε 0 4L 2
Because α is small, we can write:
3
tan α sin 2 α = sin α ≈ sin 3 α
cos α
since for small angles cosα ≈ 1. Thus:
q2
sin 3 α ≈ ≈ α3
mg 4π ε 0 4L 2
Note: α 3 as used here is the numerical value of the angle in radians (not the angle itself: that is, there are no units
associated with this notation). With this approximation:
−9 2
α3 = q2 =
10
= 5.726 × 10−5
2 −4 −1 2 2
mg 4π ε 0 4L 10 ×9.81× 4× π × 8.854⋅10 ×4×(0.2)
This gives:
α = 3.854 × 10−2 rad or: α = 2.21°
Thus:
α = 2.21°, sin α ≈ 0.03853 → d = 2L sin α = 2 × 0.2 × 0.03853 = 0.0154 m
d = 15.4 mm

Problem 3.5. Application: The

electrometer. The electric force that tends to
θ
separate the charges is balanced by the
m

gravitational force on the balls. We assume each

0.2

ball acquires a charge q/2 and calculate this charge

L=

for a circumferential separation of 0.0005 m as θ

−θ

shown in Figure A. q/2 q/2

90

Fe Fe
a. Because the separation is very small, we can .25mm
.25mm2
=∆l/2
=∆l/
write the arclength Δl as: θ
mg mg
Δl = 2Lθ → θ = Δl = 0.0005 = 0.00125 rad
2L 2×0.2 Figure A
or, in degrees:
θ = 0.07162°
Now, the ratio between the electric and gravitational forces is:

43
 Fe = tanθ → Fe = mg tanθ (3)
mg
On the other hand, the electric force acts between two charges a distance 2d apart where d = Lsinθ. The electric force
is:
(q/2)2 = q2
Fe = 2
[N]
4πε 0 (2d) 16πε 0 4(Lsinθ)2
Substituting this in Eq. (3):
q2 = mg tanθ → q= 64πε 0 (Lsinθ)2 mg tanθ
64πε 0 (Lsinθ)2
With the values given this is:
q = 64πε 0 (Lsinθ)2 mg tanθ =
8 π ×8.854× 10−1 2(0.2×sin0.07162)2 10−4 ×9.81 tan0.07162 = 1.168× 10−1 1 C

b. No. The maximum theoretical deflection is 90°. This corresponds to infinite lateral force (the ratio between
electrical and gravitational force is still tanθ but now θ tends to 90° and therefore an infinite electric force is required).

Problem 3.6. Force on point charge. F1cos(θ)+F2 cos(θ)

+Q
Calculate the horizontal component of the force R1 F1 −q
due to each charge by calculating the electric field θ
intensity first. From the force, calculate θ
d
acceleration. F2
R2
+Q
a. The force due to each charge is as shown in
Figure A. For generality, we will assume, the x
charge is positioned at a general point x: Figure A.

F 1 = R 1 −qQ F 2 = R 2 −qQ N
4π R 12 ε 0 4π R 22 ε 0
The horizontal components of these forces are

F 1x = − x qQ cos F 2x = − x qQ cos
θ θ N
2 2
4π R 1 ε 0 4π R 2 ε 0
Thus, the force is in the negative x direction. The magnitude of the force is the sum of the two forces

F x = − x 2qQ cos
θ = − x 2qQ x = − x 2qQ x
N
4π R 12 ε 0 4π R 3 ε 0 2 3/2
4πε 0 x 2 + d
4
and the acceleration (F = ma) is
2qQ x 4qQ x m
a =− x
x =− x
2 3/2 2 2 3/2 s2
4π mε 0 x + d 2 π mε 0 4x + d
4
Similarly, for the moving charge to the left of the two charges, the acceleration is the same but in the opposite
direction. To find the location of maximum acceleration we write:
d|ax| = d 4qQ x = 4qQ d x =0 (1)
dx dx π mε 0 4x 2 + d 2 3/2 π mε 0 dx 4x 2 + d 2 3/2

To perform differentiation, we write:

− 3/2 d x
u = x, v = 4x 2 + d 2 → 3/2
= udv + vdu
dx 4x 2 + d 2
Now:

44
 −5/2
du = 1, dv = − 12x 4x 2 + d 2
Thus:
d x − 5/2 −3/2
= − 12x 2 4x 2 + d 2 + 4x 2 + d 2
3/2
dx 4x 2 + d 2
1 12x 2 4x 2 + d 2 − 12x 2 x 2 − 8d 2
= − = =
2 5/2 2 5/2 2 5/2 2 5/2
4x 2 + d 2
4x + d 4x 2 + d 4x 2 + d
Substituting this in (1):
2
4qQ x 2 − 8d = 0 → x 2 − 8d 2 = 0 → x = d =± d m
π mε 0 4x 2 + d 2 5/2 8 2 2

b. The charge will oscillate. Maximum acceleration is at x = ± d/2 2 [m]. The motion is in a straight line, oscillating
between −b and +b.

Problem 3.7. Force on point charge.

The middle charge will move under the repulsion force due to the two stationary charges. As long as the charge is
confined to move along the line connecting the two outer charges, the middle charge will move to a point closer to the
small charge and stay there. If the charge is pushed upwards, there will be a net vertical force that will move it on a
curved path.
a. For the charge to be stationary, the forces due to the two charges must cancel. The larger charge causes a repulsion
force, moving the charge to the left. The smaller charge also causes a repulsion force, pushing the middle charge to the
right. For simplicity we use the system of coordinates shown in Figure A.

F = 0 = F1 − F 2
where F 1 is the force due to the left charge, F 2 due to the right charge. If this condition is satisfied when the test
charge is placed at a point x, we have:
q2 = 2q 2
→ 2x 2 − (d − x)2 = 0
2 2
4πε 0 x 4πε 0 (d − x)
The solution to this equation is:
x= d = 0.414d m
1+ 2
The charge will be located at this distance from the smaller charge (q).
b. The charge will move up or down in a path defined by the forces exerted on the movable charge. Suppose this
charge has moved to a point as shown in Figure B. The horizontal forces will cancel each other and the only
remaining force is upwards (or downwards). Equating the horizontal forces, we get a relation between the y and x
coordinates of the charge:
q2 2q 2
cosα = cosβ
4πε 0 R 12 4πε 0 R 12
where:
R1 = x 2 + y2 , R2 = d − x 2 + y2 , cos α = x , cos α = d− x
x + y2
2
d − x 2 + y2
Substituting these and rearranging the terms we get:
3/2
d − x 2 + y2 2 d− x
=
x + y 2 2 3/2 x
The value of the x coordinate for any value of y may now be found. First, a couple of obvious points. For y = 0, the
relation in (a) is obtained ax expected. Also, as y increases, the value of x, moves to the left of the point found in (a) up
to a certain value of y. Then it moves back to the right until, for very large values of y, the charge remains at a fixed
value of x while still moving up. This can be seen by substituting y = ∞ in the relation, for which the solution becomes
x = 2d/3. A free-hand sketch of the charge path is shown in Figure C where a = 0.414d is the point found in (a) and b
= 2d/3.
45
 y
q F2 q F1 2q x
0 x d
Figure A y
F2 F1
β q α
F2 cosβ F1cosα
q 2q x
R1 R2 a b
y 0 d
Figure C
q α x d−x β 2q x
0 d Figure B

Problem 3.8. Electric field of point charges.

To find the point at which the field is zero, we place the charges on a system of coordinates as shown in Figure A and
calculate the total electric field intensity at a general point x. Setting this field to zero gives the location at which the
field is zero.
a. A sketch of the field is shown in Figure B. Note that some of the lines do not end at charges. These lines end at
infinity.
b. From simple considerations, we know that the point must be to the right of the negative charge. But suppose we
want to see if this condition can be satisfied at a point between the two charges. This is shown in Figure C. Here the
electric field due to charge (1) is in the positive x direction as is the field due to the negative charge. Since the fields
are always in the same direction anywhere between the two charges their sum cannot be zero. The point of zero
electric field intensity cannot be to the left of the large charge because for any distance to the left, the total electric
field intensity will always point in the negative x direction due to the dominance of the large charge. Thus, the electric
field intensity can only be zero to the right of charge (2) (the negative charge). Using Figure A, we can write for x > a
= 0.1 m:
Due to the positive and negative charges:
4q q N
E1 = x E2 = − x
4πε 0 x 2 4πε 0 (x − 0.1)2 C
The sum of the two fields is set to zero
4q − x q N
E = E1 + E2 = x =0
4πε 0 x 2 4πε 0 (x − 0.1)2 C
This yields an equation for x:
4q − x q
x =0 → 4(x − 0.1)2 − x 2 = 0
4πε 0 x 2 4πε 0 (x − 0.1)2
This equation has two solutions:
x = 2a = 0.2 and x = 2a = 0.067 m
3
The second of these is between the two charges and therefore not a valid solution (it was explicitly stated that
x > a = 0.1 m ). The first is a distance a = 0.1m to the right of the negative charge and therefore is valid.
Answer: The electric field intensity is zero 0.1 m to the right of the negative charge.

4q −q E2 E1 x
0 a x
Figure A

46
 −q
4q

Figure B
y
E1 −q
4q x
0 x a
E2 Figure C

Problem 3.9. Electric field of point E1

charges. We choose a completely general point
in space P(x,y,z) and calculate the distances from E2 E3
this point to each of the four charges. The vectors y R2
−Q
R are also calculated and therefore the electric field E4
(0,a)
intensity in terms of its components is found at that R4
point. In (b), we move this general point to the line R3 R1
y = x, z = 0 and show that the electric field Q Q x
intensity is normal to this line. (−a,0) (a,0)
a. A general point P(x,y,z) and the vectors R 1 , R 2 ,
R 3 , and R 4 , pointing from the four points to P are (0,−a) −Q
shown in Figure A. Using the coordinates, the four Figure A
vectors and their length are:

R 1 = x(x − a ) + yy + zz R1 = (x − a)2 + y 2 + z 2 m
R 2 = xx + y(y − a ) + zz x 2 + y − a 2 + z2 m
R 3 = x x + a + yy + zz R3 = x + a 2 + y 2 + z 2 m
R 4 = xx + y(y + a) + zz R4 = x 2 + (y + a)2 + z 2 m
Now we can write the electric field directly as:

Q1 R 1 = Q(x(x − a )+ yy + zz) N
E1 =
4πε 0 R 1 3 4πε 0 (x − a)2 + y 2 + z 2 3/2 C
Q xx+ y(y − a ) + zz
E 2 = Q2 R 2 3 = − N
3/2
4πε 0 R 2 4πε 0 x 2 + y − a 2 + z 2 C
Q x x + a + yy + zz
E 3 = Q3 R 3 3 = N
4πε 0 R 3 4πε 0 x + a 2 + y 2 + z 2 3/2 C
Q xx + y(y + a) + zz
E 4 = Q3 R 4 3 = − N
3/2
4πε 0 R 4 4πε 0 x 2 + (y + a)2 + z 2 C

The total electric field intensity is the sum of these four fields:

x(x − a )+ yy + zz xx+ y(y − a ) + zz x x + a + yy + zz xx + y(y + a) + zz

Ep = Q − + −
2 2 3/2 2 2 3/2 2 2 2 3/2 3/2
4πε 0 x−a + y + z 2 2
x + y−a + z x+a + y + z x 2 + (y + a)2 + z 2
[N/C]
47
b. On the lines y = x or y = −x we set these values and also z = 0. Starting with the line y = x, the total electric field
intensity for y = x, z = 0 is:

x(x − a )+ yx xx+ y(x + a ) x x + a + yx xx + y(x − a)

E y=x,z=0 = Q − + − N
4πε 0 x − a 2 + x 2 3/2 2
x + x+a 2 3/2 2
x+a + x 2 3/2
x 2 + (x − a)2
3/2
C

Collecting terms:
x(x − a )+ yx − x x+ y(x − a ) x x + a + yx − x x+ y(x + a )
E y=x,z=0 = Q + =
3/2
4πε 0 2
x−a + x 2 x 2 + x + a 2 3/2
x(x − a ) − x x + y x − y (x − a ) + x x + a − x x + y x − y (x + a ) =
3/2 3/2
x − a 2 + x2 x − a 2 + x2 x 2 + x + a 2 3/2 x 2 + x + a 2 3/2
x a − a −y a − a N
3/2
x 2 + x + a 2 3/2 x 2 + x + a 2 3/2 3/2
x − a 2 + x2 x − a 2 + x2 C

Now, since the magnitude of the x and that of the y components of E are the same, the total electric field intensity
must be normal to the line. Identical development for y = −x results in an identical conclusion.
An alternative method based on the properties of the scalar product may be used. A vector in the direction of each of
the 45° lines may be defined. Taking the scalar product between this vector and the electric field intensity on the line
(Eq. (1) above) should give zero if the two fields are perpendicular to each other.
A vector A, in the direction of the 45° line in the first and third quadrants is A = x + y . The scalar product is:

Q x(x − a )+ yx xx+ y(x − a ) x x + a + yx xx + y(x + a)

A.E y=x,z=0 = x +y . − + −
2 3/2 2 3/2 2 2 3/2 3/2
4πε 0 x − a + x 2 x2 + x − a x+a + x x 2 + (x + a)2
x−a
= Q (x − a ) x x
− + − +
2 3/2 2 2 3/2 3/2 3/2
4πε 0 x − a + x 2 x + x+a x − a 2 + x2 x 2 + (x − a)2
Q x (x + a ) x (x + a)
− + − =0
2 3/2 2 2 3/2 2 2 3/2 3/2
4πε 0 x − a + x 2 x + x+a x+a + x x + (x + a)2
2

as required. Identical calculation for the line in the 2nd and 4th quadrant (with A = − x + y and E y=−x,z=0) shows that
the electric field intensity is perpendicular to this line as well.

Problem 3.10. The quadrupole.

a. The electric field intensity is the sum of three fields as shown in Figure A.
E = E1 + E2 + E3 N/C
The three fields are:
q R− d q R +d
q R − R1 q R + R2
E 1 = 2q R 3 , E2 = − =− 2 , E3 = − =− 2 N
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R - R 1 3 4πε 0 R - d 3
4πε 0 R + R 2
3
4πε 0 R + d
3
C
2 2
The vector sum of the fields gives the exact result:
R −d R +d
E = q 2R3 − 2 −
3
2
3
N
4πε 0 R R− d R + d C
2 2
b. R >> d. By applying this approximation in Section 3.4.1.3 to the result in (a) we get
q
E= 2R − R − d 1 + 3 R ⋅d − R + d 1 − 3 R ⋅d = 3q R⋅d5 d N
4πε 0 R 3 2 2 R2 2 2 R2 8πε 0 R C
but (see Section 3.4.1.3):
p = qd = p (Rcos θ − θsin θ) C.m
This gives:
48
 E = 3p R⋅d5 (Rcos θ − θsin θ ) = 3p Rd5 (Rcos 2 θ − θsin θ cos θ) N
8πε 0 R 8πε 0 R C
or:
E= 3p d (Rcos 2 θ − θsin θ cos θ ) N
8πε 0 R 4 C
c. The field is sketched in Figure B.

−q

z
−q E2 E1
R − R1 2q
P
R E3
d/2 R1
2q 2
+R
d/2 R2 R −q
−q

Figure A Figure B

Problem 3.11. Electric field and forces due to point charges.

The field at the pinnacle is due to the 5 charges. In (a) the base charges contribute a field but, because there is a
negative point charge at the pinnacle, this field is negative and infinite. In (b) the field at the pinnacle due to the 4 base
charges is calculated and then multiplied by the point charge at the pinnacle to obtain the force.

a.
#V&
E = −∞ %$ m ('
b. The four charges at the corners of the base produce zero electric field intensity at the center since their fields
oppose each other in pairs. The point charge at the pinnacle produces an electric field intensity in the positive z
direction:
−Q −Q Q *N-
E = −ẑ 2
= −ẑ = ẑ 2 , /
4πε 0 h $
2
$a' $a' '
2 2
2πε 0 a +C.
&
4πε 0 a − & ) − & ) )
& % 2 ( % 2 ( )(
%

where h is the height of the pyramid.

c. The force is zero. This can be seen as follows: The two positive charges have a net field in the positive z-direction
whereas the two negative charges have a net field equal in magnitude to the field of the positive charges but in the
negative z-direction. Hence the total field of the 4 charges at the pinnacle is zero. Therefore the force on the 5th charge
is zero.

Problem 3.12. Application: Electrostatic levitation: Repulsive mode.

Each of the stationary charges pushes each of the movable charges either straight upwards (for every two charges
which are one above the other) or both sideways and upwards if the charges are offset. Thus, there are four forces due
to each of the stationary charges, one on each of the movable charges. Figure A shows the configuration.
a. We calculate each of the forces and add them up to obtain the total force on the movable frame. The forces F 1 , F 2 ,
F 3 and F 4 are all vertical (z direction for ease of reference) and equal to:
q2
F1 = F 2 = F 3 = F 4 = z N
4πε 0 h 2
49
Now there are the diagonal forces shown at corner (d) as F 5 and F 6 (two at each corner). These have both a horizontal
and a vertical component but we only calculate the vertical components since only these contribute to levitation:
q2 q2 h q2 h
F 5v = z cosα = z =z N
2 2 3/2
4πε 0 a + h 4πε 0 a2 + h 2 a2 + h 2 4πε 0 a2 + h 2

The vertical force due to F 6 is identical and acts on the same charge:
q2 h
F 6v = F 5v = z N
3/2
4πε 0 a2 + h 2
A similar pair of forces acts on each of the other charges. We denote them as F 7v and F 8v at corner (b), F 9v and F 10v at
corner (c) and F 11v and F 12v at corner (a). In addition, each of the stationary charges exerts a force on the movable
charge which is diagonally opposite as exemplified by the force denoted as F 1 3 at corner (b). This force is (again
calculating only its vertical component):

F 13v = z q2 cos θ = z q2 h =z q2 h N
4πε 0 a2 + a 2 + h 2 4πε 0 2a 2 + h 2 2a 2 + h 2 4πε 0 2a 2 + h 2
3/2

On each of the other corners, there is an identical force denote as F 1 4 at corner (c), F 1 5 at corner (d) and F 1 6 at corner
(a).
Now we can calculate the total force on the frame as the sum of the 16 forces above:
16
4q 2 8q 2 h 4q 2 h
F = ∑ F i = 4F 1 + 8F 5v + 4F 13v = z + z +z
i=1 4πε 0 h 2 4πε 0 a2 + h 2
3/2
4πε 0 2a 2 + h 2
3/2

2
= z q 12 + 2h
3/2
+ h
3/2
N
πε 0 h a2 + h 2 2a 2 + h 2
Now, if the levitation is small compared to a, (h << a) we can write:
2
F ≈ z q 12 + 2 3h + 3/2h N
πε 0 h a 2 a3
Also, since h << a, the second and third term are clearly small and, as a first approximation:
2
F≈ z q 2 N
πε 0 h
For levitation to be stationary, this force must be balanced by the weight of the four charges. Thus we have:
−9
q2 = 4mg
→ h=q 1 = 100×10 1 = 0.303 m
πε 0 h 2 2 πε 0 mg 2 π ×8.854× 10−12×10−4×9.81
The frame levitates to about 0.3m above the stationary frame.
b. Because of the lateral forces, the frame will balance so that the movable charges are midway between the stationary
charges. The net force is still upward but lower than in (a) because the distances between the stationary and movable
charges is increased (see Figures B and C). Note the various forces on the movable frame.
c. The frame will oscillate up and down. As the frame is pushed down, the repulsion forces increase, pushing it back
up. As it moves up, the gravitational forces are larger than the repulsion forces and the frame will tend to come back
down. The movable frame will act as a spring.
d. The frame will stay there although this is not a stable position. Any small change will move the frame up or down.
e. The movable frame will be pushed down by both the gravitational and electrostatic forces and the frame will fall.

50
 F2 q
F13 F3
θ q a q
(b) (c)
q q movable
F1 F4 frame a a

2a + h
F5

2
F6 α q
(d) q movable frame

2
(a) q q q q y
2 z
2 +h stationary a
a
.
a y frame
z h x
a2
q q
z=0 a stationary
q x q q frame
Figure A Figure B

q a 2 /2 a 2 /2
q q
z
movable h
frame
y x
q a q
stationary frame Figure C

Problem 3.13. Application: Electrostatic levitation: Attractive mode.

Each of the stationary charges attracts each of the q
movable charges either straight upwards (for every q stationary
F2 frame
two charges which are one above the other) or both z
F3

2
+h
sideways and upwards if the charges are offset. q
a2
−q
Thus, there are four forces due to each of the z=0 q (d) −q (c)
stationary charges, one on each of the movable F6 +h
2
F4
2 movable
h F1 α a
a y frame
charges. Figure A shows the configuration.
a2 θ
F5
F13
a. We calculate each of the forces and add them up a
to obtain the total force on the movable frame. The − q (a) (b) − q
x
forces F 1 , F 2 , F 3 and F 4 are all vertical (z Figure A
direction for ease of reference) and equal to:

q2
F1 = F 2 = F 3 = F 4 = z N
4πε 0 h 2
Now there are the diagonal forces shown at corner (a) as F 5 and F 6 (two at each corner). These have both a horizontal
and a vertical component but we only calculate the vertical components since only these contribute to levitation:

F 5v = z q2 cosα = z q2 h =z q2 h N
2 3/2
4πε 0 a2 + h 4πε 0 a2 + h 2 a2 + h 2 4πε 0 a2 + h
2

The vertical force F 6 is identical and acts on the same charge:

F 6v = F 5v = z q2 h N
3/2
4πε 0 a2 + h 2
A similar pair of forces acts on each of the other charges. We denote them as F 7v and F 8v at corner (b), F 9v and F 10v at
corner (d) and F 11v and F 12v at corner (a). In addition, each of the stationary charges exerts a force on the movable
charge which is diagonally opposite as exemplified by the force denoted as F 1 3 at corner (b). This force is as follows
(again calculating only its vertical component):
F 13v = z q2 cosθ = z q2 h =z q2 h N
2 2 3/2
4πε 0 a2 + a 2 + h 4πε 0 2a 2 + h 2 2a 2 + h 2
2
4πε 0 2a + h

51
On each of the other corners there is an identical force, denoted as F 1 4 at corner (c), F 1 5 at corner (d) and F 1 6 at
corner (a).
Now we can calculate the total force on the frame as the sum of the 16 forces above:
16 2
8q 2 h 4q 2 h
F = ∑ F i = 4F 1 + 8F 5v + 4F 13v = z 4q 2 + z +z
2 3/2 2 2 3/2
i=1 4πε 0 h 4πε 0 a2 + h 4πε 0 2a + h
2
q 1 2h h
=z + + N
πε 0 h 2 a2 + h
2 3/2 2
2a + h
2 3/2

Now, if the distance between the frames is small compared to a, (h << a) we can write:
2
F ≈ z q 12 + 2 3h + 3/2h N
πε 0 h a 2 a3
Also, since h << a, the second and third term are clearly small and, as a first approximation:
2
F≈ z q 2 N
πε 0 h
For frame to be stationary, this force must be balanced by the weight of the four charges. Thus we have:
−9
q2 = 4mg
→ h=q 1 = 100×10 1 = 0.303 m
πε 0 h 2 2 πε 0 mg 2 π ×8.854× 10−12×10−4×9.81
The movable frame is suspended at 0.3m below the stationary frame.
b. If the frame is pushed downwards, the attraction forces will be insufficient to hold the frame and it will fall down. If
the frame is pushed upwards, the movable frame will stick to the stationary frame.
c. It is not generally possible to suspend a charge in attractive mode in a stable situation. On the other hand, the charge
can be levitated in repulsion mode. The arrangement in problem 3.12 is more practical.

Problem 3.14. Force on charge in an electric field.

Although the forces on the moving charge can be calculated it is best to discuss the behavior qualitatively.
a. This is not a stable position, it will move up or down perpendicular to the axis.
b. It will stay at the midpoint of the line, unless the charge is disturbed. Given a slight push towards either of the
charges, it will move towards that charge since the force attracting it towards the nearest charge is larger. This is also
not a stable point
c. If stationary changes are negative: In (a), the stationary charges are negative but the moving charge is positive. The
situation is exactly as in (b) and the moving charge, which is in unstable equilibrium will move towards one of the
stationary charges if disturbed. In (b), both stationary and moving charge are negative. The situation is exactly as in
(a). The position is not stable and the charge will tend to move up or down if disturbed.

Problem 3.15. Application: Accumulation of charge.

Rain of 10 mm/h means that 10 mm of water would accumulate on the surface of the earth were it not for water being
absorbed. Thus, for a one meter squared area, the volume of water is 1 m2 × 0.01 m = 0.01 m3 of water per hour. We
calculate the number of drops that accumulate in one hour and multiply by the charge of the proton. This gives the
total charge per unit area transferred to earth.
The volume of water accumulating in one hour is 0.01 m3 as shown above. The volume of one drop is:
3
v drop = 4 π R = 4 π 10 vdrop = 4 π ⋅10
3 −3 −9
→ m3
3 3 3
The number of drops per hour is therefore the total volume divided by the volume of one drop:

N= v = 0.01 = 2.3873× 106

v drop (4/3) × π × 10−9
52
Therefore, the total charge transferred per hour per unit area is:
Q = N q = 2.3873× 106 ×1.6× 10−1 9 = 3.82× 10−1 3 C/h/m2

Problem 3.16. Electric field of point charges.

Consider Figure A. The electric field intensity at a
general point inside the triangle is written and set
q
to zero, Since the horizontal components always
cancel, only the vertical components need be
evaluated.
a. From Figure A, the total vertical electric field
a
intensity at p is:

90

−θ
.
q − 2qsinθ = 0 2 2 −θ

90
Ep = → b = 2a sinθ θ θ
4πε 0 a2 4πε 0 b 2
(1) θ
b b
To remove a or b we note, again from Figure A 60
−θ −θ
and the law of sines:
q 60θ θ q
a = b → b = a sin30°
sin(60°− θ) sin30° sin(60°− θ)
(2) Figure A

Substituting in (1):
2
a sin30° = 2a 2 sinθ → 2sin 2 (60°− θ)sinθ = 0.25
sin(60°− θ)
Substituting in (1):
2
a sin30° = 2a 2 sin θ → 2sin 2 (60°− θ)sinθ = 0.25
sin(60°− θ)
Thus, the equation to solve is: 0.2
2
2sin (60°− θ)sinθ − 0.25 = 0 0.1
value of function

This equation is plotted in Figure B. The 0

intersection with the horizontal axis (θ) is the
solution. Thus: −0.1

θ = 14° or: θ = 30° −0.2

Now, the distance of this point from the bottom of −0.3 40
0 20 60
the triangle is (L/2)tanθ = (L/2)tan30° = 0.289L or angle θ
(L/2)tan14° = 0.125L. Note that the field is also Figure B
zero at ∞.
b. From Figure C now we have:
2q − 2qcosθ = 0
Ep = → b 2 = a 2 sinθ
4πε 0 a2 4πε 0 b 2
From Eq. (2) we get:
2
a sin30° = a 2 sin θ → sin 2 (60° − θ)sinθ = 0.25
sin(60° − θ)
and the equation to solve now is:
sin 2 (60° − θ)sinθ − 0.25 = 0
This is plotted in Figure D. Note that it has no solution inside the triangle but the field is zero at ∞.

53
 2q

−0.05
a

value of function
−0.1
90
−θ

.
−θ
−0.15
90

θ θ
θ
b b −0.2
60
−θ c −θ
q 60θ θ q −0.25
0 20 40 60
L/2 L/2 angle θ
Figure C Figure D

Problem 3.17. Application: Millikan's experiment−determination of the charge of electrons.

The only way the drop can be suspended is if it has an electric charge and this charge is negative. The largest electric
field intensity is that field that will suspend the drop with the lowest charge, i.e. one electron.
−1 9
a. The smallest charge possible is e = −1.6 × 10 [C]. Thus, we calculate the electric field intensity that will balance
the weight of the drop.
F = qE → F = − y eE N
The electric field intensity is directed in the negative y direction and is calculated from the following relation:

− ymg − yeE =0
This is the force balance required to balance the drop. Since the charge of the electron is negative, we get:
mg
− mg + eE = 0 → E=
e
or:
−9
E = 9.81× 1×10 = 6.131× 101 0 N
1.6× 10−1 9 C
or:
E = −y6.131× 101 0 N
C
b. The next largest electric field intensity occurs if the drop has two electrons. In this case, the electric field intensity
is:
−9
− mg + 2eE = 0 → E = mg = 9.81× 1×10 = 3.066× 101 0 N
2e 2×1.6× 10−1 9 C
Note that the ratio between the field in (a) and (b) is 2 indicating the quantized nature of the electron's charge.
The electric field intensities calculated here are extremely large. They cannot be realized in practice. Also, for any
larger number of electrons in the drop, the electric field intensity would be lower. If we had 1000 electrons, the electric
field intensity would be 1000 times as low and so on.
A variation of the problem described here, was designed by Robert Andrews Millikan (1868-1953) as a measuring
mechanism to measure the charge of the electron. He used an oil drop but the number of electrons in the drop was
−1 9
large. He showed both that the electron had a charge of 1.6 × 10 [C] and that only integer multiples of this charge
existed thus proving that the electron is the smallest charge in existence.

54
Problem 3.18. Application: Attraction of dust to TV screens.
The acceleration of the particle is due to the electric field. Based on its mass, electric field intensity, and distance, we
calculate the final velocity of the particle as it hits the screen. The momentum of the particle is then calculated to
decide if it is large enough to cause any damage.
a. The force and acceleration in the field are:

kN qE m
E = 600 → F = q E = ma , F = q E = ma ⇒ a=
C m s2
The velocity of the particle for a particle starting at rest is found from the motion equations:
2
v f = at and L = at
2
where L = 0.1 m is the distance the particle travels before hitting the screen. These give:

2L 2L = 2La = 2Lq E
t= → vf = a
a a m
where v t is the final speed of the particle. Numerically, this speed is:

2 × 0.1 × 6⋅105 × 1.6⋅10−1 9 = 438.18 m

vf =
10−19 s
b. Although the speed is high, its momentum is low. The latter is:
m vf = 346.41× 10−1 9= 3.46×10−1 7 kg⋅m/s
This will cause no ill effects to the screen. The velocity, and therefore the momentum is just too small

Problem 3.19. Force in a uniform field.

a. The electric force on the charged ball must equal the gravitational force on the ball. In (b) and (c), the equations of
motion are used. The gravitational force on the ball equals:
Fg = mg = 10−4 × 9.81 = 9.81 × 10−4 N
This is the electric force required to suspend the ball. Thus, the required charge on the ball is:
Fg 9.81× 10−4
Fe = Fg = qE → q= = = 9.81× 10−7 C
E 1,000
b. If the charge is doubled, and assuming positive charge the total force on the ball equals the electric force acting
upwards and the gravitational force acting downwards. The net force is:
F = Fe − Fg = qE − mg = 1,000×2× 9.81× 10−7 − 9.81× 10−4 = 9.81× 10−4 N
This force causes the acceleration of the device:
−4
F = ma → a = F = 9.81×−4
10 = 9.81 m
m 10 s2
c. The final velocity of the ball is half the speed of light. Since it starts at rest, we can write the following equation of
motion for the ball:
8
v f = at → t = v f = 1.5× 10 = 1.53× 107 s
a 9.81
This is a very long time. For this reason, when charged particles must be accelerated, much larger field intensities are
used and the charges are accelerated over long paths, sometimes allowing them to move over the same path many
times.

Problem 3.20. Field due to line charge density.

Solution is by postulating an element of charge of length dl’ and charge density ρl . Then the electric field intensity at
the three points is found by integrating along the length of the segment. To simplify solution, we choose the system of
55
coordinates in a convenient way (a solution can be obtained with any system of coordinates but at an increased
complexity in integration). For point (1), we place the system as in Figure A, so that the point is at (0,L/2). From
Figure A, the x and y components are:

dEy = dEsinα = dE(L/2) = ρl (L/2)dx'

dEx = dEcosα = dEx' = ρl x'dx' , N
R 4πε 0 x'2 + (L/2)2 3/2 R 4πε 0 2
x' + (L/2) 2 3/2 C
From the electric field intensity at a general point is:
(L/2)dx'
d E = x ρl x'dx' + y ρl N
3/2 2 3/2
x' + (L/2)2
4πε 0 2 4πε 0 2 C
x' + (L/2)
From symmetry alone, we know that the horizontal (x component of the field is zero - see Figure A). The vertical
field intensity (y component) is found by integrating this over the length of the wire
L/2
(L/2)dx' L/2
E = y ρl = y ρl 4x'
4πε 0 2 4 2 3/2
−L/2 x' + (L/2) πε 0 L 4x'2 + L 2 −L/2
ρ 4(L/2) 4(−L/2) ρ 2 N
=y l − =y l
4πε 0 2
L 4(L/2) + L 2 2
L 4(−L/2) + L 2 2πε 0 L C

For point P2 , we use the coordinates in Figure B. This will allow us to use the same expression as for P1 with change
in the limits of integration. The electric field intensity due to an element of length dx' is:
(L/2)dx'
d E = x ρl x'dx'
3/2
+ y ρl N
2 3/2
4πε 0 x' + (L/2)2
2 4πε 0 2
x' + (L/2) C

Integrating this between x' = −L and x' = 0 we get:

0 0

E 2 = x ρl −x'dx' + y ρl (L/2)dx'
4πε 0 2 2 3/2 4πε 0 −L x' + (L/2)2 3/2
2
−L x' + (L/2)
ρl 0 ρ 0 ρ ( 5 − 1) + y ρl
=x 1 +y l 4x' =x l N
4πε 0 4x' + L 2
2
−L
4πε 2
0 L 4x' + L −L 2 2πε 0 L 5 πε 0 L 5 C
For point P3 , we use again Figure A. Since Ey = 0 (from symmetry):
L/2 L/2
L − x% dx% dx% L/2
E 3 = x ρl = x ρl = x ρl 1 =x
ρl N
4πε 0 2 3/2 4πε 0 2
4πε 0 L − x% 3πε 0 L C
−L/2
L − x% −L/2
L − x% −L/2

d dEy dEy
d
dEx . dEx
L/2 R l ρl dx'
dq=
ρl α P3 x
x=−L/2 −x' x=0 x' x=L/2 x=L Figure A

dq= ρl dx' R
.dE y d
dEx
x
x=−L −x' ρl x=0 Figure B

Problem 3.21. Field due to a charged ring.

56
The electric field intensity at point P(0,φ,h) due to a differential length of the ring’s circumference is calculated as
shown in Figure A. Integration around the ring gives the total field.

a. Using cylindrical coordinates as in Figure A, and taking an element of charge dq = ρladφ, we calculate the electric
field intensity at P:
dE = ρladφ 2 =
ρladφ
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 h 2 + a 2
Before integration, we separate the electric field intensity into its radial and vertical components as shown. The
horizontal component due to symmetrically opposite elements of charge on the ring cancel out since they are in
opposite directions and only the vertical component is left.
dEz = dEcosθ = dE h = ρlahdφ
Thus:
R 4πε 0 h 2 + a 2 3/2
Now, integrating this around the ring:
2π 2π
Ez = ρlahdφ = ρlah dφ = 2πρlah N
2 2 3/2 2 3/2 3/2
φ=0 4πε 0 h + a 4πε 0 h + a2 φ=0 4πε 0 h 2 + a 2 C
or:
E=z
ρlah N
2 2 3/2 C
2ε 0 h + a
b. for h >> a:
E=z
ρlah ≈z
ρlah = z ρla 2 N dE dEz
2 2 3/2 2 3/2 C θ
2ε 0 h + a 2ε 0 h 2ε 0 h
dEr
However, to write this in terms of the total charge

R=
2 h
on the ring we first calculate the total charge on the θ

2 +a
ring as:
h r

2
q = 2π aρl C ρl = q C/m a ρl dl= ρl adφ
→
2π a .
φ
Substituting back into the electric field intensity:

E≈ z ρla = z q N
2
2ε 0 h 4πε 0 h 2 C x
This is the electric field intensity of a point charge Figure A
with charge equal to q = 2πaρl.

Problem 3.22. Force on line charge density.

Using Figure A, we calculate the field due to an element of charge ρldx'. Because of symmetry, only the vertical
component of the field produces a net force (see Figure A). Alternatively, both the vertical and horizontal components
may be calculated to show that the horizontal force is zero. The element of field is integrated along the line to calculate
the total electric field intensity at the location of the charge. Then the force is found as F = qE. Taking the charge to be
a distance h = 0.01m from the center of the charged segment, and taking an element of length dx', located at a general
point x', the magnitude of the electric field intensity due to this element of charge (which may be viewed as a point
charge) is:
ρ dx'
dE = l 2 =
ρldx'
2 2
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 x' + h
The horizontal and vertical components are:

dEx = dEcosα = ρlx'dx' dEy = dEsinα = ρlhdx'

2 2 3/2 3/2
4πε 0 x' + h 4πε 0 x'2 + h 2
because:
cosα = x' = x'
1/2
sinα = h
1/2
x' + h 2
2
x' + h 2
R 2

57
Because the horizontal components of two symmetric elements of charge cancel, we only calculate the y (normal)
component of the electric field intensity. This gives:
x'=0.5

Ey = ρlh = ρlh
x'=0.5
dx' x'
3/2 1/2
4πε 0 x'=−0.5 x' + h 2
2 4πε 0 h 2 x'2 + h 2 x'=−0.5
−9
= ρl 1
1/2
= 10 = 1.797×103 N
4πε 0 h 0.25 + h 2 −12 −4 1/2 C
4× π ×8.854× 10 ×0.01 0.25 + 10
The electric field intensity is therefore:
d dEy dEy
d
N θ dEx
Ε = y1.797× 10
3 dEx
C R h R l ρdx'
dq=
ρl θ
and the force on the charge (10 nC) is:
x=−0.5 −x' x=0 x'
−9 3 −5
x=0.5
F = qΕ = y10× 10 ×1.797× 10 = y1.797× 10 N Figure A

y
Problem 3.23. Electrostatic forces.
The basic component in the solution is the force dF12x x" ρl1=10 nC/m
(1)
between two differential elements of charge, one α
dF12y
on each segment. Figure A shows this dF x
d R
configuration. Taking an element of length on the
lower segment as dl1 = dx’ and one on the upper ρl2=−10 nC/m
segment as dl2 = dx”, we calculate the force F, (2)
x=−1/2 x' x=1/2
separate it into its components and integrate each
component to find the total force acting on each
segment. Figure A

a. The elements of length on each segment are viewed as point charges of magnitude −ρldx’ on the lower segment and
ρldx” on the upper segment. The force due to these two charges is an attractive force with components in the negative
y direction and negative x direction as shown in Figure A. The magnitude of the force is:

dF1 2 = dq1 dq22 =

ρl2 dx'dx" N
4πε 0 R 1 2 4πε 0 (x"−x')2 + d 2
This has vertical and horizontal components as follows:

dF12x = dF1 2cosα = dF1 2

(x"-x') = ρl2 dx'dx"(x"−x') N
3/2
R 4πε 0 (x"−x')2 + d 2
dF12y = dF1 2sinα = dF1 2 d = ρl2 dx'dx"d N
R 4πε 0 (x"−x')2 + d 2 3/2

The total force is calculated by integrating each component on x’ and x” along the lengths of the segments. However,
from symmetry considerations, the horizontal component must be zero since, symmetrically placed elements about the
vertical (center) axis, produce equal but opposite horizontal forces. The vertical force is therefore:
1/2 1/2 1/2 x"=1/2
2 2
F12y = ρl d = ρl d
dx'dx" (x" − x') dx'
3/2
4πε 0 x'=−1/2 x"=−1/2 (x"−x')2 + d 2 4πε 0 x'=−1/2 d2 (x"−x')2 + d 2 x"=−1/2
1/2 1/2

= ρl2 (0.5 − x') + (0.5 + x') dx' = ρl2 (0.5 − x') + (0.5 + x') dx'
4πε 0 d x'=−1/2 2
(0.5−x') + d 2
(− 0.5− x') + d 4πε 0 d x'=−1/2 x' −x' + 0.25 + d
2 2 2 2
x' +x' + 0.25 + d 2
2
2 1/2 2
= lρ x' +x' + 0.25 + d − x' −x' + 0.25 + d 2 −1/2 = ρl
2 2 2
1 + d2 − d N
4πε 0 d 2πε 0 d
−9
with d = 0.01 [m], ρl = 10×10 [C], the total force is:

58
 2
F12y = ρl 1 + d2 − d = 10−1 6 1 + 0.012 − 0.01 = 1.78× 10−4 N
2πε 0 d 2× π ×8.854× 10−1 2×0.01
The force on the upper segment is: F1 2 = − y1.78× 10−4 N
−4
The force on the lower segment is in the positive y direction: F2 1 = y1.78× 10 N
These are attraction forces as expected.

Problem 3.24. Force between two short charged segments.

Define an element of charge dq1’=ρl1dl1 on line 1, where ρl1 = Q1/L1
Q "#C$%
dq1 = ρl1dl1 = 1 dl1
L1
Similarly, on line 2:
Q2 "#C$%
dq2 = ρl 2 dl2 = dl
L2 2
Now, the magnitude of the force between the two elemental point charges is:
dq dq
dF = 1 22
4πε R12
To calculate the distance R12, suppose we place the x-axis on top of the two lines, then dl1 = dx’, dl2 = dx’’, and the
elements are a position x’ on line 1 and position x’’ on line 2 (see Figure A). Then R12 becomes:
R12 = x ''− x '
Putting these together:
Q1 Q
dx ' 2 dx ''
L1 L2 Q Q dx ' dx '' Q1Q2 dx ' dx ''
dF = 2
= 1 2 =
4πε R12 L1 L2 4πε R12 4πε L1 L2 ( x ''− x ')2
2

This force is in the positive x-direction on line 2 and negative x-direction on line 1. The total force therefore is:
Q1Q2 L1 L1+a+L2 dx ' dx '' %&N'(
F= ∫ ∫ 2
4πε L1 L2 x '=0 x '"=L1+a
( x ''− x ' )
Integrating first on x’, then on x” we write:
% ( x '=L
Q1Q2 L1+a+L2 L1 dx ' * Q1Q2 L1+a+L2
% 1 ( 1
F12 = ' dx '' = * dx '' =
∫ ∫
4πε L1 L2 x '"=L1+a ' x '=0 ( x ''− x ')2 *
∫ '
4πε L1 L2 x '"=L1+a '& ( x ''− x ') *)
& ) x '=0

Q1Q2 L1+a+L2 % 1 1( Q1Q2 % L1+a+L2

∫ ' − *dx '' = & ln ( x ''− L1 ) − ln x ''() =
4πε L1 L2 x '"=L1 +a
& x ''− L1 x '' ) 4πε L1 L2 x '"=L1+a

L1+a+L2
Q1Q2 % x ''− L1 ( Q1Q2 % L1 + a + L2 − L1 L + a − L1 (
'ln * = 'ln − ln 1 *=
4πε L1 L2 & x '' )x '"=L +a 4πε L1 L2 & L1 + a + L2 L1 + a )
1

Q1Q2 %
'ln
a + L2
− ln
a (
*=
Q1Q2
ln
( a + L2 ) ( a + L1 ) %N(
& )
4πε L1 L2 & L1 + a + L2 L1 + a ) 4πε L1 L2 a ( L1 + a + L2 )
Note 1: The calculations were done in scalars since the field is in the x-direction. Of course, one can write the same
thing in vectors as follows:
R12 = x̂ ( x ''− x ')
and:
Q1Q2 dx ' dx '' QQ dx ' dx '' Q1Q2 dx ' dx ''
dF12 = R12 3
= x̂ ( x ''− x ') 1 2 3
= x̂
4πε L1 L2 ( x ''− x ') 4πε L1 L2 ( x ''− x ') 4πε L1 L2 ( x ''− x ')2
The integral becomes:

59
 F12 = x̂
Q1Q2 L1 L1+a+L2 dx ' dx ''
= x̂
Q1Q2
ln
( a + L2 ) ( a + L1 ) %&N'(
4πε L1 L22
∫ x '=0
∫ x '"=L1+a 2
4πε L1 L2 a ( L1 + a + L2 )
( x ''− x ')
Note 2: One cannot assume Q1 and Q2 are point charges!!!!!
x
L2 dx”
Q2 x”
a
L1 dx’
R12
Q1
O x’
Figure A

Problem 3.25. Electric field due to surface charge density.

Using the idea of a point charge, we define a magnitude of the field intensity although its
differential of area on the disk and find the direction varies (Figure A).
differential of charge due to this area by
multiplying by the charge density on the surface.
dE θ θ
This elemental charge is used as a point charge to dE
calculate the electric field intensity at the required
point. Because the disk is symmetric about its axis, R
R
a judicious choice of computation sequence can h
simplify the solution considerably as shown below. a
First, we note that any element of area at equal r' dr' r'dφ'
radial distance from the axis produces an identical ρs φ'
x Figure A
Choosing an element as shown in Figure A, we get:
ds' = r'dφ 'dr ' m2 → dq = ρ sds = ρ0 r'dφ 'dr' C

This element of area is located at (r’,φ’,0). The electric field intensity must be calculated at (0,φ,h). Thus, the
magnitude of the vector R is:
R = h 2 +r'2 m
The magnitude of the differential electric field intensity dE shown in Figure A is:
dq ρ0 r'dr'dφ' = ρ0 r'dr'dφ'
dE = 2
= 2 2 2
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 h + r'
Before trying to integrate this we note that a symmetrically positioned elemental charge shown, produces an electric
field intensity of identical magnitude as shown. If we separate the two elemental fields into their components in the r
and z directions, the r components cancel but the z components add. Because of this, we can argue that the horizontal
field vanishes and there is no need to evaluate it. But we need to evaluate the z component. The latter is:

dEz = dq cosθ = ρ0 r'dr'dφ' h = ρ0 h r'dr'dφ'

4πε 0 R 2 4πε 0 R 2 R 4πε 0 h 2 + r'2 3/2

Now we must integrate this over the surface of the disk to take into account the vertical components of the electric
fields of all elemental charges on the disk. This gives:
r'=a φ '= 2π r'=a
Ez =
ρ0 h r'dr'dφ '
=
ρ0 h r'dr' N
3 3
4πε 0 r'=0 φ '= 0 2
h + r'2 2 2ε 0 r'=0
h + 2
r'2 2 C

60
where the fact that the electric field is independent of φ, results in 2π from the integration over φ. Performing the
integration over r gives:
r'=a
r'=a
Ez = ρ0 h r'dr' = ρ0 h −1 = ρ0 h 1 − 1 N
2ε 0 2 2 3 2ε 0 2 2 2ε 0 h 2 C
r'=0
h + r' 2 h + r' r'=0 h + a2

Thus, since the electric field intensity is in the z direction we can write:

E = z ρ0 h 1 − 1 N
2ε 0 h 2
h + a2 C

Problem 3.26. Electric field due to surface charge density.

We define a differential of area on the disk and find the differential of charge due to this area by multiplying by the
charge density on the surface. Then we use this as an elemental point charge to calculate the electric field intensity at
the required point. In practice, because the disk is symmetric about its axis, a judicious choice of computation
sequence can simplify the solution considerably as shown below. (see Problem 3.25 for a simpler form of this
problem). First, we note that any element of area at equal radial distance from the axis produces an identical magnitude
of the field intensity although its direction varies (see Figure A in Problem 3.25). Choosing an element as shown, we
get:
ds' = r'dφ 'dr ' m2 → dq = ρ sds = ρ0 r'2 dφ 'dr' C

This area is located at (r’,φ’,0). The electric field must be calculated at (0,φ,h). Thus, the magnitude of the vector R is:

R= h 2 +r'2 m
The magnitude of the differential electric field intensity dE shown in Figure A in Problem 3.25 is:
2 2
dE = dq = ρ0 r' dr'dφ' = ρ0 r' dr'dφ'
4πε 0 R 2 4πε 0 R 2 4πε 0 h 2 + r'2
Before trying to integrate this we note that a symmetrically positioned elemental charge shown, produces an electric
field intensity of identical magnitude as shown. If we separate the two elemental fields into their components in the r
and z directions, the r components cancel but the z components add. Because of this, we can argue that the horizontal
field vanishes and there is no need to evaluate it. But we need to evaluate the z component. The latter is:
dq cosθ ρ0 r'2 dr'dφ' h ρ0 h r'2 dr'dφ'
dEz = = =
4πε 0 R 2 4πε 0 R 2 R 4πε 0 h 2 + r'2 3/2
Now we must integrate this over the surface of the disk to take into account the vertical components of the electric
fields of all elemental charges on the disk. This gives:
r'=a φ '= 2π r'=a
ρ0 h r'2 dr'dφ ' ρ0 h r'2 dr' N
Ez = 3
= 3
4πε 0 r'=0 φ '= 0 h + 2
r'2 2 2ε 0 r'=0 2
h + r'2 2 C

where the fact that the electric field is independent of φ, results in 2π from the integration over φ. Performing the
integration over r gives:
r'=a
r'2 dr'
r'=a
Ez = ρ0 h 3
= ρ0 h − r' + ln r' + h 2 + r'2 =
2ε 0 r'=0 h 2 + r'2 2 2ε 0 h 2 + r'2 r'=0
ρ0 h 2
−a ρ0h 2
+ ln a + h 2 + a 2 + 0 − ln 0 + ln a + h + a − a N
2 2
h +0 =
2ε 0 2
h +a 2 2ε 0 h h2 + a2 C
Thus, since the electric field intensity is in the z direction we can write:
2
E = z ρ0 h ln a + h + a −
2
a N
2ε 0 h 2
h + a2 C

61
Problem 3.27. Electric field of infinite surface.
To simplify solution we assume first that the z
infinite surface is a disk of radius a. Then we allow
a to go to infinity to obtain the required solution. dE θ θ
This approach allows a better understanding of the dE
process involved and allows us to use the solution
in Problem 3.25. We define a differential of area R
R
on the disk and find the differential of charge due d
a
to this area by multiplying by the charge density on
r' dr'
the surface. Then we use this as an elemental point
φ' r'dφ'
charge to calculate the electric field intensity at the ρs
x dφ'
required point. A judicious choice of computation y Figure A
sequence can simplify the solution considerably as
shown below.
First, we note that any element of area at equal radial distance from the axis produces an identical magnitude of the
field intensity although its direction vary (see Figure A). Choosing an element as shown, we get:

ds' = r'dφ 'dr ' m2 → dq = ρ sds = ρsr'dφ 'dr' C

This element of area is located at (r’,φ’,0). The electric field intensity must be calculated at (0,φ,d). Thus, the
magnitude of the vector R is:
R = d2 +r'2 m
The magnitude of the differential electric field intensity dE shown in Figure A is:
dE = dq 2 = ρsr'dr'dφ2' = ρsr'dr'd
φ'
4πε 0 d + r'2
2
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R
Before trying to integrate this we note that a symmetrically positioned elemental charge shown, produces an electric
field intensity of identical magnitude as shown. If we separate the two elemental fields into their components in the r
and z directions, the r components cancel but the z components add. Because of this, we can argue that the horizontal
field vanishes and there is no need to evaluate it. But we need to evaluate the z component. The latter is:

dEz = dq cosθ2 = ρsr'dr'dφ2' d = ρsd

r'dr'dφ'
R 4πε 2 2 3/2
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R 0 d + r'

Now we must integrate this over the surface of the disk to take into account the vertical components of the electric
fields of all elemental charges on the disk. This gives:
r'=a φ '= 2π r'=a
Ez =
ρsd r'dr'dφ'
=
ρsd r'dr' N
3 3
4πε 0 r'=0 φ '= 0 2
d + r'2 2 2ε 0 r'=0 2
d + r'2 2 C

where the fact that the electric field is independent of φ, results in 2π from the integration over φ. Performing the
integration over r gives:
r'=a
ρsd ρsdr'=a ρd
Ez = r'dr' −1= = s 1− 1 N
3
2ε 0 r'=0 2
d + r'2 2
2 2ε 0
2
d + r' r'=0 2ε 0 d 2
d +a 2 C
Thus, since the electric field intensity is in the z direction we can write for the disk of radius a:
E = z ρsd 1 − 1 N
2ε 0 d d2 + a 2 C
Now we require: a → ∞. This gives:
E = z ρsd 1 − 1 = z ρs N if a → ∞
2ε 0 d 2
d +a 2 2ε 0 C
or:
E = z ρs N
2ε 0 C
62
The electric field intensity of an infinite sheet placed on the r-φ plane is normal to the plane and is independent of
height at which it is measured.

Problem 3.28. Electric force due to hollow, charged cylindrical surface.

Calculate the field of a ring of thickness dz’ located at an arbitrary position zi along the tube. The field at P will have
only a z-directed component (from symmetry). Integrate the result over the tube (from z’ = 0 to z’ = L).
The area of the ring is:
ds' = 2π adz ' ⎡m2 ⎤
⎣ ⎦
The charge on the ring is:
dq' = ρs ds' = 2π a ρs dz ' ⎡⎣C ⎤⎦
Now, since we are dealing with an infinitesimally thin ring we want to calculate the equivalent line charge density on
the thin ring:
dq' ⎡C⎤
ρl = = ρs dz ' ⎢m ⎥
2π a ⎣ ⎦
Now we calculate the field of a charged ring (see Figures A and B). See also Problem 3.21.
We write for the field of the ring:
ρldl ρ s adφ ' dz ' &N(
dE = = *' C +)
4 πε R
2
& 2 2
4 πε '( L − z ') + a ) (
From smmetry, we only need to worry about the z-component of the field:
L − z' ρ s a ( L − z ') dφ ' dz ' 'N)
dE z = dE cos θ = dE 3
= 3/2 +( C ,*
4 πε R 4 πε '(( L − z ') + a )*
2 2

Now we integrate this around the ring (on φ') and along the tube (on z’):
2π L ρ s a ( L − z ') dφ ' dz ' L ρ s a ( L − z ') dz ' 'N)
Ez = ∫ ∫ 3/2
= ∫ 3/2
(+ C *,
4 πε '(( L − z ') + a )* 2ε '(( L − z ') + a )*
φ '=0 z '=0 2 2 z '=0 2 2

This is integrated as follows (the integrals were taken from a Table of Integrals):
L ρ s a ( L − z ') dz ' ρ aL L dz ' ρa L z ' dz '
Ez = ∫ 3/2
= s ∫ 3/2
− s ∫ 3/2
2ε %&( L − z ') + a '( %&( z ') − 2Lz '+ L2 + a 2 '( %&( z ') − 2Lz '+ L2 + a 2 '(
z '=0 z '=0 z '=0
2 2
2ε 2
2ε 2

z '=L z '=L
ρ s aL % ' ρ s a % (−Lz '+ ( L + a )) '
2 2 2 2 2
( z '− L ) ρs L ρs ρs L + a %N'
= ) * − ) 2 2 * = − + )& C *(
2ε & a 2 z ' − 2Lz '+ L + a (z '=0 2ε & a z ' − 2Lz '+ L + a (z '=0 2ε a L + a
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2ε 2ε a
dE dEz
R=

θ
2 (L

dEr
r
-z’)

θ
2 a2
+

+ρs
++++ ++++++++ + L-z’ r
dz’ ρl dl= ρs dz’a dφ
a
P z . a
φ
z’ Q dE
s
++++ ++++++++ +
L x
Figure A. The thin ring Figure B. The field of the ring

Problem 3.29. Field due to volume charge density.

63
There are two basic methods to solve the problem. One is to define an element of volume charge ρvrdrdφdz inside the
cylinder and find the electric field intensity due to this element of charge at the required points, followed by
integration over the volume to obtain the total field. The second is shown in Figure A. We first define a disk of charge
and calculate the electric field intensity at a general point z0 on the axis. Then, viewing this disk as the element of
charge, we integrate along the length of the cylinder to find the electric field intensity at the three points. We will
follow the second method.
The element of charge is defined as a disk of thickness dz' at a general location z' on the axis. The disk may be viewed
as having a surface charge density as follows:
2
ρ s = ρvv disk = ρvπ r 2dz' = ρvdz' C
S disk πr m2
Now we use Figure B to calculate the electric field intensity at z0 . First, we note that any element of area at equal
radial distance from the axis produces an identical magnitude of the field intensity although its direction vary (see
Figure B). Choosing an element as shown, we get:
ds' = r'dφ 'dr ' m2 → dq = ρ sds = ρvr'dφ 'dr'dz' C

This element of area is located at (r’,φ’,0). The electric field intensity must be calculated at (0,0,z0 −z’). Thus, the
magnitude of the vector R is:
R = (z0 −z')2 +r'2 m
The magnitude of the differential electric field intensity dE shown in Figure B is:
dq
= ρvr'dφ 'dr'dz'
dE = =
ρvr'dφ 'dr'dz'
2 2
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 (z0 −z')2 + r'2
Before trying to integrate this we note that a symmetrically positioned elemental charge shown, produces an electric
field intensity of identical magnitude as shown. If we separate the two elemental fields into their components in the r
and z directions, the r components cancel but the z components add. Because of this, we can argue that the horizontal
field vanishes and there is no need to evaluate it. But we need to evaluate the z component. The latter is:
dq cosθ = ρvr'dφ 'dr'dz' (z0 −z') = ρv(z0 −z')r'dφ 'dr'dz'
dEz =
4πε 0 R 2 4πε 0 R 2
3/2
R 4πε 0 (z0 −z')2 + r'2
Now we must integrate this over the surface of the disk to take into account the vertical components of the electric
fields of all elemental charges on the disk. This gives:
r'=L/4 φ '= 2π r'=L/4
Ezdisk = ρv (z0 −z')dz' r'dr'dφ ' = ρv (z0 −z')dz' r'dr' N
3 3/2
4πε 0 r'=0 φ '= 0 (z0 −z') +
2
r'2 2 2ε 0 r'=0 (z0 −z')2 + r'2 C

where the fact that the electric field is independent of φ, results in 2π from the integration over φ. Performing the
integration over r gives:
r'=L/4
r'=L/4
Ezdisk = ρv (z0 −z')dz' r'dr' = ρv (z0 −z')dz' −1
3
2ε 0 (z0 −z')2 +
r'=0 r'2 2 2ε 0 (z0 −z')2 + r'2 r'=0

= ρv (z0 −z')dz' 1 − 1 N
2ε 0 (z0 −z') (z0 −z') + (L/4)2
2 C

Thus, since the electric field intensity is in the z direction we can write:

E disk = z ρv (z0 −z')dz' 1 − 1 N

2ε 0 (z0 −z') 2
(z0 −z') + (L/4)
2 C

Now, returning to Figure A, the total electric field intensity at z0 is the integral of the electric field of the differential
disk over the length of the cylinder:
z'=L/2
ρv (z0 −z') N
E(z0 ) = z 1− dz' (1)
2ε 0 z'=−L/2 (z0 −z')2 + (L/4)2 C
64
Before evaluating the electric field intensity, we perform the integration above for any constant value of z0 ≥ L/2 To do
so, we note the following:
z'=L/2 z'=L/2 z'=L/2 z'=L/2

1− (z0 −z') dz' = dz' − z0 dz' + zdz'

2 2
z' − 2z'z0 + z02 + (L/4)2
2
z' − 2z'z0 + z02 + (L/4)2
2
z'=−L/2 (z0 −z') + (L/4) z'=−L/2 z'=−L/2 z'=−L/2

(2)
The first integral gives L. The third integral is evaluated as follows:
z'=L/2 z'=L/2
L/2
zdz' = z'2 − 2z'z0 + z02 + (L/4)2 −L/2 − − 2z0 dz'
z'=−L/2 z' − 2z'z0 + z02 + (L/4)2
2 2 z'=−L/2 z' − 2z'z0 + z02 + (L/4)2
2

z'=L/2
= (L/2)2 − 2(L/2)z0 + z02 + (L/4)2 − (L/2)2 + 2(L/2)z0 + z02 + (L/4)2 + z0 dz'
z'=−L/2 z' − 2z'z0 + z02 + (L/4)2
2

Substituting these in Eq. (2):

z'=L/2 z'=L/2
1− (z0 −z') dz' = L − z0 dz' + (L/2)2 − 2(L/2)z0 + z02 + (L/4)2
2 2
z' − 2z'z0 + z02 + (L/4)2
2
z'=−L/2 (z0 −z') + (L/4) z'=−L/2
z'=L/2

− (L/2)2 + 2(L/2)z0 + z02 + (L/4)2 + z0 dz' =

z' − 2z'z0 + z02 + (L/4)2
z'=−L/2
2

=L+ (L/2)2 − 2(L/2)z0 + z02 + (L/4)2 − (L/2)2 + 2(L/2)z0 + z02 + (L/4)2

Thus, the electric field intensity at a general point z0 ≥ L/2 on the axis is from Eq. (1):

E(z0 ) = z
ρv L + 2
(L/2) − 2(L/2)z0 + z02 + (L/4) −
2 2
(L/2) + 2(L/2)z0 + z02 + (L/4)
2 N
2ε 0 C
(3)
At point P1 , we cannot use the result above (which specifically requires that z0 ≥ L/2 (that is, the calculation is outside
the cylinder). The reason for this is that the electric field intensity outside the cylinder is in the same direction
everywhere while in the cylinder, it changes direction depending on where z0 is chosen. Specifically, at z0 = 0, the
right hand side of the cylinder and the left hand side of the cylinder produce equal and opposite fields (see Figure A)
and therefore the field cancels. Thus:
E(P1 ) = 0
This could have been anticipated from symmetry considerations alone.
At point P2 , we set z0 =L/2 in Eq. (3):

E(P2 ) = z
ρv L + 2
(L/2) − 2(L/2)(L/2) + (L/2) + (L/4) −
2 2 2
(L/2) + 2(L/2)(L/2) + (L/2) + (L/4)
2 2

2ε 0
= z ρv L + (L/4)2 − 16(L/4)2 + (L/4)2 = z ρv L + L/4 − 17L/4 = z ρv L 5 − 17 N
2ε 0 8ε 0 8ε 0 C
At point P3 , we set z0 =L in Eq. (3):

E(P3 ) = z ρv L + (L/2)2 − 2(L/2)L + L 2 + (L/4)2 − (L/2)2 + 2(L/2)L + L 2 + (L/4)2

2ε 0
= z ρv L + (L/2)2 + (L/4)2 − (L/2)2 + 8(L/2)2 + (L/4)2
2ε 0
L + 5(L/4) − 37(L/4) = z ρv L 4 + 5 − 37
=z
ρ v N
2ε 0 8ε 0 C
In summary:
E(P1 ) = 0 E(P 2 ) = z ρv L 5 − 17 E(P 3 ) = z ρv L 4 + 5 − 37 N
8ε 0 8ε 0 C

65
 dE θ θ
dE
dq=ρv dv
dz'
(0,0,z0)
R
.L/2
R
L/2 ρv P2 P3 z h
L/4
P1 L/2
dE (0,0,z) r' dr' r'dφ'
φ'
z' L
z0 ρs= ρv dv'
x
Figure A Figure B

Problem 3.30. Electric field of the electron.

In (a), the solution is that due to a point charge equal to the charge of the electron. In (b), we first define a differential
thickness disk by cutting the sphere on a plane parallel to the r-φ plane. This gives a disk as shown in Figure A. The
charge density on the disk is calculated and the electric field intensity at a height r-z above the disk is found as in
Problems 3.25 and 3.28. Then, we integrate over all such disks to get the field at a distance R from the center of the
sphere due to the whole sphere of radius r0 .
a. The electric field intensity of a point charge is:

E(R) = R Q = − R 1.602× 10−1 9 = − R 1.44× 10−9 N

4πε 0 R 2 4π ×8.854× 10−1 2R 2 R2 C

The electric field intensity points towards the electron.

b. To simplify solution, we first use Figure B which is a disk of radius r0 and contains a surface charge density ρs. We
wish to calculate the electric field intensity at a height h above the disk on its axis. After we do that, we will relate the
surface assumed surface charge density with the volume charge density in the sphere and will set h = (R − z) and
1/2
r0 = a2 + b 2 to relate the disk in Figure B to that in Figure A. Note: this exact problem was solved in Problem
3.25. First, we note that any element of area at equal radial distance from the axis produces an identical magnitude of
the field intensity although its direction vary (see Figure A). Choosing an element as shown, we get:
ds' = r'dφ 'dr ' m2 → dq = ρ sds = ρsr'dφ 'dr' C

This element of area is located at (r’,φ’,0). The electric field intensity must be calculated at (0,φ,h). Thus, the
magnitude of the vector R1 is:
R 1 = h 2 +r'2 m
The magnitude of the differential electric field intensity dE shown in Figure A is:
dq ρsr'dr'dφ' = ρsr'dr'dφ'
dE = 2
= 2 2 2
4πε 0 R 1 4πε 0 R 1 4πε 0 h + r'
Before trying to integrate this we note that a symmetrically positioned elemental charge shown, produces an electric
field intensity of identical magnitude as shown. If we separate the two elemental fields into their components in the r
and z directions, the r components cancel but the z components add. Because of this, we can argue that the horizontal
field vanishes and there is no need to evaluate it. But we need to evaluate the z component. The latter is:

dEz = dq cosθ = ρsr'dr'dφ' h = ρsh r'dr'dφ'

4πε 0 R 1 4πε 0 R 1 R 4πε 0 h + r'2 3/2
2 2 2

Now we must integrate this over the surface of the disk to take into account the vertical components of the electric
fields of all elemental charges on the disk. This gives:
r'=r0 φ '= 2π r'=r0
Ez =
ρsh r'dr'dφ '
=
ρsh r'dr' N
3 3
4πε 0 r'=0 φ '= 0 h + 2
r'2 2 2ε 0 r'=0 2
h + r'2 2 C

66
where the fact that the electric field is independent of φ, results in 2π from the integration over φ. Performing the
integration over r gives:
r'=r0
r'=r0
Ez = ρsh r'dr' = ρsh −1 = ρsh 1 − 1 N
2ε 0 2 2 3 2ε 0 2 2 2ε 0 h h 2 + r02 C
r'=0
h + r' 2 h + r' r'=0

Thus, since the electric field intensity is in the z direction we can write:

E disk = z ρs 1 − h N
2ε 0 2 C
h + r02
Now we return to the sphere in Figure A. The disk may be viewed as having a surface charge density as follows:
2
ρs = ρvv disk = ρvπ r 2dz' = ρvdz' C
S disk πr m2
where ρv is the volume charge density which equals the charge of the electron divided by its volume. Similarly, we
have:
2
r02 = a 2 − z' h = R − z'
Substituting these into the electric field intensity of the disk makes it part of the sphere and we get at a distance R from
the center of the sphere:

E disk = z ρvdz' 1 − R − z' = z ρv 1 − R − z' dz'

2ε 0 2 2
(R − z) + a − z'
2 2ε 0 (R − z') 2 + a 2 − z' 2
=z
ρv
1− R − z' dz' N
2ε 0 R 2 + a 2 − 2Rz' C

Now we integrate this expression over all such disks on the sphere. This means integrating from z’ = −a to z’ = +a:
z'=a

E(R) = z ρv 1− R − z' dz'

2ε 0 z'=−α
2
R + a 2 − 2Rz'
z'=a z'=a z'=a

=z ρv dz' − z ρv R dz' + z ρv z' dz' N

2ε 0 z'=−a 2ε 0 z'=−a 2 2
R + a − 2Rz' 2ε 0 z'=−a 2 2
R + a − 2Rz' C
(1)
Performing each integral separately we get:
z'=a

dz' =2a
z'=−a
z'=a z'=a
a
R =R 1 = R R 2 + a 2 − 2Rz' = 2a
z'=−a R 2 + a 2 − 2Rz' z'=−a R 2 + a 2 − 2Rz' − 2R −a
z'=a
2 2 a 3
z' dz' = − R + a +2 2Rz' R + a 2 − 2Rz' = 2a2
2
2 3R R
z'=−a R + a 2 − 2Rz' −a

Substituting these into Eq. (1) we get:

3
E(R) = z ρv 2a − 2a + 2a 2 = z ρva 2
3
N
2ε 0 3R 3ε 0 R C
Multiplying nominator and denominator by 4π and rearranging we get:
3 3
E(R) = z ρv4π a 2 = z ρv(4/3)π a =z Q 2 N
2
3ε 0 4π R 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R C
Now, we have chosen the direction z for convenience in calculation. However, because of the symmetry of the sphere,
the electric field intensity will be the same in any direction and points directly outward (for a positive charge density).
Thus, to generalize the result we can write:
67
 3
E(R) = R ρva 2 N
3ε 0 R C
With the values given this is:
1.602× 10−1 9 −9
E(R) = R Q 2 = − R −1 2 2
= − R 1.44×210 N R > a = 2× 10−1 3
4πε 0 R 4π ×8.854× 10 R R C
Which is the same as in (a) outside the sphere. However, the two configurations give totally different results inside the
sphere as we shall see in Chapter 4.

dE

.z=R
h

r0 .z=z'
dE θ θ
a
z=0
. dz'
(0,0,R)
dE

R1
R1
r0 h
ρv
(0,0,z') r' dr' r'dφ'
φ'
ρs= ρv dz'
x
Figure A Figure B

Problem 3.31. Electric field due to conducting shell.

The calculation of the electric field intensity anywhere in space due to a surface charge starts by defining an element
of charge on the surface, setting up the distance from the element of charge to the point in space at which the field is
calculated and then integrate over the surface of the sphere. By judicious choice of coordinates and variables of
integration this can be made rather simple. We start with the electric field intensity outside the sphere.
a. Outside the sphere: Consider Figure A which and only the normal components (along the axis)
shows a point on the z axis at which the field is exists. The latter is dEz :
calculated due to an element of charge dq on the 2
sphere. Although it looks at first as a particular dEz = dE cos α = ρsa sinθ'dθ2'dφ ' cosα (3)
point, this is in fact a general point at a distance z 4πε 0 R
from the center of the spherical shell. The element
of surface in spherical coordinates is:
ds = a 2 sinθ'dθ'dφ ' (1)
and the electric field intensity due to this charge is:
2
dq
dE = = ρsa sinθ'dθ2'dφ ' (2)
2
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R
Because the spherical charge distribution is
symmetric about the axis, the horizontal
components of the electric field intensity cancel

68
 dE α dE z

z .
R
z=a

a
ds
θ' a
z=0 . .
φ'
ρs asinθ'

z=−a Figure A
To evaluate the angle α we use the law of cosines:
2 2
2
a2 = z 2 + R 2 − 2Rz cosα → cosα = z + R − a (4)
2Rz
The electric field intensity is now:
dEz =
ρsa2 z 2 + R 2 − a 2 sinθ'dθ'dφ ' (5)
4πε 0 R 2 2Rz
This can now be integrated over θ’ and φ’ but it is rather difficult to do so directly. Rather, we can express sinθ’ as
follows. From the law of cosines, we can write:
2 2 2
R 2 = z 2 + a 2 − 2az cosθ ' → cosθ ' = z + a − R (6)
2az
Now we can write:
d (cosθ') = − sinθ ' → dcosθ ' = − sinθ'dθ' (7)
dθ'
The differential dcosθ’ can be evaluated if we note that the integration over the surface of the sphere (that is, the
electric field intensity at z) is independent of a and of z since z is a given constant point. Thus:
2 2 2
dcosθ' = d z + a − R = − 2RdR = − RdR (8)
2az 2az az
We now have:
dcosθ' = − sinθ'dθ' = − RdR → sinθ 'd θ ' = RdR (9)
az az
Substituting this in Eq. (5), we get:

dEz =
ρsa2 z2 + R2 − a2 R dRdφ ' = ρsa z 2 + R 2 − a 2 dRdφ ' (10
4πε 0 R 2 2Rz az 8πε 0 z 2
R2
)
We note ( Figure A) that the limits on R are z − a and z + a and those on φ’ are between 0 and 2π. Integration gives:
z+a 2π z+a

Ez =
ρsa z 2 + R 2 − a 2 dRdφ ' = 2πρsa 2 2
1 + z −2a dR
8πε 0 z 2
R=z−a φ'=0 R 2 2
8πε 0 z R=z−a R
=
ρsa 2
R− z −a
2 R=z+a ρ a 2 2 2
= s 2 z + a − z − a − (z −a) + z − a = s 2
2 ρ a2 N
4ε 0 z 2 R R=z−a 4ε 0 z z+a z−a ε0z C
(11)

69
That is: z
2
Ez = ρsa2 N (12) z=a
ε0z C dE
dE z
Now, if a total charge Q is uniformly distributed
over the surface of the sphere of radius a, the a
α
. R
surface charge density is: ds
a
ρs = Q 2 C θ'
4π a m2 z=0 . .
Substituting into Eq. (12), we get: φ'
2
Ez = ρsa2 = Q 2 N ρs asinθ'
ε0z 4πε 0 z C
x
This is the same as the electric field intensity of a
point charge at a distance z from the charge. z=−a Figure B

b. Inside the sphere: To calculate the field inside the sphere we use Figure B. This is identical in all respects to
Figure A except that z < a. Therefore, we can use Eq. (10) as the electric field intensity due to an element of charge:

dEz =
ρsa 1 + z 2 − a 2 dRdφ '
8πε 0 z 2 R
2

However, the limits on R are now between R = a − z and R = a + z. Integrating with these limits we get:
a+z 2π a+z
Ez = ρsa 1 + z − a dRdφ ' = ρsa
2 2 2
1 + z − a dR
2
2 2 2 2
8πε 0 z R=a−z φ'=0 R 4ε 0 z R=a−z R
= ρsa 2
2 2 R=a+z ρ sa 2 2 2 2
R− z − a = a+z− z − a − (a −z) + z − a =0 N
4ε 0 z R R=a−z 4ε 0 z 2 a+z a− z C
The electric field intensity anywhere inside the sphere is therefore zero since we chose an arbitrary point inside the
sphere.
Note: In the following chapter we will see a much simpler way of solving this problem.

Problem 3.32. Electric field of small volume charge density.

Because the charge density only varies with the radial distance, we can view a shell of radius r and thickness dr as
being a point charge when viewed from a large distance R. Using Figure A:
2 3
dE = R ρvdv 2 = R ρ0 r(r −a)4π2r dr = R ρ0 2 (r−a)r dr
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 aR ε0R a

Here in effect we assume that R is a constant while r is the variable of integration. Performing the integration we get:
a

E=R
ρ0 r4 − ar 3 dr = R
ρ0 r5 − ar 4 a
=− R
ρ0 a4 N
ε0R 2a r=0 ε0R 2a 5 4 r=0 20ε 0 R 2 C
Assumptions: The electric field intensity is calculated only outside the sphere of charge and the distance from the
element of charge to the point of calculation remains fixed at R.

7
0
 E
.
R
r
dr
a
. R>>a
= 0 r(r a)/a

Figure A

Problem 3.33. Electric flux density due to point charges.

By direct application of Coulomb’s law:
10−1 8 × 100 8.988 × 10−7
a. F 1 2 = F 2 1 = q1 q2 2 = = N
4πε 0 x 4 × π × 8.854 × 10−1 2× d 2 d2
−1 2
b. In water, the permittivity changes by a factor of 81: ε = ε rε 0 = 81 × 8.854 × 10 [F/m]. Thus,
−8
F12 = F21 = 10−1 6 = 1.11×210 N
−1 2 2
4 × π × 81 × 8.854 × 10 d d
The force has been reduced by a factor of 81 because the electric field intensity has been reduced by this factor.
c. The electric field intensity has been reduced by a factor of 81 by immersion in water. The electric flux density is not
affected by immersion in water.

Problem 3.34. Electric flux density in dielectrics.

See Figure A. The electric flux density is the same
d2 /2
everywhere in space regardless of the permittivity ε0
of the shell. However, the electric field intensity
depends on permittivity. d1 /2
ε ε0
a. The electric flux density everywhere in space is
that due to a point charge q:
Figure A.
D=R q 2 C
4π R m2
b. The electric field intensity is that due to a point charge q:

q #N& d1 d
E = R̂ % ( R< and R > 2
4πε 0 R 2 $C' 2 2

q #N& d1 d
E = R̂ % ( < R< 2
4πε R 2 $C' 2 2

c. The total flux is the flux density integrated over the area of the sphere. In this case, since the flux density is constant
at a distance R the flux density at R = d2 /2 and the total flux through the sphere of diameter d2 are:

* -
q "C% , 4q / q q 2
D = R̂
4π ( d 2 / 2)
2 $ 2'
#m &
and Φ = ∫ D.ds = ∫ R̂
, 2/
. R̂ds = ( ) 2 ∫ ds = 2
π ( d2 ) = q "#C%&
S S
+ 4π ( d 2 ) . π ( d2 ) S π ( d2 )

d. The total flux passing through the surface of the sphere of radius d1/2 is:

71
 $ '
q
Φ= ∫ D.ds = ∫ && R̂ ). R̂ds = q
2) ( ) *+C,-
S S
% π ( d1 ) (

e. Again, the total flux equals q.

f. The total flux is constant through any concentric sphere provided there are no additional sources of charge enclosed
by the surface. The total flux always equals the total charge that generated the flux.

72