1 Chapter 21

Chapter 21
1. For ease of presentation (of the computations below) we assume Q > 0 and q < 0 (although the
final result does not depend on this particular choice).

(a) The x-component of the force experienced by q1 = Q is

 
1 ( Q )( Q )
cos 45° +
( | q |) ( Q )  Q | q |  Q / | q | 
F1x
=
4πε 0 
− =  4πε a 2  − 2 2 + 1
( )
2
2a a2  0
 

which (upon requiring F1x = 0) leads to Q / | q |= 2 2 , or Q / q = −2.83. With

−2 2 =
−2.23 ×10−14 C.
q = 7.90 fC, we then have Q =

(b) The y-component of the net force on q2 = q is

 
=F2 y
1  | q |2
sin 45° −
=
(| q |) ( Q )  | q |2  1 Q
− 

4πε 0  2a  4πε a  2 2 | q | 
( )
2
a2  0
2

 

which (if we demand F2y = 0) leads to Q / q = −1/ 2 2 . The result is inconsistent with that
obtained in part (a). Thus, we are unable to construct an equilibrium configuration with this
geometry, where the only forces present are given by Eq. 21-1.

2. The force experienced by q3 is

    1  | q3 || q1 | ˆ | q3 || q2 |
F3= F31 + F32 + F34= − j+ (cos45°ˆi + sin 45°ˆj) + | q3 || q4 | ˆi 
4πε 0  a 2
( 2a ) 2 a2 

(a) Therefore, the x-component of the resultant force on q3 is

2 (1.0 ×10−7 C )  1
2
| q3 |  | q2 | 
F3 x= 2 
4πε 0 a  2 2
+ | q4 | = (8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C ) (0.030 m)2  2 2 + 2 = 0.47 N.
9 2 2

  

(b) Similarly, the y-component of the net force on q3 is

 2 Chapter 21

2 (1.0 ×10−7 C ) 
2
| q3 |  |q | 
F=
3y 2 
4πε 0 a 
− | q1 | + 2 =
2 2
 (8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C ) (0.030 m)2  −1+ 2 1 2 
9 2 2

 
= −0.13 N.

3. For the net force on q1 = +Q to vanish, the x force component due to q2 = q must exactly
cancel the force of attraction caused by q4 = –2Q. Consequently,

Qq Q | 2Q | Q2
= = cos 45°
4πε 0 a 2 4πε 0 ( 2a ) 2 4πε 0 2a 2

or q = Q/ 2 . This implies that q=

/ Q 1/=2 0.707.

4. (a) There is no equilibrium position for q3 between the two fixed charges, because it is being
pulled by one and pushed by the other (since q1 and q2 have different signs); in this region this
means the two force arrows on q3 are in the same direction and cannot cancel.
It should also be clear that off-axis (with the axis defined as that which passes through the two
fixed charges) there are no equilibrium positions. On the semi-infinite region of the axis that is
nearest q2 and furthest from q1 an equilibrium position for q3 cannot be found because |q1| < |q2|
and the magnitude of force exerted by q2 is everywhere (in that region) stronger than that exerted
by q1 on q3. Thus, we must look in the semi-infinite region of the axis which is nearest q1 and
furthest from q2, where the net force on q3 has magnitude

q1q3 q2 q3
k − k
( L + L0 )
2
L20

with L = 15 cm and L0 is assumed to be positive. We set this equal to zero, as required by the
problem, and cancel k and q3. Thus, we obtain

2
q1 q2  L + L0  q2 −3.0 µ C
− 0 ⇒ 
=  = = 3.0
=
( L + L0 )
2
L20  L0  q1 +1.0 µ C

which yields (after taking the square root)

L + L0 L 15 cm
= 3 ⇒ L0 = = ≈ 20 cm
L0 3 −1 3 −1

for the distance between q3 and q1. That is, q3 should be placed at x = −20 cm along the x-axis.

(b) As stated above, y = 0.

 3 Chapter 21

5. THINK Our system consists of two charges in a straight line. We’d like to place a third
charge so that all three charges are in equilibrium.

EXPRESS If the system of three charges is to be in equilibrium, the force on each charge must
be zero. The third charge q3 must lie between the other two or else the forces acting on it due to
the other charges would be in the same direction and q3 could not be in equilibrium. Suppose q3
is at a distance x from q, and L – x from 4.00q. The force acting on it is then given by

1  qq3 4qq3 
=F3  2 − 
4πε 0  x ( L − x ) 
2

where the positive direction is rightward. We require F3 = 0 and solve for x.

ANALYZE (a) Canceling common factors yields 1/x2 = 4/(L – x)2 and taking the square root
yields 1/x = 2/(L – x). The solution is x = L/3. With L = 12.0 cm, we have x = 4.00 cm.

(b) Similarly, the y coordinate of q3 is y = 0.

(c) The force on q is

−1  qq3 4.00q 2 
=Fq  + .
4πε 0  x 2 L2 

The signs are chosen so that a negative force value would cause q to move leftward. We require
Fq = 0 and solve for q3:

4qx 2 4 q 4
q3 =− 2
=− q ⇒ 3=− =− 0.444
L 9 q 9

where x = L/3 is used.

LEARN We may also verify that the force on 4.00q also vanishes:

1  4q 2 4qq0  1  4q 2 4 ( − 4 9 ) q 
2
1  4q 2 4q 2 
F4 q
=  2 + =   + =  − = 0.
4πε 0  L ( L − x )  4πε 0  L2
2
( 4 9 ) L2  4πε 0  L2 L2 
 4 Chapter 21

6. (a) Let x be the distance between particle 1 and particle 3. Thus, the distance between particle
3 and particle 2 is L – x. Both particles exert leftward forces on q3 (so long as it is on the line
between them), so the magnitude of the net force on q3 is

→ → | q1q3 | | q2 q3 | e2  1 27 
Fnet = |F | + |F | = + =  2+
πε 0  x ( L − x) 2 
13 23
4πε 0 x 2
4πε 0 ( L − x) 2

with the values of the charges (stated in the problem) plugged in. Finding the value of x that
minimizes this expression leads to x = ¼ L. Thus, x = 1.50 cm.

(b) Substituting x = ¼ L back into the expression for the net force magnitude and using the
standard value for e leads to Fnet = 1.64 × 10−23 N.

7. Charge q1 = –80 × 10–6 C is at the origin, and charge q2 = +40 × 10–6 C is at x = 0.20 m. The
force on q3 = +20 × 10–6 C is due to the attractive and repulsive forces from q1 and q2,
  
respectively. In symbols, F3 net = F3 1 + F3 2 , where

 q3 | q1 |  qq
=F31 k= 2
, | F32 | k 32 2 .
r3 1 r3 2

 
(a) In this case r31 = 0.40 m and r32 = 0.20 m, with F31 directed toward –x and F32 directed in the
+x direction. Using the value of k in Eq. 21-5, we obtain

    q |q | qq   |q | q 
F3 net = − F31 ˆi + |F32 | ˆi =
 −k 3 2 1 + k 32 2  ˆi =
kq3  − 21 + 22  ˆi
r3 1 r3 2   r3 1 r3 2 
  
 −80 ×10 C +40 ×10−6 C  ˆ
−6
= (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(20 ×10−6 C)  2
+ i
 (0.40m) (0.20m) 2 
= (89.9 N)iˆ .

 
(b) In this case r31 = 0.80 m and r32 = 0.60 m, with F31 directed toward –x and F3 2 toward +x.
Now we obtain

    q3 | q1 | qq   |q | q 
F3 net =  −k 2 + k 32 2  ˆi =
− F31 ˆi + |F32 | ˆi = kq3  − 21 + 22  ˆi
r3 1 r3 2   r3 1 r3 2 
  
 −80 ×10 C +40 ×10−6 C  ˆ
−6
= (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(20 ×10−6 C)  2
+ i
 (0.80m) (0.60m) 2 
= −(2.50 N)iˆ .
 5 Chapter 21


(c) Between the locations treated in parts (a) and (b), there must be one where F3 net = 0 . Writing
 
r31 = x and r32 = x – 0.20 m, we equate F3 1 and F3 2 , and after canceling common factors,
arrive at

| q1 | q2
= .
( x − 0.20 m )
2 2
x

This can be further simplified to

( x − 0.20 m) 2 q2 1
2
= = .
x | q1 | 2

Taking the (positive) square root and solving, we obtain x = 0.683 m. If one takes the negative
root and ‘solves’, one finds the location where the net force would be zero if q1 and q2 were of
like sign (which is not the case here).

(d) From the above, we see that y = 0.

8. THINK Our system consists of two charges along a straight line. We’d like to place a third
charge so that the net force on it due to charges 1 and 2 vanishes.

EXPRESS The net force on particle 3 is the vector sum of the forces due to particles 1 and 2:
   
= F31 + F32 . In order that F3,net = 0, particle 3 must be on the x axis and be attracted by one
F3,net
and repelled by another. As the result, it cannot be between particles 1 and 2, but instead either to
the left of particle 1 or to the right of particle 2. Let q3 be placed a distance x to the right of q1 =
−5.00q. Then its attraction to q1 particle will be exactly balanced by its repulsion from q2 =
+2.00q:

q q qq   −5 2 
F3 x ,net =k  1 23 + 2 3 2  = kq3 q  2 + 2 
=0.
 x ( x − L )   x ( x − L ) 

ANALYZE (a) Cross-multiplying and taking the square root, we obtain

x 5
=
x−L 2

which can be rearranged to produce

 6 Chapter 21

L
=x ≈ 2.72 L .
1− 2 / 5

(b) The y coordinate of particle 3 is y = 0.

LEARN We can use the result obtained above for consistency check. We find the force on
particle 3 due to particle 1 to be

q1q3 (−5.00q )(q3 ) kqq

F31 = k 2
= k 2
= −0.675 2 3 .
x (2.72 L) L

Similarly, the force on particle 3 due to particle 2 is

q2 q3 (+2.00q )(q3 ) kqq

F32 = k 2
= k 2
= +0.675 2 3 .
x (2.72 L − L) L

Indeed, the sum of the two forces is zero.

9. Let q1 be the charge of one part and q2 that of the other part; thus, q1 + q2 = Q = 6.0 µC. The
repulsive force between them is given by Coulomb’s law:

q1q2 q1 (Q − q1 )
=F = .
4πε 0 r 2
4πε 0 r 2

If we maximize this expression by taking the derivative with respect to q1 and setting equal to
zero, we find q1 = Q/2 , which might have been anticipated (based on symmetry arguments).
This implies q2 = Q/2 also. With r = 0.0030 m and Q = 6.0 × 10−6 C, we find

1 ( 8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C )( 6.0 ×10 C )

9 2 2 −6 2
(Q / 2)(Q / 2) 1 Q 2
=F = = ≈ 9.0 ×103 N .
( 3.00 ×10 m )
2
4πε 0 r 2
4 4πε 0 r 2
4 − 3

10. There are two protons (each with charge q = +e) in each molecule, so

Q= ( 6.02 ×1023 ) ( 2 ) (1.60 ×10−19 C ) =

NAq = 1.9 ×105 C =0.19 MC.

11. (a) Since the rod is in equilibrium, the net force acting on it is zero, and the net torque about
any point is also zero. We write an expression for the net torque about the bearing, equate it to
zero, and solve for x. The charge Q on the left exerts an upward force of magnitude (1/4πε0)
(qQ/h2), at a distance L/2 from the bearing. We take the torque to be negative. The attached
weight exerts a downward force of magnitude W, at a distance x − L / 2 from the bearing. This
torque is also negative. The charge Q on the right exerts an upward force of magnitude (1/4πε0)
 7 Chapter 21

(2qQ/h2), at a distance L/2 from the bearing. This torque is positive. The equation for rotational
equilibrium is

−1 qQ L  L 1 2qQ L
−W  x −  + 0.
=
4πε 0 h 2
2
 2  4πε 0 h 2 2

The solution for x is

L 1 qQ 
=x 1 + .
2  4πε 0 h 2W 

(b) If FN is the magnitude of the upward force exerted by the bearing, then Newton’s second law
(with zero acceleration) gives

1 qQ 1 2qQ
W− − 0.
− FN =
4πε 0 h 2
4πε 0 h 2

We solve for h so that FN = 0. The result is

1 3qQ
h= .
4πε 0 W

12. Keeping in mind that an ampere is a coulomb per second (1 A = 1 C/s), and that a minute is
60 seconds, the charge (in absolute value) that passes through the chest is

| q | = (0.300 C/s) (90 s) = 27.0 C .

This charge consists of n electrons (each of which has an absolute value of charge equal to e).
Thus,
|q| 27.0 C
n= e = −19
= 1.69 ×1020.
1.60 ×10 C

13. (a) With a understood to mean the magnitude of acceleration, Newton’s second and third
laws lead to

m2 a2 = m1a1 ⇒ m2 =
( )(
8.4 ×10−7 kg 14 m s 2 )
=1.3 ×10−6 kg.
2
9.0 m s

(b) The magnitude of the (only) force on particle 1 is

 8 Chapter 21

2
q q q
F = m1a1 = k 1 2 2 = ( 8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) .
r (0.0032 m) 2

Inserting the values for m1 and a1 (see part (a)) we obtain |q| = 1.2 × 10–10 C.

14. The net charge carried by John whose mass is m is roughly

mN A Ze
q = ( 0.0001)
M
(90kg)(6.02 ×1023 molecules mol)(18 electron proton pairs molecule) (1.6 ×10−19 C)
= ( 0.0001)
0.018 kg mol
= 8.7 ×105 C,

and the net charge carried by Mary is half of that. So the electrostatic force between them is
estimated to be

q ( q 2) (8.7 ×105 C) 2
F ≈k
d2
= (8.99 ×10 9 2
N⋅m C 2
) 2 ( 30m )
2
≈ 4 ×1018 N.

Thus, the order of magnitude of the electrostatic force is 1018 N .

15. The mass of an electron is m = 9.11 × 10–31 kg, so the number of electrons in a collection
with total mass M = 75.0 kg is

M 75.0 kg
n
= = = 8.23 ×1031 electrons.
m 9.11×10−31 kg

The total charge of the collection is

q= − ( 8.23 ×1031 )(1.60 ×10−19 C ) =

− ne = −1.32 ×1013 C.

16. Electric current i is the rate dq/dt at which charge passes a point. With i = 0.83A, the time it
takes for one mole of electron to pass through the lamp is

∆q N Ae (6.02 ×1023 )(1.6 ×10−19 C)

t
∆= = = = 1.16 ×105 s ≈ 1.3 days.
i i 0.83 A

17. We are looking for a charge q that, when placed at the origin, experiences Fnet = 0, where
 9 Chapter 21

   
Fnet = F1 + F2 + F3 .

The magnitude of these individual forces are given by Coulomb’s law, Eq. 21-1, and without loss
of generality we assume q > 0. The charges q1 (+6 µC), q2 (–4 µC), and q3 (unknown), are
  
located on the +x axis, so that we know F1 points toward –x, F2 points toward +x, and F3 points
toward –x if q3 > 0 and points toward +x if q3 < 0. Therefore, with r1 = 8 m, r2 = 16 m and r3 = 24
m, we have

q1 q |q |q q q
0 = −k 2
+ k 22 − k 32 .
r1 r2 r3

Simplifying, this becomes

6 4 q
0=− 2
+ 2 − 32
8 16 24

where q3 is now understood to be in µC. Thus, we obtain q3 = –45 µC.

18. For the Coulomb force to be sufficient for circular motion at that distance (where r = 0.200 m
and the acceleration needed for circular motion is a = v2/r) the following equality is required:

Qq mv 2
= − .
4πε 0 r 2 r

With q = 4.00 × 10−6 C, m = 0.000800 kg, v = 50.0 m/s, this leads to

4πε 0 rmv 2 (0.200 m)(8.00 ×10−4 kg)(50.0 m/s) 2

Q=
− =
− 9 2 2 −6
−1.11×10−5 C .
=
q (8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C )(4.00 ×10 C)

19. THINK Charges are conserved in nuclear reactions.

EXPRESS In each reaction, the number of protons Z (unique to the element and which can be
expressed as a subscript on the element symbol) must be conserved because total charge is
conserved. Also, the total number of protons and neutrons (expressed as superscripts on the
element symbols) must be conserved.

(a) 11 H + 95 B →96 C + 01 n

(b) 12
7 N +11 H →13
8 O
 10 Chapter 21

15
(c) 7 N +12 H →24 He +13
6 C

20. Since the graph crosses zero, q1 must be positive-valued: q1 = +16e. We note that it crosses
zero at r = 0.70 m. Now the asymptotic value of the force yields the magnitude and sign of q2:

q1 q2  1.5 ×10−25  2 −18

=F ⇒ q2 =   r = 3.20 × 10 C = 20e .
4πεo r2  kq1 

21. If the relative difference between the proton and electron charges (in absolute value) were

q p − qe
= 0.0000010
e

. × 10−25 C . Amplified by a factor of 29 × 3 ×

then the actual difference would be q p − qe = 16
1022 as indicated in the problem, this amounts to a deviation from perfect neutrality of

c
∆q = 29 × 3 × 1022 16 hc
. × 10−25 C = 014
. C h
in a copper penny. Two such pennies, at r = 1.0 m, would therefore experience a very large
force. Equation 21-1 gives

F=k
b ∆q g 2

. × 108 N .
= 17
r2

22. The two charges are q = αQ (where α is a pure number presumably less than 1 and greater
than zero) and Q – q = (1 – α)Q. Thus, Eq. 21-4 gives

1 (α Q ) ( (1 − α ) Q ) Q α (1 − α )
2

=F = .
4πε 0 d2 4πε 0 d 2

The graph below, of F versus α, has been scaled so that the maximum is 1. In actuality, the
maximum value of the force is Fmax = Q2/16πε0 d 2.
 11 Chapter 21

(a) It is clear that α = 1/ 2 = 0.5 gives the maximum value of F.

(b) Seeking the half-height points on the graph is difficult without grid lines or some of the
special tracing features found in a variety of modern calculators. It is not difficult to algebraically
solve for the half-height points (this involves the use of the quadratic formula). The results are

1 1  1 1 
α1 =  1 −  ≈ 0.15 and α 2 =2 1 +  ≈ 0.85.
2  2  2

Thus, the smaller value of α is α1 = 0.15 ,

(c) and the larger value of α is α 2 = 0.85 .

23. (a) Equation 21-11 (in absolute value) gives

q 2.00 × 10−6 C
n= = −19
. × 1013 electrons .
= 125
. × 10 C
e 160

(b) Since you have the excess electrons (and electrons are lighter and more mobile than protons)
then the electrons “leap” from you to the faucet instead of protons moving from the faucet to you
(in the process of neutralizing your body).

(c) Unlike charges attract, and the faucet (which is grounded and is able to gain or lose any
number of electrons due to its contact with Earth’s large reservoir of mobile charges) becomes
positively charged, especially in the region closest to your (negatively charged) hand, just before
the spark.

(d) The cat is positively charged (before the spark), and by the reasoning given in part (b) the
flow of charge (electrons) is from the faucet to the cat.

(e) If we think of the nose as a conducting sphere, then the side of the sphere closest to the fur is
of one sign (of charge) and the side furthest from the fur is of the opposite sign (which,
 12 Chapter 21

additionally, is oppositely charged from your bare hand, which had stroked the cat’s fur). The
charges in your hand and those of the furthest side of the “sphere” therefore attract each other,
and when close enough, manage to neutralize (due to the “jump” made by the electrons) in a
painful spark.

24. With rightward positive, the net force on q3 is

q1q3 q2 q3
F3 = F13 + F23 = k +k .
( L12 + L23 )
2
L223

We note that each term exhibits the proper sign (positive for rightward, negative for leftward) for
all possible signs of the charges. For example, the first term (the force exerted on q3 by q1) is
negative if they are unlike charges, indicating that q3 is being pulled toward q1, and it is positive
if they are like charges (so q3 would be repelled from q1). Setting the net force equal to zero L23 =
2L12 and canceling k, q3, and L12 leads to

q1 q q1
0 ⇒
+ 2 = − 2.25.
=
9.00 4 q2

25. THINK The magnitude of the electrostatic force between two charges q1 and q2 separated
by a distance r is given by Coulomb’s law.

EXPRESS Let the charge of the ions be q. With q1 = q2 = + q, the magnitude of the force
between the (positive) ions is given by

F=
bqgbqg = k q 2
,
4 πε 0r 2 r2

where k =1/ 4πε 0 =8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 .

ANALYZE (a) We solve for the charge:

F 3.7 ×10−9 N
q=
r
k
(
= 9.976 ×10−10 m ) 9 2
8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C 2
6.40 ×10−19 C.
=

(b) Let n be the number of electrons missing from each ion. Then, ne = q, or

q 6.40 ×10−9 C
n= = = 4.
e 1.6 ×10−19 C
 13 Chapter 21

LEARN Electric charge is quantized. This means that any charge can be written as q = ne,
e 1.6 ×10−19 C is the elementary charge.
where n is an integer (positive or negative), and =

26. (a) Using Coulomb’s law, we obtain

F
=
q1q2
=
kq 2
=
(8.99 ×10 9
N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) (1.00C )
2

= 8.99 ×109 N.
(1.00m )
2
4πε 0 r 2 r 2

(b) If r = 1000 m, then

F
=
q1q2
=
kq 2
=
(8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C ) (1.00C=
9 2
) 2 2

8.99 ×103 N.
(1.00 ×10 m )
2
4πε 0 r 2 r 2 3

27. (a) The Coulomb force between the electron and the proton provides the centripetal force that
keeps the electron in circular orbit about the proton:

k | e |2 me v 2
=
r2 r

The smallest orbital radius is r=

1 a=
0 52.9 ×10−12 m. The corresponding speed of the electron is

k | e |2 k | e |2 (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(1.6 ×10−19 C) 2

=v1 = =
me r1 me a0 (9.11×10−31 kg)(52.9 ×10−12 m)
= 2.19 ×106 m/s.

(b) The radius of the second smallest orbit=

is r2 (2)
= 2
a0 4a0 . Thus, the speed of the electron is

k | e |2 k | e |2 1 1
v2
= = = = v1 (2.19 ×106 m/s)
me r2 me (4a0 ) 2 2
= 1.09 ×106 m/s.

(c) Since the speed is inversely proportional to r1/ 2 , the speed of the electron will decrease if it
moves to larger orbits.
 14 Chapter 21

28. (a) Charge Q1 = +80 × 10–9 C is on the y axis at y = 0.003 m, and charge Q2 =
+80 ×10−9 C is
on the y axis at y = –0.003 m. The force on particle 3 (which has a charge of q = +18 × 10–9 C) is
  
F3 , where
due to the vector sum of the repulsive forces from Q1 and Q2. In symbols, F3 1 + F3 2 =

 q3 | q1 |  qq
=| F3 1 | k= 2
, | F32 | k 32 2 .
r3 1 r3 2

Using the Pythagorean theorem, we have r31 = r32 = 0.005 m. In magnitude-angle notation
(particularly convenient if one uses a vector-capable calculator in polar mode), the indicated
vector addition becomes

=F3 ( 0.518 ∠ − 37° ) + ( 0.518 ∠=
37° ) ( 0.829 ∠ 0° ) .


Therefore, the net force is F3 = (0.829 N)iˆ .

(b) Switching the sign of Q2 amounts to reversing the direction of its force on q. Consequently,
we have

F3
= ( 0.518 ∠ − 37° ) + ( 0.518 ∠ −143
= ° ) ( 0.621∠ − 90° ) .


Therefore, the net force is F3 = −(0.621 N)jˆ .

29. Because the spheres are identical and conducting, each touch of two of them results in their
equally sharing their net charge.

Experiment 1: A + C results in each having +1Q. Then B + C results in each having -2.5Q.
The magnitude of the force between A and B is

(1Q)(2.5Q)
=F1 k= 2.50kQ 2 / r 2 .
r2

Experiment 2: B + C results in each having -3Q. Then A + C results in each having -0.5Q.
The force between A and B is

(0.5Q)(3.0Q)
=F2 k= 1.50kQ 2 / r 2 .
r2

The ratio of the force magnitudes is

 15 Chapter 21

F2 1.5
= = 0.60.
F1 2.5

30. THINK We have four discrete charges in the xy-plane. We use superposition principle to
calculate the net electrostatic force on particle 4 due to the other three particles.

EXPRESS Using Coulomb’s law, the magnitude of the force on particle 4 by particle i is
qq 
F4i = k 4 2 i . For example, the magnitude of F41 is
r4i

| q4 | | q1 | (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(3.20 ×10−19 C)(3.20 ×10−19 C)

=F41 k=
r412 (0.0300 m) 2 .
= 1.02 ×10−24 N

Since the force is attractive, r̂41 =− cos θ1ˆi − sin θ1ˆj =− cos 35°ˆi − sin 35°ˆj =−0.82iˆ − 0.57ˆj . In
unit-vector notation, we have

(1.02 ×10−24 N)( − 0.82iˆ − 0.57ˆj) =
F41r̂41 =
F41 = −(8.36 ×10−25 N)iˆ − (5.85 ×10−24 N)jˆ .

Similarly,

 | q4 | | q2 | ˆ (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(3.20 ×10−19 C)(3.20 ×10−19 C) ˆ

F42 =
−k j=− j
r422 (0.0200 m) 2
−(2.30 ×10−24 N)jˆ
=
and
 | q || q | (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(6.40 ×10−19 C)(3.20 ×10−19 C) ˆ
−k 4 2 3 ˆi =
F43 = − i
r43 (0.0200 m) 2
ˆ
−(4.60 ×10−24 N)j.
=

ANALYZE (a) The net force on particle 4 is

   
F4,net = −(5.44 ×10−24 N)iˆ − (2.89 ×10−24 N)jˆ .
F41 + F42 + F43 =

The magnitude of the force is

F4,net = (−5.44 ×10−24 N) 2 + (−2.89 ×10−24 N) 2 =6.16 ×10−24 N .

(b) The direction of the net force is at an angle of

 16 Chapter 21

F  −1  −2.89 × 10
−24
N
ϕ tan −1  4y ,net=
=  tan  −24
= 208° ,
 F4x ,net   −5.44 ×10 N 

measured counterclockwise from the +x axis.

LEARN A nonzero net force indicates that particle 4 will be accelerated in the direction of the
force.

31. Coulomb’s law gives

=F =
| q |2 k (e 3) 2
=
(8.99 ×10 9
N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) (1.60 ×10−19 C) 2
= 3.8 N.
4πε 0 r 2 r2 9(2.6 ×10−15 m) 2

32. If θ is the angle between the force and the x-axis, then

x
cosθ = .
x + d2
2

We note that, due to the symmetry in the problem, there is no y component to the net force on the
third particle. Thus, F represents the magnitude of force exerted by q1 or q2 on q3. Let e = +1.60
× 10−19 C, then q1 = q2 = +2e and q3 = 4.0e and we have

2(2e)(4e) x 4e 2 x
Fnet = 2F cosθ = = .
4πε 0 ( x 2 + d 2 ) x2 + d2 πε 0 ( x 2 + d 2 )3/2

(a) To find where the force is at an extremum, we can set the derivative of this expression equal
to zero and solve for x, but it is good in any case to graph the function for a fuller understanding
of its behavior, and as a quick way to see whether an extremum point is a maximum or a
miminum. In this way, we find that the value coming from the derivative procedure is a
maximum (and will be presented in part (b)) and that the minimum is found at the lower limit of
the interval. Thus, the net force is found to be zero at x = 0, which is the smallest value of the net
force in the interval 5.0 m ≥ x ≥ 0.

(b) The maximum is found to be at x = d/ 2 or roughly 15 cm.

(c) The value of the net force at x = 0 is Fnet = 0.

(d) The value of the net force at x = d/ 2 is Fnet = 3.2 × 10−26 N.

 17 Chapter 21

33. The charge dq within a thin section of the rod (of thickness dx) is ρAdx where
=A 4.00 ×10−4 m 2 and ρ is the charge per unit volume. The number of (excess) electrons in the
rod (of length L = 2.00 m) is n = q/(–e) where e is given in Eq. 21-12.

(a) In the case where ρ = – 4.00 × 10–6 C/m3, we have

q ρA L | ρ | AL
n
= =
−e −e ∫0
dx
=
e
= 2.00 ×1010 .

(b) With ρ = bx2 (b = –2.00 × 10–6 C/m5) we obtain

bA L 2 | b | A L3
n
=
−e ∫0
x=
dx
3e
= 1.33 ×1010.


34. (a) A force diagram for one of the balls is shown below. The force of gravity mg acts

downward, the electrical force Fe of the other ball acts to the left, and the tension in the thread
acts along the thread, at the angle θ to the vertical. The ball is in equilibrium, so its acceleration
is zero. The y component of Newton’s second law yields T cosθ – mg = 0 and the x component
yields T sinθ – Fe = 0. We solve the first equation for T and obtain T = mg/cosθ. We substitute
the result into the second to obtain mg tanθ – Fe = 0.

x2
Examination of the geometry of the figure shown leads to tan θ = .
2
b g
L − x2
2

If L is much larger than x (which is the case if θ is very small), we may neglect x/2 in the
denominator and write tanθ ≈ x/2L. This is equivalent to approximating tanθ by sinθ. The
magnitude of the electrical force of one ball on the other is

q2
Fe =
4πε 0 x 2
 18 Chapter 21

by Eq. 21-4. When these two expressions are used in the equation mg tanθ = Fe, we obtain

1/3
mgx 1 q2  q2 L 
≈ ⇒ x ≈   .
2 L 4πε 0 x 2  2πε 0 mg 

(b) We solve x3 = 2kq2L/mg for the charge (using Eq. 21-5):

( 0.010 kg ) ( 9.8 m s 2 ) ( 0.050 m )

3
mgx3
q= = ± 2.4 ×10−8 C.
=
2kL 2 ( 8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C ) (1.20 m )
9 2 2

q | 2.4 ×10−8 C.
Thus, the magnitude is | =

35. THINK We have two discrete charges in the xy-plane. The electrostatic force on particle 2
due to particle 1 has both x and y components.

EXPRESS Using Coulomb’s law, the magnitude of the force of particle 1 on particle 2 is
qq
F21 = k 1 2 2 , where=r d12 + d 22 and k =1/ 4πε 0 =8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 . Since both q1 and q2
r

are positively charged, particle 2 is repelled by particle 1, so the direction of F21 is away from

particle 1 and toward 2. In unit-vector notation, F21 = F21r̂ , where


r d 2 ˆi − d1ˆj
r̂= = .
r d12 + d 22


The x component of F=21 is F21, x F21d 2 / d12 + d 22 .

ANALYZE Combining the expressions above, we obtain

q1q2 d 2 qq d
F21, x k=
= 3
k 2 1 2 22 3/ 2
r (d1 + d 2 )
(8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(4 ⋅1.60 ×10−19 C)(6 ⋅1.60 × 10−19 C)(6.00 × 10−3 m)
= 3/ 2
(2.00 × 10−3 m) 2 + (6.00 ×10−3 m) 2 
= 1.31×10−22 N


LEARN In a similar manner, we find the y component of F21 to be
 19 Chapter 21

qq d qq d
F21, y =
−k 1 23 1 =
−k 2 1 2 21 3/ 2
r (d1 + d 2 )
(8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(4 ⋅1.60 ×10−19 C)(6 ⋅1.60 ×10−19 C)(2.00 ×10−3 m)
= − 3/ 2
(2.00 ×10−3 m) 2 + (6.00 ×10−3 m) 2 
−0.437 ×10−22 N.
=


Thus, F21 =(1.31×10−22 N)iˆ − (0.437 ×10−22 N)jˆ .

36. THINK The problem compares the electrostatic force between two protons and the
gravitational force by Earth on a proton.

EXPRESS The magnitude of the gravitational force on a proton near the surface of the Earth is
m 1.67 ×10−27 kg is the mass of the proton. On the other hand, the
Fg = mg , where=
electrostatic force between two protons separated by a distance r is Fe = kq 2 / r. When the two
forces are equal, we have kq2/r2 = mg.

ANALYZE Solving for r, we obtain

k 8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2
r=
q (
=1.60 × 10−19 C ) 0.119 m.
=
mg (1.67 ×10−27 kg ) ( 9.8 m s2 )
LEARN The electrostatic force at this distance is F=
e F=
g 1.64 ×10−26 N .

37. The magnitude of the net force on the q = 42 × 10–6 C charge is

q1 q |q |q
k 2
+k 2 2
0.28 0.44

where q1 = 30 × 10–9 C and |q2| = 40 × 10–9 C. This yields 0.22 N. Using Newton’s second law,
we obtain

F 0.22 N
m= = 2
= 2.2 × 10−6 kg.
a 100 × 10 m s
3

38. We note that, as result of the fact that the Coulomb force is inversely proportional to r2, a
particle of charge Q that is distance d from the origin will exert a force on some charge qo at the
origin of equal strength as a particle of charge 4Q at distance 2d would exert on qo. Therefore, q6
 20 Chapter 21

= +8e on the –y axis could be replaced with a +2e closer to the origin (at half the distance); this
would add to the q5 = +2e already there and produce +4e below the origin, which exactly cancels
the force due to q2 = +4e above the origin.

Similarly, q4 = +4e to the far right could be replaced by a +e at half the distance, which would
add to q3 = +e already there to produce a +2e at distance d to the right of the central charge q7.
The horizontal force due to this +2e is cancelled exactly by that of q1 = +2e on the –x axis, so
that the net force on q7 is zero.

39. With F = meg, Eq. 21-1 leads to

(8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C2 ) (1.60 ×10−19 C )

9 2 2
ke 2
y2 =
=
me g ( 9.11×10 −31
(
kg ) 9.8m s
2
)
which leads to y = ± 5.1 m. We choose y = −5.1 m since the second electron must be below the
first one, so that the repulsive force (acting on the first) is in the direction opposite to the pull of
Earth’s gravity.

40. Since the total energy is conserved,

1 1 ke 2
=me vi2 me v 2f −
2 2 rf

where rf is the distance between the electron and the proton. For v f = 2vi , we solve for rf and
obtain
2ke 2 2ke 2 2(8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(1.6 ×10−19 C) 2
=rf = =
me (v 2f − vi2 ) 3me vi2 3(9.11×10−31 kg)(3.2 ×105 m/s) 2
= 1.64 ×10−9 m

or about 1.6 nm.

1
41. As a result of the first action, both sphere W and sphere A possess charge 2 qA , where qA is the
initial charge of sphere A. As a result of the second action, sphere W has charge

1  qA 
 − 32e  .
2 2 

As a result of the final action, sphere W now has charge equal to

 21 Chapter 21

1  1  qA  
  − 32e  + 48e  .
2 2  2  

Setting this final expression equal to +18e as required by the problem leads (after a couple of
algebra steps) to the answer: qA = +16e.

42. Let F12 denotes the force on q1 exerted by q2 and F12 be its magnitude.

 
(a) We consider the net force on q1. F12 points in the +x direction since q1 is attracted to q2. F13

and F14 both point in the –x direction since q1 is repelled by q3 and q4. Thus, using d = 0.0200 m,
the net force is

2e | − e | (2e)(e) (2e)(4e) 11 e 2
F1 = F12 − F13 − F14 = − − =
4πε 0 d 2 4πε 0 (2d ) 2 4πε 0 (3d ) 2 18 4πε 0 d 2

11 ( 8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C )(1.60 ×10 C )

9 2 2 −19 2

= = 3.52 ×10−25 N
( 2.00 ×10 m )
2
18 −2


ˆ
F1 (3.52 ×10−25 N)i.
or=
 
(b) We now consider the net force on q2. We note that F21 = − F12 points in the –x direction, and
 
F23 and F24 both point in the +x direction. The net force is

4e | −e | e | − e | 2e | − e |
F23 + F24=
− F21 + − = 0.
4πε 0 (2d ) 4πε 0 d 2 4πε 0 d 2
2

43. Regarding the forces on q3 exerted by q1 and q2, one must “push” and the other must “pull”
in order that the net force is zero; hence, q1 and q2 have opposite signs. For individual forces to
cancel, their magnitudes must be equal:

| q1 || q3 | | q2 || q3 |
k =k .
( L12 + L23 ) ( L23 )
2 2

| q1 | | q2 |
With L23 = 2.00 L12 , the above expression simplifies to = . Therefore, q1 = −9q2 / 4 , or
9 4
q1 / q2 = −2.25.
 22 Chapter 21

44. (a) If one of them is discharged, there would no electrostatic repulsion between the two balls
and they would both come to the position θ = 0, making contact with each other.

(b) A redistribution of the remaining charge would then occur, with each of the balls getting q/2.
Then they would again be separated due to electrostatic repulsion, which results in the new
equilibrium separation

1/ 3
 ( q 2 )2 L  1
1/ 3
1
1/ 3

= ′
x  =  = x   ( 5.0 cm ) 3.1 cm.
=
 2πε 0 mg  4 4

45. We are concerned with the charges in the nucleus (not the “orbiting” electrons, if there are
any). The nucleus of Helium has 2 protons and that of thorium has 90.

(a) Equation 21-1 gives

F
q2
= k =
(8.99 ×10 9
N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) (2(1.60 ×10−19 C))(90(1.60 ×10−19 C))
= 5.1×102 N.
r2 −15
(9.0 ×10 m) 2

(b) Estimating the helium nucleus mass as that of 4 protons (actually, that of 2 protons and 2
neutrons, but the neutrons have approximately the same mass), Newton’s second law leads to

F . × 102 N
51
a= = = 7.7 × 1028 m s2 .
c
m 4 167 −27
. × 10 kg h
46. (a) Since qA = –2.00 nC and qC = +8.00 nC, Eq. 21-4 leads to

 | q A qC | | (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) (−2.00 ×10−9 C)(8.00 ×10−9 C) |

| F=AC | = = 3.60 ×10−6 N.
4πε 0 d 2 (0.200 m) 2

(b) After making contact with each other, both A and B have a charge of

q A + qB  −2.00 + ( −4.00 ) 
=   nC = −3.00 nC.
2  2 

When B is grounded its charge is zero. After making contact with C, which has a charge of +8.00
nC, B acquires a charge of [0 + (–8.00 nC)]/2 = –4.00 nC, which charge C has as well. Finally,
we have QA = –3.00 nC and QB = QC = –4.00 nC. Therefore,
 23 Chapter 21

 | q A qC | | (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) (−3.00 ×10−9 C)(−4.00 ×10−9 C) |

| F=
AC | = = 2.70 ×10−6 N.
4πε 0 d 2
(0.200 m) 2

(c) We also obtain

 | qB qC | | (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) (−4.00 ×10−9 C)(−4.00 ×10−9 C) |

| F=
BC | = = 3.60 ×10−6 N.
4πε 0 d 2
(0.200 m) 2

47. Let the two charges be q1 and q2. Then q1 + q2 = Q = 5.0 × 10–5 C. We use Eq. 21-1:

1.0 N =
(8.99 ×10 9
N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) q1q2
.
( 2.0 m )
2

We substitute q2 = Q – q1 and solve for q1 using the quadratic formula. The two roots obtained
are the values of q1 and q2, since it does not matter which is which. We get 1.2 ×10−5 C and 3.8 ×
10–5 C. Thus, the charge on the sphere with the smaller charge is 1.2 ×10−5 C .

48. (a) The second shell theorem states that a charged particle inside a shell with charge
uniformly distributed on its surface has no net force acting on it due to the shell. Thus, inside the
spherical metal shell
= at r 0.500 R < R, the net force on the electron is zero, and therefore, a = 0.

(b) The first shell theorem states that a charged particle outside a shell with charge uniformly
distributed on its surface is attracted or repelled as if the shell’s charge were concentrated as a
particle at its center. Thus, the magnitude of the Coulomb force on the electron at r = 2.00 R is

Q|e| (4π R 2σ ) | e |
=F k= k = kπσ | e |
r2 (2.0 R) 2
= (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )π (6.90 ×10−13 C/m 2 )(1.60 ×10−19 C)
= 3.12 ×10−21 N,

and the corresponding acceleration is

F 3.12 ×10−21 N
a
= = −31
= 3.43 ×109 m s 2 .
m 9.11×10 kg

49. (a) The magnitudes of the gravitational and electrical forces must be the same:

1 q2 mM
=G 2
4πε 0 r 2
r
 24 Chapter 21

where q is the charge on either body, r is the center-to-center separation of Earth and Moon, G is
the universal gravitational constant, M is the mass of Earth, and m is the mass of the Moon. We
solve for q:

q = 4πε 0GmM .

According to Appendix C of the text, M = 5.98 × 1024 kg, and m = 7.36 × 1022 kg, so (using 4πε0
= 1/k) the charge is

q=
c6.67 × 10 −11
hc hc
N ⋅ m2 kg 2 7.36 × 1022 kg 5.98 × 1024 kg h = 5.7 × 10
13
C.
9 2 2
8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C

(b) The distance r cancels because both the electric and gravitational forces are proportional to
1/r2.

(c) The charge on a hydrogen ion is e = 1.60 × 10–19 C, so there must be

q 5.7 ×1013 C
n= = −19
= 3.6 ×1032 ions.
e 1.6 ×10 C

Each ion has a mass of mi = 1.67 × 10–27 kg, so the total mass needed is

nmi ( 3.6 1032 )(1.67 ×10−27 kg ) =

m ==× 6.0 ×105 kg.

50. The electrical force between an electron and a positron separated by a distance r is
Fe = ke 2 / r 2 . On the other hand, the gravitational force between the two charges is
Fg = Gme2 / r 2 . Thus, the ratio of the two forces is

Fe ke 2 / r 2 ke 2 (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(1.6 ×10−19 C) 2

= 2
= 2
= 2 −11 2 2 −31
= 2
4.16 ×1042.
Fg Gme / r Gme (6.67 ×10 N ⋅ m kg )(9.11×10 kg)

51. When sphere C touches sphere A, they divide up their total charge (Q/2 plus Q) equally
between them. Thus, sphere A now has charge 3Q/4, and the magnitude of the force of attraction
between A and B becomes

(3Q / 4)(Q / 4)
F k
= = 4.68 ×10−19 N.
d2