Tutorial for 15th Nov 2023

FEE 351: Electromagnetic Fields A

Faculty of Engineering, DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND INFORMATION ENGINEERING,
P.O Box 30197- 00100, University of Nairobi, Republic of Kenya,
Email: [email protected], [email protected],
Telegrams: “Varsity” Nairobi, VoIP: +254 20 491 3557, Tel: 020-318262 Ext. 28327

There are TWO sets: Concepts and Analysis Problems same field.
− − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −− What is the potential due to a point charge?
Given data for free-space: 5.) In terms of work done, explain why electrostatic
Permittivity: ϵ0 = 36π1
× 10− 9 [F/m] field is irrotational.(No work is done in moving a charge
Speed of electromagnetic wave: v0 = 3 × 108 [m/s] along a closed path in the field). Show the expression
▽ · A = 1 ∂ 2 1 ∂ ⃗ and the differential length dl.
r 2 ∂r (r Ar ) + r sin θ ∂θ (Aθ sin θ) + relating E
1 ∂
r sin θ ∂∅ (A∅ )
⃗ and V
6.) In terms of the gradient operation, relate E ⃗.
▽ · A = ρ1 ∂ρ
∂
(ρAρ ) + ρ1 ∂∅
∂ ∂
(A∅ ) + ∂z (Az ) 7.) Derive capacitance of a parallel plate and a coaxial
− − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − − −− capacitor.
Abstract—This tutorial aims to equip the students with
knowledge on how to solve known problems in electromag-
netic fields, especially electrostatic fields: electrostatics in air 8.) Differentiate conduction current density from
and effects on materials, Boundary conditions, Capacitance convection current densities.
and Energy Storage, analysis and synthesis of electric fields. 9.) Explain electric susceptibility and relate D and E.
The tests in this tutorial will mainly focus on guiding the 10.) What is a homogeneous dielectric region and a
student in mastering key knowledge areas in electrostatics.
Identification of concept as well as theorem definition are linear dielectric? Also explain an anisotropic dielectric.
the main keys, but analytical skills will also be enhanced. Furthermore, explain what is meant by dielectric
Index Terms–Electric field intensity, Flux density, Force strength.
by Coulomb’s law, Work done in moving charges and test 11.) State the boundary conditions for a dielectric-
charges, Energy in electrostatic fields and Capacitance. dielectric interface and dielectric-conductor interface.
Laws in Electrostatic fields: Gauss’ law, Coulomb’s law,
Refraction law at boundaries, Divergence theorem, Pois- Show the tangential and normal components in each
son’s and Laplace’ Equations. Electric field boundaries case.
12.) What is a dipole?
13.) Write the expression of capacitance in the integral
I. C ONCEPTS form as the fraction Q/V . Derive the expression for
1.) State and express Coulomb’s law of electrostatic the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with two
force. dielectric materials between the plates.
14.) Derive energy density equation for point charges in
⃗ and express E
2.) Define electric field intensity E ⃗ for an electrostatic field, hence deduce the expression for
an infinite line charge. continuous charges.

3.) State Gauss’s law. NEXT TUTORIAL II WORK on Concepts

Express Gauss’s law in the differential and integral form.
15.) State what is meant by method of images,
4.) Express work done in moving a point charge Q from uniqueness theorem and boundary value problems.
one point to another in an electric field. 16.) State the following laws and theorems as used in
Hence, define and express the potential difference in the analysis and synthesis of electrostatic fields:
FEE 351: Electromagnetic Fields A, 2023

a) Boundary value problems parallel plate capacitor having multiple dielectric media.
b) Uniqueness theorem (b) A parallel plate capacitor has a plate separation
c) Theory of Images distance d. The capacitance with air only between the
d) Divergence theorem plates is given as Ca farads. A dielectric material of
17.) Write the general expressions for Laplace’s and thickness dm with relative permittivity ϵr is placed on
Poisson’s equations. one of the plates, where the total capacitance is given by
CN . Show that

II. A NALYSIS : S OME ANSWERS MAY NOT BE EXACT CN ϵr d

= (2)
1.) Calculate the electric field intensity that will just Ca dm + ϵr (d − dm )
be sufficient to exceed the gravitational force of an
(Hint: Determine the potential difference).
electron by 2.0 × 10− 11[V /m], given that e = 1.6 ×
(c) A parallel plate condenser has the following
10− 19[C], m = 9.1 × 10− 31[kg], ag = 9.81[m/s2 ].
specifications: Cross-sectional area of plates: A = 1 [m2 ]
(E = 7.5 × 10− 11[V /m])
1 and Separation between the plates: d = 0.01 [m]. The
2.) A uniform sheet charge with ρs = 3π [nC/m2 ] is
condenser has two layers of dielectric. One has
located at Z = 5[m] and a uniform line charge with
permittivity ϵ1 for a thickness of dm = 0.008 [m],
ρL = −25 9 [nC/m] at Z = −3[m] and Y = 3[m]. Find
⃗ at (x,-2,0). and the other has air as dielectric for the remaining
E
thickness, (d − dm ). (i) Calculate the capacitance of
([V /m])
the system. (C = 2.66k [pF ]). If the voltage 5000 [V ]
3.) A charge of uniform density ρs = 0.6 [nC/m2 ]
⃗ on the plane is applied across the capacitor, determine the potential
covers the plane 2x − 3y + z = 6. Find E
gradient in the two dielectrics, where ϵ1 = 6ϵ0 .
containing the origin.
⃗ = −18⃗ax + 27.24a⃗y − 9.08⃗az [V/m]) (E1 = 2.5k [V /cm], E2 = 15k [V /cm]).
(E
4.) A uniform line charge with ρL = 5 [µC/m] lies along
the X-axis. Find the flux density D ⃗ at (3,2,1) [m] in a 10.) A capacitor consists of squared two metal plates
medium whose relative permittivity is given as ϵr = 80. each 1 [m] side placed parallel and 2 [mm] apart. The
(D⃗ = ϵr ϵ0 E
⃗ = ϵr ϵ0 17975.5(2⃗ay + ⃗az )) space between the plates is filled with a dielectric having
5.) A positive charge Qv [C/m3 ] occupies the volume a relative permittivity of 7. A potential drop of 500 [V]
of sphere. At a point in the interior at a distance of r is maintained between the plates. Calculate
[m] from the center, a small probe charge of +8[C] is (a) the capacitance, (30.98 × 10− 9 [F ])
inserted. What is the force acting on the probe charge? (b) the charge of the capacitor, (15.5 × 10− 6 [C])
(F⃗ = 8Q vr (c) the electric flux density, (15.5 × 10− 6 [C/m2 ])
3ϵ0 ⃗ar )
6.) Show that the energy stored in a static electric field (d) the potential gradient, (5.004k [V /cm])
containing n charges is given as 11.) An air condenser consisting of parallel plates of 50
n [cm] side is charged to a potential difference of 500 volts,
1X when the plates are 1 [mm] apart. Find the work done in
WE = Qk Vk [J], (1)
2 separating the plates from 1 [mm] to 6 [mm]. A perfect
k=1
where Qk refers to the magnitude of charge and Vm insulation is assumed.
refers to the potential due to all other charges in the (WE = 5.368 × 10− 13 [J])
system. 12.) Determine the divergence of the vector
7.) An electric field is given by E ⃗ = 10(⃗i + 3⃗j + field:(a) P⃗ = x3 yz⃗ax + xz⃗az (3x2 yz + x)
⃗
2k) [V /m]. Show that minimal work is done in moving (b) P ⃗ = 2
ρ sin ∅⃗aρ + ρ z⃗a∅ + z cos(2∅)⃗az
a test charge from about the origin to r = 0.6⃗i − 0.4⃗j + (2 sin ∅ + cos(2∅))
0.3⃗k.
8.) Find the greatest charge per metre length, λL that 13.) Two small identical conducting spheres have
design engineers can place on a straight long wire of charges of 1.31 × 10−9 [C] and −0.45 × 10−9 [C],
circumference 6.28 cm in air, given that the air becomes respectively. If the charges are brought into contact and
ionized at E⃗ = 3 × 106 [V /m]. then separated by 0.73 [cm], calculate the force between
(λL = 1.6 [µC]) the two charges. [4].
9.) (a)Deduce an expression for the capacitance of a
FEE 351: Electromagnetic Fields A, 2023

14.) A spherical dielectric of radius 8.2 [cm] and ρs = −ρ0 , where ρ0 is a positive quantity, for 0 ≤ r ≤ b
relative permittivity ϵr has a point chargeof Q [pC] and ρ = 0 for r > b, by solving Laplace’s and Poisson’s
placed at its center. Determine equations for V.
i) the surface density of the polarization charge on the .
surface, b) Theory of Images
ii) the force exerted by the charge on a −Y [pC] charge A pair of conducting planes meets at an angle of
placed on the sphere [5]. 600 . A point charge +Q is located at a distance
′ ′
a from both planes. Sketch and determine the
15.) A power source is in the form of a ring of radius electric field intensity induced at a point P , which is
3[m] and it is used to transfer wireless power to a car, at the foot of the perpendicular from the location of +Q.
which is to be parked some metres away along the axis
of the ring. a total charge density of 18.84 × 10−8 [C/m] d) State and explain the significance of divergence
is distributed uniformly along the circumfernce of the theorem
ring. If the capture device on the car is to receive a
potential difference of 6.39[kV ], how far should the Make notes on all tutorial problems !
parking bay be located?
(4 marks)

16.) Derive the law of refraction of electric field at a

boundary of one of the parallel plates of a capacitor
(ϵr1 ) and a dielectric material (ϵr2 ) within it. Hence,
deduce the law of refraction.
(4 marks)

17.) Point charges 1 [mC], 1.5 [mC] and −2 [mC]

are located at (3, 2, 1), (1.3, 2.3, −1) and (−1, −1, 4),
respectively. Calculate the electric force on a 5.3 [nC]
charge located at (0.5, 2.7, 1). (4 marks)

18.) In order to develop a proto-type for a spherical

charge collector, you have placed a volume charge
inside a spherical ball. The ball has a radius of a [m]
and the volume charge is distributed throughout the
sphere with a uniform volume density of ρv [C/m3 ]. By
applying Gauss’s law, obtain the distribution of electric
⃗ inside and outside the sphere. Sketch
field intensity E
⃗ with the radius, r > a. (6 marks)
the variation of E

NEXT TUTORIAL II WORK on Analysis

19.) Some problems for the following laws and theorems

in analysis and synthesis of electrostatic fields:

a) Uniqueness theorem
i) Semi-infinite conducting planes ϕ = 0 and ϕ = π/6
are separated by an infinitesimal insulating gap. If V (ϕ =
0) = 0 and V (ϕ = π/6) = 100[V ], calculate E in the
region between the plates.
ii) Determine the E⃗ field inside and outside a spherical
cloud of electrons with a uniform volume charge density