PHY2049

R. D. Field

Chapter 22 Solutions
Problem 1:
A +15 microC charge is located 40 cm from a +3.0 microC charge. The
magnitude of the electrostatic force on the larger charge and on the smaller
charge (in N) is, respectively,
Answer:
2.5, 2.5
Solution: The magnitiude of the electrostatic for is given by,

KQ1Q2 (8.99 109 Nm 2 / C 2 )(15C )(3C )

=
= 2.53N .
F=
r2
(40cm) 2
Remember the force on 1 due to 2 is equal and opposite to the force on 2
due to 1.

Problem 2:
Two point particles have charges q1 and q2 and are separated by a distance
d. Particle q2 experiences an electrostatic force of 12 milliN due to particle
q1. If the charges of both particles are doubled and if the distance between
them is doubled, what is the magnitude of the electrostatic force between
them (in milliN)?
Answer:
12
Solution: The magnitude of the initial electristatic force is

Fi =

Kq1q2
= 12mN .
d2

The magnitude of the final electrostatic force is

Ff =

K (2q1 )(2q2 )
= Fi = 12mN .
( 2d ) 2
+Q

Problem 3:
Two identical point charges +Q are
located on the y-axis at y=+d/2 and
y=-d/2, as shown in the Figure. A third
charge q is placed on the x-axis. At
what distance from the origin is the net
force on q a maximum?
Solutions

Chapter 22

F2

r
q

x
F1
+Q

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R. D. Field

d /( 2 2 )
Answer:
Solution: The net force on q is the superposition of the forces from each of
the two charges as follows:

r
KQq
(cos x sin y )
F1 =
2
r
r
KQq
(cos x + sin y )
F2 =
2
r
r
r
r
2 KQq
cos x
F = F1 + F 2 =
2
r
2 KQqx
=
x
( x 2 + (d / 2) 2 )3 / 2

where I used r2 = x2 + (d/2)2 and cos

= x/r. To find the maximum we
take the derivative of F and set it equal to zero as follows:

1
3x 2
dF

= 2 KQq 2

2 3/ 2
2
2 5/ 2
+
+
(
(
/
2
)
)
(
(
/
2
)
)
dx
x
d
x
d

2 KQq (d / 2) 2 2 x 2
=
=0
( x 2 + (d / 2) 2 )5 / 2
Solving for x gives x = d /(2 2 ) .

Problem 4:
Two 2.0 gram balls hang from lightweight
insulating threads 50 cm long from a
common support point as shown in the
Figure. When equal charges Q are place on
each ball they are repelled, each making an
angle of 10 degrees with the vertical. What
is the magnitude of Q, in microC?
Answer:
0.11
Solution: Requiring the x and y
components of the force to vanish yields

Solutions

Chapter 22

QE Q

T
Q
r
mg

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

KQ2
T sin = QE = 2
r .
T cos = mg
Eliminating the tension T and solving for Q2 gives

mgr 2 tan 4 mgL2 sin 2 tan

=
Q =
K
K
2

and
Q=

4 ( 2 10 3 kg )( 9.8m / s 2 )( 0.5m) 2 sin 2 10 0 tan 10 0

= 0.11C .
8.99 10 9 Nm 2 / C 2

Problem 5:

-2Q

Four point charges q, Q, -2Q, and Q form a

square with sides of length L as shown in the
Figure. What is the magnitude of the resulting
electrostatic force on the charge q due to the
other three charges?
Answer:
0.41KqQ/L2

3
1
Q
L

tot

Solution: The electrostatic force on q is the

vector superposition of the following three
forces,

r KqQ
F1 = 2 x
L
r
KqQ
F2 = 2 y
L
r
2 KqQ 1
1

+
F3 =
x
y

( 2 L) 2
2
2

and the net force is thus,

r
KqQ
1
Ftot = 2 1
( x y ) .
L
2
The magnitude is given by

r
KqQ
Ftot = 2
L

Solutions

2 1 = 0.41

Chapter 22

KqQ
.
L2

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R. D. Field

Problem 6:

L=1m

L=1 m
Two 2.0 gram charged balls hang from
lightweight insulating threads 1 m long from a

T
common support point as shown in the Figure.
Q2
If one of the balls has a charge of 0.01 microC Q1
x = 15 cm
and if the balls are separated by a distance of
15 cm, what is the charge on the other ball (in
mg
microC)?
Answer:
0.37
Solution: The conditions for static equilibrium on ball Q2 is

KQ1Q2/x

KQ1Q2
x2
T cos = mg

T sin =

and dividing the 1st equation by the second yields

tan =

KQ1Q2
x 2 mg . Solving for the product of the two charges gives

( 0 .15 m ) 3 ( 2 10 3 kg )( 9 .8 m / s 2 )
x 3 mg
=
= 3 .68 10 15 C 2
Q1Q 2 =
9
2
2
2 LK
2 (1m )( 8 .99 10 Nm / C )
where I used tan
= x/(2L). Thus,

3.68 1015 C 2
= 0.368C
Q2 =
6
0.01 10 C

Problem 7:
A charge +Q is fixed two diagonally opposite
corners of a square with sides of length L. On
another corner of the square a charge of +5Q
if fixed as shown in the Figure. On the empty
corner a charge is placed, such that there is no
net electrostatic force acting on the +5Q
charge. What charge is placed on the empty
corner?
Answer:

Solutions

+Q

+5Q

2 2Q

Chapter 22

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+Q

PHY2049

R. D. Field

Solution: Setting the magnitude of the net for on the +5Q charge due to the
two +Q charges equal to the magnitude of the force on the +5Q charge due
to the charge q gives

KQ(5Q) K q (5Q)
=
2 ,
L2
2L

and solving for the magnitude of q, |q| (and noting that q must be negative)
yields,

q = 2 2Q .
2Q

Problem 8:
Three point charges Q, 2Q, and 4Q form a
triangle with sides of length L and 2L as
shown in the Figure. What angle does the
resulting electrostatic force on the charge
Q make with the positive x-axis (in
degrees)?
Answer:
7.1
Solution: We see from the figure that

2L
2

4KQ /L

4Q
L

2 KQ 2 /(2 L) 2 1
tan =
=
4 KQ 2 / L2
8
and hence = 7.1o.
+Q

Problem 9:
Two identical point charges +Q are located on
the y-axis at y=+d/2 and y=-d/2 and a third
charge -2Q is located at the origin as shown in
the Figure. The three charged +Q, +Q, and -2Q
form an electrically neutral system called an
electric quadrupole. A charge q is placed on
the x-axis a distance x = d from the quadrupole.
At what is the net force on q due to the quadrupole?
Answer:

Solutions

0.57

F2

r
q

d
-2Q

F3
F1

+Q

KQq
x
2
d

Chapter 22

KQ /2L

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R. D. Field

Solution: The net force on q is the superposition of the following three

vector forces:
r
KQq
(cos x sin y )
F1 =
r2
r
KQq
(cos x + sin y )
F2 =
r2
r
2 KQq
F3 =
x
x2
where r2 = x2 + (d/2)2 and cos
= x/r . Adding the forces gives

r r r r

1
x
x

F = F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 KQq 2
2 3/ 2
2
+
(
(
/
2
)
)
x
d
x

2 KQq
1

1
x 2 (1 + (d / 2 x) 2 )3 / 2

which at x = d yields
r

2 KQq
1

F =
1
d 2 (1 + (1 / 2) 2 )3 / 2

KQq
2 KQq
1
1
x = 0.57 2 x
2
3/ 2
d (5 / 4)
d

Problem 10:
In the previous problem, what is the magnitude of force on the charge q
when x becomes very large compared to the quadrupole separation d.
(Hint: take the limit of the quadrupole force on q when x << d.)
Answer:
3KqQd2/(4x4)
Solution: From the previous problem we see that the magnitude of the
quadrupole force is given by

r 2 KQq

F =
1

x 2 (1 + (d / 2 x) 2 )3 / 2
2 KQq
3KQq 3KqQd 2
3 / 2
=

=
1 (1 + )
x2
x2
4x4

where I used (1+)-3/2 ~ 1 - 3/2 with = (d/2x)2.

Solutions

Chapter 22

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R. D. Field

Chapter 23 Solutions
Problem 1:
What is the magnitude (in milliN) and direction of the electrostatic force on
r
a -2.0 microC charge in a uniform electric field given by E = (100 N / C ) x ?
Answer:
0.2 in the -x direction
Solution: The electrostatic force is given by,

r
r
F = q E = ( 2 .0 C )(100 N / C ) x = 0 .2 mN x .

Problem 2:
Two point charges, +8 nanoC and -2
6m
6m
P
nanoC lie on the x-axis and are separated
-2 nC
+8 nC
by 6 meters as shown in the Figure. What
is the magnitude of the electric field (in N/C) at a point P on the x-axis a
distance of 6 meters to the right of the negative charge?
Answer:
zero
Solution: The electric field at the point P is the superposition of the electric
fields from each of the two charged as follows:

r
KQ
E1 = 2 x$
L
r
K 4Q
KQ
$
$
=
E2 =
x
2
2 x
,
L
L
(
2
)
r
r
r
Etot = E1 + E2 = 0
where Q = 2 nC and L = 6 m.

Problem 3:

Q1

Q2

Two charges Q1 and Q2 are separated by

L/3
distance L and lie on the x-axis with Q1 at the
L
origin as shown in the figure. At a point P on
the x-axis a distance L/3 from Q1 the net electric field is zero. What is the
ratio Q1/Q2?
Answer:
0.25
Solution: In order for the net electric field to be zero it must be true that

Solutions

Chapter 23

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

KQ1
KQ2
=
( L / 3) 2 (2 L / 3) 2 , which implies that Q1/Q2 = 1/4.

Problem 4:
A particle with a charge to mass ratio of 0.1 C/kg starts from rest in a
uniform electric field with magnitude, E = 10 N/C. How far will the
particle move (in m) in 2 seconds?
Answer:
2
Solution: We know that

q
F = ma = qE so that the acceleration is a = E .
m
Thus, the distance traveled is

d=

1 2 1 q 2
at = Et
2
2m

1
= (0.1C / kg )(10 N / C )(2s ) 2 = 2m
2

Problem 5:
A large insulating sheet carries a uniform surface charge of density
-1.2 microC/m2. A proton (with a mass of 1.67x10-27 kg) is released from
rest at perpendicular distance of 1.0 m from the sheet. How much time (in
microsec) elapses before the proton strikes the sheet?
Answer:
0.55
Solution: We know that F = eE = Ma so that a = eE/M. We also know
that if the particle starts from rest then the distance traveled, d = at2/2.
Solving for t gives,

t=

2d
2dM
4dM 0
=
=
a
eE
e

,
4(1m)(1.67 1027 kg )(8.85 1012 C 2 /( Nm 2 ))
=
=

0
.
55
s
(1.6 1019 C )(1.2 106 C / m 2 )
where I used E = /(20).

Solutions

Chapter 23

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Problem 6:
At a distance of 1 meter from an isolated point charge the electric field
strength is 100 N/C. At what distance (in m) from the charge is the electric
field strength equal to 50 N/C?
Answer:
1.41
Solution: We know that E1=KQ/r12 and E2=KQ/r22 so that

E
100 N / C
E1 r22
= 2 or r22 = r12 1 = (1m)2
= 2m2 .
E2
50 N / C
E2 r1
Hence, r2 =

2m = 141
. m.

Problem 7:
The magnitude of the electric field 300 m from a point charge Q is equal to
1,000 N/C. What is the charge Q (in C)?
Answer:
0.01
Solution: We know that

E=

KQ
r2

and solving for r gives

Er 2 (1,000 N / C )(300m) 2
=
0.01C .
Q=
K
8.99 109 Nm 2 / C 2

Problem 8:
A neon sign includes a long neon-filled glass tube with electrodes at each
end across which an electric field of 20,000 N/C. is placed. This large field
accelerates free electrons which collide with and ionize a portion of the
neon atoms which emit red light as they recombine. Assuming that some of
the neon ions (mass 3.35x10-26 kg) are singly ionized (i.e. have charge
e=1.6x10-19 C) and are accelerated by the field, what is their acceleration
(m/s2)?
Answer:
9.6x1010
Solution: We know that F = qE = ma, so that

Solutions

Chapter 23

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

qE (16
. 1019 C)(20,000 N / C)
= 9.6 1010 m / s2 .
=
a=
26
3.35 10 kg
m

Problem 9:
Of the five charge configurations (a)-(e) shown in the Figure which one
results in the maximum magnitude of the electric field at the center of the
square? Each configuration consists of a square with either +Q, -Q, or no
charge at each corner?
Answer:
d
Solution: The magnitude of the electric field at the center of each square is
given by
2 KQ
L2
KQ
(b) E = 2 2 2
L
4 KQ
(c )
E= 2
L
KQ
(d ) E = 4 2 2
L
(e) E = 0
(a )

E=

where L is the length of the side of the square. The square with the largest
E-field at the center is (d).

Problem 10:
Two non-conducting infinite parallel rods
are a distance d apart as shown in the
Figure. If the rods have equal and
opposite uniform charge density, , what
is the magnitude of the electric field along
a line that is midway between the two
rods?

Solutions

Chapter 23

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Answer:
8K
/d
Solution: The magnitude of the electric field from a single infinite rod is
given by E = 2K
/r. Hence, the magnitude of the electric field along the
line midway between the two rods is given by

E=

2 K 2 K 8K
+
=
d /2 d /2
d .

Problem 11:

6m

P
+2 nC
Two point charges, +8 nanoC and +2
+8 nC
3m
nanoC are separated by 6 meters. What is
the magnitude of the electric field (in N/C) midway between them?
Answer:
6
Solution: The electric field at the point P is the superposition of the electric
fields from each of the two charged as follows:
r
K (8 nC )
E1 =
x
(3 m ) 2
r
K ( 2 nC )
E2 =
x
(3m ) 2
r
r
r
K ( 6 nC )
E tot = E1 + E 2 =
x
(3 m ) 2
The magnitude of the net electric field is

r
K (6nC ) (8.99 109 Nm 2 / C )(6 10 9 C )
| Etot |=
=
= 6N / C .
(3m) 2
9m 2

Problem 12:
2m
Two point charges, Q and q, lie on
1m
the x-axis and are separated by a
E = 13 N/C
distance of 1 meter as shown in the
q
Q
Figure. The charge Q lies at the
E=0
origin and the net electric field (on
at x = 0.75 m
the x-axis) from the two charges is
zero at the point x = 0.75 m. If the
x-component of the electric field from the two charges, Ex = 13 N/C, at the
point x =2 m (on the x-axis), what is Q (in nanoC)?
Answer:
4

Solutions

Chapter 23

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Solution: The first condition (net electric field zero at x = 0.75 m) gives

KQ
Kq
=
q = Q / 9.
(0.75m) 2 (0.25m) 2 which implies
The second condition (E = 13 N/C at x = 2 m) gives

KQ
Kq
KQ 1 1
+
=
+ = 13N / C
(2m) 2 (1m) 2 (1m) 2 4 9
and solving for Q yields

36(1m) 2 (13N / C )
4nC .
Q=
9
2
2
13(8.99 10 Nm / C )

Problem 13:
Two point charges, +4 microC and -1 microC, lie on the x-axis and are
separated by a distance of 1 meter as
shown in the Figure. If the +4 microC
x
lies at the origin, at what point (or
1m
points) on the x-axis is the net electric
field zero?
-1 C
+4 C
Answer:
x = 2.0 m
Solution: The first condition that
must be satisfied for the net electric
field to be zero is that the magnitude of the E-field from the +4 mC charge
must be equal to the magnitude of the E-field from the 1 mC charge. This
implies that

4
1
=
x 2 ( x 1m) 2
Solving for the distance x yields

x
= 2 or x = 2 m and x = 2/3 m.
( x 1m)
The second condition that must be satisfied is that the vectors must point in
opposite directions and is true only at the point x = 2 m (at x = 2/3 m they
point in the same direction).

Solutions

Chapter 23

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Problem 14:
A -2 C point charge lies on the x-axis a
distance of 1 meter from an infinite nonconducting sheet of charge with a uniform
surface charge density = 1 C/m2 which

1m
-2 C

x-axis

lies in the yz-plane as shown in the

Figure. At what point (or points) along
= 1 C/m
the x-axis is the net electric field zero?
Answer:
x=1.56 m
Solution: The first condition that must be satisfied for the net electric field
to be zero is that the magnitude of the E-field from the infinite sheet must be
equal to the magnitude of the E-field from the 2 C point charge. This
implies that
2

| |
K |Q|
2 K 0 | Q |
|Q|
2
=
(
1
)
x

m
=
=
2 0 ( x 1m) 2 or
| |
2 | |
Solving for the distance x yields x = (1 0.564)m . The second condition

that must be satisfied is that the vectors must point in opposite directions
and is true only at the point x = 1.564 m (at x = 0.436 m they point in the
same direction).

dE

y=L/2

dQ

Problem 15:
Two non-conducting semi-infinite rods lies along the x-axis as shown in the
Figure. One rod lies from x = L/2 to x = infinity and the other rod lies
from x = -L/2 to and x = -infinity. The rods have charge uniformly
distributed along their length with a linear density . What is the magnitude
of the electric field at a point P located on the y-axis at y = L/2?
Answer:
1.2K
/L

Solutions

Chapter 23

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Solution: From the symmetry in the problem we see that the x-component
of the electric field at the point P is zero and that the y-component of the
electric field from the two rods is twice that from one of the rods as follows,

E y = 2 dE y = 2

KdQ
cos
r2

y
2 K
dx =
1
= 2 K 2
2 3/ 2

y
(
x
y
)
+
L/2

y 2 + ( L / 2) 2
L/2

where I used dQ = dx and cos

= y/r with r2 = x2 + y2. Plugging in y =
L/2 yields

2 K
L/2
1
Ey =
L/2
( L / 2) 2 + ( L / 2) 2

4 K
1
K
=
1
= 1.17
L
L
2

Total Charge +8Q

on ring

Problem 16:
A positive charge 8Q is distributed uniformly
along a thin circular ring of radius R. If the ring
has a charge -Q located at its center (see Figure),
at what point , z, along the axis of the ring (other
than infinity) is the net electric field zero?

-Q
R

z-axis

R/ 3
Answer:
Solution: The magnitude of the net electric field on the z-axis will be zero
provided

K (8Q) z

(z 2 + R )

2 3/ 2

KQ
z2

8z 3 = ( z 2 + R 2 ) .
3/ 2

or

Taking the 2/3 power of both sided yields

4z 2 = z 2 + R 2 and solving for z gives, z = R / 3 .

Solutions

Chapter 23

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R. D. Field

Problem 17:
Two identical point charges +Q are located
on the y-axis at y=+d/2 and y=-d/2, as shown
in the Figure. What is the magnitude of the
electric field on the x-axis a distance x = d
from the origin?
Answer:
1.43KQ/d2
Solution: The net electric field at the point
P is the superposition of the forces from each
of the two charges as follows:

+Q
E2

r
x

E tot

E1
+Q

r
KQ
(cos x sin y )
E1 =
r2
r
KQ
(cos x + sin y )
E2 =
2
r
r
r
r
2 KQ
E = E1 + E 2 =
cos x
r2
2 KQx
=
x
( x 2 + (d / 2) 2 )3/ 2

= x/r. Setting x = d yields

where I used r2 = x2 + (d/2)2 and cos

r
| E |=

2
KQ
KQ
=
1
.
43
(5 / 4)3 / 2 d 2
d2 .

Problem 18:
In the previous problem, what is the magnitude of the electric field on the xaxis when x becomes very large compared to the separation d between the
charges. (Hint: take the limit of the electric field when x >> d)?
Answer:
2KQ/x2
Solution: From the previous problem we see that

r
| E |=

Solutions

2 KQx
2 KQ
2 KQ
=

( x 2 + (d / 2) 2 )3 / 2 x 2 (1 + (d / 2 x) 2 )3 / 2
x2 .

Chapter 23

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

L
Semi-infinite Rod

E1

P
E2

Charge on Rod = Q

Problem 19:
A rod carrying a total charge Q uniformly distributed along its length L
(constant ) lies on the x-axis a distance L from a semi-infinite rod with the
same uniform charge density as the finite rod as shown in the Figure.
What is the magnitude of the net electric field at the point P on the x-axis a
distance L from the end of finite rod?
Answer:
5KQ/(6L2)
Solution: The net electric field at the point P is the superposition of the
forces from each of the two rods (finite and semi-infinite) as follows:

r
r
E 1 = E rod =

KQ
x
x(x + L)
r
r
K
x =
E 2 = E semi =
3L
r
r
r
1 KQ
1
E = E1 + E 2 = + 2
3 L
2

KQ
x
2 L2
KQ
x
3 L2
5 KQ
x
x =
2
6L

where I used = Q/L and I used the fact that the point P was a distance 3L
from the end of the semi-infinite rod.
+

+
+

Problem 20:
A thin plastic rod is bent so that it makes a
three quarters of a circle with radius R as
shown in the Figure. If two quarters of the
circle carry a uniform charge density +
and
one quarter of the circle carries a uniform
charge density -
, what is the magnitude of the
electric field at the center?
10 K / R
Answer:
Solution: First I calculate the electric field at
the center of a semi-circle as with charge density
as follows:

Solutions

Chapter 23

E1
E2

Semi-Circle

dE

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

/2

K
2 K
Ex =
d
cos

=
R / 2
R ,
where I have used dE = KdQ/R2 with dQ = ds
. Now I calculate the
= Rd
and dEx = dEcos
electric field at the center of a quarter-circle
with charge density as follows:

Quarter-Circle

dE

/4

K
2 K
Ex =
d
cos

=
R / 4
R .

The net electric field at the center of the threequarter circle is the superposition of the fields
from the semi-circle and the quarter-circle as follows:

r
E2

r
r
2K
x
E 1 = E semi =
R
r
2K 1
1

= E quarter =
x
y

R
2
2
r
r
r
K
( 3 x 1 y )
E = E1 + E 2 =
R

where I used sin 45 o = cos 45 o = 1 / 2 . The magnitude of the net electric

field is thus

r
K
K
| E |= 9 + 1
= 10
R
R .

dE

Problem 21:
A non-conducting semi-infinite rod
lies along the x-axis as shown in the
Figure (one end at x=0 and the other
at x=-infinity). The rod has charge
uniformly distributed along its length
with a linear density . What is the
x-component of the electric field, Ex,
at a point P located a distance y
above the end of the rod ?
Answer:
K
/y
Solutions

Chapter 23

dEx
y

dQ

-x

Page 11 of 14

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R. D. Field

Solution: From the figure we see that

KdQ
sin
r2
0
x
K
= K 2
=
dx
( x + y 2 )3 / 2
y

E x = dEx =

where I used dQ = dx and sin

= -x/r with r2 = x2 + y2.

Problem 22:

An electric dipole is placed on the y-axis

with +Q at y=0 and -Q at y=-d, as
shown in the figure. What is the
magnitude of the electric field at a point
P located at x=d on the x-axis?
Answer:
0.74KQ/d2
Solution: We superimpose the two Efields as follows:

+Q

E1

E2

-Q

r KQ
E1 = 2 x
d
r
KQ 1
1
E2 = 2
x
y
2d
2
2
r r r
KQ
1
1
E = E1 + E2 = 2 (1
) x
d
2 2
2 2

o
o
where I have used sin 45 = cos 45 = 1 / 2 . Solving for the magnitude
yields,

KQ
1 1
KQ
E = 2 1
+
= 0.737 2 .
d
d
2 2 2 2

Solutions

Chapter 23

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R. D. Field
y-axis

Problem 23:

x-axis

As shown in the figure, a ball

of mass M=2 kg and charge
Q=3 C is suspended on a string
of negligible mass and length
L=1 m in a non-uniform

L
T

x
electric field E ( x ) = ax x ,
where a=13.07 N/(Cm) is a
constant. If the ball hangs at a
Mg
non-zero from the vertical,
what is ? (Hint: gravity pulls
the ball down with acceleration g=9.8 m/s2.)
Answer:
60o
Solution: Requiring the x and y components of the force to vanish yields

T sin = QE
T cos = Mg .

Eliminating the tension T gives

sin
QE Qax QaL sin
=
=
=
,
cos Mg
Mg
Mg

and thus

( 2 kg )( 9 .8 m / s 2 )
Mg
=
= 0 .5 ,
cos =
QaL (3C )(13 .07 N /( Cm ))(1m )
so that = 60o.

Problem 24:
Two semicircular uniform nonconducting loops,
each of radius R, are charged oppositely to +Q
and -Q, respectively. The loops are now
joined end to end to form a circular loop as
shown in the figure. What is the magnitude of
the electric field at the center of the circular
loop?
Answer:
4KQ/(
R2)

Solutions

Chapter 23

+Q

R
-Q
E

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R. D. Field

Solution: First I calculate the electric field at the

center of a semi-circle as follows:

Ex =

dQ

/2

K
2 K 2 KQ
cos
d

=
=

R / 2
R
R 2 ,

dE

where I have used dE = KdQ/R2 with dQ = ds =

Rd
and dEx = dEcos
and Q = R
. Now for
two semi-circles of opposite charge, the two electric
fields add giving

E = E1 + E2 =

2 KQ 2 KQ 4 KQ
+
=
R 2 R 2
R 2 .

Epoint Erod

Charge on Rod = Q

Problem 25:

L-x

A rod carrying a total charge Q uniformly distributed along its length L

(constant ) and a point charge Q both lie on the x-axis and are separated by
a distance L as shown in the Figure. What is the magnitude of the net
electric field at P on the x-axis a distance x = L/3 from the end of the rod?
Answer:
zero
Solution: We superimpose the two E-fields (rod and point) as follows:

r
E rod =

KQ
x
x( x + L)
r
KQ
E po int =
x
2

(
)
L
x
r
r
r
E = E rod + E po int

1
1
= KQ

2
x(x + L) (L x)

At x = L/3 we have

r KQ 9 9
E = 2 x = 0 .
L 4 4

Solutions

Chapter 23

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R. D. Field

Chapter 24 Solutions
Problem 1:
Consider a spherical conducting shell S1 of radius
R on which charge +Q is placed. Without touching
or disturbing it, this shell is now surrounded
concentrically by a similar shell S2 of radius 2R on
which charge -Q is placed (see Figure). What is the
magnitude of the electric field in the region
between the two shells (R <r < 2R)?
Answer:
KQ/r2
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

Shell S2 has
charge -Q

2R

R
Shell S1 has
charge +Q
d t

r r Qenclosed
E = E dA =
0 . If we choose our Gaussian surface to be a
Surface

r2 = Q/0 and
sphere with radius r such that R < r < 2R then we get E(r)4
solving for E gives E = KQ/r2.

Problem 2:
In the previous problem, what is the electric field inside shell S1 (r < R)?
Answer:
zero
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

r r Qenclosed
E = E dA =
0 . If we choose our Gaussian surface to be a
Surface

r2 = 0, since
sphere with radius r such that r < R then we get E(r)4
Qenclosed = 0, and solving for E gives E = 0.

Problem 3:
A solid insulating sphere of radius R has charge distributed uniformly
throughout its volume. What fraction of the spheres total charge is located
within the region r < R/2?
Answer:
1/8
Solution: The amount of charge, Q(r), within the radius r < R is given by

Solutions

Chapter 24

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R. D. Field

4
Q(r ) = dV = 4r 2 dr = r 3 ,
3
0
0
where is the volume charge density and dV = 4
r2dr. Thus,
3

Q(r ) r
= ,
Q
R
where Q = 4
R3/3 is the spheres total charge. For r = R/2, (r/R)3 = 1/8.

Problem 4:
A solid insulating sphere of radius R has a non-uniform volume charge
distribution given by (r) = ar, where a is a constant. What is the total
charge Q of the insulating sphere?
Answer:
aR4
Solution: The amount of charge, Q, within the sphere is given by
R

Q(r ) = (r )dV = (ar )4r dr = 4a r 3dr = aR 4 .

2

Problem 5:
In a certain region of space within a distribution of charge the electric field
r
is given by E ( r ) = ar r . It points radially away from the origin and has a
magnitude E(r) = ar, where a = 150N/(Cm). How much electric charge (in
nanoC) is located inside a shell with an inner radius of 0.5 meters and an
outer radius of 1.0 meters?
Answer:
14.6
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

Qenclosed = 0 E dA
= 0 (4r22 E (r2 ) 4r12 E (r1 )) = 4 0 (r22 E (r2 ) r12 E (r1 ))
a 3 3 (150 N /(Cm))((1m)3 (0.5m)3 )
= (r2 r1 ) =
= 14.6nC
K
8.99 109 Nm 2 / C 2

Solutions

Chapter 24

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R. D. Field

Problem 6:

In a certain region of space the electric field is given by E ( r ) = ( a / r ) r . It

points radially away from the origin and has a magnitude E(r) = a/r, where
a = 90Nm/C. How much electric charge (in nanoC) is located inside a
sphere with radius R = 0.5 meters?
Answer:
5
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

r r Qenclosed
E = E dA =
0 . At the surface of a sphere of radius R this
Surface

implies that E(R)4

0)
R2 = Q/0 and solving for Q and using K=1/(4
gives,

E ( R) R 2 aR (90 Nm / C )(0.5m)
=
=
= 5nC .
Q=
9
2
2
K
K 8.99 10 Nm / C
y-axis

Problem 7:

In a certain region of space within a distribution of

r
charge the electric field is given by E ( x ) = ax x . It
points in the x direction and has a magnitude Ex(x)
= ax, where a = 150N/(Cm). How much electric
charge (in nanoC) is located inside the cube with
sides of length L = 2 m shown in the Figure?
Answer:
10.6
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

x-axis
O

L
z-axis

Qenclosed = 0 E dA
= 0 ( Ex ( L) L2 Ex (0) L2 ) = 0 aL3
= (8.85 1012 C 2 / Nm 2 )(150 N / Cm)(2m)3 = 10.6nC

Solutions

Chapter 24

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R. D. Field

Problem 8:

y-axis

Consider a cube of sides L=2 m, as shown in the

figure. Suppose that a non-uniform electric field is

r
E
present and is given by ( x ) = ( a + bx ) x , where

a=1 N/C and b=0.5 N/(Cm). What is the total net

charge within the cube (in picoC)?
Answer:
+35.4
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

E =

x-axis
O

L
z-axis

r r Qenclosed
dA =
E

0 . At the surface of the cube

Surface

E = (E(L)-E(0))L2, and hence

Q = ( E ( L) E (0)) L2 0 = (a + bL a) L2 0 = bL3 0
= (0.5 N /(Cm))(2m)3 (8.85 1012 C 2 /( Nm)) = 35.4 pC

Problem 9:

Net charge zero

3R
A solid insulating sphere of radius R has a
on conductor
charge +Q distributed uniformly
2R
throughout its volume (the volume charge
R
density is constant). The insulating
Insulator
sphere is surrounded by a solid spherical
charge +Q
conducting shell with inner radius 2R and
outer radius 3R as shown in the Figure.
Conductor
The conductor is in static equilibrium and
has a zero net charge. What is the
magnitude of the electric field at the point r = 5R/2 inside the conductor?
Answer:
zero
Solution: The electric field inside a conductor in static equilibrium is zero!

Problem 10:
In the previous problem, what is the magnitude of the electric field at the
point r = 4R outside the conductor?
Answer:
KQ/(16R2)
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

Solutions

Chapter 24

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PHY2049

E =

R. D. Field

r r Qenclosed
E
dA =

0 . For a Gaussian sphere of radius r < 3R this

Surface

0)
implies that E(r)4
r2 = Q/0 and solving for E(r) and using K=1/(4
gives E(r) = KQ/r2 and plugging in r = 4R yields E = KQ/(16R2).

Problem 11:
A thunderstorm forms a mysterious spherical cloud with a radius of 20 m.
Measurements indicate that there is a uniform electric field at the surface of
the cloud that has a magnitude of 1,000 N/C and is directed radially inward
toward the center of the cloud. What is the total net charge within the
cloud (in microC)?
Answer:
-44.5
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

r r Qenclosed
E = E dA =
0 . At the surface of the cloud
Surface

E(R)4
R2 = Q/0 and solving for Q gives,

ER 2 ( 1,000 N / C)(20m) 2
= 44.5C .
Q=
=
K
8.99 109 Nm2 / C 2

Problem 12:
A 6.0 microC charge is at the center of a cube 10 cm on a side. What is the
electric flux (in Nm2/C) through one face of the cube? (Hint: think
symmetry and dont do an integral.)
Answer:
1.13x105
Solution: The total flux through the cube is E = Q/0 and symmetry tell
us that the same amount of flux goes through each of the six faces of the
cube. Hence,

E Qenclosed
6.0 106 C
face =
=
=
= 1.13105 Nm2 / C .
12 2
2
6
6 0
6(8.8510 C / Nm )

Solutions

Chapter 24

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R. D. Field

Problem 13:

2R

A solid insulating sphere of radius R has charge

distributed uniformly throughout its volume (the
volume charge density is constant). The insulating
sphere is surrounded by a solid spherical conductor
with inner radius R and outer radius 2R as shown in
the figure. The net charge on the conductor is zero.
What is the magnitude of the electric field at the
point r=3R outside the conductor?
Answer:
4
KR
/27
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

E =

R
Insulator
= charge/unit volume

Conductor
Zero net charge

r r Qenclosed
dA =
E

0 . For a spherical surface outside the

Surface

R3/(30) and solving for

conductor (r > 2R) we have E(r)4
r2 = Q/0 = 4
E(r) gives,

4KR 3
E (r ) =
3r 2 .
For r = 3R we get E = 4
KR
/27.

Problem 14:
In the previous problem, what is the magnitude of the electric field at the
point r=3R/2 inside the conductor?
Answer:
zero
Solution: The electric field is zero inside a conductor in static equilibrium.
This is our definition of a conductor!

Problem 15:
In the previous problem, what is the magnitude of the electric field at the
point r=R/2 inside the insulator?
Answer:
2
KR
/3
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that
r r Q
E = E dA = enclosed . For a spherical surface inside the insulator (r <
0
Surface
r3/(30) and solving for E(r) gives,
R) we have E(r)4
r2 = Q(r)/0 = 4

Solutions

Chapter 24

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

4
E (r ) = Kr .
3
KR
/3.
For r = R/2 we get E = 2

Problem 16:
A solid insulating sphere of radius R has a charge +Q
distributed uniformly throughout its volume (the
volume charge density is constant). The insulating
sphere is surrounded by a solid spherical conductor
with inner radius R and outer radius 2R as shown in
the Figure. The conductor is in static equilibrium and
has a net charge +Q. What is the magnitude of the
electric field at the point r = R/2 inside the insulating
sphere?
Answer:
KQ/(2R2)
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

E =

2R

R
Insulator
= charge/unit volume

Conductor
Zero net charge

r r Qenclosed
dA =
E

0 . For a spherical surface inside the insulator

Surface

r3/(30) and solving

with radius r (r < R) we have E(r)4
r2 = Q(r)/0 = 4
for E(r) gives,

4
KQr
E (r ) = Kr = 3 ,
3
R
where I used Q = 4
R3/3. For r = R/2 we get E = KQ/(2R2).

Problem 17:
In the previous problem, what is the magnitude of the electric field at the
point r = 3R/2 inside the conductor?
Answer:
zero
Solution: The electric field inside a conductor in static equilibrium is
always zero.

Solutions

Chapter 24

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R. D. Field

Problem 18:
Net charge +Q
A point charge +Q is located at the
2R
on conductor
center of a solid spherical conducting
shell with inner radius of R and outer
R
radius of 2R as shown in the Figure. In
+Q
addition, the conducting shell has a total
net charge of +Q. How much charge is
located on the outer surface (r = 2R) of
the conducting shell?
Answer:
2Q
Solution: We know that the net charge on the conductor is given by the
sum of charge on the inner and outer surfaces, Qnet = Qin + Qout. Gauss'
Law tells us that

r r Qenclosed
E = E dA =
0 . If we choose our Gaussian surface to be a
Surface

sphere with radius r such that R< r < 2R then E = 0 (inside conducting
material) which implies that Qenclosed = Qin+Q = 0. Thus, Qin = -Q and
Qout = 2Q.

Problem 19:
In the previous problem, what is the magnitude of the electric field in the
region r < R inside the hole in the conducting shell?
Answer:
KQ/r2
Solution: Gauss' Law tells us that

r r Qenclosed
E = E dA =
0 . If we choose our Gaussian surface to be a
Surface

sphere with radius r such that r < R then we get E(r)4

r2 = Q/0, and
solving for E gives E = KQ/r2.

Solutions

Chapter 24

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Chapter 25 Solutions
Problem 1:
If the potential difference between points A and B is equal to
VA-VB = 3x104 Volts, how much work (in milliJoules) must be done
(against the electric force) to move a change particle (Q = 3 microC) from
point A to point B without changing the kinetic energy of the particle?
Answer: -90
Solution: WAB = Q(VB-VA) = (3x10-6 C)(3x104 V) = 9x10-2 J
= 90 microC. We know that the work done against the electric field must be
negative since the particle will fall from high potential to low potential.

Problem 2:
Eight identical point charges, Q, are located at the corners of
a cube with sides of length L. What is the electric potential at the center of
the cube? (Take V = 0 at infinity as the reference point.)
Answer:
9.2KQ/L
Solution: The potential at the center of the cube is given by

Vcenter =
where I used d =

KQ
8 KQ 16 KQ
=
= 9.24
d
L ,
3 L

3L / 2 .

Problem 3:
What is the electric potential energy of the configuration of eight identical
point charges, Q, at the corners of the cube with sides of length L in the
previous problem?
Answer:
22.8KQ2/L
Solution: The total electric potential energy is given by

U cube

KQ 2
1 8
8
3
1 KQ

= QV
= QVcorner = 4Q 3 +
+
= 22.79

L ,
2 i =1 i i 2
2
3 L

where Vcorner is the electric potential at the corner of the cube due to the
other 7 charges.

Solutions

Chapter 25

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R. D. Field

Problem 4:

y-axis

Two point charges Q1 = Q and Q2 = Q are

on the x-axis at x = +L and x = -L and a
third point charge Q3 = Q is on the y-axis
at the point y = L as shown in the Figure.
Q 1=Q
What is the electric potential difference,
x = -L
V = V2-V1 between the point P2 at the
midpoint of the line between Q1 and Q3
and the point P1 at the origin?
Answer: 0.5KQ/L
Solution: The electric potential at P1 is given by,

V1 = 3

Q 3=Q

y=L

Q 2=Q
1

x = L x-axis

KQ
L .

At P2 the electric potential is

V2 =
where d =

2 KQ
KQ 4
2 KQ
+
=
+

2L / 2 d
2
10

( 2 L / 2) 2 + ( 2 L) 2 = 10 L / 2 . Thus,
2
KQ
4
KQ
+
3
= 0.46
V2 V1 =
L .
10
2
L
y-axis

Problem 5:
Two point charges Q1 = Q and Q2 = Q
are on the x-axis at x = +L and x = -L and
a third point charge Q3 = Q is on the yaxis at the point y = L as shown in the
previous Figure. What is the electric
potential energy of this charge
configuration?
Answer: 1.9KQ2/L

Q1=Q
x = -L

Q3=Q

Q2=Q
x = L x-axis

Solution: The electric potential energy of the charge configuration, U1, is

given by,

Solutions

Chapter 25

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R. D. Field

2
KQ 2 2 KQ 2 1
KQ 2
KQ
+
= + 2
= 1.91
U1 =
L .
2L
2L 2
L

Problem 6:
In the problem 4, how much work must be done (against the electric force)
to move the charge Q3 from the point y = L on the y-axis to the origin
resulting in the configuration shown in the Figure?
Answer: 0.6KQ2/L
Solution: The potential potential energy of this new charge configuration,
U2, is given by,

KQ 2 2 KQ 2 5 KQ 2
U2 =
+
=
2L
L
2 L .
and thus the work required is

2
KQ 2
KQ 2
5 1
KQ
= 2 2
= 0.59
W = U 2 U1 = 2
L
L
L .
2
2

Problem 7:

Three identical point charges, Q, are located at the

corners of a right triangle with sides of length L as
shown in the Figure. What is the electric potential
at the point P that bisects the hypotenuse? (Take V
= 0 at infinity as the reference point.)
Answer:
4.24KQ/L
Solution: The electric potential at the point P that
bisects the hypotenuse is given by,

KQ
KQ
KQ
=3 2
= 4.24
r
L
L ,
where I used r = 2 L / 2 = L / 2 .
V =3

Solutions

Chapter 25

Page 3 of 12

PHY2049

R. D. Field

Problem 8:
What is the electric potential energy of the configuration of three identical
point charges, Q, located at the corners of a right triangle with sides of
length L in the previous problem?
Answer:
2.71KQ2/L
Solution: The potential potential energy of the charge configuration, U1, is
given by,

KQ 2 KQ 2
U1 = 2
+
L
2L
KQ 2
1 KQ 2

= 2.71
= 2 +

L
L
2

Problem 9:

In problem 7, how much work is required to

move the charge located at the 90o angle of the
equilateral triangle to the point P that bisects the
hypotenuse?
Answer:
0.828KQ2/L
Solution: The potential potential energy of this
new charge configuration, U2, is given by,

KQ 2
KQ 2
U2 =
+2
2L
2L / 2
4 KQ 2
5 KQ 2 .
1
=
=
+

L
2
2 L
2
and thus the work required is

1 KQ 2
5
2
W = U 2 U1 =

2 L
2
KQ 2
4
KQ 2
=
2
= 0.828
L
L
2

Solutions

Chapter 25

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Problem 10:
Three identical charged particles (Q = 3.0
microC) are placed at the vertices of an
equilateral triangle with side of length L= 1 m
and released simultaneously from rest as shown
in the Figure. What is the kinetic energy (in
milliJ) of one of the particles after the triangle
Q
has expanded to four times its initial area?
Answer:
40.5
Solution: Here we use energy conservation as follows:

L
Q
L

KQ2
Ei = 0 + 3
L
KQ 2 ,
E f = 3KE + 3
2L
where KE is the kinetic energy of one of the particles and where Li = L and
Lf = 2L (since the area increased by factor of 4). Setting Ei = Ef yields

KQ2 1 KQ2 (8.99 109 Nm2 / C 2 )(3 106 C)2

KE =
1 =
=
= 40.5mJ .
L 2
2L
2(1m)

Problem 11:

E
2m

A uniform electric field E=10 V/m points

in the x direction as shown in the Figure.
Point A has coordinates (0,1m) and point
B has coordinated (2m,2m), where points
are labeled according to P=(x,y). What is
the potential difference VB-VA (in Volts)?
Answer:
-20.0
Solution: The potential difference is equal
to the following line integral,

C
r r
r r B r r
VB V A = E dl = E dl E dl ,
B

Solutions

Chapter 25

Page 5 of 12

PHY2049

R. D. Field

where I have chosen the path shown in the Figure. Evaluating the line
integral along AC gives zero since E is perpendicular to the path and along
the path CB E is parallel to the path so that,

r r
E dl = 0
C

r r
E dl = Ed = (10V / m)(2m) = 20V
B

and hence VB-VA = -20V.

Problem 12:
A uniform electric field E=400 V/m crosses the
x-axis at a 40o angle as shown in the Figure.
o
B
A 5 cm
40
Point B lies on the x-axis 5 cm to the right of
the origin A. What is the potential difference
E
VB-VA (in Volts)?
Answer: -15.3
Solution: We know that
B
r r
V B V A = E dr and hence VB-VA = -E cos L = -(400 V/m) cos(40o)
A

(0.05 m) = -15.3 V.
E(x)

Problem 13:
A non-uniform electric field is given by
r
E ( x ) = ax 2 x , where a = 10 V/m3 as shown
in the Figure. Point B lies at x=y=3 m and
point A is at the origin (x=y=0). What is the
potential difference VB-VA (in Volts)?
Answer:
-90
Solution: The potential difference is equal to
the following line integral,

Solutions

Chapter 25

A
3m

Page 6 of 12

PHY2049

R. D. Field

C
r r
r r B r r
VB V A = E dl = E dl E dl ,
B

where I have chosen the path shown in the Figure. Evaluating the line
integral along CB gives zero since E is perpendicular to the path and along
the path AC E is parallel to the path so that,

r r
E dl = 0
B

r r
1
E dl = ax 2 dx = a(3m)3 = 90V
3
0
A
3

and hence VB-VA = -90V.

Problem 14:
The potential along the x-axis is given by V(x) = ax-bx2, where a=2 V/m
and b=1 V/m2. At what value(s) of x (in m) is the electric field equal to
zero?
Answer:
1
Solution: The electric field is minus the derivative of the potential,

Ex =

dV
= ( a 2bx ) = 0 .
dx

Solving for x gives

x=

a
2V / m
=
= 1m .
2b 2(1V / m2 )

Problem 15:
The potential is given by V(x,y) = a/(x2+y2), where a = 2 Vm2. What is
the magnitude of the electric field (V/m) at the point, P = (x,y) = (1m,1m)?
Answer: 1.4
Solution: The three components of the electric field are given by,

Solutions

Chapter 25

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R. D. Field

V
= 2 xa /( x 2 + y 2 ) 2
x
V
= 2 ya /( x 2 + y 2 ) 2
Ey =
y
V
=0
Ez =
z
Ex =

and the magnitude of the electric field is

E = Ex2 + E y2 + E z2 =

2a
( x 2 + y 2 )3 / 2 .

At the origin x = 1m and y = 1m the magnitude of the electric field is

2(2Vm 2 )
= 2V / m = 1.41V / m .
E=
3
( 2 m)

Problem 16:
The potential is given by V(x,y,z) = ax+by+cz2, where a = 3 V/m, b = -4
V/m ,and c = 5 V/m2. What is the magnitude of the electric field (in V/m)
at the origin, P=(x,y,z)=(0,0,0)?
Answer:
5
Solution: The three components of the electric field are given by,

V
= a
x
V
Ey =
= b
y
V
Ez =
= 2cz
z
Ex =

and the magnitude of the electric field is

E = E x2 + E y2 + Ez2 = a 2 + b 2 + 4c 2 z 2 .
At the origin z = 0 and the magnitude of the electric field is

E = a 2 + b 2 = (3V / m) 2 + (4V / m) 2 = 5V / m .

Solutions

Chapter 25

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R. D. Field

Problem 17:
Two thin concentric circular plastic rods of radius R
and 2R have equal and opposite uniform charge
densities -
and +
, respectively, distributed along
their circumferences as shown in the Figure. What is
the electric potential at the center of the two circles?
(Take V = 0 at infinity as the reference point.)
Answer: zero
Solution: The electric potential at the center of the
two circles is given by,

V=

+
-

R
2R

KQ1 KQ2 K 2r1 K 2r2

+
=

= 2K ( ) = 0 ,
r1
r2
r1
r2

where the charge on a circular rod is Q = 2

r
.

Problem 18:
A positive charge Q is distributed uniformly along
Total Charge +Q
on ring
a thin circular ring of radius R. A negatively
-Q
charged particle (charge -Q) is at the center of the
R
ring as shown in the Figure. What is the electric
potential at a point on the z-axis of the ring a
distance R from the center. (Take V=0 at infinity
z-axis
as the reference point.)
Answer: -0.293KQ/R
Solution: The net potential is the sum of the potential of the ring plus the
potential of the point charge as follows:
KQ
KQ

V ( z) = 2
z which at z =R becomes
z + R2

V ( R) =

Solutions

KQ 1
KQ

1 = 0.293

R 2
R .

Chapter 25

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R. D. Field

y-axis

Problem 19:

An infinitely long thin rod lies along the

y-axis and has a uniform linear charge
2
2a
=
3
C/m
density = 3 microC/m as shown in the

Figure. If point P1 = (a,0) and point P2 =

b
(2a,b), where P = (x,y), what is the
3
1
potential difference V = V2-V1 (in
a
kiloVolts)?
E = 2K/r
Answer: -37.4
Solution: We know that the electric field
from and infinite rod points away from the rod and has a magnitude given
by E(r) = 2K
/r. The potential difference is equal to the following line
integral,

x-axis

3 r
r 2 r r
r r
V = V2 V1 = E dl = E dl E dl ,
2

where I have chosen the path shown in the Figure. Evaluating the line
integral along 32 gives zero since E is perpendicular to the path and along
the path 13 E is parallel to the path so that,

r r
E dl = 0
2

3
2a

r r
2 K
E dl =
dx = 2 K ln(2)
x
1
a
3

and hence

V = V2 V1 = 2 K ln(2)

= 2(8.99 109 Nm 2 / C 2 )(3 106 C / m) ln(2) = 37.4kV

Solutions

Chapter 25

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R. D. Field

dQ

Charge Q on Rod

Problem 20:
A positive charge Q is distributed uniformly along a thin rod of length L as
shown in the Figure. What is the electric potential at a point P on the axis
of the rod a distance L from the end of the rod? (Take V = 0 at infinity as
the reference point.)
Answer:
0.693KQ/L
Solution: The electric potential at the point P is given by

Kdx
KQ
KQ
=

=
=
K
ln(
2
)
ln(
2
)
0
.
693
L x
L
L ,

2L

V=

where I used dQ = dx.

Problem 21:
A circular plastic rod of radius R has a
-3Q
positive charge +Q uniformly distributed
R
along one-quarter of its circumference and a
negative charge of -3Q uniformly distributed
+Q
along the rest of the circumference as shown in the Figure. What
is
the electric potential at the center of the circle? (Take V = 0 at infinity as the
reference point.)?
Answer:
-2KQ/R
Solution: The electric potential at the center of the circle is given by,

V=

KQ 3KQ
KQ

= 2
R
R
R .

Problem 22:
The electric field at the surface of a solid spherical conductor (radius R = 20
cm) points radially outward and has a magnitude of 10 V/m. Calculate the
electric potential (in Volts) at the center of the conducting sphere. (Take V
= 0 at infinity as the reference point.)
Answer:
2
Solutions

Chapter 25

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R. D. Field

Solution: At the surface of the conductor we know that,

Vsurface =

KQ
R

Esurface =

KQ
R2 .

Hence,

Vcenter = Vsurface = Esurface R = (10V / m)(0.2m) = 2V .

Problem 23:
A solid insulating sphere of radius R has charge a total charge Q distributed
uniformly throughout its volume (the volume charge density is constant).
If the electric potential is zero at infinity and 12 Volts at the center of the
sphere, what is the potential at the surface r = R (in Volts)?
Answer:
8
Solution: The electric field inside the insulator (r < R) is given by
E(r) = KQr/R3 and the potental difference between the center and the
surface is,
R
r r
KQr
1 KQ
= E dr = 3 dr =
R
2 R .
0
0
R

Vsurface Vcenter

We know that Vsurface = KQ/R which means that

Vcenter =

Solutions

3 KQ
2
=
V
Vcenter = 8V .
surface
2 R and
3

Chapter 25

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R. D. Field

Chapter 26 Solutions
Problem 1:
What is the capacitance C of a solid spherical conducting shell with inner
radius R and outer radius 2R?
Answer:
2R/K
Solution: The electric potential of the solid spherical conductor is given by

V=

KQ KQ
=
r
2R ,

where r = 2R is the surface of the conductor. Hence,

C=

Q 2R
=
V
K .

Problem 2:
An energy of 9.0x10-3 Joules is stored by a capacitor that has a potential
difference of 85 Volts across it. Determine the capacitance of the capacitor
(in microF).
Answer:
2.5
Solution: We know that

1
U = C (V ) 2 ,
2
and hence

2U
2(9 103 J )
=
= 2.5F .
C=
(V ) 2
(85V ) 2

Problem 3:
Capacitor #1 with capacitance C and initial charge Q is connected in
parallel across an initially uncharged capacitor with capacitance 2C (#2).
After the system comes to equilibrium, what is the charge on capacitor #1?
Answer:
Q/3
Solution: After the two capacitors are connected their charges must
satisify

Solutions

Chapter 26

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R. D. Field

Q1 + Q2 = Q
Q1 Q2
=
C 2C
whre the first condition comes from charge conservation and the second
comes from the fact that the potential drop across each capacitor is the same
since they are connected in parallel. Solving for Q1 yields

Q1 =

Q
3.

Problem 4:
A charged conducting sphere with a radius of 5 cm has a potential of 8
kilovolts relative to infinity. What is the electric field energy density
(in J/m3) at a point near the surface outside the conductor?
Answer:
0.11
Solution: At the surface of the conductor we know that,

Vsurface =

KQ
R

Esurface =

KQ
R2 .

Hence, the electric field energy density is

1
1 V2
2
u = 0E = 0 2
2
2 R
(8.85 1012 C 2 /( Nm 2 ))(8 103V ) 2
=
= 0.11J / m3
2
2
2(5 10 m)

Problem 5:
The electric field energy density near the surface of an isolated charged
conducting sphere with a radius of 5 cm is 0.1 J/m3. What is the electric
potential (in kiloVolts) at the center of the conductor?
Answer:
7.5
Solution: At the surface of the conductor we know that,

Vsurface =

KQ
R

Esurface =

KQ
R2

and the electric field energy density is

Solutions

Chapter 26

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R. D. Field

1
u = 0E2 .
2
Thus,

Vcenter = Vsurface = R

2u
0

2(0.1J / m3 )
= (0.05m)
= 7.5kV
8.85 1012 C 2 /( Nm 2 )
where I have used the fact that the potential is constant throughout the
conductor.

Problem 6:

z-axis

In a certain region
of space the electric field
r
is given by, E = Ayx$ ,

where A=100 V/m2. The electric field points

O
in the x direction and has a constant
L
magnitude given by E(y)=Ay. What is the
total amount of electric potential energy (in
milliJoules) contained in the electric field
L
within the cube with sides of length L=20
x-axis
meters shown in Figure?
Answer: 47.2
Solution: The energy stored in the electric field lines is given by
L
L
1
1
1
2 2
2 2
U = udV = 0 E L dy = 0 A L y 2 dy = 0 A 2 L5 ,
2
2
6
0
0

y-axis

and plugging in the numbers gives

U = (8.85x10-12 C2/(Nm2))(100 V/m2)2(20 m)5/6 = 47.2 mJ.

Solutions

Chapter 26

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R. D. Field

Problem 7:
Given an open-air parallel-plate capacitor
+Q
of plate area A and plate separation d as
shown in the Figure. A flat slice of
conducting material (thickness b; b<d) of
d
the same area A is now carefully inserted
between the plates parallel to them without
-Q
touching. If the charge Q on the capacitor
was unchanged during this operation, must
the metal slice be forced between the plates
or will it be pulled in by electrostatic forces, and what is the new
capacitance?
Answer:
0A/(d-b), pulled
Solution: Initially the capacitor has E = Q/(0A), V = Ed, Ci = 0A/d,
and stored energy

Q2
Q2d
=
Ui =
2Ci 20 A .
After the conducting material is inserted, we have two capacitors in series
with

C=

0 A
20 A
=
d b (d b )

2 2

and

Ceff =

A
C
= 0
2 ( d b) .

The stored energy is now

Q2
Q 2 (d b )
=
< Ui
Uf =
2Ceff
20 A

.
Since the final stored energy is less than the initial stored energy, the
conducting material will be pulled in by the electrostatic force with the
difference in stored energy doing the work.

Solutions

Chapter 26

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R. D. Field

Chapter 27 Solutions
Problem 1:
Wire B is three times longer than wire A, and the two wires have the same
volume. If both wires are made of the same substance and if the resistance
of wire A is 9 Ohms, what is the resistance of wire B (in Ohms).
Answer:
81
Solution: We know that the resistance of a wire of length L, cross
sectional area A, and resistivity is given by

L L2
=
R=
A
V ,
where V is the volumn, V = LA. Thus,

L2B (3LA ) 2
L2A
=
=9
= 9 RA = 9(9) = 81 .
RB =
VB
VA
VA
1

Problem 2:
How much current passes through the 1
resistor in the circuit shown in the Figure?
Answer:
6I/11
Solution: Since the potential drop across
each resistor is the same (i.e. parallel) we
know that

I1
I
I2

2
3

I3

I1R1 = I 2 R2 = I 3 R3 and in addition I1 + I 2 + I 3 = I .

Hence,

I1 +

R R
R1 I1 R1I1
+
= I1 1 + 1 + 1 = I
R2
R3
R2 R3

and solving for I1 gives

I1 =

Solutions

R
R
1 + 1 + 1
R 2 R3

I
6
=
I
1 1 11

1 + +
2 3

Chapter 27

Page 1 of 3

PHY2049

R. D. Field

Problem 3:
Consider a long straight cylindrical wire with radius R carrying the nonuniform current density, J(r)=ar2, where r is the distance from the center
axis of the wire. How much total current I passes through the wire?
Answer:
aR4/2
Solution: The current I is the flux associated with the current density as
follows:
R
r r R 2
1
I = J dA = ar 2rdr = 2a r 3dr = aR 4 .
2
0
0

( )

Problem 4:
Consider a long straight cylindrical wire with radius R = 0.1 m is carrying
the non-uniform current density which points along the axis of the wire and
has a magnitude, J(r) = a/r, where r is the distance from the center axis of
the wire. If a = 2 A/m, how much total current I passes through the wire (in
A)?
Answer: 1.26
Solution: The current I is the flux associated with the current density as
follows:

r r R a
I = J dA = 2rdr = 2aR = 2 (2 A / m)(0.1m) = 1.26 A .
r
0

Solutions

Chapter 27

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

A
r
R

r
r

r
r

B
cut

Problem 5:
Consider the infinite chain of resistors shown in the Figure. Calculate the
effective resistance, R, (in Ohms) of the network between the terminals A
and B given that each of the resistors has resistance r = 1 Ohm.
Answer:
0.7
Solution: We first
A
cut the infinite chain
A
r
at the point shown in
the figure and
R
R
R+2r
R
r
replace the infinite
r
chain to the right of
r
the cut by its
B
B
effective resistance
R. We then combine
the three resistors in series and then combine r and R+2r in parallel giving,

1 1
1
= +
R r R + 2r ,
which implies that

R 2 + 2rR 2r 2 = 0 and R = 1 + 3 r = 0.73r.

Solutions

Chapter 27

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Chapter 28 Solutions
R0 = 3

Problem 1:

Consider the circuit consisting of an EMF

and three resistors shown in the Figure. 24 V
R1 = 4
R2 = 12
How much current flows through the 4
resistor (in Amps)?
I1
I2
I
Answer:
3
Solution: The original circuit is equivalent
to a circuit with and EMF and one resistor with resistance Rtot given by

Rtot = 3 + Reff = 3 + 3 = 6 ,

from
where Reff = 3

1
1
1
1
=
+
=
Reff 4 12 3 .
Thus, the current I = 24V/6
= 4A. Now, we know the I = I1 + I2 and that
V1 = I1R1 = V2 = I2 R2 and hence

I1 =

R2
12
I = (4 A) = 3 A .
R1 + R2
16

Problem 2:
A constant power P is supplied to a transmission line of resistance R by a
power station. If the power dissipated in the transmission line is 200 Watts
when the power station delivers an EMF of 10 Volts, how much power is
dissipated in the transmission line (in W) when the power station delivers
an EMF of 20 Volts (assuming the same power is supplied in both cases)?
Answer:
50
Solution: The powers supplied by the station is given by

Pstation = I1V1 = I 2V2 ,

is constant so that

I 2 V1
=
I1 V2 ,
Solutions

Chapter 28

Page 1 of 5

PHY2049

R. D. Field

where V1 = 10 V and V2 = 20 V. Now the power disapated in the line is

P = I2R so that
2

V
I
P
P2 = 2 P1 = 1 P1 = 1 = 50W .
4
V2
I1
The power station loses less energy in the line if it transmits power at a
higher voltage!

Problem 3:
A capacitor C with an initial charge Q discharges through a resistor R.
How many time constants = RC must elapse in order for the capacitor to
lose 2/3 of its charge?
Answer:
1.1
Solution: For an RC circuit with the charge Q(t) given by

Q(t ) = Q0e t / and

t = log(Q(t ) / Q0 ) = log(1 / 3) = 1.1 ,
where = RC and where I used Q(t)/Q0 = 1/3.

Problem 4:
The capacitor in the Figure is initially uncharged.
R
12V
After the switch is closed (EMF = 12 V), what is the
magnitude of the potential difference across the
C
capacitor (in V) when the charge on the capacitor
reaches one-third of its maximum value?
Answer: 4
Solution: The potential difference across the is VC = Q/C = C/(3C) =
/3 = 4 V, where I used Qmax = C.

Problem 5:
A charged capacitor C has a resistance R connected
across its terminals to form the RC circuit shown in the
Figure. If it takes 2 seconds for the capacitor to loose
one-half of its stored energy, how long does it take (in s)
for it to loose 90% of its initial charge?
Answer:
13.3
Solutions

Chapter 28

Page 2 of 5

PHY2049

R. D. Field

Solution: The stored energy in the RC circuit is given by

Q( t ) 2
= U 0 e 2 t /
U (t ) =
2C
,
and solving for gives

= RC =

2t1
2t1
=
ln(U (t ) / U 0 ) ln(0.5) ,

where t1 = 2 s. The charge as a function of time is

Q(t ) = Q0e t /

and

t = ln(Q(t ) / Q0 ) .

Thus,

t=

2t1 ln(01
. ) 2(2s) ln(01
.)
=
= 13.3s .
ln(0.5)
ln(0.5)

Problem 6:
A capacitor, C, is (fully) charged by connecting it
I
to a 10 Volt EMF and then is allowed to discharge
through a 2 resistor as shown in the Figure?
R=2
C
What is the current, I, in the circuit (in A) when the
stored energy in the capacitor has dropped to 50%
of its initial value?
Answer: 3.5
Solution: The charge, Q(t), and stored energy, U(t), as a function of time is
given by

Q(t ) = Q0 e t / RC = Q0 e t /
Q2
= U 0 e 2t / RC = U 0e 2t / ,
U (t ) =
2C
where U0 = Q02/(2C) and Q0 = CV0. Here V0 is the potential across the
capacitor at t = 0 (equal to the EMF that fully charged the capacitor). If ta is
the time when the stored energy reaches 50% of its initial value, then

e 2 ta / =

1
1
ta /
=
e
and taking the square-root gives
.
2
2

The current at time ta is given by

Solutions

Chapter 28

Page 3 of 5

PHY2049

R. D. Field

5
V 1 10V 1
I (t a ) = I 0 e ta / = 0
=
=
A = 3.5 A ,
2
R 2 2 2
where I used I0 = V0/R.

Problem 7:
A "leaky" capacitor's faulty insulation allows charge to pass slowly
from one plate to the other. Suppose that a charged leaky 2.0 microF
capacitor's potential difference drops to one-fourth its initial value in
2.0 sec. What is the equivalent resistance between the capacitor plates, in
megaOhms? (Hint: the leaky capacitor forms an RC circuit.)
Answer:
0.72
Solution: The leaky capacitor forms an RC circuit with the charge Q(t)
given by

Q(t ) = Q0e

t /

and

= RC =

t
ln(Q(t ) / Q0 ) .

Solving for the resistance R gives

R=

t
(2s)
=
= 0.721M .
C ln(Q(t ) / Q0 ) (2 106 F ) ln(0.25)

left

right

Problem 8:
Consider the discharging of the two capacitors shown in the Figure. Both
capacitors have equal capacitance C and both have an initial charge of 8
microC. When the switches are closed the capacitor an the left will
discharge through a single resistor with resistance R, while the capacitor on
the right discharges through two equal resistors with resistance R connected
in parallel. If the switches are closed simultaneously, how much charge is

Solutions

Chapter 28

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

on the right capacitor (in microC) when the left capacitors charge is 4
microC?
Answer:
2
Solution: The charge as a function of time on the two capacitors is given
by

Qleft (t ) = Q0e t / RC
Qright (t ) = Q0e 2t / RC ,
where I used the fact the the effective resistance on the right side is Reff =
R/2. Hence,
2

Q(t )
Q(t )
.

=
Q
Q
0 right 0 left
Thus, when the left side Q(t)/Q0 = 4/8 = 1/2 the right side has Q(t)/Q0 =
1/4 so that Qright = 2 C.

Solutions

Chapter 28

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Chapter 29 Solutions
Problem 1:
A charged particle, Q = 0.5 C, enters a region with a uniform magnetic field
r
r
B = 2 x + 3 y + 4 z (in Tesla). If its velocity is given by v = 2 x + 3 y + 2 z
(in m/s), what is the magnitude of the magnetic force on the particle (in N)?
Answer: 3.6
Solution: We know that the magnetic force on a particle is

x
r
r
r
F = Qv B = Q 2
2

3
3

2 = Q (6 x 4 y )
.
4

The magnitude of the force is

F = Q 36 + 16 = ( 0 .5 ) 52 N = 3 . 6 N .

Problem 2:
A charged particle, Q=0.5 C, and mass M = 200 grams enters a region with
r
a uniform magnetic field B = 2 x 1 y (in Tesla). What is the magnitude of
r
the magnetic force on the particle (in N), if its velocity is v = 4 x 2 y (in
m/s)?
Answer: zero
Solution: We know that the magnetic force on a particle is

x y z
r
r
r
F = Qv B = Q 4 2 0 = 0
.
2 1 0
Note that v is in the same direction as B and hence the magnetic force is
zero.

Problem 3:
One end of a straight wire segment is located at (x,y,z) = (0,0,0) and the
other end is at (1m,2m,3m). A current of 2 Amps flows through the
r
segment. The segment sits in a uniform magnetic field B = 2 x 1 y (in

Solutions

Chapter 29

Page 1 of 5

PHY2049

R. D. Field

Tesla). What is the magnitude of the magnetic force (in N) on the wire
segment?
Answer: 16.7
Solution: We know that the magnetic force on a wire segment is

x y z
r
r r
F = IL B = I 1 2 3 = I (3 x + 6 y 5 z )Tm
,
2 1 0
with the magnitude of the force given by

r
F = I 9 + 36 + 25 Tm = ( 2 A )8 . 367 Tm = 16 . 73 N .

Problem 4:
An electric power transmission line located an average distance of 20 m
above the earth's surface carries a current of 800 Amps from east to west, in
a region where the earth's magnetic field is 0.8 gauss due north at 60o below
the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the force per meter on the line (in
milliN/m)?
Answer: 64
Solution: We know that the force on a straight wire is given by

r
r r
F = IL B .

In this case L and B are perpendicular and hence,

F
= IB = (800 A )( 0 . 8 10 4 T ) = 64 10 3 N / m .
L

Problem 5:
A charged particle, Q=0.1 C, traveling in the x-direction with velocity
r
v = v 0 x enters a region of space that has an electric field in the y-direction
r
given by E = E 0 y with E0 = 10 Volts and a magnetic field in the zr
B
direction given by = B0 z with B0 = 0.2 Tesla. If the particle experiences
no net force and continues with the same speed and direction, what is its
speed v0 (in m/s)?
Answer:
50
Solution: The electric force is given by

Solutions

Chapter 29

Page 2 of 5

PHY2049

R. D. Field

r
FE = QE 0 y
and the magnetic force is

r
r r
FE = Q v B = Qv 0 B 0 y

and setting FE + FB = 0 implies that

v0 =

E0
10 V
=
= 50 m / s .
B0
0 . 2T

Problem 6:
A charged particle traveling in the y-direction
B-out
with a momentum of 0.01 kg m/s enters a region
of space that has a uniform 1 Tesla magnetic
field in the z-direction as shown the Figure. If
0.5 m
the particle enters the magnetic field at the point
A and then exits the magnetic field at the point B
located a distance of 0.5 m to the left of the point A, what is the charge of
the particle (in milliC)?
Answer:
-40
Solution: The radius of the circular path followed by the charged particle
calculated by setting the force equal to the mass times the centripetal
acceleration as follows,

mv 2
| Q | vB =
,
R
and solving for the magnitude of the charge gives

| Q |=

mv
2 p 2 ( 0 .01 kgm / s )
=
=
= 40 mC ,
RB
dB
( 0 .5 m )(1T )

where I used p = mv and d = 2R. We know that the sign of the charge must
be negative since the particle moves to the left.

Solutions

Chapter 29

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R. D. Field

Problem 7:
A charged particle traveling in the y-direction
B-out
enters a region of space that has a uniform 2
R
Tesla magnetic field in the z-direction as
shown in the Figure. If the particle has a
charge of 0.1 C and a mass of 0.2 kg how long
v
(in seconds) does it take for the particle to
reverse direction and exit the region?
Answer:
3.1
Solution: The radius of the circular path followed by the charged particle
calculated by setting the force equal to the mass times the centripetal
acceleration as follows,

mv
mv 2
QvB =
, and solving for the radius gives R =
.
QB
R
The time is given by the distance traveled divided by the speed as follows:

t=

R m
( 0 .2 kg )
=
=
= 3 .14 s .
v
QB
( 0 . 1C )( 2T )

Problem 8:

y-axis

Particle #1 and particle #2 travel along the

y-axis and enter a region of space that has a
B-out
uniform 2 Tesla magnetic field in the zdirection as shown in the Figure. Both
x-axis
particles have the same charge, Q=0.1 C,
2
1
and both have the same speed, v = 10 m/s.
x
v
If the particles are a distance x = x2-x1 =
0.3 meters apart when they exit the region,
what is the difference in their mass, M = M2-M1 (in grams)?
Answer: 3
Solution: The radius of the circular path followed by a charged particle is
calculated by setting the force equal to the mass times the centripetal
acceleration as follows,

Mv
Mv 2
QvB =
, and solving for the radius gives R =
.
QB
R
Thus,
Solutions

Chapter 29

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R. D. Field

M = M 2 M 1 =

QB
QB
x
( R 2 R1 ) =
v
2v

( 0 .1C )( 2T )
( 0 .3 m ) = 3 g
2 (10 m / s )
where I used x = x 2 x1 = 2 R 2 2 R1 = 2 R .
=

Problem 9:

z-axis

v
A circular loop of wire of radius R = 1 m is carrying a
current of 2 Amps as shown in the Figure, A particle
with charge Q = 3x10-3 C is on the axis of the loop
d
(z-axis) a distance of d = 0.5 meters away from the loop
and is moving with a speed of 2x106 m/s along the x-axis
R
(i.e. perpendicular to the axis of the loop). What is the
I
magnitude of the magnetic force (in milliN) on the
particle due to the loop?
Answer: 5.4
Solution: The magnetic field on the z-axis of the loop a distance d = 0.5
meters from the loop is

2 kI R 2
( 2 10 7 Tm / A )( 2 A ) (1m ) 2
7
8
99
10
.
Bz = 2
T.
=

/
3
2
2 3/ 2 =
2
2
(z + R )
(( 0.5m) + (1m) )
The magnitude of the magnetic force on the particle is

r
F = QvB = ( 3 10 3 C )( 2 10 6 m / s )( 8.99 10 7 T ) 5.4 mN .

Solutions

Chapter 29

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Chapter 30 Solutions
I

Problem 1:

d
P

The bent wire carries current I, as

shown the Figure. What is the
magnetic field at point P, at distance d
B
o
directly opposite the 90 bend
(k = 0/4)?
Answer: kI/d, out of page
v
d
l
r = 0 and wire B
Solution: Wire A does not contribute at P since
(semi-infinite wire) contributes kI/d (one half of 2kI/d).

Problem 2:
Two semi-infinite straight pieces of
wire are connected by a circular
loop segment of radius R as shown
I
30o
in the Figure. If extrapolated to
their intersection point straight wires
would form a 30o angle. If the wires carry a current I, what is the
magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of the circular arc (k = 0/4)?
Answer: 4.62kI/R
Solution: The magnetic field at the center of the circular loop segment is
the superposition of three terms as follows:

kI kI 150 o
Bz =
+
+
R
R 180 o

Solutions

kI
kI
kI

= ( 2 + 2 .62 )
= 4 . 62
R
R .
R

Chapter 30

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Problem 3:
Three concentric current loops have radii
R, 2R, and 3R, as shown in the Figure.
The loop with radius 2R carries a current
of 2I and the loop with radius 3R carries a
3R
current of 3I in the same direction
R
2R
(counter-clockwise). If the net magnetic
field at the center of the three loops is zero,
what is the magnitude and direction of the
current in the loop with radius R?
Answer: 2I, clockwise
Solution: If we define the z-axis to be out of the paper then the net
magnetic field at the center of the three circles is given by

Bz =

3I

2I

2 kI 1 2 k ( 2 I ) 2 k ( 3 I )
+
+
= 0,
2R
3R
R

where I1 is the current (clockwise) in the smallest loop. Solving for I1 gives
I1 = 2I.

Problem 4:
Two semi-infinite straight pieces of wire
are connected by a circular loop segment
of radius R as shown in the Figure. If the
I
two straight pieces of wire are
perpendicular to each other and if the
circuit carries a current I, what is the
I
magnitude of the magnetic field at the
center of the circular arc (k = 0/4)?
Answer: 6.71kI/R
Solution: If we define the z-axis to be out of the paper then the net
magnetic field at the center of the circular arc is given by

Bz =

Solutions

3 kI
kI kI 3 kI
kI
+
+
= 2 +
= 6 .71 .

2 R
2 R
R
R
R

Chapter 30

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R. D. Field

Problem 5:

2
An infinitely long straight wire
carries a current I1, and a wire loop
R
of radius R carries a current I2 as
shown in the Figure. If I1 = 4I2,
y
and if the net magnetic field at the
center of the circular loop is zero,
how far is the center of the loop
I1
from the straight wire?
Answer: 1.27R
Solution: Setting magnitudes of the magnetic field from the loop and wire
equal to each other yields

2 kI 1 2 kI 2
=
.
y
R

Solving for y gives

y=

I1
4
R = R = 1 . 27 R .
I 2

Problem 6:

I-out 1

I-in 4

Four infinitely long parallel wires each carrying

a current I form the corners of square with sides
2
of length L as shown in the Figure. If three of
1
4
the wire carry the current I in the same direction L
(out of the page) and one of the wires carries
3
the current I in the opposite direction (into the
page), what is the net magnetic field at the
I-out 2
I-out 3
L
center of the square (k = 0/4)?
Answer: 5.7kI/L
Solution: From the Figure that the magnetic fields from wires 1 and 3
cancel and the magnetic fields from wires 2 and 4 add. Thus, the net
magnetic field is given by

B=2

Solutions

2 kI
kI
kI
=4 2
= 5 .67
.
L
L
L/ 2

Chapter 30

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R. D. Field

Problem 7:
Two infinitely long parallel wires are a
distance d apart and carry equal parallel
currents I in the same direction as shown the
Figure. If the wires are located on the y-axis
at y = d/2 and y = -d/2, what is the distance x
to the point P on the positive x-axis where the
magnitude of the magnetic field is maximum?
Answer:
d/2
Solution: The magnetic field at the point P
is the vector superposition of the magnetic
field from each of the two wires as follows:

y-axis
I-out

x-axis

I-out

r
2 kI
(cos x + sin y )
B1 =
r
r
2 kI
( cos x + sin y )
B2 =
r
where r2 = x2 +(d/2)2. Hence, the net magnetic field is in the positive y
direction with magnitude

By =

4 kI
4 kIx
4 kIx
sin = 2 = 2
,
r
r
( x + (d / 2) 2 )

where I used sin

= x/r. To find the point where B is maximum we take the
derivative as follows,

2x2
1
= 0,
+
= 4 kI 2
2 2
2
2
dx
x
d
x
d
(
(
/
2
)
)
(
(
/
2
)
)
+
+

dB y

which implies that

2 x 2 + x 2 + ( d / 2 ) 2 = 0 and x = d / 2 .

Solutions

Chapter 30

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R. D. Field

Problem 8:
Two infinitely long parallel wires are
a distance d apart and carry equal
antiparallel currents I as shown in the
Figure. If the wires are located on the
y-axis at y=+d/2 and y=-d/2, what is
the magnitude of the magnetic field at
a point x on the x-axis (assume that x
>> d and let k = 0/4)?

y-axis
I-out

x-axis

Answer: 2kId/x2
I-in
Solution: The magnetic field at the
point P is the vector superposition of the magnetic field from each of the
two wires as follows:

r
2 kI
(cos x + sin y )
B1 =
r
r
2 kI
(cos x sin y )
B2 =
r
where r2 = x2 +(d/2)2. Hence, the net magnetic field is in the positive x
direction with magnitude

Bx =

4 kI
2 kId
2 kId
2 kId
=

cos =
,
r
r2
( x 2 + (d / 2) 2 )
x2

where I used cos

= d/(2r).

Problem 9:

y-axis

Two infinitely long parallel wires are a

distance d apart and carry equal antiparallel
currents I as shown in the Figure. If the
wires are located on the y-axis at y = 0 and
y = d, what is the magnitude of the magnetic
field at the point x = d on the x-axis?

2kI / d
Answer:
Solution: The magnetic field at P is the
superposition of the fields from each wire as
follows:
Solutions

Chapter 30

I-out

B1
P

I-in

45 o
x-axis

x=d

B2

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

2 kI 1
1

x$ +
y$

2d
2
2
r
2 kI
B2 =
y$
d
r
r
kI
= B1 + B2 =
( x$ y$ )
d

r
B1 =

r
B to t

with Btot =

2 kI / d .
I1

Problem 10:

I
A single infinitely long
straight piece of wire carrying
R
a current I is split and bent so
I2
that it includes two half
circular loops of radius R, as
shown in the Figure. If current I1 goes through the top loop and current I2
through the lower loop (with I = I1+I2) and if I2 = 2I1 what is the
magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of the circle (k = 0/4)?
kI /( 3 R )
Answer:
Solution: The magnetic field at the center of the loop is

Bz =

kI 2 kI 1 k ( I 2 I 1 ) kI

=
=
,
R
R
R
3R

where I used I1 = I/3 and I2 = 2I/3.

Problem 11:

I1

A single infinitely long

I
straight piece of wire
R
carrying a current I is split
and bent so that it includes
I-I1
two half circular loops of
radius R, as shown in the Figure. If current I1 goes through the top loop
(and I-I1 through the lower loop) and if the magnetic field at the center of

the loops is B = kI / (2 R ) z$ where the z-axis is out of the paper, what is

the current I1?
Solutions

Chapter 30

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R. D. Field

Answer: I/4
Solution: The magnetic field at the center of the loops is

Bz =

k ( I I 1 ) kI 1 k ( I 2 I 1 ) kI

=
=
R
R
R
2R .

Hence,

I 2 I1 =

I
2

I1 =

I
4.

Problem 12:
Three coaxial current loops of radius R
I
I
each carrry a current I as shown in the
I
Figure. The center loop carries the
z-axis
R
R
current in the opposite direction from
R
R
R
the outer two loops. If the centers of
1
2
3
the current loops are a distance R apart
what is the magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of the middle
current loop (k = 0/4)?
Answer:
1.84kI/R
Solution: The magnetic field at the center of the middle loop is the
superposition of the magnetic fields from each of the three loops as follows:

r
B1 =

2 kIR 2
kI

z
z
=

( R 2 + R 2 )3 / 2
R 2
r
2 kI
B2 =
z
R
r
2 kIR 2
kI

z
B3 = 2
z
=

2 3/2
(R + R )
R 2
The net magnetic field is given by

Bz =

Solutions

kI
R

kI
1
1

2
= 1 . 84
R .
2
2

Chapter 30

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R. D. Field

Problem 13:

Three infinitely long parallel

d
P
straight wires lie in the xy-plane as
shown in the Figure. The middle
I
y
wire carres a current I to the left
d
x
while the top and bottom wires each
I
carry a current I to the right. If the
wires are a distance d apart, what is
the magnitude of the magnetic field at the midpoint P between the top and
middle wire (k = 0/4)?
Answer:
6.67kI/d
Solution: The magnetic field at midpoint P between the top and middle
wire is the superposition of the magnetic fields from each of the three wires
as follows:

r
2 kI
4 kI
Btop =
z =
z
d /2
d
r
2 kI
4 kI
B midddle =
z =
z
d /2
d
r
2 kI
4 kI
Bbottom =
z =
z
3d / 2
3d
The net magnetic field is given by

Bz =

2 kI
d

kI
2

2 + 2 = 6 . 67
.
d
3

Problem 14:
In the previous problem, what is the y-component of the force per unit
length exerted on the top wire due to the other two wires (k = 0/4)?
Answer:
kI2/d
Solution: The magnetic field at the top wire due to the other two wires is
given by

r
kI
2 kI
1
z
B=
1 z =
d
d
2
and the force on a length L of the top wire due to this magnetic field is
Solutions

Chapter 30

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R. D. Field

r
r r kI 2 L
F = IL B =
y .
d
The y-component of the force per unit length is thus, Fy/L = kI2/d.

Problem 15:
The Figure shows the cross section of a solid
cylindrical conductor with radius R. The
conductor is carrying a uniformly distributed
current I (out of page). Find the magnitude of the
magnetic field, B, inside the conductor a distance
r = R/4 from the center (k = 0/4).
Answer:
kI/(2R)
Solution: If we draw a loop at radius r
(r < R), then Ampere's Law tells us that

I-out
r
R

r r
B dl = 2 rB ( r ) = 0 I enclosed , with I enclosed = r 2 J and

Loop

I tot = R 2 J , where J is the (uniform) current density. Hence,

2 kI enclosed
2 krI tot
B (r ) =
=
.
r
R2
Plugging in r = R/4 gives B = kI/(2R).

Problem 16:

Itot

The Figure shows the cross section of a solid cylindrical

conductor with radius 0.2 m. The conductor is carrying
r
a uniformly distributed current I (out of page). If the
R = 0.2m
magnitude of the magnetic field inside the conductor a
distance 0.1 m from the center is 0.1 microTesla, what
is the total currrent, I, carried by the cylindrical conductor (in Amps)?
Answer:
0.2
Solution: If we draw a loop at radius r (r < R), then Ampere's Law tells
us that

Solutions

Chapter 30

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

r r
B dl = 2 rB ( r ) = 0 I enclosed , with I enclosed = r 2 J and

Loop

I tot = R 2 J , where J is the (uniform) current density. Hence,

2 krI tot
kI tot
B (r ) =
(
/
2
)
B
R
=
and
.
R2
R
Solving for Itot gives

I tot

RB ( R / 2 ) ( 0 .2 m )( 0 .1 10 6 T )
=
=
= 0 .2 A .
k
1 10 7 Tm / A
y

Problem 17:
An infinite conducting sheet of
thickness T lies in the xz-plane
and carries a uniformly

r
distributed current density J in

J
B
T

B
L

the z direction as shown in the

z
Figure. What is the magnitude
and direction of the magnetic field at distance d above the sheet (in the +y
direction, k = 0/4)?

Answer: + 0.5 0 JTx

Solution: If we draw an Amperian loop (square with sides of length L),
then Ampere's Law tells us that

r r
B d l = 2 LB = 0 I enclosed = 0 JTL .

Loop

Solving for B gives

r
B = 0 .5 0 JT x .

Problem 18:

J-out

A long straight cylindrical wire with radius R (see the

Figure) is carrying a non-uniform current density which
points along the axis of the wire and has a magnitude, J(r)
= a/r, where a is a constant and r is the distance from the
center axis of the wire. What is the magnitude of the
Solutions

Chapter 30

r
R

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R. D. Field

magnetic field inside the wire a distance r from the center (0 < r < R)?
Answer: 0a
Solution: If we draw a loop at radius r (r < R), then Ampere's Law tells us
that

r r
B dl = 2 rB ( r ) = 0 I enclosed ,

Loop

with

I enclosed

r r r a
= J d A = 2 rdr = 2 ar .
r
0

Hence,

B (r ) =

0 I enclosed
= 0a .
2 r

Problem 19:
The Figure shows the cross section of a solid
cylindrical conductor with radius 3R with a
cylindrical hole of radius R. The conductor is
carrying a uniformly distributed current I (out of
page). Find the magnitude of the magnetic field, B,
at a distance r = 2R from the center.
Answer: 3kI/(8R)
Solution: If we draw a loop at radius r
(R < r < 3R), then Ampere's Law tells us that

I-out

r
3R

r r
B dl = 2 rB ( r ) = 0 I enclosed , with I enclosed = ( r 2 R 2 ) J

Loop
2
2
2
and I tot = ( ( 3 R ) R ) J = 8 R J , where J is the (uniform)
current density. Hence,

2 kI enclosed
2 k ( r 2 R 2 ) I tot
=
B (r ) =
.
8 rR 2
r
Plugging in r = 2R gives B = 3kI/(8R).

Solutions

Chapter 30

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R. D. Field

Chapter 31 Solutions
Problem 1:
A long straight wire carries current I. Nearby
and lying in the same plane is a circular loop, as
shown in the Figure. If the loop is moved
toward the wire, what will be the direction of the
I
current induced in the loop (if any) and what
will be the direction of any electromagnetic
force exerted on the loop?
Answer: counterclockwise; away from the wire
Solution: Pushing the wire loop toward the current carrying wire causes
the magnetic flux to increase in the loop and thus the induced current will
flow in a counterclockwise direction so that the induced magnetic field
will be up (opposite to the increasing downward external magnetic field).
The force on the loop is in a direction that opposes the push (i.e. away from
the straight wire).

Problem 2:
A magnetic field given by B(t) = at+b with a = 1 T/s and b = -1 T is
directed perpendicular to the plane of a circular coil of 10 turns and radius
0.2 m. If the coil's total resistance is 1.58 Ohms, how much power (in
Watts) is dissipated at time t = 1 s?
Answer:
1
and from
Solution: The magnetic flux through the loop is B = NB
Faraday's Law we have,

d B
dB
= NA
= NAa .
dt
dt

At t = 1 second (actually at any time t) this gives

I =

NAa
=
,
R
R

and power

N 2 A2a 2
(100 ) 2 ( 0 .2 ) 4 (1T / s ) 2
=
= 1W .
P=I R=
R
1 .58
2

Solutions

Chapter 31

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R. D. Field

Problem 3:
A 25-turn coil of resistance 3 Ohms has area of 8 cm2. Its plane is
perpendicular to a magnetic field given by B(t) = 0.4t - 0.3t2 (where B is in
Tesla and t is in seconds). What is the induced current in the coil (in
milliA) at t = 1 second?
Answer: 1.33
and from
Solution: The magnetic flux through the loop is B = NB
Faraday's Law we have,

d B
dB
= NA
= NA ( 0 .4 0 .6 t ) .
dt
dt

At t = 1 second this gives

NA ( 0 . 2T / s ) 25 (8 10 4 A )( 0 . 2T / s )
=
=
= 1 .33 mA .
I =
R
3
3

Problem 4:
A uniform time dependent magnetic field given by B(t) = at2 with a = 0.3
T/s2 is directed perpendicular to the plane of a square wire loop with sides
of length 0.5 m. If the total resistance of the square wire is 0.4 Ohms, how
much total energy (in Joules) is dissipated by heat in the wire during the
time from t = 0 to t = 10 seconds?
Answer: 18.8
Solution: The magnetic flux through the loop is B = BA = BL2 and from
Faraday's Law we have,

d B
dB
= L2
= 2atL 2 .
dt
dt

The induced current in the wire is, I = ||/R = 2atL2/R, and the power
dissipated by heat in the wire is P = dU/dt = I2R = 4a2t2L4/R. Hence,
10 s

U =

10 s

Pdt =

4 a 2 t 2 L4
4 a 2 (10 s ) 3 L4
dt =
R
3R

2 2

4 ( 0 .3T / s ) (10 s ) 3 ( 0 .5 m ) 4
=
= 18 .75 J

3( 0 .4 )

Solutions

Chapter 31

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R. D. Field

Problem 5:
A single wire square loop with area A = 100
cm2 rotates with a constant angular velocity in

B
Square
Loop

the magnetic field of the earth (about 100

microT). The axis of rotation goes through
Axis
one side of the square loop (in the plane of the
loop) and is perpendicular to the magnetic field as shown in the Figure. If
the period of the rotation is one second, what is the
maximum EMF generated in the loop (microV)?
Answer:
6.3
B
Solution: The magnetic flux through the loop is B =
B
cos
and from Faraday's Law we have,

d B
d cos
= BA
= BA sin ,
dt
dt

Axis

where = d
/dt is the angular velocity. The
maximum EMF occurs when sin
= 1 and is given by

2 BA
T
2 (100 10 6 T )(100 10 4 m )
=
= 6 .28 V
1s

max = BA =

where I used = 2
/T.

Problem 6:
B
How will the answer in the previous problem
change if one moves the axis of rotation of the
loop from the side to the center of the loop (in
the plane of the loop) as shown in the Figure?
Answer: no change
Solution: The magnetic flux through the loop
is still given by B = B
cos
and the induced EMF
is,

d B
d cos
= BA
= BA sin ,
dt
dt

where = d
/dt is the angular velocity. The
Solutions

Chapter 31

Square
Loop

Axis

Axis
Page 3 of 12

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R. D. Field

maximum EMF occurs when sin

= 1 and is the same as in the previous
problem.

Problem 7:
A moveable (massless and frictionless) bar is
being moved at a constant velocity of 3 m/s
B-out
from left to right along two conducting rails
as shown in the Figure. The two conducting
v
rails make an angle of 45o with each other
o
45
and together with the moving bar form a
x
right triangle. If the system is immersed in a
uniform magnetic field (out of the paper) with magnitude B = 0.5 Tesla and
if the bar was at x = 0 at t = 0, what is the magnitude of the induced EMF in
the right triangle (in Volts) at t = 2 seconds?
Answer: 9
Solution: The magnetic flux through the right triangle is

B = BA =

1 2
1
x B = v 2t 2 B
2
2

where I used A = x2/2 and x = vt. Now from Faraday's Law we have,

| |=

d B
= v 2 tB = (3 m / s ) 2 ( 2 s )( 0 .5T ) = 9V .
dt

Problem 8:
A wire circular loop with a resistance per
unit length of 0.5 Ohms/meter is placed in
r = vt
a uniform magnetic field given by
r
B = B0 z , with B0 = 2 Tesla, as shown in
the Figure (z is out of the paper). If the
radius of the circular loop is increasing at a
constant rate given by r(t) = vt with v = 0.5
m/s, what is the magnitude of the induced EMF (in Volts) at t = 10
seconds?
Answer: 31.4

Solutions

Chapter 31

B-out

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R. D. Field

Solution: If I choose my orientation to be counterclockwise then the

magnetic flux through the loop is B = B0r2 = B0v2t2 and from
Faraday's Law we have,

d B
= 2 B 0 v 2 t ,
dt

and

| |= 2 B 0 v 2 t = 2 ( 2T )( 0 .5 m / s ) 2 (10 s ) = 31 . 4V .

Problem 9:
In the presious problem, what is the magnitude (in Amps) and direction of
the induced current in the loop at t = 10 seconds?
Answer: 2, clockwise
Solution: The magnitude of the induced current is

I =

| |
2 B 0 rv
( 2T )( 0 . 5 m / s )
=
=
= 2A .
R
2 r ( 0 .5 / m )
0 .5 / m

The direction of the current is clockwise (opposite my orientation).

Problem 10:
A moveable (massless and frictionless) bar with
a length of L = 1 meter is being moved at a
R = 5 L
constant velocity of 10 m/s from left to right
v
along two conducting rails by an external force,
F, as shown in the Figure. If the system is
immersed in a uniform magnetic field (out of the
x
paper) with magnitude B=2 T, what is the
induced current (in Amps) in the 5 Ohm resistor?
Answer: 4
Solution: If I choose my orientation to be counterclockwise then the
magnetic flux through the loop is B = B
= BxL=
=Lvt
and from
=
d B
= B Lv and hence,
Faraday's Law we have, =
dt

( 2 T )( 1 m )( 1 0 m / s )
BLv
I =
=
=
= 4A.
5
R
R
Solutions

Chapter 31

B-out

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Problem 11:
A moveable (massless and frictionless)
F
B-out
conducting rod is pulled by an external
r = 0.5 m
force so that it rotates with a constant
angular velocity along a semicircular loop
of wire with radius of r = 0.5 m as shown

in the Figure. The rotating rod is

connected at the center of the semicircular
loop to a stationary rod that is also in
contact with the semicircular loop. If the
entire system is placed in a uniform 2 Tesla magnetic field (out of the
page), and if it takes 1 second for the angle between the two rods to go
from = 0 to = 90o, what is the magnitude of the induced emf (in Volts)
in the circuit?
Answer: 0.4
Solution: If I choose my orientation to be counterclockwise then the
magnetic flux through the circuit is

B =

1
R 2 B ,
2

and Faraday's Law implies,

d B
1
d
= R 2 B , where =
.
dt
2
dt

Plugging in the numbers yields,

| |=

1
1 /2
2
R 2 B =
( 0 .5 m ) 2T = 0 .39 V ,
2
2 1s

where I used = (
/2)/1s.

Solutions

Chapter 31

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R. D. Field

C
R

Problem 12:
A current I flows through a resistor with R=25 k
, a capacitor with C=4
milliF, and an inductor with L=7 Henry as shown in the Figure. At a time
when Q=8 milliC and the current I=0.2 milliAmps and is changing at a rate
dI/dt=1.0 A/s, what is the potential difference VB-VA (inVolts)?
Answer: -14
Solution: Moving in the direction of the current flow we have
V B V A = IR

Q
dI
L
,
C
dt

and

IR = (0.2 10 3 A)( 25 10 3 ) = 5V
Q 8mC
=
= 2V
C 4mF
dI
= (7 H )(1A / s ) = 7V
L
dt
Thus, VB-VA = -5V -2V -7V = -14V.
L1

L2

Problem 13:
A current I flows through a resistor with R = 333 , and two inductors in
parallel with L1 = 2 Henry and L2 = 4 Henry as shown in the Figure. At a
time when the current I = 1.0 milliAmps and is changing at a rate dI/dt =
-1.0 A/s, what is the potential difference VB-VA (in Volts)?
Answer: 1
Solution: Moving in the direction of the current flow we have
Solutions

Chapter 31

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

V B V A = IR L eff

dI
,
dt

where

1
1
1
1
1
3
=
+
=
+
=
L eff
L1
L2
2H
4H
4H ,
since for inductors in parallel you add the inverses.
Thus, Leff = 1.33 H and

IR = (1 10 3 A)(333 ) = 0.333V
dI
Leff
= (1.33 H )( 1A / s ) = 1.33V
dt
so that, VB-VA = -0.333V +1.33V = 1V.

Problem 14:
What is the magnitude of the uniform magnetic field (in Tesla) that contains
as much energy per unit volume as a uniform 3,000 V/m electric field?
Answer: 1x10-5
Solution: Setting the magnetic field energy density equal to the electric
field energy density yields

uB =

1
1
B 2 = uE = 0E 2
20
2

and solving for B gives

B=

0 0 E =

E
3, 000 V / m
=
= 1 10 5 T .
8
c
3 10 m / s
L1
C

B
Q
L2

Problem 15:
A current I flows through a resistor with R = 2 , a capacitor with C = 3
milliF, and and two inductors in parallel (L1 = 1 milliHenry and L2 = 3
milliHenry) as shown in the Figure. At a time when Q = 0.6 microC and

Solutions

Chapter 31

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

the current I = 0.2 milliAmps and is decreasing at a rate of 0.8 Amps/s,

what is the potential difference VB-VA (milliVolts)?
Answer: zero
Solution: Moving in the direction of the current flow we have
V B V A = IR

Q
dI
L eff
,
C
dt

where
1
L eff

1
1
+
L1
L2

or L eff =

L1 L 2
(1 mH )( 3 mH )
3
=
=
mH
L1 + L 2
1 mH + 3 mH
4

and

IR = (0.2mA)( 2 ) = 0.4mV
Q
0 .6 C
=
= 0.2mV
C
3mF
dI
3
Leff
= mH ( 0.8 A / s ) = +0.6 mV
dt
4
Thus, VB-VA = -0.4 mV 0.2 mV + 0.6 mV = 0.

Problem 16:
In an LR circuit where L = 120 milliH and R= 15 ohms, if the switch is
closed at t = 0 how long (in milli-seconds) does it take for the current to
reach 75% of its final value?
Answer:
11.1
Solution: The current is given by

I (t ) =

(
1 e t / ) = I max (1 e t / )
R

and thus

e t / = 1 I / I max
and solving for t gives

t = ln (1 I / I max ) = (8 ms ) ln (1 0 . 75 ) = 11 . 1ms ,

where I have used = L/R = 8ms.

Solutions

Chapter 31

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R. D. Field

Problem 17:
In an LR circuit where L = 120 milliH and R = 15 ohms, if the switch is
closed at t = 0 how long (in milli-seconds) does it take for the stored
energy in the inductor to reach 50% of its maximum value?
Answer: 5.5
Solution: The current and the stored energy are given by

I (t ) =
U (t ) =

(
1 e t / )
R

1
LI 2 = U max 1 e t /
2

and thus

e t / = 1 U / U max
and solving for t gives

t = ln 1 U / U max = (8 ms ) ln 1 0 . 5 = 9 .8 ms ,
where I have used = L/R = 8ms.

Problem 18:
I
I1
Consider the LR circuit shown in the
Figure which consists of two equal
L
EMF
inductors, L, and two equal resistors, R,
and an EMF. If L = 4 milliHenry and R=
R
2 milliOhms and if the switch is closed at
t = 0, how long (in seconds) does it take
for the total current in the circuit to reach 90% of its final value?
Answer:
4.6
Solution: Using the Loop Rule for circuits we see that

I2
L

dI 1
I1 R = 0
dt
dI
L 2 I2R = 0
dt

and adding these two equations yields

2 L

Solutions

dI
IR = 0 ,
dt

Chapter 31

Page 10 of 12

PHY2049

R. D. Field

where the total current I = I1 + I2. The above equation for I is equivalent to
the following

Leff

dI
IR eff = 0 ,
dt

where Leff = L/2 and Reff = R/2 and we know the solution is given by

I ( t ) = I max (1 e t / ) =

1 e t / ),
(
R eff

) = 2 s. Solving for the time gives

with t = Leff/Reff = L/R = (4 mH)/(2 m

t = ln (1 I ( t ) / I max )

= ( 2 s ) ln(1 0 .9 ) = 4 .605 s

Problem 19:

Consider the LR circuit shown in the

Figure which consists a 8 Volt EMF,
an inductor, L = 4 H, and two
8V
resistors. If the switch is closed at
R1 = 2
I1
t = 0, when (in seconds) is the current
through the 2 resistor equal to 1
R2 = 4
Amp?
I2
Answer: 0.86
Solution: The total current in the circuit, I = I1 + I2, is given by

I ( t ) = I max (1 e t / ) =

L = 4H

1 e t / ),
(
R eff

where = L/Reff and

1
1
1
( 2 )( 4 ) 4
R1 R 2
=
+
R
=
=
= .
eff
Reff
R1 R 2 or
6
3
R1 + R 2

The current I1 is given by

I 1 (t ) =

R2

I (t ) =
1 e t / ),
(
R1 + R 2
R1

and solving for t yields

Solutions

Chapter 31

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

RI
( 2 )(1 A )

4H
t = ln 1 1 1 =
ln 1

V
4
/
3
8

= ( 3 s ) ln 1 = ( 3 s ) ln( 0 .75 ) = 0 .863 s

4

Solutions

Chapter 31

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R. D. Field

Chapter 32 Solutions
Problem 1:
A parallel-plate capacitor whose plates have radius R is being charged by a
current I. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field (in Tesla) between
the plates a distance r = R/2 from the center?
Answer: kI/R
Solution: We know from Ampere's Law (with J = 0 inside the capacitor)
that

r r
d E
B dl = 0 0
dt .

r2 and
If I choose a loop of radius r within the capacitor then E = E

2 rB ( r ) = 0 0 r 2

I
dE
= 0 0 r 2
2
dt
0 R

where I have used E = Q/(0A), A = R2, and I = dQ/dt. Solving for B

gives

B (r ) =

2 kIr
,
R2

which for r = R/2 becomes B = kI/R.

Problem 2:

A parallel-plate capacitor whose plates have radius r is

being charged through a resistor R by an EMF as shown
C
in the Figure. If the switch is closed at t = 0, what is the
maximum magnitude of the magnetic field between the
plates of the capacitor a distance r/2 from the center? (Note: k = 0/4)
Answer: k/(rR)
Solution: We know from Ampere's Law (with J = 0 inside the capacitor)
that
R

Solutions

r r
d E
B dl = 0 0
dt .
Chapter 32

Page 1 of 5

PHY2049

R. D. Field

ra2 and
If I choose a loop of radius ra within the capacitor then E = E

2 ra B ( ra ) = 0 0 ra2

I
dE
= 0 0 ra2
2
dt
0 r

where I have used E = Q/(0A), A = r2, and I = dQ/dt. The maximum

magnetic field occurs when the current is maximum and solving for Bmax at
ra = r/2 gives

B max =

kI max
k
=
,
r
rR

where I used Imax = /R (which occurs at t = 0).

Problem 3:
The potential difference, VC, across a 3 Farad parallel-plate capacitor
whose plates have radius R = 2 cm varies with time and is given by VC(t) =
at, with a = 10 V/s. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field (in
microT) between the plates of the capacitor a distance R from the center?
Answer: 300
Solution: We know from Ampere's Law (with J = 0 inside the capacitor)
that

r r
d E
B dl = 0 0
dt .

R2 and
If I choose a loop of radius R within the capacitor then E = E

2 RB ( R ) = 0 0 R 2

I
dE
= 0 0 R 2
2
dt
0 R

where I have used E = Q/(0A), A = R2, and I = dQ/dt. Solving for B

gives

2 k dQ
2 k dV
=
C
R dt
R
dt
2 (10 7 Tm / A )( 3 F )(10 V / s )
=
= 300 V
2 10 2 m
B(R) =

where I used Q = CV which implies that dQ/dt = C dV/dt with dV/dt = a.

Solutions

Chapter 32

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R. D. Field

Problem 4:
A 2 milliFarad parallel-plate capacitor whose plates are circular with radius
R = 0.5 cm is connected to an EMF-source that increases uniformly with
time at a rate of 150 V/s. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field (in
microTesla) between the plates of the capacitor a distance r = R from the
center?
Answer: 12
Solution: We know from Ampere's Law (with J = 0 inside the capacitor)
that

r r
d E
B dl = 0 0
dt .

If I choose a loop of radius R around the capacitor then E = E

R2 and the
potential difference across the capacitor is V = Ed, where d is the seperation
of the plates. Hence,

2 RB ( R ) = 0 0 R 2

dE
dV
1 dV
= 0 0 R 2
= 0C
,
dt
dt
d dt

where I have used C = 0A/d with A = R2. Solving for B gives

2 k dV
C
R
dt
.
2 (10 7 Tm / A )( 2 10 3 F )(150 V / s )
12
T
=
=

0 . 5 10 2 m
B=

Problem 5:
Consider the situation illustrated in the figure. A
uniform electric field points in the z direction (out
z-out
of the paper) with a value given by Ez(t)=a - bt,
where a = 18 V/m and b = 9 V/(m s) and is
confined to a circular area with a radius R = 4
meters. What is the magnitude and direction of
the magnetic field (in picoTesla) at a point P on
the circumference of the circle at the time t = 2
seconds?
Answer: 2x10-4, clockwise
Solution: We know from Ampere's Law (with J = 0) that
Solutions

Chapter 32

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

r r
d E
B dl = 0 0
dt .

If I choose my orientation to by counter-clockwise then E = E

r2 and

dE
r 2b
2 rB ( r ) = 0 0 r
= 2 ,
dt
c
2

and solving for B gives

B (r ) =

rb
( 4 m )( 9V / ms )
=
= 2 10 4 pT .
2
8
2
2c
2 ( 3 10 m / s )

Since B is negative it points opposite the direction of my orientation

(clockwise).

Problem 6:
z-out
Consider the situation illustrated in the Figure. A
uniform electric field points in the z direction (out of the
paper) with a value given by Ez(t) =Asin
t, where A =
R
90 V/m and =1,000 radians/sec and is confined to a
circular area with a radius R = 2 meters. What is the
maximum magnitude of the magnetic field (in picoTesla) at a point P on the
circumference of the circle?
Answer: 1
Solution: We know from Ampere's Law (with J = 0) that

r r
d E
B dl = 0 0
dt .

If I choose my orientation to by counter-clockwise then E = E

R2 and

2 RB ( R ) = 0 0 R 2
and solving for B gives

B(R) =
and hence

B max =

Solutions

dE
= 0 0 R 2 A cos( t ) ,
dt
RA
cos( t ) ,
2c 2

RA
( 2 m )( 90V / m )(1,000 / s )
=
= 1 pT .
2c 2
2 ( 3 10 8 m / s ) 2

Chapter 32

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Problem 7:
Consider the situation illustrated in the Figure. A
uniform electric field points in the z-direction (out
z-out
of the paper) with a value given by Ez(t) = at, and a
uniform magnetic field points in the z-direction with
P
a value given by Bz(t) = bt. Both fields are confined
R
to a circular region with a radius R. If a = 1 V/(m s)
and b = 1 T/s and if the magnitude of the induced
electric field at the point P on the circumference of the circle at the time t =
2 seconds is 9,000 V/m, what is the magnitude induced magnetic field (in
picoTesla) at the point P at the time t = 2 seconds?
Answer: 0.1
Solution: We know from Ampere's Law (with Ienclosed = 0) that

r r
d E
B dl = 0 0
dt .

R2 and
If I choose my orientation to by counter-clockwise then E = E

dE
R 2 a
2 RB ( R ) = 0 0 R
=
,
dt
c2
2

and solving for the induced magnetic field B gives

B(R) =

Ra
.
2c 2

Now from Faraday's Law we know that

r r
d B
E
d
l

dt

R2 and
If I choose my orientation to by counter-clockwise then B = B

2 RE ( R ) = R 2

dB
= R 2 b ,
dt

and solving for the magnitude of the induced electric field E gives

E (R) =

Rb
.
2

Thus,

B(R) =

Solutions

aE ( R ) (1V / ms )( 9 ,000 V / m )
=
= 0 .1 pT .
bc 2
(1T / s )( 3 10 8 m / s ) 2

Chapter 32

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Chapter 33 Solutions
Problem 1:
If the total energy in an LC circuit is 5.0 microJoules and L=25 milliH,
then what is the maximum current (in milliA)?
Answer: 20
Solution: The maximum stored energy in the inductor is

U max =

1
2
LI max
2

and solving for Imax yields

I max =

2U max
=
L

2 (5 J )
= 20 mA
25 mH
.

Problem 2:
A 10 microF capacitor with an initial charge Q0 is connected across an 8
milliH inductor. If the circuit is completed at time t = 0, how soon (in
millisec) afterward will the charge on the capacitor reverse sign and become
equal to -Q0?
Answer: 0.89
Solution: For this LC circuit Q = Q0cos(
t) which is equal to Q0 when
t = so that

t=

LC = (8 mH )(10 F ) = 0 . 89 ms .

Problem 3:
A charged capacitor is connected across an inductor to form an LC circuit.
When the charge on the capacitor is 0.1 C the current is 0.5 Amps. If it the
period of the LC oscillations is 2 seconds what is the maximum charge on
the capacitor (in C)?
Answer: 0.19
Solution: We know that at some time (say t = 0) that Q0 = 0.1 C and I0 =
0.5 A. Energy is consrved in an LC circuit which implies that at any other
time t,
Solutions

Chapter 33

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R. D. Field

Q2 1
Q 02 1
2
+ LI =
+ LI 02 .
2C 2
2C 2
The maximum charge occurs when I = 0 and hence,
2
Q max
Q 02 1
=
+ LI 02 .
2C
2C 2

Solving for Qmax gives

Q max =
=

Q 02 + ( I 02 / 2 ) =

Q 02 + (TI 0 /( 2 )) 2

( 0 .1C ) 2 + (( 2 s )( 0 .5 A ) /( 2 )) 2 = 0 .188 C

where I used

1
2
=
,
T
LC

where T is the period of the oscillations.

Problem 4:
A current flows in an LC circuit with L = 50 milliH and C = 4 microF.
Starting from when the current is maximum, how long will it take (in
millisec) for the capactor to become fully charged?
Answer: 0.7
Solution: When the current is maximum the charge on the capacitor is zero
and it will take one-quarter of a period for it to become fully charged. Thus,

t=

T
=
4
2

LC =

(50 10 3 H )( 4 10 6 F ) = 0 .7 ms ,

where I used T = 2
/
and = 1 / LC .

Problem 5:
A 1 milliFarad capacitor with an initial charge Q0 is connected across a 9
milliHenry inductor to form an LC circuit. If the circuit is completed at
time t = 0, how soon (in millisec) afterward will the charge on the capacitor
decrease to one-half of its initial value?
Answer: 3.14
Solution: We know that

Solutions

Chapter 33

Page 2 of 4

PHY2049

R. D. Field

Q (t ) = Q0 cos( t )
where = 1 /

LC . Solving for t gives

t = cos 1 ( Q / Q 0 ) / =
=

LC cos 1 ( Q / Q 0 )

( 9 10 3 H )(1 10 3 F ) cos 1 ( 0 . 5 )

= ( 3 ms )( / 3 ) = 3 . 14 ms

Problem 6:
In the previous problem, if the maximum current is 3 milliAmps what is Q0
(in microC)?
Answer: 9
Solution: We know that the amplitude of the current oscillations, Imax, is
given by Imax = Q0, where = 1 /

Q0 =

LC . Hence,

I max
= ( 3 10 3 A )( 3 ms ) = 9 10 6 C .

Problem 7:
A capacitor (C=8 milliFarads) initially charged by connecting it to a
2 Volt battery is connected to an inductor (L=2 milliHenry) to form an LC
circuit (the resistance of the circuit is negligible). During subsequent
oscillations, what is the maximum energy stored in the magnetic field of the
inductor (in milliJoules)?
Answer: 16
Solution: Since energy is conserved the maximum stored energy in the
inductor is eual to the initial stored energy as follows:
1
1
U m ax = U 0 = C ( V ) 2 = ( 8 m F )( 2V ) 2 = 1 6 m J .
2
2

Problem 8:
A capacitor C and an inductor L form an LC
circuit as shown in the Figure. At a certain
instant of time when the current I = 2 Amps the
charge on the capacitor is Q = 0.01 C. A short
Solutions

Chapter 33

I
C

Page 3 of 4

PHY2049

R. D. Field

time later when the current I = 1 Amps the charge on the capacitor is Q =
0.02 C. What is the frequency of the oscillations (in Hz)?
Answer: 15.9
Solution: From energy conservation we know that

Q12 1
Q 22 1
2
+ LI 1 =
+ LI 22
2C 2
2C 2
and multiplying by 2/L gives

2 Q12 + I 12 = 2 Q 22 + I 22 ,
where = 1 /

LC . Solving for yields

f =
=
2
2
1
=
2

Solutions

I 22 I 12
Q12 Q 22

(1 A ) 2 ( 2 A ) 2
100
=
= 15 .9 Hz
2
2
( 0 . 01C ) ( 0 .02 C )
2

Chapter 33

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PHY2049

R. D. Field

Chapter 34 Solutions
Problem 1:
The electric field component of an electromagnetic wave traveling in
t), where E0 = 300 V/m and
a vacuum is given by Ey = E0 sin (kx -
k=107/m. What are the frequency of the oscillations (in Hz) and the
direction of propagation?
Answer: 4.77x1014, +x direction
Solution: The angular frequency = 2
f and the speed of light in a
vacuum is c = /k. Hence,

ck
( 3 10 8 m / s )(10 7 / m )
=
=
= 4 . 77 10 14 Hz .
f =
2
2
2

Problem 2:
What is the value of the z-component of the magnetic field (in microT) of
the electromagnetic wave in the previous problem at x = 0 and
t = 5.25x10-16 seconds?
Answer: -1
Solution: The z-component of the magnetic field is given by

Bz =

E
300 V / m
E0
= 1 T ,
sin( kx t ) = 0 =
c
3 10 8 m / s
c

where I have used

sin( kx t ) = sin( t ) = sin( 2 ft ) = sin( / 2 ) = 1 ,

since ft = (4.77x1014/s)(5.25x10-16s) = 0.25.

Problem 3:
The electric field component of an electromagnetic plane wave traveling in
r
a vacuum is given by E = E 0 sin( kx + t ) y , where E0 = 300 V/m and k =
1.25x107/m. What is the magnetic field component of the electromagnetic
wave?
r
Answer: B = ( E 0 / c ) sin( kx + t ) z

Solutions

Chapter 34

Page 1 of 13

PHY2049

R. D. Field

Solution: We know that sin(kx+

t) corresponds to a wave traveling in the
x direction and we know that the direction of propagation of an
r r
electromagnetic wave is given by E B and hence,

r
B = ( E 0 / c ) sin( kx + t ) z ,

where I also used B = E/c.

Problem 4:
What is the frequency of the electromagnetic wave in the previous problem
(in Hz)?
Answer: 6x1014
Solution: We know that c = /k and = 2
f. Hence,

kc
(1 .25 10 7 / m )( 3 10 8 m / s )
=
= 6 10 14 Hz .
f =
2
2

Problem 5:
How much force (in microN) will the electromagnetic wave in the previous
problem exert on one square meter of a wall when it hits the wall (normal to
the surface) and is completely reflected?
Answer: 0.8
Solution: For total reflection we have

2 IA 2 A E 02 AE 02

=
F =
=
c
c 2 0 c 0 c 2
(1m 2 )( 300 V / m ) 2
=
= 0 .796 N
( 4 10 7 Tm / A )( 3 10 8 m / s ) 2

Problem 6:
If the amplitude of the electric field oscillations 6 meters from a point
source of electromagnetic radiation is 10 V/m, what is the power output of
the source (in Watts)?
Answer: 60
Solutions

Chapter 34

Page 2 of 13

PHY2049

R. D. Field

Solution: We know

P
E 02
I =
=
4 r 2
2 0 c , where P is the power of the source. Solving for P
gives

4 r 2 E 02
4 ( 6 m ) 2 (10V / m ) 2
=
= 60W .
P=
2 0c
2 ( 4 10 7 Tm / A )( 3 10 8 m / s )

Problem 7:
What is the amplitude of the electric field oscillations (in V/m) 2 meters
from a 60 Watt point source of electromagnetic radiation (assume the
radiation is a plane wave)?
Answer: 30
Solution: We know

P
E 02
I =
=
r2.
A 2 0 c , where P is the power of the source and where A = 4
Solving for E0 gives

E0 =

2 0 cP
=
A

2 ( 4 10 7 Tm / A )( 3 10 8 m / s )( 60W )
= 30V / m .
4 ( 2 m ) 2

Problem 8:
Light from a distant point source of electromagnetic radiation exerts a
radiation pressure of one microN per meter squared when it is completely
absorbed by the surface S. What is the maximum value of the magnetic
field (in microT) within the radiation at S?
Answer: 1.6
Solution: We know

F
I
E 02
B02
P=
= =
=
2 0 , where P is the radiation pressure and
A c 2 0 c 2
where I have used E = cB. Solving for B0 gives

B0 =

Solutions

2 0 P =

2 ( 4 10 7 Tm / A )(1 N / m 2 ) = 1.6 T .

Chapter 34

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Problem 9:
Light with an intensity of 1.2 kW/m2 falls normally on a surface
with an area of 1 m2 and is completely reflected. The force of the radiation
on the surface (in microN) is
Answer: 8
Solution: We know that

2 IA 2 (1.2 10 3 W / m 2 )(1m 2 )
= 8N .
F =
=
3 10 8 m / s
c

Problem 10:
A radio station delivers 75 MegaWatts of power which is distributed
uniformly in all directions to the radio waves. What is the radiation
pressure exerted by these waves (in MicroPascals) upon a flat, perfect
absorber placed perpendicular to these waves a distance of 10 meters from
the transmitter? (Note: 1 Pa = 1 N/m2)
Answer: 199
Solution: We know that for absorption,

PPr essure =

I
P
75 106 W
= 199 Pa .
= Power
=
c 4 r 2 c 4 (10 m ) 2 ( 3 10 8 m / s )

Problem 11:
The sun has a mass of 1.99x1030 kg and a radiation power of 3.9x1026
Watts. What is the maximum solar radiation force (in N) on a perfectly
reflecting square piece of foil with sides of length L = 1 meter located one
million miles from the sun (Note: 1 mile = 1,609 meters)?
Answer: 0.08
Solution: The intensity of the solar radiation a distance R from the sun is
given by

I sun =

Psun
4 R 2 ,

and the radiation force for total reflection (normal to the surface) is

Solutions

Chapter 34

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2 I sun
2 Psun 2
A=
L
4 R 2 c
c
2 ( 3 . 9 10 26 W )(1m ) 2
= 0 .08 N
=
4 (1,609 10 6 m ) 2 ( 3 10 8 m / s )
F =

Problem 12:
The sun has a mass of 1.99x1030 kg and a radiation power of 3.90x1026
Watts. A spaceship might be propelled in our solar system by the radiation
pressure from the sun, using a large sail made of foil (sailing on the solar
wind). If the ship has a mass of 1,000 kg and if the sail is a perfectly
reflecting square with sides of length L, what is the smallest value of L (in
meters) that will allow the ship to escape the sun's gravitational attraction?
(The gravitational constant G = 6.67x10-11 Nm2/kg2.)
Answer: 801
Solution: To find the minimum sail size we set the magnitude radiation
force equal to the magnitude of the gravitational force as follows

Fradiation =

mM sun
2I 2
2 Psun 2
L =
L
G
=
= Fgravity ,
c
r2
4 r 2 c

r2) with r is the distance to the sun. Solving

where I have used I = Psun/(4
for L yields,
GmM sun 2 c
L=
Psun
( 6 .67 10 11 Nm 2 / kg 2 )(1,000 kg )(1 .99 10 30 kg ) 2 (3 10 8 m / s )
.
3 .9 10 26 W
= 801 m
=

Problem 13:
A point source of light is located 10 meters below the surface of a large
lake (n=1.3). What is the diameter (in m) of the largest circle on the pool's
surface through which light coming directly from the source can emerge?
Answer: 24.1

Solutions

Chapter 34

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Solution: The critical angle (angle of total internal reflection) is given by

sin
c = 1/n and tan
c = R/d. Thus,

D = 2 R = 2 d tan c =

2d
n 1
2

2(10m)
(1 . 3) 1
2

= 24 .1m .

Problem 14:
A beam of light strikes the surface of a 2cm thick parallel-sided sheet of glass (n =
1.5) at an incident angle of 35 degrees.
What is the beams actual path length (in
cm) through the glass?
Answer: 2.16
1 =
Solution: We know that n1sin
2 and cos
2 = T/L, where T is the
n2sin
thickness of the glass and L is the path
length. Thus,

L=

T
=
cos 2

Tn 2
n 22 sin 2 1

2 L

n=1.5

( 2 cm )(1 . 5 )
(1 .5 ) 2 ( 0 . 574 ) 2

= 2 .16 cm ,

where I used n1 = 1 and 1 = 35o.

Problem 15:
A beam of light travelling through
water (n=1.33) strikes a piece of
min
Water n1 = 1.33
glass (n=1.5) at an incident angle
as shown in the Figure. What is
c
the minimum angle (in degrees)
such that the light will not reach
Glass n2 = 1.5
the air (n=1) on the other side of
the glass?
Air n3 = 1.0
Answer: 48.7
Solution: The critical angle (total internal reflection in the glass) is given
by

Solutions

Chapter 34

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n1 sin min = n 2 sin c = n3 sin( 90 o )

Solving for min gives

sin min =

1
n3
=
= 0 .75
n1 1 .33

and thus min = 48.7o.

Problem 16:

45

A beam of light travelling through medium A

at a speed of 2.25x108 m/s strikes medium B
B
at an incident angle of 45 degrees as shown in
30
the Figure. If the refracted angle of the light
is 30 degrees, what is the speed of the light in
medium B (in m/s)?
Answer: 1.59x108
Solution: From Snells law we have n A sin A = n B sin B and since nA =
c/vA and nB = c/vB this implies
o

sin A sin B
=
vA
vB .

Solving for vB gives

vB =

sin B
vA
sin A

sin( 30 o )
( 2 . 25 10 8 m / s ) = 1 .59 10 8 m / s
=
o
sin( 45 )

Solutions

Chapter 34

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Problem 17:
0=45

A light ray enters a rectangular glass slab at

point A at an incident angle of 45 degrees
and then undergoes total internal reflection
at point B as shown in the Figure. What
minimum value of the index of refraction of
the glass can be inferred from this
information?
Answer: 1.22
Solution: Requiring total internal
reflection at the point B implies

Air
A

Glass

1
o

90 -1
B

n sin( / 2 1 ) = n cos( 1 ) = 1

and Snells Law applied at the point A gives

n sin( 1 ) = sin( 0 ) ,

where n is the index of refraction of the glass and 0 is the incident angle.
Squaring the first equation and using the second equation gives

1 = n 2 cos 2 ( 1 ) = n 2 (1 sin 2 ( 1 )) = n 2 sin 2 ( 0 ) .

Thus,

n = 1 + sin 2 ( 0 ) = 1 + 0 .5 = 1 .22 ,
where I used sin 2 ( 0 ) = sin 2 (45o ) = 1 / 2.
air

Problem 18:
A fiber optic cable (n = 1.50) is
submerged in water (n = 1.33).
What is the critical angle (in
degrees) for light rays to stay inside
the cable?
Answer: 62
Solution: The critical angle (angle
of total internal reflection) is given
by

1 . 33
n
sin( c ) = 2 =
= 0 .887 ,
1 .5
n1
Solutions

Chapter 34

0=45

1m

45

45

1m

1m

water

x
d

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and thus = 62.46o.

Problem 19:
A 2.0 meter long vertical pole extends from the bottom of a swimming pool
to a point 1.0 meter above the surface of the water (n = 1.33) as shown in
the Figure. If sunlight is incident 45 degrees above the horizon, what is the
length of the shadow of the pole (in m) on the level bottom of the pool?
Answer: 1.63
Solution: From Snells law we have

1
sin( 45 o )
sin( 1 ) = sin( 0 ) =
,
n
1 .33
and hence 1 = 32o. Now the length of the shadow, d, is given by

d = 1m + x = 1m + (1m ) tan 1 = 1m + (1m ) tan( 32 o )

= 1m + 0 .63 m = 1 .63 m

Problem 20:
Light of wavelength 589 nm is incident at an angle
theta on the top surface of a polystyrene block (n =
1.49) as shown in the Figure. What is the maximum
value of (in degrees) for which the refracted ray will
undergo total internal reflection at the left vertical face
of the block?
Answer: 90
Solution: From the Figure we see that

3 =

2
2

and

sin( 3 c ) =

1
n = 1.49

1
= 0 . 671 .
1 .49

Thus, the critical angle for 3 is 3c = 42.15o. We also know that

sin( 2 ) =

1
sin( 1 ) ,
1 .49

which for 1 = 90o yields 2 = 42.15o which implies that 3 = 47.84o > 3c
which means the maximum angle for 1 is 90o (any ray that enters the
block with 1 > 0 will be totally internally reflected at the left face).
Solutions

Chapter 34

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Problem 21:
A light ray enters a rectangular glass
slab at an incident angle of 60 degrees.
Air
The glass slab has an with index of
refraction n = 1.6 and a thickness T.
T
The beam emerging from the other side
of the glass slab is parallel to the
incident beam but displaced by a
d
distance d as shown in the Figure.
What is the displacement d?
Answer: 0.54T
Solution: From Snells Law we know that

0-1

0=60

x 1
Glass

n1 sin 1 = n 0 sin 0

and solving for 1 gives

n 0 sin 0 sin 60 o
o
=
sin 1 =
or 1 = 32 . 77 .
1 .6
n1
Now if we let x be the distance the light ray travels within the glass we see
that

sin( 0 1 ) =

d
T
and cos 1 =
.
x
x

Solving for d gives

d = x sin( 0 1 ) =

sin( 0 1 )
T
cos 1

sin( 60 o 32 .77 o )
T = 0 .54 T
=
cos( 32 . 77 o )

Problem 22:

A ray of light is incident normally of

face ab of a glass prism in the shape of
a right triangle and with index of
refraction n = 1.7 as shown in the
Figure. If the prism is immersed in
Solutions

Chapter 34

water
glass
o

b 90

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water (n = 1.3), what is the largest value of the angle (in degrees) so that
the ray is totally reflected at face ac?
Answer: 40.1
Solution: Total internal reflection at the face ac implies

n1 sin c = n 0 sin 90 o
and solving for the critical angle c gives

sin c =

n0 1 .3
o
=
or c = 49 . 88 .
n1 1 .7

o
We see that + c = 90 and thus

= 90 o c = 90 o 49 .88 o = 40 .12 o .

Problem 23:

90

When the square metal tank with sides of

length L in the Figure is filled to the top
with an unknown liquid, an observer
with eyes level with the top of the tank
can just see the corner C. What is the
index of refraction of the liquid?
Answer: 1.4
Solution: We see that
n sin
= sin90o = 1 so that n = 1/sin
=
1/sin45o = 1.4.

n1 = 1.5

Eye
=45

n
C
L

n2 = 1.33

Solutions

Chapter 34

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Problem 24:
A fiber optic cable (n = 1.50) is submerged in water (n = 1.33) as shown in
the Figure. What is the maximum bending angle (in degrees) for light
rays to stay inside the cable?
Answer: 27.5
Solution: The critical angle for total internal reflection is given by

n 2 1 . 33
=
= 0 .887 ,
1 .5
n1

sin c =

which implies that c = 62.46o. The maximum bending angle is thus,

bend = 90 o c = 27 . 54 o .

45

L=1m

d
n2 = 1.5

Problem 25:
A beam of light strikes the surface of a 1-meter thick parallel-sided sheet of
glass (n = 1.5) at an incident angle of 45 degrees as shown in the Figure .
How long (in nanoSeconds) does it take the light to pass through the glass?
Answer: 5.7
Solution: The refracted angle 2 is given by

sin 2 =

1
n1
sin 1 =
sin 45 o = 0 .471 ,
1 .5
n2

which implies 2 = 28.13o. The distance, d, that the light must travel is
given by

d =
Solutions

L
1m
=
= 1 .134 m ,
cos 2
cos 28 .13 o
Chapter 34

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and the time is thus

t=

d
nd
(1 .5 )(1 .134 m )
=
=
= 5 . 67 ns ,
v
c
3 10 8 m / s

where I used n = c/v.

Solutions

Chapter 34

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Chapter 35 Solutions
Problem 1:
An object placed 180 cm in front of a spherical mirror produces an image
with a magnification m = 0.1. What happens to the image when the object
is moved 150 cm closer to the mirror?
Answer: the image increases in size by a factor of 4
Solution: We know that

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
p ,

and hence

f =

p1
180 cm
=
= 20 cm ,
1 1 / m1
(1 10 )

where I have used i = -m1p1, and m1 = 0.1. Now, if I move the object 150
cm closer to the mirror the new object position p2 = 30 cm (180 cm - 150
cm) and the new image position i2 will be given by

1
1
1
1
1
1
=

=
i2
f
p2
20 cm
30 cm
12 cm .
Hence the new magnification is

m2 =

i2
( 12 cm )
=
= 0 .4 ,
30 cm
p2

which is four times the original magnification.

Problem 2:
A converging thin lens has a focal length of 30 cm. For
what two object locations (in cm) will this lens form an image three times
the size of the object?
Answer: 20, 40
Solution: We know that

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
p ,

and hence
Solutions

Chapter 35

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p = f (1 1 / m ) .
For m = 3 we get

p = ( 30 cm ) (1 1 / 3 ) =

2
( 30 cm ) = 20 cm ,
3

and for m = -3 we get

p = ( 30 cm ) (1 + 1 / 3 ) =

4
( 30 cm ) = 40 cm .
3

Problem 3:
You decide to take a picture of the moon with your 35 mm camera
using its normal lens of 50 mm focal length. Taking the moons diameter
to be approximately 3.5x106 m and its distance from the earth as 3.84x108
m, how large (in mm) is the moon's image on the film?
Answer: 0.46
Solution: We know that

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
,
p

and hence i f (because 1/p is very small) and since |m| = hi/ho we
have

2 ho f
( 3 . 5 10 6 m )( 50 mm )
2 hi = | m | 2 ho =
=
= 0 . 456 mm .
p
3 . 84 10 8 m

Problem 4:
Which of the following types of image of a real, erect object cannot be
formed by a concave spherical mirror?
(A) Real, erect, enlarged
(B) Real, inverted, reduced
(C) Virtual. erect, enlarged
(D) Enlarged, inverted, and farther away than 2f
(E) Virtual, inverted, reduced?
Answer: A, E

Solutions

Chapter 35

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Problem 5:
A concave mirror forms a real image which is twice the size of the object. If
the object is 20 cm from the mirror, the radius of curvature of the mirror (in
cm) must be approximately:
Answer: 27
Solution: We know that

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
p ,

and hence

R = 2f =

2p
4p
=
= 26 . 7 cm ,
11/ m
3

where I have used i = -mp, f = R/2, and m = -2 (since i is positive).

Problem 6:
An erect image formed by a concave mirror (f = 20 cm) has a magnification
of 2. Which way and by how much should the object be moved to double
the size of the image?
Answer: 5 cm further from the mirror
Solution: We know that

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
p ,

and hence

p = f 1

m,

where I have used i = -mp. Thus,

p 1 = 20 cm 1
2

p 2 = 20 cm 1
4

= 10 cm , and

= 15 cm .

We see that the object must be moved 5 cm = 15 cm 10 cm further from

the mirror.

Solutions

Chapter 35

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Problem 7:
A diverging thin lens is constructed
object
with index of refraction, n, and
R
with radii of curvature of equal
magnitude, R, as shown in the
3R/2
Figure. If an object is placed a
distance 3R/2 from the lens forms a
virtual image that one-half the size as the object, what is the index of
refraction n?
Answer: 1.33
Solution: From the lensmakers formula we have

1
1
1
1
2
1
= ( n 1)
= ( n 1) .
= ( n 1)

f
R
R R
R1 R 2
Also, we know that

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
p , and hence f =

1 ,
1

where I have used i = -mp. Since m = 1/2 we see that f = -p = -3R/2.

Hence from the above equation,

n 1 =

1
R
= and n = 1.33.
2f
3

Problem 8:

object

A thin lens is constructed with index

of refraction, n = 1.5, and with radii of
curvature of equal to R and 2R as
shown in the Figure. What is the
magnitude of the focal length and type
of lens?
Answer: 4R, converging
Solution: The lensmakers formula tell us that

Solutions

Chapter 35

2R
5R

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R. D. Field

1
1
1
1
1
1
= 0 . 5
= ( n 1)
=
,
f
R 2R 4R
r1 r2
where I uses r1 = R and r2 = 2R. Hence, f = 4R and the lens is converging
since f is positive.

Problem 9:
What type of image is formed when an object is placed a distance 5R from
the lens in the previous problem?
Answer: Real inverted images 4 times the object height
Solution: We know that

1
1
1
1
1
1
=

=
,
i
f
p
4R 5R
20 R
and hence i = 20R. The magnification is given by

m =

i 20 R
=
= 4 .
p
5R

Thus the image is real (since i is positive) and inverted (since m is

negative) and 4 times the object height (since |m| = 4).

Problem 10:
Two objects placed 24 cm apart in front of a converging thin lens both
produce an image three times the size of the object. What is the focal length
of the lens (in cm)?
Answer: 36
Solution: We know that

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f
and hence

m =

i
p ,

p = f (1 1 / m ) .

For m = 3 we get

p 1 = f (1 1 / 3 ) =

2
f ,
3

and for m = -3 we get

Solutions

Chapter 35

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p 2 = f (1 + 1 / 3 ) =

4
f .
3

Subtracting the two equations yields

p 2 p1 = 24 cm =

4
2
2
f f = f ,
3
3
3

and thus f = 3(24 cm)/2 = 36 cm.

Problem 11:
A thin lens constructed with index of refraction, n = 1.5, produces an
inverted real image that is twice the size of an object placed 1.5 meters from
the lens. What happens to the image if the index of refraction of the lens is
changed to n = 1.25 (and the object remains 1.5 meters from the lens)?
Answer: becomes virtual, erect, and doubles in size
Solution: An inverted image twice the size of the object means m = -2,
where

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
p ,

and hence

f1 = f =

1 .5 m
p
=
= 1m .
(1 1 / m ) (1 + 1 / 2 )

We also know that

1
1
1
,
= ( n 1)
f
r
r
2
1
which implies that for fixed r1 and r2,

f2 =

( n 1 1)
(1 . 5 1)
1m = 2 m .
f1 =
( n 2 1)
(1 . 25 1)

The new image position given by

1
1
1
1
1
1
=

=
i
f2
p
2 m 1 .5 m
6m ,
which means i = -6 meters and m = -i/p = 4. The new image is thus virtual
(since i is now negative) and erect (since m is now positive) and twice the
size (since |m| is now 4 instead of 2).
Solutions

Chapter 35

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Problem 12:
An object 6 cm tall is located 10 cm in front of a mirror. If the
mirror produces a 3 cm-tall upright image what kind of mirror is this and
what is the magnitude of its radius of curvature?
Answer: convex, 20 cm
Solution: We know that

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
p ,

and hence

R = 2f =

2p
2p
=
= 2 p = 20 cm ,
11/ m
1 2

where I have used i = -mp, f = R/2, and m = 1/2. Since f < 0 the mirror is
convex.

Problem 13:
A nearsighted person can see clearly only those objects which lie
within 6 feet of her eye. In order to see distant objects, she should wear
eyeglasses of what type and focal length (in ft)?
Answer: diverging, 6
Solution: We know that

1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
p .

When p is very large we get f = i and in this case we want i = -6 feet which
means f = -6 feet (a diverging lens with |f| = 6 feet).

Problem 14:
A 2-cm-tall object is placed 400 mm from a converging lens, which is
observed to form an image three times the size of the object. To make the
image five times the size of the object, the object-lens distance (in mm)
must be changed to:
Answer: 360
Solution: We know that

Solutions

Chapter 35

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1 1
1
+ =
p i
f

m =

i
p ,

and hence

f =

p1
3 p1
=
1 1 / m1
4 ,

where I have used i = -m1p1, and m1 = -3 (since i is positive).

Now, from above I know that

p 2 = f (1 1 / m 2 ) =

3 p1
(1 + 1 / 5 ) = 9 p 1 = 360 mm ,
4
10

where I have used i = -m2p2, and m2 = -5 (since i is positive).

Problem 15:
A light bulb burns in front of the center of a
40-cm wide mirror that is hung vertically
on a wall as shown in the Figure. A man
walks in front of the mirror along a line that
is parallel to the mirror and twice as far
from it as the bulb. The greatest distance he
can walk (in cm) and still see the image of
the bulb in the mirror is:
Answer: 120
Solution: From the Figure we see that

tan =

w =40 cm
d
2d
Mirror

w/2
x
=
,
d
2d

which implies x = w. The total path is thus, L = 2x+w = 3w = 120cm.

Problem 16:
An object placed in front of a spherical mirror with focal length f = -20 cm
produces an image with a magnification m = 0.1. If the the object is placed
the same distance in front of a spherical mirror with focal length f = -45 cm,
what happens to the image?
Answer: the image increases in size by a factor of 2
Solution: We know that
Solutions

Chapter 35

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1 1
1
+ =
p i
f
and hence

m =

i
p ,

p = f (1 1 / m ) .

For m = 0.1 we get

p = f (1 10 ) = 9 f = 9 ( 20 cm ) = 180 cm .

The new magnification is given by

m =

f
( 45 cm )
45
=
=
= 0 .2
p f
180 cm ( 45 cm )
225
,

so that the image increases in size by a factor of 2.

Problem 17:
object
A converging thin lens is constructed
with index of refraction, n, and with
R
radii of curvature of equal to R and 2R
as shown in the Figure. If an object
2R
placed a distance 2R from the lens
forms a real image that has the same
size as the object but is inverted, what
is the index of refraction n?
Answer: 1.67
Solution: From the lensmakers formula we have

2R
image

1
1
1
1
3
1
= ( n 1)
+ = ( n 1)
= ( n 1)

f
2R .
2R R
R1 R 2
Also, since m=-1 we know that i= p so that

2
2
1
=
=
p 2R
f , and thus f = R, and I have used p = 2R. Hence,
2R 2
= and n = 1.67.
n 1=
3f
3

Solutions

Chapter 35

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Image 1

Lens 1
Lens 2
f1 = +15 cm f2 = +15 cm
Object

10 cm

L = 6 cm
Real Inverted
Magnified Image

Problem 18:
Two identical converging lenses of focal lengths f1 = f2 = +15 cm are
separated by a distance L = 6 cm, as shown in the Figure. A luminous
source is placed a distance of 10 cm in front of the first lens. Locate the
final image and determine the overall magnification of the system.
Answer: Image is real inverted and magnified (M = -2.14) and located
25.7 cm to the right of lens 2.
Solution: Ignoring lens 2 and taking p1 = 10 cm we get

1
1
1
1
1
=

i = 30 cm .
i1
f1
p 1 15 cm 10 cm and 1
Also,

m1 =

i1
30 cm
=
= +3 .
10 cm
p1

Thus, lens 1 produces a virtual non-inverted magnified image, which is to

the left of lens 2. Now ignoring lens 1 and taking p2 = +(30cm+6cm)= +36
cm we get

1
1
1
1
1
=

i = + 25 . 71 cm .
i2
f2
p 2 15 cm
36 cm and 2
Also,

m2 =

25 . 71 cm
i2
=
= 0 . 71
36 cm
p2

and

M = m 1 m 2 = ( + 3 )( 0 . 71 ) = 2 . 14 .
Thus, the system produces a real inverted magnified image, which is
located 25.71 cm to the right of lens 2.
Solutions

Chapter 35

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Lens 1
f1 = +12 cm

Lens 2
f2 = -32 cm

Object

18 cm

L = 22 cm
Image 1

Real Inverted
Magnified Image

Problem 19:
The optical system shown in the Figure consists of two lenses, of focal
lengths f1 = +12 cm and f2 = -32 cm, separated by a distance L = 22 cm. A
luminous object with a height of 2.4 cm is placed 18 cm in front of the first
lens. Find the position and the height of the final image.
Answer: Image is real inverted and magnified (M = -3.55) with a
height of 8.53 cm and located 24.9 cm to the right of lens 2.
Solution: Ignoring lens 2 and taking p1 = 18 cm we get

1
1
1
1
1
=

i = + 36 cm .
i1
f1
p 1 12 cm 18 cm and 1
Also,

m1 =

36 cm
i1
=
= 2 .
18 cm
p1

Thus, lens 1 produces a real inverted magnified image, which is to the right
of lens 2. Now ignoring lens 1 and taking p2 = -(36cm-22cm)= -14 cm we
get

1
1
1
1
1
=

i = + 24 . 89 cm .
i2
f2
p2
32 cm
14 cm and 2
Also,

m2 =

24 . 89 cm
i2
=
= + 1 . 78
p2
14 cm

and

M = m 1 m 2 = ( 2 )( + 1 . 78 ) = 3 . 55 .
Thus, the system produces a real inverted magnified image 24.89 cm to
the right of lens 2 with height = (3.55)(2.4cm) = 8.53 cm.
Solutions

Chapter 35

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Chapter 36 Solutions
Problem 1:
Light from a small region of a 100 Watt incandescent bulb passes through a
yellow filter and then serves as the source for a Young's double-slit
interference experiment. Which of the following changes would cause the
interference pattern to be more closely spaced?
(a) Use a blue filter instead of a yellow filter
(b) Use a 10 Watt bulb
(c) Use a 500 Watt bulb
(d) Move the bulb closer to the slits
(e) Move the slits closer together
Answer: (a) Use a blue filter instead of a yellow filter
Solution: The angular position of the bright fringes is given by

sin =

m
.
d

A more closely spaced pattern implies that for a given m, is smaller.

Thus, we want to increase d or decrease and from problem 15 we see that
blue < yellow.

Problem 2:
The characteristic yellow light of sodium lamps arises from two
prominent wavelengths in its spectrum, at approximately 589.0 nm and
589.6 nm, respectively. The light passes through a double slit and falls on a
screen 10 m away. If the slits are separated by a distance of 0.01 mm, how
far apart are the two second-order bright fringes on the screen (in mm)?
Answer: 1.2
Solution: The position of the second order bright fringe (constructive
interference) is given by

sin = m

=
,
d
d

where I have set m = 2 and used the small angle approximation. We also
know that

Solutions

Chapter 36

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ta n =

y
L .

The position of the second order bright fringe is thus

y =

2
L,
d

and

y 2 y1 = 2 ( 2 1 )

2 ( 0 . 6 nm )( 10 m )
L
=
= 1 . 2 mm .
10 5 m
d

Problem 3:
A monochromatic light placed
equal distance from two slits a
1 cm
distance d apart produces a central Monochromatic
Light
L
bright spot with a width of 1 cm
on a screen located a distance L
away, as shown in the figure. If
the entire apparatus is immersed
in a clear liquid with index of refraction n the width of the central bright
spot shrinks to 0.75 cm. What is the index of refraction n of the clear
liquid? (Note: assume L >> d)
Answer: 1.33
Solution: We know that for double-slit interference the position of the
first dark fringe is given by

2d
y
tan =
L

sin =

and hence the width, w, of the central bright spot is

w = 2y =

L
and
d

w2
1
= 2 = 0 = ,
1
w1
n0
n

where I used 1 = 0 and 2 = 0/n where 0 is the vacuum wavelength.

Solving for n gives

Solutions

Chapter 36

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n=

w1
1cm
=
= 1 . 33 .
w2
0 . 75 cm

Problem 4:
Two radio antennas are 600 m apart along
a north-south line and broadcast in-phase
y
signals at frequency 1.0 MHz. A receiver d=600 m

placed 20 km to the east, equidistant from

L=20 km
both antennas, picks up an acceptable
signal (see Figure). How far due north of
the present location (in km) would the receiver again detect a signal of
nearly the same intensity?
Answer: 10
Solution: This is the same as two slit interference and the condition for
constructive interference is

sin = m

=
,
d
d

where I have set m = 1 and used the small angle approximation. We also
know that

ta n =

y
L .

Thus,

cL
( 3 10 8 m / s )( 20 km )

=
= 10 km ,
y =
L =
d
fd
(10 6 / s )( 600 m )
where I used = c/f.

Problem 5:
Monochromatic light is incident on a two slits 0.2 mm apart. If the first
order bright fringe is 4.8 mm from the central bright spot on a screen
located a distance of 1.5 m from the double slit, what is the wavelength of
the light (in nm)?
Answer: 640
Solutions

Chapter 36

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Solution: We know that for double-slit interference

m
d
y
tan =
L

sin =

and hence

yd
( 4 . 8 10 3 m )( 0 . 2 10 3 m )
=
=
= 640 nm ,
mL
1 .5 m
where I used m = 1 for the 1st order bright fringe.

Problem 6:
A soap (water!) film has refractive index 1.34 and is 550 nm thick. What
wavelengths of visible light (in nm) are not reflected from it when it is
illuminated from directly above by sunlight?
Answer: 491
Solution: Here we set the overall phase shift equal to the condition for
maximum destructive interference as follows:

overall = 2 T + film / 2 = m + film ,

2

where film = 0/nsoap. Solving for 0 gives

0 = n soap

2T
1424 nm
=
,
m
m

which produces the following table:

m
Wavelength 0
1
1424 nm
2
737 nm
3
491 nm
4
369 nm
with visible light having 400 < visible < 700 nm.

Solutions

Chapter 36

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Problem 7:
A beam of 600 nm light is incident on the
n = 1.5
left side of a flat glass plate with refractive
index 1.5 and part of it undergoes reflection
between the faces of the plate as shown in
the Figure. What minimum nonzero
T
thickness T (in nm) of the glass plate will
produce maximum brightness in the transmitted light?
Answer: 200
Solution: For constructive interference we set the overall phase shift equal
to the condition for maximum constructive interference as follows,

overall = 2 T + 0 + 0 = m film .

Solving for gives

T = m

film
2

= m

max
2 n film .

The minimum thickness occurs when m = 1 giving

T min =

Problem 8:

max
600 nm
=
= 200 nm .
2 n film
2 (1 . 5 )

red

A beam of red light (

red = 600 nm)
and a beam of blue light (
blue =
blue
450 nm) are incident on the left
side of a flat glass plate with
refractive index 1.5 as shown in the
Figure. An observer on the other
side of the glass plate sees a bright
blue light (maximum constructive interference)
and sees no red light (maximum destructive
interference). What is the thickness T (in nm)
of the glass plate?
Answer: 300
Solutions

Chapter 36

blue

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Solution: For the blue light and constructive interference we set the
overall phase shift equal to the condition for maximum constructive
interference as follows,

overall = 2 T + 0 + 0 = m film .

Solving for gives

T =m

film
2

=m

max
450 nm
=m
= m (150 nm ) .
2 n film
2 (1 . 5 )

For the constructive interference of the blue light we have the following
possible thickness of the glass:
m
T
1
150nm
2
300nm
3
450nm
4
600nm
For the red light and destructive interference we set the overall phase shift
equal to the condition for maximum destructive interference as follows,

overall = 2T + 0 + 0 = ( m + 1 / 2 ) film .

Solving for gives

T = (m + 1 / 2)
= (m + 1 / 2)

film
2

= (m + 1 / 2)

max
2 n film

.
600 nm
= ( m + 1 / 2 )( 200 nm )
2 (1 . 5 )

For the destructive interference of the red light we have the following
possible thickness of the glass:
m
T
0
100nm
1
300nm
2
500nm
3
700nm
We see that T = 300 nm satisfies both conditions.

Solutions

Chapter 36

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Problem 9:
A thin film of gasoline with a thickness of 400 nm floats on a puddle of
water. Sunlight falls almost perpendicularly on the film and reflects into
your eyes. If ngas = 1.4 and nwater = 1.33, which of the following
wavelengths will be missing from the reflected beam due to destructive
interference?
(a) 280 nm (b) 320 nm (c) 373 nm (d) 400 nm (e) 560 nm
Answer: ace
Solution: For destructive interference we set the overall phase shift equal
to the condition for maximum destructive interference as follows,

overall = 2T + film / 2 + 0 = ( m + 1 / 2) film .

Solving for = film/nfilm gives

2Tn film
m

==

2(400nm)(1.4) 1120nm
=
.
m
m

Thus, the following wavelengths are missing due to destructive interference:

m

1
1120nm
2
560nm (e)
3
373nm (c)
4
280nm (a)
5
224nm

Observer

I.
Incident light ray

T = 5/4

II.

Incident light ray

T = 3/2

Observer

III.

Incident light ray

T = /2

Observer

Problem 10:
Three experiments involving a thin film (in air) are shown in the Figure. If
T indicates the film thickness and is the wavelength of the light in the
film, which experiments will produce constructive interference as seen by
the observer?
Solutions

Chapter 36

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Answer: I and III

Solution: For I and II setting the overall phase shift equal to the condition
for maximum constructive interference gives:

o ve ra ll = 2 T + film / 2 = m film .

Solving for gives

1 film

T = m
2 2 ,

which produces the following table (where = film):

I & II: Constructive

m

1
2
3
4

/4
3/4
5
/4
7/4

For III setting the overall phase shift equal to the condition for maximum
constructive interference gives:

overall = 2 T = m film .

Solving for gives

T =

m film
,

which produces the following table (where = film):

III: Constructive

Solutions

1
2

/2

Chapter 36

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Problem 11:

Incident Light

Two observers are on opposite sides

blue
red
of a flat glass plate with refractive
index 1.5 as shown in the Figure. If
the light is incident from the left and if
T
the observer on the left sees maximum
constructive interference for red light
(
red = 600 nm) and the observer on the right sees maximum constructive
interference for blue light (
blue = 450 nm), what is the thickness T (in nm)
of the glass plate?
Answer: 300
Solution: For the observer on the right we have blue light and constructive
interference so we set the overall phase shift equal to the condition for
maximum constructive interference as follows,

overall = 2 T + 0 + 0 = m film .

Solving for gives

T =m

film
2

=m

max
450 nm
=m
= m (150 nm ) .
2 n film
2 (1 . 5 )

For the constructive interference of the blue light on the right we have the
following possible thickness of the glass:
m
T
1
150nm
2
300nm
3
450nm
4
600nm
For the observer on the left we have red light and constructive interference
we set the overall phase shift equal to the condition for maximum
constructive interference as follows,

overall = 2T +

film
+ 0 = m film .
2

Solving for gives

Solutions

Chapter 36

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T = (m 1 / 2)
= (m 1 / 2)

film

= ( m 1 / 2 ) max
2
2 n film

.
600 nm
= ( m 1 / 2 )( 200 nm )
2 (1 . 5 )

For the constructive interference of the red light on the left we have the
following possible thickness of the glass:
m
T
1
100nm
2
300nm
3
500nm
4
700nm
We see that T = 300 nm satisfies both conditions.

Solutions

Chapter 36

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Chapter 37 Solutions
Problem 1:
If monochromatic light of wavelength 500 nm is incident on a single narrow
slit 0.02 mm wide, what is the width of the central bright spot (in cm) on a
screen that is 3 meters from the slit? (Hint: the width of the central bright
spot is equal to the distance between the two first order minima.)
Answer: 15
Solution: The angular position of the first dark fringe is given by

sin =

=
tan

, and
.
W
L

Thus, the width of the central bright spot, D = 2y, is given by

2
2 ( 500 10 9 m )
D = 2y =
L =
( 3 m ) = 15 cm .
W
0 . 02 10 3 m

Problem 2:
Monochromatic light of wavelength 600 nm is incident on a single narrow
slit and produces a diffraction pattern on a screen 2 meters away? If the
screen is moved 1 meter further away from the slit, what wavelength of
monochromatic light (in nm) will produce a diffraction pattern with all the
diffraction minima at the same points on the screen?
Answer: 400
Solution: The angular position of the dark fringes is given by

sin =
Solving for gives

m
y

=
tan

, and
.
W
L

yW
mL

and for fixed y, W, and m we have

L
2
= 1
L2
1

so that

Solutions

Chapter 37

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2 =

L1
2m
( 600 nm ) = 400 nm .
1 =
2 m + 1m
L2

Problem 3:
Blue light (
= 470 nm) falls on a wall with a single slit of width 0.18 mm
and produces a diffraction pattern on a screen located a distance L from the
slit. If the color of light is changed to red (
= 650 nm), the width of the
central bright spot on the screen increases by 1.0 cm. What is the distance
L to the screen (in meters)?
Answer: 5
Solution: The angular position of the first dark fringe is given by

sin =

=
tan

, and
.
W
L

Thus, the width of the central bright spot, D = 2y, is given by

D = 2y =

2
2
L , and D =
L,
W
W

where D = D2 D1 and = 2 1. Solving for L gives

DW
(1 10 2 m )( 0 . 18 10
=
L =
2
2 (180 10 9 m )

Solutions

Chapter 37

m)

= 5m .

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