25

Electric Potential

CHAPTER OUTLINE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

25.1 Electric Potential and Potential
Difference
25.2 Potential Difference in a Uniform
Q25.1 When one object B with electric charge is immersed
Electric Field in the electric field of another charge or charges A, the
25.3 Electric Potential and Potential system possesses electric potential energy. The energy
Energy Due to Point Charges
25.4 Obtaining the Value of the
can be measured by seeing how much work the field does
Electric Field from the Electric on the charge B as it moves to a reference location. We
Potential choose not to visualize A’s effect on B as an action-at-a-
25.5 Electric Potential Due to
Continuous Charge Distributions
distance, but as the result of a two-step process: Charge
25.6 Electric Potential Due to a A creates electric potential throughout the surrounding
Charged Conductor space. Then the potential acts on B to inject the system
25.7 The Millikan Oil Drop Experiment
25.8 Application of Electrostatics
with energy.

*Q25.2 (i) The particle feels an electric force in the negative x

direction. An outside agent pushes it uphill against this
force, increasing the potential energy. Answer (a).
(ii) The potential decreases in the direction of the electric
field. Answer (c).

*Q25.3 The potential is decreasing toward the bottom of the page, so the electric field is downward.
Answer (f).

*Q25.4 (i) At points off the x axis the electric field has a nonzero y component. At points on the negative
x axis the field is to the right and positive. At points to the right of x = 500 mm the field is to the
left and nonzero. The field is zero at one point between x = 250 mm and x = 500 mm. Answer (b).
(ii) The electric potential is negative at this and at all points. Answer (c). (iii) Answer (d).
(iv) Answer (d).

Q25.5 To move like charges together from an infinite separation, at which the potential energy of the
system of two charges is zero, requires work to be done on the system by an outside agent. Hence
energy is stored, and potential energy is positive. As charges with opposite signs move together
from an infinite separation, energy is released, and the potential energy of the set of charges
becomes negative.

Q25.6 (a) The equipotential surfaces are nesting coaxial cylinders around an infinite line of charge.
(b) The equipotential surfaces are nesting concentric spheres around a uniformly charged sphere.

*Q25.7 Answer (b). The potential could have any value.

*Q25.8 The same charges at the same distance away create the same contribution to the total potential.
Answer (b).

49
50 Chapter 25

*Q25.9 The change in kinetic energy is the negative of the change in electric potential energy, so we
work out −q∆V = −q(Vf − Vi) in each case.
(a) −(−e)(60 V − 40 V) = +20 eV (b) −(−e)(20 V − 40 V) = −20 eV
(c) −(e)(20 V − 40 V) = +20 eV (d) −(e)(10 V − 40 V) = +30 eV
(e) −(−2e)(50 V − 40 V) = +20 eV (f) −(−2e)(60 V − 40 V) = +40 eV
With also (g) 0 and (h) +10 eV, the ranking is f > d > c = e = a > h > g > b.

Q25.10 The main factor is the radius of the dome. One often overlooked aspect is also the humidity of the
air—drier air has a larger dielectric breakdown strength, resulting in a higher attainable electric
potential. If other grounded objects are nearby, the maximum potential might be reduced.

*Q25.11 (i) The two spheres come to the same potential, so q/R is the same for both. With twice the
radius, B has twice the charge. Answer (d).
(ii) All the charge runs away from itself to the outer surface of B. Answer (a).

Q25.12 The grounding wire can be touched equally well to any point on the sphere. Electrons will drain
away into the ground and the sphere will be left positively charged. The ground, wire, and sphere
are all conducting. They together form an equipotential volume at zero volts during the con-
tact. However close the grounding wire is to the negative charge, electrons have no difficulty in
moving within the metal through the grounding wire to ground. The ground can act as an infinite
source or sink of electrons. In this case, it is an electron sink.

SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
Section 25.1 Electric Potential and Potential Difference

P25.1 (a) Energy of the proton-field system is conserved as the proton moves from high to low poten-
tial, which can be defined for this problem as moving from 120 V down to 0 V.
1
K i + U i + ∆Emech = K f + U f 0 + qV + 0 = m v 2p + 0
2

C ) (120 V ) ⎛
1J ⎞ 1
(1.60 × 10 = 1.67 × 10 −27 kg ) v 2p
⎝ 1 V ⋅ C⎠ 2 (
−19

v p = 1.52 × 10 5 m s

(b) The electron will gain speed in moving the other way,
from Vi = 0 to V f = 120 V: K i + U i + ∆Emech = K f + U f
1
0+0+0= m ve2 + qV
2
0=
1
2
(9.11 × 10 −31 kg) ve2 + ( −1.60 × 10 −19 C) (120 J C)
ve = 6.49 × 10 6 m s

P25.2 ∆V = −14.0 V and Q = − N A e = − ( 6.02 × 10 23 ) (1.60 × 10 −19 ) = −9.63 × 10 4 C

W = Q ∆V = ( −9.63 × 10 4 C ) ( −14.0 J C ) = 1.35 MJ

W
∆V = , so
Q
 Electric Potential 51

Section 25.2 Potential Difference in a Uniform Electric Field

∆V 25.0 × 10 3 J C
P25.3 E= = = 1.67 × 10 6 N C = 1.67 MN C
d 1.50 × 10 −2 m
B C




B


P25.4 VB − VA = − ∫ E ⋅ d s = − ∫ E ⋅ d s − ∫ E ⋅ d s
A A C
0.500 0.400

VB − VA = ( − E cos 180° ) ∫ dy − ( E cos 90.0° ) ∫ dx

−0.300 −0.200

VB − VA = ( 325) ( 0.800 ) = +260 V

FIG. P25.4

P25.5
2
( 1
2
) ⎣
2
)
∆U = − m v 2f − vi2 = − ( 9.11 × 10 −31 kg ⎡(1.40 × 10 5 m s − ( 3.70 × 10 6 m s ⎤
1 2

⎦ ) )
−18
= 6.23 × 10 J

∆U = q∆V : +6.23 × 10 −18 = ( −1.60 × 10 −19 ) ∆V

∆V = −38.9 V. The origin is at highest potentiial.

P25.6 Assume the opposite. Then at some point A on some equipotential surface the electric field has a
nonzero component E p in the plane of the surface. Let a test charge start from point A and move
B



some distance on the surface in the direction of the field component. Then ∆V = − ∫ E ⋅ d s is
A
nonzero. The electric potential charges across the surface and it is not an equipotential surface. The
contradiction shows that our assumption is false, that E p = 0, and that the field is perpendicular to the
equipotential surface.

P25.7 (a) Arbitrarily choose V = 0 at 0. Then at other points

V = − Ex and U e = QV = −QEx
Between the endpoints of the motion,

( K + U s + U e )i = ( K + U s + U e ) f
FIG. P25.7
1 2 2QE
0 + 0 + 0 = 0 + kxmax − QExmax so xmax =
2 k
(b) At equilibrium,

∑F x = − Fs + Fe = 0 or kx = QE
QE
So the equilibrium position is at x = .
k
d2x
(c) The block’s equation of motion is ∑F x = − kx + QE = m
dt 2
.

QE QE
Let x′ = x − , or x = x′ + ,
k k

continued on next page

52 Chapter 25

so the equation of motion becomes:

d 2 ( x + QE k ) d2x′
−k ⎛ x′ + = − ⎛ ⎞ x′
QE ⎞ k
+ QE = m , or
⎝ k ⎠ dt 2 dt 2 ⎝ m⎠
This is the equation for simple harmonic motion ax′ = −ω 2 x ′
k
with ω=
m
2π m
The period of the motion is then T= = 2π
ω k
(d) ( K + U s + U e )i + ∆Emech = ( K + U s + U e ) f
1 2
0 + 0 + 0 − µ k mgxmax = 0 + kxmax − QExmax
2
2 (QE − µ k mg )
xmax =
k

P25.8 Arbitrarily


take V = 0 at point P. Then the potential at the original position of the charge is
− E ⋅ s = − EL cos θ . At the final point a, V = −EL. Because the table is frictionless we have
( K + U )i = ( K + U ) f
1
0 − qEL cos θ = m v 2 − qEL
2
2qEL (1 − cos θ ) 2 ( 2.00 × 10 −6 C ) ( 300 N C ) (1.50 m ) (1 − cos 60.0° )
v= = = 0.300 m s
m 0.010 0 kg

P25.9 Arbitrarily take V = 0 at the initial point. Then at distance d downfield, where L is the rod length,
V = −Ed and U e = − λ LEd .
(a) ( K + U )i = ( K + U ) f
1
0+0= µ L v 2 − λ LEd
2
2λ Ed 2 ( 40.0 × 10 −6 C m ) (100 N C ) ( 2.00 m )
v= = = 0.400 m s
µ ( 0.100 kg m )

(b) The same. Each bit of the rod feels a force of the same size as before.

Section 25.3 Electric Potential and Potential Energy Due to Point Charges

P25.10 (a) Since the charges are equal and placed symmetrically, F = 0 .

(b) Since F = qE = 0, E = 0 .

⎛ 2.00 × 10 −6 C ⎞
= 2 (8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) ⎜
q
(c) V = 2 ke FIG. P25.10
r ⎝ 0.800 m ⎟⎠

V = 4.50 × 10 4 V = 45.0 kV
 Electric Potential 53

P25.11 (a) The potential at 1.00 cm is

q (8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C ) (1.60 × 10 C )
9 2 2 −19

V1 = ke = −2
= 1.44 × 10 −7 V
r 1.00 × 10 m
(b) The potential at 2.00 cm is
q (8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C ) (1.60 × 10 C )
9 2 2 −19

V2 = ke = −2
= 0.719 × 10 −7 V
r 2.00 × 10 m
Thus, the difference in potential between the two points is ∆V = V2 − V1 = −7.19 × 10 −8 V .

(c) The approach is the same as above except the charge is −1.60 × 10 −19 C. This changes the
sign of each answer, with its magnitude remaining the same.
That is, the potential at 1.00 cm is −1.44 × 10 −7 V .
The potential at 2.00 cm is −0.719 × 10 −7 V, so ∆V = V2 − V1 = 7.19 × 10 −8 V

ke q1 ke q2 ⎛ +q −2q ⎞
P25.12 (a) Ex = + 2 = 0 becomes E x = ke ⎜ 2 + =0
x 2 ( x − 2.00 ) ⎝x ( x − 2.00 )2 ⎟⎠
2qx 2 = q ( x − 2.00 ) x 2 + 4.00 x − 4.00 = 0
2
Dividing by ke ,
−4.00 ± 16.0 + 16.0
Therefore E = 0 when x= = −4.83 m
2
(Note that the positive root does not correspond to a physically valid situation.)
+q
V = ke ⎛
ke q1 k e q2 2q ⎞
(b) V= + =0 or − =0
x 2.00 − x ⎝ x 2.00 − x ⎠

Again solving for x, 2qx = q ( 2.00 − x )

For 0 ≤ x ≤ 2.00 V = 0 when x = 0.667 m

q −2q
and = For x < 0 x = −2.00 m
x 2− x

Q
P25.13 (a) E=
4π ∈0 r 2
Q
V=
4π ∈0 r
V 3 000 V
r= = = 6.00 m
E 500 V m
Q
(b) V = −3 000 V =
4π ∈0 ( 6.00 m )
−3 000 V
Q= ( 6.00 m ) = −2.00 µ C
(8.99 × 109 V ⋅ m C)
54 Chapter 25

qQ (5.00 × 10 −9
C ) ( −3.00 × 10 −9 C ) (8.99 × 10 9 V ⋅ m C )
P25.14 (a) U= = = −3.86 × 10 −7 J
4π ∈0 r ( 0.350 m )
The minus sign means it takes 3.86 × 10 −7 J to pull the two charges apart from 35 cm to a
much larger separation.
Q1 Q2
(b) V= +
4π ∈0 r1 4π ∈0 r2
(5.00 × 10 −9
C ) (8.99 × 10 9 V ⋅ m C ) ( −3.00 × 10 −9
C ) (8.99 × 10 9 V ⋅ m C )
= +
0.175 m 0.175 m
V = 103 V

qi
P25.15 V = ∑k
i ri
⎡ −1 1 ⎤
V = (8.99 × 10 9 ) ( 7.00 × 10 −6 ) ⎢
1
− + ⎥
⎣ 0.010 0 0.010 0 0.038 7 ⎦
V = −1.10 × 10 7 V = −11.0 MV

FIG. P25.15

= 2⎛ e ⎞
ke q1 ke q2 kq
P25.16 (a) V= +
r1 r2 ⎝ r ⎠

⎛ (8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) ( 2.00 × 10 −6 C ) ⎞
V = 2⎜ ⎟
⎝ (1.00 m )2 + ( 0.500 m )2 ⎠
V = 3.22 × 10 4 V = 32.2 kV FIG. P25.16

(b) U = qV = ( −3.00 × 10 −6 C ) ( 3.22 × 10 4 J C ) = −9.65 × 10 −2 J

⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎛ q1 q2 q3 ⎞
P25.17 U e = q4V1 + q4V2 + q4V3 = q4 ⎜ + +
⎝ 4π ∈0 ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ r1 r2 r3 ⎟⎠

⎛ ⎞
U e = (10.0 × 10 −6 C ) (8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) ⎜
2 1 1 1
+ + ⎟
⎝ 0.600 m 0.150 m ( 0.600 m )2 + ( 0.150 m )2 ⎠
U e = 8.95 J
 Electric Potential 55

*P25.18 (a) The first expression, with distances squared, describes an electric field. The second expression
describes an electric potential. Then a positive 7 nC charge is 7 cm from the origin. To create
field that is to the left and downward, it must be in the first quadrant, with position
vector 7 cm at 70° . A negative 8 nC charge 3 cm from the origin creates an upward
electric field at the origin, so it must be at 3 cm at 90° . We evaluate the given expressions:


E = −4.39 kN C ˆi + 67.8 kN C ˆj
V = −1.50 kV

( ) ( )



(b) F = qE = −16 × 10 −9 C −4.39 ˆi + 67.8 ˆj 10 3 N C = 7.03ˆi − 109 ˆj × 10 −5 N

(c) U e = qV = −16 × 10 −9 C ( −1.50 × 10 3 J C ) = +2.40 × 10 −5 J

P25.19 U = U1 + U 2 + U 3 + U 4
U = 0 + U12 + (U13 + U 23 ) + (U14 + U 24 + U 34 )
keQ 2 keQ 2 ⎛ 1 ⎞ kQ ⎛
2
1 ⎞
U = 0+ + ⎜⎝ + 1⎟ + e ⎜ 1 + + 1⎟
s s 2 ⎠ s ⎝ 2 ⎠
keQ 2 ⎛ 2 ⎞ keQ 2 FIG. P25.19
U= ⎜⎝ 4 + ⎟⎠ = 5.41
s 2 s

⎛ 2 ⎞
We can visualize the term ⎜ 4 + ⎟ as arising directly from the 4 side pairs and 2 face diagonal
⎝ 2⎠
pairs.

P25.20 Each charge creates equal potential at the center. The total potential is:
⎡ k (−q) ⎤ 5k q
V = 5⎢ e ⎥ = − e
⎣ R ⎦ R

P25.21 (a) Each charge separately creates positive potential everywhere. The total potential produced
by the three charges together is then the sum of three positive terms. There is no point ,
at a finite distance from the charges, at which this total potential is zero.
ke q ke q 2 ke q
(b) V= + =
a a a
56 Chapter 25

keQ1 keQ2 k ( +Q ) ke ( +Q )
P25.22 (a) V ( x) = + = e2 +
r1 r2 x +a x2 + (−a)
2 2

2 keQ keQ ⎛ 2 ⎞
V ( x) = = ⎜ ⎟
x 2 + a2 a ⎜⎝ ( x a )2 + 1 ⎟⎠
V ( x) 2
=
( keQ a ) ( x a )2 + 1

keQ1 keQ2 ke ( +Q ) ke ( −Q )
(b) V ( y) = + = +
r1 r2 y−a y+a
FIG. P25.22(a)
k Q⎛ 1 1 ⎞
V ( y) = e ⎜ −
a ⎝ y a − 1 y a + 1 ⎟⎠

V ( y) ⎛ 1 1 ⎞
= ⎜ −
( keQ a ) ⎝ y a − 1 y a + 1 ⎟⎠

FIG. P25.22(b)

P25.23 Consider the two spheres as a system.

(a) Conservation of momentum: ( )

0 = m1 v1 ˆi + m2 v2 − ˆi or v2 =
m1 v1
m2
ke ( − q1 ) q2 1 1 k ( − q1 ) q2
By conservation of energy, 0= = m1 v12 + m2 v22 + e
d 2 2 r1 + r2
ke q1q2 ke q1q2 1 1 m12 v12
and − = m1 v12 +
r1 + r2 d 2 2 m2

2 m2 ke q1q2 ⎛ 1 1⎞
v1 = ⎜ − ⎟
m1 ( m1 + m2 ) ⎝ r1 + r2 d ⎠

2 ( 0.700 kg ) (8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) ( 2 × 10 −6 C ) ( 3 × 10 −6 C ) ⎛ 1 1 ⎞
v1 = −
( 0.100 kg) ( 0.800 kg) ⎝ 8 × 10 m 1.00 m ⎠
−3

= 10.8 m s

m1 v1 0.100 kg (10.8 m s )
v2 = = = 1.55 m s
m2 0.700 kg

(b) If the spheres are metal, electrons will move around on them with negligible energy loss to
place the centers of excess charge on the insides of the spheres. Then just before they touch,
the effective distance between charges will be less than r1 + r2 and the spheres will really
be moving faster than calculated in (a) .
 Electric Potential 57

P25.24 Consider the two spheres as a system.

(a) Conservation of momentum: ( )
0 = m1 v1 ˆi + m2 v2 − ˆi
m1 v1
or v2 = .
m2
ke ( − q1 ) q2 1 1 k ( − q1 ) q2
By conservation of energy, 0= = m1 v12 + m2 v22 + e
d 2 2 r1 + r2
ke q1q2 ke q1q2 1 1 m12 v12
and − = m1 v12 + .
r1 + r2 d 2 2 m2

2 m2 ke q1q2 ⎛ 1 1⎞
v1 = ⎜ − ⎟
m1 ( m1 + m2 ) ⎝ r1 + r2 d ⎠

⎛m ⎞ 2 m1 ke q1q2 ⎛ 1 1⎞
v2 = ⎜ 1 ⎟ v1 = ⎜ − ⎟
⎝ m2 ⎠ m2 ( m1 + m2 ) ⎝ r1 + r2 d ⎠

(b) If the spheres are metal, electrons will move around on them with negligible energy loss to
place the centers of excess charge on the insides of the spheres. Then just before they touch,
the effective distance between charges will be less than r1 + r2 and the spheres will really
be moving faster than calculated in (a) .

P25.25 The original electrical potential energy is

ke q
U e = qV = q
d
In the final configuration we have mechanical equilibrium. The spring and electrostatic forces
kq k q2
on each charge are − k ( 2d ) + q e 2 = 0. Then k = e 3 . In the final configuration the total
( 3d ) 18d
1 2 1 ke q 2 ke q 4 ke q 2
potential energy is kx + qV = ( 2d ) + q
2
= . The missing energy must have
2 2 18d 3 3d 2 9 d 2
kq 4k q
become internal energy, as the system is isolated: e = e + ∆ Eint .
d 9d
5 ke q 2
∆Eint =
9 d

P25.26 Using conservation of energy for the alpha particle-nucleus system,

we have K f + U f = K i + Ui
ke qα qgold
But Ui = and ri ≈ ∞ Thus, Ui = 0
ri
Also K f = 0 (v f = 0 at turning point),
so U f = Ki
ke qα qgold 1
or = mα vα2
rmin 2
2 (8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) ( 2 ) ( 79 ) (1.60 × 10 −19 C )
2
2 ke qα qgold
rmin = = = 2.74 × 10 −14 m
mα vα2 (6.64 × 10 −27 kg) ( 2.00 × 10 7 m s ) 2

= 27.4 fm
58 Chapter 25

P25.27 Each charge moves off on its diagonal line. All charges have equal speeds.

∑ (K + U ) = ∑ (K + U )
i f
2 2
4 k q 2 2k q 2
+ e = 4 ⎛ mv 2 ⎞ + e + e
4 ke q 2k q 1
0+
L 2L ⎝2 ⎠ 2L 2 2L
⎛ 1 ⎞ ke q 2
⎜⎝ 2 + ⎟ = 2mv 2
2⎠ L

⎛ 1 ⎞ ke q 2
v = ⎜1 + ⎟
⎝ 8 ⎠ mL

P25.28 A cube has 12 edges and 6 faces. Consequently, there are 12 edge pairs separated by s, 2 × 6 = 12
face diagonal pairs separated by 2s, and 4 interior diagonal pairs separated by 3s.

ke q 2 ⎡ 12 4 ⎤ ke q 2
U= ⎢⎣12 + 2 + 3 ⎥⎦ = 22.8 s
s

Section 25.4 Obtaining the Value of the Electric Field from the Electric Potential

P25.29 V = a + bx = 10.0 V + ( −7.00 V m ) x

(a) At x = 0, V = 10.0 V

At x = 3.00 m, V = −11.0 V

At x = 6.00 m, V = −32.0 V
dV
(b) E=− = −b = − ( −7.00 V m ) = 7.00 N C in the + x direection
dx

keQ
P25.30 (a) For r < R V=
R
dV
Er = − = 0
dr
kQ
(b) For r ≥ R V= e
r
= − ⎛ − e2 ⎞ = e2
dV kQ kQ
Er = −
dr ⎝ r ⎠ r

P25.31 V = 5 x − 3 x 2 y + 2 yz 2
Evaluate E at (1, 0, − 2 ) .
∂V
Ex = − = −5 + 6 xy = −5 + 6 (1) ( 0 ) = −5
∂x
∂V
Ey = − = +3 x 2 − 2 z 2 = 3 (1) − 2 ( −2 ) = −5
2 2

∂y
∂V
Ez = − = −4 yz = −4 ( 0 ) ( −2 ) = 0
∂z
E = Ex2 + Ey2 + Ez2 = ( −5) + ( −5) + 0 2 = 7.07 N C
2 2
 Electric Potential 59

∆V
P25.32 (a) EA > EB since E =
∆s
∆V (6 − 2) V
(b) EB = − =− = 200 N C down
∆s 2 cm
(c) The figure is shown to the right, with sample field lines
sketched in.

∂V ∂ ⎡ k Q ⎛ ℓ + ℓ2 + y2 ⎞ ⎤ FIG. P25.32
P25.33 Ey = − = − ⎢ e ln ⎜ ⎟⎥
∂y ∂y ⎢ ℓ ⎝ y ⎠ ⎥⎦
⎣

keQ ⎡ y2 ⎤ keQ
Ey = ⎢1 − 2 ⎥=
ℓy ⎢⎣ ℓ + y 2 + ℓ ℓ 2 + y 2 ⎥⎦ y ℓ2 + y2

Section 25.5 Electric Potential Due to Continuous Charge Distributions

keQ keQ keQ ⎛ 1 ⎞ kQ

P25.34 ∆V = V2 R − V0 = − = ⎜⎝ − 1⎟ = −0.553 e
R + (2R)
2 2 R R 5 ⎠ R

λ
[α ] = ⎡⎢ ⎤⎥ = ⋅ ⎛⎝ ⎞⎠ = 2
C 1 C
P25.35 (a)
⎣x⎦ m m m

λ dx
L
⎡ L ⎤
= keα ⎢ L − d ln ⎛ 1 + ⎞ ⎥
dq xdx
(b) V = ke ∫ = ke ∫ = keα ∫
r r 0
d + x ⎣ ⎝ d⎠⎦

FIG. P25.35
ke dq α xdx
P25.36 V=∫ = ke ∫
r b + ( L 2 − x)
2 2

L
Let z = − x.
2
L
Then x = − z, and dx = − dz
2
(L 2 − z ) ( − dz ) keα L dz zdz
V = keα ∫
2 ∫ b2 + z2
=− + keα ∫ 2 2
b +z 2 2
b +z

=−
keα L
2
( )
ln z + z 2 + b 2 + keα z 2 + b 2
L L
k α L ⎡⎛ L ⎤
2 2
− x⎞ + ⎛ − x⎞ + b 2 ⎥ + keα ⎛ − x ⎞ + b 2
L L
V =− e ln ⎢
2 ⎢⎣⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝2 ⎠ ⎥⎦ 0
⎝2 ⎠
0

keα L ⎡ L 2 − L + ( L 2 ) + b ⎤ ⎡ L ⎤
2 2 2 2
⎥ + keα ⎢ ⎛ − L ⎞ + b 2 − ⎛ ⎞ + b 2 ⎥
L
V =− ln ⎢
2 ⎢ L 2 + ( L 2 )2 + b 2
⎣
⎥
⎦ ⎢⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2⎠
⎦⎥

keα L ⎡⎢ b + ( L 4 ) − L 2 ⎤⎥
2 2

V= − ln
2 ⎢ b 2 + ( L2 4 ) + L 2 ⎥
⎣ ⎦
60 Chapter 25

1 dq
P25.37 V = ∫ dV = ∫
4π ∈0 r

All bits of charge are at the same distance from O.

1 ⎛ Q⎞ ⎛ −7.50 × 10 −6 C ⎞
So V = = (8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) ⎜ = −1.51 MV .
4π ∈0 ⎝ R ⎠ ⎝ 0.140 m π ⎟⎠

−R
λ dx λ ds λ dx
3R
dq
P25.38 V = ke ∫
all charge
r
= ke ∫
−3 R
− x
+ ke ∫
semicircle
R
+ ke ∫
R
x

−R ke λ
V = − ke λ ln ( − x ) −3 R +
3R
π R + ke λ ln x R
R
3R
V = ke ln + ke λ π + ke ln 3 = ke λ (π + 2 ln 3)
R

Section 25.6 Electric Potential Due to a Charged Conductor

P25.39 (a) E= 0 ;

ke q (8.99 × 10 ) ( 26.0 × 10 )
9 −6

V= = = 1.67 MV
R 0.140

ke q (8.99 × 10 ) ( 26.0 × 10 )
9 −6

(b) E= = = 5.84 MN C away

r2 ( 0.200 )2

ke q (8.99 × 10 ) ( 26.0 × 10 )
9 −6

V= = = 1.17 MV
R 0.200

ke q (8.99 × 10 ) ( 26.0 × 10 )
9 −6

(c) E= = = 11.9 MN C away

R2 ( 0.140 )2
ke q
V= = 1.67 MV
R

ke q
P25.40 Substituting given values into V =
r
(8.99 × 10 9
N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) q
7.50 × 10 3
V=
0.300 m
−7
Substituting q = 2.50 × 10 C,
2.50 × 10 −7 C
N= = 1.56 × 1012 electrrons
1.60 × 10 −19 C e−
 Electric Potential 61

P25.41 The electric field on the surface of a conductor varies inversely with the radius of curvature of the
surface. Thus, the field is most intense where the radius of curvature is smallest and vice-versa.
The local charge density and the electric field intensity are related by

σ
E= or σ = ∈0 E
∈0

(a) Where the radius of curvature is the greatest,

σ = ∈0 Emin = (8.85 × 10 −12 C2 N ⋅ m 2 ) ( 2.80 × 10 4 N C ) = 248 nC m 2

(b) Where the radius of curvature is the smallest,

σ = ∈0 Emax = (8.85 × 10 −12 C2 N ⋅ m 2 ) ( 5.60 × 10 4 N C ) = 496 nC m 2

ke q1 ke q2
P25.42 (a) Both spheres must be at the same potential according to =
r1 r2
where also q1 + q2 = 1.20 × 10 −6 C
q2 r1
Then q1 =
r2

q2 r1
+ q2 = 1.20 × 10 −6 C
r2
1.20 × 10 −6 C
q2 = = 0.300 × 10 −6 C on the smaller sphere
1 + 6 cm 2 cm
q1 = 1.20 × 10 −6 C − 0.300 × 10 −6 C = 0.900 × 10 −6 C
ke q1 (8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C ) ( 0.900 × 10 C )
9 2 2 −6

V= = = 1.35 × 10 5 V
r1 6 × 10 −2 m

(b) Outside the larger sphere,

kq V 1.35 × 10 5 V
E1 = e 2 1 rˆ = 1 rˆ = rˆ = 2.25 × 10 6 V m away
r1 r1 0.06 m

Outside the smaller sphere,

1.35 × 10 5 V
E2 = rˆ = 6.74 × 10 6 V m away
0.02 m

The smaller sphere carries less charge but creates a much stronger electric field than the
larger sphere.
62 Chapter 25

Section 25.7 The Millikan Oil Drop Experiment

Section 25.8 Application of Electrostatics

keQ keQ ⎛ 1 ⎞
= Vmax ⎛ ⎞
1
P25.43 (a) Emax = 3.00 × 10 6 V m = =
r 2 ⎝
r r ⎠ ⎝ r⎠

Vmax = Emax r = 3.00 × 10 6 ( 0.150 ) = 450 kV

(b)
keQmax
r2
= Emax {or
keQmax
r
= Vmax } Qmax =
Emax r 2 3.00 × 10 6 ( 0.150 )2
ke
=
8.99 × 10 9
= 7.51 µ C

B



P25.44 (a) VB − VA = − ∫ E ⋅ ds and the field at distance r from a uniformly
A

charged rod (where r > radius of charged rod) is

λ 2k λ
E= = e
2π ∈0 r r

In this case, the field between the central wire and the coaxial
cylinder is directed perpendicular to the line of charge so that
FIG. P25.44

⎛r ⎞
rb
2 ke λ
VB − VA = − ∫ dr = 2 ke λ ln ⎜ a ⎟
ra
r ⎝ rb ⎠

⎛r ⎞
or ∆V = 2 ke λ ln ⎜ a ⎟
⎝ rb ⎠

(b) From part (a), when the outer cylinder is considered to be at zero potential, the potential at
a distance r from the axis is

V = 2 ke λ ln ⎛ a ⎞
r
⎝ r⎠

The field at r is given by

∂V ⎛ r⎞ 2k λ
= −2 ke λ ⎜ ⎟ ⎛ − a2 ⎞ = e
r
E=−
∂r ⎝ ra ⎠ ⎝ r ⎠ r

∆V
But, from part (a), 2ke λ = .
ln ( ra rb )

∆V ⎛ 1 ⎞
Therefore, E = .
ln ( ra rb ) ⎝ r ⎠
 Electric Potential 63

P25.45 (a) From the previous problem,

∆V 1
E=
ln ( ra rb ) r

We require just outside the central wire

50.0 × 10 3 V ⎛ 1 ⎞
5.50 × 10 6 V m =
ln ( 0.850 m rb ) ⎜⎝ rb ⎠⎟

⎛ ⎞
or (110 m ) r ln ⎜⎝ 0.850
−1
b
r
m
⎟⎠ = 1
b

We solve by homing in on the required value

rb ( m ) 0.0100 0.00100 0.00150 0.00145 0.00143 0.00142

⎛ ⎞
(110 m ) r ln ⎜⎝ 0.850
−1
b
r
m
⎟⎠ 4.89 0.740 1.05 1.017 1.005 0.999
b

Thus, to three significant figures,

rb = 1.42 mm

(b) At ra ,

E=
50.0 kV ⎛ 1 ⎞ = 9.20 kV m
ln ( 0.850 m 0.001 42 m ) ⎝ 0.850 m ⎠
64 Chapter 25

Additional Problems

*P25.46 (a) The two particles exert forces of repulsion on each other. As the projectile approaches the
target particle, the projectile slows. The target starts to move in the x direction. As long as
the projectile is moving faster than the second particle, the two will be approaching. Kinetic
energy will be being converted into electric potential energy. When both particles move
with equal speeds, the distance between them will momentarily not be changing: this is
the instant of closest approach. Thereafter, the target particle, still feeling a forward force,
will move faster than the projectile. The particles will separate again. The particles exert
forces on each other but never touch. The particles will eventually be very far apart, with
zero electric potential energy. All of the Ue they had at closest approach is converted back
into kinetic energy. The whole process is an elastic collision. Compare this problem with
Problem 9.49 in Chapter 9.

(b) Momentum is constant throughout the process. We equate it at the large-separation initial
point and the point b of closest approach.





m1v1i + m2 v 2i = m1v1b + m2 v 2b

( )

( 2 g) 21ˆi m s + 0 = ( 2 g + 5 g) vb


v b = 6.00 ˆi m s

(c) Energy conservation between the same two points:

1 1 1 kqq
m1 v12i + m2 v22i + 0 = ( m1 + m2 ) vb2 + e 1 2
2 2 2 rb
1 1 1
0.002 kg ( 21 m s ) + 0.005 kg ( 0 ) + 0 = 0.007 kg ( 6 m s )
2 2 2

2 2 2
8.99 × 10 9 Nm 2 15 × 10 −6 C 8.5 × 10 −6 C
+
C2 rb
1.15 J ⋅ m
0.441 J − 0.126 J =
rb
1.15 m
rb = = 3.64 m
0.315
(d) The overall elastic collision is described by conservation of momentum:





m1v1i + m2 v2 i = m1v1d + m2 v2 d

( )


( 2 g) 21ˆi m s + 0 = 2 gv1d ˆi + 5 gv2 d ˆi
and by the relative velocity equation:
v1i − v2 i = v2 d − v1d
21 m s − 0 = v2 d − v1d
we substitute

v2 d = 21 m s + v1d
42 g ⋅ m s = 2 gv1d + 5 g ( 21 m s + v1d ) = 2 gv1d + 105 g ⋅ m s + 5 gv1d
−63 g ⋅ m s = 7 gv1d
v1d = −99.00 m s


v1d = −9.00 ˆi m s
v2 d = 21 m s − 9 m s = 12.0 m s


v 2 d = 12.0 ˆi m s
 Electric Potential 65

( 38 ) ( 54 ) (1.60 × 10 )
−19 2

U = qV = ke 1 2 = (8.99 × 10 9 )
qq
P25.47 = 4.04 × 10 −11 J = 253 MeV
r12 ( 5.50 + 6.20 ) × 10 −15

*P25.48 (a) The field within the conducting Earth is zero. E = s /¨0
s = E¨0 = (−120 N/C)(8.85 × 10−12 C2/N⋅m2) = −1.06 nC/m2
(b) QE = s A = s 4p r2 = (−1.06 × 10−9 C/m2) 4p (6.37 × 106 m)2 = −542 kC
keQ 8.99 × 10 9 C2 (−5.42 × 10 5 C)
(c) V= = = −764 MV
R N ⋅ m 2 (6.37 × 10 6 m)
(d) Vhead − Vfeet = Ed = (120 N/C)1.75 m = 210 V
ke q1q2 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 (5.42 × 10 5 C)2 (0.273)
(e) F= = = 4.88 × 10 3 N away from Earth
r2 C2 (3.84 × 108 m)2
(f) The gravitational force is
GME MM 6.67 × 10 −11 N ⋅ m 2 (5.98 × 10 24 kg)(7.36 × 10 22 kg)
F= = = 1.99 × 10 20 N
r2 kg 2 ( 3.84 × 10 8 m)2
toward the Earth

The gravitational force is larger by 1.99 × 1020/4.88 × 103 = 4.08 × 1016 times and in the
opposite direction.

Electrical forces are negligible in accounting for planetary motion.

(g) We require m(−g) + qE = 0

6 × 10−6 kg(−9.8 m/s2) + q(−120 N/C) = 0
q = 5.88 × 10−5 N/(−120 N/C) = −490 nC

(h) Less charge to be suspended at the equator. The gravitational force is weaker at a greater
distance from the Earth’s center. The suspended particle is not quite in equilibrium, but
accelerating downward to participate in the daily rotation. At uniform potential, the planet’s
surface creates a stronger electric field at the equator, where its radius of curvature is smaller.

ke q1q2 − ( 8.99 × 10 ) (1.60 × 10 )

9 −19 2

P25.49 (a) U= = = −4.35 × 10 −18 J = −27.2 eV

r 0.052 9 × 10 −9

ke q1q2 − (8.99 × 10 ) (1.60 × 10 )

9 −19 2
(b) U= = = −6.80 eV
r 22 ( 0.052 9 × 10 −9 )

ke q1q2 − ke e2
(c) U= = = 0
r ∞
P25.50 (a) To make a spark 5 mm long in dry air between flat metal plates requires potential difference

) )
∆V = Ed = ( 3 × 10 6 V m ( 5 × 10 −3 m = 1.5 × 10 4 V ~10 4 V
2
(b) The area of your skin is perhaps 1.5 m , so model your body as a sphere with this surface
area. Its radius is given by 1.5 m 2 = 4π r 2 , r = 0.35 m. We require that you are at the
potential found in part (a):
ke q Vr 1.5 × 10 4 V ( 0.35 m ) ⎛ J ⎞ ⎛ N ⋅ m ⎞
V= q= =
r ke 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ⎝ V ⋅ C ⎠ ⎝ J ⎠

q = 5.8 × 10 −7 C ~10 −6 C
66 Chapter 25

*P25.51 (a) We have keQ/R = 200 V and keQ/(R + 10 cm) = 150 V

Then 200 R = 150(R + 10 cm). The information is sufficient to determine the charge and
original distance, according to 50 R = 1 500 cm.

R = 30.0 cm and Q = 200 V(0.3 m)/(8.9 × 109 N⋅m2/C2) = 6.67 nC

(b) We have keQ/R = 210 V and keQ/(R + 10 cm)2 = 400 V/m.

Then 210 VR = (400 V/m)(R + 0.1 m)2.

210 mR = 400 R2 + 80 mR = 4 m2

The information is not quite sufficient . There are two possibilities, according to

400 R 2 − 130 mR + 4 m2 = 0

+130 ± 130 2 − 4(400)4

R= m = either 0.291 m or 0.034 4 m
800
If the radius is 29.1 cm, the charge is 210(0.291) C/8.99 × 109 = 6.79 nC. If the radius is
3.44 cm, the charge is 210(0.034 4) C/8.99 × 109 = 804 pC.

P25.52 The plates create uniform electric field to the right in the picture, with magnitude
V0 − ( −V0 ) 2V0
= . Assume the ball swings a small distance x to the right. It moves to a
d d
2V
place where the voltage created by the plates is lower by − Ex = − 0 x . Its ground
d
connection maintains it at V = 0 by allowing charge q to flow from ground onto the ball,
2V x k q 2V xR 4V 2 xR
where − 0 + e = 0 q = 0 . Then the ball feels electric force F = qE = 0 2 to
d R ke d ke d
the right. For equilibrium this must be balanced by the horizontal component of string
4V 2 xR 4V02 xR x
tension according to T cos θ = mg T sin θ = 0 2 tan θ = = for small x.
ke d ke d 2 mg L
1 2
⎛ k d 2 mg ⎞
Then V0 = ⎜ e . If V0 is less than this value, the only equilibrium position of the ball is
⎝ 4 RL ⎟⎠
hanging straight down. If V0 exceeds this value the ball will swing over to one plate or the other.

*P25.53 For a charge at (x = −1 m, y = 0), the radial distance away is given by ( x + 1)2 + y 2 . So the first
term will be the potential it creates if

(8.99 × 109 N ⋅ m2/C2)Q1 = 36 V ⋅ m Q1 = 4.00 nC

The second term is the potential of a charge at (x = 0, y = 2 m) with

(8.99 × 109 N ⋅ m2/C2)Q2 = −45 V ⋅ m Q2 = −5.01 nC

Thus we have 4.00 nC at (−1.00 m, 0) and −5.01 nC at (0, 2.00 m) .

 Electric Potential 67

P25.54 (a) Take the origin at the point where we will find the potential. One ring, of width dx, has
Qdx
charge and, according to Example 25.5, creates potential
h
keQdx
dV =
h x 2 + R2
The whole stack of rings creates potential
d +h

( )
d +h
keQdx keQ
V= ∫
all charge
dV = ∫
d h x +R
2 2
=
h
ln x + x 2 + R 2
d

keQ ⎛ d + h + ( d + h ) + R 2 ⎞
2

= ln ⎜ ⎟
h ⎝ d + d 2 + R2 ⎠

Qdx Qdx
(b) A disk of thickness dx has charge and charge-per-area . According to
Example 25.6, it creates potential h π R2 h

dV = 2π ke
Qdx
π R2 h
( x 2 + R2 − x )
Integrating,
d +h d +h

V= ∫
d
2 keQ
R2 h
( x 2 + R 2 dx − xdx = ) 2 keQ ⎡ 1
R 2 h ⎢⎣ 2
x x 2
+ R 2
+
R2
2
ln x(+ x 2
+ R 2
− )
x2 ⎤
2 ⎥⎦ d

⎡ ⎛ d + h + ( d + h )2 + R 2 ⎞ ⎤
keQ ⎢
V= (d + h) ( d + h )2 + R 2 − d d 2 + R 2 − 2 dh − h 2 + R 2 ln ⎜ ⎟⎥
R2 h ⎢ ⎜⎝ d + d 2 + R2 ⎟⎠ ⎥
⎣ ⎦

Q
ke q keQ 2
P25.55 W = ∫ Vdq where V = . Therefore, W = .
0
R 2R

*P25.56 (a) The exact potential is

ke q kq kq kq k q 2k q kq
+ − e =+ e − e = e − e = − e
r+a r−a 3a + a 3a − a 4 a 4aa 4a
(b) The approximate expression −2keqa/x2 gives −2keqa/(3a)2 = −keq/4.5a.
Even though 3a is hardly a large distance compared to the 2a separation of the charges,
the approximate answer is different by only

1 / 4 − 1 / 4.5 0.5
= = 11.1%
1/ 4 4.5

r r
2


2
λ
P25.57 V2 − V1 = − ∫ E ⋅ dr = − ∫ dr
r1 r1
2π ∈0 r

−λ ⎛r ⎞
V2 − V1 = ln ⎜ 2 ⎟
2π ∈0 ⎝ r1 ⎠
68 Chapter 25

P25.58 Take the illustration presented with the problem as an initial picture. v v
No external horizontal forces act on the set of four balls, so its center 1 2
of mass stays fixed at the location of the center of the square. As the + +
charged balls 1 and 2 swing out and away from each other, balls 3 CM
3 4
and 4 move up with equal y-components of velocity. The maximum-
v v
kinetic-energy point is illustrated. System energy is conserved:
FIG. P25.58
ke q 2 ke q 2 1 1 1 1
= + mv 2 + mv 2 + mv 2 + mv 2
a 3a 2 2 2 2
2 ke q 2 ke q 2
= 2 mv 2 v=
3a 3am

P25.59 From an Example in the chapter text, the potential at the center of the
kQ
ring is Vi = e and the potential at an infinite distance from the
R
ring is V f = 0. Thus, the initial and final potential energies of the
point charge-ring system are:
keQ 2 FIG. P25.59
U i = QVi =
R
and U f = QV f = 0

From conservation of energy,

K f + U f = K i + Ui

1 k Q2
or M v 2f + 0 = 0 + e
2 R

2 keQ 2
giving vf =
MR

a+ L
λ dx a+ L ⎡ a + L + ( a + L )2 + b 2 ⎤
P25.60 V = ke ∫ = ke λ ln ⎡ x + (x 2
+ b2 ) ⎤ = ke λ ln ⎢ ⎥
a x 2 + b2 ⎣ ⎦a ⎢⎣ a + a2 + b2 ⎥⎦

ke q ke q ke q
P25.61 (a) V= − = ( r2 − r1 )
r1 r2 r1r2
From the figure, for r >> a, r2 − r1 ≈ 2a cos θ
ke q k p cos θ
Then v≈ 2a cos θ ≈ e 2
r1r2 r
∂V 2 ke p cos θ
(b) Er = − =
∂r r3
1⎛ ∂ ⎞
In spherical coordinates, the q component of the gradient is − ⎜ ⎟ .
r ⎝ ∂θ ⎠
1 ⎛ ∂V ⎞ ke p sin θ FIG. P25.61
Therefore, Eθ = − ⎜ ⎟ =
r ⎝ ∂θ ⎠ r3
2 ke p
For r >> a Er ( 0°) =
r3
continued on next page
 Electric Potential 69

and Er ( 90°) = 0,

Eθ ( 0° ) = 0
ke p
and Eθ ( 90° ) =
r3
These results are reasonable for r >> a . Their directions are as shown in Figure 25.13 (c).
However, for r → 0, E ( 0 ) → ∞ . This is unreasonable, since r is not much greater
than a if it is 0.

(c) ke py
V=
(x + y2 )
2 32

and ∂V 3ke pxy

Ex = − =
∂x ( x 2 + y 2 )5 2

∂V ke p ( 2 y − x )
2 2

Ey = − =
∂y ( x 2 + y2 )5 2
ke q
P25.62 dU = Vdq where the potential V = .
r
The element of charge in a shell is dq = ρ (volume element) or dq = ρ ( 4π r 2 dr ) and the charge
q in a sphere of radius r is
r
⎛ 4π r 3 ⎞
q = 4πρ ∫ r 2 dr = ρ ⎜
0
⎝ 3 ⎟⎠
Substituting this into the expression for dU, we have

⎛ k q⎞ ⎛ 4π r 3 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎛ 16π 2 ⎞ 2 4
dU = ⎜ e ⎟ dq = ke ρ ⎜
⎝ r ⎠ ⎟
⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎝ r⎠
⎜ ⎟ ρ ( 4π r 2 dr = ke ⎜ )
⎝ 3 ⎟⎠
ρ r dr

⎛ 16π 2 ⎞ 2 4 ⎛ 16π 2 ⎞ 2 5
R

U = ∫ dU = ke ⎜ ⎟ ρ ∫ r dr = ke ⎜ ρ R
⎝ 3 ⎠ 0 ⎝ 15 ⎟⎠
2
4
But the total charge, Q = ρ π R 3 . Therefore, U = 3 keQ .
3 5 R
ke dq
P25.63 For an element of area which is a ring of radius r and width dr, dV = .
r2 + x2
dq = σ dA = Cr ( 2π rdr ) and
R
r 2 dr ⎡ ⎛ x ⎞⎤
V = C ( 2π ke ) ∫ = C (π ke ) ⎢ R R 2 + x 2 + x 2 ln ⎜ 2 ⎟
⎥
0 r +x
2 2
⎣ ⎝ R+ R + x ⎠⎦
2
70 Chapter 25

*P25.64 (a) keQ/r = 8.99 × 109 (1.6 × 10−9) V/2 = 7.19 V

8.99 1.6 8.99 1.6

(b) + = 7.67 V
2(1+ 1 2) 2(1 + 3 2)

8.99 1.6 ⎛ 1 1 1 1 ⎞
(c) ⎜ 1 + + + ⎟ = 7.84 V
4 ⎝1 + 4 1 + 4 1 + 4 1 + 7 4 ⎠
3 5

8.99 1.6 ⎛ 1 1 1 ⎞
(d) We find + + ... + = 7.900 2 V
32 ⎜⎝ 1 + 1 32 1 + 3 32 1 + 63 32 ⎟⎠

(e) We find 8.99 1.6 ⎛⎜ 1 + 1 + ... + 1 ⎞⎟ = 7.901 0 V

64 ⎝ 1 + 164 1 + 3 64 1 + 127 64 ⎠

(f) We represent the exact result as

keQ ⎛ ℓ + a ⎞ 8.99 1.6 V ⎛ 3 ⎞

V= ln ⎜ ⎟= ln ⎜ ⎟ = 7.901 2 V
ℓ ⎝ a ⎠ 2 ⎝1⎠
Modeling the line as a set of points works nicely. The exact result, represented as 7.901 2 V, is
approximated to within 0.8% by the four-particle version. The 16-particle approximation gives a
result accurate to three digits, to within 0.05%. The 64-charge approximation gives a result accu-
rate to four digits, differing by only 0.003% from the exact result.
σ 36.0 × 10 −9 C m 2
P25.65 The positive plate by itself creates a field E = = = 2.03 kN C
2 ∈0 2 ( 8.85 × 10 −12 C2 N ⋅ m 2 )
away from the + plate. The negative plate by itself creates the same size field and between the
plates it is in the same direction. Together the plates create a uniform field 4.07 kN C in the
space between.

(a) Take V = 0 at the negative plate. The potential at the positive plate is then
12.0 cm

V −0=− ∫ ( −4.07 kN C ) dx
0
The potential difference between the plates is V = ( 4.07 × 10 3 N C) ( 0.120 m ) = 488 V .

⎛1 ⎞ ⎛1 ⎞
(b) ⎜⎝ m v + qV ⎟⎠ = ⎜⎝ m v + qV ⎟⎠
2 2

2 i 2 f

qV = (1.60 × 10 −19 C ( 488 V) = ) 1

2
m v 2f = 7.81 × 10 −17 J

(c) v f = 306 km s

(d) v 2f = vi2 + 2 a ( x f − xi )

( 3.06 × 10 ) = 0 + 2 a ( 0.120 m )
5 2
ms
a = 3.90 × 1011 m s 2 toward the negative plate

(e) ∑ F = ma = (1.67 × 10 −27

) )
kg ( 3.90 × 1011 m s 2 = 6.51 × 10 −16 N toward the negative
plate

F 6.51 × 10 −16 N
(f) E= = = 4.07 kN C
q 1.60 × 10 −19 C
 Electric Potential 71

ke ( q ) ke ( −2q )
P25.66 For the given charge distribution, V ( x , y, z ) = +
r1 r2

r1 = ( x + R ) + y 2 + z 2 and r2 = x 2 + y 2 + z 2
2
where

The surface on which V ( x , y, z ) = 0

⎛1 2 ⎞
is given by ke q ⎜ − ⎟ = 0, or 2r1 = r2
⎝ r1 r2 ⎠
4 ( x + R) + 4 y2 + 4 z 2 = x 2 + y2 + z 2
2
This gives:

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + ⎛ R⎞ x + ( 0 ) y + ( 0 ) z + ⎛ R 2 ⎞ = 0
8 4
which may be written in the form: [1]
⎝3 ⎠ ⎝3 ⎠

The general equation for a sphere of radius a centered at ( x0 , y0 , z0 ) is:

( x − x0 )2 + ( y − y0 )2 + ( z − z0 )2 − a 2 = 0

or x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + ( −2 x0 ) x + ( −2 y0 ) y + ( −2 z0 ) z + ( x02 + y02 + z02 − a 2 ) = 0 [2]

Comparing equations [1] and [2], it is seen that the equipotential surface for which V = 0 is
indeed a sphere and that:

8 4
−2 x0 =
R; − 2 y0 = 0; − 2 z0 = 0; x02 + y02 + z02 − a 2 = R 2
3 3

Thus, x0 = − R, y0 = z0 = 0, and a 2 = ⎛ − ⎞ R 2 = R 2
4 16 4 4
3 ⎝ 9 3⎠ 9
⎛ 4 ⎞ 2
The equipotential surface is therefore a sphere centered at ⎜− R, 0, 0 ⎟ , having a radius R .
⎝ 3 ⎠ 3

P25.67 Inside the sphere, Ex = Ey = Ez = 0 .

Outside, Ex = −
∂V
∂x
=−
∂
∂x
(
V0 − E0 z + E0 a 3 z ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
−3 2
)
⎡ ⎤
Ex = − ⎢ 0 + 0 + E0 a 3 z ⎛ − ⎞ ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) ( 2 x ) ⎥ = 3E0 a 3 xz ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
3 −5 2 −5 2
So
⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎦

Ey = −
∂V
∂y
=−
∂
∂y
(
V0 − E0 z + E0 a 3 z ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
−3 2
)
Ey = − E0 a 3 z ⎛ − ⎞ ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) 2 y = 3E0 a 3 yz ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
3 −5 2 −5 2

⎝ 2⎠
∂V
= E0 − E0 a 3 z ⎛ − ⎞ ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) ( 2 z ) − E0 a 3 ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
3 −55 2 −3 2
Ez = −
∂z ⎝ 2⎠

E z = E0 + E0 a 3 ( 2 z 2 − x 2 − y 2 ) ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
−5 2
72 Chapter 25

ANSWERS TO EVEN PROBLEMS

P25.2 1.35 MJ

P25.4 +260 V

P25.6 See the solution.

P25.8 0.300 m s

P25.10 (a) 0 (b) 0 (c) 45.0 kV

P25.12 (a) −4.83 m (b) 0.667 m and −2.00 m

P25.14 (a) −386 nJ (b) 103 V

P25.16 (a) 32.2 kV (b) −96.5 mJ

P25.18 (a) +7.00 nC with position vector 7.00 cm at 70.0° and −8.00 nC with position vector 3.00 cm at
90.0° (b) (0.070 3 î − 1.09 ĵ)mN (c) +24.0 mJ
5ke q
P25.20 −
R
P25.22 See the solution.
2 m2 ke q1q2 ⎛ 1 1⎞ 2 m1 ke q1q2 ⎛ 1 1⎞
P25.24 (a) v1 = ⎜ − ⎟ v2 = ⎜ − ⎟ (b) Faster than
m1 ( m1 + m2 ) ⎝ r1 + r2 d ⎠ m2 ( m1 + m2 ) ⎝ r1 + r2 d ⎠
calculated in (a)

P25.26 27.4 fm
ke q 2
P25.28 22.8
s
keQ
P25.30 (a) 0 (b) radially outward
r2
P25.32 (a) larger at A (b) 200 N C down (c) See the solution.
keQ
P25.34 −0.553
R

keα L ⎡⎢ b + ( L 4 ) − L 2 ⎤⎥
2 2
P25.36 − ln
2 ⎢ b 2 + ( L2 4 ) + L 2 ⎥
⎣ ⎦
P25.38 kel(p + 2 ln3)

P25.40 1.56 × 1012 electrons

P25.42 (a) 135 kV (b) 2.25 MV m away from the large sphere and 6.74 MV m away from the small
sphere

P25.44 See the solution.

 Electric Potential 73

P25.46 (a) The velocity of one particle relative to the other is first a velocity of approach, then zero at
closest approach, and then a velocity of recession. (b) 6.00 î m/s (c) 3.64 m (d) −9.00 î m/s
for the incident particle and 12.0 î m/s for the target particle.

P25.48 (a) negative 1.06 nC/m2 (b) −542 kC (c) 764 MV (d) His head is higher in potential by
210 V. (e) 4.88 kN away from the Earth (f) The gravitational force is in the opposite direction
and 4.08 × 1016 times larger. Electrical forces are negligible in accounting for planetary motion.
(g) −490 nC (h) Less charge to be suspended at the equator. The gravitational force is weaker
at a greater distance from the Earth’s center. The suspended particle is not quite in equilibrium,
but accelerating downward to participate in the daily rotation. At uniform potential, the
planet’s surface creates a stronger electric field at the equator, where its radius of curvature is
smaller.

P25.50 (a) ~10 4 V (b) ~10 −6 C

P25.52 See the solution.

⎛ 2 ⎞
(a) keQ ln ⎜ d + h + ( d + h ) + R ⎟
2
P25.54
h ⎝ d + d 2 + R2 ⎠
keQ ⎡ ⎛ d + h + ( d + h )2 + R 2 ⎞ ⎤
(b) 2 ⎢( d + h ) ( d + h )2 + R 2 − d d 2 + R 2 − 2dh − h 2 + R 2 ln ⎜ ⎟⎥
Rh ⎢
⎣ ⎝ d + d 2 + R2 ⎠ ⎥⎦

P25.56 (a) −keq/4 a (b) The approximate expression −2keqa/x2 gives −keq/4.5 a, which is different by
only 11.1%.
12
P25.58 ⎛ ke q 2 ⎞
⎜⎝ 3am ⎟⎠

⎡ a + L + ( a + L )2 + b 2 ⎤
P25.60 ke λ ln ⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣ a + a2 + b2 ⎥⎦

3 keQ 2
P25.62
5 R
P25.64 (a) 7.19 V (b) 7.67 V (c) 7.84 V (d) 7.900 2 V (e) 7.901 0 V (f) Modeling the line as a
set of points works nicely. The exact result, represented as 7.901 2 V, is approximated to within
0.8% by the four-particle version. The 16-particle approximation gives a result accurate to three
digits, to within 0.05%. The 64-charge approximation gives a result accurate to four digits,
differing by only 0.003% from the exact result.

P25.66 See the solution.