1 Chapter 24

Chapter 24

1. (a) When the electron is released, its energy is

K + U = 3.0 eV − 6.0 eV

(the latter value is inferred from the graph along with the fact that U = qV and q = − e). Because
of the minus sign (of the charge) it is convenient to imagine the graph multiplied by a minus sign
so that it represents potential energy in eV. Thus, the 2 V value shown at x = 0 would become –2
eV, and the 6 V value at x = 4.5 cm becomes –6 eV, and so on. The total energy (− 3.0 eV) is
constant and can then be represented on our (imagined) graph as a horizontal line at − 3.0 V. This
intersects the potential energy plot at a point we recognize as the turning point. Interpolating in
the region between 1.0 cm and 4.0 cm, we find the turning point is at x = 1.75 cm ≈ 1.8 cm.

(b) There is no turning point toward the right, so the speed there is nonzero. Noting that the kinetic
energy at x = 7.0 cm is

K = − 3.0 eV − (− 5.0 eV) = 2.0 eV,

we find the speed using energy conservation:

2K 2 ( 2.0 eV ) (1.60 ×10−19 J/eV )

v
= = −31
= 8.4 ×105 m/s.
me 9.11×10 kg

(c) The electric field at any point P is the (negative of the) slope of the voltage graph evaluated at
 
P. Once we know the electric field, the force on the electron follows immediately from F = qE ,
where q = −e for the electron. In the region just to the left of x = 4.0 cm , the electric field is

E = (−133 V/m)iˆ and the magnitude of the force is F
= 2.1×10−17 N .

(d) The force points in the +x direction.

→ →
(e) In the region just to the right of x = 5.0 cm, the field is E = +100 V/m î and the force is F =
( –1.6 x 10−17 N) î . Thus, the magnitude of the force is F = 1.6 ×10−17 N .

→
(f) The minus sign indicates that F points in the –x direction.
 2 Chapter 24

2. The electric field throughout the conducting volume is zero, which implies that the potential
there is constant and equal to the value it has on the surface of the charged sphere:

q
V=
A V=
S
4πε 0 R

where q = 30 × 10−9 C and R = 0.030 m. For points beyond the surface of the sphere, the potential
follows Eq. 24-26:

q
VB =
4πε 0 r

where r = 0.050 m.

(a) We see that

q  1 1 3
VS – VB =  −  = 3.6 × 10 V.
4πε 0  R r 

(b) Similarly,

q  1 1 3
VA – VB =  −  = 3.6 × 10 V.
4πε 0  R r 

3. The escape speed may be calculated from the requirement that the initial kinetic energy (of
launch) be equal to the absolute value of the initial potential energy (compare with the gravitational
case in Chapter 14). Thus,

1 2 eq
mv =
2 4πε 0 r

where m = 9.11 × 10−31 kg, e = 1.60 × 10−19 C, q = 3.3 ×10−15 C, and r = 0.00850 m. This yields
v 3.5 ×104 m/s .
=

4. THINK The work required to set up the arrangement is equal to the potential energy of the
system.

EXPRESS We choose the zero of electric potential to be at infinity. The initial electric potential
energy Ui of the system before the particles are brought together is therefore zero. After the
system is set up the final potential energy is
 3 Chapter 24

q2  1 1 1 1 1 1  2q 2  1 
U
= f  − − + − − + =   − 2 .
4πε 0  a a 2a a a 2a  4πε 0 a  2 

Thus the amount of work required to set up the system is given by

2q 2  1  2(8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(5.16 ×10−12 C) 2  1 

W=∆U = U f −Ui =
Uf =  − 2  =  − 2
4πε 0 a  2  0.450 m  2 
−12
=−1.38 ×10 J.

LEARN The work done in assembling the system is negative. This means that an external agent
+1.38 ×10−13 J in order to take apart the arrangement completely.
would have to supply Wext =

5. The work done is equal to the change in the (total) electric potential energy U of the system,
where

q1q2 qq qq
U= + 3 2 + 1 3
4πε 0 r12 4πε 0 r23 4πε 0 r13

and the notation r13 indicates the distance between q1 and q3 (similar definitions apply to r12 and
r23).

(a) We consider the difference in U where initially r12 = b and r23 = a, and finally r12 = a and r23 =
b (r13 doesn’t change). Converting the values given in the problem to SI units (µC to C, cm to m),
we obtain ∆U = – 24 J.

(b) Now we consider the difference in U where initially r23 = a and r13 = a, and finally r23 is again
equal to a and r13 is also again equal to a (and of course, r12 doesn’t change in this case). Thus,
we obtain ∆U = 0.

6. We treat the system as a superposition of a disk of surface charge density σ and radius R and a
smaller, oppositely charged, disk of surface charge density –σ and radius r. For each of these, Eq
24-37 applies (for z > 0)

σ −σ
V=
2ε 0
e j
z2 + R2 − z +
2ε 0
e j
z2 + r 2 − z .

This expression does vanish as r → ∞, as the problem requires. Substituting r = 0.200R and z =
2.00R and simplifying, we obtain
 4 Chapter 24

σ R  5 5 − 101  (6.20 ×10−12 C/m 2 )(0.130 m)  5 5 − 101 

=V =    
ε 0  10  8.85 ×10−12 C2 /N ⋅ m 2  10 
= 1.03 ×10−2 V.

7. (a) The charge on every part of the ring is the same distance from any point P on the axis. This
distance is r = z 2 + R 2 , where R is the radius of the ring and z is the distance from the center of
the ring to P. The electric potential at P is

1 dq 1 dq 1 1
=V = ∫
4πε 0 r 4πε 0 ∫ =
2
z +R 2 4πε 0 z + R2
2 ∫ dq
1 q
= .
4πε 0 z 2 + R 2

(b) The electric field is along the axis and its component is given by

∂V q ∂ 2 q 1
E= − = − ( z + R 2 ) −1/ 2 =   ( z 2 + R 2 ) −3/ 2 (2 z )
∂z 4πε 0 ∂z 4πε 0  2 
q z
= .
4πε 0 ( z + R 2 )3/ 2
2

This agrees with Eq. 23-16.

8. The particle with charge –q has both potential and kinetic energy, and both of these change
when the radius of the orbit is changed. We first find an expression for the total energy in terms of
the orbit radius r. The charge Q provides the centripetal force required for –q to move in uniform
circular motion. The magnitude of the force is F = Qq/4πε0r2. The acceleration of –q is v2/r, where
v is its speed. Newton’s second law yields

Qq mv 2 Qq
= ⇒ mv 2 = ,
4πε 0 r 2 r 4πε 0 r

and the kinetic energy is

1 2 Qq
=K =mv .
2 8πε 0 r

The potential energy is U = –Qq/4πε0r, and the total energy is

 5 Chapter 24

Qq Qq Qq
E=K +U = − =− .
8πε 0 r 4πε 0 r 8πε 0 r

When the orbit radius is r1 the energy is E1 = –Qq/8πε0r1 and when it is r2 the energy is E2 = –
Qq/8πε0r2. The difference E2 – E1 is the work W done by an external agent to change the radius:

Qq  1 1  Qq  1 1 
W=
E2 − E1 =
−  −  =  − .
8πε 0  r2 r1  8πε 0  r1 r2 

9. (a) We use Gauss’ law to find expressions for the electric field inside and outside the spherical
charge distribution. Since the field is radial the electric potential can be written as an integral of
the field along a sphere radius, extended to infinity. Since different expressions for the field apply
in different regions the integral must be split into two parts, one from infinity to the surface of the
distribution and one from the surface to a point inside.

Outside the charge distribution the magnitude of the field is E = q/4πε0r2 and the potential is V =
q/4πε0r, where r is the distance from the center of the distribution. This is the same as the field and
potential of a point charge at the center of the spherical distribution. To find an expression for the
magnitude of the field inside the charge distribution, we use a Gaussian surface in the form of a
sphere with radius r, concentric with the distribution. The field is normal to the Gaussian surface
and its magnitude is uniform over it, so the electric flux through the surface is 4πr2E. The charge
enclosed is qr3/R3. Gauss’ law becomes

qr 3 qr
4πε 0 r 2 E= ⇒ E= .
R 3
4πε 0 R 3

If Vs is the potential at the surface of the distribution (r = R) then the potential at a point inside, a
distance r from the center, is

r q r qr 2 q
Vs − ∫ E dr =
V= Vs − ∫ r dr =
Vs − + .
R 4πε 0 R 3 R 8πε 0 R 8πε 0 R
3

The potential at the surface can be found by replacing r with R in the expression for the potential
at points outside the distribution. It is Vs = q/4πε0R. Thus,

q  1 r2 1  q
3 (
V
=  − 3+ =  3R 2 − r 2 ) .
4πε 0  R 2 R 2 R  8πε 0 R

(b) The potential difference is

 6 Chapter 24

2q 3q q
∆V =Vs − Vc = − =− ,
8πε 0 R 8πε 0 R 8πε 0 R

q / 8πε 0 R .
or | ∆V | =

10. The potential energy of the two-charge system is

U
1
=
q1q2 (8.99 ×10 9
N ⋅ m 2 C2 )( 3.00 ×10−6 C )( −4.00 ×10−6 C )
4πε 0 ( x − x )2 + ( y − y )2 ( 3.50 + 2.00 ) + ( 0.500 − 1.50 )
2 2
cm
1 2 1 2

= −1.93 J.

Thus, –1.93 J of work is needed.

11. (a) Using U = qV we can “translate” the graph of voltage into a potential energy graph (in eV
units). From the information in the problem, we can calculate its kinetic energy (which is its total
energy at x = 0) in those units: Ki = 71.1 eV. This is less than the “height” of the potential energy
“barrier” (500 eV high once we’ve translated the graph as indicated above). Thus, it must reach a
turning point and then reverse its motion.

(b) Its final velocity, then, is in the negative x direction with a magnitude equal to that of its initial
velocity. That is, its speed (upon leaving this region) is 5.0 × 106 m/s.

12. First, we observe that V (x) cannot be equal to zero for x > d. In fact V (x) is always negative
for x > d. Now we consider the two remaining regions on the x axis: x < 0 and
0 < x < d.

(a) For 0 < x < d we have d1 = x and d2 = d – x. Let

q q  q 1 −3 
V ( x)= k  1 + 2 =  + = 0
 d1 d 2  4πε 0  x d − x 

and solve: x = d/4. With d = 32.0 cm, we have x = 8.00 cm.

(b) Similarly, for x < 0 the separation between q1 and a point on the x axis whose coordinate is x
is given by d1 = –x; while the corresponding separation for q2 is d2 = d – x. We set

q q  q  1 −3 
V ( x)= k  1 + 2 =  + = 0
d
 1 d 2  4πε 0  − x d − x 
 7 Chapter 24

to obtain x = –d/2. With d = 32.0 cm, we have x = –16.0 cm.

13. Since according to the problem statement there is a point in between the two charges on the x
axis where the net electric field is zero, the fields at that point due to q1 and q2 must be directed
opposite to each other. This means that q1 and q2 must have the same sign (i.e., either both are
positive or both negative). Thus, the potentials due to either of them must be of the same sign.
Therefore, the net electric potential cannot possibly be zero anywhere except at infinity.

14. (a) From Eq. 24-35, we find the potential to be

λ  L / 2 + ( L2 / 4) + d 2 
V =2 ln  
4πε 0  d 
 (0.06 m) / 2 + (0.06 m) 2 / 4 + (0.08 m) 2 
= 2(8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(9.54 ×10−12 C/m) ln  
 0.08 m 
= 6.29 ×10−2 V.

(b) The potential at P is V = 0 due to superposition.

15. The magnitude is ∆U = e ∆V = 2.0 × 109 eV = 2.0 GeV.

16. (a) The charge on the sphere is

(20.0 V)(0.085 m)
q=4πε 0 VR = 1.891× 10−10 C ≈ 0.189 nC.
=
8.99 × 109 N ⋅ m 2 C2

(b) The (uniform) surface charge density (charge divided by the area of the sphere) is

q 1.891×10−10 C
σ
= = = 2.08 ×10−9 C/m 2 .
4π R 4π ( 0.085 m )
2 2

17. (a) The work done by the electric field is

f   qσ d q0σd (1.60 ×10−19 C)(3.84 ×10−12 C/m 2 )(0.00173 m)

W= ∫ i
q0 E ⋅ ds= 0
2ε 0 ∫ 0
dz=
2ε 0
=
2(8.85 ×10−12 C2 /N ⋅ m 2 )
= 6.01×10−23 J.

(b) Since

V – V0 = –W/q0 = –σz/2ε0,
 8 Chapter 24

with V0 set to be zero on the sheet, the electric potential at P is

σz (3.84 ×10−12 C/m 2 )(0.00173 m)

V=
− =
− −3.75 ×10−4 V.
=
2ε 0 2(8.85 ×10−12 C2 /N ⋅ m 2 )

18. (a) Let the quark-quark separation be r. To “naturally” obtain the eV unit, we only plug in for
one of the e values involved in the computation:

1 / 3)
( 2e / 3)( 2e= 4ke 4 ( 8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(1.60 ×10−19 C )
U= = e e
9 (1.32 ×10−15 m )
up − up
4πε 0 r 9r
=4.84 ×105 eV =0.484 MeV.

(b) The total consists of all pair-wise terms:

1  ( 2e / 3)( 2e / 3) ( −e / 3)( 2e / 3) ( −e / 3)( 2e / 3) 

U
=  + + =  0.
4πε 0  r r r 

19. (a) Using Eq. 24-26, we calculate the radius r of the sphere representing the 30 V equipotential
surface:

q (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(1.50 ×10−8 C)

=r = = 4.5 m.
4πε 0V 30 V

(b) If the potential were a linear function of r then it would have equally spaced equipotentials, but
since V ∝ 1 r they are spaced more and more widely apart as r increases.

20. The initial speed vi of the electron satisfies

Ki = 21 me vi2 = e∆V ,

which gives

2e ∆V 2 (1.60 ×10−19 J ) ( 625 V )

vi
= = −31
= 1.48 ×107 m s.
me 9.11×10 kg

21. THINK The increase in electric potential at the surface of the copper sphere is proportional
to the increase in electric charge.
 9 Chapter 24

EXPRESS The electric potential at the surface of a sphere of radius R is given by V = q / 4πε 0 R,
where q is the charge on the sphere. Thus, q = 4πε 0 RV . The number of electrons entering the
copper sphere is N = q / e, but this must be equal to (λ / 2)t , where λ is the decay rate of the
nickel.

ANALYZE (a) With R = 0.010 m, when V = 1000 V, the net charge on the sphere is

(0.010 m)(1000 V)
q 4πε 0 RV
= = = 1.11×10−9 C.
8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2

Dividing q by e yields

(1.11×10−9 C)/(1.6 ×10−19 C) =

N= 6.95 ×109

electrons that entered the copper sphere. So the time required is

N 6.95 ×109
=t = = 38 s .
λ / 2 (3.7 ×108 s −1 ) / 2

(b) The energy deposited by each electron that enters the sphere is E0 = 100 keV = 1.6 × 10−14 J.
Using the given heat capacity, we note that a temperature increase of ∆T = 5.0 K = 5.0 ºC
required

E = C ∆T = (14 J/K)(5.0 K) = 70 J

of energy. Dividing this by E0 gives the number of electrons needed to enter the sphere (in order
to achieve that temperature change):

E 70 J
=′
N = = 4.375 × 1015
E0 1.6 × 10−14 J

Thus, the time needed is

N′ 4.375 ×1015
t′
= = = 2.36 ×107 s
λ / 2 (3.7 ×108 s −1 ) / 2

or roughly 270 days.

LEARN As more electrons get into copper, more energy is deposited, and the copper sample
gets hotter.
 10 Chapter 24

R
22. (a) We use Eq. 24-18 to find the potential: Vwall − V =− ∫ E dr , or
r

R  ρr  ρ
0 −V =−∫ 
r 2ε
 dr ⇒ −V =−
4ε 0
( R2 − r 2 ) .
 0

Consequently, V = ρ(R2 – r2)/4ε0.

(b) The value at r = 0 is

. × 10−3 C m3
−11
h eb0.05 mg − 0j = −7.8 × 10 V.
2 4
Vcenter =
c
4 8.85 × 10−12 C V ⋅ m

Thus, the difference is | Vcenter=| 7.8 ×104 V.

23. THINK The electric potential for a spherically symmetric charge distribution falls off as
1/ r , where r is the radial distance from the center of the charge distribution.

EXPRESS The electric potential V at the surface of a drop of charge q and radius R is given by
V = q/4πε0R.

ANALYZE (a) With V = 615 V and=q 22.0 ×10−12 C, we find the radius to be

R
=
q
=
(8.99 ×10 9
N ⋅ m 2 / C2 )( 22.0 ×10−12 C )
= 3.22 ×10−4 m.
4πε 0V 615 V

(b) After the two drops combine to form one big drop, the total volume is twice the volume of an
original drop, so the radius R' of the combined drop is given by (R')3 = 2R3 and R' = 21/3R. The
charge is twice the charge of the original drop: q' = 2q. Thus,

1 q′ 1 2q
V′
= = = 2/3
2= V 22/3 (615 V) = 976 V.
′
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 2 R
1/3

LEARN A positively charged configuration produces a positive electric potential, and a negatively
charged configuration produces a negative electric potential. Adding more charge increases the
electric potential.

24. In applying Eq. 24-27, we are assuming V → 0 as r → ∞. All corner particles are equidistant
from the center, and since their total charge is
 11 Chapter 24

2q1– 3q1+ 2 q1– q1 = 0,

then their contribution to Eq. 24-27 vanishes. The net potential is due, then, to the two +4q2
particles, each of which is a distance of a/2 from the center:

1 4q2 1 4q2 16q2 16(8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(7.50 ×10−12 C)

V= + = =
4πε 0 a / 2 4πε 0 a / 2 4πε 0 a 0.210 m
= 5.14 V.

25. We connect A to the origin with a line along the y axis, along which there is no change of
z
 
potential (Eq. 24-18: E ⋅ ds = 0 ). Then, we connect the origin to B with a line along the x axis,
along which the change in potential is

x =3.50   3.50  3.502 

∆V =−∫ E ⋅ ds =−2.25∫ x dx =−2.25  
0 0
 2 

which yields VB – VA = –13.8 V.

26. (a) The potential difference is

1 Q 1 q  15 ×10−6 C 5.0 ×10−6 C 

∆V= − = (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )  − 
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 r  0.060 m 0.030 m 
= 7.49 ×105 V.

(b) By connecting the two metal spheres with a wire, we now have one conductor, and any excess
charge must reside on the surface of the conductor. Therefore, the charge on the small sphere is
zero.

(c) Since all the charges reside on the surface of the large sphere, we have

Q′ = Q + q = 15.0 µ C + 5.00 µ C = 20.0 µ C.

27. The distance r being looked for is that where the alpha particle has (momentarily) zero kinetic
energy. Thus, energy conservation leads to

(2e)(92e) (2e)(92e)
K0 + U0 = K + U ⇒ (0.48 × 10−12 J) + =0+ .
4πε 0 r0 4πε 0 r

If we set r0 = ∞ (so U0 = 0) then we obtain r = 8.8 × 10−14 m.

 12 Chapter 24

28. The electric potential energy in the presence of the dipole is

qp cos θ (−e)(ed ) cos θ

=U qV
=dipole = .
4πε 0 r 2 4πε 0 r 2

Noting that θi = θf = 0º, conservation of energy leads to

2e 2  1 1  5
Kf + Uf = Ki + Ui ⇒ v=  −  = 7.0 ×10 m/s .
4πε 0 md  25 49 


29. THINK The component of the electric field E in any direction is the negative of the rate at
which potential changes with distance in that direction.

EXPRESS From Eq. 24-30, the electric potential of a dipole at a point a distance r away is

1 p cos θ
V=
4πε 0 r 2

 
where p is the magnitude of the dipole moment p and θ is the angle between p and the
position vector of the point. The potential at infinity is taken to be zero.

ANALYZE On the dipole axis θ = 0 or π, so |cos θ | = 1. Therefore, magnitude of the electric field
is

∂V p d 1 p
E (r ) =
− =  2 = 3.
∂r 4πε 0 dr  r  2πε 0 r

LEARN Take the z axis to be the dipole axis. For r= z > 0 ( θ = 0 ), E = p / 2πε 0 z 3 . On the other
hand, for r =− z < 0 ( θ = π ), E = − p / 2πε 0 z 3 .

30. The potential difference is

∆V = E ∆s = (1.92 × 105 N/C)(0.0150 m) = 2.90 × 103 V.

31. (a) Using d = 2 m, we find the potential at P:

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

VP = + = =
4πε 0 d 4πε 0 (2d ) 4πε 0 d 2.00 m .
= 7.192 ×10−10 V.
 13 Chapter 24

Note that we are implicitly assuming that V → 0 as r → ∞.

(b) Since U = qV , then the movable particle's contribution of the potential energy when it is at r
= ∞ is zero, and its contribution to Usystem when it is at P is

U= 2(1.6 ×10−19 C)(7.192 ×10−10 V) =

qVP = 2.30 ×10−28 J .

Thus, the work done is approximately equal to Wapp = 2.30 × 10−28 J.

(c) Now, combining the contribution to Usystem from part (b) and from the original pair of fixed
charges

1 (2e)(−2e) (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(4)(1.60 ×10−19 C) 2

U fixed =
4πε 0 (4.00 m) 2 + (2.00 m) 2 20.0 m
−2.058 ×10−28 J
=

we obtain

Usystem = Wapp + Ufixed = 2.43 × 10–29 J.

32. We use Eq. 24-41:

∂V ∂
E x ( x, y ) =
− − ( (4.5 V/m 2 ) x 2 − 7.0 V/m 2 ) y 2 ) =
= −2(4.5 V/m 2 ) x;
∂x ∂x
∂V ∂
E y ( x, y ) =
− − ( (4.5 V/m 2 ) x 2 − 7.0 V/m 2 ) y 2 ) =
= 2(7.0 V/m 2 ) y .
∂y ∂y

We evaluate at x = 3.0 m and y = 2.0 m to obtain


E=(−27 V/m)iˆ + (28 V/m)jˆ .

33. Consider an infinitesimal segment of the rod, located between x and x + dx. It has length dx
and contains charge dq = λ dx, where λ = Q/L is the linear charge density of the rod. Its distance
from P1 is d + x and the potential it creates at P1 is

1 dq 1 λ dx
=dV = .
4πε 0 d + x 4πε 0 d + x

To find the total potential at P1, we integrate over the length of the rod and obtain:
 14 Chapter 24

λ L dx λ L
Q  L
V
=
4πε 0 ∫0
=
d + x 4πε 0
ln(d + x=
)
0
ln 1 + 
4πε 0 L  d 
(8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(33.2 ×10−15 C)  0.200 m 
ln 1 + 
0.200 m  0.025 m 
= 3.28 ×10−3 V.

34. (a) Consider an infinitesimal segment of the rod from x to x + dx. Its contribution to the
potential at point P2 is

1 λ ( x) dx 1 cx
=dV = dx.
4πε 0 x 2 + y 2 4πε 0 x2 + y 2

Thus,

V
= ∫rod
dV
=P
c
4πε 0 ∫
0
L

2
x +y
x
2
dx
=
c
4πε 0
( L2 + y 2 − y )
= (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(32.6 ×10−12 C/m 2 ) ( (0.0850 m) 2 + (0.0356 m) 2 − 0.0356 m )
= 1.66 ×10−2 V.

(b) The y component of the field there is

c  
Ey =
∂V
− P =
∂y
−
c d
4πε 0 dy
( )
L2 + y 2 − y = 1 −

4πε 0 
y
L + y2
2



 0.0356 m 
= (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(32.6 ×10−12 C/m 2 ) 1 − 
 (0.0850 m) 2 + (0.0356 m) 2 
 
= 0.180 N/C.

(c) We obtained above the value of the potential at any point P strictly on the y-axis. In order to
obtain Ex(x, y) we need to first calculate V(x, y). That is, we must find the potential for an arbitrary
point located at (x, y). Then Ex(x, y) can be obtained from Ex ( x, y ) = −∂V ( x, y ) / ∂x .

35. THINK The work done is equal to the change in potential energy.

EXPRESS The initial potential energy of the system is

 15 Chapter 24

2q 2
Ui
= + U0
4πε 0 L

where q is the charge on each particle, L is the length of the triangle side, and U0 is the potential
energy associated with the interaction of the two fixed charges. After moving to the midpoint of
the line joining the two fixed charges, the final energy of the configuration is

2q 2
=Uf + U0 .
4πε 0 ( L / 2)

Thus, the work done by the external agent is

2q 2  2 1  2q 2
W=∆U =
U f − Ui =  − = .
4πε 0  L L  4πε 0 L

ANALYZE Substituting the values given, we have

2q 2 2(8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(0.12 C) 2

W
= = = 1.5 ×108 J.
4πε 0 L 1.7 m

At a rate of P = 0.83 × 103 joules per second, it would take W/P = 1.8 × 105 seconds or about 2.1
days to do this amount of work.

LEARN Since all three particles are positively charged, positive work is required by the external
agent in order to bring them closer.

36. THINK To calculate the electric potential, we first apply Gauss’ law to calculate the electric
field of the spherical shell. The Gaussian surface is a sphere that is concentric with the shell.

EXPRESS At all points where there is an electric field, it is radially outward. For each part of
the problem, use a Gaussian surface in the form of a sphere that is concentric with the sphere of
charge and passes through the point where the electric field is to be found. The field is uniform
 
Φ ∫ E ⋅ dA
on the surface, so the flux through the surface is given by = = 4π r 2=E qenc / ε 0 , where
r is the radius of the Gaussian surface and qenc is the charge enclosed. (i) In the region r < r1 , the
enclosed charge is qenc = 0 and therefore, E = 0. (ii) In the region r1 < r < r2, the volume of the
( )
shell is ( 4 π 3) r23 − r13 , so the charge density is

3Q
ρ= ,
c h
4 π r23 − r13
 16 Chapter 24

where Q is the total charge on the spherical shell. Thus, the charge enclosed by the Gaussian
surface is

 4π  3 3  r 3 − r13 
qenc
= 
 3 
 ( r − r1 )=ρ Q  3 3 .
 r2 − r1 

Gauss’ law yields

 r 3 − r13  Q r 3 − r13
4πε
= r 2
E Q  3 3 =
⇒ E .
4πε 0 r 2 ( r23 − r13 )
0
 r2 − r1 

(iii) In the region r > r2 , the charge enclosed is qenc = Q, and the electric field is like that of a
point charge:

1 Q
E= .
4πε 0 r 2

ANALYZE (a) For r > r2 the field is like that of a point charge, and so is the potential:

1 Q
V= ,
4πε 0 r

where the potential was taken to be zero at infinity.

(b) In the region r1 < r < r2, we have

Q r 3 − r13
E= .
4πε 0 r 2 ( r23 − r13 )

If Vs is the electric potential at the outer surface of the shell (r = r2) then the potential a distance r
from the center is given by

r Q 1  r13 
r
Vs − ∫ E dr =
V= Vs − ∫r2  r 2  dr
r −
r2 4πε 0 r2 − r13
3

Q 1  r 2 r22 r13 r13 

= Vs −  − + − .
4πε 0 r23 − r13  2 2 r r2 
 17 Chapter 24

The potential at the outer surface is found by placing r = r2 in the expression found in part (a). It
is Vs = Q/4πε0r2. We make this substitution and collect terms to find

1  3r22 r 2 r13 
Q
=V  − − .
4πε 0 r23 − r13  2 2 r 

Since ρ 3Q 4π ( r23 − r13 ) this can also be written as

=

ρ  3r22 r 2 r13 
V
= (r )  − − .
3ε 0  2 2 r 

(c) For r < r1 , the electric field vanishes in the cavity, so the potential is everywhere the same
inside and has the same value as at a point on the inside surface of the shell. We put r = r1 in the
result of part (b). After collecting terms, we find the result

Q 3 ( r2 − r1 )
2 2

V= ,
4πε 0 2 ( r23 − r13 )

ρ 2 2
or in terms of the charge density V =
2ε 0
c h
r2 − r1 .

(d) Using the expression for V(r) found in (b), we have

ρ  3r22 r12 r13  ρ  3r22 3r12  ρ 2 2

(r1 )
V= 
3ε 0  2
− −=  
2 r1  3ε 0  2
−= 
2  2ε 0
( r2 − r1 )

and

ρ  3r22 r22 r13  ρ  2 r13  ρ 3Q / 4π Q

V (r2=
) 
3ε 0  2
− − =   r2 − =
2 r2  3ε 0 

r2  3ε 0 r2
( )
r23 − r13=
3ε 0 r2
=
4πε 0 r2
.

So the solutions agree at r = r1 and at r = r2.

LEARN Electric potential must be continuous at the boundaries at r = r1 and r = r2. In the
region where the electric field is zero, no work is required to move the charge around. Thus,
there’s no change in potential energy and the electric potential is constant.
 18 Chapter 24

37. The potential is

1 dq 1 −Q (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(39.4 ×10−12 C)

4πε 0 ∫ rod R 4πε 0 R ∫ rod
VP = = dq = = −
4πε 0 R 1.60 ×10−2 m
= −22.1 V.

We note that the result is exactly what one would expect for a point-charge –Q at a distance R.
This “coincidence” is due, in part, to the fact that V is a scalar quantity.

38. THINK The component of the electric field E in a given direction is the negative of the rate
at which potential changes with distance in that direction.

EXPRESS With V = 3.00 xyz 2 , we apply Eq. 24-41 to calculate the x, y, and z components of the
electric field:

∂V
Ex =
− −3.00 yz 2
=
∂x
∂V
Ey =
− −3.00 xz 2
=
∂y
∂V
Ez =
− −6.00 xyz
=
∂z

which, at (x, y, z) = (3.00 m, –5.00 m, 4.00 m), gives

(Ex, Ey, Ez) = (240 V/m, –144 V/m, 360 V/m).

ANALYZE The magnitude of the field is therefore


E
= Ex2 + E y2 + E=
2
z (240 V/m) 2 + (−144 V/m) 2 + (360 V/m) 2
= 456
= V m 456 N C.

LEARN If the electric potential increases along some direction, say x, with ∂V / ∂x > 0, then

there is a corresponding nonvanishing component of E in the opposite direction ( − Ex ≠ 0 ).

39. The net potential at point P (the place where we are to place the third electron) due to the fixed
charges is computed using Eq. 24-27 (which assumes V → 0 as r → ∞):

−e −e 2e
VP = + =
− .
4πε 0 d 4πε 0 d 4πε 0 d
 19 Chapter 24

Thus, with d = 2.00 × 10−6 m and e = 1.60 × 10−19 C, we find

2e (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(2)(1.60 ×10−19 C)

VP =
− =
− −1.438 ×10−3 V .
=
4πε 0 d 2.00 ×10 m−6

Then the required “applied” work is, by Eq. 24-14,

Wapp = (−e) VP = 2.30 × 10−22 J.

40. THINK To calculate the potential, we first apply Gauss’ law to calculate the electric field of
the charged cylinder of radius R. The Gaussian surface is a cylindrical surface that is concentric
with the cylinder.

EXPRESS We imagine a cylindrical Gaussian surface A of radius r and length h concentric with
the cylinder. Then, by Gauss’ law,

  q
∫ A
= 2π rhE
E ⋅ dA = enc ,
ε0

where qenc is the amount of charge enclosed by the Gaussian cylinder. Inside the charged cylinder
(r < R), qenc = 0, so the electric field is zero. On the other hand, outside the cylinder (r > R),
qenc = λ h so the magnitude of the electric field is

q/h λ
=E =
2πε 0 r 2πε 0 r

where λ is the linear charge density and r is the distance from the line to the point where the field
is measured. The potential difference between two points 1 and 2 is

r2
V ( r2 ) − V ( r1 ) =
− ∫ E ( r ) dr.
r1

ANALYZE (a) The radius of the cylinder (0.020 m, the same as RB) is denoted R, and the field
magnitude there (160 N/C) is denoted EB. From the equation above, we see that the electric field
beyond the surface of the cylinder is inversely proportional with r:

RB
=E EB , r ≥ RB .
r

Thus, if r = RC = 0.050 m, we obtain

 20 Chapter 24

RB 0.020 m 
EC E=
= B (160 N/C )  =  64 N C.
RC  0.050 m 

(b) The potential difference between VB and VC is

RB EB RB R   0.050 m 
−∫
VB − VC = EB RB ln  C
dr = =(160 N/C)(0.020 m) ln  
RC r  RB   0.020 m 
= 2.9 V.

(c) The electric field throughout the conducting volume is zero, which implies that the potential
there is constant and equal to the value it has on the surface of the charged cylinder: VA – VB = 0.

LEARN The electric potential at a distance r > RB can be written as

 r 
V (r=
) VB − EB RB ln   .
 RB 

We see that V (r ) decreases logarithmically with r.

41. We note that the net potential (due to the "fixed" charges) is zero at the first location ("at ∞")
being considered for the movable charge q (where q = +2e). Thus, with D = 4.00 m and e = 1.60
× 10−19 C, we obtain

+2e +e 2e (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(2)(1.60 ×10−19 C)

V= + = =
4πε 0 (2 D) 4πε 0 D 4πε 0 D 4.00 m
= 7.192 ×10−10 V .

The work required is equal to the potential energy in the final configuration:

Wapp = qV = (2e)(7.192 × 10−10 V) = 2.30 × 10−28 J.

42. The net electric potential at point P is the sum of those due to the six charges:
 21 Chapter 24


6 6
qi 10−15  5.00 −2.00 −3.00
VP = ∑ VPi = ∑ = + +
=i 1 =i 1 4πε 0 ri 4πε 0  d + ( d / 2 )
2 2 d /2 d + ( d / 2)
2 2


3.00 −2.00 +5.00 = 9.4 ×10−16
+ + +
d 2 + ( d / 2)
2 d /2 d 2 + ( d / 2)
2  4πε 0 (2.54 ×10−2 )

= 3.34 ×10−4 V.

43. Using Eq. 24-18, we have

3 A A 1 1 
ΔV = − ∫ 4
dr = 3
 −  = A(0.029/m ).
2 r 3  23 33 

44. THINK Mechanical energy is conserved in the process.

EXPRESS The electric potential at (0, y) due to the two charges Q held fixed at ( ± x, 0 ) is

2Q
V= .
4πε 0 x 2 + y 2

Thus, the potential energy of the particle of charge q at (0, y) is

2Qq
U qV
= = .
4πε 0 x 2 + y 2

Conservation of mechanical energy (Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf ) gives

2Qq  1 1 
,
K f = Ki + U i − U f = Ki + −
4πε 0  x 2 + yi2 x 2 + y 2f 
 

where yi and y f are the initial and final coordinates of the moving charge along the y axis.

ANALYZE (a) With q =−15 ×10−6 C, Q = 50.0 × 10−6 C, x = ±3.00 m, yi = 4.00 m, and y f = 0,
we obtain
2(50.0 ×10−6 C)(−15.0 ×10−6 C)  1 1 
Kf = 1.60 J +  − 
4π (8.85 ×10 C /N ⋅ m )  (3.00 m) 2 + (4.00 m) 2
−12 2 2
(3.00 m) 2 

= 3.40 J.
 22 Chapter 24

(b) We set Kf = 0 and solve for y f (choosing the negative root, as indicated in the problem
statement):

2Qq 2Qq
K i + U i = U f ⇒ 1.60 J + = .
4πε 0 x + y
2 2
i 4πε 0 x 2 + y 2f

Substituting the values given, we have U i = −1.097 J, and y f = −11.9 m.

45. THINK The electric potential is the sum of the contributions of the individual spheres.

EXPRESS Let q1 be the charge on one, q2 be the charge on the other, and d be their separation.
The point halfway between them is the same distance d/2 (= 1.0 m) from the center of each
sphere.

For parts (b) and (c), we note that the distance from the center of one sphere to the surface of the
other is d – R, where R is the radius of either sphere. The potential of either one of the spheres is
due to the charge on that sphere as well as the charge on the other sphere.

ANALYZE (a) The potential at the halfway point is

V=
q1 + q2
=
( 8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )( 2.0 ×10−8 C − 3.0 ×10−8 C )
= −90 V.
4πε 0 d 2 1.0 m

(b) The potential at the surface of sphere 1 is

2  2.0 × 10 C
−8
1  q1 q2  3.0 ×10−8 C 
V1 =  + 
4πε 0  R d − R 
=( 8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C ) 
9 2
−  =5.9 ×103 V.
 0.030 m 2.0 m − 0.030 m 

(c) Similarly, the potential at the surface of sphere 2 is

1  q1 q2  2  2.0 ×10−8 C 3.0 ×10−8 C 

V2 =  + =
4πε 0  d − R R 
( 8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C ) 
9 2
−  −8.9 ×103 V.
=
 2.0 m − 0.030 m 0.030 m 

46. (a) The electric field between the plates is leftward in Fig, 24-59 since it points toward lower
values of potential. The force (associated with the field, by Eq. 23-28) is evidently leftward, from
the problem description (indicating deceleration of the rightward moving particle), so that q > 0
→ →
(ensuring that F is parallel to E ); it is a proton.
 23 Chapter 24

(b) We use conservation of energy:

1 2 1
K0 + U0 = K + U ⇒ 2 mpv0 + qV1= 2 mpv2 + qV 2 .

Using q = +1.6 × 10−19 C, mp = 1.67 × 10−27 kg, v0 = 120 × 103 m/s, V1 = −70 V, and V2 = −50 V ,
we obtain the final speed v = 1.03 × 105 m/s. We note that the value of d is not used in the solution.

47. THINK To calculate the potential at point B due to the charged ring, we note that all points
on the ring are at the same distance from B.

EXPRESS Let point B be at (0, 0, z). The electric potential at B is given by

q
V=
4πε 0 z 2 + R 2

where q is the charge on the ring. The potential at infinity is taken to be zero.

ANALYZE With q = 16 × 10–6 C, z = 0.040 m, and R = 0.0300 m, we find the potential

difference between points A (located at the origin) and B to be

q  1 1
VB − VA
=  2 − 
4πε 0  z + R 2 R 
 1 1 
= (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(16.0 ×10−6 C)  − 
 (0.030 m) 2 + (0.040 m) 2 0.030 m 
 
6
= −1.92 ×10 V.

LEARN In the limit z  R, the potential approaches its “point-charge” limit:

q
V≈ .
4πε 0 z

48. (a) The charges are equal and are the same distance from C. We use the Pythagorean theorem
to find the distance

r= bd 2 g + bd 2 g
2 2
=d 2.

The electric potential at C is the sum of the potential due to the individual charges but since they
produce the same potential, it is twice that of either one:
 24 Chapter 24

=V
2q
= =
2 2 2q (8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m
9 2
C2 ) ( 2 ) 2 ( 2.0 ×10−6 C )
4πε 0 d 4πε 0 d 0.020 m
6
= 2.5 ×10 V.

(b) As you move the charge into position from far away the potential energy changes from zero to
qV, where V is the electric potential at the final location of the charge. The change in the potential
energy equals the work you must do to bring the charge in:

W= ( 2.0 ×10−6 C )( 2.54 ×106 V ) =

qV = 5.1 J.

(c) The work calculated in part (b) represents the potential energy of the interactions between the
charge brought in from infinity and the other two charges. To find the total potential energy of the
three-charge system you must add the potential energy of the interaction between the fixed charges.
Their separation is d so this potential energy is q 2 4πε 0 d . The total potential energy is

(8.99 ×10 N ⋅ m C2 )( 2.0 ×10−6 C )

9 2 2
q2
U=
W+ 5.1 J +
= 6.9 J.
=
4πε 0 d 0.020 m

49. The derivation is shown in the book (Eq. 24-33 through Eq. 24-35) except for the change in
the lower limit of integration (which is now x = D instead of x = 0). The result is therefore (cf.
Eq. 24-35)

λ  L + L 2 + d 2  4.15 ×10−6  5 + 26  4
V= ln   = ln   = 5.34 × 10 V.
4πε 0  D + D 2 + d 2  4πε 0  1+ 2 

50. (a) E = (1.2 10−15 N ) (1.60 ×10−19 C ) =

F e =× 7.5 × 103 N C =
7.5 × 103 V/m.

(b) ∆V = E ∆s = ( 7.5 ×10 3

N C ) ( 0.080 m ) = 600 = 0.60 kV.

51. Consider an infinitesimal segment of the rod, located between x and x + dx. It has length dx
and contains charge dq = λ dx = cx dx. Its distance from P1 is d + x and the potential it creates at
P1 is

1 dq 1 cx dx
=dV = .
4πε 0 d + x 4πε 0 d + x
 25 Chapter 24

To find the total potential at P1, we integrate over the length of the rod and obtain

c L xdx c L
c   L 
V=
4πε 0 ∫
0
=
d + x 4πε 0
[ x − d ln( x + d )] =
0 4πε 0  L − d ln 1 + d  
  
  0.200 m  
= (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(18.9 ×10−12 C/m 2 ) 0.200 m − (0.0300 m) ln 1 + 
  0.030 m  
= 2.36 ×10−2 V.

52. Since the electric potential throughout the entire conductor is a constant, the electric potential
at its center is also +230 V.

53. (a) The potential on the surface is

V
=
q
=
( 4.0 ×10 C )(8.99 ×10
−6 9
N ⋅ m 2 C2 )
= 3.6 ×105 V .
4πε 0 R 0.10 m

(b) The field just outside the sphere would be

q V 3.6 ×105 V
E= = = = 3.6 ×106 V m ,
4πε 0 R 2
R 0.10 m

which would have exceeded 3.0 MV/m. So this situation cannot occur.

54. (a) The potential would be

Qe 4π Re2σ e
=Ve = = 4π Reσ e k
4πε 0 Re 4πε 0 Re
= 4π ( 6.37 ×106 m )(1.0 electron m 2 )( −1.6 ×10−9 C electron )( 8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )
= −0.12 V.

(b) The electric field is

σ e Ve 012
. V
E= = =− . × 10−8 N C ,
= −18
ε 0 Re 6
6.37 × 10 m

or | E=| 1.8 ×10−8 N C.


(c) The minus sign in E indicates that E is radially inward.
 26 Chapter 24

55. The charges are equidistant from the point where we are evaluating the potential — which is
computed using Eq. 24-27 (or its integral equivalent). Equation 24-27 implicitly assumes V → 0
as r → ∞. Thus, we have

1 +Q1 1 −2Q1 1 +3Q1 1 2Q1

V= + + =
4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R 4πε 0 R
2(8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(4.52 ×10−12 C)
= = 0.956 V.
0.0850 m

56. Assume the charge on Earth is distributed with spherical symmetry. If the electric potential is
zero at infinity then at the surface of Earth it is V = q/4πε0R, where q is the charge on Earth and R
= 6.37 × 106 m is the radius of Earth. The magnitude of the electric field at the surface is E =
q/4πε0R2, so

V = ER = (100 V/m) (6.37 × 106 m) = 6.4 × 108 V.

57. Since the electric potential is a scalar quantity, this calculation is far simpler than it would be
for the electric field. We are able to simply take half the contribution that would be obtained from
a complete (whole) sphere. If it were a whole sphere (of the same density) then its charge would
be qwhole = 8.00 µC. Then

1 1 qwhole 1 8.00 ×10−6 C

V = 2 Vwhole = 2 = = 2.40 × 105 V .
4πε 0 r 2 4πε 0 (0.15 m)

58. Using Gauss’ law, q = εοΦ = +495.8 nC. Consequently,

q (8.99 ×109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 )(4.958 ×10−7 C)

V
= = = 3.71×104 V.
4πε 0 r 0.120 m

59. The work required is

1  q1Q q2Q  1  q1Q (− q1 / 2)Q 

=W=
∆U  +
=   + =  0.
4πε 0  2d d  4πε 0  2d d 

60. We imagine moving all the charges on the surface of the sphere to the center of the the sphere.
Using Gauss’ law, we see that this would not change the electric field outside the sphere.

The magnitude of the electric field E of the uniformly charged sphere as a function of r, the distance
from the center of the sphere, is thus given by E(r) = q/(4πε0r2) for r > R. Here R is the radius of
the sphere. Thus, the potential V at the surface of the sphere (where r = R) is given by
 27 Chapter 24

V ( R) =
V r =∞ + ∫
∞ R
E ( r ) dr =
q q ( )
8.99 ×109 NC⋅m2 (1.50 ×108 C )
2

R ∫∞ 4πε 0 r 2 dr =
4πε 0 R
=
0.160m
= 8.43 ×102 V.

61. Since the electric potential energy is not changed by the introduction of the third particle, we
conclude that the net electric potential evaluated at P caused by the original two particles must be
zero:

q1 q2
+ 0.
=
4πε 0 r1 4πε 0 r2

Setting r1 = 5d/2 and r2 = 3d /2 we obtain q1 = – 5q2/3, or q1 / q2 = −5 / 3 ≈ −1.7 .