Cap21 Prob

1
Chapter 21
The Electric Field 1: Discrete Charge Distributions

Conceptual Problems

! " Objects are composed oI atoms which are composed oI charged
particles (protons and electrons); however, we rarely observe the eIIects oI the
electrostatic Iorce. Explain why we do not observe these eIIects.

Determine the Concept The net charge on large objects is always very close to
zero. Hence the most obvious Iorce is the gravitational Iorce.

2 A carbon atom can become a carbon ion iI it has one or more oI its
electrons removed during a process called ionization. What is the net charge on a
carbon atom that has had two oI its electrons removed? (a) e, (b) e, (c) 2e,
(d) 2e

Determine the Concept II two electrons are removed Irom a carbon atom, it will
have a net positive charge oI 2e. ( ) c is correct.

3 You do a simple demonstration Ior your high school physics teacher in
which you claim to disprove Coulomb`s law. You Iirst run a rubber comb through
your dry hair, then use it to attract tiny neutral pieces oI paper on the desk. You
then say Coulomb`s law states that Ior there to be electrostatic Iorces oI
attraction between two objects, both objects need to be charged. However, the
paper was not charged. So according to Coulomb`s law, there should be no
electrostatic Iorces oI attraction between them, yet there clearly was. You rest
your case. (a) What is wrong with your assumptions? (b) Does attraction between
the paper and the comb require that the net charge on the comb be negative?
Explain.

Determine the Concept
(a) Coulomb`s law is only valid Ior point particles. The paper bits cannot be
modeled as point particles because the paper bits become polarized.

(b) No, the attraction does not depend on the sign oI the charge on the comb. The
induced charge on the paper that is closest to the comb is always opposite in sign
to the charge on the comb, and thus the net Iorce on the paper is always
attractive.

4 You have a positively charged insulating rod and two metal spheres on
insulating stands. Give step-by-step directions oI how the rod, without actually
touching either sphere, can be used to give one oI the spheres (a) a negative
charge, and (b) a positive charge.

Chapter 21

2
(a) Connect the metal sphere to ground; bring the insulating rod near the metal
sphere and disconnect the sphere Irom ground; then remove the insulating rod.
The sphere will be negatively charged.

(b) Bring the insulating rod in contact with the metal sphere; some oI the positive
charge on the rod will be transIerred to the metal sphere.

5 (a) Two point particles that have charges oI 4q and 3q are separated
by distance d. Use Iield lines to draw a visualization oI the electric Iield in the
neighborhood oI this system. (b) Draw the Iield lines at distances much greater
than d Irom the charges.

Determine the Concept (a) We can use the rules Ior drawing electric Iield lines
to draw the electric Iield lines Ior this system. Two Iield lines have been assigned
to each charge q. (b) At distances much greater than the separation distance
between the two charges, the system oI two charged bodies will look like a
single charge oI q and the Iield pattern will be that due to a point charge oI q.
Eight Iield lines have been assigned to the single charge.

(a)
q 4 + q 3

(b)
+q

6 A metal sphere is positively charged. Is it possible Ior the sphere to
electrically attract another positively charged ball? Explain your answer.

Determine the Concept Yes. Because a metal sphere is a conductor, the
proximity oI a positively charged ball (not necessarily a conductor), will induce a
redistribution oI charges on the metal sphere with the surIace nearer the positively
charged ball becoming negatively charged. Because the negative charges on the
metal sphere are closer to the positively charged ball than are the positive charges
on the metal sphere, the net Iorce will be attractive.

3

7 A simple demonstration oI electrostatic attraction can be done simply
by dangling a small ball oI crumpled aluminum Ioil on a string and bringing a
charged rod near the ball. The ball initially will be attracted to the rod, but once
they touch, the ball will be strongly repelled Irom it. Explain these observations.

Determine the Concept Assume that the rod has a negative charge. When the
charged rod is brought near the aluminum Ioil, it induces a redistribution oI
charges with the side nearer the rod becoming positively charged, and so the ball
oI Ioil swings toward the rod. When it touches the rod, some oI the negative
charge is transIerred to the Ioil, which, as a result, acquires a net negative charge
and is now repelled by the rod.

8 Two positive point charges that are equal in magnitude are Iixed in
place, one at x 0.00 m and the other at x 1.00 m, on the x axis. A third positive
point charge is placed at an equilibrium position. (a) Where is this equilibrium
position? (b) Is the equilibrium position stable iI the third particle is constrained
to move parallel with the x axis? (c) What about iI it is constrained to move
parallel with the y axis? Explain.

(a) A third positive charge can be placed midway between the Iixed positive
charges. This is the only location.

(b) Yes. The position identiIied in (a) is one oI stable equilibrium. It is stable in
the x direction because, regardless oI whether you displace the third positive
charge to the right or to the leIt, the net Iorce acting on it is back toward the
midpoint between the two Iixed charges.

(c) II the third positive charge is displaced in the y direction, the net Iorce acting
on it will be away Irom its equilibrium position. Hence, the position midway
between the Iixed positive charges is one oI unstable equilibrium in the y
direction.

9 Two neutral conducting spheres are in contact and are supported on a
large wooden table by insulated stands. A positively charged rod is brought up
close to the surIace oI one oI the spheres on the side opposite its point oI contact
with the other sphere. (a) Describe the induced charges on the two conducting
spheres, and sketch the charge distributions on them. (b) The two spheres are
separated and then the charged rod is removed. The spheres are then separated Iar
apart. Sketch the charge distributions on the separated spheres.

Determine the Concept Because the spheres are conductors, there are Iree
electrons on them that will reposition themselves when the positively charged rod
is brought nearby.

Chapter 21

4
(a) On the sphere near the positively
charged rod, the induced charge is
negative and near the rod. On the other
sphere, the net charge is positive and on
the side Iar Irom the rod. This is shown
in the diagram.

+ + + + + +
+
+
+
+

(b) When the spheres are separated and
Iar apart and the rod has been removed,
the induced charges are distributed
uniIormly over each sphere. The charge
distributions are shown in the diagram.
+
+
+
+
+

10 Three point charges, q, Q, and Q, are placed at the corners oI an
equilateral triangle as shown in Figure 21-33. No other charged objects are
nearby. (a) What is the direction oI the net Iorce on charge q due to the other
two charges? (b) What is the total electric Iorce on the system oI three charges?
Explain.

Determine the Concept The Iorces
acting on point charge q are shown in
the diagram. The Iorce acting on point
charge +q due to point charge Q is
along the line joining them and directed
toward Q. The Iorce acting on point
charge +q due to point charge +Q is
along the line joining them and directed
away Irom point charge +Q.
1 2
Q
F
+
r
Q
F
r
Q +
Q
+q

(a) Because point charges +Q and Q are equal in magnitude, the Iorces due to
these charges are equal and their sum (the net Iorce on charge +q) will
be right. the to Note that the vertical components oI these Iorces add up to zero.

(b) Because no other charged objects are nearby, the Iorces acting on this system
oI three point charges are internal Iorces and the net Iorce acting on the system is
zero .

11 A positively charged particle is Iree to move in a region with an
electric Iield

" . Which statement(s) must be true?

(a) The particle is accelerating in the direction perpendicular to

" .

5

(b) The particle is accelerating in the direction oI

" .
(c) The particle is moving in the direction oI

" .
(d) The particle could be momentarily at rest.
(e) The Iorce on the particle is opposite the direction oI

" .
(f) The particle is moving opposite the direction oI

" .

(a) False. The only Iorce acting on the particle is in the direction oI

" .

(b) True. The electrical Iorce experienced by the particle is, by deIinition, in the
direction oI

" .

(c) False. We don`t know whether the particle is moving or momentarily at rest.
All we know is that the net Iorce acting on it is in the direction oI

" .

(d) Possibly, Whether the particle is ever at rest depends on how it was initially
placed in the electric Iield. That is, it depends on whether its initial velocity was
zero, in the direction oI

" , or opposite

" . We do know that, iI it is at any time at
rest, it will not stay at rest.

(e) False. By deIinition, the electric Iorce acting on a positively charged particle in
an electric Iield is in the direction oI the Iield.

(f) False. All we know Ior sure is that the electric Iorce and, hence, the
acceleration oI the particle, is in the direction oI

" . The particle could be moving
in the direction oI the Iield, in the direction opposite the Iield, or it could be
momentarily at rest.

12 Four charges are Iixed in place at the corners oI a square as shown in
Figure 21-34. No other charges are nearby. Which oI the Iollowing statements is
true?

(a)

" is zero at the midpoints oI all Iour sides oI the square.
(b)

" is zero at the center oI the square.
(c)

" is zero midway between the top two charges and midway between the
bottom two charges.

Determine the Concept "
is zero wherever the net Iorce acting on a test charge

is zero.

(a) False. A test charge placed at these locations will experience a net Iorce.

Chapter 21

6
(b) True. At the center oI the square the two positive charges alone produce a net
electric Iield oI zero, and the two negative charges alone also produce a net
electric Iield oI zero. Thus, the net Iorce acting on a test charge at the midpoint
oI the square is zero.

(c) False. A test charge placed at either oI these locations will experience a net
Iorce.

13 [SSM] Two point particles that have charges oI q and 3q are
separated by distance d. (a) Use Iield lines to sketch the electric Iield in the
neighborhood oI this system. (b) Draw the Iield lines at distances much greater
than d Irom the charges.

Determine the Concept (a) We can use the rules Ior drawing electric Iield lines
to draw the electric Iield lines Ior this system. In the Iield-line sketch we`ve
assigned 2 Iield lines to each charge q. (b) At distances much greater than the
separation distance between the two charges, the system oI two charged bodies
will look like a single charge oI 2q and the Iield pattern will be that due to a
point charge oI 2q. Four Iield lines have been assigned to each charge q.

(a) (b)
q 2

14 Three equal positive point charges (each charge q) are Iixed at the
vertices oI an equilateral triangle with sides oI length a. The origin is at the
midpoint oI one side the triangle, the center oI the triangle on the x axis at x x
1

and the vertex opposite the origin is on the x axis at x x
2
. (a) Express x
1
and x
2
in
terms oI a. (b) Write an expression Ior the electric Iield on the x axis a distance x
Irom the origin on the interval 0 s x x
2
. (c) Show that the expression you
obtained in (b) gives the expected results Ior x 0 and Ior x x
1
.


7

Picture the Problem (a) We can use
the geometry oI an equilateral triangle
to express x
1
and x
2
in terms oI the side
a oI the triangle. (b) The electric Iield
on the x axis a distance x Irom the
origin on the interval 0 s x x
2
is the
superposition oI the electric Iields due
to the point charges q
2
, q
3
, and q
4

located at the vertices oI the triangle.
q +
q +
q +

a
2
1
0

a
2
1

1
x
2
x x
P
3
4
30
2

(a) Apply the Pythagorean theorem
to the triangle whose vertices are at
( ) 0 , 0 , ( ) a
2
1
, 0 , and ( ) 0 ,
2
# to obtain:

( )
2
2
2
1
2
2
a a x = + a x
2
3
2
=
ReIerring to the triangle whose
vertices are at ( ) 0 , 0 , ( ) a
2
1
, 0 ,
and( ) 0 ,
1
# , note that:

a
x
2
1
1
30 tan = = 30 tan
2
1
1
a x

Substitute Ior 30 tan and evaluate x
1
:
a x
6
3
1
=

(b) The electric Iield at P is the
superposition oI the electric Iields
due to the charges q
2
, q
3
, and q
4
:

4 3 2
" " " "
$

+ + = (1)
Express the electric Iield at P due to
q
2
:

P
P
P
P
r
kq
r
kq
, 2
3
, 2
2
, 2
2
, 2
2
2
` ` % % " = =

where
( ) ( )& & %
` `
`
2
3
2 , 2
a x x x
P
= =
and
x x r
P
=
2 , 2

Substituting Ior q
2
,
$
%
, 2
, and r
2,P

yields:

( )
( )
( )
&
& "
`
`
2
2
3
2
3
3
2
3
2
x a
kq
a x
x a
kq

Chapter 21

8

Express the electric Iield at P due to
q
3
:

P
P
P
P
r
kq
r
kq
, 3
3
, 3
3
, 3
2
, 3
3
3
% % "

= =
where
( ) ( ) ' & ' & %
` ` `
0
`
0
2
1
2
1
, 3
a x a x
P
= + =

and
( ) ( )
2
4
1
2
2
2
1
2
, 3
0 0 a x a x r
P
+ = + =

Substituting Ior q
3
,
$
%
, 3
, and r
3,P

yields:

( )
( ) ' & "
` `
2
1
2 3
2
4
1
2
3
a x
a x
kq
+
=

Proceed similarly Ior
4
"
to obtain:
( )
( ) ' & "
` `
2
1
2 3
2
4
1
2
4
a x
a x
kq
+
+
=

Substituting Ior
2
"
,
3
"
, and
4
"
in equation (1) and simpliIying yields:

( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
&
' & ' & & "
`
2 1
` ` ` ` `
2 3
2
4
1
2
2
2
3
2
1
2 3
2
4
1
2
2
1
2 3
2
4
1
2
2
2
3
(
(
+
+
=
+
+
+
+
+
=
a x
x
x a
kq
a x
a x
kq
a x
a x
kq
x a
kq
P

(c) Evaluating ( ) 0
$
"
yields:

( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
& & "
` `
0 2 1
0
2
2
3
2 3
2
4
1
2
2
3
a
kq
a a
kq
P
=
(
(
+ =

Note that, because the electric Iields due to q
3
and q
4
cancel each other at the
origin and the resultant Iield is that due to q
2
, this is the expected result.

Evaluate ( ) ( "
$ 6
3
to obtain:

( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
0
`
3 3
`
2 1
2 2 2 3
2
4
1
2
6
3
6
3
2
6
3
2
3
6
3
=
(
+ =
(
(
+
+
= & & "

a a
kq
a a
a
a a
kq a
P

Note that, because the point at the center oI the equilateral triangle is equidistant
Irom the three vertices, the electric Iields due to the charges at the vertices cancel
and this is the expected result.


9

15 A molecule has a dipole moment given by )
. The molecule is
momentarily at rest with )
making an angle u with a uniIorm electric Iield "
.
Describe the subsequent motion oI the dipole moment.

Determine the Concept The dipole moment rotates back and Iorth in oscillatory
motion. The dipole moment gains angular speed as it rotates toward the direction
oI the electric Iield, and loses angular speed as it rotates away Irom the direction
oI the electric Iield.

16 True or Ialse:

(a) The electric Iield oI a point charge always points away Irom the charge.
(b) The electric Iorce on a charged particle in an electric Iield is always in the
same direction as the Iield.
(c) Electric Iield lines never intersect.
(d) All molecules have dipole moments in the presence oI an external electric
Iield.

(a) False. The direction oI the Iield is toward a negative charge.

(b) False. The direction oI the electric Iorce acting on a point charge depends on
the sign oI the point charge.

(c) False. Electric Iield lines intersect any point in space occupied by a point
charge.

(d) True. An electric Iield partially polarizes the molecules; resulting in the
separation oI their charges and the creation oI electric dipole moments.

17 [SSM] Two molecules have dipole moments oI equal magnitude.
The dipole moments are oriented in various conIigurations as shown in Figure 21-
35. Determine the electric-Iield direction at each oI the numbered locations.
Explain your answers.

Determine the Concept Figure 21-23 shows the electric Iield due to a single
dipole, where the dipole moment is directed toward the right. The electric Iield
due two a pair oI dipoles can be obtained by superposing the two electric Iields.

1 2 3
(a) down up up
(b) up right leIt
(c) down up up
(d) down up up

Chapter 21

10
Estimation and Approximation
18 Estimate the Iorce required to bind the two protons in the He nucleus
together. HINT: Model the protons as point charges. You will need to have an
estimate of the distance between them.

Picture the Problem Because the nucleus is in equilibrium, the binding Iorce
must be equal to the electrostatic Iorce oI repulsion between the protons.

Apply 0 =
to a proton to obtain:

0
tic electrosta binding
= F F
Using Coulomb`s law, substitute
Ior
tic electrosta
F :

0
tic electrosta
2
2
= F
r
kq
2
2
binding
r
kq
F =
Assuming the diameter oI the He nucleus to be approximately 10
15
m, substitute
numerical values and evaluate
tic electrosta
F :

( )( )
( )
kN 2 . 0
m 10
C 10 602 . 1 C / m N 10 988 . 8
2
15
2
19 2 2 9
binding
~

=

F

19 A popular classroom demonstration consists oI rubbing a plastic rod
with Iur to give the rod charge, and then placing the rod near an empty soda can
that is on its side (Figure 21-36). Explain why the can will roll toward the rod.

Determine the Concept Because the can is grounded, the presence oI the
negatively charged plastic rod induces a positive charge on it. The positive
charges induced on the can are attracted, via the Coulomb interaction, to the
negative charges on the plastic rod. Unlike charges attract, so the can will roll
toward the rod.

20 Sparks in air occur when ions in the air are accelerated to a such a
high speed by an electric Iield that when they impact on neutral gas molecules the
neutral molecules become ions. II the electric Iield strength is large enough, the
ionized collision products are themselves accelerated and produce more ions on
impact, and so Iorth. This avalanche oI ions is what we call a spark. (a) Assume
that an ion moves, on average, exactly one mean Iree path through the air beIore
hitting a molecule. II the ion needs to acquire approximately 1.0 eV oI kinetic
energy in order to ionize a molecule, estimate the minimum strength oI the
electric Iield required at standard room pressure and temperature. Assume that the
cross-sectional area oI an air molecule is about 0.10 nm
2
. (b) How does the
strength oI the electric Iield in (a) depend on temperature? (c) How does the
strength oI the electric Iield in (a) depend on pressure?


11

Picture the Problem We can use the deIinition oI electric Iield to express E in
terms oI the work done on the ionizing electrons and the distance they travel
between collisions. We can use the ideal-gas law to relate the number density oI
molecules in the gas and the scattering cross-section o to the mean Iree path
and, hence, to the electric Iield.

(a) Apply conservation oI energy to
relate the work done on the electrons
by the electric Iield to the change in
their kinetic energy:

s F K W A = A =

From the deIinition oI electric
Iield we have:

qE F =
Substitute Ior F and As to obtain: qE W = , where the mean Iree path
is the distance traveled by the electrons
between ionizing collisions with
nitrogen atoms.

The mean Iree path oI a particle is
related to the scattering cross-section
o and the number density Ior air
molecules n:

n o
1
=
Substitute Ior to obtain:
n
qE
W
o
=
q
nW
E
o
=

Use the ideal-gas law to obtain:

kT
P
V
N
n = =

Substituting Ior n yields:

qkT
PW
E
o
= (1)

Substitute numerical values and evaluate E:

( ) ( )
( ) ( )
N/C 10 4 . 2
K 300
K
J
10 381 . 1 C 10 602 . 1
eV
J
10 602 . 1 eV 0 . 1
m
N
10 325 . 101 nm 10 . 0
6
23 19
19
2
3 2
~
|
.
|
\
|

|
.
|
\
|

|
.
|
\
|

=

E

(b) From equation (1) we see that:
1
T E

(c) Also, Irom equation (1):
P E
Chapter 21

12
Charge

21 A plastic rod is rubbed against a wool shirt, thereby acquiring a charge
oI 0.80 C. How many electrons are transIerred Irom the wool shirt to the plastic
rod?

Picture the Problem The charge acquired by the plastic rod is an integral
number oI electronic charges, that is, q n
e
(e).

Relate the charge acquired by the
plastic rod to the number oI
electrons transIerred Irom the wool
shirt:

( ) e n q =
e

e
q
n
=
e

Substitute numerical values and
evaluate n
e
:
electrons 10 0 . 5
electron
C
10 1.602
C 80 . 0
12
19
e
=

=
n

22 A charge equal to the charge oI Avogadro`s number oI protons
(N
A
6.02 10
23
) is called a faraday. Calculate the number oI coulombs in a
Iaraday.

Picture the Problem One Iaraday N
A
e+ We can use this deIinition to Iind the
number oI coulombs in a Iaraday.

Use the deIinition oI a Iaraday to calculate the number oI coulombs in a Iaraday:

( )( ) C 10 63 . 9 C/electron 10 602 . 1 electrons 10 02 . 6 Iaraday 1
4 19 23
A
= = =

e N

23 [SSM] What is the total charge oI all oI the protons in 1.00 kg oI
carbon?

Picture the Problem We can Iind the number oI coulombs oI positive charge
there are in 1.00 kg oI carbon Irom e n Q
C
6 = , where n
C
is the number oI atoms in
1.00 kg oI carbon and the Iactor oI 6 is present to account Ior the presence oI 6
protons in each atom. We can Iind the number oI atoms in 1.00 kg oI carbon by
setting up a proportion relating Avogadro`s number, the mass oI carbon, and the
molecular mass oI carbon to n
C
. See Appendix C Ior the molar mass oI carbon.


13

Express the positive charge in terms
oI the electronic charge, the number
oI protons per atom, and the number
oI atoms in 1.00 kg oI carbon:

e n Q
C
6 =
Using a proportion, relate the
number oI atoms in 1.00 kg oI
carbon n
C
, to Avogadro`s number
and the molecular mass M oI carbon:

M
m
N
n
C
A
C
=
M
m N
n
C A
C
=
Substitute Ior
C
n to obtain:
M
e m N
Q
C A
6
=

Substitute numerical values and evaluate Q:

( )( )
C 10 82 . 4
mol
kg
01201 . 0
C 10 1.602 kg 1.00
mol
atoms
10 6.022 6
7
19 23
=
|
.
|
\
|

=

Q

24 Suppose a cube oI aluminum which is 1.00 cm on a side accumulates a
net charge oI 2.50 pC. (a)What percentage oI the electrons originally in the
cube was removed? (b) By what percentage has the mass oI the cube decreased
because oI this removal?

Picture the Problem (a) The percentage oI the electrons originally in the cube
that was removed can be Iound Irom the ratio oI the number oI electrons removed
to the number oI electrons originally in the cube. (b) The percentage decrease in
the mass oI the cube can be Iound Irom the ratio oI the mass oI the electrons
removed to the mass oI the cube.

(a) Express the ratio oI the electrons
removed to the number oI electrons
originally in the cube:
atoms
atom per
electrons
d accumulate
ini
rem
N N
e
Q
N
N
= (1)

The number oI atoms in the cube is
the ratio oI the mass oI the cube to
the mass oI an aluminum atom:

atom Al
cube Al
atom Al
cube
atoms
m
V
m
m
N

= =
The mass oI an aluminum atom is its
molar mass divided by Avogadro`s
number:

A
Al
atom Al
N
M
m =
Chapter 21

14
Substituting and simpliIying yields:

Al
A cube Al
A
Al
cube Al
atoms
M
N V
N
M
V
N

= =

Substitute Ior N
atoms
in equation (1)
and simpliIy to obtain:
A cube Al
atom per
electrons
Al d accumulate
Al
A cube Al
atom per
electrons
d accumulate
ini
rem
eN V N
M Q
M
N V
N
e
Q
N
N
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

Substitute numerical values and evaluate
ini
rem
,
,
:

( )
( ) ( )
10 99 . 1
mol
atoms
10 022 . 6 C 10 602 . 1 cm 00 . 1
cm
g
70 . 2
atom
electrons
13
mol
g
98 . 26 pC 50 . 2
15
23 19 3
3
ini
rem
~
|
.
|
\
|

|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
N
N

(b) Express the ratio oI the mass oI
the electrons removed to the mass oI
the cube:

cube Al
electron rem
cube
rem
V
m N
m
m
=
From (a), the number oI electrons
removed is given by:
e
Q
N
d accumulate
rem
=

Substituting and simpliIying yields:

cube Al
electron d accumulate
cube Al
electron
d accumulate
cube
rem
V e
m Q
V
m
e
Q
m
m
=
=

cube
rem
m
m
:

( )( )
( ) ( )
10 26 . 5
cm 00 . 1
cm
g
70 . 2 C 10 602 . 1
kg 10 109 . 9 pC 50 . 2
19
3
3
19
31
cube
rem
~
|
.
|
\
|

=
m
m


15

25 During a process described by the photoelectric effect, ultra-violet
light can be used to charge a piece oI metal. (a) II such light is incident on a slab
oI conducting material and electrons are ejected with enough energy that they
escape the surIace oI the metal, how long beIore the metal has a net charge oI
1.50 nC iI 1.00 10
6
electrons are ejected per second? (b) II 1.3 eV is needed to
eject an electron Irom the surIace, what is the power rating oI the light beam?
(Assume this process is 100 eIIicient.)

Picture the Problem (a) The required time is the ratio oI the charge that
accumulates to the rate at which it is delivered to the conductor. (b) We can use
the deIinition oI power to Iind the power rating oI the light beam.

(a) The required time is the ratio oI
the charge that accumulates to the
rate at which it is delivered:

dt dq
q
I
q
t

= =

Substitute numerical values and evaluate At:

h 60 . 2
s 3600
h 1
10 363 . 9
electron
C
10 602 . 1
s
electrons
10 1.00
nC 50 . 1
3
19 6
=
=
|
.
|
\
|

|
.
|
\
|

= A
t

(b) The power rating oI the light
beam is the rate at which it delivers
energy:

t
E
P
A
A
=
The energy delivered by the beam is
the product oI the energy per
electron, the electron current (that is,
the number oI electrons removed per
unit time), and the elapsed time:

t I E E
electron
electron
per
=

Substituting Ior AE in the expression
Ior P and simpliIying yields:

electron
electron
per
electron
electron
per
I E
t
t I E
P =
A
=

Substitute numerical values and evaluate P:

W 10 1 . 2
s
electrons
10 00 . 1
eV
J 10 1.602
electron
eV
3 . 1
13 6
-19
=
|
.
|
\
|

|
|
.
|
\
|
= P

Chapter 21

16
Coulombs Law

26 A point charge q
1
4.0 C is at the origin and a point charge q
2
6.0
C is on the x-axis at x 3.0 m. (a) Find the electric Iorce on charge q
2
. (b) Find
the electric Iorce on q
1
. (c) How would your answers Ior Parts (a) and (b) diIIer iI
q
2
were 6.0 C?

Picture the Problem We can Iind the electric Iorces the two charges exert on
each by applying Coulomb`s law and Newton`s 3
rd
law. Note that
& %
`
`
2 , 1
= because the vector pointing Irom q
1
to q
2
is in the positive x direction.
The diagram shows the situation Ior Parts (a) and (b).
0 1 2 3
C 0 . 4
1
= - C 0 . 6
2
= -
m , #
2 , 1
*

1 , 2
*

(a) Use Coulomb`s law to express
the Iorce that q
1
exerts on q
2
:

2 , 1 2
2 , 1
2 1
2 , 1
` % *
r
q kq
=

2 , 1
*
:

( )( )( )
( )
( )& & *
`
mN 24
`
m 3.0
C 6.0 C 4.0 /C m N 10 8.988
2
2 2 9
2 , 1
=

=

(b) Because these are action-and-
reaction Iorces, we can apply
Newton`s 3
rd
law to obtain:

( )& * *
`
mN 24
2 , 1 1 , 2
= =

(c) II q
2
is 6.0 C, the Iorce between q
1
and q
2
is attractive and both Iorce
vectors are reversed:

( )( )( )
( )
( )& & *
`
mN 24
`
m 3.0
C 6.0 C 4.0 /C m N 10 8.988
2
2 2 9
2 , 1
=

=

and
( )& * *
`
mN 24
2 , 1 1 , 2
= =

27 [SSM] Three point charges are on the x-axis: q
1
6.0 C is at
x 3.0 m, q
2
4.0 C is at the origin, and q
3
6.0 C is at x 3.0 m. Find the
electric Iorce on q
1
.


17

Picture the Problem q
2
exerts an attractive electric Iorce
1 , 2
*
on point charge q
1

and q
3
exerts a repulsive electric Iorce
1 , 3
*
on point charge q
1
. We can Iind the net
electric Iorce on q
1
by adding these Iorces (that is, by using the superposition
principle).
0 1
m , #
1 , 2
*

-1
1 , 3
*

C 0 . 6
1
= - C 0 . 4
2
= - C 0 . 6
3
= -
3
2 2 3

Express the net Iorce acting on q
1
:

1 , 3 1 , 2 1
* * *

+ =
Express the Iorce that q
2
exerts on
q
1
:

& *
`
2
1 , 2
2 1
1 , 2
r
q q k
=

Express the Iorce that q
3
exerts on
q
1
:

( ) & *
`
2
1 , 3
3 1
1 , 3
=
r
q q k

Substitute and simpliIy to obtain:

&
& & *
`
` `
2
1 , 3
3
2
1 , 2
2
1
2
1 , 3
3 1
2
1 , 2
2 1
1
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
=
r
q
r
q
q k
r
q q k
r
q q k

1
*
:

( )( )
( ) ( )
( )& & *
`
N 10 5 . 1
`
m 0 . 6
C 0 . 6
m 0 . 3
C 0 . 4
C 0 . 6 /C m N 10 988 . 8
2
2 2
2 2 9
1

=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

28 A 2.0 C point charge and a 4.0 C point charge are a distance L
apart. Where should a third point charge be placed so that the electric Iorce on
that third charge is zero?

Picture the Problem The third point charge should be placed at the location at
which the Iorces on the third point charge due to each oI the other two point
charges cancel. There can be no such place except on the line between the two
point charges. Denote the 2.0 C and 4.0 C point charges by the numerals 2 and
4, respectively, and the third point charge by the numeral 3. Assume that the
2.0 C point charge is to the leIt oI the 4.0 C point charge, let the x direction be
to the right. Then the 4.0 C point charge is located at x L.

Chapter 21

18
Apply the condition Ior translational
equilibrium to the third point charge:

0
3 , 2 3 , 4
= + * *

or
3 , 2 3 , 4
F F = (1)

Letting the distance Irom the third
point charge to the 4.0 C point
charge be x, express the Iorce that
the 4.0 C point charge exerts on the
third point charge:

( )
2
4 3
3 , 4
x L
q kq
F
=
The Iorce that the 2.0 C point
charge exerts on the third charge is
given by:

2
2 3
3 , 2
x
q kq
F =
Substitute in equation (1) to obtain:

( )
2
2 3
2
4 3
x
q kq
x L
q kq
=

or, simpliIying,
( )
2
2
2
4
x
q
x L
q
=

Substituting
2 4
2q q = and rewriting
this equation explicitly as a quadratic
equations yields:

0 2
2 2
= + L Lx x
Use the quadratic Iormula to obtain:

L L
L L L
x 2
2
4 4 2
2 2
=
+
=

The root corresponding to the negative sign between the terms is extraneous
because it corresponds to a position to the leIt oI the 2.0 C point charge and is,
thereIore, not a physically meaningIul root. Hence the third point charge should
be placed between the point charges and a distance equal to 0.41L away Irom the
2.0-C charge.

29 A 2.0 C point charge and a 4.0 C point charge are a distance L
apart. Where should a third point charge be placed so that the electric Iorce on
that third charge is zero?

Picture the Problem The third point charge should be placed at the location at
which the Iorces on the third point charge due to each oI the other two point
charges cancel. There can be no such place between the two point charges.
Beyond the 4.0 C point charge, and on the line containing the two point charges,
the Iorce due to the 4.0 C point charge overwhelms the Iorce due to the 2.0 C
point charge. Beyond the 2.0 C point charge, and on the line containing the two

19

point charges, however, we can Iind a place where these Iorces cancel because
they are equal in magnitude and oppositely directed. Denote the 2.0 C and 4.0
C point charges by the numerals 2 and 4, respectively, and the third point charge
by the numeral 3. Let the x direction be to the right with the origin at the
position oI the 2.0 C point charge and the 4.0 C point charge be located at
x L.

Apply the condition Ior translational
equilibrium to the third point charge:

0
3 , 2 3 , 4
= + * *

or
3 , 2 3 , 4
F F = (1)

Letting the distance Irom the third
point charge to the 2.0 C point
charge be x, express the Iorce that
the 4.0 C point charge exerts on the
third point charge:

( )
2
4 3
3 , 4
x L
q kq
F
+
=
The Iorce that the 2.0 C point
charge exerts on the third point
charge is given by:

2
2 3
3 , 2
x
q kq
F =
Substitute Ior
3 , 4
F and
3 , 2
F in
equation (1) to obtain:

( )
2
2 3
2
4 3
x
q kq
x L
q kq
=
+

( )
2
2
2
4
x
q
x L
q
=
+

Substituting
2 4
2q q = and rewriting
this equation explicitly as a quadratic
equations yields:

0 2
2 2
= L Lx x
Use the quadratic Iormula to obtain:

L L
L L L
x 2
2
4 4 2
2 2
=
+
=

The root corresponding to the positive sign between the terms is extraneous
because it corresponds to a position to the right oI the 2.0 C point charge and is,
thereIore, not a physically meaningIul root. Hence the third point charge should
be placed a distance equal to 0.41L Irom the 2.0-C charge on the side away
Irom the 4.0-C charge.

30 Three point charges, each oI magnitude 3.00 nC, are at separate
corners oI a square oI edge length 5.00 cm. The two point charges at opposite
corners are positive, and the third point charge is negative. Find the electric Iorce
exerted by these point charges on a Iourth point charge q
4
3.00 nC at the
remaining corner.

Chapter 21

20
Picture the Problem The conIiguration oI the point charges and the Iorces on the
Iourth point charge are shown in the Iigure . as is a coordinate system. From the
Iigure it is evident that the net Iorce on the point charge q
4
is along the diagonal oI
the square and directed away Irom point charge q
3
. We can apply Coulomb`s law
to express
4 , 1
*
,
4 , 2
*
and
4 , 3
*
and then add them (that is, use the principle oI

superposition oI Iorces) to Iind the net electric Iorce on point charge q
4
.
nC 00 . 3
3
= q
nC 00 . 3
1
= q
nC 00 . 3
4
= q
nC 00 . 3
2
= q
cm , x
cm , y
00 . 5
00 . 5
0
4 , 1
F
r
4 , 2
F
r
4 , 3
F
r

Express the net Iorce acting on
point charge q
4
:

4 , 3 4 , 2 4 , 1 4
* * * *

+ + = (1)

Express the Iorce that point charge
q
1
exerts on point charge q
4
:
' *
`
2
4 , 1
4 1
4 , 1
r
q kq
=

4 , 1
*
:

( )
( )
( )' ' *
`
N 10 236 . 3
`
m 0500 . 0
nC 00 . 3
nC 00 . 3
C
m N
10 988 . 8
5
2 2
2
9
4 , 1

=
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

Express the Iorce that point charge
q
2
4
:
& *
`
2
4 , 2
4 2
4 , 2
r
q kq
=

4 , 2
*
:

( )
( )
( )& & *
`
N 10 236 . 3
`
m 0500 . 0
nC 00 . 3
nC 00 . 3
C
m N
10 988 . 8
5
2 2
2
9
4 , 2

=
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
=


21

Express the Iorce that point charge q
3

4
:

4 , 3 2
4 , 3
4 3
4 , 3
` % *
r
q kq
=
, where
4 , 3
` % is a unit
vector pointing Irom q
3
to q
4
.

Express
4 , 3
%
in terms oI
1 , 3
%
and
4 , 1
%
:
( ) ( ) ' &
% % %
`
m 0500 . 0
`
m 0500 . 0
4 , 1 1 , 3 4 , 3
+ =
+ =

Convert
4 , 3
%
to
4 , 3
` % :

( ) ( )
( ) ( )
' &
' &
%
%
%
`
707 . 0
`
707 . 0
m 0500 . 0 m 0500 . 0
`
m 0500 . 0
`
m 0500 . 0
`
2 2
4 , 3
4 , 3
4 , 3
+ =
+
+
= =

4 , 3
*
:

( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )' &
' & *
`
N 10 14 . 1
`
N 10 14 . 1
`
707 . 0
`
707 . 0
m 2 0500 . 0
nC 00 . 3
nC 00 . 3
C
m N
10 988 . 8
5 5
2 2
2
9
4 , 3

=
+
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

Substitute numerical values in equation (1) and simpliIy to Iind
4
*
:

( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( )' &
' & & ' *
`
N 10 10 . 2
`
N 10 10 . 2
`
N 10 14 . 1
`
N 10 14 . 1
`
N 10 24 . 3
`
N 10 24 . 3
5 5
5 5 5 5
4

+ =
+ =

This result tells us that the net Iorce is 2.97 10
5
N along the diagonal in the
direction away Irom the 3.0 nC charge.

31 A point charge oI 5.00 C is on the y axis at y 3.00 cm, and a second
point charge oI 5.00 C is on the y axis at y 3.00 cm. Find the electric Iorce
on a point charge oI 2.00 C on the x axis at x 8.00 cm.

Picture the Problem The conIiguration oI the point charges and the Iorces on
point charge q
3
are shown in the Iigure . as is a coordinate system. From the
geometry oI the charge distribution it is evident that the net Iorce on the 2.00 C
point charge is in the negative y direction. We can apply Coulomb`s law to
express
3 , 1
*
and
3 , 2
*
and then add them (that is, use the principle oI superposition
oI Iorces) to Iind the net Iorce on point charge q
3
.
Chapter 21

22
cm , x
cm , y

C 00 . 5
1
= q
C 00 . 5
2
= q
C 00 . 2
3
= q
00 . 8
0
3 , 1
F
r
3 , 2
F
r
00 . 3
00 . 3

The net Iorce acting on point charge
q
3
is given by:

3 , 2 3 , 1 3
* * *

+ =
The Iorce that point charge q
1
exerts
on point charge q
3
is:

' & *
`
sin
`
cos
3 , 1
u u F F =

F is given by:

( )( )
( ) ( )
N 32 . 12
m 0.0800 m 0.0300
C 00 . 2 C 00 . 5
C
m N
10 988 . 8
2 2
2
2
9
2
3 1
=
+
|
|
.
|
\
|
= =

r
q kq
F
and
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

56 . 20
cm 8.00
cm 00 . 3
tan
1
u

The Iorce that point charge q
2
exerts
on point charge q
3
is:

' & *
`
sin
`
cos
3 , 2
u u F F =

Substitute Ior
3 , 1
*
and
3 , 2
*
and
simpliIy to obtain:
'
'
& ' & *
`
sin 2
`
sin
`
cos
`
sin
`
cos
3
u
u
u u u
F
F
F F F
=

=

evaluate
3
*
:

( )
( ) '
' *
`
N 65 . 8
`
56 . 20 sin N 32 . 12 2
3
=
=


23

32 A point particle that has a charge oI 2.5 C is located at the origin. A
second point particle that has a charge oI 6.0 C is at x 1.0 m, y 0.50 m. A
third point particle, and electron, is at a point with coordinates (x, y). Find the
values oI x and y such that the electron is in equilibrium.

Picture the Problem The positions oI the point particles are shown in the
diagram. It is apparent that the electron must be located along the line joining the
two point particles. Moreover, because it is negatively charged, it must be closer
to the particle with a charge oI 2.5 C than to the particle with a charge oI
6.0 C, as is indicated in the Iigure. We can Iind the x and y coordinates oI the
electron`s position by equating the two electrostatic Iorces acting on it and solving
Ior its distance Irom the origin. We can use similar triangles to express this radial
distance in terms oI the x and y coordinates oI the electron.
m , x
m , y
50 . 0
0 . 1
C 5 . 2
2
= q
e
x
e
y
e
e
F
, 1
r
e
F
, 2
r

C 0 . 6
1
= q

Express the condition that must be
satisIied iI the electron is to be in
equilibrium:

e e
F F
, 2 , 1
=
Letting r represent the distance Irom
the origin to the electron, express the
magnitude oI the Iorce that the
particle whose charge is q
1
exerts on
the electron:

( )
2
1
, 1
m 25 . 1 +
=
r
e kq
F
e

Express the magnitude oI the Iorce
that the particle whose charge is q
2

exerts on the electron:

2
2
, 2
r
e q k
F
e
=

( )
2
2
2
1
m 25 . 1
r
q
r
q
=
+

Chapter 21

24
Substitute Ior q
1
and q
2
and simpliIy
to obtain:

( )
2 2
5 . 2
m 25 . 1
6
r
r
=
+

Solving Ior r yields:
m 0.4386
and
m 036 . 2
=
=
r
r

Because r 0 is unphysical, we`ll
consider only the positive root.

Use the similar triangles in the
diagram to establish the proportion
involving the y coordinate oI the
electron:

m 1.12
m 2.036
m 50 . 0
=
e
y
m 909 . 0 =
e
y
Use the similar triangles in the
diagram to establish the proportion
involving the x coordinate oI the
electron:

m 1.12
m 2.036
m 0 . 1
=
e
x
m 82 . 1 =
e
x
The coordinates oI the electron`s
position are:
( ) ( ) m 0.91 m, 1.8 , =
e e
y x

33 A point particle that has a charge oI 1.0 C is located at the origin; a
second point particle that has a charge oI 2.0 C is located at x 0, y 0.10 m;
and a third point particle that has a charge oI 4.0 C is located at x 0.20 m,
y 0. Find the total electric Iorce on each oI the three point charges.

Picture the Problem Let q
1
represent the charge oI the point particle at the
origin, q
2
the charge oI the point particle at (0, 0.10 m), and q
3
the charge oI the
point particle at (0.20 m, 0). The Iollowing diagram shows the Iorces acting on
each oI the point particles. Note the action-and-reaction pairs. We can apply
Coulomb`s law and the principle oI superposition oI Iorces to Iind the net Iorce
acting on each oI the point particles.

25

F
3,2
F
1,2
F
2,1
F
3,1
F
1,3
F
2,3
m , x
m , y
0.10
0.20
C 1.0
1
= q
C 4.0
3
= q
C 2.0
2
= q

Express the net Iorce acting on the
point particle whose charge is q
1
:

1 , 3 1 , 2 1
* * *

+ =

Express the Iorce that the point
2
exerts on
the point particle whose charge is q
1
:

1 , 2 3
1 , 2
1 2
1 , 2
1 , 2
2
1 , 2
1 2
1 , 2 2
1 , 2
1 2
1 , 2
` %
%
% *

r
q kq
r r
q kq
r
q kq
= = =

1 , 2
*
:

( )
( )
( )
( ) ( ) ' ' *
`
N 80 . 1
`
m 10 . 0
m 10 . 0
C 0 . 1
C 0 . 2
C
m N
10 988 . 8
3 2
2
9
1 , 2
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

3
exerts on
1
:

1 , 3 3
1 , 3
1 3
1 , 3
% *

r
q kq
=

1 , 3
*
:

( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )& & *
`
N 899 . 0
`
m 20 . 0
m 20 . 0
C 0 . 1
C 0 . 4
C
m N
10 988 . 8
3 2
2
9
1 , 3
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

Substitute to Iind
1
*
:
( ) ( ) ' & *
`
N 8 . 1
`
N 90 . 0
1
+ =

Chapter 21

26

point particle whose charge is q
2
:
( ) ' *
* *
* * *
`
N 80 . 1
2 , 3
1 , 2 2 , 3
2 , 1 2 , 3 2
=
=
+ =

because
2 , 1
*
and
1 , 2
*
are action-and-
reaction Iorces.

3
exerts on
2
:
( ) ( ) | | ' &
% *
`
m 10 . 0
`
m 20 . 0
3
2 , 3
2 3
2 , 3
3
2 , 3
2 3
2 , 3
+ =
=
r
q kq
r
q kq

2 , 3
*
:

( )
( )
( )
( ) ( ) | |
( ) ( ) ' &
' & *
`
N 640 . 0
`
N 28 . 1
`
m 10 . 0
`
m 20 . 0
m 224 . 0
C 0 . 2
C 0 . 4
C
m N
10 988 . 8
3 2
2
9
2 , 3
+ =
+
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

Find the net Iorce acting on the point particle whose charge is q
2
:

( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ' &
' ' & ' * *
`
N 2 . 1
`
N 3 . 1
`
N 80 . 1
`
N 640 . 0
`
N 28 . 1
`
N 80 . 1
2 , 3 2
=
+ = =

Noting that
3 , 1
*
and
1 , 3
*
are an action-and-reaction pair, as are

3 , 2
*
and
2 , 3
*
,
express the net Iorce acting on the point particle whose charge is q
3
:

( ) ( ) ( ) | |
( ) ( ) ' &
' & & * * * * *
`
N 64 . 0
`
N 4 . 0
`
N 640 . 0
`
N 28 . 1
`
N 899 . 0
2 , 3 1 , 3 3 , 2 3 , 1 3
=
+ = = + =

34 A point particle that has a charge oI 5.00 C is located at x 0, y 0
and a point particle that has a charge q is located at x 4.00 cm, y 0. The
electric Iorce on a point particle that has a charge oI 2.00 C

at x 8.00 cm, y 0
is (19.7 N)

`
& . When this 2.00-C charge is repositioned at x 17.8 cm, y 0, the
electric Iorce on it is zero. Determine the charge q.


27

Picture the Problem Let q
1
represent the charge oI the point particle at the
origin, q
2
q, and q
3
the charge oI the point particle initially at (8.00 cm, 0). The
diagram shows the Iorces acting on the point particle whose charge is q
3
when it
located at (8.00 cm, 0). We can apply Coulomb`s law and the principle oI
superposition oI Iorces to Iind the charge q.

C 00 . 5
1
= q
0 4.00 8.00
x, cm
y

q q =
2
C 00 . 2
3
= q

3 , 1
*

3 , 2
*

Express the net Iorce on the point
3
when it is
at (8.00 cm, 0):

|
|
.
|
\
|
+ =
+ =
+ =
3 , 2
3
3 , 2
2
3 , 1
3
3 , 1
1
3
3 , 2
3
3 , 2
3 2
3 , 1
3
3 , 1
3 1
3 , 2 3 , 1
% %
% %
* * *

r
q
r
q
kq
r
q kq
r
q kq

Substitute numerical values to obtain:

( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
(
(
+
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
& &
&
`
m 0400 . 0
m 0400 . 0
`
m 0800 . 0
m 0.0800
C 00 . 5
C 00 . 2
C
m N
10 988 . 8
`
N 7 . 19
3 3
2
2
9
q

Solving Ior q yields:
C 00 . 3 = q

Remarks: An alternative approach is to equate the electrostatic forces acting
on -
2
when it is at (17.8 cm, 0).

35 [SSM] Five identical point charges, each having charge Q, are
equally spaced on a semicircle oI radius R as shown in Figure 21-37. Find the
Iorce (in terms oI k, Q, and R) on a charge q located equidistant Irom the Iive
other charges.

Picture the Problem By considering the symmetry oI the array oI charged point
particles, we can see that the y component oI the Iorce on q is zero. We can apply
Coulomb`s law and the principle oI superposition oI Iorces to Iind the net Iorce
acting on q.

Chapter 21

28
point charge q:

q Q q x Q q , 45 at axis, on
2

+ = * * *

Express the Iorce on point charge q
due to the point charge Q on the x
axis:

& *
`
2 axis, on
R
kqQ
q x Q
=

Express the net Iorce on point charge
q due to the point charges at 45:

&
& *
`
2
2
`
45 cos 2 2
2
2
, 45 at
R
kqQ
R
kqQ
q Q
=
=

Substitute Ior
q x Q axis, on
*
and
q Q , 45 at
2

*
to obtain:
( )&
& & *
`
2 1
`
2
2
`
2
2 2
+ =
+ =
R
kqQ
R
kqQ
R
kqQ
q

36 The structure oI the NH
3
molecule is approximately that oI an
equilateral tetrahedron, with three H
ions Iorming the base and an N

3
ion at the
apex oI the tetrahedron. The length oI each side is 1.64 10
10
m. Calculate the
electric Iorce that acts on each ion.

Picture the Problem Let the H
ions be in the x-y plane with H

1
at (0, 0, 0), H
2
at
(a, 0, 0), and H
3
at
|
|
.
|
\
|
0 ,
2
3
,
2
a a
. The N
3
ion, with charge q
4
in our notation, is
then at
|
|
.
|
\
|
3
2
,
3 2
,
2
a
a a
where a 1.64 10
10
m. To simpliIy our calculations
we`ll set N 10 56 . 8
9 2 2
= = C a ke . We can apply Coulomb`s law and the
principle oI superposition oI Iorces to Iind the net Iorce acting on each ion.


29

z
a
x
y
a
a
(
2
1
( ) 0 , 0 , (
|
|
.
|
\
|
0 ,
2
3
,
2
( (
|
|
.
|
\
|
3
2
,
3 2
,
2
(
( (
q
2
q
q
q
3
1
4

Express the net Iorce acting on point
charge q
1
:

1 , 4 1 , 3 1 , 2 1
* * * *

+ + =

Find
1 , 2
*
:

( ) & & % *
` `
`
1 , 2 2
1 , 2
2 1
1 , 2
C C
r
q kq
= = =

Find
1 , 3
*
:

|
|
.
|
\
|
+ =
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|

=
=
' &
' &
% *
`
2
3
`
2
1
`
2
3
0
`
2
0
`
1 , 3 2
1 , 3
1 3
1 , 3
C
a
a a
C
r
q kq

Chapter 21

30

Noting that the magnitude oI point charge q
4
is three times that oI the other point
charges and that it is negative, express
1 , 4
*
:

(
(
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ |
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ |
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ |
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ |
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|

= =
. ' &
. ' &
. ' &
% *
`
3
2
`
3 2
1
`
2
1
3
`
3
2
`
3 2
`
2
3
3
2
3 2 2
`
3
2
0
`
3 2
0
`
2
0
3 ` 3
2
2 2
1 , 4 1 , 4
C
a
a a a
C
a a a
a a a
C C

Substitute in the expression Ior
1
*
to
obtain:

.
. ' &
' & & *
`
6
`
3
2
`
3 2
1
`
2
1
3
`
2
3
`
2
1
`
1
C
C
C C
=
(
(
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ |
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ =

From symmetry considerations:

. * * *
`
6
1 3 2
C = = =

Express the condition that the
molecule is in equilibrium:

0
4 3 2 1
= + + + * * * *

Solve Ior and evaluate
4
*
: ( )
.
* * * * *
`
6 3
3
1 3 2 1 4
C =
= + + =

The Electric Field

37 [SSM] A point charge oI 4.0 C is at the origin. What are the
magnitude and direction oI the electric Iield on the x axis at (a) x 6.0 m and
(b) x 10 m? (c) Sketch the Iunction E
x
versus x Ior both positive and negative
values oI x. (Remember that E
x
is negative when "
points in the x direction.)

Picture the Problem Let q represent the point charge at the origin and use
Coulomb`s law Ior "
due to a point charge to Iind the electric Iield at x 6.0 m

and 10 m.


31

(a) Express the electric Iield at a
point P located a distance x Irom a
point charge q:

( )
P,0 2
` % "
x
kq
x =

Evaluate this expression Ior x 6.0 m:

( )
( )
( )
( )& & "
`
kN/C 0 . 1
`
m 0 . 6
C 0 . 4
C
m N
10 988 . 8
m 0 . 6
2
2
2
9
=
|
|
.
|
\
|

(b) Evaluate "
at x 10 m:

( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )& & "
`
kN/C 36 . 0
`
m 10
C 0 . 4
C
m N
10 988 . 8
m 10
2
2
2
9
=
|
|
.
|
\
|

(c) The Iollowing graph was plotted using a spreadsheet program:
-500
-250
0
250
500
-2 -1 0 1 2
x (m)
E
x

(
k
N
/
C
)

38 Two point charges, each 4.0 C, are on the x axis; one point charge is
at the origin and the other is at x 8.0 m. Find the electric Iield on the x axis at
(a) x 2.0 m, (b) x 2.0 m, (c) x 6.0 m, and (d) x 10 m. (e) At what point on
the x axis is the electric Iield zero? (f) Sketch E
x
versus x Ior 3.0 m x 11 m.

Picture the Problem Let q represent the point charges oI 4.0 C and use
Coulomb`s law Ior "
due to a point charge and the principle oI superposition Ior

Iields to Iind the electric Iield at the locations speciIied.
Chapter 21

32

Noting that q
1
q
2
, use Coulomb`s law and the principle oI superposition to
express the electric Iield due to the given charges at point P a distance x Irom the
origin:

( ) ( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ =
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ =
+ = + =
P ,
2
P ,
2
2
P ,
2
P ,
2
1
P ,
2
2
P ,
2
1
2 1
2 1
2 1 2 1
`
m 0 . 8
1
`
1
/C m kN 36
`
m 0 . 8
1
`
1
`
m 0 . 8
`
q q
q q
q q q q
x x
x x
kq
x
kq
x
kq
x x x
% %
% %
% % " " "

(a) Apply this equation to the point at x 2.0 m:

( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )& & & "
`
kN/C 4 . 9
`
m 10
1
`
m 0 . 2
1
/C m kN 36 m 0 . 2
2 2
2
=
(
(
+

(b) Evaluate "
at x 2.0 m:

( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )& & & "
`
kN/C 0 . 8
`
m 0 . 6
1
`
m 0 . 2
1
/C m kN 36 m 0 . 2
2 2
2
=
(
(
+

(c) Evaluate "
at x 6.0 m:

( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )& & & "
`
kN/C 0 . 8
`
m 0 . 2
1
`
m 0 . 6
1
/C m kN 36 m 0 . 6
2 2
2
=
(
(
+

(d) Evaluate "
at x 10 m:

( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )& & & "
`
kN/C 4 . 9
`
m 0 . 2
1
`
m 10
1
/C m kN 36 m 10
2 2
2
=
(
(
+

(e) From symmetry considerations:
( ) 0 m 0 . 4 = "


33

(f) The Iollowing graph was plotted using a spreadsheet program:
-100
-75
-50
-25
0
25
50
75
100
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
x (m)
E
x

(

k
N

m
2
/
C
)

39 When a 2.0-nC point charge is placed at the origin, it experiences an
electric Iorce oI 8.0 10
4
N in the y direction. (a) What is the electric Iield at
the origin? (b) What would be the electric Iorce on a 4.0-nC point charge placed
at the origin? (c) II this Iorce is due to the electric Iield oI a point charge on the y
axis at y 3.0 cm, what is the value oI that charge?

Picture the Problem We can Iind the electric Iield at the origin Irom its
deIinition and the electric Iorce on a point charge placed there using " *

q = . We
can apply Coulomb`s law to Iind the value oI the point charge placed at y 3 cm.

(a) Apply the deIinition oI electric
Iield to obtain:

( )
( ) ( )
( )'
' *
"
`
N/C 10 0 . 4
nC 0 . 2
`
N 10 0 . 8 0 , 0
0 , 0
5
4
0
=
= =

q

(b) The Iorce on a point charge in an
electric Iield is given by:

( ) ( )
( )( )
( ) '
'
" *
`
mN 6 . 1
`
kN/C 400 nC 4.0
0 , 0 0 , 0
=
=
=

q

(c) Apply Coulomb`s law to obtain:

( )
( )
( ) ( ) ' '
`
mN 60 . 1
`
m 0.030
nC 0 . 4
2
=
kq

Chapter 21

34
Solving Ior q yields: ( )( )
( )( )
nC 40
nC 0 . 4 /C m N 10 988 . 8
m 0.030 mN 60 . 1
2 2 9
2
=

= q

40 The electric Iield near the surIace oI Earth points downward and has a
magnitude oI 150 N/C. (a) Compare the magnitude oI the upward electric Iorce
on an electron with the magnitude oI the gravitational Iorce on the electron.
(b) What charge should be placed on a ping pong ball oI mass 2.70 g so that the
electric Iorce balances the weight oI the ball near Earth`s surIace?

Picture the Problem We can compare the electric and gravitational Iorces acting
on an electron by expressing their ratio. Because the ping pong ball is in
equilibrium under the inIluence oI the electric and gravitational Iorces acting on
it, we can use the condition Ior translational equilibrium to Iind the charge that
would have to be placed on it in order to balance Earth`s gravitational Iorce on it.

(a) Express the magnitude oI the
electric Iorce acting on the electron:

eE F
e
=
Express the magnitude oI the
gravitational Iorce acting on the
electron:

g m F
e g
=
The ratio oI these Iorces is:
mg
eE
F
F
g
e
=

evaluate F
e
/F
g
:
( )( )
( )( )
12
2 31
19
10 69 . 2
m/s 9.81 kg 10 9.109
N/C 150 C 10 1.602
=

g
e
F
F

or
( )
g e
F F
12
10 69 . 2 =
Thus, the electric Iorce is greater by a
Iactor oI 2.6910
12
.

(b) Letting the upward direction be
positive, apply the condition Ior
static equilibrium to the ping pong
ball to obtain:

0 =
g e
F F
or
0 = mg qE
E
mg
q =

35

evaluate q:
( )( )
mC 177 . 0
N/C 150
m/s 9.81 kg 10 70 . 2
2 3
=
=

q

41 [SSM] Two point charges q
1
and q
2
both have a charge equal to
6.0 nC and are on the y axis at y
1
3.0 cm and y
2
3.0 cm respectively.
(a) What is the magnitude and direction oI the electric Iield on the x axis at
x 4.0 cm? (b) What is the Iorce exerted on a third charge q
0
2.0 nC when it is
placed on the x axis at x 4.0 cm?

Picture the Problem The diagram shows the locations oI the point charges q
1
and
q
2
and the point on the x axis at which we are to Iind . "
From symmetry
considerations we can conclude that the y component oI "
at any point on the x

axis is zero. We can use Coulomb`s law Ior the electric Iield due to point charges
and the principle oI superposition Ior Iields to Iind the Iield at any point on the x
axis and " *

q = to Iind the Iorce on a point charge q
0
placed on the x axis at
x 4.0 cm.
1
q
E
r
3.0
3.0
cm , x
cm , y
nC 0 . 6
2
= q
nC 0 . 6
1
= q
4.0
0
r

(a) Letting q q
1
q
2
, express the x
component oI the electric Iield due
to one point charge as a Iunction oI
the distance r Irom either point
charge to the point oI interest:

& "
`
cos
2
u
r
kq
x
=

Express
x
"
Ior both charges:

& "
`
cos 2
2
u
r
kq
x
=

Chapter 21

36

Substitute Ior cosu and r, substitute numerical values, and evaluate to obtain:

( )
( )
( )( )( )
( ) ( ) | |
( ) ( )&
&
& & "
`
kN/C 5 3
`
kN/C 5 . 4 3
`
m 0.040 m 0.030
m 0.040 nC 6.0 /C m N 10 8.988 2
`
m 040 . 0 2
`
m 040 . 0
2 cm 0 . 4
2 3
2 2
2 2 9
3 2
= =
+

=
= =
i
r
kq
r r
kq
x

The magnitude and direction oI the
electric Iield at x 4.0 cm is:

0 kN/C 35
(b) Apply " *

q = to Iind the Iorce
on a point charge q
0
placed on the
x axis at x 4.0 cm:
( )( )
( )&
& *
`
N 69
`
kN/C 4.5 3 nC 0 . 2
=
=

42 A point charge oI 5.0 C is located on the x axis at x 3.0 cm, and
a second point charge oI 8.0 C is located on the x axis at x 4.0 cm. Where
should a third charge oI 6.0 C be placed so that the electric Iield at the origin is
zero?

Picture the Problem II the electric Iield at x 0 is zero, both its x and y
components must be zero. The only way this condition can be satisIied with point
charges oI 5.0 C and 8.0 C on the x axis is iI the point charge 6.0 C is
also on the x axis. Let the subscripts 5, 8, and 6 identiIy the point charges and
their Iields. We can use Coulomb`s law Ior "
due to a point charge and the

principle oI superposition Ior Iields to determine where the 6.0 C point charge
should be located so that the electric Iield at x 0 is zero.

Express the electric Iield at x 0 in
terms oI the Iields due to the point
charges oI 5.0 C, 8.0 C, and
6.0 C:

( )
0
0
C 6 C 8 C 5
=
+ + =

" " " "

Substitute Ior each oI the Iields to
obtain:
0 ` ` `
8 2
8
8
6 2
6
6
5 2
5
5
= + +

% % %
r
kq
r
kq
r
kq

or
( ) ( ) 0
` ` `
2
8
8
2
6
6
2
5
5
= + +
& & &

r
kq
r
kq
r
kq


37

Divide out the unit vector &
`
to
obtain:

0
2
8
8
2
6
6
2
5
5
=
r
q
r
q
r
q

Substitute numerical values to
obtain: ( ) ( )
0
cm 0 . 4
8 6
cm 0 . 3
5
2 2
6
2
=

%

Solving Ior r
6
yields:
cm 4 . 2
6
= r

43 A 5.0-C point charge is located at x 4.0 m, y 2.0 m and a
12-C point charge is located at x 1.0 m, y 2.0 m. (a) Find the magnitude and
direction oI the electric Iield at x 1.0 m, y 0. (b) Calculate the magnitude and
direction oI the electric Iorce on an electron that is placed at x 1.0 m, y 0.

Picture the Problem The diagram shows the electric Iield vectors at the point oI
interest P due to the two point charges. We can use Coulomb`s law Ior "
due to
point charges and the superposition principle Ior electric Iields to Iind
P
"
. We
can apply " *

q = to Iind the Iorce on an electron at (1.0 m, 0).
E
1
E
2
1
1
2
2 3 4
P
y, m
x, m
C 0 . 5
1
= q
C 12
2
= q
2 1
1
2

(a) Express the electric Iield at
(1.0 m, 0) due to the point charges
q
1
and q
2
:

2 1 P
" " "

+ =
Chapter 21

38

1
"
:

( )( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( )( )
( ) ( ) ' &
' &
' &
% "
`
kN/C 575 . 0
`
kN/C 44 . 1
`
371 . 0
`
928 . 0 N/C 10 55 . 1
m 2.0 m 5.0
`
m 0 . 2
`
m 0 . 5
m 2.0 m 5.0
C 0 . 5 /C m N 10 988 . 8
`
3
2 2
2 2
2 2 9
P 1,
2
P 1,
1
1
+ =
+ =
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
+
+

= =

r
kq

2
"
:

( )( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( )( )
( ) ( ) ' &
' &
' &
% "
`
kN/C 54 . 9
`
kN/C 54 . 9
`
707 . 0
`
707 . 0 N/C 10 5 . 13
m 2.0 m 2.0
`
m 2.0
`
m 0 . 2
m 2.0 m 2.0
C 12 /C m N 10 988 . 8
`
3
2 2
2 2
2 2 9
P 2,
2
P 2,
2
2
+ =
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
+
+

= =

r
kq

Substitute Ior
1
"
and
2
"
and simpliIy to Iind

P
"
:

( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ' &
' & ' & "
`
kN/C 1 . 10
`
kN/C 10 . 8
`
kN/C 54 . 9
`
kN/C 54 . 9
`
kN/C 575 . 0
`
kN/C 44 . 1
P
+ =
+ + + =

The magnitude oI
P
"
is:

( ) ( )
kN/C 13
kN/C 10.1 kN/C 8.10
2 2
P
=
+ = E

The direction oI
P
"
is:

=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

230
kN/C 8.10
kN/C 10.1
tan
1
E
u
Note that the angle returned by your
calculator Ior
|
|
.
|
\
|
kN/C 8.10
kN/C 10.1
tan
1
is the
reIerence angle and must be increased
by 180 to yield u
E
.

(b) Express and evaluate the Iorce on an electron at point P:

( ) ( ) ( ) | |
( ) ( )' &
' & " *
`
N 10 .62 1
`
N 10 .30 1
`
kN/C 1 . 10
`
kN/C 10 . 8 C 10 602 . 1
15 15
19
P

+ =
+ = =

q


39

Find the magnitude oI *
:
( ) ( )
N 10 1 . 2
N 10 62 . 1 N 10 30 . 1
15
2
15
2
15

=
+ = F

Find the direction oI *
:
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
51
N 10 1.3
N 10 1.62
tan
15
15
1
F
u

44 Two equal positive charges q are on the y axis; one point charge is at
y a and the other is at y a. (a) Show that on the x axis the x component oI
the electric Iield is given by E
x
2kqx/(x
2
a
2
)
3/2
. (b) Show that near the origin,
where x is much smaller than a, E
x
~ 2kqx/a
3
. (c) Show that Ior values oI x much
larger than a, E
x
~ 2kq/x
2
. Explain why a person might expect this result even
without deriving it by taking the appropriate limit.

Picture the Problem The diagram shows the locations oI point charges q
1
and q
2

and the point on the x axis at which we are to Iind "
. From symmetry
considerations we can conclude that the y component oI "
at any point on the x

axis is zero. We can use Coulomb`s law Ior the electric Iield due to point charges
and the principle oI superposition oI Iields to Iind the Iield at any point on the x
axis. We can establish the results called Ior in Parts (b) and (c) by Iactoring the
radicand and using the approximation 1 o ~ 1 whenever o 1.
E
q
1
0

y
x
x
P
a
a
r
q q =
2
q q =
1

(a) Express the x-component oI the
electric Iield due to the point charges
at y a and y a as a Iunction oI
the distance r Irom either charge to
point P:

& "
`
cos 2
2
u
r
kq
x
=

Chapter 21

40
Substitute Ior cosu and r to obtain:

( )
( )
&
& & & "
`
2
`
2
`
2
`
2
2 3
2 2
2 3
2 2
3 2
a x
kqx
a x
kqx
r
kqx
r
x
r
kq
x
+
=
+
= = =

The magnitude oI
#
"
is:
( )
2 3
2 2
2
a x
kqx
E
x
+
=

(b) For a, x << x
2
a
2
~ a
2
, so:
( )
3 2 3
2
2 2
a
kqx
a
kqx
E
x
= ~

(c) For x ~~ a, the charges separated by a would appear to be a single charge oI
magnitude 2q. Its Iield would be given by
2
2
x
kq
E
x
= .

Factor the radicand to obtain:
2 3
2
2
2
1 2

(
|
|
.
|
\
|
+ =
x
a
x kqx E
x

For a x, 1 1
2
2
~ +
x
a
and: | |
2
2 3
2
2
2
x
kq
x kqx E
x
= =

45 A 5.0-C point charge is located at x 1.0 m, y 3.0 m and a
4.0-C point charge is located at x 2.0 m, y 2.0 m. (a) Find the magnitude
and direction oI the electric Iield at x 3.0 m, y 1.0 m. (b) Find the magnitude
and direction oI the Iorce on a proton placed at x 3.0 m, y 1.0 m.

Picture the Problem The diagram shows the electric Iield vectors at the point oI
interest P due to the two point charges. We can use Coulomb`s law Ior "
due to
point charges and the superposition principle Ior electric Iields to Iind
P
"
. We can
apply " *

q = to Iind the Iorce on a proton at (3.0 m, 1.0 m).

41

x, m
y, m
3
2
1
21
22
P
E
2
E
1
C 0 . 4
1
= q
C 0 . 5
2
= q
3 2 1 1 2

(a) Express the electric Iield at
(3.0 m, 1.0 m) due to the point
charges q
1
and q
2
:

2 1 P
" " "

+ =

Evaluate
1
"
:

( )( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( )( ) ( ) ( ) ' & ' &
' &
% "
`
kN/C 544 . 0
`
kN/C 907 . 0
`
514 . 0
`
857 . 0 kN/C 06 . 1
m 3.0 m 5.0
`
m 0 . 3
`
m 0 . 5
m 3.0 m 5.0
C 0 . 4 /C m N 10 988 . 8
`
2 2
2 2
2 2 9
P 1,
2
1.P
1
1
+ = + =
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
+
+

= =

r
kq

Evaluate
2
"
:

( )( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( )( ) ( ) ( ) ' & ' &
' &
% "
`
kN/C 01 . 1
`
kN/C 01 . 2
`
447 . 0
`
894 . 0 kN/C 25 . 2
m 2.0 m 4.0
`
m 2.0
`
m 0 . 4
m 2.0 m 4.0
C 0 . 5 /C m N 10 988 . 8
`
2 2
2 2
2 2 9
P 2,
2
P 2,
2
2
+ = =
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
+
+

= =

r
kq

Substitute and simpliIy to Iind
P
"
:

( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ' &
' & ' & "
`
kN/C 55 . 1
`
kN/C 10 . 1
`
kN/C 01 . 1
`
kN/C 01 . 2
`
kN/C 544 . 0
`
kN/C 908 . 0
P
+ =
+ + + =

The magnitude oI
P
"
is:

( ) ( )
kN/C 9 . 1
kN/C 55 . 1 kN/C 10 . 1
2 2
P
=
+ = E

Chapter 21

42
The direction oI
P
"
is:

=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

235
kN/C 10 . 1
kN/C 55 . 1
tan
1
E
u
Note that the angle returned by your
calculator Ior
|
|
.
|
\
|
kN/C 10 . 1
kN/C 55 . 1
tan
1
is the
reIerence angle and must be increased
by 180 to yield u
E
.

(b) Express and evaluate the Iorce on a proton at point P:

( ) ( ) ( ) | |
( ) ( )' &
' & " *
`
N 10 48 . 2
`
N 10 .76 1
`
kN/C 55 . 1
`
kN/C 10 . 1 C 10 602 . 1
16 16
19
P

+ =
+ = =

q

The magnitude oI *
is:

( ) ( ) N 10 0 . 3 N 10 48 . 2 N 10 .76 1
16
2
16
2
16
= + = F

The direction oI *
is:
=
|
|
.
|
\
|

=

235
N 10 76 . 1
N 10 48 . 2
tan
16
16
1
F
u
where, as noted above, the angle
returned by your calculator Ior
|
|
.
|
\
|

N 10 76 . 1
N 10 48 . 2
tan
16
16
1
is the reIerence
angle and must be increased by 180 to
yield u
E
.

46 Two positive point charges, each having a charge Q, are on the y axis,
one at y a and the other at y a. (a) Show that the electric Iield strength on
the x axis is greatest at the points 2 a x = and 2 a x = by computing cE
x
/cx
and setting the derivative equal to zero. (b) Sketch the Iunction E
x
versus x using
your results Ior Part (a) oI this problem and the Iact that E
x
is approximately
2kqx/a
3
when x is much smaller than a and E
x
is approximately 2kq/x
2
when x is
much larger than a,.

Picture the Problem In Problem 44 it is shown that the electric Iield on the x
axis, due to equal positive charges located at (0, a) and (0,a), is given by
( )
2 3
2 2
2

+ = a x kqx E
x
. We can identiIy the locations at which E
x
has it greatest
values by setting cE
x
/cx equal to zero.


43

(a) Evaluate
x
E
x
c
c
to obtain:

( ) | | ( ) | |
( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) | ( ) |
2 3
2 2
2 5
2 2 2
2 3
2 2
2 5
2 2
2 3
2 2
2 3
2 2
2 3
2 2
2 3
2 2
3 2
2
2
3
2
2
2 2

+ + + =
(
+ + +
|
.
|
\
|
=
(
+ + + =
+ = + =
c
c
a x a x x kq
a x x a x x kq
a x a x
dx
d
x kq
a x x
dx
d
kq a x kqx
dx
d
x
E
x

Set this derivative equal to zero Ior
extreme values:

( ) ( ) 0 3
2 3
2 2
2 5
2 2 2
= + + +

a x a x x

Solving Ior x yields:
2
a
x =

(b) The Iollowing graph was plotted using a spreadsheet program:

2kq = 1 and a = 1
-0.4
-0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
-10 -5 0 5 10
x
E
x

47 [SSM] Two point particles, each having a charge q, sit on the base oI
an equilateral triangle that has sides oI length L as shown in Figure 21-38. A third
point particle that has a charge equal to 2q sits at the apex oI the triangle. Where
must a Iourth point particle that has a charge equal to q be placed in order that the
electric Iield at the center oI the triangle be zero? (The center is in the plane oI
the triangle and equidistant Irom the three vertices.)
Chapter 21

44
Picture the Problem The electric Iield oI the 4
th
charged point particle must
cancel the sum oI the electric Iields due to the other three charged point particles.
By symmetry, the position oI the 4
th
charged point particle must lie on the vertical
centerline oI the triangle. Using trigonometry, one can show that the center oI an
equilateral triangle is a distance 3 L Irom each vertex, where L is the length oI
the side oI the triangle. Note that the x components oI the Iields due to the base
charged particles cancel each other, so we only need concern ourselves with the y
components oI the Iields due to the charged point particles at the vertices oI the
triangle. Choose a coordinate system in which the origin is at the midpoint oI the
base oI the triangle, the x direction is to the right, and the y direction is upward.
y
x
q
q
q
2
3 / 3 /
3 /
60
60
1
2
q
3
1
"

2
"

3
"

q
4

satisIied iI the electric Iield at the
center oI the triangle is to be zero:

0
4 to 1 i
i
=
=
"

Substituting Ior
1
"
,
2
"
,
3
"
, and
4
"
yields:

( ) ( ) ( )
0
` `
3
2
`
60 cos
3
`
60 cos
3
2 2 2 2
= +
|
|
.
|
\
|

|
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
|
.
|
\
|
' ' '
y
kq
j
L
q k
L
q k
L
q k

Solving Ior y yields:
3
L
y =


45

The positive solution corresponds to the 4
th
point particle being a distance
3 L above the base oI the triangle, where it produces the same strength and
same direction electric Iield caused by the three charges at the corners oI the
triangle. So the charged point particle must be placed a distance 3 L below the
midpoint oI the triangle.

48 Two point particles, each having a charge equal to q, sit on the base oI
an equilateral triangle that has sides oI length L as shown in Figure 21-38. A third
point particle that has a charge equal to 2q sits at the apex oI the triangle. A Iourth
point particle that has charge q' is placed at the midpoint oI the baseline making
the electric Iield at the center oI the triangle equal to zero. What is the value oI
q'? (The center is in the plane oI the triangle and equidistant Irom all three
vertices.)

Picture the Problem The electric Iield oI 4
th
charge must cancel the sum oI the
electric Iields due to the other three charges. Using trigonometry, one can show
that the center oI an equilateral triangle is a distance 3 L Irom each vertex,
where L is the length oI the side oI the triangle. The distance Irom the center point
oI the triangle to the midpoint oI the base is halI this distance. Note that the x
components oI the Iields due to the base charges cancel each other, so we only
need concern ourselves with the y components oI the Iields due to the charges at
the vertices oI the triangle. Choose a coordinate system in which the origin is at
the midpoint oI the base oI the triangle, the x direction is to the right, and the y
direction is upward.
y
x
q
q
q
2
3 / 3 /
3 /
60
60
1
2
q
3
1
"

2
"

3
"

q
4
4
"

q
'

satisIied iI the electric Iield at the
center oI the triangle is to be zero:

0
4 to 1 i
i
=
=
"

Chapter 21

46
Substituting Ior
1
"
,
2
"
,
3
"
, and
4
"
yields:

( ) ( ) ( )
0
`
3 2
`
3
2
`
60 cos
3
`
60 cos
3
2 2 2 2
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
|
.
|
\
|

|
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
|
.
|
\
|
' ' ' '
L
kq'
L
q k
L
q k
L
q k

Solve Ior q' to obtain:
q q'
4
1
=

49 Two equal positive point charges q are on the y axis; one is at y a
and the other is at y a. The electric Iield at the origin is zero. A test charge q
0

placed at the origin will thereIore be in equilibrium. (a) Discuss the stability oI
the equilibrium Ior a positive test charge by considering small displacements Irom
equilibrium along the x axis and small displacements along the y axis. (b) Repeat
Part (a) Ior a negative test charge. (c) Find the magnitude and sign oI a charge q
0

that when placed at the origin results in a net Iorce oI zero on each oI the three
charges.

Picture the Problem We can determine the stability oI the equilibrium in Part (a)
and Part (b) by considering the Iorces the equal point charges q at y a and
y a exert on the test charge when it is given a small displacement along either
the x or y axis. (c) The application oI Coulomb`s law in Part (c) will lead to the
magnitude and sign oI the charge that must be placed at the origin in order that a
net Iorce oI zero is experienced by each oI the three point charges.

(a) Because E
x
is in the x direction, a positive test charge that is displaced Irom
(0, 0) in either the x direction or the x direction will experience a Iorce pointing
away Irom the origin and accelerate in the direction oI the Iorce. Consequently,
the equilibrium at (0,0) is unstable Ior a small displacement along the x axis.

II the positive test charge is displaced in the direction oI increasing y (the y
direction), the charge at y a will exert a greater Iorce than the charge at
y a, and the net Iorce is then in the y direction; i.e., it is a restoring Iorce.
Similarly, iI the positive test charge is displaced in the direction oI decreasing y
(the y direction), the charge at y a will exert a greater Iorce than the charge at
y a, and the net Iorce is then in the y direction; i.e., it is a restoring Iorce.
Consequently, the equilibrium at (0,0) is stable Ior a small displacement along the
y axis.

(b) Following the same arguments as in Part (a), one Iinds that, Ior a negative test
charge, the equilibrium is stable at (0,0) Ior displacements along the x axis and
unstable Ior displacements along the y axis.


47

(c) Express the net Iorce acting on the
charge at y a:
( )
0
2
2
2
2
0
at
= + =
+ =
a
kq
a
kqq
F
a y q

Solve Ior q
0
to obtain:
q q
4
1
0
=

Remarks: In Part (0), we could just as well have expressed the net force
acting on the charge at 1 = (. Due to the symmetric distribution of the
charges at 1 = ( and 1 = +(2 summing the forces acting on -
0
at the origin
does not lead to a relationship between -
0
and -+

50 Two positive point charges q are on the y axis at y a and y a. A
bead oI mass m and charge q slides without Iriction along a taut thread that runs
along the x axis. Let x be the position oI the bead. (a) Show that Ior x a, the
bead experiences a linear restoring Iorce (a Iorce that is proportional to x and
directed toward the equilibrium position at x 0) and thereIore undergoes simple
harmonic motion. (b) Find the period oI the motion.

Picture the Problem In Problem 44 it is shown that the electric Iield on the x
axis, due to equal positive point charges located at (0, a) and (0,a), is given by
( ) . 2
2 3
2 2

+ = a x kqx E
x
We can use k' m T t 2 = to express the period oI the
motion oI the bead in terms oI the restoring constant k'.

(a) Express the Iorce acting on the
bead when its displacement Irom the
origin is x:

( )
2 3
2 2
2
2
a x
x kq
qE F
x x
+
= =
Factor a
2
Irom the denominator to
obtain:

2 3
2
2
2
2
1
2
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
=
a
x
a
x kq
F
x

For x a:
x
a
kq
F
x 3
2
2
=
That is, the bead experiences a linear
restoring Iorce.

(b) Express the period oI a simple
harmonic oscillator:

k'
m
T t 2 =
Obtain k' Irom our result in Part (a):

3
2
2
a
kq
k' =
Chapter 21

48
Substitute Ior k' and simpliIy to
obtain: 2
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
kq
ma
a
kq
m
T t t = =

Point Charges in Electric Fields

51 [SSM] The acceleration oI a particle in an electric Iield depends on
q/m (the charge-to-mass ratio oI the particle). (a) Compute q/m Ior an electron.
(b) What is the magnitude and direction oI the acceleration oI an electron in a
uniIorm electric Iield that has a magnitude oI 100 N/C? (c) Compute the time it
takes Ior an electron placed at rest in a uniIorm electric Iield that has a magnitude
oI 100 N/C to reach a speed oI 0.01c. (When the speed oI an electron approaches
the speed oI light c, relativistic kinematics must be used to calculate its motion,
but at speeds oI 0.01c or less, non-relativistic kinematics is suIIiciently accurate
Ior most purposes.) (d) How Iar does the electron travel in that time?

Picture the Problem We can use Newton`s second law oI motion to Iind the
acceleration oI the electron in the uniIorm electric Iield and constant-acceleration
equations to Iind the time required Ior it to reach a speed oI 0.01c and the distance
it travels while acquiring this speed.

(a) Use data Iound at the back oI
your text to compute e/m Ior an
electron:

C/kg 10 76 . 1
kg 10 9.109
C 10 602 . 1
11
31
19
=

e
m
e

(b) Apply Newton`s second law to
relate the acceleration oI the electron
to the electric Iield:

e e
m
eE
m
F
a = =
net

evaluate a:
( )( )
2 13
2 13
31
19
m/s 10 76 . 1
m/s 10 759 . 1
kg 10 9.109
N/C 100 C 10 1.602
=
=

a

The direction oI the acceleration oI an electron is opposite the electric Iield.

(c) Using the deIinition oI
acceleration, relate the time required
Ior an electron to reach 0.01c to its
acceleration:
a
c
a
v
t
01 . 0
= = A

49

evaluate At:
( )
s 2 . 0
s 1704 . 0
m/s 10 1.759
m/s 10 998 . 2 0.01
2 13
8
=
=

= t

(d) Use a constant-acceleration
equation to express the distance
the electron travels in a given
time interval:

( )
2
2
1
i
t a t v x + =
or, because v
i
0,
( )
2
2
1
t a x =
evaluate Ax:

( )( )
m 3 . 0
s 1704 . 0 m/s 10 759 . 1
2 2 13
2
1
=
= x

52 The acceleration oI a particle in an electric Iield depends on the
charge-to-mass ratio oI the particle. (a) Compute q/m Ior a proton, and Iind its
acceleration in a uniIorm electric Iield that has a magnitude oI 100 N/C. (b) Find
the time it takes Ior a proton initially at rest in such a Iield to reach a speed oI
0.01c (where c is the speed oI light). (When the speed oI an electron approaches
the speed oI light c, relativistic kinematics must be used to calculate its motion,
but at speeds oI 0.01c or less, non-relativistic kinematics is suIIiciently accurate
Ior most purposes.)

Picture the Problem We can use Newton`s second law oI motion to Iind the
acceleration oI the proton in the uniIorm electric Iield and constant-acceleration
equations to Iind the time required Ior it to reach a speed oI 0.01c and the
distance it travels while acquiring this speed.

(a) Use data Iound at the back oI
your text to compute e/m Ior an
electron:

C/kg 10 58 . 9
kg 10 673 . 1
C 10 602 . 1
7
27
19
=

p
m
e

Apply Newton`s second law to
relate the acceleration oI the
electron to the electric Iield:

p p
m
eE
m
F
a = =
net

evaluate a:
( )( )
2 9
2 9
7 2
19
m/s 10 58 . 9
m/s 10 576 . 9
kg 10 673 . 1
N/C 100 C 10 1.602
=
=

a

Chapter 21

50
The direction oI the acceleration oI a proton is in the direction oI the electric
Iield.

(b) Using the deIinition oI
acceleration, relate the time required
Ior an electron to reach 0.01c to its
acceleration:

a
c
a
v
t
01 . 0
= = A
evaluate At:
( )
ms 3 . 0
m/s 10 576 . 9
m/s 10 998 . 2 0.01
2 9
8
=

= t

53 An electron has an initial velocity oI 2.00 10
6
m/s in the x direction.
It enters a region that has a uniIorm electric Iield ( ) ' "
`
N/C 300 =
. (a) Find the

acceleration oI the electron. (b) How long does it take Ior the electron to travel
10.0 cm in the x direction in the region that has the Iield? (c) Through what angle,
and in what direction, is the electron deIlected while traveling the 10.0 cm in the x
direction?

Picture the Problem The electric Iorce acting on the electron is opposite the
direction oI the electric Iield. We can apply Newton`s second law to Iind the
electron`s acceleration and use constant acceleration equations to Iind how long it
takes the electron to travel a given distance and its deIlection during this interval
oI time. Finally, we can use the pictorial representation to obtain an expression Ior
the angle through which the electron is deIlected while traveling 10.0 cm in the x
direction.

( ) j E
`
N/C 300 =

( )i v
`
m/s 10 00 . 2
6
=

e m,
u
Ay
Ax


51

(a) Use Newton`s second law to
relate the acceleration oI the electron
Iirst to the net Iorce acting on it and
then the electric Iield in which it
Iinds itselI:

e e
m
e
m
" *
(

= =
net

evaluate a
:
( )
( )
( )'
'
' (
`
m/s 10 28 . 5
`
m/s 10 276 . 5
`
N/C 300
kg 10 9.109
C 10 1.602
2 13
2 13
31
19
=
=

(b) Relate the time to travel a given
distance in the x direction to the
electron`s speed in the x direction:

ns 0 . 50
m/s 10 2.00
m 0.100
6
=
= =
x
v
x
t

(c) The angle through which the
electron is deIlected as it travels a
horizontal distance Ax is given by:

(
A
A
=

x
y
1
tan u
where Ay is its vertical deIlection.

Using a constant-acceleration
equation, relate the vertical
deIlection oI the electron to its
acceleration and the elapsed time:

( )
2
2
1
t a y
y
A = A

Substituting Ior Ay and simpliIying
yields:
( ) ( )
(
(
A
A
=
(
(
A
A
=

x
t a
x
t a
y y
2
tan tan
2
1
2
2
1
1
u

evaluate u:
( )( )
( )
=
(

=

33.4
cm 0 . 10 2
ns 0 . 50 m/s 10 28 . 5
tan
2 2 13
1
u

Because the acceleration oI the electron
is downward and it was moving
horizontally initially, it is deIlected
downward .

54 An electron is released Irom rest in a weak electric Iield
( ) ' "
`
N/C 10 50 . 1
10
=
. AIter the electron has traveled a vertical distance oI

1.0 m, what is its speed? (Do not neglect the gravitational Iorce on the electron.)
Chapter 21

52
Picture the Problem Because the electric Iield is in the y direction, the Iorce it
exerts on the electron is in the y direction. Applying Newton`s second law to the
electron will yield an expression Ior the acceleration oI the electron in the y
direction. We can then use a constant-acceleration equation to relate its speed to
its acceleration and the distance it has traveled.

Apply
y y
ma F =
to the electron to
obtain:

y g E
ma F F =
or, because eE F
E
= and mg F
g
= ,
y
ma mg eE =

Solving Ior a
y
yields:

g
m
eE
a
y
=

Use a constant-acceleration equation
to relate the speed oI the electron to
its acceleration and the distance it
travels:

y a v v
y y
2
2
0
2
+ =
or, because the electron starts at rest,
y a v
y y
2
2
= y a v
y y
2 =
Substitute Ior a
y
in the expression Ior
v
y
:
y g
m
eE
v
y
2
|
.
|
\
|
=

Substitute numerical values and evaluate v
y
:

( )( )
( )
mm/s .8 5
m 10 0 . 1 m/s 81 . 9
kg 10 109 . 9
N/C 10 50 . 1 C 10 602 . 1
2
6 2
31
10 19
=

y
v

55 A 2.00-g charged particle is released Irom rest in a region that has a
uniIorm electric Iield ( )& "
`
N/C 300 =
. AIter traveling a distance oI 0.500 m in

this region, the particle has a kinetic energy oI 0.120 J. Determine the charge oI
the particle.

Picture the Problem We can apply the work-kinetic energy theorem to relate the
change in the object`s kinetic energy to the net Iorce acting on it. We can express
the net Iorce acting on the charged body in terms oI its charge and the electric
Iield.


53

Using the work-kinetic energy
theorem, express the kinetic energy
oI the object in terms oI the net Iorce
acting on it and its displacement:

x F K W A = A =
net

Relate the net Iorce acting on the
charged particle to the electric Iield:

qE F =
net

Substitute Ior
net
F to obtain: x qE K K K A = = A
i I

or, because Ki 0,
x qE K A =
I

x E
K
q
A
=
I

evaluate q: ( )( )
C 800
m 0.500 N/C 300
J 0.120
= = q

56 A charged particle leaves the origin with a speed oI 3.00 10
6
m/s at
an angle oI 35 above the x axis. A uniIorm electric Iield given by ' "
`
0
E =
exists
throughout the region. Find E
0
such that the particle will cross the x axis at
x 1.50 cm iI the particle is (a) an electron, and (b) a proton.

Picture the Problem We can use constant-acceleration equations to express the x
and y coordinates oI the particle in terms oI the parameter t and Newton`s second
law to express the constant acceleration in terms oI the electric Iield. Eliminating
t will yield an equation Ior y as a Iunction oI x, q, and m that we can solve Ior E
y
.

Express the x and y coordinates oI
the particle as Iunctions oI time:

( )t v x u cos =
and
( )
2
2
1
sin t a t v y
y
= u

relate the acceleration oI the particle
to the net Iorce acting on it:

m
qE
m
F
a
y
0
y net,
= =

Substitute in the y-coordinate
equation to obtain:

( )
2 0
2
sin t
m
qE
t v y = u
Eliminate the parameter t
between the two equations to
obtain:

( )
2
2 2
0
cos 2
tan x
mv
qE
x y
u
u =

Chapter 21

54
Set y 0 and solve Ior E
0
to obtain:

qx
mv
E
u 2 sin
2
0
=

Substitute the non-particle-speciIic
data to obtain:

( )
( )
( )
q
m
q
m
E
2 14
2
6
0
m/s 10 638 . 5
m 0150 . 0
70 sin m/s 10 00 . 3
=

=

(a) Substitute Ior the mass and
charge oI an electron and
evaluate E
0
:
( )
kN/C 3.2
C 10 1.602
kg 10 9.109
m/s 10 5.638
19
31
2 14
0
=

=

E

(b) Substitute Ior the mass and
charge oI a proton and evaluate E
0
:

( )
MN/C 9 . 5
C 10 1.602
kg 10 673 . 1
m/s 10 5.64
19
7 2
2 14
0
=

E

57 [SSM] An electron starts at the position shown in Figure 21-39 with
an initial speed v
0
5.00 10
6
m/s at 45 to the x axis. The electric Iield is in the
y direction and has a magnitude oI 3.50 10
3
N/C. The black lines in the Iigure
are charged metal plates. On which plate and at what location will the electron
strike?

Picture the Problem We can use constant-acceleration equations to express the x
and y coordinates oI the electron in terms oI the parameter t and Newton`s second
law to express the constant acceleration in terms oI the electric Iield. Eliminating
t will yield an equation Ior y as a Iunction oI x, q, and m. We can decide whether
the electron will strike the upper plate by Iinding the maximum value oI its y
coordinate. Should we Iind that it does not strike the upper plate, we can
determine where it strikes the lower plate by setting y(x) 0. Ignore any eIIects oI
gravitational Iorces.

Express the x and y coordinates oI
the electron as Iunctions oI time:

( )t v x u cos
0
=
and
( )
2
2
1
0
sin t a t v y
y
= u

Apply Newton`s second law to relate
the acceleration oI the electron to the
net Iorce acting on it:

e
y
e
y
y
m
eE
m
F
a = =
net,


55

Substitute in the y-coordinate
equation to obtain:

( )
2
0
2
sin t
m
eE
t v y
e
y
= u
Eliminate the parameter t between
the two equations to obtain:
( ) ( )
2
2 2
0
cos 2
tan x
v m
eE
x x y
e
y
u
u = (1)

To Iind y
max
, set dy/dx 0 Ior
extrema:
extrema Ior 0
cos
tan
2 2
0
=
= x'
v m
eE
dx
dy
e
y
u
u

Solve Ior x' to obtain:

y
e
eE
v m
x'
2
2 sin
2
0
u
= (See remark below.)

Substitute x' in y(x) and simpliIy
to obtain y
max
:

y
e
eE
v m
y
2
sin
2 2
0
max
u
=
Substitute numerical values and evaluate y
max
:

( )( )
( )( )
cm 02 . 1
N/C 10 3.50 C 10 1.602 2
5 4 sin m/s 10 5.00 kg 10 9.109
3 19
2
2
6 31
max
=

=

y

Because the plates are separated by 2 cm, the electron does not strike the upper
plate.

To determine where the electron will
strike the lower plate, set y 0 in
equation (1) and solve Ior x to
obtain:

y
e
eE
v m
x
u 2 sin
2
0
=

Substitute numerical values and evaluate x:

( )( )
( )( )
cm 1 . 4
N/C 10 50 . 3 C 10 602 . 1
90 sin m/s 10 00 . 5 kg 10 109 . 9
3 19
2
6 31
=

=

x

Remarks: #' is an extremum, that is, either a maximum or a minimum. To
show that it is a maximum we need to show that 3
2
1/3#
2
, evaluated at #', is
negative. A simple alternative is to use your graphing calculator to show that
the graph of 1(#) is a maximum at #'. Yet another alternative is to recognize
that, because equation (1) is quadratic and the coefficient of #
2
is negative, its
graph is a parabola that opens downward.
Chapter 21

56
58 An electron that has a kinetic energy equal to 2.00 10
16
J is moving
to the right along the axis oI a cathode-ray tube as shown in Figure 21-40. An
electric Iield ( ) ' "
`
N/C 10 00 . 2
4
=
exists in the region between the deIlection

plates; and no electric Iield ( 0 = "
) exists outside this region. (a) How Iar is the

electron Irom the axis oI the tube when it exits the region between the plates?
(b) At what angle is the electron moving, with respect to the axis, aIter exiting the
region between the plates? (c) At what distance Irom the axis will the electron
strike the Iluorescent screen?

Picture the Problem The trajectory oI the electron while it is in the electric Iield
is parabolic (its acceleration is downward and constant) and its trajectory, once it
is out oI the electric Iield is, iI we ignore the small gravitational Iorce acting on it,
linear. We can use constant-acceleration equations and Newton`s second law to
express the electron`s x and y coordinates parametrically and then eliminate the
parameter t to express y(x). We can Iind the angle with the horizontal at which the
electron leaves the electric Iield Irom the x and y components oI its velocity and
its total vertical deIlection by summing its deIlections over the Iirst 4 cm and the
Iinal 12 cm oI its Ilight.

(a) Using a constant-acceleration
equation, express the x and y
coordinates oI the electron as
Iunctions oI time:

( ) t v t x
0
=
and
( )
2
2
1
, 0
t a t v t y
y y
+ =
Because v
0,y
0:

( ) t v t x
0
= (1)
and
( )
2
2
1
t a t y
y
=

Using Newton`s second law, relate
the acceleration oI the electron to the
electric Iield:

e
y
e
y
m
eE
m
F
a

= =
net

Substituting Ior
y
a gives:

( )
2
2
t
m
eE
t y
e
y
= (2)

Eliminate the parameter t between
equations (1) and (2) to obtain:

( )
2 2
2
0
4 2
x
K
eE
x
v m
eE
x y
y
e
y
= =


57

Substitute numerical values and evaluate y(4 cm):

( )
( )( )( )
( )
mm 40 . 6
J 10 2.00 4
m 0.0400 N/C 10 2.00 C 10 1.602
m 04 . 0
16
2 4 19
=
y

(b) The angle at which the electron
is moving, with respect to the axis,
aIter exiting the region between
the plates is given by:

|
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

0
1 1
tan tan
v
v
v
v
y
x
y
u

Using a constant-acceleration
equation, express v
y
as a Iunction oI
the electron`s acceleration and its
time in the electric Iield:
t a v v
y y y
+ =
, 0

or, because v
0,y
0
0
net,
v
x
m
eE
t
m
F
t a v
e
y
e
y
y y
= = =

Substitute Ior
y
v to obtain:
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

K
x eE
v m
x eE
y
e
y
2
tan tan
1
2
0
1
u

Substitute numerical values and evaluate u :

( )( )( )
( )
=
(
8 . 17
J 10 2.00 2
m 0.0400 N/C 10 2.00 C 10 1.602
tan
16
4 19
1
u

(c) Express the total vertical
displacement oI the electron:

cm 12 cm 4 total
y y y + =
Relate the horizontal and vertical
distances traveled to the screen
aIter leaving the region between
the plates to the horizontal and
vertical components oI its
velocity:

t v x A =
0

and
t v y
y
A =
Eliminate At Irom these equations
to obtain:

( )x x
v
v
y
y
u tan
0
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
evaluate y:
( ) | |( ) cm 83 . 3 m 120 . 0 7 . 17 tan = = y

Chapter 21

58
Substitute Ior y
4 cm
and y
12 cm
and
evaluate y
total
:
cm 47 . 4
cm 83 . 3 cm 640 . 0
total
=
= y

That is, the electron will strike the
Iluorescent screen 4.47 cm below the
horizontal axis.

Dipoles
59 Two point charges, q
1
2.0 pC and q
2
2.0 pC, are separated by
4.0 m. (a) What is the magnitude oI the dipole moment oI this pair oI charges?
(b) Sketch the pair and show the direction oI the dipole moment.

Picture the Problem We can use its deIinition to Iind the dipole moment oI this
pair oI charges.

(a) Apply the deIinition oI electric
dipole moment to obtain:

/ )

q =
and
( )( )
m C 10 0 . 8
m 0 . 4 pC 0 . 2
18
=
=
p

(b) II we assume that the dipole is
oriented as shown to the right, then
)
is to the right; pointing Irom the

negative charge toward the positive
charge.

q q +
)

60 A dipole oI moment 0.50 enm is placed in a uniIorm electric Iield that
has a magnitude oI 4.0 10
4
N/C. What is the magnitude oI the torque on the
dipole when (a) the dipole is aligned with the electric Iield, (b) the dipole is
transverse to (perpendicular to) the electric Iield, and (c) the dipole makes an
angle oI 30 with the direction oI the electric Iield? (d) DeIining the potential
energy to be zero when the dipole is transverse to the electric Iield, Iind the
potential energy oI the dipole Ior the orientations speciIied in Parts (a) and (c).

Picture the Problem The torque on an electric dipole in an electric Iield is given
by " )

= and the potential energy oI the dipole by . " )

= U

Using its deIinition, express the
torque on a dipole moment in a
uniIorm electric Iield:

" )

= u t sin pE =
where u is the angle between the
electric dipole moment and the electric
Iield.

59

(a) Evaluate t Ior u 0:
( ) 0 0 sin 0 = = pE t

(b) Evaluate t Ior u 90:

( ) ( )( ) m N 10 2 . 3 90 sin N/C 10 0 . 4 nm 50 . 0 90
24 4
= =

e t

(c) Evaluate t Ior u 30:

( ) ( )( ) m N 10 6 . 1 30 sin N/C 10 0 . 4 nm 50 . 0 30
24 4
= =

e t

(d) Using its deIinition, express the
potential energy oI a dipole in an
electric Iield:

u cos pE U = = " )

Evaluate U Ior u 0:

( ) ( )( ) J 10 2 . 3 0 cos N/C 10 0 . 4 nm 50 . 0 0
24 4
= = e U

Evaluate U Ior u 30:

( ) ( )( ) J 10 8 . 2 30 cos N/C 10 0 . 4 nm 50 . 0 30
24 4
= = e U

General Problems

61 [SSM] Show that it is only possible to place one isolated proton in
an ordinary empty coIIee cup by considering the Iollowing situation. Assume the
Iirst proton is Iixed at the bottom oI the cup. Determine the distance directly
above this proton where a second proton would be in equilibrium. Compare this
distance to the depth oI an ordinary coIIee cup to complete the argument.

Picture the Problem Equilibrium oI the second proton requires that the sum oI
the electric and gravitational Iorces acting on it be zero. Let the upward direction
be the y direction and apply the condition Ior equilibrium to the second proton.

Apply
= 0
y
F to the second
proton:
0
g e
= + * *

or
0
p
2
2
p
= g m
h
kq
g m
kq
h
p
2
p
=

Chapter 21

60
Substitute numerical values and evaluate h:

( )
( )( )
in 5 cm 12
m/s 81 . 9 kg 10 673 . 1
C 10 602 . 1
C
m N
10 988 . 8
2 27
2
19
2
2
9
~ ~
|
|
.
|
\
|
h

This separation oI about 5 in is greater than the height oI a typical coIIee cup.
Thus the Iirst proton will repel the second one out oI the cup and the maximum
number oI protons in the cup is one.

62 Point charges oI 5.00 C, 3.00C, and 5.00 C are located on the
x axis at x 1.00 cm, x 0, and x 1.00 cm, respectively. Calculate the
electric Iield on the x axis at x 3.00 cm and at x 15.0 cm. Are there any points
on the x axis where the magnitude oI the electric Iield is zero? II so, where are
those points?

Picture the Problem The locations oI the point charges q
1
, q
2
and q
3
and the
points P
1
and P
2
at which we are to calculate the electric Iield are shown in the
diagram. From the diagram it is evident that "
along the axis has no y

component. (a) We can use Coulomb`s law Ior "

superposition principle Ior electric Iields to Iind "
at points P
1
and P
2
. (b) To
decide whether there are any points on the x axis where the magnitude oI the
electric Iield is zero we need to consider the intervals (identiIied on the Iollowing
pictorial representation) I (x 1.00 cm), II ( 1.00 cm x 0), III (0 x 1.00
cm), and IV (1.00 cm x). Throughout interval II, the three electric Iields are in
the same direction and so they cannot add up to zero. Throughout interval IV, the
electric-Iield strength due to the positive charge at x 1.00 cm is larger than the
electric-Iield strength due to the negative charge at x 1.00 cm. The Iields due
to the positive charges at x 0 and x 1.00 cm both point in the x direction, so
the resultant Iield throughout this interval must also point in the x direction.
Hence we can narrow our search Ior points on the x axis where the magnitude oI
the electric Iield is zero to intervals I and III. Setting the resultant electric-Iield
strength on the x axis equal to zero throughout these intervals and solving the
resulting quadratic equations will identiIy the desired points. Sketching the
electric Iield vectors in intervals I and III will help you get the signs oI the terms
in the quadratic equations right.

61

C

0
0
.
5
1
=
q
C

0
0
.
3
2
=
q

1.00 0 1.00 3.00 15.0
P P
1 2
cm x,

C

0
0
.
5
3
=
q
I
n
t
e
r
v
a
l

I
I
n
t
e
r
v
a
l

I
I
I
n
t
e
r
v
a
l

I
I
I
I
n
t
e
r
v
a
l

I
V

Using Coulomb`s law, and letting
11
r ,
21
r , and
31
r represent the
distances Irom P
1
to point charges
q
1
, q
2
, and q
3
, respectively, express
the electric Iield at P
1
due to the
three charges:
&
& & &
" " " "
`
` ` `
2
31
3
2
21
2
2
11
1
2
31
3
2
21
2
2
11
1
3 2 1 1
(
+ + =
+ + =
+ + =
r
q
r
q
r
q
k
r
kq
r
kq
r
kq
q q q P

1
P
"
:

( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) &
& "
`
N/C 10 14 . 1
`
cm 00 . 2
C 00 . 5
cm 00 . 3
C 00 . 3
cm 00 . 4
C 00 . 5
/C m N 10 988 . 8
8
2 2 2
2 2 9
1
=
(
+ +
=

P

Using Coulomb`s law, and letting
12
r ,
22
r , and
32
x represent the
distances Irom P
2
to point charges
q
1
, q
2
, and q
3
, respectively, express
the electric Iield at P
2
due to the
three charges:
&
" " " "
`
2
32
3
2
22
2
2
12
1
3 2 1 2
(
+ + =
+ + =
r
q
r
q
r
q
k
q q q P

2
P
"
:

( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) &
& "
$
`
N/C 10 74 . 1
`
cm 0 . 14
C 00 . 5
cm 0 . 15
C 00 . 3
cm 0 . 16
C 00 . 5
/C m N 10 988 . 8
6
2 2 2
2 2 9
2
=
(
(
+

Chapter 21

62

Applying Coulomb`s law Ior electric Iields and the superposition oI Iields in
interval I yields:

( ) | | ( )
0
cm 00 . 1
C 00 . 5 C 00 . 3
cm 00 . 1
C 00 . 5
2 2 2
=

x x x

where k has been divided out and x is in the interval deIined by x 0. The root
oI this equation that is in the interval x 1.00 cm is cm 95 . 6 = # .

interval III yields:

( ) | | ( )
0
cm 00 . 1
C 00 . 5 C 00 . 3
cm 00 . 1
C 00 . 5
2 2 2
=
x x x

The root oI this equation that is in the interval 0 x 1.00 cm is cm 417 . 0 = x

63 Point charges oI 5.00 C and 5.00 C are located on the x axis at
x 1.00 cm and x 1.00 cm, respectively. (a) Calculate the electric Iield
strength at x 10.0 cm. (b) Estimate the electric Iield strength at x 10.00 cm by
modeling the two charges as an electric dipole located at the origin and using

E=2kp x
3
(Equation 21-10). Compare your result with the result obtained in
Part (a), and explain the reason Ior the diIIerence between the two results.

Picture the Problem Let the point oI interest (x 10.0 cm) be identiIied as point
P. In Part (a) we can use Coulomb`s law Ior "

superposition principle to Iind the electric Iield strength at P. In Part (b) we can
use Equation 21-10 with aq p 2 = to estimate the electric Iield strength at P.
C
0
0
.
5
1
=
q
1.00 0 1.00
P
cm x,
10.0

C

0
0
.
5
2
=
q


63

(a) Express the electric Iield at P as
the sum oI the Iields due to the point
charges located at x 1.00 cm and
x 1.00 cm:

&
& &
" " "
`
` `
2
cm 00 . 1
2
2
cm 00 . 1
1
2
cm 00 . 1
2
2
cm 00 . 1
1
2 1
(
+ =
+ =
+ =

P P
P P
q q P
x
q
x
q
k
x
kq
x
kq

$
"
:

( ) ( )
( )& & "
`
N/C 10 83 . 1
`
cm 9.00
C 5.00
cm 11.00
C 00 . 5
C
m N
10 988 . 8
6
2 2 2
2
9
=
(
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

P

and
N/C 10 83 . 1
6
=
P
E

(b) The electric Iield strength due to a
dipole is given by Equation 21-10:
3
2
x
kp
E =

Because qa p 2 = , where 2a is the
separation oI the charges that
constitute the dipole, E is also given
by:
3
4
x
kqa
E =

P
E :

( )( )
N/C 10 80 . 1
cm 0 . 10
cm 00 . 1 C 00 . 5
C
m N
10 988 . 8 4
6
3
2
2
9
=
|
|
.
|
\
|
=

P
E

The exact and estimated values oI
P
E agree to within 2. This diIIerence is due to
the Iact that the separation oI the two charges oI the dipole is 20 oI the distance
Irom the center oI the dipole to point P.

64 A Iixed point charge oI 2q is connected by strings to point charges oI
q and 4q, as shown in Figure 21-41. Find the tensions T
1
and T
2
.

Picture the Problem The electrostatic Iorces between the charges are responsible
Ior the tensions in the strings. We`ll assume that these are point charges and
apply Coulomb`s law and the principle oI the superposition oI Iorces to Iind the
tension in each string.

Chapter 21

64
Use Coulomb`s law to express the
net Iorce on the charge q:

q q
F F T
4 2 1
+ =

( ) ( )
( )
2
2
2 2
1
3
2
4 2
d
kq
d
q kq
d
q kq
T = + =

Use Coulomb`s law to express the
net Iorce on the charge 4q:

q q
F F T
2 2
+ =

( )( ) ( )
( )
2
2
2 2
2
9
2
4 4 2
d
kq
d
q kq
d
q q k
T = + =

65 [SSM] A positive charge Q is to be divided into two positive point
charges q
1
and q
2
. Show that, Ior a given separation D, the Iorce exerted by one
charge on the other is greatest iI q
1
q
2

1
2
Q.

Picture the Problem We can use Coulomb`s law to express the Iorce exerted on
one charge by the other and then set the derivative oI this expression equal to zero
to Iind the distribution oI the charge that maximizes this Iorce.

Using Coulomb`s law, express the
Iorce that either charge exerts on the
other:

2
2 1
D
q kq
F =
Express q
2
in terms oI Q and q
1
:
1 2
q Q q =

Substitute Ior q
2
to obtain:
( )
2
1 1
D
q Q kq
F

=

DiIIerentiate F with respect to q
1
and
set this derivative equal to zero Ior
extreme values:

( ) | |
( ) | |
extrema Ior 0
1
1 1 2
1 1
1
2
1
=
+ =
=
q Q q
D
k
q Q q
dq
d
D
k
dq
dF

Solve Ior q
1
to obtain: Q q
2
1
1
= Q q Q q
2
1
1 2
= =


65

To determine whether a maximum or
a minimum exists at Q q
2
1
1
= ,
diIIerentiate F a second time and
evaluate this derivative at Q q
2
1
1
= :
| |
( )
. oI tly independen 0
2
2
1
2
1
1
2 2
1
2
q
D
k
q Q
dq
d
D
k
dq
F d
<
=
=

. maximizes
2
1
2 1
F Q q q = =

66 A point charge Q is located on the x axis at x 0, and a point charge
4Q is located at x 12.0 cm. The electric Iorce on a point charge oI 2 .00C is
zero iI that charge is placed at x 4.00 cm, and is 126 N in the x direction iI
placed at x 8.00 cm. Determine the charge Q.

Picture the Problem We can apply Coulomb`s law and the superposition oI
Iorces to relate the net Iorce acting on the charge q 2.00 C to x. Because Q
divides out oI our equation when F(x) 0, we`ll substitute the data given Ior
x 8.00 cm.

Using Coulomb`s law, express the
net electric Iorce on q as a Iunction
oI x:

( )
( )
( )
2 2
cm 0 . 12
4
x
Q kq
x
kqQ
x F
+ =
Solving Ior Q yields:

( )
( )
(
+
=
2 2
cm 0 . 12
4 1
x x
kq
x F
Q

Evaluate Q Ior x 8.00 cm:

( )( )
( ) ( )
C 99 . 2
cm 00 . 4
4
cm 00 . 8
1
C 00 . 2 /C m N 10 988 . 8
N 126
2 2
2 2 9
=
(
+
= Q

67 Two point particles separated by 0.60 m carry a total charge oI
200 C. (a) II the two particles repel each other with a Iorce oI 80 N, what is the
charge on each oI the two particles? (b) II the two particles attract each other with
a Iorce oI 80 N, what are the charges on the two particles?

Picture the Problem Knowing the total charge oI the two point particles, we can
use Coulomb`s law to Iind the two combinations oI charge that will satisIy the
condition that both are positive and hence repel each other. II the particles attract
each other, then there is just one distribution oI charge that will satisIy the
conditions that the Iorce is attractive and the sum oI the two charges is 200 C.
Chapter 21

66

the repulsive electric Iorce each
particle exerts on the other:

2
2 , 1
2 1
r
q kq
F =
Express
2
q in terms oI the total
charge and q
1
:

1 2
q Q q =
Substitute Ior
2
q to obtain:

( ) ( )
2
2 , 1
2
1 1
2
2 , 1
1 1
r
q Qq k
r
q Q kq
F

=
=

Writing this equation explicitly as a
quadratic equation gives:

0
2
2 , 1
1
2
1
= +
k
Fr
Qq q

( )
( )( )
0
/C m N 10 8.988
m 60 . 0 N 80
C 200
2 2 9
2
1
2
1
=

+ q q
or
( ) 0 C 10 20 . 3 C 10 00 . 2
2 9
1
4 2
1
= +

q q

Use the quadratic Iormula or your
graphing calculator to obtain:

C 10 8 . 1
5
1

= q
and
C 10 8 . 1
4
1 2

= = q Q q

(b) Use Coulomb`s law to express
the attractive electric Iorce each
particle exerts on the other:
2
2 , 1
2 1
r
q kq
F =

Proceed as in (a) to obtain:

( ) 0 C 10 20 . 3 C 10 00 . 2
2 9
1
4 2
1
=

q q

Solve this quadratic equation to
obtain:

C 10 5 . 1
5
1

= q
and
C 10 1 . 2
4
1 2

= = q Q q

68 A point particle that has charge q and unknown mass m is released
Irom rest in a region that has a uniIorm electric Iield "
that is directed vertically


67

downward. The particle hits the ground at a speed v = 2 gh , where h is the initial
height oI the particle. Find m in terms oI E, q, and g.

Picture the Problem Choose the
coordinate system shown in the
diagram and let U
g
0 where y 0.
We`ll let our system include the point
particle and Earth. Then the work done
on the point particle by the electric
Iield will change the energy oI the
system. The diagram summarizes what
we know about the motion oI the point
particle. We can apply the work-energy
theorem to our system to relate the
work done by the electric Iield to the
change in its energy.
0
0
= 4
5 1 =
0
65 1 2
1
=
"

0
1
= 1
y
0
g
= 7
0
1
m,+q

Using the work-energy theorem,
relate the work done by the electric
Iield to the change in the energy oI
the system:

g,0 g,1 0 1
g
Iield
electric
U U K K
U K W
+ =
A + A =

or, because K
1
U
g,1
0,
g,1 1
Iield
electric
U K W =

Substitute Ior
Iield
electric
W , K
1
and U
g,1


( ) mgh mgh gh m
mgh mv qEh
= =
=
2
2
1
2
1 2
1
2

Solving Ior m yields:
g
qE
m =

69 [SSM] A rigid 1.00-m-long rod is pivoted about its center (Figure
21-42). A charge q
1
5.00 10
7
C is placed on one end oI the rod, and a charge
q
2
q
1
is placed a distance d 10.0 cm directly below it. (a) What is the Iorce
exerted by q
2
on q
1
? (b) What is the torque (measured about the rotation axis) due
to that Iorce? (c) To counterbalance the attraction between the two charges, we
hang a block 25.0 cm Irom the pivot as shown. What value should we choose Ior
the mass oI the block? (d) We now move the block and hang it a distance oI
25.0 cm Irom the balance point, on the same side oI the balance as the charge.
Keeping q
1
the same, and d the same, what value should we choose Ior q
2
to keep
this apparatus in balance?

Chapter 21

68
Picture the Problem We can use Coulomb`s law, the deIinition oI torque, and
the condition Ior rotational equilibrium to Iind the electrostatic Iorce between the
two charged bodies, the torque this Iorce produces about an axis through the
center oI the rod, and the mass required to maintain equilibrium when it is located
either 25.0 cm to the right or to the leIt oI the mid-point oI the rod.

(a) Using Coulomb`s law, express
the electric Iorce between the two
charges:

2
2 1
d
q kq
F =

Substitute numerical values and evaluate F:

( )( )
( )
N 225 . 0 N 2247 . 0
m 100 . 0
C 10 00 . 5 C / m N 10 988 . 8
2
2
7 2 2 9
= =

=

F , downward

(b) The torque (measured about the
rotation axis) due to the Iorce F is:

F = t
evaluate t:

( )( )
, m N 112 . 0 m N 1124 . 0
m 500 . 0 N 2247 . 0
= =
= t

counterclockwise.

(c) Apply 0
rod the
oI center
=
t to the rod:

0 = ' mg t
' g
m
t
=
evaluate m:
( )( )
g 8 . 45 kg 04583 . 0
m 250 . 0 m/s 81 . 9
m N 1124 . 0
2
= =
= m

(d) Apply 0
rod the
oI center
=
t to the rod:
0 = + ' mg t

Substitute Ior t to obtain: 0 = + ' mg F

Substituting Ior F gives:
0
2
2 1
= + ' mg
d
' q kq

1
2
2
kq
' mg d
' q =
where q' is the required charge.

Substitute numerical values and evaluate q
2
':

( ) ( )( )( )
( )( )( )
C 10 00 . 5
m 500 . 0 C 10 00 . 5 C / m N 10 8.988
m 250 . 0 m/s 81 . 9 kg 04582 . 0 m 100 . 0
7
7 2 2 9
2 2
2

=

= ' q


69

70 Two 3.0-C point charges are located at x 0, y 2.0 m and at x 0,
y 2.0 m. Two other point charges, each with charge equal to Q, are located at
x 4.0 m, y 2.0 m and at x 4.0 m, y 2.0 m (Figure 21-43). The electric
Iield at x 0, y 0 due to the presence oI the Iour charges is (4.0 10
3
N/C)

`
& .
Determine Q.

Picture the Problem The Iield at (0, 0) produced by the two 3.0 C charges is
zero. Thus the entire Iield at (0, 0) is due to the two point charges whose charges
are Q. Let the numeral 1 reIer to the point charge in the 1
st
quadrant and the
numeral 2 to the point charge in the 4
th
quadrant. We can use Coulomb`s law Ior
the electric Iield due to a point charge and the superposition oI Iorces to express
the Iield at the origin and use this equation to solve Ior Q.

Express the electric Iield at the origin due to the point charges Q:

( )
( ) ( ) | | ( ) ( ) | |
( )
&
& ' & ' &
% % " " "
`
`
m 0 . 8
`
m 0 . 2
`
m 0 . 4
`
m 0 . 2
`
m 0 . 4
` ` 0 , 0
3 3 3
0 , 2
2
0 , 2
0 , 1
2
0 , 1
2 1
x
E
r
kQ
r
kQ
r
kQ
r
kQ
r
kQ
=
= + + + =
+ = + =

where r is the distance Irom each charge to the origin and
( )
3
m 0 . 8
r
kQ
E
x
= .

Express r in terms oI the coordinates
(x, y) oI the point charges:

2 2
y x r + =
Substitute Ior r to obtain:

( )
( )
2 3
2 2
m 0 . 8
y x
kQ
E
x
+
=

( )
( ) m 0 . 8
2 3
2 2
k
y x E
Q
x
+
=

evaluate Q:
( ) ( ) ( ) | |
( )( )
C 0 . 5
m 8.0 /C m N 10 8.988
m 2.0 m 4.0 kN/C 0 . 4
2 2 9
2 3
2 2
=

+
= Q

71 [SSM] Two point charges have a total charge oI 200 C and are
separated by 0.600 m. (a) Find the charge oI each particle iI the particles repel
each other with a Iorce oI 120 N. (b) Find the Iorce on each particle iI the charge
on each particle is 100 C.
Chapter 21

70
Picture the Problem Let the numeral 1 denote one oI the point charges and the
numeral 2 the other. Knowing the total charge on the two spheres, we can use
Coulomb`s law to Iind the charge on each oI them. A second application oI
Coulomb`s law when the spheres carry the same charge and are 0.600 m apart
will yield the Iorce each exerts on the other.

the repulsive Iorce each point charge
exerts on the other:
2
2 , 1
2 1
r
q kq
F =

Express
2
charge and q
1
:

1 2
q Q q =
Substitute Ior
2
q to obtain:

( )
2
2 , 1
1 1
r
q Q kq
F

=


( ) ( ) | |
( )
2
2
1 1
2 2 9
m 600 . 0
C 200 /C m N 10 8.988
N 20 1
q q
=

SimpliIy to obtain the quadratic
equation:

( ) ( ) 0 C 4806 C 200
2
1
2
1
= + + q q

C 9 . 27
1
= q and C 172

Hence the charges on the particles
are:
C 9 . 27 and C 172

the repulsive Iorce each point charge
exerts on the other when
q
1
q
2
100 C:

2
2 , 1
2 1
r
q kq
F =

( )
( )
( )
N 250
m 600 . 0
C 100
/C m N 10 8.988
2
2
2 2 9
= =

F


71

72 Two point charges have a total charge oI 200 C and are separated by
0.600 m. (a) Find the charge oI each particle iI the particles attract each other with
a Iorce oI 120 N. (b) Find the Iorce on each particle iI the charge on each particle
is 100 C.

Picture the Problem Let the numeral 1 denote one oI the point charges and the
numeral 2 the other. Knowing the total charge on the two point charges, we can
use Coulomb`s law to Iind the charge on each oI them. A second application oI
Coulomb`s law when the particles carry the same charge and are 0.600 m apart
will yield the electric Iorce each exerts on the other.

the attractive electric Iorce each
point charge exerts on the other:

2
2 , 1
2 1
r
q kq
F =

Express
2
charge and q
1
:

1 2
q Q q =
Substitute Ior
2
q to obtain:

( )
2
2 , 1
1 1
r
q Q kq
F

=

Writing this explicitly as a quadratic
equation gives:
0
2
2 , 1
1
2
1
=
k
F r
Qq q


( )
( ) ( )
0
/C m N 10 8.988
N 20 1 m 600 . 0
C 200
2 2 9
2
1
2
1
=

q q
or
( ) ( ) 0 C 4805 C 200
2
1
2
1
= + q q


C 7 . 21
1
= q
and
C 222
1 2
= = q Q q

the repulsive electric Iorce each
point charge exerts on the other
when q
1
q
2
100 C:

2
2 , 1
2 1
r
q kq
F =
Chapter 21

72

( )
( )
( )
N 250
m 600 . 0
C 100
/C m N 10 8.988
2
2
2 2 9
= =

F

73 A point charge oI 3.00 C is located at the origin; a point charge oI
4.00 C is located on the x axis at x 0.200 m; a third point charge Q is located
on the x axis at x 0.320 m. The electric Iorce on the 4.00-C charge is 240 N in
the x direction. (a) Determine the charge Q. (b) With this conIiguration oI three
charges, at what location(s) is the electric Iield zero?

Picture the Problem (a) We can use Coulomb`s law Ior point charges and the
superposition oI Iorces to express the net electric Iorce acting on q
2
and then solve
this equation to determine the charge Q. (b) To identiIy the location(s) at which
the electric Iield is zero, we`ll need to systematically examine the resultant
electric Iields in the intervals I, II, III, and IV identiIied below on the pictorial
representation. Drawing the electric Iield vectors in each oI these intervals will
help you get the signs oI the terms in the Iield equations right.
C

0
0
.
3
1
=
q
C

0
0
.
4
2
=
q
x,m
0.200 0 0.320
Q
Interval I Interval II Interval III Interval IV

the electric Iorce on the particle
whose charge is 4.00-C:

( )
& &
& &
* * *
` `
` `
2 2
2 ,
2
2 , 1
1
2
2
2 ,
2
2
2 , 1
2 1
2 , 2 , 1 2
F
r
Q
r
q
kq
r
kQq
r
q kq
Q
Q
Q
=
(
(
=
+ =
+ =

(
(
=
2
2
2
2 , 1
1 2
2 ,
kq
F
r
q
r Q
Q

Substitute numerical values and evaluate Q:

( )
( ) ( )( )
C 2 . 97
C 00 . 4 /C m N 10 8.988
N 240
m 0.200
C 00 . 3
m 120 . 0
2 2 9 2
2
=
(

= Q


73

(b) Applying Coulomb`s law Ior electric Iields and the superposition oI Iields in
interval I yields:

( ) ( ) ( )
0
m 320 . 0
C 7.2 9
m 200 . 0
C 00 . 4
0
C 00 . 3
2 2 2
=
x x x

where k has been divided out and x is in the interval deIined by x 0. The roots oI
this equation are at x 0.170 m and x 0.220 m. Neither oI these are in interval I.

interval II yields:

( ) ( ) ( )
0
m 320 . 0
C 2 . 97
m 200 . 0
C 00 . 4
0
C 00 . 3
2 2 2
=
x x x

The roots oI this equation are at x 0.0720 m, x 0.0508 m, x 0.169 m, and
x 0.220 m. The second and third oI these are in interval II.

interval III yields:

( ) ( ) ( )
0
m 320 . 0
C 2 . 97
m 200 . 0
C 00 . 4
0
C 00 . 3
2 2 2
=
x x x

The roots oI this equation are at x 0.0649 m and x 0.0454 m. Neither oI these
are in interval III.

interval IV yields:

( ) ( ) ( )
0
m 320 . 0
C 2 . 97
m 200 . 0
C 00 . 4
0
C 00 . 3
2 2 2
=
x x x

The roots oI this equation are at x 0.170 m and x 0.220. Neither oI these are in
interval IV.

Summarizing, the electric Iield is zero
at two locations in interval II:
m 0508 . 0 = x and m 169 . 0 = x

74 Two point particles, each oI mass m and charge q, are suspended Irom
a common point by threads oI length L. Each thread makes an angle u with the
vertical as shown in Figure 21-44. (a) Show that ( ) u u tan sin 2 k mg L q =
where k is the Coulomb constant. (b) Find q iI m 10.0 g, L 50.0 cm, and
u 10.0.
Chapter 21

74
Picture the Problem Each point
particle is in static equilibrium under
the inIluence oI the tension 8
, the
gravitational Iorce
g
*
, and the electric

Iorce
E
*
. We can use Coulomb`s law to

relate the electric Iorce to the charge on
each particle and their separation and
the conditions Ior static equilibrium to
relate these Iorces to the charge on each
particle.
x
y
u
8

6 9 *

=
g

e
*

(a) Apply the conditions Ior static
equilibrium to the point particle
whose Iree-body diagram is shown
above:
0 sin sin
2
2
E
= = =
u u T
r
kq
T F F
x

and
= = 0 cos mg T F
y
u

Eliminate T between these
equations to obtain:
2
2
tan
mgr
kq
= u
k
mg
r q
u tan
=

ReIerring to the Iigure, relate the
separation oI the spheres r to the
length oI the pendulum L:

u sin 2L r =

k
mg
L q
u
u
tan
sin 2 =

(b) Evaluate q Ior m 10.0 g, L 50.0 cm, and u 10:

( )
( )( )
C 241 . 0
/C m N 10 988 . 8
0 . 10 tan m/s 81 . 9 kg 0100 . 0
0 . 10 sin m 500 . 0 2
2 2 9
2
=

= q

75 Suppose that in Problem 74 L 1.5 m and m 0.010 kg. (a) What is
the angle that each string makes with the vertical iI q 0.75 C? (b) What is the
angle that each string makes with the vertical iI one particle has a charge oI
0.50 C, the other has a charge oI 1.0 C?


75

Picture the Problem Each sphere is in
static equilibrium under the inIluence
oI the tension8
, the gravitational
Iorce
g
*
, and the electric Iorce

e
*
. We
can use Coulomb`s law to relate the
electric Iorce to the charge on each
sphere and their separation and the
conditions Ior static equilibrium to
relate these Iorces to the charge on each
sphere.
x
y
u
8

6 9 *

=
g

e
*

(a)Apply the conditions Ior static
equilibrium to the charged sphere:
0 sin sin
2
2
= = =
u u T
r
kq
T F F
e x

and
0 cos = =
mg T F
y
u

Eliminate T between these equations
to obtain:
2
2
tan
mgr
kq
= u

ReIerring to the Iigure Ior Problem
74, relate the separation oI the
spheres r to the length oI the
pendulum L:

u sin 2L r =

u
u
2 2
2
sin 4
tan
mgL
kq
=
or
2
2
2
4
tan sin
mgL
kq
= u u (1)

Substitute numerical values and evaluate u u tan sin
2
:

( )( )
( )( )( )
3
2 2
2 2 2 9
2
10 73 . 5
m 1.5 m/s 9.81 kg 0.010 4
C 75 . 0 /C m N 10 988 . 8
tan sin

=

=

u u

Because 1 tan sin
2
<< u u :

u u u ~ ~ tan sin
and
3 3
10 73 . 5

~ u

Chapter 21

76
Solving Ior u gives:

= = 10 rad 179 . 0 u

(b) Evaluate equation (1) with replacing q
2
with q
1
q
2
:

( )( )( )
( )( )( )
3 3
2 2
2 2 9
2
10 09 . 5
m 1.5 m/s 9.81 kg 0.010 4
C 0 . 1 C 50 . 0 /C m N 10 988 . 8
tan sin u

u u ~ =

=

Solve Ior u to obtain:
= = 9 . 9 rad 172 . 0 u

76 Four point charges oI equal magnitude are arranged at the corners oI a
square oI side L as shown in Figure 21-45. (a) Find the magnitude and direction
oI the Iorce exerted on the charge in the lower leIt corner by the other three
charges. (b) Show that the electric Iield at the midpoint oI one oI the sides oI the
square is directed along that side toward the negative charge and has a magnitude
E given by

E = k
8q
L
2
1
1
5 5
|
\
|
.
|
.

Picture the Problem Let the origin be
at the lower leIt-hand corner and
designate the point charges as shown in
the diagram. We can apply Coulomb`s
law Ior point charges to Iind the Iorces
exerted on q
1
by q
2
, q
3
, and q
4
and
superimpose these Iorces to Iind the net
Iorce exerted on q
1
. In Part (b), we`ll
use Coulomb`s law Ior the electric Iield
superposition oI Iields to Iind the
electric Iield at point P(0, L/2).

E
2
E
3
F
2,1
F
3,1
F
4,1
E
4
E
1
L
L
y
x
q q + =
1
q q + =
3
q q =
2
q q =
4
) 2 / (0, L P
2 L

(a) Using superposition oI Iorces,
express the net Iorce exerted on q
1
:

1 , 4 1 , 3 1 , 2 1
* * * *

+ + =

Apply Coulomb`s law to express
1 , 2
*
:
( )
( ) ' '
% % *
` `
`
2
2
3
1 , 2 3
1 , 2
1 2
1 , 2 2
1 , 2
1 2
1 , 2
L
kq
L
L
q q k
r
q kq
r
q kq
=
=
= =


77

1 , 4
*
:
( )
( ) & &
% % *
` `
`
2
2
3
1 , 4 3
1 , 4
1 4
1 , 4 2
1 , 4
1 4
1 , 4
L
kq
L
L
q q k
r
q kq
r
q kq
=
=
= =

1 , 3
*
:
( )
( ) ' &
' &
% % *
` `
2
` `
2
`
2 2 3
2
3 2 3
2
1 , 3 3
1 , 3
1 3
1 , 3 2
1 , 3
1 3
1 , 3
+ =
=
= =
L
kq
L L
L
kq
r
q kq
r
q kq


( )
( ) ( )
( ) ' &
' & ' &
& ' & ' *
` `
2 2
1
1
` `
2
` `
` ` `
2
`
2
2
2 2 3
2
2
2
2
2
2 2 3
2
2
2
1
+ |
.
|
\
|
=
+ + =
+ + =
L
kq
L
kq
L
kq
L
kq
L
kq
L
kq

(b) Using superposition oI Iields,
express the resultant Iield at point
P:

4 3 2 1
" " " " "

+ + + =
P
(1)
Use Coulomb`s law to express
1
"
:

' '
' % "
`
4
`
2
2
`
2
`
2 3
3
, 1
, 1
2
, 1
1
1
L
kq L
L
kq
L
r
kq
r
kq
P
P
P
=
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
.
|
\
|
= =

2
"
:

( )
' '
' % "
`
4
`
2
2
`
2
`
2 3
3
, 2
, 2
2
, 2
2
2
L
kq L
L
kq
L
r
q k
r
kq
P
P
P
= |
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
.
|
\
|
= =

Chapter 21

78
3
"
:

|
.
|
\
|
=
|
.
|
\
|
= =
' &
' & % "
`
2
1
`
5
8
`
2
`
`
2 2 3
3
, 3
, 3
2
, 3
3
3
L
kq
L
L
r
kq
r
kq
P
P
P

4
"
:

( )
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
.
|
\
|
+
= =
' &
' & % "
`
2
1
`
5
8
`
2
`
`
2 2 3
3
, 4
, 4
2
, 4
4
4
L
kq
L
L
r
q k
r
kq
P
P
P

Substitute in equation (1) and simpliIy to obtain:

' ' & ' & ' ' "
`
5 5
1
1
8
`
2
1
`
5
8
`
2
1
`
5
8
`
4
`
4
2 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 |
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|
+ + =
L
q
k
L
kq
L
kq
L
kq
L
kq
P

77 [SSM] Figure 21-46 shows a dumbbell consisting oI two identical
small particles, each oI mass m, attached to the ends oI a thin (massless) rod oI
length a that is pivoted at its center. The particles carry charges oI q and q, and
the dumbbell is located in a uniIorm electric Iield "
. Show that Ior small values

oI the angle u between the direction oI the dipole and the direction oI the electric
Iield, the system displays a rotational Iorm oI simple harmonic motion, and obtain
an expression Ior the period oI that motion.

Picture the Problem We can apply Newton`s second law in rotational Iorm to
obtain the diIIerential equation oI motion oI the dipole and then use the small
angle approximation sinu ~ u to show that the dipole experiences a linear
restoring torque and, hence, will experience simple harmonic motion.

Apply
= o t I to the dipole:
2
2
sin
dt
d
I pE
u
u =
where t is negative because it acts in
such a direction as to decrease u.

For small values oI u, sinu ~ u
and:
2
2
dt
d
I pE
u
u =

Express the moment oI inertia oI the
dipole:

2
2
1
ma I =

79

Relate the dipole moment oI the
dipole to its charge and the charge
separation:

qa p =
Substitute Ior p and I to obtain:
u
u
qaE
dt
d
ma =
2
2
2
2
1

or
u
u
ma
qE
dt
d 2
2
2
=
the diIIerential equation Ior a simple
harmonic oscillator with angular
Irequency ma qE 2 = e .

Express the period oI a simple
harmonic oscillator: e
t 2
= T

Substitute Ior e and simpliIy to
obtain:
qE
ma
T
2
2t =

78 For the dumbbell in Problem 77, let m 0.0200 kg, a 0.300 m,
and ( )& "
`
N/C 600 =
. The dumbbell is initially at rest and makes an angle oI 60

with the x axis. The dumbbell is then released, and when it is momentarily aligned
with the electric Iield, its kinetic energy is 5.00 10
3
J. Determine the magnitude
oI q.

Picture the Problem We can apply conservation oI energy and the deIinition oI
the potential energy oI a dipole in an electric Iield to relate q to the kinetic energy
oI the dumbbell when it is aligned with the Iield.

Using conservation oI energy, relate
the initial potential energy oI the
dumbbell to its kinetic energy when
it is momentarily aligned with the
electric Iield:

0 = A + A U K
or, because K
i
0,
0 = A + U K (1)
where K is the kinetic energy when it is
aligned with the Iield.
Chapter 21

80

Express the change in the potential
energy oI the dumbbell as it aligns
with the electric Iield in terms oI its
dipole moment, the electric Iield,
and the angle through which it
rotates:

( ) 1 60 cos
cos cos
i I
i I
=
+ =
=
qaE
pE pE
U U U
u u
Substitute Ior AU in equation (1) to
obtain:

( ) 0 1 60 cos = + qaE K

Solving Ior q yields:
( )
=
60 cos 1 aE
K
q

evaluate q:
( )( )( )
C 56
60 cos 1 N/C 600 m 0.300
J 10 00 . 5
3
=

=

q

79 [SSM] An electron (charge e, mass m) and a positron (charge e,
mass m) revolve around their common center oI mass under the inIluence oI their
attractive coulomb Iorce. Find the speed v oI each particle in terms oI e, m, k, and
their separation distance L.

Picture the Problem The Iorces the electron and the proton exert on each other
constitute an action-and-reaction pair. Because the magnitudes oI their charges
are equal and their masses are the same, we Iind the speed oI each particle by
Iinding the speed oI either one. We`ll apply Coulomb`s Iorce law Ior point
charges and Newton`s second law to relate v to e, m, k, and their separation
distance L.

the positron to obtain:
L
v
m
L
ke
2
1
2
2
2
=
2
2
2mv
L
ke
=

Solving Ior v gives:
mL
ke
v
2
2
=

80 A simple pendulum oI length 1.0 m and mass 5.0 10
3
kg is
placed in a uniIorm electric Iield

"

that is directed vertically upward.

The bob
has a charge oI 8.0 C. The period oI the pendulum is 1.2 s. What is the
magnitude and direction oI

" ?


81

Picture the Problem Because the
period oI this pendulum is 60 oI the
period (2.006 s) oI a simple pendulum
with an uncharged bob, we know that
the bob must be experiencing an
additional downward Iorce (in the
direction oI the gravitational Iorce).
Because the electric Iorce acting on the
negatively-charged bob is downward,
the electric Iield must be upward. We
can Iind the magnitude oI the electric
Iield by apply Newton`s second law in
rotational Iorm to the simple pendulum.
Doing so will lead us to the equation oI
motion Ior the pendulum and Irom this
equation we can obtain an expression
relating its period to the magnitude oI
E. Knowing the pendulum`s period in
the absence oI the electric Iield will
allow us to derive an expression Ior E
Irom the ratio oI the two periods.

P
u
8

6 9 *

=
g
" - *

=
e
- 9,
sin / u
L

Taking clockwise torques to be
negative, apply o t
P P
I =

to the
pendulum bob to obtain:

o u
P
I L qE mg = + sin ) (
or, because
2
mL I
P
= and
2
2
dt
d u
o = ,
2
2
2
sin ) (
dt
d
mL L qE mg
u
u = +

For small displacements Irom
equilibrium, u u ~ sin :

u
u
L qE mg
dt
d
mL ) (
2
2
2
+ =
or
0
2
2
=
+
+ u
u
mL
qE mg
dt
d

This is the equation oI simple
harmonic motion with:

mL
qE mg +
=
2
e

The period oI this motion is given
by:

qE mg
mL
T'
+
= = t
e
t
2
2

In the absence oI the electric Iield,
the period oI the simple pendulum
would be:

g
L
T t 2 =
Chapter 21

82
Dividing the second oI these
equations by the Iirst and simpliIying
yields:

mg
qE
mg
qE mg
qE mg
mL
g
L
T'
T
+ =
+
=
+
=
1
2
2
t
t

Solving Ior E gives:

(

|
.
|
\
|
= 1
T'
T
q
mg
E

Noting that the period oI the simple pendulum in the absence oI the electric Iield
is 2.006 s, substitute numerical values and evaluate E:

( )( )
upward , N/C 10 1 . 1 1
s 2 . 1
s 006 . 2
C 0 . 8
m/s 81 . 9 mg 0 . 5
4
2
2
=
(
(
|
.
|
\
|
=
E

81 A point particle oI mass m and charge q is constrained to move
vertically inside a narrow, Irictionless cylinder (Figure 21-47). At the bottom oI
the cylinder is a point charge Q having the same sign as q. (a) Show that the
particle whose mass is m will be in equilibrium at a height y
0
(kqQ/mg)
1/2
.
(b) Show that iI the particle is displaced Irom its equilibrium position by a small
amount and released, it will exhibit simple harmonic motion with angular
Irequency e (2g/y
0
)
1/2
.

Picture the Problem We can use Coulomb`s Iorce law Ior point particles and the
condition Ior translational equilibrium to express the equilibrium position as a
Iunction oI k, q, Q, m, and g. In Part (b) we`ll need to show that the displaced
point charge experiences a linear restoring Iorce and, hence, will exhibit simple
harmonic motion.

(a) Apply the condition Ior
translational equilibrium to the
particle:

0
2
0
= mg
y
kqQ
mg
kqQ
y =
0

(b) Express the restoring Iorce that
acts on the particle when it is
displaced a distance Ay Irom its
equilibrium position:

( )
2
0
2
0
y
kqQ
y y
kqQ
F
+
=
or, because Ay y
0
,
2
0 0
2
0
2 y
kqQ
y y y
kqQ
F
+
~


83

SimpliIy this expression Iurther by writing it with a common denominator:

3
0
0
4
0
0
3
0
4
0
0
2
2 1
2
2
2
y
ykqQ
y
y
y
ykqQ y
y y y
ykqQ y
F
A
~
|
|
.
|
\
| A
+
A
=
A +
A
=
again, because Ay y
0
.

From the 1
st
step oI our solution:
mg
y
kqQ
=
2
0

Substitute Ior
2
0
y
kqQ
and simpliIy to
obtain:

y
y
mg
F A =
0
2

the displaced particle to obtain:

y
y
mg
dt
y d
m A =
A
0
2
2
2

or
0
2
0
2
2
= A +
A
y
y
g
dt
y d

the diIIerential equation oI simple
harmonic motion with
0
2 y g = e .

82 Two neutral molecules on the x axis attract each other. Each molecule
has a dipole moment

) , and these dipole moments are on the x axis and are
separated by a distance d. Derive an expression Ior the Iorce oI attraction in terms
oI p and d.

Picture the Problem We can relate the Iorce oI attraction that each molecule
exerts on the other to the potential energy Iunction oI either molecule
using . dx dU F = We can relate U to the electric Iield at either molecule due to
the presence oI the other through U pE. Finally, the electric Iield at either
molecule is given by . 2
3
x kp E =

Express the Iorce oI attraction
between the dipoles in terms oI the
spatial derivative oI the potential
energy Iunction oI p
1
:
dx
dU
F
1
= (1)

Express the potential energy oI
the dipole p
1
:
1 1 1
E p U =
where E
1
is the Iield at p
1
due to p
2
.
Chapter 21

84
Express the electric Iield strength
at p
1
due to p
2
:

3
2
1
2
x
kp
E =
where x is the separation oI the dipoles.

Substitute Ior E
1
to obtain:
3
2 1
1
2
x
p kp
U =

Substitute in equation (1) and
diIIerentiate with respect to x:
4
2 1
3
2 1
6 2
x
p kp
x
p kp
dx
d
F =
(
=

Evaluate F Ior p
1
p
2
p and
x d to obtain:
4
2
6
d
kp
F =

83 Two equal positive point charges Q are on the x axis at x

1
2
a and
x

1
2
a. (a) Obtain an expression Ior the electric Iield on the y axis as a Iunction
oI y. (b) A bead oI mass M, which has a charge q, moves along the y axis on a thin
Irictionless taut thread. Find the electric Iorce that acts on the bead as a Iunction
oI y and determine the sign oI q such that this Iorce always points away Irom the
origin. (c) The bead is initially at rest at the origin. II it is given a slight nudge in
the y direction, how Iast will the bead be traveling the instant the net Iorce on it
is a maximum? (Assume any eIIects due to gravity are negligible.)

Picture the Problem (a) We can use Coulomb`s law Ior the electric Iield due to a
point charge and superposition oI Iields to Iind the electric Iield at any point on
the y axis. (b) Using the deIinition oI electric Iield will yield an expression Ior the
electric Iorce that acts on the bead. In Part (c) we can set 0 = dy dF
y
to Iind the
value oI y that maximizes F
y
and then use the work-kinetic energy theorem
(integrating F
y
Irom 0 to this extreme value will yield an expression Ior the work
done on the bead during this displacement) to Iind the speed oI the bead when the
Iorce acting on it is a maximum.
x

(
2
1

(
2
1
y

$
%
, 1

$
%
, 2
P
m,q
: - =
1 : - =
2


85

(a) Use Coulomb`s law Ior the
electric Iield due to a point charge
and superposition oI Iields, to
express the Iield at point P on the y
axis:

P
P
P
P
y
r
kq
r
kq
, 2
2
, 2
2
, 1
2
, 1
1
2 1
` ` % %
" " "
+ =
+ =

The unit vectors
$
%
, 1
` and
$
%
, 2
` are
given by:

P P
P
P
r
y a
r
, 1
2
1
, 1
, 1
, 1
` `
`
`
' & %
%
+
= =
and
P P
P
P
r
y a
r
, 2
2
1
, 2
, 2
, 2
` `
`
`
' & %
%
+
= =

Substituting Ior q
1
, q
2
,
$
%
, 1
` ,
$
%
, 2
` and ( ) | |
2 1
2
2
1
2
P 2, , 1
a y r r
P
+ = = yields:

( ) ( )
( ) | |
( )
( ) | |
( )
| |
' ' '
' & ' &
' & ' &
"
`
2
` `
` ` ` `
` ` ` `
2 3
2
4
1
2
2 3
2
2
1
2
2 3
2
2
1
2
2
1
3
, 2
2
1
3
, 1 , 2
2
1
2
, 2 , 1
2
1
2
, 1
a y
kQy
y
a y
kQ
y
a y
kQ
y a
r
kQ
y a
r
kQ
r
y a
r
kQ
r
y a
r
kQ
P P P P P P
y
+
=
+
+
+
=
+ + + =
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
+
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
=

(b) Relate the electric Iorce on the
bead to its charge and the electric
Iield:

| |
' " *
`
2
2 3
2
4
1
2
a y
kqQy
q
y
+
= =

where q must be positive iI *
always
points away Irom the origin.

(c) Apply the work-kinetic energy
theorem to the bead as it moves Irom
the origin to the location at which F
y

is a maximum to obtain:

i I n
K K K W
y
et
= A =
or, because K
i
0,
2
I 2
1
by done
Mv W
y
F
=
Solving Ior v
I
yields:
M
W
v
y
F by done
I
2
=

The work done on the bead by F
y
as
the bead moves Irom the origin to
y
max
(the y coordinate oI the point at
which F
y
is a maximum) is given by:

( ) | |
}
+
=
max
0
2 3
2
2
1
2
by done
2
y
F
dy
a y
kqQy
W
y

Chapter 21

86
Substituting Ior
y
F
W
by done
and
simpliIying yields:
( ) | |
}
+
=
max
0
2 3
2
2
1
2
I
4
y
dy
a y
y
m
kqQ
v

The condition that F
y
is a maximum
is:

( ) | |
0
2 3
2
2
1
2
=
(
(
+
=
a y
y
dy
d
dy
dF
y

Carrying out the details oI the
diIIerentiation and solving Ior the
critical value
max
y yields:

2 2
max
a
y = where we`ve ignored the
negative value because the bead is
given a nudge in the y direction.

Substitute Ior
max
y in the expression
Ior v
I
to obtain:
( ) | |
}
+
=
2 2
0
2 3
2
2
1
2
I
4
a
dy
a y
y
M
kqQ
v

Evaluating the integral yields:

( ) | | a
dy
a y
y
a
367 . 0
2 2
0
2 3
2
2
1
2
~
+
}

Substitute Ior
( ) | |
}
+
2 2
0
2 3
2
2
1
2
a
dy
a y
y

aM
kqQ
a M
kqQ
v 21 . 1
367 . 0 4
I
=
|
.
|
\
|
=

84 A gold nucleus is 100 Im (1 Im 10
15
m) Irom a proton, which
initially is at rest. When the proton is released, it speeds away because oI the
repulsion that it experiences due to the charge on the gold nucleus. What is the
proton`s speed a large distance (assume to be inIinity) Irom the gold nucleus?
(Assume the gold nucleus remains stationary.)

Picture the Problem The work done by the electric Iield oI the gold nucleus
changes the kinetic energy oI the proton. We can apply the work-kinetic energy
theorem to derive an expression Ior the speed oI the proton as a Iunction oI its
distance Irom the gold nucleus. Because the repulsive Coulomb Iorce
e
*
varies
with distance, we`ll have to evaluate
}
% 3 *

e
in order to Iind the work done on the
proton by this Iorce.


87

Apply the work-kinetic energy
theorem to the proton to obtain:
K d W `
0
r
e net
= =
}
% *

or, because
( )
} }

=
0 0
r
2
r
e
79
` dr
r
e ke
d% *
and
K
i
0,
2
I p 2
1
r
2
2
0
79 v m
r
dr
ke =
}


2
I p 2
1
0
2
2
79 1
79
0
v m
r
ke
r
ke
r
= =
(

Solve Ior v
I

0 p 0 p
2
I
158 158
r m
k
e
r m
ke
v = =

I
:

( )
( )( )
m/s 10 48 . 1
m 10 00 . 1 kg 10 673 . 1

C
m N
10 988 . 8 158
C 10 602 . 1
7
13 27
2
2
9
19
I
=

|
|
.
|
\
|
v

85 [SSM] During a Iamous experiment in 1919, Ernest RutherIord shot
doubly ionized helium nuclei (also known as alpha particles) at a gold Ioil. He
discovered that virtually all oI the mass oI an atom resides in an extremely
compact nucleus. Suppose that during such an experiment, an alpha particle Iar
Irom the Ioil has an initial kinetic energy oI 5.0 MeV. II the alpha particle is
aimed directly at the gold nucleus, and the only Iorce acting on it is the electric
Iorce oI repulsion exerted on it by the gold nucleus, how close will it approach the
gold nucleus beIore turning back? That is, what is the minimum center-to-center
separation oI the alpha particle and the gold nucleus?

Picture the Problem The work done by the electric Iield oI the gold nucleus
changes the kinetic energy oI the alpha particleeventually bringing it to rest. We
can apply the work-kinetic energy theorem to derive an expression Ior the
distance oI closest approach. Because the repulsive Coulomb Iorce
e
*
varies with
distance, we`ll have to evaluate
}
% *

d
e
in order to Iind the work done on the
alpha particles by this Iorce.

Chapter 21

88
Apply the work-kinetic energy
theorem to the alpha particle to
obtain:
K d W
r
min
e net
= =
}
% *

or, because
( )( )
} }

=
min min
2
e
79 2
r r
dr
r
e e k
d% *

and
K
I
0,
i 2
2
min
158 K
r
dr
ke
r
=
}


i
min
2
2
158 1
158
min
K
r
ke
r
ke
r
= =
(

Solve Ior r
min

i
2
min
158
K
ke
r =

Substitute numerical values and evaluate r
min
:

( )
m 10 6 . 4
eV
J 10 602 . 1
Mev 0 . 5
C 10 602 . 1
C
m N
10 988 . 8 158
14
19
2
19
2
2
9
min

|
|
.
|
\
|
= r

86 During the Millikan experiment used to determine the charge on the
electron, a charged polystyrene microsphere is released in still air in a known
vertical electric Iield. The charged microsphere will accelerate in the direction oI
the net Iorce until it reaches terminal speed. The charge on the microsphere is
determined by measuring the terminal speed. During one such experiment, the
microsphere has radius oI r 5.50 10
7
m, and the Iield has a magnitude
E 6.00 10
4
N/C. The magnitude oI the drag Iorce on the sphere is given by
F
D
6tqrv, where v is the speed oI the sphere and q is the viscosity oI air
(q 1.8 10
5
Ns/m
2
). Polystyrene has density 1.05 10
3
kg/m
3
. (a) II the
electric Iield is pointing down and the polystyrene microsphere is rising with a
terminal speed oI 1.16 10
4
m/s, what is the charge on the sphere? (b) How
many excess electrons are on the sphere? (c) II the direction oI the electric Iield is
reversed but its magnitude remains the same, what is the new terminal speed?


89

Picture the Problem The Iree body
diagram shows the Iorces acting on the
microsphere oI mass m and having an
excess charge oI q Ne when the
electric Iield is downward. Under
terminal-speed conditions the sphere is
in equilibrium under the inIluence oI
the electric Iorce
e
*
, its weight , m6
and
the drag Iorce .
d
*
We can apply
Newton`s second law, under terminal-
speed conditions, to relate the number
oI excess charges N on the sphere to its
mass and, using Stokes` law, Iind its
terminal speed.
m, Ne

;
*

d
*

6 9

y

(a) Apply Newton`s second law to the
microsphere to obtain:
y
ma F mg F =
d e

or, because a
y
0,
0
terminal d, e
= F mg F

Substitute Ior F
e
, m, and
terminal d,
F to
obtain:

0 6
t
= rv Vg qE tq
or, because q Ne,
0 6
t
3
3
4
= rv g r NeE tq t

Solve Ior Ne to obtain:

E
rv g r
Ne
t
3
3
4
6tq t +
= (1)

Substitute numerical values and evaluate g r t
3
3
4
:

( ) ( )( ) N 10 18 . 7 m/s 81 . 9 kg/m 10 05 . 1 m 10 50 . 5
15 2 3 3
3
7
3
4
3
3
4

= = t t g r
t
6 rv tq :

( )( )( ) N 10 16 . 2 m/s 10 16 . 1 m 10 50 . 5 s Pa 10 8 . 1 6 6
14 4 7 5
t

= = t tq v r

Substitute numerical values in
equation (1) and evaluate Ne:
C 10 8 . 4
C / N 10 00 . 6
N 10 16 . 2 N 10 18 . 7
19
4
14 15

=

+
= Ne

(b) Divide the result in (a) by e to
obtain:

3
C 10 602 . 1
C 10 80 . 4
19
19
=
N
Chapter 21

90

(c) With the Iield pointing upward,
the electric Iorce is downward and
the application oI
=
y y
ma F to the
bead yields:

0
e terminal d,
= mg F F
or
0 6
3
3
4
t
= g r NeE rv t tq
Solve Ior v
t
to obtain:
r
g r NeE
v
tq
t
6
3
3
4
t
+
=

t
:

( ) ( )
( )( )
mm/s 19 . 0
m 10 50 . 5 s Pa 10 8 . 1 6
s
m
81 . 9
m
kg
10 05 . 1 m 10 50 . 5
C
N
10 00 . 6 C 10 602 . 1 3
7 5
2 3
3
3
7
3
4
4 19
t
=

|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
|
.
|
\
|

=

t
t
v

87 [SSM] In Problem 86, there is a description oI the Millikan
experiment used to determine the charge on the electron. During the experiment, a
switch is used to reverse the direction oI the electric Iield without changing its
magnitude, so that one can measure the terminal speed oI the microsphere both as
it is moving upward and as it is moving downward. Let v
u
represent the terminal
speed when the particle is moving up, and v
d
the terminal speed when moving
down. (a) II we let u v
u
v
d
, show that E ru q tq 3 = , where q is the
microsphere`s net charge. For the purpose oI determining q, what advantage does
measuring both v
u
and v
d
have over measuring only one terminal speed?
(b) Because charge is quantized, u can only change by steps oI magnitude N,
where N is an integer. Using the data Irom Problem 86, calculate Au.

Picture the Problem The Iree body
diagram shows the Iorces acting on the
microsphere oI mass m and having an
excess charge oI q Ne when the
electric Iield is downward. Under
terminal-speed conditions the sphere is
in equilibrium under the inIluence oI
the electric Iorce
e
*
, its weight , m6
and
the drag Iorce .
d
*
We can apply
Newton`s second law, under terminal-
speed conditions, to relate the number
oI excess charges N on the sphere to its
mass and, using Stokes` law, to its
terminal speed.
m, Ne

;
*

d
*

6 9

y


91

(a) Apply Newton`s second law to
the microsphere when the electric
Iield is downward:
y
ma F mg F =
d e

or, because a
y
0,
0
terminal d, e
= F mg F

Substitute Ior F
e
and
terminal d,
F to
obtain:

0 6
u
= rv mg qE tq
or, because q Ne,
0 6
u
= rv mg NeE tq

Solve Ior v
u
to obtain:
r
mg NeE
v
tq 6
u

= (1)

With the Iield pointing upward, the
electric Iorce is downward and the
application oI Newton`s second law
to the microsphere yields:

0
e terminal d,
= mg F F
or
0 6
d
= mg NeE rv tq
Solve Ior v
d
to obtain:
r
mg NeE
v
tq 6
d
+
= (2)

Add equations (1) and (2) and simpliIy to obtain:

r
qE
r
NeE
r
mg NeE
r
mg NeE
v v u
tq tq tq tq 3 3 6 6
d u
= =
+
+
= + =

Measuring both v
u
and v
d
has the advantage that you don`t need to know the mass
oI the microsphere.

(b) Letting Au represent the change
in the terminal speed oI the
microsphere due to a gain (or loss)
oI one electron we have:

N N
v v u = A
+1

Noting that Av will be the same
whether the microsphere is moving
upward or downward, express its
terminal speed when it is moving
upward with N electronic charges on
it:

r
mg NeE
v
N
tq 6

=
Express its terminal speed upward
when it has N 1 electronic charges:

( )
r
mg eE N
v
N
tq 6
1
1
+
=
+

Chapter 21

92
Substitute and simpliIy to obtain: ( )
r
eE
r
mg NeE
r
mg eE N
u
tq
tq tq
6
6 6
1
=
+
= A

evaluate Au:
( )( )
( )( )
m/s 52
m 10 50 . 5 m Pa 10 8 . 1 6
N/C 10 00 . 6 C 10 602 . 1
7 5
4 19
t
=

=

Cap21 Prob

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1

is zero wherever the net Iorce acting on a test charge

in equation (1) and simpliIying yields:

= & & "

making an angle u with a uniIorm electric Iield "

and then add them (that is, use the principle oI

are an action-and-reaction pair, as are

ions Iorming the base and an N

ions be in the x-y plane with H

points in the x direction.)

due to a point charge to Iind the electric Iield at x 6.0 m

due to a point charge and the principle oI superposition Ior

at any point on the x

Ior both charges:

due to a point charge and the

& & &

and simpliIy to Iind

at any point on the x

. (a) Find the

. AIter the electron has traveled a vertical distance oI

. AIter traveling a distance oI 0.500 m in

exists in the region between the deIlection

) exists outside this region. (a) How Iar is the

is to the right; pointing Irom the

along the axis has no y

due to a point charge and the

due to a point charge and the

that is directed vertically

Interval I Interval II Interval III Interval IV

, and the electric

. We can use Coulomb`s law to

, and the electric Iorce

. Show that Ior small values

. The dumbbell is initially at rest and makes an angle oI 60

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