Sunteți pe pagina 1din 175

STATIC ELECTRIC FIELDS

Static Electric Fields 2


Introduction
A field is a spatial distribution of a scalar or
vector quantity, which may or may not be a
function of time.
A scalar example is the altitude of a location on
a mountain relative to the sea level.
It is not function of time if long term erosion and
earthquake effects are neglected.
Various locations on the mountain have different
altitudes, constituting an altitude field.
Static Electric Fields 3
Introduction
The gradient of altitude is a vector that gives
both the direction and the magnitude of the
maximum rate of increase (the upward slope) of
altitude.
On a flat mountaintop or flat land the altitude is
constant, and its gradient vanishes.
The gravitational field of the earth, representing the
force of gravity on a unit mass, is a vector field
directed toward the center of the earth, having a
magnitude depending on the altitude of the mass.
Electric and Magnetic field intensities are vector
fields.

Static Electric Fields 4
Introduction
In Electrostatics, electric charges (the sources)
are at rest, and electric fields do not change with
time.
Many natural phenomena such as lightning,
corona and grain explosion are based on
electrostatics.
Some important industrial applications such as
oscilloscope, ink-jet printer, xerography, and
electric microscope are also base on
electrostatics.
Static Electric Fields 5
Introduction
Coulombs law states that the force between
two charged bodies q
1
and q
2
, that are very
small compared to distance between them, R
12
,
is proportional to the product of the charges and
inversely proportional to the square of the
distance between them.
Coulomb found that unlike charges attracts and
like charges repel each other.
Using vector notation, coulombs law can
mathematically be written as:
,
2
12
2 1
12
12
R
q q
k a F
R
=
Static Electric Fields 6
Introduction
F
12
is the vector force exerted by q
1
on q
2
. If q
1
and q
2

are of same sign, F
12
is +ve (repulsive); and if these
are of opposite signs, F
12
is ve (attractive).
a
R12
is a unit vector in the direction from q
1
to q
2
.
K is the proportionality constant depending on the
medium and the system of units.
R
12
is the distance between the charges.
Electrostatics can proceed from Coulombs law
to define electric field intensity E, electric scalar
potential V, electric flux density D, and then lead
to Gausss law and other relations
Static Electric Fields 7
Introduction
Coulombs law itself is a postulate and its exact
equation is a law of nature discovered and
assumed by Coulomb on the basis of his
experiments of limited accuracy.
From Helmholtzs theorem, a vector field is
determined if its divergence and curl are
specified. Here Gausss law and coulombs law
are derived from divergence and curl relations.
The concept of scalar potential follows naturally
from a vector identity.
Static Electric Fields 8
Electrostatics in Free Space
Electric Field intensity is defined as the force per
unit charge that a very small stationary test
charge experiences when it is placed in a region
where an electric field exists. That is:

Electric Field Intensity is then proportional to and
in the direction of the force F. Its unit is N/C or
V/m.
The test charge q cannot be zero and cannot be
less that the charge of an electron. It is so small
that E does not differ from its calculated value.
) / ( 0 lim m V
q
F
q E =
Static Electric Fields 9
An inverse relation of previous equation gives
the force F on an stationary charge q in an
electric field of intensity E.

Two fundamental postulates of electrostatics in
free space specify the divergence and curl of E.

and
Electrostatics in Free Space
(N) qE F =
0 = V E
Static Electric Fields 10
First of above equations implies that a static
electric field is not solenoidal unless =0.
Second of above equations asserts that Static
electric fields are irrotational.
Above equations are point relations. That is,
they hold at every point in space. They areb
referred to as the differential form of the
postulates of electrostatics, since both
divergence and curl operations involve spatial
derivatives.
Electrostatics in Free Space
Static Electric Fields 11
In practical applications we are usually
interested in the total field of an aggregate or a
distribution of charges. This can be obtained by
an integral form of first equation.

According to divergence theorem:

In view of above two equations:
Electrostatics in Free Space
} }
- = - V
V S
ds A Adv
Static Electric Fields 12
Where Q is the total charge contained in volume
V bounded by surface S.
Above equation is of the form of Gausss law,
which states that:
The total outward flux of the electric field
intensity over any closed surface in free space is
equal to the total charge enclosed in the surface
divided by .
Electrostatics in Free Space
Static Electric Fields 13
Electrostatics in Free Space
Now according to Stokess theorem:

Combining above equation with last equation on
page 9, we get:

The line integral is performed over a closed
contour C bounding an arbitrary surface; hence
C is itself arbitrary.
Above equation asserts that ,the scalar line
integral of the static electric field intensity around
any closed path vanishes.
( )
} }
- = - V
C S
dl A ds A
}
= -
C
dl E 0
Static Electric Fields 14
Electrostatics in Free Space
The scalar product Edl integrated over any path
is the voltage along that path.
Above equation is an expression of Kirchhoffs
voltage law in circuit theory that, The algebraic
sum of voltage drops around any closed circuit is
zero.
This expression is another way of saying that E
is irrotational (conservative). Refer to figure on
next page, we see that if the scalar line integral
of E over the arbitrary closed contour C
1
C
2
is
zero, then:
Static Electric Fields 15
Electrostatics in Free Space



Above equation says that the scalar line integral
of the irrotational E field is independent of the
path; it depends only on the end points.
It is the work done by the electric field in moving
a unit charge from P
1
to P
2
. Hence it shows the
conservation of work or energy in an
electrostatic field.
} }
} }
} }
- = -
- = -
= - + -
2
2 1
2
1 1
1
2 2
2
1 1
2 1
C Along C Along
C Along C Along


0
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
C C
dl E dl E or
dl E dl E or
dl E dl E
P
2
P
1
C
2
C
1
Static Electric Fields 16
Coulombs Law
Consider a point charge q, at rest in a boundless
free space. Draw a hypothetical spherical
surface of radius R centered at q. Electric field
due to point charge must be everywhere radial
and has the same intensity at all points on the
spherical surface.
Applying last equation
On slide 11 to figure a,
We have:
Static Electric Fields 17
Coulombs Law

Or

Therefore

The above equation tells us that, The electric field
intensity of a +ve point charge is in the outward
radial direction and has a magnitude proportional to
the charge and inversely proportional to the square
of the distance from the charge.



Static Electric Fields 18
Coulombs Law
If the charge q is not located at the origin of the
chosen coordinate system then, let the position
vector of q be R and that of a field point P be R,
as shown in figure b on slide 16 Then from
previous equation:

Where a
qP
is the unit vector drawn from q to P.
Since
We have



Static Electric Fields 19
Coulombs Law
Example: Determine the electric field intensity at
P(-0.2,0,-2.3) due to a point charge of +5 (nC) at
Q(0.2,0.1,-2.5) in air. All dimensions are in
meters.
Solution: The position vector for the field point P:

The position vector for the point charge Q is:

The difference is:
. 3 . 2 2 . 0
z x
a a OP R = =
. 5 . 2 1 . 0 2 . 0 '
z y x
a a a OQ R + = =
, 2 . 0 1 . 0 4 . 0 '
z y x
a a a R R + =
Static Electric Fields 20
Coulombs Law
which has the magnitude:

substituting in equation on page 18, we obtain:




The quantity within the parentheses is the unit
vector a
QP
, and E
P
has the magnitude of 214.5
(V/m).


( ) ( ) ( ) | | ). ( 458 . 0 2 . 0 1 . 0 4 . 0 '
2
1
2 2 2
m R R = + + =
Example: A total charge Q is put on a thin spherical
shell of radius b. Determine the electric field
intensity at an arbitrary point inside the shell.
Solution: We shall solve
this problem in two ways:
a) At any point, such as P,
inside the hollow shell, an
arbitrary hypothetical closed
surface (a Gaussian surface)
may be drawn, over which we
apply Gausss Law.
Static Electric Fields 21
Coulombs Law
Since no charge exists inside the shell and the
surface is arbitrary, we conclude easily that E=0
everywhere inside the shell.
b) Draw a pair of elementary cones of solid angle
d with vertex at an arbitrary point P. The cones
extend in both directions, intersecting the shell in
areas ds
1
and ds
2
at distances r
1
and r
2
,
respectively, from the point P. Since charge Q
distributes uniformly over the spherical shell,
there is a uniform surface charge density.
Static Electric Fields 22
Coulombs Law

The magnitude of the electric field intensity at P
due to charges on the elementary surfaces ds
1

and ds
2
is from equation on the page 17.


But the solid angle d equals:
Static Electric Fields 23
Coulombs Law
2
4 b
Q
S
t
=
. cos cos
2
2
2
2
1
1
o o
r
ds
r
ds
d = = O
Combining the expressions of dE and d, we
find that:

Since the above result applies to every pair of
elementary cones, we conclude that E=0
everywhere inside the conducting shell as
before.
Static Electric Fields 24
Coulombs Law
The electrostatic deflection system of a cathode
ray oscilloscope is depicted in figure. Electrons
from a heated cathode are given an initial
velocity u
0
=a
z
u
0
by a +vely charged anode. The
electrons enter at z=0 into a region of deflection
plates where a uniform electric field E
d
=-a
y
E
d
is
maintained over a width w. Ignoring gravitational
effects, find the
vertical deflection
of the electrons
on the fluorescent
screen at z=L.
Static Electric Fields 25
Coulombs Law
Solution: Since there is no force in the z-
direction in the z>0 region, the horizontal
velocity u
0
is maintained. The field E
d
exerts a
force on the electrons each carrying a charge
e, causing a deflection in the y-direction:

From Newtons second law of motion in the
vertical direction we have:
Static Electric Fields 26
Coulombs Law
( )
d y d
eE a E e F = =
, d
y
eE
dt
du
m =
Where m is the mass of an electron. Integrating
both sides, we obtain:

Where the constant of integration is set to zero
because u
y
=0 at t=0. Integrating again, we have:

The constant of integration is again zero
because y=0 at t=0. Note that the electrons have
a parabolic trajectory between the deflection
plates.
Static Electric Fields 27
Coulombs Law
t E
m
e
dt
dy
u
d y
= =
2
2
t E
m
e
y
d
=
At the exit from the deflection plates, t=w/u
0
,




When the electrons reach the screen, they have
travelled a further horizontal distance of (L-w)
which takes (L-w)/u
0
seconds. During that time
there is an additional vertical deflection.
Static Electric Fields 28
Coulombs Law
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
= =
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
0 0
2
0
1
1
2
u
w
m
eE
u
w
t u u
and
u
w
m
eE
d
d
y y
d


Hence the deflection at the screen is:


Ink-jet printers used in computer output, like
cathode ray oscilloscopes, are devices based on
the principle of electrostatic deflection of a
stream of charged particles.
Static Electric Fields 29
Coulombs Law
( )
2
0 0
1 2
u
w L w
m
eE
u
w L
u d
d
y

=
|
|
.
|

\
|

=
.
2
2
0
2 1 0
|
.
|

\
|
= + =
w
L w
mu
eE
d d d
d
Minute droplets of ink are forced through
vibrating nozzle controlled by a piezoelectric
transducer.
The output of the computer imparts variable
amounts of charges on the ink droplets, which
then pass through a pair of deflection plates
where a uniform static electric field exists.
The amount of droplet deflection depends on the
charge it carries, causing the ink jet to strike the
print surface and form an image as the print
head moves in a horizontal direction.
Static Electric Fields 30
Coulombs Law
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a System of Discrete
Charges
Let a electrostatic field is created by a group of n
discrete point charges q1, q2, ,qn located at
different positions.
Since electric field intensity is a linear function of
(proportional to) a
R
q/R
2
, the principle of
superposition applies, and the total E field at a
point is the vector sum of fields caused by all the
individual charges.
From last equation on page 18 we can write the
E at a field point whose position vector is R as
Static Electric Fields 31


Above equation is somewhat inconvenient to use
because of the need to add vectors of different
magnitudes and directions.
Let us consider the simple case of an electric dipole
that consist of a pair of equal and opposite charges
+q and q, separated by a small distance d as
shown in figure. Let the centre of the dipole coincide
with the origin of a spherical coordinate system.
Static Electric Fields 32
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a System of Discrete
Charges
Then the E at the point P is the sum of the
contributions due to +q and q. Thus:



The first term on the right side
of above equation can be
simplified if d<<R. We write:
Static Electric Fields 33
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a System of Discrete
Charges



Static Electric Fields 34
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a System of Discrete
Charges
Where the binomial expansion has been used
and all terms containing the second and higher
powers of (d/R) have been neglected.
Similarly for the second term on the right side of
equation on page 33; we have:

Substituting these in equation on page 33:

Static Electric Fields 35
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a System of Discrete
Charges

.

We define the product of the charge q and the
vector d (going from q to +q) as the electric
dipole moment, p:
p=qd
Hence equation on the end of page 34 can be
written as:

If the dipole lies along the z-axis as in previous
figure, then:
Static Electric Fields 36
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a System of Discrete
Charges


And equation on the end of page 35 becomes:


Above equation gives the electric field intensity of an
electric dipole in spherical coordinates. We see that E of
a dipole is inversely proportional to the cube of the
distance R. This is reasonable because as R increases,
the fields due to the closely spaced +q and q tend to
cancel each other more completely, thus decreasing
more rapidly than that of a single point charge.
Static Electric Fields 37
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a System of Discrete
Charges
The electric field caused by a continuous
distribution of charge can be obtained by
integrating the contribution of an element of
charge over the charge distribution.
Volume charge distribution is
shown in figure.
The volume charge density
(C/m
3
) is a Function of the
coordinates.
Static Electric Fields 38
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a Continuous
Distribution of Charges
Since a differential element of charge behave
like a point charge, the contribution of the
charge dv in a differential volume element dv
to the electric field intensity at the field point P is:

We have:

Or, since a
R
=R/R,
Static Electric Fields 39
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a Continuous
Distribution of Charges
Except for some especially simple cases, the
vector triple integral in above equations is
difficult to carry out because in general all three
quantities in the integrand (a
R
, , and R) change
with the location of the differential volume dv.
If the charge is distributed on a surface with a
surface charge density
S
(C/m
2
), then the
integration is to be carried out over the surface.
Thus:
Static Electric Fields 40
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a Continuous
Distribution of Charges
For a line charge we have:


Where
l
(C/m) is the line charge density, and L
the line (not necessarily straight) along which
the charge is distributed.
Static Electric Fields 41
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a Continuous
Distribution of Charges
Example: Determine the electric field intensity of
an infinitely long, straight, line charge of a
uniform density
l
in air.
Solution: Let us assume that
the line charge lies along the z
-axis as shown ( We are free to
do this as the field obviously
does not depend on how we
designate the line).
Static Electric Fields 42
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a Continuous
Distribution of Charges
It is an accepted convention to use primed
coordinates for source points and unprimed
coordinates for field points when there is a
possibility of confusion.
We are asked to find the electric field intensity at a
point P, which is at a distance r from the line.
Since the problem has a cylindrical symmetry (ie,
the electric field is independent of the azimuth angle
), it would be most convenient to work with
cylindrical coordinates. We write the previous
equation as




Static Electric Fields 43
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a Continuous
Distribution of Charges
For this problem
l
is a constant and the line
element dl=dz is chosen to be at an arbitrary
distance z from the origin. It is important to note
that R is the distance vector directed from the
source to the field point, not the other way
around. We have:
The electric field dE, due to the differential line
charge element
l
dl=
l
dz is:
Static Electric Fields 44
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a Continuous
Distribution of Charges
' z a r a R
z r
=

where:

and

In last equation on page 44, we have decomposed
dE into its components in the a
r
and a
z
directions. It
is easy to say that for every
l
dz at +z there is a
charge element
l
dz at z, which will produce a dE
with components dE
r
and dE
z
.
Static Electric Fields 45
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a Continuous
Distribution of Charges
Hence the a
z
components will cancel in the
integration process, and we only need to integrate
the dE
r
in 2
nd
equation on page 45:

or:

This equation is an important result for an infinite
line charge. Of course, no physical line charge is
infinitely long; nevertheless above equation gives
the approximate E field of a long straight line charge
at a point close to the line charge.
Static Electric Fields 46
Coulombs Law
Electric Field due to a Continuous
Distribution of Charges
Gausss Law and Applications
Gausss law follows directly from the divergence
postulate of electrostatics (2
nd
last equation on
page 9) by the application of the divergence
theorem. It was derived earlier in last equation
on page 11.

Gausss law asserts that the total outward flux of
the E-field over any closed surface in free space
is equal to the total charge enclosed in the
surface divided by .
Static Electric Fields 47
Gausss Law and Applications
Gausss law is useful in determining the E-field of
charge distributions with some symmetry conditions,
such that the normal component of the electric field
intensity is constant over an enclosed surface.
On the other hand, when symmetry conditions do
not exist, Gausss law would not be of much help.
The essence of applying Gausss law lies first in the
recognition of symmetry conditions and second in
the suitable choice of a surface over which the
normal component of E resulting from a given
charge distribution is a constant.
Static Electric Fields 48
Gausss Law and Applications
Such a surface is referred to as a Gaussian
surface. This basic principle was used to obtain
last equation on page 17, for a point charge that
possesses spherical symmetry; consequently a
proper Gaussian surface is the surface of a
sphere centered at the point charge.

Static Electric Fields 49
Gausss Law and Applications
Example: Use Gausss law to determine the
electric field intensity of an infinitely long,
straight, line charge of a uniform density
l
in
air.
Solution: Since the line charge is
infinitely long, the resultant E field
must be radial and perpendicular
to the line charge (E=a
r
E
r
) and a
component of E along the line can
not exist.
Static Electric Fields 50
Gausss Law and Applications
With the obvious cylindrical symmetry we
construct a cylindrical Gaussian surface of a
radius r and an arbitrary length L with the line
charge as its axis, as shown. On this surface E
r

is constant, and ds= a
r
rddz. We have:

There is no contribution from the top or the
bottom face of the cylinder because on the top
face ds=a
z
rdrd but E has no z-component
there, making E.ds=0. Similarly for the bottom
face
Static Electric Fields 51
} } }
= = -
L
r r
S
rLE dz rd E ds E
0
2
0
. 2
t
t |
The total charge enclosed in the cylinder is Q=
l
L.
Substituting in equation:

We have:

or

We note that the length L of the cylindrical Gaussian
surface does not appear in the final expression;
hence we could have chosen a cylinder of a unit
length.

Static Electric Fields 52
Gausss Law and Applications
Example: Determine the electric field intensity of
an infinite planar charge with a uniform surface
charge density
s
.
Solution: It is clear that the E field caused by a
charged sheet of an infinite extent is normal to
the sheet. Gausss law can be used to find E.
We chose as the Gaussian surface a rectangular
box with top and bottom faces of an arbitrary
area A equidistant from the planer charge, as
shown in figure.
Static Electric Fields 53
Gausss Law and Applications
Static Electric Fields 54
Gausss Law and Applications
The sides of the box are
perpendicular to the charged
sheet.
If the charged sheet
coincides with the xy-plane,
then on the top face,
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
A E ds E ds
ds E ds a E a ds
ds E ds a E a ds
z
A S
z
z z z z
z z z z
2 2
: have we faces, side the from on contributi no is there Since
face, bottom On the
= = -
= - = -
= - = -
} }
E
E
E
The total charge enclosed in the box is Q=
s
A.
Therefore:

from which we obtain:

and:

Of course, the charged sheet may not coincide
with the xy-plane, but the E field always points

Static Electric Fields 55
Gausss Law and Applications
away from the sheet if s is +ve.
It is obvious that the Gaussian surface could
have been a pillbox of any shape, not
necessarily rectangular.
The lighting scheme of an office or a classroom
may consist of incandescent bulbs, long
fluorescent tubes, or ceiling panel lights. These
correspond roughly to point sources, line
sources, and planner sources, respectively.
From last equation on page 17, last equation on
Static Electric Fields 56
Gausss Law and Applications
page 46, and last two equations on page 55 we
can estimate that light intensity will fall off rapidly
as the square of the distance from the source in
the case of incandescent bulbs, less rapidly as
the first power of the distance for long
fluorescent tubes, and not at all for ceiling panel
lights.
Static Electric Fields 57
Gausss Law and Applications
Example: Determine the E field caused by a
spherical cloud of electrons with a volume
charge density = -
0
for 0 R b (both
0
and
b are +ve) and = 0 for R > b.

Solution: First we recognize that the given
source condition has spherical symmetry. The
proper Gaussian surfaces must therefore be
concentric spherical surfaces. We must find the
E field in two regions. See figure on next page:
Static Electric Fields 58
Gausss Law and Applications
a) 0 R b
A hypothetical
spherical Gaussian
surface Si with R< b
is constructed within
the electron cloud.
On this surface, E is
radial and has a
constant magnitude:
E=a
R
E
R
, ds=a
R
ds.
Static Electric Fields 59
Gausss Law and Applications
The total outward E flux is:





Substituting in equation on page 47 yields:
Static Electric Fields 60
Gausss Law and Applications
.
3
4

: is surface Gaussian e within th enclosed charge total The
4
3
0 0
2
R dv
dv Q
R E ds E d
V
V
S
R R
S
i i
}
}
} }
= =
=
= = -
t

t s E
We see within the uniform electron cloud, the E
field is directed towards the center and has a
magnitude proportional to the distance from
the center.
b) R b
For this case we construct a spherical
Gaussian surface S0 with R > b outside the
electron cloud. We obtain the same expression
for as in case (a). The total charge
enclosed is:
Static Electric Fields 61
Gausss Law and Applications
}
-
0
S
ds E

Consequently:

which follows the inverse square law and could
have been obtained directly from last equation
on page 17.
We observe that outside the charged cloud the
E field is exactly the same as though the total
charge is concentrated on a single point
charge at the center. This is true in general, for
a spherically symmetrical charged region even
though is a function of R.
Static Electric Fields 62
Gausss Law and Applications
3
0
3
4
b Q
t
=
In connection with Null identity we
noted that a curl-free vector field could always
be expressed as the gradient of a scalar field.
This induces us to define a scalar electric
potential V such that:

Electric potential does have physical
significance, and it is related to the work done
in carrying a charge from one point to another.
Previously we have defined the electric field
intensity as a force acting on a unit test charge.
Static Electric Fields 63
Electric Potential
( ) 0 V V V
V V = E
Therefore in moving a unit charge from P
1
to
P
2
in an electric field, work must be done
against the field(cause of ve sign.) and is
equal to:

Many paths may be followed in going from P
1

to P
2
. Two such paths are drawn in figure on
the next page. Since the path between P
1
and
P
2
is not specified in above equation, the
question naturally arises, how does the work
depend on the path taken?
Static Electric Fields 64
Electric Potential
( )
}
- =
2
1
. V or
P
P C
J
dl E
q
W
A little thought will lead
us to conclude that W/q
in above equation sould
not depend on the path,
Static Electric Fields 65
Electric Potential
If it did, one will be able to go from P
1
to P
2
along
a path for which W is smaller and then to come
back to P
1
along another path, achieving a net
gain in work or energy. This would be contrary to
the principle of conservation of energy. We
have already alluded to the path independant
nature of the scalar line integral of the
irrotational (conservative) E field .
Analogous to concept of potential energy in
mechanics, above equation represents the
difference in electric potential energy of a unit
charge between point P
2
and P
1
. Denoting the
electric potential energy per unit charge by V,
the electric potential, we have:
Static Electric Fields 66
Electric Potential
}
= -
C
dl 0 E
( ) V dl V V
P
P

2
1
1 2
}
- = E
Above equation can be obtained by substituting
equation on page 63 in equation on page 64.



Equation on the end of page 66 specifies a potential
difference (electrostatic voltage) between points P
2

and P
1
.
It makes no sense to talk about the absolute
potential of a point, absolute phase of a phasor, or
absolute altitude of a geographic location.
Static Electric Fields 67
Electric Potential
( ) ( )
}
} }
= =
- V = -
2
1
2
1
2
1
1 2

P
P
P
P
l
P
P
V V dV
dl a V dl E
A reference zero potential point, a reference
zero phase (usually at t=0), or a reference zero
altitude (usually at sea level) must first be
specified.
In most cases zero-potential point is taken at
infinity. When it is not at infinity, it should be
specifically stated.
The inclusion of ve sign in equation on page 63
is necessary in order to conform with the
convention that in going against the E field the
electric potential V increases.
Static Electric Fields 68
Electric Potential
When a DC battery of a voltage Vo is connected
between two parallel conducting plates, as in fig.
+ve and ve charges comulate on the top and
bottom plates respectively.
The E field is directed
from +ve to ve
charges, while the
potential increases in
the opposite direction.
Static Electric Fields 69
Electric Potential
When we defined the gradient of scalar field, the
direction of V is normal to the surfaces of
constant V. Hence if we used directed field lines
or streamlines to indicate the direction of the E
field, they are everywhere perpendicular to
equipotential lines and equipotential surfaces.
Static Electric Fields 70
Electric Potential
V
The electric potential of a point at a distance R
from a point charge q referred to that at infinity
can be obtained readily from equation:




This is a scalar quantity and depends on,
besides q, only the distance R.
Static Electric Fields 71
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
( ) V dl V V
P
P

2
1
1 2
}
- = E
The potential difference between any two points
P
2
and P
1
at distances R
2
and R
1
, respectively
from q is:


Static Electric Fields 72
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
As shown in fig, the concentric
circles (Spheres) passing
through P
2
and P
1
are
equipotential lines (surfaces),
and V
P2
-V
P1
is the same as V
P2
-
V
P3
.
From the point of view of
equation on top of page 71 we can chose the
path of integration from P
1
to P
3
and then from
P
3
to P
2
.
No work is done from P
1
to P
3
because F is
perpendicular to dl=a

R
1
d along the circular
path (Edl = 0).t
The electric potential at R due to a system of n
discrete point charges q
1
, q
2
, , q
n
located at
R
1
, R
2
, , R
n
is by superposition, the sum of
potentials due to the individual charges:
Static Electric Fields 73
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution


Since this is a scalar sum, it is in general, easier
to determine E by taking the ve gradient of V
than from the vector sum in equation on page 32
directly.
As an example, let us consider an electric dipole
consisting of charges +q and q with a small
separation d. The distances from the charges to
a field point P are designated R+ and R- as
Static Electric Fields 74
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
Shown in figure. The potential at P can be
written down directly:
Static Electric Fields 75
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
If d << R, we have:
|
.
|

\
|
+ ~
|
.
|

\
|
~

+
u
u
cos
2
1
cos
2
1
1
1
R
d
R
d
R
R
And:

Substituting above two equations in equation on
the top of page 75 gives:

or

Where p = qd.
Static Electric Fields 76
|
.
|

\
|
~
|
.
|

\
|
+ ~

u u cos
2
1 cos
2
1
1
1
R
d
R
d
R
R
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
The E field can be obtained from - V. In
spherical coordinates we have:



Above equation is same as last equation on
page 36 but has been obtained by a simpler
procedure without manipulating position vectors.
Static Electric Fields 77
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
V
Example: Make a two-dimensional sketch of the
equipotential lines and the electric field lines for
an electric dipole.
Solution: The equation of an equipotential
surface of a charge distribution is obtained by
setting the expression for V to equal a constant.


Since q, d, and
o
in above equation for an
electric dipole are fixed quantities, a constant V
Static Electric Fields 78
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
requires a constant ratio (cos/R
2
). Hence the
equation for an equipotential surface is:

Where Cv is a constant. By plotting R versus
for various values of Cv we draw the solid
equipotential lines as shown in figure on next
page.
In the range 0 /2, V is positive; R is
maximum at =0 and zero at =90. A mirror
image is obtained in the range /2 where
V is ve.
Static Electric Fields 79
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
u cos
V
C R =
Static Electric Fields 80
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
The electric field lines or streamlines represent
the direction of the E field in space. We set:

Where k is a constant. In spherical coordinates
above equation becomes:
Static Electric Fields 81
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
E k dl =
|
| | u u | u
| u
| u u
E
d R
E
Rd
E
dR
E a E a E a k d R a Rd a dR a
R
R R R
sin
written be can which
), ( sin
= =
+ + = + +
For the electric dipole in previous figure there is
no E

component, and:
Static Electric Fields 82
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
u
u
u
u
u
u
2
sin
get we equation, above g Integratin
sin
) (sin 2
sin cos 2
E
C R
d
R
dR
or
Rd dR
=
=
=
Where C
E
is a constant. The electric field lines
are drawn as dashed lines in previous figure.
They are rotationally symmetrical about the z-
axis (independent of ) and are everywhere
normal to the equipotential lines.
The electric potential due to a continuous
distribution of charge confined in a given region
is obtained by integrating the contribution of an
element of charge over the charged region.
We have, for a volume charge distribution:
Static Electric Fields 83
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution


For a surface charge distribution:


and for a line charge:
Static Electric Fields 84
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
Example: Obtain a formula for the electric field
intensity on the axis of a circular disk of radius b
that carries a uniform surface charge density
s
.

Static Electric Fields 85
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
Solution: Although the disk
has circular symmetry, we
cannot visualize a surface
around it over which the
normal component of E has
a constant magnitude;
hence Gausss law is not
Useful for the solution of this problem. We use
surface charge equation on page 84, working
with cylindrical coordinates as in figure, we have:



The electric potential at the point P(0, 0, z)
referring to the point at infinity is:
Static Electric Fields 86
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
2 2
'
' ' ' '
r z R
and
d dr r ds
+ =
= |


Therefore:




The determination of E field at an off-axis point
would be a much more difficult problem.
Static Electric Fields 87
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
For very large z, it is convenient to expand the
second term in above two equations into a
binomial series and neglect the second and all
higher powers of the ratio (b
2
/z
2
). We have:


Substituting above into two equation on last
page, we obtain:
Static Electric Fields 88
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution




Where Q is the total charge on the disk. Hence
when the point of observation is very far away
from the charged disk, the E field approximately
follows the inverse square law as if the total
charge were concentrated at a point.
Static Electric Fields 89
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
Example: Obtain a formula for the electric field
intensity along the axis of a uniform line charge
of length L. The uniform line charge density is
l
.
Solution: For an infinity long line
charge, the E field can
determined readily by applying
gausss law. However for a line
charge of finite length, as in figure
we can not construct a Gaussian
Static Electric Fields 90
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
surface over which Eds is constant. Gausss law is
therefore not useful here.
Instead we use last equation on page 84 by taking
an element of charge dl=dz at z. The distance R
from the charge element to the point P(0, 0, z) along
the axis of the line charge is:

Here it is extremely important to distinguish the
position of the field point(un-primed coordinates)
from the position of the source point (primed
coordinates). We integrate over the source region:
Static Electric Fields 91
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
( )
2
, '
L
z z z R > =




The E field at P is the ve gradient of V with
respect to the unprimed field coordinates. For
this problem:
Static Electric Fields 92
Electric Potential due to a
Charge Distribution
In general we classify materials according to
their electrical properties into three types:
Conductors
Semiconductors
Insulators (or Dielectrics)
In terms of the crude atomic model of an atom
consisting of a +vely charged nucleus with
orbiting electrons, the electrons in the outermost
shells of the atoms of conductors are very
loosely held and migrate easily from one atom to
another. Most metals belong to this group.
Static Electric Fields 93
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
The electrons in the atoms of insulators or
dielectrics, however are confined to their orbits;
they cannot be librated in normal circumstances,
even by the application of an external electric
field.
The electrical properties of semiconductors fall
between those of conductors and insulators in
that they possess a relatively small number of
freely movable charges.
In terms of the band theory of solids we find that
there are allowed energy bands consisting of
Static Electric Fields 94
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
many closely spaced, discrete energy states.
Between these energy bands there may be
forbidden regions or gaps where no electron of
the solid atom can reside.
Conductors have an upper energy band partially
filled with electrons or an upper pair of
overlapping bands that are partially filled so that
the electrons in these bands can move from one
to another with only a small change in energy.
Insulators or dielectrics are materials with a
completely filled upper band, so conduction

Static Electric Fields 95
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
could not normally occur because of the
existence of a large energy gap to the next
higher band.
If the energy gap of the forbidden region is
relatively small, small amounts of external
energy may be sufficient to excite the electrons
in the filled upper band to jump into the next
band, causing conduction. Such materials are
semiconductors.
Assume for the present that some +ve (or ve)
Static Electric Fields 96
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
charges are introduced in the interior of a
conductor. An electric field will be set up in the
conductor, the field exerting a force on the
charges and making them move away from one
another. This movement will continue until all the
charges reach the conductor surface and
redistribute themselves in such a way that both
the charge and the field inside vanish. Hence:
Static Electric Fields 97
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
Inside a Conductor
(Under Static Conditions)
= 0
E = 0
When there is no charge in the interior of a
conductor (=0), E must be zero because
according to Gausss law, the total outward
electric flux through any closed surface
constructed inside the conductor must vanish.
The charge distribution on the surface of a
conductor depends on the shape of the surface.
Obviously the charges would not be in a state of
equilibrium if there were a tangential component
of the electric field intensity that produces a
Static Electric Fields 98
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
Tangential force and moves the charge.
Therefore under static conditions the E field
on a conductor surface is everywhere normal
to the surface.
In other words, the surface of a conductor is
an equipotential surface under static
conditions.
Since E=0 everywhere inside a conductor, the
whole conductor has the same electrostatic
potential.
Static Electric Fields 99
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
A finite time is required for the charges to
redistribute on a conductor surface and reach
the equilibrium state. This time depends on the
conductivity of the material.
Static Electric Fields 100
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
Figure shows an interface
between a conductor and
free space. Consider the
contour abcda, which has
width ab=cd=w and
height=bc=da=h. Sides
ab and cd are parallel to the interface. Applying
last equation on page 13, letting h0, and
noting that E in the conductor is zero, we obtain
immediately:


Which says that the tangential component of the
E field on a conductor surface is zero. In other
words to find E
n
, the normal component of E at
the surface of the conductor, we construct a
Static Electric Fields 101
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
0
0
=
= A = -
}
t
abcda
t
E
or
w E dl E
Gaussian surface in the form of a thin pillbox with
the top face in free space and the bottom face in the
conductor where E=0. Using last equation on page
11, we obtain:

or

Hence the normal component of E field at a
conductor/free space boundary is equal to the
surface charge density on the conductor divided by
the permittivity of free space.
Static Electric Fields 102
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
Summarizing the boundary conditions at the
conductor surface, we have:




When an uncharged conductor is placed in a
static electric field, the external field will cause
loosely held electrons inside the conductor to
move in a direction opposite to that of the field
Static Electric Fields 103
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
Boundary Conditions at a
Conductor/Free Space
Interface
E
t
= 0
E
n
=
s
/
o
And cause net +ve charges to move in the
direction of the field. These induced free
charges will distribute on the conductor surface
and create an induced field in such a way that
they cancel the external field both inside the
conductor and tangent to its surface.
When the surface char distribution reaches an
equilibrium, all four equations on page 97 to 102
will hold, and the conductor is again an
equipotential body.
Static Electric Fields 104
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
Example: A +ve point charge Q is at the center
of a spherical conducting shell of an inner radius
R
i
and an outer radius R
o
. Determine E and V
functions of the radial distance R.
Solution: The geometry of the problem is shown
in figure on next slide. Since there is spherical
symmetry, it is simplest to use Gausss law to
determine E and find V by integration. There are
three distinct regions: (a) R>R
o
, (b) R
i
<R<R
o
,
and (c) R<R
i
. Suitable spherical Gausian
Static Electric Fields 105
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
Static Electric Fields 106
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
Surfaces will be constructed in these regions.
Obviously, E=a
R
E
R
in all three regions.
a) R>R
0
(Gaussian surface S
1
)

or


The E field is the same as that of a point charge Q
without the presence of the shell. The potential
referring to the point at infinity is:
Static Electric Fields 107
Conductors in Static Electric
Field


b) R
1
<R<R
0
(Gaussian surface S
2
): Because of last
equation on page 97, we know that:

Since =0 in the conducting shell and since the total
charge enclosed in surface S
2
must be zero, an
amount of ve charge equal to Q must be induced
on the inner shell surface at R=R
1
. (This also means
that an amount of +ve charge equal to +Q is induced
on the outer shell surface at R=R
0
.

Static Electric Fields 108
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
The conducting shell is an equipotential body. Hence:


c) R<R
i
(Gaussian surface S
3
): Application of Gausss
law yields the same formula for E
R3
as E
R1
in section
(a) for the first region.


The potential in this region is:
Static Electric Fields 109
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
= =
=
0
1 2
R R
V V
Where the integration constant C is determined by
requiring V
3
at R=R
i
to equal V
2
in equation on top of page
110, we have:

And


The variation of E
R
and V versus R in all three regions are
plotted in figures b and c on page 106. Note that while the
electric intensity has discontinuous jumps, the potential
remains continuous. A discontinuous jump in potential
would mean an infinite electric field intensity.
Static Electric Fields 110
Conductors in Static Electric
Field
Dielectrics in Static Electric
Field.
Ideal dielectrics do not contain free charges.
When a dielectric body is placed in an external
electric field, there are no induced free charges
that move to the surface and make the interior
charge density and electric field vanish, as with
conductors.
However since dielectric contains bound
charges, we cannot conclude that they have no
effect on the electric field in which they are
placed.
Static Electric Fields 111
Dielectrics in Static Electric
Field.
Although the molecules of dielectrics are neutral,
the presence of an external electric field causes
a force to be exerted on each charged particle
and results in small displacements of +ve and
ve charges in opposite directions. These
displacements, though small in comparison to
atomic dimensions, nevertheless polarize a
dielectric material and create electric dipole as
shown in figure on next page.
Inasmuch as electric dipoles do have
Static Electric Fields 112
Dielectrics in Static Electric
Field.
nonvanishing electric potential and electric field
intensity, we expect that the induced electric
dipoles will modify the electric field both inside
and outside the dielectric material.
Static Electric Fields 113
The molecules of some dielectrics
possess permanent dipole
moments, even in the absence of
an external polarizing field. Such
molecules usually consist of two
or more dissimilar atoms and are
called polar molecules, in contrast
to nonpolar molecules, which do not have
permanent dipole moments.
An example is the water molecule H
2
O. The
atoms do not arrange themselves in a manner
that makes the molecule have a zero dipole
moment; i.e. the hydrogen atoms do not lie
exactly on diametrically opposite sides of the
oxygen atom.
The dipole moments of polar molecules are of
the order of 10
-30
(C.m). When there is no
Static Electric Fields 114
Dielectrics in Static Electric
Field.
external field, the individual dipoles in a polar
dielectric are randomly oriented, producing no
net dipole moment.
An applied electric field will exert a torque on the
individual dipoles and tend to align them with the
field in a manner similar to that shown in
previous figure.
Some dielectric materials called electrets, can
exhibit a permanent dipole moment even in the
absence of an externally applied electric field.

Static Electric Fields 115
Dielectrics in Static Electric
Field.
Electrets can be made by heating certain waxes
or plastics and placing them in an electric field.
The polarized molecules in these materials tend
to align with the applied field and to be frozen in
their new positions after they return to normal
temperatures.
Permanent polarization remains without an
external electric field. Electrets are the electrical
equivalents of permanent magnets; they have
found important applications in high fidelity
electret microphones.
Static Electric Fields 116
Dielectrics in Static Electric
Field.
To analyze the macroscopic effect of induced
dipoles we define a polarization vector P as:

Where n is the number of molecules per unit
volume and the numerator represents the vector
sum of the induced dipole moments contained in
a very small volume v.
The vector P, a smoothed point function, is the
volume density of electric dipole moment. The
dipole moment dp of an elemental volume dv is
Static Electric Fields 117
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
dp = Pdv, which produces an electrostatic
potential (see last equation on page 76):

Integrating over the volume V of the dielectric,
we obtain the potential due to the polarized
dielectric.

Where R is the distance from the elemental
volume dv to a fixed field point. In Cartesian
coordinates:
Static Electric Fields 118
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics

and it is readily verified that the gradient of 1/R
with respect to the primed coordinates is:

Hence last equation on previous page can be
written as:

Recalling the vector identity:
Static Electric Fields 119
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
Letting A=P and f=1/R, we can rewrite 2
nd
last
equation on previous page as:

First volume integral on the R.H.S of above
equation can be converted into a closed surface
integral by the divergence theorem. We have:

Where a
n
is the outward normal from the
surface element ds of the dielectric.
Static Electric Fields 120
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
Comparison of two integrals on the R.H.S of
above equation with 2
nd
and 1
st
equation on
page 84 respectively reveals that the electric
potential due to a polarized dielectric may be
calculated from the contributions of surface and
volume charge distributions having respectively,
densities:
and



Static Electric Fields 121
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
These are referred to as polarization charge
densities or bound-charge densities. In other
words , a polarized dielectric may be replaced
by an equivalent polarization surface charge
density
ps
and an equivalent polarization
volume charge density
p
for field calculations:


The sketch in previous figure clearly indicates
that charges from the ends of similarly oriented
Static Electric Fields 122
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
dipoles exist on surfaces not parallel to the
direction of polarization.
Consider an imaginary elemental surface S of
a nonpolar dielectric. The application of an
external electric field normal to S causes a
separation d of the bound charges. +ve charges
+q move a distance d/2 in the direction of the
field, and ve charges q move an equal
distance againist the direction of the field. The
net total charge Q that crosses the surface S
Static Electric Fields 123
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
in the direction of the field is nqd(s), where n is
the number of molecules per unit volume. If the
external field is not normal to s, the separation
of the bound charges in the direction of a
n
will be
da
n
and:
But nqd, the dipole moment per unit volume, is
by definition the polarization vector P. We have:
And

Static Electric Fields 124
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
Remember that an is always the outward
normal. This relation correctly gives a +ve
surface charge on the right hand surface as in
previous figure and a ve surface charge on the
left hand surface.
For a surface S bounding a volume V, the net
total charge flowing out of V as a result of
polarization is obtained by integrating 2
nd
last
equation on previous page. The net charge
remaining within the volume V is the ve of this
Static Electric Fields 125
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
integral:


which leads to the expression for the volume
charge density in last equation on page 121.
Hence when the divergence of P does not
vanish, the bulk of the polarized dielectric
appears to be charged. However since we
started with an electrically neutral dielectric body,

Static Electric Fields 126
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
the total charge of the body after polarization
must remain zero. This can be radily verified by
noting that:



where the divergence theorem has again been
applied.
Static Electric Fields 127
Equivalent Charge Distributions
of Polarized Dielectrics
Because a polarized dielectric gives rise to an
equivalent volume charge density
p
, we expect
the electric field intensity due to a given source
distribution in a dielectric to be different from that
in free space. In particular, the divergence
postulated in second last equation on page 9
must be modified to include the effect of
p
; that
is:

Using last equation on page 121, we have:
Static Electric Fields 128
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant

We now define a new fundamental field quantity,
the electric flux density, or electric
displacement, D, such that:

The use of vector D enables us to write a
divergence relation between the electric field
and the distribution of free charges in any
medium without the necessity of dealing
explicitly with the polarization vector P or the
Static Electric Fields 129
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
Polarization charge density
p
. Combining
previous two equations, we obtain:

Where is the volume density of free charges.
Above equation and last equation on page 9 are
the two fundamental governing differential
equations for electrostatics in any medium.
The corresponding integral form of above
equation is obtained by taking the volume
integral of both sides. We have:
Static Electric Fields 130
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant

Or

Above equation is another form of Gausss law,
which states that, The total outward flux of the
electric displacement over any closed surface is
equal to the total free charge enclosed in the
surface.
When the dielectric properties of the medium are
linear and isotropic, the polarization is directly
Static Electric Fields 131
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
proportional to the electric field intensity, and the
proportionality constant is independent of the
direction of the field. We write:

where is a dimensionless quantity called
electric susceptibility. A dielectric medium is
linear if is independent of E and homogeneous
if is independent of space coordinates.
Substituting above equation in the last equation
on page 129 yields:
Static Electric Fields 132
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant


where

is a dimensionless quantity known as the
relative permittivity or the dielectric constant
of the medium. The coefficient is the
absolute permittivity of the medium and is
measured in farads per meter (F/m).

Static Electric Fields 133
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
Note that the can be a function of space
coordinates. If is independent of position, the
medium is said to be homogenous. A linear,
homogenous, and isotropic medium is called a
simple medium. The relative permittivity of a
simple medium is a constant.
For anisotropic materials the dielectric constant
is different for different directions of the electric
field, and D and E vectors generally have
different directions; permittivity is a tensor.
Static Electric Fields 134
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
In matrix form we may write:


For crystals the reference coordinates can be
chosen to be along the principal axis of the
crystal so that the off-diagonal terms of above
matrix are zero. We have:
Static Electric Fields 135
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
Media having the property represented by above
matrix are said to be biaxial. We may write:


If further, , then the medium is said to be
uniaxial. Of course, if ,we have an
isotropic medium.
Static Electric Fields 136
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
Example: A +ve point charge Q is at the center
of a spherical dielectric shell of an inner radius
R
i
and an outer radius R
o
. The dielectric
constant of the shell is . Determine E, V, D,
and P as functions of the radial distance R.

Solution: Because of the spherical symmetry, we
apply Gausss law to find E and D in three
regions. (a) R>R
o
; (b) R
i
<R<R
o
; and (c) R<R
i
.
Potential V is found from the ve line integral of
Static Electric Fields 137
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
E, and polarization P is determined by the
relation:

The E, D, and P vectors have only radial
components. Refer to figure on next page:
a)R>Ro
We have from equations on page 107 and 108:
Static Electric Fields 138
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
Static Electric Fields 139
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
From equations on top of page 133 and 138, we
obtain:


b) R
i
<R<R
o
The application of Guasss law in this region
gives us directly:
Static Electric Fields 140
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant



Note that D
R2
has the same expression as D
R1

and that both E
R
and P
R
have a discontinuity at
R=R
o
. In this region:
Static Electric Fields 141
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant


c) R<R
i
Since the medium in this region is the same as
that in the region R>R
o
, the application of
Gausss law yields the same expression for E
R
,
D
R
, and P
R
in both regions:
Static Electric Fields 142
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant

To find V
3
, we must add to V
2
at R=R
i
the ve
line integral of E
R3
:



The variations of and D
R
versus R are
plotted in previous figure b. The difference
is P
R
and is shown in figure c. The plot for V in
Static Electric Fields 143
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
figure d is a composite graph for V
1
, V
2
, and V
3

in the three regions. We note that D
R
is a
continuous curve exhibiting no sudden changes
in going from one medium to another and that
P
R
exists only in the dielectric region.
It is instructive to compare figure b and d with
figure b and c on page 106 respectively. From
equations on page 121 we find:


Static Electric Fields 144
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
on the inner shell surface,


on the outer shell surface, and:


Previous three equations indicate that there is no
net polarization volume charge inside the
dielectric shell. However ve polarization surface
Static Electric Fields 145
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
charges exist on the inner surface and +ve
polarization surface charges on the outer surface.
These surface charges produce an electric field
intensity that is directed radially inward, thus
reducing the E field in region 2 due to the point
charge +Q at the center.
Static Electric Fields 146
Electric Flux Density and
Dielectrics Constant
Dielectric Strength
An electric field causes small displacements of
the bound charges in a dielectric material,
resulting in polarization.
If the electric field is very strong, it will pull
electrons completely out of the molecules. The
electrons will accelerate under the influence of
the electric field, collide violently with the
molecular lattice structure, and cause
permanent dislocation and damage in the
material.
Static Electric Fields 147
Dielectric Strength
Avalanche effect of ionization due to collision
may occur. The material will become conducting,
and large currents may result. This phenomenon
is called dielectric breakdown.
The maximum electric field intensity that a
dielectric material can withstand without
breakdown is the dielectric strength of the
material.
The dielectric strength of a material must not be
confused with its dielectric constant.
Static Electric Fields 148
Dielectric Strength
The dielectric strength of air at the atmospheric
pressure is 3kV/mm. When the electric field
intensity exceeds this value, air breaks down.
Massive ionization takes place, and sparking
(corona discharge) follows. Charge tends to
concentrate at sharp points.
In view of last equation on page 103, the electric
field intensity in the immediate vicinity of sharp
points is much higher than that at points on a
relatively flat surface with a small curvature.
Static Electric Fields 149
Dielectric Strength
This is the principle upon which a lightning
arrester with a sharp metal lightning rod on top
of tall buildings works.
When a cloud containing an abundance of
electric charges approaches a tall building
equipped with a lightning rod connected to the
ground, charges of an opposite sign are
attracted from the ground to the tip of the rod,
where the electric field intensity is the strongest.
As the electric field intensity exceeds the
dielectric
Static Electric Fields 150
Dielectric Strength
dielectric strength of the wet air, breakdown
occurs, and the air near the tip is ionized and
becomes conducting. The electric charges in the
cloud are then discharged safely to the ground
through the conducting path.
Static Electric Fields 151
Example: Consider two spherical conductors
with radii b
1
and b
2
(b
2
>b
1
) that are connected by
a conducting wire. The distance of separation
between the conductors is assumed to be very
large in comparison to b
2
so that the charges on
the spherical conductors may be considered as
uniformly distributed. A total charge Q is
deposited on the spheres. Find:
a)The charges on the two spheres.
b)The electric field intensities at the spheres
surfaces.
Static Electric Fields 152
Dielectric Strength
Static Electric Fields 153
a) Since the spherical conductors are at the same
potential, we have:


or

Hence the charges on the spheres are directly
proportional to their radii. But since:
Static Electric Fields 154
Dielectric Strength
we find that:

b) The electric field intensities at the surfaces of the
two conducting spheres are:

so

The electric field intensities are therefore inversely
proportional to the radii, being higher at the surface
of the smaller sphere which has a large curvature.
Static Electric Fields 155
Dielectric Strength
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Electromagnetic problems often involve media
with different physical properties and require the
knowledge of the relations of the field quantities
at an interface between two media.
For instance, we may wish to determine how the
E and D vectors change in crossing an interface.
Boundary conditions must be satisfied at the
conductor/free space interface. These conditions
have been given in equations on page 103. Let
us consider an interface between two general
media as shown in figure on next page.
Static Electric Fields 156
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Static Electric Fields 157
Let us construct a small path abcda with sides
ab and cd in media 1 and 2 respectively, both
being parallel to the interface and equal to w .
Last equation on page 13 is applied to this path.
If we let sides bc=da= h approach zero, their
contribution to the line integral of E around the
path can be neglected. We have:
Static Electric Fields 158
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Therefore:

Which states that the tangential component of
an E field is continuous across an interface.
Above equation simplifies to Et=0 if one of the
media is a conductor. If media 1 and 2 are
dielectrics with permittivities and respectively,
we have:
Static Electric Fields 159
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
In order to find a relation between the normal
components of the fields at a boundary, we
construct a small pillbox with its top face in
medium 1 and bottom face in medium 2, as
shown in figure. The faces have an area S, and
the height of the pillbox h is vanishingly small.
Applying Gausss law (2
nd
equation on page
121) to the pillbox, we have:
Static Electric Fields 160
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields


where we have used the relation a
n2
= -a
n1
. Unit
vectors a
n1
and a
n2
are respectively, outward unit
normals from media 1 and 2. From above
equation we obtain:

or
where the reference unit normal is outward from
medium 2.
Static Electric Fields 161
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Above equation states that the normal
component of D field is discontinuous across an
interface where a surface charge exists - the
amount of discontinuity being equal to the
surface charge density. If medium 2 is a
conductor, D2=0 and above equation becomes:

which simplifies to 2
nd
equation on page 103
when medium 1 is free space.
When two dielectrics are in contact with no free
Static Electric Fields 162
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
charges at the interface,
s
=0, we have:

or
We find that the boundary conditions that must
be satisfied for static electric fields are as
follows:
Static Electric Fields 163
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Example: A lucite sheet ( =3.2) is introduced
perpendicularly in a uniform electric field
E
o
=a
x
E
o
in free space. Determine E
i
, D
i
, and P
i

inside the lucite.
Static Electric Fields 164
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Solution: We assume that the introduction of the
lucite sheet does not disturb the original uniform
electric field E
o
. Since the interfaces are
perpendicular to the electric field, only the
normal field components need to be considered.
No free charges exist
Boundary condition equation on top of page 163
at the left interface gives:

or
Static Electric Fields 165
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
There is no change in electric flux density across
the interface. The electric field intensity inside
the lucite sheet is:

The polarization vector is zero outside the lucite
sheet(Po=0). Inside the sheet:
Static Electric Fields 166
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Example: Two dielectric media with permittivities
and are separated by a charge free boundary
as shown in figure. The electric field intensity in
medium 1 at the point P1 has a magnitude Ei
and makes an angle 1 with the normal.
Determine the magnitude and direction of the
electric field intensity at point P2 in medium 2.
Static Electric Fields 167
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Solution: Two equations
are needed to solve for
two unknowns E
2t
and
E
2n
. After E
2t
and E
2n

have been found E2
and 2 will follow
directly. Using
equations on the top of
page 159 and on the
top of page 163, we
have:
Static Electric Fields 168
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields

and:
Division of above two equations gives:

The magnitude of E
2
is:



or:

Static Electric Fields 169
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Example: When a coaxial cable is used to carry
electric power, the radius of the inner conductor
is determined by the load current, and the
overall size by the voltage and the type of
insulating material used. Assume that the radius
of the inner conductor is 0.4 cm and that
concentric layers of rubber ( =3.2) and
polystyrene ( =2.6) are used as insulating
materials. Design a cable that is to work at a
voltage rating of 20 kV. In order to avoid
breakdown due to voltage surges caused by
Static Electric Fields 170
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
lightning and other abnormal external conditions,
the maximum electric field intensities in the
insulating materials are not to exceed 25% of
their dielectric strengths.
We find the dielectric strengths (from the table)
of rubber and polystyrene to be 25x10
6
(V/m)
and 20x10
6
(V/m) respectively. Using last
equation on page 46 for specified 25% of
dielectric strengths, we have the following.
In rubber:
Static Electric Fields 171
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
In polystyrene:
Combination of above two equations yields:

Above equation indicates that the insulating
layer of polystyrene should be placed outside of
that of rubber, as shown in figure on next page.
The cable is to work at a potential difference of
20,000 (V) between the inner and outer
conductors. We set:
Static Electric Fields 172
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
Static Electric Fields 173
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields

where both E
p
and E
r
have the form given in last
equation on page 46. The above relation leads
to:

or

Since r
i
=0.4 cm is given, ro can be determined
by finding the factor from last equation
Static Electric Fields 174
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields
on page 171 and then using it in above
equation. We obtain = 8x10
4
, and
r
o
=2.08r
i
=0.832 cm.
In figures b and c are plotted the variations of
the radial electric field intensity E and the
potential V referred to that of the outer sheath.
Note that E has discontinuous jumps, while the
V curve is continuous.
Static Electric Fields 175
Boundary Conditions for
Electrostatic Fields

S-ar putea să vă placă și