Chapter 24Gauss's Law

MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Two charges of 15 pC and 40 pC are inside a cube with sides that are of 0.40-m length. Determine the
net electric flux through the surface of the cube.
a. +2.8 N m2/C
b. 1.1 N m2/C
c. +1.1 N m2/C
d. 2.8 N m2/C
e. 0.47 N m2/C
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

2. The total electric flux through a closed cylindrical (length = 1.2 m, diameter = 0.20 m) surface is equal
to 5.0 N m2/C. Determine the net charge within the cylinder.
a. 62 pC
b. 53 pC
c. 44 pC
d. 71 pC
e. 16 pC
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

3. Charges q and Q are placed on the x axis at x = 0 and x = 2.0 m, respectively. If q = 40 pC and Q =
+30 pC, determine the net flux through a spherical surface (radius = 1.0 m) centered on the origin.
a. 9.6 N m2/C
b. 6.8 N m2/C
c. 8.5 N m2/C
d. 4.5 N m2/C
e. 1.1 N m2/C
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

4. A uniform linear charge density of 4.0 nC/m is distributed along the entire x axis. Consider a spherical
(radius = 5.0 cm) surface centered on the origin. Determine the electric flux through this surface.
a. 68 N m2/C
b. 62 N m2/C
c. 45 N m2/C
d. 79 N m2/C
e. 23 N m2/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

5. A uniform charge density of 500 nC/m3 is distributed throughout a spherical volume (radius = 16 cm).
Consider a cubical (4.0 cm along the edge) surface completely inside the sphere. Determine the
electric flux through this surface.
a. 7.1 N m2/C
b. 3.6 N m2/C

c. 12 N m2/C
d. 19 N m2/C
e. 970 N m2/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

6. A point charge +Q is located on the x axis at x = a, and a second point charge Q is located on the x
axis at x = a. A Gaussian surface with radius r = 2a is centered at the origin. The flux through this
Gaussian surface is
a. zero because the negative flux over one hemisphere is equal to the positive flux over the
other.
b. greater than zero.
c. zero because at every point on the surface the electric field has no component
perpendicular to the surface.
d. zero because the electric field is zero at every point on the surface.
e. none of the above.
ANS: A

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

7. The xy plane is "painted" with a uniform surface charge density which is equal to 40 nC/m 2. Consider a
spherical surface with a 4.0-cm radius that has a point in the xy plane as its center. What is the electric
flux through that part of the spherical surface for which z > 0?
a. 14 N m2/C
b. 11 N m2/C
c. 17 N m2/C
d. 20 N m2/C
e. 23 N m2/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

8. A long cylinder (radius = 3.0 cm) is filled with a nonconducting material which carries a uniform
charge density of 1.3 C/m3. Determine the electric flux through a spherical surface (radius = 2.0 cm)
which has a point on the axis of the cylinder as its center.
a. 5.7 N m2/C
b. 4.9 N m2/C
c. 6.4 N m2/C
d. 7.2 N m2/C
e. 15 N m2/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

9. Charge of uniform surface density (4.0 nC/m2) is distributed on a spherical surface (radius = 2.0 cm).
What is the total electric flux through a concentric spherical surface with a radius of 4.0 cm?
a. 2.8 N m2/C
b. 1.7 N m2/C
c. 2.3 N m2/C
d. 4.0 N m2/C
e. 9.1 N m2/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

10. A charge of uniform volume density (40 nC/m3) fills a cube with 8.0-cm edges. What is the total
electric flux through the surface of this cube?
a. 2.9 N m2/C
b. 2.0 N m2/C
c. 2.6 N m2/C
d. 2.3 N m2/C
e. 1.8 N m2/C
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

11. A charge of 0.80 nC is placed at the center of a cube that measures 4.0 m along each edge. What is the
electric flux through one face of the cube?
a. 90 N m2/C
b. 15 N m2/C
c. 45 N m2/C
d. 23 N m2/C
e. 64 N m2/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

12. A hemispherical surface (half of a spherical surface) of radius R is located in a uniform electric field of
magnitude E that is parallel to the axis of the hemisphere. What is the magnitude of the electric flux
through the hemisphere surface?
a. R2E
b. 4R2E/3
c. 2R2E/3
d. R2E/2
e. R2E/3
ANS: A

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

13. The electric field in the region of space shown is given by

N/C where y is in m. What is
the magnitude of the electric flux through the top face of the cube shown?

a.
b.
c.
d.

90 N m2/C
6.0 N m2/C
54 N m2/C
12 N m2/C

e. 126 N m2/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

14. Charge of uniform surface density (0.20 nC/m2) is distributed over the entire xy plane. Determine the
magnitude of the electric field at any point having z = 2.0 m.
a. 17 N/C
b. 11 N/C
c. 23 N/C
d. 28 N/C
e. 40 N/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

15. Two infinite parallel surfaces carry uniform charge densities of 0.20 nC/m2 and 0.60 nC/m2. What is
the magnitude of the electric field at a point between the two surfaces?
a. 34 N/C
b. 23 N/C
c. 45 N/C
d. 17 N/C
e. 90 N/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

16. Two infinite, uniformly charged, flat surfaces are mutually perpendicular. One of the sheets has a
charge density of +60 pC/m2, and the other carries a charge density of 80 pC/m2. What is the
magnitude of the electric field at any point not on either surface?
a. 1.1 N/C
b. 5.6 N/C
c. 7.9 N/C
d. 3.8 N/C
e. 4.0 N/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

17. Charge of a uniform density (8.0 nC/m2) is distributed over the entire xy plane. A charge of uniform
density (3.0 nC/m2) is distributed over the parallel plane defined by z = 2.0 m. Determine the
magnitude of the electric field for any point with z = 3.0 m.
a. 0.79 kN/C
b. 0.17 kN/C
c. 0.62 kN/C
d. 0.34 kN/C
e. 0.28 kN/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

18. Charge of a uniform density (8.0 nC/m2) is distributed over the entire xy plane. A charge of uniform
density (5.0 nC/m2) is distributed over the parallel plane defined by z = 2.0 m. Determine the
magnitude of the electric field for any point with z = 1.0 m.
a. 0.45 kN/C
b. 0.17 kN/C
c. 0.28 kN/C
d. 0.73 kN/C
e. 0.62 kN/C

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

19. Charge of uniform density (0.30 nC/m2) is distributed over the xy plane, and charge of uniform density
(0.40 nC/m2) is distributed over the yz plane. What is the magnitude of the resulting electric field at
any point not in either of the two charged planes?
a. 40 N/C
b. 34 N/C
c. 28 N/C
d. 46 N/C
e. 6.0 N/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

20. A long nonconducting cylinder (radius = 12 cm) has a charge of uniform density (5.0 nC/m3)
distributed throughout its column. Determine the magnitude of the electric field 5.0 cm from the axis
of the cylinder.
a. 25 N/C
b. 20 N/C
c. 14 N/C
d. 31 N/C
e. 34 N/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

21. A long nonconducting cylinder (radius = 12 cm) has a charge of uniform density (5.0 nC/m3)
distributed throughout its volume. Determine the magnitude of the electric field 15 cm from the axis of
the cylinder.
a. 20 N/C
b. 27 N/C
c. 16 N/C
d. 12 N/C
e. 54 N/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

22. Each 2.0-m length of a long cylinder (radius = 4.0 mm) has a charge of 4.0 nC distributed uniformly
throughout its volume. What is the magnitude of the electric field at a point 5.0 mm from the axis of
the cylinder?
a. 9.9 kN/C
b. 8.1 kN/C
c. 9.0 kN/C
d. 7.2 kN/C
e. 18 kN/C
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

23. A long nonconducting cylinder (radius = 6.0 mm) has a nonuniform volume charge density given by
r2, where = 6.2 mC/m5 and r is the distance from the axis of the cylinder. What is the magnitude of
the electric field at a point 2.0 mm from the axis?
a. 1.4 N/C
b. 1.6 N/C
c. 1.8 N/C
d. 2.0 N/C

e. 5.4 N/C
ANS: A

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

24. A long cylindrical shell (radius = 2.0 cm) has a charge uniformly distributed on its surface. If the
magnitude of the electric field at a point 8.0 cm radially outward from the axis of the shell is 85 N/C,
how much charge is distributed on a 2.0-m length of the charged cylindrical surface?
a. 0.38 nC
b. 0.76 nC
c. 0.19 nC
d. 0.57 nC
e. 0.98 nC
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

25. Charge of uniform linear density (4.0 nC/m) is distributed along the entire x axis. Determine the
magnitude of the electric field on the y axis at y = 2.5 m.
a. 36 N/C
b. 29 N/C
c. 43 N/C
d. 50 N/C
e. 58 N/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

26. Charge of uniform density (80 nC/m3) is distributed throughout a hollow cylindrical region formed by
two coaxial cylindrical surfaces of radii 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm. Determine the magnitude of the electric
field at a point which is 2.0 mm from the symmetry axis.
a. 7.9 N/C
b. 9.0 N/C
c. 5.9 N/C
d. 6.8 N/C
e. 18 N/C
ANS: D

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

27. Charge of uniform density (80 nC/m3) is distributed throughout a hollow cylindrical region formed by
two coaxial cylindrical surfaces of radii 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm. Determine the magnitude of the electric
field at a point which is 4.0 mm from the symmetry axis.
a. 7.9 N/C
b. 10 N/C
c. 9.0 N/C
d. 8.9 N/C
e. 17 N/C
ANS: C

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

28. Charge of uniform density (20 nC/m2) is distributed over a cylindrical surface (radius = 1.0 cm), and a
second coaxial surface (radius = 3.0 cm) carries a uniform charge density of 12 nC/m2. Determine the
magnitude of the electric field at a point 2.0 cm from the symmetry axis of the two surfaces.
a. 2.3 kN/C
b. 1.1 kN/C
c. 1.7 kN/C
d. 3.4 kN/C

e. 4.5 kN/C
ANS: B

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

29. Charge of uniform density (20 nC/m2) is distributed over a cylindrical surface (radius = 1.0 cm), and a
second coaxial surface (radius = 3.0 cm) carries a uniform charge density of 12 nC/m2. Determine the
magnitude of the electric field at a point 4.0 cm from the symmetry axis of the two surfaces.
a. 0.45 kN/C
b. 1.0 kN/C
c. 0.73 kN/C
d. 0.56 kN/C
e. 2.3 kN/C
ANS: A

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

30. Charge of uniform density (40 pC/m2) is distributed on a spherical surface (radius = 1.0 cm), and a
second concentric spherical surface (radius = 3.0 cm) carries a uniform charge density of 60 pC/m 2.
What is the magnitude of the electric field at a point 4.0 cm from the center of the two surfaces?
a. 3.8 N/C
b. 4.1 N/C
c. 3.5 N/C
d. 3.2 N/C
e. 0.28 N/C
ANS: B

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

31. A solid nonconducting sphere (radius = 12 cm) has a charge of uniform density (30 nC/m 3) distributed
throughout its volume. Determine the magnitude of the electric field 15 cm from the center of the
sphere.
a. 22 N/C
b. 49 N/C
c. 31 N/C
d. 87 N/C
e. 26 N/C
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

32. A 5.0-nC point charge is embedded at the center of a nonconducting sphere (radius = 2.0 cm) which
has a charge of 8.0 nC distributed uniformly throughout its volume. What is the magnitude of the
electric field at a point that is 1.0 cm from the center of the sphere?
a. 1.8 105 N/C
b. 9.0 104 N/C
c. 3.6 105 N/C
d. 2.7 105 N/C
e. 7.2 105 N/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

33. A charge of 5.0 pC is distributed uniformly on a spherical surface (radius = 2.0 cm), and a second
charge of 2.0 pC is distributed uniformly on a concentric spherical surface (radius = 4.0 cm).
Determine the magnitude of the electric field 3.0 cm from the center of the two surfaces.
a. 30 N/C
b. 50 N/C

c. 40 N/C
d. 20 N/C
e. 70 N/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

34. A charge of 8.0 pC is distributed uniformly on a spherical surface (radius = 2.0 cm), and a second
charge of 3.0 pC is distributed uniformly on a concentric spherical surface (radius = 4.0 cm).
Determine the magnitude of the electric field 5.0 cm from the center of the two surfaces.
a. 14 N/C
b. 11 N/C
c. 22 N/C
d. 18 N/C
e. 40 N/C
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

35. A point charge (5.0 pC) is located at the center of a spherical surface (radius = 2.0 cm), and a charge of
3.0 pC is spread uniformly upon this surface. Determine the magnitude of the electric field 1.0 cm
from the point charge.
a. 0.72 kN/C
b. 0.45 kN/C
c. 0.63 kN/C
d. 0.90 kN/C
e. 0.18 kN/C
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

36. Charge of uniform density (40 pC/m2) is distributed on a spherical surface (radius = 1.0 cm), and a
second concentric spherical surface (radius = 3.0 cm) carries a uniform charge density of 60 pC/m 2.
What is the magnitude of the electric field at a point 2.0 cm from the center of the two surfaces?
a. 1.1 N/C
b. 4.5 N/C
c. 1.4 N/C
d. 5.6 N/C
e. 0.50 N/C
ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

37. A 4.0-pC point charge is placed at the center of a hollow (inner radius = 2.0 cm, outer radius = 4.0 cm)
conducting sphere which has a net charge of 4.0 pC. Determine the magnitude of the electric field at a
point which is 6.0 cm from the point charge.
a. 35 N/C
b. 25 N/C
c. 30 N/C
d. 20 N/C
e. 10 N/C
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

38. The axis of a long hollow metallic cylinder (inner radius = 1.0 cm, outer radius = 2.0 cm) coincides
with a long wire. The wire has a linear charge density of 8.0 pC/m, and the cylinder has a net charge
per unit length of 4.0 pC/m. Determine the magnitude of the electric field 3.0 cm from the axis.
a. 5.4 N/C

b.
c.
d.
e.

7.2 N/C
4.3 N/C
3.6 N/C
2.4 N/C

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

39. A long straight metal rod has a radius of 2.0 mm and a surface charge of density 0.40 nC/m 2.
Determine the magnitude of the electric field 3.0 mm from the axis.
a. 18 N/C
b. 23 N/C
c. 30 N/C
d. 15 N/C
e. 60 N/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

40. If the electric field just outside a thin conducting sheet is equal to 1.5 N/C, determine the surface
charge density on the conductor.
a. 53 pC/m2
b. 27 pC/m2
c. 35 pC/m2
d. 13 pC/m2
e. 6.6 pC/m2
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

41. The field just outside the surface of a long conducting cylinder which has a 2.0-cm radius points
radially outward and has a magnitude of 200 N/C. What is the charge density on the surface of the
cylinder?
a. 2.7 nC/m2
b. 1.8 nC/m2
c. 3.5 nC/m2
d. 4.4 nC/m2
e. 0.90 nC/m2
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

42. A spherical conductor (radius = 1.0 cm) with a charge of 2.0 pC is within a concentric hollow spherical
conductor (inner radius = 3.0 cm, outer radius = 4.0 cm) which has a total charge of 3.0 pC. What is
the magnitude of the electric field 2.0 cm from the center of these conductors?
a. 23 N/C
b. zero
c. 45 N/C
d. 90 N/C
e. 110 N/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

43. A long cylindrical conductor (radius = 1.0 mm) carries a charge density of 4.0 pC/m and is inside a
coaxial, hollow, cylindrical conductor (inner radius = 3.0 mm, outer radius = 4.0 mm) that has a total
charge of 8.0 pC/m. What is the magnitude of the electric field 2.0 mm from the axis of these
conductors?
a. 24 N/C

b.
c.
d.
e.

18 N/C
zero
36 N/C
226 N/C

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

44. The electric field just outside the surface of a hollow conducting sphere of radius 20 cm has a
magnitude of 500 N/C and is directed outward. An unknown charge Q is introduced into the center of
the sphere and it is noted that the electric field is still directed outward but has decreased to 100 N/C.
What is the magnitude of the charge Q?
a. 1.5 nC
b. 1.8 nC
c. 1.3 nC
d. 1.1 nC
e. 2.7 nC
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

45. A point charge of 6.0 nC is placed at the center of a hollow spherical conductor (inner radius = 1.0 cm,
outer radius = 2.0 cm) which has a net charge of 4.0 nC. Determine the resulting charge density on
the inner surface of the conducting sphere.
a. +4.8 C/m2
b. 4.8 C/m2
c. 9.5 C/m2
d. +9.5 C/m2
e. 8.0 C/m2
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

46. An astronaut is in an all-metal chamber outside the space station when a solar storm results in the
deposit of a large positive charge on the station. Which statement is correct?
a. The astronaut must abandon the chamber immediately to avoid being electrocuted.
b. The astronaut will be safe only if she is wearing a spacesuit made of non-conducting
materials.
c. The astronaut does not need to worry: the charge will remain on the outside surface.
d. The astronaut must abandon the chamber if the electric field on the outside surface
becomes greater than the breakdown field of air.
e. The astronaut must abandon the chamber immediately because the electric field inside the
chamber is non-uniform.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

47. A small metal sphere is suspended from the conducting cover of a conducting metal ice bucket by a
non-conducting thread. The sphere is given a negative charge before the cover is placed on the bucket.
The bucket is tilted by means of a non-conducting material so that the charged sphere touches the
inside of the bucket. Which statement is correct?
a. The negative charge remains on the metal sphere.
b. The negative charge spreads over the outside surface of the bucket and cover.
c. The negative charge spreads over the inside surface of the bucket and cover.
d. The negative charge spreads equally over the inside and outside surfaces of the bucket and
cover.
e. The negative charge spreads equally over the sphere and the inside and outside surfaces of

the bucket and cover.

ANS: B

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

48. A positive point charge q is placed off center inside an uncharged metal sphere insulated from the
ground as shown. Where is the induced charge density greatest in magnitude and what is its sign?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

A; negative.
A; positive.
B; negative.
B; positive.
C; negative.

ANS: A

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

49. A positive point charge q is placed at the center of an uncharged metal sphere insulated from the
ground. The outside of the sphere is then grounded as shown. Then the ground wire is removed. A is
the inner surface and B is the outer surface. Which statement is correct?

a. The charge on A is q; that on B is +q.

b. The charge on B is q; that on A is +q.
c.
The charge is on A and on B.
d. There is no charge on either A or B.
e. The charge on A is q; there is no charge on B.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

50. An uncharged metal sphere is placed on an insulating puck on a frictionless table. While being held
parallel to the table, a rod with a charge q is brought close to the sphere, but does not touch it. As the
rod is brought in, the sphere
a. remains at rest.
b. moves toward the rod.
c. moves away from the rod.
d. moves perpendicular to the velocity vector of the rod.
e. moves upward off the puck.
ANS: B

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

51. Three originally uncharged infinite parallel planes are arranged as shown. Then the upper plate has
surface charge density placed on it while the lower plate receives surface charge density . The net
charge induced on the center plate is

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.
/2.
+/2.
.
+ .

ANS: A

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

52. Two concentric imaginary spherical surfaces of radius R and 2R respectively surround a positive point
charge Q located at the center of the surfaces. When compared to the electric flux 1 through the
surface of radius R, the electric flux 2 through the surface of radius 2R is
a.
.
b.
.
c. 2 = 1.
d. 2 = 21.
e. 2 = 41.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

53. Two concentric imaginary spherical surfaces of radius R and 2R respectively surround a positive point
charge Q located at the center of the surfaces. When compared to the electric flux 1 through the
surface of radius R, the electric flux 2 through the surface of radius 2R is
a.
.
b.
.
c. 2 = 1.
d. 2 = 21.
e. 2 = 41.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

54. When a cube is inscribed in a sphere of radius r, the length L of a side of the cube is
. If a
positive point charge Q is placed at the center of the spherical surface, the ratio of the electric flux
sphere at the spherical surface to the flux cube at the surface of the cube is

a.
.
b.
.
c. 1.
d.
.
e.
.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

55. The electric flux through the two adjacent spherical surfaces shown below is known to be the same.

It is also known that there is no charge inside either spherical surface. We can conclude that
a. there is no electric field present in this region of space.
b. there is a constant E field present in this region of space.
c. the electric flux has a constant value of zero.
d. any of the above may be correct.
e. only (a) and (b) above may be correct.
ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

56. Which one of the following cannot be a statement of Gauss's Law for some physical situation?
a. 4r20E = Q.
b. 2rL0E = Q.
c.
.
d.
.
e.
.
ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

57. Which one of the following is not an expression for electric charge?
a.
b.
c.
d.

e.

ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

58. An uncharged spherical conducting shell surrounds a charge q at the center of the shell. The charges
on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell are respectively
a. q, q.
b. q, +q.
c. +q, q.
d. +q, +q.
e. +q, 0.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

59. An uncharged spherical conducting shell surrounds a charge q at the center of the shell. Then charge
+3q is placed on the outside of the shell. When static equilibrium is reached, the charges on the inner
and outer surfaces of the shell are respectively
a. +q, q.
b. q, +q.
c. +q, +2q.
d. +2q, +q.
e. +3q, 0.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

60. A constant electric field

is present throughout a region of space that includes the plane
bounded by the x and y axes and the lines x = 30 cm and y = 50 cm. The electric flux through the
plane's surface, in N m2/C, is
a. 0.
b. 0.25.
c. 25.
d. 50.
e. 100.
ANS: A

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

61. A constant electric field

is present throughout a region of space that includes the plane
bounded by the y and z axes and the lines y = 50 cm and z = 50 cm. The electric flux through the
plane's surface, in N m2/C, is
a. 0.
b. 0.25.
c. 25.
d. 50.
e. 100.
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

62. A spaceship encounters a single plane of charged particles, with the charge per unit area equal to .
The electric field a short distance above the plane has magnitude ____ and is directed ____ to the
plane.
a.
, parallel
b.
, perpendicular
c.
, parallel
d.
, perpendicular
e.
, parallel
ANS: B
63. You are told that
to

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

summed over both the surface areas of sphere A and sphere B below totals

. You can conclude that

a. Sphere A contains charge qin = Q.

b. Sphere B contains charge qin = Q.
c. Sphere B contains charge qin = +Q.
d.
Each sphere contains charge
.
e. The sum of the charges contained in both spheres is Q.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

64. If we define the gravitational field

for gravity is
a.
.
b.
.
c.
.
d.
.

DIF: Easy

, where is a unit radial vector, then Gauss's Law

e.
ANS: C

.
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

65. Gino says that the analog of Gauss's law for the flow of an incompressible fluid of density at
constant velocity is
for an imaginary surface within the fluid. Lorenzo says that it is
true only if the area where the fluid enters the surface and the area where it leaves the surface are both
perpendicular to the velocity of the fluid. Which one, if either, is correct?
a. Gino, because as much fluid leaves as enters.
b.
Lorenzo, because
is not equal to zero if the fluid enters or exits at angles other
than 90.
c. Lorenzo, because this is true only when the fluid executes rotational motion.
d. Gino, because it is true only when the fluid is enclosed on all sides, not when it is flowing.
e. Lorenzo, because it is true only when the fluid is enclosed on all sides, not when it is
flowing.
ANS: A

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

66. A beam of electrons moves at velocity

. The number of particles per unit volume in the beam of
area A is . If we imagine a cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius r and length centered on the beam,
the electron flux through the surface is
a. 0.
b. vfA.
c. vfA.
d. vf(A+2r ).
e. vf(A+r ).
ANS: A

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

67. A student has made the statement that the electric flux through one half of a Gaussian surface is always
equal and opposite to the flux through the other half of the Gaussian surface. This is
a. never true.
b. never false.
c. true whenever enclosed charge is symmetrically located at a center point, or on a center
line or centrally placed plane.
d. true whenever no charge is enclosed within the Gaussian surface.
e. true only when no charge is enclosed within the Gaussian surface.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

68. A student has made the statement that the electric flux through one half of a Gaussian surface is always
equal to the flux through the other half of the Gaussian surface. This is
a. never true.
b. never false.
c. true whenever enclosed charge is symmetrically located at a center point, on a center line,
or on a centrally placed plane.
d. true whenever no charge is enclosed within the Gaussian surface.
e. true only when no charge is enclosed within the Gaussian surface.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

69. Two planes of charge with no thickness, A and B, are parallel and vertical. The electric field in the
region between the two planes has magnitude
. The electric field in the region to the left of A and
the electric field in the region to the right of B may have the magnitudes
a. 0, 0.
b.
.

,
c.

,
.
d. given in any answer above.
e. given only in answer (a) or (b) above.
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

70. Two planes of charge with no thickness, A and B, are parallel and vertical. The electric field in region I
to the left of plane A has magnitude
right of B has magnitude
planes has magnitude
respectively is
a.

and points to the left. The electric field in the region to the

and points to the right. The electric field in the region between the two
and points to the right. The surface charge density on planes A and B

, .
b.
,
c.

d.

,
.
e. 2, .
ANS: E

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

71. Whitney says that Gauss's Law can be used to find the electric field of a sufficiently symmetrical
distribution of charge as long as
over the whole Gaussian surface. Algie says that the
electric field must be a constant vector over the entire Gaussian surface. Which one, if either, is
correct?
a. Whitney, because that means no charge is enclosed within the Gaussian surface.
b.
Algie, because a constant electric field means that
.
c. Both, because the conditions in (a) and (b) are equivalent.
d. Neither, because the electric field can be found from Gauss's law only if
holds
only over a portion of the Gaussian surface.
e. Neither, because the charge distribution must be symmetric if
surface.

anywhere on the

ANS: D

PTS: 2

72. A uniform electric field

DIF: Average

is present in the region between the infinite parallel planes of charge A and

B, and a uniform electric field

is present in the region between the infinite parallel planes of charge
B and C. When the planes are vertical and the fields are both non-zero,
a.
and
are both directed to the right.
b.
and
are both directed to the left.
c.
points to the right and
to the left.
d.
points to the left and
to the right.
e. Any one of the above is possible.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

73. A uniform electric field

uniform electric field

DIF: Easy

is present in the region between infinite parallel plane plates A and B and a
is present in the region between infinite parallel plane plates B and C. When

the plates are vertical,

is directed to the right and
A, B and C may be
a. , , .
b. +, , .
c. +, , +.
d. +, +, +.
e. any one of the above.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

to the left. The signs of the charges on plates

DIF: Easy

74. Three infinite planes of charge, A, B and C, are vertical and parallel to one another. There is a uniform
electric field

to the left of plane A and a uniform electric field

points to the left and the field

may be
a. , , .
b. +, , .
c. +, , +.
d. +, +, +.
e. any one of the above.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

to the right of plane C. The field

points to the right. The signs of the charges on plates A, B and C

DIF: Easy

75. An constant electric field,

N/C, goes through a surface with area
surface can also be expressed as an area of 10 m 2 with the direction of the unit vector (
What is the magnitude of the electric flux through this area?
a. 24 N m2/C
b. 48 N m2/C
c. 0.24 N m2/C
d. 0.48 N m2/C

m2. (This
).

e. 0
ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

76. A point charge is located at the origin. Centered along the x axis is a cylindrical closed surface of
radius 10 cm with one end surface located at x = 2 m and the other end surface located at x = 4 m. If
the magnitude of the electric flux through the surface at x = 2 m is 4 N m2/C, what is the magnitude
of the electric flux through the surface at x = 4 m?
a. 1 N m2/C
b. 2 N m2/C
c. 4 N m2/C
d. 16 N m2/C
e. The correct value is not given.
ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

PROBLEM
77. The nucleus of lead-208,
, has 82 protons within a sphere of radius 6.34 1015. Each electric
charge has a value of 1.60 1019 C. Assuming that the protons create a spherically symmetric
distribution of charge, calculate the electric field at the surface of the nucleus.
ANS:
2.94 1021 N/C
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

78. At the point of fission, a nucleus of U-238, with 92 protons is divided into two smaller spheres each
with 46 protons and a radius of 5.9 1015 m. What is the repulsive force pushing the two spheres apart
when they are just touching one another? (The mass of the U-238 nucleus is 3.98 1025 kg.)
ANS:
3 500 N
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

79. The nucleus of a hydrogen atom, a proton, sets up an electric field. The distance between the proton
and electron is about 5.1 1011 m. What is the magnitude of the electric field at this distance from the
proton? [The charge on the proton is +1.6 1019 C.]
ANS:
5.5 1011 N/C
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

80. A Geiger counter is like an electroscope that discharges whenever ions formed by a radioactive particle
produce a conducting path. A typical Geiger counter consists of a thin conducting wire of radius 0.002
cm stretched along the axis of a conducting cylinder of radius 2.0 cm. The wire and the cylinder carry
equal and opposites charges of 8.0 1010 C all along their length of 10.0 cm. What is the magnitude
of the electric field at the surface of the wire?

ANS:
7.2 106 N/C
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

Chapter 25Electric Potential

MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A charged particle (q = 8.0 mC), which moves in a region where the only force acting on the particle
is an electric force, is released from rest at point A. At point B the kinetic energy of the particle is
equal to 4.8 J. What is the electric potential difference VB VA?
a. 0.60 kV
b. +0.60 kV
c. +0.80 kV
d. 0.80 kV
e. +0.48 kV
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

2. A particle (charge = 50 C) moves in a region where the only force on it is an electric force. As the
particle moves 25 cm from point A to point B, its kinetic energy increases by 1.5 mJ. Determine the
electric potential difference, VB VA.
a. 50 V
b. 40 V
c. 30 V
d. 60 V
e. +15 V
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

3. Points A [at (2, 3) m] and B [at (5, 7) m] are in a region where the electric field is uniform and given
by
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

N/C. What is the potential difference VA VB?

33 V
27 V
30 V
24 V
11 V

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

4. A particle (charge = +2.0 mC) moving in a region where only electric forces act on it has a kinetic
energy of 5.0 J at point A. The particle subsequently passes through point B which has an electric
potential of +1.5 kV relative to point A. Determine the kinetic energy of the particle as it moves
through point B.
a. 3.0 J
b. 2.0 J
c. 5.0 J
d. 8.0 J

e. 10.0 J
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

5. A particle (mass = 6.7 1027 kg, charge = 3.2 1019 C) moves along the positive x axis with a speed
of 4.8 105 m/s. It enters a region of uniform electric field parallel to its motion and comes to rest after
moving 2.0 m into the field. What is the magnitude of the electric field?
a. 2.0 kN/C
b. 1.5 kN/C
c. 1.2 kN/C
d. 3.5 kN/C
e. 2.4 kN/C
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

6. A proton (mass = 1.67 1027 kg, charge = 1.60 1019 C) moves from point A to point B under the
influence of an electrostatic force only. At point A the proton moves with a speed of 50 km/s. At point
B the speed of the proton is 80 km/s. Determine the potential difference VB VA.
a. +20 V
b. 20 V
c. 27 V
d. +27 V
e. 40 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

7. A proton (mass = 1.67 1027 kg, charge = 1.60 1019 C) moves from point A to point B under the
influence of an electrostatic force only. At point A the proton moves with a speed of 60 km/s. At point
B the speed of the proton is 80 km/s. Determine the potential difference VB VA.
a. +15 V
b. 15 V
c. 33 V
d. +33 V
e. 20 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

8. What is the speed of a proton that has been accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 4.0
kV?
a. 1.1 106 m/s
b. 9.8 105 m/s
c. 8.8 105 m/s
d. 1.2 106 m/s
e. 6.2 105 m/s
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

9. An electron (m = 9.1 1031 kg, q = 1.6 1019 C) starts from rest at point A and has a speed of 5.0
106 m/s at point B. Only electric forces act on it during this motion. Determine the electric potential
difference VA VB.
a. 71 V
b. +71 V

c. 26 V
d. +26 V
e. 140 V
ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

10. A proton (m = 1.7 1027 kg, q = +1.6 1019 C) starts from rest at point A and has a speed of 40 km/s
at point B. Only electric forces act on it during this motion. Determine the electric potential difference
VB VA.
a. +8.5 V
b. 8.5 V
c. 4.8 V
d. +4.8 V
e. 17 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

11. A particle (m = 2.0 g, q = 5.0 C) has a speed of 30 m/s at point A and moves (with only electric
forces acting on it) to point B where its speed is 80 m/s. Determine the electric potential difference VA
VB.
a. 2.2 kV
b. +1.1 kV
c. 1.1 kV
d. +2.2 kV
e. +1.3 kV
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

12. An alpha particle (m = 6.7 1027 kg, q = +3.2 1019 C) has a speed of 20 km/s at point A and moves
to point B where it momentarily stops. Only electric forces act on the particle during this motion.
Determine the electric potential difference VA VB.
a. +4.2 V
b. 4.2 V
c. 9.4 V
d. +9.4 V
e. 8.4 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

13. Points A [at (3, 6) m] and B [at (8, 3) m] are in a region where the electric field is uniform and given
by
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

N/C. What is the electric potential difference VA VB?

+60 V
60 V
+80 V
80 V
+50 V

ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

14. If a = 30 cm, b = 20 cm, q = +2.0 nC, and Q = 3.0 nC in the figure, what is the potential difference VA
VB?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

+60 V
+72 V
+84 V
+96 V
+48 V

ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

15. Several charges in the neighborhood of point P produce an electric potential of 6.0 kV (relative to zero
at infinity) and an electric field of
N/C at point P. Determine the work required of an external agent
to move a 3.0-C charge along the x axis from infinity to point P without any net change in the kinetic
energy of the particle.
a. 21 mJ
b. 18 mJ
c. 24 mJ
d. 27 mJ
e. 12 mJ
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

16. Point charges q and Q are positioned as shown. If q = +2.0 nC, Q = 2.0 nC, a = 3.0 m, and b = 4.0 m,
what is the electric potential difference, VA VB?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

8.4 V
6.0 V
7.2 V
4.8 V
0V

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

17. Three charged particles are positioned in the xy plane: a 50-nC charge at y = 6 m on the y axis, a 80nC charge at x = 4 m on the x axis, and a 70-nc charge at y = 6 m on the y axis. What is the electric
potential (relative to a zero at infinity) at the point x = 8 m on the x axis?
a. +81 V
b. +48 V
c. +5.8 V
d. 72 V
e. 18 V

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

18. Point charges of equal magnitudes (25 nC) and opposite signs are placed on (diagonally) opposite
corners of a 60-cm 80-cm rectangle. If point A is the corner of this rectangle nearest the positive
charge and point B is located at the intersection of the diagonals of the rectangle, determine the
potential difference, VB VA.
a. 47 V
b. +94 V
c. zero
d. 94 V
e. +47 V
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

19. Identical 2.0-C charges are located on the vertices of a square with sides that are 2.0 m in length.
Determine the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the center of the square.
a. 38 kV
b. 51 kV
c. 76 kV
d. 64 kV
e. 13 kV
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

20. A +4.0-C charge is placed on the x axis at x = +3.0 m, and a 2.0-C charge is located on the y axis at
y = 1.0 m. Point A is on the y axis at y = +4.0 m. Determine the electric potential at point A (relative
to zero at the origin).
a. 6.0 kV
b. 8.4 kV
c. 9.6 kV
d. 4.8 kV
e. 3.6 kV
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

21. Identical 4.0-C charges are placed on the y axis at y = 4.0 m. Point A is on the x axis at x = +3.0 m.
Determine the electric potential of point A (relative to zero at the origin).
a. 4.5 kV
b. 2.7 kV
c. 1.8 kV
d. 3.6 kV
e. 14 kV
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

22. Four identical point charges (+6.0 nC) are placed at the corners of a rectangle which measures 6.0 m
8.0 m. If the electric potential is taken to be zero at infinity, what is the potential at the geometric
center of this rectangle?
a. 58 V
b. 63 V
c. 43 V
d. 84 V

e. 11 V
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

23. Three identical point charges (+2.0 nC) are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle with sides of
2.0-m length. If the electric potential is taken to be zero at infinity, what is the potential at the midpoint
of any one of the sides of the triangle?
a. 16 V
b. 10 V
c. 70 V
d. 46 V
e. 44 V
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

24. A particle (charge = Q) is kept in a fixed position at point P, and a second particle (charge = q) is
released from rest when it is a distance R from P. If Q = +2.0 mC, q = 1.5 mC, and R = 30 cm, what is
the kinetic energy of the moving particle after it has moved a distance of 10 cm?
a. 60 kJ
b. 45 kJ
c. 75 kJ
d. 90 kJ
e. 230 kJ
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

25. Particle A (mass = m, charge = Q) and B (mass = m, charge = 5 Q) are released from rest with the
distance between them equal to 1.0 m. If Q = 12 C, what is the kinetic energy of particle B at the
instant when the particles are 3.0 m apart?
a. 8.6 J
b. 3.8 J
c. 6.0 J
d. 2.2 J
e. 4.3 J
ANS: D

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

26. A particle (charge = 40 C) moves directly toward a second particle (charge = 80 C) which is held in
a fixed position. At an instant when the distance between the two particles is 2.0 m, the kinetic energy
of the moving particle is 16 J. Determine the distance separating the two particles when the moving
particle is momentarily stopped.
a. 0.75 m
b. 0.84 m
c. 0.95 m
d. 0.68 m
e. 0.56 m
ANS: C

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

27. A particle (charge 7.5 C) is released from rest at a point on the x axis, x = 10 cm. It begins to move
due to the presence of a 2.0-C charge which remains fixed at the origin. What is the kinetic energy of
the particle at the instant it passes the point x = 1.0 m?
a. 3.0 J
b. 1.8 J

c. 2.4 J
d. 1.2 J
e. 1.4 J
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

28. A particle (charge = 5.0 C) is released from rest at a point x = 10 cm. If a 5.0-C charge is held fixed
at the origin, what is the kinetic energy of the particle after it has moved 90 cm?
a. 1.6 J
b. 2.0 J
c. 2.4 J
d. 1.2 J
e. 1.8 J
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

29. A 60-C charge is held fixed at the origin and a 20-C charge is held fixed on the x axis at a point x =
1.0 m. If a 10-C charge is released from rest at a point x = 40 cm, what is its kinetic energy the instant
it passes the point x = 70 cm?
a. 9.8 J
b. 7.8 J
c. 8.8 J
d. 6.9 J
e. 2.8 J
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

30. Two identical particles, each with a mass of 2.0 g and a charge of 25 nC, are released simultaneously
from rest when the two are 4.0 cm apart. What is the speed of either particle at the instant when the
two are separated by 10 cm?
a. 7.3 m/s
b. 9.8 m/s
c. 9.2 m/s
d. 6.5 m/s
e. 4.6 m/s
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

31. Two particles, each having a mass of 3.0 g and having equal but opposite charges of magnitude 5.0
nC, are released simultaneously from rest when the two are 5.0 cm apart. What is the speed of either
particle at the instant when the two are separated by 2.0 cm?
a. 2.1 m/s
b. 1.5 m/s
c. 1.8 m/s
d. 2.4 m/s
e. 3.2 m/s
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

32. Two identical particles, each with a mass of 4.5 g and a charge of 30 nC, are moving directly toward
each other with equal speeds of 4.0 m/s at an instant when the distance separating the two is equal to
25 cm. How far apart will they be when closest to one another?
a. 9.8 cm

b.
c.
d.
e.

12 cm
7.8 cm
15 cm
20 cm

ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

33. Two particles, each having a mass of 3.0 g and having equal but opposite charges of magnitude of 6.0
nC, are released simultaneously from rest when they are a very large distance apart. What distance
separates the two at the instant when each has a speed of 5.0 m/s?
a. 4.3 mm
b. 8.6 mm
c. 7.3 mm
d. 5.6 mm
e. 2.2 mm
ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

34. A particle (q = +5.0 C) is released from rest when it is 2.0 m from a charged particle which is held at
rest. After the positively charged particle has moved 1.0 m toward the fixed particle, it has a kinetic
energy of 50 mJ. What is the charge on the fixed particle?
a. 2.2 C
b. +6.7 C
c. 2.7 C
d. +8.0 C
e. 1.1 C
ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

35. Four identical point charges (+4.0 C) are placed at the corners of a square which has 20-cm sides.
How much work is required to assemble this charge arrangement starting with each of the charges a
very large distance from any of the other charges?
a. +2.9 J
b. +3.9 J
c. +2.2 J
d. +4.3 J
e. +1.9 J
ANS: B

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

36. Identical 8.0-C point charges are positioned on the x axis at x = 1.0 m and released from rest
simultaneously. What is the kinetic energy of either of the charges after it has moved 2.0 m?
a. 84 mJ
b. 54 mJ
c. 96 mJ
d. 63 mJ
e. 48 mJ
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

37. Through what potential difference must an electron (starting from rest) be accelerated if it is to reach a
speed of 3.0 107 m/s?
a. 5.8 kV

b.
c.
d.
e.

2.6 kV
7.1 kV
8.6 kV
5.1 kV

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

38. Identical point charges (+50 C) are placed at the corners of a square with sides of 2.0-m length. How
much external energy is required to bring a fifth identical charge from infinity to the geometric center
of the square?
a. 41 J
b. 16 J
c. 64 J
d. 10 J
e. 80 J
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

39. A charge of +3.0 C is distributed uniformly along the circumference of a circle with a radius of 20
cm. How much external energy is required to bring a charge of 25 C from infinity to the center of the
circle?
a. 5.4 J
b. 3.4 J
c. 4.3 J
d. 2.7 J
e. 6.8 J
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

40. Identical point charges (+20 C) are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle with sides of 2.0-m
length. How much external energy is required to bring a charge of 45 C from infinity to the midpoint
of one side of the triangle?
a. 26 J
b. 16 J
c. 23 J
d. 21 J
e. 12 J
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

41. Identical point charges (+30 C) are placed at the corners of a rectangle (4.0 m 6.0 m). How much
external energy is required to bring a charge of 55 C from infinity to the midpoint of one of the 6.0-m
long sides of the rectangle?
a. 22 J
b. 16 J
c. 13 J
d. 19 J
e. 8.0 J
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

42. A charge per unit length given by (x) = bx, where b = 12 nC/m2, is distributed along the x axis from x
= +9.0 cm to x = +16 cm. If the electric potential at infinity is taken to be zero, what is the electric
potential at the point P on the y axis at y = 12 cm?
a. 5.4 V
b. 7.2 V
c. 9.0 V
d. 9.9 V
e. 16 V
ANS: A

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

43. A charge Q is uniformly distributed along the x axis from x = a to x = b. If Q = 45 nC, a = 3.0 m, and
b = 2.0 m, what is the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the point, x = 8.0 m, on the x
axis?
a. 71 V
b. 60 V
c. 49 V
d. 82 V
e. 150 V
ANS: C

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

44. Charge of uniform density (3.5 nC/m) is distributed along the circular arc shown. Determine the
electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at point P.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

61 V
42 V
52 V
33 V
22 V

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

45. A charge of uniform density (0.80 nC/m) is distributed along the x axis from the origin to the point x =
10 cm. What is the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at a point, x = 18 cm, on the x axis?
a. 7.1 V
b. 5.8 V
c. 9.0 V
d. 13 V
e. 16 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

46. A charge of 20 nC is distributed uniformly along the x axis from x = 2.0 m to x = +2.0 m. What is the
electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the point x = 5.0 m on the x axis?
a. 57 V
b. 48 V
c. 38 V
d. 67 V
e. 100 V
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

47. Charge of uniform density 12 nC/m is distributed along the x axis from x = 2.0 m to x = 5.0 m. What is
the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the origin (x = 0)?
a. 91 V
b. 99 V
c. 82 V
d. 74 V
e. 140 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

48. A linear charge of nonuniform density = bx, where b = 2.1 nC/m2, is distributed along the x axis from
x = 2.0 m to x = 3.0 m. Determine the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) of the point y = 4.0
m on the y axis.
a. 36 V
b. 95 V
c. 10 V
d. 17 V
e. 15 V
ANS: C

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

49. A nonuniform linear charge distribution given by (x) = bx, where b is a constant, is distributed along
the x axis from x = 0 to x = +L. If b = 40 nC/m2 and L = 0.20 m, what is the electric potential (relative
to a potential of zero at infinity) at the point y = 2L on the y axis?
a. 19 V
b. 17 V
c. 21 V
d. 23 V
e. 14 V
ANS: B

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

50. A charge of 10 nC is distributed uniformly along the x axis from x = 2 m to x = +3 m. Which of the
following integrals is correct for the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the point x = +5 m
on the x axis?
a.
b.
c.

d.
e.

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

51. Charge of uniform linear density 3.0 nC/m is distributed along the x axis from x = 0 to x = 3 m. Which
of the following integrals is correct for the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the point x =
+4 m on the x axis?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

52. A charge of 4.0 nC is distributed uniformly along the x axis from x = +4 m to x = +6 m. Which of the
following integrals is correct for the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the origin?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

53. A charge of 20 nC is distributed uniformly along the y axis from y = 0 to y = 4 m. Which of the
following integrals is correct for the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the point x = +3 m
on the x axis?
a.
b.

c.
d.
e.

ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

54. Charge of uniform linear density 6.0 nC/m is distributed along the x axis from x = 0 to x = +3 m.
Which of the following integrals is correct for the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the
point y = +4 m on the y axis?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

55. A rod (length = 2.0 m) is uniformly charged and has a total charge of 5.0 nC. What is the electric
potential (relative to zero at infinity) at a point which lies along the axis of the rod and is 3.0 m from
the center of the rod?
a. 22 V
b. 19 V
c. 16 V
d. 25 V
e. 12 V
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

56. A charge of 18 nC is uniformly distributed along the y axis from y = 3 m to y = 5 m. Which of the
following integrals is correct for the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the point x = +2 m
on the x axis?
a.
b.
c.

d.
e.

ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

57. Two large parallel conducting plates are 8.0 cm apart and carry equal but opposite charges on their
facing surfaces. The magnitude of the surface charge density on either of the facing surfaces is 2.0
nC/m2. Determine the magnitude of the electric potential difference between the plates.
a. 36 V
b. 27 V
c. 18 V
d. 45 V
e. 16 V
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

58. A solid conducting sphere (radius = 5.0 cm) has a charge of 0.25 nC distributed uniformly on its
surface. If point A is located at the center of the sphere and point B is 15 cm from the center, what is
the magnitude of the electric potential difference between these two points?
a. 23 V
b. 30 V
c. 15 V
d. 45 V
e. 60 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

59. Charge of uniform density 50 nC/m3 is distributed throughout the inside of a long nonconducting
cylindrical rod (radius = 5.0 cm). Determine the magnitude of the potential difference of point A (2.0
cm from the axis of the rod) and point B (4.0 cm from the axis).
a. 2.7 V
b. 2.0 V
c. 2.4 V
d. 1.7 V
e. 3.4 V
ANS: D

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

60. Charge of uniform density 90 nC/m3 is distributed throughout the inside of a long nonconducting
cylindrical rod (radius = 2.0 cm). Determine the magnitude of the potential difference of point A (2.0
cm from the axis of the rod) and point B (4.0 cm from the axis).
a. 1.9 V
b. 1.4 V
c. 2.2 V
d. 2.8 V
e. 4.0 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

61. A nonconducting sphere of radius 10 cm is charged uniformly with a density of 100 nC/m3. What is the
magnitude of the potential difference between the center and a point 4.0 cm away?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

12 V
6.8 V
3.0 V
4.7 V
2.2 V

ANS: C

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

62. A charge of 40 pC is distributed on an isolated spherical conductor that has a 4.0-cm radius. Point A is
1.0 cm from the center of the conductor and point B is 5.0 cm from the center of the conductor.
Determine the electric potential difference VA VB.
a. +1.8 V
b. +29 V
c. +27 V
d. +7.2 V
e. +9.0 V
ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

63. Two flat conductors are placed with their inner faces separated by 6.0 mm. If the surface charge
density on one of the inner faces is 40 pC/m2, what is the magnitude of the electric potential
differences between the two conductors?
a. 36 mV
b. 18 mV
c. 32 mV
d. 27 mV
e. 14 mV
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

64. The electric field in a region of space is given by Ex = (3.0x) N/C, Ey = Ez = 0, where x is in m. Points
A and B are on the x axis at xA = 3.0 m and xB = 5.0 m. Determine the potential difference VB VA.
a. 24 V
b. +24 V
c. 18 V
d. +30 V
e. 6.0 V
ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

65. Equipotentials are lines along which

a. the electric field is constant in magnitude and direction.
b. the electric charge is constant in magnitude and direction.
c. maximum work against electrical forces is required to move a charge at constant speed.
d. a charge may be moved at constant speed without work against electrical forces.
e. charges move by themselves.
ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

66. When a charged particle is moved along an electric field line,

a. the electric field does no work on the charge.
b. the electrical potential energy of the charge does not change.
c. the electrical potential energy of the charge undergoes the maximum change in magnitude.

d. the voltage changes, but there is no change in electrical potential energy.

e. the electrical potential energy undergoes the maximum change, but there is no change in
voltage.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

67. When a positive charge is released and moves along an electric field line, it moves to a position of
a. lower potential and lower potential energy.
b. lower potential and higher potential energy.
c. higher potential and lower potential energy.
d. higher potential and higher potential energy.
e. greater magnitude of the electric field.
ANS: A

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

68. When a negative charge is released and moves along an electric field line, it moves to a position of
a. lower potential and lower potential energy.
b. lower potential and higher potential energy.
c. higher potential and lower potential energy.
d. higher potential and higher potential energy.
e. decreasing magnitude of the electric field.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

69. A charge is placed on a spherical conductor of radius r1. This sphere is then connected to a distant
sphere of radius r2 (not equal to r1) by a conducting wire. After the charges on the spheres are in
equilibrium,
a. the electric fields at the surfaces of the two spheres are equal.
b. the amount of charge on each sphere is q/2.
c. both spheres are at the same potential.
d.
the potentials are in the ratio

the potentials are in the ratio

e.

ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

70. The electric potential inside a charged solid spherical conductor in equilibrium
a. is always zero.
b. is constant and equal to its value at the surface.
c. decreases from its value at the surface to a value of zero at the center.
d. increases from its value at the surface to a value at the center that is a multiple of the
potential at the surface.
e. is equal to the charge passing through the surface per unit time divided by the resistance.
ANS: B

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

71. Which statement is always correct when applied to a charge distribution located in a finite region of
space?
a. Electric potential is always zero at infinity.
b. Electric potential is always zero at the origin.
c. Electric potential is always zero at a boundary surface to a charge distribution.

d. Electric potential is always infinite at a boundary surface to a charge distribution.

e. The location where electric potential is zero may be chosen arbitrarily.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

72. Which of the following represents the equipotential lines of a dipole?

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

ANS: E

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

73. Can the lines in the figure below be equipotential lines?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

No, because there are sharp corners.

No, because they are isolated lines.
Yes, because any lines within a charge distribution are equipotential lines.
Yes, they might be boundary lines of the two surfaces of a conductor.
It is not possible to say without further information.

ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

74. A series of n uncharged concentric shells surround a small central charge q. The charge distributed on
the outside of the nth shell is
a. nq.

b.
c.
d.
e.

(ln n)q.
+q.
+(ln n)q.
+nq.

ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

75. A series of 3 uncharged concentric shells surround a small central charge q. The charge distributed on
the outside of the third shell is
a. 3q.
b. (ln 3)q.
c. +q.
d. +(ln 3)q.
e. +3q.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

76. A series of n uncharged concentric spherical conducting shells surround a small central charge q. The
potential at a point outside the nth shell, at distance r from the center, and relative to V = 0 at , is
a.
.
b.
.
c.
.
d.
.
e.
.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

77. A series of 3 uncharged concentric spherical conducting shells surround a small central charge q. The
potential at a point outside the third shell, at distance r from the center, and relative to V = 0 at , is
a.
.
b.
.
c.
.
d.
.
e.
.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

78. The electric field in the region defined by the y-z plane and the negative x axis is given by E = ax,
where a is a constant. (There is no field for positive values of x.) As x increases in magnitude, relative
to V = 0 at the origin, the electric potential in the region defined above is
a. a decreasing function proportional to |x2|.
b. a decreasing function proportional to |x|.
c. constant.
d. an increasing function proportional to +|x|.
e. an increasing function proportional to +|x2|.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

79. The electric field in the region defined by the y-z plane and the positive x axis is given by E = ax,
where a is a constant. (There is no field for negative values of x.) As x increases in magnitude, relative
to V = 0 at the origin, the electric potential in the region defined above is
a. a decreasing function proportional to |x2|.
b. a decreasing function proportional to |x|.
c. constant.
d. an increasing function proportional to +|x|.
e. an increasing function proportional to +|x2|.
ANS: A

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

80. Two charges lie on the x axis, +3q at the origin, and 2q at x = 5.0 m. The point on the x axis where the
electric potential has a zero value (when the value at infinity is also zero) is
a. 1.0 m.
b. 2.0 m.
c. 2.5 m.
d. 3.0 m.
e. 4.0 m.
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

81. Two charges lie on the x axis, +2q at the origin, and 3q at x = 5.0 m. The point on the x axis where the
electric potential has a zero value (when the value at infinity is also zero) is
a. 1.0 m.
b. 2.0 m.
c. 2.5 m.
d. 3.0 m.
e. 4.0 m.
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

82. When introduced into a region where an electric field is present, an electron with initial velocity
eventually move
a. along an electric field line, in the positive direction of the line.
b. along an electric field line, in the negative direction of the line.
c. to a point of decreased potential.
d. to a point of increased potential.
e. as described in both (b) and (d).
ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

will

83. When introduced into a region where an electric field is present, a proton with initial velocity
eventually move
a. along an electric field line, in the positive direction of the line.
b. along an electric field line, in the negative direction of the line.
c. to a point of decreased potential.
d. to a point of decreased potential.
e. as described in both (a) and (c).
ANS: C

PTS: 1

will

DIF: Easy

84. A system consisting of a positively-charged particle and an electric field

a. loses potential difference and kinetic energy when the charged particle moves in the
direction of the field.
b. loses electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
c. loses kinetic energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
d. gains electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
e. gains potential difference and electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in
the direction of the field.
ANS: B

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

85. A system consisting of a negatively-charged particle and an electric field

a. gains potential difference and kinetic energy when the charged particle moves in the
direction of the field.
b. loses electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
c. gains kinetic energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
d. gains electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
e. gains potential difference and electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in
the direction of the field.
ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

86. The Bohr model pictures a hydrogen atom in its ground state as a proton and an electron separated by
the distance a0 = 0.529 1010 m. The electric potential created by the proton at the position of the
electron is
a. 13.6 V.
b. +13.6 V.
c. 27.2 V.
d. +27.2 V.
e. +5.12 109 V.
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

87. The Bohr model pictures a hydrogen atom in its ground state as a proton and an electron separated by
the distance a0 = 0.529 1010 m. The electric potential created by the electron at the position of the
proton is
a. 13.6 V.
b. +13.6 V.
c. 27.2 V.
d. +27.2 V.
e. +5.12 109 V.
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

88. The electric potential at the surface of a charged conductor

a. is always zero.
b. is always independent of the magnitude of the charge on the surface.
c. may be set equal to zero by adding an appropriate constant to the potential at all points of
space.
d. is always such that the potential is zero at all points inside the conductor.
e. is always such that the potential is always zero within a hollow space inside the conductor.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

89. An electron is released form rest in a region of space where a uniform electric field is present. Joanna
claims that its kinetic and potential energies both increase as it moves from its initial position to its
final position. Sonya claims that they both decrease. Which one, if either, is correct?
a. Joanna, because the electron moves opposite to the direction of the field.
b. Sonya, because the electron moves opposite to the direction of the field.
c. Joanna, because the electron moves in the direction of the field.
d. Sonya, because the electron moves in the direction of the field.
e. Neither, because the kinetic energy increases while the electron moves to a point at a
higher potential.
ANS: E

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

90. Four electrons move from point A to point B in a uniform electric field as shown below. Rank the
electrons in diagrams I through IV by the changes in potential energy from most positive to most
negative when traveling from A to B.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

I = II = III = IV.
II = III > I > IV.
III > I = IV > II.
II > I = IV > III.
I > II = III > IV.

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

91. Four electrons move from point A to point B in a uniform electric field as shown below. Rank the
electrons in diagrams I through IV by the changes in potential from most positive to most negative
when traveling from A to B.

a. I = II = III = IV.

b.
c.
d.
e.

II = III > I > IV.

III > I = IV > II.
II > I = IV > III.
I > II = III > IV.

ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

92. An infinite plane of charge with

is tilted at a 45 angle to the vertical direction as shown
below. The potential difference, VB VA, in volts, between points A and B, a 4.50 m distance apart, is

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

7.06.
9.98.
14.11.
+7.06.
+9.98.

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

93. An infinite plane of charge with

is tilted at a 45 angle to the vertical direction as shown
below. The potential difference, VA VB, in volts, between points A and B, a 4.50 m distance apart, is

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

7.06.
9.98.
14.11.
+7.06.
+9.98.

ANS: E
94. For the potential

PTS: 2

DIF: Average
, what is the corresponding electric field at the point (2,2,2)?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e. The correct answer is not given.
ANS: A

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

PROBLEM
95. How much electrical charge is needed to raise an isolated metal sphere of radius 1.0 m to a potential of
1.0 106 V?
ANS:
1.1 104 C
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

96. In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the electron circles the proton at a distance of 0.529 1010
m. Find the potential at the position of the electron.
ANS:
27.2 Volts
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

97. The gap between electrodes in a spark plug is 0.06 cm. In order to produce an electric spark in a
gasoline-air mixture, the electric field must reach a value of 3 106 V/m. What minimum voltage must
be supplied by the ignition circuit when starting the car?
ANS:
1 800 V
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

98. To recharge a 12-V battery, a battery charger must move 3.6 105 C of charge from the negative to the
positive terminal. What amount of work is done by the battery charger? How many kilowatt hours is
this?
ANS:
4.3 MJ, 1.2 kWh
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

Chapter 26Capacitance and Dielectrics

MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Determine the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown when C = 12 pF.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

48 pF
12 pF
24 pF
6.0 pF
59 pF

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

2. Determine the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown when C = 15 mF.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

20 mF
16 mF
12 mF
24 mF
75 mF

ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

3. Determine the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown when C = 12 nF.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

34 nF
17 nF
51 nF
68 nF
21 nF

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

4. Determine the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown when C = 45 F.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

36 F
32 F
34 F
30 F
38 F

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

5. If C = 10 F, what is the equivalent capacitance for the combination shown?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

7.5 F
6.5 F
7.0 F
5.8 F
13 F

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

6. What is the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

29 F
10 F
40 F
25 F
6.0 F

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

7. What is the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

20 F
90 F
22 F
4.6 F
67 F

ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

8. Determine the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown when C = 45 F.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

28 F
36 F
52 F
44 F
23 F

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

9. Determine the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown when C = 24 F.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

20 F
36 F
16 F
45 F
27 F

ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

10. Determine the energy stored in C2 when C1 = 15 F, C2 = 10 F, C3 = 20 F, and V0 = 18 V.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.72 mJ
0.32 mJ
0.50 mJ
0.18 mJ
1.60 mJ

ANS: D

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

11. Determine the energy stored in C1 when C1 = 10 F, C2 = 12 F, C3 = 15 F, and V0 = 70 V.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

6.5 mJ
5.1 mJ
3.9 mJ
8.0 mJ
9.8 mJ

ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

12. Determine the energy stored by C4 when C1 = 20 F, C2 = 10 F, C3 = 14 F, C4 = 30 F, and V0 = 45

V.

a.
b.
c.
d.

3.8 mJ
2.7 mJ
3.2 mJ
2.2 mJ

e. 8.1 mJ
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

13. Determine the charge stored by C1 when C1 = 20 F, C2 = 10 F, C3 = 30 F, and V0 = 18 V.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.37 mC
0.24 mC
0.32 mC
0.40 mC
0.50 mC

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

14. What is the total energy stored by C3 when C1 = 50 F, C2 = 30 F, C3 = 36 F, C4 = 12 F, and V0 =

30 V?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

6.3 mJ
25 mJ
57 mJ
1.6 mJ
14 mJ

ANS: A

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

15. How much energy is stored in the 50-F capacitor when Va Vb = 22V?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.78 mJ
0.58 mJ
0.68 mJ
0.48 mJ
0.22 mJ

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

16. What is the total energy stored in the group of capacitors shown if the charge on the 30- F capacitor is
0.90 mC?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

29 mJ
61 mJ
21 mJ
66 mJ
32 mJ

ANS: D

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

17. What is the potential difference across C2 when C1 = 5.0 F, C2 = 15 F, C3 = 30 F, and V0 = 24 V?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

21 V
19 V
16 V
24 V
8.0 V

ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

18. What total energy is stored in the group of capacitors shown if the potential difference Vab is equal to
50 V?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

48 mJ
27 mJ
37 mJ
19 mJ
10 mJ

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

19. Determine the energy stored in the 60-F capacitor.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2.4 mJ
3.0 mJ
3.6 mJ
4.3 mJ
6.0 mJ

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

20. Determine the energy stored in the 40-F capacitor.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2.4 mJ
1.6 mJ
2.0 mJ
2.9 mJ
4.0 mJ

ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

21. If VA VB = 50 V, how much energy is stored in the 36-F capacitor?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

50 mJ
28 mJ
13 mJ
8.9 mJ
17 mJ

ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

22. If VA VB = 50 V, how much energy is stored in the 54-F capacitor?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

50 mJ
13 mJ
28 mJ
8.9 mJ
17 mJ

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

23. A 3.0-F capacitor charged to 40 V and a 5.0-F capacitor charged to 18 V are connected to each
other, with the positive plate of each connected to the negative plate of the other. What is the final
charge on the 3.0-F capacitor?
a. 11 C
b. 15 C
c. 19 C
d. 26 C
e. 79 C
ANS: A

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

24. A 6.0-F capacitor charged to 50 V and a 4.0-F capacitor charged to 34 V are connected to each
other, with the two positive plates connected and the two negative plates connected. What is the total
energy stored in the 6.0-F capacitor at equilibrium?
a. 6.1 mJ
b. 5.7 mJ
c. 6.6 mJ

d. 7.0 mJ
e. 3.8 mJ
ANS: B

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

25. A 25-F capacitor charged to 50 V and a capacitor C charged to 20 V are connected to each other, with
the two positive plates connected and the two negative plates connected. The final potential difference
across the 25-F capacitor is 36 V. What is the value of the capacitance of C?
a. 43 F
b. 29 F
c. 22 F
d. 58 F
e. 63 F
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Challenging

26. A 4.0-mF capacitor initially charged to 50 V and a 6.0-mF capacitor charged to 30 V are connected to
each other with the positive plate of each connected to the negative plate of the other. What is the final
charge on the 6.0-mF capacitor?
a. 20 mC
b. 8.0 mC
c. 10 mC
d. 12 mC
e. 230 mC
ANS: D

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

27. When a capacitor has a charge of magnitude 80 C on each plate the potential difference across the
plates is 16 V. How much energy is stored in this capacitor when the potential difference across its
plates is 42 V?
a. 1.0 mJ
b. 4.4 mJ
c. 3.2 mJ
d. 1.4 mJ
e. 1.7 mJ
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

28. A 15-F capacitor and a 30-F capacitor are connected in series, and charged to a potential difference
of 50 V. What is the resulting charge on the 30-F capacitor?
a. 0.70 mC
b. 0.80 mC
c. 0.50 mC
d. 0.60 mC
e. 0.40 mC
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

29. A 15-F capacitor and a 25-F capacitor are connected in parallel, and charged to a potential
difference of 60 V. How much energy is then stored in this capacitor combination?
a. 50 mJ
b. 18 mJ
c. 32 mJ

d. 72 mJ
e. 45 mJ
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

30. A 20-F capacitor charged to 2.0 kV and a 40-F capacitor charged to 3.0 kV are connected to each
other, with the positive plate of each connected to the negative plate of the other. What is the final
charge on the 20-F capacitor after the two are so connected?
a. 53 mC
b. 27 mC
c. 40 mC
d. 80 mC
e. 39 mC
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

31. A 15-F capacitor is charged to 40 V and then connected across an initially uncharged 25- F
capacitor. What is the final potential difference across the 25- F capacitor?
a. 12 V
b. 18 V
c. 15 V
d. 21 V
e. 24 V
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

32. A 30-F capacitor is charged to 40 V and then connected across an initially uncharged 20- F
capacitor. What is the final potential difference across the 30- F capacitor?
a. 15 V
b. 24 V
c. 18 V
d. 21 V
e. 40 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

33. A capacitor of unknown capacitance C is charged to 100 V and then connected across an initially
uncharged 60-F capacitor. If the final potential difference across the 60- F capacitor is 40 V,
determine C.
a. 49 F
b. 32 F
c. 40 F
d. 90 F
e. 16 F
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

34. A 30-F capacitor is charged to 80 V and then connected across an initially uncharged capacitor of
unknown capacitance C. If the final potential difference across the 30- F capacitor is 20 V, determine
C.
a. 60 F
b. 75 F

c. 45 F
d. 90 F
e. 24 F
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

35. A 30-F capacitor is charged to an unknown potential V0 and then connected across an initially
uncharged 10-F capacitor. If the final potential difference across the 10- F capacitor is 20 V,
determine V0.
a. 13 V
b. 27 V
c. 20 V
d. 29 V
e. 60 V
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

36. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C0 has plates of area A with separation d between them. When
it is connected to a battery of voltage V0, it has charge of magnitude Q0 on its plates. It is then
disconnected from the battery and the plates are pulled apart to a separation 2d without discharging
them. After the plates are 2d apart, the magnitude of the charge on the plates and the potential
difference between them are
a.
Q0, V0
b.
Q0, V0
c. Q0, V0
d. Q0, 2V0
e. 2Q0, 2V0
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

37. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C0 has plates of area A with separation d between them. When
it is connected to a battery of voltage V0, it has charge of magnitude Q0 on its plates. It is then
disconnected from the battery and the plates are pulled apart to a separation 2d without discharging
them. After the plates are 2d apart, the new capacitance and the potential difference between the plates
are
a.
C0, V0
b.
C0, V0
c.
C0, 2V0
d. C0, 2V0
e. 2C0, 2V0
ANS: C

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

38. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C0 has plates of area A with separation d between them. When
it is connected to a battery of voltage V0, it has charge of magnitude Q0 on its plates. The plates are
pulled apart to a separation 2d while the capacitor remains connected to the battery. After the plates are
2d apart, the magnitude of the charge on the plates and the potential difference between them are
a.
Q0, V0
b.
Q0, V0
c. Q0, V0
d. 2Q0, V0
e. 2Q0, 2V0
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

39. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C0 has plates of area A with separation d between them. When
it is connected to a battery of voltage V0, it has charge of magnitude Q0 on its plates. The plates are
pulled apart to a separation 2d while the capacitor remains connected to the battery. After the plates are
2d apart, the capacitance of the capacitor and the magnitude of the charge on the plates are
a.
C0, Q0
b.
C0, Q0
c. C0, Q0
d. 2C0, Q0
e. 2C0, 2Q0
ANS: A

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

40. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C0 has plates of area A with separation d between them. When
it is connected to a battery of voltage V0, it has charge of magnitude Q0 on its plates. While it is
connected to the battery the space between the plates is filled with a material of dielectric constant 3.
After the dielectric is added, the magnitude of the charge on the plates and the potential difference
between them are
a.
Q0, V0
b.
Q0, V0
c. Q0, V0
d. 3Q0, V0
e. 3Q0, 3V0
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

41. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C0 has plates of area A with separation d between them. When
it is connected to a battery of voltage V0, it has charge of magnitude Q0 on its plates. While it is
connected to the battery, the space between the plates is filled with a material of dielectric constant 3.
After the dielectric is added, the magnitude of the charge on the plates and the new capacitance are
a.
Q0, C0
b.
Q0, C0

c. Q0, C0
d. 3Q0, C0
e. 3Q0, 3C0
ANS: E

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

42. The equivalent capacitance of the circuit shown below is

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.2 C.
0.4 C.
1 C.
4 C.
5 C.

ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

43. The equivalent capacitance of the circuit shown below is

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.2 C.
0.4 C.
1 C.
4 C.
5 C.

ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

44. The equivalent capacitance of the circuit shown below is

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

0.50 C.
1.0 C.
1.5 C.
2.0 C.
2.5 C.

ANS: B

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

45. Which of the following is not a capacitance?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

46. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C0 has plates of area A with separation d between them. When
it is connected to a battery of voltage V0, it has charge of magnitude Q0 on its plates. It is then
disconnected from the battery and the space between the plates is filled with a material of dielectric
constant 3. After the dielectric is added, the magnitudes of the charge on the plates and the potential
difference between them are
a.
Q0, V0.
b.
Q0, V0.
c. Q0, V0.
d. Q0, 3V0.
e. 3Q0, 3V0.
ANS: B

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

47. A parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C0 has plates of area A with separation d between them. When
it is connected to a battery of voltage V0, it has charge of magnitude Q0 on its plates. It is then
disconnected from the battery and the space between the plates is filled with a material of dielectric
constant 3. After the dielectric is added, the magnitudes of the capacitance and the potential difference
between the plates are
a.
C0, V0.
b.
C0, V0.
c. C0, V0.
d.
3C0, V0.
e. 3C0, 3V0.
ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

48. An initially uncharged parallel plate capacitor of capacitance C is charged to potential V by a battery.
The battery is then disconnected. Which statement is correct?
a. There is no charge on either plate of the capacitor.
b. The capacitor can be discharged by grounding any one of its two plates.
c. Charge is distributed evenly over both the inner and outer surfaces of the plates.
d. The magnitude of the electric field outside the space between the plates is approximately

zero.
e. The capacitance increases when the distance between the plates increases.
ANS: D

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

49. A 0.120 pF parallel-plate capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 10.0 V and then disconnected
from the battery. A cosmic ray burst creates 1.00 106 electrons and 1.00 106 positive charges
between the plates. If the charges do not recombine, but reach the oppositely charged plates, by how
much is the potential difference between the capacitor plates reduced?
a. 1.33 V
b. 7.34 V
c. 8.67 V
d. 1,330 V
e. 8,670 V
ANS: A

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

50. A 0.16 pF parallel-plate capacitor is charged to 10 V. Then the battery is disconnected from the
capacitor. When 1.00 107 electrons are now placed on the negative plate of the capacitor, the voltage
between the plates changes by
a. 5.0 V.
b. 1.1 V.
c. 0 V.
d. +1.1 V.
e. +5.0 V.
ANS: E

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

51. A 0.16 pF parallel-plate capacitor is charged to 10 V. Then the battery is disconnected from the
capacitor. When 1.00 107 positive charges of magnitude |e| are now placed on the positive plate of
the capacitor, the voltage between the plates changes by
a. 5.0 V.
b. 1.1 V.
c. 0 V.
d. +1.1 V.
e. +5.0 V.
ANS: E

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

52. A parallel plate capacitor is charged to voltage V and then disconnected from the battery. Leopold says
that the voltage will decrease if the plates are pulled apart. Gerhardt says that the voltage will remain
the same. Which one, if either, is correct, and why?
a. Gerhardt, because the maximum voltage is determined by the battery.
b. Gerhardt, because the charge per unit area on the plates does not change.
c. Leopold, because charge is transferred from one plate to the other when the plates are
separated.
d. Leopold, because the force each plate exerts on the other decreases when the plates are
pulled apart.
e. Neither, because the voltage increases when the plates are pulled apart.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

53. Addition of a metal slab of thickness a between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of plate
separation d is equivalent to introducing a dielectric with dielectric constant between the plates. The
value of is
a.
.
b. d.
c. d a.
d.
.
e.
.
ANS: D

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

54. A parallel plate capacitor is connected to a battery and charged to voltage V. Leah says that the charge
on the plates will decrease if the distance between the plates is increased while they are still connected
to the battery. Gertie says that the charge will remain the same. Which one, if either, is correct, and
why?
a. Gertie, because the maximum voltage is determined by the battery.
b. Gertie, because the capacitance of the capacitor does not change.
c. Leah, because the capacitance decreases when the plate separation is increased.
d. Leah, because the capacitance increases when the plate separation is increased.
e. Neither, because the charge increases when the plate separation is increased.
ANS: C

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

55. Which of the following statements is incorrect?

a. Capacitance is always positive.
b. The symbol for potential difference between the plates of a capacitor is
.
c. Water is a polar molecule.
d. When a dielectric is placed in a capacitor it serves to reduce the electric field.
e. Nonpolar molecules cannot be used for dielectric material in a capacitor.
ANS: E

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

56. Two spheres are made of conducting material. Sphere #2 has twice the radius of Sphere #1. What is the
ratio of the capacitance of Sphere #2 to the capacitance of sphere #1?
a. 1, since all conducting spheres have the same capacitance.
b. 2
c. 4
d. 8
e. A single sphere has no capacitance since a second concentric spherical shell is necessary to
make a spherical capacitor. Thus, none of the answers above is correct.
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

57. Which of the following materials has the highest dielectric constant?
a. air
b. Mylar
c. paper
d. Pyrex glass
e. water

ANS: E

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

58. Into the gap between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor of capacitance
a slab of metal is
inserted halfway between the plates filling one fourth of the gap between the plates. What is the
resulting new capacitance?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
ANS: B

PTS: 2

DIF: Average

59. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor of capacitance

are horizontal. Into the gap a slab of
dielectric material with
is placed, filling the bottom half of the gap between the plates. What is
the resulting new capacitance?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
ANS: E

PTS: 3

DIF: Challenging

60. An electric dipole having dipole moment of magnitude p is placed in a uniform electric field having
magnitude E. What is the magnitude of the greatest change in potential energy that can happen for this
dipole in this field?
a. pE
b.
c. 4pE
d.
e. No answer given is correct.
ANS: B

PTS: 1

DIF: Easy

PROBLEM
61. Is it feasible to construct an air-filled parallel-plate capacitor that has its two plates separated by 0.10
mm and has a capacitance of 1.0 F? Why or why not?
ANS:
No. Each plate would have an area of 1.1 107 m2
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

62. Regarding the Earth and a cloud layer 800 m above the Earth as the "plates" of a capacitor, calculate
the capacitance if the cloud layer has an area of 1.0 km 2. If an electric field of 2.0 106 N/C makes the
air break down and conduct electricity (lightning), what is the maximum charge the cloud can hold?
ANS:
11.1 nF, 17.7 C
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

63. An electron is released from rest at the negative plate of a parallel plate capacitor. If the distance
between the plates is 5 mm and the potential difference across the plates is 5 V, with what velocity
does the electron hit the positive plate? (me = 9.1 1031 kg, qe = 1.6 1019 C.)
ANS:
1.33 106 m/s
PTS: 2

DIF: Average

64. A 200-volt battery is connected to a 0.50-microfarad parallel-plate, air-filled capacitor. Now the battery
is disconnected, with care taken not to discharge the plates. Some Pyrex glass is then inserted between
the plates, completely filling up the space. What is the final potential difference between the plates?
(The dielectric constant for Pyrex is = 5.6.)
ANS:
36 V
PTS: 2

DIF: Average