Electric Field Lecture

97.
315 Basic E&M and Power Engineering Topic:ELECTRIC FIELD
Lecture 2 TITLE
97.315 Basic E&M and Power Engineering Topic: ELECTRIC FIELD
• Theory
• Field and force
•Theory
• One point charges, n = 1
• Units
• Charge distributions
• Linear
• Examples of calculation • Surface
• Point charges
• Volume
• Theory •Examples of calculation

• Multiple point charges, n>1
• Line
• Examples of calculation • …..
• Two point charges

• Assignment
• References
Lecture 1 OUTLINE
• Summary
Action at a distance!!!!!
How do the charges qo

know of the presence qo qo
of the large charge Q?
Q
Similar to the action at a

sun
distance force of gravitation
Lecture 2 THEORY
earth
Gravity: Another action at a distance effect!!!!
sun
earth
Field Introduce the idea of

a gravitational field.
Test mass A mass placed in the
gravitational field
Force will experience a
gravitational force.
Lecture 2 THEORY
We define an electric field similar to

that of a gravitational field.
A charge produces an electric

field such that when another
“test” charge is placed in the field
it will experience an electrical
force.
Electric field
Test charge
Electric force
Lecture 2 THEORY
The electric field at any point is the

force per unit charge experienced
by a charge at that point.
v
v F
v E=
F
q
q
Since the electric force is a vector
then the electric field is also a
vector.
Lecture 2 THEORY
v Electric field and electric force

v F are vectors which point in the
E= same direction when the test
q charge q is positive.
v
F
q The electric field lines for a positive
source charge point away from the source
charge.
v
F The electric field lines for a negative
source charge point towards the source
q charge.
Lecture 2 THEORY
Consider two point charges (+Q and +q) again and the force
that exists between them.
v
F
q
Electric force on q
r v Qq
F = k 2 rˆ
r
Electric field at q
Q v
v F Q
E = = k 2 rˆ
q r
Lecture 2 THEORY
P Observation point
v
r
Q
[k]-Coulomb constant; meter/Farad {m/F}
[q]-charge; Coulomb {C}
[r]-distance; meters {m}
v Q
E = k 2 rˆ [E]-Electric field; Newton/Coulomb {N/C}
r
[E]-Electric field; Volt/meter {V/m}
ELECTRIC FIELD
Lecture 1 UNITS
Some properties of the electric field for a POINT CHARGE Q

(1) Electric field is a vector quantity. Thus at all points where the electric field exists it has magnitude
and direction.
(2) The charge q must be small and positive such that it does not disturb the source charge Q.
(3) For a positive source charge Q the electric field vector and the electric force on the test charge q
are in the same direction.
(4) For a positive source charge Q, the electric field lines are directed away from the charge.
(5) For a point charge Q located at the origin the electric field vector is:
Y
v Q
qˆ
r̂ E = k 2 rˆ
r
ŷ
Q x̂ X
+
é rˆ ù é cos(q ) sin (q )ù é xˆ ù
êqˆ ú = ê- sin (q ) cos(q )ú ê yˆ ú
ë û ë ûë û
Lecture TEXT
97.315 Basic E&M and Power Engineering Topic: COULOMB FORCE
PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY

1. Consistent units are essential. Distances must be in meters,
charge in coulombs. Don’t forget to convert.
2. Remember that the electric force is a vector quantity. You
may want to go back and review vector algebra. It’s often
useful to use components in an (x, y, z) coordinate system. Be
sure to use the correct vector notation. Indicate your coordinate
axes clearly on your diagram, and be certain that the
components are consistent with your choice of axes.
3. In working out directions of electric field vectors, be careful
to distinguish between source point and the field point P. The
field produced by a positive point charge always points in the
direction from the source point to field point; the opposite is
true for a negative point source.
Lecture 1 ASSIGNMENT
Example (Question)
What is the electric field 30 cm from a charge q = 4.0 nC?
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
What is the electric field 30 cm from a charge q = 4.0 nC?
Z r̂ v 1 q
P E= 2
rˆ
4pe o r
r q = 4.0nC = 4.0 ´10 -9 C
q r = 30cm = 3 ´ 10 -1 m
q Y 1 - 9 Nm
2
= 9.0 ´10
4pe o C2
f
v N
X
E = 400 rˆ
C
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Alternate Solution) Obtain the force v 1 qq ¢

F= 2
rˆ
on a test charge 4pe o r
q = 4.0nC = 4.0 ´10 -9 C
Z r̂
q ¢ r = 30cm = 3 ´ 10 -1 m
2
1 -9 Nm
= 9.0 ´10
4pe o C2
r
q v N
q F = 400q¢ rˆ
Y C
f v
v F N
E = = 400 rˆ
X Then obtain the electric field q¢ C
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE END
Example (Question)
A charged raindrop carrying 10 mC experiences an
electric force of 0.30 N in the +x direction. What is the electric
field at this location? What would be the force on a -5.0 mC
drop at the same location?
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
A charged raindrop carrying +10 mC experiences an
v
v F
Y E=
q¢
q¢ = +10 mC v 0.30 Nxˆ
E=
+ 10 ´ 10 -6 C
v X
F = 0.30 Nxˆ
v 4 N
E = 3.0 ´ 10 xˆ
Z C
Electric field at location of charge q¢
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
r v
Y F = q¢E
v N
q¢ = -5.0 mC F = -5 ´10 -6 C * 3.0 ´10 4 xˆ
v N C
E = 3.0 ´ 10 4 xˆ
C
X
v
F = -0.15 Nxˆ
Z
Electric force on negative charge q¢
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Summary)
You might wonder if the field should point in the -x direction when we talk about
putting a negative charge in the field. It doesn’t because the whole point of the
field concept is to provide a description that’s independent of the particular charge
experiencing that force. The electric field in this example points in the +x
direction no matter what charge we may choose to put in the field. For a positive
charge the force q’E points in the same direction as the field; for a negative charge
q’ < 0, and the force is opposite the field direction. As always the algebra takes
care of the sign.
q¢ = +10 mC v q ¢ = -5 . 0 m C
E x̂
v v v
F F E
Electric field produced by multiple point charges (n = 2)
q1
Z
q2 P
v
r1 v
r2
v
r
Y
q1 and q2 are the source point charges.
X P is the field point
The charges (q1 and q2) produce the electric field observed at the point P
Lecture 2 THEORY
Consider each charge in turn, independently of all other charges present.
q1
v
Z
E1
P
q2 v
E2 Charge q1 produces
v an
electric field E at point P.
1
Y
Charge q2 produces
v an
electric field E2 at point P
X The total electric field at P is the v v v
vector sum of the electric field EP = E1 + E2
produced by each individual charge.
Lecture 2 THEORY
Consider charge q1 only

q1 v v
r - r1
Z
P
v q2
r1
v
r Electric field produced by charge q1 at P
Y
v v v
kq1 ìï r - r1 üï
E1 = v v 2 í v v ý
r - r1 ïî r - r1 ïþ
X
Distance separating q1 and P
Unit vector along line joining q1 and P
Lecture 2 THEORY
Consider charge q2 only

q1
Z v v
r - r2 P
v q2
r2
v
r Electric field produced by charge q2 at P
Y
v v v
ìï r - r2 üï
kq2
E2 = v v 2 ív v ý
r - r2 ïî r - r2 ïþ
X
Distance separating q2 and P
Unit vector along line joining q2 and P
Lecture 2 THEORY
The total electric field at P is the

vector sum of the electric field
produced by each individual charge.
q1 v v
r - r1
Z
v v P
v q2 r - r2
r1 v
r2 v v v
v E P = E1 + E2
r
Y
v kq1 ìï rv - rv1 üï kq2 ìï rv - rv2 üï
E= v v2 ív v ý+ v v 2 ív v ý
r - r1 ïî r - r1 ïþ r - r2 ïî r - r2 ïþ
X
v kq1 (rv - rv1 ) kq2 (rv - rv2 )
E= v v3 + v v 3
r - r1 r - r2
Lecture 2 THEORY
Electric field produced by multiple point charges (n > 1)
q1 q3
qi Z
v v P
v r - ri q2
ri
v q4 The total electric field at P is the
qn r vector sum of the electric field
Y produced by each individual charge.
v v v v v
E = E1 + E2 + E3 + E4 + ....
v n v
X E = å Ei
v v
i =1
q5
v n
r - ri
E = k å qi v v 3
i =1 r - ri
Lecture 2 THEORY
PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION
Given a group of charges we find the net electric field at any
point in space by using the principle of superposition. This is
a general principle that says a net effect is the sum of the
individual effects. Here, the principle means that we first
compute the electric field at the point in space due to each of
the charges, in turn. We then find the net electric field by
adding these electric fields vectorially, as usual.
v v v v v
E = E1 + E2 + E3 + E4 + ....
v n v
E = å Ei
i =1
Lecture 2 TEXT
Example (Question)
The figure shows two point charges each of +10 nC
separated in air by 8.0 m. Compute the electric field at the
points A, B, and C
y
(m) 4 B
A + 10nC
+ +
+ 10nC 4 (m) x
(m)- 4
C
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
points A, B, and C
Point A: Make a sketch of the layout and then draw in vectors for
the fields E1 produced by q1 and E2 produced by q2. To do that
imagine a positive test charge at A. The force on it due to the charge
q1 acts along the center-to-center line, is repulsive, and so points to
the right. That means the E1 at A is to the right along the axis.
Similarly, the force due to q2 on our imaginary test charge is to the
left as is E2. Next calculate E1 and E2 and add them vectorially.
We are spared this effort since E1 = E2, the two cancel and the field at
A is zero
v v
E2 E1
+ +
A
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
points A, B, and C
Point B: At point B the fields act as drawn in the figure, and we must find
their components. First we will calculate E1 and E2.
v v
E2 E1
B
q 45o
+ +
X
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Point B: Since the charges and distances happen to be the same, the
magnitudes of the two contributing fields are equal:
q 9 Nm
2
(+10.0 ´10 -9 C )
E1 = E2 = k 2 = (9.0 ´10 2
) 2
r C æ 4. 0 m ö
ç
è ( )
o ÷
sin 45 ø
E1 = 2.81 N
C v
E2
v
E1
B
Now for the vector
components
q 45o
+ +
X
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Point B: Since the charges and distances happen to be the same, the
magnitudes of the two contributing fields are equal:
v
( )
E1 = 2.81 N (cos(45) xˆ + sin( 45) yˆ )
C
v
( )
E2 = 2.81 N (- cos( 45) xˆ + sin( 45) yˆ )
C
v v
E2 E1
B
q 45o
+ +
X
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Point B: The horizontal field components are equal and act in opposite
direction. They will cancel. Only the vertical field components contribute,
and in the same direction.
( ) ( )
E B = E1 sin 45o + E2 sin 45o = 2(2.81
N
C
)(0.707)
E B = 4 .0 N Y
C v
E2
v
E1
B
The direction is
straight up in the
positive y-direction q 45o
+ +
X
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Point C: The point C is similarly located with respect to the charges as point
B is.The field magnitude at C is the same as at B except the direction is straight
down in the negative y-direction.at
( ) ( )
E B = E1 sin 45o + E2 sin 45o = 2(2.81
N
C
)(0.707)
EC = 4.0 N
(m) 4 B
C
The direction is A + 10nC
+ +
straight down in the + 10nC 4 (m) x
negative y-direction
(m)- 4
C
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
points A, B, and C
Additional figures related to this example question
+
+

Example (Question)
A molecule consist of separate regions of positive and
negative charge, modeled approximately as a positive charge q at x
= a and a negative charge -q at x = -a. Find the general expression
for the electric field at any point on the y axis and an approximate
expression valid at large distances (y >> a)
v
E+ q
v
E
v
E-
q
-
@ y r r
+
+ +
- +
x = -a x
x = +a
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
A molecule consist of separate regions of positive and
negative charge, modeled approximately as a positive charge q at
x = a and a negative charge -q at x = -a. Find the general
expression for the electric field at any point on the y axis and an
approximate expression valid at large distances (y >> a)
v
E+ q
The figure shows the individual
field vectors E+ and E- along with v
E
their sum. The y components v
E-
cancel to give a net field parallel q
to the x axis. y r
r
- +
x = -a x
x = +a
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
The x components of the two fields are clearly the same so we have:
æq ö
E x = E x - + E x + = -2k ç 2 sin (q )÷
èr ø
The minus sign occurs because the net field points in the negative x direction.
v
Also E+ q
2 2
r= y +a
v
E
a a v
sin (q ) = = E-
r y2 + a2 q
y r r
Then
v 2kqa
E = E x xˆ = - xˆ
(y 2
+ a2 )
3
2 - +
x
x = -a x = +a
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Does this result make sense: Try the point y = 0.
v 2kqa v 2kq
E = E x xˆ = - xˆ At y = 0 gives E = E x x = - 2 xˆ
ˆ
(y 2
+a 2
)
3
2 a
v
E+ q
v
Which is indeed twice the E
field of either charge at a v
E-
q
distance a.
y r r
- +
x = -a x
x = +a
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
-
We are frequently interested in the field far from a dipole @
+
which is the reason why this example asks for an + +
approximate expression for the electric field at y >> a.
In this case we can thus neglect a2 compared to y2 in our expression for the
electric field giving: v
E+ q
v
E
v 2kqa v
lim E = - 3 xˆ E-
q
y >> a y y r r
- +
x = -a x
v 2kq
x = +a
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
E = E x xˆ = - 2 xˆ
a END
Electric field produced by a continuous charge distribution
In is often useful to imagine

Charged line that there is a continuous
distribution of charge.
The principle of superposition

Charged surface applies provided the charge
distribution is divided into small
elements of charge Dq and the
total electric field at an
observation point is obtained by
Charged volume summing all electric field
contributions from each element
Dq.
Lecture 2 THEORY
Electric field produced by a continuous charge distribution
In is often useful to imagine

Charged line that there is a continuous
distribution of charge.
Charged surface Recall in calculus
Charged volume
Dq ® 0
å Dq Þ ò dq
Lecture 2 THEORY
v
dE
r̂ v v
dq r dE E
P v
r dE
r
r̂
dq
r̂
dq
The electric
v field at the point P is the sum of the
vectors dE arising from the individual charge
elements dq in the entire distribution, each
calculated using the appropriate distance r and unit
)
vector r .
Lecture 2 SUMMARY
Electric field produced by a continuous line of charge
P Electric field produced at P

v by one segment dq
r
v dq
L dE = k v 2 rˆ
dq r
dl
Electric field produced by all

segments along line of length L
rl Linear charge density on the line
{rl} Units; {C/m} v v rˆr l dl

E = ò dE = k ò v 2
dq= rldl Charge on length segment dl L L r
Lecture 2 THEORY
Electric field produced by a continuous line of charge
P
v
r
r l may be a function of the coordinates
L dq
dl
usually a constant
1
k=
4pe dl = dx,.....
v v rˆr l dl
E = ò dE = k ò v 2
L L r
Integration over
length of line v
charge
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ,....
unit vector
function of (x,y,z),….
Lecture 2 THEORY
Electric field produced by a continuous surface of charge
v P Electric field produced at P

r
by one segment dq
dq v dq
dA dE = k v 2 rˆ
r
S rs
Surface charge density segments of surface S
{rs} Units; {C/m2} v v rˆr s dA

E = ò dE = k ò v 2
dq= rsdA Charge on surface element dA
r
S S
Lecture 2 THEORY
Electric field produced by a continuous surface of charge
v P
r
rs may be a function of the coordinates
dq usually a constant
dA
1
k= dA = dxdy ,.....
4pe
S
v v rˆr s dA
E = ò dE = k ò v 2
S S r
Integration over
surface of charge
v
unit vector r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ,....
Lecture 2 THEORY
Electric field produced by a continuous volume of charge
P Electric field produced at P

v by one segment dq
r
v dq
dq
dE = k v 2 rˆ
r
dV
segments in volume V
V rV Volume charge density
v v
{rV } Units; {C/m3} rˆrV dV
E = ò dE = k ò v 2
dq= rV dV Charge in volume element dV V V r
Lecture 2 THEORY
Electric field produced by a continuous volume of charge
P
v
r rV may be a function of the coordinates
usually a constant
dq 1
k=
dV 4pe dV = dxdydz ,.....
V v v rˆrV dV
E = ò dE = k ò v 2
V V r
Integration over
volume of charge
unit vector v
r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ,....
Lecture 2 THEORY
Example (Question)
Wires, antennas, and similar
elongated structures can often be considered
as thin rods carrying electric charge. dy
l
Suppose a rod of length l carries a positive dq
charge Q distributed uniformly over its
length. Find the electric field at the point P
a distance a from the end of the rod.
y
a
P
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
y=0
Example (Solution)
Wires, antennas, and similar elongated
structures can often be considered as thin rods
carrying electric charge. Suppose a rod of length dy
carries a positive charge Q distributed uniformly over l
l
its length. Find the electric field at the point P a dq
distance a from the end of the rod.
Let the y axis lie along the rod, with origin at P.

Consider a small length dy of the rod, containing
charge dq, and located a distance y from P. A unit
vector from dq to P is: - ŷ y
a
The field at P due to dq is:
v dq
d E = - k 2 yˆ
y P
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
y=0
Example (Solution)
Wires, antennas, and similar elongated
structures can often be considered as thin rods
carrying electric charge. Suppose a rod of length dy
carries a positive charge Q distributed uniformly over l
l
its length. Find the electric field at the point P a dq
distance a from the end of the rod.
The net fieldvat P is the sum- that is the integral- of all

the fields dE arising from all the dq’s along the rod:
y
v v y =a +l æ dq ö a
E = ò dE = ò çç - k 2 yˆ ÷÷
y =a
è y ø
P
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
y=0
Example (Solution)
In order to evaluate the integral we must relate dq to y.

The rod carries a uniform charge Q distributed over dy
the length l . The line charge density is therefore:
l
dq
rl = Q
l
This is the charge per unit length. Thus a length dy
carries charge dq given by:
y
a
v v y =a +l æ dq ö
E = ò dE = ò çç - k 2 yˆ ÷÷
y =a
è y ø
P
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
y=0
Example (Solution)
v y = a + l æ dq ö
E = -kyˆ ò çç 2 ÷÷
y =a
èy ø dy
v y = a + l æ dy ö
l
Q dq
l òy = a çè y 2 ÷ø
E = -k yˆ ç ÷
a +l
v æ -1 ö
E = -k Q yˆ ç ÷
l çè y ÷ø
a
v æ1 1 ö y
E = -k Q yˆ ç -
l è a a + l ÷ø a
v - kQ
E= yˆ
a (a + l )
P
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE Does this answer make sense? y=0
Example (Solution) v - kQ
E= yˆ
a (a + l )
Consider a >> l dy
l
dq
v - kQ
lim E = 2 yˆ
a >> l a
The rod appears as a small

concentration of total charge Q at a y
distance a away from the point P a
P
y=0
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE Does this answer make sense? END
Example (Question)
A long straight power line coincides with the x axis and
carries a linear charge density r l C/m. What is the electric field at
point P on the y axis. Use the approximation that the line is
infinitely long.
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
A long straight power line coincides with the x axis and carries a linear
charge density r l C/m. What is the electric field at point P on the y axis. Use
the approximation that the line is infinitely long.
Here both the direction and magnitude of the electric
field element dE arise from charge elements on the
line vary with the position x of the charge element.
v
dE y
The figure shows that charge
v v
elements on opposite sides of the y dE q dE
axis give rise to electric fields whose P r = x2 + y2
q
x components cancel. Thus the net y
field points in the y direction, that is dq dq
away from the positively charged

x
rod.
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Each element of charge dq contributes an amount dEy to the net electric

field at P.
dq
dE y = k 2 cos(q )
r v
With: dE y
dq = r l dx v
dE q
v
dE
P r = x2 + y2
2 2
r= x +y q
y
dq dq
y
cos(q ) = x
x2 + y2
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Each element of charge dq contributes an amount dEy to the net electric

field at P.
v
r l ydx dE y
dE y = k
(x 2
+y 2
)
3
2 v
dE q
v
dE
P r = x2 + y2
q
We integrate from x = -¥ to x = +¥ y
dq dq
x
+¥ r l ydx
E = E y = ò dE y = ò k
-¥
(x 2
+y 2
)
3
2
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
+¥ r l ydx
E = E y = ò dE y = ò k
-¥
(x 2
+y 2
)
3
2
x limits
+¥
é x ù
E = kr l y ê ú
2 2 2
êë y x + y úû -¥ v
dE y
v v
dE q dE
é 1 - 1ù
E = kr l y ê 2 - 2 ú P
q
r = x2 + y2
ëy y û dq
y
dq
2kr l x
E=
y
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Since the line is infinite in both directions and has cylindrical
2kr l symmetry, the expression for the electric field holds for any
E= point a distance y from the line. The result thus shows that
y the electric field from a positively charged infinite line points
radially away from the line.
v
dE y
v v
dE q dE
The magnitude of the E field drops as P r = x2 + y2
q
1/y dq
y
dq

Example (Question)
A thin ring of radius a is centered on the origin and
carries a total charge Q distributed uniformly around the
ring. Find the electric field at a point P located a distance
x along the axis of the ring, and show that the result makes
sense at x >> a.
dq
x2 + a2
v
dE v
a dE x
q P
O q
x v
dE
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
A thin ring of radius a is centered on the origin and carries a total
charge Q distributed uniformly around the ring. Find the electric field at a
point P located a distance x along the axis of the ring, and show that the
result makes sense at x >> a. dq
x2 + a2
A point on the ring axis is
v
equidistant from all points on dE v
a dE x
the ring, so the field q P
magnitudes dE are the same q
O
but their directions vary. x v
dE
The figure shows that any components perpendicular to the x axis

cancel for any pair of charge elements on opposite sides of the ring,
leaving a net field in the x direction.
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
A thin ring of radius a is centered on the origin and carries a
total charge Q distributed uniformly around the ring. Find the electric
field at a point P located a distance x along the axis of the ring, and
show that the result makes sense at x >> a.
Each charge element dq contributes an amount dEx to the total

field.
dq
dq
dE x = k 2
cos(q )
r x2 + a2
with v
dE v
2 2
r = x +a a P
dE x
q
x
cos(q ) = O q
x +a2 2
x v
Gives dE
xdq
dE x = k
(x )
3
2 2
+a 2
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
In this example k, x, and a are constants so we have:
E = Ex = ò dE
ring
x
xdq dq
E= ò k
(x )
3
2 2
ring +a 2
x2 + a2
x v
v
ò dq
dE
E=k a dE x
(x ) P
3
2
+a 2 2
ring
q
O q
x v
xQ dE
E=k
(x )
3
2 2
+a 2
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE Does this result make sense?

Example (Solution)
A thin ring of radius a is centered on the origin and carries a
total charge Q distributed uniformly around the ring. Find the electric
field at a point P located a distance x along the axis of the ring, and
show that the result makes sense at x >> a.
At a large distance from the ring x >> a.
dq
Q
lim E = k 2 x2 + a2
x >> a x v
dE v
a dE x
q P
The ring appears as a
small concentration of O q
x v
total charge Q at a dE
distance x from the
point P.

Example (Question)
Find the electric field caused by a uniform surface charge
density rs on a disk of radius R, at a point along the axis of the
disk a distance x from its center. Assume that x is positive.
P dE x
O
r x x
dQ
Q
dr
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Find the electric field caused by a uniform surface charge density rs
on a disk of radius R, at a point along the axis of the disk a distance x from its
center. Assume that x is positive.
We can represent the

R
charge distribution as a
collection of concentric P dEx
rings of charge. We O
r x x
already have the dQ
expression for the field dr Q
produced from one ring,
so all we have to do is
add the contributions xQ
from all the rings. E=k
(x 2
+a 2
)
3
2
Result for one ring of charge Q and radius a

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Execute a change of
variables: R
Q Þ 2pr s rdr O
P dEx
x
aÞr r x
dQ
Q
E Þ dE x dr
Then xQ x 2pr s rdr

E=k Þ dE x = k
(x 2
+a 2
)3
2
(x 2
+r 2
)
3
2
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
To find the total field due

to all the rings, we must R
integrate over r from 0 to
P dEx
R. O
r x x
dQ
R R Q
x 2pr s rdr dr
E = ò dE x = ò k
(x )
3
2 2
0 0 +r 2
Then R R
rdr
E = ò dE x = kx 2pr s ò
(x )
3
2 2
0 0 +r 2
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
R
rdr R
E = k 2pr s x ò
(x )
3
2 2
0 +r 2
P dE x
O
r x x
R
dQ
é -1 ù Q
E = k 2pr s x ê ú dr
(
êë x 2 + r 2 ) 1
2ú
û0
é 1 1ù
E = k 2pr s x ê- + ú
(
êë x 2 + R 2 )
1
2 xú
û
END
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Question)
A spherical shell of radius R is uniformly charged
with surface charge density rs. Find the electric field at an
exterior point.
Uniform surface charge on shell.
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
A spherical shell of radius R is uniformly charged with surface
charge density rs. Find the electric field at an exterior point.
dA (x1,y1,z1)
v P (x2,y2,z2)
r
R
v
r = (x2 - x1 )2 + ( y2 - y1 )2 + (z2 - z1 )2
here (x2 , y2 , z 2 ) constants and

(x1 , y1 , z1 )
variables that depends on location of dA.
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
dA P (x2,y2,z2)
r̂
(x1,y1,z1) v
r
R
(( )( )( ))
rˆ = x2 - x1 , y2 - y1 , z 2 - z1 v
r
variable that depends on location of dA.

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
dA P (x2,y2,z2)
(x1,y1,z1) v
r
R
dq = r s dA

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
dq = r s dA
q
f dq = r s R sin (q )dqdf
2

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Field at P produced by charge element dq:
v dq
dq dE = k v 2 rˆ
P r
v
r r̂
q
f
v r s R 2 sin (q )dqdf
dE = k [(x2 - x1 ), ( y2 - y1 ), (z2 - z1 )]
((x 2 - x1 ) + ( y2 - y1 ) + ( z 2 - z1 )
2 2 2
)
3
2
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Field at P produced by all charge elements dq is
obtained by vector summation of all the field
contributions from each surface charge element.
v v r s R 2 sin (q )dqdf
E= ò dE = ò k [(x2 - x1 ), ( y2 - y1 ), (z2 - z1 )]
Surface Surface ((x 2 - x1 ) + ( y 2 - y1 ) + ( z 2 - z1 )
2 2 2
)
3
2
This is not an easy task. It can be done but requires a lot of

work. It can best be solved by converting from (x,y,z)
coordinates to (r,q,f) coordinates.
We will see an easier way to obtain the electric field from surface and
volume charge distributions: Gauss’s law.
END
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Question)
A cylindrical volume of radius R is uniformly
charged with volume charge density rV. Find the electric
field at an exterior point.
Uniform volume charge in cylinder.
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
A cylindrical volume of radius R is uniformly charged with
volume charge density rV. Find the electric field at an exterior point.
dV (x1,y1,z1)
v P (x2,y2,z2)
r
R v
r = (x2 - x1 )2 + ( y2 - y1 )2 + (z2 - z1 )2
here (x2 , y2 , z 2 ) constants and
(x1 , y1 , z1 ) variables that depends on location of dV.

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
(x1,y1,z1)
dV P (x2,y2,z2)
r̂
v
r
R
((x - x ), ( y2 - y1 ), (z2 - z1 )) v
rˆ = 2 1
r
variable that depends on location of dV.

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
(x1,y1,z1)
dV P (x2,y2,z2)
v
r
R dq = rV dV

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
z
dq = rV dV
r
f dq = rV rdrdfdz

r = x12 + y12 + z12
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Field at P produced by charge element dq:
v dq
dq dE = k v 2 rˆ
P r
v
r r̂
r
f
v rV rdrdfdz
dE = k [(x2 - x1 ), ( y2 - y1 ), (z2 - z1 )]
((x 2 - x1 ) + ( y2 - y1 ) + ( z 2 - z1 )
2 2 2
)
3
2
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
Example (Solution)
Field at P produced by all charge elements dq is
obtained by vector summation of all the field
contributions from each volume charge element.
v v rV rdrdfdz
E= ò dE = ò k [(x2 - x1 ), ( y2 - y1 ), (z2 - z1 )]
Volume Volume ((x 2 - x1 ) + ( y2 - y1 ) + (z 2 - z1 )
2 2 2
)
3
2
This is not an easy task. It can be done but requires a lot of

work. It can best be solved by converting from (x,y,z)
coordinates to (r,f,z) coordinates.
We will see an easier way to obtain the electric field from surface and
volume charge distributions: Gauss’s law.
END
Lecture 2 EXAMPLE
ELECTRIC FIELD ELECTRIC FORCE

vector TEST vector
single charge CHARGE on charge
charge distribution on charge distribution
Lecture 2 SUMMARY
These questions are straight forward. Plug in the numbers and get your answer. Being able to
25 solve this type of question ensures you of at least a grade of 25% on a quiz or final exam
containing questions related to this lecture.
These questions require a few manipulations of equations or numbers before the answer can be
50 obtained. Being able to solve this type of question ensures you of at least a grade of 50% on a
quiz or final exam containing questions related to this lecture.
These question are quite involved and requires a thorough understanding of the topic material.
75 Being able to solve this type of question ensures you of at least a grade of 75% on a quiz or final
exam containing questions related to this lecture.
These questions are the most difficult and require a thorough understanding of the topic material
and also pull in topics from other lectures and disciplines. Being able to solve this type of
100 question ensures you an A grade on a quiz or final exam containing questions related to this
lecture.
75 100 These form excellent review questions when preparing for the quiz and final exam.
25 50 75 100
SELL EVALUATION SCALE

25 A 65 mC point charge is a the origin. Find the electric

field at the points (a) x = 50 cm, y = 0 cm; (b) x = 50
cm, y = 50 cm; (c) x = -25 cm, y = 75 cm.
25 The electron of a hydrogen atom is 0.0529 nm from

the proton. What is the proton’s electric field
strength at this distance?
25 A 1.0 mC charge and a 2.0 mC charge are 10 cm apart.

Find a point where the electric field is zero.
50 A 30 cm long rod carries a charge of 80 mC spread

uniformly over its length. Find the electric field
strength on the rod axis, 45 cm from the end of the
rod.
ans : 2.1312 ´ 10 6 V / m
50 (a) Find an expression for the electric field on the y

axis due to the two charge q. (b) At what point does
the field on the y axis have its maximum strength?
Y
Q
r = a2 + y2
q y
q q
X
a a
q y
ans (a ) : yˆ
(
2pe o y 2 + a 2 )
3
2
75 Three identical charges q form an equilateral triangle

of sides a, with two charges on the x axis and one on
the positive y axis. (a) Find an expression for the
electric field at a point on the y axis above the
uppermost charge. (b) Show that your result reduces
to the field of a point charge 3q for y >> a.
æ ö
ç ÷
q ç 1 2y ÷
ans (a ) : ç 2
+ 3
÷ yˆ
4pe o ç æ 3 a ö æ a 2
ö 2 ÷
çç çç y - ÷ ç y2 + ÷ ÷
2
2 ÷ ç 4 ÷ø ÷ø
Lecture 2 ASSIGNMENT èè ø è
75 The figure shows four point charges fixed at the

corners of a rectangle, in vacuum. (a) Compute The
magnitude and direction of the electric field at the
center of the rectangle. (b) Compute the electrostatic
force acting on the +100 mC charge.
q3 q2
+ 125 mC + 36 mC
+ 32 mC + 100 mC
q4 4 .0 m q1
( )
ans(a) : 2.42 ´10 4 xˆ - 2.50 ´10 4 yˆ V / m
75 A thin rod of length l carries a charge Q distributed

evenly over its length. A point charge with the same
charge Q lies a distance b from the end of the rod.
Find a point where the electric field is zero.
Q Q
75 The rods shown in the figure are both 15 cm long and

both carry 1.2 mC of charge. (a) Find the magnitude
and direction of the electric field at the point P. (b)
repeat the problem where the right hand rod carries -
1.2 mC of charge.
P
15cm
15cm 1.2 mC
1.2 mC
45 o 45o
ans (b) : 339 ´103 xˆV / m

75 Two identical rods of length l lie on the x axis and

carry uniform charges ± Q. (a) Find an expression for
the electric field strength as a function of the position
x for points to the right of the right-hand rod. (b)
Show that your result has the 1/x3 dependence of a
dipole field for x >> l .
-Q +Q
x = -l x=0 x=l
Ql æ 1 ö
ans (a ) : ç 3 2 ÷ xˆ
2pe o è x -l xø
75 A semicircular loop of radius a carries positive charge

Q distributed uniformly over its length. Find the
electric field at the center of the loop.
dq
q a
dq
rl 2
ans : xˆ
4pe o a
100 A semicircular loop of radius a carries positive charge

Q non-uniformly distributed over its length. Find the
electric field at the center of the loop. The charge
density varies linearly with the angle q with b
constant.
dq
q a
r l = bq dq
100 Determine the magnitude and direction of an electric

field if the electron placed in it, in vacuum, is to
experience a force that will cancel its weight at the
earth’s surface.
100 A section of an advertising sigh consists of a long tube

filled with neon gas having electrodes inside at both
ends. An electric field of 20 kN/C is set up between
the electrodes, and neon ions accelerate along the
length of the tube. Given that the ions have a mass of
3.35 X 10-26 kg and are slightly ionized, determine (a)
their acceleration and (b) terminal velocity when they
reach the end of a 1 m long tube.
A spherical shell of radius R is uniformly

100 charged with surface charge density rs. Find the
electric field at an exterior point.
Uniform surface charge on shell.
100
A cylindrical volume of radius R is uniformly
charged with volume charge density rV. Find the
electric field at an exterior point. Assume cylinder is
infinite in length.
Uniform volume charge in cylinder.
(29) A shown in the figure a positive charge +Q is

100 located at the origin and an array of equally spaced
negative charges (-q) are placed along the x axis.
Obtain a compact expression for the electric field at
the point P due to all the other charges when: (a) N =
1, (b) N = 2, (c) N = 10, (d) N = 100, (e) N = 1000, (f)
N = infinity. You may find it instructive to plot
electric field versus charge number N.
P -q -q -q -q -q -q -q
a a a a a a a X
(30) A shown in the figure a positive charge +Q is

100 located at the origin and an array of equally spaced
alternating sigh charges (±q) are placed along the x
axis. Obtain a compact expression for the electric
field at the point P due to all the other charges when:
(a) N = 1, (b) N = 2, (c) N = 10, (d) N = 100, (e) N =
1000, (f) N = infinity. You may find it instructive to
plot electric field versus charge number N.
P -q +q -q +q -q +q -q
a a a a a a a X
(0) Textbook: U. S. Inan, A. S. Inan

“Engineering Electromagnetics”
(0) Inan p. 246 - 255
(1) J.D. Kraus, K. R. Carver “Electromagnetics” 2nd (1) Kraus p. 12 - 15
(2) Reitz, Milford, Christy “Foundations of Electromagnetic
theory” 4th
(2) Reitz p. 27 - 31
(3) M. Plonus “Applied Electromagnetics” (3) Plonus p. 2 - 4
(4) R. P. Winch “Electricity and Magnetism”
(4) Winch p. 258 - 266
(5) P. Lorrain, D. Corson “Electromagnetic fields and Waves”
2nd (5) Lorrain p. 40 - 42
(6) Duckworth “Electricity and Magnetism”
(6) Duckworth p. 5 - 8
(7) J.D. Jackson “Classical Electrodynamics” 2nd
(8) F. Ulaby, “Fundamentals of applied Electromagnetics” (7) Jackson p. 27 - 28
(8) Ulaby p. 7, 143 - 144
Lecture 2 REFERENCES
(0) Textbook: U. S. Inan, A. S. Inan

(0) Inan p. 255 - 269
“Engineering Electromagnetics”
(1) J.D. Kraus, K. R. Carver “Electromagnetics” 2nd (1) Kraus p. 15 - 20
(2) Reitz, Milford, Christy “Foundations of Electromagnetic
theory” 4th
(2) Reitz p. 31 - 33
(3) M. Plonus “Applied Electromagnetics” (3) Plonus p. 4 - 6
(4) R. P. Winch “Electricity and Magnetism”
(4) Winch p. 266 - 271
(5) P. Lorrain, D. Corson “Electromagnetic fields and Waves”
2nd (6) Lorrain p. 42 - 43
(6) Duckworth “Electricity and Magnetism”
(6) Duckworth p. 8 - 16
(7) J.D. Jackson “Classical Electrodynamics” 2nd
(8) F. Ulaby, “Fundamentals of applied Electromagnetics” (7) Jackson p. 28 - 29
(8) Ulaby p.
Lecture 2 REFERENCES
q1 q3
qi Zrv - rv
SUPERPOSITION PRINCIPLE v i
q2 P
ri
v
qn r q4
Y
X v n v
E = å Ei
v
r̂
dE
v
q5
r v
dq dE E
v
i =1
r P dE
r
r̂
dq
r̂
dq
The electric
v field at the point P is the sum of the
vectors dE arising from the individual charge
elements dq in the entire distribution, each
calculated using the appropriate distance r and unit
)
vector r .
Lecture 2 SUMMARY
Lecture 2 END

Electric Field Lecture

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97.

315 Basic E&M and Power Engineering Topic:ELECTRIC FIELD

• Theory •Examples of calculation

• Two point charges

How do the charges qo

Similar to the action at a

Gravity: Another action at a distance effect!!!!

Field Introduce the idea of

We define an electric field similar to

A charge produces an electric

The electric field at any point is the

v Electric field and electric force

Some properties of the electric field for a POINT CHARGE Q

PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY

Example (Alternate Solution) Obtain the force v 1 qq ¢

Electric field produced by multiple point charges (n = 2)

Consider each charge in turn, independently of all other charges present.

Consider charge q1 only

Unit vector along line joining q1 and P

Consider charge q2 only

Unit vector along line joining q2 and P

The total electric field at P is the

Electric field produced by multiple point charges (n > 1)

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE END

Electric field produced by a continuous charge distribution

In is often useful to imagine

The principle of superposition

Electric field produced by a continuous charge distribution

In is often useful to imagine

Charged surface Recall in calculus

Electric field produced by a continuous line of charge

P Electric field produced at P

Electric field produced by all

{rl} Units; {C/m} v v rˆr l dl

Electric field produced by a continuous line of charge

Electric field produced by a continuous surface of charge

v P Electric field produced at P

{rs} Units; {C/m2} v v rˆr s dA

Electric field produced by a continuous surface of charge

Electric field produced by a continuous volume of charge

P Electric field produced at P

Electric field produced by a continuous volume of charge

Let the y axis lie along the rod, with origin at P.

The net fieldvat P is the sum- that is the integral- of all

In order to evaluate the integral we must relate dq to y.

The rod appears as a small

away from the positively charged

Each element of charge dq contributes an amount dEy to the net electric

Each element of charge dq contributes an amount dEy to the net electric

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE END

The figure shows that any components perpendicular to the x axis

Each charge element dq contributes an amount dEx to the total

In this example k, x, and a are constants so we have:

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE Does this result make sense?

Lecture 2 EXAMPLE END

We can represent the

Result for one ring of charge Q and radius a

Then xQ x 2pr s rdr

To find the total field due

Uniform surface charge on shell.

here (x2 , y2 , z 2 ) constants and

variable that depends on location of dA.