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18 Electrostatics
Chapter Snapshot
18.1 Electric Charge
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● Electric Charge
Conductors and Insulators
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The electrical nature of matter is inherent in atomic ●
Like mass electric charge is an intrinsic property of ● Electric Field and Potential due to Charged Spherical Shell of Solid
protons and electrons, and only two types of charge have Conducting Sphere
been discovered positive and negative. A proton has a ● Electric Field and Potential due to a Solid Sphere of Charge
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2
attract each other. which have charges 1 e and ± e. However, isolated quarks have not been
3 3
2. Charge is a scalar and can be of two types positive observed, so, quantum of charge is still e.
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or negative.
4. During any process, the net electric charge of an
3. Charge is quantized. The quantum of charge is e. isolated system remains constant or we can say
The charge on any body will be some integral that charge is conserved. Pair production and pair
multiple of e, i.e., annihilation are two examples of conservation of
q = ± ne charge.
where, n = 1, 2, 3¼ 5. A charge particle at rest produces electric field. A
æ1 ö charge particle in an unaccelerated motion
Charge on any body can never be ç e ÷ , 1.5e, etc. produces both electric and magnetic fields but
è3 ø
does not radiate energy. But an accelerated
Note charged particle not only produces an electric and
1. Apart from charge, energy, angular momentum and mass are also quantized. magnetic fields but also radiates energy in the
h
The quantum of energy is hn and that of angular momentum is . Quantum form of electromagnetic waves.
2p
1
of mass is yet not known. 6. 1 Coulomb = 3 ´ 109 esu = emu of charge.
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Example 18.1 How many electrons are there in one coulomb ––– – Ebonite rod
– ––––
–––––– –– – – –
of negative charge? – – –
– –
Solution The negative charge is due to the presence of –– –
–––– – –
– –
excess electrons, since they carry negative charge. Because an – –
electron has a charge whose magnitude is e =1.6 ´ 10-19 C, the Metal – – ––
number of electrons is equal to the charge q divided by the charge sphere
e on each electron. Therefore, the number n of electrons is Insulated
q 1.0 stand
n= = = 6.25 ´ 1018
e 1.6 ´ 10 -19
Fig. 18.1
18.2 Conductors and Insulators electrons from the rod are transferred to the sphere. Once
the electrons are on the metal sphere, where they can
For the purpose of electrostatic theory all substances move readily, they repel one another and spread out over
can be divided into two main groups — conductors and the sphere’s surface. The insulated stand prevents them
insulators. In conductors electric charges are free to move from flowing to the earth. When the rod is removed the
from one place to another, whereas in insulators they are sphere is left with a negative charge distributed over its
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tightly bound to their respective atoms. In an uncharged surface. In a similar manner the sphere will be left with a
body there are equal number of positive and negative positive charge after being rubbed with a positively
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charges. charged rod. In this case, electrons from the sphere would
The examples of conductors of electricity are the be transferred to the rod. The process of giving one object a
net electric charge by placing it in contact with another
metals, human body and the earth and that of insulators
object that is already charged is known as charging by
are glass, hard rubber and plastics. In metals, the free
ing
contact.
charges are free electrons known as conduction electrons.
Semiconductors are a third class of materials, and (iii) Charging by Induction
their electrical properties are somewhere between those of
ch
insulators and conductors. Silicon and germanium are It is also possible to charge a conductor in a way that
well known examples of semiconductors. does not involve contact.
––– – Ebonite rod
oa
––– –
– –––– – ––––
–––––– + ++ –– ––––––
– + ++ ––
– + – + –
18.3 Charging of a Body +
+
–
– Metal
+
+
– Grounding
– wire
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+ – sphere + –
Mainly there are following three methods of charging + – + –
++ –– ++ ––
a body:
Insulated Earth
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rubbed with a silk cloth the glass rod acquires some positive + + ++ +
+ +
charge and the silk cloth acquires negative charge by the + +
+ +
same amount. The explanation of appearance of electric + +
+ +
w.
electrons from one body pass onto the other body. The body
that donates the electrons becomes positively charged
while that which receives the electrons becomes negatively (c)
charged. For example when glass rod is rubbed with silk Fig. 18.2
cloth, glass rod becomes positively charged because it
donates the electrons while the silk cloth becomes In Fig. (a) a negatively
negatively charged because it receives electrons. charged rod brought close to (but + –
Electricity so obtained by rubbing two objects is also known does not touch) a metal sphere. In Ebonite rod + –
–––––– + – Plastic
as frictional electricity. The other places where the the sphere, the free electrons + –
frictional electricity can be observed are when amber is close to the rod move to the other + –
rubbed with wool or a comb is passed through a dry hair. side (by repulsion). As a result, Fig. 18.3
Clouds also become charged by friction. the part of the sphere nearer to
the rod becomes positively charged and the part farthest
from the rod negatively charged. This phenomenon is
(ii) Charging by Contact called induction. Now if the rod is removed, the free
When a negatively charged ebonite rod is rubbed on a electrons return to their original places and the charged
metal object, such as a sphere, some of the excess regions disappear. Under most conditions the earth is a
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Chapter 18 · Electrostatics 3
good electric conductor. So when a metal wire is attached Example 18.6 Why a third hole in a socket provided for
between the sphere and the ground as in Fig. (b) some of grounding?
the free electrons leave the sphere and distribute
themselves on the much larger earth. If the grounding Solution All electric appliances may end with some charge
wire is then removed, followed by the ebonite rod, the due to faulty connections. In such a situation charge will be
sphere is left with a net positive charge. The process of accumulated on the appliance. When the user touches the
giving one object a net electric charge without touching appliance he may get a shock. By providing the third hole for
the object to a second charged object is called charging by grounding all accumulated charge is discharged to the
induction. The process could also be used to give the ground and the appliance is safe.
sphere a net negative charge, if a positively charged rod
were used. Then, electrons would be drawn up from the
ground through the grounding wire and onto the sphere. 18.4 Coulomb’s Law
If the sphere were made from an insulating material
The law that describes how charges interact with one
like plastic, instead of metal, the method of producing a
another was discovered by Charles Augustin de Coulomb
net charge by induction would not work, because very
in 1785. With a sensitive torsion balance, Coulomb
little charge would flow through the insulating material
and down the grounding wire. However, the electric force measured the electric force between charged spheres. In
of the charged rod would have some effect as shown in Coulomb’s experiment the charged spheres were much
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figure. The electric force would cause the positive and smaller than the distance between them so that the
negative charges in the molecules of the insulating charges could be treated as point charges. The results of
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material to separate slightly, with the negative charges the experiments of Coulomb and others are summarized in
being pushed away from the negative rod. The surface of Coulomb’s law.
the plastic sphere does acquire a slight induced positive The electric force Fe exerted by one point charge on
charge, although no net charge is created.
ing
another acts along the line between the charges. It varies
inversely as the square of the distance separating the
Example 18.2 If we comb our hair on a dry day and bring
charges and is proportional to the product of charges. The
the comb near small pieces of paper, the comb attracts the
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induction. When we comb our hair it gets positively charged charge q1 on another charge q2 a distance r away is thus,
by rubbing. When the comb is brought near the pieces of given by
paper some of the electrons accumulate at the edge of the k | q1q2|
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paper piece which is closer to the comb. At the farther end of Fe = …(i)
the piece there is deficiency of electrons and hence, positive r2
charge appears there. Such a redistribution of charge in a The value of the proportionality constant k in
kM
material, due to presence of a nearby charged body is called Coulomb’s law depends on the system of units used. In SI
induction. The comb exerts larger attraction on the negative units the constant k is,
charges of the paper piece as compared to the repulsion on
N-m 2
the positive charge. This is because the negative charges are k = 8.987551787 ´ 109
pic
Example 18.3 Does the attraction between the comb and the
piece of papers last for longer period of time? The value of k is known to such a large number of
significant digits because this value is closely related to
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Solution No, because the comb loses its net charge after
some time. The excess charge of the comb transfers to earth the speed of light in vacuum. This speed is defined to be
through our body after some time. exactly c = 2.99792458 ´ 108 m / s. The numerical value of
k is defined in terms of c to be precisely.
Example 18.4 Can two similarly charged bodies attract
each other? æ N - s2 ö 2
k = çç10 -7 ÷c
Solution Yes, when the charge on one body (q1 ) is much è C 2 ÷ø
greater than that on the other (q2 ) and they are close enough to 1
This constant k is often written as , where e0
each other so that force of attraction between q1 and induced 4 pe0
charge on the other exceeds the force of repulsion between q1 (epsilon-nought) is another constant. This appears to
and q2 . However two similar point charges can never attract complicate matters, but it actually simplifies many
each other because no induction will take place here.
formulae that we will encounter in later chapters. Thus,
Example 18.5 Does in charging the mass of a body change? Eq. (i) can be written as,
Solution Yes, as charging a body means addition or removal 1 | q1q2|
Fe = …(ii)
of electrons and electron has a mass. 4 pe0 r 2
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noting: dimensionless constant which depends on the
medium and called dielectric constant of the
(1) Coulomb’s law stated above describes the medium. Thus,
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interaction of two point charges. When two
charges exert forces simultaneously on a third 1 qq
Fe = × 12 2 (in vacuum)
charge, the total force acting on that charge is the 4 pe0 r
vector sum of the forces that the two charges would
ing Fe 1 qq 1 q1q2
exert individually. This important property, called Fe¢ = = × 12 2 = × (in medium)
the principle of superposition of forces, holds for K 4 pe0 K r 4 pe r 2
any number of charges. Thus,
Here, e = e0 K is called permittivity of the medium.
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Fnet = F1 + F2 + ¼ + Fn
oa
Objective Galaxy 1 8 . 1
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b
Here q1 and q2 are to be substituted with sign.
r1 = x 1$i + y 1$j + z1k$
ww
F3
and r2 = x 2 i$ + y 2 $j + z2 k$
Fig. 18.5 where ( x 1, y 1, z1 ) and ( x 2 , y 2 , z2 ) are the co-ordinates of
charges q1 and q2 .
Example 18.7 What is the smallest electric force between Substituting in Eq. (i), we have
two charges placed at a distance of 1.0 m. (9.0 ´ 109 ) (1.6 ´ 10-19 ) (1.6 ´ 10-19 )
( Fe )min =
1 q1 q2 (1.0)2
Solution Fe = × …(i)
4pe0 r 2 = 2.304 ´ 10-28 N
For Fe to be minimum q1 q2 should be minimum. We know
Example 18.8 Three charges q1 = 1 mC , q2 = – 2 mC and
that
q3 = 3 mC are placed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle of
(q1 )min = (q2 )min
side 1.0 m. Find the net electric force acting on charge q1 .
= e = 1.6 ´ 10 -19 C
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Chapter 18 · Electrostatics 5
´ [(0 – 1) $i + (0 – 0) $j + (0 – 0) k$ ]
q1
F1
q2 = (1.8 ´ 10-2 i$) N
a
120° and F2 = force on q1 due to charge q3
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F2 F net 1 q1 q3
= × (r1 – r3 )
Fig. 18.7 4pe0 | r1 – r3|3
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1 q1 q2 (9.0 ´ 109 ) (1.0 ´ 10–6 ) (3.0 ´ 10–6 )
|F1| = F1 = × =
4pe0 r 2 ing (1.0)3
Now, |Fnet | = F12 + F22 + 2F1 F2 cos 120° does not change. The density of the liquid is s. Find the
dielectric constant of the liquid.
æ æ 1ö ö
= ç (1.8)2 + (2.7)2 + 2 (1.8) (2.7) ç – ÷ ÷ ´ 10-2 N Solution Each ball is in equilibrium under the following
w.
ç è 2 ø ÷ø
è three forces:
-2 (i) tension
= 2.38 ´ 10 N
ww
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Example 18.10 An electric field of 105 N/C points due west
w Fe
= at a certain spot. What are the magnitude and direction of the
w¢ F¢
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e force that acts on a charge of + 2 mC and - 5 mC at this spot?
w æ F ö
or K= ç as e = K ÷ Solution Force on + 2 mC = qE
ç F¢ ÷
w – upthrust
è e ø
ing = (2 ´ 10–6 ) (105 )
Vrg = 0.2 N (due west)
= (V = volume of ball)
Vrg – Vsg – 5 m C = (5 ´ 10–6 ) (105 )
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Force on
r = 0.5 N (due east)
or K=
r-s
oa
1 qq
either a vector function E called electric field strength or a Fe = × 20
4 p e0 r
scalar function V called electric potential. The electric
field can also be visualised graphically in terms of lines of then divide this value by q0 to obtain the magnitude of
force. the field.
1 q
Electric Field Strength ( E) E= × 2
4 pe0 r
Like its gravitational counterpart, the electric field
strength (often called electric field) at a point in an electric If q is positive E is directed away from q. On the other
field is defined as the electrostatic force Fe per unit positive hand if q is negative, then E is directed towards q.
charge. Thus, if the electrostatic force experienced by a The electric field at a point is a vector quantity.
small test charge q0 is Fe , then field strength at that point is Suppose E1 is the field at a point due to a charge q1 and E2
defined as, is the field at the same point due to a charge q2 . The
F resultant field when both the charges are present is
E = lim e
q0 ® 0 q
0 E = E1 + E2
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Chapter 18 · Electrostatics 7
If the given charge distribution is continuous, we can that of a point charge. To an observer far from the
use the technique of integration to find the resultant ring, the ring would appear like a point, and the
electric field at a point. electric field reflects this.
Example 18.11 Two positive point charges q1 = 16 m C and dEx
(iii) Ex will be maximum where = 0. Differentiating
q2 = 4 mC , are separated in vacuum by a distance of 3.0 m. dx
Find the point on the line between the charges where the net Ex w. r. t. x and putting it equal to zero, we get
electric field is zero. R 2 æ 1 q ö
x= and Emax comes out to be, 3 çç × 2 ÷÷ .
Solution Between the charges the two field contributions 2 3 è 4 pe0 R ø
have opposite directions, and the net electric field is zero at a
point (say P), where the magnitudes of E1 and E2 are equal. Ex
However, since, q2 < q1 , point P must be closer to q2 , in order
that the field of the smaller charge can balance the field of the
Emax
larger charge. E2 P E1
q1 + + q2
At P, E1 = E2
1 q1 1 q2 r1 r2
or = ×
4pe0 r12 4pe0 r22 Fig. 18.11 R x
m
2
r1 q1 Fig. 18.13
\ =
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r2 q2
16 Electric Field of an Infinitely Long Line
= =2 …(i)
4
ing
Charge
Also, r1 + r2 = 3.0 m …(ii)
Electric field at distance r from an infinitely long line
Solving these equations, we get charge is given by
ch
r1 = 2 m l
E=
and r2 = 1 m 2 pe0 r
oa
Thus, the point P is at a distance of 2 m from q1 and 1 m Here l is charge per unit length. Direction of this
from q2 . electric field is away from the line charge in case of
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+ + E P
Direction of this electric field is along the axis and P
+ +
away from the ring in case of positively charged ring and + +
towards the ring in case of negatively charged ring. + +
w.
+ + + +
+ l l
+
+ Fig. 18.14
ww
x x Ex
+ Ex P
+ R R
+ 1
+ or Eµ
+ r
+
+ Thus, E-r graph is as shown in Fig. 18.15.
Fig. 18.12
E
From the above expression, we can see that
(i) Ex = 0 at x = 0, i.e., field is zero at the centre of the
ring. We should expect this, charges on opposite
sides of the ring would push in opposite directions
on a test charge at the centre, and the forces would
add to zero.
r
1 q Fig. 18.15
(ii) Ex = × for x >> R , i.e., when the point P is
4 pe0 x 2
The direction of E is radially outward from the line.
much farther from the ring, its field is the same as
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Objective Galaxy 1 8 . 2
1. Suppose a charge q is placed at a point whose position vector is rq and we want to find the electric field at a point P whose position
vector is rp Then in vector form the electric field is given by,
1 q
E = × ( rp – rq )
4pe0 | rp – rq|3
Here, rp = x p $i + y p $j + z p z$
and rq = x q i$ + y q $j + zq k$
Example 18.12 A charge q = 1 mC is placed at point 2. Electric field lines always begin on a positive
charge and end on a negative charge and do not
(1 m, 2 m, 4 m). Find the electric field at point P (0 m, – 4 m, 3 m).
start or stop in midspace.
Solution Here, rq = $i + 2$j + 4k$ 3. The number of lines leaving a positive charge or
entering a negative charge is proportional to the
m
and rp = – 4$j + 3k$
magnitude of the charge. This means, for example
\ rp – rq = – $i – 6$j – k$ that if 100 lines are drawn leaving a + 4 mC charge
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then 75 lines would have to end on a –3 mCcharge.
or | rp – rq| = (–1)2 + (– 6)2 + (–1)2
= 38 m
ing
1 q
Now, E= × (rp – rq)
4pe0 | rp – rq|3 q –q
ch
E= (– i – 6$j – k$ )
(38)3 / 2
(a) (b)
N
yC
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Chapter 18 · Electrostatics 9
5. In a uniform field, the field lines are straight Note Here work done by electrostatic force is positive. Hence, the potential
parallel and uniformly spaced. energy is decreasing.
m
the surface of a conductor. charge q is,
1 qq
F= × 20
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4 pe0 r
18.6 Electric Potential Energy If the two charges have same signs, the force is
If the force F is conservative, the work done by F can repulsive and if the two charges have opposite signs, the
ing
always be expressed in terms of a potential energy U. force is attractive. The force is not constant during the
displacement, so we have to integrate to calculate the
When the particle moves from a point where the potential
work Wa® b done on q0 by this force as q0 moves from a to b.
energy is Ua to a point where it is Ub, the change in
ch
rb rb 1 qq
potential energy is, DU = Ub – Ua. This is related by the \ Wa® b = ò F dr = ò × 20 dr
ra r a 4 pe r
work Wa ® b as 0
oa
from a to b by the conservative force (here electrostatic) Being a conservative force this work is path
not by us. Moreover we can see from Eq. (i) that if Wa ® b is independent. From the definition of potential energy,
positive, D U is negative and the potential energy Ub – Ua = - Wa – b
kM
r is Ur
positive y-direction. Find the change in electric potential
qq0 æ 1 1 ö
energy of a positive test charge q0 when it is displaced in this \ Ur – U¥ = ç – ÷
field from y i = a to y f = 2a along the y-axis. 4 pe0 è r ¥ ø
ww
qq0 1
Solution Electrostatic force on the test charge, or Ur =
Fe = q0 E0 (along positive y-direction) 4 pe0 r
E0 This is the expression for electric potential energy of
q 0E 0 two point charges kept at a separation r. In this expression
both the charges q and q0 are to be substituted with sign.
+ q0
Electric Potential Energy of a System of
Charges
Fig. 18.18 To find electrical potential energy of a system of
charges, we make pairs. If there are total n charges then
\ Wi - f = – DU n( n -1)
total number of pairs are . Neither of the pair should
or DU = – Wi - f = – [ q0 E0 (2a – a)] 2
= – q0 E0 a be repeted, nor should be left.
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side 1 m. Find the electric potential energy of this system of é (1) (1) (1) (–1) (1) (–1) ù
charges. = (9.0 ´ 109 ) ê + + –12
ú (10 )
q4 q3 ë (1.0) (2.0) (1.0) û
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= – 4.5 ´ 10–3 J
Example 18.16 Two point charges q1 = q2 = 2 mC are fixed
1m
ing
at x1 = + 3 m and x2 = – 3 m as shown in figure. A third particle
of mass 1 g and charge q3 = – 4 mC are released from rest at
1m y = 4.0 m . Find the speed of the particle as it reaches the
q1 q2
ch
origin.
Fig. 18.20 y
oa
x
O
é (4)(–3) (4)(2) (4)(1) (–3)(2) (–3)(1) (2)(1) ù x 2 = –3 m x1 = 3 m
êë 1 + 2
+
1
+
1
+
2
+
1 úû Fig. 18.21
pic
é 5 ù
= (9.0 ´10–3 ) ê –12 + = – 7.62 ´ 10–2 J
ë 2 úû How to Proceed Here the charge q3 is attracted towards q1
and q2 both. So, the net force on q3 is towards origin.
w.
Note Here negative sign of U implies that positive work has been done by y
electrostatic forces in assembling these charges at respective distances from infinity.
q3
ww
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Chapter 18 · Electrostatics 11
Solution Let v be the speed of particle at origin. From The SI unit of potential is volt ( V ) which is equal to
conservation of mechanical energy, joule per coulomb. So,
Ui + Ki = Uf + Kf 1 V = 1 volt = 1 J /C = 1 joule / coulomb
1 é q3 q2 qq qq ù The work done by the electrostatic force in displacing
or ê + 3 1 + 2 1ú + 0 a test charge q0 from a to b in an electric field is defined as
4pe0 ë (r32 )i (r31 )i (r21 )i û
the negative of change in potential energy between them,
1 é q3 q2 qq qq ù 1 or
= ê + 3 1 + 2 1 ú + mv2
4pe0 ë (r32 )f (r31 )f (r21 )f û 2 DU = – Wa – b
\ Ub – Ua = – Wa – b
Here, (r21 )i = (r21 )f
We divide this equation by q0 ,
Substituting the proper values, we have Ub Ua Wa – b
é (– 4) (2) (– 4) (2) ù - =–
(9.0 ´ 109 ) ê + –12 q0 q0 q0
ú ´ 10
ë (5.0) (5.0) û Wa – b U
or Va – Vb = as V =
é (– 4) (2) (– 4) (2) ù 1 q0 q0
= (9.0 ´ 109 ) ê + –12 –3
ú ´ 10 + ´ 10 ´ v
2
ë (3.0) (3.0) û 2 Thus, the work done per unit charge by the electric
force when a charged body moves from a to b is equal to
m
æ 16 ö æ 16 ö 1
\ (9 ´ 10–3 ) ç – ÷ = (9 ´ 10–3 ) ç – ÷ + ´ 10–3 ´ v2 the potential at a minus the potential at b. We sometimes
è 5 ø è 3ø 2 abbreviate this difference as Vab = Va – Vb.
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æ2ö 1 Another way to interpret the potential difference Vab is
(9 ´ 10–3 ) (16) ç ÷ = ´ 10–3 ´ v2
è15 ø 2 that the potential at a minus potential at b, equals the work
that must be done to move a unit positive charge slowly
\ v = 6.2 m /s
ing
from b to a against the electric force.
( Wb – a)external force
Va – Vb =
18.7 Electric Potential q0
ch
(i) by the field strength E, and Suppose we take the point b at infinity and as a
reference point assign the value Vb = 0, the above
(ii) by the electric potential V at the point under equations can be written as
yC
E and V. Potential is the potential energy per unit charge. electric field can be defined as the work done in displacing
Electric potential at any point in an electric field is defined a unit positive charge from infinity to a by the external
as the potential energy per unit charge, same as the field force or the work done per unit positive charge in
strength is defined as the force per unit charge. Thus, displacing it from a to infinity.
w.
U
V=
q0
ww
or U = q0 V
Objective Galaxy 1 8 . 3
Following three formulae are very useful in the problems (W a – b ) external = q 0 (V b – V a ) = – (W a – b ) electric force
force
related to work done in electric field. (W ¥ – a ) external force = q 0V a
(W a – b ) electric force = q 0 (V a – V b ) Here, q 0 , V a and V b are to be substituted with sign.
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m
Just as the electric field due to a collection of point
(W¥ – a )external force = qVa
charges is the vector sum of the fields produced by each
force = (2 ´ 10–6 ) (104 )
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We have, (W¥ – a)external
charge, the electric potential due to a collection of point
= 2 ´ 10–2 J charges is the scalar sum of the potentials due to each
charge.
Electric Potential Due to a Point Charge q
ing
1 q
From the definition of potential, V= å i
4 pe0 i ri
ch
Objective Galaxy 1 8 . 4
oa
distance r0 from the point where V is to be evaluated, then distributed in Fig. (b).
+ + ++
we can write, + + q + +
+ +
1 q net
kM
+
V = × + + +
4pe0 r0 +
+q +
+
+
+
+ + +
where q net is the algebraic sum of all the charges of which + R + R
pic
R 2+r 2
R
r
C P
–4 mC +2 mC
Fig. 18.23
Fig. 18.25
q net = 4 mC – 2 mC + 2 mC – 4 mC
1 q
= 0. V = × (where R = radius of ring)
4pe0 R
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Chapter 18 · Electrostatics 13
m
plane with its centre at origin. Find the electric potential at a or
point P(0, 0, 4 m). r 1.0 – r
.co
Fig. 18.28
Solution The electric potential at point P would be,
z
q 3q
P VP = – =0
4 pe0 r 4 pe0(1 + r )
ing
r0 4m
+ + + + y Solving this, we get r = 0.5m
+ +
ch
+ 3m +
x q 3q
+ + Further, VP = – = 0,
+
+ +
q 4 pe0 r 4 pe0 (1 – r )
+ + +
oa
4pe0 r0
charge + q.
Here r0 = distance of point P from the circumference of
kM
ring
= (3)2 + (4)2 = 5 m
18.8 Relation between Electric
and q = 10 mC = 10–5 C
Field and Potential
pic
Substituting the values, we have Let us first consider the case when electric potential V
9 –5 is known and we want to calculate E. The relation is as
(9.0 ´ 10 ) (10 ) under,
V = = 1.8 ´ 104 V
w.
(5.0)
In Case of Cartesian Coordinates
Variation of Electric Potential on the Axis
ww
E = Ex $i + Ey $j + Ez k$
of a Charged Ring V0
V
¶V
We have discussed in Here, Ex = – = – (partial derivative of V wrt x )
¶x
Medical Galaxy that the electric ¶V
potential at the centre of a Ey = – = – (partial derivative of V wrt y )
¶y
charged ring (whether charged
uniformly or non-uniformly) is r=0 r ¶V
Fig. 18.27 Ez = – = – (partial derivative of V wrt z)
1 q ¶z
× and at a distance r from
4 pe0 R
é ¶V $ ¶V $ ¶V $ ù
the centre on the axis of the ring \ E=-ê i+ j+ k
1 q ë ¶x ¶y ¶z úû
is × . From these expressions we can see that
4 pe0 R + r2
2
This is also sometimes written as,
electric potential is maximum at the centre and decreases
E = – gradient V
as we move away from the centre on the axis. Thus
potential varies with distance r as shown in figure. = – grad V
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m
the electrostatic potential V. Let us now consider how to A E
calculate potential difference or absolute potential if
.co
electric field E is known. For this use the relation,
dV = – E × dr 2m 2m
B B
or ò A dV = – òA E × dr
ing
B 2m C
B
or VB – VA = – ò A E × dr Fig. 18.30
ch
Let us take this case with the help of an example. Further dAB = 2 cos 60° = 1 m
\ VA – VB = – EdAB
yC
where $ $ $
r = (i – 2 j + k) m Further, dBC = 2.0 m
a
and rb = (2 $i + $j – 2 k$ ) m. \ VB – VC = (10) (2) = 20 V
Solution Here the given field is uniform (constant). So Example 18.25 A uniform electric field of 100 V/m is
pic
using, directed at 30° with the positive x-axis as shown in figure. Find
dV = – E × dr the potential difference VBA if OA = 2 m and OB = 4 m.
a
w.
or Vab = Va – Vb = – ò b E × dr B
(1,–2 , 1 )
=-ò (2 $i + 3 $j + 4 k$ ) × (dx $i + dy $j + dz k$ )
ww
(2 , 1,–2 ) O 30°
(1,–2 , 1 ) A
=–ò (2 dx + 3 dy + 4 dz)
(2 , 1,–2 )
( 1, – 2, 1 )
= - [2x + 3y + 4z]( 2, 1, – 2 ) = – 1 volt
Fig. 18.31
d \ VBA = VB – VA
Fig. 18.29
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Chapter 18 · Electrostatics 15
B
=– ò A E × dr surface, it follows that E must be perpendicular to
the surface at every point so that the electric force
(0 , 4 m , 0 ) q0 E will always be perpendicular to the
= –ò (50 3 $i + 50 $j) × (dx i$ + dy $j + dz k$ )
( -2 m , 0 , 0 ) displacement of a charge moving on the surface.
(0 , 4 m , 0 )
Thus, field lines and equipotential surfaces are
= – [50 3 x + 50 y](–2 m , 0, 0 ) always mutually perpendicular. Some
= – 100 (2 + 3 ) V equipotential surfaces are shown in Fig. 18.32.
Method 2. We can also use, V = Ed The equipotential surfaces are a family of concentric
spheres for a point charge or a sphere of charge and are a
With the view that VA > VB or VB – VA will be negative. family of concentric cylinders for a line of charge or
Here, dAB = OA cos 30° + OB sin 30° cylinder of charge. For a special case of a uniform field,
where the field lines are straight, parallel and equally
3 1 spaced the equipotentials are parallel planes
=2 ´ + 4 ´ = ( 3 + 2)
2 2 perpendicular to the field lines.
\ VB – VA = – EdAB = – 100 (2 + 3)
Note While drawing the equipotential surfaces we should keep in mind the two
main points.
18.9 Equipotential Surfaces 1. These are perpendicular to field lines at all places.
m
2. Field lines always flow from higher potential to lower potential.
The equipotential surfaces in an electric field have the
.co
same basic idea as topographic maps used by civil engineers Example 18.26 Equipotential spheres are drawn round a
or mountain climbers. On a topographic map, contour lines point charge. As we move away from the charge, will the
are drawn passing through the points having the same spacing between two spheres having a constant potential
ing
elevation. The potential energy of a mass m does not change difference decrease, increase or remain constant.
along a contour line as the elevation is same everywhere.
Solution V1 > V2
By analogy to contour lines on a topographic map, an
equipotential surface is a three dimensional surface on 1 q
V1 = ×
ch
4pe0 r1 q
which the electric potential V is the same at every point on it. +
An equipotential surface has the following characteristics. 1 q r2 r1 V1 V2
and V2 = ×
oa
è r1 r2 ø
charge is moved along this surface.
(4pe0 ) (V1 – V2 )
4. Two equipotential surfaces can never intersect \ (r2 – r1 ) = (r1 r2 )
each other because otherwise the point of q
pic
intersection will have two potentials which is of For a constant potential difference (V1 – V2 ),
course not acceptable. r2 – r1 µ r1 r2
5. As the work done by electric force is zero when a i.e., the spacing between two spheres (r2 – r1 ) increases as
w.
test charge is moved along the equipotential we move away from the charge, because the product r1 r2
will increase.
ww
10 V 40 V
20 30
V V
30 20
40V
V
10V
V
18.10 Electric Dipole
+ – A pair of equal and opposite point charges ±q, that
are separated by a fixed distance is known as electric
dipole. Electric dipole occurs in nature in a variety of
situations. The hydrogen fluoride (HF) molecule is
typical. When a hydrogen atom combines with a fluorine
atom, the single electron of the former is strongly
E attracted to the latter and spends most of its time near the
fluorine atom. As a result, the molecule consists of a
strongly
negative –q
P
+q
fluorine ion – +
40 V 30 V 20 V 2a
Fig. 18.32 Fig. 18.34
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m
A ( x , y , z) as shown is simply the sum of the potentials due
to the two charges. Thus, 4 ayq
.co
y =
A (x, y, z) 4 pe0 ( y 2 – a2 )2
x 2 + z 2 + (y – a)2
1 2 py
or Ey =
+q
+
ing 4 pe0 ( y 2 – a2 )2
x 2 + z 2 + (y+a)2
a
Note that Ey is along positive y-direction or parallel
x to p.
a
ch
Fig. 18.35 1 2 pr
Ey =
4 pe0 ( r – a2 )2
2
1 é q q ù
yC
V= ê – ú 1 2p
4 pe0 ê x 2 + ( y – a)2 + z2 or Eaxis » × (for r >> a)
ë x 2 + ( y + a)2 + z2 úû 4 pe0 r 3
By differentiating this function, we obtain the electric
kM
q ì x x ü
= í 2 – 2 2 3 /2 ý 1 é q q ù
4 pe0 î [ x + ( y – a) + z ]
2 2 3 /2 2
[ x + ( y + a) + z ] þ \ V= ê – ú =0
4 pe0 ê x 2 + a2 x 2 + a2 úû
¶V ë
w.
Ey = –
¶y or V^ bisector = 0
ww
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Chapter 18 · Electrostatics 17
1 p or t =p´E
E=
4 pe0 ( r + a2 )3 / 2
2
Thus, the magnitude of torque is t = PE sin q. The
direction of torque is perpendicular to the plane of paper
1 p inwards. Further this torque is zero at q = 0 ° or q = 180 °, i.e.,
or E^ bisector » × (for r >> a)
4 pe0 r 3 when the dipole is parallel or antiparallel to E and
maximum at q = 90 °.
Electric Dipole in Uniform Electric Field
As we have said earlier also a uniform electric field Potential Energy of Dipole
means, at every point the direction and magnitude of When an electric dipole is placed in an electric field E,
electric field is constant. A uniform electric field is shown a torque t = p ´ E acts on it. If we rotate the dipole through
a small angle dq, the work done by the torque is,
by parallel equidistant lines. The field due to a point
charge or due to an electric dipole is non-uniform in dW = t dq
nature. Uniform electric field is found between the plates dW = – pE sin q dq
of a parallel plate capacitor. Now let us discuss the The work is negative as the rotation dq is opposite to
behaviour of a dipole in uniform electric field. the torque. The change in electric potential energy of the
m
dipole is therefore
Force on Dipole dU = – dW
.co
Suppose an electric dipole of dipole moment| p| = 2aq = pE sin q dq
is placed in a uniform electric field E at an angle q. Here q Now at angle q = 90 °, the electric potential energy of
is the angle between p and E. A force F1 = qE will act on the dipole may be assumed to be zero as net work done by
ing
positive charge and F2 = – qE on negative charge. Since, F1 the electric forces in bringing the dipole from infinity to
and F2 are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. this position will be zero. Integrating,
Hence,
ch
+q
E
+q
F1 p 90°
oa
a A
O
a q
yC
–q E –q
F2
B
Fig. 18.37
kM
Fig. 18.36
dU = pE sin q dq
F1 + F2 = 0 From 90° to q, we have
q q
Fnet = 0
or
ò90 ° dU = ò90 ° pE sin q dq
pic
be zero.
= – p×E
Torque on Dipole If the dipole is rotated from an angle q1 to q2 , then
ww
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in equilibrium. Of this q = 0 ° is the stable equilibrium other hand at q = 180 °, the potential energy of the dipole is
position of the dipole because potential energy in this maximum (U = – pE cos 180 ° = + pE) and when it is
position is minimum (U = – pE cos 0 ° = – pE) and when displaced from this position, the torque has a tendency to
E E E E
+q –q
F1 F1
–q +q +q –q Torque in opposite
Restoring torque direction
p p
–q
F2 +q F2
q = 0° When displaced from mean position q = 180° When displaced from mean position,
U = minimum = - PE a restoring torque acts on the dipole. U = maximum = + PE torque acts in opposite direction.
Fnet = 0, t = 0 ®
Fnet = 0, t = 0
Fig. 18.38
displaced from this position a torque starts acting on it rotate it in other direction. This torque is not restoring in
m
which is restoring in nature and which has a tendency to nature. So this equilibrium is known as unstable
bring the dipole back in its equilibrium position. On the equilibrium position.
.co
Objective Galaxy 1 8 . 5
ing
1. As there are too many formulae in electric dipole, we have 3. On the perpendicular bisector of dipole :
summarised them as under: (i) V =0
ch
–q 2a +q 1 p
(ii) E = (opposite to p)
4pe0 ( r 2 + a2 )3 / 2
oa
P
Fig. 18.39 1 p
» × (for r >> a)
4pe0 r 3
| p | = ( 2a ) q
yC
4pe0 r 2 – a2
(iii)U ( q) = – P × E = – pE cos q with U ( 90° ) = 0
1 p (iv) (W q1 ®q2 ) external force = pE (cos q2 – cos q1 )
or V axis » if r >> a
4pe0 r 2 (v) (W q1 ®q2 ) electric force = pE (cos q2 – cos q1 )
pic
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Chapter 18 · Electrostatics 19
m
Fig. 18.41 Since, n$ is a unit vector normal to a surface, it has two
possible directions at every point on that surface. On a
.co
Electric flux ( fe ) is a measure of the number of field closed surface n$ is usually chosen to be the outward
lines crossing a surface. normal at every point. For an open surface we can use
Fig. (a) shows a planar surface of area S1 that is either direction, as long as we are consistent over the
ing
perpendicular to a uniform electric field E. The number of entire surface. It is sometimes helpful to visualize electric
field lines passing through per unit area ( N /S1) will be flux as the flow of the field lines through a surface. When
proportional to the electric field. Or, field lines leave (or flow out of) a closed surface, fe is
N positive, when they enter (or flow into) the surface, fe is
ch
The quantity ES1 is the electric flux through S1. It is a flux passing through a surface S of finite size (whether
scalar quantity and has the SI unit N-m2 /C. Eq. (i) can also closed or open)
yC
be written as,
Case 1. fe = ES
N µ fe
If at every point on the surface, the magnitude of
Now let us consider a planar surface that is not
electric field is constant and perpendicular (to the
kM
90° 90°
S2 cos q = S1 E
90°
Because the same number of field lines cross both S1
S Closed
and S2 , the fluxes through both surfaces must be the same.
w.
surface E
The flux through S2 is therefore, 90°
fe = ES1 = ES2 cos q 90°
ww
Fig. 18.42
Fig. 18.44
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m
charge. In practice however, the technique is useful for distribution
calculating the electric field only in situations where the
Consider a long line charge
.co
degree of symmetry is high. Gauss’s law can be used to with a linear charge density +
evaluate the electric field for charge distributions that (charge per unit length) l. We +
have spherical, cylindrical or plane symmetry. have to calculate the electric field +
+
Gauss’s law in simplified form can be written as
ing
at a point, a distance r from the
line charge. We construct a
under, Gaussian surface, a cylinder of
r
any arbitrary length l of radius r l
ch
qin
ES = …(ii) and its axis coinciding with the E E
e0 axis of the line charge. This
cylinder have three surfaces. One
oa
but this form of Gauss’s law is applicable only under is curved surface and the two
following two conditions : plane parallel surfaces. Field lines +
at plane parallel surfaces are +
yC
(i) the electric field at every point on the surface is tangential (so flux passing +
either perpendicular or tangential. through these surfaces is zero). Fig. 18.46
The magnitude of electric field is
(ii) magnitude of electric field at every point where it is
kM
to the surface. q
ES = in
e0
Applications of Gauss’s Law
w.
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20