chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 1

This print-out should have 46 questions.
Multiple-choice questions may continue on
the next column or page – find all choices
before answering.
OPTIONAL: 14-18, 24-26, 28, 32, 37-45.
The assignment is worth 28 points.
001 1.0 points
Consider three electric field patterns due to
static electric charges outside the regions
shown.
sect one another. A charged particle placed
at the crossing point would not experience
a unique physical force. The crossing point
would be unphysical, so (a) is not possible.
(b) The electric charges at which the lines
of force begin and end are out of the region
on the left and right, respectively, so (b) is
possible.
(c) Electrostatic lines of force begin and
end at electric charges (or at infinity). In
a localized region that contains no charges,
therefore, no closed loop pattern is possible,
so (c) is not possible.

(a) 002 (part 1 of 4) 1.0 points

Consider symmetrically placed rectangular
insulators with uniformly charged distribu-
tions of equal magnitude as shown.
y
−− ++
−− ++
(b)
x
What is the direction of net electric field at
the origin?

1. Aligned with the positive x-axis

2. Aligned with the negative x-axis correct

(c)
3. Zero with undefined direction

4. Non-zero and not aligned with either the

Which patterns are physically possible? x- or y-axis

1. (b) and (c) 5. Aligned with the negative y-axis

2. (a) and (b) 6. Aligned with the positive y-axis

3. (c) only Explanation:

At the origin, the positive slab of charge
4. (a) and (c) produces an electric field that points into
quadrant III (away from the positively
5. (b) only correct charged slab). The negatively charged slab
produces an electric field of equal magnitude
6. (a) only (as the positively charged slab) but point-
ing into quadrant II (toward the negatively
Explanation: charged slab). The x-components of the two
(a) Electrostatic lines of force do not inter- fields add (producing Ex < 0), while the
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1)
y-components cancel, so the electric field is
along the negative x-axis.
003 (part 2 of 4) 1.0 points
y
++++
x −−−−
++++
What is the direction of net electric field at
the origin?
1. Zero with undefined direction correct
2. Aligned with the negative y-axis
3. Non-zero and not aligned with either the
x- or y-axis
4. Aligned with the positive y-axis
5. Aligned with the positive x-axis
6. Aligned with the negative x-axis
Explanation:
At the origin the upper slab produces an
electric field that points into quadrant III
(away from the positively charged slab) and
the lower slab produces an electric field point-
ing into quadrant I (away from the positively
charged slab). By symmetry, these two elec-
tric fields are equal in magnitude and opposite
in direction, so the total electric field sums to
zero.
004 (part 3 of 4) 1.0 points
2
y
++++
x
What is the direction of net electric field at
the origin?
1. Aligned with the positive y-axis
2. Non-zero and not aligned with either the
x- or y-axis correct
3. Aligned with the positive x-axis
4. Aligned with the negative x-axis
5. Zero with undefined direction
6. Aligned with the negative y-axis
Explanation:
At the origin, the upper slab produces an
electric field pointing into quadrant III (away
from the positively charged slab) while the
lower slab produces an electric field also point-
ing into quadrant III (toward the negatively
charged slab). By symmetry both slabs pro-
duce an electric field of the same magnitude
and direction. The sum of these electric
fields points into quadrant III which is nei-
ther aligned with the x nor y axis.
005 (part 4 of 4) 1.0 points
y
+++++
+ −
+ −
+ −
+ − x
+ −
+++++
What is the direction of the net electric field
at the origin?
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1)
1. Aligned with the negative y-axis
2. Aligned with the negative x-axis
3. Aligned with the positive x-axis correct
4. Zero with undefined direction
5. Non-zero and not aligned with either the
x- or y-axis
6. Aligned with the positive y-axis
Explanation:
At the origin the fields from the top and
bottom slabs cancel because they are equal
and opposite. The field from the left slab
points toward the positive x-axis (away from
the positively charged slab) and the field from
the right slab also points toward the positive
x-axis (toward the negatively charged slab).
This configuration is symmetric about the x-
axis, so the y component of the total field
must vanish, and the sum of the electric fields
from all four slabs is aligned with the positive
x-axis.
006 (part 1 of 3) 1.0 points
Two point charges at fixed locations pro-
duce an electric field as shown.
A B
X
Y What are the signs of q1 and q2 ?
How would a negative charge placed at
point X move?
1. Along an equipotential plane
3
2. Toward charge B correct
3. Toward charge A
Explanation:
Electric field lines run from a positive po-
tential to a negative potential, so the charge
B is positive. A negative charge will move to-
ward a positive potential, which creates lower
potential energy and a higher kinetic energy.
007 (part 2 of 3) 1.0 points
The electric field at point X is
1. the same as that the field at point Y .
2. stronger than the field at point Y . cor-
rect
3. weaker than the field at point Y .
Explanation:
The field at X is stronger than the field
at Y , since the number of field lines per unit
volume at X is greater than the number of
field lines per unit volume at Y .
008 (part 3 of 3) 1.0 points
WITHDRAWN
009 (part 1 of 2) 1.0 points
Consider the electric field lines for two point
charges separated by a small distance.
q1 q2
1. q1 < 0 and q2 > 0
2. q1 < 0 and q2 < 0
3. q1 > 0 and q2 < 0 correct
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 4

4. q1 > 0 and q2 > 0 4. I and III only

Explanation:
Field lines are directed toward negative 5. II and III only
charges, so q1 > 0 and q2 < 0.
6. All of these
010 (part 2 of 2) 1.0 points
q1 7. III only
What relationship does the ratio R =
q2
have? 8. I only
Explanation:
1. R > 1 The definition of the electrostatic force is
~
~ = F , so F
E ~ = qE~ and F ~ acts in the same
2. 0 < R < 1 q
or opposite direction to E~ depending on the
3. −1 < R < 0 correct
sign of the charge. If we only consider the
magnitude F = q E for a unit charge, the
4. R < −1 F
electric field’s magnitude is E = .
Explanation: q
A stronger field is depicted by field lines of
higher density, so 012 1.0 points
From the electric field vector at one point, one
can determine which of the following?
|q2 | > |q1 | A. The electrostatic charge at that point.
|q1 | B. The direction of the electrostatic force
1> >0 on a test charge of known sign at that
|q2 |
point.
|q1 | C. The magnitude of the electrostatic force
−1 < − <0
|q2 | exerted per unit charge on a test charge at
q1 that point.
−1 < <0
q2
since q1 < 0 and q2 > 0 . 1. A, B, and C

2. A only
011 1.0 points
3. All are true.
From the electric field vector at a point, one
can determine which of the following?
I. the direction of the electrostatic force on 4. B only
a test charge of known sign at that point;
5. B and C only correct
II. the magnitude of the electrostatic force
exerted per unit charge on a test charge
at that point; 6. A and C only
III. the electrostatic charge at that point.
7. C only
1. I and II only correct
8. None is true.
2. None of these
9. A and B only
3. II only Explanation:
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 5
The electric field is a vector with magni-
tude and direction, and the electric force is Correct answer: 0.00262559 kg.
parallel (anti-parallel) to the electric field for
Explanation:
a positive (negative) test charge.
Only a closed surface integration can de-
termine the amount of charge enclosed in the Let : q = 4.3 × 10−5 C ,
surface.
E = 599 N/C , and
013 1.0 points g = 9.81 m/s2 .
An object having a net charge of 37.9 µC is
placed in a uniform electric field of 907 N/C
directed vertically up.
Fe − Fg = 0
What is the mass of this object if it “floats”
in the field? The acceleration due to gravity Fe = Fg
is 9.8 m/s2 . qE = mg
qE (4.3 × 10−5 C)(599 N/C)
Correct answer: 3.50768 g. m= =
g 9.81 m/s2
Explanation: = 0.00262559 kg .

Let : Q = 37.9 µC = 3.79 × 10−5 C ,

015 (part 1 of 3) 1.0 points
E = 907 N/C , and
A small 4 g plastic ball is suspended by a
g = 9.8 m/s2 . 32.7 cm long string in a uniform electric field
1190 N/C as shown. The ball is in equilibrium
Call the vertical direction the y-direction,
when the string makes a 36 ◦ angle with the
so the the unit vector ̂ points up. Then
vertical.
force equilibrium in the vertical direction for
a charge Q of mass m yields
X
F = Q E ̂ + m g (−̂) = 0 . 32
.7
For this to hold,
cm
1190 N/C
QE − mg = 0
◦
QE 36 4g
m=
g
(3.79 × 10−5 C) (907 N/C) 1000 g
= ×
9.8 m/s2 1 kg Find the relationship among θ, m g, and
= 3.50768 g . q E.
mg
1. cos θ =
014 1.0 points qE
An object with a net charge of 43 µC is placed qE
2. tan θ = correct
in a uniform electric field of 599 N/C, directed mg
vertically. qE
3. cos θ =
What is the mass of this object if it floats mg
in this electric field? The acceleration due to mg
4. tan θ =
gravity is 9.81 m/s2 . qE
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 6

mg
5. sin θ =
qE
qE
qE tan θ =
6. sin θ = mg
mg
m g tan θ
Explanation: q=
Consider the free body diagram of the sys- E
tem. (0.004 kg)(9.8 m/s2 ) tan 36◦
=
1190 N/C
1 × 106 µC
T × = 23.9332 µC .
1C
qE
017 (part 3 of 3) 1.0 points
Express the tension T on the string in terms
R

mg θ of the known quantities.

mgℓ
1. T =
sin θ
~ =R
m~g + q E ~ = −T ~
2. T = m g tan θ
By inspection,
qE 3. T = m g cos θ
tan θ = .
mg mg
Alternate Solution: When the system is 4. T =
sin θ
in equilibrium, the sum of the torques about
the point O (where the string is attached to 5. T = m g sin θ
the ceiling) must be zero.
The electric force is FE = q E, applied a 6. T = g ℓ sin θ
distance ℓ cos θ from the pivot, so The weight
is W = mg, applied a distance ℓ sin θ from 7. T = m g ℓ tan θ
the pivot, so
X X 8. None of these
τcω = τcω
mg
m g ℓ sin θ = q E ℓ cos θ 9. T = correct
qE cos θ
tan θ = . mg
mg 10. T =
tan θ
016 (part 2 of 3) 1.0 points Explanation:
What is the net charge q on the ball? The Return to the sketch of the force diagram.
acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s2 . When the system is in equilibrium, the ten-
sion T should be equal to the magnitude of
Correct answer: 23.9332 µC. ~ due to W
the resultant force R ~ and F ~ E . The
Explanation: free-body diagram shows that

Let : m = 4 g = 0.004 kg ,
θ = 36◦ , W mg
cos θ = =
E = 1190 N/C , and T T
mg
g = 9.8 m/s2 . T = .
cos θ
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 7

018 1.0 points Correct answer: 36204.7 V/m.

An electron moves at 2.1 × 106 m/s into a Explanation:
uniform electric field of magnitude 768 N/C.
The field is parallel to the electron’s velocity
and acts to decelerate the electron. Let : qe = −1.602 × 10−19 C and
How far does the electron travel before it is F = 5.8 × 10−15 N .
brought to rest? The fundamental charge is
1.602 × 10−19 C and the mass of an electron The magnitude of the force is
is 9.109 × 10−31 kg .
F = |qe | E
Correct answer: 1.63251 cm. F 5.8 × 10−15 N
E= =
Explanation: |qe | | − 1.602 × 10−19 C|
= 36204.7 V/m .
Let : v = 2.1 × 106 m/s ,
qe = −1.602 × 10−19 C , 020 (part 2 of 2) 1.0 points
m = 9.109 × 10−31 kg , and What is the speed of the electron after it has
E = 768 N/C . accelerated for 1 × 10−9 s?

1 Correct answer: 6.36733 × 106 m/s.

The kinetic energy K = m v 2 is depleted
2 Explanation:
by the amount of work done by the electric
force F = qe E on the particle:
Z Let : me = 9.109 × 10−31 kg and
W = F dx = F x = qe E x t = 1 × 10 −9
s.

since the force is constant, so The force on the electron is F = me a and

its acceleration is

1
0− m v 2 = qe E x ∆v F
2 a= =
m v2 ∆t me
x=− F ∆t (5.8 × 10−15 N)(1 × 10−9 s)
2 qe E ∆v = =
me 9.109 × 10−31 kg
9.109 × 10−31 kg
=−
2(−1.602 × 10−19 C) = 6.36733 × 106 m/s .

2
2.1 × 106 m/s 100 cm
× ×
768 N/C 1m 021 (part 1 of 3) 1.0 points
An electron traveling at 3 × 106 m/s enters a
= 1.63251 cm .
0.09 m region with a uniform electric field of
142 N/C , as in the figure.
019 (part 1 of 2) 1.0 points 0.09 m
An electron with 9.109 × 10−31 kg is acceler- ̂
−−−−−−−−−
ated from rest for 1 × 10−9 s by a uniform elec-
tric field that exerts a force of 5.8 × 10−15 N ı̂
3 × 106 m/s
on the electron.
What is the magnitude of the electric field? +++++++++
The fundamental charge is 1.602 × 10−19 C .
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 8
Find the magnitude of the acceleration of
the electron while in the electric field. The Correct answer: 0.0112381 m.
mass of an electron is 9.109 × 10−31 kg and Explanation:
the fundamental charge is 1.602 × 10−19 C . Using the equation for the displacement in
the vertical direction and the results from the
Correct answer: 2.49735 × 1013 m/s2 . first two parts of the problem,
Explanation:
1 2
∆y = at
2
Let : qe = −1.602 × 10−19 C , −2.49735 × 1013 m/s2
=
me = 9.109 × 10−31 kg , and 2
−8 2
× (3 × 10 s)
E = 142 N/C .
= −0.0112381 m ,

F = ma = qE with a magnitude of 0.0112381 m .

qe E
a= ̂ 024 (part 1 of 3) 1.0 points
me
A proton has an initial velocity of
(−1.602 × 10−19 C)(142 N/C)
= ̂ 2.6 × 107 m/s in the horizontal direction. It
9.109 × 10−31 kg enters a uniform electric field of 27500 N/C
= (−2.49735 × 1013 m/s2 ) ̂ , directed vertically.
Ignoring gravitational effects, find the
with a magnitude of 2.49735 × 1013 m/s2 . time it takes the proton to travel 0.093 m
horizontally. The mass of the proton
022 (part 2 of 3) 1.0 points is 1.6726 × 10 −27
kg and the fundamental
Find the time it takes the electron to travel charge is 1.602 × 10−19 C .
through the region of the electric field, assum-
ing it doesn’t hit the side walls. Correct answer: 3.57692 ns.
Explanation:
Correct answer: 3 × 10−8 s.
Explanation: Let : vx = 2.6 × 107 m/s ,
E = 27500 N/C , and
Let : ℓ = 0.09 m , and x = 0.093 m .
v0 = 3 × 106 m/s . ~ is in the vertical (y)
The electric field E
The horizontal distance traveled is ~e = q E
direction, so the electric force F ~ ex-
erted by the field on the proton is also in
ℓ = v0 t the y-direction, with no component in the x-
ℓ 0.09 m direction. Hence, the field can exert no force
t= = on the proton in the x-direction. This implies
v0 3 × 106 m/s
a constant speed in the x-direction. Conse-
= 3 × 10−8 s . quently,
x = vx t
023 (part 3 of 3) 1.0 points x 0.093 m 109 ns
What is the magnitude of the vertical dis- t= = ·
vx 2.6 × 107 m/s s
placement ∆y of the electron while it is in the
electric field? = 3.57692 ns .
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 9
q
= (2.6 × 107 m/s)2 + (9421.34 m/s)2
025 (part 2 of 3) 1.0 points
What is the vertical displacement of the pro- 1 km
×
ton after the electric field acts on it for that 1000 m
time? = 26000 km/s .

Correct answer: 0.0168497 mm.

Explanation:
027 1.0 points
In the vertical direction, the proton experi-
An isolated point charge produces an elec-
ences an electric force with magnitude
tric field with magnitude E at a point 2 m
Felec = q E = m ay away. A point at which the field magnitude is
E/4 is:
qE
ay = 1. 2 m away
m

1.602 × 10−19 C (27500 N/C)
= 2. 8 m away
1.6726 × 10−27 kg
= 2.63392 × 1012 m/s2 . 3. 1 m away
Since v0 = 0, the vertical displacement is 4. 4 m away correct

1 2 1 2 5. 0.5 m away
∆y = v0 t + at = at
2 2
1 Explanation:
2.63392 × 1012 m/s2


=
2 The electric field due to a point charge is
1000 mm q
× (3.57692 × 10−9 s)2 × E = k 2.
1m r
Therefore, if one lets r → 2r, then the field
= 0.0168497 mm . becomes: q q
E=k = k = E/4.
(2r)2 4r 2
026 (part 3 of 3) 1.0 points Thus, the answer is double our initial dis-
What is the proton’s speed after being in the tance, 4 m.
electric field for that time?
028 1.0 points
Correct answer: 26000 km/s. Suppose that the strength of the electric field
about an isolated point charge has a certain
Explanation:
value at a distance of 6 m.
In the x-direction, the proton has constant
How will the electric field strength compare
velocity. In the y-direction, the proton is
at a distance of 12 m from the point charge?
accelerating, so
vy = v0 + ay t = ay t 1. At twice the distance the field strength
1
= (2.63392 × 1012 m/s2 ) will be of the original value.
2
× (3.57692 × 10−9 s)
2. At twice the distance the field strength
= 9421.34 m/s 1
will be of the original value. correct
and the proton’s speed is 4
q 3. At twice the distance the field strength
v = vx2 + vy2 will be the same.
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 10
The direction of the electric field at a point
4. At twice the distance the field strength P is the direction that a positive charge would
will be twice the original value. move if placed at P . A positive charge placed
in region II would be attracted to q2 and
5. At twice the distance the field strength repelled by q1 , so the direction is to the right.
1
will be of the original value.
3 030 (part 2 of 3) 1.0 points
Explanation: ~ in region III (x >
Identify the direction of E
By the inverse square law, at twice the 10 cm along the x-axis).
distance the field strength will be
1. Down
1 1 1
E∝ 2
= · 2,
(2 r) 4 r 2. All possibilities: right, left, or zero
1
the original strength. 3. Right
4
029 (part 1 of 3) 1.0 points 4. None of these
A 1.92 µC charge is at the origin and a
−11.59 µC charge is 10 cm to the right, as 5. Left correct
shown.
I y II III 6. Up
Explanation:
O In region III, a positive charge would be
x
1.92 µC −11.59 µC forced to the left since |q2 | > |q1 | and q2 is
10 cm closer to region III. The effect of q2 dominates
and the direction of the electric field is to the
Identify the direction of E~ in the re- left.
gion II (0 < x < 10 cm, along the x-
axis). The value of the Coulomb constant 031 (part 3 of 3) 1.0 points
is 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 . ~ = 0.
Determine the x-coordinate where E

1. Left Correct answer: −6.86379 cm.

Explanation:
2. Right correct

3. Down Let : q1 = 1.92 µC ,

q2 = −11.59 µC , and
4. None of these
a = 10 cm .
5. Up
I y II III
6. All possibilities: right, left, or zero
q1 q2
Explanation: x
c a
O
Let : q1 = 1.92 µC ,
We have already seen that the electric field
q2 = −11.59 µC , and is nonzero in regions II and III. Thus the only
a = 10 cm . candidate is region I (negative x-axis).
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 11

The point where E ~ = 0 is the point where The magnitudes of the electric fields are
the magnitudes are equivalent and the direc-
~ 1 = −E
tion is opposite; i.e., E ~ 2 . If the point 4.23 × 10−8 C
E1 = (8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
where this happens is x = c, then (0.341 m)2
= 3270.33 N/C , and
k q1 k q2
=− 8.42 × 10−8 C
c2 (c − a)2 E2 = (8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
 2 (0.341 m)2
c−a q2
=− = 6509.73 N/C .
c q1
a q2
r
If the 42.3 × 10−9 C charge is on the left
1− =± −
c q1 and the positive charge is on the right,
a
c=− r
q2
± − −1 Enet = E1 − E2
q1
0.1 m = 3270.33 N/C − 6509.73 N/C
=− r = −3239.4 N/C ,
−1.159 × 10−5 C
± − −1
1.92 × 10−6 C
= −0.0686379 m or 0.0289275 m . with magnitude 3239.4 N/C .

The answer must fall in region I. The so- 033 (part 1 of 2) 1.0 points
lution at 2.89275 cm is extraneous, since the Two charges are located on a horizontal axis.
electric field is always positive in region II. p
~ = 0 at x = c = −6.86379 cm in region I.
E
1.7 m
2.2 µC 2.2 µC
032 1.0 points
Find the magnitude of the electric field at a 2m 2m
point midway between two charges +42.3 ×
10−9 C and +84.2 × 10−9 C separated by a Determine the electric field at p on a
distance of 68.2 cm. The value of the Coulomb vertical axis as shown in the figure, where
constant is 8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 . up is positive. The Coulomb constant is
8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
Correct answer: 3239.4 N/C.
Correct answer: 3717.18 V/m.
Explanation:
Explanation:

Let : q1 = 42.3 × 10−9 C ,

q2 = 84.2 × 10−9 C , Let : x = 2 m ,
x = 68.2 cm = 0.682 m , and y = 1.7 m ,
kC = 8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 . q = 2.2 µC , and
ke = 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .

x 0.682 m E
E
r1 = r2 = = = 0.341 m .
2 2 θ
y
The electric field is
q q
q
E = kC 2 . −x x
r
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 12
The distance from each point charge to the a square lying in a plane. A test charge +q is
point of interest on the y-axis is placed at a third corner.
p q +Q
r = x + y = (2 m)2 + (1.7 m)2
2 2

= 2.62488 m ,

so the electric field due to one of the point

charges is
q +q −Q
E = ke What is the direction of the force on the
r2
(8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )(2.2 × 10−6 C) test charge due to the two other charges?
=
(2.62488 m)2
1.
= 2869.75 V/m .

Add the contributions from each charge. 2. correct

By symmetry, the x-components cancel, and
we only have twice the y-components left. 3.
The angle θ is
4.
 
1.7 m
θ = arcsin = 40.3646◦ ,
2.62488 m
5.
so the total electric field is

Etot = 2 (2869.75 V/m) sin 40.3646◦ 6.

= 3717.18 V/m ,

pointing upward. 7.

034 (part 2 of 2) 1.0 points 8.

Find the vertical component of the electric
force on a −3.1 µC charge placed at point p.

Correct answer: −0.0115233 N.

Explanation: Explanation:
The force between charges of the same sign
Let : q = −3.1 µC . is repulsive. The force between charges with
opposite signs is attractive.
The force is
+Q
F = q E = (−3.1 × 10−6 C) (3717.18 V/m)
= −0.0115233 N ,

pointing downward.
+q −Q
035 (part 1 of 2) 1.0 points

Two charged particles of equal magnitude The resultant force is the sum of these two
(+Q and −Q) are fixed at opposite corners of vectors.
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 13

036 (part 2 of 2) 1.0 points kq

1. EO = 3
Let the side of the square be a. a2
What is the magnitude of the electric field √ kq
2. EO = 2 2 2
at the location of +q due to the two charges a
+Q and −Q. √ kq
3. EO = 4 2 2 correct
kQ a
1. 1 kq
a 4. EO = √
√ kQ 3 2 a2
2. 3 √ kq
a 5. EO = 3 2 2
√ kQ a
3. 2 1 kq
a 6. EO = √
kQ 4 2 a2
4. 2 1 kq
a 7. EO = √
kqQ 2 a2
5. 2 1 kq
a2 8. EO = √
√ kQ 2 2 a2
6. 3 2 √ kq
a 9. EO = 2 2
kQ a
7. 2 2 kq
a 10. EO = 2
kQ a
8. 2 Explanation:
a
√ kQ The distance between each corner and the
9. 2 2 correct a
a center is √ , so the magnitude of each electric
2
10. 0 field at D is
Explanation: q q
E=k  2 = 2 k
a a2
√
s
2 2 2
√ kQ
 
kQ kQ
|E| = + = 2 2 .
a2 a2 a The two negative charges yield forces point-
ing away from them from O and the two posi-
tive charges yield forces pointing toward them
037 1.0 points from O with the collinear charges adding al-
Consider a square with side a. Four charges gebraically:
−q, +q, +q, and −q are placed at the corners
A, B, C, and D, respectively
A B ~A + E
kE ~ C k = kE ~ Dk = 2 E = 4 k q .
~B + E
− + a2

a
O EA + EC
− + E
D C
EB + ED
What is the magnitude of the electric field
at the center O?
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 14
The Cartesian components of the two vec- The electric force is
tors with the origin at O are q1 q2
Fe = kC .
  r2
~A + E~B = 4k q 1 1
E − √ ı̂ + √ ̂ and The repulsive force
a2 2 2
q

1 1
 q1 q2
~B + E
E ~D = 4k − √ ı̂ − √ ̂ , so F1,2 = kC 2
a2 r1,2
2 2
= (8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
  (5.7 × 10−9 C)(1.9 × 10−9 C)
~ = 4k q
E
1
−√ − √
1
ı̂ ×
a2 2 2 (0.765 m)2
= 1.66366 × 10−7 N
 
1 1
+ √ −√ ̂
2 2 acts along the negative x-axis, and the attrac-
√ q
= −4 2 k 2 ı̂ , tive force
a
q1 |q3 |
√ q F1,3 = kC 2
with magnitude −4 2 k 2 . r1,3
a
= (8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
038 (part 1 of 4) 1.0 points
(5.7 × 10−9 C)(3.8 × 10−9 C)
Consider three charges arranged in a triangle ×
as shown. (0.307 m)2
y = 2.06605 × 10−6 N
acts along the negative y-axis, so
q
F1,net = F1,22 + F2
5.7 nC 0.765 m 1,3
x
= (1.66366 × 10−7 N)2

+ +
1/2
1.9 nC +(2.06605 × 10−6 N)2
0.307 m
= 2.07274 × 10−6 N .
-
039 (part 2 of 4) 1.0 points
−3.8 nC What is the direction of this force (as an angle
between −180◦ and +180◦ measured from the
What is the net electric force on the charge
positive x-axis, with counterclockwise posi-
at the origin? The value of the Coulomb
tive)?
constant is 8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
Correct answer: −94.6037◦ .
Correct answer: 2.07274 × 10−6 N.
Explanation:
Explanation:

F1,3
Let : q1 = 5.7 nC , tan θ =
F1,3
q2 = 1.9 nC ,
 
F1,3
θ = tan −1
q3 = −3.8 nC , F1,2
r1,2 = 0.765 m ,
 −6 N 
−1 −2.06605 × 10
= tan
r1,3 = 0.307 cm , and −1.66366 × 10−7 N
kC = 8.99 × 10 N · m2 /C2 .
9
= 85.3963◦
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 15
below the negative x-axis. From the positive
x-axis, the angle is
Let : q1 = 7.0 nC ,
−180 + 85.3963 = −94.6037 .
◦ ◦ ◦ q2 = 1.0 nC ,
q3 = 7.0 nC ,
r1 = 0.10 m ,
040 (part 3 of 4) 1.0 points
r2 = 2.1 m , and
What is the magnitude of the net electric field
at the position of the charge at the origin? kC = 8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .

Correct answer: 363.639 N/C.

q q
Explanation: r3 = r12 + r22 = (0.1 m)2 + (2.1 m)2
= 2.10238 m
Fe = q E q
and the electric field is E = kC 2 .
Fe 2.07274 × 10−6 N r
E= = The magnitude of E1 is
q 5.7 × 10−9 C
= 363.639 N/C . 7 × 10−9 C
E1 = (8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
(2.1 m)2
= 14.2698 N/C
041 (part 4 of 4) 1.0 points
What is the direction of the net electric field directed along the positive y-axis, so
(as an angle between −180◦ and +180◦ mea-
sured from the positive x-axis, with counter- E1,x = 0 and E1,y = E1 .
clockwise positive).
The magnitude of E2 is
Correct answer: −94.6037 . ◦
(1 × 10−9 C)
Explanation: E2 = (8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
(0.1 m)2
E~ and F
~ are in the same direction.
= 899 N/C ,
042 (part 1 of 2) 1.0 points directed along the negative x-axis, so
Three positive charges are arranged as shown.
1.0 nC E2,x = −E2 and E2,y = 0 .
+
The magnitude of E3 is
2.1 m

(7 × 10−9 C)
9 2 2
7.0 nC E3 = (8.99 × 10 N · m /C )
(2.10238 m)2
+ + = 14.2376 N/C ,
7.0 nC
0.10 m
Find the magnitude of the electric field directed upward and to the left along the diag-
at the fourth corner of the rectangle. The onal of the rectangle (away from the charge),
Couloumb constant is 8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 . since q3 is positive.
The direction of E3 is
Correct answer: 900.128 N/C.
a b
cos ϕ = , and sin ϕ = , so
Explanation: r3 r3
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 16
above the negative x-axis. From the positive
x-axis, the angle is
E3,x = E3 cos ϕ
(14.2376 N/C) (0.1 m) 180◦ − 1.81386◦ = 178.186◦ .
=−
2.10238 m
= −0.677212 N/C and
E3,y = E3 sin ϕ 044 (part 1 of 2) 1.0 points
Three point charges are placed at the vertices
(14.2376 N/C) (2.1 m) of an equilateral triangle.
=
2.10238 m
= 14.2214 N/C . −2.1 C
̂

5. 5
Enet,x = E2,x + E3,x ı̂

m
= −899 N/C − 0.677212 N/C
= −899.677 N/C and 60◦
Enet,y = E1,y + E3,y −2.1 C P −2.1 C
= 14.2698 N/C + 14.2214 N/C
Find the magnitude of the electric field vec-
= 28.4913 N/C , so ~ at P . The value of the Coulomb
tor kEk
constant is 8.9875 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
q
Enet = 2
Enet,x 2
+ Enet,y
Correct answer: 8.31901 × 108 N/C.
2

= (−899.677 N/C) Explanation:
2 1/2

+(28.4913 N/C)
= 900.128 N/C . Let : a = 5.5 m ,
q = −2.1 C , and
043 (part 2 of 2) 1.0 points k = 8.9875 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
What is the direction of this electric field (as
an angle between −180 and 180 measured q
from the positive x-axis, with counterclock- ̂
wise positive)?
ı̂
a

Correct answer: 178.186◦.

Explanation:
q P q
Enet,y Electric field vectors due to the bottom two
tan θ =
Enet,x charges cancel each other. h = a cos 30◦ =
  √
Enet,y 3
θ = tan −1
a is the height of the triangle, so the
Enet,x 2
  magnitude of the field vector due to the charge
28.4913 N/C
= tan−1 at the top of the triangle is
−899.677 N/C
= −1.81386◦ ~ = kq 4 kq
kEk √ !2 = 3 a 2
The electric field at the fourth corner of 3
a
the rectangle is 900.128 N/C, acting 1.81386◦ 2
 chen (jc86879) – the Electric Field – bauer – (3103-1) 17
4 (8.9875 × 109 N · m2 /C2 ) (−2.1 C) If there is no change in the charge distri-
= butions, what is the direction of the net elec-
3 (5.5 m)2
trostatic force on an electron located at the
= 8.31901 × 108 N/C . center of the circle?

1. To the right
045 (part 2 of 2) 1.0 points
~ at P .
Find the direction of the field vector E 2. Into the page

1. ı̂ 3. Toward the bottom of the page correct

2. ̂ correct 4. Toward the top of the page

1
3. √ (ı̂ − ̂) 5. To the left
2
Explanation:
4. −̂
The rejoined system is symmetrical about
1 the diameter perpendicular to the line con-
5. √ (ı̂ + ̂) necting two junctions. The electrostatic force
2
is along the direction connecting the two
6. −ı̂ charges (repulsive for charges of the same
1 sign and attractive for charges of the oppo-
7. − √ (ı̂ + ̂) site sign), so the force on the electron is paral-
2 lel to the symmetrical axis and points toward
1
8. − √ (ı̂ − ̂) the positive charge; i.e., toward the bottom of
2 the page.
Explanation:
By inspection, E~ at P is along the ̂ direc-
tion.

046 1.0 points

A circular ring made of an insulating material
is cut in half. One half is given a charge
−q uniformly distributed along its arc. The
other half is given a charge +q also uniformly
distributed along its arc. The two halves are
then rejoined with insulation at the junctions
J, as shown.
y
−q − − − −−
−− −
− −
− −
− −
− −
− − x
J + qe + J
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
++ +
+q + + + ++