The Study Of, The and The Associated With Them.: Electric Charges at Rest Forces Between Them Electric Fields

Topic --- Electrostatics
The study of electric

charges at rest, the
forces between them
and the electric fields
associated with them.
16.1 Coulumb’s Law (1 Hour)

16.2 Electric Field (1 Hour)
16.3 Electric Potential (1 Hour)
16.4 Charge In A Uniform Electric Field (1 Hour)
Electric field
Electrostatics
strength
Coulomb’s Law
Charge in uniform
electric field
Electric field
Electric potential
Equipotential
surface
Potential energy
16.1 COULOMB’S LAW

(a) State Coulomb’s law,
Qq kQq
F  2
4 0 r 2
r
(b) Sketch the force diagram and apply Coulomb’s law

for a system of point charges
Two kind of charges:

(+)ve & (–)ve charges
Charges of Charges of
opposite the same
sign attract sign repel
one another – one another –
attractive repulsive
force force
Figure 16.1
16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

Principle of Charge is  Charge, Q is a

conservation of quantized scalar quantity
 S.I unit:
charges Coulumb (C)
Electric charge
 1 C is defined
the total charge exists as discrete
in an isolated “packets” as the total
system is charge
constant transferred by a
(conserved) current of 1
Ampere in 1
electric
charge can neither second
be created nor Q  ne
destroyed How many electrons in 1 C
and what are the total
where: Q = electric charge mass of these electrons?
n = positive integer number = 1, 2, …
e = fundamental amount of charge = 1.6 x 10-19 C
• states that the magnitude of
the electrostatic (Coulomb or
electric) force between two
point charges is directly
proportional to the product of • Since 1
the charges and inversely k
proportional to the square of 4 0
the distance between them
hence the Coulomb’s law can
Q1Q2 kQ1Q2 be written as
F 2 F
r r2  1  Q1Q2 
F    2 
 4 0  r 
F = magnitude of electrostatic force
Q1, Q2 = magnitude of charges
r = distance between two point  = permittivity of free space (vacuum or
charges air) = 8.85 x 10– 12 C2 N-1 m-2
k = electrostatic (Coulumb) Permittivity is a property of a material that is
constant = 9.0 x 109 N m2 C-2 indicative of how well it supports an electric
field

What happens to the force

between two charges, if
(a) the distance between
them is doubled?
(b) the distance between
them is cut in half?
(c) the magnitude of one
charge is doubled?
(d) the magnitude of both
charges is doubled?
• Graphically • 3 CASES
F
repulsive force
attractive force
0 r
F
Figure 16.3
F12 : the force on charge q1 due
Gradient,
to charge q2
m = kQ1Q2
F21 : the force on charge q2 due
1
to charge q1
r2 Simulation 16.1
0
Figure 16.2
In electromagnetism, permittivity is the

measure of how much resistance is
encountered when forming an electric field in
a medium. In other words, permittivity is a
measure of how an electric field affects, and is
affected by, a dielectric medium. Permittivity is
determined by the ability of a material to
polarize in response to the field, and thereby
reduce the total electric field inside the
material. Thus, permittivity relates to a
material's ability to transmit (or "permit") an
electric field.
It is directly related to electric susceptibility,
Figure 16.4
which is a measure of how easily a
dielectric polarizes in response to an electric
field.
Points to bring out about Coulomb’s law:

• The form is exactly the • Actually, if you include
same as Newton’s law of the signs of the charges
universal gravitation; in in the equation, then
particular, it is an whenever you get a
inverse-square law negative answer for the
• This force can be force, there is an
attractive or repulsive attraction, whereas a
• The magnitude of the positive answer indicates
force can be calculated repulsion
by this equation, and the
direction should be
obvious from the signs of
the interacting charges
Coulomb’s Law VS Newton’s Law of Gravitation
Coulomb’s Law Newton’s Law of Gravitation
Attractive or repulsive force Only attractive force
Force due to charge Force due to mass

interaction interaction
The force is a short-range The force is a long-range

force forces
kQ Q Gm1m2
Fe  12 2 Fg 
r r2
Two point charges, Q1 =
85 C and Q2 = 50 C
are separated by a
distance of 3.5 cm as Q1 Q2
shown in Figure 16.5. + -
Determine the magnitude 3.5 cm
and direction of
Figure 16.5
(a) the electric force that
Q2 exerts on Q1
(b) the electric force that
Q1 exerts on Q2
(Given Coulomb’s
constant, k = 9.0  109
N m2 C2)

Solution: Q1  85 10 6 C; Q2  50 10 6 C; r  3.5 10 2 m
STEP 1: Draw the electric force vectors
The force acting on Q1 due to Q2 is attractive because Q1 and Q2 have the
opposite sign, therefore the direction of F21 is to the right
 
Q1 Q2 F : force by charge 2
F21 21
+ - on charge 1 Since electric

3.5 cm forces obey
Newton’s Law,
STEP 2: Use Coulomb’s equation to calculate electric force therefore the
forces F21 and

F21 
kQ1Q2
F21 
 
9.0 109 85 10 6 50 10 6   F12 are equal in
magnitude but
r 2
3.5 10 2 2
  opposite in
direction
F21  3.12 10 4 N F12 = – F21
 F12 = 3.12 x
Direction: to the right (towards Q2) 104 N

Three point charges lie along the x-axis as shown in Figure

16.6.
Q1  12 μC Q2  20 μC Q3  36 μC
+ - +
12 cm 20 cm Figure 16.6
(a) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the total

electrostatic force exerted on Q1
(b) Suppose the charge Q2 can be moved left or right along
the line connecting the charges Q1 and Q3. Determine the
distance from Q3 where Q2 experiences a nett
electrostatic force of zero
(Given permittivity of free space, 0 = 8.85  1012 C2 N1 m2)
Q1  12 10 6 C; Q2  20 10 6 C; r12  12 10 2 m
Solution:
Q3  36 10 6 C; r13  32 10 2 m
STEP 1: Draw the electric force vectors
(a) Q1 will experience of forces by Q2 and Q3

 Q1  Q2 Q3
F31 F21
+ - +
r12
r13
The force acting on Q1 due to Q2 is attractive because Q1 and Q2 have the
opposite sign, therefore the direction of F21 is to the right
The force acting on Q1 due to Q3 is repulsive because Q1 and Q3 have the

same sign, therefore the direction of F31 is to the left

STEP 2: Use Coulomb’s equation to calculate electric force
By applying the Coulomb’s law equation, thus
 Q1Q2
F21 
4 0 r12
2


12 10 20 10 
6 6
F31 
12 10 36 10 
6 6
4 8.85 10 32 10 

F21
4 8.85 10 12 10 
12 2 2 12 2 2
F21  150 N F31  37.9 N

Direction : to the right (towards Q2) Direction : to the left
STEP 3: Electric force adds as vectors
 The total electrostatic force on Q1
  
 Q1  F1  F21  F31
F31  37.9 N F21  150 N
+ F1  150  37.9 Direction: to the right
F1  112 N (towards Q2)

Solution: Q1  12 10 6 C; Q2  20 10 6 C; r12  12 10 2 m
Q3  36 10 6 C; r13  32 10 2 m
(b)
Q1  Q2 F Q3
F12 32
+ - +
r13  x x
r13
The nett force acting on Q2 is zero thus
 
F12  F32
Q1Q2 Q2Q3

4 0 r12 4 0 r23
2 2
12 10 6 36 10 6

32 10  x 
2 2
x 2
x  0.203 m OR 20.3 cm
For each diagram below, draw the

direction of electric force acting on Q1.

Figure 16.7 shows three

point charges that lie in
Q1  6.0 μC
the x-y plane in a -
vacuum.
Calculate the magnitude
and direction of the nett 17  20 cm
electrostatic force on Q2.
(Given electrostatic +
12 cm
-
constant, k = 9.00  109 N Q2  4.0 μC Q3  5.0 μC
m2 C2)
Figure 16.7

Given 0 = 8.85  1012 C2 N1 m2
1. Two point charges are placed

2. A point charge Q = 0.35 nC is
on the x-axis as follows : Charge
fixed at the origin. Where a
Q1 = +4.00 nC is located at x =
proton must be placed in
0.200 m, charge Q2 = +5.00 nC
order for the electric force
is at x = 0.300 m. Determine
acting on it to be exactly
the magnitude and direction of
opposite to its weight? (Given
the total electric force exerted
charge of proton, Qp= 1.60 
by these two charges on a
1019 C and mass of the
negative point charge Q3 =
proton, mp = 1.67  1027 kg )
6.00 nC that is placed at the
(Physics, 3rd edition, J.S.
origin. (University physics,
Walker, Q18, p.657)
11th edition, Young &
ANS: 5.55 km below Q
Freedman, Q21.20, p.829)
ANS: 2.4 N to the right

3. Four identical point charges (Q = +10.0 C) are located on the
corners of a rectangle as shown in Figure 16.8.
Q+ +Q
Figure 16.8 w  15.0cm
l  60.0cm
Q + +Q
The dimension of the rectangle are l = 60.0 cm and w = 15.0
cm. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant
electric force exerted on the charge at the lower left corner by
the other three charges. (Physics for scientists and
engineers, 6th edition,Serway&Jewett, Q57, p.735)
ANS: 40.9 N at 263

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

(a) Define and use electric field strength,

 F
E
q0
kQ
(b) Use E  for point charge
r2
(c) Sketch the electric field strength diagram and

determine electric field strength E for a system of
charges
• is defined as a region in • Electric field around

which an electric force charges can be
will act on a charge represented by drawing a
that, is place in that series of lines
region/ a region of • These lines are called
space around isolated electric field lines (lines of
charge where an electric force)
force is experienced if a
positive test charge
placed in the region
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

Simulation 16.2
The field lines indicate the direction of the electric field (the field
points in the direction tangent to the field line at any point)
The lines are drawn so that the magnitude of electric field is

proportional to the number of lines crossing unit area
perpendicular to the lines. The closer the lines, the stronger the
field
Electric field lines start on positive charges and end on negative

charges, and the number of starting or ending is proportional to
the magnitude of the charge
The field lines never cross because the electric field don’t have two
value at the same point
--- Electrostatics
Topic

E
• defined as the • Mathematically,
electric 
 F  
(electrostatic) force E F  q0 E
q0
per unit positive 
E : electric field strength
charge that acts at F : electric force
that point in the q0 : test charge
same direction as the  It is a vector quantity.
force  Unit: N C1 OR V m 1
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

• Consider a test charge, q0 • According to Coulumb’s Law
located at a distance r from a kQ1Q2
point charge, Q F 2
(1)
r
• From definition
 electric field:
 F
q0  E (2)
Q F q0
• (1) in (2):
r kQ Q
E  2 OR E 
Figure 16.11
r 4 0 r 2
• A test charge is a charge small

enough to leave the main charge
Q: magnitude of a point charge
configuration undisturbed
r: distance between a point & point
charge
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

Determine
(a) the electric field
strength at a point X (b) the electric force that
at a distance of 20 cm acts on a point charge
from a point charge Q q = – 1 C placed at
point X.
= 8 C
Q = 8C  Q = 8C q = – 1 C
E
+ X +  –
20 cm 20 cm F
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

The direction
• of the electric
field strength,
E depends on
the sign of
the point
charge only
• of the electric
force, F
depends on
both signs of
the point
charge and
the test Figure 16.12
charge
Simulation 16.3
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

Two point charges, Q1= 3.0 C and Q2= 5.0 C, are placed 12
cm and 30 cm from the point P respectively as shown in Figure
16.13.
Q1 Q2
P
- -
12 cm 30 cm
Figure 16.13
Determine
(a) the magnitude and direction of the electric field intensity at P,
(b) the nett electric force exerted on q0= +1 C if it is placed at P,
(c) the distance of a point from Q1 where the electric field intensity
is zero.
(Given electrostatic constant, k = 9.00  109 N m2 C2)
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

Two point charges, Q1= 2.0 nC and Q2= +3.2 nC, are placed
3.0 cm apart as shown in Figure 16.14.
Q1 -
Figure 16.14
3.0 cm
M
+
Q2 4.0 cm
Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant
electric field intensity at point M.
(Given permittivity of free space, 0 = 8.85  1012 C2 N1 m2)
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

Given 0 = 8.85  1012 C2 N1 m2

1. Sketch an electric field lines pattern for following cases:
(a) Two equal negative charges, Q and Q.
Q Q
- -
(b) Two unequal negative charges, 2Q and Q
 2Q Q
- -
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

2. Determine the
magnitude of the electric
field at point P due to the
four point charges as
shown in Figure 16.15 if
q = 1 nC and d = 1 cm.
(Fundamental of
physics, 6th edition,
Halliday, Resnick &
Walker, Q11, p.540)
ANS: zero Figure 16.15
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

3. Calculate the magnitude

and direction of the
electric field at the
centre of the square in
Figure 16.16 if q =1.0 
108 C and a = 5 cm.
(Fundamental of
physics,6th edition,
Halliday, Resnick
&Walker, Q13, p.540)
ANS: 1.02  105 N C1 ; Figure 16.16

upwards
16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

16.3 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

W
(a) Define electric potential V
q0
(b) Define and sketch equipotential lines and surfaces of
(i) an isolated charge
(ii) a uniform electric field
kQ
(c) Use V  for a point charge and a system of charges
r
(d) Calculate potential difference between VAB  VA  VB
two points
WBA
VAB  
q0

(e) Deduce the change in potential energy, U between
two points in electric field
U  q0 V
(f) Calculate potential energy of a system of point
charges
 Q1Q2 Q1Q3 Q2Q3 
U  k    
 r12 r13 r23 
W
V
q0

• is defined as the locus of points that have the same electric

potential
Figure 16.17

The electric field, E at every
point on an equipotential
surface is perpendicular to
the surface
A (+)ve
point charge
The electric field points in
the direction of decreasing
electric potential
The surface are closer

together where the electric
field is stronger, and farther
apart where the field is weaker A uniform
alectric
field
No two equipotential
surfaces can intersect
each other

APPLICATION: NO work is done when a charge moves from one
point on an equipotential surface to another point on the same
surface (because the potential difference is zero)

Q Q
+ • A – • A
r r
• The electric potential at
• The electric potential at point A at distance r from a
point A at distance r from a negative point charge Q is
positive point charge Q is (Q)
VA  k
Q r
VA  k Q
r V A  k
r

A (+)ve point charge A (-)ve point charge
For a point charge
kQ Q
V OR V  4 r
r 0

Fext FE
+ • A
r +qo
r 
dW  Fext dr
kQq0
dW   FE dr but FE  2 Wr
r VA 
r r r r q0
r 
dW  
r 
 FE dr
r kQqo
W  kQqo  r dr 2 The electric VA 
 potential at qo r
r
W  kQqo  r  1 point A at
Q
 distance r from VA  k
Qq a positive point r
W k o charge Q
r

Figure 16.18 below

shows a point A at
distance 10 m from
Figure 16.18 the positive point
V = (+)ve  W = (+)ve charge, q = 5C.
work is required (need external force Calculate the electric
to move the charge
potential at point A
V = (–)ve  W = (–)ve
No work required (work done by the
and describe the
electric force itself// No external meaning of the
force is needed to move the charge
answer.
• The total electric potential at a point in space is equal to the
algebraic sum of the constituent potentials at that point
• In the calculation of U , W and V, the sign of the charge must
be substituted in the related equations
B
Two point charges, Q1= 40 C and Q2= 30 C are
separated by a distance of 15 cm as shown
in Figure 16.19. Calculate 13 cm
Figure Q1 Q2
16.19 A
- 5 cm 10 cm
-
(a) the electric potential at point A and describe the meaning of the
answer,
(b) the electric potential at point B.
(Given 0 = 8.85  1012 C2 N1 m2)

• defined as the work done in • The electric field is a

bringing a positive test conservative field  The work
charge from a point to done to bring a charge from
another point in the electric one point to another point in
field per unit test charge an electric field is
independent of the path
W • If the value of work done is
V  positive – work done on the
q0 system (need external force)
• If the value of work done is
V  V final  Vinitial negative – work done by the
system (no external force is
needed)
• Consider a positive test • The potential difference

charge is moved by the between points A and B, VAB
external force, F from point is given by
A to point B as shown in W A B
Figure 16.20 V 
q0
B  A
F where
 q0
V  VB  V A
Figure 16.20 WBA: work done in bringing a (+)ve

test charge from point A to point
• For this (+) charge, +Q B
VA: electric potential at point A
 VB > VA
VB: electric potential at point B


E B A E B A
+ + + +
• Moving the test charge (+)ve

from A to B is harder and will
from B to A is easier because it
require work (Need external will naturally move from B to A in
force) the direction of electric field. No
 WAB = (+)ve external force needed
 Work done by the test  WBA = (–)ve
charge/ on an electric field  Work done on the test charge/
• V = VB – VA = (+)ve  VB > VA by an electric field
(From lower to higher electric • V = VA – VB = (–)ve  VA < VB
potential, potential energy of (From higher to lower electric
potential, potential energy of the
the charge will increase)
charge will decrease)

E B A E B A
– + – +

from A to B is easier because it • Moving the test charge (+)ve
will naturally move from A to B in from B to A is harder and will
the direction of electric field. No require work (Need external
external force needed force)
 WBA = (–)ve  WAB = (+)ve
 Work done on the test charge/  Work done by the test
by an electric field charge/ on an electric field
• V = VB – VA = (–)ve  VB < VA • V = VA – VB = (+)ve  VA > VB
(From higher to lower electric
(From lower to higher electric
charge will decrease) potential, potential energy of

E B A E B A
– + + +

from A to B is difficult and will
from B to A is easier because it
require work (Need external will naturally move from B to A in
force) the direction of electric field. No
 WAB = (+)ve external force needed
 Work done by the test  WBA = (–)ve
charge/ on an electric field  Work done on the test charge/
• V = VB – VA = (+)ve  VA < VB by an electric field
(From lower to higher electric • V = VA – VB = (–)ve  VB > VA
potential, potential energy of (From higher to lower electric
charge will decrease)

• The potential
difference between
any two points on an
equipotential surface
is zero
• Hence no work is
required to move a
charge along an
equipotential surface

Figure 16.21 show two points A and B are at a distance of

2.0 cm and 3.0 cm respectively from a point charge Q = –
100 C.
– A B
100
C
Figure 16.21
Determine:
(a) the electric potential at A and B
(b) the work require in moving a point charge q = + 2 C,
from A to B

Two points, S and T are located around a point charge of +5.4

nC as shown in Figure 16.22. Calculate
S 8.0 cm T
6.0 cm
Figure 16.22
+
 5.4 nC
(a) the electric potential difference between points S and T,
(b) the work done in bringing a charge of 1.5 nC from point
T to point S. (Electrostatic constant, k = 9.00  109 N m2
C2)
Change in a potential • Therefore the change in a

energy, U potential energy is given
• From the definition of by
electric potential
difference, V U  q0 ΔV
W
ΔV  and W  U V2  V1
q0 U 2  U1
U final
ΔV  initial
q0

• Consider a system of three point charges as shown in Figure

16.23. Q2
Figure 16.23
r12 r23
Q1 r13
Q3
• The total electric potential energy, U can be expressed as
U  U12  U13  U 23
kQ1Q2 kQ1Q3 kQ2 Q3
U  
r12 r13 r23
 Q1Q2 Q1Q3 Q2 Q3 
U  k    

 12
r r13 r23 

Take distance d = 14.0

cm and charge q = 150 Solution:
 Q1Q2 Q1Q3 Q2Q3 
nC. What is the electric U  k    

potential energy of this  12
r r13 r23 
system of charges?

0 = 8.85  1012 C2 N1 m2; me= 9.11  1031 kg; e = 1.60 

1019 C
1. At a certain distance from a point charge, the magnitude
of the electric field is 500 V m1 and the electric potential
is 3.00 kV. Calculate
(a) the distance to the charge.
(b) the value of the charge.
(Physics for scientists and engineers,6th
edition,Serway & Jewett, Q17, p.788)
ANS: 6.00 m; 2.00 C

2. Four point charges are located at the corners of a square
that is 8.0 cm on a side. The charges, going in rotation
around the square, are Q, 2Q, 3Q and 2Q, where Q = 4.8
C as shown in Figure 16.24.
Q + + 2Q
Figure 16.24
2Q + -  3Q
Determine the electric potential at the centre of the
square.
ANS: 1.53  106 V

3. Initially two electrons are fixed in place with a separation
of 2.00 m. How much work must we do to bring a third
electron in from infinity to complete an equilateral
triangle?
(Fundamental of physics,7th edition, Halliday, Resnick &
Walker, Q79, p.653) ANS: 2.30  1022 J
4. Two point charges, Q1= +q and Q2= +2q are separated by
1.0 m as shown below.
1.0 m
Q1 + + Q2
Determine the position of a point where
(a) the nett electric field intensity is zero,
(b) the electric potential due to the two charges is zero.
(Fundamental of physics,7th edition, Halliday, Resnick
& Walker, Q81, p.653) ANS: 0.41 m, U think

W
V
q0
U  U12  U13  U 23
 Q1Q2 Q1Q3 Q2 Q3 
U  k    

 r12 r13 r23  W  (  )ve W  (  )ve
U + –
ΔV 
q0 W
K V  W  (  )ve W  (  )ve
ΔV  q0
q0
16.4 CHARGE IN A UNIFORM

ELECTRIC FIELD
(a) Explain quantitatively with the aid of a
diagram the motion of a charge in a uniform
electric field
V
(b) Use E for uniform E
d
• A uniform electric field is

represented by a set of
electric field lines which are
straight, parallel to each
other and equally spaced
• It can be produced by two
flat parallel metal plates
which is charged, one with
positive and one is negative
and is separated by a
distance
Figure 16.24
• Direction of E: (+)ve plat to
(–) plat (Figure 16.24)
16.4 CHARGE IN A UNIFORM ELECTRIC FIELD

 CASE1: A a particle with  CASE2: A particle with positive
positive charge q is held charge moves at constant speed
stationary respectively, in a uniform electric
field, E
Figure 16.23
•The forces acted on the particle are electrostatic force (upwards)
and weight (downwards).
Fe  qE and W  mg Fe  W , qE  W

• When a test charge is placed
between two oppositely charged
plates there will be a push force
from the positive plate and a pull
force from the negative plate.
• The force gets weaker as the charge
gets further from the plate.
• The left charge gets a very strong
push (75% of the total forces) from
the nearby positive plate and a
weak pull (25%) from the faraway
negative plate.
• The middle charge which is halfway
between the two plates gets half of
the total force from the pushing
positive plate and 50% of the force
from the pulling negative plate.
• The right charge gets 25% push
from the positive and 75% pull from
the negative.

• CASE3: Consider an electron (e) with mass, me enters a

uniform electric field, E perpendicularly with an initial
velocity u in Figure 16.24
• The upward electric force will cause the electron to move
along a parabolic path towards the upper plate as shown
below
sxx
v
    
Figure 16.24  -
E
sy
u
-
q0
   
Simulation 16.4

 Therefore the magnitude of the  The components of electron’s velocity
electron’s acceleration is given by after pass through the electric field
eE are given by v  u  constant
direction: upwards
a  ay  x-component: x
me since a x  0 v y  u y  a y t ,u y  0
y-component:
eE
vy  t
me
 The position of the electron is

s x  ut and
1
s y  u yt  a yt
2
 The path makes by the electron is
1  eE  2
similar to the motion of a ball s y   t

projected horizontally above the 2  me 
ground

Figure 16.25 shows an electron

entering a charged parallel plate (Physics, 3rd edition, J. S. Walker, Q78, p.661)
with a speed of 5.45  106 m s1.
The electric field produces by the
parallel plates has deflected the
electron downward by a distance
of 0.618 cm at the point where the
electron exits. Determine
(a) the magnitude of the electric
field,
(b) the speed of the electron
when it exits the parallel
plates.
Figure 16.25
(Given e = 1.60  10 C and me =
19
9.11  1031 kg)

• CASE4: Charge moving parallel to the field

• Since only electric force exerted on the particle, thus this
force contributes the nett force, F and causes the particle to
accelerate
q0 E q0 E
• For a (+)ve charge: a  For a (–)ve charge: a  
m m

 CASE1: Consider a stationary particle of charge q and mass m is placed in a
uniform electric field, E in Figure 16.26 Figure 16.26

 Fe
a+
 
Fe a -
 The electric force Fe exerted on the charge is given by Fe  qE

 Since only electric force exerted on the particle, thus this force
contributes the nett force, F and causes the particle to accelerate
 From Newton’s 2nd law,  For a positive charge, its acceleration
is in the direction of the electric field,
F  Fe  ma q0 E
q0 E  ma a  for a negative charge (electron), its
m acceleration is in the direction
opposite the electric field
s x  xu x t
vx  u x v  vx 2  v y 2
    v y  u y  a y t ,u y  0
 - 
eE
t
ux , E me
1
uy  0 s y  u yt  a y t ,u y  0
2
- 1  eE  2
q0 s y   t
   2  me 

K
W  K  V 
W q0
V  ,
q0 Fd
W  Fd  V  1 2
q0 Gain in kinetic energy , K  mv
2
arrive at () plat with velocity, v
q0 E
F  q0 E , F  ma  a   v 0
m
 V  Fe
E a
d ch arg e at rest, u  0

• Figure 16.27 show a

uniform electric field
between two plats
• Consider a uniform electric
field is produced by a pair
of flat metal plates, one at
which is earthed and the
other is at a potential of +V
as shown below Figure 16.27

• The V against r graph for pair

of flat metal plates can be
V shown
 The graph is a straight line
with negative constant
gradient, thus
ΔV ( 0  V )
E 
Δr ( d  0 )
V For uniform E
d E such as in
d
capacitor

Two parallel plates are
separated 5.0 mm apart. The
electric field strength
between the plates is 1.0 
104 N C1.
A small charge of +4.0 nC is
moved from one conducting
plate to another. Calculate
(a) the work done on the
charge, and
(b) the potential difference
between the plates.

0 = 8.85  1012 C2 N1 m2; me = 9.11  1031 kg; e = 1.60  1019 C

An electron beam enters at right angle into a uniform
electric field between two horizontal plates
separated of 5.0 cm apart. The plates are connected
across a potential difference of 1000 V. The length of
the plates is 10.0 cm. The beam is deflected
vertically at the edge of the field by a distance of 2.0
cm. Calculate the speed of the electrons entering the
field.
ANS: 2.97  107 m s1

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Topic --- Electrostatics

The study of electric

16.1 Coulumb’s Law (1 Hour)

16.1 COULOMB’S LAW

(b) Sketch the force diagram and apply Coulomb’s law

Two kind of charges:

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

Principle of Charge is  Charge, Q is a

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

What happens to the force

In electromagnetism, permittivity is the

Points to bring out about Coulomb’s law:

Coulomb’s Law VS Newton’s Law of Gravitation

Coulomb’s Law Newton’s Law of Gravitation

Attractive or repulsive force Only attractive force

Force due to charge Force due to mass

The force is a short-range The force is a long-range

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

+ - on charge 1 Since electric

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

Three point charges lie along the x-axis as shown in Figure

(a) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the total

(a) Q1 will experience of forces by Q2 and Q3

The force acting on Q1 due to Q3 is repulsive because Q1 and Q3 have the

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

4 8.85 10 32 10 

F21  150 N F31  37.9 N

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

For each diagram below, draw the

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

Figure 16.7 shows three

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

1. Two point charges are placed

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

Figure 16.8 w  15.0cm

16.1 COULUMB’S LAW

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

(c) Sketch the electric field strength diagram and

• is defined as a region in • Electric field around

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

The lines are drawn so that the magnitude of electric field is

Electric field lines start on positive charges and end on negative

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

• A test charge is a charge small

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

Given 0 = 8.85  1012 C2 N1 m2

(b) Two unequal negative charges, 2Q and Q

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

ANS: zero Figure 16.15

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

3. Calculate the magnitude

ANS: 1.02  105 N C1 ; Figure 16.16

16.2 ELECTRIC FIELD

16.3 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

16.3 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

16.3 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

• is defined as the locus of points that have the same electric

16.3 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

The surface are closer

16.3 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

16.3 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

16.3 ELECTRIC POTENTIAL