CHAPTER 4 – 9th Edition

4.1. Given 𝐄 = 𝐸𝑥 𝐚𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 𝐚𝑦 + 𝐸𝑧 𝐚𝑧 , where 𝐸𝑥 , 𝐸𝑦 , and 𝐸𝑧 are constants, determine the incremental work
required to move charge 𝑞 through a distance 𝛿:

a) along the positive 𝑥 axis... This will be 𝑑𝑊𝑎 = −𝑞𝛿 𝐄 ⋅ 𝐚𝑥 = −𝑞𝛿𝐸𝑥 J.

b) in a direction at 45 degrees √ This will be 𝑑𝑊𝑏 = −𝑞𝛿 𝐄 ⋅ 𝐚𝑏 ,

√ from the 𝑥 axis in the first quadrant...
where 𝐚𝑏 = (𝐚𝑥 + 𝐚𝑦 )∕ 2. Finally, 𝑑𝑊𝑏 = −𝑞𝛿(𝐸𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 )∕ 2 J.

c) along a line in the first octant having equal 𝑥, 𝑦, and 𝑧 components, and moving
√ away from the
origin... This will be 𝑑𝑊𝑐 = −𝑞𝛿 𝐄 ⋅ 𝐚𝑐 , where 𝐚𝑐 = (𝐚𝑥 + 𝐚𝑦 + 𝐚𝑧 )∕ 3, which results in
√
𝑑𝑊𝑐 = −𝑞𝛿(𝐸𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐸𝑧 )∕ 3 J.

4.2. A positive point charge of magnitude 𝑞1 lies at the origin. Derive an expression for the incremental
work done in moving a second point charge 𝑞2 through a distance 𝑑𝑥 from the starting position (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧),
in the direction of −𝐚𝑥 : The incremental work is given by

𝑑𝑊 = −𝑞2 𝐄12 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋

where 𝐄12 is the electric field arising from 𝑞1 evaluated at the location of 𝑞2 , and where 𝑑𝐋 = −𝑑𝑥 𝐚𝑥 .
Taking the location of 𝑞2 at spherical coordinates (𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜙), we write:
−𝑞2 𝑞1
𝑑𝑊 = 𝐚𝑟 ⋅ (−𝑑𝑥)𝐚𝑥
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟2

where 𝑟2 = 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧2 , and where 𝐚𝑟 ⋅ 𝐚𝑥 = sin 𝜃 cos 𝜙. So

√
𝑞2 𝑞1 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 𝑥 𝑞2 𝑞1 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑊 = 2 2 2
√ √ 𝑑𝑥 =
4𝜋𝜖0 (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 ) 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧2 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 4𝜋𝜖0 (𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧2 )3∕2
⏟⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟ ⏟⏞⏞⏟⏞⏞⏟
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜙

4.3. Given 𝐄 = 𝐸𝜌 𝐚𝜌 + 𝐸𝜙 𝐚𝜙 + 𝐸𝑧 𝐚𝑧 V/m, where 𝐸𝜌 , 𝐸𝜙 , and 𝐸𝑧 are constants:

a) find the incremental work done in moving charge 𝑞 through distance 𝛿 in a direction√having
equal 𝜌 and 𝜙 components... this will be 𝑑𝑊𝑎 = −𝑞𝛿 𝐄 ⋅ 𝐚1 , where 𝐚1 = (𝐚𝜌 + 𝐚𝜙 )∕ 2. So
√
𝑑𝑊𝑎 = −𝑞𝛿 (𝐸𝜌 + 𝐸𝜙 )∕ 2 J.

b) if the initial charge [location] in part 𝑎 was at radius 𝜌 = 𝑏, what change in angle 𝜙 occurred
in moving the charge? We may write 𝑑𝑊 = −𝑞𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 where 𝑑𝐋 = 𝑑𝜌𝐚𝜌 + 𝜌𝑑𝜙𝐚𝜙 . With
√
√ along the two directions, we would have 𝑑𝜌 = 𝜌𝑑𝜙 = 𝛿∕ 2. So, at 𝜌 = 𝑏,
equal distances
𝑑𝜙 = 𝛿∕(𝑏 2) rad

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 4.4. An electric field in free space is given by 𝐄 = 𝑥𝐚𝑥 + 𝑦𝐚𝑦 + 𝑧𝐚𝑧 V∕m. Find the work done in moving a
1𝜇C charge through this field

a) from (1,1,1) to (0,0,0): The work will be

[ ]
0 0 0
−6
𝑊 = −𝑞 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = −10 𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 𝑦𝑑𝑦 + 𝑧𝑑𝑧 J = 1.5 𝜇J
∫ ∫1 ∫1 ∫1

b) from (𝜌 = 2, 𝜙 = 0) to (𝜌 = 2, 𝜙 = 90◦ ): The path involves changing 𝜙 with 𝜌 and 𝑧 fixed, and
therefore 𝑑𝐋 = 𝜌 𝑑𝜙 𝐚𝜙 . We set up the integral for the work as
𝜋∕2
𝑊 = −10−6 (𝑥𝐚𝑥 + 𝑦𝐚𝑦 + 𝑧𝐚𝑧 ) ⋅ 𝜌 𝑑𝜙 𝐚𝜙
∫0

where 𝜌 = 2, 𝐚𝑥 ⋅ 𝐚𝜙 = − sin 𝜙, 𝐚𝑦 ⋅ 𝐚𝜙 = cos 𝜙, and 𝐚𝑧 ⋅ 𝐚𝜙 = 0. Also, 𝑥 = 2 cos 𝜙 and

𝑦 = 2 sin 𝜙. Substitute all of these to get
𝜋∕2 [ ]
𝑊 = −10−6 −(2)2 cos 𝜙 sin 𝜙 + (2)2 cos 𝜙 sin 𝜙 𝑑𝜙 = 0
∫0

Given that the field is conservative (and so work is path-independent), can you see a much easier
way to obtain this result?

c) from (𝑟 = 10, 𝜃 = 𝜃0 ) to (𝑟 = 10, 𝜃 = 𝜃0 + 180◦ ): In this case, we are moving only in the 𝐚𝜃
direction. The work is set up as
𝜃0 +𝜋
𝑊 = −10−6 (𝑥𝐚𝑥 + 𝑦𝐚𝑦 + 𝑧𝐚𝑧 ) ⋅ 𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝐚𝜃
∫𝜃 0

Now, substitute the following relations: 𝑟 = 10, 𝑥 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜙, 𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 sin 𝜙, 𝑧 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃,
𝐚𝑥 ⋅ 𝐚𝜃 = cos 𝜃 cos 𝜙, 𝐚𝑦 ⋅ 𝐚𝜃 = cos 𝜃 sin 𝜙, and 𝐚𝑧 ⋅ 𝐚𝜃 = − sin 𝜃. Obtain
𝜃0 +𝜋 [ ]
𝑊 = −10−6 (10)2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 cos2 𝜙 + sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 sin2 𝜙 − cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = 0
∫𝜃0

where we use cos2 𝜙 + sin2 𝜙 = 1.

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 4.5. Consider the vector field 𝐆 = (𝐴∕𝜌) 𝐚𝜙 , where 𝐴 is a constant.

a) Evaluate the line integral of 𝐆 over a circular path segment of radius 𝑏 (with center at the origin),
along which the change in 𝜙 is 𝛼:
𝛼
𝐴
𝐆 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐚 𝑏 𝑑𝜙 = 𝐴𝛼
∫1 ∫0 𝑏 𝜙 𝜙

b) Same as part 𝑎, except the path is at radius 𝑐 > 𝑏 and the change in 𝜙 is −𝛼:
0
𝐴
𝐆 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐚 𝑐 𝑑𝜙 = −𝐴𝛼
∫2 ∫𝛼 𝑐 𝜙 𝜙

c) Evaluate ∮ 𝐆 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 over a four-segment path that includes those of parts 𝑎 and 𝑏 as two of the
segments: We can choose the remaining two segments as straight line paths that involve changes
in radius from 𝑏 to 𝑐 and from 𝑐 to 𝑏. The path is counter-clockwise, looking down at the 𝑥𝑦
plane. We would therefore have

∑
4 𝑐
𝐴 𝐴
𝑏
𝐆 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = 𝐆 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = 𝐴𝛼 − 𝐴𝛼 + 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐚 𝑑𝜌 + 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐚 𝑑𝜌 = 0
∮
𝑖=1
∫𝑖 ∫𝑏 𝜌 𝜙 𝜌 ∫𝑐 𝜌 𝜙 𝜌

Note that the last two integrals are each zero because the scalar products within them are.

4.6. An electric field in free space is given as 𝐄 = 𝑥 𝐚̂ 𝑥 + 4𝑧 𝐚̂ 𝑦 + 4𝑦 𝐚̂ 𝑧 . Given 𝑉 (1, 1, 1) = 10 V. Determine

𝑉 (3, 3, 3). The potential difference is expressed as
3,3,3
𝑉 (3, 3, 3) − 𝑉 (1, 1, 1) = − (𝑥 𝐚̂ 𝑥 + 4𝑧 𝐚̂ 𝑦 + 4𝑦 𝐚̂ 𝑧 ) ⋅ (𝑑𝑥 𝐚𝑥 + 𝑑𝑦 𝐚𝑦 + 𝑑𝑧 𝐚𝑧 )
∫1,1,1
[ ]
3 3 3
=− 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + 4𝑧 𝑑𝑦 + 4𝑦 𝑑𝑧
∫1 ∫1 ∫1

We choose the following path: 1) move along 𝑥 from 1 to 3; 2) move along 𝑦 from 1 to 3, holding 𝑥 at
3 and 𝑧 at 1; 3) move along 𝑧 from 1 to 3, holding 𝑥 at 3 and 𝑦 at 3. The integrals become:
[ ]
3 3 3
𝑉 (3, 3, 3) − 𝑉 (1, 1, 1) = − 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + 4(1) 𝑑𝑦 + 4(3) 𝑑𝑧 = −36
∫1 ∫1 ∫1

So
𝑉 (3, 3, 3) = −36 + 𝑉 (1, 1, 1) = −36 + 10 = −26 V

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 4.7. A rectangular waveguide (presented in Chapter 13) is a hollow conducting pipe oriented along the 𝑧
axis, with an interior cross-section enclosed by conducting planes at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑎, and 𝑦 = 0 and 𝑏
(see Figure 13.7 for an illustration). The transverse electric mode field, TE11 , defined for (0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎),
(0 < 𝑦 < 𝑏), is given by
( ) ( 𝜋𝑦 ) ( ) ( 𝜋𝑦 )
𝜋 𝜋𝑥 𝜋 𝜋𝑥
𝐄11 = 𝐸0 cos sin 𝐚𝑥 − 𝐸0 sin cos 𝐚𝑦
𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑎 𝑏
where 𝐸0 is a constant.

a) Find the potential difference between 𝐵(0, 0) and the center of the guide, 𝐴(𝑎∕2, 𝑏∕2): Choose
a path that has segment 1 going from 0 to 𝑎∕2 in 𝑥, with 𝑦 = 0; then segment 2 going from 0 to
𝑏∕2 in 𝑦, with 𝑥 = 𝑎∕2. So we have
𝐴 𝑎∕2 𝑏∕2
| |
𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵 = − 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = −𝐸𝑥 | 𝑑𝑥 − 𝐸𝑦 | 𝑑𝑦
∫𝐵 ∫0 |𝑦=0 ∫0 |𝑥=𝑎∕2
𝑎∕2 ( ) ( ) 𝑏∕2 ( ) ( 𝜋𝑦 )
𝜋 𝜋𝑥 𝜋0 𝜋 𝜋𝑎
=− 𝐸0 cos sin 𝑑𝑥 + 𝐸0 sin cos 𝑑𝑦
∫0 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 ∫0 𝑎 2𝑎 𝑏
𝑏∕2 ( 𝜋𝑦 )
𝜋 𝑏
= 𝐸0 cos 𝑑𝑦 = 𝐸0 V
∫0 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎

b) Using the given field, provide a simple demonstration that the guide walls form an equipotential
surface: Briefly, at all four surfaces locations, the field expression reduces to components that
are completely normal to the surfaces. Therefore no work is done in moving a charge along the
surfaces, and we have an equipotential.

4.8. Given 𝐄 = −𝑥𝐚𝑥 + 𝑦𝐚𝑦 , a) find the work involved in moving a unit positive charge on a circular arc,
√
the circle centered at the origin, from 𝑥 = 𝑎 to 𝑥 = 𝑦 = 𝑎∕ 2.

In moving along the arc, we start at 𝜙 = 0 and move to 𝜙 = 𝜋∕4. The setup is
𝜋∕4 𝜋∕4
𝑊 = −𝑞 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = − 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑎𝑑𝜙 𝐚𝜙 = − (−𝑥 𝐚𝑥 ⋅ 𝐚𝜙 + 𝑦 𝐚𝑦 ⋅ 𝐚𝜙 )𝑎 𝑑𝜙
∫ ∫0 ∫0 ⏟⏟⏟ ⏟⏟⏟
− sin 𝜙 cos 𝜙
𝜋∕4 𝜋∕4
𝑎2 |𝜋∕4 𝑎2
=− 2𝑎2 sin 𝜙 cos 𝜙 𝑑𝜙 = − 𝑎2 sin(2𝜙) 𝑑𝜙 = cos(2𝜙)| =−
∫0 ∫0 2 |0 2
where 𝑞 = 1, 𝑥 = 𝑎 cos 𝜙, and 𝑦 = 𝑎 sin 𝜙.

Note that the field is conservative, so we would get the same result by integrating along a two-
segment path over 𝑥 and 𝑦 as shown:
[ √ √ ]
𝑎∕ 2 𝑎∕ 2
𝑊 =− 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = − (−𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 = −𝑎2 ∕2
∫ ∫𝑎 ∫0

b) Verify that the work done in moving the charge around the full circle from 𝑥 = 𝑎 is zero: In this
case, the setup is the same, but the integration limits change:
2𝜋
𝑎2 |2𝜋
𝑊 =− 𝑎2 sin(2𝜙) 𝑑𝜙 = cos(2𝜙)| = 0
∫0 2 |0

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 4.9. An electric field intensity in spherical coordinates is given as
𝑉0 −𝑟∕𝑎
𝐄= 𝑒 V∕m
𝑑
where 𝑉0 and 𝑎 are constants, and where the field exists everywhere.

a) Find the potential field, 𝑉 (𝑟), using a zero reference at infinity: We evaluate
𝑟 𝑟
𝑉0 −𝑟′ ∕𝑎
𝑉 (𝑟) = − 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = − 𝑒 𝑑𝑟 = 𝑉0 𝑒−𝑟∕𝑎 V
∫∞ ∫∞ 𝑎

b) What is the significance of 𝑉0 ? From part 𝑎 we identify 𝑉0 as the potential at the origin.

4.10. A sphere of radius 𝑎 carries a surface charge density of 𝜌𝑠0 C∕m2 .

a) Find the absolute potential at the sphere surface: The setup for this is
𝑎
𝑉0 = − 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋
∫∞

where, from Gauss’ law:

𝑎2 𝜌𝑠0
𝐄= 𝐚𝑟 V∕m
𝜖0 𝑟2
So
𝑎
𝑎2 𝜌𝑠0 𝑎2 𝜌𝑠0 |𝑎 𝑎𝜌𝑠0
𝑉0 = − 𝐚𝑟 ⋅ 𝐚𝑟 𝑑𝑟 = | = V
∫ ∞ 𝜖0 𝑟2 𝜖0 𝑟 |∞ 𝜖0

b) A grounded conducting shell of radius 𝑏 where 𝑏 > 𝑎 is now positioned around the charged
sphere. What is the potential at the inner sphere surface in this case? With the outer sphere
grounded, the field exists only between the surfaces, and is zero for 𝑟 > 𝑏. The potential is then
𝑎
𝑎2 𝜌𝑠0 𝑎2 𝜌𝑠0 |𝑎 𝑎2 𝜌𝑠0 [ 1 1 ]
𝑉0 = − 𝐚𝑟 ⋅ 𝐚𝑟 𝑑𝑟 = | = − V
∫𝑏 𝜖0 𝑟2 𝜖0 𝑟 |𝑏 𝜖0 𝑎 𝑏

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4.11. At large distances from a dipole antenna (to be discussed in Chapter 14), the electric field amplitude
that it radiates assumes the simplified form:

𝐴
𝐄= sin 𝜃 𝐚𝜃 V∕m
𝑟
where 𝐴 is a constant. A second dipole antenna, receiving radiation from the first, is located at distance
𝑟 from the first, has length 𝐿, and is oriented along the 𝐚𝜃 direction, thus presenting its full length to
the transmitting antenna at the origin. The angular position of the receiving antenna is 𝜃 = 𝜃0 . As
observed from the transmitting antenna, the receiving antenna subtends angle Δ𝜃.

a) Find the voltage amplitude across the length of the receiving antenna, and express your result in
terms of 𝐴, 𝜃0 , 𝐿, and 𝑟. Using the given field, we write:
𝜃0 −Δ𝜃∕2
𝐴
𝑉 =− 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = − sin 𝜃 𝐚𝜃 ⋅ 𝐚𝜃 𝑟𝑑𝜃
∫𝐿 ∫𝜃0 +Δ𝜃∕2 𝑟
[ ( ) ( )]
Δ𝜃 Δ𝜃
= 𝐴 cos 𝜃0 − − cos 𝜃0 + = 2𝐴 sin 𝜃0 sin(Δ𝜃∕2) V
2 2
where Δ𝜃 = tan−1 (𝐿∕𝑟).
.
b) Specialize your part 𝑎 result for the case in which 𝐿 << 𝑟 (the usual case): In this case, Δ𝜃 = 𝐿∕𝑟
. .
and sin(Δ𝜃∕2) = Δ𝜃∕2. Therefore, 𝑉 = 𝐴(𝐿∕𝑟) sin 𝜃0 V, which could be obtained from the
given field just by assuming constant 𝐄 over small changes in angle.

4.12. In spherical coordinates, 𝐄 = 2𝑟∕(𝑟2 + 𝑎2 )2 𝐚𝑟 V/m. Find the potential at any point, using the reference

a) 𝑉 = 0 at infinity: We write in general

2𝑟 𝑑𝑟 1
𝑉 (𝑟) = − +𝐶 = 2 +𝐶
∫ (𝑟2 + 𝑎2 )2 𝑟 + 𝑎2

With a zero reference at 𝑟 → ∞, 𝐶 = 0 and therefore 𝑉 (𝑟) = 1∕(𝑟2 + 𝑎2 ).

b) 𝑉 = 0 at 𝑟 = 0: Using the general expression, we find

1 1
𝑉 (0) = 2
+𝐶 =0 ⇒ 𝐶 =− 2
𝑎 𝑎
Therefore
1 1 −𝑟2
𝑉 (𝑟) = − =
𝑟2 + 𝑎2 𝑎2 𝑎2 (𝑟2 + 𝑎2 )

c) 𝑉 = 100V at 𝑟 = 𝑎: Here, we find

1 1
𝑉 (𝑎) = 2
+ 𝐶 = 100 ⇒ 𝐶 = 100 − 2
2𝑎 2𝑎
Therefore
1 1 𝑎2 − 𝑟2
𝑉 (𝑟) = − + 100 = + 100
𝑟2 + 𝑎2 2𝑎2 2𝑎2 (𝑟2 + 𝑎2 )

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4.13. Three identical point charges of 4 pC each are located at the corners of an equilateral triangle 0.5 mm
on a side in free space. How much work must be done to move one charge to a point equidistant from
the other two and on the line joining them? This will be the magnitude of the charge times the potential
difference between the finishing and starting positions, or

(4 × 10−12 )2 [ 1 1
]
𝑊 = − × 104 = 5.76 × 10−10 J = 576 pJ
2𝜋𝜖0 2.5 5

4.14. Given the electric field 𝐄 = (𝑦 + 1)𝐚𝑥 + (𝑥 − 1)𝐚𝑦 + 2𝐚𝑧 , find the potential difference between the points

a) (2,-2,-1) and (0,0,0): We choose a path along which motion occurs in one coordinate direction at
a time. Starting at the origin, first move along 𝑥 from 0 to 2, where 𝑦 = 0; then along 𝑦 from 0
to −2, where 𝑥 is 2; then along 𝑧 from 0 to −1. The setup is
2 −2 −1
| |
𝑉𝑏 − 𝑉𝑎 = − (𝑦 + 1)| 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 − 1)| 𝑑𝑦 − 2 𝑑𝑧 = 2
∫0 |𝑦=0 ∫0 |𝑥=2 ∫0

b) (3,2,-1) and (-2,-3,4): Following similar reasoning,

3 2 −1
| |
𝑉𝑏 − 𝑉𝑎 = − (𝑦 + 1)| 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 − 1)| 𝑑𝑦 − 2 𝑑𝑧 = 10
∫−2 |𝑦=−3 ∫−3 |𝑥=3 ∫4

4.15. Two uniform line charges, 8 nC/m each, are located at 𝑥 = 1, 𝑧 = 2, and at 𝑥 = −1, 𝑦 = 2 in free
space. If the potential at the origin is 100 V, find 𝑉 at 𝑃 (4, 1, 3): The net potential function for the two
charges would in general be:
𝜌𝑙 𝜌
𝑉 =− ln(𝑅1 ) − 𝑙 ln(𝑅2 ) + 𝐶
2𝜋𝜖0 2𝜋𝜖0
√
At the origin, 𝑅1 = 𝑅2 = 5, and 𝑉 = 100 V. Thus, with 𝜌𝑙 = 8 × 10−9 ,

(8 × 10−9 ) √
100 = −2 ln( 5) + 𝐶 ⇒ 𝐶 = 331.6 V
2𝜋𝜖0
√ √
At 𝑃 (4, 1, 3), 𝑅1 = |(4, 1, 3) − (1, 1, 2)| = 10 and 𝑅2 = |(4, 1, 3) − (−1, 2, 3)| = 26. Therefore

(8 × 10−9 ) [ √ √ ]
𝑉𝑃 = − ln( 10) + ln( 26) + 331.6 = −68.4 V
2𝜋𝜖0

53
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4.16. A spherically-symmetric charge distribution in free space (with 𝑎 < 𝑟 < ∞) is known to have a
potential function 𝑉 (𝑟) = 𝑉0 𝑎2 ∕𝑟2 , where 𝑉0 and 𝑎 are constants.

a) Find the electric field intensity: This is found through

𝑑𝑉 𝑎2
𝐄 = −∇𝑉 = − 𝐚𝑟 = 2𝑉0 3 𝐚𝑟 V∕m
𝑑𝑟 𝑟

b) Find the volume charge density: Use Maxwell’s first equation:

[ ( )]
1 𝑑 2 𝑎2 𝑎2
𝜌𝑣 = ∇ ⋅ 𝐃 = ∇ ⋅ (𝜖0 𝐄) = 2 𝑟 2𝜖0 𝑉0 3 = −2𝜖0 𝑉0 4 C∕m3
𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑟 𝑟

c) Find the charge contained inside radius 𝑎: Here, we do not know the charge density inside radius
𝑎, but we do know the flux density at that radius. We use Gauss’ law to integrate 𝐃 over the
spherical surface at 𝑟 = 𝑎 to find the charge enclosed:
( )
2 2 𝑎2
𝑄𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑙 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝑑𝐒 = 4𝜋𝑎 𝐷|𝑟=𝑎 = 4𝜋𝑎 2𝜖0 𝑉0 3 = 8𝜋𝜖0 𝑎𝑉0 C
∮𝑟=𝑎 𝑎

d) Find the total energy stored in the charge (or equivalently, in its electric field) in the region
(𝑎 < 𝑟 < ∞). Use Eq. (42):
2𝜋 𝜋 ∞( )( )
1 1 𝑎2 𝑎2
𝑊𝐸 = 𝜌 𝑉 𝑑𝑣 = −2𝜖0 𝑉0 4 𝑉0 2 𝑟2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙
2 ∫𝑣 𝑣 2 ∫0 ∫0 ∫𝑎 𝑟 𝑟
(1)
4 2
= − 𝜋𝜖0 𝑎𝑉0 J
3
If we integrate the energy density in the field over the region, the result is
2𝜋 𝜋 ∞
1 𝑎4
𝑊𝑒 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄 𝑑𝑣 = 2𝜖0 𝑉02 6 𝑟2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙
∫𝑣 2 ∫0 ∫0 ∫𝑎 𝑟 (2)
1 | ∞ 8
= −8𝜋 𝑉02 𝜖0 𝑎4 3 | = 𝜋𝜖0 𝑎𝑉02 J
3𝑟 |𝑎 3
The apparent discrepancy between the two results can be explained by noting that (1) is inter-
preted as the energy needed to assemble the negative charge density around the already assembled
positive charge distribution. The latter lies in the region (𝑟 < 𝑎). The second result, Eq. (2), in-
cludes part of the energy associated with the central charge (𝑟 < 𝑎), and so is not specific to the
negative charge distribution. The answer given in (1) would be the correct one. The energy is
negative because the negative charge, being moved in from infinity, is attracted to the existing
positive charge, and so negative work is done.

This relationship can be demonstrated by the following exercise: Take the central charge as a
surface density, 𝜌𝑠 , which covers the surface of a conducting sphere of radius 𝑎, where 𝜌𝑠 =
𝑄∕4𝜋𝑎2 , with 𝑄 as found in part 𝑐. The energy in that charge is found through
1
𝑊𝐸′ = 𝜌 𝑉 𝑑𝑎 = 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑎𝑉02
2 ∫𝑠 𝑠 0
Add this result to the answer in Eq. (1) of part 𝑑 to obtain the answer in Eq. (2) (which in this
case would be the total system energy).

54
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4.17. Uniform surface charge densities of 6 and 2 nC∕m2 are present at 𝜌 = 2 and 6 cm respectively, in free
space. Assume 𝑉 = 0 at 𝜌 = 4 cm, and calculate 𝑉 at:

a) 𝜌 = 5 cm: Since 𝑉 = 0 at 4 cm, the potential at 5 cm will be the potential difference between
points 5 and 4:
5 5
𝑎𝜌𝑠𝑎 (.02)(6 × 10−9 ) ( 5 )
𝑉5 = − 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = − 𝑑𝜌 = − ln = −3.026 V
∫4 ∫4 𝜖0 𝜌 𝜖0 4

b) 𝜌 = 7 cm: Here we integrate piecewise from 𝜌 = 4 to 𝜌 = 7:

6 7
𝑎𝜌𝑠𝑎 (𝑎𝜌𝑠𝑎 + 𝑏𝜌𝑠𝑏 )
𝑉7 = − 𝑑𝜌 − 𝑑𝜌
∫4 𝜖0 𝜌 ∫6 𝜖0 𝜌

With the given values, this becomes

[ ] ( ) [ ] ( )
(.02)(6 × 10−9 ) 6 (.02)(6 × 10−9 ) + (.06)(2 × 10−9 ) 7
𝑉7 = − ln − ln
𝜖0 4 𝜖0 6
= −9.678 V

4.18. Find the potential at the origin produced by a line charge 𝜌𝐿 = 𝑘𝑥∕(𝑥2 + 𝑎2 ) extending along the 𝑥
axis from 𝑥 = 𝑎 to +∞, where 𝑎 > 0. Assume a zero reference at infinity.

Think of the line charge as an array of point charges, each of charge 𝑑𝑞 = 𝜌𝐿 𝑑𝑥, and each having
potential at the origin of 𝑑𝑉 = 𝜌𝐿 𝑑𝑥∕(4𝜋𝜖0 𝑥). The total potential at the origin is then the sum
of all these potentials, or
∞
𝜌𝐿 𝑑𝑥 ∞ ( )∞ [ ]
𝑘 𝑑𝑥 𝑘 −1 𝑥 𝑘 𝜋 𝜋 𝑘
𝑉 = = = tan = − =
∫𝑎 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑥 ∫𝑎 4𝜋𝜖0 (𝑥 + 𝑎 ) 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑎
2 2 𝑎 𝑎 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑎 2 4 16𝜖0 𝑎

55
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4.19. Volume charge density is given as 𝜌𝑣 = 𝜌0 𝑒−𝑟 ∕𝑟 C∕m3 , valid everywhere in free space.

a) Find the potential at the origin, using Eq. (17): This equation states:

𝜌𝑣 (𝐫 ′ )𝑑𝑣′
𝑉 (𝐫) =
∫𝑣𝑜𝑙 4𝜋𝜖0 |𝐫 − 𝐫 ′ |

Because we are evaluating the potential at the origin, 𝐫 = 0, 𝐫 ′ = 𝑟𝐚𝑟 , and so

2𝜋 ∞
𝜋
𝜌0 𝑒−𝑟 𝜌0 ∞ −𝑟 𝜌
𝑉 (0) = 𝑟2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜃𝑑𝜙 = 𝑒 𝑑𝑟 = 0
∫0 ∫0 ∫0 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟2 𝜖0 ∫ 0 𝜖0

b) (Harder) Find the potential by first finding 𝐄 from Gauss’ Law, then line-integrating that result
from infinity to the origin: In view of the charge symmetry, 𝐃 will be entirely radially-directed,
and will vary only with radius. Gauss’ Law, applied to a spherical surface of radius 𝑟 takes the
form:
𝑟 ′
𝑒−𝑟 ′ 2 ′ ′ |𝑟
𝐃 ⋅ 𝑑𝐒 = 4𝜋𝑟2 𝐷(𝑟) = 𝜌𝑣 𝑑𝑣 = 4𝜋 𝜌0 (𝑟 ) 𝑑𝑟 = −4𝜋𝜌0 (1 + 𝑟′ )𝑒−𝑟 |
∮𝑠 ∫𝑣 ∫0 𝑟′ |0

Solving, find
𝜌0 [ ] 𝐃
𝐃= 2
1 − (1 + 𝑟)𝑒−𝑟 𝐚𝑟 and 𝐄 =
𝑟 𝜖0
Now,
0 0
𝜌0 [ ]
𝑉 (0) = − 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = − 1 − (1 + 𝑟)𝑒−𝑟 𝑑𝑟
∫∞ ∫∞ 𝜖0 𝑟 2

To evaluate the integral, we use the form:

𝑒−𝑟 𝑒−𝑟 𝑒−𝑟

𝑑𝑟 = − − 𝑑𝑟
∫ 𝑟2 𝑟 ∫ 𝑟

So the potential integral becomes

[ ] [ ]
0 0 −𝑟 0 −𝑟
−𝜌0 𝑑𝑟 𝑒 𝑒−𝑟 |0 𝑒 −𝜌0 1 |0 𝑒−𝑟 |0
𝑉 (0) = + 𝑑𝑟 + | − 𝑑𝑟 = − | + |
𝜖0 ∫ ∞ 𝑟2 ∫ ∞ 𝑟 𝑟 |∞ ∫ ∞ 𝑟 𝜖0 𝑟 |∞ 𝑟 |∞
.
For the evaluation, use the small argument approximation: 𝑒−𝑟 = 1 − 𝑟. Finally,
. −𝜌0 [ 1 1 − 𝑟 ] 𝜌
𝑉 (0) = − + = 0 Q.E.D.
𝜖0 𝑟 𝑟 0 𝜖0

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4.20. In a certain medium, the electric potential is given by
𝜌0
𝑉 (𝑥) = (1 − 𝑒−𝑎𝑥 )
𝑎𝜖0

where 𝜌0 and 𝑎 are constants.

a) Find the electric field intensity, 𝐄:

[ ]
𝑑 𝜌0 𝜌
𝐄 = −∇𝑉 = − (1 − 𝑒 −𝑎𝑥
) 𝐚𝑥 = − 0 𝑒−𝑎𝑥 𝐚𝑥 V∕m
𝑑𝑥 𝑎𝜖0 𝜖0

b) find the potential difference between the points 𝑥 = 𝑑 and 𝑥 = 0:

𝜌0 ( )
𝑉𝑑0 = 𝑉 (𝑑) − 𝑉 (0) = 1 − 𝑒−𝑎𝑑 V
𝑎𝜖0

c) if the medium permittivity is given by 𝜖(𝑥) = 𝜖0 𝑒𝑎𝑥 , find the electric flux density, 𝐃, and the
volume charge density, 𝜌𝑣 , in the region:
( )
𝜌0 −𝑎𝑥
𝐃 = 𝜖𝐄 = 𝜖0 𝑒 𝑎𝑥
− 𝑒 𝐚𝑥 = −𝜌0 𝐚𝑥 C∕m2
𝜖0

Then 𝜌𝑣 = ∇ ⋅ 𝐃 = 0.
d) Find the stored energy in the region (0 < 𝑥 < 𝑑), (0 < 𝑦 < 1), (0 < 𝑧 < 1):
1 1 𝑑 𝜌2 −𝜌20 −𝑎𝑥 |𝑑 𝜌20 ( )
1 0 −𝑎𝑥
𝑊𝑒 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑒 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧 = 𝑒 | = 1 − 𝑒−𝑎𝑑 J
∫𝑣 2 ∫0 ∫0 ∫0 2𝜖0 2𝜖0 𝑎 | 0 2𝜖0 𝑎

57
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4.21. A capacitor is formed in free space from two concentric spherical shells, arranged concentrically with
their centers at the origin; the shell radii are 𝑎 and 𝑏, where 𝑏 > 𝑎. With the inner shell at potential 𝑉0
and the outer shell grounded, the potential field (using methods to be discussed in Chapter 6) is found
to be:
1
𝑟
− 1𝑏
𝑉 (𝑟) = 𝑉0 1 1 (𝑎 < 𝑟 < 𝑏)
𝑎
−𝑏
The charge present is in the form of surface densities 𝜌𝑠𝑎 and 𝜌𝑠𝑏 on the inner and outer surfaces
respectively. The net charges on the inner and outer spheres are equal and opposite (omitted from the
problem statement).

a) Find 𝐄 between spheres: This is found through the negative gradient of the given potential field:

𝑑𝑉 𝑉
𝐄 = −∇𝑉 = − 𝐚𝑟 = ( 0 ) 𝐚𝑟 V∕m
𝑑𝑟 𝑟2 𝑎1 − 1𝑏

b) Find 𝐄 for 𝑟 < 𝑎 and for 𝑟 > 𝑏: For 𝑟 < 𝑎 applying Gauss’ Law would give zero field there, as
there is no enclosed charge, and the charge densities are uniform. For 𝑟 > 𝑏, the two enclosed
charges, 4𝜋𝑎2 𝜌𝑠𝑎 and 4𝜋𝑏2 𝜌𝑠𝑏 add to give zero, so that the field in the region 𝑟 > 𝑏 must be zero.
c) Find the electric field energy density and the stored energy in the system:

1 1 𝜖0 𝑉02
𝑤 𝐸 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄 = 𝜖0 𝐸 2 = ( )2 J∕m
3
2 2 1 1
2𝑟4 𝑎 − 𝑏

𝑏 𝜖0 𝑉02 2
2𝜋𝜖0 𝑉02
𝑊𝐸 = 𝑤𝐸 𝑑𝑣 = 4𝜋 ( )2 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 = ( )J
∫𝑣 ∫𝑎 1 1 1 1
4
2𝑟 𝑎 − 𝑏 𝑎
− 𝑏

d) Knowing that the energy can be found through 12 ∫𝑠 𝜌𝑠 𝑑𝑎, use your part 𝑐 result to find the charge
density 𝜌𝑠𝑎 on the inner sphere and thereby determine the relationship between 𝜌𝑠𝑎 and 𝐄(𝑟 = 𝑎):
We have

1 2𝜋𝜖0 𝑉02
𝑊𝐸 = 𝜌𝑠𝑎 𝑉0 𝑑𝑎 = 2𝜋𝑎2 𝜌𝑠𝑎 𝑉0 = ( ) (as found in part 𝑐)
2 ∫𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟 1
−𝑏1
𝑎

Therefore
𝜖0 𝑉 0 |
𝜌𝑠𝑎 = ( ) = 𝜖0 𝐄| ⋅ 𝐚𝑟 C∕m2
1 1 |𝑎
𝑎2 𝑎 − 𝑏

e) What is the potential at the origin? Starting at 𝑟 = 𝑎 at which the potential is 𝑉0 , one would take
the negative line integral of 𝐄 in the sphere interior from 𝑟 = 𝑎 to 𝑟 = 0. As there is no field in
the region 𝑟 < 𝑎, the potential at the origin is just that on the inner sphere surface, or 𝑉0 , as is the
case everywhere inside the inner sphere.

58
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4.22. A line charge of infinite length lies along the 𝑧 axis, and carries a uniform linear charge density of 𝜌𝓁
C/m. A perfectly-conducting cylindrical shell, whose axis is the 𝑧 axis, surrounds the line charge. The
cylinder (of radius 𝑏), is at ground potential. Under these conditions, the potential function inside the
cylinder (𝜌 < 𝑏) is given by
𝜌
𝑉 (𝜌) = 𝑘 − 𝓁 ln(𝜌)
2𝜋𝜖0
where 𝑘 is a constant.

a) Find 𝑘 in terms of given or known parameters: At radius 𝑏,

𝜌 𝜌
𝑉 (𝑏) = 𝑘 − 𝓁 ln(𝑏) = 0 ⇒ 𝑘 = 𝓁 ln(𝑏)
2𝜋𝜖0 2𝜋𝜖0

b) find the electric field strength, 𝐄, for 𝜌 < 𝑏:

[ ]
𝑑 𝜌𝓁 𝜌𝓁 𝜌𝓁
𝐄𝑖𝑛 = −∇𝑉 = − ln(𝑏) − ln(𝜌) 𝐚𝜌 = 𝐚 V∕m
𝑑𝜌 2𝜋𝜖0 2𝜋𝜖0 2𝜋𝜖0 𝜌 𝜌

c) find the electric field strength, 𝐄, for 𝜌 > 𝑏: 𝐄𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 0 because the cylinder is at ground potential.
d) Find the stored energy in the electric field per unit length in the 𝑧 direction within the volume
defined by 𝜌 > 𝑎, where 𝑎 < 𝑏:
1 2𝜋 𝑏 𝜌2𝓁 𝜌2𝓁 ( )
1 𝑏
𝑊𝑒 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄 𝑑𝑣 = 𝜌 𝑑𝜌 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝑧 = ln J
∫𝑣 2 ∫0 ∫0 ∫𝑎 8𝜋 2 𝜖0 𝜌2 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑎

4.23. In free space, an electric potential is given in cylindrical coordinates by

𝑎2 𝜌0 −𝜌∕𝑎
𝑉 (𝜌) = 𝑒
𝜖0
a) Find the electric field intensity, 𝐄:
( )
𝑑 𝑎2 𝜌0 −𝜌∕𝑎 𝑎𝜌
𝐄 = −∇𝑉 = − 𝑒 𝐚𝜌 = 0 𝑒−𝜌∕𝑎 𝐚𝜌 V∕m
𝑑𝜌 𝜖0 𝜖0
b) Find the volume charge density:
𝑎 𝑑 ( ) 𝑎𝜌 ( 𝜌 ) −𝜌∕𝑎
𝜌𝑣 = ∇ ⋅ 𝐃 = 𝜖0 ∇ ⋅ 𝐄 = 𝜌𝜌0 𝑒−𝜌∕𝑎 = 0 1 − 𝑒 C∕m3
𝜌 𝑑𝜌 𝜌 𝑎
c) Using Eq. (42), find the stored energy in the region (0 < 𝜌 < ∞), (0 < 𝜙 < 2𝜋), (0 < 𝑧 < 1):
Use
∞[ ][ ]
1 1
1 2𝜋
𝑎𝜌0 ( 𝜌 ) −𝜌∕𝑎 𝑎2 𝜌0 −𝜌∕𝑎
𝑊𝐸 = 𝜌 𝑉 𝑑𝑣 = 1− 𝑒 𝑒 𝜌𝑑𝜌𝑑𝜙𝑑𝑧
2 ∫𝑣 𝑣 2 ∫0 ∫0 ∫0 𝜌 𝑎 𝜖0
[( ) ]∞
𝜋𝑎3 𝜌20 ∞ ( 𝜌 ) −2𝜌∕𝑎 𝜋𝑎4 𝜌20 2𝜌 −2𝜌∕𝑎 𝜋𝑎4 𝜌20
= 1− 𝑒 𝑑𝜌 = − 1− 𝑒 = J
𝜖0 ∫0 𝑎 4𝜖0 𝑎 0 4𝜖0
d) Repeat part 𝑐, but use Eq. (44): Here we have...
1 2𝜋 ∞ 𝑎2 𝜌2
1 1 1 0 −2𝜌∕𝑎
𝑊𝐸 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄𝑑𝑣 = 𝜖0 𝐸 2 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑒 𝜌𝑑𝜌𝑑𝜙𝑑𝑧
2 ∫𝑣 2 ∫𝑣 2 ∫0 ∫0 ∫0 𝜖0
( )
𝜋𝑎2 𝜌20 ∞ −2𝜌∕𝑎 𝜋𝑎4 𝜌20 2𝜌 −2𝜌∕𝑎 |∞ 𝜋𝑎 𝜌0
4 2
= 𝜌𝑒 𝑑𝜌 = − 1+ 𝑒 | = J
𝜖0 ∫0 4𝜖0 𝑎 |0 4𝜖0
as before.

59
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4.24. A certain spherically-symmetric charge configuration in free space produces an electric field given in
spherical coordinates by:
{
(𝜌0 𝑟2 )∕(100𝜖0 ) 𝐚𝑟 V∕m (𝑟 ≤ 10)
𝐄(𝑟) =
2
(100𝜌0 )∕(𝜖0 𝑟 ) 𝐚𝑟 V∕m (𝑟 ≥ 10)
where 𝜌0 is a constant.

a) Find the charge density as a function of position:

) (
1 𝑑 𝜌 0 𝑟2 𝜌 𝑟
𝜌𝑣 (𝑟 ≤ 10) = ∇ ⋅ (𝜖0 𝐄1 ) = 2 𝑟 = 0 C∕m3
2
𝑟 𝑑𝑟 100 25
( )
1 𝑑 100𝜌0
𝜌𝑣 (𝑟 ≥ 10) = ∇ ⋅ (𝜖0 𝐄2 ) = 2 𝑟2 =0
𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑟2
b) find the absolute potential as a function of position in the two regions, 𝑟 ≤ 10 and 𝑟 ≥ 10:
10 𝑟
100𝜌0 𝜌0 (𝑟′ )2
𝑉 (𝑟 ≤ 10) = − 𝐚𝑟 ⋅ 𝐚𝑟 𝑑𝑟 − 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐚 𝑑𝑟′
∫∞𝜖0 𝑟2 ∫10 100𝜖0 𝑟 𝑟
100𝜌0 |10 𝜌0 (𝑟′ )3 |𝑟 10𝜌0 [ ]
= | − | = 4 − (10−3 𝑟3 ) V
𝜖0 𝑟 |∞ 300𝜖0 |10 3𝜖0
𝑟
100𝜌0 100𝜌0 |𝑟 100𝜌0
𝑉 (𝑟 ≥ 10) = − 𝐚𝑟 ⋅ 𝐚𝑟 𝑑𝑟′ = | = V
∫ ∞ 𝜖0 (𝑟′ )2 𝜖0 𝑟 |∞
′ 𝜖0 𝑟

c) check your result of part 𝑏 by using the gradient:

[ ]
𝑑 10𝜌0 [ ] 10𝜌0 2 𝜌 𝑟2
𝐄1 = −∇𝑉 (𝑟 ≤ 10) = − −3 3
4 − (10 𝑟 ) 𝐚𝑟 = (3𝑟 )(10−3 ) 𝐚𝑟 = 0 𝐚𝑟
𝑑𝑟 3𝜖0 3𝜖0 100𝜖0
[ ]
𝑑 100𝜌0 100𝜌0
𝐄2 = −∇𝑉 (𝑟 ≥ 10) = − 𝐚𝑟 = 𝐚𝑟
𝑑𝑟 𝜖0 𝑟 𝜖0 𝑟2

d) find the stored energy in the charge by an integral of the form of Eq. (42):
[ ]
1 𝜌0 𝑟 10𝜌0 [ ] 2
2𝜋 𝜋 10
1 −3 3
𝑊𝑒 = 𝜌 𝑉 𝑑𝑣 = 4 − (10 𝑟 ) 𝑟 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙
2 ∫𝑣 𝑣 ∫0 ∫0 ∫0 2 25 3𝜖0
4𝜋𝜌20 10 [ ]
4𝜋𝜌20
[ ]10
𝜌2
3 𝑟6 4 𝑟7 3 0
= 40𝑟 − 𝑑𝑟 = 10𝑟 − = 7.18 × 10
150𝜖0 ∫0 100 150𝜖0 700 0 𝜖0

e) Find the stored energy in the field by an integral of the form of Eq. (44).
1 1
𝑊𝑒 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄 𝑑𝑣 + 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄 𝑑𝑣
∫(𝑟≤10) 2 1 1 ∫(𝑟≥10) 2 2 2
2𝜋 𝜋 10 𝜌20 𝑟4
2
2𝜋 𝜋 ∞ 104 𝜌2
0 2
= 𝑟 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙 + 𝑟 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙
∫0 ∫0 ∫0 (2 × 104 )𝜖0 ∫0 ∫0 ∫10 2𝜖0 𝑟4
[ ]
2𝜋𝜌20 10 ∞
𝑑𝑟 2𝜋𝜌20 [ 1 3 ] 𝜌2
3 0
= 10−4 𝑟6 𝑑𝑟 + 104 = (10 ) + 10 3
= 7.18 × 10
𝜖0 ∫0 ∫10 𝑟2 𝜖0 7 𝜖0

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4.25. Consider an electric field intensity in free space that exhibits a gaussian function of radius in spherical
coordinates:
𝜌 𝑎 2 2
𝐄 = 0 𝑒−𝑟 ∕𝑎 𝐚𝑟 V∕m
𝜖0
where 𝜌0 and 𝑎 are constants, and where the field exists everywhere.

a) What charge density would produce this field?

( ) 2𝜌 𝑎 ( )
1 𝑑 2 −𝑟2 ∕𝑎2 0 𝑟2 2 2
𝜌𝑣 = ∇ ⋅ 𝐃 = 𝜖0 ∇ ⋅ 𝐄 = 2 𝜌0 𝑎𝑟 𝑒 = 1 − 2 𝑒−𝑟 ∕𝑎 C∕m3
𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑟 𝑎

Note that we have positive charge inside 𝑟 = 𝑎, and negative charge outside the region.
b) What total charge is present?
The Easy Way: Use Gauss’ Law applied to a spherical shell of infinite radius:

2 ∕𝑎2
𝑄𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑙 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝑑𝐒 = lim 4𝜋𝑟2 𝜌0 𝑎𝑒−𝑟 =0
∮𝑟→∞ 𝑟→∞

The Hard Way: Integrate the charge density found in part 𝑎 over the infinite volume:
∞ ( )
2𝜌0 𝑎 𝑟2 2 2
𝑄𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑙 = 𝜌𝑣 𝑑𝑣 = 4𝜋 1 − 2 𝑒−𝑟 ∕𝑎 𝑟2 𝑑𝑟
∫𝑣 ∫0 𝑟 𝑎
⎡ ⎤
⎢ ⎥
⎢ ∞ −𝑟2 ∕𝑎2 ∞ 3
𝑟 −𝑟2 ∕𝑎2 ⎥
= 8𝜋𝜌0 𝑎 ⎢ 𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑟 − 𝑒 𝑑𝑟⎥ = 0
⎢∫ 0 ∫0 𝑎 2
⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟ ⏟⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟⎥⎥
⎢⏟⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟
⎣ 𝑎2 ∕2 𝑎2 ∕2 ⎦

c) What is the potential at the origin? Line-integrate the given field from infinity to zero along a
radial line:
√
0 ∞
𝜌0 𝑎 ∞ −𝑟2 ∕𝑎2 𝜌0 𝑎3 𝜋
𝑉0 = − 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = + 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = 𝑒 𝑑𝑟 = V
∫∞ ∫0 𝜖0 ∫0 2𝜖0

d) What is the net stored energy in the field? Integrate the energy density over an infinite spherical
volume:
∞ 𝜌2 𝑎2 √
1 1 2 0 −2𝑟2 ∕𝑎2 2
𝜋𝑎5 𝜌20 𝜋
𝑊𝐸 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄𝑑𝑣 = 𝐸 𝑑𝑣 = 4𝜋 𝑒 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 = J
∫𝑣 2 ∫𝑣 2 ∫0 2𝜖0 4𝜖0 2

61
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4.26. Let us assume that we have a very thin, square, imperfectly conducting plate 2m on a side, located in
the plane 𝑧 = 0 with one corner at the origin such that it lies entirely within the first quadrant. The
potential at any point in the plate is given as 𝑉 = −𝑒−𝑥 sin 𝑦.

a) An electron enters the plate at 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 𝜋∕3 with zero initial velocity; in what direction is its
initial movement? We first find the electric field associated with the given potential:

𝐄 = −∇𝑉 = −𝑒−𝑥 [sin 𝑦 𝐚𝑥 − cos 𝑦 𝐚𝑦 ]

Since we have an electron,

√ its motion is opposite that of the field, so the direction on entry is that
of −𝐄 at (0, 𝜋∕3), or 3∕2 𝐚𝑥 − 1∕2 𝐚𝑦 .
b) Because of collisions with the particles in the plate, the electron achieves a relatively low velocity
and little acceleration (the work that the field does on it is converted largely into heat). The
electron therefore moves approximately along a streamline. Where does it leave the plate and in
what direction is it moving at the time? Considering the result of part 𝑎, we would expect the
exit to occur along the bottom edge of the plate. The equation of the streamline is found through
𝐸𝑦 𝑑𝑦 cos 𝑦
= =− ⇒ 𝑥 = − tan 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 + 𝐶 = ln(cos 𝑦) + 𝐶
𝐸𝑥 𝑑𝑥 sin 𝑦 ∫

At the entry point (0, 𝜋∕3), we have 0 = ln[cos(𝜋∕3)] + 𝐶, from which 𝐶 = 0.69. Now, along
the bottom edge (𝑦 = 0), we find 𝑥 = 0.69, and so the exit point is (0.69, 0). From the field
expression evaluated at the exit point, we find the direction on exit to be −𝐚𝑦 .

4.27. By performing an appropriate line integral, show that Eq. (33) can be found from Eq. (35): To find the
absolute potential, a line integral can be taken from a point at an infinite distance, moving to a general
location (𝑟, 𝜃). A two-segment path is chosen, starting from point 𝐵(𝑟 = ∞, 𝜃 = 𝜋∕2), and integrating
along 𝑟 from ∞ to 𝑟, holding 𝜃 fixed at 𝜋∕2; then integrating along the second segment from 𝜋∕2 to
𝜃, holding radius at 𝑟. This ends at point 𝐴(𝑟, 𝜃).
𝐴 [ 𝑟 𝜃 ]
𝑞𝑑 2 cos 𝜃|𝜋∕2 ′ sin 𝜃 ′ ′
𝑉 (𝑟, 𝜃) = − 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = − 𝐚𝑟 ⋅ 𝐚𝑟 𝑑𝑟 + 𝐚 ⋅ 𝐚 𝑟𝑑𝜃
∫𝐵 4𝜋𝜖0 ∫∞ (𝑟′ )3 ∫𝜋∕2 𝑟3 𝜃 𝜃

The first integral term is zero (cos(𝜋∕2)), so this leaves the second term, which evaluates as
𝑞𝑑 |𝜃 𝑞𝑑 cos 𝜃
𝑉 (𝑟, 𝜃) = cos 𝜃 ′ | = Q.E.D.
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟 2 |𝜋∕2 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟2

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4.28. Use the electric field intensity of the dipole (Sec. 4.7, Eq. (36)) to find the difference in potential
between points at 𝜃𝑎 and 𝜃𝑏 , each point having the same 𝑟 and 𝜙 coordinates. Under what conditions
does the answer agree with Eq. (34), for the potential at 𝜃𝑎 ?

We perform a line integral of Eq. (36) along an arc of constant 𝑟 and 𝜙:

𝜃𝑎
𝑞𝑑 [ ] 𝜃𝑎
𝑞𝑑
𝑉𝑎𝑏 = − 2 cos 𝜃 𝐚 𝑟 + sin 𝜃 𝐚 𝜃 ⋅ 𝐚𝜃 𝑟 𝑑𝜃 = − sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
∫𝜃𝑏 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟3 ∫𝜃𝑏 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟2
𝑞𝑑 [ ]
= 2
cos 𝜃𝑎 − cos 𝜃𝑏
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟

This result agrees with Eq. (34) if 𝜃𝑎 (the ending point in the path) is 90◦ (the 𝑥𝑦 plane). Under
this condition, we note that if 𝜃𝑏 > 90◦ , positive work is done when moving (against the field) to
the 𝑥𝑦 plane; if 𝜃𝑏 < 90◦ , negative work is done since we move with the field.

4.29. A dipole having a moment 𝐩 = 3𝐚𝑥 − 5𝐚𝑦 + 10𝐚𝑧 nC ⋅ m is located at 𝑄(1, 2, −4) in free space. Find
𝑉 at 𝑃 (2, 3, 4): We use the general expression for the potential in the far field:

𝐩 ⋅ (𝐫 − 𝐫 ′ )
𝑉 =
4𝜋𝜖0 |𝐫 − 𝐫 ′ |3

where 𝐫 − 𝐫 ′ = 𝑃 − 𝑄 = (1, 1, 8). So

(3𝐚𝑥 − 5𝐚𝑦 + 10𝐚𝑧 ) ⋅ (𝐚𝑥 + 𝐚𝑦 + 8𝐚𝑧 ) × 10−9

𝑉𝑃 = = 1.31 V
4𝜋𝜖0 [12 + 12 + 82 ]1.5

4.30. A dipole for which 𝐩 = 10𝜖0 𝐚𝑧 C ⋅ m is located at the origin. What is the equation of the surface on
which 𝐸𝑧 = 0 but 𝐄 ≠ 0?

First we find the 𝑧 component:

10 [ ] 5 [ 2 2
]
𝐸𝑧 = 𝐄 ⋅ 𝐚𝑧 = 2 cos 𝜃 (𝐚𝑟 ⋅ 𝐚 𝑧 ) + sin 𝜃 (𝐚𝜃 ⋅ 𝐚𝑧 ) = 2 cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃
4𝜋𝑟3 2𝜋𝑟3
[ ]
This will be zero when 2 cos2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃 = 0. Using identities, we write

1
2 cos2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃 = [1 + 3 cos(2𝜃)]
2
The above becomes zero on the cone surfaces, 𝜃 = 54.7◦ and 𝜃 = 125.3◦ .

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4.31. A potential field in free space is expressed as 𝑉 = 20∕(𝑥𝑦𝑧) V.

a) Find the total energy stored within the cube 1 < 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 < 2. We integrate the energy density over
the cube volume, where 𝑤𝐸 = (1∕2)𝜖0 𝐄 ⋅ 𝐄, and where
[ ]
1 1 1
𝐄 = −∇𝑉 = 20 2 𝐚𝑥 + 2 𝐚𝑦 + 𝐚𝑧 V∕m
𝑥 𝑦𝑧 𝑥𝑦 𝑧 𝑥𝑦𝑧2
The energy is now
2 2 2[ ]
1 1 1
𝑊𝐸 = 200𝜖0 + + 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧
∫1 ∫1 ∫1 𝑥4 𝑦2 𝑧2 𝑥2 𝑦4 𝑧2 𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑧4
The integral evaluates as follows:
2 ( ) 2[ ]2
1 1 1 1
𝑊𝐸 = 200𝜖0 − − − 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧
∫1 ∫1 3 𝑥3 𝑦2 𝑧2 𝑥𝑦4 𝑧2 𝑥𝑦2 𝑧4 1
2 2 [( ) ( ) ( ) ]
7 1 1 1 1 1
= 200𝜖0 + + 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧
∫1 ∫1 24 𝑦2 𝑧2 2 𝑦4 𝑧 2 2 𝑦2 𝑧 4
2[ ( ) ( ) ( ) ]2
7 1 1 1 1 1
= 200𝜖0 − − − 𝑑𝑧
∫1 24 𝑦𝑧2 6 𝑦3 𝑧2 2 𝑦𝑧4 1
2 [( ) ( ) ( ) ]
7 1 7 1 1 1
= 200𝜖0 + + 𝑑𝑧
∫1 48 𝑧 2 48 𝑧 2 4 𝑧4
[ ]
7
= 200𝜖0 (3) = 387 pJ
96

b) What value would be obtained by assuming a uniform energy density equal to the value at the
center of the cube? At 𝐶(1.5, 1.5, 1.5) the energy density is
[ ]
1
𝑤𝐸 = 200𝜖0 (3) = 2.07 × 10−10 J∕m3
(1.5)4 (1.5)2 (1.5)2

This, multiplied by a cube volume of 1, produces an energy value of 207 pJ.

64
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4.32. Using Eq. (36), a) find the energy stored in the dipole field in the region 𝑟 > 𝑎:

We start with
𝑞𝑑 [ ]
𝐄(𝑟, 𝜃) = 2 cos 𝜃 𝐚 𝑟 + sin 𝜃 𝐚 𝜃
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟3
Then the energy will be

1
2𝜋 𝜋 ∞
(𝑞𝑑)2 [ ]
𝑊𝑒 = 𝜖 𝐄 ⋅ 𝐄 𝑑𝑣 = 4 cos2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃 𝑟2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙
∫𝑣𝑜𝑙 2 0 ∫0 ∫0 ∫𝑎 2 6
32𝜋 𝜖0 𝑟 ⏟⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟
3 cos2 𝜃+1
−2𝜋(𝑞𝑑)2 1 |∞ [ 2
𝜋 ] (𝑞𝑑)2 [
3
]𝜋
= | 3 cos 𝜃 + 1 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 = − cos 𝜃 − cos 𝜃
32𝜋 2 𝜖0 3𝑟3 |𝑎 ∫0 48𝜋 2 𝜖0 𝑎3 ⏟⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏞⏟0
4
(𝑞𝑑)2
= J
12𝜋𝜖0 𝑎3

b) Why can we not let 𝑎 approach zero as a limit? From the above result, a singularity in the energy
occurs as 𝑎 → 0. More importantly, 𝑎 cannot be too small, or the original far-field assumption
used to derive Eq. (36) (𝑎 >> 𝑑) will not hold, and so the field expression will not be valid.

4.33. A copper sphere of radius 4 cm carries a uniformly-distributed total charge of 5 𝜇C in free space.

a) Use Gauss’ law to find 𝐃 external to the sphere: with a spherical Gaussian surface at radius 𝑟, 𝐷
will be the total charge divided by the area of this sphere, and will be 𝐚𝑟 -directed. Thus

𝑄 5 × 10−6
𝐃= 𝐚𝑟 = 𝐚𝑟 C∕m2
4𝜋𝑟2 4𝜋𝑟2

b) Calculate the total energy stored in the electrostatic field: Use

2𝜋 𝜋 ∞
1 1 (5 × 10−6 )2 2
𝑊𝐸 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙
∫𝑣𝑜𝑙 2 ∫0 ∫0 ∫.04 2 16𝜋 2 𝜖0 𝑟4
( ) (5 × 10−6 )2 ∞
1 𝑑𝑟 25 × 10−12 1
= (4𝜋) = = 2.81 J
2 16𝜋 𝜖0 ∫.04 𝑟2
2 8𝜋𝜖0 .04

c) Use 𝑊𝐸 = 𝑄2 ∕(2𝐶) to calculate the capacitance of the isolated sphere: We have

𝑄2 (5 × 10−6 )2
𝐶= = = 4.45 × 10−12 F = 4.45 pF
2𝑊𝐸 2(2.81)

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4.34. A sphere of radius 𝑎 contains volume charge of uniform density 𝜌0 C∕m3 . Find the total stored energy
by applying

a) Eq. (43): We first need the potential everywhere inside the sphere. The electric field inside and
outside is readily found from Gauss’s law:

𝜌0 𝑟 𝜌 𝑎3
𝐄1 = 𝐚𝑟 𝑟 ≤ 𝑎 and 𝐄2 = 0 2 𝐚𝑟 𝑟 ≥ 𝑎
3𝜖0 3𝜖0 𝑟

The potential at position 𝑟 inside the sphere is now the work done in moving a unit positive point
charge from infinity to position 𝑟:
𝑎 𝑟 𝑎
𝜌0 𝑎3 𝑟
𝜌0 𝑟′ ′ 𝜌 ( )
𝑉 (𝑟) = − 𝐄2 ⋅ 𝐚𝑟 𝑑𝑟 − 𝐄1 ⋅ 𝐚𝑟 𝑑𝑟′ = − 𝑑𝑟 − 𝑑𝑟 = 0 3𝑎2 − 𝑟2
∫∞ ∫𝑎 ∫∞ 3𝜖0 𝑟2 ∫𝑎 3𝜖0 6𝜖0

Now, using this result in (43) leads to the energy associated with the charge in the sphere:

1
2𝜋 𝜋 𝑎 𝜌20 ( 2 ) 𝜋𝜌 𝑎( ) 4𝜋𝑎5 𝜌20
𝑊𝑒 = 3𝑎 − 𝑟2 𝑟2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙 = 0 3𝑎2 𝑟2 − 𝑟4 𝑑𝑟 =
2 ∫0 ∫0 ∫0 6𝜖0 3𝜖0 ∫0 15𝜖0

b) Eq. (45): Using the given fields we find the energy densities

1 𝜌 2 𝑟2 1 𝜌2 𝑎6
𝑤𝑒1 = 𝜖0 𝐄1 ⋅ 𝐄1 = 0 𝑟 ≤ 𝑎 and 𝑤𝑒2 = 𝜖0 𝐄2 ⋅ 𝐄2 = 0 4 𝑟 ≥ 𝑎
2 18𝜖0 2 18𝜖0 𝑟

We now integrate these over their respective volumes to find the total energy:
2𝜋 𝜋 𝑎 𝜌20 𝑟2 2𝜋 𝜋 ∞ 𝜌20 𝑎6 4𝜋𝑎5 𝜌20
𝑊𝑒 = 𝑟2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙 + 𝑟2 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙 =
∫0 ∫0 ∫0 18𝜖0 ∫0 ∫0 ∫𝑎 18𝜖0 𝑟 4 15𝜖0

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4.35. Four 0.8 nC point charges are located in free space at the corners of a square 4 cm on a side.
a) Find the total potential energy stored: This will be given by

1∑
4
𝑊𝐸 = 𝑞 𝑉
2 𝑛=1 𝑛 𝑛
where 𝑉𝑛 in this case is the potential at the location of any one of the point charges that arises
from the other three. This will be (for charge 1)
[ ]
𝑞 1 1 1
𝑉1 = 𝑉21 + 𝑉31 + 𝑉41 = + + √
4𝜋𝜖0 .04 .04 .04 2
Taking the summation produces a factor of 4, since the situation is the same at all four points.
Consequently,
[ ]
(.8 × 10 −9 )2
1 1
𝑊𝐸 = (4)𝑞1 𝑉1 = 2+ √ = 7.79 × 10−7 J = 0.779 𝜇J
2 2𝜋𝜖0 (.04) 2
b) A fifth 0.8 nC charge is installed at the center of the square. Again find the total stored energy:
This will be the energy found in part 𝑎 plus the amount of work done in moving the fifth charge
into position from infinity. The latter is just the potential at the square center arising from the
original four charges, times the new charge value, or
4(.8 × 10−9 )2
Δ𝑊𝐸 = √ = .813 𝜇J
4𝜋𝜖0 (.04 2∕2)
The total energy is now
𝑊𝐸 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑊𝐸 (part a) + Δ𝑊𝐸 = .779 + .813 = 1.59 𝜇J

4.36 Surface charge of uniform density 𝜌𝑠 lies on a spherical shell of radius 𝑏, centered at the origin in free
space.

a) Find the absolute potential everywhere, with zero reference at infinity: First, the electric field,
found from Gauss’ law, is
𝑏2 𝜌𝑠
𝐄= 𝐚𝑟 V∕m
𝜖0 𝑟2
Then
𝑟 𝑟
𝑏2 𝜌𝑠 ′ 𝑏2 𝜌𝑠
𝑉 (𝑟) = − 𝐄 ⋅ 𝑑𝐋 = − 𝑑𝑟 = V
∫∞ ∫∞ 𝜖0 (𝑟′ )2 𝜖0 𝑟

b) find the stored energy in the sphere by considering the charge density and the potential in a two-
dimensional version of Eq. (42):
1 1
2𝜋 𝜋
𝑏2 𝜌𝑠 2 2𝜋𝜌2𝑠 𝑏3
𝑊𝑒 = 𝜌𝑠 𝑉 (𝑏) 𝑑𝑎 = 𝜌𝑠 𝑏 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙 =
2 ∫𝑆 2 ∫0 ∫0 𝜖0 𝑏 𝜖0

c) find the stored energy in the electric field and show that the results of parts 𝑏 and 𝑐 are identical.
2𝜋 𝜋 ∞ 4 2 2𝜋𝜌2𝑠 𝑏3
1 1 𝑏 𝜌𝑠 2
𝑊𝑒 = 𝐃 ⋅ 𝐄 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙 =
∫𝑣 2 ∫0 ∫0 ∫𝑏 2 𝜖0 𝑟4 𝜖0

67
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