ELECTROSTATICS: The same effect occurs with other rubbed materials,

such as glass or rubber:

-After rubbing a comb through
your hair, you will find that the 1- When
comb will attract bits of papers.

-You probably have

created sparks by
touching a doorknob
after rubbing your
shoes on a carpet.

The reason the effect most often occurs in winter is

because the air is typically drier then. Humidity in the 2-
air can rather quickly rob excess charges from a
charged body, thereby neutralizing it before a rapid,
localized discharge (and resulting shock) can take
place.

-The slightly crackling sounds heard when a comb is

run through a dry hair, or when a nylon blouse or shirt
is taken off are other common observations of these
physical effects.

When materials behave in this way, they are said to

be electrified, or to have become electrically charged. To explain the phenomenon in detail, let us look at the
structure of an Atom inside the material.
 Atomic Structure:
An ordinary atom has three subatomic particles;
Neutrons and Protons in the Nucleus of atom and
The same number of Electrons with the Protons
which are revolving around the Nucleus.
Thus, by the word of ``Neutral Object`` We have to
understand that ``The number of Electrons and the number of
Protons are equal in the object`` instead of ``There is no
charge in it``.
Neutral Atoms can gain or lose electrons to form an ``ION``.

Negatively charged
particle: electron (- e, e
= 1.60  10-19C)

Therefore we define Negatively or Positively Charged

Objects as;
Positively charged Negatively Charged Object : An Object which the number
particle: proton (+e) of Electrons are more than the number of Protons in it.

By the Experimental measurements; Positively Charged Object : An Object which the number
of Protons are more than the number of Electrons in it.
Particle Charge (C) Mass (kg)

Electron - 1,602 x10 -19 9,11x10 -31

proton + 1,602 x10 -19 1,672 x10 -27
Neutron 0 1,674 x10 -27
 Let us look at some other examples by atomic
approach :
Hanging Balloons
You hang two balloons from the
ceiling and rub them on your
hair.
When you move out of the
way, the negatively charged
balloons repel each other. On
Sticking Balloons
#1: If you rub a balloon on
your hair, electrons will be
rubbed off your hair onto the
balloon (charging by friction).
#2: If you then place the
negatively charged balloon near a
neutral wall, the balloon will repel
some of the electrons near it in the
wall. This is inducing a charge +-
separation in the wall. Now the wall, +-
while still neutral, has a positive
+-

each balloon there are three

+-
charge near the balloon. Thus, the +-
forces: tension in the string, balloon sticks to the wall. +-
gravity, and the electric force. +-
-+
-+

#3: Your hair now might

-+
-+
If you move your head close to stand up. This is because it +-
has been left positively
+-
either of the balloons, it will
charged. As with the leaves + +- - +-
move toward you since your
of a charged electroscope,
-
+ - -+ -
+-
hair remains positively charged.
+-
the light hairs repel each - +-
+-

other.
+-
+-
 Properties of Charges
1- There are two kinds of charges in the nature as;
Negatively and Positively. The action between them is;
LIKE CHARGES REPEL EACH OTHER
UNLIKE CHARGES ATTRACT EACH OTHER
The smallest amount of charge that can be added or
removed from an object is the elementary charge, and
calculated as e = 1.6  10-19 C.
The charge of a proton is +e, an electron -e.

Q = N .e N = 1,2,3,...

Ex: How many excess protons are required for an

object to have 1 C of charge?
1C 16
Q = N .e N= = 625x10
2- The Charges are denoted by Q & q + 1,6 x10 -19 C
letters and it`s unit is CLOUMB (C).

Q = +10C q = -6C Coulomb, Cha

rles  (1736-
1806)

3- The Charge is CONSERVED: That is in any

process, charge is not created.
4- The Charge is QUANTIZED: An object can not
possess any amount of charges. The charges that an
object could have must be integer multiple of
Elementary (minimum) Charge.
 ELECTRIFICATION (CHARGING) Van de Graaff Generator
A Van de Graaff generator consists of a
There are three methods to get an object
large metal dome attached to a tube,
charged:
within which a long rubber belt is turning
1- Charging by Rubbing: on rollers. As the belt turns friction
between it and the bottom roller cause the
glass rod e-’s to move from the belt to the roller. A
metal brush then drains these e - ’s away
and grounds them. So, as the belt passes
the bottom roller it acquires a positive
charge, which is transported to the top of
silk the device (inside the dome). Here another
metal brush facilitates the transfer of
electrons from the dome to the belt,
leaving the dome positively charged.
In short, the belt transports electrons from
a metal dome to the ground, producing a
very positively charged dome. No outside
source of charge is required, and the
generator could even be powered by a
hand crank. A person touching the dome
will have some of her e-’s drained out. So,
her lightweight, positive hair will repel itself.
Coming close to the charge dome will
produce sparks when electrons jump from
a person to the dome.
2- Charging by Contact: r1 q1 + q 2
q1I = (q1 + q 2 ). q1I = .r1
r1 + r2 r1 + r2
r2 q1 + q 2
q 2I = (q1 + q 2 ). q 2I = .r2
r1 + r2 r1 + r2

Ex: Two sphere having charges -120c and 30c and

radii of 10cm and 20cm respectively are brought into
When conductors are charged in some small region, the contact. Calculate their final charges?
charge readily distributes itself over the entire surface of
the conductor. q1 = -120 c q2 =I 30 c
q1I q2
r1 r2
*** When two charged objects are connected; Total
Charges will be shared between two objects
according to their sizes after contact Before Contact
After Contact

q1 + q2
q1I = .r1 = - 120c + 30c .10cm q2I = -30c
q1 q1I qqI
2 2 r1 + r2 10cm + 20cm
r1 r2 q +q
q2I = 1 2 .r2= - 120c + 30c .20cm q2I = -60c
r1 + r2 10cm + 20cm
Before Contact
After Contact
Ex: These three spheres are brought into contact at Ex: K is touched first to M then L, Find the final charges
the same time and then separated from each other. of them.
Find final charges. Before Contact After Contact
-13q -6q L M L M
+2q -4q K K
-q -2q
r 2r 3r r 2r 3r r r
4r 2r 4r 2r
+ 8q - 2q - 2q + 4q
Before Contact After Contact - 12q - 8q
q +q + 8q - 2q
q1 + q2 + q3 - q + 2q - 13q I -) qKI = K M .rK = .r = +2q
q1I = .r1 = .r q1I = -2q rK + rM r + 2r
r1 + r2 + r3 r + 2r + 3r q +q + 8q - 2q
qMI = K M .rM = .2r = +4q
q +q +q - q + 2q - 13q rK + rM r + 2r
q2I = 1 2 3 .r2 = .2r q2I = -4q qKI + qL + 2q - 12q
r1 + r2 + r3 r + 2r + 3r II
II-) qK = .rK = .r = -2q
q +q +q - q + 2q - 13q rK + rL r + 4r
q3I = 1 2 3 .r3 = .3r q3I = -6q qKI + qL + 2q - 12q
r1 + r2 + r3 r + 2r + 3r I
qL = .rL = .4r = -8q
rK + rL r + 4r

Ex: Two sphere having charges -120c and 30c and radii
of 10cm and 20cm respectively are brought into contact.
Calculate their final charges?
q1 = -120 c q2 = 30 c
r1 r2

Before Contact
3- Charging by Induction:

K L M

I. Way:

insulator
K L

Charging by
induction also takes
place in insulators.

K L M
3- Charging by Induction:
II. Way: Grounding Process; e-
We connect the
charged object to the
GROUND as we want to
get a neutral object. This
process is called as
Grounding Process. Grounding
Since there is a CONTACT between an object and
the Earth. The rule in charging by contact ;
Total Charges will be shared between two objects
according to their sizes after contact
And Since the size of Earth so big that can not be
comparable with the size of an object on it. All
charges will be sent to the Earth and the object will be
Neutral.
The Protons are holes in the Atom. Therefore,
ELECTRONS CAN MOVE

e-

e-
 The Electroscope 2. Touching a q1
An Electroscope is the device positively charged q2
to determ ine whether the object to a positively
object is charged or not and if charged electroscope.
it is charged what kind of
charge on it. if q1 p q2
The Leaves will be closed a little.
metal knob if q1 = q2
metal rod No change will be observed.
Movable gold if q1 f q2
leaves The Leaves will be opened a little.
glass cover
3. Touching a positively q1 q2
charged object to a
negatively charged
I- By Contact: electroscope.
Let us use Positively Charged Object ; (Negatively
Charged Object is your task at HOME) if q1 p q2
The Leaves will be closed a little.
1. Touching a if q1 = q2
positively charged
The Leaves will be closed totally.
object to a neutral if q1 f q2
electroscope.
The Leaves will be closed totally
The Leaves will be and opened a little.
opened because of
excessive positively
charges.
2- By Induction: 3. Approaching a q1 q2
positively charged
1. Approaching a
object to a negatively
positively charged
charged electroscope.
object to a neutral
electroscope. if q1 @ q2
The Leaves will be closed a little.
The Leaves will be open if q1 f q2 So big that it can pull all
because of excessive
excessive negatively charges up
positively charges on the
to the knob
leaves. The Leaves will be closed totally.
if q1 ff q2 So big that it can pull more electrons than
excessive negatively charges on the leaves to
the knob and leave the positively charges on
2. Approaching a
the leaves
positively charged The Leaves will be closed totally
object to a positively and opened a little.
charged electroscope.
Let us remember that Negatively Charged Object is
your task at HOME.
The Leaves will be open
more than before.
Ex: According to giv e n
figure what are the possible
charges of x,y and z ? +- +- +- +- +-
x z
+- +- -+ y +- +- +-
-+ +-

Ex: According to -+ +- -+ - + -+ -+
given figure what are K -+ - + -+M -+
L
-+ -+
the possible charges
of K,L and M ? +- -+ +-
M -+ +-
+- -+ -+ +-
+- - +

Ex: When you cut the

- -
connection between L - -
- +- M - +
and ground, and take + - - -
- + -
M away, what will be - + + -
- + +
the possible charges -
of K & L ? K L
+ - + +
+ -
+ - + +
+ -
K L
 COULOMB`S LAW
Charles Coulomb measured the
Electric Forces between charged objects
using the Torsion Balance.
The electric force between charged
spheres in Figure causes the spheres to
either attract or repel each other.
And the resulting motion causes the (1736-1806)
suspended fiber to twist.
Measurement of the angle which the
fiber rotates provides a measure of the
electric force of attraction or repulsion.
+ q1 + q2
F12 F21
d C2
- q1 - q2
Coulomb’s experiments showed that the electric force
between two stationary charged particles
• is attractive if the charges are of opposite sign and
repulsive if the charges have the same sign
• is proportional to the product of the FE µ q1.q2
charges q1 and q2 on the two particles;
Charles
Coulomb • is inversely proportional to the square of
1
the separation d between the particles and FE µ
d2
directed along the line joining them;
k is Electrostatics Constant and εo is Electric
Permeability of Air between the charges;
e 0 = 8,8542 10-12 C 2 / N.m2 2
N .m
k = 8,9875 10 9 N .m 2 / c 2 @ 9 x10 9
Force Constant Charges Distance

F12 F21 q1.q2

F k d
+ q1 F12 F21 - q2 N N .m 2 / C 2 C2 m

F12 = - F21 DO YOU KNOW THIS?

For any pair of charges; The human body contains more than 10 28 protons and
electrons .If we were able to take all the electrons from a
FE
= const . k = 1 friend’s body, these electrons would weigh 20g. In this
q1.q2 k 4pe 0 condition you and your friend have a great difference in
2
d charge .If the distance between yourself and this friend is
q .q 10m ,the force that you would apply to each other would be
FE = k 1 2 2
d 6492 times greater than the force between earth and the sun
Ex: Three small spheres of charges, q1= +2C, q2= - Ex: Two charges are seperated by a distance of
3C, and q3= +4C are on a straight line as shown in d=10cm. At what distance from the spheres would a
figure. Find the net force acting on q 2 . ( k = 9x10 9 third charge of 1 C be stationary?
N.m2/C2 ) x d -x
20cm 30cm r d r
F21 F23 F23 F13
q1 q2 q3 q1 = 4 C q3 = 1C q 2 = 9 C

Ex: The resultant force acting on +q due to q1 and q2 is Ex: What repulsive electrostatic force acts between two
shown in figure. What is the magnitude of charge q2? protons in the nucleus of iron if they are 4.10-15 m apart?
r r
FR FRY

r
FRX q1 = 4q

q2 =?
Ex: A spherical charge of 10 - 7 C with mass 2g is Ex: Two identical charged objects are in equilibrium as
suspended from a thread and is in equilibrium. Another in figure. a) Find the electrostatic force acting on
sphere of charge 8.10-7C is placed 20cm beneath the spheres. (m=0,04kg)
suspended sphere. What is the tension in the thread?
r r 370 10cm
r T T
FE
r 12cm r
FE 10.sin 370 FE
r r r
mg 6cm
FR r r FR
mg mg
 ELECTRIC FIELD Direction of Electric Field
+ q0 E r r
FE = + q0 .E
FE
- q0 r r
FE FE = -q0 .E
E
Prof. Nikola Tesla (seated)
E + q0 r r
FE = + q0 .E
Electric field is the electrostatic force acting on a unit
positive charge: FE FE
E= - q0 r r
q0 Field Concept FE FE = -q0 .E
q.q
q.q
k. 0 2 E
FE = k 2 0 FE d q
E= = E=k
r q0 q0 d2
And, Electric field of a Charged Sphere with the
radius of r :
+ -
q 1 q q Surface
Q
E=k 2 = = Ch arg e s =
r 4pe0 r 2
e0 A Density A
Therefore, The direction of And The direction of Electric
s Electric Field of a Positively Field of a Negatively Charge
E=
e0 Charge is OUTWARDS. is INWARDS.
If we compare
Electric Field Gavitation al Field
Electric Field concept
F F N
with the Gravitational E = E N g= G The Direction of Electric Field is FROM POSITIVE
Field; q C m kg CHARGE TO NEGATIVE CHARGE.
Ex: What is the magnitude and direction of the electric Ex: a) Find the electrostatic
field of an electron at a point 1 m away? force acting on q charge of 12N.
L b) If q= -1/2C find the direction & 37 0
· r1m
EL the magnitude of E r
e- E r
-1/ 2C FE
r
r mg
Ex: Determine the electric force acting FE
on an electron placed in a north-to-south
electric field of 8.104 N/C

RESULTANT ELECTRIC FIELD

Ex: Determine the magnitude and direction of an Electric field is a VECTOR Quantity. Thus we must
electric field if an electron placed in it, is to experience a use vector properties to find the resultant Electric
force that will exactly cancel its weight at the Earth's Field of more than one charge at a point.
surface. EO = E1 + E2
r E2
FE
r + q1 d1
E O q
r b E1
mg
E2 d2
- q2
+ EO = E1 + E2

E 2 = E12 + E22 + 2 E1 E2 .cosqb

Ex: Two charges are fixed at two base vertices of an Ex: Two charges are fixed on a straight line at a
equilateral triangle with sides of 3m. Determine the separation of 0,5m. At what distance from the charges
magnitude and the direction of the electric field at the is the resultant electric field zero?
top vertex. r
· x 0,5m Er
r r · r · 1 ·
r E1 M E 2q1 = 2C K E
E1 2
q2 = -8C L
E2
r
ER

q1 = -3x10-9C q2 = -5x10-9C
 Electric Field Lines 3- Lines Between Unequal Charges:
1- Lines Between Unlike Charges:

UNLIKE CHARGES ATTRACT EACH OTHER.

2- Lines Between Like Charges:

LIKE CHARGES REPEL EACH OTHER.

 LIGHTNING:
Gases are generally insulators. However,
ionized gases become conducting.
Lightning travels in the air because it causes
ionization of the air on its way.
When the air is ionized it is broken up into Positive
and Negative ions.
Such ionized gases are called as PLASMA.

***Lightning occurs approximately 2000 times at

any instant on the earth. Lightning carries a
current of 1A. The potential difference between
the ionosphere and the ground is 300 000V. That
is, the power dissipated as a result of lightning is,

P = i.V = 1A.2000.300000V
P = 6 x108 Watts = 600 MW
In today`s generating stations, typical power
values in a day are about 50MW.
Lightning mostly discharges on the
sharpen points (Where the Electric
Fields are greater).
Therefore, we use the PARATONERS (sharpen
wires pointing to the sky) to protect our buildings
from the Lightning. (GROUNDING)
Graph of electric field versus distance for a Shielding Electric Fields
charged sphere :
The electric field inside a conductor placed within an
Consequently, we can say that the Electric Field electric field
inside both, the Hollow Spheres & Solid Spheres
are ZERO E Negative charges will
I
E accumulate at one end and
E
d p r, E=0 positive charges at the other
r end This charge distribution
ENET = 0
d = r , E = k q2 produces an electric field
r which is of opposite polarity to
q the external electric field.
d f r, E=k 2
d d EI = E
Thus net electric field inside a conducting metal
block is zero.
Hollow Sphere Therefore, a conductor in an electric field is not
affected by the external electric field.
Experiments
showing that any
charge transferred
to a conductor
resides on its
surface in
electrostatic
equilibrium
 Electric potential Energy, U(J) Thus, Total Electric Potential Energy of any system
- q3charges must be calculated
consists of more than two
+ q2 TWO by TWO.
U = U1 + U 2 + U 3
q1 d U = -k
q1q3 qq
+ -k 2 3 +
d d d d
q1q2
+ q1 k
d
+ q2
Work must be done ; d
* to decrease the separation d if they are like
charges.
+ q1 are U =U1 +U+ q2 3 +U4 +U5 +U6
* And to increase the separation d if the charges 2 +U
unlike,
q1q2 qq
* In both cases the work done is stored in the U =k +k 2 4 +
system as Electric Potential Energy. a a
* The electric potential energy of the system of the a qq qq
-k 4 3 + -k 3 1 +
two charges: qq a a
EPE = k 1 2
=U
r a 2 q2q3 qq
-k +k 1 4
*** if we do the work ; U > 0,
if the field does the work ; U <0
a a 2 a 2

Since Energy is SCALAR Quantity. Electric Potential

Energy is said to be Scalar too.
- q3 + q4
Ex: If electric potential energy U12 of q1 & q2 is U. find
the E.P.E. of the system in terms of U.

q1 = q
U12
U13
a a

a
q2 = 2q q3 = -3q
U 23
 Electric potential , V (Volt) + q0 Q.q0
U k
***Electric potential energy per unit charge (ΔU/q0) d Q
V= = V = k
is independent from the value of q0 and has a unique q0 q0 d
value at the same distance of any point in an Electric
Field. If we look at the similarity between Electric Potential &
We call this concept as Electric Potential of any Gravitational Potential :
charged object and represent it by V with the unit of + q0 m0
VOLT. U Scalar
V A f VB f VC V =
q0 Quantity
d DU = -q0 Ed h DPE = -mgh
VC V
VA Q
B
E +q E FE
d 0
E=
q0
FE g
Vector E
Quantity +qo loses Potential mo loses Potential

Ex: What is the Electric Potential value of a 24µC

Charge at 20cm away from it?

Then ,We can define the Electric Potential as ; Electric

Potential at an arbitrary point in an Electric Field
equals the WORK required per unit charge to bring a
positive test charge from infinity to that point.
Electric Field always points the less Electric Potential.
Electric Potential due to a charged sphere : Ex: Find the electrical potentials ratio VP/VK.
The surface of a charged conductor is an equipotential
surface - 2q K P
q r
Since The Net Electric Field on any charge placed 3r / 2 · ·
inside the sphere is zero. No Work is required to move a 2r 3r
charge inside the sphere.
Thus, We have to say that The Electric Potential inside
the charged sphere is constant with the same value of
the Surface Potential.
E V

r V =k
q
r
q
q V =k
E=k 2 d
d
d d

Ex: In the system what is the ratio VA/VB ?

+ + q
+ VA = k
B
· r + r A
·
2r VA 1
=
+ q VB 2
+ VB = k
+ + r
 The Lines which shows the same amount of potentials
above are called as EQUIPOTENTIALS.

In class practice:
draw equipotentials on the paper on top of this picture.

• Equipotentials are always perpendicular to the field lines.

• Equipotentials never intersect one another.
• The potential is large & positive near a positive charge,
large & negative near a negative charge, and near zero
far from all the charges.
• Equipotentials are close together where potential energy
changes quickly (close to charges).
 Electric Potential Difference
Example: Battery
+q
+ -
12 volts

``Electric potential difference between terminals``

DV = 12 volts
Means:
we spent 12J of Electrical Potential Energy
to take a positively unit charge from (-) Pole
to (+) Pole.

Example: The Electron Volt (eV)

What is the electric potential energy difference of
an electron as it moves through 1volt of electric
potential difference? -e r
DU = qDV = (-e) (-1 V) + E -
( )
= - 1.6 10-19 C (- 1 V )
1 volt
-19
= 1.6 10 J
 1 electron - volt (eV)
 Electric Potential Difference, ΔV For a Negatively Charged Object:
***By knowing the Electric Potential Difference
between two points we can calculate the Work done VB p V A
by the Field when moving a given charge between
A
these points. DV A® B = V2 - V1
B
Since = VB - V A
*** if we do the work ; U > 0,
if the field does the work ; U <0 -
- 100V
For a Positively Charged Object:
D - 90V
VC f VB f V A = VD - 80V
A 1 1
VB f V A D V A ® B = - kQ -
rB rA - 70V
B C
DV A® B = V2 - V1
1 1
= VB - V A D V A ® B = kQ -
+ rA rB
+ 100V
U U Ex: Two charges q1= 4x10-4C and q2= 10-4C are located
DV A ® B = B- A + 90V at the points K and L as shown in figure. What is the work
q0 q0
+ 80V done by the electric forces in moving the charge q2 from
Q.q0 Q.q0 the point L to the point M?
k k + 70V
rB rA M 0,1m L 0,2m K
= - VM p VL · · ·
q0 q0 q2 q1

1 1
D V A ® B = kQ -
rB rA
Ex: Two charges are located at the two corners of the Ex: What is the potential difference between two points
rectangle as shown in the figure. Find the potentials at if 6.4x10 -3 J is required to move a charge of 3.2 C
points K and L Find the potential difference V K L between the points?
Calculate the work done to move a charge of 2.10-3C
form point K to point L
q1 = 4C K
4m ·

3m

· q Ex: A force of 3x10-2 N is needed to move a charge of

q2 = -6C L
VK f VL
60C a distance of 20cm in an electric field. What is
the potential difference?

Ex: An electron initially at rest in an X-ray tube crosses

a potential difference of 4500V and crashes into a
target that then emits radiation. Determine its maximum
speed.
 Electric Field Between Two Parallel Plates From the definition of Electric Potential (V),
A Uniform Electric Field can be produced in the DU FE .d
space between two parallel plates. V= = V = E.d (W = FE .d = DU )
q0 q0
+q
V
E=
d

-q
Ex: Parallel plates are located as shown in figure.
+ E
- What is the ratio of EA/EB?
E + - 2cm 4cm
+ -
+ - A B
+ -
d 1000V 400V

d
V

Question: How much E

WORK done by the
Electric Field in moving Fext
a positive test charge
(q0) from one plate to
another??? d
 MOTION OF A CHARGED PARTICLES IN A II -
UNIFORM ELECTRIC FIELD
I-

l - -
- - -
E FE y
J0

FG y`
x
FE = q.E = ma + + + + +
The charge will be accelerated along y-axis because of
qE Net Force is along this axis.
a=
m if FE p FG Fnet = FG - FE 1 1 mg - qE 2
y`= at 2 = t
When the charge released into an Electric Field = mg- qE 2 2 m
as in the figure; = ma 2
1 qE l
1 1 qE 2 mg - qE y`= g -
x = at 2 = qE a= 2 m J0
2
t J = at = t m
2 m m if FE = FG Fnet = 0 No motion along y-axis
2qE 1 l
J 2 = 2ax = x KE = mJ 2 = 1 m 2qE x Along x-axis, The charge has constant t=
m 2 2 m initial velocity, υo. l = J 0 .t J0
1 1 qE - mg 2
K E = qEx if FE f FG Fnet = FE - FG y = at 2 =
2 2 m
t
= qE- mg
= ma 2

qE - mg 1 qE l
a= y= -g
m 2 m J0
Ex: A 16µC charge with a mass of 4x10-6 kg is released Ex: A 5.10-5C charge with a mass of 1,5g is released
from the positive plate and enters to a vertical electric from rest in a uniform electric field of 300 N/C. How fast
field of 5000 N/C. The length of each plate is 8cm. will it be moving after traveling 20cm in and parallel to
a) Find the initial velocity of the charge the field?
qE
b) Find the vertical distance (y) the charge will be Fnet = mg + FE v22 - v12 = 2 g +
x
deflected m
ma = mg + qE
2
mg + qE v2 = 2 10 +
(
N 5x10-5 C (300N / C ) )
.0,2m
8cm
+ - a= kg 15x10-4 kg
+ + + + + + + ++ m
+ - v22 = 8m2 / s 2 v2 = 2 2m / s
+ q r r
- mg FE y
+ - - - - - - - - --
b) Fnet = mg + FE
VA = 200V ma = mg + qE Ex: Electrons are released from the plate K shown in
mg + qE figure. Where do they come to rest? KL=0.4m,
a=
m LS=ST=TM=0.1m
K L S T M

40V/3 20V
 CAPACITORS & CAPACITANCE Ex: A 12V storage battery is connected to a 6pF
Capacitor: Two conductor plates separated by an parallel-plate capacitor. What is the charge on each
insulator (or vacuum) used to store the Electric plate? Q = C .V = 6 x10 -12 F.12 V = 72x10 -12 C
Charges.
Examples: ions among cell membranes, electrical circuits, TV, Ex: A potential difference of 100V exists across the
computer, etc. plates of a capacitor when the charge on each plate is
E 400µC. What is the capacitance?
+ - e0 = 8,8542 10 air
-12 2 2
C / N.m
Q 400 C
+ - C= = = 4 F

A
V 100 V
+Q
+ -- Q - + Since it works by II- By the SIZE :
+ - - + Induction ; A
+ - Q C Capacitor stops the Q
d flow of electricity Surface Charge Density on the Plates, σ ; s =
A
- + right after it is totally s Q
Uniform Electric Field between the plates ;E = =
V charged. e 0 e0A
V
Voltage Applied ;
Q
And it can be used V = E.d = d
e0 A
as a battery for Finally Capacitance, Q Q
C= =
another circuit like : C; V Q.d
Capacitance : e0 A
Capacitance is represented by C and the unit of
A C 2 m2 C2 C2 C
C = e0 1F = = = =
d
2
Capacitance is FARAD (F). N .m m N .m C .V V
We can calculate Capacitance of Capacitor in two ways :
Ex: A parallel-plate capacitor has an area 2x10-4m2 and
I- By the VOLTAGE : a plate separation 1mm. Find its Capacitance.
Capacitance: amount of the charge stored in a Capacitor
under the potential of 1V. Q 1C
C= 1F =
V 1V
 Combination of Capacitors I - Q T = Q1 = Q 2 = Q
Mostly in a circuit, we need to put more than one II - VT = V1 + V2
Capacitor.
To read such a kind of circuits, we should be able QT Q Q 1 1 1
= 1+ 2 = +
to determine the EQUIVALENT CAPACITANCE of all C eq C1 C 2 C eq C 1 C 2
Capacitors and the Target Simplest Circuit as only
1 1 1 1 1
Equivalent Capacitor & Battery. For General Case: = + + + ... +
C eq C1 C 2 C 3 Cn
There are two kinds of COMBINATION :
I- SERIES COMBINATION : Ex: Two capacitors are connected in a
circuit as series in figure. Find : C1 =3F C2 =6F
If two capacitors are combined in an order along the a) The Equivalent Capacitance
same cable, they are said to be combined as SERIES. b) The charges of each capacitor
c) The Voltage of each capacitor V = 12V

Ceq =2F
QT

V = 12V

Q1 Q2 QT
C1 = C2 = Ceq =
V1 V2 VT
C1 C2 C eq
- + - + - +
- + - + - +
Q1 Q2 QT
V1 V2 Target
Simplest
- Q - +
VT +T Circuit VT
 II- PARALLEL COMBINATION : I - VT = V1 = V 2 = V
If two capacitors are combined poles to poles along II - QT = Q1 + Q2
the different cable, they are said to be combined as
PARALLEL. C eq .VT = C 1 .V1 + C 2 .V 2 C eq = C1 + C 2

For General Case: C eq = C 1 + C 2 + C 3 + ... + C n

Ex: Two capacitors are connected in a
circuit as parallel in figure. Find : C1 =2F
a) The Equivalent Capacitance
b) The charges of each capacitor
C2 =6F

V = 12V

V2 QT
Ceq = Ceq =8F
Q2 VT QT
C2 = - +
V2 - + C eq V = 12V
QT C2 Q 2 - +
C1 Q 1 - +
Q1 - + QT
C1 =
V1 - + Target
Simplest
V1 Circuit - +
QT VT
- +
VT
Ex.: Consider the arrangement C1 = 3F C2 = 6F Ceq-1 Ex.: A capacitor of capacitance 2C is charged to a
of three capacitors in figure. Q1 Q2 potential of V and then connected to a capacitor of
Find : capacitance, C, as shown in figure. If there is no loss in
C3 = 6F
a) The Equivalent Capacitance charge, find potential difference VT in terms of V.
Ceq Q3
b) The Total Charge
QT C1 = 2C
c) The charge of each capacitor,
q1,q2,q3.
V = 12V
d) The Potential Difference C2 = C
across each capacitor, V1,V2,V3. Ceq = 8F
QT VT

Ex.: In this circuit, Find the unknown capacitance, Cx.

V = 12V L
2Q 2Q
Q 2C CX 8C CX
K L
Q 2C
K 2 Q 8C
C x . and 8C are series, Thus they have the same
charges.

Ex.: In the circuit if VKL=10V, then what is the potential

VKM? K L M
· · ·
C1 = 6F C2 = 10F
Ex.: What is the Equivalent Capacitance of this Ex.: What is the Equivalent Capacitance of this
combination of capacitors between these points in the combination of capacitors between K-L.
figure
4F 4F 8F
8F 4F 8F 8F
4F 4F
K LK L
8F 2F 6F 2F 6F
Ceq-1 = 4 + 4 = 8F 1 1 1
3F 2F 3F 2F = + Ceq-2 = 4F
C eq - 2 8 8
1 1 1
= + Ceq-1 = 4F Ceq-2 = 2 + 4 = 6F 4F
Ceq-1 8 8 K L K 6F 6F L K 3F L
4F 2F 6F
4F 1 1 1
6F Ceq-3 = 2 + 4 = 6F = + Ceq = 3F
C eq 6 6

3F 6F
2F
1 1 1
= + Ceq-1 = 2F Ceq = 2 + 4 = 6F
Ceq-1 3 6
Ex.: What is the Equivalent Capacitance of this
combination of capacitors between K-L.
K· 4F 2F K· 4F
1F
1F 2F 1F
3F 3F 2F 3F 3F 2F
· ·
L 1 1 1 L
= + Ceq-1 = 1F Ceq-2 = 2 +1+1 = 4F
Ceq -1 2 2
K· 4F K· K·
2F
4F
8F
3F 3F 3F 3F
· · ·
L 1 1 1 L L
Ceq -1
= +
4 4
Ceq-3 = 2F Ceq = 3 + 3 + 2 = 8F
Capacitors with Dielectrics What is the capacitance of the capacitor?
A Dielectric is a non-conducting material such as ( κ = 2.1, Dielectric Strength for Teflon =60x106 V/m )
rubber, glass, or waxed paper.
C =k
e0 A
= 2,1
(8,85x10-12 )(25x10-4 ) @ 0,22x10-9 F = 0,22nF
***When a dielectric is inserted between the plates of a d 2 x10-4
capacitor, the capacitance increases by a dimensionless
factor κ which is called Dielectric Constant .
Atomic Description of Dielectric :
Consider a capacitor without a dielectric has a charge E0
Qo and capacitance Co. The DIPOLES ( that is, the polar
Q0 molecules making up the Dielectric)
DV0 = are randomly oriented in the
C0
If a dielectric is now inserted absence of an Electric Field.
between the plates ; When an External Electric Field,
Voltmeter indicates that the Eo , due to charges on the
Voltage between the plates capacitor plates is applied, A Torque
decreases to a value of ΔV. is exerted on the Dipoles, causing
DV0 them to partially align with the field.
DV = In general, alignment increases
k
with decreasing Temperature and
Since DV p DV0 k f1 with increasing Electric Field.
Since the charge in the capacitor does not change, E0
E=
The Capacitance of capacitor changes as follows : k
Thus, Induced charge density on
Q0 Q0 e0 A
C= = C = k .C0 C =k the dielectric is less than the charge
DV DV0 d
k density on the plates.
Ex: A square parallel plate capacitor measuring 5cm Note : We can polarize a dielectric with an external field
on a side with a 0.2mm gap between the plates is filled regardless of whether the molecules are Polar or
with teflon. Nonpolar
 The Types of Capacitors
Commercial Capacitors ; are
often made from metallic foil
interlaced with thin sheets of
either paraffin or Mylar as the
dielectric material.

High-Voltage Capacitors ;
commonly consist of a number of
interwoven metallic plates
immersed in silicone oil.

Electrolytic Capacitors ; is used

to store large amounts of charge
at relatively low Voltages. It
consists of a metallic foil in contact
with an Electrolyte ( a solution that
conducts electricity by virtue of the
motion of ions in the solution).

W h e n a Vo l t a g e i s a p p l i e d
between the foil and the electrolyte,
a thin layer of Metal Oxide ( an
insulator ) is formed on the foil. And
this layer serves as the dielectric.
Ex.: According to the figure given below, find the Area of
capacitor`s plate. ε : 4 x10-4 F/m d:10-5m Qtotal: 60C

d d
A e A e

V = 30V

Ex.: According to the figure and the given information

find the total charge of the system. e: 8x10 -5 F/m,
A=0,1m2 (area of plate) d=4x10-6m
C1

C2 = 10F

V = 20V
 Energy Stored in a Capacitor Ex.: If the potential difference across a capacitor
doubled by what factor does the energy stored on the
We know that Work done (Energy Stored) by an capacitor change?
Electric Potential on a positively test charge ;
Since Capacitance is constant for a capacitor. If we
W = q.V double the Voltage then The Charge stored in the
But the amount of Charges are linearly increasing by capacitor must be doubled too.
the Voltage applied to the ends of a Capacitor. Q 2Q Q.V 2Q.2V Q.V
C= = E= EI = =4 = 4E
V 2V 2 2 2
E Q Ex.: In figure, If the charge on the 2F capacitor is
+Q
+ --Q
+ - 200C, What is the energy stored in the 3F capacitor
Q in joules ?
+ -
2F
+ - 3F
+ - A =W
C V
4F
V
Thus, Energy Stored in the V
Capacitor must be the Area
V = 15
10
5VV under the graph ;
1
A =W E = Q.V
2
We can write the formula in some Q
C=
different forms by considering , V
1 1 2 1 Q2
E = Q.V = C.V =
2 2 2 C
 E xcess C h arg e o n a P o in ty C o n d u cto r Electric Fields In & Around Charged
Excess charge, which always resides on the surface of a
Conductors
conductor, will collect in high concentrations at points.
E is always zero inside any conductor, even a
In general, the smaller the radius of curvature, R , the
charged one. If this were not the case, mobile
greater the charge density (charge per unit area). The
valence electrons inside the conductor would be
reason for this is that when R is large, neighboring
accelerated by the E field, leaving them in a state
charges push a charge nearly tangent to the surface (left
of perpetual motion. Outside a charged conductor
pic). But where R is small (as near a point),
E is greater where the charge density is greater.
neighboring charges are mostly pushing a charge
Near points, E can be extremely high. Surrounding
outward, away from the surface instead of away from
a sphere the field is radially symmetric, just the
_
each other (right pic). This allows the charges be reside
_ __ _____
_
__
field due to a point charge.
_
closer together.
_
small R,
vector forces due
_ __ strong E
_ _
to neighboring
_ _ __ E = 0 _ _ __
_ __ _____
_
__ _
charges
__ inside __
small R, high
_ __ __ Einside _
___ _
charge density =0

_ _ _ __ _ _ _ _
__ _ _ _ large R, _
___
_____ __ __
large R, low
_ _
weak E
charge density E is radially symmetric
_ _ outside.
uniform R,uniform
charge density ____