23

Electric Fields

CHAPTER OUTLINE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

23.1 Properties of Electric
Charges
23.2 Charging Objects by
Q23.1 A neutral atom is one that has no net charge. This
Induction means that it has the same number of electrons
23.3 Coulomb’s Law orbiting the nucleus as it has protons in the nucleus.
23.4 The Electric Field
23.5 Electric Field of a
A negatively charged atom has one or more excess
Continuous Charge Distribution electrons.
23.6 Electric Field Lines
23.7 Motion of a Charged Particle
in a Uniform Electric Field
*Q23.2 (i) Suppose the positive charge has the large value 1 mC.
The object has lost some of its conduction electrons,
in number 10−6 C (1 e/1.60 × 10−19 C) = 6.25 × 1012 and
in mass 6.25 × 1012 (9.11 × 10−31 kg) = 5.69 × 10−18 kg.
This is on the order of 1014 times smaller than the
~1g mass of the coin, so it is an immeasurably small
change. Answer (d).

(ii) The coin gains extra electrons, gaining mass on

the order of 10−14 times its original mass for the charge
−1 m C. Answer (b).

Q23.3 All of the constituents of air are nonpolar except for water. The polar water molecules in the
air quite readily “steal” charge from a charged object, as any physics teacher trying to perform
electrostatics demonstrations in the summer well knows. As a result—it is difficult to accumulate
large amounts of excess charge on an object in a humid climate. During a North American
winter, the cold, dry air allows accumulation of significant excess charge, giving the potential
(pun intended) for a shocking (pun also intended) introduction to static electricity sparks.

Q23.4 Similarities: A force of gravity is proportional to the product of the intrinsic properties (masses)
of two particles, and inversely proportional to the square of the separation distance. An electrical
force exhibits the same proportionalities, with charge as the intrinsic property.
Differences: The electrical force can either attract or repel, while the gravitational force as
described by Newton’s law can only attract. The electrical force between elementary particles is
vastly stronger than the gravitational force.

Q23.5 No. The balloon induces polarization of the molecules in the wall, so that a layer of positive
charge exists near the balloon. This is just like the situation in Figure 23.4a, except that the signs
of the charges are reversed. The attraction between these charges and the negative charges on the
balloon is stronger than the repulsion between the negative charges on the balloon and the
negative charges in the polarized molecules (because they are farther from the balloon), so that
there is a net attractive force toward the wall. Ionization processes in the air surrounding the
balloon provide ions to which excess electrons in the balloon can transfer, reducing the charge
on the balloon and eventually causing the attractive force to be insufficient to support the weight
of the balloon.

1
2 Chapter 23

*Q23.6 Answer (c). Each charge produces field as if it were alone in the Universe.

*Q23.7 (i) According to the inverse square law, the field is one-fourth as large at twice the distance. The
answer is (c), 2 × 36 cm = 72 cm.

(ii) The field is four times stronger at half the distance away from the charge. Answer (b).

Q23.8 An electric field created by a positive or negative charge extends in all directions from the charge.
Thus, it exists in empty space if that is what surrounds the charge. There is no material at point A
in Figure 23.21(a), so there is no charge, nor is there a force. There would be a force if a charge
were present at point A, however. A field does exist at point A.

*Q23.9 (i) We compute qAqB/r2 in each case. In (a) it is 400/4 = 100 (nC/cm)2. In (b) and (c), 300/4 =
75 (nC/cm)2. In (d) 600/9 = 67 (nC/cm)2. In (e) 900/9 = 100 (nC/cm)2. The ranking is then a = e >
b = c > d.

(ii) We compute qA/r2 in each case. In (a) it is 20/4 = 5 nC/cm2. In (b) 30/4 = 7.5 nC/cm2. In (c)
10/4 = 2.5 nC/cm2. In (d) 30/9 = 3.3 nC/cm2. In (e) 45/9 = 5 nC/cm2. The ranking is then b > a =
e > d > c.

*Q23.10 The charge at the upper left creates at the field point electric field to the left, with magnitude we
call E1. The charge at lower right creates downward electric field with an equal magnitude E1.
These two charges together create field 2 E1 downward and to the left at 45°. The positive
charge is 2 times farther from the field point so it creates field 2E1/( 2 )2 = E1 upward and
( )
to the right. The net field is then 2 − 1 E1 downward and to the left. The answer to question
(i) is (d).

(ii) With the positive charge removed, the magnitude of the field becomes 2 E1, larger than
before, so the answer is (a).

*Q23.11 The certain point must be on the same line as A and B, for otherwise the field components
perpendicular to this line would not add to zero. If the certain point is between A and B, it is
midway between them, and B’s charge is also +40 nC. If the certain point is 4 cm from A
and 12 cm from B, then B’s charge must be −9(40 nC) = −360 nC. These are the only two
possibilities. The answers are (a), (f), and (j).

Q23.12 The direction of the electric field is the direction in which a positive test charge would feel a force
when placed in the field. A charge will not experience two electrical forces at the same time, but
the vector sum of the two. If electric field lines crossed, then a test charge placed at the point at
which they cross would feel a force in two directions. Furthermore, the path that the test charge
would follow if released at the point where the field lines cross would be indeterminate.



Q23.13 Both figures are drawn correctly. E1 and E2 are the electric fields separately created by the point
charges q1 and q2 in Figure 23.12 or q and –q in Figure 23.13, respectively. The net electric field




is the vector sum of E1 and E2 , shown as E. Figure 23.19 shows only one electric field line at
each point away from the charge. At the point location of an object modeled as a point charge, the
direction of the field is undefined, and so is its magnitude.

*Q23.14 Answer (a). The equal-magnitude radially directed field contributions add to zero.

*Q23.15 Answer (c). Contributions to the total field from bits of charge in the disk lie closer together in
direction than for the ring.
 Electric Fields 3

*Q23.16 (i) Answer (c). Electron and proton have equal-magnitude charges.
(ii) Answer (b). The proton’s mass is 1836 times larger than the electron’s.

*Q23.17 Answer (b).

Q23.18 Linear charge density, l, is charge per unit length. It is used when trying to determine the
electric field created by a charged rod.
Surface charge density, s, is charge per unit area. It is used when determining the electric field
above a charged sheet or disk.
Volume charge density, r, is charge per unit volume. It is used when determining the electric field
due to a uniformly charged sphere made of insulating material.

Q23.19 No. Life would be no different if electrons were + charged and protons were – charged. Opposite
charges would still attract, and like charges would repel. The naming of + and – charge is merely
a convention.

Q23.20 In special orientations the force between two dipoles can be zero or a force of repulsion. In
general each dipole will exert a torque on the other, tending to align its axis with the field created
by the first dipole. After this alignment, each dipole exerts a force of attraction on the other.

SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS

Section 23.1 Properties of Electric Charges

P23.1 (a) The mass of an average neutral hydrogen atom is 1.007 9u. Losing one electron reduces its
mass by a negligible amount, to

1.007 9 (1.660 × 10 −27 kg ) − 9.11 × 10 −31 kg = 1.67 × 10 −27 kg .

Its charge, due to loss of one electron, is

0 − 1( −1.60 × 10 −19 C ) = +1.60 × 10 −19 C .

(b) By similar logic, charge = +1.60 × 10 −19 C

)
mass = 22.99 (1.66 × 10 −27 kg − 9.11 × 10 −31 kg = 3.82 × 10 −26 kg

(c) charge of Cl− = −1.60 × 10 −19 C

−27
)
mass = 35.453(1.66 × 10 kg + 9.11 × 10 kg = 5.89 × 10 kg
−31 −26

(d) )
charge of Ca ++ = −2 ( −1.60 × 10 −19 C = +3.20 × 10 −19 C
−27
)
mass = 40.078 (1.66 × 10 kg − 2 ( 9.11 × 10 kg = 6.65 × 10 kg
−31 −26
)
(e) )
charge of N 3− = 3( −1.60 × 10 −19 C = −4.80 × 10 −19 C

mass = 14.007 (1.66 × 10 −27 kg ) + 3( 9.11 × 10 −31

)
kg = 2.33 × 10 −26 kg

continued on next page

4 Chapter 23

(f) )
charge of N 4 + = 4 (1.60 × 10 −19 C = +6.40 × 10 −19 C

mass = 14.007 (1.66 × 10 −27 kg ) − 4 ( 9.11 × 10 −31 kg ) = 2.32 × 10 −26 kg

(g) We think of a nitrogen nucleus as a seven-times ionized nitrogen atom.

)
charge = 7 (1.60 × 10 −19 C = 1.12 × 10 −18 C

) )
mass = 14.007 (1.66 × 10 −27 kg − 7 ( 9.11 × 10 −31 kg = 2.32 × 10 −26 kg

(h) charge = −1.60 × 10 −19 C

mass = ⎡⎣ 2 (1.007 9 ) + 15.999 ⎤⎦ 1.66 × 10 −27 kg + 9.11 × 10 −31 kg = 2.99 × 10 −26 kg

⎛ 10.0 grams ⎞⎛ 23 atoms ⎞ ⎛ electrons ⎞

P23.2 (a) N =⎜ ⎜ 6.02 × 10 ⎟ ⎜ 47 ⎟ = 2.62 × 10
24

⎝ 107.87 grams mol ⎟⎠ ⎝ mol ⎠ ⎝ atom ⎠

Q 1.00 × 10 −3 C
(b) # electrons added = = = 6.25 × 1015
e 1.60 × 10 −19 C electron

or 2.38 electrons for every10 9 already present .

Section 23.2 Charging Objects by Induction

Section 23.3 Coulomb’s Law

P23.3 If each person has a mass of ≈70 kg and is (almost) composed of water, then each person
contains

⎛ 70 000 grams ⎞ ⎛ molecules ⎞ ⎛ protons ⎞

N ≅⎜ ⎟ 6.02 × 10 23 10 ≅ 2.3 × 10 28 protons
⎝ 18 grams mol ⎠ ⎝ mol ⎠ ⎝ molecule ⎠
With an excess of 1% electrons over protons, each person has a charge

q = 0.01(1.6 × 10 −19 C ) ( 2.3 × 10 28 ) = 3.7 × 10 7 C

ª

So F = ke
q1q2
= ( 9 × 10 9 )
(3.7 × 10 )
7 2

N = 4 × 10 25 N ~10 26 N
2
r 0.62
This force is almost enough to lift a weight equal to that of the Earth:

Mg = 6 × 10 24 kg ( 9.8 m s 2 ) = 6 × 10 25 N ~ 10 26 N
 Electric Fields 5

k q q
*P23.4 In the first situation, FA on B,1 = e A2 B ˆi . In the second situation, qA and qB are the same.
r1



( )
k q q
FB on A,2 = − FA on B = e A2 B − ˆi
r2
F2 ke qA qB r12
= 2
F1 r2 ke q A q B
2
F1 r12 ⎛ 13.7 mm ⎞
F2 = = 2.62 µ N ⎜ = 1.57 µ N
r22 ⎝ 17.7 mm ⎟⎠

Then FB on A ,2 = 1.57 µ N to the left .

)
( 8.99 × 109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 (1.60 × 10−19 C )
2
kqq
P23.5 (a) Fe = e 12 2 = = 1.59 × 10 −9 N ( repulsion )
( 3.80 × 10−10 m )
2
r

Gm1 m2 ( 6.67 × 10 )
N ⋅ m 2 C2 (1.67 × 10 −27 kg )
−11 2

(b) Fg = = = 1.29 × 10 −45 N

( 3.80 × 10 )
2
r2 −10
m

The electric force is larger by 1.24 × 10 36 times .

q1q2 mm
(c) If ke = G 1 2 2 with q1 = q2 = q and m1 = m2 = m , then
r2 r

q G 6.67 × 10 −11 N ⋅ m 2 kg2

= = = 8.61 × 10 −11 C kg
m ke 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2

P23.6 We find the equal-magnitude charges on both spheres:

q1q2 q2 F 1.00 × 10 4 N
F = ke = k so q=r = (1.00 m ) = 1.05 × 10 −3 C
8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2
e 2
r2 r ke

The number of electron transferred is then

1.05 × 10 −3 C
N xfer = = 6.59 × 1015 electrons
1.60 × 10 −19 C e−

The whole number of electrons in each sphere is

⎛ ⎞
N tot = ⎜
10.0 g
⎝ 107.87 g mol ⎟⎠
(6.02 × 10 23 atoms mol ) ( 47 e− atom ) = 2.62 × 10 24 e−

The fraction transferred is then

N xfer ⎛ 6.59 × 1015 ⎞

f= = = 2.51 × 10 −9 = 2.51 charges in every billion
N tot ⎜⎝ 2.62 × 10 24 ⎟⎠
6 Chapter 23

q1q2 (8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C ) ( 7.00 × 10 C ) ( 2.00 × 10 C )

9 2 2 −6 −6

P23.7 F1 = ke = = 0.503 N
r2 ( 0.500 m )2

q1q2 (8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C ) ( 7.00 × 10 C ) ( 4.00 × 10 C )

9 2 2 −6 −6

F2 = ke = = 1.01 N
r 2
( 0.500 m ) 2

Fx = 0.503 cos 60.0° + 1.01 cos 60.0° = 0.755 N

Fy = 0.503 sin 60.0° − 1.01 sin 60.0° = −0.436 N


F = ( 0.755 N ) ˆi − ( 0.436 N ) ˆj = 0.872 N at an angle of 3300°

FIG. P23.7

P23.8 Let the third bead have charge Q and be located distance x from the left end of the rod. This bead
will experience a net force given by

k ( 3q ) Q
F= e 2 ˆi + ke ( q ) Q − ˆi
( )
x ( d − x )2
The net force will be zero if 3 = 1 , or d − x = x .
x 2
( d − x )2 3
This gives an equilibrium position of the third bead of x = 0.634 d .
The equilibrium is stable if the third bead has positive chargee .

P23.9 (a) The force is one of attraction . The distance r in Coulomb’s law is the distance between
centers. The magnitude of the force is

2 (
12.0 × 10 −9 C ) (18.0 × 10 −9 C )
F=
ke q1q2
r2
= ( 8 . 99 × 10 9
N ⋅ m 2
C ) ( 0.300 m )2
= 2.16 × 10 −5 N

(b) The net charge of −6.00 × 10 −9 C will be equally split between the two spheres, or
−3.00 × 10 −9 C on each. The force is one of repulsion , and its magnitude is

2 (
3.00 × 10 −9 C ) ( 3.00 × 10 −9 C )
F=
ke q1q2
r2
= ( 8 . 99 × 10 9
N ⋅ m 2
C ) ( 0.300 m )2
= 8.99 × 10 −7 N

P23.10 The top charge exerts a force on the negative charge ke qQ which is directed upward and to
( d /2)2 + x 2
⎛ d⎞
the left, at an angle of tan −1 ⎜ ⎟ to the x-axis. The two positive charges together exert force
⎝ 2x ⎠

⎛ 2 k qQ ⎞ ⎛ ( − x ) î ⎞
d
−2 ke qQ

⎜ 2 1 2 ⎟ = ma or for x << a≈
e
⎜ 2 2 ⎟
, x
)
⎝ ( d 4 + x ⎠ ⎜⎝ ( d 4 + x 2 ) ⎟⎠ 2 md 3 8

(a) The acceleration is equal to a negative constant times the excursion from equilibrium, as in


16 ke qQ
a = −ω 2 x , so we have Simple Harmonic Motion with ω 2 = .
md 3
2π π md 3
T= = , where m is the mass of the object with charge −Q.
ω 2 ke qQ

ke qQ
(b) vmax = ω A = 4 a
md 3
 Electric Fields 7

(1.60 × 10 )
−19 2
k e2 C
P23.11 (a) F = e 2 = ( 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) = 8.22 × 10 −8 N toward the other
( 0.529 × 10 )
−10 2
r m
particle

mv 2
(b) We have F = from which
r

v=
Fr
=
8.22 × 10 −8 N ( 0.529 × 10 −10 m )= 2.19 × 10 6 m s
−31
m 9.11 × 10 kg

Section 23.4 The Electric Field

P23.12 The point is designated in the sketch. The magnitudes of the

electric fields, E1 (due to the −2.50 × 10 −6 C charge) and E2
(due to the 6.00 × 10 −6 C charge), are

E1 = =
2 2
)
ke q ( 8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C ( 2.50 × 10 C
9 −6
) (1)
FIG. P23.12

r2 d2

E2 = =
2 2
)
ke q ( 8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C ( 6.00 × 10 C
9 −6
) (2)
r2 ( d + 1.00 m ) 2

Equate the right sides of (1) and (2)

to get ( d + 1.00 m )2 = 2.40d 2

or d + 1.00 m = ±1.55 d

which yields d = 1.82 m

or d = −0.392 m

The negative value for d is unsatisfactory because that locates a point between the charges where
both fields are in the same direction.

Thus, d = 1.82 m to the left of the − 2.50 µ C charge

8 Chapter 23

P23.13 For equilibrium, Fe = − Fg

( )


or qE = − mg − ˆj

mg
Thus, E= ˆj
q

(a)

mg
E= ˆj = ( )
9.11 × 10 −31 kg ( 9.80 m s 2 )
ˆj = − ( 5.58 × 10 −11 N C ˆj )
q ( −1.60 × 10−19 C )

(b)

mg
E= ˆj = ( )
1.67 × 10 −27 kg ( 9.80 m s 2
ˆj = ) (1.02 × 10 −7
N C ˆj )
q (1.60 × 10−19 C )
)
( 8.99 × 109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 (1.60 × 10−19 C ) ( 6.02 × 10 )
2 23 2
qq
P23.14 F = ke 1 2 2 = = 514 kN
⎡⎣ 2 ( 6.37 × 10 6 m ⎤⎦ )
2
r

keQ
*P23.15 The first charge creates at the origin field to the right. +Q x = 0 q
a2
Both charges are on the x axis, so the total field cannot have a x
vertical comonent, but it can be either to the right or to the left.
FIG. P23.15
If the total field at the origin is to the right, then q must be negative:

keQ ˆ ke q
a 2
i+
( 3a )
( )
ˆ 2 keQ ˆi
2 −i =
a2
q = −9Q

In the alternative, if the total field at the origin is to the left,

a2 9a
( )
keQ ˆ ke q ˆ 2 keQ ˆ
i + 2 −i = 2 −i
a
( ) q = +27Q

P23.16 (a) E= =
)
ke q ( 8.99 × 10 ( 2.00 × 10
9 −6
)
= 14 400 N C
r2 (1.12 )2

Ex = 0 and Ey = 2 (14 400 ) sin 26.6° = 1.29 × 10 4 N C

FIG. P23.16


so E = 1.29 × 10 4 ˆj N C

(b) )( )
F = qE = ( −3.00 × 10 −6 1.29 × 10 4 ˆj = −3.86 × 10 −2 ĵj N

kq k ( 2q ) k ( 3q ) k ( 4q)
P23.17 (a)
r1
kq
r2
kq
r3 a 2a
(
E = e 2 1 rˆ1 + e 2 2 rˆ2 + e 2 3 rˆ3 = e 2 ˆi + e 2 ˆi cos 45.0° + ˆj sin 45.0° + e 2 ĵ
a
)

kq kq kq
E = 3.06 e2 ˆi + 5.06 e2 ˆj = 5.91 e2 at 58.88°
a a a

k q2
(b) F = qE = 5.91 e 2 at 58.8°
a
 Electric Fields 9

P23.18 The electric field at any point x has the x-component

ke q ke q ke q ( 4 ax )
E=− 2 + 2 = −
( x − a ) ( x − ( − a )) ( x 2 − a2 )
2

4 a ( ke q )
When x is much, much greater than a, we find E ≈ − .
x3

kQ n
P23.19 (a) One of the charges creates at P a field E = 2e at an angle q
R + x2
to the x-axis as shown.
When all the charges produce field, for n > 1, the components
perpendicular to the x-axis add to zero.

nke (Q n ) ˆi keQxˆi
The total field is cos θ = .
R2 + x 2 (R )
32
2
+ x2 FIG. P23.19

(b) A circle of charge corresponds to letting n grow beyond all bounds, but the result does
not depend on n. Smearing the charge around the circle does not change its amount or its
distance from the field point, so it does not change the field .

Section 23.5 Electric Field of a Continuous Charge Distribution

ke dq
P23.20 E=∫ , where dq = λ0 dx
x2
∞ ∞
dx ⎛ 1⎞ ke λ 0
E = ke λ 0 ∫ 2 = ke λ 0 ⎜ − ⎟ = The direction is − î or left for λ0 > 0.
x0
x ⎝ x⎠ x0
x0

P23.21 E=
ke λ ℓ k (Q ℓ ) ℓ
= e =
keQ
=
( 8.99 × 109 ( 22.0 × 10−6 ) )
d ( ℓ + d ) d ( ℓ + d ) d ( ℓ + d ) ( 0.290 ) ( 0.140 + 0.290 )

FIG. P23.21
E = 1.59 × 10 6 N C , directed toward the rod .

keQx
P23.22 E=
(x )
32
2
+ a2

⎡ 1 3x 2 ⎤
For a maximum, dE = Qk ⎢ − ⎥=0
⎢ ( x 2 + a2 ) (x )
e 32 2 52
dx 2
+a ⎥
⎣ ⎦
a
x 2 + a 2 − 3x 2 = 0 or x =
2
Substituting into the expression for E gives

keQa keQ 2 keQ Q

E= = = =
2( a 3
2 )
2 32 3 2
32 a 3 3a 2
6 3π ⑀ 0 a 2
10 Chapter 23

P23.23 E=
ke xQ
=
( 8.99 × 10 ) ( 75.0 × 10 ) x = 6.74 × 10 x
9 −6 5
We choose the x axis along
(x ) ( x + 0.1100 ) ( x + 0.010 0 )
32 2 32 32
2
+ a2 2 2

the axis of the ring.

(a) At x = 0.010 0 m , E = 6.64 × 10 6 ˆi N C = 6.64 ˆi MN C

(b) At x = 0.050 0 m , E = 2.41 × 10 7 ˆi N C = 24.1ˆi MN C

(c) At x = 0.300 m, E = 6.40 × 10 6 ˆi N C = 6.40 ˆi MN C

(d) At x = 1.00 m , E = 6.64 × 10 5 ˆi N C = 0.664 ˆi MN C

⎛ x ⎞
P23.24 E = 2π keσ ⎜ 1 − 2 2 ⎟
⎝ x +R ⎠

⎛ ⎞ ⎛ ⎞
)
E = 2π ( 8.99 × 10 9 ( 7.90 × 10 −3 ⎜ 1 −
⎜⎝
x
) ⎟ = 4.46 × 10 8 ⎜ 1 −
x
⎟
x 2 + ( 0.350 ) ⎟⎠ ⎝ x + 0.123 ⎠
2 2

(a) At x = 0.050 0 m , E = 3.83 × 10 8 N C = 383 MN C

(b) At x = 0.100 m , E = 3.24 × 10 8 N C = 324 MN C

(c) At x = 0.500 m, E = 8.07 × 10 7 N C = 80.7 MN C

(d) At x = 2.000 m, E = 6.68 × 10 8 N C = 6.68 MN C

⎛ x ⎞
P23.25 (a) From the Example in the chapter text, E = 2π keσ ⎜ 1 −
2 ⎟
⎝ x +R ⎠
2

Q
σ= = 1.84 × 10 −3 C m 2
π R2
)
E = (1.04 × 10 8 N C ( 0.900 ) = 9.36 × 10 7 N C = 93.6 MN C

approximation: E = 2π keσ = 104 MN C ( about 11% high )

⎛ ⎞
(b) E = (1.04 × 10 8 N C ⎜ 1 −
⎝
30.0 cm
) ⎟ = (1.04 ⫻10 8 N C ( 0.004 96 ) = 0.516 MN C )
30.0 + 3.00 cm ⎠
2 2

5.20 × 10 −6
approximation: E = ke
Q
r 2
= ( 8.99 × 10 9 ) ( 0.30 )2
= 0.519 MN C ( about 0.6% high )
 Electric Fields 11

⎡ x ⎤
P23.26 The electric field at a distance x is Ex = 2π keσ ⎢1 − ⎥
⎣ x +R ⎦
2 2

⎡ 1 ⎤
This is equivalent to Ex = 2π keσ ⎢1 − ⎥
⎢⎣ 1 + R x ⎥⎦
2 2

R2 R2 R2
For large x, << 1 and 1+ 2
≈ 1+ 2
x2 x 2x

⎛ 1 ⎞
so Ex = 2π keσ ⎜ 1 − ⎟
⎜⎝ ⎡1 + R 2 ( 2 x 2 ⎤ ⎟⎠
⎣ ⎦ )
= 2π keσ
(1 + R ( 2 x ) − 1)
2 2

)
⎡⎣1 + R 2 ( 2 x 2 ⎤⎦

Substitute σ =
Q
Ex =
keQ (1 x 2 ) =
⎛ 2 R2 ⎞
e ⎜x +
, k Q
π R2 ⎡⎣1 + R 2 ( 2 x 2 ⎤⎦) ⎝ 2 ⎟⎠

1 1 keQ
But for x >> R, ≈ , so Ex ≈ for a disk at large distances
x + R2 2 x 2
2 x2

dq sin θ
P23.27 Due to symmetry Ey = ∫ dEy = 0, and Ex = ∫ dE sin θ = ke ∫
r2
where dq = λ ds = λ rdθ ,
π
ke λ kλ π 2k λ
sin θ dθ = e ( − cos θ ) 0 = e
r ∫0
so that Ex =
r r
FIG. P23.27

q L
where λ= and r =
L π

2 ke qπ 2 (8.99 × 10 N ⭈ m C ) ( −7.50 × 10 C ) π
9 2 2 −6

Thus, Ex = =
L2 ( 0.140 m ) 2

Solving, Ex = −2.16 × 10 7 N C

( )


Since the rod has a negative charge, E = −2.16 × 10 7 ˆi N C = −21.6 ˆi MN C .
12 Chapter 23

P23.28 (a) We define x = 0 at the point where we are to find the field. One ring, with thickness dx, has
Qdx
charge and produces, at the chosen point, a field
h

ke x Qdx ˆ
dE = i
(x 2
+R )
2 32 h
The total field is
d +h ˆ d +h

keQxdx ˆi = keQi ( x 2 + R 2 )
−3 2
E= ∫ dE = ∫ h(x 2 h x∫= d
2 xdx
all charge d
2
+R )
2 32

−1 2 d + h ⎡ ⎤

k Qˆi ( x 2 + R 2
E= e
) =
keQî ⎢ 1
−
1 ⎥
2h (− 1 2) h ( d + R2
⎢
⎢⎣
2
)
12
(( d + h ) 2
+R 2
)
12 ⎥

⎥⎦
x=d

Qdx
(b) Think of the cylinder as a stack of disks, each with thickness dx, charge , and charge-
h
Qdx
per-area σ = . One disk produces a field
π R2 h

2π keQdx ⎛ x ⎞
dE = ⎜1 − ⎟ ˆi
π R 2 h ⎜⎝ ( x 2 + R 2 ) ⎟⎠
12

d + h 2 keQdx ⎛ x ⎞
So, E= ∫ dE = ∫ ⎜1 − 2 ⎟ î
⎝ (x + R
⎜ ) ⎟⎠
2 12
all charge x=d
R h 2

⎡ 1 2 d +h ⎤

2 k Qˆi ⎡ d + h d +h

E = e2 ⎢ ∫ dx − ∫ ( x 2 + R 2
1
)
−1 2 ⎤ 2 k Qî d + h 1 ( x 2 + R 2
2 xdx ⎥ = e2 ⎢ x d −
) ⎥
Rh ⎣d 2 x=d ⎦ Rh ⎢ 2 12 ⎥
⎣⎢ d ⎥⎦

2 k Qˆi
E = e2 ⎡ d + h − d − ( d + h ) + R 2 ( ) + (d ) ⎤
2 12 12
2
+ R2
R h ⎣⎢ ⎦⎥

( )

2 keQî ⎡
h + ( d 2 + R2 ) ⎤
12
− ( d + h ) + R2
12 2
E=
R 2 h ⎣⎢ ⎦⎥

P23.29 (a) The electric field at point P due to each element of length dx is
k dq
dE = 2 e 2 and is directed along the line joining the element to
x +y
point P. By symmetry,
Ex = ∫ dEx = 0 and since dq = λ dx ,

y
E = Ey = ∫ dEy = ∫ dE cos θ where cos θ =
x + y2
2

FIG. P23.29
ℓ2
dx 2 ke λ sin θ 0
Therefore, E = 2 ke λ y ∫ =
0 (x 2
+y )
2 32 y

2 ke λ
(b) For a bar of infinite length, θ 0 = 90° and Ey =
y
 Electric Fields 13

P23.30 (a) The whole surface area of the cylinder is A = 2π r 2 + 2π rL = 2π r ( r + L ).

)
Q = σ A = (15.0 × 10 −9 C m 2 2π ( 0.025 0 m ) [ 0.025 0 m + 0.060 0 m ] = 2.00 × 10 −10 C

(b) For the curved lateral surface only, A = 2π rL.

)
Q = σ A = (15.0 × 10 −9 C m 2 ⎡⎣ 2π ( 0.025 0 m ) ( 0.060 0 m ) ⎤⎦ = 1.41 × 10 −10 C

(c) )
Q = ρV = ρπ r 2 L = ( 500 × 10 −9 C m 3 ⎡⎣π ( 0.025 0 m ) ( 0.060 0 m ) ⎤⎦ = 5.89 × 10 −11 C
2

Every object has the same volume, V = 8 ( 0.030 0 m ) = 2.16 × 10 −4 m 3 .

3
P23.31 (a)

) )
For each, Q = ρV = ( 400 × 10 −9 C m 3 ( 2.16 × 10 −4 m 3 = 8.64 × 10 −11 C

(b) We must count the 9.00 cm2 squares painted with charge:

(i) 6 × 4 = 24 squares
) )
Q = σ A = (15.0 × 10 −9 C m 2 24.0 ( 9.00 × 10 −4 m 2 = 3.24 × 10 −10 C

(ii) 34 squares exposed

) )
Q = σ A = (15.0 × 10 −9 C m 2 24.0 ( 9.00 × 10 −4 m 2 = 3.24 × 10 −10 C

(iii) 34 squares

) )
Q = σ A = (15.0 × 10 −9 C m 2 34.0 ( 9.00 × 10 −4 m 2 = 4.59 × 10 −10 C

(iv) 32 squares

) )
Q = σ A = (15.0 × 10 −9 C m 2 32.0 ( 9.00 × 10 −4 m 2 = 4.32 × 10 −10 C

(c) (i) total edge length: ℓ = 24 × ( 0.030 0 m )

)
Q = λ ℓ = ( 80.0 × 10 −12 C m 24 × ( 0.030 0 m ) = 5.76 × 10 −11 C

(ii) Q = λ ℓ = (80.0 × 10 −12 C m ) 44 × ( 0.030 0 m ) = 1.06 × 10 −10 C

(iii) )
Q = λ ℓ = ( 80.0 × 10 −12 C m 64 × ( 0.030 0 m ) = 1.54 × 10 −10 C

(iv) )
Q = λ ℓ = ( 80.0 × 10 −12 C m 40 × ( 0.030 0 m ) = 0.960 × 10 −10 C

Section 23.6 Electric Field Lines

P23.32 P23.33

FIG. P23.32 FIG. P23.33

14 Chapter 23

q1 −6 1
P23.34 (a) = = −
q2 18 3

(b) q1 is negative, q2 is positive

P23.35 (a) The electric field has the general appearance shown. It is
zero at the center , where (by symmetry) one can see that
the three charges individually produce fields that cancel out.
In addition to the center of the triangle, the electric field lines in
the second figure to the right indicate three other points near the
middle of each leg of the triangle where E = 0, but they are
more difficult to find mathematically.

(b) You may need to review vector addition in Chapter Three.

The electric field at point P can be found by adding the
electric fi
eld
vectors

due to each of the two lower point
charges: E = E1 + E 2 .

q
The electric field from a point charge is E = ke 2 rˆ .
r
As shown in the solution figure at right,

q
E1 = ke 2 to the right and upward at 60°
a

q
E 2 = ke 2 to the left and upward at 60° FIG. P23.35
a

( ) ( ) ( )



q q
E = E1 + E 2 = ke 2 ⎡ cos 60°ˆi + sin 60°ˆj + − cos 60°ˆi + sin 60°ˆj ⎤ = ke 2 ⎡ 2 sin 60°ˆj ⎤
a ⎣ ⎦ a ⎣ ⎦
q
= 1.73ke ĵ
a2

Section 23.7 Motion of a Charged Particle in a Uniform Electric Field

qE (1.602 × 10 ) ( 6.00 × 10 )
−19 5


P23.36 (a) a = = = 5.76 × 1013 m s so a = −5.76 × 1013 ˆi m s 2
m (1.67 × 10 −27 )
(b) (
v 2f = v i2 + 2 a x f − xi )
0 = vi2 + 2 ( −5.76 × 1013 ) ( 0.070 0 )


v i = 2.84 × 10 6 ˆi m s

(c) v f = vi + at

0 = 2.84 × 10 6 + ( −5.76 × 1013 ) t t = 4.93 × 10 −8 s

 Electric Fields 15

qE 1.602 × 10 −19 ( 640 )

P23.37 (a) a= = = 6.14 × 1010 m s 2
m 1.67 × 10 −27

(b) v f = vi + at 1.20 × 10 6 = ( 6.14 × 1010 ) t t = 1.95 × 10 −5 s

(c) x f − xi =
1
2
(vi + v f t ) xf =
1
2
(1.20 × 106 ) (1.95 × 10 −5 ) = 11.7 m

m v 2 = (1.67 × 10 −27 kg ) (1.20 × 10 6 m s ) = 1.20 × 10 −15 J

1 1 2
(d) K=
2 2

( ) ( )



P23.38 The particle feels a constant force: F = qE = (1 × 10 −6 C ) ( 2 000 N C ) − ˆj = 2 × 10 −3 N − ˆj

kg ⋅ m s ) ( − ˆj)


∑ F = ( 2 × 10
−3 2

and moves with acceleration:

a=
m 2 × 10 −16 kg
= (1 × 10 13
( )
m s 2 ) − ĵ

Note that the gravitational force is on the order of a trillion times smaller than the electrical force
exerted on the particle. The particle’s x-component of velocity is constant at
(1.00 × 10 5
m s ) cos 37° = 7.99 × 10 4 m s . Thus it moves in a parabola opening downward. The
maximum height it attains above the bottom plate is described by

(
vyf2 = vyi2 + 2ay y f − yi : ) )
0 = ( 6.02 × 10 4 m s − ( 2 × 1013 m s 2 y f − 0
2
)( )
y f = 1.81 × 10 −4 m

Since this is less than 10 mm, the particle does not strike the top plate, but moves in a symmetric
parabola and strikes the bottom plate after a time given by

0 = 0 + ( 6.02 × 10 4 m s ) t + ( −1 × 1013 m s2 ) t 2
1 2 1
y f = yi + vyi t + ay t
2 2
since t > 0, t = 1.20 × 10 −8 s

The particle’s range is x f = xi + vx t = 0 + ( 7.99 × 10 4 m s ) (1.20 × 10 −8 s ) = 9.61 × 10 −4 m.

In sum,

The particle strikes the negative plate after moving in a parabola with a height of 0.181 mm
and a width of 0.961 mm.

P23.39 The required electric field will be in the direction of motion .

Work done = ∆K
1
so, − Fd = − m vi2 (since the final velocity = 0)
2
which becomes eEd = K

K
and E=
ed
16 Chapter 23

P23.40 vi = 9.55 × 10 3 m s

eE (1.60 × 10 ) ( 720 )
−19

(a) ay = = = 6.90 × 1010 m s 2

m (1.67 × 10 −27 )
From the large magnitude of this vertical acceleration,
we can note that the gravitational force on the particle is FIG. P23.40
negligible by comparison to the electrical force.
vi2 sin 2θ
R= = 1.27 × 10 −3 m so that
ay

(9.55 × 10 ) 3 2
sin 2θ
= 1.27 × 10 −3
6.90 × 10 10

sin 2θ = 0.961 θ = 36.9° 90.0° − θ = 53.1°

R R
(b) t= = If θ = 36.9°, t = 167 ns . If θ = 53.1° , t = 221 ns .
vix vi cos θ

x 0.050 0
P23.41 (a) t= = = 1.11 × 10 −7 s = 111 ns
vx 4.50 × 10 5

(b) ay = =
)
qE (1.602 × 10 ( 9.60 × 10
−19 3
)
= 9.21 × 1011 m s 2
m (1.67 × 10−27 )
9.21 × 1011 ) (1.11 × 10 −7 ) = 5.68 × 10 −3 m = 5.68 mm
1 1
y f − yi = vyi t + ay t 2 :
2
yf =
2
( 2

(c) vx = 4.50 × 10 5 m s vyf = vyi + ay t = ( 9.21 × 1011 ) (1.11 × 10 −7 ) = 1.02 × 10 5 m s

Additional Problems

P23.42 The two given charges exert equal-size forces of attraction x=0 15 cm
on each other. If a third charge, positive or negative, were d
– + x
placed between them they could not be in equilibrium. If the q –12 m C 45 m C
third charge were at a point x > 15 cm, it would exert a
stronger force on the 45 m C than on the −12 m C, and could FIG. P23.42
not produce equilibrium for both. Thus the third charge must
be at x = −d < 0. Its equilibrium requires

ke q (12 µ C ) ke q ( 45 µ C ) ⎛ 15 cm + d ⎞ = 45 = 3.75
2
=
d2 (15 cm + d )2 ⎝ d ⎠ 12
15 cm + d = 1.94 d d = 16.0 cm

The third charge is at x = −16.0 cm . The equilibrium of the −12 m C requires

ke q (12 µ C ) ke ( 45 µ C ) 12 µ C
= q = 51.3 µ C
(16.0 cm )2 (15 cm )2
All six individual forces are now equal in magnitude, so we have equilibrium as required, and this
is the only solution.
 Electric Fields 17

P23.43 The proton moves with acceleration a p =

qE (1.60 × 10 C ( 640 N C )
=
−19
)
= 6.13 × 1010 m s 2
m 1.673 × 10 −27 kg

(1.60 × 10 −19
C ) ( 640 N C )
while the e− has acceleration ae = = 1.12 × 1014 m s 2 = 1 836a p
9.110 × 10 −31 kg

1 2
(a) We want to find the distance traveled by the proton (i.e., d = a p t ), knowing:
2

a p t + ae t = 1 837 ⎛ a p t 2 ⎞
1 2 1 2 1
4.00 cm =
2 2 ⎝ 2 ⎠

1 2 4.00 cm
Thus, d= apt = = 21.8 µ m
2 1 837

(b) The distance from the positive plate to where the meeting occurs equals the distance the
1
sodium ion travels (i.e., dNa = aNa t 2 ). This is found from:
2

4.00 cm = ⎛
1 1 1 eE ⎞ 2 1 ⎛ eE ⎞ 2
4.00 cm = aNa t 2 + aCl t 2 : t + t
2 2 2 22.99 u ⎠
⎝ 2 ⎝ 35.45 u ⎠

aNa t 2 + ( 0.649aNa ) t 2 = 1.65 ⎛ aNa t 2 ⎞

1 1 1
This may be written as 4.00 cm =
2 2 ⎝2 ⎠
1 4.00 cm
so dNa = aNa t 2 = = 2.43 cm
2 1.65

P23.44 (a) The field, E1, due to the 4.00 × 10 −9 C charge is in the
−x direction.

kq
E1 = e2 rˆ =
(8.99 × 109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) ( −4.00 × 10 −9 C) ˆi
r ( 2.50 m )2
= −5.75ˆi N C FIG. P23.44 (a)

Likewise, E2 and E3 , due to the 5.00 × 10 −9 C charge and the 3.00 × 10 −9 C charge, are

ke q ( 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) ( 5.00 × 10 −9 C ) ˆ
E2 = 2 r =
ˆ i = 11.2 N C ˆi
r ( 2.00 m )2

E3 =
(8.99 × 109 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) (3.00 × 10 −9 C) ˆi = 18.7 N C ˆi
(1.20 m )2





E R = E1 + E 2 + E 3 = 24.2 N C in +x direction.

continued on next page

18 Chapter 23

( )

kq
(b) E1 = e2 rˆ = ( −8.46 N C ) 0.243ˆi + 0.970 ˆj
r

( )

kq
E 2 = e2 rˆ = (11.2 N C ) + ˆj
r

( )

ke q
E 3 = 2 rˆ = ( 5.81 N C ) −0.371ˆi + 0.928ˆj
r
Ex = E1x + E3 x = −4.21ˆi N C Ey = E1y + E2 y + E3 y = 8.43 ĵ N C
FIG. P23.44 (b)
ER = 9.42 N C θ = 63.4 º above − x axis

P23.45 (a) Let us sum force components to find

∑F x = qEx − T sin θ = 0 , and ∑F y = qEy + T cos θ − mg = 0

Combining these two equations, we get

q=
mg
=
(1.00 × 10 −3 ) (9.80 ) = 1.09 × 10 −8 C
( Ex cot θ + Ey) ( 3.00 cot 37.0° + 5.00 ) × 10 5
= 10.9 nC
FIG. P23.45
(b) From the two equations for ∑F x and ∑F y we also find
qEx
T= = 5.44 × 10 −3 N = 5.44 mN
sin 37.0°

P23.46 This is the general version of the preceding problem. The known quantities are A, B, m, g, and θ.
The unknowns are q and T.
The approach to this problem should be the same as for the last problem, but without numbers to
substitute for the variables. Likewise, we can use the free body diagram given in the solution to
problem 45.

Again, Newton’s second law: ∑F x = −T sin θ + qA = 0 (1)

and ∑F y = +T cos θ + qB − mg = 0 (2)

qA qA cos θ
(a) Substituting T = into Eq. (2), + qB = mg
sin θ sin θ

mg
Isolating q on the left, q=
( A cot θ + B )

mgA
(b) Substituting this value into Eq. (1), T=
( A cos θ + B sin θ )

If we had solved this general problem first, we would only need to substitute the appropriate
values in the equations for q and T to find the numerical results needed for problem 45. If you
find this problem more difficult than problem 45, the little list at the first step is useful. It shows
what symbols to think of as known data, and what to consider unknown. The list is a guide for
deciding what to solve for in the analysis step, and for recognizing when we have an answer.
 Electric Fields 19

ke q1q2 15.0
P23.47 F= : tan θ =
r2 60.0
θ = 14.0°

F =
(8.99 × 10 ) (10.0 × 10 )
9 −6 2

= 40.0 N
1
( 0.150 )2

F3 =
(8.99 × 10 ) (10.0 × 10 )
9 −6 2

= 2.50 N
( 0.600 )2 FIG. P23.47

F2 =
(8.99 × 10 ) (10.0 × 10 )
9 −6 2

= 2.35 N
( 0.619 )2
Fx = − F3 − F2 cos 14.0° = −2.50 − 2.35 cos 14.0° = −4.78 N
Fy = − F1 − F2 sin 14.0° = −40.0 − 2.35 sin 14.0° = −40.6 N
Fnet = Fx2 + Fy2 = ( 4.78 ) + ( 40.6 ) = 40.9 N
2 2

Fy −40.6
tan φ = =
Fx −4.78
φ = 263°

P23.48 From Figure (a) we have d cos 30.0° = 15.0 cm

15.0 cm
or d=
cos 30.0°

θ = sin −1 ⎛
d ⎞
From Figure (b) we have
⎝ 50.0 cm ⎠

⎛ 15.0 cm ⎞
θ = sin −1 ⎜ = 20.3°
⎝ 50.0 cm ( cos 30.0° ) ⎟⎠ Figure (a)

Fq
= tan θ
mg
or Fq = mg tan 20.3° (1)

From Figure (c) we have Fq = 2 F cos 30.0°

⎡ ke q 2 ⎤
Fq = 2 ⎢ 2 ⎥ cos 30.0°
(2) Figure (b)
⎣ ( 0.300 m ) ⎦
Combining equations (1) and (2),

⎡ ke q 2 ⎤
2⎢ 2 ⎥ cos 30.0° = mg tan 20.3°
⎣ ( 0 .300 m ) ⎦

mg ( 0.300 m ) tan 20.3°

2
q2 =
2 ke cos 30.0°

q2 =
( 2.00 × 10 kg) (9.80 m s ) ( 0.300 m ) tan 20.3°
−3 2 2 Figure (c)

2 (8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C ) cos 30.0°

9 2 2 FIG. P23.48

q = 4.20 × 10 −14 C2 = 2.05 × 10 −7 C = 0.205 µ C

20 Chapter 23

Q
P23.49 Charge resides on each of the blocks, which repel as point charges:
2
ke ( Q 2 ) ( Q 2 )
F= = k ( L − Li )
L2

k ( L − Li )
Solving for Q, Q = 2L
ke

P23.50 If we place one more charge q at the 29th vertex, the total force on the central charge will add up

k qQ
k qQ
to zero: F28 charges + e 2 away from vertex 29 = 0 F28 charges = e 2 toward vertex 29
a a

P23.51 According to the result of an Example in the chapter text, the left-
hand rod creates this field at a distance d from its right-hand end:
keQ
E=
d ( 2a + d )
FIG. P23.51
keQQ dx
dF =
2a d ( d + 2a )
b
1 2a + x ⎞
b
keQ 2 k Q2
= e ⎛−
dx
F=
2a ∫
x =b− 2 a
x ( x + 2 a ) 2 a ⎝ 2 a
ln
x ⎠ b− 2 a

+ keQ 2 ⎛ 2a + b b ⎞ keQ 2 b2 ⎛ k Q2 ⎞ ⎛ b2 ⎞
F= − ln + ln = ln = ⎜ e 2 ⎟ ln ⎜ 2
4a 2 ⎝
b b − 2a ⎠ 4 a 2
( b − 2a ) ( b + 2a ) ⎝ 4 a ⎠ ⎝ b − 4 a 2 ⎟⎠

*P23.52 We model the spheres as particles. They have different charges. They exert on each other forces
of equal magnitude. They have equal masses, so their strings make equal angles q with the
vertical. The distance r between them is described by sin q = (r/2)/40 cm,
so r = 80 cm sin q
Let T represent the string tension. We have
ΣFx = 0: keq1q2/r2 = T sinq
ΣFy = 0: mg = T cosq
ke q1q2 r /2
Divide to eliminate T. 2
= tan θ =
r mg (40 cm)2 − r 2 / 4

Cleared of fractions, ke q1q2 (80 cm)2 − r 2 = mgr 3

8.99 × 109(N ⋅ m2/C2) 300 × 10−9C (200 × 10−9C) (0.8 m)2 − r 2 = 2.4 × 10 −3 (9.8) N r 3
(0.8 m)2 − r 2 = 1901 r 6
We home in on a solution by trying values.
r 0.64 − r 2 − 1901 r 6
0 +0.64
0.5 −29.3
0.2 +0.48
0.3 −0.84
0.24 +0.22
0.27 −0.17
0.258 +0.013
0.259 −0.001
Thus the distance to three digits is 0.259 m .
 Electric Fields 21

90.0 º

Q = ∫ λdℓ = ∫ λ0 cos θ Rdθ = λ0 R sin θ −90.0 º = λ0 R [1 − ( −1)] = 2λ0 R

90.0 º
*P23.53
−90.0 º

Q = 12.0 µ C = ( 2λ0 ) ( 0.600 ) m = 12.0 µ C so λ0 = 10.0 µ C m

1 ⎛ ( 3.00 µ C ) ( λ d ℓ ) ⎞ 1 ⎛ ( 3.00 µ C ) ( λ0 cos θ Rdθ ) ⎞

2
cos q
dFy = cos θ =
4π ∈0 ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ 4π ∈0 ⎜⎝ ⎟ 1
R2 R2 ⎠
0
90.0 º
(3.00 × 10 −6
C ) (10.0 × 10 −6 C m )
Fy = ∫ (8.99 × 10
9
N ⋅ m 2 C2 ) cos 2 θ dθ –1
−90.0 º
( 0.600 m ) 0° 360°
π 2
8.99 ( 30.0 ) −3
(10 N ) ∫ ⎛⎝ 12 + 12 cos 2θ ⎞⎠ dθ
cos2 q
Fy = 1
0.600 −π 2
0
π 2
Fy = ( 0.450 N ) ⎛ θ + sin 2θ ⎞
1 1 0° 360°
= 0.707 N downward
⎝2 4 ⎠ −π 2 FIG. P23.53

Since the leftward and rightward forces due to the two halves of the semicircle cancel out, Fx = 0.

*P23.54 (a) The two charges create fields of equal magnitude, both with outward components along the
x axis and with upward and downward y components that add to zero. The net field is then
ke q x ˆ ke q x ˆ 2(8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 )52 × 10 −9 C x ˆi
i+ 2 i=
r2 r r r C2 ((0.25 m)2 + x 2 )3/2

= 935 N ⋅ m 2 x ˆi
C(0.0625 m 2 + x 2 )3/ 2

(b) At x = 0.36 m,

935 N ⋅ m 2 0.36 m ˆi
E= = 4.00 kN/C ˆi
C (0.0625 m 2 + (0.36 m)2 )3/2
(c) We solve 1 000 = 935 x (0.0625 + x2)−3/2 by tabulating values for the field function:

x 935 x (0.0625 + x2)−3/2

0 0
0.01 597
0.02 1 185
0.1 4 789
0.2 5 698
0.36 4 000
0.9 1 032
1 854
∞ 0

We see that there are two points where E = 1 000. We home in on them to determine their
coordinates as (to three digits) x = 0.016 8 m and x = 0.916 m.

(d) The table in part (c) shows that the field is nowhere so large as 16 000 N/C.

(e) The field of a single charge in Question 7 takes on all values from zero to infinity, each
at just one point along the positive x axis. The vector sum of the field of two charges,
in this problem, is zero at the origin, rises to a maximum at 17.7 cm, and then decreases
asymptotically to zero. In the question and the problem, the fields at x = 36 cm happen
to take similar values. For large x the field of the two charges in this problem shows
just the same inverse proportionality to x2 as the field in the question, being larger
/
by the factor 2(52 nC) (57.7 nC) = 1.80 times.
22 Chapter 23

P23.55 (a) From the 2Q charge we have Fe − T2 sin θ 2 = 0 and mg − T2 cos θ 2 = 0

Fe T sin θ 2
Combining these we find = 2 = tan θ 2
mg T2 cos θ 2
From the Q charge we have Fe = T1 sin θ1 = 0 and mg − T1 cos θ1 = 0

Fe T sin θ1
Combining these we find = 1 = tan θ1 or θ 2 = θ1
mg T1 cos θ1 FIG. P23.55

ke 2QQ 2 keQ 2
(b) Fe = =
r2 r2
r 2
If we assume q is small then tan θ ≈
ℓ
Substitute expressions for Fe and tan θ into either equation found in part (a) and solve for r.
13
⎛ 4 k Q2ℓ ⎞
= tan θ , then 2 keQ ⎛ 1 ⎞ ≈ r and solving for r we find r ≈ ⎜ e
Fe 2
.
mg r 2 ⎜⎝ mg ⎟⎠ 2 ℓ ⎝ mg ⎟⎠

P23.56 The bowl exerts a normal force on each bead, directed along
the radius line or at 60.0° above the horizontal. Consider the
free-body diagram shown for the bead on the left side of the
bowl:

∑F y = n sin 60.0° − mg = 0,

mg
or n=
sin 60.0° n

Also, ∑F x = − Fe + n cos 60.0° = 0, Fe 60.0°

ke q 2 mg mg
or = n cos 60.0° = = mg
R2 tan 60.0° 3
FIG. P23.56
12
⎛ mg ⎞
Thus, q = R⎜ ⎟
⎝ ke 3 ⎠

⎛ qE ⎞
P23.57 (a) The total non-contact force on the cork ball is: F = qE + mg = m ⎜ g + ⎟,
⎝ m⎠
which is constant and directed downward. Therefore, it behaves like a simple pendulum in
the presence of a modified uniform gravitational field with a period given by:

L 0.500 m
T = 2π = 2π
g + qE m 2 −6
) )
9.80 m s + ⎡⎣( 2.00 × 10 C (1.00 × 10 5 N C 1.00 × 10 −3 kg ⎤⎦

= 0.307 s

L
(b) Yes . Without gravity in part (a), we get T = 2π
qE m

0.500 m
T = 2π = 0.314 s (a 2.28% difference).
( 2.00 × 10 −6
C ) (1.00 × 10 5 N C ) 1.00 × 10 −3 kg
 Electric Fields 23

*P23.58 (a) At A the top charge makes the dominant contribution to the + P
field and the net field is downward. At B the total electric
field is zero. Between B and C the main change is weakening A
of the downward electric field of the top charge, so the net field
at C is upward. At E the fields of the two bottom charges cancel
out and the total field is downward. At F the total field is B
downward. C
D
(b) The field is zero at B as it changes from downward at A to E
+ +
upward at C. As a continuous function, the field must pass
F
through the value zero near D as it changes from upward
at C to downward at E and F.
(c) Let y represent the distance from E up to the zero-field point. FIG. P23.58
The distance from P to E is (32 − 1.52)1/2 cm = 2.60 cm. Then
the requirement that the field be zero is

ke q ke q y ke qy
= +
(2.60 cm − y )2 (1.5 cm)2 + y 2 (1.5 cm ) 2
+y 2
⎡⎣(1.5 cm)2 + y 2 ⎤⎦
3/ 2

ke q 2 ke qy
=
(2.60 cm − y ) 2
⎡⎣(1.5 cm)2 + y 2 ⎤⎦
3/ 2

(1.52 + y2)3/2 − 2 y (2.60 − y)2 = 0

As a check on our algebra, we note that y = (1/3)2.60 cm = 0.866 cm should be a solution,

corresponding to point B. Substituting 0.866 gives 5.20 − 5.20 = 0 as it should. We home in
on the smaller answer:

y (1.52 + y2)3/2 − 2y(2.60 − y)2

0 +3.375
0.3 +0.411
0.4 −0.124
0.37 +0.014
0.373 −0.000 6

To three digits the answer is 0.373 cm .

P23.59 (a) There are 7 terms which contribute:

3 are s away (along sides)
1
3 are 2s away (face diagonals) and sin θ = = cos θ
2
1
1 is 3s away (body diagonal) and sin φ =
3
FIG. P23.59
The component in each direction is the same by symmetry.

k q2 ⎡ 1 ⎤ ˆ ˆ ˆ
F = e2
s ⎣
1 +
2
+
⎢ 2 2 3 3⎥
⎦
i + j (
+ k =
ke q 2
s2
)
(1.990 ) ˆi + ˆj + kˆ ( )
ke q 2
(b) F = Fx2 + Fy2 + Fz2 = 3.29 away from the origiin
s2
24 Chapter 23

P23.60 (a) Zero contribution from the same face due to symmetry, opposite
face contributes
2 2
⎛k q ⎞ ⎛ s⎞ ⎛ s⎞
4 ⎜ e2 sin φ ⎟ where r = ⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟ + s 2 = 1.5 s = 1.22 s
⎝ r ⎠ ⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

s ke qs 4 ke q kq
sin φ = E=4 = = 2.18 e2
r r3 (1.22 ) 3
s 2
s
FIG. P23.60

(b) The direction is the k̂ direction.

P23.61 The field on the axis of the ring is calculated in an Example in the chapter text as
ke xQ
E = Ex =
(x )
32
2
+ a2

The force experienced by a charge −q placed along the axis of the ring is

⎡ ⎤
⎥ and when x << a, this becomes F = − ⎛ e 3 ⎞ x.
x k Qq
F = − keQq ⎢
⎢ ( x + a2 ) ⎝ a ⎠
32
2
⎥
⎣ ⎦
This expression for the force is in the form of Hooke’s law, with an effective spring
k Qq
constant of k = e 3 .
a

k 1 keQq
Since ω = 2π f = , we have f = .
m 2π ma 3

ke dq ⎛ − xˆi + 0.150 mˆj ⎞

P23.62 dE = ⎜ ⎟
x + ( 0.150 m ) ⎜⎝ x 2 + ( 0.150 m )2 ⎟⎠
2 2

=
(
ke λ − xˆi + 0.150 mˆj dx )
32
⎡ x + ( 0.150 m ) ⎤
2 2
⎣ ⎦
FIG. P23.62


0.400 m
(
− xˆi + 0.150 mˆj dx )
E= ∫ dE = ke λ ∫
x = 0 ⎡ x + ( 0.150 m ) ⎤
2 2 32
all charge
⎣ ⎦

⎡ 0.400 m 0.400 m
⎤


E = ke λ ⎢ + ˆi
+
( 0 . 150 m ) ˆjx
⎥
⎢ 2 ⎥
⎢⎣ x + ( 0 .150 m ) 2
0
( 0 .150 m ) 2
x 2
+ ( 0 .150 m ) 2
0 ⎥⎦


) )
E = ( 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C2 ( 35.0 × 10 −9 C m ⎡⎣ ˆi ( 2.34 − 6.67 ) m −1 + ˆj ( 6.24 − 0 ) m −1 ⎤⎦


( ) (
E = −1.36 ˆi + 1.96 ˆj × 10 3 N C = −1.36 ˆi + 1.96 ˆj kN C )
 Electric Fields 25

P23.63 The electrostatic forces exerted on the two charges result in a net torque
τ = −2 Fa sin θ = −2 Eqa sin θ .

For small θ , sin θ ≈ θ and using p = 2qa, we have τ = −Epθ

d 2θ
The torque produces an angular acceleration given by τ = Iα = I
dt 2
FIG. P23.63
d 2θ ⎛ Ep ⎞
Combining these two expressions for torque, we have +⎜ ⎟θ = 0
dt 2 ⎝ I ⎠
d 2θ
This equation can be written in the form = −ω 2θ which is the standard
dt 2
Ep
equation characterizing simple harmonic motion, with ω 2 =
I
1 pE 1 2 qaE
Then the frequency of oscillation is f = w /2p, or f = =
2π I 2π I

− k qˆi π 2 ke q
( ) ( ) ( )


E = ∑ e2 rˆ = e2 − ˆi + e 2 − ˆi + e 2 − ˆi + … = e2 ⎛ 1 + 2 + 2 + …⎞ = −
kq kq kq kq 1 1
P23.64 î
r a ( 2a ) ( 3a ) a ⎝ 2 3 ⎠ 6a 2

∞
( )
⎡ ke λ0 x0 dx − ˆi ⎤ ∞
⎛ 1 ∞
⎞ ke λ 0
P23.65 E = ∫ dE = ∫x ⎢⎢ x 3
⎥ = − ke λ0 x0 ˆi ∫ x −3 dx = − ke λ0 x0 ˆi ⎜ − 2
⎥ ⎝ 2x
⎟ = 2 x − î
x0 ⎠
( )
0 ⎣ ⎦ x0 0

ANSWERS TO EVEN PROBLEMS

P23.2 (a) 2.62 ⫻ 1024 (b) 2.38 electrons for every 109 present

P23.4 1.57 µN to the left

P23.6 2.51 ⫻ 10−9

P23.8 x = 0.634d. The equilibrium is stable if the third bead has positive charge.

π md 3 k qQ
P23.10 (a) period = where m is the mass of the object with charge −Q (b) 4 a e 3
2 ke qQ md
P23.12 1.82 m to the left of the negative charge

P23.14 514 kN

P23.16 (a) 12.9 ĵ kN C (b) −38.6 ĵ mN

P23.18 See the solution.

ke λ 0
P23.20
x0
( )
− î

P23.22 See the solution.

P23.24 (a) 383 MN/C away (b) 324 MN/C away (c) 80.7 MN/C away (d) 6.68 MN/C away

P23.26 See the solution.

26 Chapter 23

( d + R2
keQî ⎡ 2
) ( )
−1 2
⎤ 2 keQî ⎡
h + ( d 2 + R2 ) ( ) ⎤
12
− ( d + h ) + R2
−1 2 12
− ( d + h ) + R2
2 2
P23.28 (a) (b)
h ⎢⎣ ⎥⎦ R 2 h ⎢⎣ ⎥⎦
P23.30 (a) 200 pC (b) 141 pC (c) 58.9 pC

P23.32 See the solution.

1
P23.34 (a) − (b) q1 is negative and q2 is positive
3
P23.36 (a) −57.6 î Tm s 2 (b) 2.84 î Mm s (c) 49.3 ns

P23.38 The particle strikes the negative plate after moving in a parabola 0.181 mm high and 0.961 mm wide.

P23.40 (a) 36.9°, 53.1° (b) 167 ns, 221 ns

P23.42 It is possible in just one way: at x = −16.0 cm place a charge of +51.3 µC.

P23.44 (a) 24.2 N/C at 0° (b) 9.42 N/C at 117°

mg mgA
P23.46 (a) (b)
A cot θ + B A cos θ + B sin θ
P23.48 0.205 µC
ke qQ
P23.50 toward the 29th vertex
a2
P23.52 25.9 cm

935 N ⋅ m 2 x ˆi
P23.54 (a) E = (b) 4.00 î kN/C (c) At x = 0.016 8 m and at x = 0.916 m
C ( 0.0625 m 2 + x 2 )
3/ 2

(d) Nowhere is the field so large. (e) The field of a single charge in Question 7 takes on all
values from zero to infinity, each at just one point along the positive x-axis. The vector sum of
the field of two charges, in this problem, is zero at the origin, rises to a maximum at 17.7 cm, and
then decreases asymptotically to zero. In the question and the problem, the fields at x = 36 cm
happen to take similar values. For large x the field of the two charges in this problem shows
just the same inverse proportionality to x2 as the field in the question, being larger by the
factor 2(52 nC)/(57.7 nC) = 1.8 times.
12
⎛ mg ⎞
P23.56 R⎜ ⎟
⎝ ke 3 ⎠

P23.58 (a) At A downward. At B zero. At C upward. At E downward. At F downward. (b) See the
solution. (c) 0.373 cm

P23.60 (a) See the solution. (b) k̂.

P23.62 ( −1.36ˆi + 1.96ˆj) kN C

π 2 ke q
P23.64 − î
6a2