University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Education

Electrostatics
(EDPS310 & EDPS332)

By the end of this section you should be able to:

 Understand the concepts of electric field, electric potential energy, potential and potential
difference.
 Recall the definitions of all concepts and laws.
 Apply Coulomb’s law to calculate net electrostatic force in both one and two dimensional
contexts.
 Solve problems involving net electric fields in both one and two dimensional contexts.
 Calculate electric potential energy of charges in electric fields, potential at a point in a net electric
field, potential difference between two points in an electric field, work done when charges move
through a potential difference.
 Apply conservation of energy to solve problems involving charges moving in electric fields.
 Know how Millikan determined that charge is quantised, as well as the charge of an electron.
 Understand how Bohr determined his formulae for the radius and energy of the energy levels in
his model of an atom.

Electrostatic Forces and Coulomb's Law

Coulomb's Law:
The force of attraction or repulsion between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of
the charges1 and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
𝑘∙𝑄1 ∙𝑄2 𝑄1 ∙𝑄2
ie. 𝐹= = In a vacuum: k = 8.99 x 109 N.m2.C-2
𝑟2 4∙𝜋∙𝜖0 ∙𝑟 2
0 = 8.85 x 10-12 C2.N-1.m-2

1
The signs of the charges q1 and q2 must NOT be substituted into the equation.
Electricity & Atomic Structure (EDPS332)

 is called the permittivity of the medium surrounding the charges. If the charges are in a vacuum or in air,
then the value is given by 0 (the permittivity of free space). Although we tend to treat k as a constant, in
reality it depends on the medium. When charges are in a medium other than air or a vacuum, then the
value of k is actually smaller than the value given above, and  is bigger, giving a smaller force. This is due
to a charge being induced in the molecules of the intervening material. This implies that ionic bonds will
become weaker when an ionic solid is placed in a solvent and explains the dissolution of NaCl (table salt) in
water.

If more than two charges interact, the force between them is determined using the principle of
superposition.
If 2 or more charges exert a force on another charge Q, the total force on Q is the vector sum of the
forces exerted separately by the individual charges on Q.

Example

Two point charges q1 = 1.0 x 10-7 C and q2 = -2.0 x10-5 C, are placed 16 cm apart.

1. Determine the force between the two charges.

6.0 cm 10 cm
2. A third charge of magnitude 3.0 x 10-6 C, is placed 6.0 cm from q1 q3 q2
q1, along the straight line joining charges q1 and q2 as shown.
Calculate the net force exerted by q2 and q3 on q1. q1 6.0 cm 10 cm
3. A fourth charge q4 (q4 = - 4,0 C) is now positioned as q3 q2
8.0 cm 120°
shown in the second diagram.
Determine the net force now acting on q1. q4

Solution:

𝑘∙𝑞1 ∙𝑞2 (8.99 𝑥 109 )∙(1.0 𝑥 10−7 )∙(2.0 𝑥 10−5 )

1. 𝐹21 = 𝑟2
= (0.16)2
= 0.70 𝑁 (𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) 𝑖𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑅𝐼𝐺𝐻𝑇 𝑜𝑛 𝑞1

𝑘∙𝑞1 ∙𝑞3 (8.99 𝑥 109 )∙(1.0 𝑥 10−7 )∙(3.0 𝑥 10−6 )

2. 𝐹31 = 𝑟2
= (0.06)2
= 0.75 𝑁 (𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛) 𝑖𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝐸𝐹𝑇 𝑜𝑛 𝑞1 R 0.70N

Fon q1 = F21 + F31 = 0.75 – 0.70 0.75 N

= 0.05 N to the left

𝑘∙𝑞1 ∙𝑞4 (8.99 𝑥 109 )∙(1.0 𝑥 10−7 )∙(4.0 𝑥 10−6 )

3 𝐹41 = 𝑟2
= (0.08)2
F41
120°
= 0.56 𝑁 (𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) 𝑖𝑒 𝐷𝑂𝑊𝑁 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝐸𝐹𝑇 𝑜𝑛 𝑞1

𝑅 2 = (0.56)2 + (0.05)2 − 2 ∙ (0.56) ∙ (0.05) ∙ cos 120°

= 0.344 0.05 N
𝑅 = 0.59 𝑁 0.56 N 120° 
(0.56)) ∙ sin 120°
sin 𝜃 = = 0.8219 … R=?
(0.59)
 = 55

Page 2
Electricity & Atomic Structure (EDPS332)

Electric Fields

Definitions
An electric field is a region of space where an electrostatic force is experienced.
Electric field intensity (magnitude/strength), E, at a point X in an electric field, is the force per unit
charge experienced by a charge q’ when placed at that point in an electric field.
Electric field is a vector, and the direction of the field is given by the direction of the force on a positive
charge when placed at that point.
⃗⃗⃗
𝐹 𝑜𝑛 𝑞 𝑎𝑡 𝑋
ie. 𝐸⃗𝑎𝑡 𝑋 = 𝑞
Unit(s) of E: N.C-1 or V.m-1

If a point charge Q sets up an electric field, then ⃗𝑬𝒂𝒕 𝑿 = 𝒌∙𝑸𝟐

𝒓 𝑿

If several charges are in the same region, each sets up its own electric field. The total electric field at any
point is then the vector sum of the electric fields produced by the separate charges (principle of
superposition).

Electric fields are represented graphically using electric field lines. These are imaginary lines showing the
direction of the electrostatic force on a positive charge at any point  they are parallel to the electric field
at every point.
 Lines should always start at a positive and end at a negative charge (may end very far away).
 Electric field lines cannot intersect (cross).
 An arrow head is used to show the direction of each line.
 The spacing of these lines is an indication of the magnitude of E at each point – the closer the spacing,
the stronger the electric field is assumed to be.

Example

1. Determine the magnitude of the resultant electric field due q1 = - 4.8 µC

the charges q1 and q2 at point P in the diagram on the right.
2. Hence determine the magnitude of the force experienced 4.0 cm
q2 = + 3.2 µC 90°
by an electron placed at point P.
8.0 cm P
Solution:

𝑘∙𝑞1 (8.99 𝑥 109 )∙(4.8 𝑥 10−6 )

1. 𝐸1 = = = 2.70 𝑥 107 𝑁. 𝐶 −1
𝑟1 2 (0.040)2
E1 ER
90°
𝑘 ∙ 𝑞2 (8.99 𝑥 109 ) ∙ (3.2 𝑥 10−6 )
E2 𝐸2 = = = 4.50 𝑥 106 𝑁. 𝐶 −1
𝑟2 2 (0.080)2

𝐸𝑅 = √(2.70 𝑥 107 )2 + (4.50 𝑥 106 )2 = 2.74 𝑥 107 𝑁. 𝐶 −1

(Note : The question asks specifically for the magnitude, so we do not need to determine the direction.)

2. F = ER.q = (2.74 x107).(1.6 x 10-19) = 4.3 x 10-12 N

Page 3
Electricity & Atomic Structure (EDPS332)

Potential, Potential Energy & Potential Difference

Definitions

The electric potential energy of a charge at a point X in an electric field, is defined as the work done on
a charge when the charge moves from infinity (outside the electric field) to point X in the field.
However, a more useful concept is that of potential.

The potential V, at a point X in an electric field is the electric potential energy per unit charge that a
positive charge has at point X.
𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄 𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝑸 𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑿
ie. 𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑿, 𝑽𝑿 =
𝑸

-1
The unit of potential is Volts (V) where 1 V = 1 J.C
The potential at any point X in any electric field does NOT depend on the value of the charge Q in the
electric field. It only depends on the charge that sets up the electric field.

As with gravitational potential energy, we are not often concerned about the actual amount of potential
energy that a charge has in an electric field. Instead, we are interested in the changes that occur in the
electric potential energy of a charge when it moves between different points in an electric field. A positive
charge will move from a region of high to one of low potential under the influence of an electric field. In
the process it loses electric potential energy and gains an equal amount of kinetic energy, since
conservation of energy requires energy to be conserved, ie. Eep + Ek = 0.

E E
+ -
High V Motion Low V High V Motion Low V

On the other hand, a negative charge is pushed in the opposite direction to the electric field. Thus, they
move from regions of low, to regions of high potential in an electric field. In the process they also gain
kinetic energy and lose electric potential energy.

Definition
The potential difference between two points X and Y in an electric field, is the difference between the
potentials at each point and is calculated using:
VXY = VX - VY (where X is at the higher potential)
This potential difference VXY can be thought of as the potential of point X with respect to point Y.
Since a charge moving through a potential difference will experience a change in electrical potential energy,
the potential difference can also be defined as:

the work done per coulomb in moving positive charge from a point of low potential (Y) to a point with
higher potential (X) against the electric field.

The energy transferred to a charge q, when it is moved from point Y to point X through a potential
difference VXY is then given by:

Change in Electrical Potential Energy = Work done on charge q = VXY.q

Page 4
Electricity & Atomic Structure (EDPS332)

Notes:

 Potential, potential difference and potential energy are SCALARS.

 Potential energy, potential and potential difference can have both positive and negative values.
 Electric fields are conservative. This means that the potential difference between any two points is
constant, independent of the path chosen between the points.

The potential difference VBA between the points A

B and B shown is the SAME for all paths.
A

 When a potential difference is given as VXY = 20 V, this means that the potential at point X is 20 V
higher than the potential at point Y. Since we are interested in changes in potential rather than actual
values of potential, we will commonly choose the potential at Y to be zero, and then take the potential
at X as 20 V. This is analogous to choosing the lowest point in a gravitational field as ‘ground’. Often
the ‘ground’ or a conductor connected to the ground (the Earth) is taken as 0 V. The conductor is then
said to be ‘earthed’. In a cell or battery, it is convenient to think of the potential at the negative
terminal as being 0 V and the positive terminal potential as being the same as the emf of the cell.
 If there is a potential difference in a conductor, then charges flow forming an electric current, which
continues until the potential difference is zero.
 If the electric field is caused by a point charge q, then the potential at point X which is a distance rX
from q is given by:
𝑘∙𝑞
𝑉𝑋 = 𝑟𝑋
and the electrical potential energy of a second charge q2, placed at point X in this electric field is given
by:
𝑘 ∙ 𝑞. 𝑞2
𝐸𝑃 = 𝑉𝑋 ∙ 𝑞2 =
𝑟𝑋

The Relationship between a Uniform Electric Field and Potential

Consider the case of parallel plates, separated by a distance of s and having a

potential difference V between them. The electric field between the plates is uniform
(same magnitude and direction at all points).
F
The potential difference across the plates and the electric field between the plates are q
related by:
s
𝑉
𝐸 = ∆𝑠
VH VL
VLH = VL - VH
Examples

1. The potentials at point X and Y on a single electric field X Y

line in an electric field are 10 V and 2.0 V respectively
as shown on the right. VX = 10 V VY = 2.0 V
(a) Complete the field line by drawing in an arrowhead to show the direction of the electric field.
(b) If this electric field is caused by a point charge, is the point charge positive or negative? Give a
reason for your answer.

Page 5
Electricity & Atomic Structure (EDPS332)

(c) Determine the potential difference VXY between points X and Y.

(d) Calculate the work done to move each of the following charges from point Y to point X. State
whether each charge will gain or lose each of the following - electric potential energy, and kinetic
energy.
 a charge of +16 C
 an electron
(e) How would your answers to question (d) change if the charges were moved from X to Y instead?

2. A potential difference of 20 V is applied to parallel plates.

20 V + + + + + + + + + +
The plates are positioned horizontally and are separated
by a distance of 0,20 m. The plates are 50 cm in length. B
A
(Assume that the effects of the gravitational force are 0V - - - - - - - - - -

negligible) 50 cm

(a) An electron ‘A’ is released from rest just above the negative plate as shown. Determine the time
taken for the electron to reach the positive plate.
(b) An electron ‘B’ travelling horizontally with an initial velocity of 100 m.s-1 enters the field between
the parallel plates at a point midway between the plates. What type of path will the electron
follow?

Solution

V (20)
(a) Force Approach: FE  E.q  .q  .(1,6x10 19 )  1,6x10 17 N
s (0,20)

Now F = FE since the gravitational force is negligible.

 m.a = FE and, F 1,6x10 17
a E   1,76 x10 13 m.s 2
m 9,1x10 31
s = u.t + ½ a.t2 where u = 0  2.s 2.(0,20)
t    1,51 x 10 7 s
a (1,76 x 1013)

Energy Approach:
The kinetic energy gained by the electron when moving up to the negative plate comes from the
electric potential energy lost by the electron. (Gravitational potential energy is ignored since the
gravitational force is negligible)
ie. Ek = Ep ½ m.v2 - 0 = -V.q
ie.
½ (9,1 x 10-31).v2 = -(20).(-1,6 x 10-19)
v2 = 7,03 x 1012
 v = 2,65 x 106 m.s-1
Now, since ‘a’ is constant,
uv 2.s 2.(0,20)
s( ).t t    1,51x10 7 s
2 (u  v) (0  2,65 x10 )
6

(b) When the electron enters the electric field, it experiences a constant upward acceleration that is
perpendicular to its initial velocity. This is analogous to a ball rolling off a horizontal table and
then falling under the influence of gravity. Thus, the electron follows a parabolic path that curves
up.

Page 6
Electricity & Atomic Structure (EDPS332)

TUTORIAL PROBLEMS

1. Determine the magnitude of the electrostatic force between an iron nucleus (q = +26e) and its
innermost electron if the distance between them is 1.5 x 10-12 m.

2. Three charged particles are placed in a line as shown in the diagram. Calculate the net force on each
charge due to the other two.
35 cm 35 cm
70 C 48 C -80 C

3. A charge of 6.0 mC is placed at each corner of a square. The sides of the square are 1.0 m in length.
Determine the magnitude and direction of the net force on each charge.

4. A +5.7 C charge and a -3.5 C charge are placed 25 cm apart. Where can a third charge be placed so
that it experiences no net force.

5. Four charges are positioned at the corners of a square as +45 C -31 C

shown in the diagram on the right. The sides of the square
are 60 cm in length.
Determine: -31 C -31 C
6.1 the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the centre of a square;
6.2 the potential at the centre of the square.

6. What is the magnitude of the electric field at a point in space if a proton experiences an acceleration of
1 million “g’s”. (mp = 1.67 x 10-27 kg)

7. An electron, moving to the right at 1% the speed of light, enters a uniform electric field. The electron
then comes to rest within a distance of 5.0 cm. Determine the magnitude and direction of the electric
field if the field lines are parallel to the initial velocity of the electron.

8. A point charge (m = 1.0 g) is tied to the end of an insulted thread with a length
of 50 cm. When the charge is placed in a uniform, horizontal electric field
(E = 9200 N.C-1), the point charge comes to equilibrium in the position shown.
Determine the magnitude and sign of the point charge.
1.0 cm
E

9. Determine the velocity of a proton (mp = 1.67 x 10-27 kg) that is accelerated from rest through a potential
difference of 106 V.

10. An electron is placed in a uniform electric field with a magnitude of 20 N.C-1. How far must the electron
move in this field to gain 3.2 x 10-18 J of kinetic energy?

11. A charge q = 6.4 C, sets up an electric field. X and Y are two points in this electric field.

q = 6.4 C
0.20 m X 0.30 m Y

11.1 Calculate the potentials at point X and point Y.

Page 7
Electricity & Atomic Structure (EDPS332)

11.2 Determine the potential difference VXY. Which point is at the lower potential?
11.3 How much electric potential energy will each of the following charges have at point X?
(a) +4.0 µC; (b) An electron.
11.4 Calculate the work done by the electric field in moving each of the following charges from Y to X:
(a) a positive charge of 4.0 µC; (b) an electron (q = -1.6 x 10-19 C).

Answers:

1. 2,. 6 x 10-3 N
2. 144 N left; 528 N right; 385 N left
3. 6.19 x 105 N away from the centre of the square.
4. 0.91 m from the negative charge, and 1.16 m from the positive charge along the straight line joining the
charges.
5.1 3.87 x 106 N.C-1 directed away from the positive charge; 5.2 -1.03 x 106 V
6. 0.102 N.C-1
7. 512 N.C-1 to the right.
8. +2.16 x 10-7 C
9. 1.38 x 107 m.s-1
10. 1.0 mm
11.1 VX = 2.88 x 105 V; VY = 1.15 x 105 V; 11.2 VXY = + 1.73 x 105 V; Y
11.3 (a) +1.15 J; (b) -4.61 x 10-14 J
11.4 (a) +0.692 J (b) -2.77 x 10-14 J

Page 8