Electric Potential and

Capacitance
CHAPTER OUTLINE

20.1 Potential Difference and

20.2
Electric Potential
Potential Differences in
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
a Uniform Electric Field
20.3 Electric Potential and Q20.1 When one object B with electric charge is immersed in the electric
Electric Potential
Energy Due to Point field of another charge or charges A, the system possesses electric
Charges potential energy. The energy can be measured by seeing how much
20.4 Obtaining Electric Field work the field does on the charge B as it moves to a reference
from Electric Potential
20.5 Electric Potential Due to location. We choose not to visualize A’s effect on B as an action-at-a-
Continuous Charge distance, but as the result of a two-step process: Charge A creates
Distributions electric potential throughout the surrounding space. Then the
20.6 Electric Potential of a
Charged Conductor potential acts on B to inject the system with energy.
20.7 Capacitance
20.8 Combinations of Q20.2 The potential energy increases. When an outside agent makes it move
Capacitors in the direction of the field, the charge moves to a region of lower
20.9 Energy Stored in a
Charged Capacitor electric potential. Then the product of its negative charge with a lower
20.10 Capacitors with number of volts gives a higher number of joules. Keep in mind that a
Dielectrics
negative charge feels an electric force in the opposite direction to the
20.11 Context ConnectionThe
Atmosphere as a field, while the potential is the work done on the charge to move it in a
Capacitor field per unit charge.

Q20.3 To move like charges together from an infinite separation, at which the potential energy of the
system of two charges is zero, requires work to be done on the system by an outside agent. Hence
energy is stored, and potential energy is positive. As charges with opposite signs move together
from an infinite separation, energy is released, and the potential energy of the set of charges
becomes negative.

Q20.4 If there were a potential difference between two points on the conductor, the free electrons in the
conductor would move until the potential difference disappears.

Q20.5 A sharp point in a charged conductor would imply a large electric field in that region. An electric
discharge could most easily take place at that sharp point.

Q20.6 Use a conductive box to shield the equipment. Any stray electric field will cause charges on the outer
surface of the conductor to rearrange and cancel the stray field inside the volume it encloses.

545
546 Electric Potential and Capacitance

Q20.7 The grounding wire can be touched equally well to any point on the sphere. Electrons will drain
away into the ground and the sphere will be left positively charged. The ground, wire, and sphere
are all conducting. They together form an equipotential volume at zero volts during the contact.
However close the grounding wire is to the negative charge, electrons have no difficulty in moving
within the metal through the grounding wire to ground. The ground can act as an infinite source or
sink of electrons. In this case, it is an electron sink.

Q20.8 Nothing happens to the charge if the wires are disconnected. If the wires are connected to each
other, charges in the single conductor that now exists move between the wires and the plates until
the entire conductor is at a single potential and the capacitor is discharged.

Q20.9 The parallel-connected capacitors store more energy because they have higher equivalent
capacitance.

Q20.10 Seventeen combinations:

Individual C1 , C 2 , C 3
Parallel C 1 + C 2 + C 3 , C1 + C 2 , C1 + C 3 , C 2 + C 3

Series-Parallel
FG 1 + 1 IJ + C , FG 1 + 1 IJ + C , FG 1 + 1 IJ + C
−1 −1 −1

HC C K
1 2 HC C K 3
1 HC C K
3
2
2 3
1

FG 1 + 1 IJ , FG 1 + 1 IJ , FG 1 + 1 IJ
−1 −1 −1

HC +C C K HC +C C K HC +C C K
1 2 3 1 3 2 2 3 1

Series
FG 1 + 1 + 1 IJ , FG 1 + 1 IJ , FG 1 + 1 IJ , FG 1 + 1 IJ
−1 −1 −1 −1

HC C C K HC C K HC C K HC C K
1 2 3 1 2 2 3 1 3

Q20.11 Energy is proportional to voltage squared. It gets four times larger.

Q20.12 The work you do to pull the plates apart becomes additional electric potential energy stored in the
capacitor. The charge is constant and the capacitance decreases but the potential difference increases
1
to drive up the potential energy Q∆V . The electric field between the plates is constant in strength
2
but fills more volume as you pull the plates apart.

Q20.13 Let C = the capacitance of an individual capacitor, and C s represent the equivalent capacitance of the
group in series. While being charged in parallel, each capacitor receives charge

e ja
Q = C∆Vcharge = 5.00 × 10 −4 F 800 V = 0.400 C . f
Q Q 0. 400 C
While being discharged in series, ∆Vdischarge = = = = 8.00 kV
C s C 10 5.00 × 10 −5 F
(or 10 times the original voltage).

Q20.14 Put a material with higher dielectric strength between the plates, or evacuate the space between the
plates. At very high voltages, you may want to cool off the plates or choose to make them of a
different chemically stable material, because atoms in the plates themselves can ionize, showing
thermionic emission under high electric fields.
 Chapter 20 547
Q20.15 The primary choice would be the dielectric. You would want to chose a dielectric that has a large
dielectric constant and dielectric strength, such as strontium titanate, where κ ≈ 233 (Table 20.1). A
convenient choice could be thick plastic or mylar. Secondly, geometry would be a factor. To
maximize capacitance, one would want the individual plates as close as possible, since the
capacitance is proportional to the inverse of the plate separation—hence the need for a dielectric
with a high dielectric strength. Also, one would want to build, instead of a single parallel plate
capacitor, several capacitors in parallel. This could be achieved through “stacking” the plates of the
capacitor. For example, you can alternately lay down sheets of a conducting material, such as
aluminum foil, sandwiched between your sheets of insulating dielectric. Making sure that none of
the conducting sheets are in contact with their next neighbors, connect every other plate together.
Figure Q20.15 illustrates this idea.

Dielectric

Conductor

FIG. Q20.15

This technique is often used when “home-brewing” signal capacitors for radio applications, as
they can withstand huge potential differences without flashover (without either discharge between
plates around the dielectric or dielectric breakdown). One variation on this technique is to sandwich
together flexible materials such as aluminum roof flashing and thick plastic, so the whole product
can be rolled up into a “capacitor burrito” and placed in an insulating tube, such as a PVC pipe, and
then filled with motor oil (again to prevent flashover).

Q20.16 The material of the dielectric may be able to support a larger electric field than air, without breaking
down to pass a spark between the capacitor plates.

SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
Section 20.1 Potential Difference and Electric Potential

P20.1 (a) Energy of the proton-field system is conserved as the proton moves from high to low
potential, which can be defined for this problem as moving from 120 V down to 0 V.
1
K i + U i + ∆Emech = K f + U f 0 + qV + 0 = mv p2 + 0
2

e1.60 × 10 −19
ja
C 120 V fFGH 1 V1 J⋅ C IJK = 12 e1.67 × 10 −27
j
kg v p2

v p = 1.52 × 10 5 m s

continued on next page

548 Electric Potential and Capacitance

(b) The electron will gain speed in moving the other way,

from Vi = 0 to V f = 120 V : K i + U i + ∆Emech = K f + U f

1
0+0+0= mv e2 + qV
2

0=
1
2
e j e
9.11 × 10 −31 kg v e2 + −1.60 × 10 −19 C 120 J C jb g
v e = 6.49 × 10 6 m s

P20.2 ∆V = −14.0 V and e je j

Q = − N A e = − 6.02 × 10 23 1.60 × 10 −19 = −9.63 × 10 4 C

C jb−14.0 J C g =
W
∆V =
Q
, so e
W = Q∆V = −9.63 × 10 4 1.35 MJ

Section 20.2 Potential Differences in a Uniform Electric Field

P20.3 (a) We follow the path from (0, 0) to (20.0 cm, 0) to (20.0 cm, 50.0 cm).
∆U = − (work done)
∆U = − (work from origin to (20.0 cm, 0)) – (work from (20.0 cm, 0) to (20.0 cm, 50.0 cm))
Note that the last term is equal to 0 because the force is perpendicular to the displacement.

b g e jb ga
∆U = − qEx ∆x = − 12.0 × 10 −6 C 250 V m 0.200 m = −6.00 × 10 −4 J f
∆U 6.00 × 10 −4 J
(b) ∆V = =− = −50.0 J C = −50.0 V
q 12.0 × 10 −6 C

∆V 25.0 × 10 3 J C
P20.4 E= = −2
= 1.67 × 10 6 N C = 1.67 MN C
d 1.50 × 10 m

P20.5
1
e j 1
e
∆U = − m v 2f − vi2 = − 9.11 × 10 −31 kg
2 2
jLNMe1.40 × 10 5
ms j − e3.70 × 10
2 6
ms j OQP = 6.23 × 10
2 −18
J

∆U = q∆V : e
+6.23 × 10 −18 = −1.60 × 10 −19 ∆V j
∆V = −38.9 V. The origin is at highest potential.
 Chapter 20 549

P20.6 (a) Arbitrarily choose V = 0 at 0. Then at other points r

E
V = − Ex and U e = QV = −QEx .

Between the endpoints of the motion,

bK + U s + Ue g = bK + U
i s + Ue g f FIG. P20.6

1 2 2QE
0+0+0=0+ kx max − QEx max so x max = .
2 k

(b) At equilibrium,

∑ Fx = − Fs + Fe = 0 or kx = QE .

QE
So the equilibrium position is at x = .
k

d2x
(c) The block’s equation of motion is ∑ Fx = − kx + QE = m dt 2 .

QE QE
Let x′ = x − , or x = x ′ + ,
k k
so the equation of motion becomes:

FG QE IJ d 2 x + QE k b
d 2x′ k g FG IJ
H
−k x′ +
k K
+ QE = m
dt 2
, or
dt 2
=−
m
x′ .
H K
This is the equation for simple harmonic motion a x ′ = −ω 2 x ′

k
with ω= .
m

2π m
The period of the motion is then T= = 2π .
ω k

(d) bK + U s g b
+ U e i + ∆Emech = K + U s + U e g f

1 2
0 + 0 + 0 − µ k mgx max = 0 + kx max − QEx max
2

x max =
b
2 QE − µ k mg g
k
550 Electric Potential and Capacitance

Section 20.3 Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy Due to Point Charges

P20.7 (a)
q
The potential at 1.00 cm is V1 = k e =
e
8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C 2 1.60 × 10 −19 Cje j
= 1.44 × 10 −7 V .
r 1.00 × 10 −2 m

(b)
q
The potential at 2.00 cm is V2 = k e =
e
8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C 2 1.60 × 10 −19 C je j
= 0.719 × 10 −7 V .
r 2.00 × 10 −2 m

Thus, the difference in potential between the two points is ∆V = V2 − V1 = −7.19 × 10 −8 V .

(c) The approach is the same as above except the charge is −1.60 × 10 −19 C . This changes the
sign of each answer, with its magnitude remaining the same.

That is, the potential at 1.00 cm is −1.44 × 10 −7 V .

The potential at 2.00 cm is −0.719 × 10 −7 V , so ∆V = V2 − V1 = 7.19 × 10 −8 V .

P20.8 (a) Since the charges are equal and placed symmetrically, F = 0 .

(b) Since F = qE = 0 , E = 0 .
FIG. P20.8

jFGH 2.000.800
× 10 C I
−6
q
(c) V = 2k e
r
e
= 2 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C 2
m JK

V = 4.50 × 10 4 V = 45.0 kV

k e q1 ke q2 F + q + −2 q I = 0 .
P20.9 (a) Ex =
x 2
+
ax − 2.00f 2
=0 becomes Ex = k e GH x ax − 2.00f JK
2 2

Dividing by k e , a
2 qx 2 = q x − 2.00 f 2
x 2 + 4.00 x − 4.00 = 0 .

−4.00 ± 16.0 + 16.0

Therefore E = 0 when x= = −4.83 m .
2
(Note that the positive root does not correspond to a physically valid situation.)

k e q1 k q
+ e 2 =0
FG + q − 2q IJ = 0 .
(b) V=
x 2.00 − x
or V = ke
H x 2.00 − x K
Again solving for x, 2 qx = qa 2.00 − xf .

For 0 ≤ x ≤ 2.00 V = 0 when x = 0.667 m

q −2 q
and = . For x < 0 x = −2.00 m .
x 2−x
 Chapter 20 551

P20.10 U e = q 4V1 + q 4V2 + q 4V3 = q 4

FG 1 IJ FG q 1
+
q 2 q3
+
IJ
H 4π ∈ K H r 0 1 r2 r3 K
F I
e
U e = 10.0 × 10 −6 C j e8.99 × 10
2 9
N ⋅ m2 C 2 jGG 0.6001 m + 0.1501 m + 0.600 m 1+ 0.150 m JJ
H a 2
f a f 2
K
U e = 8.95 J

qi
V = ∑k
P20.11 ri
i

e je
V = 8.99 × 10 9 7.00 × 10 −6 jLMN 0.010
−1
−
1
+
1 O
P
0 0.010 0 0.038 7 Q
V = −1.10 × 10 7 V = −11.0 MV

FIG. P20.11

k e q1 k e q 2 k q
=2 e
FG IJ
P20.12 (a) V=
r1
+
r2 r H K
F e8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C je2.00 × 10 Cj I
9 2 2 −6
V=2 GG JJ
H a1.00 mf + a 0 .500 mf K 2 2

V = 3.22 × 10 4 V = 32.2 kV FIG. P20.12

(b) e je
U = qV = −3.00 × 10 −6 C 3.22 × 10 4 J C = −9.65 × 10 −2 J j
P20.13 U = U1 + U 2 + U 3 + U 4
b g b
U = 0 + U 12 + U 13 + U 23 + U 14 + U 24 + U 34 g
U =0+
k eQ 2
kQ
+ e
2
FG 1
+1 +
IJ k eQ 2
FG 1 + 1
+1
IJ
s s H 2 K s H 2 K
U=
k eQ 2
FG 4 + 2 IJ = 5.41
k eQ 2

s H 2K s
FIG. P20.13

*P20.14 (a) The first expression, with distances squared, describes an electric field. The second expression
describes an electric potential. Then a positive 7 nC charge is 7 cm from the origin. To create
field that is to the left and downward, it must be in the first quadrant, with position vector
7 cm at 70° . A negative 8 nC charge 3 cm from the origin creates an upward electric
field at the origin, so it must be at 3 cm at 90° . We evaluate the given expressions:

r
E = −4.39 kN C $i + 67.8 kN C $j
V = −1.50 kV

continued on next page

552 Electric Potential and Capacitance
r r
(b) e
F = qE = −16 × 10 −9 C −4.39 $i + 67.8 $j 10 3 N C =j e7.03 $i − 109 $jj × 10 −5
N

(c) e
U e = qV = −16 × 10 −9 C −1.50 × 10 3 J C = −2.40 × 10 −5 J j
P20.15 Consider the two spheres as a system.

m v
(a) Conservation of momentum: e j
0 = m1 v1 $i + m 2 v 2 − $i or v 2 = 1 1
m2

By conservation of energy, 0=
b g
k e − q1 q 2
=
1 1
m1 v12 + m 2 v 22 +
b g
k e − q1 q 2
d 2 2 r1 + r2

k e q1 q 2 k e q1 q 2 1 1 m12 v12
and − = m1 v12 +
r1 + r2 d 2 2 m2

v1 =
FG 1 − 1 IJ
2 m 2 k e q1 q 2
b
m1 m1 + m 2 g H r + r dK
1 2

2b0.700 kg ge8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C je 2 × 10 C je3 × 10 C j F

9 2 2
1
−6 −6
1 IJ
v1 =
b 0 .100 kg gb 0 .800 kg g G
H 8 × 10 −3
m
−
1.00 m K
= 10.8 m s

v2 = =
b
m1 v1 0.100 kg 10.8 m s
= 1.55 m s
g
m2 0.700 kg

(b) If the spheres are metal, electrons will move around on them with negligible energy loss to
place the centers of excess charge on the insides of the spheres. Then just before they touch,
the effective distance between charges will be less than r1 + r2 and the spheres will really be
moving faster than calculated in (a) .

P20.16 Consider the two spheres as a system.

(a) Conservation of momentum: 0 = m1 v1 $i + m 2 v 2 − $ie j

m 1 v1
or v2 = .
m2

By conservation of energy, 0=
b g
k e − q1 q 2
=
1 1
m1 v12 + m 2 v 22 +
b g
k e − q1 q 2
d 2 2 r1 + r2

k e q1 q 2 k e q1 q 2 1 1 m12 v12
and − = m1 v12 + .
r1 + r2 d 2 2 m2

continued on next page

 Chapter 20 553

v1 =
2 m 2 k e q1 q 2 FG 1 IJ −
1
b
m1 m1 + m 2 gHr +r
1 K
2 d

v2 =
FG m IJ v
1
=
2m k q q F 1
G
1 e 1 2
−
1 IJ
Hm K
2
1
m bm + m g H r + r
2 1 2 1 2 d K
(b) If the spheres are metal, electrons will move around on them with negligible energy loss to
place the centers of excess charge on the insides of the spheres. Then just before they touch,
the effective distance between charges will be less than r1 + r2 and the spheres will really be
moving faster than calculated in (a) . We prove the equation for v1 is dimensionally
correct by evaluating the units of the right-hand side:

F kg ⋅ N ⋅ m CC I 2 12
F kg ⋅ mmI 12
m
GH C kg ⋅ m JK
2 2
=G
H s kg JK 2
=
s

as required. As either q1 or q 2 increases, both v1 and v 2 increase. The charge on either

object affects the speeds of both by equal factors. As m1 → ∞ , v1 → 0 . As m 2 → ∞ , v1

approaches
FG
2 K e q1 q 2 1
−
1 IJ
. In this case, all of the potential energy becomes kinetic
m1 H r1 + r2 d K
energy of just the lighter object. As r1 + r2 → 0 , the speeds go to infinity in our classical
approximation.

P20.17 (a) Each charge separately creates positive potential everywhere. The total potential produced
by the three charges together is then the sum of three positive terms. There is no point
located at a finite distance from the charges, at which this total potential is zero.

ke q keq 2k e q
(b) V= + =
a a a

P20.18 (a) In an empty universe, the 20-nC charge can be placed at its location with no energy
investment. At a distance of 4 cm, it creates a potential

V1 =
k e q1 e
=
je
8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C 2 20 × 10 −9 C
= 4.50 kV .
j
r 0.04 m
To place the 10-nC charge there we must put in energy

e je
U12 = q 2V1 = 10 × 10 −9 C 4.5 × 10 3 V = 4.50 × 10 −5 J . j
Next, to bring up the –20-nC charge requires energy

U 23 + U 13 = q 3V2 + q3 V1 = q 3 V2 + V1b g
jFGH 100.04
× 10 C 20 × 10 C I
−9 −9
e
= −20 × 10 −9 C 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C 2
m
+
0.08 m JK
= −4.50 × 10 −5 J − 4.50 × 10 −5 J
continued on next page
554 Electric Potential and Capacitance

The total energy of the three charges is

U12 + U 23 + U 13 = −4.50 × 10 −5 J .

(b) The three fixed charges create this potential at the location where the fourth is released:

F 20 × 10 −9 10 × 10 −9 20 × 10 −9 I Cm
e
V = V1 + V2 + V3 = 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C 2 jGH 0.04 2 + 0.03 2
+
0.03
−
0.05 JK
V = 3.00 × 10 3 V
Energy of the system of four charged objects is conserved as the fourth charge flies away:

FG 1 mv + qV IJ = FG 1 mv + qV IJ
2 2
H2 K H2 i
K f
1
0 + e 40 × 10 C je3.00 × 10 V j = e 2.00 × 10
−9 3 −13
j
kg v 2 + 0
2
2e1.20 × 10 Jj −4
4
v= = 3.46 × 10 m s
2 × 10 −13 kg

*P20.19 The original electrical potential energy is

ke q
U e = qV = q .
d
In the final configuration we have mechanical equilibrium. The spring and electrostatic forces on
k q2
a f a f
k q
each charge are − k 2d + q e 2 = 0 . Then k = e 3 . In the final configuration the total potential
3d 18d
2
keq 4 keq2
energy is
1 2
2
kx + qV =
1 k q
3
2 18d
a 2d f
e
=
3d 9 d
2
. The missing energy must have become internal
+q

k q 2 4k q 2
energy, as the system is isolated: e = e + ∆Eint
d 9d

5 keq2
∆Eint = .
9 d

P20.20 Using conservation of energy for the alpha particle-nucleus system,

we have K f + U f = K i + Ui .

k e qα qgold
But Ui =
ri

and ri ≈ ∞.

Thus, Ui = 0 .

Also K f = 0 ( v f = 0 at turning point),

so U f = Ki

continued on next page

 Chapter 20 555
k e qα qgold 1
or = mα vα2
rmin 2

rmin =
2 k e qα qgold
=
e ja fa fe
2 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C 2 2 79 1.60 × 10 −19 C j 2

= 2.74 × 10 −14 m = 27.4 fm .

mα vα2
e6.64 × 10 −27
kg je 2.00 × 10 7
ms j 2

Section 20.4 Obtaining Electric Field from Electric Potential

P20.21 V = a + bx = 10.0 V + −7.00 V m xb g

(a) At x = 0 , V = 10.0 V

At x = 3.00 m , V = −11.0 V

At x = 6.00 m , V = −32.0 V

(b) E=−
dV
dx
b g
= − b = − −7.00 V m = 7.00 N C in the + x direction

k eQ
P20.22 (a) For r < R V=
R
dV
Er = − = 0
dr

k eQ
(b) For r ≥ R V=
r

dV kQ FG kQ
= − − e 2 = e2
IJ
Er = −
dr r H r K
P20.23 V = 5 x − 3 x 2 y + 2 yz 2
r
b
Evaluate E at 1, 0 , − 2 g
Ex = −
∂V
∂x
a fa f
= −5 + 6 xy = −5 + 6 1 0 = −5

Ey = −
∂V
∂y
2
af a f2
= +3 x 2 − 2 z 2 = 3 1 − 2 −2 = −5

−4yz = −4a0fa −2f = 0

∂V
Ez = − =
∂z
+ E = a −5 f + a −5 f + 0 =
2 2
E = E x2 + E y2 2
z
2
7.07 N C
556 Electric Potential and Capacitance

Section 20.5 Electric Potential Due to Continuous Charge Distributions

P20.24 ∆V = V2 R − V0 =
k eQ
−
k eQ k eQ
=
FG 1 − 1IJ = −0.553
k eQ
a fR + 2R 2 2 R R H 5 K R

Lλ O C F 1 I
= M P = ⋅G J =
C
P20.25 (a) α
N x Q m H mK m2

z dq λdx L

zxdx L
z LM FG IJ OP
(b) V = ke
r
= ke
r
= k eα
0
d + x
= k eα L − d ln 1 +
d N H KQ
FIG. P20.25

P20.26 V= z k e dq
r
= ke z b2 +
α xdx
c L
2 −x h 2

L
Let z = −x.
2
L
Then x = − z , and dx = −dz
2

c ha f = − k α L FH IK
z z z
L − z −dz
2 dz zdz k eα L
V = k eα e
+ k eα =− ln z + z 2 + b 2 + k eα z 2 + b 2
2
b +z 2 2 b +z2 2
b +z2 2 2

LMF I F L I OP L L

GMH JK GH 2 − xJK + b P + k α FGH L2 − xIJK + b

2 2
k αL L 2 2
V=− e ln −x + e
2 2
N Q 0 0

L
k αL M −L+ c h +b P
O L L L 2 OP
ln M
e
P
L
2 F I
+ k α M G − LJ + b − G J
F LI
2
2 2
2
2
+ b2
V=−
2
MN + c h + b PQ N L
2
M H 2 K L 2
2
H 2K 2
e
PQ
e
L
k αL M b + − P
O 2 L2
4
L
2
V= −
2
ln
MM b + + PP
N Q 2 L2
4
L
2

P20.27 z
V = dV =
1
4π ∈0 z dq
r

All bits of charge are at the same distance from O.

FG IJ e jFGH −70.140
.50 × 10 C I −6
1 Q
m π JK
= 8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C 2
So V =
4π ∈0 R H K = −1.51 MV .
 Chapter 20 557
Section 20.6 Electric Potential of a Charged Conductor
ke q
P20.28 Substituting given values into V =
r

7.50 × 10 3
V=
e8.99 × 10 9
j
N ⋅ m2 C 2 q
.
0.300 m

Substituting q = 2.50 × 10 −7 C ,

2.50 × 10 −7 C
N= = 1.56 × 10 12 electrons .
1.60 × 10 −19 C e −

P20.29 (a) E= 0 ;

V=
ke q
=
e je
8.99 × 10 9 26.0 × 10 −6
= 1.67 MV
j
R 0.140

(b) E=
e8.99 × 10 je26.0 × 10 j = 5.84 MN C
keq
=
9 −6
away
r 2
a0.200f 2

k q e8.99 × 10 je 26.0 × 10 j
9 −6
e
V= = = 1.17 MV
R 0.200

(c) E=
keq
=
e8.99 × 10 je26.0 × 10 j =
9 −6
11.9 MN C away
R2 a0.140f 2

ke q
V= = 1.67 MV
R

k e q1 k e q 2
P20.30 (a) Both spheres must be at the same potential according to =
r1 r2

where also q1 + q 2 = 1.20 × 10 −6 C .

q 2 r1
Then q1 =
r2

q 2 r1
+ q 2 = 1.20 × 10 −6 C
r2
1.20 × 10 −6 C
q2 = = 0.300 × 10 −6 C on the smaller sphere
1 + 6 cm 2 cm
q1 = 1.20 × 10 −6 C − 0.300 × 10 −6 C = 0.900 × 10 −6 C

V=
k e q1
=
e je
8.99 × 10 9 N ⋅ m 2 C 2 0.900 × 10 −6 C j
= 1.35 × 10 5 V
r1 6 × 10 −2 m
continued on next page
558 Electric Potential and Capacitance

(b) Outside the larger sphere,

r k q V 1.35 × 10 5 V
E1 = e 2 1 r$ = 1 r$ = r$ = 2.25 × 10 6 V m away .
r1 r1 0.06 m

Outside the smaller sphere,

r 1.35 × 10 5 V
E2 = r$ = 6.74 × 10 6 V m away .
0.02 m
The smaller sphere carries less charge but creates a much stronger electric field than the
larger sphere.

Section 20.7 Capacitance

P20.31 (a) e ja f
Q = C∆V = 4.00 × 10 −6 F 12.0 V = 4.80 × 10 −5 C = 48.0 µ C

(b) e
Q = C∆V = 4.00 × 10 −6 F ja1.50 V f = 6.00 × 10 −6
C = 6.00 µ C

Q 10.0 × 10 −6 C
P20.32 (a) C= = = 1.00 × 10 −6 F = 1.00 µ F
∆V 10.0 V

Q 100 × 10 −6 C
(b) ∆V = = = 100 V
C 1.00 × 10 −6 F

P20.33 E=
keq
: q=
e4.90 × 10 N Cja0.210 mf
4 2

= 0.240 µ C
r2 e8.99 × 10 N ⋅ m C j9 2 2

q 0.240 × 10 −6
(a) σ= = = 1.33 µ C m 2
A 4π 0.120 2 a f
(b) e
C = 4π ∈0 r = 4π 8.85 × 10 −12 0.120 = 13.3 pF ja f
P20.34 With θ = π , the plates are out of mesh and the overlap area is zero. With
π R2
θ = 0 , the overlap area is that of a semi-circle, . By proportion, the
2

effective area of a single sheet of charge is

π −θ R2 a f
2
When there are two plates in each comb, the number of adjoining
sheets of positive and negative charge is 3, as shown in the sketch. When
there are N plates on each comb, the number of parallel capacitors is 2 N − 1 FIG. P20.34
and the total capacitance is

a
C = 2N − 1 f ∈distance
0 A a2 N − 1f ∈ aπ − θ f
effective
=
0
R2
2
=
a2 N − 1f ∈ aπ − θ fR
0
2
.
d
2 d
 Chapter 20 559
P20.35 (a) ∆V = Ed

20.0 V
E= = 11.1 kV m
1.80 × 10 −3 m

σ
(b) E=
∈0

e je j
σ = 1.11 × 10 4 N C 8.85 × 10 −12 C 2 N ⋅ m 2 = 98.3 nC m 2

(c)
∈ A
C= 0 =
e
8.85 × 10 −12 C 2 N ⋅ m 2 7.60 cm 2 1.00 m 100 cm je jb g 2

= 3.74 pF
d 1.80 × 10 −3 m

Q
(d) ∆V =
C

a fe j
Q = 20.0 V 3.74 × 10 −12 F = 74.7 pC

l 50.0
P20.36 (a) C= 2.68 nF
c h 2e8.99 × 10 j lnc h =
2 k e ln b
a
= 9 7. 27
2.58

F bI
∆V = 2 k λ lnG J
(b) Method 1:
H aK e

q 8.10 × 10 −6 C
λ= = = 1.62 × 10 −7 C m
l 50.0 m

e je
∆V = 2 8.99 × 10 9 1.62 × 10 −7 ln
7.27
2.58
j FGH
= 3.02 kV
IJ
K
Q 8.10 × 10 −6
Method 2: ∆V = = = 3.02 kV
C 2.68 × 10 −9

P20.37 ∑ Fy = 0 : T cos θ − mg = 0

∑ Fx = 0 : T sin θ − Eq = 0

Eq
Dividing, tan θ =
mg

mg
so E= tan θ
q

mgd tan θ
and ∆V = Ed = .
q
560 Electric Potential and Capacitance

P20.38 (a) The electric field created by the charges points radially
outward in the space between radius a and radius b. To
find it, use a spherical gaussian surface of radius r. The
magnitude of the field must be uniform over this

z r r q
surface, so E ⋅dA = in gives
∈0

Q
e
E 4π r 2 = j ∈0
Q Q
E= = ke 2
4π ∈0 r 2
r
FIG. P20.38

Now to find the difference in electric potential between the conducting spheres, we use
z
br r
Vb − Va = − E ⋅ d s along a radius line
a

z b k eQ
b g r −1
b
FG 1 − 1 IJ = − k QFG 1 − 1 IJ = − k QFG b − a IJ
Vb − Va = −
r=a r 2
cos 0 dr = − k eQ
−1 a
= k eQ
H b aK e
H a bK e
H ab K
FG b − a IJ
Va − Vb = + k eQ
H ab K
Q ab
Then the capacitance is C = = .
Va − Vb a f
ke b − a

ab a 1
(b) As b → ∞ , b − a → b , to give C → = with k e = , this is C = 4π ∈0 a , in agreement
keb ke 4π ∈0
with Equation 20.20.

Section 20.8 Combinations of Capacitors

P20.39 (a) Capacitors in parallel add. Thus, the equivalent capacitor has a value of

C eq = C1 + C 2 = 5.00 µF + 12.0 µF = 17.0 µF .

(b) The potential difference across each branch is the same and equal to the voltage of the
battery.

∆V = 9.00 V

(c) b ga
Q 5 = C∆V = 5.00 µF 9.00 V = 45.0 µC f
b
and Q12 = C∆V = 12.0 µF 9.00 V = 108 µC ga f
 Chapter 20 561
P20.40 (a) In series capacitors add as
1 1 1 1 1
= + = +
C eq C1 C 2 5.00 µ F 12.0 µ F

and C eq = 3.53 µ F .

(c) The charge on the equivalent capacitor is b ga f

Q eq = C eq ∆V = 3.53 µ F 9.00 V = 31.8 µ C .

Each of the series capacitors has this same charge on it.

So Q1 = Q 2 = 31.8 µ C .

Q1 31.8 µ C
(b) The potential difference across each is ∆V1 = = = 6.35 V
C1 5.00 µ F

Q 2 31.8 µ C
and ∆V2 = = = 2.65 V .
C 2 12.0 µ F

1 1 1
P20.41 (a) = +
C s 15.0 3.00
C s = 2.50 µ F
C p = 2.50 + 6.00 = 8.50 µ F

F 1 + 1 I = 5.96 µ F −1

GH 8.50 µ F 20.0 µ F JK
C eq =

(b) Q = C∆V = b5.96 µ F ga15.0 V f = 89.5 µ C on 20.0 µ F

Q 89.5 µ C
∆V = = = 4.47 V
C 20.0 µ F
15.0 − 4.47 = 10.53 V
b ga f
Q = C∆V = 6.00 µ F 10.53 V = 63.2 µ C on 6.00 µ F

89.5 − 63.2 = 26.3 µ C on 15.0 µ F and 3.00 µ F FIG. P20.41

P20.42 C p = C1 + C 2

1 1 1
and = + .
C s C1 C 2

1 1 1 C p − C1 + C1
Substitute C 2 = C p − C1 : = + = .
e
C s C1 C p − C 1 C1 C p − C1 j
Simplifying, C12 − C1C p + C pC s = 0

continued on next page

562 Electric Potential and Capacitance

C p ± C p2 − 4C p C s 1 1 2
and C1 = = Cp + C p − C pC s
2 2 4

where the positive sign was arbitrarily chosen (choosing the negative sign gives the same values for
the capacitances, with the names reversed).

Then, from C 2 = C p − C1

1 1 2
C2 = Cp − C p − C pC s .
2 4

Q Q
P20.43 C= so 6.00 × 10 −6 =
∆V 20.0

and Q = 120 µ C

Q1 = 120 µ C − Q 2
FIG. P20.43
Q 120 − Q 2 Q 2
and ∆V = : =
C C1 C2

120 − Q 2 Q
or = 2
6.00 3.00

a3.00fb120 − Q g = a6.00fQ
2 2

360
Q2 = = 40.0 µ C Q1 = 120 µ C − 40.0 µ C = 80.0 µ C
9.00

*P20.44 (a) Capacitors 2 and 3 are in parallel and present equivalent capacitance 6C. This is in series

with capacitor 1, so the battery sees capacitance

1
+
1 LM
−1
= 2C .
OP
3C 6C N Q
(b) If they were initially uncharged, C1 stores the same charge as C 2 and C 3 together. With
greater capacitance, C 3 stores more charge than C 2 . Then Q1 > Q3 > Q 2 .

(c) b g
The C 2||C 3 equivalent capacitor stores the same charge as C1 . Since it has greater
Q
capacitance, ∆V = implies that it has smaller potential difference across it than C1 . In
C
parallel with each other, C 2 and C 3 have equal voltages: ∆V1 > ∆V2 = ∆V3 .

(d) If C 3 is increased, the overall equivalent capacitance increases. More charge moves through
the battery and Q increases. As ∆V1 increases, ∆V2 must decrease so Q 2 decreases. Then
Q 3 must increase even more: Q3 and Q1 increase; Q 2 decreases .
 Chapter 20 563

*P20.45 (a) In series , to reduce the effective capacitance:

1 1 1
= +
32.0 µ F 34.8 µ F C s
1
Cs = = 398 µ F
2.51 × 10 −3 µ F

(b) In parallel , to increase the total capacitance:

29.8 µ F + C p = 32.0 µ F
C p = 2.20 µ F

FG 1 + 1 IJ −1

P20.46 Cs =
H 5.00 7.00 K = 2.92 µ F

C p = 2.92 + 4.00 + 6.00 = 12.9 µ F

FIG. P20.46

Section 20.9 Energy Stored in a Charged Capacitor

P20.47 (a) U=
1
2
a f
C ∆V
2
=
1
2
b ga
3.00 µ F 12.0 V f 2
= 216 µ J

(b) U=
1
2
a f
C ∆V
2
=
1
2
b ga
3.00 µ F 6.00 V f 2
= 54.0 µ J

1
P20.48 U= C∆V 2
2

∆V =
2U
=
2 300 Ja f
= 4.47 × 10 3 V
C 30 × 10 −6 C V
564 Electric Potential and Capacitance

P20.49 U=
1
2
a f
C ∆V
2

The circuit diagram is shown at the right.

(a) C p = C1 + C 2 = 25.0 µ F + 5.00 µ F = 30.0 µ F

U=
1
2
e
30.0 × 10 −6 100 ja f 2
= 0.150 J

C =G
F 1 + 1 IJ = F 1 + 1 I −1 −1

(b)
H C C K GH 25.0 µ F 5.00 µ F JK
s
1 2
= 4.17 µ F FIG. P20.49

U = C a ∆V f
1 2
2
2U 2a0.150f
∆V = = = 268 V
C 4.17 × 10 −6

P20.50 (a) e je
Q = C∆V = 150 × 10 −12 F 10 × 10 3 V = 1.50 × 10 −6 C j
(b) U=
1
2
C ∆V a f 2

∆V =
2U
=
e
2 250 × 10 −6 J j= 1.83 × 10 3 V
−12
C 150 × 10 F

P20.51 z
W = U = Fdx

dU d Q 2 d F I
Q2x Q2 F I
so F = =
dx dx 2C
= GH JK
dx 2 ∈0 A
=
2 ∈0 A GH JK
U 1
P20.52 u= = ∈0 E 2
V 2

1.00 × 10 −7 1
V
e
= 8.85 × 10 −12 3 000
2
jb g 2

V = 2.51 × 10 −3 m3 = 2.51 × 10 −3 m3 e jFGH 1 000

m K
LI
3J= 2.51 L

Section 20.10 Capacitors with Dielectrics

P20.53 (a) C=
κ ∈0 A
=
e
2.10 8.85 × 10 −12 F m 1.75 × 10 −4 m 2 je j = 8.13 × 10 −11
F = 81.3 pF
−5
d 4.00 × 10 m

(b) e
∆Vmax = Emax d = 60.0 × 10 6 V m 4.00 × 10 −5 m = 2.40 kV je j
 Chapter 20 565
P20.54 Q max = C∆Vmax ,

but ∆Vmax = Emax d .

κ ∈0 A
Also, C= .
d
κ ∈0 A
Thus, Q max =
d
bE d g = κ ∈
max 0 AEmax .

(a) With air between the plates, κ = 1.00

and Emax = 3.00 × 10 6 V m .

Therefore,
e je
Q max = κ ∈0 AEmax = 8.85 × 10 −12 F m 5.00 × 10 −4 m 2 3.00 × 10 6 V m = 13.3 nC . je j
(b) With polystyrene between the plates, κ = 2.56 and Emax = 24.0 × 10 6 V m .

e je
Q max = κ ∈0 AEmax = 2.56 8.85 × 10 −12 F m 5.00 × 10 −4 m 2 24.0 × 10 6 V m = 272 nC je j
κ ∈0 A
P20.55 C=
d

or 95.0 × 10 −9 =
e jb
3.70 8.85 × 10 −12 0.070 0 l g
−3
0.025 0 × 10

l = 1.04 m

*P20.56 Consider two sheets of aluminum foil, each 40 cm by 100 cm, with one sheet of plastic between
2.54 cm
them. Suppose the plastic has κ ≅ 3 , Emax ~ 10 7 V m and thickness 1 mil = . Then,
1 000

C=
κ ∈0 A
~
e
3 8.85 × 10 −12 C 2 N ⋅ m 2 0.4 m 2 je j~ 10 −6 F
−5
d 2.54 × 10 m
e je
∆Vmax = Emax d ~ 10 7 V m 2.54 × 10 −5 m ~ 10 2 V j
∈0 A Q
P20.57 Originally, C= = .
d ∆V a f i

(a) The charge is the same before and after immersion, with value Q =
∈0 A ∆V a f i
.
d

Q=
e8.85 × 10 −12
je
C 2 N ⋅ m 2 25.0 × 10 −4 m 2 250 V ja f= 369 pC
e1.50 × 10 −2
mj

continued on next page

566 Electric Potential and Capacitance

(b) Finally,

Cf =
κ ∈0 A
=
Q
Cf =
e je
80.0 8.85 × 10 −12 C 2 N ⋅ m 2 25.0 × 10 −4 m 2 j= 118 pF
d a f
∆V f e1.50 × 10 mj −2

∈ Aa ∆V f d a ∆V f
a ∆V f f
=
Qd
κ ∈0 A
=
0
κ ∈0 Ad
= i
κ
i
=
250 V
80.0
= 3.12 V .

(c) Originally, Ui =
1
C ∆V a f 2
=
∈0 A ∆V a f 2
i
.
i
2 2d

Finally, Uf =
1
C f ∆V a f 2
=
κ ∈0 A ∆V a f 2
i
=
∈0 A ∆V a f 2
i
.
f
2 2dκ 2 2 dκ

So, ∆U = U f − U i =
− ∈0 A ∆V a f aκ − 1f
2
i
2 dκ

∆U = −
e8.85 × 10 −12
je
C 2 N ⋅ m 2 25.0 × 10 −4 m 2 250 V ja f a79.0f =
2

−45.5 nJ .
e
2 1.50 × 10 −2 m 80.0 ja f

The Atmosphere as a Capacitor

Section 20.11 Context Connection

Emax = 3.00 × 10 6 V m =
k eQ k eQ 1 FG IJ1 FG IJ
P20.58 (a)
r 2
=
r r HK
= Vmax
r HK
a
Vmax = Emax r = 3.00 × 10 6 0.150 = 450 kV f

(b)
k eQmax
= Emax
RSor k Q e max
= Vmax
UV Q max = =
6
Emax r 2 3.00 × 10 0.150 a f 2
= 7.51 µC
r2 T r W ke 8.99 × 10 9

P20.59 The energy transferred is TET =

1
2
1
a fe
Q∆V = 50.0 C 1.00 × 10 8 V = 2.50 × 10 9 J
2
j
and 1% of this (or ∆Eint = 2.50 × 10 7 J ) is absorbed by the tree. If m is the amount of water boiled
away,

then b ga
∆Eint = m 4 186 J kg⋅° C 100° C − 30.0° C + m 2.26 × 10 6 J kg = 2.50 × 10 7 J f e j
giving m = 9.79 kg .
 Chapter 20 567
Additional Problems

*P20.60 (a) The two particles exert forces of repulsion on each other. As the projectile approaches the
target particle, the projectile slows. The target starts to move in the x direction. As long as
the projectile is moving faster than the second particle, the two will be approaching. Kinetic
energy will be being converted into electric potential energy. When both particles move
with equal speeds, the distance between them will momentarily not be changing: this is the
instant of closest approach. Thereafter, the target particle, still feeling a forward force, will
move faster than the projectile. The particles will separate again. The particles exert forces
on each other but never touch. The particles will eventually be very far apart, with zero
electric potential energy. All of the U e they had at closest approach is converted back into
kinetic energy. The whole process is an elastic collision. Compare this problem with Problem
8.46 in Chapter 8.

(b) Momentum is constant throughout the process. We equate it at the large-separation initial
point and the point b of closest approach.
r r r r
m 1 v 1i + m 2 v 2 i = m 1 v 1 b + m 2 v 2 b
b ge j b
2 g 21$i m s + 0 = 2 g + 5 g v b g
r

r
v b = 6.00 $i m s

(c) Energy conservation between the same two points:

k q q
1
2
1
m1 v12i + m 2 v 22i + 0 =
2
1
2
b g
m1 + m 2 v b2 + e 1 2
rb
1
2
b 2
g 1
0.002 kg 21 m s + 0.005 kg 0 + 0 =
2
af
2 1
2
0.007 kg 6 m s b2
g
8.99 × 10 9 Nm 2 15 × 10 −6 C 8.5 × 10 −6 C
+
C2 rb
1.15 J ⋅ m
0.441 J − 0.126 J =
rb
1.15 m
rb = = 3.64 m
0.315

(d) The overall elastic collision is described by conservation of momentum:

r r r r
m1 v 1i + m 2 v 2 i = m1 v 1d + m2 v 2 d
b ge j r r
2 g 21$i m s + 0 = 2 gv 1d $i + 5 gv 2 d $i

and by the relative velocity equation:

v1i − v 2i = v 2 d − v1d
21 m s − 0 = v 2 d − v1d

continued on next page

568 Electric Potential and Capacitance

we substitute

v 2 d = 21 m s + v1d
b g
42 g ⋅ m s = 2 gv1d + 5 g 21 m s + v1d = 2 gv1d + 105 g ⋅ m s + 5 gv1d
−63 g ⋅ m s = 7 gv1d
v1d = −9.00 m s
r
v 1d = −9.00 $i m s
v 2 d = 21 m s − 9 m s = 12.0 m s
r
v 2 d = 12.0 $i m s

a38fa54f 1.60 × 10
j a5.50 +e6.20f × 10 j
−19 2
q q
P20.61
r12
e
U = qV = k e 1 2 = 8.99 × 10 9 −15
= 4.04 × 10 −11 J = 253 MeV

P20.62 (a) U=
e 9
je
k e q1 q 2 − 8.99 × 10 1.60 × 10
=
−19
j 2

= −4.35 × 10 −18 J = −27.2 eV

r 0.052 9 × 10 −9

(b) U=
e 9
je
k e q1 q 2 − 8.99 × 10 1.60 × 10
=
−19
j 2

= −6.80 eV
r e
2 2 0.052 9 × 10 −9 j
k e q1 q 2 − k e e 2
(c) U= = = 0
r ∞

z
Q
P20.63 W = Vdq
0

ke q
where V = .
R

k eQ 2
Therefore, W = .
2R
 Chapter 20 569

z
Br
r
P20.64 (a) VB − VA = − E ⋅ d s and the field at distance r from a uniformly
A
charged rod (where r > radius of charged rod) is
λ 2keλ
E= = .
2π ∈0 r r

In this case, the field between the central wire and the coaxial
cylinder is directed perpendicular to the line of charge so that
FIG. P20.64
FG IJ
z
rb
2keλ r
VB − VA = − dr = 2 k e λ ln a ,
ra
r rb H K
or ∆V = 2 k e λ ln
FG r IJ
a
.
Hr K b

(b) From part (a), when the outer cylinder is considered to be at zero potential, the potential at a
distance r from the axis is

FG r IJ .
a
V = 2 k e λ ln
HrK
The field at r is given by

∂V r FG IJ FG − r IJ = 2k λ .
a e
E=−
∂r
= −2 k e λ
ra H KH r K r
2

∆V
But, from part (a), 2k e λ = r
.
ln ra
b

∆V FG 1 IJ
Therefore, E =
ln
ra
rb
H rK .

qin
P20.65 2π rlE =
∈0

λ
so E=
2π r ∈0

FG IJ
z z
r2 r r
r 2 λ λ r FIG. P20.65
∆V = − E ⋅ d r = dr = ln 1
r1 r1
2π r ∈0 2π ∈0 r2 H K
λ max
= Emax rinner
2π ∈0

e je
∆V = 1.20 × 10 6 V m 0.100 × 10 −3 m ln j FGH 025.200.0 IJK
∆Vmax = 579 V
570 Electric Potential and Capacitance

P20.66 (a) From Problem 64,

∆V 1
E= .
ln a r
r
e j rb

We require just outside the central wire

5.50 × 10 6 V m =
50.0 × 10 3 V 1 FG IJ
e
ln 0.850 mrb
rb jH K
or e110 m jr lnFGH 0.850r m IJK = 1 .
−1
b
b

We solve by homing in on the required value

a f
rb m 0.0 100 0.001 00 0.001 50 0.001 45 0.001 43 0.001 42

jr lnFGH 0.850r mIJK

4.89 0.740 1.05 1.017 1.005 0.999
e110 m −1
b
b

Thus, to three significant figures,

rb = 1.42 mm .

(b) At ra ,

50.0 kV FG 1 IJ =
E=
b
ln 0.850 m 0.001 42 m g H 0.850 mK 9.20 kV m .

m 1.00 × 10 −12 kg
*P20.67 (a) V= = 3
= 9.09 × 10 −16 m3 .
ρ 1 100 kg m

Since V =
4π r 3
, the radius is r =
3V LM OP 13
, and the surface area is
3 4π N Q
L 3V O L 3e9.09 × 10 −16
m3j OP = 4.54 × 10 m
23

= 4π M
23
A = 4π r 2
= 4π M P −10 2
N 4π Q MN 4π PQ

(b) C=
κ ∈0 A
=
a5.00fe8.85 × 10 −12
C N ⋅ m je 4.54 × 10
2 2 −10
m j 2
= 2.01 × 10 F −13
d 100 × 10 −9 m

(c) a f e je
Q = C ∆V = 2.01 × 10 −13 F 100 × 10 −3 V = 2.01 × 10 −14 C , j
and the number of electronic charges is

Q 2.01 × 10 −14 C
n= = = 1.26 × 10 5 .
e 1.60 × 10 −19 C
 Chapter 20 571
*P20.68 Take the illustration presented with the problem as an initial picture. v v
No external horizontal forces act on the set of four balls, so its center of
1 2
mass stays fixed at the location of the center of the square. As the + +
charged balls 1 and 2 swing out and away from each other, balls 3 and 4 CM
3 4
move up with equal y-components of velocity. The maximum-kinetic- v v
energy point is illustrated. System energy is conserved:

keq2 keq 2 1 1 1 1 FIG. P20.68

= + mv 2 + mv 2 + mv 2 + mv 2
a 3a 2 2 2 2
2k e q 2 keq2
= 2mv 2 v=
3a 3 am

P20.69 From Example 20.5, the potential at the center of the ring is
kQ
Vi = e and the potential at an infinite distance from the ring is
R r
V f = 0 . Thus, the initial and final potential energies of the point v
charge-ring system are:

k eQ 2 FIG. P20.69
U i = QVi =
R
and U f = QV f = 0 .

From conservation of energy,

K f + U f = K i + Ui

1 k Q2
or Mv 2f + 0 = 0 + e
2 R

2 k eQ 2
giving vf = .
MR

keq ke q keq
P20.70 (a) V=
r1
−
r2
=
r1 r2
b
r2 − r1 g
From the figure, for r >> a , r2 − r1 ≈ 2 a cos θ .

keq k p cos θ
Then V≈ 2 a cos θ ≅ e 2 .
r1 r2 r

∂V 2 k e p cos θ
(b) Er = − =
∂r r3

In spherical coordinates, the θ component of the gradient is

FG IJ
1 ∂ FIG. P20.70
H K
r ∂θ
.

FG IJ
1 ∂V k p sin θ
= e 3
Therefore, Eθ = −
H K
r ∂θ r
.

continued on next page

572 Electric Potential and Capacitance

For r >> a a f 2rk p

E r 0° = e
3

and E a90°f = 0 ,
r

E a0°f = 0
θ

E a90°f =
k p
e
and θ 3
.
r

These results are reasonable for r >> a . Their directions are as shown in Figure 20.8(c).

af
However, for r → 0 , E 0 → ∞. This is unreasonable, since r is not much greater than a if it
is 0.

k e py
(c) V=
ex 2
+ y2 j 3 2

∂V 3 k e pxy
and Ex = − =
∂x
e
x2 + y2
5 2
j
Ey = −
2
e
∂V k e p 2 y − x
=
2
j
∂y
e
x2 + y2
5 2
j
*P20.71 Imagine the center plate is split along its midplane and pulled apart.
We have two capacitors in parallel, supporting the same ∆V and d
∈ A
carrying total charge Q. The upper has capacitance C1 = 0 and the
d 2d
∈ A
lower C 2 = 0 . Charge flows from ground onto each of the outside
2d
plates so that Q1 + Q 2 = Q ∆V1 = ∆V2 = ∆V .
Q1 Q 2 Q1 d Q 2 2d FIG. P20.71
Then = = = Q1 = 2Q 2 2Q 2 + Q 2 = Q .
C1 C 2 ∈0 A ∈0 A

Q Q
(a) Q2 = . On the lower plate the charge is − .
3 3

2Q 2Q
Q1 = . On the upper plate the charge is − .
3 3

Q1 2Qd
(b) ∆V = =
C1 3 ∈0 A
 Chapter 20 573
P20.72 (a) We use Equation 20.30 to find the potential energy of the capacitor. As we will see, the
potential difference ∆V changes as the dielectric is withdrawn. The initial and final
F I
1 Q2 1 Q2F I
energies are U i = GH JK
2 Ci
and Uf =
2 Cf
GH JK
.

1 Q2 F I
But the initial capacitance (with the dielectric) is Ci = κC f . Therefore, U f = κ
2 Ci
. GH JK
Since the work done by the external force in removing the dielectric equals the change in
1 Q2 1 Q2 1 Q2F I F I F Ia f
potential energy, we have W = U f − U i = κ
2 Ci
−
2 Ci
=
2 CiGH JK GH JK GH JK
κ −1 .

b g
To express this relation in terms of potential difference ∆Vi , we substitute Q = Ci ∆Vi , and
1
b ga f e
2 1 2
ja fa
evaluate: W = Ci ∆Vi κ − 1 = 2.00 × 10 −9 F 100 V 5.00 − 1.00 = 4.00 × 10 −5 J .
2 2
f
The positive result confirms that the final energy of the capacitor is greater than the initial
energy. The extra energy comes from the work done on the system by the external force that
pulled out the dielectric.

Q
(b) The final potential difference across the capacitor is ∆V f = .
Cf

Substituting C f =
κ
Ci
b g
and Q = Ci ∆Vi gives ∆V f = κ∆Vi = 5.00 100 V = 500 V . a f
Even though the capacitor is isolated and its charge remains constant, the potential
difference across the plates does increase in this case.

∆Vmax
P20.73 κ = 3.00 , Emax = 2.00 × 10 8 V m =
d
κ ∈0 A
For C= = 0.250 × 10 −6 F
d

A=
Cd
=
C∆Vmax
=
e
0.250 × 10 −6 4 000 jb g
= 0.188 m 2
e je
κ ∈0 κ ∈0 Emax 3.00 8.85 × 10 −12 2.00 × 10 8 j
P20.74 The initial charge on the larger capacitor is
a f
Q = C∆V = 10 µ F 15 V = 150 µ C .
An additional charge q is pushed through the 50-V battery, giving the smaller capacitor charge q and
the larger charge 150 µ C + q.
q 150 µ C + q
Then 50 V = +
5 µF 10 µ F
500 µ C = 2 q + 150 µ C + q
q = 117 µ C
q 117 µ C
So across the 5- µF capacitor ∆V = = = 23.3 V .
C 5 µF
150 µ C + 117 µ C
Across the 10- µF capacitor ∆V = = 26.7 V .
10 µ F
574 Electric Potential and Capacitance

P20.75 (a) The portion of the device containing the dielectric has plate area l x and capacitance

C1 =
κ ∈0 lx
a f ∈ l l−x
. The unfilled part has area l l − x and capacitance C 2 = 0 . The total
a f
d d
∈
capacitance is C1 + C 2 = 0 l 2 + lx κ − 1 .
d
a f
1 Q2 Q 2d
(b) The stored energy is U = = .
2 C e
2 ∈0 l 2 + lx κ − 1 a fj
r FG IJ
dU $ Q 2d l κ − 1 a f $i When x = 0 , the original value of the force is
(c) F=−
dxH K
i=
e a fj
2 ∈0 l 2 + lx κ − 1
2

Q d aκ − 1f $
2
i . As the dielectric slides in, the charges on the plates redistribute themselves.
2 ∈0 l 3

The force decreases to its final value

a f
Q2d κ − 1 $
i.
2 ∈0 l 3κ 2

(d) At x = , F=
2
a f
l r 2Q d κ − 1 $
i.
2 a f
∈0 l 3 κ + 1
2

For the constant charge on the capacitor and the initial voltage we have the relationship

∈0 l 2 ∆ V
Q = C0 ∆ V = .
d

b ga f
r 2 ∈0 l ∆ V κ − 1
Then the force is F =
2
$i
d κ +1a f
2

e j
r 2 8.85 × 10 −12 C 2 0.05 m 2 000 Nm
F=
a f a4.5 − 1f $i =
2

205 µN $i .
a
Nm 2 0.002 m C 2 4.5 + 1
2
f a f
P20.76 The portion of the sandwich nearly filled by metal has

capacitance
a f →∞
κ ∈0 lx
d

Q2
and stored energy →0 .
2C
The unfilled portion has

capacitance
a f
∈0 l l − x
.
d

The charge on this portion is Q=

al − xfQ 0
.
l

continued on next page

 Chapter 20 575
(a) The stored energy is

U=
Q2
=
l − x l0 a f =
Q 2
Q02 l − x d
.
a f
2C 2 ∈0 l l −d x 2 ∈0 l 3

dU
2
d Q0 l − x dF a fIQ02 d
(b) F=−
dx
=−
dx 2 ∈0 l 3
GH
= + JK
2 ∈0 l 3

r Q 02 d
F= to the right (into the pair of plates)
2 ∈0 l 3

F Q02
(c) Stress = =
ld 2 ∈0 l 4

1 1 σ FG IJ 2
1 F Q0 I 2
Q02
(d) u=
2
∈0 E 2 = ∈0
2 ∈0 H K =
2
∈0GH
∈0 l 2
JK =
2 ∈0 l 4

P20.77 By symmetry, the potential difference across 3C is zero, so the circuit reduces to
FG 1 + 1 IJ −1
8 4
C eq =
H 2C 4C K =
6
C=
3
C .

FIG. P20.77

ANSWERS TO EVEN PROBLEMS

P20.2 1.35 MJ P20.14 (a) +7.00 nC with position vector 7.00 cm
at 70.0° and –8.00 nC with position vector
P20.4 1.67 MN C 3.00 cm at 90.0°;

2QE QE m
e j
(b) 0.070 3 i$ − 1.09 $j mN ; (c) −24.0 µJ
P20.6 (a) ; (b) ; (c) 2π ;
k k k
b
2 QE − µ k mg g P20.16 (a) v1 =
2 m 2 k e q1 q 2 FG 1 −
1IJ
,
(d)
k b
m1 m1 + m 2 gHr +r
1 2 d K
r r 2 m 1 k e q1 q 2 F 1 1IJ
P20.8 (a) F = 0 ; (b) E = 0 ; (c) 45.0 kV v2 =
b
m 2 m1 + m 2 g GH r + r
1 2
−
d
;
K
P20.10 8.95 J (b) Faster than calculated in (a)

P20.12 (a) 32.2 kV ; (b) −9.65 × 10 −2 J P20.18 (a) −45.0 µJ ; (b) 34.6 km/s
576 Electric Potential and Capacitance

P20.20 27.4 fm P20.54 (a) 13.3 nC ; (b) 272 nC

k eQ P20.56 ~ 10 −6 F and ~ 10 2 V for two 40-cm by

P20.22 (a) 0; (b) 2
r 100-cm sheets of aluminum foil
sandwiching a thin sheet of plastic
k eQ
P20.24 −0.553
R P20.58 (a) 450 kV ; (b) 7.51 µC

FG k αL IJ lnLMM eL 4j + b
e
2 2
−L 2 OP
P
P20.60 (a) The velocity of one particle relative to
the other is first a velocity of approach,
P20.26 V =−
H 2 K M e L 4j + b 2 2
+ L 2P then zero at closest approach, and then a
N Q velocity of recession;
(b) 6.00 $i m s;(c) 3.64 m;
P20.28 1.56 × 10 12 electrons removed
(d) −9.00 $i m s for the incident particle
P20.30 (a) 135 kV; and 12.0 $i m s for the target particle.
(b) 2.25 MV/m away for the large sphere
and 6.74 MV/m away for the small sphere P20.62 (a) −27.2 eV ; (b) −6.80 eV ; (c) 0

P20.32 (a) 1.00 µF ; (b) 100 V P20.64 see the solution

P20.34
a2 N − 1faπ − θ fR 2
∈0 P20.66 (a) 1.42 mm ; (b) 9. 20 kV m
d
Fk q I 2 12
P20.36 (a) 2.68 nF ; (b) 3.02 kV P20.68 GH 3am JK
e

P20.38 see the solution

P20.70 (a) see the solution;
P20.40 (a) 3.53 µF ; (b) 6.35 V and 2.65 V ; 2 k p cos θ k p sin θ
(c) 31.8 µC on each (b) Er = e 3 , Eθ = e 3 , yes, no;
r r

P20.42
1
Cp +
1 2
C p − C pC s
(c) V = k e py x 2 + y 2e j −3 2
,
2 4 r
E=
3 k e pxy $i
+
e
k e p 2 y 2 − x 2 $j j
P20.44 (a) 2C ; (b) Q1 > Q3 > Q 2 ; ex 2
+y j
2 52
ex 2
+y j
2 52

(c) ∆V1 > ∆V2 = ∆V3 ;

(d) Q 3 and Q1 increase , Q 2 decreases P20.72 (a) 40.0 µJ ; (b) 500 V

P20.46 12.9 µF P20.74 23.3 V ; 26.7 V

P20.48 4.47 kV
P20.76 (a)
a f ; (b)
Q02 d l − x Q02 d
to the right;
2l 3 ∈0 2l 3 ∈0
P20.50 (a) 1.50 µC ; (b) 1.83 kV
Q02 Q02
(c) ; (d)
P20.52 2.51 × 10 −3 m3 = 2.51 L 2l 4 ∈0 2l 4 ∈0