₢

PHYS II
Electricity and Magnetism Mechanical Wave and
Optics
1. Electric Field and Gauss’s Law (Ch22,23)
❖Vibration and wave (Ch15-17)
2. Electric potential
❖Optics (Ch34-37)
3. Capacitance
4. Electric Circuits (Ch26,27)
5. Magnetism (Ch28, 29)
6. Induced electricity (Ch30, 31)
7. AC Circuits

1
 Ch24 Electric Potential

Electric potential and electric potential energy

1. The Relation (map language) Between Electric Field (E-line) and

Electric Potential (Equipotential Surface).
2. Electric Potential and Potential Energy Due to Point Charges
3. Electric Potentials and energy in an uniform electric field
4. Electric Potentials and Charged Conductors

2
 Electric potential and electric potential energy
➢ In chapter 22, we mainly focused on electric field. And we use the two statements given by Michael
Faraday as a guideline, that is: 1. source charge at certain position generates electric field. 2. put a test
charge at certain position with a given electric field, the test charge experiences an electric force.
➢ In this chapter, we mainly focused on electric potential. And we have the similar two statements as chapter
22, that is: 1. source charge at certain position generates electric potential. 2. put a test charge at certain
position with a given electric potential, the test charge (or the system) will store an electric potential energy.
➢ This structural similarity strongly suggested that there is a relation between electric field and electric
potential.
➢ For certain given problem, one may choose using electric field or electric potential. Since electric potential is
a scalar, calculation may be much easier.
➢ The structure of chapter 24 and 22 is very similar with gravitational force and gravitational potential energy
in PHYS 1. At the very beginning of this chapter we will use this similarity to build on our E-line and
equipotential surface relationship.
➢ You may need review work and energy in PHYS 1.

3
 PHYS 1 Work and Energy
➢ Work
➢ Mechanical Energy
1. Kinetic Energy
2. Gravitational Potential Energy

𝐹𝑔 = 𝑚𝑔, 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑈𝑔 = 𝑚𝑔𝑦

Gravitational 𝑚𝑀 Gravitational 𝑚𝑀
𝐹𝑔 = 𝐺 2 𝑈𝑔 = −𝐺
Force 𝑟 Potential Energy 𝑟
𝐺 = 6.67 × 10 −11 𝐺 = 6.67 × 10 −11

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = 𝐾 + 𝑈𝑔

1
𝐾= 𝑚𝑣 2 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙
2
4
 Ch24 Charge, Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy
Chapter 22 Chapter 24
Notation SI Unit
Charge 𝑞
Charge 𝑞 C
Electric Field 𝐸𝑒
Electric Potential (EP) 𝑉 Volt (V)
Electric Force 𝐹Ԧ𝑒 Electric Potential Energy (EPE) 𝑈 J

1. Source charge 𝑞 at position P

generates electric field. 1. Source charge 𝑞 at position P generates electric potential.

2. Test charge 𝑞′ at position 𝑃 2. Test charge 𝑞′ at position 𝑃 stores an electric potential energy.
experiences an electric force.

𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝐸 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑉

What is the relation between electric field 𝑬 and electric potential 𝑽?

Very similar with relation between gravitational force 𝐹Ԧ𝑔 and gravitational potential energy (GPE) 𝑈𝑔
5
The relation between gravitational force 𝑭𝒆 and gravitational potential energy 𝑼𝒈

𝐹𝑔 = 𝑚𝑔, 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑈𝑔 = 𝑚𝑔𝑦

Now let’s build a map for 𝐹Ԧ𝑔 and 𝑈𝑔 , and see what is their relation

It is a plane surface
On this surface (same 𝑦
value) the GPE is equal.

Earth Earth

Draw a gravitational force everywhere near the Earth Draw a GPE equal everywhere near the Earth

6
 The relation between gravitational force 𝑭𝒆 and gravitational potential energy 𝑼𝒈

Map language for 𝐹Ԧ𝑒 and 𝑈𝑔

Gravitational force line Equipotential energy 𝑭𝒆 - 𝑼𝒈 Relationship

surface
1. Force line ⊥ Equipotential energy surface
2. Along the force-line, equipotential energy
drops.

GPE-2 Equipotential 𝐺𝑃𝐸1 < 𝐺𝑃𝐸2

energy surface 2

Equipotential
GPE-1 energy surface 1

Earth

Draw a gravitational force everywhere near the Earth

7
The relation between gravitational force 𝑭𝒆 and gravitational potential energy 𝑼𝒈

𝑚𝑀 𝑚𝑀
𝐹𝑔 = 𝐺 2 𝑈𝑔 = −𝐺
𝑟 𝑟

Map language for 𝐹Ԧ𝑒 and 𝑈𝑔

Gravitational force line Equipotential energy surface

(Spherical surface)

𝑭𝒆 - 𝑼𝒈 Relationship
1. Force line ⊥ Equipotential energy surface
2. Along the force-line, equipotential energy
drops.

𝐺𝑃𝐸1 < 𝐺𝑃𝐸2

Draw a gravitational force everywhere
(Blue lines) 8
The relation between electric field 𝑬 and electric potential 𝑽
Map language 𝑬 and 𝑽
1. E-line
2. Equipotential surface (V-surface)

𝑬-𝑽 Relationship
E-line V-surface 1. E-line ⊥ Equipotential surface (V-surface)
2. Along the E-line, electric potential drops.

𝑉1 < 𝑉2
𝑉2 Equipotential
surface 2

𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑬 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑽
Equipotential
𝑉1 surface 1

Test charge 𝑞 ′in 𝑬 and 𝑽

━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ will give force and energy

9
The relation between electric field 𝑬 and electric potential 𝑽

Map language 𝑬 and 𝑽

1. E-line
2. Equipotential surface (V-surface)

𝑬-𝑽 Relationship
1. E-line ⊥ Equipotential surface (V-surface)
2. Along the E-line, electric potential drops.

𝑉2 Equipotential
surface 2 𝑉2 < 𝑉1

Equipotential
𝑉1 surface 1
𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑬 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑽
       
Test charge 𝑞 ′in 𝑬 and 𝑽
will give force and energy
10
Ch24-1 Map Language Between 𝑬 and 𝑽: Uniform Electric Field
𝑬-𝑽 Relationship
𝑉1 𝑉2 1. E-line ⊥ Equipotential surface (V-surface)
2. Along the E-line, electric potential drops.

What is the relation (<, =, or >) of the electric potential

A C at position A, B, C, and D?

𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐵
B D 𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐶

𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐷

Equipotential Equipotential 𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑬 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑽

surface 1 surface 2
Test charge 𝑞 ′ in 𝑬 and 𝑽
will give force and energy

11
Ch24-1 Map Language Between 𝑬 and 𝑽: One Point Charge

E-line and V-surface Relationship

1. E-line ⊥ Equipotential surface (V-surface)
2. Along the E-line, electric potential drops.

𝑉1 < 𝑉2
⊝
𝑉2 𝑉1

𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑬 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑽

Test charge 𝑞 ′ in 𝑬 and 𝑽

will give force and energy
Negative point charge: E-line and V-surface

12
Ch24-1 Map Language Between 𝑬 and 𝑽: One Point Charge

D E-line and V-surface Relationship

1. E-line ⊥ Equipotential surface (V-surface)
2. Along the E-line, electric potential drops.

What is the relation of the electric potential

at position A, B, C, and D?
B C
⊕
A
𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐵
𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐶
𝑉1
𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐷
𝑉2

𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑬 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑽
Negative point charge: E-line and V-surface
Test charge 𝑞 ′ in 𝑬 and 𝑽
will give force and energy
13
Ch24-2 Point charge generate electric potential 𝑽 at certain point P
𝑚𝑀 𝑚𝑀 𝑞𝑞′ 𝑞𝑞 ′
𝐹𝑔 = 𝐺 2 𝑈𝑔 = −𝐺 GPE 𝐹𝑒 = 𝑘𝑒 2 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑘𝑒 EPE
𝑟 𝑟 𝑟 𝑟

𝑚
Here we get the conclusion 𝑞′
Through compare 2 cases ⊕
𝑟 𝑞𝑞 ′ 𝑟
𝑈𝑒 = 𝑘𝑒
𝑟

𝑀 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑽 ⊝
𝑞

𝑞
𝑉 = 𝑘𝑒
𝑟

This equation works for

positive or negative source point charge 𝑞
generate electric potential at point P 𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑬
Test charge 𝑞 ′ in 𝑬 and 𝑽
will give force and energy 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑽
14
Ch24-2 Point charge generate electric potential 𝑽 at certain point P
Given one point charge 𝑞 at 𝑟 distance away from Given one point charge 𝑞 at 𝑟 distance away from
position P as shown in the figure, what is the position P as shown in the figure, what is the
electric field at location P? electric potential at location P?

𝑃 𝑃

𝑟 𝑟

𝑞 𝑞

Direction Magnitude 𝑞 The equation here include the

𝑉 = 𝑘𝑒 sign of the source charge
𝑞>0 Same as “looking direction” 𝑞
𝑟
𝐸 = 𝑘𝑒
𝑞<0 Opposite to “looking direction” 𝑟2
This conclusion is very important. It can be used as a
starting point to calculate the electric potential generated
by a group of point source charges.

15
Ch24-2 A Group of Point Source Charges Generate EP 𝑽 at Position 𝐏

𝐸3
𝑞2 𝑟2
𝑞2 𝑟2 𝐸1

𝑟1 𝑃 𝑟3
𝑟1 𝑃 𝑟3 𝐸2
𝑞1
𝑞1
𝑞3
𝑞3

Direction (compare to direction) Magnitude 𝑞

𝑞>0 Same
𝑉 = 𝑘𝑒
𝐸 = 𝑘𝑒
𝑞 𝑟
𝑞<0 Opposite 𝑟2

𝑥−comp y−comp 𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑞3
𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒
𝐸1 𝑟1 𝑟2 𝑟3
𝐸2
… ** Calculate 𝑽 at Position 𝐏 is much easier!
𝐸𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 Σ𝐸𝑥 Σ𝐸𝑦

16
 Ch24 Charge, Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy
Chapter 22 Chapter 24
Notation SI Unit
Charge 𝑞
Charge 𝑞 C
Electric Field 𝐸𝑒
Electric Potential (EP) 𝑉 Volt (V)
Electric Force 𝐹Ԧ𝑒 Electric Potential Energy (EPE) 𝑈 J

1. Source charge 𝑞 at position P 1. Source charge 𝒒 at position 𝐏 generates electric potential.

generates electric field.

2. Test charge 𝑞′ at position 𝑃 2. Test charge 𝑞′ at position 𝑃 stores an electric potential

experiences an electric force. energy.

𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝐸 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑉

17
EX-11 A negative point charge is at the center of a EX-01 A negative point charge is at the center of a circle
circle with a radius of 𝑟 = 4.0 𝑚 as shown in the figure.
with a radius of 𝑟 = 4.0 𝑚 as shown in the figure. What is
What is the 𝑥 -component and 𝑦 -component of the
the electric potential at position P? [Given 𝑘𝑒 𝑞 = 100]
electric field at position P? [Given 𝑘𝑒 𝑞 = 100]

𝑦 𝑦

𝑞 𝑞
⊝ 𝑥
⊝ 𝑥
30° 30°
P P

Answer 𝑥-component 𝑦-component

A +6.25 sin 30° +6.25 cos 30° 𝑞 −100
𝑉 = 𝑘𝑒 = = −25 𝑉
B +6.25 cos 30° −6.25 sin 30°
𝑟 4.0
C −6.25 cos 30° +6.25 sin 30°

18
EX-12 Two point charges with the same charge quantities ( 𝑞 )
are located at the corners of a square of side 𝑎 = 3.00 𝑚 as shown
in the figure. What is the 𝑥-component and 𝑦-component of the
total electric field at position P? Given 𝑞1 = 𝑞2 = 𝑞 =
10.0 𝑛𝐶,
EX-02 Two point charges with the same charge
quantities ( 𝑞 ) are located at the corners of a square of
side 𝑎 = 3.00 𝑚 as shown in the figure. What is the
total electric potential at position P? Given 𝑞1 =
𝑞2 = 𝑞 = 10.0 𝑛𝐶,

𝑘𝑒 = 9 × 109 1𝑛𝐶 = 1 × 10−9 𝐶

𝑞1 𝑞2
𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒
𝑟1 𝑟2
⊝
P
10.0 × 10 −9 𝐶 −10.0 × 10−9 𝐶
= 9× 109 + 9 × 109 =0
3.00 3.00
𝑦
⊕
𝑥

Answer 𝑥-component 𝑦-component

G −10.0 +10.0

19
EX-13 Two point charges with the same charge quantities ( 𝑞 ) are
located on the straight line as shown in the figure. What is the 𝑥-
component of the electric field at position P? Given 𝑞1 = 𝑞2 =
𝑞 = 1.00 𝑛𝐶, and 𝑎 = 0.50 𝑚.
EX-03 Two point charges with the same charge quantities
( 𝑞 ) are located on the straight line as shown in the
figure. What is the electric potential at position P? Given
𝑞1 = 𝑞2 = 𝑞 = 1.00 𝑛𝐶, and 𝑎 = 0.50 𝑚.

𝑘𝑒 = 9 × 109 1𝑛𝐶 = 1 × 10−9 𝐶

𝑞1 𝑞2
𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒
𝑟1 𝑟2

𝑎 2𝑎
9
1.00 × 10−9 𝐶 9
1.00 × 10 −9 𝐶
= 9 × 10 + 9 × 10 = 27.0𝑉
⊕ ⊕ 0.50 1.00
𝑞1 P 𝑞2 𝑥

20
EX-14 Two point charges with the same amount charge EX-04 Two point charges with the same amount charge
quantities ( 𝑞1 = 𝑞2 = 𝑞 = 40.0 𝑛𝐶 ) are located at the
quantities ( 𝑞1 = 𝑞2 = 𝑞 = 40.0 𝑛𝐶) are located at the
corners of a right triangle with side 𝑎 = 60.0 𝑐𝑚 and angle 𝜃 =
30° as shown in the figure. What is the 𝑥-component and 𝑦-
corners of a right triangle with side 𝑎 = 60.0 𝑐𝑚 and angle
component of the total electric field at position P? 𝜃 = 30° as shown in the figure. What is the total electric
potential at position P?
1𝑛𝐶 = 1 × 10−9 𝐶 𝑘𝑒 = 9 × 109

𝑞1 𝑞2
𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒
𝑦 𝑟1 𝑟2

9
40.0 × 10 −9 𝐶 9
−40.0 × 10−9 𝐶
𝑥 = 9 × 10 + 9 × 10
0.30 0.60
𝑎
P = 1200 − 600 = 600 𝑉

30°
⊝ ⊕ 𝑟2 = 𝑎 = 60.0 𝑐𝑚 = 0.600 𝑚
𝑞2 𝑞1
𝑟1 = 𝑎 sin 30° = 30.0 𝑐𝑚 = 0.300 𝑚

21
Ch24 Charge, Electric Potential and Electric Potential Energy
Chapter 15 Chapter 16
Notation SI Unit
Charge 𝑞
Charge 𝑞 C
Electric Field 𝐸𝑒
Electric Potential (EP) 𝑉 Volt (V)
Electric Force 𝐹Ԧ𝑒 Electric Potential Energy (EPE) 𝑈 J

1. Source charge 𝑞 at position P 1. Source charge 𝑞 at position P generates electric potential.

generates electric field.
′
2. Test charge 𝑞 at position 𝑃 2. Test charge 𝒒′ at position 𝑷 stores an electric potential
experiences an electric force. energy.

𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝐸 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑉

22
EX-05 Two point charges 𝑞1 = 15.0 𝜇𝐶 and 𝑞2 = 6.0 𝜇𝐶 are located 𝑞1 𝑞2
on a straight line, at distances 𝑎 = 0.80 𝑚 and 𝑏 = 1.20 𝑚, a) 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒
𝑟1 𝑟2
respectively, as shown in the Figure.
a) Find the net electric potential at the point P.
b) If put a positive charge 𝑞3 = 2.0 𝜇𝐶 at the point P,
calculate the electric potential energy stored.
b) 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞3𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 2.0 × 10 −6 × 
𝑎 𝑏

𝑞2 𝑃 𝑞1

b) Calculate how much work needed to move a positive charge 𝑞3 = 2.0 𝜇𝐶 from infinete to the point P.
b) Calculate how much the electric potential energy stored to move a positive charge 𝑞3 = 2.0 𝜇𝐶 from infinete to the point P.

** Two answer for the above two questions is the same (two different ways asking questions).

2. Test charge 𝑞 ′ at position 𝑃 stores an electric potential energy. 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑉

23
EX-06 𝑞1 𝑞2
Two point charges 𝑞1 = 5.0 𝜇𝐶 and 𝑞2 = −2.0 𝜇𝐶 a) 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒
and a point P are located on a plan as shown in the 𝑟1 𝑟2
Figure, 𝑎 = 0.80 𝑚 and 𝑏 = 1.20 𝑚,
a) Find the net electric potential at the point P.
b) Now put a point charge 𝑞3 = 5.0 𝜇𝐶 at the
point P, calculate the electric potential energy.
b) 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞3 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 2.0 × 10−6 × 
𝑏
𝑞2 ⊝
𝑃
𝑎

⊕
𝑞1

2. Test charge 𝑞 ′ at position 𝑃 stores an electric potential energy. 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑉

24
 𝑃
EX-07 Two point charges 𝑞1 = 5.0 𝜇𝐶 and 𝑞2 = −2.0 𝜇𝐶 and
a point P are located on a plan as shown in the Figure,
𝑎 = 3.00 𝑚 and 𝑏 = 4.00 𝑚,
a) Find the electric potential due to these charges at 𝑏
point P.
b) How much work is required to bring a third point
charge of 𝑞3 = 4.00 𝜇𝐶 from infinity to P ?
𝑞1 ⊕ ⊝ 𝑞2
𝑎
𝑞1 𝑞2
a) 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒
𝑟1 𝑟2

b) 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞3𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = ⋯

25
EX-08
As shown in the left Figure, a charge 𝑞1 = 2.00 𝜇𝐶 is located at the origin and a charge 𝑞2 = −6.00 𝜇𝐶 is
located at (0, 3.00) m.
(A) Find the total electric potential due to these charges at the point P, whose coordinates are (4.00, 0) m.
(B) Find the change in potential energy of the system of two charges plus a third charge 𝑞3 = 3.00 𝜇𝐶 as
the latter charge moves from infinity to point P (right Figure).

𝑞2 𝑞2 ⊝
⊝

𝑞1 𝑞1 ⊕ ⊕
⊕
𝑃 𝑞3

𝑞1 𝑞2
(A) 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒 (B) 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞3𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = ⋯
𝑟1 𝑟2

26
EX-09 Suppose three protons lie on the x-axis, at rest relative to one another at a given instant of time, as in the Figure.
If proton 𝑞3 on the right is released while the others are held fixed in place, find a symbolic expression for the
proton’s speed at infinity and evaluate this speed when 𝑟0 = 2.00 𝑓𝑚. (Note: 1 𝑓𝑚 = 10 −15 𝑚.)

𝑟0 𝑟0

⊕ ⊕ ⊕
𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑞3

Break this problem into two steps 2nd step (initial energy): Put 𝑞3 at P, it will store initial EEP of
𝑟0 𝑟0 𝑈𝑒𝑖 = 𝑞3 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 Initial: rest

⊕ ⊕ 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝐾𝑖 + 𝑞3 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑞3 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡

𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑃
2nd step (final energy): kinetic energy plus final EPE at infinity
1
𝐾𝑓 = 𝑚𝑝 𝑣𝑓2 Final: EPE = 0
1st step: find the EP at P where 𝑞3 original located 2
𝑞1 𝑞2 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙
𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑒
𝑟1 𝑟2
𝑞3 𝑉𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝐾𝑓

27
 Ch24-3 Electric Potential in a Uniform Electric Field
E-line and V-surface map What is the electric potential difference
𝑉2 between 𝑉1 and 𝑉2 ?
𝑉1
𝐸 (Given the electric field and the distance 𝑑 between
the two equipotential plane along the field line.)

∆𝑉 = 𝐸𝑑

Procedures of solving Uniform E problems

1 Find initial point and final point
Draw E-line and V-surface map (V-surface
2
should pass the initial and final point)
3 Find the distance 𝑑 between the two surface Perpendicular
𝑑 distance
Change of a quantity always equal its final
4
value minus its initial value

1. E-line ⊥ Equipotential surface (V-surface)

2. Along the E-line, electric potential drops.
Test charge 𝑞 ′ in 𝑽 will have energy 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑽

28
 Procedures of solving Uniform E problems
EX-10 An uniform electric field with magnitude 𝐸 = 1.00 × 103 𝑉/𝑚, pointing in the positive x-
1 Find initial point and final point
direction as shown in the figure. (The length of each small square is equal to 1.00 𝑚.) Calculate
Draw E-line and V-surface map (V-surface
a) Electrical potential difference between A and B: ∆𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 2
should pass the initial and final point)
b) Electrical potential difference between A and C: ∆𝑉𝐴𝐶 = 𝑉𝐶 − 𝑉𝐴 3 Find the distance 𝑑 between the two surface
c) The electric potential energy change for a q = 50.0 𝜇𝐶 charged particle moving from A to B? Change of a quantity always equal its final
4
value minus its initial value

Test charge 𝑞 ′ in 𝑽 will have energy

∆𝑉 = 𝐸𝑑 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑽

C a) ∆𝑉𝐴𝐵 = 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = − ∆𝑉 = −𝐸𝑑 𝑑 = 6.00𝑚

D
b) ∆𝑉𝐴𝐶 = 𝑉𝐶 − 𝑉𝐴 = − ∆𝑉 = −𝐸𝑑 𝑑= 6.02 + 4.02
𝑉𝐶 = 𝑉𝐵 Perpendicular distance

A B c) Put charge 𝑞 at A or B, the charged particle has electric potential energy

𝑈𝐴 = 𝑞𝑉𝐴 or 𝑈𝐵 = 𝑞𝑉𝐵 ∆𝑈𝐴𝐵 = 𝑈𝐵 − 𝑈𝐴

1. E-line ⊥ Equipotential surface (V-surface)

𝑉1 𝑉2 2. Along the E-line, electric potential drops.
29
EX-11
Procedures of solving Uniform E problems
A proton is released from rest at 𝑥 = −2.00 𝑐𝑚 in a constant electric field with
1 Find initial point and final point
magnitude 𝐸 = 1.50 × 103 𝑁/𝐶, pointing in the positive x-direction.
Draw E-line and V-surface map (V-surface
a) Calculate the change in the electric potential energy associated with the 2
should pass the initial and final point)
proton when it reaches 𝑥 = 5.00 𝑐𝑚. 3 Find the distance 𝑑 between the two surface
b) Find the speed of the proton at 𝑥 = 5.00 𝑐𝑚 Change of a quantity always equal its final
4
value minus its initial value

∆𝑉 = 𝐸𝑑 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑽
𝐸
𝐴 𝐵
𝑥 a) Put charge 𝑞 at A or B, the charged
𝑥𝐵 = 5.0 particle has electric potential energy
𝑥𝐴 = −2.0
𝑈𝐴 = 𝑞𝑉𝐴 or 𝑈𝐵 = 𝑞𝑉𝐵

∆𝑈𝐴𝐵 = 𝑈𝐵 − 𝑈𝐴 = 𝑞 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 = −𝑞𝐸𝑑
𝐸 𝑑 = 𝑥𝐵 − 𝑥𝐴 = 7.00 𝑐𝑚 = 0.07𝑚
𝐴 𝐵 b) Total energy at A = total energy at B
𝑥 𝐾𝐴 + 𝑈𝐴 = 𝐾𝐵 + 𝑈𝐵
1
𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐵 𝐾𝐴 = 0 𝐾𝐵 =
2
𝑚𝑝 𝑣𝐵2

proton
𝑈𝐴 = 𝑞𝑉𝐴 𝑈𝐵 = 𝑞𝑉𝐵 𝑞 = 1.6 × 10 −19 𝐶
𝑚 𝑝 = 1.67 × 10 −27 𝑘𝑔
30
EX-12 An electron is fired at 𝑥 = −2.00 𝑐𝑚 in the same direction as a Procedures of solving Uniform E problems
constant electric field with magnitude 𝐸 = 1.50 × 103 𝑁/𝐶, pointing in the 1 Find initial point and final point
positive x-direction. 2
Draw E-line and V-surface map (V-surface
should pass the initial and final point)
a) What is the change in electric potential energy associated with the electron
3 Find the distance 𝑑 between the two surface
if it reaches 𝑥 = 12.0 𝑐𝑚?
Change of a quantity always equal its final
b) Find the initial speed of the electron (at 𝑥 = −2.00 𝑐𝑚) given that its 4
value minus its initial value
speed has fallen by half when it reaches 𝑥 = 12.0 𝑐𝑚.
∆𝑉 = 𝐸𝑑 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑽

𝐸
𝐴 Put charge 𝑞 at A or C, the charged
𝐶 𝑥 a) particle has electric potential energy

𝑥𝐴 = −2.0 𝑥𝐶 = 12 𝑈𝐴 = 𝑞𝑉𝐴 or 𝑈𝐶 = 𝑞𝑉𝐶

electron
∆𝑈𝐴𝐶 = 𝑈𝐶 − 𝑈𝐴 = 𝑞 𝑉𝐶 − 𝑉𝐴 = −𝑞𝐸𝑑
𝑞 = −1.6 × 10 −19 𝐶
𝑚 = 9.1 × 10 −31 𝑘𝑔
b) Total energy at A = total energy at C

𝐾𝐴 + 𝑈𝐴 = 𝐾𝐶 + 𝑈𝐶
𝑑 = 𝑥𝐶 − 𝑥𝐴 = 14.0 𝑐𝑚 = 0.14 𝑚
1 1 1 1
𝑉𝐶 𝐾𝐴 = 𝑚𝑣𝐴2 𝐾𝐶 = 𝑚( 𝑣𝐴2 ) = 𝑚𝑣𝐴2
𝑉𝐴 2 2 4 8

𝑈𝐶 = 𝑞𝑉𝐶
𝑈𝐴 = 𝑞𝑉𝐴
31
EX-13 A constant electric field with magnitude 𝐸 = 1.50 × 103 𝑁/𝐶, pointing
in the negative x-direction.
a) An electron is released from rest at 𝑥 = 3.00 𝑐𝑚, by how much has the
electric potential energy changed when the electron reaches 𝑥 = 7.00 𝑐𝑚?
b) Find the speed of the electron at 𝑥 = 7.00 𝑐𝑚

𝐸
𝐷 𝐸
𝑥
𝑥𝐵 = 3.0 𝑥𝐶 = 7.0

32
EX-14 Suppose a proton is injected at a speed of 1.00 × 106 𝑚/𝑠
⊕ 𝐸
from the positive plate of the two parallel plates 5.00 cm apart, as
𝐴 𝐵
shown in the Figure. The proton subsequently accelerates across the
gap and reach the negative plate.
𝑑
a) What must the electric potential difference be if the speed is to
be 3.00 × 106 𝑚/𝑠 at the negative plate?
𝑈𝐴 = 𝑞𝑉𝐴 𝑈𝐵 = 𝑞𝑉𝐵
b) What is the magnitude of the electric field between the plates,
assuming it’s constant? 1 1
𝐾𝐴 = 𝑚𝑣𝐴2 𝐾𝐵 = 𝑚𝑣𝐵2
2 2
𝐸
 ━ Total energy at A = total energy at B
 ━
 ━ 𝑣𝐴 = 1.00 × 106 𝑚/𝑠 𝐾𝐴 + 𝑈𝐴 = 𝐾𝐵 + 𝑈𝐵
𝐴 𝐵 ━
━
𝑣𝐵 = 3.00 × 106 𝑚/𝑠 1 1
⊕ 𝑚𝑣𝐴2 + 𝑞𝑉𝐴 = 𝑚𝑣𝐵2 + 𝑞𝑉𝐵
 ━ 2 2
proton 𝑞 = 1.6 × 10 −19 𝐶
 ━ 1 1
 ━ 𝑚 = 1.67 × 10−27 𝑘𝑔 𝑞(𝑉𝐴 −𝑉𝐵 ) = 𝑚𝑣𝐵2 − 𝑚𝑣𝐴2
2 2
𝑑 𝑑 = 5.00 𝑐𝑚 = 0.05 𝑚
𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵

𝑉𝐴 − 𝑉𝐵 = 𝐸𝑑 𝐸
33
Ch23 Conductors in Electrostatic Equilibrium (Review)
Electrostatic Equilibrium: Charge is not moving
After providing charge to a conductor, how long does
~ 10−16 𝑠
it take for the charge reach to equilibrium?

1. Electric Field inside a conductor is always zero.

𝑬𝒊𝒏 = 𝟎
⊕⊕⊕
⊕
⊕
⊕ ⊕⊕ (there is no E-line inside a conductor)
⊕
⊕ 2. E-line are always perpendicular to the conductor’s surface
⊕
⊕ 3. Charge is distributed on the surface
⊕
⊕ ⊕
4. The highest charge densities are at locations farthest from
⊕
the geometric center of the object (sharp tip).

34
 ₢

Ch24-4 Electric Potential and Charged Conductors

Electrostatic Equilibrium: Charge is not moving

⊕⊕⊕
⊕
⊕
1. Electric potential everywhere (inside or on
⊕ ⊕⊕
⊕ the surface) in a conductor is always equal.
⊕
⊕ 𝑽𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 = 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕
⊕
⊕
⊕ ⊕ (there is no E-line inside a conductor)
⊕

35
 Mathematical relations between 𝑬-𝑽

What is the relation between electric field 𝑬 and electric potential 𝑽?

Very similar with relation between gravitational force 𝐹Ԧ𝑔 and gravitational potential energy (GPE) 𝑈𝑔

36
 Conservative Force and Potential Energy (Review 2325)
Define conservative force 𝐹Ԧ𝑐

𝑓
Work down by a conservative
𝑊𝑖→𝑓 = න 𝐹Ԧ𝑐 ∙ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ ‫𝐹 ׯ‬Ԧ𝑐 ∙ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ = 0 along a closed path is equal zero.
𝑖

𝑓
Path 1 Potential Energy 𝑼(𝒙, 𝒚)
Work down by a conservative force from initial position to
final position does not depend on the path. This means that
𝐹Ԧ𝑐
the work done depends only on the initial position and final
Path 2 position. Therefore one can define a function, named as
potential energy 𝑼 𝒙, 𝒚 (or 𝑈( 𝑟Ԧ )), which depends only on
𝑑𝑟Ԧ the position.

𝑖 Path 3
𝑓
‫𝐹 𝑖׬‬Ԧ𝑐 ∙ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ = −∆𝑈

Work down by a conservative force onto the focused object

from initial point to final point does not depend on the path. ∆𝑈 = 𝑈𝑓 − 𝑈𝑖 = 𝑈 𝑟Ԧ𝑓 − 𝑈 𝑟Ԧ𝑖

37
 Conservative Force and Potential Energy (Review 2325)
Gravitational force is a conservative force

Gravitational force Potential Energy 𝑼

𝐹𝑔 = 𝑚𝑔, 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑈𝑔 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑚𝑔𝑦

𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑚𝑀
Gravitational force 𝐹𝑔 = 𝐺 𝑈𝑔 (𝑟) = −𝐺
𝑟2 𝑟
𝐺 = 6.67 × 10−11

Spring force is a conservative force

Spring force Potential Energy 𝑼

1 2
𝐹𝑆 = −𝑘𝑥 𝑈𝑠 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑘𝑥
2

38
 Gravitational Force and Gravitational Potential Energy (Review 2325)

𝐹𝑔 = 𝑚𝑔, 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑈𝑔 = 𝑚𝑔𝑦

Calculate the work down by the gravitational force

𝑓
onto the focused object along a curved path from 𝑊𝑔𝑖→𝑓 = ‫𝐹 𝑖׬‬Ԧ𝑔 ∙ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ
initial point to final point.

𝐹Ԧ𝑔 ∙ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ = −𝑚𝑔 𝑗Ƹ ∙ 𝑑𝑥 𝑖Ƹ + 𝑑𝑦 𝑗Ƹ = −𝑚𝑔𝑑𝑦

𝑓
𝑓 𝑓
𝑊𝑔 = ‫ 𝑖׬‬−𝑚𝑔𝑑𝑦 = −𝑚𝑔 ‫ = 𝑦𝑑 𝑖׬‬−𝑚𝑔( 𝑦𝑓 − 𝑦𝑖 )
𝐹Ԧ𝑔

𝑊𝑔 = −∆𝑈𝑔
𝑑𝑟Ԧ
𝑖

39
 Conservative Force and Potential Energy (Review 2325)

Given the potential energy find the conservative force

Potential Energy 𝑼 conservative force

𝑈(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈
𝐹𝑥 = − 𝐹𝑦 = −
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

Example
𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈
𝑈𝑔 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑔𝑦 𝐹𝑥 = − =0 𝐹𝑦 = − = −𝑚𝑔
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

1 𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈
𝑈𝑠 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑘𝑥 2 𝐹𝑥 = − = −𝑘𝑥 𝐹𝑦 = −
𝜕𝑦
=0
2 𝜕𝑥

40
 Mathematical relations between 𝑬-𝑽
conservative force Potential Energy 𝑼
𝑓
‫𝐹 𝑖׬‬Ԧ𝑐 ∙ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ = −∆𝑈

𝜕𝑈 𝜕𝑈
𝐹𝑥 = − 𝐹𝑦 = − 𝑈(𝑥, 𝑦)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

Electrostatic force 𝑭𝒆 is a conservative force Electric Potential Energy 𝑼𝒆

𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝐸 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞′ 𝑉

Electric field 𝑬 Electric Potential 𝑽

𝑓
න 𝐸 ∙ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ = −∆𝑉
𝑖

𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉
𝐸𝑥 = − 𝐸𝑦 = − 𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

41
 Mathematical relations between 𝑬-𝑽

𝑓 ∞
∆𝑉 = − න 𝐸 ∙ 𝑑𝑟Ԧ 𝑉 = න 𝐸 ∙ 𝑑 𝑟Ԧ
𝑖 𝑟

𝐸 – 𝑉 Relation (for any situation) (for localized source charge & choose 𝑉∞ = 0)
𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉 𝜕𝑉
𝐸𝑥 = − 𝐸𝑦 = − 𝐸r = − 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕r
You need to know how to draw 𝐸-line and 𝑉-surface Map

Test charge put into 𝐸 𝑜𝑟 𝑉-field 𝐹Ԧ𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝐸 𝑈𝑒 = 𝑞 ′ 𝑉

Another way to calculate electric field

Since electric potential (EP) is a scalar, for a given problem you may calculate EP first. Then use the
𝐸 – 𝑉 Relation to get the electric field.

42
 Calculate EP Generated by Continuous Charge Distribution
𝑦
1. Knows the position P 𝑃
2. Cut a small region (infinite small) from the continuous source
charge distribution and treat it as a point source charge. 𝑟
3. Find the distance of that point charge (small region) to the
𝑑𝐴
position P and calculate EP (𝑑𝑉).
(𝑥, 𝑦)
4. Add (integral mathematically) all the 𝑑𝑉 over the entire
𝑑𝑞
continuous charge distribution.

𝑥
O

2D small region
𝑑𝐴
𝑉 = ඵ 𝑑𝑉𝑑𝐴
𝑑𝐴 = 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝐴 = 𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑑𝜃

43
 Example: 1D continuous charge distribution
EX-U1: A rod of length 𝑙 has a uniform positive charge per 𝑄
𝜆: 1D charge density 𝜆=
unit length 𝜆 and a total charge Q. Calculate the electric 𝑙
potential at a point P that is located along the long axis of
𝑑𝑞 = 𝜆𝑑𝑥
the rod and a distance a from one end.
Cut a small region 𝑑𝑥 on the 1D rod, treat it as a point source
𝑃
charge, and calculate 𝑑𝑉:
𝑄
𝑑𝑞 𝜆𝑑𝑥
𝑙 𝑑𝑉 = 𝑘𝑒 = 𝑘𝑒
𝑎 𝑟 𝑟
Integral mathematically the small region over the entire rod:
Choose ref-frame origin at the left end of the rod
𝑙 𝑙 𝑎
𝜆𝑑𝑥 −𝜆𝑑𝑟 𝑙+𝑎
𝑑𝑥 𝑉 = න 𝑑𝑉 = න 𝑘𝑒 = න 𝑘𝑒 = 𝑘𝑒 𝜆 𝑙𝑛
0 0 𝑟 𝑙+𝑎 𝑟 𝑎

O 𝑃
𝑑𝑞
𝜕𝑉 𝑄
𝑥 𝑥 𝐸𝑥 = − = 𝑘𝑒
𝜕a 𝑎(𝑙 + 𝑎)

𝑟 = 𝑙 +𝑎 −𝑥
−𝑑𝑟
**Math න = − 𝑙𝑛𝑟
𝑟

44
 Example: 1D circular continuous charge distribution
EX-U2: A ring of radius a carries a uniformly distributed 𝑄 𝑄
positive total charge Q. Calculate the electric potential due 𝜆: 1D charge density 𝜆= =
𝑙 2𝜋𝑎
to the ring at a point P lying a distance x from its center
along the central axis perpendicular to the plane of the ring.
Integral mathematically the small region over the entire rod:
𝑟
𝑎 𝑃 2𝜋𝑎 𝜆𝑑𝑙 𝜆 2𝜋𝑎 𝜆 𝑄
𝑄 𝜃 𝑉 = න 𝑑𝑉 = න 𝑘𝑒 = 𝑘𝑒 න 𝑑𝑙 = 𝑘𝑒 (2𝜋𝑎) = 𝑘𝑒
𝑥 𝑥 0 𝑟 𝑟 0 𝑟 𝑟

𝑑𝐸
𝑄
𝑉 = 𝑘𝑒
(𝑥 2 + 𝑅 2 ) 1Τ2
𝑑𝑞 = 𝜆𝑑𝑙

𝜕𝑉 𝑥𝑄
Cut a small region 𝑑𝑙 on the ring, treat it as a point source 𝐸𝑥 = − = 𝑘𝑒 2
𝜕x (𝑥 + 𝑅 2 ) 3Τ2
charge, and calculate 𝐸 magnitude.

𝑑𝑞 𝜆𝑑𝑙
𝑑𝑉 = 𝑘𝑒 = 𝑘𝑒
𝑟 𝑟

45
 ₢
Example: 2D continuous charge distribution (disc)
EX-U3: A disk of radius R has a uniform surface charge
𝑄 𝑄
density 𝜎. Calculate the electric potential at a point P 𝜎: 2D charge density 𝜎= =
that lies along the central perpendicular axis of the disk 𝐴 𝜋𝑅 2
and a distance x from the center of the disk.
Cut a small ring- shape region 𝑑𝐴 on the disc, use the conclusion
of the EX-U2, to get the EP 𝑑𝑉 for the ring:
𝑅
𝑑𝑞
𝑑𝑉 = 𝑘𝑒
(𝑥 2 + 𝑟2 )1Τ2
𝑃
𝑑𝑞 = 𝜎𝑑𝐴 = 𝜎(2𝜋𝑟𝑑𝑟) = 𝜎(𝜋𝑑𝑟2 )
𝑥
Integral mathematically the small region over the entire rod:

𝑅 𝜎(2𝜋𝑟𝑑𝑟)
𝑉 = න 𝑑𝑉 = න 𝑘𝑒 = 2𝑘𝑒 𝜎𝜋 𝑥 2 + 𝑅2 − 𝑥
0 (𝑥 2 + 𝑟2 )1Τ2

𝑟 𝑃 𝑑𝑉 𝜕𝑉 𝜎 𝑥
𝑑𝑞 𝜃 𝐸𝑥 = − = 1−
𝜕x 2𝜀0 𝑥 2 + 𝑅2
𝑥 𝑥

2
𝑅 𝑑𝑟 2 𝑥 +𝑅2 𝑑𝑢
2
𝑥 +𝑅2
**Math Skill න = න = න 𝑢 −1Τ2 𝑑𝑢 = 2(𝑢)1Τ2 = 2 𝑥2 + 𝑅2 − 𝑥
2 2 1Τ 2
0 (𝑥 + 𝑟 ) 𝑥2 (𝑢)1Τ2 𝑥2
46
 EX (HW): E-V relation for Uniform E-Field

A uniform electric field of magnitude 350 V/m is

directed in the negative y direction in the Figure.
The coordinates of point A are (−2.00, −3.00) m
and those of point B are (4.00, 5.00) m. Calculate
the potential difference 𝑉𝐵 − 𝑉𝐴 using the blue
path.

𝑦
𝐵

𝐴 𝐸
 EX (HW): E-V relation for Uniform E-Field

A particle having charge 𝑞 = +2.0 𝜇𝐶 and mass 𝑚 = 0.010 𝑘𝑔 is

connected to a string that is 𝐿 = 1.50 𝑚 long and tied to the pivot
point P in the Figure. The particle, string, and pivot point all lie on a
frictionless, horizontal table. The particle is released from rest when
the string makes an angle 𝜃 = 60.0° with a uniform electric field of
magnitude 𝐸 = 300 𝑉/𝑚. Determine the speed of the particle when
the string is parallel to the electric field (point A in Figure).

𝜃
𝐴
𝑃

Top View
 EX (HW): 1D continuous charge distribution

A wire having a uniform linear charge density 𝜆 is bent into the shape shown
in the Figure. Find the electric potential at point O.

2𝑅 𝑂 2𝑅
𝑅
EX (HW): 2D continuous charge distribution (two conductors)
Two spherical conductors of radii 𝑟1 and 𝑟2 are
separated by a distance much greater than the radius
of either sphere. The spheres are connected by a
conducting wire as shown in the Figure. The charges
on the spheres in equilibrium are 𝑞1 and 𝑞2 ,
respectively, and they are uniformly charged. Find
the ratio of the magnitudes of the electric fields at the
surfaces of the spheres.

𝑞1
𝑟1 𝑞2
𝑟2
EX (HW): 2D continuous charge distribution (spherical conductor)

A spherical conductor has a radius of 20.0 cm and

charge of 60.0 𝜇𝐶.
Calculate the electric field at the following
distance from the center
a) 𝑟 = 10.0 𝑐𝑚
b) 𝑟 = 50.0 𝑐𝑚
Calculate the electric potential at the following
distance from the center
c) 𝑟 = 10.0 𝑐𝑚
d) 𝑟 = 20.0 𝑐𝑚
e) 𝑟 = 50.0 𝑐𝑚