Problems Chapter 3

(1) A proton is released from rest at the origin in a uniform electric field in the positive 𝑥 direction with
magnitude 850 N/C. What is the change in the electric potential energy of the proton–field system when
the proton travels to 𝑥 = 2.50 m?

(a) 3.40 × 10−16 J (b) −3.40 × 10−16 J (c) 2.50 × 10−16 J (d) −2.50 × 10−16 J (e) −1.60 × 10−19 J

Solution
The work done on the proton equals the negative of the change in electric potential energy.
𝑊 = −∆𝑈 ⟶ ∆𝑈 = −𝑊

∆𝑈 = −𝐹⃗ ∙ 𝑠⃗
∆𝑈 = −𝐹𝑠 cos 𝜃
𝐹 = 𝑞𝐸, 𝑞 = 𝑒 = 1.6 × 10−16 C,
∆𝑈 = −𝑒𝐸𝑠 cos 𝜃

The direction of proton motion is along the direction of electric field, i.e., 𝐸⃗⃗ ∥ 𝑠⃗ and the angle 𝜃 = 0
∆𝑈 = −(1.6 × 10−19 )(850)(2.5)(cos 0)
∆𝑈 = −3.40 × 10−16 J

(2) The electric potential at 𝑥 = 3.00 m is 120 V, and the electric potential at 𝑥 = 5.00 m is 190 V. What is
the 𝑥-component of the electric field in this region, assuming the field is uniform?

(a) 140 N/C (b) −140 N/C (c) 35.0 N/C (d) −35.0 N/C (e) 75.0 N/C

Solution
Givens: 𝑉1 = 120 V , 𝑥1 = 3 m
𝑉2 = 190 V , 𝑥2 = 5 m

We know, the 𝑥-component of the electric field,

∆𝑉 𝑉2 − 𝑉1 190 − 120 70
𝐸𝑥 = − =− = =− = −35 N/C
∆𝑥 𝑥2 − 𝑥1 5−3 2
 (3) Rank the potential energies of the four systems of charges shown in Figure from largest to smallest. Include
equalities if appropriate.

Solution
the total potential energy of the system of three charges:

𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑞2 𝑞3 𝑞3 𝑞1
𝑈 = 𝑘𝑒 [ + + ]
𝑟12 𝑟23 𝑟13

𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄2
𝑈a = 𝑘𝑒 [ + + ] = 3𝑘𝑒
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
𝑄𝑄 𝑄(−𝑄) (−𝑄)𝑄 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑄2
𝑈b = 𝑘𝑒 [ + + ] = 𝑘𝑒 [ − − ] = −𝑘𝑒
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑

the total potential energy of the system of four charges:

ξ2𝑑

𝑞1 𝑞2 𝑞2 𝑞3 𝑞3 𝑞4 𝑞4 𝑞1 𝑞1 𝑞3 𝑞2 𝑞4
𝑈 = 𝑘𝑒 [ + + + + + ]
𝑟12 𝑟23 𝑟13 𝑟14 𝑟24 𝑟34

𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑄2
𝑈c = 𝑘𝑒 [ + + + + + ] = 4𝑘𝑒 + 2𝑘𝑒 = (4 + ξ2 )𝑘𝑒 ≈ 5.4𝑘𝑒
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 ξ2 𝑑 ξ2 𝑑 𝑑 ξ2 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑

𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄(−𝑄) (−𝑄)𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑄2
𝑈d = 𝑘𝑒 [ + + + + − ]=2 −2 + − =0
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 ξ2 𝑑 ξ2 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 ξ2 𝑑 ξ2 𝑑

c then a then d then b

 (4) In a certain region of space, a uniform electric field is in the 𝑥 direction. A particle with negative charge
is carried from 𝑥 = 20.0 cm to 𝑥 = 60.0 cm.
(i) Does the electric potential energy of the charge–field system
(a) increase, (b) remain constant, (c) decrease, (d) change unpredictably?

(ii) Has the particle moved to a position where the electric potential is
(a) higher than before, (b) unchanged, (c) lower than before, (d) unpredictable?

Solution
(i) Does the electric potential energy of the charge–field system

(a) increase, (b) remain constant, (c) decrease, (d) change unpredictably?

The particle feels an electric force in the negative 𝑥 direction. An outside agent pushes it uphill against this force,
increasing the potential energy.

(ii) Has the particle moved to a position where the electric potential is

(a) higher than before, (b) unchanged, (c) lower than before, (d) unpredictable?

The potential decreases in the direction of the electric field.

 (5) (a) Calculate the speed of a proton that is accelerated from rest through an electric potential difference
of 120 V.

(b) Calculate the speed of an electron that is accelerated through the same electric potential difference.

Solution

(a) Proton Electric field system as isolated system for energy.

Applying energy conservation:

∆𝐾 + ∆𝑈 = 0
(𝐾𝑓 − 𝐾𝑖 ) + ∆𝑈 = 0
1 1
( 𝑚𝑝 𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑚𝑝 𝑣𝑖2 ) − 𝑞𝑝 ∆𝑉 = 0
2 2

Where 𝑣𝑖 = 0 since the proton is accelerated from rest:

1
𝑚 𝑣 2 − 𝑞𝑝 ∆𝑉 = 0
2 𝑝 𝑓
Solve for 𝑣𝑓

2𝑞𝑝 ∆𝑉 2(1.6 × 10−19 )(120)

𝑣𝑓 = √ =√ = 1.52 × 105 m⁄s
𝑚𝑝 1.67 × 10−27

𝑣𝑓 = 1.52 × 105 m⁄s

(b) Similarly for electron

𝐾 + ∆𝑈 = 0
(𝐾𝑓 − 𝐾𝑖 ) + ∆𝑈 = 0
1 1
( 𝑚𝑒 𝑣𝑓2 − 𝑚𝑒 𝑣𝑖2 ) − 𝑞𝑒 ∆𝑉 = 0
2 2

1
𝑚 𝑣 2 − 𝑞𝑒 ∆𝑉 = 0
2 𝑒 𝑓
2𝑞𝑝 ∆𝑉 2(−1.6 × 10−19 )(120)
𝑣𝑓 = √ =√ = 6.49 × 106 m⁄s
𝑚𝑝 9.11 × 10−31

𝑣𝑓 = 6.49 × 106 m⁄s

 (6) A uniform electric field of magnitude 325 V/m is directed in the negative 𝑦 direction in Figure. The
coordinates of point A are (−0.200, −0.300) m, and those of point B are (0.400, 0.500) m. Calculate the
electric potential difference 𝑉B − 𝑉A using the dashed-line path.

Solution
(−0.200, 0.500) m
The electric potential difference between point (A) and point (B) is
the sum of the potential difference between point (A) and point ©
(0.400, 0.500) m
(C) and the potential difference between point (C) and point (B):

𝑉B − 𝑉A = (𝑉C − 𝑉A ) + (𝑉B − 𝑉C )

𝑉B − 𝑉A = ∆𝑉AC + ∆𝑉CB

𝑉B − 𝑉A = −𝐸⃗⃗ ∙ ∆𝑦⃗AC + (−𝐸⃗⃗ ∙ ∆𝑥⃗CB )

𝑉B − 𝑉A = −𝐸∆𝑦AC cos 180° + 𝐸∆𝑥CB cos 90° (−0.200, −0.300) m

𝑉B − 𝑉A = −325(𝑦C − 𝑦A )(−1)

The coordinates of point A are (−0.200, −0.300) m

The coordinates of point B are (0.400, 0.500) m
The coordinates of point C are (−0.200, 0.500)m

𝑉B − 𝑉A = 325(0.5 − (−0.3)) = 325(0.5 + 0.3) = 325 × 0.8

𝑉B − 𝑉A = 260 V
 (7) An electron moving parallel to the 𝑥 axis has an initial speed of 3.70 × 106 m/s at the origin. Its speed is
reduced to 1.40 × 105 m/s at the point 𝑥 = 2.00 cm.
(a) Calculate the electric potential difference between the origin and that point.
(b) State the direction of the electric field.
(c) Which point is at the higher potential?

Solution
For the isolated electron-field system, the energy of the system when the electron is at 𝑥 = 0 equal to that
when the electron is at 𝑥 = 2 cm. From which we get the difference in potential 𝑉𝑓 – 𝑉𝑖 .
𝐾𝑖 + 𝑈𝑖 = 𝐾𝑓 + 𝑈𝑓
1 1
𝑚𝑣𝑖2 + 𝑞𝑉𝑖 = 𝑚𝑣𝑓2 + 𝑞𝑉𝑓
2 2
1
𝑚(𝑣𝑖2 − 𝑣𝑓2 ) = 𝑞(𝑉𝑓 – 𝑉𝑖 )
2
𝑚(𝑣𝑖2 − 𝑣𝑓2 )
∴ ∆𝑉 = 𝑉𝑓 – 𝑉𝑖 =
2𝑞

(a) Noting that the electron’s charge is negative, and evaluating the potential difference, we have:

(9.11 × 10−31 kg)[(3.7 × 106 m/s)2 − (1.4 × 105 m/s)2 ]

∆𝑉 = = −38.9 V
2(−1.6 × 10−19 C)

(b) The direction of the electric field is the positive 𝑥 axis.

(c) The negative sign means that the 2 cm location is lower in potential than the origin. The origin is at the higher
potential.
 (8) Given two particles with 2.00-μC charges as shown in Figure and a particle with charge
𝑞 = 1.28 × 10−18 C at the origin,
(a) what is the net force exerted by the two 2.00-μC charges on the test charge 𝑞?
(b) What is the electric field at the origin due to the two 2.00-μC particles?
(c) What is the electric potential at the origin due to the two 2.00-μC particles?

Solution
(a) Since both charges are equal in magnitude and are at equal distance from the origin, therefore they will exert
forces with equal in magnitude and opposite in direction on 𝑞. Hence, the resultant of these two equal and
opposite forces on 𝑞 will be zero. 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝐹1 − 𝐹2 = 0

(b) Since 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑞𝐸 = 0 → 𝐸 = 0 .

(c) The electric potential at origin due to one particle is given by

𝑞 9
2 × 10−6
𝑉𝑞 = 𝑘𝑒 = (8.99 × 10 ) = 22500
𝑟 0.8

Hence the electric potential at origin due to both charges is given by

𝑉 = 2𝑉𝑞 = 45000 V

𝑉 = 4.5 × 104 V
𝑉 = 45 × 103 V = 45 kV
 (9) Two particles each with charge +2.00 μC are located on the 𝑥 axis. One is at 𝑥 = 1.00 m, and the other
is at 𝑥 = −1.00 m.
(a) Determine the electric potential on the 𝑦 axis at 𝑦 = 0.500 m.
(b) Calculate the change in electric potential energy of the system as a third charged particle of −3.00 μC
is brought from infinitely far away to a position on the 𝑦 axis at 𝑦 = 0.500 m.

Solution

(a) The electric potential at 𝑦 = 0.500 m on the y axis is given by

𝑘𝑒 𝑞1 𝑘𝑒 𝑞2 𝑘𝑒 𝑞
𝑉= + = 2( )
𝑟1 𝑟2 𝑟

(8.99 × 109 N. m2 /C2 )(2 × 10−6 C)

𝑉 = 2( ) = 3.22 × 104 V
√(1 m)2 + (0.5 m)2

𝑉 = 32.2 kV

(b) The change in electric potential energy of the system when a third charge is brought to this point is

𝑈 = 𝑞𝑉 = (−3 × 10−6 C)(3.22 × 104 J/C) = −9.65 × 10−2 J

𝑈 = −9.65 × 10−2 J
 (10) Two parallel plates having charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign, are separated by 12.0 cm. Each
plate has a surface charge density of 36.0 nC/m2 . A proton is released from rest at the positive plate.
Determine
(a) the magnitude of the electric field between the plates from the charge density,
(b) the potential difference between the plates,
(c) the kinetic energy of the proton when it reaches the negative plate,
(d) the speed of the proton just before it strikes the negative plate,
(e) the acceleration of the proton, and
(f) the force on the proton.
(g) From the force, find the magnitude of the electric field.
(h) How does your value of the electric field compare with that found in part (a)?

Solution

(a) The electric field between two oppositely charge infinite

planes is the net field of the two plates
𝜎 𝜎 𝜎
𝐸 = 𝐸− + 𝐸+ = + =
2𝜖0 2𝜖0 𝜖0
and vanishes elsewhere.

36.0 × 10−9
𝐸= = 4.07 × 103 N⁄C
8.85 × 10−12

(b) The potential difference between plates

∆𝑉 = 𝐸𝑑 = (4.07 × 103 ) (12 × 10−2 ) = 488.4 V

(c) From conservation law of energy, we have

∆𝐾 + ∆𝑈 = 0
(𝐾𝑓 − 𝐾𝑖 ) + ∆𝑈 = 0
𝐾𝑖 = 0, where 𝑣𝑖 = 0 since the proton is accelerated from rest

𝐾𝑓 − 𝑞𝑝 ∆𝑉 = 0

𝐾𝑓 = 𝑞𝑝 ∆𝑉 = 1.6 × 10−19 × 488.4 = 7.81 × 10−17 J

(d) The speed of the proton just before it strikes the negative plate
1
𝐾𝑓 = 𝑚 𝑣2 →
2 𝑝 𝑓

2𝐾𝑓 √2(7.81 × 10−17 )

𝑣𝑓 = √ = = 3.06 × 105 m⁄s
𝑚𝑝 1.67 × 10−27

(e) The acceleration of the proton

𝐹 = 𝑚𝑝 𝑎

𝑞𝑝 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑝 𝑎

𝑞𝑝 𝐸 (1.6 × 10−19 )(4.07 × 103 )

𝑎= = = 3.9 × 1011 m2 ⁄s
𝑚𝑝 1.67 × 10−27

(f) The force on the proton

𝐹 = 𝑚𝑝 𝑎 = (1.67 × 10−27 )(3.9 × 1011 ) = 6.513 × 10−16 N

(g) The magnitude of the electric field from the force

𝐹 6.513 × 10−16
𝐸= = = 4.07 × 103 N⁄C
𝑞𝑝 1.6 × 10−19

(h) How does your value of the electric field compare with that found in part (a)?

They are equal