Faculty of Physics, USTHB Academic Year 2024‐2025

1st year ST-Engineer

Physics 2: Electricity and magnetism

Problem set 1
Electrical field and potential
Problem 1:
The electron with mass me and the proton with mass mp of a hydrogen atom are, on average, separated
by a distance r=0.53 10-10 m. Compare the electrical and gravitational forces acting between these two
particles.
Data : G = 6.67 10-11 SI, mp=1836 me, me=9.1 10-31 kg, K=9 109 SI and e=1.6 10-19C.

Problem 2:
Two identical conductive spheres, each with a mass m=10g, carry the charges q1 and q2. They are brought
into contact and then separated
O
1) Calculate the charges q1 and q2 they acquire for the following cases:
a) q1=+3 10-8C and q2=0 C.
b) q1 = +3 10-8C and q2 = + 8 10-8 C.
c) q1 = +3 10-8C and q2 = - 8 10-8 C.  
Specify the direction of the electron transfer each time.
2) The two masses are suspended at the same point O by two identical nylon
x x
threads of length 𝑙 = 80𝑐𝑚 (Figure 1). Neglecting the mass of the threads,
calculate the distance 2𝑥 separating the two spheres for the different cases in
1) (assuming that the angle θ is sufficiently small). Figure 1
Problem 3: 1
Two identical conductive spheres carrying charges of opposite signs attract each other with a force of
0.108N when the distance between them is d=0.5m. They are connected by means of a conductive wire.
After removing the wire, they repel each other with a force of 0.036 N.
 What was the initial charge of each sphere?
q2
Problem 4:
Consider three points charges q1, q2 and q3 at the vertices of a right-angled a
triangle (see Figure 2 opposite). Calculate the magnitude of the force acting
on the charge q3.
q1 2a q3
Note: 𝑎 = 10 𝑐𝑚, 𝑞1 = 10−6 𝐶, 𝑞2 = 2 × 10−6 𝐶, and 𝑞3 = −3 × 10−6 𝐶.
Figure 2

Problem 5:
Consider three points charges located at the corners of a right-angled
isosceles triangle where q1  q3  5 C , q2  2.0 C and a  0.10 m
(see Figure 3). Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant force ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹3
acting on q3.
Figure 3
Problem 6:
We consider the system of point charges represented in Figure 4. The positive charges 𝑞1 and 𝑞2 ,
separated by a distance d, are fixed at points O and A, respectively. A third charge 𝑞3 is constrained to
move along the segment OA.
1) Provide the expression for the force acting on 𝑞3 at point M.
2) At what distance (𝑥 = 𝑥0 ) from 𝑞1 is the charge 𝑞3 in an equilibrium position?
q1=q q3=q q2=q/9
Note: d = 4 cm.
O x M A
d Figure 4
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Problem 7: y
We consider two equal positive point charges, each with a value of q,
and separated by a distance of 2a (see Figure 5).
a B
1) Calculate the electric potential at points A (a, 0), B (a, a), and C
(3a, 0).
O A q
2) Calculate the electric field vector at these points. C
q a 2a 3a x
Given values: a = 2m and q = 10 nC.
Figur
e55
Problem 8:
Three charges 𝑞𝐴 = 10−7 𝐶, 𝑞𝐵 = 2 × 10−7 𝐶 and 𝑞𝐶 = −3 × 10−7 𝐶 are placed at points A, B, and C
with respective Cartesian coordinates A(0,0), B(3,0) and C(0,3) in cm (see
Figure 6). y
C qC
1) Calculate then qualitatively represent the electric field created by
charges 𝑞𝐵 and 𝑞𝐶 at point A.
2) Deduce the force exerted on charge 𝑞𝐴 . A qB
3) Calculate the potential created by charges 𝑞𝐵 and 𝑞𝐶 at point A. Deduce qA B x
the potential energy of charge 𝑞𝐴 .
4) Calculate the internal energy of the system of three charges. D Fig. 2
5) Calculate the work done by the electrostatic force when moving charge
Figure 6
𝑞𝐴 from point A to point D(-3,-3) cm.
6) Determine the external field that must be applied to maintain charge 𝑞𝐴 in equilibrium at point D.

Problem 9:
Three point charges 𝑞1 , 𝑞2 , and 𝑞3 , all positive and equal to q, are placed y
respectively at points A(0, -a), B(0, a) and C(a, 0) (see Figure 7). B q2
1) Calculate the electric potential created by 𝑞1 and 𝑞2 at point C.
2) Determine the electric potential energy Ep3 of charge 𝑞3 . O q3
x
3) Calculate the internal energy U of the system formed by the 3 charges. C
4) The charge 𝑞3 is released without any initial velocity. Calculate the A q1 Fig. 3
kinetic energy Ec3(∞) with which it reaches infinity.
Given values: q = 10-9 C, a = 10 cm. Figure 7

Problem 10:
Consider two positive point electric charges, q fixed at points A(𝑎√2 ,0) and B(0,𝑎√2 ) (see Figure 8).
1) Determine, as a function of the distance r=OM, the electric potential V(r) at point M on the line (∆)
passing through O and the midpoint I of AB.
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ at point M. Qualitatively
2) Deduce the electric field intensity of 𝐸(𝑟)
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ .
represent 𝐸(𝑟)
3) What should be the minimum kinetic energy that must be launcheda
positive charge q' from infinity along the line (∆) to reach point I?
4) Determine the internal energy of the system formed by the three
charges (q' being at point I).
5) What happens if the charge q' is slightly displaced from point I:
a) along the line (∆)? Justify.
b) along the segment AB? Justify. ) Figure
8
Problem 11 :
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Two charges of magnitude +q are positioned at points B and C, having coordinates B(0,a/2) and C(0,-
a/2), respectively. Additionally, a charge of magnitude -q is located at point A(-3a,0) (Figure 9).
1) Calculate the total electric potential V(x) generated by these three
charges at point M, situated at a distance x from the origin O. q B
Express the result in terms of K, q, a and x. a/2
2) Determine the total electric field ⃗⃗⃗ E (x) produced by the three A O M
charges at point M, as a fonction of the variables K, q, a and x. q 3a x +Q
3) We introduce a fourth charge Q, which can freely move along the a/2
Ox axis. Calculate the force exerted on this charge and its
associated potential energy. q C
Fig.9
Numerical values: q=1 pC, a=2 cm, x =0, Q=2 nC.

Problem 12:
1) Find the expression of the potential created by an electric dipole at a point M defined by polar
coordinates (r,θ) at point M very far from the dipole.
2) Deduce the expressions for the radial component Er and the transverse component Eθ of the electric
field vector.
3) If we have a dipole with a moment 𝑝 = 1,6 × 10−29 𝑖, measured in C·m, represent the electric field
vector on a circle with a radius R=2 cm at angles =0, /4, /2 and . Scaler:, r : 1cm  2cm et E :
1cm 2×10-14 V/m.

Problem 13:
Consider two point charges QA and QB placed at points A and B, Q y
A A
respectively, such that OA makes an angle of 30° with Oy, and B is
on the Ox axis (see Figure 10). 300
1) Determine and illustrate the electric field created at point O.
2) Calculate the potential at this point.
𝑝 x
3) Place an electric dipole 𝑝 at O, where the charges q = 10-12 C
and -q are separated by 𝑎 = 5 mm. QB
Fig.10
a) Calculate the potential energy of the dipole in the position
shown in Figure 10.
b) Find and illustrate the torque applied to the dipole.
c) Calculate the work required to bring the dipole back to its stable equilibrium position.
Given: QA=QB= -5 × 10-6 C, OA=OB=5 cm.

Problem 14 :
Consider three charges q1, q2, and q3 placed at points A(0, a), B(a, a), and C(a,
0) in the XOY plane (Figure 11). q1 y q2
1) Calculate the total electric potential at point O(0,0). A B
2) Determine the total electric field vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸0 at point O. Draw the vector⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸0
. Scale: 1 cm → 200 V/m.
3) We place an electric dipole with dipole moment p⃗⃗ =10-10 ×(−i + j )C·m
at point O. 𝑗
a. Determine the torque 𝜏 applied to the dipole. x
b. Draw the dipole in its final stable equilibrium position and provide O 𝑖 q3 C
justification. Fig.11
c. Calculate the change in potential energy as the dipole pass from the
initial to the final position.
d. Deduce the work done by electrostatic forces.
Given: q1 = q3 = +q = 10-9 C, q2 = -q, and 𝑎 = 10 cm.

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Problem 15 :
Consider a wire of length L with a uniform and positive linear density λ, y
placed along the y'Oy axis as illustrated in figure 12. L/
1) Find the expressions for the components Ex and Ey of the electric field
created by this wire at point M, located on the x'Ox axis at OM= x. Express
these components in terms of K, λ, x, 𝛼1 and 𝛼2 .
L
⃗ = 1 λ i when
2) Demonstrate that this electric field can be represented as ⃗E y
2πε x
0
the wire is extended to infinity.
1
3) In the case where the wire has a finite length L and is centered at O: M
a) Calculate the electric field at point M with abscissa x. M
2
b) Study the situations where x>>L and L>>x. What could you conclude?. x
O x
c) Determine the electric potential at point N (0, y) for y > L/2.
Fig. 12
d) Establish the electric field 𝐸⃗𝑁 (𝑦) at point N.
z
Problem 16 :
Consider a circular loop of a radius 𝑟 and center O, carrying a uniformly q>0
distributed charge 𝑞 (See figure 13). We assume V(∞) = 0.
1) Find the expression for the electric field vector 𝐸⃗ (𝑧) produced along the z'Oz O 𝑟
axis perpendicular to the plane of the loop.
2) Determine the expression for the electric potential V(z) using: z'
a. Direct calculation.
b. The expression of the field 𝐸⃗ (𝑧). Fig. 13

Q
Problem 17 :
An arc of a circle with a radius R and an opening angle of 2α, carries a
positive uniformly distributed charge Q (see figure 14). R 2
1) Determine the electrostatic field created at the center O of the arc?
O
2) Determine the potential at point O.
Fig. 14

Problem 18 :
Select the appropriate option (a) or (b) and provide justification for each statement:
1) When considering a field line, the electric field vector is:
a- perpendicular,
b- tangent.
2) A field line is oriented in the direction of potentials:
a- increasing,
b- decreasing.
3) An equipotential surface is defined as a surface where the potential:
a- remains constantly zero at every point on the surface,
b- stays constant at every point on the surface.
4) A field line can be described as:
a- a straight line,
b- a line that crosses equipotential surfaces perpendicularly.
5) A uniform electrostatic field is characterized by:
a- parallel field lines,
b- flat, parallel, and equidistant equipotential surfaces.

4
Problem 19 :
Figure 15 illustrates several equipotential lines with in a rheographic tank featuring two flat electrodes
on the sides, maintained at an identical potential of 10.5 V, and a central circular electrode with a 1 cm
diameter held at 0V.
1) Draw the field lines passing through points M1 and M2 on the diagram (Fig. 15).
2) Calculate and represent the average electric fields Em1 and Em 2 at points M1 and M2, using a scale of
1 cm for each 20 V/m.
3) Plot the graph showing the evolutionof potential along the x'Ox axis, from x=0 to x=12.5 cm.
4) Deduce from the graph V(x), the value of the electric field at the point with x=6 cm

Fig. 15
Problem 20 :
Calculate the electric field 𝐸 flux through closed surfaces S in the following cases:
1) 𝑆 is a sphere of radius 𝑟, and the field is radial and constant on the sphere (Figure 16.a).
2) 𝑆 is a cylinder, including its two bases, with radius 𝑟 and height 𝐿, and the field is:
a. Everywhere perpendicular to the cylinder's axis, constant on its lateral surface (Figure 16.b).
b. Everywhere parallel to the cylinder's axis, with values 𝐸1 on one base and 𝐸2 on the other. Consider
the special cases E1= E2 and E1= E2 (Figure 16.c). z
z
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸1
𝐸⃗

𝑢𝑟
⃗⃗⃗⃗ r

L 𝐸⃗ L
O
r r
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸2

Fig. 16.a Fig. 16.b Fig. 16.c

5
Problem 21:
Two concentric spheres of radii R and 3R, with charges Q1 and Q2
(positive and uniformly distributed on the surface) (See figure 17), create
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ .
an electrostatic field 𝐸(𝑟)
1) Using Gauss's theorem, determine the expression for the field in the R
regions:
- R ≤ r ≤ 3R
- r ≥ 3R 3R
2) Confirm these results by applying the superposition principle and the
expression for the field created by a uniformly charged sphere.
Fig. 17
Problem 22 :
Two concentric hollow spheres S1 and S2, with negligible
thickness and radii R1 and R2, are uniformly charged on the -
surface with respective densities (+4σ) and (-σ) (Figure 18). +4
R1
1) Calculate the charges Q1 and Q2 carried by each of the two S2
spheres. M
S1 r
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ in regions A, B, and C
2) Derive the electric field 𝐸(𝑟) O
(A: r ≤ R1; B: R1 ≤ r ≤ R2; C: r ≥ R2). A
3) A point M islocated 15 cm from the center O of the two B C
spheres. The electric potential created at M by these two R2
spheres is 12 Volts. Determine the expressions for the electric
potential in regions A, B, and C.
a. Describe the shape of the equipotential surfaces in regions Fig. 18
A, B, and C.
b. Deduce the positions r1 and r2 of the equipotentials V1 = 24 Volts and V2 = 6 Volts. Conclusion.
Given: R2 = 2R1 = 20 cm and σ = 10-8/4 C/m2.

Problem23 :
Two parallel infinite planes are charged on the surface with 𝑝
respective densities 2σ and σ , σ0 (Figure 19). 𝜃
A
1) Using Gauss's theorem, determine the electric field 𝐸⃗ in regions
A, B, and C. 𝑝 2
2) Confirm these results by applying the superposition principle and 𝜃
the expression for the field created by an infinite plane. B
3) Place a dipole 𝑝 successively in these 3 regions with an arbitrary 
orientation θ. 𝑝
𝜃
a. Determine the potential energy of the dipole in the 3 regions as C
a function of σ, θ, and 𝑝 .
b. Deduce, for each region, the positions of stable and unstable Fig. 19
equilibrium.

6
Faculty of Physics, USTHB Academic Year 2024‐2025
1st year ST-Engineer
Physics 2: Electricity and magnetism

Problem set 2
Conductors in equilibrium and capacitors
Problem 1:

Small metal pendulums are attached to the inner and outer walls of an
initially neutral hollow conductor A. A second charged conductor B is introduced
into A while holding it with an insulated handle, and contact is made (see fig1).
1. Representthe new positions taken by the pendulums.
B
2. Is the result different if contact is made on the outer wall of conductor A?
A
Problem 2: Fig.1

A metallic sphere S1 with a radius R1=9 cm carries a positive charge Q1=10-8 C. R1

1. What are the capacitance C1 and the potential V1 of S1?
2. S1 is connected to another neutral metallic sphere S2, with a radius R2=1 cm, by a
long, thin conducting wire. S2 is sufficiently far from S1 to neglect the mutual
influence between S1 and S2 (see fig 2). The surface charge on the thin wire is S1
assumed to be negligible.
Calculate, at equilibrium, the charges Q1’ and Q2 carried by the two spheres and
the value of the electric field in the vicinity of each sphere. R2

Problem 3: S2

Fig.2
Consider a conducting sphere with a radius R=9 cm carrying a charge Q=10-9 C.
1. Calculate its internal energy.
2. We discharge this sphere by connecting it to the ground using a conducting wire. What happens to
the previously stored energy?

This sphere had been charged using a constant electromotive force (e.m.f.) generator with
V=100volts. What is the energy supplied by the generator? Is it recovered in the form of potential
energy? Explain.

Problem 4:

A conducting sphere A, with a radius R1, is maintained at a constant electric potential V0 using a
generator (Fig 3).
1. Using Gauss's theorem, calculate, in terms of the charge QA, the electric field EM at point M such
that OM=r>R1. Given that the electric potential is zero at infinity, deduce the expression for the
potential VM at point M.
2. If V0=100V and R1=3cm, determine the value of the charge QA.
We surround the conductor A with a conducting spherical shell B with radii R2=5cm and R3=6cm
(Fig.4), connected to the ground. Conductor B is initially uncharged.
a. Represent qualitatively the distribution of electric charges on both conductors.
b. Using a method of your choice, calculate the electric charge carried by the sphere A, which is
still maintained at the constant potential V0=100V (Conclude by making a comparison with the initial
case).
c. Calculate the value of the formed capacitance.
d. Calculate the energy stored in the capacitor for each figure. What will happen if:

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 • In Fig 3, the generator is isolated from A, then A is connected to the ground by a conducting wire.
• In Fig 4, the generator is isolated from A, then A is connected to B by a conducting wire.

A B
A
R1 R1
r M
O O
R2
V0 V0 R3

Fig.3
Fig.4

Problem 5:

Consider an ideal parallel plate capacitor formed by two conductive plates (P1) and (P2) with
surfaces S=200cm² separated by a vacuum of thickness d=1mm.
1. The capacitor is connected to a generator with
electromotive force E0=100V. S
(P1)
a. Find the expression for the capacitance of the capacitor
and calculate it. d' E0
L
b. Calculate the charge carried by each plate and the stored d
energy. h
c. Determine the forces acting on the plates.
2. We introduce in parallel between the plates,a neutral (P2)
conducting plate (L) of surface Sand thickness h (Fig 5).
With the generator connected:
a. Explain qualitatively what happens and represent the Fig. 5
new distribution of charges.
b. Provide the expression for the equivalent capacitance of the system.
c. Determine the thickness h of the plate if the equivalent capacitance is 1µF.
d. In the case where the introduced plate (L) covers only half of the surface of both plates (P1) and
(P2), calculate the equivalent capacitance of the system.

Problem 6:
Calculate the capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor formed by two concentric cylinders with radii
R1 and R2(R1<R2) and height H, subjected to a potential difference V1-V2>0.

Problem 7:
Below,two arrangements of capacitorsare given (Fig 6. and Fig. 7).
1. Calculate the equivalent capacitance for both combinations.
2. Apply a potential difference of 1000V between A and B, then disconnect the source and short-
circuit between A and B. Calculate the quantity of charge that
has circulated and the energy released during this operation. 3F 3F 3F
3. Calculate the electric charge carried by each capacitor
before doing the short circuit between A and B. A 3F B
6µF 8µF
3F
3µF
A B 3F

5µF Fig. 6 Fig. 7

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Faculty of Physics, USTHB Academic Year 2024‐2025
1st year ST-Engineer
Physics 2: Electricity and magnetism

Problem set 3
Electrical networks
Problem 1:

The potential difference across the terminals of a battery of accumulators is 8.5V when a current
of 3A flows through it from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. When a current of 2A flows
through it in the opposite direction, the potential difference becomes 11V. Determine the values of the
internal resistance of the battery and its electromotive force.

Problem 2:

A generator with an electromotive force (e.m.f.) of 140V exhibits a potential difference between
its terminals of 120V when it supplies a current of 50A. Calculate:
1. Its internal resistance.
2. The power supplied by this generator.
3. The power dissipated within the generator.

Problem 3:

The figure 1 shows an association of resistors. What is the equivalent resistance between A and B?

Problem 4:

The circuit in figure 2 consists of two identical generators connected in parallel with an
electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and an internal resistance r, a variable resistor RX, and an assembly of
resistors between points B and C.

1. Find the equivalent resistance RBC between B and C.

2. Express the current intensity passing through
resistor RX as a function of E, r, RX, and RBC.
[Link]:
a. The power dissipated in the resistor RX.
b. The value of RX that maximizes this power.
Data: E = 6V, r = 1Ω, R = 14Ω.

1/4
Problem 5:

The circuit in figure 3 consists of two identical generators with

electromotive forces (e.m.f.) E and internal resistances r, a
resistor R = 2r, and a variable resistor RX.

1. Determine the expressions of the currents I1, I2, and I3 as

functions of r, RX, and E.
2. Determine the expression of the power dissipated in resistor R.
3. For what value of the resistor RX, in terms of r, is this power
maximum?

Problem 6:

The circuit in figure 4 consists of a generator with electromotive

force (e.m.f.) E and internal resistance r1, a receiver with counter
electromotive force (c.e.m.) e and internal resistance r2, and a
resistor R.

1. Determine the values of the current intensities I1, I2, and I3.
2. Determine the received and useful powers of the receiver as well
as its efficiency.
3. Determine the power dissipated by Joule heating in the circuit.
4. Perform the energy balance of the circuit.
Given: E = 20V, e = 10V, r1 = 1Ω, r2 = 2Ω, R = 6Ω.

Problem 7:

We consider the circuit, in figure 5 below, which includes a generator with electromotive force
(e.m.f.) E1 = 100V, a reversible generator with e.m.f. E2 = 50V, with respective internal resistances
r1 = 1kΩ, r2 = 2kΩ, and a receiver with counter electromotive force (c.e.m.) e and internal resistance
r' = 1kΩ.

1. Establish the expressions for the currents I1, I2, and I3 flowing in the different branches of the
circuit.
2. What condition must satisfy the c.e.m. of the receiver for the device to function?
3. Calculate I1, I2, and I3 for e = 60V.
4. Does the element with e.m.f. E2 work as a generator or receiver? Justify.

Figure5

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Problem 8:

The figure 6 represents a circuit composed of a generator with electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and
negligible internal resistance, two resistors R1 and R2, a capacitor with capacitance C, and a switch K.
In reality, the capacitor C is an assembly of several capacitors as shown in figure 7.

Data: R1 = R2 = 1kΩ, C0 = 4µF, and E = 12V.

I. Considering C is completely charged and K is closed:

1. Calculate the equivalent capacitance C in terms of C0.
2. Calculate the current intensities in each branch of the circuit in figure 6.
3. Calculate the value of the potential difference VA-VB and deduce the charge stored in C.

II. We open the switch K.

1. What will happen?
2. Establish the differential equation for the charge Q(t) in C as a function of time t.
3. Solve this equation and deduce the expression of Q(t).
4. Qualitatively plot the evolution of Q(t), specifying the values of the time constant and the final
and initial charges.

Problem 9:
We consider the electrical circuit in Figure 8, consisting of two reversible generators with
electromotive force (e.m.f.) E1=2E and E2=E, two resistors R1=2R and R2=R, a capacitor with
capacitance C, and a switch K. Initially, the capacitor is discharged, and K is closed.

1. Determine the expressions of the currents i1, i2, and i3 as indicated in the circuit in terms of E,
R, C, and q, where q is the charge of the capacitor.
2. Derive the differential equation governing the charge q(t) of the capacitor and show that its
𝑡
solution can be written in the form: 𝑞(𝑡) = 𝑄0 ( 1 − 𝑒 −𝜏 ). Specify the expressions for the final charge
Q0 and τ, as well as their numerical values.
3. Find the expression for the charging current i3(t). Plot the curve of this current as a function of
time, specifying its values at t=0 and t=τ.
4. The capacitor is fully charged; calculate the values of the currents in the circuit.
5. With the capacitor fully charged, we open the switch K. Calculate the value of the new final
charge Q1. Compare Q0 and Q1 and explain what happened.

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Problem 10:
We consider the circuit in Figure 9, consisting of a generator with electromotive force (e.m.f.) E,
two resistors R1 and R2, and two initially uncharged capacitors C1 and C2.

1. With the switch K in position 1:

a. Establish the differential equation governing
the charge q2(t) of capacitor C2 as a function
of time t.
b. Determine the expression for q2(t).
c. Deduce the current charge i(t) of the
capacitor and qualitatively plot its curve.

2. With capacitor C2 fully charged:

a. What is the energy WG supplied by the
generator?
b. What is the energy WC2 stored by C2?
c. What is the energy WJ dissipated by Joule heating in the network?
d. What are the charges Q1 and Q2, of C1 and C2, respectively?

3. With capacitor C2 still fully charged, switch K is moved to position 2. Determine in the final
equilibrium state:
a. The charges Q'1 and Q'2 of C1 and C2, respectively.
b. The energies W'C1 and W'C2 stored by C1 and C2, respectively.
c. Deduce the energy W'J dissipated in the network.

Problem 11:
We consider the circuit in Figure 10, consisting of a generator with electromotive force (e.m.f.)
E1 and a reversible generator with e.m.f E2, with internal resistances r and r' respectively, a capacitor
with capacitance C, a switch K, and two identical resistors R.
Part A: With the switch K closed and the capacitor C fully charged. Calculate:
1. The current intensities flowing in each branch.
2. The useful power Pu of the receiver and the power PJ dissipated as Joule heating in the
resistors. Establish the energy balance.
R I2
K
I I1
E2 E1=120V, E2=20V,
E1 C r=r'=50Ω, R=150Ω,
r’ C=100µF.
r
R
Figure 10
3. The efficiency η of the receiver.
4. The potential difference VC between the capacitor terminals, its accumulated charge Q0 and its
stored energy UC.

Part B: At time t=0s, we open the switch K.

1. Write the differential equation describing the evolution of the charge Q(t) of the capacitor.
2. Determine the expression for the charge Q(t) and show that it can be written as:
Q(t) = (Qi - Qf)exp(-t/τ) + Qf, Specify the values of Qi, Qf and the time constant τ.
3. a) Deduce the expression for the potential difference VC(t) between the capacitor terminals.
b) Plot the curve of VC(t). Take exp(−1) = 0.37.
Scale: 1cm → 20 ms, 1cm → 10 V.
c) Does the capacitor discharge completely? Justify.

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