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Chapter 23: ELECTRIC POTENTIAL

Exercises: 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 17, 21, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43
Problems: 49(53), 51(55), 55(59), 57(61), 59(63), 61(65), 63(66), 79(79), 81(81), 83(83)

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Electric potential energy:

The electric force is conservative; therefore, there must be a potential energy
associated with it.
For a conservative force, the work is path-independent

The work W done by the electric force on a charged particle moving in an

electric field can be represented by the change in a potential-energy function
U.
U : is the initial electric potential energy
ΔU = U − U = −W U : is the final electric potential energy
W : work done by electric field

1 𝑞𝑞
Two point charges q and qo 𝑈 =
4𝜋𝜀 𝑟
1 q
A charge qo in the presence of a collection of charges q1, q2, q3, U=q
4πε r

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U
Electric potential V  M

r q1 r1
M
q M M
0
q r3 1 dq
r2 dV 
a point charge V= q2 q3 ri 4 r
0

qi r M
dq
U 1 q
a collection of point charges V = q = 4πε r

1 dq
a charge distribution V= dV = 𝑉𝑏
4πε r 𝜕V 𝜕V 𝜕V 𝑏
E=− ⃗ı + ⃗ȷ + k E
𝜕x 𝜕y 𝜕z

Conservative force Energy Conservation 𝑑ℓ

V −V = Edℓ
𝑎 𝑉𝑎

* The surface of a conductor is always an equipotential surface and all

points in the interior of a conductor are at the same potential.

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23.49(53). A particle with charge +7.60 nC is in a uniform electric field directed to the left. Another force, in
addition to the electric force, acts on the particle so that when it is released from rest, it moves to the right. After
it has moved 8.0 cm, the additional force has done 6.50 x 10-5 J of work and the particle has 4.35 x 10-5 J of
kinetic energy. (a) What work was done by the electric force? (b) What is the potential of the starting point with
respect to the end point? (c) What is the magnitude of the electric field?
IDENTIFY: Apply the work-energy theorem
K1: Kinetic energy at initial point
or energy consevation
U1: Potential energy at initial point
2 K1  U1  Wother  K 2  U 2 Wother: Other work
1 K2: Kinetic energy at final point

 U2: Potential energy at final point

E K1= 0
1 2
8.0 cm U1 = V1.q
q = +7.60 nC

K1  U1  Wother  K 2  U 2 Wother= 6.5 x 10-5J

FE F K2 = 4.35 x 10-5 J
U2=V2.q

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K1= 0
U1 = V1.q
K1  U1  Wother  K 2  U 2 Wother= 6.5 x 10-5J 0  qV1  6.5  105  4.35  105  qV2
K2 = 4.35 x 10-5 J
U2=V2.q
2.15 105
q(V1  V2 )  2.15 105  V1  V2  9
 2.83 103 (V )
7.6  10
The starting point (point 1) is at 2.83× 103 V lower potential than the ending point (point 2). We know that V2 >V1
because the electric field always points from high potential toward low potential.
Work done by the electric force: change potential energy (1)  (2): WFe = U1-U2 = q (V1-V2) = -2.15 x 10-5 (J)
(similar work done by gravity and a change in gravitational potential energy)

(c) What is the magnitude of the electric field?

 
2 2 V  V 2.83  10 3
v
V −V = Edℓ V  V   Ed    E  d  E  0.08 E 1
 2
 3.54  10  
4

1 2
1 1 8 0.08 m

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23.51(55). A vacuum tube diode consists of concentric cylindrical electrodes, the negative cathode and the positive anode.
Because of the accumulation of charge near the cathode, the electric potential between the electrodes is not a linear function
of the position, even with planar geometry, but is given by V(x) = Cx4/3, where x is the distance from the cathode and C is a
constant, characteristic of a particular diode and operating conditions. Assume that the distance between the cathode and
anode is 13.0 mm and the potential difference between electrodes is 240 V.
(a) Determine the value of C.
(b) Obtain a formula for the electric field between the electrodes as a function of x.
(c) Determine the force on an electron when the electron is halfway between the electrodes.

(a) Determine the value of C V(x) = Cx4/3

C  7.85  10  V / m
4 4/3
 + Anode
V = 240 V when x = 13.0 mm
V 4 V
(b) E(x) = ? E(x)     Cx  1.05  10 .x  
1/3 5 1/3

x 3 m -Cathode

(c) Determine the force when x=13.0/2 = 6.5 mm

x
   4  1 1

F  qE  q.  Cx    1.602  10   ( 1.05  10 ).(6.5  10 )  3.13 10 (N)

3 19 5 3 3 15

 3 
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23.55(59). The H2+ Ion. The H2+ ion is composed of two protons, each of charge +e = 1.60 x 10-19 C, and an electron of
charge -e and mass 9.11 x 10-31 kg. The separation between the protons is 1.07 x 10-10 m. The protons and the electron may
be treated as point charges. (a) Suppose the electron is located at the point midway between the two protons. What is the
potential energy of the interaction between the electron and the two protons? (Do not include the potential energy due to
the interaction between the two protons.) (b) Suppose the electron in part (a) has a velocity of magnitude 1.50 x 106 m/s in
a direction along the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the two protons. How far from the point midway
between the two protons can the electron move? Because the masses of the protons are much greater than the electron
mass, the motions of the protons are very slow and can be ignored. (Note: A realistic description of the electron motion
requires the use of quantum mechanics, not Newtonian mechanics.)

The positions of the particles (a) The potential energy of interaction of the electron with protons

( e).e (e).e 2e e 2 2

UU U      8.60  10 (J) 18

4 r 4 r 4 r 2 r

1 2
0 0 0 0

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(b) Suppose the electron in part (a) has a velocity of magnitude 1.50 x 106 m/s in a direction along the perpendicular bisector
of the line connecting the two protons. How far from the point midway between the two protons can the electron move?

Electron have va = 1.50 x 106 m/s; move from point a to point b

r  r d
b
2
a
2

1.07  10 10

r   0.535  10 m
10

2
a
1
K  mv  1.025  10 (J)
2 18

2
a a
Proton 1 Proton 2 e e
2 2
Energy conservation: U    8.06  10 (J) 18

2 r 2 r
a
0 0 a

K a  U a  Wother  K b  U b Wother= 0
Kb = 0
e e 2 2

U  K  U  K  1.025  10  8.60  10  7.575 10 (J)

18 18 18
U  
2 r 2 r
b a a b b

e 2 0 0 b

U   r  6.075  10 (m) 11

2 r
b b
0 b

r  r  d  d  r  r  2.88  10 (m)
b
2
a
2 2
b
2
a
10

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23.57(61). Coaxial Cylinders. A long metal cylinder with radius a is supported on an insulating stand on the axis of a long, hollow, metal
tube with radius b. The positive charge per unit length on the inner cylinder is  and there is an equal negative charge per unit length on
the outer cylinder.
(a) Calculate the potential V(r) for (i) r < a; (ii) a < r < b; (iii) r > b. (Hint: The net potential is the sum of the potentials due to the
individual conductors). Take V = 0 at r = b.
 b
(b) Show that the potential of the inner cylinder with respect to the outer is Vab  Va  Vb  ln  
2  a 0

V 1
(c) Show that the electric field at any point between the cylinders has magnitude E 
ab

lnb / a r
(d) What is the potential difference between the two cylinders if the outer cylinder has no net charge?

Gauss’ law E  0 When r < a (inside)

a long metal cylinder with radius a

E When r > a (outside)
2 r 0

When r > a (outside a long metal cylinder) -

      b
b b b

E V  V  V   Edr   dr   ln(r)  ln  

b
2 r 0
ab
2 r 2
a b
2  a 
a a
0 0
a
0 Vb=0

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(a) Calculate the potential V(r) for (i) r < a; (ii) a < r < b; (iii) r > b
(i) r < a E0V V r a
  b  b
(ii) a < r < b E V V V  ln    V  ln   (because V = 0 at r = b)
2 r 2   r 2  r
rb r b r

0 0 0

(iii) r > b E 0V V 0 r b

   b
(b) Show that the potential of the inner cylinder with respect to the outer is V  V  V  ln  
2  a 
ab a b

      b b b b
0

E V  V  V   Edr   dr   ln(r)  ln  
2 r 0 2 r
ab
2
a
2  a 
b
a a
0 0
a
0

V 1
(c) Show that the electric field at any point between the cylinders has magnitude E  ab

l n b / a  r
 b
V V V  ln  
2  a 
ab a b
V 1
 0
E ab

E lnb / a r
2 r 0

(d) What is the potential difference between the two cylinders if the outer cylinder has no net charge?
  b
a<r<b E V V V  ln  
2 r 0
ab a b
2  a 
0

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21.59(63).Deflection in a CRT. Cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) are often found in oscilloscopes and computer monitors. In Fig. an
electron with an initial speed of 6.50 x 106 m/s is projected along the axis midway between the deflection plates of a cathode-
ray tube. The uniform electric field between the plates has a magnitude of 1.10 x 103 V/m and is upward. (a) What is the force
(magnitude and direction) on the electron when it is between the plates? (b) What is the acceleration of the electron (magnitude
and direction) when acted on by the force in part (a)? (c) How far below the axis has the electron moved when it reaches the
end of the plates? (d) At what angle with the axis is it moving as it leaves the plates? (e) How far below the axis will it strike
the fluorescent screen S?
y
-

 E
v 0
0 x
 
F v v
 1x

+ v 1y
v 1

Orbit: Parabol Orbit: Straight line

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(a) What is the force (magnitude and direction) on the electron -

when it is between the plates?   
  q  1.6  10 C  F & E : opposite direction
19
 E
F  qE v
F  q E  1.6  10  1.10  10  1.76  10  N  0
19 3 16 0

y1 x
 
b) What is the acceleration of the electron? F v v
 1x
y2
y + v 1y
v1

a >> g = 9.80 2
 m/s , so the gravity

force on the electron can be
neglected. F is downward, so a is downward Orbit: Parabol Orbit: Straight line

(c) How far below the axis has the electron moved when it reaches the end of the plates?
1
x(t)  x  v t  a t 2

2
0 ox x

1 x(t)  v t
y(t)  y  v t  a t 2 0

2
0 oy y
at 2

y(t) 
x  0; y  0; v  v ; v  0
0 0 0x 0 oy 2
a  0;a  a
x y

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Reach the end of the plates

0.060 -
x  v t  0.060  m   t   9.321 10 (s) 9


6.50  10
0 1 1 6

1 1
t  9.321 10 (s)  y  at  1.93  10  .  9.321  10   0.822 cm
 E
v
9 2 14 9 2

x
2 2
1 1 1
0
0 y1
d) At what angle with the axis is it moving as it leaves the plates?
 
v v a t  v v F v v
1x 0x x 1 0x 0
 1x
y2
v  v  a t  (1.93  10 ).(9.321 10 )  1.782  10 (m / s)
1y 0y y 1
14 9 6
y + v 1y
v1
v 1.782  10 6

tan   
1y
 0.2742    15.3 o

v 6.50  10 6
1x
Orbit: Parabol Orbit: Straight line
(e) How far below the axis will it strike the fluorescent screen S?
Gravity can still be neglected, outside the plates there is no electric field, so a= 0 motion straight line
v (t)  v  6.50  10 (m / s) 6
0.120
Time travel outside plates t   1.846  10 (s)
x 1x 8

v (t)  v  1.782  10 (m / s) 6.50  10

6 2 6
y 1y

y  v .t  1.782  10  (1.846  10 )  3.29cm

2 1y 2
6 8
y  y  y  0.822  3.29  4.11 cm
1 2

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23.61(65). Electrostatic precipitators use electric forces to remove pollutant particles from
smoke, in particular in the smokestacks of coal-burning power plants.
One form of precipitator consists of a vertical, hollow, metal cylinder with a thin wire, insulated
from the cylinder, running along its axis (Fig.). A large potential difference is established
between the wire and the outer cylinder, with the wire at lower potential. This sets up a strong
radial electric field directed inward. The field produces a region of ionized air near the wire.
Smoke enters the precipitator at the bottom, ash and dust in it pick up electrons, and the charged
pollutants are accelerated toward the outer cylinder wall by the electric field. Suppose the radius
of the central wire is 90.0 m, the radius of the cylinder is 14.0 cm, and a potential difference of
50.0 kV is established between the wire and the cylinder.
Also assume that the wire and cylinder are both very long in comparison to the cylinder radius.
(a) What is the magnitude of the electric field midway between the wire and the cylinder wall?
(b) What magnitude of charge must a 30.0 g ash particle have if the electric field computed in
part (a) is to exert a force ten times the weight of the particle?

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Wire: radius a = 90.0 m; cylinder: radius b = 14.0 cm

(a) What is the magnitude of the electric field midway between the wire and the cylinder wall?
At point M, a < r < b (between the wire and the cylinder wall)
      b
b b b
E V  V  V    Edr    dr    ln(r)  ln  
2 r 0
ab
2 r
a
2
b
2  a 
a a
0 0
a
0

M
 b 1 V  V 
V V V  ln    E(r)  a b

2  a  r b
ab a b

ln  
0

a
ab 50.0  10 V
3

r   0.07004m  E   9.71 10   4

2  0.140  m
M M

0.07004  ln  
 90.0  10 
6

(b) What magnitude of charge must a 30.0 g ash particle have if the electric field computed
in part (a) is to exert a force ten times the weight of the particle?

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23.63(66). A disk with radius R has uniform surface charge density . (a) By regarding the disk as a series of thin concentric
rings, calculate the electric potential V at a point on the disk’s axis a distance x from the center of the disk. Assume that the
potential is zero at infinity. (Hint: Use the result of Example 23.11 in Section 23.3.) (b) Calculate -dV/dx. Show that the
result agrees with the expression for Ex calculated in Example 21.12 (Section 21.5).
(a) Vring = ?
Consider a thin ring of radius r and width dr. The ring has area dS =2πrdr
so the charge on the ring is dq = dS = 2πrdr M
Assume that the potential is zero at infinity.
d
The potential due to this thin ring at the point M dq
x
dq 2rdr
dV   r
4 d 4 x  r 2 2

0 0 dr R
2rdr 
 
R R

V   dV    x R x
2 2

0 0
4 x  r
0
2 2 2
0

(b) Calculate -dV/dx.

V        x  1
E  x
x
 
x  2 0
 x R x 
2

 2 

 x
x
2

 R
 1 
 2

 
 x x
1
 R


 0
2 2
0
2 2

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23.79(79). Electric charge is distributed uniformly along a thin rod of length a, with total
charge Q. Take the potential to be zero at infinity. Find the potential at the following
points (a) point P, a distance x to the right of the rod, and (b) point R, a distance v
above the right-hand end of C the rod. (c) In parts (a) and (b). what does your result
reduce to as x or y becomes much larger than a?
(a) point P, a distance x to the right of the rod Q
dq  dr
a P
An infinitesimal slice of the rod and its distance from point P
1 dq Qdr
dV  
4 R 4 a(a  x  r)
0 0
r dr R=a+x-r
a a
Qdr Q d(a  x  r) Q a
Q ax
V   dV     ln(a  x  r) 
a

 ln  
0 0 4 a(a  x  r)
0
4 a (a  x  r) 4 a
0
0 4 a  x 
0
0
0

x becomes much larger than a (x>>a)

Q ax Q  a
V ln   ln  1  
4 a  x  4 a  x  Q  a Q a a  Q a Q 2
0 0
V ln 1       .   Point charge
u 4 a  x  4 a  x 2x  4 a x 4 x
2 2

ln(1  u)  u  when u  1 0 0 0 0

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(b) point R, a distance y above the right-hand end of C the rod. Q

R  (a  r)  y 2 2

R
1 dq Qdr Q y
dV   dq  dr
4 R 4 a (a  r)  y
0 0
2 2
a
a a
Qdr Q dr Q a a y a
2 2

V   dV      ln  
0 0
4 a (a  r)  y 4 a (a  r)  y 4 a 
0
2 2
y 0 0
2 2
0
r dr a-r

y becomes much larger than a (y>>a)

Binomial expansion
a a
and ln 1 + ≃
y y
Q a a y  Q  a Q a 2
Q 2

V ln   ln  1    .   Point charge
4 a  0
y  4  a  y  4  a y 4  y 0 0 0

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23.81(81). Two metal spheres of different sizes are charged such that the electric potential is the same at the surface of each.
Sphere A has a radius three times that of sphere B. Let QA and QB be the charges on the two spheres and let EA and EB be
the electric-field magnitudes at the surfaces of the two spheres. What are (a) the ratio QB /QA and (b) the ratio EB/EA ?

RA= 3RB
At the surface of a charged conducting sphere
Q RA
Electric field E RB
4 r 0
2

Q 

The electric potential V    Edr 

4 r R

Q  0

V  A

4 R  Q
A
VR 1 1
   1. 
0 A B B B

Q  Q VR 3 3
V  B A A A

4 R 
B
0 B

Q 
E  A

4 R  E
A 2
QR 1 2

   .3  3
0 A B B A 2

Q  E Q R 3 2

E  B A A B

4 R 
B 2
0 B

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23.83(83). A metal sphere with radius R1 has a charge Q1. Take the electric potential to be zero at an infinite distance from the
sphere. (a) What are the electric field and electric potential at the surface of the sphere? This sphere is now connected by a
long, thin conducting wire to another sphere of radius R2 that is several meters from the first sphere. Before the connection
is made. this second sphere is uncharged. After electrostatic equilibrium has been reached, what are (b) the total charge on
each sphere; (c) the electric potential at the surface of each sphere (d) the electric field at the surface of each sphere?
Assume that the amount of charge on the wire is much less than the charge on each sphere.
(a) Electric field and electric potential at the surface of the isolated sphere?
Q Q
E  V1 1

4 R 4 R
1 2 1
0 1 0 1

Connect two spheres with a long, thin conducting wire V  V 1 2

R1 R2
q 
V 1

4 R  q q q q Q
1
q q 1
  
2 1 2 1

 
0 1 1 2

q  R R R R R R
1 2
R R 1 2 1 2

V  2 1 2
QR QR
4 R  q  ;q 
2 1 1 1 2

R R R R
0 2 1 2
1 2 1 2

q q Q 0Q 1 Q 1 Q 1 Q
V V  ;E  ;E  1 1 1

4  R  R  4  R  R  R 4  R  R  R

1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2
0 1 2 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 2

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Thank you for your attentions!21

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