INTRODUCTION TO ELECTROSTATICS

Electric Charge, Electric Force & Electric Field

Definition of Terms
Electric current or Electric: when a charge is set in motion.
Electrostatics: is the branch of physics that studies charge that
are static.
Electricity: is a branch of physics that studies charge that are in
motion.
Electric Charge: is an intrinsic property of particles of which
made is made. The interactions responsible for the structure of
atom and molecules are primary electric interactions between
electrically charged particles. There are two types of charge;
positive and negative charge.
There are two basic principles regarding charges: Principle of
conservation of charge and Principle of quantization of charge
Principle of conservation of charge: states that the algebraic
sum of all the static charges in any closed instant are equal to
zero. This implies that the total charge before reaction is equal
charge after reaction. The algebraic sum of all the charges in the
universe is constant (i.e. the net charge of the universe always
remains constant), all the charged in the universe are conserved.
Principle of quantization of charge: states that the total charge
on an isolated body is an integer multiple of charge of
electrons/protons. Hence, Q = ne
Where e is approximately equal to 1.602177×10-19C (basic unit
of electric charge), n = charge quantum number, which defines
the number of basic charge present and can either be positive or
1
negative integer number. Therefore, quantization of charge
implies that charges exist as whole number. The magnitude of
the smallest charge ever measured is e. All free charges i.e. the
ones that can be isolated and measured are integral multiple of e.
Point charge: a charge that moves in a straight direction.
Unit charge: a charge that moves in a uniform direction (i.e.
one direction).
Quantum charge: are charges that are found in nature which
exist in the form of;
Q = ne
(1)
Test charge: these are very small charge that can be used in
making measurement on an electronic system. It is assumed that
such charge which is tiny both in magnitude and physical size
and they have some effect on the environment.
Production of charges: charges can be produced either by:
Friction or Induction
Fundamental Law of Electrostatic: Likes charges repel and
unlike charges attract each other. But particles with equal
amounts of the two types of charge are electrically neutral, while
those with imbalance are electrically charge.
Coulomb’s Law: Charles-Augustin de Coulomb (1736-1806)
was a French Scientist who worked on electrostatics and around
1785, postulated a law about charge (Coulomb’s law).
The law can be divided into two parts:
✓ The force that acts between two charges is directly
proportional to the product of the two charges(𝐹 ∝ 𝑞1 𝑞2 ).
2
 ✓ The force is inversely proportional to the square of the
1
distance between the two charges(𝐹 ∝ 𝑟 2 ).
Hence, Coulomb’s law states that the force that acts between
two charges (either repulsive or attractive) says q1 and q2 is
directly proportional to the product of the two charges and
inversely proportional to the square of the distance say, r
between the two charges.
Mathematically,
𝐹 ∝ 𝑞1 𝑞2
(2)
1
𝐹 ∝ 𝑟2
(3)
𝑞1 𝑞2
𝐹∝ 𝑟2
(4)
𝑞1 𝑞2
𝐹=𝐾× 𝑟2
(5)
Where K is the proportionality constant and its value depends on
the permittivity of the medium where the charges are situated.
The medium in which the experiment can take place can either
be in free space or vacuum (empty space/medium).
1
𝐾 = 4𝜋𝜀 ; where ε is permittivity of medium.
In free space ε = ε0 (Where ε0 = 8.854 ×10-12 C2/Nm2).
Thus;

3
 1
K = K0 = 4𝜋𝜀0= 9.0×109 Nm2/C2
Even if coulomb’s law only describes the interaction between
two-point charges, we can apply the principle of superposition to
calculate the total force for collection of point charges, say a
system of n-charges (q1, q2, q3… qn).
The Superposition Principle: The force experienced by a
charge due to other charges is the vector sum of the coulomb
forces acting on it due to those other charges. Similarly, the
electric intensity E, at a point due to several charges is the vector
sum of the intensities due to the individual charges.
Mathematically,
q1q2 qq qq
F=K 2
+ K 12 3 + ... + K 12 n
r1,2 r1,3 r1,n
n
q1qi
F = K
i =2 r1,2i
(6)
Where r1,i is the distance between q1 and ith charge.
Relative Permittivity: For a dielectric medium, it is the ratio of
permittivity of medium to the permittivity of free space;

r =
0
(7)
When the surrounding medium is not a vacuum, forces caused
by induced charges in the material reduce the force between the
point charges. If the material has a dielectric constant, K;
Then, ε0 ≡ Kε0 = ε. For vacuum K =1 for air K= 1.006.

4
There is a connection between Coulomb’s law and Newton’s
gravitational law:
▪ The constants G and K determine the forces
▪ Both laws obeys the superposition principle

Electric Field
This is the region of space surrounding a charge (test) particle
where the influence of electric force is felt (experienced). The
direction of the field at any point is the same as the direction of
the force experienced by a positive test charge placed at the
point.
Electric Flux
Electric Flux is also known as electric line of force/electric field
line is the direction that signifies the flow of the force in a field.
Electric field line can be used to sketch electric field, the line
through a point has the same direction at that point, at the
electric field where the field lines are closet together, and the
electric field is the largest. Field lines come out of positive
charge and goes into negative charge. An electric field can be
represented by electric field lines or lines of force. The lines are
drawn so that the field line at a point (or the tangent to it if it is
curved) gives the direction of E at the point. This is the direction
in which a positive charge would accelerate.

Properties of Electric Field Line

▪ The electric field line comes out of positive charge and
goes into negative charge.

5
 ▪ Where the field line is closet there is also where we have
the largest charges.
▪ If the lines are close together the field is strong, otherwise
weak.
▪ If the field is parallel and equally spaced, the field is
uniform, otherwise non-uniform
▪ As you move along a field line in the direction of the
arrow, the electric potential is on the decrease.
▪ It cut equipotential surfaces at right angles.
▪ The number of lines per unit cross-section area is
proportional to electric field intensity.
▪ The electric charges never intercept each other.
▪ The surface of the charge is perpendicular to the force.
▪ In a unit charge the line of force is always straight.
▪ The numbers of line determine the magnitude of the force
Electric field at a point mathematically is equal to
𝐹
𝐸=𝑞
(8)
Where, F is the force that acts in that field and q is the charge
Electric Intensity due to Point Charge
From coulomb’s law, we will now have;
qq1 q
E=K 2
=K 2
qr r
(9)
Electric Intensity due to Several Point Charges
We would use the superposition principle and vector addition
rule

6
 Kq1q2 Kq1q3 q q  q
F= 2
+ 2 + ... = Kq0  22 + 23 + ... = K  2i
r1 r2  r1 r2  ri
(10)
But if the charge distribution is effectively continuous then
calculus would now be necessary. In otherwise if the charges
setting up the field are not point charges but are distributed over
bodies of finite size, the charges may be subdivided into
infinitesimal element dq and the obvious generalization;
dq
E = K
r2
(11)
In order to simplify calculations, it is usually convenient to
replace the actual distribution of discrete point charges.
dq dq dq
= , = , =
dv ds dl
(12)
Where;
ρ = volume charge density
σ = area charge density
λ = line charge density
Hence, we can rewrite E as;
dv ds dl
E = K  2
, E = K  2 , E = K   2
r r r
(13)
Eqn. (13) is for the above charge distributions respectively.
If an infinitely long straight wire has a uniform positive charge λ
(q/l), dq on the element dx; E = 2K  = 
r 2 0 r
(14)
7
Electric Field of a Dipole
A dipole is a pair of equal and opposite charges consisting of
point charge (+q or –q) separated by a distance r.
The electric moment dipole;
2P
Ep = K
r3
(15)
Where P is called electric moment of a dipole

Electric Potential
Electric potential energy is the work done on a charged particle
when it moves in an electric field under the influence of the
field. The work done, U in this sense depends on the position
because electric force is conservative.
This is the potential energy per unit charge corresponding to the
electric field.
The potential difference (p.d) between point a and point b is the
work done against the electric forces in carrying a unit positive
test charge from point a to point b. We can represent the
potential difference between point a and Point b; Vb – Va or V,
when there is no ambiguity (JC-1 /// volt). The p.d is a scalar
quantity because the work done is also a scalar quantity.
Another reason is that the work done can either be positive (+)
or negative (-), the work done in transporting a charge from one
point to another.
W = q (Vb − Va ) = qV

(16a)
Wa →b = U a − U b = − (U b − U a ) = −U

(16b)
8
If the field is uniform, then force can be expressed as;
F = qE
(17)
Wa→b = −qE (rb − ra )

We can therefore define the electric potential energy, U as the

work that must be done to move a charged particle between two
points within the field.
rb

U =  dW =  F .dr =  F .dr
ra

(18)
From Coulomb’s law;
1 1
rb
Kqq0
U = 2
dr = Kqq0  − 
ra
r  rb ra 
(19)
In the presence of several point charges, the total potential
energy from superposition law;
 q1 q2 qn  n
q
U = Kq0  + + ...  = Kq0  i
 r1 r2 rn  i =1 rn

(20)
For static charge distribution in a field, the total potential energy
is the sum of the potential energy of interaction for each pair of
charge;
qi q j
U = K
i j rij
(21)

9
Absolute potential
The absolute potential at a point is the work done against
electric forces in carrying a unit positive test charge from
infinity (∞) to that point. Hence the absolute potential at point B
is the difference in potential from point A at infinity to point B.
q
V (r ) = − K
r
(22)
The work done in moving a point charge from infinity where the
potential is zero to a point with vector r is usually written as:

r
Vab = −  [Link]
−

    
E = −V (r ) = −  i + i + i  V ( x, y, z)
 x y z 
(23)
The differential form
b
Wa →b = q  [Link]
a
b
Vab = Va − Vb =  [Link]
a

W = qVab

(24)
Equipotential Surface
It is a surface that contains points is the same potential. On an
equipotential surface, the potential difference between any
points is zero. Hence, no work is done when a point charge to
another on the surface, the earth and all good conductors are
examples of equipotential surface. On adjacent equipotential
10
surface if any point is higher potential than the other, a gradient
surface is created; an electron will flow from higher potential to
lower potential.

Examples/Assignments One
1. A charged particle is 2× 10-4 C. Determine the quantum
number of the charge.
2. Find the magnitude of the force between two charges,
where the first charge is -2µc and the second charge is
3.5µc separated by distance of 15 cm in air. Also, define
the nature of the force.
3. Suppose the electric intensity between two parallel plates,
placed 1 cm apart is 104 NC-1 and the direction of the field
of this intensity is vertically upward. Find the force on an
electron in this field and compare with the weight of the
electron.
4. A charge q1, = 5.0μc is placed 30cm to the west of another
charge q2= -12μc. What is the force exerted by the positive
charge on the negative charge?
5. Find the ratio of the Coulomb force to the gravitational
force between two electrons in vacuum.
6. If a proton is placed in a uniform electric field, what would
be the magnitude and direction of this field if the
electrostatic force acting on the proton is just to balance its
weight?

11
Home Work One
1. Find the electric field of a point charge q0, from the
gradient of a potential function to the form of
q0
V (r ) = −
4 0 r

2. If two parallel plane plates are 0.4cm apart and have a

potential diference of 1000V. Find the density of charge of
each plate and leave your answer in Cm .
−2

12
Gauss’ Law
Introduction
▪ Gauss’s law was formulated by Gauss Karl Friedrich (1777
– 1858), which is essentially used for calculating the
average electric field on a close surface.
▪ Gauss’s law expresses the relation between an electric
charge and the electric field that it sets up. It is a
consequence of Coulomb’s law. Although it contains no
additional information, its mathematical form enables us to
solve many problems of electric field calculation far more
conveniently than through the use of Coulomb’s law.
▪ In our previous class, we learnt that electric field at any
point is given by the force experience by a unit positive
charge placed at that point. In this class, we will develop
the concept of flux of an electric field and then arrive at the
Gauss’s law. We will also see how the gauss’s law allows
us to calculate the electric field far more easily than we
could use Coulomb’s law.

Electric Field Flux

Outward
normal

Electric Field, E

Plane Area, dA

13
If we assume that an electric field E, makes an angle θ with the
outward normal to a small area dA as shown above. Since the
area dA is small; then E has effectively the same value at each
point n in the surface. Hence, the electric field flux is indicated
∅𝐸 through the area dA is defined by
E = dA cos 
(25)
Let’s take note of the following concerning electric field flux;
✓ The unit is Nm2/C
✓ The electric field flux ∅𝐸 is directly proportional to the
number of lines drawn to the field that area dA.
✓ When E is uniform (electric field) ∅𝐸 can be calculated by
multiplying the resolved part of E parallel to the normal to
the area with the area.
✓ A closed surface can conveniently be divided into several
elementary areas such as dA. So that, the total ∅𝐸 through
the close surface can be found by the scalar addition of the
flux through the elementary areas.
✓ For a closed surface, the value of ∅𝐸 over a specified area
is taken to be positive if the electric field line points
outward towards (θ<900) and negative if they point
inwards. toward
✓ If E is non-uniform or A is non-planar, then
 E =  E cos  dA
(26)
✓ For a closed surface the flux emerging can be written as
14
  E cos d
E =
(27)

Gauss’ Law
Gauss law states that if a closed surface of any shape is
constructed in an electric field, the total number of lines of flux
forcing it in an outward direction is equal to 1 times the
0

positive net charge within the surface, regardless of how the

charge may be distributed.
Mathematically,
q
EdA = (28)
0
Gauss law states that the electric flux through a closed surface
is directly proportional to the charge contained inside that
surface.
Mathematically,
N N
E  E
A A
 E = EA = EA cos 
(29)
Where N is the number of field line (flux) and A is the surface
area.
This means that the number of field flux line is directly
proportional to the product of E and A.
From the law there is no net charge within a closed surface; the
net number of line crossing that surface is also zero. Gauss’ law
operates only in a closed surface. Hence, central to Gauss’ Law
is hypothetical closed surface called Gaussian surface. This
15
closed surface can be any shape you wish to, but it is most
useful in sphere, cylinder or some other symmetrical form. It
must be noted that it is an alternative statement to Coulomb’s
law and it’s simpler to apply Gauss’ law than Coulomb’s law.

Derivation of Coulomb’s law from Gauss’ law

If you enclose a point charge q in a spherical Gaussian surface
of radius r as shown below.

r
q

The total flux through the surface is given as

qenclosed
 =  EdA =
0
(30)
 =  2
But dA 4 r (surface area of a sphere)
(31)
Also,

16
 q
E=K
r2
(32)
 q
 =  EdA =  K 2   ( 4 r 2 ) = 4 Kq
 r 
(33)
What this means is that the electric flux is independent of the
radius of the material; it only depends on the charge inside the
material.
Note:
✓ If we know the charge distribution, if the symmetry is
simple enough to evaluate the integer, we can therefore use
Gauss’ law to find the electric field E.
✓ If we know the field, we can therefore use Gauss’ law to
find the charge distribution.

We are interested in finding the force acting on a point charge

say q2 placed in a vacuum at a distance from other point charge
say q1
Spherical Gaussian

pt
r

17
By symmetry E is normal and has same size at all point on the
surface, by Gauss’ law;
q
E =
0
q1
 E =  0E = q1
0
then,  E = EA cos  = E 4 r 2
So,  0 E 4 r 2 q1
q1
E=
4 0 r 2
For , q 2
q1q2
F = Eq2 =
4 0 r 2

(34)
Electrostatic Shielding
Any charge distributes itself over a conductor very quickly until
electrostatic equilibrium has been reached. Then, there is no
systematic drift of the mobile charge carriers. Since they are not
accelerated, the average resultant force acting on them is zero.
Hence, the field within the material of the conductor is zero at
every point. The fact that the field within a closed conductor is
zero is the basis of what is known as electrical or electrostatic
shielding. Thus, devices such as radio tube or electroscope can
be isolated from the influence of other charge by surrounding it
by a conductor.
Application of Gauss’s law
18
Gauss’s law is used to determine the electric field strength of
an infinite line of charge.
If we consider a uniform distribution of positive charges (total
charge inside a container) along an infinite long thin wire
𝑑𝑞
The charge per unit length (λ) = 𝑙
dA
E1=E

E=0

If we construct a Gaussian surface to surround the thin wire and

evaluate flux on the small segment of area dA and sum up the
whole volume of the surface.\
From Gauss’s law,
𝑞
𝜙 = ∮ 𝐸𝑑𝐴 = 𝜀
𝑜
(35)
∮ 𝑑𝐴 = 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 = 2𝜋𝑟𝑙
(36)
If we substitute Eqn. (36) into Eqn. (36)
𝑞
𝜙 = 𝐸 ∮ 𝑑𝐴 =𝐸2𝜋𝑟𝑙 =𝜀
𝑜
(37)
𝑞
𝜙 = 𝐸2𝜋𝑟𝑙 = 𝜀
𝑜

19
Recall,
𝑞
𝐸 = 2𝜋𝑙𝜀
𝑜
𝑑𝑞
𝜆= 𝑙
𝑞 1 𝜆
𝐸 = 𝑙 ∙ 2𝜋𝜀 = 2𝜋𝜀
𝑜 𝑜𝑟

Field of an infinitely Plane Sheet of charge


E=
2 0
q
Where,  =
A
(38)
Field around a Cylinder

E=
2 0 r
(39)
Field around a Charge Sphere
q2
E=
4 0 r 2
(40)
Capacitors & Dielectrics
When a potential difference is applied to an insulator, no electric
current flows. Potential difference is the work done in moving a
unit charge/ unit current from one point to another. Capacitors
find many applications in radio waves, etc.
Capacitors
A capacitor is a device that is used to store charges. It consists of
two conducting plates of any shape and size separated by a
20
vacuum or by an insulator. Every capacitor has a zero net charge
originally, but will become charged when electrons are
transferred from one plate to another.
1. “How will you make electrons transfer from one plate to
another when you separate then with an insulator?
Ans: it is when two plates are connected to opposite terminal of
the battery.
2. “Source of the charge, apart from, capacitor is also an
electric potential energy storing device. Why?
Ans: it is because work is done in the process of charging the
capacitor.
Electric Potential energy = voltage=potential difference
Representation of a Capacitor diagrammatically

or

Types of capacitor
1) Ledger jar capacitor
2) Fixed capacitor
3) Variable capacitor
4) Electrolytic capacitor

Fixed Capacitor: Is a constant type of capacitor with high fixed

capacitance, and these capacitors are used when you require a
design (of fixed capacitance) such as wireless set.
21
Basic advantage of fixed capacitor
✓ They are very cheap
✓ They have a very low rating
Variable Capacitor: is an adjustable capacitor with variable
capacitance obtained by adjusting the effective area of the
overlap of 2 sets of semi-circular plate separated by dielectric.
They are basically used for tuning control.
Capacitance of a Capacitor
Capacitance of a capacitor is the ability of the capacitor to store
charges. Because the plates are conductors, they are there for
also equipotential. A definite potential difference of absolute
value V would exist between the two plates.
Note that V is not the potential of either conductor, but the
potential difference between the two. Both q and v been absolute
values are positive quantity.
The charge q and the potential difference for a capacitor V are
directly proportional to each other.
qV  q = CV
q
C =
V
(41)
C is the constant of proportionality known as the capacitance of
a capacitor and the value is determined by the geometry of the
plates.
Capacitance of a capacitor is therefore the ratio of the charge q
that flows to the ratio of the potential difference V of a
capacitor. Its unit is F (farad) or C/V or CV-1 (Coulomb/Volt).

22
Note capacitor does not just only store charge but also stores
energy in the electric field between two plates.
Calculation of Capacitance
In calculating the capacitance of a capacitor, our major task
is to know the geometry. In knowing the geometry, we must
take note of the very importance points:
1. Imagine a charge (+q) to be put on another conductor; then
in an ideal capacitor a charge (-q) is induced on the other.
2. Calculate the electric field, E between the plates in terms of
the charge, using the Gauss’s law.
3. Knowing E, we can calculate the V between the plates.
4. Lastly, since we have known V, we can therefore calculate
for C using the above Eqn.
We will consider the following capacitors
✓ Parallel plate capacitors
✓ Coaxial cylindrical capacitor
✓ Concentric sphere capacitor
✓ Isolated conductive capacitor

Parallel Plate Capacitor

From Gauss’ law
q =  0 EA
d
V = E  ds = Ed
0

q  EA  0 A
C =  0 =
V Ed d
(42)

23
A = Area of the plate
d = distance between the two parallel plate
Coaxial Cylindrical Capacitor

2 0l
C=
b
In
a
(43)
l = length
a = diameter of first plate
b = diameter of second plate
Isolated Conductive Sphere

C = 4 0 a
(44)
a = radius of the plate
Concentric Spheres Capacitor
4 0 ab
C=
b−a
(45)
a = radius of the first plate
b = radius of the second plate
We can see from the Eqn. above that as a → b , the capacitance
tends to  and as a →  , a − b →  , so that C = 4 b . This is the
0

24
capacitance of an isolated sphere of radius b which is similar to
Eqn. ().
4 0 ab 4 0 a 4 0 ab
C= = = = 4 0b
b−a b −a 1− a
b b 
(46)
Factors that Affects Capacitance of Capacitor
• The area of the plates. Capacitance directly proportional to
the area of the plates
• The nature and thickness of the dielectric between the
plates. Capacitance varies when different dielectric
materials are used; C directly proportional to the thickness
of any dielectric.
• Capacitance varies with relative position of the plates. It
decreases as distance between plates increases.
• Capacitance varies with geometry of plate.

Combinations of Capacitor
In electronic circuit, capacitors are usually connected in
different ways. Basically, capacitors are either connected in
series or parallel.
Parallel Connection
C1

C2

C3

25
They both have the same potential difference, V across them.
qT = q1 + q2 + q3 + ... + qn
VT = V1 = V2 = V3 = Vn
CT V = C1V + C2V + C3V + ... + CnV
n
CT = C1 + C2 + C3 + ... + Cn   Ci
i =1

(47)
Question: Why is it that when we have a capacitor connected in
parallel the total capacitance is 𝐶𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 +
𝐶3 … … … … + 𝐶𝑛 ?
Answer: the reason is that they both have the same potential
difference (v) that flows across them. But their charges are
different 𝐶𝑇 ∆𝑉 = 𝐶1 ∆𝑉 + 𝐶2 ∆𝑉 + 𝐶3 ∆𝑉 … … … … + 𝐶𝑛 ∆𝑉 , the
value of q depends on the capacitor.

Series connection
C1 C2 C3

26
Where q must be the on all the plates
Vab = V = V1 + V2 + V3 + ... + Vn
q q q q q
V= = + + + ... +
CT C1 C2 C3 Cn

V1 =
q
,V2 =
q q
,V3 = ,Vn =
q (48)
C1 C2 C3 Cn
n
1 1 1 1 1 C1C2C3 ...Cn 1
= + + + ... +  CT = 
CT C1 C2 C3 Cn C1 + C2 + C3 + ...Cn i =1 Ci

The value of q would be different while the V value would be

different. Total q is the same, total ∆V varies.

Energy Stored in a Capacitor/Energy of a Charged

Capacitor
Recall, that the electric potential energy is the work done in
assembling a particular configuration of charges. There is
difference between electric potential energy and electric
potential. Suppose we bring charge, say dq from infinity to a
conductor, already at potential difference V, the work done
therefore would be;
dW = Vdq
q q
Since, C = V =
V C
q
 dW = dq
C
(49)
The total work done is given as;
q q
1 qdq
W =  dW =  qdq = 
C0 0
C
(50)

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Since C is constant, we would have that;
q2 C 2V 2 CV 2 qV
W=  = 
2C 2C 2 2
(51)
𝜀0 𝐴
In a parallel plate capacitor, recall that 𝑉 = 𝐸𝑑 and 𝐶 = 𝑑
0 A 1
W= ( Ed ) 2   0 AE 2 d
2d 2
W 1
U=  0E2
Vol 2
(52)
U = energy density, A = Area , 𝜀0 = permitivity, d = distance, E
= electric field
Capacitor with a Dielectric
Dielectric materials are insulating materials used in capacitors.
They are used for the following;
▪ To keep the plate apart
▪ To raise the capacitance, relative the air by a factor K
which is known as the dielectric constant of the introduced
material or  which is the relative permittivity
r

▪ To reduce the chance of the electric breakdown, hence to

enable a large V to be used
In general, any region completely filled by a dielectric, all
electrostatic equations containing the permittivity constant (𝜀° )
are to be modified by replacing the constant by 𝐾𝜀° . Hence, in
the case of a point charge inside a dielectric, the electric field
(E) therefore becomes;

28
 q
E=
4 0 Kr 2
(53)
This Eqn can be expressed for the electric field just outside an
isolated conductor immersed in a dielectric as

E=
K 0
(54)
Note: For a fixed distribution of charge the effect of a dielectric
is to weaken the electric field that would otherwise be present.
In the same way for a parallel plate capacitor inside a dielectric
the capacitance is
K 0 A
C=
d
(55)
If C0 = capacitance in a vacuum and C = capacitance of free
space

0 A C
C0 =  KC0  K =
d C0
(56)
 0 = K 0 is the permittivity of the material between the plates
E0 V0
K= =
E V
(57)

K= =1
0
(58)
Examples/Assignments Two

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 1. An electron is between two plates conductor separated by a
distance of 50cm with a final velocity of 108m/s. Find the
work done on the electron, the potential difference between
the two plates and the electric field between the plates.
2. What is the electric potential between a proton and an
electron in a hydrogen atom of radius 5.29×10-11 m?
3. A positive point charge 4ƲC is surrounded by a sphere with
radius 0.26m centered on the charge. Calculate the electric
flux through the sphere due to this charge.
4. Evaluate the magnitude of electric field strength at a point
3cm from an infinite line of charge of linear charge density
of 18ƲC/cm suited in a medium of relative permittivity of
1.5.
5. The plates of a parallel plate capacitor in vacuum are 5mm
apart and 2m2 in area. If a potential difference of 1000V is
applied across the capacitor. Calculate the capacitance,
charge on each plate and the magnitude of the electric field
in the space between them.
6. The space between the conductors of a long coaxial cable
used transmit TV signals has an inner diameter a = 0.15mm
and outer diameter b = 2.1mm. Find the capacitance per
unit length of the cable.

Home Work Two

1. Calculate the capacitance of a parallel place capacitor
having circular plates of radius 8.2cm and 1.33mm
separation. What charge will appear on the plates if a p.d of
120V is applied?
2. A 100pF capacitor is charged to a p.d of 50V. The charging
battery is then disconnected. The capacitor is then
30
connected in parallel with a second (initially uncharged)
capacitor. If the measured p.d drops to 35V, what is the
capacitance of this second capacitor?

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