Chapter 22

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge

Distributions
Conceptual Problems
1

Figure 22-37 shows an L-shaped object that has sides which are equal
in length. Positive charge is distributed uniformly along the length of the object.
What is the direction of the electric field along the dashed 45o line? Explain your
answer.
Determine the Concept The resultant field is the superposition of the electric
fields due to the charge distributions along the axes and is directed along the
dashed line, pointing away from the intersection of the two sides of the L-shaped
object. This can be seen by dividing each leg of the object into 10 (or more) equal
segments and then drawing the electric field on the dashed line due to the charges
on each pair of segments that are equidistant from the intersection of the legs.
7

An electric dipole is completely inside a closed imaginary surface and

there are no other charges. True or False:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

The electric field is zero everywhere on the surface.

The electric field is normal to the surface everywhere on the surface.
The electric flux through the surface is zero.
The electric flux through the surface could be positive or negative.
The electric flux through a portion of the surface might not be zero.

(a) False. Near the positive end of the dipole, the electric field, in accordance with
Coulombs law, will be directed outward and will be nonzero. Near the negative
end of the dipole, the electric field, in accordance with Coulombs law, will be
directed inward and will be nonzero.
(b) False. The electric field is perpendicular to the Gaussian surface only at the
intersections of the surface with a line defined by the axis of the dipole.
(c) True. Because the net charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface is zero, the net
flux, given by net = En dA = 4kQinside , through this surface must be zero.
S

19

20

Chapter 22

(d) False. The flux through the closed surface is zero.

(e) True. All Gausss law tells us is that, because the net charge inside the surface
is zero, the net flux through the surface must be zero.

Suppose that the total charge on the conducting spherical shell in

Figure 22-38 is zero. The negative point charge at the center has a magnitude
given by Q. What is the direction of the electric field in the following regions?
(a) r < R1 , (b) R2 > r > R1 , (c) and r > R2 . Explain your answer.
Determine the Concept We can apply Gausss law to determine the electric field
for r < R1, R2 > r > R1, and r > R2. We also know that the direction of an electric
field at any point is determined by the direction of the electric force acting on a
positively charged object located at that point.

(a) From the application of Gausss law we know that the electric field in this
region is not zero. A positively charged object placed in the region for which
r < R1 will experience an attractive force from the charge Q located at the center
of the shell. Hence the direction of the electric field is radially inward.
(b) Because the total charge on the conducting sphere is zero, the charge on its
inner surface is +Q (the positive charges in the conducting sphere are drawn there
by the negative charge at the center of the shell) and the charge on its outer
surface is Q. Applying Gausss law in the region R2 > r > R1 (the net charge
enclosed by a Gaussian surface of radius r is zero) leads to the conclusion that the
electric field in this region is zero. It has no direction.
(c) Because the charge on the outer surface of the conducting shell is negative,
the electric field in the region r > R2 is radially inward.

r
Calculating E From Coulombs Law
13
A uniform line charge that has a linear charge density equal to
3.5 nC/m is on the x axis between x = 0 and x = 5.0 m. (a) What is its total
charge? Find the electric field on the x axis at (b) x = 6.0 m, (c) x = 9.0 m, and
(d) x = 250 m. (e) Estimate the electric field at x = 250 m, using the
approximation that the charge is a point charge on the x axis at x = 2.5 m, and
compare your result with the result calculated in Part (d). (To do this you will
need to assume that the values given in this problem statement are valid to more

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

21

than two significant figures.) Is your approximate result greater or smaller than
the exact result? Explain your answer.
Picture the Problem (a) We can use the definition of to find the total charge of
the line of charge. (b), (c) and (d) Equation 22-2b gives the electric field on the axis
of a finite line of charge. In Part (e) we can apply Coulombs law for the electric
field due to a point charge to approximate the electric field at x = 250 m. In the
following diagram, L = 5.0 m and P is a generic point on the x axis.
r1
+ + + + + + + + +

r2

5.0 6.0

(a) Use the definition of linear charge

density to express Q in terms of :
The electric field on the axis of a
finite line charge is given by
Equation 22-2b:

P 9.0

x, m
250

Q = L = (3.5 nC/m )(5.0 m ) = 17.5 nC

= 18 nC
1 1
E x = k
r2 r1

(b) Substitute numerical values and evaluate Ex = 6.0 m:

N m2
C
1
1
3.5 109
Ex = 6.0 m = 8.988 109

= 26 N/C
2
C
m 6.0 m 5.0 m 6.0 m

(c) Substitute numerical values and evaluate Ex = 9.0 m:

E x = 9.0 m

C
1
1
9 N m
3.5 109

= 8.988 10
= 4.4 N/C
2
C
m 9.0 m 5.0 m 9.0 m

(d) Substitute numerical values and evaluate Ex at x = 250 m:

N m2
C
1
1
3.5 10 9

E x = 250 m = 8.988 109

2
C
m 250 m 5.0 m 250 m

= 2.56800 mN/C = 2.6 mN/C

(e) Using the approximation that the
charge is a point charge on the x axis
at x = 2.5 m, Coulombs law gives:

Ex =

kQ
(r1 12 L )2

22

Chapter 22

Substitute numerical values and evaluate Ex = 250 m:

E x = 250 m =

(8.988 10 N m /C )(17.5 nC) = 2.56774 mN/C =

9

2.6 mN/C

(250 m 12 (5.0 m ))2

This result is about 0.01% less than the exact value obtained in (d). This suggests
that the line of charge can be modeled to within 0.01% as that due to a point
charge.
17
A ring that has radius a lies in the z = 0 plane with its center at the
origin. The ring is uniformly charged and has a total charge Q. Find Ez on the z
axis at (a) z = 0.2a, (b) z = 0.5a, (c) z = 0.7a, (d) z = a, and (e) z = 2a. (f) Use your
results to plot Ez versus z for both positive and negative values of z. (Assume that
these distances are exact.)
Picture the Problem The electric field at a distance z from the center of a ring
kQz
whose charge is Q and whose radius is a is given by E z =
.
32
2
z + a2

(a) Evaluating Ez = 0.2a gives:

(b) Evaluating Ez = 0.5a gives:

(c) Evaluating Ez = 0.7a gives:

(d) Evaluating Ez = a gives:

(e) Evaluating Ez = 2a gives:

Ez = 0.2 a =

E z = 0.5a =

E z = 0.7 a =

Ez = a =

[a

Ez = 2a =

kQ(0.2a )

[(0.2a ) + a ]

2 32

kQ(0.5a )

[(0.5a ) + a ]

2 3 2

kQ(0.7a )

[(0.7a ) + a ]

2 3 2

kQa
2

+ a2

3 2

kQ
a2

= 0.358

kQ
a2

= 0.385

kQ
a2

= 0.354

2kQa

[(2a ) + a ]
2

= 0.189

2 3 2

kQ
a2

= 0.179

kQ
a2

(f) The field along the z axis is plotted below. The z coordinates are in units of z/a
and E is in units of kQ/a2.

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

23

0.4

Ez

0.2

0.0

-0.2

-0.4
-3

-2

-1

z/a

25
Calculate the electric field a distance z from a uniformly charged
infinite flat non-conducting sheet by modeling the sheet as a continuum of infinite
circular rings of charge.
Picture the Problem The field at a
point on the axis of a uniformly
charged ring lies along the axis and is
given by Equation 22-8. The diagram
shows one ring of the continuum of
circular rings of charge. The radius of
the ring is a and the distance from its
center to the field point P is z. The ring
has a uniformly distributed charge Q.
The resultant electric field at P is the
sum of the fields due to the continuum
of circular rings. Note that, by
symmetry, the horizontal components
of the electric field cancel.

da

Express the field of a single

uniformly charged ring with charge
Q and radius a on the axis of the ring
at a distance z away from the plane
of the ring:

r
E = E z i , where E z =

Substitute dq for Q and dEz for Ez to

obtain:

dE z =

The resultant electric field at P is the

sum of the fields due to all the circular
rings. Integrate both sides to calculate

E=

(z
(z

kzdq
2

+ a2

kzdq
2

+a

(z

r
dE

kQz
2

+ a2

(z

32

32

2 32

= kz

dq
+ a2

32

24

Chapter 22

the resultant field for the entire plane.

The field point remains fixed, so z is
constant:
To evaluate this integral we change
integration variables from q to a.
The charge dq = dA where
dA = 2 a da is the area of a ring of
radius a and width da:

dq = 2 a da
so

2 a da
E = kz
2
2 32
0 x +a

= 2 kz
0

To integrate this expression, let

u = z 2 + a 2 . Then:

du =

1
2

(z

1
z2 + a

a da
2

+ a2

32

a
(
2ada ) = da
2
u

or
ada = udu
Noting that when a = 0, u = z,
substitute and simplify to obtain:
Evaluating the integral yields:

u
du = 2 kz u 2 du
3
u
x
x

E = 2 kz

1
E = 2 kz = 2k =
20
uz

Gausss Law
r
29
An electric field is given by E = sign ( x ) (300 N/C) i , where sign(x)
equals 1 if x < 0, 0 if x = 0, and +1 if x > 0. A cylinder of length 20 cm and
radius 4.0 cm has its center at the origin and its axis along the x axis such that one
end is at x = +10 cm and the other is at x = 10 cm. (a) What is the electric flux
through each end? (b) What is the electric flux through the curved surface of the
cylinder? (c) What is the electric flux through the entire closed surface? (d) What
is the net charge inside the cylinder?
Picture the Problem The field at both circular faces of the cylinder is parallel to
the outward vector normal to the surface, so the flux is just EA. There is no flux
through the curved surface because the normal to that surface is perpendicular
r
to E . The net flux through the closed surface is related to the net charge inside by
Gausss law.

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

25

(a) Use Gausss law to calculate

the flux through the right circular
surface:

right = E right n right A

Apply Gausss law to the left

circular surface:

left = E left n left A

2
= (300 N/C ) i i( )(0.040 m )

= 1.5 N m 2 /C
r

( )

2
= ( 300 N/C ) i i ( )(0.040 m )

= 1.5 N m 2 /C

(b) Because the field lines are

parallel to the curved surface of
the cylinder:

curved = 0

(c) Express and evaluate the net

flux through the entire cylindrical
surface:

net = right + left + curved

(d) Apply Gausss law to obtain:

net = 4kQinside Qinside =

Substitute numerical values and

evaluate Qinside :

Qinside =

= 1.5 N m 2 /C + 1.5 N m 2 /C + 0
= 3.0 N m 2 /C

net
4k

3.0 N m 2 /C
4 8.988 10 9 N m 2 /C 2

= 2.7 10 11 C
33
A single point charge is placed at the center of an imaginary cube that
has 20-cm-long edges. The electric flux out of one of the cubes sides is 1.50
kNm2/C. How much charge is at the center?

26

Chapter 22

Picture the Problem The net flux through the cube is given by net = Qinside 0 ,
where Qinside is the charge at the center of the cube.
Qinside
60

The flux through one side of the

cube is one-sixth of the total flux
through the cube:

1 faces = 16 net =

Solving for Qinside yields:

Qinside = 6 0 2 faces

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

27

Substitute numerical values and evaluate Qinside :

Qinside

C2
kN m 2
12

= 79.7 nC
= 6 8.854 10
1.50
2
2
N
m

Gausss Law Applications in Spherical Symmetry Situations

39 A non-conducting sphere of radius 6.00 cm has a uniform volume
charge density of 450 nC/m3. (a) What is the total charge on the sphere? Find the
electric field at the following distances from the spheres center: (b) 2.00 cm,
(c) 5.90 cm, (d) 6.10 cm, and (e) 10.0 cm.

(a) Using the definition of volume

charge density, relate the charge on
the sphere to its volume:
Substitute numerical values and
evaluate Q:

Q = V = 43 r 3

Q = 43 450 nC/m 3 (0.0600 m )

= 0.4072 nC = 0.407 nC
1

Qinside

Apply Gausss law to a spherical

surface of radius r < R that is
concentric with the spherical shell
to obtain:

Noting that, due to symmetry,

En = Er , solve for Er to obtain:

Er =

Because the charge distribution is

uniform, we can find the charge
inside the Gaussian surface by using
the definition of volume charge
density to establish the proportion:

Q Qinside
=
V
V'
where V is the volume of the Gaussian
surface.

Solve for Qinside to obtain:

Substitute for Qinside to obtain:

En dA =

Qinside

Qinside 4 r 2 En =

Qinside 1 kQinside
=
4 0 r 2
r2

r3
V'
=Q =Q 3
R
V

Er < R =

Qinside 1 kQ
r
=
4 0 r 2 R 3

28

Chapter 22

(b) Evaluate Er = 2.00 cm:

Er = 2.00 cm =

(8.988 10

N m 2 /C2 (0.4072 nC)

(0.0200 m ) = 339 N/C
(0.0600 m)3

(c) Evaluate Er = 5.90 cm:

Er = 5.90 cm

(8.988 10
=

N m 2 /C 2 (0.4072 nC)
(0.0590 m) = 1.00 kN/C
(0.0600 m)3

Apply Gausss law to the Gaussian

surface with r > R:

4 r 2 Er =

Qinside

Er =

kQinside kQ
= 2
r2
r

(d) Evaluate Er = 6.10 cm:

Er = 6.10 cm =

(8.988 10

N m 2 /C 2 (0.4072 nC)
= 983 N/C
(0.0610 m)2

(e) Evaluate Er = 10.0 cm:

Er = 10.0 cm

(8.988 10
=

N m 2 /C 2 (0.4072 nC)
= 366 N/C
(0.100 m )2

43
A sphere of radius R has volume charge density = B/r for r < R ,
where B is a constant and = 0 for r > R. (a) Find the total charge on the sphere.
(b) Find the expressions for the electric field inside and outside the charge
distribution (c) Sketch the magnitude of the electric field as a function of the
distance r from the spheres center.
Picture the Problem We can find the total charge on the sphere by expressing the
charge dq in a spherical shell and integrating this expression between r = 0 and
r = R. By symmetry, the electric fields must be radial. To find Er inside the
charged sphere we choose a spherical Gaussian surface of radius r < R. To find Er
outside the charged sphere we choose a spherical Gaussian surface of radius r > R.
On each of these surfaces, Er is constant. Gausss law then relates Er to the total
charge inside the surface.

(a) Express the charge dq in a shell

of thickness dr and volume 4r2 dr:

dq = 4 r 2 dr = 4 r 2
= 4Brdr

B
dr
r

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

R

Integrate this expression from

r = 0 to R to find the total charge
on the sphere:

Q == 4B rdr = 2Br 2

(b) Apply Gausss law to a spherical

surface of radius r > R that is
concentric with the nonconducting
sphere to obtain:

Solving for Er yields:

Er > R =

29

R
0

= 2BR 2

Er dA =

Apply Gausss law to a spherical

surface of radius r < R that is
concentric with the nonconducting
sphere to obtain:
Solving for Er yields:

Qinside or 4 r 2 Er =

Qinside

Qinside 1 kQinside
=
4 0 r 2
r2
k 2BR 2
BR 2
=
r2
2 0 r 2

Er dA =

Er < R =

Qinside 4 r 2 Er =

Qinside

Qinside
B
2Br 2
=
=
2
2
4 r 0 4 r 0
2 0

(c) The following graph of Er versus r/R, with Er in units of B/(20), was plotted
using a spreadsheet program.
1.2
1.0
0.8
E r 0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

r /R

Remarks: Note that our results for (a) and (b) agree at r = R.

3.0

30

Chapter 22

Gausss Law Applications in Cylindrical Symmetry Situations

51
A solid cylinder of length 200 m and radius 6.00 cm has a uniform
volume charge density of 300 nC/m3. (a) What is the total charge of the cylinder?
Use the formulas given in Problem 50 to calculate the electric field at a point
equidistant from the ends at the following radial distances from the cylindrical
axis: (b) 2.00 cm, (c) 5.90 cm, (d) 6.10 cm, and (e) 10.0 cm.
Picture the Problem We can use the definition of volume charge density to find
the total charge on the cylinder. From symmetry, the electric field tangent to the
surface of the cylinder must vanish. We can construct a Gaussian surface in the
shape of a cylinder of radius r and length L and apply Gausss law to find the
electric field as a function of the distance from the centerline of the uniformly
charged cylinder.

Qtotal = V = R 2 L

(a) Use the definition of volume

charge density to express the
total charge of the cylinder:

Qtotal = 300 nC/m3 (0.0600 m ) (200 m )

Substitute numerical values to

obtain:

= 679 nC

(b) From Problem 50, for r < R, we

have:

Er < R =

r
2 0

For r = 2.00 cm:

Er = 2.00 cm =

(300 nC/m )(0.0200 m) =

2(8.854 10 C /N m )
3

12

339 N/C

(c) For r = 5.90 cm:

Er = 5.90 cm =

(300 nC/m )(0.0590 m) =

2(8.854 10 C /N m )

From Problem 50, for r > R, we have:

12

Er >R =

R 2
2 0 r

1.00 kN/C

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

31

(d) For r = 6.10 cm:

Er = 6.10 cm =

(300 nC/m )(0.0600 m)

=
2(8.854 10 C /N m )(0.0610 m )

1.00 kN/C

(300 nC/m )(0.0600 m)

=
=
2(8.854 10 C /N m )(0.100 m )

610 N/C

12

(e) For r = 10.0 cm:

2

Er = 10.0 cm

12

55
An infinitely long non-conducting solid cylinder of radius a has a nonuniform volume charge density. This density varies with R, the perpendicular
distance from its axis, according to (R) = bR2, where b is a constant. (a) Show
that the linear charge density of the cylinder is given by = ba4/2. (b) Find
expressions for the electric field for R < a and R > a.
Picture the Problem From symmetry; the field tangent to the surface of the
cylinder must vanish. We can construct a Gaussian surface in the shape of a
cylinder of radius R and length L and apply Gausss law to find the electric field
as a function of the distance from the centerline of the infinitely long
nonconducting cylinder.

(a) Apply Gausss law to a cylindrical

surface of radius R and length L that is
concentric with the infinitely long
nonconducting cylinder:

En dA =

Qinside 2RLEn =

Qinside

0
0
where weve neglected the end areas
because there is no flux through them.
S

Qinside
2RL 0

Noting that, due to symmetry,

En = E R , solve for ER to obtain:

ER =

Express dQinside for (R) = bR2:

dQinside = (R )dV = bR 2 (2RL )dR

(1)

= 2bR 3 LdR
Integrate dQinside from 0 to a to
obtain:

R4
= 2bL R dr = 2bL
4 0
0
bL 4
=
a
2
R

Qinside

32

Chapter 22

Divide both sides of this equation by

L to obtain an expression for the
charge per unit length of the
cylinder:

Qinside
ba 4
=
=
2
L

bL

(b) Substitute for Qinside in equation

R4
b
2
=
=
R3
2LR 0
40

(1) and simplify to obtain:

E R<a

For R > a:

Qinside =

a4

bL

Substitute for Qinside in equation (1)

and simplify to obtain:

bL

E R >a

a4
ba 4
2
=
=
2 RL 0
40 R

57 The inner cylinder of Figure 22-42 is made of non-conducting material

and has a volume charge distribution given by (R) = C/R, where C = 200 nC/m2.
The outer cylinder is metallic, and both cylinders are infinitely long. (a) Find the
charge per unit length (that is, the linear charge density) on the inner cylinder.
(b) Calculate the electric field for all values of R.
Picture the Problem We can integrate the density function over the radius of the
inner cylinder to find the charge on it and then calculate the linear charge density
from its definition. To find the electric field for all values of r we can construct a
Gaussian surface in the shape of a cylinder of radius R and length L and apply
Gausss law to each region of the cable to find the electric field as a function of
the distance from its centerline.

(a) Letting the radius of the

inner cylinder be a, find the
charge Qinner on the inner

C
2RLdR
R
0

Qinner = (R )dV =
0

= 2CL dR = 2CLa

cylinder:

Relate this charge to the linear

charge density:
Substitute numerical values and
evaluate :

Qinner 2CLa
=
= 2Ca
L
L

= 2 (200 nC/m )(0.0150 m )

= 18.8 nC/m

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

1

Qinside

(b) Apply Gausss law to a

cylindrical surface of radius r and
length L that is concentric with the
infinitely long nonconducting
cylinder:

0
0
where weve neglected the end areas
because there is no flux through them.

Noting that, due to symmetry,

E n = E R , solve for ER to obtain:

ER =

Substitute to obtain, for

R < 1.50 cm:

E R<1.50 cm =

2CLR
C
=
2 0 LR 0

Substitute numerical values and

evaluate En(R < 1.50 cm):

E R<1.50 cm =

200 nC/m 2
8.854 10 12 C 2 /N m 2

En dA =

Qinside 2rLEn =

33

Qinside
2RL 0

= 22.6 kN/C
Qinside = 2CLa

Express Qinside for

1.50 cm < R < 4.50 cm:
Substitute to obtain, for
1.50 cm < R < 4.50 cm:

E1.50 cm< R< 4.50 cm =

2CaL
Ca
=
2 0 RL 0 R

where R = 1.50 cm.

Substitute numerical values and evaluate E1.50 cm< R<4.50 cm :

E1.50 cm< R<4.50 cm =

(200 nC/m )(0.0150 m) =

(8.854 10 C /N m )r

Because the outer cylindrical shell

is a conductor:
For R > 6.50 cm, Qinside = 2CLR
and:

12

339 N m/C
R

E 4.50 cm<R<6.50 cm = 0

E R >6.50 cm =

339 N m/C
R

Electric Charge and Field at Conductor Surfaces

63
A positive point charge of 2.5 C is at the center of a conducting
spherical shell that has a net charge of zero, an inner radius equal to 60 cm, and an
outer radius equal to 90 cm. (a) Find the charge densities on the inner and outer
surfaces of the shell and the total charge on each surface. (b) Find the electric

34

Chapter 22

field everywhere. (c) Repeat Part (a) and Part (b) with a net charge of +3.5 C
placed on the shell.
Picture the Problem Let the inner and outer radii of the uncharged spherical
conducting shell be R1 and R2 and q represent the positive point charge at the
center of the shell. The positive point charge at the center will induce a negative
charge on the inner surface of the shell and, because the shell is uncharged, an
equal positive charge will be induced on its outer surface. To solve Part (b), we
can construct a Gaussian surface in the shape of a sphere of radius r with the
same center as the shell and apply Gausss law to find the electric field as a
function of the distance from this point. In Part (c) we can use a similar strategy
with the additional charge placed on the shell.

qinner
A

(a) Express the charge density on the

inner surface:

inner =

Express the relationship between the

positive point charge q and the
charge induced on the inner surface
qinner :

q + qinner = 0 qinner = q

Substitute for qinner and A to obtain:

inner =

q
4R12

Substitute numerical values and

evaluate inner:

inner =

2.5 C
= 0.55 C/m 2
2
4 (0.60 m )

Express the charge density on the

outer surface:

outer =

qouter
A

Because the spherical shell is

uncharged:

qouter + qinner = 0

Substitute for qouter to obtain:

outer =

qinner
4R22

Substitute numerical values and

evaluate outer:

outer =

2.5 C
= 0.25 C/m 2
2
4 (0.90 m )

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

(b) Apply Gausss law to a
spherical surface of radius r that
is concentric with the point
charge:

Noting that, due to symmetry,

En = Er , solve for Er to obtain:

Er =

For r < R1 = 60 cm, Qinside = q.

Substitute in equation (1) to
obtain:

Er <60 cm =

En dA =

Qinside 4 r 2 En =

Qinside
4 r 2 0

35
Qinside

(1)

q
kq
= 2
2
4 r 0 r

Substitute numerical values and evaluate Er <60 cm :

Er <60 cm

(8.988 10
=

N m 2 /C 2 (2.5 C )
=
r2

(2.2 10

N m 2 /C

) r1

Qinside = 0

Because the spherical shell is a

conductor, a charge q will be
induced on its inner surface. Hence,
for 60 cm < r < 90 cm:

and
E60 cm<r <90 cm = 0

For r > 90 cm, the net charge inside

the Gaussian surface is q and:

Er >90 cm =

(c) Because E = 0 in the conductor:

qinner = 2.5 C

kq
=
r2

(2.3 10

N m 2 /C

) r1

and

inner = 0.55 C/m 2 as before.

Express the relationship between
the charges on the inner and
outer surfaces of the spherical
shell:

outer is now given by:

For r < R1 = 60 cm, Qinside = q and

Er <60 cm is as it was in (a):

qouter + qinner = 3.5 C

and
qouter = 3.5 C - qinner = 6.0 C

outer =

6.0 C
= 0.59 C/m 2
2
4 (0.90 m )

Er <60 cm =

(2.3 10

N m 2 /C

) r1

36

Chapter 22
Qinside = 0

Because the spherical shell is a

conductor, a charge q will be
induced on its inner surface. Hence,
for 60 cm < r < 90 cm:

and
E60 cm<r <90 cm = 0

For r > 0.90 m, the net charge inside the Gaussian surface is 6.0 C and:
Er >90 cm =

kq
1
1
= 8.988 109 N m 2 /C 2 (6.0 C ) 2 = 5.4 10 4 N m 2 /C 2
2
r
r
r

65 [SSM] A thin square conducting sheet that has 5.00-m-long edges

has a net charge of 80.0 C. The square is in the x = 0 plane and is centered at the
origin. (Assume the charge on each surface is uniformly distributed.) (a) Find the
charge density on each side of the sheet and find the electric field on the x axis in
the region |x| << 5.00 m. (b) A thin but infinite nonconducting sheet that has a
uniform charge density of 2.00 C/m2 is now placed in the x = 2.50 m plane.
Find the electric field on the x axis on each side of the square sheet in the region
|x| << 2.50 m. Find the charge density on each surface of the square sheet.
Picture the Problem (a) One half of the total charge is on each side of the square
thin conducting sheet and the electric field inside the sheet is zero. The electric
field intensity just outside the surface of a conductor is given by E = 0 .

Typical field points to the left and right of the square thin conducting sheet are
shown in the following diagram.

y, m
2.50 m

r
Eleft

r
Eright

r
E left

r
Eright

x, m

0
left right
thin square conducting sheet
Q = 80.0 C
2.50 m

net

(b) We can use the fact that the net charge on the conducting sheet is the sum of
the charges Qleft and Qright on its left and right surfaces to obtain an equation
relating these charges. Because the resultant electric field is zero inside the sheet,
we can obtain a second equation in Qleft and Qright that we can solve
simultaneously with the first equation to find Qleft and Qright. The resultant electric
field is the superposition of three fieldsthe field due to the charges on the infinite
nonconducting sheet and the fields due to the charges on the surfaces of the thin
square conducting sheet. The electric field intensity due to a uniformly charged

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

37

nonconducting infinite sheet is given by E = 2 0 . Typical field points for

each of the four regions of interest are shown in the following diagram.
= 2.00 C/m 2
Q net = 80.0 C r
EQ

r
E Qleft

right

r
Einfinite
sheet

PIII
r
r
Einfinite E Qleft

r
E Qright

PI

r r
2.50 m E Qleft E Q
right

sheet

II

PII

r
Einfinite

PIV

r
r
Einfinite E Qleft

sheet

Qleft

x, m

r
E Qright

sheet

III

IV

Qright

thin square conducting sheet

infinite charged nonconducting sheet

Note: The vectors in this figure are drawn consistent with the charges Qleft and
Qright both being positive. If either Qleft or Qright are negative then the solution will
produce a negative value for either Qleft or Qright.
Qnet
A

(a) Because the square sheet is a

conductor, half the charge on each
surface is half the net charge on the
sheet:

left = right =

1
2

Substitute numerical values and

evaluate left and right :

left = right =

1
2

For |x| << 5.00 m, the electric field is

given by the expression for the field
just outside a conductor:

E x <<5.00 m =

Substitute numerical values and

evaluate E x <<5.00 m :

E x <<5.00 m =

1.60 C/m 2
8.854 1012 C 2 /N m 2

(80.0 C) =
(5.00 m)2

1.60

C
m2

= 180.7 kN/C = 181 kN/C

For x > 0, E x <<5.00 m is in the +x
direction and for x < 0, E x <<5.00 m is in
the x direction.

38

Chapter 22

(b) The resultant electric field in

Region II is the sum of the fields due
to the infinite nonconducting sheet
and the charge on the surfaces of the
thin square conducting sheet:

Due to the presence of the infinite

nonconducting sheet, the charges on
the thin square conducting sheet are
redistributed on the left and right
surfaces. The net charge on the thin
square conducting sheet is the sum
of the charges on its left- and righthand surfaces:
Writing this equation in terms of the
surface charge densities yields:

r
r
r
r
E II = Einfinite + EQleft + EQright
sheet

infinite

i left i right i
2 0
2 0
2 0
sheet

infinite left right

= sheet
i
2 0

Qleft + Qright = 80.0 C

where weve assumed that Qleft and
Qright are both positive.

left + right =
=

Qleft Qright
+
A
A
Qleft + Qright

A
80.0 C
=
(5.00 m )2

(1)

= 3.20 C/m 2
where A is the area of one side of the
thin square conducting sheet.
Because the electric field is zero
inside the thin square conducting
sheet:

infinite
sheet

2 0

left right

=0
2 0 2 0

or
2.00 C/m 2 + left right = 0 (2)
Solving equations (1) and (2)
simultaneously yields:

left = 0.60 C/m 2

and

right = 2.60 C/m 2

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

39

r
Substitute numerical values and evaluate E II :

2.00 C 0.60 C 2.60 C

r

m 2 i = 67.8 kN i
m2
m2
E II =
2
C

2 8.854 10 12 C 2

N m

The resultant electric field in Region

IV is the sum of the fields due to the
charge on the infinite nonconducting
sheet and the charges on the two
surfaces of the thin square
conducting sheet:

r
r
r
r
E IV = Einfinite + EQleft + EQright
sheet

infinite

i + left i + right i
2 0
2 0
2 0
sheet

infinite + left + right

= sheet
i
2 0

r
Substitute numerical values and evaluate E IV :

r
E IV

2.00 C + 0.60 C + 2.60 C

m 2 i = 294 kN i
m2
m2
=
2
C

2 8.854 10 12 C 2

N m

r
Substitute numerical values and evaluate E IV :

r
E IV

2.00 C + 0.60 C + 2.60 C

m2
m2
m 2 i = 294 kN i
=
2
C

2 8.854 10 12 C 2

Nm

General Problems
67 A large, flat, nonconducting, non-uniformly charged surface lies in the
x = 0 plane. At the origin, the surface charge density is +3.10 C/m2. A small
distance away from the surface on the positive x axis, the x component of the
electric field is 4.65 105 N/C. What is Ex a small distance away from the surface
on the negative x axis?

40

Chapter 22

Picture the Problem The electric field just to the right of the large, flat,
nonconducting, nonuniformly charged surface is 2 0 and the electric field just
to the left of the surface is 2 0 . We can express the electric field on both

sides of the surface in terms of E0, the electric field in the region in the absence of
the charged surface, and then eliminate E0 from these equations to obtain an
expression for Ex a small distance away from the surface on the negative x axis.
The electric field on the positive x
axis is given by:

E x >0 = E0 +

E0 = E x >0
20
20

The electric field on the negative x

axis is given by:

E x<0 = E0

20

Substituting for E0 in the expression

for E x < 0 and simplifying gives:

Ex <0 = Ex >0

2 0 2 0

= Ex >0
0

Substitute numerical values and evaluate E x,neg :

E x ,neg = 4.65 105 N/C

3.10 C/m 2
= 115 kN/C
8.854 10 12 C 2 /N m 2

69 A thin, non-conducting, uniformly charged spherical shell of radius R

(Figure 22-44a) has a total positive charge of Q. A small circular plug is removed
from the surface. (a) What is the magnitude and direction of the electric field at
the center of the hole? (b) The plug is now put back in the hole (Figure 22-44b).
Using the result of Part (a), find the electric force acting on the plug. (c) Using the
magnitude of the force, calculate the electrostatic pressure (force/unit area) that
tends to expand the sphere.
Picture the Problem If the patch is small enough, the field at the center of the
patch comes from two contributions. We can view the field in the hole as the sum
of the field from a uniform spherical shell of charge Q plus the field due to a
small patch with surface charge density equal but opposite to that of the patch cut
out.

(a) Express the magnitude of the

electric field at the center of the hole:

E = Espherical + E hole

Apply Gausss law to a spherical

gaussian surface just outside the
given sphere:

Espherical 4r 2 =

shell

shell

Qenclosed

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

Solve for Espherical to obtain:
shell

E spherical =
shell

The electric field due to the small

hole (small enough so that we can
treat it as a plane surface) is:

Ehole =

Substitute for Espherical and Ehole and

E=

shell

simplify to obtain:

=
=

Q
4 0 r 2

2 0

20

Q
2 0 4 r 2

Q
4 0 r
Q
4 0 r
Q

8 0 r 2

radially outward

(b) Express the force on the patch:

F = qE
where q is the charge on the patch.

Assuming that the patch has radius

a, express the proportion between
its charge and that of the spherical
shell:

a2
q
Q
q
=
Q
or
=
4r 2
a 2 4 r 2

Substitute for q and E in the

expression for F to obtain:

a2
Q

F = 2 Q
2

4
8
r
r

(c) The pressure is the force exerted

on the patch divided by the area of
the patch:

41

Q 2a 2
radially outward
32 0 r 4

Q 2a 2
32 0 r 4
Q2
=
P=
a 2
32 2 0 r 4

71 Two identical square parallel metal plates each have an area of 500 cm2.
They are separated by 1.50 cm. They are both initially uncharged. Now a charge
of +1.50 nC is transferred from the plate on the left to the plate on the right and
the charges then establish electrostatic equilibrium. (Neglect edge effects.)
(a) What is the electric field between the plates at a distance of 0.25 cm from the
plate on the right? (b) What is the electric field between the plates a distance of
1.00 cm from the plate on the left? (c) What is the electric field just to the left of
the plate on the left? (d) What is the electric field just to the right of the plate to
the right?

42

Chapter 22

Picture the Problem The transfer of charge from the plate on the left to the plate
on the right leaves the plates with equal but opposite charges. The symbols for the
four surface charge densities are shown in the figure. The x component of the
electric field due to the charge on surface 1L is 1L (2 0 ) at points to the left of
surface 1L and is + 1L (2 0 ) at points to the right of surface 1L, where the +x
direction is to the right. Similar expressions describe the electric fields due to the
other three surface charges. We can use superposition of electric fields to find the
electric field in each of the three regions.

II

III

1L

2R

2L

1R

Define 1 and 2 so that:

1 = 1L + 1R
and

2 = 2L + 2R
1L 1R 2L 2R
+

20 20 20 20

2
= 0+ 1 2 0 = 1
0
2 0 2 0

(a) and (b) In the region between the

plates (region II):

E x , II =

Let 2 = 1 = . Then:

1 2 = = 2

Substituting for 1 2 and

using the definition of yields:

E x , II =

Substitute numerical values and evaluate E x , II :

E x , II =

8.854 10 12

1.50 nC
= 339 kN/C toward the left
C2
-6
2
500 10 m
N m 2

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

43

1L 1R 2L 2R

20 20 20 20

= 0 1 2 0
20 20

= 0
2 0 20

(c) The electric field strength just to

the left of the plate on the left (region
I) is given by:

E x, I =

(d) The electric field strength just to

the right of the plate on the right
(region III) is given by:

E x , III =

1L 1R 2L 2R
+
+
+
20 20 20 20

= 0+ 1 + 2 0
20 20

=
+
= 0
20 20

Remarks: If we start with the fact that free charges are only found on the
surfaces of the plates facing each other, then a much simpler solution is
possible. Any plane of charge produces a field 2 0 perpendicular to the
plane. The field in region III directed everywhere away from the plane and
the field of the left plane is everywhere directed toward it.
73 A quantum-mechanical treatment of the hydrogen atom shows that the
electron in the atom can be treated as a smeared-out distribution of negative
charge of the form (r) = 0e2r/a. Here r represents the distance from the center
of the nucleus and a represents the first Bohr radius which has a numerical value
of 0.0529 nm. Recall that the nucleus of a hydrogen atom consists of just one
proton and treat this proton as a positive point charge. (a) Calculate 0, using the
fact that the atom is neutral. (b) Calculate the electric field at any distance r from
the nucleus.
Picture the Problem Because the atom is uncharged, we know that the integral of
the electrons charge distribution over all of space must equal its charge qe.
Evaluation of this integral will lead to an expression for 0. In (b) we can express
the resultant electric field at any point as the sum of the electric fields due to the
proton and the electron cloud.

(a) Because the atom is uncharged,

the integral of the electrons charge
distribution over all of space must
equal its charge e:

e = (r )dV = (r )4 r 2 dr

44

Chapter 22

Substitute for (r) and simplify to

obtain:

e = 0 e 2 r a 4 r 2 dr
0

= 4 0 r 2 e 2 r a dr
0

Use integral tables or integration by

parts to obtain:

2 2 r a
r e dr =
0

Substitute for r 2 e 2 r a dr to obtain:

0

Solving for 0 yields:

(b) The field will be the sum of the

field due to the proton and that of
the electron charge cloud:
Express the field due to the electron
cloud:

Substitute for Ep and Ecloud to obtain:

Q(r) is given by:

a3
4

a3
e = 4 0 = a 3 0
4

0 =

e
a3

E = Ep + Ecloud

kQ(r )
r2
where Q(r) is the net negative charge
enclosed a distance r from the proton.
Ecloud (r ) =

E (r ) =

ke kQ(r )
+ 2
r2
r
r

Q (r ) = 4r ' 2 (r ' )dr '

0

= 4 r ' 2 0 e 2 r ' a dr '

0

From Part (a), 0 =

e
:
a3

e
Q (r ) = 4 3 r ' 2 e 2 r ' a dr '
a 0
r

4e
= 3 r ' 2 e 2 r ' a dr '
a 0

(1)

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

45

From a table of integrals:

r

x e

2 2 x a

[(

dx = 14 e 2 r a a e 2 r a 1 a 2 2ar 2r 2

= e
1
4

2 r a

a3
4

2 r a
r
r2
a e
1 2 2 2
a
a

r 2
2 r a
2 r a r

1
e
2
e

a a 2

Substituting for r '2 e 2 r ' a dr ' in the expression for Q(r ) and simplifying yields:
0

Q(r ) =

r 2
e
2 r a
2 r a r

(
1
e
)
2
e

a a 2
4

Substitute for Q(r ) in equation (1) and simplify to obtain:

E (r ) =
=

ke ke

r 2 4r 2

r 2
2 r a
2 r a r

+
1
2
e
e

a a 2

r 2
ke 1
2 r a
2 r a r

+
1
1
2
e
e

a a 2
r 2 4

79
A uniformly charged, infinitely long line of negative charge has a
linear charge density of and is located on the z axis. A small positively charged
particle that has a mass m and a charge q is in a circular orbit of radius R in the xy
plane centered on the line of charge. (a) Derive an expression for the speed of the
particle. (b) Obtain an expression for the period of the particles orbit.
Picture the Problem (a) We can apply
Newtons second law to the particle to
express its speed as a function of its
mass m, charge q, and the radius of its
path R, and the strength of the electric
field due to the infinite line charge E.
(b) The period of the particles motion
is the ratio of the circumference of the
circle in which it travels divided by its
orbital speed.

R
m, q

46

Chapter 22

(a) Apply Newtons second law

to the particle to obtain:

Solving for v yields:

The strength of the electric field at a

distance R from the infinite line
charge is given by:
Substitute for E and simplify to
obtain:
(b) The speed of the particle is equal
to the circumference of its orbit
divided by its period:
Substitute for v and simplify to
obtain:

v2
R
where the inward direction is positive.

Fradial = qE = m
qRE
m

v=

2k
R

E=

2kq
m

v=

v=

2R
2R
T =
T
v

T = R

2m
kq

81
The charges Q and q of Problem 80 are +5.00 C and 5.00 C,
respectively, and the radius of the ring is 8.00 cm. When the particle is given a
small displacement in the x direction, it oscillates about its equilibrium position at
a frequency of 3.34 Hz. (a) What is the particles mass? (b) What is the
frequency if the radius of the ring is doubled to 16.0 cm and all other parameters
remain unchanged?
Picture the Problem Starting with the equation for the electric field on the axis
of a ring charge, we can factor the denominator of the expression to show that, for
x << a, Ex is proportional to x. We can use Fx = qEx to express the force acting on
the particle and apply Newtons second law to show that, for small displacements
from equilibrium, the particle will execute simple harmonic motion. Finally, we
can find the angular frequency of the motion from the differential equation and
use this expression to find the frequency of the motion when the radius of the ring
is doubled and all other parameters remain unchanged.

(a) Express the electric field on the

axis of the ring of charge:

Ex =

(x

kQx
2

+ a2

32

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

Factor a2 from the denominator of Ex
to obtain:

Ex =

kQx
2 x 2
a 1 + 2
a
kQx

x2
a 3 1 + 2
a
provided x << a.
Express the force acting on the
particle as a function of its charge
and the electric field:

Fx = qE x =

Because the negatively charged

particle experiences a linear
restoring force, we know that its
motion will be simple harmonic.
Apply Newtons second law to the
negatively charged particle to
obtain:

32

32

kQ
x
a3

kqQ
x
a3

d 2x
kqQ
= 3 x
2
dt
a

or
d 2 x kqQ
+
x=0
dt 2 ma 3
the differential equation of simple
harmonic motion.

The angular frequency of the simple

harmonic motion of the particle is
given by:

Solving for m yields:

m=

kqQ
ma 3

(1)

kqQ
kqQ
=
2 3
a
4 2 f 2 a 3

Substitute numerical values and evaluate m:

2

9 Nm
8.988 10
( 5.00 C ) (5.00 C )
C 2

m=
= 0.997 kg
2
3
4 2 3.34 s 1 (8.00 cm )

(b) Express the angular frequency of

the motion if the radius of the ring is
doubled:

' =

kqQ
3
m(2a )

(2)

47

48

Chapter 22

Divide equation (2) by equation (1)

to obtain:

Solve for f to obtain:

kqQ
3
m(2a )

' 2f'
=
=
2f

f' =

kqQ
ma 3

1
8

3.34 Hz
f
=
= 1.18 Hz
8
8

87 Consider a simple but surprisingly accurate model for the hydrogen

molecule: two positive point charges, each having charge +e, are placed inside a
uniformly charged sphere of radius R, which has a charge equal to 2e. The two
point charges are placed symmetrically, equidistant from the center of the sphere
(Figure 22-48). Find the distance from the center, a, where the net force on either
point charge is zero.
Picture the Problem We can find the distance from the center where the net
force on either charge is zero by setting the sum of the forces acting on either
point charge equal to zero. Each point charge experiences two forces; one a
Coulomb force of repulsion due to the other point charge, and the second due to
that fraction of the spheres charge that is between the point charge and the center
of the sphere that creates an electric field at the location of the point charge.

Apply

F = 0 to either of the

FCoulomb Ffield = 0

(1)

point charges:

ke 2
ke 2
=
(2a )2 4a 2

Express the Coulomb force on the

proton:

FCoulomb =

The force exerted by the field E is:

Ffield = eE

Apply Gausss law to a spherical

surface of radius a centered at the
origin:

E 4 a 2 =

Relate the charge density of the

electron sphere to Qenclosed :

2ea 3
Qenclosed
2e
Q
=

=
enclosed
3
3
4
4
R3
3 a
3 R

Substitute for Qenclosed :

2ea3
E 4a =
0 R 3

Solve for E to obtain:

E=

Qenclosed

ea
2 0 R 3

Ffield =

e2a
2 0 R 3

The Electric Field 2: Continuous Charge Distributions

Substitute for FCoulomb and Ffield in
equation (1):

ke2
e2a

=0
4a 2 2 0 R 3
or
ke 2 2ke 2 a
1

= 0a = 3 R =
2
3
4a
R
8

49

1
2