Answer, Key – Homework 9 – David McIntyre 1

This print-out should have 22 questions, check
that it is complete. Multiple-choice questions
may continue on the next column or page:
find all choices before making your selection.
The due time is Central time.
Chapter 25 problems.
001 (part 1 of 6) 0 points
The dotted line or surface in the figure
above
1. is not an equipotential line or surface.
correct
2. cannot be determined from the informa-
tion given.

+ − 3. is an equipotential line or surface.

+ −
+ −
+ −
+ −
+ − Explanation:
+ − The dotted line represents the electric field.

The dotted line or surface in the figure 003 (part 3 of 6) 0 points

above

1. is an equipotential line or surface. cor- +Q

rect

2. is not an equipotential line or surface.

3. cannot be determined from the informa- The dotted line or surface in the figure
tion given. above

1. is an equipotential line or surface.

Explanation:
Consider the electric field for the surface:
2. cannot be determined from the informa-
~
E tion given.

3. is not an equipotential line or surface.

correct

An equipotential line or surface is perpen- Explanation:

dicular to the electric field lines. Consider the electric field for the positive
point charge :
002 (part 2 of 6) 0 points

+ − +
+ −
+ −
+ −
+ −
+ − The dotted line represents the electric field.
+ −
004 (part 4 of 6) 0 points
 Answer, Key – Homework 9 – David McIntyre 2

+Q +Q −Q

The dotted line or surface in the figure The dotted line or surface in the figure
above above

1. cannot be determined from the informa- 1. cannot be determined from the informa-
tion given. tion given.

2. is an equipotential line or surface. cor- 2. is not an equipotential line or surface.

rect
3. is an equipotential line or surface. cor-
3. is not an equipotential line or surface. rect
Explanation:
Explanation:
An equipotential line or surface is perpen-
An equipotential line or surface is perpen-
dicular to the electric field lines.
dicular to the electric field lines.
007 (part 1 of 3) 4 points
005 (part 5 of 6) 0 points
A proton is released from rest in a uniform
electric field of magnitude 120000 V/m di-
rected along the positive x axis. The proton
+Q −Q undergoes a displacement of 0.4 m in the di-
rection of the electric field as shown in the
figure.
120000 V/m
The dotted line or surface in the figure + −
+ −
above + −
+ −
1. is not an equipotential line or surface. + −
+ −
correct + vA = 0 v0 −
+ + −
+ 0.4 m −
2. is an equipotential line or surface. + −
+ A B −
3. cannot be determined from the informa- + −
+ −
tion given.
Find the change in the electric potential if
Explanation: the proton moves from the point A to B.
Correct answer: −48000 V.
Explanation:
+ −

Given : qp = 1.60218 × 10−19 C ,

The dotted line represents the electric field. mp = 1.67262 × 10−27 kg ,
E = 120000 V/m , and
006 (part 6 of 6) 0 points x = 0.4 m .
 Answer, Key – Homework 9 – David McIntyre 3

From the equation Kf − Ki + ∆U = 0

1
Z B mp vf2 + ∆U = 0
~ ·
∆V = −E d~s 2
A

or in a non-calculus way for the straight path

AB, s
∆V = −E ~ · AB
~ −2 ∆U
vf =
mp
we obtain s
−2 (−7.69045 × 10−15 J)
∆V = −E x =
1.67262 × 10−27 kg
= −(120000 V/m) (0.4 m)
= −48000 V . = 3.03244 × 106 m/s .

The negative result tells us that the electric

potential of the proton decreases as it moves
from A to B.
008 (part 2 of 3) 3 points
Find the change in potential energy of the
proton for this displacement.
Correct answer: −7.69045 × 10−15 J.
Explanation:
The change in the potential energy of the
010 (part 1 of 4) 0 points
Four charges are placed at the corners of a
square, where q is positive (q > 0). Initially
there is no charge in the center of the square.
Q1 = −q Q2 = +q
Qi = 0

a
proton is
Qf = +q
∆U = qp ∆V
= (1.60218 × 10−19 C) (−48000 V)
Q4 = −q Q3 = +q
= −7.69045 × 10−15 J .
Find the work W required to bring the
The negative sign here means that the poten-
charge Qf = +q from infinity and place it at
tial energy of the proton decreases as it moves
the center of the square.
in the direction of the electric field. This
makes sense since, as the proton accelerates −2 ke q 2
in the direction of the field, it gains kinetic 1. W =
a
energy and at the same time (the field) loses
potential energy (the energy is conserved). 2 ke q 2
2. W =
a
009 (part 3 of 3) 3 points 3. W = 0 correct
Given: The mass of a proton is mp =
1.672623 × 10−27 kg. 4 ke q 2
4. W =
Apply the principle of energy conservation a
to find the speed of the proton after it has −2 ke q 2
moved 0.4 m, starting from rest. 5. W =
a2
Correct answer: 3.03244 × 106 m/s.
Explanation: −4 ke q 2
6. W =
Conservation of energy in this case is a2
8 ke q 2
∆K + ∆U = 0 . 7. W =
a2
 Answer, Key – Homework 9 – David McIntyre 4

Explanation:
4 ke q 2
8. W =
a2

E2
2 ke q 2

,
E4
9. W =
a2 45◦
−4 ke q 2
10. W =
a
Explanation: 45◦
Based on the superposition principle, the

3
E
1,
potential at the center due to the charges at

E
the corners is
V = V 1 + V2 + V3 + V4 Due to the symmetry of the charge distri-
q bution, the electric field is directed along the
= ke (−1 − 1 + 1 + 1) negative x-axis. Furthermore, the field gen-
r
= 0, erated by each charge contributes an equal
1 amount, so
so r = √ is the common distance from the
2
center to the corners. The work required is F = 4 F1 cos 45◦
√
then W = q V = 0. ke q 2 2
=4µ ¶2
a 2
011 (part 2 of 4) 0 points √
The magnitude of the electric force kF ~ k on 2
√ ke q 2
the charge q when it is placed at the center of =4 2 2 .
the square is a
2
~ k = 4 ke q .
1. kF
a2 012 (part 3 of 4) 0 points
√ 2 The magnitude of the total electrostatic en-
~ k = 2 ke q .
2. kF ergy of the system is given by
a2
√ ke q 2 √ ke q 2
~
3. kF k = 2 . 1. U =4 2 2 .
a a
√ 2 √ ke q 2
~ k = 2 2 ke q .
4. kF 2. U =4 2 .
a2 a
2 √ ke q 2
~ k = 4 ke q .
5. kF 3. U = 2 2 .
a a
√ 2 √ ke q 2
~ k = 4 2 ke q . correct
6. kF 4. U =2 2 2 .
a2 a
√ 2 ke q 2
~ k = 4 2 ke q .
7. kF 5. U =2 .
a a
2 ke q 2
~ k = 2 ke q .
8. kF 6. U =2 2 .
a a
2 ke q 2
~ k = 8 ke q .
9. kF 7. U =4 2 .
a2 a
~ ke q 2 ke q 2
10. kF k = 2 2 . 8. U =8 2 .
a a
 Answer, Key – Homework 9 – David McIntyre 5

Which of the following choices has the high-

√ ke q 2 est potential energy?
9. U = 2 . correct
a
ke q 2 1. Configuration (3) and Configuration (5)
10. U = 4 .
a
2. Configuration (2) and Configuration (3)
Explanation:
We found in part 1 that there is no work
3. Configuration (1) and Configuration (5)
done in bringing in the fifth charge and plac-
ing it at the center. The total electrostatic
4. Configuration (1) and Configuration (2)
energy is then

U = U12 + U13 + U14 + U23 + U24 + U34 5. Configuration (1) and Configuration (3)
ke q 2
µ ¶
1 1
= +1 − √ − 1 − 1 − √ + 1 6. Configuration (1)
a 2 2
√ ke q 2
7. Configuration (2)
=− 2
a
√ ke q 2 8. Configuration (3)
|U | = 2 .
a
9. Configuration (4)
013 (part 4 of 4) 0 points 10. Configuration (5) correct
The sign of the total energy associated with
the five point charges is Explanation:
The potentials of the 5 cases are
1. positive
Q2
U1 = k e
2. negative correct R
Q2
3. 0 U2 = −ke
R
Explanation: Q2
U3 = ke
R
√ ke q 2 U4 = 0
U =− 2
a Q2 Q2 Q2 5 Q2
U5 = ke + + = ke
R R 2R 2 R
014 (part 1 of 2) 0 points
Pictured below are 5 different configurations
015 (part 2 of 2) 0 points
of point charges:
+Q +Q Which of the following choices has the lowest
1) potential energy?
R
2)
+Q -Q 1. Configuration (1) and Configuration (3)
R
3) -Q -Q 2. Configuration (1)
R
+Q 3. Configuration (5)
4)
4. Configuration (2) and Configuration (3)
5) +Q +Q +Q
R R 5. Configuration (1) and Configuration (5)
 Answer, Key – Homework 9 – David McIntyre 6

= (8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )

6. Configuration (2) correct 5.5 × 10−6 C
×
73 m2
7. Configuration (4) = 9.27848 N/C ,
8. Configuration (3)
~ 3k = k Q Q
kE =kq
9. Configuration (1) and Configuration (2) 2
r3 x2 + y 2
3 3
10. Configuration (3) and Configuration (5) = (8.99 × 109 N · m /C2 )
2

Explanation: 5.5 × 10−6 C

×p
Only U2 has a negative potential. (61 m)2 + (−39 m)2
= 9.43247 N/C .
016 (part 1 of 2) 5 points
Three equal charges 5.5 µC are located in The contributions add like vectors, so we have
the xy-plane, one at (0 m, 38 m), another at to take components
(73 m, 0 m), and the third at (61 m, −39 m). µ ¶
Find the magnitude of the electric field at ~ i k xi
Ex,i = kE
the origin due to these three charges. r
µ i¶
Correct answer: 33.8684 N/C.
~ i k yi .
Ey,i = kE
Explanation: ri

The x and y components of E1 , E2 , and E3

Given : Q = 5.5 µC , are
x1 = 0 m ,
y1 = 38 m , Ex,1 = 0 N/C
x2 = 73 m , Ey,1 = 34.2417 N/C ,
y2 = 0 m , Ey,2 = 9.27848 N/C
x3 = 61 m , Ex,2 = 0 N/C , and
µ ¶
y3 = −39 m , and ~ x3
Ex,3 = k E3 k
r3
k = 8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 . µ ¶
61 m
= 9.43247 N/C
~ ik = k Q ,
Ei ≡ k E
72.4017 m
ri2 = 7.94706 N/C ,
µ ¶
gives the magnitude of the electric field due ~ y3
Ey,3 = k E3 k
to the ith charge. We find r3
µ ¶
−39 m
~ 1k = k Q Q = 9.43247 N/C
kE 2 =k 2 72.4017 m
r1 y1
= −5.08091 N/C .
= (8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
5.5 × 10−6 C ~ are
The x and y components of E
×
38 m2 3
= 34.2417 N/C , X
Ex = Ex,i
i=1

~ 2k = k Q Q = Ex,1 + Ex,2 + Ex,3

kE 2 =k 2
r2 x2 = 0 N/C + 9.27848 N/C
 Answer, Key – Homework 9 – David McIntyre 7

+ 7.94706 N/C Find the electrical potential at point p.

= 17.2255 N/C and Correct answer: 95965.8 V.
3 Explanation:
X
Ey = Ey,i
i=1 Given : ke = 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 ,
= Ey,1 + Ey,2 + Ey,3 R = 3.3 m ,
= 34.2417 N/C + 0 N/C 2 R = 6.6 m , and
+ (−5.08091 N/C) λ = 2 µC/m = 2 × 10−6 C/m .
= 29.1608 N/C .

The net magnitude of the electric field is

~
q R
kEk = Ex2 + Ey2
q
2R p 2R
= 17.2255 N/C2 + 29.1608 N/C2
Let p be the origin. Consider the potential
= 33.8684 N/C .
due to the line of charge to the right of p.
Z
Vright = dV
017 (part 2 of 2) 5 points
dq
Z
Find the electric potential at the origin due to
= ke
these three charges. r
Correct answer: 2661.44 V. Z 3R
λ dx
Explanation: = ke
R x
¯3R
Q1 Q2
V =k +k + ··· ,
¯
r1 r2 = ke λ ln x¯¯ = ke λ ln 3
R
and since the Q’s are the same, By symmetry, the contribution from the line
µ ¶ of charge to the left of p is the same. The
1 1 1 contribution from the semicircle is
V = kQ + +
r1 r2 r3 Z π
λ R dθ
Vsemi = ke
= (8.99 × 109 N · m2 /C2 ) (5.5 × 10−6 C) 0 R
µ ¶ Z π
1 1 1
× + + = ke λ dθ
38 m 73 m 72.4017 m 0
¯π
= 2661.44 V . ¯
= ke λ θ ¯¯
0
= ke λ π .
018 (part 1 of 1) 10 points
Hence the electric potential at p is
A wire that has a uniform linear charge den-
sity of 2 µC/m is bent into the shape as shown, Vp = Vright + Vlef t + Vsemi
with radius 3.3 m. = 2 ke λ ln 3 + ke λ π
= ke λ (2 ln 3 + π)
= (8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
3.3 m × (2 × 10−6 C/m)
× (2 ln 3 + π)
6.6 m p 6.6 m
= 95965.8 V .
 Answer, Key – Homework 9 – David McIntyre 8

019 (part 1 of 4) 3 points 020 (part 2 of 4) 3 points

An equilateral triangle width sides 0.46 m What is the magnitude of the y-component of
has charges +3 C, −3 C, and −8.9 C at its the electric field at P ?
verticies and charge +17.8 C at the midpoint Correct answer: 8.82049 × 1011 N/C.
on its side between the verticies with charges Explanation:
+3 C and −3 C, see the figure below.
−8.9 C Ey = E q2 y + E q4 y
q2 −2q2
= √ + √
4 π ²0 ( 3 a)2 4 π ²0 ( a2 3)2
m6

−7 q2
0.4

=
12 π ²0 a2
17.8 C −3 C −7 (−8.9 C)
3C =
0.23 m 0.23 m 12 π ²0 (0.46 m)2
= 8.82049 × 1011 N/C .
m6
0.4

021 (part 3 of 4) 2 points

What is the potential at P ?
P Correct answer: 3.01186 × 1011 V.
Explanation:
What is the magnitude of the x-component
of the electric field at P , the point forming
a second equilateral triangle with +3 C and V = V q1 + V q2 + V q3 + V q4
−3 C? q1 q2 −q1
= + √ +
Correct answer: 1.27423 × 1011 N/C. 4 π ²0 a 4 π ²0 ( 3 a) 4 π ²0 a
Explanation: −2q2
+ √
4 pi ²0 ( a2 3)
√
Given : q1 = 3 C , − 3 q2
=
q2 = −8.9 C , 4 π ²0 a
√
q3 = −q1 = −3 C , − 3 (−8.9 C)
=
q4 = −2q2 = 17.8 C , and 4 π ²0 (0.46 m)
a = 0.46 m . = 3.01186 × 1011 V .

Solution: 022 (part 4 of 4) 2 points

How much work was required to assemble the
Ex = E q1 x + E q3 x four charges?
1 q1 1 |−q1 | Correct answer: −3.74991 × 1012 J.
= 2
+
2 4 π ²0 a 2 4 π ² 0 a2 Explanation:
q1
=
4 π ² 0 a2
3C W =U
= = Uq1 ,q3 + Uq1 ,q4 + Uq1 ,q2
4 π ²0 (0.46 m)2
= 1.27423 × 1011 N/C , + Uq3 ,q4 + Uq3 ,q2 + Uq4 ,q2
q1 (−q1 ) q1 (−2 q2 ) q1 q2
= + a +
where ²0 = 8.85419 × 10−12 C2 /N · m2 . 4 π ²0 a 4 π ²0 ( 2 ) 4 π ²0 a
 Answer, Key – Homework 9 – David McIntyre 9
(−q1 ) (−2 q2 ) (−q1 ) q2
+ +
4 π ²0 ( a2 ) 4 π ²0 a
(−2 q2 ) q2
+ √
4 π ²0 ( a2 3)
q12 4 q22
=− − √
4 π ²0 a 4 π ²0 ( 3 a)
(3 C)2 4 (−8.9 C)2
=− − √
4 π ²0 (0.46 m) 4 π ²0 ( 3 (0.46 m))
= −3.74991 × 1012 J .