CHAPTER 1

Electric Charge, Electric

Field and Electric Flux

PHY150
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
BY: ALLINA NADZRI
Modified By: Abdul Halim Yusoff
1.1. Static electricity and electric
charge

All object contain electric charge : positive and

negative charge
Objects can lose or gain electric charges.
 The net charge is also sometimes called excess charge
because a charged object has an excess of either
positive or negative charges.
 A tiny imbalance in either positive or negative charge
on an object is the cause of static electricity.
Atomic Structure

 Electric charge is a property of tiny

particles in atoms.
 The unit of electric charge is the
coulomb (C).
 A quantity of charge should always be
identified with a positive or a negative
sign.
 Example : +20µC or -4µC
Experimental Facts
1. Charge comes in 2 types;
positive (+) & negative (-).
2. Like charges repel &
opposite charges attract.
3. Electric Charge is
Conserved: The arithmetic
sum of the total charge
cannot change in any
interaction (∑Q= constant)
1.2. Insulators,conductors and induced
charges
Conductor Insulator
A conductor is a
An insulator is a material in
material in which
which almost no charge
charge flows freely.
The most common types of
flows. Most non-metallic
conductors metals. materials are insulators.

Figure (b) Figure (c)

Charge does not transfer to neutral

ball

(a) (b) (c)

Charge transfer to neutral ball
Induced Charge
A. Conduction Method
Method 1
Experimental Fact
Metal objects can
be charged by
conduction:
B. Induction Methods
Metal objects can also be charged by induction, either
while connected to ground or not: Method 2
Method 1 Neutral rod

break
1.3. Coulomb’s Law
Electric forces

 Electric forces are created between all electric

charges.
 Because there are two kinds of charge (positive and
negative) the electrical force between charges can
attract or repel.

F F

F F
Coulomb’s Law
The magnitude of the electric force between
two point charges is directly proportional to
the product of the two charges and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance
between them. The force also depends
on the medium separating the
charges. Force is in Newton (N).
k q1 q2
F  2
r
 Simplest medium is a vacuum
 Expressed as a constant k = 8.99 x 109 N m2 / C2
k is the relative permittivity
 Permittivity of free space:
ε0 = 1/4πk = 8.85 x 10-12 m-3 kg-1 s4 A2
 The formula is known as Coulomb’s Law.
 The sign of the charges indicates attraction or
repulsion (+ve : repel and –ve : attract)

k q1 q2 1 q1 q2
F  
r 2
4 o r 2
Properties of Electrostatical force
• Like charges repel each other; unlike charges
attract. Thus, two negative charges repel one
another, while a positive charge attracts a
negative charge.
• The attraction or repulsion acts along the line
between the two charges.
• The size of the force varies inversely as the
square of the distance between the two
charges.
• The size of the force is proportional to the
value of each charge. The unit used to
measure charge is the coulomb (C).
Charge Quantities
The electrical charge (Q) will depend on the
number of electron or proton

Q = N(e)

Where Q is in coulombs
N= number of electrons or protons
e= electrons charge (1e = 1.6 x 10-19 C)
Example 1
Calculate the amount of charge produced by 200
x 1020 electrons.
Solution
Q = N(e)
= 200 x 1020 x -1.6 x 10-19 C
= -3.2 x 103 C √
Exercise 1
a) Calculate the number of electron if the
amount of charge is -6.4 x 103 C .
(Ans: 4 x 1022 )
Example 2
Determine the magnitudes and directions of the
electrostatic force on Q1 and Q2.
(Ans:10.788 N repel)

10 cm
`
Q1=+ 4µC Q2=+3µC
Solution
Draw the direction of the electrostatic forces. Since the
charges are both positive. The force will repel

Force charge 2 on 1 F21 10 cm

` F12 Force charge 1 on 2
Q1= +4µC Q2=+3µC
Calculate the force
Given Parameter
Q1 = 4μC and Q2 = +3μC

Magnitude of the charges

│Q1│= 4μC and │Q2│ = 3μC
Distance between charges
r Q1 and Q2 = 10cm
Using Formula
k Q1 Q2
F12  F21  2
r12
8.99 x 109 x 4 x10 -6 x3 x10 -6

10 x 10  -2 2

  10.788N
Exercise 2
Calculate the distance between two positive
charges of Q1 = +4µC and Q2=+3µC if a repulsive
electrical force is 15 N (Ans: 0.085m)
Exercise 3
Calculate the strength of the charge Q1 if the
charge Q2 is +4µC place at a distance of 10 cm
which create an attractive electrical force of
15N. (Ans: -4.17µC)
Example 3
Two charges Q1 = -8μC and Q2 = +12μC are
placed 12 cm apart. What is the resultant force
on a third charge, Q3 = -4μC, place midway
between the other two charges?
Solution
6cm
Q1 = -8μC Q3 = -4μC
Q2 = +12μC

12cm

Given Parameter
Q1 = -8μC, Q2 = +12μC and Q3 = -4μC
Magnitude of the charges

│Q1│= 8μC │Q2│ = 12μC and │Q3 │ = 4μC

Distance between charges

r Q3 and Q1 = 6cm and rQ3 and Q2 = 6 cm
Draw Forces acted on charge Q3
Force between Q3 and Q1

Q1 = -8μC Q3 = -4μC Q2 = +12μC

Force between Q2 and Q3

Focus only on Q3

Q3 = -4μC

FQ3Q2 FQ3Q1
Draw the electric force acted on Q3 on Cartiesen

FQ3Q2
x
Q3 = -4μC FQ3Q1
Solution
Q1 is attracted to Q3 : Opposite Charges
|FQ3Q1| = (k|q1||q3|)/r122
= (8.99 x 109 x -8 x 10-6 x -4 x 10-6)/(6 x10-2)2
= +79.91 N 0o

Q2 is repel to Q3 : Like Charges

|FQ3Q2| = (k|q2|| q3|)/r23 2

= (8.99 x 109 x 12 x 10-6 x -4 x 10-6)/(6 x10-2)2
= 119.87N 0o

FQ2Q3

Q3 = -4μC FQ1Q3

F total = FQ3Q1 + FQ3Q2

= 79.91 + 119.87
= +199.78N √
Example 4

Three charged particles are arranged in a line, as

shown. Calculate the net electrostatic force on particle
3 (the -4.0 μC on the right) due to the other two
charges.
y

FQ3Q2 FQ3Q1
x
Q1 Q2
Q3
Solution

|FQ3Q1| = (k|q3|| q1|)/r31 2

= (8.99 x 109 x -8 x 10-6 x- 4 x 10-6)/(0.5)2
= +1.151 N 0o

|FQ3Q2| = (k|q3|| q2|)/r 322

= (8.99 x 109 x +3 x 10-6 x -4 x 10-6)/(0.2)2
= - 2.697N 180o

-2.697 N 1.151N
Q3 = -4μC

F total = FQ3Q2 + FQ3Q1

= 1.151 – 2.697 N
= - 1.543N √
Example 5

Electric force using vector components.

Calculate the net electrostatic force on charge Q3 shown
in the figure due to the charges Q1 and Q2.
y

FQ3Q2

FQ3Q1
Solution
|FQ3Q2| = (k|q3||q2|)/r32 2
= (8.99 x 109 x 65 x 10-6 x 50 x 10-6)/(30 x10-2)2
= + 324.64 N 90o

|FQ3Q1| = (k|q3||q1|)/r31 2
= (8.99 x 109 x 65 x 10-6 x -86 x 10-6)/(60 x10-2)2
= - 139.59N 330o
324.64 N

330o
Q3 x
30o

139.59N
y
Draw the forces

FQ3Q2 = 324.64 N

330o
Q3 Fx FQ3Q1
30o

FQ3Q1= 139.59N
Fy FQ3Q1

Force Magnitude Angle o X-components Y-components

(N) (N) (N)
FQ3Q2 324.64 90 326.64 cos 90 326.64 sin 90
=0 = + 324.64
FQ3Q1 139.59 330 139.59 cos 330 139.59 sin 330
= + 120.89 = - 69.80
Total + 120.89 + 254.84
Solution
Fy total
F resultant

Θ
Fx total

F resultant = √(Fx total2 + Fy total2)

= √ (120.892 + 254.842)
= √ 79557.82
= 282.06N √

Angle to x axis
Θ = tan -1 (Fy total / Fx total)
= tan -1 (254.84/120.89)
= 64.62o Above positive x-axis √
Exercise 4
Calculate the net electrostatic force on charge Q4 = -1µC shown in the
figure due to the point charges Q1 = +2µC, Q2 = +3µC and Q3 = +4µC

● ●
Q1
Q2

0.5m

1m
● Q4

● Q3

1m
2m
y
Q1● ● Q2
FQ4Q1 FQ4Q2

● x
Q4
FQ4Q3
●Q3
1.4. Electric Field
a. The electric field, E, at a given point is
defined as the (vector) force, F, that would be
exerted on a stationary test particle of unit
charge by electromagnetic forces (i.e.
the Lorentz force)
1.4. Electric Field
b. The electric field is defined as the force
on a small charge, divided by the
magnitude of the charge:
F
E 
q
 The electric field is a vector, and its
direction by convention is the
direction of a positive test charge
will move when place in the field

 SI Unit of Electric Field: Newton per

coulomb (N/C)
1.5 Field Lines
The electric field can be represented by field
lines. These lines start on a positive charge and
end on a negative charge.

38
Electric Field Patterns
Field between two opposite charges

Field between two like charges

Properties of field lines
 The field line indicate the direction of electric field

 The magnitude of electric field E, is proportional to

the NUMBER of lines crossing unit area
perpendicular to the lines

 Electric field lines start on positive charge and end on

negative charge
Electric field for a point charge:

qo is the point test charge

(always positive charge).

(1) The magnitude of electric field by a point charge

is given by

(2) If q is positive, then E is directed away from q, as in Figure

b. On the other hand, if q is negative, then E is directed
toward q. (Same direction as electrostatic force)
Example 1
Determine the magnitude and direction of the
electric field at the test charge A cause by a
point charge Q1 of 20µC at a distance of 10cm.
10 cm

Q1= 20µC A
Solution
1. Draw the direction of the electric field
10 cm +ve and +ve repel
EA
Q1= 20µC A

2. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field by using the formula

kQ 8.99 x 109 x 20 x106

6
N
E 2  2 2
 17.98 x 10 (repel )
r (10 x 10 ) C
Exercise 1
Calculate the distance between a test charge
and a point charge of 10µC if the electric field
6 N
experience by the test charge is 20 x 10
C
(Ans: 0.067m )
Exercise 2
Calculate the magnitude of a point charge that
produce an electric field of 15 x 106 N/C on a
test charge when distance between them is 10
cm. (Ans: 1.67 x 10-5 C)
Example 2
10cm

Two point charges are separated by a distance of 10 cm

as in figure.
(a) What is the magnitude and direction of the electric
field at a point P, 2 cm from Q1?
(b) If an electron (Qe = -1.6 x 10-19 C) is placed at P,
determine the magnitude of the force on the
electron.
Solution

a. Assume charge at point P is positive

EPQ1 = (8.99 x 109 x -10 x 10-6) / ( 2 x 10-2)2

= 224.75 x 106 N/C 180o

EPQ2 = (8.99 x 109 x 16 x 10-6) / ( 8 x 10-2)2

= +22.48 x 106 N/C 180
o

P
22.48 x 106 N/C 224.75 x 106 N/C

EP total = EPQ1 + EPQ2 = -224.75 x 106 - 22.48 x 106

= - 247.23 x 106 N/C
b. The test charge is now negative

EPQ1 = (8.99 x 109 x -10 x 10-6) / ( 2 x 10-2)2

= 224.75 x 106 N/C 0o

EPQ2 = (8.99 x 109 x 16 x 10-6) / ( 8 x 10-2)2

=- 22.48 x 106 N/C 0
o

P 224.75 x 106 N/C 22.48 x 106 N/C

EP total = EPQ1 + EPQ2 = 224.75 x 106 + 22.48 x 106

= +247.23 x 106 N/C

Therefore Force

F = E x |q|
= 247.23 x 106 N/C x 1.6 x 10-19 C = 3.96 x 10-11 N
Example 3
Two charges q1 = 12 µC and q2 = -9 µC are placed 0.4 m
apart as shown in figure 1.

(a) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric

field, E at point X that is 0.3 m above charge q1.
(b) If charge q3 of 10 µC is placed at point X, what is the
force exerted on it.
Draw the electric field acted on point X
ExQ1

X
θ

ExQ2
Solution
ExQ1
EXQ1 = (8.99 x 109 x 12 x 10-6) / (0.3)2
323.13o X direction
= +1.20 x 106 N/C 90o
36.87o
Distance X to Q2 = √ (0.32 + 0.42) = √0.25 = 0.5

EXQ2 = (8.99 x 109 x 9 x 10-6) / (0.5)2 y direction EXQ2

= 0.32 x 106 N/C 323.13o

Angle to x axis
θ = tan-1 (0.3/0.4) = 36.87o

Angle o

EXQ1 = 1.20 x 106 90 1.20 x 106 cos 90 1.20 x 106 sin 90

=0 = + 1.20 x 106
EXQ2 = 0.32 x 106 323.13 0.32 x 106 cos 323.13o 0.32 x 106 sin 323.13o
= + 0.26 x 106 = - 0.19 x 106
Total + 0.26 x 106 + 1.04 106
solution Ey total
E resultant

θ
Ex total

EX resultant =√ (Ex total2 =+ Ey total2)

= √ [ (0.26 x 106 )2 + (1.01 106 )2 ]
=1.04 106 N/C

Angle to x axis θ = tan-1 (Ey total/ Ex total)

= tan-1 (1.01 106 /0.26 x 106 )
=75.6o Above positive x -axis
If X has a charge of 10 µC

Force
F= E|q|
= 1.04 106 N/C x 10 x 10-6 C = 10.4N

Direction
Same as the electric field direction θ = 75.6o
Alternative solution
FXQ1 = (kqxq1)/r2
= (8.99 x 109 x 10 x 10-6 x 12 x 10-6)/(0.3)2
= +11.99 N 90o

FXQ2 = (kq3q2)/r2
= (8.99 x 109 x 10 x 10-6 x -9 x 10-6)/(0.5)2
= - 3.24N 323.13o

Angle from +ve x axis = 36.87o

Force Magnitude Angle o X-components Y-components

(N) (N) (N)
FXQ1 11.99 90 326.64 cos 90 11.99 sin 90
=0 = + 11.99
FXQ2 3.24 3 3.24 cos 323.13 3.24 sin 323.13
= + 2.56 = - 1.94
Total + 2.56 + 10.05
solution Fy total
F resultant

Fx total

F resultant = √(Fx total2 + Fy total2)

= √ (2.562 + 10.052)
= √ 107.71
= 10.37N

Angle to x axis
Θ = tan -1 (Fy total / Fx total)
= tan -1 (10.05/2.56)
= 75.7o Above positive x – axis
Start Gauss’s Law
Gauss’s Law
• Electric Flux
• Application of Gauss’s Law
i) Single Charge
ii) Non Conductor Symmetry Charge
iii) Conductor
Gauss’s Law
What is Flux?

• Flux is a measurement to the number of field lines

passing through a surface area.

• The number of field line with a surface area of A is

proportional to the electric field, E

• Imagine a surface of area A through a uniform electric

field, E as:
Gauss’s Law- What is Flux?


E


A

(a) (b)
Gauss’s Law – What is Flux?
• If the electric field direction is perpendicular to the
surface area,A the electric flux, E:

 E  EA
• If the electric field direction is not perpendicular to the
surface area, A the electric flux,  E (where  is
measured normal to the surface area) :

 E  EA cos  A cosΦ = projection area

Gauss’s Law-What is Flux
• Example:1

A circular surface with a radius of 10 cm is placed in a

uniform electric field of magnitude E= 5 x 105NC-1.
Calculate:

(a) the electric flux through the area if the surface is

perpendicular to the electric field.

(b) the electric flux through this area if the normal to the
surface makes an angle  = 30o with the electric field.
Solution

Given the r radius = 10 cm = 10 x 10-2 m

Therefore the area
A   r 2   (10 x 10 -2 )  3.1 x 10-2 m2
E = 5 x 105NC-1

a) The magnetic flux normal to surface

 E  EA  5 x 105 x 3.1 x 10-2  1.5x 104 Nm2 /C

b) If the normal to the surface make a 30o with the electric field

 E  EA cos   5 x 105 x 3.1 x 10-3 cos 30o  1.3 x 103 Nm 2 /C

Gauss’s Law

• What we need to understand the Gauss’s

Law?

Figure shows a positive point charge,

Q around which we have drawn a
concentric spherical Gaussian
r surface of radius, r
Q+
Gauss’s Law
• From the Coulomb’s Law:
• The magnitude E of the electric field at any
point on the sphere surface is given by:

Q 1 Q
Ek 2 E
r 4 o r 2

The surface area of sphere, A:

A = 4  r2
Gauss’s Law

• From the equation of electric flux:

 1 Q
 E  EA cos   


2 
4 r 2
cos 0 o

 4 o r 
Q
E 
o GAUSS’S
LAW
 Gauss’s Law states:
“ The electric flux through a closed surface (a
Gaussian Surface) is equal to the net charge Q
divided by permittivity of the medium ”.

Q
E 
o
Permittivity of vacuum
Ɛo = 8.85 x 10-12 C2/N.m2
Example 2

The diagram below show a closed surface

containing three charges, -20nC, +50nC and -5nC.
Determine the flux through the closed surface
(Gaussian surface)
Solution
Qnet
-20nC 
0
Qnet  20nC  50nC  (5nC )
+50nC
 25nC
-5nC
Qnet
Therefore  
0
25 x 10 -9

8.85 x 10 -12
 2.83 x 103V .m
Gauss’s Law –Single charge
(i) Single point charge Choose a spherical Gaussian
surface with a radius of r at point
charge. The direction of E is normal
to the surface area, A
Qenc
Gaussian surface A E E   EA cos 
+Q o
r
 
 E 4 r 2 cos 0o 
Q

o
The electric field E is same
at any points of surface Q 1 Q
E 
area with the radius of r 4 r  o 4  o r 2
2

Q
Ek 2
r
Examples 3
1. Determine the electric flux of a uniform electric field of
magnitude 1.5 x 105 NC-1 through a circular loop of radius
0.15 m when the field makes a 30º angle with the surface to
the loop.

2. Calculate the electric flux passing through a Gaussian

surface that surrounds a +0.075 C point charge.
solution
Given E = 1.5 x 105 NC-1 r = 0.15m θ = 60o

Φ = EA cos θ

where A = r2 = Π (0.15)2 = 0.071m2

Φ = 1.5 x 105 x 0.071 cos 60o = 5.325 x 103 Nm2/C
Solution
Electrical flux for point charge

Φ = Q/ϵo = EA
= 0.075 C / 8.85 x 10-12 C2/N.m2
= 8.48 x 1010 Nm2/C
Gauss’s Law – Applications (A Charged
Insulated Sphere)
(i) Spherical Symmetric Charge Distribution

• An electric charge Q is distributed uniformly

throughout a non-conducting sphere of radius R

A solid sphere of uniform charge density

Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
• (a) Outside the solid Since the charges are distributed
symmetrically in the sphere, so the electric
sphere (r > R) field at all point must again be symmetric.

Qenc
E   EA cos 
o
  
r
R
 E 4 r 2 cos 0o
Gaussian surface
Q

o
Q 1 Q
 
Same as for a point 4 r  o 4  o r 2
2

charge
Q
 Eoutside  k 2 r  R 
r
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
• (b) Inside the solid Assumed that the charge located in the
sphere with the radius of r is Qenc, with the
sphere (r < R) Qenc < Q
From the symmetry, the magnitude of E is the
same at all point,

r R

Qenc
 E  EA cos  
o
Gaussian surface
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
• But we need to remember that the encolsed charge Qenc is
only a portion of Q

• So, we defined the volume charge density, as the charge

per volume,  is the same for all Gaussian surface

charge Qenc Qenc Q

   4 3 
volume Venc 3 r V
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
Inside solid sphere
Hence, from Gauss’s Law:
Qenc Q
 Qenc
Venc V  E  EA cos  
o
3
Qenc r Q
E (4r )  2
 3
Qenc Q o R o

3 r 3 R
4 3 4 3 Einside 
1 Q
r r  R 
4o R 3

3 or
r
Qenc  3Q Einside  k
Q
3
r
R R
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
(ii) A Thin Spherical Shell

• A thin spherical shell of radius R possesses a total

net charge Q that is uniformly distributed on it.

R Cross sectional drawing of a thin

r spherical shell of radius R
r
carrying a net charge Q
uniformly distributed

Gaussian surface
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
 Because the charge is distributed symmetrically, the electric field must
also be symmetric.

A Thin Spherical Shell

• (a) Outside the shell  (b) Inside the shell
(r < R)
(r > R)
E= 0
1Q Q
Eoutside = k 2
4 o r 2
r

Because of the total

net charge is zero
Same as for a point
charge
Conclusion
A. Flux

  EAcos
B. Flux By Single Charge
Q
 
0
Conclusion
C. Sphere Solid
Q r = radius of Gaussian
Outside the sphere Ek 2 surface
r
Q R = radius of sphere
Inside the sphere Ek 3 xr
R
Q 3Q
volume charge density   enc or  
3 r
4 3 4R 3

D. Thin Sphere
kQ
Outside the sphere E  2
r
Inside the sphere E= 0
Example 4

A 32-nC point charge is at the center of a sphere 80.0 cm in diameter.

Calculate

a) the magnitude of the electric field at any point on its surface

b) the electric flux that passes through the entire surface of the sphere
Solution

a) Magnitude of Electric field E on the surface

Q 8.99 x 109 x 32 x 10-9

Ek 2  -2 2
 1798 N/C
r (40 x 10 )

b) Electric Flux ΦE for the entire surface

 E  EA cos 
 1798 x 4 x  x (40 x 10 ) cos 0 -2 2

 2803615.1Nm /C 2
Example 5

A cube 8.0 cm on each side has a 15 nC of point charge at is

center. Find

a) the net electric flux through it

b) the flux through each side of it

c) The strength of electric field at any point one side of the

cube
Solution

a) Net magnetic Flux cause by a single charge

Q15 x 10-9
E    1695 Nm 2
/C
 o 8.85x 10 -12

b) Electric flux at each side of the cube

E 1695
 E at each side    283Nm 2 / C
no.of sides 6
c) Electric Field on any point on one of the cube face

 E = EA
E 283
E at any point on one side   -2 2
 44218.8 N / C
Area (8 x 10 )
 4.4 x 104 N / C
Example 6

A solid sphere of radius 3.00 cm is made of plastic and has -15nC of

electric charge uniformly distributed throughout its volume. Calculate

a) the magnitude of the electric field at 1.50 cm from its center

b) the distance from its surface where the field strength is equal to the
field strength found in part a.
Solution

a) Magnetic field E inside a solid sphere

kQr 8.99 x 109 x 15 x 10-9 x 1.5 x 10-2

E 3  -2 3
 74917 N/C
R (3 x 10 )
b) Distance of where magnitude E is equal to 7500 N/C
Since E = 7500 N/C is > E at r = 3cm so flux outside solid sphere

kQ 8.99 x 109 x 15 x 10-9

E  2  74917 
r r2
8.99 x 109 x 15 x 10-9
r  0.042m  4.2cm
74917

The distance from surface = 4.2 – 3.0 = 1.2cm

Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
(iii) A Cylindrical Symmetry (infinity)

• A long straight plastic rod posses a uniform positive

charge per unit length,  where   Q
l

r
A Gaussian surface in the form
of a closed cylinder surrounds a
l section of a very long, uniformly
charged, cylinder plastic rod

Gaussian surface E
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
• Because of the symmetry, the electric field to be directed
radially outward and the field will be the same at all
points on a Gaussian surface.

• Gauss Law:
Line of charge
E = E x A
E x A = Q/ o
= l /  o
Cylinder Surface Area, A = 2rl
• Hence
E(2rl) = l/o k = 1/ 4 o
E =  / 2 o r or E = 2k/r
Example 7

The electric field at a distance of 3.0 cm from a long line of charge is

240 N/C. Calculate the linear charge density of the line ()

Solution

Given E = 240 N/C

r = 3.0 cm = 3 x 10-2 m

Formula

2 k
E 
r
Solution

2 k
E 
r
E x r 240 x 3 x 10-2
   9
 4.0 x 10-10
C/m
2 x k 2 x 8.99 x 10
Gauss’s Law - Applications
(iv) Infinite Plane of Charge

• Charge is distributed uniformly, with a surface area

of charge density,  (charge per unit area, Q/A)
over a large but thin non-conducting flat plane
surface.

E E
A Gaussian surface in the form
of a closed cylinder whose axis
Gaussian is perpendicular to the plane
surface
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
• Because of the symmetry, the electric field to be directed
perpendicular to the plane of both side and to be uniform
over the end caps of the cylinder with the area, A.

• There are no flux passes through the curved side of

cylinder:
E = 0

• The flux through the each end caps:

E = EA cos 0
E = EA
for 2 end cap:
E = 2EA
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Non –
Conductor Symmetry Charge)
• Charge density,  :
Charge enclosed by
Gaussian Cylinder

Electric field near a thin

uniformly charge plane
Example 8

The electric field at a distance of 60.0 cm

from a large sheet of charge is 3750 N/C.
Calculate the

a) charge density

b) charge distribution over every 125m2 of

this large plane
Solution

a)

E
2 o

b)
  2 E o  2 x 3750 x 8.85 x 10 -12
 6.64 x 10 -8
C / m 2

Q  x A
 Q  6.64 x 10-8 x 125  8.3x 10-6 C  8.3 C
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Conductor)

• The electric field inside a conductor is “zero” in the static

situation .(Charges are at rest)
• Suppose that a positive charge, Q is surrounded by an
isolated uncharged metal conductor whose shape is
spherical shell.

 Because there is no field within the

metal, the lines leaving the central +
positive charge must end on -
negative on the inner surface on +- -+
the metal.

- -+
+

conductor
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Conductor)

• Thus, an equal amount of negative charge, -Q is induced

on the inner surface and since the shell is neutral, a
positive charge of the same magnitude +Q must exist on
the outer surface.

• Although no field exist in the metal itself, an electric field

exists outside of it.

• A related property of static electric fields and conductor

is:
“the electric field is always perpendicular to the
surface outside of a conductor”
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Conductor)

• We have any shape of a charged conductor.

• To measure the E at the surface, we need to draw a
Gaussian Surface with a Tiny Cylindrical Gaussian
Surface.
• One end is fully inside the conductor and the other end is
fully outside.
• The cylinder is perpendicular to the conductor surface.

E
E
E=0

Gaussian (a) Side view of tiny portion of a large

surface view
(a) Perspective isolated conductor with excess positive
charge on its surface
Gauss’s Law – Applications (Conductor)

• Flux in the internal end cap is “zero” because of the

electric field within the conductor is “zero”.
• Flux in the external end cap is not equal to “zero”.

Electric field conducting

surface
Summary- Gauss’s Law for Symmetric Charge
Distribution
1. First, identify the symmetry of charges distribution :
spherical, cylinder or plane. Then suggest for
Gaussian Surface.
2. Draw the appropriate Gaussian Surface: make sure
it passes through the point where you want to know
the electric field.
3. Use symmetry of the charge distribution to
determine the direction of the electric field on the
Gaussian Surface.
4. Evaluate the E = E x A
5. Calculate the charge enclosed by Gaussian Surface.
Ignore the charge outside.
6. Equate the flux to the enclosed charge and solve it.