orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 1

This print-out should have 25 questions. Therefore, after the wire is removed, Z is
Multiple-choice questions may continue on charged negative and X is charged positive.
the next column or page – find all choices
before answering. 002 10.0 points
When combing your hair, you scuff electrons
001 10.0 points from your hair onto the comb.
Two uncharged metal balls, Z and X, stand Is your hair then positively or negatively
on insulating glass rods. A third ball, carrying charged? What about the comb?
a negative charge, is brought near the ball X
as shown in the figure. A conducting wire is 1. negatively charged; positively charged
then run between Z and X and then removed.
Finally the third ball is removed. 2. Neither is charged.
conducting wire
3. Both are positively charged.
− X Z 4. Both are negatively charged.

5. positively charged; negatively charged

correct
When all this is finished Explanation:
Excess electrons rubbed from your hair
1. ball Z is negative and ball X is positive. leave it positively charged. Excess electrons
correct on the comb give it a negative charge.
2. ball Z is neutral and ball X is positive. 003 10.0 points
When a positively charged conductor
3. balls Z and X are still uncharged. touches a neutral conductor, the neutral con-
ductor will
4. ball Z is positive and ball X is negative.
1. gain protons.
5. balls Z and X are both negative.
2. lose protons.
6. ball Z is neutral and ball X is negative.
3. lose electrons. correct
7. ball Z is positive and ball X is neutral.
4. stay neutral.
8. ball Z is negative and ball X is neutral.
5. gain electrons.
9. balls Z and X are both positive, but ball
X carries more charge than ball Z. Explanation:
When the two conductors touch, the elec-
10. balls Z and X are both positive, but ball trons in the neutral conductor will move over
Z carries more charge than ball X. to the positively charged conductor, since the
latter defines a region of higher potential than
Explanation: the neutral conductor.
When the conducting wire is run between Z
and X, some negative charge flows from X to 004 10.0 points
Z under the influence of the negative charge A particle of mass 25 g and charge 64 µC is
of the third ball. released from rest when it is 60 cm from a
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 2
second particle of charge −26 µC. m 4.8 g
N = Na = (6.02 × 1023 atoms)
Determine the magnitude of the initial ac- M 58.2 g
celeration of the 25 g particle.
= 4.96495 × 1022 atoms .
Correct answer: 1661.69 m/s2 .
Explanation: 006 (part 2 of 3) 10.0 points
Find the number of electrons in the coin. Each
nickel atom has 28 electrons/atom.
Let : m = 25 g ,
q = 64 µC = 6.4 × 10−5 C , Correct answer: 1.39019 × 1024 electrons.
d = 60 cm = 0.6 m ,
Explanation:
Q = −26 µC = −2.6 × 10−5 C , and
ke = 8.9875 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
Let : nNi = 28 electrons/atom .
The force exerted on the particle is
|q| |Q| If nNi electrons are in each Nickel atom,
F = ke = ma then the total number of electrons ne in the
d2
|q| |Q| coin is
a = ke
m d2
= (8.9875 × 109 N · m2 /C2 ) ne = N nNi
= 4.96495 × 1022 atoms
  

6.4 × 10−5 C −2.6 × 10−5 C
× × (28 electrons/atom)
(0.025 kg) (0.6 m2 )
= 1661.69 m/s2 . = 1.39019 × 1024 electrons .

005 (part 1 of 3) 10.0 points 007 (part 3 of 3) 10.0 points

We want to find how much charge is on the Find the magnitude of the charge of all these
electrons in a nickel coin. Follow this method. electrons.
A nickel coin has a mass of about 4.8 g.
Find the number of atoms in a nickel coin. Correct answer: 2.22732 × 105 C.
Each mole (6.02 × 1023 atoms) has a mass of
Explanation:
about 58.2 g.

Correct answer: 4.96495 × 1022 atoms.

Let : qe = −1.60218 × 10−19 C/electron .
Explanation:
The total charge q for the ne electrons is
Let : Na = 6.02 × 1023 atoms ,
q = ne qe
M = 58.2 g , and
= (1.39019 × 1024 electrons)
m = 4.8 g .

× −1.60218 × 10−19 C/electron
Mass is proportional to the number of = −2.22732 × 105 C ,
atoms in a substance, so for m grams in N
atoms in the nickel coin and M grams in Na with a magnitude of 2.22732 × 105 C .
atoms in one mole, we have
m N 008 (part 1 of 2) 10.0 points
=
M Na Two identical small metal spheres with q1 > 0
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 3
and |q1 | > |q2 | attract each other with a force
of magnitude 78.7 mN when separated by a s
distance of 1.88 m . f
F12
r1 = 45 µm r2 = 45 µm |q| = R
ke
s
0.009444 N
F21 F12 =
q1 q2 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2
1.88 m
× (1.88 m)
The spheres are then brought together until
= 1.92715 × 10−6 C ,
they are touching, enabling the spheres to
attain the same final charge q.
the magnitude of the final charge. Since
∆q charge is conserved, the net charge on the
two spheres must remain the same through-
out the entire process:
q1 → q q2 → q
2 q = QN et = q1 + q2 .
After the charges on the spheres have come
to equilibrium, they spheres are separated so Since |q1 | > |q2 | and q1 > 0 the net charge
that they are again 1.88 m apart. on the two spheres together must be positive,
even through q2 < 0 , so the final charge on
F21 F12
each of the two spheres must also be positive
q q and
1.88 m
Now the spheres repel each other with a force
of magnitude 9.444 mN. q2′ = +|q| = +1.92715 × 10−6 C
What is the final charge on the sphere on
= 1.92715 µC .
the right? The value of the Coulomb constant
is 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .

Correct answer: 1.92715 µC. 009 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points

What is the initial charge q1 on the first
Explanation: sphere?

Let : ~ 12 k = 78.7 mN = 0.0787 N ,

kF Correct answer: 7.81468 µC.
r1 = r2 = 45 µm = 4.5 × 10−5 m , Explanation:
R = 1.88 m , and Since q2 = 2 q − q1 ,
f
~ k = 9.444 mN = 0.009444 N .
kF12

After the spheres touch and then are moved ~ i = +ke q1 q2 r̂12
F12
apart they have the same final charge q. R2
ke
The spheres are very small compared to = + 2 q1 (2 q − q1 ) r̂12 , so
the distance between them, so we can ap- R
proximate them as point charges. Applying
Coulomb’s law for the electric force between
 i
F12

point charges, R2 = 2 q q1 − q12
ke

q1′ q2′ q2 i
 
~ f F12
F12 = +ke 2 r̂12 = +ke 2 r̂12 , so q12 − 2 q q1 + R2 = 0 .
R12 R ke
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 4
This is a quadratic equation in q1 so we
apply the quadratic formula to solve for q1 :
1.
 s 
 i 
1 F12
q1 = +2 q ± 4 q 2 + 4 R2  2.
2 ke
 s 
1
 i 
F12 3.
= +2 q ± 2 q 2 + R2 
2 ke
4.
s  2 
i R
= +q + q 1 + F12 5. correct
ke q 2
s !
i
F12
= +q +1 + 1 − f 6.
F12
= (1.92715 × 10−6 C)
r ! 7.
−0.0787 N
× 1+ 1−
+0.009444 N
8.
1 × 106 µC
×
1C
Explanation:
= 7.81468 µC . The force between charges of the same sign
is repulsive and between charges with oppo-
f ke q 2 site signs is attractive.
Since F12 = and |q1 | > |q2 |, the plus +Q
R2
sign is used.

f
Note : F12 = −(0.0787 N) r̂12
i
F12 = +(0.009444 N) r̂12 .
−q −Q
The resultant force is the sum of the two
010 (part 1 of 2) 10.0 points vectors in the figure.

Two charged particles of equal magnitude 011 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points

(+Q and −Q) are fixed at opposite corners of If F is the magnitude of the force on the test
a square that lies in a plane (see figure below). charge due to only one of the other charges,
A test charge −q is placed at a third corner. what is the magnitude of the net force act-
ing on the test charge due to both of these
+Q
charges?
F
1. Fnet = √
3
2F
2. Fnet =
−q 3
−Q
F
What is the direction of the force on the 3. Fnet = √
test charge due to the two other charges? 2
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 5
3F = 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2


4. Fnet =
2
2
√ 1.273 × 10−5 C
5. Fnet = 2 F correct ×
(0.66 m)2
= 3.34357 N and
6. Fnet = 3 F
ke Q 2 1 ke Q 2 1
7. Fnet = F F14 = √
2 = 2
= F34 .
2d 2 d 2
8. Fnet = 2 F The vector sum of F24 and F34 is in the same
direction as F14 , so
2F
9. Fnet = √ q
3 F = F14 + F34 2 + F24 2
10. Fnet = 0 1
q 
1 √

2
= F34 + 2 F34 = + 2 F34
Explanation: 2 2
The individual forces form a right angle, so 
1 √

the magnitude of the net force is = + 2 (3.34357 N)
2
p √
Fnet = F 2 + F 2 = 2 F . = 6.40031 N .

012 10.0 points 013 (part 1 of 2) 10.0 points

Four point charges, each of magnitude Three charges are arranged in the (x, y) plane
12.73 µC, are placed at the corners of a square as shown.
66 cm on a side. y (m)
If three of the charges are positive 10
and one is negative, find the magnitude 9
of the force experienced by the negative
8
charge. The value of Coulomb’s constant is
7
8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
6
Correct answer: 6.40031 N. 5 −4 nC
4
Explanation:
3
2
Let : ke = 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 , 1
−2 nC −4 nC x
d = 66 cm = 0.66 m , and 0 (m)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Q = 12.73 µC = 1.273 × 10−5 C .
What is the magnitude of the resulting
1 2 force (in nano-Newtons) on the −2 nC charge
+ +
at the origin? The Coulomb constant is
8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
F14
F24 Correct answer: 3.22872 nN.
+ - Explanation:
3 F34 4
The forces are
Q2 Let : qo = −2 × 10−9 C ,
F34 = F24 = ke 2 qa = −4 × 10−9 C ,
d
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 6
 
ra = 7 m , Fy
θ = arctan
−9
qb = −4 × 10 C , and Fx
−2.87602 × 10−9 N
 
rb = 5 m .
= arctan
−1.46736 × 10−9 N
Applying Coulomb’s Law for qo and qa ,
q q = 242.969◦ .
~ oa = −ke o a
F 2
roa
= −(8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
(−2 × 10−9 C) (−4 × 10−9 C)
×
(7 m)2
= −1.46736 × 10−9 N
directed along the x-axis.
Applying Coulomb’s Law for qo and qb ,
~ ob = −ke qo qb
F 2
rob
= −(8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
(−2 × 10−9 C) (−4 × 10−9 C)
×
x2ob + yob
2

= −2.87602 × 10−9 N 015 10.0 points

Two identical small charged spheres hang in
directed along the y-axis. equilibrium with equal masses as shown in
The magnitude of the resultant force is the figure. The length of the strings are equal
and the angle (shown in the figure) with the
q
~
kF k = Fx2 + Fy2
vertical is identical.
= (−1.46736 × 10−9 N)2

1/2
+(−2.87602 × 10−9 N)2 0. 2
= 3.22872 × 10−9 N
2m

= 3.22872 nN .

5◦
014 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points 0.02 kg 0.02 kg
What angle does the resultant force on the Find the magnitude of the charge on
−2 nC charge at the origin make with the each sphere. The acceleration of gravity is
positive x axis? Quadrant I lies between 0◦ 9.8 m/s2 and the value of Coulomb’s constant
and 90◦ , quadrant II between between 90◦ is 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
and 180◦ , etc.
Correct answer: 5.29702 × 10−8 C.
Correct answer: 242.969 degs.
Explanation: Explanation:
The angle measured counter-clockwise from
the positive x axis is
Let : L = 0.22 m ,
Fy m = 0.02 kg , and
tan θ =
Fx θ = 5◦ .
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 7
s
(0.0171478 N) (0.0383485 m)2
=
(8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 )
= 5.29702 × 10−8 C .

L
016 10.0 points
q θ q Two charges are located in the (x, y) plane as
m a
m shown. The fields produced by these charges
From the right triangle, are observed at a point p with coordinates
(0, 0).
a
sin θ = p
L
a = L sin θ = (0.22 m) sin 5◦
= 0.0191743 m . 1.6 m 1.5 m
−7.9 C 8.8 C
The separation of the spheres is r = 2 a =
0.0383485 m . The forces acting on one of the 2.1 m 2.7 m
spheres are shown in the figure below.
Find the x-component of the electric field
T θ at p. The value of the Coulomb constant is
T cos θ
8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
θ
Fe
T sin θ Correct answer: −1.535 × 1010 N/C.
Explanation:
mg

Because the sphere is in equilibrium, the Let : (xp , yp ) = (0, 0) ,

resultant of the forces in the horizontal and (x1 , y1) = (2.7 m, −1.5 m) ,
vertical directions must separately add up to
zero: (x2 , y2) = (−2.1 m, −1.6 m) ,
X q1 = 8.8 C ,
Fx = T sin θ − Fe = 0 q2 = −7.9 C , and
ke = 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
X
Fy = T cos θ − m g = 0 .

Dividing, p

F sin θ Fe y2 y1
= q1
F cos θ mg q2
Fe = m g tan θ
x2 x1
= (0.02 kg) 9.8 m/s2 tan 5◦

= 0.0171478 N .
Consider the electric field vectors:
From Coulomb’s law, the electric force be-
tween the charges has magnitude E1 θ1
|q|2 θ2
|Fe | = ke 2
s r E2
|Fe | r 2 q2 q1
|q| =
ke
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 8
where The net force is
 
 −1.5 m 
θ1 = 180◦ − tan−1   = 150.945◦ , qE = ma
2.7 m 

  |qe | E 1.6 × 10−19 C (325 N/C)
◦ −1  −1.6 m 
  a= =
θ2 = 180 + tan  = 217.304◦ . me 9.109 × 10−31 kg
−2.1 m 
= 5.70864 × 1013 m/s2 .
In the x-direction, the contributions from the
two charges are
Q1 Q 1 x1 018 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points
Ex1 = −ke 2 cos θ1 = −ke 2 Find the electron’s speed after 6.07 × 10−8 s,
r1 r1 r1 assuming it starts from rest.
= − 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2

8.8 C 2.7 m Correct answer: 3.46514 × 106 m/s.

× 2
(3.08869 m) 3.08869 m Explanation:
= −7.24712 × 109 N/C and

Q2 Q 2 x2 Let : ∆t = 6.07 × 10−8 s and

Ex2 = −ke 2 cos θ2 = −ke 2 ∆vi = 0 m/s .
r2 r2 r2
= − 8.98755 × 10 N · m2 /C2
9


The final velocity is
−7.9 C −2.1 m
×
(2.64008 m)2 2.64008 m vf = vi + a ∆t = a ∆t , so
= −8.10287 × 109 N/C , so

vf = 5.70864 × 1013 m/s2

6.07 × 10−8 s
Ex = Ex1 + Ex2
= −7.24712 × 109 N/C = 3.46514 × 106 m/s .
+ −8.10287 × 109 N/C

= −1.535 × 1010 N/C . 019 10.0 points

Three point charges are placed at the vertices
of an equilateral triangle.
017 (part 1 of 2) 10.0 points
An electron is accelerated by a constant elec- −5.8 C
tric field of magnitude 325 N/C. ̂
Find the magnitude of the acceleration of
2. 2

ı̂
the electron. The mass of an electron is
m

9.109 × 10−31 kg and the elemental charge

is 1.6 × 10−19 C. 60◦
−5.8 C P −5.8 C
Correct answer: 5.70864 × 1013 m/s2 .
Explanation: Find the magnitude of the electric field vec-
~ at P . The value of the Coulomb
tor kEk
constant is 8.9875 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
Let : E = 325 N/C ,
qe = −1.6 × 10−19 C , and Correct answer: 1.43602 × 1010 N/C.
me = 9.109 × 10−31 kg . Explanation:
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 9
y

77 C/m
18 m
Let : a = 2.2 m ,
q = −5.8 C , and
k = 8.9875 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .

3m
3m 18 m
q x
O
̂ 77 C/m
ı̂ Determine the magnitude of the electric
a

~ rod 1 at the origin due to the entire

field E
horizontal rod. The value of the Coulomb
constant is 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
q P q
Correct answer: 1.97726 × 1011 N/C.
Electric field vectors due to the bottom two
Explanation:
charges
√ cancel each other. h = a cos(30◦ ) =
3
a is the height of the triangle, so the
2 Let : ℓ = 18 m ,
magnitude of the field vector due to charge at
the top of the triangle is λ = 77 C/m ,
d = 3 m , and
ke = 8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .

kq 4 kq Since λ > 0, the field ∆E at O due to the

~ =
kEk √ !2 = 3 a2 segment on the x-axis is in the negative x
3 direction, and its magnitude is given by
a
2
∆q λ ∆x
4 (8.9875 × 109 N · m2 /C2 ) (−5.8 C) ∆E = ke = k e ,
= x2 x2
3 (2.2 m)2
so we can express the electric field as
10
= 1.43602 × 10 N/C .
~ = −∆E ı̂ .
∆E

For the entire rod, we must add all the seg-

ments; i.e., integrate from x = d to x = d + ℓ.
The electric field due to the horizontal rod is
020 (part 1 of 2) 10.0 points
A rod of length 18 m with uniform charge per
d+ℓ
dx
Z Z
unit length 77 C/m, is placed a distance 3 m ~ rod 1 = ~ = −ke λ
E dE ı̂
from the origin along the x axis. A similar rod d x2
with the same charge is placed along the y axis   d+ℓ
1 
as in the figure. Consider only an infinitesimal = −ke λ − ı̂
segment of length ∆x on the horizontal rod, x d
 
which is placed along the x axis, with the 1 1
= ke λ − ı̂
segment at a distance x from the origin. d+ℓ d
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 10
ke λ ℓ y
=− ı̂ and
d (d + ℓ) 91 ◦
λℓ
|Ex | = ke
d (d + ℓ)
m
= (8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 ) 2. 6
(77 C/m) (18 m) x
×
(3 m) (3 m + 18 m)
= 1.97726 × 1011 N/C .

What is the magnitude of the electric field

at the center of the circle along which the arc
lies? The value of the Coulomb constant is
021 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points
8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 .
Determine the magnitude of the electric field
~ tot at the origin due to both rods.
E
Correct answer: 29.5863 N/C.
Correct answer: 2.79627 × 1011 N/C. Explanation:

Explanation: Let : λ = 6 nC/m = 6 × 10−9 C/m ,

The electric field due to the rod along the ∆θ = 91◦ , and
y-axis is found in a similar fashion. The field r = 2.6 m .
at the origin due to each rod has a magnitude
ke λ ℓ
of E = . The field due to the rod Position the arc symmetrically around the
d (d + ℓ) y axis, centered at the origin.
along the y-axis is in the −̂ direction and the
field due to the rod along the x-axis in the −ı̂ ◦ 45. 5 ◦
45. 5
direction, so the net field at the origin is
r

~ tot = E
E ~ rod 2 = − ke λ ℓ (ı̂ + ̂)
~ rod 1 + E ~
d (d + ℓ) E
λℓ √
|E| = ke 2
d (d + ℓ)
= (8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 ) By symmetry (in this rotated configura-
(77 C/m) (18 m) √ tion) the field in the x direction cancels due
× 2
(3 m) (3 m + 18 m) to charge from opposites sides of the y-axis,
so Ex = 0 . Each half of the arc about the y
= 2.79627 × 1011 N/C .
axis would contribute equally to the electric
field at the origin, so we may just consider
y-contributions of the right half of the arc and
double the result.
For a continuous linear charge distribution,
022 10.0 points
dq
Z
A circular arc has a uniform linear charge ~
E = ke r̂ .
density of 6 nC/m. r2
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 11
q
In polar coordinates dq = λ (r dθ) , where λ is ~ = E2 + E2
kEk x y
the linear charge density. The positive y axis h
is θ = 90◦ , so the y component of the electric = (−20.7373 N/C)2
field is given by i1/2
2
dEy = dE sin θ . + (−21.1025 N/C)
The upper angular limit is θ = 90◦ and the = 29.5864 N/C .
lower angular limit is θ = 90◦ − 45.5◦ = 44.5◦ ,
the angle from the positive x axis to the right-
hand end of the arc.
!
90◦
λ
Z
E = −2 ke sin θ dθ ̂ 023 10.0 points
r 44.5 ◦ Two large, parallel, insulating plates are
λ charged uniformly with the same positive
= −2 ke [cos (44.5◦ ) − cos 90◦ ] ̂ . areal charge density +σ, which is the charge
r
Since per unit area.
What is the magnitude of the resultant elec-
λ
ke = (8.98755 × 109 N · m2 /C2 ) tric field E? The permittivity of free space
r 1
6 × 10−9 C/m ǫ0 = .
× 4 π ke
2.6 m 2σ
= 20.7405 N/C , 1. between the plates, zero outside
ǫ0
E = −2 (20.7405 N/C) (0.71325 − 0) ̂ 2. Zero everywhere
= −29.5863 N/C ̂ σ
3. Zero between the plates, outside cor-
~ = 29.5863 N/C .
kEk ǫ0
rect
Alternate Solution: Solve for kEk ~ in a σ
straight forward manner, positioning the be- 4. between the plates, zero outside
2 ǫ0
ginning of the arc on the positive x axis (as σ σ
in the original figure). θ is still defined as the 5. between the plates, outside
2 ǫ0 2 ǫ0
angle in the counter-clockwise direction from 2σ 2σ
the positive x axis. 6. between the plates, outside
ǫ0 ǫ0
σ
Z ◦ !
ke λ 91 7. everywhere
Ex = − cos θ dθ ı̂ ǫ0
r 0◦
2σ
ke λ 8. Zero between the plates, outside
=− [sin 91◦ − sin 0◦ ] ı̂ ǫ0
r σ
= −(20.7405 N/C) (0.999848 − 0.0) ı̂ 9. between the plates, zero outside
ǫ0
= (−20.7373 N/C) ı̂ , σ
10. Zero between the plates, outside
Z ◦ ! 2 ǫ0
ke λ 91
Ey = − sin θ dθ ̂
r 0◦
ke λ Explanation:
=− [cos 0◦ − cos 91◦ ] ̂ Each plate produces a constant electric field
r σ
= −(20.7405 N/C) (1.0 − −0.0174531) ̂ of E = directed away from the plate for
2 ǫ0
= (−21.1025 N/C) ̂ , positive charge density, and toward the plate
 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 12
for negative charge density. Between the two
plates, the two fields cancel each other so that 9. (a) only
Enet = 0. Outside the two plates, the fields
add together, so that 10. (b) only
σ Explanation:
Enet = . The force on a charge in the electric field is
ǫ0
~ = qE
given by F ~ and the torque is defined as
~ ~
T = ~r × F .
024 (part 1 of 2) 10.0 points
~ = k ∆q r̂ and E ~ = ~i.
X
A dipole (electrically neutral) is placed in ∆E ∆E
r2
an external field.
(a) (b) Symmetry of the configuration will cause
some component of the electric field to be
zero.
Gauss’ law states

~ = Q.
+
I
+ − + + − ΦS = E ~ · dA
ǫ0
The electric dipole consists of two equal and
opposite charges separated by a distance. In
+ − + − either situation (c) or (d), the electric field
+ − + − is uniform everywhere between the parallel
+ − + − infinite plates. Thus, the electric force on
+ − + −
+ − + − one charge is equal but opposite to that on
+ − + + − another so that the net force on the whole
+ − + − + −
− dipole is zero. By contrast, electric fields are
+ − + −
+ − + − nonuniform for situations both (a) and (b).
+ − + −
+ − + −
+ − + − 025 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points
+ − + − For which situation(s) shown above is the net
(c) (d) torque on the dipole equal to zero?
For which situation(s) shown above would
the net force on the dipole be equal to zero? 1. (a) only

1. (b) and (c) 2. (c) only

2. (a) and (b) 3. (c) and (d)

3. (d) only 4. (a) and (c) correct

4. (c) only 5. (b) and (c)

5. (a) and (c) 6. (a) and (d)

6. (b) and (d) 7. (a) and (b)

7. (c) and (d) correct 8. (b) only

8. (a) and (d) 9. (b) and (d)

 orkun (eao789) – Homework 1 – markert – (86120) 13

10. (d) only

Explanation:
A electric dipole can be regarded as a pair
of charges of opposite sign. In figures (a) and
(c), the electric fields are along the direction
of ~r, where ~r is the vector between the pair of
charges, so the force F ~ also acts along ~r. This
will lead to zero torque, since
~ = ~r × F
T ~ ∝ ~r × ~r = 0 .

For figures (b) and (d), the torque on both

charges are nonzero and the resultant torques
are also nonzero.