Full Package - EP

Name & Date: ______________________________________________________________
Worksheet 1: Vectors in 2 & 3 dimensions

Table 1:This table is for your reference. It gives the basics of vector notation in 2 and 3 dimensions. In our class you are
responsible for working with vectors in 2 dimensions in both polar and rectangular coordinates. You should also be able
to represent 3D vectors using rectangular coordinates and find the length (r) of a 3D vector given the rectangular
coordinates.
2D-space 3D-space
y
ሬ⃑
𝒓
 x
Rectangular
Ordered set notation 𝑟⃑ = (𝑟𝑥 , 𝑟𝑦 ) 𝑟⃑ = (𝑟𝑥 , 𝑟𝑦 , 𝑟𝑧 )
Unit vector notation 𝑟⃑ = 𝑟𝑥 𝑖̂ + 𝑟𝑦 𝑗̂ 𝑟⃑ = 𝑟𝑥 𝑖̂ + 𝑟𝑦 𝑗̂ + 𝑟𝑧 𝑘̂

𝑟𝑥
𝑟𝑥
Column notation 𝑟⃑ = [𝑟 ] 𝑟⃑ = [𝑟𝑦 ]
𝑦
𝑟𝑧
Polar (spherical)
𝑟⃑ = (𝑟, 𝜃) 𝑟⃑ = (𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜑)
Converting from Rectangular to Polar
|𝑟⃑| = 𝑟 = √𝑟𝑥 2 +𝑟𝑦 2 |𝑟⃑| = 𝑟 = √𝑟𝑥 2 +𝑟𝑦 2 +𝑟𝑧 2
𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑥 2 +𝑟𝑦 2
𝜃 = tan−1 ( ) 𝜃 = tan−1 ( )
𝑟𝑥 𝑟𝑧
𝑟𝑦
𝜑 = tan−1 ( )
𝑟𝑥
Converting from Polar to Rectangular
𝑟𝑥 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃 𝑟𝑥 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜑
𝑟𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 𝑟𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 sin 𝜑
𝑟𝑧 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃
Adapted from Phoebe Jackson’s work

2D & 3D Vectors and Charge: BEGINNING LEVEL 2
To draw a 3D Cartesian coordinate system, use any one of the three “right hand rules” below to find the relative
orientations of the x, y, and z axes.
Figure 1: Choose your favourite of these three right hand rules for setting up your Cartesian Coordinate system. They all
give the same results because in all three cases, x,y, and z are arranged counter-clockwise alphabetically.
Figure 2: In this 3D Cartesian coordinate system, x and y are in the plane of the page, while +z points OUT OF
THE PAGE (towards you, the reader). Can you use your right hand to confirm that this system makes sense?
#1) Sketch a coordinate system where +x points out of the page and y points to the right.
#2) Sketch a coordinate system where +y points into the page.

Starting with the Fundamentals: Charge!
Electric charge (Q) is a fundamental property of subatomic particles. It’s measured in Coulombs (C).
A proton (p+) has a charge of _________________________ also expressed as ‘e’.

An electron (e-) has a charge of_________________________ also expressed as ‘-e.’
A neutron (no) has a charge of_________________________.
The charge of any free particles is made up of these fundamental charges so charge must be a multiple of ____.
This means that charge is “quantized,” rather than continuous.
#3) What is the net (total) charge of the nucleus of Neon, which has an atomic number of 10? You can express
your answer as a multiple of e if you prefer.
#4) What is the net charge of one Neon atom?
#5) How many excess (extra) electrons does an object with a charge of -1.2 C have?
#6) Is it possible to charge an object to 1.52x10-18 C? Why or why not?

Charge is not only quantized, it is also conserved. The principle of conservation of charge states that electric
charge cannot be created or _____________ it can just be moved. So how does charge move from one place to
another? In metals and many other materials, it is transferred by the movement of _____________ which are
relatively free to move. In some materials, the charge carriers may be ions, protons, or even holes (feel free to
investigate holes more, they’re interesting).
• Conductor: material in which _____________ are quite free to move around, should a force be exerted
on them.
• Insulator: material in which _____________ are not very free to move around.
There are three methods we can use to charge an object.
#1. Charging by Rubbing (Triboelectric charging): When two materials (generally insulators) are rubbed
together, one will tend to "give up" it’s e- to the other, giving itself a net _____________ charge, and the other a
net _____________ charge.
Figure 3: Scientists have ranked the tendency of various materials to give up their electrons when rubbed. This is called
the triboelectric series, and a sample is shown above. The closer to the + end a material is the more easily it gives up
electrons when rubbed, or in other words, has a greater affinity for positive charge.
#7) What sign of charge will your hair get if you rub it on a polyester sweater? _____________
What sign would your hair get if you rubbed it on your hand instead? _____________
2. Charging by Conduction: When two objects (usually both conductors) come into contact, electrons will flow
between them until they reach the same electric potential (V). We will discuss V later, for now, just think of it
as an attempt to minimize any net charge one or both may contain although this is not entirely accurate. If a net
charge remains, charge will spread out on the surface of the conductors in an attempt to be far away from each
other.
3. Charging by Induction: The net charge on an object is changed when a charged object is held near but ____
touching that object. This _____________ the other object which can then be split apart or grounded, resulting
in a lasting change in its net charge. This week’s reading discussed this at length.
#8) This activity explores charging by conduction and induction. There are four scenarios presented on p.6.
For each scenario you should:
a. Identify the corresponding (but mixed up) set of 3-4 diagrams on p.7.
b. Cut and paste these diagrams in a logical order on p.6.
c. Briefly describe what’s happening in each diagram.
1) A conducting sphere is 2) An electroscope is charged by 3) Two conducting spheres are 4) Two conducting spheres are
charged by ____________________ charged by conduction charged by induction
____________________
Description Images Description Images Description Images Description Images
2D & 3D Vectors and Charge: BEGINNING LEVEL
6
Diagrams to cut out and paste in a logical order on the previous page.
Images from:
https://www.eeweb.com/blog/andrew_carter/charging-by-contact-and-induction
http://www.pstcc.edu/departments/natural_behavioral_sciences/Web%20Physics/Chapters%2022%20and%2023.htm
Vectors in 3D & Charge: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 8
Leave this blank because it’s the reverse of the images to be cut.
Vectors in 3D & Charge: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 9
#9) You walk on a polyester carpet in bare feet then reach towards a metal doorknob. Just before your
hand touches the doorknob you feel an electric shock. Why do you feel a shock?
#10) Keeping the induction method in mind, explain why a neutral object would be attracted to a nearby
positive object? Make sure you use the correct terminology (hint: an important term you should use
starts with a ‘p.’)
Vectors in 3D & Charge: MASTERY LEVEL 10
#11) A negatively charged glass rod is brought near a neutral, ungrounded electroscope. The rod touches
the electroscope for a moment and then is removed. What can you say about the sign of the net
charge on the glass rod and the electroscope after the rod is removed.
• The glass rod is _____ and the electroscope is _____.
#12) What if the same experiment was performed except the electroscope was grounded the entire time?
#13) What if the rod instead comes near the electroscope but doesn’t touch it? The electroscope is again
always grounded.
#14) What if the negative rod comes near the grounded electroscope without touching it but this time, the
ground is cut (disconnected) before the rod is removed.
In the above example where the ground is cut before removing the rod, which type of charge carrier
flowed along the ground connection (before it was cut) and which way did they flow: from the
ground onto the conductor OR from the conductor onto the ground?
#15) A needle electroscope has a metal needle that usually hangs vertically due to gravity. However, if
the electroscope gains a net charge, the needle deflects as shown.
Why does the needle deflect when the electroscope gains a net charge?
A. It is attracted to the neutral outer shell (usually glass) of the electroscope.
B. It is attracted to the metal shaft to which it is attached because they have the same type (sign) of
charge.
C. It is repelled by the metal shaft because they both have the same sign of charge.
D. It is repelled by the metal shaft because they have the opposite sign of charge.
E. It is attracted to the top metal plate because they have opposite sign of charge.
Vectors in 3D & Charge: ASSESS YOUR LEARNING 11
1) Which coordinate system is not a standard Cartesian system?

x -x -y y
z y -z x
y z -x -z
a. b. c. d.
e. These are all Cartesian systems.
2) A positively charged glass rod is held near BUT not touching an initially neutral, ungrounded needle
electroscope and after a moment is removed. What happens to the needle?
A. It remains hanging vertically (relaxed) during the entire process.
B. It deflects while the rod is near and relaxes when the rod is removed.
C. It is relaxed while the rod is near and deflects when the rod is removed.
D. It deflects during the entire process.
E. It spins 360 degrees and takes a bow.
3) Two metal spheres on insulated stands are far apart. One is large and carries a +2.0 µC net charge. The
other is small and carries a -5.0 µC net charge. They spheres are brought together until they touch, then
they are separated again. What can you say with reasonable certainty about the final charge of each
sphere?
A. Qlarge + Qsmall = -3.0 µC
B. Both spheres will have a negative charge.
C. Qlarge = positive, Qsmall = negative
D. They will carry the same charge.
E. Both a and b
Name & Date: 1
Worksheet 2: Electric Force & Coulomb’s Law (and unit vertors)
A charged object exerts a force on another charged object. Coulomb’s Law describes the electric force
between two point charges. Specifically, the electric force exerted by charge 1 (q1) on charge 2 (q2) when
they are separated by a distance of r is:
𝑘|𝑞1 𝑞2 |
|𝐹⃑12 | =
𝑟2
Where k is Coulomb’s constant (8.99·109 Nm2C−2)* and the direction of the force is _____________
charge 1 (attractive) if they have opposite signs and ____________ from charge 1 (repulsive) if they share
the same sign.**
To find the direction of an electric force on a point charge from another point charge you simply:
• decide if the charge in question is being repelled or attracted by the other charge.
• sketch the force on your diagram
• find the polar angle of the force using the x and y distances between the two charges
#1) Q1 = +2.5C is located 48.4cm above Q2 = ˗4.1C. Calculate the force of each charge on the other.
[Answer: F12 = 3.94x1011 ĵ N, F21 = ˗3.94x1011 ĵ N ]
* Coulomb’s constant = 1/(4o) where o=8.854x10-12 F/m and called the permittivity of free space, sometimes called the
permittivity of a vacuum. Read Openstax University Physics, section 5.3 p.195 for more info (https://cnx.org/contents/eg-
XcBxE@8.1:UtVGui9n@2/53-Coulombs-Law)
** There is a way to find the direction directly from the equation of Coulomb’s Law using a unit vector. This method is optional
because it’s not better if you are only working in 2-dimensions. However the unit vector method is quite useful when working in
3D (e.g., in university).
Adapted from Phoebe Jackson’s work
Electric Force and Coulomb’s Law: BEGINNING LEVEL 2
#2) If point charge Q exerts an electric force 𝐹⃑𝑄𝑞 on charge q, then what can you say about the electric
force exerted by q on Q?
#3) Two electrons are located as shown. Calculate the force of A on B and of B on A. [Answer: FAB =
(5.61x10-30N, 51.3o), FBA = (5.61x10-30N, 231.3o)]
Electric Force and Coulomb’s Law: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 3
Principle of Superposition: The total electric force on a charged particle is equal to the vector sum of all
forces acting on it.
This means that in order to find the net electric force on a charge due to multiple electric forces, we
simply find the individual electric forces acting on that particle, express the vectors in rectangular form,
and add them all together.
#4) QA = QB = 1.5 C, and QC = -3.0 C are located as shown in the diagram.

a. Draw a FBD showing the two electric force vectors acting on Q A.
b. Without doing ANY calculations, use your FBD and the relative strengths of each of the two
forces to determine the quadrant of the net electric force acting on Q A. Justify.
c. What is the net electric force on QA? [FTotal on A = (2.22x109, -3.85x108)N]

Electric Force & Coulomb’s Law: MASTERY 4
#5) Q1=12.0C is located at (0.0i - 2.0j) m. Q2= -8.0Cis located at (0.0i + 2.0j) m. Where can you place a
third charge Q3 on the y-axis so that it experiences zero net force? [17.8m above Q2]
Hint: There are three regions you could put a third charge in this configuration: above Q2, between Q1 & Q2, and below Q1. Try
placing the new charge in each of these three locations and drawing its FBD each time. Pay attention to the relative sizes of the
two forces present in each of the three FBD’s. What do you notice? When could they possible cancel each other out?
#6) Consider the triangular point charge system shown here. Calculate the net electric force on the
+10C charge at the top of the triangle. [(135𝑖̂ − 77.9𝑗̂) 𝑁]
#7) Three charges q1 (1.00 μC), q2 (-2.00 μC) and q3 (3.00 μC) are held fixed on a horizontal plane:
q1 at (-1.00; 3.00) cm, q2 at the origin and q3 at (2.00; 1.00) cm.
Find the net electric force that q2 and q3 exert on q1
The solution is on YouTube: http://youtu.be/iLd38Yu8hqA
Electric Force & Coulomb’s Law: SUPPLEMENTARY 7
The following is an extension activity and is not a mandatory part of the course. Only work on this if you
will still have time to finish in class today. Unit vectors are a handy way of finding the direction of
Coulomb’s Force (and the corresponding electric field), especially when working in more than 2
dimensions. Since we will mainly stick to 2D calculations in this unit, this extension is not a necessary
part of the course, but it could be useful for you later on in your physics career.
What are unit vectors?

A unit vector is simply a dimensionless vector with a length (magnitude) of 1. Since it is a vector, it
points in a certain direction. The most commonly used unit vectors are the three you already know:
𝑖̂ = (1,0,0)
Most commonly used are i=(1,0,0), j=( , , ), & , k=( , , )
Create a unit vector in the direction 𝑟1(1.5,-5) and 𝑟2 (3,-9,11)

[ans: 𝑟̂1 = (0.287 , -0.958) and 𝑟̂2 = (0.207 , -0.620 , 0.757) ]
Name & Date: 1
Worksheet 3: Electric Field Part 1
We know that charged objects exert forces on each other. How do they feel a force from an object that
they're not in contact with? Scientists are still trying to figure this out but for now we use a model called
the Field Model.
Field Model: A charged object alters the surrounding space such that another charge can sense the
modification of the space (i.e. it feels a _______). We call this alteration to the space from a charged object
the electric field. The electric field exerts a force on other ___________ bodies located inside the field.
As the above explanation suggests, at any point in space, the electric field represents the electric force per
unit charge:
𝐹𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐
𝐸⃑ =
𝑄
#1) A +49.2 C test charge is placed in a +50.0𝑖̂ N/C external electric field. What force does it
experience? [2.46x10-3𝑖̂ N]
#2) What if the test charge was -49.2 C?
Using the above two questions to guide us, we can see a pattern:
• Positive charges feel a force in the _____________ direction as the external electric field in which
they are located.
• Negative charges feel a force in the _____________ direction to the external electric field in which
they are located.
Electric Fields Part 1: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2
#3) Given the relationship 𝐸⃑ = 𝐹 /Q, derive a relationship for the strength of the electric field at point P
due to a point charge q located some distance (r) away. Remember that between point charges:
𝑘𝑄𝑞
𝐹= . Here, q is the charge creating the field, while Q is the “test” charge feeling the field.
𝑟2
|𝐸⃑ | =
*this is only for the electric field created by a point charge or something that
can be reduced to a point charge, like a sphere of charge. It doesn’t work for
fields created by other configurations such as lines, plates, semicircles etc.
The direction of an electric field can be determined just like we do for force, common sense and trig. since
E is proportional to F, then the E-field points in the direction of the force that a POSITIVE test charge
would feel if it was placed in the field.
Visualizing the direction of E-fields due to point charges will become easier when we learn about how to
draw them (next page).
#4) What is the electric field at a point (4.0𝑖̂, 2.0𝑗̂) m from a -5.0x10-9 C charge. [𝐸⃑ =(2.25 N/C, 207o)]
Let's draw some common electric fields.
E points AWAY from positive charges E points TOWARDS negative charges

(positive = happy = sunshine) (negative = sucks = arrows being sucked in)
Rules for drawing electric field lines:

• They begin at ____ charges and end at ____ charges or go to / come from infinity. (+ or –?)
• They _________ cross. (never or always?)
• They meet the surface of charged conducting objects at _____. (0o, 45 o, or 90 o)
• Higher density of lines = _____________ electric field. Count your lines! (weaker or stronger?)
Let’s draw the field for two point charge systems.

Let’s draw the fields for charges of differing strength.
#5) How could you configure a bunch of charges in order to create a uniform (same everywhere)
electric field?
#6) Two charges A= -2.00 C and B= -4.00 C are situated as shown below. They are separated by
10m and the origin is in the middle.
a. Calculate the electric field at A due to B [EBA=360 N/C at 0o]
b. Calculate the electric field at B due to A [EAB=180 N/C at 180o]
c. Find the force exerted by B on A [FBA=7.2x10-4 N at 180o] * you don’t need to calculate Coulombs Law.
Remember, E=F/Q so F=…?
d. Find the force exerted by A on B [FAB=7.2x10-4 N at 0o]
e. Quickly sketch the electric field around A & B.

Principle of Superposition: The total electric field at a point is equal to the vector sum of all fields at that
point.
#7) Let’s return to the scenario of two point charges (-2 C, -4 C) separated horizontally by 10 m.
a. Find the electric field at (0, +3.00) m. [Eo=(4.56x102𝑖̂ – 8.18x102 𝑗̂) N/C]
b. Do the directions of the field at these two points agree with how you drew the field on the
previous page? Explain briefly (or mark them on the field diagram).
Electric Fields Part 1: MASTERY LEVEL 7
#8) Where on the x-axis shown below, is the electric field zero and what net electric force would a
charge placed at this point feel? [8.36cm to the right of QA]
#9) If there is zero electric field at a particular point in space, is it possible for a charge placed at that
point to feel an electric force? Justify.
#10) Three charges are fixed in position as shown in the diagram. QA = QB = 1.5C, QC = -3.0C.
a. What is the net electric field at point A? Don’t do a ton of calculations here. You already found the net
force on charge A in our previous class. Use this force to quickly find the field at A. [(1.48x109𝑖̂ – 2.57x108𝑗̂) N/C]
b. What is the net electric field at point P? Make sure you draw the 3 field vectors located at point
P before doing any calculations (like an FBD for fields not forces). [(-4.33x108𝑖̂ + 2.5x107𝑗̂) N/C]
#11) Electric Field of point charges

Two charges are held fixed on a horizontal plane: q1 (1.00 μC) is at (-1.00; 3.00) cm,
and q2 (-2.00 μC) is at the origin.
Find the net electric field at point P3 (2.00; 1.00) cm
The complete solution is on You Tube: http://youtu.be/4xuM8HN6Vms
#12) Drawing field lines, example 1

A positive charge 2.5Q is held on a horizontal plane and a positive charge of Q is held above
(North) of it.
Sketch the electric field lines to represent the electric field around these 2 charges.
You Tube: http://youtu.be/LBr63hA4mww
#13) Drawing field lines, example 2
A positive charge 2Q is held on a horizontal plane and a negative charge -Q is held left of it.
Sketch the electric field lines to represent the electric field around these 2 charges.
You Tube: http://youtu.be/mjQ6MJss_oI
Name & Date: 1
Worksheet 4: Electric Fields Part 2

Motion of charges in external electric fields
Let's derive a formula for calculating the acceleration of a charge q in an electric field 𝐸𝐸�⃑ .
• Newton's 2nd Law says:
Σ𝐹𝐹⃑ =
• We know that electric force on charge q in electric field 𝐸𝐸�⃑ is:
𝐹𝐹⃑ =
• Since the only force on q is electric force, we can equate these above two equations:
• Rearranging for acceleration gives:
𝑎𝑎⃑ =
From this relationship, we see that the acceleration of a charged particle in an electric field is proportional
to the electric field AS WELL AS the ratio of its: ______________ to its _____________.
#1) Calculate q/m for an electron and a proton. Use these values to qualitatively compare the
accelerations each charge would experience if placed in identical electric fields.
#2) Four e- are placed in four identical uniform -15.5𝚥𝚥̂ N/C electric fields with a specified initial velocity.
𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚
(i) 𝑣𝑣⃑𝑜𝑜 = 0 (ii) 𝑣𝑣⃑𝑜𝑜 = 5.00𝚤𝚤̂
𝑠𝑠 𝑠𝑠
a. Sketch the trajectory of each electron on the diagrams above. Do it in pencil to begin with.
c. What is the velocity of e- (ii) after it has been in the E-field for 3ns? [(5.00𝚤𝚤̂ + 8160𝚥𝚥̂) m/s]
d. How long would it take for e- (iii) start moving upwards? [1.30x10-12 s]
#3) WHITEBOARD QUESTION: This problem must be solved as a group on a big whiteboard!
A charge Q = 3.00 C with mass 2.54 g is moving at 5.00x102 m/s downwards when it enters the
middle of a uniform E-field of 150 N/C created by two oppositely charged plates separated by
20.0 cm. Will Q collide with the plates, or escape unscathed? Gravity acts down as usual.
#4) A mass m1 = 0.5g and charge 2.5 x 10-6 C hangs from a string with tension T. A second mass m2 =
2.0 g and charge -2.5 x 10-6 C remains stationary a distance L below the hanging charge, despite not
resting on any surface (it’s “floating”).
a. Draw a FBD for m2. What is the distance L? [L=1.69 m]
b. Draw a FBD for m1. What is the tension T? [T=0.025 N]
c. What will happen to m2 if it is placed a distance less than L from m1?
d. What will happen to m2 if it is placed a distance greater than L from m1?
#5) Candy Contest! As a group, figure out the direction of the net electric field at point P due to each
charge distribution. Hint: use vector diagrams at point P.
a. Above a very long line of charge. b. In the centre of a semicircle of + charge.
c. In the centre of a semicircle of charge d. Inside 2 long // plates of opposite sign
e. In the centre of a ¾ circle of charge f. In the centre of a ring of + charge
g. Above a ring of NEGATIVE charge h. Above an infinite plane of positive charge.
i. Outside a sphere of uniform, NEGATIVE charge

Electric Fields Part 2: EXTRA PRACTICE 6
#6) A tiny oil drop of mass 2.80 x 10-15 kg and charge -3e is held motionless in an electric field. What
is the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the location of the drop? [E = -5.71x104N/Cĵ]
− 0.25 0.25
#7) qA is located at  0  m and qB is located at  0  m. |qA| =|qB|. A test charge of -2e is placed at
 
 0   0 
the origin. The force experienced by the test charge is -5.0x10-12Nî
a. What is the electric field halfway between the two charged particles? [E = 1.56x107N/C î]
b. What are the magnitudes and signs of qA and qB? [qA = 5.43x10-5C = -qb]
#8) An electron (me = 9.11 x 10-31 kg) enters the space between parallel plates 2.00 cm apart with
essentially zero velocity. The electric field between the plates is -5.00 x 103 î N/C.
a. Draw a picture showing the electrons approximate trajectory.

b. If it starts midway between the two plates, with what velocity does the electron hit the
plate? [v=4.19x106 î m/s]
#9) A proton has an initial velocity of 4.50 x 105 m/s in the horizontal direction. It enters a uniform
electric field of 9.60 x 103 N/C directed downwards. Find:
a. the time it takes the proton to travel 5.00 cm horizontally. [t = 1.11x10-7s]
b. the vertical displacement of the proton during this time. [∆y=-5.67x10-3m]
c. the horizontal & vertical components of the proton’s velocity at the end of this time.
[vy = -1.02x105m/s, vx = 4.50x105m/s]
#10) A small 2.00 g plastic ball is suspended by a 20.0 cm long string in a uniform electric field as shown.
The ball is in equilibrium, hanging at a 15° angle to the vertical. What is the charge on the ball?
[q = +5.25x10-6C]
Electric Fields Part 2: EXTRA PRACTICE 7
#11) Motion of a charged particle in an electric field

In a poorly aligned cathode ray tube, electrons enter a vertical uniform electric field with a velocity
of 5.00x107 m/s at 20.0o above the horizontal.
The electrons hit the top plate, 1.00 cm up and 2.00 cm to the right from the place where they
entered the electric field.
What is the magnitude of the electric field, and in which direction does it point?
Solution is on YouTube: http://youtu.be/4aRUcVEgIAM

Electric Dipole: BEGINNING LEVEL 1
Worksheet 5: Electric Dipole and Torque
Electric Dipole: a pair of point charges with equal magnitude and opposite sign, separated by a distance d.
#1) This diagram shown an electric dipole placed in a uniform electric field.
a. On the diagram, draw 1 arrow on each charge, representing the electric force due to the external
electric field on that charge.
b. Express the magnitude of each force in terms of E and q. ___________________
c. What is the net force on the entire dipole? ________
d. Although there is no net force, there is a net torque, since the forces do not pass through the axis
of rotation (centre of dipole). In which direction will this dipole rotate: CW or CCW? ________
e. Remember 𝜏⃑ = 𝑟⃑ × 𝐹⃑ , where 𝑟⃑ points from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is
applied. From this we know that |𝜏| = 𝑟𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃. Use this to find the magnitude of net torque the
dipole will experience from the two forces acting on it.
Electric Dipole: BEGINNING LEVEL 2
We define the electric dipole moment as a vector pointing from the __ to the __ charge, with magnitude:
|𝑝⃑| = 𝑞𝑑
*q is always positive, since it’s the value of the
positively charged end of the dipole.
#2) Draw 𝑝⃑ on the first diagram on the first page.
In our work on the previous page, we found that the torque on a dipole in a uniform electric field was
|𝜏⃑| = 𝑞𝑑𝐸𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Using our definition of electric dipole moment above, this can be rewritten as:
|𝜏⃑| = ____𝐸𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
We can use common sense and/or the Right Hand Rule to find the direction of the torque. However, we can
also go one step further:
Remembering (hopefully) that the cross product |𝐴⃑ × 𝐵 ⃑⃑ | = 𝐴𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃, where  is the angle between 𝐴⃑ and 𝐵
⃑⃑,
we can rewrite torque on a dipole in a uniform electric field as the cross product of two vectors:
𝜏⃑ = ____ × ____
Electric Dipole: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 3
#3) Calculate the torque on the dipole shown below if |q|= e, the charges are separated by 3.2cm, and the
dipole makes an angle of 40o with E =4.7x106N/C. [=1.6x10-14Nm, clockwise]
#4) The torque on a dipole of charge q in a uniform electric field E, is zero.

a. Draw the two ways the dipole could be oriented relative to the E-field for this to be possible.
b. In each situation, describe what would happen if you rotated the dipole slightly (say 5o) then
released it?
#5) How must an electric dipole be oriented in order to feel the maximum possible torque from a given
uniform electric field?
Electric Field: part 3 Intermediate LEVEL 4
#6) WHITEBOARD QUESTION
Two long horizontal, uniformly charged plates are separated by a distance of 2.0 cm. An electron
enters exactly halfway between the two plates shown with a velocity of 5000m/s at an angle of 50o
above horizontal.
a. What is the maximum value of E that will still allow the e- to hit the top plate? [𝐸⃑⃑ = 4.18x10−3 ĵ N/C]
b. What effect would including the force of gravity have on your solution? Justify.
c. Now let |𝐸| = 4.00 × 10−3 𝑁/𝐶 and let the plates be 1.5m long. Will the e- escape or will it hit the
bottom plate? Justify.
#7) Use this electric field diagram for the following tasks:
a. Draw arrowheads on the field lines to show the directions.

b. Write an S where the electric field is the strongest.
c. Write a W where the electric field is the weakest (within the drawing, not at infinity).
d. Draw an arrow showing the direction of the E-field at point X.
e. Draw an arrow showing the direction of the force an e- would feel if placed at point P.
Check out https://tex.stackexchange.com/questions/158668/nice-scientific-pictures-show-off

and scroll down a bit to see a great animation of the electric field created when a negative
charge orbits two positive charges.
#8) Done everything? Remind your teacher that we should play some Electric Field Hockey!!!!!
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/electric-hockey
Name & Date:____________________________________________ 1
Worksheet 6: Electric Potential Energy
Electrostatic or Electric Potential Energy (Ue) is the energy stored due to a charged particle being at a
particular _________ in an electric field.
When a charge q is located in an external electric field, then the electric potential energy is:
• The work that would need to be done on q by an external force (not the electric field) to bring q
from infinity to its current position.
• The negative of the work that is done on q by the external electric field while q is brought from
_________ to its current position in that field.
#1) Energy is NOT a vector. +/– do not indicate direction, so what do they indicate? Consider the bullet
points above to figure this out.
A +ve U means ___________________________________________________________________.
A –ve U means ___________________________________________________________________.
#2) In each case, decide whether the energy stored in the system of two charges described would be
negative or positive. Assume there are no other charges nearby.
a. A negative charge is placed near a positive charge. Ue is ______.
b. A positive charge is placed near a positive charge. Ue is ______.
c. A negative charge is placed near a negative charge. Ue is ______.
d. A positive charge is placed near a negative charge. Ue is ______.
Electric Potential Energy: BEGINNING LEVEL 2
To find the electric potential energy of a charge in an electric field, we need to find how much ______ is
required to bring that charge from ∞ to its position (r). This is not easy. Electric fields vary over space, so
the force (and work) is not constant and we have to integrate over the entire path (from ∞ to r).
Later you will integrate to show that Ue stored in a system of two point charges separated by distance r is:
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝑈𝑈𝑒𝑒 =
𝑟𝑟
#3) An electron is 5cm from an object with a charge of +4e.

a. What is the electrostatic potential energy of this two-charge system? [U=-1.84x10-26J]
b. Does the sign of your result agree with your answers to question #2?.
Like Ugravitational, the value of Uelectric is somewhat arbitrary. Although we usually choose ___________ to be
where Uelectric= 0 we could choose elsewhere. If we change our zero location, we _____________ the
amount of potential energy we find to be stored in the system. No big deal, as long as we use the same zero
location throughout our analysis.
In contrast, the CHANGE in potential energy (∆U) is not arbitrary and is very useful. Electric force is
conservative. This means that if no non-conservative forces are present, we can say that mechanical energy
is conserved:
∆U= −∆K  U1 + K1 = U2 + K2
#4) An electron and a proton are separated by 30.0cm. The proton is released. Find its speed when it is
20.0cm from the electron. [v = 0.214m/s]
Electric Potential Energy: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 3
To find the Electric Potential Energy for a system of charges, start with a system of zero charges, and bring
the charges in from infinity one by one.
• The first one requires no work, since there is no electric field/force yet.
• The 2nd charge experiences an electric force from the first charge, so find U12.
• The 3rd charge experiences a force from the first and _________ charges so find _____ and _____.
…
U3-charge system = U12 + U 13 + U23
#5) How would you find U for a 4-charge system?
U4-charge system =

Consider the system of 3 point charges shown below.
a. Calculate the total electric potential energy stored in
this system of 3 charges. [Utot = +2.16x1011J]
b. What does the sign of our final answer (+) tell us
about this system?
#7) Q3, with a mass of 3.00x10-1 kg, is released from the system shown below and starts to move away.
Find the velocity of Q3 when it is very far away from the other charges. [v=1.58x106m/s]
Electric Potential Energy: MASTERY LEVEL 5
An electron and a fixed proton are separated by a distance of 30.0cm at which point the electron is
moving away from the proton with a speed of 40.0m/s. How far away is the electron from the proton
when it starts moving towards the proton? [r=5.9m]
Electric Potential Energy: MASTERY LEVEL 6
#9) Let’s derive Ue for a charge q located a distance r away from another point charge Q.
Ue is the work required to bring q from ∞ to r. Let’s start by moving q an infinitesimally small distance
dx towards Q. dx is so small that there is no change in force as q moves a distance of dx.
STEP 1) Write an equation for the tiny bit of work needed (dW) to move a charge using a force (Fexternal)
the tiny distance dx. Assume force and displacement are in the same direction so we can ignore sinθ.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 =
STEP 2) To find Ue, we will integrate this equation over the entire path, from ∞ to r, so write the above
expression for dW after the integral sign shown here.
𝑟𝑟
𝑊𝑊 = 𝑈𝑈𝑒𝑒 = �
∞
STEP 3) The force required to bring q towards Q (Fexternal) is equal and opposite to the force that Q exerts
on q (FQq). Rewrite the above equation but using FQq instead of Fexternal. Note the negative sign!
𝑟𝑟
𝑈𝑈𝑒𝑒 = − �
∞
STEP 4) This is a system of point charges so Coulomb’s Law can be used. Be careful: at any point in q’s
journey from ∞ to r, the distance between q and Q is represented by x because that’s the variable we used
initially (dx). r is reserved for the final position.
𝐹𝐹𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 =
𝑥𝑥 2
STEP 5) Substitute this into the integral so now our only variable is x. “Pull out” everything that stays
constant as q moves from ∞ to r.
𝑟𝑟
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑈𝑈𝑒𝑒 = − � 2
∞ 𝑥𝑥
STEP 6) Perform the integral.

𝑟𝑟
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝑈𝑈𝑒𝑒 = �= − =
∞
Electric Potential Energy: Extra problems solved on video 7
#10) Potential energy of point charges, example 1

A positive charge 2.00µC is held on a horizontal plane, a charge of -1.00µC is held 5.00 cmNorth
of it, and a charge of 3.00µC is held 5.00 cm West of it.
a) What is the total potential energy of the system?
b) What is the potential energy of the 3.00µC charge?
c) If the 2.00µC charge is released (let’s say the object has mass 1.00 gram), what is itsspeed
when it is far, far away from the other 2 charges?
You Tube: http://youtu.be/jnzbv0oSY78
#11) Potential energy of point charges, example 2

A small sphere carrying an unknown charge q1 is held fixed in space. A second small sphere of mass
1.00 mg, carrying charge q2 = 5.00 µC is projected toward q1. When q2 is 1.00 m from q1,its kinetic
energy is 0.500 J. When q2 is 0.500 m from q1, its kinetic energy is
0.250 J.
Does q2 stop and turn around, or does it hit q1?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/bEnmo3qPdnI
Name & Date:
Worksheet 7: Electric Potential
Electric Potential (V) is the potential energy per unit charge. In order to have electric potential energy, we
must have a charged object located within an electric field. In order to have electric potential, we just need
to have an electric _________!
V has units of Volts (V). Like energy, potential is NOT a ___________ although it can be + or –.
#1) Use the above definition to write the relationship between Ue and V:
𝑈𝑈𝑒𝑒
𝑉𝑉 =
#2) Use the above definition (and associated formula) to decide whether the potential at each position
would be positive or negative. Hint: place a positive test charge near the charge in question and decide if Ue
would be positive or negative. Then divide out the test charge and see what happens to the sign.
a. Near a single positive charge V is ____

b. Near a single negative charge V is ____
V is a property of the electric field. It does not depend on the charge(s) IN the field. It only depends on the
charge(s) ________________ the field.
#3) The spot marked with an x in the field below has an electric potential of 1000V.
a. How much potential energy would a 1.00 C charge have at x? _______________
b. How much potential energy would a 200 C charge have at x? _______________
c. How much potential energy would a -200 C charge have at x? _______________
d. Usually, where are we defining 0 potential energy to be? _______________
Electric Potential: BEGINNING LEVEL 2
#4) Which quantity depends on the charge placed in the field as well as the field rather than only the
field itself? Potential energy or potential?
#5) An electron is located in the uniform electric field shown.

a. Label the left and right sides of the field as either higher V or lower V. e-
b. Label the left and right sides of the field as either higher U or lower U.
Remember, charges accelerate towards regions of lower electrical potential energy, just
like masses always fall towards regions of lower gravitational potential energy.
#6) A positive charge is located in the uniform electric field shown.

a. Label the left and right sides of the field as either higher V or lower V. +
b. Label the left and right sides of the field as either higher U or lower U.
#7) You should find that which side has higher potential energy depends on whether the charge in the
field is – or +. However, the side with the higher potential does not depend on the charge in the
field. Does this agree with your response to Question #4?
There are 2 ways of noting a change in potential (potential difference):
∆VAB = VB – VA
VAB = VA – VB
#8) State whether the following potential differences are negative or positive (no calculations):
a. ∆VAB _______
b. ∆VAC _______
c. VAB _______
d. VBC _______
#9) Quickly derive a formula for finding the potential at a certain distance (r) from a single point
charge.
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑈𝑈
𝑈𝑈𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = AND 𝑉𝑉 = SO:
𝑟𝑟 𝑞𝑞
𝑉𝑉𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 =
#10) a. What is the electric potential 10 m away from a +4e charge? [V = +5.75x10-10 V]
b. Does the sign of your result agree with your answers to question #2?
#11) Calculate the electric potential halfway between two electrons that are separated by 32.0cm.
Remember, potential is not a vector so don’t try to draw vectors. Instead just consider the potential due to each
charge and pay attention to the signs when you add them. [V = -1.80x10-8 V]
#12) What is the electric potential halfway between a proton and an electron separated by
32.0cm. No calculations!
#13) WHITE BOARD QUESTION: Four point charges are arranged at the corners of the square
as shown, where d = 4.50cm and q = 5.00µC. Find the potential at the centre of this square (VA)
and the potential at the centre of the left side of the square (VB). [VA = 7.07x106 V, VB = 7.78 x 106 V]
B A
Electric Potential: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 5
𝐵𝐵
In any electric field E, the change in potential as you move from point A to B is ∆𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = ∫𝐴𝐴 𝐸𝐸�⃑ ∙ 𝑑𝑑l⃑, where ⃑l
is the displacement as you move from A to B.
Performing this integral can be a pain in the ________ but it’s not too bad for a uniform electric field. The
result gives:
∆VAB= −𝐸𝐸�⃑ ∙ 𝑑𝑑⃑ *where d is the displacement from A to B.
Using the definition of a dot product, we can rewrite this as:
*where θ is the angle between 𝐸𝐸�⃑ and 𝑑𝑑⃑.

∆VAB= −Εd_____
So we are using the component of the displacement that is _____________ to the electric field. To make
our lives ___________, I recommend using absolute values and using common sense to decide if the
potential difference is – or +:
|∆𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 | = |𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸|
#14) Two very long charged plates are separated by 60cm. Calculate the following change in
potentials:
a. The two plates: ∆VXY [-324V]
b. ∆VAB [-216V]
c. ∆VAC [-145V]
Plate X
Plate Y
d. VAB [+216V]
e. VBC [-69.4V]
#15) Show using the relationship ∆VAB= −Εd that the units of electric field can be V/m (until
now we’ve only expressed the units as N/C).
#16) Two oppositely charged plates create a uniform electric field of 3500V/m downward. The
plates are 5cm apart.
a. Draw two points that are at the same potential.
b. Draw 3 equipotential lines (dotted).
c. Calculate the potential difference between the two plates [175V]
d. Show areas of higher and lower potential.
#17) WHITE BOARD QUESTION

A non-uniform electric field exists such that Location A has a potential of +50V and Location B has a
potential of +250V.
a. Draw this situation showing at least 3 CURVED equipotential lines and the corresponding electric
field lines. Label the +50 and +250 equipotential lines and place A & B on the appropriate lines.
b. An electron located in this field is initially moving at 5.1x106m/s at point A. What is its change in
potential energy between A and B (∆UAB)? Assume no external forces are present. [∆U = -3.2x10-17J]
c. What is the electron’s speed at B? [9.81x106m/s] or [8.38x106m/s]

#18) An electron is accelerated from rest between two plates which have a potential difference of
85.0V, and are separated by 41.0cm.
a. Draw this situation and find the change in potential energy of the electron by the time it reaches the
other plate? [-1.36x10-17J]
b. What is the final speed of the electron? [5.46E6 m/s]
c. What is the strength of the E-field generated by the plates? [207N/C]
d. What is the magnitude of the force exerted by the E-field on the electron? [3.31E-17N]
e. What is the acceleration of the electron (magnitude only)? [3.63E13m/s2]
Electric Potential: MASTERY LEVEL 8
A cathode ray tube (CRT) has an electron gun which uses two charged plates separated by a distance of
15.0cm. If you want to accelerate the electrons up to a maximum speed of 1.20x106m/s, what voltage
must you apply across the plates? [4.10V]
#20) Is the electric field always zero if there is zero electric potential at a particular location in
space? Explain and/or give an example.
#21) Is the electric field always zero if a charge at that point experiences zero electric force at that
point in space? Explain and/or give an example.
#22) If a location in space has zero potential, what does this tell us about the potential energy?
#23) How much work is required to move a charge along an equipotential line? Explain.
#24) Sketch the field AND equipotential lines for the following situations. Also discuss where the
E-field is stronger / weaker, and mention anywhere it is uniform.
a. A single positive point charge.
b. An electric dipole.
c. Two negative charges held a few cm apart.
d. Two parallel, oppositely charged plates.
#25) Let’s derive ∆VAB = -Ed, where d is the component of the displacement from A to B that is
parallel to the electric field.
Remember, ∆UAB = UB - UA is the work done by an external force to move a charge from point A to B. We
will start our derivation with U and later divide by q to find V.
STEP 1) dU, is the tiny bit of work done by an external force (Fexternal) to move a charge q a tiny distance dx.
Write an equation showing the relationship between dU, Fexternal, and dx. Assume the displacement is in the
direction of the force, so θ = 0 and cosθ = 1.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 =
STEP 2) To find the total work, ∆UAB, we will integrate the above equation as q moves from x=A to x=B:
𝐵𝐵
∆𝑈𝑈𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = �
𝐴𝐴
STEP 3) Fexternal required to move q in the electric field is equal and opposite to the force the field exerts on
q (Ffield). Rewrite the above equation but using Ffield instead of Fexternal.
𝐵𝐵
∆𝑈𝑈𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = − �
𝐴𝐴
STEP 4) We know that Ffield =Eq, so let’s sub this into our equation and simplify:
𝐵𝐵
∆𝑈𝑈𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = − � 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐴𝐴
STEP 5) Now let’s divide out the charge in order to find ∆𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 :
𝐵𝐵 𝐵𝐵
∆𝑈𝑈𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
∆𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = = −� = −�
𝑞𝑞 𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴
STEP 5) The electric field is uniform so E is constant and can be pulled out: now do the integral as our
position (x) changes from A to B.
𝐵𝐵
∆𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = − � = −𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝐵𝐵𝐴𝐴 | = −𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 − = −𝐸𝐸(𝐵𝐵 − )=
𝐴𝐴
EXTENSION) In the first step we assumed that the displacement was parallel to the force (e.g., A and B are
aligned with the E-field. This allowed us to say cosθ=1 and ignore it. What if A and B are not aligned with
the E-field?
Electric Potential: Extra Problems solved on video 11
#26) Drawing equipotential surfaces, example 1

A positive charge 2.5Q is held on a horizontal plane and a positive charge of Q is held above (North) of it.
Sketch the equipotential surfaces around these 2 charges.
You Tube: http://youtu.be/64Pz33c8-sc
#27) Drawing equipotential surfaces, example 2

A positive charge 2Q is held on a horizontal plane and a negative charge -Q is held left of it.
Sketch the equipotential surfaces around these 2 charges.
You Tube: http://youtu.be/nQEgkZ8WyFs
Electric Potential: Extra Problems solved on video 12
#28) Electric potential and potential energy of point charges, example 1

Charge q1 (-10.0 µC) is placed at the origin and charge q2 (1.00 µC) is at (3.00; -1.00) cm.
What is the electric potential at point P (3.00; 2.00) cm ?
Compare the potential energy of a 10.0 µC charge at point P with that of a -10.0 µC charge at point P.
You Tube: http://youtu.be/TXzS1NksFhQ
#29) Electric potential and potential energy of point charges, example 2

A small object with mass 1.00 mg carries 3.125×1012 extra electrons.
When it passes point A, it is moving at 14.15 m/s, andwhen it passes point
B, it is moving at 10.0 m/s. Electric forces are the only ones acting on it.
a) Sketch electric field vectors at points A and B, andsketch an

electric field line through point C.
b) What is the potential difference between points B and A(VBA, VB-
VA)?
c) If A is at 25.0 V What is the electric potential at B?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/Af7ZCXqtqzo
Worksheet 8 : Current, Resistance, Ohm’s law
Current (I) is the rate of flow of charge, measured in Amperes (A) or C/s.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐼𝐼 =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
1) Modify this equation for finding average current (Iav) instead of the instantaneous current.
2) Calculate the average current through point P, if 432C of charge flows past P in 2.5 minutes
[Iav=2.88 A]
It can be useful to also consider the speed with which charged particles move through a wire.
Drift velocity (vd) is the very slow, relatively constant, net motion of charge carriers (which are
usually _______________) through a wire in the direction of the electric force.
3) Wait! Constant velocity? But there is an electric force so why don't electrons (or other charge
carriers) accelerate as they travel through a wire? To explore this further, use the marble
board.
• Hold it flat and place all the marbles in the open area.
• Tilt it and watch the marbles move as a group to the bottom. Focus on the group
rather than an individual marble.
a) Do they noticeably accelerate as they move through the nails (hint: NO)? Why not?
b) What is the force that makes the marbles move? What is this force analogous to when
considering electrons flowing through a wire?
c) What are the nails analogous to when considering electrons flowing through a wire? Don’t
just say “resistance,” look inside the wire: what is causing the electrons to have a more
chaotic motion than simply accelerating straight through the wire?
Worksheet 8 Part 1: Current and the flow of charge 2
4) Let’s derive a relationship for the relationship between drift velocity (vd) and current (I) in a
wire, where the wire has cross sectional area A [m2] and a concentration of charge carriers n
[#/m3] each carrying a charge of |q| [C].
To do this, we will look at only a tiny section of the wire and find how much charge passes
through it (dq) per time (dt).
Step 1: What is the volume of the tiny section of wire with length dx and area A.
dV =
Step 2: How many charge carriers (#) exist within the tiny volume of wire we are looking at?
Hint: remember that n is the # of charge carriers per volume.
#=
Step 3: Multiply this number of charge carriers by their individual charge in order to find an
equation for dq, the total charge within the volume.
dq =
Step 4: I = dq/dt, so divide the above by dt to find the relationship with current: I = …
I=
Step 5: Recognize that dx/dt is the speed of the charge carriers. In other words, the drift
velocity!
I = nA|q|vd
5) What is the drift velocity of electrons in a wire with a diameter of 1.00mm if there are
3.6x1025 electrons/m3 and the current is 0.200A? [vd = 4.42x10-2 m/s]
W8 Part 2: Resistivity and Resistance 3
Resistivity (ρ) is a measure of how strongly a material opposes the flow of current. It is
independent of the amount or shape of the material.
• Higher ρ means it is harder for current to flow in the material.
• units = Ohm-metres (Ωm)
The resistivity of a material depends on its TEMPERATURE.

∆ρ = ρo α ∆T α = temperature coefficient of resistivity [oC-1]
ρ = ρo + ∆ρ ρo = resistivity at initial temperature
1) Show how combining these above equations results in the following relationship for
resistivity as a function of temperature:
ρ(Τ) = ρo (1 + α ∆T)
2) Use this function & the table below to fill in the blanks with the term increases or decreases.
Hint, look at the sign of α for metals vs semiconductors. What would a negative α do to your ρ if ∆T was
positive (increase in temperature).
• In general, ρ of metals _____________ as temperature increases.
• In semiconductors, ρ _____________ as temperature increases.
ρ at 20o (standard temperature) α

Material
[Ωm] [oC-1]
Silver 1.59 x 10-8 6.1 x 10-3
Copper 1.724 x 10-8 4.29 x 10-3
Aluminum 2.65 x 10-8 3.8 x 10-3
Tungsten 5.65 x 10-8 4.5 x 10-3
Nickel 6.85 x 10-8 6.41 x 10-3
Iron 9.71 x 10-8 6.41 x 10-3
Platinum 10.5 x 10-8 3.93 x 10-3
Tin 11.0 x 10-8 4.2 x 10-3
Mercury 98.4 x 10-8 8.9 x 10-3
Silicon(1) 0.1-60 -70 x 10-3
Germanium(1) 1 - 500 x 10-3 -50 x 10-3
Table modified from http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/resistivity-conductivity-d_418.html
(1)
These are semiconductors: how they behave depends on the amount of impurities present.
3) What is the resistivity of copper at 30oC? [ρ=1.80x10-8 Ωm]

W8 Part 2: Resistivity and Resistance 4
The resistance R, measured in Ohms (Ω) of an object depends not only on the resistivity of the
material, but on how much of the material is present and the shape of the object.
• Is there a nice wide path for electrons to flow or are they slowed down because their path
is narrow?
• Is the path long and thus difficult to get through or short and thus easier?
4) Use the guiding questions above as well as the units involved to figure out the relationship
between the resistance (R) of a cylindrical object, its resistivity (ρ), its cross sectional area
(A), and its length (L). L
A R=
5) What is the resistance of a 45cm long piece of tungsten wire held at 15oC, if its diameter is
1.5mm? [R=0.0141 Ω]
W8 Part 3: Ohm’s Law 5
Ohm’s Law states that the current flowing through an object is proportional to the voltage
difference across that object, all else held constant (e.g., temperature & pressure). In these
situations, an object’s resistance, R, is constant.
|∆V| = IR
Ohmic resistors are materials which obey Ohm's law reasonably well (R is constant).
Non-ohmic resistors are materials which don't obey Ohm's law well (R varies with current).
Image from: http://sph3u1-0.blogspot.ca/2013/06/jun-4-class-circuits-and-kirchhoffs-laws.html
1) Which of the above components is ohmic for the entire graph shown? ________
2) If we plot voltage on the y-axis, and current on the x-axis, what does the slope of the graph
give us? Hint: Use Ohm’s law to decide. _______________________
3) In which of the above components a-d does the resistance increase with current? ________
From herein, we will assume all resistors used in our class are ohmic unless otherwise stated.
4) Calculate the resistance of a resistor if there is a 18V drop across it while the current through
it is 1.5mA. [1.2x104 Ω]
5) Now the circuit changes, and the same resistor has a 25V drop across it. What is the new
current through the resistor? [2.08 mA]
Multiple resistors are in series if the current flows sequentially through each component without
changing, that is, without encountering any junctions (places where wires join together).
Multiple resistors are in parallel if the current splits, flows through each component separately,
then rejoins without flowing through any other component. And easy way to check this is to ask:
Is there a complete loop that only contains these two components (no batteries either)? If yes,
they are probably in parallel.
6) In the circuit to the right:

a) Which two resistors are in series?
b) Which two resistors are in parallel?
The equivalent resistance Req of a circuit (or a part of a circuit) is the resistance you would need
to replace all the resistors with ONE resistor in order to maintain the same total current in that
circuit (or part of a circuit).
The equivalent resistance of multiple resistors in series is:
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 𝑅𝑅1 + 𝑅𝑅1 + 𝑅𝑅3+⋯
The equivalent resistance of multiple resistors in parallel is:
1 1 1 1
= + + +⋯
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑅𝑅1 𝑅𝑅2 𝑅𝑅3
7) a) Redraw the circuit from question 6 replacing the two resistors in series with an equivalent
resistor, and the two resistors in parallel with an equivalent resistor. You will now have a
diagram with two batteries and 4 resistors.
b) This new circuit now has two resistors in series. Redraw it, replacing these two with an
equivalent resistor
c) Now your circuit should look pretty much like this and you can’t
continue this process any further. Note that your 5.5 Ω resistor may be on
other side of the 9V battery. Why aren’t the 10 Ω and the 8.7 Ω resistors
considered to be in parallel?
d) Why aren’t the 5.5 Ω and the 8.7Ω resistors in series?
e) It is NOT possible to find the equivalent resistance of this entire circuit. However, if we
removed ONE component, it would be possible. Which component would you have to
take out?
8) Calculate the equivalent resistance of this entire circuit.

a) Show your work by redrawing circuit at least twice with equivalent resistors.
[R1234 = 198 Ω]
b) Find the total current in this circuit, showing all work. [I = 0.12 A]
W8 Part 4: Potential Difference, EMF 9
Potential Difference is the:

• change in potential as you move from A to B: ∆VAB = -VAB = VBA = VB - VA.
• change in potential energy per unit charge, as you move from A to B.
Things that USE energy have a _____________ potential difference when measured in the
direction of current: often called a voltage drop.
Things that SUPPLY energy have a _____________ potential difference, when measured in the
direction of current.
Electromotive force: EMF (ε)
• IS NOT A FORCE!
• Is the potential difference across a power supply (e.g. battery) when no current is drawn.
• In a perfect, or ideal battery, the EMF is the _____________ per charge supplied to the circuit
no matter how much current is flowing.
• In a real, or non-ideal battery, the battery itself uses some of its EMF and so not all of it gets
supplied to the rest of the circuit. We call the amount actually supplied to the circuit the
“_________________” We will discuss this later. [for a hint to fill in blank see question 2 below]
1) If a battery is connected AGAINST the flow of current, it will USE energy, not supply it.
Sketch a two battery circuit in which one the batteries is using rather than supplying
energy (i.e. current goes into + and out of –). The drawings below may help.
Battery supplying energy to circuit Battery using energy

I I
+ –
+ –
Your sketch:
2) What is the difference between the EMF of a battery and its terminal voltage?
W8 Part 5: Pop Quiz 10
Pop Quiz: True or False?
1) Select true or false to the best of your understanding
___a. When a battery no longer works, it is out of charge and must be given new charges before
it can be used again.
___b. A battery can be a source of charge in a circuit. The charge which flows through the circuit
originates in the battery.
___c. Charge becomes used up as it flows through a circuit. The amount of charge which exits a
light bulb is less than the amount which enters the light bulb.
___d. Current travels through circuits at very high speeds. This explains why the light bulb turns
on immediately after the wall switch is flipped.
___e. The local electrical utility company supplies millions and millions of electrons to our
homes every day.
2) Once finished every other module, ask your teacher for the answers to this quiz. Now go
back and for each false statement, rewrite it below in a way that would make physical sense.
Worksheet 8 Additional problems solved on YouTube 11
Current and Resistance

In the laboratory, solid copper rods are used to carry large currents. Current flows from a
sectionwith a diameter of 4.00 cm to a section with a diameter of 1.00 cm.
You measure that the potential difference across a 2.00 m segment of the bigger section of
the rod is 13.4 mV.
a) What is the potential difference across a 1.00 m segment of the smaller section of
therod?
b) Compare the speed of the electrons in the smaller and in the bigger section of the rod.
The resistivity of copper is
ρcopper = 1.69×10-9Ωm.
The number of charge carriers per unit of
volume for copper is
ncopper=8.49×1028 (e-)/m.3
You Tube: http://youtu.be/4I-QvEmOPUc

Worksheet 9. Total Resistance in Simple Circuits Date: _____________________
Resistors in series:
• The current is _________________ in series resistors because any charge that flows through one
resistor flows through the other at the same rate.
o Kirchhoff’s Junction Rule: ΣIin = ΣI out
o This rule applied to the partial circuit sketched above: I1 = ____ = ____
• The voltage drop is usually _________________ across each resistor in series, proportional to
the __________ of each resistor. The sum of the voltage drops in series ____________ the total
voltage drop across that entire part of the circuit.
o Kirchhoff’s Loop Rule: ΣVloop = Vsupplied – Vused = 0
o Applying this rule to the above partial loop: V1 + ___ + ___ = Vab
o They share Vab according to their resistances: V1 = IR1, V2 = ____, V3 = ____
o Resistors with higher R use ______ voltage.
1) a) Replace all resistors with one equivalent resistance [R1234 = 18Ω].
b) Find the total current in the circuit using this new circuit diagram: [Itotal = 1/3 A].
c) Find the current flowing through each resistor.
d) Find the voltage across each resistor [V1=2/3 V, V2=4/3 V, V3=5/3 V, V4=7/3 V].
e) Do the voltages respect Kirchhoff’s Loop rule?
2) a) When would two resistors in series (call them G and H) have the same voltage drop?
b) When would G have double the voltage drop of H?

Worksheet 9 2
Resistors in parallel:
• The potential difference across each resistor is _________________ because by the time the current
flows from A to B, each parallel branch must have experienced the same change in potential.
o Kirchhoff’s Loop Rule: ΣV = Vsupplied – Vused = _____
o This rule applied to the above partial circuit says: V1 = ____ = ____
• The current through each resistor is usually _________________. The current (I) that enters a point
must be equal to the total current leaving that point. So the current divides at junction a in the
diagram and recombines at junction b.
o Kirchhoff’s Junction Rule: ΣIin = ΣI out
o This rule applied to either junction a or b in partial circuit above: I = I1 + __________
o They share I according to their resistances: I1 = V/R1, I2 = ____, I3 = ____
o Resistors with higher R get ______ current.
3) a) Redraw, replacing all resistors with one equivalent resistor. [R123 = 18/11Ω = 1.64Ω]
b) Find the total current in the circuit. [Itotal = 11A]
c) Find the voltage drop across each resistor, remembering that the in every loop, the voltage supplied
must be completely used.
d) Find the current through each resistor. [I1=6A, I2=3A, I=2A].
e) Show that the currents respect Kirchhoff’s Junction Rule.

Worksheet 9 3
4) a) When would two parallel resistors (G & H) get the same current? ___________________________
b) When would G have triple the current of H? ____________________________________________
5) WHITE BOARD: Find the equivalent resistance of this circuit and the current through and voltage
across each resistor. [R436 = 6Ω, I4 = 3A, V4=12V, I6 = 1A, V6=6V, I3 = 2A, V3=6V]
Worksheet 9 4
6) WHITE BOARD: a) If VAB = -20V, find the voltage across and the current through each resistor
(including its direction left or right). You can ignore the ground symbol for this part. It has no effect on
potential differences, current, or equivalent resistances in a circuit like this.
[R1-6 = 10Ω, [ I1 = 2A, V1 =12V : I2 = 1A, V2 = 8V: I3 = 1A, V3 = 4V: I4 = 0.5A, V4 = 4V: I5 = 0.5A, V5 = 2V : I6 = 0.5A, V6 = 2V]
Always check to see that both

of Kirchhoff’s Laws are being
obeyed – first to help you
solve, then to check that your
solution makes physical sense
b) The ground does have an impact on the actual potential at a given point in the circuit (but not the
change in potential). If Vground = 0 (by convention), then what is VB and VA? [VA = -16 V, VB = +4 V] *check that
VAB=-20V
Worksheet 9 5
7) a) Redraw this circuit in a more organized manner and calculate the equivalent resistance if all
resistors have resistance R. [Req= 21R/13] (The double battery doesn’t matter, you can treat it as one battery)
b) Now calculate the current and voltage through each resistor, if R = 10Ω and the EMF of the ideal
battery shown is 50V. [ I1 = 3.095A, V1 =30.95V : I2 = 0.238A, V2 = 2.38V: I3 = 0.238A, V3 = 2.38V: I4 = 0.475A, V4 = 4.75V: I5
= 0.715A, V5 = 7.15V : I6 = 1.905A, V6 = 19.05V: I7 = 1.190A, V7 = 11.90V]
Worksheet 9. Total Resistance in Simple Circuits Problems solved on video Page 6
Resistors in series and in parallel

Consider the circuit below. All resistors are 20 Ω.
a) What is the equivalent resistance of
thiscircuit?
b) Find the potential difference across all
resistors, and what is the current through
theresistors
You Tube: http://youtu.be/YsvAtGHHHWI
Name & Date: ____________________________________________
Worksheet 10 Power & Internal Resistance
Power (P) is the energy used or supplied per unit time. P has units of J/s, also called Watts (W).
#1) Use the above definition to write the relationship between instantaneous power P and electrical
energy U:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑃𝑃 =
#2) Rewrite this relationship for average power:
𝑃𝑃𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 =
#3) Let’s derive an equation for Average Power that we can easily use to find the power used by a
component of a current carrying circuit:
STEP 1) We learned that ∆U = q ∆Vwhen the charge isn’t changing (electrostatics). Now that we have
moving charge (current), we should write this as: ∆U = ∆q∆V just to be safe. Sub this in:
STEP 2) We learned earlier that current (I) = ∆q/ ∆t. Use this to simplify the above relationship.
STEP 3) Drop the ∆ symbol from the ∆V, because that’s just what we do – remember though, the V here is
still a potential difference / voltage / voltage drop / change in potential.
Worksheet 10: Power and Internal Resistance. 2
#4) Let’s take this a bit further and find a few equations that can help us find the power for a resistor with
resistance R:
a) From our previous work we know: 𝑃𝑃 = 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼. Isolate I in Ohm’s Law and sub this into the above
equation and simplify to get a relationship for P that only depends on V and R.
Presistor =
b) Now isolate V in Ohm’s Law and sub this into our original P = IV. Simplify to get a relationship
for P that only depends on I and R.
Presistor =
#5) WHITEBOARD: Use the circuit to answer these questions:

a. What value would the ideal voltmeter read? [5V]
b. What power is dissipated by R2? [0.05W]
c. How much energy is supplied by the battery in 10 minutes? [60J]
#6) A 100W lightbulb is left on for 7.5 hours. How much energy does it use? [2.7x106J]
There is another unit for energy, used by energy companies. The kiloWatt-hour: kWh. 1 kWh is the
amount of energy it takes to operate a 1kW machine for 1 hour. How many joules is this?
1kWh = ______________ J
#7) If energy costs $0.12/kWh, how much does it cost to leave the 100W lightbulb on for 7.5 hours?
[$0.09]
Total Power = ΣP = P1 + P2 +... regardless if the components using or supplying power are in parallel or
series.
#8) Monika is watching TV (250W), with the overhead light on (100W). She also has her electric heater
(1000W) on because winter in Montreal is much too cold. If the fuse that runs all this equipment is
designed to carry a maximum current of 15A, is she safe or will she blow the fuse? Justify your
response.
(Assume that she gets the standard 120V from the wall socket and that the appliances are, as they
should be, in a parallel circuit.)
The brightness of a bulb depends on the energy it dissipates: higher power = ________ bulb (when
comparing identical bulbs).
#9) Energy saving bulbs use less power (lower wattage). But wait, doesn't that mean are less bright than
regular bulbs? Use the concept of energy transformation to discuss this.
#10) WHITE BOARD: Bulbs (A-D) are identical

a. Which bulb will be the brightest?
b. How will the brightnesses change if the C-D wire is
broken?
c. How will the brightnesses change if instead, D is removed
(C is still connected to rest of circuit)?
EMF and Internal Resistance
Batteries are not perfect suppliers of energy. They also use some energy, especially as they get older. We
model batteries as if they are composed of two parts: a supplier and a ___________ (resistor) of energy.
#11) How much voltage does the battery shown below provide to the rest of the circuit? How would this
change if we swapped out R1 for a 150Ω resistor? [VT-initial = 11.5V, VT-final =11.9V]
We call this voltage the Terminal Voltage (VT). It is the voltage the battery supplies to the rest of the
circuit.
#12) A battery has an EMF of 15.0V. Its terminal voltage is 14.0 V when it has 2 A of current flowing
through it.
a. Find its internal resistance [r=0.5Ω]
b. What is the equivalent resistance of the rest of the circuit (called the load resistance)? [RL=7Ω]
Batteries don't always supply energy, sometimes they use it! When current flows backwards through a
battery (into + and out of -), the battery uses its EMF instead of supplying it.
#13) WHITE BOARD: Which battery below is the supplier and which is the user? Find the current
direction and the terminal voltages of each battery. [I = 0.068A (CW), VTA = -10.068V, VTB = 14.864V]
Worksheet 10: Power and Internal Resistance. Extra problem solved on video 9
Circuits, example 1
Consider the following circuit:
a) What is the current in this circuit? What is the

power used by the resistors?
What is the power provided by or used by thebatteries ?
What is the potential difference VAC? YouTube:
http://youtu.be/CfoCqhdVpaU
Name & Date:
Worksheet 11: Kirchhoff’s Laws & Branch Analysis
Kirchhoff’s Junction Law: The current entering any point ________ the current leaving any point. This
law is based on the fundamental principle of the “conservation of __________.” It can be written in
equation form as:
ΣIin = ΣIout
We will use this circuit to explore the junction law, and later the loop law.
To apply the junction law, draw arrows showing your assumed direction for all current entering &
leaving your junction. Label each arrow with an appropriate symbol. This is done below for junction A.
Itotal
I1 I2
Here is the junction law applied to junction A in the above circuit.

ΣI = ΣI
in out
Itotal = I1 + I2
W11: Kirchhoff’s Laws and Branch Analysis: BEGINNING LEVEL 2
#1) For the circuit shown on the previous page:

a. Apply the junction law to junctions B, C, and D in the circuit shown on the previous page. Only
use the symbols I1, I2, I3, I4, and Itotal to represent the current in the various branches of the circuit.
Junction Law applied to junction A: Itotal = I1 + I2
Junction Law applied to junction B: ______________________________
Junction Law applied to junction C: ______________________________
Junction Law applied to junction D: ______________________________
b. Of the four junction laws used in this circuit, how many give us “new” information?
Kirchhoff’s Loop Law: The sum of the potential differences around any complete loop in a circuit must
equal _______. This law is based on the fundamental principle of the “conservation of __________.” It can
be written in equation form as:
ΣVloop = 0
To apply the loop law,

1. Show assumed direction of current through each component in your circuit and give it an
appropriate label (e.g., I1).
2. Label each side of every component as + or -.
• + represents the side of the component with the higher potential (in resistors, this is based on
the direction you have assumed the ____________ to be flowing).
• – represents the side of the component with the ____________ potential.
3. Draw a complete loop, showing the loop’s direction (CW or CCW).
4. Go around the loop, summing the voltage rises & ________ across each component: ΣVloop = 0
Here is the loop law applied to the loop drawn below, isolating for V1:
 ΣVloop = 0
I1 +
 +ε - V1 - V3 = 0
–  V1 = ε - V3
+
–
I3 +
–
#2) Apply the loop law to the same circuit, using the loops drawn here.
a. b.
I1 + +
I1 + I2
– –
–
I3 +
–
• Loop law: ______________________  Loop law: ______________________

• Isolate for V1: V1 = ______________  Isolate for V1: V1 = ______________
• Compare this with the equation for V1 I found  Does this result make sensed based on what
at the top of the page by going around the loop in we know about resistors in parallel? Explain.
the other direction. What do you notice and what
does this tell you about the importance of the
direction of the loop that you choose?
#3) Solve for the current through and the voltage across each resistor by
completing the following steps:
Step 1: Simplify wherever possible.

• This circuit can be reduced to 3 resistors: Do it!
Step 2: Guess the current direction through each resistor. Label each arrow appropriately.
• If you guess wrong, when you solve for this current, your answer will be ______________
which means the current actually goes in the other direction. No big deal!
Step 3: Label every side of every component as + or -.
Step 4: Draw only as many loops as needed to solve the circuit: applying the loop law to each.
• Usually it’s useful to replace each V or EMF symbol in your equation with either the known
value, or IR using appropriate notation, e.g., V6 = I6R6 = 6I6.
• Each loop should contain at least one “new” component.
o If a loop contains no new information, then it should be discarded.
o E.g., in this circuit, only 2 loops are needed. Any 3rd loop you draw will be redundant.
Step 4: Label junctions and apply the junction law to as many junctions as needed.
• Each junction should contain at least one “new” current or it should be discarded.
• E.g., in this circuit, only one of the two junctions is needed.
Step 5: Solve your system of equations (space on next page).

• If any current comes out to be negative, keep it as negative should you need to use further in
your calculations, but recognize that it is telling you important info about its direction
Space for solving the system of equations:

Answers: I10=.101A, V10=1.01V
I6=0.831A, V6=4.99V
I5=0.730A, V5=3.65V
Ir=0.730A, Vr=0.365V
When is it necessary to solve a system of equations and when can we solve resistor by resistor like we did
before (simple circuits)?
W11: Kirchhoff’s Laws and Branch Analysis: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 6
#4) WHITEBOARD: Determine the current and voltage drop across each resistor, including current
direction.
Answer: I1=1.500A, V1=12.0V
I2=2.167A, V2=13.0V
I3=0.667A, V3=2.00V
W11: Kirchhoff’s Laws and Branch Analysis: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 7
#5) Determine the unknown resistor and power supply as well as the current across the middle resistor,
including current direction, knowing the ammeter at the top left reads 0.553 A and the one at the
bottom reads -0.745 A
Answer: ε1=10.0 V
R= 4.0 Ω,
IR=0.192 A right
I5= 0.553 A right
W11: Kirchhoff’s Laws and Branch Analysis: Problems solved on video 8
#6) WHITE BOARD: Determine the current and voltage drop across each resistor, including current
direction.
Answers for this one are not provided by you can check your answers by verifying the conservation of energy using
power: The total power supplied must equal the total power used. So use your answers to figure out which batteries are
supplying and which are using, find the power of all components, and see if Psupplied = Pused.
#7) Determine the current and voltage drop across each resistor, including current direction, if
R=1.29×103 Ω and ε=239 V. Hint: this circuit can be reduced to three resistors.
Answer: I1=0.741mA, V1=9.49V

I2=96.34mA, V2=248.56V
I3=59.29mA, V3=229.44V
I4=44.47mA, V4=229.44V
Multi-loop circuit
Consider the circuit below. Find all the currents in the circuit.
YouTube: http://youtu.be/0vwe1XLZsCo
Multi-loop circuit and power in an electric circuit The

following circuit contains a battery with an emf of 25 V that delivers 25
W of power. The battery delivers an unknown amount of current that is
less than 2.0 A.
How much power does the unknown battery deliver or use?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/YWAuoy_qleU
Capacitors: BEGINNING LEVEL 1
Worksheet 12: Introduction to Capacitors
Capacitor: Two conductors (usually metal plates) separated by a dielectric.
Dielectric: An insulating material (e.g., air, glass, polystyrene) that polarizes in the presence of an electric
field. Stronger dielectrics polarize more than weaker dielectrics.
Q: the charge of the capacitor [Coulombs]. It is equal to the absolute value of

the net charge of each plate (they are equal and opposite to each other).
A: Surface area of each plate [m2].
d: width of gap between plates [m].
#1) Complete the description of what happens when we hook up an uncharged capacitor to a battery:
I. Current starts to flow and a net charge ___________ on each plate (builds up / goes
away).
• The plate connected to the – terminal of the battery accumulates ___ (+/–)
charge because e- get stuck there. Mark this on the diagram.
• The plate connected to the + terminal of the battery accumulates ___ (+/–)
charge because e- have left and none can cross the gap to take their place.
Mark this on the diagram.
• Before any charge builds up on the plates, the initial current is only
limited by the ____________ (resistance / current) of the rest of the circuit.
In the circuit drawn above, there is no resistor, so the only thing(s)
slowing the initial current down is the ______ (battery / wires / multimeter).
II. As the plates become charged, the current __________________ (slows down / speeds up):
• because the net electric force on the charges in the circuit is reduced as the electric field created by
the capacitor’s charged plates starts to ________________ (increase / cancel out) the electric field
generated by the battery.
III. Eventually the plates are fully charged, meaning the battery is not ___________ enough to push any
more charge on to the plate. Now the charges in the circuit experience __________ (very little / infinite / zero)
net electric force. At this point, the current is __________ (very slow / very fast / zero).
#2) If the battery on the previous page is 12V as shown, what is the maximum potential difference that
can exist across the capacitor? Hint: Apply the loop rule.
#3) The capacitor only reaches its maximum voltage when it is fully charged by the battery. When it is
still in the process of charging (when current is still flowing), it has less than 12 volts across the
plates. But we can’t ignore the Loop Law, energy is still conserved! Where does the rest of the 12
volts supplied get used?
#4) If the capacitor requires 1000C to create a potential difference of 1 Volt across its plates, how much
charge exists on each plate when it is fully charged by the 12V battery?
#5) A certain capacitor has no initial charge. When it is connected into the circuit shown below it starts
to charge up. Describe what will happen to the lightbulb in this circuit while the capacitor is
charging, if the lightbulb can safely handle up to 20V, and requires at least 1.5 V to stay lit.
Capacitance (C): The ability of a capacitor to store energy. Can be expressed as the ratio of a capacitor’s
charge to the voltage across its plates. Measured in Coulombs/Volt, or Farads [F].
𝐶𝐶 =
𝑉𝑉
A higher capacitance means the capacitor can store ________ charge per volt so it can store _______
ENERGY than a weaker capacitor with the same voltage difference.
#6) What is the capacitance of the capacitor described in Question #4?
#7) What is the capacitance of a two plate capacitor if the total charge on each plate is +/-20C and the
voltage measured across the plates is 10V? [2 F]
Similar to resistance, capacitance is a geometric property of the capacitor (has to do with how it is
constructed). It depends on the:
• A: surface area of each plate [m2]
• d: distance between the plates [m]
• κ: strength of the dielectric between the plates [unitless]
𝜅𝜅𝜀𝜀𝑜𝑜 𝐴𝐴
𝐶𝐶 =
𝑑𝑑
∗εo represents the permittivity of free space = 8.85x10-12 F/m.
#8) WHITE BOARD: A capacitor is constructed by placing polystyrene (κ=2.5) between two parallel
conducting plates with an area of 13 cm2. It will be hooked up to a 300 V power source.
a. How thick should the polystyrene be so that the capacitance is 3.4 nF? [8.5 µm]
b. If the capacitor could support any electric field, what strength of electric field would this situation
generate between its plates? [3.5x107V/m]
c. If polystyrene stops being an insulator when exposed to electric fields >19.7 MV/m, what will
actually happen in this situation? ( M = mega = 1x106)
d. What is the minimum voltage needed to cause dielectric breakdown (when the dielectric starts to
conduct, causing current to flow across the gap)? [Vmax=167V]
Every dielectric has a maximum electric field it can withstand beyond which it starts conducting electricity.
When this happens, it is called ____________ ____________.
An example of this is lightning. When the charge build-up between the air and the ground gets too high, the
electric field exceeds the maximum the air can support, and electrons flow from the cloud to the ground.
Image from: http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/211_fall2010.web.dir/Levi_Cowan/images/cloud_charge.jpg
#9) Play with the equipment provided. Turn the handle to charge up the two metal balls and observe what
happens as you continue to turn the handle. Describe and explain what you observe:
W12 Capacitors: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 5
Equivalent capacitance (Ceq) is the capacitance of one capacitor that could replace all capacitors.
𝑄𝑄𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 =
𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡
Capacitors in series have the same ____________ because the current in series is the same everywhere,
and it is the current that “dumps” the ____________ on the capacitors.
1 1 1 *
In series:
𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒
= 𝐶𝐶1
+ 𝐶𝐶2
+⋯
Capacitors in parallel have the same ____________ because of Kirchhoff’s Loop Rule.
*
In parallel: 𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 𝐶𝐶1 + 𝐶𝐶2 + ⋯
* You will derive these equivalent capacitance equations later on.

#10) WHITE BOARD: For the circuit shown here:

a. Calculate the equivalent capacitance. [10 µF]
b. If VBA = 20.0V, find the charge on, and voltage across, each
capacitor and label the + and - side of each one.
[Q1 =200 µC Q2 = 80 µC Q3 = 80 µC Q4 = 120 µC
V1 = 10.0 V V2 = 6.67 V V3 = 3.33 V V4 = 10.0 V]
The potential energy stored in a capacitor is:
1
𝑈𝑈 = 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄
2
See: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/capeng2.html for a neat derivation of this.
#11) Use the definition of capacitance (C = Q/V) to rewrite this relationship so energy only depends on C
& V, and then again with C & Q.
𝑈𝑈 = 𝑈𝑈 =
#12) WHITE BOARD: Calculate the total energy stored in the capacitors shown below if V = 12.0 V,
C1 = 6.00 mF, & C2 = 4.20 mF. [0.734J]
#13) A capacitor is connected to an ideal battery and nothing else. By what factor does the stored energy
change if:
a. we double the capacitance, leaving all else the same?
b. instead we triple the voltage of the battery?
c. instead we halve the distance between the plates of the capacitor?
d. instead we add a dielectric that is 7 times as strong as the original?
e. instead we carefully disconnect the original, fully charged capacitor from the battery (so now the
charge on it is trapped) and double the surface area of its plates?
When a capacitor remains connected to a specific power source (e.g., a 12 V battery), its __________
remains constant. If changes are made to its physical structure, its ___________ will change, which in turn
changes the amount of stored energy.
When a capacitor is disconnected from its power source and anything else, its __________ remains
constant. If changes are made to its physical structure, its ___________ will change, which in turn changes
the amount of stored ___________.
#14) When the energy in a capacitor connected to a battery increases, where does the energy come from?
#15) When the energy stored in a capacitor that is not connected to anything increases because of changes
to its physical structure where does the energy come from?
W12 Capacitors: MASTERY LEVEL 9
#16) WHITE BOARD: A parallel plate capacitor has a potential difference of 10V.
a. Draw the two plates, label them +/-.
b. Draw the electric field between the plates.

c. If the + plate has a potential of 18V, what is the potential of the - plate?
d. Draw a circuit with two capacitors, a battery and a ground such that one of the capacitors meets the
above description. Remember, the ground sets that point in the circuit to be at 0 V.
#17) WHITE BOARD: The capacitors in this two battery circuit are initially uncharged. Use Kirchhoff's
Rules to find the charge on each plate after they are fully charged.
Remember to guess the direction of the (initial) current and label each side of each component as +/-
before writing any equations. [Q1 = Q2 =40µC, Q3 = 160µC, Q45 = 200µC, Q4 = 160µC, Q5 = 40µC]
#18) For the circuit shown here:

a. Calculate the equivalent capacitance. [1.51µF]
b. If ∆VAB = 12.0V, find the charge on, and voltage
across, each capacitor and label the + and - side of
each one.
[Q5 = 18.1µC Q3 = 18.1µC Q4 = 9.20µC Q24 = 8.92µC Q11 = 8.92µC Q8 = 8.92µC

V5 = 3.62V V3 = 6.03V V4 = 2.30V V24 = 0.37V V11 = 0.81V V8 = 1.12V]
#19) As mentioned earlier, the ability of a capacitor to store energy, its _________________, depends on the
surface area of its plates, the distance between the plates, and the strength of its dielectric. Let’s explore
why and how these three aspects of the capacitor’s construction change its capacitance.
Complete these three physical explanations, using only the five words provided below. You will use
some words more than once.
Increases
Increasing
Decreases
Cancel out
More
a. Increasing the area of the plates ____________ the repulsive forces between like charges on each
plate thus ____________ the amount of charge that can be stored on each plate per volt, which
____________ the capacitance.
b. Decreasing the distance between the plates ____________ the attractive forces between the
oppositely charge plates. This helps ____________ some of the repulsive force between like charges
on each plate which means ________ charge can be stored on each plate per volt which
c. Adding a stronger dielectric between the plates ____________ the electric field between the plates.
This ____________ the voltage across the capacitor for a given amount of charge (V=Ed), which
#20) Look at the relationship you were given earlier: C = κεoA/d. Briefly explain why C is directly
proportional to κ & A and inversely proportional to d.
#21) Notice that although the battery supplies a total energy U=QV, the capacitor only stores a total energy
of U = ½ QV. Where did the other half of the battery's energy go? Hint: Consider your response to
Question #3.
#22) An air-filled capacitor with d=4.2 mm, A = 8.3 cm2, is fully charged to a potential difference of 6000 V.
With the battery still connected, two dielectric slabs are inserted as shown, with κ1=12.0 (silicon) and
κ2 = 16.0 (germanium). Calculate the external work needed to insert the slabs. [4.0x10-4 J]
Approach:
• How much energy was stored in the original capacitor (air only)?
• Treat the filled capacitor like two capacitors in series, each with separation
distance = d/2. What is its new capacitance?
• Find the energy of the filled capacitor and compare to the original to see
how much extra energy must have been added.
#23) An air-filled capacitor with d = 2.9x10-4 m and an area of A = 1.5 cm2 is disconnected from its circuit
while holding 300 nC of charge. Next, a combined dielectric is inserted as shown below, where κ1 =
4.8, κ2 = 5.7, and κ3 = 2.3. What is the new total capacitance as well as the change in stored energy?
[C=1.85x10-11 F, ∆U = -7.4 mJ so the stored energy has decreased which makes sense... why and where did it go?]
#24) Two capacitors, C1 = 4.5mF, C2=3.1mF, are connected in a simple series circuit with a 16V battery.
a. Calculate the charge and voltage of each capacitor. [Q1=Q2 =2.94x10-2C, V1=6.53V, V2=9.48V]
b. After they are fully charged in the above circuit, the battery is removed but the circuit remains
complete (i.e. the + plate of one is connected to the - plate of the other: this is referred to as being
in ___________. Calculate the final charge and voltage on each capacitor.
c. Now they are recharged by the 16 V battery then carefully disconnected from each other and the
battery. They are reconnected to each other, but this time with the + of one plate connected to the +
of the other: this is referred to as being in ___________. Calculate the final charge and voltage for
each capacitor. [V1=V2 =7.73 V, Q1=3.48x10-2 C, Q2=2.40x10-2 C]
#25) Let’s derive the relationship for the equivalent capacitance of multiple capacitors in series.
Step 1) Let’s apply the Loop Law to the circuit on the left:
V – V1 – _____ =
Step 2) V is the total voltage across the battery. Since Ceq = Qtotal/Vtotal, we can replace V with Qtotal/Ceq.
− 𝑉𝑉1 − 𝑉𝑉2 = 0
Step 3) We can replace V1 and V2 by rearranging the definition of capacitance: C1 = Q1/V1…
𝑄𝑄𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑄𝑄1
− − =0
Step 4) We know that capacitors in series must have the same charge, so instead of writing Qtotal, Q1 and Q2,
we can just write Q.
𝑄𝑄
− − =0
Step 5) Rearrange to put in the form 1/Ceq = … and simplify.
1
= +
#26) Let’s derive the relationship for the equivalent capacitance of multiple capacitors in parallel.
Step 1) Let’s apply the Junction Law to the circuit on the left. The assumed current directions and signs are
shown here:
Itotal =
Step 2) Current is the rate of the flow of charge, and the Junction Law is simply conservation of charge. So
instead of doing Itotal = I1 + I2, we can say
Qtotal = ____ + _____
Step 3) Since Ceq = Qtotal/Vtotal, we can replace Qtotal with:
____________ = Q1 + Q2
Step 4) We can replace Q1 and Q2 with the definition of capacitance: C1 = Q1/V1…
CeqVtotal = ________ + ________
Step 5) We know that capacitors in parallel must have the same voltage, so instead of using Vtotal, V1, and V2,
we can just write V.
CeqV = ____ + ____
Step 6) Rearrange to put in the form Ceq = … and simplify.

W12 Capacitors: Problems solved on video 18
Capacitors
The plates of an air-filled parallel plate capacitor are 1.00 cm apart.
a) How big would the plates have to be for the capacitor to have a capacitance of 1.00 µF?
b) Dielectric breakdown in air occurs when the electric field is greater than
3.00 MV/m. What is the maximum charge that can be placed on the 1.00 µF capacitor?
c) How big would the capacitor have to be if we put a slab of ceramic between the plates?(κ = 173
– a very high value)
d) Do you think that the ceramic-filled capacitor can carry as much charge as the air-filledcapacitor?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/q8qDg8kDS3Y
Capacitors in series and in parallel

Consider the following arrangement of capacitors.
a) Find the total capacitance of the circuit.
b) Find the charge on each capacitor as well as the
potential difference acrosseach capacitor
YouTube: http://youtu.be/CfloCOQ2_1U
Reconnected capacitors
A 5.00 µF capacitor is charged to 10.0 V, and a 10.0 µF capacitor is charged 5.00 V.
a) How much energy is lost or gained when the capacitors are reconnected positive plate topositive
plate?
b) How much energy is lost or gained when the capacitors are reconnected positive plate tonegative
plate?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/3iH5vs-2rN0
W13: Charging and Discharging Capacitors: BEGINNING LEVEL 1
Worksheet 13: Charging and Discharging Capacitors
Up until now, we've talked about capacitors as if they have a constant Q and V. However, when the
capacitors are in the process of charging or ________________, Q and V are changing. Today we will
explore these changes.
#1) An uncharged capacitor & resistor are connected to an ideal battery with emf (ε). The switch is open.
a. What is the current in the above circuit? _______
b. What is the voltage across the capacitor? _______
c. What is the voltage across the resistor? _______
d. What is the charge on the capacitor? _______
CHARGING CAPACITORS
#2) The switch is flipped to A. Current flows immediately.

a. What is the initial charge on the capacitor? Qo =_____
b. What is the initial current in the above circuit? Io =_____
c. What is the initial voltage across the capacitor? VCo =_____
d. What is the initial voltage across the resistor? VRo =_____
#3) State whether each of the following increases, decreases, or remains constant as the capacitor charges:
a. EMF of the battery (ε) __________________
b. charge on the capacitor (Q) __________________
c. current in the circuit (I) __________________
d. voltage across the capacitor (VC) __________________
e. voltage across the resistor (VR) __________________
#4) Once the capacitor is fully charged:

f. what is the final charge on the capacitor? Q =_____
g. what is the final current in the above circuit? I =_____
h. what is the final voltage across the capacitor? VC =_____
i. what is the final voltage across the resistor? VR =_____
DISCHARGING CAPACITORS
W13: Charging and Discharging Capacitors: BEGINNING LEVEL 2
#5) The capacitor is fully charged now, so the switch is flipped to B and current flows again. Now the
capacitor is acting as the power supply for the rest of this circuit.
a. What is the initial charge on the capacitor? Qo =_____
b. What is the initial current in the above circuit? Io =_____
c. What is the initial voltage across the capacitor? VCo =_____
d. What is the initial voltage across the resistor? VRo =_____
#6) State whether each of the following increases, decreases, or is constant as the capacitor discharges:
a. EMF of the battery (ε) __________________
b. charge on the capacitor (Q) __________________
c. current in the circuit (I) __________________
d. voltage across the capacitor (VC) __________________
e. voltage across the resistor (VR) __________________
#7) Once the capacitor is fully discharged:

a. what is the final charge on the capacitor? Q =_____
b. what is the final current in the above circuit? I =_____
c. what is the final voltage across the capacitor? VC =_____
d. what is the final voltage across the resistor? VR =_____
#8) SUMMARY: When a capacitor is charging or discharging in a circuit, which of the following
increase and which decrease with time?
CHARGING DISCHARGING
I
VC
VR
W13: Charging & Discharging Capacitors: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 3
Capacitors do not charge and discharge linearly with time. Because the current ________________ (speeds
up / slows down) over time, the rate at which capacitors charge/discharge also ________________ (speeds up /
slows down) with time. So I, V and q increase or decrease (depending on the situation) less and less over
time. This can be represented with an increasing or ________________ exponential function that
asymptotically approaches the max value or _______ with time.
−𝑡𝑡
Increasing function: 𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑋𝑋𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (1 − 𝑒𝑒 𝜏𝜏 )
• τ = RC = the time constant (discussed later)

• R is the equivalent resistance of the circuit in which the
capacitor is charging.
• C is the capacitance of the charging capacitor.
−𝑡𝑡
Decreasing function: 𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑋𝑋𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑒𝑒 𝜏𝜏
#9) In the above generic functions, the variable x(t) equals what proportion of its maximum value when
time = τ?
Increasing function: x(τ) = ________Xmax
Decreasing function: x(τ) = ________Xmax

#10) For each of I, q, VR, and VC, a) write as a function of time for any charging/discharging capacitor; b)
write its maximum value if the charging/discharging circuit is set up as shown below, and c) sketch
the graph and label the max and min value for each. The first is done for you:
CHARGING DISCHARGING
Function Graph Function Graph.
I
−𝑡𝑡 I
𝐼𝐼(𝑡𝑡) = 𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑒𝑒 𝜏𝜏 Imax
In circuit shown above:

Imax = ε/R
0 t
t
q q
t t
VC
VC
t
t
VR VR
t t
#11) An initially uncharged 200µF capacitor connected to a 70Ω resistor is charged with a 9V battery.
a. What is its charge when t = 1.4x10-3s? [1.7x10-4C]
b. How long does it take to reach 85% of its maximum voltage? [0.027s]
c. What percentage of maximum charge and maximum voltage does it have when t = RC? [63%]
d. What percentage of the initial current is flowing when t = RC? [37%]
e. How could we alter R or C so that it charges faster? Slower?
Time Constant (τ): τ = RC. This is the time it takes for the charge & voltage to reach _____% of their
maximum value when an uncharged capacitor charges. It is also the time for current to reach _____% of its
maximum value.
#12) Increasing the time constant has the effect of ___________________ (increases/decreasing) the time it
takes to fully charge or discharge. Does this agree with your response to #11e above?
#13) A 5mF capacitor with V = 10V is connected to a 30Ω resistor and discharged.
a. What is its charge when t = 0.9s? [1.24x10-4C]
b. What is the current when Vcapacitor = 2V? [t = 0.24s, I = 0.067A]
c. What is the voltage across the resistor when Vcapacitor = 2V?
d. What percentage of maximum charge and maximum voltage does it have when t = RC? [36.79%]
e. What percentage of the initial current is flowing when t = RC? [36.79%]
W13 Charging & Discharging Capacitors: MASTERY LEVEL 7
• When a capacitor begins charging, it does not impede the flow of current through its branch. You can
treat it just like a ____________ (strong resistor / wire / battery) at that instant.
• When a capacitor is fully charged, it __________ (stops / increases / slows) the flow of current through its
branch. You can treat it like a break in the circuit at that location.
#14) Find the total current in this circuit, as well as the current in each branch:
a. at the instant the capacitor begins to charge. [Itot = 6A, I1 = 6A, I2 = 0A]
b. when the capacitor is fully charged. [Itot = 2A, I1 = 0A, I2 = 2A]
4Ω
I2
C I1
2Ω
Itotal
12 V
#15) Find the total current in this circuit, as well as the current in each branch:
a. the instant the 5.00 µF capacitor begins to charge. [Itot = 3A, I1 = 1.5A, I2 = 1.5A]
b. when the 5.00 µF capacitor is fully charged. [Itot = 2A, I1 = 0A, I2 = 2A]
4Ω I2
4Ω
I1 C
2Ω
Itotal
12 V
#16) After the 5.00 µF capacitor in the previous circuit is fully charged, we disconnect the branch containing
the battery and the 2.00 Ω resistor.
a. What is the initial voltage across the capacitor? [8.00 V]
b. What is the initial current in this circuit? [1.00 A]
c. What is the time constant for this circuit? [4x10-5 s]
d. How long does it take for the capacitor to reach 37% of its maximum charge? [4x10-5 s]
e. How long does it take for the capacitor to reach 50% of its maximum charge? [2.8x10-5 s]
#17) Uncharged capacitor C1 begins charging at t=0. V1=10V, R1=R2=20Ω. Find the current and voltage
through each resistor and the charge of the capacitor at:
a. the instant it begins charging
b. after a long time
c. at t = τ
Answers VC1 VR1 VR2 IC1 IR1 IR2
t=0 0V 0V 10V 0.5A 0A 0.5A
τ=τ 3.15V 3.15V 6.85V 0.185A 0.158A 0.343A

t = long
5V 5V 5V 0A 0.25A 0.25A
time
#18) An uncharged 1.00 µF capacitor begins charging at t=0, in the circuit shown below. Find the current
and voltage through each resistor and the charge of the capacitor at:
a. What is the current in the capacitor’s branch the instant
it starts charging? [2.5 A to the right]
b. What is the final charge on the capacitor? [6.00x10-6 C]
c. Once the capacitor is fully charged, the battery is
disconnected. How long will it take until the capacitor’s
charge decreases to 1/10 of its maximum value? [8.28 µs]
W13 Charging & Discharging Capacitors: Problems with video solutions 12
Capacitors in circuits
The following circuit diagram is a simplified version of the flash circuit inside a disposable camera.
The user charges the capacitor by pressing on a button (switch 1), and when the usersnaps a picture, the
shutter presses switch 2 which allows the capacitor to discharge quickly through the flash bulb.
a) What is the time constant of the circuit when the capacitor is charging?
b) What is the potential difference across the capacitor after one time constant?
c) The flash bulb requires an initial potential difference of 350V in order to ‘flash’. Howmuch
time does it take to accumulate this potential difference across the capacitor?
d) What is the time constant of the circuit when the capacitor is discharging?
e) What is the potential difference across the flash bulb after one time constant?
f) How long does it take for the potential difference across the capacitor to drop to 10.0V?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/9fRIW6ZN6n0
RC Circuit
Consider the following circuit (the capacitor is initially
uncharged):
- What is the initial current through the circuit?
- After a long, long time what is the current through thecircuit?
- What is the maximum potential difference across thecapacitor?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/C1zmDdPvzcM
Cross Product: BEGINNING LEVEL 1
Worksheet 14: Cross Product
The cross product is the vector multiplication of two vectors:
𝑎𝑎⃑ × ��⃑
𝑏𝑏 = 𝑐𝑐⃑
• 𝑏𝑏 produces a vector that is _________________ to 𝑎𝑎⃑ & 𝑏𝑏�⃑.

The cross product of two vectors 𝑎𝑎⃑ × ��⃑
• The magnitude of 𝑎𝑎⃑ × ��⃑

𝑏𝑏 equals the area of the _________________ with sides of length a and b,
where θ is the angle between 𝑎𝑎⃑ and 𝑏𝑏�⃑.
What is the area of a parallelogram with sides a and b and acute angle θ? Write your answer in the
box below.
�𝑎𝑎⃑ × ��⃑
𝑏𝑏� =
Calculate the magnitude of the following cross products using the equation in the box above:
a. �5𝚤𝚤̂ × 6𝑘𝑘� � = �]
[hint: what is the angle between 𝚤𝚤̂ & 𝑘𝑘
b. |−6𝚥𝚥̂ × 5𝚤𝚤̂| =
�⃑ are both located in the x-y plane. If 𝐶𝐶⃑ = 45N at 25o, and 𝐷𝐷
Vectors 𝐶𝐶⃑ and 𝐷𝐷 �⃑ = 75m at 150o, find:
�⃑ � =
a. �𝐶𝐶⃑ × 𝐷𝐷 [Answer: 2765 N-m]
�⃑ × 𝐶𝐶⃑ � =
b. �𝐷𝐷
Cross Product: BEGINNING LEVEL 2
Question: Now we can find the magnitude of 𝑎𝑎⃑ × 𝑏𝑏�⃑ = 𝑐𝑐⃑ but how do we find the ______________?
Answer: The Right Hand Rule. Curl your fingers from 𝑎𝑎⃑ to 𝑏𝑏�⃑ and your __________ will point in the
direction of 𝒄𝒄
�⃑.
Find the direction of �⃑,

𝒄𝒄 where 𝒄𝒄
�⃑ = 𝒂𝒂 �⃑ for each diagram below, recognizing that 𝑎𝑎⃑ & 𝑏𝑏�⃑ are both in
�⃑ × 𝒃𝒃
the x-y plane and the –z & +z directions are into & out of the page:
Find the direction AND magnitude for each of these cross products.
a. 5𝚤𝚤̂ × 6𝑘𝑘� = [Answer: -30𝚥𝚥̂]
b. −6𝚥𝚥̂ × 5𝚤𝚤̂ = �]
[Answer: +30𝑘𝑘
�⃑ are both located in the x-y plane. If 𝐶𝐶⃑= 45N at 25o, and 𝐷𝐷
Vectors 𝐶𝐶⃑ and 𝐷𝐷 �⃑= 75m at 150o, calculate:
�⃑ =
a. 𝐶𝐶⃑ × 𝐷𝐷 � 𝑁𝑁
[Answer: +2765𝑘𝑘 ∙ 𝑚𝑚]
�⃑ × 𝐶𝐶⃑ =
b. 𝐷𝐷 � 𝑁𝑁
[Answer: -2765𝑘𝑘 ∙ 𝑚𝑚]
W14 Cross Product: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 3
Another way of calculating the cross product is to use a matrix. This method gives you the magnitude AND
______________. It is easiest to use if vectors are in _________________ form as shown here:
�,
�𝒂𝒂⃑ = 𝒂𝒂𝒙𝒙 𝒊𝒊̂ + 𝒂𝒂𝒚𝒚 𝒋𝒋̂ + 𝒂𝒂𝒛𝒛 𝒌𝒌 �⃑ = 𝒃𝒃𝒙𝒙 𝒊𝒊̂ + 𝒃𝒃𝒚𝒚 𝒋𝒋̂ + 𝒃𝒃𝒛𝒛 𝒌𝒌
𝒃𝒃 �
�⃑ × ��⃑
Matrix Method for finding 𝒂𝒂 �⃑:
𝒃𝒃 = 𝒄𝒄
Step 1: Put 𝑎𝑎⃑ & 𝑏𝑏�⃑ in matrix with an extra 𝚤𝚤̂ column on the right. Put 𝑎𝑎⃑ in first row, 𝑏𝑏�⃑ in second.
Step 2: Make an X between 𝚤𝚤̂ & 𝚥𝚥̂ columns to get your z-component: cz = axby – aybx.
Memory aid: when you draw your X, your

first stroke \ produces the + term, the
second stroke / produces the – term.
Step 3: Make an X between 𝚥𝚥̂ & 𝑘𝑘� columns to get your x-component: cx = aybz – azby.
Step 4: Make an X between 𝑘𝑘� & 𝚤𝚤̂ components to get your y-component: cy = azbx – axbz.
Step 5: Write out your vector in full. It looks long but when you are working with numbers, it’s not bad.
• 𝐶𝐶⃑ = (cx, cy, cz)
• 𝐶𝐶⃑ = (aybz – azby, azbx – axbz, axby – aybx)

Use the matrix method to find vector 𝐹𝐹⃑ in each of the three situations below.
a. 𝐹𝐹⃑ = �−3𝚤𝚤̂ + 4𝚥𝚥̂ − 5𝑘𝑘� � × �2𝚤𝚤̂ + 𝚥𝚥̂ + 4𝑘𝑘� � [Answer: (21, 2, -11)]
b. 𝐹𝐹⃑ = 2𝚤𝚤̂ × �4𝑘𝑘� − 2𝚤𝚤̂� [Answer: -8𝚥𝚥̂]
c. 𝐹𝐹⃑ = 2𝚤𝚤̂ × 4𝚤𝚤̂ [Answer: 0]

What can you say about the relative directions of two vectors if their cross product equals 0?
What can you say about the relative directions of two vectors 𝑎𝑎⃑ & 𝑏𝑏�⃑ if their cross product is a
maximum (i.e., �𝑎𝑎⃑ × 𝑏𝑏�⃑� = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎)
Question: How can we draw vectors that are in the third dimension while keeping our x-y axes aligned with
our page (i.e., keeping x as horizontal and y as vertical).
Answer: Use arrow notation.
If you see the tail of the arrow, represented by an If you see the head of the arrow, represented by a
X

it means the vector is going into the page.
it means the vector is coming out of the page.
This is –z, or –𝑘𝑘� direction if our page is the x-y plane.
This is +z, or +𝑘𝑘� direction if our page is the x-y plane.
In what direction are these uniform electric fields pointing?

W14 Intro to Magnetism: BEGINNING LEVEL 6
Intro to Magnetism
Magnetic Force: an extra force that acts between moving charges. Moving charges exert force on each
other. We call this the ______________ force.
But magnets don't have to be moving to work, so what's going on?

• Every electron spins in a particular direction. This movement creates a magnetic field.
• In most atoms, electrons are paired with oppositely spinning electrons so their magnetic fields
____________________ [increase, cancel out, hold hands]. However, in ____________________
[ferromagnetic, gaseous] elements (iron, cobalt, nickel), the atoms have unpaired electrons with the
same spin, thus, each atom has a tiny _________________ [electric field, magnetic field].
• Groups of nearby atoms tend to have magnetic fields in the ________ [same, opposite] direction,
producing a noticeable magnetic field. These regions of aligned fields are called a magnetic
_____________ [party, domain, fiefdom].
Domains within a ferromagnetic material.1
• Normally, the magnetic domains are randomly oriented and so they __________ [add up, cancel out],
as shown in the above diagram. However, when ______________________ [ferromagnetic, gaseous]
materials are placed in an external magnetic field, the domains align, creating a much __________
[smaller, larger] magnetic field.
Domains within a ferromagnetic material

after exposure to an upwards external
magnetic field.1
•This explains why magnets are always _________ [dipolar, tripolar, monopolar]. We label the two
poles the _________ pole and the _________ pole.
North Pole
South Pole
W14 Intro to Magnetism: BEGINNING LEVEL 7
Alter the sentence below to define magnetic field by replacing one word and adding two more.
Original: An electric field is the disturbance in the space surrounding a charge that communicates the
electric force to other charges.
New: A magnetic field is the disturbance in the space surrounding a
Magnetic fields lines never cross. By convention, outside a magnet, the field lines travel from North to
South. In other words, they:
• exit North Poles
• enter South Poles
Unlike electric field lines, inside a magnet, the field lines go the opposite way so they make a complete
loop. This means inside the magnet the field lines point from the _________ pole to _________ pole.
As a group, use the iron filings to help you draw a picture of the magnetic field of a bar magnet. If
there’s not enough time, just draw it using what you already know or Google.
a) Place piece of paper over the magnet and sprinkle iron filings on the paper – do NOT let
them touch the actual magnet.
b) Gently tap the paper to get the filings to move into place.
c) Draw the field lines on the diagram below, including arrows to show direction.
d) Very carefully pour the filings back into the tube and clean up.
W15 Magnetic Force on Moving Charge: BEGINNING LEVEL 1
Worksheet 15: Magnetic Force on a Single Moving Charge
A charge (q) moving with velocity (𝒗𝒗 ��⃑), experiences a magnetic force that is always
�⃑) in a magnetic field (𝑩𝑩
____________________ to both 𝒗𝒗 �⃑ and ��⃑
𝑩𝑩.
�𝑭𝑭⃑𝐵𝐵 = 𝑞𝑞𝒗𝒗 ��⃑

�⃑ × 𝑩𝑩
��⃑.
To find magnitude of force: FB = _________________where θ is the angle between �𝒗𝒗⃑ and 𝑩𝑩
To find direction of force: Use the RHR or the _______________________.
Five things �𝑭𝑭⃑𝐵𝐵 = 𝑞𝑞𝒗𝒗 ��⃑ tells us are:

�⃑ × 𝑩𝑩
a. A charge that is not moving will feel _________ magnetic force.
b. A charge moving _______________ to the magnetic field will feel NO magnetic force.
c. The magnetic force on any moving charge is always _______________ to both 𝒗𝒗 ��⃑.
�⃑ and 𝑩𝑩
d. When a charge is moving ______________ to B, the magnitude of the magnetic force is F = |q|vB.
��⃑.
e. The magnetic force on a negative charge is always in the _______________ direction to �𝒗𝒗⃑ × 𝑩𝑩
An electron has velocity (1.25î - 1.25ĵ) m/s. Suddenly, we turn on a uniform magnetic field
of -2.4𝑘𝑘� mT. What force does the electron now experience? [(-4.8x10-22 î - 4.8x10-22ĵ )N]
Because 𝑭𝑭 �⃑B is perpendicular to a charge’s velocity, then 𝑭𝑭

�⃑B does NO _________ since no part of the force
is // to direction of motion. Therefore, �𝑭𝑭⃑B can only change the direction of a charge’s motion, not its
__________.
A proton with a velocity 6.00x105 m/s to the right, enters a uniform magnetic field B=3.00mT
directed out of the page.
a. What force does it feel when it enters the field? [-2.88x10-16 ĵ N]
b. What can we always say about the direction of the force relative to the direction of motion (𝒗𝒗
�⃑)?
• The force is always ___________________ to the velocity.
c. Given your answer to b) and the info in the box at the top of this page, what type of motion does
the charge experience while it is in the uniform B-field? Think back to Mechanics!!!!!
• It moves with _____________________ ___________________ motion
d. What shape of path does the proton follow?

• It moves in a __________________ path.
e. What would change if the charge was an electron?

So we have now learned that a charge moving with velocity �𝒗𝒗⃑ that is perpendicular to ��⃑
𝑩𝑩 will move in a
��⃑.
circle in the plane that is ___________________ to 𝑩𝑩
Let’s derive a formula for the radius of this circular motion using Newton's Second Law, assuming
��⃑and ��⃑
that 𝑣𝑣 𝐵𝐵 are perpendicular.
Step 1: Write Newton’s Second Law:
Step 2: Replace your generic ΣF with the magnitude of magnetic force, remembering we are
assuming that 𝑣𝑣 ��⃑ are perpendicular so FB=|q|vB.
��⃑and 𝐵𝐵
Step 3: The acceleration is always towards the centre of the circle. What type of acceleration is this
and how do we calculate it if we know v and R?
Step 4: Rearrange and simplify to isolate R:
R=
��⃑= 5.41𝑘𝑘� T.
An electron with �𝒗𝒗⃑ = 3.52x106 î m/s enters a magnetic field of 𝑩𝑩
a. What magnetic force acting on the electron? [+3.05x10-12𝚥𝚥̂ N]
b. What is the radius of the electron's circular path? [3.70µm]
c. How would the radius change if the charge carrier was triple the charge of an electron, all else the
same?
A proton and an electron are moving perpendicular to the same B-field with the same speed. Which
one has the larger radius of motion?
Two electrons are moving perpendicular to the same B-field, but with different speeds. Which one
turns in the tightest (smallest) circle – the fast or the slow electron?
W15 Magnetic Force on Moving Charge: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 5
The Lorentz Force is the combination of the electric and ____________ forces on a charge moving
through both an electric and magnetic field.
Let’s derive an equation for the Lorentz Force:
�⃑):
Step1: Force on a charge (q) in an electric field (𝑬𝑬 (remember your vector symbols)
𝐹𝐹⃑𝐸𝐸 =
Step 2: Force on a charge (q) moving (𝒗𝒗 ��⃑): (don’t use qvBsinθ, we need a vector
�⃑) in magnetic field (𝑩𝑩
answer)
𝐹𝐹⃑𝐵𝐵 =
Step 3: Net force on charge moving in �𝑬𝑬⃑ and 𝑩𝑩

��⃑:
�𝑭𝑭⃑𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 =
An electron is ejected into a uniform magnetic field of 3.2𝑘𝑘� T with an initial velocity of 5x104î m/s.
What uniform electric field must be applied so that the electron is undeflected from its original
path? [+1.6x105𝚥𝚥̂ N/C *make sure you understand why it’s in this direction]
W15 Magnetic Force on Moving Charge: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 6
In certain situations when the E and B-fields are oriented perpendicularly, their forces on a
particular moving charge will cancel out (i.e., the Lorentz Force is zero). What can you say about
the speed of that moving charge in this situation? Hint: Make your Lorentz force equal to zero then move
one force to the other side. You can then solve either keeping FB or FE as vectors, or just use their magnitudes since we
already know their directions are opposite. In the end, we only want speed, v, as a scalar!
A velocity selector is a machine that only captures charged particles of a particular velocity.
Imagine a negative charge (q < 0) ejected into a uniform magnetic field (𝐵𝐵�⃑) directed INTO the
page and a uniform electric field (𝐸𝐸�⃑ ) directed DOWN, as shown here.
a. What velocity of negative charge q would let it pass undeflected through the aperture (hole) and
thus be “selected?” Express v in terms of q, E and/or B.
b. Explain why speeds slower than this selection velocity would result in the charge moving
upwards as shown?
c. Explain why speeds faster than this selection velocity would result in the charge moving
downwards as shown?
d. What would change if the charge ejected into the velocity selector was positive?
W15 Magnetic Force on Moving Charge: MASTERY LEVEL 7
A charge is moving in a uniform magnetic field, B.

�⃑?
a. Describe its motion if all of its velocity is parallel to 𝐵𝐵
�⃑?
b. Describe its motion if a component of its velocity is parallel to 𝐵𝐵
An electron with v = (3.52x106 î - 8.99x106 𝑘𝑘� ) m/s enters a magnetic field of ��⃑ 𝑩𝑩 =5.41𝑘𝑘� T. It moves in
a helical path as shown. What is the radius of the cylinder around which the helix winds and what is
the speed of the particle after 0.50s? *hint: you can ignore one of the components of velocity when finding the
radius: which one and why? [R = 3.70x10-6 m, v = 9.65x106 m/s]
*This diagram is just to give

you an idea of the shape, it
doesn’t indicate the charge’s
direction of motion at any given
time.
This picture shows an electron beam shot out of a gun that is perpendicular to a uniform magnetic
field. What direction is the magnetic field?
Magnetic force on a moving charged particle

An alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons) is traveling with a velocity of 𝑣𝑣𝑣 = (0.500𝑖𝑖𝑖 + 1.00𝑗𝑗̂ +
⃗⃗ = (−0.500𝑖𝑖𝑖 + 0.300𝑗𝑗̂ + 0.800𝑘𝑘̂) × 10−3 𝑇𝑇.
1.00𝑘𝑘̂) × 106 𝑚𝑚 in a magnetic field 𝐵𝐵
𝑠𝑠
a) What is the force on the alpha particle?

b) What is the angle between the velocity and the magnetic field?
c) Briefly describe the trajectory of the alpha particle in the magnetic field.
YouTube: http://youtu.be/NA9qxFbTqQA
Accelerated particles and mass spectrometer

Negative, singly ionized atoms of carbon 12 and of carbon 14 are accelerated through a potential
difference of 5.74 kV. They are then deflected in a magnetic field of 0.500 T.
a) Do they hit the top plate or the bottom plate of the detector?
b) How far apart are the carbon 12 and the carbon 14 ions at the detector?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/c2GdOSFMNkg
Mass spectrometer
An accelerator, velocity selector and mass spectrometer are used to analyze the carbon 12 and carbon
14 content of a sample. The carbon is positively, singly ionized.
a) You want the distance between the carbon 12 and carbon 14 at the detector to be 1 inch (2.54cm).
With what speed must the particles enter the magnetic field of the mass spectrometer?
b) What accelerating voltage is required to accelerate the carbon 12 to the correct speed, and what
accelerating voltage is required to accelerate the carbon 14 to the correct speed?
c) What voltage is required across the plates of the velocity selector? Does it need to be
readjusted for carbon 14?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/YCNi1J2Mdso
Magnetic Force on Current Carrying Wire: BEGINNING LEVEL 1
Worksheet 16: Magnetic Force and Torque on Current Carrying Wire
So far we have only addressed individual particles moving in B-fields. What about the magnetic force
experienced by a current carrying wire? Let’s derive an equation for this.
Step 1: Each charge (q) moving (𝒗𝒗 ��⃑) experiences a magnetic force given by:
�⃑) in a magnetic field (𝑩𝑩
�𝑭𝑭⃑𝐵𝐵 =
Step 2: For a segment of straight current carrying wire with a total charge of Q, the total force is:
l ⃑
Step 3: We know �𝒗𝒗⃑ = 𝑡𝑡 , where l⃑ is the vector length of the wire (pointing in direction of
��⃑
∆𝑥𝑥
�⃑ gives us the average velocity (𝒗𝒗
conventional current I). Note this way of finding 𝒗𝒗 �⃑𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 =
∆𝑡𝑡
) but it
works here since we can assume a constant drift velocity, so v = vav.
∆𝑞𝑞
Step 4: 𝑰𝑰𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = , and if we assume constant current, then I = Q/t which leaves us with:
∆𝑡𝑡
Step 5: And finally, if we only want the magnitude of the force we can simplify this to:
𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 = where θ is the angle between ⃑l and ��⃑

𝑩𝑩.
A straight wire carries a current I = 75 A at an angle θ= 51.2o with respect to a magnetic field
B = 7.3 x 10-2 T? If the wire is 16.4 m long, what is the magnitude of the force on it? [70N]
W16 Magnetic Force on Current Carrying Wire: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2
Calculate the force experienced by each side of the current carrying square loop shown below
(assume the loop is parallel to the x-z plane) due to the uniform downward B-field of 6.0T. Draw the
direction of the force on each of the 4 wire segments on the diagram. [|F|=0.9N on each segment, forces all
point into the centre of the square, as if they want to crush the loop]
Redraw the 4 forces if B is in the +x direction. What direction would this make the loop want to
rotate? [Upwards force on left segment and downwards force on right segment make it want to rotate around z-axis, such
that the left segment moves upwards first. We say this rotation/torque is in the –z direction: curl fingers in direction of
rotation, thumb points in direction of torque]
Redraw the 4 forces if B is in the +z direction. What direction would this make the loop want to rotate?
[Upwards force on back segment and downwards force on front segment make it want to rotate around x-axis, such that the back
segment moves upwards first. We say this rotation/torque is in the +x direction: curl fingers in direction of rotation, thumb points
in direction of torque]
Magnetic fields tend to align with each other. This means magnets will align themselves with a magnetic
field. Opposite poles attract, so North attracts to South and vice versa.
• Magnetic moment (µ) characterises the overall magnetic field of an object. It points from
__________ to __________ through the magnet, exiting the __________ pole as shown.
• In an external magnetic field, an object will experience a __________ and rotate until its magnetic
moment (µ) is aligned with the external field.
What direction (if any) of torque will the bar magnet drawn below feel?
Use the curly RHR to find the direction of magnetic moment for a loop of current carrying wire has a
magnetic field: Curl your fingers in direction of current: THUMB points in direction of 𝜇𝜇⃑ .
The magnitude of 𝜇𝜇⃑ for N loops of wire carrying current (I) with area (A) can be found with:
|𝜇𝜇| = 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 *Units are Amperes*meters2 or A.m2
Find (and draw) the magnetic moments for each 1.2m radius, 2.0 A current carrying single loops.
Calculate the magnetic moment of the square loop shown below that is parallel to the x-z plane
[𝜇𝜇⃑ =7.5x10-3𝚥𝚥̂ Am2]
What direction of torque would the above loop experience if there was a 0.030T external B-field
oriented in the +î direction? [-𝑘𝑘�]
To find the magnitude and direction of torque use: �⃑

𝜏𝜏⃑ = 𝜇𝜇⃑ × 𝐵𝐵
*Notice how the RHR for the cross product is the same as the curly RHR: Curling your fingers in the
direction of rotation is the same as curling them from 𝜇𝜇⃑ to 𝛽𝛽⃑. Either way, your thumb points towards 𝜏𝜏⃑.
Find the torque on the loop in the previous scenario (magnitude and direction). [-2.25x10-4𝑘𝑘� Nm]
Calculate the torque experienced by the double loop shown below if there is a uniform magnetic field
in the +z direction with a strength of 3.0T. [6.03x10-4 î Am2T] *note that the loop is in the x-z plane
W16 Magnetic Force on Current Carrying Wire: MASTERY LEVEL 6
A square loop is oriented at 30o from the z-axis, as shown below. A uniform B-field of 1.0x10-4T is
oriented in the +x direction.
a. Draw a bird's eye view of the loop, showing µ, B,

and the angle between them.
Bird’s eye is the view from directly above the y-axis,
looking down it so you see the x-z plane. This means
you will only see the top of the loop.
b. What is torque on the loop? [-3.75x10-7j Nm]

A single loop of wire with mass of 5.00x10-3 kg carrying 3.00A in the clockwise direction is
suspended from a string as shown below.
a. If the entire region is filled with a uniform B-field of 5.00x10-2T directed out of the page, what is
the tension in the string? [T=0.049N]
b. If only the bottom third of the loop is immersed in a uniform B-field of 5.00x10-2T directed out of
the page (no B-field elsewhere), what is the tension in the string? [T=0.027N]
c. What strength of magnetic field would result in no tension in the string? [0.109 T]
d. If the string can only support 2.0N of force, what magnetic field would be required to break the
string (magnitude and direction)? [4.34T into the page]
W16 Magnetic Force on Current Carrying Wire: Problems solved on video 9
Force on a wire in a magnetic field

A copper rod with mass per unit of length λ=0.954 kg/mcarries a
current of 15.0 A into the page. The rod is in a uniform magnetic
field and hangs at an angle of 10.0o from the vertical.
a) What is the direction of the magnetic field? (it canonly be
in the 4 directions on the pictures)
b) What is the magnitude of the magnetic field?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/w3JIkTO6g2I
Magnetic torque on a current-carrying coil

A square coil is made of 10.0 turns with sides of 4.47 cm, and carries a current of 1.50 A in thedirection
indicated. The coil is placed with one side along the z-axis and inclined at 26.5o fromthe x- to the y-
axis.
a) What are the magnitude and the direction of the magneticmoment
of the coil?
b) What is the magnetic torque on the coil if it is in a uniform magnetic
field of 5.00 mT that points 160o from the x- axis (themagnetic field
has no z- component).
c) What is the magnetic torque on the coil if it lies in a
⃗⃗ = (5.00𝑖𝑖𝑖 − 5.00𝑗𝑗̂ + 5.00𝑘𝑘̂)mT ?
magnetic field 𝐵𝐵
YouTube: http://youtu.be/MosMfPI1MNA
W17 Magnetic Field from Current: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 1
Worksheet 17: Sources of Magnetic Fields
We know that moving charges feel a magnetic force when placed in an external magnetic field, but why?
They feel a force because they actually create their own B-field which interacts with the external B-field.
Today we will explore the magnetic fields created by current carrying lengths of wires.
The experimentally determined, or _______________ [theoretical, pretend, empirical], Biot-Savart Law, tells us
the strength and _______________ [direction, magnitude, birthday] of the magnetic field created by an
___________ [infinitely, kinda] short piece (𝑑𝑑l⃑ ) of current carrying wire, at a point in space located a
distance r from 𝑑𝑑l⃑.
𝜇𝜇𝑜𝑜 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼l⃑ × r� *𝑟𝑟̂ is a unit vector (length = __) that

�⃑ =
𝑑𝑑𝐵𝐵 points from the piece of wire 𝑑𝑑l⃑ to the
4𝜋𝜋 𝑟𝑟 2 point in space that we are interested in.
*1
Figure 1 shows that the magnetic field (dB) at point P due to the tiny length of current carrying wire
(dl), points _______ the page.
Figure 1 shows that the magnetic field (dB) at point P’ due to the tiny length of current carrying wire
(dl), points _______ the page.
If we integrate the BIOT-SAVART over the length of a wire with a certain shape, we can find an equation
for the magnetic field of that wire at certain points in space.
Cut out the scrambled integration steps on the very last page and paste them in order on p.2 to show
how we use the Biot-Savart Law to determine the magnetic field at a point that is a distance R from a
long straight wire carrying current I.
φ R
-a x a
dx
1. Begin with the generic Biot-Savart Law
2. Rewrite it for the magnitude (not vector) of

the magnetic field that a tiny segment of
current carrying straight wire (length = dx)
generates at point P, as shown above.
3. Now find the contribution of all tiny segments

of the entire straight wire (length 2a) to the
magnetic field at point P by summing them all.
4. Remove all constants from the integral

wherever possible.
5. Use the right angle triangle in the diagram to

replace sinθ and r with x and R so we only
have one variable in our integral (x).
6. Integrate using the following generic integral

taken from an integral table
𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅 𝒙𝒙
� 𝟑𝟑
= + 𝑪𝑪
𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟐 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐 �𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 + 𝒃𝒃𝟐𝟐
(𝒙𝒙 + 𝒃𝒃 )𝟐𝟐
7. Substitute in the upper and lower limits to get

the value of the definite integral
8. Simplify given the assumption that the length

of the wire is much longer than the distance to
the point at which we are calculating the
magnetic field (a>>R).
We have now shown that the magnetic field a distance R from a long straight current carrying wire is:
𝜇𝜇𝑜𝑜 𝐼𝐼
𝐵𝐵𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 =
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
Since 2019 µ0 is measured experimentally ≅ 4π×10-7N/A2
Use this equation to complete these statements:

a. Increasing the current of the wire ________________ the B-field generated by that wire.
b. The further a point is from the wire, the _______________ the B-field is at that point.
c. As long as two points are the same distance (R) from the wire, they will have the same
_______________ of B-field due to that wire.
d. The B-field circles around a long straight wires. At any point on the circle, we can represent the
direction of the B-field as being ______________ to that circle, as shown in the figure below.
e. The B-field on opposites sides of a wire points in _________________ directions.
*2
We can use the RHR to determine the direction of the B-field around a long straight current carrying
wire. Point your thumb in the direction of the ______________ and your fingers will curl in the
direction of the _______________.
*3
Use dots and crosses to show the direction of the magnetic field above and below this current
carrying wire.
Show the direction of the magnetic field to the left and right of this long straight current carrying wire
Show the direction of the magnetic field around this long straight current carrying wire that is going
into the page:
I
X
WHITEBOARD QUESTION: Two 1.20m parallel wires carry currents in the same direction.
a. Calculate the total magnetic field at points R, S, and T. [BatR=3.33x10-6T out of page, BatS=5.14x10-6T out of
page, BatT=6.08x10-6T in to page,]
b. Where is the total magnetic field equal to zero?

[6.18cm below wire 1]
c. Are the wires attracted to or repelled by each other:

explain. [attracted: show direction of force on each wire due to
the magnetic field created by the other wire]
d. What is the magnitude of the magnetic force exerted

on each wire? [F=4.96E-6N]
e. How would your answer to the above questions
change if Wire 2's current was reversed?
WHITEBOARD QUESTION: Three 1.2m parallel wires are located at the corners of a 10cm
square. Their currents run either into or out of the page, as shown.
a. Calculate the magnetic field at point P.
�⃑ = (2.5x10-6, -6.5x10-6)T ]
[𝐵𝐵
b. Calculate the magnetic force exerted on Wire 1.

[𝐹𝐹⃑ = (-6.0x10-6, 3.0x10-6)N]
A coil (one or more loops) of wire has a strong magnetic field in its centre as shown:
To intuitively understand why the B-field

of a loop or coil is like this, imagine taking
a straight wire and bending it so that the
two ends meet. What would happen to the
B-field of the wire?
*2
As usual, you can use the RHR to find the relationship between the direction of I and the direction of B in
the centre of the coil. Curl your fingers in the direction of _______ and your thumb points in the direction
of _______.
In the very centre of the loop, the B-field is straight, just like the field through the centre of a bar magnet.
This is what the dipole moment of the coil represents: the magnetic field in its centre.
Draw the dipole moment for the above coil on the diagram.
The Biot-Savart Law can be integrated to give the following relationship for the magnetic field strength at
the CENTRE of a current (I) carrying coil of wire with N loops and radius R.
𝜇𝜇𝑜𝑜 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁
𝐵𝐵𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 =
2𝑅𝑅
A 5 loop coil of wire with a 15.0cm diameter carries a clockwise current of 7.00A.
a) What is the magnetic field at the centre of this coil? [2.93x10-4T into the page]
b) If this coil was placed in a 3.0 T external magnetic field directed upwards,
what torque would the coil experience? [1.86Nm to the right: so what direction will it
rotate?]
A coil with length is called a ____________. If we integrate the Biot-Savart Law for solenoid, we see that
the magnetic field ____________ the solenoid is relatively uniform and is must stronger than
____________ the solenoid, where the magnetic field is almost (but not quite) __________.
To intuitively understand why the B-field of a solenoid is like

this, imagine stacking a bunch of coils together so the current
is all in the same direction inside, creating a dense, relatively
uniform, straight B-field inside. Outside however, the field
lines are free to spread out so the density, thus strength, is
greatly reduced. If the solenoid was infinitely long, the field
lines inside the solenoid would never loop back, and so there
would be _______ B-field outside of the loop.
Again, you can use the RHR to find the direction of the B-field in the centre of the solenoid. Just like for a
coil, you curl your fingers in the direction of the _____________ and your thumb points in the direction of
the _____________.
The magnetic field strength INSIDE a current (I) carrying solenoid with N loops and length L (length of
solenoid, not total length of wire) is:
𝜇𝜇𝑜𝑜 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁
𝐵𝐵𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 =
𝐿𝐿
If the number of loops per unit length is written as n, then we can rewrite this formula as:
𝐵𝐵𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 =
WHITEBOARD QUESTION: The 4000 loop/m solenoid shown carries a 3.00 A current. Its
diameter is 8.00 cm and its length is 3.10x101 cm. The direction of its interior B-field is shown. It is
oriented 35.0o to the x-axis.
a. Draw the direction of the current and show the dipole moment vector (direction, not magnitude).
b. What is the strength of its interior magnetic field? [1.51x10-2T]
c. If this solenoid is placed in an upwards magnetic field, in what direction will it rotate?
Calculate the magnetic field in the middle of a circular four loop coil that was created out of 1.0m of
wire, and carries a current of 0.50A. [3.14x10-5T]
W17 Magnetic Field from Current: MASTERY LEVEL 10
WHITEBOARD QUESTION: You want to trap an electron that has 3.0eV of kinetic energy inside
a solenoid with a radius of 10 cm. To do this you are going to make the electron turn in a circle
inside the solenoid.
If the solenoid has 120 turns of wire per centimeter, what is the minimum current the solenoid must
carry? [3.89x10-3A]
Three long (10.0m) straight wires carry current into or out of the page as shown. Calculate:
a. the magnetic field at the location of the top wire. [B = [(5.20x10-5, 1.00x10-5) N]
b. the magnetic force that each wire experiences due to the presence of the other two wires.
[Ftop wire = 2.65x10-3 N @100.9o, Fleft wire = 3.61x10-3 N @346.1o, Fright wire = 3.46x10-3 N @210o]
We know what the electric field of a point charge looks like. What does the magnetic field of a single point
charge look like? (Remember, to generate a magnetic field, the charge must be moving.)
Compare the B-field of a single moving charge to that of a steady stream of moving charges (e.g.,
current flowing in a long straight wire). Comment on any relationship you observe between these two
fields.
Will two parallel wires carrying current in the same direction will be attracted to, or repelled from,
each other and why?
Will two parallel wires carrying current in opposite directions be attracted to, or repelled from, each
other and why?
A long straight wire is just touching a loop carrying a current I1, as shown. Both lie in the same plane.
a. What direction must the current I2 in the straight wire have to create a field at the center of the loop
in the direction opposite to that created by the loop?
b. What is the ratio of I1 / I2 that gives zero field strength at the center of the loop? [0.318]
*5
An electron is moving inside the uniform fields: B = 0.50T, E = 2300 N/C, with a velocity of 4500
m/s into the page. Calculate its instantaneous acceleration. [a = (-2.85x1012, 3.98x1014) m/s2]
W17 Magnetic Field from Current: Problems solved with video 15
Magnetic field of long wires

A very long wire carries a current of 5.00 A in the +z-direction (out of the page). Another verylong
wire, 3.00 cm to the right of the first wire, carries a current of 10.0 A in the +z-direction. What is the
net magnetic field (magnitude and direction) 2.00 cm above the first wire?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/NsIeoG_TbEI
Magnetic forces between current-carrying wires

Wire 1 carries a current of 15.0 A from the bottom to the top of the page.
Wire 2, parallel to wire 1, is placed 5.00 cm to the right of wire 1, and carries a current of 5.00 A in the
opposite direction (from the top to the bottom of the page).
Wire 3 carries a current in the same direction as wire 1. The net force on wire 3 is zero. Where is it?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/epLI3u9mJqw
W17 Magnetic Force on Current Carrying Wire 16
*1 https://www.slideserve.com/rimona/biot-savart-law
*2 http://daneshnameh.roshd.ir/mavara/mavara-
view_forum_threads2.php?comment=127464&SSOReturnPage=Check#ref127464
*3 http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/magcur.html
*4 http://lempel.pagesperso-orange.fr/rappels_physique_uk.htm
*5 OpenStax College Physics. p.895
Scrambled integration steps to cut and paste into table on p.2.
𝝁𝝁𝒐𝒐 𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰l × 𝒓𝒓� 𝝁𝝁𝒐𝒐 𝑰𝑰 +𝒂𝒂 𝑹𝑹

𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅 = 𝑩𝑩 = � 𝟑𝟑 𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅
𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 𝒓𝒓𝟐𝟐 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 −𝒂𝒂
(𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐
𝑹𝑹 )𝟐𝟐
+𝒂𝒂
𝝁𝝁𝒐𝒐 𝑰𝑰 𝝁𝝁𝒐𝒐 𝑰𝑰 𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹
𝑩𝑩 = 𝑩𝑩 = + 𝑪𝑪�
𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 𝑹𝑹𝟐𝟐 √𝒙𝒙𝟐𝟐 + 𝑹𝑹𝟐𝟐 −𝒂𝒂
+𝒂𝒂
𝝁𝝁𝒐𝒐 𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰 𝝁𝝁𝒐𝒐 𝑰𝑰 +𝒂𝒂 𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔
𝑩𝑩 = � 𝑩𝑩 = �
−𝒂𝒂 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 𝒓𝒓𝟐𝟐 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 −𝒂𝒂 𝒓𝒓𝟐𝟐
𝝁𝝁𝒐𝒐 𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰𝑰 𝝁𝝁𝒐𝒐 𝑰𝑰 𝒂𝒂 −𝒂𝒂

𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅 = 𝑩𝑩 = � − �
𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 𝒓𝒓𝟐𝟐 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 √𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐+ 𝑹𝑹𝟐𝟐 √𝒂𝒂𝟐𝟐+ 𝑹𝑹𝟐𝟐
Name & Date: ___________________________________
Worksheet 18: FLUX & INDUCTION
Magnetic Flux (ΦB) is a measure of the number of field lines passing through an area. It has units of Tm2,
or Webers (Wb).
Place F-H in order of least to most magnetic flux:
F G H
If both loops below are identical in size, circle the one with the LARGER magnetic flux?
From #2, you can see that the flux through a loop placed in an external magnetic field depends not
only on the _________ (A) of the loop, the strength of the external _________ _________ (B), but
also on the _________ between these (φ), where φ is measured between 𝐵𝐵 �⃑ and the NORMAL to the
loop, as shown in the above diagram.
What is the value of φ for the loop shown below if the external B-field is directed:
a. up?
b. out of the page?
c. at an angle of 115o in the plane of our page (xy plane)?
W18 Flux and Induction: BEGINNING LEVEL 2
Using the previous information, it makes sense that for a flat area (loop of wire) in an external uniform
magnetic field (B):
�⃑ ∙ 𝐴𝐴⃑ = 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵_____𝜙𝜙
Φ𝐵𝐵 = 𝐵𝐵
Extra info: We are expressing area as a vector, which is a bit strange. One way to get around this is to write
the area as a scalar multiplied by a unit vector that is perpendicular to the loop. We call this unit vector 𝑛𝑛� (n
stands for normal). If we use this notation, we would write the above as: Φ𝐵𝐵 = 𝐵𝐵 �⃑ ∙ 𝑛𝑛�𝐴𝐴.
Calculate the magnetic flux through each loop shown below [a) 9.3x10-8 Tm2, b) 0.028 Wb]
a.
b.
Through extensive observation and experimentation, Michael Faraday found that when the magnetic flux
through a closed loop changes with time, then the loop generates an EMF (and a current) that is:
a) proportional to the rate of changing flux, and
b) in the opposite direction to the changing flux (hence the ____________ sign in the equation below)
Faraday's Law of induction: The induced EMF (ε) around N loops is the negative rate of change of the
magnetic flux through the loop.
𝑑𝑑Φ𝐵𝐵
𝜀𝜀 = −𝑁𝑁
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
If we only care about the average induced EMF, or the change in flux is constant, then we can write:
𝜀𝜀𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = −𝑁𝑁
A loop of area 5 m2, is located in an external magnetic field B = 4.5 mT.

a. If the loop is crushed so that it has a smaller area of only 3.0 m2, and
this crushing takes 2.2 s, what is the magnitude of the average induced
EMF? [4.1x10-3 V]
b. If instead of crushing the loop, the magnetic field is doubled in 4.3 s,
what is the magnitude of the average induced EMF? [5.23x10-3 V]
c. If instead, the loop is moved to the right so it is only half in the

magnetic field over 5.6 s, what is the magnitude of the average
induced EMF? [2.0x10-3 V]
The negative sign in Faraday's Law tells us that a changing magnetic flux generates an EMF (and therefore
a current) in the ___________ direction to the changing flux, but what does this mean and how can we
“easily” find the direction of the EMF (and current)?
Lenz' Law: The induced EMF, and therefore the induced current, will always oppose the change in
magnetic ________.
Going back to the same question as before, find the direction of the induced current in the loop, for
each situation: A loop of area 5 m2, is located in an external magnetic field B = 4.5 mT.
a. The loop is crushed so that it has a smaller area? [CW induced current]
b. The magnetic field is doubled?[CCW induced current]
c. The loop is moved to the right so it is only half in the magnetic field? [CW induced current]
Again returning to the same three situations, if the loop is made of wire with a total resistance of
2.00 Ω, what is the current that will flow in the loop (direction and strength)?
a. The loop is crushed from 5m2 to 3m2 in 2.2s? [2.05x10-3 A CW]
b. The magnetic field is doubled in 4.3 s? [2.62x10-3 A CCW]
c. The loop is moved to the right so it is only half in the magnetic field in 5.6 s? [1.00x10-3 A CW]
W18 Flux and Induction: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 5
Motional EMF: when a conducting rod of length L, moves with velocity v, perpendicular to a uniform
magnetic field B, an EMF (ε) is induced in the rod.
𝜀𝜀𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣
Let’s derive this relationship ourselves, using the situation drawn below.
a. What is the direction of the force experienced by positive charges in the rod due to this motion?
b. As charge in the rod moves due to this force, in which direction will conventional current flow?
c. Because of the magnetic force, the _______ end of the rod will become negatively charged, while
the _______ end will become positively charged, creating a potential difference (ε) across the rod.
[choices for each blank is either TOP or BOTTOM]
d. What is the magnitude of the force experienced by one charge q, in the rod? (no vectors or x symbol)
𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐵 =___________
e. As +/- charge builds up at the ends of the rod, the electric force of attraction between the
oppositely charged ends of the rods ___________________. [increases, decreases]
f. Charge will continue to move until FB is balanced by the electric force of attraction (|q|E) acting in
the opposite direction. Represent this with an equation, simplifying where possible:
g. Assuming a uniform E- field, we can apply |∆𝑉𝑉 | = |𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 |, where ∆V is the EMF induced in the rod
(εmotional), and d is the length of the rod (L). Apply this and rearrange to attain the final equation:
An airplane with a 75.0 m wingspan is flying horizontally at 280 m/s.
a. What emf is induced between wing tips if the vertical component of the Earth’s field is
3.00x10-5 T. [0.630V]
b. Is an emf of this magnitude likely to have any consequences? Explain, using common sense.
The motional EMF generated in such situations can be put to use if we connect the ends of the rod to a
circuit, as shown here. Note that the rod must still be free to move, so we connect it so it can slide along the
horizontal conducting “rails”.
If someone is pulling the above rod to the right, in which direction would conventional current flow?
Answer this question by using two difference approaches described below:
a. Use the RHR to find the direction of the magnetic force experienced by positive charges in the
�⃑).
moving rod (𝐹𝐹⃑𝐵𝐵 = 𝑞𝑞𝑣𝑣⃑ × 𝐵𝐵
b. Now apply Lenz’ Law to see which way current will flow, given that the rod moving to the right is
increasing the area of the loop, thus changing the magnetic flux.
c. Do your two answers agree? Repeat for the rod being pulled to the left for extra practice.
The 5.0 Ω rod shown below is given an initial velocity of 4.0 m/s to the right in an external magnetic
field of 4.5 mT out of the page. The circuit has a length L of 54.0 cm as shown.
a. What is the initial current in the wire? [1.94x10-3 A clockwise]
b. Because the rod was initially moving to the right, the conducting rod carries an initial current I
perpendicular to an external magnetic field, B. What magnetic force does the rod initially
experience? [4.71x10-6 N to the left]
c. If no applied forces act on the rod, what will happen to its motion as time goes on? Note, magnetic
force is not an applied force, an applied force is someone pushing or pulling on an object.
d. If no applied forces ever acts on the rod again, will the rod ever start moving to the left?
e. What applied force would be required to keep the rod moving with a constant velocity of 4.0 m/s
to the right? [4.71x10-6 N to the right]
W18 Flux and Induction: MASTERY LEVEL 8
A 0.4500 kg rod is mounted on conducting rails to form a closed loop that includes a 10.00 V power
source, as shown. The rod has 10.00 Ω of resistance, and the wires have negligible resistance.
a. If the bar is initially at rest, what is the initial
current in the circuit (direction and strength)?
[1.00 A CCW]
b. In the previous cases we have explored, the bar

required an initial velocity in order to induce a
current and thus experience a magnetic force,
and thus an acceleration. However in this case,
even though the bar starts out at rest, it still
experiences a magnetic force and thus an
acceleration. Why?
c. What is its initial acceleration, if it starts at rest [0.147m/s2 left].
d. If instead, the rod moved with an initial velocity of 7.500 m/s to the left, what initial current would
it carry and in what direction? [0.950 A CCW]
e. What constant applied force would cause the bar to eventually move with a constant velocity of
3 m/s to the right? [0.0676 N to the right]
f. If a constant applied force of 0.2000 N to the left acts on the bar, at what speed would the bar
attain constant velocity (assume the horizontal wires are long enough that the rod never reaches the
other side of the loop)? [605.8 m/s to the left]
W18 Flux and Induction: MASTERY LEVEL 9
A loop (4.0 cm x 7.0 cm) with 15 Ω of resistance, is moving into a uniform magnetic field of 3.0 T at
a constant v = 4.0 m/s as shown.
a. What is the direction of induced current? [CW]
b. Challenge: What is magnitude of induced current? [32 mA]
c. What is the direction of magnetic force on the loop? [left]
d. How would your answer to c) change if the loop entered
the magnetic field from the other side (i.e. the loop
moved to the left as it entered the field). [right]
e. What do you notice about the direction of the magnetic force on the loop as it tries to enter a
magnetic field and how does this relate to Lenz’ Law?
f. What magnitude of force must be applied to this loop to ensure it moves with constant v (still
4 m/s) as it moves INTO the magnetic field? [3.84x10-3 N]
g. Once the loop is fully in the magnetic field, what applied force is needed to keep it moving with
constant v? [0 N: why?]
W18 Flux and Induction: Problems solved on video 10
Induced current
A magnet is poked north pole first into a solenoid. Determine the direction in which the inducedcurrent
flows and whether the magnet and the solenoid attract each other or repel each other.
YouTube: http://youtu.be/Q_7ZjZqrN0k
Induced current
A square coil is made of 10.0 turns and has a side of length
10.0 cm. The coil lies in a 1.00T-magnetic field that points intothe
page. The coil is flattened by pulling the sides in 0.200 s. The coil’s
resistance is 10.0Ω. What is the magnitude and the direction of the
induced current?
YouTube: http://youtu.be/RJZ67-aBND8
Induced emf
A circular, 20.0-turn coil has a diameter 7.50 cm. It lies in a uniform magnetic field of 0.100 T that
points out of the page. The coil is rotated ¼ turn, from perpendicular until it is parallel to thefield.
a) How quickly must this be done for the average emf to be 1.50V, and which way does theinduced
current flow?
b) You have a power supply that can deliver a maximum of 5.00 A. Design an apparatus that canproduce
the uniform magnetic field in this problem.
YouTube: http://youtu.be/mubvkqPjWUA
Motional emf, (slide-wire generator)

A 1.50-m long metal bar is pulled to the right at a steady 5.00 m/s perpendicular to a uniform, 0.750 T
magnetic field directed out of the page. The parallel metal rails are connected through a 25.0-Ω resistor.
You may ignore the resistance of the bar and of the rails.
a. What is the force 𝐶𝐶𝐶 required to keep the bar moving at a constant velocity of 5.00 m/s?
b. At what rate is energy dissipated in the resistor?

c. On the picture, indicate the positive and negative ends of the metal bar and the direction in which
current flows in the resistor
d. What is the current in the resistor if the magnetic field is not perpendicular to the page, but at an
angle of 70.0o from the vertical? (the bar is still moving at 5m/s)
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Re_sWrOvQZg

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Worksheet 1: Vectors in 2 & 3 dimensions

Unit vector notation 𝑟⃑ = 𝑟𝑥 𝑖̂ + 𝑟𝑦 𝑗̂ 𝑟⃑ = 𝑟𝑥 𝑖̂ + 𝑟𝑦 𝑗̂ + 𝑟𝑧 𝑘̂

Converting from Rectangular to Polar

|𝑟⃑| = 𝑟 = √𝑟𝑥 2 +𝑟𝑦 2 |𝑟⃑| = 𝑟 = √𝑟𝑥 2 +𝑟𝑦 2 +𝑟𝑧 2

Adapted from Phoebe Jackson’s work

#2) Sketch a coordinate system where +y points into the page.

Starting with the Fundamentals: Charge!

A proton (p+) has a charge of _________________________ also expressed as ‘e’.

#4) What is the net charge of one Neon atom?

#6) Is it possible to charge an object to 1.52x10-18 C? Why or why not?

There are three methods we can use to charge an object.

1) Which coordinate system is not a standard Cartesian system?

e. These are all Cartesian systems.

D. It deflects during the entire process.

E. It spins 360 degrees and takes a bow.

B. Both spheres will have a negative charge.

C. Qlarge = positive, Qsmall = negative

D. They will carry the same charge.

Worksheet 2: Electric Force & Coulomb’s Law (and unit vertors)

#4) QA = QB = 1.5 C, and QC = -3.0 C are located as shown in the diagram.

c. What is the net electric force on QA? [FTotal on A = (2.22x109, -3.85x108)N]

What are unit vectors?

Most commonly used are i=(1,0,0), j=( , , ), & , k=( , , )

Create a unit vector in the direction 𝑟1(1.5,-5) and 𝑟2 (3,-9,11)

Worksheet 3: Electric Field Part 1

#2) What if the test charge was -49.2 C?

Let's draw some common electric fields.

E points AWAY from positive charges E points TOWARDS negative charges

Rules for drawing electric field lines:

Let’s draw the field for two point charge systems.

Let’s draw the fields for charges of differing strength.

a. Calculate the electric field at A due to B [EBA=360 N/C at 0o]

b. Calculate the electric field at B due to A [EAB=180 N/C at 180o]

d. Find the force exerted by A on B [FAB=7.2x10-4 N at 0o]

e. Quickly sketch the electric field around A & B.

#11) Electric Field of point charges

The complete solution is on You Tube: http://youtu.be/4xuM8HN6Vms

#12) Drawing field lines, example 1

#13) Drawing field lines, example 2

Worksheet 4: Electric Fields Part 2

• Newton's 2nd Law says:

• We know that electric force on charge q in electric field 𝐸𝐸�⃑ is:

• Rearranging for acceleration gives:

a. Above a very long line of charge. b. In the centre of a semicircle of + charge.

c. In the centre of a semicircle of charge d. Inside 2 long // plates of opposite sign

e. In the centre of a ¾ circle of charge f. In the centre of a ring of + charge

g. Above a ring of NEGATIVE charge h. Above an infinite plane of positive charge.

i. Outside a sphere of uniform, NEGATIVE charge

a. Draw a picture showing the electrons approximate trajectory.

#11) Motion of a charged particle in an electric field

Solution is on YouTube: http://youtu.be/4aRUcVEgIAM

Worksheet 5: Electric Dipole and Torque

#2) Draw 𝑝⃑ on the first diagram on the first page.

#4) The torque on a dipole of charge q in a uniform electric field E, is zero.

#6) WHITEBOARD QUESTION

a. Draw arrowheads on the field lines to show the directions.

Check out https://tex.stackexchange.com/questions/158668/nice-scientific-pictures-show-off

Worksheet 6: Electric Potential Energy

A +ve U means ___________________________________________________________________.

• Loop law:  Loop law: