PHYS1314 Spring 2015 Solution of Homework 1

PHYS1314 Spring 2015
Solution of Homework 1
Question 1
Analysis: A charged ring of radius R is placed on the xy-plane with its center located at the origin.
It has a linear charge density () = 0 sin so the semicircle above (below) the x-axis is positively
(negatively) charged. Moreover, the charge distribution has reflectional symmetry (antisymmetry)
about the y-axis (x-axis). Interestingly, the electric field generated by the ring is dipole-like asymptotically.
Strategy: To simplify the calculation, we argue that the electric field must be in +y or y direction.
Solution:
Part (a)
argument for Ex = 0: If we reverse the parity (x x), then the direction of Ex is also reversed.
However, the configuration of the system is the same as the original configuration. Therefore, we have
a contradiction unless Ex = 0.
argument for Ez = 0: If we reverse the polarity (+ ), then the direction of Ez is also reversed. We rotate the ring about the z-axis by , the system changed back to its original configure
with the direction of Ez reversed. Therefore, we have a contradiction unless Ez = 0.
argument for Ey < 0: The charge in the semicircle above the x-axis produces a repulsive force to
a test charge, the charge in the semicircle below the x-axis produces a attractive force to a test charge.
Therefore, the y-component of the electric field is in y direction.
calculation for Ey :
The charge of an infinitesimal line element is
dq = 0 R sin d .
The y-component of the electric field is
Ey = E sin sin
,
R
= E sin
z 2 + R2
Z
dq
1
where E =
. Therefore, we have
40
z 2 + R2
Z 2
1
0 R 2
~
Ey (0, 0, z) =
sin2 d j
40 (z 2 + R2 )3/2 0
0 R 2
1
j
=
40 (z 2 + R2 )3/2
Part (b)
For z R, we have
0 R2
~ y (0, 0, z) = 1
j
E
40 z 3 (1 + R22 )3/2
z
4
1 0 R 2
3 R2
R
j
=
1
+O
3
2
40 z
2z
z4
1 0 R 2
j
40 z 3
~ 0, z), we get p~ = 0 R2 j located at the origin. One
Comparing with the dipole electric field E(0,
possible charge distribution that gives the same electric field for z R is a positive charge q+ = 0 R 2
at (0, R, 0) and a negative charge q = 0 R 2 at (0, R, 0).
1
Question 2
Analysis: An insulating solid, at which its center is located at the origin, has a uniform charge density
. It is wrapped by a conducting shell concentrically. The solid sphere is then displaced a bit from
the origin. Surprisingly, the spatial distribution of charge on the outer surface is independent of that
on the inner surface.
Strategy: Gausss law and spherical symmetry.
Solution:
Part (a)
y, z) = r: Without the loss of generality, we consider the electric field at point
argument for E(x,
(0, 0, z). If it is in +x direction, and we rotate the system about the z-axis by , then its direction is
reversed. However, the configuration of the system is unchanged. Therefore, we have a contradiction
y, z) = r or
unless E(x,
r. The solid sphere is positively charged so it produces a repulsive force to
y, z) = r.
a test charge. After all, E(x,
From Gausss law, we have
I
~ r) dS
~ = Qenc
E(~
0
Q
enc
E(~r) 4r2 =
0
Qenc
E(~r) =
40 r2
Together with the direction, we have
~ r) = Qenc r
E(~
40 r2
It can be easily find that
which leads to
r3
4a
3
Qenc =
4a
3

~r
30
a r
~ r) = 30 r2
E(~
a3 r
30 r2
0r<a
ar<b
br<c
cr<
0r<a
ar<b
br<c
cr<
Part (b)
~ = 0, which leads
(i) We construct a spherical Gaussian surface of radius b+ . Inside the conductor, E
3
to E = 0. By Gausss law and spherical symmetry, Qenc = 0, which leads to Qb = 4a3 .
(ii) Since the conductor is neutral, and all charges reside on the surfaces of the conductor, which will
3
be proved in (iii), so Qc = + 4a3 .
(iii) If there is a charge inside the conductor, we construct a spherical Gaussian surface of radius 0+
to wrap the charge. The nonzero net flux gives rise to a nonzero electric field. Therefore, we
have a contradiction unless Q(b,c) = 0.
Part (c)
(i) b < r < c and c r <
inside a conductor, the electric field is always zero. Due to the same reason, the change in charge
distribution in the inner surface does not affect the charge distribution on the outer surface.
(ii) Yes. Explained in (i).
Question 3
If like charges attract each other and unlike charges repel each other, then atoms no longer exist.
Comments
1. whenever you say by symmetry, you need to state clearly which kind of symmetry that you
use and how do you use it.
2. when you solve problems, always keep checking the dimension of physical quantities.
3. remember to practice and improve your integration techniques.
4. when you are talking about a vector, you need to specify its direction.
5. if you are asked to find an approximation, show clearly how you get that approximation.

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