ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM In this module you will: * Analyse interactions involving electrical and magnetic properties of matter in terms of fields. * Make predictions about the behaviour of matter using models of atomic structure, the law of conservation of energy and electricity. * Use mathematical models to make predictions about the behaviour of matter. * _ Explore the limitations of using these models to predict behaviour of matter. * Examine how the analysis of electrical circuits has led to technological applications. ‘* Improve your skills in making hypotheses and analysing trends and patterns.(0) I Porites Cr iene ea EL eee rett hy qualitatively and quantitatively the processes by which objects become electrically charged. 57 Electrostatic Charges + Electrostaties is the study of electricity which does not flow. + Electrostatic charges form when some insulators are subjected to friction such as when they are rubbed with a cloth, or when air blows over them. + There are two types of electrostatic charge, positive and negative, Electrostatic charges arise when objects have more or fewer electrons than they normally have. In its natural state, all matter is electrically neutral, but atoms of some materials can easily Jase their valence electrons (the electrons in their outer energy levels) to another object when either physical or electrical forces are applied to them. ‘When this happens, the object from which the electrons move becomes positively charged, while the object gaining (.) the electrons becomes negatively charged. So, objects which gain electrons from other objects become negatively charged. ae + Bectrons + Eee Object Negatively charged object Objects which lose electrons from other objects become positively charged. as _ as eee Object Posttvaly charged object ‘+ Itis the structure of the atoms of matter that make e electrostatic charges possible. + Atoms consist of protons and neutrons contained in a central nucleus with electrons in orbits around the nucleus. = + Protons are positively charged. + Neutrons do not carry an electric charge. Qe + Electrons are negatively charged. 7 eo uwron Electrostatic charges form when electrons transfer from one object to another. + Coulomb's law of electrostatics states that like static charges will repel and unlike charges will attract. + Note: Electrostatic charges never form by the transfer of protons from one object to another because the protons are firmly held within the nucleus and it takes nuclear amounts of energy to release them. Mooute 3 Waves AND THERMODYNAMICS Scince Prose ‘Mooute 4 Etscrrcry ano MAGNETISM ‘Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4C Charging by friction ‘When a perspex rod is rubbed with a silk cloth, electrons transfer from the rod to the cloth. The rod becomes positively charged and the cloth becomes negatively charged. This does not happen with all substances because the strength of the forces holding the electrons to their atoms is an important factor in whether or not the electrostatic charges can ‘occur this wi leaving t postivly charged Charging by induction The process of charging by induction is illustrated by the diagrams below. Prace two meta Bing a negatively ; 7 spheres And B charged object cose to charged object ple, inolaatons oostvely together, in ‘A (do not touch it. carefully separate the charged) and B with contact with somo of ho electrons ay cre) ar each other. on A will be repelied to B. rs barca a Electrons rubbed off glass rod ... sien | pe ile) i) A se What does the diagram represent? Identify the labelled parts of the diagram. Explain how you distinguished between the blue circles and the yellow circles in order to identify the particles they represent. Explain how an object can be given a negative charge. Explain how an object can be given a positive charge. Explain why a positive charge on an object is referred to as a deficiency of electrons rather than an excess of protons, Arrod is rubbed with a cloth. This results in electrons being rubbed off the rod and onto the cloth. Explain the relationship between the electrostatic charge that ends up on the rod and the cloth. ence Prose Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 Mooue 3 Waves ano THERoovnanics Monute 4 Elzcrme-t ano MAGNerisw 9 |8, Everhad a bad hair day? This can occur because of electrostatics. Given that the forces holding electrons tothe atoms in your hairbrush are weaker than those holding electrons to the atoms in your hair, explain how the ‘bad hair day” for the girl in the photo has occurred as she brushed her har, 9%. Asimilar situation can arise as you slide down a plastic slide as shown by the child in the picture below. Outline two possibilities as to how the child's hair may look like this as he slides down the slide. 10. The diagram shows another way to charge an object by induction. Provide captions for this diagram in the manner of the captions on the induction diagram on the previous page to explain how this charging process works. Moute 3 Waves ano THERMoDYNAMics Science Pose Ea ‘Mooute 4 ELecrme-Ty AND MAGNETISM Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 458 The Electrostatic Charge ‘The charge on the electron — the most common magnitude charge for chemicals ions and accelerated charged particles in physics, is too small to be a practical unit, especially in electricity. The unit we therefore use for measuring electrostatic charge is the coulomb (C), named after Charles Augustin de Coulomb, ‘French physicist who did many of the early experiments on electrostatics. ‘One coulomb (C) is the charge equal to the total charge on 6.25 « 10" electrons, + So, I coulomb = the charge on 6 250 000 000 000 000 000 electrons. a, 525% 10" ‘The charge on a proton is +1.6 » 10°C. + Therefore the charge on one electron =-1.6 «10°C. es C 4. Define the coulomb in terms of electronic charges. 5. Two charged spheres of identical size carry charges How many electrons are involved in producing the of 42. C and -3 Cas shown, following charged objects? (2) Object A with a charge of +2.5 mC (©). Object B with a charge of -3.0 pC (©) Object C with charge +8 = 10? C (@ Object D with charge ~4.5 nC 3. What charge does each of the following carry? (@) Object A which has a deficiency of (a) What happens if these spheres are touched 3.0 « 10° electrons, together? (B) Object B which has an excess of (b) What will be the charges on each when they are 7.5 * 10! electrons. separated again? (©) Object C which has a deficiency of (©) How many electrons move from which sphere 3.0 10" electrons. towhich sphere? @ SeieetP hich has anexcess of 6. Two changed spheres of identical size carry charges, 4 of -4 C and—2 Cas shown, 4, When identical charged objects touch, they share the net charge they carry. Two changed spheres of identical size carry charges of +2 C and +4 C as. shown. (@) What happens if these spheres are touched together? (b) What will be the charges on each when they are separated again? (©) How many electrons move from which sphere to which sphere? (2) What happens if these spheres are touched together? (b) What will be the charges on each when they are separated again? (©) How many electrons move ftom which sphere to which sphere? Science Press Mooure 3 Waves ano Tuemoornanics Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 Mooute & Eiecracry ano MAGNET ElConduct investigations to describe and analyse MERC ruin mens tee ec] by objects as a result of the’ Te CCRT Priest rast oe CUS Each of the situations/items/processes listed and pictured below shows an interaction of electrostatic forces or electrostatic charges with things in our lives — well — maybe not all our lives, but used by humans as applications somewhere. For each of the situations listed or shown by picture, explain the role of electrostatic charges or the role of electrostatic forces in each. 1 2, 3, Clothes stick together after being run through the dryer. Some clothes, especially light, silky material clothes will stick to your body on hot dry days. ‘When two balloons are rubbed together, they will attract hair. The flowing movement of flammable liquids like gasoline through a pipe can build up static electricity. Liquids such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene can accumulate static charge during, high velocity flow, and given that electrostatic discharges can ignite the fuel vapour one must be even more careful filling the car and planes at airports. ‘Semiconductor devices used in electronics can be very sensitive to the presence of static electricity and can be damaged by a static discharge. The use of antistatic straps is mandatory for researchers using Nano devices. Sometimes when you walk across a carpeted floor and reach out to a door handle, you get a shock. Lightning during a thunderstorm can be wonderful to watch, but also very dangerous and damaging. Plasma globes or plasma lamps are attractive and fun, Some cars have antistatic straps on the back. Antistatic strap. Plasma globe. Mooure 3. Waves ano THemMonynaoics Sconce Pres Ea Mopuie 4 ELEcTRCITY AND MAGNET Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 410. You may have a Van de Graaff generator in your school. It can be used to demonstrate the generation properties of electrostatic charges. Larger ones, research laboratories produce enough energy to break nuclei of atoms apart. Confine your discussion to the one you have at school. Concer over static electricity damaging components (on Mars Rovers Spit and Opportunity led scientists to add grounding wires tothe base of the Rovers’ antennas. 11, Duc to the extremely low humidity in space (like none), very large static charges can accumulate on spacecraft causing a major hazard for the complex electronics used in space exploration vehicles. Walking over the extremely dry terrain as on Mars and the Moon could cause astronauts to accumulate a significant amount of charge. Reaching ‘out to open the airlock on their return to the spacecraft could cause a large static discharge, potentially damaging sensitive electronics. The Mars Rover used to build up 100 V of static charge as it roamed over the surface of Mars until static discharge straps were put on it to carry the charge to ‘earth’. Science Pres Mooute 3. Waves Ano THERMODYNAMICS Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 Moouie 4 Eiectmcity aNo MAGNETISM ElCree ee ae eee eee qualitatively and quantitatively the variables that Pe ee es ecu ess Apply the electric field model to account for Ei ME Ur ee L rte wt) charged objects using F = 60 Variables Affecting Electrostatic Forces ‘The size of the electric forve between two objects is affected by the strength of the charge and the distance between the objects. Objects with strong positive and negative charges will have a greater electric force. AS the distance between the objects decreases, the electrical force increases. The constant ¢,, commonly called the vacuum permittivity, permittivity of free space or electric constant, isa physical constant which takes into account the ability of the medium in which a charged object exists to transmit electric field. Its inclusion in the Coulomb equation we use to find electrostatic forces assumes that the charges are in air (or vacuum). The value used is that for vacuum, but the value of the constant for air is insignificantly different for our purposes. The interaction of electrostatic charges is summarised by Coulomb's law of electrostatics and Coulomb's law. Coulomb's law of electrostatics Like static charges repel each other. Unlike static charges attract each other. CCharles-Augustin de Coulomb (1736-1806) Coulomb's law “The magnitude of the electrostatic force of interaction between | Were: ¢ two point charges is directly proportional to the magnitudes of F = force between q, andq, (N) charges and inversely proportional tothe square ofthe distance | 4, — charge on frst object (C) between them. dq. =charge on second object (C) ‘Coulomb’s law is summarised in the following mathematical formulas. ” = distance between charges (m) ke =electromagnetic constant 1 am = 9x 10° (mC) a, &, ~ electric permittivity for air or vacuum =n =8.85«10-2 (Nt m?C) Note that the first form of the equation is preferred. Mooue 3 Waves ANO THEeMooruanacs Sconce Press Hi Maou & [Link] aNo MAGNETS Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 41. Two charged particles are 1.0 m apart. The force between them is F. What would the value of this force be if: (a) The distance between them is changed to 0.1 m? (b) The distance between them is changed to 0.5 m? (©) The distance between them is changed to 2.0m? (@)_ The distance between them is changed to 5.0m? (e) The value of one of the charges is halved? (f) The value of one of the charges is doubled? (g) The value of one of the charges is increased by a factor of 8? (h) The value of both of the charges is halved? (The value of both of the charges is doubled? @) The value of both of the charges is increased by a factor of 82 Two charges, A, 6.0 x 10 C, and B, 8.0 * 10 C are 15 cm apart. What is the force between them? ‘Two charges, X, 3.0 x 10°C, and ¥, -5.0 x 10° C are 10 cm apart. What is the force between them? ‘Two charges, P, 2.0 x 10-*C, and Q, 9.0 x 10 C are S em apart. What is the force between them? ‘Two charges, E, -6.0 mC, and F, 8.0 uC are 12 em apart. What is the force between them? ‘Two charges, A, 5.0 nC, and B, 8.0 nC are 6 mm apart. What is the force between them? (@) The force between two identical charges P and Q is 9 x 10N repulsion. If the charges are 2 mm apart, what is their magnitude? (b) Are the charges positive or negative? Explain your answer. 8. Charge X‘is twice the magnitude of charge ¥. Xand ¥ are 6 mm apart and repel each other with a force of 3.6 « 10° N. What is the magnitude of each charge? 9. Charges X, ¥and Z are in the comers of a triangle as shown Xe4x108C inthe diagram. (@)_ Calculate the force on X due to the other two charges. (b) Calculate the force on ¥ due to the other two charges. (©) Calculate the force on Z due to the other two charges. Novae 30cm 186m ¥=50x 10°C Z=-8x 10°C 10. X and Y are two charged spheres distance r metres apart. Each sphere carries a charge of +g. The force between the spheres is 2.0 « 105N. What will be the force between the charges in each of the following cases? (@) An additional +2g is added to sphere X. (b) Instead, the distance between X and Y is doubled, (©) Instead, an additional charge of -2q is added to sphere Y. (@)_ Instead, the distance between X and Y is reduced to one third its original value. (©) Instead, the charge on X is reduced to +0.5g, the charge on Y is increased to +2.5q and the distance between them is halved. Science Press Mooure 3. Waves Ano THERwooenaics Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 Mooute 4 [Link] AND MAGNET iE11. Four point charges, P, Q, R and S ate placed at the comers of a 25 em square as shown in the diagram. (a) Determine the force on charge P due to the other Paedxt020 Q three charges. ° (b) Determine the force on charge Q due to the other three charges. (©) Now imagine a fifth charge, T= +6.0 « 10% placed in the centre of the square. Determine the force on T due to the other four charges. ° ' ' ' ' i i i ' i 2 R=-8x = 44x 10°C orc, 12, Three point charges, Q, R and S are placed at the comers of a right angled triangle as shown in the diagram (a) Determine the force on charge Q due to the other two charges. (b) Determine the force on charge R due to the other two charges. (©) Determine the force on charge S due to the other two charges. ¢ Q=46x 10°C gem RH48x104C 13. X, Yand Z are three, small insulated metal discs with equal magnitude charges on them. They are placed as shown in the diagram. X and Y carry positive charges but the charge on Z is negative. X exerts a force of 6 wN on ¥. (a) What force does Z exert on ¥? x y (b) Determine the resultant force on ¥. (©) Find the magnitude of the charge on each disc. (@) Ifall charges were doubled in magnitude, what would be the 2em resultant force on Y? Bem | z Mooute 3 Waves AND THeRMoornancs Stance Poss Ei ‘Mooutz 4 ELecreary ano MAGNETisw Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4Use electric field lines to model qualitatively the US direction and strength of electric fields Pr} by simple point charges, pairs of charges, Preece hs 61 Electric Fields A field is a region in which some quantity in physics has a value at every point in the region. For example, temperature has a value at any point in a room, so we could refer to the temperature field of the room. Air pressure has a value anywhere in the atmosphere, so we could refer to the pressure field of the atmosphere. Fields in which certain objects experience a force are known as foree fields. Force fields The most common force fields you will meet in this course are: + A gravitational field is a region in which a mass will experience a force. + Amagnetic field is a region in which a magnetic substance will experience a force. + An electric field is a region in which an electric charge will experience a force. Fields are found around objects similar to the ones they affect. Gravitational fields are found around all masses. Magnetic fields are associated with magnets, and electric fields are found around electrostatic changes, or between charged electric plates. Electric fields + An lectric field exists at a point if a charge placed at that point experiences a force. + A positive charge will experience a force in the direction of the field, + Anegative charge will experience a force in the opposite direction to the field. ————___. + @— Direction of force due to file > Direction of force dus to field < —@_ ———_ > —___, High potential (+) ‘Low potential (-) Direction of field + The direction of the electric field at a point is equal to the direction of the force experienced by a positive charge placed in the field at that point, or Electric field is directed from positive towards negative, or Electric field is directed from high potential to low potential. + Asaresult of these forces, if the charges are free to move they will accelerate in the direction of the force on them (Newton’s second law of motion). Seance Pros Mooute 3. Waves AND THERMODYNAMICS Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 ‘Monute 4 Euscracny ano MAGnensm faField vectors + Electric field is a vector quantity, and can therefore be represented by vector arrows. + The direction of the arrow represents the direction of the field (from positive to negative, or, from high to low potential), and + The closeness of the arrows indicates the magnitude of the field at each point in the field. + Blectric field is directed away from positive charge. + Electric field is directed towards negative charge. + Foran electric dipole (two equal charges but separated by some distance) field is directed from the positive charge to the negative charge. + Forparallel charged plates, the field is directed from the high potential (positive) plate to the Low potential (negative) plate. CUS 1, Clarify, with particular reference to an electric field, the concept of a ‘field’ in physics. ¢ 2, Complete the diagrams below to show the shapes and directions of the electric fields around point charges, A. Field around an isolated positive charge. B Field around an isolated negative charge. Mooute 3. Waves ANO THenwonmuanacs Scionce Press Ei Mooute & Evectaicn AND MAGNETS Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4Complete the diagrams below to show the shapes and directions of the electric fields around and between the following pairs of point charges. ‘A Twounlike charges. B Two lke charges. 4. Complete the diagrams below to show the shape and directions of the electric field between a pair of charged, parallel plates +e |e High potential plate C == 1-t 4 2S Low potential plate 5, How can we tell from a field diagram whether or not the field is uniform in strength? 6. Explain why the field lines around a positive charge are close together near the charge but are further apart at a istance from the charge. 7. Clarify the electric field in a region if the field lines are parallel and the same distance apart. 8. Consider the field lines shown. Identify possible signs for the two charges in each case and justify your answers. The diagrams show electric field lines drawn between four sets of parallel plates. (@) Identify the correct diagrams and justify your answer. (b) Explain why the incorrect diagrams are wrong. (©) Identify the strongest, correct electric field and justify your choice. (@)_ Suggest a difference between the fields between the plates in diagrams A and C. Seance Pros Mooure 3 Waves ano THEewoornanies Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 Mooute 4 Euecrrcny ano MaGnersi El10. The diagram shows a charged particle moving into and then through the electric field, Z, between two parallel plates, ++t+ eet ete et (a) Is the particle positively or negatively charged? Justify your answer. (b) Describe the motion of the charged particle while itis inside the field. Justify your answer. (©) Describe the motion of the particle after it exits the field. Justify your answer. (4) Compare the speed of the particle as it exits the field to that as it enters the field, Justify your answer. ( 11, Identify the sign of the charges producing each of the fields shown, ike 12. Compare the charges at the centres of X and Y responsible for producing the fields shown. Justify each comment you make, Moouue 3 Waves Axo THERMODYNAMICS ‘Science Press Monuie & Evecrcry ano MAGNETISM Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4(9) SI NTR un eg CUS 224 auantitatively analyse interactions between charged objects using E r. 62 Electric Field Strength 1 The electric field strength at distance r from a point charge g, can be found in the following way. From F= Me Where F= force on charge g, due to field produced by charge q, (N) E = strength of electric field around charge 4, (C) r= distance of charge q, ftom charge q,(m) k= constant = 9 « 10° (Nim? C*) We get = Mi fit strength at distance from charge a, QUESTIONS 1. Calculate the electric field strength at a distance of 20 em from a charge of +4.0 x 10°C. 2. The field strength 15 cm from a charge is 3 x 10 N C" directed towards the charge. What is the value of the charge? 3. Atpoint P, some distance from a charge of magnitude 5.0 x 10°*C, the field strength is 2.5 = 10° N C* directed towards the charge. (@) How faris point P from the charge? (b) What sign is the charge? Justify your answer. 4, Three point charges, O, R and $ are placed at the comers ofa right angled triangle as shown in the diagram, (@) Determine the strength of the electric field at charge ( due to the other two charges. () Determine the strength of the electric field at charge R due to the other two charges. (©) Determine the strength of the electric field at charge S due to the other two charges. Ras8x10"C S43 100 5, Four point charges, P, Q, Rand Sare placed at the comers ofa pag x19 25 eam square as shown in the diagram. ° (@)_ Determine electric field at charge P due to the other three charges. (b) Determine the electric field at charge Q due to the other three charges. (©) Now imagine a fifth charge, T= +6.0 x 10°C placed in the centre of the square. Find the electric field at T due to the other four charges. 6 «10°C. Seance Press Mooute 3. Waves Ano THERMCOYNAMICS Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 Mopute 4 Elscraey aNo MAGNETS Ea‘The strength of an electric field can be defined as the force per unit charge at that point. Mathematically, Where F = force on charge placed in the field in newtons (N) q= charge in coulombs (C) E= electric field in newtons per coulomb (N C-!) 1.4 10° NC" in the opposite direction to the force. (Remember, a negative in physics always means Example: A charge of -4.0 uC experiences a force of 5.6 « 107 field at P. Solution: Data: Calculation: q=-4.0* 10°C From B= q F=56*10°N = 5.6107 E=? 4.0 x10 ‘Therefore E the opposite direction to directions given.) N at point P. Calculate the strength of the electric A charge of +6.0 uC experiences a force of 1.5 107 N east at point P. Calculate the strength of the electric field at P. ‘A charge of -3.0 uC experiences a force of 4.2 10°'N south at point P. Calculate the strength of the electric field at P A charge of +4.0 uC in an electric field of strength 1.5 10° NC"! north at point P, Calculate the force ‘on the charge. A charge of ~4.8 C in an electric field of strength 4.0 « 10°. N C+ west at point P. Calculate the force on the charge. ‘A force of 1.5 * 10° N east acts on a charge at point P in an electric field of strength 1.5 «10° NC" west. Calculate the magnitude and sign of the charge. A force of 1.2 x 10"? N south acts on a charge at point P in an electric field of strength 3.6 « 10° NC south. Calculate the magnitude and sign of the charge. 7 8. 10. u Mooute 3 Waves ano Taekwooynanacs | 132 | ‘Mooute 4 [Link] ano MAGNeTsM Calculate the electric field 2.5 em from a charge of =1.5 « 10" Cin a vacuum. ‘An electron, charge -1.6 x 10” C, in a cathode ray tube experiences a force of 6.0 x 10" N towards the south. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field at that point. (a) Two charges, ¥=+3.6 10" Cand ( Y=47.2 104” C are separated by 1.2m in air. Determine the electric field at point Z, midway between X and Y. (b) What would be the force on a proton placed midway between these charges? Caleulate the acceleration of a proton on an electric field of strength 2.55 x 10% NC"! The charge on a proton is +1.6 « 10° C and its mass is 1.7 « 10°” kg (a) Determine the electric field 0.2 om from a charge of 1.2 « 10° C. (b) What would be the force on an electron placed at this point? Science Press Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 412. 13, 14, 15. 16. 7. A force of 1.2 « 10- N south acts on a charge at point Pin an electri field of strength 2.4 104N C+ north. (@)_ Calculate the magnitude of the charge. (b) Identify the sign of the charge. Justify your answer. An electron, charge ~1.6 x 10" C, in a cathode ray tube experiences a force of 3.0 x 10"! N towards the south. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field at that point. Calculate the acceleration of a proton on an electric field of strength 4.0 * 10° NC The charge on a proton is+1.6 10° C and its mass is 1.67 * 10" kg. ‘Two point charges are placed 50 cm apart as shown in the diagram, 42.040 4+3.0 uC x @ x x x @ —_x—__* = ¢ P a R s (a) Calculate the force between the charges, (b) Calculate the electric field strength due to the 3 pC charge at the position of the 2 uC charge. (©) Predict where the electric field would be zero. (@_ Make calculations to determine if your prediction is correct. A charge of 8 mC experiences a force of 2.0 * 10° N. ‘What is the strength of the electric field where the charge is? (A) 40x 10NC# (B) 25% 10°NCt (©) 40% 10°NCt (D) 16* 10*NC* Knowing that the strength of an electric field between parallel plates is uniform in intensity, which statement about the strength of the force acting on a charge placed at X and Y is correct? (A) The force at X is stronger than the force at Y. (B) The force at Y is stronger than the force at X. (C) The forces at X and Y are of equal strength. (D) We need to know the distance between X and Y in order to determine this. Science Press Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 18, The diagrams show charges placed in electric fields. ‘Which diagrams show the correct direction of the forces acting on the charges due to the electric fields? @) ee ey Bo ——______ © —__ >} 2 <——_—________ loDuue 3 Waves AND THERMODYNAMICS ‘Monute 4 ELecraicny aNo Magni eiPym ae mC tr oe Te Col ERC Ue CRU cae v charged objects using E = -¥ 64 Electric Field Strength Between Parallel Plates ‘The electric field between parallel plates is uniform in strength. ‘Mathematically, | E = 4 Where ¥~ electrical potential difference between plates (V) jistance between plates (m) E= electric field in volts per metre (V m+) Example: The potential difference between two parallel plates separated by a distance of 2 cm is $00 V. ‘What is the strength of the electric field between the plates? Solution: Data: Calculation: V=S00V d=0.02m E=? ‘Therefore E =2.5 x 10* V m™ directed from the higher potential plate to the lower potential plate (Note: N Cis an ‘equivalent unit.) 1. Acharge of 2.6» 10-*C experiences a fore of 1.04 = 102N when itis placed in between two parallel charged (>) plates which have a potential difference of 180 V across them. (@) Calculate the magnitude of the electric field between the plates. (b) Determine the distance between the plates. 2. Two parallel plates are 2.0 cm apart and have a potential difference of 400 V across them. What is the electric field strength between the plates? 3. A force of 1.2 * 10? N south acts on a charge at point P in an electric field of strength 3.6 « 10° N C~! south. Calculate the magnitude and sign of the charge. 4, The electric field between two parallel plates is 5 x 10° V m-. Ifthey are 7.5 cm apart, what is the voltage across them? 5, The potential difference across two parallel plates is 300 V. This produces an electric field of strength 1.5 « 10“ Vm". ‘What isthe separation between the plates? 6. Apositively charged particle with a mass of 2.0 10+ kg is placed between two parallel plates, separated by a distance of 3.0 em and the voltage across the plates adjusted until the particle is suspended between them. The potential difference across the plates is 6000 V at this time. (a) What is the magnitude of the charge on the particle? (b) | Which plate of the two is the positive plate? Justify your answer. Mooure 3 Waves ano THeaMooYnAwics Sconce Press| Hi ‘Mopute 4 ElscTmcny ano MAGNETSM Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 47. The diagram shows the electric field between two parallel plates and two positions X and Y, between them. A charge ‘of -3.2 « 10°C is placed at point X. e (a) Identify the positive plate. Justify your answer. ¥ (b)_ Predict the direction of the force on the charge. Justify your answer. (©) The charge is moved from X to Y. Identify any changes to the force on it. Justify your answer. (@ _Inmoving from X to Y, is any work done on the charge? If so, identify the source of the work. (©) Ifa similar, but positive charge was moved from X to Y, identify the change in the force acting on it. Explain ‘your answer. 8, Two parallel plates have a potential difference of V volts across them. They are 2.0 cm apart. At point X, midway between the two plates, the strength of the electric field is ENC". (a) What will be the strength of the electric field at point Q, 0.5 cm from the positive plate? (b) What will be the strength of the electric field at point Q, 0.5 em from the negative plate? (©) What will be the strength of the electric field at point P, if the voltage across the plates is doubled? (@)_ What wil be the strength of the electric field at point P, if the distance between the plates is halved? (e) What will be the strength of the electric field at point P if a charge of 3.0 x 10" Cis placed at P? (©) What will be the ratio of the forces acting on charges of 3.0 = 10 C is placed at P and at Q? C 9, Cateulate the strength ofthe electric field between each of the following pairs of parallel plates. The electrical potential of each plate is shown, and the distance between each pair of plates is 2.5 cm. @ s00v (b) yeo0v ©) 30v @) -350V ov +100 200 I 10. Consider points P and Q between two parallel, charged plates as shown. Which statement about the electric field at P and Q is correct? (A) Ep> Eq (®) E,) What work is done on the proton by the field? (c) What will be its speed as it crosses equipotential line E? Moouce 3 Waves ano THERMoomanics El ‘Maou 4 ELecrRciry ano MAGNETS Seance Pres Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4eer a aCe cate Spee Pe Mee nes eee een tite Rus 66 The Charge Model For Electric Current The coulomb ‘The unit for measuring electrostatic charge is the coulomb (C), named after Charles Augustin de Coulomb, a French physicist who did many of the early experiments on electrostatics. One coulomb (C) is the charge equal to the total charge on 6.25 x 10" electrons. i From this the the electron = ————__ ‘rom this we get the charge on the el FssintG The charge on a proton is +1.6 10°C, city on this, which in tun gives rise to an alternate definition for the coulomb. -16 «10°C. ‘L ampere of electricity flows in an electrical circuit if 1 coulomb of change passes a point in the circuit each second. 1 coulomb is the amount of charge passing a point in an electrical circuit when a current of 1 ampere flows for 1 second. ‘Mathematically, electric current is defined in the following way. ‘The magnitude of an electric current, symbol J, is determined by the rate at which electric charge, symbol g, flows in circuit. ‘One ampere of electric current (1 A) is equal to the flow of one coulomb of electric charge (or its equivalent) each second, i.e. ‘One ampere = one coulomb per second = 6.25 x 10" electrons per second Sues 1. Define each of the following terms. 3. (@) The coulomb. (b) One ampere. 2. Ahousehold lighting circuit carries 4.0A when ‘many Christmas fairy lights are put up. Ifthe lights are left on for 5 hours each night, calculate: (@) The charge passing through the circuit each second. (b) The number of electrons passing through the 4 cireuit each second. (©) The total charge passing through the circuit during the 5 hours. (@)_ The total number of electrons flowing through the circuit in the 5 hours. Seince Pass Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 ‘What happens (transfers of electrons) to produce the following charged objects? (a) Object A with 2 charge of +4.0 mC. () Object B with a charge of -2.5 uC. (©) Object C with charge +8 x 10*C. (@)_ Object D with charge -6.2 nC. ‘What charge does each of the following carry? (@) Object A which has a deficiency of 6 * 10* electrons. (b) Object B which has an excess of 15 = 10" electrons. (©) Object C which has a deficiency of 25 « 10" electrons. (@ Object D which has an excess of 8 10" electrons. Mooute 3 Waves ano THerMoornanics Moputz 4 Electmcry ano Macher ei5. When starting a particular car, 160 C of charge passed through the starter motor in 4.5 s. What ‘current flow does this represent? 6. If4 * 10? electrons flow through a conductor every 8:5, what current is flowing? 7. @ &) (© @ © ) © @ © 2.4 « 10" electrons flow in a circuit each second. What current flows? 1.2 10” electrons flow in a circuit each second. What current flows? 3.0 x 10" electrons flow in a circuit each ‘minute, What current flows? 4.8 x 10” electrons flow in a circuit each ‘minute. What current flows? 3.6 x 10" electrons flow in a circuit each 0.1 s. What current flows? How many electrons flow in a circuit if the ‘current in the circuit is 0.5 A? How many electrons flow in a circuit ifthe ‘current in the circuit is 3.2 A? How many electrons flow in a circuit ifthe ‘current in the circuit is 14? How many electrons flow in a circuit ifthe ‘current in the circuit is 3 4A? How many electrons flow in a circuit if the current in the circuit is 6 nA? 9. Acurrent of 4.6 A flows through a conductor for 15 s. How many electrons pass each point in the conductor in this time? 10. If 80 mA of current flows in a wire, how long would it take for one mole of electrons (6.023 = 10 electrons) to pass a point in the wire? 11. Consider the following electric circuit. (a) (o) (© @ 8 Compare the current passing through A with ‘that passing through B. Compare the current passing through A with ‘that passing through C. Compare the current passing through A with that passing through D. Compare the current passing through D with that passing through E. Moouue 3 Waves ano THeemoornanacs Ea ‘Moouie & [Link] ano Macnenise 12. Consider the following electric circuit. 8 13. 14, 15. 16. (a) ) © (@) © (b) © py Cy) RV Compare the number of electrons flowing through P and Q. Compare the number of electrons flowing through P to R. Compare the number of electrons flowing through P to S. Compare the number of electrons flowing through P to T. Compare the number of electrons flowing through Q to S. Consider an electric circuit. If the potential of the power supply was doubled, how would that affect the current through each point in the circuit? Compare the current through point B in a circuit with that through point A in the same circuit when the potential of the power supply is tripled. Consider the circuit in Question 12. If the potential of the power supply was doubled, how would that affect the number of electrons flowing through each of the points? Ina particular cathode ray tube computer monitor the current is 7.6 mA. (@) (b) What charge is transferred between the cathode ‘What electron flow does this represent? and the anode each second? When starting a motor 33 C of charge passed through the starter motor in 1.5 s. What current flow does this represent? If 4 « 10 electrons flow through a conductor every 4.8, what current is flowing? ( Science Poss Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4Pee eet Rae ee aL et Ts CUS _ mlationships in ohmic and non-ohmic resistors to explore the usefulness and limitations of Ohm’s law Fa? m2 using V = Calis a 67 Electrical Potential Difference 1 Energy is required to separate positive and negative charges. We use electrical energy to do this when we recharge a battery. We use our own internal energy when we produce electrostatic charges by friction. ‘When charges are separated work is done. Whenever work is done to separate object, be they masses or magnets oF charges, a potential energy difference is set up between them. Hence we have gravitational potential energy differences, ‘magnetic potential energy differences and electrical potential energy differences. By definition, when we move a static charge, the potential energy through which it moves is defined as the work done per unit positive charge in moving the charge from one point in an electric field to another point in the field. av=4% or, on rearranging AW=AVq ‘Note that these equations can be used to determine the work done (joules) in moving any charge q (coulombs) through any potential difference V (volts), oF any ofthese three variables It is only when qis 1 coulomb that the values reflect the potential difference between the two positions involved in the movement of the charge. ‘The electrical potential, V (volts) at point P from a charge gq (coulombs) can also be given by the following equation, ee The direction of the potential difference at P due tog is given by the direction of the force which would act on the positive test charge placed at P. If the charge q is positive, then work needs to be done on the positive test charge to move it from P towards g. The potential energy of the test charge will increase as it approaches q (like charges repel each other, so the test charge has to be forced closer to g). The potential at P is directed away from q and is said to be a positive potential. If the charge q is negative, then work will be done on the positive “est charge by the electric field around q to move it from P towards bandh erp i q (unlike charges attract each other). The potential energy of the electric current flow test charge will decrease (rather like the gravitational potential \ ‘energy of a mass as it falls towards the Earth) as it approaches 4g. The force on the test charge will be directed towards g, so the potential at P towards q is said to be negative. Positive terminal In general, electrical potential difference is directed away from of power source positive charge and towards negative charge. Note that this is Nb. the direction in which a positive test charge would move if it was placed in the potential field. / In an electrical circuit, the potential energy difference set up DC power source when charges are separated from each other can be used as the driving force to produce an electric current in the circuit. ‘The direction of the electrical potential in a circuit, and therefore the direction in which conventional electric current flows, is away from the positive terminal of the power source towards the negative terminal of the power source. Selence Pree Mooute 3 Waves aNo THeRMoomamics Surfing NSW Physics Modules 3 and 4 ‘Mooute 4 ELECTRINY aND MAGNETSM