Gauss’s Law for Electric Field

The net electric flux ΦE through any closed surface is equal to the net charge Qin inside divided
by the permittivity constant ǫ0 :

~ = 4πkQin = Qin Qin

I
~ · dA
E i.e. ΦE = with ǫ0 = 8.854 × 10−12 C2 N−1 m−2
ǫ0 ǫ0

The closed surface

H can be real or fictitious. It is called “Gaussian surface”.
The symbol denotes an integral over a closed surface in this context.

• Gauss’s law is a general relation between

electric charge and electric field.
• In electrostatics: Gauss’s law is equivalent
to Coulomb’s law.
• Gauss’s law is one of four Maxwell’s
equations that govern cause and effect in
electricity and magnetism.

1/9/2015 [tsl44 – 1/32]

Gauss’ Law for Electric Field (Illustration)

1/9/2015 [tsl445 – 2/32]

Gaussian surface problem (1)

(A)
The electric fluxes through the Gaussian surfaces SA and SB are ΦE = 5C/ǫ0 and
(B)
ΦE = 3C/ǫ0 , respectively.

SB
SA

q1 q2

Find the electric charges q1 and q2 .

1/9/2015 [tsl45 – 3/32]

Gaussian surface problem (2)

(A)
The electric fluxes through the Gaussian surfaces SA and SB are ΦE = 1C/ǫ0 and
(B)
ΦE = 3C/ǫ0 , respectively.

SA SB

q1 =2C q2 q3

Find the electric charges q2 and q3 .

1/9/2015 [tsl46 – 4/32]

Gaussian surface problem (3)

A proton, a neutron, and an electron are placed in different boxes. The electric fluxes through the
three Gaussian surfaces are as indicated.

e/ε 0 e/ε 0 zero

A B C

Name the particle in each box.

1/9/2015 [tsl47 – 5/32]

Gaussian surface problem (4)

Three point charges q1 , q2 , q3 produce electric fluxes through the three Gaussian surfaces as
indicated.

2C/ ε 0
1C/ε 0
q2

q1 q3

5C/ε 0

(a) Find the net charge Q = q1 + q2 + q3 .

(b) Find the individual charges q1 , q2 , q3 .

1/9/2015 [tsl48 – 6/32]

Gaussian surface problem (5)

A positive charge and a negative charge are placed in different boxes. One box remains empty.
The electric fluxes through the three Gaussian surfaces are as indicated.

−4C/ε 0
+2C/ε 0
A

B C

−2C/ε 0

(a) Which box contains the positive charge?

(b) Which box contains the negative charge?

1/9/2015 [tsl49 – 7/32]

Gaussian surface problem (6)

(A)
The electric fluxes through the Gaussian surfaces SA , SB , and SC are ΦE = 4C/ǫ0 ,
(B) (C)
ΦE = 1C/ǫ0 , and ΦE = 2C/ǫ0 , respectively.

SC
SA SB

q1 q2 q3

Find the electric charges q1 , q2 , and q3 .

1/9/2015 [tsl50 – 8/32]

 ~ from Gauss’s Law: Strategy
Calculating E

Design the Gaussian surface such that it reflects the symmetry of the problem at hand.

• Use concentric Gaussian spheres in problems with spherically symmetric charge distributions. The
electric field is perpendicular to the Gaussian sphere (E ~ k dA).
~
• Use coaxial Gaussian cylinders in problems with cylindrically symmetric charge distributions. The
electric field is perpendicular to the curved surface (E ~ k dA)~ and parallel to the flat surfaces
~ ⊥ dA).
(E ~
• Use Gaussian cylinders with axis perpendicular to planar charge distributions. The electric field is
parallel to the curved surface (E ~ ⊥ dA)
~ and perpendicular to the flat surfaces (E ~ k dA).~

1/9/2015 [tsl51 – 9/32]

 ~ from Gauss’s Law: Point Charge
Calculating E

• Consider a positive point charge Q.

• Use a Gaussian sphere of radius R centered at the location of Q.
• Surface area of sphere: A = 4πR2 .
I
• Electric flux through Gaussian surface: ΦE = ~ · dA
E ~ = E(4πR2 ).

• Net charge inside Gaussian surface: Qin = Q.

~ = Qin becomes E(4πR2 ) = Q .

I
• Gauss’s law E~ · dA
ǫ0 ǫ0
1 Q kQ
• Electric field at radius R: E = = .
4πǫ0 R2 R2

1/9/2015 [tsl52 – 10/32]

 ~ from Gauss’s Law: Charged Wire
Calculating E

• Consider a uniformly charged wire of infinite length.

• Charge per unit length on wire: λ (here assumed positive).
• Use a coaxial Gaussian cylinder of radius R and length L.
I
• Electric flux through Gaussian surface: ΦE = E~ · dA
~ = E(2πRL).

• Net charge charge inside Gaussian surface: Qin = λL.

~ = Qin becomes E(2πRL) = λL .

I
• Gauss’s law E~ · dA
ǫ0 ǫ0
1 λ
• Electric field at radius R: E = .
2πǫ0 R

1/9/2015 [tsl53 – 11/32]

 ~ from Gauss’s Law: Charged Plane Sheet
Calculating E

• Consider a uniformly charged plane sheet.

• Charge per unit area on sheet: σ (here assumed positive).
• Use Gaussian cylinder with cross-sectional area A placed as shown.
I
• Electric flux through Gaussian surface: ΦE = ~ · dA
E ~ = 2EA.

Net charge charge inside Gaussian surface: Qin = σA.

~ = Qin becomes 2EA = σA .

I
• Gauss’s law ~ · dA
E
ǫ0 ǫ0
σ
• Electric field at both ends of cylinder: E =
2ǫ0
(pointing away from sheet).
• Note that E does not depend on the distance
from the sheet.

1/9/2015 [tsl54 – 12/32]

 ~ from Gauss’s Law: Charged Slab
Calculating E

• Consider a uniformly charged slab.

• Charge per unit volume on slab: ρ.
• Use Gaussian cylinder as shown.

• Total electric flux: ΦE = 2|Ez |A.

(
2ρA|z| (|z| ≤ a)
• Net charge inside: Qin =
2ρAa (|z| ≥ a)

2ρA|z|
(
ǫ0
(|z| ≤ a)
• Gauss’s law: 2|Ez |A = 2ρAa
ǫ0
(|z| ≥ a)

8 ρa
< − ǫ0
> (z ≤ −a)
ρz
• Electric field: Ez = ǫ0
(−a ≤ z ≤ a)
ρa
>
(z ≥ a)
:
ǫ0

1/9/2015 [tsl373 – 13/32]

Electric Field of Uniformly Charged Spherical Shell

• Radius of charged spherical shell: R

• Electric charge on spherical shell:
Q = σA = 4πσR2 .
• Use a concentric Gaussian sphere
of radius r.
Q
• r > R: E(4πr2 ) =
ǫ0
1 Q
⇒ E=
4πǫ0 r2
Qin
• r < R: E(4πr2 ) = =0
ǫ0
⇒ E=0

1/9/2015 [tsl55 – 14/32]

Electric Field of Uniformly Charged Solid Sphere

• Radius of charged solid sphere: R

• Electric charge on sphere:
4π
Q = ρV = ρR3 .
3
• Use a concentric Gaussian sphere
of radius r.
Q
• r > R: E(4πr2 ) =
ǫ0
1 Q
⇒ E=
4πǫ0 r2
„ «
1 4π
• r < R: E(4πr2 ) = r3 ρ
ǫ0 3
ρ 1 Q
⇒ E(r) = r= r
3ǫ0 4πǫ0 R3

1/9/2015 [tsl56 – 15/32]

Electric Field of Oppositely Charged Infinite Sheets

• Consider two infinite sheets of charge with charge per unit area ±σ, respectively.
• The sheets are positioned at x = 0 and x = 2m, respectively.
σ
• Magnitude of field produced by each sheet: E = .
2ǫ0
(+) (−) σ σ
• Electric field at x < 0: Ex = Ex + Ex = − + = 0.
2ǫ0 2ǫ0
(+) (−) σ σ σ
• Electric field at 0 < x < 2m: Ex = Ex + Ex = + + = .
2ǫ0 2ǫ0 ǫ0
(+) (−) σ σ
• Electric field at x > 2m: Ex = Ex + Ex = + − = 0.
2ǫ0 2ǫ0

1/9/2015 [tsl57 – 16/32]

Electric Field Near Charged Infinite Sheets

Consider three pairs of parallel, infinite, uniformly charged sheets.

The charge per unit area is equal in magnitude on all sheets.
Find the direction (↑, ↓, none) of the electric field at the nine locations indicated.

E1 E4 E7

σ>0 σ<0 σ>0

E2 E5 E8

σ>0 σ<0 σ<0

E3 E6 E9

1/9/2015 [tsl446 – 17/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’09)

Consider two very large uniformly charged parallel sheets as shown. The charge densities are
σA = +7 × 10−12 Cm−2 and σB = −4 × 10−12 Cm−2 , respectively. Find magnitude and
direction (left/right) of the electric fields E1 , E2 , and E3 .

E1 E2 E3
σΑ σΒ

1/9/2015 [tsl390 – 18/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’09)

Consider two very large uniformly charged parallel sheets as shown. The charge densities are
σA = +7 × 10−12 Cm−2 and σB = −4 × 10−12 Cm−2 , respectively. Find magnitude and
direction (left/right) of the electric fields E1 , E2 , and E3 .

E1 E2 E3
Solution: σΑ σΒ
|σA |
EA = = 0.40N/C (directed away from sheet A).
2ǫ0

1/9/2015 [tsl390 – 18/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’09)

Consider two very large uniformly charged parallel sheets as shown. The charge densities are
σA = +7 × 10−12 Cm−2 and σB = −4 × 10−12 Cm−2 , respectively. Find magnitude and
direction (left/right) of the electric fields E1 , E2 , and E3 .

E1 E2 E3
Solution: σΑ σΒ
|σA |
EA = = 0.40N/C (directed away from sheet A).
2ǫ0
|σB |
EB = = 0.23N/C (directed toward sheet B).
2ǫ0

1/9/2015 [tsl390 – 18/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’09)

Consider two very large uniformly charged parallel sheets as shown. The charge densities are
σA = +7 × 10−12 Cm−2 and σB = −4 × 10−12 Cm−2 , respectively. Find magnitude and
direction (left/right) of the electric fields E1 , E2 , and E3 .

E1 E2 E3
Solution: σΑ σΒ
|σA |
EA = = 0.40N/C (directed away from sheet A).
2ǫ0
|σB |
EB = = 0.23N/C (directed toward sheet B).
2ǫ0
E1 = EA − EB = 0.17N/C (directed left).

1/9/2015 [tsl390 – 18/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’09)

Consider two very large uniformly charged parallel sheets as shown. The charge densities are
σA = +7 × 10−12 Cm−2 and σB = −4 × 10−12 Cm−2 , respectively. Find magnitude and
direction (left/right) of the electric fields E1 , E2 , and E3 .

E1 E2 E3
Solution: σΑ σΒ
|σA |
EA = = 0.40N/C (directed away from sheet A).
2ǫ0
|σB |
EB = = 0.23N/C (directed toward sheet B).
2ǫ0
E1 = EA − EB = 0.17N/C (directed left).
E2 = EA + EB = 0.63N/C (directed right).

1/9/2015 [tsl390 – 18/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’09)

Consider two very large uniformly charged parallel sheets as shown. The charge densities are
σA = +7 × 10−12 Cm−2 and σB = −4 × 10−12 Cm−2 , respectively. Find magnitude and
direction (left/right) of the electric fields E1 , E2 , and E3 .

E1 E2 E3
Solution: σΑ σΒ
|σA |
EA = = 0.40N/C (directed away from sheet A).
2ǫ0
|σB |
EB = = 0.23N/C (directed toward sheet B).
2ǫ0
E1 = EA − EB = 0.17N/C (directed left).
E2 = EA + EB = 0.63N/C (directed right).
E2 = EA − EB = 0.17N/C (directed right).

1/9/2015 [tsl390 – 18/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’12)

Two very large, thin, uniformly charged, parallel sheets are positioned as shown.
Find the values of the charge densities (charge per area), σA and σB , if you know the electric
fields E1 , E2 , and E3 .

Consider two situations.

(a) E1 = 2N/C (directed left), E2 = 0, E3 = 2N/C (directed right).
(b) E1 = 0, E2 = 2N/C (directed right), E3 = 0.

E1 E2 E3
σΑ σΒ

1/9/2015 [tsl423 – 19/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’12)

Two very large, thin, uniformly charged, parallel sheets are positioned as shown.
Find the values of the charge densities (charge per area), σA and σB , if you know the electric
fields E1 , E2 , and E3 .

Consider two situations.

(a) E1 = 2N/C (directed left), E2 = 0, E3 = 2N/C (directed right).
(b) E1 = 0, E2 = 2N/C (directed right), E3 = 0.

E1 E2 E3
Solution: σΑ σΒ
(a) The two sheets are equally charged:
σA = σB = 2ǫ0 (1N/C) = 1.77 × 10−11 C/m2 .

1/9/2015 [tsl423 – 19/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’12)

Two very large, thin, uniformly charged, parallel sheets are positioned as shown.
Find the values of the charge densities (charge per area), σA and σB , if you know the electric
fields E1 , E2 , and E3 .

Consider two situations.

(a) E1 = 2N/C (directed left), E2 = 0, E3 = 2N/C (directed right).
(b) E1 = 0, E2 = 2N/C (directed right), E3 = 0.

E1 E2 E3
Solution: σΑ σΒ
(a) The two sheets are equally charged:
σA = σB = 2ǫ0 (1N/C) = 1.77 × 10−11 C/m2 .
(b) The two sheets are oppositely charged:
σA = −σB = 2ǫ0 (1N/C) = 1.77 × 10−11 C/m2 .

1/9/2015 [tsl423 – 19/32]

Charged Conductor at Equilibrium (1)

• Consider a conductor with excess charge Q in

isolation.
• The mobile charges (electrons) are rearranged
~0 = 0
spontaneously until we have E
everywhere inside the conductor.
~ 0 = 0 inside the conductor, then Gauss’s
• If E
Q
law implies that there can be no net flux
through any Gaussian surface that is inside the E0 (r)
conductor. E0 = 0
• Hence there can be no net charge in any
region inside the conductor.
• Hence all excess charge must be at the
surface, where it produces an electric field
~ 0 (~
E r) on the outside only.

1/9/2015 [tsl58 – 20/32]

Charged Conductor at Equilibrium (2)

• Now place a point charge q near the charged conductor.

• The electric field produced by q causes a further rearrangement of mobile surface charges
until we have again E ~ = 0 in the interior.
~ is perpendicular to the surface of the conductor, and its magnitude
• Locally, the electric field E
is proportional to the charge per unit area: E = σ/ǫ0 .

E (r)
E=0
+
q
++ +
++ + +

1/9/2015 [tsl59 – 21/32]

Charged Conductor at Equilibrium (3)

• Consider a conductor with a cavity and excess charge Q.

• Gauss’s law implies that there is no net charge on the surface of the cavity.
~ 0 (~
• The external field is E r). There is no field in the cavity.
• Now place a point charge q inside the cavity.
• Gauss’s law implies that there is a charge −q on the surface of the cavity.
• Charge conservation implies that there is a charge Q + q on the outer surface of the
conductor.
~ r). There is a nonzero electric field field inside the cavity.
• The external field changes to E(~

Q Q+q

−q +
E=0 q

E=0 E=0

E0(r) E(r)

1/9/2015 [tsl60 – 22/32]

Charged Conductor Problem (1)

Consider a metal cube with a charge 2C on it positioned inside a cubic metal shell with a charge
−1C on it.

• Find the charge Qint on the interior surface and the charge Qext on the exterior surface of
the shell.

−1C

2C
Qint Q ext

1/9/2015 [tsl61 – 23/32]

Charged Conductor Problem (2)

A conducting spherical shell of inner radius r1 = 4cm and outer radius r2 = 6cm carries no net
charge. Now we place a point charge q = −1µC at its center.

(a) Find the surface charge densities σ1 and σ2 .

(b) Find the electric fields E1 and E2 in the immediate vicinity of the shell.
(c) What happens to the electric fields inside and outside the shell when a second point charge
Q = +1µC is placed a distance d = 20cm from the center of the shell?
(d) Which objects exert a force on the second point charge?

r1
r2
Q
q +
q1
q
2

1/9/2015 [tsl62 – 24/32]

Charged Conductor Problem (3)

A point charge qp = −7µC is positioned at the center of a conducting spherical shell with a charge
qs = +4µC on it.

• Find the direction (inward/outward) of the electric field at the points A and B.
• Find the charge qsint on the inner surface and the charge qsext on the outer surface of the
shell.

qp
A B

qs

1/9/2015 [tsl63 – 25/32]

Charged Conductor Problem (4)

A long conducting cylinder of radius R0 = 3cm carries a charge per unit length λc = 5.0µC/m. It is
surrounded by a conducting cylindrical shell of radii R1 = 7cm and R2 = 11cm. The shell carries
a charge per unit length λs = −8.0µC/m.

(a) Find the linear charge densities λ1 , λ2 on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell.
(b) Find the electric fields E0 , E1 , E3 in the vicinity of the three conducting surfaces.

R1 R2
R0

1/9/2015 [tsl64 – 26/32]

Charged Conductor Problem (5)

Consider two concentric shells with charges on them as indicated.

• Find the charges qA , qB , qC , qD on each of the four surfaces.

5C

−3C
D
C
B
A

1/9/2015 [tsl65 – 27/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #4 (Spring ’05)

Consider two concentric conducting spherical shells. The total electric charge on the inner shell is
4C and the total electric charge on the outer shell is −3C. Find the electric charges q1 , q2 , q3 , q4
on each surface of both shells as identified in the figure.

−3C

4C
4
3
2
1

1/9/2015 [tsl334 – 28/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #4 (Spring ’05)

Consider two concentric conducting spherical shells. The total electric charge on the inner shell is
4C and the total electric charge on the outer shell is −3C. Find the electric charges q1 , q2 , q3 , q4
on each surface of both shells as identified in the figure.

−3C

Solution:
4C
Start with the innermost surface.
Note that any excess charge is located 4
at the surface of a conductor. 3
Note also that the electric field inside a
2
1
conductor at equilibrium vanishes.

1/9/2015 [tsl334 – 28/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #4 (Spring ’05)

Consider two concentric conducting spherical shells. The total electric charge on the inner shell is
4C and the total electric charge on the outer shell is −3C. Find the electric charges q1 , q2 , q3 , q4
on each surface of both shells as identified in the figure.

−3C

Solution:
4C
Start with the innermost surface.
Note that any excess charge is located 4
at the surface of a conductor. 3
Note also that the electric field inside a
2
1
conductor at equilibrium vanishes.

• Gauss’s law predicts q4 = 0.

1/9/2015 [tsl334 – 28/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #4 (Spring ’05)

Consider two concentric conducting spherical shells. The total electric charge on the inner shell is
4C and the total electric charge on the outer shell is −3C. Find the electric charges q1 , q2 , q3 , q4
on each surface of both shells as identified in the figure.

−3C

Solution:
4C
Start with the innermost surface.
Note that any excess charge is located 4
at the surface of a conductor. 3
Note also that the electric field inside a
2
1
conductor at equilibrium vanishes.

• Gauss’s law predicts q4 = 0.

• Charge conservation then predicts q3 + q4 = 4C. Hence q3 = 4C.

1/9/2015 [tsl334 – 28/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #4 (Spring ’05)

Consider two concentric conducting spherical shells. The total electric charge on the inner shell is
4C and the total electric charge on the outer shell is −3C. Find the electric charges q1 , q2 , q3 , q4
on each surface of both shells as identified in the figure.

−3C

Solution:
4C
Start with the innermost surface.
Note that any excess charge is located 4
at the surface of a conductor. 3
Note also that the electric field inside a
2
1
conductor at equilibrium vanishes.

• Gauss’s law predicts q4 = 0.

• Charge conservation then predicts q3 + q4 = 4C. Hence q3 = 4C.
• Gauss’s law predicts q2 = −(q3 + q4 ) = −4C.

1/9/2015 [tsl334 – 28/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #4 (Spring ’05)

Consider two concentric conducting spherical shells. The total electric charge on the inner shell is
4C and the total electric charge on the outer shell is −3C. Find the electric charges q1 , q2 , q3 , q4
on each surface of both shells as identified in the figure.

−3C

Solution:
4C
Start with the innermost surface.
Note that any excess charge is located 4
at the surface of a conductor. 3
Note also that the electric field inside a
2
1
conductor at equilibrium vanishes.

• Gauss’s law predicts q4 = 0.

• Charge conservation then predicts q3 + q4 = 4C. Hence q3 = 4C.
• Gauss’s law predicts q2 = −(q3 + q4 ) = −4C.
• Charge conservation then predicts q1 + q2 = −3C. Hence q1 = +1C.

1/9/2015 [tsl334 – 28/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’06)

Consider a conducting sphere of radius r1 = 1m and a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3m and outer radius r3 = 5m. The charge on the inner sphere is Q1 = −0.6µC. The net
charge on the shell is zero.

(a) Find the charge Q2 on the inner surface and the charge Q3 on the outer surface of the shell.
(b) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point A between the sphere and the shell.
(c) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point B inside the shell.
(d) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point C outside the shell.
Q3

Q2

Q1 A B C
r
2m 4m 6m

1/9/2015 [tsl349 – 29/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’06)

Consider a conducting sphere of radius r1 = 1m and a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3m and outer radius r3 = 5m. The charge on the inner sphere is Q1 = −0.6µC. The net
charge on the shell is zero.

(a) Find the charge Q2 on the inner surface and the charge Q3 on the outer surface of the shell.
(b) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point A between the sphere and the shell.
(c) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point B inside the shell.
(d) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point C outside the shell.
Solution: Q3

(a) Gauss’s law implies that Q2 = −Q1 = +0.6µC.

Q2
Given that Q2 + Q3 = 0 we infer Q3 = −0.6µC.
Q1 A B C
r
2m 4m 6m

1/9/2015 [tsl349 – 29/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’06)

Consider a conducting sphere of radius r1 = 1m and a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3m and outer radius r3 = 5m. The charge on the inner sphere is Q1 = −0.6µC. The net
charge on the shell is zero.

(a) Find the charge Q2 on the inner surface and the charge Q3 on the outer surface of the shell.
(b) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point A between the sphere and the shell.
(c) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point B inside the shell.
(d) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point C outside the shell.
Solution: Q3

(a) Gauss’s law implies that Q2 = −Q1 = +0.6µC.

Q2
Given that Q2 + Q3 = 0 we infer Q3 = −0.6µC.
0.6µC Q1 A
(b) EA = k = 1349N/C (inward). B C
r
(2m)2 2m 4m 6m

1/9/2015 [tsl349 – 29/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’06)

Consider a conducting sphere of radius r1 = 1m and a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3m and outer radius r3 = 5m. The charge on the inner sphere is Q1 = −0.6µC. The net
charge on the shell is zero.

(a) Find the charge Q2 on the inner surface and the charge Q3 on the outer surface of the shell.
(b) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point A between the sphere and the shell.
(c) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point B inside the shell.
(d) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point C outside the shell.
Solution: Q3

(a) Gauss’s law implies that Q2 = −Q1 = +0.6µC.

Q2
Given that Q2 + Q3 = 0 we infer Q3 = −0.6µC.
0.6µC Q1 A
(b) EA = k = 1349N/C (inward). B C
r
(2m)2 2m 4m 6m
(c) EB = 0 inside conductor.

1/9/2015 [tsl349 – 29/32]

Intermediate Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’06)

Consider a conducting sphere of radius r1 = 1m and a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3m and outer radius r3 = 5m. The charge on the inner sphere is Q1 = −0.6µC. The net
charge on the shell is zero.

(a) Find the charge Q2 on the inner surface and the charge Q3 on the outer surface of the shell.
(b) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point A between the sphere and the shell.
(c) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point B inside the shell.
(d) Find magnitude and direction of the electric field at point C outside the shell.
Solution: Q3

(a) Gauss’s law implies that Q2 = −Q1 = +0.6µC.

Q2
Given that Q2 + Q3 = 0 we infer Q3 = −0.6µC.
0.6µC Q1 A
(b) EA = k = 1349N/C (inward). B C
r
(2m)2 2m 4m 6m
(c) EB = 0 inside conductor.
0.6µC
(d) EC = k = 150N/C (inward).
(6m)2

1/9/2015 [tsl349 – 29/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’07)

A point charge Qp is positioned at the center of a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3.00m and outer radius r3 = 5.00m. The total charge on the shell Qs = +7.00nC. The
electric field at point A has strength EA = 6.75N/C and is pointing radially inward.

(a) Find the value of Qp (point charge). r

(b) Find the charge Qint on the inner surface of the shell.
B 4m
(c) Find the charge Qext on the outer surface of the shell.
(d) Find the electric field at point B. A 2m
EA
Qp Q int Q ext

1/9/2015 [tsl360 – 30/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’07)

A point charge Qp is positioned at the center of a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3.00m and outer radius r3 = 5.00m. The total charge on the shell Qs = +7.00nC. The
electric field at point A has strength EA = 6.75N/C and is pointing radially inward.

(a) Find the value of Qp (point charge). r

(b) Find the charge Qint on the inner surface of the shell.
B 4m
(c) Find the charge Qext on the outer surface of the shell.
(d) Find the electric field at point B. A 2m
EA
Solution: Qp Q int Q ext

2 Qp
(a) Gauss’s law implies that −EA (4πrA )=
ǫ0
⇒ Qp = −3.00nC.

1/9/2015 [tsl360 – 30/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’07)

A point charge Qp is positioned at the center of a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3.00m and outer radius r3 = 5.00m. The total charge on the shell Qs = +7.00nC. The
electric field at point A has strength EA = 6.75N/C and is pointing radially inward.

(a) Find the value of Qp (point charge). r

(b) Find the charge Qint on the inner surface of the shell.
B 4m
(c) Find the charge Qext on the outer surface of the shell.
(d) Find the electric field at point B. A 2m
EA
Solution: Qp Q int Q ext

2 Qp
(a) Gauss’s law implies that −EA (4πrA )=
ǫ0
⇒ Qp = −3.00nC.
(b) Gauss’s law implies that Qint = −Qp = +3.00nC.

1/9/2015 [tsl360 – 30/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’07)

A point charge Qp is positioned at the center of a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3.00m and outer radius r3 = 5.00m. The total charge on the shell Qs = +7.00nC. The
electric field at point A has strength EA = 6.75N/C and is pointing radially inward.

(a) Find the value of Qp (point charge). r

(b) Find the charge Qint on the inner surface of the shell.
B 4m
(c) Find the charge Qext on the outer surface of the shell.
(d) Find the electric field at point B. A 2m
EA
Solution: Qp Q int Q ext

2 Qp
(a) Gauss’s law implies that −EA (4πrA )=
ǫ0
⇒ Qp = −3.00nC.
(b) Gauss’s law implies that Qint = −Qp = +3.00nC.
(c) Charge conservation, Qint + Qext = Qs = 7.00nC,
then implies that Qext = +4.00nC.

1/9/2015 [tsl360 – 30/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’07)

A point charge Qp is positioned at the center of a conducting spherical shell of inner radius
r2 = 3.00m and outer radius r3 = 5.00m. The total charge on the shell Qs = +7.00nC. The
electric field at point A has strength EA = 6.75N/C and is pointing radially inward.

(a) Find the value of Qp (point charge). r

(b) Find the charge Qint on the inner surface of the shell.
B 4m
(c) Find the charge Qext on the outer surface of the shell.
(d) Find the electric field at point B. A 2m
EA
Solution: Qp Q int Q ext

2 Qp
(a) Gauss’s law implies that −EA (4πrA )=
ǫ0
⇒ Qp = −3.00nC.
(b) Gauss’s law implies that Qint = −Qp = +3.00nC.
(c) Charge conservation, Qint + Qext = Qs = 7.00nC,
then implies that Qext = +4.00nC.
(d) EB = 0 inside conductor.

1/9/2015 [tsl360 – 30/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #3 (Spring ’09)

(a) Consider a conducting box with no net charge on it. Inside the box are two small charged
conducting cubes. For the given charges on the surface of one cube and on the inside
surface of the box find the charges Q1 on the surface of the other cube and Q2 on the
outside surface of the box.
(b) Consider a conducting box with two compartments and no net charge on it. Inside one
compartment is a small charged conducting cube. For the given charge on the surface of the
cube find the charges Q3 , Q4 , and Q5 on the three surfaces of the box.

+3C
−6C

Q
1

−5C Q Q Q Q
2 3 4 5

(a) (b)

1/9/2015 [tsl391 – 31/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #3 (Spring ’09)

(a) Consider a conducting box with no net charge on it. Inside the box are two small charged
conducting cubes. For the given charges on the surface of one cube and on the inside
surface of the box find the charges Q1 on the surface of the other cube and Q2 on the
outside surface of the box.
(b) Consider a conducting box with two compartments and no net charge on it. Inside one
compartment is a small charged conducting cube. For the given charge on the surface of the
cube find the charges Q3 , Q4 , and Q5 on the three surfaces of the box.

+3C
−6C

Q
1

−5C Q Q Q Q
2 3 4 5

Solution: (a) (b)

(a) Gauss’s law implies Q1 + 3C + (−5C) = 0 ⇒ Q1 = +2C.

Net charge on the box: Q2 + (−5C) = 0 ⇒ Q2 = +5C.

1/9/2015 [tsl391 – 31/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #3 (Spring ’09)

(a) Consider a conducting box with no net charge on it. Inside the box are two small charged
conducting cubes. For the given charges on the surface of one cube and on the inside
surface of the box find the charges Q1 on the surface of the other cube and Q2 on the
outside surface of the box.
(b) Consider a conducting box with two compartments and no net charge on it. Inside one
compartment is a small charged conducting cube. For the given charge on the surface of the
cube find the charges Q3 , Q4 , and Q5 on the three surfaces of the box.

+3C
−6C

Q
1

−5C Q Q Q Q
2 3 4 5

Solution: (a) (b)

(a) Gauss’s law implies Q1 + 3C + (−5C) = 0 ⇒ Q1 = +2C.

Net charge on the box: Q2 + (−5C) = 0 ⇒ Q2 = +5C.
(b) Gauss’s law implies Q3 + (−6C) = 0 ⇒ Q3 = +6C.
Gauss’s law implies Q4 = 0.
Net charge on box: Q3 + Q4 + Q5 = 0 ⇒ Q5 = −6C.

1/9/2015 [tsl391 – 31/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’11)

The charged conducting spherical shell has a 2m inner radius and a 4m outer radius. The charge
on the outer surface is Qext = 8nC. There is a point charge Qp = 3nC at the center.

(a) Find the charge Qint on the inner surface of the shell.
(b) Find the surface charge density σext on the outer surface of the shell.
(c) Find the electric flux ΦE through a Gaussian sphere of radius r = 5m.
(d) Find the magnitude of the electric field E at radius r = 3m.

Q ext

Q int

Qp
r
1m 3m 5m

1/9/2015 [tsl402 – 32/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’11)

The charged conducting spherical shell has a 2m inner radius and a 4m outer radius. The charge
on the outer surface is Qext = 8nC. There is a point charge Qp = 3nC at the center.

(a) Find the charge Qint on the inner surface of the shell.
(b) Find the surface charge density σext on the outer surface of the shell.
(c) Find the electric flux ΦE through a Gaussian sphere of radius r = 5m.
(d) Find the magnitude of the electric field E at radius r = 3m.

Q ext

Solution: Q int

(a) Qint = −Qp = −3nC.

Qp
r
1m 3m 5m

1/9/2015 [tsl402 – 32/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’11)

The charged conducting spherical shell has a 2m inner radius and a 4m outer radius. The charge
on the outer surface is Qext = 8nC. There is a point charge Qp = 3nC at the center.

(a) Find the charge Qint on the inner surface of the shell.
(b) Find the surface charge density σext on the outer surface of the shell.
(c) Find the electric flux ΦE through a Gaussian sphere of radius r = 5m.
(d) Find the magnitude of the electric field E at radius r = 3m.

Q ext

Solution: Q int

(a) Qint = −Qp = −3nC.

Qp
Qext r
(b) σext = 2
= 3.98 × 10−11 C/m2 . 1m 3m 5m
4π(4m)

1/9/2015 [tsl402 – 32/32]

Unit Exam I: Problem #2 (Spring ’11)

The charged conducting spherical shell has a 2m inner radius and a 4m outer radius. The charge
on the outer surface is Qext = 8nC. There is a point charge Qp = 3nC at the center.

(a) Find the charge Qint on the inner surface of the shell.
(b) Find the surface charge density σext on the outer surface of the shell.
(c) Find the electric flux ΦE through a Gaussian sphere of radius r = 5m.
(d) Find the magnitude of the electric field E at radius r = 3m.

Q ext

Solution: Q int

(a) Qint = −Qp = −3nC.

Qp
Qext r
(b) σext = 2
= 3.98 × 10−11 C/m2 . 1m 3m 5m
4π(4m)
Qext
(c) ΦE = = 904Nm2 /C.
ǫ0

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