PHYS 1421 Course Test 1 1 hour February 26, 2015
xdx 1
Given: 3
(a x )
1
; k = 9 x 109 N m2 C-2 ; µo = 4π x 10-7 T m A-1
(a x )2 2 2 2 2 2
1. Two positive point charges, each of magnitude q, are fixed on the y-axis at y =
q
+a and y = −a. Take the potential to be zero at infinity.
a. Determine the potential Vo at the origin in terms of k, q, and a. a P
b. Show that the potential at any point, P on the x-axis is V P k 2q
a
1 x
(a 2 x 2 ) 2 q
c. Show that when x >> a, the potential at P is the same as if both charges
were sitting at the origin.
d. Show that the work done to bring a charge +3q from P where x >> a to the origin is 6kq ( x a)
2
(ax)
1
2+2+3+4 marks [Vo = 2kq/a ; VP ≈ 2kq/x]
2. Three long straight wires labelled 1, 2, and 3 are arranged as shown.
a
3 Each has the same current I. Let the magnetic field created by the currents
A B C
in these wires be B1, B2, and B3 respectively. If a = 1.00 cm and I = 2.00 A:
a a a
a. Find the magnitude and direction of the net field at B.
a
b. Show (using calculations) that at point C the net field is zero.
2
6+7 marks [2 x 10-5 T]
3. The cross section of a coaxial cable is shown. It consists of an inner conductor with
radius a and a current I coming out of the page. It also has a very thin outer shell
of radius b with current I going into the page. The currents are uniformly
distributed. Using Ampere’s Law: a
o Ir
a. Show that the B field at a distance r < a is given by B . Is it clockwise b
2a 2
or anticlockwise?
b. Also derive an expression for B, for a < r < b.
c. If I = 185 mA, a = 0.023 m and b = 0.075 m, find values for the magnitude of B, for r = (i) 0.010m
(ii) 0.046 m (iii) 0.098 m. 6+4+6 marks
[B = µoI/2πr ; 1.61x10 T; 8.04x10-7 T; 0 T]
-8
P
4. Consider a thin rod of length L and linear charge λ due to a uniformly yo
distributed negative charge. The rod lies on the positive x-axis with its left dq
end at the origin as shown. A point P lies on the y-axis at a distance yo. O - - - - - - - - - - - -
a. Draw a sketch showing the direction of dE i.e. the field due to small dx
x
piece dq. Find an expression for dE in terms of k, q, x, and yo.
b. Hence show that the x-component of the electric field, Ex , due to the entire rod is given by
1 1
E x k . (Hint: Start by finding dEx). 3+7 marks [dE =kdq/(x2+yo2)]
( y o2 L2 ) 2 y o
1