ADDITIONAL EXERCISES

2.12 A charge of 8 mC is located at the origin. Calculate the work done in taking a small charge of –2 × 10–9 C from a point P (0, 0, 3 cm) to a point Q (0, 4 cm, 0), via a point R (0, 6 cm, 9 cm).

 

Charge located at the origin, q = 8 8 x 10-3 C

The magnitude of a small charge, which is taken from a point P to point R to point - 2 x 10-9C

All the points are represented in the given figure.

Point P is at a distance, dl = 3 cm, from the origin along the z-axis.

Point Q is at a distance, dz = 4 cm, from the origin along the y-axis.

potential at point p, V1=q4πϵ0×d1

The potential at point Q, V2=q4πϵ0d2

Work done (W) by the electrostatic force is independent Of the path.

W=q1[V2V1]=q1[q4πϵ0d2q4πϵ0d1]=qq14πϵ0[1d21d1] Where, 14πϵ0=9×10Nm2C2W=9×109×8×103×(2×109)[10.0410.03]=144×103×(253)=1.27J

Therefore, the work done during the process is 1.27 J.