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×d1V1=q4πϵ0×d1
The potential at point Q, V2=q4πϵ0d2V2=q4πϵ0d2
Work done (W) by the electrostatic force is independent Of the path.
∴W=q1[V2−V1]=q1[q4πϵ0d2−q4πϵ0d1]=qq14πϵ0[1d2−1d1] Where, 14πϵ0=9×10∘Nm2C−2∴W=9×109×8×10−3×(−2×10−9)[10.04−10.03]=−144×10−3×(−253)=1.27J∴W=q1[V2−V1]=q1[q4πϵ0d2−q4πϵ0d1]=qq14πϵ0[1d2−1d1] Where, 14πϵ0=9×10∘Nm2C−2∴W=9×109×8×10−3×(−2×10−9)[10.04−10.03]=−144×10−3×(−253)=1.27J
Therefore, the work done during the process is 1.27 J.
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