ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

MODULE-1
REVISION OF VECTOR CALCULUS

The term scalar refers to a quantity whose value may be represented by a single (positive or
negative) real number. Scalar quantities are mass, density, pressure (but not force), volume, volume
resistivity, and voltage.

A vector quantity has both a magnitude and a direction in space. Force, velocity, acceleration, and
a straight line from the positive to the negative terminal of a storage battery are examples of vectors. Each
quantity is characterized by both a magnitude and a direction.

The Rectangular Coordinate System(RCS) (x,y,z)

In RCS (x,y,z) are the components and ax , ay and az are the unit vectors respectively. All the
parameters are measured in meters. (−∞ ≤ ≤ +∞ , −∞ ≤ ≤ +∞ , −∞ ≤ ≤ +∞)

Differential length in RCS:

dL = dxax + dyay + dzaz

Differential Surface area:

= (ƒ ) = (− ) ( )
= ( i ℎ) = (− ) ( ƒ )
= ( ) = (− ) ( )

Differential Volume: dv=dxdydz

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

The Cylindrical Coordinate System(CCS) (p, , z)

0≤ ≤∞, 0≤∅≤2

−∞ ≤ ≤ +∞

Differential length in CCS:

dL = dρap + ρdφaφ + dzaz
Differential Surface area:
= dρ aφ (ƒ & )
= ρdφdzap ( i ℎ & ƒ )
= ρdρdφaz ( & )
Differential Volume:
= ρdρdφdz
Relation between RCS and CCS:

CCS to RCS:

x = ρ cos φ
y = ρ sin φ
z=z

RCS to CCS:

=√ 2 + 2

= tan−1
z=z

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

The Spherical Coordinate System(CCS) ( , , )

0≤ ≤∞, 0≤ ≤ , 0≤∅≤2
Differential length in SCS:
dL = drar + rdθaθ + r sin dφaφ
Differential Surface area:
= dr aφ (ƒ & )
= 2 sin dφar ( i ℎ & ƒ )
= r sin dφaθ ( & )
Differential Volume:
= 2 sin dφ
Relation between RCS and SCS:

SCS to RCS: RCS to SCS:

x = r sin θ cos φ =√ 2+ 2 + z2
z
= cos−1
y = r sin θ sin φ √ 2 + 2 + z2
= tan−1
z = r cos θ

The Dot Product(Scalar Product)

Given two vectors A and B, the dot product, or scalar product, is defined as the product of the
magnitude of A, the magnitude of B, and the cosine of the smaller angle between them,

A · B = |A| |B| cos θAB

A·B=B·A

ax · ay = ay · ax = ax · az = az · ax = ay · az = az · ay=0

ax · ax = ay · ay = az · az = 1

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

The Cross Product(Vector Product)

A × B = aN |A| |B|sin θBA

The direction of A × B is in the direction of advance of a

right-handed screw as A is turned into B
B×A = −A×B
ax x ax = ay x ay = az x az = 0

ax x ay = az
ay x az=ax
az x ax =ay
ay x ax = -az
ax x az = -ay
az x ay= -ax

Dot product of unit vectors in cylindrical and rectangular coordinate systems

Consider distance vectror,

= + i +

Differentiate w.r.t. and equate to zero, we get

∂
= + i +0 =0
∂
Therefore ,

∙ = , ∙ = i , ∙ =0

Differentiate w.r.t. and equate to zero, we get

∂
=− i + +0 =0
∂
i. − i + +0 =0

Therefore ,

∙ =− i , ∙ = , ∙ =0

Differentiate w.r.t. and equate to zero, we get

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

∂
=0 +0 +1 =0
∂
Therefore ,

∙ =0, ∙ = 0, ∙ =1

Dot product of unit vectors in spherical and rectangular coordinate systems

Consider distance vectror,

= i + i i +

Differentiate w.r.t. and equate to zero, we get

∂
= i + i i + =0
∂
Therefore ,

∙ = i , ∙ = i i , ∙ =

Differentiate w.r.t. and equate to zero, we get

∂
= + i − i =0
∂
i. + i − i =0

Therefore ,

∙ = , ∙ = i , ∙ =− i

Differentiate w.r.t. and equate to zero, we get

∂
=− i i + i +0 =0
∂
i. , − i + +0 =0

Therefore ,

∙ =− i , ∙ = , ∙ =0

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

COULOMB’S LAW, ELECTRIC FIELD INTENSITY AND FLUX DENSITY

Experimental law of Coulomb

Coulomb stated that the “force between two very small objects separated in a free space by
a distance which is large compared to their size is proportional to the charge on each and inversely
proportional to the square of the distance between them”.

Q1 R Q2

Figure 1.1

Consider two point charges Q1 and Q2 separated by a distance R as shown in Figure 1.1. Then as
per Coulomb’s law,
Q1Q2
F=k
(1)
R2
Where,

Q1 and Q2 : Positive or negative quantities of charge

R: Separation between two charges

k: Proportionality constant

If the International System of Units(SI) is used , Q is measured in Coulombs(C) , R is meters(m)

and the force should be newtons(N). This will be achieved if the constant of proportionality k is written as
1
k=
4πε0
Where,

ε0 : Permittivity of free space

ε0= 8.854x10-12 F/m

Therefore Coulomb’s law is written as,

Q 1Q 2
F= (2)
4πε0R2

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

Vector form of Coulomb’s law

Let the vector r1 locate charge Q1 while vector r2 locate charge Q2 . Then the vector

R12 = r2 – r1 represents the directed line segment from Q1 to Q2 as shown in Figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2

The vector force F2 is the force on Q2 by Q1 . According to Coulomb’s law , this vector force is
given by,

Q1Q2
F= a12 (3)
4πε0R212

Where,

a12 is a unit vector in the direction of R12 , or

a = R12 = r2 − r1 (4)
12 |R12| |r2 − r1|

The force expressed by Coulomb’s law is a mutual force i.e, F2 = -F1.

Electric field Intensity

Consider one charge Q1 fixed in position and move a second charge slowly around, we note that
there exists everywhere a force on this second charge, in other words this second charge is displaying the
existence of a force field. Call this second charge a test charge Qt . The force on it is given by Coulomb’s
law,
Q 1Q t
F= a1t (5)
4πε0 R1t
2

Writing this force as a force per unit charge gives,

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

Ft = Q1 a (6)
Qt 4πε R2 1t
0 1t

The quantity on the RHS of equation (6) is a function only of Q1 and the directed line segment
from Q1 to the position of the test charge. This describes a vector field and is called the electric field
intensity (E).

“Electric field intensity is defined as the vector force on a unit positive test charge”.

The electric field intensity can be measured by the unit newtons per Coulomb – the force per unit
charge. The practical unit is Volts per meter(V/m). It can be represented by the letter ‘E’ .
Ft = E = Q1 a (7)
Qt 4πε R2 1t
0 1t

In general electric field intensity can be expressed as,

Q
E=
2 aR (8)
4πε0 R

If charge Q locates center of a spherical co-ordinate system, then the unit vector aR becomes radial unit
vector ar and R is ‘r’ .

Hence,
Q
E= 2 ar (9)
4πε0 r

Writing these expressions in rectangular co-ordinate

system, for a charge Q at the origin we have,

R = r = xax + yay + zaz

xax + yay + zaz

aR = ar = (10)
√x2 + y2 + z2
Figure 1.3

Therefore,
Q x y z
E= ( ax + ay + az ) (11)
4πε0 (x2 + y2 + z2) √x2 + y2 + z2 √x2 + y2 + z2 √x2 + y2 + z2

For a charge Q located at source point r1 = x1ax + y1ay + z1az as showen in figure 1.4. The field
at general point r = xax + yay + zaz is given by

Q r − r′ Q(r − r′)
E= = (12)
|r − r′|2 |r − r′| 4πε |r − r′|3
4πε0 0

Since the Coulomb’s force has linear , the electric field intensity due to two point charges Q1 at
r1 and Q2 at r2 is the sum of the forces on Qt caused by Q1 and Q2 acting alone.

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

i.e,

Figure 1.4

Q1 Q2
E= a 1 + a (13)
4πε 0|r − r1|2 4πε0 |r − r2 |2 2

Where a1 and a2 are the unit vectors in the direction of r – r1 and r – r2 respect ively. The vector
r, r1 , r2, r-r1, r-r2, a1 and a2 are shown in figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5

If we add more charges at other positions, the field due to ‘n’ point charges is,
Q1 Q2 Qn
E= a1 + a +⋯ + a (14)
4πε0|r − r1|2 4πε0 |r − r2 |2 2 4πε0 |r − rn |2 n

In general ,
n
Qm
E(r) = ∑ am (15)
4 0|r − rm|
2
m=1

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

Field due to continuous volume charge distribution

When the number of charges is infinite in a space of finite dimensions, the distance of separation
between the individual charges tends to become zero. Then it amounts to continuous distribution of
charges.

If the charge distribution is such that the charges are distributed continuously in a volume , then it
is referred to as a volume charge distribution.

For a volume charge distribution the volume charge density ρv can be defined as the charge per
unit volume having the units of C/m3. The small amount of charge ∆Q is

∆Q = ρv ∆v (16)

i. e,
ΔQ
ρv = lim (17)
Δv→0 ΔV

The total charge with in some finite volume is obtained by integrating throught that volume. i.e,

Q = ∫ ΔQ = ∫ ρv ΔV (18)
vol vol

The incremental contribution to the electric field intensity at ‘r’ produced by an incremental
charge ∆Q at r1 (shown in figure 1.6)

Figure 1.6
ΔQ r − r′ ρvΔV r − r′
ΔE(r) = = (19)
4πε0 |r − r′|2 |r − r′| 4πε0|r − r′|2 |r − r′|

If we sum the contributions of all the volume charges in a given region and let the volume
element ∆v approaches zero as the number of these elements become infinite , the numerator becomes
an integral. i.e,

E(r) = ∫ ρv(r′)dv′ r − r′ (20)

vol 4πε0|r − r | |r − r |
′ 2 ′

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

The vector ‘r’ from the origin locates the field point where E is being determined , while the
vector r1 extends from the origin to the source point where ρv(r1)dv1 is located. The scalar distance
between the source point and the field point is r – r1 and the fraction is a unit vector directed
from he source point to the field point.

Field of a line charge

Figure 1.7

Let us assume a straight line charge extending along the z-axis in a cylindrical co-ordinate system
from -∞ to +∞ having density ρL C/m as shown in figure 1.7 . This will produce the electric field
intensity E at any and every point resulting from a uniform line charge density ρL.

Symmetry should always be considered first inorder to determine two specific factors.

1. With which co-ordinate the field doesnot vary.

2. Which components of the field are not present.

Referring to the above figure 1.7 , we realise that as we move around the line charge , varying ϕ ,
while keeping ρ and z constant , the line charge appears the same from every angle, in other words ,
azimuthal symmetry is present and no field component may vary with ϕ .

Again if we maintain ρ and ϕ while moving up and the line charge by changing z , the line
charge still receddes into infinite distance in both directions and the problem is unchanged. This is axial
symmetry and leads to fields which are not functions of z.

If we maintain ϕ and z contant and vary ρ, the problem changes and Coulomb’s law leads us
to the field to become weaker as ρ increases. Hence by a process of elimination we conclude that field
varies only with ρ.

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

Therefore no element of charge produces a ϕ component of electric field intensity i.e, Eϕ is zero.
However each element does produce an Eρ and Ez component but the contribution to Ez by elements of
charge which are equal distances above and below the point at which we are determining the field will
cancel. Hence electric filed intensity E contains only Eρ component and it varies only with ρ.

Let a point P(0 , y , 0) on the y-axis at which to detrmine the field . this is a perfectly general
point in view of the lack of variation of the field with ϕ and z as shown in figure 1.7.

The incrementalfield at P due to incremental dQ = ρLdz1 ,

ρLdz′ r − r′
dE = (21)
4 ε0 | − ′|2 | − ′|

ρL dz′(r − r′)
dE = (22)
4 ε0 | − ′|3

where r= yay = ρaρ

r1 = z1az

Therefore r – r1 = ρaρ - z1az

ρ dz′(ρaρ – z′az)
dE = L (23)
3/2
4 ε0 ( ρ2 + ′ 2 )

Therefore only the Eρ component is present the above epression becomes,

ρ ρdz′
dEρ = L (24)
3/2
4 ε0 ( ρ2 + ′2 )

Therefore the total electric field intensity due to line charge is given by ,
+∞ ρ ρdz′
Eρ = ∫ L (25)
3/2
−∞ 4 ε0 ( ρ2 + ′ 2 )

Let z1 = ρ tanӨ
z′
Thererefore ρ =
tan

d z1 = ρ sec2Ө dӨ

Therefore
+ /2
ρLρ
E = ∫ ρsec2 d (26)
ρ
4 ε0 ( ρ2 + ρ2 tan2 )3/2
− /2

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

+ /2
ρL ρ2sec2
Eρ = ∫ d (27)
4 ε0 ρ3sec3
− /2

+ /2
ρL ρL
E = ∫ cos d = [2] (28)
ρ
4 ε0ρ 4 s˳ρ
− /2

pL
Ep = . ap (29)
2 0p

Field due to sheet of charge

Consider a sheet of charge in the yz plane and

again consider symmetry (Figure 2.8). The field
cannot vary with y or with z, and the y and z
components arising from differential elements of
charge symmetrically located with respect to the point
at which we evaluate the field will cancel. Hence only
Ex is present, and this component is a function of x
alone. Let us use the field of the infinite line charge
by dividing the infinite sheet into differential-width
strips. One such strip is shown in Figure 2.8. The line
charge density, or charge per unit length , is
= ′ and the distance from this line charge to

general point P on the x axis is,

=√ 2 + ′2

The contribution to Ex at P from this differential-

width strip is then
′
=
2 s0√ 2 + ′2

Where

= ℎ ƒ
√ 2 + ′2

′
=
2 s0 2 + ′2

Adding the effects of all the strips,

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

∞ ′ ′
= ∫ 2 = tan−1 ] ∞ =
2 s0 −∞ 2 + ′ 2 s0 −∞ 2s0

In general,

= wℎ i ℎ i i ℎ ℎ ℎ
2 0

Electric flux density(D)

If a unit test charge is placed near a point charge it experiences a force. The direction of this force
can be represented by the lines radially coming outward from a positive charge. This lines are called flux
lines. Thus the electric field due to a charge can be imagined to be present around it in terms of a quantity
called electric flux and it is denoted by ‘ψ’. The electric flux is nothing but the lines of force around
a charge. If the charge on a body ±Q Coulombs then the total number of lines originating or terminating
on it is also Q. But the total number of lines is nothing but a flux.

Therefore Electric flux ψ = Q Coulombs

This is according to SI units, the electic flux is also called displacement flux.

Figure 1.8

Consider an inner sphere of radius ‘a’ and an outer sphere of radius ‘b’ with charges of +Q and –
Q respectively as shown in figure 1.8. the paths of electric flux extending from the inner sphere to the
outer sphere are indicated by the symmetrically distributed stream lines dawn radially from one sphere to
the oteher.

At te surface of the inner sphere ‘ψ’ C of electric flux are produced by the charge ‘Q’ C,
distributed uniformly over a surface having an area of 4πa2 m2. The density of the electric flux at this
surface is ψ C/m2 or Q C/m2 .
4 2 4 2

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

Electric flux density is measured in C/m2 , is given by the letter ‘D’ which was originally chosen
because of the alternate means of displacement flux density or displacement density.
The electric flux density ‘D’ is a vector field. The direction of ‘D’ at apoint is the direction of the
flux lines at tehat point and the magnitude is given by the number of the flux lines crossing a surface
normal to the lines devided by the surface area.
Referring to the figure 1.8 the electric flux density is in the radial direction and as a value of
Q
D|r=a = 4πa2 ar (Inner sphere)
Q
D| = a (Outer sphere)
r=b 4πab2 r

Therefore at any radial distance electric flux density ‘D’ is given by,

Q
D= a rC/m2 (30)
4 r2

Relationship between electric flux density (D) and electric field intensity (E)

Let the inner sphere become smaller and smaller while still retaining a charge of ‘Q’ , it becomes
a point charge , but the electric flux density at appoint ‘r’ meters from the point charge is still given by,
Q
D= ar (31)
4πr2
The radial electric field intensity of a point charge in free space is given by,
Q
E= ar (32)
4 s˳r2

Comparing equation (28) and (29) , we have

D = ˳E (Free space only) (33)

SOLVED QUESTION PAPER AND EXERCISE PROBLEMS

1). A charge QA = -20µC is located at A(-6 , 4 , 7) , and a charge QB = 50µC is at B(5,8 , -2) in free space.
If distances are given in meters , find : (a) RAB (b) RAB . Determine the vector force exerted on QA by QB
−9
if ε˳ = : (c) 10 F/m (d) 80854x10 -12F/m.
36π

SOLUTION:

Figure P1.1

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

(a) The vector length RAB is,

RAB = (5-(-6))ax + (8-4)ay + (-2-7)az = 11ax + 4ay – 9az m

(b) The magnitude of RAB is,

RAB = √112 + 42 + (−9)2 = 14.76 m

10−9
(c) ε0 =
36π

Figure P1.2

According to Coulomb’s law , the force on QA by QB is given by,

QAQB
FA = aBA
4πε0RBA
2

We have,

RBA = (-6-5)ax + (4-8)ay + (7-(-2))az = -11ax -4ay + 9az m

RBA == 14.76 m

RBA −11ax − 4ay + 9az

aBA = =
|RBA | 14. 76
−20X10−6 x 50X10−6 −11ax − 4ay + 9az]
FA = [
10−9 14.76
4π x 36π X14.72
FA = 30.76ax + 11.18ay -25.16az mN

(d)ε0 = 8.854X10−12
−20 x 10−6 x 50 x 10−6 −11ax − 4ay + 9az
FA = [ ]
4π x 8.854 x 10−12 x 14.7 2
14.76

FA = 30.72ax + 11.169ay -25.13az mN

2). Two point charges Q1 and Q2 are located at (1,2,0) m and (2,0,0) m respectively. Find the relation
between the charges Q1 and Q2 such that the total force on a unit positive charge at (-1,1,0) have (i) no x-
component (ii) no y-component.

SOLUTION:

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

Force on a unit positive charge is nothing but electric field intensity E.

Therefore electric field intensity at (-1,1,0) is E=E1+E2

Figure P2.1

(i) No x-component

Q1 Q2
E = E1 + E2 = a 1 + a2 (P2.1)
4 R2
0 1
4 0
R22

Where, R1 = (-1-1)ax + (1-2)ay + (0-0)az = -2ax - ay

|R1| = √(−2)2 + (−1)2 = √5 m

R1 −2ax − ay
a1 = =
|R1 | √5

R2 = (-1-2)ax + (1-0)ay + (0-0)az = -3ax + ay

|R2| = √(−3)2 + (1)2 = √10 m

R2 −3ax + ay
a2 = =
|R2 | √10

Substituting these in equation P2.1 gives,

Q1 −2ax − ay Q2 −3ax + ay
E= [ ]+ 2
[ ]
2
4 0 (√5) √5 4 0 (√10) √10
Q1 Q2
E= [−2ax − ay] + [−3ax + ay] (P2.2)
2 2
4 0 5(√5) 4 0 10(√10)

Given no x-component,equation P2.2 becomes,

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

−2Q1 Q2
2
− 2
=0
4 0 5(√5) 4 0 10(√10)

Q1 3 x 5√5
=−
Q2 2 x 10√10
Q1 3
=−
Q2 4√2

No y-component ,equation P2.2 becomes

−Q1 + Q2 =0
2 2
4 0 5(√5) 4 0 10(√10)

Q1 √5
=
Q2 2√10

3). Point charges of 50nC each are located at A (1,0,0) , B(-1,0,0) , C(0,1,0) and D(0,-1,0) , find the total
force on the charge at A and also find E at A.

SOLUTION:

According to Coulomb’s law, the force on the charge at A is,

FA= FB + FC + FD

QAQB QAQC QAQD

FA = 4πε R2 a B + 4πε R2 a C + 4πε R2 aD
0 B 0 C 0 D

Given, QA = QB = QC= QD=50nC

Figure P3.1

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

aD
FA = Q2 [ aB aC ] (P3.1)
4πε 2 + 2 +
0 RB RC R2D

From the Figure P3.1 we have,

2ax
= =a
RB = 2ax , |RB| = 2, aB x
2
ax − ay
R C = ax − a y , |RC| = √2, aC =
√2
ax + ay
RD = a x + a y , |RD| = √2, aD =
√2
Therefore equation P3.1 becomes,

(50x10−9)2 ax ax − ay ax + ay
FA = [ + + ]
4πε0 4 2√2 2√2

FA = 21. 5µ N ax

The electric field intensity at point A is given by,

FA 21.5x10−6
EA = =
Q 50x10−9

EA = 430 V/m ax

4). Two point charges Q1 = 100µC and Q2 = 10µC are located at points (-1,1,-3)m and (3,1,0)m
respectively. Find the x, y and z components of the force on Q1 . What is the magnitude of the total force?

SOLUTION:

According to Coulomb’s law the force between charge Q1 and Q2 is given by ,

Q 1Q 2
F1 = a21 (P4.1)
4πε0 R221

Figure P4.1

Where , R21 = (-1-3)ax + (1-1)ay + (3-0)az = -4ax - 3az

|R21| = 5 m

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

R21 −4ax − 3az

a21 = =
|R21| 5

Thereforeequation P4.1 becomes,

100 x 10−6 x10x10−6 −4ax − 3az
F1 = [ ] (P4.2)
4πε0x52 5

From P4.2 , x-component of force is,

100 x 10−6 x10x10−6 −4
Fx = [ ]
4πε0 x52 5

Fx = −0. 287 N

y-component of force is,

Fy = 0 N

z-component of force is,

100 x 10−6 x10x10−6 −3
Fz = [ ]
4πε0 x52 5

Fz = −0. 215 N

Therefore the total force, F1= Fx + Fy + Fz

F1 = −0. 287ax − 0. 215 az N

Magnitude of total force is,

|F1| = 0. 358 N

5). A charge of 1C is at (2,0,0) . What charge must be placed at (-2,0,0) which will make y-component
of total electric field intensity zero at the point (1,2,2).

SOLUTION:

Figure P5.1

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

The electric field intensity at (1,2,2) due charge Q1 and Q2 is,

Q1 Q2
E = E1 + E2 = a 1 + a2 (P5.1)
4 0 R12 4 0 R22
Where , R1 = (1-2)ax + (2-0)ay + (2-0)az = -ax + 2ay + 2az

|R1| = 3m
−ax + 2ay + 2az
a1 =
3
R2 = 3ax + 2ay + 2az

.|R2| = √17m

3ax + 2ay + 2az

a2 =
√17
Thereforeequation P5.1 becomes,
Q1 −ax + 2ay + 2az Q2 3ax + 2ay + 2az
E= [ ]+ 2
[ ] (P5.2)
4 0 32 3 4 0 √17 √17

Given that at point (1,2,2 ), y-component of E is zero, therefore from P5.2 ,

Q1 Q2 2ay
[2ay ] + 2
[ ]=0
4 0 32 3 4 0 √17 √17

1 2ay Q2 2ay
[ ]=− 2
[ ]
4 0 32 3 4 0 √17 √17

Q2= -2.59 C

6). Two point charges of magnitudes 2mC and -7mC are located at places P1(4,7,-5) and P2(-3,2,-9)
respectively in free space , evaluate the vector force on charge at P2.

SOLUTION:

Figure P6.1

According to Coulomb’s law,

Q 1Q 2
FP2 = 2 aP1P2 (P6.1)
4πε0RP1P2

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 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

RP1P2 = (-3-4)ax + (2-7)ay + (-9+5)az = -7ax -5ay – 4az

|RP1P2| = 9.486 m
−7ax − 5ay – 4az
aP1P2 =
9.486
2x10−3 x−7x10−3 −7ax − 5ay – 4az
FP2 = [ ]
4πε09.4862 9.486

FP2 = 1. 032ax + 0. 737ay + 0. 5894az kN

7). A point charge Q1 = 25nC is located at P1(4,-2,7) and a charge Q2 = 60nC is at P2(-3,4-2) in free space.
Find electric filed E at P3(1,2,3). Also find direction of electric field.

SOLUTION:

Figure P7.1

The electric field intensity at point P3 is given by,

Q1 Q2
E = E1 + E2 = a + a2 (P7.1)
4 R2 1 4
0 1 0
R22

Where , R1 = -3ax + 4ay -4az

|R1| = √41 m
−3ax + 4ay − 4az
a1 =
√41

R2 = 4ax - 2ay + 5az

. |R2| = √45 m

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

4ax − 2ay + 5az

a2 =
√45
Therefore equation equation P7.1 becomes,
25x10−9 −3ax + 4ay − 4az 60x10−9 4ax − 2ay + 5az
E= 2[ ]+ 2[ ]
4 0 √41 √41 4 0 √45 √45

E = 4. 578ax − 0. 149ay + 5. 508az V/m

Direction of E is
E
aE = = 0. 639ax − 0. 021ay + 0. 768az
|E|

Magnitude is

|E| = 7. 163 V/m

8). Two point charges 20nC and -20nC are situated at (1,0,0)m and (0,1,0)m in free space. Determine
electric field intensity at (0,0,1)m.

SOLUTION:
The electric filed intensity at (0,0,1) is,
Q2
E = E + E = Q1 a + a (P8.1)
4 0 Rx2 x 4 0R y
x y 2 y

Where , Rx = -ax + az
|Rx| = √2 m
−ax + az
ax =
√2

Figure P8.1

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 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

Ry = - ay + az

. |Ry| = √2 m
− ay + az
ay =
√2
Therefore equation P8.1 becomes,
20x10−9 −ax + az −20x10−9 − ay + az
E= 2 [ ] + 2 [ ]
4 0 √2 √2 4 0 √2 √2

E = −63. 55ax + 63. 55ay V/m

9). A charge of -0.3µC is located at A(25,-30,15)cm , and a second charge of 0.5µC at B(-10,18,12)cm.
Find E at (i) the origin (ii)P(15,20,50)cm.

SOLUTION:

(i) The electric filed intensity at the origin is given by,

QA QB
E = E A + EB = aA + aB (P9.1)
4 0 RA2 4 0
R2B
Where , RA = -0.25ax +0.3 ay -0.15aZ

|RA| = 0.418m
−0.25ax + 0.3 ay − 0.15aZ
aA =
0.418

Figure P9.1

RB = 0.1ax -0.08ay -0.12aZ

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 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

.
|RB| = 0.175 m
0.1 ax − 0.08ay − 0.12az
aB = 0.175
Therefore equation P9.1 becomes,

−0.3x10−6 −0.25ax + 0.3 ay − 0.15aZ 0.5x10−6 0.1ax − 0.08ay − 0.12aZ

E= [ ]+ [ ]
4 0 0.4182 0.418 4 0 0.1752 0.175

E = 92. 3ax − 77. 6ay − 94. 2az k V/m

(ii) The electric field intensity at P(15,20,50)cm

QA QB
E = E A + EB = aA + aB (P9.2)
4 0 RA2 4 0
R2B
Where , RA = -0.1ax +0.5 ay +0.35aZ

|RA| = 0.618m
−0.1ax + 0.5 ay + 0.35z
aA =
0.618
RB = 0.25ax +0.12ay +0.38aZ

. |RB| = 0.47 m

0.25ax + 0.12ay + 0.38az

aB =
0.47

Figure P9.2

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

Therefore equation P9.1 becomes,

−0.3x10−6 −0.1ax + 0.5 ay + 0.35az 0.5x10−6 0.25ax + 0.12ay + 0.38az
E= [ ]+ [ ]
4 0 0.6182 0.618 4 0 0.472 0.47

E = 11. 9ax − 0. 51ay + 12. 4az k V/m

10). Infinite uniform line charges of 5nC/m lie along the (positive and negative) x and y axes in free
space. Find E at (a) PA(0,0,4) (b) PB(0,3,4).

SOLUTION:

Figure P10.1

Given ρL =5nC/m

The electric filed intensity due to line charge is given by,

ρL
E= ap
2π 0ρ

(a) Therefore E at PA(0,0,4) is

ρL ρL
E = Ex + Ey = apx + apy (P10.1)
2π 0ρx 2π 0ρy
4az
= =a
ρx = 4az , |ρx| = 4 , apx 4 z

4az
= =a
ρy = 4az , |ρy | = 4 , apy 4 z

Therefore equation P10.1 becomes,

5x10−9 5x10−9
E= [az ] +
2π 0 x4 2π 0x4 [az ]

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

E = 45azV/m

(b) E at PB(0,3,4) is

Figure P10.2
3ay + 4az
ρx = 3ay + 4az , |ρx| = 5 , apx =
5
4az
= =a
ρy = 4az , |ρy | = 4 , apy z
4
Therefore equation P10.1 becomes,
5x10−9 3ay + 4az 5x10−9
E= [ ]+ [az ]
2π 0x5 5 2π 0 x4

E = 10. 8ay + 36. 9azV/m

11). A line charge of 2nC/m lies along y-axis while surface charge densities of 0.1nC/m2 and -0.1 nC/m2
exist on the plane z=3m and z= -4m respectively. Find the E at P(1,7,-2).

SOLUTION:

Given ρL=2nC/m , ρS1=0.1nC/m2 , ρS2= -0.1nC/m2

Electric field intensity at P is given by,

ρS1
E=E +E +E = ρL ap + a + ρS2 a (P11.1)
pL pS1 pS2
2π 0ρ 2 0 N1 2 0 N2

From the figure P11.1 we have,

ρ= (1-0)ax + (7-7)ay +(-2-0)az = ax – 2az

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES-IV SEM EC MODULE 1

Figure P11.1
ax – 2az
|ρ| = √5 , ap = √5

aN1 = -az , aN2 = +az

Therefore equation P11.1 becomes,

2x10−9 ax – 2az 0.1x10−9 −0.1x10−9

E= [ ]+ [−az ] + [+az ]
2π 0 x√5 √5 2 0 2 0

E = 1. 13ax − 14. 17az V/m

12). A uniform line charge of infinite length with ρL = 40nC/m, lies along the z-axis . Find E at (-2,2,8) in
air.

SOLUTION:

The electric field intensity E at (-2,2,8) is ,

ρL
E= ap
2π 0ρ

Where,

ρ= -2ax + 2ay

−2ax + 2ay
|ρ| = √8 , ap =
√8

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES(18EC55)-V SEM EC MODULE 1

Figure P12.1

Therefore ,
40x10−9 −2ax + 2ay
E= [ ]
2π 0x√8 √8

E = −179. 75ax + 179. 75ay V/m

13).Two uniform line charges of density 4nC/m and 6nC/m lie in x=0 plane at y= +5m and y= -6m
respectively. Find E at (4,0,5)m.

SOLUTION:

Figure P13.1

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES(18EC55)-V SEM EC MODULE 1

The E at (4,0,5) is given by,

ρL1 ρL2
E = E1 + E2 = a1 + 2π ρ a2 (P13.1)
2π 0ρ 1 0 2

Where ,
4ax − 5ay
ρ1 = 4ax − 5ay , |ρ1| = √41 , a1 =
√41
4ax + 6ay
ρ2 = 4ax + 6ay , |ρ2 | = √52 , a2 =
√52
Therefore equation P13.1 becomes,
4x10−9 4ax − 5ay 6x10−9 4ax + 6ay
E= [ ]+ [ ]
2π 0x√41 √41 2π 0x√52 √52

E = 15. 31ax + 3. 68ay V/m

14).Calculate ‘D’ rectangular co-ordinates at point P(2,-3,6) produced by:

(a) a point charge QA=55mC at Q(-2,3,-6)

(b) a uniform line charge ρLB = 20mC/m on the x-axis

(c) a uniform surface charge density ρSC =120μC/m on the plane z=-5m.
2

SOLUTION:

(a) The electric field intensity at P is given by,

Figure P14.1

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES(18EC55)-V SEM EC MODULE 1

QA
E = E A + EB = aR (P14.1)
4 0
R2
Where ,
R=4ax – 6ay + 12az
4ax – 6ay + 12az
|R| = 14 , aR = 14

We have ,

D = ˳E

Therefore,

QA 4ax – 6ay + 12az

a = 55x10 [
−3
D= ]
4 R2 R 4 142 14

D = 6. 38ax − 9. 57ay + 19. 4az C/m2

(b) Electric field due to line charge.

Figure P14.2

E is given by,

E= ρL a
2π 0ρ p

But D = ˳E

Therefore
ρL
D= a
2πρ

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ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES(18EC55)-V SEM EC MODULE 1

From the figure P14.2 we have,

−3ay+6az
ρ = −3ay + 6az , |ρ| = √45 , ap = √45

Therefore
20x10−3 −3ay + 6az
D= [ ]
2πx√45 √45

D = −212. 2ay + 424. 4az µ C/m2

(c) Field due to surface charge,

ρSC
E= a
2 0N

Figure P14.3

But D = ˳E
pSC
Therefore , D = a
2 N

120x10−6
D= [az]
2
D = 60az µ C/m2

32