PHY 121

Electromagnetic Theory
Problem Set - 2

Assigned Date: Jan 27

Due Date: Jan 31

This problem set is due at 5 : 00 PM on Jan 31. Do not consult any on-line material. Working
with your classmates is encouraged! But you should only hand in work that youve completed on
your own. If you cant explain each step of your solution then you havent completed the problem
on your own. Remember: the only way to be ready for the exams is to do the assignment yourself.
1. (10 points) Four positively charged bodies, two with charge Q and two with charge q, are connected by four unstretchable strings of equal length. In the absence of external forces they
assume the equilibrium configuration shown in the figure. Show that tan3 = q 2 /Q2 .

2. (10 points) The volume charge density E within a sphere of radius r0 is distributed as
h
r2 i
E (r) = 0 1 2 where r is measured from the center of the sphere and 0 is a constant. For
r0
a point P inside the sphere (r < r0 ), determine the potential V . Let V = 0 at infinity.
3. (10 points) Consider a circle of radius R lying in the x y plane with origin at the center of the
circle. A charge q is placed at (0, 0, 3R/4). Show that flux of the electric field through the circle
1 4q
is
.
40 5
4. (10 points) A metal sphere of radius a is kept inside a larger spherical shell of inner radius b and
outer radius c. The sphere and shell are concentric and the medium between them is air. If the
inner sphere carries a charge Q1 and the outer sphere carries charge Q2 , then what is the energy
stored in the system.
5. (10 points) Consider two concentric metallic shells of radii a and b, where b > a. The outer shell
has charge Q but inner shell has no charge initially. Now, the inner shell is grounded. Find the
charge on the inner shell.