University of California, San Diego
Physics 1b - Thermal Physics & Electromagnetism

H. E. Smith   Spring 2000

Physics 1B - Tutorial #4


  1. In 5 minutes, timed by your tutor, make a list of all the phenomena that you can think of that are electromagnetic in nature. Think carefully about those phenomena in which the E-M nature is hidden by charge neutrality. The group with the longest (verified!) list in each tutorial will receive gift certificates for free coffee drinks at Espresso Roma. Here's a start
    1. atomic structure
    2. friction
    3. ...

  2. Metal spheres A and B, standing on insulated supports, are initially in contact with each other. Sphere C, which has a large negative charge is placed near the other spheres as shown below. While C is nearby, B is moved to the right so that the two spheres are now separated, then C is removed.
    • A & B are now charged. Draw a diagram of the charge distribution on each sphere with charge sign indicated. Draw in the E-field lines between the spheres.
    • If B is moved toward A, a spark is likely to jump between the spheres before they come in contact. Explain why. Where did the energy (work) for this process originate.

  3. A and B shown below are stars, of equal mass, in a binary star system. Points 1 - 5 represent small equal test masses. Draw the two forces, FA & FB on each point mass, indicating the magnitude of the force by the length of the vector. Draw the resultant vector at each point with a different colored pen.
  4. A and B shown above are spherical charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign. Draw the electric fields due to the two charges, EA & EB at each point, indicating the magnitude of the field by the length of the vector. Draw the resultant vector at each point with a different colored pen.

  5. Two concentric spherical conducting shells A & B (RA < RB) are charged with charges +Q and -Q respectively. Determine the Elictric Field for a) r < RA, b) RA < r < RB, c) r > rA. Draw a diagram for the E-fields.



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Gene Smith

Last modified: Tues., 25 Apr 2000