General Physics 2

Quarter 1- Module 2:
Electric Field, Electric Flux and Gauss Law

Prepared by:
Ian Karlo Perilla
Special Science Teacher I
2 Module 2 - Lesson 1

Electric Field, Electric Flux and Gauss Law

What I Need to Know

The learners…
1. Describe an electric field as a region in which an electric charge experience a force
2. Calculate the electric field due to a system of point charges using Coulomb’s law and
superposition principle
3. Calculate electric flux
4. Use Gauss Law to infer electric field due to uniformly distributed charges on long wires,
spheres, and large plates
5. Solve problems involving electric charges, dipoles, forces, fields, and flux in context such as,
but not limited to, system of point charges, electrical breakdown of air, charged pendulums,
electrostatic ink jet printers.

What I Know
1. Calculate the electric field strength around a 25μC point charge at the following different distances:
(a) 10.0cm, (b) 20.0cm, (c) 30.0cm, and (d) 50.0cm.
2. A dipole is located at the origin, and is composed of particles with charges -100µC and +100 µC,
separated by a distance 10 cm along the x-axis. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the E field
at <0,19,0> cm.
3. A 36cm by 15cm rectangular piece of board is subjected to an electric field such that its surface
makes a 60.0 degree angle with an existing upward 2500N/C electric filed as shown. If the intensity
of the electric field remains constant over the entire surface of the board, calculate the electric flux
through the board?
4. The electric field at a distance of 3.0cm from a long line of charge is 240N/C. Calculate the linear
charge density of the line.
5. Determine the electric field E (a) outside and (b) inside of a solid sphere that has charge Q evenly
distributed throughout its volume.
6. A solid sphere of radius 3.00cm is made of plastic and has -15nC of electric charge uniformly
distributed throughout its volume. Find (a) the magnitude of the electric field at 1.50cm from its
center. (b) At what radial distance from its surface the field strength magnitude is equal to the field
strength you found in Part (a)?
7. The electric field at a distance of 60.0cm from a large sheet of charge is 3750N/C. Calculate (a)
the charge density, and (b) the charge distributed over every 125m2 of this large plane, and (c) the
field strength at 120.0cm from the plane.
8. In the figure shown, find (a) the force on the oil drop of mass 2.0 micrograms carrying a charge of
450nC at 1.0cm from the positive plate, (b) the work it does as it moves to reach the negative plate,
(c) its K.E. just before hitting the negative plate, and (d) its speed before striking the negative plate.
 9. Which of the following patterns are incorrect

Diagram F

What’s New?
In the previous module, you have learned that in most cases, electrons find it hard to break through the
air.
But given enough force, the electrons can (as seen on the picture). Two oppositely charged objects were
placed next to each other (not touching), the electrons can
jump through the air causing a phenomenon called electrical
breakdown of air. You will learn the principle behind
electrical breakdown of air in light with
But how can we do it? How can we generate too much
electrical force enough to create an electrical breakdown? In Electric Field and Electric Potential.
this module you will learn how – specially when you have
the understanding of Electric Field and Electric Potential.

What Is It
I. The Electric Field – A New Concept
To generate electrical breakdown of air (just what you are
seeing in the picture), you need to consider how to generate
“huge” electrical forces.
Something that can help you visualize what would be the
direction and magnitude of the electrical forces is through an
electric field diagram.
Electric field is a vector quantity that tells you how many
newtons of force a +1 unit of charge will experience on a
specific point.
So..the unit of electric field is Newton per coulomb (N/C)
(how many newtons of force per charge)
By definition, the electric field at a point E in empty space is a vector quantity which can be measured by
the following procedure: place a small test charge (+1 unit of charge) q at that point, measure the force on
q due to all other charges.
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑞 𝑁
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝐸 = 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑁𝑒𝑤𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑏 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒
𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑞 𝐶
So basically, electric field is a pretty new concept;
Electric field is better visualized using electric field lines.
It is a visualization by connecting electric field E vectors to create lines; Anywhere there is an electric
These lines will help you see what the strength of the electrical force in your charge, there exist an electric
set-up would be.. field.
For example:

You can see that the lines are denser at point A than point B.
“Denser means closely
A B compacted”

You can see that the lines are denser at An area with denser electric field lines =
point A than point B. an area with greater electric force that
small charge q will experience.

How electric field is produced:

Anywhere there is an electric charge, q1 , there exists the property of attraction or
repulsion on other charges placed around it. This effect of attraction or repulsion is called the
electric field of q1. The electric field of charge q1 at Point P, depends on the amount of q1 and
1/r2 where r is the distance from the point charge. We may come up with a formula for electric
field (E) as

E1 = kq1/r2
E1 is the magnitude of the electric field of charge q1 at Point P.

Source charge =
the source of the
E field.
The way the electric field strength (E) of a charge q weakens with (r) is The electric field strength
like the way light intensity weakens as we move away from a light bulb. It
weakens by a factor of 1/r2 as it
weakens as (1/r2) “inverse square”.
moves away from the source.

Example 1.1: Calculate the electric field strength around a -5.00 mC point charge at a distance of 2.00
meter.
Identify: Calculate the E Field strength of a -5.00 mC charge, (no other REMEMBER: By convention, If the
charge surrounding it) source charge is positive, the E
Field vector points AWAY from the
Set-Up: We are given with q= - 5.00mC which is our source charge, source; if the source charge is
negative, then it points TOWARDS
and the distance r=2 meters from it. Since it is a point charge, it means the source charge.
it occupies a single point in space. (no worries about its dimension).
Take note that the charge is negative We will use E = kq/r2 to find the
magnitude of the electric field E at that point.
Execute: E = k|q|/r2 = (9x109)(5x10-3)/(2.00)2 = 1.12x107 N/C
Evaluate: The answer is 1.12x107 N/C, it is the strength of the electric Source charge - The charge which
field 2 meters away from the -5.00mC of charge. The direction of the produce electric field and It is a
large charge through which electric
field is towards the source charge, since the source is negative. fields flow.It may be a
point charges,or a continuous
distribution of charges.

Question 1.1. Calculate the electric field strength around a 25μC point charge
at the following different distances: (a) 10.0cm, (b) 20.0cm, (c) 30.0cm, and (d) 50.0cm.
*Answer at the last page

Example 1.2. A dipole is located at the origin, and is composed of particles with charges -100µC and +100
µC, separated by a distance 10 cm along the x-axis. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the E field at
<0,19,0> cm.
Identify: we will calculate the magnitude and direction of E Field caused by a dipole (Enet). A
dipole is a separation of opposite electrical charges. Get the magnitude of the E field through vector
addition of the E field due to the -100µC charge (we can call it E1) and the E field due to +100 µC
charge (we can call it E2) so.. 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑡 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐸1 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸2, the direction can be computed through
trigonometry.
Set-Up: First, we should draw the figure. Since we will be using vector addition, we should know
the angles (through trig), the directions of E1 and E2 (given principle of e fields), and the distances
r between the point P and the charges (through trig).
 3D model of a
dipole showing the
E field lines

Ey=0; why?

Ey=E2sinΘ-E1 sinΘ
Execute: so Ey=0

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑡 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸1 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸2 = √(𝐸𝑥)2 + (𝐸𝑦)2 = √(𝐸𝑥)2 + 0 = 𝐸𝑥 (𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑥 − 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠)

𝑘|−100𝑥10−6 | 𝑘 |100𝑥10−6 |
= −𝐸1𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝐸2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
(20𝑥10−2 )2 (20𝑥10−2 )2 Note:
cosθ=opp/adj=
Sum of all x- (9𝑥109 )(100𝑥10−6 ) 5 5/20
components = −2 [ −2 2 ] 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃; 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 =
(20𝑥10 ) 20

(9𝑥109 )|−100𝑥10−6 | 5
= −2 [ ]
(20𝑥10−2 )2 20
Negative sign here tells
the direction of the Enet 𝑵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = −𝟏. 𝟏𝟐𝟓𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟗
𝑬𝒏𝒆𝒕
vector, not the sign of 𝑪
charges coz during the
whole computation we 𝑵
𝑬𝒏𝒆𝒕 = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟐𝟓𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟗 , 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔
take the absolute value of 𝑪
q (see formula)

Example 1.3 . Calculate the electric field intensity at a distance R from an infinite line of charge (example
a very very very long charged rod) with a linear charge density of λ C/m.
Set Up: To do this, we can use the same principle were doing (superposition of charges, vector
addition..) but..
 Since this is a long charged rod Solution: An extremely tiny
with charge q is expressed in segment of length dl meters
(line charge density) λ =no. of carries a charge equal
charge per meter λ=C/m… to dq = λdl Coulombs.

You will need to perform The field of dl at P is dE =

too many vector additions
kdq/r2 that is
in an infinite level..

dE = kλdl /r2. (dE is a

vector). (1)
..and to add
something in infinite For every dl at a point like A,
level, calculus, there is a dl at a point
particularly like B where A and B are
integrating will help symmetric with respect to the line
you solve it.. labeled R. Such
symmetric dl's generate dEs that
have have equal and opposite y-
components at P and they cancel
each other's effect. We end up
adding the x-components of dEs
only to come up with the total
field at P. Each x-component is

dEx = (dE) cosθ. (dEx is a

scalar).

The magnitude of differential

field at P becomes [from (1)]:

dEx = kλdl cosθ/r2. (2) Variables

dl and r2 must now be expressed
in terms of θ.

The way dEx is completely

expressed as a function of θ is
shown on the right

But.. instead of doing this, we can use another concept to compute these type of problems – use Gauss
Law.
 II. Electric Flux
Before writing the statement for Gauss Law, the concept of electric flux must be understood.
Flux is defined as the quantity of something passing through a given area. For example, when you are
to calculate the flux of the rain on the area of a circular ring”

Electric field lines may also be viewed as rain lines if we are talking about a downward electric field. The
heavier the downpour, the stronger the electric field E.
Electric flux = E dot product A = EAcosΘ
Example 2.1
A 36cm by 15cm rectangular piece of board is subjected to an electric field such that its surface makes a
60.0 degree angle with an existing upward 2500N/C electric filed as shown. If the intensity of the electric
field remains constant over the entire surface of the board, calculate the electric flux through the board.
Identify: Electric flux on the rectangular board.
Set-Up: First we need to create a visualization; get the area
of the board (that would be our surface area) and what angle
does it make with E field lines. Then we use electric flux σ
= E dot product A = EAcosΘ
Execute: A = ( 0.36m)( 0.15m) = 0.054 m2
The angle that E makes with n is shown by ? in the figure.
If n is normal to the cardboard, what angle does it make
with E? You are right 30.0 degrees. Thus θ= 30.0degrees,
and

Φ =EAcosθ =(2500N/C)(0.054m2)cos(30.0deg)
Φ = 120Nm2/C.
Question 2.1: Did you know that the net electric flux of a cube is zero. Can you explain why?
 III. Gauss Law
Gauss's law simply states that the net electric flux through a closed surface is equal to Q/ε0 where Q is
the net charge entrapped in that closed surface. Another version of this statement is:

Electric flux is a property

of an E Field that may be
thought of as the number
of electric field lines that
INTERSECT a given area.

Formula: Φ=EAcosΘ,
The flux of charge Q through a closed surface is equal to Q/ε0. (ε0=vacuum
where E is E field, A is the
permittivity = 8.85x10-12) A sphere, a cube, or an inflated nylon balloon of any shape area, and Θ is the angle
is treated as a closed surface. If charge Q is entrapped inside any of these shapes, as between E and A. If angle
long as the surface is closed, the total electric flux by the charge through that closed between E and A is
surface is equal to Q/ε0.. but If good symmetry exists in the charge distribution, and perpendicular then you
also a symmetrical closed surface (Gaussian surface) is selected, surface calculation have the maximum flux.
becomes easy, and that facilitates the calculation of the unknown electric field. S.I. Unit is
(Newton*metre2)/
Important points in choosing the gaussian surface: coulomb.(N⋅m2)/C
1.) Use symmetry
Gaussian surface is an
imaginary surface that we 2) Choose a Gaussian surface that is either parallel to the normal, n, or perpendicular
assume around a point to it.
charge or any charge
distribution 3) If E is parallel to n over a certain area, then the magnitude of E is constant for that
portion of the area, and that makes the integration easier. If E is perpendicular to n
over a certain area, then the flux is zero through that portion of the area.
Example 3.1 Long wire. Determine the magnitude of the electric field at a distance r from an infinite line
of charge with a linear charge density of λ C/m.
Remember: What Gaussian
For an infinite line of charge, an appropriate Gaussian surface is a cylinder of surfaces to use..
length L as shown. Note that to have symmetry, the line of charge must be the For charged long line.. enclosed
axis of symmetry of the cylinder. The Gaussian surface here has 3 segments: a cylinder where the ends of the
one cylindrical surface S1 and two circular surfaces S2 and S3. Since the line is wire pokes through the cap of
infinitely long, at any point around the line, the direction of the electric field the cylinder, this allows cylinder
becomes perpendicular to the line itself, and therefore perpendicular to S1 as to receive uniform e field on its
surface area
well. For S1, E and n are parallel and therefore, the part of Gaussian integral
over S1 becomes: For charged sphere.. use a
sphere, coz obviously this shape
∫S1 E ∙ dA = ∫S1 E dA = E ∫S1 dA = E(2πrL) (a) will receive uniform e field all
throughout its surface area.
For surface segments S2 and S3 , E and n are perpendicular and therefore,
For charged plates… use
∫S2 E ∙ dA + ∫S3 E ∙ dA = 0 (b) cylinder in a way that the e field
lines pokes through the cap of
Adding (a) and (b) results in
the cylinder.
∫cs E ∙ dA = E(2πrL) = Q/ε0 (c)
 Since λ is the linear charge density of the line, the amount of charge
entrapped inside the cylinder is Q=λL. Substituting for Q, Equation
(c) becomes:
E(2πrL) = λL/ε0 or, E = λ/2πε0r or, E = (2kλ)/r .

Question 3.1 The electric field at a distance of 3.0cm from a long line
of charge is 240N/C. Calculate the linear charge density of the line.
Identify: Calculate for the line charge density of the line.
Set-Up: Since this is a long line of charge we’ll use the formula
E=(2kλ)/r we derived using Gauss law. We are given with distance r
= 3.0 cm and and the E field 240 N/C
Execute: E= (2kλ)/r so.. λ=Er/2k = (240)(3.0x10-2)/(2)(9x109)

Example 3.2 Charged Sphere

Determine the electric field E (a) outside and (b) inside of a solid sphere
that has charge Q evenly distributed throughout its volume.

(a) E outside the solid sphere:

A uniformly charged solid sphere is shown on the right with a spherical

Gaussian surface selected around it such that the two spheres are
concentric. Choosing the Gaussian surface concentric with the solid
sphere helps making E parallel n over the entire surface. The calculation
is similar to that of a shell (Example 5) because the entrapped charge is
the same as well as the Gaussian surface.

∫cs E ∙ dA = Q/ε0 (cs means over closed surface)

or, E∫dA = Q/ε0 , or E(4πr2) = Q/ε0 , or

E = Q / [4πε0r2] , or E = kQ/r2.

(b) E inside the solid sphere:

The amount of entrapped charge in this case depends on the radius of the
Gaussian surface. If r = 0, the entrapped charge is also zero, and
therefore the field is zero at the center. If r = R, the entrapped charge is
the entire charge Q. For any 0 < r < R, The fraction of Q that is en
trapped in the Gaussian surface is proportional to
(4/3πr3)/(4/3πR3) = r3/R3. This means that for a Gaussian surface of radius r, the entrapped charge is
[ r3/R3 ]Q. The integral becomes:

∫cs E ∙ dA = [ r3/R3 ]Q/ε0 or, E(4πr2) = [ r3/R3 ]Q/ε0 , or

E = [kQ/R3] r. Since kQ/R3 is a constant, E varies linearly with r inside the solid sphere. The graph of
E(r) for the charged solid sphere is shown on the right.

Question 3.2 A solid sphere of radius 3.00cm is made of plastic and has -15nC of electric charge
uniformly distributed throughout its volume. Find (a) the magnitude of the electric field at 1.50cm from
its center. (b) At what radial distance from its surface the field strength magnitude is equal to the field
strength you found in Part (a)?
Answer and solution:
(a) E = [(9x109)(15x10-9) / (0.03m)3] (0.015m) = 75,000 N/C.
(b) The field magnitude outside the sphere is E = kQ/r2. We must have 2.25x10-3 N/C = kQ/r2
or, 75000 = (9x109)(15x10-9)/ r2. Solving for r, r = .042m = 4.2cm. The distance from the
surface of the sphere is therefore 4.2cm - 3.00cm = 1.2cm.

Example 3.3 Charged Plate

Determine the magnitude of the electric field at a distance r from an
infinite plane uniformly charged with a surface charge density
of sigma σ C/m2.

Solution: A suitable Gaussian surface for this case is a cylinder as

shown usually referred to as "pillbox." The infinite plane of charge has
electric field equally on both sides of it. The plane itself is the plane of
symmetry. The bottom and top of the cylinder are adjusted to be
equidistant from the plane; therefore, E1 and E2 have the same
magnitudes though different directions. With this choice n1 is parallel
to E1 and n2 parallel to E2. This makes the Gaussian integral easy for
the top and bottom circular surfaces. Since E3 is perpendicular
to n3; therefore, the flux through the cylinder's side surface is zero that
makes it even easier. The Gaussian integral for this cylinder becomes:

∫cs E ∙ dA = ∫S1 E1 dA + ∫S2 E2 dA + ∫S3 E3 dA

= E1A + E2A + 0 = ε0 or, 2EA = ε0 or, E = 2ε0

This shows that the electric field around an infinite plane of charge does
not vary with distance from the plane. the reason is the lack of presence
of r in the derived formula. Surfaces S1 and S2 can be selected at any
distance from the plane of charges and still result in the same formula :E
= 2ε0
Question 2.3 The electric field at a distance of 60.0cm from a large sheet of charge is 3750N/C.
Calculate (a) the charge density, and (b) the charge distributed over every 125m2 of this large plane, and
(c) the field strength at 120.0cm from the plane.
Solution: Using the above formula, the surface charge density may be calculated as
(a) E = σ/2ε0 or, σ = 2ε0E or, σ = 2[8.85x10-12 C2/(Nm2)] (3750N/C) = 66.4x10-9 C/m2
or, σ = 66.4 nC/m2.
(b) Q = σ A = [66.4x10-9C/m2](125m2) = 8.3μC
(c) 3750N/C.
References:http://www.pstcc.edu/departments/natural_behavioral_sciences/Web%20Physics/Chapter
%20024.htm

Gauss Law:

• Gauss's law makes it possible to find the distribution of electric charge: The charge in any given
region of the conductor can be deduced by integrating the electric field to find the flux through a
small box whose sides are perpendicular to the conductor's surface
Key Terms:
area vector vector with magnitude equal to the area of a surface and direction perpendicular to
the surface
cylindrical symmetry system only varies with distance from the axis, not direction
electric flux dot product of the electric field and the area through which it is passing
flux quantity of something passing through a given area
free electrons also called conduction electrons, these are the electrons in a conductor that are not
bound to any particular atom, and hence are free to move around
Gaussian surface any enclosed (usually imaginary) surface
planar symmetry system only varies with distance from a plane
spherical symmetry system only varies with the distance from the origin, not in direction

Gauss’s law Φ=∮SE ⋅n^dA=qencε0

Gauss’s Law for systems with symmetry Φ=∮SE ⋅n^dA=E∮SdA=EA=qencε0
IV. Considerations in Drawing Electric Field Lines
1. If the source charge Q is positive, then the E Field points away from Q,if the source charge Q is
negative, then it points towards the source charge.

NOTE: the LINES are just

visualization; it does not
really exist. It is just a
mathematical tool we use.

2. Electric field lines always extend from a positively charged object to a negatively charged object,
from a positively charged object to infinity, or from infinity to a negatively charged object.
3. Electric field lines never cross each other.
4. Electric field lines are most dense around objects with the greatest amount of charge.
5. At locations where electric field lines meet the surface of an object, the lines are perpendicular to
the surface.

Note: students went wrong

in the sense that they think
field exists in the space and
applies forces on charges,
and it does not change even
when a new charged particle
enters the region, in fact, if a
charged particle enters a
region with a constant
electric field. The field in this
area changes because of the
new charge.

ACTIVITY: what can we learn from this diagram?

1. If a charge has more lines, it means it has ___________
2. If the line points outward, it means__________
3. We start from _________ before starts to curve
4. Denser lines means the strength of the field is ___________
5. If the line points outwards it means __________
 Did you know: Electric
Whats More? fields can affect a body (because our
I. Effect of charged object inside an electric field. body cells contains ions which makes
our body good conductor) in three
In an electric field a charged particle, or charged object, different ways: weak currents can be
experiences a force. If the forces acting on any object are induced in the body, electric charges
unbalanced, it will cause the object to accelerate. With this in mind: can build up on the surface of your skin
If two objects with the same charge are brought towards each other
and hair, and the body's electrical
the force produced will be repulsive, it will push them apart.
pressure can increase. These three
Electric field affect the charges. effects are in proportion to the intensity
of the electric field

Uniform and Non-Uniform Electric Field.

An electric field is called uniform if its strength does not change with distance. The electric field of a
point charge is not uniform, because it strongly weakens when distance from the charge increases. It
weakens proportional to (1/r2) and its field lines diverge or open up very quickly in space. But the electric
field in between the plates and specially away from the edges will essentially be uniform and the electric
field lines become parallel. Such a device forms the so-called parallel-plate capacitor.

Example: In the figure shown, find (a) the force on the oil drop of
mass 2.0 micrograms carrying a charge of 450nC at 1.0cm from the
positive plate, (b) the work it does as it moves to reach the negative
plate, (c) its K.E. just before hitting the negative plate, and (d) its
speed before striking the negative plate.

(a) F = qE = (450nC)(16000 N/C) = 7.2 mN (milli Newtons)

(b) W = Fd = (7.2 mN)( 0.05m) = 360 µJ (micro Joules)

(c) K.E. = W = 360 J Note: K.E. = (1/2)Mv2

(d) Solving for v, we get: v = SQRT (2K.E./M) = 0.60 km/s

Example: What if a charged pendulum (ball on string) were placed on the middle of a uniform electric
field? Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iA5s6I05ak

What if a charged pendulum were placed near a non-uniform electric field (example charged sphere)?
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5z2wq7ku1I

II. Electric Field and Electrical Breakdown

Diagram shows the electrical breakdown in a

gap between the electrodes (positively
charged plate and negatively charged plate) d
when a constant electric field E = U/d is
applied.
Electric field is pointing downward cathode
means negatively charged part. The electrical
breakdown is a process in which a gas
changes from electrically isolating to being
electrically conducting.
*more about this in the next topic

Question 1.1: Two objects of conductive material was placed near to each other. The objects are made of
same material and will have the same number of charges, but they differ in shape.
Given:
Set-Up A: A positively charged sharp and pointy metal brings closed to a negatively charged sharp
and pointy metal.
Set-Up B: A positively charged round sphere brings closed to a negatively charged sharp and
pointy metal
Set-Up C: A positively charged round sphere brings closed to a negatively charged round sphere.
Which of the following set-up will be efficient to create electrical breakdown? Setup A , SetUp B or Set
Up C?
Solution: Draw the electric field lines of Set Up A, Set Up B and Set Up C to see which has the most
densiest electrical field lines.
Did you know?
This is the reason why the lightning rods are pointy, A lightning rod is pointed to facilitate the transfer of
charge. This also explains why Van de Graaff generator has a smooth surface with a large radius of
curvature; it is to prevent the transfer of charge and allow a large electrical pressure to be generated. The
mutual repulsion of like charges is evident in the person’s hair while touching the metal sphere.

Figure 1. (left) Lightning Rod; (right) van de graff generator

What I have learned?

1. Describe an electric field as a region in which an electric charge experience a force
2. Calculate the electric field due to a system of point charges using Coulomb’s law and
superposition principle
3. Calculate electric flux
4. Use Gauss Law to infer electric field due to uniformly distributed charges on long wires,
spheres, and large plates
5. Solve problems involving electric charges, dipoles, forces, fields, and flux in context such as,
but not limited to, system of point charges, electrical breakdown of air, charged pendulums,
electrostatic ink jet printers.

What I Can Do?

1. Calculating the Electric Field due to system of point charges: In the figure shown, find the
resultant field at each point where there is a charge. For example, when finding the field at
where q1 is, suppose q1 is nonexistent and find the resultant field by q2 and q3 at that point.

1. Calculate the Electric Flux

What is the electric flux through the surface shown in the figure below?

2. Using Gauss law to compute for the E Field of a long line of charge
A very long, thin wire has a uniform linear charge density of 50 microcoulombs per meter.
What is the magnitude of the electric field 2.0 cm from the axis of the wire?

3. Using Gauss law to compute for the E Field of a spherical charge

Using Gauss law, find the electric field for a hollow sphere of inside radius “a” and outside
radius “b” at the following locations:
a. ) r>b b) r=b c.) a<r<b d.) r=a e.) r<a
 4. Using Gauss law to compute for the E Field of a charged plate
A really flat charged plate has a uniform surface charge density of 50 microcoulombs per
meter. What is the magnitude of the electric field 2.0 cm perpendicular to the center of the
plate?

5. Explaing the use of Electric Field in real life scenario:

Do the readings at this
link:https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/College_Physics/Book%3A_College_Physics_(Open
Stax)/18%3A_Electric_Charge_and_Electric_Field/18.08%3A_Applications_of_Electrostatics

..and Explain why the ink droplets on an electrostatic ink jet printer moves this way:

Assessment:
Answer the following.
1. The electric field of a point charge (a) is uniform. (b) is non-uniform. (c) varies with 1/r.
2. The electric field of a point charge varies (a) with 1/r2. (b) with 1/r3. (a) does not vary with
distance and is constant.
3. The electric field of charge q1 at a distance r is mathematically (a) E = kq1/r2. (b) E = kq1/r. E
= constant.
4. The electric field between two parallel plates oppositely charged (a) follows 1/r law. (b) follows
1/r2 law. (c) is constant and does not depend on the distance from either plate.
5. The coulomb's formula F = kq1q2/r2 may be written as (a) F = (kq1/r2) q2 (b) F = (E1) q2
where is the electric field of q1 at r. (c) both a & b.
6. According to the previous question, (a) Force = Field X charge. (b) F = Eq. (c) both a & b.
7. Two charges of q1 = 35μC and q2 = 45μC are placed at different distances from the negative
plate of a parallel-plate capacitor (that has a uniform electric field in between its plates). Draw a
figure for it. The field strength is 2000. N/Coul. The force on the charges are: (a) .070N and
.070N. (b) .070N and .090N. (c) .090N and .090N.
8. If the distance of q1 from the negative plate in the previous question is 4.0cm, the work done on
q1 as it is pushed toward the negative plate by the field is (a) .0056J. (b) .0063J. (c) .0028J.
9. Since .0028J of work is done by the field, we may say that the potential energy of q1 at 4.0cm
from the negative plate is (a) .0028J (b) .0028N (c) .0028watts.
10. The energy of q1 as it speeds up toward the negative plate becomes more of (a) elastic type. (b)
potential type. (c) K.E. type.
11. Which of the following patterns are incorrect
 Diagram F

12. Consider the electric field lines drawn at the right for a configuration of two charges. Several
locations are labeled on the diagram. Rank these locations in order of the electric field strength -
from smallest to largest.

a.) ADECB
b.) DEACB
c.) DAECB
A. Discussion Forum (1 pt) maximum of 250 words.
Will you suggest to put a lightning rod at your house? If you will create it, will you use a
spherical tip, a pointy tip or mix of them? Why?

B. Reflection:
Write your personal insights about the lesson using the prompts below.
I understand that _____________.
I realize that __________________.

Reflective Journal Rubric

Evidence of 5 3 2 Score
Thoughtfulness
Focuses reflections on
the topics, activities or 15%
tasks presented in the
activity.
Supports reflections 25%
with examples based
on a personal account
or real-life experience.
Reveals feelings 5%
(negative or positive)
towards the topic or
work with explanation.
Relates current 10%
insights with the
past/present/
Future applications
 Relates lessons
learned with what one
already knows/to a
real-life situation.
Encompasses all 15%
topics discussed or
assigned as coverage
of reflection
Presents no idea that is 15%
questionable.
Others (Pls. specify)
Submitted on Time 10%
Final Mark 100%

Additional Activities
Watch the following videos: Module 2 – Lesson 1 Playlist
1. The Electric Field (4:15): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ujcKNyOqI0&list=PLCF-
Lie6gOOS_4nBxYqT4urc7Lasz2fJk&index=11
2. Sample Problem: Conductors and Electric Fields in Static Equilibrium (2:25).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUkvM87avg8&list=PLCF-
Lie6gOOS_4nBxYqT4urc7Lasz2fJk&index=12
3. Defining Electric Field (5:49): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs2t-H-Y4N0&list=PLCF-
Lie6gOOS_4nBxYqT4urc7Lasz2fJk&index=14
4. Electric Field: Concept of a Field Revisited (2:43)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wttvt5SIPqA&list=PLCF-
Lie6gOOS_4nBxYqT4urc7Lasz2fJk&index=15
5. Some Electric Fields (5:11) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLLZs03be94&list=PLCF-
Lie6gOOS_4nBxYqT4urc7Lasz2fJk&index=16
6. Electric Field: Concept of a Field Revisited, Exercise(1:30)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_PhuZ_pjsA&list=PLCF-
Lie6gOOS_4nBxYqT4urc7Lasz2fJk&index=17
7. Superposition of E Field (6:17) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCM5dql_ul0&list=PLCF-
Lie6gOOS_4nBxYqT4urc7Lasz2fJk&index=18
8. Electric Flux (6:04) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqP1_EPfrow
9. All about Gauss Law and E Flux (28:04) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpQLcRtUWtc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jxX7Vt2wrA&list=PLX2gX-
ftPVXUcMGbk1A7UbNtgadPsK5BD

NOTE: Please watch this video!

1. Building an Ionocraft using the principles of Electric Field – The future of flight!.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01F8V5IhB5k

Note: you will encounter the word “Voltage”, voltage just means electrical pressure; we will talk
about electrical pressure in the next module.