PHY 5346

HW Set 4 Solutions – Kimel

2. 2.9 The system is pictured below

a) We have treated this probem in class. We found the charge density induced was
σ = 3 0 E 0 cos θ
We also note the radial force/unit area outward from the surface is σ 2 /2 0 . Thus the force on the
right hand hemisphere is, using x = cos θ
⃗ = 1 3 0 E 0  2 2πR 2 ∫ x 3 dx = 1 3 0 E 0  2 2πR 2 /4 = 9 π 0 E 20 R 2
F z = 1 ∫ σ 2 ẑ ⋅ da
1

2 0 2 0 0 2 0 4
An equal force acting in the opposite direction would be required to keep the hemispheres from
sparating.

b) Now the charge density is

Q Q Q
σ = 3 0 E 0 cos θ + 2
= 3 0 E 0 x + 2
= 3 0 E 0 x +
4πR 4πR 12π 0 E 0 R 2
2
Fz = 1
2 0
∫ σ 2 ẑ ⋅ da⃗ = 1 3 E  2 2πR 2 ∫ 1 x x +
2 0 0 0
0
Q
12π 0 E 0 R 2
dx

Thus
F z = 9 π 0 E 20 R 2 + 1 QE 0 + 1 Q2
4 2 32 0 πR 2
An equal force acting in the opposite direction would be required to keep the himispheres from
separating.