a) Find the work done by the field in moving a charge, -Q, from infinity to the origin. The charge starts and ends at rest. b) Specifically state if the work calculated in part a is positive, negative, or zero.

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### Charge Distributions and Work Done by an Electric Field

**Introduction to Charge Distributions:**

Three charge distributions are depicted in the diagram.

1. **Spherical Shell:**
   - A thin, insulating spherical shell with a radius of \(3a\).
   - It has a charge of \(-2Q\) uniformly distributed over its surface (where \(Q\) is positive, and the units are in Coulombs).

2. **Circular Arc:**
   - A circular arc that spans \(90^\circ\).
   - The curve has a non-uniform charge density given by \(\lambda_c = \left(\frac{Q}{a}\right) \sin \phi\), where \(a\) is positive, and \(\phi\) is the angle measured from the \(-x\) axis.

3. **Straight Rod:**
   - A thin, straight rod with uniform charge density.
   - The rod carries a total charge of \(-3Q\) and extends from \(x = -2a\) to \(x = 2a\) at \(y = 2a\).

**Problem Statement:**

a) Calculate the work done by the electric field in moving a charge \(-Q\) from infinity to the origin. Assume the charge starts and ends at rest.

b) Determine whether the work calculated in part (a) is positive, negative, or zero.

**Guidelines for Solutions:**

- Your answers should include the variables \(Q\), \(a\), and relevant constants such as \(\varepsilon_0\) (the permittivity of free space) and/or \(k\) (Coulomb's constant).

**Diagram Overview:**

- The diagram features a coordinate system with axes labeled \(x\) and \(y\).
- The spherical shell is centered at the origin and has its surface extending out to a radius of \(3a\).
- The circular arc spans the lower right quadrant of the shell from the negative \(x\)-axis, highlighted in red.
- The straight rod is shown as a horizontal line segment above the x-axis from \(-2a\) to \(2a\), at a height of \(y = 2a\) (highlighted in red).

This setup is used to explore the concept of electric fields and the work associated with moving charges in various electric field configurations.
Transcribed Image Text:### Charge Distributions and Work Done by an Electric Field **Introduction to Charge Distributions:** Three charge distributions are depicted in the diagram. 1. **Spherical Shell:** - A thin, insulating spherical shell with a radius of \(3a\). - It has a charge of \(-2Q\) uniformly distributed over its surface (where \(Q\) is positive, and the units are in Coulombs). 2. **Circular Arc:** - A circular arc that spans \(90^\circ\). - The curve has a non-uniform charge density given by \(\lambda_c = \left(\frac{Q}{a}\right) \sin \phi\), where \(a\) is positive, and \(\phi\) is the angle measured from the \(-x\) axis. 3. **Straight Rod:** - A thin, straight rod with uniform charge density. - The rod carries a total charge of \(-3Q\) and extends from \(x = -2a\) to \(x = 2a\) at \(y = 2a\). **Problem Statement:** a) Calculate the work done by the electric field in moving a charge \(-Q\) from infinity to the origin. Assume the charge starts and ends at rest. b) Determine whether the work calculated in part (a) is positive, negative, or zero. **Guidelines for Solutions:** - Your answers should include the variables \(Q\), \(a\), and relevant constants such as \(\varepsilon_0\) (the permittivity of free space) and/or \(k\) (Coulomb's constant). **Diagram Overview:** - The diagram features a coordinate system with axes labeled \(x\) and \(y\). - The spherical shell is centered at the origin and has its surface extending out to a radius of \(3a\). - The circular arc spans the lower right quadrant of the shell from the negative \(x\)-axis, highlighted in red. - The straight rod is shown as a horizontal line segment above the x-axis from \(-2a\) to \(2a\), at a height of \(y = 2a\) (highlighted in red). This setup is used to explore the concept of electric fields and the work associated with moving charges in various electric field configurations.
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