The charge distribution in a typical thundercloud is such that the bottom of the cloud is negative while the top layer of the cloud is positive. This can be modeled as shown in the (not to scale!) Figure above. The presence of these charges in the cloud induces electrical charges on the ground. Assuming the ground is a conductor it can be shown that the charges in the ground are the mirror image (changing the sign of the charge!) of the charges in the thundercloud, as shown in the Figure. a. Determine the direction and magnitude of the electric field at point P1, which is just above the ground, directly below the thundercloud as shown. b. On the diagram, clearly indicate the direction of the electric field at point P2, which is 1~km horizontally away from P1. How does the magnitude of the field at point P2 compare with the magnitude of the field at point P1? Justify your answer. c. If the potential at infinity is zero determine the potential points P1 and P2.

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Question
3 km
3 km
-30 C
P1
+30 C
+30 C
P2
-30 C
2 km
2 km
The charge distribution in a typical thundercloud is such that the bottom of the cloud is negative while the top layer of the cloud is positive. This can be modeled as shown in the (not to scale!) Figure above. The presence of these charges in the cloud induces
electrical charges on the ground. Assuming the ground is a conductor it can be shown that the charges in the ground are the mirror image (changing the sign of the charge!) of the charges in the thundercloud, as shown in the Figure.
a. Determine the direction and magnitude of the electric field at point P1, which is just above the ground, directly below the thundercloud as shown.
b. On the diagram, clearly indicate the direction of the electric field at point P2, which is 1~km horizontally away from P1.
How does the magnitude of the field at point P2 compare with the magnitude of the field at point P1? Justify your answer.
c. If the potential at infinity is zero determine the potential at points P1 and P2.
d. What is the electric potential at a height of 1~km above P1?
Transcribed Image Text:3 km 3 km -30 C P1 +30 C +30 C P2 -30 C 2 km 2 km The charge distribution in a typical thundercloud is such that the bottom of the cloud is negative while the top layer of the cloud is positive. This can be modeled as shown in the (not to scale!) Figure above. The presence of these charges in the cloud induces electrical charges on the ground. Assuming the ground is a conductor it can be shown that the charges in the ground are the mirror image (changing the sign of the charge!) of the charges in the thundercloud, as shown in the Figure. a. Determine the direction and magnitude of the electric field at point P1, which is just above the ground, directly below the thundercloud as shown. b. On the diagram, clearly indicate the direction of the electric field at point P2, which is 1~km horizontally away from P1. How does the magnitude of the field at point P2 compare with the magnitude of the field at point P1? Justify your answer. c. If the potential at infinity is zero determine the potential at points P1 and P2. d. What is the electric potential at a height of 1~km above P1?
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Parallel-plate capacitor
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON