Chapter 4 Selected Topics for Circuits and Systems

4-1 Poissons and Laplaces Equations

Poissions equation: E 2V

Laplaces equation: If no charge exists, =0, 2V 0

Eg. The two plates of a parallel-plate capacitor are separated by a distance d and
maintained at potentials 0 and V0. Assume negligible fringing effect at the edges,
determine (a) the potential at any point between the plates, (b) the surface
charge densities on the plates. []
d 2V V
(Sol.) 2
0 V c1 y c2 , V y 0 0, V y d V0 V 0 y
dy d
dV V
E y y 0 , E n a n E
dy d
V0
At the lower plate: an y , sl .
d
V 0
At the upper plate: a n y , ul
d

Eg. The upper and lower conducting plates of a large parallel-plate capacitor are
separated by a distance d and maintained at potentials V0 and 0, respectively. A
dielectric slab of dielectric constant r and uniform thickness 0.8d is placed over
the lower plate. Assuming negligible fringing effect, determine (a) the potential
and electric field distribution in the dielectric slab, (b) the potential and electric
field distribution in the air space between the dielectric slab and the upper plate.
[]

(Sol.) Set Vd y c1 y c 2 , E d y c1 , Dd y 0 r c1

Va y c3 y c 4 , Ea y c3 , Da y 0 c3
Vd 0 0, Va d V0 , Vd 0.8d Va 0.8d , Dd 0.8d Da 0.8d

c1
V0
, c2 0, c3
rV0
d , c4
1 r V0
0.8 0.2 r d 0.8 0.2 r 1 0.25 r

b Va 5 r y 4 r 1 d V0 , E a y r 0
5 yV0 5V0 5 V
a Vd , E d y
4 r d 4 r d 4 r d 4 r d
Eg. Show that uniqueness of electrostatic solutions.

(Proof) Let V1 and V2 satisfy 2V1 and 2V2 . Define Vd=V1-V2,

2Vd=0
1. On the conducting boundaries, Vd =0 V1= V2

2. Let f= Vd, A =Vd

Vd Vd fA f A A f Vd 2Vd Vd
2

Vd Vd a n ds Vd dv
2

s v

1 1
R , Vd V1 V2 , Vd 2 , ds R 2
R R

V Vd a n ds 0, Vd dv 0
2
d Vd =0 V1= V2
s v

Image Theorem P(x,y,z) in the y>0 region is

Q 1 1
V x, y , z
R R , where R+ and R-
4 0

are the distances from Q and Q to the point P,

respectively.

Eg. A point charge Q exists at a distance d above a large grounded conducting

plane. Determine (a) the surface charge density s, (b) the total charge induced
on the conducting plane. []
Q Qd
(Sol.) E / y 0 y 4 R 2 2 sin y
2 0 d 2 r 2
32
0

Qd
a s y E / y 0 , b s 2rdr Q

2 d 2 r 2 32
0

Eg. Two dielectric media with dielectric constants 1 and 2 are separated by a
plane boundary at x=0. A point charge Q exists in medium 1 at distance d from
the boundary. Determine Q1 Q2. (Q & -Q1 in medium 1, or Q & Q2 in medium
2)

Q Q1 Q Q2
(Sol.) V1 ( x 0) , V2 ( x 0)
41 s d2 2
41 s d 2 2
4 2 s 2 d 2

V1 V Q Q1 Q Q2
V1=V2, 1 2 2 at x 0 , and
x x 1 2
 2 1
Q Q1 Q Q2 Q1 Q2 Q
2 1
Eg. A line charge density l located at a distance d from the axis of a parallel
conducting circular cylinder of radius a. Both are infinitely long. Find the image
position of line charge.
r
l r
1 l ro
(Sol.) Assume i l , V Edr r dr 2 n
r0
2 0 r0 0 r

l r r r
VM n 0 l n 0 l n i
2 0 r 2 0 ri 2 0 r
ri d i a a2
C di
r a d d

Eg. A point charge Q is placed at a distance d to a conducting sphere. Find its

image.

1 Q Qi r Q a a
0 i i Qi Q , a d i a d a
2
(Sol.) VM
4 0 r
ri r Q d d i
d a d d
4-2 Boundary-Value Problems in Rectangular Coordinates
2V 2V 2V
2V 0. Let V(x,y,z)=X(x)Y(y)Z(z), kx2+ky2+kz2=0
x 2 y 2 z 2

d 2 X x d 2Y y d 2 Z z
k 2
x X x 0, k 2
y Y y 0, k z2 Z z 0
dx 2 dy 2 dz 2
For X(x), 1. kx2=0, X(x)=A0x+B0 is linear.
2. kx2>0, X(x)=A1sinkxx+B1coskxx, X(x=a) is finite, X(x=b) is finite
3. kx2<0, X(x)=A2sinhkxx+B2coshkxx, X() is finite, X(-) is finite
Similar cases exist in Y(y) and Z(z).

Eg. Two grounded, semi-infinite, parallel-plane electrodes are separated by a

distance b. A third electrode perpendicular to and insulated from both is
maintained at a constant potential V0. Determine the potential distribution in the
region enclosed by the electrodes. []
(Sol.)
V x , y , z V x , y X x Y y
V 0, y V0 , V x,0 0
B.C.:
V , y 0, V x, b 0

d 2 X ( x)
k x2 X ( x) X ( x) D1e k x x D2 e k x x D2 e k x x
d 2x
d 2Y y
2
k y2Y y Y y A1 sin k y y
dy

n
Vn x, y Cne k x x sin k y y k x k y , n 1,2,3
b
nx
ny
Vn x, y Cne b
sin
b

ny
V 0, y V0 Cn sin
n 1 b
my
ny my
0 0 b n1 n 0 b sin b dy
b b
V sin dy C sin

2bV0 C
, m : odd n , m n
m 2
0, m : even 0, m n
4V0
, n : odd
C n n
0, n : even
 nx
4V0 1 ny
V x, y e b
sin , n 1,3,5, for x>0, 0<y<b.
n:odd n b
4-3 Boundary-Value Problems in Cylindrical Coordinates
1 V 1 2V 2V
2V r 0
r r r r 2 2 z 2

2V
1. Assume 0 , then V(r,)=R(r)(),
z 2
d 2 R r dR r d 2
r2 r n 2
R r 0, n 2 0
dr 2 dr d 2
R(r)= Arrn+Brr-n, ()=Asinn+ Bcosn
Vn(r,)=rn(Asinn+Bcosn)+ r-n(Asinn+Bcosn), n0

V(r,)= V n r ,
n 1

d 2
2. Assume n=0, 0 ()=A0+B0, R(r)=C0lnr+D0,
d 2
In the -independent case, V(r)=C1lnr+D1
In the -dependent case, ()=A+B, V(r,)=(Clnr+D)(A+B)

Eg. Consider a very long coaxial cable. The inner conductor has a radius a and is
maintained at a potential V0. The outer conductor has an inner radius b and is
grounded. Determine the potential distribution in the space between the
conductors. []
(Sol.) V b 0, V a V0 C1n(b) C 2 0, C1n(a) C 2 V0
V0 V ln b V0 r
C1 , C2 0 , V r ln
ln b a ln b a
ln b a b
Eg. Two infinite insulated conducting planes maintained at potentials 0 and V0
form a wedge-shaped configuration. Determine the potential distributions for the
a0
regions:
b 2 . []
(Sol.)
(a) V()=A+B,

V 0 0 B0 0

V0
V V0 A0 A0

V0
V ,0

V V0 A1 B1 V0 2V0 V0
(b) V 2 ,
V 2 0 2A1 B1
A 1 , B1
2 2 2

Eg. An infinitely long, thin, conducting circular tube of radius b is split in two
halves. The upper half is kept at a potential V=Vo and the lower half at V=-Vo.
Determine the potential distributions both inside and outside the tube.

V0,0
(Sol.) V b,
V0, 2
a Inside the tube: r b Vn r , An r n sin n

V r , n 1
An r n sin n

V0,0

r b Anb sin n
n 1
n

V0, 2
 4V0
n , n : odd
An nb
0, n : even

n
4V0 1 r
V r , sin n , r b
n odd n b

b Outside the tube: r b Vn r , Bn r n sin n V r , Bn r n sin n

n 1

V0,0

r b Bnb sin n
n 1
n

V0 , 2
4V0bn
, n : odd
Bn n
0, n : even

n
4V0 1 b
V r , sin n , r b
n odd n r
Eg. A long, grounded conducting cylinder of radius b is placed along the z-axis in

an initially uniform electric field E x E 0 . Determine potential distribution

V(r,) and electric field intensity E r , outside the cylinder. Show that the
electric field intensity at the surface of the cylinder may be twice as high as that
in the distance, which may cause a local breakdown or corona (St. Elmos fire.)
[]

(Sol.) V r , E 0 r cos Bn r cos n
n
At r b, E xE 0 , V E 0 r cos
n 1

At r b : V r, E0 b cos Bn b n cos n 0 B1 E 0 b , Bn 0 for n 1.
2

n 1

b2
Outside the cylinder, r b : V r , E0 r 1 cos
r2
b 2
b2
E r , V a r E0 2 1 cos a r E0 2 1 sin
r r

Eg. A long dielectric cylinder of radius b and dielectric constant r, is placed

along the z-axis in an initially uniform electric field E xE 0 . Determine V(r,)

and E r , both inside and outside the dielectric cylinder.

(Sol.) For r b, V0 r , E0 r cos B r

n 1
n
n
cos n

r b, Vi r , A r
n 1
n
n
cos n

V0 b, Vi b,
E0 b B1b 1 A1b, Bn b n An b n , n 1
V0 Vi
r E0 B1b 2 r A1 , nBn b n 1 r nAn b n1 , n 1
r r b r r b

r 1 b2
2 E0
A , B
r 1 2
b E0 V0 r , 1 2 E0 r cos
1 1 r 1 r
r 1 r 1
A B 0 for..n 1 V r , 2 E r cos
n n i
r 1
0

V V
E V a r a
r r
 r 1 b2 r 1 b2
E0 ar E0 1 2 cos a E0 1 2 sin
r 1 r r 1 r

E 2 E a cos a sin

i 1 0 r
r
4-4 Boundary-Value Problems in Spherical Coordinates
1 2 V 1 V 1 2V
2V R sin 0
R 2 R R R 2 sin R 2 sin 2 2

2
Assume -independent: 0 , V(r,)=R(r)()
2

d 2 R r dR R d d
r2 2r k 2 R r 0, sin n n 1 sin 0 , and
dr 2
dr d d
k2=n(n+1) R(r)=Anrn+Bnr-n-1, ()=Pn(cos)V(r,)=[Anrn+Bnr-n-1]Pn(cos)

Table of Legendres Polynomials

n Pn cos

0 1

1 cos

2 1
2
3 cos 2 1
3 1
2
5 cos 2 3 cos

Eg. An infinite conducting cone of half-angle is maintained at potential V0 and

insulated from a grounded conducting plane. Determine (a) the potential
distribution V() in the region <</2, (b) the electric field intensity in the
region <</2, (c) the charge densities on the cone surface and on the grounded
plane.
(Sol.)

d dV dV C1
sin 0, V C1n tan C2
d d d sin 2

V0
V C1n tan C 2 V0 C1
2
a n tan
2
V C1n tan C 2 0
2 4 C2 0

V0 n tan
V 2

n tan
2
 dV V0
E a a
b Rd , c
Rn tan sin
2
0V0
: s 0 E

Rn tan sin
2
0V0
: s 0 E
2 2
Rn tan
2
Eg. An uncharged conducting sphere of radius b is placed in an initially uniform

electric field E zE 0 . Determine the potential distribution V(R,) and the

electric field intensity E R, after the introduction of the sphere. []
(Sol.) V b, 0
If R>>b, V R, E 0 z E 0 R cos

A

V R, n R n Bn R n 1 Pn cos , R b
n 0

An 0, n 1

A1 E0


E 0 RP1 cos Bn R n 1 Pn cos , R b
n0

sphere is uncharged, B0 0


B
12 E0 R cos
R
n2
Bn R n 1 Pn cos , R b

B
R b, 0 21 E 0 b cos Bn b n 1 Pn cos B1 E 0 b 3 , Bn 0, n 2 ,
b n 2

b
3

V R, E 0 1 R cos , R b
R
V V
E R, a R ER a E V R, a R a
R R
b
3
b 3
a R E0 1 2 cos a E0 1 sin , R b
R R

A dipole moment P z 4 0b 2 E0 is at the center of the sphere. Surface charge
density is s 0 ER R b 3 0 E0 cos
4-5 Capacitors and Capacitances

Q=CV C=Q/V
Eg. A parallel-plane capacitor consists of two parallel conducting plates of area S
separate by uniform distance d, the space between the plates is filled with a
dielectric of a constant permittivity. Determine the capacitance.
Q
Q
(Sol.) s , E y y
s

S S
Q
y dv
yd d Q
V E d l y d
y 0 0
S S

Q S V
C . In this problem, E y
V d d
Surface charge densities on the upper and conducting planes are s and -s,
s=Ey=V/d.

Eg. The space between a parallel-plate capacitor of area S is filled with dielectric
whose permittivity varies linearly from 1 at one plate (y=0) to 2 at the other
plate (y=d). Neglecting all the edge effect, find the capacitance. []
2 1
(Sol.) Assume Q on plate at y=d, y 1
d
Q S ( 2 1 )
Q d Qd ln 2 1 C
E y s

, s V
S
0
E d l
S 2 1
V
d ln( 2 )
1

Eg. A cylindrical capacitor consists of an inner conductor of radius a and an

outer conductor of radius b is filled with a dielectric of permittivity , and the
length of the capacitor is L. Determine the capacitance of this capacitor.
Q
(Sol.) E a r E r ,
2Lr
Q 2L
r a a Q Q b C
Vab E d l ar a r dr ln , Vab b
r b b
2Lr 2L a ln
a
Eg. A spherical capacitor consists of an inner conducting sphere of radius Ri and
an outer conductor with a spherical wall of radius Ro. The space in between them
is filled with dielectric of permittivity . Determine the capacitance.
Q
(Sol.) E a r E r a r
4R 2
Ri
Ri Q Q 1 1
V= R E a r dR R dR
o o 4R 2
4 Ri Ro

Q 4
C
V 1 1 .

Ri Ro

For an isolating conductor sphere of a radius: Ri , Ro , C 4Ri

Eg. Assuming the earth to be a large conducting sphere (radius=6.3710 3km)
surrounded by air, find (a) the capacitance of the earth, (b) the maximum charge
that can exist on the earth before the air breaks down.

(Sol.) (a) C 4 0 R 4
1
36

10 9 6.37 10 3 10 3 7.08 10 4 (F )

QMax
(b) Eb 3 10 QMax 1.35 1010
6
(C )
4 0 R 2
Eg. Determine the capacitance of an isolated conducting sphere of radius b that
is coated with a dielectric layer of uniform thickness d, the dielectric has an
electric susceptibility e.
Q Q
(Sol.) b R b d , E a r , b d R , E
4 0 1 e R 2
4 0 R 2
Q 4 0 1 e
b Q e 1 C
V E d l , V e 1
4 0 1 e b d b
bd b
Eg. A cylindrical capacitor of length L consists of coaxial conducting surface of
radii ri and ro. Two dielectric media of different dielectric constants r1 and r2,
and fill the space between the conducting surface. Determine the capacitance. [
]
l
(Sol.) rL 0 r1 0 r 2 E l L E
r 0 r1 r 2
ri l r
V Edr ln o
ro 0 r1 r 2 ri

l L 0 r1 r 2 L
C
V ln ro ri
Eg. The radius of the core and the inner radius of the outer conductor of a very
long coaxial transmission line are ri and ro respectively. The space between two
conductors is filled with two coaxial layers of dielectrics. The dielectric constants
of the dielectrics are r1 for ri<r<b and r2 for b<r<ro. Determine its capacitance
per unit length.
l l
(Sol.) E1 a r , ri r b , E 2 a r , b r ro
2 0 r1 r 2 0 r 2 r

ri l 1 b 1 ro
V E d r ln ln ,
ro 2 0 r1 ri r 2 b

l 2 0
C ( F / m)
V 1 b 1 ro
ln ln
r1 ri r 2 b

Eg. Determine the capacitance per unit length between two long, parallel,
circular conducting wires of radius a. The axes of the wires are separated by a
distance D. []
a a
(Sol.) V2 n , V1 n
2 d 2 d

C



V1 V2 n d a
a2 1
, d D d i D , d D D 2 4a 2
d 2


C= n D (F/m)
2a D 2a 1 cosh 1 D 2a
2

Eg. A straight conducting wire of radius a is parallel to and at height h from the
surface of the earth. Assume that the earth is perfectly conducting; determine the
capacitance and the force per unit length between the wire and the earth.

(Sol.) D=2h, C
0

0 F
cosh D 2a cosh 1 h a m
1

Eg. A capacitor consists of two coaxial metallic cylindrical surface a length 30mm
and radii 5mm and 7mm. The dielectric between the surfaces has a relative
permittivity r2=2+(4/r), where r is measured in mm. Determine the capacitance
of the capacitor.
l l l
E ar ar ar
(Sol.) 2r 4 4 0 r 2
2 0 2 r
r
L 4 0 L
ri l r7 l 9 C
l
1500 0
V E d r ln r 2 ln , V 9
ro 4 0 r 5 4 0 7 ln
7
Series or parallel connection of capacitance:

Q Q Q Q Q 1 1 1 1 1
V
C sr C1 C 2 C3 Cn C sr C1 C 2 C 3 Cn

Q Q1 Q2 Qn
C // V C1V C 2V C nV
C // C1 C 2 C n
4-6 Electrostatic Energy
To remove Q1 from infinite to a distance R12 from Q2, the amount of work required is
Q1 Q2 1
W2 Q2V2 Q2 Q1 Q1V1 Q1V1 Q2V2
4 0 R12 4 0 R12 2
induction
1 N 1 N Qj
We Qk Vk , where Vk
method

2 k 1 4 0 j 1( j k ) R jk

Eg. Determine the work done in carrying a -2C charge from P1(2,1,-1) to

P2(8,2,-1) in the field E x y y x along (a) the parabola x=2y2, (b) the straight

line joining P1 and P2.

(Sol.) dl xdx y
dy , W q E d l q ( ydx xdy )

2
(a) Along x 2 y 2 , dx 4 ydy W q 1 6 y 2 dy 14q 28 ( J ) .

(b) Along x 6 y 4, dx 6dy W q 1 12 y 4 dy 14q 28 ( J )

2

Eg. Find the energy required to assemble a uniform charge of radius b and
volume charge density . []
QR 4
(Sol.) V R Q R R 3
4 0 R 3
4 2 4
dQR 4R 2 dR , dW V R dQ R R dR
3 0
4 2 b 4 4 2 b 5
W dW R dR
3 0 0 15 0
4 3 3Q 2
Q b ,W (J )
3 20 0 b
 Vdv D Vdv ,
1 1
Eg. According to We=
2 v' 2 v'

show that the stored

2 v '
electric energy is We D E dv

(Proof) V D V D D V

, V D V D D V

1 1
1
1
We
2
v'
V D dv D Vdv V D a n ds D E dv
2 v' 2 s' 2 v'

1 1 1
When R , S R , V
2
, D 2 V D a n ds 0
R R 2 s'
1

2 v '
We D E dv
2

D
If D E , then W 1 2 1
e
2
v'
E dv
2
v'
dv
v'
we dv

Note: 1. SI unit for energy: Joule(J) and 1 eV =1.610-19J.

2. Work (or energy) is a scalar, not a vector.
2
D
Electrostatic energy density: we= 1 1
D E E
2

2 2 2

Eg. A parallel-plate capacitor of area S and separation d is charged by a d-c

voltage source V. The permittivity of the dielectric is . Find the stored
electrostatic energy.
2 2
V
, We v ' dv Sd V 2
1 V 1 V 1 S
(Sol.) E
d 2 d
2 d
2 d
Eg. Use energy formulas to find the capacitance of a cylindrical capacitance
having a length L, an inner conductor of radius a, an outer conductor of inner
radius b, and dielectric of permittivity .
2
Q Q 2 b dr Q2 b
, We a
1 b Q
(Sol.) E a r L 2rdr ln
2Lr 2 2Lr 4L a r 4L a

Q2 Q2 b 2L
ln C
, 2C 4L a b
ln
a
Eg. Find the electrostatic energy stored in the region of space R>b around
an electric dipole of moment p.

p 1 p2

2
2
(Sol.) E
a 2 cos
a sin , W E d v
4 0 R 2
R
12 0 b 3
0
v
4-7 Electrostatic Forces and Torques
Electrostatic force and torque due to the fixed charge:

dW FQ d l is mechanic work done by the system, it costs the stored energy.

dWe dW FQ d l We d l , FQ We (N )

We Q2 Q 2 C We

FQ , dW TQ d TQ z
l l l 2C 2C 2 l z

Electrostatic force and torque due to the fixed potential:
dWs Vk dQk , 1 1
, dWe Vk dQk dWs
dW F d l
k v 2 k 2
1
dW dWe dWs dW dWs dWe Fv d l We d l
2
We We 1 V C
2
Q 2 C
Fv We , Tv z , Fv CV 2
l l l 2 2 l 2C 2 l
Eg. Determine the force on the conducting plates of a charged parallel-plate
capacitor. The plates have an area S and separate in air by a distance x.
1 1
(Sol.) (a) Assuming fixed charge, We QV QE x x ,
2 2
1 Q2
F
Q x

QE x x
x 2 2 0 S
(b) Assuming the fixed potential,
We 1 V 0S 0 SV 2
2
Fv x CV 2
x x 2 2 x x 2x 2
0 SV
Q CV , FQ x Fv x
x
Eg. A parallel-plate capacitor of width w, length L, and separation d is partially
filled with a dielectric medium of dielectric constants r. A battery of V0 volts is

connected between the plates. (a) Find D , E , s in each region. (b) Find
distance x such that the electrostatic energy stored in each region is the same. [
]
(Sol.)a
V V V
E1 y 0 , D1 y 0 r 0 , s1 0 r 0
d d d

V V V We1 x L
E 2 y 0 , D2 y 0 0 , s 2 0 0 b r 1 x
d d d We 2 L x r 1
Eg. A parallel-plate capacitor of width w, length L, and separation d has a solid
dielectric slab of permittivityin the space between the plates. The capacitor is
charged to a voltage V0 by a battery. Assuming that the dielectric slab is
withdrawn to the position shown, determine the force action on the slab. (a) with
the switch closed, (b) after the switch is first opened. []
(Sol.) (a)
2 2

We CV02 , C x 0 L x Fx We x V 0 x V 0 0
1 w C w
2 d 2 x 2d
(b)

Eg. The conductors of an isolated two-wire transmission line, each of radius b,

are spaced at a distance D apart. Assuming D>>b and a voltage V0 between the
lines, find the force per unit length on the lines.
(Sol.)

l D b D
0 1 2 b
D b
E x l , V V V E dx l ln x l ln
2 0 x 2 0 D x 0 b 0 b
2
l 0 V0 C 0V02
C F m , F We x x
V0 ln D b
2 D
2 D ln D
b
2
4-8 Resistors and Resistances
Ohms law: V=RI
V I V
V E E , I J dS JS J V I RI
s
S S
1 S
R , G
S R

Power dissipation: P d J dS VI I R
2
E J dv E
v ss

Eg. A long round wire of radius a and conductivity is coated with a material of
conductivity 0.1. (a) What must be the thickness of the coating so that the
resistance per unit length of the uncoated wire is reduced by 50%? (b) Assuming
a total current I in the coated wire, find J and E in both the core and the coating
material. []
1 1
(Sol.) R1 , R2
a 2
[(a b) 2 a 2 ]

(a) R1 R2 b 11 1 a , (b)
I I I
I1 I 2 , J 1 E1 , J 2 0.1E2 J 1 10 J 2 , E1 E 2
2 2a 2

2 a b b 2
2

Eg. A d-c voltage of 6V applied to the ends of 1km of a conducting wire of 0.5mm
radius results in a current of 1/6A. Find (a) the conductivity of the wire, (b) the
electric field intensity of the wire, (c) the power dissipation in the wire, (d) the
electron drift velocity, assuming electron mobility in the wire to be
1.4 10 3 m 2 V s .

V I V
(Sol.) (a) R 3.54 107 S m , (b) E 6 10 3 V m , (c)
S I SV
P VI 1 Watt, (d) v e E 8.4 10 6 ( m / sec)
Calculation of resistance:

2V 0 V E V J E I Jds R V / I

Eg. A conducting material of uniform thickness h and conductivity , has the

shape of a quarter of a flat circular washer, with inner radius a and outer radius
b. Determine the resistance between the end faces. []

(Sol.) 2V 0 , V=0 at 0 , V=V0 at
2
d 2V 2V0 V 2V0
0 , V=c1+c2, V , J E V a a
d 2
r r
V0
2V 0 b dr 2hV 0 b R
I J d s h ln , I b
S a r a 2h ln
a
Eg. A ground connection is made by burying a hemispherical conductor of radius
25mm in the earth with its base up. Assuming the earth conductivity to =10-6
S/m, find the resistance of the conductor to far-away points in the ground. [
]
I I b I
(Sol.) J a R 2R 2 , E a R
2R 2 => V
EdR
0
2b
V0 1 1
R 6.36 10 6 .
I 2b 2 (10 )(25 10 3 )
6

Eg. The space between two parallel conducting plates each having an area S is
filled with an inhomogeneous ohmic medium whose conductivity varies linearly
from 1 at one plate (y=0) to 2 at the other plate (y=d). And d-c voltage V0 is
applied across the plates. Determine the total resistance between the plates.
J Jo y
(Sol.) J y
Jo => E y , ( y ) ( )
1 2 1 ,
( y) d

J 0d 2 V0 V0 d 2
R
d
V0 E y dy ln , ln( )
0 2 1 1 I JoS ( 2 1) S 1
 Q s D d s E d s
Relation between R and C: C ,

V E d l E dl
L L

V LE d l E d l C
R L
, RC=

I
J d s E d s
S S
G

Eg. Find the leakage resistance per unit length (a) between the inner and outer
conductors of a coaxial cable that has an inner conductor of radius a, an outer
conductor of inner radius b, and a medium with conductivity , and (b) of a
parallel-wire transmission line consisting of wires of radius a separated by a
distance D in a medium with conductivity . []
2
C 1 1 b
(Sol.) (a) b , R ln
ln( ) C 2 a
a

C 1 1 D
(b) D , R
1 cosh 1 ( )
cosh ( ) C 2a
2a

Eg. Find the resistance between two concentric spherical surfaces of radii R1 and
R2 (R1<R2) if the space between the surfaces is filled with a homogeneous and
isotropic material having a conductivity .
4
C 1 1 1 1
(Sol.) 1 1 , RC => R => R ( )
C 4 R1 R 2
R1 R 2
4-9 Inductors and Inductances

Mutual flux: 12 1
B d S 2 L12 I 1 (Wb)
S2

N 2 12 12
General mutual inductance: L12 (H)
I1 I1
11
Self-Inductance: L11
I1
Eg. Assume that N turns of wire are tightly wound on a toroidal frame of a
rectangular cross section. Then, assuming the permeability of the medium to be
0, find the self-inductance of the toroidal coil. []
(Sol.)
o NI
d l a rd , B d l Br d 2rB o NI B
C
2r
NIh b d r o NIh b N o N 2 h b
B d s o
2 a r
ln( ) , L ln( )
S
2 a I 2 a
Eg. Find the inductance per unit length of a very long solenoid with air core
having n turns per unit length. And S is the cross-sectional area.
(Sol.) B o nI , BS o nSI ' n o n 2 SI , L' o n 2 S

Eg. Two coils of N1 and N2 turns are would concentrically on a straight

cylindrical core of radius a and permeability . The windings have lengths l1 and
l2, respectively. Find the mutual inductance between the coils.
N1
(Sol.) 12 ( )(a ) I 1 , 12 N 2 12 N 1 N 2a 2 I 1
2

1 1

12
=> L12 N 1 N 2a 2
I1 1

Eg. Determine the mutual inductance between a very long, straight wire and a
conducting circular loop. []
(Sol.)
0 I
B at p is
2 ( d r cos )
I b 2 rd dr I b 2rdr
0 0 0 I (d d 2 b 2 )
2 0 0 d r cos 2 0
d r
2 2

L 0 (d d b )
2 2
Eg. Determine the mutual inductance between a conducting triangular loop and
a very long straight wire.
(Sol.)
I
B2 a 0 2 , SB ds , where dS a zdr
2r
z= 3(d b r )

3 0 I d b 1 3 0 I

2 d r
(d b r )dr
2
[( d b) ln(1 b / d ) b]

3 0
L [( d b) ln(1 b / d ) b]
I 2

Eg. Determine the mutual inductance between a very long, straight wire and a
conducting equilateral triangular loop. []

(Sol.)
I
B a 0 a B
2r
d
3
b 2 0 I 3 3b
d
2 B
3
( r d )dr
3 2
[ b d ln(1
2d
)]

0 3 3b
L [ b d ln(1 )]
I 3 2 2d

Eg. Find the mutual inductance between two coplanar rectangular loops with
parallel sides. Assume that h1 >> h2 (h2 > w2 > d). ()
(Sol.)
h I w2 1 1 h I w d w1 d
12 0 2 ( )dx 0 2 ln( 2 )
2 0 d x w1 d x 2 d w1 w2 d
12 0 h2 ( w1 d )( w2 d )
L12 ln[ ]
I 2 d ( w1 w2 d )

0 N1 N 2 d 1 d 2
Neumaun formula: L12
4 R
C1 C 2

N 2 12 N 2 N N2
L12
I1

I1 B
S
1 dS 2 2
I1 ( A ) dS
S2
1 2
I1 A d
C2
1 2

0 N1 I1 d 1 0 N1 N 2 d 1 d 2
A1
4 R1 ,
C1
L12
4 R
C1 C 2
Eg. A rectangular loop of width w and height h is situated near a very long wire
carrying a current i1. Assume i1 to be a rectangular pulse. Find the induced
current i2 in the rectangular loop whose self-inductance is L.
(Sol.)
di1 di
L12 L 2 Ri2 ,
dt dt
12 h d w 0 i1 h w
where L12 dr 0 ln(1 )
i1 i1 d 2r 2 d
R
di2 L ( ) t
t=0, L Ri2 L12 I 1 (t ) i2 12 I 1e L
dt L
RT
L12
t=T, i2 I 1e L , when I1 is applied
L
R
L12 ( )( t T )
t>T, i2 I1e L
L
4-10 Magnetic Energy
1 N N 1 N 1
Wm= L jk I j I k I k k A Jdv '
2 j 1 k 1 2 k 1 2 V'
di1 I1 1 1
Let V1 L1 W1 V1i1 dt L1 i1 di1 L1 I 12 I 1 1 : Magnetic energy
dt 0 2 2

di2 I2
Similarly, V21 L21 W21 V21 I 1 dt L21 I 1 di2 L21 I 1 I 2
dt 0

2 2
1 1 1 1
And W2 L2 I 22 Wm L1 I 1 L21 I 1 I 2 L2 I 2 L jk I j I k
2 2

2 2 2 2 j 1 k 1
1 N N 1 N N
Generally, Wm jk j k 2
2 j 1 k 1
L I I
k 1
Ikk when k L jk I j
j 1

k B dS n ' A d k
Sk Ck

1 N 1
Wm k
2 k 1
I A d l k
2
A Jdv ' ( I k dlk ' J ( a k ' )dlk ' J v k ' )
Ck V'

( A H ) H ( A) A ( H ) A ( H ) H ( A) ( A H )

And J H A J H B ( A H )
1 1 1
Wm H Bdv' ( A H ) a n dS ' as R A 1 , H 2,
2 V' 2 S' R R
1
dS R 2 ( A H ) a n dS ' 0
2 S'
1
Wm
2 V'
H Bdv' w
V'
m dv'

1
H B wm
2
| B |2 2Wm
Magnetic energy density: m
w and L= .
2 I2
1
wm | H |2
2
Eg. Determine the inductance per unit length of an air coaxial transmission line
that has a solid inner conductor of radius a and a very thin outer conductor of
radius b. []
(Sol.)
1 a 0 I 2 a 3 0 I 2
B 2rdr
4a 4 0
r dr
2
Wm1= 1
2 0 0 16
1 b 0 I 2 b 1 0 I 2 b
B 2rdr
4 a r
dr
2
Wm2= 2 ln ,
2 0 a 4 a
2 b
L' (Wm1 Wm 2 ) 0 0 ln
I 2
8 2 a

Eg. Consider two coupled circuits having self-inductance L1 and L2, which carry
currents I1 and I2, respectively. The mutual inductance between the circuits is M.
a) Find the ratio I1/I2 that makes the stored magnetic energy Wm a minimum.
b) Show that M L1 L2 . []
1 1
(Sol.) Wm L1 I 12 MI 1 I 2 L2 I 22
2 2
I 22 I I I2 I
(a) Wm [ L1 ( 1 ) 2 2M ( 1 ) L2 ] 2 [ L1 x 2 2Mx L2 ], x 1
2 I2 I2 2 I2
dWm I2 I M
0 2 ( 2 L1 x 2 M ) x 1 for minimum Wm
dx 2 I2 L1
I 22 M 2
(b) (Wm)min= ( L2 ) 0 M L1 L2
2 L1

4-11 Magnetic Forces and Torques

Force due to constant flux linkage:

Wm
F d dWm (Wm ) d F Wm and (T ) z

Force due to constant current:
dWs I k 'd k dW dWm
k

1 1
dWm
2 k
I k k dWs dW FI dl dWm (Wm ) dl FI Wm
2
Torque in terms of mutual inductance:
1 1 L12
Wm L1 I 12 L12 I 1 I 2 L2 I 22 FI I 1 I 2 (L12 ) , TI I 1 I 2
2 2
Eg. One end of a long air-core coaxial transmission line having an inner an
conductor of radius a and an outer conductor of inner radius b is short-circuited
by a thin, tight-fitting conducting washer. Find the magnitude and the direction
of the magnetic force on the washer when a current I flows in the line.
1 x b x b I x b
(Sol.) Wm LI 2 , L B dr 0 dr 0 ln
2 I I a I 2r
a 2 a
Wm I 2 L I2 b
FI x x ( ) x 0 ln( )
x 2 x 4 a

Eg. A current I flows in a long solenoid with n closely wound coil-turns per unit
length. The cross-sectional area of its iron core, which has permeability , is S.
Determine the force acting on the core if it is withdrawn to the position. [

(Sol.)
1 1 1 1
Wm
2 H 2 dv, Wm ( x x) Wm ( x) ( 0 r n 2 I 2 0 n 2 I 2 ) Sx 0 ( r 1)n 2 I 2 Sx
2 2 2
Wm 0
( FI ) x ( r 1)n 2 I 2 S
x 2

Magnetic torque: T m B (B=B+B, mB=>mB=0)

dT xdF 2b sin x ( IdlB|| sin )2b sin x 2 Ib 2 B|| sin 2 d

T dT x 2 Ib 2 B// sin 2 d xI (b 2 ) B// xmB//
0

T m B

Eg. A rectangular loop in the xy-plane with sides b1 and b2 carrying a current I

has in a uniform magnetic field B xB x y B y zBz . Determine the force and
torque on the loop.

(Sol.) T m B Ib1b2 ( x B y y B x )
4-12 Magnetic Circuits
l
Define Vm NI : mmf, BS : magnetic flux, : reluctance
S

(1) N j Ij
k
k k . (2) B 0,
j
j 0

Eg. (a) Steady current I1 and I2 flow in windings of N1 and N2 turns, respectively,
on the outside legs of the ferromagnetic core. The core has a cross-sectional area
Sc and permeability . Determine the magnetic flux in the center leg.
(Sol.)
l1 l l
1 , 2 2 , 3 3
SC SC SC
Loop 1: N1 I 1 (1 3 ) 1 1 2
Loop 2: N1 I1 N 2 I 2 1 1 (1 2 ) 2
2 N1 I1 1 N 2 I 2
1
1 2 1 3 23

Eg. A toroidal iron core of relative permeability

30000 has a mean radius R= 80mm and a circular cross section with radius
b=25mm. An air gap lg=3mm exists, and a current I flows in a 500-turn winding
to produce a magnetic flux of 10-5Wb. Neglecting flux leakage and using mean
path length, find (a) the reluctances of the air gap and of the iron core, (b) Bg and
Hg in the air gap, and Bc and Hc in the iron core, (c) the required current I.
lg 3 10 3
(Sol.) (a) g 1.21 10 6 ( H 1 )
o S 4 10 7 ( 0.0252 )
2 0.08 0.003
c 6.75 10 4 ( H 1 )
3000 ( 4 10 7 ) ( 0.0252 )
10 5 Bg Bc
(b) B g B c a a 5.09 10 3 (T) H g , Hc
0.025 2 0 3000 0
(c) NI C g I 0.0256 (A)
Eg. Consider the electromagnet in Figure. In which a current I in an N-turn coil
produce a flux in the magnetic circuit. The cross-sectional area of the core is S.
Determine the lifting force on the armature.
(Sol.)
B2 2
dWm d (Wm ) airgap 2( Sdy ) dy
20 0 S
NI
N
N Rc 2 y 0 S
L
I I
dWm 2 d 1 2 1 NI 2
F y y and FI y ( LI ) y ( ) 2 y
dy 0 S dy 2 0 S Rc 2 y / 0 S 0 S