Static Fields 2023 (7 years)
In this course, two of the primary examples we will be using are the potential due
to gravity and the potential due to an electric charge. Both of these forces vary
like \(\frac{1}{r}\), so they will have many, many similarities. Most of the
calculations we do for the one case will be true for the other. But there are
some extremely important differences:
-
Find the value of the electrostatic potential energy of a system consisting of a
hydrogen nucleus and an electron separated by the Bohr radius. Find the value
of the gravitational potential energy of the same two particles at the same
radius. Use the same system of units in both cases. Compare and the contrast
the two answers.
-
Find the value of the electrostatic potential due to the nucleus of a hydrogen atom
at the Bohr radius. Find the gravitational potential due to the nucleus at
the same radius. Use the same system of units in both cases. Compare and
contrast the two answers.
-
Briefly discuss at least one other fundamental difference between
electromagnetic and gravitational systems. Hint: Why are we bound to the
earth gravitationally, but not electromagnetically?