HELP A problem on determine electric field in vector form

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the electric field in vector form from a given electric potential function, V(x,y) = (100x)/(x²+y²)^(3/2). The specific point of interest is at coordinates x=2m and y=0.2m.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to evaluate the electric potential at a specific point but questions the validity of combining unit vectors in their calculations. Some participants suggest reviewing the relationship between electric field and electric potential, while others point out the need for proper differentiation of the potential function.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the correct approach to find the electric field from the potential. There is an acknowledgment of errors in the original poster's differentiation attempts, and some guidance has been offered regarding the need to separate variables during differentiation.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the evaluation of the electric potential versus the calculation of the electric field, as well as the proper application of calculus in this context.

Kudo Shinichi
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HELP!A problem on determine electric field in vector form

Homework Statement


The electric potential due to a charge distribution is given by V(x,y)=((100x)/(x2+y2)3/2)*Volts
where the distances are in meters. What is the electric field (vector) at the position x=2m, y=0.2m?

The Attempt at a Solution


V(x,y)=((100*2i)/(22i+0.22j)3/2)*volts
V(x,y)=(200i/(8i+0.008j))*volts
This is how I tried to solve the problem but I don't think that I did it correctly because I don't think that I can write a function with two directions together.
Can anyone help me with it? thank you very much
 
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One thing is clear: You aren't reading your textbook.

First, they ask for the electric field, not the electric potential. So you are not supposed to evaluate [itex]V(x,y)[/itex] at the given point. And even if you were supposed to do that, it makes no sense to insert the unit vectors [itex]\hat{i}[/itex] and [itex]\hat{j}[/itex] in there (where would those come from anyway??).

Please look in your book and find the definition of electric field in terms of electric potential. Then we can get started.
 


Tom Mattson said:
One thing is clear: You aren't reading your textbook.

First, they ask for the electric field, not the electric potential. So you are not supposed to evaluate [itex]V(x,y)[/itex] at the given point. And even if you were supposed to do that, it makes no sense to insert the unit vectors [itex]\hat{i}[/itex] and [itex]\hat{j}[/itex] in there (where would those come from anyway??).

Please look in your book and find the definition of electric field in terms of electric potential. Then we can get started.
Sorry about that I didn't read the problem properly...
dV=-E*dl
E=-dV/dl
Then separate the x and y direction
Ex=-[tex]\delta[/tex]V/[tex]\delta[/tex]x
Ex=-(100/(3/2(x2+y2)1/2*(2x+y2))
Ey=-[tex]\delta[/tex]V/[tex]\delta[/tex]y
Ey=(100x/(3/2(x2+y2)1/2*(x2+2y))
then sub in x and y
is it right?
 


Your derivatives are wrong. If you post the steps you took to calculate them then I can show you where you made a mistake.
 


Tom Mattson said:
Your derivatives are wrong. If you post the steps you took to calculate them then I can show you where you made a mistake.

Ex=-[tex]\delta[/tex]V/[tex]\delta[/tex]x
For this only we only have to derive x and let y be constant
the original equation is 100x/(x2+y2)3/2
since we only need to derive x
then the equation becomes
100x-->100
use chain rule to do the following=outside derivative times inside derivative
(x2+y2)3/2
3/2(x2+y2)1/2*(2x)
Ex=-(100/(3/2(x2+y2)1/2*(2x))
same for y but for this only derive y and let x be constant
Ey=-[tex]\delta[/tex]V/[tex]\delta[/tex]y
Ey=(100x/(3/2(x2+y2)1/2*(2y))
 

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