Electric Field of a Straight Wire at a Particular Distance from Wire

In summary, the conversation involves a request for help with a homework problem involving electric fields and Gauss's Law. The equations dE=kdQ/r^2 and Ex=Ecos∅ are mentioned, and the attempt at a solution involves integrating and making a substitution to find the electric field at a point. The final solution involves evaluating the integral and plugging in values to get an expression for the electric field. The speaker also requests for assistance and apologizes for any errors made.
  • #1
The Head
144
2

Homework Statement


See attached document


Homework Equations


dE=kdQ/r^2
Ex=Ecos∅

The Attempt at a Solution


dE=kdQ/r^2
E=kλ∫dy/(x^2+y^2) (integrating from y= -L/2 to L/2)
Ex=2kλ∫xdy/(x^2+y^2)^3/2 (change integration to y= 0 to L/2, multiplying expression by 2)

Let y=xtan∅
dy=x(sec∅)^2 d∅

=2kxλ∫x(sec∅)^2/x^3(sec∅)^3 d∅
=2kλ/x∫cos∅ d∅
=2kλ/x(sin∅)
=2kλ/x(sin(arctan(y/x)) (evaluated from y=0 to y=L/2)
=2kλ/x(y/(x^+y^2)^1/2 (evaluated from 0->L/2)
=2kλ/x(L/2)(x^2+(L^2)/4)^.5
=((1.8X10^10)λL/(2x))*(1/x^2+(L^2)/4)^.5)

I would appreciate any help or guidance!
 
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  • #2
Hi The Head! :smile:
The Head said:
See attached document

erm :redface:

what attached document? :biggrin:

(and please use the X2 and X2 buttons just above the Reply box :wink:)
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in which electrically charged particles, such as electrons or protons, experience a force. This force is exerted by the electric field and is responsible for the movement of charged particles.

2. How is the electric field of a straight wire calculated?

The electric field of a straight wire is calculated using the equation E = kq/r, where E is the electric field, k is the Coulomb's constant, q is the charge of the wire, and r is the distance from the wire.

3. How does the electric field of a straight wire change with distance?

The electric field of a straight wire follows an inverse relationship with distance. This means that as the distance from the wire increases, the electric field decreases. In other words, the electric field is strongest closest to the wire and gets weaker as you move further away.

4. Can the electric field of a straight wire be negative?

Yes, the electric field of a straight wire can be negative. This indicates that the direction of the electric field is opposite to that of the wire's charge. For example, if the wire has a positive charge, the electric field will be directed towards the wire. If the wire has a negative charge, the electric field will be directed away from the wire.

5. How does the electric field of a straight wire differ at different points along the wire?

The electric field of a straight wire is strongest at the ends of the wire and gets weaker towards the middle. This is because the electric field lines are closer together at the ends, indicating a stronger electric field, and become more spread out towards the middle of the wire.

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