Why derive electric field produced by a rod?

In summary, the conversation discusses the practical utility and usefulness of deriving the electric field produced by a charged rod, specifically in relation to high-voltage power lines. The conversation also touches on the minimum diameter of a high-voltage power line and the potential hazard of the quasi-electrostatic field. Further references are requested for more information on the topic.
  • #1
damosuz
72
0
Is there a practical utility to derive the electric field produced by a charged rod (and the 1/r dependence at great distance)? I know it can be useful to derive the electric field produced by a large plate since you can then show that the field between close parallel plates that are oppositely charged is uniform, which is useful info for experimenters.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
damosuz said:
Is there a practical utility to derive the electric field produced by a charged rod (and the 1/r dependence at great distance)? .
What is the electric field 50 feet below a 700 kV interstate high-voltage power line (= long rod)? (ac power lines are actually 3 phase).

What is the minimum diameter of a high voltage power line to prevent corona?

Bob S
 
  • #3
I meant the electric field produced by a static charge on a rod, not the intensity of the electric field in the radiation produced by the ac current in a wire (which is 1/r dependent too).
 
  • #4
damosuz said:
I meant the electric field produced by a static charge on a rod, not the intensity of the electric field in the radiation produced by the ac current in a wire (which is 1/r dependent too).
At 50 or 60 Hz, the radiation (like from antenna) is minimal, so the power line problem becomes quasi-electrostatic. The high-tension power line hazard is the quasi-electrostatic field, not a radiation field.

Bob S
 
  • #5
Bob S said:
At 50 or 60 Hz, the radiation (like from antenna) is minimal, so the power line problem becomes quasi-electrostatic. The high-tension power line hazard is the quasi-electrostatic field, not a radiation field.

Thank you for your help. Do you have any reference about this?
 

1. What is the purpose of deriving the electric field produced by a rod?

The purpose of deriving the electric field produced by a rod is to understand and quantify the strength and direction of the electric field at different points in space surrounding the rod. This information is important in various applications, such as analyzing the behavior of charged particles near the rod or designing electrical circuits.

2. How is the electric field produced by a rod calculated?

The electric field produced by a rod can be calculated using Coulomb's law, which states that the electric field at a point is proportional to the charge of the rod and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the point and the rod. This calculation involves vector addition, as the electric field at a point is the sum of the electric fields produced by each individual charge on the rod.

3. What factors affect the magnitude and direction of the electric field produced by a rod?

The magnitude and direction of the electric field produced by a rod are affected by the charge of the rod, the distance from the rod, and the direction of the rod (whether it is positively or negatively charged). Additionally, the presence of other charges or conductors in the vicinity can also influence the electric field.

4. Why is it important to consider the direction of the electric field produced by a rod?

The direction of the electric field produced by a rod is important because it determines the direction in which a charged particle would accelerate if placed in the field. This information is crucial for understanding the behavior of charged particles in the vicinity of the rod and for designing electrical systems.

5. Can the electric field produced by a rod be negative?

Yes, the electric field produced by a rod can be negative. This would occur if the rod is negatively charged, as the electric field would point towards the rod. However, the magnitude of the electric field would still be positive, as it is proportional to the absolute value of the charge of the rod.

Similar threads

  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
852
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
92
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
850
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
960
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
674
Back
Top