Electric Field- Infinitely long lines of charge

I1 x I2I=Q/tIn summary, two parallel lines of charge with a separation of 0.3m and a charge per unit length of +5.20*10^-6 are considered. By using the formula for the electric field of an infinite line charge, the magnitude of the force exerted by one charge on a 0.0500m section of the other line of charge is calculated to be 0.0810 N. However, the correct answer is 4.05*10^-3 N, which can be found by considering the current induced magnetic field and using the equation for the force experienced by a moving charge.
  • #1
binbagsss
1,254
11
Two very long uniform lines of charge are parallel and separated by 0.3m. Each line of charge has charge per unit length: +5.20*10^-6. What is the magnitude of the force that one charge exerts on a 0.0500m section of the other line of charge?

My Attempt

Standard formula for the E field of an infinite line charge is :λ /2πΣσr

F=E*Q
E = 5.20*10^-6/2π*8.85*10-12*0.3
Q(of this section)= 5.20*10^-6*0.05

=> F = EQ = 0.0810 N

However the correct answer is , 4.05*10^-3 N

Cheers Guys =]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
http://theory.uwinnipeg.ca/physics/mag/node10.html

current induces magnetic field
B = uI/(2*pi*r)
the force experienced by a moving charge is IxB
F = IxB
that current crossed with magnetic field
so the current from 1 is crossed with the current from 2
 

1. What is an infinitely long line of charge?

An infinitely long line of charge is a theoretical concept in physics where a line of charge is assumed to extend infinitely in both directions. This means that the length of the line is considered to be infinite, and the charge is uniformly distributed along the entire length.

2. How does an infinitely long line of charge create an electric field?

An infinitely long line of charge creates an electric field by virtue of its charge. The electric field is a force field that surrounds the line of charge and exerts a force on any other charged particles in its vicinity. The strength of the electric field is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge on the line and inversely proportional to the distance from the line.

3. How is the direction of the electric field determined for an infinitely long line of charge?

The direction of the electric field for an infinitely long line of charge is determined by the sign of the charge on the line. If the charge is positive, the electric field will point away from the line, and if the charge is negative, the electric field will point towards the line.

4. What is the mathematical equation for the electric field of an infinitely long line of charge?

The electric field of an infinitely long line of charge is given by the equation E = λ/2πε0r, where λ is the linear charge density (charge per unit length), ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and r is the distance from the line of charge.

5. Can an infinitely long line of charge exist in the real world?

No, an infinitely long line of charge is a theoretical concept and cannot exist in the real world. However, it is a useful tool for understanding and calculating the behavior of electric fields in certain scenarios.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
769
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
228
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
383
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
789
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
770
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
552
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
788
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
64
Views
2K
Back
Top