Electric Field of an n sided polygon

In summary, the conversation discusses an n-sided polygon with each side being 2L in length and R being the distance from the center of the polygon to the midpoint of any side. It is known that L=Rtan(pi/n). The main topic of discussion is the E-field on the axis of the polygon at a point h distance above it. There is a comparison made to a uniform ring charge as n goes to infinity, resulting in the same E-field: E= kQh/(h^2+R^2)^1.5. The speaker asks for assistance and questions whether there is any symmetry involved, suggesting to find the field to a single side.
  • #1
lao
1
0
We have an n sided polygon, each side is length 2L and R is the distance from the center of the polygon to the mid-point of any side. We know, L=Rtan(pi/n).

I need: "the E-field on the axis of the polygon at a point distance h above it"

When n goes to infinity, we should get the same E-field as a uniform ring charge:
E= kQh/(h^2+R^2)^1.5

any help would be awesome, thanks :)
 
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  • #2
And, what have you done so far to solve the problem?
 
  • #3
Simple: do we have any symmetry here? Find the field to a single side (a finite line segment).

Hope this helps.
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the force exerted on a charged particle at any given point in space. It is represented by a vector and is measured in units of newtons per coulomb (N/C).

2. How is the electric field of an n sided polygon calculated?

The electric field of an n sided polygon can be calculated by using Coulomb's Law, which states that the electric field at a point is equal to the magnitude of the charge divided by the square of the distance between the point and the charge. By summing up the contributions of each charge on the polygon, the overall electric field can be determined.

3. What factors affect the electric field of an n sided polygon?

The electric field of an n sided polygon is affected by the number of charges on the polygon, the magnitude of each charge, and the distance between the charges and the point at which the field is being measured. The shape of the polygon can also affect the electric field, as well as any external electric fields present.

4. Can the electric field of an n sided polygon be negative?

Yes, the electric field of an n sided polygon can be negative. This occurs when the charges on the polygon have opposite signs, causing the electric field to point in the opposite direction. Negative electric fields indicate that the force on a positive test charge would be in the opposite direction of the field.

5. How is the electric field of an n sided polygon represented graphically?

The electric field of an n sided polygon can be represented graphically using electric field lines. These lines show the direction and strength of the electric field at different points around the polygon. The closer the lines are together, the stronger the electric field is at that point.

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