Uniform linear charges and plane charges and mastering physics?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a physics problem from "University Physics Volume 3, 11th Edition," specifically problem 22.34, involving a long line with a uniform linear charge density of 50 μC/m and a flat plastic sheet with a surface charge density of -100 μC/m². The objective is to determine the locations where an alpha particle experiences no force due to the electric fields generated by these charges. Participants emphasize the need to calculate the electric fields produced by both the line charge and the plane charge, and to find points where these fields cancel each other out, resulting in zero net force on the alpha particle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields generated by linear charge distributions.
  • Knowledge of electric fields produced by infinite plane sheets.
  • Familiarity with the concept of superposition of electric fields.
  • Basic principles of electrostatics and force on charged particles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate the electric field of a long line charge using the formula E = (λ / (2πε₀r)).
  • Study the electric field due to an infinite plane sheet, specifically E = (σ / (2ε₀)).
  • Explore the principle of superposition in electrostatics to combine electric fields from multiple sources.
  • Review problem-solving techniques for electrostatics problems involving multiple charge distributions.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone studying electrostatics, particularly those tackling complex problems involving multiple charge distributions and electric fields.

RhysticGenesis
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uniform linear charges and plane charges and mastering physics??

I am completely stumped on this mastering physics problem, problem 22.34 (same as out of the university physics volume 3 11th edition book) and I cannot find any examples to compare to in my physics book and I have tried multiple times to come up with some solution but none make sense, I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction or show me how to go about solving it.

the problem is:

A long line carrying a uniform linear charge density 50 mu[micro] C/m [So 50*10^-6 ; sorry don't know how to make mu character so just clarifying] runs parallel to and 10.0 cm from the surface of a large, flat plastic sheet that has a uniform surface charge density of -100 mu [micro] C/m^2 on one side.

Find the location of all points where an alpha particle would feel no force due to this arrangement of charged objects.

as I said before I am completely stumped and I have failed attempts about 5 -6 times and I would appreciate any help given. Thanks in advance
 
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An alpha partice would feel no force at those places where the electric field is zero, right?
So find the electric field. If you know the electric field of a plane sheet and that of a point charge you can just add them up. (Convince yourself that the electric field of the wire/plane doesn't affect the charge distribution on the plane/wire).

It would also help if you showed what you have done so far.
 

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