Electric Field of a Straight Wire (now with the attachment)

In summary, the conversation is about a problem involving electric fields and integration. The person has attempted a solution using various equations and techniques, but realizes that the answer they obtained may not be correct for the specific requirements of their homework assignment. They later figure out that the answer should be in terms of epsilon, not a numerical value.
  • #1
The Head
144
2
1. Homework Statement
The word document with the problem is attached below.


2. Homework Equations
dE=kdQ/r22
Ex=Ecos∅

3. The Attempt at a Solution
dE=kdQ/r2
E=kλ∫dy/(x2+y2) (integrating from y= -L/2 to L/2)
Ex=2kλ∫xdy/(x2+y2)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/x3(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/(x2+y2)1/2 (evaluated from 0->L/2)
=2kλ/x(L/2)(x2+(L2)/4)1/2
=((1.8X10^10)λL/(2x))*(1/x2+(L2)/4)1/2

This isn't the correct answer, though I don't know what actually is. I would appreciate any help or guidance!
 

Attachments

  • The uniformly charged straight wire in the figure has the length.doc
    68 KB · Views: 471
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  • #2
Okay, I figured it out. I am using an online HW program and it just wanted the the answer in terms of epsilon, not a numerical value. Thanks anyway!
 

Related to Electric Field of a Straight Wire (now with the attachment)

1. What is the Electric Field of a Straight Wire?

The Electric Field of a Straight Wire is a measure of the force experienced by a charged particle placed near a straight wire. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. What factors affect the Electric Field of a Straight Wire?

The Electric Field of a Straight Wire is affected by the distance from the wire, the amount of charge on the wire, and the material the wire is made of. It is also influenced by the presence of other nearby charged objects.

3. How is the Electric Field of a Straight Wire calculated?

The Electric Field of a Straight Wire can be calculated using the equation E = kq/r, where E is the electric field, k is the Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2), q is the amount of charge on the wire, and r is the distance from the wire.

4. What are some real-world applications of the Electric Field of a Straight Wire?

The Electric Field of a Straight Wire is used in many practical applications, including electrical wiring, circuit design, and electromagnetic devices such as motors and generators. It is also used in medical imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

5. How does the Electric Field of a Straight Wire change with distance?

The Electric Field of a Straight Wire follows an inverse square law, meaning it decreases as the distance from the wire increases. This is because the field spreads out over a larger area as the distance increases, resulting in a weaker field strength.

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