Calculating Electric Field of a Square Wire

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the electric field generated by a square wire, the focus is on determining the contributions from both the sides parallel and perpendicular to the x-axis. The electric field formula E = (k)q/r^2 is acknowledged, but integrating this requires careful consideration of variables, particularly the distance r, which varies based on the position. It is suggested that placing the square wire in the x-y plane may simplify the calculations. The discussion emphasizes the need for a small charge element dQ and the importance of using appropriate variables for integration. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately calculating the electric field at a specific point.
anap40
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
I need to calculate the electric field caused by a square of wire.

I can get the field caused by the sides of the square that are perpendicular to the x-axis but I can't figure out how to get the field caused by the side parrallel to the x axis.

here is an image of the problem.
http://img152.imageshack.us/my.php?image=46151722si8.png

At the origin there is no force in the x direction but in other places there is.

I know the the electric field = (k)q/r^2 but when I try to integrate I think I will need 3 variables.

I'd appreciate any help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Uh are you sure you are not suppose to find the electric field at a given point? Also maybe placing the square wire in the x-y plane will make it simpler. Regarding needing three variables k is constant, r varies (a function of a variable ex. X), and you take a small element of charge dQ (which should have dx or whatever you choose).
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top