Calculating Electric Field of a Square Wire

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).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K