Calculating the resultant electric field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the resultant electric field at point M on the Z-axis due to a charged semicircular wire with a known linear charge density. The linear charge density is defined as ##\lambda = Q/\pi a##, where Q is the total charge and a is the radius of the semicircle. Participants clarify the correct expression for the charge density and emphasize the importance of accurately projecting the electric field components. The conversation highlights the need for clear problem statements to facilitate understanding of the charge distribution.

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  • Knowledge of vector projections in physics
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Homework Statement


In the picture below it is asked that i calculate the resultant electric field if the linear charge density is known.

Calculate the resultant electric field of a charged semicircle wire (positioned as in the picture) at some point M on the Z axis if the linear charge density of the wire is known ( wire is thought to be infinetly thin. )
IMG_1636.JPG

Homework Equations


3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B]
I calculated the projections but the part ( which i circled ) is the solution from the book. That has to be wrong right? When we replace the linear charge density expression the π is squared not lost?[Mentor note: Added OP's text description of the problem statement, moved the image to be inside the problem statement section.]
 
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Can you provide a text description of the problem statement please? Helpers shouldn't have to decipher your math to understand the layout of the charge distribution under consideration.

Update: I massaged the problem statement to include the description provided by the OP.
 
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gneill said:
Can you provide a text description of the problem statement please? Helpers shouldn't have to decipher your math to understand the layout of the charge distribution under consideration.
Ok sorry xD...Calculate the resultant electric field of a charged semicircle wire (positioned as in the picture) at some point M on the Z axis if the linear charge density of the wire is known ( wire is thought to be infinetly thin. )
 
Looks like a circular line of total charge ##Q##... radius ##a## ... so charge density ##\lambda = Q/2\pi a##
[edit - no it is a semi-circle ... then charge density is ##Q/\pi a## - you wrote the other]
The task is to find the field on the z axis... is this correct?
However, you spend a lot of time apparently looking for ##E_x##
[edit: explains the time to find the x component]

See example:
http://www.phys.uri.edu/gerhard/PHY204/tsl329.pdf
 

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