Cant understand this double integral

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between a double integral and a summation in the context of Coulomb's law. Specifically, it examines the expression k\sum_i \Delta q_i \sum_j \Delta q_j \frac{(\vec{r}_j - \vec{r}_i)}{(\vec{r}_j - \vec{r}_i)^3} and its equivalence to the integral k\int_0^L \lambda \mathrm{d}l_1 \int_{2L}^{3L} \lambda \mathrm{d}l_2 \frac{1}{(l_2 - l_1)^3} when the number of charges is very large. The participants express confusion regarding the transition from summation to integration, particularly the absence of indices and limits in the integral compared to the summation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's law and electrostatics
  • Familiarity with double integrals in calculus
  • Knowledge of limits and convergence in mathematical analysis
  • Basic concepts of charge distribution and linear charge density
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Coulomb's law from discrete to continuous charge distributions
  • Learn about the properties of double integrals and their applications in physics
  • Explore the concept of limits in calculus, particularly in the context of Riemann sums
  • Investigate the mathematical transition from summation to integration in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as mathematicians interested in calculus and its applications in physical laws.

transgalactic
Messages
1,386
Reaction score
0
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?6417d9b089.gif

i don't know what it means?
what it actually does ?

how to explain its function
in words
??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1) Do you understand the meaning of the sum a couple of lines above it?
k\sum_i \Delta q_i \sum_j \Delta q_j \frac{(\vec{r}_j - \vec{r}_i)}{(\vec{r}_j - \vec{r}_i)^3}

2) Do you understand why the sum is equivalent to the integral, when the number of charges is very very large?
k\int_0^L \lambda \mathrm{d}l_1 \int_{2L}^{3L} \lambda \mathrm{d}l_2 \frac{1}{(l_2 - l_1)^3}
 
the sum is like Coulomb law but what is the meaning
of sum from i and sum from j
??

i don't know why the this sum equals this integral
??
i know that integral is a sum too
bu thy look different
there is no i and j in the integral
no L in the sum
?
 
?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K