Charge density of a infinite straight wire

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the motion of a proton near an infinite straight wire with a charge density. The original poster attempts to determine the nearest distance of approach of the proton based on its initial speed and the properties of the wire.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster outlines an approach using energy conservation principles but questions the dependence of the result on the length of the wire. Other participants raise questions about the initial conditions, such as the direction of the proton's velocity and the sign of the charge density.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem setup. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of electric potential and electric field around an infinite line charge, but no consensus has been reached on the specifics of the initial conditions or the implications for the solution.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that important details may be missing, such as the direction of the proton's initial velocity and the sign of the charge density, which could affect the analysis.

caheobong
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Hi, I am new to this forum. I have a question on one of the physics problem.
a proton is shot with a speed v from the point a in the vicinity of a infinite straight wire carrying a charge density. in term of these variables determine the nearest distance of approach.



Homework Equations



Ki+Ui=Kf +Uf
Ui=0, Kf=0
U= (K*q1*q2)/d

The Attempt at a Solution


so this is what I have done so far:
first I set Ki+Ui=Kf+Uf
since Ui=0, Kf=0 then
Ki=Uf
Ki= (1/2)*m*(v^2) ( m is mass of proton)
Uf= (k*q1*q2)/d ( d is the distance we looking for, q1=e proton, q2= charge density *L)
set Uf=Ki and solve for d
d= (e * charge density * L)/ ( mass of proton * (V^2) * 2 * pi * Eo)

This is my attempt how to solve this problem. however this is an infinite charge wire, the result should not depend on L the length of the wire. So please help me. any hints will help.Thank you so much.
 
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It looks like some important details are missing:
Is the proton shot directly at the line charge? (Then the line charge must be positive for the question to make sense.)

If so, is its path perpendicular to the line charge?

If not, then there are details missing regarding the direction of the initial velocity relative to the location of the line charge. Also, the sign of the line charge would need to be specified.​
U = kq1q2d is the potential energy for two point charges, q1, q2, separated by distance d.

What is the difference in electric potential at distances dinitial & dother from an infinite line charge, with linear density, λ ?

.
 
In the picture, the proton is shot directly toward the charged line, maybe perpendicular
 
caheobong said:
In the picture, the proton is shot directly toward the charged line, maybe perpendicular
That's what I would expect, both directly toward the charged line, and perpendicular to it.

Do you know how electric potential varies with distance from an infinitely long line charge? If not, do you know how electric field varies with distance from an infinitely long line charge?
 

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