Continuous line charge distribution

AI Thread Summary
A rod of length 80 cm with a uniform linear charge density of 5 mC/m is analyzed to find the electric field at point P, located 57 cm away from the rod. The calculations involve integrating the contributions to the electric field from half of the rod due to symmetry, focusing on the y-components. The integration process is crucial, and discrepancies in results arise, with some participants obtaining answers that differ by a factor of two. Participants emphasize the importance of careful integration and verification of calculations. The discussion highlights the complexities involved in deriving the electric field from continuous charge distributions.
GravityGirl
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A rod of length 80 cm has a uniform linear charge density of 5 mC/m. Determine the Electric Field at a point P located at a perpendicular distance 57 cm along a line of symmetry of the rod


i don't know what i wrong..but here is what i am doing

linecharge(change in lenght)= change in Q

E=Kdq/r^2
E=k*linecharge(dL)/r^2

i drew a free body diagram and the x components cancle out so i only have to worry about y

Ey=k*linecharge(dL)(costhea)/r^2 *costheta=height in y direction/r
Ey=k*linecharge(dL)(h/r)/r^2

so now i am going to integrate only half of the rod becuase of symetry

so i have the integral from 0 to L/2 of k*linecharge(dL)(h/r)/r^2

i simplify and i have Ey=k*linecharge(h) integral from 0 to L/2 of 1/r^3

i simplify again to get =k*linecharge(L/2)/h(h^2+(L/2)^2)^1/2

i believe this is the correct formula...but when i put the numbers in i get the wrong answer

please help
 
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Hello,

I obtain an answer that is double of yours.
Please check your integration carefully.


Best regards
 
variation said:
Hello,

I obtain an answer that is double of yours.
Please check your integration carefully.


Best regards

I get something completely different.
 
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