E Field due to 2 parallel oppositely charged strips

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field intensity vector at the center of two parallel strips with uniform charge densities \(\rho_{s}\) and \(-\rho_{s}\). The user is tasked with setting up a line integral to find \(E_{1}\), which is complicated by the varying radius as they integrate along the charged strip. The solution requires expressing the differential length \(dl\) in terms of the radius to accurately compute the electric field. The user emphasizes the need to approach this problem without utilizing Gauss's law, relying instead on a standard line integral.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and charge distributions
  • Familiarity with line integrals in vector calculus
  • Knowledge of electric field intensity vector notation
  • Basic principles of electrostatics, excluding Gauss's law
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the setup of line integrals in electrostatics
  • Learn how to express differential lengths in terms of varying parameters
  • Explore the concept of electric field due to continuous charge distributions
  • Review the principles of superposition in electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, particularly those tackling problems involving electric fields from charged objects, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of line integrals in physics.

jegues
Messages
1,085
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement



Two parallel, very long strips are uniformly charged with charge densities [itex]\rho_{s}[/itex] and [itex]- \rho_{s}[/itex], respectively ([itex]\rho_{s} > 0[/itex]). The cross section of the structure is shown in the figure attached. The width of the strips is the same as the distance between them (i.e. a), and the medium is air. Find the electric field intensity vector at the center of the cross section (point A).

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



See figure attached.

As the figure attached describes, I'm having trouble setting up an integral that will account for the always changing radius as we move along infinitesimily small lengths along the charged strip.

I have to describe this using one parameter, correct? How do I go about doing that?

My answer should of the form,

[itex]\vec{E} = -2E_{1} \hat{j}[/itex]

My problem is finding [itex]E_{1}[/itex], due to it's ever changing radius. I know I have to use a line integral, but how do I describe is using one parameter? We should integrating along dl, correct? But we also need to describe dl in terms of the radius in order to do the line integral correct?
 

Attachments

  • ATP1.28.JPG
    ATP1.28.JPG
    58.8 KB · Views: 467
Physics news on Phys.org
rude man said:
Think Gauss.

We haven't cover Gauss's law yet, I'm required to do it using a regular line integral.

How would I set the integral up to account for varying radii as we move along small lengths dl along the charged line?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K