Electricity & Magnetism: Help With 2 Homework Problems

AI Thread Summary
To solve the first problem regarding the electric field of a hollow cylinder, treat it as a collection of rings and integrate the electric field contributions from each ring at point d along the axis. For the second problem involving a uniformly charged disk, derive the electric field at a distance r from the center of the disk and then take the limit as r approaches infinity to demonstrate that it resembles the electric field of a point charge. Both problems require calculus for integration and limits to find the solutions. Understanding these concepts will provide a solid foundation for tackling similar problems in electricity and magnetism. This approach will help clarify the application of mathematical principles in these scenarios.
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I just recently began the Electricity and Magnetism course. Having said that I'm requesting help with a general plan of attack for two homework problems, that is, conceptually understanding how to use the math on these problems.

First problems states there is a hollow cylinder of length h and radius R, determine the electric field at point d to the right of the cylinder (this is the axis through the center). It also states to think of the cylinder as a collection of rings and gives me nearly the same problem solved for a single ring. My question is how would I adapt the results of the ring?

My second problem is a uniformly charged disk of radius R and charge Q. This also has the electric field calculated along the axis through the disk. The problem asks show that the electric field at distances x that are large compared with R approaches that of a point charge. How would I go about grappling this problem?

What I'm essentially asking is a gameplan for these problems like, do I integrate and if so along what axis. Thanks for any help you can give me.
 
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dink said:
First problems states there is a hollow cylinder of length h and radius R, determine the electric field at point d to the right of the cylinder (this is the axis through the center). It also states to think of the cylinder as a collection of rings and gives me nearly the same problem solved for a single ring. My question is how would I adapt the results of the ring?
This is a basic calculus problem. You know what the electric field is at a point d from the center of the ring, so all you need to do is sum for the collection of rings (i.e. integrate).

My second problem is a uniformly charged disk of radius R and charge Q. This also has the electric field calculated along the axis through the disk. The problem asks show that the electric field at distances x that are large compared with R approaches that of a point charge. How would I go about grappling this problem?
Easy. Find the equation for the electric field at a distance r from the center of the disk (another calculus problem). Then, take the limit as r approaches infinity and compare the result with the electric field equation for a point charge.

Hope that helps.
 
Thanks, I think I have something to turn in at the least now. :p
 
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