Electric Feld Intensity Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field intensity vector at point P (5,6) due to an infinite line charge defined by the equation 2x + 3y = 7 with a linear charge density of 3 µC/m. The relevant equation for the electric field is E = Integral of pl / (4πE) * (R - R') / (R - R')^3. The solution involves determining the distance from point P to the line and using symmetry to establish the direction of the electric field, which is in the positive x and y directions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric field concepts and vector calculus.
  • Familiarity with line charge density and its implications in electrostatics.
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, particularly in polar coordinates.
  • Proficiency in using Coulomb's law for electric field calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields from continuous charge distributions.
  • Learn about the application of integration in calculating electric fields in different geometries.
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their relationship to charge distributions.
  • Investigate the use of symmetry in simplifying electric field calculations.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, electrical engineering majors, and anyone interested in electrostatics and electric field calculations involving continuous charge distributions.

ee3356
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Homework Statement


An electric charge is distributed along an infinite line (2x+3y=7) in xy-plane with density pl = 3uC/m. Find the Efield intensity vector at point P (5,6).

Homework Equations


E = Integral of pl/ (4*pi*E) * (R - R')/ (R-R')^3


The Attempt at a Solution


I just wanted to double check if all i need to do is find the distance of point P from the y-int and x-int and then just use them as R and R' in the above equation
 
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?? Did you mean x-intercept & y-intercept? If so, i think the answer is no.

Anyway - connect P(5,6) to the line at the point where they meet orthogonally. Call this distance r0.

By symmetry, the direction of E is obviously in the direction of this normal in the +x, +y direction.

The magnitude you can get by integrating k*dq/r^2 where r = r0sec(theta), k = 9e9 in SI units and theta is the angle between r0 and an element of charge along the line dq = pl*r*d(theta). Integrate from 0 to pi/2 & double the result.
 

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