Electric field at (x,y) from uniformly charged rod.

[MusWolf]

Homework Statement

A thin rod carries a charge Q distributed uniformly over its length L , and is situated on the x-axis between x=±L/2. Find the electric field at an arbitrary point (x, y). (You will have to do separate integrals for the x and y components.)

Homework Equations

∫dE=∫kdq/r²

The Attempt at a Solution

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Mastering Physics is telling me that the answer does not depend on k, lambda or a, which are variables I defined.

I have another method of attempting the question which results in a nasty integration, it's basically Mastering Physics being very ambiguous in what I am allowed to define. As seen here:

 

[BvU]

Hello MW,

A few questions to begin with: how would the program be able to understand how you defined $a$ and $\lambda$ ? Shouldn't you use $y$ and $Q/L$ instead ?

And I don't understand how you can redefine x in an x, y coordinate system ?

is telling me that the answer does not depend on k, lambda or a,

How does it do that ? Or is that a different program ?

Is your handwriting meant to be read by others than yourself ? I find it difficult ...