Electric Field Calculation (Square Wire)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field at a distance above the center of a square loop of wire with uniform charge distribution. The problem involves understanding the contributions to the electric field from each segment of the wire and integrating these contributions to find the total electric field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the problem, including the expression for the differential electric field and the integration process. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the equations used and the interpretation of trigonometric relationships in the context of the geometry involved.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the integral involved in the calculation of the electric field. Some participants have offered guidance on the integration process, suggesting trigonometric substitutions and clarifying the setup of the problem. Multiple interpretations of the equations are being examined, and there is no explicit consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their equations and the appropriateness of using calculators for integration. The discussion includes reflections on the challenges of writing mathematical expressions clearly in the forum format.

Arman777
Insights Author
Gold Member
Messages
2,163
Reaction score
191

Homework Statement


Find the electric field a distance ##z## above center of a square loop of wire,each of whose sides has length ##l## and uniform charge per length ##λ##

Homework Equations


##dE=\frac {1} {4πε_0} dq \frac {1} {r^2}## (magnitude)

The Attempt at a Solution


I have a pic.
Adsız 1.png


So ##dq=λdx##
##dE=\frac {1} {4πε_0} dq \frac {1} {r^2}##
##r^2## is here
##x^2+(\frac {l^2} {4})+z^2##

##E_x=E_y=0##
so the equation becomes,
##dE=\frac {1} {4πε_0} dq \frac {1} {x^2+(\frac {l^2} {4})+z^2}sinθ## which its
##dE=\frac {1} {4πε_0} dq \frac {1} {x^2+(\frac {l^2} {4})+z^2}\frac {z} {\sqrt {(\frac {l^2} {4})+x^2}}##

From there I get

##E=\frac {zλ} {4πε_0}\int_{\frac {-l} {2}}^{\frac {l} {2}}\frac {8} {(4x^2+l^2+4z^2)(\sqrt {l^2+4z^2})} \, dx##

I stucked at the integral part.I tried calculator but it didnt work out.And before that, are my equations true ? Of course for result I have to mulitply this by ##4## so the answer is
##E_{total}=4E##
It will be in the vertical direction
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Arman777 said:
##dE=\frac {1} {4πε_0} dq \frac {1} {x^2+(\frac {l^2} {4})+z^2}sinθ## which its
##dE=\frac {1} {4πε_0} dq \frac {1} {x^2+(\frac {l^2} {4})+z^2}\frac {z} {\sqrt {(\frac {l^2} {4})+x^2}}##
See if you can find the mistake in setting ##\sin\theta = \frac {z} {\sqrt {(\frac {l^2} {4})+x^2}}##
 
Looks right for me ?
 
What is the length of the hypotenuse of the right triangle which has the angle θ indicated in your sketch?
 
TSny said:
What is the length of the hypotenuse of the right triangle which has the angle θ indicated in your sketch?

I see yeah thanks
 
TSny said:
What is the length of the hypotenuse of the right triangle which has the angle θ indicated in your sketch?

I found but I used calculator to find ##\int_\frac {1} {(4x^2+l^2+4z^2)^{\frac {3} {2}}} \ dx ## is it too bad ?
 
The denominator should be raised to some power other than 1.
 
TSny said:
The denominator should be raised to some power other than 1.
I fixed sorry my typo
 
Its hard to write such things in here
 
  • #10
Arman777 said:
I found but I used calculator to find ##\int_\frac {1} {(4x^2+l^2+4z^2)^{\frac {3} {2}}} \ dx ## is it too bad ?
I'm not sure what you are asking here. If you get a final answer, I can check to see if I get the same answer.
 
  • #11
TSny said:
I'm not sure what you are asking here. If you get a final answer, I can check to see if I get the same answer.

No I found the answer,Just For solving the integral.I used calculator.Then I put the numbers and I found the answer.

Just I couldn't see the Solution of integral.And asked you Is is bad to not solve such integral.Its stupid question I know :/
 
  • #12
I think it's OK to use a calculator to do the integral.

To do the integration without a calculator, note that $$\int \frac{dx}{\left(4x^2 + l^2+4z^2 \right)^{3/2}} = \frac{1}{8} \int \frac{dx}{\left(x^2 + a^2 \right)^{3/2}}$$ where ##a^2 = \frac{l^2}{4}+z^2##. Let ##u = \frac{x}{a}## to put the integral into the form $$\frac{1}{8a^2} \int \frac{du}{\left(u^2 + 1\right)^{3/2}}$$ Then try an appropriate trigonometric substitution.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K