Electric Field - Charged Rod Question

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the electric field E(x,0,0) produced by a uniformly charged rod with total charge Q positioned along the z-axis. The relevant integrals provided are x dx / (x^2 + a^2)^(3/2) and dx / (x^2 + a^2)^(3/2), which are essential for solving the problem. The electric field is derived using the equation E = k * integral(dq / r^2) with dq defined as λ dz, where λ represents charge per unit length. The final step involves integrating the electric field from 0 to Q/λ to obtain the total electric field at the specified point along the x-axis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and charge distributions
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Knowledge of the concept of linear charge density (λ)
  • Proficiency in applying Coulomb's law in vector form
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields from continuous charge distributions
  • Learn about the application of the integral form of Coulomb's law
  • Explore the concept of linear charge density and its implications in electrostatics
  • Investigate the use of vector calculus in solving electric field problems
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electric fields generated by charged objects.

Physicus2
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A charged rod with uniform charge per length and total charge Q is placed along the z-axis with one end at the origin. The rod is located on the positive z-axis according the the diagram accompanying the problem (not shown). Find the electric field E(x,0,0) at any point along the x-axis.

Homework Equations


1) I have been given the integral x dx / (x^2 + a^2)^3/2.
2) I have been given a second integral dx / (x^2 + a^2)^3/2

The Attempt at a Solution



Since I know I need to use those two integrals, I solved them first:

1) = - 1 / square root of (x^2 + a^2)
2) = x / a * square root of (x^2 + a^2)

I realize that the total field will be the vector sum of all the segments of the rod (and so I imagine that even though I'm solving for only the x component that it has more than just that). I believe that I need to use the equation E = ke integral of dq / r^2 unit vector r. In this, r is the distance from the charge element to a point and the unit vector r is directed "from the element toward the point." I've played around with this a bit, but I'm at a loss. I realize that I will need to use the two integrals (otherwise they wouldn't have been given in the problem), but I'm not sure where exactly I need to utilize them. I'm not sure where to go with the equation for E that I expect to need, either. Any help would be very much appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You take a small element dz at a distance z from the origin whose charge is [tex]dq=\lambda dz[/tex].
Then the electric field at a distance x on the x-axis is [tex]dE(x)=\frac{Kdq}{(x^2+z^2)}[/tex]. Integrate this from 0 to [tex]\frac{Q}{\lambda}[/tex] and that I think is your answer. Here, [tex]\lambda[/tex] is charge per unit length.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K