Electric Field due to a charged line; With y as function of theta

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field due to a charged line, specifically focusing on expressing the variable "y" as a function of the angle "theta." Participants are exploring the integration process and the relationships between the variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate an expression involving the electric field but struggles with expressing "dy" as a function of "theta." Some participants suggest considering the integral in terms of "dy," while others emphasize the need to express "y" in terms of "theta" as required by the professor.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing different methods for integration and the necessary substitutions. There is an exchange of ideas regarding the relationships between "y" and "theta," and some guidance has been provided on how to approach the problem, particularly in terms of using derivatives.

Contextual Notes

The professor has requested that both methods be presented: one in terms of "y" as a function of "theta" and the other in the reverse. This requirement adds complexity to the discussion as participants navigate between different variable representations.

Molderish
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Well the main problem here its once a i get the integral i do not how to put dy as function of thetha and then integrate ; at the end that's what i get

Ex=integral (dE*cos\theta)=(\lambda/4\pi\epsilon)
times the integral of cos(\theta)dy/x^2+y^2

where i can easily find the cosine and do the integral but I'm asked to express strictly "y" as function of thetha so as cos(θ)=x/√x^2+y^2 so 1/√x^2+y^2=cos^2(θ)/x^2

and i know that y=x*tan(θ) but i don't how to get "dy" graphically nor analytically;
 

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Why not do the integral in terms of dy?
 
Well the professor asked us for bring both methods in terms of y as function of theta & theta as function of y;

I already did in terms of dy. making the substitution of cosine(θ) = x/√x^2+y^2 and then integrating.

but now i need the other method. y in terms of "θ"
 
OK - so complete: $$y=x\tan\theta\\ \implies \frac{dy}{d\theta}=\cdots$$ ... then multiply both sides by ##d\theta##.

Then substitute these values for y and dy into:
$$E_x=\frac{\lambda}{4\pi\epsilon_0}\int \frac{\cos\theta\; dy}{x^2+y^2}$$ ... with appropriate limits.

note: I wrote all that out so you'd get an example of LaTeX, since I noticed you struggling with typing out the math there.
To figure out how I did it - just hit the "quote" button attached to this post.
The equations all appear between dollar or hash marks.
 

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