Electric field due to a uniformly charged disc

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the electric field due to a uniformly charged disc, specifically focusing on the integration process involved in deriving the total electric field from the contributions of elementary rings. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanation related to calculus in the context of electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the formula for the electric field due to an elementary ring and expresses confusion about the integration needed to find the total electric field due to the disc.
  • Another participant attempts to clarify the formula and suggests integrating both sides to solve the problem.
  • Several participants note issues with TeX parsing, indicating that the mathematical expressions are not displaying correctly.
  • A participant suggests a method involving trigonometric substitution to simplify the integration process, specifically using the substitution \(\tan \theta = \frac{x}{r}\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the integration method, as multiple approaches are suggested, and there is ongoing confusion regarding the mathematical expressions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific steps to complete the integration.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the mathematical expressions due to TeX parsing issues, which may hinder understanding. The integration steps and assumptions involved in the substitution method are not fully detailed, leaving some aspects open to interpretation.

vinzie
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At the end of the derivation, it is given
The electric fiel due to elementary ring at the point P is dE = [2∏rσdrx]/[4∏epsilon zero (x^2 +r^2)^(3/2)
]

To find the total E due to disc is given by

∏σx/4∏ε(2rdr)/(x2 + r2)3/2

I am stuck with the calculus done here to arrive at the solution. Please help me.

Thank You!

Vinzie
 
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Do you mean

\mathrm{d}E=\dfrac{2\cdot\pi\cdot r\cdot\sigma\cdot x\cdot\mathrm{d}r}{4\cdot\pi\cdot\epsilon_0\cdot\left(x^2+r^2\right)^{\frac32}}

and you want to know how to determine that

E=\dfrac{\pi\cdot\sigma\cdot x}{4\cdot\pi\cdot\epsilon_0}\cdot\displaystyle\int\left(\dfrac{2\cdot r\cdot\mathrm{d}r}{\left(x^2+r^2\right)^{\frac32}}\right)

Also, why isn't the first TeX parsing?

Simple. Integrate both sides.
 
I can't see your formula!
 
Yep, for some reason, the TeX isn't parsing. It should! It does on AoPS!
 
Whovian said:
Do you mean

\mathrm{d}E=\dfrac{2\cdot\pi\cdot r\cdot\sigma\cdot x\cdot\mathrm{d}r}{4\cdot\pi\cdot\epsilon_0\cdot\left(x^2+r^2\right)^{\frac32}}

and you want to know how to determine that

E=\dfrac{\pi\cdot\sigma\cdot x}{4\cdot\pi\cdot\epsilon_0}\cdot\displaystyle\int\left(\dfrac{2\cdot r\cdot\mathrm{d}r}{\left(x^2+r^2\right)^{\frac32}}\right)

Also, why isn't the first TeX parsing?

Simple. Integrate both sides.

Hi,

WOuld you mind if you tell me how to solve the integration part?

Thank You
 
Divid (x^2+r^2) \; by r^2\; to get 1+(\frac x r)^2\; and use trig function to substitute. and see what happen. Something like \tan \theta=\frac x r. 1+\tan^2\theta=\sec^2\theta
 
Last edited:
yungman said:
Divid (x^2+r^2) \; by r^2\; to get 1+(\frac x r)^2\; and use trig function to substitute. and see what happen. Something like \tan \theta=\frac x r. 1+\tan^2\theta=\sec^2\theta

Thanks Yungman!

I am going to solve that way.
 

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