Electric field from uniform charge of finite length

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field generated by a uniform charge Q of length L positioned along the x-axis. The contributor derived the differential electric field contribution dE at a point P on the y-axis, expressed as dE = (kQdx/(x² + y²)^(3/2)). The total electric field E was to be found by integrating this expression from 0 to L, and the behavior of E for an infinite line of charge was also analyzed. The contributor expressed uncertainty regarding the integration process and sought clarification on the derivation of the equation.

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Pyuruku
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Homework Statement


A uniform charge Q of length L is placed on the x-axis with one end at the origin as shown

ZFMF9.png


a) Find the contribution dE (vector) to the electric field at P on the y-axis a distance y from the origin, from the charge at x in dx, in terms of Q, L, dx, ke, x and y

b) Find the total E (vector, in component form) from the whole line of charge at y on the y-axis in terms of Q, L, ke, y; also find E (vector) for |y| >> L

c) Use the result in (b) to obtain the behavior of E (vector, in component form) on the y-axis if L is infinite in the +x direction (left end remains at 0)



Homework Equations


elin.gif
I believe this is all I need?


The Attempt at a Solution



a)
[itex]\huge dE = \frac{k\lambda dx}{r^2}<\frac{x}{r},\frac{y}{r}> = \frac{kQdx}{(x^2 + y^2)^{\frac{3}{2}}L}<x, y>[/itex]

This doesn't look right to me, and I'm a bit stuck on trying to integrate this... I'd assume you integrate with respect to X from 0 to L...
 
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Well let's check it then: what was the reasoning you used to get to that equation?
 

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