Electric field of an infinite line charge and a point charge

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field generated by an infinite line charge with a linear charge density of λ = 2.0 μC/m and a point charge of 8.0 μC located at (-1.0 m, 2.0 m). For part (a), the electric field at the point (1.0 m, 2.0 m) is determined by summing the contributions from both the line charge and the point charge. In part (b), the force on a -2.0 μC charge placed at (1.0 m, 2.0 m) is calculated using the electric fields from the line and point charges, excluding the field due to the negative charge itself.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces
  • Knowledge of linear charge density
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's Law
  • Ability to perform vector addition of electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the electric field of an infinite line charge using Gauss's Law
  • Explore the superposition principle in electrostatics
  • Learn about the force on a charge in an electric field
  • Study the concept of electric field lines and their implications
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields generated by continuous charge distributions and point charges.

amilkovi
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Electric field of an infinite line charge and a point charge!

Homework Statement


An infinite line charge with linear charge density \lambda=2.0\muC/m lies along the y-axis. A point charge of 8.0 \muC is locate at (x,y)=(-1.0m, 2.0m). Find (a) the electric field at (x,y)=(1.0m, 2.0m) (b) Find the force on a charge of -2.0\muC placed at (x,y)=(1.0m, 2.0m).

I would love if someone could point me into the right direction here!

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I believe I'm gona have to add the electric field of both the line and the point charge at the point (1.0m, 2.0m) for part (a)? Then for part (b) do the same except apply the negative charge at the same point and subtract its electric field?
 
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amilkovi said:
I believe I'm gona have to add the electric field of both the line and the point charge at the point (1.0m, 2.0m) for part (a)?
Yes.
Then for part (b) do the same except apply the negative charge at the same point and subtract its electric field?
No. The negative charge feels a force due to the fields of the other charges. You don't need to take into account the field due to itself.
 

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