Electric field of concentric rings

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the electric field at a distance, z, above the center of two concentric rings with specific charge distributions. The inner ring has a radius R and total charge +Q, while the outer ring has a radius of 3R and a linear charge density λ. The resulting electric field at an axial height of z=2R is zero, leading to the need to determine the value of λ. Participants identified a calculation error in the denominator of the electric field equation, specifically noting it should be {((2R)^2+(3R)^2)}^{3/2}.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields generated by charged rings
  • Familiarity with linear charge density (λ)
  • Knowledge of vector calculus for electric field calculations
  • Proficiency in applying Coulomb's law in electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of electric fields from charged ring geometries
  • Study the application of the superposition principle in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of electric field zero points in multi-charge systems
  • Investigate the effects of varying charge distributions on electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics and electric field calculations, as well as anyone solving problems involving concentric charged rings.

cookiemnstr510510
Messages
162
Reaction score
14

Homework Statement


Derive the electric field a distance, z, above the center of a single uniformly charged ring of radius, R, with a linear charge density, λ. You are now given two uniformly charged concentric rings. The inner ring has radius, R, and carries a uniformly distributed total charge +[Q]. The outer ring has radius 3R and carries a uniform charge per length, λ. If the resulting electric field from the two rings is zero at an axial height of z=2R above the centers of the two rings, determine the value of λ.

Im wondering if I've solved for λ correctly

Homework Equations


All relevant equations and work are attached in with clean typed images/work

The Attempt at a Solution


All relevant equations and work are attached in with clean typed images/work

Thanks
 

Attachments

  • Concentric Ring 1.png
    Concentric Ring 1.png
    28.1 KB · Views: 639
  • Concentric Ring 2.png
    Concentric Ring 2.png
    16.7 KB · Views: 667
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Physics news on Phys.org
I think you have a mistake in the calculation of ##E_2##. The denominator should be ##{((2R)^2+(3R)^2)}^{3/2}##.

But I see no reason why you repeat the calculation. I mean you already found that the electric field at distance z above the centre due to a uniformed charged ring of radius R . Just apply this result for radius R=3R (if I can write it that way but I guess you ll understand what I mean).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: cookiemnstr510510
Delta² said:
I think you have a mistake in the calculation of ##E_2##. The denominator should be ##{((2R)^2+(3R)^2)}^{3/2}##.

But I see no reason why you repeat the calculation. I mean you already found that the electric field at distance z above the centre due to a uniformed charged ring of radius R . Just apply this result for radius R=3R (if I can write it that way but I guess you ll understand what I mean).
Ahhh okay, yes you're correct. okay, Ill try that out and see what λ I get
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
718
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K