Electric field of line charge with non uniform charge densit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field along the y-axis due to a thin line charge with a non-uniform charge density defined as λ = ax. The y-component of the electric field integrates to zero, indicating that the contributions from the positive and negative sides of the charge distribution cancel each other out. However, the x-component of the electric field remains to be calculated, and the user struggles with the integration process. Suggestions include using integration by parts or consulting resources like Wolfram Alpha or integral tables for assistance. The conversation emphasizes the challenges of integrating non-uniform charge distributions in electrostatics.
neutrondud
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Homework Statement


A thin line of charge is on the x-axis from x = -L/2 to L/2. The charge density is non uniform and given by λ = ax where x are the points on the charge distribution. Calculate the electric field for all points along the y axis.

Homework Equations


E = kQ/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


dq=axdx

y component of E = kaxdx/(x^2+y^2) cosθ = kaxdxy/(x^2+y^2)^(3/2)
after integrating from x = -L/2 to L/2 it comes out to be 0 which makes sense because the positive side cancels out the negative side of the charge charge distribution.

x component of E = kaxdx/(x^2+y^2) sinθ = kax^2dx/(x^2+y^2)^(3/2)
I can't figure out how to do the integral though
 
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Try integration by parts.
 
neutrondud said:

Homework Statement


A thin line of charge is on the x-axis from x = -L/2 to L/2. The charge density is non uniform and given by λ = ax where x are the points on the charge distribution. Calculate the electric field for all points along the y axis.

Homework Equations


E = kQ/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


dq=axdx

y component of E = kaxdx/(x^2+y^2) cosθ = kaxdxy/(x^2+y^2)^(3/2)
after integrating from x = -L/2 to L/2 it comes out to be 0 which makes sense because the positive side cancels out the negative side of the charge charge distribution.

x component of E = kaxdx/(x^2+y^2) sinθ = kax^2dx/(x^2+y^2)^(3/2)
I can't figure out how to do the integral though
Try Wolfram Alpha or a table of integrals!
 
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