Electric field of line charge with non uniform charge densit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field generated by a non-uniform line charge along the x-axis, defined by the charge density λ = ax, where a is a constant. The y-component of the electric field integrates to zero due to symmetry, while the x-component requires integration by parts for evaluation. Participants suggest using tools like Wolfram Alpha or integral tables to assist with the complex integration process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric field concepts, specifically E = kQ/r²
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, including integration by parts
  • Familiarity with charge density and its implications in electrostatics
  • Basic proficiency in calculus, particularly with trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study integration by parts in detail to solve complex integrals
  • Explore the use of Wolfram Alpha for solving integrals and visualizing electric fields
  • Learn about electric fields of different charge distributions, including uniform and non-uniform cases
  • Review advanced calculus techniques relevant to physics applications
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone involved in solving electrostatic problems related to charge distributions.

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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