Electric Fields due to a charged disk.

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Homework Help Overview

This discussion revolves around the electric fields produced by a charged disk, specifically comparing the magnitudes of electric fields Ea and Eb. Participants are questioning the reasoning behind the assertion that Ea is greater than Eb, as indicated in the solution manual.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the relationship between the magnitudes of electric fields Ea and Eb, expressing confusion over the claim that Ea is greater. They have attempted numerical substitution to analyze the situation. Other participants question the validity of the provided information and explore the potential magnitude of a third field, Ec.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing differing views on the relationships between the electric fields. Some have suggested that the order of magnitudes should be reconsidered, while others have offered informal guidance to consult a teacher for clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with a visual reference that is not included in the discussion, which may limit their ability to fully analyze the problem. There is also an indication of uncertainty regarding the configuration of the electric fields being discussed.

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Homework Statement



Why is this answer saying that Ea > Eb?


Homework Equations



Everything pertinent to this question is located in this picture:

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1187/ch22q9part1.png
[PLAIN]http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1187/ch22q9part1.png

The question is asking which has the greater magnitude Ea or Eb, and this website says Ea > Eb, just like the solution manual, but that doesn't make sense!

The Attempt at a Solution



I plugged in numbers, and a bigger radius gives a bigger number for Eb, so shouldn't Eb > Ea?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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You're right, those don't make sense. Talk to your teacher.
 
chronos98 said:
You're right, those don't make sense. Talk to your teacher.

Any ideas as to where Ec would lie in magnitude?
 
I'm pretty sure it would be the difference of the two, if c is a donut ring like I think it is. I'll let you figure out how that would compare.
 
Seems to me as though the order should be Eb > Ea > Ec instead of Ea > Eb > Ec, as suggested by the text.
 

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