Electric potential at center of charged rod

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the electric potential at the center of a uniformly charged rod of length 2a. The initial approach involves using the superposition principle and an integral to find the potential, but the integral presented is problematic as it diverges. Participants highlight that the potential at point B cannot be zero, especially since the potential at infinity is typically considered zero. The integral needs to be correctly defined and evaluated to determine the potential accurately. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of proper integration techniques in electrostatics problems.
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Homework Statement


Find potential of a uniformly charged rod of length 2a

Homework Equations


-Superposition

The Attempt at a Solution


dV=\frac{kλdx}{r}, r=x
V=λk\int\limits_{-a}^a \frac{1}{x}\mathrm dx=0

Potential at point B is zero. Is this correct?
 

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No. Your integral doesn't exist. But even before, what is it you are integrating, and over what are you integrating ?

As a check: it is likely that V = 0 at infinity, so it can't be 0 at pont B.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »

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