Electric potential at point x on the axis of a ring of charge density eta

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential at a point on the axis of a circular disk with a surface charge density defined as \(\eta = cr\), where \(c\) is a constant. The user seeks to express the potential \(V\) in terms of the total charge \(Q\) and the radius \(R\) of the disk, while eliminating the constant \(c\). The solution involves integrating the charge density over the disk to relate \(c\) to \(Q\) and \(R\), ultimately leading to a definitive expression for the electric potential without the constant.

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Electric potential at point x on the axis of a ring of charge density "eta"

Homework Statement


A circular disk of radius R and total charge Q has the charge distributed with surface charge density \eta = cr, where c is a constant. Find an expression for the electric potential at distance z on the axis of the disk. Your expression should include R and Q, but not c.

Homework Equations



\eta=cr where c is constant
V=(1/4pi\epsilon)(Q/r)
V=\SigmaVi

The Attempt at a Solution


So what I did was to sum all Vi and i was able to pull (1/4pi\epsilon) and (1/sqrt(z^2+R^2) out which leaves me with Q left in the sum which I know i need to relate to \eta in some way. The problem I'm having here is that I just don't understand how to work with \eta=cr in such a way as to get rid of the constant c in my answer.

I feel like I'm not grasping this problem as a whole so any help would be wonderful. Thanks!
 
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To eliminate c, since \eta = cr, you can integrate the charge density over the disk to compute the total charge, Q. This should give you c in terms of Q and R.
 


Nice! Thanks so much!
 

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