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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the electric potential at a distance z on the axis of a circular disk with a surface charge density defined as η = cr. The user is attempting to express the potential in terms of R and Q while eliminating the constant c. It is suggested that integrating the charge density over the disk can help relate c to Q and R, thereby allowing c to be eliminated from the final expression. The user expresses confusion about the problem, indicating a need for further clarification on how to proceed with the integration. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding charge density in deriving the electric potential.
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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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