Electric Potential Field Calculation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric potential field generated by a finite line of charges shaped into two orthogonal segments and an arc of a circle. The original poster (OP) is attempting to apply the principle of superposition to find the total potential at a specific point, but is encountering difficulties, particularly with the calculation of radii related to the segments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The OP describes their attempts to calculate the potential from three segments and apply superposition. They express uncertainty about their calculations, especially regarding the radii. Other participants ask for clarification on the radii and suggest focusing on the quarter-circle segment. There are also questions about the integration limits and angles involved in the setup.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the OP's calculations, providing guidance on how to clarify and correct the integrals. There is recognition of the OP's earlier mistakes, and some participants are encouraging further exploration of the integrals to verify results. The discussion is ongoing, with multiple interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

The OP is new to the forum and has expressed uncertainty about editing posts, which has led to some confusion in the discussion. There is also a mention of a related thread concerning a different charge density scenario, indicating potential complexity in the topic.

nownow
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Homework Statement
A finite line of charges has been bent into the shape shown in the figure below (2 orthogonal segments and an arc of a circle). Knowing the charge density in the line is given by ρl (C/m) get the electric potential field at the point (0,0,h). h>a
Relevant Equations
electric potential field equation
1655672351756.png

I've already tried to calculate the potential with respect to the 3 segments and then apply superposition (V1+V2+V3). However, I was not very successful. My error I think is in the calculation of the radii, mainly of the line segment that is on the z axis. Can anybody help me? I need some light on this question, please
 
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nownow said:
Homework Statement:: A finite line of charges has been bent into the shape shown in the figure below (2 orthogonal segments and an arc of a circle). Knowing the charge density in the line is given by ρl (C/m) get the electric potential field at the point (0,0,h). h>a
Relevant Equations:: electric potential field equation

View attachment 303063
I've already tried to calculate the potential with respect to the 3 segments and then apply superposition (V1+V2+V3). However, I was not very successful. My error I think is in the calculation of the radii, mainly of the line segment that is on the z axis. Can anybody help me?
We can help you if you show us what you did. Show us your work and where you think you went wrong. Specifically, what radii are you talking about? There is only one radius and that is associated with the quarter-circle. Your superposition approach is correct.
 
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kuruman said:
We can help you if you show us what you did. Show us your work and where you think you went wrong. Specifically, what radii are you talking about? There is only one radius and that is associated with the quarter-circle.
It's not multiple rays. I expressed myself badly, sorry. However, on to my calculations:

$$V_1 = \int_{0}^{a}\frac{\rho_l}{4\pi \varepsilon_0\sqrt{x^2+h^2} }dx$$
$$V_2 = \int_{0}^{a}\frac{\rho_l}{4\pi \varepsilon_0(h-z) }dz$$
$$V_3 = \int_{0}^{\frac{\pi }{2}}\frac{\rho_la}{4\pi \varepsilon_0\sqrt{a^2+h^2} }d\phi$$

Is what I did correct?
 
what is the angle between the x and y axis?
 
Orodruin said:
what is the angle between the x and y axis?
The angle is ##\frac{\pi }{2}##
 
nownow said:
The angle is ##\frac{\pi }{2}##
So why does your integral specify integration between zero and ##\pi/4##?

Also, editing out an error from your post after getting a reply is not good form.
 
I ended up realizing my error shortly after sending the answer. Also, I didn't edit my answer because of your question. Anyway, I apologize for my mistake and I didn't know about this no edit practice, I'm new here. If you want I can edit the question to what it was before, no problem. I just want to clear my doubt on the question. Again sorry for the edit. Thanks
 
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That looks about right. What do you get when you redo the integrals as you have them in post #4 #3? Is your answer the same as you got before?
 
Last edited:
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post #3 setups correctly the integrals. Now the OP has to calculate them correctly.
 
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BTW there was another thread, I think from the same OP that the source charge density was portion of a cylindrical surface, so we would have to do a surface integral, I had post to that thread but can't find it anymore, what happened?
 

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