Electric potential in a closed loop wire

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric potential at a point O due to a closed loop of wire with uniform linear density. The context is within electrostatics, specifically focusing on the potential generated by a continuous charge distribution along a wire shaped in a specific configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial approach of dividing the loop into two parts and question the symmetry of this method. There is an exploration of the formula for electric potential and the integration of charge elements along the loop. Some participants suggest reconsidering the division of the loop and express uncertainty about the integration limits and the expression for arc length in terms of angle and radius.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the potential formula and questioning the original poster's approach. There is an emphasis on understanding the symmetry of the problem and the implications of the chosen method. Guidance has been offered regarding the integration of the charge elements and the need to consider the geometry of the loop.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the configuration of the wire and how it affects the calculations. There is also mention of a visual aid that may have changed the interpretation of the problem, leading to further considerations about how to segment the loop for analysis.

cupcake
Messages
73
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A closed loop of wire that has uniform linear density lambda is bent into the shape shown below, with dimension as indicated. Find the electric potential at point O, assuming it is zero at infinity. (see the attachment)

Homework Equations



V = k q /r

The Attempt at a Solution



Honestly, I am not sure how to attempt this question.
so far, what I did is.. I divided this loop into two part.

for part 1
dV = 2k lambda \int sin theta d(theta), which integral goes from 0 to 90 degree.
and after calculation, it gave me 2klamda with lambda is equal to q/pi*r.

but, I think there's something wrong here.., I don't know what to do..
please enlighten me..

the correct answer should be 2klambda ( pi + ln 2)
 

Attachments

  • cats.jpg
    cats.jpg
    5.7 KB · Views: 585
Physics news on Phys.org
Why would you divide the loop into two parts, greatly decreasing the symmetry of the problem thus making it more difficult. A loop is as good as it gets. You have dV=k dq/r, dq=lambda dl, with dl an infinitesimal piece of the loop. Since we're at the center of the loop r is the same everywhere so r is constant. Therefor V becomes V=lambda k/r \int dl. What is \int dl?
 
\int dl is \int pi r dr from r to 2r ?
 
I could have sworn that picture wasn't there before. Either way this changes things a bit. You will have to cut this configuration into four pieces. The two semi circles and the two straight sections. Let's look at the semi circle with radius R. First find out what is constant in the formula, dV=k dq/r. Is r constant? dq=lambda dl, how can you express the length of an arc of the loop in terms of the angle theta and the radius r?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
64
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K