Electric Scalar Potential and Electric Field Intensity

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric scalar potential and electric field intensity at the point (1,0) m due to two uniform line charges. The first line charge has a linear charge density of -4π x 8.85 pC/m situated between (-5,0) m and (-2,0) m, while the second line charge has a linear charge density of +4π x 8.85 pC/m located between (2,0) m and (5,0) m. The participants clarify that both line charges have the same magnitude but opposite signs, which is crucial for solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric scalar potential and electric field intensity
  • Familiarity with linear charge density concepts
  • Knowledge of the superposition principle in electrostatics
  • Ability to apply Coulomb's law in one-dimensional charge distributions
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the electric scalar potential using the formula V = k * ∫(λ / r) dl for line charges
  • Determine the electric field intensity using E = -∇V, focusing on the contributions from both line charges
  • Explore the concept of superposition in electric fields to understand the combined effect of multiple charges
  • Review the principles of electrostatics, particularly regarding uniform line charges and their effects
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in solving electrostatic problems involving line charges.

EbenC
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A uniform line charge of -4π x 8.85 pCm^-1 is situated between the points (-5,0) and (-2,0) m and another such line of positive charge between (2,0) and (5,0) m.

A) Find the electric scalar potential V at (1,0) m.

B) Find the electric field intensity E at the same point.

Homework Equations



(I think, but I'm not sure)
[PLAIN]http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/6707/80046486.png


The Attempt at a Solution



I really don't know where to begin... any help is appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Can anyone help me
 
What have you tried?

Where are you stuck?
 
Well, most importantly, I'm having trouble understanding the question, conceptually. The two lines are horizontal, I'm guessing, stretching from (-5,0) to (-2,0) and (5,0) to (2,0). Is this correct?

Also, it doesn't say what the value of the second line is, it just says "another such line of positive charge," so does this mean they're both the same charge?
 
"Also, it doesn't say what the value of the second line is, it just says "another such line of positive charge," so does this mean they're both the same charge? "

It means that the linear charge density for the second charge is:+4\pi\times8.85\,\text{pC/m}
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K