Electrostatic potential of a circular ring

In summary, the area of a circular ring is πr^2. If the charge density is linear, then the potential due to a point charge is
  • #1
KiNGGeexD
317
1
I'm a little stumped with this problem, I have posted a photograph below as there is a diagram to compliment the question
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1396875812.334406.jpg
Expressions which I used where

V(r)= k q/r

Where q= σ da

Where da is an element of area

And k= 1/4πεI messed around with these expressions for a while but it didn't really go anywhere I was having trouble defining and element of area (to use spherical coordinates or not).Any help or suggestions would be great thanks in advanced :):):):)
 
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  • #2
What area? It is a ring. You can consider linear charge density.
 
  • #3
Ok so area of the circle is

πr^2

And if I'm assuming linear charger density my equation would becomeV(r)= k λ/r dl
 
  • #4
Do you realize that you will have to integrate over the ring? Have you done any similar problems?
 
  • #5
Yea I realize that but I haven't had a similar problem, most problems have been on the xy plane alone
 
  • #6
Oh, just now I realized that your point A is on the z axis.
There is an "a" in the xy plane that misled me.

Then is is much simpler than I thought.
If you take a small element of ring with length dl, what will be the charge on this element?
What will be the distance between this element and the point A?
 
  • #7
What I mean is it was a two dimensional problem where lines were the only consideration rather than areas or volumes
 
  • #8
Oh, here it's the same too. It has nothing to do with areas or volumes.
 
  • #9
The distance between the two points would be(z^2+ x^2)^1/2
 
  • #10
Would I just use my distance and integrate from -a to a, or rather multiply by 2 and integrate from 0 to a?
 
  • #11
Just one hint!
Distance between point A and any point on ring is constant (Pythagoras Theorem - hehe).
Take an element dq on the ring. You must know the expression of potential due to a point charge.
You'll get an integral. ∫ dq = Q :eek:
The answer will come in terms of total charge of ring.
 
  • #12
The last post was from 2014.
 
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Likes PeroK
  • #13
With any luck the OP has graduated by now.
 
  • #14
Not every single person in this world has graduated. Others might have the same query. Right?
 
  • #15
So when you say "you" you mean a generic person (who did not graduate) and not the OP. :) It looked like you were answering the question the OP asked in April 2014, right above your answer.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the electrostatic potential of a circular ring?

The formula for calculating the electrostatic potential of a circular ring is V = kq/r, where V is the electrostatic potential, k is the Coulomb's constant (9x10^9 Nm^2/C^2), q is the charge on the ring, and r is the distance from the center of the ring to the point where the potential is being calculated.

2. How does the electrostatic potential change as the distance from the center of the ring increases?

As the distance from the center of the ring increases, the electrostatic potential decreases. This is because the electric field strength decreases with distance, and the potential is directly proportional to the electric field strength.

3. What is the significance of the electrostatic potential of a circular ring?

The electrostatic potential of a circular ring is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge at any point in space surrounding the ring. It is an important concept in understanding the behavior of electric charges and their interactions.

4. Can the electrostatic potential of a circular ring be negative?

Yes, the electrostatic potential of a circular ring can be negative. This can occur if the ring has a negative charge, or if the point where the potential is being calculated is located inside the ring. In this case, the potential will be negative since the electric field points towards the center of the ring.

5. How does the electrostatic potential of a circular ring compare to that of a point charge?

The electrostatic potential of a circular ring is similar to that of a point charge in that both decrease with distance from the source. However, the potential of a circular ring is more complex, as it depends not only on the distance but also on the angle of observation and the charge distribution along the ring.

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