Electrostatic potential of a circular ring

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the electrostatic potential of a circular ring using the formula V(r) = k q/r, where q is defined as the charge density over an area element. Participants clarify that the problem involves linear charge density rather than area, leading to the modified equation V(r) = k λ/r dl. They emphasize the need to integrate over the ring and consider the distance from the charge element to the observation point, which is simplified using the Pythagorean theorem. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the geometry of the problem and the integration process to arrive at the potential in terms of the total charge of the ring. Overall, the thread provides insights into tackling electrostatic potential problems involving circular geometries.
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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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What area? It is a ring. You can consider linear charge density.
 
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
 
Do you realize that you will have to integrate over the ring? Have you done any similar problems?
 
Yea I realize that but I haven't had a similar problem, most problems have been on the xy plane alone
 
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?
 
What I mean is it was a two dimensional problem where lines were the only consideration rather than areas or volumes
 
Oh, here it's the same too. It has nothing to do with areas or volumes.
 
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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  • #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.
 
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