Find net electric field in a wire?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net electric field around a charged wire using Gauss' law. The integral provided, E[SUBx]= (1/4Πε)*(Q/2a)∫x.dy/(x^2+y^2)^3/2, is essential for determining the electric field at a point P. The recommended approach involves positioning the wire along the z-axis and utilizing a cylindrical Gaussian surface to derive the electric flux density, |D|, which is then related to the electric field using the equation D = εE. This method simplifies the calculation of the electric field in cylindrical coordinates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss' law in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates
  • Knowledge of electric flux density and its relationship to electric field
  • Ability to perform calculus, specifically integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss' law for different charge distributions
  • Learn about cylindrical Gaussian surfaces and their properties
  • Explore the use of WolframAlpha for solving integrals in electrostatics
  • Investigate the relationship between electric flux density and electric field in various coordinate systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields generated by charged wires and applying Gauss' law effectively.

saba.shahin95
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After solving this problem I ended up with--(2a is the length of the wire)(integral limit is from -a to +a)
(x is the ⊥ distance from centre of the wire to a point P where we have to find the net field )
E[SUBx]= (1/4Πε)*(Q/2a)∫x.dy/(x^2+y^2)^3/2

P.S- sorry, I'm not able to upload the image of the problem. This is my first time ever at this site.
Help me in solving this integral.
Detailed solution would be appreciated . ☺
 
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Do you want the electric field in the wire or around the wire at some point in space ##P##? I'm assuming you want the electric field at some point ##P##.

The easiest way to do this problem is to position the wire along the z-axis and enclose it in a cylindrical Gaussian surface. Then using Gauss' law, find the magnitude of the electric flux density ##| \vec D |## in terms of the enclosed charge.

Then using ##\vec D = \varepsilon \vec E##, you will be able to find the electric field.

Hint: The electric flux density ##\vec D## points radially outwards from the cylinder, so in cylindrical co-ordinates we can write it as ##\vec D = |\vec D| \hat r##.
 

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