Find the velocity of a point charge in a ring of electric field

AI Thread Summary
To find the velocity of a point charge in a ring of electric field, the electric field produced by the ring can be calculated using the formula E = k(λa)/((x² + a²)^(3/2)). However, instead of calculating the electric field and acceleration, it is more efficient to use the potential V as a function of z and apply the work-energy theorem. The work done on the charge between two points A and B along the z-axis is given by W_AB = (V(z_A) - V(z_B))q. A sign error in the work calculation was identified, leading to the correct final velocity of 4.79 m/s. This approach emphasizes the importance of using potential energy rather than directly calculating electric field effects.
jisbon
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Homework Statement
Ring of radius 10cm and charge of 3##\mu C## at the origin.
Ring axis aligned with z.
Electric potential along z is V=## \frac{kQ}{\sqrt{z^2+R^2}}##
Then another charge of -5##\mu C## and mass of 0.1kg released from the origin at u = 7m/s in k direction.
Find the velocity of q at z=3m
Relevant Equations
##E = k\frac{\lambda a}{(x^2+a^2)^{3/2}}##
1568982671512.png

Okay, I am not even sure how to startr with this question. But here's my theory:

First I will need to the electric field produced by the ring using the formula:

##E = k\frac{\lambda a}{(x^2+a^2)^{3/2}}##

After finding out electric field produced by ring, am I supposed to find out the acceleration on the charge using ##a=\frac{eq}{m}## ? If so, the direction will be the k axis I assume?

If the above holds true, then I will proceed to use kinematics equation to solve for speed using ##v^2=u^2+2as## ? Since I have final displacement and acceleration (if I am correct)
 
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Your approach would be right if the electric field (and hence the acceleration) were constant along the z-axis, but they are not.

You don't need to calculate the electric field ,neither the acceleration. You are given the potential ##V## as function of ##z##. Use that the work of electric field on a charge ##q## between two points A and B along the z-axis is ##W_{AB}=(V(z_A)-V(z_B))q## and also use the work-energy theorem.
 
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Delta2 said:
Your approach would be right if the electric field (and hence the acceleration) were constant along the z-axis, but they are not.

You don't need to calculate the electric field ,neither the acceleration. You are given the potential ##V## as function of ##z##. Use that the work of electric field on a charge ##q## between two points A and B along the z-axis is ##W_{AB}=(V(z_A)-V(z_B))q## and also use the work-energy theorem.
I actually kind of understood what you meant, but my workings doesn't reflect it. Here's my workings:
##W_{AB}=(V(z_A)-V(z_B))q##
##W_{AB}=3*10^{-6}(\frac{kQ}{\sqrt{R^2+3^2}}-\frac{kQ}{\sqrt{R^2}}) = 3*10^{-6}(\frac{(9*10^9)(-5*10^{-6})}{\sqrt{0.1^2+3^2}}-\frac{(9*10^9)(-5*10^{-6})}{\sqrt{0.1^2}}) = 1.30502...##
Since change in kinetic energy = Work done
##1.30502... = \frac{1}{2}mv_{f}^2-\frac{1}{2}mv_{i}^2 ##
##1.30502... = \frac{1}{2}(0.1)v_{f}^2-\frac{1}{2}(0.1)7^2 ##
##v_{f} = 8.666...##
which is incorrect. Any ideas?
 
There is a sign error in the work ##W_{AB}## and that's because you took as point A the point at z=3. Take as point A the point at z=0 and point B the point at z=3.

The formula for work is for movement from point A to point B.
 
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Delta2 said:
There is a sign error in the work ##W_{AB}## and that's because you took as point A the point at z=3. Take as point A the point at z=0 and point B the point at z=3.

The formula for work is for movement from point A to point B.
I got it :) 4.79m/s.
Thanks so much
 
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