Force on charge and electric field question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the force on a charge and the electric field at a specific point due to a charge distribution, particularly a charge bar. The problem involves understanding the configuration of the charge distribution and applying relevant physics principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring whether the charge bar is a continuous line of charge or composed of two separate point charges. There is mention of integrating along the bar using Coulomb's law if it is continuous, while summing forces is suggested for point charges. Some participants express uncertainty about the application of these concepts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and asking clarifying questions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for integration if the charge distribution is continuous, and the use of Coulomb's law for point charges. There is no explicit consensus on the nature of the charge distribution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a lack of information in the problem statement, which may affect their ability to proceed. There are also references to different linear charge densities for parts of the bar, indicating potential complexity in the setup.

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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

I hope the drawing is somewhat clear. How do I find the force on the charge g0 and the electric field at the origin due to the charge bar? There's barely any information given. The first λ is at 7m and the second one at 10m. And you have 2 C at the origin. I do not know how to do this. I hope somebody can help me with this.
 
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Hi,
A bit more information might be helpful. Is the bar a continuous line of charge, or two point charges separated by 3 metres. In the former case you need to integrate along the bar using for example Coulomb's law. In the latter case you just need to sum the forces from the two charges.
 
No idea. Looks like it has to be 2 separate charges. Otherwise, I wouldn't know what that would be. Can't find anything that would apply to that. I guess I will go with Coulomb's law then.
 
From your drawing and notations it looks like you have two diff. linear charge densities for two parts of the bar. So integration is necessary to find the Efield at the origin. After that you just do F =qE You would then know the electric field strength at the 2C charge so you got the force.

Have you gone this far in your course?
 

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