Calculating Work Done by Electric Field on a Point Charge

In summary, the electric field created by a long charged line of negative linear charge density -2.50 nC/m causes a small positive point charge of 8 mC to move from a distance of 9 cm to a distance of 17 cm. The work done by the electric field is calculated using the equation W = \frac{q\lambda}{2 \pi \epsilon_o} ln(r)|\limits_{R_1}^{R_2}, and the result is expressed in mJ and rounded to three significant figures. The value of \lambda is the linear charge density.
  • #1
05holtel
52
0

Homework Statement




Consider the electric field created by a very long charged line of negative linear charge density -2.50 nC/m.

A small positive point charge of 8 mC moves from a distance of 9 cm to a distance of 17 cm.

How much work is done by the electric field?

Hint: The electric field for a long charged line is:

The Equation is E line = 1/(4piE0)(2lamda/r)


Express the result in the unit mJ and to three significant figures.

Homework Equations




The Equation is E line = 1/(4piE0)(2lamda/r)

The Attempt at a Solution



Is this hint equation provided equivalent to Gauss' Law: (2*pi*R*L*E = L*q/eo)

where eo is the coulomb's law constant "epsilon-zero" = 8.89^10^-12 N*m^2/C^2
and q is the charge per unit length

Therefore,

E(R) = q/(2 pi eo R)
Multiply that by Q = 8 mC and integrate with dR from R = 0.09 to 0.17 m

Also I am confused how to integrate this
 
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  • #2
[tex]E = \frac{\lambda}{2 \pi \epsilon_o r}[/tex]
[tex] W = \int\limits_{R_1}^{R_2} F_e\, dr[/tex]
[tex] W = \int\limits_{R_1}^{R_2} qE\, dr[/tex]
[tex] W = \int\limits_{R_1}^{R_2}\frac{q\lambda}{2 \pi \epsilon_o r}\, dr[/tex]
Everything is constant except for the r.
[tex] W = \frac{q\lambda}{2 \pi \epsilon_o }\int\limits_{R_1}^{R_2}\frac{1}{r}\, dr[/tex]
[tex]W = \frac{q\lambda}{2 \pi \epsilon_o} ln(r)|\limits_{R_1}^{R_2}[/tex]
 
  • #3
Thanks so much,
Do you know what the wavelength is
 
  • #4
05holtel said:
Thanks so much,
Do you know what the wavelength is

[tex]\lambda[/tex] is linear charge density
 

1. What is work done by electric field on a point charge?

The work done by an electric field on a point charge is the amount of energy transferred to or from the charge when it is moved through the electric field. It is typically measured in joules (J).

2. How do you calculate work done by electric field on a point charge?

The work done by an electric field on a point charge can be calculated using the equation W = qEd, where q is the charge of the particle, E is the electric field strength, and d is the distance the particle is moved through the field.

3. Can the work done by electric field on a point charge be positive or negative?

Yes, the work done by an electric field on a point charge can be either positive or negative. If the charge moves in the same direction as the electric field, the work done will be positive. If the charge moves in the opposite direction of the electric field, the work done will be negative.

4. What is the unit for work done by electric field on a point charge?

The unit for work done by an electric field on a point charge is joules (J). This is the same unit used to measure energy and is equivalent to the units of force (newtons) multiplied by distance (meters).

5. How is work done by electric field on a point charge related to potential energy?

The work done by an electric field on a point charge is directly related to the change in potential energy of the charge. If the charge is moving from a higher potential to a lower potential, the work done by the electric field will decrease the potential energy of the charge. If the charge is moving from a lower potential to a higher potential, the work done by the electric field will increase the potential energy of the charge.

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