Horizontal component of an electric field at origin

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the horizontal component of an electric field at the origin of a semi-circle. The user attempts to apply the formula k∏(Q)/r but receives feedback indicating a misunderstanding of the formula's application, particularly regarding the nature of the charge distribution. There is confusion about the variable 'r', which is incorrectly equated to the length of the semi-circle rather than the appropriate distance for the electric field calculation. Participants suggest that the user may need to reconsider the formula used, as it seems more suited for point charges rather than a continuous charge distribution. Clarification on these points is essential for accurately solving the problem.
kirax105strike
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Calculating the horizontal component of an electric field at the origin of a semi circle. The image link is: http://imgur.com/SXYs4Rp

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried using the formula k∏(Q)/r (8.98755*10^9)∏(-7.85*10^-6) / .113 = -1.961 * 10^6.
Can anyone see what I am doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Where does your formula come from? It looks like a wrong application of the formula for a point-charge. Certainly your charge is not a point.
How did you get r? This is not the same as the length of the semi-circle.
 
The formula was from an example in the book where they used the length of the curve as r but I am guessing I have the wrong formula.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Find the magnitude of the electric field at point P
Replies
5
Views
2K
Calculate strength of the electric field at indicated point
Replies
5
Views
2K
Maximum Horizontal Force of Relativistic Point Charge
Replies
2
Views
2K
What Is the Magnitude of the Electric Field Between Parallel Plates?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Electric Field of a Point Charge
Replies
3
Views
1K
Magnitude of the electric field
Replies
4
Views
2K
Lorentz force and induced electric field
Replies
6
Views
1K
Electric Fields from Linear Charges
Replies
7
Views
2K
Find the electric field between 2 finite discs
Replies
16
Views
1K
Magnitude of electric field at point A using components
Replies
4
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top