How Do Electric Fields Vary with Distance Between Charged Rods?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field strengths generated by a uniformly charged glass rod and a plastic rod, both 10 cm long and placed 3.9 cm apart. The glass rod is charged to 12 nC, while the plastic rod is charged to -12 nC. Calculated electric field strengths at distances of 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm from the glass rod are 211805 N/C, 100275 N/C, and 61739.5 N/C, respectively. The net electric field strengths at these points, considering contributions from both rods, are 276235 N/C, 206545 N/C, and 297944 N/C.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and electric fields
  • Familiarity with the formula E=k Q/(r*√(r² + (L/2)²))
  • Basic knowledge of significant figures in scientific calculations
  • Experience with electrostatics and charged objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electric fields and their calculations in electrostatics
  • Learn about the effects of distance on electric field strength
  • Explore the concept of superposition in electric fields
  • Review significant figures and their importance in scientific reporting
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding electric field calculations involving charged rods.

StephenDoty
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A 10cm long thin glass rod uniformly charged to 12nC and a 10cm long thin plastic rod uniformly charged to -12nC are placed side by side, 3.9cm apart. What are the electric field strengths at 1cm, 2 cm , and 3cm from the glass rod along the line connecting the midpoints of the two rods?

E=k Q/(r*\sqrt{r^2 +(L/2)^2})

E=k Q/(r*\sqrt{r^2 +(.05m)^2})

From glass rod
E at 1cm = E= k 12nC/((.01m)*\sqrt{(.01m)^2 +(.05m)^2})= 211805 N/C
E at 2cm = 100275 N/C
E at 3cm = 61739.5 N/C

From plastic rod
E at (3.9cm - 1cm) = E= k 12nC/((.029m)*\sqrt{(.029m)^2 +(.05m)^2}) = 64429.9 N/C
E at (3.9cm - 2cm) = 106270 N/C
E at (3.9cm - 3cm) = 236204 N/C

E net at p1= 211805 N/C + 64429.9 N/C = 276235 N/C
E net at p2= 100275 N/C + 106270 N/C = 206545 N/C
E net at p3 = 61739.5 N/C + 236204 N/C = 297944 N/C

Did I do this right?

Thanks for the help.
Stephen
 
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I am really unsure if I did this problem correctly. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Stephen
 
StephenDoty said:
I am really unsure if I did this problem correctly. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Stephen

Without looking up the charged rod relationship or the math involved, the method looks good.
 
Anybody have any opinions.

I really appreciate the help.
Stephen
 
I have to turn this in very soon. Did I do this problem correctly?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Stephen
 
Yes, it looks good. You might watch the significant figures, if your professor cares about that sort of thing.
 

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