How Do Electric Fields Vary with Distance Between Charged Rods?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field strengths generated by two charged rods, one positively charged and the other negatively charged, placed a specific distance apart. The original poster presents calculations for the electric fields at various points along the line connecting the midpoints of the rods.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the electric field strengths at specific distances from the charged rods using a formula. Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of the calculations and seek advice on the methodology used.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes multiple requests for feedback on the calculations presented. While some participants affirm the method appears sound, there is no explicit consensus on the accuracy of the results, and concerns about significant figures are noted.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is under time constraints to submit the work, which may influence the urgency of the requests for assistance.

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*[tex]\sqrt{r^2 +(L/2)^2}[/tex])

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

From glass rod
E at 1cm = E= k 12nC/((.01m)*[tex]\sqrt{(.01m)^2 +(.05m)^2}[/tex])= 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)*[tex]\sqrt{(.029m)^2 +(.05m)^2}[/tex]) = 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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