Integrating to find the electric field

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electric field generated by a uniformly charged insulated board with a specified charge density. The original poster attempts to set up an integral to find the electric field at a point above the center of the board, but expresses uncertainty about the integration process and the appropriate equations to use.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for a double integral versus a single integral, questioning the original poster's assumption about the integration setup. There is also a consideration of the relationship between charge density and the area element used in the integral.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and raising questions about the integration approach. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider the dimensions of the board and the nature of the charge distribution, but no consensus has been reached on the correct method.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the professor's input regarding symmetry simplifying the problem, but this has led to further confusion for the original poster about the necessity of a double integral. The original poster also notes a lack of prior experience with integration in this context.

SchruteBucks
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Homework Statement



The picture attached shows an insulated board (12m x 4m) with uniform charge density σ. Integrate to find the electric field 8 cm above the center of the board.

Homework Equations


I found the equations \vec{E}=\int\frac{kdq}{r^{2}}\hat{r} and dq=σdy (both from google)

The Attempt at a Solution


We've never integrated to find anything in this class before so forgive my crude attempt...
I ended up with k\int^{10}_{6}\frac{σdy}{y^{2}}(-\hat{j})

I didn't put anything relating to the width of the board because I'm assuming its part of the density, with σ=Q/V=Q/48m2

Any help would be VERY much appreciated
 

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Don't you need a double integral? Also won't dq = σdxdy?
 
Sorry, I should've mentioned that my prof. says that the "symmetry of the situation means only one is needed." As far as if dq=σdxdy, I'm assuming it's just σdy since it's only supposed to be a single integral, but in all honesty, I have no idea. Maybe the other integral isn't needed since we already know the area of the board...?

This is my first time setting up an integral for an electric field, and the only equation I have is the one above, though looking at it now, it looks like it's an equation for a one-dimensional object.

I think I'm more confused now.
 
If you knew the electric field due to a line of charge then you could turn this into a one dimensional integral. σ is charge per area so you need to multiply by an area, dxdy, to get charge. I might be missing something here, hopefully others will reply.
 

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