Is My Work Done in Moving a Point Charge Calculation Correct?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the work done in moving a 4 nC charge in a specified electric field, represented by E = (z+1)*sin(Φ)aρ + (z+1)*ρ*cos(Φ)aΦ + ρ*sin(Φ)az V/m. The participant initially calculated the work as -32 nJ, while the textbook solution states -8 nJ. The discrepancy arises from the treatment of the differential length element dl, where omitting ρ leads to the textbook's answer. Ultimately, the consensus confirms that the participant's initial calculation is indeed correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and their representation in vector form.
  • Familiarity with the concept of work done by electric forces.
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Proficiency in using cylindrical coordinates in physics problems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of electric field calculations in cylindrical coordinates.
  • Study the derivation and application of the work-energy theorem in electrostatics.
  • Learn about the significance of differential length elements in vector calculus.
  • Explore examples of work done in electric fields with varying charge configurations.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, electrical engineering majors, and anyone involved in electrostatics or vector calculus applications in physics.

Bizkit
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Homework Statement


Given that the electric field in a certain region is E = (z+1)*sin(Φ)aρ + (z+1)*ρ*cos(Φ)aΦ + ρ*sin(Φ)az V/m, determine the work done in moving a 4 nC charge from (4,0,0) to (4,30°,0).


Homework Equations


W = -Q*int(E·dl)


The Attempt at a Solution


Here is what I get:

W = -4*int((z+1)*ρ*cos(Φ)*ρ*dΦ from 0 to 30°) nJ
W = -4*(z+1)*ρ²*int(cos(Φ) from 0 to 30°) nJ
W = -4*(0+1)*4²*(sin(Φ) from 0 to 30°) nJ
W = -64*(sin(30°) - sin(0)) nJ
W = -64*(.5 - 0) nJ
W = -32 nJ

The book, however, says the answer is -8 nJ. I get this answer when I leave off the ρ from the dl. This is how I think the answer in the book is found:

W = -4*int((z+1)*ρ*cos(Φ)*dΦ from 0 to 30°) nJ
W = -4*(z+1)*ρ*int(cos(Φ) from 0 to 30°) nJ
W = -4*(0+1)*4*(sin(Φ) from 0 to 30°) nJ
W = -16*(sin(30°) - sin(0)) nJ
W = -16*(.5 - 0) nJ
W = -8 nJ

My question is: Is my answer the correct answer?
 
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Bizkit said:
My question is: Is my answer the correct answer?
Yes, I would say that your answer is correct.
 
I agree with Doc; your answer is correct.:approve:
 

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