Limits of integration for electric potential

AI Thread Summary
The discussion clarifies the choice of integration limits for calculating electric potential, specifically using limits from 0 to R_0 instead of 0 to x. Integrating from 0 to R_0 accounts for the varying radii of thin ring elements that contribute to the potential at point P. In contrast, integrating from 0 to x would be invalid as the distance x is constant and does not vary during the integration process. This distinction highlights the importance of correctly identifying the variables involved in the integration. Understanding these limits is crucial for accurately calculating electric potential in this context.
Calpalned
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In the example in the picture, we can see that they chose the limits of integration to be from 0 to R_0. Why didn't they choose x (that is, from 0 to x)? Isn't that what we normally integrate over when we find potential energy and electric fields?
Thank you
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Here we are adding potential at P due to different ring elements. The disk is considered as large numbers of thin rings with radii varying from 0 to R0 hence the potential due to a ring element is integrated for radius 0 to R0.
 
That makes sense... so integrating from 0 to x would be invalid?
 
Yes, actually integration is the sum and we are here adding nothing which is varying with x. The distance x of P is a constant.
 
mukundpa said:
Yes, actually integration is the sum and we are here adding nothing which is varying with x. The distance x of P is a constant.
Ok thank you. I understand now
 
welcome.
 
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