Potential at a Distance away from a FINITE continuously charged plane

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential at a distance from a finite continuously charged square plane using Python programming. The participant intends to apply a two-integral method, initially calculating the potential from a finite line charge and then integrating over the dimensions of the plane. The charge density is represented as sigma (σ = Q/A), which is substituted from the line charge density lambda (λ = Q/L) for accurate integration. The user seeks advice on the integration setup and methodology to proceed with their programming task.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and charge distributions
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically double integrals
  • Knowledge of Python programming for numerical integration
  • Concept of charge density (σ and λ) in electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Python numerical integration techniques" for implementing the calculations
  • Study "Electric potential due to continuous charge distributions" for theoretical background
  • Explore "Double integral applications in physics" to understand integration over areas
  • Learn about "Charge density conversions between line and area" for accurate modeling
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, as well as programmers looking to implement physics simulations in Python.

BeRiemann
Messages
14
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


This is primarily a question that I'm trying to program into python. I want to know the potential at some distance (x,y) from the center of a square plane.


Homework Equations


V = integral (k/r) dq


The Attempt at a Solution


The way I see this mathematically is a two integral method. First I figure out the potential from a finite line with a continuous charge. This can be seen as dx or dy, such as the next step integrates this over either the width or length of the plane. If the point had no shift in x, it could be imagined as a pyramid.
I have the line charge done, though it is in terms of lambda = Q/L, when I actually have a sigma = Q/A. With an even charge distribution, I should be able to substitute (Q/(Length*width)) for lambda as long as I use it in both integrals.

Again, just looking for some advice into the method or the setup of the integration. I can take it from there in terms of the programming or simplifying.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
As a reference I'm trying to do this
http://www.physics.upenn.edu/courses/gladney/phys151/lectures/lecture_jan_17_2003.shtml#tth_sEc1.3.3
but with electric potential in a general form.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
64
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
859
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K