Potential difference in a uniform electric field

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a problem involving an insulating rod with a specific linear charge and mass density released in a uniform electric field. The calculated speed of the rod after traveling 2.00 meters is 0.4 m/s. The main inquiry is about the effect of the electric field's orientation on the rod's motion. It is suggested that the rod behaves similarly regardless of whether the electric field is perpendicular or not, prompting questions about the forces acting on the charge distribution along the rod. The conversation emphasizes understanding the relationship between the rod's orientation and the resulting forces in the electric field.
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Homework Statement



An insulating rod having linear
charge density l 5 40.0 mC/m and
linear mass density m 5 0.100 kg/m is
released from rest in a uniform electric
field E 5 100 V/m directed perpendicular
to the rod (Fig. P25.9). (a) Determine
the speed of the rod after it has
traveled 2.00 m. (b) What If? How does
your answer to part (a) change if the
electric field is not perpendicular to the rod? Explain.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I solved part A and got .4 m/s, but I don;t understand conceptually part b. if the rod is not perpendicular to the electric field, why would its motion behave exactly as if it was perpendicular?
 
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Imagine the rod as a stack of point charges along its length. There is dq charge on dL length. What force acts on that charge? What force acts on the rod? Does it depend on the orientation of the rod with respect to the electric field?

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