Potential Difference Near a Charged Rod

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the potential difference (VC - VA) near a uniformly charged rod of length L = 7.8 m and charge Q = -6.5e-08 coulombs. The electric field (Erod) is defined as Erod = (9e9)*(2Q/L)/r, and the potential difference is calculated using the equation ΔV = - ∫ E dl. The user correctly identifies that points A and B are equidistant from the rod horizontally, leading to no change in potential in that direction, and sets up the integral for the potential difference between points B and C.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and potential differences
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically integration
  • Knowledge of electrostatics, particularly regarding charged rods
  • Ability to apply the formula for electric field due to a line charge
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the electric field for a uniformly charged rod
  • Learn how to compute potential differences using integrals in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of equipotential surfaces in relation to charged objects
  • Investigate the effects of varying distances from charged rods on potential differences
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to electric fields and potential differences near charged objects.

lightupshoes8
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Homework Statement



A long rod of length L = 7.8 m carries a uniform charge Q = -6.5e-08 coulombs.
Calculate the potential difference VC - VA. The distance c is 4 cm, the distance b is 11 cm, and the distance a is 4 cm. Only part of the rod is shown in the diagram (it is longer than shown).
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Homework Equations



Erod = (9e9)*[tex]\frac{2Q/L}{r}[/tex]
[tex]\Delta[/tex]V = - [tex]\int[/tex] E dl

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured that since A is the same distance horizontally as B from the rod, there would be no change in potential since its not acting in that direction. So I was just going to find Vc-Vb

I set up my integral as follows:

V = - (9e9)*[tex]\frac{2Q}{L}[/tex][tex]\int[/tex] [tex]\frac{dr}{r}[/tex]
Integral going from upper to lower: B to C

I just don't think I'm headed in the right direction. It seems like the answer is not going to be what I want it to be.
 
Last edited:
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lightupshoes8 said:
I figured that since A is the same distance horizontally as B from the rod, there would be no change in potential since its not acting in that direction. So I was just going to find Vc-Vb
That's right.
I set up my integral as follows:

V = - (9e9)*[tex]\frac{2Q}{L}[/tex][tex]\int[/tex] [tex]\frac{dr}{r}[/tex]
Integral going from upper to lower: B to C
That looks ok too.
 

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