Potential due to a finite charged wire

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential at point O due to a finite charged wire configuration. The potential contributions from the leftmost, semicircular, and rightmost sections of the wire are derived using integrals, leading to a total potential expression of V(O) = (λ(π + ln(9))) / (4πε₀). Symmetry is highlighted, confirming that the left and right straight sections yield equal potential at point O. A correction was made in the calculations, thanks to input from another user. The conversation emphasizes the importance of symmetry in electric potential calculations.
lorenz0
Messages
151
Reaction score
28
Homework Statement
A wire of finite length has linear positive charge density ##\lambda##
What is the potential at point O?
Relevant Equations
##V(r)=\frac{q}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 r}##
Considering a reference frame with ##x=0## at the leftmost point I have for the leftmost piece of wire: ##\int_{x=0}^{x=2R}\frac{\lambda dx}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 (3R-x)}=\frac{\lambda ln(3)}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}##.
The potential at O due to the semicircular piece of wire at the center is ##\int_{\theta=0}^{\theta=\pi}\frac{\lambda Rd\theta}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 R}=\frac{\lambda}{4\varepsilon_0}##.
The potential at O due to the rightmost piece of wire is, by symmetry, the same as that due to the leftmost piece of wire ##(\int_{x=R}^{x=3R}\frac{\lambda dx}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 x}=\frac{\lambda ln(3)}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}).##

So, the total potential at O is ##V(O)=2\frac{\lambda ln(3)}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}+\frac{\lambda}{4\varepsilon_0}=\frac{\lambda(\pi+ln(9))}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}##.

Does this make sense? Thanks
 

Attachments

  • potential_wire.png
    potential_wire.png
    2.4 KB · Views: 152
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Wouldn't the left and right straight sections yield the same potential at O :wideeyed: ? (you know, symmetry and all that...)

##\ ##
 
lorenz0 said:
##(4R+x)##? How do you get that?
 
BvU said:
Wouldn't the left and right straight sections yield the same potential at O :wideeyed: ? (you know, symmetry and all that...)

##\ ##
Yes; I have edited my answer, thanks.
 
That was a mistake, which I have corrected thanks to user BvU.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
Thread 'Trying to understand the logic behind adding vectors with an angle between them'
My initial calculation was to subtract V1 from V2 to show that from the perspective of the second aircraft the first one is -300km/h. So i checked with ChatGPT and it said I cant just subtract them because I have an angle between them. So I dont understand the reasoning of it. Like why should a velocity be dependent on an angle? I was thinking about how it would look like if the planes where parallel to each other, and then how it look like if one is turning away and I dont see it. Since...
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
Back
Top