Potential due to non-uniformly charged disk

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential due to a non-uniformly charged disk. Participants clarify that while a disk cannot be treated as a single point charge, a ring can be approximated as such due to uniform distance from the axis. The key equation used is v=q/4πrε, where v represents electric potential, q is the total charge, r is the distance from the charge to the point of interest, and ε is the permittivity of free space. Integration of the charge density is necessary to determine the total charge accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and charge density
  • Familiarity with integration techniques in calculus
  • Knowledge of electrostatics principles
  • Proficiency in using the equation v=q/4πrε
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of integrating charge density over a disk
  • Learn about the differences between point charges and distributed charges
  • Explore applications of electric potential in electrostatics
  • Investigate the role of permittivity in electric field calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electric potential and charge distribution.

mawgs
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Homework Statement



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2. Equations
v=q/4πrε

3. Attempt at solution
Can I find the total charge by integrating the charge density equation from 0 to 2π and then plug that into the above equation?
 
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mawgs said:
Can I find the total charge by integrating the charge density equation from 0 to 2π and then plug that into the above equation?
No, you can't treat the entire disk as a single point charge.

Roll up your sleeves and integrate. :oldsmile:

[EDIT: Sorry. From the thread title, I was thinking of a disk, not a ring. Yes you can treat the ring as a single point charge because all the charge elements are at the same distance from the point on the axis. (But you still need to integrate to find the charge.) Make sure you use the correct value for r in v=q/4πrε.]
 
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