Potential due to Uniform Charge Distribution (3d)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric potential due to a uniform charge distribution in three dimensions. Participants are exploring the integral formulation of the potential and the challenges that arise when extending concepts from two-dimensional problems to three-dimensional scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the potential using integrals and question how to set up the triple integral for the charge distribution. There is confusion regarding the limits of integration and the interpretation of the variables involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the relationship between the differential volume element and the variables involved in the integral. There is ongoing exploration of the correct expressions and the implications of reversing the primes in the notation. Multiple interpretations of the integral setup are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants are preparing for an upcoming exam and are working through practice problems. There is a mention of constraints related to homework rules and the nature of the discussion being more about practice rather than formal homework assignments.

lorx99
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Homework Statement



upload_2018-10-6_20-34-8.png

Homework Equations



dV= integral(kdQ/dR)

The Attempt at a Solution


So, I'm familiar with these type of problems but in 2D (like a line of uniform charge).
When the y,z component is added, I'm kinda lost.

i know dQ = p*dV= p*dx*dy*dz. (atleast i think it is).
also the dR = sqrt(x^2 + (y'-y)^2+z^2) since y is the only distance changing.
Now, i get confused as to how to put together the integral. Can someone guide me and help me out?

I am studying for an exam tomorrow :C.
 

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## V(\vec{r})=\int \frac{k \rho(\vec{r}')}{|\vec{r}-\vec{r}'|}\, d^3 r' ##. Which, if any, of the expressions fit this description? ## \\ ## A hint is they have reversed primes and unprimes, but that is perfectly ok to do. (Take the expression I just gave you and reverse the primes and unprimes). ## \\ ## Also, ## |\vec{r}-\vec{r}'| =\sqrt{(x-x')^2+(y-y')^2+(z-z')^2}##. ## \\ ## Also ## \rho(\vec{r}')=\rho ##. ## \\ ## This one is pretty obvious, but I don't know that I have a simple way to teach you about the limits on triple integrals inside of 10 minutes. Which one do you think might be correct?
 
Last edited:
Charles Link said:
## V(\vec{r})=\int \frac{k \rho(\vec{r}')}{|\vec{r}-\vec{r}'|}\, d^3 r' ##. Which, if any, of the expressions fit this description? ## \\ ## A hint is they have reversed primes and unprimes, but that is perfectly ok to do. (Take the expression I just gave you and reverse the primes and unprimes). ## \\ ## Also, ## |\vec{r}-\vec{r}'| =\sqrt{(x-x')^2+(y-y')^2+(z-z')^2}##. ## \\ ## Also ## \rho(\vec{r}')=\rho ##.

How do i deal with the d^3(r)? Also, is the absolute(r-r') just the sqrt(x^2+(y'-y)^2+z^2)?
 
lorx99 said:
How do i deal with the d^3(r)? Also, is the absolute(r-r') just the sqrt(x^2+(y'-y)^2+z^2)?
## d^3 r=dx \, dy \, dz ##. It means the same thing. And yes, see my updated post 2. I wrote out ## |r-r' | ## for you. ## \\ ## Let ## \vec{r}=(0,y,0) ##, i.e. ## x=0 ## and ## z=0 ##, and then reverse the primes and unprimes. ## \\ ## I think you might have a pretty good idea which one is the correct answer. I can verify your answer, but as a homework helper, I am not allowed to give you the answer.
 
Last edited:
Charles Link said:
## d^3 r=dx \, dy \, dz ##. It means the same thing. And yes, see my updated post 2. I wrote out ## |r-r' | ## for you. ## \\ ## Let ## \vec{r}=(0,y,0) ##, i.e. ## x=0 ## and ## z=0 ##, and then reverse the primes and unprimes. ## \\ ## I think you might have a pretty good idea which one is the correct answer. I can verify your answer, but as a homework helper, I am not allowed to give you the answer.

Ehh. It's not really homework. I'm doing a bunch of practice exams to prepare my exam tomorrow.

So the answer seems to be e) but is the kp/sqrt() just a constant then? and can be taken out of the integrals? The integral only depends on the limits of the box right?
 
lorx99 said:
Ehh. It's not really homework. I'm doing a bunch of practice exams to prepare my exam tomorrow.

So the answer seems to be e) but is the kp/sqrt() just a constant then? and can be taken out of the integrals? The integral only depends on the limits of the box right?
The position of the square root on the far right in (e) means that ## x, y, ## and ## z ## get integrated over ## x, y, ## and ## z ##. And no, the square root expression is not a constant. ## \\ ## And the answer is indeed (e). ## \\ ## ## k \rho ## is a constant, so it can go anywhere.
 
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