Potential from a ring of charge

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric potential at a specific point above a ring of charge. The problem involves understanding the geometric relationships and electric field contributions from the charged ring.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to begin the problem. Some participants suggest using geometric relationships to determine distances and components related to the point of interest. Others provide a more detailed approach involving the electric field and potential gradient, prompting further clarification from the original poster.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering different perspectives on how to approach the problem. There is an exchange of ideas regarding the geometric setup and the application of electric field concepts, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has not provided specific values or additional context about the charge distribution or the point's location, which may affect the discussion.

-EquinoX-
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Homework Statement



http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/3462/poth.th.jpg

How can I find the potential at the point p above?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no idea where to start at
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I'd suggest that you use geometry.

Drop a perpendicular to the plane of the ring. Call it P' The distance then is a right triangle that has one side constant, P-P'. Your dq element distances from P can then be determined by the distance expression of the elements of the ring in the x-y plane to P' and the other leg P-P'.
 
I don't quite understand what you mean.. please elaborate
 
Drop a perpendicular from p to the axis of the coil. Let PP' = x be the the perpendicular. Let O be the center of the coil and R be the radius of the coil. Electric field due to the coil having charge Q is given by
E = kQ*OP'/(R^2 + OP'^2)^3/2
The potential gradient along P'P is given by deltaV = E.dx = E*dx*cos(theta) = -E*dx*x/OP' .Substitute the value of E. Find the integration from x = 0 to x = x.
 

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