Two perpendicular charged infinite lines

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force vector between two perpendicular infinite charged lines, each with a charge density of ##10^{-3}##. One line has a positive charge on one half and a negative charge on the other, while the second line is positioned 5 cm away and has the same charge distribution. The participant attempts to derive the force using the equation ##dF=dedE## but encounters convergence issues when integrating from ##-\infty## to ##\infty##. The discussion highlights the importance of considering the opposite charges in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics, specifically Coulomb's law.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus and integration techniques.
  • Knowledge of charge density concepts and their mathematical representations.
  • Basic principles of electric fields generated by charged lines.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the integration of electric field contributions from infinite charge distributions.
  • Learn about the superposition principle in electrostatics.
  • Explore the concept of convergence in improper integrals.
  • Investigate the effects of charge distribution on force calculations in electrostatics.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electric fields and forces between charged objects.

brkomir
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Homework Statement


On a long dielectric line a charge with density ##10^{-3}## is applied one half with positive charge and the other half with negative charge. Perpendicular to the first line and 5 cm away from it we have another line with the same charge density and also half of it is positive while the other half is negative. Points on the line where the charge changes from positive to negative, are the closest. (meaning they are 5 cm apart). Determine the vector of force between the lines.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I hope at least some of the things written below are ok:

Density of charge is ##\rho =e/l## meaning ##de=\rho \frac{dx}{l}##.

Vector from the origin to the point on horizontal line ##\vec r=(x,0,h)## if ##h## is the distance between the lines. Vector from the origin to the point on vertical line is ##\vec r^{'}=(0,y,0)##

So finally
##dF=dedE=\frac{\rho ^2}{l^2}dxdy\frac{1}{4\pi \epsilon _0}\frac{(x,-y,h)}{(x^2+y^2+z^2)^{3/2}}##

But if I integrate this from ##-\infty ## to ##\infty ## the integral does not converge... Did I do anything wrong or is this simply the correct answer? :/
 
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e is usually the (negative) charge of a single electron, using it for an arbitrary charge is a bit confusing.

Where did you take into account that the two halves have opposite charge?
 

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