Two perpendicular charged infinite lines

In summary, the problem involves two parallel lines with charge densities of ##10^{-3}##, one with positive and one with negative charge. The distance between the lines is 5 cm. To determine the force between the lines, the density of charge is represented by ##\rho = e/l## and the vectors from the origin to the points on the lines are represented by ##\vec r=(x,0,h)## and ##\vec r^{'}=(0,y,0)##. The final formula for the force is ##dF=dedE=\frac{\rho ^2}{l^2}dxdy\frac{1}{4\pi \epsilon _0}\frac{(x,-y,h)}
  • #1
brkomir
34
0

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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  • #2
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?
 

1. What is the concept of two perpendicular charged infinite lines?

The concept of two perpendicular charged infinite lines refers to two lines that are infinitely long and are placed at a right angle to each other. Both lines have a constant charge that creates an electric field around them.

2. How do the charges on the two lines interact with each other?

The charges on the two lines interact with each other through their electric fields. The electric field created by one line exerts a force on the charges of the other line, leading to an attraction or repulsion depending on the polarity of the charges.

3. What is the mathematical representation of the electric field created by two perpendicular charged infinite lines?

The electric field created by two perpendicular charged infinite lines can be represented by the superposition principle, where the total electric field is the vector sum of the individual fields created by each line. It can also be represented by the equation E = k * Q * L / r, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge on the line, L is the length of the line, and r is the distance from the line.

4. How does the distance between the two lines affect the electric field?

The distance between the two lines has a direct impact on the strength of the electric field. As the distance increases, the electric field weakens, and the force between the charges decreases. This is because the electric field lines spread out over a larger area, reducing the strength of the field.

5. Can two perpendicular charged infinite lines ever cross?

No, two perpendicular charged infinite lines cannot cross. If they were to cross, the electric field at the point of intersection would be undefined, as there would be two different values for the electric field direction and magnitude at that point. This goes against the laws of physics, which state that the electric field at a point can only have one direction and magnitude.

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