# Uniform charge density and electric potential

## Homework Statement

A charge Q is uniformly distributed along the x axis from x = a to x = b. If Q = 45 nC,
a = –3.0 m, and b = 2.0 m, what is the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the point, x = 8.0 m, on the x axis?

a . 71 V

b. 60 V

c. 49 V <-- correct answer

d. 82 V

e. 150 V

## Homework Equations

lambda = q/x
electric potential = kq/ r

## The Attempt at a Solution

lambda = (45 x 10^=9)/5 = 9 x 10^-9
integrate(kdq/6+x) from -3 to 2
dq = lambda * dx
k*lamda*integral (1/6+x) from -3 to 2 <-- not correct [/B]

Related Introductory Physics Homework Help News on Phys.org
PeroK
Homework Helper
Gold Member

## Homework Statement

A charge Q is uniformly distributed along the x axis from x = a to x = b. If Q = 45 nC,
a = –3.0 m, and b = 2.0 m, what is the electric potential (relative to zero at infinity) at the point, x = 8.0 m, on the x axis?

a . 71 V

b. 60 V

c. 49 V <-- correct answer

d. 82 V

e. 150 V

## Homework Equations

lambda = q/x
electric potential = kq/ r

## The Attempt at a Solution

lambda = (45 x 10^=9)/5 = 9 x 10^-9
integrate(kdq/6+x) from -3 to 2
dq = lambda * dx
k*lamda*integral (1/6+x) from -3 to 2 <-- not correct [/B]
You need to think about the limits of your integral. Thnik about ##r## = the distance from the point you are interested in (##x = 8m##) and the points where the charge is.

fight_club_alum
DrClaude
Mentor
k*lamda*integral (1/6+x) from -3 to 2 <-- not correct
I don't get the integral you are doing. If I read it correctly, you mean
$$\int_{-3}^{2} \frac{1}{6+x} dx$$
which is incorrect. What should ##1/r## be?

Sorry made a stupid mistake should be from integral 6 to 11 (1/x) only

Thanks
Sorry made a stupid mistake should be from integral 6 to 11 (1/x) only
I don't get the integral you are doing. If I read it correctly, you mean
$$\int_{-3}^{2} \frac{1}{6+x} dx$$
which is incorrect. What should ##1/r## be?