Velocity of charge orbiting infinite line of negative charg

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a positively charged particle in circular orbit around an infinitely long line of negative charge, focusing on deriving expressions for the particle's speed and orbital period. The relevant concepts include electric fields, forces on charged particles, and circular motion dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the speed of the particle using the electric field from the line of charge and the force acting on the particle. Some participants question the sign of the centripetal acceleration and the implications of negative values in the derived expressions.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen attempts to clarify the derivation process, with some guidance provided regarding the treatment of vector directions. There is acknowledgment of a successful resolution by one participant, though the original poster still seeks further assistance.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules and are discussing the implications of negative charge density and its effect on derived quantities. The original poster expresses difficulty with the correctness of their derived expressions.

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Sorry I couldn't finish the title. I ran out of space. Anyway, here's the question:

A uniformly charged, infinitely long line of negative charge has a linear charge density of -λ and is located on the z axis. A small positively charged particle that has a mass m and a charge q is in circular orbit of radius R in the xy plane centered on the line of charge. (Use the following as necessary: k, q, m, R, and λ.)

(a) Derive an expression for the speed of the particle.

(b) Obtain an expression for the period of the particle's orbit.

Relevant Equations:

E = λ/(2πrε0) for an infinite line of charge. In the case of this problem I used -λ instead of just λ.

F = Eq = mv2/r

T = (2π)/ω = (2π)/(v/r) = (2πr)/v
I tried using the first equation I listed above in order to derive E. This led to:

E = -λ/(2πRε0)
F = Eq = mv2/R , so this leads to:

F = -λq/(2πRε0) = mv2/R

solving algebraically for v yields:

v = sqrt(-λq/(2πmε0)) = sqrt(-λkq / (2m) )

Here I thought I had derived v, but webassign said that this was wrong. I tried taking out the negative sign since having an imaginary velocity makes no sense, but it was still wrong. I can't do (b) until I solve (a). Please help.
 
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you expression for centripetal acceleratio should have a minus sign, since it points inwards.
remember: vectors.

note: $$\frac{1}{2\pi\epsilon_0} = 2k$$
 
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Simon Bridge said:
you expression for centripetal acceleratio should have a minus sign, since it points inwards.
remember: vectors.

note: $$\frac{1}{2\pi\epsilon_0} = 2k$$
Thanks! I solved it now.
 
Well done.
 

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