Voltage on a point charge from a stick of charge

In summary, the question is asking for the electric potential energy of a point charge located a distance a from the end of a rod with a charge density of ßx. The solution involves taking the integral of the charge distribution on the rod using the equation V=\frac{q}{4\pi\epsilon r}. The voltage generated by the rod's charge distribution is what is needed to calculate the electric potential energy at the point charge's location.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


In the figure the rod has a charge density of ßx, where x=0 is the left end of the rod, etc. Find the electric potential energy of the point charge q a distance a from the end of the rod and lying along the rod's axis.
http://www.usi.edu/science/physics/pickett/206/4p4f1.jpg

Homework Equations


V=[itex]\frac{q}{4\pi\epsilon r}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Since it is voltage from the whole rod it should be an integral, but where I'm not sure at is what should be on top of the fraction

The integral is from 0 to L
[itex]\int\frac{q}{4\pi\epsilon (a+L-x)}dx[/itex]
or
[itex]\int\frac{\beta x}{4\pi\epsilon (a+L-x)}dx[/itex]
 
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  • #2
To calculate the voltage where the point charge is, the point charge itself is irrelevant. You want the voltage generated by the charge distribution on the rod, so it's the second integral.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the voltage on a point charge from a stick of charge?

The formula for calculating the voltage on a point charge from a stick of charge is V = kQ / r, where k is the Coulomb's constant (9x10^9 N*m^2/C^2), Q is the charge of the stick, and r is the distance from the stick to the point charge.

2. How does the voltage change as the distance from the stick of charge increases?

The voltage decreases as the distance from the stick of charge increases. This is because the electric field strength decreases with distance, resulting in a weaker force and therefore a lower voltage.

3. Can the voltage on a point charge be negative?

Yes, the voltage on a point charge can be negative. This occurs when the point charge has a negative charge and is attracted to the positive charge on the stick, resulting in a negative voltage.

4. Does the length of the stick of charge affect the voltage on a point charge?

Yes, the length of the stick of charge does affect the voltage on a point charge. The longer the stick, the greater the charge and therefore the higher the voltage.

5. How does the voltage on a point charge from a stick of charge compare to the voltage from a single point charge?

The voltage from a stick of charge is equal to the voltage from a single point charge at the center of the stick. As you move away from the center, the voltage will decrease due to the distribution of charge along the stick.

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