What is the relationship between electric field and charge distribution?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the electric field generated by a semi-infinite insulating rod with a uniform charge density, lambda. Participants explore the integration process to determine the electric field components in both the vertical and horizontal directions, aiming to show that the resultant electric field makes a 45-degree angle with the rod. There is uncertainty regarding the convergence of the integrals used in the calculations, particularly for the horizontal component. One participant concludes that while the vertical component converges correctly, the resultant electric field does depend on R, contradicting the initial claim of independence. The conversation highlights the complexities of integrating electric field equations in electrostatics.
stunner5000pt
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pleas help! electric field

a semi infinite insulting rod carries a constant charge per unit length of lambda. SHow that he electric field at the point P makes an angle of 45 with the rod and that this result is independant of R

q = \lambda x
dq = \lambda dx

for the Y direction poiting downward
dE_{y} = \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} \frac{\lambda dx}{R^2 + x^2} \sin{\theta}
\sin{\theta} = \frac{x}{R^2 + x^2}
dE_{y} = \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} \frac{\lambda R dx}{(R^2 + x^2)^\frac{3}{2}}
dE_{y} = \frac{\lambda R}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{(R^2 + x^2)^\frac{3}{2}}
dE_{y} = \frac{\lambda R}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} [\frac{x}{R^2 \sqrt{R^2+x^2}}]_{0}^{\infty}
now I am not sure about this integral and whether or not it converges...

for the horizontal pointing left
\frac{\lambda R}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{xdx}{(R^2 + x^2)^\frac{3}{2}}
same problem here

please help!
 

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stunner5000pt said:
a semi infinite insulting rod carries a constant charge per unit length of lambda. SHow that he electric field at the point P makes an angle of 45 with the rod and that this result is independant of R

q = \lambda x
dq = \lambda dx

for the Y direction poiting downward
dE_{y} = \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} \frac{\lambda dx}{R^2 + x^2} \sin{\theta}
\sin{\theta} = \frac{x}{R^2 + x^2}
dE_{y} = \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} \frac{\lambda R dx}{(R^2 + x^2)^\frac{3}{2}}
dE_{y} = \frac{\lambda R}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{(R^2 + x^2)^\frac{3}{2}}
dE_{y} = \frac{\lambda R}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} [\frac{x}{R^2 \sqrt{R^2+x^2}}]_{0}^{\infty}
now I am not sure about this integral and whether or not it converges...

The integral is right and the limit to evaluate is almost trivial: pull x² out of the square root.
 
ok for the Y part
E_{y} = \frac{\lambda}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}R}
i swhat i got the Y part. Am i right??

for the X part
i got the same thing.
However the resultant for these two given a 45 degree angle... however it isn ot independat of R as in
E = \sqrt{2} \frac{\lambda}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}R}
 
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