Why Is My Calculation of the Electric Field at Point P Incorrect?

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SUMMARY

The calculation of the electric field at point P due to a uniform circular ring of charge was incorrectly performed due to a variable mix-up. The correct formula for the electric field E_z is E_z = (kQz)/((z^2+R^2)^(3/2)), where k = 9 x 10^9 N m²/C², Q = 4.20 µC, R = 0.0130 m, and z = 0.0370 m. The user initially used x instead of z in their calculations, leading to an incorrect result. After correcting the variables, the user successfully obtained the correct electric field value of 2.316 x 10^7 N/C.

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  • Understanding of electric fields and Coulomb's law
  • Familiarity with the concept of charge distribution
  • Knowledge of basic calculus for manipulating equations
  • Ability to convert units (microCoulombs to Coulombs, cm to meters)
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  • Study the derivation of electric fields from continuous charge distributions
  • Learn about the application of Gauss's law in electrostatics
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Homework Statement


A uniform circular ring of charge Q=4.20 microCoulombs and radius R=1.30 cm is located in the x-y plane, centered on the origin as shown in the figure.

What is the magnitude of the electric field E at point P, located at z=3.70 cm?

I have worked out the problem and got the following formula which I know is correct but when I enter in my numbers it doesn't seem to give me the correct answer, so I'm wondering what I am doing wrong (see below)

E_z = (kQx)/((x^2+R^2)^(3/2))

where k=9x10^9, Q = 4.2*10^-6, x= 0.0130, and R = 0.0370.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I have worked out the problem and got the following formula which I know is correct but when I enter in my numbers it doesn't seem to give me the correct answer, so I'm wondering what I am doing wrong (see below)

E_z = (kQx)/((x^2+R^2)^(3/2))

where k=9x10^9, Q = 4.2*10^-6, x= 0.0130, and z = 0.0370.

So what am I doing wrong? are my numbers above correct?
****.jpg
****.jpg


2.316×10^7 N/C
 
Last edited:
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Looks like you swapped constants. This could be avoided if you restated the equation as

E_z = (kQz)/((z^2+R^2)^(3/2))

R = .0130 m
z = .0370 m
...
 
rcgldr said:
Looks like you swapped constants. This could be avoided if you restated the equation as

E_z = (kQz)/((z^2+R^2)^(3/2))

R = .0130 m
z = .0370 m
...
thanks that fixed my problem!(
 

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