Calculate Electric Field at Origin 0 - $\lambda, \vartheta, R$

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In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a thin rod bent into the shape of an arc carrying a uniform charge per unit length. The goal is to determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field at the origin, expressed in terms of the variables lambda, theta, and R. The solution involves integrating and considering the direction of the electric field vector. It is advised to start working on the problem earlier than the deadline to allow enough time for understanding.
  • #1
afm-91
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0
l need your help !

A thin rod bent into the shape of an arc of a circle of radius R carries a uniform charge per unit length[tex]\lambda[/tex] . The arc subtends a total angle2[tex]\vartheta[/tex] , symmetric about the X axis, as shown in the figure.




GIANCOLI.ch21.p49.jpg




Determine the magnitudeE of the electric field at the origin 0??

Express your answer in terms of the variables [tex]\lambda[/tex], [tex]\vartheta[/tex],R , and appropriate constants.






Determine the direction of the electric field E at the origin 0.?
to the left
to the right
 
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  • #2


Welcome to PF :smile:

The way this forum works is, the student posts the relevant equation(s) and makes an attempt at solving the problem before getting help. Even if that attempt is wrong, we like to know you have put some thought into the problem.

Your textbook should have an equation for getting the field of an extended charge (i.e., not point charges). Try finding that equation, and think about how it can be applied here.
 
  • #3


E = k[tex]\lambda[/tex]/R
?

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR THE HOME WORK >>> PLZ HELP ME !
 
  • #4


no body can help me?
 
  • #5


afm-91 said:
E = k[tex]\lambda[/tex]/R
?
Not quite. That is for a straight, infinitely long rod or wire.

This one will require integrating,

[tex]\stackrel{\rightarrow}{E} \ = \int\frac{k \ \hat{r}}{r^2} \ \lambda \ dl
[/tex]

A couple of questions for you:
Have you had calculus?
Is there an example worked out in your textbook or class lecture notes, where they do an integral similar to the above equation?

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR THE HOME WORK >>> PLZ HELP ME !
I'll help as I can, but I am not constantly on the computer all the time today.
 
  • #6


how can i solve this integral??
 
  • #7


There really should be an example worked out in your book.

You'll need to decide which terms in the integral are constants, and which are variables. Also, the fact that E is a vector, and that "r-hat" can change direction, must be taken into account.
 
  • #8


Redbelly, I'm afraid it is too late anyway.

Perhaps it is a good idea to try and start working on your problems a bit longer than one day before the deadline. Learning physics is not like learning history: it requires understanding more than learning stuff by heart, and that takes time.
 

FAQ: Calculate Electric Field at Origin 0 - $\lambda, \vartheta, R$

What is the formula for calculating electric field at the origin?

The formula for calculating electric field at the origin is E = kλ/R², where k is the Coulomb's constant, λ is the charge distribution, and R is the distance from the origin.

How do I determine the direction of the electric field at the origin?

The direction of the electric field at the origin can be determined using the right-hand rule. Point your thumb in the direction of the charge distribution (λ), and your fingers will curl in the direction of the electric field.

What is the significance of the angle (θ) in the formula for calculating electric field at the origin?

The angle (θ) represents the direction of the charge distribution in relation to the origin. It is used to calculate the magnitude of the electric field at the origin.

How does the distance (R) affect the electric field at the origin?

The distance (R) has an inverse relationship with the electric field at the origin. As the distance increases, the electric field decreases, and vice versa.

Can I use this formula to calculate the electric field at any point other than the origin?

Yes, the formula for calculating the electric field at the origin can be used to calculate the electric field at any point, as long as the distance (R) is measured from that point to the charge distribution (λ).

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