Doubt about Electric Field calculations

In summary, to find the magnitude of an electric field intensity at a distance 12.9 cm from the axis of a long, straight conductor with a radius of 3.82 cm and a charge density of 1.61 C/m, we can use Gauss's law, E= λ/2πrε0, using only the 12.9 cm distance and not including the 3.82 cm radius.
  • #1
ft92
19
1

Homework Statement


Find the magnitude of an electric field intensity at a distance 12.9 cm, from the axis of a long, straight conductor, which has a radius 3.82 cm, and a charge density of 1.61 C/m.

Homework Equations


Gauss's law

The Attempt at a Solution


E= λ/2πrε0

Hello, I'm having some troubles understanding this question. To find E i would simply use the 12.9 cm radius, convert it into meters and use the above equation but if I do so I won't need the other information given of the radius of the conductor.
Do you agree with me? or should I add the 12.9 + the 3.82 radius and put that value into the equation?
thanks
 
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  • #2
The problem clearly states that the 12.9 cm distance is the distance from the axis. The 3.82 cm information is a red herring.
 
  • #3
thank you!
 

FAQ: Doubt about Electric Field calculations

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the influence of an electric charge on other charges in its vicinity. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and is measured in units of volts per meter (V/m). Electric fields are created by the presence of electric charges and can exert a force on other charges within the field.

How is the electric field calculated?

The electric field at a specific point is calculated by dividing the force exerted on a test charge by the magnitude of the test charge. This can be represented by the equation E = F/q, where E is the electric field, F is the force, and q is the test charge. The direction of the electric field is in the direction of the force on a positive test charge.

What factors affect the strength of an electric field?

The strength of an electric field is affected by the magnitude of the source charge and the distance from the source charge. As the magnitude of the source charge increases, the electric field strength also increases. However, as the distance from the source charge increases, the electric field strength decreases due to the inverse square law.

Can an electric field be negative?

Yes, an electric field can be negative. This means that the direction of the electric field is opposite to the direction of the force on a positive test charge. Negative electric fields can be created by negative charges or by the direction of the electric field being towards a positive charge.

How is the electric field represented graphically?

The electric field at a point can be represented graphically by using electric field lines. These lines show the direction and relative strength of the electric field. The closer the lines are together, the stronger the electric field at that point. The direction of the electric field lines is always in the direction a positive test charge would move if placed in the field.

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