How Is Electric Potential Calculated for a Charged Wire Bent into a Circle?

In summary, we are given a wire with a uniform linear charge density of 2.2 μC/m and a radius of 3.7 m. Using the Coulomb constant of 8.98755 × 109 N · m2/C2, we need to find the electrical potential at point p. To solve this problem, we need to use the equation V = - integral (E dl). Integration will need to be done, first for the line and then for the circle, with the limits of integration still unknown. After 1 hour of trying to solve this, the solution can be found with the given information.
  • #1
Arshad_Physic
51
1

Homework Statement



A wire that has a uniform linear charge density of 2.2 μC/m is bent into the shape as
shown below, with radius 3.7 m.

The Coulomb constant is 8.98755 × 109 N · m2/C2. Find the electrical potential at point p.

Here is the image:
http://s769.photobucket.com/albums/xx339…

(Radius is 3.7 and the distance of line is 7.4)
Answer in units of V.



Homework Equations



V = - integral (E dl)

The Attempt at a Solution



I am at a total loss as to how to solve this. First I thought that since the density is uniform, we won't have to integrate. But I am guessing that integration will be done on this one first for the line and then for the circle. But I am totally stuck as to what to integrate, and what will be the limits of integration.

On this one I spent about 1 hour, but I have reached to no conclusion. I need help on this one! :)

PLEASE HELP! :)

Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
okay - time is up now - now I can see the solution...
 

FAQ: How Is Electric Potential Calculated for a Charged Wire Bent into a Circle?

What is electric potential?

Electric potential, also known as voltage, is a measure of the electric energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field.

How is electric potential calculated?

Electric potential is calculated by dividing the work done on a charge by that charge's magnitude. The equation for electric potential is V = W/Q, where V is the electric potential, W is the work done, and Q is the charge.

What units are used to measure electric potential?

Electric potential is measured in volts (V) in the International System of Units (SI).

What is the difference between electric potential and electric potential energy?

Electric potential is a measure of the electric energy per unit charge at a specific point, whereas electric potential energy is the potential energy a charge possesses due to its position in an electric field. Electric potential is a scalar quantity, while electric potential energy is a vector quantity.

How is electric potential related to electric field?

Electric potential and electric field are closely related. The electric field is the force per unit charge at a point in an electric field, while electric potential is the work done per unit charge to move a charge from one point to another. The electric field is the negative gradient of electric potential, meaning that the direction of the electric field is in the direction of decreasing electric potential.

Similar threads

Why Is the Electric Potential the Same for Inner and Outer Semi-Circles?
Replies
7
Views
774
Potential and Electric Field near a Charged CD Disk
Replies
2
Views
1K
Finding electric potential of an infinite line charge at z axis
2
Replies
64
Views
3K
Calculating Electric Potential for a Non-Negligible Thickness Toroid
Replies
4
Views
1K
Determine the Electrical potential at a given point
Replies
7
Views
1K
Calculating eletric potential using line integral of electric field
Replies
1
Views
2K
Electric Potential of a Sphere at Different Locations
Replies
1
Views
3K
Find the electric field of a long line charge at a radial distance
Replies
1
Views
1K
Uniform charge density and electric potential
Replies
4
Views
3K
Electric Potential Homework: Circle of Radius 5 cm
Replies
1
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top