Potential due to a finite charged wire

In summary, the potential at point O is given by the sum of the potentials due to the leftmost, center, and rightmost pieces of wire. By symmetry, the potential due to the leftmost and rightmost pieces of wire is equal, resulting in a total potential of ##V(O)=\frac{\lambda(\pi + ln(9))}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}## at point O.
  • #1
lorenz0
148
28
Homework Statement
A wire of finite length has linear positive charge density ##\lambda##
What is the potential at point O?
Relevant Equations
##V(r)=\frac{q}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 r}##
Considering a reference frame with ##x=0## at the leftmost point I have for the leftmost piece of wire: ##\int_{x=0}^{x=2R}\frac{\lambda dx}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 (3R-x)}=\frac{\lambda ln(3)}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}##.
The potential at O due to the semicircular piece of wire at the center is ##\int_{\theta=0}^{\theta=\pi}\frac{\lambda Rd\theta}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 R}=\frac{\lambda}{4\varepsilon_0}##.
The potential at O due to the rightmost piece of wire is, by symmetry, the same as that due to the leftmost piece of wire ##(\int_{x=R}^{x=3R}\frac{\lambda dx}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 x}=\frac{\lambda ln(3)}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}).##

So, the total potential at O is ##V(O)=2\frac{\lambda ln(3)}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}+\frac{\lambda}{4\varepsilon_0}=\frac{\lambda(\pi+ln(9))}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}##.

Does this make sense? Thanks
 

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  • #2
Wouldn't the left and right straight sections yield the same potential at O :wideeyed: ? (you know, symmetry and all that...)

##\ ##
 
  • #3
lorenz0 said:
##(4R+x)##? How do you get that?
 
  • #4
BvU said:
Wouldn't the left and right straight sections yield the same potential at O :wideeyed: ? (you know, symmetry and all that...)

##\ ##
Yes; I have edited my answer, thanks.
 
  • #5
That was a mistake, which I have corrected thanks to user BvU.
 

FAQ: Potential due to a finite charged wire

What is the definition of potential due to a finite charged wire?

The potential due to a finite charged wire is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in space caused by the presence of a finite length of wire with a certain amount of charge.

How is the potential due to a finite charged wire calculated?

The potential due to a finite charged wire can be calculated using the formula V = kλln(b/a), where V is the potential, k is the Coulomb constant, λ is the charge per unit length of the wire, b is the distance from the wire to the point of calculation, and a is the distance from the wire's end to the point of calculation.

What is the relationship between the potential due to a finite charged wire and distance from the wire?

The potential due to a finite charged wire is inversely proportional to the distance from the wire. This means that as the distance increases, the potential decreases. This relationship follows the inverse square law, where the potential decreases by a factor of 1/r2, where r is the distance from the wire.

How does the charge distribution along the wire affect the potential due to a finite charged wire?

The charge distribution along the wire affects the potential due to a finite charged wire by changing the shape of the potential curve. A more concentrated charge distribution will result in a steeper potential curve, while a more spread out charge distribution will result in a flatter potential curve.

What is the significance of the potential due to a finite charged wire in practical applications?

The potential due to a finite charged wire is an important concept in understanding the behavior of electric fields and potential in real-world scenarios. It is used in various applications, such as designing electrical circuits, calculating the potential of transmission lines, and understanding the potential distribution in conductors.

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