Infinite Wire/Surface charge question

In summary, the electric field due to the wire is E=λ/2πε0r*cosθ, while the electric field due to the image charge is Et=−λ/πε0r*cosθ. The total electric field E~ is E~wire+E~image, which points in the −zˆ direction.
  • #1
Decadohedron
18
0

Homework Statement


A thin infinite wire with linear charge density λ is located parallel to an infinite conducting surface, which is coincident with the x-y plane (i.e., z = 0). The wire is parallel to the ˆx direction and is located a distance z = d from the conducting surface. The figure on the left shows a section of the infinite wire and infinite surface in 3D, while the figure on the right shows the configuration projected in the y-z plane, where the wire is going into/out of the page.

(a) Sketch the location and charge configuration of the image charge.
(b) Sketch the total electric field E~ for region above the plane (z > 0).
(c) At a point located on the conducting surface ~r = (x, y, 0), sketch the electric field vector E~wire due to the charged wire. At the same point, sketch the electric field vector E~ image due to the image charge. Argue that the total electric field E~ = E~wire + E~ image points in the −zˆ direction.
(d) How are z-components of E~wire and E~ image related to each other?
(e) Determine the total electric field E~ at an arbitrary point ~r = (x, y, 0) on the surface. Your answer should depend on y and other constants given above. Hint: You just need to compute the z-component of E~wire, using your arguments in parts (c) and (d).
(f) What is the surface charge density σ on the conducting surface? (Note: The surface density is not constant; your answer should be a function of position y.) Sketch your answer for σ(y) as a function of y. (3 points)
(g) The amount of charge on the conducting surface must be the same as that of the image charge. Verify that the linear charge density of the surface charge along the x-direction, which is given by ∫ ∞ −∞ dy σ(y), (1) is the same as the linear charge density −λ of your image charge. (3 points)

Homework Equations


Field due to infinite wire: E=λ/2πε0r*cosθ

E = σ / ε0

Et = - (Eimage+ Ewiire)
Et = - λ/πε0r*cosθ

r=√(d2+y2)
cosθ = d/√(d2+y2)

σ = λ/πr3/2

The Attempt at a Solution


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B76TBRMyBuffYzdZYUpVUk8zdkU/view?usp=sharing I only really need help with part g) I'm obviously doing something wrong as I either get 0 or an indefinite... Not quite sure what I"m doing wrong.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
upload_2016-10-30_12-54-8.png


The power of 3 on the right side is incorrect.
 

Attachments

  • upload_2016-10-30_12-51-30.png
    upload_2016-10-30_12-51-30.png
    3.1 KB · Views: 471
  • Like
Likes Decadohedron
  • #3
It would be that easy...

Thanks a lot.
 

Related to Infinite Wire/Surface charge question

What is an infinite wire/surface charge question?

An infinite wire/surface charge question is a type of physics problem that involves calculating the electric field at a point due to an infinitely long charged wire or a charged surface. This type of problem is commonly encountered in electrostatics and can be solved using Gauss's law.

How do I approach solving an infinite wire/surface charge question?

The first step in solving an infinite wire/surface charge question is to draw a diagram and identify the relevant parameters, such as the distance from the point to the wire/surface and the magnitude and direction of the charge. Then, you can use Gauss's law and the appropriate formula to calculate the electric field at the given point.

What is Gauss's law and how is it used to solve infinite wire/surface charge questions?

Gauss's law is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that relates the electric field to the charge enclosed by a closed surface. In the case of an infinite wire/surface charge question, you can use Gauss's law to calculate the electric field at a point by considering a cylindrical or spherical Gaussian surface enclosing the wire/surface.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving an infinite wire/surface charge question?

One common mistake to avoid when solving an infinite wire/surface charge question is using the wrong formula or not understanding the concept of electric field and charge distribution. It is important to carefully read and understand the problem and use the correct formula and units in your calculations.

Are there any real-life applications of infinite wire/surface charge questions?

Yes, infinite wire/surface charge questions have many real-life applications in physics and engineering, such as in the design of electric circuits and the calculation of electric fields around conductors and insulators. They are also used in understanding the behavior of charged particles in electric fields and in the development of new technologies such as capacitors and sensors.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
797
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
642
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
477
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
269
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
467
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
258
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
702
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
771
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
Back
Top