- #1
Blastrix91
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Homework Statement
http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/2816/unavngivettz.png
My problem is that I'm confused about a hint I was given in this problem. I usually use the law of cosine to find the length of [itex]\vec{r}-\vec{r'}[/itex] in sphere problems. But the hint I have says that I should make it [itex][r^2 + (z - z_0)^2]^{1/2}[/itex]
Where could this be coming from? I can't quite get my head around the geometrical idea of this hint. Can't the law of cosine be used here?
([itex]\vec{r'}[/itex] is the vector to the charge distribution. [itex]\vec{r}[/itex] is the vector to everywhere in space, but since it is the potential at the axis of the cylinder it is probably what is described as z_0.)
I have a hard time seeing where there is any right triangle here to use pythagoras approach on.
(Here is a illustration of the problem:
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3168/unavngivetwj.png )
Homework Equations
The volume part of this equation:
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/1306/unavngivetmg.png
The Attempt at a Solution
I'm having trouble starting the problem.
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