Physics Ch 67.2 Advanced E&M: Electrostatics (10 of TBD) The Electric Field from a Line Charge - 3/3

Michel van Biezen2 minutes read

The lecture discusses the calculation of the electric field at a specific point for an infinitely long line charge, showing opposite direction components at 45-degree angles for equal magnitudes as the charge length approaches infinity. This mathematical approach provides insight into the unique result of the electric field components on an infinitely long line charge.

Insights

  • The lecture discusses the electric field generated by an infinitely long line charge, revealing that as the line charge length approaches infinity, the electric field components are found to be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, providing a unique insight into the behavior of such systems.
  • By carefully considering the mathematical implications of increasing the line charge length without reaching infinity, the lecture uncovers a surprising result of equally strong electric field components at a 45-degree angle, emphasizing the importance of theoretical exploration in understanding complex physical phenomena.

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Recent questions

  • How is the electric field calculated for an infinitely long line charge?

    By letting the line charge length approach infinity, the electric field is determined to be -k lambda over y in the x direction and +k lambda over y in the y direction, with equal magnitudes but opposite directions.

  • What happens to the electric field as the line charge length increases?

    As the line charge length increases towards infinity, the electric field components become equal in magnitude but point in opposite directions, resulting in a unique 45-degree angle configuration.

  • What are the components of the electric field for an infinitely long line charge?

    The electric field components are -k lambda over y in the x direction and +k lambda over y in the y direction, with equal magnitudes but opposite directions.

  • How does the mathematical understanding of an infinitely long line charge lead to a unique result?

    By approaching the line charge length towards infinity but never reaching it, the calculation reveals equal magnitude components at a 45-degree angle, showcasing a surprising outcome.

  • What is the significance of the electric field components in an infinitely long line charge scenario?

    The electric field components exhibit equal magnitudes but opposite directions, providing insight into the mathematical intricacies of the calculation and resulting in a distinct 45-degree angle configuration.

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Summary

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Infinite Line Charge: Electric Field Calculation

  • Exploring the concept of an infinitely long line charge in one direction, the lecture delves into the calculation of the electric field at a specific point.
  • As the line charge length approaches infinity, the electric field is determined to be -k lambda over y in the x direction and +k lambda over y in the y direction, showcasing equal magnitudes but opposite directions.
  • The approach of letting the line charge length get increasingly larger but never reaching infinity clarifies the mathematical understanding behind the calculation, leading to a unique and unexpected result of equal magnitude components at a 45-degree angle.
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