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Example
The figure shows a semi-infinite nonconducting rod (that is, infinite in one
direction only) has uniform linear charge density . Show that the electric field E
at point P makes an angle of 45o with the rod. Notice that this result of 45o
orientation is independent of the distance R.
(Hint: Separately find i) the component of E parallel to the rod, and ii) the
component of E perpendicular to the rod.
+ + + + + + + + + + +
R
P
Answer
q q q
The total electric field at
P is the sum of the
individual fields R
produced by the Y
different charges q P
located along the rod.
X
dEx , dEy )
Lets choose a generic charge q located at the coordinate s along the rod.
s q
Electric field produced
by the charge q
(located at the
R
Y
coordinate s) at the
point P
P
X
d E = ( dEx , dEy )
Notice, the Ex and Ey components are equal.
Hence, the electric filed makes 45o with the rod; this happens for any value of R
that we choose.
__________________________
Example (To be compared with the previous example)
The figure below shows nonconducting rod in the form of a circular quadrant of
radius R with center at +
the+point
+ +P. Evaluate
+ + + the+ electric
+ + filed
+ at P.
R
P