Question

A very long uniform line of charge has charge per unit length λ1 = 4.90 μC/m and lies along the x-axis. A second long uniform line of charge has charge per unit length λ2 = -2.52 μC/m and is parallel to the x-axis at y1 = 0.400 m . What is the magnitude of the net electric field at point y2 = 0.200 m on the y-axis? What is the magnitude of the net electric field at point y3 = 0.600 m on the y-axis? PLEASE HELP

Answer 1

Electric field due to long charged wire at a distance r is given by [ lambda = linear charge density]

see the diagram :

E1 is the electrice field due to wire on x-axis.

E2 is the electric field due to wire parallel to x-axis

a) at y2 = 0.2 m

We can see the electric fields are in same direction, so Net electric field is equal to algebraic addition of electric fields, and directed as shown.

therefore, Net electric field =

   [answer]

b) at y3 = 0.6 m

for wire 1, the point is at a distance 0.6 m

for wire 2 the point is at a distance 0.2 m

We can see the electric fields are in opposite direction, and we will see that magnitude of E2 is greater than E1, so Net electric field is equal to algebraic difference of electric fields and directed as shown.

therefore, Net electric field =

   [answer]