Chapter 22: Problem 41
(II) A flat ring (inner radius \(R_{0},\) outer radius 4\(R_{0} )\) is uniformly charged. In terms of the total charge \(Q,\) determine the electric field on the axis at points \((a) 0.25 R_{0}\) and (b) 75\(R_{0}\) from the center of the ring. [Hint: The ring can be replaced with two oppositely charged superposed disks.]
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the System
Electric Field Contribution from Disks
Express Charge Densities for the Disks
Electric Field Calculation at 0.25 \(R_0\)
Electric Field Calculation at 75 \(R_0\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Charged Ring
- The net charge of the ring is defined as the difference between the charges of these two disks.
- This approach is useful because it helps simplify complex calculations, allowing us to analyze each disk independently.
- The electric field produced by the ring can then be obtained by analyzing the contributions from each component disk on their own.
Surface Charge Density
- For a disk, surface charge density can be calculated as the total charge \( Q \) divided by the area (which is \( \pi R^2 \) for a disk with radius \( R \)).
- In the scenario of a charged ring, surface charge densities of both component disks (inner and outer) need to be determined separately.
- These densities help breakdown the problem into simpler components since each disk's electric field is proportional to its surface charge density.
Electric Field of a Disk
- The magnitude of the electric field from a uniformly charged disk can be described by the formula:\[E_{disk} = \frac{2 \pi k \sigma}{R^2} \left(1 - \frac{z}{\sqrt{z^2 + R^2}} \right)\]where \( k = \frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0} \), \( \sigma \) is the surface charge density, \( R \) is the radius, and \( z \) is the perpendicular distance from the disk's center along the axis.
- At small distances compared to the disk’s radius, the electric field is much stronger, showing a fast drop-off as you move further away.
- As the observation point's distance \( z \) increases far beyond \( R \), the field decreases rapidly and can be approximated as nearly zero for large values such as \( 75R_0 \).