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Derive an Expression for Electric Field Intensity ...

The document explains the concept of electric fields, specifically focusing on infinite line charges and Gauss's Law. It details the derivation of the electric field intensity (E) for an infinite line charge, showing that E = (λ / 2πε₀r), where λ is the linear charge density. Key points include the direction of the electric field and its inverse proportionality to the distance from the line charge.

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Surendranath Koujageri
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34 views

Derive an Expression for Electric Field Intensity ...

The document explains the concept of electric fields, specifically focusing on infinite line charges and Gauss's Law. It details the derivation of the electric field intensity (E) for an infinite line charge, showing that E = (λ / 2πε₀r), where λ is the linear charge density. Key points include the direction of the electric field and its inverse proportionality to the distance from the line charge.

Uploaded by

Surendranath Koujageri
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Conceptual Understanding
●​ Electric Field: The electric field is a vector field that surrounds electric charges and
exerts a force on other charged objects.
●​ Infinite Line Charge: An idealized scenario where a charge is uniformly distributed along
an infinitely long, straight line.
●​ Gauss's Law: This fundamental law of electromagnetism relates the electric flux through
a closed surface to the enclosed charge. It provides a powerful tool for calculating electric
fields in situations with high symmetry.
2. Derivation
●​ Choose a Gaussian Surface: To apply Gauss's Law, we need to choose a suitable
Gaussian surface. For an infinite line charge, a cylindrical surface is the most appropriate
choice.
○​ The cylinder's axis coincides with the line charge.
○​ The radius of the cylinder is 'r'.
○​ The length of the cylinder is 'L'.
●​ Apply Gauss's Law:
○​ Gauss's Law states:
■​ Electric Flux (Φ) = (Enclosed Charge (Q)) / (Permittivity of Free Space
(ε₀))
○​ Electric Flux: The electric field is perpendicular to the curved surface of the
cylinder.
■​ Φ = E * 2πrL
○​ Enclosed Charge: The total charge enclosed by the cylinder is given by:
■​ Q = λL
■​ where λ is the linear charge density (charge per unit length)
○​ Substitute into Gauss's Law:
■​ E * 2πrL = (λL) / ε₀
●​ Solve for Electric Field Intensity (E):
○​ E = (λ / 2πε₀r)
3. Result
The electric field intensity (E) at a distance 'r' from an infinitely long line charge with linear
charge density 'λ' is given by:
E = (λ / 2πε₀r)
Key Points:
●​ The electric field is directed radially outward (or inward) from the line charge.
●​ The magnitude of the electric field is inversely proportional to the distance 'r' from the line
charge.
Let me know if you'd like a visual representation or further explanation of any step!

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