What is the electric field at a distance r from an infinitely long line of charge with linear charge density λ?
Correct Answer: E = λ/(2πε₀r)
- Step 1: Understand that we have an infinitely long line of charge, which means the charge is spread out evenly along a straight line.
- Step 2: Identify the linear charge density, λ, which tells us how much charge is present per unit length of the line.
- Step 3: Recognize that we want to find the electric field (E) at a distance r from this line of charge.
- Step 4: Use the formula for the electric field due to an infinitely long line of charge, which is E = λ/(2πε₀r).
- Step 5: Note that ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, a constant that helps us calculate electric fields in vacuum.
- Step 6: Understand that the direction of the electric field is radially outward from the line of charge.
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