An infinitely long wire with a uniform linear charge distribution has a charge per unit length of 2.3 × 10^-6 C/m. What is the magnitude of the electric field at a perpendicular distance of 0.50 m from the wire? A) 0.19 N/C B) 0.38 N/C C) 1.1 × 10² N/C D) 1.7 × 10⁴ N/C E) 8.3 × 10⁴ N/C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric field due to an infinitely long wire with linear charge density λ at a distance r is given by E = (λ / (2πε₀r)). Substituting λ = 2.3 × 10⁻⁶ C/m, r = 0.50 m, and ε₀ = 8.85 × 10⁻¹² C²/(N·m²), we find E ≈ 8.3 × 10⁴ N/C.

An Infinitely Long Wire with a Uniform Linear Charge Distribution