Charge of uniform linear density (4.0 nC/m) is distributed along the entire x axis. Determine the magnitude of the electric field on the y axis at y = 2.5 m.
A) 36 N/C
B) 29 N/C
C) 43 N/C
D) 50 N/C
E) 58 N/C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric field due to a line charge at a perpendicular distance y from the line is given by E = (2kλ)/y, where λ is the linear charge density and k is Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 10^9 N m²/C²). Substituting λ = 4.0 x 10^-9 C/m and y = 2.5 m, we find E ≈ 28.8 N/C, which rounds to 29 N/C.

Charge of Uniform Linear Density (4