A very long wire carries a uniform linear charge density of 7.0 nC/m. What is the electric field strength 16.0 m from the center of the wire at a point on the wire's perpendicular bisector?
(ε₀ = 8.85 × 10^-12 C^2/N ∙ m²)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric field due to an infinite line of charge is given by E = (λ / (2πε₀r)), where λ is the linear charge density, ε₀ is the permittivity of free space, and r is the distance from the wire. Substituting the given values, E = (7.0 × 10⁻⁹ C/m) / (2π × 8.85 × 10⁻¹² C²/N·m² × 16.0 m) ≈ 7.9 N/C.

A Very Long Wire Carries a Uniform Linear Charge Density