A thread carrying a uniform charge lambda per unit length has the configuration shown. Assuming the curvature radius R to be considerably less than the length of the thread, find the magnitude of the electric field strength at O.
Just tell me how to find the electric field due to one of the straight parts on the thread.
If we apply Gauss's law to the straight part, we get E=2K∂/R where ∂ is lambda.
But in the solution for the straight part,
E is = k∂/R i + k∂/R(-j)
where i and j are unit vectors along x-y axes resp.
I don't understand how he found E that way.
and why can't we apply gauss's law to the straight part.?
1we can definitely apply, but then if we are finding field at O then it is not a symmetrical situation but u have 2 take the field as 1/2 of what the field would be if it was a straight wire, and also the field is not radially outwards but inclined at an angle of 135 degrees with the wire's tail so net field is only due to circular portion which root(2) * L *k / R at an angle of 45 degrees with X axis
