Obtain the expression for the electric field due to a straight wire of infinite length with a linear charge density $\lambda$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Consider an infinitely long thin straight wire with a uniform linear charge density $\lambda$.
By symmetry,the electric field $\vec{E}$ at any point $P$ at a radial distance $r$ from the wire must be directed radially outward (if $\lambda > 0$) or inward (if $\lambda < 0$).
To calculate the electric field,we choose a cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius $r$ and length $l$ coaxial with the wire.
The total electric flux $\phi_E$ through the Gaussian surface is given by Gauss's Law:
$\phi_E = \oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = \frac{q_{enclosed}}{\epsilon_0}$
The flux through the two flat circular ends of the cylinder is zero because $\vec{E}$ is parallel to the surface area vector $d\vec{A}$ (i.e.,$\vec{E} \perp d\vec{A}$ is not true,rather $\vec{E}$ is perpendicular to the normal vector of the flat ends,so $\vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = 0$).
For the curved surface,$\vec{E}$ is everywhere perpendicular to the surface,so $\vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = E dA$.
Thus,$\phi_E = E \times (2 \pi r l)$.
The charge enclosed by the Gaussian surface is $q_{enclosed} = \lambda l$.
Applying Gauss's Law:
$E(2 \pi r l) = \frac{\lambda l}{\epsilon_0}$
Solving for $E$:
$E = \frac{\lambda}{2 \pi \epsilon_0 r}$

Explore More

Similar Questions

What is the flux through a cube of side $a$ if a point charge of $q$ is at one of its corners?

Two spherical,nonconducting,and very thin shells of uniformly distributed positive charge $Q$ and radius $d$ are located a distance $10d$ from each other. $A$ positive point charge $q$ is placed inside one of the shells at a distance $d/2$ from the center,on the line connecting the centers of the two shells,as shown in the figure. What is the net force on the charge $q$?

The electric field due to an infinitely long thin straight wire with uniform linear charge density of $2.5 \times 10^{-7} \ Cm^{-1}$ at a radial distance of $x$ from the wire is $7.5 \times 10^4 \ NC^{-1}$. Then $x=$ (in $cm$)

Consider a uniform spherical volume charge distribution of radius $R$. Which of the following graphs correctly represents the magnitude of the electric field $E$ at a distance $r$ from the centre of the sphere?

The volume charge density of a sphere of radius $6 \, m$ is $2 \, \mu C \, m^{-3}$. The number of lines of force per unit surface area coming out from the surface of the sphere is $.... \times 10^{10} \, N C^{-1}$. [Given: Permittivity of vacuum $\epsilon_{0} = 8.85 \times 10^{-12} \, C^{2} N^{-1} m^{-2}$]

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo