PHYS208 Line of charge example

Line of Charge by Gauss's Law

Evaluate the electric field that arises from an infinite line of charge.

Solution

Step 1: Understand the geometry

Step 2: Understand the symmetry

Step 3: Construct the gaussian surface

Step 4: Examine the gaussian surface

Step 5: Evaluate the electric flux through the gaussian surface.

Step 6: Evaluate the charge enclosed by the gaussian surface

Step 7: Apply Gauss's law for the result!

Comments or corrections are welcomed!

"http://www.physics.udel.edu/~watson/phys208/line-gauss/"
Last updated March 4, 1998.
Copyright George Watson, Univ. of Delaware, 1998.

	Solution
Step 1:	Understand the geometry
Step 2:	Understand the symmetry
Step 3:	Construct the gaussian surface
Step 4:	Examine the gaussian surface
Step 5:	Evaluate the electric flux through the gaussian surface.
Step 6:	Evaluate the charge enclosed by the gaussian surface
Step 7:	Apply Gauss's law for the result!