# State Gauss theorem in electrostatics. Apply this theorem to obtain the expression for the electric field at a point due to an infinitely long, thin,

58 views
in Physics
closed

State Gauss theorem in electrostatics. Apply this theorem to obtain the expression for the electric field at a point due to an infinitely long, thin, uniformly charged straight wire of linear charge density λ C m–1 .

+1 vote
by (39.4k points)
selected by

Electric field due to infinitely long, thin and uniformly charged straight wire:

Consider an infinitely long line charge having linear charge density λ coulomb metre–1 (linear charge density means charge per unit length). To find the electric field strength at a distance r, we consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius r and length l coaxial with line charge. The cylindrical Gaussian surface may be divided into three parts:

(i) Curved surface S1 (ii) Flat surface S2 and (iii) Flat surface S3.

By symmetry, the electric field has the same magnitude E at each point of curved surface S1 and is directed radially outward.

We consider small elements of surfaces S1, S2 and S3 The surface element vector $\vec{dS_1}$ is directed along the direction of electric field (i.e., angle between $\vec E$ and $\vec{dS_1}$ is zero); the $\vec{dS_1}$ and elements $\vec{dS_2}$ and $\vec{dS_3}$ are directed perpendicular to field vector $\vec E$ (i.e., angle between $\vec{dS_2}$ and $\vec E$ is 90° and so also angle between $\vec{dS_3}$ and $\vec E$).

Electric Flux through the cylindrical surface

= E∮dS1 (since electric field E is the same at each point of curved surface)

= E 2π rl (since area of curved surface  = 2π rl)

As λ is charge per unit length and length of cylinder is I therefore, charge enclosed by assumed surface = (λI)

$\therefore$ By Guass's theorem

Thus, the electric field strength due to a line charge is inversely proportional to r.