Chapter 21, Problem 21.82P

CALC Positive charge Q is distributed uniformly along the positive y-axis between y = 0 and y = a. A negative point charge −q lies on the positive x-axis, a distance x from the origin (Fig. P21.82). (a) Calculate the x- and y-components of the electric field produced by the charge distribution Q at points on the positive x-axis. (b) Calculate the x- and y-components of the force that the charge distribution Q exerts on q. (c) Show that if x >> a, F_x ≅ −Qq/4π∈₀x² and F_y ≅ +Qqa/8π∈₀x³. Explain why this result is obtained.