Find the electric field \[E\] at point \[P\] (as shown in the figure) on the perpendicular bisector of a uniformly charged thin wire of length \[L\] carrying a charge \[Q\]. The distance of the point \[P\] from the center of the rod is \[a = \left( {\frac{{\sqrt 3 }}{2}} \right)L\]

A. \[\frac{Q}{{2\sqrt 3 \pi {\varepsilon _o}{L^2}}}\]
B. \[\frac{{\sqrt 3 Q}}{{4\pi {\varepsilon _0}{L^2}}}\]
C. \[\frac{Q}{{3\pi {\varepsilon _o}{L^2}}}\]
D. \[\frac{Q}{{4\pi {\varepsilon _o}{L^2}}}\]
Answer
301.2k+ views
Hint: Write down the potential resulting from a point charge first. To determine the potential at point \[P\], integration on the line charge must be done. Therefore, choose a wire element \[\left( {dx} \right)\] and calculate its potential using the same methods as for a point charge.
Formula Used:
\[{{\rm{E}}_{{\rm{net }}}} = \frac{{{\rm{K}}\lambda }}{{\rm{r}}}\left( {\sin {\theta _1} + \sin {\theta _2}} \right)\]
Where \[{\theta _1},{\theta _2}\] are angle making with point \[{\rm{P}}\] from end.
Charge per unit length is \[\lambda \]
Complete answer:
We have been given in the question that,
Length of the wire \[ = L\]
Charge in the wire \[ = Q\]
Distance of the point \[P\] from the center of the rod is \[a = \left( {\frac{{\sqrt 3 }}{2}} \right)L\]

From the above diagram, we get
\[\tan \theta = \frac{{{\rm{ Perpendicular }}}}{{{\rm{ Base }}}}\]
Now, we have to observe the diagram and write the values in the above formula, we obtain\[\tan \theta = \frac{{\frac{L}{2}}}{{\frac{{\sqrt 3 }}{2}L}} = \frac{1}{{\sqrt 3 }}\]
On solving the above equation, we get
\[\theta = {30^\circ }\]
Now, we have to find electric field \[E\] at point \[P\]
Now,
\[{E_{net}} = \left( {\frac{{kQ}}{{\frac{{\sqrt 3 {L^2}}}{2}}}} \right)\left( {\sin {{30}^\circ } + \sin {{30}^\circ }} \right)\]
On solving the above equation by multiplying the terms inside the parentheses, we get
\[ = \left( {\frac{{2kQ}}{{\sqrt 3 {L^2}}}} \right)\left( {\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2}} \right)\]
Now, we have to simplify the resultant equation, we have
\[ = \frac{1}{{4\pi {\varepsilon _0}}}\left( {\frac{{2Q}}{{\sqrt 3 {L^2}}}} \right)\]
On canceling the similar terms in the above expression, we get
\[ = \frac{Q}{{2\sqrt 3 \pi {\varepsilon _0}{L^2}}}\]
Where: The net electric field is \[{\rm{E}}\].
The constant is \[{\rm{K}}\].
The charge in the wire is \[{\rm{Q}}\].
The wire's length is \[{\rm{L}}\].
Absolute permittivity is \[{\varepsilon _0}\].
Therefore, the electric field \[E\] at point \[P\] (as shown in the figure) on the perpendicular bisector of a uniformly charged thin wire of length \[L\] carrying a charge \[Q\] is \[\frac{Q}{{2\sqrt 3 \pi {\varepsilon _0}{L^2}}}\].
Hence, the option A is correct.
Note: Students are likely to make mistake in these types of problems. In a brief, it can be claimed that because electric potential is a scalar number, it is zero at all points along the perpendicular bisector. The position of the force on a positive test charge is assumed to equal the position of the field.
Formula Used:
\[{{\rm{E}}_{{\rm{net }}}} = \frac{{{\rm{K}}\lambda }}{{\rm{r}}}\left( {\sin {\theta _1} + \sin {\theta _2}} \right)\]
Where \[{\theta _1},{\theta _2}\] are angle making with point \[{\rm{P}}\] from end.
Charge per unit length is \[\lambda \]
Complete answer:
We have been given in the question that,
Length of the wire \[ = L\]
Charge in the wire \[ = Q\]
Distance of the point \[P\] from the center of the rod is \[a = \left( {\frac{{\sqrt 3 }}{2}} \right)L\]

From the above diagram, we get
\[\tan \theta = \frac{{{\rm{ Perpendicular }}}}{{{\rm{ Base }}}}\]
Now, we have to observe the diagram and write the values in the above formula, we obtain\[\tan \theta = \frac{{\frac{L}{2}}}{{\frac{{\sqrt 3 }}{2}L}} = \frac{1}{{\sqrt 3 }}\]
On solving the above equation, we get
\[\theta = {30^\circ }\]
Now, we have to find electric field \[E\] at point \[P\]
Now,
\[{E_{net}} = \left( {\frac{{kQ}}{{\frac{{\sqrt 3 {L^2}}}{2}}}} \right)\left( {\sin {{30}^\circ } + \sin {{30}^\circ }} \right)\]
On solving the above equation by multiplying the terms inside the parentheses, we get
\[ = \left( {\frac{{2kQ}}{{\sqrt 3 {L^2}}}} \right)\left( {\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2}} \right)\]
Now, we have to simplify the resultant equation, we have
\[ = \frac{1}{{4\pi {\varepsilon _0}}}\left( {\frac{{2Q}}{{\sqrt 3 {L^2}}}} \right)\]
On canceling the similar terms in the above expression, we get
\[ = \frac{Q}{{2\sqrt 3 \pi {\varepsilon _0}{L^2}}}\]
Where: The net electric field is \[{\rm{E}}\].
The constant is \[{\rm{K}}\].
The charge in the wire is \[{\rm{Q}}\].
The wire's length is \[{\rm{L}}\].
Absolute permittivity is \[{\varepsilon _0}\].
Therefore, the electric field \[E\] at point \[P\] (as shown in the figure) on the perpendicular bisector of a uniformly charged thin wire of length \[L\] carrying a charge \[Q\] is \[\frac{Q}{{2\sqrt 3 \pi {\varepsilon _0}{L^2}}}\].
Hence, the option A is correct.
Note: Students are likely to make mistake in these types of problems. In a brief, it can be claimed that because electric potential is a scalar number, it is zero at all points along the perpendicular bisector. The position of the force on a positive test charge is assumed to equal the position of the field.
Recently Updated Pages
If the magnetizing field on a ferromagnetic material class 12 physics JEE_Main

A point charge is placed at the corner of a cube The class 12 physics JEE_Main

What changes occur if the monochromatic light used class 12 physics JEE_Main

The unit of specific conductance is A Ohm B Ohmmetre class 12 physics JEE_Main

Which lens is used in magnifying glass A Concave lens class 12 physics JEE_Main

Sir C V Raman won the Nobel Prize in which year A 1928 class 12 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

Other Pages
CBSE Class 12 Physics Question Paper 2026: Download SET-wise PDF with Answer Key & Analysis

JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Hybridisation in Chemistry – Concept, Types & Applications

What Are Elastic Collisions in One Dimension?

Effective Nuclear Charge for JEE

