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184_notes:comp_super [2018/01/18 22:18] – dmcpadden | 184_notes:comp_super [2018/05/15 14:50] – curdemma | ||
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Section 15.9 in Matter and Interactions (4th edition) | Section 15.9 in Matter and Interactions (4th edition) | ||
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+ | [[184_notes: | ||
===== Superposition and the Computer ===== | ===== Superposition and the Computer ===== | ||
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==== The Superposition Principle ==== | ==== The Superposition Principle ==== | ||
- | As a reminder, the principle of superposition states that the electric field at any given location in space is determined by vector sum of the electric field due to each charge that contributes. | + | The principle of superposition states that the electric field at any given location in space is determined by vector sum of the electric field due to each charge that contributes. |
$$\vec{E}_{net} = \sum \vec{E}_i = \vec{E}_1 + \vec{E}_2 + \vec{E}_3 + \dots$$ | $$\vec{E}_{net} = \sum \vec{E}_i = \vec{E}_1 + \vec{E}_2 + \vec{E}_3 + \dots$$ | ||
- | where $\vec{E}_1$ would be the electric field from one point charge, $\vec{E}_2$ would be the electric field from a second point charge, and so on. For this week, we will focus on superposition of point charges, but | + | where $\vec{E}_1$ would be the electric field from one point charge, $\vec{E}_2$ would be the electric field from a second point charge, and so on. For this week, we will focus on superposition of point charges |
- | + | ||
- | You have seen how this principle | + | |
- | + | ||
- | $$\vec{E}_{net} = \int d\vec{E}$$ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | [[184_notes: | + | |
==== How can we use a computer for this? ==== | ==== How can we use a computer for this? ==== | ||
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Let's think through the process for computing the electric field due to a distribution of charges: | Let's think through the process for computing the electric field due to a distribution of charges: | ||
- | - Cut the distribution up into small chunks | + | - Identify |
- | - Pick a chunk to treat as a point charge | + | |
- Compute the electric field due to that chunk at the specified location | - Compute the electric field due to that chunk at the specified location | ||
- Write down or otherwise keep track of that value | - Write down or otherwise keep track of that value |