Lightning Rod Charge Distribution · AI Generator #GEN-EDB5A43B

Physics · electromagnetism

Problem

A lightning rod consists of a long, thin copper wire of radius R=2.0  mmR = 2.0\;\text{mm} extending vertically upward from a building. During a thunderstorm, the rod accumulates a linear charge density of λ=8.0×10−6  C/m\lambda = 8.0 \times 10^{-6}\;\text{C/m} along its length. A raindrop with mass m=2.0  mgm = 2.0\;\text{mg} and charge q=−1.5×10−12  Cq = -1.5 \times 10^{-12}\;\text{C} falls vertically downward and passes at a horizontal distance d=5.0  cmd = 5.0\;\text{cm} from the rod. What is the magnitude of the electric force on the raindrop when it is at this closest approach distance? Treat the rod as an infinitely long line charge and ignore gravitational effects.

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