Question:medium

A thin dielectric rod of length $l$ lies along X-axis. One end is at the origin and the other at ($l$, 0). A total charge Q is distributed uniformly. What is the potential at point (x, 0) when $x > l$?

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Potential due to continuous charge distribution: $V = \int \fracdq4π\epsilon₀ r}$.
Updated On: May 24, 2026
  • $\fracQ4π\epsilon₀ l \logₑ \left(\fracxx-l\right)$
  • $\fracQ4π\epsilon₀ l \logₑ \left(\fracxl\right)$
  • $\fracQ4π\epsilon₀ l \logₑ \left(\fracx-lx\right)$
  • $\fracQ4π\epsilon₀ l}$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To find the electric potential at point \((x, 0)\) due to a uniformly charged rod, we need to integrate the potential contributions from each infinitesimal charge element along the rod. The rod extends along the X-axis from \(0\) to \(l\) with total charge \(Q\).

First, let's define an infinitesimal element of charge \(dq\) on the rod located at position \(x'\) along the X-axis. We can express \(dq\) as:

\(dq = \lambda \, dx'\), where \(\lambda = \frac{Q}{l}\) is the linear charge density.

The potential \(dV\) at point \((x, 0)\) due to \(dq\) is given by:

\(dV = \frac{k \, dq}{x - x'}\), where \(k = \frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon_0}\).

Substitute \(dq\) in the formula:

\(dV = \frac{1}{4 \pi \epsilon_0} \frac{\lambda \, dx'}{x - x'}\).

Integrate \(dV\) from \(0\) to \(l\):

\(V(x) = \int_0^l \frac{\lambda \, dx'}{x - x'} = \frac{Q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 l} \int_0^l \frac{dx'}{x - x'}\).

This integral evaluates to:

\(V(x) = \frac{Q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 l} \left[ -\log_e(x - x') \right]_0^l\).

On evaluating the limits, we get:

\(V(x) = \frac{Q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 l} \left[ -\log_e(x - l) + \log_e(x) \right]\)

\(= \frac{Q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 l} \log_e\left(\frac{x}{x - l}\right)\).

Thus, the potential at point \((x, 0)\) when \(x > l\) is:

\(V(x) = \frac{Q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 l} \log_e\left(\frac{x}{x - l}\right)\).

Thus, the correct answer is:

\(\frac{Q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 l} \log_e \left(\frac{x}{x - l}\right)\).

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