Solution
Related Formula
The electric field due to a circular arc subtending an angle φ at the center is given by:
Earc = (2kλ)/(R) ((φ)/(2))Core Logic
Arc AB subtends 90^° (one quadrant) at the center. The electric field due to it is given as E. Arc ABC consists of two independent quadrants: arc AB and arc BC. Each quadrant independently creates an electric field of magnitude E pointing along the bisector of that specific quadrant.
Step 1: Vector Addition
The electric field EAB is directed at 45^° away from both axes into the third quadrant.
The electric field EBC is directed at 45^° towards the matching opposite quadrant.
Since EAB and EBC are perpendicular to each other, their resultant magnitude is:
Eₙₑₜ = √(E² + E²) = √(2)E
Pattern Recognition
Symmetric components of a ring create orthogonal vector fields. Each 90^° arc produces a field of magnitude E directed along its angular bisector. Two adjacent quadrants have bisectors separated by 90^°, hence use orthogonal vector addition.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Electrostatics