Question

A thread carrying a uniform charge $\lambda$ per unit length has the configurations shown in Fig. 3.2 $a$ and $b$. Assuming a curvature

Answer 1

The question is incomplete and does not have a definitive answer.

Answer 2

The provided text is an incomplete question. To provide a complete solution, we need to know what needs to be determined (e.g., the electric field at point O).

Here's a general approach to solving such problems:

1. Divide the charged thread into constituent parts:
   (a) Circular arc: $E_{arc} = (2k\lambda/R) \sin{\alpha}$ [directed along the bisector]
   (b) Straight segments: $E_{straight} = (k\lambda/R) (\sin{\theta_2} - \sin{\theta_1})$ where $\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$ are the limiting angles.

2. Determine the directions of each contribution and add them vectorially.

3. Express the net result in terms of $k$, $\lambda$, $R$, and the angles.