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Using Gauss's law for an infinitely long straight wire with linear charge density $\lambda$, the electric field intensity at perpendicular distance $r$ from the wire is: ![](https://qallery.app/diagrams/1cbc3649-d324-436f-8e2d-6a22790cbc44/img-1.jpeg)

A$\dfrac{\lambda}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 r}$
B$\dfrac{\lambda}{2\pi\varepsilon_0 r^2}$
C$\dfrac{\lambda r}{2\pi\varepsilon_0}$
D$\dfrac{\lambda}{2\pi\varepsilon_0 r}$
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. $\dfrac{\lambda}{2\pi\varepsilon_0 r}$
Take a coaxial cylindrical Gaussian surface of length $l$, radius $r$. Charge enclosed $= \lambda l$. Flux through curved surface = $E \cdot 2\pi r l$ (caps contribute zero). Equating: $E \cdot 2\pi r l = \lambda l / \varepsilon_0$ ⇒ $E = \lambda/(2\pi\varepsilon_0 r)$.
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