A ring of radius (r) is located in the (x-y) plane is given a total charge (Q=2\pi R\lambda). Show that (E) is maximum when the distance (z=r/\sqrt{2}).
Discussion:
The elctric field at distance z from the centre of the ring on the axis of the ring with charge (Q=2\pi R\lambda) is given by $$ E=\frac{\lambda r}{2\epsilon_0}\frac{z}{(z^2+r^2)^{3/2}}$$
The maximum field is obtained by setting $$ \frac{dE}{dz}=0$$
This gives $$ (z^2+r^2)^{1/2}(r^2-2z^2)=0$$
Since the first factor cannot be zero for any real value of z, the second factor gives $$ z=\frac{r}{\sqrt{2}}$$
