Final answer:
To find the components of the electric field, take the negative gradient of the electric potential and differentiate it with respect to each variable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electric field, E, can be determined by taking the negative gradient of the electric potential, V. This means taking the partial derivative of V with respect to each variable (a, b, and y) to find the corresponding components of E.
Ex = -∂V/∂x = 0
Ey = -∂V/∂y = -b(a² - y²)/(a² + y²)²
Ez = -∂V/∂z = 0
So the components of E are Ex = 0, Ey = -b(a² - y²)/(a² + y²)², and Ez = 0.