Solving Gauss's Law Problem for a Solid Cylinder

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Gauss's Law to a problem involving an infinitely long solid cylinder with a varying volume charge density. The original poster seeks assistance in deriving formulas for charge enclosed by a Gaussian surface and expressions for the electric field in different regions relative to the cylinder's radius.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of charge enclosed for different regions of the cylinder and the application of Gauss's Law. There are questions about the complexity of the integrals involved and the correctness of the proposed solutions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided mathematical expressions and integrals related to the problem, while others express confusion and question the validity of these approaches. There is an ongoing exploration of different methods, including the differential form of Gauss's Law.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may be more complex than initially presented, and there are references to specific homework guidelines regarding posting in appropriate categories.

purplex76
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An infinitely long solid cylinder radius R1 lies with it's central cylindrical axis lying along the x axis. it is made of a non-conducting material. It has a volume charge density that varies with readius as follows... p(r)=A.r (C/m^3)
where A is a constant. Consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface of length L, radius r, concentric with the x axis.

1) Derive a formula for the amount of charge enclosed by this Gaussian surface for r is greater than or equal to R1, and for r is less than or equal to R1

2) Use gauss's Law to find an expression for the electric field as a function of r in these two regions

3) graph the magnitude of the electric filed for these two regions.


i would appreciate any help with this question because it is really stumping me...Thanks!
 
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What exactly have you tried so far and what is your thinking?
 
Oh wait one more thing, please post this type of question under "college level help" thank you.
 
Solution to the Gauss law problem:

Volume charge density= Ar
a -> radius of cylinder
For r > a

Let the radius of cylindrical Gaussian surface be r

E . 2. pi. r. l = integral {( 2*pi.A.l.r. dr / e0 ), 0 , a}

[integral { (), ,} denotes-- () - integral funciton then the limits]

e0 -> permittivity of free space

[ E = A. (a^2)/ (2*r) ] ... Solution

For r<=a

E . 2*pi.r.l = integral { (2*pi.A.l.r dr/ e0), 0, r}


[ E=A.r/2 ] ..... Solution
 
that doesn't make sense to me. Isn't the problem more complex than 2 integrals, because i got no credit for the integrals i put down, being somewhat similar to the ones you replied with.
 
gauss law problem

:frown: [tex]\mbox{i m sorry i forgot to divide by } \epsilon_0\mbox{. Divide the solutions by} \epsilon_0 \mbox{. I feel, that is the correct solution.}[/tex]
 
another method

You may also use the differential form of Gauss law for cylindrically radial field. It goes something like this:
[tex]\frac{d(E.r)}{dr} = \frac{\rho r}{\epsilon_0}[/tex]

Make [tex]\rho[/tex] as a function or r and integrate over proper limits.
 

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