How to Determine Surface Charge Densities on a Conducting Cylinder?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the surface charge densities on the inner and outer surfaces of an infinitely long cylindrical conductor with an inner radius "a" and outer radius "b". Initially, the outer surface has a positive surface charge density of σ₀. A positively charged wire with charge per unit length λ is placed along the axis of the cylinder. To achieve zero charge inside the conductor, a uniform surface charge must be calculated for the inner surface, while conserving the total charge to find the new outer surface charge density.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics, particularly Gauss's Law.
  • Familiarity with electric fields generated by line charges.
  • Knowledge of surface charge density concepts.
  • Basic skills in algebra and calculus for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's Law and its application to cylindrical symmetry.
  • Learn how to calculate electric fields from line charges using E = 2kλ/r.
  • Explore the concept of charge conservation in electrostatics.
  • Investigate the effects of surface charge density on electric fields in conductors.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding charge distribution in conductors.

Gale
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An infinitely lond cylindrical conductor of inner radius "a" and outer radius "b" initially has a positive surface charge density of
[tex]\sigma_{o}[/tex]
on its outer surface. A wire of positive charge per unit length
[tex]\lambda[/tex]
is then placed on the axis of the cylinder. Find the final surface charge densities on its inner and outer surfaces.

So that's the problem. I wasn't really sure how to start. I got the formula for electric field caused by a straight line charge.
[tex]E=\frac{2k\lambda}{r}[/tex]
but then i wasn't really sure what to do with that... so could someone give me a push in the right direction. Thanks..

gale~
 
Last edited:
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The charge inside the conductor has to be 0. Calculate what uniform surface charge has to be placed on the inner surface to make this so, and then use the fact that the total charge on the conductor is conserved to find the outer charge. Everything will be uniform because of the symmetry of the problem.
 
StatusX said:
The charge inside the conductor has to be 0. Calculate what uniform surface charge has to be placed on the inner surface to make this so, and then use the fact that the total charge on the conductor is conserved to find the outer charge. Everything will be uniform because of the symmetry of the problem.

right ok... that makes sense... kinda... think you could maybe set me up a formula or two to work with... I've got sort of limited resources (my class notes contain more doodles than actual physics) and how do i involve the wire?
 
Last edited:

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