Cant seem to get the answer right (E&M HW)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around problems related to electric fields generated by charged objects and surface charge densities on conducting shells in the context of electrostatics. Participants are exploring the calculations and underlying principles associated with these topics.

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  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate electric fields at various distances from a charged filament and are questioning the correctness of their answers. They also discuss the surface charge densities on a conducting spherical shell, with some expressing confusion over their calculations and the feedback received from an online platform.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the formulas used for calculating electric fields and surface charge densities. Some participants are questioning the assumptions made in their calculations and the interpretations of the results provided by the online system. Multiple interpretations of the problems are being discussed, particularly regarding the correct application of formulas.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework assignments, which may include specific requirements for the use of variables and the need for correct interpretations of physical principles. There is mention of discrepancies in answers marked by an online homework system, indicating potential misunderstandings or misapplications of concepts.

cronxeh
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The charge per unit length on a long, straight filament is -95.0 µC/m.

(a) Find the electric field 10.0 cm from the filament. Distances are measured perpendicular to the length of the filament. (Take radially inward toward the filament as the positive direction.)
My answer: 1.07 MN/C

(b) Find the electric field 29.0 cm from the filament.
My answer: 3.11 MN/C

(c) Find the electric field 120 cm from the filament.
My answer: 12.9 MN/C


Formula: 4*pi*8.99*10^9*distance*(-95*10^-6)

On the side of caution I've used both + and - aforementioned answers and both seem wrong. Am I missing something here?
I thought http://physics.villanova.edu/faculty/shaw/2402/extprob/m1224.gif ?
 
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Also one more problem

A conducting spherical shell of inner radius of a and outer radius b carries a net charge Q. A point charge q is placed at the center of this shell.

(a) Determine the surface charge density on the inner surface of the shell. (Use Q, q, a, and b as necessary.)

My answer: -q/(4*pi*a^2)
(This is correct)

(b) Determine the surface charge density on the outer surface of the shell.
My answer: (Q+q)/(4*pi*r^2)
(This is marked wrong!)

Whats wrong about this answer? The WebAssign seems to think (Q+q)/(4*pi*r^2) and (Q+q)/(4*pi*a^2) for (b) are both wrong
 
i don't understand how you get your formula. i get
E=(-95*10^-6)/2*pi*R*ε0, as in formula in the image you gave link to.
 
cronxeh said:
A conducting spherical shell of inner radius of a and outer radius b carries a net charge Q. A point charge q is placed at the center of this shell.

(b) Determine the surface charge density on the outer surface of the shell.
My answer: (Q+q)/(4*pi*r^2)
(This is marked wrong!)

Whats wrong about this answer? The WebAssign seems to think (Q+q)/(4*pi*r^2) and (Q+q)/(4*pi*a^2) for (b) are both wrong
The radius of the outer surface is ?.
 

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