Proof of Electric Field Zero Inside Cylindrical Shell: Coulomb's Law

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The discussion revolves around proving that the electric field inside an infinite cylindrical shell is zero, specifically using Coulomb's law. The context involves concepts from electrostatics and the behavior of electric fields in relation to cylindrical geometries.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the validity of using Coulomb's law for this proof, with some noting that Gauss's law may provide an easier approach. There is a consideration of the assumptions regarding the nature of the cylindrical shell, particularly whether it is a conductor.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants questioning the assumptions made about the cylindrical shell. There is no explicit consensus on the best method to prove the statement, and various interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted that the proof may depend on whether the cylindrical shell is a conductor or not, which introduces uncertainty into the discussion.

kant
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Given an infinite long cylindrical shell of inner radias a and outer radius b.

proof using coulombs law that any point inside the inner radius a, the eletric field will always be zero.
 
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It's easy enough using Gauss's law. Coulomb's law is a little more difficult.

Of course, this assumes the cylinder is a conductor. If it isn't, the statement isn't necessarily true.
 
well, there is no fun if it is easy.
 

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