A neutral conducting cylindrical shell

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
2 replies · 3K views
maxd23
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A neutral conducting cylindrical shell with inner radius b and outer radius c surrounds a charged insulated cylinder of radius a at its center whose volume charge density varies radially away from the center as

ρ(r) = ρ0 (1− r / a) . A cross-sectional view is shown.

(a) Find the electric field as a function of r everywhere using Gauss’ Law for 4 regions: (i) 0 < r < a; (ii) a < r < b; (iii) b < r < c; (iv) r > c.

I'm Having trouble with the 4th part (iv) and what the charge on the inner surface of the conductor would be.

Homework Equations


E•dA = Qenc/E_0

The Attempt at a Solution


I have uploaded an image with my work
IMG_156C4BCCB854-1.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_156C4BCCB854-1.jpeg
    IMG_156C4BCCB854-1.jpeg
    52.3 KB · Views: 865
on Phys.org
maxd23 said:
I have uploaded an image with my work
I like the clarity of your drawing (the ##c## is a bit dim:smile:), but the rest is rather difficult to read ...
Fortunately for part iv all you need to do is find the total charge and I suppose you did that ok?
 
BvU said:
I like the clarity of your drawing (the ##c## is a bit dim:smile:), but the rest is rather difficult to read ...
Fortunately for part iv all you need to do is find the total charge and I suppose you did that ok?
From my professor: "if you consider a gaussian cylinder with r>c of length L, you will have some net charge within it that will produce an electric field. Since the cylindrical shell is neutral, the charge is that due to the inner cylinder within the gaussian cylinder of length L"
I'm a bit confused