Average Energy Density of Capacitor

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SUMMARY

The average energy density of an air-filled capacitor formed by two coaxial cylindrical shells with radii of 48 mm and 72 mm, and an electric potential of -536 V, can be calculated using the formula for energy density and the charge per length. The charge per length was determined to be 7.3 × 10^-8 C/m. The initial confusion arose from using the surface area instead of the volume in the energy density calculation, which was resolved by correctly applying the volume formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cylindrical capacitor geometry
  • Familiarity with electric potential and charge density
  • Knowledge of energy density calculations
  • Proficiency in applying electrostatic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the energy density formula for capacitors
  • Learn about the relationship between charge density and electric potential in cylindrical geometries
  • Explore the concept of capacitance in cylindrical capacitors
  • Investigate the effects of dielectric materials on energy density
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, electrical engineers, and anyone involved in capacitor design and analysis.

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Homework Statement


An air-filled capacitor is formed from two long conducting cylindrical shells that are coaxial and have radii of 48 mm and 72 mm. The electric potential of the inner conductor with respect to the outer conductor is -536 V (k = 1/4πε0 = 8.99 × 109 N · m2/C2) The average energy density of the capacitor is closest to ?

Homework Equations


V = 2k(lambda) ln(b/a)
Energy stored = energy density * volume

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the first equation, I was able to determine the charge/length to be 7.3*10^-8 C/m.
So I know the two radii, the voltage, and the charge per length.
However, I can't seem to figure out how to get the length to be able to get either charge or capacitance to be able to plug it into

U = 1/2 qv or U = 1/2 cv^2.
 
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I realized that the L's cancel. So if lambda * L is q, using .5*λL / (2π(.0072-.0048)) = .0013 but that's not the correct answer. What am I doing wrong?
 
EDIT: I was using the surface area equation and not the volume one.. whoops. I guess I just needed to organize my work more and I was able to figure it out.
 

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