Calculate current in a cylinder with a hollow cavity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the total current in a cylindrical conductor with a hollow cavity, given a uniform current density. The context includes the geometry of the cylinder and the definition of current density.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of current density and its application to the problem. There are attempts to calculate the total current by integrating over the cross-sectional areas of the cylinder and the cavity. Some participants suggest alternative methods for finding the net cross-sectional area.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem. Some participants have provided guidance on calculating the cross-sectional areas, and a simpler method has been suggested, though no consensus has been reached on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem statement and relevant equations, while also questioning the assumptions made regarding the geometry of the cylinder and the cavity.

Ylle
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Homework Statement



I got this problem (Sectional image of a cylinder):
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/3448/cylinder.jpg

Besides that I know that the cylindrical conductor is infinite long, and the same is the cavity.

And through the conducting material there is a current density that is given by:

\textbf{J}=J\hat{\textbf{z}}

And that is pretty much it.

Now determine the total current I in the conductor.

Homework Equations



\[J=\frac{I}{A}\Leftrightarrow I=JA\]

The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no idea...
First I thought of doing this:

I=\int_{0}^{R}{J}\left( 2\pi R \right)dR-\int_{0}^{R}{J}\left( 2\pi \left( R/2 \right) \right)dR

But that kinda did not work. So now I'm quite lost :)

A hint would be much appreciated :)Oh yes, the correct answer should be:

I=\frac{3}{4}\pi {{R}^{2}}\cdot J,
that's what I know.Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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What is the definition for current density? This should answer your question.
 
Well, that is what I've written in the "Relevant equations" section.
 
Calculate the cross section area of the cylinder without the hole then find the cross section area of the hole. This will give the actual cross section area.
 
So instead of the above it's:

<br /> I=\int_{0}^{R}{J}\left( 2\pi R \right)dR-\int_{0}^{R/2}{J}\left( 2\pi R \right)dR<br />

It gives the correct answer, but I don't know if that is what you meant ?
 
Yes, what you did is correct but there is another way that is simpler. Subtract the cross section area of the hole from the cross section area of a solid cylinder to find the net cross section area. This result mulltiplied by the current density equals the current. You found the net cross section area by integration.
 
Argh, ofc... That's much easier :)

Thank you :)
 

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