Calculating Current Density Vector in Solid Cylinder

In summary, the current density vector in a rotating cylinder with uniform charge density is calculated using the drift velocity and the angular velocity.
  • #1
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Hi this is the first time I've posted something don't know how long it usually take for replies but any help would be muchly apprecitated.

This question asks: A long solid cylinder, radius R, carries uniform charge density p. the cylinder is rotating around the cetral axis with constant angular velocity omega(vector) = omega * z (unit vector)

the first qustion asks to calculate the current density vector in the cylinder...

heres what I have done,

I know that the equation to use is J(vector) = p * Vd, where Vd is the drift velocity and it can defines by several ways, Vd= (eE(tal)/m) or Vd = I/(NAe) where N is the number of free electrons per unit volume in conductor, A is the cross section area and e is simply the charge of the electron, so I don't know if I should or how to interpert the angular velocity into the drift velocity and then to actually "calculate" the current density vector. Just need some guardance thanks
 
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  • #2
I'm not sure what you're asking. You've given all the formulae you need to calculate the current density, so what's the problem?

Edit: Ah, I see. I had the same quandry with this kind of question once. The formula you have there assumes it's a straight wire.

In your problem, the drift velocity is a function of position with respect to the central axis. Find the current density at position r from the central axis, then average the current density from 0 to r(edge) to find a single current density vector to use in your calculations.
 
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  • #3
well in the formula you need to use the drift velocity yeah? but then in the original quesiton, you are also given the angular velocity, I am just not too sure if I need to somehow combine this angular velocity into the drift velocity and if so how?
 
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  • #4
OK, the charge in the rod has no intrinsic motion relative to the medium it's sitting in, it's the rotation of the rod itself that is in effect a current. The charges in the rod are rotating around the central axis at precisely the same speed as the point on the rod itself that each charge occupies.
 
  • #5
I understand the last part about the rod haveing no intrinsic motion, but I don't get what you mean by "Find the current density at position r from the central axis" to do this, i'd need to use the current density formula again which lead me back to the problem of what I should use for the drift velocity in that equation. So at point r (the edge), the motion would be rotation with the max angular velocity. So each point, depending on the distance away from the central axis, it's velocity is going to vary... Sorry is that even relavent?
 
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  • #6
Just use j=rho v=omegaXr rho.
 
  • #7
so you are saying substitude rho for j(current density) in the equation, and that the drift velocity Vd= omega(x)*rho... is it omega or omega(vector)? then that means the entire equation becomes

rho=rho*omega(s)*rho
and the omega(x)=1

I don't get how that works, can you please explain with just a little bit more detail? thanks
 
  • #8
it's all good I've worked it out thanks to all for help
 

Related to Calculating Current Density Vector in Solid Cylinder

What is current density vector?

Current density vector is a vector quantity that represents the flow of electric current per unit area. It is defined as the current per unit cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of current flow.

How do you calculate current density vector in a solid cylinder?

The current density vector can be calculated by dividing the total current passing through a cross-sectional area of the cylinder by the area of that cross-section. It can be represented by the formula J = I/A, where J is the current density vector, I is the current, and A is the cross-sectional area.

What is the unit of current density vector?

The unit of current density vector is amperes per square meter (A/m2) in the SI system of units. In other systems, it can be represented as amperes per square centimeter (A/cm2).

What factors can affect the current density vector in a solid cylinder?

The current density vector in a solid cylinder can be affected by factors such as the material of the cylinder, its geometry, and the strength and direction of the electric field. It can also be affected by temperature and the presence of impurities in the material.

Why is calculating current density vector important?

Calculating current density vector is important in understanding the flow of electric current in a material and predicting its behavior. It is also crucial in designing and analyzing electrical circuits and devices. Additionally, it can provide valuable information about the properties of the material, such as its conductivity and resistivity.

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