Calculating Electric Field of Cylindrical Rod and Shell

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the radial component of the electric field between an infinitely long conducting cylindrical rod and a surrounding conducting cylindrical shell, with specified charge distributions. The context is rooted in electrostatics and the application of Gauss's law.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Gauss's law by considering a Gaussian surface to calculate the electric field due to the rod and the shell. Some participants question the validity of including the shell's electric field in the calculation, suggesting a misunderstanding of Gauss's law.

Discussion Status

The discussion is focused on clarifying the application of Gauss's law and whether the Gaussian surface encloses any charge from the shell. There is a divergence in understanding regarding the contributions of the electric fields from the rod and the shell.

Contextual Notes

Participants are exploring the implications of charge distribution and the conditions under which Gauss's law can be applied, particularly in relation to the Gaussian surface used in the calculations.

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Homework Statement



An infinitely long conducting cylindrical rod with a positive charge lambda per unit length is surrounded by a conducting cylindrical shell (which is also infinitely long) with a charge per unit length of -2 \lambda and radius r_1, as shown in the figure.

What is E(r), the radial component of the electric field between the rod and cylindrical shell as a function of the distance r from the axis of the cylindrical rod?
Express your answer in terms of lambda, r, and epsilon_0, the permittivity of free space.

Homework Equations


Gauss's law


The Attempt at a Solution



Basically I put a Gaussian surface just larger than the rod but smaller than the shell. First I calculate the electric field from the rod.

E(2L(pi)r)=Q/e
E=Q/(e(2L(pi)r))
Q=L[tex]\lambda[/tex]
E1=[tex]\lambda[/tex]/(e(2(pi)r))

Thats field one. Now I do the same thing to calculate the second field

E=q/(e(2L(pi)r))

where q = -2[tex]\lambda[/tex]L

E2= -2[tex]\lambda[/tex]/(e(2(pi)r))

Now I should add the fields to find the field inside the shell and outside the rod and I get

-[tex]\lambda[/tex]/(e(2(pi)r))

That was my answer but I am not sure if this is right or not
 
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What second field? Your gaussian surface encloses no negative charge. What you call "field one" is the answer. It seems you are unsure about how Gauss's Law works. It might be a good idea to review it.
 
kuruman said:
What second field? Your gaussian surface encloses no negative charge. What you call "field one" is the answer. It seems you are unsure about how Gauss's Law works. It might be a good idea to review it.

But doesn't the electric field from the shell also emit an electric field that passes through the same gaussian surface?
 
No, it does not.
 

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