Calculating Voltage Difference in a Cylindrical Shell

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the voltage difference between a charged cylindrical shell and points above its surface. The initial equation used for the calculation is delta V = (λ / 2πε) ln(rb / ra), where λ is the linear charge density. The user encountered issues with their calculations, specifically with the values substituted for ra and rb, leading to an incorrect answer. Clarifications were made regarding the correct distances to use, emphasizing that the distances of 4.7 cm and 1.0 cm need proper identification in the context of the formula. Ultimately, the user is seeking assistance to correctly solve the voltage difference problem.
kimm
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
.A very long insulating cylindrical shell of radius 6.00 cm carries charge of linear density 8.90*10^-6 C/m spread uniformly over its outer surface.
*What would a voltmeter read if it were connected between the surface of the cylinder and a point 4.70 above the surface. and What would a voltmeter read if it were connected between the surface and a point 1.00 from the central axis of the cylinder?

I started with this equation
delta V= ( lemda/ 2pi epslion) (ln(rb/ra))
 
Physics news on Phys.org


distance units? 4.7 ?, 1.0 ?

kimm said:
I started with this equation
delta V= ( lemda/ 2pi epslion) (ln(rb/ra))

Ok so presumably you've substituted your numbers into this formula and got an answer. What exactly is the problem?
 
Last edited:


BTW. Assuming the above are both in units of cm, then your equation is valid for the first measurement but not for the second one. Do you know why?
 
Last edited:


i did like this
(8.90* 10^-6/ 2 pi 8.85*10^-12)ln (4.5/6)
i got -39084.73
but the answer was wrong
what i am not sure about is ln ra and ln rb
i substituted ra cm and rb 4.5 cm
 


ra is 6 cm
 


kimm said:
i did like this
(8.90* 10^-6/ 2 pi 8.85*10^-12)ln (4.5/6)
i got -39084.73
but the answer was wrong
what i am not sure about is ln ra and ln rb
i substituted ra cm and rb 4.5 cm

Well for one I don't even get that answer when I use your numbers. Double check your calculator usage.

In any case the numbers you're using are not correct. I think you should be using Ra = 6cm and Rb = 10.7 cm.

Are the distances of 4.7 and 1.0 methioned in you question in cm ?
 


kimm said:
ra is 6 cm

Oh thanks for clarifing that. It was the ONLY distance in your original question that you did include units for. So what a great idea to repeat that one instead of clarifying the units of the other distances that you didn't include units for. I'm going to give up here.
 


Guys I reallly thought about it but i have not found an answer can some one solve it.
 
Back
Top