Charge from field, cylindrical symmetry

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a radial cylindrical component and the corresponding charge distribution in free space. The equation for the charge distribution is derived by differentiating the first E(r) equation, but there is confusion about the presence of the factor 3/4. The conversation ends with a helpful explanation of the necessary steps to solve the problem.
  • #1
ur5pointos2sl
96
0
The problem states:

From the field with a radial cylindrical component only given by the following equations:

E(r)= (ρ0*r3)/(4 * ε0*a2) for r<=a

E(r)= (ρ0*a2)/(4*ε0*r2) for r > a

obtain the corresponding charge distribution in free space in which the equation is:

ρ(r) = ρ0*(r2/a2) (0<=r<=a)

So I know that dE(r)/dr = p(r)/ε0

After differentiating the first E(r) equation I come to (3/4)*ρ0*r2/a2.

It would be correct if the 3/4 weren't there but I'm not sure where I'm going wrong. Any help appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
In cylindrical coordinates [itex]\vec{p}=(r,\theta,z)[/itex], the div vector is
[tex]\vec{\nabla}=\left ( \frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial}{\partial r}r, \frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial}{\partial \theta}, \frac{\partial}{\partial z} \right )[/tex]

Since [itex]E(r,\theta,z)=E(r)[/itex], you needed: [tex]\frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial}{\partial r}\big ( rE(r) \big ) = \frac{1}{\epsilon_0}\rho(r)[/tex]
 
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  • #3
Very helpful! Thanks!
 

1. What is charge from field?

Charge from field refers to the electrical charge that is produced by an electric field. When a charged object creates an electric field, it can induce a charge on other objects in the vicinity.

2. What is cylindrical symmetry?

Cylindrical symmetry is a type of symmetry in which an object has the same appearance when viewed from any angle along its axis. In the context of charge from field, it means that the electric field and charge distribution have rotational symmetry around a central axis.

3. How is charge from field calculated in a cylindrical system?

In a cylindrical system, the charge from field can be calculated using Gauss's law, which states that the electric flux (the amount of electric field passing through a given surface) is equal to the enclosed charge divided by the permittivity of free space.

4. What is the relationship between charge from field and electric potential in cylindrical symmetry?

In a cylindrical system, the relationship between charge from field and electric potential can be described by the equation V = -∫E•dl, where V is the electric potential, E is the electric field, and dl represents the path taken along the electric field. This equation is known as the potential difference formula.

5. What are some real-world examples of cylindrical symmetry?

Cylindrical symmetry can be observed in many natural and man-made objects, such as cylindrical batteries, pipes, and tree trunks. It is also seen in tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as the structure of some microscopic organisms.

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