Charge from field, cylindrical symmetry

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the charge distribution from a given electric field with radial cylindrical symmetry. The electric field equations are defined as E(r) = (ρ0*r³)/(4 * ε0*a²) for r ≤ a and E(r) = (ρ0*a²)/(4*ε0*r²) for r > a. The charge density is expressed as ρ(r) = ρ0*(r²/a²) for 0 ≤ r ≤ a. The user encountered an issue with the differentiation of E(r) leading to an incorrect factor of 3/4, which was clarified through the application of the divergence operator in cylindrical coordinates.

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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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In cylindrical coordinates \vec{p}=(r,\theta,z), the div vector is
\vec{\nabla}=\left ( \frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial}{\partial r}r, \frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial}{\partial \theta}, \frac{\partial}{\partial z} \right )

Since E(r,\theta,z)=E(r), you needed: \frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial}{\partial r}\big ( rE(r) \big ) = \frac{1}{\epsilon_0}\rho(r)
 
Last edited:
Very helpful! Thanks!
 

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