Charge Inside A Non-Conductive Charged Spherical or Cylindrical Shell

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electric charge and fields within non-conductive spherical and cylindrical shells, particularly focusing on the implications of charge placement and geometry on electric fields in the hollow regions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the idea that the charge inside a non-conductive shell is zero and discuss the implications of geometry on this concept. Questions arise regarding the validity of this assumption in different configurations, such as the center versus other points in the hollow region.

Discussion Status

Some participants express agreement with the initial assertion about the charge being zero, while others seek clarification on whether this holds true for all points within the hollow region, particularly in cylindrical shells. Guidance is provided regarding the consideration of electric fields in relation to the charge distribution.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the behavior of electric fields in relation to the geometry of the shells, especially concerning infinite length cylinders and their effect on the electric field within the hollow region.

1st1
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Hey Guys, I wanted to clarify something I'm not too sure about.

The charge inside (in the center not actually in the shell) of a charged non-conductive spherical or cylindrical shell is zero, am I wrong? The reason being the geometry within the shell cancels all the charges within.

Any help appreciated, thanks.
 
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Yup...and it is not necessarily in the center; it could be anywhere in the hollow region.
 
Sounds good, that's what I imagined.
Thanks!
 
1st1 said:
Sounds good, that's what I imagined.
Thanks!

Though I'm not so sure about the entire hollow region for the cylinder, but it is at least for the center of the cylinder. I'm also wondering...by charge, were you considering the force/electric field?
 
I was considering the electric field.

And if you consider the cylinder to be of infinite length then the electric field should be 0 at any point within the hollow region of the cylinder.
 

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