Charge on cylindrical capacitor

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a cylindrical air capacitor with a specified length and energy storage, requiring the calculation of the charge on each conductor based on the potential difference. The subject area pertains to electrostatics and capacitor theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the energy stored in the capacitor to the charge and potential difference but notes missing information regarding the charge and dimensions. Some participants question the necessity of the capacitor's dimensions and suggest focusing on known relationships for energy storage.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationship between energy, charge, and potential difference. One participant confirms a formula for charge based on energy and potential, while another expresses relief at realizing they were overcomplicating the problem. There is no explicit consensus, but a productive direction is evident.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions the need for additional information regarding the ratio of the radii of the inner and outer conductors, which is not provided. This constraint may affect the completeness of the discussion.

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Homework Statement



A cylindrical air capacitor with a length of 12.2 m stores an amount of energy equal to 3.00E-8 J when the potential difference between the conductors is 4 V. Calculate the magnitude of the charge on each conductor.

Homework Equations



V=(lambda)/(2*pi*epsilon_0)*ln(r_0)/(r)

energy density=1/2*epsilon_0*E^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I know the energy, length, and potential. I'm not given either the charge on the cylinder or the ratio of the radii of the inner/outer conductors, both of which are necessary in the formula. I suspect the additional information needs to come from the equation involving the energy, some new input from knowing the electric field. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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You don't need the dimensions of the capacitor. What relations do you know about the energy stored in a capacitor?
 
U=1/2Q*V gives me a charge. but I need the magnitude of charge on each conductor. Is this the correct value?
 
yes it is. thank you :) was overthinking it.
 

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