Charged straight wire Electrostatics

In summary, the problem involves a charged straight wire surrounded by two hollow concentric cylinders, with each having their own charge. The task is to calculate the force on a charge at different distances from the wire. To solve the problem, it is helpful to consider the relationship between force and electric field, and to use the Gauss Law for cylindrical symmetry to calculate the electric fields around the charged objects. The solution may also involve factoring in the electric constant, and considering the relationship between force, test charge, and electric field.
  • #1
Lucky7
7
0

Homework Statement


We have a charged straight wire with radius ra = 0.2 cm and with charge ta = 3nanoC/m. Around the wire there are two hollow concentric cylinders, so that the wire is in their axis. Let the charge on the first cylinder be of radius rb = 3cm and its charge tb = -1.5nC/m and on the second cylinder with rc = 5cm with charge tc = 2 NC / m What is the force on the charge Q =-5NC in the distances
R = 0.8 cm,
R = 2.5 cm,
R = 100 cm?

I do not have the slightest idea what to do. I do not want you to compute it for me but give samo advice, please.
 
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  • #2
What you want to do is collect some relevant equations and list them under 2.)
Hint: They might have to do with electric field calculations and with forces on a charge in an electric field.

Then you attempt a solution, e.g. at calculating the field in different areas. If that's too difficult, start with leaving out the outer cylinder.
 
  • #3
What he said:
Do you know the relationship between the force on a point charge and the electric field?
How would you normally calculate the electric fields around charged objects?
 
  • #4
The attempt at a solution
In the wire there should be electrical intensity E = 0. From the Gauss Law for cylindric symmetry the electric intensity E1 between the wire and the first cylinder should be E1=ta/(2pi*r), where 0.2< r< 3 thus E1(R)=ta/(2pi*R). Analogically for E2 = (ta+tb)/(2pi*r), whre 3<r<5 and E3=(ta+tb+tc)/(2pi*r), where r>5.
Does it make sense? Thank you in advance!
 
  • #5
Yes. There might be a factor ##1/\epsilon_0## somewhere as well.
And then there still is the relationship between Force, test charge and E field.
 

1. What is a charged straight wire?

A charged straight wire is a conducting wire that has a net positive or negative charge. This charge can be created by transferring electrons from one end of the wire to the other, or by connecting the wire to a power source such as a battery.

2. How does a charged straight wire create electrostatics?

When a wire is charged, it creates an electric field around it. This electric field is responsible for the electrostatic force, which can attract or repel other charged objects in the vicinity of the wire.

3. What is the role of Coulomb's law in charged straight wire electrostatics?

Coulomb's law states that the force between two charged objects is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This law helps us calculate the strength of the electrostatic force between a charged wire and another object.

4. Can a charged straight wire lose its charge?

Yes, a charged straight wire can lose its charge over time due to a process called discharge. This can occur through contact with other objects or through the emission of charged particles, such as electrons, from the wire's surface.

5. What are some real-world applications of charged straight wire electrostatics?

Charged straight wires are used in many everyday devices, such as capacitors, which store electrical energy. They are also used in electrostatic precipitators to remove dust and other particles from industrial exhaust gases. Additionally, charged wires play a crucial role in the function of cathode ray tubes, which are used in television and computer monitors.

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