Coaxial Cable Problem - Finding volume charge density.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the uniform volume charge density (ρ) required for a coaxial cable to remain electrically neutral. The inner solid cylinder has a radius 'a', while the outer cylindrical shell has a radius 'b' and carries a uniform surface charge density (σ). The solution involves equating the total charge of the outer shell, calculated as Q_b = -2πσbL, to the charge of the inner cylinder, leading to the formula ρ = [2σb] / a² for the volume charge density. The method and calculations presented are confirmed as correct by a peer in the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and charge distributions
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates and integration techniques
  • Knowledge of Gauss's law and its application to coaxial systems
  • Basic algebra for solving equations involving charge density
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's Law and its applications in electrostatics
  • Explore charge distribution in cylindrical geometries
  • Learn about electric fields generated by charged cylinders
  • Investigate the implications of charge neutrality in complex systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone studying electrostatics or working with coaxial cable systems will benefit from this discussion.

WitnessJah
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1. Homework Statement

A long coaxial cable consists of an inner solid cylinder, radius a, and an outer thin coaxial cylindrical shell, radius b. The outer shell carries a uniform surface charge density σ.
Find the uniform volume charge density ρ that the inner cylinder must have in order that the whole cable (inner + outer) is neutral.

2. Homework Equations

Acylinder = 2πbl

Vcylinder = πa^2l

Qenc = ∫Vρdτ

3. The Attempt at a Solution


I started by using dq = sigma*dS, and integrating to get Q_b = -2(pi)(sigma)bL. That should be the total charge on the outer cylindrical shell.

Then I set -Q_b = Q_a, so the net charge of the entire system would be equal to 0.

Next I used Q_a = row*integral(dVolume) = -Q_b

to get to (row)(pi)(a^2)(L) = 2(pi)(sigma)(b)(L)

Solving for row gave me:

row = [2(sigma)(b)] / a^2


Does this look like a proper method and correct solution?

Thank you so much for your time.

WJ
 
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That looks right.
 

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