Charge Distribution on a Conducting Hollow Tube

In summary, the conversation discusses a conducting tube with inner and outer radii carrying a charge per unit length, as well as a line of charge along the tube's axis with the same charge per unit length. The questions asked are the charge per unit length on the inner and outer surfaces of the tube, and if there is a discontinuity in the electric field at r = a. The value for r < a and r > a may be different, indicating a charge present at r = a to account for the difference.
  • #1
stylez03
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Homework Statement


A very long conducting tube (hollow cylinder) has inner radius a and outer radius b. It carries charge per unit length +alpha , where alpha is a positive constant with units of C/m. A line of charge lies along the axis of the tube. The line of charge has charge per unit length +alpha .

What is the charge per unit length on the inner surface of the tube?

What is the charge per unit length on the outer surface of the tube?

I've found the electric field where r < a, a < r < b, r > b already but I'm not sure how to apply that to the follow questions.
 
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  • #2
Is there a "discontinuity" in the electric field at r= a? (Is the value using the formula for r< a, but taking r= a, different from the value for r> a?) If so, there must be a charge there to account for the difference.
 
  • #3
HallsofIvy said:
Is there a "discontinuity" in the electric field at r= a? (Is the value using the formula for r< a, but taking r= a, different from the value for r> a?) If so, there must be a charge there to account for the difference.

I'm confused on what you said, the difference is going to be the charge per length for partA/B ?
 

What is a conducting hollow tube?

A conducting hollow tube is a cylindrical structure made of a material that allows electricity to flow through it, such as metal or graphite. It is often used in scientific experiments and engineering designs to transmit electric current or to protect sensitive components from electromagnetic interference.

How is a conducting hollow tube made?

A conducting hollow tube is typically made by shaping a conductive material into a cylindrical form, either by rolling or extruding. The ends of the tube are then sealed to create a closed structure. The tube can also be machined or drilled from a solid piece of conductive material.

What are the applications of conducting hollow tubes?

Conducting hollow tubes have a wide range of applications in various fields, including electrical engineering, physics, and chemistry. They are commonly used as conductive wires, electrodes, and components in electrical circuits. They can also be used as antennas, waveguides, and shields for electromagnetic radiation.

What factors affect the conductivity of a conducting hollow tube?

The conductivity of a conducting hollow tube depends on several factors, such as the type of material used, its dimensions (length, diameter, thickness), and its temperature. The presence of impurities or defects in the material can also affect its conductivity. Additionally, the type of current (AC or DC) and the frequency of the current can also impact the conductivity of the tube.

How can the conductivity of a conducting hollow tube be measured?

The conductivity of a conducting hollow tube can be measured using a variety of methods, including direct current (DC) resistance measurement, alternating current (AC) impedance measurement, and four-point probe measurement. These methods involve applying a known voltage and measuring the resulting current to calculate the resistance, which can then be used to determine the conductivity of the tube.

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