Conductor with shell problem getting zero as answer?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a cylindrical cable with a copper outer tube and an inner wire, focusing on charge distribution and surface charge density. Participants clarify how charge arranges itself on the outer tube, emphasizing that the outer surface should have a positive charge due to the inner wire's negative charge. The surface charge density at the outer surface of the tube is calculated using the formula σ=q/A, but one participant initially arrives at zero, prompting confusion. Further analysis reveals that the calculations were incorrect, leading to a better understanding of the charge distribution. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying formulas in electrostatics problems.
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1. Problem Statement:

The figure shows a cross-section view of a very long cylindrical cable. There is an outer tube
made of copper, inner radius 2R, outer radius 4R. The inner copper wire has radius R and is
concentric with the tube. The inner wire has charge density –2λ (per unit length), while the tube
carries total charge +λ. [You need to show solution method to get full credit on this problem!]
(a) How does the charge arrange itself on the outer tube? On outside of course!
b) What is the surface charge density (σ) at the outer surface of the tube, at 4R? Getting zero for this one?

2. Homework Equations
sigma=q/A

3. Work.
So I used the above formula and got zero for some odd reason. I calculated the sigma inner and that's what giving me zero. Work is attached in jpeg.
 

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Hi. Check... \frac{\lambda - 4\lambda \pi R}{8 \pi R} \neq \frac{\lambda-\lambda}{2}.
 
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Ahhh makes sense now. Thanks!
 
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