Cylindrical Gaussian Surface around charged rod

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field around a charged steel tube using Gauss's law. For part (a), the user struggles to determine the electric field at a radial distance of r = d / 3, while successfully calculating it for part (b) at r = 20d. The user correctly identifies that the Gaussian surface for part (a) is smaller than the charged rod, leading to confusion about the charge distribution and electric field calculation. It is established that the charge is unevenly distributed on the surface of the conductor, and the electric field inside a conductor is zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's law and its application in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with electric field concepts and charge distribution in conductors
  • Knowledge of cylindrical coordinates and surface area calculations
  • Basic proficiency in calculus for evaluating integrals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss's law for different geometries, particularly cylindrical symmetry
  • Learn about charge distribution in conductors and its implications on electric fields
  • Explore the concept of electric field inside conductors and its practical applications
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of electric fields for various shapes using integral calculus
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Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields around charged conductors.

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Homework Statement


a) 21.4-nC of charge is placed on a 4.8-m long steel tube with a d = 5.9-cm diameter. What is the magnitude of the electric field as a radial distance of r = d / 3?

b) What is the magnitude of the electric field as a radial distance of r = 20 d?

I was able to determine the answer to b) using Gauss's law however I don't know how to determine the answer to a) as the gaussian surface cylinder appears to be smaller than rod it is meant to surround.

Homework Equations


Φnet=∫ E.dA
ξ0Φ=q(enclosed)
ξ0 is meant to mean epsilon nought

The Attempt at a Solution


For part b):
Surround the rod with a gaussian cylinder of length (l) 6.3 metres and radius (r) 20*0.059

Flux on end caps are zero so:
Φnet=∫ E.dA
=E*2*Pi*r*l

ξ0Φ=q(enclosed)

Rearrange for E=q/(2Pi*r*lξ0)This gives me the E for part b)

For part a I tried the same method but with radius=1/3*0.059

Is this correct?

I also considered the fact that since the Gaussian Field is smaller than the charged object the Electric field would equal zero as all the charge is on the surface of the object.

What am I missing?
 
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This is not a very well defined question. Are you supposed to assume that the charge is evenly distributed on the tube? This will not actually happen since steel is a conductor and the charge distribution will be unevenly distributed. Since I assume the tube is hollow, there is no charge inside it and there would not be even if it was a solid cylinder (again, since steel is a conductor).
 

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