Determine the capacitance between two surfaces

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the capacitance between two cylindrical surfaces using electrostatic principles. The initial approach involves calculating charge using the equation Qenc = ∫ E(r)*e0 ds and deriving voltage V through integration, leading to the capacitance formula C = Q/V = ln(b/a) * 1/(e0*h*phi0). However, the validity of applying Gauss's law is questioned due to the lack of symmetry in the charge distribution unless the cylinders are full (2π angle), which would allow for symmetrical analysis and accurate conductance calculations.

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Homework Statement
Determine capacitance between the two surfaces (see picture). The electric field is assumed to be radial.
Relevant Equations
1) C = Q/V. 2) Gauss law (cylinder); Qenc = integral of E*e0 dA , where dA is small element of the surface. 3) V = -gradient of E
For my solution I'm skipping writing out all the vectors, I just want to see if I'm in the right way or totally off.

Attempt at solution:
Qenc = ∫ E(r)*e0 ds = ∫ E(r)*e0 *h* r*dtheta, we integrate from 0 to phi0. This will give us Q = E(r)*e0*h*r*phi0.

Now we find V by integrating E from a to b with respect to r.
V = ∫ E(r) dr = Q / (e0*h*phi0) * ∫ 1/r dr = Q * ln(b/a) * 1/(e0*h*phi0).

And lastly we have C = Q/V = ln(b/a) * 1(e0*h*phi0).

Does this look reasonable? Unfortunately I don't have the right answer to this task.
 

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Just a small correction on
goohu said:
And lastly we have C = Q/V = ln(b/a) * 1(e0*h*phi0).
C=\epsilon_0 \frac{h \phi_0}{ln\frac{b}{a}}
 
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I could be wrong but, why are you using gauss law for this charge distribution, I don't see any symmetry in this problem for a gaussian surface to be applied
 
Last edited:
If the surfaces are not ##\phi_0## parts but 2##\pi## full cylinders, are you all right on symmetry ?
 
Yeah, actually in this case it doesn't seem to be symmetrical so my attempt was probably wrong.

If the cylinders are whole (2 pi angle) then it is symmetrical.
 
goohu said:
If the cylinders are whole (2 pi angle) then it is symmetrical.

By symmetry you get conductance of whole cylinders that is #2 answer with ##\phi_0=2\pi##
Then cut the cake or pizza of thus charged cylinders with ##\phi_0## and ##2\pi-\phi_0## parts.
Conductance is divided to the parts with the ratio of ##\phi_0## and ##2\pi-\phi_0##.
 

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