Electric Field Inside a Cylindrical Gaussian Surface: Exploiting Symmetry

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the electric field inside a cylindrical Gaussian surface, particularly in relation to volume charge density and the implications of symmetry in the setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between charge distribution and the electric field, questioning the nature of the charge configuration and how to apply the concept of symmetry to the problem. There are inquiries about the notation used and the implications of an infinite volume on calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints regarding the use of symmetry and the consideration of a cylindrical Gaussian surface aligned with the cylinder's axis. There is an ongoing exploration of how to approach the problem without resolving the infinite nature of the volume.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of infinite charge distributions and the implications for calculating electric fields, with some uncertainty about the appropriate mathematical notation and definitions involved.

jaejoon89
Messages
187
Reaction score
0
What is the electric field inside a cylindrical Gaussian surface in terms of volume charge density?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the charge configuration ie. how are the charges distributed? Or are you referring to \nabla \cdot \mathbf{D} = p_V?
 
I'm not familiar with that notation (the upside down triangle). I was given volume charge density and needed to find the electric field inside an infinitly long cylinder. I know rho (vol. charge density) = Q/V but don't know what to use for the volume, since it's infinite.
 
Okay, then in that case just ignore the notation above. Now, exploit symmetry here. Do this by considering a cylindrical Gaussian surface in the cylinder with the same geometrical axis. How do you find the flux through the closed surface and hence the field? Never mind if it's infinite. That is just a hint to ignore some parts of the Gaussian surface.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K