Electric Field of a Finite Cylinder

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the electric field produced along the axis of a finite cylindrical slab with a thickness of H km and radius R, where charge is distributed throughout the volume. Participants emphasize the use of Coulomb's Law (q/4πε0r²) for calculations and the challenge of integrating over the height of the cylinder. The electric field for a disk of charge is referenced as (2πρ/ε0)(1 - [r/√(r² + R²)]), but the integration for height remains a point of confusion. Clarification is sought on whether to consider the field inside, outside, or both regions of the slab.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and its application in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with charge density (ρ) and volume (V) calculations
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in three dimensions
  • Concept of electric fields generated by charged objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the integration of electric fields for finite charge distributions
  • Learn about the electric field of a finite cylinder using advanced calculus techniques
  • Explore the concept of Gaussian surfaces in electrostatics for infinite cylinders
  • Investigate the effects of charge density variations on electric field calculations
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone studying electrostatics or working on problems involving electric fields from charged cylindrical objects.

wxguy28
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Homework Statement


Derive expressions for electric field produced along the axis of radial symmetry for an H km thick cylindrical slab of radius R with charge distributed around the volume. Then, give the electric field on the vertical axis for four of these cylindrical slabs.

Homework Equations


Obviously start with Coloumb's Law (q/4*pi*ε0*r2). Must integrate from there.

The Attempt at a Solution


As this isn't for an infinite cylinder, we can't use a Gaussian surface. Knowing that q = ρV where rho is the charge density and V = ∏R2, I've come up with:

ρ/4ε0 ∫∫∫ R2h2/r2

However, I'm not sure how to integrate through the heights of the cylinder in the case if the charge is not found on the axis. I know this is a vague attempt at the answer up to this point, but I'm honestly just not sure how to do the height part of the integration. Any help is appreciated.
 
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I have found the E-field for a disk of charge, that being (2∏ρ/ε0)(1-[r/√r2+R2])

However there is no height dependence here. Is it has simple as integrating over some dh term from h1 to h2?
 
God damn it, I am dealing with the same problem.
 
wxguy28 said:
I have found the E-field for a disk of charge, that being (2∏ρ/ε0)(1-[r/√r2+R2])

However there is no height dependence here. Is it has simple as integrating over some dh term from h1 to h2?
Yes, but be careful with r. How are you defining that?

Do you want the field inside the slab, outside the slab, or both?
 

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