Generating Electric Fields Inside Cylinders: Experimental Approaches

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of creating an electric field inside a cylindrical object, specifically made of stainless steel. The question asked is whether there is an experimental way to impose a voltage on the surface of the cylinder to generate the desired electric field. The speaker suggests looking up "cylindrical capacitor" as an example, but also mentions that the question is too general and more details are needed, such as the dimensions and purpose of the field. The conversation ends with the speaker highlighting the need for more specific information in order to provide a proper answer.
  • #1
sina_mech
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Hi!

I would like to create an electric field inside a cylinder. Is there any EXPERIMENTAL way to impose 120V DC (or any higher or lower) voltage on the surface of a cylinder and generate electric field inside it?

I'm specifically looking for "experimental" approaches.

Thank you very much :)
 
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  • #2
Is there any EXPERIMENTAL way to impose 120V DC (or any higher or lower) voltage on the surface of a cylinder and generate electric field inside it?
Look up "cylindrical capacitor" for an example.

The question is actually too general to answer properly, i.e. you can put an electric field inside a cylinder the same way you put one anywhere else.
You have not said what the cylinder is made of - you can always, for eg. , embed charges in a cylinder made of an insulating material.
You have not specified the dimensions of the cylinder ... or if it is hollow or what.

Don't know what you mean by "experimental approach" - is this different from just building one?

What is this for?
 
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  • #3
the material is stainless steel. the hollow cylinder (tube) already exist and we would like to impose electric field inside it.
 
  • #4
Dimensions? What sort of (geometry etc) field - can you describe what you are after?
To give you an idea how wide open your question is: shine light into the cylinder and there is an electric field in it; put any electric circuit in it, same; put an atom in it... so you see it would help to narrow it down.
 
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1. What is an electric field on a cylinder?

An electric field on a cylinder refers to the distribution of electric force around a cylindrical object. This force is exerted by charged particles, such as electrons, and can be either positive or negative.

2. How is the electric field on a cylinder calculated?

The electric field on a cylinder can be calculated using the formula E = λ/(2πε_0r), where λ is the linear charge density, ε_0 is the permittivity of free space, and r is the distance from the center of the cylinder.

3. What factors affect the electric field on a cylinder?

The electric field on a cylinder is affected by the magnitude and distribution of charge on the cylinder, as well as the distance from the center of the cylinder and the permittivity of the surrounding medium.

4. How does the electric field on a cylinder change with distance?

The electric field on a cylinder follows an inverse-square law, meaning that as the distance from the cylinder increases, the electric field decreases proportionally. This relationship is described by the formula E ∝ 1/r^2.

5. What are some real-world applications of the electric field on a cylinder?

The electric field on a cylinder has numerous practical applications, such as in electrostatic precipitators for air pollution control, in capacitors for energy storage, and in MRI machines for medical imaging.

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