Electric Field & Potential of infinite concentric cylinders

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field and potential of an infinite solid cylinder with uniform linear charge density λ1 and a hollow cylindrical pipe with uniform linear charge density λ2. Using Gauss's Law, the electric field is derived for different regions: from r=0 to r=a, E = (λ1*r)/(2ε0), and from r=a to r=b, E = (λ1)/(2πε0*r). The user seeks clarification on the electric field in the region between the hollow cylinder's inner and outer surfaces (r=b to r=c) and acknowledges an error in using linear charge densities instead of charge densities, leading to corrections in the electric field equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law
  • Knowledge of electric fields and potentials
  • Familiarity with linear charge density concepts
  • Basic calculus for integration in electric field calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of electric fields using Gauss's Law in cylindrical coordinates
  • Study the concept of electric potential and its relationship with electric fields
  • Learn about the effects of multiple charge distributions on electric fields
  • Explore advanced topics in electrostatics, such as potential energy in electric fields
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in electrostatics, particularly those studying electric fields and potentials in cylindrical geometries.

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Homework Statement


Consider an infinitely long solid cylinder of uniform linear charge density λ1 and radius a inside a hollow cylindrical pipe of inner radius b and outer radius c and uniform linear charge density λ2. A cross-sectional view of the system is shown below(linked and attached). Find the electric field everywhere and determine the electric potential everywhere, taking the outer surface of the pipe as the zero for the potential.

Homework Equations

/The attempt at a solution[/B]
I easily enough determined through Gauss's Law the Electric field from r=0 to r=a, using E*A = Q/ε0 to find E = (λ1*r)/(2ε0) and from r=a to r=b as E = (λ1*r)(a2)/(2*ε0*r). My question lies within the dealing of a non-shell hollow cylinder, and how I find the field produced within and outside of the area from r=b to r=c. My initial thought was that within the outer thick shell would be E = (λ2*r)/(2ε0) + (λ1*r)(a2)/(2*ε0*r), and outside the shell (r>c) would be E = (λ1*r)(a2)/(2*ε0*r) + (λ2*r)(c2)/(2*ε0*r). However, I feel like this doesn't necessarily cover all of my bases, since I feel like I am neglecting the b term. Should the E from the outer thick shell use (c-b)2 rather than just the c term? I think that would make more sense. I haven't tackled the potential portion yet, I feel that would be easier after I determine the field everywhere. Thanks for the help, this is my first time on the site.
 

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Whelp, I also realized I calculated the E fields incorrectly, using λ1 and λ2 as charge densities rather than the linear charge densities they are. This means that my E from r=0 to r=a is (λ1*r)/(2πε0*a2), from r=a to r=b as E = (λ1)/(2*π*ε0*r) with the other equations following in suit.
 

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