Energy of Coaxial Cylindrical Shells

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy per unit length for two coaxial cylindrical shells with radii a and b, and linear charge densities λ and -λ. The electric field is determined using Gauss' Law, yielding E=0 for rb. The energy per unit length is derived from the formula E=1/2 ∫ λ V dl, necessitating the calculation of the potential V(r) through integration of the electric field. This approach is essential for solving the problem accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss' Law
  • Knowledge of electric fields and potential
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates
  • Basic calculus for integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate electric potential V(r) for coaxial cylindrical shells
  • Review the application of Gauss' Law in electrostatics
  • Explore energy density in electric fields
  • Study the concept of linear charge density and its implications
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, particularly those studying electromagnetism, and anyone interested in electrostatic energy calculations involving cylindrical geometries.

NeedPhysHelp8
Messages
38
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Calculate the energy per unit length for two long coaxial cylindrical shells, neglecting end effects. The inner and outer cylinders have radii a and b, and linear charge densities λ and -λ, uniformly distributed on the surface, respectively.

2. The attempt at a solution

Alright so first thing I did was calculate the electric field in various regions using Gauss' Law:
i) for r<a E=0
ii) for a<r<b E=\frac{\lambda}{2\pi \epsilon r}
iii) for r>b E=0

Now I'm not too sure how to find the energy per unit length: we have the formula E=1/2 \int \lambda V \ dl so should I just find the potential V(r) then sub it into that equation?
I can find V(r) by \int E \ dl
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Haha Phys 400? I am having similar trouble...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
684
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K