Energy of Coaxial Cylindrical Shells

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the energy per unit length for two coaxial cylindrical shells with linear charge densities λ and -λ. The electric field is determined using Gauss' Law, yielding E=0 for r<a and r>b, and E=λ/(2πεr) for a<r<b. The participant is uncertain about how to calculate the energy per unit length, suggesting the use of the formula E=1/2 ∫ λ V dl, and is considering finding the potential V(r) through integration of the electric field. The conversation highlights the challenge of applying theoretical concepts to solve the problem. Ultimately, the discussion centers on the application of Gauss' Law and the integration needed to find the energy.
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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
 
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