How Is the Electric Flux Calculated for a Point Charge Inside a Cylinder?

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SUMMARY

The electric flux through the curved sides of a cylinder containing a point charge Q at its center can be calculated using Gauss's Law. The relevant equations include the electric field E = kQ/r² and the flux equation φ = ∮E·dA = q/ε₀. To find the total flux through the ends of the cylinder, one must integrate the electric field over the area of the end disks, taking into account the angle between the electric field and the normal vector. Converting to polar coordinates simplifies the integration process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law
  • Familiarity with electric field equations
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in calculus
  • Basic concepts of polar coordinates
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss's Law in various geometries
  • Learn about electric field calculations for different charge distributions
  • Practice integration techniques, especially in polar coordinates
  • Explore the relationship between electric flux and electric field strength
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone seeking to understand electric flux calculations in cylindrical geometries.

JohanM
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Homework Statement


A point charge Q is on the axis of a short cylinder at its center. The diameter of the cylinder is equal to its length L (see figure). What is the total flux through the curved sides of the cylinder? [Hint First calculate the flux through the ends.

GIANCOLIch22p50.jpg

Homework Equations


E=\frac{kQ}{r^{2}}\widehat{r}

\phi=\oint\vec{E}\cdot d \vec{A}=\frac{q}{\epsilon_{0}}


The Attempt at a Solution


I see that the angle between the electric field and the normal vector of the two ends varies as one goes from 0 to R0 because the direction of the electric field changes as well. I just don't know how (or what) to integrate in order to calculate the flux through the two end disks.

If R1 is the distance between the point charge and a point on the end disk, the angle that R1 makes with the axis is what determines the location on the disk. This tells me that converting to polar coordinates might be a good option as well...

I just can't piece it all together, so any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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Make a circle of radius r and another of radius r + dr.
Figure out the flux dϕ through that area dA = 2πr*dr (don't forget the angle of the flux to the surface). Integrate from r = 0 to Ro.
 

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