How to Calculate the E Field Inside a Charged Cylinder?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field (E field) inside an infinite charged cylinder with radius R and a line charge density T (charge per unit length). To determine the enclosed charge Q, the ratio of the areas of the smaller radius to the larger fixed radius is relevant, specifically Q = Tr²/R². The use of Gauss's law is emphasized for deriving the E field, leveraging the symmetry of the cylinder without needing to know the total charge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with electric field concepts
  • Knowledge of charge density and its implications
  • Basic geometry of cylinders
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss's Law in various geometries
  • Explore the concept of line charge density in electrostatics
  • Investigate the electric field calculations for hollow cylinders
  • Learn about the implications of symmetry in electric field problems
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Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in electrostatics and electric field calculations will benefit from this discussion.

cragar
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This is not a homework problem. Let's say I have an infinite charged cylinder with radius R .
And I want to find the E field inside the cylinder. If the cylinder has a line charge of T, that is charge per length. would the charge enclosed just be the ration of the areas of the smaller radius to the larger fixed radius of the cylinder.
would Q equal [itex]\frac{Tr^2}{R^2}[/itex]
 
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??
As you have a "smaller radius" and a "larger radius", I think you mean a hollow cylinder, similar to this?
To find the electric field inside, you can use the symmetry of the problem and Gauss's law, you do not need any total charge to do that.

Which charge, where?
 

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