Net electrical flux on a cylindrical Gaussian Surface

AI Thread Summary
To determine the net electric flux through a cylindrical Gaussian surface surrounding a charged cylinder, the charge density must be calculated first. The total charge of the cylinder is given as q = -48Q, and the Gaussian surface has a radius r < R. The correct approach involves multiplying the charge density by the volume of the Gaussian surface instead of the total charge by the volume. The final answer should be expressed in the form of an integer value without units, focusing on the charge density and volume relationship. Clarity in problem statements is essential for effective communication in physics discussions.
Broem
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Homework Statement


a cylindrical solid of charge q, radius R, and length H. The Gaussian surface S is a cylindrical shell of radius r and length h, with r < R. Determine the net electric flux given that q = -48Q, R = 4L, H = 3L, r = 2L, and h = 2L (type the integer value, along with the sign, without typing units Q/e0):



Homework Equations


Inet = Qenclosed / ε = δ A / ε
Vsphere = ∏r^2 h



The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried using my V in substitute for the A so:
-48Q*(∏2^2 * 2) / ε
But I am unable to find the correct solution. I'm really lost when it comes to this in theory. Also, the results in form Q/ε...I understand sort of. Do I use ε as 8.85E-12 or does it remain as just the known variable?
Please let me know how I can approach this and also how to ask this question better :)
 

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Broem said:

Homework Statement


a cylindrical solid of charge q, radius R, and length H. The Gaussian surface S is a cylindrical shell of radius r and length h, with r < R. Determine the net electric flux given that q = -48Q, R = 4L, H = 3L, r = 2L, and h = 2L (type the integer value, along with the sign, without typing units Q/e0):

Homework Equations


Inet = Qenclosed / ε = δ A / ε
Vsphere = ∏r^2 h

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried using my V in substitute for the A so:
-48Q*(∏2^2 * 2) / ε
But I am unable to find the correct solution. I'm really lost when it comes to this in theory.

Looks like you are multiplying the total charge (-48Q) of the large cylinder times the volume of the smaller Gaussian surface. Instead, you need to multiply the charge density by the Gaussian volume. Only that way will the units work out for the enclosed charge:
(charge density)·(volume) → (C/m3)·(m3) = C → charge units, as desired

So ... start by finding the charge density, that's the charge per volume, for the larger cylinder of charge q=-48Q.

Also, the results in form Q/ε...I understand sort of. Do I use ε as 8.85E-12 or does it remain as just the known variable?
I think they mean, if the answer comes out to be -19Q/ε, then you'd just enter -19 as your answer.
Please let me know how I can approach this and also how to ask this question better :)
The best way to ask is exactly how it is asked in your textbook or wherever you got the problem from. I am assuming that the charge is uniformly distributed throughout the large cylinder. You didn't say so in your post, but I am wondering if the actual problem statement says something along those lines?

p.s. Welcome to Physics Forums! :smile:
 
Thank you soooooo much Redbelly98! I can't believe it was that elementary, I had been stuck on this problem for far too long. I really appreciate the great direction.
Thanks for the warm welcome as well!
:approve::approve::approve:
 
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