Speed of Current in a coaxial cable

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the current wave speed in a coaxial cable by utilizing its inductance and capacitance per unit length. It is established that multiplying these two parameters yields the speed of light, which serves as a foundational concept. Participants suggest that similar principles used to determine wave speed in a string, based on tension and density, can be adapted to coaxial cables. This approach emphasizes the relationship between electrical properties and wave propagation in transmission lines.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of coaxial cable inductance and capacitance
  • Knowledge of wave mechanics, specifically wave speed in strings
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory
  • Basic principles of transmission line theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of wave speed in transmission lines using inductance and capacitance
  • Study the mathematical modeling of wave propagation in coaxial cables
  • Explore the relationship between tension, density, and wave speed in physical strings
  • Investigate the application of Maxwell's equations in transmission line analysis
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physicists, and students studying electromagnetic theory and transmission line behavior will benefit from this discussion.

Kyuubi
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Homework Statement
Calculate the inductance and capacitance per unit length of a long coaxial cable, and show that the current, or equivalently charge, wave has speed v =1/√(µ0ϵ0) = c which is the speed of light.
Relevant Equations
Maxwell's equation in a vacuum.
Excuse me for not writing them, I'm not familiar with latex and I think I'll only need a conceptual answer. They should be in the photo though.
I've found the inductance and capacitance per unit length in a long coaxial cable. I even clearly see that if I multiply the two, I can get the speed of light. How do I begin to find the current wave and its speed though?
 

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Could you figure out the wave speed in a string of given tension and density? Maybe you could then use the same approach to model a wave in coax and find analogous equations using capacitance and inductance.
 
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