Surface Charge density of glass cyclinder

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the displacement vector inside a cylindrical glass casing surrounding a conducting wire with a homogeneous charge density. The problem involves concepts from electrostatics, particularly related to dielectrics and electric displacement.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of the electric displacement vector and the surface bound charges on the glass. There is an attempt to apply Gauss's law for the displacement vector and discussions about the assumptions regarding the dielectric properties of glass.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confidence in the approach for part (a) while others seek clarification on the assumptions for part (b). There is a suggestion that the glass can be treated as a linear dielectric, and a fundamental relationship between the displacement vector, electric field, and polarization is discussed. Participants are actively engaging in refining their understanding of the relevant equations.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the linearity of the dielectric properties of glass and how this affects the calculations. Participants are also navigating the implications of different sources that provide varying levels of clarity on the topic.

Taylor_1989
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Homework Statement


Consider an infinitely long one dimensional conducting wire with a homeogenous charge density ##\lambda##, running along the central axis of an infinitely long cyclindrical glass casing of radius b (glass is a dielectric material). Calculate:

a) The displacement vector inside the glass

b) the surface bound charges on the outer surface of the glass

Homework Equations



a) ##\oint D . dA=q##

b) ##\sigma_b=P.\hat n##
##P=\epsilon_0\chi_e E##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
So my attempt for a) I drew a Gaussian surface in terms of a cylinder and calculate all three surfaces like so:

##\oint D . dA=\int_1 D dAcos\theta+\int_2 D dAcos\theta+\int_3 D dAcos\theta##

By calulating ##\theta ## for the respectable surfaces ##1=90, 2=0, 3=90##

Thus leaving me with ##\int_2 D dA=D\int_2 dA=D\times A=D(L)(2\pi r)=q##
##\lambda=\frac{q}{L}##

##D=\frac{\lambda}{2\pi r}## (electric displacement vector)

b) But I am not sure where to even start I have been reading a one book say that the surface charge cannot be calculate, but dosent really give an explanation and the other basically uses the two formulas which I have mentioned above. So I am a bit confused about the whole thing at the moment a would appreciate any help that anyone could give. I understand the equation I have given for part b are for a linear dielectric but I am just not 100% sure if the question I have been asked is a linear dielectric
 
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Part (a) looks good.

For part (b) I think you can assume the glass is a linear dielectric. Otherwise, I don't think you could solve the problem.
Besides the two equations you listed for part (b) you will need one more. There is a fundamental equation that relates D, E, and P.
 
Are you talking with respect to the diplacment vector in terms of ##D= \epsilon_0 E##
 
Taylor_1989 said:
Are you talking with respect to the diplacment vector in terms of ##D= \epsilon_0 E##
That's not the particular equation I was thinking of. However, your equation ##D= \epsilon_0 E## could be used instead, if you modify it so that it is valid inside the glass.
 
@TSny Ok I am slightly confuse how would I modify the equation?
 
Ok I think I have it the correction that needs to be make is following:

I assume the equation you where talking of is this:

##D=\epsilon_0 E+P## so from this then become ##D=\epsilon_0 E+\epsilon_0 \chi_e E##
By factoring out the ##\epsilon_0## I get ##D=\epsilon_0(1+\chi_e)##

Now ##\epsilon_0(1+\chi_e)=\epsilon## So then ##D=\epsilon E##
 
Taylor_1989 said:
Ok I think I have it the correction that needs to be make is following:

I assume the equation you where talking of is this:

##D=\epsilon_0 E+P## so from this then become ##D=\epsilon_0 E+\epsilon_0 \chi_e E##
By factoring out the ##\epsilon_0## I get ##D=\epsilon_0(1+\chi_e)##

Now ##\epsilon_0(1+\chi_e)=\epsilon## So then ##D=\epsilon E##
Yes. That looks very good.
 

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