System of hollow cylindrical conductors

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the potential and charge per unit length of hollow cylindrical conductors, specifically when the outer shell is grounded. The equations derived include V1 and V2, which represent the potentials of the first two conductors, calculated using the formula V=∫Edl. The user successfully determined that the charge on the grounded conductor is negative when both λ1 and λ2 are positive, confirming the application of superposition in this electrostatic scenario.

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  • Understanding of electrostatics and electric potential
  • Familiarity with the concept of charge per unit length
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in physics
  • Basic principles of cylindrical conductors and grounding
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  • Study the principles of electrostatics in cylindrical coordinates
  • Learn about the method of superposition in electrostatics
  • Explore the derivation of electric fields for hollow cylindrical shells
  • Investigate the behavior of grounded conductors in electrostatic systems
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone studying electrostatics, particularly in the context of cylindrical conductors and grounding effects.

gruba
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Homework Statement


Find potential and charge per unit length of every cylindrical hollow shell if the outer shell is grounded. The length is considered to be infinite.

Homework Equations


V=∫Edl

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure how to derive potentials for first two conductors (reference point is grounded third conductor). When integrating from (a to b)+(b to c) for the potential of the first conductor,
V1=1/(2πε0))*(ln(b/a)+ln(c/b))
V2=2/(2πε0))*ln(c/b)

Using superposition, charge per unit length of the third grounded conductor is
λ312

Now, what I don't understand is that the conductors are hollow. This system of shells can't be looked as cylindrical capacitor, right? Could someone check my equations and show how to do this if it is not correct?

Thanks for replies.
 

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If ##\lambda_1## and ##\lambda_2## are positive, what will the sign of the charge on the grounded conductor be?
 
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haruspex said:
If ##\lambda_1## and ##\lambda_2## are positive, what will the sign of the charge on the grounded conductor be?
Ok, I solved the problem. Charge on the grounded charge will be negative.
 

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