Total Charge on the Cylinder (Gauss' Law)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a cylindrical drum with a specified length and radius, where charge is uniformly distributed over its surface. The electric field near the surface is given, and the goal is to determine the total charge on the cylinder using Gauss' Law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using equations related to electric flux and surface charge density to find the total charge. There is uncertainty about the impact of the cylinder's ends being uncharged on the calculations. Some participants express confusion about algebraic manipulations and the correct application of formulas.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the correct algebraic expressions for calculating charge. Some participants have offered corrections and suggestions for proper equation usage, indicating a productive exchange of ideas without reaching a final consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the problem's constraints, particularly regarding the charge distribution and the geometry of the cylinder. There is an acknowledgment of potential misunderstandings in the application of Gauss' Law and electric field equations.

Alouette
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Homework Statement



The cylindrical drum of a copy machine is .38 m long with .05 m radius. If charge is uniformly distributed over the cylindrical surface (the top and bottom flat circular ends of the drum have no charge) and the electric field very close to this surface midway along the length of the drum is 1.0x10^5 N/C, what is the total charge on the cylinder?

Homework Equations



Electric flux \Phi = Q / \epsilono

Electric flux \Phi = E*2*\pi*r*L

The Attempt at a Solution



I thought I could use these two equations to solve for Q, just by dividing:

E2πrL*Eo

...but that doesn't give the right answer. I'm unsure if the top and bottom of cylinder having no charge has something to do with it not being this simple. Is this hunch right?

I also have the equation for surface charge density which is E = σ/2εo ,yet I'm unsure if this has much use here...so lost..
 
Last edited:
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Alouette said:

Homework Statement



The cylindrical drum of a copy machine is .38 m long with .05 m radius. If charge is uniformly distributed over the cylindrical surface (the top and bottom flat circular ends of the drum have no charge) and the electric field very close to this surface midway along the length of the drum is 1.0x10^5 N/C, what is the total charge on the cylinder?

Homework Equations



Electric flux \Phi = Q / \epsilono

Electric flux \Phi = E*2*\pi*r*L

The Attempt at a Solution



I thought I could use these two equations to solve for Q, just by dividing:

E2πrL/Eo

...but that doesn't give the right answer. I'm unsure if the top and bottom of cylinder having no charge has something to do with it not being this simple. Is this hunch right?

I also have the equation for surface charge density which is E = σ/2εo ,yet I'm unsure if this has much use here...so lost..
Check your algebra.

Solving Q/ε0 = 2π r L E for Q does not give: Q = E2πrL/ε0 .
 
Sorry meant E*Eo*2*π*r*L
 
Alouette said:
Sorry meant E*Eo*2*π*r*L
That should give the correct answer.
 
Duh..thanks a lot! Actually answered, I appreciate it! :D
 

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