What is the electric potential of a metal cylinder?

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SUMMARY

The electric potential of a metal cylinder varies based on the charge distribution applied to it. A neutral metal cylinder has an electric potential of 0 volts. When charged, the potential can be calculated using Gauss's law or Coulomb's law, depending on whether the cylinder is approximated as infinite. Understanding the differences in electric potential is crucial, as only these differences hold physical significance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and charge distribution
  • Familiarity with Gauss's law
  • Knowledge of Coulomb's law
  • Basic concepts of conductors and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's law applications in electrostatics
  • Learn about Coulomb's law and its integration techniques
  • Explore the properties of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium
  • Research electric potential differences and their physical implications
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding electrostatics and electric potential in conductive materials.

blatike
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As the title says, what is the electric potential of a metal cylinder? If I am missing any variables, which variables do I need? My little brother asked me this but I don't want to turn up short-handed. I'm not really a physics guy
 
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The electrical potential could be anything depending on what you put on it. The more positive charges or the more negative charges you put on the metal cylinder, the stronger it's electric potential. A usual metal cylinder will be neutral, and so would have electric potential of 0.
 
What the potential is at the surface of a conductor is meaningless - only differences in potential have physical meaning. I believe the OP was asking what the potential of a charged conducting cylinder would be, in which case you can either approximate the cylinder as infinite and apply Gauss's law, or use Coulomb's law and integrate. Either way, the answer is easily available through google.
 

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