The discussion centers on the work done by the electric force on a point charge q moved within a hollow charged cylinder of radius R. The initial position A is located at (3/4)R from the center, while the final position B is at the center of the cylinder. It is established that no work is done by the electric force during this movement because the electric potential inside a uniformly charged hollow cylinder remains constant, confirming that the cylinder acts as an equipotential surface.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding electrostatics, particularly the behavior of electric forces in relation to charged objects and equipotential surfaces.
Hello cesaravila. Welcome to PF !cesaravila said:Homework Statement
A point charge q is moved inside a hollow charged cylinder of radius R. The initial point A is a distance (3/4)R from the center and the final point B is at the center of the sphere. How much work is done by the electric force in this case?
2. The attempt at a solution
I am thinking that no work is done because its equipotential, but I am not certain its equipotential.
SammyS said:Hello cesaravila. Welcome to PF !
In one place you mention a cylinder. In another you mention a sphere.
Which is it ?
haruspex said:Is the cylinder a conductor? A uniformly charged non-conductor? Any mention of the charge or charge density?
Assuming it is a uniform charge and a long cylinder, I agree the potential should be constant inside.cesaravila said:It is a charged insulator.