Electric Field outside a Coaxial Cable

In summary, the discussion is about an 8mm diameter coaxial cable with a central conducting wire and an outer cylindrical conducting braid. The problem involves finding the electric field, in N/C, 4cm from the center of the cable given a charge of +30mC on the inner conductor and -30mC on the outer conducting braid. The solution involves using Gauss' Law, but the person is unsure about how to show their conclusion that the electric field is 0 at the given distance. They are asking for help in explaining their reasoning.
  • #1
calcuseless
9
0

Homework Statement


Consider an 8mm diameter coaxial cable, which consists of a central conducting wire, and an outer cylindrical conducting braid. If a charge of +30mC is placed on the inner conductor, and a charge of -30mC is placed on the outer conducting braid, what will the electric field, in N/C, be 4cm from the center of the cable?


Homework Equations


Gauss' Law


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm thinking it would be 0 but I don't know how to go about showing this.
 
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  • #2
Please show how you reached this conclusion.
 
  • #3
WhoWee said:
Please show how you reached this conclusion.

calcuseless said:
...but I don't know how to go about showing this.

welp
 

Related to Electric Field outside a Coaxial Cable

1. What is an electric field outside a coaxial cable and how is it formed?

The electric field outside a coaxial cable is a region of space where an electric charge experiences a force. It is formed due to the presence of two conducting cylinders, one inside the other, with opposite charges. The electric field lines extend radially outward from the inner cylinder and radially inward towards the outer cylinder.

2. How does the electric field strength vary outside a coaxial cable?

The electric field strength outside a coaxial cable is directly proportional to the distance from the cable's axis. This means that the field strength decreases as you move further away from the cable. Additionally, the electric field strength is also affected by the charge and radius of the inner and outer cylinders. A larger charge or radius will result in a stronger electric field.

3. Can the electric field outside a coaxial cable be manipulated?

Yes, the electric field outside a coaxial cable can be manipulated by changing the charge or radius of the inner and outer cylinders. Additionally, the use of insulating materials between the cylinders can also affect the strength and direction of the electric field.

4. What are some applications of the electric field outside a coaxial cable?

The electric field outside a coaxial cable has many practical applications. It is used in the design of transmission and distribution lines for electricity, as well as in the construction of electronic devices such as antennas, capacitors, and coaxial cables for communication and data transfer.

5. Is the electric field outside a coaxial cable affected by the medium surrounding it?

Yes, the electric field outside a coaxial cable can be affected by the medium surrounding it. Different materials have different dielectric constants, which determine how easily the electric field can pass through them. This can affect the strength and direction of the electric field outside the cable.

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