Electric fields and metal tube

In summary, someone is asking for help with a physics question regarding the magnitude of electric field at two different radial distances from a charged metal tube. They attempted to use the given equation but got stuck with the radius and asked for clarification. Another person suggests using Gauss' Law and confirms the value for the permittivity of free space. The final result for the electric field at the given distances is a) 0 N/C and b) 12569 N/C.
  • #1
ghetto_bird25
18
0
hey guys i was wondering if anyone could help me with this question, kinda got stuck

Homework Statement


Figure 24-31 shows a section of a long, thin-walled metal tube of radius R = 5.56 cm, with a charge per unit length λ = 7.34 x 10-8 C/m. What is the magnitude E of the electric field at radial distance (a)r = 3.15 cm and (b)r = 10.5 cm.
http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/courses/crs1141/art/qb/qu/c24/Fig23_34.gif

Homework Equations


E=[tex]\lambda[/tex]/2[tex]\pi[/tex][tex]\epsilon[/tex]r


The Attempt at a Solution


well i tried using that equation but got stuck with the radius and where to plug it in since you get 5.56 cm, but wasn't too sure how to exactly plug in the other radius. also i was wondering if that was how you do the question and if you had to plug in the radius in that equation and not R=5.56cm
 
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  • #2
You are given the charge density per meter. Think about Gauss' Law. The only role that R = 5.56 cm plays in the problem is to determine whether r is inside or outside of the cylinder.
 
  • #3
ic so would [tex]\epsilon[/tex][tex]_{O}[/tex] be 8.85e-12 C^2/N m^2
 
  • #4
If that's the usual value for the permittivity of free space, yes.
 
  • #5
ok thanks that realli helped, btw the answer for this is a) 0 N/C b)12569 N/C
thanks again
 

Related to Electric fields and metal tube

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical phenomenon that is created by electrically charged particles. It is a region in space where an electrically charged object experiences a force.

How does an electric field interact with a metal tube?

An electric field can induce the movement of free electrons within a metal tube, causing them to flow and create an electric current. This is known as the "skin effect".

Can a metal tube block an electric field?

Yes, a metal tube can act as a shield and block the electric field from reaching the inside of the tube. This is due to the conductive properties of the metal, which causes the electric field to be redistributed and canceled out.

What is the difference between an electric field and a magnetic field?

An electric field is produced by stationary or moving electrically charged particles, while a magnetic field is created by moving electrically charged particles. Additionally, an electric field interacts with electrically charged particles, while a magnetic field interacts with magnetic poles.

How is the strength of an electric field measured?

The strength of an electric field is measured in units of volts per meter (V/m). It can also be measured using a device called an electric field meter, which measures the electric field intensity at a specific point in space.

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