Math Problem Statement
The electric field in a particular space is 𝐸→=((1500.0𝑧+3000.0) N/C)kˆ with 𝑧 in meters. Consider a cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius 13.0 cm that is coaxial with the 𝑧-axis. One end of the cylinder is at 𝑧=0, the other end of the cylinder is at 𝑧=2.07 m. What is the net charge contained by the cylinder?
Solution
We are tasked with finding the net charge enclosed by a cylindrical Gaussian surface given the electric field:
The Gaussian surface is a cylinder of radius , with one end at and the other at .
We will use Gauss's Law, which states:
Where is the enclosed charge, and is the permittivity of free space .
Steps:
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Electric flux through the cylinder's ends: The electric field points along the -axis (axial), so we need to compute the electric flux only through the two circular end caps. The lateral surface does not contribute to the flux because the electric field is perpendicular to the side surface.
The flux through each end is given by:
where is the electric field at a given , and is the area of the circular end caps.
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Flux at : The flux at is:
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Flux at : The flux at is:
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Net flux:
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Find enclosed charge using Gauss's Law:
Let's compute this step by step.The net charge enclosed by the cylindrical Gaussian surface is approximately:
Would you like more details on the process or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions to consider:
- How would the result change if the electric field varied differently with ?
- What if the cylindrical surface had a different radius? How would that affect the enclosed charge?
- How can Gauss's Law be applied to non-uniform fields in other geometric configurations?
- Why is there no flux contribution from the curved surface of the cylinder?
- How does the concept of electric flux help in determining the charge distribution in different regions?
Tip: Always remember that Gauss’s Law is most effective in cases with high symmetry (spherical, cylindrical, or planar).
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Gauss's Law
Electric Flux
Cylindrical Geometry
Formulas
Gauss's Law: ∮𝐸→⋅d𝐴→ = q_enc / ε₀
Electric Flux: Φ = E(z) ⋅ πR²
Charge Enclosed: q_enc = ε₀ ⋅ Net Flux
Theorems
Gauss's Law
Suitable Grade Level
University Physics (Undergraduate Level)
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