Exploring Electric Fields in Hollow Cylinders

[garytse86]

Why is there no electric field inside a hollow cylinder?

Thanks.

 

[quantumdude]

Start by applying Gauss' law inside the hollow part of the cylinder, and afterwards tell us what you think.

 

[wais]

There are a few reasons why there is no electric field inside a hollow cylinder.

Firstly, the electric field is created by electric charges. In a hollow cylinder, there are no charges present inside the cavity, so there is no source of electric field.

Secondly, the electric field lines follow the path of least resistance, which is along the surface of the cylinder. Inside the cylinder, there is more material present, such as air or insulation, which acts as a barrier for the electric field lines. Therefore, the electric field lines cannot pass through the material and remain confined to the surface of the cylinder.

Additionally, the electric field inside a conductor is zero. This is due to the fact that the free electrons in the conductor can move freely and redistribute themselves in response to an applied electric field, effectively canceling out the field inside the conductor.

Overall, these factors contribute to the absence of an electric field inside a hollow cylinder. However, it is important to note that the electric field can exist near the ends of the cylinder, where the charges are present and the electric field lines can escape.