How to Determine the Electric Potential Difference in a Coaxial Cable?

In summary, the conversation is about a coaxial cable with inner and outer conductors having different radii and charges. The task is to determine the electric potential difference between two labeled points. The person is struggling with the problem and has been working on it for three hours. They have tried using voltage equations and are advised to use Gauss law and integrate the electric field from the outer radius to infinity to find the potential at the outer radius. They are also advised to use the fact that the potential at infinity is 0 and to follow the same method for the inner radius.
  • #1
dancer18
1
0
Physics 2 coaxial potential help!

https://wug-s.physics.uiuc.edu/cgi/courses/shell/common/showme.pl?cc/DuPage/phys2112/summer/homework/Ch-22-E-Potential/IE_cylindersV/coax.gif

The diagram above shows a coaxial cable. The inner conductor has radius a = 0.0025 m. The outer conductor is a cylindrical shell with inner radius b = 0.0075 m, and outer radius c = 0.008 m from the center. Both conductors are coaxial. For every length L = 10 m of cable, there is a total charge q = 2.8e-008 C on the inner conductor and a total charge of Q = -5.6e-006 C on the outer conductor.

Determine the electric potential difference between the labeled points A and B.

PLEASE 've been working on this problem for about THREE hours, and I still can't get it! I'm so confused. Please please please!

I tried using the voltage equations from c to b and then adding it w/the voltage from b to a. and it's wrong!
 
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  • #2


I think you may find first E for r>=c.
Please use Gauss law.
Integral of E from r=c to infinity will give potential at r=c.
Use the condition that potential at infinity = 0.
Go the same way to the center.
 
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Related to How to Determine the Electric Potential Difference in a Coaxial Cable?

1. What is a coaxial potential?

A coaxial potential is a type of electrostatic potential that exists between two conducting cylinders or spheres with a common axis. The potential decreases as the distance from the axis increases.

2. How is the potential difference between two coaxial cylinders calculated?

The potential difference between two coaxial cylinders can be calculated by using the formula V = kQ * ln(b/a), where k is the Coulomb constant, Q is the charge on the inner cylinder, and a and b are the radii of the inner and outer cylinders, respectively.

3. What is the relationship between the electric field and the potential in a coaxial system?

In a coaxial system, the electric field is directly proportional to the negative derivative of the potential with respect to the distance from the axis. This means that as the potential decreases, the electric field strength increases.

4. How does the potential between two coaxial cylinders change with the addition of dielectric material?

The addition of dielectric material between the two coaxial cylinders will decrease the potential difference between them. This is because the dielectric material reduces the effective electric field, resulting in a weaker potential difference.

5. Can a coaxial potential be used to store electrical energy?

Yes, a coaxial potential can be used to store electrical energy. This is because the potential difference between the two cylinders creates an electric field, which can be harnessed to store energy in a capacitor. However, the energy stored will depend on the radius and separation of the cylinders.

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