Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Gauss's Law
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Gauss's Law
A uniformly distributed charge of density is contained within a...
A uniformly distributed charge of density is contained within a long cylindrical volume. Determine the electric field at a point located inside the cylindrical volume at a distance from its axis, as shown in the figure.

Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
B.
Step-by-step solution
Consider a coaxial cylindrical Gaussian surface of radius and length passing through point .
By Gauss's law, the total electric flux through this surface is:
Due to the symmetry of the long cylinder, the electric field is radial and its magnitude is constant over the curved surface of the Gaussian cylinder. The flux through the flat circular ends is zero since the electric field is parallel to them.
The charge enclosed within the Gaussian surface is:
Substituting the enclosed charge into Gauss's law:
By Gauss's law, the total electric flux through this surface is:
Due to the symmetry of the long cylinder, the electric field is radial and its magnitude is constant over the curved surface of the Gaussian cylinder. The flux through the flat circular ends is zero since the electric field is parallel to them.
The charge enclosed within the Gaussian surface is:
Substituting the enclosed charge into Gauss's law: