Calculating Total Charge

Each group will be given one of the charge distributions given below: (\(\alpha\) and \(k\) are constants with dimensions appropriate for the specific example.)

For your group's case, answer the following questions:

  1. Find the dimensions of the constants \(\alpha\) and \(k\).
  2. Find the total charge.
    • Spherical Symmetry - A positively charged (dielectric) spherical shell of inner radius \(a\) and outer radius \(b\) with a spherically symmetric internal charge density:

      \(\rho (\vec{r}) = \alpha\, \frac{1}{r^{2}}\, e^{(kr)}\)

    • Cylindrical Symmetry - A positively charged (dielectric) cylindrical shell of inner radius \(a\) and outer radius \(b\) and height \(H\) with a cylindrically symmetric internal charge density:

      \(\rho (\vec{r}) =\alpha\, e^{(ks)^{2}}\)


Editor
maggie
Author Information
Corinne Manogue, Tevian Dray
Keywords
charge charge density multiple integral scalar field coordinate systems differential elements curvilinear coordinates
Learning Outcomes
Publication Status
Published
Publication Date
Nov. 6, 2026, noon