Question

Cylindrical coordinates are a simple extension of the two-dimensional polar coordinates to three dimensions. Recall that the position of a point in the plane can be described using polar coordinates (r,θ). The polar coordinate r is the distance of the point from the origin. For the perspective of co-axial cable and potential difference, which statement is correct?

a) The outer conductor is selected as the zero refence for potial.
b) The outer conductor is selected as the unity reference for potential.
c) The inner conductor is selected as the zero reference for potential.
d) The inner conductor is selected as the unity reference for potential.

Answer 1

In the context of a coaxial cable, the outer conductor is selected as the zero reference for potential, which simplifies the analysis of the electric field and potential differences.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of a coaxial cable, cylindrical coordinates are useful for describing the geometry and the physics involved in its operation. When considering potential difference and electric fields within a coaxial cable, the choice of reference potential is arbitrary but necessary for calculations. Standard practice in physics is to choose the outer conductor as the zero reference for potential, so the correct answer would be (a) The outer conductor is selected as the zero reference for potential. This is because it simplifies the analysis of the electric field and potential within the cable, allowing us to focus on the behavior within and around the inner conductor.