We are given a cylindrical rod with linear charge density λ, and a coaxial cylinder with linear charge density −λ, as shown in the picture.
We are to show that the potential difference between ra and rb is ΔV=2keλln(rarb).
We can easily calculate from Gauss' Law that the magnitude of the electric field at a distance r from the axis of symmetry is E=2keλr. From the definition of potential difference we have ΔV=−∫→rb→ra→E⋅d→s.
Now, the field points radially outward, and d→s=−drˆr, so →E⋅d→s=−Edr. Therefore we should get ΔV=−∫→rb→ra→E⋅d→s=∫rbra2keλrdr=2keλln(rbra).
Why do I get the sign wrong?
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