A cylindrical Gaussian surface encloses a long straight wire carrying a current. What is the electric field at a point outside the cylinder?

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Q: A cylindrical Gaussian surface encloses a long straight wire carrying a current. What is the electric field at a point outside the cylinder?

Solution: The electric field outside the cylindrical surface is directly proportional to the distance from the wire.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand that we have a long straight wire carrying an electric current.
Step 2: Recognize that the wire creates an electric field around it.
Step 3: Identify that we are looking at a cylindrical Gaussian surface that surrounds the wire.
Step 4: Note that the electric field is strongest near the wire and decreases as you move away from it.
Step 5: Realize that the electric field at a point outside the cylinder depends on the distance from the wire.
Step 6: Conclude that the electric field outside the cylindrical surface is directly proportional to the distance from the wire.