Calculate Surface Charge Densities for Parallel Plates

In summary, the conversation discusses calculating the surface charge densities on two parallel plates with potentials of zero and V0, and finding the potential and electric field strength of a spherically symmetric charge distribution by dividing it into spherical shells. The equations for determining the surface charge density and total charge are also mentioned.
  • #1
tigigi
38
0
2 infinite parallel plates separated by a distance s are at the potentials zero and V0.
find the surface charge densities on the plates.

I got the answer that it first calculate E and then as

1. x=o, Ex = σ / ε, then could know σ
2. x=s, Ex = - σ / ε ---> here's what I don't know. why there's a minus sign here ?

Thank you so much ~
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
There's another question in EM.

the original question is like below :

consider a spherically symmetric charge distribution ρ = ρ(r). By dividing the charge distribution into spherical shells, find the potential and the eletrica field strength in terms of ρ(r)

I got the answer that it first consider it as charge only on a shell with radius r', get E and V in terms of σ, then infinitely many this kind of shells build a sphere with charge density ρ(r), and then it shows that :

σ =[ 4π (r')^2 dr' ρ(r) ] / 4π (r')^2 = ρ(r') dr' = σ(r')

I don't get this. how come would have this equation ?
it seems σ(r') should be : total charge / surface area, and shouldn't total charge be
(4/3) π (r')^3 ρ(r) ?

Thank you.
σ =
 

Related to Calculate Surface Charge Densities for Parallel Plates

1. How do you calculate surface charge densities for parallel plates?

To calculate surface charge densities for parallel plates, you will need to know the charge on each plate and the distance between the plates. The formula for surface charge density is Q/A, where Q is the charge on the plate and A is the area of the plate. For parallel plates, the area is simply the length of one plate multiplied by the distance between the plates. So, the equation becomes Q/Ld, where L is the length of the plate and d is the distance between the plates.

2. What is the unit for surface charge density?

The unit for surface charge density is Coulombs per square meter (C/m²). This means that for every square meter of the surface, there is a certain amount of charge present.

3. Can surface charge density be negative?

Yes, surface charge density can be negative. This can occur if the charge on the plate is negative, which would result in a negative value for Q in the equation. It is important to note that the sign of the surface charge density does not affect the actual charge on the plate, but rather indicates the direction of the electric field.

4. How does the distance between plates affect surface charge density?

The distance between plates has an inverse relationship with surface charge density. This means that as the distance between plates increases, the surface charge density decreases. This is because the same amount of charge is spread out over a larger area, resulting in a lower surface charge density.

5. Can you use the concept of surface charge density for non-parallel plates?

No, the concept of surface charge density is only applicable to parallel plates. For non-parallel plates, the charge distribution is more complex and cannot be simplified to a single value of surface charge density. In these cases, the electric field must be calculated using other methods, such as Gauss's Law.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
467
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
201
Back
Top