Electric field over a non uniform surface charge

In summary, the problem involves a non-uniform surface charge in the xz-plane at the origin with a surface charge density of 3.01C/m^2. Other charges are present in the vicinity and the y-component of the electric field just to the right of the origin is 520,000N/C. The task is to find the y-component of the electric field just to the left of the origin, taking into account the direction of the field. The suggested approach is to draw a diagram showing the electric field on both sides of the sheet and determine the appropriate Gaussian surface to use. The expected answer is that the left and right sides will have equal magnitude but opposite directions.
  • #1
dpaulson
3
0

Homework Statement


A non-uniform surface charge lies in the xz-plane. At the origin, the surface charge density is (sigma)=3.01C/m^2; other charges are present in the vicinity as well. Just to the right of the origin the y-component of the electric field is 520,000N/C. What is the y-component of the electric field just to the left of the origin. Answer must take into account direction of field (left negative, right positive).

Homework Equations


Gauss' Law, Coulomb's law, etc. I have the list of all of these, the problem is I just have no idea where to start with this.

The Attempt at a Solution


No idea what to do.
 
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  • #2
This is kind of similar to a capacitor, have you studied those yet?
 
  • #3
Not yet, no.
 
  • #4
So you have an infinite sheet of charge. Draw a diagram that will show the electric field on both sides of that sheet. Next, determine the Gaussian surface you want to use. Finally, solve for E.

Before you start into it though, what do you expect your answer will be? What is the difference between to the right and to the left of the origin?
 
  • #5
aren't the left and right sides equal in magnitude but going in opposite directions?
 
  • #6
Yep, that's exactly right.
 

1. What is an electric field over a non-uniform surface charge?

An electric field over a non-uniform surface charge is a vector quantity that represents the strength and direction of the electric force exerted on a charged particle at any point on the surface. It is created by the distribution of charges on the surface and is influenced by the varying charge density across the surface.

2. How is the electric field calculated over a non-uniform surface charge?

The electric field over a non-uniform surface charge can be calculated using the Coulomb's law, which states that the magnitude of the electric field at a point is directly proportional to the charge density at that point and inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the point to the surface charge. This calculation can be done using vector calculus or by using the integral form of Gauss's law.

3. How does the electric field vary over a non-uniform surface charge?

The electric field over a non-uniform surface charge can vary significantly depending on the distribution of charges on the surface. It is strongest at points where the charge density is highest and decreases as the distance from the surface charge increases. In cases where the surface charge is highly non-uniform, the electric field may also have varying directions at different points on the surface.

4. What are some real-life applications of understanding electric field over a non-uniform surface charge?

Understanding the electric field over a non-uniform surface charge is crucial in various fields such as electronics, electrochemistry, and materials science. It is used to design and analyze the behavior of electronic devices, determine the efficiency of electrochemical reactions, and understand the properties of materials with non-uniform surface charges, such as semiconductors and polymers.

5. How can the electric field over a non-uniform surface charge be manipulated?

The electric field over a non-uniform surface charge can be manipulated by changing the distribution of charges on the surface, either by physically rearranging the charges or by applying an external electric field. This manipulation can be used to control the behavior of charged particles on the surface, such as in the case of controlling the flow of current in electronic circuits or in the deposition of materials in electroplating processes.

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