Surface Charge Density for Infinite Sheet of Charge

AI Thread Summary
An infinite sheet of charge with a surface charge density of +7.8 micro-Coulomb/m² is positioned on the x-axis, while another sheet with an unknown charge density is on the y-axis. A positive point charge in the first quadrant experiences a total electric force directed at a 143-degree angle from the positive x-axis. The calculations indicate that the surface charge density of the sheet on the y-axis is -10.35 micro-Coulomb/m². Corrections in the direction of the electric field vectors are necessary for accurate results. Understanding the relationship between the charge densities and the angles is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


An infinite sheet of charge with a surface charge density of +7.8 micro-Coulomb/m2 lies on x-axis (technically in x-z plane). Another infinite sheet of charge with an unknown charge density lies on y-axis (technically in y-z plane). A positive point charge is placed in first quadrant and total electric force on this charge due to infinite sheets is directed at an 143 degree angle when measured counter-clockwise from positive x axis. What is surface charge density of sheet on y-axis in micro-Coulomb/m2? Answer is -10.35.


Homework Equations


\sigma=dq/dA


The Attempt at a Solution


Fex=-qE=-q\sigmax/2\epsilon0
Fey=qE=q\sigmay/2\epsilon0
tan\theta=(q\sigmay/2\epsilon0)/(q\sigmax/2\epsilon0)
tan\theta=\sigmay/\sigmax
\sigmay=\sigmaxtan\theta=7.8tan143
 
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Does it not cancel anyhow?
 
eestep said:

Homework Statement


An infinite sheet of charge with a surface charge density of +7.8 micro-Coulomb/m2 lies on x-axis (technically in x-z plane). Another infinite sheet of charge with an unknown charge density lies on y-axis (technically in y-z plane). A positive point charge is placed in first quadrant and total electric force on this charge due to infinite sheets is directed at an 143 degree angle when measured counter-clockwise from positive x axis. What is surface charge density of sheet on y-axis in micro-Coulomb/m2? Answer is -10.35.


Homework Equations


\sigma=dq/dA


The Attempt at a Solution


Fex=-qE=-q\sigmax/2\epsilon0 This should be Fey .
Fey=qE=q\sigmay/2\epsilon0 This should be Fex .
tan\theta=(q\sigmay/2\epsilon0)/(q\sigmax/2\epsilon0)
tan\theta=\sigmay/\sigmax
\sigmay=\sigmaxtan\theta=7.8tan143

The sheet with known charge, lying in the x-z plane, produces an electric field parallel to the y-axis.
 
How do I calculate surface charge density of sheet on y axis?
 
eestep said:
How do I calculate surface charge density of sheet on y axis?
The vector you said was in the x direction is in the y direction.

The vector you said was in the y direction is in the x direction.

Correcting this will give you the right answer.
 
I appreciate your assistance!
 
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