Calculate Surface Charge Densities for Parallel Plates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating surface charge densities for infinite parallel plates and a spherically symmetric charge distribution. The surface charge density (σ) is derived from the electric field (E) using the relationship E = σ / ε at x=0 and E = -σ / ε at x=s, where the negative sign indicates the direction of the electric field. The second part of the discussion involves deriving the potential and electric field strength from a charge distribution ρ(r) by integrating over spherical shells, leading to the conclusion that σ(r') = ρ(r') dr'. This relationship is confirmed by recognizing that the total charge within a shell is indeed (4/3)π(r')^3ρ(r).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles, specifically electric fields and potentials.
  • Familiarity with Gauss's Law and its application to symmetrical charge distributions.
  • Knowledge of calculus, particularly integration techniques for continuous charge distributions.
  • Basic concepts of charge density and its relation to electric field strength.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's Law applications for various symmetrical charge distributions.
  • Learn about electric field calculations for spherical charge distributions.
  • Explore the derivation of electric potential from electric fields in electrostatics.
  • Investigate the relationship between charge density and electric field strength in different geometries.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those specializing in electromagnetism, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding charge distributions and their effects on electric fields.

tigigi
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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 ~
 
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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 =
 

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