Calculating Charge & Electric Energy Above a Plane

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of electric energy and charge above an infinitely large conducting plane using the method of images. The total charge of the plane is determined to be "-Q," leading to the stored electric energy formula W_{E}=-\frac{Q^{2}}{8\pi\epsilon_{0}d}. The participant concludes that the capacitance derived from this energy is negative, indicating that the system does not behave as a capacitor. This conclusion is affirmed as correct, highlighting the unique properties of the configuration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and electric fields
  • Familiarity with the method of images in electrostatics
  • Knowledge of capacitance and energy storage in electric fields
  • Basic principles of conducting materials and their behavior in electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of images in electrostatics in detail
  • Explore the implications of negative capacitance in electrical systems
  • Research the properties of conducting planes in electrostatic configurations
  • Learn about energy storage in electric fields and its mathematical formulations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, electrical engineering, and anyone interested in advanced electrostatics and energy calculations in electric fields.

bg646
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hello, I am stuck with this one. Your help/comments would be most appreciated.

A charge "+Q" lies at a distance "d" above an infinitely large conducting plane. Applying the method of images, i found the right result that the total charge of the infinite plane is "-Q" and that the stored electric energy is:
[tex]W_{E}=-\frac{Q^{2}}{8\pi\epsilon_{0}d}[/tex]
Since the stored electrostatic energy also satisfies:
[tex]W_{E}=CV^{2}/2[/tex]

it seems that the capacitance of the system would be negative which must be non sense. Therefore the charge above the plane is *not* a capacitor.

Is this correct or am i missing something?
Thanks for your help
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K