Confusion to the solution of a MIT ocw problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving problem 1.6 from MIT's Physics 8.02 course, specifically addressing the electric field equations for charged sheets and slabs. The participant expresses confusion regarding the signs of the electric fields in different regions, particularly questioning why the electric field in region I is positive while regions II and III are negative, despite the presence of a negative charge density (σ). The conversation emphasizes the application of Gauss's Law and suggests using Gaussian surfaces to clarify the signs of the electric fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with electric field equations, specifically E_{sheet} and E_{slab}
  • Knowledge of charge density (σ) and its implications on electric fields
  • Ability to analyze electric fields using Gaussian surfaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the application of Gauss's Law in different geometries
  • Study the concept of electric field direction and sign conventions
  • Explore the derivation of electric field equations for various charge distributions
  • Practice solving similar problems from MIT's Physics 8.02 course materials
USEFUL FOR

Students of electromagnetism, particularly those enrolled in introductory physics courses, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electric fields and Gauss's Law.

JYangQi00
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Homework Statement


My snipping tool is totally broken. So I'm going to leave a link :x
It's problem 1.6
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-02-electricity-and-magnetism-spring-2002/assignments/ps1a.pdf

Homework Equations



E_{sheet}=\frac{σ}{2ε_{0}}
E_{slab}=\frac{ρD}{2ε_{0}}
\frac{Q}{ε_{0}}=\ointEdA

The Attempt at a Solution



I got everything on the solutions page (http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-02-electricity-and-magnetism-spring-2002/assignments/pss1.pdf) But I can't seem to understand why region I of Esheet is positive and Regions II and III are negative. If σ is a negative charge, shouldn't the signs be switched around?
 
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It's interesting that you have Gauss's Law as one of your equations. When taking a look at the plane, have you thought about it from a flux perspective?
 
JYangQi00 said:

Homework Statement


My snipping tool is totally broken. So I'm going to leave a link :x
It's problem 1.6
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-02-electricity-and-magnetism-spring-2002/assignments/ps1a.pdf

Homework Equations



E_{sheet}=\frac{σ}{2ε_{0}}
E_{slab}=\frac{ρD}{2ε_{0}}
\frac{Q}{ε_{0}}=\ointEdA

The Attempt at a Solution



I got everything on the solutions page (http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-02-electricity-and-magnetism-spring-2002/assignments/pss1.pdf) But I can't seem to understand why region I of Esheet is positive and Regions II and III are negative. If σ is a negative charge, shouldn't the signs be switched around?
Welcome to PF !

Here is an image of the problem:

attachment.php?attachmentid=67685&stc=1&d=1394920480.png
 

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Post #2 is a good hint, follow it!
3 equations, 3 unknowns, 3 gaussian surfaces.
Hint: make sure two of them line up correctly!
 
SammyS said:
Welcome to PF !

Here is an image of the problem:

attachment.php?attachmentid=67685&stc=1&d=1394920480.png

Thanks! My snipping tool makes it so that the screen turns gray and I snip black images >_<
 

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