Confusion to the solution of a MIT ocw problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem from an MIT course on electricity and magnetism, specifically focusing on the electric field produced by charged sheets and slabs. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the sign of the electric field in different regions when considering a negative charge density.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the sign convention for the electric field in relation to charge density, questioning why the signs differ across regions. Another participant suggests considering the problem from a flux perspective, hinting at the application of Gauss's Law.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the implications of charge signs on electric field direction. Some guidance has been offered, but there is no explicit consensus on the resolution of the confusion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions technical difficulties with their snipping tool, which may affect their ability to share visual information relevant to the problem. There is also a reference to specific equations related to electric fields and Gauss's Law that are central to the discussion.

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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