Confusion to the solution of a MIT ocw problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a problem from MIT's electricity and magnetism course, specifically focusing on the signs of electric fields in different regions. The user is confused about why the electric field in region I is positive while regions II and III are negative, despite having a negative charge density. Participants suggest considering Gauss's Law and the flux perspective to clarify the signs. A hint is provided to align Gaussian surfaces correctly for solving the problem. The thread emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between charge density and electric field direction.
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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