Dielectric-Dielectric Boundary Conditions

In summary, The question is about a confusion regarding a certain concept, specifically how to draw the result of the problem. The equation \oint_{C} \vec{E} \cdot \vec{dl} = E_{1t}\Delta l - E_{2t}\Delta l = 0 is used, but the integration is not necessary due to the small value of \Delta l. The net electric field is found to be E_{net} \Delta l, but there is confusion about why E_{net} = E_{1t} - E_{2t}. The confusion is cleared up by realizing that \vec{\Delta l\phantom{ll}} is to the right in one medium and to the left
  • #1
jegues
1,097
3

Homework Statement



No problem, I just have a confusion about a certain concept.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I'm confused as to how they draw the result,

[tex]\oint_{C} \vec{E} \cdot \vec{dl} = E_{1t}\Delta l - E_{2t}\Delta l = 0[/tex]

You don't really need to do the integration since,

[tex]\Delta l[/tex]

is so small. Thus the result must be,

[tex]E_{net} \Delta l[/tex]

But why is it such that,

[tex]E_{net} = E_{1t} - E_{2t}?[/tex]

It looks as though they are pointing in the same direction in the figure.

Can someone explain? Am I mixing some things up?

Thanks again!
 

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  • #2
[itex]\vec{\Delta l\phantom{ll}}[/itex] is to the right in one medium, to the left in the other.
 
  • #3
SammyS said:
[itex]\vec{\Delta l\phantom{ll}}[/itex] is to the right in one medium, to the left in the other.

Doh.

Thank you.
 

1. What are dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions?

Dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions refer to the conditions that must be satisfied at the interface between two dielectric materials. These conditions describe the behavior of electric fields, magnetic fields, and charges at the boundary.

2. Why are dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions important?

Dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions are important because they help us understand how electric fields and charges behave at the interface between two dielectric materials. This is crucial for many applications, such as in electronics and optics.

3. What is the difference between dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions and other types of boundary conditions?

Dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions are specific to interfaces between two dielectric materials. Other types of boundary conditions, such as conductor-dielectric boundary conditions, describe the behavior of electric fields and charges at the interface between a conductor and a dielectric material.

4. How do we mathematically express dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions?

Dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions are typically expressed using Maxwell's equations, which describe the relationships between electric and magnetic fields and charges. These equations can be solved to determine the behavior of electric fields and charges at the interface between two dielectric materials.

5. What are some applications of dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions?

Dielectric-dielectric boundary conditions are important in many applications, including the design of electronic devices, the study of electromagnetic wave propagation, and the development of optical materials and devices. They are also crucial for understanding the behavior of dielectric materials in various environments, such as in biological systems or under extreme conditions.

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