Electric Field of a Capacitor with asymmetric dielectric

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The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field of a capacitor with an asymmetric dielectric. The user seeks guidance on how to approach the problem, particularly regarding the impact of boundaries and the arrangement of dielectrics. Initial responses emphasize the importance of showing work and suggest considering the capacitor's configuration as series and parallel combinations. The user proposes that placing charges on the boundary could lead to a model with three capacitors in parallel. The conversation highlights the complexity of the problem and the need for a clear understanding of electric fields in different dielectric materials.
Mikey789
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Hey guys,
if an question regarding a capacitor.
As seen in the picture there is a capacitor with an asymmetric dielectric e1 and e2.

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/5999/kondensatorti8.jpg

My question:
Who do I calculate the E-field of the capacitor?

thanks in advamce, help is appreciated!
Mike
 

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Thread moved to homework help.

You generally need to show your own work in order for us to provide tutorial assistance. This is a tricky problem, so I'll offer one initial hint -- would it change the problem at all if you put in a floating metal plate at the green/beige boundary on the left and one on the green/beige boundary on the right? Try picturing that, and think about how capacitors in series add. Please show your work...
 
berkeman said:
Thread moved to homework help.

You generally need to show your own work in order for us to provide tutorial assistance. This is a tricky problem, so I'll offer one initial hint -- would it change the problem at all if you put in a floating metal plate at the green/beige boundary on the left and one on the green/beige boundary on the right? Try picturing that, and think about how capacitors in series add. Please show your work...


Ok,
I know that the problem is in the middle...

If I just take the the left and the right part I have two capacitors in series.. which isn't a problem at all... the D-Fields are equal througout the capacitor and the E-Fields "change" at the boundary.. no problem here...

Now I take the middle part...
Depending on where I put the Gaussian surface I get inconsistent results... (see image 2)
In order to make the inconsistancy disapear I place electrons(+ or -) on the vertical part of the boundry.

->that would leave me with three capacitors in parallel

Is that correct?

Thanks
 

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I would have split it in two. Why are you thinking of three?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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