Electric field over a non uniform surface charge

[dpaulson]

Homework Statement

A non-uniform surface charge lies in the xz-plane. At the origin, the surface charge density is (sigma)=3.01C/m^2; other charges are present in the vicinity as well. Just to the right of the origin the y-component of the electric field is 520,000N/C. What is the y-component of the electric field just to the left of the origin. Answer must take into account direction of field (left negative, right positive).

Homework Equations

Gauss' Law, Coulomb's law, etc. I have the list of all of these, the problem is I just have no idea where to start with this.

The Attempt at a Solution

No idea what to do.

 

[Mindscrape]

This is kind of similar to a capacitor, have you studied those yet?

 

[dpaulson]

Not yet, no.

 

[Mindscrape]

So you have an infinite sheet of charge. Draw a diagram that will show the electric field on both sides of that sheet. Next, determine the Gaussian surface you want to use. Finally, solve for E.

Before you start into it though, what do you expect your answer will be? What is the difference between to the right and to the left of the origin?

 

[dpaulson]

aren't the left and right sides equal in magnitude but going in opposite directions?

 

[Mindscrape]

Yep, that's exactly right.