Equipotential surface of a infinite plane?

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SUMMARY

The equipotential surface of an infinite plane of charge is a plane itself, parallel to the charged plane. This conclusion is derived from the symmetry of the electric field produced by the infinite plane, which is uniform and perpendicular to the surface. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering symmetries in electrostatics to simplify the analysis of potential surfaces. By understanding these principles, one can confirm the shape of the equipotential surface through established electrostatic theories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles
  • Familiarity with electric field concepts
  • Knowledge of equipotential surfaces
  • Ability to analyze symmetry in physical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric fields generated by infinite planes of charge
  • Learn about equipotential surfaces in different charge configurations
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of electric potential from charge distributions
  • Investigate the role of symmetry in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, educators teaching electric field concepts, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of charge distributions.

squirrelschaser
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Homework Statement



So the equipotential surface of a point charge is sphere with the charge in the center, and the equipotential surface of a infinite line is a cylinder with the line of charge as the axis. I was wondering what is the shape of the equipotential surface of a infinite plane?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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squirrelschaser said:

Homework Statement



So the equipotential surface of a point charge is sphere with the charge in the center, and the equipotential surface of a infinite line is a cylinder with the line of charge as the axis. I was wondering what is the shape of the equipotential surface of a infinite plane?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


i) consider symmetries. ii) compute it iii) make an educated guess. iv) confirm guess by looking up what other sources say the potential of a infinite plane of charge looks like. Actually if you think really hard about i) you can skip the others. If you don't know what 'symmetries' is all about you and you can't compute it, skip the first options and just do the others. Variety of choices.
 
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