Exam Prep: Electric Field - Is It Zero?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the electric field between two oppositely charged sheets, specifically addressing whether the electric field is zero in that region. Participants clarify that drawing a Gaussian surface enclosing both sheets does not aid in determining the field between them. The consensus is that the electric field between two infinite parallel plates is uniform and non-zero, directed from the positive to the negative plate, and is given by the formula E = σ/ε₀, where σ is the surface charge density and ε₀ is the permittivity of free space.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss's Law
  • Familiarity with electric fields and charge distributions
  • Knowledge of surface charge density (σ)
  • Basic concepts of electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's Law applications in electrostatics
  • Learn about electric field calculations for parallel plate capacitors
  • Research the concept of surface charge density (σ) and its implications
  • Explore the properties of electric fields in different geometries
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for physics exams, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields and charge interactions.

bluesteels
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Homework Statement
Two infinite plane sheets with uniform surface charge densities
+ sigma and - sigma are placed parallel to each other with separation d.
In the region between the sheets, where does the total electric
field have the greatest magnitude?
Relevant Equations
concept Q.
Screen Shot 2022-03-01 at 9.39.04 PM.png


I'm having an exam soon so i want to make sure. Is the electric field here zero?? cause if i draw gauss surface covering both of them they should cancel out or am i wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are asked about the field between the sheets. How is drawing a surface enclosing both going to help with that?
 
What does this structure remind you? I mean two opposite charge sheets (or plates if that rings a bell) and the E-field in between them...
 

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