Field momentum inside a parallel plate capacitor

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about the parallel plate capacitor with charge densities sigma and -sigma, the main focus is on determining the "field momentum" within a specified cubic volume. The initial interpretation suggests that since there is no magnetic field present, the field momentum is zero, as indicated by the Poynting vector (ExB). However, the query arises regarding the potential for a net flow of field momentum into the cubic volume, which could imply a buildup of momentum or energy over time. The absence of additional information complicates the analysis, particularly since the volume in question does not encompass the negatively charged plate. This detail raises questions about whether the field momentum could indeed be non-zero due to the configuration of the capacitor and the electric field present. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in understanding how the geometry and charge distribution affect field momentum.
brian0918
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The system is a parallel plate capacitor, top plate has charge density sigma, bottom play has charge density -sigma. I'm looking for the "field momentum" inside the cubic volume Omega shown in the picture.

My book (Griffiths) is a little unclear on exactly what this is, and seems to be saying that the momentum is proportional to the Poynting vector ExB, so since there doesn't seem to be a magnetic field, this would suggest the field momentum is zero.

Is this correct?


The only problem I'm having is that, later in the problem, it asks if there's a net flow of field momentum into the cube, so I'm thinking there's more to the problem than what I'm seeing. Could anyone help clear this up?


Thanks.
 

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Unless you have current flowing through the dielectric or it's part of an AC circuit you won't have a magnetic field. Is there any other information provided?
 
There's no other information. So the field momentum is indeed zero?

What about a net flow of the field momentum into the cubic volume Omega?
 
brian0918 said:
There's no other information. So the field momentum is indeed zero?

What about a net flow of the field momentum into the cubic volume Omega?

That would imply an infinite buildup of momentum/energy over time not to mention there is no source for that.
 
Are you sure about the net flow into volume Omega being zero? If you look at the picture, the volume doesn't include the negative plate, just the positive plate. Does this change anything? The book doesn't explain this at all.
 
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