How Do You Calculate the Surface Charge Density on a TV Screen?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The surface charge density on a TV screen can be calculated using the formula σ = 2*E*εo, where E is the electric field and εo is the permittivity of free space. In this discussion, a dust mote with an excess charge of 1 nC and mass of 5 μg accelerates toward the screen at 10 mm/s². The force acting on the dust mote is calculated as F = ma, resulting in 5E-8 N. This leads to an electric field E of 50 N/C and a surface charge density σ of 8.85E-10 C/m².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Knowledge of electric field calculations (E = F / q)
  • Familiarity with surface charge density formula (σ = 2*E*εo)
  • Basic conversion between mass units (μg to kg)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of electric fields in electrostatics
  • Learn about the permittivity of free space (εo) and its significance
  • Explore applications of surface charge density in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of charge accumulation on electronic devices
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the principles behind charge accumulation on surfaces like TV screens.

UF6
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



  1. You've probably noticed that TV screens and computer monitors have an annoying tendency to accumulate dust. Wanting to understand this better, you decide to model the situation as follows: you assume a small mote of dust might have an excess charge of 1 nC and a mass of 5 μg. It floats near the surface of a television screen, accelerating toward the screen at a rate of 10 mm/s^2. You would like to know the surface density of the charge on the screen.

Homework Equations


F = ma
E = F / q
σ = 2*E*εo

The Attempt at a Solution


I keep getting the problem wrong and would like someone to check over my work and tell me what I'm doing wrong.

F = ma = 5E-6kg * 0.010m/s2 = 5E-8 N

E = F / q = 5E-8N / 1E-9C = 50 N/C

σ = 2*E*εo = 2 * 50N/C * 8.85E-12C2/N·m2 = 8.85E-10 C/m2
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Check the conversion from μg to kg.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
44
Views
4K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K