How Does Gauss' Law Apply to an Infinite Charged Wall?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Gauss' Law to an infinite charged wall with a uniform charge density. The original poster seeks to derive an expression for the electric field at a point in relation to the wall and to plot this field over a specified range.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of Gauss' Law versus Coulomb's Law, with some suggesting that Gauss' Law is more appropriate due to the symmetry of the problem. Questions arise regarding the setup of the Gaussian surface and the interpretation of charge density and volume.

Discussion Status

There is active engagement with various participants providing insights on the symmetry of the electric field, the direction of the field, and the implications of the infinite nature of the wall. Some participants express uncertainty about the setup and calculations, while others offer guidance on how to approach the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to consider different cases for points inside and outside the wall, as well as the implications of the wall being infinite on the electric field behavior. There is also mention of the original poster's time constraints, which may affect their ability to fully engage with the problem.

  • #31
TSny said:
Yes. Note that the D here corresponds to the field at an arbitrary point where y is greater than 2. Putting it together, what do you find for D (or E) at an arbitrary point outside the wall?
SO we have

E = 2 ρv / ε0

If this is correct then it implies that distance does not matter once outside of the wall. Is this right
 
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  • #32
Yes, that is right. The only thing left is to think about what happens when you go to points with negative values of y. In particular, will Ey be positive or negative?
 
  • #33
TSny said:
Yes, that is right. The only thing left is to think about what happens when you go to points with negative values of y. In particular, will Ey be positive or negative?
It should be the same magnitude as +y but opposite direction I think
 
  • #34
Yes. That means Ey is negative for negative y.
 
  • #35
TSny said:
Yes. That means Ey is negative for negative y.
I can tell that this tried your patience. I want you to know that I am so grateful that you stuck it out with me. I am even more grateful that you did not jst give me the answer. Thank you so much
 
  • #36
Good work.
 

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