Inconsistencies in Work and Energy Calculations for an Infinitely Thick Sheet?

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the inconsistencies in work and energy calculations for a negatively charged particle moving towards the origin in the electric field of an infinitely thick positively charged sheet. The participant applied the work formula, resulting in a negative work value, which contradicts the expected increase in speed as the particle is attracted to the sheet. The relevant equations include the electric field expression E = Px/e and the work-energy theorem, highlighting the importance of correctly interpreting the signs of charge and work in calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields, specifically E = Px/e
  • Familiarity with the work-energy theorem in physics
  • Knowledge of charge interactions, particularly between positive and negative charges
  • Basic calculus for applying integrals in physics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of electric fields generated by charged sheets
  • Study the work-energy theorem and its applications in different scenarios
  • Learn about the implications of charge signs in physics calculations
  • Practice solving problems involving integrals in the context of electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and energy conservation principles, will benefit from this discussion.

A13235378
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Homework Statement
Consider an infinitely thick sheet A positively charged with load density P. Also, consider that the coordinate system is located exactly in the center, with the x axis parallel to the thickness. Given a negative charge that is at X = A / 2 with a velocity V. What will be your velocity when reaching the origin?
Relevant Equations
E= Px/e (field inside the blade). , where e=permissiveness electric
Theorem of work and energy
My doubt is in the mathematics part. As the force will be contrary to the direction of the field due to the negative charge, the particle will be attracted to the origin, so I assumed that the speed will increase (this is also found in the exercise response). I then applied an integral for the job formula, from the limits (x = A / 2) to (x = 0):

$$W=\frac{Pqx^2}{2e}-->W=0-\frac{PqA^2}{8e}$$

This result shows that the work is negative, that is, by the energy work theorem, the final speed will be less than the initial one, being inconsistent.

Where I missing?
 
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A13235378 said:
Homework Statement:: Consider an infinitely thick sheet A positively charged with load density P. Also, consider that the coordinate system is located exactly in the center, with the x-axis parallel to the thickness. Given a negative charge that is at X = A / 2 with a velocity V. What will be your velocity when reaching the origin?
Relevant Equations:: E= Px/e (field inside the blade). , where e=permissiveness electric
Theorem of work and energy

Where I missing
Is this the verbatim rendering of the problem statement of this exercise?
Is it about a sheet or a blade ? Infinitely thick ? Or an infinite thick sheet ?
Can you sketch the situation somewhat ?
Thickness is a scalar -- an axis is a vector, so where is the axis ?
Why would there be a field ?
And: why would you reach the origin ?

##\ ##
 
BvU said:
Is this the verbatim rendering of the problem statement of this exercise?
Is it about a sheet or a blade ? Infinitely thick ? Or an infinite thick sheet ?
Can you sketch the situation somewhat ?
Thickness is a scalar -- an axis is a vector, so where is the axis ?
Why would there be a field ?
And: why would you reach the origin ?
Sorry for my concordance errors. English is not my native language, so I need to use a translator. I hope the drawing improves what I mean.

Since the plate is positively charged, and we have a negative charge, the particle will be attracted. The field inside has already been given, varying with the distance and having direction on the x axis. The question asks for speed at the origin. My doubt is that the final speed, according to the answer, will be greater than the initial speed. But I ended up finding a slower speed with my calculation. Where am I going wrong?

Sem título.png
 
A13235378 said:
English is not my native language
OK, we will get there.
I suppose the <...> means that he sheet goes on to infinity.
And the field inside the sheet is indeed ##\rho x/\varepsilon##
So there is a force pulling the negative charge towards ##x = 0##. (Just like with a :wink: spring).
A13235378 said:
But I ended up finding a slower speed with my calculation. Where am I going wrong?
That is hard to say: you don't post your work :smile: !
[edit] let me look at post #1 again...

##\ ##
 
A13235378 said:
$$W=0-\frac{PqA^2}{8e}$$

This result shows that the work is negative
Does your expression for ##W## come out to be negative if you take into account that ##q## is a negative number?
 
And don't forget the initial ##v\ \ ## :wink: !
 
A13235378 said:
Homework Statement:: Consider an infinitely thick sheet A
I suggest you mean an infinite sheet of thickness A.
 

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