Infinite sheets of charge w/ conducting slab

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics homework problem involving two infinite sheets with surface charge densities σ1 and σ2, and a conducting slab with a net charge density σC between them. The participant has successfully calculated the x-component of the net electric field at x = 0 but is uncertain about determining the surface charge density on each side of the slab. It is clarified that the surface charge densities on the slab's sides must sum to the total surface charge density of the slab. The participant seeks guidance on how to approach this calculation. Understanding the relationship between the electric fields and the charge densities is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
rgalvan2
Messages
26
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two infinite sheets with surface charge density σ1 and σ2, respectively, are oriented perpendicular to the x-axis. An infinite, conducting slab of thickness a is placed between the charged sheets as shown in the figure. The conducting plate has a net charge per unit area of σC.

σ1=8.85\muC/m^2
σ2=1.5\muC/m^2
σC=-3\muC/m^2
a=2cm

Homework Equations


E=\sigma/2\epsilon0

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured since the magnitude of the electric field is not determined by displacement, I could just use the above equation. The only problem it that the conducting slab has different surface charge density on each side and I'm not sure how to start this. I have an exam tomorrow so any help is greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What are you asked to find?
 
Oops sorry:
Calculate the x-component of the net electric field at x = 0.
I figured that part out though.
The next part asks to calculate the surface charge density on each side of the slab. I'm not sure how to do that. I do know that both sides need to equal the total surface charge density of the slab. Is that right?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Thought I Understood Gauss' Law (Sheets)
Replies
26
Views
2K
Charge Density on a Conductive Slab
Replies
1
Views
3K
Sheet of charge - theory
Replies
1
Views
890
Determining field between oppositely charged conducting plates
Replies
6
Views
1K
Electric field between conducting and non-conducting sheets
Replies
9
Views
4K
Potential of Infinite Sheets of Charge and Conducting Slab
Replies
17
Views
14K
Infinite Sheets of Charge and Conducting Slab
Replies
3
Views
21K
Electric field & force due to charged insulating hemispherical shells
Replies
12
Views
2K
Understanding the electric force felt by the charges on a sphere
Replies
1
Views
1K
Question about conducting plates
Replies
2
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top