Potential Difference and Potential Near a Charged Sheet

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the potential difference \( V_{\rm AB} \) between two points \( A \) and \( B \) near a charged sheet with surface charge density \( +\sigma \). The electric field \( \vec{E} \) generated by the sheet is constant at \( E = \frac{\sigma}{2 \epsilon_0} \) and directed away from the sheet. The potential difference is derived using the formula \( V_{\rm AB} = -\int_B^A \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{l} \), leading to \( V_{\rm AB} = -E(y_1 - y_2) \). For Part B, the potential at point \( A \) is determined to be infinity when taking the potential at \( y = \pm \infty \) as zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and potential difference in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with surface charge density and its effects on electric fields
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Basic concepts of potential energy in electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields from surface charge distributions
  • Learn about the concept of electric potential and its calculation in different configurations
  • Explore the implications of potential at infinity in electrostatics
  • Investigate the applications of Gauss's Law in determining electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, as well as anyone preparing for exams involving electric fields and potentials.

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Homework Statement


Let [tex]{\rm A} = \left(x_1,y_1 \right)[/tex] and [tex]{\rm B} = \left( x_2,y_2 \right)[/tex] be two points near and on the same side of a charged sheet with surface charge density [tex]+ \sigma[/tex] . The electric field [tex]\vec{E}[/tex] due to such a charged sheet has magnitude [tex]E = \frac {\sigma}{2 \epsilon_0}[/tex] everywhere, and the field points away from the sheet, as shown in the diagram. View Figure
184996.jpg


Part A
What is the potential difference [tex]V_{\rm AB} = V_{\rm A} - V_{\rm B}[/tex] between points A and B?

Part B
If the potential at [tex]y = \pm \infty[/tex] is taken to be zero, what is the value of the potential at a point [tex]V_A[/tex] at some positive distance [tex]y_1[/tex] from the surface of the sheet?
choices are:
1. infinity
2. negative infinity
3. 0
4. -E * y_1


Homework Equations


[tex]\int_{\rm B}^{\rm A} \vec{C} \cdot d\vec{\ell} = \int_{x_2}^{x_1} C_x\,dx + \int_{y_2}^{y_1} C_y\,dy<br /> = C_x (x_1 - x_2) + C_y(y_1 - y_2)[/tex]

[tex]V_{\rm AB}= -\int _B^A \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{l}[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution


Part A.
[tex]V_{\rm AB} = V_{\rm A} - V_{\rm B}= \left(-E\right)\left(y_{1}-y_{2}\right)[/tex]

Part B.
I figure I'd use the equation I got in part A and set the bottom of the E field at y=0.

In which case
V = -E (y_1 - infinity) = infinity

am i on the right track?
 
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Looks right to me.
 

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