Surface Charge Density and electron

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the surface charge density required to keep an electron at rest above a large positively charged non-conducting sheet. The correct approach involves using the electric field equation for a non-conducting sheet, E = d/2ϵ, rather than the equation for a conducting sheet. The participant initially calculated a surface charge density of 4.938 x 10^-22 C/m^2, but upon realizing the need to multiply by 2, confirmed the correct value as 9.88 x 10^-22 C/m^2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces (F = qE)
  • Knowledge of surface charge density and its relation to electric fields (d = Eϵ)
  • Familiarity with the distinction between conducting and non-conducting charged sheets
  • Basic calculus for integrating over a continuous charge distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields from continuous charge distributions
  • Learn about the differences between conducting and non-conducting materials in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of surface charge density in various contexts
  • Review integration techniques for calculating fields from distributed charges
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone interested in the principles of electrostatics and charge distribution.

grouchy
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Homework Statement



an electron with mass m = 9.11 x 10^-31 is released at rest near a very large positively charged non-conducting charged sheet lying horizontally. What should the surface charge density on this sheet be to keep the electron balanced at rest above the ground? Is it above or below the sheet?

Homework Equations



F = qE
d(density) = Eϵ

The Attempt at a Solution




qE = mg
E = (mg)/ q

d = Eϵ
d = (mgϵ )/q

When I plug in all my values I get 4.938 x 10^-22 C/m^2

but the answer is 9.88 x 10^-22 (if I multiply my answer by 2 it would be right but I don't think that's how I need to do it.)
 
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grouchy said:
an electron with mass m = 9.11 x 10^-31 is released at rest near a very large positively charged non-conducting charged sheet lying horizontally. What should the surface charge density on this sheet be to keep the electron balanced at rest above the ground? Is it above or below the sheet?

Hi grouchy! :smile:

I'm not sure what you've done, but I think you've used the equation for a point (or nearly point) charge.

This is a spread-out charge, so you'll have to integrate over the whole plane. :smile:
 
I found my mistake, I used the equation for conducting sheet of charge E = d/ϵ

but the problem says non conducting which is E = d/2ϵ which tells me its right when I multiply by 2 :)
 

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