Surface Charge Density and electron

AI Thread Summary
To keep an electron balanced at rest above a positively charged non-conducting sheet, the surface charge density must be calculated using the correct electric field equation, which is E = d/2ϵ for non-conducting sheets. The initial calculation yielded a surface charge density of 4.938 x 10^-22 C/m^2, but the correct answer is 9.88 x 10^-22 C/m^2, achieved by multiplying the initial result by 2. The confusion arose from incorrectly applying the formula for a conducting sheet instead of a non-conducting one. Understanding the differences in charge distribution is crucial for accurate calculations in electrostatics. The correct approach confirms the necessity of integrating over the entire plane for non-conducting surfaces.
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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