Surface charge density(error in my work)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the surface charge density of a uniformly charged plastic sheet when an electron is shot away from it. The initial velocity of the electron is 2.00 x 106 m/s, and the relevant equations include the relationship between electric field (E), charge (Q), mass (m), and surface charge density (σ). The correct surface charge density was determined to be 2.86 x 10-5 C/m2, correcting an initial miscalculation that yielded 1.43 x 10-5 C/m2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and Gauss's Law
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, specifically Vf = Vi + at
  • Knowledge of charge and mass of an electron (Q = 1.609 x 10-19 C, m = 9.109 x 10-31 kg)
  • Basic grasp of permittivity of free space (ε₀ = 8.85 x 10-12 C2/N·m2)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields from charged sheets using Gauss's Law
  • Explore kinematic equations in greater depth, focusing on their application in electric fields
  • Investigate the properties of nonconducting materials and their influence on electric fields
  • Learn about the implications of surface charge density in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone involved in solving problems related to electric fields and charge distributions.

juggalomike
Messages
49
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


In Figure (a), an electron is shot directly away from a uniformly charged plastic sheet, at a speed of vs = 2.00 106 m/s. The sheet is nonconducting, flat, and very large. Figure (b) gives the electron's vertical velocity component v versus time t until the return to the launch point. (The vertical axis is marked in increments of 5.00 105 m/s.) What is the sheet's surface charge density?

http://www.glowfoto.com/static_image/14-184719L/4743/jpg/09/2010/img4/glowfoto

Homework Equations


Vf=Vi+at
a=QE/M (Q = 1.609 x 10^-19, m = 9.109 x 10^-31)
E*ε₀=surface charge density (ε₀ = 8.85 x 10^-12)

The Attempt at a Solution



a=-4*10^6/14*10^-12=2.857E17
E=(2.857E17*9.109*10^-31)/(1.609*10^-19)=1617508.66
Surface charge density=1617508.66*8.85*10^-12=1.43E-5

I have tried the answer as both positive and negative and neither are working. What am i doing wrong?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
If I am not mistaken, the electric field from an infinite plastic sheet of finite thickness is given by

E = σ/(2ε0)

This is a direct consequence of Gauss's Law. Your E-field is twice that.
 
Ah your right, thanks, correct answer was 2.86E-5
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
44
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
13K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
15K