Surface Charge Density for Infinite Sheet of Charge

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the surface charge density of an infinite sheet of charge located on the y-axis, given another infinite sheet with a known surface charge density on the x-axis and the direction of the electric force on a point charge placed in the first quadrant.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the electric fields produced by the sheets and the angle of the resultant force. There are attempts to derive the unknown charge density using trigonometric relationships and electric field equations. Some participants question the direction of the forces and the setup of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with various interpretations of the forces involved. Some participants are correcting each other's assumptions about the directions of the electric fields and forces, indicating a collaborative effort to clarify the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the assignment of directions to the electric fields produced by the sheets, which may affect the calculations. The original poster's stated answer is noted, but the correctness of the approach is under scrutiny.

eestep
Messages
33
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


An infinite sheet of charge with a surface charge density of +7.8 micro-Coulomb/m2 lies on x-axis (technically in x-z plane). Another infinite sheet of charge with an unknown charge density lies on y-axis (technically in y-z plane). A positive point charge is placed in first quadrant and total electric force on this charge due to infinite sheets is directed at an 143 degree angle when measured counter-clockwise from positive x axis. What is surface charge density of sheet on y-axis in micro-Coulomb/m2? Answer is -10.35.


Homework Equations


\sigma=dq/dA


The Attempt at a Solution


Fex=-qE=-q\sigmax/2\epsilon0
Fey=qE=q\sigmay/2\epsilon0
tan\theta=(q\sigmay/2\epsilon0)/(q\sigmax/2\epsilon0)
tan\theta=\sigmay/\sigmax
\sigmay=\sigmaxtan\theta=7.8tan143
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Does it not cancel anyhow?
 
eestep said:

Homework Statement


An infinite sheet of charge with a surface charge density of +7.8 micro-Coulomb/m2 lies on x-axis (technically in x-z plane). Another infinite sheet of charge with an unknown charge density lies on y-axis (technically in y-z plane). A positive point charge is placed in first quadrant and total electric force on this charge due to infinite sheets is directed at an 143 degree angle when measured counter-clockwise from positive x axis. What is surface charge density of sheet on y-axis in micro-Coulomb/m2? Answer is -10.35.


Homework Equations


\sigma=dq/dA


The Attempt at a Solution


Fex=-qE=-q\sigmax/2\epsilon0 This should be Fey .
Fey=qE=q\sigmay/2\epsilon0 This should be Fex .
tan\theta=(q\sigmay/2\epsilon0)/(q\sigmax/2\epsilon0)
tan\theta=\sigmay/\sigmax
\sigmay=\sigmaxtan\theta=7.8tan143

The sheet with known charge, lying in the x-z plane, produces an electric field parallel to the y-axis.
 
How do I calculate surface charge density of sheet on y axis?
 
eestep said:
How do I calculate surface charge density of sheet on y axis?
The vector you said was in the x direction is in the y direction.

The vector you said was in the y direction is in the x direction.

Correcting this will give you the right answer.
 
I appreciate your assistance!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
44
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K