Surface Charge Density of shower

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the volume charge density and the number of excess elementary charges in a closed bathroom during a shower, where the electric field is approximated at 647 N/C. Participants clarify that the charge density can indeed be negative, reflecting the presence of negatively charged ions in the air. The first part of the problem involves determining the charge density using the electric field and surface area, while the second part requires understanding how to calculate the number of excess elementary charges per cubic meter. There is confusion about the specifics of part b, particularly regarding the interpretation of elementary charge. The conversation emphasizes the importance of using the correct value for elementary charge and significant figures in calculations.
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Homework Statement



When a shower is turned on in a closed bathroom, the splashing of the water on the bare tub can fill the room's air with negatively charged ions and produce an electric field in the air as great as 1000 N/C. Consider a bathroom with dimensions 2.3 m x 3.6 m x 1.6 m. Along the ceiling, floor, and four walls, approximate the electric field in the air as being directed perpendicular to the surface and as having a uniform magnitude of 647 N/C. Also, treat those surfaces as forming a closed Gaussian surface around the room's air. What are (a) the volume charge density ρ and (b) the number of excess elementary charges e per cubic meter in the room's air?

Homework Equations


E dot DA = q
q = \phi\epsilon


The Attempt at a Solution



for part a
I took the area of each face and multiplied it by the net E field forces
(-647 - 647)
and i got that right
apparently density can be negative?
but
mostly what i don't understand is how to go about solving part b
I have no idea what it's asking...
 
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popo902 said:
apparently density can be negative?
Yes, when the net charge (within the volume) is negative.
mostly what i don't understand is how to go about solving part b
I have no idea what it's asking...
elementary charge, e = 1.60217646 × 10-19 Coulombs (use positive or negative as appropriate, and significant figures as appropriate for your coursework.)
 
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