Surface Charge Density of shower

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the volume charge density (ρ) and the number of excess elementary charges (e) per cubic meter in a closed bathroom with an electric field of 647 N/C. The Gaussian surface is defined by the bathroom's dimensions of 2.3 m x 3.6 m x 1.6 m. The participant correctly identifies that the charge density can be negative when the net charge is negative. The elementary charge is specified as 1.60217646 × 10-19 Coulombs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gaussian surfaces in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with electric field calculations
  • Knowledge of volume charge density (ρ) and its implications
  • Basic concepts of elementary charge (e) and its significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss's Law in electrostatics
  • Learn how to calculate electric field strength from charge distributions
  • Explore the implications of negative charge density in physical systems
  • Investigate the relationship between electric fields and charge density in various materials
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding electric fields and charge distributions in confined spaces.

popo902
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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 = [tex]\phi\epsilon[/tex]


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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