Triple integral and charge density

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total electric charge in a layer of ions bounded by two planes and the coordinate planes. The charge density varies linearly between the two planes, and participants explore how to express this density function and compute the total charge using integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in formulating the charge density function based on the given planes and the linear variation of density.
  • Another participant points out that the second plane is incorrectly stated as not being parallel to the first, suggesting it should be parallel for the problem to be valid.
  • A different participant suggests that if the planes are parallel, the problem can be simplified to finding the perpendicular distance between the planes and performing a one-variable integration instead of a triple integral.
  • One participant proposes rewriting the integral to express the total charge in terms of the charge per infinitesimal sheet and the area of the cross-section.
  • A later reply acknowledges the simplification suggested by others, indicating a shift in approach to the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the parallelism of the planes, which affects the approach to the problem. There is no consensus on the correct formulation of the charge density function or the method of integration to be used.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the problem setup, particularly regarding the specification of the planes and the boundaries of the volume for charge calculation. The dependence on the assumption of parallel planes is also noted.

Dan7620
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Alright guys I am looking for some help with this problem regarding calculating total electric charge in a layer of ions. This layer of ions is bounded between the planes x+2y+2z=4 and x+3y+3z=3, and by the 3 co-ordinate planes. The density of the ions is rises linearly from zero at the outer plane ( x+2y+2z=4) and increases linearly to 10^15 at the inner plane (x+3y+3z=4). Furthermore, the surface charge density is constant in planes parallel to the planes x+2y+2z=4 and x+3y+3z=4.

I see that in order to calculate the total electric charge I must compute a triple integral of the charge density, however I'm trying to find an expression for the charge density function. Could anybody help me with writing density (as a function of x,y,z) based upon the information given in the first paragraph? Not looking for the final answer here, just some instruction. Thank you :)

PS. I wasn't sure whether this should be posted here or in the electrical section, sorry just in case.
 
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EDIT: the second plane, x+3y+3z=3 is incorrect, as it is not parallel to the first one, x+2y+2z=4 (it should be).
 
As you have said, the two planes aren't parallel, and the boundaries of the required volume isn't specified. If the two planes are suppposed to be parallel, you don't have to resort to fancy triple integration to find total charge. Just find the perpendicular distance between the 2 plane, and then you can easily do an integration in one variable to find the charge stored in a volume element Adx, where dx is an incremental thickness.
 
Should have rewritten it as the integral: [tex]\int^{x_2}_{x_1} \lambda (x) A dx[/tex] where [tex]\lambda[/tex] is the total charge per infinitesimal sheet between the 2 planes.
 
Ah ok, thanks a lot, much simpler.
 

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