Understanding Uniform Electric Fields: Why is Magnitude Always the Same?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the characteristics of uniform electric fields generated by an infinite non-conducting sheet with a uniformly distributed positive charge. It is established that the electric field (E) is constant in magnitude and direction at any point due to the infinite nature of the sheet. The symmetry of the sheet allows for the application of Gauss's law, which confirms that the electric field does not vary with distance from the plane. Consequently, the electric field remains perpendicular to the sheet and maintains a consistent magnitude throughout.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and their properties
  • Familiarity with Gauss's law
  • Knowledge of symmetry in physics
  • Concept of electric flux
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gauss's law applications in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of electric flux in detail
  • Investigate the effects of charge distribution on electric fields
  • Learn about non-conducting materials and their influence on electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the principles of electric fields and their applications in electrostatics.

Shahid0072
Messages
56
Reaction score
0
Hi all ..
I was studying this electric field due to infinite non conducting sheet having uniformly distributed positive charge..Electric field due to it is of same direction and magnitude at any point..Which is called uniform electric field!I understood why direction of field is always perpendicular to plane of sheet and away from it..But i have doubt why it same same magnitude everywhere??Is it because it is infinite?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Its infinite..Just make sure
 


Because the plane is infinite, you can use symmetry to argue that the field mst be perpendicular to the plane. Then, Gauss's law can be used to show that E does ot depend on the distance from the plane.
 


As the sheet is infinite, the lines of flux cannot diverge. Henceforce, the E field is constant no matter what distance you are from the infinite sheet of charge.

Claude.
 
Thread 'Colors in a plasma globe'

Thread 'Colors in a plasma globe'

I have a common plasma globe with blue streamers and orange pads at both ends. The orange light is emitted by neon and the blue light is presumably emitted by argon and xenon. Why are the streamers blue while the pads at both ends are orange? A plasma globe's electric field is strong near the central electrode, decreasing with distance, so I would not expect the orange color at both ends.
View full post »

Similar threads

Graduate Electric field of infinite sheet with time dependent charge
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Undergrad Electric field of ring at any point
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Electric field in a rotating frame
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Electric Field Created by 2 Infinite Plates
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Discontinuity of Electric field
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Undergrad Tangential electric force at a surface
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Why is the magnitude of the electric field in a sphere the same?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Electric Field Between two Parallel Conducting Plates of Equal Charge
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Uniform Field due to an Infinite Sheet of Charge
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Undergrad Electric field of uniformly polarized cylinder
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K