What is the electric field above a uniformly charged plane?

In summary, a uniform plane of charge is an imaginary, flat surface with evenly distributed electric charge. It differs from a point charge in that it has physical dimensions and the charge is evenly spread out. The electric field around a uniform plane of charge is constant and perpendicular to the surface, with a proportional relationship between field strength and distance from the plane. However, a uniform plane of charge does not exist in real life and is only used as a theoretical concept in physics.
  • #1
leslieharvey24
1
0

Homework Statement


Charge is distributed uniformly over a large square plane of side l, as shown in the figure below. The charge per unit area is σ. Determine the electric field at a point P a distance z above the center of the plane, in the limit l -> infinity..

Homework Equations


please help.. i have no idea where to start

The Attempt at a Solution


idk :(
 

Attachments

  • imgres.jpg
    imgres.jpg
    2.8 KB · Views: 277
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
A genuine attempt at solution is required. Surely you can use the web for a bit of research?

Use Google: Look up your thread title.
 

1. What is a uniform plane of charge?

A uniform plane of charge is an imaginary, flat surface that has a constant distribution of electric charge. This means that the charge is evenly spread out across the entire surface, with no variation in density or concentration.

2. How is a uniform plane of charge different from a point charge?

A point charge is a theoretical object with a single, concentrated electric charge. It has no physical dimensions and is treated as a single point in space. A uniform plane of charge, on the other hand, has a finite size and the charge is evenly distributed across the surface.

3. What is the electric field around a uniform plane of charge?

The electric field around a uniform plane of charge is constant and perpendicular to the surface. This means that the electric field lines are parallel and evenly spaced, creating a uniform pattern.

4. How is the electric field strength related to the distance from a uniform plane of charge?

The electric field strength is directly proportional to the distance from the plane of charge. This means that as the distance increases, the electric field strength decreases.

5. Can a uniform plane of charge exist in real life?

No, a uniform plane of charge is a theoretical concept used in physics to simplify calculations. In reality, electric charges are not distributed evenly across a surface and are affected by various factors such as atomic structure and external forces.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
372
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
407
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
244
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
596
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
85
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
3K
Back
Top