For an infinite plane sheet of charge with surface charge density σ, what is the
Practice Questions
Q1
For an infinite plane sheet of charge with surface charge density σ, what is the electric field at a point near the sheet?
σ/2ε₀
σ/ε₀
0
σ/4πε₀
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
For an infinite plane sheet of charge with surface charge density σ, what is the electric field at a point near the sheet?
Step 1: Understand that we have an infinite plane sheet of charge with a surface charge density denoted by σ.
Step 2: Recall that the electric field (E) is related to charge distribution, and we can use Gauss's law to find it.
Step 3: Gauss's law states that the electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the charge enclosed divided by the permittivity of free space (ε₀).
Step 4: Choose a Gaussian surface, which is a cylinder that straddles the sheet of charge, with its flat ends parallel to the sheet.
Step 5: Calculate the electric field due to the sheet. Since the sheet is infinite, the electric field is uniform and points away from the sheet on both sides.
Step 6: The total electric field (E) at a point near the sheet is given by the formula E = σ/2ε₀ on each side of the sheet.
Gauss's Law – The relationship between electric field and charge distribution, particularly for symmetric charge configurations.
Electric Field of Infinite Plane Sheet – Understanding how the electric field behaves near an infinite plane sheet of charge, which is uniform and constant.
Surface Charge Density – The amount of charge per unit area on the surface of the sheet, denoted by σ.