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 any point?
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 any point?
Correct Answer: E = σ/2ε₀
Step 1: Understand that a plane sheet of charge is a flat surface with charge distributed evenly over it.
Step 2: Recognize that the surface charge density (σ) is the amount of charge per unit area on the sheet.
Step 3: Know that the electric field (E) created by the sheet is the same at any point on either side of the sheet.
Step 4: Remember that the formula for the electric field due to an infinite plane sheet of charge is E = σ/2ε₀, where ε₀ is the permittivity of free space.
Step 5: Conclude that the electric field is constant and does not depend on the distance from the sheet.
Electric Field of Infinite Plane Sheet – The electric field produced by an infinite plane sheet of charge is uniform and directed away from the sheet, with a magnitude of E = σ/2ε₀ on both sides.
Surface Charge Density – Surface charge density (σ) is the amount of charge per unit area on the sheet, which directly influences the strength of the electric field.
Direction of Electric Field – The electric field direction is perpendicular to the surface of the sheet and points away from the sheet if the charge is positive.