- #1
toothpaste666
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Homework Statement
Two large, flat metal plates are separated by a distance that is very small compared to their height and width. The conductors are given equal but opposite uniform surface charge densities +σ and -σ. Ignore edge effects and use Gauss's law to show
a) the electric field between the plates
b) the electric field on on the outside of the plates on either side
c) how would my results be altered if the two plates were non conductors
Homework Equations
∫EdA = Q/ε
The Attempt at a Solution
a)
I made a imaginary cylinder where the surface A is perpendicular to the electric field
∫EdA = Q/ε
the Q enclosed is going to be the charge density times the area enclosed or σA
∫EdA = EA = σA/ε
the As cancel so
E = σ/ε
b) picture the same imaginary cylinder but fully extending all the way through and out the other side of both conductors now the Q on the right hand side of gauss's equation is the net sum of the enclosed charge or
Q = σA+ -σA = 0 so E = 0
c) this part I can't figure out. i need a hint to get started =[