Electric field-boundary conditions question

In summary, the question involves two lossy homogeneous dielectric media with different dielectric constants and conductivities in contact at the z = 0 plane. A uniform electric field exists in the Z>0 region and the question asks for the surface charge density on the interface. The textbook states that it should be 0 due to the boundary conditions of electric fields, but the solution manual provides a different answer using Gauss' law and the equation for surface polarization charge density.
  • #1
Abdulwahab Hajar
56
2

Homework Statement


Two lossy homogeneous dielectric media with dielectric constans ϵrl = 2, ϵr2 = 3 and conductivities a1= 15 (mS), σ2 = 10 (ms) are in contact at the z = 0 plane. in the Z>0 region a uniform electric field E1 = 20i - 50k
exists (i and k being unit vectors in the x and z directions)..
Ok so my question is this in one of the parts of the question it asks for the surface charge density on the interface, however since both media are dielectric shouldn't the surface charge density be 0 according to the boundary conditions of electric fields

Homework Equations


D1n - D2n = Ps (surface charge density)
where D1n - D2n are the normal components of the electric flux densities of media 1 and 2 respectively

The Attempt at a Solution


the way I see it, and according to what is stated in the textbook Ps should be 0, however the solution manual states differently
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
## \nabla \cdot D=\rho_{free} ## gives (by Gauss' law) ## \int D \cdot \, dA =Q_{free} =0 ## because there is no free electrical charge. The ## D ## integral gives ## -\epsilon_1 E_1+\epsilon_2 E_2=0 ## This means that the electric field is discontinuous across the boundary. They are apparently providing you with the value of ## E_1 ##. From the equation ## \int E \cdot \, dA=\frac{Q_{total}}{\epsilon_o}=\frac{Q_p}{\epsilon_o} ## (since ## Q_{total}=Q_{free}+Q_p ## with ## Q_{free}=0 ##), you should be able to compute the surface polarization charge density ## \sigma_p ##. They don't supply any units on the electric field ## E_1 ## but I would presume you can assume units of Newtons/Coulomb=Volts/meter.
 
Last edited:

Related to Electric field-boundary conditions question

1. What are electric field-boundary conditions?

Electric field-boundary conditions are rules that describe the behavior of an electric field at the boundary between two different materials. They determine how the electric field changes as it crosses the boundary and how it interacts with charges and currents at the boundary.

2. Why are electric field-boundary conditions important?

Electric field-boundary conditions are important because they help us understand and analyze the behavior of electric fields in different materials and at different interfaces. They also allow us to solve problems related to electric fields, such as calculating the electric potential or finding the distribution of charges on a conductor.

3. What are the two types of electric field-boundary conditions?

The two types of electric field-boundary conditions are the continuity of the electric field and the discontinuity of the electric field. The continuity of the electric field states that the electric field must be continuous across a boundary, while the discontinuity of the electric field states that there can be a change in the electric field at the boundary due to the presence of charges or currents.

4. How do we apply electric field-boundary conditions in practice?

To apply electric field-boundary conditions, we first identify the boundary between two different materials or regions with different properties. Then, we use the continuity and discontinuity conditions to set up equations and solve for the electric field at the boundary. This allows us to determine the behavior of the electric field in the entire system.

5. Are there any exceptions to electric field-boundary conditions?

Yes, there are some exceptions to electric field-boundary conditions. For example, if the boundary between two materials is a perfect conductor, the electric field on the surface of the conductor must be perpendicular to the surface. This is known as the perfect conductor boundary condition and is an exception to the continuity of the electric field.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
677
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
3
Replies
78
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
612
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
755
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
551
Back
Top