Electric Field: Find Electric Field from 2 Infinite Planes

In summary, the problem involves finding the electric field in the xy plane at two given points, given two infinite planes with different surface charge densities intersecting the xz plane at a certain angle. To find the electric field, the relevant equation E=2*k*\pi*\sigma is used, and the angle between the electric fields is determined by the position of the points. In the given points, the angle is less than 30 degrees, and in the second point it is 150 degrees. The electric field due to the first plane is only in the y direction, while the electric field due to the second plane is in both x and y directions.
  • #1
nns91
301
1

Homework Statement



AN infinite plane in the xz plane carries a uniform surface charge density 65 nC/m^2. A second infinite plane carrying a uniform charge density 45 nC/m^2 intersect the xz plane at the z axis and makes an angle of 30 degree with the xz plane. Find the electric field in the xy plane at
(a) x=6m, y=2m
(b) x=6m, b=5m

Homework Equations



E=2*k*[tex]\pi[/tex]*[tex]\sigma[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So the electric field due to the xz plane will be only in j direction (upward) so I just use the formula above to get the electric field.

Then how can I move on with the electric field due to the remaining plane ? I don't really know what do I use the position for
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Find E1 and E2 due to the two planes using relevant equation.
in (a) tanθ = y/x = 2/6 = 1/3. So θ < 30 degrees. Hence point lies between the planes.
In that situation what is angle between the electric fields?
Similarly see what happens in (b).
 
  • #3
Will it be 150 degree ?
 
  • #4
nns91 said:
Will it be 150 degree ?
Yes.
 
  • #5
so do I use this 150 degree to calculate the component of the Electric field due to the 2nd plane ?

The electric field due to the first plane is just in y direction (upward), right ?
 
  • #6
Yes.
 

Related to Electric Field: Find Electric Field from 2 Infinite Planes

1. How do you calculate the electric field from two infinite planes?

The electric field from two infinite planes can be calculated using the formula E = σ/2ε0, where σ is the surface charge density and ε0 is the permittivity of free space.

2. What is the direction of the electric field from two infinite planes?

The direction of the electric field from two infinite planes is perpendicular to the surface of the planes and points away from the positively charged plane and towards the negatively charged plane.

3. Can the electric field from two infinite planes be negative?

Yes, the electric field from two infinite planes can be negative. This occurs when the two planes have opposite charges, resulting in an electric field that points in the opposite direction of the usual positive direction.

4. How does the distance between the two infinite planes affect the electric field?

The electric field from two infinite planes is inversely proportional to the distance between the planes. As the distance increases, the electric field will decrease.

5. Are there any simplifying assumptions when calculating the electric field from two infinite planes?

Yes, when calculating the electric field from two infinite planes, we assume that the planes are parallel, the charge on the planes is uniformly distributed, and the planes are infinitely large (therefore, the edges do not affect the electric field).

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
900
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
58
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
725
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
36
Views
345
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top