Given conductivity, calculate E, D, and P vectors

In summary, the problem discusses the changes in the equilibrium values of electric field, electric displacement, and polarization in a gap between parallel copper plates filled with vacuum. When some amount of salt is dissolved in the fluid in the gap, the conductivity of the fluid increases, leading to a change in the electric field and subsequently the electric displacement and polarization. Qualitatively, the added salt causes an increase in current, which results in a change in the charge on the plates and the electric field in the gap. After equilibrium is reached, the electric field is expected to be different from the original value of -4 V/m, but the exact value cannot be determined without knowing the current.
  • #1
aliaze1
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Homework Statement



The gap between a pair of parallel infinite copper plates extends from z = 0 to z = W > 0 and is originally occupied by vacuum (ε0, μ0). The plates carry equal and oppositely signed surface charge densities and as a consequence we have a constant electric field E = −4ˆz V/m in vacuum in the gap region.

What would be the new equilibrium values of E, D, and P in the gap region if some amount
of salt were dissolved in the fluid in the gap (64ε0) to raise its conductivity to σ = 4 S/m (conductivity of sea water)?

State the values of E, D, and P after a steady-state equilibrium is reached and briey explain your answer.

Homework Equations



9048aa1e501c7b9e6f7f758b10c490f7.png


57619c6a86c79e56ac806faf21502c90.png


9cab6787646062d6e658cd1e83ad468f.png


39adeb66b53fc1be92dda9c01386c3a9.png


DE0*E0+P

P=polarization vector


The Attempt at a Solution



I have the equation J = σE, but I do not know how to relate this to D and P, since I am not given J in the problem

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Try to look at this problem qualitatively first. What does Ohm's Law ([itex]\textbf{J}=\sigma\textbf{E}[/itex]) tell you the current will be when the salt is first added? What does that current do to the amount of charge on each plate? What effect does that have on the electric field in the gap?...Can you guess what the electric field will be when equilibrium is reached?
 

Related to Given conductivity, calculate E, D, and P vectors

1. What is conductivity and why is it important for calculating E, D, and P vectors?

Conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct electricity. It is important for calculating E, D, and P vectors because these vectors represent the electric field, displacement, and polarization of a material, which are all affected by conductivity.

2. How do you calculate E, D, and P vectors from conductivity?

E, D, and P vectors can be calculated using the following equations:
E = σ * J, where σ is conductivity and J is current density.
D = ε * E, where ε is the permittivity of the material.
P = ε * χ * E, where χ is the electric susceptibility of the material.

3. What units are used for conductivity, E, D, and P vectors?

Conductivity is measured in siemens per meter (S/m). E and D vectors are measured in volts per meter (V/m). P vector is measured in coulombs per square meter (C/m^2).

4. How does conductivity affect the strength and direction of the E, D, and P vectors?

Higher conductivity leads to stronger E, D, and P vectors. The direction of these vectors is determined by the direction of the electric field, which is influenced by the direction of current flow in a conductive material.

5. Can conductivity be changed to alter the values of E, D, and P vectors?

Yes, changing the conductivity of a material can alter the values of E, D, and P vectors. Increasing conductivity will result in higher values for these vectors, while decreasing conductivity will result in lower values. This is because conductivity affects the strength of the electric field, displacement, and polarization in a material.

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