How Do You Calculate the Surface Charge Density on a TV Screen?

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with TV screens and computer monitors accumulating dust. The problem is modeled by assuming a small mote of dust with a charge of 1 nC and a mass of 5 μg floating near the surface of a TV screen, accelerating at a rate of 10 mm/s^2. The surface density of the charge on the screen is then calculated using the equations F = ma, E = F / q, and σ = 2*E*εo. A possible error in the conversion from μg to kg is identified as a potential cause for incorrect solutions.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



  1. You've probably noticed that TV screens and computer monitors have an annoying tendency to accumulate dust. Wanting to understand this better, you decide to model the situation as follows: you assume a small mote of dust might have an excess charge of 1 nC and a mass of 5 μg. It floats near the surface of a television screen, accelerating toward the screen at a rate of 10 mm/s^2. You would like to know the surface density of the charge on the screen.

Homework Equations


F = ma
E = F / q
σ = 2*E*εo

The Attempt at a Solution


I keep getting the problem wrong and would like someone to check over my work and tell me what I'm doing wrong.

F = ma = 5E-6kg * 0.010m/s2 = 5E-8 N

E = F / q = 5E-8N / 1E-9C = 50 N/C

σ = 2*E*εo = 2 * 50N/C * 8.85E-12C2/N·m2 = 8.85E-10 C/m2
 
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  • #2
Check the conversion from μg to kg.
 

Related to How Do You Calculate the Surface Charge Density on a TV Screen?

What is the surface density of a charge?

The surface density of a charge refers to the amount of charge present per unit area on the surface of a material. It is measured in coulombs per square meter (C/m^2).

How is the surface density of a charge calculated?

The surface density of a charge can be calculated by dividing the total charge on a surface by the area of that surface. Mathematically, it can be represented as σ = Q/A, where σ is the surface density, Q is the total charge, and A is the surface area.

What factors affect the surface density of a charge?

The surface density of a charge is affected by the amount of charge present, the surface area of the material, and the material's dielectric constant (a measure of its ability to hold an electric charge).

Why is the surface density of a charge important?

The surface density of a charge is important in understanding and predicting the behavior of electric fields on the surface of materials. It is also used in various calculations and experiments related to electrostatics and electromagnetism.

How is the surface density of a charge related to electric flux?

The surface density of a charge is directly proportional to the electric flux passing through a surface. This means that as the surface density of a charge increases, so does the electric flux, and vice versa.

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