Calculating Surface Charge Density

In summary, the surface charge density on one face of a copper penny can be calculated using the formula Q/A, where Q is the charge and A is the area. In order to solve this problem, one can assume that the surface charge density is constant and use the formula for the electric field of an infinite plane of constant surface charge density.
  • #1
angryshoe
1
0

Homework Statement


The electric field strength just above one face of a copper penny is 2310 N/C.

What is the surface charge density on this face of the penny?

Homework Equations



Surface Charge Density = Q/A

The Attempt at a Solution



The only thing that I can understand is that surface charge density is equal to Q/A but that does not seem to help me with this question. What can I do for this problem?

Edit: I figured out how to do this problem.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I think you are meant to assume that the surface charge density is constant. you do know how to calculate the field of an infinite plane of constant surface charge density, right?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
I can use the equation E = σ/ε0 to solve for σ, where E is the electric field strength, σ is the surface charge density, and ε0 is the permittivity of free space. So, for this problem, I would plug in the given electric field strength of 2310 N/C and the value of ε0, which is a known constant, to solve for the surface charge density.
 

FAQ: Calculating Surface Charge Density

1. What is surface charge density?

Surface charge density is a measure of the amount of electric charge per unit area on the surface of a material. It is typically denoted by the symbol σ and has units of coulombs per square meter (C/m2).

2. How is surface charge density calculated?

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

3. What factors affect surface charge density?

The surface charge density is influenced by the type of material, the amount of charge present, and the surface area. It can also be affected by external factors such as temperature, humidity, and presence of other substances.

4. How is surface charge density related to electric field?

Surface charge density and electric field are directly related. The electric field at a point on a surface is equal to the surface charge density at that point divided by the permittivity of the material. Mathematically, it is expressed as E = σ/ε, where ε is the permittivity.

5. Why is calculating surface charge density important?

Surface charge density is an important concept in understanding the behavior of electrically charged surfaces. It is used in various applications such as in the design of electronic devices, in electrochemical processes, and in the study of surface phenomena. It also plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of materials in contact with each other.

Similar threads

I Thought I Understood Gauss' Law (Sheets)
Replies
26
Views
1K
E&M: Gauss' Law Surface Charge Density
Replies
4
Views
916
What is the surface charge density on the face of the penny?
Replies
2
Views
12K
Charge upon a parallel plate capacitor
Replies
18
Views
2K
Calculating Linear Charge Density of a Cylinder
Replies
1
Views
2K
Help with Mathematical Description & Calculations of Space Charge Density
Replies
5
Views
1K
Charge on inner/outer surfaces of two large parallel conducting plates
Replies
11
Views
1K
Find the density of surface charges at the boundary of two conductors with different resistivities
Replies
6
Views
449
Surface Current and Electric Field
Replies
1
Views
1K
How Do We Calculate Surface Charge Density on a Non-Conducting Shell?
2
Replies
44
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top