Field due to two parallel sheets of charge

In summary, the directions of E1 and E2 are determined by the charges on the two sheets - the field from the positive sheet always points away from it, while the field from the negative sheet points towards it. This is evident in the regions between the sheets and to the right of the negative sheet, where the field from the positive sheet points right and the field from the negative sheet points left.
  • #1
logearav
338
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Homework Statement



friends,
in the given attachment, how the directions of E1 and E2 are drawn? i mean what is the procedure to draw the directions. help will be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

Attachments

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  • #2
The field from the positive sheet points away from the sheet; the field from the negative sheet points toward the sheet. Is that what you mean?
 
  • #3
sir, the sheet on the left side has positive charge so field points away but the sheet on the right has negative charge, then how E1- points away? it should point inwards, shouldn't it? apologize me if my query is silly. just i want to know the concept, sir.
 
  • #4
logearav said:
sir, the sheet on the left side has positive charge so field points away but the sheet on the right has negative charge, then how E1- points away? it should point inwards, shouldn't it?
E1 is the field from the positive sheet (the left one). It always points away from the positive sheet.

E2 is the field from the negative sheet (the right one). It always points away from the negative sheet.

Note that the diagram shows two regions:
(a) between the sheets, which is to the right of the + sheet and to the left of the - sheet
(b) to the right of the - sheet, which is also to the right of the + sheet

In both those regions the field from the positive sheet (E1) points away from the + sheet, thus to the right. The field from the negative sheet (E2), since it always points toward the - sheet, points right in region (a), but left in region (b).
 
  • #5
Thanks a lot sir.
I understood now
 

FAQ: Field due to two parallel sheets of charge

What is the formula for calculating the electric field between two parallel sheets of charge?

The formula for calculating the electric field between two parallel sheets of charge is E = (σ/2ε0), where σ is the surface charge density and ε0 is the permittivity of free space.

How does the distance between the two sheets affect the electric field?

The distance between the two sheets affects the electric field by decreasing it as the distance increases. This is because the electric field is inversely proportional to the distance between the sheets.

Can the electric field between two parallel sheets of charge be zero?

Yes, the electric field between two parallel sheets of charge can be zero if the two sheets have equal and opposite surface charge densities.

What is the direction of the electric field between two parallel sheets of charge?

The direction of the electric field between two parallel sheets of charge is perpendicular to the sheets, pointing away from the positive sheet and towards the negative sheet.

How does the electric field change if the charge on one of the sheets is doubled?

If the charge on one of the sheets is doubled, the electric field between the two sheets will also double. This is because the electric field is directly proportional to the surface charge density.

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