- #1
Clever-Name
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I just got this question on a classical mechanics assignment... and unfortunately I know NOTHING about dielectric materials (never been introduced to me for some reason >.<). I don't even know why this is on my classical mechanics assignment but it is anyway. And btw there is a disclaimer on the assignment stating that I CAN collaborate with others to find a solution.
A one dimensional medium has its dielectric property changed halfway. The dielectric constant is [itex] \varepsilon_{0}[/itex] for [itex] 0 \leq x \lt L [/itex] (medium 1) and has a different value [itex] \varepsilon [/itex] for [itex] L \leq x \leq 2L [/itex] (medium 2). What is the potential energy of two charges q1 and q1 placed at a distance d apart when (a) both are in medium 1, and (b) both are in medium 2. Would it be possible to hold them at the same distance in medium 2 as in medium 1 without doing any work? (Note that the relative displacement between the charges remains zero, with the two charges maintained at the same relative distance between each other. Also, remember that [itex] \partial W = \vec{F} \bullet \vec{\partial s} [/itex]
No idea really..
I suspect Coulomb's Force equation might be used.
Don't even know where to begin. As I said at the beginning I have never encountered dielectrics before. Also, after some textbook reading and online reading I should note that as I have written it is the question, there is no mention of an external field or that the material is wedged within a capacitor.
I have to head out now I just wanted to post this in case anyone might be able to help. I won't be able to respond until sometime tomorrow morning. Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to give!
Homework Statement
A one dimensional medium has its dielectric property changed halfway. The dielectric constant is [itex] \varepsilon_{0}[/itex] for [itex] 0 \leq x \lt L [/itex] (medium 1) and has a different value [itex] \varepsilon [/itex] for [itex] L \leq x \leq 2L [/itex] (medium 2). What is the potential energy of two charges q1 and q1 placed at a distance d apart when (a) both are in medium 1, and (b) both are in medium 2. Would it be possible to hold them at the same distance in medium 2 as in medium 1 without doing any work? (Note that the relative displacement between the charges remains zero, with the two charges maintained at the same relative distance between each other. Also, remember that [itex] \partial W = \vec{F} \bullet \vec{\partial s} [/itex]
Homework Equations
No idea really..
I suspect Coulomb's Force equation might be used.
The Attempt at a Solution
Don't even know where to begin. As I said at the beginning I have never encountered dielectrics before. Also, after some textbook reading and online reading I should note that as I have written it is the question, there is no mention of an external field or that the material is wedged within a capacitor.
I have to head out now I just wanted to post this in case anyone might be able to help. I won't be able to respond until sometime tomorrow morning. Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to give!