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The problem reads \"Two large metal plates of area 1.0m^2 faceeach other. They a

ID: 1723028 • Letter: T

Question

The problem reads "Two large metal plates of area 1.0m^2 faceeach other. They are 5.0cm apart and have equal but oppositecharges on their inner surfaces. If the magnitude E of theelectric field between the plates is 55 N/C, what is the magnitudeof the charge on each plate? Neglect edge effects. "   I'm understand thisas E1=E2 , E1+E2= Etotal =55 orE1=55/2, if these were nonconducting we wouldhave E1= /2 = 55/2 or / =55 but these are conducting (metal) sheets. Should'ntthis be / = 55/2 considering the formula for aconducting sheet is E = / The problem reads "Two large metal plates of area 1.0m^2 faceeach other. They are 5.0cm apart and have equal but oppositecharges on their inner surfaces. If the magnitude E of theelectric field between the plates is 55 N/C, what is the magnitudeof the charge on each plate? Neglect edge effects. "   I'm understand thisas E1=E2 , E1+E2= Etotal =55 orE1=55/2, if these were nonconducting we wouldhave E1= /2 = 55/2 or / =55 but these are conducting (metal) sheets. Should'ntthis be / = 55/2 considering the formula for aconducting sheet is E = /

Explanation / Answer

It's a good question and not intuitively obvious. The correct value is E = / 0. Gauss' Law still holds and one one end of a Gaussian pillboxis embedded in the conductor and hence no field passes thru that end of the pillbox so E A = A / 0 and E = /0 Gauss' Law still holds and one one end of a Gaussian pillboxis embedded in the conductor and hence no field passes thru that end of the pillbox so E A = A / 0 and E = /0