Consider an infinite parallel-plate capacitor, with the | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Introduction to Electrodynamics

Chapter 8 Problem 7P

Question

Problem 7P

Consider an infinite parallel-plate capacitor, with the lower plate (at z = −d/2) carrying surface charge density −σ, and the upper plate (at z = +d/2) carrying charge density +σ. (a) Determine all nine elements of the stress tensor, in the region between the plates. Display your answer as a 3 × 3 matrix:

(b) Use Eq. 8.21 to determine the electromagnetic force per unit area on the top plate. Compare Eq. 2.51.

(c) What is the electromagnetic momentum per unit area, per unit time, crossing the xy plane (or any other plane parallel to that one, between the plates)?

(d) Of course, there must be mechanical forces holding the plates apart—perhaps the capacitor is filled with insulating material under pressure. Suppose we suddenly remove the insulator; the momentum flux (c) is now absorbed by the plates, and they begin to move. Find the momentum per unit time delivered to the top plate (which is to say, the force acting on it) and compare your answer to (b). [Note: This is not an additional force, but rather an alternative way of calculating the same force—in (b) we got it from the force law, and in (d) we do it by conservation of momentum.]

Reference equation 2.51

Reference equation 8.21

Solution

Step 1 of 5

(a)

 

 

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Title Introduction to Electrodynamics  4 
Author David J. Griffiths
ISBN 9780321856562

Consider an infinite parallel-plate capacitor, with the

Chapter 8 textbook questions

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