Question

The electric field intensity due to an infinite thin plane sheet of surface charge density \(\sigma\) is:

• A. \(\dfrac{+\sigma}{\varepsilon_0}\)
• B. \(\dfrac{\sigma}{2\varepsilon_0}\)
• C. \(\dfrac{-\sigma}{\varepsilon_0}\)
• D. \(\dfrac{-2\sigma}{\varepsilon_0}\)

Hint:

For an infinite plane sheet of charge, electric field is independent of distance and directed perpendicularly from the sheet.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The electric field due to an infinite sheet of charge is given by: \[ E = \frac{\sigma}{2\varepsilon_0} \text{ on each side.} \] However, since the sheet radiates field symmetrically on both sides, the net field on either side is: \[ E = \frac{\sigma}{\varepsilon_0} \] if we consider both contributions from either side of the sheet at a point. Hence, the correct expression is: \(\dfrac{\sigma}{\varepsilon_0}\).