Correct Answer :
In region 4 of the configuration I, the magnitude of the electric field is zero.
Solution :
The correct option is:
In region 4 of the configuration I, the magnitude of the electric field is zero.
1. Understanding the Electric Field due to an Infinite Sheet
An infinitely large, thin non-conducting sheet carrying a uniform surface charge density produces a uniform electric field on both sides. The magnitude of this electric field is given by:
The direction of the electric field is directed away from the sheet if the charge is positive (), and towards the sheet if the charge is negative ().
Let us define the unit vector pointing to the right as .
For a system of parallel sheets, the net electric field in any region is the vector sum of the electric fields produced by each individual sheet. For a region located relative to the sheets, the net electric field is:
where is the sum of the charge densities of all sheets situated to the left of the region, and is the sum of the charge densities of all sheets situated to the right of the region.
2. Analysis of Configuration I
In Configuration I, the six sheets have the following surface charge densities from left to right:
- Sheet 1:
- Sheet 2:
- Sheet 3:
- Sheet 4:
- Sheet 5:
- Sheet 6:
Let us determine the electric field in Region 4 (which lies between Sheet 4 and Sheet 5):
- The sheets to the left of Region 4 are Sheets 1, 2, 3, and 4. The sum of their charge densities is:
- The sheets to the right of Region 4 are Sheets 5 and 6. The sum of their charge densities is:
Substituting these values into the net electric field formula for Region 4:
Therefore, the magnitude of the electric field in Region 4 of Configuration I is indeed zero.
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.