Question

Suppose I have an infinite plane of charge surrounded by air. What is the maximum charge density that can be placed on the surface of the plane before dielectric breakdown of the surrounding air occurs

Answer 1

`53.1\mu C/m^2`

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given that

Electric field,E=
`3* 10^6V/m`

We have to find the value of maximum charge density that can be placed on the surface of the plane before dielectric breakdown of the surrounding air occurs.

We know that

`E=(\sigma)/(2\epsilon_0)`

Where
`\epsilon_0=8.85* 10^(-12)`

Using the formula

`3* 10^6=(\sigma)/(2* 8.85* 10^(-12))`

`\sigma=3* 10^6* 2* 8.85* 10^(-12)`

`\sigma=5.31* 10^(-5)C/m^2`

`\sigma=53.1* 10^(-6)C/m^2=53.1\mu C/m^2`

`1\mu C=10^(-6) C`