A particle of charge \(7 \, \mu C\) is moved away from an infinite non-conducting sheet of surface charge density \(5.0 \, \mu C\, m^{-2}\) to a point at a distance of \(5.0 \, cm\). The work done by the field due to the sheet is \(\left(\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0} = 9 \times 10^9 \, SI \, units\right)\)
Show Hint
Electric field of an infinite sheet is constant, so work depends only on displacement, not path.
Step 1: Electric field due to infinite non-conducting sheet.
For an infinite non-conducting sheet with surface charge density \(\sigma\), the electric field is constant and given by:
\[
E = \frac{\sigma}{2\varepsilon_0}
\]
This field is uniform and does not depend on distance.
Step 2: Understanding work done by electric field.
Work done by electric field when a charge moves in uniform field is:
\[
W = q E d
\]
where \(d\) is displacement along field direction.
Step 3: Substituting given values.
\[
q = 7 \times 10^{-6} C,\quad \sigma = 5 \times 10^{-6} C/m^2,\quad d = 5 \times 10^{-2} m
\]
Electric field:
\[
E = \frac{5 \times 10^{-6}}{2\varepsilon_0}
\]
Step 4: Using \(\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0} = 9 \times 10^9\).
We use:
\[
\frac{1}{\varepsilon_0} = 4\pi \times 9 \times 10^9
\]
So:
\[
E = \frac{5 \times 10^{-6}}{2} \cdot (4\pi \cdot 9 \times 10^9)
\]
Step 5: Compute work done.
\[
W = qEd
\]
Substituting and simplifying gives:
\[
W = 9.9 \times 10^{-2} \, J
\]
Step 6: Final result.
\[
W = 99 \, mJ
\]
\[
\boxed{99 \, mJ}
\]