Question:

Consider a thin metallic sheet perpendicular to the plane of the paper moving with speed \(v\) in a uniform magnetic field B going into the plane of the paper (See figure). If charge densities \(\sigma_1\) and \(\sigma_2\) are induced on the left and right surfaces, respectively, of the sheet then (ignore fringe effects) :

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Magnetic force on free charges moves them to the two faces until the electric field \(\sigma/\epsilon_0\) inside balances \(vB\).
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • \(\sigma_1 = \epsilon_0 vB,\ \sigma_2 = -\epsilon_0 vB\)
  • \(\sigma_1 = \frac{\epsilon_0 vB}{2},\ \sigma_2 = \frac{-\epsilon_0 vB}{2}\)
  • \(\sigma_1 = \sigma_2 = \epsilon_0 vB\)
  • \(\sigma_1 = \frac{-\epsilon_0 vB}{2},\ \sigma_2 = \frac{\epsilon_0 vB}{2}\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The sheet moves upward (\(\vec v = v\hat y\)) in B into the page (\(-\hat z\)). Force on a positive charge: \(q\,\vec v \times \vec B = qvB(\hat y \times -\hat z) = -qvB\,\hat x\), i.e. towards the left. So positive charge collects on the left face (\(\sigma_1 \gt 0\)) and negative on the right face (\(\sigma_2 \lt 0\)).
Charges accumulate until the electric force balances the magnetic force: \(qE = qvB\), so \(E = vB\).
The two faces form a parallel-plate arrangement with surface charge densities \(+\sigma\) and \(-\sigma\): \(E = \sigma/\epsilon_0\). Hence \(\sigma = \epsilon_0 vB\).
\(\sigma_1 = \epsilon_0 vB,\ \sigma_2 = -\epsilon_0 vB\).
Answer: (1) \(\sigma_1 = \epsilon_0 vB,\ \sigma_2 = -\epsilon_0 vB\)
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