The electric field for an infinite plane of charge is discontinuous by the amount _____ at a point where there is a surface charge density $\sigma$. A)$\varepsilon$₀/ $\sigma$ B) $\sigma$/$\varepsilon$₀ C)$\varepsilon$₀/ $\sigma$² D)$\varepsilon$₀2/ $\sigma$² E) $\sigma$²/$\varepsilon$₀

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric field for an infinite plane of charge is given by E = σ/2ε0, where σ is the surface charge density and ε0 is the permittivity of free space. The electric field above the plane is E1 = σ/2ε0, while the electric field below the plane is E2 = -σ/2ε0. The discontinuity in the electric field is given by ΔE = E1 - E2 = σ/ε0. 
Therefore, the amount of discontinuity at a point where there is a surface charge density σ is σ/ε0. 
In the given options, only Option B has this expression (σ/ε0) for the amount of discontinuity.

The Electric Field for an Infinite Plane of Charge Is σ\sigmaσ

The Electric Field for an Infinite Plane of Charge Is $\sigma$