Enhancing conceptual understanding of Gauss's law through asymmetric infinite sheet/slab charge examples

Infinite sheets/slabs are one of three geometries, for which the electric field can be calculated using Gauss's law. Frequently, only symmetrical charge distributions are considered, preventing practical applications including p–n junctions and multiple conducting sheets from being introduced in an introductory electromagnetic course. Students also struggle in understanding the requirements for applying Gauss law for calculating electric fields. A common question that confuses students is whether the calculated electric field in a problem corresponds to the enclosed charge within the Gaussian surface or all charge in the distribution. We show that the electric field calculations for infinite sheet/slab charge distributions using the integral form of Gauss's law can be extended in a classroom discussion to asymmetric charges without using superposition, provided the charge is uniform in the two infinite dimensions. These discussions enrich the application of Gauss's law in practical devices and help students develop improved understanding of the law.