Electrostatic Forces on Three Hypothetical Parallel Planes

In summary, there are three hypothetical infinite parallel planes with charges on them. Plane-three is fixed while plane-one and plane-two have a fixed separation distance but can move with respect to plane-three while maintaining a parallel relationship. The electrostatic force on plane-one and plane-two is simply the attraction between plane-two and plane-three, and there is no shielding according to the superposition principle. The only way to diminish the field is through electrostatic induction.
  • #1
rogainuser
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Say there is are three hypothetical infinite parallel planes with charges on it. So let's imagine the three planes from left to right, or planes one, two and three.

Plane-three is fixed to the reference frame. Plane-one and plane-two have a fixed separation distance between each other, but is movable with respect to the reference frame and plane-three (while maintaining the parallel relationship).

If plane-one is positive charge, plane-two is negative charge and plane-three is positive charge, does plane-one experience electrostatic force due to plane-three directly (or is it shielded)? Is the net electrostatic force on the plane-one and plane-two 'movable rigid body' simply that between plane-two and plane-three (i.e. attraction in this case) or will the charge on plane-one somehow neutralize or reduce the attraction in this case?

In other words I am wondering if electrostatic forces are felt through other charges or whether the forces effectively become shielded to a degree?
 
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  • #2


The superposition principle states that all fields simply get overlayed. There is no shielding. The only thing that can diminish the field is electrostatic induction.
 

1. How do electrostatic forces act on three hypothetical parallel planes?

Electrostatic forces act on three hypothetical parallel planes by exerting a force on any charged particles present on the planes. This force is determined by the magnitude and direction of the charges on each plane, as well as the distance between the planes.

2. What is the formula for calculating the electrostatic force between two charged planes?

The formula for calculating the electrostatic force between two charged planes is F = (q1 * q2) / (4πε0 * d^2), where F is the force in Newtons, q1 and q2 are the charges on the planes in Coulombs, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and d is the distance between the planes in meters.

3. How does the distance between the planes affect the electrostatic force?

The distance between the planes has an inverse relationship with the electrostatic force. As the distance between the planes decreases, the force increases. As the distance between the planes increases, the force decreases.

4. What is the role of the charges on the planes in determining the electrostatic force?

The charges on the planes play a crucial role in determining the electrostatic force. The magnitude of the charges and their relative positions (positive or negative) will determine the strength and direction of the force between the planes.

5. Can electrostatic forces on three parallel planes be attractive and repulsive at the same time?

Yes, it is possible for electrostatic forces on three parallel planes to be both attractive and repulsive. This can occur when there are multiple charges on each plane and their positions create a complex distribution of forces that can result in both attractive and repulsive forces acting on the planes.

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