Interesting question about electrostatic induction

[umciukas]

A conductive plate with no initial charge is put between two identical positevily charged plates. Is it possible that the plate which is put between those two plates configures a situation where the net force acting upon each plate is zero? (the third plate could have different dimensions then the two positevily charged plates)

As far as I can figure, the E field between those two plates is zero so no charge in the third plate can be induced and the putting of the third plate wouldn't change anything.

 

[timthereaper]

I think the positively charged plates would pull the electrons on the middle plate toward the surface of the plate. The (very rough) schematic would look something like this:

|+ -|- +|

 

[Meir Achuz]

But the plate is uncharged. Where would the electrons come from.
There can be no charge inside the conductor.
Nothing would happen.

 

[timthereaper]

Right. Gotcha. Forgot about that whole no charge in the conductor thing.

 

[sardar]

Thank you for your question. Electrostatic induction is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when a charged object is brought near a neutral object, causing a redistribution of charges in the neutral object. In this case, the placement of the conductive plate between two positively charged plates could potentially result in a net force of zero on each plate.

However, it is important to note that the dimensions of the third plate could play a role in the resulting electrostatic forces. If the third plate has a significantly larger or smaller surface area compared to the positively charged plates, it could affect the distribution of charges and potentially result in a non-zero net force.

Additionally, the distance between the plates also plays a crucial role in electrostatic induction. If the distance between the plates is too small, the electric field may not have enough space to fully develop, resulting in a non-zero net force on each plate.

Ultimately, the configuration of the plates and the dimensions of the third plate would need to be carefully considered in order to determine if a situation where the net force on each plate is zero is possible. Further experimentation and analysis would be needed to fully understand the electrostatic forces at play in this scenario.