Parallel plate capacitor by an electric field between the plates

In summary, the conversation discusses a 10 gram pith ball with a charge of 1μC being attracted to one of the inside surfaces of a large parallel plate capacitor by an electric field. The plates are vertically oriented and the distance between them is 10 cm. The question is what is the minimum voltage needed to prevent the pith ball from sliding down due to gravity. The coefficient of static friction between the ball and the plate is 0.5. The conversation also mentions considering the forces acting on the pith ball, such as electric force and gravity.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A 10 gram pith ball having a charge of 1μC is electrostatically attracted to one of the inside surfaces of a large parallel plate capacitor by an electric field between the plates. The plates are vertically oriented so that the electric field between the plates is horizontal. The distance between the plates of the capacitor is 10 cm, and the coefficient of static friction between the pith ball and the plate is 0.5.
What is the minimum voltage needed to keep the ball from sliding down the plate from gravity? Draw a picture to show all forces on the pith ball.

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The Attempt at a Solution



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  • #2
That pith ball is "stuck" to a plate by electric force. How big is that force, and what is its direction? What other forces act on the pith ball?

ehild
 

1. What is a parallel plate capacitor?

A parallel plate capacitor is a device used to store electric charge. It consists of two conductive plates separated by a small distance and connected to a power source. The plates create an electric field between them, which allows the capacitor to store energy in the form of electric charge.

2. How does an electric field form between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor?

An electric field forms between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor due to the presence of opposite charges on each plate. The positive charge on one plate attracts the negative charge on the other plate, creating an electric field between them.

3. What affects the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor?

The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is affected by the distance between the plates, the surface area of the plates, and the type of material used for the plates. The larger the plate area and smaller the distance between the plates, the higher the capacitance will be.

4. How is the electric field strength between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor calculated?

The electric field strength between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor can be calculated by dividing the voltage by the distance between the plates. It is also directly proportional to the charge on each plate and inversely proportional to the distance between the plates.

5. What are some applications of parallel plate capacitors?

Parallel plate capacitors have various applications, such as in electronic circuits, power supplies, energy storage devices, and various types of sensors. They are also used in the manufacturing of electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and televisions.

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