- #1
Epiclightning
- 26
- 2
Homework Statement
Consider the situation shown in the figure. The width of each plate is b. the capacitor plates are rigidly clamped in the lab and connected to a battery of emf E. All surfaces are frictionless. Calculate the value of M for which the dielectric will stay in equilibrium.
Homework Equations
Tension T = mg
Force due to electric field = tension
Capacitance = KAε/d
The Attempt at a Solution
What I don't get is how the electric field could pull the dielectric. The field is vertical, and the tension is horizontal, so shouldn't the dielectric just slide off? What force could possibly act in the horizontal direction other than tension?