About uniform electric field between parallel plates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the characteristics of the electric field between parallel plates, particularly focusing on the relationship between electric field strength, voltage, and distance. Participants explore theoretical aspects, practical implications, and the conditions under which certain principles apply.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the electric field between parallel plates is independent of distance, referencing the equation E=V/d.
  • Others question whether this principle applies only to ideal infinitely long parallel plates, suggesting that the assumption may not hold for finite plates.
  • A participant mentions that Gauss' law can be used to derive the electric field for ideal plates, but acknowledges that it may serve as an approximation for smaller plates.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of changing distance between plates, with some suggesting that if the plates are insulated, the potential difference will change, affecting the electric field.
  • Another viewpoint is presented that while the electric field is independent of distance, the voltage is not, indicating that a greater distance results in a greater voltage for the same electric field strength.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the independence of the electric field from distance applies universally or only under specific conditions, such as for ideal infinitely long plates. Multiple competing views remain regarding the implications of distance on electric field strength and voltage.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption of ideal conditions for infinite plates versus finite plates, and the dependence of results on whether the plates are insulated or connected to a potential difference source.

curiosity colour
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I have learned that the electric field between parallel plates are independent of distance
since E=V/d
so if I increase the distance between parallel plates, the E will decrease, right?
if I am right on the previous statement, then why does the electric field are independent of distance?
 
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curiosity colour said:
I have learned that the electric field between parallel plates are independent of distance

Are you sure that isn't for ideal infinitely long parallel plates?
 
Drakkith said:
Are you sure that isn't for ideal infinitely long parallel plates?

You are right. This is only for such plates and can be derived using Gauss' law. If we neglect rand effects, we can still use it as an approximation for smaller plates, though.
 
Drakkith said:
Are you sure that isn't for ideal infinitely long parallel plates?
The textbook just wrote parallel plates, didn't said anything about ideal infinitely long parallel plates
So only if parallel plates are infinitely long, the electric field between parallel plates are independent of distance ? Still though, why is that?
 
curiosity colour said:
The textbook just wrote parallel plates, didn't said anything about ideal infinitely long parallel plates
So only if parallel plates are infinitely long, the electric field between parallel plates are independent of distance ? Still though, why is that?

Do you know Gauss' law? (one of the maxwell equations, ##\iint_S \vec E . \vec{dA} = \frac{Q_{enc}}{\epsilon_0}## where we integrate over a closed surface ##S##)
 
Math_QED said:
Do you know Gauss' law? (one of the maxwell equations, ##\iint_S \vec E . \vec{dA} = \frac{Q_{enc}}{\epsilon_0}## where we integrate over a closed surface ##S##)
Yeah, I know about Gauss's law
 
curiosity colour said:
I have learned that the electric field between parallel plates are independent of distance
since E=V/d
so if I increase the distance between parallel plates, the E will decrease, right?
if I am right on the previous statement, then why does the electric field are independent of distance?
If the plates are insulated, the Potential difference will change as you separate them so the V in "E=V/d" will change. (The Capacitance C will change and V=Q/C applies)
If you connect a source of PD to the plates, to maintain V then E=V/d will apply. So there is no contradiction.
 
curiosity colour said:
I have learned that the electric field between parallel plates are independent of distance
since E=V/d
so if I increase the distance between parallel plates, the E will decrease, right?
if I am right on the previous statement, then why does the electric field are independent of distance?
The E field is independent of the distance, but the voltage is not. The E field is the gradient of the voltage, so if you have the same E field over a larger distance then you have a greater voltage.
 
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