# Calculate the the displacement

1. Jan 7, 2014

### asymptotically

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Hi, the problem is to calculate the the displacement current flowing through a surface that lies in between the two plates of a parallel plate capacitor as the capacitor discharges. I think I have a correct solution but I'm not 100% sure on why it's correct.

2. Relevant equations

Gauss Law: $\oint_S E \cdot dA=\frac{Q_{enc}}{\epsilon_0}$
Definition of Displacement Current: $I_d=\epsilon_0\frac{d}{dt}\oint_S E \cdot dA$

3. The attempt at a solution

Constructing a Gaussian surface about one of the plates like this we have $\oint_S E \cdot dA=\frac{Q(t)_C}}{\epsilon_0}$.

Now this is the part I'm slightly confused about, the flux through every surface except the surface
that lies in between the plates has to be zero, why is there no flux through the left surface. Also we also only consider the charge on the capacitor and ignore the charge in the wire? Are these simplifications or is there justification for this.

The answer for $I_d$ is then just derivative of the rate of change of the charge on the capacitor which is the conduction current.

2. Jan 7, 2014

### maajdl

The total current is conserved, that's the meaning of the displacement current.
The displacement current outside the capacitor vanishes because the field vanishes.
The displacement current inside the capacitor is therefore the electric current in the wires.

The field outside the capacitor is the superposition of the field produced by opposite charges.
Therefore is is zero (or almost zero).

3. Jan 7, 2014

### asymptotically

Is my solution correct then?, what about the charge in the wire?

4. Jan 8, 2014

### maajdl

Yes the "Relevant equation" is correct, but it only helps you to prove you last sentence.
The wire has no charges, the charges accumulate on the plates (can you explain why?).
You still need to calculate Id=Ic!

5. Jan 8, 2014

### asymptotically

Nope, why do wires need to be covered in an insulator if they don't have a charge?

Na the problem just say's Ic=I at some time, what is the displacement current at this time, to calculate Ic as a function of t I assume I just use one of kirchoff's law and solve a Diff Eq?