Calculating Plate Spacing for 162 V Parallel-Plate Capacitor

[Kawrae]

When a potential difference of 162 V is applied to the plates of a parallel-plate capacitor, the plates carry a surface charge density of 33.0 nC/cm^2. What is the spacing between the plates?

>> I'm rather confused with this question. I know that deltaV = Ed and I tried solving for d, but I don't know what E is. Am I missing information? Would this equation even work?

 

[vsage]

$$E = \frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}$$

Derived from a cylindrical-shaped gaussian surface placed on each sheet whose length is normal to the plate.

check http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/elesht.html#c2 for help with the derivation.

 

[dextercioby]

Yes,it would,u just have to find the electric field;the previous poster gave you the formula...

Daniel.

 

[Kawrae]

Okay, I know what Eo is but how do I find the other variable in that equation?

 

[dextercioby]

You mean the "sigma"...?It's given,it's the electric charge surface density on the plates of the capacitor...

Daniel.