Capacitors and Potential Difference

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the potential difference between two points in a parallel plate capacitor setup. The user is grappling with the conceptual aspects of the problem, questioning whether to apply point-charge equations and how to handle the distances between the points. They express uncertainty about using charge capacity in their calculations and whether the values for capacitance and charge can change with varying voltage. The user notes that the electric field is constant in a parallel plate capacitor, implying a consistent potential gradient. The key challenge lies in understanding how to apply these principles to find the desired potential difference.
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Homework Statement


(Note: This is the fourth part of a single question, but it's the only part I'm having trouble with. Don't worry, it's not as simple as Q/V. :smile:)

"What is the potential difference between a point midway between the [circular, parallel] plates [which are 1.43 x 10-4 m apart] and a point that is 1.23 x 10-4 m from one of the plates? Answer in units of V."

Givens: (Some of these I have gotten from the (proven correct) solutions from other parts of the question.)

\Delta V_{0} = 0.148 V
\Delta d_{1} = 7.15 \times 10^{-5} m
\Delta d_{2} = 1.23 \times 10^{-4} m
C_{0} = 5.264 \times 10^{-15} F
Q_{0} = 7.79 \times 10^{-14} C

Needed:
\Delta V_{N} = ?

Homework Equations


C = \frac{Q}{\Delta V}
\Delta V = E\Delta d = \frac{\Delta PE_{e}}{q}
PE_{electric} = \frac{1}{2}C\Delta V^{2} = \frac{Q^{2}}{2C}

The Attempt at a Solution



Alright. My problem with this question isn't so much mathematical as conceptual. If I could figure out some things, I could definitely apply some equations to solve it.

-Should I use point-charge equations for this?
-Since we're talking about voltage between points and not charges, can I use the charge capacity of the capacitor in my equations?
-Can I add up the distances between the points, or do I need to work them separately because they are on different sides of the source of the field?
-If I change the voltage, wouldn't I be unable to use my values for C and Q, since they rely on a certain voltage?
 
Last edited:
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Since in a parallel plate capacitor, the electric field is constant at all points, the potential gradient must also be a constant. Therefore, the potential at a point midway will be q/2v.
 
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