Charge Distribution on Metallic Plates

[surajkaul]

Homework Statement

Four identical metallic plates, each of area A, are seprated by a
distance d as showen in the Figure. Plate 2 is given a charge Q. Plates 1 and 4 Both are earthed.

Homework Equations

• Charge Distribution i.e. Charge on each Plate and On each Side of the Plate.
• Will the Outer Surface(Earthed Surface) of the Plates 1 and 4 be having Zero Charge on Them.

The Attempt at a Solution

I really Could not figure out as the Earthed Plates are Confusing Me. I have done similar question where the None of the Plates are Earthed. I tried to start on the same Lines, But ended up confusing myself more. So It will be really Great if I get a good Explanation for this.

Thanks in Advance.
Cheers.

 

[aim1732]

The earthed surface has same potential as Earth - zero. Does this help?

 

[surajkaul]

The earthed surface has same potential as Earth - zero. Does this help?

I know that they at Zero Potential But don't know how to put this Fact to Good Use.
Thanks Anyway. :)

 

[aim1732]

You calculate net potential due to all plates at that point and put it equal to zero. This should be related to charges on these plates and hence can give the distribution.

 

[rdl]

I can provide a response to this content by explaining the concept of charge distribution on metallic plates. When a metallic plate is given a charge, the charge will distribute itself evenly across the surface of the plate. This means that each point on the surface of the plate will have the same charge density. In this scenario, Plate 2 is given a charge Q, which means that the charge will distribute itself evenly across the surface of Plate 2.

Now, when Plates 1 and 4 are earthed, it means that they are connected to the ground, which acts as a neutralizing agent for any excess charge. This means that any charge on Plates 1 and 4 will be neutralized and the plates will have zero net charge on them. However, this does not mean that the charge on Plate 2 will be affected. The charge on Plate 2 will still be evenly distributed across its surface, but the overall system will have a net charge of zero.

In terms of the charge distribution on each plate, Plate 2 will have a charge of Q, while Plates 1 and 4 will have zero charge on them. This is because the charge on Plate 2 is not affected by the grounding of Plates 1 and 4. The charge on Plate 2 will still distribute itself evenly across its surface, but the grounding of Plates 1 and 4 will neutralize any excess charge on them.

I hope this explanation helps to clarify the concept of charge distribution on metallic plates in this scenario. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.