Creating an electric field with a battery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the creation of an electric field using a battery connected to two parallel plates. Participants explore the longevity of the electric field in relation to the battery's lifespan, the work done by the electric field on charges, and the implications of moving charges within the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the electric field will last for the lifetime of the battery as long as there is a potential difference maintained between the plates.
  • One participant questions whether there was an assumption that the electric field might last less than the battery's lifetime, inviting further clarification on doubts regarding the situation.
  • Another participant suggests that moving a negative charge towards the positive plate within the electric field does work on the charge, raising the question of whether this would deplete the battery.
  • It is noted that energy is extracted from the battery when a negative charge moves from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, regardless of whether it reaches the plate.
  • A later reply challenges the interpretation of who is doing work on the charge, suggesting that the participant moving the charge is the one doing the work, rather than the electric field itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the electric field can last as long as the battery maintains a potential difference. However, there is disagreement regarding the interpretation of work done on the charge, with differing views on whether the electric field or the participant is responsible for doing the work.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of charges in an electric field and the relationship between energy extraction from the battery and the movement of charges, which may not be fully resolved.

bhope691
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If I attach a battery to two parallel plates to create an electric field between the plates, will the electric field last for the lifetime of the battery?
 
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bhope691 said:
If I attach a battery to two parallel plates to create an electric field between the plates, will the electric field last for the lifetime of the battery?
Yes. As long as the battery can maintain a potential difference between its terminals and as long as the terminals are attached to plates, there will be a potential difference between the plates, which is to say that there will be an electric field between the plates.
 
bhope691 said:
If I attach a battery to two parallel plates to create an electric field between the plates, will the electric field last for the lifetime of the battery?

You've been given the answer, but I'm just curious - were you thinking it might last less than the lifetime of the battery, or longer? A more complete understanding might be achieved if you want to share your doubt about the situation.
 
The plates come attached standard, the battery terminals.
 
Thanks.

If I was then to put a negative charge inside the electric field and move it towards the positive plate I assume the electric field is doing work on the negative charge. If it doesn't reach the plate and is only moved some distance toward the plate will the battery be slightly depleted, due to the work being carried out by the electric field?
 
Correct. Some energy is extracted from the battery when negative charge moves from negative terminal to the positive terminal, even if the negative charge doesn't reach the positive plate. For example, when you attach a capacitor to the battery. Conversely, when you move negative charge from the positive terminal to the negative terminal (electrolysis) some of the work is converted to chemical energy stored in the battery.
 
bhope691 said:
If I was then to put a negative charge inside the electric field and move it towards the positive plate I assume the electric field is doing work on the negative charge. If it doesn't reach the plate and is only moved some distance toward the plate will the battery be slightly depleted, due to the work being carried out by the electric field?

David Lewis said:
Correct. Some energy is extracted from the battery when negative charge moves from negative terminal to the positive terminal, even if the negative charge doesn't reach the positive plate.

hang on a minute , David

The wording of the OP was that he placed the negative charge in the field and that he moved it
Therefore it is him that is doing work on the negative charge and not the field

it didn't say anything about the field moving the chargeDave
 

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