Difference Electric Field Strength Point Charges vs. Plates

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the difference in electric field strength between point charges and parallel plates. The electric field strength (E) for point charges is calculated using the formula E = k.(Q1/d12 + Q2/d22), where d1 and d2 are the distances from the respective charges. In contrast, the electric field between two parallel plates remains uniform due to their large size relative to the distance between them, allowing for symmetry in calculations. This distinction is crucial for understanding electric fields in different configurations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and electric field calculations
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric field strength
  • Knowledge of symmetry in physics
  • Basic grasp of point charges and parallel plate capacitors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric field strength for point charges
  • Learn about the characteristics of electric fields in parallel plate capacitors
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their significance
  • Investigate the effects of distance on electric field strength in various configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the principles of electric fields and their applications in different charge configurations.

Merlion
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Why does the electric field strength on a straight line (E = k.(Q1/d12+Q2/d22). D1,2 = distance with respect to Q1,Q2) between two point charges vary with the location on this line while the field strength between two parallel plates which remains the same anywhere between the plates.

There's obviously a flaw in my reasoning.
 
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Merlion said:
There's obviously a flaw in my reasoning
What is your reasoning ?
 
This is true for plates which are very large compared to the distance between the plates. In such a scenario, the plates can be treated as infinitely large, and you can use symmetry observations to calculate the field.
 
Thanks for the answers.

I found my flaw in my reasoning on my own.
 
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