# Electric Field and Force between two plates [general question]

Greetings, Im just confused in something , Is there a difference when calculating the electric field , or a force exerted on a charge between two plates , if the two plates were :
a) both plates are charged ( connected to a power source) ,
OR
b) both plates are charged ( connected to a power source), but the negative plate is earthed , i.e 0 V at the negative plate .

sophiecentaur
Gold Member
2020 Award
It only depends upon the Potential Difference (as long as there is no other structure nearby). SO connecting between +6V and -6V will give the same result as +12V and earth.

It only depends upon the Potential Difference (as long as there is no other structure nearby). SO connecting between +6V and -6V will give the same result as +12V and earth.
i mean lets suppose the voltage is 6V at the + plate , but the negative plate is 0v because its earthed

Doc Al
Mentor
i mean lets suppose the voltage is 6V at the + plate , but the negative plate is 0v because its earthed
In that case the potential difference will be 6 volts.

In that case the potential difference will be 6 volts.
so when finding a force on a charge(e .g an electron) between the plates , for example at the mid , using this formula "F=e V/d" ,, do we use the value of V as 6 ?

sophiecentaur