Electric field between 2 plates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the electric field between two charged plates, specifically the derivation and understanding of the formula for the electric field in terms of surface charge density and permittivity of free space. The scope includes theoretical concepts and applications of Gauss's Law.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims the electric field between two charged plates is given by sigma/(2epsilon0), suggesting a misunderstanding of the configuration.
  • Another participant argues that the correct expression for the electric field is sigma/epsilon0, provided both plates have equal and opposite charges, citing Gauss's Law as the basis for this conclusion.
  • A third participant clarifies that each plate contributes sigma/2epsilon0 to the electric field, and when combined, they yield the total electric field of sigma/epsilon0.
  • One participant requests clarification on the derivation of the electric field, indicating a need for further understanding of Gauss's Law and its application.
  • A participant mentions their background in studying Coulomb's law and electric flux, expressing a desire to understand the validity of the formula they encountered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct formula for the electric field between the plates, with no consensus reached on the interpretation or derivation of the formula.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference Gauss's Law and its relevance to the discussion, but there are indications of varying levels of familiarity with the concept, leading to potential gaps in understanding and assumptions about prior knowledge.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals studying electromagnetism, particularly those interested in the application of Gauss's Law and the behavior of electric fields in capacitor-like configurations.

staetualex
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Why electric field between 2 charged plates is sigma(surface charge density)/(2epsilonO) permitivity of free space?
 
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You are wrong brother..
The electric field between 2 charged plated is sigma/epsilonO.. provided both the plates have equal and opposite charge..
This is proved using Gauss's Law.
If u haven't learned about this concept.. search Wikipedia or any other good book.

Cheers
 
Yeah, sorry, one plate comes with sigma/2epsilon0, another comes with sigma/2epsilon0, add them together and we get sigma/epsilon0. Anyone wants to share why is the electric field sigma/2epsilon0?
 
staetualex said:
Yeah, sorry, one plate comes with sigma/2epsilon0, another comes with sigma/2epsilon0, add them together and we get sigma/epsilon0. Anyone wants to share why is the electric field sigma/2epsilon0?

Your question is vague. Are you asking HOW one derives such an electric field for that configuration? If you are, then you already had your answer via Gauss's law. If you are asking on how to make such a derivation, then you need to make further elaboration on your academic background, i.e. have you been taught Gauss's law and how to apply it? And this needs to be done in the HW/Coursework forum.

Zz.
 
Finished high school, no college (19). I was studying Coloumb's law, electric flux and so on, and i stumbled upon that formula. Just wanted to know why the formula valid. That link, with gauss law, it may help me prove myself, just need to crunch the numbers.
 

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