Electric Field between two plates with the same charge

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field between two plates that carry the same charge, specifically focusing on two positively charged plates. Participants explore concepts related to electric fields, energy balance for charged particles, and the implications of having plates with identical charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about equations to calculate the electric field between two positively charged plates.
  • Another participant asserts that electric field lines do not terminate on plates of the same charge, suggesting that there is no electric field between them.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the concepts and seeks to understand how to write energy balance equations for a positively charged particle moving between two positively charged plates.
  • One reply mentions the need to determine the speed of the particle to understand its energy dynamics in the presence of like-charged plates.
  • A participant requests hints and names of relevant equations, indicating familiarity with kinematics but uncertainty about electrical concepts.
  • Another participant suggests that the equations for particles moving perpendicular to an electric field could be relevant, regardless of the presence of the plates.
  • A later post reiterates the initial inquiry about calculating the electric field and introduces the idea of using the principle of superposition for two plates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of an electric field between two plates with the same charge. Some argue that there is no field, while others suggest exploring the effects of a single plate and the principle of superposition. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the calculation of the electric field in this scenario.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including assumptions about the nature of electric fields and the conditions under which the principles apply. The participants do not fully explore the mathematical steps needed to derive the electric field or the implications of their claims.

sina_mech
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Hi

I'm looking for a equation (or equations) needed to calculate the electric field between to plates with the same charge. For example, two plates with positive charge.

Any help is appreciated.
 
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Calculating electric field strength between the plates? No field lines from either plate will terminate on the other. Field lines are between surfaces of different charge only.

Being able to draw the field of both plates? I don't think there are equations, just guidelines for understanding. All lines begin perpendicular and can not intersect.
 
Thanks for your answer. Actually I'm not really familiar with these concept. So sorry if my questions look really basic.

So, like you said, we don't have any field. now, imagine a positively charged particle passes through two positively charged plates. How can I write the energy balance for the motion of particle?

Thanks.
 
Oh man, you're going down a path I avoid like the plague. I hate those equations. First, you will have to determine the speed the particle is moving for it to have the energy to move towards two like charged plates.
 
Could you briefly give me some hints (and also names) of those equations? I think I need to solve some ODEs, I'm familiar with kinematic part (yes! mechanical engineer!) but honestly, I have no clue about the electrical part. :)

Thanks
 
Thanks Samon4.

This is the problem ( V is velocity, "a" is acceleration)

2qvum94.jpg
 
If there's nothing else in the universe, there's no field between two plates with the same charge.
 
sina_mech said:
Hi

I'm looking for a equation (or equations) needed to calculate the electric field between to plates with the same charge. For example, two plates with positive charge.

Any help is appreciated.
Can you (1) figure out the field due to a single plate, and (2) use the principle of superposition when there are two plates?
 

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