Electric field/equipotential field questions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around electric fields and equipotential lines in the context of a parallel plate capacitor. Participants are exploring the relationships between electric potential and field lines, particularly in a uniform electric field scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the sketching of equipotential and field lines, with some expressing uncertainty about the correct representation. Questions arise regarding the calculation of potential at a specific distance from one of the plates, and the relationship between equipotential lines and electric field direction.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the concepts, with some participants providing clarifications about the properties of equipotential surfaces and their relationship to field lines. Multiple interpretations of the sketches and calculations are being discussed, indicating a productive exchange of ideas without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption of an idealized parallel plate capacitor with infinite plate area, and there is a specific focus on the uniformity of the electric field and equipotential surfaces.

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Homework Statement

1. Sketch the equipotential lines and field lines between a parallel plate capacotor assumed to have infinite plate area.

2. If the distance between the plates is 0.1m, the potential of one plate is 0V and the potential of the second plate is 10V, what is the potential at a point 0.02m from the second plate?

The attempt at a solution

1. I'm pretty sure field lines would just be from one of the plates to the other, but I'm not sure about the equipotential lines.

2. Not sure how to do this one!
 
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1) Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to field lines.

2) [tex]\displaystyle \Delta V = E\cdot \Delta x[/tex] (for a uniform electric field)
 
1. something like this? (solid = field, dashed = equipotential)

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3261/untitledwz6.png

2. 10 = E*0.02
E = 500V/m?
 
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Yeah, except equipotential lines are continuous.
 
cool, I've got one more question

For this one, I need to sketch the direction of the electric field. I know they have to be perpendicular to the equipotential lines drawn, so I'm guessing its going to sort of curve slightly to make a right angle with each of the equipotential lines like such?

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/761/img0328aiu1lf4.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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