Does Electric Field Intensity Stay Constant Between Charged Parallel Plates?

In summary, the intensity of the electric field between two charged parallel plates remains constant as long as the plates are larger than the distance between them and do not become point charges. However, if the lateral dimensions of the plates are reduced, the electric field intensity may change due to edge effects and the plates becoming line or point charges. This information can be found on the HyperPhysics website under the sections on parallel plate capacitors and electric field strength.
  • #1
David Furlong
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0
Does the intensity of the electric field between two charged parallel plates stay constant regardless of the distance between the plates, assuming of course that the plate area is such that the plates do not become point charges?
 
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  • #2
There are edge effects, but if the area or lateral dimensions are much larger than the separation, the electric field intensity for parallel (flat) plates is constant, but still proportional to the separation.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/pplate.html#c1

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/elesht.html#c2

If one lateral dimension were to shrink, then the plate would become a line charge, and if both lateral dimensions were reducted, the plate would become a point charge.
 
  • #3

The intensity of the electric field between two charged parallel plates does not stay constant regardless of the distance between the plates. The intensity of the electric field is directly proportional to the distance between the plates, according to the inverse square law. This means that as the distance between the plates increases, the intensity of the electric field decreases. This relationship holds true as long as the plates do not become point charges. If the plates were to become point charges, the electric field would become infinite and the inverse square law would no longer apply. Therefore, it is important to consider the distance between the plates when studying the electric field intensity in this scenario.
 

What is Electric Field Intensity?

Electric Field Intensity, also known as Electric Field Strength, is a measure of the strength of an electric field at a certain point. It is defined as the amount of force per unit charge experienced by a small positive test charge placed at that point.

How is Electric Field Intensity calculated?

Electric Field Intensity is calculated using the equation E = F/q, where E is the electric field intensity, F is the force experienced by the test charge, and q is the magnitude of the test charge. It is typically measured in units of Newtons per Coulomb (N/C).

What factors affect Electric Field Intensity?

The Electric Field Intensity at a point is affected by the magnitude and direction of the electric field, the distance from the source of the field, and the type of material the field is passing through. It is also affected by the presence of other charges in the vicinity.

How is Electric Field Intensity represented graphically?

Electric Field Intensity is often represented graphically using field lines. These lines show the direction and strength of the electric field at different points. The closer the lines are together, the stronger the electric field is at that point.

What are some real-world applications of Electric Field Intensity?

Electric Field Intensity is used in a variety of applications, including the design of electronic circuits, the study of lightning strikes, and the development of medical devices such as defibrillators. It is also important in understanding the behavior of charged particles in the atmosphere and in space.

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