Electric Field on two non-parallel plates

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of electric fields between two non-parallel plates arranged in a V configuration. Unlike parallel plates, where electric fields are straight, the electric field between angled plates is curved due to the requirement that field lines must be perpendicular to the surfaces at the point of intersection. This principle is rooted in the fundamental behavior of electric fields, which cannot be solved analytically in this configuration. The participants explore the implications of this curvature and its relation to electric potential surfaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric potential
  • Knowledge of the behavior of electric fields around conductors
  • Basic principles of electrostatics, including field line representation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the behavior of electric fields between parallel plates in detail
  • Explore the concept of electric dipoles and their field configurations
  • Learn about the mathematical modeling of electric fields in non-standard geometries
  • Investigate numerical methods for solving electric field distributions
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of electric fields in non-standard configurations.

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Why the electric field is in fact curved in that configuration? I'm just a little bit confused because normally if the plates were arranged parallel the electric field were perfectly straight, the electric field of infinite plane is also straight. Why then suddenly when the plates are angled the electric field became curved?

On what principle could I infer this from without calculating anything?

Thank You

Edit: By non-parallel in my case, the plates are arranged forming a V.
 
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The lines that represent equal field strength have to be perpendicular to the plates at the point of intersection? Is that true? If so, why is it so? Perhaps that is the key to answering your question.
DC
 
DarioC said:
The lines that represent equal field strength have to be perpendicular to the plates at the point of intersection? Is that true? If so, why is it so? Perhaps that is the key to answering your question.
DC

I'm sorry but I don't think I understand your statement. Could you rephrase it in someway, perhaps in reference to familiar examples like electric dipole or point charges?

Edit: What I know already is the electric field line must always be perpendicular to the surface of electric potential, and hence conductor but I can't get my mind to relate this concept to the non-parallel plates. Moreover, it seems the electric field cannot be solved analytically also.

---

Ahhh!

I think I know what you mean. Because of that reasoning the electric field must emanate perpendicularly to the plate. Hence, it would be impossible for it to have a straight field like if they were to be arranged in parallel. In the end the electric field will be curved. Does my crude prove by contradiction reasoning correct? :D
 
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