# Electric Field on two non-parallel plates

1. Sep 8, 2012

### Seydlitz

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.

Last edited: Sep 8, 2012
2. Sep 9, 2012

### DarioC

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

3. Sep 9, 2012

### Seydlitz

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.

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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

Last edited: Sep 9, 2012