Electric potential along the centre line between 2 charged plates

In summary, electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge in an electric field. A charged plate is a conducting surface with an excess or deficit of electrons, creating a net positive or negative charge. The electric potential along the centre line between two charged plates can be calculated using the formula V = kQ/d. The centre line is the line where the electric potential is at its maximum value and is used as a reference point for calculating potential at other points. The distance between the two charged plates affects the electric potential along the centre line, with a decrease in potential as the distance increases due to a weaker electric field.
  • #1
rreedde
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Homework Statement


Explain why in the absence of any other charged bodies, the potential will be zero along the centre line between plates


Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


not sure how to explain it. is this because that the electric field in that region is zero?
 
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  • #2
Electric potential is the algebraic sum of the potentials due to either of the two plates. It cancels out along the centre line. (since the plate charges are equal and opposite.)
 
  • #3


Yes, that is correct. In the absence of any other charged bodies, the electric potential along the center line between two charged plates will be zero because the electric field in that region is zero. This is due to the fact that the two plates have equal and opposite charges, resulting in a uniform electric field between them. Since the electric potential is defined as the work done per unit charge in moving a test charge from one point to another in an electric field, and there is no work done in moving a test charge along a path where the electric field is zero, the potential along the center line between the plates will also be zero.
 

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a certain point in an electric field.

2. What is a charged plate?

A charged plate is a conducting surface that has an excess or deficit of electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge.

3. How is electric potential calculated along the centre line between two charged plates?

The electric potential at any point between two charged plates can be calculated using the formula V = kQ/d, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the plate, and d is the distance from the plate.

4. What is the significance of the centre line in relation to electric potential between two charged plates?

The centre line is the line that divides the distance between the two charged plates in half. This is the line where the electric potential is at its maximum value and is used as a reference point for calculating potential at other points.

5. How does the distance between the two charged plates affect the electric potential along the centre line?

The electric potential decreases as the distance between the two charged plates increases. This is because the electric field between the plates weakens with increasing distance, resulting in a lower potential difference.

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