Electrostatic force on a parallel plate

AI Thread Summary
To find the force between parallel plates in a capacitor, the formula F=qE is not sufficient due to the need to account for the electric field's characteristics. The electric field E is typically derived from the charge density and is halved when considering the contribution from both plates. The discussion suggests using Coulomb's law or calculating the electric field from a single sheet of charge for clarity. There is confusion regarding the correct value of the electric field, indicating a need for a deeper understanding of the underlying principles. Accurate calculations are essential for determining the force exerted between the plates.
serverxeon
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I'm tasked to find the force one parallel plate exert on the other plate in a capacitor.

somehow the force isn't just F=qE, where E=Q/2εA

What am I missing here?
 
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What am I missing here?
Erm - direction?

You can check by using another method ... i.e. Coulombs law for a point charge and add them up, or start with the electric field due to a sheet of charge by itself.
 
i mean, my solution is lacking so coefficient.
based on my (confused and vague) understanding, the electric field is actually 1/2 E or something?
 
Is it? Why not calculate the field?
 
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