Finding pressure on a dielectric between a capacitor

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the pressure increment in water between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor when a voltage is applied. The electric field between the plates is derived from the surface charge density, leading to the expression for force and pressure. The key point of contention is the factor of 1/2 in the pressure formula, which accounts for the dielectric effect of water reducing the effective electric field. This reduction is attributed to the presence of the dielectric material, which modifies the electric field strength. Understanding this factor is crucial for accurately determining the pressure in the dielectric medium.
Titan97
Gold Member
Messages
450
Reaction score
18

Homework Statement


A parallel plate capacitor was lowered into water in a horizontal position, with water filling up the gap between the plates (gap d=1.0mm). Then, a constant voltage V=200volt is applied to the capacitor. Find the increment of pressure in the water between the gap.

Homework Equations


F=qE

The Attempt at a Solution


IMG_20151204_150222_024.JPG


Let the slab represent water between the capacitor plates. On the left surface, the field due to the left plate is ##\frac{\sigma}{2\epsilon_0}## along negative x-axis and that due to the right plate is also ##\frac{\sigma}{2\epsilon_0}## along the same direction. Total field on one surface is ##\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}##.
Same force acts in opposite direction on the surface on the right.
This tends to expand the dielectric.

Let induced charge density on water be ##\sigma'##

Therefore, $$F=qE=\sigma'A\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}$$
And $$P=\sigma'\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}$$
But answer given is $$P=\frac{1}{2}\sigma'\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_0}$$

Where does the 1/2 come from?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The contribution to the total electric field on the surface due to the plate dipped in water is reduced k times as a dielectric that is water is present in between.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top