Finding pressure on a dielectric between a capacitor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the increment of pressure in water between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor when a voltage of 200 volts is applied. The key equations utilized include the force equation F=qE and the pressure equation P=σ'σ/ε₀. The discrepancy in the pressure formula, where the expected result includes a factor of 1/2, arises from the reduction of the electric field due to the dielectric properties of water, which modifies the effective charge density on the plates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics, specifically parallel plate capacitors
  • Familiarity with dielectric materials and their effects on electric fields
  • Knowledge of Maxwell's equations related to electric fields
  • Basic proficiency in calculus for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of different dielectric materials on capacitor performance
  • Learn about the derivation of electric field equations in capacitors
  • Explore the concept of induced charge density in dielectrics
  • Investigate the relationship between electric field strength and pressure in fluids
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone involved in capacitor design or studying electrostatics and dielectric materials.

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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.
 

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