Strength of electric field in fringe region vs. central region?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of the average electric field strength between the fringe region and the central region of parallel electrodes. Participants are examining the relationship between the density of equipotential lines and electric field strength.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are analyzing the curvature of equipotential lines and their implications for electric field strength. There is a focus on how the density of these lines varies between the central and fringe regions, with some questioning how this affects the overall electric field.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided observations regarding the density of electric field lines, suggesting that the central region has a stronger electric field due to greater line density. There is a mix of interpretations, with some affirming the reasoning presented while others are still exploring the implications of the line curvature.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions uncertainty regarding the effects of line curvature in the fringe region, indicating a need for further exploration of this aspect. No explicit consensus has been reached, but there is productive dialogue regarding the reasoning behind the observations.

carnivalcougar
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Homework Statement



For parallel electrodes, is the average electric field in the fringe region smaller or larger than in the central region?

Homework Equations



E = ΔV/ΔX

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the electric field strength is proportional to the density of the equipotential lines. Looking at various pictures of equipotential lines in parallel plates it looks as though the density is greater in the central region. However, the lines are curved in the fringe region which may affect the density in a way I'm not yet sure of.
 
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Look at the way the lines are curved ... if drawn properly, the density of the electric field lines is prportional to the density of the electric field.
 
http://www.physicscurriculum.com/Photos/Electro3D04_small.jpg

It looks to me like the density of the curved lines in the fringe region is less than that of the central region, which would make the electric field strength stronger in the central region, and weaker in the fringe region. Does this seem correct?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
carnivalcougar said:
http://www.physicscurriculum.com/Photos/Electro3D04_small.jpg

It looks to me like the density of the curved lines in the fringe region is less than that of the central region, which would make the electric field strength stronger in the central region, and weaker in the fringe region. Does this seem correct?

Not only does it seem correct. It is correct. Nice reasoning.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Well done!
 

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