The Parallel Plate Capacitor and Gauss Law?

In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion around the concepts of Parallel Plate Capacitor and Gauss Law. The speaker has read multiple books but still does not understand these concepts and is seeking a simple explanation. They also mention the concept of electric flux in Gauss Law and ask for help in understanding the proofs and derivations. It is suggested that the speaker provide specific examples from their books to better understand the concepts.
  • #1
pinal08854
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The Parallel Plate Capacitor and Gauss Law?

Hi
I really do not understand these two things. I read like every single book on this things but still am a lot confused about these two concepts. Can anyone explain me in the most simplest terms of all? I would really appreciate that. What is this electrci flux in Gauss Law? Please anyone...
 
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  • #2
Do you at least understand the proofs and derivations?
 
  • #3
If someone tries to explain things "from scratch," there's a good chance they'll just do it the same way your books did, and you won't understand it either (like you didn't understand the books), and they'll have wasted their time.

How about if you quote or summarize an explanation from one of your books, and tell us what you don't understand about it? Then it will be more likely that someone can say something that helps you.
 

1. What is a parallel plate capacitor?

A parallel plate capacitor is an electronic device that stores electrical energy by creating an electric field between two parallel conducting plates. It consists of two metal plates that are separated by a small distance and can hold opposite charges.

2. How does a parallel plate capacitor work?

A parallel plate capacitor works by creating an electric field between the two parallel plates. When a voltage is applied to the capacitor, one plate becomes positively charged and the other becomes negatively charged. This creates an electric field between the plates, which can store electrical energy.

3. What is Gauss Law and how is it related to parallel plate capacitors?

Gauss Law is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that explains the relationship between electric charges and electric fields. It states that the electric flux through a closed surface is equal to the net electric charge enclosed by the surface. In the case of parallel plate capacitors, Gauss Law can be used to calculate the electric field between the plates.

4. How does the distance between the plates affect the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor?

The distance between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor directly affects its capacitance. As the distance between the plates increases, the capacitance decreases, and vice versa. This is because the electric field between the plates weakens as the distance increases, resulting in a decrease in the amount of charge that can be stored.

5. Can a parallel plate capacitor hold an infinite amount of charge?

No, a parallel plate capacitor has a limit to the amount of charge it can hold. This is because as more charge is added to the plates, the electric field between them increases, making it more difficult to add additional charge. Eventually, the electric field becomes strong enough to prevent any more charge from being added, and the capacitor is said to be fully charged.

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