# What is the maximum electric field in the system?

1. Jul 24, 2008

### john88

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Two parallel plates are connected to a constant electrostatic potential.
Half the space between the plates is filled whit air, one quarter whit a conductor and the fourth quarter whit a dielectric whit realtive permittivity of 80. What is the maximum electric field in the system?

2. Relevant equations

Between the plates $$E = \frac{V}{d}$$ V = potential difference and d = distance between plates.

3. The attempt at a solution

Well first I think that the air will "break" first. I do also think that I need to calculate the flux density first, however Im not sure how to procced

2. Jul 29, 2008

### john88

Re: dielectric

I posted a picture at the problem...anyway how do I begin to calculate the electric field? Just to use E = V/d doesnt cut it, I need to incorporate the dielectric constants also

3. Jul 29, 2008

### badphysicist

Re: dielectric

It's just two capacitors in series.. one with dielectric and one without (and different dimensions).

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