What is the maximum electric field in the system?

In summary, the question is about the maximum electric field in a system with two parallel plates connected to a constant electrostatic potential. Half of the space between the plates is filled with air, one quarter with a conductor, and the remaining quarter with a dielectric with a relative permittivity of 80. The relevant equation is E = V/d, where V is the potential difference and d is the distance between plates. The poster is unsure of how to proceed with calculating the electric field and has included a picture for reference.
  • #1
john88
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Homework Statement



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?


Homework Equations



Between the plates [tex] E = \frac{V}{d} [/tex] V = potential difference and d = distance between plates.

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 I am not sure how to procced
 
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  • #3


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

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical field that surrounds an electrically charged particle or group of particles. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and is responsible for the attraction and repulsion of charged particles.

2. How is the maximum electric field calculated?

The maximum electric field in a system can be calculated by taking the ratio of the force exerted on a test charge to the magnitude of the charge itself. This is known as Coulomb's law, which states that the electric field is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the charges.

3. What factors affect the maximum electric field in a system?

The maximum electric field in a system is affected by the magnitude of the charges involved, the distance between the charges, and the medium in which the charges are located. The presence of other charges or conductive materials in the system can also impact the electric field.

4. Can the maximum electric field in a system be exceeded?

No, the maximum electric field in a system is determined by the properties and arrangement of the charges in the system. It cannot be exceeded without changing these factors or introducing new charges.

5. How does the maximum electric field relate to electric potential?

The maximum electric field is the negative gradient of the electric potential. This means that the electric field at any point in the system is equal to the change in electric potential per unit distance at that point. In other words, the electric potential determines the strength and direction of the electric field at any given point in the system.

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