Why electric field line are curved at top of two plates.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the behavior of electric field lines between two parallel plates, specifically addressing why these lines appear curved at the edges of the plates. The scope includes conceptual understanding of electric fields and charge distributions in electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why electric field lines are curved at the ends of parallel plates, seeking clarification on this phenomenon.
  • Another participant suggests that the curvature is due to the finite size of the plates and the distribution of charge on their surfaces, noting that the electric field is stronger near the edges.
  • A further reply indicates that the edges of the plates can be viewed as line charges, which leads to the generation of curved field lines similar to those produced by oppositely charged line charge distributions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the explanation of the curvature of electric field lines, indicating that multiple competing perspectives exist without a consensus on the definitive reason.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the nature of electric fields and charge distributions may be implicit in the discussion, and the explanations provided depend on specific interpretations of electrostatic principles.

Aladin
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Hello.
I can't understand that why electric field lines are radial between two parallal plates but curved at the end.? what is the reason.
 
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I think you mean parallel and not radial?
This is because the parallel plates do not extend out to infinity in each direction. Because it is a conducting plate the charges will build up on the surface. Therefore there will be a charge on the front of the plate, as well as on the back of the plate. This happens on both plates for both charges. Also there are more field lines on the edges of the plate. (electric field is stronger where the radius is small).
 
My question related snap in shown.please tell me why field lines are curved at the end of plates?
 

Attachments

Near the end of either plate, the edge of the plate looks a line charge, from which the field lines would extend radially (or you can think of it as a point charge in your 2-D picture). The edges of the two plates generate field lines similar to those from two oppositely charged parallel line charge distributions, i.e. curved field lines.
 

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