Why Use Full Distance in Capacitor Electric Field Calculation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field between two plates of a homemade capacitor, specifically questioning why the full distance of 3.5 cm is used instead of half that distance when calculating the electric field at the midpoint. It is clarified that the electric field is uniform between the plates, meaning it remains constant regardless of the specific point of measurement within that space. Therefore, the distance used in the calculation reflects the total separation between the plates rather than the distance to the midpoint. This uniformity simplifies the calculation, allowing for direct application of the formula. The conclusion emphasizes that the electric field remains the same throughout the space between the plates.
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REVIEWING OLD TEST and.. don't understand why you use the full distance.

Homework Statement


pretty much there's a home made capacitor made by two pie pans 3.5 cm apart. V is given Q is given, the question asks:
calculate the electric field halfway between the plates

Homework Equations


dV=Ed


The Attempt at a Solution



you just simply plug in, but why is distance the full 3.5 cm and not half of that, as youre finding the field at a distance that is halfway between the plates? am i answering my own question and the E field is constant?
 
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Yes, the electric field is uniform between the plates so it would be the same.
 

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