Electric Field Between Oppositely Charged Parallel Plates

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 141 views

Understanding Electric Forces

When it comes to electric forces, the magnitude of the force exerted on a small positive charge can vary depending on the location and the distribution of charges. In the case of oppositely charged parallel plates, the electric field is uniform between the plates, but the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge can differ at various points.

Electric Field Between Oppositely Charged Parallel Plates

The electric field between two oppositely charged parallel plates is uniform and directed from the positive plate to the negative plate. This means that the electric field lines are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plates. The magnitude of the electric field is given by the equation:

E = Q / (2 * ε0 * A)

where E is the electric field, Q is the charge on the plates, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and A is the area of the plates.

Electric Force on a Small Positive Charge

The electric force on a small positive charge is given by the equation:

F = q * E

where F is the electric force, q is the charge of the small positive charge, and E is the electric field.

Magnitude of Electric Force at Different Points

Now, let's consider the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge at different points between the oppositely charged parallel plates.

Near the Positive Plate

Near the positive plate, the electric field is strong, and the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge is also strong. This is because the electric field lines are directed from the positive plate to the negative plate, and the small positive charge is located near the positive plate.

Midway Between the Plates

Midway between the plates, the electric field is uniform, and the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge is also uniform. This is because the electric field lines are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plates, and the small positive charge is located at a point where the electric field is uniform.

Near the Negative Plate

Near the negative plate, the electric field is weak, and the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge is also weak. This is because the electric field lines are directed from the positive plate to the negative plate, and the small positive charge is located near the negative plate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the magnitude of the electric force exerted on a small positive charge located between two oppositely charged parallel plates is not the same everywhere between the plates. The magnitude of the electric force is strongest near the positive plate and weakest near the negative plate. Midway between the plates, the magnitude of the electric force is uniform.

Answer

The correct answer is B. smallest near the positive plate.

Understanding Electric Forces

In our previous article, we discussed the magnitude of the electric force exerted on a small positive charge located between two oppositely charged parallel plates. We explored how the electric field is uniform between the plates, but the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge can differ at various points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the magnitude of electric force between oppositely charged parallel plates:

Q: What is the electric field between two oppositely charged parallel plates?

A: The electric field between two oppositely charged parallel plates is uniform and directed from the positive plate to the negative plate.

Q: How is the magnitude of the electric field between two oppositely charged parallel plates calculated?

A: The magnitude of the electric field between two oppositely charged parallel plates is given by the equation:

E = Q / (2 * ε0 * A)

where E is the electric field, Q is the charge on the plates, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, and A is the area of the plates.

Q: What is the electric force on a small positive charge between two oppositely charged parallel plates?

A: The electric force on a small positive charge between two oppositely charged parallel plates is given by the equation:

F = q * E

where F is the electric force, q is the charge of the small positive charge, and E is the electric field.

Q: Where is the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge strongest?

A: The magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge is strongest near the positive plate.

Q: Where is the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge weakest?

A: The magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge is weakest near the negative plate.

Q: Is the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge uniform midway between the plates?

A: Yes, the magnitude of the electric force on a small positive charge is uniform midway between the plates.

Q: What is the relationship between the electric field and the electric force on a small positive charge?

A: The electric field and the electric force on a small positive charge are directly proportional. This means that if the electric field is strong, the electric force on a small positive charge will also be strong.

Conclusion

Additional Resources

For more information on electric forces and electric fields, please refer to the following resources:

Electric Field and Potential by HyperPhysics
Electric Forces by Physics Classroom
Electric Field by Khan Academy

Answer

The correct answer is B. smallest near the positive plate.