A parallel-plate capacitor has a charge Q and plates of area A. What force acts on one plate to attract it toward the other plate? Because the electric field between the plates is E = Q/A∈0, you might think the force is F = QE = Q2/A∈0. This conclusion is wrong because the field E includes contributions from both plates, and the field created by the positive plate cannot exert any force on the positive plate. Show that the force exerted on each plate is actually F = Q2/2A∈0. Suggestion: Let C = ∈0A/x for an arbitrary plate separation x and note that the work done in separating the two charged plates is W = ∫ F dx.
A parallel-plate capacitor has a charge Q and plates of area A. What force acts on one plate to attract it toward the other plate? Because the electric field between the plates is E = Q/A∈0, you might think the force is F = QE = Q2/A∈0. This conclusion is wrong because the field E includes contributions from both plates, and the field created by the positive plate cannot exert any force on the positive plate. Show that the force exerted on each plate is actually F = Q2/2A∈0. Suggestion: Let C = ∈0A/x for an arbitrary plate separation x and note that the work done in separating the two charged plates is W = ∫ F dx.
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
5th Edition
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter20: Electric Potential And Capacitance
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 54P: A parallel-plate capacitor has a charge Q and plates of area A. What force acts on one plate to...
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A parallel-plate capacitor has a charge Q and plates of area A. What force acts on one plate to attract it toward the other plate? Because the electric field between the plates is E = Q/A∈0, you might think the force is F = QE = Q2/A∈0. This conclusion is wrong because the field E includes contributions from both plates, and the field created by the positive plate cannot exert any force on the positive plate. Show that the force exerted on each plate is actually F = Q2/2A∈0. Suggestion: Let C = ∈0A/x for an arbitrary plate separation x and note that the work done in separating the two charged plates is W = ∫ F dx.
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