The force between charged parallel disks, when distance isn't given?

In summary, two parallel circular disks, each with an area of 2.10×10-4 m2, are uniformly charged with charges per unit area of 5.10×10-5 C/m2 and -5.10×10-5 C/m2. The distance between them is small compared to their radii and the electric field can be calculated using Gauss's Law. The force exerted by one disk on the other can be calculated using the equation F=qE, assuming the field is uniform between the two disks.
  • #1
Allenlbq
1
0
Two circular disks, each of area 2.10×10-4 m2, are situated parallel to one another. The distance between them is small compared with their radii. Both disks are uniformly charged; their charges per unit area are σ = 5.10×10-5 C/m2 for one and -σ = -5.10×10-5 C/m2 for the other. Compute the force exerted by one on the other.

Hint: You can assume the field from each plate to be that of an infinite sheet.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the electric field is calculated using Gauss's Law : E=(charge density)/(2*permittivity of space). But, how in the world do you get the force exerted by one on the other if distance isn't given?
 
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  • #2
the E-field is _uniform_ from + plate to - plate. This means that the E-vectors do not spread, so Gauss is really easy to use. F = qE , like always. (how else would you EVER calculate electric Force?)
 

Related to The force between charged parallel disks, when distance isn't given?

1. What is the force between two charged parallel disks?

The force between two charged parallel disks is known as the electrostatic force and is given by Coulomb's law. It is directly proportional to the product of the charges on the disks and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

2. How is the force between charged parallel disks calculated?

The force between charged parallel disks can be calculated using Coulomb's law, which states that the force is equal to the product of the charges divided by the square of the distance between them, multiplied by a constant known as the permittivity of free space.

3. Does the distance between the disks affect the force between them?

Yes, the force between charged parallel disks is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that as the distance between the disks increases, the force between them decreases.

4. What is the unit of measurement for the force between charged parallel disks?

The unit of measurement for the force between charged parallel disks is Newtons (N). This is the standard unit of force in the International System of Units (SI).

5. Can the force between charged parallel disks be attractive or repulsive?

The force between charged parallel disks can be either attractive or repulsive, depending on the sign of the charges on the disks. Like charges (both positive or negative) will repel each other, while opposite charges will attract each other.

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