Uniform electrical field - why?

In summary, the electric field strength between two parallel plates with opposite charges remains constant due to the uniformity of the field in an infinite sheet of charge. This is in contrast to the non-constant field strength when treating the plates as point charges.
  • #1
Nikitin
735
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In a uniform electrical field, why does the field strength remain constant? For a field where two metal plates, one negatively charged the other positively charged, why will E, electric field strength, always remain constant?

If we assume the distance between two plates A & B, where A has a charge of Q and B a charge of -Q, equals 1 meter. then the electrical field strength between them, according to Coloumb's law, would be:

k*Q/(1-n)^2 + k*Q/n^2= k*q/n^2 + k*Q/((n^2) - 2n +1)

where k=8.99*10^9, Q= charge of plates A and B and n= distance from plate A, n=<0,1>

That formula doesn't remain constant for all variables of n.

What exactly is it that I am missing :?
 
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  • #2
Nikitin said:
What exactly is it that I am missing :?
You can't treat a charged plate as though it were a point charge. You must consider the field from each element of charge across the plate--which involves different distances and angles.

It turns out that the field from an infinite sheet of charge is uniform. Similarly, the field is uniform between two parallel capacitor plates--as long as they are fairly close together and you aren't too close to the edges.
 
  • #3
thank you, I understand!
 

Related to Uniform electrical field - why?

1. What is a uniform electrical field?

A uniform electrical field is a type of electric field where the strength and direction of the electric field do not change at any point. This means that the electric field is constant and has the same magnitude and direction at all points.

2. Why is a uniform electrical field important?

A uniform electrical field is important because it allows for easy calculation and analysis of electric potential and electric field strength. It also simplifies the study and understanding of electric fields and their effects on charged particles.

3. How is a uniform electrical field created?

A uniform electrical field can be created by placing two parallel plates with opposite charges close to each other. The plates create an electric field between them, and if they are large enough and close enough together, the electric field between them can be considered uniform.

4. Why does a uniform electrical field have constant strength?

In a uniform electrical field, the electric field lines are parallel and evenly spaced. This means that the electric field strength remains constant throughout the field, as there are no changes in direction or magnitude of the field lines.

5. How is a uniform electrical field different from a non-uniform electrical field?

A non-uniform electrical field has varying electric field strength and direction at different points. This can be caused by different factors such as the presence of other charges or varying distances from the source of the electric field. Unlike a uniform electrical field, a non-uniform electrical field is not constant and can be more complex to analyze.

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