24.

52: a) System acts like two capacitors in series so Ceq   1

C1
 C12  1

ε0 L2 ε0 L2 1 Q2 1 Q2 Q2d
C1  C2 
d
so Ceq 
2d
 U  2 
 
2 C 2 ε20Ld ε0 L2
.

 b) After rearranging, the E fields should be calculated. Use superposition recalling

E  2 εQ0 A for a single plate (not εQ
0A
since charge Q is only on one face).
 Q   Q   Q   Q  Q
between 1 and 3: E     
2 
  
2 
  
2 
 
2  2
 2ε0 L 1  2ε0 L 3  2ε0 L  2  2ε0 L  4 ε0 L

 Q   Q   Q   Q  2Q
between 3 and 2: E     
2 
  
2 
  
2 
 
2  2
 2ε0 L 1  2ε0 L 3  2ε0 L  2  2ε0 L  4 ε0 L
 Q   Q   Q   Q  Q
between 2 and 4: E     
2 
  
2 
  
2 
 
2  2
 2ε0 L 1  2ε0 L 3  2ε0 L  2  2ε0 L  4 ε0 L
1  1  Q2 4Q 2 Q2  3Q 2 d
U new   ε0 E 2  L2 d  ε0  2 4  2 4  2 4  L2 d 
2  2  ε0 L ε0 L ε0 L  ε0 L2
3Q 2 d Q 2 d 2Q 2 d
U  U new  U   
ε0 L2 ε0 L2 ε0 L2
This is the work required to rearrange the plates.