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Parallel Plates
When the distance between the
plates is much smaller than the
size of the plates and the charge
on the plates is uniformly
distributed, the field lines are
parallel to each other and
perpendicular to the plates
(except near the edges).
If a positive test charge is
released between the plates, it
will be pushed in a straight line
from the positive to the negative
plate.
E = Fe/q
Fe = electrostatic force (N)
q = charge (C)
E = electric field strength (N/C)
The electric field strength due to a
single charge is given by
E = kq/r2
- The intensity decreases inversely
with the square of the distance from
the point charge.
Electric Potential
Like the gravitational force, the
electric force, can pull an
object through a distance and
therefore do work. It can also
push an object and do work.
A charged object has potential
energy due to its position in an
electric field.
If an electric field does work on
any charged object, electric
potential energy decreases
In this case PE is converted to
KE or heat
1eV = 1.60x10-19J
W =Vq = 1V * (1.6x10-19C) =
1.60x10-19 J = 1eV
Potential Difference
between Parallel plates
Given: E = F/q , V = W/q, W=F*d
Millikans Oil
Experiment
A potential difference was created
between two charged plates. A
charged drop of oil was dropped
between these plates.
Drop was suspended when Fg=Fe.
The magnitudes of the forces were
equal so we can set Eq=mg.
This will allow us to find the charge
on the drop.
Eventually Millikan realized that the
charge was always a multiple of
1.6x10-19C.