Show that the force on each plate of a parallel plate capacitor has a magnitude equal to (1/2) QE, where Q is the charge on the capacitor, and E is the magnitude of electric field between the plates. Explain the origin of the factor 1/2.


Let the force applied to separate the plates of a parallel plate capacitor by a distance of x be F. Hence, work done = Fx.


The increase in potential energy of the capacitor = uv = uAx


Where, u = Energy density, A = area of each plate and v = volume between plates of capacitors.


Since, work done will be equal to the increase in the potential energy i.e.,


work done = increase in potential energy of the capacitor


Fx = uAx


F = uA



Since, u = and = E (Electric intensity or Electric field)





and


Therefore, F = 1/2 (CV)E and Q = CV


Thus, F = QE


The physical origin of the factor in the force formula lies in the fact that just outside the conductor, electric field is E and inside it is zero. Hence, it is the average value of the field that contributes to the force.


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