Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 23 - The Electric Field - Stop to Think 23.5 - Page 645: 1

Answer

$\vec{F}_a = \vec{F}_b = \vec{F}_c = \vec{F}_d = \vec{F}_e$

Work Step by Step

Because the electric field is uniform between the plates of a capacitor, the electric field vector is $\vec{E} = \displaystyle \frac{\eta}{\epsilon_0}$. The electric force on a proton inside the capacitor is $\vec{F}_{electric} = q\vec{E} = q\displaystyle\frac{\eta}{\epsilon_0}$. Here we see that the distance from the proton to either plate is not in the equation, and therefore irrelevant to this problem. Therefore, no matter where the proton is in the capacitor, it will experience the same force everywhere. $\vec{F}_a = \vec{F}_b = \vec{F}_c = \vec{F}_d = \vec{F}_e$
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