Two infinite parallel metal plates are charged with equal surface charge density of the same polarity.
The electric field in the gap between the plates is
A. same as that produced by one plate.
B. double the field produced by one plate.
C. dependent on coordinates of field points.
D. zero.
Answer: D
Share your understanding of this question with the correct explanation.
The electric field in the gap between two infinite parallel metal plates charged with equal surface charge density of the same polarity is zero. Therefore, the correct answer is D: “zero.”
Here’s a further explanation:
When two infinite parallel metal plates are charged with equal surface charge density of the same polarity, an electric field is initially established between the plates due to the charges on the plates. However, once the charges reach equilibrium, the electric field inside the plates and between the plates becomes zero.
This occurs because the excess charges on the plates redistribute themselves in such a way that they create an electric field that exactly cancels out the electric field produced by the opposite charges on the other plate. This redistribution of charges leads to an electric field that is zero in the region between the plates.
As a result, there is no net electric field in the gap between the plates. The electric field lines originating from one plate terminate on the other plate, effectively canceling each other out.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: “zero.”