Solution
Related Formula
- Uniform Electric Field between parallel plates:
- Potential difference between two points along the direction of the field:
Core Logic
The separation between the plates is d = 10 cm. The electric field E between them is uniform and runs perpendicularly between the plates (along the horizontal direction, +x):
E = (V)/(10) V/cmFrom the geometry shown in the figure:
- AC = 3 cm is perpendicular to E (vertical direction).
- CB = 4 cm is parallel to E (horizontal direction).
Step 1: Calculate potential difference between A and B
Since line AC is perpendicular to E:
VA - VC = 0 VA = VCThus, the potential difference between A and B is completely due to the horizontal displacement CB:
VAB = VA - VB = E · (CB)Substitute the values:
VAB = ((V)/(10)) × 4 = (2)/(5) VThus, the potential difference between A and B is (2)/(5)V.
Pattern Recognition
Sees: Uniform electric field, potential difference over diagonal paths. Trap: Projecting along the hypotenuse length (5 cm) directly without considering the electric field's physical direction. Shortcut: Electric field is purely horizontal. Hence, only horizontal displacement matters. The horizontal displacement is 4 cm out of 10 cm total plate gap, so the potential difference is (4)/(10)V = (2)/(5)V.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance