Electric fields

[akis]

Hello

Did not know where else to post this question - how do I translate the strength of an electric field say across the plates of a capacitor from say 1V/cm to something more common, eg Volts?

Thanks
Akis

[Lukas87]

Just multiply the E (in V/m) by the distance (in m, of course) between the plates.

[DF96]

The strength of an electric field is V/m (volts per metre). If you want something more common that that I suppose you could convert it to volts per foot or volts per inch.

[akis]

Originally Posted by Lukas87

Just multiply the E (in V/m) by the distance (in m, of course) between the plates.

I figured as much. So 1V/cm across say 15cm is really 15 Volts.

[DF96]

No. 1V/cm is the strength of the electric field. If this field strength is maintained over a distance of 15cm then you will get a potential difference of 15V. Two different measurements of two different things: electric field and potential.

Its like the difference between the height of a hill and the slope. Both tell you something about the hill, but they tell you different things so are measured in different units.

[Cogwulf]

Originally Posted by akis

Hello

Did not know where else to post this question - how do I translate the strength of an electric field say across the plates of a capacitor from say 1V/cm to something more common, eg Volts?

Thanks
Akis

You don't, an electric field is an electric field, if you want to know volts you need to measure volts.

I figured as much. So 1V/cm across say 15cm is really 15 Volts.

Yes, though most practical applications are more likely to be measured in v/um

[Lukas87]

Dear Akis - look on the problem in a way that the E is like the slope of the hill and the V is like the height. It will be all much easier to understand.

Originally Posted by DF96

Its like the difference between the height of a hill and the slope.