Question

There are two metallic plates of a parallel plate capacitor. One plate is given a charge $+q$ while the other plate is earthed as shown. For points $P,P_1$ and $P_2$ , the electric field intensity is non-zero at:

• A. $P$
• B. $P_1$
  
• C. $P_2$
  
• D. $P,P_1$ and $P_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $P$

Let the left plate be given charge $+q$. On the inner surface of the left plate of this capacitor charge $+q$ will reside and on the inner face of the right plate $-q$ charge will be induced which comes from earth/ground.


The points $P_1$ and $P_2$ are lying outside the capacitor.

The electric field due to each plate at these points will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. Therefore, the net electric field at these points will be zero.

Whereas, in the region inside the capacitor the field will have the same direction which is towards the right.

So, the electric field at point $P$ will be non-zero.

Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.