Question

What is the net electric field in the outer regions above the upper plate and below the lower plate in a parallel plate capacitor?

(a) Maximum

(b) Uniform

(c) Zero

(d) Minimum

This question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question comes from Parallel Plate Capacitor topic in division Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct answer is (c) Zero

To explain: In the outer regions above the upper plate and below the lower plate, the electric fields due to the two charged plates cancel out. Hence, the net electric field in the outer regions above the plate and below the lower plate is zero.