A2 Level · Topic 18.2
A-Level 9702 / Topic 18 / A2

A field that is the same everywhere.

Parallel plates make a field that is constant in size and direction. That uniformity turns the motion of a charge into a problem you already know: projectile motion.

The key idea

Between two parallel plates a distance d apart with potential difference V, the field is uniform with strength E = V / d. A charge fired across it has constant velocity along the plates and constant acceleration across them, so it follows a parabola.

+ d E = V / d (uniform between the plates)
Fig. 1 — Between parallel charged plates the field is uniform, with equally spaced parallel lines and E = V/d
Section 01

A uniform field, and a parabola.

Set the plate voltage and separation to control E = V/d, then watch a positive charge curve toward the negative plate. Widen the plates and the deflection shrinks.

Section 02

Why the path is a parabola.

The field, and so the force qE, is the same everywhere between the plates. The component of velocity parallel to the plates is unchanged while the perpendicular component grows at a steady rate, giving a parabolic path exactly like a projectile under gravity.

Stage 1 · Learn

Check what the sim just showed you

Four quick checks on E = V/d and the motion of a charge in a uniform field. Each correct answer earns XP and lights this skill on your star map.

Quick check+10 XP

Between parallel plates a distance d apart with a potential difference V, the field strength is:

Quick check+10 XP

The electric field between two parallel plates is:

Quick check+10 XP

A charged particle fired parallel to the plates follows:

Quick check+10 XP

Keeping the voltage fixed and doubling the plate separation makes the field:

Examiner trap

E = V/d gives the field in volts per metre and applies only to the uniform field between parallel plates, not to a point charge. The path is parabolic because the parallel velocity stays constant while the perpendicular acceleration is constant, the same logic as projectile motion.

Skill unlocked

Uniform electric fields

This skill is now lit on your star map. Keep the chain going.

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Stage 2 · Topic Paper 4 practice (all lessons)
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Original Paper 4 structured questions spanning every lesson in this topic, with full worked solutions.