What is the field between parallel plates?

E = V/d, where V is the potential difference and d is the plate separation. The field points from the positive plate to the negative plate.

What is the force on a charge in an electric field?

F = qE. The force is in the direction of E for a positive charge, opposite for a negative charge.

How much work is done moving a charge?

W = qV, where V is the potential difference through which the charge moves. This equals the change in the charge's electrical potential energy.

What is an electron-volt?

An electron-volt (eV) is the energy gained by one electron accelerated through a potential difference of 1 V. 1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.

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NSW · HSCModule 6

Electric field calculator

Three modes: field between parallel plates, force on a charge, and work to move a charge.

Inputs

ComputeVoltage V (V)Plate separation d (m)

Result

Electric field E

2000V/m

Between parallel plates E = V/d (uniform field). Force on a charge F = qE. Work done moving charge through potential difference V: W = qV.

How this calculator works

For parallel plates, the uniform field is E = V/d. The force on a charge in the field is F = qE, and the work done moving a charge through a potential difference is W = qV. Use SI units throughout (V, m, C).

Common questions

What is the field between parallel plates?: E = V/d, where V is the potential difference and d is the plate separation. The field points from the positive plate to the negative plate.
What is the force on a charge in an electric field?: F = qE. The force is in the direction of E for a positive charge, opposite for a negative charge.
How much work is done moving a charge?: W = qV, where V is the potential difference through which the charge moves. This equals the change in the charge's electrical potential energy.
What is an electron-volt?: An electron-volt (eV) is the energy gained by one electron accelerated through a potential difference of 1 V. 1 eV = 1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ J.