Two parallel plates separated by a distance of 5.0 mm have a potential difference of 250 V across them. What is the magnitude of the uniform electric field established between the plates?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. 5.0 * 10^4 V/m

  1. Step 1: In a uniform electric field between parallel plates: E = V / d.
  2. Step 2: Convert separation to meters: d = 5.0 mm = 5.0 * 10^(-3) m.
  3. Step 3: Compute field strength: E = 250 V / (5.0 10^(-3) m) = 50 10^3 V/m = 5.0 * 10^4 V/m.
Answer
5.0 * 10^4 V/m.
Why not the others: '1.25 10^3 V/m' multiplies 250 by 5; '5.0 10^1 V/m' forgets to convert mm to meters; '1.25 * 10^6 V/m' squares the voltage.

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