(a) If the magnitude of the bound surface charge on the dielectric slab in Figure \(26.14 b\) were equal to the magnitude of the free charge on the capacitor plates, what would be the electric field inside the capacitor?

(b) Could the magnitude of the bound surface charge ever be greater than the magnitude of the free charge on the plates?

Transcribed Image Text:

Figure 26.14 The presence of a polarized dielectric reduces the strength of the electric field between the plates of an isolated capacitor. (a) + + + + + -9 (b) free charge on plate -9 + Total charge (free + bound) is less than q.