# Explain what happens to the electric field strength between two parallel plates when the plates are moved closer together, and why this affects the force experienced by a charged particle placed between them.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.7.3 Electric Fields · Explain · 5 marks

> Two parallel plates are connected to a battery. One plate is positively charged and one is negatively charged. A small charged particle is placed between the plates.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Electric field strength increases when the plates are moved closer together
2. The electric field between parallel plates is uniform
3. A larger (greater) potential difference per unit distance / voltage is spread over a smaller gap
4. The force on the charged particle increases (as electric field strength increases)
5. Force on a charged particle depends on the electric field strength (F = EQ / force is proportional to field strength for a given charge)

## Key terms

- [electric field strength](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electric-field-strength)
- [parallel plates](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/parallel-plates)
- [charged particle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/charged-particle)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-happens-to-the-electric-8857bd6e) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.