A Parallel-Plate Capacitor

In a parallel-plate capacitor as shown, the surface area of plates ( $A$ ) is considerably greater than the separation between the two plates ( $d$ ).

$A >> d$ ensures that:

1. The net electric field inside the plates is zero.

2. The electric field between the plates is uniform and perpendicular to the plates throughout.

3. The dielectric strength is maintained.

4. The electric field between the plates is uniform and perpendicular to the plates except for a small region near the edge.