PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
In a coal-fired power station, an electrostatic precipitator is installed to reduce particulate emissions. The device contains two large vertical plates separated by a few centimetres and maintained at equal and opposite charges.
Study this arrangement and answer the questions that follow:
(a) Identify which one of the fundamental properties of electric charge is directly utilised to remove dust particles from the flue gas.
(b) Describe step-by-step how dust particles entering the space between the plates become charged and are finally collected on one of the plates.
(c) Qualitatively predict how increasing the magnitude of the charge on the plates will influence the overall collection efficiency. Justify your prediction.
(d) The plates are periodically struck by mechanical hammers so that the deposited dust falls into hoppers below. Explain why this maintenance step is necessary for sustained operation of the precipitator.