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A STUDY ON INSTRUCTIONAL RECONSTRUCTION FOR RESOLVING COGNITIVE CONFLICTS IN ELECTRIC FIELD STRENGTH FROM ISOLATED TO COUPLED CHARGED PLANES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ELECTRIC FIELD NEAR AN INFINITE CHARGED PLANE AND CAPACITOR PLATES
Physics and Engineering 2026, 46(4): 109-114
Published: 29 October 2026
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The infinite uniformly charged plane and the parallel-plate capacitor are two fundamental idealized models in the electrostatics section of electromagnetism. However, students often confuse the electric-field formulas near these two models, E = σ / ( 2 ε 0 ) and E = σ / ε 0 , which leads to cognitive conflict. This paper analyzes the origins of this difficulty and shows that it mainly arises from confusion between the field-superposition mechanisms of isolated and coupled systems, a rigid or inappropriate application of Gauss's law, and insufficient construction of physical pictures of field distributions. On this basis, a four-step instructional reconstruction framework is proposed, following the sequence of “model tracing, principle analysis, physical-picture construction, and methodological comparison.” By emphasizing the central role of the superposition principle and comparing the physical meanings of different Gaussian surface choices, this framework guides students to construct a clear physical picture of electric-field distributions. It thereby helps resolve the cognitive conflict at a deeper level and improves students' conceptual understanding of electrostatics as well as their ability to transfer and apply core ideas. physical picture of electric-field distributions. It thereby helps resolve the cognitive conflict at a deeper level and improves students' conceptual understanding of electrostatics as well as their ability to transfer and apply core ideas.

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