Final answer:
The maximum potential difference between two parallel conducting plates separated by 0.500 cm of air is 1.5 × 10⁴ V.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the maximum potential difference between two parallel conducting plates separated by 0.500 cm of air, we can use the equation V = Ed, where V is the potential difference, E is the electric field strength, and d is the distance between the plates. Given that the maximum sustainable electric field strength in air is 3.0 × 10⁶ V/m, and the distance between the plates is 0.500 cm (or 0.005 m), we can substitute these values into the equation to find the maximum potential difference.
V = 3.0 × 10⁶ V/m × 0.005 m = 1.5 × 10⁴ V
Therefore, the maximum potential difference between the two parallel conducting plates is 1.5 × 10⁴ V.