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If the field lines were not perpendicular to the surface, then they could be decomposed into components perpendicular and parallel to the surface. But if there is an E-field along the surface, the surface is no longer an equipotential.

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What is Equipotential lines in electric field?

Equipotential lines in an electric field are imaginary lines that connect points having the same electric potential. Along these lines, no work is required to move a charge between the points, as the electric potential is the same. Equipotential lines are always perpendicular to electric field lines.


Why are equipotential lines perpendicular to the insulator mapped?

Equipotential lines are perpendicular to the insulator surface because the electric field lines are always perpendicular to the equipotential lines in electrostatic equilibrium. This relationship ensures that there is no component of the electric field tangent to the insulator surface, which would cause the charges to move. As a result, the charges remain at rest on the surface of the insulator.


If the electric potential is zero, what is the relationship between the electric field and the potential at that point?

If the electric potential is zero, the electric field at that point is perpendicular to the equipotential surface.


How are equipotentials lines oriented with respect to electric field lines?

Equipotential lines are always perpendicular to electric field lines. This is because equipotential lines represent points in a field with the same electric potential, so moving along an equipotential line does not change potential. Thus, the electric field lines, which point in the direction of the greatest change in potential, intersect equipotential lines at right angles.


Why are the equipotential lines near conductor surfaces parallel to the surface?

For conductors, the electric field perpendicular to its surface and no field exist within the conductor. As a result the equipotential lines are found near the surface. They are parallel to the surface since equipotential are perpendicular to field lines.


How do equipotential surfaces in a capacitor contribute to the distribution of electric potential within the capacitor?

Equipotential surfaces in a capacitor help distribute the electric potential evenly within the capacitor. This means that the electric potential is the same at all points on a particular equipotential surface. This distribution of electric potential helps maintain a stable and uniform electric field within the capacitor, allowing for efficient storage and transfer of electrical energy.


What best describes an equipotential surface and its significance in the context of electric fields?

An equipotential surface is a surface where all points have the same electric potential. In the context of electric fields, it signifies that no work is required to move a charge along that surface, as the electric field is perpendicular to the surface. This helps in visualizing the electric field lines and understanding the distribution of electric potential in a given region.


What is the relationship between the density of the equipotential lines and the strength of the electric field in a given region?

The density of equipotential lines is inversely proportional to the strength of the electric field in a given region. This means that where the equipotential lines are closer together, the electric field is stronger, and where they are farther apart, the electric field is weaker.


Why electric field is zero when electrical potential is constant?

When the electric field is zero, it means there is no change in electrical potential across the field. In other words, the equipotential surfaces are parallel, indicating a constant electrical potential. This relationship arises from the fact that the electric field is the negative gradient of the electrical potential.


Q and -q are two charges d distances apartFind locus of a point at which electric fields are parallel to the line joining the charges?

The locus of points where the electric fields are parallel to the line joining the charges Q and -Q forms an equipotential surface. This surface is perpendicular to the line joining the charges and passes through the midpoint of the line connecting them. The electric field lines are always perpendicular to the equipotential surfaces.


What are equipotential lines?

A uniform electric field exists between parallel plates of equal but opposite charges.


Why aconductor is an equipotential surface?

A conductor is an equipotential surface because the electric field inside a conductor is zero in electrostatic equilibrium. This means that all points on the conductor have the same electric potential, making it an equipotential surface. Any excess charge on the conductor redistributes itself to ensure this equal potential.