College Physics III – Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism
Definition
An equipotential line is a line or curve in a field where the electric potential is constant. No work is required to move a charge along an equipotential line.
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Equipotential lines are always perpendicular to electric field lines.
The spacing of equipotential lines indicates the strength of the electric field; closer lines mean a stronger field.
In a uniform electric field, equipotential lines are parallel and equally spaced.
Conductors in electrostatic equilibrium have equipotential surfaces, meaning the entire surface is at the same potential.
Moving a charge between two points on an equipotential line requires no work because there is no potential difference.
Review Questions
Why are equipotential lines always perpendicular to electric field lines?
How does the spacing of equipotential lines relate to the strength of the electric field?
What does it mean for a conductor to have an equipotential surface in electrostatic equilibrium?
Related terms
Electric Potential: The amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in space, measured in volts (V).
Electric Field: \(\mathbf{E}\) represents the force per unit charge exerted on a positive test charge placed at that point, measured in newtons per coulomb (N/C).
Electrostatic Equilibrium: \text{A state where} \mathbf{E} = 0 \text{ inside a conductor and charges are at rest with no net motion.}