Equipotential surface

Definition

An equipotential surface is a surface on which every point has the same electric potential. This implies that no work is required to move a charge anywhere along this surface.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to electric field lines.
2. In a uniform electric field, equipotential surfaces are parallel planes.
3. For a point charge, equipotential surfaces are concentric spheres centered around the charge.
4. The concept of equipotential surfaces helps in visualizing electric fields and potentials without having to calculate them at each point.
5. Conductors under electrostatic equilibrium have their entire surface as an equipotential surface.

Review Questions

• Why are equipotential surfaces always perpendicular to electric field lines?
• Describe the shape of equipotential surfaces in the case of a uniform electric field and for a point charge.
• How do conductors behave with respect to equipotential surfaces under electrostatic equilibrium?

Related terms

Electric Potential:

The amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field.

Electric Field Lines:

Imaginary lines representing the direction and strength of an electric field; they start on positive charges and end on negative charges.

Electrostatic Equilibrium:

A state where there is no net flow of electric charge within a conductor, resulting in constant potential throughout the conductor's surface.