Is work required to move an electric charge along a line of equipotential? Expla

Question

Is work required to move an electric charge along a line of equipotential? Explain. (Think about the strength of the force along these lines and which way it is pointing.) Points P and Q are on the same equipotential line in an electric field and points R and S are on a higher equipotential line. Compare the work done by the electric field when an electric particle with a positive charge moves from: P to R S to Q P to S R to S For example, in which case will the greatest amount of work be done? In which case will the work be the least? Defend your answer.

Explanation / Answer

Vp = Vq and Vr = Vs

Vp,Vq < VrVs

a)P to R

Work done in this case will be:

W = q (Vr - Vp)

A positive work will be done on the charge when it moves from P to R. Since Vp > Vr.

b)W = q (Vq - Vs)

In this case, work done will be negative, since Vq is at lower potential then Vs.

c)Work done in this case will be:

W = q (Vs - Vp)

A positive work will be done on the charge when it moves from P to R. Since Vs > Vp

d)W = q(Vs - Vr)

Workdone in this case will be zero since both the points R and S are at the same potential.

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