Pre-Laboratory Questions 1. Consider the equipotential contours near conductor s

Question

Pre-Laboratory Questions 1. Consider the equipotential contours near conductor surfaces. Why are they parallel to the surface? Why must the electric field lines be at right angles to the equipotential contours? (Hint: Look carefully at Eq. 3.1-3.4, and consider this: If you move along an equipotential, how much work is done?) 2. 3. Using Equation 3.4, Explain why the field is stronger when the equipotential contours are closer together, and weaker when the contours are farther apart. 4. Sketch the equipotential contours you expect for the "point and plane" configuration of electrodes shown in Figure 3-1. Show at least 6 contours. Show only the equipotential contours, not lines of force.

Explanation / Answer

Let us go to the basics first.

Answer (1)

Equipotential lines may be straight, curved, or irregularly shaped, depending on the orientation of charges that give rise to them. Since they are located radially around a charged body, they are perpendicular to electric field lines, which extend radially from the center of a charged body. So as seen in the conductor, the lines are parallel to the conductor. This is because the electric field are perpendicular to the conductor. (Answer)

Answer (2)

We know that:

dV/dr = E (dV/dr = voltage gradient; E = electric field)

So,by definition, any voltage gradient along a direction implies an electric field component in that direction.

But, for equipotential surfaces, voltage gradient is zero and thus the only plane(or surface) without voltage gradient is the normal to the electric field. (Answer)

(Answer 3): Equation 3.4 not given.

(Answer 4) Figure 3-1 not given.

Thanks!!!

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