1. What is the relationship between equipotential and field lines? 2. Near the s
ID: 3307660 • Letter: 1
Question
1. What is the relationship between equipotential and field lines? 2. Near the surface of a conductor / electrode, at what angle do field lines emerge? What about equipotentials? 3. Which of the two types of curves is closely related to topological contours? What can your learn about where the electric field is strongest, weakest, most uniform, etc. from each type of curve? 4. What happens if you only connect one end of the power supply? What happens if you rest your hand on the paper while making measurements? Is the potential the same everywhere on an equipotential line? Is the electric field the same everywhere on an electric field line? 5.Explanation / Answer
ANSWER-
1) Field lines are always perpendicular to equipotential ( surface/curve of equal potential).
2) Any electrical conductor is an equipotential surface. Hence surface of conductor/metal is equipotential surface. Hence the field lines passes perpendicular to these surface.
3) Equipotential curve are closely related to topological contour. It is because equipotential lines are like contour lines on a map which trace lines of equal altitude. In this case the "altitude" is electric potential or voltage.
The equipotentials are evenly spaced,where the field is uniform. In a non-uniform field equipotentials get further apart as the field decreases in strength. Hence for stongest field eqipotential are closest to each other.
4)
When we connect only one end of power supply. Then there is no current the circuit to light the bulb or other appliance. If somehow other end is connected to earth bulb can be illuminated depending on the impedance of eatrh. If we rest our one hand on paper it will oppose ground since paper is insulator of electricity.
5)
Yes potential is same everywhere on the equipotential line/surface. Electric field is not same on an electric field line. For example field lines goes outward from positive charge, but field decreases with distance along field line.
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