Simple equation to show work done on an equipotential surface is zero

AI Thread Summary
For a particle moving at constant speed on an equipotential surface, there is no change in kinetic energy (KE) due to constant velocity. Since the particle remains on the same equipotential surface, there is no change in potential energy (PE) as well, as it does not change height. The concept of equipotential surfaces implies that potential energy remains constant regardless of the specific nature of the potential. Therefore, the work done on the particle is zero, as both KE and PE do not change. This reinforces the definition of equipotential surfaces in physics.
negation
Messages
817
Reaction score
0
w = ΔKE + ΔPE

For a particle moving at constant speed, there is no change in velocity so no change in KE. What about change in PE for a partcile moving at constant speed on a equipotential surface? Would I be right in stating that since the particle moves along the same surface (AKA same height), there is no change in height and therefore no change in PE?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Yes.You are correct.
 
I don't think I would phrase it in terms of "height". There are many ways of having potential energy that have nothing to do with height. As long as the object is moving on an "equipotential surface", its potential energy doesn't change- by definition of "equipotential".
 

Thread 'Non-orthogonal bases'

Suppose ,instead of the usual x,y coordinate system with an I basis vector along the x -axis and a corresponding j basis vector along the y-axis we instead have a different pair of basis vectors ,call them e and f along their respective axes. I have seen that this is an important subject in maths My question is what physical applications does such a model apply to? I am asking here because I have devoted quite a lot of time in the past to understanding convectors and the dual...
View full post »

Thread 'What Exactly is Dirac’s Delta Function? - Insight'

Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...
View full post »

Similar threads

Question about equipotential lines and the work done moving along them
Replies
8
Views
2K
Calculating work on an electron on an equipotential surface
Replies
11
Views
2K
Work done on dipole and potential energy in uniform electric field
Replies
4
Views
3K
Change in Potential energy equals change in Kinetic energy?
Replies
5
Views
8K
Regarding Energy and Work done in a Spring Mass System
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Work done in lifting and lowering an object
Replies
34
Views
4K
Calculating work done by a force?
Replies
3
Views
4K
Understanding the Work-Energy Theorem: Solving the Roller Coaster Problem
Replies
8
Views
3K
Work-KE theorem and net force....
Replies
33
Views
3K
I What is the zero point for Potential Energy and how to find it from integral limits?
Replies
6
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top