Electric field in a region with constant potential

In summary, when the electric potential is constant throughout a region of space, the electric field in that region is also zero. This can be seen through the equation E = -delta V / delta d, where a constant voltage leads to a delta V of zero and thus an electric field of zero.
  • #1
zdotcom
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Homework Statement


When the potential is constant throughout a given region of space, is the electric field in the region also zero?


Homework Equations


in a parallel plate capacitor,
electric filed = - delta V / delta d


The Attempt at a Solution


It is difficult to understand how in a given region where the electric potential could be constant. That means at any given location, V=kq/r is the same everywhere and delta v equals zero. I can only relate this to a plate capacitor where the electric field is defined as - delta v / delta d. If delta v is zero, then E=0. Am I on the right track?
 
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  • #2
zdotcom said:

Homework Statement


When the potential is constant throughout a given region of space, is the electric field in the region also zero?

Homework Equations


in a parallel plate capacitor,
electric filed = - delta V / delta d

The Attempt at a Solution


It is difficult to understand how in a given region where the electric potential could be constant. That means at any given location, V=kq/r is the same everywhere and delta v equals zero. I can only relate this to a plate capacitor where the electric field is defined as - delta v / delta d. If delta v is zero, then E=0. Am I on the right track?
yes. that equation you used comes from the calculus definition that relates electric potential and electric field.

[tex]E = -\frac{dV}{dr}[/tex]

this equation simplifies to the one you wrote if the rate of change of voltage with respect to displacement is a constant.

So electric field equals the negative of the rate of change in voltage. If voltage is constant, meaning it has a rate of change of zero, electric field also is zero.
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical phenomenon that is created by electric charges and exerts a force on other electric charges within its vicinity.

2. What is a region with constant potential?

A region with constant potential is an area where the electric potential does not vary, meaning that the electric field in that region is uniform and has the same magnitude and direction at all points.

3. How is electric field strength related to potential?

The electric field strength is directly proportional to the potential gradient, which is the rate of change of potential with respect to distance. In a region with constant potential, the electric field strength will be zero.

4. Can an electric field exist in a region with constant potential?

Yes, an electric field can exist in a region with constant potential. This is because the electric field is a vector quantity, and even if the magnitude of the electric field is constant, its direction can vary within the region.

5. What are some real-world applications of regions with constant potential?

Regions with constant potential are commonly used in electrical and electronic devices, such as capacitors and conductors. They are also utilized in particle accelerators and electrostatic precipitators.

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