Electric Field lines running high to low voltage

In summary, the given equation Vb -Va=-integral a to b (E x ds) can be used to show that electric field lines run from higher voltages to lower voltages. It can also be used to demonstrate that electric field lines are perpendicular to equipotential lines. In the experiment, the voltage ranged from 0-6 across the conductive paper provided by a dc power supply. By using the equation and following the lab directions, it was determined that the electric field lines ran from higher voltages to lower voltages. Thank you for your time.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Show from the given equation Vb -Va=-intergral a to b (E x ds) that the electric field lines run from higher voltages to lower voltages. Also show from this equation that the electric field lines are perpendicular to equipotential lines.

The voltage in our experiment ran from 0-6 across the conductive paper (provided by a dc power supply.

Homework Equations


Vb -Va=-intergral a to b (E x ds)

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't really know where to get started

6-0=-integral(E x ds)

Please point me in the right direction.
 
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  • #2
Care to copy the lab directions and show them here?
 
  • #3
Thank You for your time, I figured it out.
 

1. What are electric field lines?

Electric field lines are an illustration used to represent the direction and strength of an electric field. They are drawn as arrows, with the direction of the arrow indicating the direction of the electric field and the length of the arrow representing the strength of the field.

2. How do electric field lines relate to voltage?

Electric field lines run from areas of high voltage to areas of low voltage. The direction of the electric field lines is from the positive (+) terminal to the negative (-) terminal of a voltage source.

3. What causes electric field lines to run from high to low voltage?

Electric field lines are a visual representation of the electric force, which is created by the separation of positive and negative charges. In a voltage source, such as a battery, the positive and negative terminals have a difference in electric potential, which creates an electric field and causes the field lines to run from high to low voltage.

4. How are electric field lines used in practical applications?

Electric field lines are used in various applications, such as in the design of electrical circuits and the creation of electric motors. They are also used in physics experiments to study the behavior of electric charges and how they interact with each other.

5. Are electric field lines physical objects?

No, electric field lines are not physical objects. They are a visual representation of the electric field, which is an abstract concept used to describe the force that electric charges exert on each other. Electric field lines are simply a tool used to help understand and visualize the behavior of electric fields.

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