Equipotential Lines and field mapping

In summary: So, if force is applied perpendicular to the equipotential lines, no work is done. However, if force is applied parallel to the lines, work is done to change the potential energy. In summary, equipotential lines are always perpendicular to the lines of force in order to maintain equal potential energy and no work being done. This is also true for gravitational fields, where the lines of force point towards the center of mass and the equipotential surfaces are perpendicular to them to maintain equal potential energy. When a charge moves perpendicular to the equipotential lines, no work is done, but when it moves parallel to them, work is done to change the potential energy. This is true for any direction of movement.
  • #1
demode
30
0
Equipotential Lines!

I recently did a lab in class that dealt with electric field mapping (very similar to http://physics.nku.edu/GeneralLab/211 Elect Pot. & Field Map.html) and i have to write a lab report now.. I don't understand why the equipotential lines are always perpendicular to the lines of force that were plotted... can someone help?
 
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  • #2
Thread moved to homework forums. demode, remember to post homework questions (and this lab qualifies as homework) in the correct Homework Help forum.

On your question, what else are the equipotential lines perpendicular to? Also, remember the definition of total mechanical energy TE = PE + KE (sum of potential & kinetic energy). If you are on an equipotential surface and work is done on you, what would happen? What can do work on you?

Quiz question -- what are the equipotential surfaces for a gravitational field (like for us on the surface of the Earth)? Which way do the lines of gravitational force point, and why?
 
  • #3
Sounds like a homework question, so I'll refrain from fully disclosing the answer.

Consider a moving charge, what direction of movement will result in work being done on the charge? Consider the case of moving perpendicular and parallel to the equipotential lines and then the general case of moving in any direction.

Claude.
 
  • #4
"Equipotential"- equal potential energy- means that no force has done work to increase of decrease potential. But the work done along a path is the integral of the component of force on that path.
 

1. What are equipotential lines?

Equipotential lines are imaginary lines that represent points in a space where the potential is the same. They are perpendicular to electric field lines and provide a visual representation of the strength and direction of the electric field.

2. How are equipotential lines and electric field lines related?

Equipotential lines and electric field lines are closely related as they both represent different aspects of the electric field. Electric field lines show the direction and strength of the electric field, while equipotential lines show points where the potential is equal. Equipotential lines are always perpendicular to electric field lines.

3. How are equipotential lines and field mapping used in scientific research?

Equipotential lines and field mapping are used in many areas of scientific research, particularly in the study of electricity and magnetism. They are used to visualize and analyze the distribution of electric fields, and can also be used to calculate the potential at a specific point in space.

4. What is the process for mapping electric fields using equipotential lines?

The process for mapping electric fields using equipotential lines involves placing a series of points in a space and measuring the potential at each point. These values are then plotted on a graph and connected to create equipotential lines. The electric field lines can then be drawn perpendicular to the equipotential lines to show the direction and strength of the electric field.

5. Can equipotential lines intersect?

No, equipotential lines cannot intersect as they represent points where the potential is equal. If they were to intersect, it would mean that the potential at that point is different, which would contradict the definition of an equipotential line.

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