How to graph equipotential lines of two charges?

[rslewis96]

The two charges are (-q) and q. I'm just curious as to how you go about graphing them.

Thanks!

 

[GregoryS]

You have a dipole, which field you want to graph.

 

[rslewis96]

You have a dipole, which field you want to graph.

When you say field are you talking about the electric field lines? I know that when you draw the electric field lines that the equipotential lines are perpendicular to them. I'm lost as how to draw the electric field lines. I've been looking through my book and online, but can't find a way to draw them given that you have a dipole.

 

[jtbell]

To get an approximate graph by hand:

1. Calculate the total electric field (from both charges, as a vector sum, with magnitude and direction) at many points, e.g. on a grid that covers the region around the charges.

2. At each point, draw an arrow that points in the direction of the field at that point.

3. By inspection ("eyeballing") you should be able to draw a set of lines that run from one charge to another (if the total charge is zero) or from one charge to infinity (if the total charge is not zero), and curve in such a way as to run more or less parallel to nearby arrows. These are field lines.

4. Draw a set of lines that always intersect the field lines perpendicularly. These are equipotential lines.

This should work, in principle, for any number of charges of any strength.

 

[sardar]

To graph the equipotential lines of two charges, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Determine the location and magnitude of the two charges. Let's say the charges are located at points A and B, with charges -q and q respectively.

2. Draw a coordinate system with the two charges located at the origin (point A) and at a specified distance (point B).

3. Find the potential at various points on the coordinate system using the formula V = kq/r, where k is the Coulomb's constant, q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge.

4. Plot the potential values on the coordinate system as contour lines, with each line representing a different potential value.

5. Connect the points with the same potential value to create equipotential lines. These lines will be perpendicular to the electric field lines.

6. Repeat the process for different potential values to create multiple equipotential lines.

7. The equipotential lines will form a series of concentric circles around the charges, with the spacing between the lines decreasing as you move closer to the charges.

8. The equipotential lines for the -q charge will be closer together and have a smaller radius compared to the lines for the q charge, as the potential decreases with distance from the charges.

I hope this helps in understanding how to graph the equipotential lines of two charges. Remember to always label your axes and include a legend to indicate the potential values of each line. Happy graphing!