Do equipotential lines fall on the equiprobability contours?

However, in summary, the conversation is discussing the relationship between 2D charge distributions and the contours with equal probability. It is suggested that near the core of the distribution, the equipotential surfaces will be similar, but as the distance from the core increases, they will become circles for certain distributions such as 2D Gaussian with different standard deviations. It is also mentioned that the normalized probability density function (PDF) with a peak at (0,0) and standard deviations σ x and σ y may not always be a Gaussian distribution.
  • #1
Mikheal
5
0
TL;DR Summary
Are equipotential lines fall on the equiprobability contours of charge distribution?
For 2D charge distribution ρ(x,y)=Ne PDF(x,y), where PDF is the normalized probability density function with its peak on (0,0) and has standard deviations σ x. and σ y. Are the contours with the equal probability "PDF(x,y)=const" the same as the equipotiential contours?, I tend to think that near the core of the distribution, they will be similar, and as the distance from the core increases, the equipotential surfaces will be circles for σxy.

Edit 1: I am speaking in general, not about certain particle distribution functions, such as 2D Gaussian with different σ x and σ y, 2D bi-Gaussian, 2D super-Gaussian, Flat-top, ....

Edit 2: I know that for 2D Gaussian with σ x = σ y, they fall on each other.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Is NDF a Gaussian? Your question needs to be a little bit more definitive.
 

1. What are equipotential lines and equiprobability contours?

Equipotential lines are imaginary lines that connect points with equal potential in a given system. Equiprobability contours are also imaginary lines that connect points with equal probability in a given system.

2. Do equipotential lines and equiprobability contours have any relationship?

Yes, equipotential lines and equiprobability contours are closely related. In a system with a constant potential, the equipotential lines will also be the equiprobability contours. However, in systems with varying potential, the two may not coincide.

3. What is the significance of equipotential lines and equiprobability contours in science?

Equipotential lines and equiprobability contours are important in understanding the behavior of electric and magnetic fields, as well as in statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics. They help us visualize and analyze the distribution of energy and probability in a given system.

4. Can equipotential lines and equiprobability contours intersect?

No, equipotential lines and equiprobability contours cannot intersect. This is because at the point of intersection, there would be two different potentials or probabilities, which goes against the definition of these lines connecting points with equal values.

5. How are equipotential lines and equiprobability contours calculated?

Equipotential lines and equiprobability contours are calculated using mathematical equations that take into account the potential or probability distribution in a given system. In some cases, they can also be visualized using computer simulations or experimental data.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
13K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
6K
Back
Top