# Homework Help: Electric field/equipotential field questions

1. Aug 6, 2007

### t_n_p

The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

1. Sketch the equipotential lines and field lines between a parallel plate capacotor assumed to have infinte plate area.

2. If the distance between the plates is 0.1m, the potential of one plate is 0V and the potential of the second plate is 10V, what is the potential at a point 0.02m from the second plate?

The attempt at a solution

1. I'm pretty sure field lines would just be from one of the plates to the other, but I'm not sure about the equipotential lines.

2. Not sure how to do this one!

2. Aug 6, 2007

### Matthaeus_

1) Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to field lines.

2) $$\displaystyle \Delta V = E\cdot \Delta x$$ (for a uniform electric field)

3. Aug 6, 2007

### t_n_p

1. something like this? (solid = field, dashed = equipotential)

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/3261/untitledwz6.png [Broken]

2. 10 = E*0.02
E = 500V/m?

Last edited by a moderator: May 3, 2017
4. Aug 6, 2007

### chaoseverlasting

Yeah, except equipotential lines are continuous.

5. Aug 6, 2007

### t_n_p

cool, I've got one more question

For this one, I need to sketch the direction of the electric field. I know they have to be perpendicular to the equipotential lines drawn, so I'm guessing its going to sort of curve slightly to make a right angle with each of the equipotential lines like such?

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/761/img0328aiu1lf4.jpg [Broken]

Last edited by a moderator: May 3, 2017