Electric field in a region with constant potential

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

When the electric potential is constant throughout a region, the electric field in that region is zero. This conclusion is derived from the equation for electric field in a parallel plate capacitor, E = -ΔV/Δd. If the change in voltage (ΔV) is zero, then the electric field (E) must also equal zero. This relationship is further supported by the calculus definition of electric field, E = -dV/dr, which indicates that a constant voltage results in a zero rate of change and thus a zero electric field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and electric field concepts
  • Familiarity with the equation E = -ΔV/Δd
  • Basic knowledge of calculus, specifically derivatives
  • Concept of parallel plate capacitors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between electric potential and electric field in different geometries
  • Explore the implications of constant electric potential in electrostatics
  • Learn about the behavior of electric fields in non-uniform charge distributions
  • Investigate the applications of electric fields in capacitors and other electrical components
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electric fields and potentials in electrostatics.

zdotcom
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


When the potential is constant throughout a given region of space, is the electric field in the region also zero?


Homework Equations


in a parallel plate capacitor,
electric filed = - delta V / delta d


The Attempt at a Solution


It is difficult to understand how in a given region where the electric potential could be constant. That means at any given location, V=kq/r is the same everywhere and delta v equals zero. I can only relate this to a plate capacitor where the electric field is defined as - delta v / delta d. If delta v is zero, then E=0. Am I on the right track?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
zdotcom said:

Homework Statement


When the potential is constant throughout a given region of space, is the electric field in the region also zero?

Homework Equations


in a parallel plate capacitor,
electric filed = - delta V / delta d

The Attempt at a Solution


It is difficult to understand how in a given region where the electric potential could be constant. That means at any given location, V=kq/r is the same everywhere and delta v equals zero. I can only relate this to a plate capacitor where the electric field is defined as - delta v / delta d. If delta v is zero, then E=0. Am I on the right track?
yes. that equation you used comes from the calculus definition that relates electric potential and electric field.

[tex]E = -\frac{dV}{dr}[/tex]

this equation simplifies to the one you wrote if the rate of change of voltage with respect to displacement is a constant.

So electric field equals the negative of the rate of change in voltage. If voltage is constant, meaning it has a rate of change of zero, electric field also is zero.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K