Equipotential lines and electric field lines

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around drawing electric field lines for an arbitrary dipole and demonstrating their perpendicularity to equipotential lines. The user has derived the electric field equation from the potential of the dipole and successfully mapped the equipotential lines. They express initial confusion about showing the perpendicular relationship between the scalar potential and the vector electric field. Ultimately, the user resolves their misunderstanding regarding electric field lines and acknowledges the clarity gained from the discussion. Understanding the relationship between scalar and vector fields is crucial in this context.
ktb
Messages
45
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I am given the equation for the potential of an arbitrary dipole. I need to draw the electric field lines for this dipole in a plane, and also show that these lines are perpendicular to the equipotential lines. I have already derived the equation for the electric field using the gradient of the potential and mapped out the equipotential lines.


Homework Equations


V d i p ( ⃗r ) = Constant ⃗r ·p⃗ /(r^3)
E⃗ d i p = − ∇⃗ V d i p
= (Constant) 3( ⃗r · p⃗) ⃗r /(r^5) - p⃗/(r^3)
Take p⃗ to equal a unit vector for an orthonormal basis. Such as the unit vector for x in the x, y, z coordinate system.


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the gradient of V is always perpendicular to V, so intuitively this makes complete sense. However, I do not know how to show that a scaler quantity (V) is perpendicular to the vector equation I derived for E. I am also unsure how to map such a strange function for E into ℝ2 although obviously I know what it looks like.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Figured it out, bad misunderstanding by me about El. field lines. Sorry for the unnecessary post.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top