Equipotential Lines in a Uniform Electric Field: Force & Distance

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of equipotential lines in a uniform electric field created by two parallel plates. Participants are exploring the relationship between electric potential and electric field lines, particularly questioning the nature of equipotential lines and their orientation in relation to the electric field.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify whether equipotential lines are horizontal in a uniform electric field and why the force on an electron remains constant across distances from the bottom plate. Questions are raised about the relationship between equipotential lines and electric field lines, as well as the implications of the Lorentz force equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the definitions of equipotential lines and electric field lines. There is an exploration of the orthogonality between these lines and the implications of potential differences in the context of the electric field. No explicit consensus has been reached, but various interpretations and clarifications are being examined.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a uniform electric field and the definitions of electric potential and force, with some assumptions about the behavior of charged particles in this context being questioned.

Masafi
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In a uniform electric field, where 2 plates are placed horizontally and are parallel, the electric field is vertical..

What about the equipotential lines? Are they horizontal?Also, I need to draw a graph of how the Force on an electron varies with the distance from the bottom plate, and this is a horizontal line. Why is this? Is it because in a uniform field the force is the same at all points?
 
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equipotential line is a locus of points with same potential
see the electric potential equation all varaibles are fixed except the point at which you are measuring the potential.

the force on a charged particle is given by lorentz equation. here force vector and electric field vector are in same direction.
 
payumooli said:
equipotential line is a locus of points with same potential
see the electric potential equation all varaibles are fixed except the point at which you are measuring the potential.

the force on a charged particle is given by lorentz equation. here force vector and electric field vector are in same direction.

So equipotential lines are the same as the uniform electric field lines?
 
let me put it this way

potential lines are lines joining the points whose magnitude of the electric field is same.
electric field lines in essence tell us the path a positve test charge will take when placed on an electric field.

equipotential lines and field lines are always orthogonal to each other.

between two parallel plates there is a potential difference and uniform electric field. An electron will move along the electric field line (in which direction?)

Any horizontal line inbetween the plates will have same potential. the lines above and below them have different potential.
 

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