Shape of an Electric Potential?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the shape of the electric potential around an isolated electric charge, with participants debating the appropriate answer among given options. It is clarified that the potential is spherical in three dimensions, but in a two-dimensional analysis, "circular" would be the correct term. The ambiguity of the question is noted, particularly regarding what is meant by the "shape" of the potential. Participants suggest that the question likely refers to the shape of equipotential surfaces rather than the potential as a scalar. Overall, the conversation highlights the confusion surrounding the terminology and interpretation of electric potential shapes.
TitaniumX
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Homework Statement


Hi. I'm doing some practice problems to prepare for an upcoming exam, and I encountered this question:

What is the shape of the electric potential around an isolated electric charge?
a. Circular
b. Square
c. Oval
d. No specific shape
e. Triangle

This is an odd question. I know it's not square, oval, or triangle. Would it be circular or spherical shape? So would (a) or (d) be a more appropriate answer? Thanks
 
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Spherical, but if you restrict the analysis to 2 dimensions, "circular" would fit. The other answers are 2D-objects, too.
It is an odd question, I agree.
 
It's not even entirely clear what would be meant by the 'shape' of a potential. Given the offered answers, I suppose they must mean the shape of the equipotential surfaces, but if you were to think of the potential as a scalar plotted against distance from the charge the answer would be quite different.
 

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