Equipotential Surfaces and Conductors
3.5 Equipotential Surfaces and Conductors
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Define equipotential surfaces and equipotential lines
- Explain the relationship between equipotential lines and electric field lines
- Map equipotential lines for one or two point charges
- Describe the potential of a conductor
- Compare and contrast equipotential lines and elevation lines on topographic maps
Practice!
| Practice 3.5.1 |
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 Which requires the most work, to move a positive charge from P to points 1, 2, 3 or 4 ? All points are the same distance from P. |
| Practice 3.5.2 |
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Which requires zero work, to move a positive charge from P to points 1, 2, 3 or 4 ? All points are the same distance from P. |
| Practice 3.5.3 |
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 Which two points have the same potential? |
| Practice 3.5.4 |
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 At which point does V = 0? |
| Practice 3.5.5 |
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 Which of these configurations gives V = 0 at all points on the x axis? |
| Practice 3.5.6 |
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Which of these configurations gives V = 0 at all points on the y axis? |
Discuss!
The diagram below shows the location and charge of four identical small spheres. Find the electric potential at the five points indicated with open circles. Use these results and symmetry to find the potential at as many points as possible without additional calculation. Write your results on or near the points. Sketch at least 4 equipotential lines. Pick round values separated by a uniform interval. At least one of the lines should be disconnected.
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