equipotential surfaces

Question

Electric field lines intersect equipotential surfaces at:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

An **equipotential surface** is a surface where every point has the same electric potential.
- Work done $W = q \Delta V$. If $\Delta V = 0$ along the surface, $W = 0$.
- Since $W = \vec{F} \cdot d\vec{s} = q(\vec{E} \cdot d\vec{s})$, for $W=0$, the electric field $\vec{E}$ must be perpendicular to the displacement $d\vec{s}$ along the surface.
- Thus, $\vec{E}$ is always **normal (perpendicular)** to equipotential surfaces.

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More equipotential surfaces Practice Questions

What is the work done in moving a charge on an equipotential surface?