Equipotential planes and electric fields.

Your Name] In summary, the distance between a pair of equipotential surfaces with a potential difference of 2.0 V in a uniform electric field of magnitude 115.0 N/C is 0.017 m. This can be found using the equation V = Ed, where V is the potential difference, E is the electric field magnitude, and d is the distance between the surfaces.
  • #1
bobby3280
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Homework Statement



Suppose a uniform electric field of magnitude 115.0 N/C exists in a region of space. How far apart are a pair of equipotential surfaces whose potentials differ by 2.0 V?


Homework Equations



1 N/C = 1 V/m

The Attempt at a Solution



I know 115.0 N/C is the same as 115.0 V/m and it seems i should just divide it by 2.0 V.

2 / 115 = .017 m but this isn't correct. Any suggestions?
 
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  • #2


Hello,

Thank you for your post. To answer your question, we need to use the equation for electric potential difference (V):

V = Ed

Where E is the electric field magnitude and d is the distance between the equipotential surfaces.

We are given that E = 115.0 N/C and V = 2.0 V.

Substituting these values into the equation, we get:

2.0 V = (115.0 N/C)d

Solving for d, we get:

d = 2.0 V / 115.0 N/C = 0.017 m

So, the distance between the equipotential surfaces is 0.017 m.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.


 
  • #3




You are on the right track with converting the units to V/m, but remember that the potential difference between two equipotential surfaces is not the same as the magnitude of the electric field. To find the distance between the equipotential surfaces, you can use the equation V = Ed, where V is the potential difference, E is the electric field, and d is the distance between the surfaces. Rearranging this equation, we get d = V/E. Plugging in the given values, we get d = 2.0 V / 115.0 V/m = 0.017 m. So your calculation was correct, but you just needed to use the correct equation. Keep up the good work!
 

Related to Equipotential planes and electric fields.

1. What is an equipotential plane?

An equipotential plane is a two-dimensional surface in which all points have the same electric potential. This means that no work is required to move a charge between any two points on the plane, since the potential difference is zero.

2. How are equipotential planes related to electric fields?

Equipotential planes are perpendicular to electric field lines. This means that the electric field at any point on the plane is always parallel to the plane itself. Electric field lines are also always perpendicular to equipotential lines.

3. Can equipotential planes exist in isolation?

No, equipotential planes cannot exist in isolation. They always exist in relation to electric fields, and are a result of the distribution of charges and the strength of the electric field in a given space.

4. How are equipotential planes and electric fields used in practical applications?

Equipotential planes and electric fields are used in a variety of practical applications, such as in the design of electronic circuits, particle accelerators, and lightning rods. They are also used in determining the strength and direction of electric fields in various situations.

5. How do equipotential planes affect the movement of charges?

Charges will always move from higher potential to lower potential. Since equipotential planes have the same potential at all points, charges will not move if they are located on the plane. However, charges will move along the surface of an equipotential plane, as long as the potential remains constant.

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