Equipotential Graphs

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Section 9.17 Equipotential Graphs

Equipotential graphs are extremely useful to see where the electric potential is constant throughout some region of space.

Representation 9.17.1. Equipotential Graphs.

An equipotential graph or diagram shows lines in space where the electric potential is constant, given some electric field or charge distribution.

Exercises Activities

An equipotential graph in a region of space. The graph shows a region of space, x vs. y, and 10 equipotential lines. — Figure 9.17.2. An equipotential graph in a region of space. The numbers indicate the value of the electric potential for the corresponding line.

1.

Suppose you were to stand at the bottom-middle of the diagram above and walk directly upward. Describe how the electric potential changes as you walk. Explain your reasoning.

2.

As you walk from bottom to top, do you think the magnitude of the electric field $|\vec{E}|$ increases, decreases or stays the same? Explain your reasoning.

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Section 9.17 Equipotential Graphs

Representation 9.17.1. Equipotential Graphs.

Exercises Activities

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