Figure 77 shows a series of equipotential curves.a...

Question

Figure 77 shows a series of equipotential curves.

a. Is the electric field strength at point A larger than, smaller than, or equal to the field strength at point B? Explain.

b. Is the electric field strength at point C larger than, smaller than, or equal to the field strength at point D? Explain.

c. Determine the electric field E at point D. Express your answer as a magnitude and direction.

Patrick Ford · Accepted Answer

The electric field and electric potential are related by:E=∆Vd[readmore]From this equation, the electric field decreases with a decrease in the spacing between the equipotential lines. a. The electric field is stronger where the separation between the equipotential lines are smaller and weaker where this separation is larger. At point A, the equipotential lines are largely spaced compared to point B. Therefore, the electric field strength at point A is smaller than the field strength at point B. b.Using the same explanation as in part (a), the equipotential lines are widely spaced at point C than at point D.Thus, the electric field strength at point C is smaller than the field strength at point D.c.At point D, all the equipotential lines cover a distance, d = 0.9 cm = 0.9 × 10-2 mWe have five equipotential lines in the figure.This means that each equipotential line is separated by 0.9/5 = 0.18 cm = 0.18 × 10-2 mThe potential difference between two equipotential lines is ΔV =  1V. Therefore, the electric field is:E=10.18×10-2E = 556 V/m, in the positive x-direction.The electric field E at point D is 556 V/m, in the positive x-direction.

FREE Expert Solution

Problem Details

FREE Expert Solution

Problem Details

Sign up for free to watch this video!